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SUPPLEMENT TO "THE ELECTKICIAJI,' APRIL 23, 11109.
THE ELECTRICIAN:
A WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND FINANCE
VOLUME LXII.
(Second Series.)
From OCTOBER IG, 1908, to APRIL 9, 1909. , v
>^// ,-
"THE ELECTRICIAN" INDUSTRIAL SUPPLEMENT,
OCTOBER, 1908, to APRIL, 1909.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
-h^^-
LONDON :
Printed and Published by Geokqs Tockeb, at the Editorial, Printing and Publishing Offices of "Thb Elbotbioian," SalUbury -court, Fleet-street.
SUPPLEMENT TO "THE ELECTRICIAN," APRIL 23, 1909.
TK.
INDEX TO "THE ELECTRICIAN.'
(Second Series.)
t4-3
V.6Z
SPECIAL INDEXES.
PAOE
"iNDUSTniAL SUITLEMEST 8
'Municipal, Foreign and General Ncitea 6
•Companies' Meetings, Reports, Dividends,
Statutory Returns, &c 6
Companies (New Electrical, &c.) Registered 7
* Entries in these Indexes are not included in the
GSHBBAL iNDBX.
SUB-HEADINGS IN GENERAL, INDEX.
PAGE
Electricity Supply and Tram-
way Accounts 2
Institution of Electrical
Engineers 3
PAGE
Legal Intelligence 3
Obituary 4
Parliamentary Intelligence 4
Reviews 4
PAGE
Telegraphy 5
Telephony 5
Wireless Telegraphy 5
Works, &c., Descriptions of.. 5
Names of Authors of Articles and Papers are indexed, a'phahetically in the GENERAL INDEX, and not under the sub-lieadiflss.
General Alphabetical Index.
Heavy figures denote that the subject [
matter U a " Leading Article " or In
the "Editorial Notes." When the
si^n [(') is placed after a title it sig-
nifies that the article In question ap-
peared in the Correspondence column <
Abblett, C. a. (see Koettgen, C.)
Academie des Sciences. 125. 369. 4S6
Accident on Lancashire & Yorkshire Rly.. 1016
Accident on Liverpool Overhead Railway,
B.O.T. Report, 600
Accounts, "Analysis of. [Wolverhampton Trams]
22, [L.C.C. Trams] 128, 142. 209.' [West
Ham] 210, [Manchester] 250, [Tube Rail-
ways] 332, 348. [Bolton Elec.] 412
Accumulator Battery. Large, 487
Accumulator Cars of the Prussian State Rail-
ways. 419
Accumulator Car, A Railway [Dubois], 13
Accumulators for Pealc Load [Taylor], 289, 305,
433
Accumulator, The Edison, apolied to Auto-
mobiles, 12
Accumulator, The " Exide,"
Accumulator, Tolhurst, 81 1
Addenbrooke, G. L. : Elec. Power Supply,
586, 612, 659, 731
Addressograph. Elec. 1023
Agriculture, Electricity in, 777
Air-Gap Reluctances. Diagram of Correction
Co-efficients for [Baillie], 494; [Hartnell]
(C) 896, [Livingstone] (C) 975
Alarms, Automatic Fire, 110
Allen's Enclosed Oil Engines. 844
Alloy, Experiments with i-ieusler's Magnetic
[Gray], 435
Alternating Current Measurements, Apparatus
for, 316
Alternating Currents, Production of Small
Variable Frequency, suitable for Telephone
and Other Measurements [Cohen], 315
Alternators, Paiallel Operation of [Rosenberg],
b\S, {Discussion) 654
Alternators, Pressure Curves in [Siedelc],
Alternators, Testing of [Smith], 173, (O/s-
cussion) 266. 307
Aluminium, 150
Aluminium as a Factor in the Elec. Industry,
271,289, 297
Aluminium, The Nature of the Surface Film on,
and the Aluminium Magnesium Cell, 993
American Institute of Electrical Engineers, 992
Ammeter, Mercury Pressure, 487
Ampere, Memorial to, 449
Anderson, F. A., Analytical Reports on Water
Samples, 729, 770
Andrews, A. P. {see Zelenny, A.)
Andrews, L., and Porter. R. The Use of Large
Gas Engines for Generating Electric Power,
691, 712, {Discussion) 714, 726, 789, 790, 794,
370
Arc Lamp, The " Rebofa." 1000
Arc Lamps. Comparison of the Cost of Osram
and Small. 291
Arc Lamps, The " Excello " Flame, 775
Association of Chambers of Commerce. 1 IS
Association of Engineers-in-Ciiarge, 976
Association of Teachers in Technical Institu-
tions, 51, 168, 992
Asylum Lighting. 698
Australia, Elec. Manufacturing in, 358
Baillie, T. C. : Diagram of Correction Co-
efficients for Air-Gap Reluctances, 494 {see
also p. 896)
Barometer, Elec, 449
Battersea Polytechnic. 856
Battery Capacity for a Given Load, Calcula-
tion of [Lulofs], 452
Battleships and Liners, Elec Equipment of
[Chalkley], 914
Beattie, R., Method of Measuring Iron Losses,
136, 549
Beauchamp. j. W- ; Plans and Records for
Elec. Distribution Systems, 450, {Discussion)
499
Bellini, E., and Tosi, A.: Directive System of
Wireless Tele.jraphy, 531 , 91 2
Bennis, A. W. :
Eclipse Boiler Furnace (C). 586
Recent Developments in Machine Stoking,
660, 694. 732. 766
Berlin. Street Lighting in. 447. 460, 506
Bermondsey Gas Explosion, The. 674
Berthelot. Memorial to, 40
Binns. Jack, Presentation to, 675
Birmingham and District Elec. Club, 369, 621,
885
Birthday Honours, 167. 169
BLf-CH, L. : Street Lighting in Berlin, 447, 460,
506
Blowers, Lennox Motor, 954
Board of Trade Regulations for Elec. Lines, 28
Bohle. H. :
Law of Electromagnetic Induction (C), 433
Lighting, 275
Boiler. The " Yorkshire ' [Casmey]. 854
Bonella. Messrs. D. H., Some Novelties of, 225
Bradfield, W. W. ; Wireless Telegraphy on
Board Ship (C), 659
Bragstad, O. S.. and A. Fraenckel; Investi-
gation and Calculation of the Additional
Losses in Induction Motors. 966
Brake, Maley Electro-Mechanical, 141
Brakes, Report of the Tramways and Light
Railways Association Committee on, 168,
182. 220. 226
Brakes for Tramcars. Municipal Tramways
Association Report on, 330, 348
Braking Equipment of Tramcars. Improve-
ments in [Scholtes], 650
Breakdowns, 248
Breisig. F., New Observation on Long Dis-
tance Submarine Cables, 253
British Association. .524, 992
British Science Guild. 330, 828
Bronson, H. L. : The Construction and Accu-
rate Measurement of Resistances of the
Order of One Hundred Thousand Megohms,
962
Brocks. H. ; Deflection Potentiometer for
Voltmeter Testing. 642
Broughton, H. H.. Elec. Cranes. 99, 489, 1001
BuRGE, H. {see Macfarlane. J. C.)
Cable Interruptions. 2. 40. 80. 125, 168, 208,
248, 290, 330, 369, 410. 449. 486, 524, 554.
600, 637, 674, 710. 748. 790, 828. 870. 912.
954, 992
Cable, Large Colliery, 938
Cable Steamer, New. 913
Cable, Submarine, The new Emden-Pernam-
buco. 675
Cables, Self-induction of Three-Phase [Howe],
686
Cables, Submarine, New Observation on Long
Distance, 253
Cambridge, University of, 2. 369
Campbeli , a .: a Method of Comparing Mutual
Inductance and Resistance. 931
Car Heating and Ventilating in Chicago, 449
Carbon Tungsten Steels. Researches on the
Magnetic Properties of [Swinden], 830, (Dis-
cussion) 974
Carletti, a. : New System of Wireless Tele-
phony, 609
Carriages. Elec. in Hyde Park, 901
Casmey, W. H. : The " Yorkshire " Boiler,
854
Census of Production Act, 249
•• Central, The." 249, 637
Central Station, Statistics, American. 601
Central Stations. The Effect of Tariffs on the
Finances of [Norberg-Schultz], 994
Central Stations, German, 604
Chalkley, a. p. : The Elec. Equipment of
Liners and Battleships, 914
Charging, Systems of, 289
Chelsea Generating Station, Mishap at, 3, 23
Chloroform, The Preparation of, by Electrolysis,
828
Circuits, The Protection of Low Pressure
[Kapp], 876
City Road Electricity Works, Fire at, 3
Civil and Mechanical Engineers Society, 331
Clatworthy. W. a.: Electro-Hydraulic Pump-
ing Plant at Bristol Docks, 718
Clausthal Government Mines, Elec. Equipment
at. 928
Clegg. S. : " G.B." System, 524, 526, (Discus-
sion) 587, 673
Clocks. Elec. at Gotha. 290
CoALEs. J. D. : Use of Transformers as Chok-
ing Coils and its Application to the Testing of
Alternators, 412. (Discussion) 473
Cohen, B. S. : Production of Small Variable
Frequency Alternating Currents. Suitable for
Telephonic and other Measurements, 315
Colonial and Foreign Electrical Undertakings,
674
Commutator Pole Design [Turner], 528
Companies. Elec. Joint Stock, of .1908. 475 (see
also Companies Index)
Companies. Pubiic. Wound up in 1908, 475
Competition, Unprofitable, 910
Compressed Air, The Dielectric Strength of
[Watson], 851, (Discussion) 894
Condensers, Paper, and Telephone Cables. The
Capacity of [Zelenny and Andrews], 845
Connections to Elec. Supply Stations. 601
Cooking and Heating Apparatus,Elec.. 309, 897.
926 (see also under Heating)
Cooking, Some Experiments on Elec. 638
Cooper. W. R.. Domestic Electricity Supply as
affected by Tariffs, 259. (Discussion) 292, 308,
381
Co-operalive Printing Society, The Elec.
Drive in the Works of. 1003
Corona Effect and its Infiuenc: on the Design
of High-tension Transmission Lines [Lyn-
don]. 978
Corrugation, Rail [York] (C), 231, 748
CoRSON. F. H. : Investigation of Heat Losses
in a Power Station. 472
Cotton Mill and the Application of Electricity
[Hoult]. 897
Country Hou'i Lighting. 699, 736
Cox & Co. X-Rays. The Safety of (C). 693
CowAN. E. W. : Tariffs and Valu« (C). 353
Cramp. W.. and Hoyle. B. : Elec. Discharge
and the Production of Nitric Acid. 388. 383.
(Discussion) 433, 471
Crane. 30-ton Elec. Travelling, for the North-
Eastern Rly. Co.. at Tvne Dock. 966
Cranes, Elec. [Broughton). 99, 489, 1001
Creighton, E. E. F. : The Elec Te.'iting of
Iron during Annealing. 1006
Criticism. A Word on. 19
Croydon Public Hall Lighting. 66
Crystal Palace School of Engineering, 410
CuNLlFFE, J. G. and R. G. : Electric Traction
Vagabond Currents. 872, 890. (Discussion)
927
Currents, Production of Small Variable Fre-
quency Alternating, Suitable for Telephonic
and other Measurements [Cohen], 315
Dawson, P. : Elec. Traction on Railways
(Motor Trucks). 4 ; (Elec. Locos.), 216. 338 ;
(Calculation of Drop in Return Circuitl. 414;
(ling Stock), 606, 647. 681'; (Methods of
Speed Control), 833, 882, 923
Depreciation, 609
Design, Elec, and the Reduction of Capital
Cost [Walker], 109
Detectors. Tantalum, [Torekata]. [Walter] (C)
470. [Fessenden], 659
Dick, J. R. : Design of Underground Mains and
Network.s. 51,715, 752
Discharge. Elec, and the Production of Nitric
Acid [Cramp and Hoyle], 368, 383, (Dis-
cussion) 433, 471
Discharge, Elec. [Lustgarten]. 374
Distribution Systems, Plans and Records for
Beauchamp], 450, (Discussion) 499
Draught Systems. Comparison of Natural and
Induced [King], 296, (Discussion) 373
Drysdale, C. V. : Use of a Phase-Shifting
Transformer for Wattmeter and Supply
Meter Testing, 341
Dubois, L. :
Korn's Apparatus for Photographic Trans-
mission. 570. 644
Railway Accumulator Car. 13
Durtnall. W. p. :
Turbo Elec Marine Propulsion (C), 105, 188
Electric Transmission of Power for Main
Marine Propulsion, 887
Dvnamo Elec. Machinery. Outputand Economy,
of [Macfarlane & Burge], 334, 390, (Discus-
sion) 391
Dynamos and Motors. Ferrosilicon Laminae for,
99'>
Eastern Telegraph Schools Athletic Club. 939
EccLES, W. H. : Patents, Recent, in Wireless
Telegraphy and Telephony. 128, 170, 210
Eclipse Boiler Furnace [Bennis] (C), 586
Economiser Air Excluder. 356
Education. Technical, in France. 755
Elec. Driving of Works, 736
Elec Engineer, Honour for Hungarian, 564
Elec. Engineering in 1908, 513, 552. 588, 523
(see also pp. 464. 502. 542)
Elec Engineers" Ball. 1909. 290
Elec Engineers, (>)rps of. 600. 674. 711. 73!
Elec Events in 1908. 464 (see also pp. 502
548)
Elec. Plants in Coal Mines, Notes on the Safety
of Working [Simon]. 1014, (Discussion) 1016
Elec. Standardising, Testing and Training
Inst., 777, 943
Elec. Striations [Thomsonl, 1031
Elec. Trades Benevolent Institution, 589, 828.
870, 913. 954. (Dinner) 976
" Electrical Review " (N.Y.) and " Western
Ele.
291
Electricity Applied to Reducing Waste [Grid-
ley]. 566. 578
Electricity, Discharge of, from Glowing Bodies
Electricity u. Gas, 487
Electricity and Gas in Germany, 115, 944
Electricity in 1799, 428
ELIICTRICITY SUPPLY AND
TR/VHWAY ACCOUNTS-
Dundee. 71
Edinburgh. 71
Leeds. 71
Liverpool. 71
West Ham, 71
Electricity Supply, (3ost of, 123
Electricity Supply, Domestic. As Affected by
Tariffs [Cooper], 259, {Discussion) 292, 808,
381
Electricity'Supply. Progress in. 827 ■" ' ~ '
Electricity Supply Statistics. 563. 601
Electiicity'Suoply Tables, " The Electrician,"
636
Electricity Supply, The Commercial Side of, 939
Supplement to " Tbe Electrician," I
April 33, 1909. J
INDEX.
VOL. LXII.
Electricity Supply, Unauthorised, 848
Electricity, The Discharge of, from Glowing
Bodies [Rutherford!, 343
Electricity, The Future of, 828
Electricity Works, Italian, 399
" Electrobus." 321.699
Electrochemistry in 1908 [PerkinJ, 916
■• Electron." 731. 954,993
Electro-Plating and Storage Batteries, 828
" Elektrotechnische Zeitschrift," 525
Engineering and Scientific Association of
Ireland. 586
Engineers' Standardised Publications Associa-
tion. 943
Engineers, The Training of, 688
Euston-Watford Elec. Rly., 981
Exhibitions. [Manchester] (Description). 6. 42.
40. 79. 81. 84, 125. 148. 592. [Ideal Home] 27,
555, (Funds) 710, 776, [Franco-British] 28,
105, [Motor] 225, 591, [Blackpool] 856, 875,
[Imperial International] 816, [International]
912, 944, [Buenos Ayres], 943, 1019
Experiments at High Temperatures and Pres-
sures [Threlfallj. 938
Factories and Workshops. Use of Electricity in,
663,580
" Fair Wages " Question. 488. 510
Fans. Elec., in India. 216
Faraday Society. 330, IBrislee. Ashcroft]
Faye-Hansen. K.M. (see Fleming. A. P. M.)
Faye-Hansen, K. M. : Three-Phase Four-
Wire Systems, 422
Fedden, S. E. : How to Light Shop Windows.
775
Ferrosilicon Laminse for Dynamos and Motors.
992
Fessenden, R. a. :
Tantalum Wave Detectors and Lamps, 653
Wireless Telephony (C). 272
Findlay. J. : Incandescent Elec. Lamp, 418
Fire on the Metropolitan Railway, 151
Fire on Underground Railways, Precautions
against, 321
Fire Risks in Heavy Car Wiring and Control,
996
Fires, Elec.. 124, 871
Flash-over Voltages (Lustgarten], 374
Fleming. A. P. M.. and Faye-Hanseh, K. M.,
349, {Discussion) 397, 731
Fleming, J. A. : Photo-electric Properties of
Potassium-Sodium Alloy. 832
Flywheel Effect in Armatures, Ready Reckoner
for [Luckin]. 642
Flywheel Equalisers. 2. 26
Fog Dispersion by Electricity. 369. 408
FouRNlER D'Albe. E. E. : The Progress of
Electrical Science during 1908, 679
Fraenckel. a. [see Bragstad)
Frenell, p. : Hemsjb Power Co , Sweden, 496
Furnace, Elec, for Annealing and Tempering,
Fuse, Denny Repeater, 64
Galvanometer, AConvenient Form of, with Mag-
netic Shielding [Nichols and Williams], 1010
Gardiner, Capt. A. : Railway Signalling 133,
(C), 620
Gardiner System of Cab Signalling, 20, 40
Garrard, C. C. ;
Shut-down at Lots Road (C). 23
Trip Coils for Alternating Current Auto-
matic Circuit-Breakers
Gas Engine, Davey-Paxman Two-crank, 97,
196
Gas Engine in Small Central Stations, 488
Gas Engines, Birmingham and, 330
Gas Engines, The Use of Large, for Generating
Electric Power [Andrews and Porter]. 691.
712, {Discussion) 714, 723. 789. 780, 794,
870
Gas Lighting in Fleet-street. 636. 675
Gati, Bela : The Determination of the Dis-
tance and the Direction of a Sending Station
by means of Barretter Measurements (C),
1013
■' G.B." Surface-Contact System. 233. 673, 992
•■ G.B." System [Cleggl. 524, 526, [Discussion)
587, 673
Gearing, The Strength of Raw-Hide (Living-
stone), 892, 913
Generator, Large New, for Niagara Falls,
[Behrend] 424, [Livingstone] (C) 586
Generator, Solar Elec, 992
Generators, Deformation of Pressure Curves due
to Load in A. C. [Siedek], 537
Germano-American Patent Treaty, 816
GoLDSCHMiDT, R. I Alternating Current Com-
mutator Motors (The Repulsion Motor), 263,
370
Gray, J. G. : Experiments with Heusler's
Magnetic Alloy, 435
Gridley, a. B. : Electricity and Its Applica-
tion to the Reduction of Waste, 566, 578
H
Harland& Wolff's Electrically-operated Pump-
ing and Air Compressing Plant, 757
Hartnell, Wilson : Air-Gap Reluctances,
896 (C)
Haulage Gear, Safety Device for, 233
Haworth, H. F. : Elec. Qualities of Porcelain,
455
Heat Losses in a Power Station, Investigation of
[Corson], 472
Heating. Commercial Elec. [Roberts]. 261
Heating and Cooking Apparatus, Elec. 309. 358
Heating and Cooking Apparatus. "Le Radiant,"
Heating and Cooking, Elec, as affected by
Tariffs [Cooper], 259, 292
Heating and Cooking, Electric, from the Com-
mercial Standpoint, 806
Heating and Cookine, Electricity as applied to,
487
Hemsjo Power Co.. Sweden. 496. 533. 573
Henry, Joseph, The Eariy Work of IMcElroy],
995
Horticulture, Elec. in. 358, 913
Hospital, Elec. Equipment of. 601
Hoult. W. : The Cotton Mill and the Applica-
tion of Eleclncity. 897
Houston. R. A. : Elec Resistance of Spark
Gaps. 436
Howe. F. J. O. : Self-induction of Three-Phase
Cables. 686
Hoyle. B. (5fc Cramp. W.)
Humidity, Influence of. on Resistances, 2, 16,
222, [Lindeck] (C) 351
Hydro-electric Developments in Neil England,
Hydro-electric Development in Sicily. 487
Hydro-electric Power in Michigan, 651
Illuminating Engineer, 871
Illumination, A New Source of [Johnstone], 498
Illumination, Modern Artificial Methods of, 731,
811
Inductance, Material, and Resistancs, Com-
paring [Campbell], 931
Inductances, Simple Means of Measuring
[Watson], 809
Induction, Law of Electromagnetic [Bohlel (C),
433
Industry. Comparisons in the Elec. [Mordey]
251, 268, 329, [Perlewitz] (C) 352, [Magden]
(C) 352
Institute of Chemistry, 80S
Institute of Marine Engineers [Durfnall], 887
Institute of Metals, 198. 315
Institution of Civil Engineers. 586
Institution of Colliery and Mining Engineers,
870, 938
INSTITUTION OF ELECTBICAI.
ENGINEERS-
Alternators. Parallel Operation of [Rosen-
berg], 618, {Discussion), 654. 687
Alternators, Testing of [Smith], 173, {Dis-
cussion) 266, 307
Annual Dinner, 108, 1 25
Birmingham Dinner, 315
Carbon Tungsten Steels, Researches on the
Magnetic Properties of a Series of, 830,
{Discussion) 974
Commutating Pole Design [Turner], 538
Compressed Air, The Dielectric Strength of,
[Watson], 861, {Discussion) 894
Design, Elec, and the Reduction of Capital
Cost [Walker], 109
Discharge, Elec, and the Production of
Nitric Acid [Cramp and Hoyle], 388, 383,
{Discussion) 433, 471
Distribution Systems, Plans and Records
for [Beauchamp], 450, {Discussion) 499
Domestic Electricity Supply as Affected by
Tariffs [Cooper], 259, {Discussion) 292,
308. 381
Draught Systems. Comparison of Natural
and Induced [Kingl. 296, {Discussion) 373
Dublin Section [Pilditch], 229, 622
Dynamo Elec. Machinery Output and
Economy, Limits of [Macfarlane and
Burge], 334, {Discussion) 390
Electricity, Dischargeof, from Glowing Bodies
[Rutherford], 343
Elec. Plants in Coal Mines, Notes on the
Safety of Working [Simon], 1014, {Dis-
cussion) 1016
Elec. Traction. Vagabond Currents [Cun-
liffe]. 872. 890. {Discussion) 927
Flywheel Load Equaliser [Peck]. 750, {Dis-
cussion) 847
Gas Engines. The Use of Large, for Genera-
ting Electric Power [Andrews and Porter],
691, 712, {Discussion) 714, 723, 789, 790,
794, 870
" G.B. " System [Cleggl. 524, 526, {Discus-
sion) 587, 676
Glasgow Section, 3, 209, [Lackie] 255 ;C).
353. 395. [Taylor] (C). 314. 354; 694
Glasgow Students' Section, 274
Heating, Commercial Elec [Roberts], 261
Honorary Members. 586
Inaugural Address [Mordey]. 291, 268, 325,
352
Kapp-Hopkinson Test on a Single Direct-
Current Machine [Lulofs], 677, {Discus-
sion) 852
Leeds Section [Yerbury], 132, 586, (Dinner)
773, 870
Lighting [Bohle], 275
Liners and Battleships, Elec. Equipment of
[Chalkley]. 914
London County Council Tramways, Elec.
System of [Rider], 919, 959, {Discussion)
961, 992, 1011
Institution of Electrical Engineers
Manchester Ssction, 3. 40. 80. [Walker] 109
637, 694; 168, 274, (Dinner) 811, 976
Manchester Students' Section, 3
Opening Meeting, 274
Power Factor, Improvement of, in A C
Systems [Walker], 568, {Discussion) 605
Power Transmission, Extending the Limits
of [Taylor], 836. {Discussion) 929
Pumping. Plant. Electro-Hydraulic at Bristol
Docks [Clatworthy], 718
Railway Signalling [Gardiner], 133, {Dis-
cussion) 213
Secretaryship of I.E.E.. 674. 731
Students' Section, 168, 209, 694. (Dinner)
Transformers [Fleming and Faye-Hanser],
347, {Discussion) 397
Transformers, on a Method of Using, and its
Application to the Testing of Alternators
[Coales], 412, {Discussion) 473
Turbo-alternators, Practical Considerations
in the Selection of [Kloss], 139, {Discus-
sion) 224, 61 1
Wiring of Buildings [Munro], 617, (Discus-
sion) 725
Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in
Scotland, 331
Institution of Mechanical Engineers. 976
Institution of Municipal Engineers. 3. 410. 586
Institution of Post Office Electrical Engineers,
196
International Electrotechnical Commission, 3,
63, 82. 791
Iron. Elec. Testing of, during Annealing
[Creighton], 1006
Iron Loss, Method of Measuring, [Beattie] 136,
549. [Robinson] (C) 476
Iron. The Corrosion of. 749
Isaac, C: Superimposed Telephones for Rail-
ways, 354
Jeckell, J. a. : Reducing the Cost of Power in
Works and Factories. 885
Johnstone. G. A. : A new Source of Illumina-
tion. 498
Junior Institution of Engineers, 80, 209, 638,
993
JUNKERSFELD, P., and ScHWEITZER, E. O. !
High Potential Underground Transmission,
1005
Kapp. Dr. G. : The Protection of Low Pressure
Circuits. 876
Kapp-Hopkinson Test on a Single Direct-
Current Machine [Lulofs], 677, {Discussion)
852
" Kartell," German Secret, 411, 525
Kempster, J. W. : Elec. Marine Propulsion (C),
64, 151, {Discussion) 224. 611
KiEBiTZ, F. : Directed Wireless Telegraphy,
972
King, H. D. : Care and Maintenance of
Meters, 437
King, W. N. Y. : Comparison of Natural and
Induced Draught Systems. 296, {Discussion)
■373
Kinlochleven Works of the British Aluminium
Co.. 297 {see also pp. 271. 289. 816)
KiRKLAND, J. W. : Low Pressure Turbines, 501
Kloss, M. : Practical Consideration of Turbo-
Alternators, 139
KoETTGEN C. & Abblett, C. A. : Elcctrically
Driven Rolling Mills, 16
Korn's Apparatus for Photographic Trans-
mission [Dubois], 570
Kramer, C. : A New Method for Regulating
the Speed of Induction Motors, 797
Labour Co-Partnership, 290
Lackie, W. W. : Glasgow Section Inaugural
Address 255. (0,353,395
Lamp, Incandescent Elec. [Findlay], 418
Lampholders. Improvements in, 775
Lamps, Cheaper Osram. 208, 234
Lamps, Comparison of the Cost of Osram and
Small Arc, 291
Lamps, Electric Hand. 815
Lamps, Filaments of, 41
Lamps, Improvements in Mercury Vapour, 487
Lamps, Metallic Filament, 1017
Lancashire Electric Power Co. Annual Dinner,
637
Lancashire Electric Power Co.. Some Motor
Installations on the Mains of, 683
Lancashire and Yorkshire Rly.. Collision on,
1016
Leakage Detection on Stud Traction Systems,
150
Leeds Electricity Undertaking, Description of,
838, 877
Leeds Generating Station, Mishap at, 209
LEGAL INTELLIGENCE-
Acton District Council u. London United
Tramways, 438
Attorney-General u. West Ham Corporation,
Baritsu Light Cure Institute, 554
Barker u. Mayo. 942
Barnes Urban Council v. London General
Omnibus Co.. 281
Bitumen. What is it ?, 903
Blackwell (P. W.) & Co. u. Derby Corpora-
tion. 900
Board of Trade c. Sheerness & District Elec
Power & Traction, 900
Bock u. Dolter Elec. Traction, 157
Bosch V. Simms Mfg. Co., 942
Bournemouth Corporation and the Poole &
Dist. Elec. Traction Co. (Ltd.), 813
Boyd. V. National Telephone Co., 855
Brandt u. Crompton & Co.. 29
Bremer's Letter Patent. 855. 899
British Electromobile Co., 319
Bruce Peebles & Co.. 196
Buenos Ayres Grand National Tramways,
856
Buitenlandsche Bank of Amsterdam v.
Marconi Wireless Telegraph. 661
Campbell & Co. f. Gale Shipping Co., 236
Clarke i>. Mayor, &c., of West Ham, 813
Cole :>. Maxwell Butcher. 357
Dixon K. Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramroad
Co., 624. 734
Drane i/. London United Tramways, 319
Dublin Corporation i>. Dublin United Tram-
ways Co., 814
Elec. Light, Power & Hiring Co. v. Maid-
stone Palace of Varieties, 319
Electricity Works Valuation. 776
Empire Palace (Ealing) u. Ealing Corpora-
tion, 589
Engineering Instruments (Ltd.), 980
Fletcher v. Nottidge and Others. 236
Geipel v. Russell and Emerson, 18
General Elec Co. u. Pratt Bros., 514
Johannesburg Council f. D. Stewart & Co.,
287, 661,942
King v. Garrett and Hammersmith (London)
Council, 696
Macaulay u. Gt. Northern, Piccadilly &
Brompton Rly. Co., 319
Maatschappij van Radiotelegraphie i>. Mar-
coni's Wireless Telegraph. 734
Mersey Railway k. Brit. WestinghouseCo.,68
Muff and Another i/. Cunnington & Another,
624, 698
National Telephone Co. f. Davis, Turner &
Cc, 813
Patterson, C. and T. T.. i;. J. Birch & Co., 940
Pharo u. London United Tramways. 942
Phillips V. International Aspirator Co., 900
Porte u. Veritys, 1018
Postmaster-General u. National Telephone
Co., 942, 1018
Rhodes u. Smith, 554
Richmond (J.) & Sons f. Lorden & Sons, 734,
814
Salford Corporation u. Duncan, Carmichae
i»&Co., 941
Schiff & Co. I/. Levy & Co., 155, 196
Stamp Duty on Electricity Supply Agree-
ments, 776
Supply of Electricity, Alleged Failure to
give, 554
Telephone Calls, 156
Telephone, Contracts by. 590
Thornton Council u. Blackpool & Fleetwood
Tramroad Co., 855, 1018
Tomlin and S. Pearson, 624
Townley f. British Elec Traction, 534
Traction Corpn. and R. Brown v. G. Ben-
nett, 68
Tramway By-Laws. 403
Westminster Elec Supply C^rpn. and L.C.C.
Arbitration, 1 13, 400, 532
Wright & Corfield f. Fulham Elec. Joinery
Co., 475
Wycombe Borough Elec Light & Power Co.
1/. Weston, 980
Zend Elec. Lamp Mfg. Co. v. Zossenhdm,
856. 899. 942, 980
Legislation in 1908, 428 {see ato Parliamentary )
Libraries, Lighting of, 345
Lift Controller, 318
Lighting [Bohle], 275
Lighting, Economy of Elec, 591
Lighting, Elec, in 1903. 642
Lighting, Modem Street. 41
Lighting, Progress in Elec, 175, 188
Lighting, Reflected, by Holophane Globes, 234
Lighting Season, The Coming, 18S
Lighting, Street, in Berlin, 447. 460, 506
Lighting, Street, Problem;. 447 (s-v a/ss p. 460)
Lighting Units. Standardisation of. 789
LiNDECK. Dr. St. : Influence of Atmospheric
Humidity on Electrical Resistances (C), 351
Liners and Battleships, Elec Equipment of
[Chalkley]. 914
Lines, The Protection of. Against Surge Ten-
sions, 764
Liverpool, Steam Turbines at, 80, 114
Livingstone, R. :
Large New Generator for Niagara Falls, 586
Strength of Raw Hide Gearing, 892, 913
Load Equalisers, 748, 750, 847
Locomotive, Electric Shop, 80
Locomotive, Large Elec Goods, 331
VOL. LXII.
INDEX.
rBnppleinent to "The Electrician,"
L Apiil 23, 19C9.
Locomotive, New, on Chicago City Railway, 41 1
Locomotives, Elec, for South America, 927
London Brighton and S. Coast Railway,
Electrification of the, 683
London Chamber of Commerce (Electrical
Section), 777, 981
London County Council Tramways, Elec.
System of [Rider], 919, 959, {Discussion)
961,992. 1011
London Electric Power Legislation, 698
London, Linking up in, 79
London Power Bills, 124, 208 {see also Parlia-
mentary)
LuCKiN, H. : Ready Reckoner for Flywheel
Effect in Armatures, 642
LuLOFS, Dr. W. :
Calculation of Battery Capacity for a Given
Load, 452
Kapp-Hopkinson Test on a Single-Direct
Current Machine, 677, {Discussion) 852
LusTGARTEN, J. ; Flash-over Voltages, 374
Lyndon. Lamar : The Corona Effect and its
Influence on the Design of High-Tension
Transmission Lines, 978
M
M.A. Degree at Oxford. 790
McElroy, J. F. : The Early Work of Joseph
Henry, 995
Macfarlane, J. C, and Burge. H. : Output
and Economy Limits of Dynamo-Electric
Machinery 334. {Discussion) 390
Machine Tools, Elec. Driving of [Seaman], 344
Magden, W. L. : Position of the Elec. Industry
(C), 352
Mains, Design of Underground [Dick], 51, 715,
752
Marine Propulsion, Elec. IKempsterJ (C), 64,
105, 151,|Durtnall|887, 911
Matter, Properties of [Thomson], 875, 997
Medical Electrotherapsutic and Radiology
Convention, 291
Meetings, Scientific, 410
Meker Burners and Furnaces, 694
Melbourne Railway Electrification Scheme,
115,449,487
Meldometer, Joly, 721
Merchant Venturers Technical College, Bristol,
369, 913, 955
Meter, Bat, approved by Board of Trade, 954
Meter, B.T.H., Ampere-Hour. 731
Meter, Hookham, approved by Botrd of Trade,
913
Meter Testing. Use of a Phase-Shifting Trans-
former in [Drysdale]. 341
Meters, Care and Maintenance of. 437
Metropolitan A.ssoc. of Elec. Tramway Mana-
gers, 1017
Mills, Elec. Driven. 281
Mines, Clausthal, 928
Mines, Coal, Safety of Elec. Plant in [Simon],
1014
Mining, Elec. in, 185. 591, 901, 943, 981
MONTEL, Alfredo : Antenna, Theory of the
Horizontal Transmitting. 724
Mordey, W. M. : Comparisons of the Elec.
Industry in this Country, and Abroad, 251,
288 {see also pp. 329. 352)
Motor, 6,000 H.P., 410
Motor, A.C. Commutator (The Repulsion
Motor) [Goldschmidt], 263. 370
Motor Blowers, Lennox. 954
Motor-Bus Traffic. 207, 232, 982
Motor Cars and Tramcars, 563, 748
Motor Loads, Statistics and, 652
Motor Omnibus Regulations. 953
Motors, A.C. Commutator, applied to Traction
Work [O.snos], 54, 94
Motors, Improvements in Induction. 541
Motors, Induction, Calculation of the Addi-
tional Iron Losses in [Bragstad and Fraenc-
kel]. .966
Motors, New Method of Regulating the Speed
of Induction [Kramer], 797
Motors, " Spinner," 761
Motors, Three-Phase with Controller Attached,
843
MuNRo, D. S. : The Wiring of Buildings, 617,
{Discussion) 725
Murray, W. S. : Log of New Haven Electrifi-
cation, 493
Mutual Inductance and Resistance, A Method
of Comparing [Campbell], 931
N
National Elec. Manufacturers' Association,
1017
National Physical Laboratory, [Inspection]
934, [Report] 936
National Society of Telephone Employes, 982
National Telephone Co., The Position of, 870,
898
New York, New Haven & Hartford Railway
290 [Murray]. 492, 748
New York's Water Power, Development of,
955
Nichols. E. F., and Williams. S. R. : A Con-
venient Form of Galvanometer with Mag-
netic Shielding, 1010
Nitric Acid, Production of [Cramp and Hoyle],
388, 383, (Discussion) 433, 4/1
Nitrogen, Atmosnheric, 777
Nobel Prizes, 331
Northampton Polytechnic Institute, 693, 748
OBITCARY-
Adams 'A 359
Ayrton', W. E., 167, 168, 137, 230, 249
BelUss, G. E., 710
Canet, G., 40
Chapman, H., 70
Easton, E., 955
Elgar, F.. 565
Fawcus, W. P. J., 955
Gore, G., 467
Gray, Prof. T., 525
Hammarskjold, T. P. R., 565
Hartvigson, L. L.. 369
Harvey, H. R., 516
Hincks, H. T., 626
Kernot, Prof. W. C, 871
Livesey, Sir C., 410
Patchett, Riley, 857
Perrine, F., 188
Pfordten, F. von der, 600
Pollitt, Sir W., 32
Strode, W. W., 665
Tate, J., 238
Taylor, F., 477
Thomsen, Prof. Julius, 710
Wells, D. K. L., 249
White, A. W., 665
O'Brien, H. E. : Elec. Traction on Urban Rail-
ways. 576
Oerliicon Steam Turbines, 302
Oil Engine, Allen's Enclosed, 844
Omnibus, Elec, 247
Organisation of Elec. Interests, 524
Oscillograph. Duddell [Worrall, Whipple] (C),
470
OsNOs. M. : A.C. Commutator Motors applied
to Traction Work, 54, 94
Oven, A Large Electric, 690
Overhead High-Tension Wires, 41
Over-Specialisation, 388
Page, S. F. • Wireless Telephony (C). 314
Paper Condensers and Telephone Cables. The
Capacity of [Zelenny and Andrews], 845
Para Tramways and Lighting, 798
Parliament and Trading Organisation, 736
PARLIAIUENTARY INTELLI-
GENCE-
Aldfjte-Bow (London) Tramways, 67
Atlantic Cables. Damage to, by Trawlers, 438
Audit of Elec. Light Cos' Accounts, 283
Australian Telegrams, 942
Cable Rates. Atlantic, 399
County of Durham Elec. Power Bill. 979
Electric Lighting Acts (Amendment) Bill,
869. 887. 942
L.C.C. Tramways and Improvements Bill,
855
Liverpool Corporation Tramways Bill, 942
London & District Elec. Supply Bill, 67, 1 10,
151, 192, 234
London Elec. Supply Bill, 156, 236. 277. 320,
399. 814
London Tube Railways and Conciliation
Schemes, 979
London (Westminster and Kensington) Elec
Supply Companies Bill, 156, 319, 399, 814
Mexborough and Swinton Tramways, 943
National Telephone Co.'s Staff, The Post
Office and, 67. 113, 855, 942, 979, 1017
Newspapers and the Telegraph, 855
North Metropolitan Elec. Power Supply Co 's
Bill, 900 ' ^■y ' ■
Parliamentary Notices, 277. 318
Pariiamentary Record for 1908, 438 {see also
p. 426)
Post Office Telephone System, 1 13
Preston. Chorley and Horwich Tramways
Bill, 943 '
Private Bill Legislation, 441, 982
Somerset Elec. Power Bill, 900
Telephone Rates, 814
Telephones. Private, 814
Trawlers, Damage to Atlantic Cables by
438
Wallasey Tramways& Improvements Bill 943
Watford and Edgware RIy. Bill 1017
X-Ray Research Work, 855
Patent Appeal, 735
Patents Expiring in 1909, 448. 474
Patents Record : Appears usually before Com-
panies' Meetings in each Issue
Patents, Restoration of Lapsed, 700 736
Pantets, Revocation of, 330, 477, 873. 697 735
776, 900, 980
Paxman Gas Engine, 196
Peck, J. S. : Flywheel Load Equaliser, 750
{Discussion) 847
Perkin, F. M. : Electrochemistry in 1908 916
Perlewitz, K. : Comparisons of the Elec In-
dustry in this Country and Abroad (C), 352
Personal, [Smith, Lloyd] 290, [Snell] 359
[Scott, Blomefield. Whale] 440, [Rutter] 525^
[Wilkinson] 675, [BurrellJ 736, [Preecel 748
[Gibbs] 902, [Crowe] 944
Peru Central Railway System, Proposed Elec-
trification of, 954
Phantophone, 317. [Isaac) (C). 354
Photographic Transmission, Korn's Anoaratua
for (Dubois], 570, 644
Photometer, Harrison's Universal, 541
Physical Society, [Fleming, Porter, Rankine,
■ Phillips, Trouton] 275, [ Exhibition] 29D, 368,
386, 429, 467, 508. [Allen, Cassie, Russ,
Walker, Lewis] 397, [Russell, Drysdale], 723,
i [Presidential Address! 752, [Fleming) 832.
[Thompson] 853, [Garrett, Snow, Tucker|,977
PiLDiTCH, G. F. : Inaueural Address to Dublin
Section of I.E. E., 229
Plant, Foreign Made, 747
Plants, Private, 827
Poor Law Machinery and Engine'ring Staffs,
817
Porcelain, tlec. Qualities of [Haworth], 4*5
Porter. R. {see Andrev/s, L.)
Post Office Engineers' Dinner, 774
Potassium-Sodium Alloy, Photo-electric Pro-
perties of [Fleming], 832
Potentiometer, Deflection for Voltmeter Test-
ing [Brooks]. 642
Potteries Federation. 441
Power Developments, Elec, 458
Power. Elec, at Panama, 992
Power, Elec, in Scotland, 663.^15
Power Factor, Improvements of, in A.C.
Systems [Walker] 568, (Discussion) 60S
Power, Reducing the Cost of, in Works and
Factories, 885
Power Station, investigation of Heat Losses in
[Corsonl, 472
Power Supply, 448, 600. 636
Power Supply, EUc. [Addenbrooke], 587, 612,
659, 731
Power Supply in London, 39, 403 (see also
Parliamentary)
Power Transmission, Extending the Limits of
[Taylor]. 836. (Discussion) 929
Power Transmission in Europe, H.T., 509
Power Transmission Scheme, 66,000 volt, in
Spain, 600
Pressure Curves in A.C. Generators [Siedek],
537
Printing Society, Co-operative, 1003
Private Bills of 1908 Session, 858
Professional Etiquette, 168
Progress in India, Elec, 512
Protection of L.T. Circuits [Kapp], 876
Provisional Orders, Elec Lighting, 512
Provisional Orders, Granting of, 7J. 81
Provisional Orders, Revocation. 902, 982
Provisional Orders, Transfer, 902
Pubhc Building Lighting and Heating. 700
Publicity, Ineffective, 970
Pumping. Elec, 281, 8.57
Pumping. Elec, Curious Tariff for, 955
Pumping Plant, Electro-Hydraulic at Bristol
Docks [Clatworthy], 718
Queen's Engineering Works Magazine, 637
" Radiant. Le." Heating and Clxsoking Appa-
ratus, 57
Radiators, Electric, 886
Radiators, Elec. Water, 399
Radio-activity, Standards for, 410
Radiology, Progress in, 249
Rail Bonds. Car for Testing, 296
Railroads, Electrification of American, 440
Railway Car Wiring and Fire Risks, 996
Railway Companies and Motor Omnibuses. 817
Railway, Elec. Cable, on the Wetterhorn, 992
Railway, Euston-Watford Elec. 981
Railway, London, Brighton & South Coast,
Electrification. 487. 639
Railway, Lucan-Leixlip Elec, 477
Railway, New Alpine, 330
Railway, New Elec. for Boston, 411
Railway Station Lighting, 736
Railway Termini. Electrification of, 932
Railways, Canadian Elec, 901
Railways, Elec. Traction on. [Dawsonl. (Motor
Trucks; 4, (Elec. Locos.) 216. 338, (Cal-
culation of Drop in Return Circuit) 414,
(Rolling Stock) 606. 647, 681, (Methods of
Speed Control) 833, 882. 923
Railways, Elec. Traction on Urban [O'Britn],
576
Railways, Electrification of [Carter], 810
Railways, Electrification of Melbourne, 115,
449
Railways, Electrification of Swiss, 637
Railways, Electrification of the Paris Suburban,
291
Railways, Electrification of the Spiez-Frutigen,
Railways, Light, 358, 778, 857
Railways, Melbourne, Electrification of, 115,
449, 487
Railways, Single-Phase Electric, in Europe, 711,
Railways, Swedish State, Single-Phase Traction
on, 792
Railways, Traflic on Tube, 638
Railways, Underground, of London. 346
Rand Mines Power O., 1020
Raymond-Barker, E. : Penny-a-Word Tele-
grams (C), 273, Multi-tone Vibrating Trans-
mitter, 378, Two-Tone Vibrating Transmitter
and Inductive Signalling, 546
Refractory Materials, The Standardisation of,
Resistance and Mutual Inductance, A Method
of Comparing [Campbell], 931
Resistance of Spark Gaps [Houston], 436,
ILindeck] (C), 315
Resistances, Influence of Humidity on, 2, 14,
[Smith], 223
Resistances of the Order of One Hundred
Thousand Megohms, The Construction and
Accurate Measurement of [Bronson], 962
REVIEWS OF BOOKS-
A.B.C. Five Figure Logarithms [Woodward],
580
Agenda de L'Electro. 1908, 428
Aldum's Pocket Folding Mathematical
Tables. 580
Beitrage zur Theorie der Kabel [Lichten-
steinj, 546
Cranes [Bottcher], 808
Decouvertes Modernes en Physique [Man-
ville], 229
Depreciation of Works and Machinery
[Sherley-Price], 690
Direct-Current Engineering, Principles of
[Barr], 144
Dynamoelektrischen Maschinen [Riemen-
schneiderj, 728
Einfuhrung in die Maxwellsche Theorie der
Elektrizitat und des Magnetismus [Schae-
fer], 1010
Einfuhrung in die Theorie des Magnetismus
[Cans], 1010
Elec. Engineering [Norris], 545
.Elec. Engineering [Slingo and Brooker],
728
Elec. Power Transmission [Bell], 270
Electricity and Magnetism [Franklin and
Macnuttl, 933
Electromagnetische Ausgleichsvorgange in
Freileitungen und Kabeln [Wagner^, 1010
Electro-Metallurgy [Kershaw], 808
Elektrische Wellentelegraphie [Arendtl, 348
English Prices with Russian Equivalents
[Adiassewich], 654
Entwickelung der Telegraphie und Tele-
phonic [Hennig], 654
Evolution of Forces [Le Bon], 428
Field Telephones for Army Use [Stevens],
892
Fowler's Mechanics' and Machinists* Pocket
Book, 728
Prick's Physikalische Technik [Lehmann],
348
Gas Engine Manual [tookey], 1009
Handbook of Electrical Testing [Kempe],
77
High Speed Elec. Machinery [Hobart and
Elhs], 616
Hydraulics, A Treatise on [Unwin], 808
Hydro-Electric Practice (C. von Schon], 971
India Rubber and Its Manufacture [Terry],
849
Industrial Electrical Measuring Instruments
[Edgcumbe], 505
Isolationsmessung und Fehlerortsbestim-
mung in Elektrischen Starkstromanlagen
[Stern], 428
Isoliermittel der Elektrotechnik [Wer-
nicke], 269
Laboratory and Factory Tests in Electrical
Engineering, 616
Lampade Elettriche ad Incandescenza; Le
Nuove [Mantica], 505
Lathe Design for High and Low Speed Steels
[Nicolson and Smith], 770
Logarithms for Beginners [Allworth], 580
Machine Design, Construction and Drawinr
[Spooner], 144
Mechanics, Elementary Manual on Applied
[Jamieson], 389
Messtechnik [Heinke], 933
Mineral Waxes [Gregorius], 728
Polyphase Apparatus and Systems, Standard
lOudin], .347
Popular Fallacies [Ackerman], 348
Power Gas Producers [Robson], 850
Practical Induction Coil Construction [Pike],
546
Practical Mathematics [Clarke], 144
Questions and Answers in Electrical Engi-
neering [Moore and Shaw), 934
Radio-Telegraphy [Monckton], 579
Rayons Cathodiques [Villard], 972
Regelung Umsteuerung und Sicherung der
Dampfturbinen fiir ortsfeste Betriebe,
Land und Wasserfabmenge [Gentsch], 972
Selbsttatige Regulierung der Elektrischen
Generatoren [Natalis], 653
Slide Rule [Pickworth], 1009
Splashes, Study of [Worthington], 579
Steam Engines, Stationary [Fowler], 850
Steam Electric Power Plants [Koester], 389
Submarine Cable Laying and Repairing
[Wilkinson], 891
Switchboard Measuring Instruments for
Continuous and Polyphase Systems [Con-
nan], 505
Telegraphen-Messkunde [Dreisbach], 689
Telegraphic Systems and Other Notes
[Crotch], 270
Tin Plate Working [Clarke], 729
Transformers for Single and Multiphase Cur-
rents [Kappl. 769
Turbines Hydrauliques, L'Usure Anormale
des [Dalemont], 850
Unites Electriques [Baillehachel, 1010
Wireless Telephony [Ruhmer], 2'28
Warmelehre [Muller], 892
Rheostats, Woven Wire, 969
Rider, J. H. : The Elec. System of the L.C.C.
Tramways, 919, 959, (Discussion) 961, 99S,
Supplement to " The Electrician, "1
April 23, 1900. ^J
INDEX.
VOL. LXII
R.BERTS. J. ? Commercial Elec. Heating, 261
Robinson. L. T. : Me,isuring Iron Losses (C).
470 {see p. 1361
Rolling Mill. 2.000 H. p.. 485
Rolling Mills. Elec. Drive in. 943
Rolling Mills. Electrically Driven [Koettpen and
Abblettj. 16
Rolling Stock. Life and Wear of. 538, 582
Rome, Elec. Supply for. 40
RosRNBERG, E. : Parallel Operation of Alterna-
tors, 618. [Discussion) 654
Royal British Radium Institnb-. WO
Royal Engineers (Territorial!, 3, 40, 80, 600,
674, 7U. 731
Royal Institution. 249. 621. 637, [Brown] 871,
[Thomson] 875, 997. 1001. [Thelfalll 938, 976
Royal Meteorological Society, 871
Royal Society, 125. 169, 209, 331, 525, 53o, 637.
790. 828, 870, 913
Royal Society of Arts, 168, 938
Royal Society of Edinburgh, 80
Rugby Engineering Society, 40, 274, 315, 976
Russia, Elec. Enterprise in. 438
Rutherford. Prof. E. : Discharge of Electricity
from Glowing Bodies. 343
Safety Device Against Excessive Voltage. 474
St. Clair Tunnel, Electrification of, 247, 257
St. Jamss' Electric Cricket Club. 700
ScHOLTES, P: Improvements in the Braking
Equipment of Tramcars, 650
ScHULTZ, NoRBERG : The Effect of Tariffs on
the Fianaces of Central Stations, 994
Schweitzer, E. O. {see Junkersfeld)
Science, Claims of. on the Nation, 614
Science, Electrical, The Progress of, during
1908, 679
Seaman, A. G. : Elec. Driving of Machine Tools,
344
Selfridge & Co.'s New Building, Elec. Equip-
ment of, 800, 828, 913
Sewage Purification, Electrolytic Chlorine, 710
Sewage System, Elec. Driven, 457
Shop Windows, How to Light Them, 775
Shot Firing, Elec, 320
Showrooms, Electricity, 943
Showrooms, In Some Elec. Supply. 956
SlEDEK, E. : Reformation of Pressure Curve
due to Load in A.C. Generators, 537
Siemens Stafford Engineering Society, 169, 315
Signalling, Gardiner System of, 1, 20, 133,
{Discussion) 213, (C) 620
Signal System, Automatic Block, 369
Silver Voltameter, Researches on the. 829
Simon, S. A. : Notes on the Safety of Working
Elec. Plants in Coal Mines, 1014, {Discussion)
1016
Smith, F. E. : Variation of Manganin Resis-
tance with Atmospheric Humidity, 222
Smith, S. P.: Testing of Alternators, 173,
{Discussion) 2bb. 307
Smoke Abatement, 79 1 , 829, 858
Smoke [Swinburne], 27
Snow Ploughs, 982
Snowstorm, Recent, 485
Society of Engineers, 209, 870
Solomon, L. : Graphical Solution to Three-
Pha.se Problems, 530
Sounding Apparatus, Elec, 411
South-Western Polytechnic, 856
Spanish Navy Contracts, 209
Speed Indicators on Tramcars, 565
Stage. Electricity on. 816
Stahl, M. : Life and wear of Rolling Stock,
538, 582
Steam Trap, Recent Improvements in Geipel's,
355
Steam Turbines «, Gas Engines, 728 {see also
pp. 691,712)
Steam Turbines in Generating Stations, 832
Steel, Ageing of, 463
Steel, Elec. Production of Cast. 307
Steel. Electrolytic, 600, 637
Steel Smelting, Elec, 320
Steel Works, Elec in, 30
Stoking, Recent Developments in Machine, 661,
694, 732, 766
Storage Batteries for Peak Loads, 790
Striations, Elec. [Thomson], 1001
Student Research. 18
Surface Contact System, " G.B.." 233. 673,
[Clegg) 524, 526. {Discussion) 537, 673
Swinburne, J, : Smoke, 27
Swinden, T. ; Researches on the Magnetic
Properties of a Series of Carbon Tungsten
Steels, 830, {Discussion) 974
Switchboard, High-Tension, for Consumers'
Premises, 965
Switches, Elec. Sign. Braulik's, 556
Switchgear, Mining, 854
Tantalum Wave Detectors and Lamps [Fessen-
denl (C), 659
Tantalum Wave Detector [Torekatal [Walter]
(C) 470
Tariffs and Value [Cowan] (C), 353
Tariff Commission, Report of, on the Electrical
Industry, 635, 639
Tariff, Variation of, 1008
Tariffs, Domestic Elec Supply as affected by
[Cooper), 259, {Discussion) 292, 303, 381
Tariffs for Domestic Power, 303
Taylor, A. M. :
Accumulators for Peak Loads. 2B9. 305
Batteries and Transmission Lines (C). 975
Glasgow Local Section, Inaugural Address
(C), 314, 354. 395. 433
Power Transmission. Extending the Limits
of. 836, {Discussion) 929
Taxation and the Elec. Industry. 354
Technical Education, Progress of, 231
Technical Societies, Noon Meetings of, 1000
Telautograph, The, 983
TELEGSAPHY-
Cable Progress, 780
Cable Steamer, New, 449
Cable, Submarine, Extension, 823
Cables, Cadiz-Canary Islands, 63
Cables, State-owned and State-controlled,
387, 393
Concrete Telegraph Poles, 40
Hull and Continent, Telegraph between, 593
Indo-European Telegraphs, 913
Rates, International Telegraph, 124
Submarine Cable, The New Emden-Pernam-
buco, 675
Submarine Cables, Injury to, by Trawlers,
64
Submarine Cables, New, 592
Telegrams, Penny-a-Word, 167, 189. 208.
556. 862. [Raymond-Barker] (C). 273
Telegraph and Telephone Engineers. Govern-
ment, 551
Telegraph Progress in the United States, 749
Telegraph, Submarine, Progress, 871
Telegraph, The Wonders of, 599, 617
Telegraph Working. Effect of H.T. Trans-
mission Lines on. 81
Telegraphic Matters and Mr. Henniker
Heaton, 525
Telegraphic Rates and Charges, 902, (Atlan-
tic) 898
Telegraphists' Cramp, 282
Telegraphy, Imperial, 829
Telegraphy in 1908, 542
Telewriter, 360
Underground Telegraph Wires, 239
West African Land Telegraphs, 983
TELEPHONY-
Alternating Currents, Production of S-nall
Variable Frequency, suitable for Telephone
and other Measurements [Cohen], 315
Austria, Telephony in, 321
Cable, Lange Submarine Telephone, 276
Cardiff Telephone Exchange, 91
Constantinople, Telephony in, 40, 32
London and Berlin, 'Telephone between, 593
Ocean Telephony, 81
Poles, Artistic Telephone, 69
Submarine Telephony, 321
Sweden, Telephony in. 411
Telephone Cables, Capacity of [Zelenny and
Andrews], 845
Telephone Charges and Rates, 778, 814
Telephone Communication between Frank-
fort and Vienna, 833
Telephone in Railway Working, 282, 817
Telephone Lines, Assessment of, 320
Telephone, Liverpool Post Office System,
816
Telephone Operators and the Public, 359
Telephone Progress in U,S., 711
Telephone, ^The Ojmpulsory Use of, 748
Telephones^ Private, 814
Transatlantic Telephony, 282
Transmitter, Raymond-Barker's Multi-Tone
Vibrating, 378
Wireless Telephone Notes, 71, 1 17, 239, 1020
Wireless Telephony [Fessenden] (C), 272,
[Flood-Page] (C), 314
Wireless Telephony, New System of [Car-
letti], 609
Tennant(Mr.) and Electrical Monopoly (Cl, 89o
Territorial Force and Employers, 993
Textile Factories, Elec. Driving in Indian, 439
Three-phase Four-wire Systems [Faye-Hansen],
422
Three-Phase Problems, Graphical Solutions to,
530
" Through Running," London United Tram-
ways and, 410
Thwaite, The late Mr. B. H.. 41 1 . 675, 954
Tolhurst Accumulator, 811
Torsion Meter, Hopkinson Thring, 660. 674
ToREKATA, W. : Tantalum Wave Detector (CI
470
Tosi. A. {see Bellini. E.)
Traction, Elec, at Odessa, 290
Traction, Elec, Early Experiments in, 694
Traction, Elec, in America, 637
Traction, Elec, in Bavaria, 356
Traction, Elec, in Canada. 476. 625
Traction, Elec, in Japan, 600
Traction, Elec. in Switzerland. 125
Traction, Elec. in the Rockies. 642
Traction, Elec, in the Tunnels of the Pennsyl-
vania Co., 487
Traction, Elec, in the United S*ates, 163, I0I9
Traction, Elec, in 1903. 502. 524
Traction, Elec, on Interurban Railways
[O'Brien], 576
Traction, Elec, on Railways [Dawson] (Motor
Trucks) 4, (Elec. Locos.) 216, 338, (Calcu-
lation of Drop in Return Circuit) 414.
(Rolling Stock) 606. 647. 681, (Method of
Speed Control), 833, 882, 923
Traction, Elec, on the Pennsylvania Railway,
535
Traction, Single-Phase, in Europe, 487
Traction, Single-Phase, on the Swedish State
Railways, 792
Traction Systems, Leakage Detection on Stud.
150
Traction Vagabond Currents. Elec, 872, 890
Trade, British, with Spain, 857
Trade Depression and Elec. Supply, 954
Traffic Pioblem, London's, 207, 232
Trailers for Tramcars, 953
Tramcars, Improvements in the Braking Equip-
ment of [Scholtes], 650
Tramcars, Speed Indicators on, 565
Tramcars, Trackless, 1 16, 983
Trams, Noisy, at Newcastle, 331
Tramway Brakes, 1 16
Tramway Cars, First Class, 991
Tramway Development in Germany, 449
Tramway Through Bookings, 1020
Tramways and Light Railways Association, 828
Tramways, Divided Control of, 58
Tramways, L.C.C., and Through Running, 381
Tramways, L.C.C. [Rider] 919, 959,' Discussion)
961,992, 1011
Transformer, The Berry, 35
Transformer, Use of a Phase-Shifting, in Meter
Testing [Drysdale], 341
Transfoimers [Fleming and Faye-Hansen] 349,
{Discussion) 397
Transformers for Measuring Instruments, 846
Transformers, On a Method of Using, as
Choking Coils [Coales], 412, {Discussion) 473
Transmission, High-Potential Underground
[Junkersfeld and Schweitzer], 1005
Transmission Lines, Corona Effect and its in-
fluence on Design of [Lyndon], 978
Transmitter, Two-Tone Vibrating [Raymon.i-
Barker], 546
Trip Coils for Alternating Current Automatic
Circuit Breakers IGarrard], 719
Trolley Wire, The Need for Testing, 871
Trolley Wires, Power Supply for, 635
Trolley Wires, Reduction of Wear on. 619
Tubes, Tramcars and Omnibuses, 1020
Turbine, Double Flow Steam. 449
Turbines, L.C.C. [Wiithrich]. (C), 396
Turbines, Low Pressure, 501
Turbines, Oeilikon Steam. 302
Turbines on Rubber Foundations, 565
'Turbines. Steam, at Liverpool, 80, 1 14
Turbo-Alternators, Practical Consideration of
IKloss] 139. {Discussion) 224
Turbo-Elec Marine Propulsion [Durtnall] (Cl,
105, 183
Turner, E. O. : Notes on Commutating Pole
Design, 529 r^
Tweeddale, Lord, 674
Units and Standards, International Conference
on,l. 23, 39, 41, 59,98, 101
University, New Irish, 369
University of Undon, 274, 747, 791
Vagabond Currents, Electric Traction [Cun-
liffe), 872, 890, {Discussion) 927
Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker, 62 1
Vessels, Elec, Propulsion of, 911
Voltameter, Researches on the Silver, 829
Voltmeter, A New Extra High-Tension [Wat-
son], 937
w
Waldorf Theatre Lighting, 700
Walker, Miles : „ . ,
Elec. Design and the Reduction of Capital
Cost, 109
Improvement of Power Factor in A.C.
Systems. 563. {Discussion) 605
Walter, L. H. : Tantalum Wave Detector (C),
470 „ J ■
Waste, Electricity Applied to Reducing
[Gridley], 565, 578
Water-Hammer, Effects of. 463
Water Power in Europe, 449
Water Power in New York, 1955
Water Power of the Worid, 41
Water Power Plant, Anglo-Japanese, 249
Water Samples, Analytical Reports on, 729, 770
Water Wheels, Large, for Electrical Purposes,
675
Waterhouse, L. M. : Conduit Wiring. 613
Watson. C. J. : A Simple Means of Measuring
Inductances, 809
Watson, E. A. : .
A New Extra High-Tension Voltmeter, 937
The Dielectric Strength of Compressed Air.
851. {Discussion) SBi
West Ham Electricity Department, Dinner of
the, 638, 870
Westminster Engineering Co., Some Speciali-
ties of, 622
Weston Standard Cell, Temperature Formulae
for, 762
Whipple. R. S. : Duddell Oscillograph (C), 471
Williams. S. R. {s;e Nichols. E. F.)
Wind Turbine Elec. Producing Plant, 912, 92S
Wire, Earthing the Middle, 889
WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY-
Antenna, Theory of the Horizontal Trans-
mitting, 724
Barretter Measurements, The Determination
of the Distance and the Direction of a
Sending Station, by Means of [Bela Gati],
(C), 1013
Cooling of Rotating Discs considered in con-
nection with Marconi's New Generator of
Continuous Oscillations, 423
Detectors, Tantalum, ITorekata] IWalter]
(C) 470, [Fessenden] 659
Directed Wireless Telegraphy [Kiebitz], 972
Directive System of Wireless Telegraphy
(Bellini and Tosi], 531, 912
Longtitude. Determination of, by Wireless
Telegraphy, 359
Patents, Recent, in Wireless Telegraphy and
Telephony [Eccles], 128, 170, 210
Radiotelegraphy and Radiotelephony, The
Scientific Principles of, 3
Telephone Charges, 116
Telephone. Wireless. Notes. 71, 117, 239, 737
Wireless Control of 'Torpedoes, 737
Wireless Telegraph Notes, 32, 71, 159, 239,
283, 322, 350, 403, 516, 557, 593, 527, 700,
737, 778, 818, 853, 902, 945, 983
Wireless Telegraphy on Board Ship, 600;
[Bradfield] (C), 659
Wireless Telephony, New System of [Car-
letti], 609
Wireless, U.S. Navy High Power Station.
722, 728
Wiring. Conduits [Waterhouse], 613
Wiring, Electric, New Conduit for. 749
Wiring of Buildings [Munro], 617, (Discussion)
725, 748, 788
Wiring Problem, The, 738, 991
Wiring Problem in its Relation to Electricity
Supply, 963
Wiring and Control, Fire Risks in Heavy Car,
996
Wiring, The Stannos and Kuhlos Systems, 991,
999
Wires, Overhead Electric in Yorkshire, 817
Wires, Overhead, 944
Wolff, F. A. : Temperature Formulae lor
the Weston Str.rriard Cell, 762
WORKS, &c , DESCRIPTIONS OF-
British Aluminium Co., Kinlochleven Works
of. 297 {see also pp. 271, 289, 790)
Cardiff, Telephone Exchange at, 91
(^lausthal Government Mines, Elec. Equip-
ment at, 928
Ck)-operative Printing Society, The Elec
Drive in the Works of, 1003
Gummersbach Generating Station, Rhein-
50
Hariand & Wolff's Electrically-operated
Pumping and Air Compressing Plant, 757
Hemsjo Power Co., Sweden, 496, 533. 573
Lancashire Elec Power Co.. Motor Installa-
tions on the Mains of, 683
Leeds Elec. Undertaking, 838, 877
Sewage System, Elec, Driven, 457
Selfridge & Co.'s New Building. Elec Equip-
ment of. 800. 828. 913
St. Clair Tunnel, Electrification of, 247, 257
WoRRALL. G. W, : Duddell Oscillograph (C),
471
Wuthrich, G : L.C.C. Turbos (C), 395
York, J. E. : Rail Corrugation (C), 231
" Yorkshire " iBoiler, The [Casmey], 854
Zelenny A., and Andrews, A. P. : Paper
Condensers and Telephone Cables, 'The
Capacity of, 845
1 10,000 Volt Transmission Line. 41
1908. Some Elec. Events in, 484, 502, 542
1908, Progress of Electrical Science during. 679
VOL. LXII.
INDEX.
rsopplementi to " The Electrician,"
L April 23. 1909.
Municipal, Foreign, and General Notes.
Aberdeen, 69, 476, 514
Accrington, 30, 157
Accrington-Rawtenstall
Trams. 814
Acton. 69, 114, 157,555,901,
1018
Adelaide, 85b
Aldershot, 776
Algeria, 237. 652
Alloa, 69 I ,
Amble, 983 '^
Amersham. 698, 855 1
Ammanford. 476 ^'
Argentina, 69, 157, 197,237,
320, 357, 401, 476, 514,
555, 590, 777, 901
Ashby, 555
Ashton-under-Lym3, 735
Australasia, 30, 69, 157, 237,
357, 401, 439, 476, 590,
777 856, 943, 980
Austria, 476, 7/7, 901
Ayr, 30, 439, 555, 856, 943
Bartdng, 115
Ba
,901
Barrow-in-Furness, 357
Barton (Lanes,), 735
Barton-on-lrwell, 439
Bath, 357, 555, 625, 662,
943
Battersea, 30, 1018
Beckenham, bbi. 777, 1019
Beira, 439
Belfast, 237, 555, 591, 855,
1019
Belturbet, 69. 157
Bermondsey, 69, 662
Bethssda, 1019
Bethnal Green, 735, 814, 901 ,
981
814
Bishop's Stortford, 237
Blackburn, 320, 652
Blackpool, 281,777
Bolton, 855
Bolivia, 197, 777
Bo'r
, 197
Bournemouth, 476, 515, 555,
662, 735. 901
Bradford, 401, 515, 555, 625,
698.855, 1019
Bradninch, 401
Braunton, 30, 565
Bray, 856
Brazil, 69. 197, 591, 625, 901
Bridgend, 281
Bridlmgton, 663, 943
Brierley Hill, 663
Brighouse, 231, 401
Brighton, 115, 157,663,698,
777
Bristol, 157, 237, 515, 663
British Columbia, 30, 901
Broadstairs, 439
Bromley, 476
Bulgaria, 69, 401
Burma, 1019
Burnley, 30
Burslem, 30, 197, 358
Bury, 591,857
Buxton, 555
Caerphilly, 653
Calcutta. 663
Camberley, 857
Canada, 353, 1019
Cardiff, 30, 115, 591, 625,
693, 1019
Carlisle, 401,735, 857
Cheltenham, 358, 401, 515
Chester, 815
Chili, 815
China, 30
736
Clacton-on-Sea, 591
Clitheroe, 69, 439, 943
Colchester, 237, 358, 698,
1019
Colne, 1019
Cookstown, 401, 625
Corea, 30
Cork, 197
Co.-ta Rica, 353
Crassington, 69
Croydon, 115. 555, 777, 815,
857, 943
Cuba, 69, 591,981
Cullompton, 943
Darlington. 857
Dartford, 237
Darwen, 353
Derby, 555, 815, 857
Devonport. 237, 515, 591
Dover, 320, 439, 476, 653,
815
Droylsd;n, 555, 736, 931
Dublin, 30, 157, 233, 439,
736, 901
Dudley, 115, 353, 515, 653,
1019
Dundee. 157, 353, 401, 439,
591, 815, 1019
Dunfermline, 815
Durban, 401
East Ham. 699
Eastbourne, 115, 1019
Eccles, 320, 663, 1019
Edinburgh, 30 555, 625, 699,
901
Egbshayle, 153
Epsom. 153, 440, 857
Exeter, 736
Falkirk, 981
Falmouth, 515
Fareham, 353, 625, 663, 857
Farnham, 476, 777
Fe!ix5tow3, 31, 282, 625
Fermay, 857
Fincliley. 515
Fium;, 197
Fleetwoo.-l, 777
Fochabers, 31
Folkestone, 115
France, 402
Frimley, 592
Frome, 402
Fulham, 816, 901
Gambia, 197
Germany, 592
Gillingham, 31, 353
Glasgow, 31, 115, 197, 282,
353, 555, 592, 626, 699, 777
Gloucester, 153, 555, 663
Golborne, 402
Gosport, 592
Govan, 402
Gravesend, 402, 440
Greenock, 69
Grimsby, 69, 943
Guernsey, 944
Hackney, 944
Halifax, 193. 515, 901
Hamilton, 440
Hammersmith, 31, 515, 736,
901
Hampstead, 736, 901
Hampton, 69
Hand '.worth, 238, 440
Hanley, 232, 515, 699
Hanwell, 115,
Harrogate, 31, 515,594
Haslingden, 353
Hastings, 193, 232 944, 981
Hendon. 115, 857
Hereford, 320, 515, 699
Heme Bay, 115, 359, 736
Hessle. 320, 515, 816
Heston and Isleworth, 816
Hetton, 901
Heywood, 555
High Wycombe, 777
Holland, 777, 901, 944, 981
Hornsey, 115, 626, 736
Hove, 31, 359, 699, 777
Huddersfield, 69, 626, 816,
Hudenshaw, 357
Hull, 115, 158,232,555,663,
699, 777
Hungary. 555. 778
llford, 592, 663, 735, 981
Ukley, 778
India, 70, 153,359,440, 476.
592. 778, 901. 944
Islington, 70, 699
Italy, 158, 198.477.515,626,
699, 816. 902, 981
Japan, 31, 153, 198,778
Keighley, 70, 402, 477, 592,
1019
Kettering, 70
Ku-kcaldy, 477, 699
Lanarkshire, 816
Leeds, 440, 654, 816, 1019
Leyton, I5S, 1019
Limerick, 439
Littleborough. 699, 736
Liverpool, 233, 592, 626, 902,
944, 981
London, City of. 69, 857
London County Council, 31,
198, 238, 282, 320, 359,
402, 440, 477, 626, 664,
699, 736, 778. 817, 857,
902, 981, ^Tramways) 31,
70, 115, 153, 238, 282,
381, 402, 515, 626, 699,
817, 857, 932, 944. 981,
1019
Loughborough, 153, 359, 664,
902, 1019
Lowestoft, 31, 233. 359, 402,
556, 699, 857, 9U
Lyme Regis, 592
Macclesfield, 440, 555, 699
Madras, 1020
Maidenhead, 359, 655
Maidstone, 70, 555, 736, 778
Maidens & Combe, 402
Malvern, 321
Manchester, 199, 359. 593,
665
Marylebone, 115, 233, 440,
592, 778. 944, 982
Merthyr Tydfil, 857
Mexborough. 857
Mexico, 778, 982
Middlesboro', 359, 857
Middlesex, 703, 817, 932,
1020
Montreal. 440
Morecambe. 116, 693
Morley, 665
Muswell Hill, 555, 592
Neath, 282, 592, 440
New Maiden, 736
New Zealand, 198
Newcastle Emlyn, 402
Newcastle-on-Tyne, 982
Newfoundland, 817
Newhaven, 626
Newport, 116, 359, 402, 902
Norton, 817
Nuneaton, 116, 592
Oldbury. 359
Oldham, 321, 402, 592. 626
Ontario, 902
Oxford, 932
Paignton, 282, 477
Panama, 198
Para, 477
Paraguay. 359
Pembroke. 198
Penge, 626
Penmaenmawr, 359
Perth. 70
Peterboro', 321
Petersfield, 817
Plymouth. 857
Poplar, 159,626,778
Portdinorwic, 516
Portugal, 32
Preston, 282. 556. 944
Provisional Orders Revoca-
tion, 116. 778
Radcliffe. 238, 403, 778, 902
Rawtenstall, 70, 359, 557
Redruth, 116
Reigate, 626, 817
Renfrew, 441
Reykjavik, 556
Rhondda, 626
Rhyl, 159
Rio de Janeiro, 556
Rochdale, 159, 359, 557, 853,
1020
Rotherham, 116, 359. 556,
1020
Roumania, 778. 1020
Rugby. 700, 778
Russia, 238, 403, 665, 817
Saffron Walden, 478, 944
St. Helens, 159, 557
St. Pancras, 116, 478
Salford, 516, 556, 736, 1020
San Paulo, 944
San Thome, 626
Sheffield, 282,626. 1020
Sherburn, 736
Shrewsbury, 1 16, 516, 736
Siam, 944
Sicily, 32
Skelmorlie, 593, 902
South Africa, 71. 198, 700,
858, 944, 1020
S Shields, 71, 116, 516,1020
Southampton, 71, 478, 817
Southgate, 858
Southport, 32
Southwark, 593, 665, 983
Sowerby Bridge, 700
Spain. 198, 516, 238, 778, 857
Spalding, 159
Stafford, 116
Stepney, 700, 778, 944
Stoke-on-Trent, 116, 516
Stornoway, 159
Straits Settlements, 32
Stroud, 983
Sunderland, 737, 944
Surbiton. 238
Swansea, 32, 593, 626, 737,
858
Sweden, 71, 198
Swindon, 700
Switzerland, 159, 478, 557
Taunton, 403
Tewkesbury, 737, 1020
Thames Ditton, 71
Tiverton. 700
Tonbridge, 32
Topsham, 700
Torquay. 159. 322, 359, 441,
557, 778. 944
Tottenham, 737
Tring, 737
Truro, 71
Turkey, 441 , 945, 1020
Turton, 199
Tynemouth, 199. 238, 778
Tyrol, 1020
Uruguay, 360, 463. 557
Ventnor. 71
Wakefield, 902
Wallasley, 199,516, 627, 1020
Walmer, 360, 557
Walsall, 32, 700, 858
Walthamstow, 116.817
Wandsworth, 945
Watford, 1 16, 360. 441, 557,
627, 946
Wednesbury, 360, 516, 665,
818, 1020
Wells, 360
West Bromwich,32, 441, 858,
1020
West Ham, 33, 116,366,403
551, 778, 858. 902, 983
West Indies, 199
Whitehaven, 737
Whitwood, 557
Wigan, 322
Wimbledon. 159, 700
Winnipeg, 593
Wokingham, 593
Wolverhampton, 33, 239,
463, 903
Woolwich, 116, 737
Worcester, 516
Worthing, 666, 818
Wrexham, 239
Yarmouth, 33, 199, 403, 737,
858
York, 478, 517, 593, 818, 983
Companies' (Joint-Stock) Meetings, Reports, Dividends, Statutory Returns, &c.
Adams Mfg. Co., 286
Adelaide Elec. Supply, 406, 786
Airdrie & Coatbridge Tramways, 987
Aktien Gesellschaft fiir Feld und Kleinbahnen
Bedarf, 164
Allen (W. H.I. Son & Co., 164
Allgemeine Elektricitats Gesellschaft, 204, 406
Alliance Elec, 286
Aluminium Corpn., 76, 363
Amalgamated Radio Telegraph, 76
Amazon Telegraph, 285, 325
American Telephone & Telegraph Co., 1026
Anchor Cable, 244
Anglo-American Telegraph, 631, 704, 1026
Anglo-Argentine Trams, 286, 363, 632, 987, 988
Anglo-Portuguese Telephone, 244, 326
Arbroath Elec. Light & Power Co., 1025
Arc Lamps, 520
Aron. Elec. Meter, 286
Ascot Dist. Gas & Elec. 784
Associated Battery, 76, 164, 286
Associated Omnibus Co., 866
Atlas Carbon & Battery, 76
Bahia Blanca & North Western Railway, 120
Bahia Tramway, Light & Power, 244
Baily, Grundy & Barrett, 76
Baker Street & Waterloo Railway, 705, 784
Bank fur Elektrische Industrie, 596
Bath Elec. Tramways, 120
Birmingham Elec. Case. 596
Blackburn, Starling & Co., 164
Blackpool, St. Anne's & Lytham Tramways,
364
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramroad, 632, 823
Bournemouth & Poole Elec. Supply, 786, 865,
948
Brasilianische Elektricitats Gesellschaft, 596
Bristol Tramways & Carriage. 669, 742, 786
British Aluminium Co,, 705, 987
British Columbia. Elec. Railway, 163, 244, 406,
632, 908
British Electric-Traction, 744
British Elec Transformer. 784, 823
British Engine, Boifcr & Elec. Insurance, 865
Britishj" Ever-Ready " Elec, 744
British Insulated & Helsby, 866, 907, 949
British Power, 76
British Prometheus, 326
Broadbent (T, W,), 76
Bromley (Kent) Elec. Light & Power. 987
Brompton & Kensington Elec. Supply. 823,
824, 907
Bruce Peebles, 326
Brunner, Mond, 164
Brush Elec. Engineering, 76
Buenos Ayres (City of) Tramways Co., 120, 561 ,
670, 706
Buenos Ayres Grand National Tramways, 596,
784, 949, 1026
Buller-'!, 244, 632
Burmah Elec. Tramways & Lighting, 364
Calcutta Elec. Supply, 76, 286, 444, 632, 865,
1026
Calcutta Tramways, 36
Callender's Cable & Construction. 36
Cambridge Elec. Supply. 742. 823
Cambridge Elec. Tramways, 1026
Canadian General Elec, 364, 824
Cape Elec. Tramways. 120. 204
Cardwell. Boorman, Ford-Lloyd, 744
Carlisle, City of, Elec. Trams, 824
Castner-Kellner Alkali. 204, 285
Central Elec. Supply, 204, 670, 705
Central London Railway, 596, 631, 705. 857
Chadburn's (Ship) Telegraph. 406
Charing Cross, Euston & Hampstead Railway,
705. 786, 815
Charing Cross, West End & City Electric Sup-
ply, 705, 783
Chatham & Dist. Light Railways, 631. 706, 744
Chelsea Elec. Supply, 742, 823, 863
Chesham Elec. Light 8t Power, 744
Childs (J. G.), 76
Chili Telephone. 560
Chiswick Elec. Supply, 632
Chloride Elec. Storage, 364
Christy Bros,, 744
Church Stretton Elec. Supply, 988
Cia Electricidad de la Provincia de Buenos
Aires, 520
City & South London Railway, 560, 596,
630
City of Bath Elec. Tramways, 1025
City of Brisbane Elec. Light, 163, 326
City of London Elec. Lighting, 364, 669, 786,
865, 906
Cleveland & Durham Elec. Power, 35
Clontarf & Hill o' Howth Tramroad, 632
Clyde Valley Elec. Power, 38
Compagnie Generale d'Electricite. 786
Compania Anglo-Argentina Electricidad, 244
Consolidated Elec. Works & Appliances, 786
Consolidated Signal, 163, 1026
Cork Elec. Tramways & Lighting Co., 1025
Costa Rica Elec. Lighting & Traction, 364
County of Durham Elec. Power Distribution,
865, 987
County of London Elec Supply, 784, 865, 906,
1026
Cx)wans, 824
Cowper-C^Ies, Sherard, 744
Crossley Bros.. 742
Cuba Submarine Telegraph. 36, 75, 1 19, 988,
1025
Cutler, Wardle&Co., 164
Davis Elec, 286
Davis & Timmins, 824, 866. 907
Dawson (R.). 596, 632
Delagoa Bay Development. 204
Delhi Elec. Tramways & Lighting. 950
Deutsch-Atlantische Telegraphengesellshaft,
1026
Deutsch-Sudamerikanische Telegraphengesell-
schaft A.-G., 857
Devonport & District Tramways, 987
Dick, Kerr & Co., 444
Direct Spanish Telegraph, 824, 865, 907
Direct United States Cable, 35, 560, 596, 630,
Direct West India Cable, 482
Douglas Southern Elec. Tramways, 163
Drake & Gorham, 36, 75
Dublin & Lucan Elec. Railway, 632, 669, 786
Dublin United Tramways, 520, 631. 669
Dundee, Broughty Ferry & District Tramways.
596
Dupey (H. A.). 632
Dutilh-Smith, Macmillan & Co., 204
East India Tramways, 285
East London Railway, 631
Eastern Extension, Australasia & China Tele-
graph 163, 203, 364. 596
Eastern & South African Telegraph, 36, 560,
1026
Eastern Telegraph, 36, 163, 202, 364. 1026
Edgar (R. H.), 444
Edison & Swan United Elec. Light, 75, 119
Edmundson's Elec. Corpn., 244
Edwards Air Pump Synd., 983
Electric Construction, 520
Elec. Conversion Synd., 76. 444
Elec. Distribution of Yorkshire, 949
Elec Ignition. 76, 632
Elec. Light. Power & Hiring. 908
Elec. Supply Corpn., 75, 785, 163. 703
Elec. Supply of Victoria, 164
Electrolytic Alkali, 120, 163
Electromobile. 76, 285
Elektrotechnische Fabrik Rheydt Max Schorch,
204,
Engineering Instruments, 698, 908
Ferranti, 36, 75
Fleetwood & District Elec. Light & Power, 76.
482
Folkestone Electricity Supply, 949
Gateshead & District Tramways, 406, 824, 866.
907, 949
Cell Telegraphic Apphances Synd., 866
Supplement to "The Electrician,'"!
April 23, 1909. J
INDEX.
VOL. LXII.
Companies' (Joint-Stock) Meetings, Reports, Dividends, Statutory Returns, ^c.—Contimied,
General Elec. (U.S.A.), 154
General Electric (London), 7S, 790, 81 1
Genevi Tramways, 285
Giants Causeway & Portrush Elec. Tramways,
763
Globe Telegraph & Trust, 364, 406, 824
Clover (W. T.) &Cx5., 865
Josport & Alverstolie Elec. Ligiiting, 786
Great Northern & City Railway. 669. 70S
Great Northern, Piccadilly h Brompton Rail-
way, 705, 785
Great Northern Telegraph. 326, 406, 1026
Greenock & Port Glasgow Tramways. 987
Guildford Elec. Supply. 987. 1025
Hadfield's Steel Foundry, 824. 949
Halifax & Bermudas Cable, 482
Hall Signal. 164
Harrow Elec Light. 907
Hastings & District Elec. Tramways, 865. 949
Hawkes (O. C). 908
Henley's (W. T.) Telegraph Works, 744, 785,
821
Hornsby (R.) & Sons, 244. 326. 364
Hove Elec. Lighting, 824
Huelva Gas & Electricity, 824
Hunslet Elec. Pottery. 744
Imperial Tramways. 706
India Rubber. Gutta Percha & Telegraph
Works. 120, 364, 406. 950
Indo-European Telegraph, 36, 1026
Isle of Thanet Elec Tramways & Lighting, 285,
326
Jandus Arc Lamp & Elec. 76. 244
Johnson-Lundell Elec. Traction. 76
Kensington & Knightsbridge Elec. Lighting,
785. 863
Key Engineering. 744
Kinetic-Swanton. 560. 596
Kramos. 744, 908
Krieger Elec. Carriage Synd.. 866
Lanarkshire Trams. 743
Lancashire Dynamo & Motor, 987
Lancashire Power Cx)nstruction. 204
Lancashire United Trams. 743
Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway. 706. 743
Lame Elec. Light Works. 76
Liecestershire & Warwickshire Elec. Power. 76,
164, 596
Liverpool District Lighting, 908. 987
Liverpool Overhead Railway. 632, 669. 706
Llandudno & District Elec. Tramway Con-
struction. 950
London. Brighton & South Coast Railway. 631.
670
London & South- Western Railway, 706
London Electrobus, 364. 482
London Elec. Supply, 670, 703, 709
London Platino-Brazilian Telegraph, 204
London Sherardising, 1026
London Telegraph Training College. 1026
London United Tramways, 520, 908, 950
Lumb Elec. Bleaching. 744
Lymington Elec. Light & Power, 1026
Mackay Cos., 204. 286. 743. 824
Mackey's Elec. Lamp, 76
Madras Elec. Tramways (1904), 949
Magnetic Separator, 744
Mann, Egerton & Co., 76
Mansfield & Dist. Trams, 8 3, 865
Manx Elec. Railway. 364
Marconi's Wireless Telegraph. 36, 786, 866,
988 >
Mardev Elec. Light. 286
Martin (T. R.) & Co.. 744, 786
Marples, Leach, 670
Mather & Piatt, 706, 743, 785
Maxim Elec, 204. 908
Melton Mowbray Elec. Light. 866
Memoranda. 36. 76. 120. 164. 204. 244. 286. 326.
364, 406, 444, 482, 520. 560. 596, 632, 670,
706. 744, 866. 908. 950. 988. 1026
Mersey Railway. 950. 987
Metallic Seamless Tube, 36, 75
Metropolitan District Railway, 632, 670, 743
Metropolitan Elec. Supply. 786. 823. 864
Metropolitan Elec. Tramways, 987. 1025
Metropolitan Railway, 631
Mexican Light & Power, 36, 164, 706. 988
Mexican Telegraph. 36
Mexico Tramways, 36, 326, 596. 778
Milford-on-Sea Elec. Supply, 950
Mirrlees- Watson. 908
Montevideo Telephone. 120. 162
Montreal Street Railway. 244. 285
Morley Elec. Engineering. 1026
Mountain & Gibson, 76
Nairobi Elec. Power & Lighting, 76. 520. 988
Nalder Bros. & Thompson. 286
National Elec. Supply. 743
National Telephone. 632. 743. 782. 824. 988
New Ignition Synd.. 444. 824
New Phonophore Telephone, 632
New Rottingdean Elec. 444
New St. Helens & District Tramways. 120. 163
Newcastle & District Elec. Lighting. 823. 908
Newcastle-on-Tyne Elec Supply, 786, 856, 987
Newmarket Elec. Light, 908
Newtons, 76
Northallerton Elec. Light, 824
Northampton Elec. Light & Power, 743, 1026
North Metropolitan Elec. Power Supply, 988,
1025
North-Western Elec & Power Gas, 824
Northern Elec. & Ventilatin?, 204
Norwich Elec. Tramways, 164
Notting Hill Elec. Lighting, 785, 822
N.S.W. Tramways. 325
Omega Elec. Lamp. 520
Oriental Telephone & Elec. 36, 988
Oxford Elec, 785. 866
P. & H. Synd., 164
Parker (T.), 76
Phffinix Elec. Heating, 596
Pope (R.), 326
Potter (Thomas) & Sons. 988
Power Gas Corpn.. 560
F^_mitiva Gas & Elec. Lighting of Buenos Aires,
Provincial Tramways. 406
Puebla Tramway. Light & Power, 244
Raden (Van) &Co., 76
Rees Roturbo, 204
Reside & Co., 908
Reyrolle (A.) &Co., 76
Richardsons, Westgarth & Co.. 244. 482, 824
Rio de Janeiro Tramway Light & Power, 163,
744. 908
River Plate Electricity. 988. 1026
Rosaria Elec, 36, 120. 866
Rothe.say Tramways. 988
St. James' & Pall Mall Elec Light, 164, 632,
670. 706, 742, 1026
Salisbury Elec. Light & Supply. 908
San Paulo Tramway, Light & Power. 354,'482,
866
Santoni (D.) &Co.. 244
Sax (J.) &Co.. 204. 824
Scarborough Elec. Supply. 786
Scott (E.) & Mountain. 406
Shanghai Elec. Cxjnstruction. 444
Shawinigan Water & Power. 406' 908
Siemens-Schuckert Elektricitatswerke, 325
Simplex Conduits. 744, 785
Simplified Underground Ckinductor. 204
Singapore Elec Tramways. 244. 286. 482
Slough & Datchet Elec. Supply. 1025
Smithfield Markets'Elec Supply. 76, 856, 950
Societe Anonyme Russo-Belge d'Enterprises
Electrique, 560
Societe Electro-lndustrielle, 444
Sociedad Co-operative Telefonica, Buenos
Ayres, 36
South London Elec. Supply, 444, 670, 908, 948
1026
South Metropolitan Elec. Light & Power. 596,
670, 785, 824
South Wales Elec. Power Distribution, 950,
1025
Southern Elec Trams, 744
Southport Tramways. 1025
Stewarts & Lloyds, 866
Stoltz Electrophone. 444
Stratford-on-Avon. Elec. 76. 326
Submarine Cable Trust, 1026
Submarine Signal. 204
Suffolk Elec Supply. 444
Sunderland District Elec. Tramways. 520
Telegraph Construction & Maintenance. 120,
706, 785. 822, 988
Topsham Elec. Supply. 630
Toronto Elec Light. 824
Torquay Tramways. 1026
Tyneside Elec. Development. 1026
\ Tyneside Tramways & Tramroads, 744
Typewriting Telegraph. 670
Underground Elec. Railways of London, 364,
444. 743. 785. 1026
United Alkali. 988
United Elec. Tramways of Monte Video, 76,
406. 444
United River Plate Telephone. 406
United Wire Works. 286
Unity Motor. Elec. & General Engineering, 824
Vancouver Power, 244
Vaughan & Son, 326
Venezuela Telephone & Elec. Appliances, 482
Veritys. 326
Vickers. Sons & Maxim. 866. 90S, 950
Victoria Falls Power, 119, 128, 154, 360, 632,
670, 743, 786. 1026
Wallsai Elec. 632
Warren. Beattie & Co.. 482
I Waste Heat & Gas Elec Generating Stations,
744
Waygood iR.) & Co.. 326
West African Telegraph. 164
West India & Panama Telegraph. 164, 204, 243
West Kootenay Power & Light. 364
Western Telegraph. 120. 164. 203. 354. 824
Western Union Telegraph. 120. 286. 596. 950
Westminster Elec. Supply. 532, 743, 783
Willans & Robinson, 986, 1024
Winchester Elec. Light & Power. 988
Windermere & District Elec. Supply. 988
Windsor Elec. Installation. 36. 1025
Winnipeg Elec. Railway. 744
Woking Elec. Supply. 1025
Wycombe (Borough) Elec Light & Power. 988
X Accumulator, 164
Yale Elec Power, 326
York (City of) Tramways, 866
Yorkshire Elec Power,''670,t744
Yorkshire (West Riding) 'Elec Tramways,
706
Companies, Joint-Stock (New Electrical, &c.),
Registered.
Ados. 744
Aero Fire Alarm. 164
Aluminium Founders. 482
Australian Electrical, 744
Auto-Controllers, 520
Balfour, Beatty & Co., 532
Batley Elec Carbonising, 285
Beaten Metal, 482
Boothroyd (H. T.). 37
British Medical Elec. Appliances, 908
British Tungsten Lamp. 364
Brook. Hirst, 950
Bruce Peebles, 364
Caergwrie & District Elec Supply. 326
Capetown-Cairo Railway & Telegraph Com-
bination, 560
Caronne Valley Elec. Supply. 204
Central Elec. Supply, 950
Clark (O.) & Co., 154
Consolidated Elec. Works & Appliances. 560
Dalziel's Constant Voltage Patents, 866
Davis Elec, 37
Dennison, Kett, 482
District Elec, 596
Dumfries Elec. Supply. 550
Easton Lift. 164
Economic Forced Draught & Engineering, 75
Elec. Contracts & Maintenance. 824
Elec. Industries Development. 950
Elec. Pulley Block. 706
Gebruder Adt A.-G.. 824
Globe Elec. 1025
Goring & Streatly Elec. Light & Power, 532
Gratze Limited, 866
Gravity Flame Arc Lamps, 444
Hurst, Nelson, 786
Imperial Brake Block of Great Britain and
Ireland, 204
Imperial Lamps Works (Brimsdown), 570
Improved Railway Signals, 950
Jeffreys, J.. 988
Johnson (B.)&Son, 326
Kensor (T.), 326
La Plata Elec. Tramways. 706
Lamplough & Son, 37
Lepel Wireless Synd., 866
" Le Radiant." 1026
Light Railway & General Construction, 286
Little (F.). 632
London Elec Wire & Smiths. 670
Lyme Regis Elec Light & Power, 908
Manaos Tramways & Light, 595
Mqrryat & McNaught, 154
Mercedy, Eaton & Davidson, 204
Mersey Motor & Elec, 1026
Mexican Northern Power, 824
Mica Supply (^., 866
Midland Agencies, 560
Midland Elec. Mfg., 320
Midgley & Simpson, 286
Mining Endneering Co.. 988
Morris & Lister. 1025
Motor & Industrial Engineering. 520
Munster Elec. Lighting, 244
National Elec Engineering, 950
Neville Kay & Co.. 325
New Transport. 244
Newall's Insulation. 364
Omega Elec. Lamp. 444
P. C. & H. Synd.. 744
P. V. Synd.. 744
Pacific Radio-Telegraph. 706
Patent Telephone Recorder. 744
Pemsel & Wilson. 286
Penrith Elec. Supply. 37
Permanent Way Institution. 37
Polkey Automobile Elec. Lighting. 10:
Pope's Elec. Lamp, 670
Private Telephone, 37
Railway & Colliery Acces-sories, 988
Regent Elec, 204
Reid. McPherson, 632
Reside. 482
Roberts (F. A.), 37
Robinson & Hands Elec. 286
Rossendale Valley Tramways, 786
Rowland & Hulton. 596
Russian Public Works & Construction, 744
Scott (J.). 75
Shardlow (C), 786
Ship Carbons. 37
Sitch(W.)&Co..866
Smith. T. E.. 1026
Standard Cable Mfg.. 520
Steel Wings Wind Turbine. 786
Sterling Telephone & Elec. 706
Southam & Wood. 744
Tearium (Metal Filament) Lamp Works. 866
Telegraph & Telephone 1 nstruments, 670
Telephone Instalment System, 908
Thomas Transmission, 4-14
Trickett&Co.. 75
Voss. 744
Wallach. 482
West Kent Elec. 244
West of Scotland Trading Co., 560
Wireless Synd., 988
Wood (J. E.)&Co., 164
Table Supplements to Volume LXII.
Tables of Electricity Supply and Traction Undertakings of the United Kingdom— 1908-9.
January 22, 1909 . . Table I. : Electricity Supply UKDEnrAKiKGS with kg Tramway Load.
anuary ^9, 1909 ... Tables Ia. and II. : Towns taking Electricity Supply " in Bulk," and Electricity Works Supplyinq both Liqhti.ng and Tramways.
January 1,1909 ... Table III. : Electric Power Companies.
January 15, 1909 ... Tables IV,, V. and VI. : Electric Tramways and Railways.
ebruary 12, 1909 ... Tables Vlt. and VIII. : Colonial and Foreign Electricity Supply Works and Tramways.
e ruary 19, 1909 ... Index to Tables op Electric Supply and Traction Undertakinos of the United Kingdom.
VOL. LXII.
INDEX.
rSupplement to ■• The Electrician,"
L April 2a, 19{ a.
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLEMENT.
OCTOBER, 1908, TO APRIL, 1909.
ITVDEX TO COIVTEIVTS.
Arc Lamp, " Excello. ' Improvements in. 56
Arc Lamp, The Flame, in Industry, 48
Arc Lamps, Jandus Flame, 60
Arc Lamps, " Gilbert " Flame. 37
Arc Lamps (Ltd.). New Works of, 25
Arc Lamps, Westinghouse Flame. 42
Arc Lighting. Crompton-Blondel System of,t39
Arcoflame Lamp, The, 44
Arcs, " Sunshine " Flame, 52
Auto-Transformers, Ediswan, 46
Centrip Gear, 72
Clusters. " Wireless."' 128
Control Gear, G.E.C.. 14
Control Gear, " Premier " Motor, 29
Control, Printing Press, 75
Cotton Mills as Power Load. 85
Couplings, Flexible. 172;
Cranes, A. & R. Electric. 78
Cranes, Appleby's, and Temperley Tran.s-
porters, 158
Drive, Individual, in Textiles, 117
Dynamos and Motors, Standard, 6i
Dynamos, Paraffin-Petrol, 86
Electric Power Episodes :
III. " The Value of Strikes,*' 27
IV. *' Turbining," 97
: V. " Steam and Other Things," 143
Electrolytic Work in the Paper Industry, 148 .
Engineer, The Cult of the " Catalog," 154
Gas, Slump in Suction, 130
Gas. Suction, 128
Guards, Expanded Metal, 81
Lamp, Magazine Flame, G.E.C., 52
Lamp Specialities, Johnson & Phillips, 48
Lamp, Victor Flame. 54
Lamps. Magazine, in Service, 50
Lamps, " Metallik," 148
Lamps, Portable Hand. 94, 184, 186
Lamps, Reason Flame. 53
Lift Controller, The '■ M. 3,." 38
Lift Gears. Small Motor, 99
Lifts, Comparison of Electric and Hydrai
200
Lighting, Cluster, 146
Lighting of Staircases, Electric, 200
Mining Gear. Siemens H.T., 74
Mining Installations, 121
Motor Breakdowns. 90
Motor Connections. Earthing, 132
Motor Ethics, Small, 180
Motor Installations. Westinghouse, 102
Motor, Union Installations, 115
Motors, A New Apparatus for Machining. 174
Motors at Home and Abroad, 116
Motors. Control of Printing Press. 182
Motors. E.C.C.. 126
Motors. Individual. 100
Motors. Polishing and Buffing. 196
Motors, Spinner, 84
Meters, Tramway, 141
Petrol-Electric Car for Railway Work, 154, 170
Pinions, Compressed Cotton, 90
Power Load, Cotton Mi'.ls as. 85
Power Plant, Spinning Mill, 116
Power Plants. Indian Colliery, 119
Power Supoly, Tables of Electric, 103-1 12, 134-
139. 162-167
Power Tables. 100, 128
Pumping Plant, Electrically driven, 168
Pump. " Tan-Gyro," 196
Pump, Three-stage Turbine, 170
Shipyard Installations. 113
Speed Indicators. Electrically operated, 156
Staircases, Lighting of. 200
Starter, Liquid Motor. 191
Starters, (Igranic) 24. ('* Direkton *') 28,
{Siemens Flywheel) 31, {New Slow Motion)
96, (Liquid) 114
Starters, Three-phase Remote Control, 10
Switches and Switchgear, Ajax. 25
Switches. Hand-wound Time, 194
Switchgear, (Ferranti) 2. (Reyrolle) 5. fWest-
inghouse) 16, (Eckstein. Heap & Co.) 17,
(Bertram Thomas's) 21
Telephone Instruments. Siemens. 184
Telephones in Railway Work. 182
Telephony.The Relation of, to Engineering, 132
Time Limit, " Air- Vane," 175
Transformers, Auto, Ediswan, 46
Traverser, A 70-ton Electric, 173
Turbo-Generators, Siemens, 197
Turntables, Electric, 100, 120
The Electrical Work
Winches. Transportable Electric, 157
Wiring. Cheaper Industrial. 96
" Wireless '" Clusters, 128
THE ELECTRICIAN:
THE OLDEST WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND FINANCE
ESTABLISHED, First Series Weekly), 1861; Second Series (Weekly), 1878.
No. 1,587. [vo1.°Lx^•..]
FRIDAY, OCTOBER i6, 1908.
Price Sixpence 'Vj?",''-
AbroadSd., or 18 cenU, or SOc.. or soiy.
CONTENTS OF THE CURRENT NUMBER.
Notes 1
Arrangements for the Week 3
Electric Traction on Railways.
VIII.— Motor Trucks. By
Philip Dawson. Illustrated.
Continued 4
The Manchester Electrical
Exhibition.— III. Illus. . . 6
The Edison Accumulator
applied to Automobilps.
Illustrated 12
A Railway Accumulator Car.
By Louis Dubois Illus. . . 13
The Influence of Atmospheric
Humidity on Electrical Re-
sistances. Illustrated ....
Some Results of Experience
with Electrically -driven
Rolling Mills. By C.
Koettgen and C. A. Ablett,
B.Sc 16
Stitdent Research 18
A Word on Criticism 19
The Gardiner System of Cab
Signalling. Illustrated 20
14
Wolverhampton Corporation
Tramways 22
Correspondence 23
The Phut Down at Lots
Road (CharlesC. Garrard).
International Conference on
Electrical Units and
Standards 23
Flywheel Equalisers. Illus. 26
Smoke. Bv .James Swin-
burne, F.r'.S 27
The Ideal Home Exhibition
at Olympia 27
Board of Trade Regulations
for Electric Lines 28
Franco-British Exhibition
Awards 28
Legal Intelligence. 29
Municipal, Foreign & General
Notes 30
Trade Notes and Notices 33
Companies' Meetings and
Reports 35
City Notes 36
Companies' Share List 37
N O T £: s.
The International Conference on Units.
It is so long .since tlie last International Conference on
Electrical Units and Standards that there is a good deal of
work for the Conference now sitting to take in hand. The
first meeting was held on Monday', and matters were then
left for consideration by the Technical Committee. It was
not unnatiu'al that the Ohm should immediately come in for
a good deal of attention. Lord Eayleigh e.xpressed the
opinion that it might be better not to adopt a mercury
standai'd at all, because absolute methods of measurement
would probably very soon give us all that was necessary.
•Mr. Tkottee also, from another point of view, was by
n\) means in lavour of mercury standards, for the reason
thai such standards have not met with any great success
among the general body of workers in this country. There
" was also a question whether the length and weight of the
mercury column should be fixed once for all. Dr. War-
burg was of the opinion that this should be so, as it was
extremely inconvenient for commercial purposes to have
different values irom time to time. "We think this view
will be generally accepted as being practicable. Unlike
a standard cell, a definite value for the mercury ohm
results in commercial standards being made in terms of
that standard, and these commercial wire resistances can- j
not be conveniently changed if the dimensions of the mercury I
ohm are suddenly altered, confusion being the result.
The suggestion was made by Dr. Ecsa that the length of
the mercury standard should be fi.\ed once for all as
1 metre, the weight being correspondingly reduced. Con-
sidering that the idea of having 1 sq. mm. cross-section is
no longer part of the definition, we think there is a good
deal in favour of Dr. Eo-Sa's view. His resolution, how-
ever, was lust when discussed by the Technical Com-
mittee, and we do not suppose that the subject will receive
further attention at the hands of the Conference.
Cab Signalling.
The attention of railway engineers has been increasingly
directed of late years to the problem of giving signals in
the cab of a locomotive, .so as to avoid relying upon sema-
phore arms, the ol )servation of which is rendered difficult by
fog, and requires a constant look-out on the part of the
driver. Elsewhere in the present issue our readers will
find a description of yet another system for this purpose,
due to Capt. A. Gakdinek, who is officially connected
with the working of the Indian State Itailways. Hitherto
inventors, as a rule, have aimed merely at transmitting
the desired signal to the cab, relying then upon the human
element to perform any action that might be necessary. The
human element, however, is by no means reliable, and un-
fortunately the history of railways has undoubtedly been
. marred by many accidents, which can scarcely be described
as accidents in the true meaning of the word, due to an
absolute disregard of precautions that were well known
by the driver to be necessary. This is the only con-
clusion that can be reached in many cases, though unfor-
tunately it cannot always be confirmed, because on such
occasions the driver and stoker have frequently paid the
penalty with their lives. The object which Capt. Gakdiner
has in view in his particular system is the elimina-
tion of the human element. The driver receives certain
signals, and if these are disregarded steam is auto-
matically cut off and the brakes are applied. The driver
may resume control of the train if he desires, but it will be
necessary lor him to take steps to run into danger instead
of taking action to avoid it. If he takes off the brakes
and puts on more steam, he knows that he is doing so
with the certainty of immediate danger. Further than
this, it is possible to obtain a continuous record of all
signals that are received, so that there will be no diffi-
culty in the case of an accident in determining exactly
what took place. Xaturally, the system must stand the
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 16, 1908.
test of time and experience. It appears, however, to be
a move in the right direction, and we hope that it will
introduce the era of automatic working, in which the risk
attendant on the human element is eliminated.
Manganin Resistances.
About a year ago we published a Paper by Messrs.
E. B. EosA and H. D. Babcock, in which it was pointed
out that the values of raanganin resistances treated with
shellac in the ordinary way were lialjle to vary from time
to time on account of the shellac taking up varying degrees
of moisture and thus altering its volume. In the case of
small resistances the variation was not of much account, but
where the resistances were large the mechanical action of
the shellac on the very much greater length of finer wire
used produced considerable \-ariations in the resistance
amounting to several parts in 10,000. Subsequently,
Messrs. W. .Jaeger and St. Lindeck, in a communication
to Tlic Electrician, went into the question at some length,
and expressed the opinion that the variations of resistance
due to the shellac, if existing at all in the climate at the
Eeichsanstalt, remained very small. The result of further
work on this subject at the Eeichsanstalt, however,
does not confirm this view ; for in an article published
in the Zeitsehrift fiir Instrumentenkunde, of which we
give an abstract in our present issue, considerable varia-
tions were found when coils were placed in an atmosphere
of 80 per cent, humidity. It was found that petroleum
was of very little use as a protection, but that paraffin oil
was effective. A partial cure for the trouble was secured
by slitting the bobbin, so that any swelling of the shellac
causes deformation in the bobbin rather than in the wire.
Work has also been carried out on this subject by Mr.
F. E. Smith, of the ISTational Physical Laboratory, and the
results, to which we shall return in our next issue,
confirm those of Messrs. Eo.sA and Babcock, so that
the effect is evidently not restricted to Washington or
any other part of the globe. Mr. Smith concludes with
the iirteresting remark that, since some high -resistance
coils show the effect to only a negligible extent, it is pos-
sible that a shellac may be pi'epar6d, which, after baking,
is not appreciably hygroscopic.
gear for controlling the amount of field excitation under
the varying conditions of armature reaction imposed by the
widely divergent limits of .speed, determining the respec-
tive moments of motoring and generating on the part of
tlie machine. The system is most interesting, and will
mark an epoch in the running of such supply stations, both
public and private, as are confronted with the problem of
keeping the generator output constant on a rapidly fluctua-
ting load.
Flywheel Equalisers.
Ix another column we describe briefly a special flywheel
storage, set which has been developed by the Lancashire
Dynamo & Motor Co. for tramways, small railways, docks,
shipyards and every form of intermittent industrial power
load. Flywheel storage systems are not new. They are
already in operation in connection with pit winders and
rolling mills, but only on a large scale. The flywheel
equaliser is an adaptation of the system to the needs of
undertakings hitherto much in need of so useful a device,
but deprived of its services for several commercial reasons,
the most important being probably first capital cost. By
the use of a special armour-plate flywheel, which Messrs.
Armstrong have made the subject of a patent, speeds, at
one time too high for other forms of wheel, can now be
obtained. Another contributing factor is the employment
of inter-poles on the dynamo-electric machine used, and
yet another is the introduction of special automatic switch-
Accumulator Traction.
I'liioR to last year, when the success claimed by the Lon-
don Electrobus Co. revived interest in the question, the sub-
ject of accumulator traction had become somewhat stagnant.
There is no doubt, however, that the results achieved with
the Electrobus are better than were generally expected by
its critics, and that improvements in the lead accumulator
\vA\e gradually brought this system of traction more within
the field of commercial engineering. In our present issue
two articles will be found dealing with this subject. One
of these describes a type ot accumulator car which is
being adopted to a considerable extent on the Prus-
sian State Eailways, and which is stated to be giving
very satisfactory results. It will be seon that, with a
battery of 180 cells, having a working capacity of 200
ampere-hours, speeds of 20 to 30 miles per hour are
obtained, and that at a speed of 24 miles per hour these
cars can cover a distance of 86 miles on one charge. The
life of the positive plates is said to be 62,000 car-miles
and of the negative plates 37,000 car-miles, -which will
seem to most of our readers very optimistic. The ques-
tion of weight is second in importance only to that of the
life of the plates, and it will be seen that, in the case of
these cars, the accumulators are stated to yield 6-8.5 watt-
hours per kilogramme — i.e., '61 watt-hours per pound
of cell complete. This figure does not compare very
favourably with that for the Tudor batteries used on
the Electrobus ; for, according to the particulars given in
our issue of December 6th last, about 12 watt-hours per
pound are obtained from those accumulators. But under
railway conditions weight is not so important, and this
may account for the long life that is expected. In this
connection it is interesting to refer to another article in
our present issue describing the Edison accumulator,
manufactured by the Deutsche Edison Akkumulatoren
Co., of Berlin, for traction purposes. From the particu-
lars there given it will be seen that about 11 watt-hours
per pound of complete cell are claimed. No doubt, the
most important claims for this cell are that it can be con-
pletely discharged without permanent injury and thai it
can withstand the ill effects of vibration.
University of Cambridge. — In connection with the visit of
the members of the International Conference on Electrical
ITnits and Standards to this country, it is proposed to confer
the degree of Doctor of Science honoris causa on the following
delegates : Prof. S. A. Arrhenius, M. Lippmann, Dr. S. W.
Stratton and Dr. Warburg.
Cable Interruptions. Date of Interruption.
Paramaribo — Cayenne Sep. 3, 1908
Pontianak— .Saigon Sep. 16, 1908
Sitia— Rhodes Sep. 17, 1908
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 16, 1908.
Bfishap at Chelsea Generating Station. — In connection with
t)ie official report on this occurrence, which was published on
p. 1010 of our last issue, we are informed that in the last line
375 mesohnis should read 0-375 megohms.
Fire at the City-road Electricity Works. — In reference to
the reports of a fire which was stated to have occurred at the
City-road generating station of the County of Loudon Electric
Supply Co. on Friday evening, we are informed that the
following are the facts of the case : —
The operating engineer was in the act of synchronising a 400 kw.
motor generator when an arc occurred on the switchboarfl. Imme-
diately" following this a short circuit occurred on the main panel
of the 1,500 kw. turbo alternator, resulting in a section of the switch-
board being completely burnt out, but the remaining portion of the
switchboard was not "injured, and the company had, therefore, no
difficulty in resuming supply by at once starting up a reserve turbine
set of 2,i500 kw.
Glasgow Section of the Institution of Electrical Engineers.
The seventh annual dinner of this section will be held at
" The Grosveuor," Gordon-street, Glasgow, on Tuesday,
November 17th at 7 p.m. It is particularly requested that
members proposing to attend will communicate with the
honorary secretary as soon as possible.
Manchester Students' Section of the Institution of Elec-
trical Engineers. — The 190H-9 session of this Section will be
inaugurated on Tuesday, October 27th, by a smoking concert,
to be held at the Grand Hotel, Aytoun-street, Manchester.
Members are requested to attend this function in their
thousands, and we assume, if the supper menu is any cri-
terion, that the success of the entertainment is already assured.
Manchester Section of the Institution of Electrical Engi-
neers.— The first meeting of this Section for the session
1908-9 will be held on Friday next, the 23rd inst., at the
Midland Hotel, Manchester, when Mr. Miles Walker will give
an address as chairman of the Section. A very complete list
of Papers for reading and discussion at subsequent meetings
has been provisionally arranged. These meetings will, by
kind permission of the University authorities, be held in the
Physical Laboratory of the University of Manchester.
The Institution of Municipal Engineers. — At a meeting of
the Council of thi.s Institution, held on Friday last, the secre-
tary reported that an agreement for the tenancy of offices at
39, Victoria-street, Westminster, S.W., had been entered into,
and members were requested to note the consequent change of
address. At the general meeting held later, Mr. Charles A.
Fortune, city surveyor of Bath, in the chair, the draft of the
proposed bye-laws of the Institution, which had been circu-
lated among the members, was considered and approved, and
an amended copy will shortly be sent to each member. The
only alteration of any moment is the inclusion of a clause
setting forth that the designatory agnomen for members is
"M.LMun.E."
Royal Engineers (Territorial Force). — The following Elec-
trical Engineers (Volunteers) officers have been transferred to
the Territorial Force, with rank as in the Volunteer Force : —
Works Company, City of Edinhit,rgh (For/res.i). — Capt. .John Cowan
and Lieut. J. D. Park.
Electric Lights Compa,ny, Oily of Edinburgh (Fortres.-!). — Capt. and
Hon. Major A. Ogilvie and Lieut. A. 0. Peebles.
C'l(imo>yaii>:l,irc{Fcrt.res!<).— Major W. H. D. Caple.
Electric Lights Company, Renfrewshire {Fortress). — Capt. (captain,
Reserve of Officers) A. H. Anderson and Lieut. R. H. Rowan.
In the City of Dundee (Fortress) Lieut. -Col. F. S. Stephen, late com-
•landing Tay Division (Submarine Miners, R.E.) Volunteers, is ap-
Ptjnted from the retired list to be captain, relinquishing the substan-
'''^'' rank of lieut.-colonel. Harry Richardson, late second-lieutenant
of thtTay Division is appointed lieutenant in the same company.
Coventry — In connection with the resignation of Mr. J. A
Jeckell as engineer and manager of Coventry Corporation
electricity department, which was announced a few days ago,
Mr. Jeckell writes us as follows : —
TO THK EDITOU OF THE ELECTRICIA.N.
Sir : Several years ago I expressed some opinions with regard to the
commercial management of electricity su|)ply works. These expres-
sions of opinion were not received favourably in some iiuarters. In
course of time I had the management of the electricity works here
offered me, and the opportunity occurred of putting into operation my
ideas. The result is well known to anyone who has examined the
B.O.T. returns.
All went well while I was able to carry out these idfeas in their
entirety. The flay came, however, when a new committee would not
allow of these ideas being wholly worked to, and the effect of this is
shown in last year's balance, which otherwise would have been £1,000
larger.
Lately the principles upon which I had worked were still further
violated, the result being that I feel sure the profits will decrease
below what they have been this year. Time will prove whether I am
right.
Finding, therefore, that we could not work in harmony, it was
obviousl}' better to partcompan}'. — Yours faithfully, J. A. .Joeckelt,.
International Electrotechnical Commission. — The first meet
ing of the council of the above Commission is to be held at the
Medical Hall, Victoria Embankment, on Monday morning next.
The address of welcome to the foreign delegates will be given
by the Rt. Hon. A. .J. Balfour, M.P. The following is the
list of delegates : —
Argentine, a representative appointed by the Government.
Australia, a representative appointed by the Government.
Belgium, a i-epresentative of the .Society of Electricians.
Brazil, a representative appointed by the Government.
Canada, Mr. Ormond Higman.
Denmark, Mr. S. A. Fabec (vice-president of the Danish committee)
and Prof. Absalon Larsen.
France, M. Paul Boucherot (vice-president of the French committee)
and JI. Ch. David.
Germany, Dr. E. Budde (president of the German committee) and
Herr G. Dettmar.
Great Britain, Sir John Gavey, C.B. (president of the British com-
mittee) and Prof. Silvanus Thompson, F.R.S.
Hungary, Mr. .Josef Vater.
.Japan, Dr. Osuke Asano and Mr. Shigeru Kondo (representatives of
the Japanese Electrical Society).
Mexico, General Don Jose Maria Perez and Sr. Alfonso Castello.
Russia, M. de Chatelain.
South Africa, Mr. Lee Murray (representative of the South African
Society of Engineers).
Spain, the president and a delegate of the Spanish committee.
Sweden, Prof. Svante Arrhenius.
U.S.A., a delegate of the U.S.A. committee.
The Scientific Principles of Radiotelegraphy and Radiotele-
phony. — On Wednesday afternoon last Prof. .J. A. Fleming,
D.Sc, delivered the first of a series of post-graduate lectures on
the above subject. This course of nine lectures is to be given
at University College, and the lecture in question served as an
introduction to the subject and was open to the public. _A
large audience was present, the chair being taken |by Major
W. A. J. (J'Meara, R.E., C.M.G. The lecturer first gave a brief
sketch of the development of wireless telegraphy, laying stress
on the work of Marconi, and then passed on to describe the
principles of the transmitting and receiving apparatus, men-
tioning the various forms of detectors in use. After referring
to directive systems of wireless telegraphy, Dr. Fleming made a
few remarks about wireless telephony and concluded his lecture
by mentioning some " wireless " problems awaiting solution.
These were: An effective means of " transforming-up " the
frequency ; the concentration of radiations in a given direc-
tion ; automatic receiving and transmitting apparatus operating
at high speeds ; and a means of simultaneously using the same
antenna for sending and receiving messages. The lecture was
illustrated by a number of lantern slides and diagrams, whilst
some of the apparatus referred to by the lecturer was also
exhibited.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE WEEK.
FRIDAY, OctoDer 16th (to-day).
In-stitction' of Mechanical Enoineers.
Sp.m. Meeting at Storev's Gate. Paper on " Rep.ilrs, Renewuls,
Deterioration and Depreciation of Workshop Plant and
Machinery," by Mr. J. E. Darbishire.
MONDAY, October 19tll.
.JcNioR Institution of Engineers.
; p.m. Meeting at the Royal United Service Institution, White-
hall. Annual General Meeting, followed at
S p.m. by an Ordinary Meeting. Paper, " Some Xotes on HyThau-
lic Plate Cutting and Riveting Machines," by Mr. ^. b.
Trustrum.
FRIDAY, October 23rd.
Physicai. Society.
S:3(J p. m. Visit to the National Phvsical Laboratory, Teddington
Manchester Section of The Institution of Ei.kctkical Engineers.
7:J0 p.m. Meeting at the Midland Hotel, Manchester. Address •
by the Chairman, Mr. Miles Walker.
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 16, 1908.
ELECTRIC TRACTION ON RAILWAYS.*
VIII.-MOTOR TRUCKS.
BY PHILIP DAWSON.
(Continued from paife 905.)
Summary. — In this article the author deals with the design of trucks
suitable for geared motors. For r.ailway work bogie trucks are almost
universally used, and various types and makes are here described,
those witli pressed steel side frames lieing most in favour in this country.
The method of suspending tlie motors and their position are also
discu.seed.
We now come to consider a very important point in con-
nection with motor Ijogies, namely, the best method of sus-
pending the motors from the trucks they propel, and on this
point there are great differences between both different
users as well as manufacturers.
Fig. 15 illustrates a Brill truck of the design just described
equipped with two single phase motors constructed by the
General Electric Co. of America. In this truck the motors
sion springs, it being claimed, taking up the .shock in pa.ssmg
over points and cros.sings and uneven track and rail joints.
The method for supporting the motors from the truck is
of the greatest importance, and undoubtedly some form o?
spring suspension is essential to smooth running and to
keep down the cost of truck and motor repairs. When the
cradle suspen.sion referred to is not in use, a nose is usually
cast on the part of the motor casing farthest from the axle
which either rests on a rigid support fixed to the truck
transom or rests on it by means of coil springs, and there is
little reason to doubt that the latter is the better of the two.
The effect of these springs on the permanent way or on the
car body is of little, if any, importance, as there are alwavs
the truck springs between the motor and either the per-
manent way or the coach body. But the same thing cannot
be said as regards the effect on the truck or the motors
themselves.
The method above described of supporting the motor
causes some 50 to 60 per cent, of the motor weight to fall
^"^^^S'^^taC
Fic. 15. — Brill High-Speed Motor Truck.
are supported through coil springs fixed to the transom. :
A similar method of fixing the motors is shown in Fig. 13. \
Fig. 16 shows the truck constructed according to the design
of the Prussian State Railway engineers for the Hamburg
Blankenese railway, and fitted with two single-phase motors
of the Winter-Eichberg type constructed by the Allgemeine
Elektricitats Gesellschaft of Berlin. Fig. 17 shows the
truck equipped with two Westinghouse motors supported
by what is generally known as the '" cradle suspension."
In this method the two motors have one of their ends at-
tached to the axles by means of suitable bearings. The
other end of the motor is supported by means of double coil
springs, one above and the other below a special nose cast
on it, to a cross member which in its turn has longitudinal
members running along the length of the truck when it is
fixed to another cross supported to the other motor in a
similar way to that just described. In this form of suspen-
sion it will be seen that the entire weight of the motors and
their supporting cradle is carried by the axles, the suspen-
* Copyright. All rights of reproductiou are reserved.
direct on to the axles and to induce very large stresses in the
axles from the shocks which are experienced when going
over points and cros;ings or low joints, &c. It is for this
reason that many other devices have been suggested for
upporting motors so as to reduce the direct motor load to
be carried by axles. Unfortunateiy by none of these
Data of some Typical Motor Bogiti.
1
Number and
1
Diam. of
WTieel
size of
Railway.
wheels.
base.
motors j«r
1
ms.
ft. in.
motor truck.
Metropolitan District Ry. . . 1
36
6 6
2x200 d.c.
Lancashire & Yorkshire. (Mr.
42
8 0
2x150 d.c.
Hoy's trucks)
North Eastern Railway ....
36
7 0
Metropolitan Railway
36
7 0
2 X 150 d.o.
New York Interborough
33J
6 8
2 X 200 d.o.
Rapid Transit
Berlin Cross Lichterfelde
39i
8 n
2 X 125 d.c.
(Prussian Gov. Ry.)
Hamburg Blankenese (Prus-
39i
8 n
2 X 120 a.c.
sian Gov. Ry.)
I
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 16, 1908.
methods is it possible to free the motor from its unalterable
position relatively to the car axle which, whatever the
laethod of suspension adopted under the conditions of hori-
zontal movement are unchangeable. There is the so-
called centre of gravity suspension in which the nose is cast
on the motor case as near its centre of gravity as possible
and supported on a cradle ring by means of springs from
wiring. In some cases, notably in that of the Hamburg-
Blankenese line where two car trains are at present in use,
the outside end of each car body is fitte-d with a bogie motor
truck whereas that end where the two coaches are coupled
together is only fitted with one single a.xle. The bod es are,
however, so con.structed that should it be desirable at a
later date a bogie can be substituted for the simple axle.
Fig. 16. — Motor Truck, PettssIan State Railways, Hambirg-Blankenesb, equipped with 2x USh.p. A.E.G. Single-phase Motors.
the truck frame, but this method has now been nearly ^ In principle for economical reasons, both as regards co t of
abandoned.
As regards the positions of the motors, either from wheel
bogies, which for motor coaches are practically the standard,
the motors are always hung between the axles although in
operation as we'l as maintenance, it is we'l within limits
which are depending on points .such as adhesion, length of
train, &c., to use the fewest possib'e number of motors per
train rather increasing their power than their number.
tramway work there have been cases in which the outside ! Indeed, if this practice is logicallv carried to its proper con
iii^'^
\ Fig. 17. — Truck fitted with Two Westinghouse Motors a>"d Cradle Suspexsiox.
position has been chosen. As regards the distribution of elusion, we arrive at the use of electric locomotives being
motors, if only two motors are to be used per motor car it is substituted for motor coaches, and in many cases of heavy
usual to put both motors on one bogie instead of fitting railway traction there is a gi-eat deal to be said in favour of
one motor to each bogie. This arrangement possesses this solution. This brings us to the point of considering the
several advantages such as that if the motors want attend- question of electric locomotives and their usual present
ing to only one bogie has to be removed ; it also enables a methods of construction, and this subject will be dealt with
cheaper and lighter form of bogie to be used for the trail end in detail in a future article,
of the car, and reduces the cost and complication of the car (To be continued.)
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 16, 1908.
THE MANCHESTER ELECTRICAL EXHIBITION— IIL
SWITCHGEAR EXHIBITS.
AVe^vrere agreeably surprised at the number of exhibits of
switches and switchgear, and also at the quality of the appara-
tus shown. Engineers interested in this branch of electrical
manufacture will find on practically every switchgear stand
something new to attract their attention. The Olympia
Electrical Exhibition was noteworthy for the amount of switch-
ing apparatus shown for the first time, but we think that the
present display leaves Olympia far behind, for at the time of
that exhibition practicall}' nothing had been done in the way of
ironclad switchgear for industrial power purposes. Simuarh',
the high-tension central station gear was undergoing a pro-
cess of transition from the compact form of gear to the present
pattern in which 'bus bars, switches, instruments, transformers,
isolating gear, &c., are distributed over a large area in brick or
concrete cells. We have devoted practically the whole of the
Industrial Supplement published with this issue, to general
details of the switching apparatus exhibited at Manchester, but
for the guidance of our readers we append hciewith a summary
of these exhibits.
The largest display of central station gear is made by
Messrs. Ferranti. who have two large boards, high and low
tension, in the Corporation sub-station, each of which consti-
tutes in itself an interesting exhibit. At one end of the sub-
station is the company's stand, upon which has been assembled
typical examples of their control apparatus. The features of this
exhibit are an electrically-operated motor-control switch, a lever-
operated switch with " off-cock " synchronising arrangement,
a number of heavy capacity carbon circuit-breakers, rheostat
gear and motor-stai-ting switches. Messrs. A. Reyrolle & Co.
make a special display of their high-tension ironclad switch-
gear, which is shown in operation with the Merz-Price protec-
tive system. This has been developed by the company, and
put to extensive use on the network and transmission lines of the
Newcastle Electric Supply Co. Motor starters vnth special
current growing valve, replacement fuses, knife switches and j
motor-control panels go to make this exhibit a very complete j
and interesting one. The Westinghouse Company's exhibit
is devoted to the Supplies Dept. Co., but several examples of
switches and switchgear have been introduced. Noticeable
amongst these is a large carbon circuit-breaker of heavy
capacity, an ironclad control panel for industrial service and a
special exhibit of Westinghouse series gear for reducing the
light load losses on A.C. systems supplying the network through
transformer sub-stations. This gear is quite automatic, and is
shown at the Exhibition for the first time. We hope to publish
details in another issue. The General' Electric Co. have a
control board fitted up on their stand from which a solenoid
switch of the oil type can be operated from a distance. The
switch will be found to have a number of interesting features
amongst which is the arrangement of the push button control and
the locking device for holding the switch in the " on '' position.
Interesting examples of lightning arresters, motor starters and
other gear are also shown on the stand. Messrs. Siemens
Bros. Dynamo Works include in their exhibit what is
probably the most interesting form of starter in the Exhibition.
The operator has merely to move over a large handwheel and
leave the switch to do the rest. The movement of the hand-
wheel winds up a sprmg which, directly the lever operated by
the handwheel is moved home, proceeds to actuate an escape-
ment which is controlled by a small flywheel. This starter is
shown under actual cii-cuit conditions, and will bear very close
inspection as an interesting solution of the motor-starter
problem. The Adams Manufacturing Co. make a specially
fine display of their startuig switches for A.C. and D.C. motors.
The exhibit includes an automatic control gear for pump
service, a centrifugal pump having been erected for the supply
of water to an overhead tank. The gear stops or starts the
pump according to the level in the water tank.
Messrs. Bertram Thomas are making a special show of
automatic switchgear for motor control. An interesting
device is a dashpot attachment to ajsolenoid rheostat, by the
use of which the travel of the rheostat arm is converted from
the usual steady motion to a series of step-ljy-step movements.
The auto-switchgear for battery control and also the display
of apparatus made on the stand of the Lancashire Dynamo
& Motor Co., in conjunction with their equaliser flywheel set,
constitutes a unique exhibit. This firm also make a large
display of circuit-breakers and special control panels for central
station and sub-station service. At the exhibit of Messrs.
Eckstein, Heap & Co. will be found a large variety of switch-
ing apparatus for A.C. and D.C. circuits. The large circuit-
breakers shown here have numerous points of interest and will
bear close inspection, particularly a special form of automatic
reverse current device. We may also direct attention to
the three-phase oil switches, circuit-breakers and automatic
gear of which this firm make a speciality. The ironclad A.C.
motor-control jDanels are of considerable interest and will
doubtless come in for close scrutinv by engineers in charge of
industrial power plants, .\midst the display of various kinds
of electrical apparatus made by the Union Electric Co. will
be found several examples of high-tension ironclad control gear.
One of these is noticeable for the neat manner in which the
cable connections and contacts have been placed at the bottom
of the oil tank clear of the operating gear, which is attachedjto
the hd above the level of the oil. This gear has full automatic
features, and should be closely inspected. We may also
remark upon the very fine display of switchboard instruments
of Messrs; Hartmann & Braun's manufacture on a special
board on this stand. Messrs. Parmitek. Hope & Sugden are
showing examples of the Hope " spring-on " ironclad s-.vitch
fuse which has come in for a considerable amoimt of favoui-able
comment. The same firm manufacture ironclad switch and
fuse boxes for industrial service, numerous examples of these
being shown. On the same stand the Premier Electric
Control have a quantity of motor-startei: gear for X.C.
and D.C. machines which is well worthy of inspection.
The motor starters embody numerous interesting features
which should make this apparatus specially useful for in-
dustrial service. Messrs. Electric Control (Glasgow)
also show on the same stand a pattern of three-phase motor
starter for solenoid control which is quite automatic and very
efiective in action. Messi's. Marples, Leach & Co. include
in their varied electrical exhibit a number of interesting switch-
ing devices, amongst which we may specially mention the
" Direkton " starter, which is an absolutely fool-proof device,
the switch handle being moved to the " on " position and the
resistance being notched out without the necessity for any
further attention. Messrs. Whipp & Bourne make a speciality
of circuit-breakers for D.C. ser\dee, and numerous ex:amples
of these are shown in several cases under actual service con-
ditions. The same firm also exhibit three-phase oil switch-
gear, which is made up specially for control of A.C. motors.
Messrs. Bray, Markham & Reiss are making a special display
of their motor-starter gear, which has been produced mainly to-
comph^ with the conditions required for the control of D.C.
motors.
The above practically includes the names of all the fi.rms who
are showing switchgear at the Exhibition and a tour of mspec
tion of the exhibits will be found to make up a very interesting
day's work. Our readers will find more detailed informatio.-i in
the Industrial Supplement accompanying our present Jssue
DETAILS OF THE EXHIBITS.
British Insulated & Helsby Cables, Limited.
The exhibit of the British Insulated & Helsby Cables on stand
No. 28 contains an exhaustive display of their well-known " Prescof '
specialities. These include a section of an overhead transmission line
for 20,000 volts, showing tlie various types of fittings and poles and
the way in which the wires are terminated by shackles. An interest-
ing feature of this exhibit are two transmission lines, one being of
copper and the other of aluminium of eqivalent section ; their
diameters are 0-372 in. and 0-460 in. respectively. In this connection
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 16, 1908.
!i IiU<;c miinber'of copiier juul alumiiiiiim \v ue~ \n(lcxbles in various
stages of manufacture are .'sliowii, a^ 1- iKu tin iluunnuini spr(>i-nin<>'
which has been lately adopted on teli i i h U I'll, n ;ir(;,
besides, numerous exam[)les of " Pi e-'Coi I I i il. [.liune
apparatus, as well as such details as mot n l\ n I ;_;nli l.:ills.
Fig. 1. — " Phescot " Chain Wkliier,
The outstanding feature of the tramway exhibit we described in our ,
last issue, 'and a detailed survey of tlie switchgear section is ap[)earing
in this week's IxrirsTKrAi, Si'itle^iext.
■at II- sliow
mLI.t. Til
il li:.^ .■iliv.
on this stand is of special interest.
■ equipment lias l.ieen described before
One piece. if
It is llie" TivM
in 77e /■./../,■„„,„, ,111.1 lia^ ,ilr.:i.ly received a wide application. The
latest adilitinn t.i th.' ii.iiii. i ..n- -tamlaid types of this apparatus is
the automdi.- eliain H.l.i.r -ln.u n m Fig. "l. This machine is belt-
driven and is provi.l.-.l v. ill. tliu-. -hafi-, one driven continuously by a
pulley as long as the machine is ni operation, while the other two make,
periodically, one re\olution only. The unwelded chain is fed tlirousrh
the left-hand channel to the welding point, where each link in turn is
gripped by the upsetting levers and the contact pieces. At this
juncture the ]:irimary circuit is closed and a clutch is thrown out of
gear to bring the cam shafts to rest. The current, when passing from
one contact piece to the other, by means of the interposed portion of
chain, heats and softens that part of the link which is to be welded. The
weights suspended on a toggle lever then come into action and make
the weld by up.setting the link. At the same time the clutch puts into
motion the cam shafts, which switch otl' the current and close the
swaging levers on tlie link while it is still at welding heat and
under the pressure of the upsetting tog.j-le, thus ensuring a thoroughly
sound weld. The chain is now te.t al.nc^. and the next link is brought
to the welding point, where it i- ._:iip|i, i| and welded ; and so the cycle
of operations is repeated as long us the chain is fed into the machine
The swaging process lea\'es, at the weld, a thin tin, which is remo\ed
by a shearing device. Each chain has, of course, to pass twice through
the machine, as only e\eiy other link can be dealt with at one pas-
sage. The size to which" the link is upset in the welding can be
accurately adjusted for every kind of chain, thus securing uniformity
of all the links in a chain. The primavy coil of the transformer is
wound in steps, w-hereby the time required tor heating the links,
and consequently the output of the machine, may be varied as
desired.
This machine can deal with rods from 5 to 1 B.W.G. (0220 in. to
0'300 in. in diameter), and can make 10 to 12 welds per minute. The
maximum power required does not exceed 13-5 ii.c, which includes
that neee.ssary tor driving the machine. Nos. 4 and 6 "Prescof
welder are also shown in operation on the stand, the latter beinn- sup-
plied with single-phase current at 400 volts. "Spot" welding is
shown on tliis machine, a method recently introduced to replace
riveting in sheet iron and hollow ware and is likely we think to cause
a mild revolution in ttiis branch of engineering work. It requires
10 H.i'. for driving purposes and each weld takes about seven seconds.
No. 4 welder is also shown in operation. It has been specially designed
for welding iron or weldable steel wires from 0-005 in. to 0-25 in. in
diameter. The machine has many excellent devices to fit it for its
work, including s[)ecial cut-off gear and ball bearings to reduce friction
at the moving parts. In this
j>s"' section a Bates & Peard an-
' nealing furnace is shown.
Some interesting appara-
tus is shown in the section
dealing with telegraphic and
telepli.iTiic apparatus. This
iiielu.les a wood-cased radial
anil telephone (Fig. 2) which
i^ specially designed for
hot. I and warehouse use. It
is very compact, and the
radial arm allows the trans-
mitter to be varied in height,
but as it moves in a plane
parallel with the face of the
instrument the transmitter
diapliLc^m is always kept
V.I Ilia I. and, therefore, in
till- |i..~ition of maximum
speal<ing efEcienc}'. The
transmitter is a special de-
sign of modified solid back
ty]ie. The diaphragm con-
sists of a metal centre with
cential damping and adjust-
ment, and has a silk cover,
which extends to the circum-
ference of tlie case and is
clamped in position by the
front cover. These instru-
ments are',made up for either
[irimaiy battery or common
battery speaking. In the
former case the two gongs
ire retained on the top of the
instrument, and are both
struck by the hammer 0[)er-
ated by a trembler bell move-
ment. In the case of the
common battery instrument,
the usual polarised move-
ment is retained. The bell
movement, induction coil
and condenser are all en-
closed in the case. Another
similar instrument is fitted
with a metal case, and is de-
signed for C.B. working alone. There is also a C.B. metal-ciised table
instrument with adjustable transmitter, the pedestal of which contains
the bell movement, the induction coil and condenser and the cord
terminals. These are all attached to the top cover, so that when this
is remo\ed the entire con-
tents of the pedestal come
with it. The upper fxirt of
the pedestal carries the
switch case between the
bell gongs, and by remo\ -
ing one of the gongs the
switch contacts are readily
accessible for maintenance
purposes, so that the whole
apparatus may be opened
for inspection without in
any way [interfering «ith
the working of »the instru-
ment. The hand set is of
special design, so as to
make this instrument suit-
able in ever_\' resiiect for
common liattery and trunk
line working. It is made
with two long parallel per-
manent magnets, joined
together at the microphone
end to form a horseshoe
magnet. The poles carry
the usual recei\'er coils. tie »I
The permanent magnets at the opposite end form a slide tor tlie
transmitter case, and an extension piece from this casP, ending in a
button, works in a slide iu the ebonite handle, so that the transmitter
may be moved by the finger to suit the mouth of the spe.-iber.
The transmitter has the special device already deocribed, and in
addition has a helix of fine carbon filament connecting tlie two elet-
D
Fiu. 2.— British Ix-
SULATEU & HEI.SUV
C'.uii.F.s Eadi.\i. -Akm
TKi.KriioM;.
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 16, 1908.
trodes peruKiP.ently in addition to the ordinary granules in the micro-
phone chaiTil>er, and adjusted in such a way that the resistance of the
microphone does not rise sufficiently to interfere with the signalling
apparatus on a common battery exchange.
The subject of superimposing telephone circuits on telegraph lines
is by no means new, but the phantophone recently brought out by the
British Insulated & Helsby Cables seems to possess some dis-
tinct features of novelty. After some successful trials on actual tele-
graph lines in this country it is now shown in public for the first time
at the Manchester E.xhibition under somewhat novel conditions. The
exhibit in question is ra.ade up of two artificial lines each equivalent
to a 50 miles atrial telegraph wire. One line is equipped with single
needle instruments, the other with duplex sounder instruments, both
forming actual working circuits. Bridged across the two lines are
two phantophones, by means of which speech can be effected. On
the two lines there are therefore four channels of communication,
three telegraph, and one telephone, all working simultaneously and
independently without the least interference with one another. All
these systems depend for their action on some form of separator which
allows the high-frequency telephone currents to pass, but opposes the
low-frequency irregular waves from the telegraph instruments or from
induction. If the separator is arranged to entirely block out these
irregular disturbances, this can only be done by rendering the tele-
phone insensitive and impairing the speaking, while, on the other
hand, any attempt to improve speech incretises the disturbance. The
separating device is thus usually a compromise between the two eftects.
In the separator designed by the British Insulated & Helsby Cables
matters are so arranged that disturbances of varying degree
mav be practically blocked out by simple adjustments while at the
same time the talking efficiency is" not reduced. That this feature is
of considerable practical value is sufficiently shown by the fact that
the phantophone has worked successfully on a very difficult circuit
where other systems had failed. Three types of this instrument have
been designed. The first is intended for superimposing a telephone
instrument on a single line circuit ; the second for superimposing a
telephone on a loop formed on two independent telegraph lines ; and
the third for superimposing a telegraph circuit on a metallic telephone
circuit equi|jped with the phantophone.
British Thomson-Houston Co.
Last week we mentioned that the Bkitish Thomson-Housto.n Co.
were exhibiting a horizontal Curtis turbine on their stand (No. 48), and
described its arrangement in detail. This company are also showing
Fu:. 3.— B.T.H. Electric Cookeh.
.some rather more purely electrical exhibits for which they are so well
known. These include a ring frame which, of course, attracts much
notice. It consists of a three-phase squirrel cage motor etiuipped with
Whittaker Hall friction clutch and striking gear driving a Brooke
& Doxey spinning frame containing 52 spindles. These have a 2iin.
gauge and IJin. lift Another motor shown is known as D.G-8.
It has an output of 15 H. p., and embodies all the recent improvements
made in this class of apparatus. This tvpf, like the well-known
D.A. motor, is so arranged that it can be lixrd to nther floor, wall or
ceiling. Recent progress is exemplified in :i 600 watt auto-transformer
for supplying current to B.T.-H. tungsten lamps. It is most compact
and substantial in construction. A feature of this exhibit is an instru-
ment stand 12 ft. long by 5 ft. high, on which are fi.xed examples of
the standard B.T.-H. instruments. We can also recommend visitors
to inspect the electric cooking and heating apparatus on this stand.
It contains numerous tasteful appliances both for kitchen and draw-
ing room use. An example of a B.T.H. electric range is shown in
Fig. 3. The well-known B.T.-H. flame are is also much in evidence ;
but its advantages are already so well known to our readers that it is
miuccessarv to describe them here.
Alex. Wright & Co.
Messrs. Ale\. Wkicht & Co have some most interesting apparatus
on their stands (Nos. 199 and 202) at the Manchester Exhibition. The
exhibits include the N.P.L. standard photometer, which we illustrate in
Fir'. 4. This instrument, which has been designed by Messrs. Sim-
mance & Abaday to the National Physical Lalioratory requirements,
possesses several points of novelty, including tl'e lamp rotator, seen in
the foreground of the illustration, which has been designed by Mr.
C. C. Paterson. The bench itself is made up of two accurately polished
steel bars. These are mounted on a suitable stand, which is
strengthened by tie-bars. The supporting brackets are fitted with
heavy levelling screws provided with shoes. To the cast-iron brackets
close up to the carriage run is attached the scale, which consists of a
strip of triangular brass having a front face of IJ in. This bar is
polished and has engraved upon it two scales, one showing candle-
power and being direct reading without calculation, and the other
being a check scale in millimetres, the total length of graduation
being 3 metres. The graduations on the scale are intended for use
witirthe " substitution method"— that is t-o say, the lamp under test is
Fig. 4. — .\lex. Wright's N.P.L. Photumeter Bench.
presented to the same side of the photometer head as was the primary
standard used for verifying the working standard. A further point is
that the " 1 " on the candle scale is 1 metre from the zero of the scale,
and the photometer head is placed centrallj- with the "1."' The
primary standard is central with the zero when the working standard
is calibrated. The working standard is clamped to the photometer
head at the distance at which equality was obserxed, so that in all
tests the illuminations on both sides of the photometer head (when
this shoM's equality) are always equal to 10 candle-metres. The lamp is
revolved at 200 revs, per min. about a vertical axis coinciding with the
axis of the lamp, the centre of illumination of the filament being in
line with the photometer axis. The speed of revolution can be xaried.
The carriage bearing the working standard lamp is coupled to the
carriage bearing the photometer head, and is clamped to it : and,
these being moved together, the candle-power of the lara[) under test
(which is revolving) is read directly off the scale in the position at
which the photometer head is arrested ^(hen equality of illumina-
tion is observed. The above method, upon which the National
Physical Laboratory places some importance, ensures, it is claimed,
rapidity in testing, direct reading in ciindle-power, facility for checking
results, elimination of apparatus errors and standard illumination oi
10 candle-metres. The whole of the arrangements for fixing, moving
or coupling together, and then moving any of the carriages while the
operator is standing — or seated, as the case maj' be — at any portion of
the bench are instantaneous. The accuracj' of alignment, perfection
of travel and ease of manipulation are guaranteed. The arrangement
for reading the scale is novel and accurate, and consists of the attach-
ment to each carriage of a brass frame on swivel joints so that the
frame alwa\'s sits flat upon the scale, which, it will be observed, is
upon the angle face of the three-sided metal rod. In each of these
three frames there is fitted a piece of plate glass, and on the underside
of each of these plate-glass pieces a line is scratched central with the
vertical centre of each carriage. The mark upon the glass is in con-
tact with the scale, and thus all reading errors ai-e absolutely avoided.
Each brass frame containing the glass jilate is large enough to prevent
any obscuring of the figures upon the scale, and thus no errors of
this kind can occur.
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 16, 1908.
The spinner or rotator (Fig. 5), whieli lias been desijjnetl by Mr. C. C.
Paterson, of the National Physical J>aboratory, is of the mercury bath
tyiJe, and is arranged to revoh'e lamps suspended vertically at a speed
varying from 400 to 30 revs, per min. That it is handy may be
gathered from the fact that it is made to drop into the central tube of
the photometer carriage, and that the total dimensions are 417mm.
high by 266 mm. outside (including the motor). The construction is such
Fk.. 5. — The IUteesun Rutatuh «itii N.P.L. Pikito-meter.
(Alex Wright & Co.)
that owing to the mercury bath and amalgamated copper terminals,
theie is practically no drop in the voltage between the rotator
and the voltmeter. The top portion carries the actual working parts,
and consists of a casting which is machined to take the lamp spindle
and the adjustable speed driving gear. This portion also ca.-ries the
mercury cups and the copper rings revolving in same. The motor is
self-starting and runs at the following approximate speeds: 1,000
FlC. 6. — SiMMASl'E & AliADAV PORTABLE IlU'MIN'ATION PhOTOMKTEK.
(Alex. WRUini & Co.)
revs, per min. at 4 volts and 1,600 revs, per min. at 6 volts. It is
furnished w-ith vertical and horizontal adjustments for taking up the
slack of driving band, for altering the speed and maintaining the
straight drive from pulley to pulley. The drive to lamp spindle is by
friction, and to the spindle carrying lamp-holder is fixed a simple
adjustable driving disc and copper collecting rings ; the whole runs
in a gunmetal ball race witli hardened steel balls. The mercury cups
are of ebonite, and the copper collecting ring^ running in the same are
amalgamated, as are also the tips of the terminals, which are four in
number — viz., two to main leads and lamp and two to voltmeter leads.
The screens, which were removed from the bench for the purpose of
photographing it, consist of two series : Four wooden main shades
for preventing outside reflection and diffusion and eight small
aluminium screens attached to the carrier bearing the photometer
head. The four wooden shades consist of panelled shades 20 in high
by 16 in. wide. Two of them are solid for the ends of the bench and
two of them have suitable apertures for isolating the rotating
lamp and similar purposes. These four shades drop into wooden
sockets which sit tightly upon the carriage run and can be raised or
lowered at will. The eight small aluminium shades clamp on to a light
rod which is attached to the carrier on which is mounted the photo-
meter head. They are adjustable upon this rod as regards distancing
and as regards their centres, and have graduated openings which can
be varied with the photometer head.
Another interesting exhibit on thi=! stand is the Simmance-Abad.ay
new patent direct-reading portable photometer (Fig. 6). The stan-
dard of light is a 15 mm. sciuare of illuminated surface, coated with
BaSOj. This square is equally illuminated over its entire surface, and
a fractional portion of the surface yields an equivalent part of the
entire illumination. By a mechanical micrometer movement scaled
into 300 ijqual parts its illuminated surface can be entirely obscured or
completely i;.\ posed. .Standard illumination, which varies from nothing
to maximum by 0003 of a foot-candle can thus be obtained. Small
metal filament lamps, running from a cell, are employed, and the cur-
rent is controlled by a sensitive rheostat. The voltage is so regu-
lated that with the screen fully opened an illumination of 3 candle
feet is obtained It follows that when, in making a test, the
micrometer movement is actuated until a balance is obtained there
is read upon the scale the illuminating effect in candle feet direct
without any calculation or any source of error (other than the
personal error) or the interposition of any dubious quantity such as
Lambert's cosine law. The actual illuminating power of the light
being tested is obtained by the measurement of th6 distance and a
glance at the slide rule. Simple arrangements are provided for sight-
ing an anule in illuminating power tests quite irrespective of levels or
incline of streets, as the instrument makes its own artifioi.al horizon.
Similarly arrangements are made for occasionally standardising the
voltage. We have to acknowledge the kindness of the proprietors of
the Jmtrnal of Gas Liijhting in lending us the blocks illustrating
llessrs. Alex. vVright's exhibit.
Union Electric Co.
In our last is^ue we gave a brief description of the exhibits on the
stands (.Nos. 175 and 231) of the Uniox Electrii; Co. The range of
Fig. 7.-
Ei.tcTKn Cu.'s pAliAtUN Eni.INE.
equipment there exhibited is very exhaustive and covers the whole of
the apparatus turned out by this firm. ( 'ne of the most interesting
exhibits is a paraflindriveii combined set (Fig. 7\ which has been
specially designed for use with metallic filament lamps. The engine
is, in general, worked by paraffin and is fitted both with a vaporising
chamber and Longuemare carburetter. A two-part tank for holding
paraffin is also provided. The engine is started with petrol and after
running in this way for some minutes the paraffin is turned on. It is
also considered advisable that petrol should be again used shortly
before the engine is stopped, in order that the vaporiser and cylinder
may be cleaned of any accumulated soot. In general, ignition is
efl'ected from an accumulator, but a magneto could be fitted. Paraffin
could also be used throughout if the vaporiser were heated before
starting. This, of course, takes several minutes, and it is probable
that the other arrangement will receive a more general application.
As is, of course, only natural the motor finds a large place in the
exhibit of the Union Electric Co. Both direct and polyphase machines
are represented, the largest being a motor having an output of 110 H.v.
at 150 revs, per miu. This machine is of the very latest type, and is
10
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER IG, 1908.
Fig. 8.— Union
Electric Co.'s
"Exckllq" Arc
Lam]'.
fitted with an end shield and reversing;' jiolcs. Tlie jjole-jiieces are nf
laminated iron and are securely bolted to the cast-steel magnet ring,
which in its turn holds the end shields carrj'ing the bearings. Special
attention has I)een paid to the general arrangement of these machines,
and the insulation and lubricating arrangements have been de-signed
witli gi-eat care. These motors are connected to " Fortiter " starters,
having in some cases a no-voltage release only and in others both no-
voltage and overload coils. The application of the electric drive to
pumping is shown by a triple-cylinder pressure pump with a 6 in.
stroke. The motor and pump are mounted on a combined bedplate,
the pumji being driven through suitable gearing. When the latter is
running at about 50 revs, perniin. itis capable of delivering 1,375 gal-
lons of water per hour. This set is fitted with an automatic tank
.starter, thus producing in miniature a suitable pumping outfit for
works or private purposes. The pump is constructed by Messrs.
Robert Warner & Co., of Walton-on-N.<ize, the motor and starter
being, of course, '• Union" productions. Last week we briefly indi-
cated the scope of the instrument section of the Union Electric Co.'s
exhibit. Besides the instruments there mentioned there is an interest-
ing display of the sector flange instruments, which, it is claimed, have
the particular advantage that one and the same
instrument can be used for mounting on the front
of the switchboard or sunk into it, and that in
any position the instiument can be arranged for
illuminated dials. This exhibit is shown on a
pillar head which, besides carrying one of these
instruments, is also equipped with a double-range
frequency meter fltted with an illuminated dial.
'J'he whole is particulai-ly substantial and dur-
able, and, together with the well-known accuracy
of the in.struments fitted on it, makes up a display
well worthy of attention. The details of the
instruments shown in this section are well known
to our readers, and it suffices to say that they are
<iuite up to the standard which the Union Elec-
tric Co. has set itself. The onl\' other meter out of
the ordinary in this section is a car meter, which
we have already described in 71ie Eleiricinn.
These instruments are coming more and more into
use, and the type shown is exceedingly simple and
perfectly able to withstand the rough usage of
everyday work.
In our last issue we indicated the Exeello lamp
(Fig. 8) as going strong on the Union Electric Co.'s
stand. There are, in fact, eiglit lamps of this
description on the stand, four being on direct
current and four on alternating current circuits.
The object of this is, of course, to show that
this lamp is eqmilly well applicable to both types of current. In
fact, the Union Electric Co. claim that the operation of the Exeello
lamp on alternating current is quite as good as on direct current. The
proof of the iin.Minu i- "i the eating, and the large number of lamps
that have buin m-i nlli 'I all over the country is sufficient guarantee of
their ai)plical.ilit\ ic all classes of work. Lamps burning both flame
and ordinary cariioiis .are shown, and two sets of arc lamps hanging
from tlie roof- give true shadowless illumination such as is excep-
tionally useful in factories and sho])s. A numlier of inverted arc
lam|>s .m: .ilso -how II. Tlii> Ivpc, ;i-. i- » (.11 Known, is particularly
useful III i"ii:iiii r:i.<rs, .^iirli ,1 - i ii i li;i w 1 1 1'j ' 'iln rx, ;is it givcs a more
diff'uscil li-iil, iliiis iiiiitiitiii'j .l:.>li:Jii rl.Ki-h'. These lamps are
fitted wifli i-coniMnisers, and it is rl:i ,| ilui. all Hiokering and fluc-
tuation is thereby avoided. The ^|^ , iil nhautage of this method of
lighting is that tlie .source of light i.- -. ivcncd from the eye, a point
which is often not too caiefuUy looker! after. A number of applica-
tions of these arcs to various purposes are shown on the stand. Tliere
can be no doubt, however, that the most intei'esting part of the
Union Electric Co.'s exhibit is the section dealing with switchoear.
This gear is so rightly renowned and possesses so many interestino-
detaili? that we have thouglit it better for its proper description to de-
vote a special article to it in the current
issue of pur Indi'strial Supplement, to
■which we refer our readers.
This resume by on means exhausts tlie
exhibits of the' Union I'.l'r
we can only recniiiiiiinii
readers who visit M^uichr^l
this stand, when they will I
the many interestingdetniN
classes of electrical engineei in
are there exhiliited.
Gilbert Arc Lamp Co.
The exhibit of the Giliskrt Arc Lamp Co.
on stands Nos. 135 and 159a is well illus-
trati\'e of the scope of this firm's products.
They specialise in arc lamp.?, and the results
obtained are ample justification of this policy.
The Gilbert flame arc lamp (Fig. 9) is
made in three types. The first of these is
after the pattern of the "Gerrard" arc
lamp of some 20 years ago. The lamp is
very simple, two negative and two posi-
tive carbons being used, all of which con-
verge to a point. The carbons are simply pushed np four tubes and
are free to fall till they meet. During burning the two negative and
Vu:. 9.-
La.aipCo.'
(iii.iiERT Arc
Type I Lamp.
two positive carbons are combined, tlie latter being separated by suitable
mechanism to strike and control the arc. As the carbons burn away they
fall together, the convergent point remaining in the same )50sition, so
that no feed mechanism is required. The second type follows the
well-known " Exeello " lamp in construction, with tlie dift'erence that
there is no clockwork in its internal economy. The third tj'pe is a
multi-carbon lamp similar in construction to the second tj'pe, but
arranged to take five pairs of 16 in. carbons. It is claimed that in
this lamp all the complications of the magazine proper are done away
with, as there is no brake or feeding arrangement. The general
construction of the Gilbert lamp is shown in Fig. 9.
The Gilbert Arc Lamp Co.'s exhibit further includes a number of
accessories for use with their lamps together with examples of their
well known ordinary carbon arc lamps.
Key Engineering Co.
The exhibit of this business-like go-ahead firm on stand No. 281,
though small, contains several items of interest. We may recall the
fact that the firm holds the agency for the famous Ehrhardt & Sehmer
gas eni^ines, to which we have frequently referred in our columns. An
Fic. 10. — ExA.MPLEs OF Key ExiaNCERiNc C'u.'s Sprinc Conduit.
exhaust valve from one of the 2,000 H. p. engines at the Hoesch steel
works is shown, and considering that it has seen two years' hard wear
it looks iiinaikiibly "fit." In engiii'i i in ;.: |iarliinee it is a good
" hefty '' \ nl\ ■ mmI .1- -iich should be iii-|i< . 1 1 il. f.lieli ical contractors
should visii iliis r Nhibit, because dail\ iliniMnstrai ions are given of
" li;jhtiiiie4 " wiling with a novel system of eoiuluit for interior work.
Till iMiiilult is exceedingly simple, resemliling ordinary tubing when
ni |iu~ilniii, though it is reall3' made up of two halves of a tube, one
lilting over the other. The lower half is first put in position and after
the wires have been laid in the cover is sprung over. Spring clips are
used to hold both "cover and casing" to small bases which are fixed
to the wall. The general details of the system are shown in the
adjoining illiistiMtions Fig.-. 10 nml 11'. wliich depict a number of
parts and a tbtiiig attaelieil tn the conduit complete. The system is
to be known as Key Spring Conduit, and is ajiplicable to any installa-
tion, either lighting or power. . The company advances a number of
claims for the system, which may be summed" up as follows :
(l)Can be installed in much less time and with considerably less
expenditure of labour than any other .system of conduits. (2) Pro-
vides a fire-proof envelope for the wire's without the necessity of
"drawing through " long lengths of pipe, and, consequently, entirely
obviates the danger of abrasion of the insulation. (3) Prevents con-
densation of moisture in the conduits. (4) Enables all switches, fit-
tings, &c., to be wired before placing the cables in the conduits, thus
avoiding the necessity of adjusting small screws and making connec-
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER IG, 1908.
tioiif; from the top of steps oi' in other
awkward positions. (5) Provides for per-
fect bending without the necessity of
usinj;- screwed conduits. (5i f>reatly
reduces both material and labour
charges. (7' Disposes of the necessity
of using ceiling roses, junction boxes,
blocks for fittings, &c. (8) Provides a
ready means of inspecting the insulation
of wires, joints, &c., without cutting
off the supply. (9) Enables additional
lamps, fittings, &c. , to Ije addetl at any
points of the installation, or the position
of fitfiings to be altered, without cut-
ting the wires and with very much less
labour than is entailed iu carrying out
alterations with methods of wiring
hitherto used. (lO.i Permits of the use
of considerably smaller conduits than
is possible with any draw-in system.
The installation on the stand, which
includes some 20 ft. of conduit, switch,
elbow, bracket, pendant and 3-liglit
fitting, is_erected in 6.J minutes. This fea-
ture has.excited considerable comment.
A. Hirst & Son..^^ ___ _
iMessrs. Hirst &' Box pos-sesT'tne
distinction of exhibiting on their stand
(No. 51) the only electrically-driven coal cutter in the Exhibition
These well-known mnr.hi„es are made in two tvpas, the disc and
over guide pulleys at the top of the machine when running backwards
while the direction of rotation is effected by reversing the motor. The
machine can be controlled from either end of the machine, and is fed
along the coal face by a special traverse gear, which can be adjusted
while the machine is working. In designing the electrical portion of
the equipment the new Mining Rules have been strictly complied
with, all current-carrying parts being efficiently protected and insu-
lated. The startmg switch is double-pole and the cables which lun
from It to the motor are drawn through a pipe bolted to the switch and
motor boxes. This pipe is substantially insulated at each end with
bushes. Connection is made to the mains bv a two-pin plutr, which
cannot be withdrawn from the holder unless the main switchls in the
" off" position. The main switch itself may be locked in the off posi-
tion when desired. The disc machine is 8ft. 6 in. long, 3 ft. 6 in wide
and 18 m. high. It is -specially designed for use in thin seams, und
will work successfully where there is only 20 in. between roof and floor.
As regards the electrical portion the chain is verv similar to the disc
machine, but is designed for seams which are too soft and tender to
allow the latter type to be used. It has the further advantao-e that
no stables are retiuired at the end of the cut. Another interesting
machine on this stand is the " Grescenr " coal and rock drill (Fio- 12)
This will drill a hole within 4 in. of the roof, parallel with or at an
angle between 30 deg. abov-e and 20 deg. below the horizontal and in
any direction radially. The machine is self-contained, and runs on
four large travelling wheels, which can be designed for road or rail
working. The drill spindle works through a sleeve Htted into a uni-
versal swinging frame at the top of a screwed pillar, and can be raised
and lowered by a nut. The feed motion is adjustable while the drill
IS working. The motor is totally enclosed in a special case, and is
fitted with the usual controlling arrangements.
Fii:. 12.— HiK-T ■■Crkscent" R(jik Duu.l.
chain, and are especially adapted for the motor drive. The standard
disc coal cutter Fig. 15) i-^ very -imple in design and is arrange.! in a
Fw. 13.— Hirst "Crkscknt" Ei.ectricau.v-urives Pisc Coal Citter,
^?^- .'^^'^' '' '* claimed, conduces to great strength with a minimum
of weight, and also gives more stability to the machine than if it were
mounted on side frames, for the shafts are not strained by the loads
the machine has to carry. The cutting wheel, being in the centre of
the machine, can run in either direction, the hauling rope being taken
EXHIBITION ITEMS.
There is a remote control electrically ojieratcd switch on Tlic
General Electkic Co.'s stand. It has a useful lock-on de\ice.
The prepayment meters of the Rochdale Electric Co. are the
product of special machinery. They are well worth close inspection.
The display of motors made by Electromotors Limited is by far
the largest and most imposing of the exhibits.
Vexser & Co. show among theii: meter cxliibits a Lackie demand
indicator fitted to an ordinary house meter.
A fine"show_of tramway specialities is made liy .Messrs. lIotTNTALS
& Gibson, who specialise in this field.
There is some remarkably good work in the gears showTi by the
Power Plant Co. The exhibit is noticeable by the revolving lighted
wheel wdiich^almost projects into the gangway.
An enclosed motor running under a water spray is to be seen in the
WESTiNGHorsE pav'ilion.
-All-. Dugdill's flexible pendants and other fittings are attracting
\\el I -deserved attention.
At the exhibit of H. Traun, consisting of ebonite and vulcanised
fibre specialities. Mr. Winter courteously explains the advantages of
moulded insulated material, backing uj) his atguments with many
remarkable specimens.
The WoRTHlXGTON Pimp exhibit is noteworthy for the arrange-
ment of its pumps, and the method adopted to circulate the water.
Central station enginesrs should in-sgect the Shaw valve for steam
and water .service. ^jje ^^^i^ p^,,! f.^^^^^J. „„ tjj^,
stand of A. Hirst & Co. is a
marvel of ingenuity. It was
made by a youth of eighteen, son
i>t Mr. A. Hirst, and is an exact
•juarter scale model of the full-
sized machine. It ma\- be seen
operating on a direct current
cuciiit. botli driving the cutter
wheel and hauling itself along.
The most minute details are re-
produced. ^
The sweet running of the Diesel
engine on the stand of Mirrlees,
' HicKERTON & Day is generally
commented u|Jon. The details
of the engine are worth close in-
spection, especiallj' the valve
gear.
A large insulator under a shower
of rain, at 7.5,000 volts, is one of
the sights of the Exhibition.
BfLLERs Limited make this re-
markable demonstration.
The Bywhee! motor starter on Sie.mexs stand " beats the band," to
call in an Americanism for descriptive'purposes.
We shall be glad to welcome all our readers at Stand 66. next the
National Telephone Exchange exhibit.
12
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 16, 1908.
THE EDISON ACCDUDLATOB APPLIED TO AUTO
MOBILES.
The problem of mechanical traction on the public roads may
aptly be termed a burning question at tlie present time, when
the columns of practically every daily paper are filled with
advice on the best methods of alleviating the dust nuisance
Fig. 1. — "Plate System' iif Edisox Ckll
caused by motor traffic and for making a transgression of the
speed limit an impossibility. There is no doubt, for instance,
that the petrol omnibus is looked upon pretty generally as
an abomination, though winked at as a necessary evil. And it
other more suitable methods could be found for attaining the
L'KI.I, L'u-Ml-LKTK.
saime ends, they would be supported with enthusiasm. Modern
lequirements make mechanical traction a necessity, and, this
being granted, it simply roaiains for inventors to endeavour to
produce an arrangement which shall be sound both from an
economical and from an engineering point of view. To do
them justice, be it said, they have not been backward in at-
tempts, though the results have not been as satisfactory as
could be wished.
About five years ago Edison invented a secondary battery
which was to revolutionise thif branch of the industry, and
shortly afterwards Mr. W. Hibbert read a Paper* on the sub-
ject before the Institution of Electrical Engineers, in which he
summarised some results obtained ou a small "run-about"
fitted with Edison accumulators. Since then, however, nothing
much has been heard about this invention, and it has onlj' been
quite recently that the matter has been taken up in (lermany
by the Deutsche-Edison Akkumulatoren Co., of Berlin. This
firm is now manufacturing these cells, and is employing them for
traction purposes, not only for broughams and cabs, but also
for lorries and other commercial waggons.
As will be remembered the Edison accumulator consists
essentially of a case of nickeled iron plates, which are corru-
gated for the purpose of giving greater rigidity to the whole.
!■ Lc:. ?. — Filling /p.mkatus for Edison Cell.
Both positive and negative plates are built up of nickeled iron
sheets in which 24 rectangular slots are punched out. These
slots are filled with finely perforated steel plates which, in
efiect, form a series of pockets. In the c-ase of the positive
plates these pockets are filled with nickel oxide and in the
negative with iron oxide, these substances forming the active
material. A positive plate is placed at each end of the cell
and the plates are then alternately negative and positive in
the usual manner. The plates, which are much closer together
than in the ordinary lead cell (about 0-OG in.), are separated
by a number of rectangular strips of ebonite. Both sets of
plates are connected together by a nickeled iron bolt, while
they are kept at the right distance apart when the bolt is
tightened up by suitable washers. The " plate system," when
built up in this manner, rests on ebouite supports, which are
placed on the Hoor of the cells. Fig. 1 shows such a plate
system, and besides giving a good idea of the whole arrange-
ment, indicates the methods adopted for connection to the
outside circuit. Insidation is in all cases effected bj- means of
suitable ebonite bushes or washers.
* The Electrician, Vol. LIL, p. 201, et sea.
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER IG, 1908.
13
Detailii of EdUon C'dli.
Capa-
city
in amp.
hours.
Mean
dis-
charge
voltage.
Normal current
Charging
time in
hours.
Cell dimensions in inches.
Weight
of cell.
complete
in lb.
Watt- 1 ^^^tt-
hours ! ^°^'J
l-'lb-lcub'Jcft.
Type.
During
charge.
During
disch'ge.
Length.
Breadth
Height.
H. ...
115
175
280
1-23
1-23
1-23
40
65
100
30
45
75
3-75
3-75
3-75
2-8
4-1
6-8
51
51
51
12
12
12
14
19
30
10-10 1,358
1133 1,550
11-46 1 1,416
The exciting liijuid consists of a 21 per cent, solution of
caustic potash which is run in until the surface of the liquid is
about \ in. above the top of the plates. It may here be
mentioned that the manufacturers speciall}- desire that only
potash obtained from them shall be used for this purpose, as
damage to <he cells will, it is said, result if any other is em-
ployed.
The external appearance of the finished cell is shown in
Fig. 2, which also gives a good idea of the arrangement fitted
for filling or " topping-up " The cap seen on the right covers
the opening through which fresh electrolyte is introduced, and
is provided with an indiarubber ring to prevent any leakage or
spilling. The arrangement on the left is a safety valve which
allows the escape of gases generated in the cell during charg-
ing. It consists essentially of a glass ball which is free to rise
slightly in a small tube. Near the end of the charge the gas
forces this up and finds its way into the air, while any liquid
is retained in the glass tube and drops back into the cell.
The cells are filled, when in position, liy means of the special
apparatus shown in Fig. 3, which is self-explanatory. As
shown, the filling funnel is connected to a battery and bell.
Fui. 4. — Berumann' Chassis, showing Battery in Po.sition.
The other end of this circuit is connected to the cell case,
so that when the liquid reaches the metal tip of the filler the
bell rings. This arrangement offers special advantages when
a number of cells has to be filled and when they are not very
accessible.
From a traction point of view, however, the above details
are not of much importance compared with those relating to
weight. For there is no doubt that this is the greatest draw-
back to the lead accumulator, and in spite of the good work
that has already been done with it, as witness the "Electrobus,"
its disadvantages are many. In the above table we give
some details regarding size and weight of the three types
of Edison cell made by the Deutsche Edison Akkumulatoren Co.
The dimensions are " overall" but do not include the trays.
With regard to the cars which have been adopted for use
with these batteries, in Fig. 4 we show a view of a specially-
designed chassis with the battery in place. Its length is
lift. 9| in., its width .5 ft. 11 in. and its height 4 ft. 11 in.
On this chassis a number of attractive bodies can be fitted,
and they possess the advantage of being quite different in
appearance from the present petrol or electric brougham.
The chassis is constructed of pressed steel, the cross stays
being secured to the side members by steel rivets. The motor,
which is fixed below the chassis, drives the rear axle through a
reduction gear giving a direct drive at all speeds. The rear
axle and gears are made of nickel steel and of chromium nickel
steel. The friction is reduced by specially constructed ball
bearings.
The controller is fixed below the driver's seat, and by it five
forward and three reverse speeds may be obtained. There is
also a switch with a detachable key, thus allowing the circuit
to be broken and ensuring against tampering. Besides this,
an emergency switch, worked
by either hand or foot, affords
an additional protection.
There are two brakes, one
operating on the rear wheels
and the other on a drum ou
the motor shaft. Both are
worked by means of pedals
and are quite independent.
The battery has a normal
discharge voltage of 80, and consists of 64 Edison cells, the
total weight of the whole being 11 cwt. The superstructure
is so arranged that the battery is accessible from above, and
plenty of ventilation is provided. It is claimed that these cars
can do about 56 miles on level roads without re-charging, the
consumption being about 120 watt-hours per ton-mile.
These batteries are said to be specially suitable for what
may be termed commercial work. A number of lorries and
similar vehicles have been designed for this purpose, and
should be capable of doing good work in large towns and their
vicinities. It is not necessary to provide such a vehicle with
rubber tyres as the Edison cell is not much affected by jarring;
while another important matter is, that should the battery
get " low " when the car is some distance from the charging
station, it may be discharged to its utmost limit without the
cell being permanently affected.
We hope that some experiments on the suitability of this
cell for both commercial and pleasure purposes will be under-
taken, for the results are likely to be full of interest. The
success of such an experiment would indeed be a benefit and
would point a way to solving the present traffic problem.
In conclusion, we have to thank Messrs. Marples, Leach li
Co., the English agents of the Deutsche Edison Akkumulatoren
Co., for providing us with the information contained in this
article and for the blocks which illustrate it.
A RAILWAY ACCUMULATOR CAR.
liY LOUIS DUBOIS.
A new t3'pe of storage battery car has been recently put in
operation upon the system of suburban lines around Mayence.
The Prussian Railroad Administration has control of these
lines, as well as of all the railroads of the country, and has been
favourably impressed with the working of the present type of
accumulator car for suburban service. Starting with a few
cars of this design, it expects to use a much larger number in
the near future, and has already placed additional orders.
There are three suburban lines which branch out from Mayence
and run as far as the towns of Oppenheim 1 1 miles, Riisselheim
7-5 miles, and Ingelheim 11 miles, making a total length of 29-.")
miles for the entire system. The present railroad is operated
at speeds which vary between 20 and 30 miles an hour, and
there are a luimber of intermediate stations on the route.
As will be noticed in the accompanying illustration, the car
is of the side-opening compartment type, and contains six
compartments with seats on each side. The compartments are
designed to hold 10 persons each, thus giving a capacity of
60 persons for the entire car. In its general construction, the
car resembles the type which is used at present on the Berlin
Subways. There is only one class, this being third class
throughout. The car is mounted on three axles of the ordinary
kind, without the use of bogies, and the overall length between
buffers is 12-20 metres. The motorman's cab is raised
considerably above the floor level, and is thus favourably
situated for overlooking the track. There is a cab at each end
of the car, so that reversal is unnecessary.
The accumulators are stowed under the seats of the car in
each of the compartments. The present batteries are an im-
proved type brought out by the Accumulatoron Fabrik, of
Hagen. Under each seat are placed two large boxes which are slid
into their place once for all, and are then protected by
the front board of the seat, which is fixed by screws. The
top of the seat is hinged, and can thus be easily raised and
held in this position by a catch when it is desired to inspect
the battery connections, Ac. The two boxes contain seven
14
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 16, 1908.
and eight eells respective!}', making in all 15 cells under one
seat, and 30 in each compartment. The entire ear thus holds
180 f-ells, which is found to be amply sufficient to run
it under the present conditions of speed and gradient.
The cells have a capacity of 230 ampere-hours at 100 amperes
discharge rate. This is, however, limited in practice to 200
ampere-hours. With a single charge the iHO-cell battery can
cover a distance of 3C miles when running at a speed of 24
miles an hour, which is about the maximum speed used on the
Mayence lines. With this capacity the car can make two trips
to the suburbs and return without recharging. Upon return-
ing to Mayence after the second trip the battery is charged
in place by means of a flexible cable which is fitted into a
charging, plug at one end of the car. The battery is not re-
moved from the car except for making repairs.
The cells of the battery are of considerable size, being
338 mm. long b}' 12-5 mm. wide (in the direction of the plate
length) and 448 mm. high. Each of the cells weighs -50 kg.
complete. The positive and negative plates measure 310 mm.
&c. The controller has nine running notches and four for
braking, which is effected by short-circuiting the motors under
different conditions. Each cab also contains the usual measur-
ing apparatus, switcligear, &c. The resistances are mounted
on the roof of the car.
Each of the compartments is lighted by two incandescent
lamps placed at the sides and mounted on the ceiling. They
are heated by electric heaters placed under the floor be-
tween the seats. As already noted, the batteries are charged
through a plug which is mounted at each end of the car.
Above thei plug is a double-throw switch, which allows the
battery to be charged in a single series of LsO cells, or in two
groups of 90 cells, coupled in parallel.
As regards the weight, the car when fully loaded weighs
22 tons, while the two motors weigh 2'4 tons and the battery
10 tons, making about Si) tons for the entire weight. The cost of
the battery is XO.'iO and that of the electric outfit £550 ; the
car accounts for £150, which makes the total cost of the pre-
sent car £1,350.
by 300 mm., and have a thickness of 8 mm. and G mm. respec-
tively. There are four positive plates per cell. The plates
are separated by wood and gutta percha strips, and are hung
upon glass by lugs, leaving a space of 70 mm. under the plates.
The cell boxes are of wood which is specially treated and
givenanoutercoatingof acid-proof Varnish. Connection is made
to the terminals of each cell by means of a copper strip
which is in turn protected by a coating of lead, so as not to be
attacked by the fumes. The cells can be readily disconnected
when desired. In order to keep the fumes out of the car the
top of the seat is provided with a rubber gasket, and the space
under the seat is ventilated by a tube which projects from the
car and gives a good supply of air to the interior. In this way
the car is kept free from the fumes, which are an objectionable
featuie on some e.xisting accumulator cars, as the writer had
occasion to observe in the tramway cars in Paris.
The 180 cells carried by the car represent a total weight of
about 10,000 kg., or 10 tons, and are able to furnish (;s-5 l^jlo.
watt-hours on a single discharge, as shown by the otticial tests.
Accordingly, their energy capacity is 6-85 watt-hours per
kilogramme. The life of the po.sitive plate is estimated
at 100,000 car-kilometres, and that of the negative plate at
00,000, which is a good figure.
We will refer briefly to the remaining electrical equipment
of the cai', including the motors and the controlling apparatus,
V. liich is entirely Siemens-Schuckert. On the front and the
rear axle are mounted motors of 2.")h.i>., which are arranged
for .' eries-parallel control. They have a gear ratio of 1 : 4-3,
and are claimed to give 84 per cent, efticiency, with a total
weight per motor of 1,200 kg., including the gears and casing.
In each of the cabs is installed a duplicate set of controllers,
The Accumulatoren Fabrik A.-G., to whom the writer is in-
debted for the above information, state that the railroad
administration has now decided to order 57 additional cars of
the present type, as tliey are very satisfied with the perform-
ance of the cars so far put in service.
THE INFLUENCE OF ATMOSPHERIC HUMIDITY
ON ELECTRICAL BESI8TANCES.
Tlie question uf tlie etVect of atmosplieric luimidity on the re-
sistance ot wire has been tlie subject of many researches, and
it wifl be remembered that The Electrician.* ahoMt a year ago. pub-
lished a communication from Messrs. Rosa and Babcock on " The
Variation of Manganin Resistance with Atmospheric Humidity."
The results summarised in this Paper were called in question by Dr.
.St. Lindeck. of C'harlottenbmg, in another Paper published shortly
afterwards in The Elecfrician.f and at that time he mentioned that
furtlier I'esearehes on the subject were being undertaken at tbe
Reichsanstalt. The results ot tliese researches have been published
by him in the Zeitschrift jiir Ituilniinentenkunde, andin what follows
we give an abstract of his remarks.
The Paper begins by reviewing historically the work that has been
done on this subject, and indicates how standard resistances vary
periodically accoidiiii; to the time of year. This is practically a
ri'stiiiK i<i ihv t\\(. ;nii(lfs mentioned above, and in order to study
the results olitaiiud Ijy .Messrs. Rosa and Babcock on the behaviour
of .such coils, further researches \^ere undertaken, beginning at the
end of August last year.
The first thing to be done was to find a method of obtaining a cer-
tain relative humidity. In the tests at Washington, where a relative
* Vol. LIX., p. ,t39.
f'Jhid, p. G26.
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 16, 1908.
15
luiniiditv of 2.5 pei- cent, was used, this was reduced by placing more
or loss calcium cliloride in an enclosed vessel, while to increase it the
Kuiface of a ves.sel filled with water was varied while air was pumped
into it from an electrically-driven fan. The temperature and
luiniiditv were taken, the hygrometer used being standardised
against an aspirator hygrometer. At the Reichsanstalt, however,
a simpler method was u.sed, which was mentioned by Regnault in
1845.* He measured the vapour pressure of a mixture of sulphuric
acid and water at ditferent temperatures, and the results obtained
by him at 20°C'. are shown in Fig. 1. The abscissa? are the relative
hiuiiidities in per cent, and tin- ^>iilii)alis the concentration of the
sulphuric acid. As it is po.ssiliK l.\ I In method to keep the humi-
dity constant and to reach a oci l.iin liiiiinility very quickly standard
tionsof the same size as the coils in resistance boxes were tested in
this way. * A standard 1.000 ohm coil was used for checking the tost
coils. The coils \^ ere then placed in the ordinary room air, and were
kept under observation until such large alterations, as always occur
at first, had nearly disa])peared. The coils were then kept in an
atmosjihere of zero or 80 ]ier cent, humidity and were only removed
from the ves.sel for a short time to be measured, so that their resist-
ance did not alter appreciably. Fig. 2 shows the alterations of
one of these coils under various conditions. It was kept for four
months in the ordinary atmosphere and showed a slight rise to the
end of October, and then a regular decrease, corresponding exactly
with the behaviour of the standard 1,000 ohm coil during the same
time. In an atmosphere of 80 pev cent, humidity the resistance in-
creased in 70 days to a very large extent (about OOG per cent.), and
so -X - - Z-L.
so -
X- so X n >
resistances, which are seldom used, and only for very accurate
measurements, and, therefore, show best the influence of humidity,
can be placed in a " hygrostat " of this sort, and only taken out for
a sliort time when required for use. The humidity in this instru-
ment is kept at about 50 per cent., as the tendency to alteration in
the resistance when removed from it is then as small as possible.
Thi) hygrostats of this description made from sheet zinc have been
used at the Reichsanstalt since the beginning of this year. Care is
taken that when an alteration of pressure inside the vessel occurs
only air which has been drawn through sulphuric acid of the same
strength as that in the interior of the vessel is allowed to enter.
Very favourable results liave been obtained by this method, and will
be announced «hen the ob.ser vat ions have been continued over a
longer period.
0%
5. »';//, 07
4. S.
Z.L, .: [llOl.lil
FKi. 2.
■efi ^bow pcifiMitage lumiii.l:!
Kor carrying out researches on the test coils glass bells were used
M hose edges were greased and placed on a glass plate so that there
was an air-tight joint. The humidity of the an- inside the bell was
ki^pt for a long time either at zero or at 80 per cent. It has been
lound that the humidity only varies very few per cent, from the mean
value, so that it was considered unnecessary to introduce anv
method for mixing the air.
Thii'ty test coils, aggregating 1,000 ohms, and, with a few excep-
* inn, deChirn, et de Phyn., Vol. XV., pp. 129-236, 1845.
then, during 40 days in the room air, decreased by exactly the same
amount. When it was placed in an 80 per cent, atmosphere for
another 20 days the same increase was noticed as before, while when
placed in quite dry au' it decreased 0-08 per cent, in 12 days. It was
then placed under petroleum in an atmosphere of 80 per cent, humi-
dity, the upper edge of the coil being about 3-5 cm. below the surface
of the petroleum. It will be seen (Fig. 2) that petroleum made very
little difference to the rate of increase, this being in rather over a
month about 009 per cent. The coil was then placed in a zero
humidity atmosphere in paraffin oil. Fig. 3 shows the last part of
the observations of Fig. 2 on a larger scale together with tho.se of
another coil which was first placed in the room air, then
in atmosphere of 80 per cerit. humidity, and then in one
of zero humidity. Before the results obtained in Fig. 3 were
taken it was placed for 14 days under
the surface of paraflfin oil in an atmospheric
of 80 per cent, humidity. It «as then placed
under the surface of petroleum, which
iiad already for 14 da3s been exposed to
an atmosphere of 80 per cent, humidity.
The rapid increase in resistance (practi-
cally 01 per cent.) shows that placing a
coil in paraffin oil is a jirotection against
damp, while petroleum is of no value for
this purpose. Other researches on the.se
coils were continued until July 30th last,
and the results are plainly seen by reference
31. V. 30. VII. to the curves.
From them it appears that paraffin oil
even under extreme conditions, is a very
good protection against the influence of
damp and a more simple means than that
given aljove has been arranged for improving the con-
stancy of such resistances when kept under the surface of paraffin
oil. But results will only be obtainable after a large number of
measirrements have been made.
The article in The Electrician {Inc. cil.} showed that the silk «ith
which the metal tube was covered before the wue was wound on
exercised a harmful effect on the accuracy, and that coils without
such covering were not so much altered by dan.p. Fui-ther re-
searches have also been undertaken on this .subject, the coils being
wound on enamelled oojipcr tube without a silken foundation. Thesei
E
Nr.S4 U.25
'Z.-L.X 0 x-80"/o
IG
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER IG. 1908.
coils wfie k(-|)t. soiiif for nine and some for seven weeks, in an
atmosphere of 80 per cent, humidity and only altered by very small
amounts. When again placed in ordinary air they did not, however,
return to their original value, but remained some 0-02 per cent,
higher. This may be due to the tact that the copper tube was con-
siderably thicker than the brass bobbin usually employed.
Researches were also undertaken on the effect of making the
bobbin elastic, so that as the shellac caused swelling, the bobbin
and not the wire would be deformed. This was effected by
slit tint; the bobbins, as shown in Fig. 4, the other .-^ide of the
AV20 <z-Li^SO -rt-- -SO - xU " -80%
L^tiS-
"1 /
f
r '\
— 7^=^
Kf\
wj
Nr. 19
V
V
.-I
/<^
^
ffl
m
t.ii.na i.iY. 31. V. w.vii.
/,.L. = I II oi-iliuary room aif. other flames sliow percentage humijily.
Fl.i. 4.
bobbin being treated in a similar manner. The results obtained
are shown by the curves in the same figure. Two other coils were
treated as shown in Fig. 5, but no silk covering to the bobbin was
used as in the former cases. Tests on these coils were carried on for
two months. From the results set out in these curves it will be seen
Xr -'■>
r
-
. -y- 2j
'~~" K
. 31. V. OS.
Z.L.=Iuorilii
other ligures
Fig. 5.
30. VII.
' pjrceJtagj huaiiJity.
that a considerable step forward is' made liy the cmploynient of
"slitted" coils, for only small alterations are noticed under vi ry
extreme conditions.
SOME RESULTS OF EXPERIENCE WITH ELEC
TRICALLY DRIVEN ROLLING MILLS.*
KOKTTOEN .\N1)
ABI.K.TT, H.
the Siemens Companies, the results of which have been kindly placed
at the disposal of the authors. These figures refer to three mills, and
the results have been carefully confirmed from the monthly records
which have been kept at these mills. The high values for the kilo-
watt hours per ton rolled for the channels and tees under reference
Xos. 11-U, may be chiefly attributed to the cooling of the section
towards the last pas,ses, the temperature coming down to about
850 deg. This cooling is due to the large surface which the section
presents in proportion to its weight. In addition, these sections
require more passes than the simpler square or round bars ; the
channels, for instance, are given 13 passes as compared with six for
the round bars. The tees given under reference No. 13 are section
No. 3/3 of the German normal sections, and those under reference
No. 14 are 3J/3i. The channels mentioned under reference Nos.
11-12 are all considerably shallower than the German standard sec-
tions. The results for the mine rails given under reference Nos. 1-6
show how the kilowatt hours per ton rolled steadily increase as the
section becomes sniallci', but exact comparison is unfortunately not
possible owing to the variations in the size of the billet from which
these rails were rolled. It will be noticed that the 17 in. diameter
round bars under reference No. 8 require a greater power than the
r2in. round bars, which is apparently not in accordance with the
other results. The reason for this is that the output of the larger
round bars was comparatively small compared with that of the
smaller ones, and so the power required for overcoming the friction
of the rolls. &c., when running the mill round light for considerable
periods comes in. The kilowatt hours per ton rolled in the case of
these larger bars could, of cour.se, have been kept down if the whole
batch of billets were rolled oft in quick succession, and then the mill
shut down until another batch was ready. The results for the sheets
under reference Nos. 18, 19 and 20 also show large values for the
kilowatt hours per ton. This is due to the large number of passes
required, and to the rapid cooling of the sheets owing to the large
surface which they present. The temperature of the metal before
tlie first pass ranged from 1,183 deg. to 1,250 deg., while at the last
pass it had come down to 800 deg.
Type of Section.
Energy
required ^. ,
Idlowatti .^•"'ll
hours l«"gt'^'
per ton.
Weight
of
billets.
Flanged mine
rails
Round li:
I'Jti
28 lb. per yd i
24 111. jieryd
2(1 lb. y)cryd
I IS lb. per yd
I 121b. per yd
8 lb. per yd.j
1-2 m. diam
Round bars, 1-7 in. diam
Square bans, 0-8 in. square... |
Square bars, 1-4 in. square...
Channels, 1-57 in. by 0-79 in.
by 0-2 in.
Chamiel-s. M8 in. by O-.W in.
by 0-l(i in.
Tees, 1-2 in. byOldin
Tees, 1-38 in. by IS in
Flats, 2-35 in. by 0-4 in
Fliils, 1-95 in. by 0-4 in
Flats, 1-5 in. bv 0-32 in
Sheets, 42 by O.'i by 009 in....
Sheets, 51 by 147"bv 0-22 in.
37-5
41-8
44-5
47-5
48-6
54
38-3
40-3
42
28-8
GO-.50
111
13ti
OS-2
33-3
41-5
52
84
Ft.
92-97
G8-94
130
90-135
87-135
113-139
89
43-5
82
51
105
82
88-5-92
98
100
; 105
The em|iloyMii'iit of electric power for rolling-mill driving offers
great facilities for the exact measurement of the power required for
different classes of work, and enables the knowledge as to how the
power varies for dilTerent sections, and how it is affected by varia-
tions in temperature and ipiality of the metal, to be widely extended.
Continuous records can also be easily obtained showing how the cur-
rent, speed, and voltage of (he mill motor vary under different con-
ditions. Such restilts are almost impossible to obtain from a steam
engine, owing to the labour involved in working out the very large
number of indicator diagrams which have to be taken. In many
Continental mills advantage is taken of integrating meters to
keep daily records of the tons rolled of various sections and the kilo-
watt hours required, so that the cost of rolling each section is known
exactly.
The following figures show the power required for rolling different
sections, using Bessemer steel, and are taken from among the results
obtained from over 150 rolling-mills, which Itave been equipped by
* Abstract of a Paper read before tie Iron and Steel Institute.
20jl Sheets, 48 by 88 by 0-1 in....
Lb.
860-910
550-760
660-87
550-815
353 -547
330-375
327
287
165
335
187
154
110
155
330
294
176
,388
4.50
415
Diraen. of
billet.
In.
5-1 bv 5-7
4-3 by 4-7
51 by 51
7-9 square
33-5 by 15
; by 4-7
I 6'7 square
Such results as the above are of considerable assistance in settling
the correct size of the motor for a new mill for a certain required
output of similar sections. Taking as an example the result for the
24 lb. Hanged mine rails given in the table under reference No. 2, it
will be seen that 41-8 kw.-hours per ton are required with an
output of 135 tons per day. The total energy required per day of 10
working hours is therefore 5,640 kw.-hours, and the mean output of
the motor is 564 kw. Making due allowance for the efficiency if the
motor, the average h.p. of the motor given during the day will be
700. .\ 700 H.p. motor, however, would not be found large enough to
drive this mill, as this pow'cr has been arrived at by supposing that
the rails are being rolled quite steadily and continuously throughout
the 10 W'Orking hours, while it is generally fotind that even under the
best conditions ihe mill is working more or less intermittently, as
* Three sheets were rolled from each billet.
t One sheet was rolled from each billet.
% Three sheets were rolled from each billet.
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 16, 1908.
17
intervals occur while waiting for billets from the re-heating furnact s
and so forth. It would therefore be found necessary to increase the
average power of the motor considerably and the amount of the
increase necessary can only be found by careful consideration of the
arrangement of the mill, of local conditions, and by previous experi-
ence. The mill from which the results referred to above were
obtained was driven by a motor capable of giving continuously
1.200 B.H.P.
The authors then discuss at some length the question of overload-
ing the motor. They show that it is very necessary to so dimension
the motor that it will be capable of dealing with momentary over-
oads without danger. The flywheel is of great use in toning
down the load curves, while experience shows that the motor shoiild
be able to givs as a maximum overload a torque corresponding to
twice its norma! full load rating. In many cases, unless a flywlieel
is installed, a motor of larger size than that: which corresponds to the
average power, will have to be used. Again, in order that the ffy-
wheol may equalise the power fluctuations the motor and flywheel
must fall in speed as the maximum power is required to enable the tiy-
whcel to give up its stored energy, and the flywheel regains its stored
cnergv as it is speeded up between the passes. Data given in tlie
Paper shows that the flywheel has reduced the maximum power
demanded for the motor from 1,980 to 1,200 H.r., while the speed
variation is from 163 to 152 revs, per min., or about 7 per cent.
A flj^vheel is most suitable for equalising fluctuations in jiower
where the maxima only last a very short time, and where there is t ime
between successive maxima for the flywheel to regain its speed.
Should the maximum last a long time, a much heavier flywheel is
required, because a much larger amount of energy has to be given up.
In such a case as a looping mill, where the metal may be in the rolls
for several minutes, it is practically impossible to obtain any equali-
sation by the aid of a flywheel, and the motor must be large enough
to give the maximum jjower required. It frequently hapi)ens, how-
ever, that some of the passes follow each other in such quick succes-
sion that the flywheel cannot regain the speed in the interval between
the passes which it lost during the pass in providing the necessary
energy to give the maximum power. And so with each successive
pass, although it partly regains its si)ced in the interval, it will giadu-
ally drift downwards in speed until a time comes when there is a
succession of lighter passes when it can gradually drift back to full
speed.
Where a tlu'ee-phase motor is used, and the fall in speed is obtained
by placing a slip resistance in the rotor circuit, a loss of jjower takes
place in the slip resistance which is proportional to the slip required
and to the power which the motor is giving. No such loss of power
takes place in the case of a direct current motor where the fall in
speed is obtained by using a compound winding. In consequence of
this, with a three-phase motor, a less fall in speed is usually allow-
able than is the case with a direct current motor, and consequently a
heavier fl}^vheel has to be used to give out the same amount of energy.
The question as to what slip should be used in such a case is decided
entirely by the cost of power, since if a greater slip is employed there
is greater cost involved due tf) loss of power, while if there is a less slip
the cost of the flywheel, &o., becomes more. The slip should there-
fore be selected so that the combined cost of loss of power wasted and
capital charge on the flywheel is as small as possible.
It is sometimes stated that the loss of power which occurs in
|)roviding a slip resistance for a tliree-phase motor in order to enable
the flywheel to reduce the peaks which the motor has to carry can be
avoided by providing an autoiintio arrangement by which the .slip
resistance is only connected in the rotor circuit when the load is such
that the current taken by the motor exceeds a predetermined limit
and is switched out again when the maximum load is pas.sed. There
is not, however, the saving in efficiency which would appear at first
sight, as the slip resistance remains connected in circuit during the
periods of maximum load (when the power lost is also maximum)
whether it is provided with an automatic arrangement or not, and it
IS only s\\ itched out of circuit during the periods of minimum load
when the hm of power is comparatively small. The lo.ss which is
avoided by the employment of an automatic slip resistance is only a
very small part of the total loss in the resistance, and the gain in
efficiency throughout the daily run, when the maximum load occurs
pretty frequently, has been shown by experience to be not less than
1 per cent., though, of course, if the maximum load only occurred
very seldom, the employment of an automatic resistance would
enable a greater gain in efficiency to be obtained. The em|)loyment of
an automatic slip resistance, however, may be found very useful in
obtaining an equalisation of the power taken from the supply system,
as it can be so set as to prevent the current taken by the motor from
exceeding a predetermined limit, any reasonable excess of power over
that which the motor will give being supplied by the flywheel. This
arrangement, however, may involve some rather considerable varia-
tions of speed. Another advantage of the automatic slip resistance
is that when it is employed the flywheel is able to gain speed quickly
dvu'ing the periods of light load, or in other words, the flywheel is able
to regain its stored energy in a shorter time. It cannot be stated
generally whether the employment of an automatic slip resistance is
an advantage or not ; each particular case must be judged on its
merits.
It is almost invariably found that when a steam engine driving a
rolling mill is replaced by an electric motor a greater output is
obtained from the mill. The rail mill, from which results \os. 1-6
were taken, was installed for an output of 100 tons per day, but the
results show that this figure has been considerably exceeded, and 1.50
tons per day have frequently been obtained. This is duo to the fact
that the s)3eed of the electrically driven mill remains very nearly con-
stant, whatever work it is doing, and in this case the speed of the
mill was much increased when the electric drive was installed. The
rails were handled by a lever-man and a catcher with tcngs, and it
was found that when the mill was driven by steam at 100 revs, ptr
min. the speed at which the rails left the mill continually varied, so
that they were not easy to catch. When the mill was driven dcctric-
all}' the speed was increased to about 140 revs, per min. and although
the engineers of the rolling mill had some little doubt as to whether it
would be possible to work at .so high a speed, the men found it was
comparatively easy to catch the rails, because, although they were
leaving the rolls at a higher sj)eed, they always came at the same
speed. The speed of the mill has now been still fiuther increased to
16.3 revs, per min., it being ncces.sary to speed u]) the gas-engine-
driven alternators in the jjower house in (jrder to obtain this increased
speed. The fact that the speed did not fall as much as 10 per cent,
even at the heaviest pa.ss was also found an advantage in enabling a
large output to be obtained, as there were no delays, such as took
place when the steam engine was almost stalled by a heavy pass.
Two types of flexible coupling are then described. In one of these,
which is largely used in Ilgner .sets on the Continent, the power is
transmitted through 20 or more tapered steel rods which gives
the necessary flexibility to the system. In the other type flexibility
is obtained by the employment of leather bushings for the connect-
ing bolts.
The equipment of an electrically-driven reversing mill is rather
different to the above, and may be briefly described as consisting of an
Ilgner flywheel converter set and a reversible mfll motor. If the
draughts are taken so that the motor is giving constant torque at
each pass, this torque being the maximum working torque of the
motor, then the electrical equipment is wcjrking .so that the greatest
output is obtained for a given capital outlay. The size of the revers-
ing mill motor while running at constant speed is determined solely
by the torque it is required to give so that if the size of the mot<.r can
be reduced, the size of the variable voltage generators of the flywheel
converter .set can be correspondingly reduced, involving a consider-
able reduction in capital outlay.
Greater control is also possible with the electric drive, for the
driver has the ammeter in the mill motor circuit always in front of
him. and the reading of this in.strument being proportional to the
torque, he can see when the mill is giving its maximum o\itput. This
is very different to the case of the steam-driven mill, where there is
no ready means of obtaining the torque, and whether a mill will take
a pass or not becomes a matter of experience.
The power required by the mill motors of a reversing rolling mill is
continually varying from nothing to very high values, and the fly-
wheel of the flywheel converter set is used to balance these variatii ns
of power, so tliat the motor of the flywheel converter set is practically
taking constant power from the supply circuit. If the mill motor is
giving constant torque during each pass, it will recpiire much more
energy during the last passes than during the earlier ones, as the ingot
is becoming longer, and .so takes longer to go through the rolls.
For example, the energy taken by a mill motor during the first
pass is 360 metre-tons, during the tenth pass it is 2,1.50 metre-tons,
and in the eleventh pass 5,700. As the flywheel converter set for
such a case would be driven by a 1,500 h.p. motor, and the rolls are
supposed to reverse from a speed of 60 revs, per min. in one direction
to a speed of 60 revs, per min. in the other, the energy which the fly-
wheel would have to give in order to insure that the flywheel converter
.set motor was taking constant power would be 295 metre-tons for the
first pass, 1.750 metre-tons for the tenth pass and 4,750 metre-tons
for the eleventh pass, the difference between these figures and the
IJrevious ones representing the energy that is supi)lied by the motor
of the flywheel converter set during the pass. If the flywheel had to
supply so large an amount of energy as that required for the eleventh
pass its weight would be increased abnormally, and so it is advisable
to reduce the draught m the last few passes, the torque whicli the
motor is requured to give for these reduced draughts being correspond-
ingly reduced.
18
THE ELECrTRICIAN, oCTOBElJ'le: 1908.
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purposes.
The "Industbial Supplement" is , holed for filing or hanging, and
filing covers can be supplied for holding 6 or 12 issues.
STUDENT RESEARCH.
Eeceiit event.s remind us that the colleges are again- in
full working order and that the handling of raw human
material is being continued with renewed vigour. Nowhere
is this more the case than at South Kensington, where Sir
William White last week distributed prizes at the Im-
perial College of Science, and the Eector,-Dr. H. E. Bovky,
delivered an address in which he outlined biiedy some of
the objects of this comparatively new institution. He very
rightly emphasised the fact that the fundamental differ-
ence between pure and applied science is merely a differ-
ence of aim. If the purpose of au investigation is to
establish a law, it is called pure science ; if it is to establish
a utilitarian fact, it is called applied .science. The aims of
the Imperial College cover both these objects, and to facili-
tate researches of this kind much' mbheyhiis been spent,
and some valuable donations have been made for the
equipment of the laboratories.
We must therefore conclude that the new Imperial
College of Science is to, be the future Jjome o^, research jj«r
rcccllencc, and essentially for research by the student. In
this connection it may be worth while to. bear in mind
that research may be divide! generally into two great
classes. The first class includes the determination of the
physical properties of bodies according to more or less re-
cognised methods, investigations into the accuracy of sug-
gested methods of measurement, or the determination of a
given physical constant for a number of diifeient bodies as
distinct from the investigation of the property itself. The
second class of research includes the creation of new
methods of measurement, or new lines upoii which to attack
the unknown. i
. The kind of research outlined in Class 1. just merf-
lioiied is comparatively uninteresting, and is generally not
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 16, 1908.
19
difficult to carry to a conclusion. 1 1 incliuk-s sucli investiga-
tions as the determination of bdilinj; jioinls, indices of re-
fraction, permeability, electrical conductivity, the mapping
of sp^ra and other investigations of this kind, requiring
creat'jcare and exactness but no other special (Qualifica-
tions.' We do not wish to iinply, liowever, that such work
is unimportant. On the contrary, it is most valuable. It
must be remembered, moreover, that such researches
differ considerably in the ease with which they may he
carried out. For examjile, no one would include under
this Category the thermo-chemical work associated with
the name of Thomsen, because the lines of attack in that case
differ very largely with the substances under investigation,
and render the obtaining of a result a matter of diliicully.
Investigations of the kind just considered provide the
scientific bricks wlierewith others may build, and very
naturally lead to the ■ second class of re.searcli, which
has no such fixed rules or methods on wliich to run. The
success of this higher kind of investigation depends very
largely upon the scientific intuition of the investigator and
upon the skill with wliich he can use any or all of the
scientific tools at his disposal.
The facilities at South Kensington have been provided
primarily for research and to increase the output of scien-
tific work in London, where such efforts do not appear
altogether commensurate with the extent of the scientific
population. Those of an inquiring turn of mind will, no
doubt, be desirous of knowing what- form this work will
take. These facilities are essentially f<n- the student. What
is the student going to do with thuni :'
llather more than a year ago I'ruf. W. 1*1 Aykton drew
a very sarcastic picture of the research student. Student
X. comes armed with a diploma and testimonials, and pos-
sibly a research scholarship, to the college of his choice,
and proceeds to carry out experiments. After the first
year's tenure of the .scholarship the jjrofessor probably con-
cludes that Mr. X. is useless for research. He is too kind
to say so, and thus the scholarship is renewed for the benefit
of the student, although not for the benefit of science. In due
time Mr. X., having failed to carry out work of value, and
having no more funds available, becomes a lecturer in
some other college, his lectures being purely academic and
devoid of all inspiration for his unfortunate students. In
introducing his hero, Prof. AyktoN makes the complaint
that student X., when asked what invuf^tigation he would
like to take up, pr^'bablj' replies tiiat he lias not the
slightest idea, and that it was precisely that little point
on which he thought the'professor would help him.
On this point we must confess that our sympathies
are largely with tlie student, for we tiiink that Prof.
Aykton expects too much ; though we sympathise with
the latter in his desire for l)ettov machinery to discover the
genuine spirit of incpiiry. Put why should a student know
what is a profitable field of research when in all proba-
bility he has just passed through a term of three years in
which his mind has been attempting to eml)race an ever-
extending sea of scientific facts, with the knowledge that
the important point at the end of those three years was
toljaoGiwnmDdate as many facts as possible, not in his
books, |[l_^it«in his,, memory, and to .^..secure a maximum
number of marks at the examination ? Is it not natural
that the student should be bewildered, unless he is of an
exceptional turn of mind ; and is it not just here that the
professor can help him and indicate where it is ;Worth
while to carry out research ? A mere knowledgo-Sf text-
book facts does not point the inquirer to fruitful fields of
investigation. It is necessary to watch the trend of events,
and not until these have lieen watched for some consider-
able time is the average scientific spectator likely to know-
along which path there may be expected to be the best
field for I'escarch. Moreover, there is individual aptitude
for special linos. In any case the average student cannot
be expected to deal effectively with the second class of
investigation indicated above, but there is no reason why
he should not be put very quickly to Class I.
As far as instruction is concerned, it will generally be
agreed that the main object should be to keep initiative
alive, or to create it if po.ssible. There is nothing more
killing to initiative than to state physical facts and theories
as if tliey were gospel truths incapable of modification.
Tomanystudents the cnrrying out of experiments purely for
the sake of seeing if the- results obtained are satisfactory is
a most irksome process, and the sooner such students can
be put upon work in .which results are desired for the
sake of their value, and not for their educational effect, the
better for the scientific development of the student. But,
as already pointed out, time is required here, as elsewhere,
for development, and there is no more rea.son why we should
e.Kpect a fully developed scientific investigator immediately
after a three or four years' stiident's course than that a
musical composer of note should shine forth after a three
or four years' course at an academy of music.
A WORD ON CRITICISM.
Electricity has learnt so many useful lessons from gas, and
gas has received so much stimulation from electricity, that a
certain friendly spirit of criticism might be expected between
the two rivals. Each undoubtedly has its strong points,
and each will desire the Naboth's vineyard of the other in
the future as in tiie past, though this is no reason for suggest-
ing that the good points of either do not exist. Apparently
the eyes of our gas friends are often so dazzled by the
brilliancy of tlieir high-pressure mantles and other devices
that they fail to see any possible advantage whatever in elec-
trical methods. Thu^, in discussing the lighting of the; Franco-
British Exhibition, one of our gas contemporaries recently
failed to see any merit in tlie electrical part of the installa-
tion, though a moment's reflection would have shown that
electric lamps are in many cases used in very inaccessible
positions where the fixing of gas jets would have been most
difficult, if not dangerous.
But this kind of criticism is not limited merely to electrical
matters The Paper read by Prof. H. E. Armstrong on
"The Scientific Control of Fuel Consumption " at the recent
meeting of the Iron and Steel Institute has aroused criticism
of the same kind in the editorial columns of the ''".s World.
To what is at most an unliappy wording by the author
the Clitic has attached a meaning which obviously it was
not intended to bear, and then proceeds to lecture the dis-
tinguished chemist upon his lack of knowledge of technical
gas matters. The passage which has evoked such criticism is
as follows : —
During generations every effort was made to discover means of re-
ducing the amount of sulphur in coal gas, but of late years science
has been thrown overboard, actually by Act of Parliament; sulphur
purification is'; now practically abandoned— on -false grounds of
economy-— with- most unjjleasant consequenees to consumers' comfort
and furniture. In the cmkI such a policy must oijerate serio,asly-agaiuSt
gas interests and favour the more general adoption of electricity.
'^i
i^^
20
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER ic, 1908.
Upon this our contemporary remarks : " Such windy rhetoric
as this is more befitting a scaremonger of the Yellow Press —
or the Lcuicel — than the holder of the post of Professor of
Chemistry in the City and Guilds of London Central Tech-
nical College. It raises doubts whether the professor could
' floor ' the usual paper on gas manufacture of the Institute
examinations. Does Prof. Armstrong wish to imply that toivn
gas is not now sulphur purified at all ? If not, what does he
mean by averring that ' science ' in this connection ha? been
thrown overboard ? "
These insinuations we may pass by, comment being unneces-
sary. It is obvious that Dr. Armstrong does not refer to the
removal of sulphuretted hydrogen from gas, which must neces-
sarily be accomplished, on account of its obnoxious odour, but
to the only aspect of the case about which any diversity of
opinion has existed. The Acts of Parliament passed in 1905
for the Metropolis, and in succeeding years for suburban and
provincial gas companies, to which he referred, were, iiiler ulin,
to abolish pen.alties for the non-removal from the gas of sulphur
compounds other than sulphuretted hydrogen. Prior to those
Acts the quantity permitted, and but rarely reached, was
20 grains of sulphur per 100 cubic ft., and if it could be
shown to the satisfaction of the authorities that an excess
over this figure had occurred through no lack of supervision,
the penalty was not enforced. Now no limit exists, and whilst
the gas in some parts of the Metropolis contains 17 grains per
100 cubic ft., in others it is about 60 grains, and on certain
occasions has reached as a maximum 84 grains. IS'ow it is
obvious that it is to this relaxation of the law that Prof.
Armstrong referred, and to the evil eflects that have followed
in its train. Has the Gas Morld, to use its own elegant lan-
guage, " got so very far off the main thoroughfare along
which the traffic of the world is conducted " as to have for-
gotten that the London Count}^ Council, and at least one of
the South Metropolitan Borough Councils, h.ave seriously
taken up this question '! They have shown that the figures
put forward by witnesses on behalf of the gas companies
before the Departmental and Parliamentary Committees, as
estimates of what the gas would contain if the penal clauses
were abrogated, have been very much exceeded in the actual
event.
But there is further justification for Dr. Armstrong's
remarks in the fact that in all the agitation by the gas com-
panies for the removal of restrictions to their delivering
unlimited quantities of organic sulphur compounds to con-
sumers one of the chief reasons adduced was the great watch-
fulness necessary to secure compliance with the existing acts.
It was alleged that the life of the gas engineer was rendered
unbearable by the " sword of Damocles " hanging over his
head continually ; that the action of lime purifiers was so
easily disturbed as to be a source of constant anxietj' to him,
and that when the lime had to be taken out it was a nuisance
to the neighbourhood. Now, seeing that capital had been
expended upon the plant for which consumers have now to
provide the interest charges, and that years of experience had
enabled a routine to be established — or ought to have done —
and further that there are multitudes of chemists willing and
capable of assisting the gas engineer to shoulder the burden,
was it not a just remark to say that " science had been thrown
overboard " when it was decided to supply a gas of less pure
quality than heretofore? From the point of view of easier
competition with electricity this change is an advantage to the
gas companies, but it is undesirable from every other point of
view, and is probably only a short-sighted policy, as Prof.
Armstrong suggests, by which electricity suppl}^ will finally
benefit.
Passing now to legitimate criticism, a good deal has ap-
peared recently in regard to public lighting in the Citv of
London. In an article by Mr. N. H. Humphrys in" the
Journal of Gas Liijhtiiuj certain points were raised, but we
think that the criticism was scarcely carried far enough. The
view was naturally taken that small units of light are prefer-
able. In the case of narrow streets this maybe so, but owing
to the fact that many of our streets are of consider.ible width,
we reach a condition of aflfairs in which small units of light
suitable for the footpath are unsuitable for the general illu-
mination of the street. As we have pointed out on other
occasions, there is no objection to large units of illumination
provided that they are placed at a sufficient height to
give a good general effect. Indeed, our gas friends themselves
show a distinct inclination to adopt high candle-powers, notwith-
standing the ease of subdivision. Mr. Humphrys objects to
placing 2,000 c.p. lamps at about the level of the principal
sleeping apartments, as he thinks this course would not be
appreciated by the residents. This appears to us to be a novel
argument. Residents do not usually object to the midsummer
sun at four o'clock in the morning, and therefore we do not see
why an arc lamp in such a position should cause trouble.
Another point that is brought forward against the idea of
central street lighting is that a van on one side of the street
near a centrally-suspended lamp will cause a deep shadow on
the footpath near it, and that crimes of violence will result
from hooligans lurking within the retreat of this shadow. The
danger seems to be rather far-fetched, the more so when it is
considered that the other method generally in use is to have
the arc lamps placed alternatel}' on opposite sides of the road.
If a covered van happens to be on tlie opposite side of the
road from one of these arc lamps the resulting shadow
will be still more .serious than if central lighting is
adopted. The eflfect of fog is another factor that is
brought under consideration, and it is suggested that the
effect in foggj' weather is better with lamps placed at a
low altitude. Tliis, we think, must depend upon the minimum
illumination adopted. Fog must cut oft' a definite percentage
of the illumination, and if the source of light is placed higher
up, and at the same time is made greater to the equivalent
extent, the result will remain the same. If the sun were
brought 50 million miles nearer to the earth, and its intensity
reduced to give the same illumination under ordinary daylight
conditions, we fear that London in a fog would not be a whit
the better ofT. There are many other items, I'anging from
electric cooking to MacBean posters, to which we might refer,
but we must reserve them for another occasion, though in
passing we might remark that the latter scarcely form a sub-
ject for criticism of the most serious kind, notwithstanding
the views of oiu' gas contemporaries to the contrary.
THE GARDINER SYSTEM OF CAB SIGNALLING
It is doubtless in accordance with the eternal fitness of things
that, when the time is ripe for the adoption of some improve-
ment in our general conditions of life, there should be numerous
inventions attempting, with more or less success, to realise
an arrangement making such an improvement possible. It also
sometimes happens that such equipment, after having appa-
rently satisfied for many years the conditions imposed upon it
by everyday working, exhibits defects which make its replace-
ment by other arrangements an almost necessary condition for
jjublie safety. An instance where this is true, especially in the
light of events of the last few months, is the signalling apparatus
on our railways. For it is unfortunate, but none the less true,
that the well-thought-out designs now in use for this purpose
should have lately failed in numerous 'instances to do their
work. This has arisen not so much fiom any defect in the
meehanical part of the apparatus as from the failure of the
human link to act at the proper time. It is needless here to recall
specific instances ; they will be only too vivid in the minds of all.
It. therefore, seems that some arrangement in which the
human factor is removed or reduced to a minimum is a necessity
at the present time. Probably partly as the effect of the above
causes, numerous methods of automatic signalling have been
j)roj)osed. And it is satisfactory to see that these, in general,
depend on electricity for their operation. We have from time
to time described examples in The Electrician, so that our
readers will doubtless have been able to judge for themselves
of their respective merits and demerits. Some are. in the
opinion of railway engineers, much too complicated ; others
simply replace one defect by another. There has not. in fact,
up to the present time been any system which fulfils all the
conditions imposed by modern railway working. .. .
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 16, 1908.
21
Inventors are not, however, disheartened, and new arrange-
ments are still being proposed. But it is not our office to judge
them. We simply put them before our readers hoping thus
to provoke such healthy criticism as will lead to the building
u|i (if i\ workable and thoroughly efficient system.
One (if the latest of these arrangments, which we recently
had the jileasure of inspecting at the offices of Accumulator
Industries (Ltd.), is the invention of Capt. A. Gardiner. R.E.,
who is attached to the Indian State Eailways and has, therefore,
had ample opportunities for studying the question from the
inside. To illustrate his system Capt. Gardiner has fitted up a
working model which, though rather cramped, shows with great
clearness the method of working. This model, a diagram of
which is shown in Fig. 1, represents a length of railway laid
out in oval form, starting from a station provided with a pass-
ing siding and one dead-end siding. It runs round in an oval
5/,MUe-
1. — PlAGKAM OF CaI'T. GaBDINER's MoDEL ILLDSTBATING HIS TkACK
Signalling System.
1, lA, 2, &c. Limits of signal sectiuiis.
A Stationmasters starting lever. D Stationmaster's calling on key.
B Trailing points lever. E Ktationmaat^r's admission lever.
C Facing pcints lerer. Hi, R^ Reduce speed ramps.
to the .same station again . The track is divided into sik sections
none of which in actual working would be less than about
I mile long.
The operation of the system is shown by a numlier of special
inoveiiients, which are shortly described below. The trains,
which in this case consist of small accumulator-dj-iven trucks,
aie first sent off round the track and are automatically pulled
up, under the control of an automatic signal carried on them-
i-elves, whenever the section ahead is occupied or the points
are contrary or the level crossing gates are opened. A train is
then sent out and stopped near the level crossing, and a follow-
ing train is pulled up by the cab signal in the preceding section.
Under the proposed conditions of working the second train,
lifter waiting a suitable time, would proceed slowly, but on
enteriiii! the occujjicd section would receive a special " daiig<'r ''
All the above operations can be repeated in conjunction with
the usual semaphore signals, but, as is shown on the model,
and unless the semaphores and points are in proper accord
the " stop " signal is given in the cab.
The way in which the apparatus operates can be seen from
the diagrams, Figs. 2 and 3 representing the track and cab
equipment respectively. Throughout each signal section is
placed a continuous conductor (M), generally outside the
running rail, by which the necessary current is conveyed
to the cab instruments through suitable collectors. A
track relay (R) and track battery (B) are placed near
the beginning and end of each section respectively, as shown
in the diagram Fig. 2. If a train is in the middle section
X and is proceeding in the direction indicated by the arrow,
it will short-circuit the battery B, and thus demagnetise
the coil of the relay R,. The effect of this is that a following
train in the preceding .section will receive a " stop " signal
through its cab apparatus in the manner described below. At
the points J in one rail, or in both if preferred, are inserted suit-
able insulators dividing the track circi'it np into sections of anv
^7S
A B
Fig. 3.— Diagram of (A) Obuinary Cah Circcit, (B) " Reditce Spkku '
Circuit.
desired length. A resistance is inserted near each battery
which prevents damage to (lie latter wlron it is short-circuited
bv the train wheels, and the track conductor is ramped at
the further end of each signal section, being separated from
the conductor of the next section by a short gap. This
arrangement of batteries, relays and ramps practically con-
stitutes the whole track system, for, although certain modifi-
cations can be introduced to meet sjjecial cases, the general idea
is the same throughout.
The diagram on the left of Fig. 3 shows the essential
features of the cab equipment. The section BgEj ahead of the
train being clear, the track conductor M is made alive by the
battery Bj through the contacts of the relay R^. The circuit
is then completed through the equipment on the cab as
follows: via the plunger P and the contacts K. through the
El and Ej Track le'ajs
l""i<:. 2. — DiAGiiiM 01' Track Circuit in Gakmnek Sv.^tfsi.
Bi aril Bj Tiack btitle'ies. M Raiup. .\ Train on seclioj. .1 In ii'atcd rail j)
signal. The object of this is to prevent the second train receiv-
ing the '" clear " signal intended for the first train when both
arc in the same section. After receiving this " danger " signal,
the second train would again proceed cautiously and on enter-
ing the next section, assuming that the first train had passed
out of it, would obtain a " clear " signal and could go on
at the usual rate. It is also possible for a train stopped near
the entrance t« the station to be " drawn on " by a special
calling key giving a cautionary signal. This is, however, only
operative within a certain distance of the station, after which
the control is again entirely automatic.
coils of the mat;net S to the engini' frame and thence via the
negative rail to the battery. The excitation of S gives the
" line clear" signal in the cab. When, however, the section
ahead is occupied, the contacts of the relay R^ being open, the
track conductor is dead ; no current then flows lia P, and the
equipment shows by the action of gravity a " stop " signal.
The contacts Kj are closed by the magnet D, which is in the
circuit of a battery, DB, carried on the engine. In this cir-
cuit are also the contacts Kj and the relay contacts K.>.
When the plunger traverses the ramped portion of the con-
ductor which protects the issue from each signal section, the
22
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 16. 1908.
notion of the ramp raises I' and mechanically opens the con-
tacts K,. cutting the batteiy DB ofi the nuifinet D. The
begimiino; of the ramp is indicated at the right-hand end of
diagram.
If the engine be at the time in receipt of a " clear" signal,
as will normally be the case, the signal current itself will now
excite the magnet D flowing to the negative rail via
the engine frame, and the driver will then receive no intima-
tion whatever. The ramp is only required to prevent the
driver leaving the section unawares while in receipt of a
" stop " signal, and in this case on the opening of the con-
tacts Kj, the ramp being " dead," the contacts Ko and K,
will open, and since the battery DB is now unable to excite
this magnet, they will remain so.
The track conductor, if alive in the new section, is now
unable to excite S, the circuit being opened at Kj ; conse-
quently although the leading train may be in receipt of
" clear" signal the following train is not. Moreover the mag-
net D holds off, against the action of gravity, a "danger''
signal, wliieh shows as soon as the current fails, thus denoting
to the driver that he has done what is the equivalent in
semaphoi-e signalling to passing a home signal at danger.
The diagram on the right hand of Fig. 3 shows a similar
arrangement whereby at certain places, such as curves or near
the entrance to stations, a special " reduce speed " signal can be
given. This is done through a special ramp and plunger. Should
the ramp be "live, " the coil remains excited and no signal is given .
If it he " dead " the special battery R.S.B. circuit is broken
by the plunger and the coil is de-energised, causing a special
" reduce speed " signal to be shown.
The cab equipment which it is proposed to use is exhibited
and shown working aloni>' with the model. It comprises a cab
signal, an e(|uipment of audible signals, viz., horn for " stop,"
buzzer for "danger" and bell for "reduce speed," and an
arrangement indicating in principle the magnetic control over
the steam pipe and brake pipe of a steam train. In order to
show what its action would be, electromagnets cause two of the
following four signs to be lighted up : " steam free," " steam
oflE," " brake free," " brake on." In practice it is not pro-
posed to actually start a train automatically but merely to
restore to the driver the power of doing so, hence the express-
ions " steam free," " brake free." The exact method of control
considered desirable will vary very largely with the views of the
individual authorities of any particular line and can be as com-
plete or as non-existent as that particular line desires. In the
opinion of the inventor the following is a suitable arrangement
and the model has consequently been designed accordingly. On
the leceipt of the " stop " signal steam will be entirely shut off
(red lamp lijihts showing " steam, off ") and the brake will be
gently applied (red lamp lights showing " brake on "). The
driver will now personally close his regulator and take charge
of his brake so as to stop the train as speedily as reasonably
convenient. This done he will free his brake and steam pipes
by ])ressing two buttons in the apparatus and thus be placed
again in full control of his steam and brake power. (On pressing
these buttons in the model the red lamps go out and white ones
light up showing " brake free," " steam free.") Meanwhile
since receipt of the " stop " signal the horn will have been
sounding. By pressing a button the horn can be stopped but
will be automatically put ready to sound again on receipt of
the next " stop " signal by the action of receiving the next
" clear " signal. On receipt of the rcdxice speed signal steam
will be entirely shut off. The driver will now per.sonally close
his regulator and if necessary personalh- apply his brake. This
done he can free his steam pipe by pressing the steam button
(the red lamp going out and " steam free " lighting up) ; he can
then restore as much steam as he may require. Meanwhile the
hell has been ringing but can be stopped by pressing the bell
hntton.
The above method of working the apparatus has been put
forward as a proposal only. The principle of automatic contiol
compelling observance of signals having been established the
detail of how it is to be applied would doubtless be varied on
different lines and under different circumstances. Some con-
sider the motive and brake power of the train should only be
automatically controlled in the event of the driver failing to
take proper action. It is hardly necessary to explain that to
meet the requirements of those holding this view there would be
no difficulty in causing the automatic control to come into action
only upon receipt of the " danger " signal, which is equivalent
to saying only when a " home " semaphore has been passed at
danger. In any case the driver has ultimately complete control
over his train, and by taking the necessary steps can move
against any signal, the inventor's intention being to make action
necessary before a signal can be disobeyed, instead of action
being necessary before a signal can be nheyed.
The model above described sets forth the 7nain features of the
proposed system as it might be applied to ordinarv everyday
working and shows the operation of the four signals, viz., " line
clear," " stop," " reduce speed " and " danger," and of the
route indications. The latter is effected by a special indicator
showing on to what track the train is to jjass.
It oidy remains to point out that it will be a siir/.^le
mattej' to add to the engine equipment as shown a recorder
which will show the exact time of receipt of every signal and
the length of its duration and thus afford not only a valuable
record of the sienals received throughout a run. but an accurate
check upon the action of the driver on receipt of the special
signals " danger " and " reduce speed."
From the description of Capt. Gardiner's .system .set out
above it will he seen that it contains several novel points. The
driver is enabled by its means to concentrate his attention in the
cab and is absolutely independent of visual indications. This
will, of course, be a great advantage during fogs or, in the case
of India, during sand-storms, which we understand are, as far
as seeing goes, quite as inconvenient from a railwayman's point
of view.
We have to thank Capt. Gardiner for spending a great deal
of time in explaining the system to us, and for getting out the
diagrams which illustrate the article.
WOLVERHAMPTON CORPORATION TRAMWAYS.
In analysing the accounts of this undertaking last year we
expressed the hope that it had permanently turned the corner
and would remain a commercial success. We are pleased to
see that our hopes have been realised, at least as regards con-
tinued prosperity, for although the balance on the year's
working is less than in 1906-7, it has enabled the existing
deficit to be paid off' and the current year started with a sur-
plus of £392.
We give below an abstract of the expenditure under the
various headings, together with the cost per car-mile for
1907-8 and 1906-7 :—
Operating Costs.
Cost per car- mile.
1907-8. 1906-7.
Electrical energy £7,327 8 1 1-802(1 l-843d.
Wages 8,663 10 4 2131d 2-061(1.
Oil, waste, Ac 191 12 8 0047cl 0048(1.
Track cleaning 316 10 6 0078d OOSSd.
Tickets 138 13 8 0-034d 0033d.
Coal, light and water 294 9 6 0-072d 0-094d.
Uniforms 283 7 9 0-070d 0-062d.
Wages of clerks 353 7 11 0-087d. 0-080d.
Miscellaneous 81 11 4 0-021d 0-024d.
Total Operating Costs £17,650 11 9
4342d.
4-330d.
General Charges.
Management & clerical staff £1,010 6
- 109 5
1,231 13
648 9
120 12
60 5
163 19
Rents
Rates and licences
Insurance
Printing and stationery ....
Compensation claims
Miscellaneous
Management of loans fund.
1 0248d 0-219d.
0 0-027d 0027d.
9 0-303d 0-293d.
11 0-160d 0-182d.
1 0029d 0-024d.
0 O-OlSd O-O09d.
5 0040d 0-C32d.
148 19 10 0-037d.
Total General cnarges... £3,493 11 1
0 -859(1.
0-037d,
0-823d.
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 16, 1908.
23
Repairs and Maintenance.
Permanent way £1.251 7
Feerlers and conduits „ r^, S
KoUing stock 2,563 17
Buildings l^'O '
Tools
Cost per car- mile.
1907-8. 19067.
6 0-303d 0-155d.
6 0-012d 0007d.
0 0-630(1 0-383d.
0 0035d 0-020d.
116 15 3 0029(1 0025d.
Total Repairs and Main-
tenance £4,102
3 3
1009d
0 590d.
Lorain Equipment.
Track equipment
Car equipment
£651 11 11 0-160d 0-135d.
563 0 4 0-139d 0-217d.
Total Lorain Equipment £1,214 12 3
0-299d.
0-352d,
Permanent way £2449 0 0 0-602d 0-676d.
Rolling stock 968 15 8 0-238d 0-393d.
Lorain tr.ack equipment 650 9 6 0-160d 0-160d.
„ car ,, 347 6 5 0-C86d O'OSSd.
Total Renewals £4,415 11 7 1086d ISlTd-
Total Expenses {ex Capital
ctarges) £30,876 9 11 7-555d 7-412d.
Capital Charges.
Interest £7,702 19 6 l-895d l-923d.
Sinking fund 4,178 10 2 l-028d l-026d.
Income tax 150 0 0 0037d —
TOTAL CAPITAL CHARGES... £12,031 9 8
2 960d.
2-949d.
TOTAL EXPENSES (including
Capital Charges) £42.907 19 7 10"555d 10'361d.
TOTAL RECEIPTS £45.253 17 11 11132d Il037d.
BALANCE £2,345 18 4 0-577d 0 676d.
From thislialancemu.st be deducted £428 forvarious renewals
and for part cost of track work to complete intercommunicatioD,
and £233 represents the loss on the motor omnibus account.
The remainder is carried forward to the balance sheet, where
it wipes off' the existing deficit of £1,291, leaving a balance of
£392 on the net revenue account.
The Wolverhampton Corporation tramways department
maintains a fleet of motor omnibuses, and, as the economy of
these vehicles is rather being called in question at the present
time, some details as to their cost may prove of interest. The
mileage worked by them during the year was 56,923, as
against .56,409 in 190G-07. The expenditure is given in the
following tables : —
Per car-mile.
Operating Costs. 1907 8. 1906 7.
Petrol £431 8 0 I-819d l-701d.
Wages 664 0 0 2-800d 2-793d.
Oil, grease, &c 89 5 1 0-227d 0-2l0d.
Lighting omnibuses 53 16 2 0'178d 0145d
Tickets, way.bilU 5 6 3 0-022d O'Ctol
Uniforms 20 1 10 0085d 0-066d'
Miscellaneous 0 11 6 0-002d O'OOQd'
Total Operating Costs £1,217 7 6
5133d.
4969d.
General Charges.
Licences
Insurance
Printing and stationery
Miscellaneous
£13 4 0 0-056d 0062(1
105 15 4 0-446d 0-457d'
0 13 3 0-003d 0-003d
2 16 0008d 0054d-
Total General Charges £121 14 1
0-513d.
0-546d
Repairs and Maintenance.
Tyres
KoUing stock
Depreciation
602 10 5 2-540(1 2-346d.
386 6 3 l-629d l-303d.
482 17 6 2-036d 2-054d.
5-703d.
Total Repairs & Maintenance £1471 14 2 6205d.
Bankers' interest £52 0 0 0-219d 0-277d.
TOTAL EXPENSES £2,862 15 9 12 070d ll-495d-
The receipts from the motor-omnibuses amounted during the
year to £2,(S29, leaving a deficit on the year's working of £233,
which has been carried to the net revenue account of the tram-
ways undertaking. The above expenses do not include any
proportion of the general management expenses, rents, rates,
&c., the whole of which has ])een debited to the electric trac-
tion account. It, therefore, seems that the prospects of this
concern are scarcely as good as could be desired,
The capital account for the tramways undertaking is set out
below : — Capital Account.
Cost of purchase of tramwaj's from Wol-
verhampton Tramways Co. &B.E.T. Co. £30,090 12
Permanent way 115,982 19
Electrical equipment 18,697 0
Lorain equipment 35,969 11
Stubb"s-lane improvement 677 7
Car depot and waiting rooms 15,974 5
Cars 28,435 11
Preliminary expenses 507 1
Costof issue 9,014 17
Per cent.
0 .
.... Ill
9 .
.... 43-8
7 .
.... 7-2
7 .
.... 12-8
10 .
.... 2-4
2 .
.... 6-0
8 .
.... 11-1
5 .
.... 20
3 .
3-6
Total Capital Expenditure £255,349 7 3
lOQ-Q
The passengers cairied numbered 9,140,369, as against
9,276,023 in 1906-07, an increase of 164,34G. Passenger re-
ceipts increased from £13,lH3 to £43,808 and the receipts per
car -mile from 10-776d. to 10-896d.
CORRESPONDENCE.
*
THE SHUT DOWN AT LOTS IIOAD.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ELECTRICIAN.
Sir : In the remarks concerning the above matter which
appeared in yoiu' ciu'rent issue a statement is made regarding
current transformers which, if not corrected, will give a
wrong impression regarding these very essential adjuncts to
all high-tension switchboards. The words are as follows :
" Such transformers are necessarily weak and have failed
before . . . they are accurate to within h per cent, at all
loads . . . this essential accuracy . . . increases . . . the
risk of breakdown."
The gist of this is that, in order to secure an accuracy of
h per cent., the factor of safety as regards insulation had been
dangerously decreased. Now, even if this were correct, it
could only be regarded, I think, as bad engineering, as surely
reliability against breakdown should be the very first con-
sideration in the design of such transformers. Secondly, an
accuracy of ! per cent, is totally unnecessary for switchboard
instrtnnents, and to endanger the insulation for such a theo-
retical point would be certainly ill-advised. However, the
statement mentioned is totally inaccurate. It is c[nite possible
to secure the accuracy mentioned and at the same time have a
factor of safety as regards insulation many times larger than
that secured in a power transformer. In fact, there is no
excuse whatever for an insulation breakdown in a properly
constructed switchboard instrument transformer ; it is sim[)ly
a question of designing it on the right lines. One important
jjoint with regard to such tranformers on high voltages is that
they should be oil immersed. The chief advantage of this is
that all moisture is thereby kept away from the transformer.
It would be as well, therefore, if the statement mentioned
in your article were corrected without delay, in order that
the" idea may not become prevalent that instrument trans-
formers are necessarily a source of danger on a switchboard.
Compared, of course, with any other system of operating
instruments, they are much safer, and, if properly built, need
cause no anxiety whatever. — I am, &c.,
Salford, Oct. 12. Cn.iRLEs C. C.vkr.vkd.
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ELECTRICAL
UNITS AND STANDARDS.
The first meeting of the International Conference was
held at the rooms of the Royal Society on Monday last. The
delegates, who were all present, except Prof. J. J. Thomson,
are as follows ■.—Amorica—United St>ites.—T>v. Henry S. Car-
hart, Dr. S. W. Stratton, Dr. E. B. Rosa. Belgium— U.
Gerard, M. Clement. Denmarh mid Sweden — Prof. S. A.
An-henius. Efuivhr—Scnor Don Celso Nevares. France —
M. Lippmann. Germany— Dv. Warburg, Dr. Jaeger, Dr.
Lindeck. Ch-ent Jlrilain-The Right Hon. Lord Rayleigh,
Prof. J. J. Thomson, Sir John Gavey, C.B., Dr. R. T.
Glazebrook, Major W. A. J. O'Meara, C.M.G,, Mr. A. P.
24
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 16, 1908.
Trotter. Giiatemala — ^Dr. Francisco de Arce. Italy — Prof.
Antonio Roiti. Japan — Mr. 0.suke Asano, Mr. ShigeruKondo.
Me.rico — Don Alfonso Castello, Don Jose Maria Perez. Nether-
lands—Dv. H. Haga. Paraguay — M. Maximo Croskey. Spain
■ — Don Jose Maria Madariaga. Sivitserhmd — Dr. F. "Welier,
Dr. Pierre Chappius, Dr. J. Landry. British Colonies —
Australia— My. Cecil Darley, Prof. Threlfall. Canada — Mr.
Ormond Higman. Crown Colonics — Major P. Cardew. India —
Mr. M. G. Simpson. Eighteen countries are represented, as
mentioned in detail in our last issue.
The delegates were received by the Right Hon. Winston
Churchill, M.P., President of the Board of Trade, who in
his opening speech briefly summarised the progress that had
been made in the science of electrical measurement since the
last international congress at Chicago 14 years ago. During
this period Kelvin, Helmholtz, Rowland and Mascart had
gone, of whom Mascart had been in active work on the sub-
ject of units up to within the last six months, and the pre-
sence of both he and Kelvin would be sorely missed. This
meeting owed its inception to a resolution p.assed at St. Louis,
and His Majesty's Government had responded cordially to
the proposal to convoke an International Conference in
London. The results of the invitations had been most grati-
fying in that representatives from all countries were able to bs
present. Their work was of the utmost importance and their
business was to define in a clear and accurate manner the
scientific quantities in terms of which electrical energy was
bought and sold. Their steps must be directed towards securing
a permanent and expanding uniformity. There was, how-
ever, no question of sweeping away a discordant scheme of
weights and measures, but exact adjustments of an inter-
national system of units and standards had to be made. The
standards must be definitely fixed in value, permanent and
reproducible. The exact relations of these standards to fund-
amental units would be further investigated by physicists,
but the object of the Conference was to secure to trade and
commerce the immense advantage of a universal .system. If
this object was achieved by the delegates a high degree of
success would be theirs.
M. LiPPJi.iNN (France), in the name of the diff"erent countries
represented, thanked the British Government for their hospi-
tality in thus inviting them. He thanked Mr. Churchill for
the interest expressed in their work, and hoped that they
would bring to their labours that precision and scientific clear-
ness which was becoming as necessary in commerce as in
science.
Prof. Warburg (Germany) also thanked the President of
the Board of Trade on behalf of the delegates, :ind drew
attention to the importance of clearing up certain doubtful
questions. He stated that the accuracy of realisation of
practical units for current and voltage had tripled in the last
three years. He expressed the hope that the pre.sent Con-
ference would succeed, and would bring the civilised nations
a step nearer to general uniformity.
Mr. Winston Churchill, in accordance with the precedent
of the recent Conference on Wireless Telegraphy at Berlin,
suggested that the draft rules of procedure circulated to the
meeting should be adopted. This was seconded by Dr.
Stratton (United States) and carried unanimously. The
President then nominated Lord Rayleiuu, O.M., P.R.S., as
President of the Conference.
The chair was then taken by Lord R.iYLEiGH, who nomi-
iiated the following as vice-presidents : Dr. S. W. Stratton
(America), Dr. Viktor Edler von Lang (Austria), Prof. S. A.
Arrhenius (Denmark and Sweden), M. Lippmann (France),
Dr. Warburg (Germany), and Dr. M. EderofF (Ru?sia) ; these
were unanimously elected. He further nominated the follow-
ing as secretaries, and their appointment was also agreed to :
Messrs. M. J. Collins, Wm. Duddell, F.R.S., C. W. S. Crawley
and F. Smith. After several business matters had been
arranged the secretary read the names of the delegates sug-
gested as a Technical committee. On the motion of Dr. St.
Lindeck, seconded by Dr. Glazebrook, the name of Dr.
Chappuis was added to these, and on the motion of Dr. Lang
the name of Dr. Kusminsky ; the Technical Committee was then
constituted as follows : Dr. S. W. Stratton, Dr. Henry S.
Carhart, Dr. E. B. Rosa, Dr. V. Edler von Lang, Dr. L.
Kuisminsky, M. Gerard, Prof. S. Arrhenius, M. Lippmann, M.
Benoit, M. de Nerville, Dr. Warburg, Dr. Jaeger, Dr. Lindeck,
the Right Hon. Lord Rayleigh, Dr. R. T. Glazebrook, Mr.
A. P. Trotter, Prof. A. Rcjiti, Dr. H. Haga, Dr. Fr. Weber,
M. P. Chappuis, Prof. Threlfall and Major Cardew.
In what follows we give an abstract of the proceedings of
the Conference and the Technical Committee.
The first resolution wa.s then moved by Mr. A. P. Trotter (Great
Britain). This resolution confirmed tlie sy.stem on which electrical
measurements had been based for nearly 40 years. The ohm,
ampere and volt occupied a position of a more fixed and inter-
national character than was enjoyed by any other units. In this
connection it was important to keep clear the distinction between
tlie unit and the standard. The former were arbitary and conven-
tional in cliaracter, but had the advantage that they could be
raea.sured with accuracy sufficient for the time. It was, however,
on account of the great scientific importance of the units derived
from the C.G.S. system that they had been adopted as the basis of
tlie electrical magnitudes, notwithstanding the fact that the pre-
cision of our standard measurements far exceeded the accuracy of
our knowledge of the values of the units they were intended to
represent. With the advance of physical science we were con-
tiiuially approaching nearer the true values, confident that the
C.G.S. system was a foundation worthy of supporting our present
.standards He then moved the first resolution in the following terms :
Eesoldtion I. — T!ie Conference agrees that, as heretofore, the
magnitudes of the fundamental electric units shall be determined on
tlie ilectromafinetic siistem of measurement with reference to the cen-
timetre as the unit of length, the (jramme as the unit of mass and the
second as the unit of time.
These fundamental units are (1) the ohm, the unii of electric re-
sistance which has the value 1,000,000,000 in terms of the centimetre
and second ; (2) the amvere, the unit of electric current tuhich has the
value of one-tenth (O'l) in terms of the centimetre, gramme and
second; (3) the voV, the unit of E.M.F. which has the value of
100,000,000 in terms of the centimetre, gramme and second.
This resolution was seconded by Dr. Stratton and agreed to
unanimously.
Mr. A. P. Trotter (England) then moved the second resolution
as follows: —
Eesolution II. — As a system of units representing the above
and sufficiently near to them to be adopited for the purpose of trade
and commerce, the Conference recommends the adoption of the
international oiim, the international ampere and the 'international
volt, defined according to the following definitions.
An amendment to this was proposed by Prof. Warbuko, who
suggested tliat the words " for the piu-pose of trade and com-
merce '" should be replaced by " for legal purposes," as this was
more general, and practical units would not be used only " for
purposes of trade and commerce."
Dr. Glazebrook was, however, of the opinion that if the resolu-
tion was adopted as it stood it would become the basis of laws in
the various countries. Legality would be given to the resolution by
the acts of the various Governments in adopting it.
Dr. St. Lindeck, in supporting Dr. Warbing, reminded the Con-
ference tliat the metre was legalised for all purposes, both scientific
and commercial. He, therefore, agreed with Dr. Warbiu-g that
" for legal purposes" should be inserted, as this included every-
thing. The resolution proposed might give rise to confusion, as it
rather indicated that this standard was not sufficient for scientific
purposes. As a matter of fact, it was the most accurate measiu'e-
ment, more accurate even than that of absolute mass, only it was
not so easily reproduced.
The President (Lord Rayleigh) suggested that though the resolu-
tion would not be put iov adoption at that time it should be amended
into its final form.
Ml-. Ormond Higman (Canada) suggested the legalisation of the
watt. In legal matters the kilowatt was very likely to come up for
discussion, and it was very necessary that the Conference should
lay down some rule on this subject.
Dr. Rosa (U.S.A.) suggested that " for the pm-pose of electrical
measurements " be inserted in the above resolution. This would
include cvcrythinf;.
After sume furtlier discussion on the exact wording of tlie resolu-
tion, further consideration of the question was postponed.
The Ohm.
Dr. Warburg then proposed the following resolution : —
Resolution \1X.~ The international ohm shall be defined as the
resistance of a specified column of mercurg.
It had for long been suggested that the practical unit of resistance
should be either a certain multiple of the absolute unit of resistance
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBEE 16, 1908.
25
or the resistance of a material body of given dimensions and specific
conductivity. Reproducibility was also a point which was a determin-
ing factor. The absolute unit of resistance could only be produced to
some ten-thousandths while the mercury unit could be reproduced to
some hundred-thou.sandths. In this connection the employment of
mercury offered considerable advantages.
The President (Lord Rayleigh) felt some doubt as to whether the
introduction of the mercury column was not like a fifth wheel for a
coach. He thought that the ohm, as defined in absolute measure,
could be obtained at the present time with great precision. He con-
sidered that the action of other conferences in adopting this unit was
very natural, but an open mind should be kept for the future, and he
himself should look forward to the time when the mercury ohm was
eliminated from the international definition. It might lie put into
the same position as the Clark cell, as a means whereby the ohm
could be reproduced in a laboratory, but to use it in a definition was,
in his opinion, going rather far. He did not, however, wish to press
this point, and he would put the resolution.
Dr. LipPMANN (France) agreed that some attention should be given
to the idea expressed by the President. He thought the name
" unit " ought not to be given to the international units now being
discussed, but that they ought to be calleil Standards.
It was then suggested that this matter should be posf]xincd until
resolution II. was re-considered, and resolution III. was then carried
unanimously.
Prof. Warburg (Germany) jiroposed the followmg resolution :—
Eksolution IV.— r/fe internalionnl ohm is the resistance offered
loan unvarying electric current by a column of mercury at the tem-
perature of melting ice, 14-45-U nramrnes in mass, of a constant
cross-sectional area and of a lenf/th of 100:300 centivuires. To de-
termine the 'resistance of a column of mercury in terms of the
international ohm, the procedure to be followed shall be that set out
m bpecijication A attached to these resolutions.
In so doing he briefly discussed the history of the mercurv ohm since
Its hrst adoption in 1881.
It wUI be ob.served that the above only differs from the i.resent
definition by the inclusion of two cyphers.
*i ^'^■.u^?^'^ (U.S.A.), in continuing the discussion, proposed
tliat the length of the mercury column should be kept fixed at 1
metre and that the weight should be correspondingly altered to
make the value 1 ohm. In that case instead of having two odd
figures to alter at any time it would only be necessary to alter the
weiglit of the mercury, and only one odd figure would have to be
remembered. The weight of the mercury would be specified, and
this would be altered when any alteration was needed. He suggested
that this resolution should be referred to the Technical Committee.
ftlr. A. 1 . Tbotter (England) did not consider that there was any
pressing need for the mercury column as a standard. In Enc;land
the advocates of the mercury unit were very few, and a large numlier
o people were definitely opposed to the adoption of the mercury
stanaard. J. lie Conference was asked to abandon good wire stan-
dards which could be measured to one part in a million, and to accept
a.s a standard an instrument of such inexactness that its reiuoduci-
bihty was a very difficult matter. It seemed likely that the Lorenz
or some otfier mode of determination would soon be made to a few
parts m a hundred thousand. Until that time the mercurv eolumu
would be a temporary expedient and would then becomeobsolete
ine real u.se of the mercury column was that it aflorded a means of
expressing the value of the true ohm.
Di-. Wabbltrg (Germany) said that, as far as he understood Mr.
irotter, the question was whether, in the event ofl the column of
mercury being determined more exactly than 1063, it would be
necessary to alter the international ohm. In his opinion, tliere
Should be no change, because (I) the accuracy with which the inter-
national ohm approximated to the true ohm'was sufficient for tceh-
n ca purposes, and (2) continuity should be maintained. If it were
Z^\7iT\^'^l\ '^ '"'■'-'''^ ''^ "^^^''"^ ^f^^'" '" 10 years' time, there
would then be three mternational ohms with resulting confusion.
nlw« JT . "^ ■"t''"i.''tional units to the true C.G.S. units would
thlZ 1 T°,^*' '^'?°"'^' '"^""y- ''"t t'^e international tmits
themselves should not be altered.
wi!w'^'' •^^'^"^'^''^ (Oermany) drew attention to the difficulties which
WarburTf r"^- * '", "'^"''"°° °f ^'- ^°''-'' ««R,8estion. As Heir
Warburg had pointed out, the difference between the true ohm and
the mternational ohm might be determined from time to time, but,
m his opm.on, the value of the latter should be kept constant,
niinf' I °'', ■'•'"" «»PP™ted this proposal, partly for seufi-
marW '!,""'"! ^'" P^'">' "^'''* ^^'^^'^ did not appear' to be any
^Iw^ "'''^^ '" "'^ '""P"^^! '"^de by Dr. Rosa. He did ncit
w™lH r P''°P°^a «'""'d make practical difficulties any easier. It
wou d only s ate the facts in a more symmetrical manne.-.
i,o,P . ^° fi^ (U.S.A.), on being called upon by the President to pro-
po.se a definite amendment, said that he agreed " with those who
differed from him as to the advisability of a change." It gave a
better definition, but it was a change, and it really depended on
whether we wished to improve the definition or avoid making a
change. If the standard had originally been specified by the weight
of mercury the length would never have been changed from 1 metre
He thought It was extremely doubtful whether the time was soon
coming when a resistance could be measured absolutely as accm-ately
and the determinations agree as closely as a set of mercury ohms
He had made the suggestion because he believed that mercury ohms
would be still going on for years to come.
JIajor Cardew (Crown Colonies) considered that the proposal did
not constitute a change. It was the same unit. The change was
only m the words.
Dr H. S. Carhart (U.S.A.) then moved that resolution IV,
including the suggestion of Dr. Rosa, should be referred to the Tech-
nical Committee.
Tliis was seconded by Prof. S. A. Arrhenits. On voting for
this resolution, 16 were in favour and five against, with two absten-
tions. The matter was, therefore, referred to the TechnicafCom-
mittee and the Conference adjourned to Wednesday morning.
Tuesday, October 13th.
Meeting of the Technical Committee.
In what follows we give an abstract of the proceedings of this
committee. Resolutions by this committee are. of course .subject
to confirmation by the Conference, and the di.scussions are,
naturally, of a somewhat informal character. On the motion of
Dr. Warburg, seconded by Dr. Lippmann the chair was taken by
Dr.R.T.GLAZEBROOK. The agenda included the drafting of .Specifica-
tions and the proposition of Dr. Rosa that the length of the mer-
cury column for the international ohm be changed (o 1 metre The
chairman called upon Dr. Rosa for further remarks on the latter
subject
Dr. Rosa (U.S.A.) thought it not improbable that further re-
search would necessitate the length of the mercury column being
changed at some future time from the number 106-300cm., and
that therefore it would be better to adopt a definite length of
1 metre, any further change being made in the mass. This change
would jiroduce a simpler expression on ^hich to work. It wa.s\
change that had been suggested before, and he thought it a mistake
that it had not been already adopted.
M. BENoiT failed to see that any advantage would be gained,
because no gla.ss tube could be obtained to fulfil the conditions
exactly. In practice such standards were not made to any fixed
length or other dimensions. Thus the difficulties and uncertainties
would be the same for one metre as for the present length.
Dr. Jaeger (Germany) quite agreed with the remarks of M.
Benoit. The present figures had a certain history, the number
106-3 showing that the ohm was 1 063 times the old Siemens unit.
It was very doubtful whether anything was gained by thus altering
the figures, as confusion in their continuity would thereby result.
It was quite true that the value of the olim itself would not be
altered, and at first sight the new figures 1 m. and 12-7898 ajjiieared
simpler, though in reality in this case two values would also have
to be realised— one for length and one for mass. He, therefore,
disagreed with the propo.sed alteration, as it appeared that no
advantage was derivable therefrom.
Prof. Arrhenius (Sweden) thought the matter was not of very
great importance, but he was in favoiu- of the i)roposition.
Prof. Weber (Switzerland) was of the opinion that tradition
should be respected, and he could see no use in adopting Dr. Rosa's
proposal.
Mr. Trotter (England) failed to .see the advantage of the sug-
gestion.
After a decision that the voting in the Technical committee
should be by individuals and not by countries. Dr. Rosa's propo-
sition was put to the meeting and lost, 14 votes being against and
five for.
The MERcrRY Ohm.
The committee then proceeded to the consideration of the speci-
fications. The Chan-man expressed the view that these, as the
formal act of the Conference, should be comparatively short, par-
ticularly as they hoped that there would be established "a permanent
Technical Commission to consider points of detail, and to issue from
time to time notes and explanations as might be found desu-able.
The specification of the mercury ohm was then read over and was
considered paragrajih by paragraph. In regard to the ends of the
tubes being plane and perpendicular to the axis (as si)ecified), M.
Benoit thought that the convex form, as adopted in English
specifications, was ideal, but that liberty had better be allowed. In
regard to the measurement of the length of the tube which was
specified to be carried out at 0°, or as near that temperature as
possible. M. Benoit thought that there was no advantage in adopt-
F 2
26
THE ELECTRICIAN. OCTOBER 16. 1908.
ing this temperature, and in fact that it was a disadvantage owing
to condensation and other difficulties, Mr. Trotter thought there
should be some mention as to possible error from using too large a
current, and M. Benoit stated that it would be better to use bulbs
of 4 to 5 centimetres diameter for terminating the tube rather than
3 centimetres as specified. The value of the end correction factor —
namely. 0-80— was referred for consideration to Dr. St. Lindeck, Dr.
Jaeger, M. Benoit and Mr. Smith.
The Silver Voltameter.
There was some di.soussion on this specification, particularly as
to tests for the piu-ity of the silver nitrate and of the silver itself.
Prof. Arrhenius was in favour of merely stating that the water
should not give any soluble products with silver salts, instead of
specifying it free from chlorine. Freedom
from opalescence in a thickness of 1 deci-
metre might be specified. Prof. Threlfall
thought that the words " free from chlor-
ine " should be omitted, as they suggested
that other impurities might be left in.
Mr. Trotter expressed the opinion that all
necessary precautions should be pat down
as clearly as jiossible on account of the
high accuracy obtainable in current
measurements.
TuE Standard Cell.
Without considering the desirability of adopting thecadmuim cell
in preference to the Clark cell, a general discussion took place upon
the specification of the former. Prof. Arrhenius suggested that the
neutrality of the solution of cadmium sulphate should be tested by
Congo red. Prof. Rosa thought that the kind of acid should be speci-
fied, and Prof Carhart was of the opinion that the mercurous sul-
phate should be washed with cadmium sulphate solution. Certain
other points were discussed, such as the formula for theE.M.F. of the
cell, and were referred to the sub-committee already mentioned. To
the names of this committee already given Prof. Carhart and Dr.
Rosa were added.
The Committee ^vas then adjom-ned till Thursday mornin".
installation. It is fitted with an Armstrong patent armoured plate
flywheel 8 ft. 9 in. in diameter by 4 in. tliick. The general details
are shown m Figs. 1, 2 and 3. The capacity of the set is 150 amperes
at 500 volts for 2 minutes, 200 amperes for 1^ minutes and 300
amperes for | of a minute. The sjieed varies between 950 and 670
revs, per min. and the weight of the flywheel is 5J tons. Forced
lubrication is fitted to the set and a small pump is provided for the
oil cu'culation. The machine driving the flywheel is fitted with
interpoles and has o]ien fan ventilation.
FLYWHEEL EQUALISERS.
Many small electricity works are burdened with heavy capital
expenditure on plant which is largely in excess of the average needs
of the station. Those units have been installed with the object of
coping with fluctuating loads and sudden demands in excess of the
normal on the generatmg station. Small tramway stations in
particular have been laid under this disability, and now that large
t'u.. X. — .Seitkin o[' Till-; Lancashire Dynamo Co.'s Flywheel
Equalisee.
The function of the fly^lieel equaliser set is to "even up" the load
on the generating plant by suppl3'ing current to the line when the speed
of the set is a maximum and receiving current from it when it is a
minimum. Between the extreme limits of speed, therefore, the
machine acts successively as generator and motor. The machine
lias three windings : (1) .A shunt field limiting the maximum possible
speed, (2) a small series winding in the armature circuit to comjiensate
for aimature voltage loss, and (3) a main series field carr\-ing a vary-
ing fraction of the current supplied by the main plant. The degi'ee
of diversion of this field is regulated by an aiitomatic switchgear
Fig. 1. — Jj'LvwuEEL E>,n ai.isek iLani asuike. Dyna.mo Co.).
power consumers are coming on to the mains of stations formerly
having a lighting load there is a tendency for the demand to fluctuat'e
so rapidly during the course of the day that special means must be
taken to keep the voltage and load on the generators constant.
Failing the use of the sioiin,. liallciy, which in conjunction with
suitable boosting machinorx is \r,y rllectivo for this jjurpose, a fly-
wheel storage system appears In hr ilic most satisfactory method to
adopt. The Lancashire Dynamo & Motor Co. have recently con-
structed units of this ty|)e, which will be found very interestin" and
should prove useful as a solution to a somewhat troublesome' pro-
blemj One of these sets is running on the Company's stand at the
Manchester Electrical Exhibition, and has ah-eady been referred to
in our columns. We give illustrations of a set which has just been
built at the company's works and is intended for use in a colliery
Fu:. 3.— Flvwheei, Eijualiser Set Siiowini! Si'eoial Lubkioating
Arraxoemests.
which cuts in or out more or less resistance across this field. The
automatic gear for this purpose consists of two powerful electro-
magnets operating alternately on each side of a toothed wheel.
The cu-cuits of these magnets are controlled by a small governor,
«hich energises the one oi- tfie other according to the current passing
111 the governor solenoid. This solenoid carries the current of the
plant which it is desired to regulate, and any small change will set
the diverter switch in motion so that an immediate respon.se to any
changes of load is followed by the operation of the automatic gear.
The gear effects the necessary changes of field strength needed for
the wide range of speed, which is, of course, a necessary feature
of commercial flywheel storage systems. A change in the ex-
ternal demand on the system may be experienced large enough to
alter the equaliser's action from heavy motoring to heavy generating
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 16, 1908.
'27
without any movement of the auto gear, which only comes into opera-
tion when the (venerating action of the equaliser has reduced its sjieed
renderin" a change in tlie degree of diversion of the mnin s,iiis lickl
desirable. The feature of tlie set. which should be s|i<m i,ill\ ii.ilcd,
is that the large field coil carries tliecurrentof the main plant anil thus
cannot change without immediately altering the field strength of the
equaliser, practically forcing it to respond. The complete action of
the gear is thai of fcji-cing the current of the main plant to keep
within predeteriuined narrow limits of variation quite irrespective
of other questions of sM|iply, nature of genei-ators (whether shunt,
compound, old or new), the source of motive power or ability to
maintain steady voltage. The equaliser at all times takes the brunt
of the fluctuating demand and maintains the generator load steady.
I* The action of the set can be witnessed on the stand of the makers,
who have rigged up a special automatic gear and in connection w ith it:
a drum type controller, by which the load on the equaliser can be
suddenly varied. Instruments on the switchboard show that the
actual variation on what con'es]x.)nds to the main generator is very
small indeed.
SMOKE.*
BY JAMES SWINBUBNE, F.R.S.
exposure and development, the author has devised a scheme whereby
the scale and smoke are jjhotographed at the same time. The scale
takes the form of a set of squares on a glass plate and is put in the
camera in front of the plato. It appears in the sky in the photo-
graph and the smoke can easily be compared with it. Even the.se
methods, however, are open to error, and the proper solution is not
to improve the methods of making records but to stop making any
smoke, so that there is nejthing to record.
THE IDEAL HOME EXHIBITION AT OLYMPIA.
It seems that if any body is more responsible for smoke than any
other it is the^engineers-in-charge. The author has, therefore, taken
this subject for his Presidential Addi-ess. It is a subject upon which
a great deal has been written, and the recommendations generally
consist in stating that perfect combustion should be secured. Smoke
is generally believed to be finr pari iclcmif caibon, but is very probably
tar, or at any rate carbon w il li \i lii'h a In l^' amount of hyck-ogen is
combined. The compositinii oj Ihis M.lalilr matter depends on the
temperature at which the coal is distilled. The coal itself does not
burn until it is at a bright red heat, and this is after nearly all the
volatile matter, except a little hydrogen which is given oft', has been
expelled. It therefore follows that to secure complete combustion
the temperature should be as high as possible.
At present the gas from hand-fired boilers is generally led to iron
surfaces cooled by the water in the boiler, so that the tar has no chance
of getting burnt. The general principle in the present day furnaces
seems to be to extract the heat from the fire and gases at the earliest
possible moment, and the consequence is a good deal of the com-
bustion is incomplete. There are very many automatic stokers,
details of a number of which are described by the author, all intended
to prevent smoke, but the makers of these have never really had a fair
chance, because it always seems to be a fixed idea that the fire ought
to bo inside the boiler and the wat'n- ou':;lit to be as close to the tire as
possible. This is due to a vei-y usual confusion of ideas, examples of
which, especially of the latter, mentioned above, ai-e seen in many
directions.
Turning to the question of smoko nuisancjc, the author considers
that electric generating stations, in spite of the many difficulties with
which they have to contend owing to load variations, arc the smallest
offenders in this respect. The worst offenders, and a class for whom
it is most difficult to legislate, are the ordinary householders with
their open grates. Some attempt has been made to reduce this by
designing special grates, but most of the domestic fuel is burnt by
people of small means for whom such grates are an economical
impossibility.
The most obvious cure for domestic smoke nuisances of all kinds is
" coalite," which is really a bituminous coal distilled at low tem-
perature. This distillation drives off about twn tliinh ..f the vola-
tile matter, and what remains burns with a thin \ llci\\ Maine which
is practically smokele-;s. Another solution is \" nsr i;a-<, and the
author considers that if gas companies were released from their obli-
gations as to illuminating power they might supply a cheaper gas
which could be used for heating purposes. Progress in this direction
is prevented by backwardness in the design of gas stoves. These are
very often designed on wholly unscientific lines. Other heating
arrangements arc either unsatisfactory, such as oil lamps, or outside
the range of practical polities for small users, such as hot water pipes.
The recording of smoke is another important subject with which
the author deals at length in his address. The provision of some
recording apparatus which is independent of the personal equation
is a necessity, for what one witness may consider as simply a grey
smoke may be considered by another as black. The author describes
several arrangements by which this difficulty is overcome, the most
usual being the employment of a smoke scale, such as is published by
the Institution of Civil Engineers, or like those due to Ringelmann.
To get over the difficulty which is met with in comparing the scale
and photograph, the latter being subject to various degrees of
* Abstract of the Presidential Address to the Assooiatiou of
Engineers-iu-Charge.
On fiist hearing of the ideal home the dominant question in the
average, not tlie ideal, mind is to Ihe nu^aning of the word. Does it
jrostulate a home that is wholly worked electrically, such as the
famous house at Triers, or does it contain some subtle jiroperty which
does not appear in the ordinary liousehold ? These questions are
answered in the " Foreword " issued by the proprietors of the Daily
Jfaii, who have organised an exhilfition at Olympia, which opened
on Friday last, and will remain o|>en fill the twenty-fourth of this
montli. Their solution of the jiroblem is container! in the following
sentences : —
" The one dominant idea kept in view from first to last by the
promoters of the ' Ideal ' Home has been to demonstrate how to
make home life less laboi-ious, healthier, and more economical.
The many improvements in domestic appliances and methods during
recent years would, if fully utilised, reduce necessary domestic t<asks
by fully one-half. Houses of yesterday were often ill-planned ;
furniture was heavy, cumlnous, and needed unceasing care ; heating
was arranged in the most wasteful and troublesome fashion, and the
cooking was limited in variety and often indifferent in iiuality. The
mistress of the house and her domestics suffered in common. Much
of this labour has now been swejtt away, and still more could be ended
by the full ajjplication of modern ways to domestic life. In this
Exhibition it is for the first time possible to see fully, and under one
roof, what the best of these develojimenls are." '
There can be no doubt that the promoters have succeeded^excel-
lendy in then- endeavours. Though there is perhaps nothing very
startling in the few electrical exhibits, they show tliat such details
as electrical heating and cooking apparatus, together witli fans and,
of course, lighting, will bo by no means neglected in the ideal home.
To the ordinary person, as distinct from the electrical engineer,
there will be much at this exhibition that will instruct and even
amuse. From the £7.5 clialet to the latest type of dog biscuit there is
much which he can ada)it into his quite ordinary home and jierhaps
help to idealise it. Food stuffs, of course, " bulk large," and we can
only say of some of the farm produce that it is almost too good to be
true. We are sure that many benefits will result to both exhibitors
and public from this exhibition, which certainly establishes a pre-
cedent.
The purely electrical exhibits are few. The exhibition hall itself is,
of course, lighted electrically and the (lexibility and safety of this
system of lighl ing has been taken great advantage of by the exhibitors
in arranging their stands. This ajiplies with great force to the Home
Industries section in which H.M. the (^ueen has an exhibit. The
lighting arrangements there have been undertaken by the LiNOUTE
(.'o., and fifteen liunch-ed feet of their well-known " T'ubolitc " are
emiiloyed. The whole gives a very good effiict marked by a plesising
absence of glare. The time of the exhiliition is watched over by the
Synchbonomr Co. They have about twenty dials in the building
operated from a controlling pendulum in the Addison-road entrance
hall.
The Bryant Tradino Syndic.vte are exhibiting a number of their
well-known " Metalito " lamps which it will be remembered are of
British manufaetiuo throughout. This stand is attractmg great
attention, and the economy effected by the use of these lamps over
the more ordinary types is brought out by means of wattmeters,
which can be easily "' understanded." The lamp has an efficiency of
one watt per candle power, and pos.sesses the distinct advantage that
any lamji can be burnt in any position.
Messrs. Ra.sjilekih Phipps & Co., arc showmg an excellent selec-
tion of heating and cooking apparatus. These are, as is well knonn,
als. . f. ivm iii'j a special feature in the " Electric House " at the Franco-
r.nn~li IMiilation. They have in addition to this exhibit supplied
the clictnc pump for the "waterfall and pond in the " ideal garden,"
as well as the electrical cooking apparatus for the jam making and
fruit preserving carried on in the exhibits of the Mercia ,Small Holding,
and of Messr-sT Alpin & Barrett. This stand was attracting much
attention, and business was evidently flourishing. There is decidedly
something distinctly fascinating to the feminine mind about aa
electrical curling U'ou.
28
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 16, 1908.
The RECiENT Ji^LECTUXt; Co. arc cxhiliiting a number of electro-
medical novelties including the " Holmquist " semi-reclining electric
light bath for hosisitals, and a similar bath for home use. There also
on this stand a number of other electric baths, batteries and heating
pads for medical purposes.
The Dowsing Radiant Heat Co. are showing a selection of their
well-known apparatus. Their exhibit illustrates a Dowsing cottage
nursing home, fully-equipped for treating, by electro-medical means,
patients suffering from rheumatism, sciatica, &c.
The Calux Electric Co. are showing the " Solium " metallic
filament lamp which can be supplied for all voltages up to 260 volts.
A number of electric heaters for all purposes are al.so exhibited
including a special " electro heat " for neutralising diaughts, heating
rooms and cold corners.
Other exhibitors include the Webb Lamp Co., who have a device for
sterilising water ; Messrs. Tredegar & Co., whose stand contains a
number of interesting wood fittings for electric lighting purposes, and
Messrs. Strode & Co., who also show a selection of fittings for " ideal
home " use.
BOARD OF TRADE REGULATIONS FOR ELECTRIC
LINES.
A set of regulations have just been issued by the Board of
Trade under section 4 of ttie Eleci,nc Lighting Act, 1888.
After the customary detiiiitions come the following general
regulations : —
General.
1. Nothing in these regulations shall be deemed to authorise the owner
to break up or interfere with any street.
2. Where the pressure of the supply I'xririU^^i.'iO volts, all wires,
switches and metal work in connection with thi -h|i|>Iv -liall be so enclosed
or shall be fixed in such a manner that there ^Ir.ill !« un j isk of any .shock
being obtained by inadvertence or in the ordinary hanfUing thereof.
3. Where the pressure of the supply exceeds 050 volts, the sujiply shall
be subject to such further regulations as the Board of Trade may make,
or shall be given on such conditions as they may prescribe.
4. The insulation of every electric circuit (whether connected with
earth in accordance with these regulations or not) including all maclii-
iiciv a)i.l a|i|iai:il II-. I'Miiiiiiii; part of or in connection wiDi llial .ii.iiit.
"Iiall I III. Hill uih il iliii the leakage current shall no! c^inl ..n,.-
lliiMi .aiiili li |>aii nl ill,- Ilia \linum current ; aad suitable iiu an-, sliall In-
provided for tlie indication and localisation of leakage, livery leakage
shall be remedied without delaj'. Every such circuit shall be periodically
tested for insulation.
5. In the use or delivery of energy. Ilir nHun sliall . \i ic isi- all iliif
precautions so as to avoid the ri.sk nl - ni im_ > I- ■ iii, Im, I, ,,i inv, ihhI
shall be responsible for all electric lim. Iimiii:: ami ipiijiain, l.rli.iiijini^
to him, or under his control, being maiiilaiiiiii in a safe- ccnulitiiin.
(i. Any electric line or any suppcirl llicicl'iiio i'.x|inscd to liability to
injury from lightning, shall be cHicicntly protcitcd aaainst such liability.
7. All mains below ground shall be so l.iid and imili . Ii il is to avoid
risk of damage by accumulation of gas or leakage of rli . i n- , m n nt.
8. Where any accident by explosion or tire, or .in\ nili. i a. riijent of
siu-h kind as to have caused or to be likely to have canscd loss of life or
pcrscinal injury has ocniricd at any part of any electric line or other works,
the (iwiier shall give iminediato notice thereat to the Board of Trade.
0. l<;very reasonable means shall be employed in the placing and use of
electric lines to prevent uijurious affection, whether by induction or
otherwise, to any electric lines or other works of the Postmaster General
or the tclegra])hie communieation thrniiL'li any ■ inh lines.
10. (r() The owner on reeoipt of lla i n _iil iIkhi shall forthwith serve
upon the Postniasler-tiencral a noliir .1, i tl.in;: . \ ny electric line used
for the sn|i|)ly of eneruy, loncther Willi ,i |ilaii .sliuwiiig the mode and
liosition III i\ liK h mil eie< iiir Unc is laid.
(h) 'I'll. I'.i-i 111 1-1, I ( :. Ill lal, upon consideration of such notice and
plan, may icnune sinli .dteration in the position and niorle of layiiip-. nr
mode of u.se of such electric line, or compliance with mi, li .ali, i , ,iii,lii ions
as he may think necessary for the due protection ol Ins , 1, , 1 1 n Im, - ,.i
other works, and any failure on the part of the owner lu eum[ily with .sneh
requirements shall be deemed to be a non-compliance with these regula-
tions.
(c) Any notice . required to be served upon the Postmaster-General
under these regulations may be served by being addressed to him, and
left at, or transmitted through the post to the General Post Office,
J..ondou, and any notice required to be served on the owner may be .served
by beiiig addressed to him and left at, or transmitted through the post to,
his office or last known place of address.
Regulations Nos. 11-22 are similar to existing Board of Trade
Regulations for overhead wires, &c. (and can be found on
p. -01 of "The Electrician " Electrical Trades' Directory and
Handbook, 1908), whilst Keg. 25, relating to the compulsory
connection of a three-wire systein with earth is also one of the
existing regulations {sec p. 198 of the same Handbook). The
remaining regulations are as follows : —
23. Overhead lines for pressures exceeding medium pressure continuous
current or low pressure alternating current shall be subject to such f lu-ther
regulations .as the Board of Trade may make or such conditions as they
may iirescribe.
Snh-slations and Transformers.
24. Sub-stations shall be established in suitable places and shall be in
the sole occupation and charge of the owner and subject to any require-
ments of the Home Office. Where transformers are used in any other
premises (not being sub-stations as defined for the purposes of these
regulations) they shall be so guarded and protected as to avoid the risk of
causing electric shock.
Optional connections of other Circuits with Earth.
26. The owner may, with the approval of the Board of Trade given
with the concurrence of the Postmaster-General (but not otherwise), con-
nect any other circuit with earth, provided the following conditions are
complied with (namely) : —
I. — Generai,.
(1) The connection with earth shall be made only where energy is
delivered to each circuit, that is to say, at a generating station, sub-
station or transformer, and shall be made at a neutral point in the circuit
and in such a manner as will ensure at all times an immediate and safe
discharge of energy,
(2) The connection with earth shall be efficiently maintained, except
when it is interrupted by means of a switch or link for the purpose of
periodical tests for ascertaining whether any current is passing by means
of the connection to earth.
(3) The insulation of the mains shall be efficiently maintained at all
other parts.
(4) Tests shall be periodically made to ascertain whether any current is
passing by means of the connection to earth, and if at .any time the current
so passing exceeds one-thousandth part of the maximum supply current of
the circuit, steps shall be immediately taken to improve the insulation.
II. — Special.
A. Separate or three- or four-core mains u.scd for alternating ciureut
where a low pressure supply is given between a jihase and the neutral
IJoint or where the pressure between any two_conduetors exceeds 250 volts.
The connection with earth shall be made in the case of (a) A single phase
supply, at the neutral point on the winding of the transformer ; (6) A
two-jjhase three-wire supply, by means of the third wire ; (c) A two-
phase four-wu-e supply, at the neutral jroint on the winding ; (d) A tlu'ee-
phase three-wire or tour-wire supply, at the neutral point on the star
winding.
B. Concentric mains used either for continuous or for alternating
current.
'Che c'oiinection with earth shall be made by means of the external
\oi linii.; in these Regulations shall be deemed to be in substitution for
Regulations made under the Factory and Workshop Act, 1901 ; the Coal
Mines Regulation Act, 18S7 ; and the Metalliferous Mines Regulation
Act, 1872.
FRANCOBRITISH EXHiBlTlON AWARDS.
The list of Awards at the Franco-British Exhibition has just
been issued. In addition to the very numerous Awards to Teaching
Institutions, Societies, itc, the list includes the following Awards
to companies, firms and individuals :—
Group of EnrcATioy.
Diploma for Grand Prize. — Eastern Telegraph Co., Cambridge Scien-
tific Instrnmcnt Co.. Mr. .1. .1. Hieks. Sir J. W. Swan, Dr. J. A. Flemmg,
8ir Win. IVee.e. .Mr. tl Mi,,, an. !'i,.f. .Vyiton, Prof. J. Perry.
]),,,/,.iw, i,„ (.■nil,,/ M,,I,,L IimIi.i Kiiiibcr, Gutta Percha & Telegraiih
Works Co.. I.or.l K.iyli io|i, ,Su Win. ILimsay, the Astronomer Royal, Dr.
R. T. Glaxebiook. and Maiiyatt & Place. ^
DIpluiiiit nf //oHoK/-.— General Electric Co., Dr. H. S. Hele Shaw, Mr.
Shelford Bidwell, Sir Oliver Lodge, Prof. A. Gray, Prof. Callendar, Baird
& Tatlock, Griffin & Son, and Iseuthal & Co.
Diploma for Silver Medal. — Levi & Co., Mr. R. W. Paul.
Mathematical and Scientific Instriiments.
Grand Prize. — Prof. H. L. Callendar, Cambridge Scientific Instrument
Co., W.F Stanley* Co.
Di/jlomu of //ono«r.— Reason Mfg. Co., Dr. H. S. Hele-Shaw.
Medicine and Surgery.
Gold Medal. — Ozouau- (Ltd.)
Steam Enciines, Condensers, Boilbrs, Feed Heaters, Superheaters
AND Steam Engine Accessories.
Diploma for Grand ft-jsc— Mather & Piatt, Babcock & Wilcox, British
Mannesman Tube Co., W. H. Allen, Son & Co., G. A. Parsons & Co., Par-
sons iMarine Steam Turbine Co., Stewarts & Lloyds, Wm. Beardmore &
t'o.
Diploma of Honour. — Wm. (Jray & Co., John Thompson,David ColviUe
& Sons.
Diploma for Gold i/e«(«/.— Beldam Packing & Rubber Co., Clay Cross
Co., Kdrtiiig Bros., Wm. Geipel & Co., Royles c& Co., Small & Parkes,
John Stewart & Son, Musgrave & Co., United Asbestos Co., W. H.
Bailey & Co.
Diploma for Silver Medal. — Jones & Horsfield, Lamp Pump Synd.,
Priuceps & Co., T. A. Savery & Co., James Walker & Co., J. P. Hall &
Sons, Lassen & Hjort.
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 16, 1908.
29
Diploma for Bronze J/cdoi.— Andre%vs Governor Patents (Ltd.).
Diploma for Honourable 3/enf(0)(.— Hobdell, Way & Co., E. Reader &
Sons, Adjustable Cover & Boiler Block Co.
Various Kinds of Engines, Hot Air, Gas, Compressed Aik, Gas
Producers.
Diploma for Grand Prize. — British Westingliouse Electric & Mfg. Co.,
Crossley Bros., Mather & Piatt, Power GasCorpn., W. H. Allen, Son & Co.,
Wm. Beardmore k Co., Davey, Paxman & Co.
Diploma of //onoio.— National Gas Engine Co.
Diploma for Gold Medal.— Josei^h Baker & Sons, John Camer on (Ltd.).
Diploma for Honourable Mention. — Scott Snell Gas Co., John Barker &
Co.
General JLichinery. Apparatus for the Transmission of Power-
Recording Instruments, Testinq Machines, Pumps, &c.
Diploma for Grand Prize. — W. H. Allen, Son & Co., Grafton & Co.,
\ickcrs, Sons & Maxim, B. Hoe & Co., Haslam Foinidry & Engineering
Co., Mather & Piatt, Joshua Buckton & Co., United Flexible Metallic
Tubing Co,, Glcnfield & Kennedy, Cambridge Scientific Instrument Co.,
Taylor & Hubbard.
Diploma of Honour. — Wat.son, Laidlaw & Co., C. E. Heinke & Co., Job
Day & Sons, John Cameron (Ltd.), Applebys (Ltd.), Thos. Broadbent &
Sons.
Diploma for Gold Medal. — Hans Renold, Automatic Fire Escape Co.,
R. Waygood & Co., W. H. Bailey & Co., United Asbestos Co.. Gibbons
Bros., Pulsometer Engineering Co., F. Reddaway & Co., Thomas Parker
(Ltd.), Hill Bro.s., Bat Meter Co., R. & J. Dick, Follows & Bate, Joseph
Baker & Sons, Hy. Pooley & Sons, W. & T. Avery, Day & Millward,Geo.
Sailer & Co.
Dijdoma for Silver Medal. — E. W. Coleman, W. Summerscales & Sons,
Shepherd, Green & Co., Louis Burn, Lamp Pump Synd.
Diploma for Bronze Medal. — " .\uto " Recorder Co., Barlow's Patent
Lift Co.
Machine Tools. Metal Working Plant, Machine Appliances and
-Accessories, Wood Working Plant, Hand Tools, &c.
Diji/nma for Grand Prize. — .■\lfred Herbert, J. Hetherington & Sons,
W. F. Stanley & Co., Cammcll, Laird & Co.
Diploma of Honour. — Watson, Laidlaw & Co., Joseph Rhodes & Sous,
J. Hohoyd & Co.. S.iii.l.iM,,, Uro.s. & Newbould.
Dijilumn for '/ // .1/ >/ 1'. Louis Herve, Selig, Sonnenthal & Co.,
British Oxygen ('■■.. .Mn<i'~ Ivitlen & Sons, Teutonic Steel Works, Hans
Renold (Ltd.), Colchester Lathe Co., Rowland & Co.
Diploma for Silrer Medal. — Coventry Chain Co., Stirk & Sons, Patent
File & Tool Co., Reynolds & Co., John Barker & Co.
.Mechanical Production and Utilisation of Electricity. Dynamos,
Motors, Transformers, Application of Electricity to Mechani-
cal Purposes, Safety Appuances.
Diploma for Grand Prize. — C. A. Par.sons & Co., Mather & Piatt.
Diploma of Honour. — W. H. Allen, Sons & Co., A. ReyroUe & Co., Lan-
cashire Dynamo & Motor Co.
Diplunia for Gold Medal — -Adams Mfg. Co., Electromotors (Ltd.),
Simplex Conduit-s (Ltd.), United Asbestos Co., Watson, Laidlaw & Co.
Electro-Che.mistry'.
Diploma for Grand Prize. — .Sherard Cowpcr-Coles & Co.
Diploma for Gold Medal. — Berry, Skinner & Co., Ozonair (Ltd.), Dr.
H. F. S. Sand.
Electric Lighting, Lamps, Regulators, Switches, and Inst-alla-
TiON Accessories.
Diploma for Grand Prize.— C. A. Parsons & Co., W. H. Allen, Son & Co.,
Edisiiu & Swan Co.. Reason .Mfg. Co., Davis & Timmins, Sirajjlex Con-
duits (Ltd.), London Decorative Metal Works.
Diploma of Honour. — Linolite Co., Wm. Geipel & Co., Sunbeam Lamp
Co., A. P. Lundbcrg & Sous, Humbert & How, United --Asbestos Co.,
A. Reyrolle & Co., British Westingliouse Co., Steam Electric Lamp Co.,
Berry, Skinner & Co., Louis Herve.
Diploma for Gold Medal. — Wellman, Seaver & Head, Westminster
Engineering t!o., Birmingham Guild of Handicraft.
Diploma for Silver Medal. — Galsworthy (Ltd.), Imperial Lighting Co.
Diploma for Bronze Medal. — John Dugdill & Co., Duncan Watson & Co.
Telegraphy and Telephony.
Diploma for Grand Prize.— Dr. J. X. Fleming, F.R.S., Marconi's Wire-
less 'felegraph Co.
Diploma for Gold Medal. — C. E. Heinke & Co,
Various Appll\nces of Electricity. Measuring and RECORorNG
Instruments. Medical Electricity, Signals, Explosives, Indi-
cators, Electric Furnaces, Heating Apparatus.
piplonui for Grand Prize. — Dowsing Radiant Heat Co., Cambridge
Scientific Instrument Co. ^
Diploma of Honour.— JhiHtiiin Meter Co., Reason Mfg. Co., -Alfred -Apps.
Diploma for Gold J/c*;?.— Rashlcigh, Phipps & Co., Bergtheil & Youn^,
Kinetic-Swanton Co., Prof. J. E. Townsend, Dr. F. Mollwo Perki „
.Marryat & Place, Dr. P. E. Shaw (Nottingham).
Diploma for Silver J/erfa;.— Rochdale Electric Co., Purccll & Nobbs,
Reynolds & Branson.
Materials, Plant and Processes of Civil Enoineerln'g, Building
Material, Plant used in Coast Illumination, Buoys, Plant used
IN Water and Gas Supply.
Diploma for Grand Prize.^W. F. Stanley & Co., Val de Travers
-Asphalte Paving Co., Chance Bros. & Co., Stewarts & Lloyds, Applebys
(Ltd.), Mather & Piatt.
Diploma fill- 'iiJil M,,I,,l. — James Keith & Blackman Co., United
Asbestos Co.. <o1>Ihmi- |;i,,s.
Diploma for Si/i; r M, :l,il, — Sherard Cowper-Coles & Co.
Metallurgy'. Plant, Processes and Products of Steel Works, &c.
Diploma for Grand Prize. — Engineering Standards Committee, Taylor
Brps. & Co., W. Beardmore & Co., Bolckow, Vaughan & Co., Cammell,
Laird & Co., David Colville & Sons, Dorman, Long & Co.. Thos. Firth
& Sons, Jolm Brown & Co., Monk Bridge Iron & Steel Co., .John Spen<er
& Sons. Cam- bridge Scientific Instrument Co., University of Sheffield,
Mond Nickel Co., North Eastern Steel Co., Wigan Coal & Iron Co.,
Whitecross Co., Sanderson Bros. & Newbould.
Diploma of Honour. — Aluminium Corporation, Alfred Hickman,
Sherard Cowper-Coles & Co.
Metal Working Plant, Processes and Products op Foundries op
Bronze, Brass, Zinc and Tin, Electro-Plating, &c.
Diploma for Grand Prize. — British Mannesmann Tubes Co., Johuson,
Matthey & Co.. Chubb &. Son.s. Henry Wiggin & Co.
Diploma for fin!, I .1/ "/-'.— Earle, Bourne & Co., Kenrick, Archibald
& Sons, Hoskius A .s.wrll, Hullivant & Co., -Allen, Everitt, & Sons.
Diploma for Silver Medal. — John Staniar & Co., London Decorative
Metal Works, Sir John Ciiss Technical Institute, Beale & Co., J. Motters
& Co., Inglis & Connor.
Appar.atus and Processes of_^He.\ting .and Ventilation.
Diploma for Grand Prize. — Carron Co.
Diploma of Honour. — Ozonaii- (Ltd.), Musgrave & Co.
-Applied Chemistry-.
Hors Conrxiurs. — Dr. F. M. Perkin.
Diploma for Grand Prize. — Brunnei', Mond & Co., United .Alkali Co.,
Price's Patent Caudle Co., Castner-KcUner -Alkali Co , Spencer Chapman
& Me.ssel, Johnson, Matthey & Co., Dr. Ludwig Mond, &c.
Art Metal Work, Casting in Bronze.
Diploma of Honour. — Elkington & Co.
Diploma for Gold Medal. — ^Bromsgrove Guild, Sherard Cowper-Coles &
Co.
Diploma for Silver Medal. — London Decorative iletal Works.
Hygiene.
Diploma for Gold Mrdnl.— Ozonair (Ltd.).
LEGAL INTELLIGENCE.
Brandt v. Crompton & Co.
♦ In the Lord Mayor's Court (Ijondon) last week (before Mr. Assistant
.Judge Jackson and a jury) plaintiff souglit to recover £13. 14s. 4d., balance
of account for insulating material (mica) supplied.
From the evidence it appeared that the i)arties got into communica-
tion with a view to plaintiff supplying mica insulating rings for use on
electric generators -A mould was supplied to plaintiff in order that he
might send in the mica rings exactly to measurements recpiired. In
December, 190fi, plaintiff gave a quotation for supply of 10,000, 5,000, or
1,000 mica rings at the rate of 120 a week. The price of the rings were
fixed at 38s. per 100. Defendants entered into the contract and the
rings were delivered weekly. From time to time defendants complained
that some of the rings were not according to size, and refused to accept
them. Down to October, 1907, 901 mica ritigs were rejected by defend-
ants, and it was in respect of these rejections that the present claim arose.
Defendants said the order given to plaintiff was for a quantity of mica
rings " exactly to our sketch and gauge." The rings in respect of which
plaintiff was claiming were not in accoidance with instructions and were
useless to them. Plaintiff's witnesses said it was impossible to manu-
facture mica with such mathematical accuracy as was required by
defendants.
For the defence it was contended that the goods ordered of plaintiff
were to be supplied to a certam specification, stress being laid upon the
necessity for accuracy. Plaintiff agreed to supply according to the
specification, but the rings for which he was now suing were not accurate
and were useless to them. Defendants made machines on the inter-
changeable system, and accuracy was of prime importance in all parts.
Two questions were left to the jury : (1) Did defendants order rings
of a special specification which plaintiff agreed to supply, and (2) were
the rings reasonably fit for the pur))ose for which defendants ordered
them, and for which plaintiff' knew they were to be made.
The jiury answered the first question in the affirmative and the second
in the negative, and the Assistant Judge directed a verdict for defendants.
Judgment was entered accordingly, with costs.
BOOKS REC£1¥£D.
(Copies of the imdermentioncJ works can be had from Tfie Eleciriaan olBoe, post freo,
on receipt of published price, adding 3d. for booiss published uoder 2s. Add 10 per
cent, for abroad or for foreign books.)
" Die Elektroteclinik. " By Depl. Ing. K. Laudien. Vol.
LXXXVIII. of " BibUothek der gesam'ten Teclinik." (Hanover :
Dr. Max Janecke.) M. 3.60.
" Galvanotechnik.' By Ing. Krause. Vol. XCU. of " Bibliothek
der gesamten Technik." (Hanover : Dr. Mas Janecke.) M, 2.S0.
30
THE ELECTRICIAN. OCTOBER 16, 1908.
MUNICIPAL, FOREIGN & GENERAL NOTES.
APPOINTMENTS VACANT AND FILLED.
Applications arc invited for the position of lioud of the depart-
ment of Physics and Electrical ICngineering of the Victoria Jubilee
Technical Institute, Byculla. Itombay. Engagement for five years.
Salary, R.600 rising to R.800 per mensum. Applications to the pro-
visional hon. secretary to the Board of Trustees (Mr. D. E. Wacha)
by November 30. Particulars, with forms of application, &c., may
be obtained at the offices of Tlic. Electrician, 1, 2 and 3, Salisbury-
court, Fleet-street. London. E.C. See also an advertisement.
Applications are invited for the position of manager of a com-
pany's power station near London. See an advertisement.
A drawing office and record assistant is required for Wimbledon
electricity department. Salary JE104 per annum. Applications to
Borough Electrical Engineer by Oct. 24.
Ml'. H. S. Taylor, mains assistant at Hammersmith (London), has
been appointed mains superintendent in succession to Mr. W. G.
Tillot, who has resigned owing to ill-health and who is going to New
Zealand. Mr. H. Bell, one of the engineers-in-charge, has also
Mr. W. A, Kitchen and Mr. C. H. Thorpe have been apjjointed, out
of 275 api)licants, junior engineers at Hammersmith.
EDUCATIONAL NOTICES.
Battersea Polytechnic (London, S.W.). — At this polytechnic
there are day and evening courses of instruction. The day courses
include preparation for the B.Sc. in engineering of the University
of London and the polytechnic diploma in {a) mechanical, (b) elec-
trical and ((■) civil engineering. The evening classes include pre-
paration for the B.Sc. in engineering, associaleship examination of
the I.C.E., &c. Prospectus on application to the Secretary.
w Electrical Standardising, Testing and Training Institution. — The
following arrangements for special lectures to he delivered during the
Michaelmas term have been made by the governors of Faraday
House : — On generator design by Mr. H. M. Hohart. M.I.C.E..
M.I.E.E. ; on electrical measurements by Mr. .Tohn Rennie, M.I.E.E.
(of the Board of Trade Electrical Standards Laboratory) ; and on
fuel economy by Mr. .T. B. C. Kershaw, F.I.C.
Armstrong College (Newcastle-on-Tyne).— The session 1908-9
commenced on Sept. 28. There are complete courses of instruc-
tion in mechanical, civil, electrical and marine engineering, naval
architecture, mining, metallurgy, &c. Particulars from the secre-
tary (Mr. F. H. Pruen).
We have received a copy of the calendar of this college for the
session I90S-9. Full particulars are given of the courses of instruc-
tion (in day and evening classes) in electrical and mechanical engi-
neering, chemistry, metallurgy, physics and other scientific and
commercial sulijects. The ]irice of the calendar is Is., post free Is. 4d.
University Correspondence College. — We have received a copy of
the London University Guide and University Correspondence Calen-
dar for 1909, which contains much useful information concerning
the various examinations of the University of London. Those
anxious to graduate at this University should procure a copy of the
guide, as the sound advice given on the selection of subjects, text-
books, &o., will prove helpful to all students but especially to those
who cannot obtain t'le assistance of a tutor.
We have received from the same College a copy of the Matricula-
tion Directory (No. ."JO, September, 1908) which gives complete in-
formation about the matriculation examination of the University of
Londoti, with articles on text-books, ifec. The published price of the
Directory is Is. nett.
Accrington, — The electricity department accounts for the year
ended March, show capital expenditure £68,858. increase £15,813.
Revenue was £11,815 (against £li,72!l), working and general expenses
£7,274 (f £3.438). gross profit £4.541 i£;).20I), o.ipital eliaryes £3.<I3I1
(£3,291), net pinlit tlitU (nil). Tlu-rc are 4liS (37:!) consnniers, with
54,603 (44.2I.S)(.i|i, iv.il, lit s , .|,. I.nn|is , ,,nii.rtr,i : ■_'. I!ll.;i.57 units were
generated and 2.00i;.(,()j |si)|,l".i:!| s.iI.I. 1 .:.sii.:;:;o (77o,2!ll) to private
consumers, 87.73!) (3l,iiiiiM l,.r |.iililir lluliliiij and :jss..-,33 (nil) for tram-
ways. Working and general expenses were 0-S7d. per unit, generation
costs being 0-72d.
The tramway accounts show capital expenditure £115,938 (increase
£70,524). Revenue was £11,9(>1, working expenses £6,629, gross profit
£3,332, interest, capital redemption and special charges £4,217. siu'plus
£1,115. 2,116,772 passengers were carried, 238,109 car miles run, and
388,533 imits used (at l-3d. per unit). Traffic revenue per cat mile was
10'9d. and expenses 6-6d.
Ayr. — The question of extending the tramways has been referred
to the Trani\\ays committee for report.
.^Another Primary Battery.— It is reported that a Mr. W. A. F.
Bleck, of Brisbane, Queensland, has invented a new primary battery.
which is claimed^to be very simple, compact and easily charged.
Prof. T. R. Ljle, of Melbourne University and other .scientists have,
il is stated, rejiorted favourablj' on the battery.
Australasia, — The " Australian Mining Standard " states that
liuthcrglen ( Victoria) ratepayers have decided by a majority of two to
one to adopt electric lighting.
Messrs. .J. A. Newton & Co., who agreed in October last to enter into a
contract for establishing electricity works at Deniliquin (N.S.W.),
recently informed the Council that they could not proceed at present,
as they had been unable to raise the capital. The Council have now
opened negotiations with a representative of Messrs. Warburton, Frankie
& Co. as to the electric lighting of the town.
^British Columbia.— The City Council of Victoria (B.C.) recently
had a report prepared by Mr. W. Meredith as to the suitability of the
water power obtainable at Jordan Meadows for the generation of elec-
trical energy, as the water power now obtained from Goldstream will
not be sufficient for tramway and lighting jnirposes in the busy .sea.son.
The Council have also " staked " in the Alberni dLstrict. where water
]iower can be obtained which, although too far distant for energy to
be transmitted thence to the city, is expected to be required ulti-
mately when the tramway system is extended to all the principal
points of the island.
Battersea (London). — The Council have decided to continue their
op))osition to the London Electric power bills.
.Mains are to be laid in the Wellint'ton-road district at a cost of £300.
( 'helsea Council have accepted the tender of Wright Bros, for supjJy
of electric fittings. &c.. for 87 lights in the Town Hall extension at
£124.
Braunton (North Devon). — The residents are being canvassed on
behalf of a firm of electrical engineers to ascertain the amount of
support likely to be given to an electricity sujiply scheme.
Burnley. — The London Electrobus Co. has applied to the Council
for a licence to establish a service of electric omnibus. The Council
already possess power to run motor 'buses in connection with their
tramways, and it is proposed to limit the company's licences to street
in the outskirts of the town.
Burslem. — On Mondaj- the Electric Lighting committee reported
to the Council that they had considered the remarks made by Jlr.
R. H. Hooper (L. G. Board inspector), at the recent inquiry into the
a)iplication for sanction to borrow £12,000 for the electricity under-
taking, with reference to the charges for electricity. The committee
saw no reason why any alteration should be made in the .scale of
charges for electricity for lighting or for power, and the Council
endorsed this view.
Cardiff. — The Parliamentary Committee have been authorised to
insert a clause in the next Corporation bill authorising the wiring of
consumers' premises, the hiring-out of electric motors, &c.
China. — The report of Consul Hausser on the trade of Swatow for
last year states that the dispute between the Swatow Electric Light
Co. and the contractors for the supply of the plant has been .settled
by arbitration. Before the completion of the four months" running
of the works in the contractors' hands, which was provided for by the
contract, one generating set was damaged by lightning and the other
was injured in consequence of a leak in the roof of the power station,
necessitating the removal of the plant to Hong Kong for rej)air. It
has since been vcorking satisfactorily.
Corea. — The report of the British Consul at Chemulpo for last year
states that the Chemuljio Electric Co. projiose to construct an electric
tramway through the foreign settlement to the Japanese .settlement
and outer districts.
Dublin. — The Lighting committee have been instructed to instal
incandescent electric lamps instead of gas lamps when improving the
lighting of any street in which electricity mains are laid, and the
Paving committee have been directed to arrange for the lighting of
new roads by incandescent electric lamps whenever feasible.
Edinburgh.— .\t May 15 last the streets of the city were lighted
by lO.tJSl incandescent gas lamps and 1,193 electric arc lamps
and the common stairs by 12,395 gas jets and 152 electric lights.
Compjired with 1907 the number of arc lamps had been increased
by 18, to light up train\v.ay extensions. The cost of electric lighting
(including incidental expenses) was £11,216, or £9 per arc lamp per
annum.
Electric Power on the Rand.— A cablegram has been received by the
Victi.iia Palls I'l.wrrC... to theeti'ect that tlie newstationat Brakpan,
which has a capacity of (i.i.KXl kw.. has l)een started, and is now
supplying electrical energy to a number of mines.
Electricity in Steel Works. — Various alterations and improvements
have been carried out at the Wicker works of Samuel Osborn & Co.,
Sheffield, including the adoption of electric driving. I «5
A 350 H.p. motor is used for driving two 10 in. rolling mills and an
8 in. rod mill. Electrical energy is supplied to the motor at 2,000 volts.
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 16, 1908.
31
This motor is the largest in Sheffield taking jjower at this pressure from
the Corporation mains. The motor and starting gear are lioused below
the mill floor. This arrangement affords a substantial addition to the
workin" area of the mill, besides providing better protection for tlie
motor. The cables are carried to the motor house along an undergronnil
conduit. In addition to the renrr;inwment of the rolling mills, modern
furnaces liavc been desimn -I nnl iri.trd with water-tube boilers, pro-
viding improved hcatini; .oihIiImhi- umI utilising all the waste heat from
each of the furnaces for slc:im i.ii m m.l water heating. The work was
carried out by contractors umlii 1' ilir<r>i,,n of the companjrs <on-
sulting cugincer. Mr. D. Carnc-n , M In i I'.E., assi-sted by Mr. J. R.
Walker and other members of tin '_iii;i'Hm Ikl; staff.
Exhibitions. — The eighth biennial Ironmongery, Hardware and
Allied Trades Exhibition will be held in July, 1909, at the Agricul-
tural Hall, London.
An international exhibition of " Latest Inventions " will be held
at St. I'cterslrarg in April, May and June next. Regulations may be
seen at 7.3. I5asinghall -street, London, E.G.
Fatalities. — Ivor Harry, a young electrician em))loycd at the
South Pit (I'ovvcll DufFryn), Bargoed, camo into eontaot with a live
wire, and received a fatal shock, on Wednesday evening, whilst
endeavouring to locate a leakage.
An inquest was held at Hindley, near Wigan, on Wednesday, on
FrederickXt. Taylor, an electrician employed at Scowcroft's Colliery,
Hindley Green.
On Monday last deceased was instructed to do some repairs in a motion
brow in the Arley mine. He was seen about 12:15 by the pusher-on
(.Tones) going down the motion road, and at that time the motion lope
was at a standstill. Twenty minutes later the rope was started, and
immediately afterwards he noticed a jerk on the rope. He went down
the lirow to asrcr-tain the cause, and was shocked to find the deceased f.ast
betwirii I h,' io|, nf a f\ill box and the roof of the motion road. He was
extrirali 'I. and il was found that life was extinct.
>Mr. Hai.i. ( H.M. Inspector of Mines) said that where machinery of thai
kind was put into a pit the management ought to see that the roads arc
of proper height and width so that the men could work in safety. The
road was only S ft. high, and the width w.as not sufficient for a man to
stand clear of the tubs on cither side.
The jury returned a verdict of accidental death, and recommended that
in future proper signalling arrangements should be made when an elec-
trician was working on a niolion brow.
Felixstowe.— The Council have now decided to offer the Suffolk
Electricity Supply Co. £S,000 for the Felixstowe electricity under-
taking (including plant, mains and connections, &r.), except the
four-cylinder gas engine and the producer plant, which the company
are to remove before completion of the purchase on June .30, 1909.
Application is to be made to the L.G. Board for sanction to raise a
loan for the purchase.
The consultuig engineer (Mr. R. P. Wilson) has reported uiion the
present plant at the electricity works and upon the type of plant to tie
used for extensions. The Council are recommended to adopt the
Diesel oil engine, and Mr. Wilson has been instructed to get out plans
and specification for whichever scheme the Council (in conference with
Mr. Wilson) decides upon, for submission to the L.G. Board, and the
Council will advertise for tenders for same.
Fochabers (N.B.).— It is claimed that the residents of this town
enjoy the privilege of having the cheapest electricity sujiply in the
British Isles.
About three years ago the Duke of Richmond and Gordon decided
to have Gordon Castle lighted by electricity, and the river S|)ey was
utilised for generating electrical energy. He decided to let the towns-
people have the same atlvantage and every house in the town is lighted
by electricity for which the users pay the fixed sum of 5s. j)er y(>ar.
The few straggling streets of the town are also well lighted.
Forthcoming Book.— There will be nothing direot'y electrical
in a new book which is about to be published, entitled -'.A
History of Sarawak under its Two Wliite Rajahs, 1839-1908." and
WTitU'n by the Rev. S. Baring-Gould and Mr. C. A. Bamfyldc,
F.R.G.S., formerly resident of Sarawak, but as a book of general
mterest, and giving special information concerning an interesting
country, the new work will have an interest for the electrical man.
It will contain numerous and original illustrations, and we invito
our readers to be on the look-out for it.
Football by Electric Light.— At Burton, on the evening of HMh inst.
two First League football teams (Blackburn Rovers and Leicester
Fosse) concluded a football match by the aid of electric light.
The match was started late in the afternoon, and the Corporation elec-
tricity department were invited to submit terms for sufficient electric
light to play the concluding stages. The Electricity committee and the
engineer and manager (Mi-. P. J. Pringle) met the organisers, and the
match was played by the light of 10 of the Electrical Co.'s 10 ampere
flame arc lamps, each of 3,000 c.p. Four lamps were erected on either
side and one at each end over the goals. The arc lamps were run in
series directly off the trolley wires at 520 volts. The grand stands were
illummated by five 50 c.p. Osram lamps. The arrangements proved
entii-ely satisfactory and the undertaking was a great success.
Gillingham. — At the Council meeting last week various extensions
of the electricity supply mains were authorised. It was reported that
there was a steady increase in the demand for electrical energy for
lighting.
Glasgow. — The Rutherglen-Burnside tramway extension was
opened for traffic yesterday (Thursday).
Last week the Corporation decided to vote £25,000 out of the profits
of the tramway department to the Common Good. The Tramways
committee only recommended a conc.ributioii of £17,500.
The Corporation have decided to offer £6,000 for the purchase of
land adjoining the Marybill car depot, to enaiile them to increase their
car depot accommodation.
Hammersmith (London). —One hundred gas lamjis in I") streets are
to be converted into electric lamps at a cost of £002. Tlie lighting of
Pulham Palace-road is to be reorganised, and 3(i metal filament lamps
are to be substituted for the present arc lamps.
Harrogate, — The Council have adopted a report of the Lighting
ccimniittce on the lighting of small projierties.
A charge of 2s. 9(1. fier (|naitci' is to be made for each 30 watt lamp,
subject to the followiriucon.lii i.ins : (1) Accounts to be paid cpi.arterly
in .advance ; (2) all dcpai i nn ul- supplied with light under this tariff
to be adeijuately lijjbted by windows during daylight; and (3) mini-
mum number of lamps per tenement two ami maximum six.
Hove. — The Board of Trade inquiry into the application of the
Corporation for a reduction in the price charged for electric current
by the Hove Electric Lighting Co., was concluded by Mr. Sims
Williams on the 8th inst. The evidence in this case was given in The
Elcctriciitn for July 3 and 10 last, the present sitting being to allow
counsel to address Ihc Commissioner.
Mr. Meli.ok, for the company, submitted that, owing to (he uncer-
tainty in regard to the option of purchasing the undertak'iig by the
Council, his clients were entitled to provide against contingencies. They
had embarked upon their trading venture and had jirojicrly s]ient a large
amount of capital. They were faced with the possibility of complete
extinction at the-end of 20 years, and they were bound to make adeciuate
[irovision for the replacement of that capital at the end of the period, and
also for interest or dividend upon it. The original ap)ilication was for a
reduction to 3-88d. per unit, but the lowest price their chief witness (.Mr.
Hammond) considered pro|)cr on the 7 per cent, basis (without a sinking
fund) wa-s 415d. If a sinking fund were to be provided, Mr. Hammond
said the price should be 4'()5d. ; and on a 10 per cent, basis he gave 4'72d.
as the price without a sinking fund, and 5-22d. with a sinking fund. That
was practically and substantially the figure the company were now charg-
ing. The whole basis of the calcniations of the (,'orporation experts,
namely, that the company were not entitiled to retain more than a 7 per
crut. dividend on their nominal cajiital before they reduced the price,
w.is fallacious. The eft'cct of the use by customers of metallic filament
lam|)s upon the company's output should be taken into account, and he
iiiged that no time could be wor.se for seeking to enforce a reduction of
[nice than the present. The company's area of supply was to a great
extent exhausted, and over the last 10 years there had been a diminishing
rate of increase in the number of units sold. The company had volun-
tarily made reductions in price from time to time, and the Corjioration
had not made out any case for a comjiulsory alteration of the present
(irice.
Ml'. EarLE replied for the Corporation, and Mr. StMS Wn.LiAMS inti-
mated that he would report to the Board of Trade in due course.
Japan, — The Acting British Consul at Yokohama (Mr. T. J. Har-
rington) says " the imi)ort of telegraph wire is nearly all from Ger-
many,- the small British import having decrea.scd during the last
tlirce years."
Lowestoft. — Sanction has been received to a loan of ffiOl for
iiu-cl]atii<-al sinkers, repayable in II year.s.
London Coimty Council. — On Tuesday it was recommended to alter
the terms of loans granted to Battersca (London) Council .so as to
increase the jiericids for the payment of loans for mains by 10 years,
and to decrease the periods for the payment of loans for hou.se services
by 8 years. Sanction was asked to the borrowing of £22,180 by
Poplar CVmncil for electricity supply.
Tnimwrn/ K.rtrvilnn. — The adjourned rejiort of the Highways com-
mittee wa> Mil.iiiiu.-il. containing proposals for new tramw.ays for which
P.arlianuiiiai y -anc lion would be necessary. The total length of new
lines pro|iosed was 17 miles 1 furlong, and the ai)])i-<)ximate cost £403,430.
It was also proposed to reconstrui-t 12 miles of existing tramways for
electric tra(-tion at an estimated cost of £2!)7.830.
Owing tn the position taken up by Jlr. V. Smith on the f|Uestion of the
uucMi|)lriyc-cl till- CiHinril adjourned without doing any business.
London Power Bills. — The London Electric Supply and the London
(Westminster and Kensington) Electricity Supply Companies Bills
were do-nn for second reading in the House of Commons on Mondaj',
but, owing to opposition, were not proceeded with. It is now under-
stood that the second reading will be taken on Monday next, when
the President of the Board of Trade (.Mr. Winston Churchill) will
move an instruction to the Committee to which the bills will be re-
ferred to insert in all three bills a provision conferring purchasing
powers on London County Council,
32
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 16, 1908.
A conference of the opponents of the London and District Bill
was held at the National Liberal Club (London) on Wednesday,
when the following resolution was passed : —
That tliis meeting, while recognising the desirability of making
provision in London for the supply of electricity in bulk, is of opinion
that this can only be safely done under the control of a central muni-
cipal authority, and views with profound alarm the London and Dis-
trict Electricity Supply Bill, which would confer immense powers over
a vast area on the promoters. It regards with particular apprehension,
as contrary to precedent, the provisions of the measure which would
enable the promoters to acquire, without coming to Parliament, the
undertakings of public authorities throughout the various areas, and
for these reasons it appeals to the ("iovernment, and to all members of
Parliament representing the wide district included, to oppose the fur-
ther progress of the Bid, and asks for consideration of Mr. Kearley's
Electric Supply Bill.
Manchester Exhibition.— One of the first organised visits to the
Exhibition took place on Saturday, when a party of upwards of .'JO
foremen of Messrs. Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works (Ltd.), Stafford.
accompanied by some of the officials, made an excursion to Man-
chester. The members of Messrs. Siemens' Manchester branch had
made excellent arrangements for the entertainment of the visitors,
who had three and a-half hours at the Exhibition. An enjoyable
spread was afterwards partaken, followed by a " smoker " in the
eveninw. The meniliers of Siemens' Slafhird Engineering Society
will visit tlie Exhibition to-mnT'iow (SMlurday).
Manchester Exhibition Railway Arrangements.— Cooeciion.— An
error which occurred on page 925 of our issue for Sept. 25 was un-
fortunately perpetuated on page 969 of our issue of Oct. 2. The
Great Northern Co.'s 7:15 a.m. restaurant car express was in both
cases inadvertently timed to leave Kings Cross at 8: 15 a.m., instead of
7:15 a.m. This early morning express enables passengers to reach
Manchester by noon, breakfast being obtainable en route.
Municipal Honour. — Mr. G. Gilkes (of the well-known firm of
Gilbert Gilkes & Co., engineers and turbine makers) has been elected
an alderman of Kendal Town Council.
Obituary. — The death is announced of Sir William PolUtt, for-
merly general manager of the Great Central Railway Co., and at
the time of his death a director of the London Electric Supply
Corjjn.
Personal.— Mr. M. Farrer, manager of the Ramsgate & District
Electric Supply Co., and Mr. C. E. Hume, manager of the Twicken-
ham & Teddington Electric Supply Co., have exchanged positions.
Portugal. — The Sociedad Armazeno das Beiras of Gouveia have a
concession for the supply of electricity in the town of Ceia and have
obtained permission to appropriate water from the river Alva for
generating current. The " Diario do Governo " for Oct. 1, contain-
ing information as to terms of concession, can be seen at 73, Basing-
hall-street. London, E.C.
Presentation. — Gillingham electricity works staff have presented a
travelling bag to Mr. A. C. O. Forster, who is leaving to take up an
appointment with the Charing Cross, West End & City Electric
Supply Co.
Jir. W. J. Furse, electrical engineer, Nottingham, was on Saturday
presented by his employees with a' silver rose bowl on his silver
wedding.
Sicily. — The Acting British Consul at Palermo (Mr. W. A. Morrison)
states that the Italian Government have granted a concession to the
Societa Elettrica della Sicilia Orientale, of Milan, for the appropria-
tion of water from the river Casseble for 30 years. The company will
.supply current tn |iii\;ilf cnnsumers and will construct and operate
trauiways between S\ ik ikc and other towns. It is expected that
5,000 H.P. of water ^loHri w ill Ik- obtained, and the cost of the neces-
sary plant and construction of canals and reservoirs is estimated at
£80,000.
Southport. — The salary of the borough electrical engineer (Mr. A. S.
Black) has been increased by £50 per annum.
Straits Settlements. — The Government have sanctioned the pro-
posal of the Penang Municipal Commissioners to raise a loan of
100,000 dollars (£11,667) for the extension of the electric street
lighting and the dupHcation of the generating plant in the Northern
Settlement.
Swansea. — At the last meeting of the Swansea lilectrio Lighting
and Tramways committee the electrical engiuner (Mi'. C. A. L. Prus-
mann) reported on the question of charges for side-street lighting.
Ml-. Prusmann found it was impossible at present for the electricity
department to convert flat flame gas lamps to metallic filament lamps
for £2. 15s. Id. per lamp. If the price were increased to £3, 3s. Id.,
the department would be prepared to undertake it. £2. 15s. Id. is
the price charged by the gas company. The report was adopted.
The Telephone in Turkey. — The "Financial News" states that
(he Turkish Government has refused the offer of a German syndicate
to estalilisli a telephone service in Tui-key, and it is announced that
int(-rnalii)nal tendi-r.s will be invited.
Tonbridge. — The Council have received sanction to a loan of £3,353
for extensions of the electricity undertaking.
Trade Marks. — At a recent meeting of the Law Society at Bir-
mingham a paper was read by Mr. J. Riley on " The Trade Marks
Act of 1905, and the Practice thereunder."
Referring to the diffifulties in obtaining new marks in certain classes
n-L:iNtin-il. Mr. P.ili v siid ouiiii.' to the iioiltitude of quotable marks on
leroiil III0..1 loriiuii . oiininr. injiiind .i .ntiticate of registration from
Eiiulaii.l l'rhjii-tlii-\ i.--:i-trir.i ,i I li iii>li III 1 1 U. and they made it a condi-
tion tliat tlie registration in the foreign country should agree with the
registration in England. If, therefore, traders could not obtain regis-
tr.'ition of their neV marks at home, they could not obtam registration
ill those countries. Therefore, he suggested that a relaxation might be
made in the strictness of the official search for conflicting marks. No
mark that could fairly lay claim to being " distinctive " ought to be denied
registration. He favoured the French practice, and although it might
not be possible to introduce it bodily into this country, yet it might well
be possible to introduce in the future a practice of acceptmg on deposit,
witliout seart-h, all marks sent in, and to grant a certificate of deposit if
askrd for ; then to advertise the marks, and, if a mark were not opposed
ujiom ad\ertisement, to register it, leaving parties to fight any question
of legal riglits that might arise.
Walsall.— The borough electrical engineer (Mr. A. S. Barnard),
having reported that the trial .set of anti-vibration foundations on
Prache's system had been satisfactory, the second transformer is to
have a similar foundation at a cost not exceeding £.50. •;
West Bromwich. — Refuse destructor works are to be erected adja-
cent to tlie electricity station, and both undertakings will be worked
togetlier.
West Ham. — Owing to his being connected with the promotion of
London electric power bills, Mr. C. H. Merz is unable to give evidence
on behalf of the Corporation at the adjourned L. G. Board inquiry
into the application for sanction to borrow money for extensions of
the electricity undertaking. Mr. Arthur wright has, therefore, been
retained at a fee of 100 guineas, plus 25 guineas for each day's attend-
ance at the inquiry.
The tramway extension in Romford-road, east of Green-street, has
been officially inspected, and the extension from Barking-road to
Iron Bridge is ready for inspection : —
With regard to the construction of an electric tramway from the centre
of the Iron Bridge to Abbot-road, Poplar, by the London County Council,
the Electric Lighting and Tramways committee recommend that the
L.C'.C. construct the tramways on the overhead system. West Ham paying
10 per cent, on the cost of construction to maintain the overhead equip-
ment and track.
The engineer and manager (Mr. A. Hugh Seabrook) has reported on
several improvements at Canning Town generating station. He has
prepared a scheme for obtaining water from the River Lea at all times, the
estimated cost of which is £1,000. Mr. Seabrook also proposes to erect
an ash conveyor at a cost of £800 and to extend the crane track to take
ashes away from the conveyor at a cost of £300.
The comiiiitti-i- hive adopted Mr. Seabrook's proposal that, owing to
the dei ni-r in I ijli ling revenue due to the extensive use of metal filament
lamps. riiiiiiMi -hill |iaid on sales of irons, kettles, and similar domestic
articles «lii. h li^liliiig consumers can use be increased from 2i to 10 per
cent, in order to iiuUiee canvassers to push the use of these articles.
Wireless Telegraphy Notes. — It is announced that the U.S. Signal
Corps has established six wireless telegraph stations in Alaska at a
cost of over £20,000. A station at Safety Harbour, on the northern
Alaskan peninsula, connects with another at Fort Gibbon, Tamana,
whence the system continues to Fairbanks and Circle City. Eagle,
on the Canadian border, connects with the two last stations and with
Mummy Island. Messages are thence transmitted by wire to Cordova,
on the southern coast of Alaska, and thence to Tatoash Island, off
Seattle, by the navy. The wireless messages are said to have been
successful, the Signal Corps having maintained communication for
some time in this way with Nome and St. Michael, across Morton
Sound.
^A re-arrangement in regard to Radiotelegrams (Wireless Tele-
grams) to and from ships is announced. Where new, the revised
arrangements came into force on 15th inst :—
Commnnicdlion with Ships through British Coast Stations. — In most
eases the Jlareoni Company's sailing lists remain the standard source of
information with regard to communication with ships through coast
stations in the United Kingdom. In future the charge for telegrams
intended for transmission to tlie ships in those lists will be at \hejndusive
rate of lOJd. a wor.l. uilliout ,iiiy iiiiiiiiiuim. If the ship to which the
message isacldn -.-e4 i-- kiiow n lo liu , |i i-,ed out of range, and no attempt
is made by tlie . o.iNt station to ii.iuMiut i lie message, the charge (less the
ordinary inland rate) will in future be refunded on application. In
future, it will be unnecessary to insert the words " Wireless Station " in
the address of messages mtended for transmission through any coast
station in the U.K.
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 16, 1908.
33
A " Central News " message from New York states that un-
interrupted communication was obtained by wireless telegrai)hy fm-
two hours between San Francisco and Honolulu, a distance of 2,100
miles.
A •' Times" correspondent at Wellington (N.Z.) reports that an
English wireless telegraph syndicate has submitted proposals for
establishing wireless connection between New Zealand, Australia
and some of the Pacific islands.
Wolverhampton.— It has been decided to extc^nd the tramways in
the directi<in of f'enn.
Workhouse Lighting.— Mr. Adrian Collins is to be called in by the
City of ivondon (Juardians to report as to the best means of reducing
the cost of electric lighting in the infirmary and workhouse.
t^Yarmouth.— -Forty-seven gas lamps in Cobbolm, costing £104. 10s.
per annum, arc to be replaced by metal filament lamps at €3. .3s. per
lamp per annum, a saving of £16. 9s. a year.
S.0.6. Dinner. — The annual reunion of the S.O.B., an informal
association of the men who served a|)prenticeship at the Scott's Acton
Hill Works was held at the ilanehester Hotel, London, on 3rd inst.
Members from all parts of the country attended and many met for
the fti'st time for 20 years. A pleasant surprise consisted of the repro-
duction on the menu of a photograph taken in 1887, representing
some of those present, now prominent members of the electrical pro-
fession.
Electro-Harmonic Society. — The first smoking concert of the 23rd
season of this Society will be held in the King's Hall of the Holborn
Restaurant, London, on Friday evening next, the 23rd inst. TIk'
chatf will be taken by Sir John Gavey, C.B. Invitations to the con-
cert are being sent to the members of the International Conference on
Electrical Units and Standards and of the International Electro-
Technical Commission.
TRADE NOTES AND NOTICES.
TENDERS INVITED.
Salford Electricity committee ^invite tenders for the supply-
delivery and erection at the Corporation electricity station (Frederick-
road, Pendleton), of cooling towers, tanks, pumps and pipe work.
Specifications and forms of tender from the borough electrical engi-
neer, Mr. Victor A. H. McCowen, M.I.ME. Tenders to the Cliairnian
of the Electricity committee l)y noon of Monday, Nov. 2. See also an
advertisement.
Tenders will be received at the office of the Commonwealth of
Australia representative, 72, Victoria-street, Westminster, London,
S.W., until noon, Oct. 19, for supply and delivery at that office of
four complete sets of instruments (signalling and protecting),
necessary for direct duplex cable working, for the Postmaster-
General, Melbourne. Forms of tender, &c., can be obtained at the
General Post Offices, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, and
Hobart, and at the Commonwealth office as above. Tenders (on
forms supplied) to Capt. Collins, Commonwealth representative, 72,
Victoria-street, Westminster, S.W. Further particulars are set out
in an advertisement.
Tenders are invited for supply of three complete sets of testing
instruments for the Postmaster-General's department, Victorifi.
Tender forms, &c., at the Commonwealth office. 72, Victoria-
street, London, S.W. See also an advertisement.
Tenders are invited for the supply and erection of installations for
wireless telegraphy at LavnccMon, Melbourne, King Island (Bass
Straits) and Flinders Island (Furneaux Group). Tender forms and
specifications may be obtained at the Commonwealth Office, 72,
Victoria-street, London, S.W. See also an advertisement.
The Directors of the Gt. Western Railway Cu. are prepared to receive
tenders for the supply of stores, including incandescent electric lamps,
electric wires and cables, electric light carljous, telegraph instruments
and apparatus, telegraph ironwork and tools, wire, oils, indiarubber
goods, ironmongery, steel tools, brasswork, &c., &c. Specifications,
with forms of tender, may be obtained at the offices of the Stores
Superintendent, Swindon, and tenders addressed to the secretary
(Mr. G. K. Mills), Paddington Station, London, W., must be m by
Oct. 20 for group I., and Nov. 10 for group II.
Norwich Sewerage committee want tenders by noon Oct. 20 for
supply of two vertical spindle Laurence Scott motors, with starters,
wirmg, &c. Particulars from the City Engineer.
Bury Corporation requii'o tenders by Oct. 23 for the electric lighting
of East Ward Council School. Specifications from Mi\ S. J. Watson,
Electricity Works, Bury
SPECIAL NOTICE.
Last week s number of ' THE ELECTRICIAN " completed Vol. LXI. WitU
the number for October 30 will be issued (Gratis) the Index to the Volume.
READY 2nd NOVEMBER Vol. LXI. of " The ELJXTiiiriAN.'
Price 17s. 6d. Postage Is. extra.
Cases for binding Vol. LXI. are now ready, price 2s.; post free, 2s. 3d.
Walihamstaw Council want tenders by 5 p.m. Oct. 23 for about six
months' supply of arc lamp carbons. Forms from Mr. G. R. Spurr,
Priory-avenue, Walthamstow.
PortsmoiUh Corporation require fenders by Oct. 21 for reconstruc-
tion of turbine generator. Particulars fnmi the Engineer and Mana-
ger, Electricity Works, Portsmouth.
Germiston (Transvaal) Municipality require tenders by iJec. 18
for the supply of electric current in bulk (three-phase, .50 to 60
cycles, 3,3(J0 volts), stating price per unit for 700,000 units per
annum for five years, and for a furtlier five years at the Couneil'.s
option. Tenders t.i Town Clrik.
TENDERS RECEIVED AND ACCEPTED.
On Tuesday London County Council approved acceptance of the
following tenders: —
Slot Itdi/x and Condactoi Railt.
P. & W. MacLellan (made by North-Eastern Steel Co.)
(accepted) .' £15,193 1 8
Walter Scott (Ltd.) 16,559 5 0
Frodingham Iron & Steel Co.._ 15,611 0 0
.SoeiLtif Anonyme des Acieries d'Angleur (Belgium)
(slot rails only) 12,300 16 8
Edward Le Has (made by Ougr6e Marihaye Steel Co.,
Belgium) (.slot rails only) 12,197 10 0
Track Hails and Fasltniti'js
Walter Scott (Ltd.) (accepted) £24,263 15 0
Bolckow, Vaughan & Co 24,453 17 6
Edward Le Bas (made by Ougrfie Co.) 22,080 1 8
Societe Anoiiyme des Acieries d'Angleur 21,439 0 10
The chief engineer's estimates, comparable with above tenders, were
£15,857. lis. 8d. and £24,773. 15s. respectively. The work of rolling
to section of tlie fishplates will l^e sub- let to the Coghlan Steel & Iron
Co., and the supply of the bolts and nuts to Guest, Keen&Nettlefolds.
,Si.c Electric Tr<i„y„.,/ V.hi.I.^.
Mountain & Gib.son fa-r.; £3,230 I Hh.-i. NM-m, & Co £3,439
Gloucester Railway, Car- I iiiiud l.lc 1 1 ic Car. Co.... 3,414
riage & Wagon Co 3,774 | Dick, Kerr & Co 3,230
Tiro Ehctricnnd One Hand Lifts for Central Car Repair Depi'il.
Medways Safety Lift I K. VVaygood & Co. ... £926 10 0
&ElevatorCo.('a«-.;£603 10 6 A. Smith & Stevens ... 920 0 0
A. W. Penrose & Co... 1,U84 10 0 | Eastou Lift Co 882 7 6
50 Sets of' Indica/iir Jio.r I'llliai/s/or Electric Cars.
Hurst, Nelson & Co. I Player'* Mitchell ...'£160 8 8
(accepted) £150 0 0 Hoskins & Sewell '157 10 0
United Elec. Car Co. 667 11 4 | * Less 2| per cent.
A tender from Howarth & Houson, at £70, less 5 per cent., was not
to specification.
For Siil'slitulimjArc Lamps for Existimj Gas Lamps oil Westminster
Bridge.
G. E.Taylor &Co.(fter.) £331 7 3 I VV. T. Henley's Co. ... £535 13 2
C.allender's Co 691.10 0 Footo & Milne 362 0 0
W. T. Clover & Co. ... 587 8 6 |
The chief engineer's estimate was £500.
It was reported that a number of tenders had been accepted for
supply of motor-generators for tramway sub-stations, wiring
material for the second portion of the Greenwich generating station,
wiring and fitting for central car repau' depot, h.t. and l.t. switchgear
for Camden Town and other tramway sub-stations, and for_200,000
stoneware ducts, &c. These tenders were .set out on p. 972 of our
issue of Oct. 2.
West Ham Council have accepted the tender of J. T. Halsey (at
£52. lOs. 6d.) for supply and fixing of transformers, &c., at Balaam-
street baths to reduce the pressiure to 25 volts, to admit of the use of
10, 16, and 25 c.p. Osram lamps. Four tenders were received, the,
lowest being accepted, the highest was by the Corporation electricity
(lrpartmentat£7I. lo.s. The tender of J. T. Halsey was also accepted
fur transformers for the underground conveniences at £14. 18s. 6d
The Empire Roller Bearings Co. have received an order for 1.216
wheels and roller bearings complete for India, and amongst other
recent contracts are orders for roller bearings for the Ordnance
Department and the Admualty.
Marples. Leach &.Co. have secured an onler for th installation of
the Adnil winding signalling system at the Harton Co.'s colliery, South
Shields. The system employs lamps for visual signals and electno
hooters and bells for audible signals.
Kynoch Limited have secured a contract for the supply to Dawley
Council of pumpmg plant, consisting of two sets of Kjmoch gas
engmes and suction gas plants and Mather & Piatt turbine pumps.
u
THE ELECTRICIAN, JOCTOBER 16, 1908.
Stalybridge. Hyde, Mossley and Dukinfield Tramways and Elec-
tricity Board have placed an order with Daniel Adamson & Co. for
two boilers.
Rugby Council have accepted the tender of S. P. IMar-sh for altering
the electric light installation at the Library to enal)lc metal filament
lamps to be used.
Belliss & Morcom have recent!}' received (through Johnson &
Fletcher, Bulawayo) an oi-der for a 3()0 b.h.p. engine for tlie Bula-
wayo electricity works.
Worksop Council have accepted the tender of W. T. Henley's Co.
for 500 j-ards of cable at £73. 17s. -Id.
Stockport Council have accepted the tender of the General Electric
Co. for a battery meter at £29.
Warrington Ouardians have accepted the tender of Mr. Smith for
supply of electrical stores for tliree months.
Erith Education committee have accepted the tender of tlie Wood-
ville Electrical Co. for fire alarm bells at the schools.
Walsall Electricity committee have accepted the tender of Mr. W.
Wistance for condensing plant foundations.
Dublin Corjioration have accepted the tender of Babcock & Wilcox
for boiler plant and accessories at £6,423.
Stothert & Pitt have recently installed a number of electric cranes
at Port Sudan.
The I'ostmasler-denerars Department, Brisbane, have accepted
the following tenders : —
Humphreys & Ricliardson, battery boxes and single wing platforms ;
Brisbane Electrical Co., double protectors and brown paper sleeves ;
Paul & Gray, manhole frames and covers and c.i. potheads ; Smith &
Atkinson (for making only) Meidinger, leads and zincs and Daniells.
cojipers, pockets and zincs.
New South Wales Public Works Department, Sydney, have
accepted the tender of R. W. Cameron & Co. for 30 B. 8. trolley wire
at 8d. per lb.
Melbourne (Victoria) Electric Supply committee recently recom-
mended tliat a>- order be placed for a £2'> No. .'J Kvershed " .Megger."
BUSINESS NOTICES.
The General Electric Co. announce that their Birmingham branch
is now situate at 42, High-street, and extensive showrooms, contain-
ing all the latest designs in electrical fittings, heating and cooking
apparatus, fans, plain and fancy lamps, glass and .silk shades, &c.,
have been opened.
To facilitate certain family arrangements, the business of Thos.
Larmuth & Co. has been turned into a limited liability company
under the title of Thomas Larmuth & Co. (Ltd.), with head offices at
Todleben Iron Works, off Cross-lane. Salford. The debentmes and
shares are held by members of the family and the business will be
personally managed as heretofore.
The business of F. Barker & Son, 12 and 14, Clerkenwell-road, lias
been converted into a )irivatc limited comjiany.
The business carried on by Mr. H. E. Davis as the Davis Electrical
Co., has been converted into a private limited liability company.
Mr. R. M. Neilson informs us that he has severed his connect ion
with Messrs. Richardsons, Westgarth & Co., Hartlejiool, and has
o])ened an office as consulting engineer and chartered patent agent at
45, Hope-street, Glasgow,
Mr. Monerie/I P. Ford has resigned his position as managing
director of the Brooke Tool Mfg. Co. and is now with Mr, S. N. Bray-
shaw, of Manchester. During this month Mr. Ford may be found at
stands 259-260 in the Manchester Electrical Exhibition.
Plant for Sale.— Messrs. G. Elliott & Co., 186-188, Long-lane,
Bermondsey, London, S.E., have for sale two compound Marshall
steam engines coupled to two Crompton dynamos, a combined
generating set, and also three dynamos. Further parlicidars are given
in advertisements.
Factory Site for Sale.—Mcssrs. Geo. Mason & Son, Chesterfield,
have for sale b}- jirivate treaty a large and substantially buOt factory
known as Si)ital ilills. Chesterfield, consisting of three storeys and
standing on half an acre of ground, with engine, two boilers, shafting,
&c. The site is close to three railways. See an advertisement.
Patents Development.— Messrs. Herbert Haddan & Co., patent
agents and consulting engineers, 31 and 32, Bedford-street, Strand,
London, W.C, have a number of English patents whose proprietors
are desuous of arranging by way of licence or otherwise for the manu-
facture and commercial development of the inventions in this country,
Messrs. Haseltino, Lake & Co., 7 and 8, Southampton-buildings,
Chancery-lane, London, W.C, also invite applications in regard to
Patents Nos. 7,217/1905 for " Improvements relating to Submarine
Signalling Apparatus," and 21,181/1905, for " Improvements relating
to Electrical Measuring Instruments," the proprietors being desirous
to enter into arrangements for working same in this country.
Further particulars are given in advertisements.
Application for Restoration of Lapsed Patent. — Mr. H. Chitty has
applied for restoration of the pattiit granted to him for an inven-
tion for " Imjiroveiuents in dynamn-electric machines" (No. 9,397
of 1902), which expired on Ajnil 23, 1908, owing to non-payment of
renewal fee. Notice of opposition by Dee. 14.
Award. — We learn that Messrs. C. G. S. Electrical Instrument
Co. (C. Olivetti & Co.). of .Milan, Italy, who have made a large and
interesting exhibit of their manufactiu'es at the Marseilles Inter-
national Electrical Exhibition. 1908, have been awarded the Grand
Prize, the highest award possible. The firm of Olivetti & Co. are
amongst the most renowned of the Continental electrical instru-
ment makers, and we feel a,ssured that their success at Marseilles,
upon which we congratulate them, is fully merited.
Gas Works Directory. — From Messrs. Hazell, Watson & Viney, 52,
Long-acre, London. W.C. we have received a copy of the 31st issue
of tlie Gas Works Duectory and Statistics (for 1908-9). Electrical
engineers who are interested in gas lighting matters will find in this
book much information. It has been carefully revLsed to July,
1908, and contains in an easily accessible form a mass of reliable
statistics relating to the gas works of the United Kingdom, together
with a list of directors and officials. The published price is 10s. 6d.
nett.
CATALOGUES, &c.
Motor Starters, ilc. — Premier Electric ('(mtrol (Ltd.) have
issued a bound up list which should be in the hands of every elec-
tric ])ower contractor. The lists deal with the company's speciali-
ties in the way of mqjor starters and control gear, the chief details of
which are described in the current number of the Industri.\l Sup-
plement. The arrangement of the catalogue is particularly neat,
and users will find it advantageous to be able to turn to the first two
columns, in which horse power and voltage are separately classified.
The lists will be forwarded to anyone interested on request to
Premier Works, Red Lion-street, Clerkenwell, London, E.C
Ediswan Water-tight Fittings. — The latest Ediswan list to hand
deals with a special line of fittings used on shipboard, in factories and
collieries, and for street and tramcar lighting. Various designs are
made, all water-tight, the lo,mps being enclosed in special globes. As
is usual with Ediswan fittings and accessories, the quality of the goods
is of the highest standard.
Veritijs Electric Supplies. — We have received from Messrs.
Veritys Limited three well-printed and bound volumes, which con-
stitute the company's new (1909) catalogue. The practice, of in-
cluding everything in a large and sometimes unwieldy quarto
volume has its disadvantages, and there is much to be said for
Messrs. Veritys' new arrangements. Vol. I, is devoted to plant,
including generating plant, overhead tramway material, '■ .Vston"
motors ancl dynamos, motor .starters and regulator.s, switchgear and
switchboards, arc lamps, &c. In Vol. II. is listed a great variety
of electrical accessories, wires and cables, conduits, incandescent
lamps, installation sundries, bells, telephones, wireman's tools,
heating and cooking apparatus, signs, Sic. Vol. HI. is devoted to
artistic electric light fittings, brackets, pendants, globes and shades,
&c. It is impossible to do justice to the catalogue in a brief note,
or to do more than to give a brief outline of the contents of
each volume. All superfluous verbiage has been cut out, and the
Company have confined themselves to illustrations, dimensions,
diagiams, prices, weights, shipping specifications, code words and
the like. Comprehensive and accurate indexes are contained in each
volume, and a useful code system is included, everything being
thoroughly up to date. No doubt the volumes and their style and
get-up will be greatly appreciated by engineers and the electrical
trade. In the three volumes there are 1,226 jjages, 3,211 illustra-
tions and 23,125 prices.
"Adjusto." — We have received from the Sun Electrical Co., Char-
ing-cross-road, London, particulars of a uewjjjalcnt window fitting
which has been given the trade name of " Adjusto." The system
comprises a single lighting unit attached by a imiversal joint to a
bracket, the entire arrangement being such that the fitting can be
turned in any desired direction. A number of accessories is supplied
for use in conjunction with these fittings, ^^hich makes them ex-
tremely useful for window and show ca.se lighting. Electrical con-
tractors and dealers in electric light fittings should apply at once for
particulars.
Indestructible Cables. — The principal advantage of the indestruc-
tible cables and wires manufactured by the Indestructible Cable Co.,
Park-street, Southwark, S,E., are set out in a neat pamphlet which
has just reached us.
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 16, 1908.
35
Prescot Fuse Boj-es. —The latest list of Prcscot specialities deals
with house fuse boxes, of the separate pole tyiie for 250 and 500 volts.
We may remind our readers that this device can be inspected at the
stand of the British Insulated & Helsby Cables at the Manchester
Electrical Exhibition where a fine display of Prescot specialities is
on view.
A. C. Motors and Starters. — Meissrs. Johnson & Phillips are issuing
leaflet C describing their a.c. motors (protected type) and starters for
use with same. As the first makers of polyphase machinery in this
country the firm have had an extensive experience in this field, which
enables them to guarantee that their machines will give the utmost
satisfaction. Leaflet B describes a wide range of direct current
dynamos manufactured at the Qiarlton works.
Lundberg Specialities. — The
1.1 (est tyjie of the Lundberg
I'ivot Combination" is de-
scribed in a list which has just
nime to hand. This publica-
tion will be of interest to elec-
trical contractors. We give an
illustration of an " oblong com-
bination " (switch, bell push and
wall connection), arranged for
surface fixing with " Dot " plug.
" PiNv" Bell Ptsn.
At present the article is sujiplied
by the firm adapted for the
"Dot" and "LTniversal" types
of two-pin plugs in combination
with a single - way " Pivot "
switch and the " Pixy " bell push.
We are asked to specially note
the " Pixy " bell push, an ex-
tremely neat form of push button
occupying very little space as
shown in the accompanying illus-
Oblono Combination. tration.
Condensing and Water Cooling Plant. — W. H. Roy & Co., 20,
Spring-gardens, Manchester, make a speciality of condensing and
water cooling plant which will be found to embody numerous points
of interest. The main details are fully described in a pamphlet
which has just been issued.
Simpler Lamp Showcard. — The metal filament lamp makers are
busily engaged in ])reparing plans for the winter campaign. An
attractive showcard for Simplex lamps has just been issued and « ill,
no doubt, find its way into the showi-ooms and windows of electrical
contractors up and down the country.
'' Tantidum "Lamp Showcards. — Messrs.Siemens Brother.s Dynamo
Works, 6, Bath-street, City-road, London, E.C., announce that
although a large number of their new " Tantalum " lamp showcards
were printed, the demand has far exceeded all expectations. \
reprint is in course of preparation and ai)i)lications for these will be
filled at the earliest po.ssible date.
" Rational " Electric Lighting Sets.— The Heatly-Gresham Engi-
neering Co., Letchworth, have issued sections B and E of their cata-
logue. The former contains particulars and prices of complete
Rational " electric lighting sets, a number of which are on show at
the Manchester Exliibition, two sets being run there under working
conditions. Section E gives a number of clear illustrations of
" Rational " oil engines and electric lighting sets, " Rational " force
pumping sets, &o.
Control of Tramway Points.— We have received from Mi-. Douglas
Wells, 10, Rue de la Pepiniere, Paris, a leaflet giving particulars
of the " Parr " apparatus for the automatic control of tramw ay
points.
'' Benedict" NicTcel Tabing.—Measrs. Wm. Geipel & Co., sole
European agents for this tubing, state that improvements have
recently been made which enable them to put upon the market a tube
having a silvery white colour which is maintained through the whole
of the thickness. This new nickel tubing, which can, it is stated, be
rubbed indefinitely and will always retain the same silvery colour, is
intended for plumbing only ; for condenser and cooling apparatus
" Benedict " nickel tubing as hitherto made is more suitable, as it
withstands the corrosive action which occurs in many condensers,
where ordinary brass tubes rapidly give out.
Water Softeners — The old-established Stanhope Engineering Co.,
20, Bucklersbury, London, E.C., are issuing a catalogue which gives
illustrated particulars of the Stanhope water softeners, purifiers and
filters.
Gas Engines. — From the Campbell Gas Engine Co., Halifax, we
have received copies of then- catalogues Nos. 1 and 2. In No. 1
illustrated particulars and prices arc given of a number of " Camp-
bell " suction gas engines, starting apparatus and suction gas plants.
The company manufacture two types of horizontal engines, viz., the
ordinary or industrial type and the electric lighting type. Catalogue
No. 2 gives general details of the design and construction of the types
of engines made by the company. The engines described range fiom
20 to 200 B.H.P., and much interesting information, which is not
usually available to gas engine buyers, is given. Intending pur-
chasers will, no doubt, appreciate these details.
Curtis Steam Turbines. — From the British Thomson-Houston
Co., Rugby, we have received two pamphlets (Nos. 211 and 212),
on the Cirrtis steam turbine. In the former, which gives some
particulars of the Curtis machine, are some good illustrations of a
1,000 kw. A.C. horizontal Curtis turbo-alternator. Pamphlet No.
212 gives illu.'^trated particulars of Curtis vertical steam turbines.
Imports. — The following are official values of electrical machi-
nery, material, and apparatus imported into this country (a) during
September, 1908, and (6) during the current year from Jan. 1 to
Sept. 30, with the increases or decreases compared with the corre-
sponding ])eriods of 1907: — ■
Electrical machincrv ('0 £36,050 (decrease £17,247) : ('/) £468,917
(increase £22,376) ; telegraph and telejjhone caliles («1 £9,582 (de-
crease £6,707), {!>) £96.913 (decrease £105,139) ; telegraph and tele-
phone app.-irat us («) £20,205 (decreas^e £9,852), (//) £151,229 (decrease
£54,453) ; other electrical wires ;iiid cables, rubber in.sulatocl !ii) £4.569
(decrease £1,948), (/,) £56,435 (decrease fl,327) ; with other insulations
(a) £8,403 (increase £6,014), {!,) £81,808 (increase £24,226). The follow-
ing were not separateh- eiiunierated last year : Carbons {it) £11,647,
(/)) £121,630: gl..w lamps (,m £43,574, (/.)" £222,491; arc lamps and
electric searchli<;lits(.()£l, 596, (//) £4,375 : partsof arc lamps and search-
lights (other than carbons) fc) £5,278, (b) £41,860: primary and
secondary batteries (a) £6,541, (li) £39,145. Total of electric;U goods
and apparatus, other than machinery and telegraph and telephone
wire («) £118,759 (increase £25.612), (h) £905,283 (decrease £32,250).
Exports. — The exports of electrical machineiy, material, &c. (a)
during September, 1908, and (6) during the current year from
Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, and the increases and decreases compared with
the corresponding periods of 1907, are as follows : —
Electrical machinery (a) £117,624 (increase £29,3711, (/il £984,333
(increase £250,375) ; telejrraph and telephone cables (<() £39,074 (.le-
erease £141,256), (/)i £380,561 (decrea,se £448.617) : telegraph and tele-
phone apparatus {a] £9,076 (decrease £3,231), ('.) £118,153 (decrease
£12,792) ; other electrical wires and cables, rubber insulated i.O £24,977
(increase £8,622), (/>) £204,921 (increase £9,057): with other insulations
(a) £29,945 (increase £1,797), {li) £246,214 (increase £68,228). The
following were not se|)arately enumerated last year : Carbons (a)
£935, {!>) £6,656: glow lami>s («) £5,544, ('.) £4l,9()2 : arc lamps and
searchlights (-<) £1.769, ,'-) £15,994 : partsof arc lamps and searchhghts
(other than carbons) I'O £1,145, (tj) £11,709: primary and secondary
batteries (o) £5,682, (/>) £55,138. Total of electrical eo'ods and appara-
tus, other than machinery and teleo-raph and telephone wire, (a)
£145,384 (increase £131,192), (h) £1,339,076 (decrease £363,954).
COMPANIES' MEETINGS AND REPORTS.
CLEVELAND AND DURHAM ELECTRIC POWER (LTD.)— At the meeting
on Wedne.s(lay Jlr. ('. Krnniott said the company had taken up further
shares in the Cleveland & Durham County Electric Power Co. and had
spent a considerable sum on new works. The revenue for the year was
£73,328 a much smaller sum than was expected, but they had been
aflected by strikes and trade depression. Such a set back was far reach-
ing in its effects, although not permanent. £10.000 had been written off
preliminary expenses instead of paymg the final preference dividend.
During the last 12 months arrangemeuts had been made for a bulk
supply to Blyth, Spennymoor, Hartlepool and Coiisctt. Mains had also
been extended to Hartlepool and Loftus-in-CIevcland, and a cable was
being laid from the north bank of the Tees which would join the Durham
Power Co.'s cable system at Murton and provide an outlet for any surplus
electricity of the company, or give them au additional source of supply in
ca.se of necessity. The most important development in which the com-
l^any was engaged was the aijplication of electric driving to rolling mills.
They had made an'angements to sujjply fom- roUmg mills of over 1,000
H.r. eacto
36
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 16, 1908.
CLYDE VALLEY ELECTRICAL POWER CO.— At the meeting last week
the rejmrt and accounts for the half-year ended June 30 and of the
undertaking under the Clydebank electric lighting order were ap-
proved. It was stated by the chairman (Mr. A. Bonar Law, M.P.)
that the company's output was steadily increasing, and that contracts
with consumers amounted at June 30 to 20,030 H. p., an increase of
4,363 H.r. during the half-year.
DRAKE & GORHAM (LTD.)— The directors' report for the year ended
June 30 states that, after payment of all charges, including bonuses
due to stafl', there remains a net profit of £6,178. 16s. Vd., added
£1,398. 15s. 2d. brought forward. It is proposed to pay a dividend of
5 per cent, absorbing £6,250, and to carry forward £1,327. lis. 9d.
There has been a considerable increase in the trade department which
deals with agencies, and the financial results shown are satisfactory.
Mr. Gorham has ceased to act as a managing director, l)ut ret*inis his
seat on the board. Mr. M. G. Drake and Mr. Hamilton have been
appointed managing directors in lieu of employe managing directors.
FERRANTI LIMITED. — For the year ended June 30 the profit on
trading was £31, 165. 10s. 3d., and. after meeting .all charges, there is
a balance of £15,421. Is. 3d. After paying expenses re prior lien
debenture (£339. lis. 3d.) and interest on same (£567. 17s. 9d.), in-
terest on first mortgage debenture stock (£5,000) and on bank loan
(£1,238. 12s. 8d.). and allowing £5,000 for depreciation, the balance
was £3,274. 19s. 7d., which has been deducted from balance standing
at debit of profit and loss at June 30, 1907, reducing this to £2,136. 17s.
The keen competition in the electrical industry does not show any
signs of abatement, but, this notwithstanding, the results for the year
are better than those of the previous year. Prior lien debentures for
£20,000 were issued during the year and the additional working
capital has been of eonsidcrablo benefit.
METALLIC SEAMLESS TUBE CO. (LTD.)— The report to June 30 states
that the net profit, after jiroviding for depreciation, &c., was £3,041,
added to £3,684 brought forward. The directors recommend a divi-
dend of 7J per cent, on the ordinary shares (tax free), absorbing £975,
to write oti' goodwill and patent rights £629. 15s. 5d., leaving
£4,540. 16s. 6d. to cai rv forward.
ROSARIO ELECTRIC CO. (LTD.)— The directors' report for the year
ended June 30 .states that, after making provision for depreciation, (he
balance is £23,000. Us. Id., added to £4,fi00. 13s. 2d. brought forward.
The directors propose to pay a dividend of ,5s. per share 'on the ordinary
shares (making 8 per cent, for the year) and to place £5.000 to reserve.
fBjSlO. 5s. lOd. is carried forward. On June 30 151,107 equivalent 8 c.|i.
lamps were connected, compared with 123,318 in 1907. The demand for
electrical energy for lighting and power lias steadily increased.
SOCIEDAD CO-OPERATIVE TELEFONICA.BUENOS AYRES.— For the year
ended June 30 the profit was $202,057 (against §151,047 in prev'ious
year). There were 5,790 (5,340) subscribers. The shareholders recently
approved a proposal that a dividend (8 per cent.) be paid in ordinary
shares and that the money be spent on construction of new lines to La
Plata and underground mains in Buenos Ayres.
NEW COMPANIES.
H. T. BOOTHROYD (LTD.) (99,742.)— Reg. Oct. 2, capital £16,000 in
£1 shares (5,000 iireference) , to acquire business of electrical engineers
carried on as H. T. Boothroyd, Hyslop & Co. at Bootle. Private com-
pany. H. T. Boothroyd is permanent governing director.
DAVIS ELECTRICAL CO. (LTD.) (99,740.)— Reg. Oct. 2, capital £3,000
in £1 shares (1,000 preference), to acquire and carry on the business of
manufautuiir^ nf untl ilealers in electric and other lamps and elec-
trical accessories carried on by H. E. Davis. Private company. First
directors, H. E. Davis (manager), H. N. Hewlett and C. Levy (chair-
man). Reg. office, 17, Moor-street, Cambridge circus, London, W.
FREDERICK A. ROBERTS (LTD.) (99,850.)— Reg. Oct. 10, capital
£3,000 in £1 shares, to acquire business carried on by F. A. Roberts
and to carry on the business of patent exjjerts, electrical, mechanical
and general engineers, model makers, &c. First directors, O. E. K.
Roberts, R. J. W. Brown and F. A. Roberts. Reg. office, 49, King
William-street, London, E.C.
LAMPLOUGH & SON (LTD.) (99,688.)— Reg. Sept. 28, capital £2,000
in £1 shares, to carry on the business of mechanical, electrical and
general engineers, machinists, &c. Private company. First directors,
F. Lamplough, Mrs H. Lamplough and T. Coiding. Reg. office,
Cumberland Park, Willesden Junction, N.W.
PENRITH ELECTRIC SUPPLY CO. (LTD.) (99,764.)— Reg. Oct. 5,
capital £7,000 in £1 shares, to acquire benefit of the Penrith Electric
Lighting Order (1900), to adopt an agreement with the Penrith Council
and to carry on the business of an electric light and power sup|)ly
company. First directors, W. P. Theermaun, H. Fox and J. W.
Speight. Reg. office, 3, Castlegate, Penrith.
PERMANENT WAY INSTITUTION (INCORP.) (99,838.)- Reg. Oct. 9
with 900 members, v:<rh lial.lr for 10s. in the event of winding up, to
promote among inspectors ,,f w.iy and works a technical knowledge of
the construction and maintenance of the works under then- charge, to
diffuse general knowledge of the qualities and strength of materials
used on railway works, and the best methods of testing their fitness
for use, to promote acquaintance with the different kinds of perma-
nent May, signalling and other «orks and sj'stems of maintenance
adopted on British and foreign lines, A'C. The word " Limited " is
omitted from the title by licence of the Board of Trade. The manage-
ment is vested in a council. The secretary is Mr. Stamford E.
McLewin (Signal Dept., S.E. & C, Railway, Battersea, S.W.), 74,
Faversham-road, Catford Hill, London, S.E.
PRIVATE TELEPHONE CO. (LTD.) (99,823.)— Beg. Oct. 8, capital
£1,000 in £1 shares, to acquire business of company of same name (in-
corporated April, 1908, and now in voluntary liquidation) and to
carry on the business of electricians, electrical engineers, manufac-
turers of and dealers in electrical apparatus, &c. Private company.
M. Atkinson is first director, and may retain office while holding 100
shares. Reg. office, 27, Chancery-lane, London, W.C.
SHIP CARBONS (LTD.) (96,812.)— Reg. Oct. 7, £1,000 in £1 shares,
to sell in the U.K. (and not elsewhere) carbons, incandescent lamps
and other electro-technical articles, &c. First directors, M. P. Schifl
(chairman), E. Ornstein and Dr. O. Thorsch (all permanent). Reg.
office, 67, Aldersgate-street, London, E.C.
CITY NOTES.
MEMORANDA (Oct. 15).— Bank rate 24 per cent, (since May 28, 1908)
Price of silver, 23i;d. per oz. Consols 84;§— 85^V for money and
85— 85J for account. Consols Pay Day, Xov.'5 ; Stock and Shares
Continuation Days, Oct. 27 and Nov. 11 ; Ticket Days, Oct. 28 and
Nov. 12 ; Pay Days, Oct. 29 and Nov. 13.
Prices of Metals (London). — Copper, cash, 59i ; three
months, 60J. Lead, English, 13.'i ; foreign, 13^. Spelter, foreign,
19i— 19J. Tin, English, 131—133: Fine Foreign, cash, 132J, three
months, 134J. Iron, Cleveland,°cash, 49/5J, and three months, 49/5.
CALCUTTA TRAMWAYS CO.— An interim dividend of 2s. per share
on the ordinary shares (at the rate' of 4 per cent, per annum, tax
free) has been declared out of the jjrofits for the half-year to June 30.
CALLENDER'S CABLE & CONSTRUCTION CO. (LTD.)— The directors
have declared an interim disidend of 5s. per share (at the rate of
10 per cent ), payalile Nov. 2.
COMPANIES STRUCK OFF THE REGISTER. —The following were struck
oft' the Register of Joint stock Companies on Oct. 13 : — Electrical
Appliances Synd., Electrical Productions, Electro Smelting Co.,
Evoy Limited, Helios Electrical Construction Co., Irish Electric Rail-
ways Co., Miller Signal Synd. for India, North-West London Electric
Supply Co., Signals'Syud.', Uddingston District Electric Lighting Co.
CUBA SUBMARINE TELEGR4PH CO. (LTD.)— The directors recommend
a divideiid on tlie ordinary shares at the rate of 6 per cent, per annum
(tax free) for the half-year ended .Ume 50.
DIRECT UNITED STATES CABLE CO. (LTD.)— The board have resolved
to pay an interim dividend of 4s. per share, tax free (at the rate of 4 per
cent, per annum) for the cjuarter ended Sept. 30, 1908, payable
26th inst.
EASTERN TELEGRAPH CO. (LTD.)— This company .announce the pay-
ment by warrants on Nov. 2 of interest for the half-year ending 31st
inst. on their 4 jjer cent, mortgage debenture stock. The transfer
books will be closed from Oct. 28 to 31 inclusive.
EASTERN & SOUTH AFRICAN TELEGRAPH CO. (LTD.)— This company
announce the payment by warrants on Nov. 2 of interest on their 4
per cent. Mauritius subsidy debentures. The transfer books will be
closed from the 28th to 31st inst. inclusive.
INDO EUROPEAN TELEGRAPH CO. (LTD.)— The directors have declared
an interim dividend for the half-year ended June 30 at the rate of 5 per
lent. |ier annum (tax free) payable Nov. 2. The transfer books will be
closed from 18th to 31st inst. inclusive.
MEXICAN COMPANIES AMALGAMATION.— The "Financial News"
states that tlieamalgaiiiation of (In- -Mexican Light, Heat iSr Power Co.
and the Mexico Tiai]n\a\s ('o. (of whicli Dr. F. S. Pearson is presi-
dent) has ))rartirall\ l»ri] agreed to.
MEXICAN LIGHT & POWER CO,— A dividend of 1 per cent, has been
declared on the ..rdinar\ -liares.
MEXICAN TELEGRAPH CO.— This company has declared a regular
quarterly dividend of 2\ per cent, for the quarter ended Sept. 30
(partly es timated). The"surplus was .564,748.
MEXICO TRAMWAYS CO.— A dividend is announced on the capital
stock at the rate of 4 per cent, per aimum for the quarter ended Sept. 30.
ORIENTAL TELEPHONE & ELECTRIC CO. (LTD.)— The directors have
declared the following interim (li\ ideiids : 3 per cent, on the 6 per
cent, cumulative preference sharo fnr the current year (less tax) and
3 per cent, on the ordinary shares (tax fioc).
PRIMITIVAGAS & ELECTRIC LIGHTING CO. OF BUENOS AIRES (LTD.
The directors li ave declared an interim dividend of 2s. 6d. per share
on the ordinary >luues.
STOCK EXCHANGE NOTICES —The Stock Exchange committee have
gran.ed (iiioiatioiis to §400,000 additional general consolidated first
mortgage 50 year 5 per cent, gold bonds of the Mexico Tramways Co.
The committee have been asked to appoint a special settling day in
124,908 £1 fully and partly (10s.) paid and 172 £1 fully and partly (5s.)
paid 7 per cent, cumulative participating preference shares of
Marconi's M'irclcx,i Tctc.im/,!, Co. iLtd.\
WINDSOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION CO. (LTD.)— Jlr. E. Macgregor
Duncan has ned the board of this comi)auy.
T IE ItECTBICMN, OOTOBEB 16, 1908.
ELECTBIG TRAMWAY AND RAILWAY TRAFFIC
RECEIPTS.
Aberdeen Oorporatlon .
Alrdrio '
Anglo- Argentine
Ayr Corporation
Baker St. & Waterloo By....
Bamsley '
Barrow
Bath Electric Trams, Ltd.
Birkenhead Corporation ..
Birmingham Corporation.,
Birmingham & Mid
Blackburn Corporation ....
Blackpool Corporation
Blackpool and Fleetwood .,
Bolton Corporation
Bouroemouth Corporation.
Bradford Corporation
Brighton Corporation
Bristol Trams & Carriage...
Burnley Corporation
Burton Corporation
Bury Corporation
Calcutta Xramwaya Co
Cardiff Corporation
Cavehilt
Central London Railway ...
OharingC.Easton & H'stead
Chatham & Dist. Lt. Byg....
City & South London Kly,
City of Birmingham
Colchester Corporation...,
Cork Electric Trams Co. .
Croydon Corporation ....
DeTonport & Dist. Irama
Dover Corporation ,
Dnblin & Lucan Railway
Dublin United
Dudley-Stourbridge
Dundee (;orporation
East Ham Council
Exeter Corporation
Falkirk and District
Qateshead & Dist. Trams.
Olasgow Corporation
QlOHSop
Gravesend — Northfleet....
Great Norlbern & City Bly..
Gt. Northern, Piccadilly,&o,
Greenock & Port Glasgow...
Hartlepool Tramways
Hastings Elec. Trams Co....
Hong Kong
Huddersheld Corpn
Hull Corporation
Bford District Council
Ilkeston District Oooncil ...
Ipswich Corporation
Isle of Thanet Co
Jarrow ,
Keighley Corporation
Kidderminster Sl District.. -
Kilmarnock Corporation ...
Lanarkshire Trams Co. ...
Lancashire United
Leamington
Leeds Corporation
Leicester Corporation
Leitb Corporation
Lincoln Corporation
LiTerpool Corporation
Liverpool Overhead Rly. ...
• London County Council ...
London United
Lowestoft
Maidstone Corporation
Manchester Corporation ...
Mersey Railway
Merthyr
Metropolitan Dist. Railway
Metropolitan Blec. Trams...
Middloton
Nelson Corporation
Newcastle-on-Tyne Corp. ...
Newport (Mon.)
Northampton Corporation .
Oldham, Ashton 6c Hyde ...
Oldham Corporation
Perth (N.B.) Corporation ...
Perlh(VV.A.) Elec. Trams...
Peterborough
Portsmouth Corporation ...
Potteries
Preston Corporation
Botherham Corporation ...
Rothesay
Salford Corporation
Bheerness
Shefiield Corporation
Singapore Trams
South Metropolitan
South Stafis
Southend Corporation
Southport Tramways
Stalybdgc,Ujde,&c.,Jt.Bd.
Sunderland Corporation ...
Sunderland Distriot
Swansea Trams
Taunton
Tynemouth and Distriot ...
Tyneside Trams Co
Wallasey District Council...
Walsall Corpn
Warrington Corpn
West Ham Corporation
Weston-super-Mare
Wolverhampton Co
Wolverhampton Corpn
♦Worcester
Wrexham
Yorkshire W.R. Trams
Yorkshire Woollen District.
8,337
837,107
1,664
1,145
R43,432
2,161
95
8,603
3,401)
1,017
3,109
2,885
228
497
Ino.
or Deo.
(a)
weeks.' ■^°°°t- \ Deo, (g)
153
29,053
8,734
817,816
8,418
44,175
6,980
9,884
1,465
66,571
Bl,315,441
49,513
28','336
204,809
2,666
7,814
33,93J
R709,82S
62,272
3,610
111,842
49,140
31,694
44,705
108,654
2J8
18,671
40,766
18,278
6,822
2,246
83,296
33,160
26,768
21,692
8,470
19,610
74,455
21,032
68,181
12,490
3,995
11,935
427,278
21,516
942,585
276,185
8.328
135,085
226,633
14,369
3,988
109,091
19,020
13,377
23,463
67,409
3,470
65,802
5,075
60,962
71,002
10,961
17,003
9,291
133,648
2,296
161,006
818,187
32,236
34,722
14,217
11,498
22,185
34,144
24,291
37,325
1,648
9,456
6,125
26,050
21,860
10,419
6i,871
6,31.8
17,963
15,748
11,311
4,072
50,416
36,143
24,621
1,719
1,661
1,278
1,349
4,496
18,195
9,460
2,854
103,292
3,697
ELECTRICAL COMPANIES' SHARE LIST
B LAST I
I Price
Wed..
Oct. 14.
10 6/0
10 4/6
10 6/0
St., 4J%
6 2/0
St. H%
St. iZ
6 2/3
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
Bonmemonth t Poole Elec, Snp. Ord...
Do. 4J per Cent. Com. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Second Pref. ...
Do. 4J per Cent. Deb, Stock (red.) ...
tSromley (Kent) BI. Lt. i Power Shares
Do. Do. l.t Debs,
Brompton 4 Kensington Elec. Sup. Ord,
Do. 7 per Cent. Pref.
Central Elec. Snp. Co.4V Gnar.Db.Stock
rharin(rCroe3fW.End&City)El.Snp.Co.
Do. 4i per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)....
Do. CitT Undertaking 4J% Cm. Pref.
Chelsea Electric Supply Ord
* Du. 41 percent. Deb. Stock (red.) .
City of London Electric Lighting Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)....
Do. 4i per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock (red. 1
ConntyofDurhamElec. P.D. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, non Cum. Pref.
County of London Elec. Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4}? Deb. Stock (red.)
Do. Second Deb. .Stock
3 0 tFolkeflone Electricity Supply Co. Ord,
t Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J 1st Deb. Stock (red)
Hove Electric Lighting Ord.
Kensington & Knightsbridge Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. IstPref
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
i'X tKensingtn. & Kngtbg. Co. & Netting Hill
Co. (Joint Station) 4% Deb. Stock (red.)
Kent Elec. Power Co
London Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb
Metropolitan Electric Snp. Ord
Do. 44 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4i per Cent. Deb. Stock 1st Mort.
Do. 3i per Cent. Mrt. Deb. Stock(red.
Midland Elec. Corp.for P. D.lstMort.Db
Newcastle & Dist. Elec. Ltg. Ord ,
Do. 4i per Cent. Deb
Newcastle Elec. Snpplv Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, non Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. red. 1907,
Korthern Counties Elec. Sup
Do. 4i per Cent. Deb
Notting'Hill Electric Ord
Oxford Electric Ord
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
2/0
it. 4j%
10 6/0
10 8/0
it. 6%
it., 44%
6' 2%
6 6%
10 4/0
10 6 0
it., iiZ
it.! 4|^
i%
iX
ID -lOJ
9i-10
lOJ -Vi
101 —105
4|-4i
96 — loO
7 -8
7 -8
99 - 102
H-Si
100-103
9J-10J
101 —104
2J— 3
33-4
99 -102
43-61
6 — 6i
97 —100
6 -ej
n-H
6 -ej
94 -97
9l! -ICO
86 —90
5 -IS
ih-ii
89 -92
41-4}
106 —109
(o) These comparisons ue with the corresponding period last year. § Plus 3 days.
li Plus 2 days. * Partly eleotrioe'. t Minus 3 days { Minus 2 days,
68-54
lU-123
61-64
St. James' & PaH'MaU'Elec. Ord ] '1 -8i
St.
4J%
lOOl 4%
ion
n
St.
in
St.
b/„
St.
&X
St.
bX
St.
57,
St.
u
10
6/0
10
6/0
1(1
10
0/9
St.
n
5
4/0
St.
nx
10
n
10
a/.
St.
Hi
St. 4%
10 6/0
St. 6%
60 —83
8-9
5 -6J
3 —95
i-i
4-3
10 J -11
8J— 9
J-11
3S-4i
49 -62
101 -104
85 —87
4J-4J
S8 -102
324 -334
111 -114
1j9 -112
107 —110
102 —105
lOO -103
11 J -12i
12^_13i
7J-8i
04-1)
91 -63
90 -92
i-H
56 —81
H-9i
n
-1}
b
-.T
84 -
-K
4*-
-64
V3 -
-78
1 -
-3
M-li
63 —70
84 —87
76 —79
88 —91
St. 4J?,
St. 34%
ioo| 44;;
10i4%
100 iiX
6 8%
6 6%
1001 4%
1 3%
100 44%
10 6/0
6 2/8
St. 4%
6 6/0 „. -.- , „, „-
7 per Cent. Pref. „""!*
34% Do. Sitper Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ... °°,— °"
SmithHeld Markets Electric Snp. Ord... J -J
St. I 4% Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock *§,~"?
Sonth london Electric Supply Ord -i-^i
South Metrop'n Elec. Lt. & Power Ord.
Do. 7 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
St. 44% 't Do. 44 iBt Db. Stk. Red
6i 2/6 itUrban Electric Supply Ord
(Do. 6 per Cent, Cum. Pref.
t Do. 44 per Cent, lat Mort. Deb
Westminster Elec. Sup. Ord
Do. 44 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS i. TRAMWAYS,
Baker St, S Waterloo iV, Perp. Db. St
Balh Elec. Trams Pref. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum, Pref,
t Do. 44 l9t Mort. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
K'bam & Midland Trams 44 1st Db. Stk.
Bristol Tramw<iy9 & Carriage Ord
Do, Cum. Pref. (fully paid)
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs
British Electric Traction Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
t Do. 6 per Cent. Perpetual Debs 91 -96
Do. 44 per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock "" "''
Central London Ordinary Stock
Do. 4 per Cent. Pref. Stock
Do. Deferred Stock
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs
Charing X.EustoniHmpstd Per.Db.Stk.
City of Birmingham Trams. 6%Cm.Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs
Citv & South London Ely. Con. Ord. ...
Do. 6 per Cent. Perp. Pref. (1891) ...
Do. (1896)
Do. (1901)
Oo. (1903)
Do. 4 per Cent, Perpetual Debs
Dublin United Trams. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Gt. Norttem k City Rly. Pref. Ord.(4%)
G. Northern, Piccadilly & Brompton Ord.
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Hastings ii Dist. Elec. Trams, 6% Cm. Pf.
. Do. 44 Db. St
timperial Tramways Ord
JDo. 6 per Cent. Pref.
I Do. 44 per Cent. Debs
I.ofThanetK.T.,iLt.5per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Lanarkshire Tramways
Lanes. Utd. Trams 6 S Prior Lien Db. St
Liverpool Overhead Railway Ord
Do. 5 per Cent. Pref
St. ii Do. 4 per Cent. Deb
London United Trams. 5% Cum. Pref. ...
St. 4% Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. Stock
St. „ Mersey Con. Ord. Stock
St. .. Do. 3 per Cent. Perp. Pref.
Metropolitan Elec. TramwaysOrd
_ I Do. Def.
_ 0/6 Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
St.! 41% Do. 44 per Cent. Deb. Stock
St. 4% Metropolitan Railway Consolidated
St. 21% Do. Surplus Lands Stocks
St. 3J% Do. 34 per Cent. Preference
St. 34/^ Do. 34 per Cent. " A " Preference
St.' 34;^ Do. 34 jier Cent. Convertible Pref,
St.: 34% Do, 34 per Cent. Debenture Stock
St.! 34% Do. 34 per Cent. "A" Dilto.^^..„.^....
* In oftlonlating the yield allowance has been made for loomed
t Ex Dividend, ( The London Stock Excliange Commilte
RateX
TlELS-
ED,
£ 8. d.
6 13 6
4 10 0
6 6 G
4 6 6
6 12 8
4 10 0
6 6 0
4 7 6
3 18 0
6 9 0
5 2 6:
4 10]
5 12 0
6 13 0
4 7 6
6 17 0
4 12 0
4 0 0
4 6 6
3 9 7
6 5 0
0 5 0
6 11 6
4 2 0)
4 8 0 1
6 7 0
4 11 0
4 10 D
6 11 0
5 14 0
4 12 0
4 2 6!
4 0 0
6 0 0
6 8 0,
6 9 6!
4 7 0
6 16 6
4 12 0
4 16
3 19 0
4 12 6
6 3 1
4 14 9
7 7 6
4 10 10
4 3 4
4 It 9
5 10 6
6 14 0 1
■420
6 1 8 1
4 16 6 '
3 18 0
5 11 0
7 6 6
4 0 0
6 4 0
4 9 0
10 12 0
5 8 3;
5 11 0 :
4 2 0
4 4 0
10 13 0
6 13 4
6 2 0
4 13 9
8 3 6 (
4 9 0
4 2 0
5 4' 6
6 16 0
4 4 6
4 11 0
3 17 0
3 17 0
4 12 0
5 6 0
3 18 6 i
4 17 0
4 7 6
4 9 3
4 11 0
4 16 3
3 17 6
5 4 0
4 10 6
- 1
4 5 0 '
4 15 0
9 0 0
6 2 6
4 18 0
6 li' 0
6 3 0
6 6 6 1
9 -2' 0
4 13 0
9 2 0
5 2 3
—
—
-
6 3 6
4 14 9
14 6
3 18 6
4 0 6
4 8 6
4 9 9
8 15 3
3 17 0
DlTIDKND
DUE.
BUSISEig-
WEEK 10
I Oct. 14.
High- Low.
i est. est.
Mar, Sept, I .. : ..
Feb, Aug ..
Feb, Aug
Jan. July .. ! .,
April, Oct .. ! ..
March. ... ,. ..
Mar, Sent ! . .
June, Dec 1 .. ..
Feb, Aug I 3Vi 34
Feb, Ang
Jan, July i ..I ..
Jan, July I '61 \ . .
March .. 3J 34
June, Dec ' . . I . .
Feb, Aug 10 ; ..
Jan, July ! . . | „
June, Dec 121 , ,,
Jan, July 102 lOl
April, Oct
April, Oct
Feb, Ang
Mar, Sept
Jan, July j
May, Nov
Apnl, Oct
Mar. Sept
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
Feb, Ang
Jan, July '
April, Oct
Jan, Jtdy
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan. July
April. Oct
Jan, July
June, Dec
Jan, July
June, Dec
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
Mar, Aug
Jan, July
March ..
March . .
Jan, Jtily
Feb. Ang
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
Feb ....
Feb, Ang
April
874
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
April, Oct
April, Oct
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
Apnl
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
June, Dec
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
May, Nov
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb ....
Jan, July
Jan, July
April, Oct
April, Oct
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
May, Nov
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Sept
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Jan, J uly
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
' I, July ,
i.July
Feb, Ang.
94i I 934
si 31°
92i
714 69'
87 I ..
61i ! 50
86} j gsi
334
1004
924
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
" , July 92j I 8I4
, July 89 I 88
interest but not for redemptioD
bave d icUu 3d Co I'l )te tli 13 3
944
4'«
69i
7H
754
THE KLEOTRICIAN, OCTOBEB 16, 1908.
ELECTIMCAL COIMFAIVIES' SHAR,E T^TS^.— Continued^
Last
Divi-
dend
Price
Wed.,
Oct. 14.
RATE % 1 DIVIDEND BUSINESS
YIELD. I„„ WEEK TO
St.
SJ%
St.
3°/
Ht.
4ii:
St.
in
8t.
ex
8t.
iZ
s
1
o/»*
1
(IW
St.
H7.
1
(1/7 J
Kt,
47
IIIC
By
21/U
1 i/4i
1 l/7i
1| "Ab
4/0
3/0
4JS
4h
4%
St.! 4J5f
St. 4i5J
6 10/0
ElECTRIC RAILWAYS & TBAMWAYS-.ConWnucd.
Metropolitan District Eailwav Orrt j 13—14
Do. Extension Pref. (5 I.pr Cent.) I 24—59
Do. Assented Ext. Pref. (Int. Guar. liTi
I Und. Elec. Klys. Co. of London, Ltd.)
Do. 3 per Cent.' Consoltd. Bent. charge
Do. 4 per Cent. Midland Eeut-cbar(;e
Do. Guar. Stock 4 per Cent
Do. 6 per Cent. Perp. Deb. Stock
' Do. 4 per Cent. Ditto
New Gen. Tract. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Potteries Electric Traction Ord
' Do. B per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4* per Cent. Deb. Stock
S. Met. Elec. Trams. & Ltg. 6% Cm. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Sunderland Dist. Elec.Trm3.65;lstMt.Db.
Vndereronnd Elec. Rys. Co. of London...
Yorkshire (W.B.) Elec. Trams. Ord
Do. 8 per Cent. Cnm. Pref.
Do. 4i per Cent. Ist Debs
ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING, Ac.
iron Electricity Meter Ord
Do. 6% Cnni. Pf. lex on a/c arre.irB)...
tBabcock & Wilcoi Ord
i Do. Pref.
British Insulated & Helsbj Cables Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4* per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.)
BrilishThoms'n-Housfn 4JX Ist Mt.Db.
British Westinghonse 6 per Cent. Pref...
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock
Brush Electrical Engineerinf;
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. non-Cum
Do. 4j per Cent. Perp. 1st Deb. Stock
Do. Perpetual 2nd Deb. Stock
Callender's Cable Con. Ord
B per Cent. Cum. Pref.
St. 4i%
1 1/0 Castner-Kellner AlkaU CO
St. ii/i Do. 4JperCent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.).
10/95 Chadburn's (Ship) Telegraph Ord
1 0/7J 'i Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
1 0/8f Consolidated Electrical Co
1, 1/0 Consolidated Signal Co
1 0/7J Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
3 3/') •Crompton&Co.(Nos. 1 to «,000)
100 5% Do. B per Cent, l.-;! Mort. Debs. (red.).
1 0/7S I Davis* Tim mins
B 2/0 tDick, Kerr&Co. Ord
_B 0/7i^t Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
ih7, ' Do. 4j per Cent. Deb. Stock
Edison & Swan United (-'A" Sh.) (£3 pd.)
Do. (f 6 paid)
Do. 4 per Cent.Mort. Deb. Stock (rd.)
Do. B per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock
Edmundson's Elec. Corp. Ord. —
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum Pref.
Do. 4J per cent. Ist Mort. Deb. (red.)
Electric Conslraetion Co
Do. 7 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Perp. 1st Mort. Debs.
General Electric (1900) 6% Cum. Pret...
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Deba
nenlej's Telegraph Works Ord
Do. 4i per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4J per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. Stock
India Eubber, Gutta Pcrcha, &" "'-'■-
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs. (red.)..
National Elec. Construction Co.
Eichardsons, Wcslgarth & Co. , Ltd. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref
To. 4J per Cent. Perp. Deb. Stock
Simples Conduits Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref
Telegraph Construction & Maiut
Do. 4 per Cent Deb. Bonds (1909)
Vickers, Sons & Maxim, Ltd., Ord. ...
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Prcferen
B pe: " "
'1-1
i-!
92 -95
}-l
76 —80
77 -81
43 -47
5 -IS
3 — 3J
84 —87
3i-Si
n-n
91 —96
40" -46
H* -10 J
7 12 0
8 3 0
3 13 9
Last
Divi-
IdendI
Price
Wed.,
Oct. 14.
YIELD- j "%B™" WEEK TO
-BD. 1 - "^"^ I Oct. 14.
HiKh-
est.
; i3i
Feb, Aug j ..
Jan, July I 'OJ
Jan, July 100
Mar, Sept I ••
Jan, July 1 ^-^
Jan, July
May ....
April, Oct
Feb, Aug
May, Not
Fob, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
June, Dec
March . .
Jan, July
April, Oct !
April, Oct
July! Feb
Jan, July
Jan, July '
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
March . .
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
- July
4/2
2/95
«%'
B/0
*%
f/0
6 2/3
Bt.l HX
10 6/0
100 i%
1] ..
1, 0/98
1 oin
St. 4jX
12 12/0
100. 4%
' 1/0
0/6
6X
4iperCent.lst Mort Debs, (red.) 107J-1C9J 4 2 0 ; Not, May
- ' lit— i;.' S 0 U I May. Not
103 —107 ,440 Feb. Aug
il— li's ! 7 11 6 March ..
i?-li'e I 6 13 0 April, Oct
" i 7 0 0 August...
li-", — li'c 10 8 3 April, Oct
S5— i' 6 4 0 April, Oct
l.'s— i?s 9 6 0 Jan, July
n — lul I 4 19 0 Jan, July
J— IJ .. Mar, Sept
liV— lii I 7 12 0 Sept ..
1— li I 4 16 0 Sept ..
101 —101 466 Jan, July
J-l •• Feb, Aug
li— 2J 500 Feb, Aug
76-79 6 '- 6 June, Dec
84 —87 5 IB 6 Mar, Sept
J-i .. Jan, July
i — 1 . . May, Nov
59 — f6 6 16 0 Jan, July
Jan, July
ii-li 8 2 6 July ....
-- Jan, July
June, Dec
Mar, Sept
iu» -llj 6 11 0 Feb, Aug
5'_6J I 4 2 0 Feb, Aug
107 -109 4 3 6 Mar, Sept
16i— 17i B 14 0 Feb, Aug
67 —99 4 10 April, Oct
I— I .. AprU
, Wrke
100
U
H
32 —34
101 —103
li-13
) -n
„ _. ..Preferred
Do! 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Db.Sk. (red)! 104
Do. 45perCent.2ud Mort. Deb. (red.) ""'
Do. 6 per Cent. 3rd Mort. Debs. Scrip.
.T.G.White4Co.6;Cm.Pref. 8|-9i
Willaus & Robinson Ord *— H
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. _?S— Ji
Do 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs..
4 9 0
4 16 0
3 15 0
TELEGRAPHS.
16/0
30/0
1%
4%
6/0
10/0
2/0
6/0
4J^.
B/0
4i%
2B/0
17/6
4%
2/6
4%
4%
4%
6/0
4i%
52/6
100 «1
lOD »1
1 ■•
100! 4%
2J| 1/3
100 1 i%
101 ..
10 e/0
10 26/0
100 6%
10 3/0
St.; iZ
.. I iZ
• In
5 16 0
103J— 104* 5 16 6
iei-17 "' 5 18 0
8S'— 90 4 9 0
7J-8i 17 0 0
llij— 171 6 16 0
3 — 3i I 6 4 0
6—9 i 6 11 0
100%— 103% 4 7 6
I3§-13J 6 1 0
UiU — lOi 4 8 0
Amazon Telegraph
Do. 5 per Cent. Debs, (red.;
Anglo-Arnencan
Do. Preferred
Do. Deferred
tCommercial Cable 4 per Cent. Deb. Stk.
Cuba Submarine Ord
Do. Preference 10 per Cent
IDii'ect Spanish Ord
t Do. 10 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 44 v>cr Cent. Ueli
Direct United Slates Cible
Direct West India Cable 4 J% Kg. Db. (rd.
Eaeteru Ordinary
Do. 3i per Cent. Pref. Stock
Do. 4pcrCent. Mort. Deb. Stk. (red.)j 103^—105
Eastern Extension !
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Eastern & S. African 4 '^ Mort. Del). 1909
Do. 4% Mauritius Sub. Debs, (red.) ...
G.N.(oi Copenhagen), with Coupon 74...
Halifax* Bermuda 4.i'< lstMt.Db.( red.)
Indo-European
MackaT Companies Common
Do. Preference
Marconi's Wireless Teleg. Co
Pacific & European Tel.4AUaBr.Dbs.(red.)
West Coa&tot America
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs
^e-it India & Panama
Do. 6 per Cent. 1st PreC
Do. 6perCent.2ndPref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Debs
Western lelegraph
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Western Union Tclegh. Jl.OOO iX Honda
106i
103 -105
3 16
0
12j-13i
6 5
6 J
101 —103
3 17
9
994-lOlJ
3 IH
()
11114—103*
3 16
6
29 —31
6 '■>
I)
HO —102
4 8
II
66 — B9
6 12
(1
t8 —72
S 11
0
68 -72
5 11
0
100 — 1U3
3 17
6
11-14
4 3
0
100 —103
3 IV
6
i-l
8 -84
7 1
0
81-91
„
101 —103
4 IV
0
131-141
4 18
6
102 -101
3 IV
U
S5 -90
1 9
0
No
May, Not
Jan, July
Mar, July
Jan, July
Apr, Oct
Apr, Oct
May, Not
June, Dec
June, Dec
F,My,Ag,N
F,My,Ag,N
F,My,Ag,N
Jn,Ap,Jy,0
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, .July
,la,Ap,Jy,0
June, Dec
jJa,Ap,Jy,U
i Ja,Ap,Jy,0
May, Nov h'i
la,Ap,Jy,0^ 13,'
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
May, Nov
" u,July
ne.Dec
May, Nov
" i,Ap,Jy,0
i,Ap,Jy,0
April ....
,Dec
May ....
' , July
May, Nov
May, Not
May, Not
' ,July
Mr,Jn,0,D
, Dec
6S1
KH ;i03J
16 J
H.2.i 1028
13i
102i
ICO 21
.. 4%
St. 6%
6 5 0
1 0/7ji
1 0/6
St. 6%
TELEPHONES. I
lAmcr. Telephn. & Telegh. Cap. St 129 -133
Do. Coll. Trust $1,0004 per Cent. Bda 92 —94
AngloPortng'se TeL 5% 1st Mt.Db. Stk.' 99 —102
Chili Telephone , 8 — Bi
Monte Video Telephone Ord. 1 — li
Do. 6 per Cent. I'ref.
-1
10 2 0
lOi 3/0
8%
3/0
6/0
6X
1>Z
4/0
5 2/6
NationalCo. Pref. Stock 109-111
Do. Def. Stock 118—120
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. l8t Pref. lOi— 111
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. 2nd Pref. 101— llj
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. 3rd Pref. ... Sj-Bj
"Do. Deb. Stock 3^ per Cent, (red.) ... 98i-\00J
Do 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) IL'2 —104
OrienUl 'i— 18
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. li'.— li-^
Do. 4 per Cent. Bed. Deb. Stock 89 -92
Telephone Co. of Egypt 4J);Db.8tk.(red.)
United KiTer Plate
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J Deb. St. Ked
FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, Jlc.
Elec. & Gen. Investment 6% Cum. Pref.
(Globe Telegraph & Trust
) Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Submarine Cables Trust (Cert.)
.Tan , July
Mar, Sept
August . .
Not
May, Nov
Feb, Aug |110|
■■ ■ , Aug '119
129<
6|-6i
6 -6J
II'.— 108*
3 17
5 16
4 11
4 7
4 12
5 16
4 11
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
June, Dec
Jan, July
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
June, Dec
Jan, July
10 A
100
100
100
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRIC
I RAILWAYS, TRAMWAYS, &C.
Anglo-Argentine 6% Cum. 1st Pref. ... .
t Do. 10;i Non-cum. 2nd Pref.
Do. Permanent 6% Deb. Stock
Auckland Elec. Trams. 6% Deb. (red.)..
Brisbane Electric Trams. luTcat. Ord...
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J per Cent. Db. Prov. Certs
British Columbia El.Ky.Df. Ord
i Do. Pref. Ord. Stock
1 Do. 6% Cum. Perp. Pref. Stock
44 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debfl
10 0 ' Jan, July
8 0 SpDcMrJu
6 'J SpDcMrJu
■" " April, Oct
H7.'
St.i 4J%
!t. S%
it. 30 0
it.' 6%
40l ii%, - - ..
OOl 4*/' Do. V ancouver Power Dens
It I 4jf 't Uo. 4i% Perp Con. Deb. St
b'/ I Buenos Ayres Elec. T'rams (1901) Ltd.
I Deb. St
Euenus Ayrcs Grand National Ord,
2/6 I Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6j per Cent. Pref. Debs
t Dr. 6 per Cent. 1st Deb. Bonds
Bu.-nos Ayres Lacroze Trains 1st Mt. Db.
Buenos Ayres Port 4 City Tram. Ist Mt.
Deb. Stock £76 Paid
Calcutta Tramways (1 to 137,610)
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Prof.
Do. 4j% 1st Deb. Stock (red.)
Cape Electric Tram Shares
City of Buenos Ayres Trams Co. ( 1904)Sh.
Do 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Colombo Tr. H. Ltg. S% 1st Mt. Db
Electric Traction Co. of Hong Kong 5
per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
Havana Elec. By. Con. Mt. 6% $1,000 60
year Coup. Bds
Kalgoorbe Wee. Trams Sh
Do. 6 percent. "A" Deb. Stock ...
Uo. 6 per Cent. ** B " Ditto
Lisbon Elec. Trams. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. E per Cent. Reg. Mort. Deba ...
Msdras Elec. Trams. 6% Deb. Stk. ...
Manila Elec. Ky. $1,000 Gold Bonds ...
Mexicolrams Oo. Com. St
Do. Gen. Con. 1st Mort. bZ Gold Bds.
Montreal St. Ky. Sterling 4i per Cent.
Debs. (1922) (Nos. 001 to 2,000)
1/0 Perth Elec. Trams Ord
&% Do. 1st Mt. Db. Stock
3/0 Bangoon Elec. Trams & Supply Co, 6%
102 —106
4| —45 14 2 0
4;;— 6,i ! 4 16 0
100 —104 14 6 6
1C3 -105
101-104
101 - 106
61 —65
4|-fJ
4S-6J
5 17
4 19 0
4 11 0
4i%
. Pf.
10
B/0
St.
HZ
h
4/9
100
*1S,
100
5%
600
5%
b
St.
6%
St.
b/t
St.
6%
108
0/3
1
0/7t
St.
6%
60O
6%
St.
SI
50<
bZ
100
6/2
J
Ui=
1
Wi'r
SI
bX
b
3/0
101
!»1
57„
6d.
11 lotv
13H 133
4i
April, Oct
Jan, July
June, Dec
Jan, July
May ....
May, Not
Jan, July I '^3i
Mar, Sept
May, Not
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
108!
Do. 4J% 1st Mort. tieb. S(k
(Sao Paulo Tramway, Light & Power Co
8100 Stock
Do. 6 per Cent. 1st Mt. $500 Db
Toronto By Co. Isl Mt. i', i Ster. Bond
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRICITY
SUPPLY &C.
Adelaide Elec. S'ply Co.6%Cu.Pr.
BombayE.S.&T.6%Cm.Pf.
Do. 4i percent. Deb. Stk. (red.)
Calcutta Elec. Supply Old
(Canadian Gen. Klec. Uo. Com. St
Castner Electrolytic Alkali Co.(of U.S. A.)
1st Mort. Sll.'Debs
Elect. Development Co of Ontario
Elec. Ltg. &, Trao. Co. of Aust. 6 per
Cent. Cum, Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb Stock
Blec. Supply Co. of 'Vicloiia 5 per Cent.
1st Mort. Deb. St
Indian Elec. Sup. ,t Trac, Co. C«ustn.
Deb. St. Bd
Kalgoorlie Elec. Power & Ltg. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Prof.
Madras K. S. Corp. 5 per Cent. Constn.
Deb. St
Mexican filec. Light Co. 6% 1st Mort.
Gold Bonds
Mexican Lt. & Power Co. Com. St
Do. 5.;; 1st Mort. Gold Buds
Montreal Lt. Ut. Jt Power Co. Cap. St....
Itiver Plate Electricity Co. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Pref
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb. Stock
(Rosario Elec. Co. 6% Pref. (1-20,000)
Shawuiieau Water &i Power Co. Cap. St.
Do. 6perCent.BdB
Victoria Falls Power Co. Pref
102 —104
8-i
6J-6i
6-5i
95-101
8i)i 86^;
2 — 2J
30 —40
4-i
8Si-8»lX
SI— 82
901-911
4 5
0
4 7
3 17
6 6
0
5
6
5 10
0
6 11
0
6 12
8 14
4 0
0
0
n
5 16 3
4 13 9
5 14 0
6 li 6
1U7— UO
B 12
0
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4 16
0 !
is— li'c
6 13
0
99 —102
4 18
0
6 — 5J
5 9
0
78 -80
5 1)
0
03 —106%
4 lb
6
l'„— IG
-
i
Js, Jul . .
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
F,My,A,N
June, Dee
May, Not
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
May ....
Jan, July
June, Dec
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
April,' Oct
April, Oct
F,My,A,N
April —
Jan, July
Apnl, Oot
Jan, July
Jan, July
156i
1291
914
714
8Jg
1074
ulatiDg the yielda aUowance has been made (or accrued interest but not for redemption t ExJcUvideud. t The London Stools Exchange Committee have decUned to quote these.
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." October 16. 1908.
CONTENTS.
PAGl
I'bi of Fenanti Sivitch-
rolle Switchgear Exhibit . 5
ee-ohase Remote Control
tarters 1C
.C. Control Gear at the
xhibition 14
stinohouse Switchgear at
Manchester . . . . ..16
■tchgear Exhibit of Eck-
tein. Heap & Co //
tram Thomas's fxhibt of
(vitchgear 21
wic Starter Exhibit . . 24
X Switches and Switch-
?ar 25
■trie Power Episodes .. 27
" Direhton " Motor
tarter 28
emier " Motor Control
ear 29
nens Flywheel Starter . . 31
JEXTO Advertisers 3i
Electrician No. 1587.
Indust. Suppt. No. 28.
Gratis to Subscribers,
OCTOBER i6, 1908.
io8.f^mi^'^stT$>©^N,£ .c.
o
rraettE LM
ELECTRICAL
ENGINEERS
o
Hollinwood
Lancashire.
J s I - » 7;: ^^V'^^^u
^'^B.B iff jjr--..^- m
"Bird's eye VifW of Works.
Telegrams: -" FKRRANFI,"' HOLLINWOOD.
Telephone Nos. 3" & 48 Failsworth.
Codes used : A B C, ^th and 5th Editions.
A I, and Engineering.
inppLEMENT is issued Gratis to Subscribers to "The Electriciau.'
iiiXiBA Copies can be obtained, price 4d. per copy, post free.
SUTPLEMENT to "The Electrician." October 16, 1908.
€xDibit Of Ferranti SiDitcbflcar.
AI'AIIT from tlie exhibit of higli-teiision and low ten-
sion switchboards which Ferranti Limited have in tlie
Corporation sub-station, a fine display of standard
apparatus is made on a stand which is immediately behind
one end of the sub-station in a very suitable position for
the showing to advantage the switch products of the firm.
At one end of the stand eomijlete high-tension control
panels for electrical and hand operation have Ijeen fitted
up. The class of high tension gear used in the Corporation
sub-station is shown in detail by a concrete cell which
contains sections — 'bus bar, oil switch, protective gear,
instrument transformers, isolating switches and cable
receivers. The " panel " typifies modern switchboard con-
struction for dealing with electrical high-tension circuits.
Adjoining this panel is another containing a Ferranti-
Field remote control solenoid switch. This is operated
from a panel near the front of the exhibit, a few feet away.
In practice it would, of course, be situated some distance
from the oil switch. The control panel is fitted up com-
plete with instruments, and is connected up for the opera-
tion of the switch under working conditions. We have
described the gear in (he columns of 7'hc Electrician on
previous occasions. Tint we may recall its chief features
here. The control switch is operated liy a liandwbeel
which can only be moved clockwise. In switching on, this
handle is turned as far as it will go and becomes locked by
a catch. To actually complete the circuit of the operating
solenoid a button is pushed, which releases the catch on the
contact drum to which the handwheel is attached, and this
drum makes half a revolution, closing for a short period the
MOST RELIABLE. MOST DURABLE.
MOST MECHANICAL.
Made on the well-known " WEDGE " principle, has been
introduced to meet the demand for a Switch with very short
projection. It effects a great saving of space and can be used
in positions where the ordinary " WEDGE " type might not
be so suitable.
ELECTRICALLY PERFECT.
Price 113, subject.
Further pniticiilaisfiom the MAKERS :
THE EDISON & SWAN UNITED ELEGTRIG LIGHT GO., LTD.,
36 37, QUEEN St.. CHEAPSIDE, LONDON, E.G.
Fig. 1.— Distance Control Solenoid Oil Switch.
operating solenoid circuit. The closing of the switch is thus
beyond the control of the operator, who, though he may
hesitate, cannot change his mind and half-close the switch.
To open the switch another button is pressed which
energises the trip coil and breaks the toggle holding the
switch in. Fig. 1 is an outline drawing of the switch with
solenoid operating gear.
A switch, arranged for lever distance control, is shown
in operation, with " half-cock " synchronising position.
This feature was originally introduced with the Fera-anti
wall type cellular gear. Fig. 2 shows the lever type switch
used for operating the oil switch in the cell at the back of
the control panel. The lever is shown in the synchronising
position. It is pulled into this notch directly from the off
point and is then locked. To switch in, the lever must be
pulled home after dejiressing a foot pedal which will be
seen below the lever frame. The switch is opened either
by raising the tripping lever which is within touch of the
finger through the lever slot, or by pressing the pedal
and at the same time withdrawing a bolt at the side of the
lever quadrant ; this allows the lever to be thrown over to
the oft position. The arrangement may appear complicated
from the description, but it is quite simple in operation.
The idea of the pedal attachment is to prevent the lever
being pulled right in past the synchronising position. If
this automatic check on the switchman were not provided
there would be a danger of the switch being thrown direct
in. The movement of the lever is quite smooth, and the
circuit can be closed without the least effort. Engineers
interested in this somewhat novel arrangement should call
at the stand and see a practical demonstration of the switch.
The large switches and circuit-breakers exhibited should
also attract attention, as the design and construction are
worthy of note. A large carbon break switch with operat-
ing lever attached to a quadrant below the switch is
included in this section of the exhibit. The switch is a
iluplicate of a number supplied to the " Mauretania " to
the iii-der of W. C. Martin (Glasgow). One of the actual
boards on which these switches are used is shown in Fig. 3
StiPTLEMENT to "The Electrician," October 16, 1908,
Each switch hiis a capacity
of 3,000 amperes and is pro-
vided with heavy laminated
hrusli, beading contacts and
twocarbon breaks in parallel.
Tlie general construction is
substantial, while a feature
is made of the lightness and
Hexibility of the arms carry-
ing tiie carbon blocks. The
efhciency of breakers of this
type depends almost entirely
on the balance of the
parts to whicli the car-
l)ons are attached, and the
design adopted by Messrs.
Fcrranti should l)e noted
in this respect, particularly
the form of clijj used.
Several other circuit-
breakers are exhibited,
among them being the de-
sign shown in Fig. 4. This
has a free handle and car-
bon break, the main brush
being also closed against the
contact blocks by a powerful
lever motion. Tlie two tiip
coils are in circuit with the
main current and a time
relay respectively, the object
of the latter being the re-
straining of the circuit-
breaker from opening under over-loads which should
bring out the fuse at the distributing centre. This
attachment will be appreciated in industrial service
Fig. 3.-Ferranti Board with Large Switches and Circuit-Breakers.
where motors impose over-loads which should not dis-
turb the Hjaiii breakers. We may also refer to the
Ferranti replaceable fuse shown in Fig. 5. Tiie feature
Fig 2.— View of Switch Lever In half-cock position, Oil Switch
in background.
Spgiti^M ^^^
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." October 16. 1008.
mum
DYNAMO WORKS LIMITED.
^ji^, "FLY-WHEEL'
i| MOTOR
S--;?. STARTERS.
ON VIEW AT MANCHESTER EXHIBITION,
STANDS 86 and 97.
STEP-BY-STEP
MOTION AND FIXED TIME
OF STARTING.
Operations Automatic and
Independent of Operator.
FOR ALL VOLTAGES AND
OUTPUTS.
HEAD OFFICE:
LONDON:
York Mansion, York Street, Westminster, S.W.
Telephone .•—452 Westjux.stkb.'
Teleijr,
'SIEMBBALOS LONDON."
BRANCH OFFICES:
Central House, New Street.
32, Bridge Street.
i'9, St. Mary Street.
163, Hope Street.
Standard Life Assurance Buildings, City Square.
], Abchurch Yard, Cannon Street, E.G.
Birmingham.
Bristol.
Cardiff.
Glasgow."
Leeds.
London.
,„';: iVIanciiester, 196, Deansgate
cj , Newcastle=on-Tyne. 39, Collingwood Buildings.
5lieffieid. Foster's Buildings, 22, High Street.
of this is the provision made for ensuring tlie interruption of
the circuit by the .subdivision of the fuses and the size of
the air space around tlie fuse wires. A useful detail of
this fuse is a projection, at the sides of the contact blocks
in the fuse handle, which engages with the ends of the
spring clips and forces the clip into closer contact witli the
Fig. 4.— Ferranti Porcelain Handle Fuse.
block. This item sliould be inspected. Tiiese fuses nm
niade up for use on alternating current and direct current
circuits, both of large and small capacity. A good display
of instruments is shown among the other exhibits, many
of these being mounted on panels, complete with other
switchgear. We would particularly call attention to the
open scale instruments and also to the relays for over-
load and reverse currents. Among these is an instan-
taneous action overload relay specially designed for use
with automatic switches, single, double and triple pole.
The relays are for use on alternating current circuits where
it is either de.sired not to use a time limit relay, or where a
less expensive ai'rangement is required. When an over-
load occurs the relay closes the trip coil circuit, usually a
direct current one. The relay contacts are of carbon so
that the arc formed in breaking a higlily inductive circuit
is easily Ijroken. The relay is wound for a normal work-
ing current of 10 amperes, but is usually calibrated for a
maximum working current of 1.5 to 25 amperes. The
secondary of a current transformer feeds the relay, though
Fig. 5. — Ferranti Free Handle Carbon Circuit-Breaker.
it may be coupled to the circuit of any existing trans-
former. Owing to the small self-induction of the relay an
ammeter or indicating wattmeter can be connected to the
same current transformer. The relay movement is enclosed
in a cast-iron case which makes it practically independent
or ordinary external magnetic fields. On three-phase
circuits with earthed neutral a relay is used on each phase.
Two relays are used witli neutral isolated from eartli.
Tills relay is supplied in four styles, details being available
at the exhibit.
The Ferranti " non-metallic " motor starters are among
the features of the exhibit. There are no wires used as
resistance in the starter, their place being taken by a
number of fireproof compartments containing a special
gi'anulated mixture of varying resistance in the different
compartments. The interior parts of the starter may be
inspected at the Exhibition.
Supplement to "The Electrician. ■■ October 16. 1908.
Rcprolle SwitcDaear €xDiblt.
THERE are many items to interest the engineer on the
stand of Messrs. A. Reyrolle & Co., who are well
known as makers of switchgear of all types and for
all purposes. In the lay out of the exhibit the management
have had in mind the making of practical demonstrations
of what Reyrolle apparatus can do. Con.sequently one finds
most of the gear connected up and shpwn actually under
current. The Reyrolle motor-starter — the wait-at-first-stop-
until-the-motor-starts type — is to be seen on the stand
starting a motor with brake on the driving pulley. This
illustrates that the starter is equal to the passage of a heavy
current corresponding to that required to operate the motor
on full load. The starter, we may remind our readers, is fire-
proof and fool-proof, and its chief feature is a kind of current
" valve " on the first stop, which allows the current to
slowly grow. The best possible demonstration of this
Fig. I — General View of Gear snowing Mam Parts.
feature is the switching of a starter with its arm on the first
notch, right across the exhibition 500 volt mains. There is
an ammeter in circuits and the needle of this slowly rises
while the current gi-adually increases. Various patterns of
motor panels embodying these starters are shown in the
exhibit.
The chief item of interest, and one which will make the
exhibit attractive to engineers, is the firm's special iron-clad
E.H.T. switchgear. Some reference was made to this in an
article by H. W. Clothier in the columns of our Mining Issue
recently published (July 10, 1908.) Two complete sections
of the gear are exhibited, and the apparatus has many novel
features to recommend it for adoption by engineers in charge
of large power distribution schemes, with many H.T. feeder
lines passing from power house to sub-stations and inter-
linking the latter.
We were shown this gear in the embryo some time ago and
were much impres.sed with the principles adopted and the
method employed of carrying them into practical efTect.
The main details will best be explained by a view of a simple
panel which is shown in Fig. 1 . From the point at which the
cables enter the gear all H.T. conductors, terminals, coup-
lings, contacts, Arc, are entirely enclosed. In the iron cable
receiver the incoming leads are trifurcated and fixed in their
respective terminals and completely oil immer.sed. Interior
connections then pass to the oil switch and from it again to
the bus 'bars, there being three separate iron enclo.sed ducts
for the phases, making each absolutely independent of its
neighbour. The final connection is to the 'bus bars, which
are at the top of the gear. The illustration shows this
clearly. A pattern of gear for remote control from the
front of a wall behind which the gear (12,000 volts) is placed
is also made. The oil switch is placed on a carriage, .so that
it may be withdrawn at any time for inspection, re2:)air or
replacement, the first mentioned being the principal item
to make provision for. The withdrawal of the switch, with its
connections to the cable receiver terminals and the 'bus bars,
causes the automatic isolation of the fixed live contacts,
small shutters coming over the openings through which the
contact prongs pa.ss when the switch is normally " home."
Fig. 2 .shows details of the operating handle. The space below
the oil switch is available for relays or other automatic de-
vices. The oil switch is operated by a handle, usually placed at
the front of the gear though it may be any distance away. The
switch is quite free of the handle under tripping conditions,
Uleston electrical
Instrument Co*
Multimeter, Model 58. Standard Portable Testing Set. |
eondoti Office and Eaboratorp:
AUDREY HOUSE, ELY PLACE, HOLBORN,
Telephone No. : 2029 Holborn. Telegrams: Pivoted London. E.C>
m
SVTTLEMENT to "The Electrician." October 16. 1908
MANCHESTER.
Telephoned 7094, two lines.
Telegrams- MAGNET MANCHESTER.
DYNAMOS
MOTORS
AND
ELECTRICALLY-
DRIVEN
SPECIALITIES.
The Complete Electrical Equipment
OF
WORKS AND FACTORIES.
LONDON OFFICE
BIRMINGHAM ...
GLASGOW
NEWCASTLE ...
LIVERPOOL
35, Queen Victoria Street, E.C.
109, Colmore Row.
43, Mains Street, Waterloo Street.
10, NeviUe Street.
4, Ashfields, Wavertree.
and will not remain closed on sliort-circuit if the handle
is retained in the grasp of the operator.
The principal advantage of this class of gear resides in the
complete immunity from accidental contact which it
primarily provides. The most careless operator could not
receive shock from the gear at any point. Even deliberate
tampering with the apparatus makes it extremely difficult
if not impossible to touch live metal. The withdrawal of a
switch automatically makes the gear dead, and as the
switch itself cannot be pulled out of its contacts until the
circuit is opened there is no danger at the switch coi^tacts
when the switch is exposed for inspection. It is po.ssible to
entirely remove the switch carriage so that any cable work
below the panel can be easily and comfortably carried out.
We must point out that little or no effort is needed to pu.sh
in the switch cai'riage through the greater part of its travel,
and the short distance remaining, in which the knife blades
enter the contacts, and which would call for some physical
exertion, is completed by a simple rack motion which carries
the switch hard home. It is this final operation which is
View of H.T. Panel with Oil Tank lowered.
presided over by a safety device which completely prevents
the switch being racked in if it is in the closed position. This
is a necessity with a gear of this class, and it has been em-
bodied effectively and 3'et simply with this gear. Fig. 3
shows a typical H.T. panel with oil switch drawn out.
The instrument transformers are also embodied in the gear.
The potential transformers are placed in the oil switch tank,
Fig. 2.— Section through Operating Handle of Reyrolle H.T. Switch.
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," October 16. 1908.
CROMPTON & Co
LONDON AND CHELMSFORD.
OIL-DRIVEN DYNAMO AS USED IN COUNTRY HOUSE AND OTHER
SMALL INSTALLATIONS.
SALISBURY HOUSE, LONDON, E.G.
Gf.ASCOW—so, IVellinglon Street.
NElVCASTLE-21, Pearl Assurance Buildings,
Norihxtmhcrland Street.
MANCHESTER— 4!, Deans.Katc.
BIRMINGHAM— ^T, Paradise .Street.
BRISTOl^-zH, Baldwin Street.
BELFAST— Grosvenor House, Wellington Place.
WORKS CHELMSFORD.
CALCUTTA— <}0, Clive Street.
MADR.4S— Armenian Street.
BOMB A y— Marshall's Bldgs., Ballard Road.
SYDNEY— s6, Margaret Street.
Sl/A.\GHAI—Kaiikmg Road.
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." October 16, 1908.
which is increased in depth for the purpose. Similarly the cur-
rent transformers are placed within the iron frame between
the cable terminals and the lower contacts of the switch.
The gear has been designed in sections which are complete
in themselves, but any number can be coupled together to
form a sub-station feeder gear, or any other desired com-
bmation. Fig. 4 gives an excellent idea of the appearance
of the gear when assembled in this way. The working
pressure applied to this type of gear may be anything from
6,000 to 12,000 volts. In testing the gear the makers left no
stone unturned to ensure absolute safety. Tests up to three
times the working pressure are always applied to the gear
with very satisfactory results. Prolaably the most severe
test of ail was that in which a bucket of water was placed
below the gear and kept boiling while a pressure of 25,000
volts was applied for three hours. The vapour rising round
the gear failed to enter at any point, and the test abundantly
proved the efficacy of the gear to resist moisture and vapour
under actual working conditions. The makers are not
afraid to play a hose pipe to a gear which is in commission
on a transmission line. The same type of gear adapted for
L.T. working (COO volts) is .shown in Fig. 5.
Considered from all its standpoints the gear is well worth
the inspection of engineers who are, or maybe, operating high-
voltage three-phase plant in conjunction with power distri-
bution mains. The conditions under which the gear will
normally operate are so complex that only by a close study
of their character and variation have the makers been able
to produce this gear. They have relieved engineers of the
trouble and responsibility of specifying the class of gear
which shall be installed for certain service conditions, and
in so doing have placed the electrical industry greatly in
their debt.
In conjunction with the H.T. ironclad switch panels
referred to above, Messrs. Eeyrolle are giving practical
demonstrations of their efficacy when used with the well-
known Merz-Price protective gear. This latter is arranged
on the stand in a very neat manner. A board, blackened at
the back, is marked out into power house and two sub-
stations, a ring main joining all together. At each point are
two relays of the Merz-Price type. At this point we must
explain that the system is intended to afford adequate
protection to power consumers from risk of interruption
due to faults on the lines feeding them. Two mains must
Fig. 5.— Typical L.T. Panel.
enter each station, and the failure of any one will isolate the
faulty section and leave the consumer still supplied. A ring
main is employed, and by its use all the copper placed m the
ground is constantly in use under normal conditions of
service Where stand-by mains are employed much cable
is lying in the ground unused. The gear at the Exhibition is
so arranged that, by the making of fault on any of the cables
connecting the sub-stations with the power house, the relays
are operated and the oil switches in the iron-clad gear are
opened. Until the relays are reset the switches cannot be
closed again. Fig. 6 shows a relay complete in its enclosing
case. It is a simple device comprising an electromagnet,
having a light armature with a small air gap separating it
from the magnet core. The raising of the armature closes
the trip coil circuit and also releases a weight which makes
a contact parallel to that just made; this ensures rapidity
and certainty of action. Three relays are used, one m each
phase of a three-phase circuit, and in case of fault on one
phase one relay operates. A fault between two
phases brings down both the relays connected
to these phases. The relays are operated fi-om
the secondaries of series transformers.
Fig. 4.— Group of H-T. Panels in Sub-staticn,
Fig. (j.— Merz-Price Relay.
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," October 16, 1908.
Manchester
► 95
A.REYROLLE&CO.,Ltd.
HEBBURN-ON-TYNE.
49 ■<
■«
Fra nco-British.
>> >.l
STEEL-CLAD
MOTORS.
1 ♦ I
OPEN, PROTECTED
Or ENTIRELY ENCLOSED.
1 H.P. TO 200 H.P.
VERY SOLID CONSTRUCTION.
HIGHLY EFFICIENT.
We also make Polyphase Generators and Motors,
MATHER & PUTT * ^ANrHESTER.
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." October 16, 1908,
10
Chrccphase Remote Control Starters.
THE direct current motor has long enjoyed the ad-
vantages conferred by solenoid starters and con-
trollers. These are found to be very convenient
for motors driving certain types of machinery which must
be actuated from a distance. Again, with motors of heavy
output, it is economical and convenient to be able to place
the control gear close to the motor, thereby reducing the
length of the leads and the losses in them under both
starting and running conditions. By the use of solenoid
switchgear, which can be mounted directly on or against
the motor, only light, inexpensive leads need be run to the
control point. At stand 135b Messrs. Electiuc Conikol
(Ltd.), of Glasgow, are showing an interesting pattern of
alternating current starting gear which will remove from
alternating current motors the former dilliculty experienced
in operating them from a distance.
The apparatus in principle depends upon the action of
a main solenoid which, when fir.st closed, is instrumental
in closing successively the rotor resistance switches and
finally a short-circuiting switch, which completes the cycle
of starting operations.
When the remote-control switch is closed the main
solenoid is energised and draws up its plunger and switch.
Its movement sets in motion a lever switch to which is
attached a dashpot, which in turn controls the travel of
the switch, permitting it to rise slowly. At the end of its
travel it closes on a carbon contact and energises the
solenoid of a switch, which cuts out the first section of the
rotor resistance. This switch performs the same operation,
and in its turn closes the circuit of the ne.xt rotor solenoid,
this cycle being continued (in the gear shown at the E.^hi-
bition) through four rotor solenoid switches. Tiie last of
these brings into circuit a solenoid which short-circuits
the rotor, and at the end of its travel de-energises the
three intermediate rotor resistance switches.
Fig. 1 is a general view of tlie type of switch employed
on this control gear. The solenoid has a well-laminated
core and plunger, and tlie feature of the arrangement is
Fig. I. -Front View of A.C. Solenoid Switches.
Fig. 2- Side View of A.C. Solenoid Staitef.
that the plunger always lloats in the centre of tlie solenoid
This is taken advantage of to introduce a slot into the
ends of the plunger, which engages with the operating
lever of the switch itself. Two pins project from this lever
into the slot, one at each side. The net effect of the
arrangement is that when the plunger is floating the pins
are near the bijttom of the slot. When the solenoid is
de-energised and the plunger falls it has an inch or two
travel before it reaches the pins, so that the switch is
struck a hammer blow and at once flies off quickly, being
free to travel sharply on account of the slot.
The appearance of the solenoid switch, viewed from the
.side, is shown in Fig. 2, in which the slotted end of the
plunger fitting will be noticed. The switch is of the carbon
block type, and is closed under considerable pressure by
the solenoid. The moving contact is a self-aligning copper
plate with a flexible copper connection. The appear-
ance is neat and substantial. The small dashpots are at
the back of the control slate or marble panel, on which
the solenoids are mounted, but the small carbon switch
which closes the various resistance solenoid circuits is at
the front, where it is readily accessible with the other
switch parts.
Tlie general operation of the gear will be understood
clearly from Fig. o, which shows the diagram of connec-
tions. This only shows two main solenoid switches and
two rotor switches, but it serves to make clear the func-
tion of each switch.
The makers claim several advantages for the gear, among
these being the absence of sliding contacts, the elimination
(if vibration and the fact that the gear is practically fool-
proof. C'hattering at the carbon brushes cannot take place,
consequently the gear is silent during the time it is used.
We may remark here that the time at which the succes-
sion of switches is closed can be adjusted within certain
limits, and by this means the rate of starting the motor
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician.- October 16. 1908.
THE
((
PREMIER
n
EXHIBIT
PREMIER ELECTRIC CCHTROLL^P
Red Lion Street, Clerkenwell. London. E.C
iHat.TclepKone.ftOLBORN 5042. TeleferAms, "SMOOTHBORE"
lO. City 2189. IHHi LONDON
YISIT STAISTD N^o. 135.
IPARMITER, HOPE & SUGDEN.
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." October 16, 1908.
12
HENLEYS
ITUMEN
\m ULCANISED f^%
i CABLES i
W. T. HENLEY'S TELEGRAPH WORKS Co., Ld.,
I3&I4 BLOMFIELD STREET, E.G.
Heulevs Works Loudou,
can he varied at will. Also we may point out that, the
main solenoids being held in liy the line voltage, be-
come de-energised immediately should the line pressure fall
below a certain limit.
The same firm is exhibiting the Empire starter (Sundli
patent) with solenoid operated contacts. We described
this fully in the Sitplement for December, 1907, but may
recall the chief features here. A single solenoid only is
used, and this exercises a continuous pull on a nunrber of
levers which are attached and pivoted to it. These levers
carry switch blocks at their ends, and they are drawn in
successively against their respective fixed contacts by the
upward movement of the solenoid plunger. In rising this
actuates a frame, which releases the ends of contact
levers in turn, cutting out the armature resistance at each
step. The rate of closing the switches is adjusted on a
dashpot attached to the lower end of the solenoid
plunger.
The whole gear is very compact, and the switches l.)eing
all centred at the control solenoid are easily connected up
and straggling caliles are avoided. This type of starter is
that adopted by this firm for the control of direct current
motors. It is niade in a variety of sizes for large and small
motors.
Fig. 4 shows a type of switch used for theatres for the
dimming of a numljer of lights. It comprises a pair of
main switches operated by solenoids and a multi-point
switch operated l)y pull-on and, pull-off solenoids. The
operation of the main switches also closes the circuits
Fig.4.— D.C. Solenoid Dimmer Switch
th.
Fig. 3. — Wiring Diagram of A.C. Solenoid Motor Starter.
of the solenoids mo
smaller switches.
It is interesting to note how
solenoid-operated gear has come
to the front of late years, and
the steps taken by makers to
produce highly efficient appara-
tus. Solenoid control is a marked
advance upon hand operation,
because the gear can be made
independent of the operator
during the most important part
of the working stroke of the
starter, namely, the notching
out of the armature resistance.
The use of solenoids in con-
junction ■with motor control
has now the further advantage
of several years' experience
which contributes largely to
their successful operation.
13
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." October 16. 1 90S.
its great ! !
as ) ou will agree if you call at STAND
1 35, MANCHESTER ET.ECTRICAL
EXHIBITION.
You have been seeking something reli-
able in iron-clad svvitchgear. Hope's
Patent "SPRING-ON" SWITCH-
FUSE will save you further search.
// is a rcvelaiion to all who inspect it (iinl
plcasi's cveijbodv.
\\ WILL PLEASE YOIT TOO.
We shall be glad for you to call be-
cause we are also large makers of
SwiTCHGEAK and can show you plenty
of patterns to excite your interest.
PARMITER, HOPE & SUGDEN,
HULME p:LECTKirAL WORKS,
MANCHESTER.
stand No. 135.
f ELECTRIC CONTROL LIMITED ]
See Stand 135
FOR
PARMITER, HOPE & SUGDEN
THE ONLY
SATISFACTORY WORKING EXHIBIT
OK AN
ALTERNATE CURRENT AUTOMATIC STARTER
Single Solenoid Multiple Lever Automatics
for Direct Current.
r 177, REID ST., BRIDGETON, GLASGOW. J
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," October 16, 1908.
6.€X» Gear at m €xl)lbition.
THE stand of tlie (leiieral Electric Co. has been
laid out to show the whole of their wide range
of manufactures. Owing to the large variety of
apparatus, it was only possible to exhiliit a small repre-
sentative section of manufactures in heavy controlling
o-ear An interesting exhibit is a typical high-tension
eenerator panel with a remote control switchljoard. The
panelis of slate and, in addition to the ordinary indicating
instruments, is equipped with magnetic blow-out switch
for the closing coil and another switch for the tripping
coil The first-mentioned switch closes the circuit of tlie
operating coil of the remote controlled circuit-breaker, the
magnetic blow-out being provided to cope with the spark-
ine'due to the inductance of the clocing coil. ISoth these
operating switches are of the push-button type. The con-
struction of the circuit-breaker makes it impossible to
press the buttons for too short a time to prevent the opera-
tion of the circuit-breaker-that is, if the closing switch
be only pushed instantaneously, the oil breaker clo.ses
unite quickly. , . . , , i
These remote controlled oil circuit-breakers are known
as type 15, and we understand are in use in a number of
central stations in
this country, in-
cluding those of
the London County
Council, the Brad-
ford Corporation,
&c. At the latter
station it is found
that their opera-
tion is sufficiently
rapid for them to
be regularly used
for synchronising.
The main feature
about the type 15
switch is its strong
andsubstantial con-
struction.
The main con-
tacts are of the con-
troller type, the
moving ones being
operated by a pa- , . . , mi *.
rallel motion locked by a toggle joint. There are two
to^crle ioints, one for exerting the pressure between con-
tacts and the other for locking purposes. This reduces
the force required in releosing l,y the trip coil to a minimmn.
The instruments on this generator panel are of pecuhar
interest- they are manufactured under Dr. Sumpners
patents.'and were described in a Paper by Dr. yumpner
and Mr. Eecord before the Institution of Electrical Engi-
""^Indecidin" upon what character their time limit relay
should assume, the General Electric Co. were faced with
two alternatives— viz., to make a relay operating on the
induction motor principle, or one operating upon the
solenoid principle. Both systems have their advantages and
their disadvantages : the advantages of the induction type
are well known, but it was felt that its chief disadvantage
was its complication as a piece of switch apparatus This
was the main determining factor in inducing the General
Electric Co. to make a solenoid type of relay. A so enoid
relay is a simple apparatus, and is not liable to
become disorganised by a pivot breaking or dust being
deposited upon the working parts. The disadvantages
hitherto belonging to the solenoid relay have been obviated
by special care in the design. A closed irOn circuit is not
14
utilised, and thus the defects due to a floating magnetic
core have been obviated.
The type 1 5 oil switch described above is suitable tor
voltages up to 15,000 volts; for low voltages up to 3,300
the t'ype 3 switch is used, and for lower voltages the
type 1 oil switch is used.
This switch has been specially designed for use in fac-
tories and workshops, and in mining switchboards, &c. It
can be equipped with overload and low voltage automatic
features ; when equipped with the latter, the release of the
switch is carried out by means of a falling weight, which
in its turn is released by the no-volt or overload coil.
A noteworthy feature of this switch is that the box is
made of cast iron, and is lined with an insulating vitreous
enamel. This has the advantage of not only completely
insulating the interior of the box, but prevents leaking of
the oil, which has been a noticeable feature of many cast-
iron oil boxes in the past.
GE.C Oil Switcli
aiestitiflDouse SiPitcDaear
at n)ancl)e$ter
IX an attractive pavilion near the centre of the Exhibition
Hall, the British Westinghouse Company have an
extensive exhibit of their switchgear specialities. There
is a standard direct current switchboard panel, on which is
mounted automatic overload loose handle circuit-breaker ;
direct current ammeter, copper finish rear connections ;
standard ammeter .shunt (all for 1,000 amperes capacity),
and 100 ampere 600 volt switch. This switchboard con-
sists of three white Sicilian marble slabs, having new white
enamel finish at back. The back connections are bare cop-
per strip. There is a large alternating current switchboard,
with the following instruments mounted on it : Alternating
current ammeter, 80 amperes, 50 periods, nickel finish ;
alternating current voltmeter 7,500 volts maximum, nickel
finish ; alternating current wattmeter, nickel finish. The
calibration of this wattmeter is 80-5 ampere series, 5,000-
100 volts shunt, 50 period, three phase. Three-phase power
factor meter,nickel finish, 50 period, 80 amperes, 5,000 volts.
A polyphase inverse time limit relay,nickel finish, to operate
off 6 amperes, 240 volts, cO period single-phase circuit,
without transformers; 300 ampere 6,600 volt three-pole
type B oil circuit-breaker, nickel finish, with two alter-
nating current trip coils, 5 amperes.
(_)n a standard iron-clad unit type panel &re mounted
the following : Direct current ammeter, 100 amperes, cop-
per finish ; 100 ampere unit type switchbox ; 100 ampere
double-pole unit type fuse box ; direct current motor
starter, suitable for 25 H.P. 220 volt shunt-wound motor.
This will have renewable contacts, maximum and minimum
release and dust-proof cover.
Among the other gear exhibits is an inverted type colliery
pillar winch has been designed for use in mines and col-
lieries, and in exposed situations in shipyards and works
generally. It is especially suitable for sub-station installa-
tions incollieries or works in which it is desired to utilise
old and inexpensive buildings to house the switchgear in.
Flame-jiroof switchgear consisting of a tlame tight and
e.vplosion-proof switch and fuse boxes is also shown mounted
on a channel iron frame, and surmounted by an ammeter,
the whole forming a convenient combination for the control
of motor or lighting circuits in fiery mines.
There is also a Westinghouse totally-enclosed oil switch
with instruments for pressures up to 3,300 volts. The new
type continuous-current three-pole circuit-breaker is shown
in operation, also a large electrically operated circuit-breaker
and a large switchboard panel, 3,000 amperes capacity.
15
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," October 16. 1908.
A Typical Example
— of —
Induced Draught Economy
The Experience of a British Firm.
Formerly
12 Lancashire Boilers were
constantly in operation.
The coal consumption was
580 tons per week, and
they were hard pressed for
Steam.
SIROCCO
Induced Draught
System
was installed*
Now
9 Boilers are doing the
work of 12. Coal con-
sumption for the same duty
60 tons per week less and
plenty of steam. Average
CO:: result for one month
13'6 per cent.
Davidson & Co., Ltd.,
Sirocco Engineering Works,
Belfast.
SVPPLEMENJ to "The Electrician." October 16. 1908.
16
Che ** Union
tt
SiDitchgear Cxhibiu
IT is only natural tliat the Union Electric Co., who are
so justl)' renowned among users of electrical power
as makers of excellent switchgear, should have made
special efforts to show what they could do in this direction
at the ]\Ianchester Exhibition. An inspection of their
stand (No. 175) should be made by every visitor to the
show, for it indicates a most progressive spirit, and no
engineer will see the apparatus there installed without
" learning something to his advantage.'' It is, in fact, a
most comprehensive exhibit, and deals with both high and
low-tension switchgear, as well as with motor starting and
controlling apparatus.
First and foremost is the high-tension motor switch-
board, which is fitted with a three-phase oil break switch
with overload and no-voltage release interlocked with a
rotor starter of the oil bath pattern in such a way as to
secure perfectly safe and reliable operation, and to elimi-
nate all risks of personal shock as well as overload to the
motor. The particular arrangement shown is entirely
enclosed in metal framework, and is suitable for a 25 ii.P.
3,000 volt motor. It is, however, typical of the arrange-
ments that would be adopted for voltages as high as 10,000
volts. The same panel is provided with fusible cutouts,
and an arrangement for inserting a trip coil with a time
element, if this is considered desirable. This ec^uipnient can
be used either for overhead or underground connections.
Particular care has been taken with the design to make
every part easily get-at-able and thus to ensure reliable
operation.
Another interesting exhibit is an automatic starter for use
in connection with filling tanks. It is .shown in u.se directly
coupled to a motor pump. There are also a large number
of various forms of switch and tubular fuses for voltages
up to 3,000 volts, as well as automatic cell regulating
switches suitable for private installations of medium .size,
automatic voltage regulators for direct and alternating
current generators and lightning arresters fur various
voltages.
The piece etc reditance of the exhibit is, however, the
high-tension switch pillar, which forms an exceedingly
simple self-contained unit, with ample protection and
special facilities for inspection of the working parts, as well
as for connecting up the incoming and outgoing cables.
The apparatus shown is a triple-pole 150 ampere oil-break
switch for 10,000 volts, and is fitted with an adjustable
overload release, having an indicating finger on the front of
the pillar. The oil tank stands at the base, and has an
opening in the front through which access is obtained to
the cables. On this tank are two elements, the upper one
being simply a cap with vent holes in it. In this cap is a
window, showing the position of the lever, which indicates
whether the switch is closed or open, while a ring is
attached so that it may be easily lifted and disclose the
working parts for inspection. The motion of the switch is
vertical, and it is operated by means of the link connecting
the gear to the outside lever on the middle section. This
middle section carries all the working gear of the switch,
including the series magnet winding, which is connected
between the contacts on one or more poles. When the
coils in question become sufficiently excited by an
overload they attract the armatures which are con-
nected mechanically to balHe plates, so as to give
automatic damping and prevent any chattering in the
EL£CTE]CjA^:
111
J
TO
riiDf
iiJAL mil
LLtCTRlCl^fi "£'■*'
No 94.9 HOieORN.
All communications should be addressed "The Electrician"
Industrial Supplen^ent, 1, 2 and 3, Salisbury Court, Fleet
Street, London, E.C.
Copy for Text or Advertisement pa;espr mxt iisue should reach the above
address not later than Tuesday, November 3rd.
Maniijacturers, Contractors, Central Station Engineers, and those
interested in Electrical Industrial Developments are cordially invited to
contribute original matter to the SUPPLEMENT, and when suitable
this will be inserted as space permits.
Filing Case for "The Electrician " Industrial Supplement.
The Industrial supplement is holed for filing, and we are
distributing cases which wiU hold twelve issues. On request a case
wiU be sent to Consulting, Manufacturing, or Contracting firms ; to
Chief or Resident Engineers of Electricity Supply, Traction or Power
Stations ; to any firm of Merchants or Agents ; to Railway, Tramway,
Dock, Harbour, or other companies interested in the applications of
Electric Power, &c., to their undertakings ; and to other large con-
sumers of electrical energy, either at home, in the Colonies, or abroad.
A portion of each issue of the SUPPLEMENT is reserved for special
circulation oversea.
working of the apparatus. If the apparatus is fitted with
a no-voltage release, this can also be added to the middle
section. °The series transformer is under oil, and is used
for both the minimum current release and for the ammeter
circuit. In the same way a voltage transformer can be fixed
for the no- voltage release or voltmeter readings. A special
attachment can also be provided, so that the switch may
be operated from a distant point, by means either of a switch
or a time relay. In the complete apparatus exhibited the
strai"ht-line pointer of the overload indicator is attached
to one side of the lever, and on the other two small
circular dials, one of which indicates how many times an
overload not lasting a sufficient time to operate the switch
has occurred on the circuit, while the other one indicates
whether the time relay device requires winding. The
arrangement of the time relay is such that should it not be
wound it becomes inoperative, and an overload imme-
diately opens the switch. If the switch is thus opened, it
cannot be closed until the time relay is wound up. If the
time relay is wound up, then the overload must continue
for a predetermined period or else be more than usually
excessive when the switch is arranged to give an immediate
release.
The centre section of the switch can be lifted out and the
whole of the operating gear easily inspected and replaced
without disconnecting anything. The oil tank is in the
lower section of the switch, and a feature is that the in-
sulators pass through the base of the tank. This, by a
special sealing composition, is made absolutely oil-tight,
and therefore gives the switch the advantage of perfectly
enclosed terminals, to which an underground supply can be
easily connected. These switches can be either constructed,
as exhibited, in the single pillar form, or a number of
them moup.ted together to form a distriliution centre.
From the above description it will be seen that the
switchgear exhibit on this stand is rather out of the ordinary,
and we can heartily recommend all our readers to pay a
visit to it. They will see much to interest them.
17
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." October 16. 1908.
Siuitchgear €xl)ibit of €ckstciti» Reap ^ Co.
THE very wide range of switches and switeligear manu-
factured by Eckstein, Heap & (Vj. at their Waverley
Mills, Salford, and shown at the Mancliester Elec-
trical Exliibitioii, will doubtless attract considerable atten-
tion. The apparatus on view covers an extensive field,
from the small open type quick-lireak switch to the high-
voltage ironclad switch panel suitable for industrial power
service. Between these extremes are many varieties of
apparatus for an equally varied number of purposes.
The most imposing section of exhibit is that including
the circuit-breakers for direct current and alternating
current circuits. The direct current breakers are of a dis-
tinctive type and are shown in sizes from .'),000 amperes
do wu wards. The operating movenuMit is common to all
the sizes and types, whether for overload, reverse current,
no-load or certain combinations of both. The breaker arm
is taken forward by a toggle motion having a split knuckle
in the central link. In the case of no-load breakers the
split knuckle is only in engagement when the no-volt coil
is energised. If no pressure is on, the knuckle is knocked
up by the spring attached to the armature of the no-load
coil. Depression of the knuckle allows tlie link to come
in line with oiDerating links and the breaker can be pushed
home. Failure of the line pressure causes the sharp rise of
the no-volt coil armature and the immediate opening of
the breaker. The final break is taken on carbon tips,- which
are also in the field of a powerful magnetic blow-out. This
is practically standard P]ckstein, Heap breaker construc-
tion for direct current service. Several combinations with
the different types of tripping devices mentioned above are
on view. The circuit breakers can be placed in iron
boxes and operated from the outside by an insulated
handle. They make a useful form of breaker in this form
for industrial service.
The alternating current oil circuit-breakers exhibited in-
clude patterns for capacities from ~)0 to .500 amperes per
phase. They are of the usual pattern, with snspemlcd oil
H.T. Oil Switcti and Fuse Cfiamber Open.
E.H.T. Oil Switcli witli Separate Oil Tanlis for Eacfi Pliase
tank and toggle lever motion for closing the switch. This
toggle is broken When the switch is opened. The general
construction of these switches is very sound, both elec-
trically and mechanically, llunmetal links and pins are
used for the toggle motion, so that there is no fear of rust
impairing the action of the switch. The fixed clip contacts
are of uniform pattern in all sizes of switch. The clips are
made up of multiples of a unit, according to the size of the
switch, so that renewals can be easily made, as the unit is
standard and interchangeable. Sparking tongues are fitted
to each contact, and these relieve the main clips of any
tendency to blobbing when breaking very heavy currents.
The standardising and interchangeability of all parts are
features of the switch construction. The same switches
can be fitted with automatic features in the shape of over-
load and no-volt release, these being embodied with a
minimum of trouble. These devices are made to operate
with direct or alternate current, and when they are fitted
to the switch a loose handle takes the place of the fixed
handle of the switch. The auto-devices, especially the
relays, are very sensitive in operation, and will bear close
inspection. Much thought has been expended upon the
contacts, and a type has been adopted which will operate
under the most severe conditions both mechanical and
electrical.
An interesting oil switch is one of the no-volt pattern
which, while it opens circuit when the line pressure falls
elow certain limits, possesses the further advantage that
it can only be closed when the normal voltage is impressed
on the line. All Eckstein-Heap's alternating current
ireakers can, by the attachment of a suitable solenoid, be
made controllable from a distance. The automatic features
remain unchanged with this solenoid attachment.
While we are on the subject of solenoid control switches
we may mention a very compact ironclad control panel
which is among the exhibits. The oil circuit-breaker,
automatic devices and current transformer are all contained
in a cast-iron case, which is surmounted by a smaller case
containing the ammeter. Below this instrument is the
control switch, which has a central off position, in w-hich it
is held by a spring. When moved to the left, against the
action of the spring, the circuit of the solenoid operating
the breaker is closed. When the control switch is released
SUPPLEMENT to" The Electrician," October 16. 1908.
18
Heavy Current Oil Switch with Tank Removed.
the solenoid circuit is opened, but the main switch remains
in because of a mechanical toggle. By moving the control
switch to the right the trip coil is energised and the main
switch opened. " Tlie control switch may be placed at any
distant point to meet the particular conditions in hand.
The use of a distance control switch in a panel of this type
confers the advantage of making the actual closing and
opening of the switch a definite and positive operation.
No mi.stake can he made through hesitation or uncertain
movement.
Another high-tension control panel which calls for com-
ment is one in which the switch is hand operated, but it is
completely enclosed, together with the 'bus bars, isolating
switches, 'current transformer and cable terminal.s m a
sheet-iron chamber. Access to this chamber is only given
through one hinged and one sliding door at the back.
The hinged door cannot be opened when the switch is on,
and the°sliding door, which gives into the cable compart-
ment, cannot be raised until the hinged door is opened.
The movement of the switch into the off position, there-
fore, renders the operator immune from shock and safe-
guai-ds him automatically in that he cannot open the
pillar under live conditions. Of course, it is equally im-
portant that while the doors are open it shall not be pos-
sible to close the switch, and this important precaution is
taken in the design of the gear. This pattern of enclosed
hi"h-tension gear can be used as an isolated panel for the
control of a single motor or feeder, or it may be built up with
a number of other panels assembled to form a complete
board.
Among the other switchgear exhibits we may mention
the " Waverley " knife switches, which have Ijecome very
extensively used on account of the solid construction of
the handle and the main moving blade. This handlers
hinged separately from the contacts and is rectangular in
shape, the copper blade being securely held in the centre
of the rectangle. If struck an accidental bloNV the blade
would be protected from injury or pressure out of align-
ment. These switches are built up to ciuite large sizes,
l,atterns having a capacity up to 3,000 amperes with two
parallel blades being shown. This switch closes quite
easily and sweetly. The same switches are enclosed in
ironclad cases with renewable fuses under one cover.
Another switch which has become well known has a
laminated brush contact with carbon break and beading
spring, features which are embodied in the largest and
millllfst S17GS
We may specially comment on the distribution boxes
which Messrs. Eckstein, Heap have on view, in that they
have several attachments which are frequently extras to
ordinary distribution boards. The boxes in ciuestion are
wired throughout, down to a terminal and link box
attached to the main box, this smaller box haying lielow
it a trifurcating box for the splitting out of the main
cables entering the box.
m w w
Front View ot Oil Switch Showing
Auto-Devices.
"Waverley'' Knife Switch,
3,000 Amps.
Heavy Current Oil Switch with Tank Raised and Switch Closed.
A switch fuse unit with oil switch and replaceable fuses
makes up a neat combination, and should find a wide held
of utility in industrial motor service. The unit is compact
enou"h to fix directly to the frame of induction motors
in aify desired position. It should be noted_ that the
switch has a quick break, and directly above it is the fuse
compartment covered with a hinged lid. It the lid is
raised while the switch is closed a projection engages with
the switch motion and opens the circuit by knocking oH
the switch. The unit is made in one size for 15 amperes
per phase and is put forward to meet the demand for an
inexpensive control gear. Star mesh controllers are also
a feature of the exhibit, and tliey are shown in several tornis
and sizes. All contacts are oil immersed and the moving
contacts are of the block type on a drum. The handle
cannot be moved into the full on position without passing
the starting position. From the latter it is pushed directly
off, when it must be put to start before any other move-
ment can be made. .,, , r 1 i.-
other interesting switch exhibits will be found on this
stand but we will leave our readers to examine these by
personal inspection at the Exhibition. We may refer, in
19
tSUVPLEMENT to "The Electrician/- October 16, 1908
ECKSTEIN, HEAP&C5^
lUCANCHES'TEiR.
S^V-TCHGe^^^
Sai-FORD.
SUPPLEMENT to " The Electrician," October 16, 1908 1
20
Star Mesh Controller, open.
conclusion, to a line of inexpensive instruments for Ijoth
alternating current and direct current circnits which the
lirm is showing. These are of the electromagnetic type
with 6 in. dial, jewelled centres and dead-beat air damper.
A year's guarantee against faulty workmanship and
material is given, and the instruments are guaranteed ac-
curate to 2 per cent, in the case of ammeters and 1 per
cent, voltmeters.
We recommend all our readers who are interested in
switchgear to make a special point of calling at this exhibit.
In the space of a short article we cannot give all the details
we would like of the specialities on view. We need hardly
say that all visitors will receive every attention.
€aisu)an €xl)ibits at \U n)ancl)cstcr €xMbitlon«
To those interested in the increasingly important ques-
tion of switchgear, the Ediswan Company's stand
will particularly appeal, as the Company are making
a speciality of this class of work. Here are to be seen
the Ediswan circuit breaker, which we referred to in detail
at the time of its introduction, and which we understand lias
become very popular since. The Ediswan improved pattern
knife switch, is another switch feature of great mechanical
strength, and solid construction. Specially noticealile is the
small point switch, the " Phlatta," which is shown in both
round and rectangular patterns. This switch has an
extremely small projection, and being made on the Ediswan
wedge system, under the firm's patents, is a favourite for
house wiring and general work. It is neat in appearance, and
on account of its small depth, can be used in places where
the ordinary wedge tumbler switch would not be so suitable.
For many vears Ediswan instruments made at Ponder's
End Works by the company have achieved a reputation for
accuracy and finish. The Ediswan gravity type is made for
continuous or alternating current, whilst the moving coil
pattern are for continuous current only, and these instru-
ments are supplied in iron cases, black enamelled, with
nickel-faced fronts. They are dead-beat and guaranteed
reliable to within one per cent. but if specially required with a
gi-eater degree of accuracy they can be supplied and guaran-
teed to within 0-2 of I per cent, at slightly extra cost.
In the " Ediswan " moving coil instruments shunts are
employed without soldered joints. The volt terminals are
also placed in such a position that no errors can possibly
arise from the shunt, and therefore at any temperature the
P.D. across the volt terminals is constant. Tliere are shown
examples of illuminated dial voltmeters, vertical edgewise,
and horizontal edgewise volt and ammeters, instruments
with front and back connections, and sector pattern in-
struments. The well-known Ediswan horse-power meter is
also shown, calibrated to read directly in horse-power, and it
is most valuable to all power users, showing, as it does, the
output of any machine at a glance. There is also to be seen
a large range of portable instruments, galvanometers, pocket
voltmeters, and testing sets. Of course there are many
examples of fittings of all types, and finishes, including a
very complete range of ship and traction fittings whicli will
no doubt compel attention.
In addition to an extensive selection of the " Royal Edi-
swan " and " Royal Ediswan Metfil "' lamps, the latter
being the name given to the new metallic filament lamp
manufactured by the firm at their Ediswan Works, Ponder's
End, Middlesex, the stand contains examples of practically
everything electrical, from the large illuminated sign down
to the small pocket voltmeter for cell testing purposes.
The new " Ediswan Luxol " signs, are much in evidence,
a large example of one of these with the wording " Royal
Ediswan Lamps " being fixed m a prominent position. It
is a most effective sign letter made of glass, in colour and
ajipearance like snow ice, and equally visible by day or
night. It has a full, rounded surface with bevelled extremi-
ties, so that by daylight it reflects the light at every angle.
The under surface is hollow, and the curves such that at night
a single -5 c.p. lamp is sufficient to illuminate thoroughly
every portion of a 6 in. letter, or two 5 c.p. up to 12 in.,
and three •'j c.p. up to the 16 in. letters, which is one of the
economical features of an illuminated sign of this type. The
rounded face of the letter only appearing above the surface,
the sign may be read at a much greater angle than the
ordinary fascia or flush sign, or any front illuminated letter.
If required, the signs can be arranged to be worked by a
motor-driven switch, i.e., for changing colours, blinking, or
switching on letter by letter.
Ediswan Arc Lamps, as manufactured by the firm at
Ponder's End, are shown in all types, from the yellow flame,
burning with impregnated carbons, to the remarkable white
flame pure daylight effect arc, burning with pure carbons,
and giving a spectrum exactly similar to daylight. This is
the lamp by which colours can be accm-ately matched, con-
sequently it shoidd Ije of great value for drapers, silk
merchants, milliners and others where accurate rendering of
colour is essential.
Ediswan Fans form a considerable proportion of the
exhibit, the tvpes shown ranging from the standard type of
table, trunnion, and bracket fans, to the ordinary porthole
and powerful box bladed porthole patterns. A regulator
suitable for use with the larger patterns is among the fan
accessories.
The accessories section is strongly represented, and con-
tractors may see here examples of all accessories used in
general wiring work, as well as a number of patterns which
are suitable for the largest installations. Amongst these
will be seen the large knife switch type of cut-outs in iron
cases designed for use as main fuses, on house or power
circuit. The 2-5 and oO ampere sizes are of the tubular
tvpe, the larger sizes being .specially designed for heavy
work.
Amongst the accessories are samples of every possible
type of lampholder ceiling rose, cut-out, adaptors, flex
couplers, &c., flnished in good style. It is interesting to
recall the fact that the " S " insulator type of holder was
originally introduced and patented by the Edison & Swan
United Electric liight Co.. to meet the demand for a high
insulation lamp holder for use on high voltage circuits.
21
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician/- October 16. 1908.
FACTORY LIGHTING
by means of "UICTOR" MINIflTGRE ARC
LHMPS effects econorqies bofh in ciirrent
Consiirnption and rene'jJals as compared
liUith incandescent lamp lighting.
Bayonet Type (Indoor Lamp) can b^
installed on ordinary incandescent ligtit-
ing mains, uJitliodt requiring.
Trimniing can be done in a feuJ moments
by anyone, no skill or education being
necessary.
Candie=PouJer : 350 (approJj.)
current : l.', to 2h amps.
Burning flours : 30 to 40 (approJj )
Length overall : 15 inches.
Weight : 4 pounds.
Bayonet Type with Special Adapter.
THE
Please write for Leaflet OS 44, to
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Code used :
A.B.C. 5th Edit
Telephones :
176 & 179 East.
P.O. 0 (Trunk
ELECTRIC & ORDNANCE ACCESSORIES CO., LTD.,
ASTON, BIRMINGHAM.
r.ONDON— Baxter & Gaunter, So, Charing
MANXHESTER— J. Hooker, 196, Ueaosfat.
NEWCASILE— J. W. MOBLEV, Consott Cha
i K J., W.C. Or.A.SGOW-T. & A. Ani.eu
SOUTH \VAI;ES-C R. Ho
;. IIELFAST— J. Wh..ii.ev. i5,
)-N'. 2ji, St. Vincent Street.
r.H, 2j, Woodland Park,Newporl ( Mor.)
■alls
HANLEY WORKS: Shelton Potteries, Hanley.
Bertram Cbomas's €xDiblt of Siultchacar
THIS linn's exhibit impresses one at once witli the
substantial nature of all the gear shown and the
sound engineering character of the designs. The
exhibit comprises circuit-breakers, switchboards of a variety
of types, and a quantity of hand and automatic starting and
controlling gear.
Some seven or eight distinct varieties of circuit-breakers
are shown, apart from the mere consideration of whether
reverse, over-load, no-voltage, time limit, &c. A number of
other designs are specially used for Admiralty and for rail-
way work.
" B.T. "circuit-breakers are regarded as standard apparatus
and have been specially mentioned in the specifications for
instance of the London County Council, and represent a
very high standard of strong engineering and electrical
design. They are all of the loose handle type, provided with
magnetic blow-out, and with metallic sparking contacts, and
have hardened steel parts where wear, &c., may take place.
Circuit-breakers are also made not merely for overloads but
for real hard service imposed by short circuits, &c. Many
features of interest will be found by those who are al)le to
study details — and after all it is on the details that safety
depends, and these aie only got right by long experience.
We may specially mention that Mes.srs. Bertram Thomas
have supplied for the Government a number of circuit-
breakers having abrush capacity of .3,000amperes. These had
time limits up to 30 seconds, were enclosed in a steel case.
and the circuit was opened and closed not by hand but by a
solenoid through a pilot cii'cuit. Also every combination of
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"B.T." Overload aiid Reverse Current D.P. Circuit Breaker.
overload, revense, no-volt, time limit, double or triple pole
enclosure, &c., is provided for by the firm's designs.
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." October 16, 1908.
72
"B.T." Ratchet Statter.
Our' illustration shows a double pole overload circuit-
breaker of which many hundreds have been supplied to the
Government.
A variety of^tvpes of switchboards is shown of which the
clear backs and " readable," well arranged, fronts are notice-
able, but" in paiticular a switchboard for lighting and trac-
tion with an absolutely clear back will arouse interest and
probably create some discussion. Messrs. Bertram Thomas
have manufactured almost every kind of board, and as —
under the name of Woodhouse & Rawson — they were one of
the very first firms in modern electrical engineering, they
have a large experience to draw upon ; also they are eager
at any time to discuss the advantages of different designs.
The battery board for private house work is also note-
worthy by comparison with the jumble of gear usually
provided.
A considerable variety of moto;' starters is shown, and here
too the distinguishing features are the strong substantial
construction, and the obvious deteimination in every way
to eliminate the usual troubles through burning of contacts,
&c. Probably no one has been more successful, and it is
worth while to have these points specially explained, but in
particular three precautions may be mentioned.
(1) A quick and exact stcp-by-step motion from one con-
tact exactly the right distance to the next is always provided
for.
(2) The fingers are of Tramway Controller pattern and
\'ery simple, solid and yet most flexible in their adjustment.
{") Reversible sparking pieces are provided and are all of
metal — no fragile carbon being used — and of the most
effective character for service under hard conditions. These
should specially be looked for.
The hand-operated starters work by a ratchet action, and
are shown as starters only, and also in combination with a
double pole circuit-breaker with magnetic blow-out. In the
latter case they are very often enclosed complete in a cast-
iron box with only a single handle jH-ojecting. The first
movement of this handle closes the magnetic blow-out
circuit-breaker — which is overload and no-voltage — and
successive short movements then cut out the resistance. At
any stage during this process the circuit-breaker is free to
operate in case of an overload or defect in the circuit. Also
it is impossible to leave the resistance only partially cut out,
as the moment the handle is released it would retuin to the
" off " position.
" B.T." Automatic Rack Starter.
The automatic " Rack " starters are particularly note-
worthy for their heavy construction and the hard service for
which they are built. Photographs are shown of some 1.50
H.p. starters taking GOO to iSOO amperes to start which
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OV^IEI™ I I r I V^ TdoKrams: "PoBLioiviT London." Tiloiihono : 10721, Centkal. tlDlir^rilB
23
SUPPLEMENT to "The Etectrician," October 16, 1908.
All Eyes at Manchester
TURN SOONER OR LATER TO
Stanti 175
Where WE ARE EXHIBITING—
ARC LAMPS. DYNAMOS.
MOTORS. GENERATORS.
MOTOR PUMPS. SWITCHGEAR.
AIR COMPRESSORS. INSTRUMENTS-
FANS.
THE REASON OF ITS POPULARITY IS s-
That we are not the/e to SELL our Apparatus, but to explain its merits and what we consider
its superiority over rival makes. We are tliere to meet oW friends and malte new ones, to
interest, to discuss and to demonstrate,
I[jjllin||]H?i7'^BftEL
^^ARKS^. souTHWARK. lohdON.S.?
GLASGOW, N£WCASTLE-ON TYNF, LIVERPOOL, MANCHESTER, BIRMINGHAM, CARDIFF, LEEDS, DUBLIN, READING and GLOUCESTER.
"B.T." Solenoid Step-by-Stcp Auto-Starter.
have been in regular operation in connection with air com-
pressors, starting and stopping frequently as often as 60 times
a minute. The same general features of step-by-step
action, special controller fingers, and special s])arking pieces,
are to be noted, and the success of these under this difficult
service is sufficient guarantee as to the satisfactory character
of the design.
Tlie working forces of these starters are remaikable. iVlso
the methods which are employed in the case of large starters
are such as to make it perfectly easy to make them just as
satisfactory for 2,000 amperes as for 200 amperes. These
points should be specially inquired into on the stall, as
the firm will be plea.sed to give all information.
A small tvpe of starter working on a quadrant is also
shown which is used for less heavy service and smaller motors
than the " rack '" type .starters. This is controlled by a
dashpot, but it will bs noted again that the contact arm
moves by sudden jumps from contact to contact, and has all
the other protective features outlined above. Our illustra-
tions show an automatic starter complete with an air
pressure limit switch and solenoid main switch as made up
for the Government.
Also one of the smaller type quadrant starters with step-
by-step action. The air pressure limit switch should
particularly be noted as this is of a very different design
from that usually employed. It consists of a piston and
cylinder, exerting forces often close on 200 lb. It will be
judged from this that there is ample margin for the opera-
tion of the quick make and break switch with carbon con-
tacts. Solenoid operated main switches are also shown in a
variety of types, and of course commonly used in connection
with the automatic starting gear.
The battery switch consi.sts of two parts ( 1 ) the switch
proper which is provided with two solenoids to enable cells
to be cut in or cut out, and (2) the governor which is really
a relay and decides when and how the automatic switch
shall operate. Some idea of the automatic switch will be
gathered from the illustration, and the heavy construction
of the gear will again be noted. The working forces here
are also very 'arge. The governor is, however, of quite
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," October 16, 1908
24
special construction. In most of such gears it has been
usual to employ a low-voltage relay, and sometimes to
wind the solenoids themselves for a low voltage. In this
gear it is quite unnecessary to employ this relay, and the
governor will operate just as well upon 500 volts as upon 50.
Every po.ssible adjustment that can he required is provided
for. The contacts themselves are of carbon, and a special
device is provided such that when the moving contact
touches one of the fixed contacts, however lightly, it may
make the contact at first, the connection is instantly made
firm and retained until the circuit has been broken at the
battery switch itself. This is altogether a noteworthy and
remarkable piece of gear, and will repay study.
The same gear may be seen in practical operation also in
connection with the interesting exhibit of the Lancashire
Dynamo & Motor Co. of a flywheel equaliser. Here there
are various changes in detail, but the principle remains the
same. A number of girder clips, as shown in the llustratior,
are worth careful examination. They have the appearance
"B.T." Auto-B.ittcry Swit:h.
of being very liglit, Init some tests which the visitor can
make for himself will convince him that they are of more
than ample strength. These clips enable girder work i:\
factories, &c., to be simply " weaved " and much more than
pay for their cost. The construction and mode of operation
will be apparent from the illustration.
The switchgear for the flywheel equaliser consists of
ammeters, magnetic blow-out circuit-breakers, &c., together
with a special automatic switch and governor. The whole
of this has been designed and manufactured by Messrs.
Bertram Thomas to the requirements of the Lancashire
Dynamo & Motor C'o. The governor is one with a coil
through which the generator current passes and really acts
as a relay with carbon contacts, to control the operation of
the automatic controlling switch. This automatic control-
ling switch is operated by one or other of two solenoids, so
that it can be turned in either direction. The current is
turned on to either of these solenoids by the governor. This
governor is of Messrs. Bei-tram Thomas's specially patented
construction, and is such that however light the contact may
be at first it is instantly made firm when current passes, and
theconnection is held made until the circuit has been broken
on the circuit-breaking switch on the automatic gear. Thus
it is possible to work this governor as sensitively as may be
required, without the provision of any special separate relay
circuits, or low-voltage connections.
The gear is very strong in character, as is necessary for the
exceptionally hard service that is required. It will be
noticed that as the flywheel increases in speed the governor
causes the automatic switch to at intervals turn the brush in
one direction, while as the flywheel decreases in speed the
governor similarly cause the brush to be turned in the
opposite direction ; the speed of working of course depends
upon the rate of acceleration of the flywheel, and is entirely
automatic.
Igranic Starter €xl)ibit
THE object aimed at by the Adams Manufacturing
Co. in the arrangement of their exhibit (stand
No. 130) seems to have been to show for what a
large variety of uses their " igranic " motor- controllers
have been standardised. They are showing controllers for
almost every duty that can be electrically performed, and
not only are some of the devices shown actuall}' at work, but
nearly all are wired so that interested visitors may be shown
the method of operation. Perhaps the most noticeable ex-
liibit is a model electrically-driven hydraidic accumulator,
iiutumaticully controlled by the accumulator itself turning
a tappet switch at the top and the bottom of its stroke, so
tliat the motor stops when the container is full and .starts
again when it lias fallen to the lowest position, the services
of an attendant being thus entirely dispensed with. The
controlling apparatus is very simple, comprising only a
tappet or float switch, a self-acting motor-starter and a
magnetically-operated main switch. A similar conibiua-
lion of apparatus is exhibited controlling a " (rwynne "
motor-driven pump. This is shown delivering water into
an elevated tank, fiom which, when the tank is full,
it flows back into a lower vessel. How quickly new
regulations are conqjlied with is shown by the exhibi-
lidu of alternating current rotor starters with auto-
matic no-volt and overload release. Automatic control is
not now confined to direct current apparatus, as is evident
liy the self-acting three-phase starter which is .shown.
This equipment consists of a tlouble-pole main switch
innnersed in oil and operated by a solenoid. It is placed
in the stator circuit, and electrically interlocked with it is
a commutator switch for regulating the resistance in the
rotor circuit. To move this switch over its steps an air or
hydraulic cylinder is employed, the valves of which are
also automatically controlled by a solenoid. Tlie inter-
lock prevents the stator switch being closed without the
starting resistance being in the rotor circuit. The require-
ments of variable- speed motors are met by combined
starting and field regulating switches. In these there
are not only the usual number of armature starting
steps, but also a large number of field regulating steps,
while a mechanical interlock prevents tlie possibility of
any regidating resistance being in the field circuit during
the starting operation.
For use in factories where the machines have to be started
by employes who have no electrical and very little me-
chanical knowledge, what is claimed to be an absolutely
fool-proof switch is on view. The exhiliit also contains a
large number of examples of other controllers which in-
clude push-button control for all .sorts of machines.
25
^UTPLEMENT to "The Electrician." October 16, 1908-
iimx $u)ltcl)e$ and
SiuitcDacar . . >
THE switches and switchgear bearing the trade name
Ajax are made by Pakmitek, Hope & Sl'gdex, Hulme
Electrical Works, Manchester, and their stand imme-
diately faces the sub-station. The switch products
of the company are displayed in prominent p(jsitions, the
ironclad switches and control pillars and boxes being fitted
at the back of the stand.
We may fittingly commence this description with some
account of Hope's patent spring on switch fuse. This is
specially " starred " on the stand, and may Ije operated Ijy
anyone interested. We understand that the fuse is the
result of considerable experiment, and only after a long
period of practical trial has it been put on the market. An
illustration of the device in the open position is sliown in
Fig. 1. The switch-ring carrier is fitted with enclosed
fuses, which are clamped against knife contacts, can lie had
with any fuse or as switch only. The carrier is suitably
hinged and its movement is effected by a handle on the
outside of the swinging lid which foi'ms the fixing base for
the operating mechanism. The swinging carrier is held
locked while the handle is free to move and put tension on
a spring, attached at its ends respectively to the handle of
the carrier. The tension of the spi'ing is then transferred
to the opposite side of the centre on which the carrier is
pivotted and it expends its stored energy in suuutly taking
the carrier into the fixed contacts. This operation is, ol'
course, performed with the switch lid closed. While the
Fig. 1.
" Spring-on " Switch
Fuse, open.
Fig. 2.
' Spring-on " Switch
Fuse, closed.
switch is on the lid is locked on and the lid cainint be shut
up while the switch is in tlie on position. A further
feature of the switch is the f|uick lireak, which is made
A really novel invention for
reducing to a minimum the
Cost and Labour of effec-
tively Illuminating Shop
Windows. It abolishes the
old exposed-wire "system,"
and thus improves the appear-
ance and effect of the window.
ADJUSTO
(Note its Simplicity.)
We have just published an interesting Pamphlet
on the "ADJUSTO." If you have not already
obtained a copy, write at once to
THE
mil Telephone: 229112 Genaicl.
lllll Telegrams: " Secabilis London.
SUN
ELECTRICAL CO., Ltd.,
lis 120, Charing Cross Rd., London, W.C. |||||
SUVPLEMENl to "The Electrician." October 16, 1908.
26
absolutely certain by a kick-otf cam engaging with the
carrier itself. The spring is really independent of the
opening action, the kick-off referred to being relied upon to
open the switch (Fig. 2).
The finish of the switch is neat and the general con-
struction is sound and strong. The switch will no doubt
find a wide field of utility in industrial service for the con-
The other exhibits of Messrs. Parmiter, Hope &
Sugden include ironclad switch and fuse boxes, both for
the control of one or more circuits in one box. Fig. 3
shows one of these for a three-phase current up to 600
volts. It is divided into two compartments with swing
lids so arranged that while the switch is on tlie fuses
cannot be inspected. Similarly the door of the switch
panel cannot be opened until switch is opened. The
pattern illustrated is for 250 to 400 amperes per phase.
Fig. 3.— Switch and Fuse Box, open.
trol of motor circuits, and also as a main switch for con-
sumers' premises. It can be supplied double and tripie
pole in sizes from 5 to 25 amperes to 250 to 500 amperes.
Incidentally, we may remark that the design is foolproof
and the switcli lid when closed is gas-tight. The fuses are
attached to the »knife contacts of the switch by milled
Fig. 5.— Switchboard tor Iron or Steel Works.
The Ajax switch fuse illustrated in Fig. -i is a pattern
which "has been introduced to meet a demand for an inex-
pensive pattern of ironclad switch fuse. The switch has
a quick break and the switch carrier is a moulded insu-
Fig. 4.— Switch Fuse, open.
screws and they can be removed quite easily and quickly
The act of renewing the fuses is expedited by the raising of
the carrier to the on position with tiie lid lowered.
The switch has attracted considerable attention at the
F^xhibition, and we understand that the general opinion of
its design and construction is most favourable.
Fig. b.^Ajax Drawing Office Lamp Fitting.
latinw block with clip contacts, into which the small
replaceable porcelain fuses are pushed. This pattern is
produced in sizes from 10 to 250 amperes in four patterns.
Cartridge fuses can be used if required. The lid makes a
o-ood fit with the case and the whole switch is dust proof
In Fi". 5 we illustrate a type of switchboard made by
MflSiTENClMj^
■»■■■ ■ ■"■■ ^ ^' J „ ,~, _...„,., nffi^o RF, RpnflHiri Strrrt CO., LTD.
Head Office
London Office
lo KiNfi STREET MANCHESTER I Glasgow Office ... 65, Renflbid Street. CO., LTD.
49 Queen Victoria Street E% Newcastle Office Standard Ghan.bcrs, Nevdie St.
'Cardiff Office Temple Chambers, 8, St. John Street.
HYNAMOS MOTORS ENGINES, BOILERS, LIFTS, &c., Insured, Inspected and Tested.
DYWAmua, '""' Vj^.^;_ f ';^'4 pRip«« ' supervision during construction.
27
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." October 16. 1908.
A.E.C;. ECONOMICA LAMPS.
Small and Neat.
Attractive Appearance.
Suitable for Continuous and Alternating
Circuits. 3-8 amps.
ASK FO-R LIST /No. 282.
The electrical Co , Ltp ,
UI/5, CHARINC; CROSS ROAP, LONPON, W.C.
rarmitur, Hupu >.V- Sugilen fur a steel \V(jiks. it contains
oil-switch panel, synchronising panel and motor and feeder
panels. The panels are of marble supported in a steel frame-
work, and all cable connections are at the rear of the
board. The board is typical of the type of switchgear
which this firm is prepared to manufacture under engi-
neer's specification. New works have been opened for the
production of switches and switching apparatus for a wide
range of uses, and at the company's extensive exhibit
visitors will find much to interest them.
A fitment of considerable utility for drawing office use
is also on view at this stand. It is illustrated in actual
use in Fig. G. It comprises a special aluminium holder in
which are two carbon filament lamps. The holder has
small projecting feet and is placed on the tracing cloth to
dry the ink which usually requires some time to dry,
especially when thick lines are being drawn. When not
in use the fitting is raised on tu the stand seen at the back
and used there to light the work being done. Its angle of
reflection can be simply adjusted.
in.-Che Value of srrikcs.
" JF you take the trouble to look for it," I said, "you'll
A find there's some good in everything."
'• Still, strikes do no one any good, neither masters
nor men reap the slightest benefit." This was the
answer I got from .lohn lirockenherst, who was scratchino-
his head over a strike of his workpeople. He ran a aroup
of weaving sheds in the Clone Valley of K-shire, and em-
ployed a few hundred hands.
His e(|ui])ment was getting old and wanted overhauling
badly. You may judge of it from the fact that ])art of the
sheds were gear driven. There was a new shed some dis-
tance from the old buildings which .John did not know how
to drive. He'd hovered over rope driving until he heard
of electric power and then he veered round a bit, though
he took care not to come full into the wind.
Now the strike was pending and it would last for three
months at least. Everything pointed to it. Funnily enough
John had a good reserve fund, quite sufficient to keep hnu
going many months under strike conditions and without
" knolisticks " at tliat.
"What good will the strike do me, young man T' con-
tinued -John.
" You admit that for a time you can stop running and
lose less money than you would if doing full time?" I
asked.
" I'd clear £50 a week for two months and half that for
another month, then I should want to start again," he re-
plied, getting up as he spoke.
_" What about thenew sheds starting soon downthe valley
with brand new motor e(|uipment ?" I wanted to touch
him on t'le raw.
" Oil, they can go hang, and may the strike help 'em do it."
" And after the strike ? "
" Suppose they'll start up again, and we shall be as we
were before — rivals, and liot ones, too."
" They have the pull," I interjected.
"What, with the electric motors ? " came from .John.
" Certainly ; and, what is more, you know it."
What can I do ? " .Tohii answered. " We are now run-
ning full time, and I haven't a minute in which to shut
down for putting in a few improvements. That gearing
wants removing very badly, yet I can't stop for it."
" But the strike," I suggested.
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," October 16, 1908.
28
"What about it?"
" Why, everything. Can't you see your opportunity { '
" How d'you mean ? You don't suggest we did "
" I'm not here to suggest. My business is to do things,"
I answered. I got up and walked to the window. "When
do you make important repairs ? "
" Weelv ends."
" Well, treat this strike as a long week end, and seize a
creat opportunity." 1 came back and laid my hand on his
shoulder. " You can then draw level with the Clone \ ale
people."
" What, get out the gearing and put in motors on some
of the shafting ? By gosh 1 I'd like to risk it. Supposing
the strike collapses ? Ah \ what's that ? "
The telephone bell rang.
" There ? " taking up the receiver. " Yes," .speaking ;
" What news I When was this decided ? When do
they come out? Sure ? We must stop, too. How
long are the)- likely to be out ? Not longer ? What's
your own opinion ? Will you save as much as that ?
You're lucky. What ! vou're going to spend it all
on improvements " (Long pause.) " Why, he's here
now talking to me < )h : I've not decided. I don t like
taking the" risks Clone Vale ? Aye, I've had them m
mind and I know their electric equipment counts for a
"leat deal 1 could speed up the engine a bit --Da.sh
the gearing! I'd forgotten that He persuaded you,
theni You always were a sporting cove and didn't
mind taking chances Must you go? Oh, well 111
make up my mind now. Bye."
That 'phone chai was almost memorable with me. 1 look
it down verbatim and framed it. It was so pithy and
meant so much for me.
No, there is no gearing in John's sheds now, and he s
running a number of new looms.
The strike. Ah, yes ! I was almost forgetting thai. It
lasted three months, and the percentage of mills and lac-
tories using electric power went up 25. Of course, m
three months we could not do much big work, but we got
in motors where they were most wanted, and things have
boomed since. ^^- ^-
Zu **Dirckton"
ffiotor Startler.
IN the application of motor driving to industrial
purposes, in the majority of cases the motor and
starting switch are under the control of a workman
who has no special knowledge of electrical apparatus, the
result being that the starting switch and motor arc very
often damaged through faulty switching on. It would there-
fore appear that a starting device is required which is in-
dependent of the operator. It is also essential that such a
device should be obtainable at a reasonable cost.
Solenoid controlled automatic starters have been on the
market some time and generally meet the case, but the cost
of such apparatus is in the majority of cases prohibitive.
To meet the demand for such a device, at a moderate price,
the " Direkton " Starter has been placed on the market
by Marples, Leach & Co. who exhibit it on their stand. This
starter combines all the functions of the Solenoid automatic
starter, while at the same time its action is purely mechani-
cal, and the cost is comparable with an ordinary starter of
good design.
View of "Direkton" Starter in Closed Position
iFrom the illustration it will be seen that the starting and
stopping of the motor is effected by merely pushing on and
pulling off the main switch lever. There is only one handle
therefore to operate, as the apparatus is a combination of
starter and main switch, this switch being also a circuit
breaker operated by the overload and no volt device. The
overload and no volt release mechanisms are in operation
while the resistance is being cut out of circuit, and the
switch also provides the protection of a slow motion starter.
The makers claim that the switch is entirely fool-prooi,
and that it is impossible for the operator to damage either
the motor or the starter. The action of the apparatus is as
follows :— On closing the main switch lever, the resistance is
inserted in the motor circuit and the main switch closed, thus
switching the current on. The main switch lever is held hi
the closed position against gravity by the no volt release coil.
Under the action of a spring against a dashpot. the resist-
MASCHINENFABRIK
0£RLIKON
Generators.
Motors.
Transformers.
Switchboards.
STEAM TURBINES
ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVES
Isolated Plants.
Electric Cranes.
Pumping Plants.
Electrolysers.
compute equipments for Tower Cransmission. Distribution ana Utilization.
G. WUTHRICH, "-■tr- r:^;
Manaeor and London Resident Engineer.
Norfolk St.,
STRAND, LONDON, W.C.
No. 4167 Gerrard.
29
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." October 16, 190S.
ance is then gradually and automatically cut out of circuit,
the S2)eed of cutting out the resistance being out of control
of the operator. To stop the motor, the main switch lever
is pulled off.
It will therefore be seen tiiat the main s]iring which
works against the dashpot for cutting out the resistance
is only in action during the period of starting up, and there-
fore there is no chance of the spring fatiguing and failing to
operate the switch. The circuit is never broken on the
starter contacts, and there is no injui'ious arcing, with the
consequent replacements and attention necessary to the
contacts, as with ordinary starting switches. The making
and breaking of the circuit is always done by the main
switch, which is fitted with lenewable arcing tips. The
resistance switch is fitted with carbon brushes with a short
circuiting copper brush when the resistance is cut out of
circuit and the motoi' running up to speed.
The result the makers have aimed at achieving is the pro-
dviction of a starting switch to be operated by a lever
exactly like the ordinary lever of a belt-moving device with
which all machinery users are familiar, and it will be seen
that the switch described starts and stops the motor exactly
in this manner, as, of course, the speed at which the lever is
closed does not affect the time limit at which the resistances
are cut out of the motor circuit. This time limit always
remains a constant value, thus ensuring steady acceleration
of the speed of the motor under all conditions, a feature
which is a recommendation of the device in every way.
4^
Premier" n?otor Control Gear.
AN exhibit of switches and motor starters which should
attract considerable attention is that of ruK.MiEU
Electric Control (I.td.) on a stand which faces
the Corporation sub-.station. The company has made a
special study of motor control gear, and its designs will be
found to embody many valuable and useful features. A
complete range of motor control apparatus is manufactured
for the ordinary and special requirements of both direct
current and alternating current motors. A call at the
stand and an inspection of the starters on view will reveal
their special features in a manner impossible with printed
description, but with a few illustrations we shall be able
to give some idea of the design and general construction.
Fig. l.^Motor Starter and Regulator.
In addition to a class of small starters {k U.l'. to '.i ii.P.)
is a standard range of rheostats into all of which the
distinctive features of the Premier design has been intro-
duced, It almost invariably happens that the spring used
to carry the starter arm back to the off position will lose
its tension with continued use. To ensure a more extended
life to the sprii^g, an adjustable tension plate is fitted which
enables the spring to be tightened when it has weakened
slightly with use. Tiie contact brush is a flagrant offender
Fig- 2. -Slow Motion Worm-Gear Starter.
Fig. 3. — Switch Panel with Starter and d.p. Switch and Fuse.
more often than not in the average motor starter. Premier
starters are fitted with a neat device intended to obviate
troubles due to bad contact and the difficulty of renewing
a worn brush. A copper plate is attached by a light
flexible to the extremity of the starter arm and is, there-
fore, free to move in any direction. In use it is pressed
into contact with the rheostat stops by a spring at the end
of which are two prongs turned at right angles to the
spring. These prongs fit into two notches in the copper
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," October 16.^1908.
30
plate, which is slipped between the spring and the fixed
contacts. The device appears neat and efficient, and will
allow of the copper plate adjusting itself to any inequali-
ties of surface of the fixed contacts. Yet another neat
attachment, which takes the form of a safety catch on the
hold-on coil. It may happen that severe vibration will
dislodge the keeper of the hold-on coil magnet and make
it fly off. To prevent this the lower limb of the magnet is
fitted with a piece of stiff brass, having a turned up end
which just holds the heel of the keeper when it is against
the poles of the hold-on coil. It only acts as a catch
while the coil is energised and keeps the starter arm firmly
in position in spite of vibration or weakening of the coil
due to field regulation. This is practically demonstrated
on the stand.
The Premier starter and regulator switches are also in-
teresting. They are intended for series regulation, and
embody a step-by-step motion, controlled by the hold on
coil. The device is quite simple. The hold-on armature
is pivoted in a vertical plane and is free to move towards
or away from the face of the starter. Attached to the
armature is an extension piece, from the inner face of
which projects a bicycle ball, pressed outward by a flat
spring. This ball engages with a sector- shaped plate
attached to the boiss of the starter arm and moving with it.
In the plate, holes are drilled to come directly in line with
the ball, which, when the armature is attracted to the
hold-on coil, keeps the arm stationary on any notch.
Directly the voltage fails the arm is freed and returns to
off position. The same arrangement is adopted with the
combined series and shunt regulators, though in this case
the shunt lever moves with the series one in a forward
direction and it can be moved back for inserting resistance
in the field.
A slow motion starter is included among the Premier
specialities, and this may either lie a dashpot arrangement
Fig, 4. — Ironclad Control Board
■with "Premier" Enclosed Starter.
Fig.7.— H.T. Oil Switch.
Fig. 5. — Motor Control Board with "Premier" Worm-operated
Step-by-Step Starter.
or a worm gear. In the latter the engagement of the worm
is effected by a lever, through which the worm spindle
passes. When pressed down the worm drops into the
rack teeth, and is held on by the no-volt coil. Should the
latter be de-energised the worm falls clear and the start-
ing lever returns smartly to the off point.
In the " one minute " Premier starters a carbon break
with magnetic blow-out is fitted to the lever arm at the
final contact. The carbon is a roller, and against it a
s^jring-controlled copper flipper strikes and provides a smart
quick break. The blow-out coil is in series with the first
step, and is put iu circuit by the flipper directly it touches
the carbon roller. This device is mechanically strong and
will stand repeated rough usage. The features to which
we have directed attention above are clearly shown in the
illustrations Figs. 1, 2, 8, 4.
An interesting form of motor-control board is that shown
in Fig. 5, the feature of this being a multiple lever start-
ing switch, which will be noticed at the lower part of the
panel. The hinged levers, which may be seen at the side,
are put in consecutively by turning the hand wheel, which
has a worm motion and is, therefore, requisitely slow in
action. Each lever carries a contact which presses against
a spring-controlled carbon block at the top of the starter,
and the function of each contact is to cut out a portion of
the main resistance. The device is in use at L.C.C. sub-
stations, and is intended for the starting of motors of
31
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician.- October 16. 190 8.
heavy capacity. In Figs. G, 7 we illustrate a pattern of
high-tension oil switch which is exhibited with other
high-tension gear on the same stand. The switch is Imilt
for the control of pressures between 2,000 and 12,000 volts,
with attachments for overload, time-liniit and no-volt release.
Siemens flpiuDeel Starter.
THIS starter has been so designed as to eliuiinute tlie
various troubles to which ordinary starters give
rise. When starting up the motor, the operator
simply moves a handwheel to a certain position, and then
releases his hold of it, whereupon the mechanism of the
starter comes into action and completes automatically all
operations without further interference on the part of the
attendant.
A special feature of the starter is the step-by-step motion
of the switch arm, the great advantage of which is that
sparking is reduced to a niininuim, since the switch arm
moves sharply from
one contact to the next,
and then remains for a
few .seconds on this
contact' while the motor
has time to accelerate.
The time of starting is
arranged to suit the
particular size of motor ;
for instance, for a 30
li.H.p. motor the stan-
tlard time of starting
is 30 seconds.
Since the exact time
spent on the contact is
known, the resistance
can be so designed as
to give uniform acceleration. Should an overload or fail-
ure of the supply occur either whilst starting or running,
the starter arm returns automatically to the "off" posi-
tion. The switch arm cannot be moved from the "off"
position unless the main switch has been closed; this elimi-
nates the danger of the main switch being closed with
llu! switch arm in any but the "off " position.
In order to start the motor, the attendant moves the
handwheel in an anti-clockwise direction, thus putting a
powerful spring into tension. This .spring operates \i\
escapement gear which causes the starter arm to move step
by step over the contacts. The starter is equipped with
overload and uo-voltage relea.ses, and the motor may be
stopped by short-circuiting the no-voltage-coil by means of
a push button in the usual way.
Siemens Flywheel Starter.
Index to JIduertisers.
British Engine, Boiler & Electrical Insiiranfe Co "U
Briti.sh Westinghouse Electric & Mfg. Co., Ltil.... '. ..'.'.'...!.'.'.'.'.'. i>
Crompton & Co., Ltd .'.. 7
Davidson & Co,, Ltd ..............."...........!..".!!!!!." 1.")
Eckstein, Heap & Co "!!!!."!!]!". 1q
Edison & Swan United Electric Light Co., Ltd. !!!!!!!.""!!.........'...'.'."" '>
Electric & Ordnance Accessories Co oj
Electrical Co ' _ _ T,-
Electric Control Limited .'.'..'.'.'.'.'.'.".'.'....'..'...'.'.'.'.'.'.'.' IS
Electromotors Ltd. (Openshaw) .'.'.'.".........'.... .'.'....!..!'.'.!.!!!! 1;
Evershed & Vignoles, Ltd ........................'.'.'.'..'.'.'.'.' 3
Ferranti Limited ................................,.!!........ ]
Great Central Railway .'...' 3]^
Henley's (W. T.) Telegraph VVorksCo.VLtd. !...............!'.!. '..'.'.'7.!'" 12
Lewis, H. K _ .^.^
Maschinenfabrik Oerlikou (G. wiithrichT . ■>,?
Mather \ Piatt './. "9
Mordey Fricker Meter Co., Ltd ...!'.!'.'.'.'.'.".. SI
ParmittT. llope.t Sugden js
Premier Electric Control, Ltd. ... I'l
EeyruUe Limited .;; .■....■..■.■.■.■". .,
Sanders, Eehders & Co., Ltd. '.'.'. \
Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works, Ltd!.'...'." 4
Simplex Conduits, Ltd 15
Sun Electrical Co •>=,
Union Electric Co., Ltd, ' Sjj
Weston Electrical Instrument Co. !!..!!!!!]!!!.,...!..... ".,.,.. '5
THE MORDEY-FRIGKER
ELECTRICITY METER C%
LIMITED,
82, Victoria Street, Westminster, S. W.
Telephone: 222 Victoria. Teh grams : ".Su.iDOWLESS LONDOX."
I^^^^Si?^ IjLljuirLuLI iiu
Approved
by the
Board of Trade.
300
REPETITION
ORDERS.
THOSE INTERESTED /.Y THE
E
LECTRICAL
XHIBITION
now open at M.'\NCHESTE[< (October
3rd to 31sti are requested, before
travelling, to familiarise themselves
with the facihties offered by the
GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY
which has appropriately been called
**The Comfortable Line.''
THROUGH EXPRESS TRAINS to MANCHESTER
IHOM
London (Marylebono), Rugby, Lutterworth,
Leicester, Loughborough, Nottingham,
Sheffield, Leeds, Huddersfield, Halifa.x,
Bradford, Lincoln, Grimsby, Hull, York,
EACH EXPRESS IS VESTIBULED AND HAS A BUFFET CAR ATTACHED,
AVAILABLE FOR FIRST AND THIRD CLASS PASSENGERS.
For rarticuliirs of Train Service and Excursion Faoilities apply at acv Cre;;
Central Station, Town Offi.e, or Messrs. Dean & Dawson's .VjjeniNcs,
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," October 16, 1908.
32
WESTINGHOUSE TRANS-
** FORMERS are highly effi-
cient and of sound mechanical
construction. The Westinghouse
automatic transformer cut-out is
designed for use in transformer
substations for reducing the iron
and copper losses on light loads.
WESTINGHOUSE MOTORS
arc built in various types to
satisfactorily meet all the varied
requirements of industrial service.
They are highly efficient and
perfectly reliable.
U/ESTINGHOUSE GENERA-
TORS are running success-
fully under the most onerous
conditions of service in industrial
lighting or power plants and
traction sj-stems all over the world.
WESTINGHOUSE SWITCH-
GEAR is made for the
control of electrical plant of
every description, and is recog- ■
nised for its all-round excellence
and simplicity.
rgipftott^r
N4 anchester
Printed and Published bj GEORGK TUUICEU, al Uiu Editorial, Printing and Publishing Offic-es, 1, 2 and 3, Salisbuhv CoiKT, Flekt Stiieet in the City ul
LONDON, Friday, OtroBEK 16, 1908.
THE ELECTRICIAN:
THE OLDEST WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND FINANCE
ESTABLISHED, First Series (Weekly), 1861; Second Series (Weekly), 1878.
No. 1,588. [vSi-lSh.]
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
Price Sixpence %l°^^-
Abroad 9d., or 18 centi, or 90<!., or tOgf.
CONTENTS OF THE CURRENT NUMBER.
Notes
39
International Electrotechnical
Arranjjements for the Week
The Manchester Electrical
41
f>A
Cadiz-Canary Islands Cables
63
Exhibition. — IV. Illus-
The Denny Repeater Fuse.
trated
Vi
Illustrated
64
Gummeisbach Generating
Correspondence
64
.Station, Rheinland. Ulus.
50
Electrical Marine Propid-
The Design of Underground
sion (J. W. Kempster).
Mains and Networks. By
Injury to Submarine Cables
J. R. Dick, B.Sc Illus-
51
by Trawlers
64
trated. Continued
Croydon Public Hall Lighting
66
Alternating-current Commu-
Parliamentary Intelligence
6/
tator Motors as Applied to
Legal Intellkienoe
68
Traction Work. By M.
Municipal, Foreign & General
Osnos. Illustrated
54
Notes
68
A New Dry Cell. Illustrated
56
Electricity Supply and Tram-
71
ing and Cooking Apparatus.
Trade Notes and Notices
72
Illustrated
Divided Control of Tram-
ways
bi
Companies' Meetings and
Reports
75
International Conference on
Electrical Units and
City Notes
Coinpanies' Share List
V6
Standards
59
77
NOTES.
The International Conference on Units.
The work of the Conference during the past week has
inchuled, among other subjects, the decision as to which
shall be the primary units. There was no difficulty iu
deciding that the ohm should be the first primary unit as
on previous occasions, but it was by no means so easy to
decide upon the second primary unit ; or perhaps it would be
more correct to say that in following the action of previous
Conferences, and in adopting the ampere as the second pri-
mary unit, some strenuous opposition was raised in favour
of the volt, although eventually the ampere was adopted
by a large majority. An account of the discussion which
took place will be found elsewhere. We think in some
respects the opposing views were due to the claims of
general practice on the one hand, and of ultimate standards
on the other. The ampere balance must be looked upon as
the ultimate practical standard in a national laboratory and
the electro-chemical equivalent of silver the means of ob-
taining it. That being so, there is no objection to having
such a standard, though iu everyday work the standard cell
will be used far more than the electro-chemical equivalent.
It was suggested at the Conference that the latter was not
suitable for adoption, because, if the E.M.Fs. of a group of
cells were determined by this means and they were found
to ha\e changed by five parts iu 100,000, whereas they
had previously kept together to within one or two parts in
100,000, no one would accept the determination, but would
rely upon the cells. There is, of course, a good deal of
truth in this view, for it will lie admitted generally that an
accurate determination of the E.M.Fs. of a group of standard
cells by means of the silver voltameter and a standard
resistance is a difficult operation, and would not be accepted
unless the work were carried out in a most laborious and
painstaking manner, like many researches of this character
with which our readers are familiar. This, however, is
scarcely a reason for saying that the electro-chemical
equivalent of silver is unsuitable for defining the second
primary unit.
London Power Supply.
The great question of power supply in London is once
again before Parliament, and it seems probable that some
definite result will follow the debates which have taken
place during the present session of Parliament. At all
events, the chances of the survival of the London and Dis-
trict Electricity Supply Bill were improved by the pro-
cedure on Monday last, when the Committee which is to
consider the Power Bills was instructed to insert a clause
in the "District" Bill whereby the London County
Council are to have powers to purchase the company's
undertaking. Although this Council is undoubtedly the
most important body in the London area, thei'e is much
to be said for the view put forward during the debate
by Mr. BoNAR Law. The present tendency of manu-
facturers is to remove their works outside the area con-
trolled by the London County Council, so that event-
ually a situation might arise whereby the greater part
of the supply from the proposed large power station
might be given outside such area, only a comparatively
small portion being delivered inside the Council's area.
In such an event it might give rise to considerable diffi-
culties if the control of the whole supply were to pass
into the hands of the London County Council. On the
other hand, it is extremely doubtful whether a supply
could be given, as proposed iu the " District " Bill, at such
a low rate as would persuade the manufacturers to remain
in their present works, where they already have the oppor-
tunity of obtaining a cheap supply of power from the
existing power stations. Other factors, such as high assess-
ments and high rates of labour, are more important. As
was pointed out in the debate, nuinicipalisation is at present
popular, and is looked upon as a cure for all evils. It does
40
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
•not follow, however, that the same opinion will be held
10 years hence, and therefore it would be well for legisla-
tion to be carried out with rather more caution.
The Attendance at Manchester.
The Manchester Electrical Exhibition has " caught on
Each Saturday the crowd has been so great that for short
intervals it has overtaxed the building's capacity. "n
the 10th inst. the actual number passing through the turn-
stiles was 23,000, and on the following Saturday the figure
ran to 25,000. The building is on the small side, from the
e.xhiliitors' point of view ; we leave our readers to imagine
its limitations with a big crowd. From the public stand-
point, we unhesitatingly chronicle the Exhibition a success.
Considered from its business aspect, we have also to record
o-ood reports. If the attendance is any criterion, there
should be an appreciable increase in the demand for elec-
trical energy for all purposes during the winter months.
Every branch of the industry is represented, and there
seems to be no lack of good business interest in the pro-
ceedings. The quieter days in the week also seem to show
a considerable influx of influential people who have tech-
nical knowledge and more easily appreciate the talking
and selling " points " of the energetic attendants on the
various stands. Of course, the actual orders taken at
exhibitions, purely and solely through the introductions
obtained thereat, are comparatively few. The chief pur-
pose served is the opening out of new channels for business,
the meeting of new faces as well as old, and the encourage-
ment of that spirit of camaraderie which can only be
effectively promoted by such aggregations of commercial
interests. The fact that interest in the show at Piatt
Fields is being fully sustained, in spite of somewhat
depressing local conditions, especially the great strike in
the textile industry, speaks volumes for the good work of
the organisers of the electrical display and for the attrac-
tions of the exhibits.
Rugby Engineering Society. — A conversazione, open to mem-
bers of this society and their friends, will beheld in the Town
Hall, Eugby, on Fiiday, November 6th. There will be an
exhibition of scientific apparatus and short lectures will be
given in the course of the evening. The programme for the
session includes, in addition to Mr. A. F. Bennett's presi-
dential addres.s, delivered on the 15th inst., the following
Papers: "Incandescent Electric Lamp:;," by Mr. J. Findlaj- ;
" The Exhaust Steam Turbine," by Mr. R. F. Halliwell ;
"Electric Railways," by Mr. F. W. Carter; and "The Pro-
pulsion of Ships," by Mr. G. M. Brown.
Memorial to the late M. Berthelot. — A meeting organised
by a committee recently appointed for this purpose was
leceutly held at the Sorbonne. Those present included M.
Fallieres, M. Clemenceau, and M. Donmergue, Minister of
Education. In this way the political side of M. Berthelot's
cireer was emphasised, while M. Poincare, in a brilliant
>peech, lauded the work which the deceased had done in the
€Ause of science.
Cable Interruptions and Repairs.
Date of Interruption. Date of Repair.
Paramaribo — Cayenne Sep. 3,1908 ... Sep. 20, 1908
Pontianak — Saigon Sep. 16, 1908 ...
Sitia— Rhodes Sep. 17, 1908 ...
Concrete Telegraph Poles. — The Elotrical lF<>rld states that
the Pennsylvania Railroad Co. is about to erect an experi-
mental line of concrete telegraph poles between Chicago and
Pittsburg.
Royal Engineers (Territorial Force). — Gerald Hooper, late
Cajjtain Severn Div., Submarine Miners R.E, (IMilitia), and
S. E. Moon, Supernumerary Captain 2nd Y.B. Devonshire
Regiment, have been gazetted as Captains in the "D" and
"E" (Electric Light) Companies Devonshire (Fortress), re-
spectively.
The Gardiner System of Track Signalling.— We regret that
in our description of this system on p. 20 of our last issue
there are certain discrepancies between the diagrams and the
letterpress. Omitting the battery on the left of Fig. 2, the
relay to the right of it (which should be shown open) should
be R, the battery to the right of this section should be B, and
the neighbouring relay Rj. Bj is correct; then the adjacent
relay should be R, and battery on the right B^. In line 16
from the top of "the right hand column on p. 21 the relay
should be R, and the " relay contacts" in line 3 from the bottom
should be K;,. The subscript figures refer to the sections.
Electric Supply for Rome. — According to the EUlctrotechnik
und ilaschinenhau, a sum of £800,000 has been set aside for
this purpose. A generating station will be erected on the
Tdjer near the San Paulo gate, having, at first, a capacity of
30,000 kw., though this may, when necessary, be increased to
50,000 kw. This station will be driven by steam, but one
will also be erected which will be partly steam and parti j-
hydraulically driven. A temporary hydraulic station is to be
erected on the Annieine having a capacity of 6,500 kw. The
current generated will be at 600 volts, three phase, with a fre-
quency of 60. The transmission voltage will be 30,000 volts
and the current will be transmitted to Rome, a distance of
22i miles by two independent overhead lines.
Telephony in Constantinople. — It is understood that this
question will be among those to be brought before the new
Turkish Parliament. Inquiries are being made with regard
to the systems employed in other countries. This is not the
first attempt that has been made to give the Turks the benefits
of the telephone ; some years ago the Stockholm Telephone
Co. endeavoured to obtain a concession, and this company has
recently offered to instal, free of charge, telephonic inter-com-
munication between the Government offices in Constantinople ;
and, as stated in our issue for October 16th (p. 32), a German
syndicate having been refused the concession, mternational
tenders are to be invited.
Manchester Section of the Institution of Electrical Engi-
neers.— As is announced under "Arrangements for the Week,"
the opening meeting of this section will be held to-day at the
Midland Hotel. Mr. Miles Walker will deliver his opening
address and a smoking concert will afterwards take place. To
call attention to this meeting a very striking, but rather
jaundiced, poster has been issued, inviting both exhibitors at.
and visitors to, the Exhibition to be present at the Midland
Hotel to-night. We hope this invitation will receive a hearty
response, for, in view of the multitude interested in electrical
matters now present in Manchester, a poor attendance would
be regrettable.
Obituary. — We regret to record the death of ]M. Gusta^■e
Cauet, president of the Junior Institution of Engineers,
which occurred at St. Aubin-sur-Mer on A\'ednesday, October
7th. M. Canet, who was born atBelfortin 1846, was educated
at the Lycee of Strasbourg and at the Central School of Arts
and Manufactures. He was a distinguished artillerist and the
leading spirit in the well-known gun factory at Creusot. In
the early part of his life he held a position at the Vavasian Gun
Factory at Elswick, and he also served in the Franco-Prussian
war as a lieutenant of artillery. He frequently visited England,
and was not infrequently seen at the meetings of technical
institutions in this country. He was president ot the Institu-
tion of Civil Engineers of France, and one of the founders of
the French Association for the Advancement of Science. He
was the recipient of many honours, both in his own and other
countries.
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
41
Modern Street Lighting. — According to Elektwlcchnil: unci
Mu.scliinenbaii the Worcester Electric Light Co. of Worcester,
Mass , has recently replaced 800 open type arc lamps, taking
■9-6 aiiiperes at 50 volts, by 4ampere magnetite lamps. Each
"roup of 50 lamps is equipped with a mercury rectifier, ^vhose
primary is connected to a ^',300 volt supply. Comparisons
between the two systems are given in the following table :—
Arc lamp. Maf<netite lamp.
Efficiency, from generatortoaic 67 per cent. ... 87 per cent.
Life of electrodes 8 hours ... 175-200 hrs. i upper
electrodes 4,000 hr.<.)
Maintenance required 10 men for ... 1 man for every
every 80 lamps. 50 lam])S.
Angle of greatest illumination 45" below ... 10" below
horizontal. liorizontal.
Radius of action 250ft. ... 335ft.
Price of electrode.s per day ... lid. ... l'2d
Overhead High-Tension Wires.— In connection with a case
recently heard by the Public Service Commission of New
York, and reported in Engineering Ncirs, the following figures
were given showing the lengths of overhead high-tension wires
in the various boroughs of that city : Long Island, 40 miles ;
Manhattan, 1 mile; Brooklyn, 14.5 miles; Bronx, 92 miles;
li>ueens, 172 miles; Richmond, 150 miles; total, 600 miles.
This includes about 500 miles at potentials of 1 ,000 to 3,000
volts, and about 100 miles at potentials from 3,000 to 11,000
volts. With the exception of the Long Island K. R. and New
York Central lines, these overhead lines are used for electric
light or trolley service and are along public streets.
The Filaments of Tungsten Lamps. — A recent issue of the
Electrical World describes a new method of supporting the
filament of a metal lamp, patented by Hans Kuzel and Richard
Hoke of Vienna. The invention prevents or reduces the
deformation of the filament by so arranging the points of
attachment of the metallic filament to the leading-in wires,
relatively to the hooks or holding devices, that in a hang-
ing lamp the former are not vertically above the centre of
the latter, as heretofore ; the radial distance between the
points of attachment from the longitudinal axis of the lamp
being different from the radial distance of the centres of the
holding devices from such a.xis.
Water Power of the World. — The IVextem Elertrician gives
the following details on this subject: The possible horse-power of
France is estimated at 4,500,000 ii.P., of which only 800,000 H.v.
is utilised. About an equal amount of power is available in
Italy, but only 30,000 n.r. is utilised. Falls of 10,000 h.p. are
abundant in the Alps. The estimate for Switzerland is incom-
plete, but about 300,000 h.p. is in use. Germany has
700,000 ii.P. available, with 100,000 II.P. applied. Norway has
000,000 H.p. available, with a large part already developed,
while in Sweden there is 763,000 H.P. available, but mostly at
a considerable distance from any industrial centre. In Great
Britain (here is 70,000 h.p. already utilised, and an equal
amount in Spain. The resources of Russia are estimated as
11,000,000 H.P., of which 85,000 h.p. has been developed. The
United States is credited with 1,500,000 h.p. in this estimate.
Japan has 1,000,000 H.P., of which 70,000 h.p. has been
exploited, and in the Indies 50,000 H.P. has already been
developed.
110,000 Volt Transmission Line. — According to the Western
Electrician the 110,000 volt transmission line leading from the
Croton Dam power-house on the Muskegon river to Grand
Rapids, Mich., was put into actual service for the first time
about, the naiddle of August. This particular line is a part of
the extensive hydro-electric system of the Grand Rapids-Mus-
kegon Power Co., and is over 50 miles long. Altogether the
company possesses 212 miles of transmission line, and the total
capacity of generators at the three power houses is about
30,000 H.P. Constructed in a most substantial manner, the
110,000 volt line, working at the highest potential of any long-
distance transmission line in the world, is a striking sight as "it
extends across the country. It consists of three No. 2 copper
wires, stranded with hemp, centre supported on three-legged
or triangular steel towers 53 ft. high and spaced 500 ft. apart
on tangents. The towers are placed on Large concrete anchors
buried in the ground. From the mast arms the wires are sus-
pended by means of five-part series porcelain insulators. Each
of the five discs of each inisulator is 10 in. in diameter and is
tested to 100,000 volts. Thus the complete insulator will
stand a breakdown test of 500,000 volts, giving a large factor
of safety. On dark, cloudy nights the line is luminous, emit-
ting a bluish glow, due to the brush discharge at the extremelj'
high potential whiih is employed. This glow enables an in-
teresting photograi)h to be taken, one in which an exposure of
2 hours and 10 minutes was given being reproduced in our
contemporarj'.
International Conference on Electrical Units and Standards.
On Thursday evening, October 15th, a dinner was given, at
the Ritz Hotel, London, by the Government to the delegates
attending this Conference.
The chair was occupied bj' the Right Hon. Winston Churchill,
M.P. , President of the Board of Trade, and the company, which
numbered 120, included the Right Hon. Lord Rayleigh, O.M., F.R.S.,
the Right Hon. Sydney Bu.xton, M.P., .Sir (i. H. Murray, G.C.B.. Sir
H. Babington Smith, K.C.B., Sir W. H. M. Christie, K.C.B., F.R.S.,
SirG. Darwin, K.C.B., F.R.S.. Sir A. Geikie, K.C.B., F.R.S., Sir W.
Huggins, O.M., K.C.B., Sir .7. Norman Lockyer, K.C.B., F.R.S., Hon.
Sir S. McDonnell, K.C.B., Sir W. H. Preece, K.C.B., F.R.S., Sir W.
Ramsay, K.C.B. F.R.S., Sir E. Ward, K.C.B., Sir W. White, K.C.B.,
Sir H. H. S. Cunynghame, K.C.B., Sir W. Crookes, F.R S., Sir A. W.
Riicker, F.R.S., Sir H. Llewellyn Smith, Col. H. C. L. Holden, Major
Cardew, 'Major O'Meara, Prof. S. Arrhenius. Prof. H. L. Callendar,
F.R.S., Prof.' J. A. Ewing, F.R.S., Prof. .J. A. Fleming, F.R.S., Prof. (i.
Kai)p, Prof. G. Lippmann, Prof. .1. Perry, F.R.S., Prof. S. P. Thomp-
son, F.R.S., Prof. E. Warburg, Dr. R. T. Glazebrook, F.R.S., Dr.
Rosa, Dr. Str.atton, Mr. M. Colins, Mr. W. Duddell, F.B.S., Mr.
R. Kaye Gray, Mr. R. Hammond, Mr. T. Mather. F.R.S., Mr. W. M.
Mordey, Mr. Alex. Siemens, Mr. A. P. Trotter, and Mr. C. H. Wording-
ham.
After the toast of " The King" had been honoured, the Chairman,
in proposing that of . " The Delegates," made a very interesting
speech, remarking that the objects which brought them together were
practical ones, and ought never to be despised. The Board of Trade,
which he represented, was mostly concerned with practical objects,
and the practical objects of the Conference would onlj- be achieved by
the measure of unity which resulted. He did not wish, however, to
disparage the theoretical side ; in fact, he thought that we did not
treat our scientists well enough. It was remarkable how scanty were
the rewards falling to the seekers after scientific truth. The scientist
was remote from jjopular applause, and particularly tlie theoretic
scientist, who had to fall back on his own internal consolations, namelj',
those of silence and continuity. If in any laboratory a discovery
were made, it became immediately the property of the whole world.
Electricity was not merely incernational, it was univers.al. He
believed that electricity had greater gifts to give for ministering to
the practical needs of mankind than any other science. In the name
of His Majesty's Government, he extended to the delegates the
heartiest welcome. Prof. Lippmann (France), Dr. Warburg (Germany)
and Dr.- Stratton (U.S.A.) suitably responded, the last-mentioned
remarking that the time was not far distant when they would build
more Laboratories and fewer battleships. Lord Rayleigh, who pro-
posed the toa*^t of " The Chairman," wondered if the learned dis-
cussions which had taken place h,ad had any influence on the votes
given by the delegates ; in this connection, he was reminded of the
man who said that when he had made up his mind he was open to
listen to reason, as it could not then do any harm.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE WEEK.
FRIDAY, October 23rd (to-day).
PHYSu'.ii. Society.
3:3U ji.m. Visit to the National Physical Laboratory, Teddington.
M.\NCHESTER SECTION OF THE INSTITUTION OF ELECTRICAL ES(;IIJEER.S.
7:30 P.M. Meeting at the Midland Hotel, Manchester. Address
by the Chairman, Mr. Miles Walker, to lie followed by a
Smoking Concert.
Institi'tiox of Mechanical Ekc.ixeeks.
S j).m. Extra Meeting at Storey's Gate. Paper on "Repairs,
Renewals, Deterioration and Depreciation of Workshop Plant
.and Machinery," by Mr. .1. E. Darbishire. (Adjourned Dis-
cussion.)
WEDNESDAY, October 28tll.
Lf-eds Section of the IxsTiTrTiON of Electrical Engineers.
; ij.m. Meeting at the University, Leeds. Address by the Chair-
man, Mr. H. E. Yerbury. Paper on " Electric Signalling on
Railways," l.iy Capt. A. (iardiner, R.E.
The Electrical Engineers (London Division).
The following orders have been issued for the current week :—
Monday, 26th, "A" Company "\
Tuesday, 27th, " B " Company I Technical drill from
Thursd.ay, 29tli, " C " Company j 6:30 p.m. to 9:50 p.m.
Friday, 30th, "D " Company ]
Tuesday, 27th, and every Tuesday until further orders, medical
inspection for recruits, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
42
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
THE MANCHESTER ELECTRICAL EXHIBITION.— IV.
The Manchester Exhibition is now in the third weeli of its
existence, and there can be no doubt that the success achieved
by it up to the present time will be continued during the
remainder of its course. The inhabitants of Lancashire ap-
pear to consider a visit to I'latts Fields a splendid way of
spending a half-holiday, and we hope that the resulting
business therefrom will prove satisfactory to the exhibitors.
In this issue we are continuing our custom of first giving a
brief survey of one particular branch of the exhibits, and then
describing the contents of the stands in more detail.
Motors and Motor Driving,
The Exhibition affords an excellent opportunitj' to makers
of electric motors for directing attention to the many advan-
tages of electric driving. In this particular we may first
mention the Bureaux opened by the Manchester and Salford
Corporations and the Lancashire Electric Power Co., at which
general and specific details upon this important subject are
furnished by the engineers of the respective power supply
authorities. In each case maps of the authorised supply areas
are hung up and pamphlets giving general details of the
power supply according to the particular demand are avail-
able. The LANdASHiRE Electric Power Co. have a good
collection of photograjahs showing the many uses to which
motors are placed upon their now exjjanding system of power
distribution. The majority of these are textile pictures,
and will appeal to manufacturers engaged in this class
of business in the Manchester district. The Manchester
Corporation has a large sign erected over the Exhibition
sub-station, upon which the general advantages of the electric
motor are carefully tabulated. All the supply authorities
mentioned distribute booklets dealing with the uses of electric
power in various industries, and we notice that quite a number
of these are from The Electrician Industrial Power Series.
The largest general exhibit of electric motors is made by
Electrojiotorw Limited, who possess a large open stand in a
central position in the Exhibition. We have referred in our
previous reports of the Exhibition to the general details of this
stand, but the interest of textile maimfacturers will doubt-
less be concentrated upon the special winding frames, which
are kept constantly running by individual electric motors.
The General Electric Co. show a Northrop loom in
operation on their stand, and this excites particular attention,
especially as the loom itself has made possible great changes
in the production of coloured goods in the textile trades.
Messrs. J. P. Hall & Co. have combined their motor exhibit
with one of textile machinery, by Messrs. Platt Bros., both
firms being of Oldham. We give further details of this ex-
hibit in our columns this week. The British Thomson-
Houston Co., who have been responsible for quite a large
number of motor-driven installations which have been put
down in the Lancashire and Yorkshire districts, have a ring
spinning frame on their stand driven by a separate motor.
They also show other interesting examples of motors and
various forms of motor driving. We have already remarked
upon the electric gassing or singeing frame exhibited by
Messrs. Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works, who also have upon
their stand a loom driven by a small i H.P. motor. The ex-
hibit of Messrs. Brown, Boveri & Co., which includes ring
spinning frames driven by a variable speed motor, has also
been commented upon. On the heavier side of motor driving
a comprehensive exhibit of electric pumping plant and machine
tools is that of Messrs. Frank Pearn & Co. Special atten-
tion may be called to the universal drilling, boring, facing and
milling machine, which is shown in operation. Fuller details
are given in another column. The WoRTHiN(iTON PuMi> Co.
make a comprehensive exhibit of their electric centrifugal
pumps, which are shown in actual operation dealing with a
quantity of water. Messrs. Thomas Robinson (Rochdale)
have a very large exhibit of motor-driven wood-working
machinery, which is always the object of considerable interest.
Machine tool makers, such as Charles Churchill, Alfred
Heulert, George Richards & Co., the B.\.teman Machine
Tool Co., B. & S. Massey and Mayer & Schmidt are also
much in evidence with practical working exhibits of motor-
driven machine tools. The problem of ventilation and its
efficient solution in practice is given a practical demonstration
on the stands of Messrs. JA-MES Keith, Blackman & Co.,
Matthews & Yates, Mitcham Electric Fan Co. and the
Glover-Lyon Ventilating Co. General motor exhibits are
those of the L.ancashire Dyn.amo & Motor Co., British
Westinchouse Co., Electric & Ordnance Accessories Co.,
Union Electric Co., Morris, Hawkins & Co., Marples,
Lea( h & Co., the Small Power Dynamo & Motor Co. and
the Crypto Electrical Co While upon the subject of motor
driving, we may refer to the exhibits of Messrs. the Hoffmann
Mfg. Co., Ludwig Loewe, the Power Plant Co. and Wall-
work iV Co. as makers of ball bearings and motor gearing,
thus contributing largely towards the general success of the
electric motor as an industrial power agent.
DETAILiS OF THE EXHIBITS.
Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works.
We liave already described that part of the exhibit of Messrs.
Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works on stands No. 86 and 97, which in-
cludes their well-known lighting and power specialities. But there
is, besides these .apparatus, a very important show on thi-
Fig. 1. — Siemens Portable Electromagnetic Voltmeter.
stand which assumes greater importance when the truism " science
is measurement " is considered. It consists, in fact, of a comprehen-
sive selection of the well-known Siemens' instruments, the laboratory
FiG. 2. — Siemens Comiiined Yoi/niEXER and Ammeter
section of which it will be remembered we have lately dealt with at
some length in The Electrician (VoL LXI., p. £60). Among the in-
struments shown at Manchester is the neat and handy portable volt-
meter illustrated in Fig 2. The moving [arts of these instruments
are on the Deprez d'Arsonval principle, and are similar in construction
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
43
to the Hauda.d .switcl.boanl insUumei.t.- bpec.al U-rmmals a.e p.o-
■ided for the connection of the amn.eter shunts m Inch are earned n, a
-Pnarate case Fig. 1 sliows a portable voltmeter for use on both
separate ';-^'^^- / 'fuematino- currents. If we mistake not the
^or Sy or'alt:n:aUnrcurrent instruments has '-en rather
neL-lected hitherto, and the ,.rovision of an equipment like that
hnwn is a stetj forward. This instrument is fitted with a well-
damped " electromagnetic movement contrnlled by torsion spnngs,
so that it will indicate in any position. It is independent of tlie fre-
quency and has a range in this'^-espect from 25 to 100 cydes .Special
scales are provided for alternating and continuous current though the
difference between them is small, not exceeding 2 per cent. The n olt-
meter shown can be used on circuits whose pressure does iwt exceed
140 voitf " ' ' ' " ""'"" *■" °°
nveswitcnes lui iivu scclujuovi
9 -01, 9x1,9 • 10, 9x100 and
9 X 1,000 and two liranch resis-
tances each with plugs of 10,
100 and 1,000 ohms and two
keys. It will be seen that this
instrument can lie used for a
great many useful purposes
and its application should be
correspondingly wide. Besides
this interesting exhibit of
laboratory instruments there
arc .also a number of switch-
board instruments of the well-
known Siemens type. These
include ammeters and volt-
meters of both the electro-
1 u 3 — 1 magnetic and moving coil
types, together with their ap-
propriate shunts. Ammeters, voltmeters and recording wattmeters of
the Ferraris type are also to be seen on this stand, as well as current
and potential transformers. We understand that Messrs. Siemens have a
very comprehensive catalogue of switchboard instruments and appa-
ratus in course of preparation, and we shall hope to deal with this in
some detail «'hen it is published.
C. A. Parsons & Co.
The well-known Parsons turbine is not easily adaptable to exhil^i-
tioii purposes unless the space available is something out of the ordi-
nary. But Messrs. C. A. Parsons & Co. are instead exhibiting on
stand No. 154 four scale models of some of their well-known turbine
plants. These models are all made to the uniform scale of 1 in. to the
foot and represent : (1) A turbo-alternator capable of giving an outpuo
of 2,000 kw. normal rating, and an emergency output of 4,000 kw. ;
(2) a 3,500 kw. turbo-alternator with an overload capacity of 7,000 kw. ;
and (3) a 7,500 kw. turbo-alternator, with an overload capacity of
14,0CO kw. Tliese turbo-alternators are in general of the same type as
erected in the Carville power station of the Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Electric Supply Co. and many other large generating stations. The
turbines are of the single-ended type with dummy pistons to balance
the end pressure, and a plant similar to model No. 2 had the extremely
low steam consumption of 131891b. per kilowatt at 1901b. steam
picssure superheated to 120'^F., and with a vacuum of 29'059 in.
(bar. 30 in.) at the cylinder e.xhaust. The revolving field alternators
are of Messrs. Parsons' well-known type with salient pole rotors and
tunnel-wound stator windings. The plants shown being of large size,
the alternators can be divided in a horizontal direction, thus giving
easy access to the rotor and other windings. Exhibit No. 4 is a model
of ii Par.sons turbo-blowing engine, specially arranged for the utilisa-
tion of exhaust steam at atmospheric pressure The machine repre-
sented by this model is capable of inhaling 20,000 cubic ft. of free air
per minute and discharging it at 101b. per sipiare inch pressure when
running at its normal speed of 3,000 revs per min. Arrangements are
provided by means of an adjustable governor and bye-pass valves to
enable the speed of the engine to be raised from 3,000 to a maximum
speed of 3,6C0 rev.s. per min., so that a pressure of 201b. per square
inch can easily be obtained, should such exceptional pressure be re-
(|uired for the purpose of blowing down any scaffolding that may
occur in the blast furnace. The steam turbine, which forms the
motive power of this plant, is made on the double-ended principle,
.steam being admitted at the centre of the turbine and exhausting
towards l)oth ends, the exhaust steam passing through to the con-
denser by two outlets on the cylinder bottom. The blowing engine is
of the Parsons standard type, and is an exact model of a type em-
[iloyed on a very large number of plants in various icon, copper and
other smelting works both in this country and abroad. In front of this
model are placed .scale models in steel of the steam and air shafts re-
.spectively, the object being to show the stift'ness of construction used
in Parsons' form of blowing engine. The steam shaft, owing to the
turbine being double-ended, has no dummy pistons. The shafts are
grooved ready for the fixing of the bkades iii the usual way.
British Westingliouse Co,
In a recent issue we described in some detail the exhibit of the
British Wksti.nciioisk Co. (on stands Nos. 79 and 103 and 83 and 101).
There is one e.-chibit, however, which in these days of metallic filament
lamps is worthy of m^jie attention than we were able to give it. This
IS the automatic transformer cut-out illustrated in Fig. 4. There are,
in general, two systems of reducing iron loss in transformers on low-
load — tlie jiarallel and series systems. In the former of these a small
transformer in parallel with the main equipment is .short-circuited at
full load and does duty at light load when the main transformer fscut
out. In the latter system the two transformers are in series, the
smaller one being short-circuited when the load exceeds a certain
value, while on light loads the two transformeis work in series. -A
number of modifications of the two systems are possible.
The Westingliouse automatic transformer cut-out is a device which
may be used for short-circuiting the small transformer in the series
system or for cutting out the large transformer in the parallel system.
It consists essentially of an upright arm carrying a primary and a
secondary switch. The arm is operated by means of an alternating
current solenoid provided with two windings, one for opening and the
other for closing the switches. The coils are energised from the
secondary side of the transformer, and are so arranged that imme-
diately the switch is opened or closed the coils arc cut out of circuit.
Fig, 4.^Westinghocsk Auto>i.«ic Tkansformek Switch.
The coils are controlled by means of a relay in series with the main
circuit. When the current in this circuit exceeils a certain value, the
relay completes the circuit through the closing coil and the switch is
closed. When the load falls below a predetermined value the relay
completes the circuit through the opening coil and the switch is
opened. In the event of the switch sticking and refusing to close a
fuse is blown. This fuse supports a weight upon a lever arm. When
the weight is released the lever arm is depressed and the switch
closed. This arrangement, it is claimed, precludes any possibility of the
small transformer being burnt out on account of any difficulty with
the opera'tion of the switch.
Bullers (Ltd.)
On stands No.s. 29 and 40 Messrs. Bullers have a most interesting
collection of their specialities. The exhibit consists of electrical por-
celain and iron work, a special feature being made of highly-vitrefied
white and brown porcelain insulators for electric poiver transmission
at high voltages, as well as of those for ordinf.ry telei)hone and tele-
graph purposes. Among the former are some of the largest line insu-
lators made-, they measure 14i in. in diameter and are 20 in. high.
These insulators are designed to work at 80,000 volts and to withstand
a pressure test of 160.000 volts without flashing over at tlie surface.
Their weight, including the cast-steel pins upon which they are
cemented, is about 701b. The exhibit also contains a number of
smaller high-tension insulators, varying from bin. to 12 in. in diameter.
They are all made in two or more separate sheds, cemented together
after being fired, the advantages of this method being that tlie lighter
and thinner pieces can be more thoroughly vitrified than could the
one dense mass which manufacturing in one piece would entail; and
that each shed can be inspected and tested by itself before cementing
up. These insulators, which are made at Hanley, are tapped to fit
the standard iron or steel pins produced at Tipton, or are roughed
internally for attachment by cement. Where necessary the supporting
pin is enclosed in a porcelain sheath. In connection with these line
insulators, a number of shackle insulators, specially constructed with a
view to mechanical strength, are shown. In every case the insulator is
designed to be sufficiently strong to withstand such mechanical
stresses as will sjive a permanent set to the pin before the porcelain
breaks. Actual electrical tests are being carried out on voltages up
to 75,000 volts in the Exhibition, both upon dry porcelains and on
those submitted to artificial rain. Among the insulators shown are
some fitted with metal umbrellas to keep tlie porcelain dry in heavy
rain, it being found that a comparatively small insulator so protected
is capable of withstanding a considerably higher electrical pressure
during rain than a much larger one which is exposed. The exhibit
also contains telegraph line insulators with lightning fuses, oil insu-
lators and third-rail insulators of many shapes. In addition to line
insulators, Messrs. Bullers are also showing a large number of porce-
lains designed to meet the special requirements of electrical engineer.s,
and this section contains many intricate and complicated shapes. A
44
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
number of vitrefied leadingin tubes, wall and floor insulators and
bushings are included, and a special section is that ivhich deals with
such electric light accessories as ceiling roses, cutouts, switches, fuse
handles and carriers, and electrical name plates. Insulator supports
of all kinds, sizes and shapes, from a J in. spindle for a tiny telephone
or bell wire insulator, to the large steel or malleable cast-iron pins
(weighing up to a cwt.) such as carry the tremendous insulators de-
signed for the power transmission from the Zambesi Falls to the Rand,
are on view. All kinds of poles for telegraphic, telephonic and power
transmission and street lighting, made of wood, iron or steel, tubular or
lattice, with bases suitable for all soils and foundations, to be sunk,
screwed or driven into the earth, are also exhibited. The exhibit also
contains numerous other interesting accessories in iron work suitable,
not only for electrical, but also tor general engineering purposes.
General Electric Co
The Gener.\l Electric Co.'s stand (No. 132) (Fig. 5) occupies one
of the most imposing positions in the Exhibition, and in many respects
is novel and uniiiue in design. It occupies a floor space of upwards of
1,100 sq. ft. The exhibit is all open, with the exception of an orna-
mental office, is artistically decorated in white, purple and gold, and
arranged in panels on which are fixed the various articles of (i.E.C.
manufacture. All round the outside of the stand are arranged speci-
mens of the latest types of street lighting fittings, from the lanterns
of which the pure white rays of the high candle-power Osram lamps
throw a brilliant light on the whole of the stand and adjacent passages.
Suspended from each street lamp pole and carried all round the front
and two sides of the stand are festoons of " Pixielite '' strip(Fig.6), bear-
ing Osram lamps about 12 in. apai't. The whole of this " Pixielite " is
success is anticipated for this new type. A special show-board of
Osram lamps will prove to visitors the' advantages to be gained by
using these lamps. On the same board all types of high voltage and
low voltage lamps for angle and vertical burning are shown. Over
the front of the exhibit is suspended a large sign 12 ft. long with the
words " Osram lamps " outlined with 25 volt 16 c. p. Osram lamps, and
in conjunction with this a transformer is at work. Owing to the port-
ability of the new G.E.C. electric lighting sets for the lighting
Fio. 6.—" Pixielite " Strip. (Geneb.vl Electric Co.)
of country houses, isolated hospitals, yachts and shooting boxes,
with 25 volt Osram lamps, it is worth the while of a land-
owner to instal his own plant, and where electric lighting in small
houses is already installed the use of the transformer with low voltage
Osram lamps has, it is claimed, brought electric lighting within the
reach of all.
Flu. 5. — View of the Stand or the Gesebal Electeic Co.
painted white, and imitation smilax is artistically interwoven with it,
making the efiect extremely pretty. At each corner of the orna-
ment.al office four "Angold"' magazine flame arc lamps are fixed, and
from two other pillars on the stand specimens of the " Flamgold " arc
lamps and open-type band-brake lamps, as well as various other types
of arc lamps, enclosed and miniature patterns, are shown. A good
display of the latest designs in electroliers and brackets are shown on
the front part of the ornamental office ; table and standard lamps being
placed in prominent positions. Great interest is being t-aken in the
General Electric Co.'s insulated hand lamps, wliich we lately dealt
with in The Eltctrician. The new Osram candle lamp, which is noted
for its pure white light, is shown here and in GoodalPs model house
next door. Wires and Hexibles are also exhiliited, and an elaborata
p.anel h':.s been prepared showing " Geekoduct ' conduit and insulated
tittings. A large panel is being devoted to showing various patterns
of recording meters.
One of the most interesting exhibits in the whole building is the
G.E.C. display of central battery and other telephones, which will
appeal to many visitors. The accessories section of the General
Electric Co.'s exhibit is exceedingly exhaustive, and we would
specially mention the oil switches and remote control apparatus.
Among the exhibits of heating and cooking apparatus a new form of
radiator is displayed, vvhfch contains ordinary heating lamps inside
cylindei's, thus promoting a free circulation of hot air. A great
The engineering side of the G.E.C.'s manufactures is well repre
sented, the principal exhibit being the 600 kw. motor generator trans-
forming from three phase, 6,600 volts, 50 cycles on the motor side, to
500 volts direct current, on the generating side. The chief feature
about this combination is that both the direct current aimatureaml
alternating current rotor are mounted on one spider, thus obviating
the use of a (entre liearing. The shaft carr\-ing the spider runs in two
twin race ball be:irings, which allows the combination to be started
with a very small current, and at the same time greatly inci eases the
efficiency of these sets. A number of these motor generators have
been made for the Manchester Corporation. The ap'ioximate weight
of the combination is 30 tons. The set is being usetl to convert the
high-tension alternate current sujiply of the Corporation to low-tension
continuous current for the lighting and power required in the Exhibi-
I tion. Another exhibit of special interest is a motor generator,
I built at Witton for the new Osram lamp works at Hammersmith. Its
j output is 100 kw. at 220 volts and lib revs, per min. on the direct-
': current side. Near it is a motor generator consisting of two of the
smallest G.E.C. continuous-current machines wound for charging
motor car and other accumulators, and specially suitable for private
and public garages. A number of other interesting machines are
shown, includini;' an open multiplar shunt wound slow speed motor,
1 giving about 35 u.r. at 200 revs, per min. on a 100 volt supply,
' a special gas-tight motor for coal-cutters or other mining work, and
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
45
otlier examjiles of the well-known " Witton " machines in various
shape? and sizes There is also a very complete exliibit of motor
starters both solid andliquid. while another etiuipment which attracts
much attention among Lancashire visitors is the Northrop loom driven
by a '■ Witton " motor. The point abont the drive in this case is that
the motor is specially hinged, and its weight exerts a tension on the
belt, and compensates for any slip which may be caused through the
motor having to attain full speed instantaneously.
The General Electric Co. have a very complete instrument exhilnt
litted on a " typical generator panel.'' The up])ermost instrument i;
iple
illv
iiid
.Il-t:i
nun-
f.ictor
le fc.r
ed by
inag-
iiated
a way.
a power- factor indicator constructed on fl
ciated by Dr. Sumpner. This instrunn nt iimIk-
of the current flowing in the mains, iiinl (.m li^
balanced or unlialanced h)ads. The volLi-.' ■^rnr
nie.ins of an illuminated dial voltmeter working
netic or moving-iron pruiciple. It is dead beat,
dial enables the instrument to be read at a considerabl
This instrument is a low-tension in.strnment, and indicates the high-
tension voltage, as usual, by means of a transformer. The ammeter is
also connected in the usual way through a current transformer. All the
instruments on the boai'd are at low potential and have the cases
earthed, so that they are absolutely safe to handle, and all high-tension
apparatus is at a distance awa}' from the operator, so that the switch-
board attendant is not subject to any danger. The energy given out
liy the generAtor in kilowatt? is measured on the indicating watt-
nietcr. This instrument is also constructed on princijiles due to Dr.
stringent regulations governing public exhibitions, several of the most
interesting processes of glow lamp manufacture cannot be shown.
The operations shown are, however, very interesting and include
blowing the glass bulljs, attaching the glass tube to bulb ready for
exhausting, mounting the filament on to the platinum wires, sealing
the filament into the glass bulb, and exhausting the air and gases froiii
the lamp by aid of vacuum jjumps.
The heat rerpured for the above operations is obtained by the aid of
glass blowpipes supplied with air under (jressure from a small pressure
blower and coal gas from the town mains. In a show case on the stand
maybe seen specimens illustrating the Robertson lamrs in various
J^tages of manufacture. A view of the stand is given In Fig 7.
Nalder Bros. & Thompson.
Messrs. JsAr.nEK Bugs. & TiniiU'suN- are exhibiting on their stand
(Nos. 188 and 216) all types of their moving coil and permanent mag-
net instruments for direct current measurement, and soft or mo\-iiro-
iron instruments for direct and alternate current measurement, in°
eluding some quite new patterns of both types in round iron
cases and in sector and edgewise cases to suit airswitchboard require-
ments. Attention may be specially directed to the large size illu-
minated dial instruments for central station use. The portable
standard sets {Fig. 8i are particularly useful to engineers v.-ho do
much testing, and the " Ohmer," which is now too well-known to need
any description, is valuable to all engineers who have to entpiire ijito
insulation resistance. The free wheel is a feature of this instru-
fic. 7. — The Robert.sos L.VMP-I.I.uiixc: Kxiui'.n
Sumpner. It has the advantage of a large operating torque and
evenly divided scale ; in fact, the Sumpner instruments are claimed
to possess all the advantages of moving-coil instruments. But while
ordinary moving coil instruments can only be used with direct cur-
rents, the Sumpner instruments can be used as well with alternating
currents. A further distinguishing feature is the shunt magnet,
whicli is made of laminated iron and excited by a voltage i)ropor-
tional to the line voltage. The shunt coils of the wattmeter in this
case are fed from the same potential transformer that operates the volt-
meter, and the power-factor indicator. Synchronising plugs are also
shown on the board. When it is desired to synchronise the machine,
tlie plug IS placed in the corresponding hole, and the machine thus
connected up to the synchroniser. After the machine is synchronised
the plug IS removed.
Robertson Electric Lamps Limited.
The exhibit of the Enr.ERTsoN Electrk Lamps on stands 187 and 217
IS based on the lines of their popular exhibit; at the Olympia Exhibi-
tion, but ni addition to the stand this firm, who have since acquired a
Urge glass works at Lemmington-on-Tyne, are showing a model of one
ot the glass cones at that place. This glass cone promises to make the
Manchester exhibit even more successful than the Olympia show. The
stand occupies one of the most prominent positions in the centre of the
buildmg, and forms one of the most attractive features of the Exhibi-
tion. Several skilled operators from the Hammersmith works are in
aitendance to demonstrate some of the ))rocesses of the manufacture
of the well-known Robertson electric lamps. Owing to the very
ment and its absolute indift'erence to straj' magnetic fields is a very
obvious advantage. Some of the Ohmers shown are fitted with speed
indicators of the vibrating reed type, so that the voltage generated
can be ascertained. In connection with hitfh-tension work Messrs.
Nalder Bros. & Thomn-i,, ,.,,-,, ,>xhil.iHn- b-,th i.if.-j.tird and .-urrent
transformers in iron cases made to contain oil. Special care has been
taken with the insulation of these instruments. Earth detectors
are also exhibited both for direct current and alternate current
work. The alternating current earth detector shown superimposes
a small direct current from a battery or other source of current
upon the alternate current circuit. This enables the absolute insula-
tion resistance of the circuit to be read directly in ohms. The earth
46
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
le;xkai,'e switch (Fig. 9) which this firm are exhibitinj; should appeal
strongly to insurance companies. When it is installed on a circuit it
is claimed that the danger from a fire originating on that circuit is
reduced to a minimum. A current to earth which would be too small
to sustain an arc, or to produce enough heat to cause a fire, at once
operates the m.ain switch of the circuit and prevents it being closed
again until the leak is removed.
The Drysdale wattmeter, which is one of the exhibits, should prove
a very satisfactory instrument for switchboard work. The introduc-
tion of iron into the current circuit seems to have been justified, for
the errors due to the iron are found to be negligible, and the mcrease
in the working forces and consequent elimination of friction errors
more than compensate for any errors due to hysteresis and wave de-
avoided. The principle of this gear is very simple as will be seen by
reference to the section in Fig. 11. The machine-cut double helical
pinion B on the high speed shaft engages with the wheel C, which is
itself mounted on an extended boss of the second pinion D. 0 and D
run as one on the fixed spindle, which is hollow and is provided with
special lubricating arrangements. The pinion D engages with the
final wheel E, which is mounted on the slow'-speed shaft. The centres
for the combinations B C and It E are equal and the high and low
FiCi. 9. — Nalder Bros, k Thompson's tE.\K.\GE Switcm,
formation. Another novelty is an electric tele thermometer that has
been specially designed for use in cold storage warehouses or cold
storage ships. The rapidity and certainty with which any number of
thermometers can be read with this apparatus from one centre, such
as the engine room or officers' cabin, is highly desirable and should
prove a great boon on all ships carrying fruit or frozen produce. The
new Board of Trade regulations for inspection of imported food at the
point of disembarkation will probably bring home to shipowners the
advantage of having some such method of taking the temperatures of
storage holds and keeping records. This firm have also a large dis-
play of their well-known circuit-breakers and other switches, including
a "jigger switch," which it is proposed to a])ply to the new method of
charging for current supply on the "limit demand system." This
switch has been designel to prevent the consumer exceeding his stated
maximum demand. If it should be exceeded the jigger switch comes
into operation and causes the light to flicker in a very objectionable
manner, and continues to do so until the load has been reduced within
the prescribed limits.
Power Plant Co.
Tliere can be no doubt, at any rate in the minds of electrical engi-
neers, that the motor, as a motor, is a most efficient machine. It is,
however, none the less true that much power is wasted in gearing and
FiCi. lO.-i-PowER Pl.vnt Co.'s Gear ai-i'eieu to the Motor Drive.
there has long been a growing need for a really reliable and efficient
reduction gear for high ratios. The Power Plant Co. are showing on
their stand (No. 78) at the Manchester Exhibition some methods
whereby tliis desirable end may be obtained. It is claimed that by the
use of their "D.R." aid double reduction gears witli machine-cut
helical teeth that the loss in power now so often met with may be
Fiu. 11. ^Section of Power Plant Co.'s Stand Gear.
speed shafts are in one straight line. These gears are made in three
types, in one of which milled steel pinions and cast-iron wheels are
used ; in the second case-hardened hammered steel pinions and cast-
steel wheels, and in the third alloyed steel pinions and wheel with forged
steel rims slirunk ou cast-iron centres are employed. The selection of
a suitable gear is a problem that admits of no general solution, thougli
it is claimed that the last of the types mentioned above will be found
the cheapest for its output. An important point about the "DR."
gears is their indifference to long periods of overload. This is certainly
a score over the usual worm-gear, while another
advantage is the fact that the alteration in efficiency
with the ratio of reduction is practically negligible.
Fig. 10, wliich shows a motor coupled to a standard
" D.R." gear reducing the speed from 960 to 20 revs,
per min., gives a good idea of the compact design of
the arrangement and general suitability for modern
driving purposes?.
The "D. P. " Battery Co.
The " D.P." Battery Co., on stand No. 142, are
showing examples of their well-known storage bat-
teries for lighting and power purposes. A standard
"D.P." battery is shown in Fig. 12. The positive
plates in use in all the " D. P." batteries are of the
Phmte type, formed by a special process which
jjroduces, it is claimed, on the large superficial area
obtained by the vertical ribbed formation, a tough
adherent skin very different from the loose slim
film characteristic of some Plante formations. This
hard closely-grained skin is said to be unaffected by
the heaviest rates of charge or discharge. The
riljbed design of the plates with its horizontal bind-
ing ribs results in a rigid structure, which is
capable of expanding in any direction without
buckling, whileat the same time it admits the free cir-
culation of the electrolyte throughout the plate. One
recent development is the formation of the negative
to wh.ich the title of the ' ' D. P." sponge negative has
been given. This has been designed to overcome theshrinkage and
disintegration of the active material which was inseparable from the
Faure type of plate. The active material now used is so constituted
.as to resemble a sponge in consistency whose tendency is to expand
rather than to contract. The (jerforated screen, which covers the face
of the plate prevents the active material from falling away, and at the
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23. 1908,
47
same time allows the electrolyte free circulation and access to the
active material.
The " D.P." Battery Co. are publishing some interesting figures
ai)ropos of the discussion at the Nottingham Conference of Municipal
EugineersujjonMr. Taylor's Paper. These figures exemplify the saving
resulting from the installation of storage Imtteries after a station
had been erected and rurniiug for some years. A Diesel oil engine
was the motive cower, and had a guaranteed consumption of 0'468 lb.
of oil per brake hor.se-power-hour at three-quarter load.
stroke of 8 m. The capacity of this pump is the same as above, but
It is coupled to a British Thom.son-Houston motor, running at
6C0 revs, per min. A number of other pumps of various types are
also shown. A novel feature in all the vertical pumps shown^s that
the ram barrels and valve chambers are all cast together, so that there
IS a minimum of joints, and each pump has embodied in it a suction
vacuum vessel of ample proportions, thus effecting a great savino- in
space. In the single ram pump the delivery air vessel is also embodied
m the mam casting. The remaining portion of the exhibit consists of
a learn patent high-speed surfacing, borinir, milling and drill-
ing machine (Fig. 14). It is driven by a 6i ii.p. Electromotors' motor
running at 650 revs, per mm. The machine has a range of 24 speeds
Fig, 12.— a Standard " D.P." Battery.
Tlie following figures show the actual working results : In November,
1906, 10-2 units were generated per gallon w(/Ao«/ battery, while a year
after 12-3 units were generated per gallon irith battery." Thus the in-
stallation of the latter enal lied an increase of 20 per cent, in the output
on the same consumption of fuel to be obtained. The average fuel
consumption for four months' working was in 1906 0-580 lb. per brake
horse-power-hour without the battery, and from November, 1906, to
February, 1907, 0-474 lb. per brake horse-power-hour with the bat-
tery. The reduction in the average consumption thus shown is 22-15
per cent.
Frank Pearii & Co.
Messrs. Frank Pearn & Co. are showing on stands Nos. 179 and
2^8 types of their electrically-driven pumps and their latest desio-n of
liatent high-speed surfacing and boring machines, the whole oF the
e.thibit being in motion under working conditions. It includes a
horizontal three-throw ram pump (Fig. 13) with externally packed
rams each 6 in. diameter. The sDroke of this pump is 8 in., 'and ifc is
Fig. 14.— Pearn Higu-Si-eed Surfacing Machine.
controlled by a speed-changing device of simple construction, and a
range of eight automatic feeds all instantaneously chano-eable and re-
versible, and applicable vertically, longitudinally and transversely,
ihe machine is built on absolutely original and novel lines, and is
claimed to be a striking advance upon any type of machine yet
designed for performing the same functions. It is shown in action
operating upon various castings.
Elliott Bros.
Theexhibitof Messrs. Elliott Bros, on stand 85 cannot f.ail to be of in-
terest to anyone whois connected, however remotely, with electrical engi-
Fiii. 13. -A Pearn Standard Elkctrically-Driven Pujir.
capable of pumping 9,600 gallons per hour to a height of 600 ft , or a
pressure head of nearly 300 II). The ram barrels and valve chambers
aie cast scp.arately and are interchangeable. 'I'he rams are secured
to cross lieads moving in guides ; the gearing is machine cut, and the
snalts ami connecting rods are machined from solid forgings. The
pump IS driven by a 35 ii r. British Westinghouse motor running at
/au revs, per mm. Another exhibit is a vertical three-throw ram j
I'ump with externally packed rams each 6 in. in diameter, with a \
Fiu. 15. — Elliott Potentiohetek.
iieering work. It consists of an exhaustive display of the well-known
Elliott instruments and test sets, all of which have been desi"-ned in
accordance with the latest electrical pr.actice. A number of the in-
struments exhibited are shown actually working in connection with
Messrs. Eckstein, Heap's switchgeai-, which we have already described.
On this stand are also to be seen examples of moving-coil ammeters
and voltmeters for continuous current use, together with a number of
instruments suitable for alternate current working. There is also an
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
extensive exhibit of portable instruments for all purposes. The alter-
nating current instruments are of the dynamometer type, and are
fitted with specially arranged coils. Another interesting departure
from usual practice is th.-it there ai-e only two coils instead of the
three with which these instruments are usually constructed. In the
ordinary dynamometer the moving coil swings inside the long fixed
FiQ. 16.— A Few or :\ri
~. El
WlIEATSTOXE P>l:llH
winding formed by the two fixed coils. In this form the arrangement
is reversed ; tliere are two coils only, and the moving coil swings out-
side the fixed coil, which is wound in the form of a ball. Consequently,
it is claimed, the electrical etficiency of the instrument is increased
owing to the better disposition of the windings : this allows stronger
controlling springs to be used with a coil of relatively less weight
.and inertia, without the accompanying disadvantage of increased
coefficient of self-induction.
The direct current instruments are of the moving-coil type and are
made in various patterns according to the accuracy required. In the
jiortable standard type of instrument the ammeters are accurately
compensated for temperature by means of Campbell's compensating
device. In all the above instruments a special feature is made of the
external zero device, which enables the pointer to be set accurately at
zero. Besides these there is Messrs. Elliott's latest pattern recorder,
which is made entirely at the Century Works, and embodies several im-
portant features. Perhaps the most important is the fact that the
instrument consists actually of three essential parts — the case, the
clock and the electrical movement — each of which forms a separate
unit, and all of which are interchangeable with similar parts of another
recorder. Examples of "Century " instruments are shown in Figs. 15
and 16.
Amongst the novelties in connection with recorder accessories
shown on the recorders at this stand may be mentioned the tell-tale
device for use during the night, when it is necessary to be assured that
the station attendant has taken the readings- The second important
accessory is the new " Century " pen, which successfully marks a charl
and does not run out too quickly as regards inking.
The exhibit further includes examples of transformers and shunts
for use with the above instruments, leakage indicators for direct and
alternating current work and a Harrison universal [jhotometer, whose
chief novelty lies in the fact that it embodies a flicker disc, which is
rotated b}' a blast of air controlled by the operator
motor is fitted with the Hall type of parallel motion brush holders.
This firm make a speciality of semi or totally enclosed series-wound
reversing motors for crane, hoist and similar purposes, and a standard
type of totally enclosed motor of 20 n.H.P. fitted with magnetic brake
is also shown. These brakes are specially adapted for use where
sudden stopping or reversing the direction is necessary. The brake, of
which a sectional drawing is shown in Fig. 17, is of the
electromagnetic type. The magnet coil is contained in
a circular cast-iron box fitted to the back end plate of
the motor shaft. Several metal discs are mounted on a
sleeve keyed to the motor shaft, these discs being secured
t(i t lie ~1, . VI- hv feather keys so that they are free to move
Liti ulK . r.i 1 ueen each pair of revolving discs there is a
:<iai inii.ii \ I M-t-iron plate loosely carried on four studs
I miectiiig from the motor end plates. The revolving and
.-stationary discs are separated by fibre friction plates. The
ni.ignet coil is connected in series with the motor armature
. irouit, so that when the current is cut off the discs are
piossed together l)j' means of four spiral springs, thus
] 11 eventing the armature from revolving. When current
1- jiassing the brake magnet is excited and attracts one
of the stationary discs. In doing so it removes the pressure
I if the springs, so that the discs keyed to the armature
-haft are free to rev.lve. On the same stand Messrs. Hall
111" showing two warp ring spinning frames by Piatt Bros.
.V Co., wliich are dn\en by one of their latest pattern
-' iniiicl-rage induction motors. The motoi is placed
'" '\\ii II the two frames, as shown in Fig. 18, and is
i I 1 1 1 1 1 them by tin' medium of two Hele-Shaw clutches.
Till- iiMi 111- is til St started up separately, so that there is no
tiirque, and the spiiniing frames are then
III by means of a special slow starting gear
iiLulics. The frame .shown has 32spindles on each
gradually brough
which actuates tl
side, with a Sin lift, a 2§ in. gauge and IJin. rings. One frame is
Fig. 17. — Messrs. J. P. H.vll's Si'Eci.iL Textile Motor, .Snowixc! Speoi.vi. BraivE,
J. P. Hall^& Co.
Messrs. J. P. H.\i,l are showing a very fine collection of motors
on their stands (Nos. 173 and 233). These include a ISOb.h.t. con-
tinuous current motor designed for a 220 volt circuit, which, it is
claimed, thoroughly represents their practice in every respect. This
Fig. LS. — J. P. Hall Motor driving King FRiiiE.
fitted with ordinary flexible spindles and the other with Piatt Bros.
patent " D " ])attern spindle. Tytler & Bowker's patent steel lappets
are fitted on angle irons on one length and
Cooke's patent metal lappets on wood ribs on
the other. The frame has separators between
each spindle with Piatt's patent levers for
putting material into position after doffing,
the thre.ad boar<ls and separator sail being
lowered in one operation. The speed of the
ii front roller is 143 revs, per min and that of the
sjiindle 9,500 re\ s. per min.
Hans Renold (Ltd.).
Messrs. Hans Rexoi.d, who are exhibiting
on stand Xo. 40, onlj' manufacture steel driving
chains and the necessary sprockets, cutters, &c.
They are giving prominence in their exhibit
to their three main types of chains — viz., silent
chains for high-speed driving, roller chains for
medium speeds, and block chains for slow
s[)eeds. A great range of sizes are being
shown, as well as several drives complete with
•sprockets. Among the latter is an example
of the spring cushion sprocket, supplied when
the load is impulsive, with part of the cover
removed so as to show the construction. A
silent chain is shown running at about 1,000
ft. per minute, and it will be possible by
means oi the rotoscope, to which we have
referred on other occasions, to watch its action when in contact with
the wheel teeth, and to see how the links and teeth go in and out of
mesh. A number of these chains will be .shown on the stands of other
exhibitors in connection with the driving of their machines.
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
49
Howard Asphalt Troughing Co.
The HowAKii Asi'iiALT TRorniiixr; Co. liave an interesting exhibit
on stand No. 229, showing; tlieir solid .system of laying nnderarountl
mains, in which the oulile.s are ])laced in a trough manufactured from
natural rock asphalt. This is then made continuous throughout it.s
entire length by means of welded joints. The system is demonstrated
by a number of well-arranged samples showing various stages of the
w'ork, which :i,re briefly as follows : The trough.s are supplied in 4 ft.
lengths, encased in sheet .steel for protection during transit. This
sheeting rapidly rusts away in the ground, thus leaving the asphalt
trough free to follow any ordinary subsidence of the soil without fear
of cracking. The lengths of trough are jointed by bringing the ends
in contact with a hot iron which softens them until, liy iiressing
together, they readil}' and firmly unite. The weld is. dressed and
smoothed to the shape of the trough by a hot iron, and it is difficult to
detect the exact locality of the joint after the work is finished. The
cables are laid in the bottom of the trough, being kept apart by asphalt
separators. No bridges are used on the Howard solid system, and
which^is in itself_a considerable advantage. Bitumen is first poui-ed
Fjc. 19.— Specimens of Howard Trouqhing.
over the cables until they are just covered. After this has cooled the
sides and top edges of the trough are painted with tar and the whole
trough is then tilled to overflowing with asplialtic concrete moulded
to the shaiie of an arch by a hot iron. The makers lay great stress on
the insulating properties of this troughing and on its great suitability
for the work. The feature which is brought out perhaps more than
any other in the present exhibit is the extreme flexibility of the sys-
tem, troughing being shown coiled in complete circles as well as
passed under and over drain pipes. Some specimens of the troughing
are shown in Fig. 19. " "
TECHNICAL BOOKS AND PUBLICATIONS.
"The Electrician" Company.
Among the exhibits at Manche.ster are several good collections of
engniuermg and electrical b.>oks and |)ublicatioiis. \Vc think we are
justified in claiming that on stand No. 66, ^licrr " The El.-ctri.-ian "
Printing and Publishing Co. exhibit.s, the must coiniachen^ive and
complete range of technical book,s will be found. " The Electrician "
Company represents on this occasion many of the best known publish-
ing house,s in this country, and these, in their turn, represent several
ot the leading American and other publishers. A careful selection of
the books of the following (inns are exhibited on this stand : Messrs,
iionginans (ireeii & Co., Cro.sby, Lockwood & Co., Whittaker & Co.,
Cas.sell & Co., Rentell & Co., and Mr. H. K. Lewis of Gower-street,
Ivondon, whose Circulating Library of Technical Works is becoming
widely known and appreciated. We may mention that Mr. Lewis
issues a prospectus of his circulating library which gives full particu-
lars as to rates of subscriptions, &c. There is also published a
quarterly hst of new books and new editions, in addition to a full cata-
logue which forms one of the most comprehensive publications con-
cerned with technical literature, embracing all professional and
industrial occupations based upon scientific research and application.
in addition to the above, a large collection of "The Electrician"
<uO. s WK le range of electroteehnical books can be inspected at Stand 65,
together with the books of several American and Continental houses
winch the company represents on this side of the Atlantic.
Electrical Press (Ltd.).
At stand 147 of the Electrical Press (Ltd.) the books and publica-
lions «nu which this company is identified are on sale, and every
facility IS ottered for their inspection before purchase.
John Heywood.
This well-known Manchester bookseller has a stand at the Exhibition,
,«.f,? f m''\ '?'?'' V'^^f"' ''"'Se of t^^chnical literature representing
many of the best books dealing with the industries of which Manchester
IS the centre can be inspected.
Biggs & Sons.
nnnl'f ■'''" "f'l"' °"'"i'''i"Se of technical books, this linn have on show a
col ectwn of books of other publishing houses which will well repay a
sibje t^' '" ^^'''™'' °' '^""""^ °" electroteehnical and cognate
In addition to the exhibits mentioned above, all the electrical
journals have prominent stands, and our esteemed contemporary The
J^ifjmerr is well represented at Stand 68
EXHIBITION ITEMS.
The photograph.s on the hanilrail round the Diesel Engine Co.'s
.stand illustrate many large and important installation-s where this
prime mover is in use.
Ml-. W. H. Roy shows a good thing in the way of water-cooling
plants, in which there are neither screws nor nails.
The Victor flame arc lamp is much in evidence on the stand of the
Electeic & Ordn.vnce Accessories Co., and it lights many other
exhibits.
The electrically-tlriven wood-Hnrking machinery of JIessr=i.
Ti[OM.\s Robinson, of Rochdale, is the largest of its kind in the
l<;xhil)ition. Many interesting sjicciniens of machined ^^•ood are
jnoduced.
The first records for the erection of Key Spring Conduit have been
badly beaten by later tests. The times of demonstration are posted
on the stand of the Key Engineering Co.
The Aero fire-alarm on the stand of L. E. Wilson & Co. is neat
and efficient. The demonstrations of its utility are in every way
convincing.
The time switches of Venner & Co. have come in for a lot of atten-
tion. They arc, however, deserving of it, as the designs are both
varied and novel.
Morris Hawkins (Ltd.) make a good show of motors, petrol sets
and tramway signals. Their .stand is also shared by the Mica Plate
Co., who show many interesting examiiles of formed and slicet mica
for insulating purposes.
The British Westinghoitse Co. show a new design of switch-
gear for their " .series system " for reducing the light load losses on
transformers. It is connected'u}) and sliown in operation.
The Edisw.\n exhibit is a most comprehensive one. and A'isitors
sliould inspect the many electrical novelties displayed. Among
them is a switch wall-plug which will take a lot of beating. " It's
just what's wanted.''
The grinding specialities of Luke & Spencer excite general com-
ment and appreciation. The stand is essentially got upon "grinder
lines.''
The B.T.-H. horizontal Curtis turbine is the fir.st of its kind ex-
hibited in public. For a 1,000 kw. unit it is very compact.
The Photometer display made by Me.ssrs. Alexander Wright &
(Jo. contains numerous novelties of interest to makers of electric
lamps of all kinds. The COo recorders of the Company are also
attracting considerable attention.
The Cooper-Hewitt lamps on the outside of the Exhibition lend a
pleasant effect to the exterior illumination. The colour seems to
blend well with that of the Westinghouse flame arcs.
The textile exhibit of Messrs. J. P. Hall & Co. is interesting in that
it shows how the friction clutch can be adapted to the electric motor
for the driving of ring spinning frames.
There is a good lamp exhibit on the stand of Messrs. .J. & H.
Gbeveneb.
The motor generators and small dynamos exhibited by the Ckypto
Electrical Co. are of great interest. The general construction of
the machines is shown to great advantage.
The use of a iniinber of metal filament lamps in a. single lantern
for street HghtiiiL' and outside sliop lighting, is admirably displayed
on the stand of .Messrs. Cltlee. \\'ari)LE.
There are interesting novelties in the wa\' of lift controllers on the
stand of Messrs. Congdon & MuiR and Messrs. John Collier & Co.
The Hans Renold chain exhibit, though small, is interesting and
attracts many of the visitors to the Exhibition.
A good display of electrical instruments is made by Jlessrs. Ever-
sued & VioNOLBS on stand 226.
The Dey-time register is in evidence at stand P22, and employers
will be interested in the new type which can remain in operation for
a week without attention.
The display of " Sirius-Efe.sca "' metal lamps byFAUv, Stadel-
MANN & Co. is both effective and artistic. The demons holding the
lamps out so temptingly are not only handsome, but positively be-
witching.
The Massey pneumatic hammers periodically announce their
presence by vieing with each other in sound production.
Those of our readers w-lio have not yet visited the Jlanchester Ex-
hibition are reminded that when they do so a hearty welcome awaits
them at Stand No. 66.
50
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
GUMMERSBACH GENERATING STATION, RHEIN-
LAND.
The water power of the small rivers in the higher districts of
Rheinland, in the neighbourhood of Gummersbach, enabled
the iron working industry to find a footing there many years
ago, though not to such an extent as to rival the steel-produc-
ing centres of Eemscheid and Solingen. About a hundred
years ago the textile industry was also introduced, and when,
some decades later, the spinning machine began to be used here
as in other cjuarters, the available water power was soon fully
utilised, until, in the middle of the last century, it no longer
sufficed to fulfil the power demands of the district, and the
employment of steam plant became necessary. As there is no
extensive forest land in the locality by which the rainfall,
averaging some 48 in. per annum, would be conserved and
the flow of the rivers made more regular, the power available
varies very greatly, and it became imperative for reserve steam
plant to be installed in factories employing water power in
order to make up the deficiency in dry seasons.
miiller boilers have an evaporative capacity of 1.3,200 lb. of
water per hour when hand fired, or 16,500 lb. per hour with
mechanical stoking, while the MacNicol boiler evaporates
6,600 lb. of water per hour. The working pressure is 175 lb.
per scj. in., and the temperature of the superheated steam
averages 300°C. The feed water is heated by an economiser,
and is dealt with by three duplex steam pumps, two of which
are each capable of delivering 2,600 gallons of water per hour,
while the third delivers 5,.500 gallons per hour. The make-up
water is obtained from a well, and the cooling water for the
condensers is taken from the River Agger.
The engine-room equipment (Fig. 1) consists of three Zoelly
steam turbines, made by the Maschinenbau-Gesellschaft
Niirnberg, rated at 2,200, 1,500 and 750 h.p. respectively, and
coupled to three-phase generators supplied by the Felten &
Guilleaume-Lahmeyerwerke A.-G., of Frankfort-on-Main. The
Zoelly turbine is now well known, and it is unnecessary to
describe it here. Each turbine is provided with a surface con-
denser mounted directly below it the condenser pumps being
electrically driven.
The largest alternator, of 1,500 kw. capacity at a power
factor of 0-8, is wound for the full E.H.T.
bus-bar pressure of 10,50(;) volts, while the
others, of 1,000 and 500 kw\ respec-
tively, generate at 525 volts, and are con-
nected to the low-tension 'bus bars sup-
plying power to the station and neighbour-
Fiu. 1. — ExciNE Room, (i
\i;ratino Statiiin".
Fii; 2.— View of Statok, showing Esn Connections
x\t the commencement of 1906 a number of factories were
faced witli the necessity of extending their power plant further,
and the "" Landrat " of Gummersbach proposed that an electric
generating station be erected to meet all future demands. The
scheme met with approval, a large number of firms undertaking
to shut down their steam plant and to take all power required
from the central station, with the exception of that derived
from existing water turbines. The necessary capital was
therefore borrowed and contracts were entered into for the
erection of a generating station with steam turbines, having an
initial capacity of 3,000 kw. Building operations were com-
menced in April, 1907, and a supply was given to the first con-
sumer at the end of January last, though the station was not
actually completed until the end of May.
The boiler house contains four w'ater-tube boilers made by
the firm of L. & C. Steinmiiller, and one of the MacNicol type
supplied by Petri Deroux, Diiren. Each of the Steinmiiller
boilers has a heatmg surface of 3,220 sq, ft. and is provided
with a superheater of 1,050 sq. ft. heating surface. The
MacNicol boUer has 1,610 sq.ft. of heating surface, and its
superheater 640 sq. ft. Two of the Steinmiiller and the
MacNicol boilers are fitted with chain grate stokers, while the
remainder are arranged for hand firing, though provision is
made for the addition of mechanical stokers later. The Stein-
iug consumers. The two sets of 'bus bars are linked by two
oil-cooled transformers, of 625 and 1,250 k,v.a, respectively,
so that any or all of the generators may be run in parallel.
The frequency of the supply being 50 cycles per second,
the largest alternator has four poles, and runs at 1,500 revs,
per min. The other machines are both bi-polar, and run at
3,000 revs, per min.
The stator housings are totally enclosed ; air impellers are,
however, fastened at either end of the rotor, and by their
agency air is drawn in through the stator end-shields, and,
passing through air ducts in the rotor and stator, is expelled
through an opening above the stator housing. The stator end
connections are very firmly anchored (see Fig. 2), being held
down by strong fibre plates bolted to the frame. The arma-
ture windings of the 10,500 volt machine are contained in com-
pletely closed micanite tubes, while the low-tension machines
are bar wound with leatheroid insulation. All three machines
are star coimected.
Fig. 3 shows the rotor of the 1,500 kw. generator. It is
built up of cast steel plates keyed to the shaft, with ventilating
ducts between them, the two end sections being shrunk on.
The field coils are wound in slots milled out of the core, and
were subjected to hydraulic pressure to prevent any movement
of the coils when working, the slots afterwards being closed by
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
51
strong metal wedges. The slip-rings to supply current to the
magnets are mounted one on either side of the rotor body, to
prevent any possibility of short-circuiting.
The rotor of the 500 kw. machine is constructed in a similar
manner, but with two poles only. The 1,000 kw. rotor, how-
ever, is designed on somewhat different lines. Instead of
salient poles a distributed winding is employed (Fig. 4), slots
being milled round the whole circumference of the rotor, which
was forged in one piece. The slots are deeper at the extremi-
ties of the pole ares than at their centres, and the winding is
thus distributed in such a manner that the field is as nearly as
possible sinusoidal in character. The end-connections are
protected by strong bronze caps, and the slots are closed by
bronze wedges. Forced lubrication is employed in all bear-
ings, in accordance with standard practice.
Each machine has its own exciter, the armature of which is
THE DESIGN OF DNDEEGROUND MAINS AND
NETWORKS.*
UY .1. E. nil'K, ];.S.;.
{Continued from page 959).
Siimmarij. — The author considers the general de:ogn of a low-tension
network. Having determined the probable positions and amounts of
the loads, the sections of conductors are selected in accordance with
temperature and pressure dro|j limits. Stepping of distributor cables
is not necessarily advantageous. Elasticity of networks : In design-
ing the feeder system certain metliods, here given, for the composition
and resolution of currents taken from distributors are useful. Graphical
methods are considered, and a law for determining the best feeder areas.
If the distributor is of considerable length it is necessary to
have several feeders supplying it, and when it is uniformly
loaded it is easy to establish an approximate formula that will
indicate what is the best number of feeders to
employ so that the total cost of these and the
ilistributors may be a minimum. It might be re-
prati'il that an increase in the number of feeders,
Fic;. 3. — RoTOu of 1,500 kw. Generator.
fitted with a ventilator in a similar manner to the alternator
rotor. The exciter magnet poles are laminated, and between
them commutating poles are fitted. Though under ordinary
circumstances the field circuit of each alternator is supplied
exclusively by its own exciter, the latter may, if desired, be
connected to the 110 volt direct-current 'bus-bars, to which are
also connected a 62-cell battery and a 20 kw. motor-generator
the A.O. side of which is fed from the low-tension 'bus-bars
The station lighting is, as a rule, supplied from a 10 kw.,
10,.500/110 volt transformer, but in case of emergency all the
lighting with the exception of four arc lamps may be connected
to the continuous-current 'bus-bars.
The whole of the switchgear and the transformers installed
in the station were manufactured by the Felten & Guilleaume
Lahmeyerwerke, of Frankfort, and the Miilheini cable branch
of the same firm were responsible for all cables in the northern
part of the district while the work of erecting the transformer
sub-stations and laying the cables in the southern part was
entrusted to the Siemeus-Schuckert-Werke.
although entailing a greater cost for themselves alone permits
of a reduction in the cross-sections of the distributors, and thus
there must be a particular number of feeders which wiirgivc
the best result. Let CD be the distributor of length L loaded
with c amperes per yard run with feeders A and B (Fig. 9).
Taking the usual formula for the cost of any cable as laid as + b,
where s is the cross-section, a is a constant and b is the cost
per yard of making and laying, the cost of the distributors CD
can be written as L{as + b).
But
cl-
an already found, and I-
and
Cost=L(
[sn^Kv'^^)'
4. — liOIOK WITU DlSTBinUTED WiNDINc;.
All cables are of the three.-core, lead-covered type with iron
armouring, their section being either 3x16 or 3 x 25 sq. mm.
The total length of the cable route amounts to only about 26|
miles, rather less than a half of this being laid in duplicate, i.e.,
with two cables in parallel, each of which is capable of carrying
the full load should the other become damaged.
The compactness of the district served by the station, which
is situated practically at its centre, and the favourable nature
of the load — the daily load-factor averages about 45 per cent. —
made it ])ossible for the charges to be fixed at a very low level.
An elaborate tariff, with sliding scales to benefit long-hour con-
sumers, has been arranged, the actual price per unit paid by
different classes of consumer varying between rather less than
<|-rHl. for laige power consumers and 3d. per unit for short-hour
lighting consumers.
If the distributor forms part of a circle with the supply station
for centre, the lengths of the feeders will all be
the same and this would be approximately true
also if the distributor were straight, but at a cou-
_. siderable distance from the station.
^' , C ,
The cross-.section of the feeder s,= ,. where t
is the current it carries and </ is the most eco-
nomical current density from Kelvin's law. If
L, is the constant length of a feeder the cost of n
feeders is = wL («,s-fi)- But C for any feeder
cL , cL
= and s,= - ,•
, acL \
Therefore total cost of feeders = wL,( ^ + '' •
The aggregate cost is therefore
<mn)
and it will have a minimum value when
or when 6L,
and from this
dn
acU
Kvn
L 7--:..
0,
= 0,
* Copyright. All rights of reproduction are reserved. From a forth-
comingbook by Messrs. J. R. Dick and F. Feruie.
52
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
As a numerical example take~a main (L) SOOj-ds. long'at a
distance (L,) 1,000 yds. from the station with a load of 1
ampere per yard run, and a maximum allo\val)lc drop of 2 volts.
For a certain class of cable
a=£l,6 = 7/-=£0-35. K = 40,000
(all with yard and square inch units),
/
w = 800
1x1
V 4 X 40,000 X 2 X 0-35 X 1 ,000
= r7 ajoprox.,
which means, as the nearest hiteger is 2, that two feeders give
the most economical result. The feeding points must be such
as to divide the distributor into two symmetrical parts.
If the load is disposed too irregularly to permit of the sym-
metrical positions of the two feeders giving the smallest cross-
sections of the distributors for a 2 volt drop the best feeding
points must be found by trial and the simplest way of doing it
is graphically.
Dealing with this question in general and commencing with
the arrangement of one feeder supplying a ring main or a
district forming a circular belt with the station at its centre
the procedure algebraically would be to cut the ring at any
point, develop it into a straight line, and find the position of
the resultant current, with the further assumption that half the
load at the cutting point was supplied from each side. As
already indicated the position of the feeder thus found 'gives
A
■
6
4
C
D
'1
FJ
G
H
K
\
\
b'
\
/
f
/
/
\
•k
\
the minimum drop for any such jjarticular case and is the most
advantageous. In order to complete the investigation it is
necessary to assume the cutting point at every load, for each
of which another position for the feeder would be obtained.
The position giving absolutely the lowest drop is the best
possible, but the only method of ascertaining this is by labo-
riously calculating the drop from the feeding point to the
cutting point with every alternative and noting which is the
smallest. In a general way it is easy to see that the most
favourable arrangement is when the feeder is run to the point
where the load is densest so that the sum of the moments of
the remaining loads is a minimum.
To solve such problems graphically a pol}-gon of currents
and a funicular polygon of drops have to be constructed for
each'assumed cutting point, the method being analogous to
that for finding the bending moment of a cantilever.
A clear and full description of graphical calculations of
quantities of the nature of forces or currents will be found in
Henrici and Turner's " Vectors and Eotors " (Arnold).
It will be sufficient here to give the steps of the construction
in a form suitable for the present problem without the mathe-
matical proof.
AB, BC, CD, &c., are parallel forces acting in a plane, and it
is desired to find their resultant (Fig. 10).
Take a parallel line to the direction of the forces and set off
on it the various lengths ab, he, cd, de, &c., representing the
magnitudes, of the forces to some convenient scale ; then choose
a pole^O in any'yposition and draw lines from it to each point
a, h, c, d, &c.
Through each of the extended lines AB, BC, CD, &c., draw
parallels or lines at right angles to oa, oh, oc, &c. Thus n'a' is
parallel to on, a'b' to oh, b'c' to oc, and so on.
The first and last lines a' a' and h'k' when produced will meet
each other in the point P, through which the resultant of all
the forces will pass.
The brokenMine o'a'b'r'—h' k' is calhxrthe funicular or link
p:)lygon.
Applying the same principle to find the position of a smgle
feeder the drops reckoning from the feeding point to each end
must be identical. Thus the only precautions necessary are
to keep the polar distance always the same and the startmg
lines of the polygons of currents parallel to each other.
Beginning from each end (sve Fig. 11) draw the funicular
polygons and where they cut is the position of the feeding
point. The intercept x—y represents the drop to the far ends.
The complete solution by this method involves the drawmg
of polygons of current and funicular polygons for each assumed
cutting^point, but if they are all drawn with the same polar dis-
tance and the starting lines parallel the particular case givmg
minimum drop can be recognised by inspection.
Fli: 12.
The graphic method is useful when the number of feeders n
has been determined from the formula
Vi
4Ku6Lf
(which implies that the actual distribution of the load can with-
out great inaccuracy be replaced by an uniform equivalent) and
it is only necessary then to consider the best positions for the
feeders. " For a distributing main, AB (Fig. 12), of uniform (but
undetermined) cross-section loaded as shown, .supplied by two
feeders, the construction would be as follows ■—
Draw funicular polygons passing through A and B and then
draw tentativelv several similar polygons for the points near
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908,
53
the middle so that the two intercepts between the points of
intersection GH of the funicular polygons and the line AB are
equal, or approximately so. The feeders should run to the
corresponding points on the line AB to give a minimum cross-
section to the distributor. If r is the resistance per yard, by
taking the drop v from Fj or F^ its value, and hence that of the
cross-section, can be calculated from the formula -{rxcl) = v,
where v is the maximum allowable drop and / is the distance of
each load from F,
If AB instead of being a short length of main is circular with
the supply station at the centre the procedure is a little more
complicated.
It must first be cut and developed into a straight line, and
if there are x load points, for each of these a polygon of currents
and a funicular polygon must be drawn to the right and left of
each point.
The X pairs of funicular polygons will intersect in x points.
Wlien there is to be only one feeder, as already proved, the
position of the intersection where the intercept is least will give
the best feeding point. When there are two feeders it will be
noticed that there are x/2 pairs of points of intersection corres-
ponding to the x/2 possible solutions of the problem. By an
examination of the several pairs of intercepts it can be seen
which gives the minimum drops, and thus the correct positions
lor the two feeders are indicated. The graphical construction
is given in Fig. 13.
i' m%
•,Hi^'ij, uif aif Mu;\i((ati4' m' Vk.'
C4 C3C2C1 Cjo C9 Cg C7CgC^
' An extension of the same reasoning can be used for any
number of feeders (see V Industrie Electrique, August, 1903).
One example of the application of these principles practically
is to find the best position of a tramway return feeder. It is
due to Mr. A. P. Trotter, and will be found described in the
Proceedinf/s Inst.Elec.Eng., June, 1898. The most noticeable
feature of Mr. Trotter's method is the employment of a tem-
plate of card following the curve of differences of potential.
This can be used for drawing the curves of drop for any assumed
position of the feeder and under the given condition that the
voltage at any point between the rail and earth shall not be
more than, say, 5 volts. It is only possible with a symmetrical
distribution of the cars on the track to substitute the use of a
template for the purely graphical construction already given.
In the case worked out by Mr. Trotter, where the total drop
without a feeder would have been 27| volts in a track 5 miles
long, it can be proved by his quasi-graphical process that the
feeder is best situated when connected up to the track at 3.|
miles from the central station. As will be seen from an inspec-
tion of the diagram (Fig. U) this satisfies the condition that the
intercept between the point of intersection of the voltage curves
and the datum line (5 volts in this case) is a minimum. As
Mr. Trotter points out, the scope of this problem is restricted
to the selection of one feeding point without considering
whether a greater number would not have given a higher
economy in copper. As the cross-section of the distributor —
i.e., tbe rails — is fixed by mechanical requirements the only
variables to be determined from the point of view of economy
are the number and positions of the feeders.
Although these methods for the location of feeding points
have been dealt with at some length it is not with a view to
urge their use indiscriminately but rather to demonstrate the
general aim of endeavouring to associate feeders and distri-
butors in the most efficient way with definite data so that a
minimum amount of copper is required.
It will be noticed in what precedes that the distributors have
mostly been taken as running at right angles to the feeders, or
nearly so. But in practice there are many of them running
parallel to the feeder, and it is interesting to trace the law of
economy applicable to this arrangement. The whole area of
^
^
/
/
/
A
B
K
A
^
^
^
P
-
Fig. la.
distribution has also been assumed to be split up into con-
centric zones, but the present case is somewhat more general.
The problem is to determine the best feeding areas round each
feeder, or the boundary line for any one feeder, t'.c, which passes
through the cutting points between the neighbouring ones and
itself. To begin with, it is at once clear, if S (Fig. 15) is the central
station and AB is the distributor fed at A and B at the same
pressure, that it will not be economical to carry a large pro-
portion of the current by feeder direct to B, and then tran.smit
it backwards along the distributor. On the other hand, if the
bulk is fed in at A the distributor will have to be heavier owing
to the cutting point being shifted towards B. The relative
values of the two feeder currents and the position of the cut-
ting point depend on several factors.
The volume of copper in any conductor of leniith I. and cross-
section a in which there is a current C^tlowing and causing a
drop of pressure v is as before —
CL-
Thus for any current C the volume of copper required to
convey it to any length L is proportional to . F, Fj (Fig.
16) is a distributor supplied from the central station S by two
feeders of different lengths D, and D.^, and V^ and V„ are the
voltage drops in the feeders and distributor respectively.
V, in general is much higher than V,„ the ratio being of the
order of 10 to 1.
Taking an installation at any point L in the distributor, its
current C may reach it by two alternative paths.
If supplied through D^ it will mean an increase in the volume
of copper in that feeder equal to CDi'-/K\> If supplied through
Do the increase in volume of copper would be CD'-/KV,. Thus
54
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
the saving in copper by supplying through Dj, if the feeders
alone are considered would be j^ (Do'-Dj^). 7^^ The volume
of copper required in the distributor between Fj and F., of
lenoth L would be CL^/KV,,, and a certain point X can be
found where
' CL'^ C
At such a point there would be no advantage between the twO
alternative paths. The distance L can be calculated from the
simplified expression
The remaining portion of the distributor XF^ would be supplied
most economically if half its load were taken from X and the
remainder from ¥o. Thus the true cutting point delimiting
the distances fed from F, and F^ respectively would be at M,
midway between X and F,. A similar treatment of any other
branches of the network between F^ and Fj or any other
feeders contiguous to Fj would lead to a series of cutting points,
which when joined together by a line, will form a natural
frontier to the feeding area of Fj.
In order to ensure a minimum volume of copper, therefore,
it is essential that no customer properly belonging to one
feeder area should obtain current from any other.
The surest way of effecting this is not to permit any distri-
butor to cross from one area into the next. This leads to an
arrangement of independent feeders with a special voltage
regulation for each, and whatever objections may be urged
against it on the score of insecurity of running or want of
elasticity the fact remains that such a sub-division of the dis-
tribution areas tends to a minimum volume of copper in the
feeders and distributors collectively. (A more extended
investigation of this problem by Dr. E. Mullendorff will be
found in the Elektrofechnische Zcitschrift. 1904, Nos. 1.5 and 46).
Apart from the algebraical aspect of the question it is well
known in practice that the feeders near the station ought to be
allowed to feed outwards to a much greater length than the
more remote ones feed backwards.
In modern distribution systems the feeder frontier lines have
to be determined in any case, in order to comply with the
Board of Trade regulations requiring the insertion of fuses at
th"e cutting points between all feeders so as to limit the district
affected in the event of the failure of any one feeder.
The cutting points, in default of better information, have
frequently to be ascertained experimentally so as to indicate
the proper positions for the fuse pillars. The method adopted
with a draw-in system is to place a compass needle on the dis-
tributors in various inspection pits at the time of full load and
to note from the change in the direction of the deflection when
the current begins to be supplied from the next feeder. A
record is obtained in this way of merely an existing state of
things, and it furnishes but little guide as to what the correct
arrangement should have been. It is instructive to compare
the theoretical positions calculated from the formula with those
found experimentally.
It seems a wise policy in laving out a new district to fix
beforehand where the feeder areas ought to abut, and the
condition of minimum copper is probably the most reason-
able one for defining these areas.
The arguments based on security of running and satisfactory
voltage regulation are discussed later, together with the prac-
tical considerations which influence the choice of feeding points.
ALTERNATING CURRENT COMMUTATOR MOTORS
AS APPLIED TO TRACTION WORK.*
BY M. OSNOS.
INTRODUCTION.
In recent years, the question has been largely discussed as to which
of the known types of alternating current commutator motors is
the best, especially for traction work. On the one side it was argued
that the ordinary series motor witli neutralised armature field was
most suitable for traction purpcses ; on the other side, preference
was given to the compensated motor. In addition to these two main
types, there is a whole series of other combinations, about whose
worth in practice just as much uncertainty exists. The author,
therefore, has undertaken an investigation to find what real difference
there is between one type and another.
For this purpose a series of theoretical and practical investigations
have been carried out, which are sufficient for settling many of the
disputed points. As far as has been possible up to the present,
the theoretical results have been checked by experiment, and, in
general, a good agreement has been found between practice and
theory. At present, however, the results must be regarded as
somewhat preliminary, and further experimental investigations are
being undertaken in view of future publication.
Fio. 3. KiG. 6.
The tests wei'e carried out on two railway motors of 110 h.p. at 'i.j
cycles, built at the Felten & Guilleaume-Lahmeyerwerke, Frankfort-
on-Maine. In order to compare the various schemes of connections as
fully as possible, the two motors were made alike in every detail
with interchangeable parts. Further, to determine the effect of the
number of poles, two stators and rotors were wound four-polar,
and one eight-polar. In addition to the main brushes, the four-polar
machines have a set of exciting brushes.
Of the two four-polar stators, the one has one (a one-axial) windini;
whilst the other has two windings, whose axes are perpendicular tt>
one another. The exciting winding of one stator is divided into
several parts, which can be connected in parallel so that the field can
be shifted at will. With all the stator turns in series, 1,000 volts
can be applied at the terminals. One rotor moreover is provided
with resistances between the armature winding and the commutator.
As railway moiors. we have only to consider those whose speed is
variable. AiimiiLj tin- Inst known of such alternating current com-
mutator motors ilii- following may be considered: —
1. The Series Motor with Compensated Winding in Series.
2. The Series Motor with Short-circuited Compensating Windinii.
3. The Inverted Repulsion Motor.
* Jjccture <;iven before the loth annual gathering of the " Verbaii<l
Deutsrhei- Elektrotechniker " in Hamburg. Abstracted from the
Kleklrotech nischi %e ifschrifl.
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
4. The Ordinary Repulsion Motor with the Winding in Two
Parts, also kno-mi as Atkinson's Repulsion Motor.
5. The Compensated Series Motor.
6. Motor.s with Energy supplied to both Stator and Rotor.
These motors are shown diagrammatically in Figs. 1-6. In every
case we can distinguish between the energy a.xis, to which the main
energy is supi)lied, and the exciting or tield axis. In all the following
diagrams, the energy axis will be represented by a vertical plane and
the exciting axis by a horizontal one.
In Fif's. 1 and 2, the exciting winding is in series with the energy
winding of the rotor, and in Figs. .3 and 4 in series with the energy
winding of the stator.
The arrangement in Fig. "> is obtained from that in Fig. 4 by jilacing
the exciting winding on the rotor instead of on the stator. The .scheme
in Fig. 6 is derived from Fig. 3 by applying a pressure to the short-
ciicuited stator winding. We shall now examine the above motors
when (a) starting (b) working.
Rtaktino.
1. Volt-amperes Consumed at Starting. — A good traction motor
must — before anything else — exert a powerful starting torque.
This condition in itself is not difficult to fulfil, and can be satisfied
in all the above-mentioned motors. In every case, the chief difficulty
at starting is due to the heavy .sh<)rt-cu:cuit currents at the brushes.
set up by the pulsating field. Now, the turning- moment is propor-
tional to the product of the field x current x cosine of the angle of
phase displacement between field and current. For a large torque,
therefore, it is not absolutely necessary to have a large field, but we
may have a weak field and large armature current. In all the above
motors, the field is practically in phase with the current in the arma-
ture, consequently the cosine of the angle of phase displacement
between field and current is as a rule approximately unity. Hence
llu! cosine term is not important.
If merely a large torque had to be considered, this could be easily
obtained by merely making the armature current sufficiently large,
but large armature currents mean large losses, which are not only
injurious to economy but also bad for the commutator.
Much more harmful, however, than the losses due to ohmic drop
(whicli would also occur in direct-current machines), is the inductive
pressure drop in the alternating-current machine. Even in the best
installations, the inductive drop is many times the ohmic so that to
overci)me the large inductive pressure drop due to heavy currents
it is necessary to have generators of large apparent power. More-
over, the inductive pressure drop causes a large phase displacement
between the current and pressure. This lagging current seriously
weakens the excitation of the generator, especially in single-phase
machines, which leads to a still further drop of pressure in the .system.
For very large armature currents, therefore, we must have large
generating stations, which seriously affect the economy of the system.
Since, then, each of the above motors can exert any desired turning-
moment if only the generating station be made sufficiently large, it is
obvious that a large starting torque is not alone suffi-
cient to determine the merits of a traction motor, but
also the magnitude of the necessary supply station.
I.e., we must know how many volt-amperes the motor
requires for a certain torque, or better still, for 1
metre-kilogramme (mkg.)at starting, and that motor
will !)!■ the best for which this is a minimum, other
thin,i;-i remaining the same.
We shall use the expression " volt-amperes/mkg "
( iiercfore as the first criterion for a good motor.
.Since the inductive or apparent pressure dro|)
always exceeds the ohmic many times, the latter will
be negligible provided the former is kept low. It
is sufficient therefore for a good motor to fulfil the
condition that the apparent volt-amperes for 1 mkg.
at starting shall be as small as possible. Hence in 5
what lollows, by consumption of volt-amperes we
shall in general only imply the apparent consunip-
tion. Now on what basis shall the vatious motors be compared ?
Usually it is not possible to start up, for example, a repulsion motor
as a series motor without some alteration, since the stator winding of
the repulsion motor is generally designed for carrying small currents,
that of the series motor, however, for large currents, .\part from
this, moreover, it is still a question whether a well-designed series
motor will at the same lime be a good repulsion motor. Thus such
a method could not well serve as a basis for comparison.
Now for every ratio of field to armature current, there is a cer-
tain definite volt-ampere consumption per mkg., and the author
found (sec. ' E.T.Z.," 1907, p. 339) that for every motor there is a
definite ratio of field cm-rent/armature current, for which the volt-
ampere consumption per mkg. is a minimum, for a given winding
and system of connections. From this we have at once a basis
for the comi^arison of the several motors or schemes of connections.
We design each motor therefore to take the minimum volt-ampere
consumption per mkg., determine what this minimum value is for
the various motors and so compare their relative merits.
The inductive pressure drop in all the above motors can be repr
sen ted by the following equatifm : —
("to- ■ ■ •
v=
.sL-i-»L,= iL( .s-f-
(1)
(3)
where ('= starting current.
L= self-induction calculated along the energy axis of the
primary circuit,
.<= total leakage factor,
L3 = self-induction of field winding.
Thus ;«L is the pressure drop in the energy axis and jX, the pressure
drop in the exciting axis.
Further it can be .shown that the torque of the motors can be repre-
sented by the equation
\)=Ki-h Jh^lU (2)
where K is a constant depending on the scheme of connections in a
given motor.
Multiplying both sides of equation (I) by / and dividing by equa-
tion (2). we get
Vi_|l s + 'L.lh
D~Kvi;/L '
Putting L3/L=.r
in equation (3). and differentiating with respect to x, we get that the
least value of the ratio volt-amperesmkg. is obtained whenL,/L=»,
i.e., when the apparent inductive pressure drop in the exciting axis
equals tlie inductive pressure drop in the energy axis.
For all the dilferent schemes of connections, take a motor of the
same dimensions and size of slots so that s is the same for them all,
and make Ijjh^s;
then, for all the motors,
V//D = 2/kV.5. (4)
The value of K depends on the coil-coefpcienls and on the square o
the cosine of the angle of phase displacement between the primary
and secondary currents. Since, however, the phase displacement
depends largely on the secondary ohmic resistance, and this — for
other reasons— is very small in large motors, the square of the cosine
does not vary much from unity. Of chief influence on the value of
K, therefore," are the coil factors, and this influence, is different for
different systems of connections.
The greater K, the smaller the volt-ampere consumption per
mkg., hence that system will be the best which gives the largest
value for K or the smallest value for 1/K.
The derivation of the values for 1/K for the systems in question
would lead us too far here, consequently only the results are given
in the following table : — •
1
p '\/ rz Vi
p ^ V3 Vz
gg^ ClCl2 /ciC33 Ih 1
p V.'Cs'n'i'-i \/ CiCli Vi cos-l
95,/- '•'•,1 /C3£M1^_1
p l-.irjL-f'l-/ '\/ CiCj, 1-3 COS-5
95 r 1 /ciaC^ciCn
1 /c\C\\ CjCj
CiC.,^\/ Dl Vi
1^ AlCll (^
Cl<;i2 \/ !'l "2
c,c, \/ cfa i\ ZiC,ri'\/ ;
In the above table the subscripts have the following meaning : —
JS I refers to the energy winding Zj of stator.
2 refers to the energy winding 7,., of rotor,
3 refers to the exciting winding Z;-,
whilst r„ Co, c, are field coefficients the subscript denoting the
winding producing the field. c,,, Coo. '"ti and '■i2- '"21 respectively
are pressure coefficients whose first suffix gives the winding producing
the field and whose second suffice denotes the winding acted upon.
If each winding were to embrace a whole pole-pitch, and were
wound in one slot per pole, then the fields produced by them or,
respectively, the pressures induced in them, would reach the maxi.
mum possible value. Denoting these fields and pressures as '" ideal,"
£
56
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
and
then the " actual " fields and i>ressurcs will in general be less than
the ideal and only equal the latter in the extreme case.
In general, then —
The field coefficient c ,
actual field produced by Zx
idealfield produced by Zx
and, the pressure coefficient c.r„
_ actual E.M.F, induced in Zy by field in Zr
"~ ideTl RM.F, induced in Zy by field in Zr
Hence, in above case, we have for example—
_ actual field produced by Z,
'''~ Ideal field produced by Z,
actual field induced in_Zi^byJield in Z,
"~ ideal field induced in Z, by field in Zj
actual E.M.F. induced in Z, by field in Z,
'" ideal E.M.F. induced in Zj by field in Zj
Further. . .
'' R ' '" R ' ' R '
where R,. R^, R; denote the magnetic reluctance of the path of the
energy field in the stator. of the energy field in the rotor and of the
exciting field respectively, and R is the magnetic reluctance of
the common path of the stator and rotor field.
C,2 , Co,
M]„=coefficient of mutual induction of Z, on Z,,
;M.j, = coefficient of mutual induction of Z„ on Z,,
L, = coefficient of self-induction of Z,.
L, = coefficient of .self-induction of Zj,
p= number of pairs of poles.
J- = frequency of the current,
;:,= phase angle between the energy currents in stator and rotor.
For a four-polar 110 h.p. motor, 2.5 cycles, originally designed for
the scheme of connections represented in Fig. 5, the following
minimum values of volt-ami>eres/mkg, were obtained in this way.
In one case saturation has been allowed for and in the other case
not.
2. Sparkle-ss Starling. — Since there is a definite ratio of field to
ampere-turns for each motor in order to obtain the lowest volt-
amperes/mkg. at starting, it is obvious that the field must not be
made too small at the expense of a large current. If we assume
the same field for each motor, however, then the sparking (or tendency
to spark) will be the same in each case. The several schemes, there-
fore, are all equivalent in this respect.
In order to reduce sparking as much as possible at starting, it is
sufficient to use hard carbons in the case of small motors. In larger
motors — 100 h.p. and upwards— however, it would seem necessary to
have resistances between the commutator and winding, when a
large starting torque is required. This is especially the case for
tramway motors where frequent and rapid starting is essential.
The effect of using resistances between commutator and winding
is the same for all the motors.
(To be concluded).
A NEW DRY CELL.
We have lately received from Mr. Oskar Arendt. of Berlin, some
particulars of tlie " Dewa ' dry cell, which has been put on the
market by the firm of Antori Schneeweiss. Fabrik Elektrotechnischer
Apparate. This cell possesses several points of interest and in what
follows we give some details of its construction and operation.
Minimum volt-amperes.'mkg.
Connections
as in Fig.
Allowing for
saturation.
Not allowing for
saturation.
1
3
4
5
312
312
323 COS. 5,
COS- 5j.
312
305
305
cos- Sj.
325 \.
cos- Sk
30.5
The motor in Fig. 6 can be started as an inverted repulsion motor,
so tliat a special investigation for this motor is not necessary.
Taking the volt-amperes/mkg. for the scheme in Fig. 1 as unity,
we get the following values (taking saturation into account), which
can be used for comparison : —
1 Voltamperes/mkg.
2 Volt-amperes mkg.
3 Volt-amperes/mkg.
4 Volt ampcros/mkg.
5 Volt amperes/mkg.
1
1
1-04 A.
cos- c^
cos- f J.
1
008"= rj is not very different from unity in the inverted repulsion
motor since the resistance of the compensating winding i.s usually
very small compared with the self-induction. In the ordinary
repulsion motor, however, the carbon resistance in the secondary
circuit comes into question, its influence becoming especially large
when the carbons are heated by the heavy starting current. Hence
in the ordinary repulsion motor we have 1/ cos-^a much greater than
' unity.
We Ihiis see thai, with the correct design for each case, all the above
motors, with the exception of the ordinary repulsion motor, are
practicalbj the same tcith regard to the volt-ampere consumption per
mkg.
The cell is shown in section in Fig. 1. It contains a carbon rod. a.
which is hollow for most of its length, as seen at «„ so that commimi-
cation is made with the outer air by a special tube, d. ]jassing through
the seal /. The depolariser, h. which surrounds the carbon rod is, in
addition, ventilated tlu-ough the hollow in the latter and is also venti-
lated through a tube, g, which projects into a hollow space above the
1
1
V
.
^
—
—
- — 1
^^^^^
Jissa
.CeU
^,
' '
— ■■
-
—
— — — 1"~
1
1
-^-r-1
Fui. 2.
dcpolariser. In one type vertical channels. /. have been provided in
the dcpolariser to allow of increased air sujiply and to promote the
expulsion of the gas.- In some cases a s)>ecial ventilating space is
also placed at the bottom of the cell, while instead of the tube, d.
ventilation of the carbon can be effected through the tube, g.
This sy.stem of ventilation, it is claimed, allows any free hydrogen
to be quicklv removed from the carbon while at the same time the
dcpolariser is provided with fresh supplies of oxygen, thus increasmg
both the efficiencv and life of the cell.
Three " Dewa '" cells have recently been tested at the Physikalisch
Technische Reichsanstalt with satisfactory results,. Tne cells were
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
57
105 ram. (6-8 in.) high,'^ their base area wa.s 75x75 mm. (3x.3in.)
and the weight of each 2 kg. (4'-l lb.). One cell was kept on open
circuit to ob.serve the changes of voltage, while the olher two were
each connected through a resistance of 10 ohms until their terminal
voltage had sunk to 0-4 volt. The cells \\ere then disconnected.
and their increase of voltage on open circuit oljservcd from ,Iun" 1 1 th
to July 6th of this year. In a period
of 128 days the voltage of the
open circuited cell decreased from
rSO to 151 volts, while the volt-
age of the other two cells in 86
days reached the limiting voltage of
0-4 volt. These tests showed that,
in accordance with the requirements
of the German Post Office, the limit
of their capacity would have been
reached in about 45 days. These
cells, in reaching the limiting voltage
of 0'8 volt, gave out about 1(10 am-
pere-hours, while when still kept in
circuit till their voltage had reached
0"4 volt, they gave out about another
60 ampere-hours.
The performance of this cell is shown
in Fig. 2. The author has also sent
curves showing the superiority of this
coll over the Siemens & Halske and
Hellesen cells. As, however, the de-
tails regarding the dimensions, weight,
&c., of these cells are not given, a true comparison is difficult,
and we therefore have not included them in this description.
gas instead of a vacuum for protpcfiiig the filament ; thus radiation
is facilitated and the lamps urc smaller for the same output than
those hitherto used for this purpose.
With ovens so equipped we understand that it is possiWe to roast,
grill, t(«st and stew with equal ease, and the result is in all cases'
.supeiior to ga,s or coal cooking. This we can well believe, the fumes
"LE RADIANT "ELECTRIC HEATING AND COOKING
APPARATUS.
The winter is now ajiproaching and thoughts turn almost uncon-
sciously to the days when fires of ^some kind will be a necessity.
iSomo still put their faith in the ordinary open gratc,"uthers again
believe that nothing can beat a gas tire; while others, and we think
that many readers of The Elccfrician are included in this category,
rely on electrical ajtjjaratus for thi.s purpose.
;Fio. 2.- "Le Kadi.wt" Ovkx.
of burning food are too often the accouiiianiinrnt ot these methods
of cooking.
The general aj.pearance of " Le Radiant " ajiparatus is very
similar to that of othereleetric cooking and heating appliances. Fig. 1
shows a kettle and heating stand, the latter is nickel plated and
the former is of aluminium. The heating element consists of three
lamps. The consumption is 0-4 unit per hour, and the cost, with
energy at lid. per unit, just over |d. an hour. With this apparatus a
quart of water can be boiled within 15 min., using 1 18 Matt-hours and
costing less than Jd. A nickel plated electric heater is included in
this oquir)ment. I'he advantage of sucli a heater is that the kettle
IS of the ordinary tyjie, and the electrical equipment docs not suffer
if the water in the kettle becomes exhausted.
Fig. 2 shows an electric (jven fitted with this system. Its heating
element consists of 12 lamps and the size of the oven is 13 in. by
15 in. by 14 in. The size of the side brackets i.s 12 in. by 12 in. The
consumption of this apparatus is 1-7 units per hour if all the lamps
are kept going. This works out at 21d. per hour, though by suitably
adjusting the lamp this may be reduced to Ikl. \>ct hour. This
ajiparatus, which is designed for a family of six p'eople, will, it is said.
Vic. 1.— " Le Radiant" Kettle and Cooker.
rho.se ot the last class cannot comiilain. at anv rate in recent years,
that their claims have been neglected. For theV have had the choice
o many tasteful designs and of a number of various svstems of
attaining the desired end ; each of which possesses some advantage,
ll^eir ranks have lately received a new recruit in the shape of the
J^ naciant system of electrical cooking and heating apparatus.
i he sole coucesswnaire. for the United Kingdom and the Colonies
London w''' ""''"'^^'^^"^ '"^ ^'- C- Fonteyn, of Mortimer-street,
in Tn^' ^fv,''"'' "^.^^'n'y possesses some features which do not appear
in any other. The usual wire coils, which it must be confessed in
the early days gave rise to a good deal of trouble, have been super-
66 ed by a specially designed lamp which forms the heating element.
The .special featm:e of these lamps appears to be the use of an inert
; and
oup at one and the
roast a 61b. joint and cook t«o vegetable
same time at a cost not exceeding 2.kl.
Mr. C. Fonteyn is also showing a number of other tasteful desiL'nfJ
BOOKS RECEIVED.
(Copies of the uadermeutiouei
on receipt ot pulilisheJ prii
cent, for abroad or for foreign books. J
orks ran he liaj from The Eledi-idan office, post free,
.'!;.?.'"? ''""^^ published under 2s, Add 10 per
" Logarithms for Beginners." By Charles N. Pick^^^lrtll 2iid
Edition. (London : Whittaker & Co.). Is.
" An Elementary Manual of Radio-Telegraphv and Radtotele-
phony." By J. A. Fleming, F.R.S. (London : Longm.ins, Green
& Co.). 7s. 6d. net.
5"8
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23. 1908.
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DIVIDED COHTROL OF TRAMWAYS.
The subject of divided control of tramway.s has recently
been brought forward in rather an unpleasant way, more
particularly in connection with accidents where it was
ditticult to allocate the responsibility for defects. In
the old days of horse tramways there was no great difficulty
in this respect, but the electric tramway involves a com-
paratively complicated system. There is, first of all, the
generation and supply of electrical energy ; secondly, tliere
fs the overhead system— or its equivalent in the conduit,
or contact studs— and feeders ; thirdly, there is the rolling
stock; and, lastly, there is the track. Altogether this
make.s a very miscellaneous collection from which the com-
plete system is made up, and for its efficient operation it
necessarily requires technical ability of a high order along
several different lines. Electrical knowledge does not stop
at the supply station, but is required also for the overhead
or underground system and for tlie electrical equipment
of the rofling stock. Even the track is not devoid of elec-
trical importance, although primarily it is more in the
nature of what is often termed " civil engineering." The
rolling stock, on the other hand, falls within the province
(if the mechanical engineer.
As regards the generating station, this may be put on
one side as an item which is distinct and complete in
itself. Electrical energy for operating a municipal tram-
way can very well be supplied by the municipal electricity
department, such department being responsiltle for the
continuity ol the supply up to the leeder pillars. So long
as a proper supply is given at an agreed price the method
of generation does not concern the Tramway Manager.
The overhead and other electrical equipment is not so
easily handled. In some cases the overhead equipment is
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
59
placed under the supervision of the Borough Electrical
Engineer, while the track is left in the hands of the Sur-
veyor. This policy does not, as a rule, meet with the
approval of either electrical or tramway engineers. As is
evident from the Paper read by Messrs. E. G. and J. G.
CUNLIFFE before the recent meeting of the Municipal
Tramways Association, problems involving the overhead
construction are by no means simple, whilst its design and
maintenance are of vital importance to the running of the
cars, both from the mechanical and financial standpoints.
In fact, the policy to be followed is open to considerable
differences of opinion, and such policy ought to be dictated
by the otficial responsible to the Tramways < 'ommittee for
the running of the cars.
I This remark applies with almost equal force to the track ;
for although the condition of the track is uot likely, as a
rule, to affect the running of the cars during the first few
months, or possibly years, of operation, this is far from
being the case in later years. It is not always realised to
what a great extent the life of rolling stock is affected by
the condition of the track, and where the latter is main-
tained by an official external to the tramways depart-
ment unnecessary expenditure may possibly be incurred ;
or, on the other hand, the track may not be kept in a con-
dition compatible with the views of the tramways engi-
neer more particularly concerned with the maintenance of
the rolling stock. It must be admitted, however, that,
where the paving of the tramway track, and more
particularly its outer edges, is maintained at its
initial level by means of new setts, it involves greater
attention on the part of those responsible for the repair of
the remainder of the road surface, and for that reason
harmonious working is essential between the two depart-
ments. Again, the construction of the tramway track has
by no means yet become standardised, as is evident from
the freiiuent discussions upon the cause of rail corruga-
tion, and for this reason also it is desirable that the head
of the tramway department should have complete con-
trol over the track.
As regards the electrical equipment of the cars, the run-
ning costs may be much increased by bad gearing, whilst
the safety of the travelling public depends upon the
efficient supervision of the braking equipment, which is
now more often than not electrical. This apparatus can
scarcely be placed under the supervision of a traffic
manager ; but the latter should have sufficient experience
to know whether a particular car is in a suitable condition
for service, and should at once sent! any car of which the
equipment, mechanical or electrical, is defective to the
depot for the necessary repairs to be carried out. Under
tiiese conditions it is evident that there is plenty of scope
for divided responsiliility. There may very well be a
traffic manager, an electrical engineer and a mechanical
engineer, all responsible for various parts of the service and
equipment, but whose spheres of responsibility may very
easily overlap. We think there is no question, therefore,
that there should always be a (reneral Manager, as in
company undertakings, who would lie responsible for the
working of the whole. He would, of course, have assis-
tants, who would be responsible to him for the electrical
and mechanical parts of the equipment, but they would
act in consultation with him and in accordance with his
instructions. Such assistants would not be responsible to
the committee, for the latter would deal direct with the
General Manager only. In fact, the conditions would be
similar to those pertaining to most large electricity supply
undertakings, where electrical, mechanical and commercial
assistants are responsible for their respective departments
and work under the control of a General ^Manager.
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ELECTRICAL
UNITS AND STANDARDS.
Wedncsdau, October IMh.
Second Meeting of the Confekence.
At this, the second meeting of the Conference, the chair
was taken by the President, the Right. Hon. Lord Kayleigh.
Subject to one or two small corrections, the minutes of the last
meeting were confirmed. The President announced that a
letter had been received from Sir Arthur Bigge, on behalf of
the Prince of Wales, regretting that the latter was unable to
take part in the proceedings owing to absence in Scotland.
The Secretary announced that Mr. S. S. Traustel and Dr.
Lebedeff were permitted to attend the meetings by the per-
mission of the President, and that Prof. Weiss, the delegate
from Brazil, was present.
Dr. Glazebrook (Great Britain) asked permission to add the
names of Dr. Asano, a delegate from Japan, and M. Clement,
one of the delegates from Belgium, to the Technical committee.
This suggestion was adopted.
At the close of the meeting, a reply to the message sent by
the Prince of Wales was proposed by Dr. Warburg (Germany),
seconded ijy Dr. von Larrg (Austria), and carried unanimously.
The Second PMsrARY IjNrT.
The PREsrDENT (Lord Rayleigh) then Dioved the follnwins le-
sohition : —
RESOLurroN V. — That ihe ampere is the second pi imuni unit.
Dr. GL.4ZEBR00K (Great Britain) spoke in suj)port of ihi^ resolu-
tion. There were several reasons for adopting the ani])eie. The
first was that it involved no change in the [jractice of any of the
countries represented at the present time. This course had been
adopted in Paris in 1884 and conlinned at Chicago in 189+. and, con-
sequently, very strong reasons should be given before niakirig a
change. Dr. Wolff had given three criteria which should be satisfied
by any fundamental standard, to which he wcjuld add a fourth.
namely, permanency. These criteria were (1) accurate reproduction,
(2) that the standard should be concrete, and (3) that it should be
easily reproducible. In support of accuracy of reproduction and
permanency, the ftillowing figures were strong evidence : —
Ehctro-chemical Mquivalenl oj Silver.
1884 Mascart M156 —
3884 Kohlrau.sch — 1-1183
1884 Rayleigh — 1-1179
1890 I'ellat and Potiei- 1-1192 ~
1899 Kahle — 1-1123
1903 Pellat and Leduc 11195 —
1904 V. Dijk and Kunst — 1-1182
1906 Guthe — 1-1182
1907 Smith, Mather and Lowry — 1-1183
1908 -Tanet, Laporte and de la Gorce — 1-1182
In the above figur-es the first differed considerably from the others,
but Prof. Mascart had recently explained to him (Dr. Glazebrook)
that the figure was low owing to want of calibration of a certain scale,
and that when this was corrected the figm-e came to 1-118 instead of
1-1156. He thought that the results by Pellat and Potier and by
Pellat and Leduc would not be regarded as so accurate as the other
figures given. The well-known result by Pater.son and Guthe had been
omittecl because, in that case, oxide of silver had been used as well as
silver nitrate. Thus, there had been reproduction for 24 years to a
very high degree of accuracy. Among other important reasons
for the selection of the ampere it should be observed that it was im-
portant to have the two primary units independent. This was im-
portant also in view of the fact that we might arrive at standards
which would measiu-e the ohm and the ampere in absolute units
direct. Also, in current measurements, the value of resistance did
not affect the results. In comparing the volt, measurements of the
60
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
ampere and the ohm were also necessary. The ampere was more accu-
rately reproducible than the volt because only one chemical substance
was in question, and this could easily be obtained pure. The exact form
of voltameter was not important, and it was not necessary for any
time to elapse before the instrument was ready after it had been set
up. Secondary reactions were of small importance, and there was
no temperature coefficient. As far as concreteness was concerned,
the cell had the advantage, but this point was not important. As
to ease of reproduction, the am])ere was more likely to be easily
and readily reproduced by a voltameter than the volt by means
of a standard cell. The cell was not easy of reproduction in the sense
of obtaining results within certain specified limits of E.M.F., and it
would not lead to accuracy if each person wishing to make measure-
ments were to make his own cell and go on as if he were working with
tlie standard volt. He was oppo.sed to the adoption of the cell,
because it was a change in present practice, and because the cell was
not permanent or reproducible, as shown by the following figures : —
Year. E.M.F. of Clark Cell at 15°C.
1872 Clark " . .• 1-4378
1884 Rayleigh and Sidgwick 14345
1896 Kaiile 1-4322
1899 Carhart and Guthe .. 1-4333
1905 Guthe 1-4330
1907 Ayrton, Mather and Smith 1-4323
Indirect Determhiations of E.M.F. of Clark Cell.
1884 V. Ettinghausen „ 1-4335
1885 Rayleigh 1-435
1892 Glazebrook and Skinner 1-434
1904 Trotter 1-4329
These figures were not nearly so constant as those for the electro-
chemical equivalent of silver. Discrepancies were due to difficulty
in preparation. There was also the question of time-lag and age of
cell. At the National Physical Laboratory, where 300 to 400 cells
had been set up, it was found that the differences in about 80 per
cent, of them did not amount to more than two or three i)arts in
100.000, yet in the remaining 20 per cent, there were ditferenres
as great as '20 parts in 100,000. The difficulty was that they were
not able to explain these differences. Even with the Weston cell there
was a difficulty in obtaining exactly accordant figures. There were
four chemie;irsn1ist.iiiccs in the cell, of which one was difficult to
prei)are s:ili>l.n i-i il\ . .Many of the cells changed with time, due
possibly to tin- in.^tiiinlity of "the mercurous sulphate. Some people
who urged the adoption of the cell were not certain whether it should
be a Clark or a Weston. Finally, it was most important that the
question should be settled.
Prof. LrppMANN (France) proposed an anu-ndment that the volt
should be the second primary unit. He pointed out that everybody
woiill iM- th'- rrV in iiractical work, and in that i:ase people would be
actini; iIh u iil\ iiivlcr the proposed resolution. The volt could be
measmcfl inilc;.;-iidently by meani- of a disc rotating in the earth's
magnetic held.
Prof. Carhart (U.S.A.) seconded Prof. Lippmann'.s amendment,
and submitted that in practice we used the ohm and the volt. Not-
withstanding the law it had never iSeen the practice in the U.S.A. to
base tlie ampere on the silver voltameter. Currents were measured
by' standard resistances and standard cells. It was not correct to
say that the volt could not be measirred without the use of a resis-
tance, but merely that it had not hitherto been so measured. It
appsared to be wise only to deline our units on the same basis as we
actually made our measurements. It was a laborious operation to
nsp a silver voltameter, and no one had proposed to take as a result
anything except the mean of a series of measurements. It would not
be employed for practical measurements. The most that could be done
was to employ the silver voltameter for measuring the current to be
used in connection with a standard resistance for the purpose of deter-
mining the E.M.F. of a standard cell. He believed that concordance
in the results of the E.M.F. of the Weston cell, and ijo-^sibly of the
Clark, was greater than would be gathered from the hgin-i-s jnit lie-
fore them, and it must be remembered that there had ln'cii no official
specification for setting up a Weston cell. It was proposed to check
the E.M.F. of cells against the voltameter, say, once a year, but with
the absolute balance at the National Physical I>aboratory the E.M.F.
of the standard cell was first determined, and thence the electro-
chemical equivalent of silver. This was the correct method.
Dr. Glazebrook (Great Britain) intervened to explain that when
determining the silver equivalent by means of the absolute balance
the same resistance and cell were used throughout and had no effect
on the result. It was not necessarv to use a Weston cell. .Any cell
would serve the purpose if sufficiently constant.
Prof. Carhart (U.S.A.), continuing, stated that cells had been com-
pared at Washington, London, Paris and Berlin, with a difference not
exceeding 3 parts in 100,000. Any observed differences must be due to
a difference in the resistance used. .A direct comparison of an E.M.F.
with the standard cell was much more reliable than a comparison
obtained through, an absolute balance. The time limit was not
important. It did not matter what variations might take place among
the cells made by unskilled ]jersons. The question must be considered
from the point of view of primaiy standards in national laboratories.
In any event standard cells ^^-ould be used, so that from the practical
point of view for commercial jiurpo.ses it did not matter which imit
was adopted.
Dr. Rosa (U.S.A.) said that it was proposed to lix the ohm to six
figures and the ampere to six figures, as measurements could be made
to this degree of accuracy. Cells can be compared to one part in a
million. If, therefore, the cell were fixed at I0I820 volts at 20'C.
we should fix three quantities, as at Chicago : this should never be
done again, as Ohm's law was exact and vigorous. He contended that
the voltage of the cell at 'aO'C. should be defined and fixed, and that
an uncertainty must be permitted in one value or the other ; as the
electro-chemical equivalent of silver was less often used it should be in
the figure 0001 118. If the voltage of the c?ll was declared, the.se volt-
ages could be mea.sured to 1 part in 100,000 of the ampere.then the old
position held of three quantities defined. He asked if anyone could
show how to fix the three quantities without difficulty. On the
subject of checking cells by the coulombmeter he pointed out that
cells agree with one another to a greater accuracy than they could be
checked against the coulombmeter, and further that there was every
reason to Tjelieve that cells would have the same E.M.F. year after year
when set up. Even if the life were .short, no difficulty would result,
but there was no doubt that cells had a considerable life. On the
question of ageing, he quoted data to show that a certain batch of
cells had .settled down within five days ; he expected they would
remain good for two years or more. Although the mercurous sul-
phate might be prepared by various methods, cells would be rarely
out by more than 3 parts" in 100,000 from tlie mean value. The
silver "coulombmeter was not permanent, as it only lasted as long as
the current flowed, and it determined quantity and not current ;
there was thus a theoretical objection to the silver coulombmeter.
It was not a concrete standard, it could not cu-culate, it was not port-
able, and it was laborious to compare cells with it. He invited the
Reichsanstalt to say how often they compared their cells with the
coulombmeter. and he thought that the eight years that had elapsed
since the B.O.T. balance had been checked was not due to confidence
in the constancy of the balance but to the difficulties in working with
the coulombmeter. As to the choice between Clark and Weston,
it was felt that the Clark might possibly be more stable. He thought
it safe to take the Weston as quite constant to 1 part in lO.OOt), and
that the hysteresis and temperature lag were very small. The tem-
jierature coefficients had been determined with great accuracy.
M. Eric Gkrard (Belgium) said that, as representing one of the
countries that had legalised the ampere, he would requu-e to give his
Government strong reasons in favour of a change, and no such reasons
had been brought forward.
Dr. Glazebrook (Great Britain) then quoted data for the Weston
cell, and said we must not dwell on the comparison of the work of
two laborat"i-ir^ ..nlv. but that it was fairer and more proper to take
all, and h.> li.rl. thn^fore, considered the whole 24 years. In reply to
Prof. Gcr.ird. hi- did not mean, in an absolute determination of the
volt, that it was necessary to know a resistance, but only that some
other quantity must be known ; M. Gerard had taken H. In the Ted-
dington determination the voltage of the cell and the equivalent of
silver were obtained simultaneously, the cell being primarily used to
keep the current steady. As to the argument about fixing six fig\ires in
each of the three quantities, it was not proposed to legalise the volt-
age of the cell, so no discordance could exist. He agreed that an
extraordinary concordance in the E.M.F. of the cell had been reached
between the" Bureau of Standards and Teddington, but it was re-
quisite to reach it elsewht-re also, which had not been done. He
finally strongly urged that the cell be not accepted as the second
primary standard.
After some further discussion, the resolution. " That the ampere is
the second primary unit," was put to the meeting and formally
voted. Nineteen countries voted for and four against the resolution ;
all the countries voting. The President declared the resolution
carried.
The .Ampere.
Dr. Glazebrook (Great Britain) then formally moved—
Resolution VI. — The intermitional ampere is the unvaryinf/
electric current ivhich, when passed through a solution of nitrate uf
niver in water, in accordance iriih the specification attached to
these resolutions, deposits silver at the ra'e of 0-00111800 of a gramme
per second.
Prof. W.iBBURO (Germany) seconded this resolution.
Prof. Lippmann (France) moved an amendment that " the inter-
national ampere shall be defined as one-tenth of the electromagnetic
THE ELECTRICIAN. OCTOBER 23, 1908.
Gl
unit in the C.G.S. system." In favour of this he jiointed out that
it would not compel laboratories to use the silver voltameter.
This was seconded by Dr. Cariiart. After some discussion it
was put to the meeting, but wy.s lost. All the countries voted ; two
for and twenty-one against.
On a .show of hands, the question as to the exact figure for the
electro-chemical equivalent of silver wa.s unanimou.sly referred to
the committee.
Dr. Glazkbrook (Great Britain) lln-n moved the Inlldwing
resolution : —
Resolution VII. — Tlie inicrnatiomd volt is the clectri~al pres-
sure which, when steadily applied to a conductor whose resistance is
one international ohm, will produce a current of one in'ervational
(I mpere
This was seconded by Prof. Warburg (Germany) and was carried
unanimously.
Tecunical Committee.
Wednesday, October 14th.
The seoond meeting of the Technical committee was held on Wed-
nesday afternoon, witli Dr. Glazebrook (Great Britain) in the chair.
As explained by the chairman, they were called together to consider
two important questions referred to them by the Conference — viz.,
( 1 ) Tlie exact value to be taken for the electro-chemical equivalent of
silver in resolution VI., and (2) the R.M.F. to be assigned to the
Cadmium Cell in the Note, .^s regards the first matter. Prof. RoiTi
(Italy) suggested that 1-1182 or I'11830be wTitten instead of 11 1800,
and they were met to deal with this question, though perhaps it
would be as well not to arrive at any final decision.
In discussing this matter various opinions were put forward. 8ome
of the delegates were in favour of a change, though not agreeing
as to the exact amount, while others opposed any alteration. Among
the latter was Prof . Gkbard (Belgium), who considered it an advan-
tage to keep the value for the ampere low, as that for the ohm was
in all probability too high. The German delegates were against any
change for the same reasons as put forward by them when the ohm
was being discussed — viz., that such a unit should not be continu-
ally subject to adjustment, but should be kept fixed, like the metre
or kilogramme. The difference between the international and the
true standard could, however, be determined from time to time. As
those units were to be used '' for purposes of trade and commerce,"
continual alteration would also lead to a corresponding modifica-
tion of the law on the subject. Prof. Weber (Switzerland) drew
attention to the fact that some countries had no laws dealing with
electrical units. He thought that the same laws should be adopted
everywhere.
Returning to the question of values, Mr. Trotter (Great Britain)
was opposed to the addition of artificial zeros, which were beyond
the limits of scientilic knowledge. Prof. Carhart (U.S.A.), however,
pointed out that, although in 1881 the value PI 18 was as far as could
then be determined, it was necessary to |jrogress with science, and
he was in favour of adding another figure to the present value. Dr.
KusMlNSKY (Austria) thought that, as the value taken would have
only legal weight, the actual figures were immaterial, but, as Prof
LiNDECK (Germany) pointed out, the object of the Conf(-rcnce was
In obtain international agreement. Certain discrepancies existed
l>etween the volt in various countries. .\t present, the value for
the ampere seemed to be rather above PUS, but this might be re-
duced in future. For all legal purposes a zero would suffice, and would
have tlie advantage of not breaking the continuity. Whether the
value was 2 or 3 might be determined with certainty in ])er-
haps 10 or 20 years. Prof. Lippmann (France) considered that
clianging the value of the ampere was not so important as changing
that of the ohm. The question having been further discussed, it
was decided to ask the sub-committee what value .should be chosen
for the electro-chemical equivalent of silver, should the committee
recommend any change. The name of Prof. Weber (Switzerland) was
added to tlie sub-committee, and the meeting then adjourned.
Thursday, October 15th.
On assembling on Thursday morning, the Chairman mentioned
that he would jiropose a modifieation of the wording of resoliition If.
to the Contcrence, and would also bring forward a resolution, to
make the series of resolutions more symmetrical ''That the ohm be
the first primary standard." The following recommendation was
then proposed by the Chairman, seconded by Dr. Warburg (Ger-
many), and carried unanimously : —
'\Thai the Technical committee he authorised to issue, as an appen
di.r ti< the report, notes detailing the methods which ha.ce been adopted
in the staiideirdising laboratories of the various coiin'ries to realise
the international ohm, the internal ional ampere, and to set up the
Weston Normal cell."
The committee then proceeded to a detailed consideration of the
standard specifications. The first was that for the mercury ohm.
and in this, after some discussion, the wording, " T!ie tubes must
be carefully calibrated ahm<i their length bij vsing threads of mir-
cury of different loigtlis," and a proposal to omit " The end of the
tubes must be plane and perpendicular to its axis," was adopted. It
was further agreed that the measurements of the mass and resist-
ance of the mercury were to be made as near 0°C. as possible, and
then corrected to 0"C. The correction formula
A = ,«-«Ofl+Mohms
l-0f5-6vr{r, rj
was adopted, where r^ and r., are the radii in millimetres of the end
sections of the bore of the tube. A discussion then ensued as to
whether the tubes should be filled in a vacuum or not. Both Mr.
Smith (Great Britain) and Dr. .Jaeiier (Germany) were of the opinion
that the former was preferable, and by 13 votes to 7 the motion to
i-eplace the statement that the tube must be filled in vacuo was lost.
The final drafting of this specification was then referred to a special
sub-committee.
The committee then considered specification B, and a resolution
that the last paragraph should be completed by adding full detailed
instructions as to the cleaning and drying of the cathode was lost by
15 votes to 6. The specification was then referred to the drafting
sub-committee.
In considering specification C for the Weston cell, it was decided
that the various ways of preparing the mercurous sulphate should be
fully specified in the notes, and " That the method to be employed
m,ust be one of those r/iven in the notes, and that the method must be
closely followed." The following formula for the E.M.F. of the cell in
terms of the temperature was adopted : —
E, = E, - 0-0000406( t-20)- O,00000095( <— 20)-
-i-0-00000001(«-20)^.
It was agreed that the last two paragraphs of the specification be
omitted, and the matter was then referred to the drafting sub-
committee.
The committee then proceeded to consider the question referred
to it from the Conference, I'ij. : " Shall the two zeros following the 8 in
the amount of silver deposited per second be altered to any other
figures, and, if so, what figures." Prof. Weber (Switzerland) sug-
gested that the value be altered by the addition of another significant
figure to make the figures 1"1182. This was seconded by Dr.
Rosa (U.S.A.). The question was discussed at some length, the
arguments being in most oases the same as at the previous mecling.
Prof. Roiti (Italy), however, thought that 1 part in 1,000
was sufficient for practice, and he, therefore, proposed to limit the
definition to four figures. No zeros need be added. This was sup-
ported by Prof. Gerard (Belgium), and, after some further di-seus-
sion on Prof. Roiti's resolution, it was carried by 13 votes to 7.
On resuming the sitting in the afternoon. Dr. Carh.art (U.S.A.)
moved that the figures after the "S " in definition of the amjiere be
taken as " 20." which was seconded by Mr. Trotter (Great Britain).
The chairman put the resolution that figures «ere to be added in the
specification, to make it clear'what numbers were to be taken after the
" 8 " in the value of the electro-chemical equivalent of silver for the
international ampere. This was carried by 8 votes to (i. On the
resolution that the figures " 20 " should be added, 8 voted in favour,
5 against and 1 abstained. It was decided to report these votes
to the Conference. After some discussion on wire standards, it was
decided to postpone further consideration of the matter until the
formation and duties of the permanent Technical committee had
been more fully considered. The committee then adjourned.
Third Meeting of the Conference.
Friday, October 16th.
The chair was taken .by Lord Rayleigh, all the delegates being
present except Prof. Threlfall. The minutes of the second meeting
of the Conference were confirmed.
A resolulion was passed authorising the Technical committee to
issue as an appendix to their rejiort notes detailing the methods to
be adopted in realising the International Ohm. the International
Ampere, and in setting up the Weston Normal Cell.
The Mercury Ohm.
Dr. Glazeerook moved the recommendation of the Technical
committee " 1 liat the Conference do not alter the length of the
mercury column in the definition of the international ohm from
106 300 cm. to 1 metre." This recommendation was unanimously
adopted by a show of hands.
The :Vjipebe.
Dr. Glazebrook (Gieat Britain) then stated that the Conference
had under consideration at its last meeting Resolution VI. of the
draft resolutions, and that this had been referred to the Technical
committee to consider whether the two zeros following the 8 in the
amount of silver deposited jier second should be altered to any^other
62
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
fifiires. and if so, what figures. He said thai the Teclinical com-
mittee had at first voted that the two zeros lie struck out from the
resohition on the understanding that a statement would be placed
in the specification to indicate that when precision measurements
were being made the figures following the 8 should be considered
to have a certain value. When the Technical committee came to
consider what this value should be considerable diiTerenecs of opinion
arose, and at a meeting at which 1-5 delegates were present out of a
total of 25, eight had voted in favour of putting 20 m the specifica-
tion and five in favour of 00, the Chairman and one other delegate
not voting. It had therefore been thought better to refer the
matter back to a plenary meeting of the Conference. Dr. Glaze-
brook pointed out that resolution VI. was still before the Conference,
and he cxplnined the reasons why it was necessary for the Conference
to fix standards definitely to five or six figm-es. He considered that
the international standards should approach sufficiently near to the
C.G.S. values for practical purposes. For many pui-poses four figures
were enough. It was suflicient to treat the last two figures as zeros
and so obtain units which were consistent and definite. It was pro-
posed to set up a definite system of international units. The diffi-
culty seemed to be that the international units were not identical
with the C.G.S. units. This difficulty would still remain if the inter-
national units were only defined to four figiues. He i)ointed out
that tlie Conference would be a failure, and would neglect to answer
one of the important questions put to it, if it did not definitely fix
the international units. He submitted that a vote should be taken
on resolution VI.
Mr. Tbottee (Great Britain) said that he thought a vote should
first be taken on whether foiur figiu-es were sufficient, and asked for
the numbers of the votes at the committee on this subject.
The Secret.af.y said that 1.3 delegates voted in favour of four
figures being sufficient, and seven against.
Prof. Waebtirg (Germany) .supported Dr. Glazelnook, and
■seconded resolution VI.
Prof. LiFrMAKN (France) ^\anted U> hear the arguments in favour
of 00 as against 20 to which Dr. Glazebrook replied.
Prof. RoiTi (Italy) was not favourable to resolution VI. It
might make ordinarv people think that the figure 000111 800
approached most nearly to the C.G.S. units, but to approach them we
must change the figui-e. Several countries had 0001118 in their laws,
and tl>.e committee thought that this lij;urc was sufficient and cut out
the two final zeros. He said that the Reiili.--pnstalt people feared
that the figiu-es might be altered from time to time, but he held that
it was very important that when once fixed they should never change.
He asked the Conference to settle definitely that they should be
invariable. He thought that the vote at the committee had con-
fused two things by recommending 0001118 in the resolution and
adding 20 in the specification. He saw no difficulty in the E.JM.F.
of the cell being defined more closely than the two primary units.
He was very anxious that when once fixed the units should not be
changed. He then stated his propositions as follows: (1) That
it was of the highest importance that the Conference should declare
itself in favour of fixing the units in a definite form to be henceforth
invariable. (2) The Conference should state that it did not assign
an exact value to the standards, that it was sufficient to go to four
significant figures, that it was unnecessary to add two zeros, and that
in practice the ampere would have the value 1-118 mg.
Prof. Wakbukg (Germany) .suggested that a vote should be taken
on the question of whether four figures were sufficient, and he sug-
gested that the order of voting should be, first, that the ficures be
1-118 : if that vote were lost, that the figures be 1-1180(1; if that vote
were lost, that the figures be M 1820 mg.
Prof. LtPPMANN (France) pointed out that the Conference would
have- Miccc^sins. and that it was impossible to control their actions.
Hu ili.irjlii MMi.h cirpended on the interpretation that would be
crivcii l.iici In III,, ii'sniutions now arrived at. He suggested that the
question was whether the figure should be 1-1182 or 111800, when
using the voltameter. He was quite prepared to accept the volta-
meter, owing to its constancy, and suggested that the oonstaney of
a cell one could determined just as well by defining the deposi-
tion of 1 milligramme of silver as any other mass ; as the current
which would deposit 1 milligramme of silver per second passed
through an international ohm would give a fixed voltage, with
which the cells might be compared for constancy.
Prof. Warburg" (Germany), in reply to Prof. Roiti's remark that
if this resolution was passed the public would think all six figmes
were in agreement with the C.G.S. units, pointed out that the same
had already been done for the ohm, and length and mass had been
fixed at six figures.- In reply to Prof. Lippmann, who wanted
arguments in favour of 00, he "said his argument was that it would
avoid confusion. The figm-e 20 changed the international ampere by
two parts in ten thousand. It was very important to have unifor-
mitv and to avoid confusion. He suggested that if the figures 20
were put in, a new name should Be given to the ampere. He did not
doubt that the constancy of a standard cell C(juld be tested by the
voltameter without knowing the value of the electro-chemical
equivalent of silver. He thought that for international jjurposcs
it was not necessary to use the C.G.S. units.
Prof. Lippmann (France) said that as we were going to use the
silver voltameter, and the ohm to check our cells, why not define it
in that way.
The President put the resolution as follows : —
Resolution VI. — I/ic internalional ampere is the unvaryivg
electric curretit vhirh, when passal through a solution of nitrate of
silver in water, in accordimre tcith tlie specification aUached to thise
resolutions, deposits silver id the rate of O'OOIUSOO of a rjramme per
second.
This was put to tlie vote, when 21 countries voted in favour of the
resolution, and three (namely, France, Italy and Canada) against
the resolution, out of 24 countries present and voting. The Presi-
dent declared resolution VI. carried.
The Units in General.
The Conference next considered Resolution II.
Dr. G1.AZEBROOK (Great Britain) proposed that the words " for
purposes of trade and commerce "' should be deleted and the words
" as a basis for legislation " substituted. After some discussion it
was suggested that the following words might be substituted,
namely, " for the purpose of electrical measurements and as a basis
for legislation." The substitution of these words in resolution II.
was put to the meeting, and the Secretary called the names of the
countries. The vote was unanimous in favour of this alteration.
Dr. Glazebrook (Great Britain) then formally proposed and
Prof. Warburg seconded the following resolution with the amended
wording : — . . , .
Resolution II. — As a syslevi of imits representing the above and
sufficiently near to them to be adopted for the purpose of electrical mea-
snrements aiid as a basis for legislation, the Conference recommends the
adoption of the international ohm, the international^ ampere and the
tnteriiativn'd volt defined according to the following definitions.
Twenty-one countries voted in favour of this resolution, three
(namely," America, Belgium and France) against, 2-1 countries being
present and voting. The President declared the resolution carried.
Dr. Glazebrook (Great Britain) then proposed to add the follow-
ing additional resolution : —
Resolution II..\— TAs' the ohm isthe first primary umt.
The resolution was accepted unanimously.
The Conference proceeded to consider the steps necessary to secure
imiformity of the standards in futiu-e.
Prof. Warburg (Germany) moved —
" That the Confenna approves generally the draft scheme to
estahlish a permanent Commission to secure uniformity of adminutra.
tion in relation to electnad units 'and standards in the future. The
Conference refers the draft, scheme to Ihe Technical commilt e to consukr
details and to nominate the first members of the Commission."
After some discussion it was decided that it would be advisable
to commence the discussion before the Conference.
Prof. Warburg then explained his views as to the ways for obtaui-
ing uniformity. He said that there were two courses open : one to
form a central bureau like the Bureau des Poids et Mesures which
kept the international metre, and the second was that given m the
draft jjroposals. He thought that the second method might prob-
ably be the easier to attain, but that it \\u\M not lead to so high an
accuracy as the first.
Mr. Castello (Mexico) pointed out that there was meetmg m
London an International Electro-Technical Commission which had
already established committees in 10 different countries. Six .if
these committees had the support of thcii- respective Governments,
and three more were in course of formation and would also have
governmental support. He thought that one might leave to tins
commission the work of maintaining the uniformity of the standanls.
One would thus avoid having two commissions and much w-ork
and expense would be saved.
Sir John Gavey (Great Britain) said that the International
Electro-Technical Commission to which Mr. Castello referred would
meet in I-ondon on Monday. He thought that the whole .'^ubj. tt
had better be referred to the Technical committee, who would con-
sider whether the work should be done by one body or two separ^iU-
bodies. 111
Dr. Stkatton (U.S.A.) then referred to the .second proposal wliirli
he had suggested. He said that this proposal was not in any way
intended to interfere with Prof. Warburg's, but was only tlirown out
as a suggestion. He thought that it would not be impossible to
extend the functions of the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures
to include electrical standards, the Bmeau to remain precisely as it
was now.
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
(13
Ml'. Trotter (Great Britain) mentioned tliat many countries wero
not rein-esented on the Teclinical committee, and suggested that a
special eomraittse sliould be formed to consider the matter.
Dr. GL.\i',EBROOK (Great Britain) pointed out tliat under the rules
all the delegates could be present at the meetings of the Technical
committee, and he hoped that they would come and discuss the
matter.
I'rof. Wakbi'Ri! (Genuiuiy) then moved his resolution given above
III ri'l'cr I hi- iiiatttT tn (he Technical committee, which was seconded
by Dr. ( ii.vzEiiROOK and agreed to.
On Monday, October 19, the Technical committee again met under
the chairmanship of Dr. Glazebrook. The various steps
thought necessary to secure uniformity of standards in the future
were considered, and the.se gave rise to a very int<?resting discussion,
with which wc h"pc to deal fullv in our next issue.
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION.
The delegates assembled on Jlonday last, at noon, in the Medical
]!;.\aniination Hall of the Royal Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons,
Victoria Illmbankment, London, for the first Council meetmg. The
chair was taken by Sir John Gavey, C.B., and the meeting was called
to order by Col. R. E. Crompton, C.B. An address of welcome was
then delivered by the Right Hon. A. J. Balfour, M.P.. who said that
whilst the scientific foundation of the electroteclmical industry was
common ti the whole world the actual terminology had different
meanings in different countries, leading to confusion, disappoint-
ment and ciist, and he hoped that the labours of the delegates
assembled would result in uniformity. Their work was to arrange
the tests which should be applied to different types of electrical
machines and to describe the qualities which different machines
should have. Two electrical commissions were at present sitting
in London, and as many members were delegates at both commis-
sions, there should be little difficulty in avoiding collisions between
their work. Those present were more particularly concerned with
the practical aspect of electricity ; but they must not forget that
theory and practice were more closely allied in the electrical indus-
(ry than in others. He concluded by offering the delegates a hearty
welcome on behalf of everyone in this country interested in the
electrical and allied industries. After the vote of thanks to Mr.
Balfour fur his address. Prof. Elihu Thomson was proposed as presi-
ilenl of the commis.sion for the ensuing year. This ju-oposal was
carried unanimously, and subsequently a telegram announcing the
fact of his election was sent to Prof. Thomson. After Col. R. E.
Cronii)tori, C.B., had been re-elected honorary secretary, certain
proposed modification.s in the rules were discussed, but the chair-
man stated that it was the wish of the Council that the ratification
of the rules should be postponed to a later meeting, which sugges-
tion was aceejited by the delegates. Col. R. K. CromiJton then pro-
ceeded to read his report, which was afterwards repeated in French
by llic I'rciich delegate. In this report Col. Crompton reviewed the
progress whii-ji had been made .since the preliminary meeting of the
CommissiiiM at St. Louis in 1904, the expenses of which were defrayed
by the English Institution of Electrical Engineers, and made refer-
ence to the death of Lord Kelvin, the late president of the Com-
mission, and of M. Mascart, v.'lio was to have been propo.sed as his
successor in the presidential chair by the Council. As a result of
correspondence which had passed between the secretary and repre-
sentative bodies in other countries, great interest had been aroused
in the Commission, and the position at present might be summarised
as follows : — In ten countries eleetroteehnical committees have
already been formed ; in six countries committees are shortly to be
formed ; and in six other countries the question of forming com-
mittees is under consideration.
In our last issue we gave a list of the countries which have dele-
gates at the present meeting of the Commission : in addition com-
mittees are being formed or are likely to be formed in the following
countrrcs : .\nstria. Holland. Italy. Norway. Roumania and Switzer-
land. The expenses of the central office, which has been established
at 28, \'ictoria- sti-eet, Westminster, are to be divided amoncst the
countries having eleetroteehnical committees.
In conclusion. Col. CVorapton referred to the excellent woik which
had been performed by Mr. I^ Maistre. whose appointment as secre-
tary to the Commission he asked the Council to confirm. After the
report had been read in French, as mentioned above, it was unani-
mously adopted. The chairman then proposed that, owing to the
small number of the delegates they should all become members of
the committee for considering and reporting to the Council, at its
second meeting, upon the proposals with reference to nomenclature,
standards of light, &c. This course was adopted, and after one or
two other matters had been brought forward bv delegates and
referred to this committee, the meeting terminated, the delegates
adjourning to the Hotel Cecil, where a lunch was given by the British
Committee. In the afteinoon the delegates were received by the
Postmaster-General at the General Post Office, whilst in the even-
ing they were entertained to dinner in the Banqueting Hall of the
Garden Club, Franco-British Exhibition, by the " Dynamicables."
On Tuesday the delegates assembled as a committee and proceeded
to consider the main business. This consisted of suggest ioi's regard-
ing nomenclature, the met rir system, symbols and a provisional stand-
ard of light, and the discussion wascontinued on Thursday morning.
The first business considered by the Sous-Commission (which term
was adopted instead of " Committee," owing to the confusion aris-
ing from that term in the French language), was Col. Cromjiton's
suggestions re nomenclature, which had been sent, some 18 months
ago, to the various eleetroteehnical committees. The German Com-
mittee made iiTlairi vi-i \ u I <i it i.isms, and the Central Office then
suggested thai Ihr i\|,Liii,iiioii- L'lM-n to the terms should be stated
in all the language^ ol tlir lornniitlies joining in the work of the Com-
mission. Dr. Budde ((iermany) brought forward a suggestion with
respect to the desirability of establishing some sort of co-ojieration
with a certain well-known eleetroteehnical dictionary, but after a
lengthy discussion he consented to withdraw his suggestion, and the
system on which the nomenclature is to be carried out is practically
that originally put forward li\- the Central Office.
The question of a provisional standartl of light was only briefly
discu.s.sed on account of the difficulty of adopting the proposition of
the Photometric Commission of Zurich, as the interests of all parties
concerned were .scarcely adequately represented.
The question of symbols was discussed, and also Mr. Miles Walkers
suggestion (referred to in our issue of July 24). Prof. S. P. Thomjj-
son gave a most interesting historical lecture on this subject, which
we hope to give in f)ur next issue, but no decisions were arrived at. A
few other matters of internal organisation were discussed and a
desire was expressed by the German delegates that the next meeting
of the Commission should be held at Berlin in 1910, when the German
Committee would be most pleased to welcome the delegates.
A Council meeting was held on Thursday afternoon when the
Secretary formally presented the report of the Sous-Commissi(jn to
the Council for adoption, and in the evening the delegates were the
guests of the Institution of Electrical Engineers at the annual dinner
of the Institution « liicli was held in the Hotel Cecil.
A number of the delegates have taken advantage of the invitations
extended to them to visit the Lots-road power station of the Under-
ground Railways, the Electrical Standards Laboratory of the Board
of Trade, the electro-pneumatic signal cabin of the District Railway
Co. at Earl's Court station, and the Wood-lane power station of the
Kensington and Knightsbridge Electric Lighting Co. To-day
(Friday) a visit has been arranged to the National Physical Labora-
tory, at Teddington, and to-night a number of the delegates w ill be
present at the Concert of the Electroharmonic Society.
CADIZ CANARY ISLANDS CABLES.
The c.s. " fVihmia " is no« loading at (Iixenuich with the new
Cadiz-Teneriffe and inter-island cables which the Telegraph Con-
struction & Maintenance Co. have manufactured, and will shortly
lay for the Spanish Government. The ship will leave London on
October 30. carrying 3.000 l<ms of cable, for Cadiz, whence the
laying opei-ations will commence.
The core of this cable consists throughout of a copper conductor
weighing LSO lb. per naut. insulated with gutta-percha weighing Itii lb.
]]ei- naut, and five types of sheathing are employed — namely, fhore
end sheathed with 12 No. 8 and 14 No. I wires, heavy intermediate
with 12 No. 4. light intermediate with 12 No. C, heavy deep sea with
12 No. 8, and light deep sea «ith 1,") No. LS steel wires, having a
breaking strain of 82 tons to the square inch, each wire taped and
compounded.
The contract comprises in all .seven .sections, the longest being that
from Cadiz to Teneriffe. which will take 800 miles of cable. The
other sections are from Teneriffe to Palma. Hierro to Gomera,
Gomera to Teneriffe. Teneriffe to Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria to
Fuerteventura, and from Fuerteventura to Lanzarote, the total
length of the seven cables being about 1,200 miles.
The whole route has been thoroughly surveyed by the eomi)any"s
c.s. " Cambria," soundings being taken and bottom specimens and
temperatures obtained. During the survey the Spanish Go\ernment
were represented by Mr. Eduardo Buelta, the .second chief of the
cable department, and ^Ir. Manuel Vigil.
The landing places of the respective cables were very carefully
selected, and cable houses of a substantial character are being built.
The cable has been manufactured under the supervision of Vt.
Antonio Nieto and Mr. Enrique Mweno Fajardo, and these genth
men will accompany the " Colonia "-when she leaves London.
64
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23. 1908.
THE DENNY REPEATER FOSE.
r In our second notice of the Manchester Electrical Exhibition,
published on October 9, \\c briefly referred to the Denny repeater
fuse exhibited on the stand of Messrs. Bullers Ltd., and Berry,
Skinner & Co. We are now able to give a detailed drawing of this
fuse which shows more cle.-irly the special points of the design adopted
to meet the demand for a device of this character. We need hardly
say that any convenient switching apparatus which provides for tlie
speedy renewal of the circuit through a fu.se will meet with favourable
reception from electrical engineers and contractors. The drawing
is practically self-explanatory, though it does not bring out as
clearly as we should like the excellent method adopted by the porce-
lain makers to isolate satisfactorily the internal connections of the
various contacts. The porcelain is in a single piece, and is fitted to a
spindle which passes through the containing iron case to a knob on
SECTION ON CEIITBE HUES 1 2 3 AND 1 ? 4
SECTION OF REyoiVINC DBUM SHOWN OK LINE
1.2.3 SO AS TO SHOW COHTIKUITV OF RINC
COHTACT M THBOUCH BEVOLVINC CRUM
STATIONARY PARTS IK SECTION ON LINE I 2 A.
iiMir'^
PUN OH LINE S.e
A. Top cap; B. Main case; C. Bottom cap; D. Handle ; E Brush contaci ;
F. Terminal plug contact ; G. Terminal spring contact ; H. Revolving porcelain
drum; J. Terminal insulator plate; K. Handle insulator; L. Brush contacts;
M. Common ring contact ; N. Rachel wheel; O. Pawl; P. Inspection door: Q.
Caslle;hole insulating bush ; R. Instruction plate ; S. Sealing pin ; T. Fuse wire ;
U. I'ibre guide block : V. Springs.
The Dknnv Magazine Fdse.
the outside. The position of the revolving discs is regulated by an
earthed device which is clearly shown in one of the sectional views.
The drum will carry five fuse wires, and each of these is seeui'ed tt> a
brass plug at the upper end of the poreclaiti barrel by a small screw.
The lower ends of the fuses are all coupled to a common brass ring
at the bottom of the porcelain barrel. The current is conducted to
this ring by a spring plug, tlie socket of which forms part of the ring
to which the lower ends of the fuse wires arc connected. The upper
ends are made alive by a spring brush which presses upon the top
contacts of the fuses as these are turned round into position by the
handle. The main connections into the fuse remain undisturbed
when the porcelain barrel is removed for the replacement of the
fuses. This is a great advantage in that it automatically isolates
the fuse contacts for purposes of renewal. A small window at the
front of the protecting iron cover admits of the fuse being inspected
at any time by merely turning the spring cover in front of it. The
whole device is extremely neat and should fill a distinct want, par-
ticularly on circuits supplying motors or subjected to varying loads.
The device is manufactured by Messrs. Bullers Ltd., at their Hanley
Works, and Slessrs. Berry, Skinner & Co. are the sole selling agents.
CORRESPONDENCE.
ELECTRICAL MARINE PROPULSION.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ELECTRICIAN.
Sir : Referring to an abstract of a Paper on " Electrical
Marino Propulsion " published in your issue of July 31 : It is
strange that electrical engineers should endeavour to solve the
problems of ship propulsion by means of multiple windings,
spinners and other patent devices, and not have turned their
attention to the "cascade" connection of three-phase motors,
which is now such a well-known method for other pur-
poses.— I am, &c.,
Belfast, October 15. .T. W. Kempster.
INJURY TO SUBMARINE CABLES BY STEAM
TRAWLERS.
The report of the Inter-Departmental Committee appointed to
inquire into the causes of, and to suggest remedies for, the damage
done to submarine telegraph cables off the Irish coast, was issued
on Wednesday, and is dated Sept. 28.
The committee was appointed in July last, and consisted of the
following gentlemen : —
Sir J. C. Lamb, C.B., C.M.C4., formerlv Second Secretary to the Post
Office (rhfrrmnn).
:Mi. W. I!. Culley.I.S.O., Submarine Superintendent in the Engineering
l).|i;uiiii(ril of the Post Office.
C'unimandcr G. C. Frederick, R.N., Professional Member of the Harbour
Department of the Board of Trade.
Mr. C. E. Fryer, I.S.O., Superintending Inspector of English Fisheries.
Mr. W. S. Green, C.B., Chief Inspector of Irish Fisheries.
('i)niiii:ui(lir G. M. Marston, R.N., of the Hj'drosrraphic Department "f
tlic ,\clniir.,ltv.
Mr. F. J. Brown, Secretary's Office, Gener.il Post Office, Secretary. ]
The Committee was appointed
To inquire whether injury is caused to submarine cables by the
operations of trawlers, and if so, to consider and report what steps
it i.s desirable and practicable to take to prevent such injury.
Eight meetings were held in London, and the Cable Companies on
who.Ke bi'half evidence was tendered included
Tlic .Vnnlii- American Telegraph Co.
Tlu- C'ommcrcial Cable Co.
Tlie Western Union Telegraph Co.
The Eastern Telegraph Co.
The Great Northern Telegraph Co.
The Telegraph Construction and Maintenance Co.
Tlic India Rubber, Gutta Percha and Telegraph Works Co.
Siemens Bros. & Co.
Mr. W. R. Culley (a member of the Committee) gave evidence on
behalf of the Post Office, communications were received from the
Duect United States Cable Co., the Compagnie Fran(;aise des Cables
Sous-marins, and the Deutsch-Atlantische Telegraphengesellsehaft,
while Sir Robert Hunter, solicitor to the Post Office, gave evidence on
the legal aspect. Witnesses were also examined from the National
Sea Fisheries Protection Association and other representatives of the
Steam Trawling industry of Great Britain and Ireland, including
owners and skijipers of trawlers, managers of large trawling com-
panies, and representatives of insurance and protection societies.
Models of trawling gear were exhibited and explained, and specimens
of injured cables, models of cable grapnels, and an actual grapnel.
On all sides every readiness was .shown to furnish the Committee with
infiirinatiou and lo aid their investigations. Ports were visited by
the ciiinniillc'c, ulio leport th.it the managers of some of the trawling
companies ami others interested m the industry -were giving their
attention to the question of modifying the trawling gear, with a view
to rendering it less likely to interfere with cables, as these gentlemen
are aware of the value to their industry of the cables, such as those
to Iceland, Spain, and Portugal, and as the operations of the vessels
extend they will doubtless realise more and more that their interests
and those of the Cable Companies are far from being antagonistic.
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
65
Tlie report deals with the noinmitt<?e"s consideration of tiie evi-
dence, which is summarised under two heads :—
I. — Is Injury caused by Trawlers ?
II. What Steps can be Taken to Prevent Injury ?
and the report proceeds : —
After careful consideration of the evidence, and the facts brought be-
fore them in the course of their visits, the committee have come to the
conchision that there is a strong probability, amounting practically to
certainty, that injury to submarine cables is sometimes caused by trawlers.
On steam trawlers the old form of trawl fitted with a beam has gone out
of use and these vessels now mvariably carry nets fitted with otter boards.
There can be little doubt that certain types of otter boards, and boards
out of repair, are capable of injuring cables. As the complaints which
led to the appointment of the committee had reference to steam trawlers,
the committee did not devote more than passing attention to beam
trawls : but they may observe that these trawls, which are still used
by sailing trawlers, may well injure cables if the heavy bolt-head on the
under side of the head iron is not countersunk. This bolt-head is some-
times rounded with the purpose of making it less injurious, but if it gets
broken a jagged projection may be formed which is almost certain to do
harm.
The owners and managers of steam trawlers, as a matter of fact, do
take steps to have their trawling gear examined and repaired ; but never-
theless the committee, in the cour.se of their inquiiy, found that in some
vessels there were otter boards which were out of repau-, and in others
boards to the design and construction of which exception might be taken.
There can be no doubt that such boards might do harm.
But, even if no exception could be taken to the design or construction
of the boards, or to their state of repair, it would still be a question
whether uijm-y to cables might not result from their use. It seemed
important, therefore, to ascertain, if jiossible, how the boards behave
when in use. If they plough heavily along the bottom of the sea, it is
difficult to avoid the conclusion that they nuiy subject a cable to a grind-
ing process. If, again, they lean outwards with the lower edge in advance
of the upper, there is a risk that they will scoop the cable. The evidence
which the committee have been able to gather, and a careful inspection of
otter boards, lead them to the following conclusions : — The boards do not,
as a rule, plough along heavily, but dance or " shiver "' as they advance.
Their position is not in the line of their progression but at an angle of
about 4.5" to it. They do not lean outwards ; they are nearly vertical,
with a slight tendency to lean inwards, as evidenced by the wear of the
shoes of all boards inspected by the Committee ; and, if they meet with an
obstacle of moderate bulk, the tendency inwards is increased, the pressure
of the water lifts the boards and they jump the obstacle. The Com-
mittee are of opinion, therefore, that a well-constructed board in a good
state of repair is not at all likely in its progress over the bottom to injure
a cable lying evenly on the bottom ; and this view is confirmed by the
fact that trawling vessels are constantly crossing submarine cables with-
out apparently doing any harm.*
The representatives of the trawling industry believe that the damage
is not all on one side. Then- nets, they say, are liable to injury by cables.
It would not, jierhaps, be fair to say that there is a parallel between a
defectivi! otter board actively injuring a cable and a cable passively injur-
ing a fishing net ; but it is true to say that there is no more intention of
injury in the former case than in the latter : and a trawler carrying otter
boards, even if they happen to be defective, is different from a vessel
carrying forbidden mstruments designed and intended to be injurious —
such as are contemplated by the ScaT Fisheries Act of 1883.
The question has been raised whether to trawl across the line of a cable
is to act •■ ludawfuUy and wilfully or by cul]iable negligence " within the
meaning of the Convention for the Protection of Submarme Cables.f and
it is obvious fiom all that has been stated tliat the answer to this question
must be in the negative. On the other hand. if. by rcnson of the construc-
tion of the otter board or from accident, -(unr ln.li Im.kI or piece of iron
projects, and causes injury to asubmariui- . i liN , i lie r.^nlt is very serious,
involving large expenditure on the part of ihe ( ,il)lr Company, and inter-
ruption, nuirc or less prolonged, of a means of communication which is of
great international importance. The interruption is especially gallmg if
it takes ]ilace in a cable which, within a few days, has already "been re-
paired at great ex|>cnse. It is not too much to say that the injury is of a
kind whicb must claim the attention of Governments.
The Committee have given then conclusions as to the behaviour of otter
boards when in vise. These conclusions relate to the normal progress of
the boards along the bottom. But it still remains to be considered what
happens if the steam trawler stops for any reason. There can be no
doubt that the boards then fall. The Committee have reason to believe
that they fall inwards. How far they fall depends largely on whether
they are fitted with brackets or with chains. If with the former, thev
probably fall very little, and right themselves immediately when the
vessel start.s again and puts a strain on the warp. If with the latter, they
may fall flat, but if so it i.s known on board as soon as the vessel goes
ahead, because the effect is to close the net. The gear is then at once
hauled u|) and shot afresh. Every effort is, of course, made to avoid
stopping the vessel, as it puts the skipper and crew to trouble, incon-
* It was suggested in evidence that they do harm which is not at once
apparent but which develops afterwards. This may be so to some extent,
but not so as to substantially affect the statement m the text.
t [This Convention (and the Submarine Telegraph Act, 1886, directly
relating to this matter) is given in full in " The Electrician " Handbook.
1908, pp. 490-493.— Ed. E.]
vcnience and loss. Their aim is to keep the board going steadily through
the water. There is some risk to cables, but the probability is that it is
comparatively little.
Where a cable is not lying on the bottom, but is suspended owing to
some inequality in the ground, it may, it is true, be injured by trawling
gear of even the best design and in the best condition. But it was stated
in evidence that the constant aim of the Cable Companies is to make then-
cables lie on the bottom : and to this end they take soundings beforehand
to ascertain the nature of the ground, while, at the time of laying, they
pay out slack for the express purpose of allowing the cable to fit into
depressions or inequalities of the ground.
It was suggested in the course of the evidence that a cable, hooked and
brought up for repair by a cable ship and released after the insertion of a
new length, could scarcely lie evenly again on the bottom like one which
had never been disturbed, and that the bight containing the final splice
might form one or more loops which would stand up on reaching the
bottom. The practice in shallow water like that of the North Sea is to
hold the repaired cable with a rope and ease it down while the cable ship
steams slowly away. The bight, thus laid out, forms a .slight angle in the
line of the cable ; but there is reason to believe that it reaches the bottom
without any upstanding loop and that it lies there quite fiat. In other
seas, owing to practical difficulties arising from the greater depth of the
water, this method may not be so effective, and the bight may conceiv-
ably twist into loops and not lie flat. Where this is so, the cable may be
liable to injury by the operations of trawlers, and fishing gear may be
liable to injury by the cable ; but none of the cases brought before the
committee were specifically ascribed to this cause, and the Committee
think that such risk as there may be of injury to or by loops must be
accepted.
The Committee endeavoured to ascertam why there was comparatively
little complaint of injury to cables in the North Sea. The reasons generally
given were that the majority of the cables in that sea were of a heavy
type, that the sea bottom was even, and that the cables had a tendency to
sink into the sand. The Committee think these reasons may be accepted,
but they also think that the comparative immunity of the cables may be
due to some extent to the attention which the owners of trawling vessels
on the east coast have given to the construction and maintenance of
their trawling gear. This attention is the outcome of friendly representa-
tions made to them by the Great Northern Telegraph Co., and also of the
harmonious relations between the fishermen and the cable staff of the
Post Office.
STEr.S TO BK TAKEN TO PREVENT INJURY.
Both the Anglo-American Telegraph Co. and the Commercial Cable
Co. ask for the prohibition of trawling in an area to the west and south-
west of Ireland, which according to the marked chart submitted by the
Anglo Company embraces about 3,400 square nautical miles ; the other
Atlantic Cable Companies in general terms support this request. The
Anglo-American Company suggest the following alternatives ; — (a) that
trawl-owners should alter the design of their trawls so that they may ride
over the cables and not engage them ; (6) that they should be compelled
to trawl in the same direction as the cables lie, and not across them. The
first of these alternatives is referred to later ; the second is not concurred
in by the other Cable Companies.
The above-mentioned area would not embrace the fishing grounds over
which are laid the cables of the Western Union Telegraph Co., the Com-
pagnie Fran(^aise, the Eastern Telegraph Co., the Dii' rt Spanish Tele-
graph Co., the GJre.at Northern Telegraph Co.. the 1 1. i;t-' h .\tl intische
Telegraphengcsellschaft. or the Post (Irticc. and would c.Krludc a portion
of the Azores, Weston-snpi i .Muv. mil If^nrc cables of the Commercial
Company itself. It would Inx, ,|iiii. iin.ilVcrted the fishing grounds on
the other side of the AtlaiUu . « lun I he cables of British and other com-
panies sire exposed to gi-eater risk than on this side. The injury there, it
is true, is not caused by trawling gear ; but is caused by fishing vessels,
which make it a practice to anchor on the gi-ounds traversed by the
cables. It need scarcely be said that injury by anchors is not less objec-
tionable than mjury by trawling gear. The Anglo-American Telegrajjli
Co. testify that for eight interruptions attributed to trawlers on this side
of the Atlantic, there were 43 on the other side attributable to fishing
schooners ; and both the Anglo and the Commercial Companies keep
repau-ing steamers on the nth.-r side of the Atlantic because there is more
for them to do on ih il >id( tli in on this.
Compliance with tlir i. ,|ii. st of the Atlantic Cable Companies,therefore,
while it would have llic ctlcrt of closing a wide area to fishing operations
would afford inadequate protection for cables, and could only lead to
demands for the closing of other, and, perhaps, wider areas. In a com-
munication from the Commercial Cable Co. it is stated that Mr. Heron,
manager of several trawling companies at Swansea, was of opinion that
the closmg of the proposed area of the Atlantic Cable Companies " would
not cause derangement of the fishing mdustry." Jlr. Heron states that
he had been misunderstood.
The Atlantic Cable Companies admit that proscription by His Majesty's
Government alone could not be recommended, seeing that, while it would
shut the door to British fishermen, it would leave it open to the fisher-
men of other countries. If there is to be proscription, they realise that it
must be international, and must apply to vessels of all countries. It would
be easy to refer to precedents for the imposition of restrictions on fishing
operations. But such restrictions, whether acquiesced in by the fisher-
men or not, have almost mvariably had for their object the preservation
of fish and the protection of the fishing industry itself. Even ui the case
of the International Convention for the Protection of Submarine Cables,
some of the regulations were expressly designed to safeguard the fishuig
industry ; and it is impossible to forget the difficulty which was experi-
f2
G6
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
fiK-ed in iiuhu-inf tlic viirious countries concerned to agree to the moderate
protection which the Convention inovides for cables.
But. apart from anv question of precedent and whether diiheult.v « th
other countries might" be encountered or iiot, the Committee are unab e
to recommend the proscription of the area described by the Atlantic Cable
Companies. They consider that it would be an unjustihable interference
Avith a business which represents a capital of several millions,gives employ-
ment to a bodv of hardy and industrious men, and supplies a substantial
part of the food of the iieople ; while its enforcement would involve
police measures of a difficult and costly nature. .,.,,,
The Committee hav,> cnnsidced suggestions that the position of cables
should be shown exartly on A.lmiralty and other charts, with a view to
the avoidance of traNvlin- in their immediate neighbourhood. But. apart
from anv other objections to this course, the Committee think that it
might not be of much utility in practice, as the fishermen cannot, as a
rule fix their position so accurately out of sight of land as to enable them
to confine their fishmg to the grounds between the cables. Ihus the
.avoidance of trawling in the vicinity of cables might resolve itself into
its practical prohibition in wide areas, and this, as ah-eady stated, the
committee are not prepared to recommend. , . ^, , ,
The Committee have mentioned an alternative proposal of th.- Anglo-
American Telegra]>h Co., and call attention to eertaui proposals of
the Eastern Telegraph Co. and the Creat Northern Telegraph Co. 1 hese
are all practicallv of the same kind ; and the Committw think that m
their direction lies the true solution of the difficulties which have arisen.
The fishermen, left free to fish on gi-ounds traversed by the telegraph
cables, should be called upon to do what lies in their power to make their
aear as inoffensive as possible : and they should further assist the table
Companies by carefully trying to clear their trawls when they foul a cable,
and should report* everv occasion on which they have lifted, or think
thev have come in contact with, a cable. This view is generally accepted
by the representatives of the trawlers. What is required, above all tlungs
is a friendlv understanding between the two interests : and the tom-
mittee are convinced that a great deal can be done by co-operation and
efforts at mutual accommodation.
While, however, attaching importance to friendly communication and
co-operation between the Cable Companies and the representatives of the
trawling industry, thev do not thmk this is sufficient. However well
disposed the owners of trawling vessels generally may be, there will prob-
ablv always be some who may not be ready to adopt methods which are
recognised as necessary in tlie interests of the Cable CompanieJi. More-
over, there may be excusable differences of opmion as to what is necessary.
The Committee are therefore of opinion that H.l^I. Government, by a
system of inspection, should take steps to level up the practice generally
to that which mav be regarded as the best. They think that this is
necessary and indeed urgent, and, that any expense which might be in-
curred would be justified by the importance of the public interests at
stake. The aim of the inspection should not— at present at any rate— be
the adoption of any particular tvi'e of otter board, but the elimination, in
all types, of obvious defects. " The evidence given by Mr. .-Vlexander
Siemens shows the necessity for the.se precautions. The adoption of one
ajjpliance or another may depend to some extent on the ground over
which it is expected that the trawling operations will take place, although
it probably dciiends more on the whim of the trawling skipper. In the
present state of knowledge on the subject it would not. in the opinion of
the committee, he desirable for the Government to interfere in this matter.
But all attachments should be as simple and smooth ;is possible, and in
every part of (he alter board the aim ought to be to afford no resting place for
a cable if it xhould chance to be caught.
Among suggestions for modifications of the gear is one by the Eastern
and Anido-.Vmerican Companies for a tripping rope. The Committee do
not sec their way to recommend this suggestion, but they mention it as
indicating a direction in which improvements might possibly be sought.
At all the ports visited by the Committee, as well as at the inquiry held
in London, the representatives of the trawling industry acquiesced in the
suggestion that there should be Government inspection. At the s^ame
time, they urged that it should be carried out by independent officers
well acquainted with the requirements of fishermen, and that as a matter
of fairness it should extend to foreign vessels. Doubtless they are right.
There can be little doubt that an arrangement with other countries is
necessary, and the Committee think that eventually there may have to be
a formal International Convention if the inspection is to be permanently
effective. Without such a convention an Act might, it is true, be passed
to make it illegal for foreign trawlers carrying injurious trawlmg gear to
land lish ill the yiorts of this country. But legislation of this kind would
be difticiilt to carry out,and would give rise to much ii-ritation and dispute.
It would be an extraordinary thing for this country, moreover, to pass a
law which, while directed against the foreigner, was not in defence of
purely British interests, but in defence of an interest which to a large
extent is not British. It is obvious that the question is international.
If compulsion of any kind were found necessary, a conference of the
countries concerned would doubtless have to be held to settle the terms
of a convention. The subject is too much beset with difficulties to per-
mit of an understanding being arrived at in any other way.
It will be for the Cable Companies on their side to consider how far
they should substitute a somewhat heavier type for the existing cables
in certain areas. The Anglo-American Co. have already adopted this
precaution. The Great Northern Co. and the Deutsch-Atlantische
Tclegraphcngescllscliaft have also in certain cases substituted heavier
types of cable for previous types which they found liable to damage,
with the result that such liability is found to have diminished.
Tlie report concludes with the following : —
.S'Hmmory.— (o) The Committee are of opinion that mjury is sometimes
caused to submarine cables by otter boards of certaui types and boards
out of repair, and br beam trawls with defective trawl-heads.
(b) They think that there would be little risk of injury from trawls of
either kind if they were always suitably constructed and in good condi-
(c) They find that the owners of trawling vessels are generally willing,
■and indeed anxious, to modify theu: trawling gear with the view of
minimising the risk. . .
(d) They arc not (irepared to recommend the proscription of any area
beyond territorial limits.
(p) They recommend that all Cable Companies should (as certain coni-
iianies and the Post Office have already done) establish friendly relations
with the fishermen who frequent the waters in which their cables are laid ;
while the fishermen on their part should try to clear theu- trawls when
they foul a cable, and should report the position of any contact with a
cable. . . J ,
(/) They recommend that a system of Government mspection of the
gear of trawlers be at once instituted,
ig) They recommend that steps l)e taken through the diplomatic
channel to invite neighbouring foreign States to adopt a similar system
of inspection. , r^ i i
(h) They think that eventually an International Conference may be
necessary "to settle the terms of a Convention on the subject.
(0 They recommend that the Cable Companies should consider the
question of substituting heavier types of cable in the areas affected.
The report is signed by all the members of the Committee, and
places on record an expression of the Committee's thanks to their
secretary, Mr. F. J. Brown, who has spared no time or trouble t..
assist them in their labours, and whose zealous and able co-operation
has been of the greatest possible value.
A number of inteicsting appendices accompany the report.
* They might rejiort to the post nffice of the port where they first touch,
in v/hich case the postmaster should be instructed to report to the Secre-
tary, General Post Office, who would inform the Cable Cojnpany con-
cerned.
CROYDON PUBLIC HALL LIGHTING.
Various improvements have recently been carried out at the
Croydon (Surrey) Public Hall, including alterations of the electric
lifli'ting installation. The supply is taken from the mains of Croy-
don Coriioration. at a pressure o"f 200 volts (a.c). a separate mam
liaving Ix-eii brought into a convenient position under the stage from
the substation in Welleslev-road, which ensures an efficient supply.
The main control is by a 100 ampere D.P. Berry-Skinner switch uf
the " push-pull " type.
The arrangement of the lighting is as follows ;— Float : 81 lamps C?
white. 27 red, 27 blue) ; Front batten : 81 lamps (27 white, 27 red, 27
blue). Centre batten : 27 lamps (all white) : Back batten : 27 lamp-
(all white); Proscenium: 7 lamps (all white), each side ; three stage
plu''s (three ol Moy's ironclad two-pin tvpe, each available for temporary
and"poitable lightmg. hanging lengths. &c.); two ditto arc (concentric)
for sta^e arcs, which are provided with the usual coloured mediums. &c.
Six orchestra plugs are fitted, available for lighting the music stands.
The current for the stage arcs is transformed down to 70 volts, and each
arc has a choker in circuit for regulation purposes.
The wiring throughout is enclosed in heavy gauge screwed conduil,
with substantial inspection boxes, and the conduit system is efficiently
earth connected. The float and proscenium circuits are taken back to
an eight-way d.p. ironclad fuse board in the di-ess>ng room below tlu-
stagef fitted with porcelain clip-type fuses for easy replacement. The
ironclad stage plugs are each wired on a separate circuit and protected by
a clip-type fuse in a three-way ironclad distribution board fixed below the
stage ' The battens are supplied from suitable imnclad connecting boxi-s
and arranged to raise and lower \<y mr:,n~ of winches. The general
control is from a main switchboard tis-l -n - pUtform, under which arc
placed the licjuid dimming resistances (ut the Lib.-st Lyons type) operated
by hand wheels fixed in a convenient position under the mam board.
"The main switchboard is of the single pole type, enclosed in a subs_tan-
tial oak case, with sliding front, and is so arranged that by means of the
knife type switches complete control of the lighting is obtained. ' Mam
and " blacking out " switches are provided, and any or all of the whto
or colours can be dimmed as required. By means of a two-way switch
fixed on the same board seven of the lamps on the centre batten can l.c
controlled as working lights. The whole of the switches and ' bus bars are
fitted on two polished slate panels, secured to angle iron standards, ami
the wiring behind is totally enclosed in a large u-on case, mto which tlie
different conduits enter and are securely fixed. All the wiring connc.--
tious are made on the front of the switchboard by means of sweating lugs
The " return '■ fuseboard is fixed above the main switchboard, and
consists of " hand-grip " porcelain clip fuses enclosed m an iron case.
The battens, proscenium and hangng lengths, &c., are of the Imper al
Lighting Co.-s special fireproof type. The contractors for the work were
Messrs. J. & T. Robinson, 51, George-street, Croydon, to whom we are
indebted for the above particulars.
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
67
PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.
LONDON & DISTRICT ELECTRICITY SUPPLY BILL.
In the Housi-of Commojison .Monday, Mr. H. Keari.ey, Parliamentary
Undor Sfif relary of the Board of Trade, moved " That it be an in-
struction to the Committee to insert in the London & District Electricity
Supply Bill a provision conferring purchasing powers on London County
Council. That any person affected by such a provision shall be entitled
to be heard before the Committee upon any petition presented not later
than Oct. 22." The promoters (said Mr. Kearley) had been told that
the Government would give the Bill no support unless they accepted
that mandatory instruction, and these terms had been accepted by the
])romoters.
Mr. J. Rowlands moved an amendment to leave out " London County
Council," and insert " a central authority composed of representatives
of the municipal authorities owning their electrical supplies within the
area covered by the Bill." He said the area covered by the Bill was
three times as large as the administrative area of London County Council,
and in that area were many authorities which had created their own
municipal supj)lies. He complained that the Government were support-
ing a Bill which not only empowered a private concern to go into areas
outside London but gave to those outside authorities no right of repre-
sentation on the body which might eventually owti the undertaking.
The Bill took in .5L947 acres in Essex, with a" population of 708.()9(i ;
32,414 acres in Kent, with a population of 2 1 4,-503 : 2.5.232 acres in
Surrey, with a (lopulation of 28(),.521 ; and .52,1)71 in .Middlesex, with a
population of (iOOjIfiS. Those areas were to have no representation,
although in numy cases the local councils had their own electricity sup-
ply. He wanted representation in case they did not get their larger
London bill.
Mr. Whitehead said the Board of Trade should take a wider view.
There was a tendency more and more for manufacturers to set up their
works outside the London boundary. If the bill weie passed, there
would be an enormous extension of industrial activity which would
increase the relative importance fif the outside areas. He protested
against the outside districts being made in any way tributary to London
County Council.
Sir .J. Be.vn said the adiministrative County of London constituted the
most important part of the area of supply. He wished to see done for
London what had been done with such eminent succe.ss for Newcastle-
on-Tyne. The supply of electricity in bulk had made the business of
that city advance by leaps and bounds.
Mr. Radford said that Mr. Rowlands proposed to set up for electrical
supply a second Water Board, the greatest fiasco ever attempted in the
name of local government.
Sir E. Cornwall thought the dcl)a(r shounl how difficult the whole
matter wa.s. The instruction had lirm |mi{ .Ihhu because a great desire
existed that the undertaking should \n- |Hiiriia>able, not by an unknown
and uncreated body, but by the central authority which controlled the
largest area and the largest supply. It would have been far better if the
London County Council had been left to .settle the tpiestion, but the
municipal solution of that great problem having been considered impos-
sible, he maintained that it was not just to deny to London the right to
bring itself into line with the other great cities of the world.
.Mr. Bonar Law said if Mr. Kearley would add the words •' or some
other body to be appointed by Parliament," he would vote for the instruc-
tion, otherwi.se he must vote against it. It was true the population
within the London County Council area covered by the bill was far more
inv|)ortant at the moment than the population oiitside. but a constant
change was going on, and it by no means followed that the business done
by the new company in the County Council area would be tlie most im-
portant even under existing conditions of population. The comiianv
could only enter into competition with exist-ng bodies supplying elec-
tricity on terms so onerous that for practical pur))03es .such competition
was out of the question. So that, obviously, their business would not
grow in districts now well supplied. There' was, as another considera-
tion, a po.ssibility that the nnmicipal tendencies of time might run their
course, and that it would come to be regarded that the best way of run-
nmg these businesses wa-s to lea.se them to private enterprise. Supposing
that happened, and the undertaking was actually leased, was it proposed
that the money payment for the lease was to be given, not the districts
where hte money was made, but to London County Council, which had
nothmg to do with the way in which it was made ? If the bill was to go
through, and if there was to be a purchasing authority, it was only just
that that ]iurchasing authority should be decided when Parliament" knew
what the conditions were to be.
Mr. Churchill thought the House would feel that, whatever might
he thought or said about the I.rf)ndon & District Bill on its merits the
debate had been conclusive with regard to the special point before the
House. Mr. Bonar Law had suggested an addition to the instruction.
He did not see any grave objection to those words in themselves, but he
would recommend the House not to adopt them. The Government
were seekmg to mdicate a general policy in the future. They were seek-
ing to affirm a principle which would certainly govern these bills so far as
they nvght jirogresa, and which might govern other bills if the.se bills
should not reach maturity. That principle wa-s that ultimately (and
tor his part he hop3d as soon as possible) there should be one combined,
extensive, uniform system of electrical supply for London— for the
metropolitan area— and that the supply should" be under the control of
the government of London. However they might ditfer upon the main
question, surely all tho.se who, from every point of view, would wish to
champion the general and large progressive interest of London govern-
ment could unite in pointing to the London County Council as the future
main authority over the electrical supply. They had to think of the
interval, and they were proposing to assign to a" public body purchase
riahts over a priv.ate undertaking, and those rights did not operate until
1 good number of years had passed. What -a -safeguard it was to the
public interest to vest those rights clearly and unmistakably in a power-
ful and existing bo ly public, and not to lease it to an embryonic creation
which had not yet come into being, something vague, which a Parliament
of the future might possibly, or might not, create. There were 77 local
authorities within the area, and of these 35 did not own electrical under-
takings and so would not be represented at all, including the City of
London, Westminster, Paddington. and a great part of central and
southern London.
The House divided, and there were for the amendment 86. ag.iinst 174.
majority against 88.
Mr. LouoH hoped the Prime Minister would give the House another
opportunity of considering the question. He proposed tramway terms.
Let seven or 14 years more be added, but the great thing to establish was
that under tramway purchase there was no goodwill. If they knocked
out the goodwill the Government would effect a great deal in connection
with the bill.
Mr. Churchill said he agreed with a great dealthat had fallen from
Mr. Lough. He (Mr. Churchill) had never desired to commit the House
or the Committee, the Government or the Board of Trade, to the support
of the Bill as it stood upon its merits, but he had desired to press and
urge u|)on the House the proper, scieutilic and regular consideraticm of
this important and comiilicated question if the only nieth.od in which
justice could be done to such a proposal — namely, by careful and imjiar-
tial examination at the hands of a Select Committee rf the Hou.se. No
one denied that it would be of immense practical benelit to millions of
people if cheap and abundant electricity could be supplied on terms more
in accordance with those possessed by other great cities, and everyone
knew that there was no immediate prospect of that object being obtained,
except by means of the proposals liny liad before them. The question
of the purchase terms was a luoMt i .juiplicated one. There never had
been a purchase clause in a bulk supply bill before, but he was prepared
to say that the purchase terms in their present form were not satisfactory,
and it would be the duty of the Board of Trade to represent that before
the Committee. He agreed that clause 77 was objectionable. Every
clause of the kind had been objected to by the Board of Trade, and he
was prepared to give the House a pledge that, if that clause appeared in
the bill when it came back to the House, he would not only not support
it, but would counsel the House to reject t'le bill. But all these matters
would be examined before the Committee, and the House and the Govern-
ment would remain perfectly free to take their own course when the bill
came back.
The House then divided on the instruction, and there were for the
motion 212. against 79, majority 133.
The London & District Electricity Supply and the London (West-
inin.ster & Kensington) Electricity Supply Co.'s Bills h^ive been set
down for second reading on Nov. 7.
THE POST OFFICE AND THE NATIONAL TELEPHONE CO.
In the House of Commons the Postmaster-Ckski: u. ^( itc 1, in reply to
questions, that it was not a fact that the Nation il i'l 1. plione Co had
suspended their construction work ; but they li id ,^t in I that it was not
to their interest to undertake the construction of iic« plant which would
not be likely to be brought into use before the end of their licence, and
he (Mr. Buxton) had been informed by them that in consequence they
would find it necessary to make some reductions in th-ir eo.nstniction
staff. The question of providing for the proper development of the tele-
phone system and the continuation of the work of construction had
received careful consideration. LTnder an arrangement come to in the pur-
chase agreement of 1905, considerable systems of underground wires
had been and were being constructed by the Post Office, and leased to
the company on rental terms until 191 1, so as to facilitate the due exten-
sion of the telephone system, while at the same time making provision
for new construction to meet the public requirements after 1911. A
special arrangement for the proper development of the telejjhone .sys-
tem in the Glasgow area by the company and the Post Office in co-
operation had been'nearly completed. He understood from the company
that the discharges which had so far taken place, apart from those due
to misconduct or incompetence, or to the termination of temporary
employment or employment for certain special purpo.scs, had been
mainly caused by an exceptional falling off in orders obtained from the
public consefpient on the recent depression of business, .\rrangements
were being made to give employment in the Post Office service to coiu-
])etent workmen discharged from the company's service when they
could be usefully employed. Employment had been found in the Post
Office during the la.st six months for more than 100 of the men discharged.
ALDGATE-BOW TRAMWAYS.
In the House of Commons on Monday .Mr. S. Straus asked the
President of the Board of Trade whether he had decided to issue a new
licence to London County Council to run trams on the " G. B. ' surface-
contact system from .-Vldgate to Bow, as the present provisional license
was only granted for six months ; and whether he wms aware that the
London County Council had had an expert's opinion upon the present
system, which stated that, even had the line been laid exactly similar
to the one at Lincoln, the difficulties and dangers that had occurred
would have been much the same.
Mr. Churchill : No application had been made from the County
Council for a renewal of the sanction provisionally given to the working
of the system for six months. I have no information as to the matter "
refeiTed to in the last part of the question.
68
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
LEGAL INTELLIGENCE.
Geipel & Co. v. Russell and Emerson.
Last week tins action caine l.efoie Mr. .Ti.stice Ridley and a special
iurv. Plaintifts claimed against Mr. Emerson as acceptor and Mr.
Russell as drawer of two bills of exchange for £50 each, alleged tx,
have been civen for certain electric wiring material supplied by plain-
tiffs to defendant Russell. Plaintiffs also claimed £79. 14s. 7d. balance
value of goods sold and delivered.
Defendants case was that the cables were sold on the condition oi
warranty that they should be 600 megohm grade, merchantable and
tit to be used for electrical purposes. The wiring was used by
defendants for carrying out certain contracts for wiring houses on the
New Estate, Barnes. Defendants allegation was that the wiring was
defective, and that plaintiffs were not entitled to p.aymeiit. In con-
sequence, it was alleged, a contract for wiring 300 h""^'^!""/''^.^'^™^
estate, and on which there would have been a i>roht ot ±.1,^UU, «as
lost. Plaintiffs denied that the wiring was sold on the condition
mentioned. ,. . , , , , i u i ■
Mr W Geipel said there were three qualities of cables sold by his
firm— 300 600 and 2,500 m. None of the men in his employment had
authoritv to give any warranty, and there was no suggestion made
that there had been a warranty until the affidavits were hied.
Mr. SvLTBiCK (plaintiffs' manager) said the wire w.is bought from
sample and purchased as a job lot. He gave no warranty whatever
9s. 6(1. to 10s. 6d. per point was a fair price for wiring. He thought
it would be impossible to make a )irofit at 5s. per point.
Other witnesses for plaintiffs having been called.
His Lordship decided that there was no case against Mr. Jimerson,
and dismissed the action as against him. ^, ,, »
Mr. CoMPTO.x Smith, counsel for Mr. Russell, said his client had lost
an extremely valuable contract. It was when the tenants took the
wired houses that complaints were addressed to Mr. Russell.
Evidence for the defence having been given, the jury found tor
plaintiffs for £141. 10s.
Traction Corp. (Ltd.) and Robt, Brown v. G. Bennett.
Before Mr. Justice Parker on Moiidav, plaintiffs sought a declaration
that the patent taken out by defendant in October, 1905, in reference to a
horizontal lever for surface contact was in fraudulent prejudice of plain-
tiffs' rights, and that the patent was bad by reason of disconformity
between the provisional and complete specification. An injunction, to
restrain defendant from dealing with the patent, and damages were also
claimed. , , , ,
Mr. \V.u.TER. K.C., for the defence, contended that the action must
fail, as plaintiffs had not asked for rectification, which they could not do
without the fiat of the Attorney-General.
Mr. iSniPSON, for plaintiffs, said that all he wanted was a declaration
that the patent was in prejudice of plaintiffs' rights. On July 25 plain-
tiffs patented a horizontal lever for surface contact, on Aug. 12 defen-
dant completed a full-size drawing of it, in which the horizontal lever
was shown, and on Oct. 14 filed his complete specification, which con-
tained the horizontal lever though the provisional specification did not.
His l.Muii^iiir said the action must fail. Fraudulent prejudice of a
plaint lit- luld- was a well-known ground for revocation, but ciicuni-
stancc- whirh i;;ive a right to revocation did not arise on the present
statement of claim. The dedaratiop he was asked to make would not
give any right of relief at all. Plaintiffs admitted they could not ask
for an injunction, and he could not grant damages, a,s there was no
allegation of fraud at common law. He dismissed the action, with costs.
Mersey Railway Co. v. British Westinghouse Co,
Last week this case came before a Divisional Courtt the Lord Chief
Justice and Justices Bighain and Walton) on a case stated by Lord
DUnedin, who acted as umpire in an arbitration between the parties.
Mr. Ckipps, K.C, for the British Westinghouse Co., said his clients
were satisfied with the findings of the umpire, though there were certain
points of law on which it was desired to obtain the opinion of the court.
First, the Mersey Railway Co., which was changed by the British Westing-
house Electric & Mfg.Co.(ealled the contractors) fi-om a steam to an electric
railway, claimed for a renewal fund certain sums, but the point was de-
cided by the umpire m'favour of the contractors. Secondly, there was
£5,000, which the company paid to the chairman for his services down
to 1905. The contractors objected, but the umpke decided against
them, and they did not wish to dispute the finding. The Mersey Co.
had obtained during the period of transition certain goods from the
contractors which were outside the contract, and the contractors claimed
to be entitled to set off the value of these goods against the sum due to
the Mersey Co., and as whatever construction might be put upon the
contract, the Mersey Co. contended that they were entitled to damages
for non-payment ; but the umpire held that interest only was jiayable.
He submitted that the findings of the umpire were correct.
Sir. ASTBURV, K.C, for the Mersey Co., said that when his clients
decided to electrify the line, at a cost of about £750,000, there was a
large debenture debt, and as the working of the line would be interfered
with by the conversion, it was impossible for them to pay the debenture
interest unless the contractors, whilst they were carrying out their con-
tract, undertook to provide money to pay the interest, and that under-
taking they accordingly entered into.
The Lord Chief Jcstice, in giving judgment, thought the contention
of the Mersey Co. as to a renewal fuad could not be sustained. What
the aoTcement authorised was the deduction from gross revenue of all
" fair "and proper working expenses, establishment charges, and all such
other expenses as have hitherto been so charged in the company s
accounts against gross revenue." He thought it was going too far to
say that those words authorised the deduction from the gross revenue
of sums to be allocated to a renewal account. He agreed with the
umpire that the right to make those deductions did not arise under the
words " working expenses." The second jjoint was the question of set-
off The umpire held that there was nothing to exclude the contractors
from availing themselves of the ordinary rules as to set-off, and he saw-
no reason to disagree with the umpire. The contractors were bound
under the contract to pay certain sums as certified by accountants to
the Mersey Co. for the payment of debenture interest, but the supply ot
goods or materials to the Mersey Co. was entirely outside the contract,
and he could see nothing in law to prevent the contractors from settmg
off the price of those goods against the payments. That point also must
therefore be decided in favour of the contractors. The thud pomt was
whether the company was entitled to damages for the non-payment ot
certain half-yearly payments which ought to have been made under the
contract and the "non-payment of which made it necessary for the com-
pany to obtain the money elsewhere. In his opinion the Mersey to.
were entitled to damages in regard to the failure to make these payments
and the contractors were entitled to succeed on the first two points and
the Mersey Co. on the third.
Mr. Justice Bigham and Mr. Justice Walton concurred, and the case
was remitted back to uniiiire accordingly.
MUNICIPAL, FOREIGN & GENERAL NOTES.
APPOINTMENTS VACANT AND FILLED.
Applications are invited for the position of head of the depart-
ment of P.iysics and Electrical Engineering of the Victoria Jubilee
Technical Institute, Byculla, Bombay. Engagement for five years.
Salary. R.600 rising to R.800 per mensum. Applications to the pro-
visional hon. secretary to the Board of Trustees (Jlr. D. E. Wacha)
by November 30. Particulars, with forms of application, &c., may
be obtained at the offices of Tlie Electrician, I. 2 and 3, Salisbury-
court. Fleet-street. London, E.G. See also an advertisement.
Johannesbiug (Transvaal) Corporation have appointed Mr. G.
Tyrrel as tramway manager at £800 per annum.
Mr. J. P. V. Madsen. D.Sc. (Adelaide), lecturer in electrical engi-
neering at Adelaide University, has been appointed to the P. N.
Russell leetiu:esliip in electrical engineering at Sydney University.
Mr. H. Moore has been appointed assistant lecturer in physics
and :\Ir. B. F. Baker has been elected demonstrator in metallurgy at
King's College, London.
EDUCATIONAL NOTICE.
Whitworth Scholarship and Exhibition Competitions.— The Council
of the Association of Teachers in Technical Institutions recently
drew the attention of the Board of Kducation to the conditions of
the Whitworth Scholarship and exhibition competitions and ex-
])ressed the general belief that the competitions are not now in full
accord with modern requirements of engineering study and training.
Therefore, the Council had drawn up })roposals which might be taken
as embodying the views of all engineering teachers in the Associa-
tion and some others outside it, as well as several engineers who are
Whitworth Scholars.
The objects of the proposals are to prevent mere cram, and to en-
courage systematic training, as well as to give preference to engineering
subjects a"s such. Thev are also intended to encourage regular workshop
engineering, extending" over at least 36 months, for it is believed that
Sir Joseph Whitworth intended to encourage the practical mechanical
engineer. It is also felt that a modern scheme of trammg for mecha-
nical engineering is incomplete which does not give an opportunity tor
considerable electrical engineering study and practice. It is hoped
that the Board of Education will see its way to accept the exammations
ot the City and Guilds of Loudon Institute in electrical engineering.
The following are the prmcipal changes proposed :—
1. Introduction of a qualifying test.
2. A " special " freehand drawing examination to be held.
3. Division of subjects into two groups.
4. A new scale of marks.
5. " Relative value " factoi-s.
6. Introduction of electrical engineermg as a subject.
7. More rigorous workshop qualification.
8. The deletion of building construction and drawing, and naval archi-
tecture as not strictly belonging to mechanical engineering.^
After submitting a proposed examination scheme, the Council urges
that candidates' credentials in this matter should be very carefully
investigated, and, further, that the time spent in the workshops of a
mechanical engineer shall not be less than 36 months. Under the pre-
sent rule it is possible for a candidate to qualify with 18 months' shop
practice.
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
69
Aberdeen.— The Lord Provost (Sir A. J^yon) on Tlnirstlay last
formerly inaugurated the new high-tension plant at Ferrvhill for
lighting the Cults district.
On .Tan. 1 last the Corporation took over the Deeside & District Elec-
tiirity Supply Co.'s undertaking, with a view to increasing the load on
the Feiryliill station and reducing generating costs. The enerev from
llie new jilanl ii transmitted at (!.()()(» volts to Cults and there reduced to
•140 volts and transformed to 2.'t() volts d.c. hy two oO kw. nir)lor gene-
rators for lighting. Since the (lorporaiicui took over the area the siTpitlv
his hecu extended to Miu-tle. and suhstanlial reductions have been made
111 the .h.OL'r... It is .■xpcrted to also supjily (Vaignton and Culter by
.iliniit ihc^cii.i ,,t the |)resc-iit month. The new ))lant at Fcrryhill coni-
|iriscs Iwo^lOII kw. Brush motor alternators, the cables were .supplied bv
(he British Insulated & Hclsby ( 'abl.-s and Ih,. swit.-hhoards by Ferranti
J.iinilcd.
Acton.— The Klectri(it\ cummiltee have decided to e.xtend the
mains to Park-road Kast t.. supply the Century Laundry, .subject to
a deposit of 5 per cent, on tiic capital expenditure, part of which will
be returned when other consumers are secured a.s the result of the
extension. This is to be regarded as the future policy of the com-
mittee.
The Local Cjovernment Board have informed the committee that it
confirms the decision of the auditor, in surcharging two members of the
Council who signed the order on the bank for the payment of £10 to the
electrical engineer as an honorarium in respect of extra services ren-
dered at the Electrical Exhibition, but on this occasion the Board exer-
cised its eciuitable right and had decided that it was an amount which
should be faurly and equitably remitted.
Alloa.— The accounts of the electricity department for the year
ended May L5 last, show total capital exjjenditnre £9.843(inerease £55)
Revenue was £1,245. expenses £1,151 (£1.013 for current taken in bulk
from BntLsh Electric Plant Co.), gross profit £94. £551 was required for
interest on and instalment of loans and the deficit of £457 has been met
by the transfer of that sum from the gas undertaking. Total units sold
were 88..'!95 (against £83,951 in previous year). The maximum sunnlv
dcnianded was 90-20 kw. (98-.55kw.) HJ
Argentina.-The "Review of the River Plate" states that the
Senate has approved a bill authorising the exiienditure of |98.000
on new telcgrajih lines in the province of Santa I'V.
Congress has authorised Mr. O. Frankc to extend into Bueno.<: Ayres-
City his La Plata-Avellancda electric railway.
Artistic Telephone Poles.— At the recent exhibition of the G P 0
Arts Club the Postmaster-General (Mr. S. Buxton), who performed
t le openmg ceremony, said that the design of telegraph poles was
almost the only direction in which the Postmaster-General was able
(o exercise his esthetic taste. The comjietition he suggested would
be subject to rather stringent conditions, for the successful design
must satisfy the engineers, must add to the beauty of the landscape '
and must meet the requirements of the various local authorities
t lie landowners and other interested parties.
Australasia.-The "Australian Mining Standard" says the
\ letorian Ciovernment have decided to recommend the Victorian
I a.liament to carry out the first stage of Mr. Merz's scheme for the
eleetrihcation of the Victorion and Suburban Uaihvay. Particulars
ol the proposals of Mr. .Merz were given in The Electrician
tor Oct. 2.
*/*'t'.y (N.S.W.) Electric Lighting committee recently considered a
recommendation by the city electrical engineer (Mr. H. Forbes Mackay)
es,T,,7fc,'r,rl.>>'noo°' *uf''''" *°' '^"PP'y °f *^" +-000kw. generators
S'o iim fi ^^t £22,000 each), one 400 kw. generator (£2.7.'-.0), switchgear
lt-,4Hlt , five boilers with superheaters and stokers (£2,000) each, three
.^ lb station motor-generators (£3,200 each), pipework, coal and ash eon-
V. yor, ■•««?. &c. Total, £87.580. The city survevor reported that the
T\a \ r "''' *'',•' "^""'^ ^°^' "l""'' £47,000. The committee
t.Tl *''/'\™"""end that specifications be prepared and that Parlia -
mu )oses'' sanction a further loan of £250,000 for electric lighting
so 'r!n; \r\Tf,t '^ Conin>onwc,,l.l, Iclcpl • department has grown
s a ndly that the elect,,, , I ,„.„„,,( M,-. ,|„h„ ||,Jk,.th) has had to lay
Znew ,'.'' rf "J'™"'''" """^''^ '" •"'" '■• I lie amount voted for
stoneware conduits being e.\liai,sted
bon'ou.i,'!'"\vr''n*^ft^^'T°* ^»"Ara« (Victoria) has resulted m favour of
bouowmg £8,5 000 by the Prahran & Malvern Tramway Trust for the
(onstuictiou of f^ramways between these two Melbourne suburbs.
olFerTf'flt'r '^""'T' 'l^"'^ ^''""'"' ''^'^■'' ^""'liti'-nally accepted the
n o!iH C''-«lf « !ve Butter Factory Co. to supply .steam power to
maranfJ""'"-''^°' ''-^'^*'"» '^'^ *«*" "' •^''- 1'" ""'»• The Council
tl.oOO to £2 000 IS to be raised for the purchase of electricnl plant. Mr.
Cn„n\.^??r" has reported that this would be more economical for the
nin^eost "^^ ^^"" °'™ '*"'"" P'*"*' '"'*'' '" ''''?'*«' ""^^ '" "•"-
ouZ''17 '^'''""■'") ratepayers hnvc .;L'nil!ed by a poll their approval
ot the scheme for the ereitieri ,,f ..I ,,, ., i t. o i i r. n
Shire Council. The lT.v ' , ' „ ".""""''^a '> '^'.''J;;
no,. „.,„ ■ J^'c ijiina, \ I 'Miiini.iniiei- iiiinimum demand of £4.50
per annum ,s conditional ,ip,.„ ,|,e .„p,,l,v bc,„. ready by the cud of this
The motors connecterl (o the mains of Launcc.lon (Tasmania) Cor
poration aggregate 1.049 h.p.. an increase of about 8.50 hTZLZ
adoption of three-phase working. There are about i)00 lighting eon-
sumers who.se wiring has been provided for by the Councilon a rental
system and these consumers are to be asked to take ever the instTua
tions for cash or on the hire.|aiich.-ise system
ArnntT'''*^"" ^t","'' '^T.'"'"- '''^"" ''''*" •"•"" "'•'■^''■'■'' f">- the Zrrlu,,,
IMontana mine (/eclian. lasiuauia).
<.7n'f/i''''*i''f'','-l' '';i"';" '''l"' ^•'■'"il'diug fan li.i.s been lait in at the
970 ft. level of the Urol,. „ 11,11 S,.„lh miiu- (New Soul 1, Wales).
Lamice^ton Council have alre,«ly spent nearly ilTO.OOO ,m their
elect-ncity department (about £8,00(1 in excess of the l.,ans authorised)
and, as the total demand for electrical energy is now about 1 ,Ofin „ v
I i iff cu Pf"* J^apacity only L38() i,.p., the Council hav-
asked Mr. St. John David (city engineer) and Mr. R. .L Strike
(City Llectncal Kngineer) to ascertain what i.ower can be ob-
tained from the river Taraar. The Council will have t<, ,,royide
tlie povve, In, ,1„. projected tramways, and the engineer's report is
reqiiiie,! (,, ,,,.li|e them to decide whether they will only apply at
present l.„ san,.|,„n to the overspent capital and a certain margin
beyond or whether the application shall cover the whole of the pr.,-
jected extensions. A scheme for water power submitted on a former
occasion put the available H.p. at from 2,000 to 3 000
Under the Mines Inspection Act, 1901, electri.- m'otor attendants are
ZTIT\ T- 1^1 l«,"fi"™^y- and a report of the result has to be
sent to the Minister for Mines. At an examination recently of engine
drivers by the N S.W Board of Examiners seven electric motor drivers
passed and nine failed.
Electrical plant has recently been installed at the mines of the Pioneer
lin Mmmg Co., Bradshaw s Creek. Tasmania.
Wellington (N.Z.) electricity supply undertaking has earned a net
profit of £6.122 in its first year's working under municipal manage-
ment. "
Belturbet (Ireland).— At the meeting of the Council last week it was
decided to enter into an agreement with the Belturbet Electric
Lighting Co. for the electric lighting of the streets. The comjianv
have undertaken to erect and maintain .50 lamps of oOc.p. racli. anil
also the poles, overhead wu-es. &c.. the lamps to be alight from' half
an hour after sunset until midnight from Sejit. 1 to May 1. the
annual payment to the company to be £64.
Bermondsey (London).— A local electrical exhibition is to be held
in tile si'cdud week in February.
Board of Trade Court of Arbitration.— With reference to the .'icheme
recently dra\Mi up \>y tlie Board of Trade for the formation of a Court
of Arbitration, it is now announced that three panels (Chairman's.
Emplo.yers' and Workpeoples') have been com|)iled. Among tho.se
who have agreed to serve on behalf of the employers are the Rt. Hon.
Lord Pirrie, Mr. Alex. Siemens, Sir C. Furness, Sir Hugh Bell. Sir
Charles McLaren, and Sir W. Holland.
Brazil.— The Government have approved Guinle & Co.'s plans for
a transmission line for a li3dro-electric station at Santos, on the river
Hapenhau. State of Sao Paulo.
Brussels Exhibition, 1910.— A meeting of the Chambers 'of Com-
merce committee formed to procure the participation of Great
Britain in this exhibition was held on Monday, when it was an-
nounced by the chairman (Sir Albert Rollit)]tha"t the Foreign Office
and the Board of Trade had decided in favour of British participa-
tion.
Bulgaria.— The rejiort of I\lr. Vice-Consul Toulmin for 1907 states
that profitable fields for British enterprise are aflforded by the require-
ments of the (tovernment and municipalities in regard to electric
lighting, tramways, rails, railway coaches, trucks, &c.
City of London. — The Corporation have decided to send a deputa-
tion to visit certain cities on the Continent, to investigate public
lighting systems. The cost is not to e.xceed £200.
Clitheroe. — The Corporation, who propose to establish electricity
works in connect ion with their gas undertaking at an estimated cost
of £3,000 to £5,000, lia\c issued circulars to ratepayers in order to
ascertain the probable demand for current.
The Council's electric lighting order expires"' this month, but
in order to maintain its powers the Council decided on W'ednesday
to lay cables in three streets, and to supply current from the present
tramway power station.
Cuba. — The Havana Electric Railway Co. have been authorLsed to
carry out considerable extensions of their lines, and the work will
shortly be commenced.
French Indo-China.— The report by .Mr. Consul Carlisle on the
trade of French Indo-Cliina in 190" states that there are nine miles
of overhead trolley tramway in and around Hanoi : a line 24.V miles
in length, from Hanoi to Sontay is under construction. Hanoi,
Haijihong, Saigon, Cholon, and Pnonipenk are lighted electrically.
70
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 2.3, 1908.
Grassington.— An atlpin|it is beina made to form a local company
lor the erection of electiicity supiily works. Mr. J. Datts pre.sided
over a recent meeting; of raiejiayers when it was stated that half of
the required capital had lieen guaranteed, and the remainder would
no doubt l)e jirovided.
Greenock.— The Council have decided to apply tor .sanction to a
further loan of i'^.'i.OtlO for extensions of the electricity undertaknig.
Grimsb.V.— The electrical engineer (Mr. W. .A. Vignoles) reported
to the Lighting comrailtee on .Monday the breakdown on the 2nd
init. of a machthe which was carrying the whole of the lighting loatl.
A spare machine was r\m up and supply was restored within four
minutes. The breakdown was caused by the brushholders of the
machine being fixed in a faulty manner, for which the contractors
were liable.
Hampton.— Tlie Council arc seeking sanction to a loan of i'ifU for
tii'e alarm bells.
Huddersfield. -For the six months ended Sept. 30 the income of
the tramways department was £44,111, against £14,118 last year;
the total expenses were £23,031. against £20,G76 : and the net surplus
(after allowing for depreciation at 3 per cent.) was £2,7-18. compared
fl'ith £5.110. The question of extending the lines in the Longwood,
Birchencliffe and Xewsome districts has been postponed.
India.—" Indian l-'ngineering " states that the periixl of service
of Mr. T. Roberts as telegraph superintendent of the Madras and
Southern Mahratta Railways is to be extended until Oct. 1909.
Inquests.— At New Tredegar on Saturday an inquest was held on
Ivor Harrhy. a young electrician, of CVmsifiog, who w^as engaged at
the South Pit. Bargoed.
An engine driver named Samuels explained that while Harrhy was
examining the contacts there was a flash and a loud report and Harrhy
fell to the ground. Deceased was not wearing rubber gloves, and must
have thought that the current was oft.
Mr. Edo.\r Thom.is, electrician-in-charge, said that the deceased must
have received a shock from electric current at a pressure of about 3,000
volts.
Evidence was given to the effect that the heart cf the young man was
still beating when the doctor arrived, but artificial respiration, oxygen
and an injection cf strychnine failed to restore animation.
A verdict of accidental death was returned.
An inquest was held at Queenborough last week into the death
of H. P. Rothwell at Queenborough on 9th inst.
T. J. Halt., a faultsman inspector for the National Telephone
Co., said that on Oct. 9 he was on the roof of the uncompleted build-
ing which was going to be used as the weighbridge office of the " coal
washer." Witness was working ou the roof fixing the wires for the
telephone. Deceased was standing on the ground near the building.
A few minutes later deceased mounted the Ladder, and witness heard
him coming up behind him. Witness was in the act of turning round,
when he heard the electric power wire drop on the ground below, and
saw deceased with the wire touching his cheek. He was perfectly
stilT, and remained so for five or six seconds : then he appeared to skid
along the wire and fall headlong over the side of the roof towards the
washer. Witness knew that the wire was alive, and took good care to
keep out of the way of it, as he had been warned. He thought the
voltage of the current was about 6,500 volts. Deceased had nothing
to do°with fixing the wires, but came up out of curiosity to see the roof.
Mr. G. L. Kirk, managing engineer to the Sheerness & District
Electric Power & Traction Co., stated that the wires had been in
course of construction for more than six months. He had had the
current on for about a fortnight for the purpose of testing the installa-
tion. He believed there were no rules as to the height a \rire should
be above a building, except over public property. The building had
been put up since the line was constructed, and witness had not been
consulted as to its position before the erection ; in fact, he did
not know that the building was in progress until the roof was
on About a week before the accident occurred he gave notice
that no one was to be allowed on the roof, as it was dangerous.
He also had the current cut oft' whilst the building was in progress.
The wire was about 5 ft. from the roof of the building. The
current was intermittent, sometimes continuing day and night, and
at other times cut off for special purposes. No other buildings, said
the witness, were crossed by wires, except the boiler-house, and the
wires had been heightened there. The current was to have been cut
off for 20 hours, to allow for the finishing of the roof. Witness had
been considering the advi.sability of protecting the wires. It would
be possible to move the wires, but it would take two or three weeks to
do so, and the current would have to be cut oft' the whole time. To
get new poles fitted and heighten the wires would take about the
same time.
After hearing medical evidence, the jury returned a verdict of acci-
dental death, and advised that some means of protection be applied
to w'ires situated over buildings.
Islington (London). — The Finance committee is considering a
letter from the L.C.C. Finance committee stating that a considerable
portion of the loan of £7,20.5 for which the Borough Council had
asked was for expenditure incurred some years ago, and pro-
posing to sanction only £5,.541, on the understanding that no further
sanctions for balancing purposes in respect of ca;)ital expenditure up
til March last should be applied for.
Keighley.— The Coimcil have decided to apjily for a provisional
order to construct five additional lengths of electric tramway.
Kettering.— A nc« Slo kw. generating set (Allen engine direct-
couplcd to PhoMiix dynamo) was started on Friday last.
Light Railways.— The Boaid of Trade have confirmed the York
Light Railways (Irder. which>nables the Corporation to construct
and work electric tr.imways in the city.
London County CounciL— On Tuesday Mr. Whittakcr Thomi).s(m
stated in reply to Sir .1. Benn. that the report of the expert consulted
with reference to the G.B. surface contact system in Mile End-road
was before the Highways Committee and would be considered. It
would be for that committee to decide wliether it .should be pub-
lished. ....
Constructiun of Tramways.— X discussion took place on the mitiativc
of Sir.r. Benn. who charged the Finance committee with delaying tram-
way construction.
Mr. W Peel asserted that in only one year had the Progressive party
spent more on tramways than the Council was doing this year.
Capt. the Hon. Fitzroy Hemphill proposed : " That in view of the
prevalence of unemployment in London and having regard to the urgent
necessity for additional tramway facilities in London, the Council is of
opinion that every effort should be made to put in hand, during the
comin" winter, tramway works of construction or reconstruction to an
amount not exceedmg £1.000,000 for completing the reconstruction of
the Council's horse tramways for electrical traction and for constructing
such other tramways and effecting the incidental street widenmgs as in
the opinion of the"Highways committee are most desu-able.' He sub-
mitted they could borrow the money required at an expenditure of
£25.000, and when the tramways were constructed they would bring in
0 per cent., or probably more.
Mr. P. H. H.\rris moved an amendment that the Council was satis-
fied that the Highways committee had taken all proper measures for
carrying out the construction and reconstruction of the tramways.
The amendment was carried on a division.
At the ordinary meeting the following matters were dealt with :—
Lonns.— Loans of £2,02.5 and £785 were sanctioned to Woolwich for
electric lighting.
Tramwaii ConMriiHion.—1\\e Highways committee brought up a long
report dealing with the construction or reconstruction of further tram-
ways. They point out that the capital estimates approved by the
Coi'mcil in June provided for the construction of a number of tramways
and up to the present 42-92 miles of single track are completed or are in
hand, whilst 11-49 miles have not yet been dealt with. They now pro-
posed that these 11-49 miles (with the exception of an extension in the
East India Dock-road) should be put in hand and in addition 0-75 mUes
of further tramways. The committee recommended that communication
be made to the Board of Trade and the road authorities concerned with
a view to the adoption of the system of electric traction on 10 specified
routes. The conduit system is to be adopted except in the case of the
lines between Streatham and the Croydon Corporation tramways which
will be partly on the conduit and partly on the overhead system..
The Finance committee, reporting on the proposals, state that so far
as can be ascertained the capital expenditure on tramways in the present
financial year is not lUcely to exceed £1.01)0,000. leaving £300.000 out ot
the annual vote available for expenditure on other lines not yet jiut in
hand and for the purchase of Harrow-road tramways. The total amount
of the estimates for whii-h the Highways committee asked approval was
£2.S1.2ti.5, of which £2:53.950 is for track v.ork and £27,315 for cables,
duct-;, overhead equipments, &c.
The whole of the proposals were carried.
(I.H. Surfacf Contact System.— The Highways committee reported that
Mr. \\. M. Mordey had been ajipointed to give expert advice as to the
)M)ssibility of rendering the G.B. surface contact system installed on
♦he AkUatc to Bow tramways efficient with due regard to the safety of
the puhric. His fee had been fixed at 2.50 guineas. .,
London County Council Tramways.— Islington Council are again
recommended by the Works committee to refuse consent to the con-
struction of tramways in Englefield-road and to ask the L.C.C. to
widen Balls Pond-road so as to accommodate a double line of tram-
ways.
Maidstone.— At their last meeting the Council decided to apply for
sanction to a supplementary loan of £2.370 for electric lighting
e-xtensions.
Obituary.— The death took place on ISth inst. oi Mr. Hy. Cha])-
man, M.Inst.C.E., consulting engineer.
Perth. Messrs. P. & P. Camjibell have decided to adopt electric
power at their works, and negotiations have been entered into with
the electricity department of the Council, as to terms for the suiiply
of electrical energy.
Provisional Order Revocation.— The Board of Trade have revoked
the Amble Klcctiic Lighting Order, 1902, as from Oct. 0.
Rawtenstall.— The Corporation have received sanction to a loan of
£33,000 for the erection of electricity works at Harcholme. The
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
71
Corporation Iiave already committed tliemselves to the electrifica-
t ion I )t' tlic looal tramways and to give a sujiiily of eleotrieity in Baeup.
South Africa.— The "Natal Government Gazette '" for Sept. 11
contained the text of a bill authorising the borrowing of £500,(H)() for
construction fif railways, harbour works at Durban, telegraphs and
other public works.
"South Africa" states that a ratepayers' meeting at Oermslon
(Transvaal I recently passed a resolution disapproving; the action of
the Council in regard to electricity su[>ply and expressing the opinion
that the offer of the Victoria Falls Power Co. to ledure the charge for
private lighting to 6d. per unit on a six year^' contract should have
been accepted. The Council recently decided to extend their present
contract, with the company for 12 motiths, to .-iihertise for the supply
of electricity in bulk, and to instruct the Finance committee to con-
sider the raising of a loan in the event of the Council resolving to
adopt a lighting scheme of their own.
South Shields. — The County of Durham Klectric Power Co. have
applied to the Council for wayleaves for cables to supply electric
])owcr tu the Harton Coal Co,
The company propose to instal electric power at the whole of their
collieries.
Southampton. — The Watch committee has recommended the
Conn<il to lefuse the application of the London Electrobus Co. for a
licence lo run a service of electric 'buses in the town.
Sweden. — A report by Mr. M. Villiers, British ('onsul in the Stock-
holm district, for 1907, contains statistics as to the development of
.Swedish industries. The output of the electrical industry in 1906
was £648,100, and great progress has been miide in mechanical
engineering and steel manufacture, &c.
The report also describes the various methods adopted by Sweden to free
her increasing industries from dependence upon British coal. Use is
being made, to a certain e.xtent, of the coal found in the South of Sweden
(Skiine). ;t22.S84 tons and 296,980 tons having been mined in 1905 and
liWii respectively. This coal can be delivered at the Swedish railway
stations at lis. per ton, or 3s. fid. less than British coal delivered at an
av<'rai;e Swedish port, but a still more important competitor with im-
ported coal is water power which is employed to generate electricity.
There is ,an abundance of water power, and in the vicinity of the water-
falls factories are constantly being erected. Peat also is being used for
fuel, and economically combustible peat can, it is calculated, be delivered
at Swedish railway stations at 10s. per ton. A recent estimate jiuts the
availatjir peat at about 8.000.000.t>0() tons.
Thames Ditton. — The Council have decided to adopt electric
ligliting at the sewage works.
Train Lighting. — " Indian Engineering "' .states that Mr. Ramsay,
who \wjs recently appointed electric lighting inspector to the Bombay,
Baioda and Central India Railway Co. is about to spend some time
in ICnglaiul at the works of .J. Stone & Co., to study the subject of
electric train lighting. On one section of the B.B. & C.I. Co.'s
system (the Rajputana-Malwa .section) 1093 vehicles have already
bsen fitted for electric lighting, and on the same section there are
eleven trains fitted with electric alarm communication ap|iaratus.
The South Indian Railway Co. has so far only one train fitted with
electric alarm apparatus, but it has 200 coaches fitted for electric
light.
The " Indian and Eastern Engineer " states that the Bengal .t
North Western Railway Co. is experimenting with 200 metallic fila-
menl lam|)S for carriage lighting. The company already have ."J'^O
vehicles (out of 1.198) fitted for electric light.
Truro. — Mr. W. Antrobus has suggested to the Council the advis-
ability of establi-shing electricity supply, and the Council have replied
that, provided he is willing to undertake the execution of such a
schcnic without any liability (financial or otherwise) attaching to the
Cianuil. they will afford him every facility.
Venlnor (Isle of Wight).— Mr. F. B. Behr is promoting a scheme for
the construction of a light electric railway from the E.splanade to the
top of the Downs. The scheme, which was explained to a meeting
of ratepayers on Wednesday, has been referrefl to a committee of the
whole Council.
Wireless Telegraph Notes.— -The Times " correspondent at New
York says it is now a year (Oct. 17) since the first Marconi dispatch
to ''The Times" was sent across the .Atlantic. There was a
banquet given at New York on Friday e\ening last at which Mr.
-Marconi was present, and he said he hoped soon to have additional
stations nearer New Y'ork. Mr. Marconi arrives in England to-day.
The Admiralty have approved an agieement with Grimsby Corpor-
ation electricity department, by the terms of which the Admiralty
will take current from the Corporation, who are laying a special
cable tf) the wireless telegraph station at Humberstone. It is ex-
jieeted that the Council will approve the agreement, and the work of
laying the cable will be proceeded with at once.
From New York it is announced that a .Mr. W. .J. Willenborg, who
is described as " a protege of Mr. Tlujmas Edison," has invented a
seclusive .system of wireless telegraphy for which "an English syndi-
cate have made an offer of a very large purchase price." which Mr.
Willenborg is .stated lo have refused.
Wireless Telephone Notes.— A "Daily Chronicle '" .Milan corres-
pondent writes ;is fellows to that journal : —
Fresh expcrinu-nts in wir.-li'v« trlf|ihony made by Prof. Majorana,
inventor of the hydraulic inu u<y\,.,u<- -y^tcm, demonstVated that on days
when the atmosplicrii- coinlii i..n- i. ml.r the Marconi wirele.ss telegraphic
station on Monte .Marie at Iti.iiu- quite unserviceable the professor is able
to carry on his telephonic ccmmunications with distant military and
naval posts with the utmost ease. Prof. Majorana is making good prn-
giess in the iierfection of his spri-ial apparatus, but the amount of dec-
trical energy required t<- transmit very distant messages precludes its
being forthwith adoi)ted for naval ]>uq)Oses except on the bigger type of
warships. The apparatus, moreover, is as yet too costly and lacking in
portability fcr general use.
Strangely enougli, notwithstanding the excellent results cf the direct
messages sent between Rome and the General Post Office, London, at
which I had the ])leasure of assisting some years ago, British enterprise
has proved altogether laggard in the matter as compared with Germany.
so that the Majorana patent for m liipiid mif-rnphone as applied to the
electric telegraph has now been M. Unit. I\ , ,,|ti| to Messrs. Siemens &
Halske, of Berlin, and it is to he cxii n-u. ly u-c-<l in the German army.
To the " Daily Chronicle" concspundcnt, we repeat, is due the
above statement. The idea that " British enterprise has proved
laggard " is, we may say. quite an insufficient explanation.
Aquatics. — The sixth annual .swimming gala of Liverpool Cor-
poration Tramway Employes Social, Athletic and Thrift .Society
was held last week.
Aid. F. Smith took the chair, and other members of the Corporation.
Mr. C. V. llallins (manager of the tramways and president of the society)
and Mrs. Bellamy (widow of the late manager of the tramways) were
amongst those present. The |irogranime included exhibition swimming
and diving, members' and open handicaps, a ladies' handicap, a squadron
race (won by Walton team) and obstacle and long ])lunge handicaps.
Aid E. Lewis Lloyd distributed the jirizes and music was supplied by
the tramways band under Bandmaster Farrell.
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY AND TRAMWAY ACCOUNTS.
Dundee. — Tlic accounts of the tramways dep;iriment fur the year
ended ,Mav l.">. show total ca|)ital expenditure fSSO.O.SS (increase
fn.l.^l). '
Total revenue was tCII.^VS. wn.Uin^r exi>enses were £.39.880. interest
reipi'ied £!I.4H4. sinkint; fniirl t.'>.ii|M, imd the net b.ilance was £.').,i99. of
which £4.(X)0 h.is liceii pliu i-d tr, icncwaN. £1.,5,58 to depreciation of plant
and £40 to reserve. The passeni;cis (-Tried numbered 16,3t)7.911. car-
miles run 1.281..552, .and units used 2.4;i7.428 (^1-9 per mile). Traffic
revenue per car-mile was 1 1-34d. atul working expenses (including power)
7-468d. The average fare per mile was (l-7ld and per passenger 0-875d.
£.53.223 in all has been applied in reduction of debt and £30.650 has been
placed to reserve or renewals.
Edinburgh. — The accounts of the electricity department for the
year ended -Alav I.'), show capital expenditure £979.408 (increase
£36.814).
Revenue was £129,692, expenses £63,508 (including £427 siiccial ex-
penditure), gross profit £66.184. and after paying capital charges, in-
come-tax. ki-.. there w:is n net l).ilance of £10..542. £1 .0.55 had been placcil
to reserve and £9.l>L'l) . i.m i ilnitcil to relief of rates. 16.til7.77() (against
15.892.423) units wci.- l;iim , n. il. il.647.383 (il.(Hi3.988) supplied for pri-
vate lighting. 3.511I.S4'.P (:i..".,SN..i74) for power, 1,759.150 (1,591.517) for
street arc lani]is and 21l.li26 (13.796) for street incandcscents and stair
lighting.
Leeds. — The total revenue of the tramways department for the
half-year ended Sept. 30 was £180.22.5 (10-9.3d. per [car-mile), as
agaitist £176.698 (lOOSd.) in the corresponding half-year of 1907.
increase £3,527.
The total expenditure was £89,229, against £86,671. The net revenue
was £90 996, against £90,026. .After paying interest, sinking fund, &c..
the available stuphis is £30,096, against £34,599.
Liverpool. — We have received the following particulars relating to
the tramways undertaking, which, as many of our readers will re-
member, came into possession of the Corporation on Sept. 1, 1897.
the purchase juice being £567,375, but in addition to this amount
£1,429,128 has been expended in reconstructing and equipping the
lines, purcha.se of rolling stock, plant, building car sheds, Ac.
making a total capital expenditure of £1.913.188.
The receipts for the lirsl nine months of 1897 amoimtcd to £219.7t>6.
the car-mileage to 4.489.7.34 and the passengers to 29.01t;.739. Under
Corporation management, during the nine months ended Sept. 30. 1908.
the passengers carried were 91,540,<)88, an increase of 62.523,949, or
215-5 percent. ; the receipts were £421,813, an increase of £202.047_. or
91-9 per cent., and the mileage was 9,26(i.,521. an increase of 4.776.787,
or 106-4 per cent. The average fare charged per passenger w.-is 1106d.,
a decrease of 0-712il. The average hotirs worked by employes were 10
per day, while the average rate of pay was 60.5d. per hour. The linan-
cial rcs'ult of the 1 1 years' working is as follows : Sinking fund. £576.725 ;
reserve, renewal and depreciation fimd. £398,093 : contributions in aid of
rates, £182,657 : .additional sum paid in wages, holidays, uniform
clothin", &c., for employes (at £50.000 per annum), £.550.000: esti-
72
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBEE 23, 1908.
mated giiin to the public in reduced fares (at £300,000 per annum),
£3.303,000 : making a tnt;il of £4,032,657. In addition, interest has
l>een paid on the ca|>ital outlay, and the rolling stock, track and general
plant kept in a high state of efficiency. The citizens (including tramway
cmi>loyes) have benefited to the extent of £4,032,057 by contributions
fron> tramway revenue in aid of rates, reduction of fares, and better con-
ditions of labour for tramway employes. The public have also derived
incalculable advantages from the quicker, cheaper and more comfortable
means of transit afToidcd.
Ao the Meeting of the Corpoiation on Wednesday it was agreed to
appoint an electrician to periodically examine and report upon the
electrical installations and fittings at the various buildings under
the control of the Corporation.
West Ham. — The accounts of tlie electricity de]irtrtment for Ihc
year ended March last, show total capital expenditure £419,277 (in-
crease £37.317).
Revenue was £60,069 (against £53.324 in previous year), including cur-
rent for jjublic lighting £6,635 (£6.547). for private "consumers' lighting
£23,641 (£23.337) and power £12.426 (£5.706), traction £17,483 (£15.841).
heating £144 (£64) and artizans dwellings lighting £363. Gross profit
was £23,743 (£21,370). After meeting capitafcharges £28,044 (£23.574),
there was a deficiency of £4.670 (£1,830). 13,340.948 units were gene-
rated. 2.123,336 sold for private lighting, 4,161,156 for power and heating.
790.180 for public lighting and 4,225,111 for tramways. The total maxi-
mum supply demanded was 5,500 kw.
The re])ort of the engineer and manager (Mr. A. H. Seabrook) explains
that the deficit is large!}' due to having charged wholly to revenue various
sums (£744. cost of changing over a single-phase generator to two-phase,
£185 water rights, £200 for chain grate stokers, £181 for arc lighting,
£250 for buildings, £500 expense of breakdown, £180 battery booster
and coal stora ge), a total of £2,240. There was also an increase of £320
in central administrative charges. Cost per unit of coal was only 0-271d.
(against 0-345d.) although cost per ton averaged 9d. higher. Reductions
in price have kept the revenue stationary and metallic filament lamps
will have the same result.
TRADE NOTES AND NOTICES.
READY.
"THE ELECTRICIAN" ELECTRICAL TRADES-
DIRECTORY AND HANDBOOK.— The igo8 Edition
of the Big Blue Book, price 15s., or post free in the
United Kingdom, 15s. gd. The new and enlarged volume
brings a great mass of statistical and technical data
quite up to date, and the Directorial Division has been
thoroughly revised and amplified.
All branches of Electrical Engineering and Industry
are fully treated, and Electro-Financial matters have
received every attention in the new volume, which aggre-
gates more than 2,000 pages. The Directory Division is
complete and thoroughly accurate, and has been com-
pletely revised. All mere lists of members of Societies
and Institutions (so easily and cheaply available) are
excluded, as quite unreliable for Manufacturers' and
Dealers' purposes. The full set of valuable Statistical
and Engineering Tables, &c., have been very carefully
revised and extended, and remodelled into handy book
form ; these are included in the igoS Blue Book, making
it the most complete book of the kind ever published.
TENDERS INVITED.
The directors of the Caletlonian llaUtvaij Co. are prcjiared to
receive tenders for supply of stores for 12 months from Jan. 1, 1909,
including telegraph appliances, telephones, &c., electric lighting
material and fittings, asbestos and gutta-percha goods, balata belt-
ing and jiacking, oils and grease, bolts and nuts, screws, hardware,
glass, tools, timepieces, galvanised wire, &c. Specifications and form
of tender from the superintendent of stores (iL-. John Fer-
gusson). Charles-street. St. Rollox. Glasgow, where patterns can be
inspected untU 30th inst. Tenders to the secretary (Mr. J. Black-
burn). 302, Buchanan-street, Glasgow, by Monday, Nov. 2. See
also an advertisement.
London. C-mnty Council invite tenders for the supply, delivery
and erection of overhead electrical equipment for the electrification
on the overhead trolley system of the Council's tramways from (a)
Loughborough Junction to Norwood : (6) Hammersmith' to Putney,
and (c) Streatham to Norbiiry. Tenders, iipon official forms to be
obtained from the Cicik of the Council (Mr. G. R. Gomme), County
Hall, Spring (hardens. S.W., must be in by 11 a.m. of Tuesday, Xnv.
10. See also an advertisement.
Tenders are invited for supply of three complete sets of testing
instruments for the Postmaster-General's deiiartment, Viclorui.
Tender forms, &c., at the Commfinwealth office, 72, Victoria-
street, liondon, S.W. See also an advertisement.
Tenders are invited for the supplj- and erection of installations for
wireless telegraphy at Launccslon, Melbourne, King Island (Bass
Straits) and Flinders Islarul (Furneaux Group). Tender forms and
specifications may be obtained at the Commonwealth Office, 72,
Victoria-street, London, S.W. Sec also an advertisement.
Salford Electricity committee invite tenders for the supply,
delivery and erection at the Corporation electricity station (Frederick-
road, Pendleton), of cooling towers, tanks, pumps and pipe work.
Tenders to the Chairman of the Electricity committee by noon Mon-
day, Nov. 2.
London County Council want tenders by 11 a.m. Nov. 2 for 12
nionth.s' supply of stores, including electric carbons and brushes,
electric fittings, globes and shades, insulating materials, cables and
wires and lamp.s, asbestos packings, oils, &c. Forms from the Clerk.
Salford Tramways committee reqtiire tenders by 10 a.m. Nov. 2
for supply and erection of a wheel turning lathe, and a vertical press
for the central car depot. Particulars from the manager.
St. Maryhhone (London)| Electric Supph" committee require
tenders by 4 p.m., Oct. 28, for supply of house service fuse, dis-
connecting and joint boxes.
TENDERS RECEIVED AND ACCEPTED.
London County Council have accejjted the following tenders : —
Wiring Engine-lmuse block at Chief Station 0/ Fire Brigade.
C'oniyn Ching & Co. (accepted) £279 10 W. J. Fryer & Co £299 0
Tredegar* Co 286 5 Lund Bros. & Co 315 15
G. E. Taylor & Co 289 6 Chief engineer's estimate 295 0
Roadux>rk and ■platdmjimj of Nine Elms-lane-East-hill, Wandneorth.
Tramtmys.
J.Mowlera&Co.(acccp<cd) £68,602 8 5 W. Manders 70,097 13 S
Dick. KeiT&Co 68,767 4 1 J. G. Wiite &• Co.... 74.831 5 5
.1. Miiu lem & Co. are allowed to sub-let to Andcrston Foundry Co., and
Hailticld's Steel Foundry Co., the castings; to William Lee & Son,
Martin. Earle & Co., and the Assoc. Portland Cement Manufacturers,
the cement ; to Bayliss. Jones & Bayliss. Guest, Keen & NettlefokU. the
District Iron & Steel Co., and the Deritend Stamping Co.. the wrought
iron ; to Anderson & Bowers, the redressing of the setts ; and to Cillen-
der's Cable & Construction Co., and to W. T. Henley's Telegiajih
Works Co., the jumper-cables.
Electric Cctble for Tramways Depl.
India Rubber, Gutta Percha & Telegraph Works Co.
{accepted) *jE504 9 7
W. T. Glover & Co .t570 8 4
Siemens Bros. & Co *54<i IS 6
Johnson & Phillips *547 0 9
W. T. Henlev's Telegraph Works Co 541 16 7
Callcndei's Co 542 14 2
British Insulated & Helsby Cables 561 4 6
* Less 2i per cent. f Less 5 per cent., and 2i psr cent.
For 111 onstructing Stanley Bridge, carrying King's-road over the West
London Extension Railway, the tender of Dick, Kerr & Co., at £10,048.
Ills. 6d. has been accepted.
The British Westinghouse Co. have received an order from the
Buenos Aues and Pacific Railway Co. for the complete equipment of a
large power station, with sever.al sub-stations, for the supjily of
electricity to the city of Baliia Blanca. The contract includes exten-
sive additions to the existing tramway system within the city of
Bahia Blanca and several outlying tomiships.
The phenomenal growth of this city and district is largely due to the
enterprise of the Anglo-Argentine railway companies. The present con-
tract had its origin in the taking over by the Buenos Aires & Pacific
Railway Co., from a private enterjirise. of the sujiply of light and power
to the city. The existing plant was found to be inadequate, and a scheme
for extensions was projected by Jlr. Packenham W. Beatty, the railway
company's resident electrical engineer. The design and specifications
for the entire plant have been prepared by Mr. ,Tohn F. C. Snell, consult-
ing electrical engineer to the Buenos Aires & Pacific Railway Co.
Stepney (London) Council have accepted the tender of the Gilbert
Arc Lamp Co., for supply of 20.000 pairs of arc lamp carbons at
£101. 6s. 8d. The Sloan Electrical Co. tendered at £137. 10s.
For the supjily of 50 tons of moulded pitch the tender of J. Smart
& Son, at £63. 2s. 6d. has been accepted by Stepney (London)
Council. Grindley & Co. quoted £75 and £81. 5s. ; South Metro-
politan Gas Co. £77. 10s. ; Forbes. Abbot & Lennard £80. 12s. Od. ;
and Thomas Crow & Sons, £81. 5s.
Warwick Council have accepted the tender of the Leamington &
Warwick Electrical Co. for wiring the Court Hou.se at £48. 5s.
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
73
SPECIAL NOTICE.
With next week's number of "THE ELECTRICIAN' will he Issued
(Gratis) the Index to Vol. LXI. This includes the Index to the " Industrial
Supplement. "
READY 2nd NOVEMBER.— Vol. L.KI. of" The Electkioian."
Price 17s. 6tl. Postage Is. extra.
Cases for binding Vol. LXI. are now ready, price 2s. ; post free, 2s. 3d.
Stoke Newington (London) Council received the following tenders
for cables to connect the new generating station with the sub-station
in Edward's-lane : —
W. T. Henley'.s Co. I W. T. Glover & Co... £1,.55(> 1 5
{accepted) £1,S71 18 4 \ British In.sulated &
Callender's Co 1,<>2S 11 S | Helsby Cables ... 1,41S 14 10
Stoke Newington (London) (.'mincil have received tenders for steam
and other pipe work at the <.'ciii'rating station as follows : —
John Spencer, Ltd. (nrr.) £265 10 I Wm. Freer £279 0
Babcook & Wilcox 307 0 G. N. Haden & .Sons 275 0
Railway & Gen. Eng Co. 299 0 j AshwcU & NVshit 2i)S 0
Glasgow Corporation have anoepted the tender of the British
Westinghouse Co. to supply two rotary converters, with trans-
formers and spares, at £851.
Southampton Education committee hav-e accepted the tender of
H. Stevens & Co. for wiring the York Buildings Boys' School at £110,
the work to be completed in 14 days.
For wiring the new adult schools at Paddock, HuddersHeld, the
tender of E. Bould & Son has been accepted.
Croydon Council have accepted the tender of J. Jarvis & Sons for
coal bunkers. &c., at the electricity works at £.500.
The I'ostmaster-General's Department, Melbourne (Victoria) have
accepted the following tenders : —
Western Electric Co. for common battery switchboard, subscribers'
telephones, &c. ; British Insulated & Helsby Cables for copper. binders
and ta)i03 and fancy covered wire : Brabant & Co. for lead-covered wire ;
Phitte, Scheele & Co., for insulated wire ; Brisbane Electrical Co., for
copper sleeves and steel strand wire ; LawTence &. Hanson, for leading-
in insulators and screws and tubes : Sargeant & Co., for iron spindles ;
Zwickcr, Tod & Co., for terminal and swan-neck S]iindles and terminal
and Cordeaux insulators : Fed(M;il Xut & Bolt Co., for stay-rods and clips
and acme spindles ; Geo. Wills & Co., for flat flange brackets, acme
insulators and g.i., soft cu)i)ier and bronze wires.
Hampden (Victoria) Shire Council have accepted the following
tenders : —
For switchboard instruments and material for Camperdown electrical
plant : J. A. Newton, £38 : A. H. Wood, £114 : H. Rowe & Co., £31.
For Terang electric lighting : W. B. Veirs & Co. for suction gas plant,
£817; A. H. Wood for electrical plant, £1,370 and consumers' main
switches, £40 ; British Insulated & Helsby Cables fot- wires and cables,
£284 and consumers' main fuses £54 ; j. A. Newton for consumers'
meters, £270.
Adelaide (South Australia), Municipal Tramways Trust have
accepted the tenders of Staerker & Fischer for supply and erection
of A.E.G. plant for converter stations Nos. 1 and 2; Wm. Steel for
sup|)Iy and erection of storage battery for converter station No. 2 ;
and Jas. Martin & Co. for supply and fixing of material for reinforcing
Adelaide bridge.
A steam engine and dynamo is being .sup})lied to the Khargjuu'
workshops of the Bengal-Nagpur Railway by Siemens Brcjs. Dynamo
Works, who have already supplied two "l 07 k.v.a. 2.200 volt tlwee-
lihaso alternators to the Birkaner Durbar.
BUSINESS NOTICES.
Air. Walter K. Meldrum, late works manager for Mcklrnni Bros..
Timperley, has joined the " Bennis " Company, and becomes their
representative for the North-east Coast.
We are informed that Mr. Ben. H. Morgan, of Queen Anne's
Chambers, Westminster, S.W^., has been appointed consulting
engineer to the Clyde Engineering Co. (Sydney, N.S.W.), builders of
locomotives, railway carriages, steam engines, pumps, &c., and also
to (ineldiic; (Victoria) Harbour Trust Commissioner.s.
Cooper Hewitt Mercury Vapour Lamp.— The British Westinghouse
( II. anununce that Cooper Hewitt mercury vapour lamps, hitherto
maruilartured in France and Germany, are now being made in Eng-
land tor sale direct to users and the trade. Inquiries for these lamps
should be addressed as heretofore to the Company at Trafford Park,
.Manchester, or to any of their branch offices.
Plant for Sale.— Messrs. G. Elliott & Co., 186-188, Long-lane.
Berniondsey, London, S.E., have for sale two compound Marshal'
steam engines coupled to two Crompton dynamos, a combined
generating set, and also three dynamos. Further particulars are given
in advertisements.
Ferry Works Sale. — Catalogues are now ready of the piecemeal
sale by auction by .Mes.srs. Wheatley Kirk, Price & Co., on Tuesday,
Wednesday, Thursday and Fridaj", Nov. 3, 4. 5 and 6, at Ferry
Works. (>)ueensferry, near Chester. Besides a fine view of the work.s,
good illustrations are given of some of the larger machines which will
be disposed of under the hammer. The whole of the machinery and
plant at Queensferry is nearly new, and the oj)portunity is afforded
to buyers of high-class lat lies, cranes, sa«s and saw benches, hammers,
grinding, bending, shearing. )iunehing. drilling, and similar machines,
smiths' hearths, jmnch presses, electric motors, tube presses, and, in
fact, all classes of up-to-date labour saving machines, acees.sories and
stores, to acquire the.se goods under favourable conditions. The
entire sale comprises about 870 lots. Admis.sion to the works is by
catalogue, price 6d. each, to be obtained from the auctioneers at their
offices in London, Manchester, and Newcastle-on-Tjne.
Factory Site for Sale. — Messrs. Geo. Mason & Son, Chesterfield,
have fur sale by pii\ale tieaiy a large and substantially built factory
kno«n as iS|)ital ilills. Che.slerlield, consisting of lliree storeys and
standing on half an acre of ground, with engine, two boilers, shafting,
&c. The site is close to three railways. See an advertisement.
Patents Development.— Messrs. Haseltine, Lake & Co., 7 and 8,
Southamptiin-buildin<;s, Chancery-lane, London, W.C., invite appli-
cations in regard to Patents No. 21,181/1905, for " Improvements
relating to Electrical Measuring Instruments," the proprietor of
which is desirous of entering into arrangements for working same in
this country. See also advertisement.
" The Journal." — Part 193 of the Jom-nal of the Institution of
Electrical EuL'ineers is tiow ready, price 5s. Particulars of contents
are given in an advertisenuail.
Sale of Garnetts Cable Works.— The works of Gamett's Cable Co.
were offered for sale by public auction on Thursday last week by
Ml-. .1. T. Rushton (Messrs. E. Rushton, Son & Kenyon, Manchester).
The business was offered as a going concern and was ultimateh' sold
for £4.500 to Mi-. Thomas C. Thompson, of Manchester.
Platinum. — A recent issue of the " Chemical Trade Journal," in
dealing with the present position of platinum, quotes a rejiort by
Lieut. I. A. Lossiev, to the Russian Minister of the Interior, which
states that : —
It is expected that the decline in price will continue for some time j'et,
until all the small and medium platinum concerns in the Urals have been
comjiletely ruined. Even now, at 4r. per pood, many places in the
nortliern Urals are being worked at a loss. The continuous decline in the
value of platinum is due to the manoeuvres of several groups or syndicates
of foreign capitalists, who are exerting every effort to get control of the
Urals platinum industry (practically tlie only one in the world) in order
to control the production and the market as well. The plan of the s\Tidi-
cates has apparently been to buy up all the Government platinum areas
available, and to buy in advance the production of all the large platinum
houses. The writer pleads for the intervention of the Government to
protect the industry, and he suggests that the Government should pro-
hibit the exportation of crude platinum, permitting only the exportation
of refined metal. One result of this would be that the products of refin-
ing, namel3', the iridium, osmium, ruthenium, palladium, &c., up to 10
to 15 per cent, of which is not separated from the platinum ore and goes
abroad unpaid for.
CATALOGUES. &c.
" DiEEKTON " Staktehs. — Fiom Kngineering Instruments. Ltd.,
272b, Ujjper-street, Islington, N., tomes sheet No. 20 describing the
automatic " Direkton " continuous current motor starter. The
feature of this starter is that the handle can be thrown directly into
the on ]iosition and left there, a special dash-pot arrangement
providing for the gradual cutting out of the armature resistance.
The apparatus was fully described in the iNDrsTRLiL Supplement
for October inst.
" Gr.\l " Met.m. L.\.Mi's.— The number of metal filament lamps is
constantly being added to. and the latest is the " Oral." which is
being placed on the market bj- the Armorduct Mfg. Co., Ltd..*rarring-
don-avcnue, E.G. List (!. 940 is ready, giving full particulars of
the lamp, which is made in 20 e.p. sizes for 100 volt circuits and 40 cj).
for 200 volts, representing a reduction of from 20 to 25 iier cent, on
other lamps on the market. The list will be forwarded post free to
interested enquirers.
J. & P. TR.iNs FORME us AND IxsTRtMENTS. — We have to acknow-
ledge receipt of leailels F and I from Messrs. Johnson & Phillips.
These lists deal respectively with single and three-phase air and oil
cooled transformers and permanent magnet moving coil ammeters
and voltmeters. The latter includes a special portable series.
FoRTiTER RESisrANt'B .VppABATUS. — Thc Union Electric Co. can
certainly be considered fortiter in re. Anew cataloguecontains par-
ticulars of their well-known resistance apparatus for both direct and
74
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
IMPORTANT NOTICE.
Extra Copies of " The Electrician " Special Mining Issue
(July 10th, 1908), are obtainable, price 1/- nett (post free
U.K., 1/4; abroad 1/6 J.
alternating currents. In our recent Mining Issue we described an
interesting method for synchronously operating field regulators which
has been designed by "this company. We notice this appears in
tlie catalogue, and its moderate price should lead to its wide adop-
tion. Other interesting apparatus is the automatic field regulator,
a number of series regulators which make a distinct stej) forward and
some useful portable resistances for all classes of work.
Siemens Electric B.^tteries. — llessrs. Siemens Bros. & Co. are
sending out an attractive show card directing attention to the
Siemens " Leclanche " llnid coll and the Siemens " Obach ' dry
RELIABLE
^ DURABLE
Oecowomical
cell. 1 Li ...l..iii.- .r; il.. I ml ,ar tastefully arrau.^.d. .uid it makes
an ett'ective advertisement. The design of the card will be gathered
from the accompanying illustratioru
Sii.\DES AND Reflectors. — Messrs. A. Emmanuel & Sons are
issuing the fourth edition of theii- catalogue of glass and silk shades
for electric light, in which a great variety of artistic shades is listed
and priced.
Remote Control Switches. — From Jlessrs. A. I'hnmanuel & Sons
■\t-e have also received a pamphlet giving particulars of the Blackmore
remote control switch. It is claimetl that this switch is the simplest
and most reliable control switch on the market.
BANKRUPTCIES, LIQUIDATIONS, &C.
Clahns against Ernest (ioaoher. electrical engineer. &c.. Gateford-
road, Worksop, by Nov. 4 to Mr. J. C.'Clegg, O.R.'s offices. Figtree-
line, S!\effield.
Mr. F. GeoghcL'an. of S, Old .Tewry, London. E.C.. has I ecu
appointed liquidator of Illuminated Signs (Ltd.).
Deed of Assignment. — A deed of assignment was executed by Hy.
May. electiical engineer. 2o. Savile-row, London. W., on July 24.
Claims by Xov. 4 to Mr. G. E. Corfield, Balfour House, Finsbury-
pavement. London. E.C.
PATENT RECORD.
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS.
Note. — The undermeritioned Applications [except those mar'ked'\) are not
open to public inspection until after acceptance oj Complete Specifications
Those marked t are open /or inspection 12 months ajter the date attached
to them, if they hare not been published previonsly in the ordinary course.
Xames within parentheses are those o/ communicators of inventions. When
Complete Spiecificalion accompanies application, an asterisk is affixed.
June 15. 1908.
12.81S Triqcet. Primary batteries. (Date aplied for. 13/ti/07.)*t
June 16, 1908.
12.841 Marschall. Thenno-electrie batteries.*
12,881 Gratze. Magneto-ignition devices.
12,908 Eyqtjem. Sparking plug.. (Date ap]>lied for. 21/8/07.)*t
June 17, 1908.
12,923 Tierney & Mat.one. Point shifting arrangoinents for elertrir
tramways.
12,9(i8 Ki'zr.L. Filament-- for elertrie iilow lamjis. (.\adition to Xo.
28,1.54/04.)*
12,974 B,T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Machines for forming porcelain
ware.
June 18. 1908.
I;'.'.IM7 Hooper & Hooper. Electrical socks.
12,'.I!I7 B\TTV & B.\TTV. Magnetic compasses.
I.i.wl.") Gray. Electric incandescent lamp.s.
i:).02;! Stephens. Electric detectors.
13,02.') .-V. P. LuNDBERG, G. C. LvNDEERG & P. A. LrNDBERG, Electric
switches.*
13.029 LowDEN & Westinghoitse METiL Filament Lamp Co. Metal
filaments for electric incandescent lamps.
13.048 Newbould. Automatic cutout for electrical conductors in
tramway systems.*
June 19. 1908.
13,078 Schattner & Ambebton. Motor controllers.
13.092 Akt.-Ges. Brown, Boveri, & Cie. Ebctric transformers.
(Date a])plied for, 28./0/07.)*t
13.095 Kearney. Tube lailway system.*
13.100 Miertschke. Arc lamp.-;.*
13.101 WILHA.MS. Party line telephone .selectors and cutouts. (Date
applied for, 19/U/07.)*t
13,107 Berry. Electrically lieated apparatus.
13.133 DEGOtiMOis. Brakes for electric motor car.*. (Date appUed for,
21/i;/07.)*t
13.134 I'siNE Genevoise de Degrossiss.\ge D"or. Electrolytic cells
for .separating the constituents of a mixture nf metal or an .alloy.
(Date applied for, ll/7/07.)*t
13.130 ScHiLZE. Measiirins instruments having .an electromagnetic
brake. (Date applied for, 29/2/08.)*t
June 20, 1908.
13.184 Zander. Electric melting furnaces, pots and ladles. (Date
applied for, 20/6/07. )*t
13.185 St'NDERLAND & PlLLlNGER. Automatic switches for either
direct or alternating current.
13.191 Dearlove. Electric telegrajihy.
June 22, 1908.
1.3.215 HooKHAM. Electricity meters.
13.2.30 Fennell & Perry. Electric lamp-holders.
13.257 Helberc;er. Electric furnaces.*
13.275 B.T.-H. Co., & Dalton. Arc lamps.
June 23, 1908.
13,295 SzEK, Earth-electrodes,
13,327 Venner, Griesbach, & Morris. Automatic electric switch.
13.361 Voss. Electric apparatus.*
June 24. 1908.
13,440 Triquet. Manipulating and mounting filaments of electric
incandescent lamps.*
13,451 Siemens-Schuokertwerke G.m.b.H. Repulsion electric motors.
(Date applied for, 24/8/07.)*t
June 25, 1908.
13,489 Kuhlo. Metal armouring for electric conductors,*
13,502 Knowles, Electric furnaces.
13,504 Lancashire Dynamo and Motor Co., & McLeod. D3Tiamo
electric machines.
1 3,515 Grose & Lambert. Electric fuse bo.xes and fuse holders therefor.
(Addition to No. 6,849/07.)*
13,518 Fleming. Instruments for detecting electric oscillations.
13,520 Hartenhetm. Control of electric motors.
13,539 Haack, Mercury vapour lamp,*
June 27, 1008.
13. .ISO Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works. & Riber. .\rc l,amp3.*
13.587 Mills. Variations in size of aii-gap in electrical machines.
13.1)33 MuLLER. Chronometer for telephone calls.*
13.649 O'Neill, Langton & Bottomley, Controlling and operating
track and conductor ])oint5 of electric railways and tramways.
13,1554 W, T Henley's Telegraph Works Co, &" Bishop. Sus-
pension devices for electric cables
13,661 Bloxam. (Siemens Schuckertwerke (J.m.b.H., Germany.) Fit-
tings for incandescence electric lamps.*
13,671 Heintz. Galvanic element of the Bunsen type.*
13,678 Wolff. Iron conductors for .alternating current.*
June 29, 1908.
13.704 Hitch. Electric cable conductors.
13,70(> Richmond. Primary batteries.
13.719 Inoleby. Squirrel cage rotors for induction motors and alter-
nators.
13.733 Wisotzky. High voltage adajiter for electric incandescent lamps
with metallic filaments.
13.734 CoRNARO. Electrodes for electric furnaces, radiators, lamps.
(Date applied for, 27/6/07, )*t
13,743 Pifer & Ahlm. Dynamo-electric machines.*
13.752 KiTSON. Incandescence vapour lamps.
13,761 GiiiLABDncci. Electro static machines for Rontgen rays, elec-
trotherapy and space telegraphy.*
13.7<)6 Harrison. C'ombination electric switches and fuses.
13.772 Benard. Distributor for gas or electrically controlled valve.
(Date applied for. 12/7/07.)*t
13.779 Osmond. Electro-deposition of metals, electroljtlc cleaning.
13.781 Baldwin. Magnetic brakes.
13.787 B.T.-H. Co., Carter & Martin. Electric moter.s.
I 13,788 B.T.-H. Co. & Martin. Electric meters. ,._.. .
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23. 1908.
75
SPECIFICATIONS PUBLISHED.
l!K)li Specikic'ATIiins.
2,257 Daw. Electric arc lamps.
1907 Specifications.
6,203 Fessenden. T51ectric .fignalliug.
0,528 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Electric motor cciitrolled sy.stcms
and apparatus.
8,445 Grondal Kjei.lin T'o, & Harden. Electric furnaces.
8^947 Allgemeine Ei.ektricitats-Ge.s. Incandescence bodies speci-
ally adapted foi- lighting and heating pmposes. (Date ajjplied
for", 19/4/0«.)
9,009 Ritchie. Telautographs.
11,360 Electric & Ordnance Accessories Co. & Hai.l. Fuzes for
explosive projectiles.
11,541 Hatfield. Electrically-operating apparatus.
11,926 B.T.-H. Co. (A.E.G., Germany) Controller mechanism for clcc-
tricallv-operated cranes and lifts.
12,220 Johnson (Badische Anilin & Soda Fabrik). Electric currents
of high periodicity and apparatus or appliances therefor.
12,260 Rhode. Combined electric and gas lamps. (Date applied for,
25/5/06.)
13.760 Rathborne, Fielding & Latham. Automatically controlling
the points of electric tramways.
13.761 Electric Constri'Ction Co., Buchanan & McMillan. Auto-
matically regulating the voltage in connection with a dynamo-
electric machine or machines.
14,183 Enderlein, Landwehr & Schulz. Electrical signalling system
for railways.
14.2.')5 Oppermann. Secondary batteries.
14,262 Brown. Electric telegraph apparatus.
14,2(i3 Stoneham. Thermally-actuated electrical contact niakers.
14,649 Wydts& Jeudl Electric battery. (Date applied for. 28/6/06.)
14,713 Hatfield & Lew-is. Arc lamps.
15,079 AiiLABD. Electrical heating apparatus.
15,100 Stray. Electric primary clocks.
15,I00a Stray. Electric secondary clocks. (Date applied for, l/()/07.)
15.151 Fy'nn. Dynamo-electric machines of the neutralised conduction
type.
15.234 Dawson & Buckham. Electrical signalling apparatus for use
with guns.
15,262 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Controlling mechanism for electric
circuits.
15,311 WECiUELlN. Electric circuit closers for giving an alarm or indi-
cation.
15,363 Gese. Electrically-driven pulley blocks or hoists.
15,510 Deutsche Gasgluhlicht Akt.-Ges. Manufacture of illuminating
bodies for electric incandescence lamps. (Date applied for,
11/7/06.)
15,922 PoLLiTT. Electrical apparatus for operating winches.
15,966 Vandervell. Electric lamps for carriages and motor cars.
16,053 Hatfield & Lewis. Arc lamps.
COMPANIES' MEETINGS AND REPORTS.
CUBA SUBMARINE CABLE CO. (LTD.)— The total receii>ls for the
six months ended June 30 were £18,079. 6s. 7d., and expon.ses
£6,525. 10s. 3d., leaving £11,555. 16s. 4d., added to £7,000, 6s. 7d.
brought forward, total £18,556. 2s. lid. £4,000 has been added to
reserve, which now stands at £110,000. Dividend on the preference
shares absorbs £3,000, leaving £11,556. 2s. lid., out of which the
directors recommend payment of a dividend at the rate of 6 per
cent, per annum on the ordinary shares (tax free), the balance
(£6,756 2s. lid. ) being carried forward. The company's cables continue
in good working order.
DRAKE & aORHAM (LTD,)— At the meeting yesterday, Mr. B. M.
Drake said the net profit on trading of £6,851 showed a marked re-
covery from last year's results, and was arrived at after liberal sums
had been allowed for depreciation. The year's work included the re-
modelling of the entire installation at Kensington Palace, Lambeth
Palace and Westminster and Manchester Cathedrals. The tantalum
and osram lamps, which were replacing the carbon filament lamps at
a remarkable rate, had an important bearing on their business, as they
could now light country houses at a laigelv reduced outlay and less
working cost. The use of metallic lamps iiad reduced the working
cost of electric light to about 2d. per 1,000 c.p. per hour, and there
was no reason why everyone should not adopt the most scientific, the
safest and mott convenient form of lighting extant.
EDISON & SWAN UNITED ELECTRIC LIGHT CO. (LTD.)— The net
revenue account for the year ended June 30 show,'^ that £41,312. lis. Id.
has been brought forward from profit and loss account. Debenture
interest has absorbed £16,157. 5s., £9,C0O has been set aside as
depreciation on freehold and leasehold property, plant and tools,
£1,505. 16s. 3d. has been applied in writing down values of stocks,
and £5,000 has been added to reserve. The result is a credit balance
of £9,649. 10s. ICd., added to £9,543. 9s. 4d. from the previous year,
making £19,193. Os. 2d. The directors recommend payment of a divi-
dend for the year on the " A " shares of 2J per cent, (being 2s. 6d. per
fully-paid " A " share and Is. 6d. per part-paid " A " share), amount-
ing to £9,586. 19s., leaving £9,606. Is. 2d. to be carried forward.
During the year £9,980 of the company's debenture stocks have been
purchased and cancelled, resulting in a profit of £1,822. lis. lid.,
which has been appropriated as an addition to reserve against stock
depreciation. Cost of establishing the bu.siness, goodwill, &c.
(£390,432. 8.S. Id.) has been brought forward at the figure standing in
the last balance-sheet. The freehold and leasehold property and
plant have also been brought forward at the value stated in last
lialance-sheet, with the addition of the amount expended to June 30,
19C8, less depreciation charged in net revenue account. There has
been expended on capital during the year £8,147. 13s. 5<1.
The shares of the Altrincham Electric Supply (Ltd.) have been taken
at par. This concern continued to show satisfactory progress, and has
paid a dividend of 7 per cent, on its shares for 1907. Its indebtedness
to the company has been reduced by £1,218. IBs. lOd.
The manufacture of metal filament lamps h.as been commenced
during the year and promises to yield satisfactory results.
ELECTRIC SUPPLY CORPN. (LTD.)— The directors' report for the
year ended Dec. 31, 1907, states that the gross revenue (including
revenue from Totno.« and Chelmsford) amounted to £20,960, an in-
crease of £7,285 over the previous year. As a result of the year's
working £6,456 has been brought into the net revenue account, com-
pared with £2,786 in the preceding year. The company has thus
earned net profits sutticient to pay the debenture interest and the
interest on temporary loans, while the full dividend of 5 per cent on
the share capital has been paid to the proprietors from the sum re-
ceived from the guarantors. The Dumbarton Burgh triimways were
completed and opened for trathc on Feb. 20, 1907. The bill autho-
rising the transfer of the Dumbarton Burgh tramways and the Dum-
barton Shire tramway order having received Royal Assent, the new
company has taken over the burgh tramways from this corporation
and is taking supply of electricity from this corporation. The
capital for the new Dumbarton Burgh & County Tramways Co. was
fully subscribed, and the extensions of the line are completed. The
entire system (about 13 miles of tramway) was opened for traffic in
July last. The Chelmsford and the Totues companies have ceased to
exist and have been merged in the general business of this cor|)oratioii.
The Hendon Electric Supply Co. has been formeil to o|3eratc the
Hendon lighting order, which tlie directors consider is a valuable
asset. Mr. C. F. Tufnell has retired from the board, and Mr. F. R.
Reeves, having relinquished the secretaryship, has been appointed to
fill the vacancy.
FEBRANTl LIMITED. — At the meeting of this company on Wednesday
(he chairman (.Mr. A. W. Tait) moved the adoption of the report, set out
in our last issue. He said that notwithstanding the keen competition in
the electrical industry, the business had shown considerable improve-
ment during the year. The trading profit amounted to £31.165. against
£26,282 in the previous year, and after deducting general establishment
charges, repairs and renewals, bad dcl)ls. directors' fees, debenture
niterest, &c., and charging £5,000 to depreciation account, there re-
mained £3.274. which had been deducted fr(mi the balance standing at
debit of jirofit and loss account at June 30. 1907, reducing the net debit
balance to £2.13l>. During the year the meter department showed excel-
lent (irogrcss, us had also the Mviti li department, notwithstanding the
keen ccHiipctiliiMi « lii.li prevailed fur lli.it class of work.
METALLIC SEAMLESS TUBE CO. (LTD )— .\t the meeting on Friday.
Jlr. W. Neale said the )iosition of the company was much improved;
their land and buildings were freehold and there was no charge what-
ever uijon them. In addit ion, they had a.ssets of nearly £35,000. They
owed (o sundry creditors £5.140. The preference eajiital only amounted
to £10,163. The ordinary shareholders only represented £13.000. Ho
did not think better sccui'ity cmdd be found than in that company. In
addition, they had nearly £5,(JO0 preference shares in hand to issue, and
these should be issued at a fair premium. They might have i)aid 10 per
cent., but hi view of the fact that they could not say what the commg
year would bring forth, the directors considered that a 7.1 per cent,
dividend would be safer.
NEW COMPANIES, STATUTORY RETURNS.
MORTGAGES AND CHARGES.
NEW COMPANIES.
ECONOMIC FORCED TIRAUGHT & ENGINEERING CO. LTD.; (99,845!.
—Reg Oct. 10. r.ipital tS.OOO in £1 .-ban-, to carry the bu.sine,ss
of nieclm.iical and eleetr).-.il euguie.is, boiler makers, tounders, manu-
facturers of and dealers in steam, water and electrually-driven tur-
bines, &c. Private company. Keg. office, 5, Castle-street, Liveriwol.
JAMES SCOTT (LTD.) (99,868).— Reg. Oct. 12, capiUd £2.500 in £1
shares (500 inifei' ii' ri, to accpiire business of an electric;il and
ineebaiiical eii'jiii. ei ruiiied on by J. Scott at Bootle. Private com-
pany.' First diiectors are J. Scott and F. Bradford.
TRICKET & CO. (IC4). -Rc";. Oct. 12, electrical and general engi-
neers &c 130 Noiwoodroad, London, S.E. Partnership to com-
mence from Oct. 12, lasting until determined by six calendar months'
notice. General partner, F. J. Tricket ; limited partner, C. G. btevens
(20, Court road, S. Norwood, S.E.), contributing £100 in cash.
STATUTORY RETURN.
GENERAL ELECTRIC CO. (LTD. —In return to Aug. 7 capital is
£800,000 in 40,0C0 pretertiice and 40.000 ordinary shares of £10 each,
of which 25,000 preference and 36,053 ordinary have been taken up.
£290,530 has been paid on 18,000 preference and 11,065 ordinary
shares and £320,C00 is considered as paid on 7,000 preference and
25,C00 oidinarv. Mortgages and charges £200,000.
76
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 23, 1908.
MORTGAGES AND CHARGES.
ALUMINIUM CORPN. (LTD.)— A deposit of deeds on Aug. £9, 1908, to
secure all moneys owiii;.; to LloydV Bank up to £26,200, has been
registered.
ATLAS CARBON & BATTERY CO. (LTD. )— A statement of the tota-
aniount outstanding' on .July 1 in respect of mortgages and charges
created prior to that date and not reciviired to be registered under
sec. 14 of the Companies' Act, 1900, has been filed pursuant to sec. 12
of the Companies Act, 1907. Particulars : Debentures, dated 1900,
securing £2,000.
BAILY, GRUNDY & BARRETT (LTD.)— A statement of total amount
outstanding on July 1 in lespect of mortgages and charges not required
to be registered under sec. 14 of the Companies Act, 1900, has been
filed. Particulars : Debentures, dated 1899 and 1900, securing £2.700.
BRITISH POWER CO. (LTD.)— A tru.st deed dated Sept 16, 1908, to
secure £12,530 second debenture stock, has been registered. Property
charged, company's undertaking and property, present and future,
including uncalled capital, subject to prior charges. Trustees, A. T.
Ashwell and R.. T. Smith.
T. W. BROADBENT (LTD.)— A statement of total amount outstanding
on July 1 in respect of mortgages and charges created prior to that
date and not recjuired to be registered under sec. 14 of the Companies
Act, 1900, has been filed pursuant to sec. 12 of the Companies Act,
1907. Particulars, mortgage dated 1908, securing £1,000.
BRUSH ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING CO. (LTD.) -A statement of the
total amount outstanding on July 1 in respect of mortgages and
charges created not required to be registered under sec. 14 of the
Companies Act, 19D0, has been filed. Particulars : Indentures, dated
1892 to 1908, securing £328,297. 13s. Id.
J. G. CHILDS & CO. (LTD. )— A statement of total amount outstanding
on July 1 in respect of mortgages and charges created prior to that
date and not required to be registered under sec. 14 of the Companies
Act, 1900, has lieen filed. Particulars : Mortgage, dated 1904, securing
£3,000.
ELECTRIC CONVERSIONS SYND. (LTD.)— A statement of total amount
outstanding on July 1 iji respect of mortgages and charges created
Ijrior to that date and not required to be registered under sec. 14 of
the Companies Act, 1900, has been filed. Particulars : Mortgage,
dated 1904, and loans, dated 1908, secunng £3,791. 23. lOd.
ELECTROMOBILE CO. (LTD.^— A statement of total amount outstand-
ing on July 1 in resiject of mortgages and charges created prior to
that date ar.d not required to be registered under sec. 14 of the
Companies Act, 1900, has been filed pursuant to sec. 12 of the Com-
panies Act, 1907. Particulars, charge dated 1906, securing £18,740.
FLEETWOOD & DISTRICT ELECTRIC LIGHT & POWER SYND. (LTD.) —
A statement of the total amount niit>ianding on July 1 in respect of
mortgages and cliarges created pi i.jr to tliat date and not required to
be reffistered under sec. 14 of the Compauies Act, 1900, has been filed.
Particulars : Tru>t deed, dated 1899, securing £7,239. 5s. 2d.
JANDUS ARC LAMP & ELECTRIC CO. (LTD.)— A statement of the total
amount outstanding on July 1 in respect of mortgages and charges
created prior to that date and not required to be registered under
sec. 14 of the C!ompanies Act, 1900, has been filed. Particulars :
Charge, dated 1839, securing' £5,500, and debentures, dated 1900,
securing £2,£00.
JOHNSONLUNDELL ELECTRIC TRACTION CO. (LTD.)— A statement of
the total amount outstanding on Julyl in respect of mortgages and
charges created [jrior to that date and not required to be registered
under sec. 14 of the Companies Act, 1900, has been filed. Particulars :
ilortgage or charge, dated 19C6, securing £4,070. 143. 6d.
LARNE ELECTRIC LIGHT WORKS (LTD.) -A statement of the total
amount outstanding on .July 1 in respect of mortgages and charges
created prior to that date and not re<(uired to be registered under
sec. 14 of the Companies Act, 1900, has been filed. Particulars :
Charges, dated 1896 and 1897, securing £500.
LEICESTERSHIRE & WARWICKSHIRE ELECTRIC POWER SYND. iLTD.l
Particulars uf 15,003 dob. iitnn-s nvated l>y iv-nluti.,;, of July 9, 1907.
have been liled pursuant to sec. 10 i3) 'if the Coiniiaiiies Act, 1907,
the amount of the present issue being £250. Property charged, com-
pany's undeitaking, present and future, including uncalled capital.
No trustees.
LEICESTERSHIRE & WARWICKSHIRE ELECTRIC POWER SYND (LTD.)
Issue on Se|pt. 3 >>f £150 delicnlurcs, part of a .series of whicli p.a.rticu-
larsliavealr.aily been filed.
MACKEY S ELECTRIC LAMP CO. (LTD.)— A statement of total amount
outstanding ou .luly 1 in resjicct of mortgages and charges not required
to be registered under sec. 14 of the Companies Act, 1900, has been
filed. Particulars : Debentures, dated 1900, securing £2,50J.
MANN, EGERTON & CO. (LTD.)— A statement of the total amount
outstanding on Jidy 1 in resjiect of mortgages and charges created
prior to that date and not required to be registered under .sec. 14 of
the Companies Act, 1900, has been tiled. Particulars : Mortgages or
cliarges, dated 1903 and 1905, securing £9,9£0.
MOUNTAIN & GIBSON (LTD.) -Issue on Sept 25 of £1.000 and on
Sept. 28 of £300 debentures, part of series of which particulars have
already been filed.
A statement of the total amount outstanding on July 1 in respect of
mortgages and charges not required to be registered under sec. 14 of
the Companies Act, 1900, has been filed. Particulars : Mortfao-cs,
dated 1905 and 1908, securino- £24,581. 7s. 9d.
NAIROBI ELECTRIC POWER & LIGHTING CO. (LTD.)— Issue on Sept. 30
of £500 debentures, jiart of series of which particulars have already-
been filed.
NEWTONS LIMITBD.— A statement of total amount outstanding on
■luly 1 in respect of mortgages and charges created prior to that date
and not re([uired to be registered under sec. 14 of the Companies Act,
1900, has been filed pursuant to sec. 12 of the Companies Act, 1907.
Particulars, mortgages dated 1905-6, securing £2,500.
A. REYROLLE & CO. (LTD.)— Particulars of £20,000 debentures, created
by resolution of April 17, 1907, have been filed pursuant to sec. 10 (3)
of the Companies Act, 1907, the amount of the present issue lieing
£500. Property charged, company's undertaking and property, present
and future, including uncalled capital. No trustees.
SMITHFIELD MARKETS ELECTRIC SUPPLY CO. (LTD.)— A statement
of total amount outstanding on July 1 in respect of mortgages and
charges created prior to that date ami not required to be registered
under sec. 14 of the Companies Act, 1900, has been tiled pursuant to
sec. 12 of the Companies Act, 190'7. Particulars, indentures dated
1898 and 1899, securing £54,700.
STRATFORD ON AVON ELECTRICFFY CO. (LTD.)— A mortgage, dated
Oct. 5, to secure £3,000, charged on company's property, including
uncalled capital, has been registered. Holders, J. Stevenson and F. J.
Hughes.
THOMAS PARKER (LTD.)— A statement of total amount outstanding
on July 1 in respect of mortgages and charges created prior to that
date and not retpiired to be registered under sec. 14 of the Companies
Act, 1900, has been filed. Particulars : Debentures, dated 1898,
securing £58,000.
VAN RADEN & CO . (LTD,) — A statement of the total amount outstan d
ing on July 1 in respect of mortgages and charges created prior to that
date and not required to be registered under sec. 14 of the Companies '
Act, 1900, has been filed pursuant to sec. 12 of the Companies Act,
1907. Particulars : Mortgage dated 1903, securing £1,300.
RECEIVER AND MANAGER.
ASSOCIATED BATTERY (LTD.)— A notice of the appointment of D. D.
Robertson, Miporgate Station (Chambers, E.C., as receiver or manager
on Oct. 1, 1908, under powers contained in mortgage debenture, d.ated
March, 1908, has been filed pursuant to sec. 11 (2) of the Com[iauies
Act, 1907.
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP.
ELECTRIC IGNITION CO. (LTD.)— Particulars of £2,000 debentures
created by resolution of Sept. 24 have been filed pursuant to sec. 10
(3) of the Companies' Act, 1907, the whole amount being now issu ed.
Property charged. Company's undertaking and property, includi ng
uncalled capital, but excluding unissued capital (subject to a pr ior
charge .securing £2,000). No trustees. Holders, J. M. Madders a nd
A. A. Smith.
CITY NOTES.
MEMORANDA (Oct. 22).— Bank rate 2h per cent, (since May 28, 1908)
Price of silver, 23JJd. per oz. Consols 84J;; — 34 1,; for money and
account. Consols Pay Day, Nov. 5 ; Stock and Shares Continuation
Days, Oct. 27 and Nov. 11 ; Ticket Days, Oct. 28 and Nov. 12 :
P.ay Days, Oct. 29 and Nov. 13.
Prices op Metals (London). — Copper, cash, 60 ; three months,
60i|. Lead, English, 13^-13.', ; foreign, ca.sh, 13v,r. Spelter, foreign,
193— 19i'. Tin, English, 134;3— 135i : Fine Foreign, cash, 132J— 134.V.
Iron, Cleveland, cash, 48/6, and throe months, 48/8.
AMAL'JAMATED RADIO-TELEGRAPH CO. (LTD.)— A [irivate meeting of
this comjtany was held on Frii-lay.
CALCUTTA ELECTRIC SUPPLY CORPN. (LTD. -The directors have
declared a!i interim ordinary dividend at the rate of 6J per cent, for
the half-year ended June 30, payable Nov. 15. The number of units
delivered to consumers during the four weeks ended Sept. 25 were
632,403, compared with 592,464 units in the corresuonding four weelis
of 1907.
STOCK EXCHANGE NOTICES —The Stock E.\change committee have
granted quotations to £1,000,000 5 per cent, prior lien bonds,
£2,800,000 4i per cent, bonds of 1933 and £4,900,000 6 per cent, income
bonds (in lieu partlv of the 5 per cent, profit sharing secured notes and
deiiosit receipts now quoted) of the Uiidirijround Ehrtric UnUways Co.
of London {Lid.). The committee have been asked to a]>point a special
.settling day in 40O,COO £1 fully-paid shares ami £350.000 5 per cent,
debentures of the .Sinijnpor' Eli'Ctric Tranwnys {/Jd.) and to grant
quotations to .$1,325,000 30year 5 per cent, gold bonds (in lieu of scrip
now quoted) of the KamiiiiMiiinia Pon-ir Co. (JJd.) ; a further issue of
£19,210 4 per cent, debenture stock of the KtiKiin/tuii ti Knighlahridije
Ekc/ric Lighting Co. (Lid.) and the Xotting Hill Eliclric Lighting Co.
(Ltd.) and a further issue of £154,109 4i per cent, perpetual consoli-
dated mortgage debenture stock of the Shau-inigan Water <fc Power Co.
UNITED ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS OF MONTEVIDEO (LTD.)— Mr. Geo. A.
Touche has been elected chairman of this company.
_THE BLEOTBICIAN, OOTOBER 23, 1908.
ELECTRIC TRAMWAY AND RAILWAY TRAFFIC
RECEIPTS.
Aberdeen Oorporatlon •
Alrdrio
Anglo- Argentine '
Ayr Corporadon
Bakor St. &, Waterloo By....
BwDBley '
Barrow
Bath Electrlo Tram3, Ltd...
Birkcohead Corporation ...
Birmlngbam Corporation..,
Birmingham &. Mid ■
Blackburn Corporation ,
Blackpool Corporation
Blackpool and Fleetwood..
Bolton Corporation
Bombay
Bournemouth Oorporatlon.
Bradford Corporation
Brighton Corporation
Bristol XramB & Carriage...
Burnley Corporation
Burton Corporation
Bury Corporation
Calcutta Tramways Co
Cardifif Corporation
Oavehill
Central London Railway ...
CbaringC.EuBton & H'atead
Chatham & Dist. Lt. ByB....
City & South London Kly..
City o( Birmingham
ColchcKter Corporation
Cork fc.lectria Trams Co. ,.,
Croydon Corporation
Devonport & Dist. Trams..
Dover Corporation
Dublin & Lucan Railway...
Dublin United
Dudley-Stourbridge
Dundee Corporation
East Uam Council
Exeter Corporation
Falkirk and District
Oatet^head & Di8t. Trams...
Glasgow Corporation
Gravesond— Northfleet
Great Northern & City Ely..
Gt. Northern, Piecadilly,&c
Greenock & Port Glasgow...
Hartlepool Tramways
Hastiugi^ Elec, Trams Co....
EonK Kong
Hudderhlield Oorpn
Hull Corporation
Word District Council
Ilketiton District Oouncit ...
Ipswich Corporation
Isle of Thanet Co
Jarrow
Keigbley Corporation
Kidderminster ^ District...
Kilmarnock Corporation ...
Lanarkshire TramH Co. ...
Lancashire United
Leamington ,
Leeds Corporation
Leicester Corporation ,
I.eith Corporation
Lincoln Corporation
Liverpool Corporation
Liverpool Overhead lily. ...
•London County Council ...
London United
Lowestoft J
MancheKter Corporation ..
Mersey Bailway
Merthyr
Metropolitan Dist. R^waj
Metropolitan Klec. Trams...
Middlcton
Nelauu C'urporaliou
NowciiMtle-oa-Tyuw Corp. ...
Newport (Mon.)
Northampton Curpuratiou .
Oldham, Ashton *k Hjde ...
Oldham Corporation
Perth (N.U.) Corporation ..
Perth ( W.A.) lilec. Trams...
Peterborough
Portsmouth Corporation ...
Potteries
Preston Corporation
Bothorham Corporation ..
Rolhesay „
baifoid Corporation ,
Bhoorncss
Sheffield Corporation
Singapore Trams
South Metropolitan ...
South Staffs ."
Southend Corporation ..'",.
Soutbport Tramways..
^taiyb(lyo,lIja.,,^,;..Jt.Bd'.
Bundorland Uorporation .
Sunderland DiHirict
Swansea Trams
Swiiulon Corporation .....
Taunton
Xyncwouth and District"."*
Tyucside Trams Co
Wallasey District Council"'
Walsall Corpn
Warrington Corpn.
West Ham Corporation
Weston-auper-Mare "
Wolverhampton Co.
Wolverhampton Corpu.'."."." w
* Worcester ... i* ^*
Wrexham ...
Yorkshire W.R. Trams"!"*
Xorkshire Woollen District.
(a) Tbeaecompan.onlT^^l^e
Ine.
or Deo.
(a)
SeV/J^onnU '--«
5,290
523
+
670
122
251
-
46
1,1U
+
197
«8,069
$81
1,561
-
17
3.370
+
232
469
+
46
139
4
389
+
23
457
+
77
115
162
+
4
101
6
112
_
10
1.271
_
4
1,313
—
6
197
+
36
6,479
90
2,223
-
40
ll',035
■"126
1,299
—
122
37,810
+
5,786
6,850
^■
760
195
—
26
15,767
■t-
808
1,892
+
43
2Zj
+
I
10.0J5
+
1,675
6,633
+
1,779
371
+
28
130
6
3,817
-
291
638
+
9
451
+
15
61ti
1,877
-
£0
162
-
18
1,263
—
85
214
+
79
1 978
+
324
1,785
—
117
713
-
44
613
_
3
84
+
16
4,620
28
61
+
1
6,1 71
63
£9,399
-
*I35
918
+
168
906
61
439
+
91
294
+
39
691
83
1,127
-.
220
519
+
29
989
81
140
_
31
41
-
2
237
+
8
412
_
71
892
+
108
632
—
16
3t3
-
12
2,260
+
62
107
+
10
492
■*•
15
8IG
31
299
103
+
7
1,119
+
4
1,U18
+
87
30,384
8,078
843,984
8,630
47,560
7,169
10,122
30,989
68,842
(11,352.092
61,034
133,765
36,096
n752,072
61,351
3,730
liO,101
52,605
32,699
47,637
111,470
434
19,148
42,217
18,811
7,030
2,3(5
88,618
34,081
26,647
25,133
40,729
346,7S('
6,142
8,700
20,830
79,745
21,555
9,818
21.7(J2
$23,414
27,479
71,661
13,4>3
4,135
12,3.'4
1,V36
4,370
2,671
4,656
3,169
53,311
56,691
6,S81
191,867
22,816
980.426
283,006
143,120
233,106
14,740
13,828
24,0S2
69,2t6
3,623
67,070
6,283
62,910
72,787
11,661
17,617
9,375
13r,268
2,3S6
166,477
$i7,5t6
33,183
36,623
ii,c;-«
11,792
22,1-79
36,271
24,811
38.315
1,692
9,691
6,637
26,912
22,382
10,783
65,121
6,415
18,465
16,594
11,610
4,1SU
51,533
37,161
+ 1.295
•tR247,7g2
2,793
26,605
1,758
1,600
1,230
1,371
4,783
16,863
109,078
4,467
il Plu8 2 daja.
. . . respobdiDg period last year. § Plua 3 daye.
Partly electrical, t Minus 3 days t Minus i daya.
ELECTRICAL COMPANIES' SHARE LIST
10] 6/0
10 4/6
10 6/0
it.' 4J%
6! 2/0
3t. HX
Ord.
6 2/0
St. 4i%
10 6/0
10 6/0
St. 5%
St.; 44%
6 2%
6! 6%
10 ; 4/0
10 6,0
St. I ii%
St. *iZ
m
3/0
St. 4%
6 2,6
^^'^^y- DITIDKND BO SIN Est -
v™... "'^J'J^^'' WEEK 10
10 — lOJ
9J-10
lOJ-Ki
101 —105
4|-4|
96 —100
7 -8
7 -8
99 -1C2
33- 3J
H-H
93 -69
81-3}
21-31
lO'J -103
91-10
12 -13
122 —125
101 —104
2i— 3
43-61
6 —61
87 — I'JO
6 — ej
73-6J
6 -ei
9» -97
ill
100 4%
ll 3%
100 iix
10 6/0
0,'8i
St
in
^
m
5
2/6
St.
H7.
t
b;u
6
2/3
St.
iZ
1
0/6
Jt.
m
St.
ia
11'
n
11
*x
St.
i%
Ill
1(1
3/0
St.
6%
St.
m
St.
u
it.
i'/.
St
27
10(1
n
St.
*y.
6
2/6
Oil
4«
St.
HZ
St.
!>*
t>Z
St.
6Z
bZ
dt.
in.
iti
6/0
10
6/0
111
10
0/9
St.
m.
t>
4/0
St.
MZ
1(1
■it !
III
6^
St.
i\l
it.
iZ
10
m
St.
6/.
10
bZ
*z
10
6/0
it.
t.
*/.
1
1
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY,
onth 4 Poole Elec. Sc
Do. 4J per Cent. Cnm. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cnm. Second Pref.
Do. 4j per Cent. Deb. .Stock (red.)
Bromley (Kent. El. Lt. it Power Shares
Do. Do. 1st Debs.
Brompton & KensinRton Elec. Snp. Ord
Do. 7 per Cent, Pref.
Central Elec. Snp. Co.4V Onar.Db.Stock
ChariDB Cross (W.End & City)El.Sap.Co,
Do. 44 per Cent. Pref
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Slock (red.)
Do. CitT Undertaking 44% Cm. Prel
Chelsea Electric Supply Ord.
■ Du. 44 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.V!!!
City of London Electric Lighting Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. "'.
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Do. 4 4 per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock (red. )
ConntyofDurhamElec. P.D. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, non Cnm. Pref.
County of London Elec. Supply Ord....
Do. 6 per Cent. Cnm. Pref.
Do. 4Jj; Deb. Stock (red.) '!!'.;
Do. Second Deb. Stock
Folkestone Electricity Supply Co. Ord
"AD Do. 5 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
44? Do. 44 1st Deb. Stock (red)
4,0 tHove Electric Lighting Ord
4/0 Kensinfe-ton & Knightsbridge Ord
ex i Do. 6 per Cent. 1 St Pref
tZ I Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Kensingtn. & Kngtbg. Co. & Netting Hill
Co. (Joint Station) iX Deb. Stock (red.)
Kent Elec. Power Co
London Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent, 1st Mort. Deb
Metropolitan Electric Sup. Ord
Do. 44 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 44 per Cent. Deb. Stockist Mort.
Do. SlperCent. Mrt. Dob. Stock(red.)
Midland Elec. Corp.forP.D.lstMort.Db.' 96 -SS
Newcastle & Diet. Elec. Ltg. Ord ! 6J— 81
Do. 4* per Cent. Deb 1 94-98
Newcastle Elec. Supply Ord 4i-6J
Do. 6 per Cent, non "Cum. Pref. | BJ-Sij
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. red. 1907.; 86 -97
Northern Counties Elec. Sup 1 —
Do. 4* percent. Deb "" "'
Notting'HiU Electric Ord
Oxford Electric Ord
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
St. James' ii Pall Mall Elec. Ord
Do. 7 per Cent. Prof.
Do. 34 per Cenr. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
Smithfield Markets Electric Snp. Ord...
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
South london Electric Supply Ord
South Metrop'n Elec. Lt. & Power Ord.
Do. 7 per (Jent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 44 1st Db. Stk. Red
Urban Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4* per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb
WeBlniinater Elec. Sup. Ord
Do. 4J per Cent. Cum. Pref.
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS k TRAMWAYS,
Baker St. & Waterloo iX Perp. Db. 81
Bath Elec. Trams Pref. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 44 1st Mort. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
B'ham & Midland Trams 44 1st Db. Stk.
Bristol TramwUTS & Carriage Ord
Do. Cum. Pref. (fully paid)
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs 93 —C8
British Electric Traction Ord 5-11
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. 38-4J
Do. B per Cent. Perpetual Debs 90 -95
Do. 44 per Cent. 2nil Deb. Stock 76 —"8
Central London Ordinary Stock j lb -70
Do. 4 per Cent. Pref. Stock 88 -68
Do. Deferred Stock 49—62
'Do. 4 per Cent. Debs I 101 -101
Charing .\ Eusl.in&nmpaldPerUb.Stk. S6 — M
tCity ol Birmingham Trams. 5%Clu.Pref. 4i ••4J
t Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Dobs j 86 -lou
Citv & South London Ely. Con. Ord. ..., 3:'j -S31
Do. 6 per Ceut. Perp. Pref. (1891) ...
Do. (189(;)
Do. (1901) 1
Oo. (1903)
Do. 4 per Cent. Perpetual Debs
Dublin United Trams. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Gt. Northern & Cily Ely. Pref. Ord. (4%)
G. Northern.Piccadilly & Brompton Ord.
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. St "
Hastings Si Dist. Elec. Tr»
Do. 44 lib. St
llmperial Tramways Ord.
;Do. 6 per Ceul. 'I'r.'t. ...
IDo. 4J per Cent, llehs.
I. of Thauet E. T. i Lt. 6 1
Do. 4 per Cent. Dob. Slock
Lanarkshire Tramways
Lanes. Utd. Trams 5 J Prior Lien Db. St,
LiTerpool Overhead Railway Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb
Londou United Trams. !,/. Cum. Pref. ...
Do. 4 per Ceut. Ist Mort. Deb. Stock
Mersey Con. Ord. Stock
Do. 3 per Ceut. Perp. l*ref.
Metropolitan Elec. TramwaysOrd
£ a. d.
8 13 6
4 10 0
38
i-n
98-101
i-1
SO —83
7* 8*
4-3
105-11
.6%Cm.PI'.
r Cunt. Pref.
Def..
Do. 6 per Cent. Cu
- 4J! " • "
St.! 4% Metropob'laa Kailway Consolidated .
1 nz
HZ
34%
HZ
3 J,':
Do. Surplus Lauds Stocks,
Do. 34 per Cent. Preference
Do. 34 per Cent. " A " Prelereuce ..
Do. 34 per Cent. Convertible Pref.
Do. 31 per Ceul. Debeut "■ ''
lU —114
1 19 —112
107 —110
102 —105 ,
100 -103
111-12J 1
121 -13i I
1-1
9i -9i I
3 -J
90 -91
».i - 1 1
8i-!i
9j -9i
■=*-!>
64 — ei
98-95
93 —95
ij-a
a-bi
81 -8d
ii-6»
7i —if
1 -3
9;i —95
88 —39
4 11
4 10
6 11
5 14
4 12
4i-45
89 -D2
41-4i
4^-4E
106 —log
84 -89
m-iij
6S-6J
96 -98
71-81
'i-'l
88 -80
1-J
4 16
5 10
6 14
4 n
3 17
3 17
9 0 0
6 110
4 18 U
eat.
Mar, Sept, I
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan. July 1024
April, Oct
May, Nov I ..
March....! ..
Mar, Sent 1 Tic
June, Dec tOl
Feb, Aug ! 3sS
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
March . .
June, Dec
Feb, Aug
Jan, -July
June, Dec
Jan, July
April, Oct
April, Oct
Feb, Aug
liar, Sept
Jsn, July
May, Nov
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
ICO 4 0 0
m ' 88*
lr'« 1,'.
Do
Dilt.
■ In oalonlating the yield allowance has been made for accrued iatereet but
t Kx DiTidend. J The London Stock Exchange Committee have declined to qaote these
April. Oct
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
5Iar, Sept
Jan. July
April. Oct
Jan, July
June, Dec
Jan, July
June, Deo .
Feb, Aug :
Jan, July
Feb, Ang
Feb, Aug
i Jan, July
Mar, Aug
Jan, July
March . .
I March ..
Jan. July
I Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb ....
i Feb, Ang
April ■ . . . {
Feb, Ang
April, Oct
April, Oct
April, Oct
' April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
April
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
, Feb,'Aug
June, Dec
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
May, ^ov
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb ....
Jan, July
Jan, July
April, Oct
April, Oct
Feb, Aug
Feb. Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
May, Nov
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jau.July ,
Jau,July
Feb, Aug.
April.. .
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, AU!}
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July .7 ..
.l.m, Jialy_SOJ _
f for redemntio n
87 I 8ej
331 32}
93 I 92}
i5
E4i
THE KLECTBICIAN, OCTOBEE 23. 1908.
ELECTR^IC-AJLi COIVIPAIVIES' SHAR-E LIST — Continued.
Last
Divi-
dend
Price
Wed..
Oct. 21.
3%
iX
6%
4% I
0/92 ,'
0/6 i
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS A, TRAMWAYS-
Metropolitan District Eailwav Old,
Do. Exte
Continued.
13 —14
24 —59
-J
4J'!f ' Do.
44!^ Do.
10/0 Calleu
2/6 Do.
41% Do.
ll 1/0 Castne
Bt.' 4*% Do.
1' 0/95 Cliadl
0/7i
4J%
2/92
4%
6/0
4%
6/0
2/3
4JX
6/0
iX
oJn
1 0/7S
1- 4J/.
12 12/0
100 4%
1 1/0
1 0/6
Pref. (5 lier Cent.)
_. ted Ext. Pref. (Int. Guar, by
Und. Eleo. Rlvs.Co. of London, Ltd.) 60 -66
Do. 3 per Cent.' Consoltd. Bent-charge 75 —78
Do. 4 per Cent. Midland Kent-charse 99 —103
Do. Guar. Stock 4 per Cent ; 66 —(
Do. 6 per Cert. Perp. Deb. ,Stock 1?4 —127
Do. 4 per Cent. Ditto "• "-
New Gen. Tr»c;. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Potteries Electric Traction Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4* per Cent. Deb. Stock
R- Met. Elec. Trams. & Ltg. 6% Cm. Pref.
Do. 4 percent. Deb. Stock
Sunderland Diet. Elec.Trm9.65:l8tMt.Dh.
UndereronndE.Kv^.Lon.6/ Inc'm boDds
Do. y< Prior Lien Bonds
Do. J* ' Bonds
Yorkshire ( W.B.) Elec. Trams. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4i ner Cent, let Debs
ELECTRIC MANUFACTURINC, &C.
4ron Electricity Meter Ord
Do. 6% Cum. Pf. le.'! ou a/j arrears)...
Babcock & Wilcoj Ord
Do. Pref.
British Insulated & Helsby Cables Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref
Do. 4J per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.)
Bnl ish Thomsn-Housfn 4i% Ist Mt.Db.
British Westinghonse 6 per Cent. Pref...
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock 10 - 45
Brush Electrical Engineering J
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. non.Cum J-i
Do. 4j per Cent. Perp. 1st Deb. Stock 68 -73
Do. Perpetual 2nd Deb. Stock 50—54
Callender's Cable Con. Ord flJ-lOJ
Do. 5 per Cent. Cum. Pref. 6i— 6}
Do. 4> per Cent. 1st Mort Debs, (red.) 107i-lC9J
Castner-Kellner Alkali Co lis- lio
4iperCent. Ist Mort. Deb. (red.). 103 — 1U7
" (Ship) Telegraph Ord IS- liV
4--
92 -S5
J-1
76 —80
77 -81
22 -23
924-934
76 —76
i-lJ
3 -Si!,
84 —87
311-3);
14 -IS
61-61
91 —91
Do. 6per Cent. Cum. Pref
Consoli<!a[ed Electrical Co
Consolidated Signal Co
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
•Crompton & Co. (Nos. 1 to 86,000)
Do. 6 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs. (red.).
Davis & Tiinmins
Dick, Kerr & Co. Ord
Do. 6 percent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock
Edison & Swan United ("A"Sh.)(£3pd.)
Do. (£6 paid)
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock(rd.)
Do. 6 per Cent. 2nd Dab. Stock
Edmnndson's Elec. Corp. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref
Do. 44 per cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.)
Electric Construction Co
Do. 7 per Cent. Cum. Pref
Do. 4 per Cent. Perp. 1st Mort. Oebs.
General Electric (1900) 6% Cum. Pref....
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs
Uenley's Telegraph Works Ord.
5-J
Indii
4J per Cent. Pref j 5
4 j per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb. Stock '""'
P.ubber, Gutta Percha, &o., Wrke.
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs.(red.)
National Elec. Construction Co
Biehardsona, Weslgarth & Co., Ud. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
1 o. 4J per Cent. Perp. Deb. Stock ...
Simplex Conduits Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref
Telegraph Construction & Maintenance
Do. 4 per Cent Deb. Bonds (1909) ...
Vickers, Sons & Maxim, Ltd., Ord
Do. 5 per Cent. non-Cum. Preference
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Preferred
Do. 4 percent. 1st Mort. Db.Sk.(red)| 104
Do. 45 per Cent. 2nd Mort. Deb. (red.) ""'
Do. 6 per Cent. 3rd Mort. Debs. Bcrip.
J.G.White&Co.G; Cm. Pref.
tWil'.ans & Kobinson Ori
t Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs
TELEGRAPHS.
Amazon Telegraph
Do. 6 per Cent. Debs, (red.;
♦ Anglo-American
98 —101
J-H.
lis— lA
1 -li ,
101 -104
A— S3 i
14-24
76 • 79
84 — S7
4-8
69 —(6
ii-ij
66 —70
7i-'}
84 -88
10* -114
■ 64
107 — 1U9
164—17*
17 —99
BD8INESS
WJEK TO
! Oct. 21.
List I
DITI-
dehd'
Price
Wed.,
Oct. 21.
YIELD- i"'?S?'"> WEEK TO
Oct. 21
i-i
86 —88
li
H
32 —34
101 —103
ii-1^
104 —106 : 4 6 0
30/0 t Do. Preferred
1% Do. Deferred
Commercial Cable 4 p<
Cuba Submarine Ord.,
Do. Preference 10 p
Direct Spanish Ord
Do. 10 per Cent. Cui
Do. 41 per Cent. Deb
4%
6/0
10/0
2/0
6/0
60| 44%
Cent. Deb. Stk.
Pref.
84-94
i-U
24-s
72 —76
6 6 6
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
25J
774
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept 60 ..
Jan, July 1264 124|
Jan, July ' •• !
May .... • • —
April, Oct .. 1 -
Feb, Aug . ■ ' • •
May, Nov , •• ' -.
Fob, Ang . • • .
Jan, July —
Jan, July . ■ • -
.Tune, Dec
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jnlyi Feb
Jan, July
Jan, J tily
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
March . .
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
Nov, May
May, Sot
Feb. Aug
March . .
April, Oct
August ...
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Sept
Sept
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
June, Deo
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
May, Nov
Jan, Jtily
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July
Jane, Deo
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
April. Oct
April
2l-3i
go —96
68 —61
102—103
16* -17
83 —90
7}-8i I
I64-I74 ;
3 -34
100%— 103%'
20| 4/'0' tDirect United States Cable 13J— 13J
100 44% Direct West IudiaCable44%Bg.Db.(rd.) 100 -lOi
St. 25/0 (Eastern Ordinary 136 —13i
St. 17/6 t Do. S* per Cent. Pref. Stock 81—86
St.| 4% Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Btk. (red.) 10) —105
10 1 2/6 t Eastern Extension 121-134
-■ - .Deb. Stock 101—103
Eastern i S. African 4 < Mort. Deb. 1909 99S-10U
i% Mauritius Sub. Debs, (red.) ... ItllJ— 103*
G.N. (01 Copenhagen), with Coupon 74
Halilai & Bermuda 4j i Ist Mt. Db.( red.)
)-turopean
Macksy Compauies Common .
Preterence
oni's Wireless Teleg. Co.
Pacific & Europe'n Tel.4.JiGaar.Dbs.(red.)
West Coabt ot America
Do. 4 per Cent. Oebs
Vie^.t India & Panama
Do. b per Cent. 1st Pref.
Do. 6perCent.2ndPref
Do. 5 per Cent. Debs
Western Telegraph
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
itWestem Union Telegh. 41,000 4;i Bonds
6 16 0
5 17 6
5 18 0
4 9 0
6 17 0
! 6 14 6
6 15 0
1 6 11 0
Mar, July
Jan, July
Apr, Oct
Apr, Oct
May, Nov
lOi
ll'Ei 104i
l£* 105
J nne, Dec
June, Dec
F,My,Ag,N
F,My,Ag,N
F,My,Ag,N
Jn,Ap,Jy,0
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
April, Oct
4 7 6 Jan, July
6 3 0 !Ja,Ap,Jy,0
4 8 0 I June, Dec
6 2 0 lJa,Ap,Jy,0
4 1 6 I JB,Ap,Jy,0 S5J
3 16 0 ; May, >ov I'l^*
U ,Ja,Ap,Jy,0' 1
684 ..
1'.'24 102J
17 165;
(<»4 8S4
134 Hi
LOO
47.
25
**•
10
6/0 '
00
447.
2b
52/6
00
«1
o;i
»1
1
.00
n
'4
1/3
.00
iZ
111
10
tio
i(j
26i0
iO(l
l>7»
K
3/0
St.
4%
29* -31:
110 —105
66 —69
70 —76
66 —72
lOj"- 103
li-14
8 -t4
8i-9j
101 —103
131-144
3 17 9 Feb, Aug I014 lOU
3 18 6 . Feb, Aug : ..
3 16 6 May, Nov
6 7 6, Jan, July 29i
4 8 0 I June, Dec lulij
4 17 0
4 18 6
3 17 0
4 11
St. 6%
TELEPHONES.
Amer. Telephn. & Telegh, Cap. St
Do. Coll. Trust 81,0004 per Cent. Bds
Anplo-Portug'se Tel. 6% 1st Mt.Db. Stk.
129 -133 6 0 0
92 —81 4 5 0
6 5,0 i Chili Teleph,
Monte Video Telephou
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref .
National Co. Pref. Stock
1 0/7l
1 0/6
St., 6S; 1
St. 6%
10 6/0
10 f/0
6 2/6
St. 3J%
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
August . .
Nov I li'
May, Nov
Feb, Aug 110
Do. Def. Stock : 1174-119* 5 0 6 Feb, Aug Ue4 1174
i per Cent. Cum. Ist Pref. lOJ— lij
6 per Cent. Cum. 2nd Pref^... ...... 19S-;ii
1 0/7,'l tOrie
1 07i t Do,
6 per Cent. non-Cum. 3rd Pref. ,
Do. Deb. Stock 3J per Cent, (red.) ,
4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
ital.
64 -f 4
971 -9<'l
U'3 -104
l}-li
IJ-U
6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
4 per Cent. Red. Deb. Stock .
44^ Telephone Co. of Egypt 44XDb.Stk.(red.) 99—102
6/0 " ■■ ' -■
2/6
3 17 0
5 16
4 16
United River Plate..
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. .
Do. 44 Deb. St. Red
89 -9j 4 7 0
4 12 0
5 lu 6
4 110
101 —103 4 5 0
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug 6g
June, Dec 38*
Jan, July IW
April, Oct
April, Oct ..
Jan, July -.
Jan.JiUy
July .•■• i 61.
, June, Dec 6,;
Jan, July
FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, &c.
Elec. & Gen. Investment 6% Cum. Pref.
Globe Telegraph & Trust
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref
tSubmarine Cables Trust (Cert.)
St. 44%
St. 8%
St. 30 0
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRIC
RAILWAYS, TRAMWAYS. Ac.
Anglo-Argentine 6% Cum. Ist Pref.
Do. lOy, Nou-cum. 2nd Pref.
Do. Permanent 6% Deb. Stock
Auckland Elec. Trams. 6% Deb. (red.)...
Brisbane Electric Trams. Invest. Ord.... 4g
6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. 4^^;
Jan, July ' • •
0 SpDcMrJu 11
9 SpDcMrJu im
3 I April, Oct
6.\— 9,=e 4 11 6
8j— 8|j ! 6 8 0
141 —146 4 2 0
1U2 —105 4 15 3
'^_
St.
6
6%
6
2/6
10l>
HZ
100
6X
.St.
bZ
St.
6/.
6
2/0
u
100
1
a/B
St,
6
1/3
St.
4/.
bZ
100
1
6Z
Do. 4) per Cent. Db. Prov. Certs.
British Columbia EI.Ry.Dl. Ord
Do. Pref. Ord. Stock
Do. 5% Cum. Perp. Pref. Stock
t Do. 44 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
Do. V ancouver Power Debs
Do. 4J/J Perp Con. Deb. St
Buenos Ayres Eleo. Trams (1901) Ltd.
[ Deb. St 1 97
Buenos Ayres Grand National Ord. i;^— ii
I Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. 4 —4a
1 Do. 64 per Cent. Pref. Debs lOU — 103
D<. 6 per Cent. 1st Deb. Bonds lOL — 104
Bu.>nos Ayres Lacroze Trams 1st Mt. Db.
, Buenos Ayres Port & City Tram. Ist Mt,
Deb. Stock £75 Paid
tCalculta Tramways (1 to 137,610)
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pre!'.
Do. 4jX 1st Deb. Stock (red.)
Cape Electric Tram Shares
Ci ty of Buenos Ayres Trams Co. ( 1904jSh.
Do 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Colombo Ir. & Ltg. 5^ Ist Mt. Db.
Eleclric Traction Co. of Hong Kong SJ
per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs 83 —9J
Havana Kiec. Ky. Con. Mt. 5% » 1,000 50
year Coup. Bai
135 —139 5 17 e
117 —121 4 19 0
11,6 -llO 4 11 0
1.1 —103 14 7 6
101—104 4 8 6
101 - 1U5 I 4 0 6
-102
6 12 0
6 16 6
4 15 3
jfclCi
iSh.
6 1/0 ,
100 0/71 '
St. 6%
St. i%
..I t>X
100 4/l^4
500 6%
St.; 44%
Do
6 per Cent. " A " Deb. Sto
). 0 per Cent. "B" Ditto
bon Elec. Trams. Ord
t per Cent. Cum. Pref..
85 —Hi
61 -t)9
1-H
" -li
Do. E per Cent. Keg. Mort. Debj I b2 -97
iilec. Trams. 6% Deb. Stk
Manila Elec. Ry. 81, UOU Gold Bonds
MeiicoTrams Uo. Com. St
Lo. Gen. Con. 1st Mort. 5,, Gold Bds. ..
Montreal Bt. Ry. Slerliug 44 per Cent.'
Debs. (1922) (Nos. 601 to^OOtJ) 103 —105
Perth Elec. Trams Ord a— J
Do. 1st Mt. Db. Stock 101 —104
Rangoon Elec. Trams & Supply Co, 6%
Cum. Pf. I 64-61
Do. 44^ 1st Mort. Deb. Stk ...I 9a — iJJ
Sao Paulo Tramway, Light & Power Co.'
$100 Stock ' }bi
Do. 6 per C(
Toronto Ry C.
April, Oct 6J
Jan, July
June, Deo
Jan, July I •■
May .... ' 4j;
May, Nov "'ft
Jan, July "-2^
Mar, Sept 137;
May, Nov H'
Jan, July 11-9
April, Oct I •-
Jan, July
_ 10i4
Ja, Jal..l 93
Feb, Ang | *u
Jan, July 1
April, Oct ••
Mar, -Sept ! . •
Feb, Aug I ■ •
Mar, Sept ' ^6
Jan, July
Jan, July : • ■
F,My,'A,N j ■ ■
June, D
May, N.
6 1) 0 June, Dec
6 8 9 Feb, Aug
6 12 0 , Jan, July
8 li 0 Jan, July
4 0 0 I July ....
4 16 0 Jan, July
6 3 0 Jan, July
6 4 0 Jan, July
5 12 0 Feb, Aug
'i-9tiZ 6 6 0
1st Mt. «500 Db I 93i-1004:j 4 19 9
i Ster. Bonds' -' — "
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRICITY
SUPPLY &C.
Feb, Aug
May
Jan, July
June, Dee
Feb, Aug
5-5i
91-lUj
94 — 9ti
lOJ —104
92 —97
May, Nov
67j
Ja,Ap,Jy,u
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
April....
*
June, Deo
_
May ....
„
Jan, July
May, Nov
a'
'i
May, Nov
May, Nov
Jan, July
Mr,Ju,0,l>
H,V
13,';
June, Dec
I0;ii
6^ 3/0 ! Adelaide Elec. S'ply Co. 6% Cu.Pr.
10 6/0 I BombayE.S. &T.6%Cm.Pf.
St. 44% Do. 44 per Cent. Deb. Stk. (red.)
6 4/9 Calcutta Elec. Supply ord
100 an Canadian Gen. Elec. Uo. Com. St. ..
lOli b% CastnerElectrolyticAlkallCo.(oftr,8.A.)
1st Mort. Stl. Debs
600 5% Elect. Development Co of Ontario
5 ,. Elec. Ltg. & Trac. Co. of Aust. 6 per
Cent. Cum, Pref. ,
St. 6% Do. 6 per Cent. Deb Stock ,
St 5/ Elec. Supply Co. of Victoria 6 per Cent.
1st Mort. Deb. St 90-
St. 67 Indian Elec. Sup. &■ Trac. Co. Coostn.
Deb. St.Rd
lUs 0'3 Kalgoorbe Elec. Power* Ltg. Ord.
1 0/7t t Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref
St b/" tMadras E. S. Corp. 6 per Cent. Consta
, ' Deb. St
6001 by I Mexican Elec. Light Co. 6% Ist Mort.
! ° ! Gold Bonds
St.! SI tMeiicanLt.&Power Co, Com. St.
600i 6% Do. 64 Ist Mort. add Buds ' 9u4-aii
lOUi 6/2 Montreal Lt. Ht.i; Power Co. Cap. St:... 1 '7— llj
1 1/2? River Plate Electricity Co. Ord IJ-ll
1 1'2J Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Pref 1 i;— l.'.-.
St. 67 Do. 6 per Cent. Deb. Stock ' 99 — lo2
Rosano Elec. Co. 6% Pref. (1-20,000) ■ 5i's— 5,»,
inigan Water i: Power Co. Cap. St. 7s — Sj 3 u
Do. 6perCent.Bds j lOJ — 105% 4 13
Victoria Falls Power Co. Pref ' ^^ — \^
Mar, Sept
5 16 3 i
4 13 9 Jan, July
5 14 0 i April, Uot
6 14 9 I
5 2 6' Jan, July
16i il.54i
:oo4
93)
loAl
2 —2
J -4
Feb, Aug !
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
April, Oct
April, Oct
83
3/0
SI tSha
6% ■
4 111
5 13
4 IS
6 13
794 7l4
91
lluj lOaJ
April I I,-!,' ..
May I 91* 91J
Jan, July 10 J j lOJi
April, Oct D.J.\ ..
794 I 784
Jan, July ,1044 llOJt
Jan, July ■ ..1 ..
• In 'calculating the yields aUowance has been made for accrued Interest but not for redemption f Ei dividend, t The London Stock Eiobaoge Committee have declined to quote these.
THE ELECTRICIAN:
THE OLDEST WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND FINANCE.
ESTABLISHED, First Sviries (Weekly), 1861; Second Series (Weekly), 1878.
No. 1,589. [
No. 3. 1
Vol. LXII.J
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
Price Sixpence '^J.^jf*-
AbroadBd,, or 18 cents, or 90c., or SOp/.
CONTENTS OF THE CURRENT NUMBER.
Notes 79
Arrangements for the Week 81
International Electrotechniciil
Commission 82
The Manchester Electrical
Exhibition. — V. Illus-
trated 84
Xew Common Battery Tele-
phone Exchange at Cardiff.
Illustrated SI
Alternating-current Commu-
tator Motors as Applied to
Traction Work. By M.
Osnos. Illustrated. Con-
cluded 94
Ths Davey-Paxman Balanced
Two-crank Gas Engine. . . . 97
The International Confer-
ence ON Electrical Units 98
Electric Cranes. By H. H.
Broughton. Illustrated.
Continued 99
International Conference on
Electrical Units and
Standards 101
105
Correspondence
Turbo-electric Marine Pro-
pulsion (William P. Durt-
nall, M.I.Mar.E.)
Electrical Exhibits at the
Franco-British Exhibition.
—V. Illustrated 105
Institution of Electrical En-
gineers (Annual Dinner) . . 108
The Progress of Electrical
Design in Relation to the
Reduction of Capital Cost.
By Miles Walker 109
Automatic Fire Alarms 110
Parliamentary Intelligence 110
Legal Intelligence 113
Liverpool Steam Turbines . . 114
Municipal, Foreign & General
Notes 114
Trade Notes and Notices 117
Companies' Meetings and
Reports 119
New Companies, &c 120
City Notes 120
Companies' Share List 121
M^ O T* E S.
Linking up in London.
Among the variou.? solutions for provi(3iiig au efficieiit
po'wer supply for the London area Ihe linking up of the
existing companies is one of the most promising. So far
there has been much talk about the subject, but nothing
has actually been done beyond seeking Parliamentary
powers for this desirable end. We are glad to note, how-
ever, that the Corporation of West Ham, which has been
characterised by a most progressive spirit in electrical
matters, is negotiating with the Charing Cross, West End
& City Electricity Supply Co. for an interchange of
supply between the Row and Canning Town power stations.
In other words, the West Ham Corporation is so up-to-date
as to put aside the frequently expressed sentiment of
" municipal or nothing," and is prepared to co-operate with
the Charing Cross Co. to the mutual advantage of both under-
takings. The method of payment for supply taken by
either party is to be based entirely on the worlviug costs,
so that there will not be any profit on the actual transaction,
and the price will vary according to the time of day at which
current is taken. The two stations are about 2^ miles
apart, and as the systems are similar there will be no
difficulty in connecting up. Such a policy has the advan-
tage of possilile reduction in spare plant and the possibility
of shutting down either station completely during week
ends and other similar occasions, thus facilitating repairs
and cheapening the cost of this item. But v,'hat Mr. A. H.
Seabeook considers to be of much greater importance is
the immense advantage of the increased reliability of the
supply for power purposes. He can now point out that,
in the event of any failure at Canning Town, consumers
will be able to rely upon the 1G,000 kw. at Bow, and, on
the other hand, the Charing Cross Co. will be able to
rely upon the 12,000 kw. at Canning Town.
The Granting of Provisional Orders.
We have on many previous occasions referred to the
number of electric lighting provisional orders which have
been granted Ijy the Board of Trade and have then been
allowed to lie dormant by those who have obtained them,
local authorities in this respect being usually the culprits.
The object in obtaining an order by a local authority has
sometimes been to prevent the entry of a company into
what was looked upon as the municipal " preserves."
Hitherto the Board of Trade has been exceedingly lenient;
there has been no serious attempt to put an end to this
blocking of industrial progress, and there seems to be no
reason to think that the Board will take more decisive
action in the immediate future than in the past to revoke
these old orders. We are glad to note, however, a tendency
on the part of the Board to prevent any new cases of this
kind. From a note which appears in another column it will
be seen that, in future, evidence will be required to show
that an electricity supply scheme has been seriously con-
sidered by the promoters before granting them an order.
This, at all events, will prevent the granting of pro-
visional orders merely on demand, and will entail the
serious working out of any scheme before application
is made for an order. We widcome this attitude on the
part of the Board of Trade, and we trust that it fore-
shadows further developments along the same lines.
Manchester and After.
NoAV that the Electrical E.\hibition at Manchester is
drawing to a close, we feel sure that promoters and
exhibitors alike will agree with us that the venture has
proved an overwhelming success. The show had not been
open a week when many of the manufacturers who
visited it, but were not actually represented, were
inclined to regret that they had not taken space. The
success of the Exhibition has been absolutely sjDontaneous,
and we shall not be contradicted when we say that
80
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
this success Las come as somewhat of a surprise to many.
Astonished, not to say bewildered, is probably the most
suitable term to apply to the Management on the opening-
night. The gate money on the first evening was probably
a record for a provincial trade exhibition, and upon this
fact alone both the organisers and the exhibitors are to be
congratulated. During the Exhibition many optimistic
reports have been circulated of business actually done
within the walls of the building, and of roseate prospects
consequent upon influential business enquiries. It would
ahnost seem as if the application of superlatives to the
show is both unnecessary and obvious, the whole affair
having more than justified its promotion from every point
of view. Of one thing we may be sure, namely, that the
Exhibition will greatly stimulate matters electrical in the
Lancashire and Yorkshire districts, as well as the IMidland
and Northern counties. Deputations from as far south as
Brighton and as far north as Dundee have attended the
Exhibition, and this circumstance bears out the claim of
the show to be a national one. If the Exhibition has some-
what painfully emphasised the fact of acute competition
among manufacturers, it has at least shown that, however
fast the pace may be, the partisans in the struggle are
quite willing to " play the game." It has been said that
there is not enough work to go round. The Exhibition may,
and we hope that it will, disprove this idea. At any
rate, there is always plenty of room at the top, and m
this respect we firmly believe that the show has brought to
licrht many pieces of electrical apparatus of high quality
and undoubted commercial worth. In the conduct of
liusiness under ordinary conditions many good things never
see the light of day, and exhibitions serve a useful purpose
in bringing the searchlight of publicity upon them. From
the standpoint of the consumer of electrical energy, both
present and prospective, the Manchester Exhibition should
have proved an object lesson of immense importance, when
viewed in the light of both industrial and domestic in-
terests. The Exhibition has been very strong on the side
of motor driving, and this is a branch of electricity supply
which station engineers are particularly anxious to see
popularised. Unfortunately, developments in electric heat-
ing and cooking apparatus are comparatively slow, so that
nothing on a very large scale has been done to stimulate
interest in this particular use of electrical energy. As we
go to press, the closing hours of the Exhibition are passing,
aud in our next issue we hope to survey the Exhibition
and its results in greater detail.
able to judge, this seems to be a fair-minded view of the
matter. Party politics, however, appear to run high at
Liverpool, with the result that this report has been
described by Sir William Boweixo, a leading member
of the Corporation, as a " whitewa-shing report " . There is
no doubt tliat party politics are one of the greatest weak-
nesses of municipal working, and it is very regi'ettable
when technical matters are made to form a party question.
By the layman engineering points are not always easily
understood, and it is a very serious matter for anyrepsonsible
engineer to have his report associated with any suspicion
of"" whitewashing," so that we are scarcely surprised that
Mr. Bromley Holmes is taking vigorous action in the
matter, as will be seen from the correspondence we publish
in another column.
Steam Turbines at Liverpool.
For some time past there has been a good deal of dis-
cussion at Liverpool as to the efficiency of the steam
turbines supplied by the British Westinghouse Company.
It appears that when tested they did not comply with the
requirements of the specification. The contractors, how-
ever, did not hesitate to put matters right without causing
inconvenience to the Corporation, with the final result that
the sets have now considerably greater capacity than was
originally specified. Mr. A. Bromley Holmes, the consulting
engineer to the Corporation, has reported accordingly,
and has expressed the opinion that under the circum-
stances no penalty should be enforced. As far as we are
Royal Society of Edinburgh.— At the recent general meet-
ing of this Society, Sir William Turner, K.C.B., F.R.S., was
elected president.
Royal Engineers (Special Reserve).— Capt. and Hon. Major
L. N. Blackwell, from the late Thames Division (Submarine
Miners) B.E. (Militia), has been appointea oa the Special Re-
serve of Officers (Royal Engineers) with the same rank and
seniority.
Electric Shop Locomotive.— The Indiana Union Traction
Co. has recently buiit an electric locomotive for hauling coal
and o-oods about the power houses and shops of the company.
This° locomotive is 28 ft. long over all, 7 ft. 3 m. wide, and
12 ft high. The truck centres are IS ft. The body is mounted
on McGuire truck?, which carry four motors driving the axles
through suitable gearing. The braking equipment consists ot
Westinghouse automatic brakes, a Christeusen air compressor
and a double pneumatic sander. The locomotive is also fur-
nished with a pneumatic bell and a headlight at each end.
The locomotive's weight on the drivers is (;iO,0001b.
Manchester Local Section: Chairman's Address.— The
19084) session of the Manchester Local Section of the Institu-
tion of Electrical Engineers was opened on Friday evening
Ust with an address by the chairman, Mr. Miles Walker. A
short abstract of this address will be found in another column.
There was a good attendance, and the procsedings were
followed by a smoking concert, the items being contributed
by purely amateur electrical talent, the most noticeable
artistes being Messrs. Pope, Fenn, Crowther and War-
rilow. A strong programme has been arranged for the ensuing
session, and Papers down for reading will doubtless maintain
the hiuh standard which the Manchester Local Section has
claimed peculiarly for its own during the past few years.
The Junior Institution of Engineers.— The annual general
meeting of this Institution was held at the Royal United -Ser-
vice Institution, Whitehall, on October 19ih, the chairman,
Mr. Frank R. Durham presiding. The council's report re-
lating; to the past year, which was presented and adopted,
included reference "to the increase in the membership roll,
bringing the total to 1,042, the election of Mr. James Swin-
burne, F.R.S., as president, in succession to the late M. Gustave
Canet', and as vice-presidents Sir William Huggins, K.C.B.,
O.M., Sir Archibald Geikie, K.C B., Sir Robert A. Hadfield
and Prof. J. J. Thomson, F.RS. Mr. Durham has been
awarded the Institution medal, and a bronze medal (the Junior
Members' award) went to Mr. Gilbeit VVhalley, for his Paper
on "Notes on the Testing of Gas Engines." Special reference
was made to the foundation of the Durham Bursary, due to
the kindness of ■\Iis. F. R. Darhani. The award for the year
1908-9 went to Mr. L. M. Jockel, of Edinburgh, his thesis-
being on the subject of " Electricity in Mining."
Cable Interruptions and Repairs.
Date of Interruption. Date of Repair.
Pontianak— Saigon Sep. 16, 1908 ... ",„„„
Sitia-Rhodes Sep. 17, 1908 ... Oct. 6, 1908.
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
81
Failure of Light at Electrical Exhibition. — Last Saturday
the Corporation supply to the Manchester Electrical Exhibition
was interrupted for some few minutes, but although the
majority of the stands were in total darkness the arc lamps
in the main aisles were kept going by the gas and oil engine
plants running in the Exhibition. This fact prevented the
Exhibition being thrown into complete darkness. The stand
of the Electrical Power Storage Co. was kept illuminated by a
battery of 2.j-volt cells lighting 300 25-volt Osram metal
filament lamps festooned over the exhibit. This display in-
cidentally assisted in giving light to the half dozen exhibi-
tors facing the E.P.S. Company's stand. The lamps were each
of 10 c.p., so that an illumination of 3,000 c.p. was provided.
Messrs. I'ritchetts & Gold were also in a similarly fortunate
position.
Ocean Telephony. — The Daily Chronicle has a correspon-
dent at Milan who reports as follows : —
While Prof. Majorana is toiliiifr in Rome to solve the problem of
wireless telephony across the world's gjreat oceans, .another inventor,
Capt. Anzaloiie, an officer in the Italian array, whose earlier technical
devices won the patronage of the French Government, claims to have
finally overcome the obstacle to the trans-oceanic transmission of
telephonic meScSages along submarine cables. Capt. Anzalone's atten-
tion (it is recorded) was originally directed to this subject while in
Paris through experiencmg difficulties in telephonic communication
between France and England. Although there are rumours of suc-
cessful testf, the secret of the method is not divulged. This " pro-
mising new Italian discovery," after successful tests across the Straits
of Messina is now being tried on the trans-Atlantic submixrine cables
between Italy, the United States and South America.
It is rumoured that Genoa has just performed the feat of calling up
Buenos Ayres on the Anzaione telephone.
Undeveloped Provisional Orders. — The Board of Trade have
issued a communication to the effect that their attention has
been called to the large number of cases in which, in recent
years. Orders obtained by local authorities under the Electric
Lighting Acts have had to be revoked by reason of the j)owers
thereunder not having been put into operation. It does not
appear to the Board to be desirable, or in the interests of a
district, that an application should be made for an order unless
there is a serious mtention on the part of the promoters to
exercise the powers undei' the order, if granted. In regard
to future applications the Board will, before granting an order,
require (in addition to the particulars as to financial position,
X-c, speciBed in Xo. XI. (Ti) of their rules under the Electric
Lighting Acts) to be furnished with evidence that a scheme
has been defiiiitel}' considered by the promoters, and that the
application is made with the view of putting that scheme into
operation on the order being obtained.
The Effect of High Tension Transmission Lines on Tele
graph Working— According to the Electric linilwaij llevieic the
Oregon Electric Kailway Co., of Portland, Ore., was recently
confronted with the necessity of overcoming the effects of in-
duction from a 33,000 volt transmission line on the operation
of an earthed telegraph wire strung on the same pole line, the
transmission not being transposed. The Oregon Electric Kail-
way Co. handles its trains by telegraph almost exclusively,
the only exception being that a telephone circuit is used as
an auxiliary. Telephones are fixed in shelter shed stations
and in each freight caboose, the latter being equipped with
a light pole with terminals, which are hooked over the
telephone circuit when it is desired to reach the dis-
patcher from points between stations. The telegraph cir-
cuit is 50 miles long, and is supplied with main battery at
Portland from one side of a three-wire grounded neutral light-
ing system in the general otttce building and 30 gravity cells
at Salem. At intervals of about every 10 miles a 2 mfd. con-
denser is connected, one side to the line and the other to the
ground. According to the superintendent of the Oregon Elec-
tric Railway Co., these condensers effectually prevent the
induction, and it is possible to work through a heavy leak
which would put the telephone out of commission entirely.
Association of Teachers in Technical Institutions. In the
annual report the Council of this Institution directs attention
to the steady growth and development of the work and in-
fluence of the Association. The attention of the Board of
Education, the City and Guilds of London Institute and the
London LTniversity has been drawn to the urgent need of the
modification and re-organisation of certain syllabuses, schemes
of work and examinations put forward by these authorities.
Resolutions have been sent to the Board of Education re-
gretting that the work of the new Imperial College of Science
and Technology is not conBned to post-graduate studies and
research, and also pointing out the urgent need for the closest
possible coordination between the work of the Imperial College
and that of existing technical institutions. A scheme has been
suggested to the Board of Education, respecting the Whitworth
scholarships and exhibitions (tliis was summarised on p. 68 of
our last issue), which, it is hoped, will bring the examinations
for these awards into closer touch with modern engineering
training and fulfil more closely the wishes of the founder of
these scholarships. Respecting the registration of teachers,
the Council was represented at the conferences of educational
organisations on this matter, and a scheme of registration for
technical institution teachers has been drawn up. liespecting
professional matters, a resolution has been passed stating that,
in the opinion of the Council, teachers in technical institutions
should not be expected to put in more than 10 periods of work
per week at their institution, and not more than two-thirds of
these periods should be spent in actual teaching. The Council
has pressed for amendments in the Superannuation Bill to be
put forward by the Xational Association of Local Government
officers with a view to securing the incUtsion of teachers in
technical institutions within the provisions of this bill. Legal
assistance has been rendered to members of the Association in
professional matters, including cases of tenure, payment of
salary during holiday times, iVc. The Association has been
officially represented at the leading educational conferences
and meetings during the past year. A very successful annual
conference was held in London during Whitsuntide, 1908.
A resolution was passed urging the adoption of a common
ilatriculation examination for all British I'niversities, such
examination to serve as a preliminar}' examination for all
professions.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE WEEK.
MONDAY, November 2nd.
SiHiETV OF Engineers.
t'.JO p.M. Meeting at the Royal United Service Institution,
Whitehall. Paper on " The Flow of Liquid Fuel through
Carburettor Nozzles," by Mr. R. W. A. Brewer.
SociETV OF Chemical Indistry.
S j).in. Meeting at the Chemical Society's Rooms, Burlington
House. Paper on " Chemical Indu.stry in relation to Agri-
culture," by Prof. A. Frank.
The Institute cf Marine Exuinbers.
N ;. rti. Meeting at the London Institution. Paper on "The
Generation and Electrical Transmission of Power for Main
Marine Propulsion and Sjieed Regulation," by W. P. Durtnall.
Adjourned discussion.
TUESDAY, November 3rd.
M.\N. HESTER Sec TIOX OF THE INSTITUTION OF ElECTRIC.\L EN(;INEEKS.
^-.Su p.m. ileeting in the Physical Laboratorj' of the University,
Manchester. "Paper on " Practical Considerations in the
selection of Turbo-Alternators," by Dr. M. Kloss.
Institution of Civil Engineers.
.v p.m. Meeting at Great George-street, Westminster. Presi-
dential Address by Mr. J. C. Inglis.
WEDNESDAY, November 4tU.
.Uniok Institution of Engineers.
.■ p.m. \'isit to MesMs. Siebe Gorman & Co.'s Submarine Engi-
neering \\'orks, 187, Westminster Bridge-road, Lambeth.
THURSDAY, November otb.
RoNTGEN Society.
^s:15 p.m. Meeting at 20, Hanover-square. Presidential Address
on "The Amsterdam Congress," by Mr. W. Deane Butcher.
The Electrical Engineers (London Division).
Tlie following orders have been issued for the current week :—
Monday, Xov. 2nd, "A" Company | Techniail drill, 6:30 p.m'
Tuesday, Nov. 3rd, " B " Company / to 9:30 p.m.
C Infantry drill (Recruits),
Thursday, Nov. 5th, " C " Company \ 6:30 p.m. Technical
( drill, 7 p.m. to9;30 p.m.
_., „ ^ , , ,,,, „ r Technical drill. 6:50 p.m.
Friday. Nov. 6th, "D" Company -^ to 9:30 pm.
Tuesday, Nov. 3rd, and every Tuesday until further orders, medical
inspection for recruits, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
82
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER .SO, 1908.
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION.
In"our last issue we gave a brief note of the proceedings of the
International Electrotechnical Commission, wliich we are now able
to supplement.
It will not be out of place to remind our readers that the Inter-
national Electrotechnical Commission was the outcome of the
deliberations of the Chamber of Government Delegates at the Inter-
national Congress of the St. Louis Exposition, which was held in lOtW.
A Paper on electrical standardisation, which was read by Colonel
Crompton at that meeting resulted in the following resolution being
unanimously adopted : —
" That steps should be taken to secure the co-operation of the
techuical Societies of the world l^y the appointment of a representa-
tive Commission to consider the question of the standardisation of
the nomenclature and ratings of electrical apparatus and machinery.'
The preliminary meeting was held in London in June, 1906. when,
after a lengthy debate, rules were drafted and provisionally adopted
subject to modification by the authorities by whom the delegates
had been appointed. The late Lord Kelvin was elected President, and
Colonel Crompton was appointed Honorary Secretarj' and authorised
to continue the further organisation of this interesting movement.
Sir]John Gavey. C.B., the Chairman of the British Electrotechnical
Committee, also a Vice-President of the Commission, presided at the
Council meeting. The Rt. Hon. A. J. Balfour, M.P., in welcoming
the foreign delegates in the regrettable absence of the Rt. Hon. R. B.
Haldane, K.C., j\LP., made reference to the late Lord Kelvin. He
said they would agree with him that Lord Kelvin was pre-eminently
htted to deal with the problems before the Commission, problems
which perhaps more than any other had an immediate eti'ect upon the
industry of the world. He felt sure that there would not be the
slightest danger that any rules or regulations which the Commission
might recommend would in any way hamper the further develop-
ment of this rapidly developing industry, for this danger had no
doubt been present to the minds of the eminent men of science who
had been foremost in initiating this movement. Mr. Balfour also
referred to the Congress on Units sitting in London at that time.
A certain degree of surprise had been expressed at the fact of there
being these two separate l)odies, and he reminded the delegates that
though these two bodies were separate in organisation they had a
common origin in the discussions which took place in 1904 at the
Chamber of Government Delegates at St. Louis, and having this com-
mon origin it was impossible that anything should occur to prevent
their collaborating towards one great international end. He trusted
that the deliberations of this Council would be eminently successful,
and, on behalf of Great Britain, he extended a hearty welcome to all
the foreign delegates. Dr. E. Budde and M. Paul Boucherot then
thanked ilr. Balfour on behalf of the delegates for his kind welcome,.
Representatives were present from 17 different countries, as well
as Jlr. C. O. ilailloux who had received a special invitation from
the honorary secretary, in vie\^' of the very leading i>art he had taken
in the preliminary movement. Mi-. Mordey. President of the Insti-
tution of Electrical Engineers, Mr. Robert Ka\-e Gray and >Ir.
Siemens were also present.
The first business of the meeting wasto elect the new President, and
Dr. E. Budde, President of the German Committee proposed, and Sir
John Gavey, President of the British Committee, seconded the motion
that Prof. ElOiti Thomson be elected as President to succeed Lord
Kelvin, which motion on being put to the meeting was carried with
acclamation, and a telegram was at once despatched to Prof. Thom-
son to this effect. M. Boucherot, the delegate of the French
Committee proposed, and Sr. Perez, in the name of the President of
the Mexican Committee, seconded the motion that Colonel Crompton
be re-elected as Honorary Secretary, which, on being put to the meet-
ing, was also carried bj' acclamation.
Colonel Crompton read his report on the general progress made
since the preliminary meeting. He said that in October, 1906, with
Mr. le Maistre's help, the Central Office had been started. He him-
self had brought the matter before the Institution of Electrical
Engineers in this country, and had requested them to assist him
financially so that the work of organisation should not be hampered
by want of funds. The whole subject had been very fully considered.
and in December of that year the Council had decided to defray the
entire cost of the preliminary meeting, thus making a gift to the
Commission of nearly £200. The Council had also granted the Com-
mission a loan of £200 and he hoped to repay this gradually. He
referred to the irreparable loss which the Commission had sustained
in the death of Lord Kelvin, and also of Mons. Mascart. He took
theTopportunity of again assuring the French delegates of the sym-
pathy of the British Committee in their great loss, and said that not
only they, but the Commission as a whole, had sustained a great
-.blow in not being able to welcome as then- President such an eminent
French savant. Turning to matters of general organisation. Colonel
Crompton thought that the Commission might well be congratu-
lated on the good progress which had been effected since the prelimi-
nary meeting of 1906. There now were 10 Electrotechnical Com-
mittees in proper working order, sis countries in wliich Committees
would be formed very shortly besides six other countries where the
question was under consideration. During the year subscriptions
had been received from Canada, Denmark. France, Germany, Gt.
Britain, Hungary, Mexico, Spain, Sweden and U.S.A. The Austrian
Committee which was formed in September. 1907. had, he was sorry
to say, not been very succe.ssful, but he trusted that this would
shortly be rectified. A Committee would in the near future be fully
constituted in the Argentine Republic, and a representative was to
have been present at this meeting. In Australia the matter was in
the hands of Mr. Atlee Hunt, the Secretary of the Minister of External
Aft'aus. He was pleased to be able to welcome 'Six. Darley, M.Inst.C.E.,
as the representative of the Commonwealth. In Belgium the Com-
mittee would have been formed last year if it had not been for a
change in Government which had thrown matters back a good deal.
Good progress, however, was now being made, and the Committee
which would be fully constituted in a month or so was being formed
by the Society Beige d' Electriciens, and the Union Syndicate des
Electriciens Beiges. M. L6on Gerard, who had been then: repre-
sentative at the previous meeting, would have been present
had he not been suddenly called away on urgent business. Con-
siderable difficulties had been exjierienced with regard to the forma-
tion of a Committee in Italy, but .Mr. !e .Maistre had had the plea.sure
of meeting Signor Semenza at the Electrical Congress of Marseilles,
and there was every reason to hope that it would not be long
liefore a Committee was established in Italy. In Japan Dr. Fujioka
had done his best to promote the interests of the Commission, and
Dr. Osano and Mr. Kondo, the representatives of the Japanese
Society, were, he understood, able to report that a Committee had
been appointed by the Council of the Denkikakulmai to raise the
necessary funds to enable an Electrotechnical Committee to be estab-
lished in Japan and to adequately undertake the work. In Xorway
the Committee was to be formed early next year, the Government
having promised the necessary support. The newly appointed
Minister of Commerce in Roumania was interesting liimself in the
question of forming a Committee, and Mr. Leon Gaster was present
in order to report upon the matter to their minister. With regard
to Russia, it was gratifying to learn that a Committee would be
appointed almost immediately. There had been for the last few
years a Committee endeavoirring to introduce uniformity into
Russian nomenclature, and this Committee would no doubt form the
nucleus of the Electrotechnical Committee. The South African
Societ}' of Engineers were using their best endeavours to join in the
work of the Commission, and JVIr. Lee Murray had been appointed to
represent them at this Council meeting. Xo Committee had as yet
been nominated in Switzerland although the Swiss representatives
had taken such keen interest in the matter at ^the preliminary meet-
ing, and he was therefore sorry they were not represented at this first
Council meeting. Mr. le Maistre had, however, talked the matter
over with Herr Tauber, the President of the Swiss Society, and Dr.
Denzler. the President of the Committee on Measines and Terms at
Marseilles, and he trusted that it would not be long before these
negotiations resulted in some material progress. The Honorary
Secretary made reference to the generous donations of both Belgium
and Denmark, who although their Committees were not then formed,
very kindly sent a donation of £20 towards the general expenses last
year. He then briefly reviewed the work of the British Electro-
technical Committee, the Sub-Committee on Xomenclature, of which
Mr. A. P. Trotter is chairman, and the Sub-Committee on Symbols,
of which Lord Rayleigh is chairman. The subjects on the agenda
for the Sous-Commission were mentioned, after which Colonel
Crompton asked the Council to confirm his selection of Mr. le Maistre
as secretary. He paid high tribute to the good work of the acting
secretary, who had assisted him from the very inception of the Com-
mission, and remarked that he was eminently fitted for the position in
every way.
Ml-. Ormond Higman (Canada) formally proposed the adoption of
the report of the Honorary Secretary, which was seconded by M.
Paul Boucherot (France), and carried unanimously.
The ratification of the rules of the Commission which had been
proposed in 1906 was brought forward from the chaii-, and the tu'st
two modifications suggested — namely, the alteration of the word
" local" to the word " electrotechnical"' and the location of the
central office — were agreed to without discussion. The modification,
however, proposed by the Fi-ench Committee, and dealing with the
question of the manner in which the recommendations of the Com-
mission should be arrived at, was postponed for the time being, and
the suggestion put forward by Sir John Gavey, that the rules come up
for ratification ct the closing meeting of the Council, was agreed to.
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
83
The Cuunoil then resolved itself into a committee to consider and
report upon the proposal with reference to nomenclature, standard
of light. &c.. after which the sitting was declared at an end. The
delegates were entertained at lunch by the members of the British
Committee, after which they were received by the Postmaster-
(ieneral. Mr. Sydney Buxton, at the Telephone Exchant'e. Carter-
lane. In the evening the delegates were given a very cordial wel-
come by the Dynamicables at the Franco-British Exhibition, one
feature ofj the evening being Mr. Mailloux' humorous speech carried
on in diti'erent languages, with Mr. Benoist's Esjjeranto to finish.
The Sous-Commission met on Tuesday and Thursday at 10:30 and
on account of the enforced absence of Sir John Gavey the chair was
taken by Dr. S. P. Thompson, F.R.S. The debate began with the
proposals of the French Committee regarding the rules. The French
delegates had a very difficult task before them, for although they
were finally under the necessity of making certain concessions, which
they did with the utmost courtesy, they were under instructions
from their Committee to strenuously uphold the rule as formerlv
I)roposed, and to add a clau.se to the last rule which would have
made it impossible ever to alter the method of arriving at any deci-
sions, which, according to the recommendations of the Commission
would have had to have been arrived at unanimously. Realising
the absolute impossibility of ever obtaining absolute unanimity, the
British delegates were opposed to the suggested addition to the last
rule. After a somewhat lengthy discussion, the French delegates
agreed to the rule dealing with the manner of arriving at the recom-
mendations being itself modified from " unanimity " to a " four-
fifths of the majority of the votes registered." This was agreed to
on behalf of the British Committee, and then the .suggested addition
of the French Committee to the final rule was also agreed to. It
jtrovides that no alteration can be made in the method of arriving at
the recommendations of the Commission unless agreed to unani-
mously. The rule as to the method of arriving at the conclusions js
now as follows : —
Each ODuntry shall be entitled to one vote only, either by person, bv
proxy or by correspondence, whatever number of delegates it may aii-
point. Only such decisions may be published as thole of the Inter-
national Electrotechnical Commission which have been passed by' a
majority of at least four-fifths of the votes registered.
The proposals with reference to the system on which the nomen-
clature should be drawn up were then discussed with the help of an
example in four languages which had been prepared by Ml-, le
Maistre, with the assistance of M. David, Herr Dettmar arid Signer
Semenza. Dr. Budde, the able delegate of the C4erman Committee,
brought forward an amendment that a sort of co-operation should be
established between the International Electrotechnicai Commission
and the editors of a well-known technical dictionary. This subject,
as was only right and jjroper. was very carefully" and thoroughly
discussed, for .such a matter put forward in such an eminently busi-
ness way could not, of course, be lightly dismissed. The discussion,
however, appeared to bring out very prominently the fact that it was
scarcely the business of the Commission to endeavour to draw up a
complete dictionary, but rather to decide upon certain terms and
then- explanations which might be of use internationally. This would
mean a publication of far smaller dimensions than a dictionary in the
generally accepted sense of the word, and, moreover, the suggestion
was made that the publishers of dictionaries might be asked by the
Commission to include in theu- publications the words and explana-
tions adopted by the International Electrotechnicai Commission,
printing them in distinctive type and acknowledging their source,
which would very materially reduce the cost to the Commission.
Eventually Dr. Budde asked permission to withdraw his proposition,
reserving to himself the right to bring it forward at a future date
should he so desire. This concession havmg been acknowledged by
the Chairman, the suggestions of the central office were discussed
seriatim and, after modification, agreed to, the following being the
basis ujjon which the nomenclature is to be drawn up : —
Kach Electrotechnicai Committee should forthwith commence its
work in nomenclature by preparing an electrotechnicai glossary, ar-
ranged in alphabetical order, m its oivn laneuage. The.se terms,
together with their explanations translated into" the official languages
of the Commission (English and French), shall, as soon as the list for the
lu-st five letters IA~E) is completed, be forwarded to the central office
for commimication to the other Electroteclmical Committees. The
same procedure shall be followed for the next five letters, and so on imtU
the alphabet is completed. In carrying out this work each Electro-
technicai Committee should, as far" as practicable, utilise the work
ah-eady done by others, to whom due credit should be given in each case.
It was also agreed that the synonym, i.e.. the terms themselves,
should be given in the languages of those countries joining in the
work of the Commission but that the explanations be given only in
French and English, each Electrotechnicai Committee being at liberty
to add theu- orni language to the official languages and issue this for
the benefit of their o\vn country. The proposal of the French Com- I
mittee with regard to a provisional standard of light was brought
forward by M. Boucherot.
The subject was not. however, discussed at any length, as it ap-
appeared to be the opinion of the Sous-Commission that it would be
premature at the present time to come to any definite decision on the
matter. They therefore agreed to recommend to the Council that
the subject be adjourned to enable the difi'erent Electrotechnicai
Committees to be more completely informed on the subject and,
more important still, they suggested that all Committees do their
utmost to bring the interests of the gas and electric industries into
general accord. It is understood that in all probability the British
Committee will take this matter in hand at once and appoint a fully
representative sub-committee to study this important question.
The metric system and its influence on the work of the Commission
was discussed. Colonel Crompton explained that the work of the
Commission would not deal to any great extent with actual mea.svu:e-
ments, but rather with conditions of tests and so forth ; at the same
time he suggested that when the Commission was under the necessity
of introducing figures into their recommendations that the.se should
be given in the metric system, but that in order to meet the needs of
those countries who did not employ the metric system they should
have the right to add in brackets the equivalent value, and a formal
resolution to this effect was unanimously adopted. The following
resolution from the Electrical Congress of JIarseilles was considered : —
The Third Section being informed that there exists an International
Electroteclmical Commission, the head offices of which are in London,
and the objects of which are to endeavour to introduce uniformity in the
general rules applicable to all countries, expresses the desire that this
Commission should study the advisability of general rules relating to
interior wiring.
At the request of the Chairman this resolution was explained some-
what in detail by Mr. Mailloux, who, during a portion of the time, had
been president of the particular section of the Congress dealing with
the matter. He did not expect it would be a subject which the
Commission could occupy it.self with at the present time but was glad
that it should be brought to their notice. If, tlu'ough the medium of
this Commission, useful information were disseminated throughout
the world to the a.ssistance of those countries who otherwise would
not be able to get this information, then very useful work would be
accomplished, not the least of the functions of the Commission to be
exercised to the benefit of the electrical industry at large. After a
short discussion it was agreed that although this subject came
within the reference of the Commission it was not one which could be
carefully discussed at the present juncture, in view of the more
important matters in hand which merited earlier consideration.
The question of symbols was considered at some length, and a
most interesting and historical account of the subject was given by
Prof. S. P. Thompson, being subsequently translated into French
with extraordinary faithfulness by Mr. Mailloux. The .system
advocated by Mi-. Miles Walker, and referred to by us previously,
was explained to the delegates. Although everyone present was
deeply interested in the idea of starting de novo and inventing a
new system of symbols, it was evident that it did not appeal very
strongly to the delegates as a practical solution of the problem. On
the other hand, what did appeal to one and all was the very practical
suggestion thrown out by the Chairman in which he referred to the
enormous advantage which would be gained if Ohm's law alone
could be expressed in the same symbols by all nati(ms. Sj)eaking
personally, he would himself be quite prepared to make concessions
to gain this very desirable end, and hoped it might be possible to
arrive at some compromise. It was finally agreed that the central
office should gather information on the subject from all sources, and
also that in dealing with the matter all electrotechnicai committees
should be asked to pay particular attention to the needs of the diffe-
rent branches of science and industry in order to avoid any possible
clashing of interests.
After one or two further matters of internal organisation had been
discussed, the date of the first meeting of the full Commission was
referred to. and the German delegates threw out the suggestion that
if a meeting was thought desirable or useful in 1910 they would be
very pleased to welcome the Commission at Berlin. The proceed-
ings closed with a vote of thanks to Sir John Gavey, C.B., and Prof.
S. P. Thompson for the able, courteous and tactful manner in which
they had presided over the meetings, and to Mr. Mailloux for his very
valuable assistance as interpreter, without which so much of the
details of the discussions would have been missed. A vote of thanks
was also accorded to the Secretariat for the excellent manner in
which the proceedings had been organised. That the meeting of th<-
Council was eminently successful was the opinion of all the delegates,
and the forbearance and courtesy which characterised the debates
tliroughout augurs well for the future success of the International
Electrotechnicai Commission.
84
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
THE MANCHESTER ELECTRICAL EXHIBITION— V.
To-morrow is the closing day of what can well be said to
Tiave been the most successful electrical exhibition on record.
It was visited, as was natural, by numerous persons more or
less directly interested in engineering work, electrical or other-
wise, but it also caused widespread interest among the laity.
There is no doubt that to the ordinary mind there is, even
now, something rather uncanny about electrical appliances,
and if the Manchester Exhibition has done nothing else than
persuade the public that electiicity is preeminently a form of
energjr which should be more and more used by them, it will
not have been unsuccessful.
Instruments.
A section of the exhibits which we have not yet touched upon
in these introductory lines, and which is perhaps not quite so
well represented as are somo of the other branches, is that of
instruments. These exhibits, however, cover a wide range,
varying from boiler-house plant such as CO., recorders and
steam gauges, which ate to be found on the stands of Schaffer
& BuDEXBERG and S.iNDERS, Kehders & Co., to the latest
refinements in the way of testing instruments, which Siemens
Bros. Dyxajio Works and Elliot Bros, are exhibiting.
Perhaps one of the most interesting of the instruments to be
found in the Exhibition is the Yenner time switch, made by
Chamberlaix a- HooKHAii, which is shown under working
,conditious in Fig. 1. It can be practically made to do any
DETAILS OP THE EXHIBITS.
Union^Electric Co.
Ill our'issue of October 9th we described the ■• speed iiidicating; "
exhibit of the Union Electric Co on stands Nos. 175 and 231 at the
Manchester Exhibition. We are now able to give an illustration of
this (Fig. 2), which shows the general arraii>:eiii. nt of the equipment
Fic. 1.— The Venner Time :
I.LEIi AT H.-isTIXC
mortal thing, and its action and the way in which it works
must be seen to be believed. Its wide application for both
indoor and outdoor work will be only a matter of time. Then
again, the British Thomson Hou.stox Co. show e.xamples
of their well-known standard instruments, which are to
be found on the switchboards of so many generating
stations, and the British Westixghovse Co. exhibit
their instruments ready for work on a comisletely fitted-
up panel. The Dey Time Register Co., have a number of
their well-known time registers, which, though not essen-
tially electrical, will be found useful in many factories and
shops. This stand will well repay a visit. Evershed &
ViGNOLES are also showing a number of their well-known
instruments, including, of course, some very old friends.
Further, we may mention the Uxiox Electric Co., whose
special exhibit of recording instruments we are illustrating in
.Fig. 2, and the meters o"f Messrs. Ferr.vxti, especially the
prepayment one, which we have already described. Further.
there are also representative exhibits on the stands of the
Gener.\l Electric Co., Nalder Bros. & Thompsox and
Alex. Wright. The last of these is specially deserving of
mention, and we have described it fully in these columns.
Fig. 2.— View of Union Eleitkic Co.'s Speed Indicator Exhibit.
now so well known to visitors to Manchester. This pillar,, it will be
remembered, supports magneto inductors designed to act as speed
indicators, frequency meters, voltmeters, tele-taehometers or record-
ing tele-tachometers. The whole arrangement, as will be seen, is
exceedingly neat and allows the various instruments to be inspected
with great ease.
The Electric & Ordnance Accessories Co.
The Electric & OrdnaxceAccessokies have anexhibitveryrepresen-
tative of their manufactures on stand No. 1. First and foremost are
the motors, which exemplify the standard patterns supplied by this
firm for various branches of industrial work. As a corollary to these
are, of course, starters and controllers, and these include a nurnber of
interesting designs. Among them is the "Autograd," in which the
handle pulls over the contact arras, by means of a magnet, against a
sjjring. Should the handle be moved too quickly, the release gear de-
energises the magnet, and the contact arm drops to the " off " position.
We also noticed a special oil-immersed three-phase controller and a
tramway pattern controller interlocked with a main switch. This
latter equipment is fitted with an automatic release and speed-con-
trollino' shunt rheostat, which comes into action when the motion of
tlie handle is continued beyond the last series step. The controller is
so designed that, in event of either of the releases acting, the circuit
can only be closed by bringing the handle again to the "olf' position.
The above are by no means the only types of controller shown, for the
exhibit includes a number of standard starters and resistiinces. Great
care has been expended in their design, and they are claimed to be safe
and jiractically non inflammable.
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30. 1908.
85
Users of motor cars will be interested in the Warner autoraeter,
which is a speed indicator combined with a distance recorder. It con-
sists essentially of a circular permanent magnet, which is driven by
a flexible shaft. Above this is a copper disc held up bj- a spiral spring,
which is deflected through an angle proportional to the siieeil by the
torque generated by the eddy currents in the rotating maynets. This
-exhibit also includes a number of fans and arc lamps, wliicli appear to
fully bear out the company's claim as to their general efficiency
and design.
J. Halcrow.
Mr. J. Halcrow, wh" ir|.iv.,.ni- iIm Mi^rliini-nfabrik .Augsburg-
Niirnberg in this coun!i\. i- ■ aIiI.]' iiu, mm ^uid No. 22, photo-
L'raphs and diagrams of l.n'jr j i < runn'- jn.l runes. The diagrams
Another diagram, shows that the Englisli mining industrv could save
enormous suras by using high power gas engines, as the latter need less
than half the fuel required by steam engines. The well-known Nurem-
berg gas engine. Fig. 4 (constructed in England by the LilleshaU Com-
pany. Oakengates), is considered to be specially suited for this purpose,
and is noted on aecount of its safety in working. Further pictures illus-
trate gas-engine jilants constructed by the company for iron and steel
works, collieries, and electricity works ; these pictures include views of
coke-oven gas power stations, aggregating 4,500 b.h.p., in Bargoed and
Brymbo. Others show the Nuremberg gas engine in different stages of
construction, and electric-driven cranes and loading plants. Amongst
the latter is included a revolving tower crane of 100 tons capacity
installed at Dublin Harbour (Fig. 3).
Oliver Arc Lamp (Ltd.)
Tlie Oi.ivKR AkcL.4.mp (Ltd.) (Stand No.
143) are showing their "Oriflamrae" lamp of
which many hundredsarein useforstreetand
FlO. 3. — XUKEUliEKli lJ.i.MII.K\LK CiJ.^XE .iX HuU
^J. Halchow.
Fir,. 5. — Section of the M.\g.xzine on
THE " Okifiahme" Lamp.
are specially interesting, demonstrating, as they do, the power which can
be obtained from the waste gas of blast furnaces and coke ovens by the
use of gas engines. One blast furnace, jjroducing 250 tons of raw iron
daily, gives 10.000 b.h.p. continuously. One coke oven of a daily capa-
city of 200 tons, with regenerative furnace, in connection with Nuremberg
small coal producers for the waste coke dust, gives uji to 3,000 b.h.p.
Fig. 4. — Nubembeug (Jas K.nuike. ;J. Ualcjuuw.)
contmuously. It is worthy of note that England, with 2,000,000 b.h.p.,
v.ould be able to ]iroHii,-e npiiroximately as much as Germany, but. as is
known, the actii il ntiliv.iiioTi is very small. And, in conscqucnre of the
special conditions i.I.iiiiiiiil' in the EnglLsh mining industry, large gas
•engines have not hitherto been so widely taken up' as on the rontinent.
other lighting, both in this country and abroad. The lamp is of
British invention and manufacture. As is well known, the maga-
zines contain six to nine pairs of carbons, the negative magazine
being flxed and the positive magazine being pivoted at the
top, so that it can be swung away from the other for striking
the arc. Each magazine (Fig. 5) is provided with a carbon ''con-
veyor," or endless chain, which serves to
give motion to the jjarticular carbons in
use ; the two chains are worked simulta-
neously from a toothed wheel of large dia-
meter. The pawl engaging with this wheel
is puLsated electrically bj' a small magnet
in the upper portion of the lamp, and the
circuit of this coil is closed by a special
form of mercury switch, which is rocked
backwards and forwards by the controlling
solenoids, and also by tlie armature of the
small coil just referred to. The mercury is
sealed in a glass tube from which the air
has been exliausted, and two small elec-
trodes, which clo.se the circuit of the rock-
ing coil, are sealed into the tube, one at
each end. The tilting of the tube causes
the mercury to close the circuit, thereby
giving a series of impulses to the pawl, and
also to the carbon conveying chains. This
rocking down of the carbons goes on at
regular intervals, and when a pair is
burned out the ends are discharged into the
globe and a new pair immediately moved
into position. The changing of the carbons
occupies about 20 seconds, during which
period, of course, the lamp is e.\tinguished.
Particulvr attention has been paid to the
ventilation of the globe and also of the
lamp case. To ensure sjitisfactory burn-
ing, the gases and vapours produced by
the arc must be f)revented from deposit-
ing on the globe interior, otherwise much
light would be cut off during the later burn-
In the " Oriflamme ' lamp tliere is a special
chamber provided aliove the intensifler, and between it and the
mechanism, and in this space the dust and other deposits collect, .-i.
removable metal spinning of cone shape is provided to form the
chamber, and as the bulk of the deposit settles on this they can !«
ing hours of the lamp.
86
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
eahil}- wiped off. The lamp interior is not sealed oft' from the arc gases,
but these have no effect on the burning' or the operation of the con-
trolling mechanism. All the parts of the lamps are made to gauge
and are therefore interchangeable. Knife edges are used for bear-
ings, so that any clogging action of the deposits and dust is guarded
against. The " Oriflamme" is made in three standard sizes for con-
tinuous current — viz., 7, 9 and 11 amperes — and as only 34 volts are
required across the terminals, the wattage consumption is much lower
than that of any other arc lamp ; for instance, live lamps may be
burned in series on 200 volts, so that with 9 amperes (the usual size
recommended for street and general lighting) the total w^attage con-
sumption per lamp, including all losses in line resistance, &c., is only
360, or just over one-third of a unit, giving 1,200 mean hemispherical
candle-power. On alternating circuits it is usual to burn the lamps in
single parallel, and these can be made to consume 220 actual watts
only. The size generally recommended, however, is the 340 actual
watts lamp. The cost of carbons in the "Oriflamme" lamp is only
about O'lld. per lamp-hour. The makers claim that this is only one-
third to one-sixth of that in other flame lamps. It should be mentioned
that there are 28 " Oriflamme " lamps in usa for the general illumina-
tion of the Manchester Electrical Exhibition.
James Keith & Blackman Co.
Stand No. 74 contains the exhibit of the well-known firm of James
Keith & Blaikji.^n Co. who, for the first time in public, are showing
their latest form of pressure blower or exhauster for moving or ex-
hausting large volumes of air at-V'arious pressures. These blowers
across the flue, so as to place the pulley outside the wall of the flue-
for the reception of the driving belt.
A very pretty and artistic feature of this exhibit is the Keith illu-
minated' electric fountain and flower stand, illustrated in our issue of
October 2nd, which is specially designed for tabic decoration. Unlike
all other fountains, tlie main waterfall is in the form of a cylindrical
column, which, being illuminated from the interior by electric lights,
acts as a beautiful water lamp, the light coming through the water,
thus producing a very brilliant and charming effect. The water used
does not run to waste, but is kept in circulation by a small but invisible
electrical jjur.ip.
National Gas Engine Co.
The exhibit of the N.\Tios.\i. Gas Engine Co. on stand No. 271 is illus-
trated in Fig. 7, It consists of one of theu- latest pattern single cylinder
horizontal .engines, having an output of 100 ii.p. This engine is shown
in full working order, being fed from a S])eeial suction gas plant. It
is of entirely new design, and at present only three have been niauu-
Fig. 7. — New Desion op Nationai. Gas Engi.ve.
factured. all of which are showing themselves off at exhibitions. It
will be remembered that one of these engines is attracting consider-
able attention in the Machinery Hall at the Franco-British Exhibition.
The engine is entirely throttle governed and runt-, remarkably steadily.
Ignition is effected from low-tension magnetos, these being in duplicate
This arrangement, it is claimed, gives not only greater security but more
rapid combustion. Another exhibit on this stand is a small 9-5 h.p.
horizontal engine driven by to\vn gas and coupled to a dynamo of Messrs.
J. P. Hall's make. This latter gives out 29 amperes at 200 volts when
i running at 250 revs, per min.
Browett, Lindley & Co.
The high-speed enclosed engine shown on the stands (Nos.21a and 47a)
of Jlessrs! Browett, Lindi.ey & Co. is an example of the survival of the
fittest. In these days of turbines the ordinary high-speed engine has
Fig. 6. — Messrs. James Keith <i. BLAC^MA^ s Standari' Fax.
are, for such class of appliances, very silent when running. The
form of the blades and general line of the running wheel are distinct
from all other blowers hitherto designed, the effect being to equalise
the discharge of the air over the whole area of the wheel, and, in con-
sequence, to increase enormously the volume of air obtained. One of
this firm's standard fans is illustrated in Fig. 6. The wheels of these
newest Keith pressure fans embody strength with lightness and have
no internal stays. Both fan cases and wheels are wholly electric rivet-
welded throughout. Their new high-pressure blowers and electric
motors combined, for the blowing of cupolas, forges and other pur-
poses where a high pressure is essential, are also shown in action. The
efficiency of these blowers is proved by the fact that the firm removed
from their own cupolas a blast apparatus of a well-known make which
required 27 h. I'. and sub.stituted one of their new high-pressure blowers,
which did the work for 12 ii. p. and in a more satisfactory manner.
Another specialty of the firm is their blacksmith's hearth fitted with
their electric blower. The lilast from this apparatus can be kept at
any desired pressure up to 8 in. water gauge by means of the switch. I
The Blackman reversible type of double-Blackman volume fan is used
on the Continent with great Success for inducing drauu;ht, or for
giving what is better known as "assisted draught " to boiler flues
where the pressure required does not exceed iin. water gauge. The
fan being of a very open construction permits of it being placed in the
main flues, and, this special arrangement being adopted, no obstruc-
tion is caused in the main flue when the fan is stopped for examina-
tion or otherwise. The spindle of the fan passes in a diagonal direction
Fig. 8. — Bkowett-Lixdlev Standard Engine.
much to contend with, and it is only when its design is thoroughly sound
in every detail that it can hold" its own. The " Browett-Lindley "'
engine {Fig. 8) has succeeded in so doing, doubtless owing to its many
good qualities. It is simple in construction, all tlie parts being easily
accessible, and ovvmg to the efficient system of lubrication and perfect
balance of the moving parts, the engine runs silently under all condi
tions of load. Lubrication is effected under pressure by means of a
small valveless pump and the governor is of the plain centrifugal type
fixed to the crank shaft and acting direct on the tlurottle valve. This
exhibit is attracting much attention and seems to indicate that the high
speed crank engine is, like Charles II., an unconscionable time dying.
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
87
Crossley Bros.
Messrs. Crossley Bros.' pxhibit on stand No. 2(ill is attracting much
attention. This is mainly clue to the new pattern vertical four cylinder
gas enwine (Fig. 9). This engine is directly coupled to a generator, and
can, in case of need, be connected to the subsl.ition in ,i ,ist in supplying
the'Exhibition with light or power. The ca|i;irit \ ,.| i l,w set is 110 h.p.
on suction gas, or 12.5 H.r. on tomi gas. It run- ii -'•Vi i.a <. per min. and
drives a ITthw. iU'nr)\i\ Klrriii 'jvnerator through a Raffard flexible
cou])ling. .Spii i il [ioini- i" iimih • iliout this engine arc the position of
the inlet and cxluiisi \;ilv(-. IhiIi '>f which are placed in the cylinder
heads, being op;-r:itcd by rork'ug levers from a single cam shaft. Forced
lubrication is provided, and the ignition is higli-tension siipphed from a
batd'iy and coil. The governing on the-ic engines is entirely by the
and can be very readily renewed when worn. Thi.? point is olearU-
shown m the illustrations (Figs. 10 and 11), Among the otiier features
of these controllers is the operation by a simple to and fro motion of
the vertical lever. When the motor is shut down this lever stands
vertical. To run up the motor it is only necessary to pull the lever
over gradually to either side. This point will lead to a great saving
of time and trouble and is likely to be much appreciated where a
number of motors have to be operated by one man. Messrs. Wellman-
Seaver & Head make their "Dinkey" controllers in four principal
types, which are shown in their simplest form in Figs. 10 and 11
These types vary from those for the verv heaviest services to those
adapted for cpiite small powers. In the .smallest controller the resis-
tances are of " Eureka " wire wound on insulated steel rods and con-
nected in such a manner to the contacts that each resistance unit
' " i ^ ■
Vir,. 9. -Crossi.hv Four Cylinder Vertical G.\s Exgixe.
thi'ottle, the gas and air Ijcing throttled separately and only mixing on
entering the cylinder. The governinL' :irr,iiiL'cmcnts are further so
designed that the supply to the engine miy I'r . hinged over from town
to producer gas without it being nccc-- uy in Init down. In this par-
ticular instance the engine is supplied wiili su' tiun gas from a Cros.sley
producer on the stand which uses anthracite fuel. Other exhibits on
this stand are a .'57 ii.P. engine of the horizontal smgle cylinder type with
magneto iL'u if i"
from a ^tll,ll! .n
engine r(>m|ii. -
cyiindervr,...,,
8! kw. coutinud
■imi which is also shown running. These sots nre started
"iii|iressor, which is driven by a sintilr i yliihi'i- jietrol
:■.; ii|i to 150 lb. per sq. in. Another s, I i^ :i -in:,ll two-
•iif^iue running on benzine, coupled to a .Mallur & Piatt
:-ciu'rent gencr-ntor running at 700 revs, per min.
Wellman-Seaver & Head.
Messrs. WELi.MAX-SEAVKR&HE.\Dareshowingon their stand (No. 284',
a series of controllers which have been specially designed for use with
their well-known steel work.? machinery, such as charging machines,
ladle cranes. These controllers are of the self contained type— that is
Fu;. 11.— SlMTLE TVRE OF "'DlNKEV" CoNTROLI.KR.
forms the magnetic blow-out for the particul.ir contact to which it is
connected. In all other t^'pes of Wellman controllers the magnetic
blow-out is formed by a series coil and suitible arms which carry the
magnetic flux to the point required. The groat advantage of having
self-contained resistances is that it does away with the complicated
series of wires from the controllers to tlie resistance when tliose are
mounted se|)arately. It may be pointed out that the backs of resis-
tance units are all made up so that they can bs removed in whole or
in separate units very readily and replacement effected at the shortest
possible time should this be necessary.
Matthews & Yates.
The exhibit of Messrs. M.attiiews & Yates on stand No. 109 is a
striking illustration of the advance that has been made in recent yosirs
Fic. 10. — "DiNKKv" Controller.
to say, the resistances are embodied in the design of the frame. As is
well known, the conditions obtaining in steel works are very trying,
as the plant has to run night and day with only a stop of a few hours
on Sunday when adjustments and replacement-i can be made. These
controllers have, therefore, been designed so that all the wearing
parts, such as contact fingers and contact segments, are of ample area
Fig. 12.— Messrs. JIatthews & Yates Refuse Collecting Plakt.
with their well-known fans, especially with direct motor-driven fans,
of both open |)ropeller and cased types for all purposes. Five
" Cyclone " electric pro)>cllcr fans are shown in operation, and where
silent running is especiallv desirable, a slow speed fan is recommended.
It is claimed that Cyclone fans have a minimum current consumption
for anraximum of air moved, as will be seen from tables supplied by
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
the firm. These fans are standardised from 12 in- to 72 in. diameter,
with direct current motors of both the protected and totally enclosed
type. The motors are jigged throughout and all parts are inter-
changeable. Similar fans for alternatinjr current supply are also manu-
factured. The single- phase motors have an au.xiliary starting winding,
so that it is possible to start the fan up against load without any loose
pulley, a special switch being supiilied for this purpose. Messrs.
Matthews & Yates call attention tn tlie blade construction, which,
owing to its open type does not, it is claimed, obstruct the natural
ventilation, a feature which i^ nlw ays unilesirable. Electrically-driven
blowers are also exhibited w illi i h.- -amr type of motor ; these are u.'ed
for ventilating work where tliLic is a considerable resistance and higher
pressures ai-e required than can be obtained by propeller fans. Anotlier
feature of this stand, which will doubtless attract attention, is the
small refuse collecting plant which is working, picking up w'ood chips
and shavings, and con\eying them through trunking. A ssnall steel
plate exhauster, fixed on one side of the stand, and driven by belt from
a separate motor, sucks the cliips through a galvanised sheet steel
pipe, and discharges them to a cyclone separator fixed on the opposite
side. This separates the chips from the air, allowing the air to go out
at the top while the chips drop into the hopper beneath. The system
is illustrated in Fig. 12.
Chas. Price & Son.
The exhibit of Messrs. Cn.AS. Price & Son on stand No. 176 is of
special interest to engineers, both electrical and otherwise, at the pre-
sent time. It consists of a 23 ii.r. four cylinder jiarattin engine i Fig. 13)
with 4in. by Sin. cylinders direct-coupled to a Lancashire Dynamo Co.'s
dynamo with an output of 60 amperes at 220 volts. The speed of the
set is 1,000 revs, per min. This set h.as been designed for use with
paraffin, though petrol may, of course, be used instead, if desired.
Ignition is effected by a low-tension magneto, the tappets being
operated by a patented mechanism which, it is claimed, admits of
easy adjustment and is very compact and accessible. A synchronised
Marples, Leach & Co.
Messrs. Marit.es, Lfach & Co. are exhibiting oti stands Nos. 104 and
105 several motors of various types. Among these are their well-
known NF type machines and the "Adnil"
single-phase self-starting motor. The com-
mutator and bearings have both received
very careful consideration in all "Adnil"
machines. This applies especially to the
latter, which, in place of the ordinary cast
metal, have a bard rolled brass liner, the
grain being in tlie same direction as the rota-
tion of the shaft. This liner is first shaped
on a mandril, then forced through a die, and,
after lieing fixed in place, has a mandril
forced through it, making an exact fit with
the shaft, which is ground true (not turned).
If properly lubricated, it is claimed that
these liners never show the slightest wear.
Among the resistance apparatus and
switches shown on this stand is a three-phase
liquid starter with worm gear which can be
made in sizes up to 1,4C0h.p. This type of
starter is largely used in connection with
mining pumps and rolling mill equipments.
A new "fool-proof" motor starter, called
the " Direkton," is being exhibited. In this
apparatus the operator merely pu-hes the
handle "direct on," and a spring working
against the glycerine dashpotgradually cuts
out the resistance. This apparatus has
more the appearance of a circuit-breaker
than a starter, and is so designed that only one spring is needed,
and this is under compression only during the period of start-
V"
Fia. 14. — "Adnil"
Mrtallic Filament Lamp.
Fi.:, 13 - Paraffin Encink by Messrs. Chas. Price & Son.
accumulator system to serve for supplementary ignition can also be
provided. The cam shaft is formed solid with the cams and is case-
hardened, as is also the whole of the valve mechanism. The latter is
driven by an interesting spiral-gear in the following manner : A trans-
verse gear shaft which is fixed between the wheel on the crankshaft
and that on the cam shaft, drives the magnets and also the governor,
the latter being coui^Ied direct to the throttle and cutting off on
speeds between 1,000 and 1,100 revs, per mid. Great attention has
been paid to making the valve mechanism coiii|iletcIv interchangeable,
whde adjustment for wear is provided oi such |.ii;- a- the craiikshaft
bearnig and big end. Lubrication, which is cuiiiclv automatic, is
effected by a small force-pump driven from the cam shaft. It is
entirely enclosed in the crank case and requires, it is claimed, no other
attention than tlie occasional addition of a little oil. The dynamo is
driven through an " Oldham " joint. Messrs. Price claim no special
novelties in their engine essentials, but lay emphasis on the fact that
their design embodies the best practice in this class of work.
ing. The automatic releases are operated by gravity, which elimi-
nates one of the chief drawbacks to ordinary starters — viz., fatigued
spriii'j-. ( >ni i-.'afl. I- w ill lind further particulars of this starter in the
Indi si i:i VI, Srri i,i:iii,\T inrliided with our issue of October 16th.
Aa.il liur ixhililt runi|iiises switches and fuses interlocked in cast-
iron, water and gas-tight cases, with and without ammeters. This
ec|uipment will probably prove of interest to those occupied in raining
work, as will also an auto,-transformer with oil switch. The arc
lighting department is well represented by " Regina," "Helia"and
" r^^egulina" enclosed lamps, samples being shown of lamps burning
303 hours with one pair of carbons. The "Prima" (j'ellow) and
" Rebofa" (white) flame lamps are also shown for the first time.
Another interesting exhibit is tlie "Adnil" metallic filament lamp (Fig,
14) for high and low voltages. Although this lamp has only been on the
market for six months, it is, we learn, gaining d.iily in popularity.
The filament is strongly supported, so that the percentage of break-
ages is small. There is also a gcoJly show of fans, tli : latest novelty
THE ELECTRICFAN, OCTOBER 30. 1908.
89
in this direction being the " Blizzard," which is fitted witli an entirely
new blade. It is claimed that this blaie will move inore air than any
other of similar size on the market. The electrical hdoters are in-
teresting not only to motorists, but also to those factories where,
through conversion from steam to electric drive, the " Bnll ' has been
silenced. The motor-driven electric bell will also am^eal to these and
others who require loud-.sounding alarms and signals. Another in-
teresting exhibit is a small three-phase motor which is coupled to a
rotary, liquid sealed, hydraulic grooved pump. The pressure gauge
ill ciicuit shows that extraordinary residts, considering the size ol
tlieso pumps, are being obtained. A .scale drawing is shown of a Berg-
maun 6,000 ii.r.. 1,500 revs, per min. steam turbine direct couplcil fo a
4,200 k v.a., 6,000 volt, 50 cycle, threephase generator.
Morgan Curcible Co.
The well-known Morganite and Baftersea carbon brushes made by the
MoRO.-.N CKrciBi.K Co. are very much to the fore on stand No. 177. 'I'he
advantages of the former are so well known that they need nn introduc-
tion, but this firm have lately placed on the market a now lypc of brush
known as the " Baftersea," whioh is intended to meet the demand for
moderate priced brushes. These brushes are provided with a special
" Battel sea " connection (Fig. 15), introduced in view of the necesfity of
providing a good pcsitive electrical connection between brush and out-
side circuit. The disadvantages of the
usual screw- connection are that it is
uncertain and liable to deteriorate with
oxidation and it is expensive, while the
use of solder is objectionable, tn this
new connection the brush is drilled at
any desired point to a depth of about
\ in. The flexible, after being splayed
out at the end. is inserted in the hole
and held firmly in position by means
of fine metallic powder, which is speci-
ally c ompressed by a new method. A
particularly intcrcoting feature of this
termittent loads, such as would be met with on cranes, lifts or rolling
mills. With this object in view they have designed a special type of
machine capable of withstamling rough usage and heavy overloads.
These have been made in sizes up to anrl including 3,000"ii.c. These
motors are fitted with the special brake which we described in our last
issue. Motors arc also turned out for winches and for less strenuous
tasks, aiid are designed for both continuous and alternating current.
In fact, if anyone needs a motor for any pui po^e he can get what he
requires from Messrs. .J. 1'. Hall.
Le Carbone.
Lk CARisnNK arc showing on ^(aiul Xo. 120 a very extensive exhibit of
r;,ibon ware, practically all of which is directly applicable' to electrical
v.ork. They claim, in faff, to have been the first to introduce carbon
brushes into this countiy. These brushes, of course, v.ary between
themselves from those capable of carrying 120 amperes per S(|. in. of
contact area, which are specially recommended for alternate current
machines to those taking (1.5 amperes per stj. in. which arc emi)loyed on
turbo-generators. \ special type of brush is shown for dealing with
commutation difficulties.
Mirrlees, Bickerton & Day.
Thocxliiliit of Messrs. MiRRF.KKs, Bickkrtox& 1).\Y on stand No. 214
consists of'a tluee-cylinder vertical Die.sel oil engine as shown in Fig. 16.
This engine is direct coupled to a contiimous current dynamo made
by the Lancashire Dynamo & Motor Co. It is fitted with all the neces-
sary switchgear, so that it can run on load, a feature of the exhibit
being a demonstration of the governing (pialities of the engine when
this load is suddenly switched oil ur on. The oil engine is at the pre-
sent time becoming such an essenti.al part of engineering oconomj'
that this demonstr.itii.il -liinild appeal to .all and sundry.
Particulars of th.' Iin -r I rii'jiiic arc well known to all oiu- readers.
The fuel consum|itMii i- .jiinantecd not to exceed 051b. of oil per
horse pi.wii 111. Ill at full load, this amount being, of course, slightly
incic.i-i il .ii I'.n.'i' loads, .'\nothcr great .advantage is that all kinds
of cli(-a|. ii;-i.lii,il oils can be u.sed in the Mirrlees-Uiesel engines. This
makes possilile the einplovmcnt of such thick oils as Scotch shale, and
Fig. 15. — Morg.\n Crucible Co.'s Brush,
SHOWING Patent "B.\ttersea" Connection.
exhibit is the pneuinatic brush ffcar designed for use on tiirbc -gcnerati rs.
Wc have already described this equipment in The KUclrician, and it
suffices to say that, like every invention of real merit, it is finding a
gradually increasing apjilication. All the well-known " Morganite "
gear is shown, including gland rings for turbines, dash pot iilungcrs for
are lamps, and Morganite bearings, as well as carbon contacts for switches
and carbon resistances.
The Liverpool Electric Cable Co.
The L]\Ej;i-ooL Eleitric Caiii.e Co.
e.xaraples of their vnlr
standard qualities ami
facture. Special hard-
duced for very rough u,-
for wharf and theatre
are showing, on stand No. 196,
,iiii-iil lubber cables indicating the various
.lilli 1. Ml eoverings employed in their manu-
iiii. lull. led twin cable, designed and intro-
e, particularly for trailing cables in mines and
work is also exhibited. Specimens of raw
material used in the manufacture of rubber cables arc shown, as well
as a number of coils of cable arranged to show the dilleieut stages of
manufacture of an electric calile, various types of flexible wires and
cords, together with silk and cotton-covered instruments and dynamo
wires. The Liverpool Electric Cable Co. is in the happy position of
being the only EngHsh cable firm exhibiting manufactured vulcanised
rubber cables in the Exhibition, and fiom a survey of their exhibit one
comes to the conclusion they have made rajiid' strides during the
short time tliey have been in existence.
J. P. Hall & Co.
In our last issue we described in some detail the apiilication of
Messrs. .J. IMIai.l's motors to textile work as shown on stands Nos. 173
and 233 at the Manchester Exhibition. Besides these, however, Messrs.
Hall & Co. are paying special attention to motors for rather in-
(.MlRULEES. Bi.
as long as the proposed fuel is free from tar and can flow, it i.« said to be
possible to use it in this engine. It is claimed that the method of intro-
ducing the oil into the cylinder in the form of a fine spray exactly
when it is \\anted, makes for perfect ignition and Iciids to complete
comliustion and cleanliness. A great point is made of aeces-sibditiy,
and all the parts are made interchangeable. The engme is single-
acting and works on the well-known Otto cycle. Messrs. Mirrlees,
Bickerton k Day have latelv ecjuipped a new works for the expreKi pur-
jiose of turnint; out Diesel engines. These works are electrically driven
throughout, current being supplied from the set illustrated m Fig. 16.
It is claimed for the Diesel engine that it is specially suitable for all
branches of electiicai work.
Schaffer & Budenberg.
Messrs. Sciiaiker & Bii>exbeb<: have invented a new method of
decorating their stand (No. 112) at the Manchester Exhibition. Ihis
consists in ornamenting its external walls with over 200 examples ot
their well-known pressure gauges ranging from 2 in. to 12 in. in dia-
meter. The Schatler gauge, which, of coui-se, occupies a prominent
position, has an interesting history, and it is an excellent tribute to its
design that its construction is practically the same to day .as when it
was first put on the market. The gauge exhibits also include the
Bourdon and steel tube gauges, as well as registering gauges of
various types and sizes. An interesting piece of apparatus is the
patent electrical distance pressure recorder, which is designed, as its
name implies, to indicate pressure at a distance. It is extremely
simple, consisting only of the pressure gauge, a dry ce 1, a galvano-
meter which acts as the recording gauge, and a contact knob, ihere
are also several electricallv-worked alarm gauges, which come into
action only when the pressure exceeds a ceitain predetermined value.
90
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
In fact, the only way we can hit upon of accurately describing Messrs.
Schaft'er & Budenberg's exhibit is to ask our readers to think of some
purpose for whicli a gauge is required, then go to stand No. 112, when
the chances are they will find thereon exactly what they require.
W. H. Bailey & Co.
Messr.s. ^V. H. Baii.ev & Co. are exhibiting a number of their sjiecia-
lities on stand No. 21.5. Among these is a "Koster's" Patent .4ir Com-
pressor (Fig, 18) which gives very high volumetric and mechanical
etticicncics and is suitable for all purposes where
compressed air is required. It has a mechanically
n|>cratcd piston valve for admitting air to the
cvliiidcrs and only one outlet valve, the action
iif whicli is controlled by the piston valve, sotliat
it is allowed to open wide and to seat itself noise-
lessly. As it opens wide it can be made small
in diameter, leaving the whole of the cylinder
covers and a ffrcat part of the cvlinder jacket
nvaiUdile for conhng. Tlic " Knstcr " patent
volvc gear cnal>lcs ihe compressor to be run at
high speeds, thus making it partitularly suitable
for the electric drive. One of the compressors
shown is designed for running at a speed of 1 ,000
revs, per min., and can be directly connected to
a motor. It can deal with about 12 cubic ft. of
free air per minute, compressing it to 90 lb. per
S(|. in Several otlicr compressors are also shown.
luKl,-'|.n."ure''sura
ditfcrencesof cx]i;ii
))ody and can lie .
The principle uf 1 1
Key-Ring " renew-
ed in stop valves for
learn. It allows for
icenllie mmI in.l the
HUerl ami replaeed.
Ivi V-Uing " IS the adop.
tion of a flexible metallic connection between
the .seat and the body, similar in construction to
the well-known Ramsbottom jDiston ring. The
seat of the ordinary type is screwed into a spring
Fiii. 17. ring, which is .sprung into a groove in the valve
W. H. Baii.ey 's body. The seat can be removed and replaced
" Davidson " Patent with ease ; it will expand freely in all directions
Steam Pump and remain tight under all pressures and
temperatures. There are also two types of
Bailey's " Davidson " jjatent steam pumps for boiler feeding (Fig. 17).
One is shown working at a very slow speed, fully demonstrating what
the makers claim for the pump, which is. that it can be run at any speed
from two or three strokes per minute upwards. The valve gear of the
" Davidson'' pump consists of only one valve which is actuated by a positive
mechanical connection from the main piston rod of the pump, being
assisted in its movement by steam. The action of the jnirap is said to be
very regular, and having no dead point is absolutely positive, starting
FiQ, 18. — W. H. Baii.eys Standard AiR-CoMi>RESsoR.
from any point and running at full stroke under all conditions. Another
im))nrl.iiP spiei.ijity made by this firm is the recordin^'eyieiietcr or
sight pi.il re. order. This instrument records on a 21 limu^ .Irciram
the speed III ie\ijlutions at which an engine or shaft is riiiuiiii-. li eives
a very le^djle iliagram as the speeds and times are indic.atcfl by sti-ai^lit
lines.
Triumph Stolier, Limited.
The exhibit of the Triumph Stoker Limited, on stand No. 9. mcludes
one of their well-known stokers driven hv a small electric motor. Its
al fe
idv de
we have alrea
sulliee- lo -,i\ 1 li.it it is attfaetiue ,i .jieii
hihits iiieliele ., ■■ V" notch tank and 7
15,000 II). |,cr liour. This is .shown in opei
from a 3 in. centrifugal pump driven I'
exact duplicate of this equipment is .ic
measuring boiler feed water. Several othe
with numerous accessories.
■d in these columns, and it
il of attention. Other ex-
leeni-der with'a capacity'of
'he water being supplied
\\ el iimhouse motor. An
II \ 111 use at Liverpool for
■corders are shown, together
,\ H.p. to 16 H.r. These machines are of the short-circuited squirrel cage
rotor type, and also of the slip-ring type. We also noticed numerous
continuous-current motors from J h.p. upwards. An interesting type
of machine is their motor-generator, the smallest of which has an output
of 100 watts. The motor and the dynamo are both fitted on the same
frame, and although mechanically they are ])ractically one, electrically
they are quite separate. The regulation of the output on the continu-
ous-current side can, it is claimed, be obtained without any alteration
on the primary side. Another set transforms current at 400 volts, three-
phase, to continuous current for lighting the 0-ram lamps which illu-
minate the stand.
George Kent.
Messrs. Georob Kent are .already justly noted in the engineering
world for their well-known Venturi meter, examples of wdiieh are
being shown by them on stand No. 117. .\ uo\elty is the Venturi
Tlie Crypto Electrical Co.
The CiiYPTii Ei.ncTKicAL Co. are showing on their stand. No. .'502.
very complete exliibit of altorn.ating-ourrent motors, varying froii
Fig. 19. — Venturi Meter, nv Messrs. George Kent.
patent hot-water'and boiler-feed meter, which we illustrate in Fig. 19.
This instrument is provided with a combined diagram and counter
recorder, and gives, therefore, botli the rate of flow at any moment
and the total quantity that has passed through the meter. The
ap])aratus has no moving parts, and it is claimecl that the resistance
olt'eied to the flow of water is negligible. In llowing through the eon-
I raeted passage the water gains velocity and loses pressure, the oppo-
site effect taking place on reaching the broader pipe. The difference
in pressure so attained is a measure of the rate of flow, and is ascer-
tained by means of the annular chambers shown in Fig. 19, from which
small tubes make connection with the recording mechanism. Other
exhibits include meters fitted with diagram or counter recorders, a mer-
curial manometer and a weir recorder for measuring condenser water
THE ELECTRICIAN. OCTOBER 30, 1908.
91
NEW COMMON BATTERY TELEPHONE EXCHANGE AT CARDIFF.
This exchange is accommodated in an extension of tlie Post
Office building in Westgate-street, Cardiff, specially Iniilt for
the purpose. It includes a fine switchroom, 78 ft. long by 38 ft.
wide, for the present equipment, and provision is made so that
the wall dividing it from the present telegraph instrument
room may be removed and an extension made by taking in
part of this room. A general view of the exchange is shown in
Fig. 1. Below the switchroom is the apparatus room, and on
the switchroom floor, and immediately below, are various
rooms for the accommodation of the operators.
This exchange marks a new departure, as, althouuii it has
been built for the Post Office, it will, until 1911, be operated
bv the National Telephone Co., a rental being paid by them to
the Post Office. This arrangement has been made to avoid
the duplication of plant, and to facilitate the transfer at the
termination of the National Telephone Co.'s licence.
All the apparatus for the new equipment has been manu-
factured by the British Insulated & Helsby Cables, Ltd.,
and erected in position by them, so that when the under-
ground work is completed, the National Telephone Co.'s staff
will be able to take possession of anup-to-date equipment ready
for immediate use.
junction apparatus I'aek, for special apparatus in connection
with the incoming junction lines, and a fuseboard.
In the basement a main distj-ibuting frame is fitted, on the
vertical side, with strips of 120 pairs of carbon arresters and
heat coils. Test jacks arc provided for the private wires,
junction wires and miscellaneous circuits. On the horizontal
side porcelain slabs, with ."i-ampere fuse wire fitted in the
vertical corrugations, arc to be fitted to protect the circuits.
The two-position engineer's desk at one end of the main frame
is for testing purposes, and is fitted with the usual voltmeters,
switches, &c.
The motor-generators and power board fitted some four
years ago for the Post Office exchange in the same building
will be utilised for providing current for this new exchange.
The accumulators have had extra plates added to fill the e.\:ist-
ing tanks (.3,060 ampere-hours at the nine-hour rate), so as
to make them of sufficient capacity for the new switchroom
also.
Altogether twenty-four 204-pair silk and cotton insulated 23
S.W.G. copper lead-cover<'d cables run between tile main frame
and the intermediate distributing frame. The cables have to
be divided so as to serve two or more strips of arresters. The
Fig. 1. — CiEXERiU. View OF iNTERionoF the Cardiff C. B. Exchange.
The present equipment consists of 12 three-position sub-
scribers' sections, each operator's position having 120 lines with
provision for increasing to 150 if necessary. The multiple is
fitted complete for 4,G00 lines, and the frameworks have a
capacity for 10,000 lines. Six in-coming junction positions
have been provided for calls from the Post Office trunk ex-
change and from other exchanges in the district.
The necessary cable turning sections and dummy panels
have been provided. To make the operators reach as easy as
Ijossible, and so facilitate operating, on the subscribers' sec-
tions a complete multiple is lepeated over eight panels, and
on the junction sections the multiple is repeated every six
panels, although in both cases the sections are nine panels
long. An exchange manager's desk, chief operator's desk,
and two-position monitor's desk will facilitate the controlling
and supervising of the work of the exchange.
In the apparatus room, an intermediate distributing frame,
relay and meter racks have a corresponding capacity (see
Fig. 2). Only three thousand meters have been provided at
present, as a considerable proportion of the lines in Cardiff
are still worked on the flat-rate system. In this room also is a
cable, however, is a multiple of the total length of the hori-
zontal side of the intermediate distributing frame, so that
there is no splitting of the cables on that frame. The multiple
cables leave the intermediate frame 80 wide, and the method
of reducing them to 8 wide on the multiple sections is shown in
Fig. 3. The answering 84-wirc cables are lirought to a central
point in the answering cable run, and distributed right and
left to the sections.
The frameworks of the boards arc strongly constructed of
ande iron. A three-operator board is 6 ft. 4J in. long with
nine jack imnels. The jack stiles arc of the solid pattern,
drilled and tapped for the jack fasteners. The cable shelves
are of sheet iron and the multiple shelf runs from back to
front, dividing the board horizontally into two fireproof com-
partments.
The run or trough carrying the cables to the answering
jacks, &c., is on the floor level at the rear of the sections, and
is made of dimensions suitable to the capacity of the exchange.
Part of the top and outside vertical face is hinged to admit of
easy access (see Fig. 4). These hinged doors are of wood
encased in sheet iron painted chocolate colour. The doors iu
92
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
the vertical face liinge downwards and the top ones lift upwards
so that a clear open run is obtained when opened. When closed
tlie top doors oveilap the \'ertical ones by a heavy iron edging
so that no other locking device is necessary. The inside of
this boxing and all other internal woodwork of the sections is
lined witii "" uralite," a non-inflammable material. Every-
thing has been done to render the equipment as nearly fire-
proof as possible.
Brackets supporting a closed troughingorrun are fitted in the
floor troughing (""answering cable" run) for power cables,
&c. The top of the board is of sheet iron. The rear of the
sections is closed in by sliding doors running in horizontal
rails. The lower rail rests on the answering cable trough,
the top one is under the level of the roof and the middle one is
on a level with the multiple shelf. The sliding doors are in
one panel, having a frame of light rectangular section iron
filled in with sheet iron strongly made to prevent buckling.
These run smoothly, without objectionable noise, and are
painted a chocolate colour.
Fic. 2. — (Iexerai. vri;\v m- I. D. F,
The frames are fitted in front with a continuous reflector of
slieet iron lined inside with strips of mirror glass. The lamps —
one to each operator's position — are fitted on alternate circuits.
These reflectors are adjustable, so that the lower line of light
may be on a line with the bottom row of junction jacks. By
this arrangement the multiple is in brilliant light, while the
light of the calling lamps is not injuriously affected.
The keyshelf is fitted with the necessary equipment for 17
pairs of cords or connecting devices. This includes 17 pairs
of plugs and cords with their associated supervisory lamps, and
17 speaking, ringing and meter keys. Five call or order wire
keys and one call wire ringing key are also fitted. The shelves
are hinged to lift upwards in lengths equal to one operator's
position. ^ A lock is provided on each. The plug shelf and the
lamp section of the key shelf are covered with leather. The
keys are so wired that any key can be taken out for examina-
tion. Silk and cotton-covered wire, saturated with beeswax
and shellaced, is used to join these up.
The multiple jpanels are fitted on the lower rail with one pilot
lamp per panel, also one meter, one instruction circuit and
one call wire lamp||per position. In the lower pait of each
[•'it:. :i. — Cables REDircED from 80 to 8 wide at Cable WriiiSQ
Section.
panel are fitted 40 calling lamps and answering jacks,
jacks and lamp jacks are in strips of 10, 8^ in. long by
The
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
93
high. The jacks are provided with removable- number phite.s
bearing the actual number of the subscriber' .s line. The lamp
jacks are consecutively numbered from 0-9 on each strip.
The reason for the removable number plates is that the lines
may be distributed to equalise the work of the operators, each
operator getting as nearly as possible an equal number of busy
and quiet lines to make up a certain fiunre which
number for making out a report of fault or complaint. Space
is left to allow of an increase to 240 lines per operator.
The outgoing junction lines are fitted above the answering
jacks in strips of 20 and are multiplied every six panels.
A designation strip with removable number plates is
fitted above each. The subxribers' multiple jacks are fitted
above the outgoing junction jacks. These are in .strips
-Di.u:ra.m uf Junctiu.n Ciucuit Lnxuming fkom Trunk Exchaxgk.
taken as a standard of an ojierator's capacity. A " peg "
count has to be taken. of the calls each subscriber makes to
determine what lines each operator has to deal with. The
numbers will not, therefore, run in consecutive order. This
does not at all interfere with the or)erating, as the operator
simply plugs into the jack over the lamp that glows. The
lamp is put under the jack of the line with which it is associated
of 20, 8}: in. long by | in. high. Every fifth strip has its
bevelled edge coloured white to divide the multiple into groups
of 100. Each strip is numbered 0-9 twice, with white dots to
identify the 5 and 15. The stiles have number plates opposite
each groups of 100 jacks, bearing centrally the hundreds figure,
and opposite each strip the tens figure. The units are ou the
jack strip. By reading the hundreds, tens and unit figures to-
Speaking and Generator Eeversing Key
Ringing Key 1. per position
Fr:. 0.— Diacka.m of British Insulated & Helsbv Cables C.B. Cord Circuit.
because when a plug is inserted it physicallv obscures a lamp,
and this lamp, therefore, should be in connectio)i with the line
on which a calling lamp is not required for the time being,
owing to its being connected with a supervisory lamp. The
consecutive numbering of the lamp jacks (in combination with
the numbering of the operator's position) allows of a record
being kept of the position of all lines for maintenance purposes.
Practically the operator only r-^fers to the removable plate
gether the operator gets the actual number of the line. The
great advantage of this method of numbering is that it is only
necessary to stock one pattern of jack strip, whereas, formerly,
it was necessarv to stock a definite number of strips numbered
0-19, 20-.39, 40-59, and so on.
The junction keyboard equipment per operator consists of
27 plugs and cords, with their associated lamps, machine ring-
ing keys and party line keys. Call wire keys are provided as
94
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
on the subscribers' sections. The machine ringing key combines
a speal^ing and'two ringing keys, one of the latter controlled by
an electromagnet, so that when a plunger is momentarily
depressed to ring it remains down to connect the generator to
line, which^'rings the subscriber's bell intermittently until he
answers. A circuit is then completed through a tripping relay
which cuts off the current and allows the plunger to rise (Fig. 5).
Should the plunger remain down, owing to some fault or to the
subscriber's office being closed, the operator can bring the
plunger up and cut off the ringing current by throwing over the
speaking key lever momentarily.
The engaged test on the junction positions is automatic, i.r..
the touching of the tip of the ])lug on the bush of the jack in the
act of making the connection will give a click if the line is
engaged, the test circuit of the operator's instrument is cut by a
relay on the third conductor of the cord when the plug is in-
serted in the jack (see Fig. 5.)
Two additional plugs are fitted — making a total of 29 — and
used as lamp flashing or " Clear for Trunk " signal. When two
subscribers are engaged locally, and one of them is wanted lor
a trunk line call, the operator gives liini the option of taking up
the trunk call. If he elects to take this, the junction operator
inserts the clear for trunk plug into the junction jack of the
circuit plugged into his line, when the supervisory lamp at the
local position is pulsated at a predetermined rate which the
operator knows as a " C'lear for Trunk," and the connection is
immediately severed. This causes a lamp to glow at the junc-
tion position, and the trunk call is completed. This prevents
triple connections being made on an important service.
The cord fastener shelves of both the subscribers and junction
sections are hinged to facilitate the replacing of cords, and the
supervisory relays and retardation coil plates are hinged so
that both the wirinu' and the contacts are perfectly accessil)le.
In fact the rendering of all apparatus accessible for ready main-
tenance is a special feature of this equipment.
The system works as follows : The lamps are controlled bv
the subscriber removing the telephone from its rest and by
replacing the same. The former action completes tlie circuit of
the central battery through the line relay and the latter break's
the circuit so that the supervisory relay armature falls awav
from the core and breaks the local circuit which had, during
conversation, shunted out the clearing lamp. There are two
lamps in each pair of cords (Fig. 6.) required to complete a
connection, one associated with the line which has called up,
and the other with the subscriber's line demanded. Both
lamps must glow before the operator severs the connection.
The line circuit is that in general use and consists of a pair of
wires, one connected through one set of contacts of a cut-off
relay to the + pole of the central battery or to earth, and the
other connected through another set of contacts of the same cut-
off relay and through the line relay coil to the — side of the
central battery. The circuit is normally kept open by a con-
denser at the sub-station instrument which is short-circuited
when the telephone is lifted from its rest. The coil of the cut-
off relay is included in the local test circuit, and is operated
when the answering plug is inserted. The earth connection and
I'ne signals are then cut off the line. The two line conductors
of the cord circuits are divided by condensers, one 2 micro-
farad condenser being in each wire (Fig. 6). These condensers
allow electric speech waves to pass unimpaired but divide the
steady or signalling current, so that it is possible to obtain
definite signals from each subscriber independently without loss
of efficiency in transmission.
Across the circuit on each side of the condensers, a l)ridge is
connected, each consisting of a relay winding, the 24 volt cen-
tral battery and a retardation coil winding. The relay and
jetardation coil are specially constructed with a finely divided
core to increase the self-induction, and are each wound to 50
ohms resistance. These allow the steady current required to
teed the microphone to pass freely but offer great impedance
to the electric speech waves. They also act in a similar manner
to prevent wave currents from the battery, due to motors or
other wave-producing apparatus, taking current from it and
from affecting the other cord circuits. The result is that this
cord, circuit is most efficient for transmission and particularly
(|uiet. These relays control the supervisory lamps shunting
them out during conversation, and allowing them to glow when
the telephone is on its rest. The two relays and two retarda-
tion coils associated with a pair of cords are enclosed in a metal
case, which acts as a dust cover, and as a screen from inductive
effects from other apparatus. Fig. 7 shows the apparatus at
the rear of a position.
The junction circuit from the trunk excliange is shown in
Fig. 5. The use of condensers in the line circuit instead of
repeater coils is a special feature of the B.I. system, and con-
tributes largely to its efficiency.
Special attention has been given by the British Insulated &
Helsby Cables (Ltd.) to the arranging of cables and tying them
in position, and the result is that the wliole equipment presents
an appearance of smartness and neatness, the multiple cables
finishing well below the level of the jacks.
We are indebted to the Postmaster-General for permis,sion
to publish this interesting description, and to the British
Insulated & ^Helsby Caldes Ltd. for kindly supplying notes
of the details here presented.
ALTERNATING CURRENT COMMDTATOR MOTORS
AS APPLIED TO TRACTION WORK.*
BY M. OSNOS.
{Concluded from page 'tij.)
Siiminartj. — The author has carried out ;i series of theoretical and
practical investigations to determine, as far as possible, which of the
known types of altern.ating ciinent commutator motors is the best for
traction work. In the first instfvlment of tliis article the author
(tall wiili ■'ix types of alternating current commutator motors from
til.- |.,iirii uf view of "starting." In the present instalment he con-
>iil( I- the -iiuie motors. from a " working "'standpoint.
(b) Working.
, 1. 3Ic!li<jd i-ij W'urkiiig. — A comiiarison between the various
ways in which the several motors work can best be seen from their
corresponding vector diagrams.
* Lecture given before the 15th annual gathering of the " Verband
Peutscher Elektrotechniker " in Hamburg. Abstracted from the
Eleklrotechiiische Zeilschrifl.
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
95
If we neglect the primary resistance and the iron losses for the
sake of simplicity, the vector diagrams of the alternating current
motors, just like those of tliree-phase motors, depend solely on the
leakage ratios and the secondary resistance. In the case of alternat-
ing current motors, however (<■/. E.T.Z.. 1907. p. 339), we have also
to regard as a stray field that field perpendicular to the energy axis,
embracing both rotor and stator, (.e., the resultant field in the excit-
ing axis. The same leakage and secondary resistance are assumed
in each case, and all the diagrams are drawn to the same scale. Hence
a comparison of the diagrams of the several systems with one another
will enable us to gain a clear insight into the characteristics of each.
In Figs. 7 to 12, the vector diagrams of the several .schemes illus-
trated in Figs. 1 (o 6 are shown. As is usual, for the .sake of clearness,
too large a leakage and .secondary resistance has been assumed,
but the exaggeration is the same in all the diagrams. In the diagram
of the ordinary repulsion motor, the phase displacement angle Sk be-
tween the primary and secondary current has been made twice as
large as in the other diagrams, since in the former case the contact
resistance of carbons has to be added to the secondary co])per resis-
tance, this assumption is probably not far from correct. It would
lead us too far to deduce each of the several diagrams, consequently
only the explanations are given.* •
Series Motor with Compensated Winding in Series. — Scheme of
connections as in Fig. 1. — The vector diagram of this motor is a
cucle (Fig. 7)—
AC=E.M.F. of self-induction,
BC=backE.M.F. due to rotation,
AB= terminal pressure of motor=E.
Further — •
AD=AB/o-,
AG=/(L,-|-Lj),
where ('= current,
L2=.self-induction of rotor,
Lj = self-induction of field winding.
T= total leakage factor.
Consequently AG serves as a scale for the current, and the angle <p
gives the angle of phase displacement between pressure and current.
The centre of the circle lies on AB produced.
The line At! outs off a part. BF. from the vertical through B pro-'
portional to the speed. Assuming the ratio of field to ampere-
turns for the motor is the same when running as when starting for
obtaining the minimum volt-amperes per mkg., the speed « of the
motor will be
^ AB- V •2-a'\
2 y^r. >/ Ca''22 WJ
From this di^i;ziaiii, ihcicfdre. the current and speed correspond-
ing to each plia-r (li.|,|„, ,. „t van easily be found.
Series 3Iolor ,r,il, Sli,,ii^rlrniitrd Compensated Winding.— i^vhume
of connections as in Fig. 2. — The power diagram of this machine is
shcnvn in Fig. H, and is also a circle whose centre lies on AB produced.
The various lines represent the same as in Fig. 7 except that here
*^L'= — — .-rr^ , ana the speed line BF is not perpendicular to AD but
(T-Fsm-
. ED.
/,,= magnetising current,
/ , = short-circuit current,
(,Ci = E, = counter E.M.F. due to rotation,
Wi^ohmic resistance of winding Z.,
GH=/,M,,.
GH therefore represents a scale for the stator current «,. The
terminus H of i^ moves over a cucle. The speed is given by BF,
whence — •
<FBD=90 + ,\,
<ADE = 5j.
Since the angle S,, is very small in large motors, the points A and E
nearly coincide and there is no practical difference between the two
schemes of connections.
Inverted Repulsion J/otor.— Connections as in Fig. 3.— The circle
diagram Fig. 9 differs from that in Fig. 8 by the fact that the
* The diagram in Fig. 7 was first given bv Heubach, 1903, and later
by the authoi- in the Z.f.E., Wieii, 1903, p.'711. l)iai,rianis in Figs. 9
and 11 were published bv the author, along with tlieir tlieorv, in
KT.Z., 1903, p. 903 ; Z./.k, 1904, p. 89 ; E.T.Z., 1904, p. 209. " Dia-
grams in Figs. 8, 10 and 12 have, as far as the author is aware, not
been previously pubhshed.
centre of the circle lies on ED inclined at <ei- to AD, and the speed
BD is perpendicular to AD. Further, in this case.
AQ = i,L., and AD=AB/o-.
W. = ohmic resistance of winding Z^ Moreover the back E.M.F. of
the rotor is not ijerix^ndieular to the primary current, but to the
secondary. The speed as before is given by the intersection BF
with EG and we have —
where
BF vV(2-.7)
AB l-^^<^''
(6)
Fig. 9 can be derived from Fig. 7 by supposing a second point E
to coincide with point A. the G circle with the triangle EGD to be
fixed, and the straight line AD, which coincided with ED. to bo
rotated tlirough <f/.
It is seen how, due to the secondary resistance, the point A for
one and the same speed always comes further away from E, and with
it the power factor and the rotor current AG alwaj's gets smaller, or
conversely, with increasing i\ for the same current and power factor,
the Sliced is correspondingly higher.
Comparitton with Connection 1. — According to equations (.5) and
(C). the speed of the motor increases with BF and with C', and Cj
respectively. BF with the connection 3 is larger than that with
connection 1. For one and the same phase displacement 0. therefore,
the speed of the inverted repulsion motor should theoretically be
somewhat greater than that of the series motors. This means that
for the same speed the power factor in connection 3 must be some-
what smaller than that in connection 1. Owing to the smallness of the
angle, however, the dift'erence is practically negligible. As regards
the factor C.. this has been calculated for a 100 h.p. motor (with a
= 0-12), and it was found to be practically equal to C,. Hence, with
respect to the poiver factor, ive may say that the schemes represented in
Figs. 1, 2 and. 3 do not materially differ from one another.
AG = /.j(L„+L3)=i.2L.
AG„=i>L. GH = li\t,.>.
FiC. I'.
.jL(o-fsiii2 6rf. AB=/|)L(l^-^sin2«*) =
i,G = i:„. tau6/ = W|;Li. BF^n.
The Ordinary Repulsion Motor. — Connections as in Fig. 4. — Fig. 10
represents the circle diagram of the ordinary repulsion motor, and
differs from Fig. 9 since the rotor current is taken along GB. In-
stead of the coefficient Lj we have here L=L, -t-L, and vice versa.
Further, instead of W, + W3 we have here W, + W„, where
W2=ohmic resistance of winding Z,.
WB=contact resistance between brush and commutator.
The speed, as before, is given by BF perpendicular to AB. The
equation for the speed is
re BF v/»T(2-.r) \
-^"~AB 1-a- ^*
where 1- (7)
2 Wg 'V CoCjiDa
96
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
C, is usually very little diffircnt from C,, but the angle c, is larger
in the ordinary rcpiilsjoii rjmlor than in the inverted. Hence, jor one
and the saii e ■tj/d,/. lln /»,»■, / fdiinr of an ordinary repulsion motor is
somewhat hirer Ihiiii Ihul •■! On /inriotis motors.
Motor with Energy supplied to both Staler and Rotor. — Connections
as in Fig. 6. — Fig. 12 represent.s the power diagram of such a motor.
This type of motor can be treated as an inverted repulsion motor
to whose otherwise short-circuited winding a variable pressure is
applied. / is tlie ideal starting current, and e, and e^ the respective
pressures dinilly a|i|ilic(l Ici slalor and rotor.
It canlx' I PI 'A. (I ihat wlicii A I', is thr total pressure and A P/AB the
ratio of the mlur pri-ssvire to the tdtiii jiressure, the rotor current will
act along f'(J. Hence the larger the rotor pressure AP the larger
the <GPB will be, and the smaller, therefore, the phase displacement
Fig. 9.
AG = i3Lo. AI' = ;„I:.T. AB = /|,I..,= E. AD = AB/it. Alio^/fls. (iE--^nM,„.
between the rotor current and the applied pressure, wliilst the phase
displacement between stator current and pressure remains the same
as in an inverted repulsion motor. The speed is found in precisely
the same way as in the inverted repulsion motor. Then, as is .seen
from the diagram, with a motor whose rotor and stator are both supplied
with energy a much better power factor (approx.= 1) can be obtained at
the same speed.
Compensated Series Motor. — Connections as in Fig. 5. — The power
diagram of the compensated series motor is not a circle (Fig. 11)
but a curve of a higher order, consequently no direct comparison
can be made between the diagram of the compensated series
motor and those of the other nmtiprs. It can nevertheless be seen
that it is theoretically pos.sible to obtain a good phase compensation,
even to the extent of over-compensation.
AG=i,(r,, + Lj)=i,L. A(.' = i,Lo-. AB=p„L = E, AD = AB/,t
till! Si= ^ZjLtl" ». DF = VI.
AG„ = i>L. GB =
Conclusions from the Power Diwjrams. — From the theoretical
diagrams we see : The power factor of the motors reiiresented by
the schemes of connections in Figs. 1 to .3 is practically tlie same under
like conditions. The power factor of scheme in Fig. 4 is worse
than, and that of schemes in Figs. 5 and 6 better than (approx.= 1),
tlie power factor in .schemes 1 to 3.
Influence of the Shorl-circnit Cements when Working. — The influence
of the short-circuit currents has not been taken into account in tlie
above diagrams. These currents largely affect the working of alter-
nating current motors, not only on account of sparking, but also on
account of their reaction on the phase displacement. In some motors
the short-circuit currents improve the power factor and in others
make it worse, even in one and the same motors both of these con-
ditions may occur. This depends on what field the short-eircuited
coils happen to be in and w ith what velocity they are moving.
The action of the short-circuit currents on" the phase displacement in
the motor can be explained thus : We can distinguish between two
kinds of short-circuit currents —
1. Short-circuit currents produced by transformer effect of excit-
ing field.
2. Short-circuit currents produced by rotation in the field in the
commutating zone (or, briefly, in the commutating field).
The former currents can be called static and the latter dynamic-
The static and dynamic short-circuit currents combine with the
actual short-circuit currents. The static short-circuit currents lag
behind the primary exciting field, whilst the dynamic currents lag
behind the commutating field. Hence the static currents always
cause the resultant exciting field to lag behind the primary exciting
field or exciting current, whilst the dynamic short-circuit currents
cause the exciting field to lag or lead witli respect to the exciting
current according to the phase relation between the commutating
and exciting field.
If, for example, the commutating field is in phase with the pri-
mary exciting field, the dynamic currents will lag behind both and
consequently exert a lagging effect on the resultant exciting field.
If. however, the commutating field is di.splaced in time from the
exciting field by 180 deg. the d3'namic currents lead the primary
exciting field, and theefore exert a leading effect on the resultant
exciting field.
Hence the static short-circuit currents always tend to make the
main field lag behind the current in the field winding ; the dynamic
short-circuit currents, on the contrary, lag or lead according to the
phase of the commutating field.
AG = ,nLi-t-L2l=/iL. AC =
UB = couutor E.M.F. of Bitatit
AB=(„L = B. AD = AB/t
W>+Wb
Now a field in phase with the exciting current produces a back
E.M.F. in the armature due to rotation which lags 180 dcg. behind
the armature current, hence a field which lags behind the field cur-
rent by 90 deg. will induce an E.M.F. in the armature by rotation
which lags 270 deg. behind the armature current, or which leads the
same by 90 deg. Thus the static short-circuit currents always cause a
lead in the miittir. the dynamic a lead or lag according to the phcuie of the
commutating field.
The commutating field set up when no commutating poles are
present, is quite different with the different motors. In the series
motor of Fig. 1, it depends entirely on the winding Z,, and this
winding may be made somewhat heavier, so that the phase of the
dynamic currents can be fixed at will ; in the other motors, however,
providing no commutating poles are present, the commutating field
adjusts itself so that dynamic short-circuit currents produced by it
cause a larger phase displacement in the motor. When the influence
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
97
of the short-circuit currents is considerable, the actual diagram will
vary largely from the theoretical.
In mod/rn machines, however, the short-circuit currents, when
not entirely neutralised, are brought within such limits — on account
of sparking— that their cffe t on the ])Ower diagram becomes negli-
gible. For well-designed machines, therefore, the theoretical
diagrams may be taken as apjiroximately correct — in any case, the
error will not be larger than in diagrams for ordinary tliree-jdiase
motors.
Ciimpnixntion <>' Pha-w. Displacement. — By an arrangement due to
the author (see D.R.P. 190, 186,) the power factor of the motors
represent?d by Figs. 1 to 4 can be imjiroved as follows : —
As already mentioned, in order to produce a leading E.M.F. in the
armature we must have a field displaced in phase from the active
prima y current. This is accomplished by connecting a part of the
field winding to the network pressure or to a part of the same.
The same can aiso be attained by applying to the field winding a
pressure which has two components, one of which is proportional to
the rotor cuirent and at 90 deg. to it in phase, and the other com-
ponent in phase with the network current.
Experimental Result.s.
Up to the present, results have been obtained from the four-polar
motors when connected as in Figs. ,'5 and (i and without resistances
between the winding and the commutator.
Compensated Series Motor. — Conneetionsas iu Fig. .5. — The exciting
brushes were connected to the stator winding through a s ries trans-
former, in ord r to obtain the ratio of exciting ampere-turns to
energy ampere-turns for the most favourable volt-ampere con-
sumption at startmg. Repeated experiments have shown that the
ratio which fulfils this condition at starting is also the best for the
motor when running. Consequently the ratio of conversion was
therefore left the same throughout ; whilst the series transformer
could be entirely dispensed with if the stator were wound for another
pressure.
To avoid sparking, coramutating windings were used which were
connected to the network pressure through a series transformer, so
that the current in the commutating jioles was jiractically in phase
with the exciting current. Thus connected, the motor rain spark-
lessly at all speeds.
Curves wer3 taken of effici ncy. power factor and speed as func-
tions of the li.H.i'. The regulation of the spec I of the motor was
accomplished so'ely by varying the applied jiressure (the ratio of
conversion of the transformer remaining constant). It was found,
however, that the effici-ncy and power factor remained practically
constant for all loads beyond .30 h.p., when the speed was thus varied ;
thus it i< seen that it is not absolutely necessary to vary the ratio of
conve sion of the trans ormer for different loads and speeds in order
to obtain a'gcod tffitiency and power factor.
The k.\-.a. con.sumption at starting was found to vary between
0-48 and ()•■).■). which, for a four-jjole machine without resistance con-
nections, can be considered favourable.
Motor imth Energy supplied to Stator and Rotor. — Connections as
in Fig. 6. — The results obtained for this motor were similar to those
obtained in th" above case.
Compari.ion helwen the c.hirt Tim Motors. — As regards power
factor and efficiency, the above two motors are alike in every respect ;
with regard to the overload capacity, however, the latter motor is
much superior.
The greater overload capacity of the latter motor is explained by
the fact that in tlie comjiensated .series motor the whole rotor pres-
sure must be induced from the stator winding, the rotor pressure
therefore is limited by the Hux in the energy axis and by saturation.
To prevent the magnetising current and iron losses becoming too
larg^ the induced pressure in the rotor in question could not be
allowed to exceed 300 volts.
In the other inotor, however, the rotor pressure is made u]i of an
induced pressure and a directly applied pressure, so that the total
pressure in the rotor can be large and the currents smaller. The
load capacity of alternating-current commutator motors is chiefly
limited by the rotor currents, and increases rapidly as these decrease.
In the case in question, a combined jjressure of .120 volts could act
at the rotor terminals without the least sparking.
A series of curves was also taken for a mot«r designed to start up
with a series characteristic and work as a motor with a constant
speed characteristic — a scheme involving somewhat coniplic«*ed
connections.
With such a combination, a constant velocity with good running
could h- obtained so long as the incline was "not too great, good
runninu i sp cially, while it is much easier to design a motor to work
sparklessly with a good power factor and efficiency at one definite
speed than at dift'erent s|)ceds. Fnr heavy inclines, the series motor
connections could be used for variable siieeds. whilst for declines the
motor could work as a constant speed motor and give back power to
the line. At the end of the Paper the author gives an account of
experiments made with such motors on an experimental track, and
shows not only that such arrangements can be made to work satis-
factorily but also over .50 per cent, of the energy consumed in mount-
ing an incline was given back durint' the descent.
THE DAYEY PAXMAN BALANCED TWO CRAMK
GAS EvniNE.
At the Franco-British Exhibition Messrs. Davey, Paxman & Co.,
of Colchester, have been awarded a Grand Prize, the highest award
which it was possible to obtain. This firm long ago attained a
world-wide reputation for their steam engines and boiler.s. and this
reputation for sound and good work will be enhanced by the great
strides they have made in the construction of gas engines since they
took up this branch some years ago. The engine exhibited at
.Shepherds Bush which has been awarded the (irand Prize is of the
balanced two-crank type of 2.50 n.u.p.
One of the most iinjiort.nnt and U|ito-(late features of this engine is
that the crankshaft is a two-throw one \rilli the connerting rods acting
on two crank-pins placed .it IHO (leg, apart. By tin;-, means the connect-
ing rod. piston and crank of one cylinder perfectly balan<es (he other,
and the engine, in addition to being perfectly balanced, gets one impulse
every revolution. The value of tliis .irrangenicnt will at once be recog-
nised by every jiraclical engineer.
The governing of the engine is on the throttle principle, and is of very
simple design. The throttle acts on the gas only, so that the compression
remains practically constant, whatever the load on the engine. The
special form of combustion chamber and ignition allows this to be done
without risk of mixed explosions or back fires into the air-box owing to
weak charges. Also there is an arrangement by which a small quantity
of rich mixtiuc surrounds the firing jmint at every explosion stroke, so
that there is always a sufficient flash of flame to ignite even the weakest
mixture. This point of governing has always been recognised as the
best, but up to the present the troxd>le has been that other makers have
experienced the two drawbacks before mentioned on light loads.
Messrs. Davey. Paxman & Co. are to be congratulated upon the success
they have achieved in the manufacture of gas engines in the few years
during which they have added this type of engine to their spec'alities,
but in view of the firm's reputation for the highest class of steam engines
and boilers, this success is not surprising. In a further proof of this
success we may state that ihey have recently obtained the low consump-
tion figure of 0(iS lb. anthracite per h.h.p. jier liour. Taking the price of
this coal at 20s. per ton, this works out that !."> B.n.r. may be obtained
by this means nt a cost of Id. per hour.
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THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON
ELECTRICAL UNITS.
We think that phy.sici.sts geuerully will congratulate
the Conference on bringing its labours to a successful issue,
though there must always be certain rather pronounced
t.lifterences of opinion in regard to certain details. The work
accomplished at the Conference is noticeable on account of
several important items. First of all there is the defining
of the ampere and the ohm to six significant figures. This
was certainly a neces.sary step, the only difficulty being
whether to define them to such hgures as scientific research
can at present lead us, or to define them to the nearest
round figures. In adopting the latter course the fear was
entertained that it would be necessary to alter thein again
at some later date. These values are, however, known
to such accuracy at the present time that any serious
change is improbable, though the figures that we now
have may yet be subject to slight alteration from time to
time. But alterations of this kind, from the point of view of
scientific and commercial measurements, even when small,
are troublesome. There is, therefore, no doubt that the
decision of the Conference to adopt certain . round figures,
to remain fixed, will be generally welcomed. Such figures
are atlmittedly not exact, but for practical purposes it is
bettor to have the units defined once and for all to six
places, using the much discussed two additional zeros,
although, as a matter of fact, it will be recognised that
these zeros are not true figures.
Another notable result of the Conference has been the
passing of the Clark cell and the placing of the standard
cell in a rather more subsidiary position than hitherto.
The Clark cell has served us well, but it has also gi\en us
a good deal of trouble, more particularly the Board of
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
9!»
Trade form. If the form of cell due to the IJeichsanstalt
had been adopted from the first, possibly the Clark cell
would have remained in favour longer than it did. The
advantage of a negligible temperature coefficient, however,
has gained the day, and the Weston cell, hencefoi th to be
known as the WestouXorinal Cell, has at length been accepted
and been given a certain official position. The trouble, how-
ever, has not been merely due to any inherent defect in
the Clark cell. During the last 15 years, owing to much
careful research, it has become very clear that the once
accepted E.M.F. of 1-4342 volts for this cell was much
more nearly 1-4.330, or even lower. Consequently, there
has been the rather unfortunate result that measurements
were conducted in accordance with the legalised value of
the E.M.r. of the Clark cell, when every scientific worker
knew this to be wrong ; and in carrying out accurate work
a good deal of confusion was the result. In the future any
such difficulty should disappear, even if our opinions as to
the E.M.F. of the Weston Normal Cell are found to vary,
because this cell is merely adopted as a convenient
standard, the E.M.F. of which may be taken " provision-
ally " as 1-('184 volts at 20°C., and this value may at any
time be altered by the Committee or Commission appointed
to complete the work of the Conference.
Another most important step taken by the Conference
is the recommendation made to the various (Jovernnieuts
to establish a permanent International Commission IVir
Electrical Standards. Such a Commission would consider
any work that may be necessary in connection with the
maintenance of standards, fixing of values, and any com-
parison of standards, so that during the intervals such as
have hitherto e.visted between Conferences it will be pos-
sible to carry on work in an official way. It will also be
easier to call a further Conference as may be necessary.
As to whether this Commission should be combined with
the International Conference on Weights and Measures,
which meets at stated intervals, or whether it should be a
distinct body, is a question that has been referred to a
committee appointed by Lord IUyleigh, as President of
the Conference which has just completed its labours. The
opinion expressed by the Conference itself is that such
permanent Commission should be a distinct body, and
that it should meet at different places in succession.
The Conference came to the conclusion that it would
also be desirable to have an International Electrical
Laboratory, witii the duties of keeping and maintaining
electrical standards and for the issuing of sub-standards,
such laboratory to be equipped quite independently of any
national laboratory. This project, of course, would take a
long time to realise, and we cannot help thinking that
the arguments put forward in its favour were fallacious.
There is no reason to suppose that the accuracy of such a
laboratory will exceed that of existing national labora-
tories, which for the time being are to take the work in
hand. Moreover, if any error were to occur it will not
be so readily discovered as is the case if four or more
laboratories are working in conjunction. We think theri>
is a good deal more to be said in favour of friendly
co-operation than for the establishment of an International
Laboratory, which would be complicated by political con-
siderations.
ELECTRIC CRANES.*
BY H. H. BKOUOHTOX.
(Continued from pa[/e 6, Vol. LXI.)
Siimmari/.— The author here deals with the design and construction
of the structural steel framework of cranes. The first sections of the
article are de\oted to a consideration of the most suitable materials
and working stresses. It is suggested that the Engineering Standards
committee's specification for structural steelwork .should be adhered
to by crane makers : also that the working stresses allowed be based
on the nature of the forces acting and not upon some arbitrary " fac-
tor of safety. Then follows a note on the determination of the stresses
in the several members of frames of complicated shape. To assist
designers, curves connecting weight and ca|)acity of English and
German cranes are given. A number of typical examples of girder
construction are also described.
Structural Steelwork.
It would be out of place here to give a complete dis-
cussion on the points involved in proportioning the struc-
tural steel framework of a crane. Nevertheless, the subject
is of such vital importance that we must devote some space
to its consideration, and therefore we propose to briefly
consider one or two of the problems common to all types of
crane, and to describe noteworthy examples of structural
work in connection with overhead travelling cranes and jib
cranes.
Materials. — In l(tO(i the Engineering Standards Com-
mittee issued the British Standard Specification for Struc-
tural Steelwork for Bridges and General Building Con-
struction.f It is possible that this .specification will be
adhered to by crane makers. In the specification it is
stated that plates, sectional material and rivet bars must be
made by the Open Hearth Process, .Ycid or Basic, and mu.st
not show on analysis more than O'OG per cent, of sulphur or
of phosphorus. Plates and sections must show a tensile
breaking strength of 28 to 32 tons per square inch, with an
elongation of not le.ss than 20 per cent. Rivet bars must
show a tensile breaking strength of 26 to 30 tons per square
inch with an elongation of not less than 2-5 per cent.
In America, and to some extent in England and on the
Continent, cast-iron has been used for complicated shapes,
but the obvious advantages of an " all steel " frame have
induced the leading manufacturers to discontinue the prac-
tice of using cast-iron end carriages, trolley fi-ames and
other complicated details. When the form of a i)art does
not admit of steel plates and sections being used, the part
should be made of well annealed cast-steel, practically free
from blow holes and shrinkage cracks. Cast-steel must
show a tensile breaking strength of from 28 to .32 tons per
square inch with an elongation of not less than 13 per cent.
Working Stresses. — The practice of fixing the working
stresses at a certain amount for all cranes, or for all parts
of the same crane, is bad. The safe working stress depends
upon the variation of stress, and not upon some old-
fashioned " factor of safety " or the price of the job.
Adopting a " factor of safety '" of 3 in all cases, and
assuming the breaking weight of steel to be -30 tons per
square inch, Prof. Lilly's formula,^
-^ il breaking weight
Maxnnum stress = — = r—. '■ >
I _ ,mnumum stress
becomes " maximum stress
Working strengt h -
.mninnum .stress
1 — o
-maximum stress
Thus, supposing a certam member is subjected to a pull
varying from 2 tons to 6 tons, the working strength would
* Copyright. All rights of reproduction are reserved.
t Report, No. 15.
t •' The Design of Plate Girders," page tj.
100
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
be taken at 5/(1 - j . |)=6 tons per square inch ; had the
member been subjected to an unvarying pull of 6 tons, a
working strength of 10 tons would have been adopted.
Again, supposing the member had been subjected to a pull
varying from 0 to 6 tons, the working strength would have
been 5 tons per square inch. If the member be subjected
to an alternate pull and push of 6 tons, the working strength
The above formula, based on the experimental researches
of Wohler, clearly shows the absurdity of assuming a " factor
of safety " which does not take into account the nature of
the load. Some makers, notably Sir William Arrol & Co.,*
take alternating tensile and compression stresses into
account by providing a sectional area equal to the joint
areas for the tensile and compression stresses considered
Reaction Dcad Load tswhs
Live Load YARriNi
Bays jo" Pitch
BooiE Wheel Base r.e"
/fEACTioii Oeab Load 7 i roits
Liic LOAD VAnnm
'^-^
FT~^
k=5
l^
w
' .
3
^.Kj
<„U.
h=\
" —
UJ
^
1
-t
— V
LIVE LOAD AT A B.
LIVE LOAD AT E.F.
'■' 'r — h
t
fe&
u
H
I
r~
i
■^ }i ^ — -
=^
-
:'•.
'('-
^6
s
^
*=^H
M~/T —
---
^N=
;
° "\ "
V .
1
jK't
.-* ^
1
"^7^
V
'
/
LIVE LOAD AT B.C
LIVE LOAD AT FG.
LIVE LOAD AT C D
"^pf^
^
P
A4
*t=
Z
1**=^
6
X.
S
" "Hb
M
^
— ^
N
^
s
,■
1
LIVE LOAD AT G.H.
i/NEAff Scale
40 FT.
LIVE LOAD AT DE
Fig. 62.-
FoRCE Scale
zo
I -
-WTONS
-Stress Diagrams for Crane Oirueu— .Span 103 ft.
i'ane9tons. Weight of travelling bugie 3-5 tons. Total load IB'S tons (carrieJ by two girders). Thick lines represent Compressive Stresi
n lines represent Tensile Stresses. Dead load is made up of weight of girder, platforiit, shaft, brake, motor, gear wheels, fixings, &c.
Maximum Si
•fitfiu. Tons.
Member.'
Cbmpres- : tension,
sion.
Member. Compre«-
sion.
Tension.
Member.
Compres-
sion.
Tension.
Membei;.
28-29
Compres-
sion.
Tension.
2-22
19-5
19-33
51-25
21-22
17
7-5
3-24
£9
19-31
48
22-23
12
29-30
9
4-k6
J7-5
19-29 i
41
23-24
15
30-31
6
5-28
43 1
19-27
37-5
24-25
10-5
31-32
0-5
7
6-30
48 i
19-25
29
25-26
13-5
32-53
4-5
7-32
61
19-23
19-5
26-27
9-
33-34
3
5
8-34
51-25 j
19-21
8
27-28
11
34-35
1
would be taken at 3-33 tons per square inch. In Fig. fi3 is independently. The reader interested in the question if
given a curve which shows at a glance the working strength 1 referred to a serial in The Engineer.^ on " The Limits oi
for any value of the ratio of minimum stress to maximum j . ., standard Specification for the Structural Portion of Hea^^&an;^-
stress. Engineering, June 21, 1907. f Commencing November 3, 1903.
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30. 1908.
101
Table XVI.
Maximum and Minimum Stresses in H-ton Crane Girder of 105/<. Sjm)
Member.
Compression (Tons).
Maximum. ! Minimum.
2—22
19-50
3—24
2900
4—26
37-50
5—28
4300
6—30
48-00
7—32
ri-oo
8—34
51-25
19—33
19—31
19—21
19—27
19—25
19—23
19—21
21—22
22—23
12-(X)J»
23—24
24—25
10-50
25-26
26—27
9-00
27—28
28—29
7-5ft
29—30
■r. '
30—31
6-00
31—32
0-50
3'— 33
4-50
33—34
3-00
34—35
1-00
10-75,
16-50
^1-00
25-00
27-50
29-25
30-00
Tension (Tons)
Maximum. I Minimum.
6-75
5-75
4-75
3-75
2-75
1-75
1-00
51-25
29-25
48-00
27-50
41-00
25-00
37-50
21-00
29-00
16-50
19-50
10-75
8-00
4-0(J
17-00
9-40
15-00
8-00
13-50
6-70
11-00
5-25
9-00
3-75
Working Stresses in Bridges," or to Prof. Fidler's treatise
on " Bridge Construction."*
Determination of Stresses. — The maximum and minimum
stresses in the various members of the structural steel
framewoi-k can be determined graphically or by calculation.
10
7
/
* I
si 6
£ J 5
■^ ■ I,
/
^
^
-^
--
"
—^
- 1
0
-I'O -0-d -D-3 -0-1 -0-2 0 0-2
/:iin<i 0/ Minimum Sirtss lo Mil.
0-4 (1-6
num Stress.
Fig. 63. — Cuhve connecting Stress Variation and Wokking Stresses.
An example of a stress diagram for one of the cross-
girders of an overhead travelling crane is given in Fig. 'i2.
the weight of the girder is 1-5 tons, and the span is 105 ft. In
addition to the dead load of 15 tons (which includes the
weight of the girder, platform, cross-shaft, motor, gear-
wheels, brake, fixings, &c.), each girder carries moving
loads of 4- 75 tons, and 15 tons fixed at a constant distance
apart of ;} ft. 6 in.
Stress diagrams have been drawn for seven positions of
the trolley, and the maximum and minimum stresses are
set forth in Table XVI.
It will be noticed that the diagonals in the four centre
l)anels only come into compression.
In these girders, flange plates were dispensed with alto-
gether, and the whole of the verticals and diagonals were
B.S.B. 10 I beams, having overall dimensions of 6 in. by
5 in., and weighing 25 lb. per foot. This gave the com-
pression members a so-called " factor of safety "" of 12-(),
and stressed the tension members to 3 tons per square inch.
From these figures it might be inferred that the members
were too heavy, but the section chosen was the least com-
* " A Practical Treatise on Bridge Construction," Chap. XIII., 3rd Ed.
mercial size that would give a reasonable box-section, and
allow of getting in the necessary number of rivets. Con-
siderations like the foregoing largely account for the rela-
tively heavy weights of the girders for small capacity
cranes.
Rapidity of construction and low cost can only be
secured, by using as few rolled sections as possible and bv
the avoidance of smith-work and awkward cuts on gusset
plates and sections.
(To be, continne.d.)
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON ELECTRICAL
UNITS AND STANDARDS
Technical Committee.
Monday, October l^th.
As briefly announced in our last issue, the fourth meeting
of the Technical committee was held on Monday. Octo-
ber 19th, under the chairmanship of Dr. Glazebrook. The
minutes of the last two meetings having been read and con-
firmed, the Chairman opened the discussion on the steps to be
taken to secure uniformity in standards in fhe future.
The Permanent International Commission.
Dr. Glazebrook (Great Britain) drew attention to the fact that it
was not within the power of the Conference to establish a permanent
Commission and that all the Conference could do wa.s to recommend
to the various Governments certain steps that should be taken to
secure uniformity of the standards in the future. He thought that it
was necessary to make immediate arrangements to enable I hem to say
definitely what the international ohm. the internal innal ani)icre. and
the international volt were. The wisest step would prnlialilv be to
invite the standardising laboratories to form a committee and to con-
sult together ; and for the Governments to give official sanction to
this committee. The laboratories which had been more or less co-
operating in the past could then give eitect to the resolutions of the
Conference.
Dr. Stratton (U.S.A.) said that he hoped to see closer relations
established between the different standardising laboratories, and that
he looked forward to the proposed permanent Commission forming
part of the International Commission on Weights and Measures, the
scope of this body being extended to cover all physical units and con-
stants.
Dr. Glazebrook (Great Britain) saw no reason against this combi-
nation and many reasons in favour oi it.
Prof. Abrhenius (Sweden and Denmark) said that the different
Governments interested must elect their delegates: the Conference
had no authority to elect them. One of the duties of the permanent
Commission should be to give names to additional units as required.
Referring to the scheme proposed by Dr. Carhart he thought that the
suggested membership, namely, two to each of the four standardis-
ing institutions, was too much as it would give to the four countries
in which these laboratories were established an absolute majority of
the Commission as they would have eight members for the
institutions and four as countries, making twelve members out of
a total of twenty. He asked further, if new national laboratories
were set up. whether they were to have the same rights as the
existing National Laboratories. The question of the expenses was,
he considered, not a matter for the Conference. He had received a
letter from the secretary (Mr. le Maistre) of the International Electro-
technical Commi.ssion recommending the amalgamation of the pro-
posed permanent Commission with that body; he thought that this
also was a matter for the various Governments.
Dr. EciEROFF (Russia) saw no necessity lo establish a new inter-
national laboratory as there were already four good laboratories in
existence, and the Chairjian (Dr. Glazebrook) said that the .scheme
of an international laboratory would be very difficult to carry out.
Prof. LiPPMANN (France) thought that if a single laboratory were
established it would have to be as neutral jus possible. The whole
question was a very complicated one: probably it would be best if
standards could be stamped by a single laboratory. He thought the
question of amalgamation of the existing laboratories might be left
on one side.
Mr. Trotter (Great Britain) said that if a single central labora-
tory could be arranged it would be able to issue standards. Smaller
countries which did not have laboratories could send their standards
to one or all of the laborat<iries to be tested. This suggested the first
102
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
step, namely, the comparison of standards. The organisation seemed
to liim a simple matter. It would be easy for the Electrotechnieal
Commission to form a committee to deal with the matter. There
were no less than 14 delegates common to the " Units and Standards
and to the " Electrotechnieal" Commissions. It seemed unlikely
that the Governments would contribute to two commissions. Really,
only a secretary was needed for the circulation of the standards.
The existing organisation might be employed lor this pur])use.
The Ch.^irman asked Prof. Lippraann whether he recommended
one or four laboratories. Prof. Lippmann (France), in reply, inclined
to the idea that it was safer to have only one laboratory. Trof.
LiNDKCK (Germany) agreed that the main question was : Should there
be one or four standard laboratories '? At Charlottenburg in 1905 it
was proposed that one single institution should take up the task of
fixing the standards as it was thought more exact in the case of stan-
dards of the highest accuracy. Four or more laboratories would
probably result in standards of less accuracy. It was doubtful how-
accurate the value of the mean of the determinations taking place in
different countries witli int<'rvals of frimi half to one year between
them would be. The diflirultii-s in the way of a single international
laboratory were great, but he thought that the details should be dis-
cussed without fear. With reference to the proposal to give the work
of the permanent Commission to the Electrotechnieal Commission,
he remarked that the technical men who were considering standards
for machinery and fuses were not necessarily best suited to the present
purpose.
The CHAraMAN suggested that the two points— (1) Whether there
was to be one single international laboratory, (2) the connection of
the permanent Commission, or other body formed, to the Electro-
technieal Commission — should be separately considered.
Dr. Rosa (U.S.A.) refeiTing to (1) remarked that several speakers
preferred a single institution, as greater accuracy would be obtained.
He thought this conclusion open to question. It seemed to him that
12 mercury tubes set up in four ditTeront countries might be better
than all 12 set up in a single laboratory. Also cells could be easily
carried from place to place and noihiiig would be lost in accuracy if
they were set up in four different places and compared. Further, no
national laboratory would accept the values obtained by the inter-
national laboratory unless they thought that it was doing at least as
good, or better, work than they. The metre and the kilogram did
not change so that the results of one laboratory could be easily
accepted : but ohms and am|>cres wciv not jiermanent, and required
constant redetermination, invoivint.' |icrpetual researches.
Prof. Weber (Switzerland) thought that for accm-acy one inter-
national laboratory would be better but four laboratories would be
safer.
Prof. RoiTl (Italy) said the question was whether there should be
one single laboratory or more ; he believed it would not be possible
to have a single laboratory. As to the construction of standards, all
manufactiH'er.s might make them, and even single individuals; it
would not be just to limit the construction of standards to tlie lalinra-
tories. Something was required for those Governments who had no
national laboratories, and also to bring all the laboratories into line.
It was necessary to be able to have standards certified.
Prof. Warburg (Germany) thought that it was not necessary to
have a new laboratory, one of the existing ones might do the work,
and this course would be better. The international laboratory
should not occupy itself with absolute determinations. But Prof.
Lippmann (France) said that the new laboratory must be quite
distinct. Prof. Lindeck (Germany) agreed with Dr. Rosa that but
little would be lost in accuracy by setting up standards in the exist-
ing laboratories, but others would be formed and increase the diffi-
culties. If the international laboratory were set up it should be
similar to that for the metre where standards could be sent to be
stamped.
Prof. Arrhenihs (Sweden and Denmark) then moved the follow-
ing: —
"that the committee recommends the Conference that the inttr-
ested Oovernments be invited to take steps for establishing an inter-
national electrical laboratory with thi duty of keepinrj and main-
taining international electrical standards,"
which was seconded by Prof. Warbitro (Germany).
Dr. Stratton (U.S.A.), referring to his own proposal, said it was a
pity that the International Commission on Weights and Measures
was not extended to all physical unit.s. There was in this body a
beautiful scheme which need not be altered to enable it to carry out
the work of the permanent Commission.
Prof. Lippmann (France) thought the Governments might well ask
the International Commission on Weights and Measures to carry
out this work, as only a very small alteration was required.
Some further discussion followed and Prof. Arrhenius's resolution
was then put to the vote and carried, 13 voting in favour and six
against
The Chairman then proposed that : —
'In the absence of an International elcdrical laboratory which
would be entrusted with the duty of establishing and maintaining
the international electrical standards, the Conference requests fJu
NationalStandard Laboratories of America, Great Britain, France
and Germany to accept this responsibility and to carry out the
work under the direction of a technical committee on electrical
standards and of the jicrmanent international Commission of
whirh the committee shall form part."
Mr. Trotter (Great Britain) said a satisfactory agreement be-
tween the laboratories must be first obtained, and words to this effect
were added to the resolution. Some discussion ensued without a
vote being taken.
Dr. Rosa (U.S.A.) then moved : —
" The Commission shall consist oj one member from each of 12
different countries and in addition two representatives of each of
tlie four standardising institutions named above, a total of 20
■members, each of whom shall have one vote in the meetings of the
Commission. An>/ mimlirr if ddri/iitis aclinginan advisory capa-
city but irithniil iMiti-H, maii'lir iiii-ilnl Inj tlir Commission to take
pari in lis prom, lings'. The eight n-presmtatives of the standardis-
ing laboratories shall constitute the In'crnational Commission on
Electrical Standards."
Mr. Trotter (Great Britain) seconded this resolution.
Further discussion ensued but no vote was taken, and the com-
mittee then adjourned to Tuesday morning.
Tuesday, October 20th.
On reassembling the Chairman (Dr. Glazebrook) said that Mr.
Higman (Canada) had pointed out that a resolution should be in-
cluded dealing with the watt.
Prof. Lippmann (France) then proposed to add to Resolution 1.
the words —
" The Watt the unit of power which has the value 10,000,000
in terms of the centimetre, the gramme and the second."
This was seconded by Dr. Stratton (U.S.A.), and carried.
Prof. Lippmann (France) then proposed to add the following
resolution : —
"2'/ic hiternational Watt is the energy expended per second
when a current of one International Ampere traverses a resistance
of one International Ohm."
This was also seconded by Dr. Stratton, and carried.
The Chairman then pointed out that so far in the resolutions no
indication had been given as to what might be taken as secondary or
working standards. A series of resolutions had been drafted as
recommendations of the Conference which would allow the employ-
ment of working standards.
Prof. Lippmann (France) then read the following recommendations
as to working methods:— (1) For the International Ohm : The
u.se of copies, constructed of suitable material and of suitable form
and verified from time to time, of the international ohm. its multiples
and sub-multiples. (2) For the Intern.-vtional Ampere = (") The
measurement of current by the aid of a current balance standardi.sed
by comparison with a silver voltameter ; or (b) The use of a Weston
normal cell whose electromotive force has been determined in terms of
the international ohm and international ampere, and of a resistance of
known value in international ohms. (3) For the International
Volt : (a) A comparison with the difference of electrical polcnlia
between the ends of a coil of resistance of known value in internationa
ohms, when carrying a current of known value in international
amperes; or (h) the use of a Weston normal cell whose electro-
motive force has been determined in terms of the International Ohm
and the International Ampere. The duties of specifying more par-
ticularly the conditions under which these methods were to be
applied" had been assigned to the permanent Commission.
The Churman pointed out that the word " voltameter occurred
in several places. He proposed that, subject to the final resolution
of the Conference as to whether the word " voltameter or
" coulombmeter '" was to be used, this word should be allowed to
stand. After some discussion Prof. Lippmann's (France) resolution
was carried. . ,
The Chairman next referred to a thu-d proposal for the lormation (ii
a permanent Technical Commission for Electrical Standards, which
had been circulated to the members that morning. This proposal
was as follows : — ■ /. /.
'■The Conference recommends that the various (jorernmenrs
interested should be invited to establish a Permanent I,,tcrnalional
Commission for Electrical Standards. The Commission slwuia
be entrusted with the work of preserving and maintaining untjoi-
mity among the electrical standards of the various countries.
After some discussion on these proposals, principally with regard to
the wording, the Chairman read the first paragi'aphs of an alternative
plan proposed by Dr. Stratton (U.S.A.)—
(1) "That the President of this Conference appoint a committee
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
10.:
of 1-J acicntific men to jormuliite a plan/uf and to direct siirh worJi
lis mail be neressary in connection with the maintenance of atan-
fUmJs, fij-.inq of values, inter-comparison of standards, ttr."
Prof" LiPPMANS (France) pointed out that this proposition was
identical with a paragi'aph ah-eady printed, viz.—
" Pendinq the establishment of this Fcrmanent Commission of
.•standards the Conference requests i's Technir.al Committee to carry
out th-. du'ies a-sit/ned to the Permanent Commission^
The Chairman then read the whole of Dr. Stratton's projiosals as
follows : — .
(2) " That the various State laboratories equipped ivith facilities
for precise uicasiirrinents and investigations be asked to co-ojierate
with thix ( 'niiiiiiittee. and to carry out if possible such, icork as it
mail ilcxirr. (.") That one of the Governments he requested by th c
Co'miiiittic to lake the i^roper steps for securing the next Conference
on lilcelrical Units and Standards at such a time as tlie tibove Com-
mittee maq suggest. (4) /" the opinio.i of this Conference if is of
importance that the question of enlari/ing the fini-Jionsof the Inter-
national Cbiifrence on Wei'jht.i and Measures should he hronght
before the In'lernat'onal Committee of that body ivithavieiv to deter-
■niininq if it is possible to combinefuture Conftrences with the Inter-
national Conference on Wcigh's and Measures in lieu of future
Conferences ok Electrical Units and Standards."
Prof. Warburg (Germany) wanted to know whether this proposal
meant that the permanent Commission was not going to be set up at
once or that the preparation of the plan for the permanent Com-
mission would lie carried out by Dr. Stratton's committee.
Dr. Stratton (U.S.A.) explained tiiat his scheme provided a purely
scientific committee for the present which had the sanction of the
Conference. This committee would take steps to call another Con-
ference when necessary, or to change the functions of the Inter-
national Conference on Weights and Measures, and in the latter case
the committee would be the permanent scientific committee of that
body. The details of the permanent Commission should be left to
be worked out by the committee.
II, DE XER\aLLE (France) stated that, if he understood the proposi-
tion correctly, the committee would be really continuing the work
of the Conference. He wished to know if the C'onference had the
power to appoint such a committee.
Some discussion then ensued as to whether a permanent Commis-
sion, or Committee, or a Conference were desii'able. and on the exact
wording of the resolutions.
The Chairman then said that the i.nly course open seemed to be
to put the motion: —
" TJie Confereiire recmnmends that the various Governments
should be invited to establish a Permanent International Comm'S-
sioii fr Electrical Standards."
This resolution was seconded by Prof. Egoroff (Russia) and, after
some further discussion, a formal vote was taken and the resolution
approved, 18 members being in favour and two against.
The Chairman pointed out that the next business w-as to consider
how to assign duties to this jiermanent Commission. He said that
there were two ways, either to formulate the duties now or to leave
the formulation of these duties to a committee to be appointed by
the President. He trusted that the later view would prevail. To
make this ccjin-se possible Dr. Stratton's proposal could be modified.
Some discussion ensued and the sitting was adjourned to enable
suitable modifications to be brought forward. On resuming, the
C'hairman said that he had had two proposals put before liim diu-ing
the interval. 'I'lie first to modify Dr. Stratton's (U.S.A.) resolution
thus —
''Pending the appoinlm.'nt of the Permanent International Com-
mission, the Conference recommends that the President, Lord
Piiyltiqh, apixunt a scientific committee of fifteen to advise as to
the orgaiiisatiiin oj the Permanent Commission, to fornudate a
plan for ami to direct such work as may be necessarq in connec-
tion with the maintenance of standards, fixing' of values,
wtcr-comparison of standards, and to complete the work of the
Conference "
The second proposal, put forward bv -M. de Xerville (France),
was to the effect that —
•• The Governments are invited to aqrec to call, irith as little
delay as possible, an. International Conference to discuss the con-
ditions of the working of this Permanent Commission and to name
lis members.
Prof, RoiTi (Italy) seconded M. de NervUle's proposal, and ii was
put to the vote, and negatived, 9 voting in favour and 11 against.
Ihe Chairman then proposed to proceed with the motion of Dr.
htratton which was seconded by Prof. Warburg, who suggested that
It would be better to alter the wording so that the Conference
appomted the committee nominated by the President, Lord Ravleigh.
u i?i V"**''^^' *''^" introduced the words as follows :—
.., ^'"'i ''"■ J^'-<^sidcnt. Lord llaylcigh, nominate for approval hq
the Conference." .' j i
This resolution was put to the meeting and was carried. 14 voting
in favour and 6 against.
The Chairman look the second proposal on Dr. Stratton's paper.
Prof. RiiiTi (Italy) wished to know which Laboratories would co-
operate.
The Chairman said that would b(> left for the Committee to decide,
and suggested that the words " Various States " might be drojiix-d
out of the resolution.so that it would restd"that laboratories equ ippcd
with facilities for precise electrical mnisurements." After a short
discussion this proposal as modified was put to the vote and carried,
17 voting in favour' and 3 against.
The Chairma>j said that the third proposition on Dr. Stratton's
paper was before the Committee. He suggested that possibly this
might be altered to read : —
•• That one of the Governments be requested by the Committee to
take the projier steps for establishing the Permanent Commission
and for securing the next Conference, il-e."
After some discussion, tlie wording of this proposal was amended as
follows : —
"The Committee sh:uldtake the proper steps for establishing
a Permane-t Commission and calling the next Conference of Elec-
trical Uniis and Standards at such a time and place as the Com-
mittee may suggest."
This form of the resolution was put to the meeting and was carried,
10 voting in favour and 9 against.
Dr. Stratton's fourth resolution was seconded by Prof. Arrhenits
(Sweden).
Some considerable discussion arose upon the wording, [lartlv owino-
to some delegates not realising that there were two distinct bodies!
namely, the International Conference on Weights and .Measures which
meets usually every six years, and on which all the Governments were
represented, and the International Committee of that body which
meets every two years. The proposal was not to amalgamate the pro-
posed Permanent Electrical Commission with the International Com-
mittee on Weights and .Measures, but to keep the Electrical Com-
mission as a distinct body. It was understood that the larger Con-
ferences on Electrical Units and Standards might be amalgamated
with the International Commission on Weights and ."Pleasures.
Prof. Warburg (C4ermany) wished for the combination to take
place. Prof. Lindec:k (Germany) did not see any advantage in com-
bining at all. Prof. Lippmann (France) said that there would be no
obligation on the Permanent Electrical Committee to meet in Paris.
Prof. Warburg (Germany) proposed that words should be added
saying that the Committee should meet at different places from time
to time.
The wording of the resolution was modified as follows : —
"In the opinion of the Conference it is of importance that the
question of enlarging the function of the International Conference
on Weights and Measures should be brought before the Inter-
national Committee of that body with a view to rietermining if it
is jiossible or desirable to combine fiilure Electrical Conferences
with the International Conference on Weights and Measures in
jilace of holding, in the future, separate Conference on Electrical
Units and Standards, nhile at the same time it is the opinion of
the Conlerence that the Permanent Commission should be retained
as a distinct body which should meet at different places in stic-
cession."
The vote was taken on the resolution as amended, and carried, 15
voting in favour and 3 against.
The specifications A, B and C, with slight modifications, were
approved and sent forward to the Conference, and the Meeting then
adjourned.
Meetings of the Conference.
W(dnesday, CM htr 21at.
At this, the fourth, meeting of the Conference, the cliair was taken
by the chairman. Lord Rayleigh. and all the delegates were present
except M. E. Gerard. Prof. J. J. Thomson and Prof. Thielfall,
The working methods for realising the International Ohm, Ampere
and Volt, as recommended by the Technical committee (and given
below in the final report), were adopted. It was agreed that the
saturated cadmium cell should be known as the Westcn Normal Cell.
In regard to stating the E..\I.F. of this cell as 10184 volts at 20 C,
corresponding with the figure PllSOO mg. for the electroteehnieal
equivalent of silver, there was some discussion, also in regard to the two
zeros for the electrochemical equivalent ; but finally, on the motion of
Prof. Airhenius (Denmark and Sweden), the value of the E,.M.F.
was referred to the permanent Commission by 14 countries in favour
and 10 against. On the motion of Dr. Glazebrook, resolution VI.
was confirmed, 13 countries voting in favoiu-, 8 against (L'.S.A..
Denmark and Sweden, France, Guatemala. Xetherlands, Paraguay.
Switzerland and Canada) and 3 abstained (Italy. Japan and
ilexico).
The question of establishing an International Electrical Laboratory
104
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
was then oonsidercd, and it was agreed unanimously that this was
desirable ; after which the recommendations contained in schedule
D attached to the report were adopted with comparatively little dis-
<;ussion. A proposal by Dr. Carhart (U.S.A.) that the name volta-
meter should be changed to coulombmeter was negatived by 18
countries to 6. On the motion of Prof. Arrhenius {Denmark and
Sweden) it was agreed unanimously that the permanent International
Commission, or the committee to be appointed, should consider and
report to the next Conference on names to be given Ut electrical units.
A proposal by Prof. Roiti (Italy) that the Conference should explain
the sense which it attributed to the two zeros at the end of the values
defining the international ohm and ampere was negatived, only two
countries (Italy and the Netherlands), voting in favour of the pro-
posal. The report of the committee was finally considered and
a,dopted. Lord Rayleigh nominated the members of the Provisional
Committee of 15, the names of which will be found as a footnote to
.schedule D, attached to the report of the Conference.
'Ihursdav, October 22nd.
At the fifth meeting of the Conference under the Chairmanship of
Lord Rayleigh the proceedings were merely formal, and included the
signing of the report by the various delegates.
The followinn; report was adopted by the Conference, and
will be followed in due course by notes on the methods to he
adopted in setting up the standards.
Report.
The Conference on Electrical Units and Standards for which invita-
tions were issued by the British Government, wa? opened by the Presi-
dent of the Board of Trade, the Right Hon. Winston S. Churchill, M.P..
on Monday, October !2, 1908, at Burlington House. London. S.W.
Delegates v/ere present from 21 countries, and also from the following
British Dependencies, namely, Australia, Canada, India and the Crown
Colonies. It was decided by the Conference that a vote each should be
allowed to Australia, Canada and India, but a vote was not claimed or
allowed to the Crown Colonies. The total number of delegates to the
Conference was forty-three, and their names are set out in schedule A* to
this Reiiort.
The officers of (he Conference were ■.—Prcsidcnl: The Right Hon. Lord
Ra3'leigh. CM., President of the Royal Society. Vice-Preaidenis :
Prof. S. A. Arrhenius, Dr. M. EgoroiT, Dr. Viktor Edler von Lang. M.
Lippmann, Dr. S. W. Stratton, Dr. E. Warburg. Secretaries : Mr. M. J.
Collins, Mr. W. Duddell, F.R.S., Mr. C. W. S. Crawley, Mr. F. Smith.
The Conference elected a Technical Committee to draft spocitications
and to consider any matter which might be referred to the Committee
and to report to the Conference. The Conference and its Technical
Committee each held five sittings. As a result of its deliberation the
Conference adopted the resolutions and specifications attached to this
report and set out in schedule B, and requested the delegates to lay them
before their respective Governments with a view to obtaining uniformity
in the legi.>^l,ition v/ith regard to Electrical Units and Standards.
The Conference recommend the use of the Weston Normal C'ell as a
ronvenieiil method of measuring both electromotive force and current
when set nn under the conditions specified in schedule C.
In cases xn which it is not desired to set up the Standards provided in
the resolut ons schedule B, the Conference recommends the following
as workinj: methods for the iealisation of the International Ohm, the
Ampere af i the \'olt.
1. For til- liiteniational Ohm.
The iisp .-•: -opies. constructed of suitable material and of suitable form
ind vcrifie.' from time to time, of the International Ohm. its nudtiplcs
and submp'riples.
2. For til': Interiiational Ampere.
(«) The uieasurement of current by the airl of a current balance stan-
dardised b;. comparison with a silver voltameter;
,(h) The ■!■;! of a Weston Norman Cell whose electromotive force has
been determi'ied in terms of the International Ohm and International
-Ampere, an,-! of a resistance of knov/n value in International Ohms.
3. For tilt Internatiovcd Volt.
(a) A com i larison with the difference of electrical potential between tin-
ends of a coii of resistance of known value in International Ohms, when
'carrying a cr.i-rent of known value in International Am])cres : or
of a Weston Normal Cell wliose electromotive force has
led in terms of the International Ohm and the Interna-
((.) The u
been deterui
tionnl Am]iv
The dut-,;
these metl-
Commissio:!.
to be no mi",
of Notes as '
The Con
mended to
relation to
that the bcs
the establi '
duties of Ur
This Lnbo.a
Laboraior\ .
The Con..
anoe with i:
'Oi.
of specifying more particularly the conditions under which
! .ire to be applied has been assigned to the Permanent
lid pending its appointment, to the Scientific Committee
■d by the President {see schedule D), who will issue a aeries
i;ifndix to this Report.
■luc has considered the methods that should he rccom-
,1-? (Ji)vernments for securing uniform administration in
•I tric;d Units and Standards, and expresses the opinion
lacthod of securing uniformity for the future would be by
■lit of an International Electrical Laboratory with the
■ ul; .'uid maint.iuning International Electrical Standards.
y to he c(|\iipped entirely indepeiidently of any National
re further recommends that action be taken in accoi-d-
heme set out in schedtile D.
i ted. 6'ce our is:sue of Oct. n, p. 1007. Ed. E.
SCHEDULE B.
Remlntions.
I. The Conference agrees that as heretofore the magnitudes of the
fundamental electric units shall be determined on the electro- magnetic
system of measurement v/ith reference to the centimetre as the unit of
length, the gramme as the unit of mass and the second as the unit of time.
These fundamental units are (1) the Ohm. the unit of electric resistance
which has the value of 1,000,000,000 in terms of the centimetre and
second ; (2) the Ampere, the unit of electric current which has the value
of one-tenth (O-l) in terms of the centimetre, gramme, and .second ; (3)
the Volt, the unit of electromotive force which has the value 100,000,000
in terms of the centimetre, the gramme, and the second ; (4) the Watt,
the Unit of Power which has the value 10,000.000 in terms of the centi-
metre, the gramme, and the second.
II. As asystem of units representing the above and sufficiently near
to them to be adopted for the purpose of electrical measurements and as
a basis for legislation, the C'ont'erence recommends the adoption of the
International Ohm, the International Ampere, and the International
V'olt defined according to the following definitions.
III. The Ohm is the first Primary Unit.
IV. The International Ohm is defined as the resistance of a specified
column of mercurv.
V. The International Ohm is the resistance offered to an unvarying
electric current by a column of mercury at the temperature of melting
ice, 14-4.521 grammes in mass, of a constant cross-sectional area and of
■A length of 106-300 centimetres.
To determine the resistance of a column of mercury in terms of the
International Ohm, the procedure to be followed shall be that set out in
sjiecification I. attached to these Resolutions.
VI. The Ampere is the second Primary Unit.
VII. The International Ampere is the unvarying electric current which,
when passed through a solution of nitrate of silver in vrater, in accord-
ance v.'ith the specification II. attached to these resolutions, deposits
sih-er at the late of 000111800 of a gramme per second.
VIII. The International Volt is the electrical pressure v/hich, when
steadily applied to a conductor whose resistance is one International
Ohm, will produce a current of one International Ampere
IX. The International Watt is the energy cxiiended per second by an
unvarying electric current of one International Ampere under an electric
pressure of one International Volt.
SpECtFIC.4TION I.
Srr.ctFicATioN Relating to Mercury Standards of Resistanck.
The glass tubes used for mercury standards of resistance must be made
of a glass such Hiat the dimensions may remain as constant as possible.
The tubes must be well annealed and straight. The bore must be as
nearly as possible uniform and circular, and the area of cross-section of
the bore must be approximately one square millimetre. The mercury
must have a resistance of approximately one ohm.
Each of the tubes must be accurately calibrated. The correction to
he applied to allow for the area of the cross-iection of the bore not being
exactly the same at all pai'ts of the tube must not exceed 5 parts in 10.000.
The mercury filling the tube must be considered as bounded by plane
surfaces placed in contact with the ends of the tube.
The length of the axis of the tube, the mass of mercury the tube con-
tains, and the electrical resistance of the mercury are to be determined at
a temperature as near to 0°C. as possible. The measurements are to be
corrected to 0°C.
For the purpose of the electrical measurements, end vessels carrying
cormections for the current and potential terminals are to be fitted on to
the tube. These end vessels are to be spherical in shape (of a diameter
of approximately four centimetres) and should have cylindrical pieces
attached to make connections with the tubes. The outside edge of each
end of the tube is to be coincident with the iiuicr surface of the corres-
ponding spherical end vessel. The leads which make contact with the
mercury are to be of thin platinum wire fused into glass. The point of
entry of the current lead and the end of the tube are to be at opposite
ends of a diameter of the bulb : the potential lead is to be midway
lietween these two points. All the leads must be so thin that no error
in the resistance is intioduced through conduction of heat to the mercury.
The fiUiuf of the tube with mercury for the p,\r))ose of the resistance
measurements must bo carried out under the same conditions as the
filling for the determination of the mass.
Til" resistance which has to be added to the resissanco of the tube to
allow for the effect of the end vessels is to be calculated by the formuU—
0-80 / 1 I\ ,
-^=10ii3^(r+rl) °^"^-
where r, and C; are the radii ni millimetres of the end sections of the bore
of the tube.
The mean of the calculated resistances of at least five tubes shall be
taken to determine the value of the unit of resistance.
For the purpose of the comparison of resistance.'? with a mercury tube
the measurements shall he made with at least three separate fillings of
the tube.
Specification II.
SrEciFtciTios Rel.ating to' the Deposition op Silver.
The electrolyte shall consist of a solution of from 15 to 20 parts by
weight of silvn- nitrate in 1 30 parts of distilled water. The solution must
only be used o.ice, and only for so long that not more than 30 per cent, ot
the" silver in the solution is denositerl.
I is deposited.
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
105
The anode shall be of silver, and the kathode of platinum. The cur-
rent density at the anode shall not e.\ceed 1/5 ampere jier si(iiare centi-
metre and at the kathode 1/50 ampere per .square centimetre.
Not less than 100 cubic centimetres of electrolyte shall be used in a
voltameter.
Care must be taken that no particles which may become mechanically
detached from the anode shall reach the kathode.
Before wciffhing, any traces of solution adhering to the kathode must
be removed, :uul the kathode dried,
SCHEDULE C.
Weston Nokm.a.l Celt..
The Weston Normal Cell may be conveniently employed as a standard
of electric pressure for the measurement both of E.M.F. and of current,
and when set up in accordance with the following specification, may he
taken, provisionally,* as having, at a temperature of 20-t'.. m K..M.F. of
10184 volts.
SpEtiFifATiox Relating to the Weston Normal C'eli,.
The Weston Normal Cell is a voltaic cell which has a saturated aqueous
Milution of i-adminm sulphate (CdS04 8/3 H,0) as it.s electrolyte.
The clcrl rolylc must be neutral to Congo Red.
The po-it \\i- ili-i-trode of the cell is mercury.
The negative electrode of the cell is cadmium amalgam consisting of
12-5 parts by weight of cadmium in l<i'i |i..iis of amalgam.
The dcpolariser, which is placed in ronini v,ith the po.sitive electrode,
is a paste made by mi.\ing mer^-urous ^iilpliate with powdered crystals
of cadmium sulphate and a saturated aqueous solution of cadmium
.sulphate.
The dill'ercnt methods of pre))aring the mercurous sulphate )iaste arc
describprl in the notes.t One of the methods there specified must he
carried out.
For setting up the cell, the H form is the most suitable. The leads
jiassing through the glass to the electrodes must be of platuium wire,
which must not be allowed to come into contact with the electrolyte.
The amalgam is placed in one limb, the mercury in the other.
The (Icpolaiiscr is placed above the mercury and a layer of cadmium
sidphatc cryst.ils is introduced into each limb. The entire cell is filled
with a satKr.itc'l .solution of cadmium sidphate and then hermetically
sealed.
The following formula ia recommended for the E.M.F. of the cell in
terms of the temperature between the limits 0°C. and 40^0.
E,=E.„- 0-001)0406 (/-20')-0-000000n5 (t-20y
+ O-O00000O1 (r-20)'
SCHEDULE D.
1. The Conference recommends that the various Giovermnents inte-
rested establish a permanent International Commission for Electrical
Standards.
2. Pending the appointment of the Permanent International Com-
mission the Conference recommendsj that the President. Lord Rayleigh,
nominate for :ip|i,)intment by the Conference a Scientific Committee of
15 to advise as to the org.anisation of the Permanent Commission, to
formtdate a |ilan for and to direct such work as may be necessary in con-
nection with the maintenance of standard.s, fi.'cing of values,^ inter-
comparison of Standards and to complete the work of the Conference.
Vacancies on the Committee to be filled by co-optation.
3. That laboratories equipped with facilities for precise electrical
measurements and investigations should be asked to co-operate with this
Committee and to carry out, if possible, such work as it may desire.
4. The Committee should take the proper steps forthwith for estab-
lishing the Permanent Commission, and are empowered to arrange for
the meeting of the ne.tt Conference on Electrical Units and Standard.-,
and the time and jilace of such meeting shoidd this action appear to them
to be desirable.
.5. The Committee or the Permanent International Commissjon shall
consider the (iuc<tion of enlarging the functions of the International Con-
ference on Weights and Measures, v/ith a view to determining if it is pos-
sible or desirable to combine future Conferences on Electrical Units and
Standards with the International Conference on Weights a!id .Measures,
in place of holding in the future Conferences on Electrical Units and
Standards. .At the same time it is the opinion of the Conference that
the Permanent Commission should be retained as a distinct body, which
should meet at different places in succession.
* Sec duties of the Scientific Committee, Schedule D.
t Notes on methods pursued at various standardising laboratories will
be issued by the Scientific Committee or the Permanent Commission, as
an .ippenrlix to this Report.
J In accordance with the above, Lord Ravleigh has nominated the
following Committee, which has been approved bv the Conference,
VIZ :— Dr. Osulce .\sano, M. R. Benoit. Dr. M. N. Egorcff, Prof. Eric
(Tcrard, Dr. R. T. (.'lazebrook. Dr. H. Haga, D. L. Kusminsky, Prof. G.
Lippmann. Prof. .A. R;,iti. Dr. E. B. Rosa. Dr. S. W. Stratton. llr. A. P.
(Prof. Lindeck was added
to time of the E.AI.F.
Trotter, Prof. E. Warburg. Prof. Fr. Web,
to the above by Mic Conference).
S This will include the reconsideration from t
of the Weston Normal Cell.
II With this ol)je:-t the Committee are authorised tc issue as an Appen-
dix to the Repi.rt of the Conference Notes detailing the methods which
have been adopted in. the Standardising Laboratories of the various
< ouatries to realise the International Ohm and the International .Vmpcre,
and to set up the Weston Normal Cell.
CORRESPONDENCE.
TURBO-ELECTKIU MARINE PROPULSION.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ELECTRICIAN.
Sir : In reference to your correspondent, Mr. J. W.
Kempster, I would point out to him that eight years ago
I fully investigated the possibilities of cascade-connected
motors for steam turbine-driven ships, but they lack the neces-
sary qualities for this work. 1 have constructed various kinds
of polyphase induction motors for road traction work, in con-
nection with my patented polyphase system, and find that,
taking things all round, it is best to alter the .speed by
means of changing the poles in the motor ; with only one air-
gap, if a cascade-connected method is used, the power trans-
mission etKciency is so low that it renders the method im-
practicable for marine work, as in my system of pole changing
induction motors, with sciuirrel cage rotors and driven by
synchronous generators, the efficiency in large powers can well
be 90 per cent., while by the cascade-connected method you
would possibly only get 80 per cent., so that it is not so
strange after all that I should advocate this method.
In reference to the spinner method, I also fail to see the
necessity of this, as the efficiency would not only be low, but
the diameter so large that it would become doubtful if it has
practical possibilities ; besides the weight is against both this
and the cascade system, because if the efficiency is low the total
weight per brake horse-powermust be high. The cascade system
is all very well for intermittent speed-regulating work, but
for long continuous work, such as we get at sea, it has not the
qualifications desired.
The usual and first idea of the result of the cascade-con-
nected motor is that it is possible to obtain from a given pair
of motors a greater torque at a lower speed than is obtained
in normal operation, but a close study of this siiliject will
reveal the fact that it is not so, and that the maximum torque
of two motors connected in cascade is always less than that
which ec^uals the torque of the individual motors. The teason
for this is that the second motor has all its power carried
through the first motor, and the first motor will have a great
impedance drop, so that the effective voltage of the second
motor, after the current has passed through the impedance of
the first motor, will be low ; further, in the cascade system the
problem is nearly as much a mechanical as an electrical
one ; the diameters become small, distances between bear-
ing centres increase, and with low speed the question of venti-
lation becomes very important.
These schemes will never be able to compete with my poly-
phase .system of squirrel-cage motors and synchronous genera- ,
tots in which I get all the very necessary qualities of light ;
weight, efficiency, low cost, small diameters, strong construe- ■
tion and, above all, reliability. — I am, &c.,
WlLLLVM P. DURTXALL, M.I.Mar.E.
Eloctra House, Luton, Beds.
ELECTRICAL EXHIBITS AT THE FRANCO BRITISH
EXHIBITION.— y.*
As we have previously mentioned, heavy electrical engineering is
not represented to any large e.xtcnt in the .Machinery Hall, except as
regards the Westinghouse and Parsons plants, which are supplying
electric power for use in the Exhibition. This may be probably
accounted for by the present condition of the electrical industry,
and by tlie fact that a purely electrical exhibition was to take place
at Manchester during the autumn. In fact if it were not for the
stand of Messrs. Mather & Platt. heavy electrical engineering would
make an insignificant show. We have already referred briefly — in
our issue of May 22nd — to the plant which is shown by this lirni, but
in view of the importance of this exhibit further particulars will
prove of interest. Piom Fig. 1, which gives a view of Messrs.
Mather & Piatt's stand, some idea of its size can be obtained, when
it is understood that the thiee-phase generator shown is driven by an
800 E.H.P. gas engine. This is of the twin cylinder, two-cj-clc type,
* Previous articles appeared in our issues of .July 3 (p. 465), July 24
(p. 56 J), August 28 ip. 766), and September 25 (p. 911).
106
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCIOBER 30, 1908.
the cylinders being placed on either side of the electric generatoi'. A
featui-e of this design of engine is the compactness of the mechanism :
also as no working parts are below the floor level or out of reach by a
person standing on the ground, attendance is simplified, whilst
due to an impulse being given every stroke a very close governing is
obtained, making these engines very suitable for electrical or null
driving.
The engine is to work with producer gas. and the jjumps for forcing
the gas into the cylinders are situated outside and parallel with the
main cylinders as "can be seen in Fig. 1. For a full description of
this type of gas engine we will refer our readers to the issue of The
Ekdrkian of December 13.' 1907,' when we also gave drawings
illustrating tin- ci.nstnK-tion.
A Zoelly tiiilniir, ,M|,able of developing 210 b.h.p. when supplied
with steam at Kin II.. pressure is coupled to a high-lift turbine pump
for raising 120 gallons per minute against a head of 400 ft. Another
interesting exhibit is also a pair of high-lift turbine pumps direct-
coupled to a 150 H.p. electric motor. These pumps are shown in
operation every afternoon and attract considerable attention.
In addition to the 750 h.p. vertical gas engine direct-coupled to a
500 kw. Westinghouse continuous current dynamo, referred to in
our issue of May 22. in connection with the gfricrating plant supply-
ing power and light for the Kxhiljition. the Kkitish Westinghouse
Co., have a stand on whi^Jj,.4je shown their well known and widely
adopted tramway conti'oUer*, "motor starters, field regulators, &c..
whilst the Westinghouse double flow steam turbine is represented
by a model showing a section of the blades of a 4,000 kw. plant.
British Westinghouse motors are. of course, largely in evidence
throughout the Machinery Hall for driving machinery on the stands
of other exhibitors.
Of the stands on which ijas cnijiiirs are exhibited mention must be
made of those uf tin- X.\i h.s m. i . \s I'ncine Co., and ^lessrs. Davey,
PaxM-\n & Co., the fiirnici' linn slniwing a horizontal .S") h.p. engine
of the usual pattern driving a I'arker dynamo which sup|)lies current
for the lighting of the stand, whilst the Power Gas Corporation
have a 30 h.p. suction gas plant in combination with a gas engine.
Messrs. J. Cameron exliibit a horizontal gas engine capable of
developing 60 b.h.p. with town gas, or 50 b.h.p. with suction gas. and
a small " Hornsby-Stockport" gas engine by R. Hornsby & Son.s
is also noticeable.
The name of " Reyrolle " is so closely connected with switchgear,
that any electrical exhibits purporting to be representative are cer-
tain to comprise apparatus manufactured by Messrs. A. Reyroli^e &
Co. Close to the London Supply Companies pavilion this firm are^
exhibiting two switchboard |)anels, one high-tension and the other
low-tension, of the ironclad type and specially adopted for central
station and sub station installations. The special feature is the
securilx :iM..i(l,il \,y ih,. (|,■^j._r|l, it being impos.sible to toucli any live
conductoi .Kiiclfntally, while the gear contains a sim))le, but effec-
tive, system of interlocking to prevent errors in manijjulation. The
whole apparatus is thoroughly enclosed, and even a hose may be
jilayed upon the panels whilst alive, without danger. The high-tension
panel is all the more interesting in that it is fitted with relays and
transformers for the " Merz-Price " patent system of feeder protec-
tion, described in our issue of June 12 last, which is claimed to be the
only system universally suitable for all known arrangements of high-
tension cable networks, for the instantaneous isolation of faulty sec-
tions. The design is unusually interesting and merits special atten-
tion.
Other apparatus shown are drum type motor starters ; these, in
common with all the Arm's other manufactures, have been designed
with a view to standing the rough usage met with in factories, work-
shops, &c., and consequently they are particularly robust pieces of
apparatus. Each starter is fitted with an interlocked double pole
switch which is loose upon the main spindle. consequentl3\ should an
overload occur either in the starting or running positions, the motor is
at once isolated from the mains. 50 h.p. 500 volt, and 15 h.p.
250 volt, sizes are on view. These starters can also be fitted with a
shunt regulator; in which case starting is effected during the first
revolution, while the speed regulation is effected during the second
revolution, by varying the shunt resistance. < )ther starters on exhibit
are open, protected and totally enclosed examples of the lever type,
and also a double lever starter regulator with no-voltage and over-
load releases at any position of the lever. All Messrs. Reyrolle's
starters are fitted with the jirm^s patent resist-
ance. In using starters fitted with this resistance
all that is necessary in starting up the motor is to
bring the lever or drum, as the ease may be.
to the starting position and to wait there until
the motor starts, which it must eventually do
as a result ofUhe gradual and automatic in-
crease in current due to the automatic decrease
in resistance. The makers have now completed
arrangements whereby visitors to their stand will
have an opportunity of seeing this ciu'rent grow-
ing characteristic indicated on an ammeter.
A number of sizes of low-tension fuse panels
are also shown, varying in size from 25 amperes
up to 60f) amperes, the latter capacity being of
the grip liandle type. These fuses are fitted with
a double asbestos lining which allows a continu-
ous current of air to circulate tlirough every
part of the apparatus. In addition to this ven-
tilating, the double lining acts as a buffer against
the explosive action of the fuse wire. Other ex-
hibits are jjrotected high-tension fuse contacts
suitable for front connection, an interesting
selection of fuse boxes, the characteristic fea-
tures of which are well known to our readers,
200 and 400 ampere oil switches, suitable for 3,000
and 1,000 volts, respectively, in one case for
hand operation, and in the other suitable for
automatic working, telephone dividing boxes,
large quick break switches, wall plugs of dust
proof and watertight varieties, &o., all of which
are manufactured complete at Hebburn-on-
Tyne by Messrs. A. Reyrolle & Co.
^Messrs. Wellman-Seaver & Head are well known for then- elec-
trical control apparatus, which has been described from time to time
in The Electrician. Typical " Dinkey '" controllers and regulators
are exhibited on their stand in the Machinery Hall, which is not in a
very conspicuous position. The Wellman electric brake is also
shown ; and this we shall be describing in connection with the ex-
hibits at the Manchester Electrical Exhibition,
Messrs. T. Broadbent & Sons have been making hydro-extractors
for over 40 years, so that from a mechanical ' point of view little
need be said concerning their exhibit. It is, however, of some
intiii St ilccii ically. sinrr they show a hydro -extractor in which an
eUcinr inot.li' i< an iiit.Ljral part. As W'ill be seen from Fig. 2.
showiiiij a sf(ti..n ..t the inai'liine referred to. the electric motor runs in
a vertical position under the revolving drum of the hydro-extractor.
All the windings of the motor are completely enclosed in an U'on cas-
ing, so that there is absolutely no possibility of them being damaged
by oil or damp. An important feature is the device rendering quite
unnecessary any complicated starter and resistance. This arrange-
ment consists in mounting the armature u|ji.n a sleeve which is in-
dependent of and can revolve round the centre s|)indle of the machine.
To the upper part of this sleeve are attached friction shoes, which are
throw-n out by centrifugal force when the armatm'e commences to
rotate. The weight of these shoes is regulated so that when the
mot<ir attains its normal speed the friction developed is equal to the
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30. 1908.
107
power of the motor. The hydi-o-extra(t..r is then gradually brought
up to its proper runninu spercl. ;.lth<iii<;li the armature is of course
running at its full speed the wh,>l.- of the time. It will be noticed
that all moving parts are rotary, so that there is great smoothness
in running, in addition to which the machine is quite noiseless.
Another elic-trically driven hydro-extractor is that shown on the
stsind nt .\li-ssrs. Watson. L.4Idla\v & Co., but in this instance the
motor is .if the usual type, and drives the hydro-extractor by means
of a leather belt.
The only J<;nglish manufacturers of secondary batteries who are
represented in the Machinery Hall are the Hart Accumulator Co..
who are exhibiting a few standard type batteries ; but in the French
section we have already referred to the " Dinin " and " Tem '"
accumulators, whilst in addition to secondary batteries M. A. Heinz
Flc. 2.— El.KcTHICALLY-DRIVEN HyDRO-EXTRACTOR RY MeSSRS.
T. Broadiient ife Sons.
ET ClE silow a Nodon valve for su|)plying ccmtinuous current from
an alternating supply.
In the French section of the Machinery Hall, electric motors are
not very conspicuous ; a good selection of those manufactured by
the SociETE Gramme, of Paris, are shown, however, by the English
reijresentatives, .Messrs. T. L. Scott & Co., of 28, Martins-lane,
Cannon-street, E.C. We illustrate- in Fig. ,3 a typical " Gramme "
motor ; these are shown for both alternating and continuous currents
in sizes up to 7.5 h.p. Other exhibits by this firm are a direct -eouiiled
petrol generating set, capacity 35 am p?res at 110 volts, a small motor-
transformer set, accumulators, fans, a 65 kw. transformer, lamps,
and a group of switches, comprising automatic cut-outs for accumu-
lator charging, automatic circuit breakers, one type of which is shown
in Fig. 4, Messrs. T. L. Scott & Co. are also exhibiting for Ed.
Baru(JT. of Paris, a suction gas plant intended for use where it is not
possible to obtain coal or petrol. The suction gas plant, engine and
dynamo are all contained on a trolley base-plate, and the gas is
generated from wood charcoal, the latter being formed as required
from wood.
An interesting exhibit is that of the Ministere du Commerce et
DE L'lndu.strie de France, showing the metric standards of length,
weight and volume, whilst pamphlets explaining the u.se and sim-
])licity of the metric system are distributed \o all who wish to Inok
into the subject.
The Compaonie Anony'ME Continentale, who are one of the
leading French manufacturers of electricity meters are exhibiting
a number of patterns, which are being sold in this country by
Messrs. Wm. Geipel & Co., under the well-known name of " Vulcan."
The exhibit comprises: — (1) Integrating watt-hour meters of the
Brille pattern, type " B." in wliich the commutator is of platinum
Fio. 3. — "tiRA.MMi;" Motor.
and the bruslies of silver. Owing to the absence of iron in their
construction, the in.struments are suitable for either alternating or
continuous currents. (2) Integrating watt-hour meters f)f the
induction type, for .single-phase current, in which there is an ingenious
means of obtaining the neces.sary splitting of phase without resorting
to secondary windings on the shunt circuit. Tlie shunt lo.ss in this
meter is 0 75 watt and the torque claimed is 6 to 7 gm.-cm. Various
adaptations of this lattei pattern, single and three-phase, are also
shown, as will is switrhlx nd meters with all parts specially finished
and mounted in gl i^ c i
i'li:. 4. "(iUAMMK"
Cinci it-Breakkr.
Of greater interest are the prepayment meters for alternating and
continuous currents, the meter portion of the alternating cmrent
instruments consisting of the induction type meter ju,st described.
A novel pattern is one having a two-rate ma.ximum demand attach-
ment, which might prove of use under certain conditions in this
country. This arrangement, which can be eiiually well ajiplied toany
type of meter, but is shown attached to single and polyphase alter-
nating current meters, has two dials. When the consumption is
less than a predetermined ma.ximum. the registration of the energy
consumed is made on one dial. If this maximum demand is exceeded
the meter automatically changes over on to the other dial, and so a
record of the excess demand is obtained. These prepayment meters
are arranged to take either shillings, sixpences, or penc-.-. The
illustration, Fig. 5 shows a •' \'ulcan'' prepayment meter o£ the
alternating current type.
108
THE ELECTKICIAN, OCTOBER 30. 1908.
As regards the French railway companies. La CoMPAfiNiE nv
Chemin de Fer du Nord have a large stand on which has been
erected a considerable length of track to show (1) the hydin-pneu-
matio working of signals and points, and (2) electrical signalling to a
locomotive. For this purpose a 7 ft. length of rail is laid in the
centre of the track and when a brush carried under the locomotive
makes contact with this rail, an electric circuit is closed through an
•electromagnet on the locomotive. This serves to blow a warning
whistle as an indication of danger, or the current can be used for
automatically recording the time at which the train passes tliis
particular point, so that the speed over certain sections of the route
can be thus checked.
Fic. 5. — " %'rLCAN " Prepayment Meter for Alternatin<; Ci'RRent.
This company also show a system of electric signalling in use on
many French railways. In that coimtry the .semaphore arms are kept
normally at " line clear" by their own weight, and the semaphore at
any point is raised to " danger " by the signalman when the train
passes that particular point. The semaphore arm is then auto-
matically locked in that position until electrically released by the
signalman at the end of the section just traversed by the train. As
the semaphore arms are thus normally at " line clear," a small
yellow semaphore arm on each pole serves to indicate to the signal-
man when a train is approaching, the arm at the end of each section
being controlled by the signalman at the beginning of the section.
Four bare conductors are run between each pair of signal posts
and these latter have large bases inside which the batteries are
placed, whilst the magnet relays for releasing the semaphore arms
are contained in boxes attached to the posts. This system has been
in use for a considerable time, and we hope to refer to it in more detail
in a future issue.
An exhibit in the French section which attracts considerable atten-
tion is the double helical gear on the stand of M. Andre Citroen et
CiE. This gear is driven by an electric motor, and is noteworthy
because of the smootluiess of the running, although the teeth are
entirely of metal and a speed reduction of 17 : 1 is made with one
pair of wheels. In order that gearing may give the highest ]iossil)le
efficiency and j)crfect running, machine cut, and therefore exactly
divided, double helical teeth are used. They are cut into the mass
of metal by one single stroke of the tool, and the mutual inclination of
the faces is guaranteed. The advantages claimed for this gear are; ( 1 )
The possibility of guaranteeing the quality of the metal (absence ( if
flaws which may be pri'sent yet invisible in cast teeth). (2) Accuracy
of tooth surface and consequent maximum efficiency and minimum
loss through Iric'don. (H) Alj.sohilcly noi.selcss running witliout
shock even with liigh powers and great .speeds, and eonse(pient regu-
larity in transmission. (4) Highest jjossible strength of the teeth, a
result of theu' angle and true form. (5) Dmability of teeth almost
infinite through absence of wear. (6) Absence of vibration of shaft-
ing, columns and buildings.
THE INSTITUTION OF ELECTBICAL ENGINEERS.
ANNUAL DINNER.
One of tlie most important events in the electrical world,
at any rate from a social point of view, is the annual dinner
of the Institution. This function, which took place on
Thursday evening last, October 22nd, at the Hotel Cecil,
London, was invested with more than usual interest, since
a formal invitation had been sent to the delegates to the In-
ternational Conference on Electrical Units and Standards and
to the International Electrotechnical Commission, many of whom
were present. The company, which numbered over 400, was
presided over by Mr. W. M. Mordey, president of the Insti-
tution of Electrical Engineers for the coming Session, and
included a large number of distinguished guests. Among
those present were : —
The Right Hon. R. B. Hakiane, M.V., F.R.S. : Lord Strathcona,
G.C M.G., Lord Alverstone, G.C.M.G. (Lord Chief .Tii-stice of England) ;
Lord Biddulph ; the Eight Hon. Lord .Justice Buckley, Sir Henry
H. Cunynghanie, K.C.B. (UndcrSecretarv of State to the Home
Office) : Sir S lioinliiig McDonnell, K.C.B.,"C.V.O. (Secretary to H.M.
Office of Woik-i : Mnjor-General Sir A. E. Turner. K.C.B., R.A. ; Sir
H. Babingiiiii Sum li, C B., C.S.I. (Secretary to the General Post Olfice);
Sir H. Llewellyn Smith, C.B. (Secretary to the Boanl of Trade); Sir
K. Douglas Powell, Bart , K.C.V.O. (President of the Royal College of
Physicians); Sir William Crookes, F.R.S. ; Sir Robert A. Hadfield ; Sir
Robert Hunter (Solicitor to the General Post OHice) ; Sir Phihp Mag-
nus, M.P. ; Sir Clifton Robinson ; Sir ArUuu-W. Riieker, F.R.S. ; Sir
Joseph VV. Swan, F.R.S. ; Admiral A. M. Field, R.N., F.R.S. ; Col.
R. E. Crorapton, C.B., R.E. ; Dr. R. T. Glazebrook ; Mr. R. Kaye
tiray ; Col. H. C. L. Holden, R.A., F.R.S. ; Col. L. Swentorzetzky ;
Major P. Cardew, R.E. ; Major W. A. J. O'Meara, R.E., C.M.G. ; the
Very Rev. J. A. Robinson, D.D. ; Mr. 0. Higman ; Mr. C. E. P.
Spagnoletti : Prof. H. L. Callendar, F.R.S. ; Prof. H. T. Da\ddge ; Prof.
O. Henrici, F.U S. ; Prof. G. K.app ; Prof. .J. L.rmor, F.R S. ; Prof. A.
Larsen (Denmark) ; Prof. Lippmann (France) ; Prof. Josili M. Mada-
riaga (Spain) ; Prof. A. Montenegro (Spain) ; Prof. J. T. Morris ;
Prof. F. G. de Nerville (Engineer-in-Chief of Telegraphs, France) ;
Prof. .J. Perry, F.R.S.; Prof. A. Roiti (Italy) ; Prof. A. Sch,vartz ;
Prof. R. Threlfall, F.R.S. (Delegate from Australia) ; Prof. W., 4.
Tilden, F.R.S. ; Prof. S. P. Thompson, F.R.S. : Prof. J. J. Thomson,
F.R.S. ; Dr. F. de Arce (Guatemala) ; Dr. O. Asano (Tokyo) ; Mr. I. R.
Benoit (France) ; Mr. P. Boucherot (President of the Socit'te Inter-
nationale des Electriciens) ; Mr. E. G. Burls, C.S.I. (Director General
of Stores, India Office) ; Dr. H. S. Carhart (Michigan) ; Mr. A. Castello
(Mexico) ; Dr. P. Chappuis (Switzerland) ; Dr. C. Chree (President of the
Physical Society) ; Mr. M. Croskey (Paraguay) ; Mr. C. Darley (Austra-
lia) ; Mr. G. Franklin (President of the National Telephone Co.) ; Dr. D.
Harsanyi (Director of the Hungaiian Royal Commission for Weights
and Measure?) ; Mr. S. Kondo (Tokyo) ; Dr. .Jaeger (Charlottenburg) ;
Dr. J. Landry (Lausanne); Dr. LebedefF (Russia) ; Dr. Lindech (Char-
lottenburg) ; Mr. C. O. Mailloux (U.S.A.) ; Mr. Henry Morris (Pre.sident
of the Royal College of Surgeons) ; Mr. T. Hurry Riches (President of
the Institution of Mechanical Engineei'sl ; Mr. R.. A. Robinson (Chair-
man of the London County Council) ; Mr. .J. Roa (Columbia) ; Dr.
E. B. Rosa (Washington); Dr. Rosenberg (Australia) ; Dr. W. N. Shaw,
F.R.S. (Director of the Meteorological Office): Dr. W. S. Strattou
(Director of the Bureau of Standards, Washington) ; Dr. J. H. T.
Tudsbery (Secretary of the Institution of Civil Engineers) ; Mr. H.
Vascoucellor (Brazil) ; Dr. E. Warburg (President of the Im]ierial
Institute, Ch.arlottenburg) ; Dr. H. F. Weber (Zurich) ; Mr. L. T.
Weiss (Engineer-in Chief of Telegraphs (Brazil); Mr. H. F. Donald-
son ; Mr. W. Duddell, F.R.S.; Mr. A. L. C. Fell; Mr. S. Z. de
Ferranti ; Mr. F. Gill ; Mr. R. Hammond ; Mr. M. O'Gorman ;
Mr. H. F. Parshall : Mr. W. H. Patchell ; Mr. S. L. Pearce ; Mr,
G. Scott Ram : Mr. J. H. Rider ; Mr. Alex. Siemens ; Mr. .J. F. C.
Snell; Mr. C. P. Sparks; Mr. J. SMinburne, F.R.S.: Mr. A. A C.
Swiuton ; Mr. A. P. Trotter ; Mr. C. H. Wordingham ; Mr. L.
Andrews; Mr. J. Ardron ; Mr. LI. B.Atkinson; Mr. A. K. Baylor;
Mr. P. Beatty ; Mr. T. 0. Callender ; Mr. C. Clay ; Mr. E. W. Cowan ;
Mr. R. A. Dawbarn ; Mr. H. Dickin.son ; Mr. K. Edgcumbe ; Dr.
,J. ErskineMurray ; Mr. W. B. Esson ; Mr. G. Flett ; Mr. W.
Geijiel ; Mr. James Gray ; Mr. H. W. Handcock ; Mr. A. F. Harris ;
Mr. H. E. Harrison ; Mr. F. Higgins ; Mr. J. S. Highfield ;
Mr. H. Hirst; Mr. J. W. J,acomb-Hood ; Mr. T. C. Jenkin ; JVlr.
W. Judd ; Mr. J. E. Kingsbury ; Mr. "\V. W. Lackie ; Mr. G. C.
Lloyd ; Mr. P. V. McMahon ; Mr. A. R. Monks : Mr. H. I). Munro ;
Mr. F. H. Nalder ; Mr. G. W. Partridge ; Mr. P. C. Pope ; Mr. A. H.
Preece ; Mr. F. H. Preece; Mr. C. Faraday Proctor; Mr. H. li. Ren-
wick ; Mr. Mark Robinson : Mr. Hill Sayers ; Mr. A. M. Sillar ; Mr.
A. T. Sr.ell ; Mr. R. R. Todd ; Dr. R. M. Walmsley ; Mr. J.
Detzler ; Mr. H. D. Wilkinson ; Mr. D. Willo-k ; and Mr. H. Wolfeii-
den.
A fitting addition, in view of the large number of distinguished
visitors who were present, was made to the customary loyal toasts by
including in the toast list " The rulers of all other Countries repre-
sented by the Guests.''
The Right Hon. R. B. Haldane, who proposed the toast of " Science
and Industries," remarked that science was cosmopolitan and we were
all ))roud whenever any member threw new light on any problem. The
higher one went and the further one went the more abstract did
science become. In this country we always associated the appIic;ition
of n.athematics to physics with the name of .1. .J. Thomson. There was
a topic which to the speaker was most fascinating — namely, thedomi-
nation which a new generation of pure matlitniatieians were asserting
over the old mathematicians. There had aiiseii a new school, which
had brushed aside the old notions of space as an exact test to which to
refer the mathematical theories of the day. This indicated how the
present tendency was to assert the necessity of absolute and clear con-
ceptions as the basis of everything, ^^"hether they took a great indus-
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
109
try, such as the telephone indubtry, or aerial navigation, it seemed
necessary to ai)ply a great deal of science before they were settled on
a secure basis. "Or if they took the present conce|)tions of higher
mathematics, they were faced with the same tendency— the striving
after some more general conception to which they could refer. It was
impossilile for thtm to]rest;]whether it be pv.r3 science or applied science
they must press onward, and there was the satisfaction that no real
rivalry existerl in the search after truth. Everyone was proud of his
neighbour's contribution, and it must be borne in mind that men of
science of all nationalities were working on a common problem when
concerned with the application of science to industry.
■Prof. J. J. Thomson, in responding to the toast, said that one event
which had occurred within the last year, must be in tlie minds of all
present ; he referred to the death of Lord Kelvin, who combined in an
exceptional degree theory and practice. Electrical science was appa-
rently flestiiied to provid'e for all our necessities and all our comforts.
In connection with the remarks of Sir. Haldane in regard to his (Prof.
Thomson's) work in abstruse science, he had studied engineering for
three years, and had then given it up in consequence of the diHiculty
of entering the engineering iirofession, due to lieavy premiums, &c.
It must not be forgotten that pure science owed a great debt to the
engineering profession, and they must remember that the respect of
the pulilic for science was largely due to engineering, if., to the work
of those people who applied science. Pure science should, however,
be studied for its own sake. In the course of his remarks, which were
greatly appreciated. Prof. Thomson referred to the discovery of
radium,, and wondered what engineers could do if their sources of
power were by its aid multiplied a thousandfold.
Mr. a. Franklin, president of the National Telephone Co., also
replied to this toast, remarking that science was essential to industry,
and industry to science. Mr. Hiddane had claimed that his Govern-
ment had established closer relations between science and industry,
but it would have been more correct if he had referred to hira.self (Mr.
Haldane), who hiid done so much for this object. The universities of
this country owed a great debt to Mr. Haldane, who had advocated
their causes both in and out of season. We were in troulilous times,
but the surest basis on which trade could lie fostered was the scientific
basis.
Lord Alvkkstoxb, Lord Chief Justice of England, then proposed the
toast of "The Institution of Electrical Engineers," for which task he
did not claim more than the usual incompetency, and compared him-
self on these occasions to a secondar}' battery, which charged very
well Init discharged very badly. Much valuable work had been done
bj' the Institution, the past presidents of which included many
eminent men, liut one name of which we had not yet made enough
was that of Ciiu.rles Williams Siemens. He was pleased to notice that
the Institution was about to establish itself in one of the best sites
and one of the most commodious buildings in London, and, in con-
clusion, lie wished the Institution "God speed and every success in
the futui-e."
The PitEsiDKNT (Mr. W. M. Mordey), replying to this toast, first
welcomed the delegates from other countries on behalf of the 6,048
members of the Institution, which was only second in numbers, as
also in importance, to the Institution of Civil Engineers. He then
referred to the Conference on " Units" just concluded, to the B. A.
meeting of 1861, when Latimer Clark and Charles Bright read their
Paper on "The Formation of Electrical Standards of Resistance") and
to the 6Fst Standards Committee, of 1862, consisting of Latimer
Clark, W. Siemens, Clerk Maxwell, Joule, Fleeming Jeiikin and Carey
Foster, when the work done could be considered thoroughly inter-
national, as was evident from the units then put forward — weber,
henry, ohm, joule, watt, &c. Passing on to recent events, Mr. Mordey
referred to the deaths of Kelvin and of Mascart, and to the Kelvin
Lectureship w!;ich had been estal.ilislied, the first lecture having been
given by Prof. S. P. Thompson, who was at present engaged on a
biography of Lord Kelvin. Kelvin's work in connection with the first
Atlantic cabh; of 1858 had been little improved upon until recently,
when the work of Brown and others had added 30 per cent, to the
speed of working. It was interesting to remember that the first
instance of electric lighting also occurred in the year 1853, when arc
lamps were employed on the works in connection with the construc-
tion of Westminster Bridge.
Prof. S. P. Tno.MPsoN was entrusted with the toast of " The Dele-
gates to tlie International Conference on Electrical Units and
Standards and the International Electrotechnical Comini.ssion," and
made an interesting and humorous speech, mentioning that the first
reference in the Bible to the \ alue of tt appeared to be in Deuteronomy,
where a circumference is given as 12 cubits and the corresponding
diameter as 4 cubits. He had discovered that the State of Indiana,
It'it ■ ■' 'I"".' P'^*^^^ ^ ''1^*' stating that tt should Ije exactly 3i. The
' Units" Conference had that day been considering the ohm and
found that it had two values— 10'' in C.G.S. units and the resistance of
"■f? I'l"' °^ "le'cury 10&-300 cm. long, &c., the last two cyphers being
added by the Conference. He tlrew attention to the far-reaching con-
sequences of this value, such as its efiect on the volume of 1 gramme
pt water. The other Commission had been more moderate, and had
laid the foundations of a uniform nomenclature.
Dr. E. W.MiRURn, M. P. BoirciiERoT and Dr. S. W. STK,\TToy suitably
responded, after wliich Dr. (iisisKKT Kait proposed the toast of " Our
buests," to winch Mr. H A. Rownson, chairman of the London County
Council, responded, remarking that the L.C C. were doing their share
as regards the utilisation of electrical power, the Greenwich generating
station supplying at present over 200,000 units per dav, and this
amount wonld shortly be increased to nearly half a million units.
THE PROGRESS OF ELECTRICAL DESIGN IN REL&
TION TO THE REDUCTION OF C&PTIAL COST *
BY MILES WALKER.
Snmmrn-!/. — The author draws attention to the great importance of
capital cost as regards its eliect on the cost of electricity supply.
Great reduction has taken place in the cost of electrical machinery of
late years, and the author considers in what directions further reduc-
tions may be sought. The outijut is largely limited by temperature
rise, which can be reduced by (1) the production of less heat and (2)
better arrangements for carrying away the heat produced, methods
for obtaining these ends being (liscussed by the author.
The author first refers to the prominent part played by the Man-
chester district in the electrical world, and the importance of cheap
supply, since we have arrived at a point when a slight reduction in
the price will extend the field of supply enormously. Capital cost
has in many cases a retarding effect of considerable magnitude and
the author therefore considers how far the progress of design during
recent years has reduced the capital cost of electrical machinery and
what prospect there is, in the future, of the cost being further reduced.
A diagram was shown giving, among other particulars, the total cost
per unit at Manchester for the last five years. The curve still pointed
downwards, but in a general supply, as in Manchester, it will ])ro-
bably not fall as low as 0-28d., the estimated figure for bulk supply
to London, but OSod. may be taken as a possible future cost, if the
load factor reaches 30 per cent ; the capital charges will, however,
probably more than double the price to the consumer. Other curves
for the electric supply stations of the British Isles also emphasised the
great importance of low capital cost.
The progi-ess of design is helping to reduce capital expenditure.
The steam turbine, improvements in efficiency, power factor and
cost of electrical machinery, improvements in materials, lay-out of
plant and marshalling of consumers, so as to keep up the load-factor
of the station, are all factors in the same direction. There is very
little doubt that, in the near future, complete supply systems will be
equipped at a total capital cost, varying between £20 and £35 per
kilowatt, depending on the nature of the district. The generating
station itself may cost as low as £12 per kilowatt, if of reasonable
size. In this connection. Mr. I'earce has been good enough to fur-
nish the author with some interesting figures based on the cost of his
recent extensions.
1. Generating machinery, including turbine, condenser,
alternator, and foundations can be put in at per kw. £3-75
2. Boilers and steam supply, includmg economisers,
superheaters, coal and ash conveyors, foundations
and steam pipes, at per kw 2-25
;'. Switchgear for generators and feeders, rated at the
generator capacity comes to about per kw 0-o5
4. Allow £ry5 per kilowatt for land, buildings and
accessories "'"^
Total per kilowatt for the station £12-00
The price of electrical machinery has been rapidly falling, and the
quality has been steadily increasing. The manufacturer is cutting
down his weight and his price, and is at the same time giving a better
machine, for, as our knowledge of design proceeds, it becomes pos-
sible to make improvements in all directions. To illustrate this
point several plintoLTapli > wen- thrown upon the screen, showing the
gi-eat chan.tfc wliicli bus t;.k. ii place during the last ten years in the
weights and efUcimcy nt rh clrical jilant.
If we are to get more and more output out of the s<rme material,
we must keep in view two lines of ijrocedure. Ordinarily the output
of a given frame is limited by its temperature rise under load. This
can be reduced either by ( 1 ) improving the efficiency so that less heat
is produced, (2) making provision for carrying the heat away. The
first is to be preferred wherever it is possible.
(1) Production of Less Hcrt/.— The improvements miwle in the last
four years in the quality of the iron, and in the methods of working the
iron, have very gieatly reduced the u-on losses in electrical machinery,
particularly in the ca.se of transformers, and have, in this particular
alone, in some cases enabled weights to be reduced by one half.
Perhaps fui'ther improvement is possible in this direction. It would
be worth while to make very elaborate, and even costly experiments,
to determine whether any substantial improvement can yet be made
in the quality of sheet iron used for electrical purposes. Investiga-
tions of this "kind ought to be carried out by some official technical
institution. One of the things which we may look forward to, in the
growth and strengthening of the financial position of our institutnm.
is the undertaking of important experimental work of this character.
* Abstract of the address delivered by the chairman to the Man-
chester Local Section of tlie lu.stitiition of Electrical Engineers on Friday,
October 23rd.
110
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
If a manufacturer undertakes the wurk, he is often hampered by
want of facilities, want (if funds and want of time ; and even if he is
successful, his competitors often reap as great a benefit from his
researches as he does.
The unnecessary production of heat has also been prevented in
recent machines by avoiding undue eddy current losses in copper
conductors. In high speed machines, heat is sometimes produced
by air friction, where a better arrangement of parts would render
them much freer from this trouble.
(2) Carryi-ng jUoaij of Heat. — The lines along which improve-
ments have been made in the past are (1) larger surface has been pre-
sented to the air ; (2) the air is caused to pass quickly through the
machine ; (3) pockets in which the air remains unchanged are
avoided ; (4) care is taken that cold air enters and the hot air is
e.xpelled in such a way that it does not return : (5) in ]>laces where
air ventilation cannot be carried out, good provision is made for heat
conduction.
An inquiry into the heat conducting qualities of insulating mate-
rials is another matter which might be referred to an official experi-
mental institution. Some good work in this direction has already
been carried out by the National Physical Laboratory. I am sure the
future will show a very great improvement in the methods employed
for carrying away heat.
Besides getting the very largest possible output from a machine of
a given cost, there are many other im))ortant features to look into :
features, in fact, which are even more imjiortaiit than small cost. A
machine must be made reliable, free from breaktiown. to require
little attention, and fulfil its duties in a satisfactory manner. Insu-
lation has always been a trouble with the electrical engineer. He
would like to go to higher voltages to save copper, yet he meets with
plenty of insulation troubles at the voltages now employed. If our
experimental institution could provide him with a thoroughly satis-
factory insulator, that would do more than anything else to cheapen
the cost of electric supply, and add to the general reliability of
electrical plant.
AUTOMATIC FIRE ALARMS.
The prevalence of earthquakes in certain parts of the «orld has
led to the extensive use of wood in the construction of buildings, but
this method, of course, brings with it greater risk of fire. The
Government of New Zealand has recently erected, at Wellington, a
set of offices, covering .5 to 6 acres, stated to be the largest wooden
building in the world, the previous building having been destroyed
by fire some 18 months ago. These offices coin|irise the Cabinet
room and the offices of the Premier, Public Works. Native Atfairs.
Attorney-General and other ministers. Throughout (he whole of
this building the May-Oatway automatic fire alarm has been installed
in combination with the Well-known Gamewell apparatus. This
latter, which is of American origin, is in this country controlled by
the General Post Office, and has hitherto never been combined with
an automatic fire alarm. The Gamewell Fire Alarm Telegraph Co.
lia\i- lirc.iiiir. however, so fully convinced of the merits of the May-
I 111 \\a\ ,i|i|i.iratu.s, that they have agreed to the combination of the
tun a|i|i:ir,itus in the case mentioned.
Tlie well-known May-Oatway fire alarm, which was described in
our issue of Ajiril 27, 19(K), p. -I, consists of a copper wire stretched
in each floor of the building, one alarm being fixed for every 270
sq. ft. of floor space. .\t the centre of this wire a small carbon
tipped weight is suspended, and the arrangement is such that when
the temperature of the alarm suddenly rises 25°F. the sag of the wire
causes an electric circuit to be closed and the signal apparatus to
operate. It is im])ortant to notice that the alarm is not rigidly set
to a given temperature, but operates as satisfactorily at high as at
low temperatures, since it is compensated for temperature fluctua-
tions. '
In the Government building at Wellington, 100 circuits come to
the indication board in the basement, 25 circuits running from each
floor of the building, and from the shutters released by the relays on
this indication board the exact position of any outbreak of fire in the
building can be located. .\t the same instant as the shutters operate,
a large gong is sounded outside the building, and also the head-
quarters of the fire brigaile are automatically advised of the fire. In
order to obviate the turning out of the brigade for false alarms, due
to tampering with the apparatus or faults in the circuit, such alarm
is automatically repealed four times if the circuit has been main-
tained closed by a fire. This is provided for by a perforating register
and Morse instrument, the former being actuated by an independent
set of accumulators and local contacts, whilst the "time and date of
the alarm is automatically stamped on the tape. In this way the
actual time occupied by the fire brigade in arriving on the scene of
the conflagration is ascertainable, and disputes resulting therefrcjm
are obviated.
The advantages resulting from the installation of an automatic
fire-alarm system may to some extent be gathered from the fact
that the Government buildings at Bloemfontein, which have been
burnt down within the last few days, were unprovided with auto-
matic alarms, whereas when the Government buildings in Pretoria
got on fire in August, 1907, they were saved by the May-Oatway
a]iparatus, with damage amounting to only £4; and the Government
buildings at Wellington, New Zealand, were burned down in the
same month, as mentioned above, no such protection in that case
being provided.
Owing to the courtesy of Mr. G. H. Oatway we were, on Tuesday
last, allowed to inspect the complete apparatus, which was about to
be shipped to New Zealand, and wc have no doubt that the excellent
record which has been achieved by the May-Oatway apparatus will
be maintained in this its most recent a|iplication. In this connec-
tion it is interesting to note that the fire insurance companies allow
a 10 per cent, rebate otY premiums for buildings in fireat Britain and
New Zealand in which the May-Oatway alarms are installed.
PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.
LONDON ELECTRIC SUPPLY BILLS.
LONDON & DISTRICT ELECTRICITY SUPPLY BILL.
A Select Committee of the House of Commons, composed of Mr. Luke
White (chairman) and Messrs. Esslemont, Baldwin and Jas. Parker eom-
nienced consideration of this bill on Monday last.
The Hon. J. D. F. FitzGekald, K.C. (who, with Messrs. Talbot, K.C.,
Clode and Thomas appeared for the promoters), n > ipitiililiil the advan-
tages (laimed for the Barking site for the genci ii m j -in imi mi account
of its facilities for unloading coal and for olit miiihl: . .nKltiisiug water,
and said that the cheap supply of power necessary tor London was impos-
sible from any of the existing stations in the London area. The capital
expenditure of the existing undertakings was £41 per kilowatt, but the
cost of the plant proposed to be erected at Barking would be only about
£11 per kilowatt.
In answer to the chairman, Mr. FitzGerald said the L.C.C. bill of last
yea'f proposed a station at the same site at Barking.
Continuing, Mr. FitzGerald referred to the recent breakdown at Lot" s-
road station, which stopped the traffic on some of the railways for nearly
two hours. Many persons rushed into print and quoted that accident
to show what indescribable confusion would be caused by a breakdown
at a station such as that proposed at Barking if it supplied the whole of
London ; but an accident of that kind never would occur as the Barking
station was designed in six units, each section being a complete generating
station in itself. If the proposed scheme had come into existence and
the proprietors of Lot's-road station had taken the precaution of being
connected with the proposed station, the stoppage of trains would not
have lasted more than five minutes. The promoters felt that there were
many authorised undertakmgs who would take supply from the proposed
station, becau.se it would be commercially profitable ; but the matter
was entirely optional to them. The course the existing undertakers
would find most jirotitable would be to take their ordinary supply from
the new station and their peak supply from their own station, or they might,
if they chose, do the reverse. It would be an enormous advantage in the
case of a breakdown at then' own station if they could at once get a supply
from Barking. In the case of railways and tramways there was a large
unoccupied field, and the tube railways had been nbligcd to set up their
own generating stations because there was no cniiipany or local autho-
rity in existence who was in a position to give tlnni thrir siip|ily. There
was also an enormous unoccupied field in the sulaii li.m Iraliir of London
on the Great Eastern, Great Northern, Midland. N'orth- Western, Great
t'entral. Great Western, South Western, Brighton, and South-Easteru
Railways, all of whom had large suburban traffic. He thought it might
be taken for granted that in the course of some years all that suburban
traffic would be worked by electricity, and it would be an enormous
advantage to tho.se companies if there were a large generating station
from which a (iroper supply could be obtained. The Committee would
hear from tlir rc|insrntatives of .some of those compj«nies that they
regarded this hill wiili L'leat favour. The most successful power com-
pany was the I'ynesiilc Company, and the North-Eastern Railway Co., in-
stead of setting up a generating station of their own for their suburban
traffic, had taken their supply from the Tyupside Co., with great success.
The result had been that they had carried 4,00t),000 more passengers,
and, in proportion to their receipts, the working expenses had been con-
siderably decreased. That showed the value to railway working of a
generating station such as that now proposed. There was also a large
luioccupied field for the supply to other power \iscrs in London, and the
company could give a sup]ily more cheaply than manufactvu'crs could
generate it for themselves. On the Tyne. 95 per cent, of the jiower users
>vere supplied by the Tyneside Company. In London they could only
get an estimate, but the great bulk of the power required in London was
not supplied by any of the existing companies or local authorities. The
promoters thought the London prices were too high to tempt manufac-
turers to take the supply. There were some companies and local autho-
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
Ill
ritics who su])plied power at a very low price, but they did it on what
appeared to be an unremunerative basis. The promoters proposed to
charge a lower price than those in the Administrative Bill and lower
than those in the L.C.C. Bill of last year. Mr. FitzGerald then explained
how these ])riees would work out in hypothetical cases, and said the
different classes of customers who would be likely to take the different
kinds of current would be dealt with by technical witnesses. It should
be rcmenibcicd. however, that the prices in the bill were the maximum
prices — the lowest maximum prices that had ever been proposed. It
was the hope of the promoters that their actual charges would be lower
still. In the original bill modifications of the Kitson clause were pro-
posed, but. owing to opposition, one of the most recent forms of the
Kitson clause was substituted when the bill was before the Committee
of the other House. As the bill now stood, the proportion of current
which a power u.ser might use for lightuig was limited to 1.5 per cent..
compared with the limit of 20 per cent, which had hitherto been fixed.
Under the bill the new company could not supply, except to the pro-
prietors or trustees of railways, tramways, tramroads, canals, or naviga-
tions without the consent of the authorised distributor, and an arbitrator
appointed bv the Board of Trade would have the power to decide whether
such consent was unreasonably withheld, having regard to the c;i]iital
ex|ien<liturc incurred and the financial position of such distributor.
That conferred a large measure of protection upon the present distribu-
tors, ('lause .')7 dealt with the supply to the ordinary power user, and
that clause made it obligatory upon the company to give a supjily.
That was the ordinary form of clause in bills of that kind. Criticism had
been directed against that clause in the other House because no actual
price for ciurent was named ."nd that was because they could not
su])ply the small power user on the same terms as they could supply
the authorised distributor or a large consumer like a railway company.
The difficulty had been met by having two scales of charges, and the
promoters thought it would work out better in practice to leave the matter
to be ultimately decided by the Board of Trade arbitrator, as they would
have to satisfy him that the prices at which they proposed to supply were
reasonable and proper. Mr. FitzGerald proceeded to explain the sliding
scale contained in clause 62. which deals with the relation of dividends
to the charges for current and the maintenance and renewal fund, and he
also gave ])articulars of the insurance fund provided for by clause 04.
Clause ()."), relating to the reserve fund, was a matter which concerned
only the company. Such a clause as the purehiise clause (67) had not
previously been in.serted in any power bill, so far as he knew
Wit h regard to a purchase clause, Mr. FitzGerald said they originallj' in-
serted a ])urchase clause on the basis of the return of the capital expended.
but that was criticised strongly by the L.C.C., and, after a long discussion
before the Committee of the other House, and with the representatives of
the I..C'.C.. the clause was deleted, and the clause now substituted was
agreed to by the L.C.C., except on the one point as to who the purchasing
authority should be.
The L.C.C. desired their name inserted in the bill as the purchasing
authority, and it was immaterial to the promoters who the purchaser
was, but they did not wish t.> r:ii--f i n.ntcntious subject at that stage.
The outside county conn, il- -tji.ji.K ulip ■ led to the L.C.C. being named
as the pur.-h"ser. and it ,i|.|i.-,m, d i,, il: | nunoters that, as no purchase
dould take place before lli.jl , u, might very well be left open. The House
of Ijords Committee .adopted that view, but this House had adopted a
diffeient view and had given an instruction that the L.C.C. .should be the
purchasing authority, and therefore the pureha,se clause had to be altered.
As it stood at present the ))urchase, if it took place in 19til (52 years
hence), would be on what were, in substance, the Electric Lighting Act
terms, viz., fair m.irket value of the buildings, plant and works, without
allowance for goodwill or compensation fcr lo.ss of future profits, it being
thought rciusonable that, having regard to the nature of the business,
a longer period should be given than the 42 years allowed by the
Electric Lighting Act. An extra 10 years was asked by the promoters,
assented to by the L.C.C., and approved by the Committee of the other
House. At the same time it was thought by the L.C.C. that, as the
present undertakings were jnirchasable in 1931. that year might be a
convenient year for the purchase of this undertakmg, but tis that would
only mean a 22 year's concession and as investors would not mvest their
money in the undertaking if it were purchasable at that time on the
structural value, it was provided in the purchase clause that if the pur-
chase took place in 1931, 1941 or 19.51, an allowance should be made in
the shape of compensation for loss of prcfits to the company bj? reason of
the purchase taking [liace then instead of in 19(il. The L.C.C. had no
power under the existing acts to purchase any undertaking in 1931, the
local authority of the area for which the provisional order was granted
having that power. The opponents of this bill had put forward a case
that there was no urgency, that the present undertakers were generating
as much electricity as was wanted, and that they were giving an efficient
supply. They had put that contention forward on every other occasion
and it had always been overruled, but they came forward again, as if
nothing had happened, and said the consumer get power as cheaply as he
ought to have it. The promoters of the other two bills which followed
the present one when before the House of Lords Committee opposed this
bill on the ground of competition, but the competition was of the most
limited chaiacter, a,s nine-tenths of the revenue of the present com-
)i.anies came from the supply of electricity for lighting and with that
nine-tenths there would be no competition. Even for the other ten i)cr
cent, there would only be comiietition if the Board of Trade thought the
price offered by the present "distributors was unreasonable. Another
position the companies had taken up was that they could do the work
even cheaper than the new company, .and if that were the ca.se what on
earth had they to fear from competiliiui ? The opponents hid said
there was a Parliamentary bargain with them when the Bill of 1888 was
pas.sed that comjietition of this kind should not be allowed, but the
language of the act absolutely contradicted that, and in certain areas
the companies were competing with one another for lighting, heating.
]iower. and every other pur])Ose, and when they asked for competing
jiuwers themselves they said Parliament had approved of such power.*.
U'ith regard to the opposition on the ground of the inconvenience which
would be caused by breaking up the streets, clau.se 51 gave them objec-
tors' protection as it provided that the local authority's consent must be
obtained to the route proposed for the cables, and the provisions of the
Electric Lighting Clauses Act also gave them protection. There were
originally 69 petitioners against the bill and there were now 38, but only
19 appearances by counsel. The petition of the Corporation of the City
of London submitted that the present scheme should not be the subject
of legislation until the matter had been considered by a Royal Com-
mission. That was the ordinary way of shirking a question of import-
ance, as a Royal Commi-ssion would not report until two or three years
hence. The Corporation further said the bill might interfere with the
undertakings which they had power to purchase, but there was no indi-
cation how they could be uiterfered with. The only real objection the
Corporation had was, he thought, with regard to the breaking up of the
streets, but their interests were amply guarded in the bill. The L.C.C.
were now satisfied with the bill except the point of who was to be the
purcha-sing authority and that point had been settled by the instruction
of the House. The statements of the existing companies that the demand
was already etficiently met was contradicted by the fact that they had
introduced a bill for linking up and for <>tlicr powers to meet the demand
more efficiently. The linking-up-power^ had been refused by the Com-
mittee of the other House, and that bill, which had not yet been read a
second time, and which if read a second time would come before that
Committee, was in effect a different bill altogether. The ))resent com-
])anies said they had reduced their prices 40 per cent, below the authorised
maximum, but in the bills under which they worked the maximum, was
7d. or 8d. ])er unit. Some of those companies had returned the whole of
their capital to the shareholders in the form of dividends.
Mr. H. F. Parshai.l (examined by Mr. Talbot) then gave evidence
similar to that given by him before the House of Lords Committee (and
reported in The FAutricinn for May 15 last). He was one of the engineers
for the present scheme ; he was also engaged on the L.C.C. scheme,
which wa.s before a Committee of the House of Commons last year, when
he, Mr. Hammond, Mr. .Snell and others went into the matter of the re-
quirements of London at great length. In his opinion the present supply
was not up to date ; the whole .service belonged to a previous generation.
Some of the present stations were on the river, but none had first-cl.a-ss
facilities. The L.C.C. station at Greenwich was an exception : it was the
best of them. He did not know of a better station in a central position
than the City of London station at Bankside, but he did not think a
power station in a populous district would be regarded by anyone as an
ornament. There were nearly as many kinds of supply as there were
stations.
On Tuesday, Mr. Parshall expressed a preference for turbine working
in large stations such as it was proposed to adojit at Barking, and de-
scribed the trouble that occurred with motor generators, which woulil
have to be used if existing stations were linked up. In the case of the
L.C.C. (Jrecnwich station ami the London Electric Supply Co.'s Dept-
ford station a very heavy cable had, he said, to be used, and difficulty
was experienced in sj'nchronising the machinery even at that distance.
The present diversity factor of the power demand ui London was only
about 3. while the total average load factor was about 15 per cent. The
load factor in large power stations had been found to exceed 50 per cent.
His estimate of the diversitj- factor of the London & District Co. w.a,« ICiti.
The (li\ cisity factor of the power supply at Chicago was 2-8. after allow-
ing for transmission and other losses. The new company could give the
present power supply in London for a capital expenditure of £748,000.
The Chicago results" were practically the same as might be expected
from the new company's first installation, ;us the size of the plant and
the selling prices waiild be approximately the same. They estimated
th,".t the |)Ower of all kinds in use in the area covered by the bill was
370,000 H.p. Of this 74.000 h.p. was claimed to be connected to the present
authorised distributors' mains. To work the present suburban traffic of
the railways about OfJ.OOO kw. would be required and ultimately 90.000 kw.
In his opinion tne station divided into six sections was safer than six
separate stations. The transmission system would be <livided into six
main arteries supplying six different districts. There would be 14 con-
trol stations from which would start two distribution- .systems, one going
to authorised distributors and the secondary system for other customer.'
would go to 125 secondary centres.
Cross-examined by Mr. B.4lfour Browne. K.C. (on behalf of the
North Metropolitan" Power Co.): The Xorth .Metropolitan Power Co.
were ?u|)plying in part of the proposed area. That company had a fairly
large station at Brimsdown and there were stations of that company and
the Metropolitan Co. at Willesden. The Administrative Co. struck the
North Jletropolitan Co.'s area out of their bill. He did not see why the
consent of the Board of Trade should not be necessary to enable the new
company to supply in the North Metropolitan Co.'s area as well as other
areas. He did not say before the Committee of the first House that his
company were willing to say they would not supplj' in the North Metro-
politan Cck's area.
By Mr. Ebskine Pollock, K.C. (for Middlesex County Council) :
There was nothing to show that the life of a 15,000 volt cable would bo
less than that of a 2,000 volt cable. The Lancashire and Yorkshire Com-
panies had 12,000 volt cables, and the cost of maintenance was extremely
low. In Can.ada there were underground cables carrying .30,000 volta
112
THE ELECTRICIAN. OCTOBER 30, 1908.
wliich lind lirc-n down sfvoral ycar^ ; also in Minneapolis a cable carrying
20.UU0 volts, and which had been down fonr or five years. He thought
30 years was a reasonable life to assign to a properly constrncted cable.
By Mr. Seymour Bushr, K.C. (far the St. James', Westminster, Ken-
sington and Netting Hill Companies) : If the existing companies had to
reduce theii- public lighting prices in competition with the new company
it would impair to some extent theii- ability to supply private consumers
at a low price, but the existing company could supplj' more cheaply if
they took bulk supply from the new company.
By Sir Ralph Littler. K.C. (for the City of London) : He did not
agree that there were no large power consumers in the City. The City
of London Co. had acco\nited for four 250 kw. consumers.
By Mr. Wedderburn, K.C. (for Croydon) : If Croydon took supply
from the new comp.any, and scrapped their own works, they would, in
the event of the L.C'.C. taking over an area excluding Croydon, have to
erect new works, but it would not create any difficulty, as they would
have been accumulating a sinking fund. They had calculated that
Croydon, by scrapping their own works and taking current from the new
company, would save £439 a year.
By Mr. Vesey Knox. K.C. (for Southwark, Hornsey, Chiswick,
Beckenham and Finchley Councils) : For the company's larger scheme
the cost of distribution to authorised distributors .and consumers would
be about £2,000,000. and about 200 miles of mains would be required ;
roughly, the cost would be about £10,000 per mile. Cost of generation
had in recent years been reduced to a greater extent in large than in
small stations. The price of supply to distributors would vary accord-
ing to the distance from the generating station. Those furthest away
would not get supply at the average price set out in the company's
tables, and the tables were not meant to convey that idea. He thought
competition in distribution was good in principle. It seemed to work
well in the City.
By Mr. Cotjrthope MirNROE (for St. Pancra?* Shoreditch and Wool-
wich : With regard to the question whether the capitals of three-quarters
ot a million and half a million invested by St. Pancras and Shoreditch, who
were doing well and supplying at cheap rates, .should be imperilled by
the competition of the new company, he thought that should be left to the
Committee.
By Mr. Meyer (for Battersea) : He thought there was a good chance
of the new company supplying to tube railways. He understood the
Central London Railway would take supply from them.
By Mr. A. B. Cane (for Marylebone) : Consumers of 12 kw. would
not, in a general way, make it worth the company's while to go into a
district. It was possible for a low load factor to extinguish, by the
proportionate increase of capital cost, the whole of the benefit obtained
from cheap coal and low working costs. He would not object to a pro-
vision being inserted in the bill that there should be a separate meter
to ensure that the proportion of the energy supplied to a power consumer
by the company, and used for lighting, did not exceed 15 ))er cent, of
hLs supply. He thought it reasonable that the company should have
powers to supply to railway companies, even before the railway adopted
electric traction, although such power was not given in the Lanca.shire
Bill, quoted by Mr. Cane.
By Mr. Williams (for Stepney) : The Lot's-road works were probably
the most complete and up-to-date in London, except the L.C.C. Greenwich
station, but he did not consider the Lot's-road a perfect example with
regard to safety. It had a single engine room and a single coal suppty,
irnd the switchbo.ard was perched up m a gallery, whereas at the Barking
station, as he had explained, there would be greater div'sion of the
plant, coal supply, &c.
On Wednesday, Mr. Parshai.l, in answer to Mr. Willlams, said :
There was nothing in the bill to compel the company to give a supply
within a limited time.
In reply to Mr. CtErald Sanders (for Islington) : The quantity of
current now sujiplied in Loudon per annum was about 233,000.000 units
per annum. The new company had made calcvdations that they miglit
ultimately be called upon to supply more than double that cjuantity
largely on the potential demand for power. Lighting demand alone gave
a low load factor. The advantage of centralisation was that the com-
bined load-factor for lighting and power would be higher. The saving
of £600,000 which they had estimated the present distributors would ^ave
by taking supply from the company, was based upon the combined load.
If the distributors took all their load from the company the 233,000,000
imits would be chiefly for lighting. The present supplies were used to
the extent of about 85 per cent, for lighting and 15 per cent, for power.
The company woidd not, by taking the generation of Islington's power
supply, prevent the Council from imjffoving their diversity factor, as the
company wduld supplj' to the Council the current for the power demand
more cheaply than they could generate it themselves. He was not pre
pared to accejrt a provision in the bill, similar to one which was in the
Administrative Bill, that when once the price of supply by the com-
pany in a certain district had been settled by the Board of Trade it should
not afterwards be raised. He thought the "whole matter would be in the
hands of the Board of Trade. Clause 54 (relating to the ])rohibition of
preferential charges) was subject to the guarantee by a distributor for
whom special expenditure for mains had to be mcurred that his demand
would be equal to a payment of 20 per cent, per annum on such special
expenditure.
Mr. W. Gentry Btngham (an independent petitioner against the
insertion of the L.C.C. as the purchasing authority) asked whether the
bill ought not to jirovido for cheaper light as well as cheaper power and
whether there was no other method which could be adopted to remove
the present chaos of electricity supply. Mr. Parshall replied that the
company could not stipulate what the distributors were to do with the
current after they had bought it and the Chairman said Mr. Bingham's
litter question was one for Parliament to decide. The Committee had
no [lower to express an opinion upon it. Mr. Parshall further said th-»
company had no idea of acquiring all the present undertakings and had
no cajiital powers to enable them to do so.
By Mr. Balfour Browne (for the eight companies promoting the
London Electric Supply Bill): The present companies had spent about
14 million pounds and although the new company would be adding 6
millions to the total capital expenditure that would be compensated for
by the fact that they would generate about 50 per cent, cheaper. He
could not say how much the new company would have to spend before
they supplied any current, asVustomers might come along at once and the
initial capit.al expenditure might be very small. The Lancashire Power
Co.. whose bill passed in 1900, had a load of 2,000 or 3,000 kw. He could
not say whether they were now working at a loss.
In reexam.ination by Mr. FitzGerald, Witncsr, said it was not neces-
sary for all consumers to go to arbitration before they could .get current.
It was not necessary in the case of railways, tr.imw.ays, canals and navi-
gations. The arbitration was in the interest of small power users so that
tlicv' could not be charged excessive prices. He believed the Tyncside
Co. were erecting the second station to use furnace gases, which had
hitherto been wasted. The capital expenditure of the present com-
panies would not be wasted in the event of their taking a supply from the
new company. He did not ask them to throw away what they iiad but
to supplement it by the new company's su|iply. In regard to the North
Metropolitan Power Co.. they had a subsidiary conijiany called the North
Jletropolitan Electrical Power Distribution Co.. and wherever the Distri-
bution Co. held the provisional order for a district they were the autho-
rised undertaker for that district and came under the Kitson clause. The
new company would come under the Kitson clause in the same way.
The Chairman asked whether the Board of Trade, in deciding what is
a reasonable price for current, having regard to the capital spent by and
the financial position of an authorised undertaker, would have to take
into consideration the whole capital expenditure or only the unredeemed
portion ?
Mr. FitzGerald said : Those words were introduced in the other
Hcuse by the L.C.C. a.s it was thought they placed the local authority in
a more favourable position. He thought the Board would have to con-
sider the whole capital expenditure, the existing liability and the financial
position generally.
In reply to Mr. Jas. Parker (Member of Committee), Mr. Parshall
said the £600.000 mentioned in the bill was the amount for which the
jiromoters were responsible. It was an unusual amount for promoters
to supply in connection with a bill of that sort. He thought they could
compete with the other companies, although the latter had a capital of
£14,000,000, because the new company's capital expenditure in the first
stage of working would only be about £2,000.000 against £9,000,000
spent on plant by the old companies.
The Chairman then announced that any petitions against the inser-
tion of the L.C.C. in the bill as the purchasing authority (in accordance
with the instruction given by the House of Commons) would be heard on
the preamble, as, if the preamble were found proved, the Committee
would have no alternative but to insert the provision.
Mr. Robert Hammond, examined by Mi-. Cllode. explained the set of
tables compiled by the engineers for the bUl. The points touched upon
by the witness were similar to those dealt with by him before the House
of Lords Select Committee, and which were fully reported in The Elec-
trician for May 15 and 22, 1908. He thought the present stations were
based upon uneconomic principles, and it was in the public mterests that
when they became the owners they should acquire undertakings worked
upon the most economic basis. In regard to the linking-up system, this
could not be done without the expenditure of a good deal of capital on
the necessary apparatus, and there was also the difficulty in the method
of driving at the stations, as when electricity was being generated bj'
engines, the cranks of the various engines would have to be absolutely
in synchronism in all alternating current stations. In his opinion,
cheap supply could not be given by linking up the existing stations.
There would be no saving on coal costs, which were very high at present,
because of the small sets being used and of there being no facilities for
delivery. They should abolish decentralisation and put centralisation
in its place. By providing cheap power, industries grew up, and if they pro-
duced the (lir;i[i power at Barking, new industries would spring up.
Witness msi.iiii .d tlir Lipid springing up of new industries at Niagara,
caused by clicip .~ii|'|il.\ of power. Theirs was not a scheme for scrapping
the plant of the existing electricity supply works in London, although
there were certain works so situated that it would really pay them to
scrap. The only present method to cope with the increasing demand
was spare plant, which was quite insufficient for the jiurpose, and to meet
the increasing demand there must be new plant ]iut down. There must
always be a certain amount of s)iare plant, which was always the largest
set. He felt very strongly that their scheme was what London wanted,
and whatever the attitude of the authorised distributors at the present
time, they would find it to their interests to come in and get assistance
in this way. The scheme would be of the- greatest assistance to autho-
rised distributors within the area, and to London.
Cross-examined liy Mr. Balfour Browne, Witness .said that in men-
tioning that there were two stations in New Voik, he was taking
Manhattan, which had a population of 2,000,000. For the whole of
Greater New York there might be eight power and lighting stations.
The difficulty of reciprocating engines would, perhaps, be met by
(lutting new turbines in the existing stations, but that would
be new plant, and the utilisation of the present spare plant was
a great argument for the linking-up scheme. New turbines for
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
113
linking up tlie existing stations would be a greater expense than the
turbines could be put in at the one large station. They v.ere pre-
pared to make contracts with any one of the authorised distributors,
but would, of course, have to see some 30,000 kw. before giving supply.
Tlie promoters bad sufficient confidence in the bill to i)lace their money
iu the business. The present companies had done the pioneer work,
and whoever generated the electricity, that capital must, of course,
still rank for diviilend.
Ycsterda\- (Thursday) the cross-examination of Mr. Hammond was
continued, .and, in reply to Mr. Balfour Browne, he said the question of
how long It would be before the load of 259,000,000 units was obtained
dopcndcd upon tlie present authorised distributors The greater sav-
ing would lie made by the authorised distributors as years went on and
the present plant wore out and became less and less available, but as
soon as the scheme was in operation it would pay them to take cur-
rent in the manner suggested. Calculations were made from the last
published accounts. He had taken 25 per cent, of the generation costs
as representing the proportion for management expenses.
Mr. A. D. Wedderburn, K.C., Sir Ral[jh Littler, K.C., Mr. Seymour
Bushe, KC, Mr. Erskine Pollock, K.C., and Mr. V'e.«ey Knox, K.C.
and Mr. Morten (for West Ham) al.so cross-examined Mr. Hammond,
after which Mr. FitzGerald asked for permission to call Mr. Oliver
Bury, general manager of the Great Northern Railway Co., and this
being granted,
Mr. BruY gave evidence in support of the scheme, stating that his
com])any contemplated taking a supply from the new power company,
anil wa-i then cross-examined by Mr. Balfour Browne.
Mr. Hammond was afterwards further cross examined by Mr. Court-
hope Munroc, Mr. Mayer, Mr. Cane, Mr. Williams and Mr- Snowden.
NATIONAL TELEPHONE CO. S STAFF.
In the House of Commons on Monday the Postmaster-General
sf .-ited, in reply to a question as to the further steps taken to include the
discharged members of the con.struction staff of the National Telephone
Co. in the permanent staff of the Post Office, that applications for em-
ployment in the Post Office from men discliarged by the company were
being met so far as work could be found, and 105 men had been i'U'S\<Ii'<\
during the last six months. Arrangements between the I'n^t ( illi. . ;in<l
the company were under consideration which would, he hcipnl iiiiMi-
such works of construction as might be required for the service .ilh r I'.lll
to be contiiuicd uninferniptcdly.
Post Office Telephone System. — In the House of Commons on
Wednesday, Mr. Courthope asked the Pastraaster-General whether
he was aware that in many districts the Post-Ottice telephone service
comparcti most unfavourably with the National Telephone service,
owing to the fact tliat it was not available, either to subscribers or to
the public, between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., nor .at all on Sundays ; and
whether he would take steps to ensure a fuller service on the Post-
OHice telejihone -system.
In reply, Mr. Buxton said that he was aware that, while the
National Telephone Co.'s service was continuous, the telephone ser-
vice given by the Post Office at small exchanges was in many cases
confined after 8 p.m. to the hours during which staff was on duty for
other purposes. The cost for special attendance all night and on
Sundays would absorb a large part, if not the whole, of the revenue of
very small exchanges ; and, if it were regarded as essential, would
j.ender the estalilishment of such exchanges impracticable.
LEGAL INTELLIGENCE.
Westminster Electric Supply Corporation and L.C.C. Arbitration.
At thc.'^urvcyois' Institution on Monday. .Mr. .1. A, Simon. K.C. (umpire)
and Messrs. N ouiig and Falconer (arbitrators) commenced the hearing of
this arbitration which arose in connection with the L.C.C. Embankment
1 m pro vemcnt sc heme.
Mr. Balfouf. Browne, K.C, in opening the case for the Westminster
J'.lecfric Supply Corporation, said the ipiestions to be determined arose
under sec. 1 1 of the London County Coimcil Act. 1000. The Corporation
supplied electricity in the diMri. I midn tlinr l.ssi) |.im\ i>i,„i il cider and
they had acipiirod a vcr\- \ ilu , Mc -iic iii .\l illli.ink ^i r.-.i . ^^ lih li abutted
upnn the river. The new -,ir m lb.,>,.|,.| i v i m:,.|. uhi, h ».i- ,i:i\.-n them
by the L.C.C.. wa.s to bedeemcd equivalent in all respects to their present
])remiscs. The Millbank-street premises were close to the river and the
water for condensing wns obtained there : they got their coal by barges
to the works and the barges were allowed to lie" there absolutely as stores
while they were able to get away their ashes by water in the same way
;us they got the coal. These elements were, in the Corporation's view,
exceedingly important. The business of the cori.orafion had greatly
increased. In 1897 they were supplyint' current to tb.e equivalent of
;>/,4.-)4 8 c.p. l.inips and in 1907 they were sup|>lvintr 224.942 8 c.p. lamps.
Jhey had some important contracts with the Houses of Parliament,
Kuclangham Pal.-iee, &c. The oriffinal building was erected with the
view to enlargement and to build stores on the top. What had to be
considered about the new site was that there was no ]iossibility of getting
coal to the w'orks or getting the ashes away from the works except by
means of carting, and therefore space had to be provided at the new works
for coal accommodation and for cartat;e. In 1899. after the corporation
had enlarged their |ilant, the L.C.C. g-ave notice of intention to carry out
the Westmmster improvement. The whole idea of sec. U of the 1900
Act was that the jjremises were to be reinstated and that there should bt-
a contmuous existence of the firm from the old to the new place. That
meant that a .site of equivalent value to the existing site and station with
similar capacity and similar capabliities of the existing .station had lo be
provided, or the L.C.C. would have to pay a lump sum. The new site
was not on the river, and in order to reinstate, tlie L.C.C. must give facili-
ties, or the Corporation must have a site which would make up the loss o
that advantage. The L.C.C. would require to provide builclings where
carts could stand and unload coal : otherwise it would not be an equiva-
lent site and they would not be reinstated. Since 1900 the corporation
had done as little permanent work at their premises as possible, but
certain temporary works had to ht done. In 1905 the L.C.C. offered thi-
Corporation a site, but it did not satisfy his clients and they went to
arbitration. On the second day of the arbitration modifications were
made in the site and they came to an understanding. On May 5, 19011.
Mr. Young (one of the arbitrators) sent the Corporation a plan showing
a subway from the river into flu- works and if it had been carried out it
would have been all they desired with regard to water for condensing
purposes. The subway offer was withdrawn on Nov. 12, 1907, and an
offer was subsequently made by the L.C.C. to lay down two pipes of
18 in. diameter. The corporation had at their existing premi.ses four
pipes of Hi in. drawing water from the river ; they had considered the
L.C.C. offer, and the least they could accept for condensing purposes
were four pipes of 20 in. each.' His clients desired the pipes laid m a
subway inste.id of in the streets as jiroposed.
In answer to Mr. .Sinion. Mr. Browne said it would be beyond his pro-
yince altogether to take anythinc but equal facilities or a liimp sum for
the loss of all facilities. He had not considered the idea of taking partial
facilities and to make up any difference by a payment. The corporation
invited tenders for the erection of the generating station, the plans of
which they had submitted to the L.C.C, who approved them, and the
work had now been put in hand. The corporation put up a st:;tion that
was in some senses more than a reinstatement. For that station they
claimed from the L.C.C. £73,809. (is. .Id., based on a seven-tenth calcula-
tion. One important matter in connection with the new site was that
they had met with great difficulties h ith regard to foundations. They
had to go down .39 ft. against 22 ft. at Millbank. They had entered into
contracts for steam plant equal to 2,.'>3() kw. and that ccst £30,975. ..Vt
Millbank-street the condensing plant was sufficient for plant of 5,000 kw.
capacity, a decrease of 2,464 kw., and they claimed compensation at the
rate of £1-96 per kw. = f4,829. These tw'o sums amounted to £41,804.
Other steam plant not estimated for had been jiiit down at £53,839.
Contingency charges and expenses of running the two concerns, &e., had
been estimated at £<>1,915. For motor generating plant they would
require £23,130, which, together with £IJ1,915 for steam plant, made
£85,045. That wa.; their claim for the plant of the capacity of the gene-
rating station. The plant that they were going to ])ut into their station
was new ])l.ant and it would occupy less space than their existing plant.
The total cost of the alterations of mains had been put down at £54.015,
thus bringing the total cost to £212,869. The cartage of coal .as com.
jjared with tlie coal brought by barge would involve a total loss to the
corporation of 2s. 6id. per ton. Taking the average increase to be
380.000 units per annum, the coal required for steam plant was 11,988
tons on the average, and that at 2s. Old. extra came to £14.073 per
annum.
Mr. C'. S. Peach, architect, 'n answer to the Hon. A. Lyttleton,
K.C.,M.P.,'said that the Corpbration's building work had been designed
by him in conjunction with Sir Alexander Kennedy. The total cost of
Millbank works up to the passing of the 1900 Act was £60,821. 18s. 8d.,
which included rent and taxes. From the first the development and
extension of the works were contemplated. .So far as they could, they
met the wishes of the Council, not to make additions to the premises,
and all the work had been of a temporary character. Between 1889 and
1908 temporary alterations had cost £18.000. He entered into a com-
parison of the existing buildings with the accommodation at Horseferry,
and said the tender for the erection of the new Iniildings amounted to
£89,305, The cost of temporary works at Millbank amounted to £16,000,
and he was satisfied that the Corporation could have carried out per-
manent improvements on the top part of their buildings at a cost of
£10,000. As both the Corporation and the L.C.C. had received equal
advantages through these iniprovement.s he put the claim down at £3,000.
He did n(5t know of any reason why the subway proposed by the Council
and ultimately withdrawn should not have been carried out. He
thought, however, that the work would not be very easily done.
Rejilying to Sir Edward Clarke (for the L.C.C.) Mr. Peach stated that
he based his calculations of the new building on the capacity of the old
one find not on the output of electrical energy. His reading of the act
was that the new building had to provide equal facilities to the old one.
The building had no oiitiiut, it only had capacity. By having a new
building, and new machinery, which would take up less space, he thought
the Corporation ought to have the advantages which accrued in space.
In answer to .Mr. Simon, Witness said that if the Corporation did not
get water but got compensation instead they would not require con-
densing plant and would introduce other machinery. The buildings
were designed for condensing plant, and if that machinery was not intro-
duced there would possibly be a difference in the cost and in the shape of
the new building.
Sir Alex. Kennedy, in giving his reasons why he rejected the offer of
the L.C.C. of two 21 in. pipes, .said that the new station was a very con-
siderable distance from the river, and as the water had to be drawn from
the river by suction he required a much larger area of pipe for suction
than he did for discharge. .Another reason was that he w.as to use plant
which would use more condensing water per lb. of steam. He thought
he would require about 540,000 gallons of water per hour.
114
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
' Sir Edward Ci.arke asked witness if three 24 in. pipes would suit his
purpose and Sir Alex. Kennedy replied that he thought it probably
would.
It was agreed that Sir Alex. Kennedy and the engineer of the L.f'.C.
should meet and discuss the i|Ufs1inn nf the number of pipes.
I The court then adjourned until about the middle of November.
LIYERPOOL STEAM TURBINES.
For some time past there has been eoiiKklerahle discussion in local
municipal circles ns to the efficiency of the steam turbines at the Lister
Drive generating station. As usual, when purely technical matters are
discussed by non-technical men from the party point of view, much
irrelevant matter is introduced, and finally the technical aspect of the
subject is lost sight of. At Liverpool the discussion became so acri-
monious that some of the parties had recourse to the law to recover
damages for alleged slander. We are not concerned with this aspect of
the question, and are only concerned in the engineering side. It will
be remcnilnrrd tliat in his recent report on the plant at Lister Drive
(see Th, VJ. 'trimin for Oct. 12, p. 1012) the consulting electrical engineer
(Mr. A. liiuiiiUy liulmes) stated that the contractors (the British West-
inghousf t'u.) !i-id succeeded in reconstructing the plant so as to more
than satisfy the original specification, and that the Corporation had
received full value for their money. This report was discussed and
adopted by the Council, but lengthy correspondence has taken place
between Mr. Holmes and Sir Wm. Bowring, a leading member of the
Coudcil. on the subject. In the opening letter (dated Oct. 8) Mr. Holmes
writes :
In your speech in the City Council yesterday you described my report on the Listei"
Drive turbines as a ".whitewashing " report, by which expression you were understood to
imply that the report v/as intended to cover or conceal something in the interests of the
contractors or the committee. Your statement was taken by some who heard it as reflect-
ing on my conduct as an official, and you were asked to withdraw the expression on this
ground, but you declined to do so. If you will do me the favour to read my report you will
find it to be a plain statement of facts in simple language that can be easily understood by
a non-technical person— a report which it was my duty to make in connection with the
position 1 hold under the contracts entered into by the Corporation with the Westinghouse
Co. The mouths of officials are closed in the Council Chamber, and their only protection
against unfair treatment is in the hands of gentlemen, who, like yourself, hold a leading
position in the Council. I have served the Corporation for more than 12 years in a position
of heavy responsibility, and 1 hesitate to believe that with respect to my report you in-
tended to impute to me any Improper motive or action. I hope you will not consider me
unreasonable in respectfully asking an intimation from you on the subject.
On Oct. 12 Sir Wm. Bowring wrote acknowledging Mr. Holmes' letter.
and said : —
It is true that I referred to the report as a " whitewashing report." I wish I could with-
draw that statement, but the information at my disposal leads me to think that the history
of the turbines has not been fully and frankly set forth in the committee's report. At the
same time, let me assure you that during the whole course of my remarks I never for one
moment thought of casting any aspersion on. or indeed making any criticism of, yourself.
I regard now, and always have regarded, the committee as bearing the whole responsi-
bility to the Council for the work of the undertaking, and the report, though written over
your signature, is made on the instructions of the committee, and the committee by their
resolution have accepted the responsibility for it. I should not wish to go behind the
committee in a matter of this kind, nor to inquire to what extent they consider their posi-
tion justified by any expert opinion they may have obtained. In my speech i did not
think of you or mention your name. You were not referred to until Sir Charles Petrie
spoke. It was he who said that my remarks would cast reflections on one of our officials.
I cannot but think that his reference to you was ill-advised. The committee, it seems to
me, should be prepared to take the responsibility for all policies carried out under their
direction or with their sanction. In no case does it seem to me desirable that a criticism
of such policies should be construed into a criticism of individual officials.
On Oct. 13 Mr. Holmes wrote : —
1 have been closely connected with the Liverpool electric supply undertaking since its
commencement in 1883 to the present time. Both in the hands of the company and of the
Corporation it has been an undoubted commercial success. To whatever small degree my
work as engineer may have contributed to that»succ^ss is a matter of little importance.
What is important is that the undertaking should be conducted in the best interests of the
citizens of Liverpool and should not be subjected to unfair criticism or improper treatment
which might check its development. In your letter you say that the report, though
written over my signature, is made on the instructions of my committee, and also that
information at your disposal leads you to think that the history of the turbines has not been
fully and frankly set forth in the report, i very much regret that the many important
calls which you must have on your time have not permitted you to go more fully into this
matter, in which case 1 am sure you could not have made the two statements quoted above.
I have never, I believe, had the opportunity of serving under a committee of which you
have been a member, but I resent most strongly the suggestion that any official would,
under the given circumstances, make a report that could be described in your own words as
a whitewashing report on the instructions of his committee, or which would not fully set
forth the facts of the case. With respect to the report in question, 1 received no instruc-
tions whatever from my committee, or from any member of the same. Immediately the
plant was completed and tested, it became my duty to report upon it to my committee. I
endeavoured in my report to give the facts of the case clearly, so that anyone could under-
stand them, and I still think that if you will read the report you will find it bears out my
contention. If there is any point on which the report is not sufficiently clear. I shall be
glad to wait upon you at any time convenient to yourself and to answer any questions you
may desire to ask. Meanwhile I feel sure I may ask you to withdraw the suggestion that
my report was written on the instructions of anyone, or with the aim of concealing anything
it ought to have disclosed.
On Oct. 14 Sir Wm, Bowring wrote : —
You will, I am sure, understand that I, as a business man, could not have used the
language which I did with reference to the history of the turbines without having at my
command a considerable amount of information. This being so, I could not. nor do I
think as a public man that I ought to. disregard such information without having before
me something more than mere general statements. You will thus see that the information
I should require would, in some respects, have to be supplied in considerable detail. Under
these circumstances, may I take it that your offer still holds good ? If so, I will send you a
note of a few points upon which I should wish to have information, and I should be glad if
you could similarly send me the answers for my consideration prior to your call upon me.
On Oct. 15 Mr. Holmes wrote : —
As I regard the matter as a personal one I havi
correspondence to Sir Charles Petrie or -any m^
address you personally, because in your remarks
my conduct as a professional man to an extent
law, be libellous ; but I felt sure that, to a gentl
sary for me to point out that you had spoken under a misaoprehension as to the facts,
. . I am willing to believe that you are as desirous as I am that the valuable elec-
trical undertaking owned by the Corporation shall be fairly treated and properly worked
in the public interest. For this reason, believing that you would at once with draw the
imputation referred to. I offered, and repeat my offer, on my own responsibility, to wait
upon you and answer frankly any questions on my report which you may desire to ask.
1 assume, of course, that at the proposed interview you would disclose to me equally
frankly the considerable amount of information you say is at your command affecting the
undertaking we both desire to serve.
On Oct. 17 Sir Wm. Bowring wrote : —
1 have stated to you, and in effect in the Council, that ! did not consider the report
stated fully and frankly the history of the turbines. This statement I made believing it
to be true, and with a full sense of my public responsibility in making it You now ask
me to at once withdraw my statement, and I gather you request that withdr.-^w.il to be
made without waiting for such information as I understand you to offer. . . . The
statement 1 made I believe to be true, and so its retraction to you or to anyone else would
be an act of gross untruthfulness on my part If. on the other hand. I am mistaken in
suggesting that you would wish me at once to withdraw my statement, but are only sug-
gesting that I should withdraw it after having been satisfied of its untruth by information
to be received, then let me assure you that I would welcome such information as would
enable me to withdraw my statement. . . . Will you kindly in your next letter state
whether or not you agree that the information you are to give me should be given in the
precise manner which 1 was very careful to suggest? You are quite right in assuming
that I will disclose the information at my command, and 1 promise you that such disclo-
sure shall be, at least, as full as any disclosure you are prepared to make to me.
On Oct. 19 Mr. Holmes wrote :—
I have pointed out to you that the report was written and submitted by me in the
ordinary discharge of my duty, and that I received no instructions whatever from my
committee with respect to it. I have no knowledge of the " considerable amount of
information " you refer to as in your possession, or of the channels through which it
reached you ; but your satements which I have quoted above appeared to me to reflect
seriously on my professional conduct, and I consequently respectfully asked you to with-
draw them. I understand your letter of the 1 7th to be an absolute refusal to do so, and
you therefore compel me reluctantly to seek legal advice on the subject before I can com-
municate with you further.
On Oct. 24 Mr. Holmes again wrote : —
I am advised that your remarks quoted in my last as to the report prepared and signed
by me do constitute a very injurious reflection on my official conduct as well as upon my
professional character. I find, also, there is a strong feeling to this effect among my
colleagues and friends. If you intended, as you say. to limit your attack to my com-
mittee, even then you must see you charge wnth me allowing myself to be used as the tool
of a committee to prepare and sign a misleading report, or with allowing the report to be
" written over " my name, although I knew it to be misleading. If you intended no such
reflection, I think you ought, as a gentleman, to have set the matter right, fully and pub-
licly, when I called your attention to it. . . . I desire to send the correspondence to
the technical Press, which has taken an interest in the matter, and shall be obliged by a
line from you in permission.
MUNICIPAL, FOREIGN & GENERAL NOTES.
APPOINTMENTS VACANT AND FILLED.
Bristol Electrical committee invite applications for the position of
charge engineer at the city main generating station. Applicants
should have had a good mechanical training and experience of the
e.h.t. (three phase), h.t. (one phase) and d.c. systems, and large
turbine and units. Commencing salary £2. 10s. per week, rising to
£3. A])plications to city electrical engineer (Mr. H. Faraday
Proctor). Temple Back, Bristol. See an advertisement.
An installation assistant is required for the Belfast Corporation
electricity department, must be thoroughly experienced in meter
testing and repairs, fixing meters and motors and general installation
work. Wages 30s. per week of .'54 hours. Applications to city
electrical engineer (Mr. T. W. Bloxam), East Bridge-street, Belfast,
by Nov. 7. See an advertisement.
There are vancancies at Woolwich Polytechnic for teachers of cx-
])erimental physics and of mathematics. Salary in each case £loO
to £300. Further particulars and forms of application from the
Principal. Applications by Nov. 10.
Mr. G. Tough, station superintendent, has been appointed engineer
and manager of the Coventry electricity works for six months without
any addition to his present salary.
Mr. L. Howe has been a])pointed switchboard attendant at Alder-
shot.
Mr. L. G. Butler has been appointeil junior charge engineer at
Woolwich on three months' probation at £9tt per annum, to be in-
creased to £100 at end of probationary period, and then increasing by
£10 per annum to £140.
i not thought it necessary to mention the
ember of my committee. I venture to
in the Council you appeared to reflect on
which might probably, in the eye of the
1 of your position, it was only neces-
Acton. — It has been decided to adopt electric lighting at the new
municipal buildings.
The method of lighting the new dust destructor at North Acton was
discussed at the last Council meeting. The voting between electricity
and gas was equal, and the chairman referred the matter back to the
committee.
The Electricity committee recommended that in future wiring be
carried out by the electricity department where the cost M estimated not
to e.\ceed £30, and where the work was estimated to exceed that figure
tenders were to be obtained.
Mr. EvDM.\NN. in moving to refer the matter back, considered that the
department was not competent to carry out wiring work. Mr. Biildwiu
and other councillors having expressed the opinion that wiring should be
done by outside contractors, the amendment to refer back was carried.
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
115
Association of Chambers of Commerce.— Tlie Tdeplione committee
of this Ass..i'i;iliiin liMs defliiifd lo accept tlie rumunation (if Mr.
Cliarles Lancaster as tlie representative of tlie Liverpool Chamber on
the committee, on the ground that Mr. Lancaster is a member of the
Telephone Co., and the Liverpool Chamber has decided not to nomi-
nate any other member to serve.
Barking.— The chairman of the Electricity and Tramways com-
mittee and the electrical engineer (Mr. H. Howard) are to consider
.in offer from the British Fuel Economiser & Smoke Preventer Co.,
to iuslal their a|)paratus at the generation station, for a numth's free
(rial. Mr. Howard is to prepare an amended scale of charges for
siip()ly of current for power.
Brighton. The Telephone committee recommend that the surplus
(£2,.544. 16s. .5d.) in connection with the sale of the municipal tele-
phone undertaking to the Post Office authorities be invested, and
the intei'est tliereon applied to the borough fund in reduction of the
borough rates until svich time as the Council decide to appropriate
the surplus to some (.tlier purpose.
Canadian Pacific Railway.— It is announced that the President (Sir
Thomas SliaugluK'ssy) favours the doubling of the track through to
the coast, and f ."it J.OfW.OOO (£10,27.3,973) of new stock has been
created. The com|)any is preparing to operate trains over the
mountains by electricity generated by water power for 700 miles.
Cardifl. — The Electric Lighting committee have adopted a recom-
mendation of Mr. Arthur Ellis, engineer and manager of the electricity
department, to apply for sanction to a loan of £29,500 tor extensions
of plant at Roath and Canton power stations to meet demands from
Hill's Dry Dock and other large consumers for light and power.
Mr. Elii.s has been instructed to replace as an experiment, the pairs
of arc lamps on some of the tramway standards by single lamps
which he proposes to place on the top of the standards.
Croydon, — The Electricity committee have acquired premi.se.s in
(he <'entie of the town for an inquiry office and stores.
Dudley. — It is stated that a satisfactory settlement (the terms of
which are not disclosed) relating to the purchase of the tramways by
the Corporation and their re-lease to the tramways com])any. has
been arrived at.
Eastbouine. — The borough electrical engineer (Mr. .J. K. Brydges)
has been insti'ucted to make inquiries as to water-softening ])lant for
the eh'ctrieity works. A spare transformer with a regulating switch
is to be proviiled at a cost of £98 so as to ensure a permanent supply
of current to the motors driving the condensing plant.
Electricity and Gas in Germany. — The " Vorwiirts "' publishes the
term.s of a draft scheme of the Ministry of Finance, under which the
(government propose to impose a tax on electrical energy of rt per
cent, on the selling price, and a similar tax on gas. The Governnunt
also intend to ask the Reichstag to sanction a tax on eleetiic lamps
of from 10 to ,50 pfennige (l|d. to 6d.) each, according to the voltage.
and on gas burners and mantles for any burners of 10 pfennige each.
Arc lamji carbons will he taxed 1 mark (Is.) per kilo. It is .stated
that the Federal Co\incil, which is considering the proposals, have
shown a tendency to reduce some f)f these propcsed charges.
A congress of representatives of German municipalities held at
Berlin, on Tuesday, resolved to lodge a protest against the proposed
taxes, and a committee, of which the burgomasters of .several of
the most important towns will be memliers, is to draw up the
[M-otest.
Folkestone, — The General Purposes committee recommend the
Council to refuse the application of the National Electric Construc-
tion Co. for consent to the use of the overhead system on the pro-
po.sed Folkestone, Cheriton, Hythe and Sandgate tramways.
Glasgow.- Metallic filament lamps are to be substituted for carbon
filament lamps in the corridors throughout the municipal buildings at
a cost of £90. Osram lamps are to replace ordinary incandescent
lamps in the sanitary chambers.
£1,0(X) has been gr.inlfa l,y the Post Office as a contribution in lieu of
rates m respect of the wires of tlie telephone undertaking required from
the Corporation.
A re()ort has been prepared by jthe tramwavs manager) Mr. Jas.
l>alrymple) as to the delay in constructing the'bridge over the canal
at Dalmuir, thus preventing the junction of the Glasgow and Dum-
bartonshire tianiwajs. The Tramwavs committee expect to be able
sliortly to submit to the Railway Co. k revised plan of a bridi^e which
will meet all requirements.
The committee ha\e agreed to construct 15yds. of Corporation line
in Uunibartoii-road, and to allow the Dambarton Burgh and County
tramways Co. to run their cars over the Corporation section between
IJuntocher Burn and the canal bridge, the Corporation being also
allowed running powers over the Dumbarton tramways. In a short
tiiiio passengers between Glasgow and Balloch will, therefore, have
only to walk across the canal bridge to pass from the one car to the
other, and that after the bridge is reliuilt .a throuarh service of cars
will be run from Glasgow to Balluili.
Hanwell. — At the last meeting of the tnuncil a letter was read from
the Board of Trade stating that they j)os.se.ss no powers to compel a
tramways company to repair or reconstruct its lines.
Hendon. — Hendon Electric Supply Co. have submitted terms for
the public lighting, but before coming to a decision the Council have
asked the gas company for a revised estimate.
Heme Bay. The Council have dccidc-d to apply fur a provisional
electrii^ lighting order.
Hertfordshire, — The plans showing the proposed method of con-
structing I lie Watford and Busliey tramway extensions have been
agreed with Major Pringle, R.E., on belialf of the Board of Trade.
The Light Railways Sub-Committee of the County Council recom-
mend the granting of a 42 years' lease to the Metropolitan Electric
Tramways of the tramway.s, at a fixed rent of £!\ per cent, per annum
on the capital outlay.
Hornsey.— The Council have adopted tlu' projio.sals of the electrical
engineer (Mr. Norman Staniland) for \hc improved lighting of trading
centres in the borough, at an initial expi-nditure of £2.'). His., and
annual expenditure of £47. 7s. .'id.
HulL — An inquiry will be held next Wednesday into the applica-
tion of the Corporation for sanction to borrow £24.<MI0 for extensions
of the electricity undertaking.
Inquest. — .An inquest was opened at Soutbwark (London) on .Mon-
day into the death of A. W. Gallard. a jointer's mate in the employ of
the G.P.O. telephone dejiartment.
The Coroner (Dr. F. J. Waldo) said that the death at present was a
mystery, as it had, apparently, been caused by a •• gas unknown to medical
science." Deceased was working in a manhole on the l.">tli inst., when
he was overcome by some gas. A fellow workman got him out with
diifieulty, and he was conveyed in an unconscious condition to Guy's
Hospital, where, despite every attention, he died on the 22nd inst.
The Medical Officer of Health (Dr. Brown) said he was positive
deceased was not killed by eoal gas or sewer gas, fait by " some obscure
gas developed in the electric mains, possibly due in some way to the
electricity." He had tried to find coal gas by means of a light, but there
was no explosion ; and it could not be sewer gas as it could have been
detected in a moment by smell. There was no doubt " it was caused by
some obscure gas which was not at the moment known." He did not
analyse the gas, as, although he recognised it a,s being a very interesting
matter, it did not affect tlie health of the neighbourhood ; so he con-
concluded it had nothing to do with him, but was a matter for the fJ.P.O.
The inquest was adjourned, in order that expert evidence might be
given.
London County Council. — < >n Tuesday it was agreed to lend Stoke
Newinglon < 'ouncil f.-idd lor electric lighting.
Tniiiiiniii-i. — '['lie adjiiiu iii-<l npnii ..f the Highways coniniitlee (first
]jri-seiitcd on .July 28) \v:is niiIhi.iii.mI, containing propo-sals for tramway
sihcnu-s for which Parliariirul:H \ -nirtion was recommended to lie asked.
The cost of the constriicliuM ami ci|ui|iinent of these tramways was stated
to be £2i)7,8.'}0. In a fresh reiiort the committee asked for authority for
the construction of a tramway from Streatham High-road to .Mitchani-
road and also to withdraw the scheme for tramways from Batlersea
Bridge to Uxbridge-road ,and the proposal with regard to the Highgate
Hill cable tramways. The recommendations were .•idoptetl.
Mr. Havks FisniCK (Chairman of the Finance committee) stated, in
the ronrsi- ul lli,. ilis, nssi.iri. I hat, with the present low rate of money, his
coiiiniilli-.' », rv ,|iiii,> |ir, |i,ur,| to push -on the electrification of tramway.s.
liililiiiK luii/s. With iruard to the adjourned recommendation to
aiT.-i.t the tender of W.dtrr .S, ,,tl (Ltd.) for £24.2113 for track rails and
fastenings, Sir.lohn Henii piopn-.ed that the lowest tender (that of the
Societe aiionvme des Aciers d' Anyleiir. Belgium, at £21 .43!!) be .substituted
and that the nioney saved on the contract be devoted to tramway exten-
sion. After discussion the amendment was rejected an<l the motion
carried.
Marylebone (London),— -At the Council meeting last week the
result of the arbitration with regard to the fees claimed by the con-
sulting electrical engineer (Mr. Arthur \\'riglit) was announced.
The arbitrator's award was given under five chief headuigs : (I)
Oxford-street lighting : Claim for 4 per cent, commission on cost of
supply and erection of street lamps and columns. Mr. Wright had
already been paid commission in resiiect of the laying of mains in con-
nection with the street lighting The arbitrator found in favom of Mr.
Wright for £85. Is. (id. ("2) Metropolitan Electric Supply Co.'s expendi-
ture : Claim for commission on such proportion of £li7.250 (capital
expenditure by company on behalf of Council from December, l!tl)l. to
June 30, 1903) as is represented by work done by the company during
the five months from February to .lune. 1903. .Mr. Wright abandoned this
claim on June 24 last. (3) siib station huildings : Claim for commission
on eo.it of converting the old sub-station buildings so as to render them avail-
able for the present system of supply. The L.C C. sanctioned .i loan for
this, and the Borough Council admitted that Mr. Wright was entitled t.>
£43. 17s. 9d. (4) Spare p.arts of machinery : The Council took a similar
course in like cu-cumstances with regard to this, the amount being £93.
(5) Method of payment : Mr. Wright claimed, as regards the work carried
116
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
out by the t'oiimil. to be entitled to payment of commission by instal-
ments promptly as the work proceeded. The practice has been for an
account to be made up quarterly on a claim by Mr. Wriglit, and the
arbitrator held this to be reasonable and should be adhered to so long as
no undue del.iy occurs on the part of the Council in making the debits to
capital acH'Oiiiit. In addition to the above, Mr. Wright subsequently
clain\ed commission on a large number of items which had been dcbilcd
to rcveiuic accoiuit. For amoimts in connection with the change ol
pre.ss\n-e. and upon which £78 was claimed, the commission was dis-
allowed, as was also the claim for commission of £2.'$ on cxpendit|irp in
altering machinery or works acquired from the Mitiopolitan Klectric Co.,
.so as to render them suitable for tin- hi' i-i \ u-m of supply. The
arbitrator decided in favour of Mr. Wri;jlii m |i i\ mciit forthwith of com-
mission on expenditure by the Metropulilau Cu.. credited to that com-
pany in the Council's books, but not yet actually paid pending the
settlement of certain matters in dispute. The arbitrator also dec'ided in
favour of Mr. Wright's commission on the sale of old cables, &c., amount-
ing to £132. 8s. 3d. The total amount now due to Mr. Wright is
i'3t2. 2s. lid., exclusive of £85. Is. (id. payable by the Lighting com-
mittPC, The arbitrator has awarded that tlic Council pay the fees (£8."))
and the wlinlc «i (he i.isfs.
Melbourne Pailway Electriflcatiin Scheme.— It is announced that
Sir Thomas Bent, the Victorian rremier and Minister of Railways,
has recommended the electrification of 29 miles of the Melbourne
suburban railway system, after a lengthy consultation with Mr.
Thomas Tait, the Chief Commissioner of Railways. This section
form.s the fir.st portion of the electrification of the entire Melbourne
syste'm, recently recommended by the consulting engineer (Mr.
Charles H. Merz). The cost of the work is estimated at about
£800,000. The report of Mr. Merz (given in our issue for Sept. 2.5)
recommended that it would be inconvenient to convert more at the
start and financially advisable to electrify a shorter mileage. The
cost of the entire scheme, which cover.s an aggregate route length
of 124 miles, is nearly £2,250,000. The whole of the generating plant,
including the equipment of the central power house and sub-stations,
cables, rails, traction motors, &c., will probably be ordered in this
country.
Morecambe. — The Council are applying for a ])rovisi(>nal order to
work and extend the tramways recently purchased from the More-
cambe Tramways Co.
Newport (Mon.) — The Electricity and Tramways committee have
instructed the borough electrical engineer and tramways manager
(.Mr. H. I'ollings Bishop) to prepare a report on the question of the
doubling of the Stow Hill line and other questions.
Nuneaton. — An unopposed inquiry was held last week into the
Council's application for sanction to borrow £2,.500 for extensions of
the electricity undertaking.
Penang. — The Government have sanctioned the proposal of the
Municipal Commissioners to raise a loan of $100,000 for the extension
of the electric lighting mains and tlie duplication of the generating
plant in the Northern Settlement.
Provisional Order Revocation. — The Board of Trade have revoked
the Ware Electric Lighting Order, 1905, as from Oct. 16.
Redruth. — The assessment of the undertaking at Camborne of the
Urban Electric Supply Co. has been increased from £195 to £1,287.
Rotherham. — The chairman and vice-chairman of the I'^lectricity
committee are to report as to the price tobc chaigcd for current for
the Rotherham Hi|)podrome, and to large consumers goncrallw
St. Pancras (London. — The Finance (Audit) Sub-committee have
.reported ujjon a recommendation referred to them by the Council in
.July that no .sum be alh.catcd fr..m the |.r..lils ,,u tlic electricity
undertaking for the rclirl ..I r.itcs uiilil llic res.nr luiid lias r.M.bcd
one t-nth of thcaggrc'jalccjpital cxi.i-nililurc cf tin- unilcrliiliuig.
Till (Mnuiiillre |...inif(l (.111 that in their opinion '■ one-tenth of the
ii.^.i. jii, (:i|iiiil I \|ii ri.lit lire " is one-tenth of the aggregate capital
liiiliilii y e\isi uiL' ii I lie lime when any sum is proposed to be allocated in
relief o'r rates. Large sums have been paid out of reserve during recent
years for new machinery which has in many eases been more powerful
tban the old jilant. The balance to cr.dit .if .■eseivc is £39.874. With
rc>i:inl t.i ':i:..tl:{ l.lli.l f,.r repliieeniellt nl |.l,inl. ii;.l(i:l Ills I.eell expended
in llilllVi ex.rss ..,1 veiilieenielils el lillill-. er 111 elliel Ue„|-. 11|imi, ;„|,|i.
tioilill , 11,11:11 ulilhiy. Tlie enmiailtee lIlLuk lleil the lime li.e- .illivcd
when all e\ee- re|,|:ieeiiicntsor additional capital outlay should be charged
to capital :n , mini Old paid out of loans. They have further decided in
favour of ihe nivisiment of a portion at le.ast of the reserve fund. At
present it is simply set aside at the bnnkcrs. and hel]is to swell the balance
in favour of the Council.
Shrewsbury. — In the omnibus bill of the Corporation po\yer is to
be sought to supply electric fittings, motors, &c., on hire.
South Shields. — On Tuesday the Corporation considered the
application of the County of Durham Electric Power Co., tor per-
mission to lay three separate underground cables to supply power to
the Harton Coal Company's collieries.
The Council were recommended to grant the application subject to
various conditions, the principal of which were that the wayleaves be
determinable by 12 months' notice, and that a rental of £2.50 per annum
should be paid.
An amendment was moved by Aid. Renoldson to add a further con-
dition that the company should purchase from the Corporation, at the
usual rate charged to consumers, all the electrical energy which they
required for surface lighting at ;dl their collieries within the borough.
The amendment was, however, lost, and the recommendation agreed t".
Stafford.— The electric power mains are to be extended to Messrs
Bostock's factory at a cost of £150.
Stoke-on-Trent.— On Wednesday the Town Clerk was instructed
to write to the L.G. Board in regard to the recent application for
sanction to a loan for extensions of the electricity undertaking, and
to state that they could not agree to the suggestion of the L.G.B.
inspector that meters should in fut ure be jirovided for out of current
revenue.
Telephone Charges.— On Friday last the Postmaster-General met
the members of Bradford Chamber of Commerce to discuss the
question of telcjjhone rates.
After hearing a statement of the ease presented on behalf of tlie
Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Buxton said, in reply, that the chief diflicull\
in coming to any final decision was that the business for three years
would be in the hands of the National Telephone Co., so far as the
country was concerned, and that the Post Office had not had the necessary
experience to determine what rates would be adequate after the service
had been taken over in 1911. He referred to the pledge he had given in
the House of Commons that it was the intention of the Post Office to keep
the administration of the Telephone Department and its finances distinct
from those of other branches of the postal service, and to adopt only such
rates as woidd meet the existing expenses, including maintenance, (he
charge for interests and sinking funds, and leave a rcasonalilc margin of
profit.
Trackless Tramcars. — Liverpool Corporation have approved a
recommendation of the Tramways committee to apply to the Board
of Trade for a provisional order for the operation of electric tramcars
on certain new auxiliary routes with or without rails. All the new
routes will be constructed as ordinary tramways, except the Edge-
lane and Broadgrcen-road route as far as the city boundary, which
will be utilised in making an experiment with trolley omnibuses.
Tramway Brakes.— The committee appointed some time ago by the
Council of the tramways and Light Railways Association, to con-
sider the most suitable type of brake for electric tramways has pre-
pared its report. Before issuing this report, however, the Council of
the Association consider it prudent to communicate with the Board
of Trade, and the Board has suggested a conference between represen-
tatives of the Municipal Tramways and the Tramways and Light
Railways Associations, with an official of the Board of Trade as
chairman, to discuss the details of the report before publication.
This course has been adopted, and a conference will be held at the
Board of Trade Offices to-day (Friday, Oct. 30.)
WalthamstOW.— The lease is to b,' :iei|uire,l f.ir three years of a shop
t<i l)e fitted up as a show room. I'.leeii m niniors, are lamps, fittings,
&e., are to be supplied by electrical ei.nlrminrs ..n sale or return : a
charge of £2. 2s. per arc lamp is to be made, such charge to cover
supply of current for 800 hours' burning per annum, and maintenance :
all hours of burning above 800 per annum is to be charged at 2d. per
lamp per hour.
Watford. — Two 50 c.p. metal filament lamps are to be fitted to_38
st leet lanterns in place of two 16 c.]i. carbon filament lamps at present
in use, at a cost of £64. 12s.
An inquiry was held last week into the Council's application for sanc-
tion to borrow £1,830 for extensions of the electricity undertaking. The
electrical engineer (Mr. F. W. Punic) s\rp(ilied technical details, and
there was no opposition. The Council have voted 130 to ^Mr. \\ , S.
•Stafford, station superintendent, for acting temporarily as ciiief c'ee
trical engineer prior to Mr, Purse's appointment.
West Ham. — Negotiations have been in progress between the
Electricity committee and the Charing Cross, West End and City
Electricity Supply Co.. for an interchange of supply between the
Bow and Canning Town power stations.
The borough electrical engineer (Mr. A. Hugh Seabrook) points om
in his report that there will be a great ndvnntage to the Council, espe-
cially in dealini' with large power consumers, when the department can
point out to them the fjct that if the generation station fails they have
Ki.OOOkw. to draw upon from Bow, and the company will be able to
point out to their important consumers in the city and West End that,
in the event of accidents at their generating station, they can draw
upon an additional 12.000 kw. at Canning Town. Mr. Seabrook regards
the greater reliability of supply of more importance than the other
advantages, which are the possible reduction in spare plant, the possi-
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
iir
bility of shuttins! cither station down eomjJetely during week-ends
fur repairs, tliiis facilitating and chea])ening co?t of repairs and tlie
i)0ssibility of eliising down one station dnring the night and all holi-
days, thus reducing running costs. The method of payment for the
interchanged current would be based entirely on (he working costs of
each party, the intention being that neither party supplying current
should nuvke any |>rolit on the actual exchange. A schedule will further
vary the price according to the time of day current is taken. The two
stations are about 2.j miles apart, and the systems can be connected witli-
out any running machinery.
Mr. "Seabrook is to prepare a draft scheme for the committer', who
have approved the principle of the inteichange, and have instructcfl him
to continue his negotiations with a view to an agreement being entered
into.
Mr. Seabrook has been authorised to accept an offer from a firm for
installinsj a new type of conveyor in the power hou.se at £050.
The Electricity committee have approved of an arrangement with
INfessrs. Conr/ul Schmidt & Co. that the contract for jrawer sup])ly be
non-terminable for 10 years, with the option to the consumers of estend-
ing (he agreement for two periods of five years, or 20 years in all. The
(•(uumittee have also ai)])roved of new contracts for the supply of current
to the Boro\igli Thcatic, Stratford, for seven years, and the alteration of
the system of lighting at the Theatre Royal, Stratford. Under the new
contracts all jiayrucnls arc to be made yearly in advance and a cheque
fcir £702. 10s. for (he iirst year's payment has been received.
Wireless Telephone Notes. — Vice-Admii-al Aubert has made a
report to the I<''ren<di Minister of Marine on the experiment with wire-
less telcpliony between Eiffel Tower and \'illejuif, distant aliout 0
miles. He reports that the cx]5eriment has proved comiiletely
successful.
Woolwich. — Osram lamps are to be fitted at e:".'li of the three
libraries.
TRADE NOTES AND NOTICES.
TENDERS INVITED.
The committee of Visitors of the Esscr County Luualic .\sylum
invite tender.s for the supply and erection of the Inllowiiiu iilmi and
work: (1) Two steam dynamos (100 k\v.), steam and inoloi- lialances,
main switchboard and travelling crane ; (2) steam exhaust and rain
))ipes and valves ; (S) laying cables, distributing boards, wiring and
lamps ; (4) motors, motor starters and cable connections ; (.'5)
telephones, bells, tire alarms and electrically-driven clocks. Persons
desiring to tender must send their names and addresses to the clerk
to the Visiting committee (accompanied by a £5 Bank of England
note), Mj. W. 1'. Gepp, New-street. Chelmsford, Essex, by Nov. 7.
Copies of specifications, &c., will be forwarded to applicants as soon
as possible after Nov. 7, and plans and specifications can be seen (but
net obtained) at the offices of the consulting engineers (Messrs.
Hawtayne & Zeden), 1), Queen-street-place. London, E.C. Tenders
to Mr. Gcpp by noon Nov. 30. See also an advertisement.
Diihlin United Tramways Co. (1896) (Ltd.) invite tenders for
supply of general stores, including car fittings, iron, steel, castings,
oils, paints and glass, ironmongery, electrical supplies, timber. &c..
^ for year ending Dec. 31, 1909. "Forms of tender. &c.. from the
Secretary's office, 9. Upper Sackville-street. Dublin, between Nov. 2
and 14. Tenders, addressed to the Chairman, to the secretary (Mr.
R. S. Trosilian) by Nov. 30. See also an advertisement.
London Coimty Council invite tenders for the supply, delivery
and erection of overhead electrical equipment for the electrification
on the overhead trolley system of the Council's tramways from (a)
Loughborough Junction to Norwood; (6) Hammersmithto Tutnov,
and (c) Streatham to Norbury. Tenders, ujion official forms to be
obtained from the Clerk of the Council (Mr. G. L. Gomme), Coiintv
Hall. Spring Gardens. S.W., must be in by 11 a.m.. Nov. 10.
The directors of tlie Caledonian Railway Co. are iirepared to
receive tenders for supply of stores for 12 months from Jan. 1, 1909,
including telegraph appliances, telephones, .*L'C.. electric lighting
material and fittings, asbestos and gutta-percha goods, balata bclt-
iiig and jiacking, oils and grease, bolts and nuts, screws, hardware,
glass, tools, timepieces; galvanised wire, &c. Tenders to the secre-
tary (Mr. J. Blackburn), 302, Buchanan-street, Glasgow, by
Monday, Nov. 2.
j Salford Electricity committee invite tenders for the supply,
I delivery and erection at the Corporation electricity station (Frederick-
road, Pendleton), of cooling towers, tanks, pumps and pipe work,
lenders to the Chairman of the Electricity committee by noon Mon-
day, Nov. 2. J J
Bradford Corporation require tenders for general stores, in-
cludmg electric lamps for cars, lamp fittings, insulating tapes, in-
SPECIAL NOTICE.
With this week's number of "THE ELECTRICIAN' is Issued (Gratis)
the Index to Vol. LXI. This includes the Index to the ' Industrial
Supplement."
Complaints of non-receipt should be promptly made to the Publisher.
NOW READY — Vol. L.\l. of " The Electkici.\n " (1,018 pagcsl,
bound m .strong cloth. Price 17s. 6d.; post free, ISs. 6d. Also ready
Cases for Binding. Price 2s. ; post free, 2s. 3d.
A complete set of "The Electkichn " (1860-1865— 1878-1908) can
be supplied. A number of odd volumes and some odd old back num-
bers, to help in making up complete sets, are .also now available.
bolts
sulated bolts and strains, pinion wheels, oils and grease, paints
nuts, screws, &c. Tenders to Town Clerk by Nov. 14.
The London General Oninilnis Co. (Md.) invite tenders for stores
during 1909, including electrical ap])li.inees. motor acces.s()ries and
parts, tools, &c. Tenders to the directors of the comjjany. «. Gros-
venor-road, Westminster. S.W., by Nov. 19.
Leilh Corporation invite tenders for rails. ])oints and crossings,
tie-bars, poles, bonds and overhead fittings for about ."i miles of
double track. Tenders to the Town Clerk's office by Nov. 10.
Tlivyhergh (Yorks.) Parish Council invite tenders for public
electric lighting. Tenders to the ( 'Icrk. A. Clifton Hank. P.otherham.
by Nov. 9.
Brirjhuuse Corporation want tenders (by Nov. 14) for erecting an
electric transforming station.
Ecchs Cleansing and Scavenging committee invite tenders (by
noon, Nov. 14) for wiring the buildings at tlic Town's Yard.
Tenders are invited for supply of tliree complete sets of testing
instruments for the Postmaster-General's department, Victoria,
Tender forms, &c., at the Commonwealth office, 72, Victoria-
street, London, S.W. See also an advertisement.
Tenders are invited for the supply and erection of installations for
wireless telegraphy at Launceslon, Melbourne, King Island (Basa
Straits) and Flinders Island (Furneau.x Group). Tender forms and
specifications may be obtained at the Commonwealth Office, 72,
Victoria-street, London, S.W.
TENDERS RECEIVED AND ACCEPTED.
On Tuesday London County Coimcil dealt with the follom'ng
tenders : —
Three ElcHrieally-driren, Three-throw Boiler Feed Fumpx for flriciiirich
genemliiKf Mation
JohnCochrane(<(ccf^</e'/).£l,892 10
WorthingtonPumpCo. 2,561 8
R. W.arner&Co 2,228 8
Electric Construct'n Co. 2,220 0
A. & P. Steven £2,164 0
P. Pearn & Co 1,981 5
Pratchitt Bros.* 1,865 0
TbwaitesBros 1,851 0
* Not to specification. The successful tenderer is to be .illowed to
sub-let to Mavor & Coulson, the Electric Construction Co., or Dick,
Kerr & Co. the motor and .accessories.
.S'l'.i- Fuel Economise r.t.
Roberts Bros £3,957 10
Goodbraud&Co. ... 3,935 13
E. Green & Sons ... 3,874 4
J. Carter & Sons* ... 3,360
Edwin D.anks & Co.
(recommended} £3,578 0 0
Clay Cross Co 3,990 12 6
A. Lowcock(Ltd.) .. 3,960 0 0
* Not to specification. The successful tenderers are to be allowed
to sub-let to the British Thomson Co. the motors.
It was agreed to extend the present contracts with the Edison &
Swan Co. for wiring material, and with .Spagnoletti (Ltd ) for switch-
gear for the Greenwich generating station. The value of the exten-
sions will be je500 and £800 respectivelj'.
The Warner Engineering Co. has been awarded, after a triid exteiul-
ing over a year, the contract to eipiip twelve cars at Sheffield, to run
with the Warner non-iiarallel axle system. The first car on (he
\\'arner system was started four years ago on the West Ham tram-
ways, and for some time cars have been in successful regular .service
on the Metropolitan Electric Tramways. Sheffield and Swansea. Cars
will shortly be tried by Birmingham Corporation, the Birmingham
& Midland Joint Committee, and a number of important foreign
lines.
The Skinningrove Iron ('o. have placed a repeat order with
Eluhardt & Sehmer (for whom the Key Engineering Co. are sole
British agents) for another 700 tt.r. single tandem gas engme to be
direct coupled to a 500 volt tliree-phase .V.E.G. alternator.
Watford Council have accepted the tender of the Wortliington
Pump Co. for an oil separator at £141. lO.s.. and that of J. Oakes &
Co. tor 290 yds. c.i. pipes at £.5. Is. per ton.
Birmingham. Tame and Rea District Drainage Board have accepted
the tender of Ciompton & Co. for additional electric generating plant
for the pumping station at £796.
118
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
Twickcnliani Council have acce)itetl the tender of Nursey & Marr
at £1,157 for electric light installation, wiring. &c.. at new hospital
buildings. The tenders ranged from £l,5-tf) to £1.109.
Salford Council have accepted the tender of O. Harland Bowden
& Co. for electric lighting installation at Halt.)ii Bank School for
£437.
The tenders of MorrLson & Roebuck has been accepted for wiring
the new Hippodrome at .^ccrington. and the new theatre at Rolton
Leigh.
Chelsea ( London) Council have accepted the tender of the Electrical
& General Engineering Co.. for wiring work at the Town Hall exten-
sion.
Warrington Corporation have placed an order with the British
Westinghousc Co. for new governor gear at £37. 10s.
Rothcrham Council have accepted the tender of Kelvin & , lames
White at £181. 10s. 6d. for switchboard extension.
Taunton Council have accepted the tender of Easton & Bessemer
for a compound double-acting steam engine at £345.
BUSINESS NOTICES.
Messrs. H. Mayer & (_'i.i.. Ii7, Aklcrsgatc-st.reet, E.G.. announce
that they have secured the sole agency of the " Plania "' Carbon
Works, of Ratibor and Berlin, for all kinds of arc lamp carbons for
open, enclosed and flame lamps, also carbon brushes and electro-
lytical blocks.
Mr. C. Conradty has purchased the business of the Aktiebolaget
Bronskol Co., of Stockholm, and is now able to supply " Bronskol "
brushes for dynamos. The sole agents for Mr. Conradty for this
country and the colonies are the Sloan Electrical Co.
The telephone number of the Arnn)rduct Mfg. Co. is 400 Holboiii
(two lines).
Plant for Sale.— Messrs. G. Elliott & Co.. 186-188, Long-lane.
Bermondsey. London. S.E., have for sale two compound Marshall
steam engines coupled to two Ci'ompton dynamos, a combined
generating set, and also three dynamos. Further particulars are given
in advertisements.
Factory Site for Sale. — Messrs. Geo. Mason & Son. Chesterfield,
have for sale by private treaty a large and substantially built factory
known as Spital Mills, Chesterfield, consisting of three storeys and
standing on half an acre of ground, with engine, two boilers, shafting,
&c. The site is close to three railways. See an advertisement.
Business for Sale. — Messrs. Mellors. Basden & Mellors, 1, King-
.street-chambers. Bridlesmith Gate, Nottingham, advertise that they
have for disposal' ns a lioing concern, an I'lcrdical myineering and
metal workinj^ liusincss now carried on in Mariclicsin . The factory
is fully ei[ui)ipt'd for carrying on the liusinrss :•! rice dical engineers,
and the jmrcliaser f'an have the benefit of all orders in hand.
Patent Development. — The proprietor of Patent No. 7,834 KM »2,
relating to '" Improvements in Supports fcjr IncaiKlesicnt hllcctiic
Lamps," desires to ent<-r into arrangciiu'nls(liy »ay nl Hcrncr (.lotiicr.
wise) for develii]iing and |iractically working same in lliis ciaintry.
Applications to Messrs. W. P. Tliomjison & Co.. .322, High Holborn.
London. W.C.
" Padiant" Electric Heating and Cooking Apparatus. — In our article
dcscriliiiiL' tills apparatus which a|ipearecl in our issue for Oct. 23,
page- .")7, the address of Mr. ( '. l''onteyn was given incorrectly as 76,
Mortimer-street. The correct address is 76, Newman-street, Oxford-
street, London, W.
Magnet Steel. — A correspondent desires to he placed in communi-
cation with makers of permanent magnets and magnet steel of the
best ((uality.
Ediswan Auto-Transformers. — The Edison & Swan Co. are now in a
position til deliver from stock standard ranges and voltages of
Ediswan aut(j-transformers. This apparatus is made throughout
at the Company's works at Ponders End. Middlesex.
CATALOGUES. &c.
Simplex Heating Appli.vnces. — We have received from Simplex
Conduits (Ltd.) a copy of the new edition of section H of their cata-
logue devoted to " Simplex " electric heating apparatus. The types
shown include both luminous radiators and heaters working on the
strip principle, the radiators covering a wide range of prices, and
many other types (in addition to those set out in the catalogue), may
be seen at the London showTooms of the company, 113-117. Cliaring
Cross-road, W.C. In the Catalogue we notice a cheaj) form
of heater recently introduced at the low ]irice of 40s.. subject
to trade discount ; it is an iron case, matt finish, ornamented with
nickel repousse work. To cheapen matters as much as possible,
however, it is un-illuminated ; the consumjition is 1,000 watts, and
it is amply suflfieient to heat small rooms or offices.
Tantalitm Lamps. — From Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works we have
received a neat booklet {3^ in. by 6 in.) containing illustrations and
particulars of the various types of " Tantalum " lamps. Some
reproductions of photogiaphs of installations .showing brilliant effects
of lighting with these lamps are included, which should be in the hands
of all interested in metal filament lamps. Although .several new
types of metal filament lamps have been recently produced, the in-
creasing number of consumers using Tantalum lamps prove that it
maintains its position. A copy of the booklet will be sent on appli-
cation to the incandescent lamp department of the company, 6,
Bath-street, City-road, London. E.C.
Road Signs. — Motor travelling by night is now rather the rule
than the exception. Interest, therefore, attaches to any apparatus
which facilitates motoring after dark
and at the same time minimises the
risk to the pedestrian public. The
Foster Arc Lamp & Engineering Co.
are issuing a new list which briefiy de-
scribes and prices their illuminated road
signs to motorists. The signs resemble
5^^ those now familiar to users of the King's
^L highway, and are fitted with lanterns in
■^ which electric, oil. gas and acetylene
M lamps can be used. We illustrate a sign
M for speed regulation notice illumination.
Falk. Stadelm.ann Accessories. — An
advance copy of a comprehensive list
of electrical accessories has been handed
to us by Messrs. Falk, Stadelmann &Co..
London and Glasgow. The list is dis-
tinctive for the wide range of accessories
included in its pages and the interesting
nature of many of the specialities inclu-
ded. We may |iarticulaily mention the
'' Efesco '" lampholder. wliicli is of extra
heavy make. The prices will be found
most reasonable, while the trade discount is also very liberal.
Interested inquirers should ask for catalogue No. 280.
BANKRUPTCIES, LIQUIDATIONS, &c.
A receiving order has been made against Jas. Hy. Mocki-idge and
Arthur Pearce (trading as Jukes. Coulson Stokes & Co. and as
Moreton & Foster), engineers and telegraph busymakers, 1 1 and 12,
Clement's-lane, E.C., and Hancock-road, Bromley-by-Bow, E.,
London. First meeting of creditors Nov. 3 at Banla-uptcy-buildings.
London, W.C. and the public exam, at same place on Dec. 4.
C'laims against Geo. Harry Smith, electrical engineer. 15. .\shU y-
road. Altrincham, by Nov. 7. to Mr. .1, G. Ciibson. Byrom-slicii.
.Manchester.
The official receiver (Mr. H. M. \\'inearls) has issued his observa-
tions under the compulsory ^^ inding-ui> order made against Meldrum
Bros. (Ltd.).
The com;iaTiy rairinl lai bn-iiu s- :is ni.iruifarturers of forced drauglit
furnaces, mecliniUMl -ImKct- htmI rrlu^r ilr-ii hcIdis at Manchester and
elsewhere. 'l'<ii.il li.ilaliih - v.nr in.iiiin .mil .insets valued at sufficient
to yield a .surjilLis of £9.li(r> ili, i |i;,\ nMut of all debts. The defioien. x
to the shareholders is, hciVi \.i. r nni.t.-d at £114.611. 1.5s. 6d. Tli-
company was registered in M.i\. I'.mio. \\ it h a noniin.il ca]i:lal of £125.001'.
.subsequently increased to iirxi.inni, to acquire as a L'oin'4 roiirern a lin<i-
ness founded in November, 1S8(>, by Mr. .1. J. Mcldnuii in .Man.li.'ster.
For sevenvl years before the registration of the coin p. my. .Messrs. .Mrldi uni
had business relations in Paris, and in March. UI03, the Societe .Melilinni
was registered to carry out the oor.tracts of the -vendors in France. Bel-
gium, and Switzerland. The Societe lleUhaini was financed throughout
by the parent company, and was now a debtor to the latter for £5i,ftf4.
The Societe Meldrum was in liquidation in France, and the directors of
the ])aTent company place no value on their claim to £51.964. The
failure is attributed to increasing competition and the slightly reduced
demand for Meldrum furnaces ; also to the heavy cost of establishing
the business in France and the onerous terms of the first Paris
contract. The official receiver, however, was of opinion that the failure
was largely due to llu- failure of the Societe Meldrum to reduce the
amount of the dcht dwiug to the company, and the consequent locking up
of the company's working capital.
The Court has appointed Mr. Theodore Gregory, C.A.. 3, York-strctt.
Manchester, as liquidator, with a committee of inspection.
A meeting will be held on Nov. 30 at 10, Pancras-lanc, London.
E.C. to receive an account of the winding up of the Commercial
Electro-Chemical Analysis Co. (Ltd.) - ■
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30. 1908.
119
COMPANIES' MEETINGS AND REPORTS.
Cuba Submarine Telegraph Co.
The scventy-fuurlli ordinary gem-ral iiu-ctinu' was held on Wednesday.
at the ofiiies, 58. (51d Broa"d->:treet. Lrnnlcm, E.C., Mr. Charles W.
Parish [iresiding.
The SECRETARY (Mr. James .Soott) read the notice calhng the meetint;
and the auditor.s' report.
The CHAIR.MAX said : The rej)ort is a record of a very quiet half-
vear. We have had no excitements ; no earthquakes in the West Indies,
or < tlier accidents to cause a special increase of traffic, and affairs in Cuba
liavc been very dull. I trust, however, that we shall soon see business on
the up grade again. Our balance-sheet is a very simple and clear one,
and requires no special explanation. The revenue account shows
i:i(i,.'i.52 as traffic receipts, while for the corresponding six months last
year they were £2.3, lOH. but this was an unusually large amount, brought
about from a heavy incrca.se in the press and general messages which came
after the .Jamaica earthquake ; in the corresponding period of lOOti the
amount was .t'l7,i>.'!S. The interest on cur investments and deposits for
the six months amount to £1,719. and. with transfer fees, we have a total
of £18,079 todeal with. This will enable us, after deducting the working
expenses and adding £4,000 to the reserve fund, to pay the usual pre-
ference dividend, and to propose to you a dividend at the rate of ti per
cent. i)cr annum (m the ordinary shares, free of income tax, while our
carry forward will be £6,756, against £7.000 brought into the account
from December last. Under the circumstances I have alluded to. I
think we may be well satisfied that the half-year's business comes out
as well as these figures indicate. As regards expenses there is very little
difference between those for the present half-year and the corresponding
one of 1907 ; this year they amount to £6,.523, while last year they were
£6,571, a difference of £48 in favour of this half. London expenses were
rather more owing to some necessary adjustments of our office staff.
while station cxpen.scs were rather smaller on account of less overtime
and a rcd\Ked expenditure on the maintenance of our lines; but, as
you are aware, there is but little variation in our expen.ses from half-year
to half-year. Ovu- claims against the American and Spanish Governments
remain much as they were ; we keep working at them with the help of
our Foreign Ollice, aTid can only hope that our patience and efforts may
be rewarded eventually. Our cables have continued to work well, and
we have been able to deal with the traffic quickly and accurately. We
have been wonderfully free from any comjilaints. I think these few-
remarks really cover all 1 have to say. I sometimes feel it rather hard
upon us that we have to have these half-yearly meetings, because it is
very difficult for me to tell you anything of interest when matters are
so quiet with our business. You come here at great inconvenience to
yourselves, and perhaps you will go away thinking you have not heard
anything new. I now move the adoption of the report and accounts.
Jtr. GEORGE KEITH seconded, and the motion was carried unani-
mously, as were also resolutions approving the dividends and there-ap-
pointment of Mr. C. W. Parish as a director and the re-election of the
auditors.
Mr. G. LYDDON proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman and his
colleagues, and particularly the staff in London and abroad.
5Ir. H. HE NEST scionded the motion, wh'ch was carried item. con.
The CHAIR.MAX ril\irncd thanks, and said he would keep a proposal
to holil .inuual iristc.iil of half-yearly meetings before him.
Thi- pn« cfdirivs th'-n tiTmin.tted.
Edison & Swan United Electric Light Co. (Ltd.)
The twenty-tiftli onlinary general meeting was held yesterday. Mr.
Hknkv WoLFENiiEN (iiesided.
The SEC'RETAR \ (Mr. H. Charles Cover) read the notice convening
the meeting .and the auditors' report.
The CHAIRMAN then said the directors came before the share-
holders with a considerably reduced profit as the result of the year's
trading when compared with each of the previous two years", and
although that was not an agreetible position, he did not think they
would feel dissatisfaction when they considered the causes. They had
had a year of depression in trade generally and in the electrical trade
in particular, which had undoubtedly affected them in common with
other firms, both in turnover and in rate of profit earned, but apart
from and in addition to this general cause they had had the
special effect resulting from the increavsing use of metal filament
lamps. So far the metal lamps had been used to replace carbon
lamps, thus decreasing the consumpton of carbon lamps. But it
would appear quite feasible to compensate for this in the future by
extending the use of electric lighting to areas and in directions
which, by reason of expense, it had not yet touched. Among other
directions he might name the smaller class of dwelling houses, which
now use oil or gas, and, in fact, anywhere where cost had hitherto
been the obstacle to its use. By this means the metal filament lamp
"ould prove a blessing in disguise. The consumption of carlion lamps
-hould be maintained practically .as hitherto, and the consumption
jf metal lamps added thereto. "They could take it as certain that
carbon lamps would continue to be used on account of their low price
n points where only short hour burning was required, the metal fila-
uent lamps being installed on account of their economy in consump-
ion of current when long hour burning was needed. To arrive at this
jxtended area of electric lighting three main factors were necessary —
m economical high efficiency lamp, a cheap form of house installa-
lon, and a more simijle method of charging for current supplied.
He dealt with these factors in detail and said that this company was
retaining its carbon lamp factories, as hitherto, and they were
adding a new factory for the manufacture of metal filament
lamps. They were producing such lamps in considerable quan-
tities, and they claimed that they were the first English firm to
produce such lamps on a commercial scale, and were the largest pro-
ducers in England to-day. Their company had been awarded the
highest distinciion at the Franco-British Exhibition — the (rrand Prize
— they being the only firm of lamp makers upon whom such an honour
had been conferred. The whole of the lamps used for outlining the
exhibition buildings, giving such a splendid effect, were supplied by
the company. He then dealt with the accounts and said that they
had reduced their debenture debt during the year by £9,980. One of
their principal as-sets was the holding in the Altrineham Supply Co.,
and that company had again incrcised the dividend on its [shares to 7
per cent, after making full provision for depreciation, and the direc-
tors had under consideration the question of supplping power to con-
sumers on a larger scale than they had hitherto done. It would be
remembered that last year he referrerl to the electrification of their
works there, and he was glad to say that they had derived benefit
from more economical working as a result, thus confirming the fore-
cast he ventured to make. After dealing with the capital account he
referred to the fact that the balance of profit and loss account was
£41,312, which permitted of allowances for depreciation on buildings,
machinery and stocks £10.505, addition to the reserve £5, COO, and
payment of dividenfls and debentnre interest, carrying forwanl £65.
He moved the adoption of the report and accounts.
Mr. E B. ELLICE-CLARK .seconded the motion, which, after a
discussion, was carried unanimously.
Resolutions approving the dividends and re-electing Mr. H. Wol-
fenden and Sir J. W. Swan, the retiring directors, were then (jassed
and the proceedings terminated.
Victoria Falls Power Co. (Ltd.)
At the meeting on Friday the PRKSIDENT (the Marquess of Win-
chester), in moving the adoption of the report, said that after the deduction
of debenture interest and London expenses, the net revenue from the
Brakpan and Germiston works amounted to £3(1.685. 12s. 4d., which had
been carried forward. Their expenditure on capital account, which
had been continued throughout the year, had been heavy. Their con-
tractors had pushed on construction at a very rapid pace, and though
during the present year their demands upon the company had been incess-
ant, they had had no cause to complain, because one of the company's
new stations was already producing revenue, and they had every confi-
dence that the other would follow early in the coming year. The capital
estiinatcs upon which they had worked from the outset ha'l Ijecn proved
by events to have been correct, and they now knew that upon their
original programme of construction they woidd have a larger margin than
they at first anticipated. For the moment all the power which they
could supply was sold, and he was confident that the whole output of the
Simmer Pan station also would have been contracted for shortly. In
anticipation of further extensions they were applying for a private bill
in the next session of the Transvaal Legislature Council to enable them,
when they wished to do so, to erect a station at Vereeniging. on the Vaal
River, and they were retaining the site which they had acquired near to
the Roshervillc dam. To sum up, they had firmly established themselves
upon the Rand: they should shortly be delivering electric powerfrom two
large modern plants, of which one was already earning revenue ; that
their estimate of costs had not been exceeded ; that they h.ad entered
into satisfactory contracts in regard to .supplies of coal ; that they had
large ca.sh balances, and that their affairs in South Africa were in most
capable hands. Besides, they had the Falls in reserve. They were a
most valuable asset, and in any estimate of the company's position
must never be lost sight of. They were confident that they now occupied
a very strong position, both financially and otherwise, and he desired to
emphasise that point liecause there had lately been circumstantial
rumours in regard to the jiroposed formation of a company to compete
with them in the supply of power on the Rand. They did not propose to
surrender any of the ]>osition which they had secured ujion the Rand
without a struggle, which, if necessary, would be strenuous and pro-
tracted and from whi( h they would emerge victorious. They knew that
the contracts at present secured for the proposed new company had been
accepted at very closely-cut prices, and they a.ssiuued that it would
nat\irally tje anxious to average those contracts with others giving a higher
return. That being so, they were bound also to assume that such a com-
|iany would eventually try to compete with them in the sale. of power
throughout the Witwatersrand and that cut-throat compctiOoh must
contmue until one or other of the crmpcling comjianies absorbed or
destroyed its rival. That had been the history of competition on every
other field, and it was not likely that the Witwatersrand would prove an
exception. Experience had shown that such a slate of affair; was ui no
one's interest. The rival suppliers of power had all their expense- in-
creased, and in the end the consumers had tc pay. While the fight lasts
there was instability of ])rice, unrest and uncertainty. They .".hould,
therefore, fight the proposed inidertaking from start to finish.
Mv. H. WIL,SON FOX seconded the resolution and said that their
policy for the development of their greatest asset, the Victoria Falls,
remained unchanged. It was for them to turn to profitable account on
a large scale, at the earliest opportunity, that great natural reservoir of
force, the Victoria Falls, and to utilise that force in the greatest market
for power hitherto established in South Africa — namely, the Witwaters-
rand. They were endeavouring, and should continue to endeavour, to
ge the establishment of metallurgical and other industries at the
120
THE ELECTRICIAN, OCTOBER 30, 1908.
Falls themselves. Theii' desire to transmit power to the Rand from the
Falls could not be realised until two conditions had been fulfilled. The
first of these conditions was a grant of wayleaves by the Transvaal
Government, and the second was the certainty of a sufficient and con-
tinuous market for their power. In his negotiations with the members
of the Transvaal (Jovernment he had lieen met most frankly. The mini-
mum extent of the market to ensure a |iimI1i:iIiIc Irausniission depended
upon tlie relative cost at the Randof sir un lu. nlm .-d power and of water-
)M-od\iced power. When they first embarked ii|jon their undertakmg on
tlie data llien available they believed that the cost of generation of steam
|io\\ I r was liigher than their experience had since shown it to be. C'on-
sL'qii. iitly, had all other conditions remained the same, he would liavc had
to tell them that, in order to enable water power to compete with that
pi-oduced on the Rand by steam, sales of power would have to be on a far
larger scale than they originally contemplated. On the other hand,
gieat advances had also been made in the transmission of electricity over
li.nt; distances, and it did not appear that the limit of voltage had yet
been reached. Their immediate market for power was not yet sufficient
to make transmission from the Falls a commercial success, but he was
convmced that the day would come, and before many years had passed,
when conditions in that resjiect would have changed; for, while it
a|i|w iicil |.i"li able that the cost of electric power generated by steam with
tl'r iiMi t mo I, in ]ilant was not now likely to be reduced very materially.
i( a|ii.r and I hat the limit for economical transmission of water-dcveln|ied
power had not yet been approached. Their eminent electrical adviser
(Mr. Mershon. of New York) was continuing to make his investigations on
their behalf. Whereas just prior to the formation of the company
8(),()00 volts was the highest tension then in use, he was interested to see
in a letter from Mr. Mershon that he (Mr. Mershon) had every reason to
believe that within the next few years there \\'ould be ti'ansmissions
operating in the United States ii |iii~-iir.- a- liijli a- ir.ii.iiiiii \o|ts. and
he saw no reason, so far as the i im mm -hni Iiim' ii~,li w a . (mm. m.'d. why
they should not go to pressure^ "\ 2o;i,i'iio ,<r i \ . ii l'.Mi.ciiii voIIs, wlierc
large enough amounts of power were to be transmitted. The import-
ance of that statement, an every electrical engineer would realise, could
not be over-estimated, coming as it did from probably the highest
authority m the world, upon questions of the commercial transmission
of electrical energy. He ( jlr. Fox) fully expected that before many years
had passed it would be po.ssible to transmit electric power from the Falls
to the Rand at less capital cost than wa- r.a|iii.iic in.ii i\ f ■ lian^mit the
SI me amount of power for 150 miles. 'Iliil In m- n. la , mil liiidlyrate
too highly the commercial value of tli. ii urr at a-c i. .Moninai. with a
federatcil Smilh Africa, the day of parochial views should be over, and
he had m> dnulii liy the time they were ready to approach the Govern-
ment again the olijcrtions which to-day prevented their immediate relai-
sation of their i>roject would have ceased to exist.
BAHIA BLANCA & NORTH-WESTERN RAILWAY CO. (LTD.)— The report
for the half-year ended June 30 states that under the concession held
by the company the construction of a system of electric tramways has
been commenced. The su]i]ily of electricity for lighting and power to
Bahia-Blanca is 1.. au luiihcr extended, and a contract has been con-
cluded for the ■ ' I ] I ! f a large power house. Advantage is being
taken to transiim r |r 1 1 1. |.M\\er to a new grain elevator in course of con-
struction, and also additiimal power to the mole.
CAPE ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS (LTD.).— For the year ended June 30 the
profit and loss account, after jiroviding for debenture interest and re-
demption cf Debentures, and takuig into account balance from last year,
shows a credit of £8,823. 2s. 2d., which has been carried forward. The
tramways in Cape To\vn carried 14.742,155 passengers, cainins
£120,n0!l. )Ss. Od., against 12.r)li:!.:ilt:i |.asscngers, earning ii:! vn |. |,|.
in l'.IO()-7. In Port Elizabeth !!. alii. :.'l I ]ias,sengers were rai I I I !,■_■
£37.047. ISs. 4d., .against 3.67li.li:i.') |.asscMgers, earning £;!'.i.i''i.i I:: !i|.
in 190(1-7. Tlie business of the eonijianj', both in Caj)e Town and Port
Elizabeth, has continued to suffer severely on account of the general
depression, and the persistent ruinous competition from the Government
and the Sea Point Municipality, affecting the Sea Point section of the
Cape Town tramway system. The competing line, run by Government
.imder a guarantee from Sea Point Council, shows heavy losses owmg to
extremely low fares.
ELECTROLYTIC ALKALI CO. (LTD.)— The net profit for theyear ended
Aug. 31, after allowing for depreciation, mortgage and debenture in-
terest, renewals, repairs and general upkeep of binldings, plant, &c.,
is £10,411 added to £0,840 from last year. There is now three years'
dividend due on the )>refcrence ca|)ital, and the directors propose to pay
one year's dividend. aK orliinj iii.'l'.t", .and to carry forward £1(1. i.").").
The directors rimKiiln i li ii. iii \ h » ..I the contmuanee of low prices for
the company's | imhh ts. and als.. tlie inllated prices of some of the raw
materiaN. tie- re nil is satisfactory, and proves conclusively that, under
normal ((m.hiiuM-. (he company is capable of earning substantial divi-
dends. 'I'lie ileni and for the company's products is well mamtained.
MONTEVIDEO TELEPHONE CO. (LTD.).— The directors' report for the
yea'- ■ iide.l .Inly "1 states tliat there was a substantial increase in the
nnniber of snbsi ribci-s and in gross revenue, but owing to an increase in
rate of wages, to damage caused by storms and removal of linos neces-
sitated by the introduction of electric traction, working expenses more
than absorbed the increased receipts. The net profit, after providing for
this exceptional expenditiu-e and ordinary working expenses in Monte-
video and London, was £19,400. 17s. Id!, against £20,383. 12s. 2d. for
the previous year. Interim dividends recpiired £4,342. 14s. To the
balance (£15,058. 3s. Id.) is added £3,081. fis. 3d. from last year, making
£18,139. 9s. 4d. After transferring £ti,000 to reserve and £5,000 to
reserve for renewal of plant, the directors recommend payment of the
final preference dividend and 3 per cent, on the ordinary shares (making
() per cent, for the year), leaving £2,796. 15s. 4d. to be carried forward.
Mr. F. W. Jones, who has been chairman and managing director for so
many years, has to reside abroad for his health and has felt obliged to
retire. Mr. Charles Lock has lieen appointed chairman. To fill the
vacancy Mr. Laurence R Philipps, who re])resents large share-holding
interests, has been elected. Sir John Ciavey, C.B., late engineer-in-chiei
and now consulting engmeer to the Post Office, has con.sented to act as
consulting engineer to the company.
ROSARIO ELECTRIC CO. (LTD.)— At the meeting on Tuesday, the chair-
num (Mr. W. T. Western) said the units of electric current sold were
29 per cent, in ex. ess of tho.se sold in the ]ireeeding j'ear, about four-
fifths of the ( HI I-. Ill sejil lieing for lighting and one-fifth for power. The
gross receipts liad iiaaeascd from £()4,3(KI to £73,100. Works co.sts
had increased by £."i.siiiiii, .,1 v.liieli over £4,000 was for fuel. The arrange-
ment as to street li-liim^ IihI worked satisfactorily, and they were
making arrangements Na li^ljiing a further number of streets, using
experimentally metallic tilanunt lamps. The capital expended in-
cluded the cost of installing condensing ]ilant. Next year they would ask
for authority to uicrease the company's ca])ital. Their manager (Mr.
Unwin) and his staff in Rr sario deserved credit for the successful result.s.
shown.
WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH CO.— The report for the year ended
June 30 states that the number of messages decreased 12,433,264 and
the revenue 84,274,194, due to depression and to strike of operatoi-s.
Notwithstanding the abnormal expense during the strike, the expenses
for the year were reduced .§1, 352, 681, which left the net loss in revenue
$2,921,213 compared with 1906-7. There are indications of improve-
ment manifested by demands from many different sections of the
country for help to handle increasing traffic.
NEW COMPANIES.
E. GOOSSENS, POPE & CO. (LTD.) (99,932.)— Reg. Oct. 19, capital
£1,000 in f 1 shares, to acquire the business of electrical lamp m.auu-
faoturers and merchants carried on as E. Goossens, Pope &. Co., and
to carry on the same and the business of electricians, electrical engi-
neers, &c. Private company. First directors E. Goossens, F. R. Pojje
and M. W. O'Connell. Reg. office, 5, Arthur-street, New Oxford-
street, London, W.
NORTHERN ELECTRICAL & VENTILATING CO. (LTD.) (99,958.)— Reg.
Oct. 20, cajiital £5.000 in £1 shares (l.QdO preference), to acquire the
business carried on at Li\crpool as the Northern Electrical & 'Venti-
lating Co. First directors, C. V. Titherley and C. P. L. Titherley.
CITY NOTES.
MEMORANDA (Oct. 29).— Bank rate 2| per cent, (since May 28, 1908)
Price of silver, 23i;d. per oz. Consols 84^ — 84J for money and account.
Consols Pay Day, Nov. 5 ; Stock and Shares Continuation Day,
Nov. 11 ; Ticket Day, Nov. 12 ; Pay Day, Nov. 13.
Prices of Metals (London). — Copper, cash, 61^ ; three months,
62]%. Lead, English, ]3i — 13J ; foreign, cash, 13|. Speller, foreign,
19J— 20:i. Tin, English, 132i— 134V: Fine Foreign, cash, 1338 ; Hiree
months, 135:^. Iron, Cleveland, cash, 48/4, and three months, 48/'9.
BATH ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS (LTD.)— The secretary has issued a state-
ment to the effect that the falling off in traffic receipts (£2,291) up to
7th inst. has been met by an (almost) ecpial decrease in expenses of
operation. The company's ap])lication for leave to increase the fares
on its Weston loutc has been granted by the Board ol Trade.
CITY OF BUESOS AYRES TRAMWAYS CO. (1904) (LTD.)— A dividend of
Is. 3d. per share has been declared for the three months ended Sept. 30.
INDIA RUBBER, GUTTA PERCHA & TELEGRAPH WOKKS CO. (LTD.) —
'i'he directors have made an issue of I2..">IH( !i\e jier cent, cumulative
preference shares of £10 each, which were offered at par to holders of
ordinary shares in the proportion of one new preference to every com-
plete four ordinary shares, holders of less than four ordinary shares being
entitled to take U]i one new ))rcfercnce share.
NEW ST. HELENS & DISTRICT TRAMWAYS CO. (LTD.)— The diieet.i s
recommcnil a dividend of 1 \ par cent. (Is. (id. per share) on the prelerem e
shares „n aeemim ,.f aireaTs.
TELEGRAPH CONSTRUCTIONS MAINTENANCE CO. (LTD.)— Thedirectoi-S
have derided tn ayaiii renew the 4 per cent, debentures, which mature on
Jan. 1, 1009, for a further period of 10 years. Holders of the existing
debentures who wish to renew them on the terms set out in an advertise-
ment in another column should deposit their debentures at the offices
of the company, 38, Old Broad-street, London, E.C., between Dec. 1 and'
21 in order that the necessary endorsement may be made thereon. Messrs.
Barclay & Co. (54. Lombard-street, E.C.) will purchase at jiar all deben-
tures wliieli hiilciers do not wish to renew.
WESTERN TELEGRAPH CO. (LTD.)— The directors have decided (after
transferring £110,000 to gi-ncral reserve. £5.000 to maintenance ships
reserve, £10,000 to marine insurance and ilK.OOO to land and buildings
depreciation) to recommend a final dividend of 3s. per share, making a
total dividend of (i per cent, for year ended June 30, and also the pay-
ment of a bonus of 2s. per share, both tax free. The balance of the
account is carried forward. The register of transfers will be closed from
Nov. 3 to 11 inclusive.
j;he^eotbici:an, ootobee 30, 1908.
ELECTBIG TBIHW&T IND BlILWAT TRAFFIC
RECEIPTS.
Aberdeen Oorporfttlon ....
Alrdrio
Anglo-Argontlne
Ayr Corporation "— •
Baker St. i Waterloo By..
Barnaley
Barrow
Bath Electrlo Trams, Ltd,
Birkenhead Corporation .
Birmingham Corporation.
Birmingham & Mid
Blackburn Corporation ....
Blackpool Corporation ....
Blackpool and Fleetwood.
Bolton Corporation
Bombay
Bournemouth Corporation..
Bradford Corporation
Brighton Corporation
Bristol Trams & Carriage..,
Burnley Corporation
Burton Corporation
Bury Corporation
Calcutta Tramways Co
Camborne- Redruth
Cardiff Corporation
Cavehil]
Central London Railway ...
Charing C.,Eu8ton &. H'stead
Chatham & Dist. Lt. Kys...
City & South London Kly..
Oity of Birmingham
Colchester Corporation
Cork Klectric Trams Co. ..
Croydon Corporation
DevoDport & Dit^t. Trams..
Dover Corporation
Dublin & Lucan Kailway ..
Dublin United
Dudley-Stouibridge
Dundee (]orporation
East Ham Council
Bxetor Corporation
Falku-k and District
Qatei^htad & Diat. Trams...
Giaegow Corporation ,
Glosaop
Gravesend— Northfleet
Great Northern & City Bly.
Gt. Northern, PiccadiUy,&c
Greenock & Port Glasgow..,
Hartlepool Tramways ,
Hastingti Elcc. Trams Co....
Hong Kong
Uuddfislicld Corpn ..
Hull Corporation
Hford District Council
Ilkeston District Council ...
Ipswich Corporation
Ulo of Thanet Co
J arrow ,
Keighley Corporation
Eiddorminster Hi District...
Kihuaruock Corporation ...
Lanarkshire Trams Co. ...
Leamington
Leeds Corporation
Leicester Corporation
Leith Corporation
Lincoln Corporation
Liverpool Corporation ..;...
Liverpool Overhead Kly, ...
London County Council ...
London United
LoweHtoft
Maidstone Corporation
Manchester Corporation ...
Mersey Kailway
Merthyr
Metropolitan Dist. Railwaj
Metropolitan Elec. Trams...
Middle tou
Nelson Corporation
Newcastle-on.Xyne Corp. ...
Newport (Mon.)
Northampton Corporation .
Oldham, Ashton & Hyde ...
Oldham Corporation
Perth lN.B.)Oorporation ...
Perth ( W. A.) Elec. Trama...
Peterborough
Portsmouth Corporation ...
Potteries
Rotherham Corporation ...
Botbesay
S&lfortt Corpuiiitioii
Sheerness
SheflBcld Corporation
aiogapore Trams
South Metropolitan
South Staffs
Bouthfod Corporation
Soothport Tramways
btal>-ba8r,U>ae,&c.,Jt.Bd.
Sunderland Corporation ...
Sunderland District
Swansea Trama
Swmaou Corporation
launton
|rynemouth and District...
Xyneside Trams Co
Wallasey District Council...
Walsall Corpn
Warrinyton Corpn
West Ham Corporadon
Weston-super-Mare ...
Wolverhampton Co '"
J\olverbaiapton Corpn
Wrexham ...
XorksbireW.BV'frams"!::;
IforkBlnre Woollen Di«trict_
(a) These comparisons are'^ithThl
2,1S8
R37,3e5
1.427
4,505
+ 21
10
+ 7,472
1,397
_
17
I9S
+
10
6,30/
7
2,054
+
4
49d
9
lOJ
+
7
10,9oJ
1)9
1,33J
—
264
37,504
+
5,532
6,15a
+
214
174
—
14
173
15,616
+
757
1,913
+
9(1
213
2
10,278
+
2,011
6,3.51
+
1,S84
weeks.l '^""""'- | pec. (o)
J- 84 I 41
8,820
60,900
7,b5S
10,345
31,716
If 9,725
33,710
36,09.5
l',279
71,001
111,389,456
62,401
142,866
30,022
215,022
4,824
8,343
36,139
K79),904
6,613
3,'602
128,937
66,220
33,442
60,782
111,223
632
19,623
43,678
19,323
7,201
2,437
93,701
34,910
8,S05
22,329
85,430
22,058
111,065
22.0.12
4 3, '.2 9
73 934
13,847
4,269
12,Ga
4',5t4
166,393
239,618
15,oci;
4,202
117,125
S0,275
ll;263
24,045
Ci),958
3,780
i6,iil
6,423
64,590
74,575
ll',221
9,452
142,691
2,40J
171,838
$36,683
31,074
36,551
15,046
12,06 J
23,611
36,324
25,252
1,734
9,885
7,U67
27,773
22,887
11,166
67,282
6,483
18,909
17,401
11,911
4,288
52,639
33,135
2,122
1,023
1,543
2C,)U9
1,81C
1,555
3,609
_
231
61,738
+
3.311
■(-
4(,7
4-
3,toO
38,712
•(-
26
35
3,584
_
41!l,271
-
9,606
-
3,240
,0c7,929
+
ll,4bO
IPIu
■) J • —„„„... sponding period last year. S Plus 3 day^.
i.aays, • Partly elc«t:ice'. t Minus 3 daya t MIbob 2 days,
ELECTRICAL COMPANIES' SHARE LIST
s
LAHT
DIVI-
DERD
10
10
10
6/0
4/6
6/0
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
6 13 6 1 Mar, Bept,
HZ
St.: 4%
61 2/6
El 2/3
St. 4%
6 1 2/3
6 2/0
St. 4J%
10 6/0
10 6/0
St. 6%
St., 4i%
100
St.
St.
St,
4i?
m
HZ
nx
6%
10
0/0
Jo
0/0
10
10
0/9
.St.
4Z
b
4/0
St,
HZ
10
ax
10
BX
St,
m
H-H
39 -99
3J-3I
2i-3|
lOJ -103
9i-10
12 —13
122 —125
101 —104
2J— 3
3J-4
7 -8
10}-10j
107 — IIU
99 -102
ii-H
6 — 6i
97 — lUO
6 — ej
7J-8}
6 -ei
94 -97
96 -100 ;
86 -90
i-n
41-4i
106 —109
84 -89
96 -es
6i-6i
94 -96
n-H
68-f|
96 -97
93 —96
115 -Ui
6i-ej
96 —98
71 -fj
63-7*
88 -9U
J-i
68 —72
2i-2|
99-103
i-1
ii-5i
SU —83
7* -Si
5 -61
4 10
3 18
6 13 0
4 12
4 11
4 10
6 11
6 14
4 12
Fclj, Aog
Fell, Aug
Jan. ,fuly
April, Oct
Mav, Nov
March
Mar, SetJt
June, Deo
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
,Tan, July
March . .
June, Dec
Feb, Aug
Jan, July 121
June, Dec H^SJ
Jan, July |1'52
April, Oct I ..
April, Oct I ••
Feb, Aug
M.ir, Sept 10a';
Jan, July
May, Nov i ••
April, Oct! ..
Mar, Sept -
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
fi
r 0/6
St, 4U
St. iX
3i%
31%
HZ
i-i
93 -9d
lOj-U
8J— 9
96 -68
*-ll
49 —52
101 -104
S5 — i-7
4i-4J
96 —100
3.'4 -S3i
HI —114
1 19 —112
llO -103
111-121
121 -13i
i-1
Vi-8J
9i -91
3 -4
90 —91
!J.i-l)
8J-ii
93 —95
ij-n
&-.'.l
81 -86
ii-ik
(9 -74
1 -3
8-6
f-i''
92 -95
S8 -33
67 —69
84 —87
76 —79
76 -78
91 —93
88 —01
4 14 9
8 0 0
4 10 10
4 IS 9
5 10 6
6 12 0
6 11
0 0
10 12
S 8
5 17
April, Oct
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
June, Dec
Jan, July
June, Dec
Fell, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Mar, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb ....
Feb, Aug
April
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
April, Oct
April, Oct
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
April....
J:.u,July
April, Oct I
Jan, July
Feb, Aug i
Feb, Aug
I June, Deo j
Feb, Aug I
April, Oct
May, itoy
4 6 6 Feb, Aug
4 11 0 I Fell, Aug I
3 17 0 -• ■
3 17 0
4 12 0
i".
lOlJ
04
isi
Boamemonth & Poole Eleo, Sup, Ord... 16 — lOJ
n per Cent. Cum, Pref. 94-10
6"per Cent. Cum. Second Pref, ,.. lOJ-lOf
4J per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
ley (Kent) El. Lt. & Power Shares
Do. 1st Debs.
Brompton & Kensington Elec. Sup. Ord.
Do. 7 per Cent. Pref.
Central Eleo. Snp. C0.4V Gnar.Db.Stock
Charing Cro83(W. End 4 City)El.Sup.Co.
Do. 41 per Cent, Pref,
4 per Cent, Deb. Stock (red.)..
Citv Undertaking 4*% Cm. Prel.
Chelsea Electric Supply OJd
41 per Cent. Deb. Stock (rod.) ..
City of London Electric Lighting Ord..
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref,
Do, 6 per Cent. Deb, Stock (red.)
Do. 4* per Cent, 2nd Deb. Stock (red.)
CounlyofDurhamElec. P.D. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, non Cum. Pref.
County of London Elec. Supply Ord..
6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
4J% Deb. Stock (red.)
,d Deb. Stock
Folkestone Electricity Supply Co. Ord.
6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
4* lat Deb. Stock (red) ,
4/0 ItHoveEfectric Lighting Ord
Tensington & Knightsbridge Ord...
Do. 6 per Cent, lat Pref
4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
igtn. 4 Kn.Klbg, Co. & Netting Hill
Co. (Joint Station) i% Deb. Stock (red.)
Kent Elec. Power C^o
London Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. .
Metropolitan Electric Sup, Ord. .
Do, 44 per Cent, Cum. Pref. ....
Do. 41 per Cent. Deb. Stock 1st Mort.
Do. 3*perCent.Mrt. Deb, Stock(red.)
Midland" Elec. Corp.for P.D.latMort.Db.
.tie & Dist. Elec, Ltg, Ord.
4j% Do. 4* per Cent. Deb
8% Newcastle Elec, Supply Ord
6% Do. 5 per Cent, non Cum. Pref.
4Z Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb, red. 1907.
3% Northern Counties Elec, Sup
4J% Do. 4* per Cent. Deb
lOi 6/0 Notting'Hill Electric Ord
6' 2/6 Oxford Electric Ord
Do, 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
St. James' & Pall Mall Elec. Ord
7 per Cent. Pref,
Do. 3>i per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ..
Smithfield Markets Electric Snp. Ord..
4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
South london Electric Supply Ord
th Metrop'n Elec. Lt. & Power Ord.
Do. 7 per Cent. Cum. Pref
Do. 41 lat Db. Stk. Red
Urban Electric Sup(ily Ord
6 per Cent, Cum. Pref, ... .
4* per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb..
Westminster Elec. Sup. Ord
Do. 41 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS & TRAMWAYS.
Baker St. & Waterloo i'i Perp. Db. 81
Bath Elec. Trams Pref. Ord
6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
41 1st Mort. Deb. Stock (red.) ,
K'hani & Midland Trama 4} 1st Db. Stk,
Bristol Tramways & Carriage Ord.
Cum, Pref. (fully paid)
4 per Cent. Deb3
British Electric Traction Ord
6 per Cent. Cum, Pref.
5 per Cent. Perpetual Debs. .
Do. 44 per Cent. 2u.l Deb. Stock ,
Central London Ordinary Stock
Do. 4 per Cent. Pref, Stock
Do, Deferred Stock
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs
Charing S.Euslon&Hmpstd Per.Db.Stk.
tCity of Birmingham Trams. 6%Cra.Pref,
t Do. 4 per Cent, Ist Mort. Dobs
Citv & South [,cindon Klv. Con. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Perp. Pref. (1891)
Do. (1890)
Do. (1901)
Oo, (1903)
Do. 4perCent, Perpetual Debs. ...
Dublin United Trams. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Gt.Northeru &CilyKly. Pref. Ord. (4%)
G. Northern, Piccadilly & Brompton Ord.
Do, 4 per Cent, Deb, Slock
Hastings & Dist. Elec, Trams. 6% Cm, Pf.
Do. 41 Lb. St
1 Imperial Tramways Ord.
J Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. ...
!Do. 41 per Ceut. Dal.3.
I. of Thanet E. T. & Lt. 6 per Cent. Pref,
St, iZ Do, 4 percent. Dob. Stoc
lu 6/0 LanarSshire Tramways
St. I 6% Lanes. Utd. Trams 6 i Prior Lien Db. St.
pool Overhead Railway Ord
10 6% Do, 6 per Cent. Pref
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb
London United Trams. &'/, Cum. Pref. .
Do, 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. Stock
Mersey Con, Ord. Stock ,
Do. 3 per Cent, Perp. Pref.
Metropolitan Elec. TramwaysOrd
Do. Def.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 44 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Metropobtau Railway Consolidated
Do. Surplus Lauds Slocks
Do. 34 per Cent. Preference
Do. SJperCeut. "A"Prel"erenco
Do. 31 per Cent, Converlible Pref. 76—78 4 9 9 Feb,' Aug 1 76}
Do, Sj per Cent. Debenture Stock 91—93 I 3 15 3 Jan, July' 9"t
Do. 34per Cent. " A" Ditto 88—01 3^170 Jan, July t.9j 8ti
• In caloDlating the yield allowance hag been made for accrued interest but not for redempTio n
t Ki Diridond. { The London Stock Exchange Coniiuittee have declined to ijuote the as
Price
Wed.,
Oct. 2S.
£
d.
Week ro
_ (Dot. 28.
High- iiw"
10 li
0
6 13
4
6 2
0
■1 13
H
« ;^
6
4 9
0
S7i
991
941
5i
3J
6 16
4 17
4 11 0
4 16 3
3 17 6
5 4 0
4 10 6
6 11
4 13
Feb ...
Jan, July [
Jan, July |
April, Oct I
April, Oct '
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug I
Feb, Aug ;
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug (
May, Nov
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Jan, J uly
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Aog
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
Feb, Aug.
April.. .
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
63 67i
61} I sii
161 65i
5i
THE ELECTBICIAW. OCTOBKE 30, 1908.
ELECTMCAJL. COlMrPAINIES' SHARE I^IST.-Oontinued.
Last I
nnn-
dendI
Price
Wed.,
Oct. 28.
KATK % I ni-inT.lfl»I> i BDBIRK8B
Lasti
Drvi-
derdI
Price
Wed.,
Oct. 28.
ED. I ""■• I Oct.
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS &. TRAMWAYS-
Metroliolitan DistiitI Eailwav Ord.
Esle
4i
Do.
Bt. 4%
Ficf. (SperCent.)
,. led ExI. Pref. (Int. Guar, by
Und. Elec. Bha.Co. of London, Ltd.)
o. 3 per Cent. Coniioltd. Rent-charRe
o. 4 per Cent. Midland Bent-cbarge
in Guar. Stock 4 per Cent
6 per Cent. Perp. Deb. Stock
4 per Cent.. Ditto
>ew Gen. Tract. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Potteries Electric Traction Ord
I;o. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4* per Cent. Deb. Stock
R. Met. Elec. Trams. & LtR. 6% Cm. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Sunderland Dist. Elec.Trms.fiXlBtMt.Dh.
rndereronndE.Rvt.Lon.6'5:' Inc'm bonds
Do. 5X Prior Lieu Bords,
Do. 4J'; Bonds
Yorkshire (W.K.) Elec. Trams. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum, Pref.
Do. 4* rer Cent. Ist Debs
ELECTRIC MANUFACTURINC, &,c.
Aron Electricity Meter Ord
Do. 6% Cum. Pf. (ex on a/c arrears)...
Babcock ct Wilcoi Ord
Do. Pref
British Insulated & Helsby Cables Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent, Pref.
Do. 4J per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.)
British Tboman-Uoaafn 4 J% Ist Mt.Db.
British Westinghonse 6 per Cent. Pref...
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock
Brush Electrical Engineering
Do. 6 per Cent, Pref. non-Cum
Do. H per Cent. Perp. 1st Deb. Stock
Do. Perpetual 2nd Deb. Stock
Callenders Cable Con. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J per Cent. Ist Jlort Debs, (red.)
Castner-Kellner Alkali Co
Do. 4i per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (rod.).
Chadburn'B (Ship) Telegraph Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Consolidated Electrical Co
Consolidated Signal Co
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
•Crompton & Co. (Nos. 1 to 86,000)
Do. 6 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs. (red.).
DavLs 4 Timniins
Dick, Kerr & Co. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 41 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Edison & Swan United ("A"8h.)(£3pd.)
Do. (f 6 paid)
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock {rd.
Do. 6 percent, 2nd Deb. Stock
Edmundson's Elec. Corp. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J per cent. Ist Mort. Deb. (red.)
Electric Construction Co
Do. 7 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Perp. 1st Mort. ,*ebs.
General Electric (1900) .^% Cum. Pref...
Do. 4 per Cent. Tst Mort. Debs
nenley's Telegraph Works Ord
Do. 4i per Cent. Pref.
Do. H per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. Stock
In. Pub, Gut. Per, 4c,,Wrke ex rightr
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs, (red.)
National Elec. Construction Co
Bichardsons.Weslgarth & Co., Ltd. Ord,
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref ...
To. H per Cent. Perp. Deb. Stock ..
Simples'Conduits Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref
Telegraph Construction & Maintenance
Do. 4 per Cent Deb. Bonds (1909) ..
Vickers, Sons & Maxim, Ltd., Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Preference
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Preferred
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Db. Sk. (red)
Do. 45 per Cent. 2nd Mort. Deb. (red.)
Do. 6 percent. Sid Mort. Debs. Scrip.
.I.G.Whitc&Co. ejCm.Prcf.
tWil'.ans & Robinson Ord
t Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
TELEGRAPHS.
Amazon Telegraph
Do. 6 per Cent. Debs, (red.;
St.' 15/0 tAnglo-Amenean
St., 30/0 t Do. Preferred
Bt.
nx
m
6:
10/0
6:
2/fi
St.
HZ
J
wo
St.]
UX
1
UlVt
l'
0/Vf
1
0/8?
1/0
1
0/7 #.
3/0
100
f>Z
uin
2/0
b
0/7i
St.
4*%
Bt.
Bt.
Bt.
HZ
11
b/O
100
4%
1
0/9J
J
0/Vi
bt
H-/,
6
12: 12/0
100 4X
1 1/0
1| 0/6
Bt.i fi%
St.i iZ
lOOl 4i%
100 16/6
lul 10/0
6, 1/U
6; 3/0
100
4>,
•00 6%
4-3
92 -il6
J-1
76 —80
77 -81
22) 23i
92J-93J
76 -76
i-l|
3 -3h
84 —87
U-li
3}-4
li-16
103 —106
91 -96
40 -46
i
i-8
68 -73
50 —64
9*-10J 17 2 6
6t-6} I 4 7 0
1074-1C91I 4 2 0
lA— lU I 8 0 0
103 —107 4 4 0
II-IA ; 7 1 ) 6
15— lA I 6 13 0
8-J I 7 0 0
1i"b— li's
'is— •!■!
I -li .
101 -104
U-2i
76 - 79
84 —87
is-i
4-1
69 — 1)6
ii-i|
66 —70
7i-7}
64 -88
lOJ-llJ
5 -64
107 —109
16J— 17*
1)7 —99
1-8
»-J
86 -88
IJ
H
32 —34
101 —103
li— IJ 18 4 0
) -14 '< i 9 0
'102 — 1U5 ; 4 15 U
103 —105 I 3 IS 6
104 -106 4 6 0
St.!
IX
St.,
4%
10 i
H;0
10!
ltl/0
b
2/0
b
b/O
60
4*X
20
4/0
100
MX
St.
26/0
tet.
IV /«
St.
n
iO
2/6
St.
iZ
100
iy.
2b
iZ
1(1
b/O
100
HZ
'.'h
S->,6
nil
»l
10;
Kl
100
i'y.
'A
1/3
m
4?!
II
11
t/o
11
26, t
101
bZ
i(
b/O
St.
4%
r Cent. Deb. Stk
rCent
21-3i
90 —93
68 —61
102—103
lf*-17
6 16 0
5 17 e
5 18 0
73-SJ
16J— 17J
3 -3i
100%— 103%
13J-13J
100 — lOu
136 —138
ILO —102
66 —69
lU —76
68 —72
lOo"- 103
li-14
jOu — lu3
8i-9j
101 —103
138-144
102 -104
s3 -b8
0 17 0
6 14 0
6 16 0
6 11 0
24i
764
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept &0J
Jan, July 1244
Jan, July ••
May ....
April, Oct
Feb, Ang
May, Not
Fob, Ang
Jan, July
Jan, July
.Tone, Dec
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jnlyi Feb
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
March ..
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
Not, May
May, Nov
Feb. Aug
March . .
April, Oct
August ...
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Sept
Sept
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
June, Deo
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
May, Not
Jan, Joly
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July
June, Deo
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
April. Oct
April...
Not ..
761
Deferred
ialCable4 pi
Cuba Submarine Orel..
Do. Preference 10 pi
Direct Spanish Ord
Do. 10 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J per Cent. Deb
tDirect United States Cable
Direct West ludiaCable 44% Rg. Db. (rd.
t Eastern Ordinary
t Do. 34 per Cent. Pref. Stock
Do. 4 perCent.Mort. Deb. Stk. (red.) iOdi-1064 8 14 6
tEastem Extension 12*-1» 6 9 6
Do. 4 J.er Cent. Deb. Stock lOl —103 3 17 9
Eastern & S. African 4% Mort. Deb. 1908 994-1014 8 18 6
Do. 4% Mauritius Suh. Debs, (red.) ... IUI4— 103jl 8 16 8
G.N.C'l CopenhaKen),vtl'hCoupon74... 2!)4-S14 - " "
B alifai & Bermuda 44 4 Ist Mt. Db.( red.)
Indo-European
Mackar Companies Common
Do. Preleience
Marconi's Wireless Teleg. Co
1 Pacitic & Europen Tel.4;iGaar.Db8.(red.)
\^ est Coast ol America '.
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs
\\e.t India & Panama
Do. b per Cent. 1st Pret
Do. 6perCeut.2ndPre£
Do. b per Cent. Debs
'Western lelegraph
Do. 4 1 er Cent . Deb. Stock (red.)
t Western Union Telegh. «l,u0O4/t Bonds
Mar, July
Jan, July
Apr, Oct
Apr, Oct
May, Not
102i
ss«
13i
3 17 6
4 S 0
3 17 6
4 17 0
4 18 6
3 17
4 11
June, Dec
June, Dec
F,My,Ag,N
F,My,Ag,N
F,My,Ag,N
Jn,Ap,Jy,0
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July | -.
0 Ja,Ap,Jy,0 1^4
June, Dec •• | ..
Ja.Ap, Jy,0 136J I135
Ja,Ap.Jy,0 35j j 84
May,^0T illiJ* 104i
Ja,Ap,Jy,0' 1^6 ' 124
Feb, Aug H-V: lOJ*
Feb, Aug I • .
May, Not I ..1 ..
Jan, July " '
June, Dec
May, Not
Ia,Ap,Jy,0
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
April
June, Dec
Jan, July
May, Nov
May, Not
May, Not
Jan, July
Mr,Jn,0,D
June, Dec
1014
100 2t
.. I 4%
St. 6%
TELEPHONES.
129 —133
Amer. Telepbn. &. Telegh. Cap. 8t ,
Do. Coll. Trast 81,0004 percent. Bda W — ??„
AngloPortug'se TeL 6% Ist Mt.Db. 8tk.| 99 —102
Chili Telephone , " ~f',
Monte Video Telephone Ord. ; -I ,' =
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. * , , ,
National Co. Pref. Stock l**^,",!:.
Do. Def. Stock 1164— 118*
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Ist Pref , ICj— J!?
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. 2nd Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. 3rd Pref
•Do. Deb. Stock 34 per Cent, (red.) ...
^. -.^ Do 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ''^}?~*3' f ^°
1 0/7!| tOrienUl if— ff 5 16
1 0/7{ t Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. no* q| i
I 0/7i
II 0/6
St.l 6s:
St. 65, ,
10 6/0
10 e/0 i
6 2/6.
St. 3iX
?i
101-lli
6i'. -6H
074 -994
4pe:
FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, Ac.
Eleo. t Gen. Investment 6% Cnm, Pref. ! 34—4
Globe Telegraph & Traet j I'"!";!*
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. "*^
tSabmarine Cables Trust (Cert.)
100; 4/J4
6O0I 6%
44%
. Cent. Bed. Deb. Stock 00 -93
TelephoieCo. 0fEgypt445;Db.Stk.(red.) 1""— 1?3 4 12 6
United Eiver Plate "'-" -^ '« "
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 44 Deb. St. Bed
6 —6*
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
August . .
Not ....
May, Nov
Feb, Aug 109|
Feb, Aug II7J
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jtme, Dec '^^
Jan, July 1 )2b
April, Oct 1,'j
16 0 i April, Oct I 14
- " Jan, July
Jan, July ..
July . . . . i 61
Jane, Dec
Jan, July
6 1's— 618
64-8|
111 —116
lu2 —106
41 -4J
•>ij-bi's
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRIC
RAILWAYS, TRAMWAYS, kt.
Anglo-Argentine 6% Cum. let Pref.
Do. lOX, Non-cum. 2nd Pref.
Do. Permanent 6% Deb. Stock
Auckland Elec. Trams. 6% Deb. (red.)...
Brisbane Electric Trams. Invest. Ord....
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 44 per Cent. Db. PrOT. Certs i„u — »»,
British Columbia El.Ey.Df. Ord 135-139
Do. Pref. Ord. Stock ' 115—119
Do. 6% Cum. Perp. Pref. Slock I 106-110
t Do. 44 percent. 1st Mort. Deba | I'Jl —103
Do. Vancouver Power Debs 102 —105
Do. 4J%Perp Con. Deb. St ' 101 -I06
Buenos Ayres Blec. Trams (1901) Ltd.
Deb. St. 97-102
Buenos Ayres Grand National Ord. ,*~i*
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 64 per Cent. Pref. Debs
Oc. b per Cent. 1st Deb. Bonds
Buenos Ayres Lacroze Trams Ist Mt. Db.
.Buenos Ayres Port 4 City Tram. 1st Mt.
Deb. Stock £76 Paid
fCalcutta Tramways (1 to 137,610)
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Prof.
Do. 4j% 1st Deb. Stock (red.)
Cape Electric Tram Shares
City of Buenos Ayres Trams Co. ( 19U4)Sh.
Do 4 per Cent. Deb. JStock
Colombo I'r. 4 Ltg. 6% 1st Mt. Db
Electric Traction Co. of Hong Kong B
per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs
Havana Elec. By. Con. Mt. 6% $1,000 60
year Coup. Bds
Kalgoorlie Elec. Trams Sh
Do. 6 per Cent. " A " Deb. Stock
Do. 6 per Cent. "B'-' Ditto
Lisbon Elec. Trams. Ord I
Do. 6 percent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Beg. Mort. Deba
Msdras Elec. Trams. 6% Deb. Stk
Manila Elec. By. Sl.UOO Gold Bonds
Meiicolraius Uo. Com. St
Do. Gen. Con. 1st Mort. 6% Gold Bds....
Montreal St. By. Sterling 44 per Cent.
Debs. (1922) (N08. 601 lo 2,000)
Perth Elec. Trams Ord
Do. 1st Mt. Db. Slock
igoon Elec. Trams 4 Supply Co, 6%
Cu
. Pf.
Do. 44% 1st Mort. Deb. Stk
Sao Paulo Tramway, Light 4 Power Co,
$100 Stock
Do. 6 per Cent. 1st. Mt. $500 Db
Toronto By Co. 1st Mt. 44 < Ster. Bond:
61 —66
4S-si
10 J —106
i-*
6* -.-i
9,) —103
90 —93
83 —90
86 -91
86 —Si
62 -b7
1 -li
139 —143
93 -9l%
i-i
6 12 0
5 16 6
4 16 3
104
St.l St
600 6%
100[ 6/2
1 \ltt
1 li2g
St.l 6%
6 3/0
100 "■
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRICITY
SUPPLY &c.
Adelaide Elec. S'ply Co.6%Cn.Pr.
BombayE.S. 4T.6%Cm.Pf.
Do. 44 per Cent. Ueb. Stk. (red.)
Calcutta Elec. Supply Ord
Canadian Gen. Blec. Uo. Com. St
Castner Electrolytic Alkali Co.(of U.S.A.)
Ist Mort. Stl. Debs
Elect. Development Co of Ontario
Elec. Ltg. & True. Co. of Aust. 6 per
Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb Stock
Elec. Supply Co. of Victoria 6 per Cent.
1st Mort. Deb. St
Indian Elec. Sup. & Trao. Co. Conatn,
Deb. St. Ed
Kalgoorbe Elec. fower & Ltg. Ord.
t Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
JMadras E. S. Corp. 6 per Cent. Constn.
Deb. St
Mexican Elec. Light Co. 65J let Mort.
Gold Bonds ._;
tMexicanLt.4 Power Co. Com. St
i Do. 6/4 1st Mort. Gold Buds
1 Montreal Lt. Ht. i Power Co. Cap. St....
Biver Plate Electricity Co. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Pref
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Bosario Elee. Co. 67. Pret (1-20.000)
$1 IShawmieau Water St Power Uo. Cap. St,
by Do. 6 percent. Bda
Victoria Falls Power Co. Pref
6-6i
9i-10i
Jan, July
8p DcMr Ju
SpDcMrJu
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
June, Dec
Jan, July
May ....
May, Nov
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
May, Nov
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
J», Jul..
Feb.Aug I
Jan, July 1
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug 1
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
F,My,'A,N
June, Dee
May, Not
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July
Jan, July |
Jan, July -
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
May ....
J an, July
June, Deo
Feb, Aug
6 16 3
4 13 9
6 14 0
6 U 9
88 —89%
744—764
99 — lU!!
6ls— 5ft
7s "-
103
6 11 0
6 11 0
6 11 U
4 13 9
6 13 0
4 18 0
„^^ „.,. 6 13 6
7s — 8u I 5 0 0
-106%! 4 18 8
h-i
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, July
9«
F,My,A,N jlljl
April 1ft-
May I
Jan, July jK
April, Oct ,
Jan,'jnly llOSJ if
Jan, July '
• In calculating the yields allowance has been made (or 1
rued interest bui no< for redemption' " i Ex dividend. J Th. London Stock Exchange Committee have declined 1 0 quote th
THE ELECTRICIAN:
THE OLDEST WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND FINANCE.
ESTABLISHED, First Series Weekly), 1861; Second Series (Weekly), 1878.
No. 1,590.
r No. 4. 1
LVol. LXII.J
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1908.
Price Sixpence %l°^^-
Abroad 9d., or 18 cenU, or gOc, or gbp/.
CONTENTS OF THE CURRENT NUMBER.
Notes 125
Arrangements for the Week 125
Tlie London Coinitv Council
Tramways Accounts 126
Recent Patents in Wireless
Telegraphy and Telephony.
By W. H. Eccles, D.Sc.
Illustrated 128
Electrical Developments at
Cawnpore. Illustrated . . 130
Inaugural Address to the
Leeds Local Section of the
Institution of Electrical
Engineers. By H. E. Yer-
bury 132
Railway Signalling: Its De-
fects, and Suggestions for
Removing Them. Bv Capt.
A. Gardiner, R.E. lllus... 133
The Berry Transformer.
Illustrated 135
A Method of Measuring Iron
Losses in Bundles of
Straight Strips. By Robert
Beattie, D.Sc. Illustrated 136
Pr.actieal Considerations in
the Selection of Turbo-
alternators. By M. Kloss,
Dr.-Ing. Illustrated 139
Maley's Electromechanical
Rail Brake. Illustrated . . lai
ThK LoNUIlX COUNTVCOUNI'IL
Tr.\m\v.\ys 142
Reviews 144
Principles of Direct Current
Electrical Engineering
[Barr] ; Machine Design,
Construction and Draw-
ing [Spoon^r] ; Practical
Mathematics [Clarke].
The Manchester Electrical
Exhibition. — VI. Illus-
trated 145
Aluminium 150
Leakage Detection on Stud
Traction Sj'stems 150
Correspondence 151
Turbo-electric iMarine Pro-
pulsion (The Sandycroft
Foundry Co., Ltd.,".T. W.
Kempster).
The Fire in a Train on the
Metropolitan Railway .... 151
PARLi.iMENTARY Intelligence 151
Lec;.4l Intelligence 156
Municipal, Foreign & General
Notes 156
Trade Notes and Notices .... 160
Companies' Meetings and
Reports 162
City Notes 164
Companies' Share List 165
K O 'T S S.
The London Power Bills.
We fear that the proceedings in the House of Commons
during the past week have not improved the prospects of
the London Power Bills. In the first instance, the Piesi-
dent of the Board of Trade (Mr. Winston Churchill)
announced on Monday that, if the preambles of the bills were
approved by the Committee, members would be free to vote
as they pleased on the further stages of the measures.
This announcement is generally regarded as adverse to the
bill.s. The two " linking-up "' bills of the London com-
panies were read a second time on Monday, with an in-
struction to tlie Committee, which is to consider the bills,
to insert the London County Council a.s the purchasing
authority in place of the borough councils. From this it
may be inferred that endeavours will be made to secure
the whole of the supply of electricity within the London
area being under the control of the London County Council.
In this connection the Board of Trade has issued a report
on certain clauses of the " District " bill, with a view to
facilitating the purchase of the "District" undertaking
before the end of the period of 52 years, after which it would
spect of goodwill, &c. The Board's suggestion is that this
period should be reduced to 42 years, as provided by the
Electric Lighting Act of 1888 for electricity supply
undertakings established under provisional orders. The
evidence in support of the " District " bill was concluded on
Tuesday, and the case for the opposition is at present pro-
ceeding. It is interesting to note that Mr. J; H. Eider,
chief electrical engineer to the London County Council, in
his evidence before the Select Committee on Friday last
week, expressed the opinion that the proposed " linking-
up " scheme of the London companies might be dismissed
as commercially impracticable.
Victoria Falls Power Co.
At the meeting of the Company held last week, an
account of w liich was given in our last issue, there was much
talk about the electrical development of the Falls in the
dim and distant future. When the Company was formed
it was pointed out by several critics, including ourselves,
that the cost of generation by steam power on the Eand
was not necessarily very high, that coal was obtainable
more or less on the spot, and that, consequent!}', it would
be \ery diflicult for electrical energy generated at the Fulls
to compete with electrical energy from steam stations in
the Transvaal, owing to the \ery great length of trans-
mission in the former case. The Directors now seem to be
finding out that the cost of generation by steam plant is
not as high as they first thought, and that, conseciuentlj',
before the utilisation of the Falls is commercially possible,
the sale of power will have to be on a far larger scale than
they originally contemplated. It is a little curious that
those responsible for the original scheme should not have
discovered this fact rather earlier instead of waiting for it
to be forced upon them, and then to rely upon the ,«se of
far higher pressures than those hitherto used and other
possible developments in order to produce a workable
scheme in the distant future. The possibility of eventually
using a pressure of 2.50,000 volts for the transmission is an
interesting speculation, but it must not be forgotten that
the cost of a line does not vary inversely as the i)ressure
of transmission.
The Cost of Electricity Supply.
The healthy competition which exists between central
station engineers, together with increased outputs and im-
proved load factors, have resulted iu the cost of production
'he purchasable without payment for compensation in re- of electricity being enormously reduced, during the last few
124
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER G, 1908.
years. Whilst in most cases much can still be done in this
direction, some generating stations, where development has
proceeded on more rapid lines, will soon approach a con-
dition where little further improvement can be expected
in the costs of generation by installing larger plants of the
present design. In such cases it is in reduced capital
cost that further improvement must be sought, and that
there is a large scope for reduction is evident from the
fact that in many cases the " capital charges " amount to
at least as much as, and frequently exceed, the " run-
ning costs." To this question Mv. Miles Walker devoted
his address as chairman of the Manchester Local Section
of the Institrition of Electrical Engineers. As will be
seen from the abstract of the address in our last issue,
Mr. Walker outlined the directions in which further
improvements in design must be sought. In this connec-
tion he laid stress on the need of investigating the pi-o-
perties of the materials employed in the construction of
electrical machinery, such researches to be carried out by
some official technical institution, since manufacturers are
at present rather handicapped in undertaking such work
through lack of facilities, funds and time. This is a matter
with which the National Physical Laboratory should be
capable of dealing ; in fact, much good work has already
been done by that institution, and really no other institu-
tion should be necessary from this point of \k'w\
The question of the cost of electricity supply, but from
a different point of view, was also touched upon by Mr.
H. E. Yerbuky in his address to the Leeds Local Section
of the Institution of Electrical Engineers, an abstract of
which appears elsewhere in this issue. This Local Section,
like that of Manchester, has got early to work : in fact,
both have already read and discussed Papers which will be
found in another part of this issue. Mr. Yeebuey, in
the course of his remarks, drew attention to the high price
charged by most municipal electricity departments for the
supply of current for tramwaj^ purposes. Sixteen tramway
undertakings at present have independent generating
stations, and an examination of the " works costs " of
these power stations seems to show that those tramway
undertakings which are purchasing power are in many
cases unduly penalised, as compared with the ordinary
power consumer on the distributing mains. The fixing of
a suitable tariff', however, for tramway supply is difficult.
Since most tramways are municipal, in a sense it
does not matter what the tariff may be, as it is lietween
two municipal departments of the same town ; but it is
nevertheless desirable that the tariff should be reasonable
so as to avoid the appearance of fictitious prosperity or
adversity as the case may be.
International Telegraph Rates.
The subject uf clieaiicning international telegraph rates
is one which arises from time to time, and possesses for
some of our public men a fascination which leads them
to overlook many of the chief points that have to be taken
into account when the subject is seriously considered. It
must not be forgotten that the reduction of rates for
cablegrams is provided for in many arrangements and
agreements between parties to submarine telegraphic en-
terprise, and in several cases this reduction comes about
automatically as traffic increases and other circum-
stances justify. This is, however, too slow a procesis
for those who affect the position of " reformers," and con-
sequently we are treated at irregular periods to an agitation
for such drastic reductions in rates as are either absurd or
impracticable. The example of the Pacific Cable under-
taking is surely an object-lesson in this connection, for,
despite the fact that most strenuous efforts on the most
" commercial " lines are made to divert traffic to the
Pacific Cable Board's single cable, contributions amounting
in the aggregate to over £.55,000 from the United Kingdom,
Canada, Australia and New Zealand were required to meet
the deficiency on the workmg of the Pacific Cable last
year. This large sum was necessary after many years'
working, with an annual traffic revenue of £113,000, and
with the lowest possible rate of interest for the money bor-
rowed on the security of the United Kingdom. It is, there-
fore, clear that had the Pacific Cable been a commercial
undertaking, similar to other submarine cable enterprises,
employing capital obtained in the usual manner, it woidd
have been a total failure from an investment point of
view. This has happened with a tariff of 3s. par word.
What the result would have been if the chaigj of Id. per
word, which is now put forward by the "reformers," had been
in vogue can lie calculated by the merest tyro in arithmetic.
Coming nearer home, we ai-e faced with the fact that the
reduction wliich was made in 1885 in the charge for inland
telegrams to id. per word has cost the country large sums of
ndoney annually, the deficit for last year approaching seven
figures. Those who agitate for international telegrams
at Id. a word l;)ase their arguments on entirely erroneous
figures, and, we feai', place too much reliance upon the
results which must almost inevitably follow a reduction in
postal rates, where bulk and bulk only is the consideration.
In handling telegraphic traffic, a very great increase in
business introduces a factor (besides the vastly important
question of the carrying capacity of telegraph cables, the
materials lor their manufacture, &c.), which makes for
heavier and not lighter expenditure, at any rate for the
long period which usually intervenes before the increased
business reaches suchalevelasto be handled remuneratively.
This period would, to demonstration, never come to traffic
at Id. per word. It will, we think, be agreed that the
experts who conduct this highly technical and intricate
business are working on the right lines, and in the best in-
terest of the public, in providing, as they do, that increase
in traffic and improved facilities in operating shall be the
bases upon which i-eductions in international telegraphic
rates shall be decided.
Electrical Fires-
Ax a time when the thoughts of electrical engineers have
become somewhat more optimistic, as a result of the wide-
spread public interest evinced in the recent Manchester
Electrical Exhibition, it came somewhat as a shock last
week to see a leaderette in one of our daily contemporaries
with the heading, " The Drawbacks of Electricity." The
cause of all the trouble seems to be the number of fires
arising from short-circuits and " fused electric wires," and
our contemporary remarks that with heavy bills for elec-
tric lighting "Allegiance to electricity began to waver,
and will waver still more if the engineers cannot contrive-
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 6, 1908.
125
to stop the series of disastrous fires traeeal)Ie to this
source." Whilst admitting that an occasional " electrical "
tire does occur, we have repeatedly drawn attention to the
tendency of the daily Press to attribute to electrical (pauses
all fires of which the origin is not directly discernible.
In fact, we would uot ha\-e ag;iin referred to the subject,
except for tlie prominence given to tlie artich' in ques-
tion, which certainly offers food, of a kind, for retlec-
tiou, especially the concluding sentence: "But the
fact remains that certainly many public builduigs, and
probalily many country houses mysteriously burnt down,
have been immolated on the altar of electricity, and its
dominion is not so exclusive, its conquest of gas by no
means so complete, that it can afford these reflections on
its utility."
^
Academie des Sciences. — At a meeting on October 26th
M. Van Tie^diem was elected secretary for the physical sciences,
in place of M. H. Beoquerel, deceased.
Electric Traction in Switzerland. — It is reported that a
concession has been granted by the Swiss Government for the
construction and working by electric traction of a line from
Gletsch to Disentes. The line will be on the metre gauge, will
be worked on the overhead system, and be 37^ miles long.
The estimated cost is £560,000 for the construction and equip-
ment. Of this £j)9,320 will be spent on the track, £(13,400
on rolling stock, and £42,200 on buildings.
The Institution Dinner. — From our account of this dinner
in our last issue, it might be inferred that the B.A. committee
of 1862 was limited to the names there mentioned. Students
of electrical history will know that the committee consisted of
Sir Charles Bright, Latimer Clark, Esselbach, 1). Forbes,
Carey Foster, Hockin, Fleeming Jenkin, Joule, Matthiessen,
Clerk Maxwell, Miller, Sir William Siemens, Balfour Stewart,
Sir William Thomson, Williamson, Wheatstone and Cromwell
Varley.
Batti-Wallah's Smoking Concert. — The first Batti- Wallah's
smoking concert of the present season passed off successfully
at the Holborn Restaurant on Monday last. Mr. Walter
Riggs was in the chair, and there was an excellent programme
of music, the songs of Miss Ruby Wilson being specially
appreciated. Towards the close, cheers were given for Mr.
J. F. Avila, the hon. secretar)', whose services in this difficult
post are greatly valued by the members of the Society. There
was a good muster for the first concert of the season.
Manchester Exhibitors' Dinner. — On Thursday evening,
October 2i)th, some 150 exhibitors sat down to dinner at the
Midland Hotel, under the chairmanship of Councillor W. Kay,
who was supported by the committee of management of the
Electrical Exhibition, The toast list was commendably short
and the speeches likewise ; the latter being mostly of the con-
gratulatory order, pleased everybody. Mr. W. M. Musgrave
referred brieHy to the success of the Exhibition, and was
enthusiastic upon the merits of electric driving, speaking from
the results obtained in his own town of Bolton and in his own
works. Councillor Kay and Mr. McCowen (the latter respond-
ing for Mr. Pearce, who was unavoidably absent) both spoke
in high terms of the success of the Exhibition and looked
forward with confidence to beneficial results accruing from the
ettbrts made to emphasise the value of electrical machinery and
apparatus. The speeches left plenty of time for an excellent
smoking concert, which was much enjoyed. Mr. A. B. Fenn
mystified the audience with his clever sleight of hand tricks,
and Mr. P. ('. Pope was again heartily welcomed for his ren-
dering of Mr. E. L. Hill's parodies of popular songs. Mr. J.
Abady gave two good "turns" in a song and recitation, and
Messrs. Gibson and Warrilow also sang and recited. During
the evening souvenir programmes were distributed among the
guests.
Cable Interruptions. Date of Intenuption.
Pontianak— Saigon Sep. 16, 1908
Kotoiiou— Grand Bassam Oct. 29. 1908
Royal Society. — The President and Council have recom-
mended the fuUowing Fellows for election to the Council for
the year 190S-9. President — Sir Archibald Geikie, K.C.B.
Trcamrer — Mr. Alfred Bray Kempe. Sivretaries — Prof. J.
Larmor and Prof. J. \l. Bradford. Foreiq7i Secretnrij — Sir
AVm. Crookes. Other Members nf Coiiiii-il — Sir George H.
Darwin, K.C.B., Prof. J. C. Ewart, Sir David Gill, K.C.B.,
Mr. J. Scott Haldane, Mr. C. T. Heycock, Prof. H. Lamb,
Prof. H. M. Macdonald, Mr. F. W. Mott, the Hon. C. A.
Parsons, C.B., Prof. W. H. Perkin, Prof. E. B. Poulton,
Lieut.-Col. D. Prain, CLE., Sir Arthur W, Eiicker, the Eight
Hon. Sir James Stirling, Prof. F. T. Trouton and ^Ir. W.
Whitaker.
The medals in the gift of the lioj'al Society have been adju-
dicated by the President and Council as follows : The Copley
medal to Dr. A. Russel Wallace, F.R.S., for his valuable con-
tributions to natural history, and a Rumford medal to Prof.
H. A. Lorentz for his investigations in optical and electrical
science. With the approval of H.M. the King, Royal medals
have been awarded to Prof. J. Milne, F.R.S., for his pre-
eminent services in the development of seismological science,
and to Dr. H. Head for researches in biological science. The
Davy medal has been awarded to Prof. W. A. Tilden, F.R.S.,
for liis discoveries in chemistry, and the Darwin medal to
Prof. A. Weissmann for his work in support of the doctrine of
evolution. The Hughes medal has been awarded to Prof. E.
Goldstein tor his discoveries on the nature of electric dis-
charges in rarefied gases.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE WEEK.
SATURDAY, November Tth.
AssOOIATIliN OF TE.iCHERS IX TECHNIC-^L IxSTITCTIONS.
J p.m. Annual General Meeting at St. Bride's Institute, Bride-
laue, Fleet-street.
7 p.m. Meeting of the London Branch of the Association. Paper
on "Technical Education at the Franco-British Exhibition,
1908," by Mr. W. J. Lineham.
MONDAY, November 9tli.
(;K.\DrATEs' SeiTIOX OF THE INSTITUTION OF MeCHAXHAL EncUXEEBS.
A' p.m. Meeting at Storey's Gate. Paper on " Railway. Fog and
Automatic Signalling," by Mr. L. Hillier.
TUESDAY, November lOth.
Manchester Students' Section of the Institution of Electrical
Engineers.
7.oO p.m. Meeting at the Municipal School of Technology,
Whitworth-street, Manchester. Paper on " Brush Gear," by
Mr. R. F. Blackmore.
Institution of Civil En<jineer.s.
■^ p./n. Meeting at Great George- street, Westminster. Paper
on "Glasgow Central Station Exten.^ion," by Mr. D. A.-
Matheson.
WEDNESDAY, November llth.
Birmingham Sei tion of the Institution of Electrical Engineers.
7:30 p.m. Meeting at the Univer.sity, Edmund-street, Birming-
ham. Paper on " The Testing of Alternators," by Mr. S. P.
Smith.
THURSDAY, November 12tli.
Institution of Electrical Engineers.
S p.m. Meeting at the Institution of Civil Engineers, Great
Georcre- street, Westminster. Presidential Address by Mr.
W. M. Mordey.
FRIDAY, November 13th.
Physical Society.
J 2}->>'- Meeting at University College, Gower-street. Agenda:
" The Photo-electric Properties of Potas.sium-sodium
Alloys," by Prof. .1. A. Fleming, F.R.S. " Note on the Keoom-
bination of Ions in Air," by Dr. P. Phillips. " On the Influ-
ence of Magnetic Field on the Photographic Patterns pro-
duced by the Electric Spark," by Prof. A. W. Porter. " Oy
the Rate of Growth of Viscosity in Congealing Solutions," bn
Mr. A. 0. Rankine. " On the Adsorption by Solid Surfaces
from Solutions," by Prof. F. T. Trouton, F.R.S. For Exhibi-
tion : "An Experiment Illustrating an Anomalous Effect of
Lagging Thin Wires," by I'rof. A. W. Porter.
The Electrical Engineers (Loudon Division).
The following orders have been issued for the current week : —
Monday, Nov. 9th, "A" Company ■) Technical drill, 6:30 p.m.
■~ " "" '" ' ■ B" Company / to 9:30 p.m.
C Infantry drill (Recruits),
C" Company .) 6p.m. to 7 p.m. Technical
( drill, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
r, ( Technical drill, 6:30 p.m.
Company | to 9:30 pm.
Tuesday, Nov. 10th,
Thursday, Nov. 12th,
Friday. Nov. 13th,
'I)'
Tuesday, Nov. 10th, medical inspection for recruits, 6p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
126
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 6, 1908.
THE LONDON CODNTY COUNCIL TRAMWAYS
ACCOUNTS.
The accounts of the London C'ountv CounciFs tramways for
the year ended March 31. 1908, have now been issued, and we
give below an analysis of those sections which are of particular
interest to electrical engineers. The accounts are .still divided
into two main heads, (1) electric traction and (2) horse trac-
tion, separate figures not being given for the northern and
southern systems, which are now. of course, linked together by
the Aldwych subway.
The system extended on March 31. 1908, over a total length
of 119 miles 6 furlongs 26 yards, of which 3 furlongs double
line is worked on the overhead trolley system by the Metro-
politan Electric Tramways (Ltd.), under licence from the
Council. Out of the above total, 67 miles 5 furlongs 19 yards of
double track and 2 furlongs 203 yards of single track have been
constructed or reconstructed on the underground conduit
system of electric traction.
IThe receipts from all sources amounted to £1.663.031. 16s. 3d.,
of which £1.626.719. 9s. 4d. was derived from passenger traffic,
viz., £1.252,000.13s. 5d. from electric cars and £374.7 18, 15s.lld.
from horse cars, or an increase in traffic receipts of
£248,705. 8s. 7d. from horse and electric traction as compared
with last year. The cars ran 3.5,.561.189 miles, and the number
■of passengers carried was 372. .515. 754, an increase of 18J per
cent, on the figures for the previous year. The electric cars
now deal with practically three^fourths of the traffic, carrying
279,166,461 passengers as compared with 93.349.293 carried
by the horse cars, and running 25,591,028 miles out of the total
given above. The increased traffic resulting from the electri-
fication of the routes may, to some extent, be gathered from
the fact that the figures given above for the passengers carried
on the electric cars show an increase of 96,104,398, whilst the
horse car figures have diminished by 37,815,734; but allow-
,ance must be made for the fact that 5,430,892 additional car-
miles have been run on the whole system.
It is interesting to notice the large increase in the number of
halfpenny fares, and also in those of 3d. and 3Jd., the effect of
which must undoubtedly be felt by the railway companies.
The figures are of interest in this connection, and we give here-
with those for the last two years, so that a comparison can
easily be made.
Fare.
1906-7.
1907-8.
Passengers.
Per cent.
Passengers.
Per cent.
id.
03,231,526
2012
87.318,410
23-44
Id.
195,714,863
62-29
21. "1.240,662
57-78
lid.
27,585,846
8-78
33.221,997
8-92
Md.
19,538,040
6-22
23,598,512
6,-33
2W.
4.321,813
1-38
5,325,755
1-43
i 3d.
3.403.445
1-08
7.044,861
1-89
:3W.
297.852
009
633,636
0-17
4d.
133.705
004
131,921
0-04
Total
314,227,090
100-00
372,515,754
100-00
The following table shows th6 receipts, passpnyers carried,
mileage, &c., for the last four years : —
—
1904-5.
1905-6.
1906-7.
1907-8
Total receipts
£682.095
£782,210
£1.414.604
£1,663.031
Traffic receipts
£663.922
£758,926
£1.378,014
£1,626,719
Passengers carried
164,818,560
183,512,421
314,227.090
372,51.5.754
Mileage
14.081,397
15.578,793
30,130,297
35,561,189
Keceipts per pas-
1
1 0-97d.
()-9yd.
l-05d.
1 -05d.
Total receipts per
car- mile (horse)
10-19>!.
10-9M.
10-13d.
9-35d.
Total receipts per
1 car-mile (electric)
12-04d.
12-37d.
12-23d.
ll-95d.
last year. This is due to the abnormally wet summer of last
year, and to the fact that the electric cars on the north of the
Thames were not running through services the whole of the
year. The full benefit of the higher speed of electric cars
could not be obtained on some of the routes owing to horse
cars running on the same routes, and this also acted adversely
on the receipts. The reduction in the receipts from horse
traction is accounted for by the fact that nearly all the best
lines are now reconstructed for electric traction, and the
remaining lines are being run at a serious disadvantage owing
to the competition of motor omnibuses and tube raOways.
Considerable loss was also sustained during the reconstruction
of the horse lines for electric traction, some of the routes being
entirely shut down.
Mr. A. L. C. Fell, in his report, again draws attention to the
workmen's car service and to the increased distances workmen
are carried with no corresponding increase in the fares charged.
The number of workmen carried during the past year was
27,977,412, or 7-51 per cent, of the total number of passengers
carried. The question of workmen's fares should be carefully
considered in view of further extensions of the tramways.
The total operating expenses for electric traction amounted
to £724,381. 10s. (including £6,736. 6s. for special charges).
or 6-79d. per car-mile run, as compared with 7-06d. for last
year, a decrease of 0-27d. per car-mile. This decrease is
almost entirely due to the saving in the cost of power, very
much less power having been purchased. The cost of power
per mile run shows a saving of 0-22d. as compared with last
year, notwithstanding the fact that the price of coal increased
4s. per ton from July 3, 1907. Mr. Fell anticipates a further
saving when the second portion of Greenwich generating
station is opened and no power is purchased from outside
sources. The number of units used per car-mile was 2-24, and
the total number of units used 57,362,842.
The total expenses in connection with horse traction amounted
to £445,734. 2s. 2d., or 10-73d. per car-mile run, but no com-
parison can be made with former years, owing to reconstruc-
tion of the horse lines for electric traction. It will be seen from
the accounts that the expenses in connection with horse traction
exceeded the receipts by £57,362. lis. 6d., interest and sinking
fund charges not being included in this figure. The early
electrification of the horse lines is, therefore, necessary to ensure
the tramways being a financial success.
A detailed statement of the various items included in the
accounts for the electrically operated lines and the correspond-
ing figures for the previous year's working are as follows : —
Pence per car-mile.
Year ended Year ended Year ended
March 31, March 31, March 31,
1908. 1908. 1907.
Power Expenses (sec below for details) £123.066 ... 1-15 ... 1-37
Traffic Expenses.
Traffic superintendence
Wages
t'leaning. oiling and lighting cars...
Conduit cleaning
Cleaning, salting and sanding track
Printing and stationery
Fuel, light and water for depots...
Ticket check
Uniforms and badges
Compensation
Lighting subway
Miscellaneous
It will be noticed that there is a decrease in the receipts from
ithe electric cars of 0-21d. per car-mile run as compared with
Total £368.:
Advertisement Expenses
Repairs.
Permanent way £39.921 ... 0-38 ... 0-41
Electrical equipment of line 6.811 ... 0-06 ... 0-05
Buildings 4.494 ,.. 0-04 ... 0-05
Track in car sheds 82S ... 0-01 ... 0-01
Tools 1,067 ... 001 ... 0-01
Cars and rolling stock 87,396 ... 0-82 ... 0-75
Miscellaneous 183 ... 0-00 ... 0-01
Total. £140.700 1-32 1-29
THE ELECTKICIAN, NOVEMBER G, 1908.
127
General Expenses.
Salaries and wage;
Stores expenses ...
Rents
Kates and taxes
£8.617
7.7H()
3.324
8.770
Rates on permanent way 31,297
Printing and stationery 1,110
Miscellaneous 20,826
Total £81-730
Special Charges £6./3h
TOTAL WORKING EXPENSES (ex
eluding cMpital charges) £721,381
Revenue.
Passenger traffic receipts £1,2.52,001
Advertisenients 14,047
Rent 3,908
Sale of old .store.s, &c 3,902
Miscellaneous 712
Total £1.274.660
Balance carried to Net Revenue
Account £550.279
Capital Charges.
Interest £171.662
Repayment 156.0.54
Total £.327,716
0-08
007
003
009
0-30
001
019
0-77
0-06
679
11-73
013
0-04
0-04
001
11 a-)
516
1-61
1-46
(111
(106
002
010
0-3.5
001
016
(l!IO
7oe
11 -OS
01 7
0-04
005
0-02
12 23
433
TOTAL WORKING EXPENSES (includ-
ing capital charges) £1,052,097 ... 986 ... 999
The details of the total power expenses given above, but
expressed in terms of pence per unit, are as follows : —
Power Expenses.
Greenwich Generating Station.
Salaries and wages
Fuel
Water, oil, wa.ste, &c
Repairs
Rates and taxes
Insurance
Miscellaneous
Interest ....
Repayment
Pence per
1908.
. 005 ...
. 0-23 ...
. 002 ...
. 0-03 ...
, 0-04 ...
0-37
0-12
0-08
Total Generating Cost £122,986
Temporary Power Supplies £27,035
Sub-statious.
Salaries and wages £10.935
Oil, waste, ^c. 1,196
Repairs 3.818
Rates and taxe.-s 3,961
Miscellaneous 581
Interest . . .
Repayment .
£20,491
10,867
7,179
0-57
1-17
0-09
004
003
unit.
1907.
007
0-21
002
002
0-07
0-67
l-.'.l
Total Sub- station Cost £38,.537 0-16 0-17
The figures for the horse-operated tramwavs are made up as
follows : —
Working Expenses.
Horsing expenses £197 820
Traffic e.xpenses " 152118
Advertisement expenses ....... 1489
5^P»"-! ••• ZV.Z'Z.Z'. 44;634
General expenses 4.7 jgg
Special ■■ '^.Z\'.'.'.''.'.'''.''.'.'. 7!o04
Pence ])er
car-mile.
. 4-76
. 3-66
. 0-04
. I 07
. 102
. 0-18
Total Working Expenses (excluding capital
charges) £445.734
RBVENUE £S88 "^7?
Debit Balance carried to Net Revenue Ac-
count ifV? 'iR'}
Capital Charges. fcO/.JbJ
^'<"^'^**t £62,159
Repayment 60149
I(i7:i
935
1-38
1-49
1-44
Total £122,;
Total Working Expenses (including capital
charge
£.568,042 ... 13
In the net revenue account for the total uudertakinir. in-
terest (on debt) absorbs £233,821 and repayment £21(5.i'iil ;
■after deductions for parliamentary expenses and other items,
£-15,406 is carried to the appropriation account. As a balance
of £5,923 was brought forward from last year, the total is
£51,329 : the whole of this sum has been carried to the renewals
fund. The position of this fund is as follows : —
Renewals Find.
Balance March, 31, 1907 £141,855
Receipts during j-ear 1907-8 —
Dividends, &c £4,256
Less — Expen.ses of investments, &o. 192
Transferred from appropriation account
on March 31, 1908
4,064
51,329
Less — Expenditure on renewals, year
1907-8
Deduct — Transfer to general reserve fund
in respect of the horse system...
193,256
34,634
Balance March 31, 1908 £1.58,262
The Council has approved two-thirds of a penny per car-
mile run as the basis of the provision to be made for such
renewals as are not intended to be charged against the revenue
of the year. This basis is to be reviewed after five years.
Provision for the year 1907-8 on this basis would necessitate
the setting aside of £71,086, and similar provision in each year
of electrical working would.with accumulations, have amounted
on March 31, 1908. to £196.741 (£200,733 less expenditure
£3,992), as compared with £1-58,622 in the fund on that date,
a .shortage of £38,119, or if the £.34,634 transferred to the general
reserve fund be taken into account, the shortage is reduced to
£3.485.
The Council decided on June 23, 1908, to establish a general
reserve fund, to provide for general contingencies, and to carry
thereto, with accumulations, the amount which was standing
in the renewals reserve fund at March 31, 1904, in connection
with the horse system, viz., £.30,772 accumulated to £34,634,
and further, to carrv to the general reserve fund for five years
from April 1, 1908, any surplus remaining after bringing the
renewals fund up to the full amount necessary on the above-
mentioned basis.
Debt has been repaid out of revenue to the amount of
£819,376. 18s. lid., and from proceeds of sales of horses and
old materials, &c., to the amount of £264,515. 18s. 2d., or a
total of £1,083,892. 17s. Id. The debt outstanding on March
31, 1908, is £7,3.30.697. 18s. lOd., or deducting £68,5-58 for
value of surplus laud, £7,262,139. 18s. lOd.
The total capital expenditure up to March 31, 1908, was
£8,414,591, of which £1,468.280 represents expenditure during
the year 1907-8. The details of the total capital expenditure
are as follows : —
Capital Expenditure.
HORSE AND CABLE TRACTION £1.118,653
OBSOLETE CAPITAL HORSE TRACTION I
ELECTRIC TRACTION—
Power Supply —
■nwicli generating station £83.5.042
1,030,511
Sub-stations
Temporary plant.
.392,011
42,083
Construction, tec. —
Permanent way 2,593,925
Overhead ecjuipment 1,960
Alterations to bridges 66,233
Depots 724,677
Machinery and plant 37,857
Cars 744,751
Cables and ducts 327.838
Tramway subway 207,443
Office furniture 1,359
Street Improvements
Pimlico Site
,706,062
224.395
65,834
The electric rolling stock on March 31, 1908, amounted to
715 bOgie cars, 200 single truck cars, 50 steel subway cars ;
whilsl 618 pair-horse cars were in use and 3 single-horse cars.
128
THE ELECTEICIAN, NQTEMBER 6, J90S.
RECENT PATENTS IN WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY
AND TELEPHONY.
BY W. H. ECCLES, D.SC.
Ill this article, as in a previous one, I propose to consider
the recent patent specifications that deal with apparatus of
actual or potential technical importance or of scientific interest.
Starting with transmitting apparatus, we find first of all that
the principal improvements in methods and plant for producing
powerful electrical osciUations cannot now be divided sharply
into arc processes and spark processes. Some of the most
•successful modern oscillation producers probably owe their
success to a happy combination of arc and spark virtues.
Of pure arc methods the only considerable novelty is S.
Eiseustein's proposal in patent No. 268 (1908) for increasing
the amplitude of the oscillations in the inductance capacity
•circuit shunted across an arc. According to the commonly
accepted theory of the oscUlating arc the condenser's discharge
current through the arc causes a reduction of the arc resistance
when in the same direction as the supply current, and causes
an increase of the arc resistance when against the supply cur-
jent. The consequent P.D. fluctuations at the arc terminals
FlC. 1. — S. ElSENSTElN,
No. 268,1908.
Fig. 2. — S. Eisensteix,
No. 268/1908.
■are therefore just such as maintain the process. The sub-
stance of S. Eisenstein's invention is to put into one of the
supply conductors a resistance which will itself vary periodi-
cally so as to cause enhanced alterations of the arc P.D. Since
the supply current itself fluctuates in sympathy with the P.D.
at the arc, the inventor proposes that the variable resistance
placed in the supply conductor shall be another arc — whose
resistance will, of course, vary in obedience to the fluctuations
of the supply current. Fig. 1 is a diagram of the proposed
arrangement. It is hard to see why the new arc would rather
help than hinder the arc in the Duddell circuit ; and in the
specification it is stated that experiments have shown it
advisable to use additional circuits to coerce, presumably, the
'"' auxiliary " arc into being really auxiliary. A type of the
.-additional circuits suggested is shown in Fig. 2. In this the
distance, or they may be stretched, and made to .slide, over
fixed curved guides whose most convex parts are set confront-
ing one another. Fig. .3 is from the specification, and here the
fixed guides are shown water-cooled. The same inventor in
No. 1,292 (1907) describes a means for promoting repeated
rapid extinction of the arc. The novelty lies in constricting
the arc by making it pass through a hole in, or between bafile
plates of, refractory material. The arc is regulated by a mag-
netic blow-out energised by the supply current, and is said to
be more easily affected when the cooling baffle-plates are
employed. The purpose of E. Ruhmer's patent No. 7,041
(1908) is to provide conditions for utilising energetic continu-
ous current at an E.M.F. of a thousand volts and more. The
main current is passed through an electromagnet strong
enough to blow out the arc very soon after its formation. The
E.M.F. consequent upon the sudden stoppage of the current
charges highly the condenser arranged, with inductance, as a
shunt across the arc, and, besides, reignites the arc. The
oscillations in the shunt circuit are of much higher voltage
than the supply.
Quite a different type of oscillation generator in patent No.
4,59-3 (1907) taken out by G. Blarconi and Marconi's Wireless
Telegraph Co. The principle utilised is, comparatively speak-
FiG. 3.— E. RuHMER, No. 539/1907.
inventor recommends that the added circuit, regarded as a
Duddell circuit, should have a frequency the same as or a
multiple of. the frequency of the unassisted oscillatory circuit.
The specification gives several elaborations of these ideas
worked out for polyphase supplies.
Several arc patents have been granted to E. Ruhmer. This
inventor has long been developing an arc method of producing
oscillations whereof a main feature is the complete extinction
and the reignition of the arc at each oscillation, instead of a
mere fluctuation of the arc current. No. 539 (1907) is an
invention of mechanical import. It aims at keeping the arc
length invariable and the materials of the electrodes constantly
renewed and cool. In one typical arrangement the electrodes
■are two wires, preferably of prismatic section, each winding
■from one drum on to another and passing each other so that an
arc can be formed across the shortest distance. The elec-
•irodes may move at right angles at the place of the shortest
Fig. 4.
G. Marconi, No. 4,593/1907.
Fifi. 5.
Marconi, No. 4,595 1907.
ing, old, and may be stated briefly as consisting in charging
and discharging, by mechanical means, the condenser of an
inductance-capacity circuit at a rate about the same as the
natural electrical frequency of the circuit. But though the
idea is not novel, the means of accompUshing the necessary
commutation are original. Fig. 4 is a diagram of the complete
arrangement. Fig. 5 is a section and Fig. 6 a plan of the " gene-
rator wheel." This generator wheel, marked b in Fig. 4, is
built of two solid metal discs, a, h in Fig. 5, having teeth a', h'
cut on their peripheries. The discs are insulated from each
other by a ring of mica or vulcanite c, and are fi.xed together
by bolts d, which are insulated from the discs by insulating
washers and bushes. The teeth a and h' alternate with each
other. The discs have bolted to them shafts or, b-, whose bear-
ings are mounted on insulating plates. A '' collector wheel "
e made in one piece of metal has teeth the same distance apart
as those of either half of the generator wheel and the bearings
of its shaft also are mounted on insulating plates. The col-
lector wheel is touched by a brush /, and the two parts of the
generator wheel are in contact with the brushes g, h : / is a
continuous current dynamo, 1 and k are condensers. The two
wheels are fixed so as to revolve in the same plane with their
teeth nearly touching, and the E.M.F. of the dynamo must be
great enough to jump the air-space between the two wheels;
so that the collector wheel acts as an improved " brush " for
charging the condenser k first positively and then negatively
with respect to the middle point of the condenser I. If the
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 6, 1908.
129
•wheels can be run to give cliarae and discharge rates corres-
ponding to the natural oscillation iseriod of the circuit hn,
sustained oscillations will be generated iii that circuit. The
specification states that peripheral speeds of 400 and 200 metres
per second respectively are practicable for the collector wheel
and (venerator wheel, and yield an oscillation frequency of 100,000
per second. From this we may deduce that the pitch of the
teeth is half an inch. With such a small pitch sparking may
occur between more than one pair of opposing teeth simul-
taneously ; but this is no disadvantage, and may in fact help
the high peripheral speeds to keep down the heatmg of the
teeth. No magnitude is assigned for the supply E.M.F., but
it is stated that if the voltage is rather high an air-blast is used
Fic; b.—ii. Marconi, No. 4,593'1907.
40 blow out the arcs that form between the wheeU. The
E.M.F.s used are, no doubt, small as compared with the
potentials reached in more ordinary spark methods ; hence it
is " especially desirable to utilise to the utmost the principle of
resonance in the receivers." Further, an intermittent contact
may be necessary at the receiving station. It should be noted
that as, during the sending of dots and dashes, the load does
not in any way fall on the toothed wheels, there is no reason
why the speed of the wheels, which involves the wave length
of the radiation, should not be kept fairly constant.
Another and perhaps more important oscillation- generator
is shown in patent No. 20.119 (1907), granted to G. Marconi
and Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Co. Fig. 7 is taken from
Fii.. 7.— G. Maeioxi, X... 20,119,1907.
the specification. The metal disc a has its shaft in insulated
bearings h and is capable of being rotated at a very high speed,
through an insulating coupling, by an electric motor," turbine,
or other convenient machine c \ 'd d are copper studs or pegs
arranged opposite one another in pairs round the periphery of
the disc, the whole being of course made strong enough to
stand very rapid rotation ; e e are rotating discs carried on
insulated supports one on each side of the disc a. and so placed
that the studs d d pass very close to them when the disc is
rotated. The discs e are connected by means of suitable brush
contacts to a condenser / and inductance q. this oscillation
■circuit being connected inductively or conductivelv to an aerial
conductor. Each plate of the condenser is connected to a
dynamo i, suitable inductances or resistances k being included
in the connections. The discs e e are rotated at a sufficient
speed to prevent burning or pitting their surfaces, by means
of worm wheels I gearing with worms m on a spindle w rotated
by a motor o through an insulating coupling. The wave length
of the emitted radiation is fixed by the condenser / and the
inductance g. By choosing the value of the reactance k the
time period of the circuit kik f is arranged to be an exact
submultiple of the time between successive passages of the
studs between the discs. The wheel d is described as 2 ft. in
diameter and can be rotated at more than 50 revolutions per
second. The action of the machine woiUd appear to be as
foUows : When sparks jump the small gaps left between the
discs and a stud of the wheel, the condenser / discharges with
high-frequency oscillations through the spark-gap via the
inductance g. The coils k act meanwhile as choking coils for
the armature ; but if appreciable direct current from the
dynamo starts across the gap, an arc is estabUshed. This arc
is drawn out by the moving wheel, and must be extinguished
quickly so that the condenser / can again charge up in time to
discharge again in another group of oscillations when the next
stud arrives between the discs. We may guess from the draw-
ing that the greatest length of the break is 2 in. If this be so
it will be very easy to have the supply voltage so high that the
arc will not be extinguished. In other words the difficulty of
extinguishing the arc would seem to limit the voltage of supply.
But we have to take into consideration that the extinction will
be greatly assisted by rapid radiation, or other means of dissi.
pation, of the oscillatory energy during the initial stages oj
Fig. 8.— J. H. Webb, No
7/iy07.
each discharge. Hence the larger the air-wire system the
higher may the supply voltage be pushed. The greater the
radiation, also, the more numerous may the discharges be
made. The frequency of the discharges determines the acous-
tic feature of the radiation, and the higher that frec[uency —
— within an obvious limit — the easier is it for a receiving
operator to distinguish between atmospherics and the signals.
The specification states that by aid of this machine it is pos-
sible to utilise efficiently a large amount of electrical power
and to emit oscillations in regular groups so as to pro-
duce in a telephonic receiver a readily recognisable note.
Hence we may surmise that this machine has been or
is being, used at the great trans-Atlantic stations. It
may be worth mentioning that in these recent oscillation
generators designed and operated by Dr. Marconi there is a
doubt whether the discharges are to be called arcs or sparks.
It is perhaps a matter of definition. The discharge of the con-
denser might be called an " arc " if the condenser current
across the gap is accompanied by an appreciable direct cur-
rent from the dynamo, but otherwise the discharge may be
considered a " spark." In a specification numbered 7,687
(1907) J. H. Webb describes a different method of producing
a nearl}' continuous train of oscillations by the rapid chargino-
and discharging of a condenser. In Fig. 8 O is a condenser
which discharges in oscillations across the gap E ; it is charged
from the reservoir condensers K'K- through very high resis-
tances R^R-, such as slate rods or tanks of water, which regidate
the spark frequency. The reservoir condensers are them-
selves charged by the transformer T^T., through the high-
tension valves yi and Y-. At each alternation of the trans-
130
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 6, 1908.
former's primary current one reservoir condenser is charged,
and although the two are connected in series, so that when
fully charged their extreme P.D, is twice that between the
secondary terminals, yet the valves prevent them discharging
through the secondary winding. It is stated that for any given
capacity and potential of storage condenser, there is a critical
value of resistance and oscillating discharge gap length, which
yields oscillations of maximum continuity ; this is indicated by
a steady singing sound from the discharge gap. A numerical
examination of the method shows that if the P.D. at the secon-
of the set with the last of the circuits the whole proces.s
becomes automatic and endless. The mode of association
shown in Fig. 9 consists, e.jr., of a small solenoid connected con-
ductively to the oscillating circuit Bj and terminating in a
small spark ball near the neighbouring circuit's spark-gap.
For the purposes of wireless telegraphy the oscillations in the
partial circuits are made to cause oscillations in a main oscilla-
tory circuit, whence they are passed to the air-wire system.
Some improvements in this apparatus are embodied in No.
12,634 (1907). the principal one being that the capacities of the
partial circuits are not directly connected to the main capacity
and therefore do not continuously share the main circuit's
oscillations. Still another application of the principle is seen
in Fig. 10, taken from Galletti"s No. 27.289 (1907). A discharge
at S, or Sj prompts discharge across the other gap at a very
small time interval. Resi-stances (which will probably cause
great waste) are used for regulation.
( To he continued )
ELECTRICAL DEVELOPMENTS AT CAWNPORE.
Galletti, No. 12,633/1907.
dary terminals be, for instance, double that at the discharge
gap, the energy losses in the resistances E^R- are about four
times the amoiuit delivered for use in the oscillatory condenser
0. As a substitute for the high resistance the inventor pro-
poses the employment of a sort of influence machine worked
backwards.
R. C. Galletti iu specification 12,633 (1907) describes a mode
of production of sustained oseiUations which is of interest.
The basal principle of his method is that a large discharge can
be precipitated across a spark gap by a trivial independent
source of E.M.F. if the main discharge P.D. is only just a little
Fig. 10.— R. C. Galletti, No. 27,289/1907.
sliort of the sparking voltage. In an elaborate application of
this principle the inventor arranges in parallel a number of
oscillatory circuits of special form, all in the circuit of the same
continuous high-voltage dynamo. Of this set of oscillatory
circuits each member has a spark-gap and each spark-gap is
associated with the neighbouring circuit to one side of it, so
that oscillations in that circuit precipitate the discharge across
the gap. The spark, it is intended, is thus passed on from
circuit to circuit ; and by associating the first spark-gap
To the ordinary Englishman the name of Cawnpore is always
associated with the horrors of the Indian ilutiny. To others, those
of the class known as Anglo-Indians, it reminds them of a spot where
they may possibly be stationed or have already wiled away some not
unpleasant days. To those of the genus "' Cook" it is practically
unknown, for it is not over-stocked with " sights" and does not
offer much in the way of excitement. In fact, it is a rather humdrum
manufacturing and military town which since Mutiny daj-s has been
in the happy position of being without a history.
The fact that a to\\n only jjossesses industrial interest, far from
putting it outside the pale in the electrical engineer's mind, is rather
likely on the other hand to whet his appetite, and to cause him ti>
endeavour to bring before its inhabitants those blessings of civilisa-
tion, represented by the electric drive. Cawnpore offers exceptional
opportunities in this respect. It prints and publishes ten newspapers,
and besides Government factories of leather and flour possesses four
cotton mills producing over 25.000,000 lb. of yarn per annum. There
are also woollen and jute mills and a number of other smaller in-
dustrial concerns. The town itself is the centre of a large agricul-
tural area, with an extensive grain trade and dealings in other
farm produce. It is, therefore, interesting to note that the
advantages of the electric drive have lately been placed within the
grasp of the inhabitants of Cawnpore, while they have also been pro-
vided with electric light and tramways.
Power Sintion. — The whole of the necessary energy both for
lighting and power, as well as for traction piu-poses, is supplied from
a common station. The supply system for the two former purposes
is tlu-ee wire T^ith a voltage of 450 volts across the outers, while the
trams are supplied at a voltage of 500 volts. The whole of the
supply is direct cm'rent. The generating station consists of two
buildings, one of which contains the engine room,battery room, offices
and stores, while the other forms the boiler house, coal bunker and
pump room. The two buildings are, however, partially connected
by means of the boiler house roof girders, which run across the
separating allej' way and, projecting into the engine room, act as
supports for a travelling crane there installed. The floor of the
engine room is above that of the boiler house ; this method of con-
struction both obviated excavation and provided a convenient space
for running the necessary cables and pipes.
At present three boilers of the Stirling marine type are installed
Each of these units has 1,420 sq. ft. of lieating surface, and a grate
area of 29-5 sq. ft., and is is capable of evaporating 6,000 to 6,.500 lb.
of steam per hour. The working pressure is 185 lb. per sq. in., the
blow off taking place when the pressure is raised 5 lb. per sq. in.
higher. There is a steel chimney 66 J- ft. high from the flue outlet
fitted to each boiler. Internal superheaters are used which give a
superheat of 100°F., while on the furnaces chain-grate stokers are
employed. These are so arranged that, if necessary, hand firing can
be adopted. The feed pumps are of the Ci-ompton patent double-acting
type, driven by electric motors through worm reducing gear, the
pump equipment and motor being mounted on a common bed-plate.
There are three of these pumps each capable of dealing with 1,200
gallons per hour against the full boiler pressure. These pumps are
fitted with two cylinders in tandem 2J in. in diameter with a fom-
inch stroke. The steam pipes are of lap welded mild steel, with steel
flanges screwed and riveted over. The branches are in some cases
solid-welded, and in others riveted to the mains. The exhaust.
THE ELECTKICIAN, NOVEMBER 6, 1908.
131
pi|)es are of cast-iron. All these pipes are covered with ashcstos to
thicknesses varjing from 25 to l.j m.
At present tiVe generating sets are installed. The engines are of
Messrs. Belli.ss & Jlorcom's high-speed vertical enclosed pattern, and
are fitted with throttle governors. These sets vary in outimt ; two
arc of the two crank type, direct coupled to 7!) kw. dynamos on the
same bed plate, and develop 110 h.p. when running at .')2."> r.vs. per
Fio. 1. — View op the 1[.\in Switchhoard in the Cawnpoue Combined Station.
iron framework. No single panel contains fittings at a potential
difference of more than 250 volts above earth. The climate of India
having a harmful effect upon measuring instruments in general, it is
necessary that sjjecial precautions should be taken to protect them.
For this reason all those in use at the Cawnpore station are enclosed
in air tight cases. All the ordinary ammeters and voltmeters are of
the moving coil type with interchangeable movements. The 'bus
bars are of sti ip copper, and are mounted on
insulated brackets. An auxiliary switchboard
is provided for the control of the lighting and
power circuits within the station. All the
station cables are insulated with vulcanised
rubber, these entering the battery room being
further protected by a lead sheath. The
station lighting is carried out by double-
carbon 3 amp. arc lamps. As mentioned
above the engine room contains an overhead
travelling crane which is operated by hand
ropes, and is capable of dealing with loads up
to 12 tons. Its span is 31 ft. 6 in., and its
height above the engine room floor 17 ft. 6 in.
Dintrihiition. — The compulsory area of su))-
ply aggregates approximately | sq. mile, and
the distribution mains within this area are
about five miles in length. All the cable is
laid in cast-iron troughing with stoneware
I^f^^^^p^K. ;.«|^^ WW j»iT- ■ ''£^^A^^^^KX bridges, the whole being afterwards filled in
^^^^fwBt'. WlfS iPv- Tw. .r ' "v^l^^i^^BiPPB™ solid with bitumen. Distribution takes
^^^UH' Wi ^^ .' fKi ■ 0^^ T^p^-- ,■ i place by means of tliree single 37/16 Dialite
^^^H^D ^*' j^ ■ IP *^ insulated cables, supplied by the St. Helens
^HHHii^^^"' 71 Bl''- W ■ "^ ' K *■■ Cable Co. The feeders both for lighting, and
^^^^^^^^Hr^^lHT'JF^ ^ W" traction are similar to those described
^^M^B^^^H^H^ ■^H^^^RHl Permnvien/ Way. — Tiu'ning now
-Hi^ __^a^M|^^BHaB|| tramway part of the concern, there can be
little doubt from this point of view the town
of Cawnpore is almost ideal, being prac-
tically flat and offering no constructional
min. The generator voltage varies from 450 to 550. Two other .sets j difficulticq. The metre gauge is used, the rails being of B.S.S. Xo. 1.,
are also of the two crank type, and are coupled to 165 kw. dynamos, and weighing 90 lb. per yd. For convenience of transport the rails
and develop 2-10 h.p. when running at 425 revs, per min. There is have been shipped in 30 ft. lengths ; this also lightens the work of
one other set of the Belliss three-crank three-cylinder triple expansion subsequent handling. The fish plates are 24 in. and the guard rails
type which has a capacity of 545 h.p. when runing at 350 revs, per used on curves of less than 100 ft. radius weigh 95 lb. per yd. The
min. This is direct cou))led to a 375 kw. dynamo which is, however, I bonds are of the Neptune type, two being fixed at every joint. They
mounted on a separate bed jilate. The
dynamos which have all been built by
Messrs. Crompton are of the multi-
polar type, and possess all the features
of this firm's well-known machines.
They have only one bearing, the arma-
ture hub being extended to bolt on
to the engine flywheel.
Other equipment in this station con-
sists of two booster battery sets, each
made up of three machines on a com-
mon bed-plate. There are two genera-
tors with the motor in the centre. The
maximum output of each generator is
120 amps, at 85 volts. There arc two
batteries installed, one containing 230
cells for lighting work and the other
254 cells for traction purposes. In con-
nection with the latter of these an
automatic reversible booster consisting
of t«o machines on a common bed-
plate is used. This can deliver 100am|)s.
at 1.30 voltswhen charging, and on dis-
charge 230 amps, at 65 volts for one
hour, 120 amps, at 65 volts for three
hours, and 350 amps, at 65 volts
momentarily. The batteries can
discharge at 70 amps, for six hours
or at 234 amps, for one hour. The
balancers are able to deal with an
out of balance load of 45 amps, and
to maintain an equal pressure on each side of the network to within , are made of 4/0 copper with drop forged ends. All points are
2 per cent. 10 ft. 6 in. overall and arc cuived to a radius of 100 ft., while the
The main switchboard of which we give an Ulustration in Fig. 1 is ' crossings are 8 ft. overall and have an angle of 1 in 6. A view of the
made up of panels for controlling the various machines and batteries permanent way in course of construction, which gives a good idea ot
described above. There is also a B.O.T. panel and a lightixiiit! arrester, the methods employed is shown in Fig. 3. , , .
The panels are of oiled slate, 1| in. thick and are carried on^'fttought- , Overhead Equipment. —The cars are worked on the overhead system
Fig. 2.— One or the Cars in Use on the Cawnpore Tramways
132
THE ELECTRICIAI^, NOVEMBER 6, 1908.
in the usual way. The poles are fixed not more than 120 ft. apart,
are set 6 ft. deep in the ground, with a minimum of 6 in. of con-
crete radially round each pole. Three different types of pole, viz..
• centre pole, with hracket arm and side jiole witli si)an wire, are ado|)tcd
on different parts of the track, Awhile the poles themselves also fall
into three classes which are best distinguished by the tests to wliich
they were submitted. The first class, when placed horizontal and
supported 6 ft. from the butt end, had to support a load of .500 lb.
without deflecting temporarily more than 4 in., while 750 lb. was
not to eau.se any permanent set, and 1.000 lb. one hot exceeding i in.
Under the same test conditions the second class were to withstand
loads of 700 lb.. 950 lb., and 1.200 lb. without exceeding the deflec-
tions given above. The thu'd class were to give similar results under
loads of 1,000 lb.. 1..300 lb., and 1,700 lb. respectively.
The trolley wire is double throughout, being of 2/0 gauge. AH
ears are soldered on and vary between 12 in. and 24 in. in length.
The span wire is of 7/12 galvanised steel. The line is divided into
the usual half-mile sections with section boxes equipped in accord-
ance with modern conditions. There is telephonic communication
between all sections boxes and the depot. At all turnouts mecha-
nically-operated frogs are adopted.
Rolling Stock. — Tliere are 20 single-deck cars, each mounted upon
a four-wheeled truck with steel-tyred wheels and forged steel axles.
A view of one of these cars is given in Fig. 2. Each car is equipped
with two 3.5 H.P. motors and two controllers, allowing the usual speeds
I'IC. :i. IwAYINC THE TrAIK IN CAWXroKK.
to be obtained. The cars themselves are of teak, with a wheel base
of 6 ft. 0 in., the wheel diameter being 31| in. They are 28 ft. 6 in.
over the ends, 6 ft. 9 in. over the steps and have seating capacity for
40 passengers. Tidswell lifeguards are fitted to all cars. The cars
were built by the United Electric Car Co., of Preston, and the motors
by Messrs. Dick, Kerr & Co.
INAUGURAL ADDRESS TO THE LEEDS LOCAL SEC-
TION OF THE INSTITUTION OF ELECTRICAL
ENGINEERS.*
BY H. E. YEBBUKY.
Summaiy. — -The author reviews briefly the progress made up to date
in the electrification of tramways and railways, discussing what direction
future developments aie likely to take. He then passes to subjects
outside the realms of applied science, and suggests fields for research
in ultra-niirniiil phy.sic:d and metaphysical phenomena.
Ordinary street traction has during the past 10 years become
standardised, and improvements which have been made in electrical
and mechanical details are of a minor character. In respect to the
economical generation of electricity, we can hardly expect — with the
* Abstract of the address delivered on Wednesday, October 28th. Iiy
the Chairman of the Leeds Local Section of the Institution of Electrical
Engineers.
present price of fuel — that costs will be materially reduced, for about
52 per cent, of the total generating costs are now expended in coal.
Engineers of combined lighting and power stations should consider
themselves fortunate in being able to obtain such a high price for
current supplied to tramway undertakings, for the average price
charged in Great Britain is l-42d. per unit, whereas in tramway
power stations current can be generated and distributed at about
039d. per unit. and. including interest on capital, .sinking fund, rates,
taxes, insurance, &c., at a total cost of about 0'66d. per unit. We
may therefore reasonably expect in the near future to see a reduction
in jirice to large consumers, such as tramway departments.
As what might be called commercial rather than technical know-
li-dtfc often ,u<i\i-rns Iraiiiwav administration and management, such
c'lisidcral ions as the ilc-tcrmination of llie characteristic properties
of tramway motors for llic work they are often called upon to per-
form, and the plotting of efficiency curves of motors in order to get
the greatest commercial advantage in working cars, are often ignored,
and if drivers could be educated to work controllers and brakes in an
efficient manner and utilise the kinetic energy, the resultant saving
would, in the author's opinion, be at least equal to the results obtained
by regenerative control, which does not appear to have made the
progress that was expected at tlie time of its inception, for it is
evident, after comparing the relative efficiencies and advantages of
series and shunt motors for traction work, that there is jiothing to be
gained by using shunt motors.
If speaks well for the stability of series motors
when one finds that, notwithstanding the diameter
of car wheels has been increased 2 in. to 3 in.,
canojjy tops have been fitted, making cars some
2 tons heavier, and motors are now often used for
ordinary service braking ; yet the same motors
which wore designed for lighter work are well al)le
to stand these onerous conditions. But we must
expect that maintenance costs will increase, and. in
the author's opinion, it will doubtless be neces.sary
in the near future to instal ventilated motors, jios-
sibly of the inter-pole tyjie, to effectively meet the
requirements of modern practice.
The trackless trolley system, which has for
several years been in operation on the Continent
with a fair measure of success, appears to offer ad-
vantages in the way of low capital and running costs,
and the system generally compares very favouraljly
with motor cars carrying their own power equip-
ment.
In the early days of railway electrification three-
pha.se motors were used, presumably for want of a
better system, for it was then necessary to run two
overhead wires for eaclt track, yet tliis was proved
to be more economical than laying heavy insulated
steel rails on the permanent way as required for
locomotives working with continuous current. Now
that single-phase motors are built, having the charac-
teristics and large starting torque necessary for rail-
way work, we may expect to see ra])id progress in that direction ; and
as a single-phase motor is frequently notliing more than a direct-
ciu'rent motor with laminated fields and a compensating winding
for neutralising armature action, these motors may be used for either
system, and, in the author's opinion, should prove very useful for
tramway and railway work in this country, for when run on a direct-
current system, say, for town or suburban service, the motors would
have an efficiency of about 88 per cent., and for linking up towns or
cities the same cars and motors may be used with, say, a 25 cycle
single-phase current, and give an efficiency of about 83 j)er cent.
A problem which is engaging the minds of designers at the present
time is that of building satisfactory direct -current turbo-generators of,
say, 1,000 kw. to 1.500 kw. capacity, in which direction great improve-
ments have taken place of recent years. Great improvements in the
general design and mechanical construction of turbines may also be
expected. It is well known that clearances in the ]xist have been so
fine and so closely calculated for a jiredetermined temperature of
steam that cither serious trouble or loss in efficiency has taken place
when the temperature of steam has ln'cn raised or lowered, and to
overcome this trouble eombituition tiul>ines of impulse and ordinary
blading design have been evolved. The true value of the latent heat
of steam is now being fully understood and appreciated, and we may
reasonably expect that turbines will be so designed in future that
their efficiency \vill not be impaired by eliminating the very fine
clearances which have been the primary cause of considerable
trouble in the past.
The author then suggests a few subjects to those members who
have the time and inclination for research work. It appears that we
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER G, 1908.
138
arc hampered by tlie lack of a theory capable of inchiding new facts,
and that a well-planned working hypothesis is required in the in-
vestigation within the realm of transcendental physics or meta-
physics, which subjects are only at the present time imperfectly and
tentatively pursued. When we may have demonstrable ])roof of the
production of sound and light and the movement of objects or bodies
without any a})parent physical cause, the laws governing such phe-
nomena, in the author's opinion, constitute an unopened chapter of
science worthy of .serious investigation. Such questions as the con-
stitution of matter and nature and properties of ether are only solved
bv inferential reasoning on logical and mathematical lines from such
physical observations as can be made on the effects produced, and
not on ether or electrons themselves.
When we may observe in the study and ajiplication of transcen-
dental physics tiieso-calledjpassage of matter through matter- or the
transport of solid bodies from three dimensionally enclo.sed spaces,
such ultra-normal physical phenomena, which have doubtless been
witnessed by many members of this Institution, require an ex])ansion
f)f science, and we have to slowly remodel our conceptions and
theories. It is now generally conceded that matter can only be
moved, and matter acts on mattcr,'only through the ether, and
assuming that ether inside matter is as dense as that outside, and
that contact does not exist between the atoms of matter as we know
them, then by subjecting the ether to stress or tension matt<>r may
be dissociated and reunited ; which operation invariably cau.ses
increase of temperature to the body inideigoing tlidse changes. We
know that the vortices of an atom in its disscilulinn ar<' not confined
to the space of an atom. As.suming tlie atom is the least division
of matter when the atom vibrates it dissolves not into the basis of
matter, for matter itself constitutes the base, but into its su]5er-
structme, namely, matter attenuated into ether. The vortices or
electrons are not the processes of matter, but the processes of the
essence of matter, for when an atom is dissolved it is not broken up
into smaller i)artiolcs, but reduced to an essential scilution, .shall I
.say, with a million-fold greater expanse than the atum, but in a
metaphysical realm, namely, in a space so attenuated as not to be
obstructed by the i)roperties of matter because too refined to be in
tiiuch with it. In the opinion of the author ether is the basis upon
which nmst be formulated the laws governing psychical phenomena,
for when we see matter passing into conditions so subtle as to be in-
distinguishable from space itself, the only conclusion wc can draw is
that the ultimate essence of matter is, per se, so refined and sub-
limated that we can no longer conceive it as matter. Who can say
that the ultimate atom of matter may not be a unit of electricity !
If we can conceive a four-dimensional field or region of space, there
is no ff jortoj-i reason why the existence of such region should not
provide new conditions of jjhysical operations, and we may have
four-dimensional movements of bodies, for an enclosed space of three
<limcnsions would then be open. Although the law.s recognised by
physical science appear to be violated in such a s|)here of activity, it
must be remembered that there is a close and eomjilex inter-action
of mind and matter, and an extremely intricate connection and inter-
dependence of physical and superpliysical matter, and the best we
can do is by experimental analysis to study evidence for each of them
.separately and then appreciate their cumidative force.
RAILWAY SIGNALDNG : ITS DEFECTS, AND SUG-
GESTIONS FOR REMOYING THEM.*
BY CAPT. A. (lARniNER, K.E.
SumHwri,.— The author first refers to the defects of the jiresent sc-ma-
l)U(>re signalling: then outlines the main essentials of a perfect system of
train control; and finally describes his .system of train woikmg with
engine cab signals, which was described in our issue of October llith last.
The defects of the semaphore arrangement of controlling the
movement of trains are first described, and are generally admitted.
Arecognition is undoubtedly growini;' <<( the need for some means of
bringing the state of the signal emiihatieally and unmistakably to
the notice of the drivers in then- cabs. Thus on the Metropolitan
Hislrict Railway wc see a method of actual train control, whereby
a train running past a signal at " danger " has its brake ap))lied
automatically tlu'ough the impact of an arm on the track against a
lever carried on the train. An impact device is, however, not practic-
able for trains travelling at 45 to 70 miles per hour. On the Great
Western Railway, train control is not attem|)ted; but they also dis-
close the craving for something more eftieient than the semaphore in
the cab signal which they have substituted for the ordinary ' ' distant "
* Abstract nf a Paper read, on October 28th, before the Leeds Local
Section of the Institution of Electrical Engineers,
on some sections of that line. And there again, while the invention,
excellent as far as it goes, appears to be too limited at present in its
scope, for it to be the last word in cab signalling, we see another
tendency of the new movement. For immediately a really reliable
substitute for one of our existing semaphores is discovered, that
semajjliore disappear.s. No half-and-half system will stand the test
of time. If a cab signal is reliable, the driver will pin his faith upon
that and the semaphore becomes superfluous. If it is unreliable, the
driver will adhere to his present signal and the equipment in his cab
will fall into disrepute and disuse. A mixed system of signalling,
such as one with the " distant " in the cab and the " home " on the
track, contains, moreover, a new element of danger, for the " distant "
is not a final signal. This danger ap])ears to have been recognised
by the North-Eastern Railway, and in their signal they seek for
something more than the single indication, and instal a series of
signalling points, each of which confirms, or may cancel, the indica-
tion previously given. The North-Eastern Railway system goes
much further in many ways in the desired direction of a complete
system of signalling on the cab than does that of the Great Western
Railway ; but unfortunately its signal has a " gravity " safety
position, being operated by a magnet that is " dead " for the safety
position, and requires to be excited in order to show danger.
Another respect in which our prc'.sent system of external signals
wofully breaks down is as regards reductions of speed. With signals
on the cab, not only is it possible to give a " reduce speed " indica-
tion that cannot be confounded with any of the other indications, but
it becomes po.ssible al.so to make that signal act directly on the motive
power of the engine, and so enforce compliance ; and further, by
jjroviding for the automatic removal as well as the automatic exhibi-
tion of the signal, it becomes ])o.ssible to obtain a record from «liich
the actual speed over the restricted section can be indisputably
established.
A perfect system of train control by cab signals should, to meet all
the requirements of traffic working, fulfil at least the following con-
ditions: — (1) It must comply with the essential principle that any
breakdown of the a])paratus that can ira))air its accuracy shall com-
pletely remove the " safety " indication and produce either a " dan-
ger " or a " disabled " signal. (2) It should be wholly in the cab,
and not depend jwrtly upon signals in the cab and jjartly u])on signals
on the track. (3) It should signal, not at one jioint or several points,
but at every point, so that a train shall be continuously in receipt of a
positive signal. (4) It should simultaneously act directly ujion the
motive and brake i)ower of the train, so that it shall be automatically
obeyed ; and not liaving been at great expense automatically given,
depend wholly upon human compliance. (5) It should jirovide an
audible as well as visual " danger " .signal, as an additional .safeguard
against momentary inattention on the part of the di'iver. (<i) It
should enable an automatic record to be maintained of all signals
received and of the exact time of receipt. (7) It should pro-
vide that automatic control having been .set uj) it sh.ill be prac-
ticable for the drivers to reassume his control over the motive
and brake jiowcr of his train without interfering with the efficiency
of the a]5i5aratus in delivering further .signals. The presence of the
human element somewhere in any automatic system of train control
for the ]nirpose of stei)i)ing in and bringing human intelligence to hear
when the machine has temporarily reached its limit, may be con-
sidered an accepted postulate. This being so, of the two component
])arts of such a .system, the fixed or track part, and the moving or
train part, on either of which this human element may be located, the
most advantageous both theoretically and practically is unquestion-
ably upon the moving part. A .system of automatic control over the
movement of trains must, therefore, to be practical for general adop-
tion, comply with the condition that while it ensures automatic
obedience of the train to the signal received, it admit.s of being over-
ruled without serious inconvenience when circumstances require ;
but overruled only as the wilful and deliberate act of the driver in
supreme charge of the train and not- as a matter of oversight.
The method proposed* involves, as will have been already under-
stood, the eventual entire abolition of the semaphore and its larai).
with the following immediate results:— (1) In place of the usual
external signals «e obtain primarily indications in the cab it.self
visible, and if desired audible, at all times despite fog or storm. (2)
For the oiieration of a human chiver liable to err in jiicking out which
particular lights or arms of each signal gioup alone refer to his
particular train, it becomes pos.sible to substitute automatic selection
and to present the result alone in unmistakable form before the driver
in his cab. (3) For verbal evidence, frequently defective, often
false, as to signals received during a run, wc are enabled to secure an
indisputable automatic record of the signals received, it may even be
* A detailed description of the Oardmcr system of cab signalling ap-
peared in The Ehctucian, October 10, 1908, p. 20, from which articfc
we have taken the lu-companyiiif; diagram. — En. E,
134
TIIE ELECTRlCIAIv\ NOVEMBER 6, 1908.
of the action taken in the case of the " danger " indications. (4)
For a signal that may mean " stop " and may mean " prepare to
stop " and whicli frequently can but with difficulty be correctly
interpreted, it substitutes a " stop " signal that always means
" stop," as well as a " danger " signal that always means " danger."
(5) For a requirement of traffic working that has not as yet been
adequately met, it provides a " reduce speed " signal, disregard of
which can be subsequently detected or proved. (6) Finally, we
secure indications wliich can readily be made to act directly on the
engine itself, and be automatically obeyed : in place of indications
compliance with which must depend wholly upon the unchecked
human element.
The means are as follows : — Parallel to the running rails is laid a
metallic " track conductor " (M in diagram), probably of tee oi
angle iron, of section about IJ in. X 1| in.X j in., and carried on
wooden posts 6 to 10 ft. apart at the maximum distance from the
track that the running dimensions admit of. Tlie height of the track
conductor above rail level must suffice to ensure that the moving con-
tacts .shall clear the top of the rails at crossings, metalling of cart
roads, and so on ; and to enable engines to run either chimney or
tender foremost with a single track conductor they must, if the con-
ductor is placed externally, carry the contact devices in duplicate ;
so that the conductor is free to be placed for short lengths on which-
ever side of the line happens to be locally most convenient.
The track is split up into track circuit sections of the desired length
(insulated joints J, J), and the roils within the limits of the.se sections
are bonded together on each side by one of the usual; track circuit
wire bonds. At one end of each section is a track relay (R,, R,), and
at the other a track battery (B, BJcr other source of power for the
track relay. The relay and the source of power are each connected to
the rails in such a way that when no train is on the .section the relay is
excited and its armature drawn up : when a train enters the section
the relay is short-circuited by its wheels and axles and the armature
sufficient difference of potential between Ihem to retain the signal
arraatiwe in the " clear" position. Any type of collecting device
found suitable can be used — brush, shoe, spring, or. if need be, even
trolley and wire — and any number of such devices can, if necessary,
be placed in parallel ; to ensure one of them picking up the trifling
amount of current that will suffice to work the signal, the collecting
devices can also be preceded by a brush or scraper to clear the way, or
a steam jet can be arranged so as to play upon the track conductor
immediately in front of the engine contacts.
To control the motion of the train, the armature of the signal
magnet is supplied with contacts placed in a local circuit on the engine
which includes electromagnetic valves on the main steam pipe and the
tram brake pipe ; the former to shut off steam, the latter to admit
air to a vacuum equipment, or release the air from a Westinghou.se one
■nhenever the circuit is opened by the fall of the signal armature.
The local circuit on the engine would also, if desu-ed, include a whistle
bell or buzzer, designed to operate when the signal falls, so as still
further to attract the attention of the driver. The recorder consists
of a chart revolved by clock-work under a pen which is controlled by
an electromagnet placed m a circuit of the local battery on the
engine, and arranged so as to mark the chart when the signal magnet
is in the released or " stop " jjosition.
Further details of the working of the system are then given by the
author, including " reduce speed " indications,* and were explained
by a model which was exhibited at the meeting.
" Although it is practically certain that if cab signalling is adopted
the semaphore will eventually be .superseded altogether, it would be
many years, no doubt, before the conversion of the equipment of any
road" and its locomotives would be entirely completed, and it is there-
fore essential that the cab signal shall be capable of working in con-
junction with the existing semaphores. There is no difficulty on this
score in regard to the proposals'now made, and the cab signal can be
arranged so that it cannot show "clear" when the semaphore is " on,"
DiAQRiM OF Track Circuit in Gardiner System.
Ri and R; Track relays. B, B] and B- Track batteries. M Bamp. X Train on section. J Insulated rail jo
ats dividing section. O, Oi and O, Resistances.
falls away. On an electric line Brown's patent arrangement of two
polarised relays, as used on the District Railway, could readily be
utilised to prevent any risk of operation of the signals by leakage
currents.
The armatiu-e of the relay carries certain contacts which are closed
when the armature is attracted, and for the purpose of this signal
it carries also other contacts whieh will be closed when the armatm'e
falls away.
A resistance (Oj, O,) is inserted between the track battery and the
track to prevent the battery itself being short-circuited by the trains ;
and a parallel circuit is then taken from the battery positive through
the contacts of the near track relay to the track conductor, as shown
in the figure. The track conductor in each section is thus, when thc
relay controlled by the section ahead is energised, charged with the
potential of the track battery above the negative track rail ; but is
dead when that relay is shunted. Consequently when any track
circuit section is occupied, the track conductor of the track circuit
section in rear is dead.
As far as the first and principal indication to be given on the engine
is concerned therefore, viz., " clear " and " stop," all that is required
is some means of collecting current from the track conductor, and an
electromagnet that will when energised show a " clear " signal, and
when de-energised show a " stop " signal by the action of gi'avity.
The action will then be as follows : — If the section (B., R,) ahead of
a train is clear, its relay Rj will be energised. The battery B, will
have part of its current shunted tlinmgh the fixed resistance (O,) and
the wheels and axles of the train (X). while part of the current will
pass via the track conductor and the collecting devices on the engine,
and via the coils of the signal magnet to the negative rail. The train
will thus receive the " clear " signal. Should, on the other hand,
the section ahead be occupied (as is the section Bj Rj) the relay (R,)
being de-energised the track conductor will be dead, and a following
train will receive the " stop " signal.
t The lower contact of the relay is arranged to connect the track
conductor directly to the negative rail of the section so that in the
de-energised position of the relay it will be impossible for there to be
although it will show " stop " should the semaphore be improperly
" off."
The two most obvious objections that can be advanced to a con-
tinuous signal on the cab are (1) the necessity for contact ; (2) the
cost. The current to be transmitted need not be a large one, the
contact devices (with the exception of the single one on each side
required to break the local circuit of the danger magnet) need not
be other than of the simplest description, and can be multiplied ad
Uliitiim, the voltage of the track conductor can be put up to anything
found absolutely necessary, the pressure of contact need not be great,
the surface of the conductor can be made to approach a knife-edge,
and there are many means of clearing it of ordinary frost and snow.
I As regards cost, comparison can, of course, only be made of an
automatic cab signal with other modern automatic outside semaphore
systems which all involve electric track circuits. Auto-signals in this
country are mostly of the electro-pneumatic type. Up to the relay,
they and an automatic cab signal have everything in common. A
jirimary signalling equipment consisting of " clear," " stop,"
" danger," and " reduce speed " indicators, with the necessary con-
tacts, &c., could probably be fitted, at a rough estimate, for about £20
per engine, which at 0"4 of an engine per mile works out to £8 a mile.
This can hardly be in excess of what the automatic semaphore with
post, valves, or relays, and raising and lowering mechanism, at one
semaphore per mile works out to. Fully equipped with train control
as proposed in this paper the cost would, of course, exceed this figure,
but it is believed that the track work between stations with half-
mile sections (instead of 1 mile as with the semaphore), need not
exceed from about £140 to £160 per mile, and the engine equijjments
from £40 to £50. Yards would continue to be power or manually
worked^on any of^the well-known systems. l5ut without semaphores
or lamps, and the saving in these would go far to meet the cost of
the conductor, reduce speed ramp, and indication bars, and their
electrical interlocking with the points. The cost of the track work at
stations would thus be little, if at all, in excess of present require-
ments.
* Sec previous description in The Eleetrician,,
THE ELECTKICIAN, NOVEMBER 6, 1908.
135
THE BERRY TRANSFORMER.
Some 12 years ago, when the discussion as to the merits of
continuous and alternating currents for jiowcr distribution purposes
was at its height, and when a large ijrojxirtion of the schemes for
electricity supjjly in urban areas were for alternating current genera-
tion and distribution, the Berry transformer occupied a prominent
position in the electrical world, and it has ever since been one of the
best- known types of transformer.
former Co., of Hayes, Middlesex, who many years ago acquired the
Berry transformer patents. This small book of 92 pages, entitled
" The Static Transformer," provides most interesting reading,
besides forming a handy book of reference. It is profusely illustrated
and describes the development of the Berry transf. iinn i from its
early days to the present time, the manufacture anil iHiiMiM'i up of
such transformers being carefully described and illu-liMl miii- liivcu to
show the different stages of the process.
The method of construction of the 15erry transformer is, of cour.se,
well known, since it looms large in all te.xt-lxjoks on electrical engi-
FiG, 1. — Horizontal Section of \ Berbv Tkansformek,
A , Primary Coils wound in Sections : B, Air Spaces in same ; C . Secouilary Coils wound
on Core ; D. Iron Circuit : E, Earth ShieW ; P, Ventilating Ducts in Core ; G. Secondary
Connections ; H, Spacing Blocks ; K, Steel Bands ; L, Core Rings ; M, Insulating Ulocki;
£or maintaining air spaces,
In those early days of electricity supply the efficiency of a trans-
former reckoned over a period of 24 hours was low, and consequently
the proportion which the units sold bore to those generated was very
small. This disadvantage of alternating current supply has of recent
years been remedied to such an extent that it now compares, as
regards efficiency, not unfavourably with any continuous current
system. This development has been brought about (1) by improve-
ments in transformer design, and (2) by the arrangement known'as
the Berry " series system," in which .small transformers take care
BED
Fig. 2.— Vertical Section of Bekkv Transformer.
A, Primary Coils former wound in Sc -tions ; B, Air Spaces in same ; C, Sccoudiiry
CoilB wound on Core ; D. Iron Circuit ; E. Earth Shield ; F, Primary Insulated Leads ;
(J, Secondary Connections ; H, Spacing Blocks ; K, Steel Bands ; L, Core EiiiKS.
of the load at times of light load, and larger transformers are auto-
matically brought into operation as soon as the load rises above the
normal full load of the smaller transformers. This system was
described in detail in our issue of May 29, 1908, p. 249, and fiu-ther
reference is here unnecessary.
As regards improvements in transformer design, we have recently
received a copy of a new publication by the British Electric Trans-
FiG. 3. — End View of Transformer, showino Central Cooling DrcTS.
neering ; but a few further particulars may not here be out of place.
Figs. 1 and 2 show a vertical and horizontal section respectively of a
Berry transformer, whilst Fig. 3 gives an end view.
The sheets forming the centre core are first filled in to a mandrel,
and the lower end sheets are put in to form butt and lap joints with
the longitudinal members. The mandrel is thus filled up with the
plates of various widths that constitute the 12 or 24 sectors into
which the core is divided, so as to leave the requisite large numljer of
F,G. 4.— I'.KBRv Transformer under Construction, showing the
Completed Winding?.
uniformly disposed ventilating .shafts through the core. After the
toiiLilicst |ins>ilile webbing is bound on it is followed by the mica
sh.ris \. Ii. n hot. well lapped and bonded together. The lower half
of the low -tiiision winding is now wound as tightly as possible over
the insulation and is hand insulated throughout. The insulation
sheets of bonded mica, which are afterwards wrapped on hot, form
an impenetrable wall of solid mica, the strength of which is greatly
136
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER G, 1908.
aided by the circular form of the construction and the large radius of
curvature. An earthed shield, consisting of a finely woven copper
gauze screen, can be added if necessary.
The long winding space available permits the subdivision of the
high-tension winding into a number of equal-sized coils which are
hand-wound, highly compressed insulating sheets being laid between
each layer. Tliese insulating sheets also serve to conduct the heat
produced in the coils, when working, to the surface of the coils. The
rat« at which heat is transmitted from layer to layer varies very
much with different methods of insulation, and great attention has
been i)aid to this point by the British Klectric Transformer Co.
^ Each of the larger coils in a Berry transformer is provided with a
uniformly placed series of ducts through the centre, for the passage
of air or oil, in addition to the ventilating passages between the pri-
mary and .secondary windings. When dealing with high voltages,
the simplicity of the one long cylindrical winding space, leaving large
margins and clearances, tends to the greatest seciu'ity against break-
down.
)• Over the primary winding is built a solid insulating wall of mica,
similar to the one previously mentioned on the inner side and another
earthed screen. The
remaining half of the
secondary winding is
then added, as seen in
Fig. 2, and the outer
radially arranged bun-
dles of core plates com-
plete the construction.
It will be seen that the
primary winding, the
most delicate part, is
protected from damage
by the secondary wind-
ing, which is again pro-
tected by the core
plates.
The sector-shaped
bundles of iron sheets
forming the core are
held apart by wedge-
shaped spacing blocks,
and steel bands passing
round the transformer,
immediately over the
spacing blocks, hold all
together in a j)erfectly
rigid manner. Rigidity
is an essential con-
sideration in every part
of a transformer, since
the rapidly alternating
stresses between the
primary and secondary
coils would otherwise
soon lead to failure.
In these transformers
every turn of wire is
therefore put on under
great tension, and
hammered into place
as wound.
The transformers are
usually fitted on a trol-
ley, and special attention is given to the tanks, where oil -cooled
transformers are required. These tanks are a detail sometimes
neglected, as regards careful design ; but the British Electric Trans-
former Co. have experimented very largely in this direction, and
have got out carefully considered designs for each type of trans-
former. In fact one of the most striking featiu'es of the Berry trans-
former is the great attention which is paid to ventilation and
radiation. This results in the whole apparatus attaining a prac-
tically uniform temperature, with consequent improved results,
as regards efficiency, over those transformers in which great
differences of tempera tiu'es may exist between various sections of
the apparatus.
In Fig. 4 we illustrate a Berry transformer with the windings
complete and the core mandrel removed, the outer core plates still
having to be added, and in Fig. 5 is shown a typical air-cooled tlu-ee-
phase Berry transformer.
Other subjects dealt with in the book under consideration, which
should be obtained by all engineers engaged in electricity supply,
are the Berry " series system," sub-station kiosks and alternating
purrent boosters.
Fig. 5. — Air Cooled Three-phase
Berry Transformer.
A METHOD OF MEASURING IRON LOSSES IN
BUNDLES OF STRAIGHT STRIPS.
BY ROBERT BEATTIK, D.Sc.
Wattmeter methods of te.sting sheet iron for combined
hysteresis and eddy-current losses are amongst the most
useful and convenient. They would be still more convenient
if the measurements could be carried out on a test piece con-
sisting of a short bundle of straight strips, so as to obviate the
necessity for building up the test material to form a closed
magnetic circuit. Ditticultios arise whenever we attempt to
do this, however. If we place a straight test bundle in a
straight magnetising coil through which au alternating current
is passed, we can, it is true, easily arrange a wattmeter to
measure accurately the total loss in the specimen by connect-
ing the current coil in series with the magnetising solenoid
and the pressure coil across its terminals. What we cannot
so easily measure is the induction to which this lo-s corre-
sponds, for the magnetic flux in the test piece is not uniform.
Prof. Fleming, who has studied this method very thoroughly
(Phil. Mail., Vol. XLIV., p. 262, September, 1897), gets over
the difficulty by measuring the induction, not at the centre of
the fpecimen, but at a point distant 0'5() of the half-length
from the centre. The induction so measured is, he shows,
equal to the etiective induction — that is, equal to the uniform
induction that would give rise to the same total loss as the
actual induction. By this expeilicnt he has succeeded in
making this particular form of wattmeter method practically
usefid as a means of determining the losses in comparatively
short specimens.
There is, however, another, and in some respects preferable,
way in which a wattmeter may be used to measure the losses
in a straight test piece — namel}', by connecting the current coil
of the instrument in series with the magnetising solenoid and
the pressure coil to a separate secondary wound rt-und the
centre of the test piece. This method possesses the advantage
that no correction has to be applied for the ohmic losses in the
magnetising coil itself ; nor is there any doubt as to what we
are to take as the value of the induction. It is known to work
satisfactorily (giving the spcrijic loss at the point where the
secondary coil is wound) when the test piece is long and thin ;
but, so far, it has not been shown to be practicable when the
test piece is short. The object of the experiments described
in the present Paper was to ascertain whether this alternative
method can be reduced to a workable form applicable to the
testing of fairly short specimens.
With short specimens and a wattmeter connected up in the
way just referred to, the real difficulty lies in determining
exactly what the instrument measures. If the resultant mag-
netising force at the centre of the test piece were at every
instant proportional to, and in phase with, the magnetising
current, then the wattmeter would clearly measure the true
loss per cubic centimetre there. But this is not the case.
Owing to end effects, the resultant magnetising force is neither
proportional to, nor in phase with, the current. Apparently,
therefore, a wattmeter connected up as described fails to
measure the true loss. Nevertheless it does, in fact, measure
a:curately the true specific loss under certain conditions which
may be stated thus : —
The power spent per cubic centimetre at the centre of the
test piece when the magnetism is reversed n times per second
is, in watts,- — - - . | H,'/B, where H, represents the true mag-
netising force and B the induction. The true magnetising
force is made up of the applied magnetising force H„ due to
the solenoid alone, ditninished by the demagnetising force
H,, due to the free magnetism at the ends of the specimen.
Putting H,= H„- H,„ we have, therefore,
Loss in watts per \ _ n f^, ,g _ '"■ fu ,iQ
centimetre j ~-i7rxl6'i "' 4jrxl07 '''
cubic
47r X 10' J
' ,(t At X 10';
rfB.
In this equation replace H„ by its value ^ . N,/, where Nj re-
THE ELECTRICIAN, N0VEMBER«6, 1908.
137
presents the number of turns per centimetre length on the
magnetising solenoid, ancH the instantaneous magnetising cur-
rent ; also - - by its value ^^^^^ ^ ^^
, where A is the sectional
area of the test piece, N, the number of turns on the second|iry,
and (?2 the instantaneous induced volts in the secondary. Then
Loss in watts per 1 ^ Ni _ „fieJt-^- \-.fH„riB . (1)
cubic centiraetie J INjA. inXlO';
Now nfkjt is tlie reading ot the wattmeter ; hence, for this to
be proportional to the loss per cubic centimetre, it is only neces-
sary that /'H.i'/B should be negligible.
With a straight test piece of sufficient length compared with
its cross-section, this condition can always be complied with,
since H„ can be made very small relatively to H„. Scarle and
Bedford, for example, who used a ballistic wattmeter in a
similar way to that now being described {I'hil. Trmii.,
Vol. CXCVIII., p. 33), employed specimens about 50 cm.
long and 0-04 sq. cm. sectional area or less, and found that
with theseyH,,(/B did not usually amount to as much as 1 per
cent. ofyH,//B. A test piece of these dimensions is quite un-
suitablefor test-room woik, however. What is required is a
test piece, say, of square section, built up of strips about .1 in.
wide and from Lsin. to 2 ft. long. In such a test piece the
demagnetising force H,; is naturally considerable compared
with the appHed magnetising force H„. Nevertheless /H,//B
may still be negligible, provided H,; is nearly proportional to
Id — ^MKT '
Choker
B. If H,, were exactly proportional to B, /H,,'/B would
vanish altogether. The possibility of applying a wattmeter
method of the kind under consideration to test comparati\ cly
short bundles depends entirely, tiiorefore, upon whether or not
there is proportionality between the demagnetising force and
the induction at the centre of the test piece.
To a first degree of approximation there exists, of course, a
rough proportionality between these two quantities ; l)ut it is
not exact, for, owing to changes in permeability, the distribu-
tion of induction along the test piece is different at different
stages of magnetisation. Searle and Bedford, who had occa-
sion to examine this question in connection with their work,
found a considerable ameunt of hysteresis in the relation of
Hrf to B {loc. cit., pp. 9H-101). But, as just stated, this was
with fairly long and thin specimens, and their results do not
necessarily apply to short specimens. On the contrary, it
would appear that the distribution of induction along short
specimens does, in fact, follow pretty much the same law at
diflferent stages of magnetisation. This necessarily implies a
nearly strict proportionality between H,, and B, ami thus
leads to the conclusion that a wattmeter method on the lines
indicated ought to be practicable with short specimens.
To put this to the test, the writer recently carried out a
number of experiments using the arrangement diagrammatic-
ally represented in Fig. 1. In these experiments a dynamo-
metric wattmeter was not employed, but the whole of the
measurements required to deduce both the losses and the in-
duction were made by help of the low-reading electrostatic
voltmeter V. The chief reason for the adoption of this course
was to obtain a simplified method involving the use of a single
instrument which could be easily and accurately standardised,
and which would, at the same time, take no current from the
secondary S.
As shown, the electrostatic voltmeter was connected in series
with S, and, by help of the kejs K, the voltage set up across the
non-inductive resistance E in the main circuit could be added
to, or subtracted from, that generated in S. Calling dy and (/j
the two deflections of the voltmeter thus produced, wo have,
whatever the wave form may be,
,, /(-((/, -f/.,)
njie./lt= ^^ -,
where k (= volts/ v" reading) is the voltmeter constant.* In-
troducing this into equation (1), and supposing the term which
contains /H,,('B in that equation to be negligible, we have
Watts W per cubic centimetre = ^y ^^j., • K (h) • ■ (2)
This, it need hardly be said, gives the combined loss due to
hysteresis and eddy currents.
To determine the induction, a third reading, d.t, of the volt-
meter was obtained with the keys K so placed that the resis-
tance E was cut out of the voltmeter circuit. This gave
B,„, = ''-''-" . Jd (3)
■ ■ 4/AN.;» 3
where B,,,,,, and/denote res- pectively the maximum induction
and the form factor of the E.M.F. induced in the secondary.
As far as manipulation was concerned this method proved
entirely satisfactory. A very sensitive electrostatic voltmeter
was rc(iuired, but with the instrument employed — an Ayrton-
Mather reflecting voltmeter made by Taul, giving a deflection
of 50 cm. for 7 volts at the usual scale distance — readings
could be obtained accurately and quickly, and no trouble from
zero shift was experienced. The only point to be- ascertained
was how far the experimental results represented the true losses.
One way to settle this was by varying the length of the test
piece. With a long test piece the method must obviously give
correct results. Commencing, therefore, with a long bundle it
was only necessary to see whether the same results were
obtained when it was shortened. If no differences could be
observed the accuracy of the results might be taken for granted.
A number of experiments were carried out in this way with
test bundles built up of strips of sheet iron 0-6 mm. thick and of
variouswidths and lengths. It will sutticeto give herethe results
of a series of measurements on a test bundle made up to a square
section of strips i in. wide and "20 in. long tested at a frequency
of 100. The effect of shortening this bundle 4 in. at a time (2 in.
off each end, leaving the secondary coil in the middle) is shown
by the upper curves of Fig. 2. It will be seen that practically
the same results were obtained down to a length of 16 in.;
below this length the vakes were too high, due, probably, to
the term containing /H,,''B in equation (1) becoming appre-
ciable with such short specimens.
These results were in themselves suHicient evidence of the
reliability of the method as applied to any square bundle of
!, in. strips exceeding IG in. in length. To make quite sure, how-
ever, some further confirmatory experiments were undertaken.
A fresh bundle of i in. strips 20 in. long was made up and two
loss-induction curves were determined for frequencies of 100
and 50 respectively. The first of these cm ves coincided exactly
with that obtained for the 20 in. bundle previously tested
(upper full-line curve of Fig. 2) ; the second is shown as the
lower full-line curve of the same figure. From these curves
the total loss was separated in the usual way into its two com-
ponents. The hysteresis loss thus deduced was found to be
0-70 watt per pound at B„,.„ = 4,000 C.G.S. units and a fre-
quency of 100. An identical result, viz., 0-70 watt per pound,
was obtained on testing the same material with Ewing's
hysteresis tester.
The exact agreement of these numbers left little room for
doubt as to the accuracy of the method. To put it on an
unassailable basis, however, it was thought desirable to test
directly the proportionality between Hj and B, upon which
the possibility of the method wholly depends. For this pur-
* The voltmeter employed gave a deflection exactlj- proportional to
the square of the voltage" over the whole of the working range.
138
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 6, 1908.
pose a magnetometer was placed as close as possible to the
centre of the bundle, but outside the magnetising coil. A
direct current was then passed through the magnetising coil and
varied so as to carry the magnetism through a C3cle. The
deflection of the magnetometer, noted at various stages during
the process, was then taken as a measure of the demagnetising
force H,;. Easults of an experiment of this kind made on a
20 in. bundle of ,1 in. strips are shown in Fig. 3, This refers to
a semi-C3'cle in which the magnetising current was increased
b
o n
fers ti
bund
e20i
iches
ong
/
□
„■ .
"
12
'•
•'
/
34
/
CU
/
^ 1
,^
/
ti^
A
2
?3
//<
1/
^
tH
/9
y
/•^
4
^
-<
/
^
^
r
.a^
^
y
2000 4000 6000 8000
Maximum Induction in C G S lines per sq. cm.
Fig. 2.
from zero to a maximum, and then reduced to zero. It is
seen that exact proportionality does, indeed, obtain between
H,; and B, and this may therefore be regarded as a complete
and final justification of the method.*
A practical point remains to be noted. The form factory of
the secondary E.M.F. enters into the ex]jression for B„„i_v ; and,
for the convenient working of the method, it is necessary to be
2000 4000 6000 CG.S.
Induction at Centre (B) Ui'ts
Fio. 3.
able to assume that this is the same as the form factor of the
primary E.M.F., which is supposed to be known. To secure
this equality an ironless choker must be introduced into the
* What is here proved as to the applicability of the alteniating
current method to measure the combined losses in short bundle.'*
holds equally for the ordinary ballistic method as applied to
measure the hysteresis losses only. We can, in fact, ap|)l}' the bal-
listic method to a short bundle of strips of suitalile dimensions, such
us those stated above, and, neglecting end effects, plot B against
H„ instead of B against H« as is usually done. So long as H,; is pro-
portional to B, the area of a B-Ha loop will be the same as that of a
B-H( loop, and may therefore be used to estimate the true hysteresis
loss. The writer tested this for a 20 in. bundle of Jin. strips, and
found the hysteresis loss, as deduced from the area of the B-H„ loop
obtained baUistically, equal to0'72watt per pound at B^,„ = 4,000 and
a frequency of 100. This is in sufficiently close agreement with the
values obtained by the other methods.
jirimary circuit so as to make its reactance large compared
with its resistance. If the primary resistance were absolutely
negligible, the instantaneous v.alue of the applied E.M.F. in
the primary would be c^^lidi.dt, and that induced in the
secondary c^^Mdi^dt, where L and M denote self and mutual
inductance respectively. Thus c, ('j = M/L would be constant,
and the wave form of the secondary E.M.F. would, therefore,
be the same as that of the primary. With the apparatus used
it was found suffieient to have tlie total reactance of the
primary about five times its resistance. There was then no
appreciable difference between the form factors on the primary
and secondary sides.
For the convenience of those who may wish to employ the
method, the following details of the experimental arrange-
ments are given. The test-piece recommended is one of \ in.
strips at least 18 in. long built up to form a bundle of square
section. A test-piece of strips narrower than ^ in. requires an
excessive number of turns on the secondary to ensure a reason-
ably large deflection of the voltmeter ; whilst with strips wider
than i in. the bundle has to be inconveniently long in order to
get a large enough ratio (70 : 1 at least) of the length to the
cross-section.
The magnetising coil (which must, of course, be long enough
to give a sensibly uniform field over the length of the specimen)
may be wound with any convenient number of turns per centi-
metre length to suit the current to be used ; in the actual
apparatus a coil wound with 85 turns per centimetre was
employed.
To determine the number of turns N.j on the secondary, and
the value of the resistance R in the main circuit, is a matter
of calculation. It is obviously desiiable so to choose R that,
for a given diflTerence t/, - ^2; the average deflection (di + d^)i2
may be as small as possible. These two quantities are con-
nected by the equation*
"^'"('■■■B N,.aO-..V.)'.^,-H(%)-.E.. . m
from which it is seen that, for a given value of {d^ - d,)W, the
average deflection is least when
E=/,
\/i-n
N.jilO-
B„
W '
With a "standard," or 18-in., test piece as recommended, ex-
periment shows that B,„„x./Ni'eiT. is practically constant and
equal to 630, so that
E-2-7x10-^xAN,y/»
(5)
w ■ ■
is the best value for the resistance in the main circuit.
Having found R, the valve of N- is^ immediately deducible
from (2). This gives
' 4AR ■ W '
which may also be written in the more convenient form
R
N,= 2-2xlOJx
N\n'
i^')
on putting for (rf, -rfo)/W its value obtained from (5), and re-
membering that for the test bundle recommended A= 1-6 sq.cm.
Applying these formula; by way of illustration to the ap-
paratus used (in which /.■=1 approximately, Nj = 8'5, and
n=100), it will be seen that, in order to get a deflection of,
say, 2 cm. on the scale for each watt per pound (i.e., 120cm.
for each watt per cubic centimetre), we require R=2'5 ohms
and N.,= 6r).
It will be noticed from (5) and (6) that both R and N. in-
crease proportionally with the constant of the voltmeter. The
use of a voltmeter of low sensibility would, therefore, require
R to be large ; and this, again, would necessitate the introduc-
tion of a choker of inconveniently high inductance into the
•Let «)2 = 4-44B„„i,; ANoXlQ-* and ri = R)t.n. be the effective volt-
.'iges set up in the secondary coil and across the shunt R respectively ;
also let 'Vs = k Jdi and y,j = k\/d2 he the vector sum and difference of
I'l and t'a. Then
from which, by making use of (2) above, the equation quotedfollows
at once.
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 6, 1908.
139
or,
xlO
'xlO-"' + 0-5.
primary to equalise the form factors. For this reason it is
advisable to employ as sensitive a voltmeter as possible ; but
one bavin" one half or even one-third the sensitiveness of that
actually employed would be c|uite suitable. A high sensibility
voltmeter (with a constant =1 approximately) has, however,
the advantage that its constant can be very readily checked by
directly applying a couple of standard cells. Much of the
accuracy of which the method is capable may be attributed
to the ease with which the losses can be referred to the stan-
dard coll on the one hand, and to the resistance of the shunt R
on the other.
A word must be added, in conclusion, as to the limitations
of the method. These limitations will be made clear on ex-
amining the relation between the quantities d^ - d.^ and
(r/j -f (7.,) 2. Supposing that R and N._, have been given their
best values in accordance with {5} and (6), let the value of E
given by (5) be introduced into (4). For a "standard"
bundle, in which, as previously stated, B,n„j/N^4„ = 630 ap-
proximately, we thus get
A±l^=o-35xB;n,„,
2(f/i - f/a) W
Now (/j - rfj cannot be greater than d^ ; hence the right-
hand side of the last equation cannot be less than unity, or AV
cannot be greater than 2 xO-35 x B-„,„x.« X 10"'". At Bm„j.
= 4,000 and ;t=100, W cannot, therefore, exceed Oil watt
per cubic centimetre, or 64 watts per pound, which is, accord-
ingly, the maximum specific loss measurable in a " standard "
bundle at that induction and frequency.
As there is a higher limit to the applicability of the method,
so there is also a lower, imposed by the fact that as W becomes
.'ery small the ratio dj{d^ — (/,) becomes very large. Hence,
with a material having a low specific loss, it may be ini]jossible
to get <7, - d.^ large enough to enal)le the loss to be read with
the requisite degree of accuracy, without, at the same time,
causing d^ to exceed the limits of the scale. For instance,
taking the least admissible value of d^~d„ as 5 cm., and sup-
posing a scale length of 50 cm., the minimum measurable loss
at the above-mentioned frequency and induction is, in a
"standard" bundle, 0-006 watt per cubic centimetre, or 035
watt per pound.
Although, throughout this article, considerable stress has
incidentally been laid on certain advantages of the single-
voltmeter method as applied to the measurement of iron losses,
yet it is by no means desired to push its advocacy to the exclu-
sion of other methods. As has just been shown, the method
may not be suitable for testing very high-grade material, and
in such a case the adoption of a double instrument method
(using a sensitive dynamo-metric wattmeter with one coil in
the primary circuit and the other across the secondary to
measure the specifie loss, together with a sensitive electrostatic
voltmeter across the secondary to determine the induction)
may be advisable or necessary. What, mainly, it is sought to
advocate as being practicable and, it is believed, novel, is the
employment of comparatively short bundles of straight strips
for the purpose of test pieces in making absolute determina-
tions of the specific losses in sheet iron, whether by wattmeter
or ballistic methods.
BOOKS RECEIYED.
(Copies of the undermciitioneil works can tn h-.i} from TV ElecH-icum offie?. pTst free,
on receipt of piiblislicl price, a lili.ig 3 1. for bojlcs publisUeil uuder 2i. A'M I'J per
cent, f .r abroa.l or foi- fjrelstn book?.)
Widerstandsl)estiminungen." By Fritz Hoppc. Vol. VI. of
*' Sammlung elektrotechnischer Lehrheftt-.'" (Leip/.i" : J. A.
Barth.) M. 4. v i ^
" Grundgesetzc der allgemeinen Elektrizitiitslehro." Bv Kritz
Hoppe. Vol. I. of "Sammlung elektrotechnischer Lehrlu-ftf."
(Leipzig : J. A. Barth.) M. 4.
" Elemcnte und Akkumulatoren : ilu-c Theorio und TooliniU-."" Bv
Dr. W. Bern. (Leipzig : ,J. A. Barth.) M. 4.40.
" The Proper Distribution of Expense Burden." Bv A. Hamilton
Church. (London: The - Engineering Magazine.")
■' Current Literature References, 1907." (Boston : \ Stone &
Webster.)
PBACTICAL COVSIDEBATIONS IN THE SELECTION
OF TURBO ALTERNATOBS.*
BY M. KI.OSS. DR.-INO.
Sum 11(11 1 1/. — Tlie three puiutsdcah with in this Paper are: (l)veutilution,
(2) voltage regulation, and (3) ])i)wer factor. As regards (1), the best
seheme is shown to be to take fresh air from outside the building and
prevent hot air entering the engine room ; (2) voltage rise figures for
turbo-alternators are shown to he higher than those usual in
multipolar maehines ; (.3) it is shown that it is no advantage to specify
a lower power factor than that actually i)rev,iiling in the station.
Ventilation. — It is well known that imder otherwi.se equal con-
ditions the output of an electrical ajiparatus increases approximately
in jiroportion to its volume or as the cube of its linear dimensions,
whilst the radiating surface only increases as the square. Hence
there raustjbe a limit of size where the surface is no longer sufficient
to radiate the heat produced in the apparatus. This is the rea.son,
for instance, why transfm iu<rH above a certain output can only be
built with ariilicial vcntilaliun. As regards machines with moving
parts we are niueh li(tl<r olf. because they produce through their
own motion a natural ventilation which helps to keep the machine
cool. Now it is the introduction of the turbo machines which forces
us to follow a different course from that wliich we were accustomed
to pursue before. The author illustrates tliis by considering the
dimensions of a 'i.OOO kw. slow-si)eed alternator and a fi.OOO kw.
turbo-alternator : the latter is a smaller machine. 790 cubic ft. as
against 1,100 cubic ft., but the internal los.ses are 2^ times greater.
Thus it is necessary for the designer to provide special means for
dissipating the heat. This is the more important as the high peii-
pheral speed at which modern turbo-alternators run is liable to pro-
duce noise, and in order to reduce this as much as possible one is
bound to enclo.se the whole machine. The consequence of this is
that makers must design the rotors so that, cither by their own shape
or by additional fans at their ends, they jtroduce a strong draught
tlirnugh llic machine. This seems to be now quite common practice.
at all events with machines, say, up to about 3,000 kw. For sets of
larger eajiacity it is quite a serious problem to get rid of the waste
energy. Now, as special ventilation must be provided for the power
house if large units are to be installed, it seems to me to be somewhat
unreasonable, first to let this quantity of heat enter the engine room
(making it very uncomfortable to stay there), and afterwards to
ad(i|)t means to drive it out again and replace it continuously by air
taken from outside. The best and easiest way would seem to be not
to let the hot air issuing from the machine enter the engine room at
all, but to take it straight away from the machine to the outside
through special ducts.
The author shows by an example that by jjroviding a ventilation
.scheme as part of the machine plant instead of part of the building
l)lant a saving in capital outlay and running cost might be effected
and illustrates the efirajjlete and very effective ventilation .scheme
in u.se at the Stuart-street station of the Manchester ('orporation.
where the new (i.OOO kw. Siemens-Willans set is ventilatwl in this
way.
The chief advantages of this system are einunerated a-s follows :
(1) The machine is cooled with fresh, clean air. free from dirt and
moisture, and therefore has a lower temperature rise than if the
ventilating air was taken from inside the power hoase. (2) The
machine is fully enclosed, and by this means the noi.se reduced to a
niininnun. (.'}) The a|ipearance of the machine is greatly improved.
(4) The hot air i.ssuing from the machine does not enter the engine
room, so that it is (piitc easy to keep this at a moderate temperature,
(.")) The capital outlay tor the necessary ventilating plant is snuiller
if the machines themselves are ventilated than if the engine room is
specially ventilated. (6) In addition to this it is quite possible to
utilise the energy contained in the hot air. ft could he used either
for heating buildings, or heating feed water for boilers, or by blowing
it into the boiler fires, or for all kinds of other useful purpo.ses, so that
one may regain part of the energy which would otherwise be lost
entirely.
Voltage Regulation. — The author shows in what res|>ects high-
speed alternators differ from slow-speed maehines. With llie ordinary
slow-speed alternators it has become quite a usual practice to design
the machines so that with no-load excitation the short-circuit
current is equal to about 2o to .3 times the normal current. This
means that the number of excitation ampere-turns even for no load
must be 2-5 to 3 times as great as the full-load ampere-turns on the
armature. The amount of copper, therefore, to be provided on the
* Abstract of a Paper read before the Manchester Local Section of the
Institution of Electrical Engineeis.
140
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 6, 1908.
field must be corresiioiidingly greater than the ct)])[)er in the stator.
In large multipolar alternators there is no difficulty in doing this,
because there is plenty of space left between the jjoles for the field
windinc, on account of the very small angle formed by two adjacent
poles. The author then shows that in the case of a six-pole turbo-
alternator there is, however, only about one-quarter of that winding
space available which can be made use of in a 60 pole slow-speed
alternator. Thus in the six-pole turbo considered, it is clear that we
must come up against the heat limit of the field on account of the
rather restricted winding space, and every designer of turbo-alter-
nators will agree that the output of such machines is never limited
by the stator, but always by the rotor, whether this is of the
salient pole or of the cylindrical type. In designing a machine which
should be .saleable as regards price, one is bound to go to the heat
Fig. 1.
limit of the rotor. But even then, for simple geometrical reasons,
it will not be possible to obtain the same number of ampere bars per
centimetre as in a multipolar machine. Consequently the armature
strength must also be reduced, which means a reduction in the out-
put per centimetre circ\imference, witli a corresponding increase in
])rice per unit of output. Now, in order to prevent this increase
from becoming prohibitive, we are driven to design the machine witli
a comparatively lower short-circuit current, because then we need
not reduce the armatiu-e ampere-turns per centimetre in the same
ratio as we are bound to do with the field ampere-turns. This, of
course, results in sacrificing something of the regulation of the
machine, and it is this point wKich I want to make quite clear to
those who have to draft specifications for turbo-alternators. One
should alwavs bear in mind that it is not " commercially " possible
to obtain the same regulation figures with a turbo as with an ordinary
multipolar slow-speed machine.
Having outlined the rea.sons for the difference in the conditions of
\oltage regulation in the two classes of machines. I will go more into
details to give an idea of the quantitative difference in the two
machines. Fig. 1 represents a typical open circuit characteristic
used as a basis for all further investigations. For the sake of com-
parison, I have chosen the scale so that I call the normal voltage 100
per cent, and also the corresponding no-load excitation 100 per cent.
At this excitation the machine will have a certain definite value of
short-circuit current I«, whilst the normal current of the machine is
I„ at a certain power factor =co.? 0, and we will measure the current,
not in amperes, but simply bv the ratio of its value to the short-
circuit current, that is to say, I„/I*- This factor will therefore give
the rating of the machine corresponding to its kilovolt-aniperc out-
l)ut, on which its size will depend. For the station engineer, how-
ever, the kilowatt output of his machine is the more important (juan-
tity. and in order to introduce this into the comparative investiga-
tion we will call the watt component of the current I,„ which will, of
coiu'se, be=I, cos 0, and therefore the kilowatt output of the gene-
rator can be expressed by the ratio I„./I». If wc now want to find the
full-load excitation, we have to allow an increase in excitation due to
three different factors : first, the increase in flux through tlie gap due
to the armature leakage ; secondly, the necessary ampere-turns to
counterbalance the armature reaction ; and thirdly, the increa.sed
pole leakage. Thus we obtain a full-load excitation, represented by
point C in Fig. 1. If the load is taken off at con.stant excitation and
constant speed, the open-circuit voltage will then be given by point
D, and therefore the distance CD represents the rise in voltage for
inductive full load, and this is the quantity which the designer has
to keep within a certain limit, in accordance with the specification
he has to work to. The value of CD, however, does not solely depend
on the distance BC, and therefore on the three factors mentioned
above ; but it is to a large extent also determined by a fourth factor,
namely, by the shape of the open-circuit curve. The shape of this
curve depends on the saturation of the magnetic circuit, and the
simplest way to signify the degree of saturation is to introduce the
slope of the curve at the point of normal voltage. We will therefore
OE
call the factor S=„ v the " satm-ation factor " of the machine. In
the case of Fig. 1, S=0-600.
The voltage rise dei>ends on the following four factors: (1)
.Armature leakage, ('2) armature reaction, (both proportional to load
current). (3) increase of pole leakage (partly influenced by saturation
factor), (41 .saturation factor.
&
\\
^^
♦y
^
.*
^
y
s
•-■(,
10
■f/
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y
^
__
-^
6
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^
r
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-'.
7^
Yy
^
S
/
0
'A
y
/
f
^n
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'^
y
,-
ps
.e
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'//
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'
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^'
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to
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M
— ►
S
Fi(i. 3. Fu;. 4.
In most cases the designer will, from a manufactming point of
view, avoid special designs, and ■will want to put forward standard
machines ; in such cases he is more or less tied down to a certain
initial ])ole leakage, and if he has to fulfil certain conditions of voltage
regulation, he can only do this by choosing suitable values for (1),
(2) and (4),
This is the reason why I have restricted myself in the tollt^w-
ing to an investigation of the influence on voltage rise, of the
rated load current and the satiu-ation factor' The two variable
quantities will therefore be the ratio \J\ or I^/I^. and the factor
S. The calculations have been carried out for various power
factors, namely, cos 0=1, 0-95, 090, 080, 070, and zero,
and have in most cases been extended over a range of 1,,/Ijt
= 0 to I, Ii = l. The first set of curves is derived from the open
circuit curve in Fig. 1, a tj'pical case with conditions of armature
and pole leakage representing a fair average for a salient pole type
alternator. The same calculations have then been repeated for three
other characteristics, the respective values of the saturation factor
lieing S=0-270, 8=0-472 and S=0-6CO. All four characteristics
arc plotted together in Fig. 2 on such a scale that they coincide in the
normal no-load point, this figure illustrating the various shapes of
curves corresponding to the various saturation factors.
Reverting now to our standard curve with S=0'600 as given in
Fig. 1, the excitation required for various loads I„/Ij. at various jjowcr
factors has been calculated, and the results are plotted in Fig. 3.
The chain-dotted curve is merely a copy of the upper part of the
open-circuit curve in double scale, and shows direct the percentage
rise in voltage at any load excitation. From these ciu-ves. we can
read off without difliculty the voltage regulation corresponding to
any load at any power factor. For instance, for a load ciu-rent I„/I*
= 0-625 at cos 0=0-80 we find an excitation of 169 per cent., and a
rise in voltage of 17 per cent. Tliis gives the point C in Fig. 1.
Similar sets of curves are given for the other curves in Fig. 2. Also,
in order to show how tlie voltage rise varies with the load, another
set of curves are given in the Paper, in which the abscissae represent
THE ELECTRICIAN. N0\ EMBER 6. 1908.
141
the load I„ I,,, and the ordinates represent the i)crcentage rise in volt-
age. The curves for unity power factr)r show at low loads a paraholic
character, but at higher loads become more straight, and tlien liave
a shape concave towards the axis of abscissie. The curve for cos 0
= 0-95 is rather straight throughout. The curves for lower jiower
factors are concave to the abscissae axis almost from tlie origin.
Comparing these curves it will be seen that for equal values of I„/I,,.
the saturation factor S has a great influence on the voltage regula-
tion, two other sets of curves (Figs. 4 and 5 herewith) are therefore
plotted, in which the abscissa? represent the saturation factor .S.
These curves show clearly that it is advisable to work at relatively
high saturation, especially in the case of macliines which are to be
designed for a relatively low short-circuit current — that is to say, for
a high ratio of I ,/I^, whereas in machines with a high short-circuit
current the saturation factor has not so great an influence on the
regulation. However, as the high
increase of exciting current at
high saturation is not desirable,
one is obliged to work at lower
saturations than one would do if
only the voltage regulation had
to be looked out for. We must
therefore make a compromiscand
from my experience I find that
for a modern machine the satura-
tion factor should be between
0-50 and 060. The values Fio. 5.
of rise corresponding to these
two values of saturation factor have then been plotted against
the power factor in Fig. fi. We found previously that for
geometrical and physical reasons one is bound to work a turbo at a
higher value of I„./Ij. than is possible w ith a multipolar machine. .\s
fair average figures we can assume an I„./Ij.=0-50 for a turbo, and
lirllk = 0'30 for a slow-speed machine. The two pairs of curves given in
Fig. 6 can therefore be taken as representing relative conditions in
the two clas.ses of machines.
Power Factor. — It seems to suggest itself to the buyer of an
alternator that he will be on the safe side if he orders the machine for
a lower power factor than is actually prevailing in his power tliilic ri.
As a matter of fact this is very often done in practice. We
will now see what he is to gain by this method. Take
again a thrce-pha.se alternator for 1,000 kw., cos 0 =
0-80, I„= 100 amperes, I,„= 80 amperes, I„/Ij = 0-50,Is.= 160
amperes, I„;I, = 0-625, S=0-60. No-load excitation, 100
amperes. Full-load excitation for cos 0=080 is 169 am-
peres, the rotor winding being at its thermal limit with this
h
-^
Iw
0-30
M
■Ji^
V
-^
2^
^
^
-~^
H;^
o6
^
.
•
■
1 •
J -
% •
3 •
J -7
therefore the unit price increased by 2(r."> per cent. This, of course,
refers to the output stated on the nameplate to specification. The
fact, however, that the actual |)owei- facti>r is 0-80 instead tf
0-70 as specified, will enable the station engineer to take more output
out of the machine than is stated on the nameplate. The latter gives
him as normal stator current the figure 905 amperes. With this
current at his actual power factor of 0-80 he can get a watt current
of 0-80 x90-.5= 72-5 amperes, against 6.'!-4 amperes at cos0-=O-7O.
He will, therefore, be very happy that, by specifying a lower power
factor, he get-s an increase of output of 14-2 per cent. " for nothing.'
or that the jjrice per kilowatt whicli he actually gets out of his
machine is only 875 per cent, of the " nominal "price per kilowatt
" rated "' output. However, if he were aware of the fact exjilained
before, that the price per " rated " kilowatt of this machine is 26-5
per cent, higher than it would be if designed for the correct jjowcr
factor, he would come to the conclusion that his unit price is actuallv
1-265 xO-875=£M07 per kilowatt, whilst it would have been £1 per
kilowatt if the machine had been built tosuit the actual requirements.
In otlier words, he does not get 142 per cent, more output " for
nothing," but he pays 10-" per cent, more money " for nothing." Or
probably still more, because it will in most cases happen that on
account of the low power factor the next larger standard will be put
forward.
In an ap])endix the author draws attention to how much the volt-
age regulation will be affected by an error of 1 U> 2 per cent., whieli
can easily be made, in determining the jx.wcr factor, and due allow-
ance should be made for the guarantees of voltage rise, which, due to
this error might deviate from the correct figure by 07 per cent, of
the normal voltage at a power factor of 0-80.
MALEY S ELECTRO MECHANICUL RAIL BRAKE.
In oiu- i.ssue of November 29. 19f>7, we gave a description of tn
interesting brake for tramway work which was in many ways distinctly
out of the ordinary. This brake, which is due to Mr. A" W. Malcy,
formerly of Ix;eds Corporation tramways, is now being manufactured
by the Electro-Mechanical Brake Co., of West Bromwich.
The Maley brake is in principle simply a niecluinical track I'r.ike
Ol'KIi.V
Levers
Jl.iLiv I'atent Ti Ac i; Brake.
f^TO ihf. "h " ."-f '"''"hine," the power factor be specified as
?rlr . ' '^'?' P°''"' f'"'*"^ '" ""' station be 080. For
I'T o'-rlr" ^r ''*r^=*>-70 would then be I„= 114-2, and
londTn ;- "'T l°! ""' *=*^''" '" Fig- 3 shows that for thi.s
ierlts-M '"^ '"rr' i ^^^ ^'"P''^^'' "'""'d be required, whilst the
permss>be current for the standard machine is only 169 amperes.
JorrlsTH 'T?f'"'- ■^■' ^' "^"t -""^^ h-^-t in tL field with a
correspondrngly lugher rrse. which, of course, is not permissible. We
vaW h7 T " 7 "'' ""'"'•™^ °"*P"t «f ^"'' '"''^''hine to such a
value that at a power factor of 070 the full-load excitation is equal
to the normal figure of 169 amperes. From the curve. Fig. .•? we
find t^h>s armature current to be = 0-,566 I,, = 90-5 amperes, this .nves
thH hT I«r:'^™'t^0-5=63-4 amperes, agains't 80 amperes of
the standard machme. In other words, the output of the standard
machine is reduced to ~x 100= 792 per cent., or 792 kw.. and
equipped with .suitable gear so that it is also worked electrically, thus
operating as an electro-magnetic track brake. This combination
en.sures that the weight left on the wheels is not lessened by the ap-
plication of the brake, and .skidding is eliniinaled. becau,se braking
in the ordinary sense is rmi sniiplicd l>\ the wheels, current being
required merely lor rrji ilimiil' ihr nmLrncts.
Tests w^hich we lia\r .ihr.idy ilrs.i ihcci in The. Elecfrir.-on show
that the advantages claimed for this brake are fully justified. The
equipment is simple, consisting of a concentric brake spindle, shown
in the accompanying illu.stration, with the two brake handles one
above the other. The lower handle, which can, as desired, operate
either the wheel or rail brake, is fitted with a special key. which must
be in position before the brake can work. This arrangement, it is
claimed, will prevent the driver from locking the wheels. The cen-
tral magnets, which are a special feature in this brake, by a backward
movement relative to the car, exert a downward pressure on the
auxiliary rail blocks on each side of the magnets.
E 2
142
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THE LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL TRAMWAYS.
The annual accounts of the L.indun County Council
tramways, which were presented last week by the High-
ways Committee for approval, together witli the annual
report of Mr. A. L. C. Fell, the chief officer of the tramways,
on the working of the undertaking, are always awaited
with crreat interest, not unmixed with a cerbiin amount of
anxiety on the part of those whose lot it is to defend the
policy' pursued bv the Highways Committee. In the
present instance there is llie satisfaction of recording an
improvement in the tiuan<-ial results over the figures for
last year. For the year ended March 31st, 1907, a balance,
after meeting all charges, of £9,(J74 was obtained, whilst lor
the succeeding 12 months' working.ended March 31st, 1908,
the balance amounted to 1 15,-WG. This satisfactory result is
largely attributable to the increased number of routes which
were operated electrically during the period in question,
and to development of traffic on the routes ou which elec-
tric traction was already in operation.
Any comparison which might be made between the cost
of operation of electric cars and horse cars would be unfair
to the latter mode of traction in the case of the present
accounts, since most of the best paying horse-car routes
jiave already been converted, and many of -the routes on
which liorse cars were run were being operated under con-
siderable difficulties, as regards traffic, owing to the process
of reconstruction of sections of the track for electric traction.
Nevertlieless, there can be no d.nibt as to the greatly m-
ereased traffic and diminished expenses which result from
the conversion of such routes. Thus the total number of
passengers carried on all cars showed an increase ot
58,288,664, or 18i per cent., over tlie figures for the pre-
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 6, 1908.
143
cediD" " year. This increase must be attributed to the
<'reater facilities for travelling provided by electric trac-
tion, to the growth of population, to the increasing
tendency of city workers to live in the suburbs, and also,
to a considerable extent, to traffic diverted from the sul)-
urban lines of the railway companies. For example, the
extension of the tramways system at Tooting, so as to con-
nect up with the extensive system ot the London United
Tramways, Limited, has largely diminished the railway re-
ceipts obtained at the stations in the district of tliis latter
company.
It has been pos.sible to obtain some idea of the extent
of this transfer of traffic from the reports of tlie various
railway comjjanies concerned, to which we have referred
on several occasions; but further light is thrown on this sub-
ject by the figures in the tramway accounts just presented,
giving the nund)er of tramway tickets issued at workmen's
fares and the number of tickets issued at 3d. and higher
fares. In reference to the latter, a striking fact is that
the number of tickets issued for the year ended March,
1908, for fares of 3d. and above was 7,810,418, as com-
pared with 3,835,002 for the previous 12 months; and
the tendency thus noticealile is likely to become increas-
ingly apparent in future years as more routes become con-
verteil to electric working, and the conveniences of the
electric tramcar over the steam railway train become
more appreciated. This problem of a continually diminish-
ing suburban trathc on railways has been receiving for
some time the attention of the railway companies con-
cerned, and it will be interesting to see what success will
attend the electrification of the London, Brighton & .South
Coast Eailway route from London Bridge to Victoria, as
regards the retention of this class of traffic.
Mr. A. L. C. Fkll, in his report, rightly draws par-
ticular attention to the large proportion of workmen's
tickets, these amounting to no less than 27,977,412, or
7'51 per cent, of the total number issued. As none of
these fares amount to more than' Id., even for distances
<it many miles, such as from Tooting to the Victoria
Kiiiliankment, it is possible that too much consideration is
given to this class of trathc at the expense of the ordinary
jiassenger, if not of the financial stability of the tramway
undertaking itself. The growth of this traffic will need
careful attention, and we are pleased to see that it is not
being overlooked by the Council's officials.
As regards the actual cost of operation, it is satisfactory
to notice that the figure of 7-06d. per car-mile for 1900-7
has been reduced to G-79d., which latter figure compares
very favouralily with those recorded on other tramway
undertakings. The revenue per car mile again sliows a
sliglit iliminution over the previous year's figures : this is
probably due to the increasing number of passengers
travelling on halfpenny stages, 23-44 per cent, of the total
number of passengers coming under this heading, as
against 2012 per cent, in the previous year. As London
stands in rather a unique position in the matter of half-
IKMiny fares, tliis tendency of the revenue per car mile to
diminish steadily will also require careful attention, and it
niay eventually result in the necessity; for a slight increase
in the present fares or the readjustment of the stages. Al-
though such a change is not at present foreshadowed, it
may finally be brought about by the increase in the main-
tenance and repair charges in future years, together with
the necessity fi)r increased allowances for depreciation.
It is as regards the |>rovision for this latter item that
the chief criticism of these accounts has previously
been aroused. In this connection it will be remem-
bered that, on the advice of their officials, the Council
is setting aside, for the next five years, until further
reliable information is obtainable, two-thirds of a penny
per car mile for a renewals fund. On this basis, which
we have on previous occasions criticised as being less
than that adopted by many municipalities, this fund
ought to stand at £196,741, whereas it only amounts to
£1.58,622, the contribution for the past year lieing only
£45,406 plus £5,923 l)rought forward, instead of £71,086,
the amount calculated on the above basis. It will thus
be seen that this fund still falls far short of what may be
considered a satisfactory minimum allcwance ; in fact, it is
only 25 per cent, of the total capital expenditure on
the electrical portion of the undertaking. But it is evident
that, as the electrically-0})erated system of the Council's tram-
ways extends, larger gross profits will result from the working
of the cars, so that future years will probably see this fund
brought up to its normal amount, together with an addi-
tional reserve fund, since it has been decided that no con-
tributions are for the next few years to be made to the
rates. Although this may not prove very satisfactoiy to
certain sections of the Council from an electioneering point
of view, it will give the tramways undertaking an oppor-
tunity of becoming established on a sound financial basis.
Turning now to further details of the actual working, it
will be noticed that the cost of generating current has
been reduced from 0'67d. per unit to 0'57d. per unit, both
these figures including capital charges. The figure now
obtaining must be considered very satisfactory indeed,
particularly in view of the high price of coal during the
period in question ; but the consumption of current — viz.,
2-24 units per car-mile — seems rather high, showing a
considerable increase over the figure for the previous year,
namely, 202 units per car mile. The tiaffic conditions in
London, of course, tend to increase somewhat the number
of units consumed, but although the cost of current is very
low compared with the figure usually prevailing, there
would seem to be an opening for reducing the current
consumed by the cars.
An interesting statement in the accounts, in view of the
criticism which has from time to time been brought for-
ward by the technical Press, including ourselves, is that
relating to amounts chargeable to the tramways account in
respect of the cost of street improvements. A year ago
we drew attention to this item, which then stood at only
£137,475 ; it now totals £212,395, a considerably increased
amount, and as a sum of £187,327 still remains to be
charged to the tramways account ere the improvements in
question are conqileted, it will ]n\ seen that a t-nlal of
£400,000 at least will lie debited to the tramways under-
taking. Tills appears a large sum, but an analysis of the
statement refencd to above shows, in the case of a large
proportion of the iiuproveiiKnits, that only one-third, or
less, of the actual expenditure has been charged to the
tramways, and street improvements in London are essen-
tially a costly matter.
144
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 6. 1908.
REVIEWS.
(Copies of the undermentioned works can he liad from TUe Blectrician Office, post free
on receipt of published price, addinf? 3d. for booka published under 23. Add 10 p<r
cent, for abroad or for foreign books.)
Principles of Direct Current Electrical Engineering. % James
R. Baku. (London : Whibtaker & Co.) Pp. xiii. + 543. lOs.
With the ever-increasing scope of electrical engineering work,
any general book, even though it may confine itself to direct
current working is almost bound to sufEer by compression, and
the book before us is no exception to the rule. The attempt
at dealing with such diverse subjects as units, fundamental
principles, electromagnetism, electrical instruments, storage
batteries, lighting, conductors, dynamos and motors, testing,
and control, in a volume of some 500 pages, has met with the
inevitable result ; and even then the large and important
subject of electric traction is entirely omitted. Despite its
title and prefatorial remarks, too, the book suffers from insufTi-
ciency of attention to principles, and more space might pro-
fitably have been spent on such subjects as electromagnetism,
electrical properties of materials, electrochemistry, &c., to
the exclusion of much detail concerning dynamos and motors,
which is better given in special treatises. It is of little use, for
example, dealing with the theory of commutations and the
special difficulties met wnth in turbo machines, with a student
who has not commenced alternate current theory. What is
yet wanted for a second or, indeed, third year student is a book
which leads him up to practical problems by showing the con-
ditions to be fulfilled and the essential devices which are neces-
sary for each purpose, so that his mind is forced to build up
the result before a detailed example is given him. If this sort
of teaching and writing were more prevalent there would be
much more originality and energy in students.
It is easier to criticise than to act, however, and it must be
said that the author has done his work as well as anyone who
has attempted a book of this class, and better than most.
There arc few mistakes of importance, and although the sec-
tions on magnetism, and especially on lighting and photometry,
are far too scanty for a student to learn from, they will not,
at any rate, lead him far astray. It is somewhat curious,
however, to find the osmium and tantalum lamps described
without any mention of tungsten lamps. The usual fallacy
that 2.30-volt carbon filament lamps consume from 3 to 4 watts
per candle-power crops up again.
Three of the most satisfactory sections are those devoted to
instruments, secondary cells and cables. In each case prin-
ciples are dealt with to a greater extent than is usually the case,
and the explanations are clear and good. One of the most
important of direct current instruments, the potentiometer,
receives very scant treatment, however, and only one form, in
less general use, is described ; while supply meters are very
inadequately dealt with.
The section on dynamos and motors is the most complete in
the book, but here again the principles only take up a relatively
small space, and a considerable amount of practical details and
curves of the type given us by Messrs. Parshall and Hobart are
given. Though excellent for the fully trained designer, such
treatment is hardly suitable for the second year students for
which the author professes to have written. A commendable
feature, however, is the use of different colours in the winding
diagrams, and in the subsequent chapters on switchboards,
which greatly assists the tracing of the connections.
On the whole we are inclined to think that Mr. Ban's book
will be received with favour by those teachers who desire a
text-book in conjunction with their classes, and that it is likely
to prove of greater value than most others of its kind.
C. V. I).
Machine Design, Consttuction and Drawing. Bv H. .7. Spoonek
(London: Loiiynmns, Oreen & Co.) Pp. xx -I- 669. 10s.6d.net.
This book is abundantly illustrated and the diagrams are of
well-selected character for the explanation of the very various
styles of detail design adopted in England ; but they are repro-
duced to too small a scale to help an engineering student to
any conception of good draughtsmanship. To insert over
1,400 drawings to a larger scale would have been too costlv,
and it may be questioned whether the author would not have
followed a better policy in making use of a smaller number.
The first five chapters, occupviiig •'JS pages only, are devoted
to detailed instructions regaidiiif; the incchanicalartof drawing;,
including the pure geometry of this subject, as well as to the
instruments used and the way to use them. This is too small a
space to devote to so important a part of the draughtsman's
art, and the mention of useful instruments is undesirably incom-
plete. Especially do we notice the omission of any reference
to the methods of practical arithmetical calculation and the
tables and instruments used to facilitate it. This is rather a
serious omission. Throughout the book, the numerous
examples given all testify to the importance to the modern
scientific designer of ready and rapid arithmetic and of econo-
my in brain labour in obtaining arithmetic results. In this
connection we may also point to the large proportion of time
devoted by engineering draughtsmen to estimating cjuantities
and costs. A desigzr is not rational unless it be worked out
with regard to quantities and costs ; and therefore this art is.
scientifically viewed, part of the art of the designer and
draughtsman. The treatise under review, however, gives two
pages only at the end of the book under the heading " mis-
cellaneous " to this section of its subject.
These, however, are negative criticisms of faults of omission.
The book contains a vast amount of detailed information useful
to the mechanical draughtsman. Our examination of it leads
us to believe it free from any serious error and that the designer
of ordinary constructions will never go far wrong if he follows
the ru'es given. The book systematically avoids giving any of
the theory leading to general formulse ; but for this it nearly
always gives references to other text-books. From these it
deduces particular formula; applicable to the various details
dealt with ; and, in each such case, illustrates the application
by one or several numerical calculations. After the above-
mentioned five chapters, the subjects successively dealt with
are stuffing boxes, &c., shafting, couplings, keys, riveting, bolts,
&c., pipes, &c., cottered joints, journals, &c., ball bearings,
toothed gearing, friction gearing, belt and rope gearing, chains,
tanks, pistons and rods, crossheads and guides, connecting
rods, eccentrics, machine handles, strength of materials,
general hints on designing, springs, sample selected designs,
technological examination papers. The scientific logical
sequence here is not very apparent ; but this is probably a
matter of small moment in a book likely to be used by way
of occasional reference. One judicious feature of the work is
that when — as is probably more often the case than not — very
different rules for design are given by 'different well-known
authorities, most of such rules are quoted, the differences
between their practical effects arc pointed out, and no expres-
sion of opinion is given by the author as to which is correct or
is best to follow. This course is, as we say, judicious ; but it
must frequently produce a condition of charming confusion
and doubt in the mind of the learner. Let us hope it may at
the same time train him to a wholesome habit of scepticism
as to the validity of " authority " in matters of common sense
and scientific investigation.
Practical Mathematics. Bv F C. Clauke (London : Edwiud
Arnold.) Pp. viii. -1-278 3?. 6d.
This is a book of considerable value, not only to the student
of engineering and applied science, but also to the science
student generally. It contains an enormous quantity of what
might be called " every day mathematics," and covers a very
wide range, from elementary algebra to the integral calculus.
Some of the earlier matter is perhaps given in too much detail,
but it is, of course, exceedingly difficult to decide just what
shall be omitted from a book of this class. A few misprints of
an obvious nature will probably be corrected when the book
undergoes revision for a fresh edition, which is .sure to be
necessary and will be justly merited. We call attention to one
at the foot of p. 13, where the following occurs :"' . . . since
rt'' = 67a = fo''." Another occurs on p. 40 in connection with the
table of coefficients of the terms of a binomial expansion.
THE ELECTRICIAN. NOVEMBER 6, 1908.
145
THE MANCHESTER ELECTRICAL EXHIBITION— VL
The last week of the Exhibition witnessed tlie bieukiiij; of
all records in the matter of attendance. On Thursday last
the crowds were so dense that the gates had to be closed some
six times and airangements made to regulate the traffic, just
as had been found necessary on previous Saturdays. It is
gratifying to note that order was maintained up to the close
of the Exhibition, and although it was thought that some
noisy students would turn up last Saturday no distur
of the unbroken peace of the show took place.
Now that the Exhibition is over one turns almost naturally
to results. Anything in the nature of a poll of the exhibitors
was a pilpably hopeless, not to say fruitless, task. To ask an
exhibitor to answer a series of questions as to what he had
done in the way of orders would be to bring down ridicule
upon the head of the (juerist.
All exhibitors are optimists. If they are not, they should
be, and in asking " How have you done ? " one may expect
but one answer. The general tone of all the exhibitors at the
Manchester Electrical Exhibition was at the close one of
extreme satisfaction. There can be no disguising the fact that
the show has been a complete success, and statistics merely
make the matter obvious — even tedious.
The after-eflFects of the Exhibition should be also good.
When all the facts and figures on electrical plant and appara-
tus which have been absorbed by the visitors to the Exhi-
bition are thoroughly digested, the result accruing should be
one of general benefit both to the trade and electricity suppliers.
From the particulars which we have published of the exhibits
during the past few weeks our readers will have gathered
that the show has been one of general electrical and engineer-
ing interest and also that the claims of motor driving, cither
directly or indirectly, were e.specially put forward. In great
measure the Exhibition may be characterised as industrial in its
aim, and there can be little doubt that this object has been well
served. While the claims of "domestic electricity" were
advanced in many ways, they were not emphasised with that
glamour which distinguishe J the electrical exhibition at Olympia.
There was a want of organisation in this section of the Exhibi-
tion. Of course, we must not overlook the fact that Man-
chester is essentially an industrial centre, and many electrical
devices, developed especially for home use, are still looked
i.poii as luxuries by the middle classes of this district. Still we
hope that the demonstration of electric cooking and heating,
and the manner of fitting up a modern home with electrical
conveniences, will not be entirely unproductive of result.
Our own impression, however, is that the Exhibition has
been strong on the industrial side, and that great benefit will
accrue to makers of motors, accessories, ventilating fans,
machine tools and other appliances to which the electric motor
can be so conveniently and efficiently applied.
The textile manufacturer has had a unique opportunity of
witnessing, under operating conditions, much of his beloved
machinery driven by the handy motor, and this without any
alteration in the design. From both points of view— that of the
electrical and the textile manufacturer— this is a matter for
mutual congratulation, because both have appeared somewhat
anxious to meet under such auspices for a long time. While
the electric motor cannot lay claim to any serious modification
in textile machinery, it bids fair to revolutionise productive
methods, and we are convinced that its value as an industrial
asset will be appreciated more than ever now that this Exhibi-
tion has been so successfully held.
The man who has charge of isolated plants, of which there
are still a large number in the Manchester district, has been a
constant visitor at the Exhibition, and has displayed an intelli-
gent interest m everything there shown. The acquaintance
of such a man might be cultivated with advantage. Thanks
to the eflorts of the various supply authorities, many of these
plants have been converted, and the remainder are gradually
being brought within the fold. But when negotiations are in
progress the word of the man on the spot carries considerable
weight, and it is, therefore, pleasing to note that he has visited
the Exhibition in his hundreds, with satisfaction to himself
and, we hope, to others also.
DETAILS OP THE EXHIBITS.
Taylor, Tunniclifle & Co.
There are numerous well-defined disadvanUiges in the usual direct
method of tapping oft" wires which is employed in telephone and
telefrraph work. To overcome these a patent porcelain "pot-head"
insulator has been designed, and was exhibited on the stand (No. 63) of
Messrs. Taylcik, Tr-NNICLIFKE & Co. This insulator, as shown in
Figs. 1 and 2, is fitted with a central duct, and by this means the
usual " tapping " is avoided. It is claimed that by the employment
of this system the use of insulated tail pieces is avoided, and the
Pole casing
I^ead covered paper aerial
cable to exchange or branch
from uiideri^round main
Accessible lead pothead witn
lead covered twin paper
cables to pothead insulators
Extra' wire twisted up with cable conductor
to strengthen it where exposed and where
^ soldered to aerial wire '
FlOS. 1 AND 2. — MkTUODS of CONNECTINII MaIN AND LKA1>IN(1-IN
Wires om "Pot-head" Insulators (Tayi.ok, Ti'snkxiffe & Co.).
trouble met with due to low insulation on common battery systems is
thereby avoided. For much of this trouble is directly traceable to the
failure of ruliber or guttapercha covcreil leads, anil can now, it is
claimed, be completely avoided by the use of lead covered wires and
pot head insulators. The only moditication in the ty[)e of the insulator
used is the case of very high buildings, when it is desired to reduce
the length of the leading-in cable to a minimum are the two side knobs
to which the vertical bare wires are fastened, and from wldch the twin
leading-in wires are tiipi)ed off. By slightly modifving the above
arrangements, two metallic circuits can be dealt with and tapjjed off
into a four core cable. Messrs. Taylor, Tunniclitfe & Co. also exhibited
a selection of their porcelain goods suitable lor electrical work.
These goods are all tested at 100,000 volts before being sent out.
146
THE ELECTKICIAN, NOVEMBER 6, 1908.
McPhail & Simpson.
All inti restina cxliibit to steam ui^era was that shown by Messrs. McPhaii,
& Simpson on stand No. 114. It inchided examples of their well-known
superheaters together with thevarions parts, shown separately, which go
to make up this useful piece of apparatus. Among these were specimens of
superheater tubes which have been at work continuously day and night
for 10 years in a Babcock & Wilcox boiler and which have been cut out
for exhibiting purposes. This superheater was of the well-known McPhail
& Simpson tyi)e and was the first to be ap))lied to a water-tube boiler.
'J'he tubes did not look any the worse for their prolonged exposure to
steam at TOOT. A number of interesting diagrams and v.orking draw-
parts can be made without breaking the pipe connections. The house
tank jiump which was exhibited on this stand is the smallest high-lift
centrifugal pump built by the Worthington Co., it being designed to
till the services which are called for in largo houses which are detached
from any system of municipal water supply. In normal conditions
this pump will deliver about 1,000 gallons per hour against a total
head of 100 ft. when running at a speed of about 2,900 revs per min.
Aron Electricity Meter Limited.
Aron Elkctricitv Mbtek Li.mited exhibited on their .stand
(No. 131) a number of energy meters, including their standard pat-
terns of induction type and direct current motor meters, their well-
known clock type meters, time switches, hour
counters, electric clocks, i&c. The induction motor
n.eters shown virro tif various types. Besides
Fig. 3. — Example of McPhail & Simpson's Superheaters.
ings dealing with superheater design were shown on this stand. A stan-
dard superheater is shown in Fig. 3.
Worthington Pump Co.
The exhibit of the \Voktiiin("!Ton Pomp Co, on stand No. 158 had as its
principal attraction a three-.stage horizontal high-lift centrifugal pump.
This pump was shown in operation, and delivered approximately 600 gal-
lons per minute against a head of 30ft. when running at 1,200 revs,
per niin. The motive power was a direct-current 75 n.r. motor of the
Ijaucasbire Dynamo Co., which was connected to the pump by a flexible
cou|)ling, both being mounted on a common cast-iron bedplate. The
pumii took its supply from .'ind discharged into a large wooden tank
jirovided with a suitable weir for indicating the amount discharged.
The main difference between the Worthington and other turbine pumps
on the market is that the former is designed to eliminate the use of
niulti|ile guide vanes, the velocity of the water from the impeller being
converted into pressure by means of a siiecial spiral diffusion passage
leading to the delivery pipe. This, it is claimed, realises a very simple
form of macliine, as in actual operation in mines it is absolutely essen-
tial that all complications should be avoided. The number of wearing
parts has, therefore, been reduced to a minimum, whi!c t!ie etfi'^iency
Some W(niTiriNGTON Pumv.s, wnor.E jVnd in parts.
is in no way sacrificed. A guarantee is given that with this new pump
the maintenance charges will be reduced to a minimum, and that in
any case where repairs have to be made these can be carried out by a
less skilled workman than would be necessary in the case of the many
other complicated designs now on the market. In addition to this
pump in operation, the exhibits included a 6 in. medium lift pump, de-
signed to work against a head of about 150 ft. in a single stage. The
feature of this pump is the design of the special diffusion passage,
which enables a high pressure to be obtained with one impeller. An
Sin. low-lift pump represented the standard Worthington design
for low-lift service. The pump in this case is provided with an
impeller of the douUe-suction type running in a suitably designed
cast-iron volute casing. The i)uinp shaft in this pump also rinis in
ring oiled bearings, which are entirelj' separated from the pum|)
stuffing boxes, enabling, it is claimed, the machine to be run for an
indefinite period without attention. This pump has been very widely
adopted by consulting engineers for all condensing plants demanding
economical handling of the circulating w.ater. The pump is constructed
of interchangeable paits throughout, a number of which are shown
in Fig. 4, and is designed so that an examination of the internal
Fig. 5. — Aron Clock.
the ordinary standard house ser\'ice pattern of induction motor
meter, there were shown switchboard instruments, two-rate meters,
and four-wire polyphase meters and the prepayment meter. In
the continuous current class, examples were .shown of new ampere-hour
and watt-hour motor type meters, and also a direct-current prepayment
meter consisting of an ampere-hour meter coupled with the same pre-
payment device as is used in the alternating current prepayment meter.
A very laige number of clock meters were exhibited, in addition to what
may be described as station meters. These latter consisted of many kinds
of polyphaieswitchljoard meters and largecurrent traction and portable
meters of the whole current and shunted types. For checking meters
ill .litu the portable type meter may be used in conjunction with a
portable resistance (Fig. 6), this latter forming a very bandy aftjust-
able artificial load. A complete system of electrically wound master
and sub clocks was shown, many of the latter being fixed in prominent
positions around the Exhibition. Single and double contact, time
switches, suitable for switching in different meters, kc, at predeter-
FiH. 6. — Aron Portable Resistances.
mined times or altering the rate of a meter, were exhibited, and also
main current single and double-pole time switches for heavier work.
Hour counters, for registering the total hours during which a lamp (or
lamps) has been burning, were shown both Avith and without switches
and suitable for alternating and direct curient circuits. An interesting
feature of this exhibit, though not electrical, was the Aron taximeter
for horse and motor cabs, both of which ty)jes have been approved by
the National Physical Laboratorv and Scotland Yard. An examjile of
an Aron clock is shown in Fig. 5.
L. E. Wilson & Co.
Messrs. I>. E. Wilson & Co. showed a number of interesting appara-
tus on their stand (No. 18", the chief fe.iture of which seemed to be
portability. The Thomson electric pocket lamp, which was an object
of much attention, consists of an unspillable accumulator in a
handsome nickel plated case. This lamp gives a useful and brilliant
lio-ht for five or six hours. It has been designed essentially for pocket
use, and is fitted with an Osram lamp and a powerful reflector which
intensifies the light. The battery is a small two-volt accumulator to
all intents and inn-poses, but the cell is practically dry, as very little
THE ELECTHICIAN, NOVEMBER G, 1908.
ur
truce of liquid is present. There are a number of very useful acces-
sories provided for use with the lamp for various purposes. Messrs.
Wilson have also evolved a very neat and excedinglj- useful gaslighter,
which it is claimed is the most efficient on the market.
Messrs, L. E. Wilson also exhibited the "Fors " accumulator which
we described recently in The Electridan (Vol. [.X., p. 854). Our
readers will remember that thel chief objects of the design are to
secure free circulation of the elect'.olyte, uniform action on thejilates,
ready escape of gases and light weight. Tlie first object is secured by
providing vertical channels between the electrodes and a porous
septum which separates the positive and negative elements. This
Fi.:. 7.— Tin:
form of the ele
' Fors " Ac '
results
MtLATDR (L. E. WlLSO.V ife C\>. ,.
large surface and light weight,
enablnig the makers to guarantee a capacity of 18 watt-hours per lb.
of ?°'".P'ete cell. The septum is made of " porcelaine d'araiante/'
which IS very porous : this is in the form of a pot which surrounds the
positive, and is in its turn surrounded bv tlie negative. The elec-
trodes being thus supported can be made light, and are free from
buckling or short-circuits. Fig. 7 shows a portable Fors accumu-
lator. Messrs. Wilson had also on show a Laurie & Inglefield
travelhng light, one of which was fitted up on their stand" The
arrangement consists of a suspended steel wire, on which runs a
He.i(il3le cord arranged in a series of loops, which can be extended to
any length as desired. Another feature was a stretching pendant
wfiichenables a lightto be taken to practically every corner of the room.
/. Shaw & Son.
On their stand (No. 140) Messrs. J. Shaw & 3oK were showing ex-
amples of then improved steam valve. This, as shown in Fig. 8, con-
sists of a seat. A, of specially prepared
metal calculated to resist the action of
steam, and being considerably hanler than
the valve cannot, it is claimed, easily be
injured by grit or ether material getting
between the seat and valve. Tlie valve
projier B is made separate from the spindle
and, being of concentric form, makes a
most reliable metal-to-metal joint, which,
it is claimed, will successfully resist any
pressure. The valve is strong and is not
liable to damage. It will always find its
true centre on the valve seat, as it will
accommodate itself to the varying wear.
The special packing ring D, resting on the
flange C, forms a steam-tight joint when
the valve is oi>eii, apart from the [racking in
the stuffing fiox. If necess.ary the latter
can be repacked without shutting ofl
steam. A special advantage of this valve
'S the interchangeability of valve and seat.
Shaw's Patent Valve. Another exhiliit was the parallel slide valve,
„r X, . , , which has an aperture equal to the capacity
oi the pipes. It has no parts which can stick fast, and its special
leatures are the ball bearmgs and a packing ring similar to that de-
scubed above. The valves are pressed to the seats by a wedge
operating on the ball-bearings, which are fixed in the centre of the
aiscs, ttius giving an equal pressure on both faces and making .a fluid
liignt-joint. These valves are made in all sizes up to 12 in. , and are
^cially prejjared for superheated steam bv fitting with " Nico "
metal seats or discs. Other exhibits includkl equipment useful to
»i€am users, su,:h as the Shaw patent universal union joint for
couphng pipes at an angle or on the straight. These are specially
.inaptable to difhciilt positions.
Fk;. 8.
G. M. Boddy & Co.
The exhibit of itfessrs. (;. M. H,.„„v & Co., on stand No. 193. wa<
wholly given up to lamps of various descriptions, among them, of
course, benig prominent their well-known "Metalik^' metal filament
lamp. Owing to recent iinproveinents in its construction, their low-
voltage lamj, IS now l.eint.r put o,, ll,.. market for quite low candle-
Fui. 9.— Vikw of Messrs. O. M. Bonny & Co.'s Stand at Man-
C'HESTEE, WITH ITS ArRAV OF " MeTALIK " LaMPS-
pow-er— i(-., the 16 c.p. " Metalik " lamp for 50 volts is an accora-
plishert fact. Other exhibits included; various types of carbon"aiid
other lamps, including the "Reliable" and "Radiance" flame' arc
and fancy lamps, and an exhibit of the well-known tantalum lamps.
Wellman-Seaver & Head,
ivT^"oo"'^ ^^^^ '***"*^ ^^'^ Sa^e some details of the exhibits on stand
No. 284, and Messrs. WELL\tAN-.SEAVER & Hkad also showed a form
of magnetic brake used on their m.u-hinps The illustration here-
Fli:. 10.— WelLMAN Ei.ECTRlr
Brake.
A. Magnet.
B. Armature Plate.
C. Ai-mature Hate StuiUs whi.li
transmit pressure exerted by
spring to plates.
D. Stationary friction plate steel.
E. Rotating friction plate, brass.
keyed to uut F, but free to move
longitudinally.
F. Hub. cast steel, with kejs cut
on it.
G. En'i of motor spindle to which
bub is keyed.
H. Oil slinger.
Iv, Adjusting screw.
with iFig. 10), pjirtly in section and partly in outside elevation, shows
very clearly the construction and method of operation of this brake.
G is the end of the motor spindle with uhich this 'irake is combined.
On it is mounted the steel hub F, having four feathers which en".ige
with plates E of phosphor bronze. These are rotated by the hub^'but
are quite free to move axially. They run between a set of plates
1^
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER G, 1908.
market! 1). The plates are kept from rotating by the brake case, but
are also free to move axially. A is the magnet which, when excited,
attracts the armature plate B against the force of the spring. On this
armature iilate are mounted three studs C, which transmit the pres-
sure exerted by the spring to the friction plates. When the motor is
runnino-, the armature plate being attracted to the magnet, the tric-
tioa plates are all free, and, being immersed in oil, run past each
other without any friction. As soon as the magnet is de-inagnetisecl
the friction plates are pressed together by the spring. This bring;- the
parts to rest very quickly, but there is no udden jar, as the plates are
running in oil and there is always a film of oil to be exuded before
the plates can make contact. The normal a<ljustment of the brake is
aesi<nie<l to give a retarding torcjue equal to the full-load torque of
the motor, but by the spring K this may be adjusted from nothing to
100 per cent, above normal. The special advnntages claimed for this
form of brake is that the coetticientof friction is constant, the braking
force is applied axially and the brake is equally elVective m either
direction. The wear is much less and can betaken up easily. Ihe
brake is completely enclosed and self-contained, and is thus protected
from mechanical or electrical injury.
John Collier & Co. |
Enir-ineers and others interested in electrical lifts were much j
attracted by the " Keiiihley " lift gear, shown on stand No. 262 by j
Messrs. John Collier & Co. The apparatus exhibited was similar to
that used for operating a high-speed passenger lift, for which a 7i h.]-.
inter-pole motor is emploved. The normal speed of the motor with maxi-
mum field excitation is 400 revs, per min. , corresponding to a cage speed
of ICO ft. per minute, and the maximum speed is 800 revs, pir min., eiiual
to a cage speed of 200 ft. per minute. The system of control may oe
adapted for either hand rope, cage switch or push button working, the
arrangement exhibited being for use with a switch in the cage. A
controller of the tramway type is provided ; this is actuated l)y a
double solenoid, the magnetic core of which is furnished with a rack
gearing into a pinion on the controller spindle, and rotating it in
either direction through an angle of about 90deg. The circuit is i
actually closed after the operation of the reverser l)y a multiple con-
tact starting switch, also operated by a solenoid, which pulls the
starter rapidly on to the first contact, the remaining portion of the
travel being retarded by an air dash-pot. After the armature resis-
tance is cut out (during which operation the field excitation of the
motor is a maximum) the starter introduces a resistance into the motor
til. - . - • . . m,_. _._...-..
mits the starting switch to return to zero, first re-inserting the arma-
ture resistance in circuit and opening the circuit at the carbon con-
tacts before mentioned, which, at the moment of rupture, are arranged
to give a multiple series break, the arc l>eing divided into six distinct
Fig. 12.— General View of
Messrs. A. Revrolle's Sta\i>
td to the desired amount. The starter
u>hes so connected that there are three
■II the two series of hard drawn copper
: r.:.ii>tance is connected. The master
I lo iliu controller proper by a five-core
- i,i(i\ iiled with three positions on each
1 position. In .starting, this switch
'full on" position instantly, and the
various operations described— the rotation of the reverser, the
cutting out of armature resistance and the reduction of the
motor field— follow in their proper sequence. When approach-
ing a floor, however, t!ie cage switch may be returned from
the third to the second position, which has the effect of again
strengthening the motor fiekl and reducing the speed to one-half
the maximum. Returning the cage switch to the first position per-
sliunt, thus incre,
is provided with sia .■uI.hi
parallel paths availaMi. l^ i ^^
contacts to which the stmii
switch in the cage is conn. ■
flexible armoured cable, ami
side of the "off" or cent
may be turned over to the
Fig. 11.-Gen-eb.\l View of Messks. .Siemens Bitos. Dynamo Works' Stanh.
portions. The method employed for reducing the speed of motor, and
re-insertintr armature resistance before breaking the circuit, usually
allows this latter to be done without visible arcing, and it is only
when the cao-e has to be moved a tery short distance, and, m conse-
quence, the starter brought on
to the first contact, and oft' again
ra))idly, that any visible e\idence
appears. At this point in the
operation of stopping, with cur-
rent cut off, and the cage switch
in the first position, the reversing
controller is still on, and the motor
may continue to run veiy slowly
merely by its own momentum,
the connections being such that it
excites its own field coils and brake
magnets. The return of the cage
switch to the off position leads to a
similar action on the part of the
reverser, throwing a duplicate resis-
tance across the armature termin.als,
thus bringing the motor to rest very
quickly.
Luke & Spencer.
The exhibit of Messrs. Lvke &
SrENi'EK on stands 43 and 44 was an
excellent illustration of what can
be done with the electrical drive by
apiilying it to grindiug machines
and other similar apparatus. Among
their standard patterns shown was
the universal grinder pattern D,
which is electrically driven. It con-
sists essentially of a massive cast-
iron stand, having carefully bored
out and extra long bearings. Into
these fit a steel spindle with tapered
«nds. On these ends are carried
the plates to which the emery
wheels are fixed, thus ensuring an
accurate fit and allowing th
fullest strength of the spindle to bp
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER G, 1908.
149
utilised. The plates carrying the emery wheels are fitted with jjatent
safety covers which efficiently surround the projecting nuts on the
plates and on the end of the spindle. This machine was direct driven
bv a 10 H.i". direct current motor designed to run at 550 revs, permin.
oil 230 volts. By means of a field rheostat the speed may be increased
to 850 revs, per min. as the wheels wear down. Another interesting
exhibit to lie seen on this stand was a tool grinder, having a grinding
wheel of pure sapphire corundum which, it is claimed, cuts coolly and
rapidly. This tool is fitted with a special fountain rest, which is
.said to obviate many of the difficulties met with in this class of
"machine. Another interesting feature is that the water is not sup-
plied from the top, but is sent into the tool rest itself, whence it is
c-niitted in the form of a number of small streams which converge
towards the centre of the wheel face.
Whipp & Bourne,
On the stand (No. 77) of Messrs. Wuifp & Bocrse were to be seen
examples of their special circuit breakers in all shapes and sizes. There
were also switchboards, oil switches, starting gear and numerous
other' kindred apparatus. All the circuit breakers sho\ni were of the
loose handle type with magnetic blow-out, a special feature being that
no auxiliary fingers are used to energise the blow-out coil, while the
main brusli is placed in a strong magnetic field. -Auxiliary sparking
pieces are fitted on all the breakers, but should an arc be formed on
tlie main luushes, due to the absence of. or damage to, the sparking
finders, the breaker, it is clainied, will open circuit even on dead
" snorts." The main brushes and contacts are accessible for cleaning
and inspection, one side of the breaker being hinged for this purpose.
Numerous other interesting switches were shown, including an oil-
bath circuit breaker for two and three-phase work and a three-phase
starter and oil switch arranged as a self-supporting panel. A panel
for controlling a rotary converter was shown together with several
others on which standard and special switches were mounted.
John Dugdill & Co.
On stand No. 268 Messrs. .Jonx Duouill & Co. showed examples of
their well-known movable fittings. These included those of the reel
switch type, with which is combined a double-pole switch. In these,
simply pulling down the lamp switches on the current, while replac-
ing the lani]!, cuts the current off. This idea can be applied to a large
number of very different fittings, as was illustrated on the stand.
Further, a combination of reel switch and ball jointed stem provides a
fitting which can be adjusted both s-ertically and horizontally, the
light being switched on and moved to the required position with one
hand. The .same arrangement is also made with a telescopic tube.
A number of fittings embodying a patent self-sustaining joint, which
does not unscrew or slacken, were also shown. It is claimed for this
.'irrangcment that it is the first of its kind, and re unequalled for focus-
ing light exactly where it is required without any wear oii the flexible
cords.
W. H. Roy & Co.
The exhibit of Messrs. W. H. Rov & Co., on stand No. ,258.1, gave
a "good idea of the design of their well-known water-cooling plant.
This apparatus was shown as a model on the stand and a full sized one
at actual work is illustrated in Fig. 13. This was supplieil to the Hud-
dersfield Corporation to cool the circulating water for central baro-
metric jet condensing plant condensing 120,000 lb. of steam per hour.
F. V. Brown & Co.
On the stand (Nos. 34u and 35u] ,if .\[essrs. F. V. Brown^ & Co. were
shewn all sorts of measuring instruments for steam users, including a
Fig. 14. — " S.\R<o '' CO.^ Hecordek (S.andeks, Eehders A Co.).
collection of '' Sarco " specialities manufactured by Messrs. iSauders
Rehders & Co., which are too numerous to mention in detail and are
already well known to our readers. The " Snrco " draught and pressure
gauges shown inrliidid a rnimher of new design.-' of indicating and record-
FiG. 13. — W. H. Kov's I'viENT Open-type Cooi.ino Towkrs.
The sijecial features of this plant are the improved- method of arrange-
ing the b.-iy.s or sections of the stack, so that every part is equally and
efiii-icnUy M-ntdated. Further, no Ioumc \u,:,nU are requireil on the
.sidf .if il„ ,.,iul,T. The carrier boards ,ii tl„ -luU are, it is said, an
etfici..!,! |,iMi,,iion against water brin.j l,l,,«i, off, and yet do not
prevent thu^acucss of air to all ]iarts of tljc stack.
ing instruments for all ))nrpose.s. Particularly noticeable in this section
was a gas volume recorder attached to Messrs. T. H. & J. Daniels' gas plant
and showing the actual volume of gas u.sed by the engine. Tlii^ instru-
ment was specially designed to mea.sure large volnmes of hot or dusty aas
which cannot he metered in the ordinary way. .Vnotlicr interesting
instrument w.is the "Sarco" steam meter which measures the weight of
150
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER G, 1908.
atenm jiassing tl)rouj;li « |iipc'- The boiler hoiisp was catered for H'ith CO.;
recorders and feed water analysers, while in this elass comes a model
" Hotchkiss " automatic circulator which shows the way in which this
instrument collects and blows out oil. grease and n\nd. The exhiliit also
included a number of s;as engines and examples of pumping plant.
The *'Sarco*" CO2 recorder is shown in Fig. 14.
Mawdsley (Ltd.)
The exhibit of .Messrs. BlAunsi.EV on Stand No. 234a showed
several different ty[ie.s of tlieir well-known patent " Mawdsley Zone"
dynaino.s and motors, iuclndiuj; all the latest improvements introduced
into their design. It comprised lift and crane motors, one of the
latter being shown at work under a load of 6k.p., which is produced
by a, " Wellman " brake, and operated by a "Dinkey" controller,
whilst a lift motor, also under brake load, was controlled by an M.S.
controller. Messrs. Mawdsley were also exhiljiting one of their jnotor
generators, in which the motor receives current from the main.*
at 200 volts, while tlie dynamo generates at 25 volts and sup-
plies a number of 16 c.p. metallic filament lamps. The difference in
consumption of metallic filament and carbon lamps was shown by means
of a change-over switch. The current from the mains was at first used
to light a number of 200 volt 16 c.p carbon filament lamps, and was
measured by an ammeter. The switch was then changed over to the
above motor generator, and, with the s.-ime current passing through
the ammeter, the large increase in the light was \-ery noticeable. Messrs.
Mawdsle3' claim that their motors embody all the advantages of the
interpoles without their drawback^, and that, owing to the simplicity
of construction, due to the "Zone" winding, they are specially
adapted for use in situations where they have to run for long periods,
or where only unskilled labour is a\-a;,'able.
The Heatly-Gresham Engineering Co.
To those who are fortunate enough to po.ssess country houses, and
are not yet fortun.atc enough to have electric light in them, the ex-
hibit of the Heatlv-Chesham Encixkerixc; Co. on stand No. 295
probably proved a boon and a blessing. In fact, this company ought to
be well acquainted with country-house lighting from within, .seeing
that their works are at the Garden City, Letchworth. Their exhil'it
consisted of a number of " Rational" electric lighting sets for country
houses, hotels and other isolated plants. In designing this engine,
the makers claim to have succeeded in evohing a machine which,
while embodying all the best features of well known types of oil and
gas engines, especiallj- as regards solidity of construction, can be
placed on the market at a price which will compete with many more
lightly constructed engines. These engines are essentiallj' parattin
engines, and can be driven with {piite low '.'rade oils, though petrol
or l)enzine can also be used without niy -.icriliee in economy. A very
sensitive governor and heavy flywlieel keep the speed changes and
cyclic variations « ithin very small limits. All engines are balanced,
and it is claimed that the foundations can be reduced to a minimuiru
Great, stress is laid on the accessibility and compactness of these
engines, while safety is a matter which is not neglected.
ALUMINIUM.
According to the Chcmiker Zeitunq. iSeptember 23rd and 2fith.
the state of the aluminium market is most unsatisfactory. It is
understood that the Aluminium f*ynd. will shortly be dissolved,
and although the syndicate by its policy has done very consider-
able harm to the aluminium industry, its dissolution just now will
make confusion worse confounded. By its policy of keeping up
the price it has caused a large number of works to spring up. and,
as a consequence, the amount of aluminium having to be manufac-
tured is commencing to very considerably exceed demand.
It would appear that the average cost price for the manufacture
of 100 kg. of the metal is about 160 marks. In March last year
the selling price was from 4.50 to 5f»0 marks, but it has now sunk
to 140 to 150 marks — that is to say. it is being sold under cost
price. Last year the demand exceeded the supply, owing largely to
the considerable amount which was required for the motor-car in-
dustry, also to the large quantities which were used by the iron and
steel industry for adding to the metal before casting. Another
cause was two serious strikes which took place in lOOo and lOOfi in
the French works of the Neuhausener Aluminium-Industrie-
Gesellschaft. AU these causes then tended to make a scarcity of
the metal. Since then, however, the orders for the motor-car in-
dustry have diminished, and in the iron and steel industry the
cheap ferro-silicon. also an electric-furnace product, has been found
to successfully replace the expensive aluminium. But witli the
decrease in demand a very large increase has taken place in the
manufacture of the metal, due to tlie large number of new works
which have sjjrung up. partly, owing, as already mentioned, to the
liigh price of the metal, and also to the fact of the falling in of the
patents.
In 1905 the total production of aluminium is given as ll.OOK
metric tons, 5,000 tons of which were manufactured in the United
States and 3,500 in France. The capacity of the works at present
erected is abou 37.^00 tons, whereas at one time the Xeuhausener
-Muminium-Industrio.Gesellsohaft had a large say in regulation of
the price owing to the fact that they were the largest manufac-
turers. They have now very little voice in the matter because of
the large amounts manufactured by other companies. Since 1905
the following new works have been erected: —
Works. Situation. . ^^u "^'■^'
Installation
Neuhausener Gesellschaft (Ghippi.s) Wallis ... 8,000
Campagnie d'Alais et la Camargue ... St. ,Jean, Savoy 10,000
Society Electrochimie Paris 10,000
Society Electronietallurgique (Froges)
St. Michael (St. Michael) Savoy 12,000
Cie. Electro-Metallurgie Venthon(Albertviire) 10,000
Cie.ProduitsElectrochimiques Pyrenees 25,000
Societa Italiana per la Faloricazzione
dell' AUuminio Rome . ... 10,000
The British Aluminium Co., Stang-
fyordens Chemi.ske Fabrikken ... Bergen 45,000
Vigeland Aluminium Works Christiana 18,000
Pittsburg Reduction Co Shavenigan Falls ... 5,000
British Aluminium Co Kinloch Leven 35,000(')
The following table of the world's production since 1900 is given
as follows: —
190O. 1901. 1902. 1903. 1904. 1905. 1906. 1907.
'United States 3,200 3,200 3,300 3.400 3,900 4,500 6,000 8,000
-f German V )
Austria-Hungary V 2.500 2,500 2,5C0 2,500 3,000 3,000 3,500 4,000
Switzerland ... )
France 1,000 1,200 1,400 1,600 1,700 3,000 4,000 6,000
England 600 600 600 700 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,800
Average price pe
kg. (Marks) ...
7,300 7.500 7,800 8,2C0 9,300 11,500 14,500 19,800
2 2 2.35 2.35 2.35 3.50 3.50 3.50
It is interesting to notice that the prices of 1 kg. of the metal in
Marks since 1855 has fluctuated as follows; —
1855. 1856. 1857-1836. 1888. 1890. 1891. 1895. 1900. 1905-1906. 1907.
1,000 30O 100 70 47.51 15.20 8 3 2 3.25-3.75 3 25-4
LEAK&GE DETECTION ON STUD TRACTION
SYSTEMS.
(COMMrNICATED.)
In view of the increasing number of systems which are experi-
menting with or have definitely adopted the surface-contact system,
the question of possible danger to life due to leakage through a
stud remaining alive becomes of considerable interest.
Various safety devices have been tried with the object of over-
coming this defect, some of them consisting of short-circuiting the
stud to earth after its operation. The great objection to this
method is that in some cases sufficient time cannot be given during
the passage of the car to allow the stud to drop again, so that trouble
was merely aggravated.
In the Dolter system installed at Paris, the cars were fitted with a
metallic shoe which trailed along over the studs. This shoe was
connected directly through the frame of the car to earth, and its
action was that, if any stud after the passage of the car were defec-
tive, a dead short-circuit would be formed through the stud and this
would melt the fuse inside the pot. This system, although being a
practical and workmanlike attempt at solution, has the disadvantage
that it is not always easy to settle a size of fuse that will satisfactorily
meet all conditions of traffic.
In another surface contact system the solution of the difficulty is
attempted by arranging to automatically stop the car over a faulty
stud until the defect is removed. This can lie done by arranging a
subsidiary coil round the main-circuit breaker on the car so that,
should the car pass over a faulty stud the current is connected from
the stud through the coil to earth, thus throwing out the circuit-
breaker and stopping the car. This, which is again perfectly reason-
able and sound so long as heavy short-circuits are to be dealt with,
would not appear to cope with the small leakages which may give a
dangerous siu-face potential. Moreover, owing to the kinetic
energy stored in the car, it may often overshoot the faulty stud by a
ear-length or so. and the driver may have to back the car for it.
" The production here given for the United States also includes
that of Canada.
t The works at Rheiufelden and Lend-Gastein only started operations
in 1899. Since 1901 these works have refused to give details of their pro-
duction; therefore, it is not possible to do more than estimate it.
One might point out in this connection that the British Aluminium
Co. also do not give details of their production.
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 6, 1908.
151
Mr. E. A. Mitchell, who has specialised on surface-contact systems,
places the remedy as a combination of two precautions. The first
is to ensure that, when the skate carried by the car is off the top of
the stud, this stud should be effectively earthed, this being one of
tlie features of the surface contact system which he lias evolved.
The second safeguard is the use of an audible indicator, as opposed
to a short-ciicuiting device, which will operate an alarm before the
leakage on the stud becomes at all dangerous. In a device fVir this
purpose, which he has patented, a small coil of the relay pattern is
connected at one end to earth and at the other to a flexible brush
which runs over the studs. The coil is so arranged that it will ring
an alarm bell on the car when there is only a 10 volt leak, this
being considered a sufficiently wide margin from the danger-voltage.
An interesting point with regard to this invention is one which
ajjjjcars to have been overlooked in previous attempts at the same
problem. So far as we are aware, it has been impossible to operate
previous indicators on a sharp curve. If a narrow brush hangs
centrally and is placed at the extreme end of the car frame in order
to allow as long a time-interval as possible, it is rendered inoperative
round a sharp curve. Mr. Mitchells invention includes a long narrow
brush practically the width of the lifeguard divided into three or
four sections as the case may require. These sections are cross-
connected to a double wound relay. The result is that although the
nose of the car may be tlirown off, yet one section of the brush is
always in contact with the stud and indication can always be made
on any curve.
CORRESPONDENCE.
TURBO ELECTRIC MARINE PROPULSION.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ELECTRICIAN.
Sir : We have read Mr. W. P. Durtnall's letter on the
use of cascade coupling for marine propulsion, and fully
agree with his conclusions as far as they relate to the use of
two machines. The disadvantages to which he draws atten-
tion, however, disappear, if instead of using two motors, the
windings are combined and wound on one core body. (2'Ae
Electrician, Vol. LIX., p. 55.)
Machines of this type are in regular work, and tests ex-
tending over the last two years are available. For motors of
moderate size, efficiencies exceeding 90 per cent, and power
factors approximating to 09 can be obtained at both speeds. —
We are, &c..
The Sandycroft Foundry Co. (Ltd.)
Sandycroft, Nov. 4.
to the editor of the electrician.
Sir-, lleferring to Mr. Durtnall's letter in your last issue,
the multiple-winding method of varying the revolutions of
three-phase motors is, in my opinion, insufficiently elastic in its
choice of suitable speeds fo Ictid itself readily in practice to
propeller exigencies, qui.c apart fiom the many other con-
siderations which enter into the question. Of these, doubt-
less, reliability is of chief importance, and it would be interest-
ing to learn whether Mr. Durtnall can point to any really
large three phase motors operating on his system, as road trac-
tion motors are comparative toys. If the cascade system is
.successfully driving rolling mills, surely it can hardly be
lacking in the element of robustness, which is the essence of
reliabilit}'. As to efficiency, a three phase motor is by nature,
so to speak, a one-speed machine, and whatever method of
speed regulation is adopted this will scarcely tend to improve
its qualities. l>iit it remains to be proved that, with judicious
design, there need be any material dift'crcnce in coal consump-
tion between the cascade and the other .system of driving
on an average ocean trip, seeing that during such a large
percentage of the voyage practically full-speed conditions
prevail.
Then, as to the spinner ; whatever its merits, at least its
author's Paper is a serious contribution towards the solution
of a difficult problem.
The real fact is that the possibilities are not yet exhausted,
and he must be a rash man, indeed, who ventures to seal his
conclusions with the word " never."- I am, &c.,
Belfast, Nov, 4. .]. W. Kempster.
THE FIRE IN A TRAIN ON THE METROPOLITAN
RAILWAY.
The report of Major .J. W, Pringle to the Board of Trade
on the fire that occurred, on October (itb, in a train on the
Metropolitan Railway at Swiss Cottage station was issued on
Wednesday last.
The train concerned was the last boi)kcd that night. It consisted of
six bogie cars, the front and rear carrying motors. The fire orcurrcil in
the leading vehicle. The inteiior. with the exception of the niotorman's
cab, was gutted by the fire. b\it |ira(tioally no other damage v.'as caused
to the remainder of the train : and slight damage was done to the station
platform. The car was divided into tluee i)arts by partitions. In front
was the usual niotorman's cab ; in rear of this a luggage compart-
ment, and the remainder was fitted on each side with the usual uphols-
tered seats for third class passengers. Particulars are given, by the
inspector, of the construction of the car, and he notes that none of the
timber work, upholstering, &c.. had been rendered non-inHammable by
any treatment. Tlie niotornian apjiears to have been one of the first
to notice signs of fiie, flames issuing apparently from under the doorway
of the luggage compartment behind him. He shut off power, and just
before entering the station heard an explosion in the luggage conipait-
ment. The train came to a stand in Swiss Cottage station, and all the
passengeis were detrained without difficulty. Power was switched off
the conductor rail, and attempts were made by the comjiany's staff to
extinguish the fire. But this was found impossible with the sand and
fire extinguishers available. The fire brigade arrived and succeeded in
extinguishing the flames.
The evidence proves very clearly that the fire originated in the luggage
compartment of car No. 69. The inspector has formed the conclusion
that the fire did not originate in any electrical arcing or disturbance.
In his opinion it can only be accounted for by the presence of a lighted
lani]) in proximity to a naphtha can and naphtha receptacles in the
luggage compartment. He wishes to (b'aw the attention of the company
to : (a) The inadvisability of conveying naphtha, or naphtha lam|is. in
passenger trains, especially on the underground sections of their system.
(6) WTiere it may be absolutely necessary to do this, he suggests that,
in addition to the precaiiti m prescribed by the rides, of liaving someoni;
travelling in charge of the spirit, the luggage compartment should be
ventilated as freely as possible by having the side doors left open, (c)
In the case of a fire occurring in an underground station, all passengers
should be hurried out of the train and out of the station, and should not be
liermitted to return until all danger from fire or smoke is over, (li) No ex-
tincteurs are, he understands, carried on passenger carnages. .Mthoiigh
these may not be of great utility in the case of electrical fires, they have
been jiroved effetive. if used earlyenough, in the case of ordinary fircB,'and
on this account should, in his opinion, be carried, (c) It is to be regretted
that the company have not made more use of non-inflammable woodwork
and materials in the construction of their electric cars. For example.
it would be possible to line luggage compartments with metal instead
of soft woofl, to provide asbestos millbo.arding to the singh deal roof,
and to render the interior fittings of piisstiiger compartments, panels,
seats, cSrc, less combustible by sulmiittinn tli.ni to some protective pro-
cess. The elimination of wooden platforms in undergrounil stations
is also very desirable. These are all matters dealt with in the recjuirements
of the Board of Trade for new underground electric railways, and call
for due consideration by the companj'.
PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.
LONDON ELECTRIC SUPPLY BILLS.
LiiMioN AND District Eiectricity SrrrLV Biii.
On Thursday. Oct. 29th, before the Select Committee of the House of
Commons presided over by Mi. Luke White,
Mr. Hammond, continuing his evidence, wa.s cross-examined by Ml"
A. D. Wedderbukn, K.C. (for Croydon Corporation). Witness said
that, so far as he knew, no power eonsumeis in the Cioydon district weie
coming befoie the Committee to say that they wanted to take supply
under the bill. The company wanted the Coiporation to do that. Hc!
would not assent to the cliiuiiiatiim of Croydon from the area. They
had no intention to force themselves into the Coipoiation area, but if
the Board of Trade said the ('(aporation was chaiging uineasonable
prices, as he cimsidered they were in charging 2d. per unit for sui)ply to
the trams, then the Board of Trade might peimit their company to enter
the area if indiulrie.s sprang up and there was a demand for cheap supply.
He did rot recommend the Corporation to .sciap their plant, but rather
that the company should supply them power to meet their oiclinary load,
and that they sbonld cdiiie in tlieniselvcs on the peak load. He admitted
that it was higlily probable that those places far away fiom Balking
would be charged a little above the average price for their supply, and
that those near at hand would receive their supply at a little below the
average price : but the maximum piice would not be affected. He dis-
puted the contention that the Corpoiation would lose £329 [ler annum
by scrapping their plant and taking supply from the company ; and he
also challenged the figiu-e of £619 .as the amoimt for the management of
the generating station. Reference to the tables would show that they
G
152
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER G, 1908.
estimated tlutt if the Corporation scrapiied its jilant and took supply
from the com].anv it would be saving £439 per annum, and in regard to
management expenses these had been put at 25 \ieT eent. of the amount
of £6.123 for generation and distribution, namely £1.531. At the pre-
sent time Crovdon Corpoiation were spending £6,123 for generation and
distribution, and after deducting 25 per cent, for management expenses
this shfiwed £4.500 at theii- disposal out of which to bear the costs of
distributing the current taken from the company. The current would
be delivered direct to the switchboaid, and the only thing the Corpoia-
tion had to do when it reached their switchboaid was to deliver it to their
tonsumeis. .
Sir Raiih Littleb, K.C. (for the City of London), questioned witness
as to whether the apparatus necessary for linking up the present gene-
rating stations did not already exist. Witness said this might possibly
be the case in one or two instances, but he maintained that a supply
under the linking-up scheme could not be interchanged without intro-
ducing additional apparatus.
Mr. Seymour Bushe. K.C. (for St. James'. Westminster, Kensmgti.n
and Notting Hill Companies), in cross-examinini; Mr. Hammond, said
the price charged by the four companies he represented had come down
very greatly in recent years, and witness admitted that if these com-
panies charged Id. per unit on a 15 per cent, load-factor the new com-
pany would not be in a position to compete with them, but he doubted
this. The effect of the scheme, however, would keep the companies up
to their duty of continuing to sell at the present low prices, and also from
making their charge 5d. per unit like it once was. Supposing the aiea
of the four companies were left out of the scheme, the new company s
main, connecting No. 7 control station at Holborn with No. 8 at Hammer-
smith, would probably pass right through the area of these companies,
being laid via Hyde Park Corner.
In reply to Mr. Ekskdje Pollock (for Middlesex County Councd).
Witness said a comfortable limit of working from Barking would be 15
miles, the Holland Park control station was 17 miles, and the North
Ealing control station 22 miles from Barking. Nobody else had ever
otTered to supplv electricity to Middlesex at the price given in the tables,
and witness thought it was probable no one ever would. If outlymg
districts were left out, thev would be able to supply to the other districts
at an even cheaper rate. Questioned as to the length of life of the cables,
witness said these were estimated to last 30 years. He admitted that
in laying eight cables from Barking to Whitechapel, although these
would be laid in separate ducts, they Avould have to face the heat problem,
but there was full allowance under the estimates for the cables, m his
opinion. He admitted that in regard to the Bournemouth & Poole
Tramways arbitration in giving evidence he had put the life of the cable
at 15 years, but it was a very different cable to those which would be laid
do\vn by the new companv. The high-pressure cables at Dublin weie
estimated to last 28 years" The matter had been carefully considered
by London County Council officials, who had decided they could
afford to lend money to local authoiities in London on the basis of a 30
years' life, and the Council last year put the peiiod at 30 years. If the
Middlesex area were cut out of the bill, the new company could, under
clause 72, supply either the North Metropolitan or the Metropolitan
Electric Companies.
Mr. Vesey Knox, K.C. (for Southwark, Hornsey, Chiswick, Fmchley
and Beckenham), referred to the advice given by Mr. Hammond to
Hornsey to put down 1,300 kw. plant, and said that after five years the
maximum load had reached only 600 kw. Mr. Hammond said he was
not consulting engineer for Horn.sey at the present, but he knew they
were perfectly satisfied with the plant and if anyone came along and
offered to buy it at cost price they would not part with it. The questions
of how the concern was woiked", and of the price being charged, had a
great deal to do w^ith the results shown by generating stations, and these
were, of course, questions entirely outside the question of engineering.
The works costs at Hornsey vfeTe, in fact, lower than he had estimated.
As he would himself have "a hand m the management of the new com-
jiany, he was confident the estimates given in the tables would be fully
borne out by results. The reason they had not been anxious about
making contracts with local authorities was that they knew the local
authorities would have to come to them when the scheme was at work.
The ratepayers would .see that they took the cheap current when it was
available, "in regard to the metallic filament lamp, he thought all engi-
neers agreed that this was going to be the finest thing for the mdustry
ever invented. The prices in Table XiV. weie not put forward as those
at which the company would be willing to supply all distributors, but
they might possibly be able to supply even outlying districts at those
prices. If a consumefs demand justified the outlay for a cable the new
company could give a special supply of alternatmg current to such con-
sumer on behalf of and by arrangement with the local authority.
Mr. Vesey Kxo.x then founded upon the profit and loss account in
Table Vlll. an argument that the piurchase price of the new company's
nndeitaking in 1931 would be unduly large. Taking that balance-sheet
as a specimen and assuming it to show the state of the company's affairs
in 1930, the amount spent on the works would, he said, be £4.270.00(1. the
valuation of the plant would work out at about £3.000.000 if it had been
well renewed, the net profiO would be about £490,000. He prisuuud
that before assuming what the profits would be for the suctciiliug 3(1
years, interest on the £3.000.000 would be taken off, otherwise the com-
"pany would be getting it twice over. Four per cent, on £3.000,000 was
£120,000 a yearr A balance was thus arrived at of £370,000, which had
to be capitalised. He supposed the company would enjoy that for 30
years more and that was the balance to be compensated for under sub-
see. 3. On a 4 per cent, basis for the following 30 yeais, which would be
taken as 17^ years" purchase, 17i times £370,000 would work out at
£(i,382,000, and m addition there would be the £3,000,000 for the plant.
If up to 1930 the company did so well, as was shown by that table, it
would come off with £9,300,000 for what had cost £4.270,000. He was
assuming that any new expenditure during the fiist 30 years would bring
in revenue to cover it. In reply to Mr. Vesey Knox's uiquiry whether the
figures he had quoted showed a desirable prospect for the ratepayers of
London, Mr. Hammond said he was not there on that occasion to speak
for the ratepayers of London.
In reply to Mr. Morten (for West Ham). Mr. Hamn-ond said he
understood West Ham's total generating cost, including 0-37.5d. of
capital charges was, in the March. 1907, accounts, 0-958d. per unit, but
that was with one of the best load factors in London. He accepted Mr.
Morten's statement that, in the borough electrical engmeer's report and
accounts lor the year to March last, the total was 0-635d. agamst 0-9o8d.
West Ham would not lose by taking bulk supply from the company,
although their generating cost was only 0-382d., and the company s
charge to them would be 0-4540d.. because they must add the capital
charges to the former figure, assuming that they went on usmg their own
plant for their peak. If West Ham could produce electricity cheaper
than the maximum prices in the bill he did not see why there should be
any trouble. Assuming that West Ham could generate mote cheaply
than the new company and that every other place was m as good a position
as West Ham there would be no business for the company, but the scheme
was justified by the fact that they intended to supply to people who were
not in the posi'tion of West Ham. A laige number of their cables would
go through West Ham. As there were only two possible routes for them
through West Ham and as Mr. Moiten said there was hardly any room
left under the roads to accommodate additional mams that w'as all the
more reason for unification of supply. That applied all over the area.
Mr FitzGeraid then examined Mr. Oliver Bury, general m,anager of
the Great Northern Raihvav. who said his company had seriously con-
sidered the question of working their suburban traffic electrically ._ and
had had detailed estimates prepared by various firms. About 26.000
H.p. would be required. He thought electric woikmg increased the
number of passengers cairied. The chief obstacle to their adoption
of electric working was capital cost. He thought the existence of the
new company's supply would hasten their decision to electrify, as it
would relieve" his company of from 30 to 35 per cent, of the capital cost,
and if they had to provide a laigc reserve plant it would of course add to
capital cost. ^ ^t. » ■
Cross-examined by Mr. Balfour Bbowtje : He was not there to give
evidence in favour of that particular scheme only. His mam object was
to say he was in favour of a scheme which would give them an efhcient
^"w^'Hammond, whose cross-examination was then resumed by Mr.
Coi'RTiioPEMu.NROE.saidif St. Pancrashadnota bigpowerload and a big
load factor that was just the place they should exploit. He (.Mr. Ham-
mond) knew the principle of allowing a percentage of the power supply
to be used for lighting was laid down in former bUls. He did not thmk
the Board of Trade would permit them to get into all the houses and
supply cuiient for lighting in this way and they w.uild be under the control
of the Board of Trade. Mr. Munr.ie was wrong in saymg that Poplar
Stepney, Shoreditch and Hackney all generated direct curient at the
same voltage and therefore that it would be practicable for them to link
up. Some of them supplied at the same voltages, but the generation
voltage was different, and therefore conveiting devices would be neces-
sary. A certain amount of economy would result from Imkmg up, as it
would enable spare plant to be used, but the heavy expenditure would
outweigh the saving. i i »: ■»
By Mr Mayer :' In the accounts to Match, 1907, Batleisea s deficit
was £17,168. There was, however, a surplus of £10,000 revenue over
cost of production. He had not considered (he accounts to March asl
which Mr Mayer said showed revenue £28,000 and expenditure fl-'-OOO.
Mr. Mayer fmther explained that the accounts to March, 19(3(, mcluded
18 months' sinking fund and mteresV, by the direction of the Local
Government Board auditor. • i i
By Mr Cane : The assumption ui the tables that Marylebone s load
factor would improve from 15-5 per cent, to 20 per cent, was based on his
observations that owUig to the reductions in price and the use of metallic
filament lamps people leave thcu- lights on longer. He had assumed tha
ilarylebone would have a load of 12,000 kw., but as he had also assumec
that the new company would only do 2.000 kw. andthat as theCo.uic.l
would take that 2,000 k.w. as continuously as possible because ot its
cheapness, the company would get the load factor of 54 Pfr cent
On Fiiday, in reply to Mr. Gerald Sanders (Islmgton), llr. H.am-
MOND said tiie estimated saving of £640.000 a year sho«-n on then lable
11. was based on an assumed load-factor of 25 per cent, in the local autho-
rities' stations, that a supply of 32,850,000 units would be required by
power users, and that the railways would require 4...'.i'.hMiimi units per
annum This savmg could not be effected by the |ii. -nt -v-t.-uis ot
generation, and adding, plant to the piesent stations w..i)M o, ly per-
petuate the present bad system. . . ,, tt i .„
Mr FitzGera^ld. in the couise of re-examinmg Mr. Hammond, le-
fe.red to an objection that had been made to the Kitson clau.se, sub-
< lausc 2, as not being clear on the matter of the 15 per cent, for igbtuig
in regard to sup|ilies l.> railways. The Chaiimau announced that the
Committee thought it perfectly clear. . ^ , , rt„ „„
In reply to questions. Mr. Hammond said he wished to qualify an
answer he" had given on the pievious day with regard to a ' deficit at
Battersea. It Should hardly be called a loss. The smkmg fund was
somewhat akin to the depreciation set aside by companies but m the case
of local authorities it was called a deficit. Continumg, he said the actual
cost of generation at Barking would be 0-1868d. and capital charges on
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 6. 1908.
153
f amc' 00404d. TransmissioD, including capital chaiges, wotiW be
01384d. Generation, transmission, management and fi^ per cent, added
made a total of 0-4161d. per unit.
Mr. J. H. Rider, cliicf electiiral engineer to the L.C.C., examined liy
.Mr. TAi.HOT.i-aid he was one of the engineeis responsible for theL.C.C.
Hill with Messis. Paishall, Hammond and Snell and the chief officer of
the Tiamways Depaitment.Mi. Fell. He thought the (iguies hi Tables
VI. Vir. and VIII. lelating to capital expendituie and levenue weie
reasonable figures. The scheme piojiosed was, he con-^idercd, the only
possible way of dealing with (he t^ue^•tion. The linking up of the exist-
ing stations would not enable a cheap supply to be given such a.? this
scheme would provide. He did not think it commeicially practicable
for one station to go to another for its entire supply in ca.'-cs of emeigency.
His experience of working in parallel with the Deptford station showed
that there was great difficulty in working with reciprocating engines
and taking a large load from one station to the other although they had
worked well up to a certain load. He thought the jiropcj.'cd Barking
station would have no difficulty in getting the anticipated load-factor.
He did not wish it to be understood that he cast any reflection u|ion the
Deptford station. It was a remai'kable thing that, although in tramway
work it might be thought that the di-iuaiifl all civfi T,nnd(ui would be the
same at one time, there was.takii'L' iH ilirii -nli.-tai ions into account, a
diversity factor of 1-4. He thou-hl ihc |.in|.o,..cl high-tension cables
shoidd have a life of at least 30 years. Tlie L.C;.C'. caljlcs often worked at
l,(K)0 amperes per sq. in.
Cross-examined by Mr. Balfour Browne : He adhered to his state-
ment, made in evidence on the 1906 L.C.C. Bill, that increased length of
transmission line added proportionately to the chance of breakdown.
He then agreed that two stations linked irp so as to draw upon one
another in emergencies would be an advantage and that the economical
area that could be supjilied per l.tKJO volts pressirre was one mile. The
L.C.C. Bill of last year boimd the L.C.C. to supply to any distributor or
any consumer at prices not exceeding the maximum prices in the schedule
to the bill. The trouble in working Deptford and tireenwich ui parallel
was not caused solely by the load becomuig too great for the cable. It
occurred when they tried to run three engines in parallel. They were
puttuig down another cable to remedy the defect, but that cable would
take curient from De])tford direct into a sub-station at Greenwich.
In reply to Mr. Erskine Ponocic : The highest voltage of transmission
used hi the L.C.C. mains was 6,500. The heating of a cable was no
greater with a high voltage than a low one ; the heating increased with
the increase of current.
Mr. PoLlbcK asked upon what authority that answer was based, but
was advised by the Committee to accept it as correct.
Sir R. Littler and Mr. Seymour Bushe said they would ask no
i)uestions.
In reply to Mr. Vesey Kkox, Mr. Rider said the terms of purchase in
the bill were arranged with the financial advisers of the Council. He
gave the Ccruncil such engineering advice as they recjuired, but he was not
responsible for the terms of purchase which had been put into the bill.
Sir Ralih Littier then decided to cross-examine and asked ciuestions
as to the conferences the L.C.C.'s officials and advi-sers had held on the
subject, but the Chairman overruled the questions.
In reply to Mr. C. Munroe : In the 1006 scheme the L.C.C. accepted a
comijulsion to supply all consumers and on the other hand it was fair that
they slinuld have powers of competition. In some respects he now
thought that was a faulty bill.
In reply U> .Mr. JIaver : He thought a company should, if they had no
sinking fund, iilacc muglily 2J per cent, aside for renewals. The |iercent-
age allowed in the present scheme was 1-4 per cent, not 0-70 as Jlr. Mayer
suggested. (Jlr. Mayer later agreed that the former figure was correct.)
Re-examined by Mr. B'itzGer.ild : In the 1906 sche'inc the engineers'
hands were tied with regai'd to voltage because they had to bring the Green-
wich station into the scheme, but in 1907, when they had a free hand,
they decided that the 1.5,000 voltage was the most suitable. The ideal
site for a station would be in the centre of the distributing area if the
olhcr advantages could be secured, but the physical properties a site
should possess were so important that putting the station in the centre
ol the area should not weigh against them with an engineer.
^ Su- HroH Heii, one of the promoters of the bill, examined by Mr.
KitzGkuald, said : Bell Bros, were about to take current from the local
limvcr company, and Dorman, Long & Co., with which comjiany he was
also connected, wei-c already taking current from the power company,
and about 1,000 kw. would be taken for a cogging mill which they were
now erectmg. Bell Bros, had had several small electrical installations
ot their own, but they thought it would be more economical to get their
current fnun the power company. With regard to the provision in the
bill that the dividends might be increased imder certain conditions,
althougli the company were not bound to reduce the dividend, he thought,
as lb,, cousumers would be given the benefit in the first place, they would
noi nUjrvt. Under the iiurcliasr- .Ian-,, a. it had now been altered in
consultation with the L.C.C.. ,li. r,ii„|i ,,i\ -■,{ nothuig for good will or
for l.iss ,,f past or future |,im(ik il i|„ ,ain li .m- took place in I96I. Ho
was sadshed that It was a ,m,i,„| ;oi,| „,„kali|r s< lii-me. Assuming the
Pjilllopasssiibstanlially HI il> |,ir,r,,i |,„iii li. iIp.m^Ih he and his friends-
would Ij,- T-rsponsihl.. to, Iii,,i,„^ 1.1.111). |,„ 111,. ., Iirme.and that must
be subscribed and i;24U,U0(J paid up «itliui 1:; mouths from the passmg
of the bill.
In reply to Sh Ralph Littler : He did not think the City of London
would ever be a great manufacturmg centre, but he thought power used
m small quantities by individual consumers might in future be demanded
to a much larger extent than at present.
, By .Mr.;BAiK()rR Browne: With regard to. t-he other j>iomotijrs,,,Mr.
R. W. Blackwell was an electrical contractor. Mr. Browne suggested
that he might benefit greatly by the bill and he (Sir Hugh) thought or
hoped they would all benefit greatly. He did not know all the pro-
moters intimately, but he knew Mr. Owen Smith very well. He woidd
not tell the Committee where the money was to come from. He might
be taken that he guaranteed to find £600,000. He had seen a report
recently made by the Board of Trade in which they said they thought it
inadvisable that the company should have the powers, provided for in
clause 77 of the bill, to enter into contracts for the acquisition of the
undertakings of other bodies. a.s that would give them the power to .set
up a qnasi mcmopoly, and in regard to the 52 years concession before
purchase of the undertaking without compens.ation they thought the
Committee should consider whether it was desirable to allow a more
extended period than the 42 years fixed by the Electric Lighting Acts.
He could not. in tb,- lif:lit of (liat. xay whether the bill would be passed in
a form which woui.l , naliir ili, . apiial to be raised. He had no objection
to beuig compclli-.l t,, Mi|i|.l\ i.. ronsumers who demanded a supply.
By Mr. Sey.moi k Hishe : It all the authorised distributors refused to
take current he thought their scheme would be to a large extent frozen
out, but he thought they would be able to persuade many of the distri-
butors to come in.
Mr. Vesey- Knox asked for a ruling that the witness should answer a
cpiestion as to who the per.sons were who were going to find the money.
It was important that Parliament should know to whom they were giving
powers, because m some cases the powers were immediately disposed of
and were con.sequently hung up.
The Chairman said the Committee had decided that the witness should
not be called upon to answer the cpies.tion.
Sir Hugh Beii, in reply to further questions, said: Assuming that,
as Mr. Knox put it, that the comjiany would, on the calculations in the
tables, get £9.000,000 for an undertaking which would only cost them
about 4^ millions, the L.C.C. would not, if they raised the puichase
money at 3J per cent., have made a bad bargain. He would have no
objection to a limitation of compensation so that they would be a.ssured
of getting their- cajiital back with a reasonable return upon it. It would
be unreasonable tcj limit the purchase price to the amount of the capital
expenditure without interest. He did not think the bill would be worth
taking on those terms, but he would like time to consider it.
On Monday, Mr. J. F. S. CJood.^y', general manager of the Great
Eastern Railway Co. and Mr. A. .T. L. Stride, chairman and managing
director of the London, Tilbury & Southend Railway Co., gave evidence
in favour of the bill.
Mr. V. L. Raven, chief assistant mechanical engineer of the North-
Eastern Railway Co., said : His company decided in favour of taking
supply from the Newcastle Electric Supply Co., as it was cheaper in
capital cost, and the ratio of working costs to earnings had been reduced
by about 25 per cent. They had caiTied about four million more [las-
sengers m 12 months. The Railway Co. had only had one stoppage
through interruption of supply. They obtained their whole supply from
the Carville station.
Jlr. W. B. WooDHOUSE, manager and chief electrical engineer of the
Yorkshire Electric Powder Co., .■^aid : His company had powers over
1 .SOO sf|. miles. Their station at Thornhill was erected from Mr. Par-
shall's plans. Since supply was started the demand had increased
rapidly. It was 50 per cent, greater in 1907 than in 1906. They bad
made contracts for about 9,000 h.p., and were giving bulk su|)ply to
eight authorised undertakers. The longest distance current was taken
by the mains was 18 miles, at 1 1,000 volts. His company was supplying
to 25 textile mills. The development of the jiower company had been
retarded, and the consumers had suflfcred because the company had not
had power to a])peal to the Board of Trade against the unrea.sonable
refusal of local authorities to alltiw them to come into their area.s. His
company's works costs were below 0-22d.
Cross-examined by Mr. Bai.four Browne : Parliament had refused
to allow his company to supply in Bradford. Ix-cds, Huddersfield and
Halifax without the local authorities consent. They sujjplied m one
case in Leeds by consent. His company had not allowed anything yet for
depieciation. He agreed that progress had been slow because of the
hmdranee caused by the attitude of the local authorities. Their coal
cost 7s. lOd. per ton. There were no other companies givmg supply in tho
area for which his company had powers.
Re-examined by Mr. FitzGeraid : His company had been seriously
handicapped by the .provisions of the Kitson clause, and many power
users in large towns could not get supi)ly cither from the Corporations
or the company.
In reply to the Chairman : The price they charged in all parts of their
area was the same. They were prepared to supjily large jxiwer users at
£4 per kilowatt and Jd. per unit. The average iwice they obtained was
below Jd. ))er unit. His com|>any's generating costs were about one-
third of Halifax Corporation's costs.
Mr. J. Thom, representing the London Central Markets Cold Storage
Co.. said his company took power frimr Smithlield Markets Electric
Supply Co. and Poplar Borough Council. He (bought those under-
takings would be able to supply his company more cheaply if they took
the new company's current in bulk. Their present supply cost them
£4,500 a year.
By Mr. Balfour Browne : He was not aware that the Smithfield Sup-
ply Co. were not authorised distributors, and therefore could not take the
supply from the new company without the consent of the Board of Trade.
They took 200,000 units from Poi)lar Council at just over Id. per unit.
Re-examined by Mr. FitzGerald : As his company's load factor was
SO per cent., he expected to get supply frow the new company at about
Jd. per unit.
G 2
154
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 6, 1908.
Mr. Geo. Sutton, managing director of Honlcy'.s Tclcgi apli Works Co.,
said : His company had their own installation at their U'oolwich works.
'I'heii' load factor was 35 to 45. His cfmij>any paid about £150 a year
for the loss on the Woolwich undertaking, although the Council brought
no cables across the river, so that they could get no supply from them,
and, even if they got supply from them, it would have to be transformed
and would cost more than a supply from the pioposed Barking station.
It would undoubtedly be an advantage to have a large supply to draw
upon. At their Northfleet works they had gas plant of 450 h.p. They
had tried some time agip to get a supply from Gravesend Corporation,
but he believed at ili it tunc they were outside the Corporation's area.
He thought 15.(l(io \.ilt i aMis should work satisfactorily. He did not
e.xpect to get any ■ 'in^nlna Me rise of temperature on 15,000 volt cables.
His company had apptoached East Ham Council, but had not got a
supply from them.
Mr. J. S. CoNRADi, London manager of Vickers, Sons & Maxim, said
his company had their own installation at their Erith works, which
generated about \i million units per annum. Their load factor would be
from 24 to 32 per cent, on an annual basis. They also took a supple-
mentary supply from Erith Council. He calculated that they could get
alternating current fiom Erith Council if the latter took current fiom the
new company, at 0-596d., which would compare favourably with the
|iresent cost. He did not know the load factor of the supply they took
from Erith Council, but he knew they charged them a ruinous price. He
thought if the Council took supply from the new company they could
supply tran-fiMiiii-.i . iirrent at 0-7d. at a hand.some piofit.
Mr. T. < I ( u ; I \ i>i:i!. managing director of Callender's Cable & Con-
struction ('..., sa I. Ij Callender's Co.-, the Anchor Cable Co. and T. Bolton
& Sons, with all of h Inch he was connected, used electrical power in their
works. In the Callender Co.'s works they u.sed 430 e.h.p., which they
generated themselves, besides a considerable ijuantity of steam power,
which they were gradually converting to electrical. They also got a
supply from Eiith Council at IJd. per unit. Their load factor was 20 to
24 per cent. He was convinced that in order to get cheap power it was
necessary to generate on a large scale and supply a large number of
dillcrcnl industries, .so as to get full advantage of the diversity factor.
He c.\|>ccte(l to get current from the new company at less than Jd. per unit.
('ross-e.xamined by Mr. Baifour Brow5E: The business which he
said at the Callender Co.'s meeting recently he hoped would come along
had been coming along. In regard to a remark by Mr. Balfour Browne
that there seemed to be absolute unanimity in favour of the scheme on
the part (tf the cable makers, and a suggestion that orders from the new
company for a million pound's worth of cable would be very acceptable,
he agreed with the latter sentiment, but added that a million was not
considered very much in the cable trade.
Mr. FitzGeraid said if Mr. Balfour Browne had no information that
Mr. Callender's support of the bill was due to anything besides a desire
to obtain cheap power, it was not a suggestion he ought to have made.
Mr. John CJwynne, of Gwynnes Limited, said : His firm got sup]ily
from Hammersmith at id., and about ^d. for conversion. He was mit
satisfied with the supply. He thought the new company's sujijily
woidd be of great advantage generally. His company required about
.'JOO.OOO units jier annum. Hammersmith had asked them to sign an
agreement that the measure of the damage for which the Council would
be liable to a consumer for stoppage of supply should be limited to £2
a day. That was perfectly ridiculous. If they could not get current
from Hammersmith without signing the £2 liability agreement they
would go back to their old system, and generate their own current. Mr.
Hammond had told him they would get current at less than Id.
Evidence in favour of the bill wsJs also given by Mr. Gni, manager of
.John Jenkins and Johnson & Sons, who proposed to take supplies of
the company's current in Poplar and Stepney.
Cross-examined by Mr. Wiiiiam.s : He was not aware that, with their
present demand, their payments for current to the new company would
be more, at the price of £4. lOs. per kilowatt and 0-22d. per unit (the
company's estimated price), than they now paid Stepney Council for it.
Mr. A. K. Baylor, a director of the Electric Landaulet Co.. Chelsea,
and who had been for many years manager of the traction depart-
ment of the British Thomson-Houston Co., said the Electric
Landaulet Co. obtained power supply from the Chelsea Co. at Id.
per unit. They thought they could save money by generating their
OW11 electricity, but they would not do that if they could get
a supply at a lower price from the new company. He thought
they had proved that their electric carriages would be a commercial
sticcess. He thought if current could be got cheaply there was a very
good opening for electric vehicles in London. In New York there were
.5,000 electric vehicles running, but in London, with double the jiopula-
tion and better natural conditions, there were not 500. The number of
elei:tric landaulettes in use in Londtm had remained practically stationary
during the last two years. The current they used for lighting was under
15 of their total demand, so that they could light the whole of their
premises with the new company's supply.
On Tuesday Mr. Owen SJitTH, one of the proprietors of Hay's Wharf
and a director of several companies, gave evidence., and said that if the
bill were passed in a satisfactory state the jrromoters would feel bound
to go on. If they did not like" the bill they would not proceed. The
changes that had been made had not dimiiiished the value of the bill.
Nothing that took place in the House the pr evious night diminished its
value. If the scheme did not look like being a success they would not
be able to raise the money. He did not agree that the purchase clause
had lost all its merits. He agreed with Sir Hugh Bell's opinion, ex-
pressed before the House of Lords Committee, that provision for the
ruturn of the investors' money with interest was absolutely necessar-y.
He did not think the alteration of the Kitson clause was of vital impor-
tance. The promoters had bound themselves to subscribe specilic sums
towards the £(iOO,000, but he would not rnentitm the amounts. He had
not considered whether he would still be willing to find money for the
bill if the local authorities had an absolute veto to prevent the company
from competing with theirr. He did not know of any local authority
that had consented to take jrowcr from them, but he knew one that was
favourably diNpuMil t.. tliim. Il \va> |iicrnatiue to give an explanation
now as to hou llir lilooiioii «a^ U' !" spent. It was not apparent to
him why the .MhIiIIimx I mi inly I en i tin I ^hould be interested in the ques-
tion whether the company's capital would be subscribed in one or two
years. If the company's dividends were to be cut down to 4 per cent,
it would be hopeless to ask people to subsdibe, but if the bill passed in
its present form he believed they could r aise the money.
Mr. F. Kee, chief goods manager of the L. & N.W. Railway, said his
company hoped to develop districts in the outer suburbs of London, which
were now green fields, by erecting several small railway stations and
giving a frequent service. The company got out estimates for a gene-
rating station of their own at Willesden at a cost of a quarter of a miUion,
but had since thought it advisable to take current from an outside source.
He had not asked the Metropolitan Co. at what price they could supply
current for the new Watford line. His company's engineer did not think
the Metropolitan Co. could supply the quantity of current they required
unless they doubled their plant.
Mr. Macfarlane (Macfarlane & Lang, biscuit manufacturers), Mr.
Hanbury (Allen & Hanbury, Ltd.. manufacturing chemists), and Mr.
E. Hesketh (J. & E. Hall, Ltd., Dartford) then gave evidence as to their
ornpanies' requirement.^.
This closed the case for the promoters.
Sir Ralph Littler said it was an awkward position for the opponents
to have the recommendations of the Board of Trade before the Com-
mittee and to have no opportunity of ccimnientirg upon them.
The Chairman and Mi. FitzCerai.h said they had no information
that any representative of the Board wi.uld appear before the Committee
to be questioned, and the Chairman added that the Committee were
obliged to consider the report.
Mr. Mayer opened the case for the opposition, and exammed Mr.
P. A. Bonp, borough electrical engineer of Battersea, who said : The
increase in the Council's supply for power was 58 per cent, last year.
Their average ])riees were now 2'96d. for lighting and Id. for power.
The ]rercentage of their total sujrply sold for power was in the last ac-
counts 24-3. Works costs per unit distributed were 0't>5d. in the year
ended March last, a reduction of nearly 33 per cent, compared with the
previous year. Their load factor had improved year by year, and was
now just over 18 per cent. Even at the promoters' estimated charges
the cost would be more than the Councils present costs, including
capital charges. Either scrapping the Council's works and taking cur-
rent from the company, or taking a supplementary supply would result
in a loss to the Council.
In reply to the Chairman : They called upon the rates for about
£10.000 for the year 19tl(i-7.
Further examined by Mr. Mayer : The Council chose a shorter period
than would have been allowed by the L.C.C. for the repayment of loans.
They repaid their loans nearly twice as quickly as anybody else. They
charged £4 per kilowatt and 0'5d. per unit for power. Battersea Elec-
tricity committee recognised that in choosing a shorter period than they
need have done and placing the deticiency upon the ratepayers they had
made a mistake. He thought that in contrasting the Council's prices of
21d. for public lighting and Id. for power Mr. FitzGeraid was forgetting
the diversity factor. It was not public lighting that gave the best
diversity factor. The main causes of the reduction of their works costs in
1907-8 were the use of a cheaper class of coal and the employment of coal
conveyors.
In answer to Mr. Parker (member of the Committee) : Some of their
plant would last considerably longer than the periods during wliicli they
had undertaken to pay for it. They would have repaid the h hole of the
capital in an average of 22 years. Mr. Maver f aid he thought it had been
shown that the Council would be able to generate as cheaply as the com]iany,
and they objected to the comparry coming into Battersea. The pro-
moters had assumed a longer life for their plant mains, &c., than they
allowed for local authorities, and had taken much longer periods for
redeeming their capital. Sec. 50 of the bill said the company was to be
limited to £500 damages for failure of supply, yet Battersea was liable to
a maximum of £50 for each consumer, and if that principle were apjilied
to, say, 500 consumers, it would be seen to be a much more serious nuttier.
The Chairman said they would consider that on clauses, if they ever
came to clauses.
Mr. Blennerhasset said an amendment had been agreed between
Westminster Council and the promoters, so that the Committee would
not be troubled with the Westminster Council's opposition.
The Chairman said the Committee might have sometihng to say to
that, and Mr. Blennerhasset had better inform them what the alteration
was.
Mr. Blennerhasset explained that the amendment was as follows :
Strike out the word " such " at the end of line 35, p. 24, of the bill as it
stood at present, and add after the word " distribute " at the commence-
ment of line 1, p. 25, the words " or authorise for the tiure being the
supply of electrical energy in such area." That gave the Westminster
Council the same benefit under the Kitson clause as the present distri-
butors.
Mr. E. R. Debenham then gave particulars relating to the Marylebone
electric supply undertaking, similar to the evidence given by him before
Lord Cromer's Committee.
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 6, 1908.
155
Mr. Arthur Wright, examined by Mr. Cane, snid : He disagreed
■B'itli Mr. HamliioiKr.-i ennoliision that Marylebono Cminoil would save
£3,400 by taking part of their current from tlie company. He thought
it would be still less favourable to take s\ipply from the company as the
Council's business grew bigger. Mr. Hammond assumed that Maiy-
lebone would give the company a 54 per cent, load factor. Their power
consumers' average load factor was about 12. They charged power
consumers on an average l-4d. per unit, which included contributiotis
to the award. Their power consumer.^? were all small. In the ease of llic
largest consumers tlie cliarge was under Id. He objected to competition
because it unsettled consumers.
Cross-examined by Mr. FitzGeraid : It was cheaper for the Coinicil
to spend £220.000 lin plant than take ciurent from the Meti'opolitari
Co. at l-82d. ])er unit. Under the Kitstm clause, the Board of Trade
had to take into consideration the fact that the Council had jjaicl a l.irge
sum under the award, but the Board might consider that, as the Council
must charge a high price, the corisiiiu.r sli..uld have the inivilege of
taking supply from elsewhere. 'I li' ■ m luii-iance.s of the power con-
sumer should be taken into considci.ithMi is well as the Council's.
In reply to Mr. J as. Parker; In the \ ictoria Falls Power scheme,
on which he was engaged, they would transmit eirrrent 700 miles, and
he calculated that there would only be a loss of 25 per cent, in trans-
mission.
Mr. Cane said the company's proposals threatened the interests of
every inhabitant of the borough of Marylebone without any correspond-
ing benefit. Marylebone's new station was cheap in capital and working
costs, and they had (pioted a low price for power, considering their total
capital charges. They would rather be protected by that Committee
tharr by the Board of Trade. The policy of the Board might change,
and they nright allow a company to compete with the Council.
On Wednesday Mr. A. Cramb, borough electrical engineer of Cioydon
exairrined by Mr. Wedderburn, said : Croydon Corporation preferred
that theirs should remain a residential district. It would not be of any
advantage for CVoydon to tfike current from the new company ; there
woidd be loss instead of gain. It was absurd to say that a million arul
a half extra units could be produced for £14t). In his calculations he
(Mr. Cramb) had taken the mean between the average price shown in
the promoters' tables and the 20 per cent, extra which they had said
would be charged to outlying districts. That meant he had added
10 per cent, abov^e the average.
Cross-examined by Mr. FitzGebald : He admitted that he had com-
pared 5,422;000 imits distributed, in the one case, with 6,973,000 units
generated in the other. That was wrorrg by about half a million, but a
million could not be generated for £14<i with a considerably reduced
load factor. Their charges were from 2d. down to lid. for tramway
( nrrent, and the charge in the Board of Trade return of 2Jd. ))er unit
for ])id)lic lighting included the capital cost of lamp-posts, special mains,
and services, &e. They were charging more for the tramway current
than they were charging the small consumers for power. Their
present cost of generation, including capital charges, was I'ld., and coal
cost 0-5.5d. per unit. For 12 million units generated at a 25 per cent.
load factOT, he had reduced the cost to 0-33d., but he did not think that
wasalowcrcHiil, cist than thoscof :ill ilii' T.'iiid.nr companies. The charge
for piililir liiihiiiig was the sanu> a~ ilir pii. c paid to the gas company.
They hail pniN iilid foi relief of rates iL'.nud .i year for the last two years.
The liguie of £l4ti was equally impossible tor the generation of a million
or a million aird a half units.
Mr. Wedderburn, in his address to the Committee, said he assumed
that Croydon would not be compelled to come into this scheme unless
somebody was going to get a benefit. Mr. Hammond's idea of making
Croydon a " smokeless Sheffield " was not orre which he thought would
commend itself to the Committee. On the " sna|iping " basis, the pro-
moters said Croydon would gain £430, but he said they would lose not
less than £329. It depended on the e.xpcn.scs of management. Mr.
Cramb said the figure was £019, and that Mr. Hammond's figure of
£1,531 was altogether exaggerated. Mr. Cramb had taken only 10 per
ceirt. above the average price, although Croydon was almost as far from
Barking as any part of the proposed area. Even on the basis of Mr.
Hammond's own figures, with the additioir of that 10 per cent., the loss
would be £1,472. If the London County Council was ultimately to be
the authority for electrical supply in London, that admitted a pruiciple
tliat any other competent local authority should be the supplier of elec-
tricity for itself. There was no precedent, so far as he knew, for one
liK'al authority to sujrply withm the area of another which already sup-
plied itself.
Mr. A. H. Seabrook, borough electrical engineer of West Ham,
examirted by Mr. Morten, said : West Ham had about 6,000 kw. con-
nected for power supply. In 1905 300,000 units were supplied for
power, and in the last completed year 4,1(>0,000 units, and they were
now selhng J nrillion units per month for jiower. The average price for
power in 1905 was l(>5d., in the last completed year 0(195d., and at the
present time 0()3d. The maximum price was Id.
Cross-examined by Mr. Talbot: The Corporation had to lay aside
a compulsory sinking fund, which would facilitate under-cutting by the
company. The company's offer was £3. 10s. per kilowatt, brrt the Cor-
poration could get all the plant they wanted at 10s. per kilowatt per
annum. The total cost of generation (including 0-382d. capital charges)
was 0()35d., but the company could compete with them if they supplied
at0-371d. '
In reply to the Chairman : He knew the Board of Trade would have
to take the cajiital charges of the present suppliers into account in de-
ciding what was a reasonable price, but he thought the clau.se should
define more clearly what the circum.stances were which were to be con-
sidered. A large consumer might say. " If I can get power 20 per cent,
below the |ir i. i- . Iiol'iiI by West Ham, why should I be inconvenienced
because \\. si Hun liis these payments to make ? " He did not lulmit
that the iiiiii|i,iii\ . mild .supply at a profit more cheaply than the Cor-
])oration could. He did not say the supply for the proposed area could
nut be dime from one station, but he tliought it could be done more
effectively by another method. He thought the other scheme would
priibalily come before the Comnrittee in a few day.s shovtld have the
giialcst po.ssible consideration. West Hanr's coal cost was now 019d.
|iir iMiit, and it had been 0-39d. If it again reached the latter figure
the company could not supply a( 0371il. West Ham's station load
factor was 325.
Re-examined by Mr. Moktkn : In Ihc linruugli there were 13 railway
stations, the Great Eastern Railway works at Stratford iiiid Plaiatow,
the L.T. & Southend Railway works, the Victoria Dock and the greater
part of the Royal Albert Dock. The Corporation had been .o-sked to
tender for sup])ly for haulage to the L.T. & Southend Railway, but
there was a legal difficulty. They did aspire to supply railways and
docks for power and lightiirg.
In reply to the Chairman : A scheme was practically ready for linking
up the Corporation's station with the Charing Cross Company's station
in the borough.
Mr-. H. E. Blain, manager of West Ham Corporation's tiamwaj's.
gave evidence as to the inconvenience that would be caused by the in-
terference with the tramways in the borough that would accompany
the laying of the company's mains in the proposed routes.
Mr. Morten said West Ham was the mrjst important of the outside
districts included in the bill, and was exercising its right to sujrply
eneigy for power purposes with due regard to the interests of the public.
Their station was capable of accommodatirrg plant for double the present
output, and he asked the Committee to bear in mind the fact lliat the
cost of extending the plant to meet fiiillier demands would be oi\ly
10s. per kilowatt. They were supplying S,(MHIh.i>. of the total of 20.(J00 ii.c.
u.sed in the borough for industrial piu]iu.scs, and no doubt they would
before long be supplying current for all that ]iortion of the remainder
for which electric driving was suitable. Thei-e were rro maximum or
minimum prices in the bill. The bill did not contain the protection
introduced by Lord Camperdown's Committee irr 1906, that w^hcn a
company got in to supply energy at a certain price they should not raise
the price without the consent of the Board of Trade. If the Committee
could not see their way to strike Wei-t Ham out of the bill, he asked that
they should be given the protection that was given to the Yorkshire
towns in the Yorkshire Power Bill — that was an absolute veto, except
in exceptional eases. He also asked that the company should only be
allowed to supply for haulage or traction and for the lighting of the
vehicles for which such haulage or traction supjily was taken. West
Ham had a great objeetiorr to the proposal that the L.('.C. should be
the purchaser, as West Ham was not represented on the L.C.C., and the
latter would only consider the interests of London ratepayers..
Mr. A. B. Brvceson, town clerk of Woolwich, examined by Mr.
Courthope Munroe, gave particulars of the history of the Woolwich
electricity undertaking. They supplied for jiower during the greater
part of the day at Id. per unit for load factors of over 15 per cent. The
average charge for lighting was 3-4d. They hoped the instruction
moved in the Hou.se on Monday would result in giving them iiower to
link up with West Ham. Thev were not against the offer of supply in
bulk from the new company, w'liich the local authorities might or might
not find it to their advantage to take ; but they wanted to protect them-
selves against the powers given in the bill to compete.
Mr. Courthope Munroe addressed the Committee, and said that, in
regard to Woolwich, things were admittedly not in the best possible
state. The ratepayers' money was invested, and if they were going to
allow a new company to come in and lompetc it must make matters
worse. As to St. Pancras and Shoreditch. it had been said in the H<Mise
that it was a big question whether borough counc-ils should not have
the veto, and he submitted that if these two boroughs could not have the
veto, then no borough in London should do so. It was a matter of pre-
amble, and he objected to the bill unless these boroughs were excluded.
Mr. S. W. Baynes, chief electrical engineer to St. Pancras Borough
Council, examined by Mr. Munroe, said the amount invested m the St.
Pancras undertaking was over half a million. St. Pancras was the
pioneer borough to supply electricity in London, and commenced in
1891. They had a reserve fund of £52.000, .and had paid in aid of rates
£18,000. When the Administrative Bill was introduced m 1905, sug-
gesting the price of £4 and id., their consumers were given the oppor-
tunity of taking current at'these prices, but they were found not to
benefit the consumers, except in the ca,se of those with a high load factor.
At present their charge for jiower was Id. per unit for anything up to a
20 per cent, load factor. At the prices given in the new company s
bill the charges would work out at 3-3.1. with a 4 per cent, load factor,
l-8d. with 8 per cent., l-3d. with 12-5 jier cent., l-06d. with 16-6 per cent,
and 0-92d. with a 20 per cent, load factor, compared with their Id. flat
rate. There were only four consumers with a load factor exceeding
20 per cent. As a result of a canvass of all the users of power in St.
Pancras, including gas and steam, but, of course, excluding railway
companies, he could say they had 80 jier cent, of these, and were supply-
ing electrically over half the horse-power in the borough. He had ex-
amined the figures containetl in Tables XII. and XIV., and disagreed with
these. In place of a profit which it was said they would reap by taking
supply from the new company, he calculated they would lose £3.459.
They "could not reach the load upon which the calculations were made in
the tables for about II years.
Cross-examined by Mr. FitzGerai.d : Their coal cost was 0-48d. per
156
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 6, 1908.
unit gonoriilod. Thoy had two contracts at present, one at 12s. 4(1. and
one at 14s. 8d. Their total cost, including capital charges, was rin4d.
In supplying at Id. flat rate they were not supplying at a loss, because
of the diversity factor. By extending their own plant with modern
plant they must come down in their costs.
Mr. C. Newton Russell (chief electrical engineer to Shoreditch
Borough Council) said the present charge for power in Shoreditch was a
flat rate of 2d. per unit, and also Mr. Merz's prices of £4 per kw. and Jd.
for small users, and £4 and Jd. for large consumers. The highest load
factor in Shoreditch was 22, and the average load factor 1 .3 J. There were
only two large consumers. They had pushed the power business, and
over two-thirds of the whole of the power in the area was sujiplied elec-
trically. The Associated Municipal Electrical Engineers of Greater Lon-
don, of which he was president, had considered the matter, and felt
that it would be very injudicious to trust the whole of London's supply to
one station, and might prove disastrovis. It was, in his opinion, quite
practicable to link up Slioreditdi. Sli piirv. I'ii|il.ir. :iimI Mini'lMn, ;in(l
there would be no more difliriilly in linkiii'j ii|itlH •■ -iiiiin- ilim I bi-rc
would be in taking power finin oim- l.nnr ^i.iIimh :iihl n ni-l ii unci'.; dnwn.
(V..ss.,-\,niini<-.| l.y Mv. 'I'm b..i : lV,.oiiii k«. «,,- llir ,„,,-!, bethought,
tll;ll .■■ml, I \,r Mrll,l;il,.,l ,l,c,l|iK 111 .,ur sl.lllnli. Il H,,' vl.itinU propOScd
by tbr iiru ,Mi,i|,;,ny \v:is (Inidr.l u|. uilo dill.-iviit sri> iliis would get
over tile question of continuity of supply to some e.Ktent, but there was
still the possibility of difficulty with the mains interfering with the
sujiply.
He i\:n]iiiied b\ .Mr. Mr\i;..K: They could not icliiscin yive su])i>lv,
wli.T. (. III.' |.i..iiMiiri- ,.| III,- Kill would not be I ii.l Imsii|,|.Iv. It was
tnie iIm y h.id ,.|.|...s,.,l ilir \.A\('. bill, but only lici;nise tin y had a linking
lip scbeine in hand. Tile L.C.C. bill was a permissive bill, and not like
the present bill .which proposed to compete with them. They had paid
in aid of rates between £3,000 and £4,000.
Yesterday (Thursday) Mr. Vesey Knox addressed the Committee, and
the Mayor of Southwark (Aid. Grantham), the Chairman of the Soutli-
wark Electricity Committee (Aid. Cook), and Mr. VV. C. P. Tapper
(borough electrical engineer and manager, Stepney), also gave evidence
in opjiosition to the bill. Speeches were also made by Mr. Williams
and Mr. Snowden on behalf of Stepney and Hammersmith Councils,
respectively, and li\ '\\v. Vi'. (Jiiitry Bingham, an independent petitioner
whose chief objeeli..ii «,is in ics^rard to the insertion of the L.C.C. in the
Bill as the purchasing ;Hillioiity. This evidence will be reported in our
next issue.
On Monday Mr. T. Lough asked whether the Piesident of the Board
of Trade could undertake, with regard to the later stages of this bill,
that, if it should emerge from Committee, the subsequent proceedings
should be left to the free decision of the House, without Government
teUeis in any division.
Mr. Churchill said that it had never been the intention of the Govern-
ment to assume direct responsibility for that particular solution of the
problem of London electrical supply : and, after the usual procedure has
been followed, and the bill had been duly examined by the Select Com-
mittee, it would, he thought, be in accordance with the general wish
that the Hou.se .should be left free to pronounce its decision upon tlie
complex issues presented.
LONDON ELECTRIC SUPPLY BILL.
In the House of Commons on Jlonday, on the order for the seLniid
reading of this bill, Mr. A. C. Morton said there were two electric supply
companies in the City, and the bill, if passed^in its present form, would
allow those two companies, without the Corporation's consent, to amal-
gamate. That was the very thing they desired to prevent. In the case
of the Charing Cross Co., they had power to purchase in 1914. Although
he had several strong objections to the bill in its present shnjic. and still
more if the proposed instruction by the Board of Trade unv pi.s, ,1. he
did not desire to move the rejection of the bill, on the iiiiilrisi,iTi,linM tli.at
they were to have a free hand, if they could not obtain .■.;ii i^fi. (i, m lufure
the Committee upstairs, to propose amendments on report anil to oppo.se
the bill altogether on third reading. No doubt, with proper precautions,
the linking up of those companies might he of some u.se to the people.
The bill was then read a second time.
Mr. W. Churchill then moved : " That it be an instruction to the
Committee to which the bill is referred, that they have power to insert a
provision constituting the London County Council the purchasing autho-
rity on equitable terms. That existing purchasing authorities or any
other person affected by such a provision shall be entitled to be heard
before the Committee upon any petition presented not later than Nov. 4."
He said that the bill permitted the linking up of the systems of 13 electrio
companies supplying London. All these companies were subject to
purchase in 1931. With that right of purchase 15 local authorities were
concerned, but questions of compensation for .severance would arise not
pleasant to contemplate, therefore to make the purchase rights really
effective and economical there must be an endeavour to consolidate the
purchase rights. In the opinion of the Government the consolidated
rights should be vested in the London County Council, after giving to the
local authorities full opportunity to^be heard- in the interest of their rate-
payers and their local claims to be fully appraised and adjusted. If the
instruction were accepted by the Committee to which the bill was referred
the consequence would be that the London^County Council in 1931 would
be possessed of the linked-ii]) electrical system of the whole of the 13
companies. He should hope that before 1931 it would be possible t<i link
up the existing boroughs; and if they should be linked up then the
London County Council would be possessed of the .systems of both com-
panies and boroughs, and thus armed and cipiipped would be in the com-
mand and possession of the whole administration and supply of electri-
city within its area.
■The instruction was agreed to.
An amendment by Mr. T. Davics was opiK>sed by Mr. Churchill and
withdrawn.
Mr. Hay moved: "That it be an instruction to the ('"inriiillii- to
in.sert such provisions in the biU as will ensure that the ]inwri s |iii. posed
by the bill to be conferred upon the London Electric Supply (nriLpaiiies
shall be conferred also on the local authorities who are authorised dis-
tributors in the administrative County of London."
Sir William Bull seconded.
Mr. Churchiil agreed that it was desirable that the boroughs should
have every facility for linking up all the electrical systems, but he was not
sure whether the hon. gentleman would not be putting upon the Com-
mittee a ta.sk which it would be very difficult to carry out. and which
would be to some extent inappropiiate. He thought a much better way-
was that they should leave the future initiative of that linking-up of the
boroughs to come from the boroughs, but that they should take the pie-
sent opportunity to bind the ciim]Kuiies not at any future time to offer
opposition to similar rights conferring the benefit on the boroughs.
Mr. Hay having agreed that his instruction be altered by the insertion
of the words " that they have the power " after " Committee," it was
LONDON (WESTMINSTER AND KENSINGTON) ELECTRIC
SUPPLY COMPANIES' BILL,
The second reading of this bill having been agreed to,
Mr. Churchill moved : " That it be an instruction to the Committee
to insert a provision binding the promoting companies not to offer oppo-
sition to any future legislative proposal to constitute the London County
Council the purchasing authority."
The motion was agreed to.
Mr. Lough moved ; " That it be an instruction to the Committee that
they have power to insert a provision binding the promoting companies
not to offer opposition to any future legislative proposals that may be
brought forward on behalf of the councils of the metropolitan boroughs
for such mutual assistance or association as this bill confers on the pro-
moting companies."
Mr. Churchill said it was a very useful instruction, and he saw no
reason why the House should not accept it. It would be a convenience
in the future and would clear out of the way a class of opposition which
might possibly involve the ratepayers in unnecessary legal expenses.
The motion was agreed to.
LEGAL INTELLIGENCE.
Schifl & Co. V. Levy & Co.
In the City of London Court on Friday last, before Mr. Acting Registrar
M'elfare, defendants (a firm of tailors, &c.) were sued for £1. 3s. Id., the
balance of account for carbons supplied. Defendants pleaded that they
gave the order for the carbons to an electrician named Stealey, and there-
fore they (plaintiffs) were not entitled to^elaim. Plaintiffs, however,
received a letter from defendants confirming the order for the carbons
which had been delivered, and when payment was applied for defendants
denied that an order had been given. Stealey had done all the electric
fitting woi'k required m defendants' establishments. The carbons were
being delivered in various quantities, and upon complaint being made
Mr. Stealey delivered the final lot of 250. These undoubtedly came
from plaintiffs, but they had informed plaintiffs that they (defendants)
were not to be deliited with the price of them. Stealey had since sold
his business, and could not now be found.
An adjournment was granted to enable plaintiffs to call evidence as
to defendants having given the order for the carbons.
Telephone Calls- — In the City of London Court last week the
National Telephone Co. sought to recover from Davies, Turner & Co.
£7. Os. for message-rate telephone calls due. Defendants had two tele-
phone services, one unlimited and the other the message-rate system.
The contract contained a clause by which the Telephone Co.'s books
were to be taken as a conclusive record of the calls, and that was the
basis of the action.
For the Telephone Co it was said that it would be impossible to
run the telephone system on any other principle. The calls were regis-
tered by the best-known contrivance.
Mr.\STUART Bevan said that, without imputing fraud to any indi-
vidual telephone operator, there had been such gross carelessness in pre-
paring defendants' records that it amounted to fraud. The average local
calls from May, 1907, to March, 1908, were 10 per month, and in April
last the company charged the defendants 1,439 calls. It was quite
impossible for them to have had as many.
Two telephone girls, called to prove the figures sued u])on, admitted in
cross-examination that sometimes mistakes were made. They were,
however, corrected.
Three witnesses for the defence were called and
Judge Rentoul said he saw nothing wrong with the National Co. s
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 6. 1908.
157
book, or servants or records, but he could not believe that defendants had
1.440 calls in April. Judgment was, therefore, given for defendants,
with costs.
Bock V. Dolter Electric Traction (Ltd.)-On Tue.sda^^ befo.e Mr
T ticc Fve Mr Vernon moved for judgment in default of defence in a
debenture iK.lder's action. Plaintiff is a registered h..lder of 175 deben-
tures of i-10l> each, issued on August 2, 1907. wIik li bad .nice bec.imo due.
Since the ddiveiy of the .statement of claim tl"- conipMiiy had gone mto
hciuidation. The usual older was made.
MUNICIPAL, FOREIGN & GENERAL NOTES.
APPOINTMENTS VACANT AND FILLED.
! Bristol Electrical committee invite applications for the position of
charge engineer at the city main generating station. Applicants
should have had a good mechanical training and experience of the
eh.t. (three phase), h.t. (one phase) and d.c. systems, and large
turbine and units. Commencing salary £2. 10s. per week, rising to
£3. Ajiplications to city electrical engineer (Mr. H. Faraday
Proctor), Temple Back, Bristol.
An installation assistant is required for the Belfast Corjioration
electricity department, thoroughly experienced in meter testing and
repairs, fixing meters and motors and general installation work.
Waces 30s. per week of 54 hours. Applications to city electrical
engineer (Mr. T. W. Bloxam). East Bridge-street, Belfast, by Nov. 7.
Erith Council require an electrical engineer and tramways manager.
Salary £350 per annum ; appointment terminable on one month's
notice. Applications to the Clerk, Council Offices, Erith, by 10 a.m
of Nov. 16.
There are vacancies at Woolwich Polytechnic for teachers of ex-
perimental physics and of mathematics. Salary in each case £150
to £300. Further particulars and forms of application from the
Principal. Applications by Nov. 10.
Mr. J. A. Panton, A.M.I.E.E., rolling stock superintendent of the
Liverpool Overhead Railway Co., has been ai)pointed engineering
assistant to the general manager.
Mr. James Lord has been appointed assistant electrical engineer at
the Lillooah carriage and wagon shops of the East Indian Railway at
R.4.50 rising to R.600 per month.
EDUCATIONAL NOTICES.
University of London (University College).— The calendar of
University College for 1908-9 session, which has just been issued,
contains many new features.
The outlineof the history of the college by Dr. Carey Foster has been
revised and brought up to date. The calendar also contains a set of
plans that show more completely than hitherto the uses to which the
extension of buildings is being put. The new buildings have resulted in
extended accommodation for each of the departments of the faculty of
engineering. A section L'ivr- fnll particulars of the arrangements for
post-graduate coursis i.t Irrtiir.s and arrangements for research work.
There were 229 post-L'ia.luair antl research students in the college last
session. For the ordinary undergraduate courses composition fees have
been instituted in all faculties so that students now know precisely the
cost of their full courses before entering upon them.
Borough Polytechnic Institute (London).— Lord Carrington will
open the Edric Hall .and the new workshops of this Polytechnic this
(Friilay) evening at 8 o'clock.
Accrington. — The Church and Clay ton-le- Moors Councils have
intimated to Accrington Electricity committee that they will a.ssent
to the Corporation's api)lication for provisional electric light ing orders
The Electricity committee have been authorised to supply electric cur-
rent to five arc lamps in Haslingden by an overhead cable at 2d. per unit.
Acton.— The supplementary report of Sir Alex. Kennedy on the
Acton electricity undertaking has been issued.
The Council take electricity in bulk from the Metropolitan Electric
Supply Co., and the report deals fully with the conditions of the existing
agreement between the parties, the price paid for current, &c. The
agreement is terminable at 9, 18 or 27 years, so that five years must elapse
before the first reversion can take place. An unofficial offer has, how-
ever, been made by the company, which is desirous of having as large a
demand as possible from Acton! to make considerable concessions with
the object of increasing the demand. The proposals are as follows : —
"The Metropolitan Co. is not willing that there should be any
reduction in the total income of about £4,000 which they received last
year from Acton for current. But they are willing to make such con-
cessions in price as will enable the Council to obtain a very much larger
amount of cun-ent for that price than hitherto, and in that way the price
per unit would Ix- reduced. Mr. Highfield estimates that, out of the
£4,021 paid last year, about £2.800 corresponded to what he considered
standing and cajiital charges. He is willing to make a proposal that the
Council's payments in future should be made up of a lump sum of £2.800
per annum, plus a ]iricc ])er unit of Jd. Further, he would agree that that
scheme of payment should continue unaltered until the Council's maxi-
mum load reached ,")00 kw. For last year the maximum load was 330 kw.
and the units bought S47.91fi. The total jirice to be paid for thtwe on
the new scheme would be £3,978. But if the Council continued at the
same rate, by the time the maximum load had reached .500 kw. the out-
put should have increased to about 1,. 500,000 units, and the price for this
total on the new scheme would be £2,800. phis the cost of 1,. 500,000 units
at Jd., or £2,083, a total of £4,883, equal to 0"8d. per unit. After the
maximum load reached 500 kw.. .Mr. Highlield suggested that the com-
jiany would consider .an .addition (o the capital charges at some rate below
£5 per kw., the charge per unit remaining the same.
" I think this proposal (states Sir Alex. Kennedy), if it is officially
made to you, is a ver.v fau- one. The Metropolitan Co. is naturally
anxious to get as large a load from you as possible, and the proposal is
obviously designed to eiuiniragc .you to increase your load as quickly as
you can, as each additional unit will only cost j'ou Jd. Under such con-
ditions, you would no doubt, as soon as possible, restore the electric street
lighting to which I referred in my report, and I am sure that .Mr. Blair
would °do everything he possibly could to obtain large customers for
power whether on continuous or two-phase current at some such price as
has been suggested by Mr. Highfield."
Argentina.— The " Review of the River Plate" .says the electri-
fication of the Lrt P/frfrt-i?n.sf"«f/a tramway is 'proceeding rapidly.
Mr. A. H. Unwin, manager of the Rosnyio Electric Light Co.,
is at present on a visit to England in reference to the purchase of
additional machinery for the company's works.
The representative of the Consortium d'Entrepreneurs du Metro-
politan de Paris has offered to submit fresh proposals for the con-
struction of a tube railway in Buenos Aires.
Australasia. — The Victorian Government has intimated tliat if the
Kew (Victoria) Borough Council adopt an electric tramway scheme
it will be approved.
Although the Sydney tramway strike was recently reported to
have been settled the employes have approached the Railways and
Tramways Board with various grievances.
Eilmore (Victoria) is now lighted electrically. A number of
90 c.p. lamps are supplied with energy generated by a 28 b.h.p.
suction gas plant, and there are also some 2,500 c.p. arc lamps.
Longford (Tasmania) Council are taking steps to get their Light-
ing Bill amended so as to permit the generation of electrical energy
by a suction gas engine for the lighting of the to^vn.
The Australian Commonwealth Postmaster-General is stated to be
considering the question of establishing a government factory for the
manufacture of telephone wire, instruments, &c., on the ground that
tenders recently received have been unsatisfactory.
The New Zealand Minister for mines proposes to is.sue regulations
relating to the use of electricity in mines, similar to those in force in
C4reat Britain and other countries.
Belturbet (Ireland).— The Council have entered into an agreement
with the Belt 111 bet Electric Lighting Co. for the electric lighting of th e
The agreement provides that the company are to supply .50 lights of
50 c.p. each, supply electrical energy, erect poles, wires, &c., free ; the
light to be on each night from half an hour after sunset until midnight
from Sept. 1 to May leach season, at £f.4 i)er annum. The mstallation
will be complete before Feb. I next.
Brighton.— The Council have adopted the recommendation of the
Telephone committee to invest the surplus of £2.545 on the sale of the
municipal telephone undertaking to the Post Office, the interest
thereon being applied to the Borough Fund in reduction of rates
until such time as the Council decide to api)ropriate the surplus to
some other purpo.se.
Bristol— With the opening of the new Westbury section the
tramway system of the Bristol Tramways & Carriage Co. has been
increased to .'!1 route miles.
Customs Duties.— According to a recent decision carbons for electric
lamps " with a metallic thread in the interior destined to facilitate
the combustion of the carbon " are subject, under the Italian tariff,
to an import duty of 10 lire per 100 kilos (4s. per cwt.).
Dublin —The Lighting committee have decided to apply for sanc-
tion to an additional loan of £4,820 for street electric lighting, includ-
ing the electric lighting of Drumcondra and North Circular roads,
the conversion of lamps on bridges and around public statues. &c.
Dundee.— The Union-street tramway route lias bern officially
inspected on behalf of the Board of Trade.
158
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 6, 1908.
Egloshayle (Cornwall). — The ratepayers have accepted the otier
lit llie \Va(lel)ri(lL'c & District Electric Supply Co.. for public electric
lislitiiiji.
Electric Traction in the United States.— Tlie contract for the
" elcrlrilicalioii of llii' Xr«' .rrrscy lo Lon;.' Ishind Tunnel of the
IVnnsylv.ini.iriR.ul\v.iv")ias l)een>£iven lo the West iii<,'liouse Klerlric
Co.. and is sl;iti'd to represent about £1,0110.0(1(1 in all.
Electricity in Germany. — The i$erlin corres|)on(lent of "" The Times
stat<'s that the taxes un electricity and gas, referred lo in our last
issue (p. I I.t). will in some cases be 5 per cent, on the price to the con-
sumer, but woiks that are compelled to keep their prices at a high
level and tliose who only produce electric energy or gas for their own
purposes will only be charged 4 pfennige per kw.-hour .and jier cubic
metre on electricity and gas respectively.
Epsom. — Messrs. Jackson. Pixley & Co. have been instructed to
|.ic|iMre .1 full report on the present linaneial jmsition of the electricity
Uud'TLlJiilll'.
Gloucester. -The Council have adopted the following recommenda-
tion of the Electricity committee in regard to the dispute with the
makers of a steam engine at the electricity works : —
That tile engine be aoce]ited in its present condition on the contractors
waiving all claim in res|ioit of retention money and the Corporation
waiving their claim in ros|>ect of stores, and on the undcistanding that
the contractors will be allnwcd at their own risk and exj)ense to endeavour
to effect fiiither inipr<ivoTaents in the steam consumption of the engine
at a time when miitiially rnnvenicnt durmg the slack period of next year ;
and that if a better result as to steam consumption be then obtained
without detriment to the engine m other respects, the ('or|inration will
pay the contractors £20 in respect of each jVth lb. which tlie ^teani cim-
sumption at full load shall be reduced below the ccinsum|iticin of 21-8
recorded during the last official test.
Hull. — The Tramways committee are to obtain tenders for a new
feeder cable to S])ring Hank.
An inquiry was held here on Wednesday into the application of
the Corporation for sanction to borrow (among other sums) £24,000
for electricity supply extensions, and £24,0(X) for widening Midland-
street to enable a double line of tramways to be laid.
Inquest. — On Monday the adjourned inquest was held on Albert
W. Gallard, a jointer's mate, in the service of the G.P.O. Telejjhone
Department, who died in Guy's Hospital on Oct. 22. The facts
were stated in our la.st issue (p. 115).
Alfred Thomas Foster, cable worker, stated that on Oct. 15 he and
Gallard took the lid off a manhole (6 ft. by 6 ft. and 12 ft. deep) in
.Tamaiea-road, Bermondsey. He did not notice the smell either of sewer
or coal gas. Gallard went down the ste)is and struck a match, whicli was
at once extinguished, and a moment or two later Gallard ciillapsed. A
passer-by lowered witness into tlic manhole, and tiallard was rescued.
Dr. Hash. 1'ai mku. house jihysiiian at Guy's Hos|)ital. said (;allard on
admission was \ini-ons(icius and violent. He could form no ojiiniun as to
what lie was siill'irini; from. He thought death was due to pneumonia,
set lip by thr liili.il iiic.n of some foul air. The condition and colour of
the l)loo<l nciiai i\ r,l I he pussibiUty of its being carbonic acid gas, nor did
he think it was carlion dioxide.
Evidence was given that the South Metropolitan Gas Com|ian\'s main
was 4 ft. or ,") ft. away and was of east iron.
The jury found that tJallard was accidentally poisoned by the inliala
tion of some gas, l)iit that the evidence failed to'iliscl.isi- the nature uf Hi,-
gas. They highly comnu'iided fi'ostcr for his |iiompt ami plucky action
in dcscrniling the manhole.
India. — The Jhclum electric power works were started on Sept. 21.
The works supply current at 30.000 volts to Baramula for dredging
anil t.i Sriii,ii:.ir i.'.o inilrs ilist.iiit) for driving a silk factory. The under-
taking "I- i'l o [| l.\ \i,i|Mr .Inly de Lotliiuicie. At iireseut only one
tui liiiir Ml I, l.rinu ^^,.,l, ill,- r.ipac'ity of the |ilant being from 4,000 H.p.
to o.taiOH.i-., I)nt iiltiniately the plant is to be increased to 20,000 H.P.
The plant was ehieffy supplied by the G.E. Co. of New York.
The Governor General in Council has given permission to Messrs.
I). J. and R. R. Tata (holders of the Bombay hydro-electric licence,
1907) to transmit electric energy to their works irom the generating
station near Khopli to the sub-station near Scwiec Cemetery.
The Sanitary IJoard has decided that all the roads of (jo;-c^((/(m
gold field shall be lighted electrically.
" Indian Engineering " states that a beginning may be made this
" cold weather " with the Himla Hydro-electric scheme.
The Bengal & North-Western Railway are experimenting with
carbon filament and tantalum himps in their trains. The electrical
Jilant has been supplicil by .Mes.-is. Alex. Penney & Co.
The New Indian l':irctricit\- Act was sent to England in September
for appro\al by the Secretary of State for India.
Italy. — The Societa Frenlana di Elettricita has been authorised to
construct several electric tramways in tlie Udine district.
Japan. — The second section of the Osaka Municipal Electric
Railway was recently opened. This is said to be the first railway of
its kind constructed and worked by a municipality in Japan
Leyton.— The L.G. Board have sanctioned the borrowing of £1,000,
i-epayable ill CO years, for the purchase rif additional land for extend-
ing the eleclricitv work.s.
In l(i roads 4(1 lamps are to be converted from fias to electricity, while
nine new lamps are to be erected.
The scali? of charges for electrical encrgv under the Bermondsey clause
i.f the Council's act has lieen leconsidered. but uo icvision is considered
necessary.
London County Council.- On Tuesday it « as agreed to lend £2,430
to Islington h.r cU'clric lighting.
TracHix.i TuJI. i, ''Vd.s'.— The Highways i-omiiiittee brought up a report
on the question .,11 imm.j ti,,iii« iv- in Blackwall and Botherhithe tunnels
to join up the ii iiin\ m ..n . ii h.i side of the liver and recommended
that Parliameni,o\ -.m. i I.. >..iiL'ht next session to provide and work
aserviceof electric cats ontlie tiacklcss tjull.\ >\-lcm. From the informa-
tion obtainable it appeared that the . -innii'il i xpenditure on capital
account would be £7,925 in the case mI ilu- iUi- kuall tunnel and V^:.>.^^r,
for Rotherhithe, and the estimated tinancial results were likely to be
favourable. It was pointed out that the advantages of the .system,
hrielly stated, were the avoidance of track expenses and in some eases
of the necessity for street wideiiings and the greater adaptability
of the vehicles used to the general traftic conditions.
SirM. Beachcroft, in moving that the recommendation be referred
hack, said the infoi mation put before them was much too meagre. In
Manchester and Liverpool they weie proposing to experiment on sub-
urban roads, and he thought they should see the results of experiments
before they ailc>|ili d it for their tunnels.
Mr. l)i,\ i: M ron.l.il the amendment and urged that the Council should
leave e\|Hj iiiirnl^ alone.
Mr. GoKDo.s said the trackless system had been tried on the Continent
since 1901 and was in operation in seven places in Germany one place in
France and three places in Italy, and the Italian Government were con-
templating a large extension.
The amendment was carried by 39 votes to 37.
Tramu-difi. — It was decided to seek Parliamentary sanction to recon-
struct for dr. trie traction the tramways from the " Lord Howick," via
Alliion-r..a.l an. I ( :. ..ige-street to Chapel-street, Woolwich.
(I.E. S II, I, If, ( 'i.iiinci System. — The Highways committee reported that
it was thru- intention to report on the whole subject of the above system
on Nov. 10.
Side Slot Syiilem of Ti action. — The same committee reported on the
frcpicnt delays which had occurred on the Kin^sland-road tramways
ll.ii.ujii ill. defective working of the expcinniiii.il |..iiiion of side sl.it
tiiiiiM.ix- I, id in that thoroughfare. The .lille u\\ \ .ir..>e through the
. :o |.l.,ii.jh^ I lecoming jammed at the points wIkic iIk- centre slot chaiged
tlir -i.lr ^j.it and vice versa, and it was thought the difficulty might be
.i\ . I. . .iiic if the slot diversions, wlieie the change from centre to side takes
jilacc. wliuh were at present made in lengths of 19 ft. 3 in., with a radius
curve of 40 ft., weie altered to a length of 32 ft. 8 in. with a curve of
200 ft. radius. The cost of altering the whole diveisionson the route was
£1,000, and it was recommended that two be altered as an experiment.
Mr. Whittaker Thompson, in reply to a question, said he did not con-
sider the side slot system was a failure. He thought it a success.
The recommendation was agreed to.
Tmffic Bornd. — The General Piu|ii)ses committee reported that tlie
Prime Minister had intimated that he was willing to receive a deputation
this month to urge the nece-ssity of .securing the immediate estabhsliment
of a London Ti attic- Board upon the lines uidicnted in the report of the
Royal Commi.ssion on London Traffic.
Sir .1. Benn moved as an amendment that the rcpoit be not received,
on the grinind that the Council did not kumv what h as I.. In- |ilaced before
the Prime Minister. The establishment of the siigi;ested Tralhe Moai'd
would .saddle the ratepayers with an annual expeiulitiue of £20.000 or
£30,000. The whole idea of the Trattie H..ar.l uas a eonfessiou that the
Council was no longer able to maiutalu its |iositioii ;•.:; the tramway
authority for London, and that it wanted some other board, not respon-
silile to the ratepayers, to control this greater part of London's traffic.
The amendment was rejected by 60 votes to 39.
Loughborough. — An inquiry was held here on Wednesday into the
application of the Council for sanction to borrow (among other sums)
£l',.")(I11 for extensions of the electricity undertaking.
The town cleik (Mr. H. Perkins) gave particulars of the progress made
by the undertaking. Of the loan asked for £1,760 was for excess
expenditure and the balance for about 200 new services.
The borough electrical ensineer (Mr. W. H. Ali.en) supplied technical
details.
Manchester Suburban Tramways.— A s\ ndii ate is being formed in
Man. luster for the purpose of prom. .1 iul; a bill during the 1909
sessiciii of Parliament for ]iowers to constniet a system of electric
tramv\ays to connect the tramways of the Stalybritlge, Hyde,
.Mossley and Dukinfield Joint Board with the Glussop and Hadfield
tramways, via Mottram and WooUey Bridge (Glossop). The total
route mileage will be about 7 miles. The engineers for the
scheme are Me.s.srs. J. M. Newton and J. W. Welch.
Parcel Post to Argentina.— It is announced that the rates of postage
from the British Isles on parcels to the Argentine Republic have now
been reduced to 2s. where the weight docs not exceed 3 lb., 3s. up to
7 lb. and 4s. up to 11 lb.
THE ELECTRICIAN. NOVRMRF.R g, 1908.
Poplar.— The Electricity committee recommend the Council to
aive a .stand-by supply „f electricity to Stepney pending completion
ot theu- second general ins station at Limeliouse.
No capital expendili.r,. v.ill be incurred by P.M.lar as the snare „1 ,„f ,t
the mam station will he siitiicient to afford the supply while the ev,', .,
of couphng up the mains will be borne by Stepney '' I iv s
m.u''be'on;™"-r,'"p" r" '^''' "r '''•^"''''' ''■'•-P---^'' «"nu.e„u.ul
n.iv DP „t Unc.t to J oplar on some ful m.- ,„,,.,,„. and therefore P„|,|.„-
(_o,«u-,l ,s t.. provKle .Mepney with a supply .., , l,.,„.i,.ity to the ext.. ( of
otKI kw. at any tune dinmg the period euduig Sejit ;i(l 'lUDi* u i ,., . f
£100 for the right of taking a supply whether current is taken or not
and a further sum of Jd. per unit for each unit actually taken In the
event ot a breakdown or msufficiency of plant Poplar'has the ritdit •.,
• III nti Stepney's supply from this seryice.
Presentation.— The staff of the Merthyr Tydfil Electric Traction &
Lightmg Co. have presented a mahogany clock with Westminster
chimes, to TVIr. Lewis W. Dixon, managing engineer, on his marriage.
Rochdale.— The Council have accepted the terms offered by Little
brough Council for the supply of electricity in bulk, viz., Little'borough
to pay interest and sinking fund on plant, mains, &c.. in connection
with the supply and al.so revenue charges as worked out by Rochdde
Corporation based on the average cost per unit sold, plus io per cent. I
Rhyl.— The Council will discuss at a special meeting a proposal by
the Llandudno Light Railway Co. to construct a light railway froiii
the entrance to the pier at Rhyl to Prestatyn.
St. Helens.— .\n unopjiosed inquiry was held here on Tuesday into
til.' ai.|,lication of the Council for sanction to borrow £I0,42() for
extensions of the electricity undertaking.
I lie l.nrough eleetrieal engineer (Mr. C. M. Hollingsworth) said the loan
^^as rv,|,iiretl to meet the increa.sed demand for electric power and the
'"T7. noi ' ,'"' "'f '",'^' '*I'''"* '" l"-"viding for power puriioses.' Al I he
end of 1902. when the la.st generatmg set was put hi, the eonneetion. will,
the mains were (exchisiye of traction) equivalent to 30,000 8 e u I .nms
and at present the i imnertions were equal to 82.000 Sep The rite of
merease durmg the past 12 months had been very great, the output and
sale amounting to 2.4011,0(10 units. '
Spalding —A typical instance of the way in which local authorities
deal with electric lighting powers is furnished by Spaldin.'
RoI'h f T"^'"^ u- ^^^ *^"°"""' "" Wednesday a letter was r'ead from the
Board ..f Trade calling attention to the fact that no steps had been taken
o supply eectnc.ty m the town, and stating that it now devolved ,i,,o„
the Board to determine whether the order should be allowed to remain
Miy longer m force. It was suggested that the Board should be asked to
Liant an extension of time, as " if the order were to lapse it would be orien
■;r a private company to come in and supply electricity." The ma/ter
».l^ leterred to the Gasworks committee.
Slornoway (N.B.).-.Vrr. .J. B. Bennett, of Edinburgh, is preparing
an ele, inc lighting .scheme for this tflwn. It is proposed to ulilise
walei power available at Loch Airidh an Eipe.
Swilzerland -The Government have granted t« Messrs. Midler
/•erleder & Gobat and the Cie. Electrique .Alioth. of Miinchenstein'
he concession to construct a.id work an overhead electric raihva\-
,/";•,',", !oP- .'''■'■ """ -^ndermatt Gletsch to Disentis. U.OOO.OOO
ti. (l.iOd.DOO) is the capital.
Teddington -In the estimates for the new .sewage scheme f.llMl has
" ■<■'> alli.caled tor the electric lighting of the works.
Time Signal Service.-The Postmaster-General has reduced Ih,.
Charge tor the transmission to private premi.ses of a signal from
..eenwich Observatory intlicating 10 a.m. by British standard time.
t the address to which the signal is sent is within half a mile of a
eeeraph office which receives the direct signal, the charge will in
" ure be £6 per annum in London and £.5 per annum in the provinces,
U.-e charges coyermg provision of the necessary wire. If the addres.
r-.Hoie than half a mile from the telegraph office the ordinary private
^u,r rates will apply to mileage of wire in excess of the first half mile.
J lie ap,,aratu.s for receiving the signal at the renter's j.remises must be
■rovKled at the expen.se of the renter and be of a pattern approved
h\ the hngmeer-m-Chiel to the Post Office.
Torquay.-The Council have been asked to sanction the extension
iMinuays to the boundary of the borough, with the object of con-
MMi, ui- a line to Paignton, and thus putting the two places into
fill, el cmmunicatton. The overhead system would be adopted.
Trackless Trolley System.-HuII Tramways committee are to con-
^Hiei the question of obtaining powers to adopt the trackless trolley
s\ -I em of traction.
Messrs. Dodd & Dodd. of Birmingham, are acting for a syndicate
III. h proposes to obtain imrliamentary authority' to rim irackless
tnlley omnibuses in Malvern.
in )y™'''ff.On--Twenty-six metallic filament lamj.s are to be installed
in the public baths m place of 5,3 carbon filament lamps.
^^ Wireless Telegraph Notes.-The following details are published in
-a i.iieieui Llectnca of the four radiotelegraphic stations estab- i
1.59
iirst two stations Zum^ineiietiZ;':!'"- ■'"" ^'r^^'^i-- The
a distance of m, k,„ The '.a^ "t U '"'"'"•'"''''«•«' Marrneco.s.
.Iiat at Melilla ."il metres The .hV. ''"' " ''' "'''"" '"'■'''• •''"''
liave a canacitv of " L e l ! '"' "'■'"'■■•■> ' '^rs at the stations
4.50 waits' re u.. The'J^r' ""t;.,"""""' '""'^""'"■^ ^'"'V -'"'"^
.0km.ap:H.'^ema^!sS'^"l^'o"t!.:;t:ir''''^"7"r
and 0-4 kw. of power is requued "''• ""'i>^'-^''''b'
lance of L.OO .ni-es-;.:^!:;: ri^^.—r^- Xt:r;t
<'ordova, Alaska, where a U.S. (
aled by the Army Si-rial Corjis.
Electrical Football League.— I'h
concert at the Robertson Electric
to-morrow (Saturday).
rnnienl wireless station is opei
ill is holding its first annual
Works (Brook Green. W.).
TRADE NOTES AND NOTICES.
READY.
"THE ELECTRICIAN "ELECTRICAL TRADES'
DIRECTORY AND HANDBOOK.-The ,908 Edition
of the Big Blue Book, price 155, or post free in the
United Kingdom, .53. gd. The new and enlarged volume
brings a great mass of statistical and technical data
quite up to date, and the Directorial Division has been
thoroughly revised and amplified.
AH branches of Electrical Engineering and Industry
are fully treated, and Electro-Financial matters have
received every attention in the new volume, which aggre-
gates more than 2,000 pages. The Directory Division 13
complete and thoroughly accurate, and has been com-
pletely revised. All mere lists of members of Societies
and Institutions (so easily and cheaply available) are
excluded, as quite unreliable for Manufacturers' and
Dealers' purposes. The full set of valuable Statistical
and Engineering Tables, &c., have been very carefully
revised and extended, and remodelled into handy book
form ; these are included in the igoS Blue Book, making
it the most complete book of the kind ever published.
TENDERS INVITED.
Tenders are invited for the supply ,4 submarine cable repairing
]ilant to the Pnslmaster-Gc'neral's Deparlmenl. I'irliirin. .Au.s'^
Iraha. Tender forms and speeilications may be obtainefl at the
Commomvealtli Office, 72, Victoria-slreet, U.ndon. S.W. S<-c al.so an
advertisement.
The committee of Visitors of the Ussej- County Lunatic .Asylum
invite tenders for the supply and erection of the followiii); plant and
work : (I) Two steam dynamos ( 1(K) kw.), steam and motor balances,
inain switchboard and travelling crane ; (2) steam exhaust and rain
])ipes and valves ; (3) laying cables, distributing boards, wiring and
lamps; (4) motors, motor starters and cable connections; (.">)
telephones, bells, fire alarms and electrically-driven clocks. I'ersons
desiring to tender must send their names and addresses to the clerk
to the Visiting committee (accompanied by a £5 Bank of England
note), .Mr. W. P. Gejip, New-street. Cheliiisford. K.s.sex. by Nov. 7.
Copies of specifications, &e.. will be forwarded to applicant.s as .soon
its possible after Nov. 7, and plans and speeiliealions can Ih> se<-n (but
not obtained) at the offices of the consulting engineers (Messrs.
Hawtayne & Zeden). 9, Queen-street-place, I^ondon, K.C. Tenders
to Mr. Gepp by noon Nov. 30.
London County Council invite tenders for the supjdy. delivery
and erection of overhead electrical equijiment for the electrification
on the overhead trolley system of the Council's tramways from (a)
Loughborough .Junction to Norwood; (/<) Hammersmith to Putney,
and (c) Streatham to Norbury. Tenders, upon official forms to be
obtained from the Clerk of the Council (Mr. G. L. Gonime), County
Hall, Spring Gardens, S.W., must be in liy 11 a.m.. Nov. 10.
160
THE ELECTRICIAN. NOVEMBER 6, 1908.
SPECIAL NOTICE.
NOW READY.-Vol. LXI. of " Tuk ELECTRicrAN " (1,018 pages),
ho^°Z st"°Toth. Price 17s. 6d.; post free, 18s. 6d. Also ready
Gases for Biiuliiif;. Price 2s. ; post free, 2s. 3d.
A complete set of " The Electrician " (1860-1865-1878-1908) can
1h3 sunplied. A number of odd volumes and some odd old back num-
bers to help in making up complete sets, a-e also now available.
Lnmhw Count V Council also invite tenders for road work and
nlati'layinc required for the ^petrification (conduit sj-stem) ot tne
existing tramways in Essex-road. King's Cioss-road and Farnngdon-
rnad, and tlie authorised tramways in Swinton-street, King s Cross.
Tenders (on official forms) by 11 a.m. Nov. 10.
Dublin United Tramways Co. (1896) (Ltd.) invite tenders for
supi-ly of general stores, including car fittings, iron, steel, castings,
oils paints and glass, ironmongery, electrical supplies, timber, &c.,
for year ending Dec. 31, 1909. Forms of tender, &c., from the
S3 -relary's office, 9, Upper Sackville-street, Dublin, between Nov. -^
and 14. Tenders, addressed to the Chairman by Nov. 3I».
Wakefield & District Light Railway Co. want tenders (by 9 a.m.
Nov. 19) for 12 months' stores, including armatures, coils, carbons
Mild carbon brushes, cables and wires, electric lamps, insulating
niatoiials. overhead fittings, rails, castings, &c. Schedules from
I be (Vnlral Offices. Belle Isle, Wakefield, after Nov. 8.
MiddlcloH (Lanes.) Council invite tenders for supply of aboiit
880 yards of three-core distributor cable. Tenders to Town Clerk's
office by Nov. 14.
Leith Corporation invite tenders for cables. Tenders lo Town
Clerk's Office by Nov. 10.
The Deputy Postmaster-General, Melbourne. Victoria, wants
tenders by 3 p.m. Dee. 22, for supply of coin attachments for tele-
phones. Conditions, &c., at the Board of Trade, 73. Basinghall-
street, London, E.C.
Coptnhmjen (Denmark) lighting department want tenders by
Nov. 7 for supply of 1.000 copper lamps. Specifications at the Board
of Trade, 73, Basinghall-strcet, London. E.C.
TENDERS RECEIVED AND ACCEPTED.
iwini; tenders liave been received by London (.'oiinty
Kingston-on-Thames Council have accepted the tender of Siemens
Bros. & Co. for cable at £213. 3s.
Bootle Council have accepted the tender of Campbell & Isher-
wood for re-wu-ing work at the destructor works at toO.
Messrs. Heatly & Gre.sham recently supplied the Bengal State
Railway with 100 sets of carriage electric alarm bells.
BUSINESS NOTICES.
After Christmas. 19IIS. the address of llie American Hard Rubber
Co. will be Basma House. 13a, Fore-street. E.C.
J R Scholes and T. Dawson (trading as the Union Engineering
Co.). electrical engineers, Darwen, have dissolved partnership.
Jlr G Braulik. of 217-218. Upper Thames-street, London. E.C, is
opening new showrooms at 8, Lambeth-hill, Queen Victoria-street,
where a large variety of electroliers, standards, figures. &e., in many
styles and designs ^W be on show. The .opening of the new show-
rooms takes place on Monday next.
0
Tile
Council : —
Six Fuel Econonuscrs for Gieeiiwich Gcnaathuj fSlalinn.
Edwin Danks & Co. (accepted) £3,378 0
Clav Cro.«s Co 3.990 12
A. Loweofk (Ud.) 3,960 0
Roberts Bros 3,957 10
Goodbraml & Co 3.935 13
E. Green & Sons (Ltd.), Wakefield 3.87-t -t
.T. Carter & Sons ',3,3t;0 8
* Not to specification.
The successful tenderers are allpwed to sublet the manufacture of the
motors to the British Tlionisun-Houston Co.
For the erection of the Norwood car shed Limdon County Council have
accepted the tender of Chas. Wall (Ltd.) at £24,723. Tliere were 13
tenders ranging in amount from that of the accepted to f3().2SG.
An order has been placed by London County Council with the Froding-
liam Iron & Steel Co. for supply and delivery of slot rail and conductor
tee rails at £13,017. 59.,and with Bolckow,Vaughan & Co.(at £8,1.50. 7s. 6d.)
for supply and delivery of track rails and fastenings.
Epsom Council have placed an order with Pritchetts & Gold for a
storage battery of 210 cells at the electricity works.
Walton -on-Naze Council have accepted the tender of the Coast
Develoiiment Co. for public lighting for .5 years at £2. 12s. 6d. per
lamp per annum.
Ilford Coimcil have accepted the tender of Herbert Morris & Bastert
for an overhead travelling crane at £2.51. los., and that of Norton
Bros. & Co. for extension of switchboard gallery at £53.
Accrington Council liavo acceiited tlie tender of Baker & (.\<. for
tram car wheels, tyres and axles ; and tliat of .1. W. Bridge (Ltd.)
for Hyper-Acme chain blocks.
Manehester Tramways committee w'ant tenders Ijy 10 a.m. Nov. 17
for sujijily of steel tie bars, bolts, nuts, pitch and granite chippings.
Specifications from Mr. J. M. M'Elroy, .55, Piccadilly, Manchester.
Salford Council liave accepted the tender of Carter & .Sons for a
hoist at the tramcar depot at £38. 10s.
Swindon and Highworth Guardians have accepted the tender of E.
Green & Sons for an cconomiser at £125. 10s.
Lougliton Council have accepted the tender of tlie IClectricif \- com-
mittee for wiring the baths at £57. I. 5s.
Enfield and Edmonton Joint Hospital Board have accepted the
tender of Hammond Bros, for telephone installation at £.59. 15s.
Plant for Sale.— Messrs. G. Elliott & Co., 186-188, Long-lane,
Bermondsey. London. S.E., have for sale two compound Marshall
steam en<rines coujilcd to two Crompton dynamos, a combined
generating set. and also three dynamos. Further particulars are given
in advertisements.
Business for Sale.— Messrs. Mellors. Basden & Mellors. 1. King-
street-chambers. Bridlesmith Gate, Nottingham, advertise that they
have for disposal" as a going concern, an electrical engineering and
metal -working business now carried on in Manchester. The factory
is fully equipped for carrying on the business of electrical engineers.
and the purchaser can have the benefit of all orders in hand.
Price Lists Wanted.— The Agent General for the Transvaal (72.
Victoria-street. S.W.) invites manufacturers of the undermentioned
articles to send their price lists adch-essed to " The Director of Educa-
tion. Pretoria, Transvaal, South Africa."— Engineering machinery,
testing plant and tools, electric plant testing apparatus and access-
ories, chemical and metallurgical apparatus, scientific apparatus for
research and for general teaching work, trade plant and tools, models
teaching constructional work and divawing. and .school scientific
equipment generally.
Arc Lamp Patents.— Messrs. J. & H. Grevener write to say that
then- " Arcotlame " lamps are not an infringement of other lamp
patents, and that they are prepared to guarantee purchasers of " Arco-
Hanie " lamps against any loss arising from proceedings being taken
aaainst them.
Exhibitions.— An exhibition will be held at Tilburg (Holland),
from July 15 to x\ug. 8, 1909. wliich w ill include sections for electrical,
steam and other machinery. The regulations (in Dutch) may be
obtained from Mr. H. Van der Muysenbergh, Stationstraat 1082a,
Tilburg. to whom applications for space by Nov. 15.
An International Industrial Colonial and Shipping Exhibition will
be held at Rotterdam in 1909. The Central Exhibition Organisations
in Holland and Belgium will issue further information on the subject.
An Industrial and Agricultural Exhibition will be held on June 22
next at Para. Brazil. Conditions at the Board of Trade. 73. Basing-
hall-street. London, E.C.
The International scope ot the .Jubilee Exhibition to be held at
Buenos Ayres (Argentina) in 1910 has been abandoned and the
establishment of an Agricultural Exhibition and a Railnay Exhibi-
tion will now be the chief objects of the Executive.
Directory of Architects. — A useful publication is issued by the
British Manufactures Publishing Co.. liOndon, in the form of a
travellers' edition of the Architects' Du'ectory, edited by Mr. A. C.
Freeman. M..S.A. The form of the directory is precisely similar to the
" G.T." Geographical Directory issued by The Electrician Co., and
may. in fact, have very well been suggested by that publication. We
would suggest that in future cojiics of Mr. Freeman's handy hook
should be round-cornered. The price is 5s. net.
CATALOGUES. &c^
Reysolle Pamphlets. — .\ large budget of pamphlets reaches us
from Messrs. A. RejTollc & Co.. Ltd.. dealing respectively with switch-
gear for mines. Merz-Price protective gear, and u'on clad h.t. switch-
gear. The pamphlets are all of .Messrs. Reyrolle's standard size, and
are punched for filing so that they may be conveniently referred to.
The diagrams in the pamphlets are very clearly reproduced, and give
an excellent idea of the good jioints of the apparatus manufactured
by the Company.
Instruments. — Messrs. Nalder Bros. & Thomson are issuing a neat
folder which contains a complete set of their lists and describes and
prices theu- manufactures in detail. The ranee of products in thi
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 6, 1908.
161
IMPORTANT NOTICE.
Extra Copies of " The EleetPiclan " Special Mining Issue
(July 10th, 1908), are obtainable, price 1/- nett (post free
U.K., 1/4 ; abroad 1/6).
way of electrical instruments is a very wide one, covering practically
every known type. A special featui-e is also made of portable instru-
ments, and particularly the Olimer, the Company's well-known
insulation testing set, combining meter and generator. Tlie list
contains a number of chart rulings for recording instruments both
of the soft iron and coil types. Tlie filing case is of convenient size,
and will doubtless be kept for reference. The company will he jileased
to forward the tile to interested inquirers.
Advertising Novelties. — The Morgan Reeve Co., 12, Newgate-
street, London, E.C., are sending out circulars relative to their
Christmas and New Year advertising noveltie.s. Interested manu-
facturers should communicate with the company, who have a variety
of lines and are prepared to submit specimens.
Ac'CiTMUL.\TORS. — Messrs. Pritchotts & Gold send us some advanced
sheets of a larger and fuller catalogue, which they will shortly be
issuing. The .advanced sheets contain particulars in the shajie of
capacities, weights and dimensions of " H " and " C " type cells in
glass boxes. A general description is also given of the I'ritchett
battery.
Carbons. — A very interesting specimen of carbon press work
reaches us from Le Carbone. 17, Water-lane, Gt. Tower-street.
London. E.C. It is a reproduction in carbon of the grand |)ri.\
awarded to this firm for tlieii' exhibit at the Franco-British 11x1 li r li I ic m .
It is enclosed in a neat case and is something well worth preserving.
both as a memento of the firm's success at the Exliibition. and also of
how a carbon block can be treated in die press work.
Ignition Spect.vlities. — The forthcoming motor show at Olympia
should furnish interested examples of improvements in electrical
ignition apparatus. Me.ssrs. C. A. Vandervell & Co., Actou Vale,
London, W.. have sent us advanced particulars of their exhibit.
which will be at stand 2.50 in the east gallery. They are making a
special show of accumulators, ignition apparatus, magnetos and charg-
ing plant, which we do not doubt will excite considerable interest.
We may specially direct attention to the " C.A.V." sparking plug
wliich is distinguishable for the ease with which it can be taken to
pieces for examination, cleaning or tlie replacement of broken
porcelains.
Engineering Models. — We have to acknowledge receipt of the
first of the series of cardboard models which Messrs. Percival Marshall
& Co. are issuing. The object of the models is to intonsl tin- \uiilh-
ful mind in engineering matters, and judying by tlie liiuh ^i.uMl.ird
of tlie material supplied for the humble shilling, from wliieli \<: liishmn
the Midland expre.ss locomotive, the object in view shoukl be easily
achieved. An excellent book of instructions accompanies the card
sheets from which the parts of the locomotive have to be cut. and tliis
little book gives the most minute details in the way of instructions.
Brush Budget. — The Brush Budget for October is labelled
" Special Bombay Number," and it contains an interesting collection
of photographs showing a turbine station at Wari Bunder. Bombay ;
there are also .snapshots showing the Bombiiy tramways in process
of construction.
Heenan & Schiele Fans. — A cojjy of catalogue No. 2(.» has
reached us from Messrs. Heenan & Froude, Worcester, in which a
special description is given of the Heenan & Schiele fans f(^r blowing
and exliausting. The main features of this fan are described and
some interesting illustrations are given of how it can be driven either
by steam, electricity or other power.
Pelton \Viieels. — Ml-. Percy Pitman, 3, Willcott-road, Acton,
London. W., is issuing some literature on the use of Pelton water
wheels for driving small dynamos or industrial machinery. Copies
of this matter will be forwarded on request to interested engineers.
Campbell Gas Engines. — Two booklets on Campbell suction gas
engines and gas i)lants reach us from the Campbell Gas Engine Co.,
Halifax. The publications contain many interesting illustrations
and drawings showing details of the Campbell engines, together with
full particulars of the producer plant which can be supplied for use in
conjunction with them.
Lundberq Specialities. — Messrs. A. P. Lundberg & Sons are
issuing a copy of their latest list, which gives very full details of a
wide range of specialities in the shape of lampholders and wall plugs
describing a number of extremely interesting combinations of the two.
PATENT RECORD.
APPLICATIONS FOK PATENTS.
Note. — The undermentioned Apjilications {except those nuirhed +) are no
open to public inspection until after acceptance oj Complete Specifications
Those marlce<l t are open jor inspection 12 months ajlcr the date attached
to them, if they have not been published prrmonsly in the ordinary course.
Names ivithin parentheses are those of communicators of inventions. When
Complete Specification accompanies application, an asterisk is affixed.
.June 30. 1908.
13,842 Good. Disinfected mouthpiece and earoap for attaching to
existing mouthpieces and earcaps of telephones.
13,854 Snook. X-ray system. (Date applied for, 20/7/07.)*t
13,863 HuBBELL. Electric socket .shell.*
13,865 Fessenden. Electric sisiialling. (Date applied for, l/7/07.)*t
13,875 Stolz & ViGCiARS. Telephone apparatus. (Date applied for,
13/l/03.)*t
13,893 Chamberlis & Hakrinoton. Switches. (Dale applied for,
l'.)/9/07.)*t
13,90(5 ZuNDERFAHRiK Bensbebo Vincenz Herweo. Electric fu.ses.*
.July 1, 1908.
13.924 Metcalfe. Lifting gear for overhead trolleys.
13,927 Wilkinson. Non-corrosive carrier for electric aceumulators.
13.957 Ritchie. Regulating device for eleetrie rircnits.*
.Tuly 2. 1908.
14,02.') Winder. Cou|iliiej Ln el, ,11 1,- wires.
lt,02() Ciiadbi'rn's (Siiii' I 1 1 1 . 1; \rii Co. & Grant. Ships" telegi-aphs.
14.040 Fisher. Cable siisp, u^lrr i.,i- mines.
14.048 Siemens-Schuckertwerke (!.m.b.H. Overhead electric trac-
tion .systems. (Date applied for. 3/7/07.)*t
14.049 Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works. Ltd., & Ki.oss. Dynamo-
electric machines.
14,080 Roth. Electric light switch setting.*
14,082 Ullrich, ilagnetic separation.
14,08('> Preston. Secondary batteries.
14,090 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co.. U.S.) Electric heaters for licpiids.
July 3, 1908.
14.110 KiTSEE. Telegraphic relays or receiving devices.*
14.121 Hay, Coupeb & Lindsay'. Electrical vulcanising apparatus.
14,134 Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works (Ltd.) (Siemens-Schuckcrt-
werke G.m.b.H., Germany.) Regulation of the speed of
machinery.*
14.160 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Electric heating devices.
14.161 B.T.-H. Co. (A.E.-G., Germany.) Electrical power transmission
systems.
14.183 Ma-iert. Metallic filament lamps. (Date applied for.22/(>/08.)*t
14.184 Majert. Cleaning metallic filaments for electric incandescent
lamps.
14.185 Khabarofp. Wireless telephony.
14.188 Kearney. Grooved wheels for mono-railway and tramway
sy.stems. (Addition to No. 17..58.3/07.)*
14.189 Leitner. Electric accumulators.
.luly 4, 190S.
14,237 Grote. Arc lamps.
14,259 Diaz & Azabola. Preventing the theft of electrical encrgj'.*
14.262 Noy. Fenders or guards for tramway vehicles. (Addition to
No. 20,014/06.)*
July 6, 19f>8.
14,295 Taylor. Electric distriljutiim employing low- voltage batteries.
14.328 Angle. Underground conduit systems for electric radways*.
14,332 Bossche & Bossche. Signal transmission arrangement.*
14,340 Aron. Induction sujiply '"cters for polypha.sc electric currents.
.luly 7. 1908.
14.356 Russell. Preventing undue wear of electrical leads.
14,380 QuAiN & Adams. Control of elcctrichy.
14,401 Ritchie. Telephone and telautograph exchange systems.
14,411 Boult. (Benjamin Elcetri,- .Mfg., Co.. U.S.) Electric lighting
attachments.*
14.425 Graham. Telephone systems.* , • ,
14.431 Lohay. Apparatus for electrically controlling mechanism at a
distance.*
14.433 Greenwood. Life-guards for tramcars. , . ,
14,436 B.T.-H. Co.. Howell & Nekoham. Filament for incnndesccnt
electric lamps.
^ .lulyS. 190S.
14 455 .Stephens. Contact breakers in magneto-elcctiic machmes.
14!463 Barbaclolgh. Automatic electro-magnetic switch or cut-out
for disconnecting charged conductois m overhead systems ot
electric traction.
14 473 Lucas & Clarke. Electrical measuring instruments.
14 480 Holmes & Allen. Trolley-heads for electric traction. (Date
applied for, 7/8/07. )*t , „ ,j .
14,483 Marietti. Mounting filaments and for electrically soldermg
them in electric incandescent lamps with metallic filaments.
(Date applied for, 8/7/07.)*t
14,502 Majert. Metallic filament lamps bent by positive tension.
(Date applied for, 13/6/08.)*t
14,510 Briogs. Tiamway raik.
162
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 6. 1908.
,,ii.-a
14,r>i:j TiMAK & DitKiiE]!. Slartcr for plpc'trio motiirs. (Diiti
f.ir. lil/«/<>7.)*t
14.')I8 FiKi.DKN Hi KiionKS Motdus. fDiitinl III' iii(lii(li"ii niiitMrs.
(Addilir.n In No. IS.!»r)(i/()7.)
I4,.">30 Kavknsiiaw. Middi.kton, & Townsend. Mugnelir cliililu-i.
ll,r.:}7 U.'l'.-H. Co. (d.K. Co.. U.S.) Electric heating devices.
I.^.-WS Bkru. 'rmho-clectrie generator .syslenLS. Addition to No.
H..')22/().S.)"
duly i), 1!K)8.
14..->t.-) HncM. KIcctric caljle conductors. Addition to .\o. 1:!,7II4/(IS.
\4.r>r>i .Ai.i.MAN & Lkkson. Electrical vulcanizing apparatus.
I4,5()li Faruon. Non-screw capping and casing for electric wires and
cal)lcs.
14..'i7l) Brown, .loining up tramway or other rails, and forming anchors
under the joint.
I4,.')74 Pakkhr. Electric and other clocks.
I4..''i7!l Nnniit.soN. Apparatus for electrically .sounding a horn.*
I4..''.lll H.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Dynamo-electric generators.
14, litis Ma.ikrt. Incandescent lamps.
14,<i09 SfHAi'tr. Electric galvanic batteries.
July 10. 1908.
14,(>1.5 HuNTK. Dry cells for generating electricity.
14.()4f) Hazleton. Electrical instruments.
14.()!(.5 West. Current collector for use in electric traction systems.
14,lii)8 Bosch. Carbon brush holders for magneto-electric igniters.
(Date applied for, 21/4/08.)*t
14.(>!)!t B.T.-H. (!o. (G.E. Co., U.S,) Electric oscillographic.
14.700. BT.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Regulation of mtjtois.
14.701 B.T.-H. f:o. (G.E., Co., U.S.) Electric regulating devices.
July 11, 1908.
14.7li:i Brown. Boveri & CtE. Collectors for electrical machines.
(Date applied for. 9/ll/07.)*t
14,773 Cooper & Sharp. Plugs for supplying electric power.
14,771) ScHWENSKE. Automatic electric projectile igniters operated by
admission of water.*
14,784 Siemens Bros. & Co. (Siemens & Halske Akt.-Ges,, Geimany.)
Electricdly blocking a single line railway.*
8,079
lti,14.')
iii,:!:u
II-..II12
i7,:tiii
17,4.-)7
18,111
18.112
18.211
I8.3:i2
18,790
18.8S1
I9,tll0
19,190
19,070
20,4li5
21,2.55
21,403
2 1, .'584
21,1) U)
22.302
22.li4S
23.708
23,72.5
23.881
23,980
23.7l)S
2r).441
2l).313
28..'-)30
28,738
SPECIFICATIONS PUBLISHED.
1907 Sl'E(iFl('AT.,)NS.
Leonard, Controlling electric motoi's.
BowiK & Phelps. Safety electric apparatus for ligliting miners'
safety lamps.
Bevis & Chapman. Fixing the terminals and contact pieces of
electrical tittings.
Siemens Bitos. & Co. & Grimston. Printing telegraphs.
J'ly.ECTRic loNiTloN Co. & Hai.i.. Magneto-electric ignition
ap])aratus for interrud combustion engines.
Au.GKMKiNK Elektricitat.s Ges. Controllers for electric motors
(Date ai)))licd for. 30/7/t)l).)
HicKLKV. Electrolytic current recti (ier.s.
B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Electric insulating material.
B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co.,' U.S.) Vapour condensers.
SiMMANCE. Distance transmissibn apparatus.
RosLiN D'lvRV. Multijjle contact switch.
LA[Rr). Electric time switches.
B.T.-H. Co. & Dawson. Dynamo i4c,lri.- niuhincs.
Wai.kkr. Current collecting devices loi- clynaiiui elc trie
machines.
Fox. Fawcktt cfe Fawcett. TTigh-tcnsion ignition plugs for
internal combu.stion engines.
Murdoch it Kersey. Fric^tion permeameter for testing mag-
netic materials.
FlTzGinnoN. Two-pin high voltage electric plugs and sockets.
CoLLER. Electrical fuses or cutouts. (Post-dated. 2.")/3/08.)
De Castii.ho. Combined clcc'lric- ami pcrc-iission primers for
ordnance.
Cooper. Control systems for clcclrically propelled vehicles.
(Date ajiplicd for, 3/10/01).)
Burke. Dyruimo-electric machines. (Date applied for. 4/2/07.)
Cook & Sokai.. Storage batteries.
B.T.-H. Co. (G.E.Co., U.S.) Neutralising induction from alter-
nating-current systems.
Schapei.er reete Glos.SI. & Weiss. MIcelric'.ally firini; mines.
B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Control of .dternating ccirrent
electric motors.
Deam. Recording mechanism for cngiiu^-room tc.lcgr.aphs.
Fei.ten & GuiLi.EAUME Lahmeyerwerke -AKT.-CiES. JJynanu)-
electro machines for installations subject to short circuits.
(Date applied for 31/10/01).)
Hallow Ei,i„ Brakes for tramears.
SiEMEHS Bros. & Co. & Grimston. Elcetrically-contr.illcd
compasses.
McFerran. Automatic drop-guards for tram-ears and other
vehicles.
BissET. Life guard for electric tram cars, motor ears, motor
onnubuses, and other power-propelled vehicles.
Mather & Platt, Ltd. (Rosenberg). Electric motor gcnci-ators.
EuN KR. Electrical ignition evices.
24,138 Jones. Arc lamps.
24,299 TiMAR & VON Drkgf.r. Obtaining c-old c-lwtric; liyht by means
of high-tension electricity. (Date applied for, Nov. 3/0().)
24,3113 Prince (Dr. Paul Meyer Akt.-Ges.) Switching devices.
2L707 B.T.-H. Co. ((i.E. Co., U.S.) Refractory electric conductors.
25.987 Felten & Guili.eaume-Lahmevkrwerke Akt.-Ges. Brake
operating mechanism of electric- lifts or hoists. (Date applied
for. 24/11/01).)
20.1)42 Crkighton. Protecting electrical systems and apparatus. (Date
ai)plied for. 2.3/2/07 )
27.570 RosiNO. Electrically transmitting to a distance real optical
images.
27.809 Marks (Parker-Clark Electric Co.) Incandescent electric lamps.
27.989 WoLTiHANN. Electric railway installations.
1908 Specifications.
07 KisKNSTElN. Aerial conductor for wireless telegrai)hy and tek -
)fhony.
1,159 Thomp.son. Regulating apparatus for alternating-current circuits
(Date applied for 2/2/07.)
1,332 Siemens <fe Halske Akt.-Ges. Electric signalling. (Date
applied for, 23/1/07.)
1,547 Lanue. Radio-telegraijhy. (Date applied for 22/1/07.1
2,375 Howard. Alternating current relay.s. (Date applied for, 2/2/07.)
3.981) Ai.LfiEMEiNE Electricitats Ges. Electrically-driven rolling
mills. (Date applied for, 22/2/07.)
4,692 SiEMENS-ScHUCKERT Werke (Jes. Brush-holder.s. (Date ap-
plied for, 2/3/07.)
4,757 Graham. Electric bells.
4,843 ScHELLER. Receiving undamped electric oscillations. (Dite
applied for 4/3 07.)
5,080 AiTKEN. Telephone instruments.
5,497 Reuthe & Amalc.amated Radio-Tei.eoraph Co. R.adio-tele-
graphic receiving apparatus. (Date applied for, 18/6/07.)
5,698 Siemens Bros. & Co. (Siemens &. Halske A.-G.) Electrical
block apparatus for railways.
6,101 Chambers. Teaching instrument for w ireless and other telegraph
operators.
6,409 Pai LI. Electric incandescent filament lamps. (Addition to No.
27,541/07.)
6,737 Von Pindtershopen. Cables.
7,045 Noeogerath. Homopolar dynamo-electric machines. (Date
applied for. 1/4/07.)
7,125 Firm Robert Boscu. Shuttle armatures for dynamo-electric
machines. ( Date applied for, 1 4/3/08. )
8.013 Siemens Bro.s. & Co. (Siemens & Halske Akt.-Ges.) Trans-
mitting signals by |)erforated stri]).
8,190 Bosch. Interrupters for electrical ignition. (Date applied for
23/3/08.)
8.300 Creed it Coulson. Tclegra|)hy.
8.347 Ruthap.iit. Field magnets for magneto-electric generators.
(l)ate,.p|.li.-.l for. 16/4/07.)
9.805 Boon. Swcteh | date for aerial wires of electric tramways.
10.391 SiEMKN-s Buo.s. & Co & Ferbeira. Eleetrieally-operating rail-
way and like signals.
10.745 Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works, Ltd. (Siemens Schuckertwerke
Ges.) Friction clutches. (Dale applied for, 21/8/07.)
COMPANIES' MEETINGS AND REPORTS.
Montevideo Telephone Co. (Ltd.)
The twentieth anniial general meeting was held on Friday last. Mr.
Charles Lock iircsided.
The SECRKT.ARV (.Mr. Robeit H. Rivers) read the notice convening
the meeting and the auditors' repoit.
The CH.\IRM.\N. h iving made refeience to the absence of Mr. Frank
W. Jones from the chair, said : The profit and loss account shows that
the receipts in respect of subscriptions, .sales, rentah, etc., amount to
£39,2t)l, against £3li.tt54 in the prceediiig year. There have been cans s
at work which have picvcntcd us having "the advantage of the whole < f
this increase. There has been an increase in operators' wages, we have
had two rather severe storms, and increased exjjenditure was due to the
clectritication of the tramway .system. Fortunately, we have been able
to make an amicable arrangement with the tramway companies, and
they c-ontributc. as is only fair, a portion of the expense of making the
removals of ecu- lines pu-eessilatc>d by this electrilication. Mr. Jones last
year cxplaiiu' 1 the reasons why we had to remove ourselves from our old
.|uarlcrs. where we v.'c're housed by the United River Plate Telephone Co,,
and that removal has, of course, necessitated our having our own offices
aiul our own indejiem^lcnt staff. This will mean another £400 or so a
year in expenses in London. Having allowed for all items of expen-
diture, there remains a net profit of £l>t.4O0. which, although £983 less
than the previous ye:ir, 'a a substantial figure for a company of this modest
capital. Out of this sum we propose to make the usual allocations to
reserves — £6,000 to re.seive and £5,000 to the reserve for lencwal of
plant. Those who have been present at some of our recent meetings will
remember references having fre((uently been mfccle to the fact that we
were making application for a concession for puttina our plant undcr-
groirnd. Our representatives in Montevideo arc doiiig all they can tu
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER G, 1908.
163
obtain a favuurable consideration of (»ir appliiKtion. You may have
noticed a statement jmblished roicntly tli:it tlic Urii'_Mi:iy Government
|ir..|i.,sed to nationalise the tele pin im r, m, , . I l.,li,xr they have had
the idea for some time past of imIimucIi-ii l: h-i -nl,\ iIm Iclephone ser-
vice, but variovis other underlaku;;;^. VVc lioipc, huwcver, it may not
mateiialise, but we are in communication with our manager and repre-
sentative over there, and shall watch this matter with attention in the
interests of the shareholders. Out of the balance of £19.400 available
as profit, we piopose to pay the linal preference dividend of 21 per cent.
and a further 3 per cent, on the oidinary shaies, making (> per cent, for
the year on the oidinary shares.
At our last meeting Mr. Jones referred to the fact that Sir John (Javey.
C.B., had visited Ab.ntevideo and had inspected our property, and I am
glad to say that Sir John Gavey has since seen his way to associate him-
self with the fortnnc-s of the company in tlic capacity I't consultiiii; en-
gineer. Before moving the adoption of the report and arcounts I wiaiid
ask the shareh<ildcrs to cx)ircss their appreciation of the alelc efforts of
our manager. .Mr. rn\\<i~. in M mi it. video, and his staff. I now move
the adoption of the rcjioii ami ar, (.nuts.
Mr. J. G. LE MARl'HANT seconded, which was carried imanimously.
Resolutions confirmmg the election of Mr. I^. R. Pliilipps a director and
re-electing Mr. C. Lock a director and re-appointing I lie auditors were
approved, and a vote of £500 to Mr. Frank Williams Jones in appre-
ciation of his services to the company was voted.
After some further formal business, a hearty vote of thanks to the
chairman and directors, and to the management and staff in Uruguay,
terminated the procccduigs.
BRITISH COLUMBIA ELECTRIC RAILWAY CO. (LTD.)— The report for the
year ended . I line 'M\ states that the grots receipts show an inerea,se of
.Sr)2o.21S, or .'id per cent., and the net earnings (including income from
investments in subsidiaries) ami aftrr ■ li.iiuiiiL' hticwjIs. show an in-
crease of $208,749 or 30 per cent. ..v.i' iIm.sc .if the picrding year. The
net profit (after setting aside fSl.ltil. His. 2d. for renewals, maintenance,
paviiiL' l's.:i.Mi. 14s. 5d. bonus to employes, and adding £1,940. 9s. 5d. to
ca|.ii,il ,iimi,i,-.,tion fund) was £154.223. 13.=. 7d., makuig with £3,480.
r.»s. Ikl. l.r.Mi^lit foiwaid, £157.704. 13s. Id. Deducting interest on
.lebcntures and debenture stock to June 30 (£33.230. 14s. 2d.) and divi-
dends already ]iaid on the cumulative perpetual pieferenee, the pie-
feired ordinary and the defeired oidinary stock (£83,730, 14s. 2d.),
£73,973. 18s. lid. remains for fiiither distiibution and reserves. The
directors recommend payment of a dividend on the deferred ordinal y
stock shares at the rate of 8 per cent, for the six months to June 30.
making 8 per cent, for the year and absorbing £20.000, the transfer of
£49,000 to reserve, caiiying forward £4.973. ISa. lid. The number of
8 c.p. lights in use at .lune 30 was 287,624, an increase of 70,838, The
number of passengers < airied during the year was 21,328.180, increase of
5,046,414. Dining the year £218,021. 6s. lid. was spent in extensions
and improvement of the coni]i,mv's property and equipment. The
company has been gianted valii.ilili' riL:lil to conduct a light and power
business in perpetuity by the iinnin i|i.il;iic ■< of South Vancouver, Buin-
aby. Richmond, Delta, Surrey. Lauglcy, Matsqui, Sunias and C'hilliwaek,
and the perjietual right^ — which for 99 years is exclusive — to conduct an
electiic railway biifiness through the latter five municipalities. The
company has already established a light and power service in South
Vancouver. Riihniond, Burnaby and Delta, and, with the completion of
the railway to C'liillnvack, will extend this service into the other muni-
cipalities. The Wcsliiiinster and C'hilliwaek line is in hand and will be
a])proximately 63 miles Icmg. Another impoitant extension is being
constructed through the eastern suburbs of Victoria towards Foul Bay.
The Vancouver power installation continues to work satisfactoi ily and
has delivered all the jiower icquired in the Vancouver and New West-
minster districts. A nev/ electrical unit of 10,500 h.p, has been installed,
and came int<i opetation dui ing the ye.ar. The installati(m of a further
unit of 10,500 H.r. has been commenced and will bo started during
1909.
The directors have tiom time to time had practically all the known
water powers witliiii po ,ili|r ili>t ukc examined by eminent engineers,
and, acting on their a.U !■ . i li:,i i h, falls of the C'hilliwaek River offer the
best available poH i r for fiiluic cxtciiMons of our syslem, have secuied
these water riglits witli the objec t of dcvclo|>iiig them as soon as requued
CITY OF BRISBANE ELECTRIC LIGHT CO. (LTD.)— During the half
year ended June 30 the output was 960,715 units, against 627,570 for
(he corres]ionding period of 1907, an merease of 53-5 per cent. The
revenue from sale of electricity for the same pel iod increasetl 25-li per
lent. After placing a substantial sum to renewal replacement and con-
tingencies account, &c., the balance was £3,610. Is., out of which the
directors recommended a dividend at the rate of fl per cent. To cope
Milli the iiuicascd demand, the directors have ordered for deliveiy this
year another I'lO U\v. raisons .steam turbine and another boiler.
CONSOLIDATED SIGNAL CO. (LTD.)— At the meeting last week Mr. W.
Holland said that, llioiigli there had been a consideiable falling off in
trade, their profits wcie satisfactory and their business in a thoroughly
sound condition. The railway companies, on whom they depended for
business, were the Hist to feel the contraction of trade. The total profits
earned by their subsidiary companies amounted to £88,871, compaied
with £107,650 last year. Interest on debentures and loans came to
£3,099. For depreciation, maintenance of buildings, &c.,. £25,651 was
allowed and £671 was «Titten off preliminary expenses and suspense
accounts, the directors had arranged to distribute on the shares of the
subsidiary companies £37,403, and to carry forward £22,045. They
recommended that the balance of the Preference dividend be paid
(making 6 per cent, for the year), alworbing £6,104; and also a final
dividend of Is, per share be ]iaid on the oidinary shares, making 2s. per
share for the year, leaving £7,448 to he carrietl forward.
DOUGLAS SOUTHERN ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS (LTD.)— The report
states that the company's season consistc-d of 115 days, against 125
days last season. The total receipts were i'5.012, against £5.613,
Tlie pa.ssengers carried were 206,994, against 231,664. After deduct-
ing tolls payable to the Douglas Head Marine Drive (£835) and a com-
mis-sion of £250, and adding suiuhy small receipts, the total was
£3,931, against £4,405. The net profit for the year was £1,479, against
£1,692, The directors recommend a dividend of 51 [ler cent, upon
the preference .shares, leaving £229 to be carried forward.
EASTERN TELEGRAPH CO. (LTD.).— The revenue for the half-year ended
June 30 .iiiioiiiiti.il to £r,li,S.442. 12s. 7d.. from which are deducted
£208.071. 19s. Id. for Midiiiary cxiienscs and £53,098. 15s. !»d. for expen-
diture relating to maintenance of cables, depreciation of spare cable,
sundry differences in exchange, and income tax payable abroad, leaving
£307,271. 17s. 9d., to which is added £3.5,794. 19s. i Id. brought forward,
making the total available balance £343,066. 17s. 8d. After providing
for income tax payable in England, interest on moitgage debentuie
stock, and for twcj cpiarterly preference dividends (absoibing
£82,301. 15s. 3d.), there remain.s £260,765. 2s. 5d.. out of which the
directors have placed £7,000 to reserve fund for maintenance ships,
£100,000 to general leserve. and have allocated £100,000 fo meet the
two interim .livid. ■mis ..f l| pir .■.■ril. I'a.li .,ii the ..rdirarv stock, the
balaii. .■ .if t.^.it.Tl.o. I's. .-..I. l.iiii..' . aiM.-.l lo,«anl.
EASTERN EXTENSION AUSTRAI ASIA & CHINA TELEGRAPH CO. (LTD ).
During the half-year . ml. .i .inm- 30 the gross receipts amounted to
£290.295. 5s. 7<]..~ ■A.j.,ut>t i;;!iil.:H17. 14s. Uch for the corresponding half-
year of HX)7. W.>rkin,u .Np. n^-. including £21.156. 7s. lid. for main-
tenance of cabli-s. al.s.iili.il il.-.li.889. 15s. 9d., against £1.55.9.30. 6s. Id.,
leavmgabalaii..'..f II :!'.!. 41 1.".. '.Is. lod. From this is deducted £3,519. 10s.
for income tax jiayabl.- in Knglaml. £4.50. 13s. Id. for expenses in cimnec-
tion with the Interiiali.ui.il T.I. graph Conference in Lisbon, and £15,048
for interest on debentui.' stock, leaving £120,.387 6s. 9d. as the net profit
for the half-year. Adding £20.389. Kis. 7d. brought forward, the avail-
able balance is £140,777. 3s. 4d. Two quarterly interim dividends of
1| per cent, each (amounting to £75,(X>01 have been iiaid for the half-
year, leaving £65,'777. 3s. 4d. to be carried forward. The cost of the
Java-Coeos cable, amounting to £78.944. 4s. 6d., has been charged
against general leseivc. £8.762 4s. 4d. has also been debited to the same
fund for paitial renewals of cables carried out during the past half-year.
ELECTRIC SUPPLY CORPN. (LTD.) — Major C. Heaton-Ellis .stated
at the ineetiiig last wc.k that the report showed steady piogress in the
business. Last year the increase represented 17,974 8 c.p. lamps c-on-
neeted in the vaiious tov/ns against 25,902 8 c.p. in 1907. M Dee. 31
last they had the equivalent of 81,554 8 c.p. lamps, ciunpared with 55,(i.52
8 c.p. in HMMl. Chelmsford. Exmouth, Hitchin. St. Andrews. Dunibar-
tim and Falmouth each showed an advance of more Ihan 1.000 8 c.p.
lamps. The increase at Dumbaiton was piincipally pov.cr load, but it
did not include the tiamway sepply. The board expected that that
staticm would be one of the largest of the company's undertakings, i>s
they had a contract with the Dunibailon Hiogh & County Tiamways
Co. for supplyuig electiic current for working the whole of thc^ir (ram-
ways. The woiking costs of the undertakings had increased from £4.492
in 1906 to £7,470 in 1907, but the revenue had incicased from £4,:J76 to
£8,494. The board proposed to ask the shaieholders to anthcjrise an
increase of boi rowing pov.-eif. The net result of the year's woiking wa.s
an increase of nearly 100 per cent, in the profit over 190(). Thc' full divi-
dend at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum had already been paid, as well
as the interim dividend up t.i the end of the first half of the current year.
ELECTROLYTIC ALKALI CO. (LTD.)— At the meeting oil Friday Col-
W. L. Pilkington said the excess of stocks on hand wa.s due to trade
depression and postponement of deliveries, but since the accounts
were made up stocks had been considerably reduced. Under all cir-
cumstances the result of the year's working must be considered
satisfactory.
NEW ST. HELENS & DISTRICT TRAMWAYS CO. (LTD.) -At the meetiiig
on Saturday it was reported that for the vear ended June 30 the proBt
was £1,689, compared with £1,068 for 1906 7. After deducting the
debit balance of £212 there is a net credit of £1,477. The directors
recommended a divided on the iircfcrenc^e shares of 1^ per cent.,
leaving £278 to be carried forw.ird.
RIO DE JANEIRO TRAMWAY, LIGHT AND POWER CO. LTD.). -The re-
port for liM)7 states that by a iiiu i-ont raci with the municipal council the
Sao Christovao. Carris l'rb'an.)s ami Villa Isabel tiamway companies would
opeiate under similar comlitions and the concessions had been extended
until 1970. Until 1940 those coini)aiiic\s woidd have the monopoly of
the tramway service in a large area of the city, comiirising about three-
fourths of the urban part of the Federal district. The three systems
would have a standard gauge of 4 ft. 8.i in., the same as that iit present
used on the Villa Isabel lines. The company still had in the trea.sury
about £1.700,000 of their second issue, the proceeds of which would be
applied to the electrification of the tiamways, the extension of telephone,
the light and power systems, &c. The gas, telephone and tiamways
weie controlled by the Rio Company tlirough the ownership of shaies
and bonds of those companies. Total net tramw.ays earnings were
S1.360.67S. telephone 847,758, hght and power .S229,599, gas 8489,690,
total 82,127.726. For the half-year ended June 30 the gioss earnings
fr.im all services were §3,339.915, net .Sl,206.7t16.
164
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 6, 1908.
WESTERN TELEGRAPH CO. (LTD.)— For the half-year ended June SO
the revenue amounted to £353,184. U.s. 4d and working expenses to
£115,484. 15». 8d. After providing £16,000 for debenture stotk inti-ieM
and £5 240. IDs. lid. for income tax, there remains £21(>,4.58. ISs. 'ML.
added to £5,072. 18s. 2d. brought foiward, making £222.431. 13^. lid-
A (luarterly interim dividend (amounting to £31.189. 10s.) has been paid,
£110 000 transferied to general re.serve, £.5,000 to mamtenance ships
leserVe, £10,000 to marine insurance, and £10,000 to land and build-
ings depreciation. The directors now recommend the declaration of a
final dividend of 3s. per share, 6 percent, for the year, also the payment
of a bonus of 2s. per share (both tax free), which together wdl amount
to £51,982. 10s., leaving £4,259. 13s. lid. to be carried foiward. The
dividend and bonus will be jiayable on Nov. 12
X ACCUMULATOR CO. (LTD.)— The report states that the amount .-f
woiUinK c^pii^il orisjinallv ,-ubscribed was insuffif lent, although, from the
estimate of >-i>!-\ for ciniip'ping the factory, it was believed that the balance
of working capital available from the first issue (after allowing for the
cash consideration of £2,500 payable to the vendor) would be sufficient
to enable the company to place its cell upon the market. Of the £1,010
owing for directors' fees £232 has been paid. From Dec. 25, 1907. the
directors had waived all claim to payment of further fees. The amounts
shown iov law chatges and office rent and secretary's salary include
,1, ,, I 11. (1(10 ind f 1(1(1 rc>.|ir.livcly. Those unpaid amounts
IL' IT--! ti.iiii ilir hulk uf (he entry "sundry creditors."
The ori^iicil |Miriiis pun li;is(i]. « iiK li < ouveyed only an equal interest
with another party in the patent rights for Great Britain, were paid for
in accordance with the agreement entered uito with the uiventor, viz..
£2,500 in cash and £22,500 in fully-paid shares. It having been con-
sideied advisable to acquii-e the sole interest in the patent for Great
Britain, this was secured by the payment of a further amount of £658 in
cash and £4,000 in fully-paid shares. The cost of securing the patent
rights in the pilin ipal fnniu'n countries and of patfTiiini^ rr(i:uii further
improvements i.| ihr invrntor involved an addition il 'xinii'liture ot
£774. The moii. y :ivail,il>lp from the first issue for th.' i.ui|...,-. - ,if manu-
facturing was exceedingly limited. The directors think it only fair to
state that the inventor (Mr. E. L. Oppermann), who acted throughout as
the managing director, suppoited his belief in the superior qualities of
his cell by dcvniin.j iiA)i>i\ of tlic £i,.">(lo «liirli lie rn rived m cash as his
subscription n. iIh- Mnlin.uy u.iiKiiil' r:,|,ii,il. 'I lir -olr asset now held
by the compaii\ i lis Id |.n' . .iii. |.,iiti. i|,,itinn ni tin- net profit of a new
syndicate, which has acquired the property of the company. The
du-cetors have deemed it desirable to liquidate the company voluntarily.
unpaid
(aggrcj;
NEW COMPANIES, STATUTORY RETURNS,
MORTGAGES AND CHARGES, &o.
NEW COMPANIES.
AERO FIRE ALARM (LTD.) (100,026.)— Reg. Oct. 26, capital of
£25,000 in £1 shares, to aci|uire the British rights in an invention or
inventions known as Aero tire alarm and the business carried on
as the Aero Automatic Fire Alarm Co. , and to cany on the business
of fire alarm and appjliance manufacturers, electrical engineers, &c.
First directors are J. Duguid, W. Rattray, C. F. Tufnell, W. W.
White and W. Youngsoii. Reg. otlice, 66, Cheapside, London, E.G.
EASTON LIFT CO. (LTD.) (99,949 )— Reg. Oct. 20, cajiital £10,000 in
£1 shares, to carry on in the United Kingdom or elsewhere the busi-
ness of manufacturers of and dealers in lifts, elevators, cranes, hoists
and lifting machinery, hydraulic, electrical, mechanical and general
engineers, electricians, .suppliers of electricity, &c. Private company.
First directors, E. A. Smith and L. Phillips.
MARRYAT & McNAUGHT (LTD.) (100,078.) -Reg. Oct. 29, capital
X5,C00 in £1 shares (2,000 preference) to take over the business of an
electrical engineer carric(t on at Shepherd's Bush, Loudon, and to
adopt an agreement with U. Marryat and C. ,1. McNaught. Private
company. H. Marryat and C. J. McNaught are joint managing
directors. Keg. office, 31a, Askew-crescent, London, W.
OLIVER CLARK & CO. (LTD.) (99,975.)— Reg. Oct. 21, capital £2,500
in £1 shares, to acquire business of electrical and general eiigiiieer.s,
metal workers, c&c carried on as Oliver Clark & Co. Private com-
pany. First directors, C. 0. Clark (managing), A. J. Mileson and
W. G. .Johnson.
J. E. WOOD & CO. (LTD.) (100,0C6.)-ReK. Oct. 23, capital £500 in £1
shares, to accpiire the business of hydraulic, electriciil and general
engineers, &c., carried on by J. E. Wood and A. T. Richards, at Not-
tingham. Private company. First directors, J. E. Wood (permanent
managing) and A. T. Richards.
STATUTORY RETURNS.
W. H.ALLEN, SON & CO. (LTD. )-ln return t<. Sept. 4 gives capital as
£200,0000 in £1 shares, of which 151,400 have been taken up. £1,400
lias been paid jind £150,000 is considered as paid. Mortgages and
charges, £48,000.
BLACKBURN, STARLING & CO. (LTD.)— Return to July 30 gives
capital as .£12,000 in £1 shares, of which 11,168 have been taken up.
£7,268 has been p.iid and £3.900 is considered as paid. Mortgage on
freehold property and workshops, £4,600.
ELECTRIC SUPPLY CO. OF VICTORIA (LTD. )— Return to Aug. 21 gives
capital as £300,000 in 160,000 preference and 150,000 ordinary shares
of £1 each, of which 125,C00 preference and 125,0C0 ordinary are
taken up. £10,007 piaid on 10,007 ordn.ar.v, £349 993 considered as
paid on the remainder. Mortgages and cliar,-es, £167,955.
MORTGAGES AND CHARGES.
LEICESTERSHIRE & WARWICKSHIRE ELECTRIC POWER SYND. (LTD).
Issue on Oct. 22 of £150 debentures, part of a series of which particu-
lars have already been tiled.
P &H 8YND.'(LTD.)— A statement of total amount outstanding on
July 1 in respect of mortgages and charges created prior to that date
and not required to be registered under sec. 14 of the Companies Act.
1900, has been filed. Particulars : Mortgages or charges, dated 1907,
securing £5,533. 6s. 8d.
FOREIGN COMPANIES WITH BRITISH ADDRESSES.
AKTIENGESELLSOHAFT FUR FELD UND KLEINBAHNENBEDARFVORM.
ORENSTEIN & KOPPEL (293F.:— Capital M. 11, 000,000 in shares of
M.lOO eacli ; reg. in Germany on Uec. 18, 1897, to manufacture, let on
hire and deal in tools and machines for the construction of industrial,
light and other railways, &e. British address. Bush-lane House,
Cannon-street, EC, where Mr. L. Baumann is authorised to accept
service.
GENERAL ELECTRIC CO. (304F.) -Capital stock issued $65,167,400 ;
reg. in New York on April 15, 1892. British address, 83, Cannon-
street, E.C., where Mr. E. A. Cardau is authorised to accept service.
HALL SIGNAL CO. (LTD.) (333F.)— Capital $3,000,000 in shares of $100
each ; reg. in Maine (U.S.A.) on Oct. 22, 1889, to manufacture electric
and otiier railway signals, &c. British address. Queen Anne's-chambers.
Westminster, S.W., where Mr. U. Boardman is authorised to accept
service. *
VICTORIA FALLS POWER CO. (LTD.) (28 IF.)— Capital £3,000,000 in
1,000,000 ordinary and 2,000,000 preference shares of £1 each ; reg. in
Rhodesia on Oct.l7, 1906. British address, 2, London-wall-buildings,
E.C., where Mr. A. W.'BIrd is authorised to accept service.
RECEIVER AND MANAGER.
ASSOCIATED BATTERY CO. (LTD.)— D. I). Robertson, Moorgato
Station Chambers, E.C., ceased to .act as receiver or manager of this
company' on Oct. 2.
CUTLER, WARDLE& CO. (LTD.) — A notice of the appointment of A. G.
Mellors, C.A., 1, King John's-chambers, Nottingham, as receiver, on
Oct. 20, 1908, under powers contained in debentures, dated June 5,
1907, and June 3, 1908, has been filed pursuant to sec, 11 (2) of the
Companies Act, 1907.
CITY NOTES.
MEMORANDA (No\ . 5).— Bank rate 2i per cent, (since May 28, 1908).
Price of silver, 23}gd. per oz. Consols 84,5 — 84/g for money and 84 /j —
84 [^, account. Consols Pay Day, Dec. 1 ; Stock and Shares Continua-
tion Days, Nov. 11 anrl 25 ; Ticket Days, Nov. 12 and 26 ; Pay Days,
Nov. 13 and 27.
Prices of Metals (London).— (7opper, cash, 62 ; three months, 62|.
Lead, English, 13| ; foreign, cash, ISrj ; three mouths. 13J. Spelter,
foreign, 194—20,^. Tin, Engli.sh, 135i— 137.V; Fine Foreign, cash, 157J
—139;. Iro7i, Cleveland, cash, 49/6-49/7 and three months, 49/6.
BRUNNER, MONO & CO. (LTD.)— An interim dividend of 25 per cent,
has been declared, compared ^vith 30 per cent, in 1907.
COMPANIES TO BE STRUCK OFF THE REGISTER —The following will be
struck off the Register of Joint .Stotk (,'oui|)anies unless cause to the con-
trary is shown before Jan. 20 next: — British Brake Block Co.,,Brun(^-
Turchi Tclegraphone Co., Electrical Enginecrmg Co. of London.
MEXICAN LIGHT & POWER CO.— It is announced that the negotiations
for leasing this company's undertaking to the Mexico Tramways Co.
have fallen through.
NORWICH ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS CO.— This company has declared
a dividend of Ij (ler cent, fui the past year.
ST. JAMES' & PALL MALL ELECTRIC LIGHT CO. (LTD.)— The amount
of electricity sold during the nine months ended .Sept. 30 is returned
at 6,538,027 units, estimated to produce £81,827, against 6,193,750
units which produced £79,942 for the corresponding period of 1907.
STOCK EXCHANGE NOTICES.— The Stock Exchange committee have
ajipointed Nov. 12 a spcial settling day in 124.908 fully and partly
(10s.) paid and 172 fully :uid (Kirtly (5s.) paid £1 7 jK-r cent, cumulative
participating preference shares of Marconi's' ]]',,< I. .x T, I, '/niiili Co. (Ltd.).
Nov. 12 has been appomted a special settling (la\ m 1(1(1. (IIKt £1 fully-paid
shares and £3.50,000 5 per cent, debentures i.f the .S'/m/(i/»«( Ehcliic
Trommiiis (LhL). The cnranutlee have granted a quotati..ii to a further
issue of £19,21(14 per cent, (h'lienture stock of the A'c«.«(/»j^»( »«(/ yCH»;/(te.
brid,,!, El.rliir l.i,/l,limj Co. {lj,i.) and the Nulling HilUilccliic Uijltling
Co. (LUl.).
WEST AFRICAN TELEGRAPH CO. (LTD.)- The directors announce an
inteiim dividend of 4 per cent, jier annum (48. per share), free of
income tax, for the past half year.
WEST INDIA & PANAMA TELEGRAPH CO. (LTD.)— The directors recom-
mend payment of the following dividends: 6s. per share on the first
preference shares (dividend for six months to June 30), and 12s. per
share on the second preference shares (on account of dividends accrued
to June 30).
THE BIiEOTBICIAW, NOVBMBKE 6, 1908.
ELBCTBIG TBAHWAT AND BAILWAY TBAFFIC
BECEIPTS.
Aberdeen Oorporation ,
Mrdiio
Anglo -Argentine
Ayr Oorporation
Baker St. & Waterloo By....
Banisley
Barrow
Bath Electric Trams, Ltd.
Birkenhead Corporation .
Birmingham Corporation.
Birmingham & Mid
Blackburn Corporation ....
Blackpool Corporation ....
Blackpool and Fleetwood...
Bolton Corporation
Boumemoath OorporatioD.
Bradford Corporation
Brighton Corporation
Bristol Trams & Carriage..
Burnley Oorporation
Burton Corporation
Bury Oorporation
Calcutta Tramways Co
Camborne-Bedruth
Cardiff Corporation
Cavebill
Central London Railway ...
Oharing C.Euston &. H'stead
Chatham & Dist. Lt. Rya .
City & South London Rly.
City of Birmingham
Colchester Corporation..,.
Cork Electric Trams Co. .
Croydon Oorporation ....
Devonport & Diat. Trams.
Dover Oorporation
Dublin & Lacan Railway...
Dublin United
Dudley-Stourbridge
Dundee Oorporation
East Ham Council
Exeter Corporation
Gateshead & Dist. Trams...
Glasgow Corporation
Gravesend— Northfleet
Great Northern & City Rly..
Gt.Northern, Piccadilly, &c.
Greenock & Port Glasgow...
Hartlepool Tramways
Hastings Elec. Trams Co....
Hong Kong
HuddersfiKld Corpn
Hull Corporation
nford District Council
Ilkeston District Council ...
Ipswich Oorporation
Isle of Thanet Co
Jarrow
Keighley Oorporation
Kidderminster & District...
Kilmarnock Oorporation ...
Lanarkshire Trams Oo. ...
Lancashire United
Leamington
Leeds Oorporation
Leicester Corporation
Leith Oorporation
Lincoln Corporation
Liverpool Corporation
Liverpool Overhead Rly, ...
•London County Council ...
London United
Lowestoft
Maidatone Oorporation
Manchester Oorporation ...
Mersey Railway
Merthyr
Metropolitan Dist. R^wa;
Metropolitan Elec. Trams...
Middlttton
Nulnun Corporation
Ntwc:istle-on-Tyne Corp. ...
Nuwiiort (Mon.)
Northampton Oorporation.
Oldliiim, Ashton & Hyde ...
Oidham Oorporation
Ptrih {N.B.)Oorporation ...
Perth ( W.A.) Elec. Trams...
IN tcrborough
PurtHtnouth Corporation ...
Ine.
or Deo.
(a)
I w^;k"B.| Amount
(til
+
2,130
+
2,68?
-
Hi
+
1,3! 4
—
460
+
191
—
127
+
$8,296
1,512
2,517
177,302
-
1,682
$46,508
+
$1,486
34,675
-h
137
37,417
-
766
PfL^aton Oorporation
Rotherham Oorporation ...
Rothesay
t~a!ford Corporation
Bbfeerneag
Sheffield Oorporation
Singapore Trams
South Metropolitan
South Staffs
Southend Oorporation
SouthfKtrt Tramways
irlaljb-ag.-,IIyde,&c.,Jt.Bd.
Sunderland Uorporation ...
Sunderland District
Swansea Trams
Swindon Corporation
Taunton .... ,„.
Tjnemouth and Bistrict'.i.
Tyneside Trams Oo
Wallasey District Council...
Walsall Corpn
Warrington Corpn. .........
West Ham Oorporation
Weston-Buper-Maro
Wolverhampton Oo '.
Wolverhampton Corpn...!!
•Worcester "
Wrexham
Sorkshire W.R.framB
lorkshlre^Woollen District!
(a) These compariBons are witTthe oorraipondiDg psriod last year. § Plu> 3 days.
II riua 2 days. • Partly electrios'. f Minns 3 cjaj-s J Minns > days.
+
+e3!(
226
+
28
2,187
+
39
114
+
15
1,310
_
198
35,792
+
4,092
6,926
173
—
171
15,918
+
1,887
+
204
9,820
5,923
+
+
1,603
1,108
32,962
9,441
895,2 U
9,014
54,270
7,528
10,858
32,367
2,606
73,214
81,427,989
63,763
U;,4.JS
30,853
219,897
5,934
8,614
R84l,894
8,637
68,4C6
3,8E0
136,960
69,710
31,206
54,112
116,910
605
20,070
44,892
18,783
7.393
2,624
98,595
36,700
29,264
27,411
10,233
42,790
380,663
9,036
23,731
80,848
22,548
10,278
23,604
4,443
13,C12
1,900
4,677
2,681
4.847
3,751
66,030
58,200
7,405
6,.309
474,755
33,588
15,371
4,314
121,083
20,913
14,680
26,198
C!,755
68,253
76,370
13,013
18,822
15,371
12,284
21,167
37,501
25,711
40,231
1,777
10,038
7,446
28,614
23,402
11,647
63,351
6,529
19,367
18.472
12,169
4,387
53,773
39,031
+ 1.234
+ B256,0OO
2,913
46,617
13,720
2,233
27,296
1,903
1,569
1 ,203
1,450
f>,S01
17,61(5
3,138
118,702
4,7115
ELECTRICAL COMPANIES' SHARE LIST
a labt
£;Diiin>
lo' 6/0
10 4/6
10 6/0
8t. 4J%
St. 4%
6 2/3
6 2/0
St. 4J%
10 6/0
10 6/0
St. 6%
St. HZ
6 2%
6 6%
10 4/0
10 6 0
St. 4i%
■St. 4i%
St.
ill%
St.
3*7
10(1
^X
IL
n
lOl
ihX
b
n
b
l(l(
n
1
•iX
100
4iy.
St. 4J%
6 2/6
100 iV.
St. nx
10 1 0/9
St. iX
6 1 4/0
St. 4J%
101 9%
10 i ax,
NAilE.
EUCTRICITY SUPPLY.
Bournemouth & Poole Elec. Sop. Ord...
Do. 4* per Cent. Cnm. Pref.
Do. e'p" Cent. Cum. Second Pref. ...
Do. 4i per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
Bromle? (Kent) El. Lt. ii Power Shares
tDo. Do. 1st Debs.
Brompton ft KensinKtnn Elec. Sup. Ord.
Do. 7 per Cent. Pref,
Central Elec. Sup. CoAX Gnar.Db.Stock
Charing Cross fW.End & City)El.Snp.Co.
Do. 4J per Cent. Ptef.
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red. )
Do. City Undertaking 4J% Cm. Pret.
.Chelsea Electric Sapplv Ord
Dv. 4J per Cent. Delj. Stock (rod.) ...
City of IjOndon Electric Li^'hting Ord...
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Do. 4i per Cent. 2nd Deb, Stock (red.)
ConntyofDurhamElec. P.D. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, non Cum. Pref.
County of London Elec. SnpplyOrd
Do. 6 per Cent. Cnm. Pref.
Do. 4J% Deb. Stock (red.)
tDo. Second Deb. Stock
Folkestone Electricity Supply Co. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cnm. Pref.
Do. 4J Ist Deb. Stock (red)
Hove Electric Lighting Ord
Kensington & Knightsbridge Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Ist Pref
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Kensingtn. & Kngtbg. Co. & Netting Hill
Co. (Joint Station) 4% Deb. Stock (red.)
Kent Elec. Power Co
London Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb
Metropolitan Electric Sup. Ord
Do. 4J per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 44 per Cent. Deb. Stock 1st Mort
Do. 8J per Cent. Mrt. Deb. Stocklred.)
Midland Elfc. Corp.fur P.D.lstMort.Db
Price
Wed..
Nov. 4.
£ a. d.
6 13 6
4 10 0
10 — lOJ
95-10
ioj-106
101 —105
94 — 9S 4 13
34-4
3i-4J
83 -99
31-3}
2J-3I
100 -103
91-10
12 —13
122 —125
101 —104
23—3
3J-4
7 -8
loi-ioi
107 —110
6 n
4 2
4 10
6 7
4 11
4 10
6 11
6 14
4 12
Newcastle & Dist. Elec. Ltg. Ord. i 6j
Do. 4* per Cent. Deb , 94
Newcastle Elec. Supply Ord \ H
Do. B per Cent, non Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. red. 1907.
Korthern Counties Elec. Sup
Do. 4* per Cent. Deb
Netting Hill Electric Ord
Oxford Electric Ord
Do. 4 nor Cent. Deb. Stock 1 96 —bo
Bt. James' k Pall Mall Elec. Ord 7i -8J
Do. 7 per Cent, Pref. ^t
Do. 3i per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
Bmithfleld Markets Electric Snp. Ord...
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
South london Electric Supply Ord
South Metrop'n Elec. Lt. & Power Ord.
Do. 7 per (5ent. Ci
97 -110
41-61
6 — 6J
97 — lOO
6 -ej
n-H
6 -ej
94 —97
ilfi -ICO 4 0 0
S6 -90 6 0 0
8« -92
41-4}
106 —109
S4 -89
-98
113-U5
63-61
-90
1-3
I —72
:4-23
4 14 9
8 0 0
4 10 10
4 IS 9
5 10 a
6 12 0
6%
it
101 B/0
" 4%
4i 1st Db. Stk. Red I 9J-102
Urban Electric Supply Ord ' 5—1
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4* per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb
Westminster Elec. Sup. Ord
Do. 4i per Cent. Cum. Pref.
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS A, TRAMWAYS.
Baker St. & Waterloo 41^ Perp. Db. St
Bath Elec. Trams Pref. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. H Ist Mort. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
K'ham & Midland Trams 4} Ist Db. Stk.
Bristol Tramw.iya & Carriage Ord
Do. Cum. Pref. (fully paid) , 8j— 9
.Do. 4 per Cent. Debs 9o_ "'
British Electric Traction Ord 4
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. 31-4
Do. 5 per Cent. Perpetual Debs i 90-95
tDo. 4J per Cent. 2nd Deb. Slock 73 —i6
Central London Ordinarv Stock 68 -70
Do. 4 per Cent. Pref. Stock S6 — 68
Do. Deferred Stock 60.-53
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs 101—101
Charing X.Euston&lImpstdPer.Db.Stk. I 86 —6^
13-21
80 —83
7*- S*
5 -6i
93 —95
lOJ-U
-11
City of Birmingham Trims. iXCm.VteS.
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs....
CitT & South London Ely. Con. Ord,
Do. 6 per Cent. Perp. Pref. (1891) ...M^f — "J
Do. (189C) Je? ~Hn
Do. (1901) ]S~JJ2
Oo (1903) I 1 —
tDo! 4 per Ce'n'tVpii'rpetual Debs I ?? -101
Dublin United Trams. Ord J, ?"■''■;?
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. 121 -Idi
Gt. Northern &Cily Rly. Pref. Ord. (4%)! _i-l
G. Northem.Piccadilly & Brompton Ord.
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Hastings & Dist. Elec. Trams. 6^ Cm. PI'.
Do. 4iDb. St ,^
timperial Tramways Ord i '4
JDo. 6 per Cent. Pref. o ,' „*
tDc. 4J per Cent. Debs "J-f;
I.of Thanet E.T.& Lt. 6per Cent. Pref. j-18
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock t ,r
l:^ru;:^?z:6iVvioVL^,.Dh:st! 93;_9
Liverpool Overhead Railway Ord | '4 -'t
Do. 6 per Cent. Prof
4 11 U
3 H 0
3 17 0
4 12 »
41-4} '560
3?i -331 i J " 9
4 11 0
4 16 3
3 19 0
.-81
aj -91
3—1
90 —91 4 15 9
9 0 0
6 10 U
4 18 0
Mar, Sept, 10,,
Feb, Aug i ..
Feb, Aug ; 104
Jan, July
April, Oct
May, Not
March
Mar, Sent
June, Deo
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, Jnly
Jan, Jnly
March . .
June, Dec
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
June, Dec
Jan, July
April, Oct
April, Oct
Feb, Ang
M.ir, Sept
Jan, July jlOSi
May, Nov
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
Feb, Aug
Jan, Jnly
lO'i's
April, Oct
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
April. Oct
Jan, Jnly
June, Dec ,
Jan, July 1
June, Dec ;
Feb, Ang
Jan, Jnly j
Feb, Aug I
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Mar, Aug !
Jan, July
March ..
March ..
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb ....
Feb, Ang
April ....
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
April, Oct
April, Oct
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
i Jan, July j 94 J 93i
April I -• —
Jan, July is \ _
April, Oct
Jan, July — ..
Fob, Aug I •• ' ..
74"!
Sli
1 9 3 0
4 13 0
0/6
4i%
M.
3i%
34%
34%
3i./
1 —3
8-6
i-J ■
92 —96
374-384
67 —69
84 —87
Feb, Aug
June, Dec
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
Feb, Aug "tf
Feb, Aug
Feb .... 62
Jan, July 1025
Jan, July *0i l oo
April, Oct I .. I „
April, Oct •■ ..
Feb, Aug 3?8 | 32
Feb, Aug .. I ...
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Slav, No
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Mar, Sept |
April, Oct I
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jau, July
Mar, Sept
Jau, July
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July ,
Jau, July
Feb, Ang.
1001
92J
crCent. Deb ;;■ •l-"! .i~??
London United Trams. 5% Cum Pref. ,JJ-6i
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. fatock
Mersey Con. Old. Stock
Do. 3 per Cent. Perp. Pref.
Metropolitan Elec. TramwayaOrd
Do. Def.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 44 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Metropolitan Railway Consolidated
Do. Surplus Lauds Stocks
Do. 34 per Cent. Preference
Do. 34 perCeut. "A" Prefereuco
Do. 34 per Ceut. Convertible Prof. ' 75—78
Do, 3t per fenl. Debenture Stock 91—93
Do. 3i per Cent. "A" Diit........ , .. ._^
^Tn oalonlating the yield allowanoe has been made loi - ,. . . , .v
tEi DiTidend. t The London Stock Exchange Committee have declmed to qnote tliea
8 6
3 17 0
37g
April.. .
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July 91b 91
Jan, July 864 ..
ued interest but nvl for redemption
941
851
THE ELECTEICIAN, NOVEMBER 6. 1908.
EL.ECTIMCAJL. COMIPAIVIES' SHAXfcE LIST — Continued.
8J%
6 B/0
6 2/6
II 1/0
1 0,9?
; 0/7!
}; mi
EUCTRIC RAILWAYS 4 TRAMWAYS-
Metroiiolilnn I)i»lri<t EBilwny Ord.
)/0
3 8/0
0/7i
2/0
St.
Pref. (6 per Cent.)
Do. AHFPnti'il Kxl. Pref. (Int. Qui
Unii. Elec. Blyi«. Co. of London, Ltd.)
Do. 8 per Cont. Consoltd. Rent-charci-
Do. 4 per Cent. Midland Bent-cbarce
Do. Gu»r. Slork 4 jicr Cent
Do. 6 per Oonl. Perp. Deb. Stock
Do. 4 per Cent. Ditto
,Se« (len. Tmct. (1 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Potteries Electric Traction Ord
;;o. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4* per Cent. Deb. Stock
R Met. Elec. Tram". 4 LtR. 6% Cm. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Sunderland Diat. Elec.Trme.l)%l«tMt.Dh,
rndereronndE.Rva.Lon.6V luc'm bondB
tDo. OX Prior I.icn Bonds
Do. 'I*v Unnds
Yorkuhfre (W.B.) Elec. Trsma. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cnm. Pref.
Do. 4,', per Cent. Ist Debs
ELECTRIC RIANUFACTURINC, Ac.
Aron Eleetricit.v Meter Ord.
Do. 6% Cum. Pf. If X on a/c arrears)..
Babcork & Wilcoi Ord
Do. Pref.
British Insulated & Ilelaby Cables Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Do. a per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb. (red.)
Brili»hTliomBn-!lousfn4J%lstMt.Db
BritiBh Weslinghouse 6 per Cent. Pref...
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock
Ilrueh Electrical Engineering
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. non.Cum
Do. H per Cent. Perp. l»t Deb. Stock
Do. Perpetual 2nd Deb. Stock
t(!allendcr'8 Cable Con. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. if per Cent, let Mort Debs, (red.)
Castner.Kellner Alkali Co
Do. 4i per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb. (red.).
Chadburn'8 (Ship) Telegraph Ord
Do. 6per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Con»olic!uted Electrical Co
Consolidated Signal Co
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
'Cromplon & Co.(Nob. 1 to 86,000)
Do. 6 per Cent. iBt Mort. Deba. (red.).
Davis & Tininiins
Dick, Kerr & Co. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock
Edison & Swan United ("A" Sh.)(£3pd.)
Do. (£5 paid)
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock (rd.)
Do. 6 per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock
Edniundson's Elec, Corp. Ord.
Do. li per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J per cent. Isl Mori. Dab. (red.)
Electric Constrlielii.M Co
So. TperOnl.Cun,. Pref.
Do. 4 per Colli. Perp. Ist Mort. Uebs.
General Elcclric U'.«i>i) -'X Cum. Pref....
Do. 4 per Cent, l^t Mort. Debs
Denlej's Telepraph Works Ord
Do. 44 per Com. Pref.
Do. H per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. Stock
lidi.altuMiir cm. Per., .te.,Wrke
Do. 4 111
Continued.
18 —14
Nati(
ul El'
.Ltd. Ord
62 -67
75 -78
99 -103 3 " e
66 —60 ? ,? S
i_5 8 U u
92 -te <" 9
«_1 6 0 0
76-80 6 0 q
77 -81 ; 6 J (.
23 -21 ,
91 J -924
76|-76* ,
3-3* I r „
84 —87 5 3 0
6i— 6S 7 8 8
40 -45 8 17 6
68 -73
60 —64
9i-10J
6i-6J
107i-lC9J
lA— lis
103 —107
SS-IA
li'il— li'e
is— I
1/1.— 1 ft
98 — lul
J-IJ
iiV.— ift
1 -IJ
101 —104
U-^
76 • 79
84 —87
i-i
4-1
69 —(6
li-U
65 —70
7;-7i
84 -ba
lui-lij
5 -6i
107 — 1U9
161—17*
t7 -99
Kichardst'i
Do. 6per L. . I < "1 "I
To. 4J per Cent. Pirp. Deb. Slock ..
Simiilei Conduits Ord
Do. 6 Iier Cent. Cum. Pref
Telegraph Constiuclion & Maintenance
Do. 4 per Cent Deb. liouds (1908) ..
Vickers, Sous & Maxim, Ltd., Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Preference
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Preferred
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mori. Db.Sk.(red)| 1C3
Do. 4J per Cent. 2nd Mort. Dell, (red.)l 104 -1C6
Do. 6 percent. SnlMi.rt. Debs Ecrip.
.l.Ci.Whitc&Co.BjjCm.Pref.
Wir.M.'s iSiKoliinsou Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum, Pref.
Do i per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
TELEGRAPHS.
Amazon Telegraph
Do. 6 per Cent. Dobs. (red.J
Anglo-American
Do. Preferred
Do. Deferred
Commercial Cable 4 per Cent. Deb. Stk,
Cuba Submarine Ord
Do. Preference 10 per Cent
Direct Spanish Ord
Do. 10 per Cent. Cum. Prof.
Do. 4i per Cent. Del
Direct I'uiled Slates Cable
Direct We8tlndiaC8blo4j% Rg. Db. (rd.)
Eagtern Ordinary
Do. SJ per Cent. Pref. Stock
tDo. „....._
EOBl
Do. 4 Iier Cent. Deb. Stock
Eastern & S. African *% Mort. Deb. 1909
tDo. 4%MauritiusSub. Deba. (red.) ...
G.N. ("I Copenhaceu), with Coupon 74
Ualila J & Bermuda i^y,Ut Mt. Db.( red.)
I Indo-European
MacUuT Companies Common .
Do. treleienco
MarconiB Wireless leleg. Co
Pacific & Europuu Tel.4%Gn»r.Dba.(red.)
6 14
6 13
4 U
6 U
Coast ot Ami
Do. 4 per tent. Debs. ........,.!!
1^ C'.t India fii PuuHnia
Do. B per Cent. Ibi Pref.
Do. UperCeul.aiiaProf.
Do. li per Cent. Debs
Western 'ielei^iaph ]"'.
Do. 4 ler Cent. Deb. Stock (red.). '.'."!
Western I uiou Tclejjh. Sl.OOO 4 i lijnd.
J-8
E6'-88
li
HJ-lij:
ili-lj'.
102 -105 i 4 15 0
3 15 6
8i-9i
2J-ZJ
72 —70
2J-Si
90 -On
67 -60
102—103
lei-inj
884- 90i
74-tJ
Kii-lVj
3 -31
8 -9
100%— 103°^
13J— 13}
6 16 6
6 16 0
6 11 0
4 7 6
6 3 0
4 8 0
136 -138 6 2 0
84 —m 4 16
1021— 1U4I 3 16 6
lSii-12J ; 6 0 0
101 —103 I 3 17 9
994-1011 8 16 «
991-lOli 8 18 6
; —69
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
77}
Feb, Aug
.Ian, July
Jan, July
MBr,Pept i S',
Jan, July 12S4
Jan! July ! 833
May ....
April, Oct
Feb, Aug
May, Nov
Fob, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
June, Dec
76
April, Oct I
April, Oct I
Jnly^Feb
Jan, Jnly i
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
March . ,
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
Nov, May
May, Not
Feb. Aug
March , .
April, Oct
August ...
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Sept
Sept .._
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
June, Dec
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
May, Not
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July
June, Deo
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
April. Oct
April
Not ....
May, Not
Jan, July
70 —74
100 —103
li -IJ
100 — 1U3
8 -tj
8i-»t
101 —103
I8i-14
102 -104
83 -88
6 6
4 8
6 12
5 2
e 8
0
0
0
6
0
3 17
1 * s
3 17
6
0
e
7 i"
0
4 17
5 U
3 17
4 11
0
0
0
0
Mar, July
Jan, July
Apr, Oct
Apr, Oct
May, Not
J one, Deo
June, Dec
F,My,Ag,N
F,My,Ag,N
F,My,Ag,N
ln,Ap,Jy,0
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jnn, July
la,Ap,Jy,0
June, Dec
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
filay, .Not
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
May, Mov
Jan, July
June, Dec
May, Not
Ja,Ap,Jy,U
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
April
Juno, Doc
May
Jan, July
May, Nov
May, Not
May, Not
Jan, July
Mr,Jn,0,D
June, Dec
.',6j
Otii lOtii
554 84i
11.4 mi
lit 1 128
i^H jlOli
Last I
Divi.
dekdI
Price
Wed.,
Nov 4.
Dnz,
671
ICOl 2*
.- 4%
St. 6%
5 5/0
l|0/7i
V 0/6
St. 6Si
81.' 65,
10 6/0
10' e/0
TELEPHONES.
Amer. Telephn. & Telegh. Cap. St
Do. CoU. Tmst $1,0004 per Cent. Bds
AngloPortug'se Tel. 6% 1st Mt.Db. Stk.
139 -133 6 0 0
93 —95 14 4 0
99 -102 I 4 18 0
J— 1,"
■■|-
■iiX
li 0/7)
li 0/7i
>0rd..
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
National Co. Pref. Stock
Do. Def. Stock i ^17
Do. 6 per Cent, Cum. iRt Pref lOi— llj
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. 2nd Pref '"' "'
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. 3rd Pref. .
Do. Deb. Stock 3J per Cent, (red.) .
4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) .
lOj-lli I 6
STo-BiJ 4 8 0
9S — lliO 3 11) 0
Vrl -104 3 16 0
Oriental';....."'.... ' ' i '1-li 6 16 3
Do. 0 per Cent. Cum. Pref. ! U— 11 4 16 0
„. , ., Do. 4 per Cent. Bed. Deb. Stock | 90—93 ,4 6 0
Bt.l 41%; Telephone Co. of Egypt 4iiiDb.8tk.(red.) 100 —103 ! 4 12 6
'6/0 <,„,-.,.-.
61 2/6
St.
*iX
United Eiver Plate 88—71
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. i 6—61 4 11 0
Do. 41 Deb. .St. Ked 101 —103 ! 4 S 0
j FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, kt.
Elec. 4 Gen. Investment 6% Cnm, Prof. 31—4
Globe Telegraph ti Trust i !'-'j— 11
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. l^f- 13i
t Submarine Cables Trust (Cert.) 127 — 13j
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRIC
RAILWAYS, TRAMWAYS. Ac. j
3/0 I Anglo-Argentine 6% Ciun. let Prof. 6',,— ejt
5/0 I Do. 10/t Nou-cum. 2nd Pref ti,".- 8!s
ex Do. Permanent 6% Dob. Stock | 141 —146
6% I Auckland Elec. Trame. 6% Deb. (red.)..., 102 —106
2 6 t Brisbane Electric Trams. Invest. Ord....
2/6 it Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Prof.
Do. 41 per Cent. Db. Prov. Certs
British Columbia El.Ey.Df. Ord
Do. Pref. Ord. Stock
Do. 6% Cum. Perp. Pref. Stock
Do. 44 per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs
Do. Vancouver Power Debs
Do. 4}% Perp Con. Deb. SI
Buenos Ayres Elec. Trams (1901) Ltd.
Deb. St
BueuuB Ayres Grand National Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. I'ref.
Do. 64 per Cent. Pref. Debs
Oc. 6 per Cent. 1st Deb. Bonds
Bu.;noB Avres Lacrnze Tramalst Mt. Db.
Buenos Ayres Port & City Tram. 1st Mt.
Deb. Stock £75 Paid
Calcutta lraniwavs(l to 137,610)
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Prof.
41% Do. 4J% 1st Deb. Stock (red.)
Cape Electric Tram Shares
City of Buenos Ayres Trams Co. |19U4)Sh.
D\j 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
tColombo Ir. ti Ltg. 6% 1st Mt. Db.
Electric Traction Co. of Hong Kong 6
per Cent. 1st Mort. Deba.
6% Havana Elec. By. Con. Mt. 6% $1,000 60
year Coup. Bdi
ax
30 0
6%
iiZ
00 iiz
UZ
6%
6i%
HX
8/0
6/0
41%
b 4/1)
100 m,
luo! 6%
6001 6%
St. 6%
St. 5%
Kalgoorlie Elec. T
Do. 6 per Cent.
Do. t per Cent.
Lisbon ticc. T
Do. 0 pi
Do. E pi
M»d
iSh.
Deb. Stock .
B" Ditto
.Ord
Cent. Cum. Prof.
Cent. Beg. Mort. Debs .
6% Deb. Stk.
Manila Elec. liy. »1,0UU Gold Bonds
.St.
tMe
Lo. Gen. Con. Ist Mort. 6,% Gold Bds. ...
Montreal St. By. Sterling 41 per Cent.
Debs. (1922) (Nos. 601 to 3,000) ..
Perth Elec. Trams Ord
Do. 1st Mt. Db. Stock
Bangoon Elec. Trams & Supply Co','
. Pf.
Do. 41% 1st Mort. Deb. Stk
Sao Paulo Tramway, Light & Power Co!
8100 Stock
Do. 6 per Cent. 1st Mt. $600 Db
Toronto By Co. 1st Mt. iH Ster. Boiidi
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRICITY
SUPPLY &c.
Adelaide Elec. S'plyCo.eXCu.Pr.
Bombay E. S. & T. 6% Cm. Pf.
Do. 41 per Cent. Deb. Stk. (red.) ...
Calcutta Elec. Supply Old
Cauadion Gen. Elee. Ho. Com. St
CastnorElcclrolvticAllialiCo.(ofi;.S.A)
1st Molt. Stl. "Debs
Elect. Development Co of Ontario
Elec. Ltg. & Trac. Co. of Aust, 6 "p'e'r
44 -4}
lOj —104
136 —140
lijl —103
lot -104
61 —65
4S-6g
4J-51
J-4
£4 --i
Si -91
I -94
Cent. Cum. Pref
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb Stock
Elec. Supply Co. of Victoria 6 per 'dent
1st Mort. Deb. St '
Indian Elec. Sup. & Trac. Co. Corist'li
Deb. St. Kd
Kalgoorlie Elec. Power &. Ltg. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. ',"[
Madras E. S. Corp. 6 per Cent. Clonstli'
Deb. St
Mexican Elec. Light Co. 6% Ist Mort
Gold Bonds
IMeiicauLt.&Powcr CO.Com.St. ""'
6.;^ 1st Mort . Gold Bnds.
$1» tMontreal Lt. Ht. & Power Co. Cap. St...
mi Kiver Plate Electricity Co. Ord.
li2J Do. 6perCent. non-Cum. Pref ..!...!!
bX ' Oo. 6 per Cent. Deb. Stock
3/0 Rosario Elec. Co. 6/;Pref. (l-20,"oo'o)'.'.'.!!.
§1 I Shawinigan Water 6t Power Co. Cap. St.
6% Do. 6perCent.BdB
Victoria Fails Power Co. Prof,
80 -8)
134 —137
Hii-'JiiX
l&b -169
100l-101J.°.
91 —99
5-Bi
10 — loi
83 —88%
72 -74
tS -90
lua —109
1,^1- !,»,
iS-lfii
!W — lu2
6 12 0
5 16 6
4 IS 3
5 14 :0
4 13 9
5 14 0
6 111 9
6 10
5 6 G
Jan, July |
Mar, Bept I ..
August . . , .
Nov .... 1 ..
May, Nov a-
Feb, Aug lOai
Feb, Aug UkJ
Feb, Aug It'i
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug 6,';.
June, Dec 0?J
Jan, July 102}
April, Oct
April, Oct ..
Jan, July 90|
Jan, July 1 Oj
Joly ....
June, Dec
Jan, July
Jan, July
SpDcMrJu
SpDcMrJul 131
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
June, Dec
Jan, July jl'J34
May ...V «!J
May, Nov °
Jan, July '"3
Mar. Sept 137
May, Nov
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
F.My.'A.N
June, Dee
May, Not
June, Dec
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July
Jan, July
J an, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
May ....
Jan, July
June, Deo
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
April,' Oct
April, Oct
6 IS 0
6 It' 0
6 13 0
4 13 9
6 13 0
4 18 0
6 13 0
5 0 0
:oi4
1021
F,My,A,N
April ....
May
Jan, July
April, Oct
8Uj
Jan, July 10 Ji
- , July
10 Jl
78i'
• In calQUiatiug the yields allowance haa been macle for accrued Interest but not for red emptlon t Kx dividend, t The London Stock Exchange Committee have declined to qoote thete
THE ELECTRICIAN:
THE OLDEST WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND FINANCE.
ESTABLISHED, First Series (Weekly), 1861; Second Series (Weekly), 1878.
No 1 5Q1 r "»• 5
.] FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
Price Sixpence %^°)^*-
Abroad 9d.,or 18 cents, or 90<j., or SOr/.
CONTENTS OF THE CURRENT NUMBER.
Notes 167
Arrangements for the Week 169
Recent Patents in Wireless
Telegraphy and Telephony.
By W. H. Eccles, D.Sc.
Illustrated. Continued . . 170
The Testing of Alternators.
By S. P. Smith, B.Sc.
Illustrated 173
Progress in Electric Lighting.
Illustrated I75
Report of the Tramways and
Light Railways Association
Committee on "Braking
Arrangements and Sanding
Gear on Tramcars " 182
The Coming Liuiiting
Season 185
Obituary 187 I
Correspondence 188
Turbo-electric Marine Pro-
pulsion (William P. Durt.
nail, M.I.Mar.E.).
Penny -a- Word Telegrams . . 189
Parliamentary Intelligence 192
The Paxraan Gas Engine.
Illustrated 1 96
Institution of Post Office Elec-
trical Engineers 196
Municipal, Foreign & General
Notes 197
Trade Notes and Notices 199
Companies' Meetings and
Reports 202
New Com|)anies, &c 20'»
City Notes 204
Companies' Share List 205
NOTES.
Prof. Ayr ton.
The death of Prof. Ayrton at the comparatively early
age of 61 will be received with universal regret. To him
.the electrical industry owes much in two very different
directions. First and foremost he was one of the pioneers
in the days when electrical engineers— or would-be
electrical engineers— were a mere handful, when facilities
were almost nil, and when nearly every advance was coupled
with the names of Aykton and Pekrt. Secondly, he did
probably more than any other man to create our present sys-
tem of technical education. His untiring energy was a fea-
ture familiar to all who knew him. Half heartedness was
not in his nature, and the " strenuous life " became so much
a matter of course that when rest was found tu be medi-
cally necessary it was no longer a possibility. As he him-
self put it, he could not switch off the mental circuit. Had
his nature been otherwise, we do not doubt that he would
have been still with us to carry on many more years of his
useful and energetic career. Here we will say no more,
but we will refer our readers to the words of Prof. Perky
on another page.
Honour to Science.
Although no Birthday Honours have fallen to electrical
engineers on the present occasion, all those . who love
science for its own sake will undoubtedly be glad to see
that a well-earned honour has been accorded to Prof. J. J.
Thomson. To the engineer Prof. Thomson's work has been
somewhat abstruse, and by the chemist it has been found
even distressing, for it is a little difficult at tirst sight to
incorporate old ideas with the electrons or corpuscles asso-
ciated with the name of J. J. Thomson. His line of work
has a peculiar fascination of its own ; and although at pre-
sent it may seem purely academic, we irever know when
more practical applications may come to pass. Advance in
pure science is necessarily the forerunner of the expansion
of applied science, and thus we gladly offer our congratu-
lations to the exponent of this essentially British field of
experimental physics. The only other observation to bemade
is that, for a time, we shall find it difficult to recognise the
familiar " J. J." in Sir Joseph or Sir John.
Penny-a-Word Telegrams within the Empire.
Mr. Hennikek Heaton has been humoured with a veri-
table surfeit of publicity this week, and if his ambition is
to become notorious, the " leading " and other journals have
contributed readily to his desire. But, in the light of the
finding of the Submarine Caljles Commission in 1902, and
of all that has happened since that date, it is scarcely in
keeping with our boasted level-headedness that such
frenzied publicity should be accorded to so wild a project us
Mr. Henniker Heaton fathers to-day. Without a single
figure to support his contentions, without a scrap of evi-
dence that his scheme is practicable, without the slightest
contribution towards the solution of problems wliich scores
of scientific men and electrical and mechanical engineers are
endeavouring to solve in order to utilise better the sub-
marine cable property upon which millions of money have
been expended, at one jump Mr. Henniker He.a.ton occu-
pies the very pinnacle of — journalistic fame. Tlie Paper
which was read by Mr. Heaton oji Tuesday e\'ening before
an audience of 400 members of rank and fashion of both
sexes and a sprinkling of the commercial community was
conspicuous for an entire absence of anything but tlie
merest platitudes, and yet many of the sentiments ex-
pressed were loudly applauded. In view of tiie imprac-
ticability of the matter which was before the gathering, we
can only express our astonishment at the reception which
so obviously impossible a project as penny-a-word telegrams
within the Empire received from so select an audience.
There is nothing more to be said for the Paper. Such
interest as the subject has for technical men is to be found
in the discussion. On another page we as briefly as pos-
sible dispose of the Paper, but are aljle to find more room
168
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
for the discussion, in order that the various points made
by the speakers may be presented to our readers. We
may be allowed one commeut upon the action of "The
Times " in regard to this matter. After devoting a whole
page to a boom of Mr. Henniker IlE.vroN's "scheme," space
for only a few lines of the general discussion on the
Paper was found, notwithstanding that much inforniation
was given by several of the speakers to assist the audience
in forming a true view of Mr. Heaton's " colossal project."
Mr. He.\ton thinks in large figures, liut leaves entirely out
of account the chief feature to be considered in discussing
the question of cheap long-distance telegrams and cable-
grams— the cost. The whole question is eminently one of
finance, yet the only suggestion Mr. Heaton has to offer
towards a solution of the financial problem is that the
Governments who are to be chiefly concerned in financing
his scheme will achieve certain savings in their service
messages. His references to the Australian land-line
charges and to the Pacific Cable venture were surely most
unfortunate. His irrational strictures against "monopo-
lists " ; and " cable rings " were discounted effectively,
emphatically and unanimously by the Submarine Cables
Committee in their report of 1902. In the face of
such a report, it is not surprising that British Post-
masters-General, and others who understand the question,
have left so foolish a proposal as Mr. Hennikeii Heatox
presented to the Colonial Institute on Tuesday severely
alone. There are so many points upon which Mr. He.^tox's
visionary scheme could be condemned that it seems a
waste of valuable space to discuss the subject seriously.
which the profession has been passing, "difficulties have been
encountered which have prevented the full exercise of such
discipline as a body like the Institution of Civil Engineers
•should possess." Undoubtedly the reason mentioned by
Mr. INGLIS as rendering the subject important, namely,
that the Institution is so diverse in its activities, is at the
same time one of the greatest ditficulties iu preventing such
a body from dealing effectively with theiquestion. The
Institution of Civil Engineers numbers amongst its mem-
bers engineers of every kind ; yet professional etiquette, so
far as it has hitherto been framed, concerns practically
only one class, namely, the Consulting Engineer. Never-
theless, we hope that the Institution will succeed in doing
something practical in the matter, and we are glad tosee
that the subject has not been lost to sight.
The Report on Brakes.
DuKiNG the last few months there has been a welcome
l)ause in the sequence of tramway accidents of a serious
nature. We do not know whether this is to some extent
due to the dry condition of the roads which has prevailed
during the greater part of the period in question ; if so, the
arrival of greasy tracks, which «,re a frequent antecedent to
tramway accidents, will cause many tramway managers no
little anxiety. In this connection the reports of the com-
mittees of the two Tramway Associations which have been
investigating the (question of brakes have been awaited with
unusual interest, and that issued last week by the com-
mittee of the Tramways and Light Eailways Association
comes at an opportune moment. On such a voluminous
report (running to 12.S pages), which merits more than a
cursory examination, we do not propose to comment in the
present issue, but elsewhere our readers will find a summary
of the contents and an abstract, the completion of which
must be postponed until next week.
Professional Etiquette.
We -dm gliid to see tiiat Mr. J. C. Inglis, iu his Presi-
dential Address to the Institution of Civil Engineers, made
some reference to tlie important subject of professional
etiquette. He remarked that when a body becomes so
numerous and so diverse in its activity as that Institution,
questions are involved in the promotion of its professional
status which concern members personally. The subject
has received a huge amount of attention from the Council ;
but, chiefly on account of the transition period through
Electric Traction in the United States. — We understand
that arrangements are being made to convert the line of the
Pennsylvania Railroad from New York to Philadelphia, a dis-
tance of 120 miles, to electric traction. Contracts for loco-
motives and generating plant have already been let to the
Westinghouse Company of Pittsburg.
Students' Section of the Institution of Electrical Engineers.
The opening meeting of this Section will be held on Wednes-
day next at 92, Victoria-street, when an address on " The
Responsibility of the Engineer " will be delivered by Mr. J. S.
Hiwhfiekl. An interesting programme of Papers has been
arranged for reading at the meetings which will take place on
alternate Wednesday evenings throughout the session.
Manchester Section of the Institution of Electrical Engi-
neers.— At a meeting of this Section, to be held iu the Physical
Laboratory of the University of Manchester on Tuesday next,
Prof. E. Rutherford, F.R.S., will deliver a lecture, the title of
which has not yet been decided. This lecture takes the place
of the Paper on " Vagabond Currents," by Messrs. R. G. and
J. G. Cunliffe, which has been postponed.
Messrs. J. P. Hall's Exhibit at the Manchester Exhibition. —
We regret that iu our issue of October 30th, when describing
this interesting exhibit, we stated that Messrs. Hall made motors
in sizes up to and including 3,000 h.p. We appear to have
been rather anticipating events, as Messrs-. Hall do not build
so large a machine.
Royal Society of Arts. — The opening meeting of tliis society"
will take place on Wednesday next, when Sir William AVhite,
K.C.B., F.R.S., will deliver an address. The Cantor lectures,
to be delivered during the session on Monday evenings at eight
o'clock, will include three lectures on " Electric Power Supply,"
by Mr. G. L. Addenbrooke, on January LSth, 25th and Febru-
ary 1st ; four lectures on " Methods of Artificial Illumination,"
by Mr. Leon Gaster ; and three lectures on " Steam Turbines,"
by Mr. Gerald Stoney.
The Late Prof. W. E. Ayrton. — With oraisons fvnlhres pro-
nounced by Prof. John Perry and Mr. Israel Zangwill, and to
the accompaniment of the beautiful air, " O, Rest in the Lord "
the remains of the late Prof. W. E. Ayrton were yesterday
afternoon laid to rest in the Brompton Cemetery (London).
There was a large and distinguished gathering at the grave
side, including, among many others, Prof. H. E. Armstrou''
Sir John Wolfe Barry, Col. R. E. Crompton, Sir AVilliam
Crookes, Mr. W. Duddell, Prof. J. A. Fleming, Dr. R. T.
Glazebrook, Mr. R. Kaye Gray, Mr. J. E. Kingsbury, Prof.
C. H. Lees, Sir Henry Mance, Mr. T. Mather, Mr. W. M.
Mordey, Mr. W. H. Patcheb, Sir William Ramse3% Mr. Alex-
ander Siemens, Mr. James Swinburne, Mr. Campbell Swinton,
Prof. S. P. Thompson, Prof. J. M. Thomson, Prof. F. T
Trouton, and Prof. W. C. Unwin.
Cable Interruptions. D^te of Interruption.
?ontiaiiak--!5-iigon Sep. 16, 1908
Kotonou— Grand Bassam Qct. 29 1908
Dakar— Conakry .'.■;"■; Nov. 8,' 1908.
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908,
169
Institution of Electrical Engineers. — On account of the
death of Prof. W. E. Ajrton, F.K.S., past president, the meet-
ing of this Institution last evening was concluded after a
resolution of condolence had been proposed by the President
and Prof. J. Perry, F.K.S. An extra meeting of the Institu-
tion will be held at the Institution of Civil Engineers, Great
George-street, AVestminster, next Thursday, November 19th,
when Col. R. E. Cromptou, C.B., will present the premiums
awarded for Papers during the Session 1907-8, and the new
President (Mr. W. M. Mordey) will deliver his inaugural
address. A reception by the President will afterwards be held
in the library.
Birthday Honours. — In the Honours list issued on Monday
last on the occasion of His Majesty's birthday the engineering
profession, as such, seems to have again received the cold
shoulder. Science, it is true, is fairly well represented, though
only one name is connected with physics. The names of
interest to our readers are the following : —
iVfic PHiy Cou„ri/l„r : Sir Charles B. B. McLaren, Bart., M.P., wlio
will he best known to electrical engineers as chairman of the Metro-
politan Railway Company. He is also connected with a number of
other industrial concerns, including Palmer's Shipbuilding & Iron Co.
and John Brown & Co.
N'wKniphU: Prof. 'Joseph John Thomson, D.Sc, F.R.S. The
career of Prof. J. .T. Thomson is, of course, familiar to the whole
scientific world. It suffices to say that he has been Professor of Ex-
perimental Physics at the University of Cambridge since 1884 and
Professor of Physics at the Royal Institution since 1905 : he was
awarded the Nobel prize for physics in 1906. He is an honorary member
of the Institution of Electrical Engineers and president-elect of tlie
British Association.
Mr. Charles Bnrt is a director of the Anglo-American Telegraph
Co., and was formerly a member of the well-known firm of Bircham
and Co., solicitors, of the City of London. He was legal adviser to the
group of telegrajjh companies of which the late Sir John Pender and
Sir James Anderson m ere the chiefs, to the Anglo-American Telegraph
Co. and many other important undertakings.
Mr. Luke White, M.P. Mr. Whits is chairman of the Select Com-
mittee which is considering the London Electric Power Bills.
Royal Society. — Among the Papers read at the meeting
yesterday afternoon were the following : " The Charges on
Ions in Gases and the Effect of Water Vapour on the Motion
of Negative Ions," by Prof. J. S. Townsefid, F.R.S. ; "The
Charges on Ions produced by Radium," by Mr. C. E. Hasel-
foot, and " The Occlusion of the Residual Gas and the
Fluorescence of the Glass Walls of Crookes Tubes," by Mr.
A. A. C. Swiuton.
The Papers read at the meeting on November .5th included
"On the Generation of a Luminous Glow in an Exhausted
Receiver moving near an Electrostatic Field, and the Action
of a Magnetic Field on the Glow so produced ; the Residual
Gases being Oxygen, Hydrogen, Neon and Air," by the Rev.
F. J. .JervisSmith, F.K.S. "The Rate of Production of
Helium from Radium," by Sir James Dewar, F.R.S. " The
Spectrum of Radium Emanation," by Mr. A. T. Cameron and
Sir William Ramsay, K.C.B., F.R.S. " The Effect of Pressure
upon Arc Spectra," No. 2 — Copper, by Mr. W. G. Duffield.
" On a Method of Comparing Mutual Inductance and Resis-
tance by the Help of Two-phase Alternating Currents," by
Mr. A. Campbell.
Association of Teachers in Technical Institutions. — The
fourth annual general meeting of this Association was held at
St. Bride's Institute, London, E.G., on 7th inst., with Mr.
Harrap, president of the Association for I907-t>, in the chair.
In moving the adoption of the annual report, Mr. Harrap con-
gratulated the memliers on the steady growth and development of the
membership, w^ork and influence of the Association.
The annual report and financial statement were adopted.
The newly-elected president is Mr. J. Wilson, M.Sc. (head of the
chemical department, Battersea Polytechnic, S.W.), who has acted
as hon. secretary of the Association since its formation in 1904, and
his successor in "that office is Mr. P. Abljott, B.A. (head of the mathe-
matical department. Regent-street Polytechnic, London, W.).
At the meeting of tlie London branch of the Association, held in the
evening, a Paper was read by Mr. W. J. Lineham on "Technical
Education at the Franco-British Exhibition." After a criticism of the
unsatisfactory character of the classification adopted in the educa-
tional section, reference was made to the excellent exhibits of the
work of trade schools, schools of arts and crafts and the technical
institutions. Clear evidence was given (said Mr. Lineham) of the
great stei:)S W'hich have been taken in the direction of the co-ordina-
tion of education and "group courses." The excellence of the
machine-shop work in the French educational section was pointed out.
Regret was expressed that no steps had been taken by the Board of
Education to retain the exhibits permanently. It was hoped that a
similar educational exhibition would be held every five years as a
i:;uide and stimulus to all engaged in educational work.
Siemens' Stafford Engineering Society. — -This society opened
its session on October 2sth, at the new " Siemens' Institute,"
Staflbrd. The retiring pre.sident, Mr. Lee Murray, delivered
a short valedictory address, touching upon the great success
which had attended the first year of the society's existence.
Mr. F. W. Schiller, the president for the ensuing session, then
delivered his inavigural address on "Combustion in Theory and
Practice," which was much appreciated by all present. It was
illustrated by a number of lantern slides, and also by experi-
ments, which demonstrated graphically the theorj' of combus-
tion. After considering these laws and the various fuels in
use, the lecturer dealt with some well-known types of boilers,
furnaces and recording apparatus, indicating the sphere of
usefulness and the demerits of each ; some valuable data con-
cerning temperatures and draught w&re also included. Inci-
dentally the speaker made out a clear case for mechanical
stoking, and emphasised the necessity of smoke prevention, if
only for reasons of fuel economy. Some remarks in regard to
producer gas drew forth rank heresy from the gas engineer who
proposed the vote of thanks.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE WEEK.
FRIDAY, November 13tii (to-day).
Physical Socikty.
5p.m. Meeting at University College, Gower-streeb. Agenda:
" The Photo-electric Properties of Potassium-sodium
Alloys," by Prof. J. A. Fleming, F.R.S. : "Note on the Kecom-
binntion of Ions in Air," by Dr. P. Phillips ; " On the Influ-
ence of Magnetic Field on the Photogi-aphic Patterns pro-
duced by the Electric Spark," by Prof. A. W. Porter ; "On
the Rate of Growth of Viscosity in Congealing Solutions," by
Mr. A. 0. Rankine ; " On the Absorption by Solid Surfaces
from Solutions," liy Prof. F. T. Troucon, F.R'.S. For Exhibi-
tion : "An Experiment Illustrating an Anomalous Effect of
Lagging Thin Wires," by Prof. A. W. Porter.
SATURDAY, November 14tll.
Bikmini;h.ui axd District Electric Cu'b.
7 p.m. Meeting at the Colonnade Hotel, New-street, Birming-
ham. Pa[)er on "Electric Power for Small Consumers," by
Mr. V. E. Walters.
MONDAY, November 16th.
New( .vsTLE Section op the Ixstitutiox of Electrical ENfJiNEEEs.
,s' I'.m. Meeting in the Engineering Lecture Room, Armstrong
College, Newcastle-on-Tyne. Address by the Chairman, Mr.
A. L. E. Drummond.
TUESDAY, November 17tli.
M\XCHESTEB Section of the Institution of Electric.-il Exoineers.
7:45 p.m. Meeting in the Physical Laboratory, The University,
Manchester. Lecture by Prof. E.Rutherford, F.R.S.
Junior Institution of Exoineers.
.s" p.m. Meeting at the Royal United Service Institution, White-
hall. Inautrural Address on " Available Energy," by the
President, Mr. James Swinburne, F.R.S.
WEDNESDAY, November IStll.
Students' Section of the Ixstitution of Electrical ExdiNEEBS,
7:30 p.m. Meeting at 92, Victoria-street. Addre.'^s on "The Respon-
sibility of the Engineer," by .Mr. .1. S. Uighfield.
RovAL Society OF Arts.
•V p.m. Meeting at John-street, Adelphi. Inaugural Address by
Sir Wm. White, K.C.B., F.R.S.
Royal METEoKOLoiacAi, Society.
7:.J0 p.m.. Meeting at the Institution of Civil Engineers, Great
Georo-e-street, Westminster. 'Jhe agenda in<aude a Paper on
"Investigation of the Electrical State of the Lpper Atmos-
phere made at the Howard lOstate Observatory, Glossop, by
Messrs. W. Makower and E. Marsden, and Miss M \\ hite.
THURSDAY, November 19tli.
Institutiox of Electrical Exgixeers.
5 p.m. Special Meeting at Great George-street, Westminster.
Presidential Address by Mr. W. M. Mordey.
RroBY Encineerini; Society.
ip.m. Meeting at Benn-buildings, High-street Rugby. Paper
on " Incandescent Electric Lamps," by Mr. J. iindlay.
The Electrical Engineers (London Division).
The following ortlers have been is.sued for tlie current w-eek :—
Monday, Nov. 16th, "A" Company \ Infantry drill (Recruits),
Tuesday, Nov. 17th, "B" Company J 6p.m.to7p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 19th, " C " Company 1 Technical drill, I p.m. to
Friday, Nov. 20th, "D" Company J 10 p.m.
Tuesday, 17th, medical inspection for recruits, 6:30 p.m. to 7;30 p.m.
Wednesday, 18th, lecture by Capt. Phillips for Corporals. Other
N.C.O's may attend.
170
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 190H.
RECENT PATENTS IN WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY
AND TELEPHONY.
BY W. H. ECCLES, D.SC.
(Continued from page 130.)
We maj' at this stage look into the specifications of two or
three " systems " of wireless telegraphy which have arisen
quite recently. Patent No. 11,582 (1907) is granted to J. A.
Fleming. The system proposed consists in the use of closed
circuits as both radiators and absorbers instead of the usual
so-caDed open circuit. In other words, high-frequency mag-
netic oscillators are employed instead of electric oscillators.
The main principles of the method have been well expounded
by Prof. Fleming (The Electrician, \o\. LX., p. 409), so need
not be set out here. The patent specification describes a work-
ing installation. A square circuit, 100 ft. on each side is
erected on poles a few feet high. The circuit is a single turn of
10 strands of No. 14 copper wire, and has associated with it a
capacity of one-hundredth of a microfarad. Such an oscillator
has a frequency of 200,000 per second. Instead of being hori-
zontal the loop might be vertical. In any case the loop and
condenser are excited by a Duddell arc or otherwise. The
recei\'iug air- wire is a replica of the sending circuit and is tuned
to it. Another system employing more or less closed aerial
circuits is that of Bellini and'Tosi, No. 21,299 (1907). This
system was described in The Electrician, Vol. LX., p. 749. Still
another system, an exceedingly ingenious one, is protected bv
R. A. Fessenden in 6,203 (1907). ~ Signalling is to be done by
sustained oscillations produced by the arc or by a high fre-
quency alternator, and detecting is to be accomplished by
compounding local oscillations with the received oscillations
so as to produce " beats " of acoustic frequency. As an in-
stance it is suggested that if the sender radiates waves of 50,000
frequency, the local oscillations might be of 50,100 frequencv,
and thus the combined efiect on the diaphragm of the special
indicatmg instrument will be an audible frequency of 100
vibrations per second. The advantages claimed for the method
are. first, that waves of other fre(juencies cannot afiect the
diaphragm (especially if this is tuned to 100 frequency), and,
secondly, that atmospherics will cease to disturb because only
frolonged trains of waves can yield beats with the local source
of oscillations. Much has been written on this method quite
recently in The Eleclrician. Therefore I need only point out
that at both sending and receiving stations in' the above
example the frequencies must b'e regulated to 1 in 1,000 for
successful practice. Further, the energv delivered to the
diaphragm cannot be more than that received by the air-wire
and is therefore not more than that enregistered bv any good
detector or by the ticker method. " " ^
^ Here, too, we may note S. Eisenstein's ingenious proposal,
m No. 20,128 (1907), for improving multiple sending from a
smgle aerial. Let the senders that are to be capable of trans-
mittmg simultaneously be called A, B, C, &c. When A alone
is working, a proper electrical counterpoise, for instance a
horizontal extension wire, should be connected to the sender so
that there will be a node of potential at a convenient point P
of the oscillating system. Connect at this point the sender B,
and arrange by a suitable counterpoise that when B alone is
going some point Q is a node .of potential. At Q the sender C
may be connected— and so forth, indcfinitelv, theoreticallv
In patent No. 11,271 (1907) Alexander Muirhead describes
a noteworthy improvement in detail of the Lodge-Muirhead
aerial oscillator. In the usual manner of installing this svstem
two equal horizontal capacity areas are fixed on insulators one
above the other. The capacity areas arc similar wire Maltese
crosses stretched between four poles at different hei<rhts Dr
Muirhead has discovered iii the course of his experiments that
the strength of signals received at a distance depends markedlv
on the position of the lower area with respect to the upper area
and the earth. The best position for signals turns out to be
also that position where the lower area has least capacity with
respect to the upper area as measured bv a secohmmeter. To
illustrate the variation of capacitv with height of lower area
the inventor gives the following details for a pair of areas, each
of 8,800 sq. ft., with the upper at the fixed height of 68 ft.
above the ground.
With the lower area lying on the g-round 00012 mfd.
raised3ft 0-00079 „
„ 6ft 0-CC0714 „
„ 9ft 0 000735,,
, 12 ft 0 000730,,
,, 15 ft 0000728,,
,, 18 ft 0080737,,
The position of least capacity is seen to be somewhere
between 12 and 18 ft. from the ground. According to obser-
vations of a similar oscillator erected at a distance of seven
miles from the emitter the strength of the received impulses is
at least four times greater when the lower capacity area is at
the height of minimum capacity than when it is lying on the
ground or is earth connected. The effect is further increased
if, instead of making up the capacity areas of a single cross
each, they are made up each of four separate crosses separately
connected to the sending or receiving apparatus, as shown in
Fig. 11. Of course, during observations on the strength of
signals the wave-length was kept constant, and also, it is
stated, the supply of electrical energy to the emitter. The only
explanation suggested by the patentee is that " when the two
capacity-areas are so placed, the earth disturbance upon the
oscillator is at a minimum, and the maximum effect at a distance
is produced (in other words, the radiation of waves is greatest
and most persistent) and much sharper tuning is obtained."
d
11,271 190
It is easy enough to see that there is a minimum of capacity.
For instance I find that, from the theory, the capacity between
the two areas varies inversely as log x (c—xYI(c+x)-+ a
constant, where c is the height of the upper area, and x is the
variable height of the lower area— and this formula gives the
minimum capacity at a;=16 ft. But it is not evident why
this position should give a larger rate of radiation, and at the
same time less damping than other positions of the lower area.
If we assume that the supply of energy per spark to the aerial is
constant, and that the characteristics of the transformer may
be altogether ignored, then diminution of capacitv ajid con-
stancy of wave-length should bring about a decreased radiation
rate. There will also be a decreased ohmic damping, and on
these two accounts the oscillations should be more persistent.
The elaboration of the aerials by making a plurality of maltese
crosses may probably be mainly beneficial by reducing the
ohmic losses in the aerials.
There are two recent patents dealing specially with the
use of wireless telegraphy for determining the position
of a moving receiving station. lu 18.152 (1907) J. S. Stone
explams a method mtended for use on ships. Two vertical
air-wires, suspended by two masts of the vessel, are con-
nected at their lower ends through a suitable inductance and
the primary of the transformer of the receiving apparatus.
The secondary of the receiving transformer contains a variable
capacity and is coupled with a detector circuit. Signals are
received best when the plane of the vertical air-wires contains
the sending station; hence the operation of locating the
distant station consists m swinging the ship till signals are at
maximum strength. This is surely a rather cumbrous process.
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
171
in 4,711 (1907) E. A. Fessenden puts forward a weU-plauned
method whereby a ship may determine its position at sea
with respect to fixed coast stations. Briefly put, two or more
such stations are caused to send signals at regular intervals,
and the vessel has to obtain its own position on the chart by
estimating the relative strength of the signals received either by
comparing them with one another or by comparing each in
turn with the strength of signals from a constant source
on board the vessel. In Fig. 12, ABC are wireless sta-
tions equipped with sending and receiving apparatus. Each
station emits at predetermined intervals a definite series of
signals made up of discharges progressively more and more
intense. For example station C might send the numerals
1, 2, 3, &c., by waves so graduated in strength that the signal
1 may be readable at 20 miles, signal 2 at 40 miles, signal 3 at
60 niUes, and so on. Similarly station B might send out a
series of different signals of gradually growing strength, and
station A likewise. Thus if the operator on a vessel can hear
signals 13 and 14 (hut not 12) from B, and can hear signals 19,
20, 21 (but not 18) from A, the vessel must beat F, that is 100
miles from A and 120 miles from B. The source of Icnown
strength carried on the vessel will enable the operator, it is
Fio. 12.— R. A. i'EssENDEN, No. 4,711/1907.
supposed, to corroborate the estimated distances by aurally
gauging the strength of the received signals. The source of
Joiown strength is specified as a condenser which is charged and
discharged through a commutator by means of a potentio-
meter. The method is very ingenious and might be feasible
if a proper organisation of shore stations were created, and
would be very useful in foggy weather. But therii are many
objections. Perhaps the most serious of the objections arises
out of the known fact that the electrical transparency of the
atmosphere is a variable quantity. Thus, on occasion, a ship
at H might conceivably, through atmospheric opacity, only
just perceive signal 17 from A, and signal 13 from B, instead of
signals 16 and 11. That is, the navigator would imagine his
ship at H' while it was actually at H. The known source
carried on board would not be of the slightest assistance. The
idtimate residt might be disastrous to the too trustful seaman.
Perhaps it may be suggested that the navigator would never
be misled into the dangerous orer-estimation of his distance
from shore, if the fixed stations were placed on lightships a
hundred miles, say, out to sea. Then, of course, increased
opacity of the atniosphere would lead to «n(Zer-estimates of the
distance to shore — the mariner would be on the safe side.
Unfortunately there are times, it is well known, of exceptional
clearness of atniosphere, times when signals carry much
further than is normal ; and in such times dangerous over-
estimates of the margin of safety would again occur. Ap-
parently the only way of avoiding these errors is for the navi-
gator never to rely on an estimate based on less than three
fixed stations — though here again we have to notice the
objection that the atmospheric opacity may sometimes be
different in different directions.
Some elaborate receiving circuits are described in J. S. Stone's
specifications Nos. 17,686, 17,690, and 17,695 of 1907. The
aim of the inventor is to arrange the mutual action and re-
actions of the aerial and its associated oscillatory circuits, so
as to obtain a high degxee of selectivity. Nos. 17,690 and
17,695 are variations upon 17,686, so it is suflicient to consider
the last. The inventor says : " I accomplish the objects of the
present invention by giving the elevated conductor system a
pronounced natural rate of vibration different from that of the
waves the energy of which is to be received, and, consequently,
different from that to which the associated tuned or resonant
Fig. 13.— J. S. Stone, No. 17,686/1907.
receiving circuit or circuits is attuned ; by making the elevated
conductor system highly responsive to persistent trains of
waves having the frequency of those the energy of which is to
be received and, consequently, the frequency to which the
associated tuned or resonant receiving circuit or circuits is
attuned ; and finally by conveying such natural oscillations as
may be developed in the elevated conductor by extraneous
electrical impulses of frequency different from that to which the
tuned or resonant receiving circuit or circuits is attuned ; or
such as may be developed therein by abrupt or impulsive
electrical forces, to earth around the means whereby said tuned
or resonant receiving circuit or circuits is associated with the
elevated conductor system."
In Fig. 13 VO is the vertical air- wire, OE and OE' are
oscillating branches, leading to earth. The oscillatory path
Fig. la.-R. A. Fessf.m.ex, Xc 4,709,1907.
OE' and the air-wire VO are given a common frequency different
from that of the waves to be received, so that when the air-
wire is vibrating in its fimda mental manner, the point 0
becomes a node of potential. On the other hand the oscillatory
path OE, which includes the oscillatory circuit IjCi is arranged
so as to have in combination with the part VO and OE' a
frequencv equal to that of the waves to be received. The
detector "circuit LCj is also given this latter frequency. The
consequence of this device is that the air-wire VO may oscillate
vigorously in its own natural period without disturbing the
path OE. On the other hand waves of the frequency it is
desired to receive will affect the circuit OE readily. The
inventor states that abrupt or impulsive forces — such as atmos-
pheric discharges, presumably — will produce but faint disturb-
172
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
ance in tlie detector circuit. But as a fact there does not
appear to be an)' valid reason why an arbitrary impulse should
pick out and agitate the path VO,OE' rather than the path
VOiOE.
In 4,709 (1907), R. A. Fessenden lays down a different way
of cuttint; out undesirable disturbance. Three resonant circuits
of slightly different periods, each having its own detector, are
coupled to the same air-wire. The current through each
■detector is passed through independent coils in the same
telephone. In Fig. 14, where amplitude of oscillation is
plotted on a wave-length base, the wave of length 0;? produces
the amplitudes aA, bB, cC in the three resonant circuits of
wave-length Oa, 0?), Oc. It is clear that the coUs on the tele-
phone can be so dimensioned that n\ +cC compensate &B. In
FiQ. 15.— G. W. Pierce, No. 5,351 1907.
other words the wave length Op will produce no effect at the
telephone. Suppose now that waves of length 06 instead of
Op are received. Then the new bB being at the peak of the
new curve is no longer annulled by aA and cC. The specifica-
tion describes various developments of this principle.
The details of several tuners have recently been published.
In 5,351 (1907), G. W. Pierce describes the interesting j)iece
of apparatus shown diagrammatically in Fig. 15. Here L^ is a
variable lengthening coil, Lo, Lg are variable inductances, and
are at the same time the primary and secondary of a trans-
former ; R is a detector and the Cs are variable condensers.
2
Fio. 16. -G. W. Pierce, No. 5,351/1907.
The apparatus may be used in several ways appropriate to
different occasions. If the operator is standing by, awaitincr
signals of unknown wave length, he should have the switch s"
over to the left and S^ open, so that the apparatus is in its least
selective position ; air-wire oscillations pass, of course, directlv
through the detector. If, again, sharp tuning to a knowk
sendmg station IS required, .Sj should be to the right, and S,
be closed. Oscillations then arise in the L.,Co circuit and induce
WwSl l' C^' ff'^'T' 'T'''^ ^^P '^ accomplished
b) \drymg L^, L.,, C, and L.. If on the other hand it becomes
necessary to cut out a station jamming the signals deshed X
Set tk: do ^ *-"'"^'' ^° '''" ^'*- I^ this position of Z
switch the detector is acted upon both by oscillations in the
aerial directly, and by oscillations induced in the LA circuit.
The phases of these 'oscillations are different, however, and,
therefore, the inventor says, tlie interfering station can be cut
out without cutting out the proper correspondent. This is
no doubt possible if the interfering station has a very different
wave length from the proper correspondent, even thougb the
former is nearer or stronger than the latter. In Fig. 16 are
some instructive curves. The ordinates are proportional to the
square of the received current. Curve 1 was obtained with
Lp L3, C2 and Cj fixed at their best, and with L., as the variable
abscissa ; curve 2 with L„ L3, C3 and C3 fixed and Lj as the
abscissa. The cirrves show that the sharpest resonance is
obtained by making the final tuning rest on variation of the
inductance of the transformer primary.
Fig. 17.-J. S. Stoxe, No. 4,123/1907.
In J. S. .Stone's specification No. 4,123 (1907), and in
Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Company and Franklin's specifi-
cation No. 12,960 (1907), are described tuners emploj'ing what
are called " intermediate " or " weeding-out " .circuits. Fig.
17 is a diagram of Stone's arrangement. In the oscillatory
circuits ABC the inductances are kept of fixed value, and the
tuning is accomplished by the variable condensers. The
couplings between the circuits AB and BC are variable separ-
ately. The detector circuit D may or may not be bridged by
the capacity shown in broken lines. The condensers used by
Stone are condensers with air as dielectric having the plates
Fio. 18.— Makcdni Companv, No. 12,690/1907.
mounted vertically in such a way that those of one sign can be
slid gradually from between the others. The Marconi Company's
tuner is shown in Fig. 18. Here a is an aerial, e an earth and
>■ a detector ; b is a part of the aerial inductance which is in-
dependent of the other circuits, c is the part that forms the
couplmg with the intermediate circuit, and g is an adjustable
condenser ; A and I are two equal invariable inductances and I
IS an adjustable condenser ; m is a fixed inductance and n an
ad] ustable condenser in the detector circuit. The coils h and k
are smaller than c and m, and are placed inside them. They
are fixed to one spindle so that the couplbgs of h to c and htom
can be varied precisely similarly. In using this tuner the
axes of ?i and k are set parallel to the axes of c and m and the
THE ELECTRICIAN, N0VE:\IBER 13, 1908.
173
aerial contacts adjusted to give the strongest signals : then
the capacity I is adjusted and then the capacity h. The
couplings c-h, k-m are now loosened by rotating h and k, and,
if necessary, the above processes repeated. Since h and k are
inductances of known fixed value, the variable condenser can
be graduated so as to read wave lengths directly. Provision is
also made for a mode of estimating the strength of received
signals, bv reading the angle of rotation of the coupling coils.
It will be seen that the intermediate circuit has a non-
periodic part hk. In this respect Stone's arrangement of his
intermediate circuit seems better.
The GeseUschaft fiir Drahtlose Telegraphic in 8,364 (1907)
explain some of their- devices for obtaining good syntony.
When high-resistance detectors are employed, such as the
electrolytic, the heavy damping produced by the detector in
its circuit detracts from the sharpness of resonance. Fig. 19
Fig. 19. — Gesellscuaft fur Drathlose Tblegraphie, No. 8.364/1907.
shows a very excellent way of minimising this disadvantage of
high-resistance detectors. The figure almost explains itself.
The inductances 6 and 8 — the latter adjustable — in series with
the condenser 7 form a resonant circuit coupled inductively to
the air-wire. During receiving, rough tuning of the aerial is
first done by varying the inductance 2 and the capacity 4 ;
then the coupling 3 to 6 is reduced, the adjustable inductance 8
is increased, and the adjustable capacity 7 diminished to get an
optimum. The rate of damping is controlled, in a rough
sense, by the proportion of the inductance 6 to the inductance 8.
(To be concluded)
THE TESTING OF ALTERNATORS.*
BY S. P. SMITH, B.SC.
Summary. — After showing the sources of faUure and incorrectness of
the existing methods of testing alternators on short circuit, the author
proceeds to expound a method ^^hereby the actual full-load conditions
can be exactly imitated by supplying the total losses, and the accurate
temperature rise and efficiency be thus obtained.
Although there are cases on record of large alternators being tested
by the Hopkinson method,f it cannot be regarded as a method .suit-
able for everyday use in a practical test house, where economy and
urgency are the governing features. This has rendered it necessary
to divide a single large alternator electrically into two units, namely,
into a generator unit and a motor unit, and to circulate power between
these units. For this purpose various methods have been proposed,
of which, however, only a few have been successful in practice. In
1905 the author published an article on " The Testing of Alterna-
tors,"!: in which the various schemes of connections proposed by him
will be found. An editorial note summarising the article appeared in
the same number of The Electrician-. Since that time the author
has had an opportunity of extending the methods he then proposed
by numerous tests on large alternators, as a consequence of which a
satisfactory and practical method, here described, has been developed
and the whole made capable of accurate calculation.
As far as the author is aware, the only method which has been used
to any extent in testing modern alternators under full-load conditions
by supplying the losses to the short-circuited machine is that due to
Behrend (Behrend's original article appeared in The Electriclwi,
Vol. LII., p. 248.). This method is especially popular in America,
■and consists merely in splitting up the field into two halves. The
full load exciting ciu-rent is then passed through each branch, and by
metliods can be rejected in favour of the following, which was the
gradually reducing the current in the one branch (the current in the
other branch remaining constant), the current in the .short-circuited
armature coUs can be raised to any desired value. It was in attempt-
ing to carry out this test the author was led to see its weaknesses and
make the following modification.* To explain this. Fig. 1 has been
drawn to illustrate diagrammatically the magnetic unbalancing of the
machine when tested by the Behlend method. With high speed
machines severe vibrations are set up. so that it is absolutely im-
possible to run the machines under operating conditions.
Fig. 2 shows the author's modification of Behrend's method. Tlic
field is still split up into two halves, but the motor or weakly-excited
poles are symmetrically interspersed amongst the generator or
strongly-excited poles, so that the whole revolving system is balanced
with respect to the shaft. Although this proved successful mechani-
cally, even for a high speed machine, electrically the results are not
satisfactory for the following reasons: — First, as regards the rotor.
Fig. 1. — DiAGP.A.M showing Unbalanced Stressis in 1!
Resultant iii;igiieti<
No-load conilitions .
Sliort-:?irciiit comlit
X = North Pole.
BMBKXDs Method.
16-pole machine,
pull = Pull on generator sidt?- Pull on motor ;
S=South Pole.
.f > ~ Flux in geut-rator pole due to field ampere-turns.
■■** I -^ = Flux in motor pole du to field ampere-turns.
( <-^ = Resultant fiux in generator pole due to field and
J armature anipcre-turn.s.
I ->~^ = Resultant flux in motor pole due to field and
armature ampere-l
since only half of the field coils carry the full-load current, it is
obvious that the proper heating will only occur on these poles, whilst
the heating of the motor poles which, according to the above tests,
never carry more than 10 to 20 per cent, of the normal exciting current
is quite negligible. Jloreover, many machines which have to be
tested by some such method as the above have an exciter, which must
also be tested at the same time. Now it is quite clear that the
Behrend method is of very httle use for testing the latter machine.
It is even better to run the alternator over-excited on open cucuit.
It is, however, as regards the stator that the method discloses its
greatest weakness. Although with the full-load arniattne cuircnt we
get the proper copper loss in the stator, it is doubtful whether the
temperature rise of the latter will be correct on account of the core
I
Hi/
Generator /\ ^ j / -•'AMotcr
* Abstract of a Paper read, on Nov. 12, at a meeting of the Birmingham
.Local Section of the Institution of Electrical Engmeers.
t See The Electriciax. Vol. LVI., pp. 872 and 930.
t The Electkiclvn, Vol. LV.. p. .")0s.
Fig. 2.— Adthou's Modific.\tion fob Balancing Unequal Magnetic
Stresses in Behrkxd's Method.
16-poIe machine.
losses not being the same as under actual full-load conditions, those
due to the motor poles (excited mth something less than 20 per cent.
of the normal current) being of very Httle consequence. The effect
of this is well shown in Fig. 4, where a curve is given comparing the
temperatiu-e rise of the stator core when tested by Behrend's method
with that under actual conditions.
Author's Method of Testing Alternators. — The same objections
apply to the author's modification of Behrend's test, and both these
* See The Eiectbiciajj, Vol. LV., p. 508, for the author's original
article.
174
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
alternatives sujrizestod in the author's article previously referred to*
In tliat paper it will be seen that Behrend's test was described as
" Tests with Unequal Fields Unbalanced," and the author's modi-
fication as •• Tests with Unequal Fields Balanced." The alternative
method described as " Tests with Equal Fields Balanced " will now
be considered. A more correct title would be " Tests with Fields due
to Equal Exciting Currents Balanced."
From the forcsoing it will be quite clear that the essentials are that
there is no dangerous resultant magnetic pull with respect to the rotor
shaft, and full load exciting current with full-load armature current
and full-load core losses. To illustrate the method an actual example
may be taken. In Fig. 3 the scheme of connections u.sed in a 48-polc
machine is shown diagrammatically. .All the poles are in series and
carry the full-load exciting current, hence we have at once full heating
on the rotor, together with the exciter working under normal full-
load conditions. Of these 48 i)(>les. four groups are reversed, these
groups consisting of t«-o sets of 4 poles diametrically opposite and two
sets of 5 poles at riglit angles to these. Hence in all there are 18 poles
reversed and 30 poles connected as for normal working. The latter
are the generator poles and the former the motor poles. Thus there
are 30 generator poles versus 18 motor poles. Under these conditions
full-load current flowed through the short-circuited armature when
fuU-load exciting current was sent through the field coils, hence,
provided the heating of the armature core is correct, there is little
doubt about the heating of the stator copper, consequently the
criterion of the test is the stator iron loss or core heating.
In Fig. 4 a set of curves is given showing the temperature rise at
back of stator core, c\ll curves being taken with the sam.e armature and
field current, except that referring to the Behrend test, which has
already been considered. Of the remaining four curves, two were
taken on a dead load of 470 Inv. at unity power factor, and two by
tions, whilst Fig. 5 shows that the open-circuit characteristic with 7
poles reversed is merely the normal open-circuit characteristic to
reduced scale.
Pre-determination of Number of Poles to be Reversed. — It" is
obvious that the current in the short-circuited stator will encounter
practically the same inpedanee as in the ordinary short-circuit tesrt;
with reduced field. Hence the E.M.F. induced by the resultant flux
must equal the impedance volts : or what is practically the same
tiling numerically, the reactance volts; i.e.. the E.M.F. induced in
the generator section must exceed that induced in the motor section
by an amount equal to the reactance volts on full load, in order that
full-load current may flow in the short-ciicuited armature. From
the cscillograph curves it is seen that the flux in a motor pole is con-
Fh;. 3. — 1)i.m:k.vmm.\ti(' RErRESENT.\TioN OF THE Author's Method
OK Testinu Altei»'ators.
■IS poles. 30 generator poles versus 18 motor poles.
using the author's method — that is, 18 motor poles versus 30 genera-
tor poles. The dotted part of the upper curve was obtained by
extrapolation, whilst the other curve taken by the author's method is
plotted from the results of an inspection test. That the temperature
rise was the same as on actual load is at once evident from an inspec-
tion of the curves. In addition to this, the iron loss was measured on
open circuit, both when the machine was excited with the poles
normally connected and when 18 were reversed, by reading the input
to the driving motor. This was found to be approximately the same
in each case. (See Fig. 5.) In the above test it will be noticed that
the rotor was opened at 8 places (Fig. 3). It could equally w'ell have
been opened at 4 places, provided the proper ratio of motor to
generator poles were maintained. An experiment showed that it
is essential to have the rotor balanced, even in slow-speed machines,
and for this purpose the minimum number of openings in the rotor
is four, namely, two diametrically opposite groups reversed.
It is not always necessary, however, to have a complete balance.
Thus with an 18 pole, 72 in. bore alternator, at 333 revs, per min.
it was desbed to run the heating test with the losses on full load at a
power factor of 0-8. For this purpose it was necessary to have 7
motor poles versus 1 1 generator poles. The connections were there-
fore made as follows : The field was split up into four groups of 6
poles, 4 poles, 5 poles, 3 poles, and the two almost opposite sections of
4 and 3 poles were reversed. There was no unpleasant shaking on
test due to this combination, whilst on open circuit no vibration what-
ever was perceptible with the field fully excited. Fig. 5 shows the
results of various tests taken on this machine. Of chief interest are
the curves representing the ii'on losses when the field is excited nor-
mally and when 7 poles are reversed. From these it will be seen that
these losses are not very different in the two cases ; the author's test
seems to have given them somewhat on the safe side. The flux distri-
bution in the above machine is shown by the oscillograph curves
given in the Paper. With 7 poles reversed, it is seen (Figs. 6 and 7)
that the terminal wavejhas the same shape as under normal condi-
C03<t'
Ill
A
<J^
Tv
^
^
^
"■ 1
.4^
w^^
-III
III
v^#^?
'-- '
i
/ry^
AUb
0-5 10 1-5 2 0 2 5 30 30 4'0 4-5 50 5-6 60
//ours
Fig. 4. — Curves Showini: Temperature Rise of Stator Core iif
SiMii^vR Machines Tested ey Various Methods.
Machines I. and II. tested on dead load. IIIa- an<I IV. by author's method, Ills
by Behx end's method.
siderably larger than that in a generator pole, consequently a much
larger E.M.F. will be produced by one of the former poles than by one
of the latter. A still fm'ther number of generator poles will therefore
be required to counterbalance the larger E.M.F. induced by the motor
flux, in addition to the number of generator poles necessary to over-
come the reactance volts. Hence if x= number of pole-pairs in
generator section, i/= number of pole-pairs in motor section, E^=
E.M.F. induced by one pole-pair in generator section, Em= E.M.F.
induced by one pole-pair in motor section, Ej= reactance volts on
full load, -n-e have x .'EgXy . Em=Es. In this equation Ej is calcu.
■1,500
4,000
• The Electrician, Vol. LV., p.
Sxcitinif Amps.
F\r. 5.— SiiowiNo Normal Oi-ex-circuit, Short-circuit axd Iron
Loss Curves as given by Author's Test.
lated from the machine data. E, and E,„ can be found from the open-
circuit characteristic, so^ that there only remain unknown x and y.
Now, it is obvious that, owing to the reduction of the flux wherever
there are consequent poles, namely, at the openings, the sum x + y
will be less than p, where p is the number of pole-pairs in the machine.
VirtuaUy, at every opening, one pole— made up of two half -poles— is
lost, neglecting for the time being the effect of saturation and arma-
ture reaction; consequently x + y=p-q where q equals half the
number of pole openings.
To find E„ and E,„— the E.IM.F.'s induced by a pair of generator
poles and motor poles respectively— we have merelv to take the
algebraic difterence or sum of the field ampere-turns and the stator
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
175
ampere-tiirns, and from the open-circuit characteristic read off the
corresponding E.M.F.'s per pole-pair. The effect of armature re-
action and saturation, liowever, cannot be neglected, and it is shown
that the magnitude of this effect may be found with .sufficient
accuracy by taking half the difference of E,„ and E„. That is to .say.
if ^B,- denotes the voltage at each opening due to armature reaction,
then 4E,= i(E„,-E„) or E,.= E,„-E^: hence, with (/ pairs of open-
ings the voltage added to the motor section will be q . E,.. Introduc-
ing this correction for armature reaction and saturation in the first
equation we get t . E„ — (y . E,„-l-7 . E,.) = E,. All the necessary
factors for solving the above equation can now be determined, and
we can proceed to predict how many poles have to be reversed for
testing the machine under any given conditions. An example is
worked out by the author.
Determination nf the Losses and Efficiency. — To find the efficiency
one has merely to measure the input to the ch-iving motor when tlie
alternator is running on short-circuit, with full-load current circulat-
ing in the stator and normal exciting current in the field coils, then*
Fig. 6.— Terminal VoLT.KiE .\nd Field (Jirve on Open Circuit
TAKEN WITH PoLES AREANfiED FOB AutHOR's TeST.
deducting from this the input to the driving motor when running light
and uncoupled, tlie total losses in the alternator and exciter are at
once „l,tained (Jn case no exciter is present, the excitation losses
must be added to the other losses, as usual.)
As an illustration, the case of a 177 kw. machine tested in this wav
may be taken. The input to driving motor was measured as follows •
r^".>"'"i^.^'£ -'n'J uncoupled=.5-5kw.; driving alternator and
exciter l'ght+= / -0 kw. ; driving alternator normally excited on open
cucuit (including excitation losses=2-9 kw.)=16-4 kw • drivina
alternator on short-circuit under full-load conditions (including
oxcaation losses=4.3 kw.)=214 kw. From these mea.sm-eme itt
the losses can be analysed thus :—
Windage and friction loss=7-0-.5-5 = 1.5 kw.=0-9 per cent.
Alternator u-on loss (16-4-2-9)-7-0=6-5 kw. = 3-7 per cent
Stator copper los.s (21-4-4-3)-(16-4-2-9) = 3-6 kw =2 per' cent
Excitation loss 4-3 kw. = 2-4 per cent. - pei cent.
Total loss 21-4-5-5 = 15-9 = 9 per cent
Efficiency at full Inarl - output
177
= 91-
f .,, output -H 2 losses ^7-^15■9
It will be seen how the efficiency can accurately be determined l,y
I J-^ i> -u|,|,lMnL. ;ni,l m,.a,su,ing the total losses. Indeed, tliis
,^^,i""l '" """■'' 'M '■'"''■ I" IIh' usual synthetic method of finding the
■1 ""^'•^ -'I'M, iirly anil ail.fing them together. The efliciencv
Fig. 7.-Fiei,ij Curve o.n Short circuit, taken with iUcHiNE
ON Author's Test. Terminal Voltage=0.
at any other load can be obtained either by suitably altering the
W Tw th r, '" f""' "'"°"- °^ '^'^ ^'^ -i-^-d fr'om tie a'bo"
Sdbefil^k V T f'°"^"y- 'r^^"« ^t '^■■^'f l°^d the iron los
wSie anrf T;; ■' ^'f f .^"PP^-- lo«« 0-9 kw., excitation loss 3-6 kw.,
winaage and friction 1-5 kw total lr,=aou io k i j ^e •
88-5/88-5 + 12-5= 87-5 per ern't ' efficiency
JliLtT^n\u"""^T' ""'^l''-^ "^^^"^ °f the author's test the
afcuratei han f ^'""''^*°f °^" be determined far more quieklv and
annlLabJfor fi I' ^7^ ° ''"' Practical- method, and is thus nol only
brSSbrj' '? "• ' 'T^^'^^"' °" "P'^'^^ the stator-that is, on
h 'sif ,-r'''"T^ -',''"■■" ^^-'h obviously be a rise of pressure at
1 ttt on?'" ^ "' '''■^^ ^'"^ f°""^' to correspond very nearly
«ith tliat on zero power factor, and can theivf,,,-,. 1,,' „sed foi finding
t^ns regulation, although sufficient tests ha v. „. „ . ,. ■.'„ ea ired Z
in thi.s direction to enable any definite rule ,„ Ik- d, duced On tl e
regulf,:^' ''"^ "''""' '°™^ ^ ^^'-We check on thrcaliled
T ine machine \\.i- , xrii,.,i tn snmo I )■„ = ' ^ •
pressure to allow t,,,- , i,rt- i ° ^ P^'' ™°*- "^ excess ot normal
pleasure, to allow tui additional magnetic losses on load.
PR0GBES8 IN ELECTRIC LIGHTING.
Metallic Filament Lamps.
The subject of lighting is one which is naturally always of
great interest to the electrical engineer. At the present 'time
it is e.spedally absorbing, and we have, therefore, thought it
well to give some details of the recent progi'ess in this direc-
tion. In what follows we first deal with the newer metallic
h anient lamps, then give some interesting details kindly sup-
plied by the engineers of the results obtained from this class
of lamp for street lighting purposes, and thirdly give a n'swnS
ol arc lamp development, a matter which is more fully dealt
with in the current issue of our Industrial Supplemext In
the second part of the article we give .some fresh details of
already well-known metallic filament lamps, and in conelu-
sioii some novel and interesting fittings for both arc and
metallic filament lamps are described.
At this period of its existence it is a hard task to write with
the necessary verve and flowing periods on the metallic fila-
ment lamp. Having passed through a meteoric period of
infancy, this lamp is now steadily expanding its field of useftd-
ne.ss, though the startling developments beloved by the jour-
nalist are not so frequent as was once the case, "its gi-owth
has not been without difficulties, while its adversaries have been
strenuous. This Spartan upbringing has, if we may judge by
results, been all for the best and it is only necessary to review
the progress that has been made within the last .six months
in spite of the fact that this has included the summer, for the
real improvement in the metallic lamp industry to be seen.
If it is not yet possible to talk very definitely about the
benefits of the Manchester Exhibition, we mav still do well to
note the large place which metallic lamps occupied in its
general economy. Doubtless, from the point of view of actual
exhibits, motors were in the ascendant, but if the lighting of
the stands, aisles and exterior be considered, the palm would
probably fall to the lamps, while at the same time the arranse-
ment of the Exhibition and the absence of natural illumination
allowed them to be shown off to the best advantage.
We have introduced the above paragraph with fear and
trembling, for we are sure by this time that everyone has had
enough of exhibitions and that the stallholders, after a month
of educating the uninitiated in Lancashire, have returned to their
homes with joy and gladness. It may not, however, be out of
place as a corollary to this to couside in more detail the ad-
vances that have been made as regards improvements in exist-
ing, and developments in new, metallic filament lamps.
Let us take the last subject first. In our issue of Mav 1. 1908,
we published an article which attempted as faithfully as
possible to summarise the posi+ion at that time. Since then,
however, several names have been added to the list and the
new lamps thus placed on the market pcssess several points of
interest.
First and foremost on the list comes the B.T.-H. tungsten
lamp which, at the time of our last article was in a chrysallis
stage and not to be described. Since then, however, "it has
blossomed out into full flower, to mix the metaphor, and full de-
tails are available. These lamps are manufactured in Rugby
by the British Thom.sox-Houstox Co.. and as evidence of
their modern birth their ability to burn with either direct or
alternate current, and in any position, may be cited. Their
efficiency is about 1] watts per candle powe'r and the life 1,000
hours. As B.T.-H. lamps have not yet been made suitable
for burning singly on voltages above 125 volts, special arrange-
ments are necessary for series working. Lamps for this pur-
pose are marked with a series number and no two lamps diflfer-
ing in series number by more than two should be burned
together.
Among these new lumps, or rather among thos-j which were
not included in our last article, is the " Metabk " lamp of
Messrs. G. M. Boddy & Co., of Liverpool. This limp, which,
we understand, has had the efltect of terrorising station engi-
neers, is made suitable for burning on circuits "whose voltage
does not exceed 250, though this high voltage lamp is not sup-
17G
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
pliod at candle powers lower than 50 c.p. The low voltage
lamp, suitable for voltages not exceeding 70, is made in sizes
as low as 16 c.p. This last lamp is one on which the eye should
be kept, metaphorically speaking, and we understand that the
16 c.p. 100 volt lamp nuiy shortly be expected.
The ''Premier" British-made metallic filament lamp manu-
factured by the Pkemikr Electric Lamp Co. ,of Huy ton Quarry,
near Liverpool, is another new comer. This firm will be remem-
bered as makers of the well-known "Premier" carbon filament
lamps, and they have lately turned their attention to metallic
filament lamps with, doubtless, satisfactory results. The
consumption of these British made lamps has been reduced as
low as 1 watt per c.p., while the life, it is claimed, averages
1,000 hours. The Premier Electric Lamp Co. have also dis-
covered the secret, for it is still a secret to most people, of pre-
venting blackening in their lamps. This is certainly a great
point in its favour, and the makers are to be congratulated on
their discovery. They have also found a satisfactory method
of stiffening and anchoring the filaments, so that they become
more sturdy and the number of breakages is thereby reduced.
The Premier lamp can be burned in any position, and is suit-
able for working with both direct and alternating currents.
The liigh-voltage lamp has not yet made its appearance,
though we expect this is only a question of time, but the exist-
ing lamps are both cheap and efficient, the consumption per
candle power being rather over one watt for all voltages and
candle powers.
Another new comer is the Sloan Electrical Co., and they,
like many of their predecessors , will not say of what their
lamps are made ; thus the inherent curiosity of the journalist
has to go unappeased and we can give our readers no informa-
tion on this point. The Sloan Electrical Co. turn out the
" Meta " lamp in candle powers down to 25 c.p. and voltages
up to 250 volts. The cry that the metallic filament lamp can
only be burnt in one position will soon be a thing of the past,
for nearly all the makers appear to have succeeded in making
their lumps suitable for burning in any position, including the
Sloan Electrical Co. This is one improvement which may be
noticed as having taken place since our last article was written,
for at that time we were calling attention in many cases to the
desirability of stating beforehand for what work the lamps
would be retpiired.
The Arjiorduct Mfc. ('o. have launclied out with their
" Gral " lamp in a new direction as far as metallic filament
lamps are concerned, for they turn out their filament enclosed
in bulbs very various in shape. Th;s departure cainiot fail to
be a success, for though standardisation is doubtless an excel-
lent thing, it may be carried too far. In all cases, too, the
actual size of the bulb is smaller, a matter which cannot
but help towards its adoption for domestic purposes. Again
we are faced with 1 watt per candle power as a figure for the
efficiency. The 'consumption is higher for a lamp at the
beginning of its life and it has been found that a much better life
is obtained by proportioning the lamp to have a consumption
of, say, 1-1 watts per c.p. atthc outset, the efficiency increasing
to 1 watt per c.p., than to aim at the lower figure in the first
case. The " Gral " lamp is also being made for voltages up to
about 25 volts in a number of fancy shapes. Electric lighting
nowadaj^s enters so much into schemes of decoration that these
lamps are finding an ever-increasing application. And as they
must of necessity be burnt in series their low voltage puts them
at no disadvantage with carbon filament lamps, while their
greater efficiency is a very sufficient i'econnnenda*-ion. In
connection with the " Gral " lamp special attention may be
drawn to the method of supporting the filament which is effec-
ted by platinum spring hooks, providing a very elastic suspen-
sion. The " Gral " lamp is made in candle powers as low as
20 c.p. for 100 volts and 40 c.p. for 200 volts, while its price
compares favourably with that of its competitors.
I Another firm who have recently turned their attention to
metallic filament lamps are Messrs. Marples, Leach & Co.
Their " Adnil " lamp is certainly rather out of the ordinary,
and possesses many points which those interested in the sub-
ject would do'well to study. First, the filament is suspended
in a .special manner which, it is claimed, renders it less liable to
damage. There is no doubt that at the beginning of its career
the metallic filament lamp suffered considerably from delicacy,
but it would now appear, from the insistence of makers on the
fact, that these initial difficulties have been overcome, and the
lamp is now as sturdy as could be wished. In many lamps
trouble has been experienced from premature blackening of
the bulb. In the " Adnil " lamp this difficulty is overcome
by the employment of a mysterious white deposit on the central
glass stem. This substance, whatever it may be, is prepared
bv a secret process ; in fact, no metallic filament lamp is com-
plete without at least one secret process. This particular
preparation has a favourable effect on the life of the lamp,
which is 'approximately 1,000 hours. The efficiency is in this
case about 1 -25 watts per English candle power.
Then there is the " Sirius-Efesca " lamp, the latter part of
which name is derivable acrostically from that of its makers,
Messrs. Falk, Stadelmann & Co. this lamp is of the tungsten
class, and, it is claimed, embodies all the features which are
thought necessary in the modern metallic filament lamp. For
instance, it gives" a pure white light, has a long life, frequently
as long as 2^000 hours, an infinitesimal heat radiation, and is
equally suitable for both alternating and direct current. This
last point marks another step along the road of progress which
has been made during the last six months. Many of the pre-
liminary difficulties in this direction have been overcome, and
the conquest of the remainder is, we feel sure, merely a matter
of time. Another improvement which has lately.been made, and
which is noteworthy in connection with the " Sirius-Efesca "
lamp is the modification in the shape of the bulb. At one time
the long, sausage shape bulb was de rigueur for the metallic fila-
ment, but this convention has now been disregarded, and many
smaller and even fancy shapes are being put on the market.
The " Sirius-Efesca " lamp is supplied in both the pear and
globular shapes. LTp to the present this lamp has not been
made for voltages exceeding 130, but this is only a temporary
stopping place, and it is hoped that a lamp capable of connec-
tion to all circuits whose voltage does not exceed 2.30 volts will
soon be an accomplished fact.
The ''Solium" lamp, or, in other words, the "metallic lain])
with the little safety spring," was one of the few metallic iila-
ment lamps shown at the Ideal Home Exhibition, where its
presence was certainly most appropriate. In this lamp the
expansion of the filament when heated is taken up by a small '
spiral spring enclosed in the central support which in this case
is a glass tube. By this means, it is claimed, the filament is
always kept at the same tension, whatever its position or tem-
perature, with the result that a good deal of extra solidity is
imparted to the lamp. The spring is particularly useful in
absorbing vibration, a form of disease to which many of the
earlier metallic filament lamps were particularly subject. In
the manufacture of the "Solium" lamp ve understand that great
attention has been paid to detail, with the result that longevity,
economy and absence of blackening have been secured. The
lamp burns equally well on direct and alternating currents, has
the usual efficiency of about 1-2 watts per candle power and
can be supplied suitable for burning on ciicuits whose voltage
does not exceed 260 volts. This lamp, with its particularly
interesting spring, is now being manufactured at Nottingham
and is being supplied by the Calux Electric Co.
A firm that has for long been justly renowned for its carbon
filament lamps and has lately turned its attention to metallic
filament lamps, it is to be hoped with the same success, is the
Sunbkam Lajip Co. Their lamp, which is distinguished from
all others by having, so far as we know, no fancy name, is of
the tungsten type. It shows the modern tendency by being of
a more artistic shape than has been usual and is suitable for
voltages h-om 25 to 250 volts and for candle powers from 8 to
100 c.p. The lower candle powers are, of course, only obtain-
able on low \-oltages. This is a point to which lam]i makers
might, and probably are, paying a good deal of attention.
Other difficulties have been so satisfactorily got over that the
advent of the low candle power and high voltage metallic fila-
ment lamp is only a question of time. The Sunbeam lamp,
THE ELECTRICrAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
1-
like most of its forbears, sticks to the well-known fiuuros for
efficiency and life, but it possesses the advantage of liciiring a
well-known name whicli should give it a good start along the
road to fame.
The '■ J. S." tungsten lamp turned out by Messrs. .Julius
Sax & Co. is among the most recent of the many recent new-
comers. It is claimed that this lamp has an exceptionally
strong filament, enabling it to be burnt in any position, while
its efficiency is M watts per candle-power. Although tliesc
lamps are also being made for 100 volts, Messrs. Julius Sax's
speciality is the 25 volt lamp. These lamps are being supplied
in a variety of types, sizes and shapes, and should find a useful
application in most of the new methods of illumination.
So much then for the new lamps, all of which contain points
of interest to technical readers and whose development will
be now watched along with those that have been on the market
for a considerable time and whose details are already a matter
of common knowledge. Some of these older lamps have,
however, been improved to some extent and we give else-
where in this article some account of these developments.
Prominent among such lamps are those of the Stearn Electric
Lamp Co., the General Electric Co., the Allgemeine Elektrici-
tiits GeseUschaft, the British Westinghouse Co. and the
Bryant Trading Syndicate, further reference to whose lamps
will be found below.
Street Lightixg with Met.^llic Filame.vt Lamps.
In the preceding jsaragraphs of this article we have dealt
with the metallic filament lamp from the sellers' point of view.
With this idea in mind we have tried to bring before our readers
the salient points of each lamp and thus to allow them from
these details to choose the lamp best suited to their needs..
It may, however, be of some interest to look at the question
from another jioint of view, that of the user. Data on this
score is hard to collect, for the ordinary householder has
neither the time nor inclination to make records of the life or
efficiency of the lamps he employs, and even if he did they
would perhaps hardly be utilisable. We are, however, through
the kindness of a number of supply engineers, able to put for-
ward some very interesting details on these points. The
figures given have been supplied by them and represent in
general the results of records made on the subject. The
metallic filament lamp being particularly efficient in higher
lighting units, from 25 c.p. upwards, is readily adaptable to
street lighting, and as readers of The Electrician are aware
is being more and more used for this purpose in many of the
smaller towns.
An engineer in the London area has very kindly supplied
us with the following figures relating to Osram and
tantalum lamps: — 168 of the former and 848 of the latter
are installed, making a total of 1,016. At the end of 1,200
hours, 84 of the original Osram and 285 of the original
tantalum lamps were still in use — i.e., 50 per cent, of the
origmal Osram lamps and 33^^ per cent, of the original
tantalum lamps were still in working order. The former
lamps costs 2s. ll|d. each and the latter Is. 10]d. each, so
that the difference in the actural cost of renewals, when the
average life is considered is but slight, while the consumption
of the tantalum lamp is 40 watts and of the Osram lamp
28 watts for equivalent candle-power.
Another engineer in the London area informs U5 that the un-
dertaking with which he is connected have changed all their
street incandescent carbon lamps, and are using Osrams.
Formerly, a double bracket had two 16 c.p. carbon lamps, now
there is one "jQ c.p. Osram; consequently, while the number
of posts has been kept the same and the light has increased
50 per cent., yet the number of lamps has been halved, and
the number of failures decreased — a point often overlooked.
The units per post are now 43 percent, of what they were, and
the amount obtained per post is reduced to 65 per cent, of that
previously received. The average life to-day is 1,019 hours,
but lamps recently purchased give a much longer average than
this. The cost of lamp renewals per post is 10s. lid., and the
units used per post per annum is 210. With the carbon fila-
ment lamp, the average life was 703 hours, and the cost of
lamp renewals per post was 3s. 8d. The units per post were
then 490, or for equal candle-power 770 units would have been
required. The}' are, therefore, supplying for the same candle-
power 560 units less per annum, and with an increase of
7s. 'All. per annum in lamp renewals.
The following table gives some interesting details of the
Osram lamps employed in this district : —
Incandewn/ Sln-et Li;/litiv;i.
Details
■ Csram lamps. ,
50 c.p. 105 volts. 50c.p. 210 volts.
55 ... 63
21670 ... 2^8-22
2,903 li.mrs ... 1,078 liours
1,205 hours ... 720 liours
3-2697 ... 5-4722
Consumption in watts per lamp
B.T.U. per lamp per annum...
Max. life of lamp on circuit ...
Aver, life of lamp on circuit...
No. lamp changes per an. ave.
Cost of B.T.U. per lamp per
annum 18s. Ofd. nearly
Cost of Lamp changes per an-
num aver.age 9s. 6.U1. ,,
Cose of globe renewals per
lamp per annum, avei-age ...
Trimmers' and assistants'
wages per lamp per annum
Total cost per lamp per annum £2. 3s. Tjil.
Total hours per annum 3,940
Total lamps 144
Total wages per annum £1C8 0
Is
15s
£2. 3s. '
£1. Os. 8j(l. nearly
£1. 2s. 4(1. „
15s.
C2. 19s. Ojil.
In Canterbury, again, 92 Osram lamps liave been used for
street lighting and have been kept under observation since
September, 1907. Their average life worlvs out at 1,847 hours,
and as a number of the original lamps are still burning this
figure is not the limit. The lamps are left in position until
they fail, or until their candle power falls to a very considerable
extent. Tantalum and " Aegma " lamps are also being
used with the same satisfactory results as to life, though no
exact figures are yet available. Four hundred metallic filament
lamps are at present in use and the whole of the street incan-
descent lighting will in the near future be effected by these
means, replacing the gas lamps which are at present employed.
Mr. Blascheck, the chief engineer, finds that the types of
metallic filament lamp mentioned above answer admirably for
street lighting purposes. Breakages are few in number, once
the lamp is in position, although no special arrangement is
fitted to prevent vibration. An interesting point is that the
lamps appear to burn better when exposed to the open air. All
the tungsten lamps are of the 115 volt type and are run two in
series off 220 volts. This slight underrunning helps, no doubt,
to prolong the life. The tantalum lamps are also worked
two in series off 220 volts.
At Horsham, too, similar satisfactory results are obtained
with the tantalum lamp. The lamps used are of the 120
volt 23 c.p. type connected two in series across 230 volts.
Mr. Morgan, the engineer, places the life of the lamps at over
1,000 hours, and even when the lamps are underrun the illu-
mination is still very good. Some 600 lamps are in use and
900 lamps have been used during the year, the street lamps
burning just over 2,500 hours per annum. To ensure the best
results each lamp is tested on receipt and is then paired. When
one lamp of a pair fails the other is also removed and ex-
amined. If it appears in good condition it is put by for use on
or near the works, where it can easily be kept under observa-
tion. Mr. Morgan looks forward to the advent of the 230 volt
32 c.p. tantalum lamp, and is further of the opinion that
station engineers will greatly benefit by the metallic filament
lamp owing to the loss co.st of this form of lighting. He looks
to the time when the higli voltage metallic filament lamp at a
cheap price will become an accomplished fact, and thinks that
this desirable consummation will prove a great boon to supply
engineers.
At Hawick 822 tantalum and 25 Osram lamps are fitted.
The former aie of the 25 c.p. type and are placed two
on each po.st. The Osrams are of the 50 c.p. type. The
former type of lamp run two in series off 240 volts, while the
Osram lamps burn singly on the same circuit. The average
life of the.se lamps, which were only installed in May last, has
so far been 821 hours, but as 10 of the origmal lamps are still
burning this figui'c is likely to be further raised. From the
178
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
experience of Mr. A. N. Rye, the engineer at Hawick, there
does not seem to be very mucli to choose between tantalum
and Osrani lamps wlien cverytliinji is taken into con-
sideration.
At Swindon, tantalum lamps have been in use since
November, 1905. About 500 lamps have been used and
have had an average life of 715 hours. Those figures show
that even over long periods this class of lamp comes oiit
well as regards longevity. These lamps were fitted in ordi-
nary converted gas lanterns with no special arrangements for
taking up vibration. A large number of Osram lamps are
now being installed, the specially designed "Swindon" bracket
shown in Figs. 1 and 2 being used for this purpose. This bracket
is made by the Reason Mfg. Co. As these lamps have been in
use for so short a time no figures are yet available.
At Penarth about 250 metallic filament lamps are used for
street lighting, the majority of which are tantalum lamps
burning in series, though series burning and high-voltage
j29
«
Fig. 1. - The " Swindon " Fittinu Fig. 2.—" Swindon " Street Light-
Fou Tdnusten Lamps. ing Fitting for Metallic Filament
(Reason Mfg. Co.) Lamps. (Reason Mfg. Co.)
; fuU size.
tungsten lamps are also used. Mr. H. Cameron finds the Ufe
of tungsten lamps exceedingly high, some of his series-burning
lamps having reached a life of 3,600 hours. Some of the high-
voltage lamps have been on circuit as long as 2,000 hours.
Arc: L.\i\ip Develop.ments.
[ The outstanding feature of are lamp progress durin" the
past 12 months is the development of the flame lamp. While
there is undoubtedly a large business being done with open
and enclosed type lamps, the flame pattern is first favourite,
at any rate for street purposes, and is largely coming into vogue
for industrial service. In the Industrial Supplement this
month we publish somewhat full details of the principal flame
arc lamps which are at present on the market, and we must
refer interested readers to those pages.
The Westinghouse type of lamp is of considerable interest
in that under the auspices of the Westinghouse interests the
flame lamp, as we now know it, was fti'st developed. The
original " Bremer" pattern of lamp has been discarded fora
much simpler arrangement, which gives every satisfaction in
practice. The control mechanism has been reduced to the
simplest possible form, and, judging by the burning of the
lamps during the Manchester Electrical Exhibition, it is highly
efficient under all circuit conditions. The British Westing-
house Co. have a magazine lamp in hand which they will
.shortly put on the market.
Considering the flame lamp situation generally, the problem
of the magazine is receiving considerable attention, and several
makers have patterns in hand. The most notable practical
example of this form of lamp is the " Oriflamme," made by the
Oliver Arc Lamp (Ltd.), and this has already achieved a re-
markable success, particularly for street lighting. Despite the
fact that the changing of the carbons in this^lamp occupies
anything from 15 to 20 seconds, during which time the lamp is
extinguished, it is to be found lighting the principal thorough-
fares in many large towns, and from what we are able to gather
from the maker's statements, is giving every satisfaction.
The lamp has the further advantage of using cheap carbons,
while the feature of the magazine makes it possible to
fill up the lamp at any time irrespective of the luim-
l)er of carbons remaining. The General Electric Co.
also have a magazine flame lamp for street lighting
which has many interesting features. Here, again,
the problem of bringing in the new pair of carbons
has been dealt with in a satisfactory manner, but it
involves the extinguishing of the lamp during the chang-
ing period. Johnson & Phillips also announce a magazine
amp of lonu' burning life in which the arc is not extinguished
when the carbons are changed. Tbe Gilbert multiple carbon lamp
is a most interesting pattern, in that it deals with the magazine
problem in an entirely different way. The carbons are so arranged
that after the arc has been burning for some time across one
pair it changes over automatically to another pair which has
not previously been in circuit. This proceeds over the six
pairs of carbons in the lamp, and then the controlling mechanism
feeds all the carbons down again, when the same cycle of
operations is repeated. The lamp has the advantage of ex-
tremely simple construction and long- burning life, though
unlike the ordinary magazine pattern, when the lamp is
trimmed all the carbons must be renewed at one time. The
"Victor" Lamp of the Ordnance Electric & Accessories Co.
is distinctive in its employment of two series solenoids act-
ing directly on clutches on each of the carbons.
The " Sunrae " lamp, made by Messrs. Arc Lamps (Ltd.),
possesses new features which have been introduced for the
present season. This company has recently moved its works
_ to St. Albans, and a description of them will be found in the
! Indu.stri.\l Supplement. The lamp itself is of the gravity
feed pattern, each pole of the circuit being provided with a
pair of converging carbons, the tips of which burn away and
automatically descend, keeping a constant length during the
burning of the lamp. The control mechanism merely regulates
the length of the arc. In the construction of the lamp, guide
tubes and flexibles have been avoided, so as to minimise all
risk of failure due to the intrusion of dust and dirt. The
Reason lamp is another flame pattern, from which clockwork
is omitted, the control of the arc being eSected by a special
lever mechaiiisin, which seems to work very satisfactorily.
Other lamps in which there is no clockwork "in the strictest
sense of the w^ord are the " Santoni " the " Abbey," the
B.T.H., the '-Westminster," details of which we publish
elsewhere in the Industrial Supplement. Of the pure
carbon lamps we may specially mention the " Garbone," of
Messrs. Edison & Swan, for which the makers claim white
light and ability to match colours.
The " Excello " pattern of lamp is one in which clockwork
is employed, but, judging from the enormous number of these
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
179
lamps in use, its employment would appear to be rather an
advantage than otherwise. There is one thing to be said for
clockwork : it ensures, or at least it should do, an extremely
fine feed of the carbons, as their downward movement is con-
trolled by a fine governor driven through a train of wheels.
This arrangement, of course, applies to the direct-current
pattern of lamp. In the alternating current pattern
'"Excello," a small induction motor controls the burning, and
is extremely sensitive in its movements at all times. The
'■ Sunshine " Lamp of The Electrical Co. may also be included
in this category, the feature of this season's pattern being a
new design of case and globe, which are exceptionally pleasing.
Another lamp in which clockwork is employed is
the '".\rcoflame" of J. & H. Grevener. This
lamp resembles the "Excello" in many of its
details, but possesses features which distinguish
it from' that lamp. G. Braulik and Marples,
Leach & Co. are also putting forward a hue of
flame arc lamps this season which have numerous
attractive features.
Up to the present the flame arc lamp appears
to be a great attraction to shopkeepers and
tradesmen in the district. Its light is so distinc-
tive, and the colour which it gives can only be
obtained by electrical means, and it is in great
demand to take the place of gas lamps, which
were originally introduced to the imitation of the
open-type arc lamp. Cases are not difficult to
find in which groups of gas lamps have been
removed from street frontages up to 100 ft. and
more in length, and their place taken by an im-
posing row of flame arcs. As a flame lamp is usually
put in in place of the derelict gas lantern, the
illumination efiect can more easily be imagined
than described. The smaller shopkeepers are
appreciating the trade-drawing value of the flame
lamp, and they are glad to avail themselves of
any special facilities which the suppliers of elec-
trical energy can afford them for making use of
the lamps. Sometimes four small shops will agree
to use four flame lamps which will be burning
in series off a single circuit. This arrange-
ment would appear to lend itself to consider-
able extension, and although it is somotinies
difficult to fix it up, particularly with rival sliup-
keepers, it certainly redounds to the advantage of
the consumers.
Some Further Details of Well-known Met.illk'
Filament Lamps.
Notwithstanding the advantage as regards higlier
efficiency claimed Ijy metal lamps of the tungsten
class, the Tantalum lamp, which was, of course, the
forerunner of metal lamps, still remains very popular ;
in fact. Messrs. Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works have
great difficulty in keeping up with the demand. The
earlier difficulties experienced when these lamps
were utilised on alternating current circuits have
now been overcome by improved methods of manufac-
ture and anchoring of the filament, and a life^of Fre. 3.
at least 800 hours can be obtained. Lamps for
]iressures up to 160 volts are manufactured, and at
that latter voltage they are supjjlied in sizes of 25, 32,
and 50 c.p. An important advantage of the Tantalum lamp is that
its filament is much more substantial than in the case of tungsten
lamps, with the result that it is capable of withstanding a large
amount of vibration. As proof of this, we may mention that these
lamps are now being employed for illuminating carriages on one of
the tube railways, and it is stated that under these trying conditions
a life of LOGO hours is obtained. They are also being employed to a
very large extent for steamship lighting, where vibration is
again by no means absent. Messrs. Siemens' cable ship " Fara-
day " is so equipped, and the life of the lamps is stated to be very
satisfactory.
In our la.st article dealing with metallic filament lamps we des-
cribed an ingenious arrangement due to Mr. Steam whereby the
ordinary difficulties met with in burning lamps in series were over-
come. This consisted essentially of the insertion of a small auxiliary
wire in parallel with the tilamenl so that when the latter failed the
former was automatically Ijrought into circuit. Since (hen. how-
ev-er, this matter has been further d(vclo])cd, and we understand
that the Stearn Electrio Lamp Co. have several improvements in
an experimental stage which will make the system specially suitable
for street lighting. The Stearn 10-tube cluster for this purpose is,
of course, still to the fore, and the Stearn Co. claim that with (he
large circle of light obtained with this fitting, which is ])r,ietically
5 in. across, the impression obtained is greater than for tlie same
actual candle power witli tlie filaments close together. Further,
though the initial cost of such a Inmp is higher than that of an
-The ChcivCH of tBe Holy Namk, lixroRD Street, MASeHBSTEB, Ligbteo
BY THE ELECTRICAI, (.'O.'S " AkO.MA " LaMPS.
ordinary one of the same candle power, the cost of renewing one unit
is very small and should such failure take place the combination of
the " Nevaout " automatic fuse and carbon resistance allows the
remaining lamps on the circuit to continue burning. This arrange-
ment created a good deal of interest when it was first brought out,
being quite a novelty, and we shall await with much interest the im-
provements promised.
Another lamp which we descriljcd in our last article, and which has
since been going strong, is the " Aegma "" lamp, made by the Allge-
meine Elektricitiirs Gcsellschaft.and supplied in this country by the
Electrical Co. With true Teutonic thoroughness the preliminary
work on these lamps was carried on with the idea of not only obtain-
ing a highly efficient lamp but also a lamp with a stronger filament
180
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
than had up to Uien been found possible. These laudable efforts,
we are pleased to think, have been crowned with the success they
deserve, and the proof of this is the excellent t«st results obtainable
from their newest types of lamp. This lamp, in fact, shows con-
siderable improvement over the lamp on the market last season.
The efficiency is 12 watts per candle power, and the life is. as regards
length, extremely -satisfactory. The " Aegma " lami. is at jwesent
made for all voltages between 20 and KiO and in these sizes takes |
iand 1 ^ampere respectively. The cantlle power varies between o
and ir>5c.p. As regards shape, modein tendencies are seen in the
fact that the two smaller sizes are sold in both round and pear-
shai)ed bulbs. The special feature of this lamp is the method of
anchoring the filament at the bottom in addition to the connection
at the top. This will obviously add gi-eatly to the stability of the
lamj). Further, each filament is mounted on a spring, enablmg the
lamp to burn at any angle. This spring, of course, takes up the
" sag " and also a great deal of any vibration that may occur. This
we may again note as a step forward since our last article was
written, for at that time if an " Aegma " lamp was to be burned m
a slanting position it had to be specially ordered. The accompanying
illustration (Fig. 3) shows the " Aegma " lamp in use at the church of
the Holy J^ame, Oxford-street, Manchester. These lamps are also
being largely employed in factories and mills, where in spite of the
alleged frailty of metallic tilament lamps, they have been doing very
well. In fact, in one larm- Vcrkshire mill a number of 50 volt
" Aegma" lamps have been Installed for a considerable period with-
out there having been up to the present a single breakage. _A point
of interest to note in connection with the " Aegma " lamp is that a
high voltage pattern may be expected very shortly.
The " Osram " lamp was, of course, among those which we
described in our last article, and the intervening weeks have only
served to strengthen its position and made it ready to face the coming
winter with equanimity. " Osram " lamps are. as is well known,
made suitable for all voltages from 25 to 260 volts and for candle
powers varying from 10 to 100 e.p.. the higher values being of course
only supplied for voltages between 100 and 260 and the low candle
power only with the low voltage lamps. These lamps are made
in two shapes, round and tubular, and can, .with proper pre-
cautions, be burnt in any position. The smaller lamps are also
made for htting into an " electric candle '' in which capacity they
should find a wide application.
The General Electric Co. have made a special point of designing
fittings which shall be suitable for use with the " Osram " lamp.
We understand that a number of new designs have been got out and
a catalogue illustrating them is in the jwinter's hands, but, for the
moment, we are unable to show them here. The fittings at pre-
sent supplied range from the very commonplace ada|)ters and cast-
iron wall fittings to those of a decidedly more artistic nature. In
the.se we are pleased to .see an attempt is made to shield the user
from the direct glare of the light and thus to rest the eyes. Many
of the fittings are slight adaptations of those designed for use with
" Robertson " lamps. The change necessary is, of course, quite
small. We shall await with interest the new catalogue of the
General Electric Co. dealing with these fittings, for we feel sure it is
a matter on which much brainy work might be done with both good
scientific and artistic results.
The Bryant Trading Syndicate, who, it will be remembered,
possess the almost unique distinction of manufacturing their lamps
in this country, have also succeeded in tm'ning out a satisfactory
high voltage lamp. In fact, the working voltage of their lamps
varies from 2 to 250_volts, though at the present time the compsn>'.
we are pleased to hear, are so pres.sed with orders that high
voltage lamps are not being touched, the line being di'awn at 13(1
volts. The Bryant Trading Syndicate are, however, of the opinion
that the number of filaments met with in the high voltage metallic
lilament lamp is not thoroughly satisfactory. They are. tlierefore.
expcn-imenting further to reduce these, if possible, with the hope of
outdistancing their present competitors.
Some New Fittings for Metallic Filament Lamps.
Among the firms wlio have r.icnlly been designing new, or re-
adapting old, fittings to meet ilic rri|uiivriients of metallic filament
lamps are the British Westim.ihii si: t omtany.
They have introduced an eti'ective enlarged water-tight fitting
for use with their metallic filament lamp in railway sheds, chemical
works, and such situations as require some protective device to
ensure against damage. The casting of the fitting is well-finisiied
malleable iron, enamelled bright black on the outside, the interior
being English jiot enamel. The fitting can either be screwed to
existing conduit services or provided with a suitable swan-neck for
use in outdoor lighting. A curved bracket is supplied for fixing to
arc-lamp standards for street lighting. Special pot enamel re-
flectors'are also sui^plicd, though the caccompanying illustration
(Fig. 4)"shows the Htting without this reflector.
Fig. 4.— WBSTiSGHorsE Watertight Fitting without Reflector,
A matter which is deserving of a good deal more attention than
has yet been given it is the question of shading the eye from the
direct glare of metallic filament lamps. Much has, however, been
done on this subject, and among the most successful shades are
those of the " Holophane " type,, which, besides distributing the
light, have the effect of throwing the illumination in any required
dhection. As an example of this it may be stated that two 10 in.
reflector bowls, similar to that shown in Fig. 6, and each containing
a 30 c.p. metallic filament lamp, will light a room 19 ft. by 16 ft.
" like sunshine," and there is no unpleasant glare. Another very
Fio. 5. — " Uoi.oriiAXE" Sphere FOR Laeoe Rooms. (Julu'sSax & Co.)
interesting arrangement is the " Holophane " sphere (Fig. 5), which
is specially designed for lighting large buildings. As would be sup-
posed, such a fitting detracts nothing from the artistic decoration of
the place, while it makes possible a soft and agreeable illumination
of the whole room.
"Holophane" glass consists of a great variety of shapes of
pressed glass embodying a prismatic formation on the same idea as
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
181
that of a dioptric lens, whereby tlie hght is collected and distributed
in the required direction. In the reflectors the light is concentrated
to a gi'eater or less degree along the axis of the lamp instead of at
right angles to it, with the result that the greater part of the light is
thrown downwards, or exactly where it is wanted. The " Holo-
phane " glass, although of course, not increasing the total illumina-
tion, gives more light where it is wanted, and is, therefore, more
economical. It is further claimed that the efticienoy of the reflectors
is not affected by dust, that they do not tarnish, and are not oDaciue,
so that heavy shadows on the ceiling are avoided.
Fii:. 6. — " Holoimiane" IC in. Rkflector Bowl. (Jvlu-s Sax & Co,)
To show the actual result of different methods of illumination with
lamps of the same candle power, Messrs. Julius S.\x have jilaced
several arrangements of lamps in their show window which are
switched on at intervals by an automatic flasher. These arrange-
ments are as follows : (a) bare lamps, (6) lamps in " Holophane "
enclosing globes and (c) concealed lamps in " Holophane " reflectors,
which at the same time illuminate the facia.
In the right-hand window (Fig. 7) tantalum lamps are arranged as
in (<•). An ammeter in each « iudow shows the cost of light in pence
An interesting adaptation of the use of the metallic filament lamp
to shop window illumination is shown in a new reflector recently put
on the market by the Sun Electric.\l Co. These retleetors. which
we illustrate in Fig. 8, will be known as the " Lumin-Ad," and
are particularly designed, as already mentioned, for shop window
lighting. They occupy a space of only 12 in. by 10 in. by 5 in., yet
provide by an ingenious disposition of three lamps a combination of
reflector, a method of shop window lighting and a sign visible from
Fig. v.— View of Messks. .Tt-lus Sax & Co.'s Winhuws suowinc
or.TAiXED liv i-sixc; HoLOi'UANE Globes [on the RiiaiT-
jier hour at .5d. per unit. In the left-hand window is a box lined
with velvet and dixided in the middle. In each halt is a " J. S."
tungsten lamp, on the right with, and on the left without a " Holo-
l>hane " reflector. I'rinted matter below gives an immediate demon-
stration of the enormous increase of downward light with the " Holo-
phane " reflector. Above are two brackets which give an ocular
demonstration of the relative values of an opal and " Holophane,"
efleotor. We illustrate the arrangement of this window in Fig. 7.
Fig. 8. — View ( e Six Electuiial (
the street. Where the lamps are xvired in jjarallel it is possible, ii
found desirable, to accommodate a smaller flasher inside the com-
partment. The reflector is designed to suit specially large metallic
filament lamps. In this case the reflector can be secured by a
special lock and key protecting the lamps from injury or tampering.
A veryjuseful accessory which is adaptable to a great variety of,or,
in fact, we might say, to all, electrical uses is the Watkin switch,
made by Messrs. Adajts & Co. This switch, it is claimed, provides
a means (jf regulating the current on a circuit without any waste,
or only a negligible amount of power being
actually absorbed in the switch. This is
borne out by s]3ecial tests which have been
undertaken on the switch. It has been one
of the chief planks of adversaries of electric
lighting that in this system of illumination
unfiling is pnssil>lc liilwiiii quite " off " and
" full on," unless wasteful nsistances are em-
ployed. The "" Watkin " switcli claims to
|jut an end to this stale of things and to put
electric lighting under full control, the co.st
l)eing governed by the light used. We
understand that the claims of the makers
are fully borne out, and that this switch is
largely in demand.
Some Fittings for " Tantalum " Lamps
AND Siemens Arc Lamts.
As regards the shades employed with tan-
talum lamps, the Holoplane glass reflector still
holds the field. With a cluster of six tanta-
lum ''Sun" lamp.s, such as we illustrated in
connection with Messrs. Siemens' stand at the
.Manchester Electrical Exhibition, under one
large Holoplane reflector, the light given is
comparable with that of an arc lamp, whilst
the appearance of the cluster, known as the
•' Tantalum arc," is very ])Icasing.
Where a cheap shade and fitting is required,
a very artistic and satisfactory article, possess-
ing many advantages over those of the custo-
mary glass pattern, hasrecently been put on the market by Messrs.
Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works. One of these fitted to a " Sun "
Tantalum lamp is shown in Fig. 9, and can be u.sed with any lamp-
holder. In this connection it is interesting to notice that a coiled
spring is fixed inside the top of the fitting and rests against the .'hade
carrier of the lamp-holder; this prevents the possibility of the
bayonets^becoming disengaged from the lamp-holder sockets. These
fittings'are made in polished brass, polished copper and^steel bronze.
1 lUE Bettei; Eeeect
uaxd side).
182
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
and besides being efficient from a lighting point of view are also
elegant in apiiearance. They have been used tor some time on the
Continent, but have only recently been introduced into this country,
and are known as " Solar " fittings.
In the way of street lamp fittings several new designs have recently
been introduced by Messrs. Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works, and
should prove of great interest to those engineers who are considermg
the conversion of gas lamps in side streets where the amount of light
provided by arc lamps is unnecessary. Fig. 10 shows one of the most
interesting types. It represents a fitting which can easily be fixed
to existing gas lamps columns with very satisfactory results. The
fitting has a much more artistic appearance than the ordinary street
Fio.iK — ScHMKNS vSpn Tantalum
Lamp with " Solak " Fitting.
-81KMF.NS STHEiii Lamp
FlTTINCl.
lantern, and as a reflector is fitted innncdialdy above tlic Tantalum
lamp the light is distributed to the best advantage. We have no
doubt that this ])attern of fitting will prove very popular.
Where a sim|>le but effective tyjie of watertight fitting is required,
the type illusi rated in Fig.l I, and supplied by Mi--i-^. Siiiiiriis .jidukl
meet all reciuirenients. It is shown fitted xvilli :\ inL- n iKi im. ;in(l
with a large lamp globe it forms a well-balanced ari.iii^'iiiicnt. i IiIut
types of street fittings for clamping on to tramway or other columns
aro supplied in a variety of patterns by Messrs. Siemens, and are
already well known to our readei's.
Vu:. 11.— Si
W
mail' l''iTTiN(
In designing arc laiii|js of :in ciirioscd type, tdo iiiueli attention is
frequently paid to tin; oi)t;uniug of long hours of biu'niiig. The
result is that carbons of large size are adopted, and the illumination
of the lamp globe is not all that it .should be, being marr(^d by un-
pleasant shadows. Messrs. Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works fully
ai)preciate the advantage to bo' obtained by adopting ('arbons of
small diameter, and in their " Economy " are lamps a special feature
has been made of the high illuminating power olitain;ililc liy the use
of small carbons. These lamps, whieli are ilhistralcd in I'lus. 12and
13 herewith, arc made in 3, 4 and 5 ampere si/.cs, and the carbons
employed, which are all of the cored type, are only 5 mm. in
diameter. The result is that a very high illuminating power is
obtained for a small energy consumption, and tbe light emitted by
the lamps is remarkably steady.
The lamps are eompietely enclosed, and the mechanism is of the
simplest character, the feed adjustment being unaffected by violent
vibrations. As a result of using small carbons, the hours of burnmg
are from 18 to 24 ; but this disadvantage, which is balanced by the
high effieiencv obtained from the carbons, is minimised by the sim-
plicity of recarboning. It will be noticed from Figs. 12 and 13 that
the globe is supported bv a metal band on which is fitted a small
porcelain ball. This latter fits into a hollow at the bottom of the
globe, which can thus be readily released.
Fig. 12 shows a lam]) fitted "with a diagonal reflector and specially
adap'ted for shop window lighting. This arrangement of reflector
results in the most satisfactory illumination of the goods in the
window, without causing any inconvenience to the eyes of passers
by. Fig. 13 shows the most recent type of the lamp, in which the
resistance'is incorporated with the lamp itself, forming a compact
FUi. 12. SlEME.NS" )m .INOMY "
Akc Lamp With Utaconal
Reflector.
13. — '■ Economy " Aec Lamp
WITH Line Resistance.
arrangement. In this connection it is interesting to note that in
most patterns of this lamp tliree " positive " terminals are provided
for connecting to circuits of 110, 11.5, and 120 volts, respectively.
Preliminary adjustment of the lamps, which take 80 volts across the
arc, is thus dispensed with, and this arrangement is deserving of
more than passing attention.
In the tliree ampere size the lamps are stated to give a maximum
candle-power of 450 and <a mean hemispherical eandle-jiower of 270.
The corresponding figures for the 4 ampere and .5 ampere sizes being
7<X) e.p. and 400 c.]), for the 4 ampere, arid 90O c.p. and 550 c.p.
respectively for tlie 5 ampere size.
REPORT OF THE TRAMWAYS AND LIGHT RAIL-
WAYS ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE ON "BRAKING
ARRANGEMENTS AND SANDING GEAR ON
TRAMCARS."
The anxiously awaited report of the special committee
ajipointeJ by this Association to consider the question of
brakes has just been issued. It forms the Official Circular
of the Association for September, 1908, and its tardy appear-
ance is due to the fact that it was held back at the request of
the Board of Trade so that a joint meeting of this Association
and tlie Municipal Ti'amways Association, presided over by
a representative of the Board of Trade, might be held, with a
view to harmonious recommendations. This meeting was
held on October 30th, aiid is now followed by the publication
of the report.
The report is signed by the following members of the com-
mittee : Mr. S. Sellon {chairman), Mr. W. Beaumont, Major P.
Cardew, Mr. A. N, Connett, Mr, A. L. C. Fell, Mr. R. J, Howley,
Mr, A. H. Pott and Mr. H. M. Ravers. It is the outcome of"a
recommendation made by Col. Yorke, in his report to the
Board of Trade oi\ the accident which occurred on the High-
gate Archway tramways on June 23, 1906, that it would be
desirable for the Tramways Associations to consider carefully
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
183
the whole question of braking apparatus and sanding arrange-
ments for tramcars.
The scope of the inquiry being very consideral)le, the work
has been divided between two sub-committees. The work of
the first comprised a recapituhition and discussion of the
general objects to be aimed at in obtaining braking effects,
and the physical laws which govern them ; whilst the work
of the second sub-committee comprises («) the classification
of the various forms of brakes ; (b) recommendations as to
the best forms of brakes on the market suitable for use under
varying conditions ; (c) recommendations as to the class of
blocks for use with wheel and track brakes ; and (d) recom-
mendations as to the most suitable forms of sanding gear.
As regards the theoretical requirements of brakes, the four
conditions under which braking has to be effected are termed
(1) service stops, (2) coasting, (3) emergency stops, and (4)
runaway stops. Under heading (3) it is pointed out that;
as it is of the utmost importance that the motorman's action
shall be automatic or instinctive, unembarrassed or delayed
by the cojiscious choice between various brakes, the service
brake should be of such power that it can be relied upon to
give the maximum retardation practicable. Under (-1) the
committee point out the great difficulties involved, and that
the safe stopping of a runaway car cannot be certainly secured.
Jloral — runaways must be prevented. The general conclusion
concerning cars used on lines with severe gradients is that such
cars should have a low centre of gravity, and that on any cars
having a loaded weight exceeding 10 tons power brakes should
be used.
The available means of braking are minutely discussed in
the report, and it is shown that a coefficient of adhesion of
0-15 is the highest that can be relied upon, whilst 0-10 is the
lower limit to be reckoned on. An extensive series of tests
have been carried out, particulars of which are given in ap-
pendixes to the report, on the coefficients of friction under
service conditions of the various materials used for brake
blocks. The results for wood blocks show that, when diy.
elm has the highest coefficient of friction on a steel wheel,
followed by ash, maple and oak in the order named. When
used for track brake blocks, the wood blocks in a dry condition
gave coefficients of 0-5 to 0-6 ; iron showed a very low coeffi-
cient, and the tests must be accepted with reserve. The tests
made to determine the variation in the coefficient of friction
under varying conditions of rail arc in conflict wnth widely-
held opinions, inasmuch as they show that the coefficient of
friction falls off on wet and greasy rails more with wooden
blocks than with steel blocks. The tests also indicate that
steel shoes maintain a higher coefl^cient of friction on bad rails
than has been supposed. Further tests are needed, however,
to complete our knowledge of the subject, and the committee
feels that the results of many of the tests are open to criticism,
l)ut they give them as obtained, so that anyone may draw
liis own conclusions.
A large amount of information has been collected by the
committee through a series of questions sent out to the tram-
way undertakings of the United Kingdom and abroad, and
the committee are of opinion that an endeavour should be
made to establish standard forms of brake blocks. Most of
the latter forms of braking apparatus have been inspected,
and tests made on some forms, and a description of the various
jtatterns, together with a tabulation of the advantages and
disadvantages of each, are given in the report. Tiiesc par-
ticulars we shall give in a later issue.
The causes of accidents are, of course, of vital importance.
The committee have been much impressed by the inaccuracy
of the numerous newspaper and public statements declaring
that accidents were caused by defective brakes. These views
are not borne out by the Board of Trade reports on the various
accidents, which are summarised in an appendix. The com-
mittee is of opinion that the chief causes of accidents are :
(1) Insufficient training of motormcn. (2) physical unfitness,
(3) the human element, (4) multiplicity of motormen's duties,
(5) defective mechanism, and (6) insufficient inspection.
The committee, being fully aware of the extreme importance
of cars being provided with ])roper sanding appliances, has
considered most, if not all. of the various forms of apparatus
in use for this purpose, and particulars of their advantages and
disadvantages, as given by the committee, will be found in a
later issue. The general conclusion arrived at is that there
is an opening for consideral)le improvements.
A most interesting section of the report is that dealing
with the training of motormen, which is considered in some
cases to have been quite inadequate. A course is suggested
as the minimum through which a man .should go before driving
a service car, and it is thought desirable that facilities should
be given to conductors to qualify as drivers. "
The general conclusions arrived at by the committee are as
follows : —
1 . All ca rs should be fitted with two brakes.
2. Where quick and frequent stops are necessary (the usual oonditiims
of urban lines) one of these .should be a power brake.
3. Where traffic is light and the maximum speed low, both types may
be manually applied ; but where steep gradients exist, only one of these
should be de]iendent on wheel adhesion. The combination of wheel
and sli])per brakes, accompanied witli a regulation for a compulsory
stoj) for the application of slipper brakes before descent of a severe
gradient, meets this condition.
4. The power brake when fitted should be a service brake, as quick
application and release are essential features in a service brake, and as
full retardation can be obtained without the exercise of great physical
effort.
.5. The power brake best suited to the general requirements is om^
which will give a powerful and easily moderated force for ordinary
service stops, and which can a)>ply. when necessary for emergency stops,
a force equal to half the car weight instantaneously and continuously
to slipper blocks.
(i. Where a magnetic track brake is in use on very steep gradients
an attachment for manual application is recommended.
7. In regard to the best position of brake blocks on wheels, there are
practical difficulties in carrying these above the horizontal, and the com-
mittee fail to see that there is any advantage in such a position. The
most important point is the stiffness of the brake hanger. The links
should be so arranged as to prevent the brake blocks from lifting.
8. The methods of adjusting brake blocks in some cases are rather
crude and require improvement.
f). In many instances the triicks used under the cars are mechanically
weak in design, and are unsuital)le for cars run at high speeds where
powerful brakes are necessary-
10. Motormen should not bo allowed to adjust the brakes of a car
when in service.
11. On all tramway systems there should be a man responsible for
the state of the brakes on every car ; and a frequent and systematic
examination of all brakes should be made.
12. The power of .ill lirakcs l)cing dependent upon the condition of the
rail, the sanding apiiaiMtii- sliould be absolutely reliable. On steep
gradients the rails shoukl l>c ki'pt dean and sanded.
13. There should be two sand boxes at each end of the car.
14. Curved sand pipes shoidd l)e avoided.
1.5. Sand should be sharp, clean and dry.
l(i. All motormen should be medically examined on engagement, and
re-exammed at intervals of not less than five years.
17. A definite course of trainmg is recommended (described iu the
report), and motormen shoiild be periodically re-examined in their work.
18- On narrow gauge lines, having severe gradients and sharp curves,
the use of double-deck cars, especially with top covers, is inadvisable.
Having thus summarised the conclusions arrived at by the
committee, we will now consider the various sections of the
report more in detail.
AiisTn.M'T OB' Report.
TUEOKKTK.AL KlCQUIRBMENTS OF I'.R.VKES.
The braking of tramway cars has to be effected under different
conditions, which may be" classified as follows:— (1) Service stops,
for the setting down and jMcking up of jiassengers. and tlie observance
of the Board of Trade and traffic Regulations prescribing stops at
certain places. (2) The regulation and control of speed on falling
gradients, or " coasting." (3) Stops to avoid accidents, from colli-
sion with other vehicles, pedestrians, or obstacles. (4) Runawax'
stops, to bring under control a car which has attained a dangerous
speed on a falling gradient, and is likely to suffer collision, derail-
ment, or overturn, unless stopped before reaching a given point -
Nos. 3 and 4 may both be called " emergency braking." but the con-
ditions and requirements are not identical, so that it is better to
discuss them separately. It is also to be noted that the runaway
condition is a result of the failure of the appliances intended to effect
purpose No. 2, the control of speed on falling gradients, and is there-
fore confined to such giadienta. whilst the emergency stop to avoid
collision may be required from maximum speed at any part of any
route, generally by the action or negligence of other street users, and
is characterised by the absence of notice.
184
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
(1) Service. Slops.^Thf more frequent the stojjs tlie more impor-
tant it is that they should be made in the smallest practicable Imie.
because the overall or schedule speed is the more largely affected.
The practical limit of retardation is determined by the comfort and
safety of the passengers, and as passengers will frequently be stand-
ing or walking to the i)latform during the service braking, the retar-
dation rate must be limited to one which is not likely to throw them
down. The same consideration applies to acceleration in starting.
It is generally allowed that 3 ft. per sec. per sec. is about the up])er
limit for comfort. With this deceleration each stop will take very
nearly two seconds for each mile per hour of the initial speed.
(2) Coasling.—Thc control of speed on falling gradients requires a
braking effect which shall neutralise the accelerating effect of gravity.
It should therefore be applied throughout the whole length of any
gradient of which the slope and length is such as to produce a dan-
gerous speed in an unbraked car. It may be said that any gradient
is potent ially dangerous in proportion to the product of its slope into
its length, but this statement is subject to the important (jualifica-
tion that the line of division between safe s])eed and a dangerous
speed varies a good deal with local circumstances. The practicable
limit is that at which the service brake will certainly stop the car
within reasonable distance, say, 30 to 40 ft. The Board of Trade
inspecting officers generally prescribe a speed well below the prac-
ticable limit. It may be generally reckoned that a moving car will
be accelerated by gravity on any descent u|icin which the fall exceeds
1 per cent, oi the track length, and that n stationary car, unbraked,
will be started upon any descent on which the fall exceeds 1-3 per
cent, of the track length, .say, 1 in 70. Taking gravity acceleration
as 22 miles per hour per see. multiplied by the fraction exjjrcssing
the slope, and deducting 1 per cent, for rail resistance, the question
of what constitutes a potentially dangerous gradient is therefore
easily settled if in each case the maximum .safe speed is fixed and a
stop at the top of the gradient is enforced.
For braking purposes, and for most of the effects involving safety,
the s(|uai(> of the .speed has to be considered, because the kinetic
energy cf llir ijio\ing car is proportional to the square of the speed.
So thai lm.mIh iii^ of various slope and length are jiroperly compared
by the kiiu Ih- riicrgy, or the square of the speed they are calculated
to impress upon a descending ear, not by the speed simply. The
kinetic energy acquired on a gradient is shown to be proportional to
tha total fall along it.
The danger of a gradient cannot, however, be taken as simply
proportional to the fall along it, for at least two important reasons : —
First, the time rate at which the speed increases is a very important
factor, and is simply jnoportional to the slope; and second, the
braking or retarding force required to annid the gravity acceleration
is equal to the weight of the car multiplied by the effective gradient
fraction or [lercentage, and only the balance is available for stopping.
It therefore appears that a rough expression for the proportionate
danger of gradients of different lengtfis and slopes is given by multi-
plying the total fall by the gradient percentage or (what comes to the
same thing) dividing the square of the fall by the track length.
Evidently no such general expression can make allowance for curves,
ero.ss roads, heavy traffic, &c.. but it may serve to e.vjH-ess the intrinsic
risk. A further consideration is that the safe limit of speed falls as
the gradient becomes .steeper, fur two main reasons: first, the
diminution of braking ]io«(r due to the gradient, and, secondly,
because braking power also diminishes with the speed, from the
diminished coeflieient of friction. Therefore, to retain the same
stop|)ing ])ower the effect of the gradient must be offset by dimin-
isheii speed.
From all these considerations it follows :— That the control of
speed on severe gradients requires the use of a brake which will
neutralise the gravity acceleration and keep the speed down to a
point at which the car is well under stopping control ; that, as this
takes u|) a calculable brake jjower, it can be specially provided, and
should be in such a form as to leave the whole service brake power
available for stopping ; that the safe speed for descending gradients
is inversely as their steepness, and should be so regulated that the
improved coefficient of friction due to lower speed is \itilised to
neutralise the effect of the gradient ; that loss of braking |u.wer due
to other cau.se.i, e.g.. greasy raiks, must be specially guarded agauist
■upon severe gradients, l^ractical experience indicates that gradients
less steep than 1 in ."50 .are not severe or dangerous in ojieration under
ordinary circumstances.
(^) Emergency Shpif (.stops to avoid accidents from collision
WMth other vehicles, ijedestrians, or obstacles). These are the true
emergency stops, for they may be needed at anv moment, fiom the
maximum si)eed,at the shortest possible notice. " It is of the utmost
importance that the driver's action shall he automatic or instinc-
tive, unembarrassed or delayed by the conscious choice between
various brakes. As he is constantly using his service brake, it thei'e-
foiv ^.c lii^ ih.it this brake should he of such power that it can be
rcJM'l nil. .11 I.. ..'ive the maximum retardation practicable. For such
use. t hi- liiiiil IS the safety of the pas.sengers and the car. A retarda-
tion of 7 ft. per see. per sec. will certainly throw down standing pas-
sengers, and will ]jut unduly severe stresses upon the car body,
especially if carrying an upper deck load and cover. It is usual to
consider the stopping distance as the criterion of control. This and the
speed of the car give the braking force required. The time to stop
is given simply by dividing the speed at the commencement by the
retardation, using the same units of length and assuming the retar-
dation to be constant. The distance covered will be half the initial
speed multiplied by the stopping time. From a given speed the
stopping time and distance are each inversely as the available
retardation ; but from different speeds with the same retardation,
whilst the stopiiing time is proportional to the initial speed, the
stopping distance is proportional to the square of the speed, and as
distance is the criterion rather than time, it follows that the braking
jjower should be increased as the square of the maximum running
speed.
A table in the report exemplifies this, and also that the time taken
to stop in a given distance is inversely as the initial speed. Mean
retardations above 9 ft. per sec. per sec. are hardly practicable, e.g.,
50 ft. is about the minimum practicable stopping distance from a
speed of 20 miles per hour.
As the available coefficient of friction diminishes with the increase
of speed, constant retardation demands the greatest application of
braking pressure at the highest speed. Also the time taken to get
the brakes on after the necessity is a])parent to the driver is evidently
of gi-eatest importance at the highest speed. .Both considerations
show that as speeds increase it becomes the more imperative to have
a brake available which (a) is operated by the driver instinctively.
(6) is put on by a single motion, as instantaneous as possible, (c) is put
on with the maximum pressure at first, and (d) gives the maximum
retardation tolerable. The desirable condition of maximum con-
stant retarding effect throughout a stop appears to be unobtainable
— the available retardation is least at the highest speed when it is
most wanted, and increases as the speed falls. There is no special
virtue in constancy of retardation per ,se, and therefore no benefit
obtainable by reducing its values at the lower speeds to those avail-
able at the higher ones.
(4) Runairay Stops. — To provide means of bringing under control
a runaway car which has attained a dangerous speed is a most diffi-
cult problem. Under .some circumstances it may be impossible.
The runaway takes place on a falling gradient, the worst conditions
arise when the rails are greasy and the wheels have been skidded, and
when a sharp curve or traffic obstructions are close ahead, threaten-
ing overturn, derailment, or collision. The condition of excessive
speed indicates that the usual brakes have failed, been misapplied
or neglected, so that besides the physical difficulty there is every
probability of the driver being in a nervous, panicky, or bewildered
condition, unable to think clearly or make the best use of his re-
sources.
The gradient diminishes the stopping power of the brakes pro-
vided, neutralising part of their effect by the gravity acceleration,
while the speed diminishes the amount of braking power available
by reducing the coefficient of friction. Greasy rails also diminish
the coefficient of friction, and it may happen that the gravity aecle-
ration due to the slo))e may be in excess of the total braking power
available after the cai- has attained a certain speed. It follows that
if the critical speed has been reached, the only possible means of
restoring control involves either the utilisation of a greater fraction
of the weight of the car or an increase in the coefficient of friction.
In hilly districts it is not practicable to keep a part of the weight of
the car {i.e.. a part of the braking power) in reserve, and in most
runaway cases the whole available braking power has been used and
is partly out of action before the danger is realised. Skidded wheels
almost always form one of the conditions, and these nullify all brakes
dc)icndiiig upon the motors. Even if the wheels are revolving the
motor E..M.F. may be so much above normal that attempts to use
them wliether by reversal, rheostatic braking, or the application of
magnetic track shoes, may fail owing to flashing over on the commu-
tators. An increase of the coefficient of friction can only be obtained
by altering the surface utilised, and it has been suggested to droj)
some kind of a brake-block on to the setts to effect this. There are
some obvious difficulties in the way of doing tliis effectively, because
the weight of the car must be got un such a, block to make it of any
u.se, and no practical apjiliaiicc of the kind is on the market. '
It has been asserted that a skii! titling the rail groove only expe-
riences a much higher- coefficient of friction than anv block applied
to the rail table, and it is proposed to fit such skids concentric with
the wheels, so that upon releasing them they fall under the wheels,
which mount them, and the skids then act as extremely efficient
THE ELECTRICIAN. NOVEMBER 13." 1908.
185
track brakes. The cujfficieiit of friction of any material in the form
of a groove skid is tlie same as if used on tlie rail table, but the
groove skid is the sume as if used on the rail table but !he groove
skid is wedged int« the groove, and the pressure between the
skid and the sides of the groove is greater than the force pressing
the skid into the groove in the ratio of S/2 : 1 where 6 is the inclina-
tion of the sides of the groove.
A further general consideration is that for any speed, and «ith
practicable retarding force, there is a minimum distance in which it
is possible to bring the car under control. . If 9 ft. per sec. per sec. is
taken as tlie maximum ])ractical retardation, a car travelling at 20
miles per hour will require nearly .50 ft., and one travelling at 40
miles per hour nearly 200 ft., to be brought to a stop. The moral
evidently is that runaways must be prevented, since the safe stop-
l)ing of a runaway car cannot be certainly secured.
Runaways sometimes occur in the backward direction, and may
be caused by the failure of the power supply, or by applying power
too late after releasing brakes. The failure of the power is most
disconcerting, as the driver is apt to look round at the circuit breaker,
forgetting that he is on a gradient. But as a climbing car must
come to rest before it runs back, there is ample opportunity to keep
it under control. The electrical run-back brake, which is applied
when the controller handle is in the 'ioff " position, has the advan-
tage of coming into action on the diiver's usual first movement, and
it will only allow the car to creep down. But if by blundering the
driver lets the car get well away backwards, the case is just as serious
as any other runaway. An important aid to checking backwards
runaways is the provision of a sanding pedal for the rear wheels on
the driver's platform, so that he may have the use of sand to assist
the brakes.
On all lines having severe gradients there should be some form of
track brake, but on a backward runaway the track brake will be
" off " at the commencement, and, if manually applied, may not be
gf)t on soon enough to be of much value, therefore some quicker
means of application is desirable to provide against accident from
this cause.
General. — The type of car u.sed on lines with severe gradients has
an important bearing on the danger involved in a runaway, and also
upon the brake equipment. Double-deck cars are more likely to
overturn on sharp curves, or upon collision with obstacles, because
of their higher centre of gravity, and passengers on the up))cr deck
run greater risks of injury than those inside. Pitching and rolling
are also greater with top-decked cars, and these motions are iletri-
mental to braking, as they produce an unequal and variable distri-
bution of the weight. The higher centre of gravity also increases
the tendency to turn a somersault upon the front axle during retard-
ation, unless the wheel base is proportionately lengthened. The
weight of the car is important as determining whether the manual
application of brakes is within or outside the muscular work that
may be properly put upon the driver. It appears therefore that cars
tor such lines should have a low centre of gravity, and that on any
cars having a loaded weight exceeding 10 tons power brakes should
be used. The limitation of weight of cars with manually applied
brakes al.so applies to cars operat<>d at high speeds and amid con-
gested traffic.
A milable Means of Braking. — The laws of friction are first bricHy
recapitulated, and attention drawn to the effect that the coefficient
of " sliding friction '" is less than the coefKcient of " static friction. "
Braking on the wheels is the oldest, simplest, and most usual
method. The friction between the wheels and the brake-blocks is
of the sliding ^uder, to which (assuming for the moment that brake-
blocks are equivalent to rails as frictional surfaces) a lower coeffi-
cient of friction applies, and one which varies with the speed. The
pressure on the brake-blocks on the wheels may therefore exceed (he
weight of the vehicle, but the product of that pressure into the |)ar-
ticular value of the coefficient must not exceed the product of the
adhesion into the weight of the vehicle. If it does, the whtels will
slip, and the frictional surfaces will then be those of the wheel-tiead
and rail-table, with a lower coefficient than that of adhesion.
For clean dry rails and wheels in good order the maximum value
of the coefficient of adhesion generally taken is 0'25. although a con-
siderably higher figure has been found by some authorities. Hence
the maximum force available for acceleration i>r retardation is one-
fourth of the weight on the driving or braked wheels. If all wheels
are braked, as is the usual tramway practice, this is one-tourtfi of liie
weight of the vehicle, and the theoretical maximum acceleration or
deceleration force available is one-fourth of that of gravity, or
8 '025 ft. per sec. per .see.
From the theoretical maximum deceleration available by wheel
braking large deductions have to be made to obtain a practical
figure. Dry rails are frequently coated with a scale of compressed
di^bris, which greatly reduces the adhesion. In wet weather the
condition of rails varies from clean and wet, which is probably the
best state of a" tramway raiL through all degrees of " greasiness " to
an extreme in which the coefficient of friction approaches zero.
This wide variation during wet weather is a special difficulty, as the
adhesion may be good where clean flowing water is f>n the rails, and
extremely bad a few yards off where the water has left a muddv
deposit. It is never safe to reckon on a higher coefficient of adhesion
than 0-15. . .
Experience shows that for long gradients about 1 in 10 is as steep
a slope as can be reliably worked in this climate by adhesion, or in
other words that an adhesion coefficient of about 10 jicr cent., or
224 lb. per ton, is the lower limit to be reckoned on. Hence it may
be said that a' braking force of the same amount may always be
depended upon from the wheels, and that brakes may he adjusted to
give it as a minimum. It has to be observed that even this low
figure, which is only two-fifths of that available with clean, dry rail.s,
involves the risk of skidding if applied on a greasy rail without sand,
or at a high speed. The judgment and experience of the driver in
this respect can only be dispensed with by dejjriving him of braking
power which he may require at any time for the avoidance of colli-
sions, a ])olicy which cannot be recommended. Secondly, the
braking force is actually less than that corresponding to the whole
adhesion coefficient, because it must not exceed that, and there
must be some margin for variations in the rail and manipulation.
Thirdly, the braking force for service and other prescribed stoi)s
must be kept down to that which will not cau.se discomfort or risk to
the pa.ssengers, or excessive stres.ses on the ear structure. The
comfort limit is about .3 ft. per sec. per sec, and as the 10 ])er cent,
gradient or adhesion limit mentioned above corresponds to .3"22 ft.
per sec. per sec, these two considerations point to practically the
same figure. Fourthly, the power of the braking mechanism is of
the utmost importance. The usual motive power for wheel brakes
on tramcars is the muscle of the driver, and the force and leverage
must be so adjusted that a man of the minimum physical standard
accepted can apply the brake throughout his day's work without
such exertion as to lead to distress, or induce him to shirk it. It is
found that a pull of about lOt) lb. on the hand wheel or lever can be
reckoned on. The corresponding jiressurc between the blocks and
the wheels depends on the leverage of the brake rigging, iccki.nid
from the driver's hand to the block surface. The leverage in general
use is about 100 to 1, so that a pressure of I0,()fK1 lb. may Ik- put on.
The coefficient of sliding friction between wheels and blocks at the
usual working tramway speeds may be taken as about 0"2;), giving
a retarding force of 2,.500 lb. On a 10-ton car this is 2.')0 lb. per ton,
less frictional losses, which may reduce it to 225 lb. per ton effective.
This is very close to the 224 lb. per ton corresponding to a 10 per
cent, gradient. The brake-block pressure may evidently be incrca.sed
by increasing the leverage, but this slows the application. becaus<;
the driver's hand has to travel further for the same block movement.
If wheel brakes are required to give much heavier pressure than that
above stated, either for heavier cars or greater retardations, then
some form of power application becomes neces.sary, as cither the
exertion is too great for the driver, or the application too slow for
efficiency. The more frequent the stops and the higher the overall
speed of the service, the more neces.sary it becomes to relieve the
driver of the exertion.
(To be continued.)
Electricity in Mining- — It is announced from Saiilte tit.
Marie, Canada, that the Lake Superior Power Co. has designed
an extensive scheme of improvements at its Helen Iron Mine
in West Algoma. These improvements will include the use
of electric power wherever practicable, and with this end in
view a large part of the present steam plant will be replaced
by motors. Power will be obtained from a hydro electric station
on the Miehipicoten Kiver. At jiresent only one unit will be
installed, consisting of a 1,000 HP. single horizontal turbine
water wheel direct conple<l to a 600 kw. alternatnig current
generator. The transmission pressme will be 10,000 volts,
the company will employ a 1.50 H.i'. induction motor to diive
one of its large mining hoiits and a 60 UP. induction motor to
drive one of the smaller hoists ; one t<5 H P. induction motor
to drive its Gate " K " crusher, and a 15 H.P. motor of similar
design in the machine shop. Compressed air for drilling will
be supplied by a IGj in. by l.sin. air compressor driven by a
200 H.P. induction motor. Water will be pumped by a 4 in.
single-stage turbine pump driven by a 30 H.P. motor and by a
2 in. two-stage turbine pump driven by a 7A h.p. motor.
186
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THB COMING LIGHTING SEASON.
With the advent of autumn the attention of station
engineers and contractors turns to the prospects of the
lighting season. There should be during the coming winter
a marked increase in the use of metal tilament lamps. No
crround need be sought upon which to rest a complaint
against a scarcity of lamps. The summer months have
shown no falling off in the arrival of fresh types, and the
newcomers, are well up to the standard of etticiency" of
thosa that are better known. There are still too many
shops in which carbon filament lamps are used for window
lighting, -while not infrequently incandescent gas illumi-
nates the counters and the shop interior. On the other
hand, many really fine specimens of shop lighting with a
few metal filament lamps are noticeable. There is abundant
scope for the contractor to exercise his intelligence in light-
ing schemes of this kind, because the "subjects" vaiy
enormously, and their " treatment " calls for individual
application if good results are to be obtained.
"While we notice that the metal filament lamp is raising
the general tone of electrical illumination, the e.xamples of
their foolish use, particularly in trade installations, are far
too numerous. We earnestly hope that an effort will be made
with the new lamps to display them both effectively from
an illumination standpoint and efficiently for the sake oi
the consumers' energy account. Speaking plainly, it means
that the contractor must study illuminating engineering.
With the newer lamps he has a lighting unit to consider
entirely different from the old carbon lamp, which has
been, unfortunately, used with little or no regard for
lighting considerations. Probably this accounts for the
indiscriminate exchange of carbon for metal filament
laijips in j»ositions which are pre-eminently unsuitable for
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
187
either. The last lighting season has, at any rate, shown in
many ways how things should not be done. The present
season opens with great possibilities. The supply of metal
filament lamps is large, as are also their quality and effi-
ciency. Every possible inducement can be held out to the
consumer to instal the new lamps. But all this zeal must
be tempered with judgment, and this must be made evident
in the manner in which the new elements are applied to
the oM conditions. While it is in every sense desirable
that the metal filament lamps should be installed wherever
they are proved superior to the carbon lamp, it still be-
hoves the electrician to avoid that reaction which must
follow the employment of these lamps merely for their
own sake. The situation has another important aspect,
in that with the metal filament lamp central stations have
a powerful weapon with which to fight the competition
of gas both for the inside and outside lighting of shops.
Clusters of metal filament lamps are superior in every way
to the lanterns of inverted gas burners which seem to
threaten a conflagration by the enormous heat they give
off. The light emitted from the metal filament lamp is
whiter and more attractive than that of the " gas arc." It
will be a matter of further interest to note the influence this
applicationof the high candle-power metal filament lamp will
exercise on the small arc lamp which often is to be found out-
side the windows of tradesmen in a moderate way of busi-
ness. Miniature arc lamps are useful illuminating units,
but in comparison with metal filament lamps they require
attention in the way of trimming, even if this is not fre-
quently necessary.
The metal filament lamp should do much to increase tlie
number of special reflectors and light diffusers, such as
" Linolite " and Holophane globes. The first mentioned has
not yet been marketed with metal filaments in place of the
more common carbon variety, but we understand that
the problem is in hand and will no doubt be shortly
solved satisfiictorily. The special glass globe is no new
thing, btit its employment with the metal lamp naturally
presents it in a new aspect, and one in which it will appear
to much greater advantage. Many beautiful lighting
effects can be obtained by the use of Holophane globes with
carbon lamps, but they seem to be greatly enhanced where
metal lamps replace the older pattern. In anotlier colunni we
give a few typical illustrations of Holophane fittings used in
conjunction with metallic filament lamps. At the Man-
chester Electrical Exhibition this combination was much
in evidence, and was greatly admired for its illuminating
effect and attracti\e appearance. Fittings of this class
only need to be l)etter known to be more widely used.
The prospects before the flame arc lamp in the coming
lighting season appear to be good, and, given the necessary
energy on the part of lamp makers and contractors, some
large installations should result. In London there are signs
of last year's lamps of the open and enclosed types giving
place to flame lamps outside large shops. Industrial
centres present a promising field for this lamp, ami we
trust. that no opportunity will be lost to put it forward as
strongly as possible, particularly in establishments already
wedded to the electric motor for power purposes. As the
gas engine has been supplanted by the electric motor in
factories and workshops, in the same way the gas
lamp may be ousted by the flame arc for similar
reasons. A powerful competitor of the flame arc may,
however, be presented by the mercury vapour lamp, which
appears eminently satisfactory for the lighting of ware-
houses, large rooms and certain open spaces. The remarkable
efficiency of this lamp should go to make up for its absence
of red rays and consequent unpleasant light.
Considered from every standpoint, the electric lamp
maker — of whatever cult — and the electrical contractor
have a good stock of weapons witli which to fight gas, both
for indoor and outdoor illumination. With the requisite
co-operation, and that dash of illuminating engineering
which at present must suflice for want of better counsel,
electric lighting, in all its branches, should receive a boom
this season.
OBITUARY.
WILLIAM EDWARD AYRTOX, F.R.S.
When he wrote that obituary notice of Lord Kelvin for
"The Times " some months ago which attracted so much atten-
tion, we little thought that Prof. Ayrton would so soon follow
his beloved master. That inspiration and earnestness and
love for experiment, that sympathy and helpfulness for others
which he admired in Lord Kelvin, he handed down to many
of his pupils, and they in turn are handing them down to new
generations.
We need give few details of Prof. Ayrton's life. His father
was a barrister. His uncle was a member of Gladstone's
Government in 1.S71. He was born in London, September, 1847;
he went to University College Hehool and University College,
gaining many prizes. He passed his first B.A. examination
with honours in LS()7, and then became Lord Kelvin's pupil at
Glasgow in preparation for the Indian Telegraph service. He
did good work with the late Mr. Schwendler, and became
electrical superintendent. In 1H72-3 he was on special duty
in England, and acted also for Lord Kelvin and Prof. F.
Jenkin, the engineers of the Great Western Telegraph Cable.
From 1873 to 1878 he was I'rofessor of Xatural Philosophy
and of Telegraphy in Japan.
His laboratory there and his work with students are de-
scribed by Prof. Perry in a Society of Arts Paper, January,
1880. That description is well worth reading. The presence
of Maxwell at the Cavendish Laboratory, and the presence of
Kelvin at Glasgow, alone prevent our saying that no other
laboratory then in existence was worth mentioning in comparison
with the Japan laboratory. No wonder that Maxwell jest-
ingly said that the electrical centre of gravity had been
shifted to Japan.
Before 1875 he had published some important investiga-
tions relating to telegraphy. After 187.5 his investigations
were mainly on electrical plieiiomena, sometimes without,
but oftener with, a practical bearing on engineeringi
In 1879 he became Professor of Applied Physics at the City
and Guilds Technical College, Finsbury. There for the first
time was carried out a scheme for scientific education, which,
in the opinion of its three authors— Armstrong, Ayrton and
my.self, and, wo might add, Magnus— is most suited to the
British race. It is now followed by every technical college in Great
Britain. It may be said to be in antagonism to the .\merican
system. America aims at producing the perfect engineer in
colleges. Finsbury produced enthusiastic learners ; it taught
students how to learn when they entered works and how to go
on educating themselves till they died. In 1884 he became
Professor of Electrical Engineering at the City and Guilds
Central College, South Kensington, and held that post till his
death. At the "Central ' the lahoratory work of students was
a combined development of the work at Finsbury and of the
work of Japan. The present writer has much experience, and
he has no hesitation in saying that the Kensington laboratory
188
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
has been the finest in the world ever since 1885. Now that
there is a prospect of greatly increased expenditure on electrical
laboratory work at Kensington, it is dreadful to think that
whatever development takes place must go on without Prof.
Ayrton's inspiration.
In 1888 our partnership was dissolved, really in conse-
quence of the great distance between Finsbury and Kensing-
ton, but his scientific work continued. About l.'iO papers
published by the Koyal and other societies and numerous
patents taken out in England and many other countries,
either in his own name or in collaboration with myself,
Mather and others, testify to his earnestness. In these days,
when there are so many thousands of electrical engineers and
hundicils of science colleges, it is difficult for young men
to comiirchcud how miich they owe to the pioneers. In 1874
the only electrical engineering was in telegraphy, and there
were not half a dozen men investigating electrical phenomena
in Kugland. In 1886 the present writer recollects that he sat
beside Prof. Ay rton at a meeting of the Institution of Electrical
Engineers and, looking over the large audience, was able to
say that nearly three quarters of the people present were
Ayrton's old students. In 1882-3, as engineers of the Faure
Accumulator Co. we had 18 draughtsmen, and in our own
service we had 17 draughtsmen. Nearly all these men were
ambitious ; they had come to learn in a new school where
electrical appliances of new kinds were being created with
unexampled rapidity. More than half of these men after-
wards achieved great success. Not for one moment do we
say that their success is due to us ; they were clever engi-
neers before they came from Germany and America and other
countries ; the fact is mentioned to show how few the places
were to which earnest young engineers could come to get
experience, and how strenuou.s was the intellectual life. On
two important occasions we were offered wealth, and we
refused it. Each time it meant that we should devote our-
selves soul and body to the development of one invention,
and wiih our eyes quite open we put the temptation aside.
In that pioneering time mere living was delightful. The
limes of Cortes and Pizarro, the times of the Renaissance
in the liucellai Garden.s, the times of the French Assembly
before 1783 — in not one of these, with the exception perhaps
of the last, wa.s there such exuberance of spirits and enjoy-
ment of life as there was among the electiical pioneers of
1878 1884. The Meter Patent of 1882, the mother pitent
of all existing meters, was taken out eight years before any-
body wanted to meter electrical energy. The railway inven-
tion, by which electric trains have a brake automatically
applied to them when in danger, will not be in use for ten years
yet. Even the Telpherage system of Fleeming Jcnkin and
oinselves is only now slowly getting into use in America.
Many inventions were tried, found successful, patented, and
the patents dropped because there were so many other interest-
ing things to attend to. A fairly long list of such things subse-
quently re patented and now in general use might easily bo
made out. It was not that we were careless of money, it
was that there were things far more enjoyable than any that
money could buy. There was the glorious iinlan,/,' of inven-
tion, theory, calculation and design and experiment all the time.
When Lord Kelvin first had the theory of the clock meter
explained to himhe said, "You got that idea from meinGlasgow."
This produced bewilderment until he explained : " I told you in
Glasgow that (1 -m)" :^ 1 + na if u is small enough." \es, and it
was a fact that the idea of the meter did start from this.
Since 187!), when he lectured on electrical transmission of
power at Sheffield, Prof. Ayrton has delivered many popular
lectures, and each of them might be said to be epoch-making,
lie was a member of many juries and congresses. He was
president of Section A of the British Association in 1898, presi-
dent of the Physical Society hi 1890, and president of the In-
stitution of Electrical Engineers in 1892. He became a Fellow
of the Royal Society in 1881, and in 1901 he was awarded a
Royal Medal by the Royal Society for his scientific work.
His first wife was his own first cousin, Matilda Chaplin, one
of the famous Edinburgh medical students; their daughter
Mith, now Mrs. Israel Zmgwill, was born in Japan. He married
his second wife,Hertha Marks, in 1885, and there is one daughter
from this union. The Electrician readers do not need to le
reminded that Mrs Avrton is the only lady member of the
Institution of Electrical Engineers, and that she was awarded
the Hughes medal of the Royal Society in 1906 for her work
upon the Electric Arc and upon Sand Ripples.
He had a keen sanse of justice and a high regard for truth.
The ideals towards which he worked incessantly were noble
ideals. In his own lifetime great progress had been made to-
wards their realisation, but occasionally he was despondent,
particularly towards the end, when his ailing body could not
respond to his vehement spirit. His working day was done,
and he could not see that all the noble things for which he had
worked were being pursued by many young energetic men,
most of whom had' been inspired by himself. He rests now in
the grave. He never did rest till now. He had my love and
that of Mather and Armstrong and of every man who was
intimate with him. And he loved us.
•John Pkuky.
FREDERIC PERRINE.
We also regret to record the death of Dr. Frederic Perrine,
at the early age of 46.
Frederic Perrine was born at Manalpan (N J.), on August
2.5th, 1862, and was educated at the Freehold Institute and at
the University of Princeton. He graduated from the latter
establishment in 1883, receiving the D.Sc. degree two years
later. Dr. Perrine then became in turn assistant electrician
to the United States Electric Light Co., manager of the insu-
lated wire department of John A. Roebling & Co. and treasurer
of the Germania Incandescent Lamp Co.
In 1893 he was appointed Professor of Electrical Engineer-
ing in the Lelatid Stanford Junior University (California),
which post he held till 19O0. It was perhaps in this position
that he was best known. In 1898 he became chief engineer of
the Standard Electrical Co. of California, and about the same
time was also interested in other electrical concerns. He was
also connected with several electrical papers, including " Elec-
trical Engineering " (Chicago) and the " Journal of Electricity "
(Cal.). He was the author of a text-book on " Conductors
for Electrical Distribution," and of numerous Papers before
scientific and learned institutions. He was a member of many
engineering societies, both in the United States and in this
countrj', including the Institution of Electrical Engineers.
CORRESPONDENCE.
TURBO-ELECTRIC MARINE PROPULSION.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ELECTRICI.iN.
Sir: The remarks of the Sandycroft Foundry Co. (Ltd.)
are very interesting and their motors for certain purposes
want a lot of beating when used for stationary work and
with a constant voltage supply ; having only one air-gap, the
efficiency must bo higher than the ordinary cascade system
with two air-gaps. Also, as stated, the disadvantages greatly
disappear, but I must admit that I am rather surprised
that they can construct these motors to run at the low speeds
which I advocate for my marine propulsion system with a
motor (itticiency of 90 per cent. The red piint is— What is
the efficiency on the lower of the two speeds in, say, motors of
7,000 n.H.i'. at a top speed of, say, 250 revs, per min., and
what power and speed would they give on the lower speed ?
It must be remembered that in the type of motor which I
advocate the machine is properly and efficiently designed for
the full power at top speed, the winding for this being nearest
the air-gap ; tooth leakage at this highest power is, therefore,
not great. At half speed the power in a 1,000 H.P. ship
would probably drop to 200 H P., so that the second winding
need only be of this power and would reap the benefit of
shorter pole span and the iron necessary for 1,000 B.H.P.
in both stator and rotor. The rotor having only one winding,
efficiency is increased and diameter is decreased.
Regarding Mr. Kempster's remark, I can assure him that a
method which I have recently devised for a large ship pro-
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
189
vides the following essential points : — That any of three set
speeds can be obtained on & siiujle-u-indinij motor with squirrel-
cage rotor, and if so desired any intermediate speed can be
given efficiently at constant turbine speed and without the
use of slip rings or resistances on the motor whatsoever, in
every way suitable and most desirable for all conditions of pro-
peller rotation, and embodying the following important points,
which are absolutely necessary for large work when using
motors of from 5,000 h.1'. to 15,000 H.P., at speeds of
about 160 revs, per min. The motors with single winding
have shallow slots, and the frequency being high at top speed,
the pole pitch span is short, making a " lighter " and more
efficient motor for a given power. The diameter can be kept
within the limits allowed by the fine vessel lines and the
depth of the propeller shaft. Also, being only single winding,
there are only three leads to take to the motors, as compared
with at least five in the two-speed winding ; and there are
various other important advantages, which are absolutely essen-
tial when dealing with very large motors for the propulsion of
liners. I shall be very interested to hear of a more "reliable"
electric motor than a single winding squirrel cage induction
motor, which is embodied in the above patented method.
If Mr. Kempster will refer to the Paper" which 1 read before
the Institute of Marine Engineers at the Franco-British Exhi-
bition last July, he will see that 1 refer to motors and gene-
rators up to a size of 8,000 b h.p. With all due deference, 1
do not think Mr. Kempster has fully grasped the situation.
It is no criterion that because cascade connected motors are
used for rolling mills that they will be satisfactory for marine
propulsion, since in the rolling mill motor efficiency is sacrificed
for high starting torque ; while the marine propulsion motor
having to deal with very small starting torques must be
efficient for continuous running.
It is true that motors coupled in cascade may also be made
for low starting torque and efficient running ; but, for reasons
which I gave in my previous letter, they will never be so satis-
factory as regards cost, weight, efficiency or small heating
effects, rehability, simplicity and general utility as the method
I have described, which is meeting with general approval, both
in the electrical and shipbuilding industries. These agree that
there is no doubt whatsoever as to the low fuel consumption
per ton of displacementper mile thatispossiblewith this method.
Mr. Kempster touches on the vital point — namely, the time
when we require the highest power transmission efficiency is
when the vessel is at full speed — ic, during the greater part
of the voyage. Ii is for that reason alone that cascade or
spinner methods cannot compete, ah hough, indeed, a serious
contribution towards the solution of this far-reaching jiroblem.
The subject is an interesting one, and when I see a better
method I will freely admit it. But he would, indeed, be a
very rash man who fitted a vessel of any size with cascade con-
nected motors for such constant and heavy work. — I am, &c.,
Heme Bay, Nov. 9. William P. Durtnall, M.I.Mar.E.
PENNY A-WORD TELEGRAMS
Not for the tirst timeis .Mr. HciinikiT Heaton'.s chimerical jiro-
ptisal to start a service of a penny-a-word telegrams on tlie tapis.
It will be remembered that in the report of tlie inter-Departmental
Committee which in 1902 discussed the subject of penny-a-word tele-
grams to America their decision against the proposal was unani-
mous and emphatic, and this point was emphasised by Sir John
Wolfe Barry at the meeting of the stockholders of the Eastern
Telegraph Co. on Wednesday.
Bespite tliis unanimity on the part of a representative body ap-
pointed liy Pailiament to discuss the entire subject of telegraph
cable rates, Mr. Henniker Heaton has been offered an opportunity
to again air liis \ iews upon the subject, with the technicalities and
bearing of which it will, we believe, be generally agreed (notwith-
standing that he is able to command the pages of the leading journal
for his purpose) he lias little or no acquaintance, and of which he
shows no knowledge, special or otherwise, to justify the importance
which his views are permitted to assume.
At the Whitehall Rooms of the Hotel Metropole, London, a large
assembly met to discuss Mr. Heaton's proposals, and many present
• The Electrician, .Tuly 31, 1908, p. 60a
were apparently impressed with the greed of the " monopolists "
(as it is the fashion to term those who have laboured for more than
half-a-centiiry to establish and maintain what is still a British
industry and a great enterprise) and the wickedness of successive
British Governments, which, realising the large financial issues in-
volved, have heretofore turned a deaf ear to the schemes formulated
by a small Ijut insistent group of " reformers " who preach the doctrine
of reduction at any cost of the charge for telegraph messages
" within the Empire." When due consideration is given to all the
factors whicli go to make up the working of long-distance tele-
graphy, either by land or by .sea, it is quickly found by statesmen
and others, by whom the matter of reductions in charges must be
ultimately decided, that the proposals which Mr. Heaton and
his supporters put forward are entirely impracticable. " At
Tuesday's meeting .Air. Henniker Heaton's views (for practically
the first time) took what we must describe, for want of a lietter
term, definite shape, and we will, in as brief a manner as possible,
glance through a Pajjer of inordinate length read by the lion, gentle-
man on that occasion, reserving the larger portion of our space to the
discussion which followed, and which was, in our opinion, of greater
importance than the Paper upon which it was based.
PENNY A-WORD TELEGRAMS THROUGHOUT THE
EMPIRE.*
BV J. HENNIKEII HKATIl.N. M. p.
Twenty-one year.s ago 1 stood on this pKatfonn to advocate imperial
IK'iiny postage and cheap cablegrams, and in the course of these two
decades we have carried imperial ))pnny postage and have not lost a far-
thing by it. On that night, too. I adviuKcd the theory that a cheap
telegraphic system for the Empire was a oommeroial pos.sibility. The
proposals 1 placed before you were viewed with abhorcnce by the cable
companies. They could not see the practicability of my idea,s. But
that which I advocated in the closmg years of the la.st century was a
mild reform compared with what now presents itself. To-day we want
a universal penny-a-word rate, and he would be a bold man indeed who
would deny the certain realisation of our hopes. I feel that this reform
is so near to us already that it is no ]iremature counting of our chickens
to estimate the value of this step and its effect on our world-Empire.
On the occasion to whicli 1 refer I advocated the construction of a cable
from the Cape of Good Hope to Australia. The Eastern Telegraph Co
in the person of Sir James Anderson, deemed the notion impossible. Sir
.James Anderson said : — " There is some talk of taking a cable all the way
from Australia to Mauritius acro.ss the ro\ite of the trade winds to the
Cajie. There is not even a sandbank on which to catili fish. There is
not a port to which a cruiser or a cable ship can go to re]>leni.sh their
supply of coal, which they are certain to rc(piire to do. There are no
ships going there. There is no trade, and nobody wants to go there."
This was very plain and to the point. But what has oeeurred ? On
Jan. 1. 1901 — only 14 years afterwards — the Eastern Telegraph Co.
finished the construction, at their own expense, of the very cable which
they had denounced me for advocating. I must quote Sir, lames Ander-
son's speech that night once more: — '"Take the calile frr>m Canada
down to Fiji and New Caledonia to Australia. I do not believe in it a
bit, and 1 hope that no one with whom I have inlluence will ever put a
penny of money into it, but leave it to those gentlemen who do not know
any better." That cable is also laid — the cable from Canada via Fiji to
Australia.
It is, believe me, without any feeling of exultation that I refer tonight
to the past and to the complete vindication of my policy. History
repeats itself, and I may be pardoned if I perceive in the course of sub-
sequent events substantial enco\uagcnicnt for believing that the scheme
now proposed will also find accoinplisliinent in the nearest future. Let
us come at once to the details of the progranonc. Klectric connnuniea-
tion with our lands beyond sea is now (he costly monopoly of a few. It.s
expcn.sp is prohibitive. In .Australia, some years siiue. I paid, on behalf
of the (iovernmcnt nf New South Wales, the simi of £1,200, or Ids. a
word, for one t. I. L'nnn t.i England to tell the people of the Old Country
of the incrcMMiij in i |.Mty of that part of the l<:m|)ire. To-night 1 pro-
pose Id. a w.ii.l I.. I I. Ir^rams throughout the Empire. Through Aus-
tralia, for more than ;f,(IUU miles, the charge for a telegram is Id, a word.
Europe is about the same size as Australia, and the first step that would
occur to one is surely to charge Id. a word for telegrams throughout the
old Continent. The" idea is rea.sonablc enough. If the tJovcrnmcnt of
the island continent can enable its people to send a telegram the enor-
mous distance of 3.<)(HJ miles through the wastes and wildernesses for Id.
a weird, or 12 words for Is., what is there to prevent us .sending a telegram
from London to India by land at the same rate ? The chief obstacle
whiih is heforc us is in the jiolitical frontiers. Our object, therefore,
should lie tcp abolish .political frontiers, so far as telegrams are concerned.
Between man and man political frontiers should not e.xist. If wc can-
not get over this difficulty I place my hoires on my friend Marconi.
Looking at the map I see telegraph lines from St. Petersburg to Vladi-
vostoek. a distaiue of more than ti.OOO miles by land. I sent a telegram
over that vast distance for less than 4d. a word. There were no political
frontiers to intervene. Let the Postma.stcrs-General of Europe meet
and resolve to abolish or rather ignore political frontiers for telegraphic
u * Abstract of a Paper read at a meeting of the Royal Colonial Institute
on Tuesdav. Nov. 10. " '"' ..•.'-« =i'f-
190
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
commiinicatioii, and the Home and Colonial Oovernnionts sh.uild offer
tu construct land lines to the variouH portions of the Emiiire on the route
to our possessions heyond the seas. They would discover tliat the money
they expend in cabling to London, and the British (Government expends
in cablini' to the Colonies and Dependencies amounts to a sum sufficient
to pay the interest on all the cables an<l the land lines they desire to
acquire. I reiieat that with the official expenditure of the High Com-
missioners, of the .Agents. (Jeneral whom 1 see around me, also of the
representatives of India, and of what are generally known as the Crown
Colonies of our Dominions beyond the seas, and the enormous sums
spent by the British Covernment in communicating with the Colonies
and with naval and military forces there will be a sum more than suffi-
cient to pay the interest on these lines.
At present the bulk of our trading negotiations are conducted in writ-
ing, just as they were conducted between Assyria and Egypt thousands
of years ago. There is a lamentable waste of time at every stage. At
present the flash of the telegraphic me.s-sage instantly passess over the face
of Europe from one end to the other ; yet it has to pay toll to the various
foreign (iovernmcnts more than once on its way.
But I pass from these considerations to a larger aspect of the question
the political. Of all the nations that ever existed none is so greatly
dependent on speedy communication as the British. Our Empire sur-
passes all others, past and present, in its wide diffusion and its compli-
cation of problems. I wish it understood that my hostility is not against
Capital, but against the tyranny of capital. There is no one so ignorant
or foolish as to deny the debt which mankind owes to the cable com-
panies for their spirited enterprise in facing many ri.sks in the develop-
ment of telegraphic communication. Those who carried out that great
work deserve our gratitude and financial reward. I would not deprive
them of one farthing of what they are justly entitled to : if they are to
be bought out I would not haggle with them over the price, because I
might think it was based on an ungenerous tariff. The Briti.sh Govern-
ment does not to-day subsidise our largest and greatest telegraph lines
to India, to China and the East, or to .Australia or to Canada to the extent
of one penny, with the exception of the line from Vancouver to Australia.
although large sums are spent on the conveyance of mails. Hardly a
finger is stirred towards cheapening telegraphic communication with the
various Colonies and Dependencies in which we are interested. Our
great merchants in England spend £.'5,000,000 a year in sending cables to
various parts of the world. Yet in om- inland telegraph system we only
spend £3,000,000 : so enormous is the cost that we s pend £2,000,000
more in telegraphing to the countries beyond the seas than the amount
spent on inland messages by the whole of the inhabitants of our islands.
£1,000,000 goes to the American cables. We pay £1.000 a day to cable
to .Australia, £1,000 a day to cable to India, £1,000 a day to cable to
South Africa. £1,000 a day to cable to China and the East, and £1,000,000
a year to cable to the United States of America. In the present high
cable charges we are paying for many abandoned cables, for superfluous
cables, and also for unnecessary working staff and apparatus. In other
words the public is paying £4.000.000 a year for what could be supplied
for £130.0(X). In fact, if we were to wipe out or destroy our present
cable service it would be possible to reccmstruet the whole system anew
for less than half the original outlay. Notwithstanding the large sum
spent in cabling merchants and business men are terribly handicapped.
There arc code mistakes, and the result is ruinous loss. They would
sjwnd an equal amount of money if they were allowed to send more words.
The cables should be for the people, and not for the monopolists. Cheap
cabling is the key to all the really momentous problems that confront
our statesmen :nul iinTchnnts. For :i cpiarter of a century I have watched
the growl li III ill.' I in III' II -r ( iMc nn nn pnly — a monopoly which naturally
in purblinil li-l i .1, I,mi> h^ ,,\m, ,n<\ a cable mooopoly with enor-
mously higli I. lies to iiur Cnlouic^ and Dependencies ; yet not one word
has been spoken by a British Postmaster-General in favour of reducing
those excessive charges. I have sat at great State cable conferences side
by side with representatives of the (iovernment of Great Britain, and not
one attempt was injide by them to lessen the cost of cabling. Yet we must
remember that the Postmaster-General has absolute control over the
cables in his hands, because lie holds the landing rights and inland trans-
mission for (Jreat Britain w ithout which not a smgle cable message could
be sent by the monopolist comjianies.
It will be advanced that the cables could not cope with the rush it a
popular rate were introduced. The marvellous Pollak-Virag system has
met this difficulty ; by its means an increa.se of eight times the number
of messaL'cs can be sent on anv wire at about a third of the present cost.
The I'mIM; \ 11 1- -\Mrni , ,m -rtul 4(1.0(11) words an hour from London to
Pari^: iln i-n m-iliu il„\ . miI.I, l,y wircl.^ss telegraphy or by six wires
of land lin. -. rl.^iiiili i,, ihr ( ,,iuincnt of Europe in one week the whole
of the mc^s.iu'- iim« ^, ut in a year. The carrying capacity of the
American calil.- i- ilim.on'i.OOO words, but the wu-es only carry 20,000,000
words a year n .u. Kl. i iricity has been appropriate,d by along-headed
trust which regards this Heaven-sent gift as it would whisky, beer, or
other " eornerable " things.
And now for the remedy. The electric wires link up all our towns and
villages except the very smallest. The internal rates in each country
are extremely small, ranging from a Jd. to Id. a word, though the usu-al
rate is id. Let us have an international arrangement for the transmis-
sion of telegrams between any two points in Europe at Id. a word. If
the cable monopolies will not" move what is the remedy ? Well, we are
independent of them. We want a cable to Canada, and the land lines
will do the rest. Let it never be forgotten that the natural trade route
to Australasia is, and always will be, by way of India and China. More-
over, It IS m the East that our commercial classes feel most acutely the
stress of competition. It is therefore easily within our nower to give our
merchants— and this without the smallest sacrifice of revenue— this price-
less aid of fhca]> telegraphic communication. This miracle-workmg
all-permeating fluid, electricity, is the key to the problems which keep
our statesmen tossing, wakeful and nervous, through the long night, I
do not want to do any man injustice. I simply desire the British,
Canadian, Australian, Indian, and South African Governments to com-
bine—either to buy out the cable companies at the market price of the
day or to act on the policy I have laid before you. In this work the first
step is to call a conference for the establishment of a European penny-a-
word rate. The next thing is to link up the land Imes of Europe with
India, China and Australia. The late Mr. Ernest Floyer, Superintendent
of Telegraphs in Egypt, submitted to the Cables Communications Com-
mittee some valuable notes, I will extract a few of these : ' A cable
costs £200 a mile, while £30 per mile is a fair estimate for a land line with
the same ccmductor." " A cable requires for its maintenance steamers
and highly paid experts ; while an Arab can do all that is required to
maintain a land line." " A cable is an expensive necessity where oceans
must be traversed, but it is as a coach compared to an express train when
compared with a land line." " 15 to 20 words per minute seems a fair
speed for cables, as against 100 on a land line." " The Indian Govern-
ments arc working 90 words a minute over 2.286 miles." But science is
to the fore. My powerful ally is Mr. Marconi, who has stepped calmly
out of his laboratory and said, " Why not do without wires ? "
The Earl of Jersey, who presided, after introducing Mr. Heaton,
said this was the first meeting of the winter .session of the Colonial
Institute, and it would afford them the opportunity of giving a
welcome to the Postmaster-General of Canada, Lord Strathcona
and many other friends. After the reading of the Paper by Mi.
Heaton he invited discussion.
DISCUSSION.
Sir Rudolf Lemiefx (Postmaster-General of Canada), after acknow-
ledging the warmth of the invitation he had received to attend the
meeting, said the Motherland had undoubtedly led the world in the
matter of postal reforms, and he hoped the day was not far distant
when universal penny postage would be adopted. With Mr. Heaton
he believed that cheap cabling was the key to all the real momentous
problems that confront statesmen and merchants. Speaking for him-
self alone, he looked upon penuy-a-word cablegrams as an ideal which
some day, sooner or later, should be attained, Canada's interest was
defined by her geographical position. Canada had had a principal
share in the movement which resulted in the Pacific cable. He be-
lieved that every reduction in rates would open the door to a class of
traders who could not now afl'ord to use the cables, as the cost was
practically prohibitive. A shilling a word for the settler in the'Canadian
Far West, for the small trader, for the toiler, for the middle classes
generally was unciuestionably a prohibitive rate. He was well aware
that objections were raised from scientific and financial points of view.
Mr. G. M.\RrONi congratulated Mr. Henniker Heaton on his Paper,
and thanked him for the kind references to",himself (Mr. Marconi) and
his work. They were all in agreement as to the great benefits which
would be derived from a reduction of the cable rates to Id. per word
between all parts of the British Empire, but considering the cost and
enormous capital invested in cables, he much doubted whether it would
be possible to send messages over great distances by these means
without incurring a fairlj' substantial loss. The recent establishment
of wireless communication on a small but commercial scale across
the Atlantic had awakened a large amount of public interest in the
new method of communication, and he expressed his thanks to Sir
Rudolf Lemieux for the encouragement and assistance the Canadian
Government had given him. In 1902 the Canadian Government
granted him a subsidy of £16,000 to assist in experiments across the
Atlantic, in return for which he agreed never to charge more than
2id, a word for Press and Government messages transmitted between
this country and the Dominion of Canada. It would be possible in
time to have a reliable service at Id. a word between England and
Canada by means of wireless telegraphy. From a technical point of
view, the possibility of low rates, whether by cables or wireless tele-
graphy, resolved itself to the question of the s]>eed at which it is pos-
sible to work each circuit, and any new invention, such as the Pollak-
Virag, if applicable to cables or long-distance wireless, would result in
furthering tne possibility of cheap rates. The trans-Atlantic stations
equipped in Ireland and Canada had already transmitted 300,000 words
within one year of starting, and when they were completed and dupli-
cated he believed they would be able to handle at least 20 or 30 times
that amount of traffic.
Mr. Henniker Heaton : Is Mr. Marconi prepared to transmit mes-
sages from shore to shore between the United Kingdom and Canada for
Id. per word ?
Mr. Mauconi : Yes, provided either the British or the Canadian
Governments, or both, will pay the working expenses of the stations
on both sides of the Atlantic and also give a comparatively moderate
subsidy.
Mr. Henniker Heaton : On that stipulation %ve could carry
3,000,000 words to America for about £25,000, as against £180,000 now
given to the cable companies for the same number of words.
Sir George Dofohty said : It will doubtless be some time before
the idea Mr. Heaton has put forward to-night can be realised. For
my part 1 believe that if a Id. telegraph service can be established
in the Empire in a limited period of time it might be a financial
and commercial success ; but in m;<.it<is affecting the British
Empire is it always necessary that ^^e should ask whether it is
going to pay commercially the first day it is started ? Surely
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
191
the people of the British Empire would be willing, through their
Governments, to contribute certain subsidies for certain periods
of lime. A great deal has been said about "monopolies," but most
jieople know that when a thing is started by private enterprise it
requires private capital, and those who have put their monej- into the
venture have a right to be fairly and honestly considered. The cable
companies have, however, had a fairly good time, and it is perfectly
clear that they are not now serving the public but ser.-ing themselves.
After 50 years it is the duty of the various (Joveniments to see what
can be done either in the direction of buying out the cable companies
at a rcasunabl'j figure or linking up the lines in the way Mr. Heaton
has suggested, and utilising the Marconi system with the view to
cheapening the general service.
Sir CiiAKLEs Bruck said he was sure all tho members of the Colonial
Institute were optimistic, yet there were moments when they might
almost doubt whether the obligations of the Empire were not out-
growing its resources. He had been asked by the West India com-
mittee to refer to a scheme under consideration by the West India
Governments for securing a more efficient cable service. He was fully
aware, of course, that the chain which bound the Empire together was
to a very large extent one of commercial interest. It was impossible
to over-estimate the value of a cheaper method of communication, as
advocated by Mr. Heaton.
Mr. G. R. Neilsox said : I do not speak in any representative
capacity and shall deal only with facts which should be patent
to everyone. For all I know the policy of those representing
land and submarine telegraphy may be to allow such proposals as we
are discussing to niglit to find, like water, their own level.
There is an attempt in the Paper which has been read to acliieve a
not very generous victory over the dead. Mr. Heaton is, however, in
error in staling, as he does in his Paper, that there is a cable from the
Cape of Good Hope to Australia. Nor is one likely to be laid, for the
very reasons of dilKculty of maintenance which the late Sir James
Anderson had in mind. A cable from Natal, North to Mauritius, up to
Cocos and South to Western Australia is a very different matter as
regards repairs. Again, " those who do not know any better " have laid
the Pacific cable and are losing £60,C00a year, without having reduced
the rates. Time has therefore justified Sir James Anderson in both
instances. There were many other grave inaccuracies in the Paper.
Taking the case of the Antipodes first, it is manifest that 36 times
the traffic would be needed at Id. to earn the same gross revenue
as at the present cliarge of 3s. There are four caliles all the way to
Australia. Let us assume that two would suffice for the existing
traffic, although business men do not put down unnecessary plant. It
is manifest that 72 cables would be needed for a penny rate to the
Island Continent. Deducting the existing four cables, the additional
capital required for 68 new lines would be over 170 millions sterling,
and there would be only the present gross revenue to provide
interest on capital, working expenses, repairs and depreciation.
But it may be said the case of Canada afJbrds a less complicated
illustration. Let us see. Of the 15 North Atlantic cables probably
five are u.sed for Canadian traffic. It may be pointed out in p;»ssing
that a few minutes delay is all that is permissible in telegrajih traffic
during the busy part of the day. Capel Court, for instance, expects to
get a reply from Wall Street in less than three minutes, but let us say
that three caliles would do the present work to Canada. The assumjition
is that Id. per word in pl.ace of Is. would increase the traffic at least
twelvefold. Then 36 cables to Canada— or 31 additional — would be
required to carry the increa.sed traffic, with only the present gross
revenue to meet all charges. And the more the traffic inoreasetl the
more appalling the financial position would be.
Reference is made to the PoUak-Virag system of instruments being
able to send 40,000 words an hour between London and Paris, but if
Mr. Heaton docs not know that with long cables the difficulty is not in
the instruments at each end, but inherent in tho cable itself, one can
a])peal to all the scientific and practical anthorities in the world in
affirming unhesitatingly that he does not know the first letter of the al-
phabet of the sul ijcct. He makes the amazingstatement thatthe capacity
of the American caliles is 300 millions of « ords per annum. One would
like to know with what system of working. With the universally used
Syphon-Recorder only a fraction of this tremendous total can be sent.
There are British, French, (iermau and American cables across the
Atlantic in tierce competition. Have all these entered into a hideous
conspiracy to maintain high rates in face of practically unlimited carry-
ing capacity !
There is a striking object lesson as to cheap rates to our Colonies. I
refer to the Pacific cable, which is owned by the Imperial and Colonial
Governments. At 3s. per word that line shows a loss of £60,000
per annum. Why ? Not because the operators are instructed to
"ca'canny" in transmitting the traffic, but for the reason that one
of their sections is the longest cable in the world — 3.460 nauts — and
the speed of a cable is uiversely as the square of its length. It is the
long neck of the bottle and severely limits the carrying capacity of the
whole line. Now, at one penny per word 36 Pacific cables approxi-
mately wouUl be wanted, and the annual loss would be about
£2.00U,000, to be borne by the taxpayers, and that would represent
only a small part of the Australasian traffic.
Again, stress is laid on the use of land lines, but we cannot have
land lines to Australasia, the Straits Settlements, Newfoundland,
Canada, the West Indies, nor, at present, to the Cape. Further, long
land lines worked by the many countries through whose territories
they passed could not possibly compete in speed and accuracy with
cables worked practically as one system by British operators who
have all received similar training. I know that Governments will in
certain cases lease laiid lines to private companies, but will they do
so to our Government, or allow the British Government or even inter-
national officials to work lines in their territories? Would we allow
(iermans to erect and work laud lines in England ? And, moreover, a
penny a word to India by land line would involve a loss which even
the patient taxpayer would not face. It does not seem to have even
dawned on the author of the Paper that the larger the sale of an
article at less than prime cost the more huge will be the loss.
Again, it may be replied that if cables are too slow and expensive
wireless is not. Now it would be a large assumption that a radio-
telegraph installation on each side can carry as much traffic as any
one of the recently laid cables can. But let us make it, and you will
see that 35 wireless stations on each shore would be want«d. Is that
practical politics at present or likely to be within a generation at
least 1 To say nothing of cost, where could they be placed to avoifl
interference, making the utmost allowance for syntony, and assum-
ing that no other nations in the world worked long distance wireless?
We may be told that a leading wireless authority .sees his way to a
vastly accelerated speed of radio-telegraphic transmission. In the
City of London, gentlemen, paper is not "good" unless previous
promises have been met. In any case, had he not better kill the bear
before we .sell its skin ?
There are a quarter of a million miles of cables in existence, the
growth of 50 years. Assume that only two-fifths, say 100,000 miles,
are necessary for the Empire, and allow that they would h.xve to be
increased tenfold at a penny per word. Up to the jjresent gutta perclia
is the only possible insulator, and there is not sufficient of it
available to lay more than, say, 1 per cent, jjer annum of the 900,000
miles of cables which would be required. Is it not remarkable that
those who publicly advocate such enormous reductions of telegraph
rates should not have taken a pencil and paper and sat down to count
the cost ?
The question before us is a business one or it is not. Now, succes-
sive British Postmasters-General have set their faces against prefer-
ence in telegraphy involved in " urgent " mes.sages at higher rates.
Assuming, for the sake of argument, that a pennya-word rate is
feasible, the messages of business men, upon which the commerce of
the woild so largely depends, would be deprived by delay of most of their
value. One is often startled to find public men comparing things which
should be contrasted. For instance, it is said, nosv that we have a
penny letter rate with our Colonies, the time is ri[)e for a-peniu'-a-
word-telegraph-tariff' within the Empire. Let me illustrate thediSfer-
ence. It would not tax the resources of His Britannic Majesty's Post
Office to carry a single bible by book post at a charge of sixpence to Aus-
tralia, but to telegraph its contents would block all the lines for
three weeks, and at oven a penny per word would cost £3.377. 18s. Id.
If every postal letter had to be treate<l as " express" from lasting to
delivery, where would penny |>ostage be, seeing that a letter which is
" express" only from the neare-t delivery office to destination costs 4d. <
From beginning to end of the Paper of the evening there isiiot a
word devoted to an estimate of the number of lines, or of their cost,
by A\hich an enormously increasefl traffic can be carrieil. That is a
grave, an ominous omission. There is urgent necessity for plain
speaking, and I venture to say that to put before this meeting— and
the world -a va^t proposal of this nature which entirely omits that
fmidaniental consideration is not respectful to you, to the Pressor the
public. Sentiment is a sorry substitute for sound finance.
It may be replied that great improvements will lie made in tele-
graphy. They have been in the past, and yet only slowly, as witness
the fact that no improvement — not even mechanical — was suggested
in Lord Kelvin's syphon recorder during 25 years' use in .all parts of
the world. Duplex telegraphy has not lieen materially altered since
it was introducefl over 30 years ago by Dr. Muirhead. Long cables are
essentially the same as they were fifty yeiirs ago. Improvements
will be made, but all recorded ex[)crience in every department shows
that they will only be made gradually, because in every ajiplication of
the forces of nature there are natural laws to be reckoned with which
are as remorseless as gra\ ity. And, gentlemen, these are not the in-
ventions of wicked officials who love dear telegraphy, but are, unfor-
tunately, inherent in the nature of things.
I was present some years ago, in this very rotim, at a gathering of
the foremost scientific and electrical men of the day. The late Sir
.John Pender cordially invited them to co-operate with the cable
enterprises by bringing before them the result of all lesearches and
inventions which could contribute to the improvement of practical
telegraphy. Gentlemen, 1 betray no confideiioe in stating that that
invitation has never been revoked by him or his successors. If Mr.
Heaton or anyone else has .i method "for increasing the speed of cable
working evenSO per cent, let him bring it forward. It will be worth
a king's ransom.
Dr. G. R. P.\RKIN said : Like all the re.st of the audience, I admire
the courage of the last speaker, because I am satisfied that if he had
been here 21 years ago he would have found gentlemen, some of the
highest .authorities in the country stilting that certain things were
irapo.ssilile. That opinion h.os, however, been absolutely disproved,
and when a man comes hereto-day with only the record of the E;istern
Telegraph Co to sUiiid uiion to s;iy things are impossible, I believe
that 21 years hence ho will be pillared in the way that Mr. Heaton has
been ;)illared to-night. The financial fact which strikes me most in
the Paper is a very practical one with which many present will be
familiar -that the Governments of our various countries spend an enor-
mous sum of money every year in communications between each other.
If we estimated the capitalised sum which this annual expenditure
represented it would, I think, be found to be sufficient to build cables
and manage them. If, then, the Government communications occupy
one-fifth of the time of the cables, would not Government be able
192
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
In nnspMt tlio oUicr four-lifths of tlio time to the country?
Ast'o he nuch.abuscd Pacific cable, if by layinf? that cab ewe have
ESb^:a:J:,f:^:=^|e=^^
on a «•«.-, but if you spend £200,000,000 on the mean, of pioctm-
war vou will have spent it to better purpose. j .i •
Hon A J Thynnk said: Several references have been made th,»
ev" ing in regard to the Pacific cable. Although .t ha. not made the
shfninl success that some people expected f"'"'" '^ >t has paid^e
nublic very well in the form of relieving commerce in (.reat Britain
i";^^' Australia to the extent of over £200,000 Allu.ion was made by
Mr. Neilson to the fact th^t there are very l°"§.*'t™''.''<=" °*Jr'f '"
he Parilic cable service. I well remember the discussions which took
place at the Ottawa Conference on this question. Representations
We made bv, I think, the late Sir John Pender and other gentlemen
hiterestcd in' cables, as to the enormous cost which wo«bl be .nvoU^d
in laying the Pacific cable, and the autliorities agreed that technically
it w.4 impossible to lay such a cable over such a long distance. I men.
tion this because probably Mr. Neilson will see that prophecies of that
nature are not .'.Iways safe things to make, because difficulties that wei c
pronounced insurmountable have been surmounted. I believe Mr.Heat< n
will succeed, but he need not expect to succeed in 12 months or 12
years. If it comes in 21 years he will have reason to congratulate
"Mr*; M.MKONi: I shall not in any way touch upon the general re-
marks of Mr. Neilson about cables, except in so far that I might say
that I sympathise very deejily with him and the Eastern Telegraph Co.
that the cables find such great difliiculties in increasing their speed
that there is little probability that this speed will be increased
in the near future, and that so small an advance in speed has
been accomplished in the past. I might explain-and I think it
will be generally admitted, that if Sir Oliver Lodge or any other
well-known scientist were present to night he would confirm what 1
say-that with wireless telegraphy, assuming that a large distance is
possible, the fact of being able to communicate over that large dis-
tance it does not in any way limit the speed, whereas with the cable
the speed is limited by the time it takes to stjueeze the electricity
through this long and narrow channel. Mr. Neilson referred to wire-
less tclegraiihv, and stated that it was impossible to work, say, 30
stations within the area of England and Ireland, each communicating
across the Atlantic. I do not agree with him. It is quite possible to
work 50 stations. , o r. oj t n
Lord Stkatiicona said that after seeing the rate of 8s. 8d for the
delivery of a letter from England to Canada reduced to Id. he could
believe in almost anything with regard to cheapening the means of
communication.
Hon. A. W. Meeks said that he would welcome any reduction that
■ould bo effected in cable communication, but as a business man, and one
who sjient thousands of pounds a year in cablegrams, he could not
accf:|)t the proposition without at least some facts and financial statis-
tics bearing on the problem. It was obvious that if the traffic was
increased the cost also was increased. There was an entire absence
of figures in the Paper. He was quite in sympathy with the idea,
but was afraid they would have to wait a long time before it could be
brought about.
A vote of thanks to the chaiiman brought the meeting to a close.
PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.
LONDON ELECTRIC SUPPLY BILLS.
LoNDo.N AM) District Elkotrkity Sri'i'i.v Bill.
On 'J'hursday, Nov. 5, Mr. Vesey ICnox. K.C, representing South-
wark, Hornsey, Finchlcy. Chiswick and Boikoiiham liical authorities,
addressed the Committee. He dcsir.,! i,, ..nq.li i-izr ih.it the total .saving
which the promoters of the new li nn .i.-,rMr,l , onld be made was
only ;d. iK-r unit when the sch.'nir u.i- in hill »..,kiiig. Was it worth
whilr'.hsiuiliiii'.: so much invested capital and sn in;my authorities for
111,. - ,1.. I -ni.ill a saving V There was no doubt that if a supply was
jiisi l.riri I iiii'l in London, and there was, as it were, a " clean sheet."
ir|.,.;,i.i . ill Miiiation would be advisable; and he admitted that the
H.irl.iiiL Mr M I, well chosen for the purpose of generation, but he sub-
niidiM ilii i; w.iuld bp dear as regarded distribution, as it would nece.ssi-
talr ,1 Li. ii Irii^tli i.f ralili . l.iiil ill a city where street work was probably
nioiv r.>|ii n u r ill, Ml . 1 1 1 \ \U b 1 1 ■ I'lsc lu Europc. Coal would be saved by
runirnii, ill-ill. lull 111 .1 i .1,. liUr Ijcindon it would ho at a large expendi-
ture nil cMiiin'r. and it liccanic a question of " copper versus coal." In
his opinion, it was cheaper to waste a little coal on local generation than
to spend so much money on copper.
The Chairji.\n : Supposuig we were cominencing now, with the
cxiicricncc we have, I think coiipcr would get the victorv.
.Mr. Vkskv Knox : I agree, but y.iii have this fact to cousidci-. Uial llu-
main dciiiaiid in London is. anil always must lie, for lighting. For that
reason the load factor could never be such as it was in some of the
Northern to\vns. Large capital sums had been spent in recent years in
modern machinery and under the highest engineering advice, and he
thought they would find that the present capital expenditure was lower
than under the new scheme, which was estimated at £32 per kw. for cost
of delivery to the distributor's switchboard. , In many cases the present
capital cost was £32, and in cases of extensions even lower. Mr. Ham-
' , • „ ,f ,, „..,, i,„^„,i ,,,„„, a incat number of assumptions.
m,md 8 saving of id. was ha-i: "1 ■« - j demand. The total
Mr. Hammond had assumed an ^^^ ° Hammond assumed
c.msumpt.on for 1907 was 233.0( .. « ^ ^^
in his tables a ™"-''"f '^ '^^s; I V m^ Merz's scheme, and
represented were willing to take a supply "'■"< ' i,„t fKow
sone of them might be ready to take a supply under this bill but they
would want to see a considerable saving. There was the que_stion, also
whe her there would not be some electrical 'l-<'l°P-«f l^;:;,*;'^^ J°" ^
entirely disturb the estimated advantage they would get from thus bulk
supply: All these things made Mr. Hammond s scheme of a very prob-
lematical character. He submitted that the «^«if."'=«.°f P°*f .7°;
su mers wanting supply was very weak. The assumption that «on.e of the
small stations might be shut down at night impressed h.m ^ bit. but he
thought this could be done by linking up just as well as by the pro-
moters' scheme. As to whether the capital would be raised by the neAV
company, the Committee should make sure the scheme would be properly
financed if they gave the powers sought. \V here a scheme was authorused
and there were two or three years without that '^"he^'^bemg financed, and
while still the chances were it might be financed, authorised distributors
were injured by the uncertainty. The inclusion of many of the outlying
places in the scheme was a delusion, and would neither benefit the pro-
moters nor the places. There was no reason why London local authori-
ties should not get the same measure of protection J^ wf 8'^"" *" '''™'
authorities in Yorkshire. The local authorities asked that they should be
allowed to have the veto, and ask the absolute right to prevent competi-
tion with tham. So far as the supply to raQway companies mtheu-dLstncts
was concerned, they would have no objection to these bemg supp led under
the scheme. It was very unlikely that local authorities would be un-
reasonable, but it would be better for an isolated bcal authority to be
allowed to be unreasonable than that they should all be subjected to the
threatened competition. .
With regard to Chiswick and Southwark. In Chiswick a company
was now supplying, and the local authority had right of purchase in 1914.
A great part of the supply was for power, and they thought it might be
worth the while of the promoters to arrange with the company to take
over the power consumers in the district, and then when the local
authority bought the undertakmg they would find all those power con-
sumers boimd by agreements with the new company. As the purchase
was on structural value, thev would have to pay just as much for the
mains as they would if the power consumers were still being supplied.
There ought to be some protection for Chiswick. As to Southwark, there
was competition in every part of the borough at the present time.
Southwark Council, in the Newington portion of their district, was
supplying direct current and the London Electric Corpor. alternating
current. The prices in the bill for alternating current were cheaper than
those for direct current : therefore the London Electric would be able
to get curiv.it .1m-,i|.it ili.oi tl,.- Ciinniil under the bill. The iiew com-
pany, bv iiii.iii.iiii. i-i -H|,|,|^ .In iii.li tlu. London Electric, would m this
way be'ablf lo .mi|.|.I\ I-.i lii;lii 1^ « ,11 as for power, and Southwark would
be in a worse position tliau anv "f the other local distributors. There
was also a difficulty about the"L.C.C. purchase. The Borough Council
could purchase the London Electric Co.'s business in 1931, and if
the L.C.C. purchased the London and District scheme also in 1931, they
would have the absurd position of the county ratepayers out of one
pocket competing with the borough ratepayers out of the other pocket.
This was a peculiar difficulty, and reinforced his argument in favour of the
veto. , • ,
The Chairman : Not only will the Committee consider this clause as it
stands, but they will be bound to take into consideration the views of the
Board of Trade, if it comes to clauses.
Aid. Grantham (Mayor of Southwark) said if the L.C.C. purchased the
new company, it would be only right that it should purchase the borough
council undertaking also.
Aid. Cook (Chairman of Southwark Electricity committee) said he
believed they had the greater part of the consumers in their area on their
mains. The supply for power was developing more rapidly than the
su|)ply for lighting.
Mr. W. C. P. Tapper (borough elcrtri, ,il nvjinccr and manager. Step-
ney) said the Stepney undertaking \v:i- mikini; a substantial profit over
and above working costs and intcrcsi , mil h.iil a reserve of £11,200.
Since 1905, the charge for power was a ll.it laU- ,.[ Id., with the alternative
of £4. per kw. and .Id. ]icr unit for large consu mers. The average price for
power and heating was (i'.l.")<l.. and for all purposes l-62d. The plant
capacity at Osborn-strcct station was 3,700 kw. The first section at the
new station at Blyth's W harf would be of 4,000 kw. capacity, and the
site was capable (if extension up to about 30,000 kw. He expected the
new station to be in operation early next year, and in full workmg order
in about two years. They had at first strongly objected to the Adminis-
trative Bill, but by agreement afterwards a jirotective clause was in-,
scrted giving them an absolute veto against the Administrative Co.
coming within their district withinit their ,,iii-ent. except for railway
purposes. The load fartor at Stepney was .ih, ,ut 2."). and on this load
factor the Administrative prices worked out at UlioOd.. Stepney Council
at Ollitld., ami the L.iidon & District at 0"1 td. There were 10 large
e,iusumcrs. taking -ISIL-IOS units at a cost of .£1,997. IS-s. 7d., whereas
umler the scale oi' luaximuin charges siiiraesieil in the bill the cost would
be £2,309. 18s. 7d. They had no obje, li,,ii t,, any company that might
be established supplying the railway companies within the borough.
They were in the same position as West Ham in having power to get a
supplementary supply from the Charing Cross Co.
The Chairman : You may take it that the Committee will not give to
any borough a clause in the bill that does not apply to all similar boroughs.
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
193
Tlie Committee will cimsiiler the question of veto as a whole. If any
districts were to ti.' ^|ict i:illy exeluded, he thought the Committee would
come to the cone lu-i -m ih iI ilicy should tlirowout the bill.
Mr. Tapper, . iM-^rxjiniiii-d, said they would generate at 0-38d.,
according to his calculation, jiartly at Osborn-street and partly at Blyth's
Wharf. It would cost Id. to generate for the peak load at Osborn-
street alone if the company had the solid load and the Blyth's Wharf
station were not started. He thought the more current they took from
the ecmipany the worse it would be for the Council. His objection was
to competition.
Mr. WiLLiAM,s, in addressing the Committee, said the case of Ste|iney
was identical with that of West Ham, except that the latter was ontside
the County of London. Stepney charged the lowest rate of any of the
distributing authorities in London for pnv.cr, and they had a supple-
mentary supply from tin- <'!i:inii'^ ( V,,,, r ',,. if required. With regard
to the prices in the bill, ilir .\(liiiini>ii,iiiu- Co. offered them £3 per kilo-
watt and 0'3d. per unit, and llie |ireM-m pn.niotcr'! i.\ic;bt to be able to do
the same, and they also had an absolute vet" .uiiii I iln Administrative
Co. coming into their area except for railw ly |inr|Mi,rs. The new
company could not supply direct current at any lnv.ci price than they
could generate it I Imtii-i i\ is. The very fact of the promotion of the
present bill hinl iviii.lcii ihe Council from getting new customers.
It would lie ])ossiijlc f./r tlie company to cut their charges and work at a
loss to get into the district.
The ( 'haih.man : They could only do that in one or two places. If
they did it all over the district there would be an end of the company.
Mr. Williams: The company was a disturbing factor affecting the
relations between the Council and their consumers. This was the
first scheme m which only one generating station had been suggested,
and he did not think it provided sufficiently against fire and other causes
of stoppage. He asked that the Council should have an absolute veto
against the company's coming mto their district,
Mr, Snovvden (Hammersmith) said Hammersmith Council were
supplying current for lighting and power at prices that were as moderate
as any in South London. He called attention to the indefinite nature
of the Kitson clause, under which, it appeared, the company might ask
for arbitration in reference to a small contract, and if a decision were
given against the Council the company could enter the area and compete
for all the Council's existing ur future customers.
The Chairman said he tlioualit the Board of Trade would have to take
into consideration all Ihc fnits ,ind circumstfinces connected with the
Council's district, anil hr ,i~k.'.l v, lirilin Mi. Sih,H,l,i, «;,s ,if M|,iinn|-, that
they would ordy liavcL. .jn.lLjr n|i' m i li- . ,i i nl iliii i,-l;ilr(l • ..nsunicr.
Mr. S.NOWiiEN said the (jucstiou had never aru-cn ; the Kit.sou clau.sc
had never been put into force.
The Chairman : I think the Kitson clause has been the means of
bringing about an agreement between the parties. Do you suggest
that the Board of Trade would not be ;ilil' i' ((inline their decision to a
particular case referred to in a partii uLii ipiilu ition ?
Ml-. Snowden thought the only qucsiii.iii Ijcfore the Board of Trade
would be " Can the company enter that area '; " The bill should also
state who might raise the question and appeal to the Board of Trade.
He thought the Board of Trade, in deciding what was a reasonable
jirice, shoidd have to consider not only the financial condition of the
distributor, but also the financial condition of the company.
The Chairman said the Board would probably come to the conclusion
that the distributor was charging a reasonable price, in view of theu'
duty to the ratepayers on the one hand, and to the consumers on the
other, even if their charge were double the company's charge.
Mr. Snowden, referring to the instruction of the House of Commons
that the L.C'.C. should be inserted as the purchasing authority, said if
Hammersmith had to apply for loans they would have to apply to the
very body which, if it exercised its purchasing powers, would be their
most formidable competitor.
Ml-. W. (;i;xTRY Bixuham, ndrlressin,_r the Committee, said the area
dealt with by the bill was sullii imiK «.H covered by companies and
local authorities who were doiiv^ iIh ir .luiv in the matter of electricity
su|iplv lolcrablv eflicientlv. ,ii,.| jimnl; \r;\r hv vear an im leasinsrlv
bc-ltrr slipplv lii .IrrlVMsi,,.} |,n,.,.,.' If Ihr srhrlnr lumril ,:t , ,111 r; In ,im
llir siipplv Ml ,1, . tlh ilv in I.I, Ik. It sll.ililil ;,U|I ,ll . ri , t I :, 1 1 -I ll - llir >U]'l'ly
cif clcrtrii ily Un all |Mir|i,,~c>, and it should suiijily all di.-m. ts at luufunu
rates. It looked as if the nev/ company proposed to take jiossessiou of
the contracts of the present .suppliers m the course of time, but it w-as
almost impossible for a company to become the body to give the whole
of the supply for London, Parliament had declined to sanction pre-
vious schemes for the same purpose, antl he did not think the necessary
capital couUl ever be raised under the terms of the present bill. He
trusted the instruction from the House would be the one determining
ipuint \',hi. h would enable the Committee to throw this burden off theii-
back altiiL'cilicr. He submitted that thi- L.C.C. was not the proper
aiitliiiiity .ithrr to carry out or punliisr tin iindcrtakin,g. They had
alii ally -11 ii tasks before them, and In' ilii.iijlii the management of the
traiiiv.ay-, which was a highly technical matter, should be withdrawn
from them and placed in the hands of a body specially constituted for
the purpose. If a special authority were constituted by Parliament,
and given the proper pow-ers, it would secure a clean sheet, such as Mr.
Hammond required, by acquiring not only the electric lighting, but the
traction undertaking also. He asked the Committee to consider the
question of the constitution of an authority for tramway purposes.
The Chairman said that was not withm the scope of the Committee.
Mr. Bingham asked what would be the position of the L.C.C. if they
desired to purchase the company's undertaking in 1931 and the ratepayers
refused the funds to purchase it, but no reply was given.
Mr. FitzCJerald then caused smne amusement by calling the Cmn-
mittce's attention to the fact that Mr. Bingham's petition protested
against any alteration in the bill, and Jlr, Bingham evoked further
laughter by stating that that was because he felt sure that the bill as it
originally stood had not the ghost of a chance of passing.
The Chairman said he thought the clause in the petition asking that
no alteration should be made referred particularly to the instruction
given by the House.
On Friday the opposition to the Lcmdon and District Bill by the eight
London companies promoting the London Electric Supply Bill was com-
menced, counsel representing the latter being Mr. Balfour Browne, K.C.,
Mr. Hutchinson, K.C.. and Mr. Tj-ldesley .Jones.
Mr. Balfour Browne said the London and District scheme seemed
to him a wild-cat one. It might have been a good scheme if it had been
introduced before the companies and local authorities had spent their
20 millions, but then it would have been a scheme to supply direct to all
consumers, which was the only way a power company could be made to
pay. The most successful power company that had been mentioned was
the Tyneside Co., but they, and also the North Metropolitan — another
successful comiiaiiy — had |)ow-ers of distribution. The jiresent com-
panies iimI til. 1-1 il authorities had d<me their best to suiqily London
with ill , I Ml II \ h 11 all pur|)Oses. It was propo.scd umler this bill to have
one gcncialuig .-t, it ion, and to turn the existing stati(ms into peak-load
stations. The same thing could be done by the existing comjianies,
who could utilise their surplus buildings and land. There had been a
misconception as to the ipuintity of power required in Ijondon, It
would not compare with the manufacturing districts of the North of
England. This idea had even permeated the highest i-irc-les. Lord
Onslow had said it was high time a power supply should be provided in
London, and the House of Lords cheered ! Similar ignorance prevailed
in the House of Commons, Mr. Lloyd George said last year in the House
of Cimimons it was almost a scandal that something had not been done
in the matter of power supply for London. The idea that there was a
great demand for power m London was a fallacy. Instead of the field
bemg unoccupied, the companies in London supplied 4(> per cent, of the
field in their districts. That was the figure in liioi;. .luil now it would be
larger. The local authorities were supplyiim -'> \«'' i i-ut., so that i'y per
cent, of the whole area was covered. The part nf th(- preamble of the
present bill stating that the present system of supply made current
expensive, and so limited its use, had been struck out ; therefore he
presumed the other House had found that part of the preamble untrue,
L'nless there was some default shown on the part of the present sup-
liliers there was no ground for su])planting them. At first the electric
lighting companies were limited to 21 years for redeeming their capital,
but the 1888 Act altered it to 42 years, and they were given to under-
stand that they would not be disturbed before 1931 unless they failed
to do their duty. Mr. Parshall said the total annual cost of generation
to-day was £1.388,000, and that the new company could supiily that
energy for £7-48,000, a difference of £tj40,000, which might have been
devoted to the rates or in other ways benefit the ratepayers of Lundon.
That was the sort of thing that -the reporters ran away with and put in
the papers. Mr. Parshall said the present suppliers might go on and
Ijcrpetuate that sort of thing, but the present suppliers could profit by
the experience they had gained and adopt tiubine driving just as well
as the new company could, and the fCatl.OllO could not be saved or
devoted to the relief of rates, because the capital was spent anil the
capital charges must continue to be paid, Mr, Hammond calculated
that, on his estimated prices, the Charing Cross, City of Loudon, County
of London, London Electric, and South Metropolitan Companies would
save £29,999 by takmg the bulk company's supply, but the companies
engineers would say they would lo.se £34,97(i. Mi". Hammond was
surprised when he was shown that the savmg which even he estimated
only amounted to Jd. per unit. It would be shown that more than that
saving would be effected by the linking-up bill proposed by the present
companies. They proposed evolution instead of revolution, and the
former was best. Sir HuL'h Bell admitted that if the present condition
of the money market continued thcv .ould not get the money, and he
(Mr. Balfour Browne) submitted that the Committee would, in that event,
if they passed the bill be passing a bill for a scheme which was practically
dead.' By passing this bill the Committee would not be solvmg the
electric supplv problem, but susi.ending it. The present conipauies and
authorities would not go on dcvclopim: their systems with this bill hang-
ing over their heads, while Sir Hugh was ,-oing about cap m hand to raise
capital. ThcCommitteeofl'tDlisaiilthc L.C.C. bill of that year was unsatir.
factory because there was no ,-oiupulsory supply, and there was no com-
pulsion to supply in this bill. The promoters' case was that they were
going to cheapen the price to Ihe consumer l>y making him pay two
profits-for the power company and the distributor. And if there was
8 per cent, to be made, why should not the present suppliers make it
by their Imkmg-u,. scheme '? The bill now be ore the Committee was
a monstrous proposition to reduce the present undertakers to mere middle-
men. This bill came too late ; it would not cheapen but i>'creasc the
price of electrical energy. The great weakness of the bilUvas that there
was no money in it. The gentlemen who had been put forward were
virgins in finance, and he would conclude by quoting he words which
were addressed to other foolish virgins-" Too late ! too late ! ye
cannot enter now," r .i n .
Mr H B Renwick, general manager and secretary ot tlie Lounty
of London Electric Lightins Co., said it had been alleged that the present
companies had made no attempt to cater tor the power business. Ihe
present companies had formed a committee to deal with the subject
of power supply, and a sub-committee was appointed to canvass the whole
of the County "of London as to the demand for power. The companies
F 2
194
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
wire su|iplyinK in IHOli 47,2!t!t H.I>. in a field in whii h tlic ti)t;il pcwc-r
Uial (MMild'bi- rc(|uiic(l was 102.890 H.P., and the loeal authorities sup-
lied 2l).5!tl ir.P. in a held of 105.016 n.P. The electrie supply eompanies
thus pirividcd 4ti and the loeal authorities 2.5 ])er eent. of the possible
demand for pcjwer in their respective areas. The promoters' 'J'ablc v'll.
showed the power required by factories to be an average of 70 kw. per
factory. The tables prepared by the present companies made it about
l."")-? kw. His company's eajiital was f l..')71,777, and the comi)any
worked under nine provLsional orders. In 1900 his company had only
l'.i(» []ower consumers, and in 1907 1,500 consumers, and the horse-power
supphcd for |)ower per annum increased during the same period from
1,770 II r. to 14,sr>l H.p. Abouut 50 per cent, of their output in 1906
was sold for power. His company su|ii)lied to any consumer between
9 p.m. and 7 a.m., whatever his demand or load factor, at Jd. per unit.
At other times the prices varied from IJd. per unit for 7.'>0 units per
horse-power demanded to Id. per unit fcjr 1,600 units [ler horse-power,
and for a higher proportion of units per horse-power down to O'Od.
They had cpioted as low as 0-45d. His company's eanva.ssers found
that consumers rarely knew their own costs, and the com])any offered
to put in motors free to demonstrate the advantages of electric di-iving.
The conijiany had, in inducing firms to take their supply for motive
jtower, offered to buy, and had bought, the customers' old plant to the
amount of £69.000 to £70,000, and this the com])any was writing off out
of revenue. The power bills recently introduced, which led consumers
to believe they would get power at an extremely low rate, had caused
consumers to hold their hands. His company had added 5,000 h.p. to
(),(M)() H.p. in the last two years, which might give an appro.ximate idea
of the ])rogress of the companies generally. New industries in the area
had not sprung up more rapidly than the company's power supply had
increased. Some of the large factories were removed out of London
on account of high rates and restrictions imposed by the L.C.C. He
thought he had shown that there was not the demand the promoters
hat! uslimated.
In reference to a question by Mr. FitzGerald, whether the County
of Lcmdon Co.'s prices were not more ac( iptMblc to suihII than to large
consumers, the Chairman said the fact lliat iIhv supplied half the pos-
sible demand showed they had done pnlty well, mid U'itness said some
laiL.'! r . iiiiviiiiins could be shown now than they had at the time when
his ' Ih .liili liMwing the average per factory was prepared.
lU c x.iiHiih ,1 liy Mr. Balfour Browne: The competition of the
new com|iany would be on unfair terms. There was no danger of any
I'onsumer, at any rate in his district, having to do without a supply
if the new company was not formed. Mr. Merz, he believed, was the
first to use the term " bye product " as applied to the electric lighting
companies' power supply, and Mr. Merz's object was to show that the
electric lighting companies were not catering for power supply, which
was (piite wrong.
Mr. A. F. Harrison, secretary of the City of London Electric Lighting
Co.. said his company's net capital was £2,091,671. Their average
ordinary dividend from 1891 to 1907 was 4-45 per cent. The greater
jiart of their supply was continuous current. Their efforts to secure
power customers had never ceased. Theii- average price received for
power was 2-49d. in 1900 and l-36d. m 1908 (for the hist nine months).
Their power consumers were all small and had all low load factors, which
accounted for the prices not being lower. The average demand of the
consumers was 9-83 kw. His compsyny were now supplying 84 per
cent, of the possible power demand in the City and 57 ])er cent, in South-
wark. For 1907 their revenue from Corporation buildings and street
lighting and railways was £17.417. As regarded that revenue, there
was direct competition under this bill. The charge for public liahting
in (he City, which worked out at 1 !Hid., was not reaUy per unit, as the
charge included mains, maintenance of lamps, &c.
Ill reply to Mr. Esslemont (member of the Committee) : There was
com pel il loll between the companies to get the customers, but they agreed
as to llie minimum price to be charged,
Mr. C. P. Sparks, chief engineer of the County of London Co., said
railway companies usually generated their own supply. The high
load factor and large demand of railway companies left little room for
intermediate jirofit. Reliability would he of more importance to rail-
ways than low price. The possibility of the new company supplying
for tramways was exceedingly limited. He concurred in Mr. Renwick's
and Mr. Harrison's evidence. There was nothing eomjiarable between
l.oiidnu and lb,- Xcwcaslle district as regarded the extent of the demands
of individual coiisumcrs
On Tuesday, Mr. Spakk.s, resuming, said : The promoters had estimated
that they were going to sup|ily more than the total available field. The
present unoccupied field was, he estimated, only 135,0110 ii.p. The
Jiromotcrs had arrived at a demand of 7(>, 650,000 units by taking the
average deinand )ier consumer at too high a figure. The" figure of 7(1
million units might ultimately be realised, but not with (he expenditure
of £200,000 for the distributing system. The machiiicr\ ,ii l'„,i,kside
Wandsworth, Dcptford and Blackwall stations was of .■,i..:.o(i k« ,;,,,;,."
city, and they could put in further plant of 35.500 kw. wit li. ini exiendin"
the buildings. They also had land on which to extend the buildings!
Ihesc stations had sea-borne coal. Willestlen and Bow stations were
on canals, and had their machinery put in between 1900 and 1905. The
only saving to the authorised distributors by taking bulk supply would
be 111 coal and running exjienses, and W(uiid only affect about 25 per
cent, of the cost to consumers. The reduction of price could only be
about 5 per cent. The whole of the capital charges on generation
distribution and management would remain until the capital charges
had been paid off. The capital cost of extending the present works
would not exceed £12 ,w-r kil. .watt. The generating costs of the Countv
Co. in liMXi, including proportion of capital . liargcs. were l-8(., and in
I'.m 0-95d. per unit, although in the latter y n . u;,l ,.,st 12s. 2d. com-
pared with Us. Ud. per ton. Other comi)ain. In I .1-.. u'leatly reduced
their cxiicuscs in tlie same period, inchuliui: 'lie I'liaiiiig Cross, the
Metropolitan, the Citv. the London Klectric and the South Metropolitan.
The usual pr ,n t he H .'.s to put in several small motors in a factory, which
gave a liejiei duersity factor than one large motor. The economy
of M\ Ml ti.ii ill a .station would not be greater than that of six stations
Hi.l. 1\ ., |,,M,ited, and the safety would be greater in the case of six
sepii'ite -latii.ns. There .should be alternative routes for mains to
ensure continuity of supply. In Manhattan area of New York there
were six separate station.s— two for r.iilways, two for tramways and two
for general supply— the total capacity being 315,000 kw. The whole
trend of practice in large places wa.s to divide up into large entitie-s.
The present was the only proposal he had kno%vn for placing the whole
of such a laree area in the hands of one undertaking. Bulk companies
endeavoured 'to become distributing companies as soon as they could,
and they were obliged to do so. Mr. Hammond had estimated the total
saving per annum if all the distributors took bulk supply at £224,000,
but the demand would have to grow 80 per cent, to secure that. The
saving of the five companies he had mentioned was estimated by Mr.
Hammond to he £29,999 on a revenue of £780,000, which would amount
to Jgd. per unit, but if they supplied at the prices in the bill even that
would not be saved, and there would be a loss. To secure the saving
they would have to supjjly at 33 per cent. less. The supplies for all pur-
poses overlapped between five and six in the evening m the winter,
which would seriously affect the diversity factor. The Charing Cross
Co. had put in a certificate by their engineer and by the Board of Trade
auditor that the promoters had not analysed the company's accounts
properly. The promoters put the company's working costs and capital
costs at 0-643d. and 0-592d. per unit respectively. These figures should
be 0-501d. and 0-381d. If he had charge of the Charing Cross under-
taking he would, if he had, a bulk supply triun Barking, retain the accu-
mulators mentioned m the Charing Cross Company's accounts, but he
would not retain them if he got what he considered a reliable supply.
He did not agree that the accumulators should be charged to genera-
tion. They should be charged to distribution. The economy was
greater with six separate stations than with one station, because it
cost less for distribution. There was some saving in a single station in
the cost of the coal and the wages of the staff, but that wa-s all out-
weighed by the cost of distribution. On one site he agreed that one
station would be cheaper.
In reply to the Chairman : He did not say there should be six separate
stations without connection with one another, but he said they should
not always work connected. There should be a linking up, instead of
each company supplying an isolated district. His companies could
attain for £1,000.000 capital cx|>en(li(iirc the same result as the pro-
moters of the present bill would with t^J.OOO.OOO.
The Chairman said he thou^^ht i( iiiif;lit be taken for granted that
there must be siunc saving in the case of the London Electric Supply
Bill, as the existing |ilant and mains would be utilised.
t'ontinuiiig, Jlr. Sparks said ; There were some local authorities
whom it would pay to take -upplv ft "tii tlie new eompnny. but not all.
The new company, by ii|i|il\nij In^r nelunliial deiuaiids, would not
get such a good divers[t\ in i^ i ,i. tin im-ent . uinpaiiies got by supply-
ing a l.iige Tiumber of small eunsuiiiers. The three-phase system at
5(1 . yrl.s had been adopted both in the present companies' bill and the
Lcaiiliiii ;iii.| District Bill. With the increase of size of turbines the
econoiuy iiieicased, but not very much. In the case of the two stations
supplying for a railway system in Manhattan, either of the two stations
could supply up to its capacity all over the same system of railway, and
that gave increased security. It would not now be advantageous for
the County of London Co. to take sujjply fom a bulk company. Con-
ditions had changed very much sunc they entered into an agreement
with the Administrative Co., and the promoters of the latter company
were very different from the promoters of the present bill.
Re-examined : A railway company's supply required very special
plant, and it would be injudicious to embark a large capital on the mere
speculation of getting the railway companies' load.
In reply to further ipiestions by the Chairman : In no sense could
capital expended on motor L>enerat..rs he considered capital for genera-
tion. Although it was in, InJr,! m _. ne. ,it mi, in the Board of Trade form
of accounts, it was propel i^i Mi, , ,,ii,|, nu ,uli,, alone were able to separate
the figures, not to include it as j;eiu i.ii'a.u in the figures they h.id sub-
mitted to disprove the promoters' liguies. In the London Electric
Sujiply Bill the linking up would give all the benefits which it was claimed
could be obtained by the London and District Bill. The excision of the
joint comniittce from that bill prevented linking up with local autho-
rities, but would benefit the bill.
In reply to the Chairm.iLn : His company had several times tried to gi t
jiowcrs to link up their own stations, biit'hadiiot got them. The Metro-
politan and (he dialing CVoss Co,s had each linked up their own stations.
Mr. J. S. HKUiFiELD.chiof engineer of the .Metropolitan Electric Supply
said : It would be commercially impossible to do the whole of the gene-
ration at and the whole of the distribution throtigh new mains from
the proposed Barking station. The public would have to purchase the
present companies' mains through the local authority and the new com-
pany's mains through the L.C.C. About 25.000 kw. more plant would
be required for the present uusupplied dema,id and the 83,000 kw. now
erected and not used would, if the present svstems were linked up, pro-
vide for that demand. The difficultv of the present suppliers was not to
meet the load but to get the load to fill their plant up. The present
restrictions prevented the most economical use of the present resources.
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
195
In reply to the Chairman : The prices were reasnn'\blo now but might
be lower it' the existing resources could be used and the future cajiital
spent in a more economical way, owing to the removal of restricti(ms. If
there were none of the existing companies the jaesent scheme would not
be suitable to (irovide for the demands of London. The costs of all the
companies, and he thought all the local authorities, had gone down year
by year. He was sure any large railway supply must be from se|)arate
plant to m.ake it secure. The present companies woidd, he thought,
iiave to supply railways from a special plant if they got the demand.
There was no demand at present for a new station of 25,01)0 kw. capacity,
and there wcmld not be for at least five or six years. He did not think
the turbine was finality in electrical generation.
The Chairman said be bad a letter from an engineer relating to a
.scheme for generating d.rtrii i(y w illiout coal or any other power.
Mr. HiOHFiEi.D : One l:injv ili.iniral works in the North of England
had changed over cntinl\ tiuiu ^tcam to gas driving, and the Charing
Cross Vo. found .1 ln'j.' .nl . ugine which they had ere ■tcil wmki'il very
economically. If tlh- j 1- ■ ii^.iiries proved commercially |Mariiralilc there
would be no nerc>Mty It ;J,"iug down the river to erect a station.
In rejily to tlie Chairman : It was very ditficult to say whether it
would ))e desirable if the gas driving were adopted to erect the station at
Barking on account of the greater facilities for getting coal. The possi-
bility of an entire breakdown must exist in one station however many
.sections it was subdivided into. The coal used per unit at Willesden
was now 3-85 lb. The Metropolitan Co. had power to supply in bulk to
Mnrylcbone, Hampstead and Fulhani, but they were not su]i|ilying to
tliose districts. The only local authority they supplied was Acton. He
thought the price they charged Acton in the last completed year was
I'ld. He did not know the prices at which his company offered to
supply to Marylebone and Willesden Councils. The fact that they only
supplied to one authority indicated that bulk supply was not very popular
with authorised distributors. Coal cost about 0'49d. per unit at Willes-
den.
Mr. John Conacher, general manager of the Metropolitan Electric
Supply Co., gave statistics relating to the capital, profits, &c., of the
jiresent companies. He said the shareholders of the companies had had
an average return of £3. I8s. 2d. per cent, over 18 years, and the com-
panies had in hand £1)1,000 of undivided profits. The new company
could compete with the present companies for tramway supply (which
brought the companies in £112,000 a year before the L.C.C. provided
their own supply) and with the local a\ilhoritics fc.r filii.ooO for current
supplied for similar purposes. In facl.nns .md u.n ksli..|is 1.5 per cent,
of the current taken for power would prci\ Idc rc.usunicrs with the whole
of their lighting. He had no doul)t the [ircsenl companies if linked ii|i
could give all the supply rcipiired in London with less capital llian il
could be done by the new company. The ciunpanies spent last year
242 per cent, more capital an<l tlieir output increased 12'18 per cent.
The price which Mr. Artluu- Wright acccjitcd from the promoters'
counsel as that which the .Mctropulitan Co. had offered to give a sup])ly
to Marylebone Council was 2 '8.5(1.
On Wednesday, Mr. E. E. Johnson, C.A., the auditor appointed by
the BoaTcl of Trade to audit the accounts of the Charing Cross Co. for
lit07, gave evidence as to the correctness of the figures put in by Mr.
Sparks relating to the Charing Cross Co.'s aecoiuits. The figures put
before the Committee were made up in a different way from the Board
of Trade form of accounts, but he was prepared to say that the former
were accurate.
Mr. CiERAi.D Sanders (for Islington Council) said : As the promoters'
tables showed, Islington had invested in its electricity undertaking
nearly half a million. There was no precedent for competition being
sanctioned with an undertaking in which a local authority had spent
.so large a sum, unless sucli \,n;\] aiilli..iil \ liad failed to do its' duty. The
ipiestion of electriial sup]ily » i~ . .m-i,!, i> d in Isliugtuu before the Act
of 1888, but it was decided tliat tlin,- «a< 11. it then sufficient protection
for the ratepayers' money. In reference to the Chairman's remark
that the Ccuiimittee had decided not to give exceptional treatment to
one district, he (Mr. Sanders) thought if he could show injustice would
be done to one area that was a reason why the whole bill should go.
Islington got their order in 1893, and began supplying for power in
1002, and the increase in the jKiwcr supply had been by leaps and bounds,
while there had been a consistent fall in the cost of production and the
])rice to consumers. The load factor had been continually improved
by getting the daylight load. With regard to the Kitson clause, the
])romoters admitted that under that clause, if they were allowed to
supply one consumer in an area, they would be able to supply any con-
sumers in that area for ever.
The Chairman said : If the clauM'^ stau'e wen- reached the Committee
would c<msider whether the clause e\|iiessed rli'arly what the Com-
mittee desired, and the Commillee uiae nf ..puonn that it .should be so
altered that the etfect would not be as .Mr. Sanders said it was at present.
It would have to be altered so that even the Board of Trade could not
give an order to enable the company to get in under such conditions.
Mr. Sanders coutiiuied : There was nothuig in the bill to prevent the
company from raising their prices after they had got into an area. .\
clause to prevent such increase of prices was )]Ut in Mr. Merz's bill,
but the pre.sent pnunoters had refused to accept the condition.
Mr. Albert Cay. borough electrical engineer of Islington, said : Last
year their total cajiital expenditure was £87 per kilowatt, A turbine
now lieing erected would bring this down to £72. By installing new
plant their station could be brought up to a capacity of 40.000 kw..
and the total capital expenditure, with that already expended, would be
£22, 10s. per kilowatt, or less than the promoters' estimated expenditure,
and the Council could then supply more cheaply th.an the company.
The Islington mains were not overcrowded. The total capacity of
the mains was from 40.000 to 4.'>.0f)0 kw. The )>ower demand was" last
year 1.120,47.5 units, against 7l>,l)73 in 1002-3. It was ab.solutely im-
possible for the power load to make the load factor worse. Their load
was almost a steady one, because of the diversity of supplv. Their
power supply was about 24 per cent, of the total demand, they sup-
lilied more than half the power rerpiired in the district. Cost of genera-
tion, including capital charges, was last year 2-.5d. per unit, and for the
current vear, owing to the in.stallation of the tiuhine, it woulil be l!».5d.
They charged Id. Hal ral<- tor p<.wer. He thought tli- .system of chargiu','
so much per kilowatt and so much |)cr unit w.is a siicntilii: and proper
one, but c(msumers objected to it. 'I'liey wanted to know how much
it would cost them for so many lamps, which il was imjiossible to tell
beforehand. They had a sliding scale, but few of the consumers had
retained it. The promoters Table XIV. put the cost of generation for
Islington at l-682d., but it was unfair to etunpare the figures for 190(i
with what the company estimated they would be able to do some years
hence. By the time the company were ready to supply Islington's
costs would not be l'G82d., but Id. Assuming the promoters' other
figures to be correct, there would be a hypothetical saving in 1011 of
£1.50 by taking the bulk supply, instead of £!I,2I>7.
Cross-examined by Mr. Talbot : In comi)aring Islington's capital
cost of £22. 10s. with the company's estimated capital cost of £32 per
kilowatt, he had included Islington's feeders and distributors, which, im
their smaller undertaking, was almost equivalent to the company's
transmission. Assuming that to-morrow the company could su|)ply
Islington Council at their estimated i)rice (0-434d. per unit), it would
pay the Council to take it, but he considered that price hypothetical.
In reference to a remark by the Chairman that charging for ])uWic
lighting at a profit saved imposing a nite for the undertaking, witness
admitted the principle, but said they were getting about lit) times as
much light as they formeily got by gas.
Mr. Sevmour Bi'she. K.C. (with whom appeared the Hon. Sydney
Holland and Mr. Kennedy) said the companies he represented (the
Westminster, St. James'. Kensington and Notting Hill I 'ompanies) worked
in a residential are.a. They sup])lied all the )iower recpiired, although
there was not a large demand for power |)urposcs. The sniallness of the
demand for power was not due to dissatisfaction or excessive price,
but simply to the fact that the rec[uirements for power were small.
Their customers were supplied by an absolutely reliable system, and they
were sur[)rised that they should be invited to look for their sole sujiply
from a single station uiilcs and miles awa}*. It was not suftieient for tin'
promoters ti> say they would not do tlu; present suppliers any harm.
Thi'V must shiiw that Ihcv wuulrl ih< a district some great good when
they came bcf.ue I'arllauient with such a scheme, lie thought they
might from time to time attempt to put pressure upon the suppliers
by endeavouring to get at the consumers. The total allowed by the pro-
moters for mains was £220.000, but that was childish, as the distributing
system 'in the area of his companies cost £(io0.000. Probably six
years hence his companies would have reduced their price much lower
than it was to-day, and the promoters would not be able to su])ply at
Westminster's present jirice six years hence, with their present ir> per
cent, load factor. He thought it a curious function for a power company
to come up to an area to look at another man supjilying at a price which
they could not approach, with the avowed object of seeing that he did
not go back on his prices, which, in the case of the companies he repre-
sented, was not likely. The promoters' calculations were based on the
assumption that they would get the a\ithorised distributors, but if they
did not get them he (Mr. Bushe) said the whole thing would collapse.
He asked bow long they were ti> be given to try to get them. He nould
say, with .Mr. Hall.iur Browne, if the promoters did not intend to supply to
consumers direct, sub clause B of clause .53, giving authority under
certain conditions to supply power consumers, was unnecessary. As-
suming that the Board of Trade did let the company in. would the
decision only let in the company for supply to one particular consumer ?
If it did. it might be necessary" to lay a main for one consumer. If the
company got in under the Kitson clause, part of their .supply would be
used for private lighting, and that would be a second means of pressure
on the present distributors. He asked the Committee not to pass the bill.
Sir Alexander Kennedy said : In the whole area of the four com-
panies there were 447 power users, of whom 71 per cent, were supplied,
and in Westminster 194 users of whom 74 |)er cent, were supplied. In
Westminster alone this year there wcudd be more unilis supplied for
Ijower than will' supphe 1 by the four compmies in lOOii. Th • West-
minster Corn]) iiu Hrie supplying some of their largest consumer.^ at Jd.
There was consider ,lile land available for extensions at the companies'
Marylebone and Wood lane stations. The £200,000 allowed by the
promoters in stage B for distributing mains was wholly inadequate.
His companies might not take supply from the new company, even if
it were cheaper than generating it them.sclves. as there were so many
business considerations to take into account. Without iiuestioning
the bona fides of Mr. Hammond's estimates, he ventured to say that he
(Sir Alexander) knew better than -Mr. Hammond could what the com-
panies were doing and could do in future, and his estimate of their
costs in 1913 was lower than Mr. Hammond's. He estimated that the
difference between £140.000 and £127.000, which the promoters esti-
mated would be saved to the Westminster Company by taking the bulk
supply, would disappear, and that there would be a loss of over f8(M),
Even" if the saving of Jd. were realised, that was the most benefit the
consumer could get under the scheme, but reductions of price had been
going on in the past much faster than this bill contemplated in the future.
He did not agree that it wcnild hive been better for his companies to
have got a supply from another source, over which they would have no
19G
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
control. The promoters might, according to their tables, have provided
for a larger projiortion of spare plant than the Westminster Co. had.
The latter had about 5« ])er cent. What he said was that it was the
practice of power companies to load their ])!ant as fully as ])ossible He
agreed that, on llie promoters' figures, the saving was nearer Jd. on tlie
present i.riccs, but he had . o„,|,;,iv,l wh:it the jironiotcrs said they could
.lo with the prices of the U. i. i. / r.i., ushv calmlat.-d tlicy would be
by thetimethenevvcom]i.iii\ \v i npilyuip. JlcdiltVrcd tinni the opinion
expres.sed by Mr. Walter i.cnl. Mic-cliairman of the Si. .lames' Co.,
at the company's meeting in Ii'ebruary, as to the price at which it would
pay to supply for power, as he found it jiaid quite well to su])ply at Id.
Mr. .I\s, 'Ckiwood. ch.iirman of the Parliamentary committee of
Mid. II. . \ r.i.iiiiv Coiiiifil. .said Middlesex Council had passed a resolu-
tion ..I.)., iinii I..' Ilic iiriiiii|il|. of the bill. They had 40 miles of light
lailw.us ill ..|)cr.ilioii and 11 miles under construction or projected. They
took (iirrent from the North Metropolitan Co. They were satisfied
with the jirice paid. They took about 10 million units per annum at
jirescnt.
Confiiiuing his evidence yesterday (Thur.sday), Mr. BiowooD said
Middlesex County Council would have no objection to either the North
Metropolitan or the Metro]iolit;m Supply Co., the two power companies
Middlesex, taking a
London and distributing \mi li
him there was no cxperirn. .
enormous piv nr.' iIiihiilIi n
sary to su|i|.i\ \ii.l.ll. . \ .in. I
Middlese
l,l,'
the promoters within the area of
.unty of Middlesex. It .seemed to
\ what would happen in running
. length of cable as would be neces-
..ijioters' scheme. The County of
f. ir a complete scheme of its own.
and ought not ti> be included in the London and District Bill. Their
chief objection to the bill was to the L.C.C. becoming the purcha,sing
authority.
Mr. Stephen Sellon, consulting engineer to the Metropolitan Electric
Tramways Co., said he thought the scheme not particularly well laid out.
Fifteen miles was about the limit for economical working, and beyond
that distance the cost of distribution would be nearly double that of
distributing to the portions of the area nearer the generating station. In
regard to the cables, electrical ditticultics arose in increasing ratio as the
volt.age was increased, and he thought it was generally accepted that up
to about 11,000 volts was the limit for satisfactory working. With
eight cables in a nest, as suggested by the engineers for the London and
District scheme, if the current density were not reduced the temperature
would become so excessive as to destroy the life of the cables and be far
beyond anything that would be agreed to by any cable maker. In his
opinion it would be unsafe to allow more than 15 years for the cables in
such a scheme. He was aware there were 40 cables working in one nest
at Glasgow, but these did not transmit current of the same density as
those proposed for the present scheme.
Mr. Erskink Pollock, K.C, addressed the Committee on behalf of
Middlesex County Council, and wa,s followed by Mr. Rioo, K.C, for the
City of London Corporation.
The Commit ti'c will sit again on Tuesday, when the case for the North
Metropolitan J';ici trie Power Co. against the bill will be heard, and also
the speech of Mr. Fitztierald in reply to all the opponents of the bill.
The Chairman agreed with Mi-. Balfour Browne's suggestion that he
should be ready on Thursday next to proceed with the case for the Lon-
don Electric Supply Bill, in the event of the jacamble of the London and
District Hill liciiig found not proved. If the latter is found proved some
time will Ijc taken up on clauses, aiul tlic London Electric Supply Bill
will then be deferred to a later date.
Our report of yestcrtlay's proceedings will be concluded next week.
INSTITDTION OP POST OFFICE ELECTRICAL
ENGINEEBS.I
On Monday the Rt. Hon. Sydney Buxtcm, M.P., H.M. Postmaster-
General, officiated at St. Bride's Institute, London, at a special meeting
of this Institution, and presented medals to the gentlemen whose Papers,
delivered in IfiOti, had been adjudged by the council to be of hi«hest
merit. "
The engineer-in-chief (Major W. A. J. 0'Mear.\, C,M,G.) presided, and
said he knew it was the desire of the meeting that he should express to
the Postmastcr-(!cncr.i! a most heartv welcome. The medals were
awarded in c.iniu. ti..M »iih the first ses'siim of 190G-7, and there might
be some wli.. .|iMsii,,ii,.,| tli,. wisdom of presenting medals, and who
might think that iiiuinceis should take sufficient interest in their pro-
fession, and not look for the award of a medal. If these awards did
nothing else, they had the very bencHcial effect that tlicy helped the
members of the Institution to sec the standard of excellence at which
the council was aiming. He hoped when the council got into its stride
It would see its way to promoti' the interests of the department in other
ways. For instance, the council might decide that it would be a useful
thing to institute a special medal for presentation in each year in con-
nection with the solution of important problems which from time to
time may perplex the department. The Postmaster-General had cx-
pressejl the desire that the P.O. engineering enterprises should be coii-
ducted on a commercial basis, and the P.O. engineers welcomed thi-
proposal. Noll
same part in I )
of their profess..
The PosTMA-
stating that he
iilil give them greater pleasure than to play the
:..... ring enterprises of the P.O. that the members
■ >..! in commercial organisations.
i;i;m;i(.\l, who apologised for his martial attire,
off to the Guildhall to defend bis country against
fr " "'' ^'" ^" *"" ^Tiiiiuutm lu ueieuu uis eouniry agamst
suffragettes and other people, said he had much pleasure in presenting
the four medals, .and congratulated the Institution on its accomplish-
ments. He had followed its efforts since its inception, and was glad the
department had given it encouragement. The increase in membership
augured well for the future of the Institution. Lookmg to the fact that
engineering is the one branch of the postal service in which there are
cliaiiL'cs from year to year, he thought the Institution would help to
k... |. 111. .|. |i .linient abreast of thctimes. He referred to the additional
r,-|. .1 il.il.. .- and work which would fall on the P.O. engineering staff
wli.n tli..\ h .d all the telephones of the country to maintain in three
years' time, or possibly sooner. The engineering work of the Depart-
ment was increasmg more rapidly than they could secure additional
staff. The Institution was extending its membership to foreign and
colonial engineers. This was a good thing, as it tended to improve
international relationships.
The medals were then presented to
Mr. J. E. Taylor (senior division, silver medal) for a Paper on " The
Propagation of Electro-magnetic Waves.''
Mr. J. G. Hill (senior division, bronze medal) for a Paper on " Tele-
phone Transmission."
Mr. A. 0. Gibbon (junior division, silver medal) for a Paper on " Under-
ground Construction in the Provuices."'
Mr. J. S. Brown (junior division, bronze medal) for a Paper on " P.O.
Lamp Signalling Trunk Exchanges."
A vote of thanks to the Postmaster-General was passed, and this was
followed by the reading of a Paper by Mr. F. L. Henley on " The Inspec-
tion of Wrought Timber."
THE PAXHAN GAS ENGINE.
In The Electrician for October 30 (p. 97) we^gave some interest-
ing particulars of the latest form of the Paxman gas engine, built
bj' Messrs. Davey, Paxman & Co., of Colchester. It will be remem-
bered that this firm gained a Grand Prize award at the Franco-
British Exhibition for a double-cylinder balanced two-crank gas
engine, and we are able to present an illu.stration of this engine
Thf Paxman Dociile-cylinuer Balanced 2-Crank Gas Encine,
with Hit-and-Miss Governors.
herewith. The figure shows an engine in all respects similar to the
one exhibited at Shepherd's Bush, except that the latter was pro-
vided with a governor of the Paxman-Peache type working on the
throttle principle. The engine shown in the illustration is provided
with two hit-and-miss governors.
An error occurred in our description of this engine in our issue of
October 30th. On line 21 the word "mixed" should have read
*' missed."
LEGAL INTELLIGENCE.
SchifT & Co. V. Levy & Co.
In the City of London Court on Friday, before Mr. Acting Registrar
Welfare, this case was again mentioned. The facts were given in our
last issue (p. 156). The case was adjourned to enable plaintiffs to call
further evidence, but upon the case being called plaintiffs' represen-
tative said they did not desire to proceed further. Judgment was there-
fore entered for defendants, with £1 casts.
Bruce Peebles & Co. (Ltd.)— In the Court of Session (Edinburgh)
on M.mday. Lord Slccrrington formally a])pr.ived the scheme for the
reconstruction of this company. The s."li,.nic luovides for the incorpora-
tion of a new company, with a c.ii.li:.! ..f t:i):,o,(lf»l) in £1 shares, to take
over the property and assets of tl,. . m-h... . ..„ipany. Each debenture
holder is to receive a 5 per cent. m. .i 1 1^,. ^. . |, I ,,111 m-e of the new company,
and each ordinary creditor is to receive for the sum for which he would
rank to the extent of three-eighths an unsecured 6 per cent, debenture
and to the extent of five-eighths fully-paid shares. Creditors of less
than £10 may elect to receive 5s. per i'l on their claims in cash. Each
holder of the £5 preference shares in the old company is to have allotted
to him three £1 shares of the new company, crcilited as paid np to the ex-
tent of 13s. 4d. Ill respect of each preference share, while each holder of
t!ie £5 ordinary shares is to have allotted to him one £1 share credited as
paid np to the extent of 10s. in respect of each ordinary share.
THE ELECTRICIAN. NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
197
MUNICIPAL, FOREIGN & GENERAL NOTES.
APPOINTMENTS VACANT AND FILLED.
A i)i-uiiiiiU'iil AiiKTicaii (■(Jiiiiiany wauls an cxiicriiMiccd (l<'sit.'iicT.
thoroughly familiar with the electrical and mechanical design uf large
d.c. generators. See an advertisement.
An electrical engineer thoroughly familiar mth the electrical and
mechanical design of d.c. motors is required. See an advertisement.
Erith Cinuncil require an electrical engineer and train ways manager.
Salary £350 i)er annum ; appointment terminable on one month's
notice. Applications to the Clerk, Council Office.^, Erith, by 10 a.m
of Nov. 16.
Mr. D. A. Walker has been appointed drawing ofiic
the Wimbledon electricity department.
assistant jn
Accidents in Factories and Workshops.— The Home Secretary has
appointed a Departmental committee to inquire into the causes and
circumstances of the increase in the number of reported accidents
in certain cla.sses of factories and workshops, and to report what
additional precautionary measmes are in their opinion necessary or
desirable.
The committee is constituted as follows : Mi. H. J. Tennant, M.P.
(chairman), Sir AVm. D. Cramp, Messrs. A. M. Carlisle, A. H. Gill,
.1. R. Macdonald, J. B. Tattersall, J. S. Taylor and H. Vivian and
Miss Mona Wilson. Mr. Alex. Maxwell of the Home Office, will act
as secretary.
Argentina. — A recent decree authorises the Government to arrange
for the construction of telegraph lines from Rio de las Piedras to
Anta and Rivadavia, Ledesma to Gran and Salta to Cachi, Molinos and
Poma, at a cost of about £13,000.
Award. — Messrs. Pirelli & Co. have been awarded a Grand I'ri.x in
each of the two sections of the Marseilles International E-xhibition in
which the firm had an exhibit of their products.
Bolivia. — An engineer from Germany has been studying the (jucs-
tion of establishing electric works to be operated by wali-r |m.\\i-i
obtainable from the rivers on the Tres Cruces range (9<> miles flislaiil )
for the mines, &c., at Oruro. and the decision of his firm as to under-
taking the work is pending. An aggregate demand of 3,000 H.i'. is
anticipated. There is already a station for jiublie lighting in the
town of Oruro, but there is little demand for current for private
house lighting, as the charge is about Is. (id. per kw.-hour.
The Sucre Electric Light and Power Co.. have a large quantity t)f
electrical machinery, &c., in transit from Europe.
A company promoted by a German firm of electrical engineers has
obtained a concession with a subsidy of £2.000 a year from Sucre
Municipality for the electric lighting of the city by 200 2.') c.p. incan-
descents, and 20 1,000 c.p. arcs, and free lighting in the municipal
offices and theatre. The total capital cost of the scheme is estimated
at £30,000. and the station of 300 h.p. capacity is being erected at
Duraznillos on the Cachimayo river.
At Polosi tlirce proposals have been received by the Municipal
Council for the provision of electricity supply, and a scheme pro-
posed by a Swiss engineer (M. Gallusser) has been adopted. The
company will have a capital of £28,000 in shares of £8 each, of which
M. Gallusser will take up 1,500. Current is to be supplied for public
and private lighting, electric power for mining, &c. The })0wer
station will be at Cayara, 16 miles from Potosi, on the river Huan-
cuari. It is expected that 1.50 h.p. will be secured in the dry,
and 300 h.p. in the rainy season. Four 100 h.p. turbine generators
will generate 3.000 volt current stepped up to 15,000 for trans-
mission to Potosi.
vorks
Bo'ness (N.B.). — The extensions of the electricity supply
were inaugurated on 5th inst.
BraziL — In his report for 1907 H.M. Acting Consul-General Bosan-
quct .says that electricity is being substituted for steam driving in
one or two of the Caricao cotton mills, and a similar change is about to
be made in the Rio de Janeiro Hour mills.
Mr. Consul Stamforth, of Perriambuco district, writes in his rejjort
for 1907 that, with a view to getting orders, a rejiresentative of a
German electrical firm has fitted electric lighting apparatus to a
carriage on one of the suburban railways free of charge.
Burslem. — The Council have received sanction to a loan of £10.091
for extensions of the electricity undertaking.
Cork. — Recently the Rural Council accepted the tender of the Cork
Electric Tramways & Lighting Co. for public electric lighting at
Blackrock, but at the last meeting an unsuccessful attempt was made
I to upset this arrangement, and to give the lighting to the local Gas
Co.
The lighting in question involves some 94 lamps altogether, 70
lami)S being in the Blackrock suburl) (which w-ere tendered for at £4
per 50 c.p. lamp, lighting till 12:.30), and 24 lamps in the village of
Douglas (at £4. 15s. per lam|i. lighting till 12:30). The matter has
been the subjici uf :i j'muI deal of kci-ii (igliting. and it is satisfactory
that clcrli I.- IpjIiI iirj li.' : .-..Mie tiiunipliaiitly oat of the contest. The
sub-ciiiuiiiiitrc. oii'jinillv appoint<'d by the Council to open tenders
and consider the matter, recommended that the Gas Com|)any should
get the contract, although their tender was higher than that of the
Electric Lighting Company. A vigorous canvass was made of the
country members with the result that the Sub-committee's recom-
mendation was rejected, and the electric lighting tender accepted.
The gas interests, in order to gain time, put down a motion to rescind
the rrsiilulinn. I>ut this was, as already stated, defeated.
Customs Duties. — According to a recent decision electric accumu-
lators are subject, under the South .Afiican C'ustoms General Tariff, to
an import duty of 3 per cent., but British goods under this head l)eing
entitled to 3 per cent, rebate, are duty free.
Under the Cuba Tariff electric cables, protected by lead tubes and
other insulating covers are now subject to a duty of $2 (instead of
S7..50) ])er 1(M» kilos. = 7s. 3d. per cwt.
Electricity in Mining. — All the machinery of the ICdmundian
Copper Mining Co. (Kliodesia) is driven electrically, current being
transmitted to the mine from a point 4 miles distant.
The large coal screening plant erected by Messrs. Burnyeat, BrowTl
& Co.'s new collieries at Kine Mile Point (near Newport, Mon.) is
driven by electric power, each unit being provided with separate
motors.
The report of the acting superintending engineer of the mines of
the Consolidated Gold Fields group (Mr. L. Simson) states that the
Simmer Deep-Jupiter joint ore treatment plant, by the utilisation of
electric power, by more modern arrangement and by the use of large
units throughout, has cost far less in proportion to its capacity than
the existing plants of the other companies.
Exhibitions. — An international exhibition will be held in Stock-
holm in the summer of 1909.
An exhibition of smoke prevention appliances, promoted by the
Sheffield Federated Health Association, will be hedl in the Corn
Exchange. Sheffield, from March 1 t« 20 next. Information will be
furnished by the secretary of the Association (Jlr. Wm. Bashforth),
who will act as secretaiy to the exhibition.
Fiume (Austria). — A scheme is being promoted for the erection of
hydro-electric works near the waterfalls at Ortocacs for the genera-
tion of electrical energy. It is reported that the promoting syndicate
is compo.sed of well-known French, British, and Hungarian firms.
It is proposed to conduct the water through a tunnel 15 miles long
to a central generating station caj)able of generating 36.000 }i.P.
The station will ultimately be able to supply energy for light and
power not only to Fiume and Abba/.ia, but practically to th.e wh(>le of
Dalmatia. The svndieate has already submitted a scheme t<i Fmme
Municipality and" to the Ministry of Trade, which intends to adopt
electric traction on the Fiume-Moravica Railway. The initial capital
of the projected company « ill !« 25,000,000 kr.
Fraudulent Use of Electricity.— At Chester on Wednesday a trades-
man named Evans was fined £20 for fraudulently obtaining elec-
tricity from Chester Corporation. For the ('..rporation it was said
that "defendant had u.sed for lighting (he current supplied at power
rates for an electric fan. thus effecting a saving of £12. Evans
lileaded that, not having any knowledge of electricity, he had been
misled by the man who had fitted his new lamps.
Gambia (West Africa).— The Government telephone system at
Katliurst « as extended last year to Caiie St. Mary, 7i miles distant.
Glasgow.— On Tuesday the Electricity committee had again under
consideration the question of applying for sanction to a further loan
to cover additional capital expenditure for electricity supply
The engineer (Mr. W. W. Lackie) reported that £56,500 »o" W be re-
ouired for new buildings and machinery and at legist .175,840 tor
mains and Ciibles and meters for new consumers premises ine
treasurer also reported th.nttho amount winch <,l'«f'ei«>;t'»ent had ob-
tained authority to borrow was tX.SSO.OOO. an<l he estimated that ".t
Nov. 30 those borrowing powers would have been exhausted.
The committee, therefore, recommend that application be maileW
the Secretary for Scotland for his consent to a further loan of ilSO.OOO.
Glasgow District Tramways.— The points of dispute between Glas-
cjow Corjioration and Clvdeliank Council have been adjusted and the
finking ui) the tramway lines with those of the Dumbartonshure
Tramways Co. has been effected.
Kirkintilloch Council have appointed a deputation to wait upon
Glasgow Coriioralion to urge the extension of the tramways to
Kirkintilloch.
1.98
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
Grimsby.— On tlic rcrommfnclntion of the Elfotric Ligliting com-
mittee the Corporntion have entered into three agreements Avitli the
-Aflmiralty in reiraixl lo the wireless telefrraphy station now bein"
construelecl at liumlierstone. The agreements have referenee (1) to
the sui)i)ly of eleelriea) energy. (-2) the laying of a high tension cable,
and (;f) (he niain.-nani:o of .•ii))le and plani. 'I'lie Admiralty under-
take? to pmdiase all current required from the Corporation at agreed
rates for a term of years, a Board of Trade arbitrator to settle any
dispute that may arise.
Halifax.— It is announced that the Pye Nest tramway disaster,
whieh occurred in October, 1907. has cost the Corporation £10,181 in
meeting compensation claims, &c.. exclusive of £1.000 received from
the insurance company.
Hastings.— The Corporation have uncoiidilionall\- sanctioned the
running i>f the tranicars on Sunday.
Institute of Metals.— The first general meeting of this institute
was held at the .Municipal Technical Institute, Birmingham, on
Wednesday. After the Lord Mayor (.Mr. C. H. Kenrick) had wel-
comed the members on behalf of the tVirporation, the president
(Sir VVm. White) delivered his presidential address.
In the course of his remarks Sir Wm. White dealt with the reason.s
which had led to the establishment of the institute, and described it
as another step in the direction of inevitable specialisation. Its
founders were confident its existence would be justified by its work ;
it was intended to promote community of interest and information,
and it was also intended to promote free communication between the
metal trades and users of non-ferrous metals. As regarding the latter
class, he ventured to assert that no less importance attached to the
interchange of information between manufacturers. No one could
doubt that frank conference and discussion, such as the institute would
encourage, might lead to a reconsideration of many conclusions
hitherto regarded as definite and tlnal. At present many difficulties
and failures which occurred in the use of metals arose from causes
that remained obscure and demanded thorough investigation. He
was sanguine enough to believe that the establishment of the
institute would promote the growth of the scientific spirit .and
in the end >vould lead to better cotiditions. In freer and more
cordial interconr.se, to united ellort for iiii]ii iuiut nt on the part of
makers .and u.sers, and to the universal (■mii\ icti'Mi I li.ii, all classes must
be bcncliteil by cncour.agcment of re.searcli and tin- freest publication
of rcsuli-, .iKi.iihiil which circumstances might permit. If they were
tosuiiiiil 111 ih.il ende.avour, the proceedings of the institute must
embraii- t-nnt i il.iit.ii)ns from and discussions between users and makers
of non-ferrous metals and theiralloys. The cordial collaboration of mem-
bers of the institute whose interest in metals was chieHy of a scientific
character was one of the most important guarantees of their success.
The range and variety of pu.ssible researches into the properties of
non-ferrous metals and their alloys are so great that there was scope
for all classes of investigators. The membershi|) at present stood at
nearly 260 mnriln is :iihI students. That was encouraging, seeing that
onlj' five ni'Mii lis In. I i lapsed since their inaugural meeting, and there
was no rcasDii l.n ili^-allsfaction in regard to th?ir financial position.
A cordial \otc of llianks having been passed to the president for
his address, Papers (followed by short discussions) were read by Mr.
J. T. Milton on "Copper and Copper Alloys," by Messrs. G. 1>. Ben-
gough and (i. F. Hud.son on " The Mechanism of Annealing in the
case of certain Copper 411oys," and by Mr. .J. T. W. Echevarri on
" Aluminium and its Uses."
Italy. — Mr. Tow.sey. British Consul in the Lombardy district, states
that in l!)07 Milan Municipality made arrangements for generating
40,000 E.H.P. by water power from the Upper Valtellina, and the
Adamells Electric Co. was formed at Milan with a capital of £400.000.
The number of incandescent electric lamps in private use in Milan is
264,492, and arc lamps in private and jjidjlic use? number 2.130 and
1,000 respectively. Electric motors in use number (iOO, with an
aggregate- of 20.000 n.i>. The Milan electric tramways are 90 miles
in length, and the ears in u.sc nund)er 4S.'{. The tcle]ihones in use
number 7,6.51.
Mr. Consul de Zucato's rejxut for 190()-7 on the Venice district
says the extension of the Venice-.San Giuliano-Mestrc electric tram-
way to Mogliano and Treviso has been sanctioned by the Provincial
Deputation and the Communes. The steam tramway from Venice to
J'adua is to be electrified. The Italian 'I'homson-Hcmston Co. are
supplying the engines and i'lc<'lrical plant, and some machinery is
being obtiiincd from Signor Franco Tosi. of l.<>gnano. while the cars
are bring nnulc at Nuremberg. The three turbine generators will
generate alternating current, and, after transmi.ssion at (5,000 volts,
the current reipnred for lighting- will be transformed to 300 volts d.c.
The first section of an electric tramway from Padua to Vigodarzere
was opened in .-Vpril last, and a new ejcctrie line from Este to Sant
Elena is also now in operation. The Verona tramway has been con-
verted from horse to electric traction. The Thomson- Houston Co.
su|3plied the ears, and the Brussels agency of the SienUMis-Schuckerl
Werke the electrical material. It has been decided to endeavour to
float a company to construct and equip an .Alpine type narrow gauge
electric trannvav from Belhmn to Agordo. The development of
hydro-elertrie plants for lis-hting. in<lustrial .and traction inirposes
continued on a vast scale in the NCn.tian provinces in 1907. A
company was formed under the auspicts of the Verona Bank to
purchase the electrical energy produced by the Verona hydro-electric
works whieli are to sujjply current for (he provinces of \'erona and
Vicenza. A hydro-electric plant is being erected near Ponte della
Serra. on the river Cismon, which will generate from 6,000 to 9,000
H.p. for distribution in Padua and Vicenza provinces. The Edison
& Adriatic Companies have provided the funds and the scheme owes
its origin to Signor Fortis, engineer, of Milan.
Japan.— The 1907 report of H.M. Consul Playfair at Nagasaki,
states that improvements at the Mitsu Biski Dockyard include the
erection of electric travelling cranes and electric elevators in the
shops, and a 150 ton electric hammer head crane, which, at the date
of report, was on its way from abroad.
London County Council.— On Tuesday a loan of £10,000 for
elcctrieity supply was .sanctioned to Hammersmith Council.
Slmilhnni iiiid' Xorbiiri/ Tm»iHW.ys. <(•'■.— On the recommendation of
the Highways committee, <a]iital ekpenclitiue .if £2.i.9O0 was authorised
for the construction of tramways in .Stn-iUlinii High-road to the county
boundary, and the reconstruction of tramways in Woolwich-road.
Car Pio?«/A».— Capital expenditure of £2.101) was authorised for
ploughs to 17.5 cars, the work to be carried out by the staff of the tram-
ways department.
Lundon Power Bills. — Mr. Claremont moved the adjournment of the
Council as a protest against a decision recently arrived at by the Par-
liamentary committee." He said that .at the last meeting the committee
received a report from the Board of Trade suggesting that a clause
should be inserted in the London and District Electricity Supply Bill
giving the Council powers of purchase at any time. That obviously
boimd the Council to nothing, but the committee, without reporting,
decided to instruct counsel to oppose the giving of such power to the
Council.
The chairman of the committee (Mr. Felix Cassel, K.C.) dissented
from Mr. Claremont's statement, and the motion was defeated by .5!t
votes to 32.
Metropolitan Association cf Electric Trr^mways Managers.— A meet-
ing .if (he nu'mljers of (his As-(ic;a('..M was bel.' it the Municipnl and
Couiiiy Club, on 6th inst., when the follow ing attended : —
Mcs.srs. H. E. Blain (West Ham). W. C. Cllmann (East Ham). A.
Covcncy (Erith), F. Schofield (Leyton). A. H. Shaw (Ilford). .I.Ham-
mond (Met. Elec. Tramways!. H. Howard (Barking), C. E. Mittelhausi-n
(Bcxlcy), A. V. Mason (Simth Met. Elee. tramway.s), G. Balfour (Dart-
ford), and F. B. Goodyer (Croydon).
Letters of regret for inal>ility to attend were received from Sir Clifton
R..l)inson (London United Tramways), Messrs. F. Bruce (L.t'.C.). \V.
Murray anil (!. R. Spurr (Walthamstow).
Mr. Blain was re-elected chairman and Mr. (ioodyer hon. secretary.
A communication from Sir E. R. Henry (Commissioner of Police)
was read with regard to various metropolitan public carriage licensing
matters.
The chairman reported the result of an interview which the hon.
.secretary and himself recently had with several of the Metropolitan
members of Parliament regarding licensing matters. A discussion
ensued, and it was ultimately .agreed to furnish the various M.P.s with
the information they specially sisked for.
New Zealand. — Christchurch Council have decided to borrow
£17.000 fur additional gciurating plant including two sets, a balancer
set. extensions of distributors, switchboard, &e., and also converting
the .system of supply to the three witc.
Panama. — The report of Mr. C. C. Mallet, H.M. Minister, state.s
that there are many commodities in which the British Empire is not
represented as it should be, including electrical apparatus, machinery,
lam))S, iron piping and chemicals. At Colon a de Forest wireless
station has been erected, under the control of the U.S. Navy Depart-
ment, and is said to have established communication with Guan-
tanamo (t^iba). .At the former place the Canal Commi.ssion generate
current for their own electric lighting, and the Colon Electric Light &
Ice Co. have a plant for public sup))ly of about 75 kw. capacity.
Panama imported electrical plant valued at £4,456 in 1907. including
£1,1.50 from the British Empire and £3.274 from the United States.
Pembroke (Co. Dublin). — The maximum charge for meters has been
retliieed to 'is. per ipiarter.
Rand Electricity Supply.— It is reported that the Victoria Falls
Powif Co. has commenced an action against the Rand Mines (Ltd.).
claiming specific performance of an .agreement to give the X'ictoria
Falls Co. the preferent right of supplying power in bulk at rates equal
to those quoted by any com pet. ng jiower- producer.
Spain.— The " .Madrid Gazette " for Oct. 27 contains the text of a
bill by whieh the Deputacion Provincial of Guipnzcoa seek powers
to establish and work for 35 years an inter-urban telephone system.
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
199
South Africa.— P'>rt Elizabeth C'l.unoil are about to spenfl £25.00f»
on i-xtensions of the eleeti-ioity undertaking.
Sweden. — A report of Mr. Consul .lohn Duff, CJottenburf;. states
that electricity works are being erected on the river Lagan to su|i|)ly
current for jtnwcr and lighting at Halmstad and other towns.
The electro-technical industry in Sweden generally is said to liave
enjoyed intense activity in 1907, a large number of electricity works
having been completed and others begun.
Tramway Transfer. — Sale Council give notice of intention to lease
to ManchfsliT ( '(ir|ioration the tramway in the Manchester and
Chester-roiKl. lu'twccn the Stretford and Bucklow boundaries of Sale,
for So years.and the rent for the first 2.") years varies from £681. 1 9s. 5d
to £1,511. l.'j-i. 7cl. per annum, the rent for the last 10 years being left
to be settled by agreement or arbitration. The lessees agree to
maintain the electrical equipment, cars, &c.
Turton. — The Covuicil are applying for a provisional electric light-
ing order.
Tynemouth.— An iiKiuiry was held licie last week into the a))plica-
tiou of the Corj)oration for sanction to borrow £4,251 to cover excess
expenditure on the electricity undertaking.
The Inspector (Mr. H. Ross Hooper) said that under the head of
machinery there was still on hand about £(),000, and he understood there
was no intention to expend anything under that head. If the Board
agreed, there was nothing to prevent them mcefng their over-expondi-
tiire under the other heads out of that amount.
The Town Clerk said they applied to the Board for permission to do
that, but their request was not granted.
The Inspector said that up to March last tluv im^sHssed borrowing
powers for £97,297, and the expenditure lia.l ir.n hr.l t;!ll..55ti. That
left them with a balance in round figures of £."i.7to, w Imh was practically
a cash balance. He would like to see them starting with a clean sheet
as from April 1, .and accordingly he would recommend the setting aside
of £2,000 of the balance referred to for mains, being the amount estimatcl
to meet the requirementsfor the next three years, and £1,000 for house
services. That would leave a balance of £2,040. He suggested that they
should apply to the L. G. Board for cancellation of their liorrowiug
powers to that extent.
The Town Clkhk said that, as.suming the Board would agree to that
course, it would meet their requirements perfectly. In view of the new
situation the need for the inquiry disappeared.
Wallasey.- -The Council have decided to apply for parliamentary
powers to construct tramways to Poulton and Wallasey village.
West Indies. — .Although the St. Lucia Government telephone
dei)artmcnt had only llti sub.scribers at Dec, 1907, and the revenue
and expenditure tor the year 1907 were only £037 and £771, respec-
tively, the system comprises UU miles of trunk and 4Hi miles of
branch lines.
St. Vincent has telephone lines extending about 48 miles from
Chateaubelair to C4eorgetown. The revenue of the department was
£454 in the last financial year (1907-8), and the expenditure £337.
Yarmouth. — At the Corporation meeting on Tuesday it was
rejiorted that the whole cost of sul>slitiiting elect rii 'it y for L'as lit'litirig
in the streets was under £10 ))er lamp, aiid llie propoi I N.ri.ile i Imi L'e
to revenue was £2. Fifty-eight lamps liad liei-n li.\ecl since Alanli :!l.
costing £140 to revenue and £tl8 to loan account : 60 more are under
consideration, and if fixed during the year would make £260 to be
])rovided out of jirofits. A loan of £2,000 is to be obtained for ]iublic
lighting mains.
Croydon Corporation Tramways Athletic Club,— The anniuxl meet
ing of the members of this club was held at Thornton Heath on 28th
ult., and among those present were Mr. T. B. Goodyer (tramways
manager and jiresident of the Club). Mr. H. B. Harris (engineer). Mr.
C. G. Foster (superintendent, and lion, general secretary of Club),
Mr. H. E. Smith (hon. treasurer), &c.
In submitting the balance-sheet the ]ii'esident said the balance in
hand at the beginning of the fiii;iii( iai ye.ii- was £27. 12s. 3d., to which
has been added members' sidi.Trqitn.ns. ilouations to dinner and sports
funds, &c„ bringing the total to £l.-,3. 14s. .\fter p;iyina exp.'u.xes tlie
balance (£22. 4s. 4Jd.) was carried forward. It wa^ a.^i.cd iliat the
affairs of the dub during the year had been eniineinis -^a ll^fa[•tory,
largely due to the untiring efforts of the hon. secretary. 'I'lie accounts
wen- aiti|,ie(l. The oMiecrs and committee for the ensuing year having
hei n elr. ted. the meeliug eiineluded with votes of thanks to the president
anil {'I .Mr. ]''.j.N(er ami .Mr. Smith for their services.
Electric Supply Cricket League.— The Kensington & Knights-
bridge i'lieitiie Cricket Club are the winners of the cup this season.
The lolli.wing arc the points scored by each club: — Kensington &
Kniglitsbridge Electric 18, C!entral Electric 11, St. I'ancras Power 11,
St. .James El(>ctric 10, City Electric 2, St. Marylebone 0. The Hon.
Secretary (Ml-. A. W. Seabright, 19, Cadogan-gardens, London, S.W.),
will be pleased to furnish any electricity supply cricket club with
information concerning the League.
TRADE NOTES AND NOTICES.
READY.
"THE ELECTRICIAN" ELECTRICAL TRADES'
DIRECTORY AND HANDBOOK.— The igoS Edition
of the Big Blue Book, price 8s 6d., or post free in the
United Kingdom, gs. 3d. The new and enlarged volume
brings a great mass of statistical and technical data
quite up to date, and the Directorial Division has been
thoroughly revised and amplified.
All branches of Electrical Engineering and Industry
are fully treated, and Electro-Financial matters have
received every attention in the new volume, which aggre-
gates more than 2,000 pages. The Directory Division is
complete and thoroughly accurate, and has been com-
pletely revised. All mere lists of members of Societies
and Institutions (so easily and cheaply available) are
excluded, as quite unreliable for Manufacturers' and
Dealers' purposes. The full set of valuable Statistical
and Engineering Tables, &c., have been very carefully
revised and extended, and remodelled into handy book
form ; these are included in the igo8 Blue Book, making
it the most complete book of the kind ever published.
TENDERS INVITED.
The directors of the NarlJi Eiixlirn Jluihrai/ are prepared to receive
tenders for telegraph ajiparatus, telegra])h wire and line stores
during the 6 (or 12) months, from Jan. 1, 19t)9, delivered carriage
])aid to the Company's stores at York. Forms of tender from flic
telegraph s\i])erintendent (.Mr. C. H. Ellison), and tenders to the
Secretary (Mr. K. F'. Dunnell). York, by 9 a.m. of Thursday, Dec. 3.
See also an advertisement.
Tenders are invited for flic supply of submarine cable repairing
plant to the l'ostmaster-G(^nera^s Department, Victoria, Aus-
tralia. Tender forms and specifications may be obtained at the
Commonwealth Office, 72, Victoria-street, London, S.W. See al.so an
advertisement.
The committee of Visitors of the Kxacr County Lunatic .'\syliim
invite tenders for the supply and erection of the following plant and
work : ( 1 ) Two steam dynamos ( ItM) kw. ), steam and motor balances,
main switchboard and travelling crane ; (2) steam exhaust and rain
pipes and valves ; (3) laying cables, distributing boards, wiring and
lamps ; (4) motors, motor starters and cable (connections ; (5)
tele|)hones, bells, fire alarms and electrically-driven docks. I'lans
and specifications can be seen (but not obtained) at the offices of the
consulting engineers (Messrs. Hawtayne & Zeden), 9, Queen-street-
place, London, E.C. Tenders to Mr. \V. I', (iepp. New-street,
Chelmsford, by noon Nov. 30.
Dublin United Tramways Co. (1896) (Ltd.) invite tenders for
supply of general stores, including car fittings, iron, steel, castings,
oils, paints and glass, ironmongery, electrical supplies, timl>er. &c.,
for year ending Dec. 31, 19tl9. Tenders, addre.s,sed to the Chair-
man, by Nov. 30.
Oldham Electricity committee invite tenders for suiiply and
erection of mechanical stokers for the dry-back marine and climax
boilers, at the generating station. Tenders by Nov. 20.
Cardiff Corporation invite tenders for electric li>;hling of the
Museum. Tenders by noon Dee. I.
TENDERS RECEIVED AND ACCEPTED.
Messrs. Josejih Kaye & Sons, of Leeds and 93, High Holborn.
London, who have .already sujiplie*! over '25,000 of their patent
seamless serrated oil cans to H..\l. Navy, have again secured the con-
tract from the Admiralty for the whole of the supplies for the ensu-
ing three years.
London County Council have accepted the tender of the Froding-
ham Iron & Steel Co. at £13,017. .")S. for .supply of slot rails and con-
ductor tee rails, and that of Bolckow, Vaiighan Co. at £8,15ii. 7s. 6d.
for su(iply of track rails and fastenings.
Browett, Lindley &■ Co. are supplying (through the British West-
inghou.se Co.) three triple expansion steam engines (for coujiling to
three electric generators of l.IMM) kw. each) for the Bahia-Blanca
power scheme of the Buenos .Ayres and Pacific Railway.
200
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
SPECIAL NOTICE.
NOW READY.- Vol. lA'I. of " TriE Elb'tkician " (1,018 pages),
bound in stronj; cloth. Price 17s. 6d.; post free, 18s. 6d. Also ready
Cases for Binding. Price 2s.; post free, 2s. 3(1.
A comi)Icte set of "Tjie Em:ctiucian " (1860-1865-1878-1908) c.-iii
1)6 supplied. A number of odd volumes and some odd old back num-
bers, to help in making up complete sets, a-e also now available.
London County Council have accepted the tender of Dick, Kerr &
Co (at £4,217) for rc-construction of Mare-street bridge, in connection
with the electrification of the tramway.s.
Stepney (London) Council have accepted the tender of Davidson &
Co. for motor fans and air ducts at £690.
West Bromwieh Council have accepted the tender of Heenan &.
Froude for a two-unit destructor at £11.00(1.
Pontypridd Council have jjlaeed an order with Heenan & Fioude
for a refuse destructor at £11,22.5.
BUSINESS NOTICES.
The Tudor Storage Battery Export Synd. has ceased to act as
agents for export of the English & Continental Tudor Accumulator
Companies, as from Oct. 1 . and all export business is now carried on by
the Tudor Accumulator Co. which is creating a special export depart-
ment under the management of Mr. E. G. Lind. hitherto manager of
the export syndicate. For the present the offices of the export depart-
ment will be at 3.5, Surrey-street, Strand, London, W.C, but it is
propo.sed as soon as possible, to remove the export department to the
same addre.ss as the head offices (119, Victoria-street, Westminster,
S.W.) of the company.
Mr. Arthur Snell, who has purchased the business and patents of
R. H. Edgar (Ltd.), has entered into partnership with Mi-. H. Tinsley,
oleetrieal engineer and instrument maker, under the style of Snell &
Tinsloy. The address of the new firm, whose works have been com-
pletely re-arranged under Mi-. Tinsley's directions, is Stanley House.
Eldon Park, South Norwood. S.E. Telephone: Ooydon 8.52.
V. C. Hemsley and R. Ord. electrical engineers. Nottingham, have
dissolved j)artncrship.
Messrs. Le Bas & Co., who have taken over Mr. Davies" boiler
patents, announce that thpy are about to place same on the market.
Sale by Auction.— Messrs. Home & Co.. 8, Delahay-street, Storey's
(!ate, Westminster, S.W., will sell by public auction, at the Roval
Arsenal, Woolwich, on 25th inst., unserviceable and obsolete stores
mcludmg .juantities of eopjier. gunmetal. lead, aluminium, iron and
steel, phosphor bronze, platinum, zinc, &c.. an electric motor a
number of lifting jacks, hoisting erabfe. hand cranes, electric lamps
insulator porcelain cups. &e.. &e. May be viewed at the Roya\
Arsenal, Woolwich, on Monday and Tuesday previous to and "on
morning of sale. Catalogues at the War Office. Whitehall : Ordnance
Office, Tower, and Ordnance Office, Royal Arsenal, -Woolwieh. See
an advertisement.
Plant for Sale.— Messrs. G. Elliott & Co., 186-188, Loncr-hine
Bermondsey, London, S.E., have for sale two compound Marshall
steam engines coupled to two Crompton dynamos, a combined
generating sot, and also three dynamos. Further particulars are given
in advertisements.
Business for Sale.— Messrs. Mellors, Basden & Mellors 1 King-
street^chambi-rs. Bridlesmith Gate, Nottingham, advertise tliat they
have lor disposal' as a going concern, an electrical engineering and
meta working business now carried <m in Manchester.'" The factory
IS fully e(iuipped for carrying on the business of electrical en'^ineers'
and the purchaser can have the benefit of all orders in hand.
Debenture Stock Sale.-Messrs. Ed« in Fox & Bouslield « ill include
in tlieirnext stock and share auction at the Mart. Tokenhouse Yard
Ji.C, on Dec. 2, £5,000 U per cent, debenture stock of the Wokin<r
Klectric Supply Co. (Ltd.), in lots. Particulars at the Auctioneers?
( ittice, -.)!). Cresham-street. Bank, E.C. See also an advertisement.
Flame-Arc Lamp Patents.-In regard to the note under this
headmg m our last issue (p. 160), the British Westinghouse Electric
& Altg. Co., -n-rito as follows :—
With reference to the statement made by Messrs. J. & H Q■^v^1^•in
your last issue to the eflfeet that their - Arcoflam3 " lamp. ..rlnr, in
nsf f fi"^ ""'"■ '^"1''' '^=^'''""^- ^-^ ^'S t" state that proie.il.rw 're
r™.^UH"" •'"'y.-7i'f '•. r^ ="" "°" pending, '«,,un.t thi.Tinn
nresputofinfrmgcment of British patent No. 18,78(i' (llU'i i,, il, . „ ,,1..^
we ar"'tl '''""'"' "' ""l"'ovements in elo.-tric arc lamps, c.t « U- I, ,. ,• ...it
wo rofi-.n'f'" "'""'''"'■"• '^^- «'"«eqi>ently, the mitter is n .a ,,■, ,W"-
we tcham hum :my eamnu-nt on the .statement referred t,.
Boddy " Metalik ' Lamps. — Messrs. G. M. Boddy & Co.. of New-
ington Works. Liverpool, e.ill special attention to the fact that their
new pattern high voltage and low voltage '■Metalik" lamps are
now made in smaller bulbs than formerly, also with shorter filament
supported by elastic loops, which are claimed to be a gieat success, •
and better stand transit and handling.
Boiler Patents.— We are informed by Messrs. Edward Le Bas & Co.
th:>t .\lr. .J. P. Da vies, inventor of the water tube boiler referred to in
patent No. 903 (1907). and of other water tube boilers, has obtained
a declaration from j\lr. .Justice Swinfen Eady (in an action Da vies v.
Davies Patent Boiler, Ltd.). that he is entitled to the said patent No.
903 of 1907. free from all claims on the part of defendants, and that
the company are not entitled to any mterest in any invention in
relation to boiler or boiler tubes made by Mr. Davies sine* Nov. 14.
1906. An injunction has been granted restraining the company
from setting up any claim thereto.
Directory of Manufacturers. — We have received an advance copy
of the new issue of the " Directory of Manufacturers, wholesale
Importers and Expc>rters on the North Eastern Railway System,"'
which contains about 27,000 entries and more than double the amount
of matter of the first edition. Additional trades have been added
and in several cases important industries, like chemical and ir on
manufacture, have been split up into classified sub-headings. The
index to trades, which extends to 17 pages, gives a good indication of
the variety of industries carried on in the districts served by the
N.E. Rly. system. Copies of the Directory are to be circulated
(gratis) amongst the traders listed in the book, and also in other
parts of the country and abroad. The coraiiilation of the Directory
reflects credit upon the enel-gy and enterprise of its compilers. Copies
may be obtained from the office of the Commercial Agent of the
Company (Mr. H. D. Dryden), York.
CATALOGUES. &c
Electric Signs. — There can be no doubt that the electric sign has
come to stay, and this being the ease it behoves the industry to put on
the market the best piece of apparatus for the puri)ose. Much
experimental work has been done, and one of the results is a sign
recently brought out by Simplex Conduits (Ltd.). It is quite a
simple arrangement, and ce.ntains no complicated mechanism.
Further, it is light and jiortable and lends itself to anv colour .scheme.
These signs are really cone shajK-d reflectors only one lamp being used,
a 16 c.p. or 25 c.p. lamp, according to the size of the'sign! The
accomjianying illustration shows the artistic appearances and neat
finish of the Simplex sign.
SuB-DisTRiiUTiNi,- Boards.— For a number of years past Simplex
Conduits (Ltd.) ha\c specialised in the manufacture of sub-distribut-
mg switch and fuse boards for use on everv class of installation, and
in a catalogue recently published a wide range of these useful fittings
IS Illustrated from which prospective customers should be able to
glean all they want. A great point has been made of strength and
water-tightness. Every type of board can be fitted with the Simplex
standard indicating fu.se which is the result of much experimental
work, .nnd which we understand is obtaining an increasing applica-
tion. Two special devices in the list call for mention, one'ls a double
fuse and single pole switch board, which is claimed to be the smallest
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
201
IMPORTANT NOTICE.
♦- —
Extra Copies of " The Eleetrielan " Special Mining Issue
July 10th, 1908), are obtainable, price 1/- nett (post free
U.K., 1/4; abroad 1/6).
for its capacity on tlie market. It is made from 3 to 8 ways but for
3 amp. circuits only, tliis being tiie limit of tlie capacity of tlie
switclies. A substantial ii'on case provided with four lugs for fi.xing
with the cheap glass fronted cover is provided, and watertightness is
also arranged for. Some idea of the size may be obtained from the
fact that the 4 way nicisiiics oiiI\- 10 in. liy s in. over all. Tlic fu.ses
are carried on .slate l)asi'~, c;i( li in'li- nn n f.r|i;ii,ii(' slab, and .separated
by a fibre fillet. A furl In r iiili-icsi ing Icatiiie is a fu.se repairing
outfit for wiremen, meter inspectors, &c. Tills consists of cylindrical
aluminium ca.se convenient for the pocl^et and containing a spool; (his
spool is divided into several reels on which are wound a fuse wire
suitable for rarrying various currents, so tliat tlie user has always a
large assortment of wire to liand.
The " TwiNoK." — We have already described Messrs. Lundberg's
Twinob switch and tlie firm now send us a little reminder of it in tlie
shape of a list arranged in a neat folder describing the switcli. Wlien
the reader makes the third fold he is confronted with several very
favourable jiress opinions of the switch. In tliis novel manner the
reader is prepared for tlie description of the switch which he reaches
on making the fourth fold.
Magazine Flame Lamps. — Messrs. Johnson & Phillips send ns
advance sheets of their price list K, containing details of their arc
lamp specialities, the most interesting of these being a new magazine
flame lamp, designed to burn 60 to 80 hours without retrimming.
There is also an interesting form of arc lamp winch for which special
advantages are claimed.
Spiral Pipes. — We are informed by the American Spiral Pi[ie Works
(Chicago, 111,) that Taylor's spiral riveted pipe, with forged steel
flanges, can be put to a variety of uses with certain advantages and
economies, full details of which are given in circular 22 just issued.
Lathes. — An improved 3^ in. centre, sliding, screw cutting and
lioring lathe is made a speciality of by Mr. J. W. Perkins, Lord-street
Works, Leeds. The advantages of this lathe are descrilied in a
pamphlet whicli is just to hand.
Cutting Sheet Metal. — Electrical engineers interested in the
cutting out of shapes from slieet metal should obtain a cojiy of the
list which has just been issued liy P. H. Bonvillian and E. Ronccray,
0-11, Rue des Envierges, 17-19, Villa Fauclieur, Paris. Tlie machine
is specially constructed to cut out metal slieets of any desired sliape,
and is intended to do away with the hammer and chisel work wliich,
up to now, has been necessary when onh' one or two pieces of a similar
shape have been required.
Ventilation. — The Glover-Lyon Ventilation Co has issued an
illustrated leaflet of a patent frictional reduction gear which enai)Ies
a small high-speed motor to be used for driving a large slow-speed
propeller fan. The ' company is endeavoming to obtain tlie co-
operation of fan makers and motor manufactmers in connection with
this friction gear.
Braulik Specialities. — Mr. G. Braulik has tluown open his new
and extensive rooms at Lambeth-hill to int^-rested electrical engi-
neers during the jiresent week. He lias a large numlicr of novelties
in the way of electrical apparatus and accessnrifs. such as are lamps,
metal filament lamps, d.e. watt-hour meters. &c.
Imports. — The following are official values of electrical machi-
nery, material, and apparatus imported into this country (i) during
October, 1908, and (')) during the current year from Jan, 1 to
Oct. 31, with the increases or decreases compared with the corre-
sponding periods of 1907 : —
Electrical ni.-icliiaciy {«) £36,588 (decrease £18,943): ('0 £505,505
(increase £3,333) : telegraph and telephone cables (a) £7,782 (de-
crease £3,950), ('') £104,695 (decrease £109,089) ; telegraph and tele-
phone apparatus (a) £11,492 (decre.ai-e £11,488), (h) £162,721 (decrease
£65,941) ; other electrical wires and c.alJes, rubber insulated (f<) £5,779
(<lecrease £2,132), ('-) £62,214 (decrease £3,459) ; with other insulations
(a) £7,661 (increase £3,112), (6) £89,479 (increase £27,338). The follow-
ing were not sepaiately enumerated last year : Carbons (a) £13,352,
('>) £134,982; glow lamps (a) £44,857, (h) £267,328; arc lamps and
electri- searchlights (a)£21t,(h) £4,591 ; parts of arc lamps and search-
lights (other than carbons) (n) £5,417, {h) £47,277; primary and
.secondary batteries (re) £6,563, {h) £45,708. Total of electrical goods
and apparatus, otlier than machinery and telegraph and telephone
wire (a) £112,914 (increase £6.759), ('*) £1,018,197 (decrease £25,491).
Exports. — The exports of electrical machinery, material, &c. (a)
during October, 1908, and (i) during the current year from
Jan. 1 to Oct. 31, and the increases and decreases compared with
the corresponding periods of 1907, are as follows : —
Electrical machinery (re) £164,348 (increa,se £69,518), (i) £1,148,681
(increase £319,895) ; telegraph and teleplione cables (a) £26,859 (de-
crease £395,661), {h< £407,430 (decre.i-e £844.278) ; telegraph and tele-
phone apparatus (re) £17,123 (.lerie,,se £594). 7,1 £135,276 (decrease
£13,386) ; other electrical wires .ind ciljles, ruljliei'iusulate<l .re j £22,297
(decrease £7,280), (?/) £227,218 (increase £1,777); with other insulations
(re) £36,855 (increase £25,939), (/-) £285,069 (increase £92,167). The
following were not separately enumerated last year : Carbons (al
£525, (b) £7,181 ; glow lamps (re) £5,358, ('.) £47,260 ; arc lamps and
searchlights (re) £2,192, (//) £18.186 ; parts of arc lamps and searchlights
(other than carbons) in) £3,05?, ('-) £14,763 ; primary and secondary
Ijatteries (re) £10,633, (h) £65,771. Total of electrical goods and appara-
tus, other than machinery and telegra(ih and telephone wire, (re)
£160,542 (decrease £367,991), (5) £1,499,618 (decre:\se £751,945).
BANKRUPTCIES, LIQUIDATIONS, &c.
A first and tinal dividiMul nl I -[.d. is p.iyable at tlie O.R.'s. Byrom-
street, Manchester, in the bankiuptC3- (if Walter Wardlc. electrician.
14, Osborn-road, Levenshulme, Manchester.
Claims against Wm. Terrell Garnett, electric cable and wire manu-
facturer, Barkerend Mills, Bradford, are to bo sent by Nov. 19 to
Ml-. E. !\Iusgrave, 1, Bank-street, Bradford.
Claims against the X Electric Accumulator Co. (Ltd.), are to be
sent to the liquidator (Mr.W. J. Webb, 18, Leadenhall-street, London,
E.C.). by Nov. 18, on which date a meeting of creditors will be held
at the offices of Messrs. Littlejohn, Wilson & Co.. 85, Gracechurch-
street, London, E.G.
Bankruptcy Petition. — A petition in bankiuptcy has been presented
against Wm. Aubert. jun., electrical engineer, &c., lately of IG,
Harp-alley, St. Bride-street, Limdon. E.C., and Tagg's Island,
Hampton Court, and will be heard at the Court Of Bankruptcy.
London, W.C, on Nov. 29.
PATENT RECORD.
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS.
Note.— TOe undermeniioiinl Apid'aitioKs [i j:<-< pi those marledf) arenot
open to jmhlie inspection iinlil aflxr arcijilitnrr. oj Cunqjlele Specifications
Those marked t are open /or inspection 12 months ajter the O/ite attached
to them, if they have not been published prcviomli/ in the ordinary course.
Names within parentheses arethose of communicators of inveiitiom. Whfn
complete Specification accompanies application, an asterisk is affixed.
July 13. lOOS.
14,803 GoODALL. Electrical ac'c umulat.ir carrier.
14,808 Lamkin & Knott. S|.arkinjj plugs lor internal romhu.'ilion
engines.
14.811 Fleming. Telegraphic rcl.iys.
14.S14 Vooel. Aocunmlator eleitriKli-s.*
14.817 FuLLEK & FuLLKR. Electri.ally heating running water.
14,825 SociETE Anonyme Montbakbon. High-tcasion Ignition appa-
ratus. (Date applied for. 13/8/07.)*t
14,851 Teenzen & Pope. Metallic Filaments for electric incandescent
lamps.
14.8.52 Trenzen & Pope. Manufacture of bodies of metallic titanium.
14,853 Trenzen & Pope. .Metallic filaments for electric incamle.sccnt
Lamps.
14,8(37 B.T.-H. Co. (Ci.K. Co.. U.S.) Electric incandescent lamp fila-
ments.
14,S()S B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Signal systems for railways.
July 14. 1908.
14.871) Griffin. Mechanism for oscillating sparking magnetos.
14,897 Breslauer. Compcumding alternating current generators.
(Date apiJied for. 15/7/07.)*t
14,904 Collins. Diaphragms f.)r use with Rontgcn ray apparatus.
14,910 SiEMENS-SonrcKERTWEBKE G.M.B.H.. Protective covers for
electric glow lamps. (Dale applied for, l/(>/08.)*t , . . .
14.025 W. Best. A. E. Best, ami R. O. Best. Electrically ignitmg
miners' safety lamps. _ ,,ii-.-
14;i2(l HisMMa KiiiTTK. Refining steel in electric furnaces. (Ail.lition
t.. No. ii.029/08.)*
14.934 RosKNiiiscH. Electric time switches.
14 'U-' WESTPJGHorsE Metai. Filament Lvmp Co. (Wcstinglunise
Metallfaden Gluhlampcn Fabrik G.m.b.H.. Austria). Tungsten
filaments for electric incandescent lamp*.
14 950 Martin. Release devices for the control of electrical energy.
14!i)5() Scott. Lord Montagi- of Beapliei'. & Sherrcn. llhistr.atmg
action of magneto-elcctric ignition systems for explosion cngmes.
14,901 14.9(>2 and 14,963 Majert. Metallic filaments for electric incan-
descent lamps.
14.91)7 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.I F,le.tro-ma!.metieally controlled
switches.
202
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
HI
12.907
i:i,20(i
ir.,(i:u
ir).7«i»
]r>.TM
15,830
111,034
IH.073
Ki.137
lfi,43I
17,817
IH.Iilil
21,3f)3
23,1 Hi
3,.")07
5,107
5,568
0,737
0,805
0,840
SPECIFICATIONS PUBLISHED.
1007 Si'ECTPrCATIONS,
RnnKR & RoRKE. (^intnilliiiK cliTtrifjil t-ircuits.
Ahtiii'K. (;oiitri)lliri<; system for elcclrio railway:*.
lOiiKRi'. Ccmtiolling electrical devices.
Er)(:Alt. Receiving in.struments for electric telegriipliy.
Kit/,K[. KIcctric incandescence lamp with U or V sliapcil sop-
ported metal filament?. (Dat« applied for, 31/.5/07.)
Fknnei.1, & Pebby. Mould for casting electric accumulator
grills.
'I'miMSdN. Construction of a pn,k<'l dcitiii- lamp worked with
sci^onilarv hattcry.
Wll.i.is (Waring). " l';ic,lrically-o|,-_-ratcil cl,,fh. cutting machines.
Ai.i.(!KMKiNl'; Kl,EKTBl(JTAT.S (iES. Signal operating mcciianism
and signalling systems for railways. (Date applied for. 14/7/Oti.)
MoKOAN Crucible Co., & McCourt. Means for attaching
Hexible conductors to commutator brushes and also applicable
for uniting other bodies or articles.
Stearn & ToPHAM. Incandescence electric lanipyt.
Hyde, .loints in metallic filament incandescent electric lam])s.
(Jii.FH.i.AN. Br.ake for tram cars and other vehicles. (Post-
dated 1 1/2/08.)
Oi.DH'iEi.i) & Oldfield. Anti-vibration device for the electric
lamps.
Ra worth & R.iwoRTH. Control of electric nu)toi-s.
Kmi.inc;. Solomon, & Crockkk. Mctal-corcd flame carbons for
an- hunps. I-
1008 Si'KIMFirATION.S.
Passbubu. Vacuum drying and impregnating apparatus for
electric cables.
Scott. Regulating device for electrically-driven fluid com-
pressois. (Addition to No. 21,031/07.)
VlALAKD-GouDOU. Vapour lamps or burners, (.\ddition to No.
24,871/07.)
Felten & GniLLEAUME Lahmeyerwerke Akt.-Ges. Non-
inductive resistances. (Date applied for, 27/3/07.)
Siemens cSt Halske Akt.-Ges. Electrical current meters. (Date
applied for, 28/3/07.)
Roi'LT (Union Switch and Signal Co.). Electric signalling system
COMPANIES' MEETINGS AND REPORTS.
Eastern Telegraph Co. (Ltd.)
The seventy-third ordinary general meeting was held on Wednesday,
at Electra House, Finsbury-pavcm^nt, E.C:, under the iiresideney of Sir
.ToMN Woi TK Harry, K.C.H.
■I'lic SKCUKTARY (Mr. A. R. Tlardic) read the notice calling the
meeting and ilic auililors' report,
'riicCllAlK.MAN said- Before moving the customary resolution for
the adoption of the report and accounts, I will, as usual, make a few re-
marks regarding the more important items in the statement of accounts.
The gros.s revenue for the half-year under review amounted in round
numbers to £508,400, against, for the c'orrespcuidirig haU-vcar of 1907,
£593,400, or a reduction of £25.000. £12,000 of this dccr.-a^c is due t.i a
continued falling off In the receipts from traffic with South Africa,
although I am pleased to say that there are indications of a revival in
the trafiic exchanged with that country. Receipts^ from messages
exchanged with Australasia, China, Ja))an and Egypt al-io show reduc-
tions as compared with the corresponding half-year, but, on the other
hand, there has been a steady increase in the receipts from South
American trafiic, while small increases also occur in other classes of
traffic. Considering the long jieriod of trade depression which this country
has experienceil, together with other countries in all parts of the world, I
think we should feel thankful that oiu' revenues have not suffered to
any greater extent than is shown in the a. ( ts -.nbniitted to you to-
day. The mainstay of the l)nsiness of sulmi m me i, I. M,aphy is, ofcourse,
largely deiiendent upon international cuTiini i. iil .iriivity, and no surer
indication of the general state of the worli's commerce can be found
than in the rise and fall of the traffic receipts of this Company, because
we are not dependent, as is the ca.se of some companies, on the volume of
business exchanged between one or two countries, our revenues being
derived from traffic emanating throughout the most important centres
of the world. This circumstance is a source of strength to the Com-
pany, and has enabled us to pay a steady and fair dividend to our stock-
holders while at the .same time maintaining (uir reserves. We thus
jiossess a feeling of secin-ity, even during periods of depression such as
those which have lately been universally experienced by nearly every
i*)n\nverci,'il concern.
Turning now to the expenditure side of the accounts, it will be seen
that the ordinary expenses for tlie half-year amounted, in round num-
bers, to £2(il,100, as compared with, for the correspondini? period of
1907, £243,500, or an increase of £17,000. This increase is practically
I headings- viz.. working expenses at stations,
m.iintcn.aucc of cables, including dc|Mci|ation
iig an inci-case over the corresponding
rs ha
: been
accounted for uiul
and expenses attcndiu
of sti>ck cable, the former sli
half-year of about £4,.SO0 and the latter £13.01M).
Alistract C is concerned with Repairs, and this is an item of expenditure
rying nature, depending as it does upon the
.nr cables and t.> the extent of the consequent
rep.airs. During the half-vear under review, extensive repa
necessary to some of the cables, the quantity of new cable laid into the line
being considerably in excess of that used in the h,alf-year to .June, 1007.
1 may add that the figure appearing in the aci-ounts as representing the
cost of maintaining the cables would li.ivc been much larger were it not
for the f.act that our repairing sliip< h.ivc been engaged upon important
work for other Telegrajjh Administrati.>ns. the credit under this heading
being about £7.000 more th.an for the corres|ionding half-year. . The
nett result of the half-year's working, added to the substantial balance
bnnight forw.ird from last h.alf-year, is that after providing for the usual
interim dividends we are able to carry £100,000 to the General Reserve
Fund, and to carry forward a balance of £53.7o0.
During the half-year it was decided to continue the renewal of the
oldest of our Aden-Bombay cables. The cost of this v/ork. £107.000. has
been charged to the General Reserve Fund, for which purjioses this Fund,
as you are aware, is primarily maintained. In 1004 «e began the renewal
of this section, which was originally laid in the year 1870, and during the
three half-years ended March, 1905, we charged £140,000 to the General
Reserve Fund, the total charge to date in respect of this renewal being
£252,000. The greater part of this cable has now been renewed, and the
remainder will be taken in hand as necessity arises. Notwithstanding
these heavy charges against the General Reserve Fund, you will see from
the ar,-,,iiTi'ts llial this Fund now amounts to about £1,138,000, while the
total rcMix.s :,'4gregate to £1,785,000. .
Till- .pic>.iioii ,i[ the Reserve Fund has frequently been referred to at
these meetings, not only by myself but also by my predecessors. The
subject is a very important one, and I must ask you to excuse me if I
refer to it once more. No doubt the majority of the Stockholders fully
a])]ireciatc the benefits which they derive indirectly from the possession
of a substantial reserve fund, and I believe that the bulk of the tele-
graphing )iublic also realise that this fund is administered and utilised
for their ultimate benefit. The trade of the world is carried on to a great
extent through the medium. of submarine tclegra])hy, and as the rivalry
of nations becomes more keen it plays an increasingly important part in
business transactions from day to day. It is essential therefore that the
telegraph service should be maintained at a liigh standard of
efficiency. It is our constant endeavour to do this, and to grant
additional facilities iind nfliuc the rates to the public whenever it is
<l.l,'
■ llatc
■if I.
facihli.s
which m
St 1
reserve f
md.
■ Tease in
bl,-s and
laliis, tJur working expenses are in consequence con-
iscd without, as is frequently the case, a corresponding
■line being secured. It follows, therefore, that these
ly be granted by the cxpr'iiditiirc of large sums of money,
pr.pvidcd cither b\ iii-iii^ i M it iimal capital or out of our
\\c e.irisiilei it iriMie iniiileiit lo adopt the latter alterna-
tive. We also consider it best to cany sucli sums to our reserve fund as
will replace the large amounts which must be withdrawn from time to
time and utilised to the mutual advantage of all concerned. Had this
course not been persiied when, during the South African war, we expended
nearly one and a half millions for the ncH- cable to Sovith Africa, we should
have been obliged to issue additional capital, the revenue would not have
grown corrcs]>ondingly. anil the cmjiany would not have been in the
sound linaiieial |..-iii<iM in m hi. li it is to-day. Neither should we have
been able to , ,oi y oiii the many important reductions in the rates which
we have made duriiit; the last few years to various parts of the world, to
the great advantage of the public. Thus the results of our policy have
been that, from the point of view of the St>M klioldeis. they pos.scss a stable
position with dividends that do not fluctuate with the ups and downs of
trade, a position with which few joint stock enterprises can compare.
From the point of view of the public, we have been enabled to provide
the money for enormous extensions ..four caliles.with not only no increases
of tariffs, but will
Let me give a few e\:irii|
during the last 14 \.ais :
Gibraltar 33. .Malta 2.".. Ci.
47. Zanzibar and Mombi^
Seychelles 05. .Mauritius 7
oil ill 1.- 111. 1 1. ills t.. all parts of the globe.
it ih. 1. In. ti. lis we have brought into force
im I I.' III. 11. .11 ..f 2.1 per cent,, Portugal 33,
I I. I;lj\ |.t (Al,-\aiiilria) 37, Aden and Perim
'. M.., iinl.i.|nc au.l l,.>urenco Marques 71,
■ulh .Mri.a 71. India ."ill, Penang 30. Singa-
whieh is necessarily of a
number of interruptions
pore 30, China 37, .lapaii .'i4. Philippines .")!. S..uth and West Australia 37,
Pernambuco 43. Rio de .lancin. 35, Biien..s Ayics 32, ChiU ,35, Bolivia 25,
Peru 20. or an averaL'e tlir.nighout the system of 48 per cent. Surely,
tliei.f.ir... any tiir iinn.l.d mm who has given a little time to study the
uiith.. il~ ...I..).!, il hy y..iii . I III. tors in order to fulfil our public duties must
c.uue to the same <■. .11. lii.vi. .11 as was arrived at by the Inter- Departmental
Committee appointed by the Government to look into the whole question
of the Cable Companies vis-u-rix the public and the Imperial and Colonial
Governments. This matter had lieen liroiight very much before the
public lately by an extraordinary pi, .|.. ,, .1 .,f a-penny a-word telegrams
to all partsof the Empire, so 1 lii..iiMl,, | ,„,„i„ j„st as well read to the
shareholders what was said u|i..n this Mil.j.rt— which is now .so widely
advertised, but I venture to say has never been properly or even reason-
ably thought out by those who suggest it — by the very powerful Com-
mittee who reported in 1902 upon the whole subject of submarine cables.
That Conunittee was a very re|iresentatiye one. It consisted of the
Secretary of State for Scotland, the Postmaster-General, the President
of the Board of Agriculture, the Under Se.retary of State for the Colonies,
the Director of Military Intelligence and the Director of Naval Intelli-
gence. They first state that they were directed " to examine existing
rates : to rejiort how far they arc fair and reasonable ; and, if not. how
any reduction should be] effected ■■. anil this is what the Committee
say, and it is a unanimous report : —
'• We desire at the outset to say that we regard all proposals for a
very large reduction in existing rates, such as Mr. Henniker Heaton's
THE ELECTRICIAN. NOVEMBER 13, 1908
203
suggestion of a 1(1. r:ilc to Ainrrita and Anstialia (y,y.2,212 and 2.245),
as quite imiiiactieable. There is little analogy between the case of
submarine cables and that (for example) of the Id. past. The laying,
working and maintenanee. of a cable requires the expenditure of a
I definite and siiK-tnntiil amount of rapital, and the carrying capacity
secured in rii III II i limiiiil li mn I not always be assumed that an
increase of tiilli' i m.^inlN i I" inlit to the company concerned.
So long as the lalile IS not vvuiked to its full capacity increase of
traffic, unless accompanied by a heavy increase in working expenses.
Implies an increase in net revenue. But when the increase is so great
as to necessitate the laying of a new cable, the ca.se b different ; and
it will be obvious that, at a certain point, a limit is reached beyond
which reductions in rates cannot possibly be made. Even when the
cables of a company are fully occupied, messages cannot be carried
below a rate which will provide for interest on capital, expenses of
working, maintenance and so on. The limit will rise or fall with
variations in the cost of materials, &c. ; and it will be lowered by any
new tclr^r i|iliii ili-iovery or by improvements in the methods of work-
ing ; liul ii aii\ ^i\ en moment it is constant.
"" No detailiil 1 alrulatirms were laid before us to show how a Id.
rate to Amcrn a and Australia coidd be made to pay — indeed, the
advocate of Ihr -i hcnir lirokc down .iltogcthrr when cross-examined
on the point (yy. 2.271 i, 2,2S3, 2,2'J0-3) — and we are clearly of opinion
that the establishment of such a rate on a commercial basis would be
impossible.
" On the other hand, we are not (generally speaking) in favour
either of the working of cables by the State at a loss, or of the sub-
sidising of private cables on commercial (as opposed to strategic)
grounds. Iioth of which courses appear to us to burden the general
I a\|ia\ii luif.iirly for the benefit of a special class." (Cheers.)
Will, iji III 1. nirn, I think I could not possibly put the view of this Board
lielliM llian ilus representative Committee put it six years ago. No new
circumstances of any kind or sort have arisen to invalidate the argument
so well expressed in the sentiments I have read to you, and I do not pro-
]iusc to carry the matter any further with you to-day, or to discuss tlie
cntliiisia^t ic .and \i^iMnai\- >rhemes which have been put IicImic ilic |iii!)-
llc'. and wliicli, 1.1 II IV III I III I. do not deserve anything like the i .mMdci ,ii mn
which has Ijccn l'i'mu Io I licui by the public Press. I i,o\v luoic the
adoption of t!".c ri|iuil .mil accounts.
The VICE-CHAII!.MA.\ AND MANAGING DIRECTOR (Sir John
Denison-Pendcr. K.( ..\l (1.) sccinil-d the notion.
Mr. NEWBY asked tlic Clianinan Hlictlicr he held the same oiiinion
as to wireless tclcgrapliv whii li Ic c\|irc^,cd a year or two ago.
The CHAIRMAN, m rc|il\ , ,^ mLMi, Ncwby has asked me what is to be
the future of wireless tclccra )»hy '! 1 have always refused to pledge myself
to any opinion about wliat the future of wireless telegraphy may be, I
have only dealt with w hat was known of wireless telegraphy at the time I
spoke, and up to the time when I have spoken, and, I may add. up to
this |ieriod itself, 1 do not sec that it is going to be a material conii)ctitor
with (alile telegraphy. It is a very beautiful, a very ingenious, antl a
very laptivating mode of telegrajihy, but I do not myself think that it
po.sscs.ses the advantages which cable telegraphy jKissesses, nor do I think
it ever can do so. That a traffic is being carried by v/irelcss tclcgra|)hy
we. of course, know ; we know it from the telegraphic dis|iatclii's whicli
appear in the newspapers, and we also know that the Fleet are ccinstanlly
in communication with each other by wireless telegraphy. Up to the
present time, however. I do not see myself thai llicrc i my harm in it so
far as we are concerned ; on the cimtrary. wc aic piill ing u p wireless in-
.slallations by arrangement with the Poitiico'-.M- tHmmiuent, whereby
the A/ores Islands will lie connected with each other, and we trust they
will act as feeders to our system, and if the time comes when this in-
vention gets belter and better, this Company and the other associated
Companies will, certainly not be backward ui keeping abreast of scientific
improvements.
The resolution was then carried unanimously.
The retiring Directors, Lord AUerton and Mr. Francis Alcxaiulcr
Johnston, were re-elected, and the firms of Messrs. Deloitte. Plciulcr.
Griffiths & Co. and Messrs. Welton, Jones & Co. were afterwards elected
auditors to the Company fiu- the ensuing year.
Mr. JOHN NEWTON'proposed a vote of thanks to the Chau-man and
Directors for the servii es they had rendered to the Company and for the
way in which the ChaiiTuan had dealt with the question of wireless tele-
graphy and Id. a vviir<l telegrams.
sir. NEWBY seconded the motion, which wa,s eairied unaniniously.
The CHAIRM.^X briefly replied, and the proceedings teruiinatcd.
Eastern Extension Australasia & China Telegraph
Co. (Ltd.)
The seventieth lialf-ycarly ordinary general meeting of this fnmi.any
was held on Tuesday, under the presidency of Sir John Wolfe Bakky,
K.C.B.
The GENERAL MANAGER AND SECRETARY (Mr. F. E. Hesse)
read the noti<'e calling the meeting an<l the andilnrs' report.
The CHAIRMAN "then said: The;;,,,., i.Mnue for the half-year
under review aino\uited, in roimd nuuilicrs, I,. f2'.i(l,000, against £304,000
for the corresponding period of 1907, showing, therefore, a decrease of
£14,000, which we hold to be due to the commercial depression that
appeared all over the Far East about a year ago, and which unfortu-
nately still prevails. Even with Au.stralia. where good rains and other
favourable conditions have continued, the traffic shows a falling off
during the half-year, although we have managed to hold our own fairly
well in the keen competition that is still going on with the State-owned
British I'acilic cable at a cost to the (lovernnients concerned of some
£()2.(XK.) a year — a very unfair coinpet itiiui, in my opinion (hear, hear).
The working and other exjienses amounted, in round numbers, to
£151,000, against £156,0(M) for the corresponding period of 1907. showing
a decrease of £.5,000. This decrease is almost entirely accounted for by
the expenses attending the maintenance of the Company's cables being
less in the past half-year than in the corresponding period of 1907. The
net piofit for the half-year was roundly £120,000, and after adding
£20.(Hio hiwiiglii forward from the previous half-year there remained an
available l.ilinrc of £140,000 (cheers). The usual (juarterly interim
dividentis .,[ 2s. lid. per share, or at the rate of .5 per cent. i)er annum,
have been paid for the past halt-year, leaving a balance of. roimdly,
f ijti.OOO to be carried forward. The general reserve fund has been
debited with the cost of the Java-Cocos cable, amounting to £7S,044,
together with £8,762 for partial renewals of cables carried out during
the past half-year.
The coitcessinn obtained fr<jm the Tasmanian (Government nearly
40 ye II - lun. ji, iTig us tlic exclusive right of working between Ta.smania
and \ II I. II la, iiigetlier with asnbsidy of £4,200 per annum, expires early
next M ii.oi.l I- ilii- -Vn-'trilianfJovcrnmenf, who since the Commonwealth
wasesi.ibli.heil Icui ,1111 1 rolled all the telegraphs in Au.stralia, have decided
to lay and will k , able- ,, I I heir own between Tasmania and the mainland,
we shall have to close oiu Tasmanian stations, and remove the two exLst-
mg cables, unless a new arrangement is come to with the Government
on the subject, which I fear is very remote, as we re<-eive from that
Government nothing but unfair competition and continuous attempts
to ( ppie,^ III' I •iiupany, I may also mention that we have had to resort
to legal | ii . ii 1 1 , luigs against the Australian Government to recover
the ibllcrciir. Iietween the value of the traffic passing over the Ta.s-
maniaii i ihli - :ii the tariff fixed for such traffic and the amount of the
guaraiiiii (C,",,ii(io per aniuim) agreed to be |>aid by the Government to
the Coui|iany in the event of the traffic falling ,short of that amount.
When this guarantee arrangement was entered into power was given
to the Government to reduce the tariff from time to time over the Tas-
manian cables, and this power was exercised until the tariff was reduced
to \d. per word, which was considered to be the minimum rate applicable
to the circumstances. Towards the end of lilOli. however, the Govern-
ment arbitrarily passed an Order in Council abolishing the tariff, and
from that time refused to jjay the Comjiany anything on account of
traffic beyond the amount of the guarantee, although the traffic at the
id. rate produced a larger revenue. As the Company could not admit
the Government's contention that the power to reduce involved the
power to abolish the rate, it was eventually decided to submit a ease to
the Australian High Court, where the arguments on each side were
exhaustively stated, with the result that the Government's action was
declared to be illegal by three out of the four judges who heard the
case, and the Com))any's claim was ordered to be paid in full cheers).
The Government have since notified the Company that they have
reduced th<' tariff from Id. to |d. per weird, but as this reductiim, which
we contend is unreasimable aiul not warranted by any other example,
even if it be held to be legally binding on thi' Company, can only apjily
from the date of the recent notification until next Ai)ril, or for about
five months, the amount of revenue involved is comparatively small.
This is one more instance of the unfair and hostile treatment which
the (Company has received at the hands of the Anstr.ilian Government
ever since the British Pacific cable was established. I now move the
adoption of the report and account^.
The MARQUESS OF TWEEDDALE, K,T,. sccomlcd the resolution,
which was carried unanimously.
Mr. JOHN NEWTON proposed a cordial \olc ol thanks to tlw Chair-
man and Directors, which was seconded by Col. H. .MITCHELL and
carried unanimously, and, after a reply from the Chairman, the pro-
ceedings termmated.
Western Telegraph Co (Ltd).
The seventieth oidinarv general iiiecling of ihi.-^ c.uupany was held
on Wcdnesdav. under theprcsidcm \ of Sir .Iou,n Woi.KE Barbv. K.C.B.
The Si:(l!i',l'.\RY (Mr. E. Steer Hod.son) having read the notice con-
vening the liieiting and the auditors' report.
The CHAIR.MAN said : Gentlemen, the Directors again present what
I think you will consider a satisfactory report and statement of accounts
for the half-year ended June 30 last. During the period under review the
depression in trade and comnu-rce which prevailed in other parts of the
world had apparently not spread to South America with, perhaps, the
cxce|ition of the West Coast. The financial position in Chili was. as you
are doubtless aware, in a somewhat unscltled condition. One of the
competing cable companies has also opened another station on that coast,
and has improved its .service generally by the submersion of a new and
more direct cable. The result, however, on the whole of our system is
that the total message receipts show an improvement of nearly £23,000,
and the gross revenue an increase of £2(i,.">00 over the corresponding six
months in 1907. Suice July 1 last there has been a distinct reaction,
and the traffic earnings to the present date have fallen off by about £15.000
compared with those of the corresponding |)eriod of last year. The
decrease is not confined to any particular part of the South American
continent, although it is rather more apparent in the district where there
is less telegraphic competition, which leads one to conclude that trade
generally is not so flourishing as in the earlier part of the year. I am glad
to say that during t he last few weeks there have been signs that business is
better, as a slight improvement is noticeable in our receipts. The work-
ing expenses for the half-year to June 30 were increased by £2,613
prTncipally under the hcailiiigs of maintenance of cables and income tax.
204
THE ELECTRICIAN. NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
T)io oxiieiiscsatUndin;; <Ik- maintenance of cables show a comparative
net increase of £1.147. Otlier e.tpenses sliow a net inereaPe of £200,
(•hied von account of the staff as.siiranee, superannuation and jiensionfnncl.s.
A orarterlv interim dividend, amoutiting to £31,180. KK ha-- been paid.
£1 1() 0()() transferred to the (general reserve fund, £5,000 to the mamten-
ancc'slii|is" reserve fund, £10.000 to the marine insurance fund, and
£10,000 to tlie land and buildings deiireeiation fund. The directors now
recommend the declaration of a final dividend of 3s. per share, maknig.
with the interim dividend.s, a total dividend of (i per cent, for the year,
also the payment of ,a bonus of 2s. per share, both free of income tax.
which together will amount to £51,982, leaving a balance of
4,250. 13s. lid. to be carried forward. The dividend and bonus will be
payable on November 12. The proi)rietors will be interested m the fact
that the amount set aside as a provision on accotnit of investment lluetn-
ations is still about suflicient to meet the depreciation if the storks wore
realised at the lowest ])resent market jirices. I am sorry to state (hat we
shall before long have anolher competitor between Europe and .Soutli
America, as a (Jcrman submarine calilc comjiany has obtained a con-
cession from the Hrazilian (iovcrnmeut for landing a trans-Atlantic cable,
and (me of tlir .■.mdilious is iIkiI the .able .shall be laid within the next
3i years. 1 r.ui IimI. li-, himmihj iIii' nlopiion of the report and aecounts
and the dccl,ii,ih"ii -I ili.> .luid.ii.ls ,,| our. (herein.
Tbe l)l';i'L'l'\ t'HAIR.M.V.X (Sir .lohn Deni.son-Pender, K.G.M.G.)
seconded (he resolution.
'I'Ih^ CIIAIKMAN said that before putting the motion to the meeting,
he wished (,o refer to a communication the directors had received from
a discharged employee named CliB'e, who complained of the policy of
the directors and intimated that he jjroposed to move a resolation at
(lie meeting. A^., however, Mr. Cliflfe did not appear to be present, this
motion of his, of course, fell to the ground, and the incident as fjvr as
this meeting was concerned, was closed.
Th(! modoii v.as then carried unanimouslv.
The iciiMir: divctor. Sir AlbertJ. Leppoc Cajipel, K.C.IE., and the
rcdjiii'-' Mill - \' ere then re-elected, and a hearty vote of thanks to
the Ch 'II iM Ml liiicctors and staff brouaht (he meeting to a close.
CAPE ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS (LTD.)— The chairman (Sir C. Euan
Smith) stated at the meeting on Wednesday that in spite of the many
factors against them, they were holding their own. The conditions
of things now existing in South Africa was only tercporary. The gold
industry was more i)ros]ierous than ever, and that must react favour-
ably on the general conditions of trade throughout the country.
CASTNER KELLNER ALKALI CO. (LTD.)— The net profit for the year
ended Sc|it. .'io. after the usual ex]ienditin-e in keeping up works, plant
and Tiiii(liiiici\ (M the hiehest state of etticicncv is £115,528. 3s. 9d.. which
with tl'.ljo. 'Is. 4d. from 1007. made £120.948. 13s. Id. Interest
recpiirnl l!i, (i:i. L's. 7d., and interim dividend at the rate of 10 per cent,
for llic SIX iiiMiiths to JIarch 31 £22,500. and the available balance is
£98,005. 10s. (i. The directors are puttiui; i:!(l.000 tn dc]neciation
reserve, writing £5,000 off suspense aoeouni and tl.3sr, ,,[ plaut ac. mints,
)ilacin<; £12,.500 to general reserve, appropriating £3!!,7."il' in [layment of
a liual dividend of Is. (id. per .share (making 12.t per cent, for the year,
and Icaviii;; i:i5,3(i0. 10s. tkl. to be carried forward.
DELAGOA BAY DEVELOPMENT CORPN.,(LTD.)— During the year ended
June 3t) the ninnber of passengers carried by the electric tramways was
784,740, increase 19,046 over 1907. The workmg of the telephone
system showed a small profit for the year. The net revenue from all
sources in i.onrcni.o Manpics iluriuL; the year was £12.894. agamst £10,845.
After dcliiliic.; ;iU charges and ;illM«aurc's there Was a deiit of £1,243.
LANCASHIRE POWER CONSTRUCTION CO. (LTD.)— Mr. T. 0. Callender
presided at an extraorilio.u-y meeting on Wednesday, when a resolu-
tion \\;is p.'isscd sanctioning the creation of income debenture stock to
the extejit of £150,000. The ehr.irman -aid that in .July the share-
holders were called together to niik. ,■, mmii liii.i iiiial arrangements,
and the scheme thenla'id before Ihi m w.i^ ,i|.|.imm .1. The response of
the "A" shareholders, however, was di.sappuintuig, for, in.stead of
obtaining the 190,000 anticipated, only £35,950 was received. There-
fore, it became impossible to carry through that scheme, an(l the
position had to be reconsidered. The new shares were being offered
to the existiu'^- sliareliolders in projiortion to their holding.
WEST INDIA & PANAMA TELEGRAPH CO. (LTD.)— For the six months
ended .Iiine 30, tlur anuauil to credit of revenue is £39,733. lis. Od.
against £43,832. 10s. 7d. for the eorres))onding half-year of 1907. Ex-
penses have been £27,507. Os. 7d. , against £30,028. 10s. 9d. The balance
IS £12,l(it>. lbs. 2d., added to £1,578. Kis. interest (m investments and
£557. Os. (id. brought forw.ard, making £14.302. 7s. 8d. The directors
liroposo that (his be dealt with as follows :— Dividend of (is. pei- share on
the first preference shares for six months to June 30 (£l(».:!t;K. is..), and
12s. per share on second preference sliarcs on account of di\ idcn.ls :h n unl
to June 30 (£2,801. 8s.). leaving £l.i:!2. Is. 8(1. to be ,,,,1, .1 lM,„;,vd.
The trallic rereipts for the six months .show a decrease ul li'.^.j^ coiu-
piirod with those for the corresponding jieriod of 1907. Owing to the
d'tfieulty of maintaining uninterrupted cable eommunication between
Oemerara and Trinidad, due to the unfavoiii:ible iciture of the sea bed.
the directors, with the consent of the Sen, i ,, v ,,f Si.,ie for the Colonies
and of the Governments of British (m.i.mh mi.I Trinidad have
decided to establish wu-eless telegraphy a> an .aUhtumal means of com-
municatron A contract has accordingly been entered into with the
Ivodge-Munhcad Wireless jSynd. to instal the necessary apparatus in
Demerara and Trinidad.
NEW COMPANIES, STATUTORY RETURNS,
MORTGAGES AND CHARGES, &c.
NEW COMPANIES.
GARONNE VALLEY ELECTRIC SUPPLY CO. (LTD.) (100,155)— Reg.
Nov 4, capital £22,600 in £1 siiares. to carry on the business of elec-
trical engineers, electricians, supj.liers of electricity, manufacturers of
electrical apparatus, &c. Reg. olfice, 83, Bishopsgate-steet Withm,
London, E.G.
IMPERIAL BRAKE BLOCK CO. OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND (LTD.)
(100,163)— Kecr. Nov. 5, capital £20,000 in £1 shares, to a(pure certain
patents for iin^entions in relation to brake blocks for railway and other
rollincr .stock, and to adopt an agreement with the European Brake
Shoe Co. (New Jersey, U.S.A.). Private company. Reg. office, 15,
Cross-street, Manchester.
R. J. MECREDY. EATON & DAVIDSON (LTD.) (3,365)— Reg. (in Dublin)
Oct. JO, capit.d £5,000 in £1 shares, to carry on the business of elec-
trical engineers. .Vc. I'livatecompanj'. First directors, R. J.Mecredy,
K. N. Eaton, .and H.S.I )avidson. Reg. office, 49, Middle Abbey-street,
Dublin.
REGENT ELECTRIC CO. (LTD.) (100,189)— Reg. Nov. 7, capital £100
in £1 shares, to carry on the business of manufacturers of and dealers
in " Holmquisf'and other electric light baths, mercury vapour lamps
and their appliances, &c. Private company. Reg. office, 46, Iron-
gate Wharf-road, Paddington, Loudon, W.
MORTGAGES AND CHARGES.
MAXIM ELECTRICAL CO (LTD.)— A charge dated Oct. 29, 1908, to
secure £500 has been registered. Property charged, Company's general
assets, present and future. Holders, Barclay & Co.
NORTHERN ELECTRICAL & VENTILATING CO. (LTD.)— Debentures
dated Oct. 25, 1908, to secure £1,000 charged on the company's
general assets, have been' registered. Holders, C. P. L. Titherley,
A. W. Titherley, D.Sc, and Miss M. G. Titherley.
JULIUS SAX & CO. (LTD.)— Particulars of £2,500 debentures created
by resolution of Oct. 23, 1908. have been filed pursuant to sec. 10 (3)
of the Companies Act, 1907, the amount of the present issue being
£1,500. Property charged, the company's general assets. No trustees.
RECEIVERSHIP.
SIMPLIFIED UNDERGROUND CONDUCTOR CO. (LTD.)- A notice of the
appointment of 3. A. S. Hassal, 6, Lord-street, Liverpcol, as receiver
or manager, on Feb. 26, 2907, under powers contained on a mortgage
debenture dat<!d Aug. 28, 1905, has been filed pursuant to sec. 11 (2)
of the Companies Act, 19G7.
FOREIGN COMPANIES WITH BRITISH ADDRESSES.
DUTJLH-SMITH. MCMILLAN & CO. (461F.)— Capital $500,000 in shares
of $100. Reg. in Delaware, U S.A., on Feb. 16, 1901, to carry on busi-
ness of dealers in and importers and exporters of railroad, railway and
electric supplies, &c. British address, 29, Great St. Helens, E.G.,
where W. N. Schofl is authorised to accept service.
ELEKTROTECHNISCHE FABRIK RHEYDT MAX SCHORCH & CO. A.G.
(462F.)— Caiiital M. 1,750, 000 in shares of M. 1,000. Keg. in Germany
on Dec. 17. 1900. British address, 35, Basinghall-street, London,
E.G., where W. R. Ilothenberg is authorised to accept service.
SUBMARINE SIGNAL CO. (466F).— Reg. in U.S.A. British address,
72, Victoria-street, Westminster, where Sir William White, K.C.B., is
authorised to accept service. No memorandum or articles of associa-
tion yet filed.
CITY NOTES.
MEMORANDA (Nov. 12).— Bank rate 2i per cent, (since May 28, 1908).
Price of silver, 23, jd. per oz. Consols 84^1; — 84iJ for money and 84J; —
84J account. Consols Pay Day, Dec. 1 ; Stock and Shares Continua-
tion Day, Nov. 25 ; Ticket Day, Nov. 26 : Pay Days, Nov. 13 and 27.
Prices of Metai^s (London). — Copper, cash, 64g ; three months, 65.4.
Lead, Enijlish, 14g— 14| ; foreign, cash. 13f — 13| : three months, 13s
— 14|. Spelter, foreign, 20|— 21|. Tin, English, 137.^-1394; Fine
Foreign, cash, 139^—1401. Iron, Cleveland, cash, 49/7 and three
months, 50,'3.
ALLGEMEINE ELEKTRICITATS GESELLSCHAFT.— For the year ended
June 20 the net luntit was .€791,560 (against £743,403 in"'l907). A
dividend of 12 per cent, (the same as last year) has been declared.
CENTRAL ELECTRIC SUPPLY CO. (LTD.) -The 4 percent, guaranteed
debentuie stock transfer books of this comjiany will be closed from
17tli to 30th inst. inclusive, preparatory to payment of interest due
Dec-. 1.
LONDON PLATINO BRAZILIAN TELEGRAPH CO. (LTD.)— The directors
have declared an interim dividend of 3.j per cent, pei annum (3s. 6d.
per share), tax free, for the past half-year.
MACKAY COMPANIES.— At a recent meeting of the trustees of the
Mackay Companies Mr. H. V. Meredith, of the Bank of Montreal, was
elected trustee. The Mackay Companies have now two representa-
tives in Canada, Mr. Meredith and Mr. R. A. Smith (Messrs. Oeler &
Hammond, Toronto'.
REES ROTURBO MFG. CO. (LTD.)— During the week this company in-
vited applications for 85,000 preference shares of £1 each at par.
THE BLEOTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
ELEGTBIQ TBIHWAT AND RAILWAY TBAFFIC
RECEIPTS.
Aberdeen Oorpontion
Alririo
Anglo- Argentine
Ayr Corporation
Baker St. & Waterloo Bf...
Bamsley
Barrow
Bath Electrlo Trama, Ltd..
Birkenhead Corporation ..
Bimiingham Corporation..
Birmingham & Mid
Blackburn Corporation
Blackpool Corporation
Blackpool and Fleetwood ..
Bolton Corporation
Bournemouth Corporation.
Bradford Corporation
Brighton Corporation
Bristol Trams & Carriage..
Burnley Corporation
Burton Corporation
Bury Corporation
Calcutta Tramways Co
Oamborne-Bodruth
Cardiff Corporation ;
Oavehill
Central London Railway ..
Charing C.Kustou & H'stead
Chatham & Dist. Lt. Rys....
City & South London Rly...
City of Birmingham
Colchester Corporation
Cork Electric Trams Co. ...
Croydon Corporation
DeTonport & Dist. Trams...
Dover Corporation
Dublin & Lucan Railway ...
Dublin United
Dudley-Stourbridge
Dundee Corporation
East Ham Council
Kxeter Corporation
Oateshead & Dist. Trams...
Glasgow Corporation...
Gravesend—Northfleet,
Great Northern & City Rly..
Gt. Northern, Piccadilly.&o
Greenock & Pott Glasgow...
Hartlepool Tramways
Bastings Elec. Trams Co....
Hong Eong
lludderstitld Oorpn
Hull Corporation
nford District Council
Ilkeston District Council ...
Ipswich Corporation
Isle of Thanet Co
Jarrow
Eeighley Corporation
Kidderminster & District...
Kilmarnock Corporation ...
Lanarkshire Trams Uo. ...
Lancashire United
Leamington
Leeds Corporation
Leicester Corporation
Leith Corporation
Lincoln Corporation
Liverpool Corporation
Liverpool Overhead Rly, ...
•London County Council ...
London United
Lowestoft
Maidstone Corporation
Manchester Corporation ...
Mersey Railway
Merthyr
Metropolitan Dist. Railway
Metropolitan Blec. Trams...
Mlddleton
Nelson Corporation
Newc.istle-on.Tjne Corp. ...
Newport (Mon.)
Northampton Corporation .
Oldham, Ashton & Hyde ...
Oldham Corporation
Perth (N. 13.) Corporation ..
Perth(W.A.) Elec. Trams...
Peterborough
Portsmouth Corporation ..
Potteries ,
Preston Corporation
Rotherham Corporation ..
Rothesay
Salford Corjioration
Bheerness
BheflQeld Corporation
Singapore Trams
South Metropolitan
South Staffs
Southend Corporation
Bouthport Tramways
Stalyb'dge.Hyde.&c.Jt.Bd,
Sunderland Corporation ...
Sunderland District
Swansea Trams
Taunton ,,.,
Tynemouth and District ...
lyneside Trams Co
Wallasey District Council...
Walsall Corpn
Warrington Corpn. ....
West Ham Corporation
Weston-super-Mare ...
Wolverhampton Co. ...
Wolverhampton Oorpn
*Worcester
Wrexham ".
Yorkshire W.R. Trams
lorkshire Woollen District.
1,178
1,3J0
35,e09
e,533
Ine.
or Deo.
(a)
r°-^'\ Amount I ^"^,"1
Iweeks.l """""*• | peo. (g)
+ 8J
IS
+ 8,ri4
922,177
67,323
7,693
151,784
31,616
22(,841
7,070
8,aS5
37,223
R880,208
5,764
3,926
142,719
63,315
35,032
67,206
119,579
900
20,624
16,233
20,216
7,660
2,745
103,610
36,491
30,432
28,331
10,526
43,8 9
397,577
6.499
9,281
25,146
S6,U0
23.019
10,497
24 J26
5l','965
78.873
14,274
4,567
13,347
2,220
4,761
3,033
213,870
42,969
13,353
3,807
,089.330
300,623
1.016
6,475
489,415
35,192
9 184
174,712
250,969
15,658
4,420
124,943
21,500
15,116
25,729
01,479
4,t69
61,308
6,G51
67,979
79,220
9,553
151,586
2,510
182,66!
$.6,486
35,612
38,3f4
15,789
12..527
24,784
38,553
466
41,117
1,813
10,187
7,826
29,422
S3,921
19,786
19,295
12,426
4,487
64,888
9,924
+
-fR2£0,466
2,8S0
1.56
46.411
11,286
2,373
1,235
1,906
22
551
ELECTRICAL COMPANIES' SHARE LIS^
3,517
122,648
4,449
(a) These comparisons are with the oorresponding period last year. S Plus 3 day e
f IU8 2 days. • Partly eleotriopi, t Minus 3 days } Minus » days.
ulLASI
« pivi-
m DEHS
lOl 6/0
lOi 4/6
10 1 6/0
Bt.i 4j%
St. 4%
6 2/8
6 2/0
St. 4J%
10 6''0
10 6/0
St. 6%
St., H%
6 2%
6| 6%
10 1 4/0
10 6.0
St.j 45%
St. 4J%
St.
4^;
St.
3*%
100
10
t¥
100
MX
b
n
h
bZ
lOO
iX
1
■iX
100
4i%
1 ' 0/8|
it. I 4iZ
10 8/0
St. 6%
St. 4J%
6 1 2/6
100! 4%
St. U%
61 4/0
St.! 4J%
10' 9^
101 (>■/.
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
Bonmemonth & Poole Elec. Sup. Ord...
Do. 4J per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Second Pref. ...
Do. 4} per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
Bromlev (Kent) El. Lt. & Power Shares
tDo. Do. l9t Debs.
Brompton & Kensington Elec. Sup. Ortl
Do. 7 per Cent. Pref.
Central Elec. Sup. Co.4V Gnar.Db.Stock
Charing CrossfW. End &City)EI.Sup.Co.
Do. 4J per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Do. CitT Undertaking 4J% Cm. Prel.
.Chelsea Electric Supply Ord.
5
jt.
n
10
6/0
St.
6*
Ill
10
bt
St.
iX
1(1
6/0
It.
iX.
Jt.
1
1
41 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) .
City of London Electric Lighting Ord,
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red,)...
Do. 4* per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock (red.)
ConntyofDnrhamElec. P.D. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, non Cum. Pref.
County of London Elec. Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J% Deb. Stock (red.)
tDo. Second Deb. Stock
Folkestone Electricity Supply Co. Ord
Do. 5 per Cent. cum. Pref.
Do. 4J lot Deb. Stock (red)
Hove Electric Lighting Ord
Kensington & Knightsbridge Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, let Pref
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Kenaingtn. & Kngtbg. Co. & Notting Hill
Co. (.Joint Station) 4% Deb. Stock (red.)
Kent Elec. Power Co
London Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb ,
Metropolitan Electric Sup. Ord
Do. 4 J per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4i per Cent. Deb. Stockist Mort,
Do. 3* per Cent. Mrt. Deb. Stock(red.)
Midland'Elec. Corp.for P.D.lstMort.Db
Newcastle & Dist. Elec. Ltg. Ord
Do. 4* per Cent. Deb
Newcastle Elec. Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, non Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. red. 1907.
Northern Counties Elec. Sup
Do. 4J per Cent. Deb
Notting Hill Electric Ord
Oxford Electric Ord ,
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Bt. James' & Pall Mall Elec. Ord.
Do. 7 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 3J per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) .,
Smithfleld Markets Electric Snp. Ord.
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
South london Electric Supply Ord
South Metrop'n Elec. Lt. & Power Ord.
Do. 7 per (Jent.Cum. Pref
Do. 4i 1st Db. Stk. Red
Urban Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4* per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb...
Westminster Elec. Sup. Ord
Do. 4JperCeiit. Cum. Pref.
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS & TRAMWAYS.
Baker St. & Waterloo 4^ Perp. Db. St
Bath Elec. Trams Pref. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. H lat Mort. Deb. Stock (red.) ..
H'bam & Midland Trams 4^ Ist Db. Stk,
Bristol Tramw.ivs & Carriau-e Ord
Do. Cum. Pref. (fully paid)
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs
British Electric Traction Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Perpetual Debs
tDo. 4i per Cent. 2nii Deb. Slock '3 — J5
Central London Ordinary Stock l 68 -70
Do. 4 per Cent. Pref. Stock ''^~t.
Do. Deferred Stock ,J?~?„,
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs ! ^?1 ~J2*
Charing X.Euston&HmpstdPerDb.Slk. '^ — "
City of Birmingham Trams. 6%Cm.Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Dobs
Citv & South London Ely. Coo. Ord. ...
Do. 6 per Cent. Porp. Pref. (1891) ...
Do. (189C)
Do. (190!)
Oo. (1903)
tDo. 4 per Cent, Perpetual Debs
Dublin United Trams. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Gt. Ni>rtlieru & City Rly- Pref. Ord. (4%)
G. Northern. Piccadilly & Brompton Ord.
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Hastings & Dist. Elec. Trams. 6% Cm. PI,
Do. 4J Db. St
J Imperial Tramways Ord
JDo. 6 per Cent. Pref.
tDo. 4J per Cent. Dehr
Price
Wed..
Nov. 11.
RATS % DiyiDKHD t Bos'ssea
DUE. K,.v 11
Iti-lOg '
9J-1U
lOj-irj
101 —105
94 _9S
10,',;
Jl's
99 -lo2 3 18 C
3J-4 6 5 0
H-ii 5 6 0
93 -99 4 10
88-3J 5 14 8
2i-3S 6 13 0
100-103 4 7 6
0 -9| 6 .i 0
12 —13 4 12 D
122 —126 4 0 0
101 —104 16 6
2J— 3 3 9 7
*i'<
lOA
I. of Thanet E. T. & Lt. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4 percent. Dob. Stock
LanarkahireTramways .......... ■■■•■•■■;■
Lanes. Utd. Trams 5 4 Prior Lien Db. bt
Liverpool Overhead Railway Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref -j
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. "-■■—•
London United Trams. 5% Cum. Pref. ...
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. Stock
Mersey Con. Old. Stock
Do. S per Cent. Perp. Pref. .^...
Metropolitan lilec. TramwayaOrd
Do. Def. -■..■•
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock
Metropohtau Railway Consolidated
Do. Surplus Lauds Stocks
Do. Si percent. Preference
Do. 3J per Cent. " A " Preference
Do, 3j per Cent. Convertible Pref.
Do. 8J per Cent. Debenture Stock
Do. 3i per Cent " " " ""'-
l! 0/6
St.; 4i%
St. j%
St.] 21%
St. 3i%
St. 8j%
St. 3«
St.! 3J%
4i-6}
B — 6J
97 — lOO
6 — 6i
li-H
6 — ei
94 -97
Sfi -90
i-n
89 -92
41-4}
4s-4i
106 —109
84 -89
96 -SS
61-6i
i2 -94
4i-6J
61-6.1
96 -97
113-1-4
6}-6i
96 —98
n-H
7-74
8d -90
i-1
68 -72
2i-2i
60 —83
7i-8J
5 -6i
i-S
lOi-lOJ
8J— 9
67 — f9
8-11
31-4
90 -95
4i-4i
96 —100
3?l-33i
111 —114
1 i9 —112
107 —110
101 —104
98 —101
lli-12i
12i-13J
*-^
7i-8i
9i —91
4 11
4 10
6 11
6 17
4 18
4 16 9
8 0 0
4 13 0
Mar, Sept,
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan. July |
April, Oct
March .... I
Mar, Sent
June, Dec
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, Jnly
Jan, July
March
June, Dec
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
June, Dec
Jan, July
April, Oct
April, Oct I • ■
Feb, Aug I "J
Mar, Sept i ■ ■
Jan, Ju^ '107^ 1074
May, Nov | ..
April, Oct I -•
Mar, Sept i -
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
Feb, Aug , ••
Jan, Joly
124
April, Oct '
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
April. Oct
Jan, July
June, Dec
Jan, July I
June, Dec
Feb, Aug
Jan, Jnly
Feb, Aug j
Feb, Aug I
Jan, July
Mar, Aug
Jan, Jnly
March ..
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
Feb .... i ■•
Feb, Aug I • -
April ' • •
6 4 0 Fob, Aug —
4 8 0 April, Oct
April, Oct
10 0 0 April, Oct ■•
5 8 3 April, Oct llS-
5 17 9 : Mar, Sept | '.i
4 2 0 1 Jan, July : t)j
0 Jan, JdIj
April....
8 I J:in,July
6 April, Oct
9 Jan, July
6 Feb, Aug
0
0 Feb, Ang
June, Dec
0 Feb. Aug
6 April, Oct
0 May, Nov
9 Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb ....
Jan, July l^;'l l(;2i
Jan, July
3i
4 11 0
3 13 0
3 17 0
4 U 0
4 16 6
3 19 0
4 15 e
8 10 0
6 10 0
4 18 0
90 —91
91 -9J
8J->i
9 J -9i
J-18
66 —61 6 II 0
9g-93 6 3 0
93 —95 6 6 6
n-ij ,
o-.'ii I 9 2 0
81 -8tS I 4 13 0
4J-64
70 —70
1 —3
8 -6
i!.-n
I-?'
92 —95
37 -38
87 —69
84 —87
76 —79
75 -78
April, Oct
April, Oct
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug :
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
May, Nov
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan. July
Mar. Sept i
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sent
Jan.Jnfy
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, Jnly ,
Jan, July
Feb, Aug.
tt,J
SbJ
331 Hi
April.. .
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb. Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
Jan, Jnly
>. July
THE BLEOTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 13, 19 j8.
Ipyi .ECTRICAL COIMCFATVIES' SHARE l^T^^T^-Contimed.
List
Dm-
DOD
Price
Wed.,
Nov. 11.
RATE % I niVinUHD ■ BV^IHBflS
BD. I "^^- I Nov. n.
8}%
S%
13% I
6%
*%
il o/e
1, 4i%
1 0/7!
44
flfCTRIC RAILWAYS II TRAMWAYS-
M -rol...Ht«n Pistrirl Kailwny Or'l
JJo. EnleiiKion Pref. (t. licr Ont.)
Do ApKTOlea Fxt. Prcf. (Int. Guar. liT
Und. Klpc. Blv". Co, of London. Ltd.)
Do. 8 Jipr Tent. Conmltd. Kent-cbarKe
Do. 4 per Cent. Midland Kent-cbarge
Do' GuBr. .^tock 4 i)er Cent
Do. 6 ppr rent Prrp. Deb. Slock
Do. i per Cent Ditto
.Now Cer, Tract. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Potteries Electric Traction Ord
i:o. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4* per Cent. Deb. Stock
K Met. Elec. Tramn. k Ltg. 6% Cm. Pref.
Do 4 per Cent Deb. Stock
Sunderland I>iet. Elec.Trnii.fi°<:lBt,Mt.Db.
rndereroiindE.Rv«.Lon.6'; Inc'm bonds
21/111 tl)o. ■'■'' I'lior Lien Bonds
Do. UV Bonds
Yorkshire (W.I!.) Elec. Trams. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4i per Cent. Ist Debs
ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING, &c.
Aron Electricity Meter Ord
Do. 6% Cnm. Pf. (ex on a/c arrears)...
Babcock & Wilcoi Ord
Do. Pref.
flritieh [neulated & Helaby Cables Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Do. H per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.)
British ThomB'n-Housfn 4J% Ist Mt.Db.
British Westinghonse 6 per Cent. Pref...
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock
Brush Electrical Engineering
Do. eperCent. Pref. non-Cnm
Do. H per Cent. Perp. 1st Deb. Stock
Do. Perpetual 2nd Deb. Stock
tCallendcr's Cable Con. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. H per Cent. 1st Mort Debs, (red.)
Castner-Kellner Alkali Co
Do. 4 J per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb. (red.).
Chadburn's (Ship) Telegraph Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Prcf.
Consolidated Electrical Ci
Consolidated Signal Co
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Prcf.
•Crompton & Co.(No9. 1 to S6,000)
Do. 6 per Cent, let Mort. Debs. (red.).
Davis & Timmins
Dick, Kerr & Co. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock
Edison «; Swan United ("A" 8h.) (£3 pd.)
Do. (£6 paid)
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock (rd.)
Do. 6 per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock
Edmnndson's Elec. (^orp. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 J per cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.)
Elect ■" ■ ~
1
l/7f
1
O/'f
l>
4/U
fi
3/U
St
4«
8t.
4U
B| 6/t
Bt. m
I 0/9?
1, 0/7!
liO/s;
\ 1/0
I I 0/7 J
3 8/.)
100 6%
it 0/7i
6! 2/0
0/7i
HX
2/6
4/2
4%
6%
4^
2 2/9?!
t. 17.
10 6/0 :
Bt. 4%
b f/0
6 2/3
St. nx
lU 5/0
100 4%
1 ••
1 0/9J
1 0/7* 1
Bt. 4Jx'
7 1 er
Do. 4 1 ■
Henley's l,.i.i;i»
Ho H per Ccn
i'-,-r.
, Ord...
12
12/0
100
4*;
1
1/0
1
U/*i
Bt.
(•s;
St.
iX
100
4«
lOU
Ib/D
lu
10/0
b
1/0
b
8/0
4%
10
.Oil
lis;
Bt.
16/0
Bt.
30/U
tt.
IZ
Bt.
4%
10
6/0
10
10/0
6
2/0
5
b/0
bO
ih7.
20
4/U
lOU
4U
Bt.
26/0
Bt.
iv;n
Bt.
47
2/t(
St.
n
100
n
iX
10
6/fl
4«
2t
l?/fi
11.1
»1
lo:
<1
62 -67
75 —78
99 —103
66 -60
123 —126
82 -88
92 -V5
J-1
76 —80
77 -81
23 -21
9Ii-92J
76J-76*
2J-38
84 —87
31-4
li'«-li
91 —96
40 -46
50 —64 I
9i-10i
5i-6}
l07J-IC9j:
lii— lii
103 —107
I'o. 4j per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. Stock
li dia Rubber, Out. Per. , *c.,Wrke.
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs, trod.)
National Elec. Ccnslruction Co
Bichardsuns, Weslgarth i, Co., Ltd. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
lo. 4 J per Cent. Perp. Deb. Stock ..
Simplei'Conduits Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref
Telegraph Constiuction & Maintenance
Do. 4 per Cent Deb. Bonds (1909) ...
Vickers, Sons & Maxmi, Ltd., Ord
Do. b per Cent. non-Cum. Preference
Do. 6 per Cent. noo-Cum. Preferred
1)0. 4 percent. Ist Mort. Db. Sk.(red)
Do. 4J per Cent. 2nd Mort. Deb. (red.)
Do. 6 percent. 3, j Mort. Debs Bcrip.
.).(;.Wbite&Co.6;S Cm. Pref.
Wil'.ans & Eobinson Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
TELEGRAPHS.
6 13 6
4 U 0
6 U 0
4 2 0
4 2 6
6 14 0
410
l>ebs. (red.)
Ho, Del.'
1(1* -Hi
5--64
107 —109
Itij— 17*
b7 -99
1-6
S-5
86 -88
li
61
32 —34
101 -103
liis- 1-;:
■ii-ii-
104 —108 I 3 14 6
1114 —106 14 6 0
106 -107 ! 4 13 6
8J-l)i I 8 17 9
J— 1 ! 4 0 0
28-2J
72—78
2i-3i
90 — 9J
67 —60
102—103
171-i;j
8Sj— OOJ
7j-i:*
6 6 6
U-iA
7 11
0
}l-ll'a
5 13
0
Vj
7 0
0
l,-".,— li's
10 8
16—1
6 0
0
ll's-lt'l!
9 6
u
98 -lul
4 19
0
J-li
lA-lft
7 12
0
1 —1*
4 16
0
101 -104
4 6
i4-2i
B 0
0
76 • 7U
6 '-
6
84 —87
5 Ifi
i-l
4-1
t2 — 17
6 lt>
U
l-i
11-lJ
8 2
6
65 —70
6 11
6 16 6
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar,.''ept
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mav • " ■
Apnl.Oct
Feb, Aug
May, Not
Fob, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
June, Dee
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jnly] Feb
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
March ..
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan, Jnly
Jan, July
Jan, July
Nov, May
May, Nov
Feb. Aug
March . .
April, Oct
August ...
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, Jnly
Mar, Sept
Sept
Sept
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
June, Dec
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
May, Not
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July
June, Dec
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
April
No
68 I 6,»5
May, Nov
Jan, July
ir, Jnly
n.July
Apr, Oct
Apr, Oct
May, Not
6 16 6
6 16 0
5 U 0
100 —102 4 8 0 I J
lal Cable 4 per Cent. Deb. Btk.
fCuba Submarine Ord
Do. Preference 10 per Cent
Direct Spanish Ord
Do. 10 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4i per Cent. Deb 100%— 103'
Direct United States Cable 131— l3j
DirectWeBtludiaCable4J%Bg.I)b.(rd.)
Eastern Ordinsry 136 —13S 6 2 0
Do. 3J per Cent. Pref. Stock 84 —Hi 4 1 6
tDo. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Btk. (red.) i03i— 1U54 3 16 6
iBstern E.\lension 12J-12J 611 0
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock | 101 — lu3 S 17 9
Eastern & S. African 4-< Mort. Deb. 1909 994-101 J 8 18 ti
tDo. 4% Mauritius Sub. Debs, (red.) "■ ' "■'
G.N. ("I Copenhanen), with Coupon 74
Ualilal & Kci uiuda 4 j i Ist Mt. Db.( red.)
ISji
J one, Dec
June, Dec I ■■ \ .
F,My,Ag,N' 67J 67
6 17 6 i F,My,Ag,N "■" "~"
6 12 0 F,My,AK,N
4 8 6 lJn,Ap,Jy,0
7 10 1 Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
April. Oct
_ . „ Jan, July
6 3 0 !ja,Ap,Jy,0 138
84
, Dec
Ap,Jv,0'l37
Ja,Ap,Jy,0 5&4
May, Nov ,1"5
Ja,Ap,Jy,0 liS
lUOl 4%
2J! 1/3
100! 4%
101 •
Wi t/0
10 2B,0
lOOj 6%
10 a/0
i Common
tin,
Macksy Compa
Do. Prelereui
Marconi's W ireless Teleg, Co.
Pacific & Europen Iel.4%Onar.Db8.(red.)
Vest Coabtol America
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs
W e.t India & Panama
Do. t per Cent. Ist Pref.
Do. eperCent.ZndPref.
1)0. 6 per Cent. Debs '.
Westvin in.naph '.
at. Lieb. block \red.)
lelegh. 51,000 Hi Bondi
66 -69
76 —60
70 -74
i-B
1004— lu3J
li-ij
100 -103
101 —103 4 17 0
Western li
S5 -90 4 9 0 I
b, Aug
Feb, Aug
May, Nov
Jau,July
June, Deo
May, Nov
Ja,Ap,Jy,o
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
April ....
June, Dec
May
Jan, July
May, Nov
May, Not
May, Not
Jan, July
Mr,Jn,0,D
, Dec
1014
{ Lasti
Orvi-
IdendI
Price
Wed.,
Nov. 11.
'^"" "- iS? Week to
I TELEPHONES.
ICO: 24 ' Amcr. Telephn. & Telegh. Cap. St 131 -131
.. 4% I Do. CoU. Trust $1,000 4 percent. Bda 94—96
St. 6% ' Anglo,Portug-seTeL6%l8t Mt.Db.Stk.!
1 0/74
1 0/6
St. 6^
! Ord. .
Chili Telephon,
Moute Video Telepho;
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
National Co. Pret Stock
Do. Def. Stock
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Ist Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Ci
Do. 5 per Cent
8 —84
•3!-iA
109 -111 i 6 8 0
Jan, July
Mar, Sept !
August . . I
lt<
:i7 —119
lOi-l^l
2nd Pref. lOi-lU
i-Cnm. 3rd Pref. .
St. 3J/S • Do. b'eb. Stock SJ per Cent, (red.) .
St 4>' I>o 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ....
1 0/7! " ■
1 0,71
St. 4%
Bt. 44%
10'
5/. -6i
08 — ItO
-103
11-li
5 8 6
5 8 6
4 8 0
3 1') 0
3 18 0
5 16 3
4 18 0
Do. 6 lier Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Red. Del). Stock
TelephoneCo.ofEgypt44S:Db.Stk.(red.), 100 — 103 4 12 8
United Ri ~' o ,7 c 10 «
r Plate i 68-74
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. .
Do. 4J Deb. St. Red. ...
104 —103 4 B 0
6 26
5 2/6
St. 4J%
St. S%
St. 30 0
St. 6%
401 44%
100 ii%
_ -il
il;-6,'.;
10 1 —103
1315 —140 .
St.
FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, Jlc.
Elec. 4 Gen. InTestment 6% Com. Pref. 34—4
Globe Telegraph ii Trust --J— H,
Do. 8 per Cent. Pref. 1 IJ^— l^i
t Submarine Cables Trust (Cert.) i l'-7 —130
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRIC
RAILWAYS, TRAMWAYS, A.C.
Anglo-Argentine 6% Cum. 1st Pref. B,\— e,=i
Do. 10% Non-cnm. 2nd Pref. b| —94
Do, Permanent 6% Deb. Stock 141 —U6
Auckland Elec. Trams. 6% Deb. (red.)... 102 —105
(Brisbane Electric Trams. luTest. Ord...
t Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 44 per Cent. Db. Prov. Certs
British Columbia El.By.Df.Ord
Do. Pref. Ord. Stock : 115 —IH
Do. 6% Cum. Perp. Pref. Stock i 106 -110
Do. 44 percent. Ist Mort. Debs | IJI —103
Do. \ ancouver Power Debs | 103 —1C6
Do. 4J%PerP Con. Deb. St 101-106
Buenos Ayres Elec. Trams (1901) Ltd.
Deb. St I 97-102
Buenos Ayres Grand National Ord. I 2^- t;g
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 64 percent. Pref. Debs
Ui . t. per Cent. Isl Deb. Bonds
Buonos Ayres Lacroze Trams Ut Mt. Db,
Buenos Ayres Port k City Tram. 1st Mt.
Deb. Stock £75 Paid
Calcutta Tramways (1 to 137,610)
Do. 6 percent. Cum. Pref.
Do, 4j% lat Deb. Stock(r6d.)
Cape Electric Tram Shares
City of Buenos Ayres Trams Co. (lOOlJSh.
Do 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
tColombo I'r. & Ltg. 57. 1st Mt. Db
Elecinc Traction Co. of Hong Kong 5
per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
Havana Elec. Ry. Con. Mt. 6% $1,000 50
year Coup. Bds
May, No'
Feb, Ang 110
Feb, Aug 1171
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug il,.
June, Dec
Jan, July 1034
April, Oct ' ..
April, Oct I ..
Jan, July ..
Jan, July ..
July .... "
June, Dec
Jan, Jnly
Jan, July
Sp DcMr Ju
SpDcMrJu
April, Oct
Kalgoorlie Elec. T
Do. 5 per Cent.
Do. 6 per Cent.
Lisbon Elec,
iSh.
Ma
100 .SI ItMexicoTr
Deb. Stock ..
B" Ditto
Urd
6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
E per Cent. Reg. .Mort. DAn .
s Elec. Trams. 6Z Deb. Stk. .
la Elec. Ry. $1,000 Gold Bonds ,
9f — 9i
10«J —101
SJ -91
4 11
4 7
4 6
4 0
0
6
6
6
4 18
6
5 11
6 4
6 IS
B 1
0
6
6
0
a 12
i 10
4 17
4 s
0
0
B
0
April, Oct 'S
Jan, July ! ^
June, Dec ' •'
Jan, July llM
May .... 4t
May, Nov
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
May, Nov
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
021
174
1034
Ja, Jul ..
Feb, Aug
Jan, July i
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
I F,My,'A,N
June, Dee
May, Nov
, St. .
69 —94
bb' — 8)
to -65
1 — li
t2 -97
02 —95
Si -90
lJ9:(-14li4
i)i -93/.
Do. Gen. Con. 1st Mort. 6;. Gold Bds....
Montreal St. Ky. Sterling 4J per Cent,
Debs. (1922) (Nos. BUI to2,U00) 103 -106
Perth Elec. Trams Ord g— 1
Do. 1st Mt. Db. Stock 101 —104
Rangoon Elec. Trams & Supjily Co. 6%
3/0
Cu
. Pf.
101 6/0
St. I 44%
6 1 4/9
100: $lii
100; b%
6001 6%
li 0/7J
it. I 6%
St.] SI
600' 6%
100 Sli
1, mi
1 1;2S
St. 6%
6 3/0
100 «1
.. bX
eu.
Do. 44:;; 1st Moil. Ocb. stk
Sao Paulo Tramway, Light & Power Co.
$100 Stock I
Do. 5 per Cent. 1st Mt. $500 l>b
Toronto Ry Co. 1st Mt. 44 < Ster. Bonds
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRICITY
SUPPLY &o.
Adelaide Elec. S'ply Co.6%Cu.Pr.
BombayE.S.&T.6%Cm.Pf.
Do. 4i per Cent. Deb. Stk. (red.) I
Calcutta Elec. Supply Ord
Canadian Gen. Elec. Ho. Com. St
Castncr Electrolytic Alkali Co.(of U.S.A.)
1st Mort. Sll. Debs 92
5 10 0 June, Dec
5 6 6 Feb, Ang
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
May ....
Jan, July
54-64 8 3 0
Elect. Development Co of Ontario I 82 - 85%j
Elec. Ltg. & Trac. Co. of Aust. 6 perl
Cent. Cum. Pref. 2 —24
Do. 5 per Cent. Deb Stock 83 — 80
Elec. Supply Co. of Victoria 5 per Cent J
1st Mort. Deb. St ; 90-93
Indian Elec. Sup. & Trac. Co. Coostn.
Deb. St. Ed ) 30-40
Kalgoorlie Elec. Power & Ltg. Ord. ..
Do. 8 per Cent. Cum. Pref i"'
Madras E. S. Corp. 6 per Cent. Consto
Deb. St
Mexican Elec. Light Co. bv, 1st Mort.
Gold Bonds
Mexican Xt. & Power Ck). Com. Bt. .
Do. 6 i 1st Mort. Gold Buds
tMonlre'al Lt. Ht. Si, Power Co. Cap. St...!
River Plate Electricity Co. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Pref
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Rosano Elee. Co. 6% Pref. (1-20,000)..'...,
Shawmigau Water 2i Power Co. Cap. St
Do. 6perCent.Bds
Victoria Falls Power Co. Pret \',„
lu7 —110
i°..-iii
i«— It's
99 — lu2
6 16 0
6 11" 0
6 14 0
4 12 6
6 13 0
4 18 0
5 13 U
7s —80
103 —106%: 4 15
i-8
Feb, Aug
asi
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
9.4
April, Uot
m'i
Jan, July
814
Feb, Aug
..
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, Jnly
April, Oct
■a
April, Oot
851
^
7<4
t8J
F,My,A.N
April ....
u
May
Jan, July
lOJB
AprU, Oct
79J
Jan, July
103»
Jan, July
atiiig the yields allowance has beeu made lor accrued interest but not for redemption t^Ei dividend, t The London Stock Exchange Committee have declined to quote thete
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician.- November 13. 1908.
eONTENTS.
1
ks of At,
Lamos
35
■ ' ■; F/ame Arc Lamps .. 37
'r.- M.S.' Lift Controller.. 38
'"'ir.fjton-Btondel Arc Light-
ing System 39
Vestinghoitse Flame Arc
Lamps .. .. ..4-2
'he Arcuflame Lamp . . . . 44
'diswan Auto-Transformers 4fi
■ditorial 48
'he Victor Flame Lamp . . 54
■xcello Arc Lamp Improve-
ments ,.56
'eason Flamt- Lamps . . 58
andus Flame Arc Lamps . . 60
ndextoAdvertisers 60
V
Electrician No. 1591.
Indust. Suppt. No. 29.
Gratis to Subscribers.
NOVEMBER 13, 1908.
108.ff^CHCg5H St.T^NDON.E .C
lis StjppLEMENT is issued Gratis to Subscribers to "The Electrician.
H % ExTBA Copies can be obtained, price 4d. per copy, post free.
SUTPLEMENT to "The Electrician," November 13, 1908.
34
FOR ARTISTIC DESIGN
AND PERFECT FINISH
u
SUN"
RADIATORS
ARE
Par Excellence,
OUR CATALOGUE H
. . WILL CONVINCE.
thhSUN ELECTRICAL Co.ltd,.
Telegrams; ■■SL-cal.ilisI.rmdon.- I I S- I 20, C H A 1\ I \ ( i CROSS ROAD, W.C. Telephone : 2291 and 2292 Geriard.
[ ELECTRIC CONTROL LIMITED J
€MPIR€ AUTO STARTERS
JIAKK FOR
ECONOMY, RELIABILITY & EFFICIENCY
COMPACT, FOOLPROOF.
Our AC Automatic Starter was the acknowledged
NOVELTY IN SWITCHGEAR
at the Manchester Electrical Exhibition.
'Wx'ite foi? Catalogue ^iirin^ full p£k,x>tioul£i,x>s.
LONDON :
Premier Electric Control Ud.
ACiKXTS :
MANCHESTER:
Par.j^iter. Hope & Sugden.
NEWCASTLE-ON = TYNE ;
J. Parkinsori & Co.
^ 177, REID ST., BRIDGETON, GLASGOW. )
35
SVVTLEMENT to "The Electrician," November 13, 1908.
I)eu) Ulorks of Arc £amp$ £ta-
THE "Davy" arc lamps, wliicli are tlie specialisi'il
product of Messrs. Arc Lamps, J^td., are now beiiiy;
made in commodious new works at St. Albans,
Herts. Up till June last these well-known lamps were
manufactured at the company's old works St. I'uLil's-
crescent, Camden Town. These were, however, found too
small fur coping witli the growing demand for l>avy lamps.
Fig. 1. Exterior View of Sphere Engineering Works (Arc Lamps Ltd
and more extensive premises were sought, almost naturally
outside London. The new works are some ten minutes'
walk from the Midland Hallway station at St. Albans, and
they adjoin the new power station of the North Metrujiu-
litan Electric Power Co. The location is a good one, lor
railway facilities are excellent, the town being served by
three lines, and tiie proximity of the power station men-
tioned makes the power problem easy of solution. At the
time of our visit to the works some weeks ago the shops
were driven by a gas engine because the power service was
not then available, but niotoi' driving throughout has been
arranged for.
A general view of the front of the works is given iu
Fig, 1, which shows the offices and workshops behind. 1'he
works have been built on modern lines with saw-toot) i
roof, which affords abundance of light and is couvenieut
for the erection of shafting. Fig. 2 shows a corner of the
machine tool department in one portion of the main sliop.
Much care and thought has been expended in the provi-
sion of the tools, and drilling to jig and press work arc
lar^elv in vogue. The latter in particular is employed on
such parts as small levers, globe carrier clips and other
light details. The drilling jigs are equally interesting,
especially that used for the heavy metal block which is
&\)ove the econoniiser. The carbons must pass through
holes in this block at the correct angle otherwise they
might stick. At the same time, as these holes are drilled,
other holes are run through, which might naturally affect the
alignment if not correctly drilled and tapped. Small drills,
lathes and millers go to make the tool department very
complete.
The other side of the large shop is occupied by the
assembly benches and testing department. In the work of
fitting up the lamps gauges are used largely, and these pro-
vide that element of interchangeability which is an im-
portant feature of the Davy lamp. The shop is so well
lighted that the workman can follow small parts without
dirticulty.
In one corner of tlu' sliop is a further department, iu
which processes of coil winding, enamelling, lacquering, &c.,
are carried out. On the far side of the shop is the main
stores and packing department, the f(jrmer a long, com-
modious room, fitted with shelves for the grouping of
finished parts, globes, carbons, i^'c. ]')oth these rooms are
well lighted from the roof.
All the enclosed ami tlame lamjis
under the W. J. Davy patents are
made at the works. The latest type of
flame lamp embodies several improve-
ments. The lamp itself is of the in-
clined carbon type, a pair of converg-
ing carbons being used for each pole,
the tips meeting below the ecouomiser.
The carbons feed down automatically
by gravity as the tips burn away.
One pair of carbons is fixed, and the
other may be swung in a horizontal
direction by the controlling mechanism.
It has always been the policy of the
company to avoid sliding tubes and
chains in their lamps, and in the
flame pattern this is rigidly adhered
to. The carbon holders are merely
guided by forked guides, which move
ifown the side rods, and which can-
not get clogged liy dust or dirt. Each
holder is weighted, so that the pres-
sure of the weight is applied at the points of the two
carbons where it is most wanted. There are no mov-
ing flexililes in the lamp, and tln' rontnil i< vi-vy sinqily
Spz£>I^£jTU>^
9^rA CoJuJi to bWA4>W
OAvdL Po^tcLWt.3'*^t;^i-wn^ntd.
SUPPLEMENT to "the Electrician. November 13, 1908.
36
IMS gtOTM^
DYNAMO WORKS LIMITED.
"ECONOMY"
ARC
LAMPS.
FOR CONTINUOUS CURRENT.
STEADY AND BRILLIANT LIGHT.
LOW CURRENT CONSUMPTION.
COMPLETELY ENCLOSED.
SIMPLE MECHANISM.
HEAD OFFICE:
LONDON:
York Mansion, York Street, Westminster, S.W.
Tclephc
:-452 WESTJii
Birmingham.
Bristol.
Cardiff.
Glasgow.
Leeds.
London.
Manchester.
Newcastle^oH'
.Sheffield.
Tehyratiis :—'• StKiinRALOS London."
BRANCH OFFICES:}
Central House, New Street.
32, Bridge Street.
tD, St. Mary Street.
163, Hope Street.
Standard Life Assurance Buildinos, City Square.
1, Abchdrch Yard, Cannon Street, E.G.
196, Deansgate.
39, CoLLiNowooD Buildings.
Foster's Buildings, 22, High Street.
attected by a single coil and a rocking lever, which performs
the simple function of striking and maintaining the arc.
The pull of the solenoid is balanced by a coiled spring, which
checks the increased pull on the solenoid towards the
centre of the solenoid. The spring attachment enaljles the
working stroke of the rocking lever to be increased and a
greater sensitiveness obtained in the control of the arc. An
air dash-pot also ensures smooth Wdvkiug of tlie lever at
all times.
The method of suspending tlie lamp
mechanism from the hood has been
carefully designed to compensate for
differences of temperature which might,
if special provision were not ma(U',
warp the guide rods and interfere with
the smooth working of the lamp. The
enclosing case is a metal spinning,
which is htted with a coned ring which
closes on the base ot the lamp and
seals the globe off from the internal
mechanism. At the same time tlie
gases from the globe have free access to
the atmosphere.
The magnetic control of the flame
is interesting in tliat the blow magnet
has an uneven number ot turns on one
Hmb, the effect of the resulting leak-
age Mux between the poles of tlie
magnet giving a vertical downward
direction to the fiame. This arrange-
ment ensures even burning of the
carbon tips.
The lamp is of neat appearance and
Fig. 3.— General Views of Flame Arcs made by Arc Lamps Ltd.
is made in three standard sizes, burning 10 to 12, 18 to 20
and 35 to 40 hours respectively.
The Davy Hame lamp is marketed under the name
" Sunrae," and this name may be seen on the globe of
the lamp, near the bottom. It will be noticed outside
many .shops by this means, and also by the distinctive
character of the lamp case and globe. In the design of
an arc lamp tlie exterior needs almost as careful con-
sideration as the interior, particularly from the shop-
keeper's point of view. In the "Sunrae" lamps, as illus-
trated in various patterns herewith, what we may call the
" lines " of the exterior are pleasing, not to say artistic, and
\vill help to set off rather than clash with the ornamental
type of sho]^) front which is now so much favoured by
tradesmen.
The " Sunrae " lamp is, however, not confined in its
illuminating capacity to shop lighting. It enjoys consider-
able vogue in industrial and commercial service, being
installed for the lighting of workshops, docksides, wharves,
warehouses, &c. An interesting installation is that of the
new works of Messrs. Hans Eenold (Ltd.), Burnage, near
Manchester.
In conclusion, we may remark that the new works have
been planned underthe directionof Mr.W.E.Davy.to whom
we are indebted for our interesting tour through the shops.
Fig. 2.— Corner of Machine.Sliop, Sphere EiiKineering Works (Arc Lamps Ltd.]
37
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." November 13. 1908.
fiilbert Flame Jlrc £atiip$.
THE are lamp works of tlie GillxTt Arc Lamp Com-
pany are situated at Chingford, and they are
equipped with modern macliinery and appliances
for the production of every class of arc lamp both enclosed
and flame jiatterns. In addition to a variety of machine
tools, upon which most of the pai'ts of the lamp are worked
up, the works are provided with a very complete testinp;
plant, comprising alternating curi'ent and direct current
generators from which any voltage and periodicity can Ije
obtained for use in the test room. The shops are driven
by a Westinghouse vertical gas engine, and the generators
mentioned above are also belted to this engine.
The arc lamp products of the company are very well
known as they have been before the electrical industry for
many years, but particular interest centres in the tlame
pattern of lamps. Some of our readers may have noticed
these at the Manchester Electrical E.xhibition illuminating
the approach and also on the company's stand.
The most interesting of the lamps is the multiple car-
bon type, of which we show an exterior view in Fig. 1.
Figs. I and 2. — Interior and Exterior Views of Gilbert Flame Lamp.
The carbons in this lamp are gi'ouped in two holders, each
carrying six carbons, making 12 in all. These have a V for-
mation and pass through an insulating block in the base of
the lamp, the points converging upon the economiser. Both
carbon holders are free to move in a downward direction,
and they are coupled by a copper flexible (insulated from
the holders), which passes round a drum, the rotation of
which is controlled by the differential solenoids (in the
direct current lamp). One carbon holder has a horizontal
movement, also under the control of the solenoids, and by
this motion the length of the arc is regulated. When the
lamp is oft" all the points are in contact, but as soon as
current is turned on the main solenoid sti'ikes the arc
by swinging one holder, with its row of carbons away
from the other row. The arc is formed across the last pair
of carbons in electrical contact. The points of this pair
are gradually burned away, but under the action of the con-
trolling coils the arc length is maintained, with the result
that the points of the other carbons, which are as yet uu-
consunied, grailually approach each other and ultimately
touch. When this happens the arc leaves the burned
points and starts again on a new pair. This action is re-
peated with all the pairs until the last pair causes the
shunt coil to release the toothed wheel controlling the
downward movement of the carlions. The effect it to bring
the carbon points together again and re-.strike arc as
already explained. Even burning away of the tips of the
carbons is ensured hj the blow magnet, which is arranged
to control the burning. The change from one pair of car-
bons to the other is scarcely perceptible and takes place
without extinguishing the arc.
This solution of the multi-carbon flame lamp is worthy
of note in that many difficulties have presented them-
selves, but have been successfully surmounted. The fact
that the lamp has lieen installed for street, yard and open
space lighting would appear to bear out the claims of the
makers for its satisfactory working. The voltage across
the arc is about 45, this pressure being found by experi-
ment to be the most suitable for the lamp. The burnino-
hours vary slightly, according to the carbon current density.
A 6 ampere lamp with 8 and 7 mm. carbons burns 65 hours
with a carbon cost stated to be less than ('•] d. per hour. A 7
ampere lamp with the same size carbons burns 55 hours, and
costs 0-lld.per hour. Thegeneral constructionof thelampis
simplicity itself, and the lamps we saw under test for
Stepney street lighting were burning very steadily, giving
a powerful light with little or no flicker The lamp com'
plete with globe and case has a neat appearance.
The Gilbert Lamp Company also make two other patterns
of flame lamps. One of these uses a pair of converging
carbons for each pole, after the principle of the " Gerrard "
lamp introduced some 20 years ago, simply burning away
at the points, with no other controlling mechanismthan a
single coil which moves one pair of convergent carbons
away from the other. This lamp should be very suitable
for shop lighting, either exterior or interior. The lamp is
trimmed by simply pushing up the carbons into two tubes
until the points fall together and are level. AVheu the
lamp has burned out the carbon ends fall into the bottom
Ferranti Starters
Made in OPEN, SEMI-ENCLOSED & TOTALLY
ENCLOSED TYPES for
DIRECT CURRENT MOTORS.
SEMI-ENCLOSED FERRANTI STARTER
PLEASE SEND US YOUR ENQUIRIES.
FERRANTI LIMITED,
HOLLINWOOD, LANCS.
ALSO FOR
SWITCHGEAR AND METERS.
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." November 13, 1908
MANCHESTER.
Teiephone; 7094, two lines.
Telegbams- magnet MANCHESTER.
DYNAMOS
MOTORS
^ ELECTRICALLY-
DRIVEN
SPECIALITIES,
The Complete Electrical Equipment
OF
WORKS AND FACTORIES.
LONDON OFFICE
BIRMINGHAM ..
GLASGOW
NEWCASTLE ...
LIVERPOOL
35, Queen Victoria Street, E.C.
109, Colmore Row.
43, Mains Street, Waterloo Street.
10, Neville Street.
4, Ashfields, Wavertree.
38
provides against the lamp going out should the carbons
become separated from any cause. The adjustment of the
feed can also be regulated to a nicety. By the »ise of a
toothed vvlieel on the controlling drum and a pawl, which
has both a rocking and a sideways motion, this delicate
control is obtained. The mechanism is the subject of a
patent. This lamp is made in two sizes for 13 and 17
hours burnino; with IS in. and 24 in. carbons respectively.
An exterior view of this pattern lamp is shown in Fig. 5.
Ciilbert flame arc lamps are, as we have already men-
tioned, largely in use, and we may mention some of the
larger installations— G.W.K. goods yards (London),
G.E.R.locoworks.in Tottenhani-court-road.Stepney Borough
Coinicil last extension, &c. Incidentally we may remark
that of the other patterns of Gilbert lamps the small en-
closed pattern was much admired at the Manchester Elec-
trical Exhibition. This lamp is suitable for Ijuruing two
in series on 200 volts and uses pure carbons.
C
of tlie globe and thereby protect the lamp iu breaking the
circuit. This lamp is made in three sizes, give 12, 18 and
28 burning hours. The length of the lamps in each case
is 25 in., :33in. and 40 in., and the current taken varies
between 6 and 12 amperes according to the size of the
lamp. Figs. .") and i show the interior and extcri<:ir of
this lamp.
Figs. 3 and 4.— Interior and Exterior
of Small Gilbert Flame Lamps.
Fig. 5. — Exterior of Gilbert
Single Carbon Flame Lamp.
The other pattern of flame lamp employs a pair of car-
bons only and the movement of these is controlled by a
sensitive feeding mechanism in which clockwork is dis-
pensed with. It is designed to prevent overfeeding, yet
Zu Vit^%* i\U Controller.
THE development of electric lift gears has directed
attention to the subject of lift controllers, and
I mphasises the interest in an improvement of their
design and general efliciency. We are illustrating a type
of electromagnetic lift controller which is being put on the
market by Mr. D. C. Bate, 40, Brazennose-street, Manchester.
We may first comment on the value of the solenoid
switch for use with this class of controller. When elec-
trical energy is utilised to operate the switch cutting in
and out the motor circuits, there is far greater certainty of
the motor being well treated. The electric control method
can be endowed with a species of discrimination to the e.x:-
tent that the apparatus can be set to start the motor at a
certain rate, and there will be no deviation from that while
the gear continues to work. In the M.S. controller this
feature is carefully embodied, and it ensures that the motor
will always be operated under the best po.ssible starting
conditions — that is, with the gradual cutting out of the
resistance. Tlie liftman has no influence on the rate at
which the motor will be brought uji to speed.
The view shows the lift controller open, exposing the
main features of the gear. The solenoid control switches
are mounted upon insulated panels, which ai-e enclosed in
an iron case with large doors giving access to both the
front and back of the gear.
On the upper portiim of the panel are the main and
reversing switches. These come into operation according
as the master switch is tJirown to the forward or reverse
positions. These solenoid switches are electrically inter-
locked so that it is impossible for more than one to operate
at a time. Directly either of these switches is closed the
selector solenoid, which will be noticed in the centre of
the illustration, is energised, and proceeds to notch up the
radial arm over a number of small contacts. This motion
brings into circuit the solenoids of the seven small switches,
which will be seen in a row ou the lower part of the con-
taining case. These solenoids close small switches, each
representing a notch in the armature resistance circuit.
[t should be specially noted that no current is broken on
these small switches, the reversers only making and break-
ing the circuit. The resistance switches only make cir-
cuit. The controller was recently exhibited at Manchester,
and was, we believe, the only one of its kind in the show.
The arrangement of the controller is quite simple, and a
feature worthy of notice is the attachment to the contain-
ing case of a terminal box with main switch and fuse. The
39
SUPPLEMENT to " The Electrician," November 13. 1908.
Fig. U— View of Arc of Crompton-BIondel Flame Arc
Tlie hunps are madu in six standard sizes and are wound
for three standard current values according to the follow-
ing schedule, which also gives the hours of burning for each
lamp and each current : —
View of M.S. Lift Controller, opea.
resistances are also contained within the iron case, so that
tlie controller is practically complete in itself. It will
be found useful for hoists, pumps, automatic hydraulic
accumulators, fire curtains, capstans and planing machines
CrotnptonBlondel Flame
Hrc CiflDtinfl $p$tem> . .
THE distinguisliing feature of most flame are lamps
on the market is that they utilise an arrangement
in which the carbons are placed above the arc and
converge downwards upon it. This method accounts for
the intense downward illumination which is always a
feature of flame lighting, the fanning ouu of the arc with
blow magnets and the use of a reflector — furnished by
the ash-covered economiser — which adds further to the
efl'ect. A distinct departure from this method is noticable
in the Crompton-BIondel system of flame arc lighting,
to which we have referred on previous occasions, but
which merits mention in this record of modern flame
arc lamps. The departure to which we refer is the use of
vertical carbons — as in the open or enclosed arc lamp — the
employment of a special carbon and the jDlacing of the
positive or larger carbon below the negative or top one.
A flame of good shape is obtained by this arrangement,
and in conjunction with a special reflector a high candle-
power is obtained as well as a good horizontal distri-
bution of light TFig. 1). The lamp itself is a modifi-
cation of the well-known Crompton " S " type arc
lamp, the mechanism being arranged for a somewhat
longer stroke and more delicate feed. It it also provided
with the special reflector referred to above, and a ventilat-
ing corona and ash pan. By this means a proper supply
of air is admitted to the globe and the burnt gases and
fumes are carried away, so that they cannot clog the media -
nism. The lamj) can be provided with any of the suspeu-
siim attachments or automatic cut-out features belonging to
the " S " type lamp (Fig. '!).
Lamp.
1 Carbons.
Hours of burni
"g-
5 amps.
7 amps.
10
amps.
B.8
One 1 air Sin. long
„ 12 „
„ 15 „
. 'Two pairs 8 ,,
„ 12 .,
„ 15 „
10
17
23
21
35
45
11
18
22
22
37
45
8
B.12
B.15... .
13
17
BB.8
BB.12
16
26
BB.15
34
KM*"*-^-^
^^ ^^ ^
.^ ^^ -^^
^
^as
^1-....,.
'■'■'■'■'■
'■'■'■'■'■'
5!J
--^
meston electrical
Instrument Co*
^TAM mum mmmm
ACCURATE TESTING WOl
Multimeter, Model 58. Standard Portable Testing Set
Condon Office and £atoratory:
AUDREY HOUSE, ELY PLACE, HOLBORN,
TelephoneNo. : i;039Holborn. Telegriuis; I'ivoteil Lonilon. E.C.
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," November 13. 1908.
40
The net cost of carbons per lioiir, if lidiijilitin quantities,
is as follows : —
Samperes 0 14(1. per hour.
7 „ 0 16il. ,,
10 0 23(1. ,,
The lamps can be run under the same conditioii.s of
grouping as ordinary open type lamps. The line resistances
must be adjusted to give 40 volts across the lamp terminals,
the feed mecliaiiism being adjusted for a length of arc
corresponding to this figure. In arranging the groups of
lamps a minimum allowance of 7 volts per lamp for steady-
ing resistances (including line wire resistance) is made,
making a total of 47 volts per lamp. Thus it is possible
to run —
2 lamps in series on 100 or 110 volts.
4 ,, ,, ,. 200 or 220 „
5 ,, ,, ,. 230 or ?50 „
8 ,, „ „ 400 volts.
9 ,, ,, ,. 440 or 450 volts.
10 „ „ ,, 460 or 500 ,,
12 „ ,. .,550 volt.-*.
13 , 600 ,,
This .system of arc lighting is suited for all situations
where high candle-power lamps can be used ; Loth for the
lighting of interiors of buildings and for streets and open
spaces. The company make a few suggestions as to the
type of lamp which should be used for each class of light-
ing, and these we produce.
neighbourhood of 25 ft. It should be noted, however, with
this size of lamp that a 10 ampere lamp burns for 13
hours with a single carbon and 26 hours with double
carbons, so that they are not exactly suited for lamps that
have lo burn throughout the whole of one or two nights
without retrimming.
For the lighting of wide streets, large open spaces, dock-
yards, railway yards, &c., we recommend the BB.lo lamp
wound for a current of 10 amperes. This gives a powerful
light covering a large area and will burn throughout two
nights without retrimming. It should be fixed not less
than 25 ft. from the ground, and in certain cases should be
considerably higher.
This lamp can also be wound for 5 or 7 amperes, when
it will burn for 45 hours without retrimming, but for these
lower currents the shorter lamps will probably be found
more suitable, excepting in cases where very long hours of
Ijurning are called for.
Eecent tests of the lamp for candle-power and illumina-
tion have been taken and the results are shown in the
curve in Fig. 3.
These curves both refer to a 10 ampere lamp: the polar
curve shows the candle-power in each direction and the
illumination curve the illumination in candle-feet at various
distances from the lamp post, the lamp iu this case being
suspended with the arc 25 ft. above the ground level, and
the test readings lieing taken at a height of 3 ft. above
ground level. The illumination readings" are taken with
the photometer screen perpendicular to the ray of light
Fig. 2. — General View oE Lamp.
For large shop windows, inside and out, \vhere it is of
importance that the lamp should be as short as possible
and where long hours of burning are not of any particular
value, the B.8 lamp is recommended. It should be wound
for 5 amperes if suspended not more than 15 ft. from the
ground and 7 amperes if in a higher position. Tiie lamp
can also be wound for 10 amiieres, but sufficieut light will
usually bo obtained with the lower values. If the lamps
cannot be conveniently reached for trimming they should
be made double carbon, the 15 B.8 t^pe being used.
For the lighting of ordinary streets and yards, fairly
high factories, public halls, &c., we recommend"^ the B.12 or
BB.12 lamp. Where only a few lamps are in use, and it
is not either a costly or inconvenient matter to renew the
carbons, the single carbon type is recommended. For
large installations where many lamps have to be attended
to daily or where they are fixed in awkward positions, the
double carbon lamp is advised.
The most useful current for this size of lamp is 5 amperes
for interior work where the lamps are within 15 ft, of the
ground, 7 amperes for exterior work where they may be
20 ft. from the ground, and 10 am])eres where a verv bril-
liant light is uuUed for ;ind the lieiuht to the arc is "in the
20 30 40 so FEET. SO 70 SO
Fig. 3. — Illumination Curves of Crompton-BIon(Jel Lamp.
wliich strikes it. Both these curves are taken from lamps
under actual working conditions, the lamps being fitted
with slightly obsctired spherical glolies such as are usually
provided.
Further tests .show that for thelower currents the candle-
power in each direction is practically proportional to the
value of the current. Thus th.e illuminating value for the
smaller power lamps can readily be estimated. From these
curves the following figures were obtained for the mean
hemispherical candle-power : —
5 araperes, 1,000. 7 amperes, 1,500. 10 amperes, 2,200.
The lamps are made in England by British worknieu,
and can be fitted with a variety of attachments and different
types of globes and lanterns. Tlie light is pleasing to the
eye and useful for judging colour value. The carbons
being of reasonable lengths and diameters are not liable to
accidental breakages, and with the double carbon lamps
short ends need not be thrown away but can be economic-
ally used. The lamp is in use at the following places
amongst others : Caledonian Hailwa\-, Xorth Briti'sh Eail-
way, David Colville & Son, Korth's' Navigation, W. D. &
H. 0. Wills, Guest, Keen ..t Nettlefold, York Corpora-
tion, Eowntree, Dorman, Long & Co., C. A. Farsons,
Smith's Dock Co., Workman Clark, Tonbridge Urban'
District Council, Marshalls (over 200), Devonport,
Sheerness, Scottish Xational Exldbition, Glasgow Cor-
poration, Edinburgh Coiporation, A. Stephens & Sons
(Go\an), Glasgow Iron & Steel Co:, Stewarts and Lloyds.
41
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," November 13, 1908.
CROMPTON
ARC LAMPS
/ y
FLAME, OPEN, & ENCLOSED
TYPES.
(Lists P. 28, P. 27 and P. 25).
GROMPTON & GO.
LTD.,
SPECIFICATIONS PREPARED AND ESTIMATES GIVEN FOR COMPLETE INSTALLATIONS,
DYNAMOS, MOTORS, SWITCHBOARDS, INSTRUMENTS, ARC LAMPS, &c.
SALISBURY HOUSE,
LONDON WALL, LONDON, E.G.
(ILASGOW: 50, nWlni/ton St.
XEWCASTLE: SI, Pearl Axmrancr
Bldifs., Korthumlcrland St,
}rANCIIESTER: 42, Deansriate.
BRISTOL: 2S, UaUwin St.
WORKS : ARC WORKS, CHELMSFORD. ESSEX.
BIRMINGHAM: 37, Paradise St.
PEL FA ST: Grosrnwr Uoiisi; ]Vtl/hi,,to/i Phir
(IT-J
cALcrrrA: 99, au-e st.
nOMBA Y: Marshall's lildgg.,
Ballard Road.
MADRAS: Armenian St.
.•<YDSEy: SG, Margaret St.
sriAXGIIAI: Xankiiifl Road.
SUPPl-EMENT to "The Electrician." November 13. 1908.
42
mcstinahouse ?lame Jlrc £amp$-
TJIK (levelopmbut of the ilaine arc lamp is largely due
to the enterprise of the Westiaghouse Company,
who took up the Bremer patents and jirnceeded to
embody the princi])le in a conanercial lamp, iluch lias
the ends of a rocker. A function of the shunt coil is to
brino- the tips of 'the carbons together preparatory to the
striking of the arc. Another function of this coil is, in the
event of the carbons being burnt out or unrenewed, to
actuate an automatic switch, which throws
in a substitutional resistance (fitted inside
the lamp), so that when the lamps are
arranged to work in parallel-series the failure
of one lamp will not interfere with the work-
ing of the others in the same group. When
the lamp is out of circuit, the tips of the
carbons are not in contact, and they are
brought together only by the action of the
shunt coil at the moment of switching on
the current.
ted by.Westinghouse Flame Arc Lamps
been done since the tlaiue lamp was lirst brought out,
and with this work the Weistinghouse Company have Ijeen
prominently identified. At the Manchester Exhibition
there was a good display made of the company's fiame
lamps in its latest form both on the outside of the building
The tips of the carbons pass through close-
fitting holes in the foot of the lamp, one of
these'holes being in a movable plate, which
is actuated, through a crank and levers, by
the rocker mentioned above, npon which is
mounted one of the contacts of the auto-
matic switch. When the pull of the shunt
coil predominates, e.g., when the current
is first switched on, tlie movable plate .slides
inwards, and in so doing draws the tips of tlie carbons
together. The nrain circuit being thus established, the
series coil tilts the rocker in the reverse direction, the plate
being moved outwards and the arc struck. After the
lamp has been l)urning some time, the action of the shunt
Views in Humber Motor Car Works, Coventry, lighted by Westinghouse Flame l^ re Lamps.
and at the exhibit inside the hall. Interest, therefore,
attaches to the details of this modern type of lamp. Sim-
plicity is the ideal aimed at by all arc lamp manufacturers,
and to a very large extent this lias been achieved in the
AVestinghouse lamp, the working parts of which arc
claimed as the irieducible minimum. These parts arc
well protected from the corroding fumes produced in all
Hame lamps during burjiing, which, if not excluded, will,
in time, ruin the strongest mechanism. In the Westing-
house lamp the fumes aj-e led direct to the atmosphere,
and the parts are separated from the arc b}- an intermediate
ventilating chamber, entirely removing any possibility of
their becoming clogged.
The lamp is of the brake-wheel class, and has one shunt
imd one series solenoid, which act on cores suspended from
coil gradually becomes strongei', causing the plate to move
slowly inwards again and finally releasing the brake
wheel, when the feed takes place by gravity. It will thus
be seen that the carbons are fed both horizontally and
vertically.
The arc is formed in an inverted cast-iron cup on the
inside of the foot of the lamp. This cup, sometimes called
the economiser, protects the arc from draughts. It is
renewable, but being made of cast-iron, lasts a considerable
period before needing replacement
Westinghouse arc lamps are made for both alternating
and direct current circuits, in standard sizes, from 6 to V6
amperes, for btu-niug !) to 22 hours. A magazine type for
the same current, for burning approximately 50 hours,
without re-carboning, will shortly be placed on the market.
43
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." November 13. 1908.
.i^^iss /
feut^
=iSi!
^i^
gr^^^g
f > ^ POCCO ((
^l^si^
~ ■ — "•y
Si
irocco rans
F
USEV ON ALL TUB PRINCIPAL rSSSELS.
avidson &■ Co., Ltd.,
Sirocco Engineering Works,
Belfast.
^■^
4^^
1^
; SIRpCCOp
"j SIROCCO a
S3^^
li^
^[SIRO^
x*\ \
STEEL-CLAD
OPEN, PROTECTED
Or ENTIRELY ENCLOSED.
1 H.P. TO 200 H.P.
VERY SOLID CONSTRUCTION.
HIGHLY EFFICIENT.
We also make Polyphase Generators and Motors.
MATHER & PLATT,
LTD., Sal ford Iron Works,
^' MANCHESTER.
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," November 13, 1908.
44
Cl)e'.Hrcoflanie"£amp.
TIFK methoils of cruitrolling the feed uf thi' carlioiis in
modern IhiiiH- lamps differ as imu-li as do t-liose
adopted with the more familinr open and chjsed
patterns. The fact tliat tlie carbons ai-c above tiie arc tends
to simplify the controlliuf:; mechanism, while it also sug-
gests certain methods which coidd not be adopted with
perpendicular carl)ons. In the "Arcotlame ' lamp the car-
bons have a positive feed, and are coupled by a chain passing
..&■
Patterns of the Arcoflame Lamp.
over a wheel, the movement of which is governed by a
brake, which in turn is actuateil by the shunt and series
coils in the lamp. The well-known differential princip'e,
therefore, is the controlliig factor in the lamp. The carbons
converge upon the arc in the usual manner, but it may be
noted that they are both moved horizontally when the arc
IS struck, instead of one pair being fi.xed'and the other
pair movable. The coils are fitted in tho top of the lamp
together with the clockwork. A pair of shunt coils at the
bottom and a pair of seiies coils at the top control the
inovementof a common ai'inature which is fi.\ed to a rock-
ing arm. A dash-pot fixed to the moving arm ensures the
steady ujiward and downward movements. At the oppo-
site end of the above-mentioned rocking arm is a counter-
balance weight, which is added- to or decreased by means
ot removable lead weights. When the resistance of the
arc rises to a specific figure the shunt coils draw down the
armature sufficiently to raise the counterbalance weio'ht at
the opposite end of ihe rocking arm, so thaf the clockwork
escapement lever is released, and allows the cord wheel to
revolve, and the carbons are fed downwarils by the weLdit
ot the two carbon iiolders. The e.xact voltage of the arc
can l)e h.xed by adding to or decreasing the weiohts on the
rocker arm.
An automatic shunt cut-out is fitted in the t..,, .,f ih,.
lamp and m circuit with the shunt coils. The contact
pieces are of grai)hite, and the top contact is fitted with a
stirrup, which is lifted by the centre rod about which the
carbon counterweight travels. The carbons havin- l,uriit
down to their stoim, the carbon counterweight ri^es and
engages with a bush on the counterweight guide rod
which, l,e,ng free to lift, rises and lifts the shunt cut-out'
It should be mentioned that the top of the rod ms^es
through the dividing plate.
A double crank'action at the bottom of the Limn is
fitted to two metal slides through which the carbons
pass, and this crauk action is operated by a, connectino- ro,l
which passes to the top of the lamp through the divTdin-
plate, and is actuated in an upward and downward direction
hy the rocking arm, which is differentially controlled by the
shunt and series coils. •'
The blow magnet is wound in horse-shoe fashion and is
fixed by insulating bolts on the underside of a metal
economiser. This keeps a hemispherical arc well at
the extremities of the carbons, while the economiser, when
coated with the white carbon de])Osits, acts as a downward
light reflector.
The lamps are particularly well and strongly made. The
carbon slides travel in specially prepared heat-resisting
fireclay guides, and all flexible connections are well insu-
lated by beads. The globes are fitted with lever clips,
which are particularly easy to operate. The carfioii holders
are exceptionally strong and fitted with strong thumb
screws for clamping the carbons into the holders.
The "Arcoflame " alternating current pattern intense flame
arc lamp consists essentially of two converging carbons,
the feed of which is controlled positively by a motor, which
consists of a metal disc or plate rotating between the poles
of shunt and series electromagnets. The torque ou the
metal disc or armature is obtained by eddy currents
induced in the disc by the alternating current field.
The shunt coils wind the carbons downwards until they
meet at the tips. The arc is then struck by the series coil
windingthe carbons upwards until a 45 volt arc is obtained,
when the shunt and series coils counterbalance one another
in their influence on the disc armature.
A cut-out is fitted in the lamp, which acts in similar
fashion to that in the direct current lamp. Both alter-
nating current and direct current lamps are made in 10
hour and 16 hour sizes. The direct current lamps are
made to -li, 6, 8, 10 and 12 amperes capacity. The alter-
nating current lamps are (3, 8, 10 and 12 amperes.
^fe.jsrs. Grevener also supply a single enclosed arc lamp
known as the " Spar," direct current circuits to burn 25
hours and alternating current circuits to burn 18 hours at
one trimming in each case.
Both lamps are of a differential type with shunt and
series coils wound on one bobbin. This operates a plunger
or core which allows an easy upward and downward motion
in the coil. Two dashpots are fitted, one on each side of
the coil, the movable core being fitted to same from the
top. The bottom of the core is fitted with an extending
rod which operates an ingenious scissors clutch through
which the top carbon passes. The top carbon is held by
Cul-Out Switch for Arc Lighting
Circuits.
Cut Out, in separate case, for
use with Arcoflame Lamp.
a clip which slides m a metal tube and ensures goo,l elec-
trical contact i n trimming the lamp the carbon is merely
iished up into position as far as it can go, when it engage?
witli this cup. ° o °
The direct current lamps are supplied for from 3 to 5
amperes and he alternating current lamps from 5 to 6
amperes, and all these lamps have thorouglily weather-proof
45
SVTPl EMENT to "The Electrician/- November 13. I 90S.
5i
THE "ARGOFLAME.
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," November 13. 1908.
46
i HENLEY'S
ULCANISED
ITUMEN
V
i CABLES i
W. T. HENLEY'S TELEGRAPH WORKS Co., Ld.,
13 & 14. BLOMFIELD STREET, E.G.
Telegrams:
Henleys Works London
TelepliOQCS :
G.P.O., sr>95 Central. N.T.O., 49!0 London Wall (3 1
Cdiswan JIutoCransformers.
TOJmeet the demand Ibr .small trausfonners to .supply
'metallic filament lamps of low voltage Mes.srs. the
Edison & Swan Co. have for some time past put
forward a line of auto and balancing transformers which
are made at their works at Ponders End. The general
construction of this type of transformer will be familiar to
our readers. The cores are of specially selected iron to
keep down the light load los.ses, and the windings are
'•^^i^' ^^S| t^
the connection of the low-voltage lamps, which are balanced
as nearly as possible on each half of the three-wire network.
Fig. 3 shows the connections for an ordinary auto-
transformer.
4J-
MLF iumr yoltace:
: D"
rWAiSSrO^KER
Fig. 1 — View of Ediswan Transformer with Cover Removed.
if high-conductivity copper, this combination ensuring a
high eiriciency. A tine-grain cast-iron cover encloses the
winding, and the holes through which the cables pass are
fitted with insulating bushes. A general view of the con-
struction will be gathered from Fig. 1, which shows the
transformer with case removed. It is stated that the
power factor is 0-98 at half'Tload and 0'99 at three-quarters
and full load. Ventilation has also received careful atten-
tion, and cool running is thereby assured. The trans-
formers are tested to a pressure of 1,500 volts before
leaving the works. Fig. 2 is a diagram of the connections
for a balancing transformer. Thi-ee terminals are used for
HALF SUPPLY VOLTAGE
' ^—
PRIMAL er
SUFftr KLTACl
COftNECriONS FOR BAtANCMC TI?A/1SF0RM£RS
Fig.
The auto-transforiuers are supplied for any frequency
between 40 and 100 and in three types, embracing secon-
dary pressures of 25, 50 and 100 volts. Each type can be
supplied in various capacities, there lieing upwards of a
— CONNECVONZ FOR SIMCtr gffCUIT /lUTO TPMSFfiRMi^ R" —
Fig. 3.
dozen sizes of each voli^ige. The balancing transformers
are also made in 10 different sizes in two groups, one
for 200 to 250 and the other for 100 to 120 volts
suppl}
47
SVTVLEMENT to'' The Electrician/' November 13, 190S.
- .
^AoKUUk^op.
A Type.
C Type.
E Type.
B Type.
DAVY "SONRr FLAME LAMPS
— FOi; —
B]:*illia,nt Illu]:nina,tion.
Sul3sta,n.tia,l IVIaixvifactvire.
Simple IDesi^n a.nd ConstK*uction.
They are in Use by—
The Crown Agents for the
Colonies.
The London County Council.
Great Eastern Railway.
Cardiff Corporation.
Darwen ,,
Cravesend ,,
Hull
Shrewsbury ,,
For Street Lighting.
Railways.
Docks.
County of London Electric
Supply Co.
North Metropolitan Electric
Supply Co.
Brompton and Kensington
Electric Suppiy Co.
Newcastle Electric Supply
Co.
Walthamstow Urban District
Council.
Hans Renold, Ltd.
The Clay CrossCoal and Iron
Co.
Richard Johnson, Clapham &
Morris Lta.
John Musgrave & Sons, Ltd.
C. E. Taylor & Co,
Lambton Collieries.
Dunderland Iron Ore Co , Ltd.
Tramway Car Sheds.
Theatres.
Factories.
Shops.
TJic ahuvc are Hie names of a feiv users onhj sJioiidi/r! the wide range of
jiurposes fo irliich these lamps are suited.
THEY WILL SUIT YOU
Telegraphic
Address :
VOLTARCON,
ST. ALBANS.
ARG bAJHPS, bTD.
Telephone No. !
SPHERE ENGINEERING WORKS^ 25sstalbans
ST. AI.BANS, Herts.
AGE
pton & Paine. 2g, Old
S: SOUTH OF ENGLAND:
■en Street, Westminster.
STER. LEEDS, SHEFFIELD, &c. : — H. G. Mabb
lada Chambers, Spring Gardens, Manchester.
ITLE-ON-TYNE & DISTRICT:-!. Parmley Grahan
Cloth Market, Newcastle on-Tyne.
SOUTH WALES & MIDLAN OS ;-Harry Nance, 4, Church
Street, Cardiff.
LIVERPOOL & DISTRICT:— R. Hove, jo, North John Street,
Liverpool.
SCOTLAND :-Fyfe Wilson & Co.. 74. York Street, Glasgow.
DUBLIN ;-Eaton & Davidson, 49, Middle Abbey Street, Dublin,
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." November 13. 1908.
48
IBIMLlfflMl
No. 949 MOLBORN.
All communications should be addressed "The Electrician'
Industrial Supplement, 1, 2 and 3, Salisbury Court, Fleet
Street, London, B.C.
Copy fot 'fixt or AdvertisetiunI pages Jor next issue should reach the above
address not later than 7'uesday, December 8th.
Manufacturers, Contractors, Centra! Station Engineers, and those
interested in Electrical Industrial Developments are cordially invited to
contribute original matter to the SUPPLEMENT, and when suitable
this will be inserted as space permits.
Filing Case for "The Electrician" Industrial Supplement.
The Industrial Supplement is holed for filing, and we are
distributing cases which will hold twelve issues. On request a case
will be sent to Consulting, Manufacturing, or Contracting firms ; to
Chief or Resident Engineers of Electricity Supply, Traction or Power
Stations ; to any firm of IMerchants or Agents ; to Railway, Tramway,
Dock, Harbour, or other companies interested in the applications of
Electric Power, &o., to their undertakings ; and to other large con-
sumers of electrical energy, either at home, in the Colonies, or abroad.
A portion of each issue of the SUPPLEMENT is reserved for special
circulation oversea.
Cditorial.
Since the inililicatioii of our last llame
The Flame Arc , i i i j ■ n
Lamp in '•■i''^ lamp issue much has liappened m the
Industry. development of this lamp and its applica-
tion to industrial service. We may first mention that the
general standard of flame arc lamp construction has been
raised all round. By this we mean that certain refinements
have been embodied in lamps,. which make for longer life,
fewer breakages of carbons, greater efficiency and improved
illumination. Such refinements are always found neces-
sary in the development of every commercial article. The
experience of another 12 months has added much tu prac-
tical knowledge on the subject of flame arcs. One tiling
we can safely assert, and that is, there is abundant evidence
of standardisation in flame arc lamp.s, and tliis fact is
largely responsible for its rapid application for illumina-
tion purposes in trade, commerce and industry. Consider-
ing now the elfect of the flame arc lamp on tradesmen in a
large way of business, its influence upon them has not been
merely sentimental. They have not run after a pretty
yellow ball of light. This has certainly had its attractions,
but they have .sought out the flame arc (for it has not been
thrust upon them) because it meant more light and good
light at low cost. Again, the flaine arc needs but one good
initial installation in a town to recommend it. The other
tradesmen immediately see the advertising value of a good
lamp giving out a light peculiar to electric arc lamps and not
obtainable with gas, and the immediate effect is a run on
flame arcs. Where facilities are given by the supply
authorities for loan or hire purchase, one sees flame lamps
n abundance. Into the industrial aspect of the question
the same element of rivalry does not enter, though there
is often a keen feeling among manufacturers and factory
owners to be right up to date both in the driving and
lighting of their shops. We pointed out last year the
importance of the fact that so many workshops of indus-
trial establishments are now dependent on electrical energy
as a source of power. Tiiis circumstance should be taken
every advantage of. It may be used as a valuable argu-
ment to press home the claims of the flame arc lamp for
illumination purposes?. The energy is there, doing useful
mechanical work, let it also be turned into light. The same
argument applies to the warehouse, railway goods yard,
quayside, quarry and mine. And further, the claims of the
flame arc lamp for these locations can be urged from the
l)asis of experience. The matter has been seen in just the
light that we present it above. Great and .small captains
of industry have realised the potentialities for efficient
illumination of the same energy which turns the wheels
of their workshops. To drive and light a factory by gas
is reasonable enough and may be good practice, but to
drive and light it by electrical energy is l.ietter. Judging
l]y the numl)ers of factories and work.shops in which flame
arc lamps are now installed this little axiom carries weight,
and deservedly so. Gas lighting may be useful enough in
its way, but it is neither as effective nor as cheap as flame
arc illumination. A lamp which is suitable for street
lighting can generally be recommended for the interior of
workshops. On the scors of attendance we may argue
that the improvements in methods of suspending and rais-
ing and lowering lamps have been so marked that there is no
excuse for not using appliances which save time and
money. By the employment of raising and lowering gear
lamps can l;ie attended to with a minimum of trouble and
a maximum of safety, and in industrial service both these
items are of imijortance.
''3^ Si P/^ Camp Specialities.
WE have just received some advance jiartieuhirs of
this season's arc lamp products from Messrs.
Johnson & Phillips, who are well known as manu- ^
facturers of this class of electrical apparatus. In our special Qi
Arc Lamp supplement last year we described the " Juno "
flame lamp, which is made by Johnson & Phillips, and on
this occasion we have to announce that the firm has pro-
duced a magazine flame lamp of entirely novel design and
eon.struction. At the moment of writing full details are
not before us, but the advance sheets of the company's
lamp catalogue states that the lamp will burn 60 to 80
hours and uses a cheap grade of carbon. It is said to
be easy to clean and trim, and short carbons are used to
minimise breakages. An important feature is the bringing
in of a new pair of carbons without an interval of darkness
being necessary. The carbon ends are ejected into a special
aslqian, and there is no flashing when this operation takes
place. Each lamp requires 35 to 40 volts at its terminals
and a current of 6 to 12 amperes. The lamps are
suitable for series burning, and are supplied for alternating
current and direct current circuits, with self-contained
auto-cutout and substitutional resistunee.
ELECTRIC POWER & UGHTING PLANTS.
I COALCUTTERS.
t^\ COAL & ROCK DRILLS.
I ELECTRIC BLASTING.
Write for Pamphlet No. 39.
JOHN DAVIS & SON (DERBY), LIMITED, ^ Camomile St. Ohambers,
All Saints' Works, Derby. «?* LONDON, E.G.
49
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." November 13, 1908.
A. E.G. "Sunshine"
Flame Arc Lamps.
New Design, enamelled dark green, relieved with gilt
edges. New List on Application.
The Electrical Co. Ltd.
121/5, CHARING CROSS ROAD,
London, w.c,
Telephones: 4311, 4312, 4313 & 4314 Gerrard
Telegrams : " Galvanoscope."
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." November i3. J 908.
n^agazinc Camps in $ercice>
IN tho spcrial issue of the Inui'stuial Srpi'i.RMKNT which
we devoted last year to the subject c.f flame lamps we
gave a full description of the " Oriflamme" magazine
lamp" which is made by Oliver Arc Lamp (Ltd.)- Manyof
our reailers will be actxial users of this lamp so that its
main details will be familiar to them. We may, however,
recall a few of the salient points in the present article. The
lamp is of the magazine pattern and in this rcspest confers
the important advantage upon the riser of lieing able to be
trimmed at any time. In fact, the process is hardly
trimming in the accepted sense of that term. It amounts to
" repleni'shing " the lamp with a further " stock " of car-
bons. For open space lighting where fogs are rather fre-
quent or likely to occur this " filling up " of the magazine
is of great value, and we understand it is most favourably
commented upon by users of the " Oriflamme " lamp. The
50
C
" Oriflamme " Lamps at Cioydon.
actual liurning life of this lamji, reckoucd ti.i llie actual con-
sumption of the last pair of carbons in the magazine —
which holds 6-10 pairs — is 40 hours without replenish-
ing. The mechanism for the changing of the carbons is
simple and positive in action, and although the lamp goes
out for 12 to 15 seconds this does not appear to be a dis-
advantage judging by the opinions of users and the extensive
installations of the lamp. Clieap carbons are used in the
lamp, and a short length carbon is adopted which reduces
the risk of breakages to a minimum. The magazine also
shortens the lamp itself, a factor which will be appreciated
by all users of arc lamps, particularly tradesmen who
know their value for shop window lighting.
The record of " Oriflamme " installations makes most in-
teresting reading, as it indicates the varied character vi'
service upon which it may enter and with equally satisfac-
tory results. Orders have been received or lamps installed
in the following towns : Aberdeen, Bristol (a.c. and d.c),
Bradford, fiedford (a.c), Blackpool (a.c). Cape Town
5ri*5*- ' '«t^i»L*^.
, '-_-f*3BB-- »-^-i,i^'''-.- ■
1^
mir
,1
^wN
^1^
"^onM^^H
H ■,
$'[■
«^^f^*y
: i
-i 1
lii
"Oriflamme " Lamps at Paddington Station.
(South Africa), Croydon (d.c. and a.c), Chesterfield, Dublin
(a.c), Dundee, E.^eter (a.c.), Ealing, (Jlasgow, Gi-avesend,
Hull, Hastings (a.c), Halifax, llford. Maidenhead, Maid-
stone, Manchester, Newport (Mon.), I'ortsmouth (a.c),
lihyl, Sunderland, Tunbridge Wells (a.c), Vitoria, Spain
(a.c), Willesden, Wishaw and Woolwich (a.c. and d.c.)
Also in London, Cannon-street, Holborn, &c., these lamps
have been employed by Messrs. The Charing Cros.s, West-
I^nd & City Electric Supply Co. (Ltd.) and the Citj' of
London Electric Lighting Co. (Ltd.) The latter have in-
stalled a larger number in Billingsgate and Smithfields
Markets. At H. M. Dockyards, Haulbowllne, Devonport
and Sheerness the Admiralty are using "Oriflammes" and
a number will shortly be shipped for Hong Kong Dockyard.
The following railways are also users : Caledonian
Eailway, (Jreat Northern liailway (King's Cross Station),
0
Charing Cross New Station, with " Oriflamme" Lamps.
51
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," November 13. 1908.
EYROLL
HIGH-TENSION FUSES.
LIST No. 42.
MOTOR STARTERS.
LIST No 19.
A
Hv
WALL PLUGS.
LIST Nos. 22 and ■
t /
IRON-CLAD SWITCHES.
LIST No. 44.
SOUND DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION.
Jl»v)ar6e6 Siuo ptpfomar. of -^lionouv cit ffn' J'l-nnco-Bvitiv.B
g.\BiCntton, l'.>()8.
OIL SWITCHES.
LIST No. 25.
A. REYROLLE & CO., LTD., head office & works HEBBURN-ON-TYNE
Also makers of Drum-type Motor Starters, Distribution Boxes, and a wide range of Higrh and Low-Tension Switchgear and Accessories.
"WESTMINSTER"
DOUBIE CARBON
20 Hours Burning
w ith one trimming.
The fir.st pair of Carbons are
wholly Burned out before
the second pair are auto-
matically switched in.
FLAME ARC LAMP
2 pairs of 18 in.
Carbons.
()rdinar\- l^'lame Carbons are
used, Metallic Cores not
being requin;d.
Gold Medal Awarded for Arc Lamps,
Franco-British Exhibition, 1908.
Sole .Manufaciurers
«' WESTMINSTER" ENGINEERING CO., LTD.,
VICTORIA. KOAD, WILLESDETV .TUxNCXIOP<J, IV. W.
Telegrams: " REGENCY LONDON." Telephor.e: "90 HARLESDEN."
SUPPLEMENT to " The Electrician," November 13, 1908.
52
Great WesLem Railway (I'acldintjloii Station and IS'ewtowu
(!oo,ls Yard, Cardiff), L. & N. W. Railway (Crewe), Mid-
land Railway (Leeds), North F.ritish Railway (New Goods
Station), South Eastern & Chatham Railway (Charing
( 'ross and Victoria).
For lii^litint; of workshops, &c., they are in use by the
\nial "abated" Motor P.us Co. (Ltd.), Applebys (Ltd.),
('aird°& Co. (Ltd.), Wni. Denny & liros. (Ltd.), Dublin
I'ort & Docks ]5oard, W. T. Henley's Telegraph Works
Co. (Ltd), Lanarkshire Steel Co. (Ltd.), Langloan Iron &
Chemical Co. (Ltd.), New Arrol Johnston Car Co. (Ltd.),
Stewarts & Lloyds (Ltd.) ((;oatbridge and Halesowen),
Ivules Shipbuilding \' Engineering Co. (Ltd.), &c. The
lamps are also in service abroad for various lighting works,
notably in Calcutta and Bombay (India), Buenos Aires,
Singapore and Selangor, in addition to those for street
lighting mentioned above.
' Wc give illu.strations taken by eourte.^y of the company
fiiim its " Oriflannne Series " of post cards, tlie complete
ciillection (if which forms a striking record of open space
Ijiditiiig by flame lamps. We understand the company
w7ll forward this set of post cards to interested engineers
on request.
The list of nsirs given above will be noticed to contain
names of factories and workshops both in this country and
abroad. This we are very glad to note, becanse it helps to
emphasise the claim which the flame arc lamp has on the
a'tention of all captains of industry. Wherever electric
iiHjtors are installed there also should lie arc lamps, flame
jKltt'rn for ]ireference.
6^€X4 ffiagazlne
?lairie Eamp*
'^T^ 1 1 E type of magazine lamp made by the General
I Electric Co. possesses many novel features. The
general details of the lamp are shown in the adjoin-
ing illustrations. The principal item of interest is the
magazine and carbon changing mechanism. The principle
of the burning of lamp resembles that of the usual
pattern of flame lamp in that the carbons are of the con-
verging type and a blow magnet controls the flame of the arc.
The magazines in the lamp, one for each pole, will hold
nine pairs of carbons, which are slipped in at the end of
the magazine. The lamp may, therefore, be replenished
with carbons at any time, without disturbing "the carbons
which have not been brought into use.
The length of the arc is controlled by the usual shunt
and series coils, and the rocking lever usual with this
mechanism also governs the movements of a small carbon
switch at the top of the lamp. The switch opens and
closes the circnit of a special solenoid, which when ener-
gised attracts an armature which is attached to a lever
mechanism controlling the gradual descent of the carbons.
The solenoid is only in circuit momentarily, as the move-
ment of its plunger throws over the carbon switch and
Views of the Interior and Exterior ot G-E.C. Magazine Flame Lamp.
breaks the solenoid circuit. . The net result is a racking
motion, which continues as long as the shunt and series
coil mechanism allows the throw over switch to keep
closing the solenoid circuit. Short ends drop out of the
magazine, and the next pair is brought into circuit by the
continuance of the rocking movement until the arc strikes.
The lamp has a burning life of GO hours, and is made for
both direct current and alternating circuits.
ii
Sunshine^' Flame Arcs.
THE " Sunshine " flame arc lamp of the Electrical Co.
is manufactured in five sizes, alternating current
and continuous current — viz., 6 to S hours, S to
10 hours, 10 to 12 hours, 16 to 18 hours and 32 hours
burning. The latter lamp is provided with two pairs of
carbons. The lamps are generally adjusted for 8, 10 or
12 amperes. The general construction of the lamp will be
familiar to our readers, in that it is much used and has
been before the electrical world some few years.
The lamp has been redesigned — i.e., as far as the outer
appearance is concerned, by I'rof Behrens, and the cases
are further enamelled dark green relieved with gilt lines.
The mechanism is provided with two covers, the interior
one being of zinc, which effectively excludes fumes, water,
&c. The appearance of the lamp is very artistic, and it
has proved a favourite since it was put on the market. The
construction of the lamp remains unaltered in every
respect, the original control mechanism having been found
satisfactory in all its details.
Index to fldccrtiscrs.
Aiv T :iiii|K T.ld
I' i;n^irii', Boiler & Electrical Insurance Co.
I ',11 '\ rMiiighoiise Electric i;Mf£r. Co., Ltd
Croui[jti;u .t Co., Ltd
Davidson &, Co,, Ltd ,
Davis & Son
Edison & Swan United Electric Light Co., Ltd. ...
Electric & Ordnance Accessories Co
Electrical Co
Electric Control Limited
Electromotors Ltd. (Openshaw)
Eversiied & Vignoles, Ltd
Ferranti Limited
Foster Arc Lamp and Engineering Co....'.
Gilbert Arc Lamp Co., Ltd. ..
Great Central Railway
Grevencr, J. vt II - 45
Henley's (W. T.) Telegraph Works Co., Ltd. ...'......'..'....'...'..'.',.'.'.'.'.'..'.'.".'.' 4(1
Lewis, H. K yo
Mather & Piatt '..!'.!!!!.'.""!!!!!!.'.'!..'.!!."!.'.'"!!." v^
Mayer & Co.
Mordey Fricker Meter Co., Ltd
Reason ilannfactiiring Co.. Ltd
Eeyrolle Limited
Sanders, Rehders & Co., Ltd
Santoui Arc Laiup and Engineeiim^
Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works, Ltd..
Simplex Conduits, Ltd
Sun Electrical Co
Union Electric Co., Ltd
Westminster Engineering Co
Weston Electrical Instrument Co. .
53
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." November 13, 1908.
RAPID DELIVERY
i
^P
i^m
FOR 1
^^pflF
FOR
ALL KINDS
''wivH
hrL
ALL KINDS
OF
ARC LAMPS. n
^p
METALLIC FILAMENT
r
>,
n f)
LAMP
L.
/
\ ____, \t^
TRANSFORMERS.
FROM
STOCK
Are rushing ahead with such extraordinary
rapidity that we have been obliged to iiistal
special up-to-date plant to cope with the
large number of orders received daily.
There must be a reason for this growing
demand !
To those who use the
FOSTER TRANSFORMER
the reason is perfectly obvious: -
FROM
STOCK.
STERLING VALUE.
Efficiency is from %"' to 98 at full load, and
SILENC IS GUARANTEED.
Write for Lists to-day, or telephone direct to
TRANSFORJYIER DEPT.,
96 NAT- WIMBLEDON.
The Foster Arc Lamp & Engineering Company, Ltd.,
WIMBLEDON, S.W.
Telegrams: " Fosteraao London.'
SUPPLEMENT to " The Electrician.- November 13. 19O84
Cbe ** Victor'* yiame £amp>
54
THE "Victor" llaine arc lamp, as manuracuued by
the Electric & Ordnance Accessories Co. (Ltd.),
Aslou, P.inninghain, lias many novel and interest-
ing features to commend it to the notice of engineers. It
consists essentially of two inclined tubes, through which
the carbons pass, and which are fed by two patented clutches.
Exterior View of Victor Flame Lamp.
Shunt coils, daslipols and complicated striking niechanisms
which are frequently tlu^ cause of so much trouble, have
been entirely dispensed with, a very steady and reliable
arc being obtained with the use of this clutch. Around
each of the inclined tubes there is a series coil, which pro-
X
-^
.
t
I
"^
r
3
V
3^
^
^v
V
s^
1 "^^
vL
1^-^^
^-U
Candle Feet.
18-20 Hour Victor Flame Arc Lamp. 6-8 amps., 2,500 cp.
vides a magnetic field lor the operation of the clutclies.
The clutches themselves are placed immediately below the
coils within the brass lubes, and the action and construc-
tion of the clutch is as follows : —
The body consists of a solid brass casting having a cylin-
drical hole bored through to take the positive carbon, and
slotted at the lower end to allow a soft iron armature with
a -a-ip to be pivotted therein. This armature envelopes
the top half of the clutch l)ody. At the top end there is a
soft-iron core enveloping the l)ody half-way round. The
clutch is supported in the air-gap formed between the end
of the series magnet core and the magnet frame. When
the current is switched on a magnetic pull is exerted on the
clutch armature, causing the grip to firmly hold the carbon;
at the same time the whole clutch is drawn up, seeking to
take a lialancing position in the air-gap, thus striking the
arc. The whole action will l>e seen to be extremely simple,
there being no complicated mechanism to cause trouble.
The feeding by means
of these clutches takes
place somewhat after the
following : —
The carbon s to star t w ith
rest on the steatite strik-
ing bar, and immediately
the current is switched on
the carbons are raised
by the clutches, and are
held there until the arc
Inirns the carbon away
to such an extent that it
can be no longer main-
tained. At this point
the clutches release the
carbons and strike them
again — this lieing instan-
taneous and taking place
approximately every 40
minutes. The flaming
shape of the arc is ob-
tained by means of a
magnetic blow-out coil
placed just above the
series coils. This deflects
the arc and forms a very
steady flat flame of great
brilliancy.
The mean hemispheri-
cal candle-power of the
lamp is high and is ap-
proximately 2,500 cp. for
a 6 ampere lamp, the
reason for this being the
extremely high voltage
employed by this com-
pany across the arc,
Victor Lamp Interior. 1 Full Size.
which, of course, gives a much greater efficiency than is
usually the case, less energy being wasted in line
resistance. The candle feet curves for this lamp indicate
the candle-power obtained from a lamp placed at varying
heights, and should be of great value when planning
efficient lighting for factories, streets and other large and
open places.
The " Victor " lamp can be burnt three in series on 220
volts, and have an approximate efficiency of 0-2 watt per
candle-power. The carbons used are 23iin. long, and give
an a\erage life of from 18 to 20 hours. We understand
that the company has met with great success in regard to
this lamp, and it has beeu largely adopted for dockyard
lighting, railways, theatres, Government buildings, &c. It
is a comparatively short lamp, and tlie simplicity of the
controlling mechanism should make it invaluable to
tradesmen and shopkeepers.
55
SUP-PLEMENT to "The Electrician." November 13, 1903.
I V .■;.i'ir,\
44
VICTOR" FLAME
ARC LAMPS.
Extremely Simple; Two moving parts only,
the clutches.
No dashpots, shunt coils or intricate
clockwork mechanisms.
Easy to trim and clean.
•VICTOR" FLAME I AMP FOR DOCKYARD AND FACTORY YARD LIGHTING, ETC.
Efficiency is exceptionally high, doe to the high voltage
employed across the arc, thus less energy is wasted in line
resistance.
Burning Hours with one pair of carbons is approximately
i8 20 hours.
Overall length about 23 ins. making it one of the shortest
lamps on the market.
Write for Netil complete Catalogue OS 41.
THE ELECTRIC & ORDNANCE ACCESSORIES CO., LTD.,
ASTON, BIRMINGHAM.
Telegrams :
"Stellite, Birmingham."
I.ONnON'— Baxter & Cau.mer, 86, Charing C
M.X.\CHESTER— J. Bookeh, in6, Ueansffate.
NKWCASILE— J. W. Morley, Consclt Cham
Thi mark
ot
QuaUly
<•,./■ .■,,,/ Icleplwiies :
.4.l!.C.itli Ediiion. 176 & 170 E.ist, and
P.0.9(rrunkcallson!y).
: Kd., W.C. GLASGOW— T. & A. Andersox, 2ji. St. Vincent .Street.
.SOUTH \V'.\LES~C K. Hough, 2j, Woodland Park,Ne»poit (Jl.in.)
5. BEI.FAST-J. Whalkv. 16, High .Street.
MANLEY WORKS; Shelton Potteries, Hanley.
SUPPLEMENT fo "The Electrician," November 13, 1908.
55
*'€xceiio'' CamD
ImproDcmcnts > >
IX llie world of electric arc lightinii tlii'
"F.xccllo" lamp has achieved such a
rejmtation that the name is sufficient to
characterise its qualities without further com-
ment being uecossary. "Excello" arc lami>s
are burninji in every corner of the j^lobe, and
with e(|ual satisfaction on alternating current
ami direct current circuits. The hnnp has
pioved lis efficiency for street, shop and factory
lighting, and has i)robably a record to its credit
for nundier of lamps burning in these fields.
The direct current E.xcello has a difterential
control fur the feed of the carlions, which con-
verge upon the arc from above. The feed is a
positiv' one, an' is also very gradual, f^o that
^H
11
^
•
X C
^^^
t
^
-M, :
m
m
i>^^'»' .^'
M, - '
.■■-%.■ ■;
'■-'■y-
.^^^"
Ml^'^^'^O ^■"^■
^'M:F 'r
1_-Sp: '
mmmk
Interior of Large Wo-kshop Ughted by '"Excello" Arcs.
Two "ExccUo" Arc Lamps, comparing difference in Clouding Effect on Globe.
even burning and absence of flicker
are ensured. The alternating cur-
rent " Excello " is also note,-
worthy for its steady feeding arrange-
ments, these being controlled from a
small alternating current motor with
disc armature. This disc is so influ-
enced by eddy currents from shunt
iir series coils that it rotates back-
wards or forwards, winding the
( arlioiis up (ir down. In both pal-
terns of lamp fireclay economisers
are ]ilaced above the arc, and act as
] lower ful reflectors.
The E.xcello has achieved many
iMitieeable successes in street light-
ing,the principal being thatof ( )xforel-
.-tieet, Loudon, in which lamps are
installed in the centre of the road-
way, two on each standard. It will
also be seen outside many of the
large shops and em]ioriumswhich are
now so familiar in large towns.
A notable installation is inside and
outside the shops of the famous
tianiage, in which Excello arc lamps
figure prominently.
We also show, herewith, the most
recent improvement in the Excello
are lamp. The lamias side by side
liave both been burnt with the same
carbons and the same mechanism
for 100 hours, and when started had
perfectly clear globes. It will be
seen in the one case that the globe
has become covered with the deposit
of the products of the flame car-
bon combustion, and that in the
iither the globe is absolutely free.
So free indeed that, on the inner
side of the outer globe, perfect
reflections are .shown of the windows
of the other side of the worksliop in
whichthe photographwastaken. This
is an important improvement and it is
57
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," November 13, 1908.
thought wliich is upiK-rniust in the iniiids of many CunsuUiiig ICii£;iiieer.s.
Contractors and others who are ciUel upon to reconini;nd or instal a
suitable arc lamp for tli; lig-htiiig of factories, workshops, yards, sidings,
°-~ ■■- " what lamp will give the maximum of efficiency and longlife for the
&c., i
minimum of trouble and attention " : — Questions such as initial cost and
BURNING
hours while important enough in their way, must take second place, to
those of durability and efficiency' — and that's where the Excello Arc Lamp
scores. It's an engineering structure through and through, and will be
doing duty }'ears after its cheap rivals have been consigned to the scrap
heap. Should von be called upon to settle any arc lighting
QUESTION
}uu cannuL du IjL-tter than dcciac in lavuur of the lixcello. It's whult- lifc
has been one Umg record of successes as all who use it can testifv.
lOflniillmsiBllgjTL
■PARK SI SOUTHWARK. LONDON. 5.E.
Newcastle, Glasgow, Bipmingham.
Liverpool. Odanchester. Cardiff,
Leeds, Dublin, Reading
and Gloucester.
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." November '13, 1908
58
proposed to embody it in Excello lamps forthwith. We are
informed that the extra cost of tlie embodiment is but
small and should not stand in Uie way.
The value of the Kxcello lain]) for factory lighting is
evidently appreciated by the fact that there are many
interesting installations in our large industrial centres.
Messrs. Thomas Firth & Sons, Sheffield, have Excello lamps
in use in their foundry. This firm have had XTnion open
type arc lamps for a very long period, in fact, 10 years,
and to the number of oOO, and duriug that i)eriod they
have only had to make one repair on tl)e lamps, and tliis
consisted of the replacement of a shunt coil at the cost of
10s. Gd. Tlie satisfactory experience of the pure carbon
lamps led Messrs. Firth to place further orders for 50
Excello arc lamps.
There is also an interesting installation of Excello arc
lamps in one of Messr.?. Hornsby & Sons' machine shops
at Oiantham. The particular shop is part of the oil-engine
department.
Reason Flame £amD$>
IN the majority of flame arc lamps tlie caibons are long
and thin, and though breakages may not be a, serious
item it is an advantage if theycan be minimised. With a
view to reducing the carbon length and also that of tlie
lamp, the Reason Mfg. Co. make a flame lamp (Lewis's
patents) in which double carbons are employed, and these
aie of comparatively .short length, 10 in., as against 1^4 in.
contact while hot, with sufficient force to break off any
deposits which might partially insulate the carbon ends.
This principle of starting is accomplished by employing
an interlocking .system whereby the mechanism is locked
when the current is off, and for which system the company
make a broad claim in their patents. The .shunt coils are
made with the greatest care, and with much improved insu-
lation, the risk'of breakdown being reduced to a minimum.
A protective device is fitted in eacli lamp to the shunt coil,
which cuts it out in the event of the carbons of tlie lamp
burning out.
Two pairs of carbons are used in each lamp, and tlie
burning life is U hours per pair or 28 hours in all. The
current' re(iuired is 11 amperes, and four lamps maybe run
in series on --'00 to 230 volts. The length over all is
2 ft. lU in., and the weight 45 lb.
Interior View ot Double Carbon Flame Lamp.
used in .some lamps. In addition to the use of these sliort
carbons, the lamps have other distinctive features, in that
there is no clockwork, flexible cords, chains, &c., and the
general design is one of extreme simplicity.
The lamp is started with the carbons together, making
the striking much more certain. With chemical carbons
this is a great advantage. The striking mechanism cannot
be jammed in trimming the lamp, and the starting of the
arc is positive and certain, the carbons being brought into
Reason Flame" Arc Lamps for Shop Ligliting in the City of London.
We illustrate the interior view of the lamp, from which
its general construction can be gathered. Our other illus-
tration shows three of the lamps outside a shop in the City
of London. This is one of many similar tradesmen's
installations, and we understand that the lamp is also used
for open space and factory lighting. The Eeason Manu-
facturing Co. have been makers of arc lamps for many
years, and also have a line of enclosed lamps of which
many are in service.
59 SVTPLEMENT to "The Electrician," November 13, 1908.
SOME P0INT5
IN CONNECTION WITH \
REASON
FUkME ARC LAMPS.
i
i
?
LONG LIFE, I
NO CLOCKWORK, f
SIMPLICITY OF CONSTRUCTION, I
BRILLIANCY, I
DURABILITY, I
i
STEADINESS. I
I Tke reason MANDFACTURING (k LS I
I BRIGHTON. !
SVVPLEMENT to "The Electrician," November 13. 190S-
60
landus RegeneratiDe
flame £anip$> « ♦
ri'^HK llame hmps wliicli have been before the electrical
I iiulustry for the past five years are all of the open
flame type. Many attempts have been made to
enclose the arc of a flame lamp, but no commercial solution
was found until the Jandus Arc Lamp & Electric Co. in-
Irodnced tlicir "regenerative" lamp last year. "When we
(■Dusider that one of the fir.st enclosed arcs (pure carbon)
(•hcmical vapours from tlie arc rise througli the cylinder,
pass down the tubes and reasr(nad past the arc, intensifying
the same. The cycle of operations is constantly going on,
and the chemicals are therefore used over again, hence the
name — " regenerative."
The fumes given off l)y the carbons are not pei'mitted to
enter the atmosphere, so that the lamps are suitable for
use indoors. The mechanism is particularly simple, there
being no clock-work or .similar device liable to get out of
order.
Exterior View of Jandus .Flame Lamp.
was introduced under the name Jandus, the appearance of
an enclosed flame lam]3 from the same source ts even more
interesting.
^ The lamp certainly seems to mark a new epoch in flame
lighting, and is constructed on entirely novel principles.
The outstanding feature is the loug burning life of 70 hours
with one pair of carbons. At the same time the etflciency
is exceptionally high— viz., 2,.500 mean hemispherical
candle-power, with an energy consumption of .3.50 watts—
the light being evenly distributed over a large area instead
of concentrated immediately below the lamp
Further, the lamps take a small current — viz., 5 amperes
— and are arranged to work either singly on 100 volts, two in
series on 200-2.")0, Ave on 460-500 volLs, allowing for a
minimum number of lamps to be in use at one time. The
running costs are therefoi'c naturally lower than other
forms of flame lamps where carbons "have to be renewed
every 10-12 hours and 2-10 lamps switched on at one
time.
The principle of the daudus regenerative flame lamp is
briefly as follows : —
The chemically treated c;arbons are doulily unclosed.
The inner cylinder communicatesfreely with two side tubes'
leading to the base of the cylinder. The heated gases and
Section of Jandus Flame Lamp.
The trimming also is easily carried out,, no case having
lo be lowered or rods cleaned.
The lamp is claimed to possess the following advan-
tages : Long burning hours, high efficiency, even distribu-
tion of_ light over a large area, low current, simple
mechanism and easy trimnung.
The lamp is entirely made at the Jandus ^^'ork8, llollo-
way, London, N., Messrs. Drake & C4orham (Ltd.), of GG,
Yictoria-street, London, S.W., being the selling agents.
61
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." November 13, 1908.
DISWAN
AUTO-TRANSFORMERS
ARE
MADE
Throughout by the Edison &, Swan United Electric Light Company,
Limited, at their
PONDER'S END WORKS,
And Standard Voltages and Ranges
CAN NOW
BE
DELIVERED
FROM STOCK.
/M
EDfSWAN
AUTO-
TRANSFORMER.
With Cover.
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." November 13. 1908.
62
UIIIIIWII ■-■■^■■■^l ....,„, ,^^^,„ , ni,««„w Office ... 65. Renfield Street. CO., LTD.
Head Office
London Office
12, KING street'. MANCHESTER. 1 ^'-g-.^S'- , •;; itnTrrcu!l%% Nevme-St^^"'
''• ^'''^'^J^^roLT.''' ':%er.Jo.:^.tk I S.. Oohn S.reet^
DYNAMOS, MOTORS, ENGINES BOILERS, LJFTS3&J., Insured, I^^^^^^^^^^
BX.=B^ Flame Camps^
INTI'lllKST attaches to a special luriii of Haiue are
lanip manufactured V)y the British Thomsou-
Houstou Company. This lamp is maiuifactured for
either continuous or alternate current circuits, and i.s in
extensive use for street and shop lighting and industrial
.servir(\
The carbons are of the converging pattern, and arc
arranged to feed down by gravity. The feed mechanism is
locked, except when the carbons are lieing fed down, and
this arrangement permits heavy driving weights being used
without risk of the carbons either over-i'unning or feeding
at tlie wrong time owing to vibration. The design of the
mechanism is such as to give close and uniform regulation
of the arc. Such electrical adjustments as are required can
be easily understood, and can be made by any electrician
withoutit being necessary to return ihc lamps to the factory.
The carbon deposits are sealed olf from the lamp mecha-
nism, which is enclosed in a fume-tight separate casing and
which is not removed when the lamp is trimmed. A
differential method of control with shunt and series mag-
nets is employed, and the shunt magnets arc wound with
wire having a patent enamel insulation, which, it is stated,
does not deteriorate with heat and is not affected by mois-
ture. A metal eeonomiser is arranged directly above the
arc to obviate all risk of cracking.
The standard direct current lamps are made for a current
of 8 amperes, and alternating current lamps for 10 amperes
."lO cycles. Lamps suitable for other currents and periodi-
cities can be supplied on special order. .JO volts per lamp
must be allowed for series burning.
The life of the lamps is stated to be IG to 18 years for
botli alternating current and dii'fect current patterns, each
using "24 in. carbons. Yellow light carbons of the correct
dimensions can be supplied from stock. We must mention
here that a. large installation of these flame lamps has
recently been completed at the Kochester works of ^Mes-srs.
Aveling & Porter. 95 lamps have been installed, and they
are rniniing at a 50 cycle alternating current circuit, giving
complete satisfaction.
Foster J1uto=Cran$formcr$«
L<)\\'-\iiltage metallic lilauicnt lamps (or carbon fila-
ment lamps for that matter) will, notwithstanding
the great improvements in high-voltage lamps
promised by the manufacturers, always be the most
efficient, most durable and the cheapest to make, for the
simple reason that the lengtli of the filament is not so great
as is neces.sary with a high-voltage lamp, while the section
is of much stronger proportions.
Any experienced engineer who has handled large instal-
lations, both of high and low-voltage carbon filament lamps,
will endorse this .statement if necessary, for, indeed, it must
be obvious to the discerning engineer and contractor.
There has been much talk and many promises of a high-
voltage 1 G c.p. lamp, Ijut it is unlikely that it will improve
upon the 1 watt per candle lamp, while, as we have shown
above, it certainly will not be a better lamp from the users'
point of view.
Again, whatever improvements in manufacture are
lirought to bear upon the high- voltage lamp will also be
■ applied to the low-voltage lamp.
There will, therefore, always be a strong demand for the
25 and 50 volt lamps on alternating current, which, by
means of the transformer, is so readily adaptalde for their
use.
By the employment of small transformers the line
voltage can be conveniently reduced. The cost of these
transformers is not high, and as they make possible a large
saving in the electric light account, their initial cost is
justified.
The Foster Arc Lamp & Engineering Co. (Ltd ), of
Wimbledon, were one of the first, if not the very first, to
realise the importance of this, and to place upon the mar-
ket, as long ago as August, 1907, an excellent little trans-
former for the purpose, and as they may, with reason, be
looked upon as experienced specialists in this particular line,
a few notes upon the construction of the transformers for
metallic filament lamps may not be without interest.
They have some of the most modern machinery for the
quick production of transformers, and were already well
ec[nipped befoi'e the demand for small transformers arose,
otherwise they would have been unable to cope with the
business as well as they have done.
Recognising the necessity for the contractor to have his
transformer practically from stock, oi' at any rate within
one day of placing his order, the company have now trebled
their plant, each machine being complete with checking
devices for the accurate winding of the coils. Each turn of
wire is automatically counted and registered and fire-proof
varnish is applied layer by layer, and it is interesting to
note with wliat accuracy and despatch a transformer coil
of from 50 watts to 30 kw. can lie wound.
The insulating and assembly departments are also well
equipped with labour-saving tools. The object is, of course,
to increase the facilities for output, but the primary aim is
to ensure efficiency and reliability in the finished trans-
former.
The final testing takes place in a well equipped test
LEWIS'S
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SCIENTIFIC
136, QOWER ST., & 24, QOWER PLACE, LONDON, W.C.
Tili^T-ams: " I'i-blicavit London." T.lirlu.uc : 10721, CuNruii..
LIBRARY.
53
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician.- November 13, 1908.
room, and full records are taken of eacii instrument no
matter Iiow small. One could imagine what this means
when often 100 transformers will pass through the tester's
hands in a single day.
Tlie chief points about the transformers are their sound
workmanlike construction, excellent voltage regulation,
low core losses and their capacity to take large overloads
without injury.
We understand that there are on record only fnur cases
of Foster transformers being burnt up, and in eacli case it
was clearly established by the user that the o\erload
exceeded 100 per cent, for weeks and sometimes months.
Even when the coil was l)urnt out there was no danger of
fire to the building on account of tlie solid iron construc-
tion in which the coils are encased.
Householders and contractors are beginning to realise
that where alternating current is available a very small
transformer pi'oduciug from 5 to 10 volts, and having
separate windings is a very handy and reliable substitute
for the electric bell battery. The Foster transformer was,
we believe, the pioneer in this field, and already a large
numlier have again been supplied.
To meet the heavy demand which will certainly arise
during the present lighting season, the company has made
arrangements to deliver transformers from stock, and
special windings in one to two days.
Cl)e Westminster Cnglneerinfl
Co/s flame Rk Camps.
IT may be stated as a general rule that a firm which
has made itself famous in the manufacture of one
particular article will not abandon the manufacture of
this article, or even reduce, the output, unless good reason
is shown for such a course. When
such aliandoument takes place
and at the same time a rival
method of achieving the same
end is adopted it is rather a testi-
mony than otherwise to the
soundness and efficiency of the
newer apparatus.
The Westminster Engineering
Co., who have long been famous
in the arc lamp world, have,
however, seen fit to adopt this
course. They have not, it is
true.entirely laid aside the manu-
facture of their well-known open
and enclosed type carbon] arc
lamps. lUit they feel that' the
days of the former are num-
bered, while as for the latter,
though they will doubtle.ss still
find a wide application, their
place will often be taken by the
newer tlaine arc.
The Westminster Engineering
Co. have, therefore, (piite recently
placed two types of flame arc
lamp on the market. One of
the.je is a single carbon flame
lamp with a life of from 10
to 12 hours and consuming
from 8 to 10 amperes. Tiiese
lamps can be burnt equally well on both direct and
alternating current, and an interesting point to notice in
this connection is that in the latter case any number can
be burnt on one circuit. Such an arrangement, which is
not po.'sible with every type of fla me lamp, is realised by
connecting a small choking coil across the terminals of
Outside View of
Westminster Flame
Lamp.
GREAT
REDUCTIONS
IN PRICE OF
SIMPLEX
CONDUITS
An d
FITTINGS,
Write fcr NEW LIST
SIMPLEX CONDUITS, Ltd.
Garrison Lane,
BIRMINGHAM.
113-7, Charing G,-03s Rd.
LONDON, W.C.
MANCHESTER. CLASCOW
LIVERPOOL, NEWCASTLE.
SUPVLEMENT to "The Electrician." November 13, 1908.
64
wich lamp. Slioulil any particular lamp go out this coil
provides the necessary compensating resistance, though
while the lamp is working the high self-induotion of the
coil prevents any hut a very small current passing thi'ough
it. It will lie seen from this that the larger the number of
lamps in series the better, for the less will be tlie surge
caused by one lamp going out. The mechanism of this
lamp is similar to that of the double-carbon lamp de-
scribed below. Three in series can be burnt on 200
volts, and a proportionately greater number on higher
voltages.
The other " Westminster " lamp is of the double carbon
type, with a burning life of 20 hours, and taking from 8 to
10 amperes. We illustrate this lamp in the accompanying
photograph, from whicli it will be seen that it is very neat
in appearance, and is not unduly large. In this lamp, as
its nam(! implies, two sets of carbons are used, one of
which is entirely burnt out before the other comes into
action. This desirable state of things is realised by slightly
" staggering " the relative position of the holes through
which the carbons belonging to one pole pass. When the
lamp is switched on the feeding mechanism is released
and the arc struck between the " free " pair of carbons.
The other pair, Ijeing farther apart owing to the arrange-
ment mentioned above do not strike. The lamp liurns for
about 10 hours in the usual way between these two
pairs of carbons which are in the usual slanting posi-
tion, and are fed together by the action of a series
coil. This coil releases a spring, which is v/ound liy
the act of trimming the lamp, and allows tlie carbons
to come together as rei[uired. As the carbons burn a\i ay
their carrier falls, ami ou reaching a certain fi.xed point
very near the end of the life of the first ]iair of carbons moves
a small link which releases a catch, holding the second
pair of carbons, and allows them to come into action. Four
" directing " coils are used, two in series with each pair of
carbons. These are so arranged as to ensure the arc being
practically in the same place in the globe whichever pair
of carbons is in use. Tlie lower part of the lamp proper is
a heavy ca-sting divided on its under side into two cham-
bers, one for each arc. These chambers serve the very
useful purpose of retaining the ever present deposit. With
this arrangement of the mechanism, it is claimed, the carbons
are used to their fullest extent. The stumps left are very
short and the loss on this account correspondingly small.
Further, the carbons are not excessively long, so that
breakages do not assume such serious pi'oportions as is
sometimes the case.
SantonI Tiame flrc$>
AC<)NSIDEliA?)LE amount of the pioneering work
with flame arc lamps has been carried out by
Messrs. Santoni, whose lamps have achieved a well-
deserved reputation. It is interesting to note that a
pattern of lamp is now being put on the market by the
Santoni Arc Lamp & Engineering Co. (Ltd.), of 11, Far-
ringdon-avenue, E.C., and Charlton, which is simplicity
itself, owing to the entire absence of clockwork mechanism,
chains or cords, clutches or grippers. This construction
makes it possible for any unskilled
per.son to trim these lamps. The makers
claim distinctive features for these
lamps. They effect a great saving in
current and carbon consumption and
are of high efficiency, and the cheapest
carbons can be used and all broken and
odd ends above 2 in. in length can bt
utilised. The lamp is known as tin
Sant(jni "Luxrae" flame lamp. It is
made to burn without re-carboning 10
and 20 hours with an overall length ot
only ."iO in., whilst the 36 to 40 hours
pattern measures 3G in. Theillumina-
tiuu is about 2,000 c.p. to 6,000 c.p. foi
lioth direct and alternating current, and
the lamps will burn on any circuit with
frequency from 40 to 120 cycles.
These lamps are fully protected by
patents, and are manufactured entirely
at the company's works at Charl-
ton. In the long-burning type three
pairs of carbons are used, and on
switching in circuit one pair strikes
up and continues to burn until consumed or until the
lamp is switched oft'. When one pair is burnt away the
short ends drop into the ash tray and another pair im-
mediately and automatically comes into operation without
the aid of any mechanism and with an almost irapercep-
tilile flicker.
We may incidentally remark that the Santoni Arc Lamp
& Engineering Co. (Ltd.) make and supply auto-trans-
formers for arc and metallic filament lamps, which are
designed to give the greatest efficiency, and are supplied in
large quantities to the leading supply companies through-
out the country.
Santoni Flame Lamp
Exterior View.
SANTONI LUXRAE
INTENSE FLAME LAMPS^
BRITISH Manufacture throughout.
IX Tlil;KE SIZES,
lO, 20, SLici.di 4rC^ Hour's.
Fully Protected by Patents.
f SANTONI PERL ENCLOSED LAMPS.
100 Hours
Burning,
The Santoni Arc Lamp & Engineering Co., Ltd.,
Sautmii"Lnx™."i.i:,,u, A.V. Wofks at Chafltoii, S. E. 11, PARRINGDON aVElVUE, L0ND©\. E.G. Sautom-'Pc.r'Enciobod Ai-,
III Uourl^Lttrni. . -- w. luo Hi.ul P.ittw.
65
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." November 13. 1908 •
"PLlANIA" Carbons.
Manufactured by the "Plania Carbon Works," Berlin & Ratibor.
Oup Motto '^SECOND TO NONE,"
Px>oved Iby enior>m.ou.s s£tles.
For samples and prices of Open, Enclosed and Flame Arc Type Carbons, as
also Carbon Brushes, Plates and Electrodes, apply to the
Sole Agents: fg^ Q^ MAYER & CO.,
67, ALDERSGATE STREET, LONDON, E.C.
Telephone: P.O. City No. 2564.
Urc Camp CoiDerina 6ear$.
Nl >T infrequently tlie accessories of a piece of mechan-
ism assume au importance even greater than the
apparatus itself. With arc lamps this is generally
the case, and especially with lamps attached to a bracket
or pole for outdoor use. The question of trimming must
always be considered, and for outdooi'
M lamps there is no method to equal that
.^^/^^_^ of lowering the lamps to the ground level.
During the last five or six years lamp-
lowering gears have been developed to
a degree which is now little short of
jierfection, using that expression in a
strictly commercial sense. With a device
of this kind the circuit must be broken
when the lamp is lowered and satisfac-
torily made when it is raised into position
again.
We illustrate in Fig. 1 a type of
lowering-gear contact which is made by
the London Electric Firm, of Croydon,
which has the important advantage of
having but one working part, so that the
device is simplicity itself. The illustra-
tionshowsthat there isaplunger
with two piston ring contacts and
a pin engaging in a groove, to
take the weight of the lamp off
the rope in the raised position.
It will be seen that there is an
entire absence of springs, levers,
catches or clutch gear.
The gear can be fixed to
beams and ceilings for inside use
and to bracket poles and span
wires for outdoor service. The
makei'S claim 75 to 8.5 lamps
per day can be trimmed by one
man, as compared with 40 to 50
lamps by two men using a ladder. It is also
stated that the cost of the gear is recovered in
one or two years owing to the saving of time
and labour accruing. The device also confers
certain advantages in minimising the risks
usually run with ladders, tower waggons, &c.,
particularly as it is sometimes necessary to attend
to lamps at night when the circuits are alive. To
get a shock off an arc lamp circuit is not a
pleasant experience at any time, but at the
Fig. 1. — Interior o[
Lowering Contact
Gear.
top of a ladder it is likely to bring about a fall, with
fatal results.
The arc lamp-lowering gear is just as important a device
in industrial service as in connection with public lami)S
for street lighting, in fact more so, because in the fir.st-
mentioned sphere the man in charge of the lamps is
likely to be unskilled. Consequently, it is necessary to
make the attendance upon the lamps as simple and harm-
less a matter as pos.sible.
The firm who make the lowering gear referred to
above also manufacture a special winch for use with arc
lamps. This embodies a new mechanical movement which
makes the device self-sustaining while lowering and
raising the lamp. Some such device as this is also necessary,
for if the winch handle breaks or the handle .slips out or the
pawl breaks with an ordinary winch, the lamp dro])S with a
run and may kill the unfortunate workman attending it.
In Fig. 2 we illustrate a row of arc lamps at Staveley
Ii'on Works in which the lowering contact gears of the
London Electric Firm are used. In and about the shops
and yards of an industrial establishment it would be next
to impossible to use ladders and tower waggons, and in
such cases the lowering gear proves its undoubted value.
llie illustratiiin brings this out very clearly, the charac-
ter of the ground around the lamp-posts being such as
would quite preclude any other method of dealing wilh
the lamps except by liiwering them.
Fig. 2.— Row ol Arc Lamps fitted with Lowering Contact Gear.
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." November 13. 1908.
66
Cl)e Rhm Flame Camp.
ATs'J'^W type of flame arc lamp is being put on the
market this season liy the Abb(iy ]^:iectric Co. The
lamp has tlie differential control magnets common
to most arc lamps, but is otherwise distinctive iu the form
of release mechanism adopted for the feed of the carbons.
The carbon holders are connected by an insulated flexible
passing over a drum pivoted between the two solenoids.
The rocking lever actuated by the solenoid plungers strikes
the arc by swin^'ing tlie carbons apart and also governs
the feed of tlie 'lamp. Tlie latter is done by means of a
toothed wheel and double-toothed catch, the latter bemg
Dashpot-
Detail View of Release Mechanism of " Abbey " Flame Lamp.
moved u]! I'x dnwu by tlic solenoids. The nett result of the
mo\eiiieiit of the catch is the slipping of the wheel one
tooth. The carbons really descend by an amount equal to
one tooth each time tlie shunt coil overcomes the pull of
the series. Tlie adjoining illustration will make the
arrangement clear.
The makers claim a regularity and evenness of feed
which gives a pressure variation across the arc of only :!
volts. This fact permits of a considerable number of
lamps being Inirned in series— five on a 210 volt circuit.
The feeding takes place about every 1 5 minutes.
The general details of the lamp as inspected by us at the
Manchester Electrical E.xhibition, indicate sound construc-
tion and an absence of liability lo stick in the carbon
slides. The economiser is of malleable cast iron, and
therefore likely to withstand temperature extremes without
breaking. The lamp makes its debut this season, and
its details are deserving- of attention.
Portable Chain-Driuen
THE argument is frequently advanced against
the chain drive that it is heavy out of
proportion to the amount of power which
it transmits. No better refutation can be found than
that afforded by the adjoining illustrations. These
show specimens of portable tools driven by elec-
tric motors. In each case the drive is mechani-
cally and efficiently transmitted by means of a
llenold silent chain. One illustration shows a
portable chain-driven punching machine operated
by an electric motor. The motor is mounted
above the machine and drives a lay shaft which
also carries a flywheel. The large wheel for
operating the punch is geared to this lay shaft.
The tool is made by Scriven & Co., Leeds. We
Portable Chain-driven Punching Machine.
also .show a portable saw bench in wliich the motor drives
the saw through a Eenold silent chain.
The motor is placed out of the way inside the frame, aud
the silent chain driving the saw comes up outside where
it is protected by the gear case shown on the floor.
No slip-reducing tension is necessary as with belts, and
the sprocket lieing small there is little overhang. Conse-
quently an outer spindle bearing is not needed, and the
whole arrangement is very compact.
Saw 24 in. diameter 1,000 revs, per miii.
Motor Sb.u.p. 900 revs, per min.
Sprocliets Motor, 23 teeth Spindle, 19 teeth.
Sdent chain ... 0-75in. pitch 1-75 in. wide.
Ill a drive like this, with rather short centres and small
sprockets, the chain should have just the right tension.
Adjustment may be made by placing a hardwood packing
under the motor and thinning it as the chain wears.
Portable Saw Bench driven by Renold Silent Chain.
67
SUVPLEMEST to "The Electrician." SoVember ,3, 1908.
mm
RAIIWAY
RAMDTRAVEUMMMRT
■• \ y
EACH EXPRESS IS VESTIBULED
'1. 1 M r-KT'l 1 1I J il II Kf' V«:\/:1 1 W;1 11 1! >
FORFRSTAeTHIKDCLASSn^SSENGERS
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LXCIRSIIIN BOOKINGS III AU \>ms Ftll PiRHfUEAR^
CAN BE OBTAIffiD AI,A,NV SIATION'OR AGENCT.
THE MORDEY-FRICKER,
ELECTRICITY METER Cl
LIMITED,
82, Victoria Street, Westminster, S. W.
; .-irph^'i:'' r 222 ViCT
A.DO\VI,i:SS IvONDON."
Approved 300
by the REPETITION
Board of Trade. ORDERS.
Something New^^^
SHOP WINDOW LIGHTING!
ih"LUMIN-AD"-'-
XEATEST,
SIMPLEST,
CHEAPEST CO.AIBIXATION EXTANT
REFLECTOR
AXI>
SIGX !
ILLUMIXATliS YOUR WINDOW.
THE ILLi;SrKATIOX.S SHOW IT.
CIRCULAR 171 KXl'LAINS IT.
— THE —
SUN ELECTRICAL Co., Ltd.,
11S-120, CHARING CROSS ROAD.
LONDON, W.C.
ai)\i:ktises vocr namh
Telegrams-- !!SECA3!L;S LONDON.'
2291 'arid 2292 GERRARD.
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." November 13 1908.
68
ALL the best and latest improvements
are embodied in the Westinghouse
flame=arc lamp* Simple in construc=
tion, having fewer working parts than
any other lamp, steady and reliable in
burning, with low current and carbon
consumption* Standard sizes ♦ 6=13
amperes, for burning 9=34 hours*
WARNING
Makers, vendors, or users
of lamps infringing our patents
render themselves liable to be
proceeded against.
SUPPLY DEPARTMENT
THE BRITISH WESTINGHOUSE
ELECTRIC & MANUFACTURING CO., LTD*
TRAFFORD PARK, MANCHESTER
Printed and Published by GEORGE TUCKER, at the Editorial. PrintinR and Publishing Offices. 1. 2 and 3. Salisbury Couei, Flket Street in the City of
LONDON. Fbidat, NovFMBEr. 13, 190S.
THE ELECTRICIAN:
THE OLDEST WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND FINANCE.
ESTABLISHED, First Series (Weekly), 1861; Second Series (Weekly), 1878.
No. 1,592. [vSHlIi,.]
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
Price Sixpence ""^^g^f'-
Abroad 9d., or 18 centi, or 90«., or 80p/.
CONTENTS OF THE CURRENT NUMBER.
Notes 207
Arrangfements for the Week 209
West Ham Corporation Elec-
tricity Department 210
Recent Patents in Wireless
Telegraphy and Telephony.
By W. H. Eccles, D.So.
Illustrated. Concluded . . 210
Railway Signalling— i>!sc«s-
■non 213
Electric Fans in India. Illus. 216
Electric Traction on Railways.
X. — Electric Locomotives.
By Philip Dawson. lUus.
Continued 216
Report of the Tramway's and
Light Railways Association
Committee on ■■Braking
Arrangements and Sanding
Gear on Tramcars." Con-
cluded 220
The Variation of Manganin
Resistances with Atmos-
pheric Humidity. By F.
E. Smith. Illustrated 222
Practical Considerations in
the Selection of Turbo-
alternators - Diir)is.iifi)l. . . . 224
Some Novelties of Messrs.
D. H. Bonnella & Sou, Ltd,
Illustrated 225
The Motor Exhibition 225
Braking Arranoe.me.nts and
SanuingGear onTkamcars 226
Reviews 228
Wireless Telephony [Ruh-
mer] ; Les Decouvertes
Reviews — roHttiin<:'l.
Modernes en Phvsique
[Manville].
Inaugural Address to the
Dublin Local Section of
the Institution of Electrical
Engineers. By G. F.
Pilditch 229
The late Professor Ayrton . . 230
Correspondence . .". 23 1
Rail Corrugation (James E.
York).
Progress of Technical Educa-
tion 231
Report of the London Traffic
Branch of the Board of
Trade 232
London Electrobus Co. (Ltd.) 232
A Safety Device for Prevent-
ing Damage due to the
Overloading of Electrically-
operated Haulage Gear, &c. 233
The "G.B.'' Surface Contact
System 233
Reflected Lighting by Holo-
phane Globes. Illustrated 234
Osram Lamps. — Reduced
Prices 234
ParliamentaryIntelligence 234
Legal Intelligence 236
Municipal, Foreign & General
Notes 237
Trade Notes and Notices 239
Companies' Meetings and
Reports 242
City Notes 244
Companies' Share List 245
NOTES.
Motor Omnibus Traffic.
It is a coiiiplaiiit against the companies who are operat-
ing motor ouinibuses iu the streets of London that so far
no details of the cost of operation have been forthcoming.
The doleful reports of directors and the statements made at
general meetings of shareholders of the omnibus-owning
companies show that the motor omnibuses under tlieir
control have been run at a great loss, bat hitherto any-
thing like exact figures have been wanting. It stands to
the credit of the London Electrobus Co. tiiat some time
ago interesting figures were .presented, but they were con-
.sidered meagre and unsatisfactory. This is a cliarge which
cannot be brought against the statement now made on the
authority of the company's auditors, and printed in full
on another page of this issue, along with some particulars
which the directors of the company have prepared with a
view to putting before their shareholders the present condi-
tion of the company's finances and the outlook for the future.
It should be noticed, however, that the detailed analysis
refers to a period of only three months. This, we consider, is
scarcely a sufficient period over which to furnish satisfactory
figures as a guide to the actual cost of operation. Thus,
if we take the figures for the preceding 12 months' work-
ing, we find that the operating cost works out at 12-6d. per
omnibus-mile, as compared with 9-99d. in the statement in
question. It is, however, but fair to point out that the
former figure would most probably have been reduced if
the increased number of vehicles at present in service had
been running throughout the whole period of the 12 months
in question. A special feature of these latest figures is
the high average of the receipts per vehicle per mile,
which, however, can scarcely be considered a permanent
asset. By this we do not mean that such a figure will not
be maintained during, say, the ne.xt two or three years, but
that the position of the Electrobus, as far as traffic is con-
cerned, is one of transition. The petrol motor omnibus is
in bad odour, in more senses than one, and passengers are
eager to take advantage of a more comfortable vehicle.
But as soon as the Electrobus can show conclusively com-
mercial stability and superiority, further competition is
inevitable. Meanwhile receipts stand at a high figure,
For the last three months these work out at 14-:3Sd., an in-
crease of O'oSd. over the figure for the preceding 1 2 mouths,
The difficulty that will, however, still continue to lurk in
the mind of the critic is whether the low figure for battery
maintenance, namely, l-99d. per omnibus mile, is permanent,
and remunerative totlie accumulator companies concerned.
AVe have always held that if the very difficult problem
of London's vehicular traffic is to be solved satisfactcirily
the solution must take some form of electric propulsion,
and the statement of the directors of the London Elec-
trobus Co. goes some way towards justifying this view.
We gather Irom the prospectus tliat the whole of the ad-
ditional capital (£.")0,000) which the company is now
seeking will be available for providing and equipping
further omnibuses to ply for hire on the London streets.
We consider the company is contributing in no small
degree towards the purification of our streets, the comfort
of passengers, and the solution of the difficult London
traffic problem.
London's Traffic Problem.
DuKiNti the past week the London traffic problem has
loomed large in the daily Press in consequence of tlie
publication of a report by the recently-formed London
Traffic Branch of the Board of Trade and of the announced
208
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
intention of the rrimc Minister to receive a deputation
next week from the London County Council to urge the
necessity for the formation of a London Traffic Board. It
is with the former of these two events that we are here
chiefly concerned, though it will be noticed.from our abstract
of the Keport elsewhere in this issue, that a Traffic Board
is declared to be more necessary than ever. A point upon
which emphasis is laid in the Report is the advantage to
be gained by the amalgamation of the various electric rail-
ways, tramways and even omnibus services at present in
operation. This may, at first sight, appear an almost
Utopian idea, but it will be remembered that it has
already been found feasible to operate the London
United Tramways undertaking in conjunction with
the District Railway and the Great Northern, Picca-
dilly and Brompton tube. In fact, the last year has seen
the spirit of co-operation much in evidence between under-
takings of the same character, although the competition
between tramways, railways and omnibuses for the same
traflic is very pronounced, whilst, as stated in the Report,
" there is a total al )senco of such co-ordination as would
assign to each its appropriate field of action, which alone
it can operate to the best advantage." The best arrange-
ment is stated to be for the railways to deal with the outer
suburban and long-distance traffic, for tramways to deal
with the bulk of the short-distance traffic and motor vehicles
with the remainder. The conditions might be altered,
however, if the railways have recourse to electrification,
and in this connection it is interesting to notice that the
bogey of the need for a cheap supply of electricity again
crops up ; but if the railway companies were convinced as
to the results to be expected from the electrification of
their suburban routes, a supply of electricity at favour-
able rates would .soon be forthcomiiis.
Cheaper Osrams.
Thk reduction in ])rice of the Osram lamp is something
of an event in metal filament lamp circles and one which
should have far-reaching results. So far the Osram lamps,
while atnong tlie more expensive of the metal lamps,
have achieved a record for life and efficiency which has
not been excelled by otlier lamps in the same clas.s. Now
that the price is to be reduced, not only will the consumer
of electrical etiergy benefit, but also the station engineer
and electrical contractor. The rapid development of the
metal lamps has been checked by two factors, the cost of
the lamp and the difficulties appertaining to high voltage
and low candle power. The first of these is likely to be
greatly infiuenced by the present move on the part of the
General Electric Co., and it will help to make the second-
mentioned factor less significant. The enormous induce-
ment held out to the consumer that economy in runnintf
will practically pay for the lamp will be further enhanced
by the decreased cost of the lamp itself The net result
should be the realisation of the hopes of the station engi-
neer that the use of metal. lamps would increase the field
of electric lighting to an extent which would offset the loss
of load due to their improved efficiency. Stimulus should
now be added to the efforts of both station manager and
contractor to extend the consumers' list with metal lamps,
as well as persuading old customers to introduce them.
The new prices of the Osram lamp will doublk-^s produce
a reduction of other lamps listed at the old Osram figures,
and this again will, we feel, be productive of nothing but
good. The metal lamp is essential to the future develop-
ment of electric lighting and it is a powerful competitor of
gas mantles. Its further progress will be marked with
similar incidents as that which we now chronicle for the
Osram lamp.
Penny-a-Word Telegrams.
Mespitk the energy displayed by Mr. He\niker Heaton
aiid his followers, and notwithstanding the facilities offered
1)y the Press ui giving prominence to Mr. Heaton's
"views," it is generally agreed that tire penny-a-word-
telegram-within-the-Empire agitation has not caught on.
People are beginning to appreciate the absurdity of the
proposal and to calculate the cost. Mr. Hkaton will cer-
tainly not advance the cause he has espoused with more
valour than discretion by attempting to lielittle the value
of the report of the Inter-Departmental Commission of
1902, to which Sir John Wolfe Eapjiy was able to refer
when addressing the stockholders of the Eastern Telegraph
Co. last week. Mr. Heaton has made no reply so far to
the convincing arguments against his absurd proposals
which were put before the members of the Colonial Insti-
tute at last week's meeting in London by Mr. C. R.
Neilsox, as reported in our columns. If the Press would
afford as much prominence to Sir John Wolfe Barry's
remarks and to Mr. G. R. Neilson's statement as has been
afforded to Mr. Hennikee Heaton's Paper there would be
an end to the crazy agitation on the subject. Meantime,
Sir Edward Sassoon, who in these matters invariably
follows Mr. Heaton's lead, is clamouring for a meeting in
the City of London to discuss the matter. It seems to us
most unlikely that City men, who have serious business to
attend to, will waste tlreir time in discussing so chimerical
an eirterprisc.
London Power Supply.
As we foreshadowed in our issue of November 6th, the
London and District Electricity Supply Bill has met the
same fate as its predecessors, its preamble being found on
Wednesday " not proved " by the Select Committee to
which the London power bills have been referred. In view
of the many and varied influences at work this was not
altogether surprising, although the Committee gave their
decision on the merits of the bill. In the present state
of the electrical industry the scheme proposed might have
been welcomed as providing an outlet for development at
the moment, but, on broader grounds, we have never
been in favour of such proposals. We hope that existing sup-
pliers will now be allowed to work out their own salvation,
since we are able to announce the preamble of the main
" linking-up " bill was yesterday (Tliur.sday)found " proved "
by the Select Committee, who have also decided to insert
a clause making the London County Council the pur-
chasing authority of the undertakings.
Newcastle Section of the Institution of Electrical Engi-
neers.—The annual dinner of this Section will be held in the
rooms of Messrs. Tilley A Co., Biackett-street, Newcastle-on-
T\ ne, on Wednesday next at 7:15 for 7:45 p.m.
Cable Interruptions. jy^^^^ „{ lnte.T„,.tion.
lontianalv— Siigon Sep. 16, 1908
Kotonoii Grand Bassam Oct 29 19C8
Dakar-Conakry .'.'.'..'.■.'.■.'.". Nov. 8,' 1908.
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
209
Students' Section of the Institution of Electrical Engi-
neers.— The first annual smoking concert of this section will
take place at Stones Restaurant, the ISroadwa)', Ludgate-hill,
on Tuesday, November 24th.
Royal Society. — The Papers read at the meeting yesterday
included the following : " Note on Horizontal Keceivers and
Transmitters in Wireless Telegraphy," by Prof. H. M. Mac-
donald, F.RS. ; and "Note on the Effect of Hydrogen on the
Discharge of Nerrative Electricity from Hot Platinum," by
Prof. H. A. Wilson, F.R.S.
London County Council Tramways Accounts. — In the analy-
sis of these accounts which appeared in our issue of November
6th it was not indicated whether the " cost per unit " referred
to units generated or units delivered to the line. We are in-
formed by Mr. A. L. C. Fell that the figures in question refer
to units generated or high-tension units purchased, as does also
the figure given for units used per car-mile.
Society of Engineers. — A conver.?azione was held, on Thurs-
day evening last week, at the Royal United Service Institu-
tion, Westminster, the members aid guests being received by
the President, Mr. Jcseph AVilliam Wilson, and Mrs. Wilson.
The museum, which contains many interesting curios and
priceless relics, was open, the London Concert Orchestra being
stationed in the gallery and rendering an excellent selection
of music throughout the evening ; whilst the Southwark Glee
Singers, assisted by Miss A. Tunks, entertained audiences in
the lecture theatre.
Glasgow Section of the Institution of Electrical Engineers. —
The seventh annual dinner of this section was held on Tuesday
evening last at the Grosvenor Restaurant, Glasgow, when the
chair was taken by Mr. W. W. Lackie, chairman of the Section.
The president of the Institution, Mr. W. M. Mordey, was pre-
sent, and about 250 members and guests, including Lord Kings-
burgh, Lord Chief Justice Clerk ; the Lord Provost of Glas-
gow (Mr. Archibald Mclnnes Shaw) ; Sir John Ure Primrose,
Bart. ; Engineer-Commander Haggerty, R.N., W. M. Mordey,
Esq. (who replied for the Institution) ; and several Bailies and
Town Councillors.
Mishap at Leeds Generating Station. — We are informed by
Mr. H. Dickinson that the interruption in the electricity
supply which occurred at Leeds on Saturday night was
caused by a machine which was being synchronised. This
machine broke down the moment it was synchronised, causing
the automatic trips on the main switches of the other machines
running at the time to operate and the whole of the suppl}' to
be shut down. Fresh machines were run up, and within
about 10 minutes a great portion of the supply was available,
and in 20 minutes the last circuit was made " alive." The
mishap occurred about a quarter past eight, and although con-
siderable inconvenience was caused no serious trouble has
been heard of. We understand that two machines were run-
ning on load when a third was synchronised. Immediately
this had taken place, one of the machines was cut out by its
reverse power relay ; the machine just synchronised then
broke down and was also cut out of circuit bj' its reverse
power relay. The remaining machine, which had no such reverse
relaj', being then heavily overloaded, blew its oil fuses.
Spanish Navy Contracts. — In connection with the proposals
for the reorganisation of the Spanish Navy, a company entitled
the Sociedad EspaOola de Construccion Naval has been formed
with a capital of 20,000,000 pesetas to undertake the work of
building new naval vessels for Spain. A number of prominent
Spanish engineering firms and banking houses are supporting
the new company, and 40 per cent, of the capital is being
taken up by Messrs. Yickers, Sons & Maxim, John Brown &
Co. and Sir W. Ci. Armstrong, Whitworth & Co. Tenders
have been submitted for naval construction, but no decision
has yet been arrived at. Though the ships must be constructed
in Spanish arsenals, in any event there should be an excellent
opportunity for British electrical engineering firms to secure
orders for electric lighting and power plant, &c. An esteemed
correspondent, writing to us from Barcelona, states : —
I think this should be a favourable opportunity for British electrical
firms to show some activity and come in to secure the man}- sub-con-
tracts in connection \\ith the war vessels. I see in the " Gaceta" of
the 12th inst. that by Royal Decree the electric lighting and power
installation for the Spanish cruiser "Reina Regente" has been given
to the Cia. anon. Espafiola de Electricidad Siemens-Schuckert.
We agree with our correspondent that British firms will do
well to watch closely any developments in hydro-electric trans-
mission work, ship lighting, electric power in mines, &c., in
Spain, where British influence has greatly increased of late years.
Junior Institution of Engineers,- The opening meeting of
this Institution's session took place on Tuesday last, when the
new President, Mr. James Swinburne, F.R.S., delivered his
inaugural address on "Available Energy." In opening, the
lecturer stated that this generation were so accustomed to the
principles of the conservation of energy that the work done by
great men in getting it established was often overlooked. The
conversion of work into heat by friction was very obvious, and
if all other cases were .as simple, no difficulty would be expe-
rienced in understanding the second law of thermo-dynamics.
In the case of a cylinder full of comp rsjssed air allowed to ex-
pand slowly and to do extei'nal work, heat was taken from the-
surrounding air and converted into work. The air was at the
same temperature as before, and all the external work was
done in converting the heat taken from the surroundings into
work. How such a process involved a degradation of energy
was a necessary consideration, and this and its measurement
were dealt with in the address. Further, the efficiency of the
system— i'.f., the amount of heat that could be converted into
work — and v.hat became of the rest were considered. If a gas
were compressed the particles hit the piston while it was ad-
vancing and rebounded with increased speed. This also meant
an increase in temperature and internal enericy. By puttitig
the end of the cylinder in contact with a hot reservoir this
work could be given back to it, but it was impossible to com-
press the gas without converting work into heat. In the case
where there was expansion without heat being t.aken up. the
particles were losing energy and speed. This increased the
entropy, as there was increased volume, a gain which was
balanced by the decreased speed, so tliat the total entropy re-
mained constant.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE WEEK.
TUESDAY, November 24th.
Manchester Students' Seition ok the Institution- of Electrical
Encinebrs.
7:30 p.m. Meetin;? at the Municipal School of Technology, Whit-
worth-street, Manchester. Paper on '• Central Station De-
sign," by Mr. J. H. Baxter.
WEDNESDAY, November 25th.
LeKIIs SeiTIOS (IF THE INSTITUTION OF ELECTRICAL KNdlNEEBS.
;'lJpm Mcetin" at the University, Leeds. Paper on "Com-
liarison of Natiutil and Induced Draught Systems,'^ by Mr.
W.N. Y. Kin<;.
THURSDAY, November 26th.
Institution- of Electrical Engineer-s.
.Sp.m. Meeting at the Institution of Civil Engineers, Great
(Jeorge-street, Westminster. Paper on ■' Domestic Elec-
tricitj- Supply, including Heating aiwl Cooking, as affected
by Tariffs," by Mr. W. R. Cooper.
FRIDAY, November 27tli
Physical Socif:ty. , „ „ c-
Sp.m. Meeting in the Plivsics Laboratory, Royal College of
Science. Imperial Institute-road, South Kensington.
Agenda: "A Graphic Method of Dealing with Kefracting Sur-
faces " bv Mr. H. S. Allen. "A Methoa of Determining
Moments of Inertia," by the late Prof. W^^a^sie. 'Aiv
E.xperimental Examination of Willard Gibbs Theory of
Surface Condensation Regarded as the Basis of A.lsorption, by
Mr. M. C. Lewis. "On the Diffusion of Actinium and Thorium
Emanations," by Mr. S. Kuss, and "On the Elliptac Polar.sat.oi*
Produced by the Direct Transmission of a Plane Polarised
Stream through a Plate of Qu.irtz cut in a Direction Oblique
to the Optic Axis, with a Method of Determining the Error
of a Plate Supposed to be perpendicular to the Axis, by air.
James Walker.
The Electrical Engineers (London Division).
The following orde.s have been issueil for the current week :-
Monday, Nov. 23th, "A 'Company 1 Infantry drill (Recruits),
Tuesdav, Nov. 24th, " B " Company I b p.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 26th, " C " Company 1 Techn.ca drill, 7 p.m. to
Friday. Nov. 27th, " D ' Company ) ^ to P'?' -7 to
Tuesdav. 24th. Medical Inspection foi- Recruits 6:30 p.m. to 7: 50 p.m.
Wednesday, 25th, lecture by Uapt. Phillips for Corporals. Other
N.C.O's may attend.
210
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
WEST HAM CORPORATION ELECTRICITY
DEPARTMENT.
The annual accounts of the West Ham Corporation electri-
•city department, together with the report of the engiiieer and
-manager (Mr. A. II. Seabrook) on the year's working, are
always invested with unusual interest in view of the energetic
policy which has of recent years been pursued by this depart-
ment under the guidance of its engineer. We analyse here-
with the accounts for the year ended March 31st last.
It will be noticed that, notwith-standing a considerably in-
creased revenue, a deficit is again shown on the year's work-
in" ; and also an increased deficit as compared with the pre-
vious year's working— viz., £4,670 and £1,S29 respectively.
Whilst this is, of course, at the first glance rather unsatis-
factory, it can he explained from the unusual set of conditions
which have prevailed during the year in question. First, the
expenditure has been increased by a sum of £744, the cost of
changing over a single-phase generator to two-phase. This is
the second machine to be so converted, the first being charged
to reserve fund. The result of the change is to increase the
capacity of the machines, and, what is of more importance, it
increases their reliability and value. Again, the cost per ton
of coal was 9d. higher than for the previous year ; whilst a
sum of £200 is debited to repairs and maintenance, the amount
of a deduction from the sanction of a loan made by the Local
Government Board in connection with the installation of chain-
grate stokers. It is, however, to the increase in the capital
charges that the deficit must be largely attributed. These
charges for interest and sinking fund commence from the
time of spending a large amount of money in extending the
supply, as was done in Silvertown and Stratford, so that a
loss is perforce made on a large extension until the time
■when sufficient consumers are connected to cover these charges.
The benefits of the extensions and the re organisation of the
department are likely to become more apparent in next year's
working, when we expect to see a very different financial result.
As regards the revenue during the past year, the amount
received for private lighting was £23,641, an increase of £303
over the previous year's item, but still below the figure of
£2.5,000 reached in 1904. Reductions in price have kept the
revenue stationary, and now metallic filament lamps have
the same result; as a matter of fact, from April to August of
the current year we understand a decrease in lighting revenue
of ,£600 has been recorded, but, on the other hand, for the
same five months an increased income for the whole under-
taking of £6,052 over the corresp,onding period of the pre-
vious year has been recorded, with an increased total cost, in-
cluding capital charges, of only £1,731. It is, however, in
power supply that the development of the undertaking is
likely to proceed very rapidly, and for the [last y^ar an increase
of £6,000 in value of the power units sold has been recorded.
The mains which have been changed from single phase 2,000
volts to two-phase 2,000 and 6,000 volts, and the extension to
Silvertown, have enabled a two-phase supply to be given to all
the maiuifacturing centres in the borough
strengthen the future financial stability of the undertaking.
We give below an analysis of the expenditure during the
past financial year, together with the cost of working per unit
sold both for the year IDOT-H and the year 1906-7 :—
^. „ ^ Cost pel unit sold.
Generating Costs. 1907-8 1906-7
Coal, &c £15,084
Oil, waste, water, &c 1,000
Wages at station 3^427
Repairs aiul maintenanco 3^741
Miscellaneous (testing, &c.) 202
Management Costs.
Salaries £2,127
Rents, rates and taxes .„ 1,063
Establishment charges 1,697
Printing, stationery, &c 697
Publicity expenses 552
Special charges 2,451
005a. .
.. 007d.
0-02d. .
.. 003d
0-04d. .
.. 0-02d.
0-Old. .
. 002d.
O.Old.
.. 0-Old.
0-05d.
.. 0-06d
Total Management Costs
£8,587
0 18d.
0-21d.
Total Costs {ex. capital charges). £39,326
Capital Charges.
.Sink intr fund £10,092
Interest 15,127
Contribution to capital account
pending borrowing 2,826
Changingoverplantto two ph.ase 744
0-22(I. .
0-32d.
.. 0-31d.
.. 0-37d.
0-06d. .
0-Old. .
.. 0-Old.
0-61<l.
0-69d.
l-44d. .
r34d
OlOd
.. l-65cl.
.. l-60d
.. 005d,
0-32d.
. 0-39d.
0-02d.
.. 0 03a.
0-07d. .
.. 007d.
0-08d.
.. OlOd.
0-Old.
.. OOOd.
Total Generating Costs £23,454
■Distribution Costs. ~^^~"
W'^Ses £186
Repairs and maintenance of
mains, meters, Ac 3,087
Bo. of free wiring installations... ' 38
Do. of motors (incl. cost of fixing) 1,990
Tramways dept. (use of feeders) 59
Attending public lamps 1,925
Total Distribution Costs £7.285
0-SOd.
O^OOd.
0-07d.
O-OOd.
0-04d.
0-OOd.
0^04d.
0^15d.
O'Old.
0^05d.
0-OOd.
0 04d.
0-OOd.
0-06d.
0-16d.
Total Capital Charges £28,789
Total Costs (mc capital charges)... £68,115
Total Receipts from all sources ... £63,445
Balance— being deficit for year... £4,670
During the year the capital expenditure amounted to
£37,317, the principal items being £15,234 for mains and ser-
vices, £12,576 for machinery and plant, and £S,S1G for trans-
formers, &c.
The total capital expenditure to March .'U, 1908, is given
in the following table, and the cost per kilowatt installed for
each item is also given : —
Capital Account.
Land and buildings .' £78,385
g; Machinery and plant 173, 167
Mains and cables 114,066
Transformers, &c.. 31,624
Meters 12,845
Electrical instruments 1,224
Lamps, columns and fittings 7,355
, Office furniture 611
£419,277
Per kw.
Per
installed.
cent
£93 .
. 18-7
20-6 .
. 41-3
136 ..
. 27-2
. 3-8 ..
. 7-6
. 1-5 .
. 30
. 02 .
. 0-3
. 0-9 .
. 1-8
. 0-0 .
. 0^1
£49-9
100 0
The number of units generated during the year ended March
31, 190H, was 13,340,948; of these 11,299,7K3 were sold,
2,123,336 being for private lighting purposes, 4,161,156 for
private power and heating, 790,180 for public lighting and
4,225,111 for tramways. The units used on the works totalled
841,732, whilst 1,199,433 units were lost in distribution. The
total maximum supply demanded was 5,500 kw., and the capa-
city of the plant installed in the generating stations was
.S,400 kw. The public lamps in use at March 31, 1908, com-
prised 361 arc lamps and 143 incandescents.
RECENT PATENTS IN WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY
AND TELEPHONY.
BY Vf. H. ECCLES, D.SC.
[Concluded from page 1 73.)
The patents relating to detectors do not disclose any new
principle. In 2,283 (1907), Alexander Muirhead specifies a
modification of the point and plane coherer. The loose contact
forming the coherer is placed at the bottom of a column of oil,
means are provided for adjusting the hydrostatic pressure tiU
the sensitiveness and the self-restoring property are at their best.
The liquid may with advantage be made to flow past the loose
contact. In 15,412 (1907), L. H. Walter makes a self-restoring
coherer by dipping a fine tantalum point to a very small
depth into mercury. A piece of tantalum filament from a lamp
is very suitable. No oil or other special dielectric is necessary
to ensure decoherence. A mode of construction is described for
preventing disturbances by mechanical vibration. I have
recently made and tried several of these coherers, and have
found them perfectly self-restoring if the mercury is not too
clean. Like other coherers of the same kind, this gives very
loud indications if the signals are very strong — louder, indeed,
than any similar coherer I know of — but, of course, weak
signals are quite unheard by this, though easily read by the
thermo-electric or electrolytic detectors. Among thermo-
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
211
electric detectors are patents No. 12,35.3 (1907), granted
to L. AV. Austin. No. 21,408 (1907), to the Gesellscliaft fiir
Dralitlose Telegraphie, and No. 2,943 (1908), to G. \V. Pickard.
No. 12,3.53 (1907) describes a knife-edge of tellurium
adjusted by a spring, pressing on a rotating aluminium rod.
No. 21.408 (1907), is constituted of the oxidised sharp edge of a
revolving copper disc touching a piece of tin or bismuth adj eudts
by a spring. No. 2.943 (1908), uses a piece of the red mineral
known as zincite (oxide of zinc) split across the cleavage planes
and pressed against a piece of metal. In all these detectors the
oscillatory energy gathered from the passing waves is reduced
to heat at the high resistance contact, and the heat, in virtue
of the Peltier effect, produces a current which can be perceived
Fig. 20.— G. Marconi, No. 887/1907.
by a telephone. A different kind of detector, in which ionised
gas is the matter sensitive to electrical oscillations is concerned
in two specifications. No. 887 (1907) is a patent acquired by G.
Marconi, which proposes a modification of the usual way of
using Dr. Fleming's oscillation valve. This valve, it may be
recalled, consists of a vacuous vessel containing a heated fila-
ment and an insulated cold electrode. Electricity will pass
across the gas from the hot to the cold 'electrode, but not in the
other direction. As usually used the rectified oscillatory
current is passed directly through the telephone ; but in the
present invention the valve is placed in series with a condenser
and the secondary of an inductorium, and the telephone is in
the primary circuit. Fig. 20 illustrates the disposition of the
Fig. 21.— L. de Forest, No. 1,427/1908.
apparatus. This use of the inductorium is equivalent to em-
ploying a high-resistance telephone receiver. I have lately
been trying this method of applying the valve to wireless
telegraphy ; but though it is a great improvement on
the valve used alone, I have not been able to make it
reach the sensitiveness of the thermo-electric detector.
The other patent concerned with the ionised gas detector
is No. 1,427 (1908). taken out by L. de Forest. Fig. 21 shows
the design. The modification of the original " audion " lies
in the addition of a second cold insulated electrode. In the
old instrument the oscUlatory current and the telephone
shared the same cold electrode ; in this new instrument they
have separate electrodes. There is a certain similarity between
the real novelty in these two devices of Marconi and de Forest.
In both of them a condenser appears now in the oscillatory
circuit. Consequently the rectified current cannot now flow
round the oscillatory circuit, but accumulates in the condenser.
When the condenser discharges the whole charge is passed
through the inductorium winding in one case, and through the
telephone in the other.
Wireless Telegeaphy.
In the domain of wireless telephony there are several specifi-
cations well worthy of notice. Wireless telephony can, it is
said, be accomplished by spark methods of generating electrical
oscillations, but the arc will probalily displace the spark com-
pletely. The broad principles underlying wireless telephony
can be stated very briefly. A stream of radiation, normally
constant in wave-length or amplitude or both, must be emitted
from the sending station continuously, or with interruptions
not fewer than several hundreds per second. On this tmiform
flow of radiation changes of some kind or other must be im-
pressed in quantitative accord with the acoustic vibrations to
be transmitted. The receiving apparatus, on the other hand,
must be capable of giving quantitatively, audible indications of
these changes in the character of the incoming radiation. Now
an oscillatory arc, for instance the Poulsen arc, can give a
practically continuous stream of radiation, while a rapidly
interrupted stream of radiation can be given by a very rapid
spark apparatus, for example by one of the recent Marconi
generators. Wireless telephony is therefore possible with-
either of these oscUlation generators if acoustic vibrations can'
be impressed on the waves. The steady outpouring of radia-
tion may be likened to the smooth or nearly smooth wax sur-
face moving beneath the " needle " of a phonograph ; but
while the wa.x offers only one variable — its geometrical form —
to the acoustic modelling, the electric radiation offers at least
two variables — the amplitude and the wave-length. Both these
characters have actually been utilised, hence we have at
present two principal kinds of electric wave telephony, namely,
telephony by variation of amplitude, and telephony by varia-
tion of wave-length. In any practical method both these
variables are simultaneously charged to some extent, and in
particular instances it is hard to say which is the more utilised.
A great many ways of applying the acoustic control have been
proposed. The largest number employ a microphone trans-
mitter in association with either the aerial cii'cuit or the oscilla-
tion-generating circuit. For instance the microphone may be
arranged in shunt with a part of the aerial inductance or
capacity, or in a separate circuit inductively coupled with the
aerial ; or it may be analogously associated with the oscilla-
tion circuit. But there are many other ways than these in
which a microphone might be used in the oscillation circuit. For
example, the microphone might conceivably be applied to
modify the supply current to the arc, or the length of the arc,
or the magnetic field at the arc, or any other variable affecting
the amplitude or wave-length of the oscillations produced by
the arc. In spite of this wide range of possibilities the diffi-
culties at the sending end far outnumber these at the receiving
end. Any continuously and rapidly acting quantitive detector
that can be used with a telephone recei\er will serve for receiv-
ing, whatever the method of sending may be. Such detectors
include the electrolytic, the thermoelectric, the magnetic, and
the rectifying detectors, but not the coherer. If telephony is
being conducted by variation of amplitude, the wave-length
being kept constant, the varying intensity of the waves-
causes varying activity in the detector and corresponding
movements of the diaphragm of the telephone associated
with the detector. If, on the other hand, sounds are being
conveyed by modulating the wave-length of the radiation
the same result as before comes to pass at the telephone dia-
phragm, because in oscillatory receiving circuits of fixed
electrical dimensions the response to the incoming waves is
greater or less according as those waves are nearer in tune or
further out of tune with the fixed receiving circuits.
Eeturning to the sending end we find that quite a number of
inventors have associated the microphone with the air-wire
circuit. The crudest way is to put the microphone directly in
the aerial. The alterations of microphone resistance produced
by the sound vibrations cause corresponding changes of th&
212
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
ail-wire current, and therefore of the amplitude of the waves
detaehed from the air-wire. Some inventors improve on the
■last l)V arranging a capacity or an inductance or a combination
of these as a shunt to the microphone. Others place the
microphone in a closed circuit inductively coupled with
the air-wire. The microphone is then traversed by oscil-
latorv currents induced from the air-wire currents and
these induced currents react on the air- wire currents in
accordance with well-known electrical principles. Thus
alterations of microphone resistance imply alterations of this
inductive reaction. All the above methods are examples of
more or less pure amplitude-telephony. But besides being
used to vary the amplitude of the emitted waves the micro-
phone may be used to vary the wave-length emitted. This has
been done, bv J. S. Stone for instance, by placing the micro-
phone in a circuit coupled with the principal inductance coil of
the'oscillation generating circuit. The currents in the coupled
•circuit are governed by the microphone's resistance and the
effective inductance of the coil is therefore varied correspond-
ingly. This of course alters the frequency, and, also, the
amplitude, of the oscillations generated. The microphone
does not figure in all the proposed methods of wireless tele-
phony, however. For example a favourite suggestion for vary-
ing wave-lengths is that of altering the capacity of the generat-
ing circuits or of the aerial itself by aid of a " condenser tele-
phone " such as that of Dolbear. This instrument, it may be
recalled, has its diaphragm forming one plate of a condenser
and its back forming the other plate. The acoustic vibrations
of the diaphragm produce fluctuations of the capacity of the
circuit. The above are only a few instances of the things that
have been proposed. Any property whatever of an oscillatory
circuit, or of the arc, or of the rapid spark, which has an in- |
fluence on wave-length or amplitude, may possibly be utilised
some day for wireless telephony. Consequently, inventors
have drawn up specifications outlining all sorts of dispositions
and processes ; but many of the plans set forth may remain for-
ever visionary. We need not catalogue many of these pro-
posals ; it will be sufficient to run over a few of the more
interesting schemes disclosed in the past few mouths.
To begin with, in 3,215 (1907), E. Euhmer points out that,
in the Poulsen arc, if the current is below a certain value or
above a certain other value, the oscillations cease. He goes
on to state that if the current through a battery and micro-
phone in series be imposed on the supply current of the arc so
as to increase the current in the former case or to decrease it in
the latter case, then the arc may be caused to pass to and fro
between the nonoscillatory and the oscillatory states in
obedience to the microphone's variations in resistance. In
either case the to-and-fro movements of the microphone
diaphragm are translated into periods of radiation and no-
radiation. The microphone-current's variations are to be im-
posed on the supply current by the usual way of making the
microphone-cm-rent pass through the primary of a transformer
whose secondary is in the supply leads. The noveltv in
Ruhmor's proposal lies merely in using the arc at about those
■current strengths where it can only just generate oscillations,
whereas ordinarily the arc is used at a current strength well
away from the limits mentioned above. The degree of success
that wiU attend this method must depend on the suddenness
of the passage from the oscillatory to the non-oscillatory as
.the supply-current is varied. In my own experience I think
the intensity of the oscDlations alters only very graduallv
as the supply current is changed, especially as the
supply current is increased from the lower limit. Another
proposal in this same specification is to pass the microphone
currents round the blast electromagnet used with the high
voltage Poulsen arc. Unfortunately, as is well known, the
strength of the oscillations produced by the arc is not sensi-
tively dependent on the strength of the blast field. For in-
stance I found on a certain occasion that the addition of two
thousand ampere turns to a blast magnet with a half-inch
diameter soft iron core had but slight effect on the power
radiated. Evidently then the attempt to telephone bv passing
microphone currents through the blast magnet windings will
necessitate the use in the microphone circuit of a winding great
enough to constitute an efficient choking coil for speech
currents.
In the former of the above two methods it is proposed to trans-
mit speech by pulses of radiation separated by blank intervals.
An interesting light is thrown on thLs proposal by patent 26,.530
(1907), granted to the Gesellschaft fiir Drahtlose Telegraphic.
Here the inventors insist on the importance in practical radio-
telephony of keeping the average radiation at as high a value as
possible. They have found that the intensity of the sound in
the telephone receiver, for notes and words, increases with
both the size of the fluctuations and the extent of the maxi-
mum amplitude. The present invention now sets forth a mode
of operating by which on the one hand the microphone's resist-
ance altcratioiis produce a large fluctuation of the amplitude
of the emitted radiation and by which on the other hand this
emitted radiation maintains a fair average amplitude. Their
method, put shortly, is to use a strongly excited Duddell arc
circuit very loosely coupled with the air-wire and a closed
microphone circuit closely coupled with the air- wire. The most
suitable coupling between the arc circuit and the air-wire is
stated to be below 3 per cent. If the coupling is closer than
this the aerial oscillations are so great that the microphone
cannot impose sufficiently great proportional alterations on the
amplitude of the emitted radiation. At the receiving end
another problem presents itself. Here a phenomenon that
may be called " deformation by resonance " must be combated.
This phenomenon is most easily understood by considering the
case of a sending station starting to emit a stream of radiation of
Fic. 22. — Gesellschakt fCr Drahtlose Telegrai'Hie, No. 26,530/1907-
to a definite wave-length, the amplitude of which is gently
fluctuating about an average in obedience to a musical note.
Let these waves be received by a distant apparatus, whose
damping is very small and which is nicely tuned by the use, as
usual, of a loose coupling. The result in the resonant circuit
will be that the amplitude therein gradually rises towards a
maximum, continuously and without regard to the gentle
fluctuations of amplitude on the stream of incoming radiation.
The fluctuations are wiped out because time is required for the
resonant circuit to gain and lose energy. Thus in this illustra-
tive case there will be no sound at all perceptible in the receiv-
ing apparatus. In practice the phenomenon does lead to con-
siderable deformation in speech sounds ; and it can be noticed
by anyone who happens to overhear other people's wireless
telephone experiments, on ordinary tuned telegraph apparatus
using, say, a magnetic receiver. The Gesellschaft fiir Draht-
lose Telegraphic in the patent under notice describe how to
avoid all this by using as close a coupling as possible between
air-wire and resonant circuit, and between resonant circuit and
detector circuit. It is here an advantage of course to use a
detector which, besides being quantitative in its indications can
absorb the oscillations in the resonant circuit quickly. Fig. 22
shows the disposition of both sending and receiving circuits ;
dc is the arc circuit loosely coupled to the aerial a, which is
closely coupled to the microphone circuit b. There is no cell in
b because an induced high-frequency current traverses the
microphone. The resonant circuit is represented by g k, closeh-
coupled to the receiving aerial / and to the detector circuit h i.
It might be argued that the above described phenomenon of
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
213
distortion by resonance will make telephony by variation o£
•n-ave-length" infeasible — for it is clear that if close coupling of
the resonant circuit with the receiv-ing aerial is essential, then
small variations of wave-length will be imperceptible. But as
a fact the coupling need not be very close, if only it be provided
that the detector is such, and is so placed, that it absorbs and
utilises the in-gathered energy with sufficient promptitude.
The most interesting example of telephony by wave-length
variation disclosed in recent patents is No. 889 (1908) of the
Amalgamated Radio-Telegraph Company. The essence of this
invention is that small changes of the emitted wave-length are
best perceived at the receiving station if the apparatus at this
station is slightly out of tune with the sender. This fact is
made plain by the resonance curve in Fig. 23. Here the
abscissa represents the wave-length of the waves received, and
the ordinate represents the consequent effect on the detector.
If the receiving apparatus is exactly tuned to the sender the
■effect on the detector is shown by the ordinate B N. Here-
in:. 23.— AniALciAMATBD Radio-Telegraph Cc, No. 889/1908.
abouts small variations of wave-length, say to ftj or to 60, make
little, change in the ordinate. But if the receiving apparatus
is mistuned, say to A or C, the ordinate there varies more
appreciably for a definite change of wave-length. In short,
sensitiveness for variations of wave-length depends on steej^ness
of the resonance curve ; and as this in turn depends on freedom
from damping, the coupling with the air-wire should be loose,
and the damping due to the detector should be as slight as is
■consistent with freedom from distortion by resonance. The
patent under notice describes, therefore, a method of telephony
by variation of wave-length which is characterised by the mis-
tuning of the receiving apparatus with respect to the sending
apparatus, together with, if desired, the simultaneous mistuning
of two or more circuits at the sending or receiving ends respec-
tively, with respect to one another. We have to consider only
one more suggestion for the improvement of wireless telephony.
This is the subject matter of .3,58.3 (1908). Here G. Seibt pro-
-wm\f\r—^mw^
Fig. 24.— Seikt, Xo. 3,583/1908.
■poses to augment the efiect of the microphone speech currents
on the arc that generates the oscillations, by giving them an
easier path than they obtain in the usual way of arranging the
microphone and the arc circuits. The method of telephony in
which the microphone alters the supply current of the arc by
imposing the speech currents on it is supposed to be in use (Fig.
24) ; and the improvement advocated consists in putting a
large condenser across the supply leads. The speech current
in the supply leads now passes through this condenser and the
arc, instead of passing round the generator and through the
choking coils and through the arc as aforetime. In carrying
out this improvement a resistance must be added in series to
the new condenser to prevent, by its damping action, this latter
condenser making the arc a low-frequency singing arc.
RAILWAY SIGNALLING.
On p. 133 of our issue of November Gth we gave an abstract
of a Paper on " Railway Signalling," read by Capt. A.
Gardinei-, fi.E., before the Leeds Section of the Institution of
Electrical Engineers. This gave rise to an interesting discus-
sion, of which we give the principal points below.
DISCUSSION.
Jlr. .T. Piuii (North-Eastern Ra'lw.ay) said that with radical proposals
such as the.se there were .«»vpral things to be considererl. The first was
to check the engineering details, the next to compare the arrangements
with our own experience, and, lastly, to consider the relations of the pro-
posals made to the conditions obtaming. None of the present systems,
however, were exactly comparable with that of Capt. Gardiner. There
was little to be said with regard to the engineering details, for the pro-
posals were so simple as to disarm criticism. There was one point —
the insulation of the rail joint. The author had only msulated one
rail joint, although he said two rail joints might be easily in.sulated.
He (Mr. Pigg) thought if the diagram were closely scanned it would be
found that if the insulation of the joint broke down, there was not only
an extension of the circuit, but that the local battery would .=end a
current through the local relay. Moreover, if an engme in that section
was at the far end of the section it was quite possible that the rail re-
sistance might lead to a false " clear " signal. The insulation of both
joints would be imperative. He was of opinion that in practice some
trouble would be found by using the same battery for the track circuit
and for the cab signals ; the disturbing factor, of course, was the leakage
on the track ciroiit, which gave rise to the necessity for track relays
with a wide range of current strength, necessitating low battery power
and low internal resistance ; the added resistance as shown would form
part of the battery resistance for the track circuit. It was necessary to
have higher pressure for cab signalling than for the track circuit. The
rail resistance was affected by the condition of the bonding, which was
not constant. Also the resistance of the engine, from frame to wheels,
was greater when the engine was running th.an wlien it was standing,
due to the oil being carried round the bearings in the former case. He
considered that the device adopted to prevent a second train obtaining
a clear signal when the section was already occupied should not be on
the engine, but should be such as would reduce the potential of the
contact rail behind any train in the section, so as to make the giving of
a second signal at any distance behind that impossible. He looked
upon the ramp as a useful indication to the diiver, and thought a
similar arrangement would be most valuable at what are now "distant"
signalling points. Auxiliary ramps would tend to prevent over-running
in one case, or loss of time in the other case, and that, of course, whilst
it was not a question of safety was a question of the speedy despatch of
traffic, and only slightly less important. Continuous signalling was
provided for by "this system. He considered that its utility was a ques-
tion which could only be settled by consideration of the advantages
claimed for it. Such advantages were, however, not given in the Paper,
although the question of cost and contact were dealt with under the
head of " objections," and it was true that i mile sections were sug-
gested with, perhaps, the intention of increasing the capacity of the
line. For main-line work, with speeds up to 70 miles an hour, A mile
sections would be unthinkable, and heavy trains with a 100 ton engine
and, say, 350 tons behind, could not be braked at such speeds in these
distances. Moreover, on short sections, it was a question whether they
really increased the capacity of the line very much, as the traffic depended
on the organisation and policy. Policy, at present, tend<^d to long
heavy trains, and the organisation mixed fast and slow trains,
between which adequate time had to be allowed for the latter to
be kept clear of the former. Continuous signalling, as suggested, re-
quired in this svstem continuous contact with the contact rail. The
requu-ements for continuous contact of this kind were quite different
to those for short mtermittent contacts. Such contacts required to
be Ultimate and to have a very low resistance, on account of the low
electrical pressiu-e available. The brushes must, therefore, clean the
contact tail in passing over it. This involved a pressiu-e that, if applied
c.intinuously. would cause considerable heating and enormous wear.
The conditions were quite different from those for the collection of
currents for third-rail traction, where the electrical pressure was many
times greater than in such systems as were being considered, and where
a contact resistance which might be fatal to the latter would have no
apparent effect on the working of the traction system. He considered
that, having provided the necessary signals on the engme. where they
were under the observation of two men. the driver should be left to
handle his engine himself. No mechanism could do it so well, and such
an arrangement would only lead to unnecessary complication. Loco-
motive engineers would be chary of allowing interference with their
" live " steam pipes or brakes. The degree of brake power to l)e applied
in this way would be of the slightest, and the driver must, necessarily,
regulate its apphcation. He had no faith in automatic records of the
kind proposed. The examination and linking up of daily records would
be endless and. unless they were compared with similar records taken
of the signals given at each successive signalling point, the advantage
would be infinitesimal. One point in which the automatic system
failed was that of selection. -■Vt any junction where a road had to be
selected, or a departure made from straight running, the question of
selection came in, and such places were the rule, and straight running
sections the exception, in this country. The transportation business
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
depended upon the organisation of the tram service and the ^'f^^^^"^f
wWch arranged for its passage. What arrangements were to be made
to i vUle «• selection of traffic.at th. ] ti^v. ^vhich were so numerou
in ?hP. country ? Capt. Gardiner pn.,"' ' '^ "' ^l.splace the prehmmaiy
block si^Jal ify the tr^K.k circuit. «l,. ,, ... ' > ' I''' -f^™a'w'i'^
the outdoor signalling by cab signals. Hr i,i..|,osed to take a«aj tiu
man"sH^ibilitv to error as a signalman, and at the same t.me his power
for good He proposed to displace a system of ndependent section
sLfmng and replace it with a signal that would be common to all
e^^ions^^d if that common signal failed it failed all over the journey
and there was nothing whatever to replace it. With an automatic
system the driver mu8t^.bey the signals given him and that was a he
was require<l to do now. Where there was no independent check upon
The movement of an engine, such as was afforded by the presence of a
sianalman, the fear of the consequences involved m passing a signal ai
Ser were reduced. Disasters had occurred, and perhaps would con-
tinue to occur, on railways owing to the lapses of human control ; but
these lni^-< "'TO an infinitesimal proportion of the total operations
a far h- fr..,...ru..u. indeed, than the one in 100,000 which was quoted
in the i'.i-i ■•' -i"li a degree of perfection." Let us provide whatever
facilities were pu^.ible to cheek lapses, to enable proper signals to be
exhibited, or to enable the driver to know what he was requu-ed to do.
Having done that, leave the man to do his part : that was what he was
there for. Capt. Gardiner s.id tl,.t the N.E.R. system had a gravity
safety position. That he (.Mr. I'l..) -n-'ested was not the right way
to look at the design. Bcl«. . n ...n ,ll,„g pomts the driver was under
no signalling control, and it u.u. Ih..-, fact that the design was intended
to brmg out. inasmuch as the last " off " signal in its entirety remamed
until the next signalling point was reached. The change of position ot
the indicator, coupled with the audible signal, was the note ot
warning of locality that it was .so desirable to give to drivers under cer-
tain circumstances. The " og " or " clear " signal was only given by
change of position of the semaphore arm accompanied by the route indica-
tion. The route indication could only be given by a current from the
cabin, and the same current caused the semaphore to drop by .§ravity.
It was only when both acted together that the indication could be
accepted. , , ,
Ml-. W. C. ACFIELD (Midland Railway) thought that the ramps shown
on the model for indicating the approach of a train to a junction were not
sufficiently long to give drivens warning before they approached the
junction. It was important that the drivers should have some warnmg,
say, at least J mile before the junction, and it would not do to simply
have ramps so close to the poiiil.- tliat a driver would only have a warnmg
of a few seconds. These ramjis sliould be carried right out as far as
the " distant " signals. With regard to the question ot speed reduction,
on all railwavs in this country the speed " restrictions " were not m any
way considered to be governed bv the signals. The traffic and loco-
motive departments would not admit of a chiver being exonerated from
observing the speed ivMii. ii,,ns. ;,. s.i Imlli m the various mstructions
of the railway com iM . Ii\ ihr mn-.lihi i-n -I a mechanical contrivance
and, therefore, he did nm ilnnk iImI .my i:nlway company would be pre-
pared to rely on any automatic device, because it would be practically
taking the res]K>nsibility out of the hands of the drivers.
Mr. C. Buck (Railway Audible Signal Co.). after carefully considermg
the various points touched upon and enforced by Capt. Gardiner, thought
that some of the ends gained were unnecessary. He particularly re-
ferred to the abolition of the semaphore signal en bloc, and its replace-
ment by continuous cab signals at all points upon a line. Regarding the
abolition of the " home " semaphore signal, he felt confident this would
be attended with the direst results. The " home " signal denoted a
definite geographical pomt upon the line. Under Capt. Gardiner's
system it would be possible for any driver to pass the whole of his tram
into a most dangerous zone before becoming aware- of tlie fact by a
signal in the cab.' Capt. Gardiner deprecated any system of signalling
operated partly by signals on the line and partly by signals m the cab.
He could not agree with him in this, and firmly believed that the ideal
system of signalling would be found to be the right admixture of cab
signalUng — semaphore signalling and ground control of the brakes at
" distant " or " home " or " stop " signals. Even in this system the
signalman had not been eliminated. There was liltlc doubt in his (the
speaker's) own mind that up to a certain point ni' rji.iiiic al mcins .hould
be adopted for advising the driver of a train, and Ini yii<\ uliiiu liini with
the requisite information If nc-icssary. tin- iiicrlKuiical oocialion of
the brakes at the " distant " signal ^lamlil lia.ctl'ected in such a manner
that the driver would have ia|u.il ...iitrnl.' This would necessitate |
the di-iver alighting and re-adjusliiii; I he laake air valve before he could
proceed ; these indications would be a cheek on the accuracy of the
signals received. Beyond a certain point the increase of operating
mechanism, and the multiplicity of signals given to the driver might
confuse him, and render the system, not only useless, but actually dan-
gerous. He endorsed Capt. Gardiner's scheme as regards the " distant "
signal. For some years past the {[uestion of doing away with the '" dis-
tant " semaphore signal had occuiiied the attention of railway engineers
and others interested in the economical and safe working of railways,
and there w.-is n<i doubt that the system now being laid do\TO by tlie
Great Wesl(-rri Hail\v.-iy upon llieir main line and branches not only
comjilctcly lilli-d I hi- bill, but created a very considerable saving in main-
tenance, and yet still left the management witli the drivers, who were
not rendered slack and unobservant by a complete sj'stem of automatic
control. As every railroad engineer knew, the bugbear was the " distant "
signal ; the maintenance was excessive, the signal was naturally far re-
moved from the signalman, and was the signal most likely to get out
of order and be affected by snow and cl-matio conditions. With re-
ference to the " reduce speed " indications, the audible signal, in place
of the '■ di anf' sen aphore, could be very well used for this purpose.
In the ease of a junction with several lines branching m different diree-
tkms the -distant" signals could be given agamst the drivers irrespective
of™ e " honie " or " stop " signals. This would serve to reduce the speed
oi uie "o"'<; "' 1 ^^.„„n _.,,]:..„ where speed had to be reduced
and should there be a curve of small radius «neie y^ ^
the " distant " signal could be kept permanently on, and so the appli
cation of the brake ensured. In emergency a ramp might be placed
anywhere upon a line, and the lam,, or llagman done away with, together
anywriereupjii ,,„,,, of foe signals or detonators. There might
ul ^er" ' " to l^ Sanical application of the bn.kes
at the " dist .„ ■ and - home " signals, but he was of the opinion that the
solution was to be found in the provision of an automatic leak brake
b^ng a^>P^^ed when the "distant"was "on" and a 'trigger cock and tram
" stop" at the " liomc " or " stop " signal, and this would also constitute
an accurate ,1,.-, k as I,, the correctness of the signals received. Turnmg
once more tn .1„- .,1.-1, la... of the " distant" semaphore and its replace-
ment^y -Hi.1.1- a.,d v.sible cab signals; the fact of domg ^way w.th
the distant semaphore would leave one semaphore only-a stop
signal-upon the ro.ad. At night there would be on^y one red light
i^!toad of^wo for the driver to pick up Every semaphore signal would
bl a definite " .stop " signal of which the cab signal would be the reflex-
Jfr J Savers (Midland Railway) thought that if the system could be
installed at a reasonable cost .and would always work as it had
worked at the meeting, the policy of scrapping our present apparatus and-
puttin» in Capt. Gardiner's would have to be considered; but the
point that concerned all railway engineers was would it always work
as it had worked at the meeting? There was a natural objection to mtro-
ducing such a large number of complications as would have to be m-
.stalled to replace the present semaphore signal. Capt. Gardmer s system
worked by means of track circuits, which, of course, were not new, and
the safety of all traffic rested upon the per ect working of these cireuits
He personally, was not prepared to advise this, although he thought
the track-circuit system, when properly laid down, was for rmrning Imes
as reliable as any other apparatas. The track-cireuit controlled signal
was a safe signal when used to break up long sections of straight running
lines without connections, but was not, in his opinion, a safe signal to
be used whether as a semaphore or as a cab mdication, when a nian was
runnmg at high speed through junction connections. In the hrst in-
stance, the man's eyesight would be of enormous value to him if the
signal happened to have given a false indication, but m the second case
his eyesight was of no use to him, as a false indication would be given
when he was right on the danger. As a minor matter, he would suggest
that any continuous automatic signalling system should have the ad-
iacent track circuits divided by a .short length of track with the two rails
short-circuited, so as to prevent leakage from one jomt to another. He
would like to ask Capt, Gardiner whether this system provided for over-
lap With no overlap, two trains might get absolutely mto contact
without any failure of the system, whereas this shouW not be possible
bv at least i mile. With regard to the insulation of the track conductor,
he was of the opinion that it would be sufficient to relv upon wooden
supports Capt. Gardmer would require, he thought, higher voltages-
than were used on ordinary track circuits, and this would mean mcreased
insulation. A locomotive when running on the lines had a considerable
amount of side play— something like 5 in.— and this must be allowed
for in the collector. In addition, allowance would have to be made for
such things as super-elevation and maigm, and he thought it would be
found very difficult to put on a modern locomotive five shoes or col-
lectors wide enough to make a reasonable contact at .any speed, to stand
the above side play, &c., and not to foul the wTong collector. He should
like to ask Capt. Ciardiner to explam whether there were two ramps to
oiMiatc- ila- 'langer magnet m the engine at each break of the track
comlii iMi. .md \v.as the danger indication given at each such break ?
Mr C. M. J.-icoB (Great Western Railway) said that Capt. Gardiner
in referring to the Great Western system of cab signalling, suggested
that an element of danger was introduced by the " distant " cab signal,
bemg different in form to the semaphore stop signal. This .should have
been considered an advantage, seeing that, in the first part of his Paper,
he himself referred to the necessity 'fi.].- a distinction between " distant
and '• stop" signals. He also appeared to think that the G.W. Railway
system did not go far enough, because a cab signal had not been intro-
duced which would perform the same function as the semaphore stop
signal. It was precisely because it was thought, that the cab signal
could not perform one i'mportant function of the semaphore stop signal
♦hat the latter had been retained. There were some points on railways
' which under certain conditions trams must not pass. It was necessary
that such points should be provided with some kmd of landmark, and
a post was very convenient for this piu-pose, because it cou'd also carry
a semaphore arm, and so give direction as well as location. With regard
to speed reductions and route indications, he thought it was doubtful
whether it was desirable to introduce so many kinds of signals into the
cab of an engine. The most important signal, so far as fast-running
trains were concerned, and the signal, moreover, which was the most
difficult to control, was the "distant." and if this signal could be correctly
indicated on the train that would appear to be gomg as far as necessary
in the direction of cab signalling. It might yet be an open question as
to whether it was desiiable to shut off steam or apply the brakes auto-
matically, but whatever was done in this direction should be confined
to the '■ distant " signal
Mr. E. A. BowTJKN (Great Western Railway) drew attention to the capita
cost. The author had stated that it would cost about £160 per mile for an
automatic arrangement, and something like £40 or £60 for each engine'
As they had about one engine per mile of_ti-ack, it would mean about
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 20. 1908.
215
£200 per mile. Such a system as this would, of course, have to be
adopted generally, and could not be done piecemeal.
Mr. F. Downs (Great Northern Railway) thought that the applica-
tion of the track circuit was very interesting and conld be made very
profitable on railways, more particularly in the direction suggested by
a previous speaker of applying the system of track-circuit signals to give
the driver in his cab an indication of the " distant " signal. If a con-
tinuous signal could be provided from the " distant " right up to the
" home," or even if it wa.s only a repeated or intermittent signal, a
very large step in helping the driver to identify his situation on the line
and to ascertain if it was " clear " in advance would be made. Capt.
Gardiner stated that if there was leakage acro.ss the insulated joints
from one track to another, in the event of the insulation bemg bad it
would merely lengthen the track circuits. The i- mile track sections
suggested would be far too short for fast-running trains to be able to
stop, and if the sections had to be extended very considerably then,
with leakage from one track to another, was there not a risk of the track
batteries and the relay apparatus failing to work correctly, and, in conse-
quence, of very bad weather running the battery down and de-energising
the relay through leakage from rail to rail ? He thought that would be
likely to happen when it was considered that a track circuit only 500 yds.
long on the G.N. Railw.ay gave as low as 0-8 ohm msulation resistance.
Again, were the track circuits to be divided in order to prevent any
leakage from one track circuit to another ? It would then be necessary for
some short distance to separate them, and more than one insulated
joint would be required. As to the cost of laying down the track-
circuit system, no mention was made for dealing with, cross-over roads,
and in order that the track circuit might be continuous it would be neces-
sary either to insulate the cross-overs or use bonds and adopt very long
cut-outs, with a further risk of danger in the same du-ection. Another
point was that there was very little room on an engine to instal the appa-
ratus .shown. To find room for all the contacts and for the apparatus,
and to put them in a position whereby the linesmen could get at them to
clean them would certainly be a great drawback to the installation.
The contact between the engine and the track conductor required
more consideration than was giveli in the Paper. He did not think that
T iron, or even steel, would be a suitable substance to use, because
Cajjt. Gardiner recommended a very light contact, so as not to knock
such apparatus to pieces, and a very light contact o%'er rusty T iron
might cause sufficient resistance to break dowii the apparatus. Would
it not be better to use such a snliitnTvc as ]ihosphor-bronze ? If this
was more advisable the cost wonM i_,i:ii Kr in. iviscd
Mr. T. Harding Churtox iLi-I i i^i^cil witli the principle that
failure of the signalling apparatus sli.Kild have the effect of stopping
the train, but would like to know whether this might not in wet
weather, owing to leakage, result in many trains being held u]) un-
necessarily, thereby badly disorganising the traffic. This point might
have been considered, 'but he thought it had not been particularly
referred to, though its importance appeared unquestionable.
Capt. Gardiner (in reply) said that, in the fij-st place, objection had
been raised to the single insulating fishplate. This arrangement was,
of course, actually in use on the District Railway in London ; and, as
far as he had noticed on the model track, he had not found the leakage
feared by Mr. Pigg. If there was any risk, however, there was not the
slightest reason why the other rail should not be insulated, too. The
single fishplate, where admissibl". simiily <;ived expense. As regards the
single battery, to which objeitiMn linl linu raised by one speaker, if
two batteries were preferred, tin i. «,i, w reason why such an arrange-
ment should not be adopted. Willi jvgaid to continuous signalling, one
advantage over intermittent signalling was that, should any change
occur between the first and the second signal — say the " distant " and
the "home " — it was immediately shown to the di-iver. In intermittent
signalling the cab signal must be combined with an external signal,
unless there was a very long ramp, ui which case the .system was prac-
tically continuous — the driver could not be expected to stop over it.
In an intermittent .system there must be a combination of warning in
the cab and an external indication for the ultimate signal, and that was
what he thought desirable to get rid of. Regarding the question of con-
trol, some thought that- the control of the locomotive was of very great
value, others would prefer to have it running " on its own." But he
was of opinion that the advantages of automatic control would be so
great that in the course of a few years those who had got the control
w'ould have taught the others to adopt it. The recorder could not, of
course, be counted on after an accident had happened, but since the
record would be simply on a roll of paper wrapped up in a strong box,
there was no reason why this should not be available. This would be
a time record as well, and it would be possible to see the jjosition of the
signal up to the time of the accident. A record on the loco would be a
constant check on the driver, which he himself would eventually
welcome as much as his officers. As regards selection, at places where
there were points, it would be necessary to retain the signalman. He
would then decide which train was to have precedence. The signal
decided upon would then be automat'cally given on the loco, just as it
was now given on a semaphore, but with the advantage that the signal
was recorded. Mr. Acktield raised the question as to the position of the
ramp. The position of the ramjj could be wherever desired — a mile or
half mile awa}' if required — and the only effect of the distance would be
a slight extra ex|)ensc for the cable connections with the points. With
this d"vice all sel'-rtion was done for the driver, and he was given an
unmist,ik:ilil' st.,|. -iLnial which meant he had to stop. As regards
preveiidiiL' clrnri- ii.,m passing "home" signals, he had given them
a sjiecial siL'riiil tliii ;nted on passing the " home " signal. , It had been
proposed as an alternative to his " reduced speed " signal to introduce
an additional " distant " signal and give it a new meaning. He thought
signals had too many " meanings " already, because they had now to be
interpreted. As regards comjilication. the whole of a station was, how-
ever, on 3 ft. length of model, and as it contained pretty well all the
wiring necessary for an ordinary full-size station of this number of sidings,
the apparent complication was somewhat exaggerated. He had en-
deavoured to make the whole of the system as simple as possible. It
was not quite correct to say that the track circuit was being depended
upon for safety. The safety depended upon gravity. The track circuit
might give a " stop " signal unnecessarily, and might thus delay the
traffic. The safety was not dependent on the track cu-cuit, because the
cessation of the current would give a danger signal, and therefore
gravity was an essential for safety. Mr. Sayers asked regarding
overlap. On this system no overlap was needed. Overlap wa.s provided
because on the District Railway the home signal might be overrun :
here there was (with the control) no question of over-running, since the
automatic action came into play sufficiently far back to ensure the train
pulling up before reaching the occupied section. Should the driver
deliberately proceed, he was merely notified that he had entered that
section. As regards the inquu'y as to the number of danger ramps,
there was only one, protecting the issue from each signal section. The
best w^ay of making its action clear would probably be by a further demon-
stration on the model. Mr. Sayers further asked what signal the driver
would have had on reaching the danger ramp had he previously been
receiving a " clear " signal, and in this case the author explained he
would receive no indication whatever, but simply continue to receive
a steady "clear" signal. The actual voltage and the description of
insulation required could only be settled in practice. Opinions a.s to the
voltage vary very largely as to the actual figure, but he had not had the
opinion from anyone that it was an insuperable difficulty. The best form
of insulator could also only be devised after actual practical experience.
Contact was not an insuperable difficulty, and if the .advantages to be
gained by securmg it were worth the trouble involved there wa.s no
doubt that some satisfactory form of contact would be arrived at. He
admitted the side-rocking action referrerl to by one sjieaker, and which
would have to be provided for in any successful design of contact maker.
He would put the whole of his signals entirely in the cab. A post might
be employed as an outside uidication of where to stop, but not a.s a
working arrangement. There would be no difficulty in making shorter
track-cu-cuit sections without shortening the signal sections in special
localities, such as very damp ones, where undue leakage might occiir.
The track relays were interlocked into each other to make up the full
length of signal section, and thus greater uisulation was obtained without
reducing the length of the signal. He did not think it was ever necessary
to put in two fishplates on the same rail, as one speaker seems to have
anticipated. The only question that came in is, whether the fishplates
would be dispensed with on the second rail altogether to save expen.se,
or not. There might be objection at first to the space taken up by the
equipment on the loco, but this was. however, a very mmor point. The
only way of removing what real difficulties existed, and of avoiding the
raising of unnecessary " bogeys," was to give the system a practical
trial — not necessarily over a long section, but over a representative
section, in which all conditions of traffic would be dealt with. As regards
cost, comparison could, of course, only be made of an automatic cab
signal with other modern automatic outside semaphore .systems which
all involved electric track cu-cuits. Automatic signals in this country were
mostly of the electro pneumatic type. U]) to the relay, they and an auto-
matic cab signal had everything in common. A bonded running rau, a
source of power for the track eu-cuit, and a system of track relays. They
then required a pipe to convey air, pumps to pump air into this pipe,
traps to carry off the water. Under the most favourable (-ircumstances
the leakage and losses from condensation and friction in these pipes
represented a considerable percentage of the air which had to be pumped
in at appreciable expense. A cab signal required a metallic conductor.
In place of purajis the existing track batteries would merely have cells
added to supply the desired voltage. The degree of leakage would be
practically simply a matter of the expenditure permitted on insulation,
and could, if wished, be nil, since no useful current flowed except when
a tram was on the section. As regards the signal for the outride for
automatic semaphores, usually at about every mile of the track, it was
proposed to substitute a signal ajiparatus on each engme. The number
of locomotives per mUe on an English railway was not known to the
author, but m India the standard gauge system with the largest number
of engmes was the Eastern Bengal State Railway, wth 0-t of an engine
per mile, a figure which had not been surpassed by any other of the
Indian railways up to April. 1907. A primary signaUing equipment,
consisting of ""clear," " stop," "danger " and " reduce speed " indicators,
with the necessary contacts, &c.. could probably be htted at a rough
estimate for about £20 per engine, which, at 0-4 of an engme per mi c.
worked out to £8 per mile. This could hardly be in excess of what the
automatic semaphore, with post, valves or relays and raismg and
lowering mechanism at one semaphore per mile worked out to. SuUy
equipped with train control, as proposed in this Paper, the cost would,
of course, exceed this figure: but it was believed that the track work
between stations, with i mile sections (instead of 1 mile, as with the
semaphore) need not exceed about £140 to £100 per mile, and the engme
equipments from £40 to £50. Yards would continue to be power or manu-
ally worked on anv of the well-known systems, but without semaphores,
or "lamps, and the" saving in the.se would go far to meet the cost of the
conductor, " reduce sjjced " ramp and indication bars, and their elec-
trical interlocking with the points. The cost of the track work at
stations would thus be little, if at all, in excess of present requirements.
In this Paper, in discussmg cab signals V outdoor semaphores, comparison
had been made with an up-to-date track-circuited installation, such as
were now being installed on the leading English railways.
D
216
THE ELECTRICIAN. NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
ELECTRIC FANS IN INDIA.
Statistics do not appear to furnish full details of the number of
electric fans which are in use in tropical climates. It must, how-
ever, amount to a very large figure, and one, moreover, which is
Fii:. 1. I.nl M:L n|. Al LAH.-lliAU Cull .SUOUI.Ni: 2« Kl'. Si SPENSIO.N'S
OF Ckompton Punka Faks.
constantly and rapidly being increased. This is evident from the
fact that the rate of production of this class of apparatus has in-
creased to such an extent that standardi.srd designs are nuw being
Fio. 2. — Portion ok Louni!K siiowiNti Siiuhter Fas Suspensions
made up, and such designs can, of course, be delivered more easily
than special apparatus. Through the courtesy of Messrs. Crompton
& Co. we are able to give particulars of an extremely interesting in-
stallation of their electric punka fans at the Allahabad Club. Thm
club is one of the oldest in India, having been established m 1868.
Membership, election to which is by ballot, is open to officers of the
civil and militarv services, and also I o gentlemen on the Government
house list. The president of the club is Mr F. ^. Atkmson and
the honorary secretary is Mr. W. H. Smith It may be of in-
terest to some of our readers to know that the entrance fee is 100
rupees and the subscription 10 rupees per month in the case of per-
manent residence. . ,i u i, j i u
Judging by the number of fans installed, Allahabad must be a
particularly warm place. Our illustrations show the club lounge (Figs.
1 and 2) photographed from two positions, and bnng out clearly the
manner in which the fans have been applied. The mam portion ot
the lounge is a large room with a very lofty roof. It will be seen
FiG. ;t. — View of Combined Fan and Pendant.
from the illustrations that the length of the ceiling and also of the
suspensions of the fans is very gi-eat. In the case of the fans, steady
running is absolutely essential, otherwise trouble would be at once
occasioned with the suspensions. It is, of couise, a feature of the
electric ceiling tan that it can be used in rooms of any height. In
low rooms fans would be placed near the ceiling and run quite close
to it. In lofty rooms the fan motor and plates are dropped to a
level that represents a point from which the breeze produced is
(■(jniforting and pleasant without creating a draught. The length
oi 1 1,0 fan suspension at the Allahabad Club is 28 ft., a figure which
IS iJKiliahly m record, and the Crompton system must po.ssess high
ipialities since we understand there is no vibration. Each fan is
fitted with three curved aluminium plates, these being Alessrs.
Crompton's standard construction. .\ view of a combined fan and
|Mii(lant is gi\cii in Fig. .'{.
ELECTRIC TRACTION ON RAILWAYS. ""
X. -ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVES.
BY PHILIP DAWSON.
(Continued from paye 5.)
Summary .—^ach can be said in favour of electric locomotives as
against motor cars. 'I'he author iu this article discusses the reasons
which give electric locomotives the advantage. He tirst considers
geai'less locomotives, describing the different forms of construction
adopted and referring to recent examples, and then passes on to the
geared motor type. The pros and cons of gearless as compared with
geared locomotives are discussed, and finally the advantages which,
under given conditions ot operation, electric locomotives possess over
the latest and most economical steam locomotives.
Tlio various nictliods of electric traction have already been
(■(iii.'^ideied at an earlier stage ; at the same time it may-
be of interest to point out that in many respects from a
purely economical as well as opcratinju; point of view the
electric locomotive is superior to the electric motor car.
That much is to be said iu favour of locomotives is to be
seen by the fact that the City & South London Railway,
* Copyright. All rights of reproductioo are reserved.
THE ELECTRIC[AN, NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
217
the oldest tube line in the world, originally adopted eloctric
locomotives, and that these are still being used to-day with
considerable success. The Central London Railway also
originally adopted electric locomotives to haul their trains
fitted with gearless motors, the armatures of which were
directly wound on the axles and the whole motor weisht
being unspring-boine.
This locomotive proved a failuic, principally due to vihia-
tion trouliles consequent to some extent on the very light
form of permanent way construction adopted.
The weight of this locomotive complete was 44 tons, and
the un-spring-borne weight on each axle was 8;J tons. The
locomotive was equipped with four motors, each rated at
117 H.P., although on the standard one-hour rating their
output was nearer 200 h.p. Much troidile was also origin-
ally encoiuitered in con.sequence of the breakages of the
side frames of these locomotives. It is probable that a
considerable proportion of the troubles were due not oidy
to the large amount of unspring-borne weight on the axles
but also to the very low centre of gravity of the locomotives
due to the small driving wheels and gear less motors. Experi-
ence in steam locomotives has shown that instead of aiming
at a low centi'e of gravity as u.sed to be done in the early
days of .steam locomotives, as exemplified in the f'ram])ton
locomotive, high centres of gravity are advantageous and
give smoother running as well as being less trying to tin
permanent way.
The lower the centre of gravity the harder will lie the
stresses and the hammer blows applied in a horizontal plani
to the inside edges of the rail head I'csulting from osc dlat'on
due to uneven track, rough joints, jjoints and ciossmgs
change of curvature. &c. The rail and its attachments
are pi'imai-ily designed to resist vertical blows and stiessts
and not horizontal ones. In electric locomotives consub i
ing their great weight it is therefore of the vrtmost impoi tanc (
to throw up the centre of gravity of the total mass as f ii is
po.ssible, as well as to arrange that the greatest portion ot thi
total weight should be spring-borne.
It will be remarked that whereas the City & jSouth
London line has been successful with its gearless locomotives
notwithstanding the fact that the whole weight of the motors
is unspring-borne, the armature being directly wound on the
axles, the same result was not obtained in the case of the
Central London Railway. Amongst some of the causes
which may have contributed to the different results obtained
in these two oases, may be mentioned the fact that the
speeds to be obtained on the South London are somewhat
lower than those aimed at on the Central London Railway,
and furthermore, the weights to be hauled are consideiably
smaller. The total weight of the City & South London
locomotives varies between 12 tons and 16 tons, and the
maximum speed required to be reached is in the neigh-
bourhood of 25 miles per hour. The most important gear-
less locomotives constructed with the arn\ature directly
wound on the axles, and therefore not spring-borne, are the
very powerful and fast locomotives built by the (Jeiieral
Electi'ic Co., of America, for the New Yoik Central
Railroad. A very neat design, however, has enabled the
field magnets to be spring-boine ; but notwithstanding this
fact, owing to the powerful rating of the motors and the
comparatively small number of revolutions, a large dead
weight has still to be supported by the driving axles. How
these locomotives are turning out in actual practice as
compared with the results which might have been obtained
had the armatures as well as the fields been spring supported,
it is of course at the present moment impossible to say.
All that can be .said is that a serious railway accident did
occur with an e]ei;trica!l\- pro])elli'd tiaiii on this line travell-
ing at a high rate of speed, and this has been attrilnited by
some authorities to the unsjiring- borne weight on the dii vers
as well as to the comparative! v small diameter of the driving
wheels, and low centre of gravity cou])!ed with the speed at
which the train was travelling at the time of the accident.
Whilst considering the .subject of gearless locomotives it
nuxy be well to examine the diftVr'^nt forms adopted foi' its
construction :
1. The aiinatnre can be directly wound on the axle.
2. The armature can be wound on a spider, which is spring
hung fi'om the axle and which drives bv means of some
foirn of rigid or flexible coupling.
'). The motoi' can drive on to a sejiarate shaft which, by
means of connecting I'ftds and cranks, is connected to the
road or driving wheels.
Of these three methods at ))resent only the first two will
be more fully gone into, the third method, which originated
as far as practical application is conccnuHJ on the Continent
of Europe being discu.sscd later.
The po.ssibility of equipping each axle with its own jiower,
thus avoiding connecting rods and long rigid wheel base,
makes it feasible to adopt a verv simple and flexible con-
struction in the desian of the liucks and running gear of the
Fic. I. — B.\i.DwiN Truck Eijuipped with Westinghocse SiijolePhase
Motors. .\.('.-D.C. Locomotive, Nkw Yokk, New Haven & Hartford
R.UI.ROAD.
.\=H:ilf-elliptio spring. B=CompCMs:Uiiiu'biir. C==Ooil Spring?. D^SIotor supporting friimc.
electric locomotive. The tendency in electric locomotive
design has been in the direction of the swivel truck type, each
unit having two .sucli trucks and each truck as a general rule
being equipped with two electric motors. In the smaller
sizes'^of locomotives or where tbe .speeds are low, a two-axle
truck- has usually been adopted, each axle being equipped
with motors, but in the larger sizes of locomotives or where
speeds of 60 to 7o miles pev hour are to be attained, the con-
struction often consisted of a I axle tiuck. the two inside
axles being the driving axles and e(iuippcd with motors, and
the two outside axles being used for guiding and usually
called ponev axles. Each truck being swivelled on centre
plates of ample size to transmit the tractive effort.
In the case of the locomotive constructed for the New York
Central Railroad the designers claim to have secured the
best mechanical features of the high speed steam locomotive
combined with the enormous power and simplicity in control,
made possible by the use of the electi-ic drive.
The locomotive has four driving axles, on each of which
is mounted the armature of a gearless electric motor having
a normal rating of 550 n.p. The total rated capacity of the
locomotive is 2,200 h.p., although for short periods a con-
siderably greater power may be developed, making it more
powerful than the largest steam locomotive iu existence.
218
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
The motois niaik a noteworthy departure from ordinary
motor construction. The armatures are built directly upon
the axles ; it is claimed for this arrangement that the loco-
motive thus secures the advantage of direct application of
power to the driving axles and avoids the losses of power in
gear and pinion which are encountered in ordinary railway
motoi-s. There are only two pole pieces which are practi-
cally part of the truck frame and have fiat veitical faces.
There is no necessit\% therefore, of preserving a rigid align-
ment between armature and field, and the armature can
have a large free vertical movement without danger of
striking the pole pieces. The maxinuim weight of the
motor consisting of its field and frame is carried with the
truck fiame upon the journal box springs outside the
driving wheels.
This construction, it is claimed, besides being strong and
simple in design, greatly facilitates repairs and renewals, as
an armature with its wheels and axle may be removed by
lowering the complete element witliout disturbing the fields
or anv other part of the locomotive, and a new element
inserted in its place. All parts are also especially accessible
for inspection and cleaning.
of the oldest practical exam]*les of this method of construc-
tion is to be found in the original electric locomotives con-
structed bv the General Electric Co. of America for hauhng
passenger and goods trains through the long tunnel under
Baltimore, for the Baltimore & Ohio llailway which was
opened for public service in 189(1.
The driving gear consisted of a cast-steel spider shrunk
on and Iceved to a cast-steel driving sleeve, having a tensile
strength of not less than 80,000 lb. Each arm of the spider
with a double rubber cushion with a chilled cast-iron wear-
ing cap, the cushion being forced into the arms of the spider
and the cap. The eight driving wheels were of cast steel
pressed and keved to the axles, and had tyres 3 in. thick at
centres of tread shrunk on to the wheel centres. The
driving axles were of special open hearth steel. The journal
bearings were outside the driving wheels, and allowed of
easy access to all parts of the truck frame and driving box.
It was of cast iron, with a phosphor-bi'onze bearing fitted
on in a similar manner to that of a steam locomotive driving
box. It slid in jaws protected by shoes in the same way.
The box was closed at the bottom, and had a well for oil and
waste, as well as dust guard lid. Large grease cups were
cast in the journal caps to give a satisfactory lubrication to
the motor bearings.
The two opposite side frames of each tiuck rested u]ion
four wheels, each side frame consisting of one piece of
Havkn A: H.-vKTi-iiKii W
LESS Locomotive.
The dead weight on each dri\-ing axle is practically the
same as on an ordinary steam locomotive, and is about 10
per cent, le.ss than that on the heaviest types, while in addi-
tion, there is no unbalanced weight to produce vibration
with attendant injuries to track and road bed construction.
The malcers claim that there would be an actual reduction
in the expense of maintaining the rails and road bed, due to
the absence of pounding and rolling and that this would
have an important bearing on the upkeep of the permanent
way. On this [)oint nothing definite can as yet be stated
as the result of cxjierience.
The second method of con.struction, that is to say, the
building up of an armature on a hollow shaft or quill which
slides over the axle and which is supported free from it and
at the same time drives it through the intermediary of
s)nings, has been frequently adopted in the past. The most
important present example of this method of construe
tion are the single-phase locomotives constructed by the
American Westinghouse Co. for the New York, New Haven
& Hartford Railroad Co. (Figs. 1 to 5), a detailed description
of which need not be given here as it has already appeared in
the columns of The Electrician. Brief reference must however
be made to the mechanical construction of the locomotive
frame and to the connection of the motor to the axles. One
3. — .•\RMATi;nE AND Driytng Spider of 3.50 H.r. WESTiNGHonsE
Single- Phase Gearless Motor.
hammered wi-ought iron, .'5| in. thick, to which the frame
jaws were welded, and protected from wear by cast-iron
shoes, and were connected together at the ends by heavy
forged iron plates with oak bumper beams between them.
The motors were supported on carriers bolted to the field
magnets and resting in adjustable hangers carried on half-
elliptical springs placed on top of the frame and bumpers.
It will be seen that the frames carried the motors by
carriers and springs, this load in turn being carried b)'
rubber blocks in a cast-iron casing.
The gearless motors were four in'^nnmber, two to each
truck, flexibly supported, and transmitting their power to
the wheels through the flexible connections. Each motor
had six poles and six sets of carbon brushes, the brushes
being connected to a yoke revolving through 360 deg. to
facilitate accessibility to them. The armature, with the
commutator, was mounted upon, and Iceyed to a hollow
sleeve, which was earned on the journals on the truck frame.
The inside diameter of the sleeve was about '2\ in. larger
than the axle.
When normally placed, the motor rested in a position
concentric to the axle, the clearance between the axle and
the sleeve allowing of a flexible support. The interijosition
I of the rubber cushions, through which the torque of the
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
219
armature was transmitted to the driving wheels, allowed the
armature to run eccentric to the axle, when the motor
depaited from its normal position on account of anv uneven-
ness in the track.
Screw Cap
-poQgcEggm_j
\ Springs taking
up End play
Fio. 4. — Showing Arrangement of Driving Wheels on the New
York. New Haven &. Hartford Raieroad.
These locomotives were each capable of hauling freight
trains weighing 2, .300 tons each at a speed of 10 miles per
hour, and trains of 1,800 tons at 12 miles an hour, and
passenger trains of 500 tons at 35 miles an hour.
It is interesting to mark the progress in electric motor
designs since the original locomotives were built, by noting
that although these locomotives were slightly heavier than
the present New York f'enti'al locomotives, they possessed
recent example is to be found in the locomotives built for the
New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad, one of which is
illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2. ft will be noticed that the loco-
motive is composed of two four wheel bogie trucks,each truck
being fitted with two geai-less motors ; one of these trucks
which clearly shows the general design adopted is illustrated
in Fig. 1. The wheels adopted are (12 in. in diameter as
compared with 44 in. which is the New York Central
standard in their present locomotives. The wheel base of
Fig. 5. — VVestinguoilsk Geahi.ess S.V) h.p. .Single Phase Motor
.Showing Ventilating Arrangements.
each truck is .S ft. and the overall length of the locomotive
over buffers is 30 ft. 4 in.
The side frames of the trucks are of forged steel. The
bolsters carrying the centre plates on which the underframe
rests and to which this is fixed, is of pressed steel, and this
is riveted and bolted to the side fiames. The weight of the
side frame and the cab is supported on the journal boxes, and
carried by means of half elliptic s])rings with auxiliary coil
xSL,
Fig. (!. — Diagram of Latest Type of Ganz Three-Phase Valtellina Locomotive (all Di.me.nsio.ns ark jn Millimetres).
only about half their horse-power capacity. It nuiv be of
interest to note here that the latest locomotives built for
the Baltimore & Ohio Eailway for the service described
above, consist of geared units each fitted with four 200 h.p.
motors, all the wheels being double, and the weight of a
locomotive imit being 73 tons.
But to resume the consideration as regards gearless loco-
motives with completely spring supported motors, the most
springs fitted under the ends of the ecpialiser bars, these are
fitted with the object of as.sisting to restore the equilibrium.
Four 250 h.p. motors, one on each axle, are fitted to each
locomotive. The armatiues of these motors are wound on
quills, on each end of which are fitted flanges fitted at their
periphery with round pins projecting into corre.sponding
pockets in the hub of the wheels. A coil spring is mounted
round each of these pins as shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 5.
220
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
Tliough normally required to transmit only the torque of
the motor and to keep its arms parallel to the axle, thesi'
s])iings arc strong enough to carry the entire weight of the
motor. They have a total vertical movement of about
I in. ; the end plug of the motors does not come directly
on the wheels but is taken by strong coil springs inside the
driving pins which, in their turn press against covers in the
outei- end of the sjaing pockets in the wheel, as shown in
Fig. 4. The tonpie of the motor frame is taken by heavy
parallel rods which anchor the frame 1o the truck above and
below the axles. The entire weight of the motor is normally
cai'ried on springs supported from a solid frame surrounding
the motor as shown in Fig. 1 , and resting on the axle boxes.
Another lecent example of a locomotive is to be found in
the three-phase locomotive built b\' Messrs. (Janz & Co. for
operating the trains on the Valtelina line. In this case we
are dealing with a different method of construction, as
except for the first locomotive in which the rotors were
wound on a quill fitting over the axle and spring-borne, and
driving through springs, all the later locomotives are
operated by means of an auxiliary shaft driving the wheels
through connecting rods. A similar form of construction
has also been adopted by Messrs. IJrown r>oveii in the three-
phase locomotives they have sup[)lied to (i])ei'ate the
ll(i]>s or Till: \i:w Wm/if.i.i.ina Tiirkk Phase
(Jan/, Lijlu.mut;vks.
Siniplon tunnel, and which in connection with their method
of speed control have already been referred to in the course
of the.se articles.
The latest Valtelina locomotives are fitted with three
driving axles, and one leading and one trailing poney axle
as shown in Fig. 0.
The dianu'ter of the di'iving wheels is •')9 in. and the rigid
wheel base I ."> ft . ."> in. The total weight of the locomotive is
02 tons of which 42 tons are on the driving wheels. In this
case the motors and the .shaft on which the lotor is wound
are rigidly built into the locomotive frame which, in its turn
is spring-borne off the axles. The motor shaft is fitted at
its extremities with cranks which are at right angles to each
other, the crank pins of which are connected tli rough bear-
ings to what may be called a driving rod. The centres of
the two rods are connected by means of a specially designed
bearing allowing for vertical play to the two crardc pins in
the centre axle, which in their tuin ai'C coiuiected by means
of connecting rods to the other two jiaiis of driving wheels.
The special bearing of the driving rod is shown in Fig. 7.
The normal draw bar pull exerted by this locomotive is 3 5
tons and this enables it to draw a 2.50-ton train at a speed of
40 miles an hour up gradients of 1 in 50. Compensating
weights have been fitted, which owing to the constant torque
exerted by the motors, ensure perfect uniformity of rotation.
(To be continued.)
REPORT OF THE TRAMWAYS AND LIGHT RAIL-
WAYS ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE ON "BRAKING
ARRANGEMENTS AND BANDING GEAR ON
TRAMCARS. *
(Concluded from page IS'i.)
Wheel briiking is also practised by electrical methods, including
the regenerative, rheostatic, and run back brakes. Electrical
methods cannot hold the car stationary u)ion a gi-adient, nor can
they skid the wheels for any length of time. They call for no exer-
tion by the driver, and are all put out of action if the wheels are
skidded by any other brake. Where wheel and rheostatic brakes
are both in use, thedrivers .should be warned that the two are alter-
natives.
The electrical runback or .scotch simply short-circuits the motors,
with forward driving connections, when the controller handle is in
the " ofT " position, and will prevent a car running backwards
more than a few feet at a time when climbing a gradient if the
power is cut off, or brakes released before ciurent is put on. It is a
very sinij)le, effective and chcajj device, which should be fitted to
every car working on gradients of 1 in 70 and steeper.
The principal advantage of track or .slipper brakes is that their
effect is not limited liy the wheel adhesion, that the blocks may be
made of malciiiLls giving a liigher coefficient of friction with the rail,
and that they may l)i- loaded with a gicater ])ressure than can be put
upon wheel brake blocks.
The special value of mechanically applied track brakes is for the
control of speed on severe down gradients, and, if properly used, a
car so equipped cannot run away. The correct procedure is to put
the brakes on before starting down, and to make any necessary stops
niid starts with the hand brakes.
MnL'iu-tic tiack linikes are generally arranged to be magnetised by
iiurcnl from the motors, driven as generators. They therefore pro-
duce two distinct braking efforts, one due to the drag of the mag-
netised blocks upon the rails, the other on the wheels, due to the
brake action on the motors. They are therefore intrinsically more
powerful than mechanical track brakes, because the whole weight of
the car remains available for the wheel brakes, the magnetic attrac-
tion being a net addition to the available forces. But as the magnet
poles are necessarily of iron or steel, the coefficient is lower than with
wooden blocks.
It is a common practice to allow a stream of water to trickle down
rails on gradients in " greasy weather." This has a good effect, but
the water natiually follows the grooves, whereas it is all wanted on
the rail table. Rail brushing and scraping is worth doing in many
cases. The attachment of brushes and scrapers to service cars
is of more doubtful value.
Sanding is an important auxiliary to braking and should be in the
sole control of the motorman. The sanding gears in common
use are fairly certain in action if proijerly maintained and supplied
with fine dry sand, but the direction of the. sand is nearly always
faulty. Sand delivery by a steam or air blast is most effective, but
evidently difficult of application to tramway practice, unless air
brakes are in use, when it is a right thing to do. Rear sanding
should not often be necessary, but the provision is worth making
on hilly routes.
Comparative Coefficient of Friction Tests.
As very little data was available it was thought desirable to obtain
additional information as to the relative values of cast iron, wrought
iron and various samples of wood for use as brake blocks, and a
number of tests were made, the results being given in an appendix.
The first series of tests was made by pressing blocks of different
materials on to stedtyred wheels turned smooth on the face and run
at varying i-ates of speetl. They generally show that the coefficient
of friction of wood l)locks on a wrought-iron wheel is considerably
higher than that of cast iron or wrought iron, and that lengthening
the l)loek from 12 in. to 18 in. has no appreciable effect. The results
of the tests of wootl blocks, when dry. show that elm has the highest
coefficient of friction on a steel wheel, followed by ash, maple and
oak, in the order named. We give in Figs. 1 and 2, the emves for
elm, WTought ii-on and cast iron. A second series of tests was made
to ascertain, under working conditions, the comparative values of
various materials for use as track brake blocks. Tlic wood blocks,
when dry, showed high coefficients of friction, oak. poplar and ash
varying from 0-.5 to DO, with elm and maple slightly lower. The
results of the tests with east-iron blocks must be accepted with re-
serve. The coefficient of friction with 18 in. blocks and dry track
was 0170 at 4-88 miles per hour, 0-105 at 10-44 miles per hour and
01-93 at 18-93 miles per hour. Whilst with 12 in. blocks and track
slightly damp the coefficient at 60.5 miles per hour was 0-370, at
9j 17 miles per hour 0244 and at 18-54 miles per hour 0211. For
* Abstract.
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
221
wrought iron the coefficient fell from 031 to 024 as the speed was
raised from 6 to 18 miles per hour. A series of tests were then made
to determine the v'ariation in the coefficient of friction with oak, pop-
lar and steel slipper blocks under varying conditions of rail surface.
The wooden blocks were used in both a dry and a wet state, the latter
after soaking in water for 48 horn's. The results are in conflict witli
rather widely-held opinions, inasmuch as they show that the co-
efficient of friction falls off on wet and greasy rails more with wooden
blocks than with steel ones. They also .show that with steel blocks
the coefficient is higher with a wet clean rail than with a greasy rail,
but with wooden blocks the coefficient is higher with a greasy rail
than with a clean wet one. The committee feels that the results of
many of the tests «hich they have carried out are open to consider-
able criticism. They have, however, decided to include them in their
report, in order that anyone may draw his own deductions from the
experiments. We give in the accompanying table a few of the results
obtained.
Material
of
block.
C'ondition i Condition
of of
material. rail.
Speed in
miles
per hour.
Coefficient
of
friction.
Poplar Dry & rusty 1 Dry & rusty
Magnetic track
blocks
Wet & clean
Wet & greasy
Clean & dry
Wet & greasy
Clean & dry
Wet & greasy
Very greasy
2-23
5-18
5-24
4-47
9-8
iW)
4-8
8-'J4
100
9-3
0-.55
0149
0103
0-.5,T
0128
0-UI3
(»:J2
0-224
0-203
0-10
Information.
A large amount of information has been collected from replies
received from a large number of the tramway undertakings working
in the United Kingdom and abroad, and the particulars collected can
be considered typical of the general practice of this country. Of the
5,018 electric cars worked by the undertakings supplying particulars,
3,625 are mounted on single trucks and 1.393 on double trucks. The
following are the types of brakes fitted to these cars : Hand wheel
brake on .5,018 cars, rheostatic brake on 2.866 cars, magnetic track
brake on 1,278 cars, mechanical track brake on 1,967 cars, electric
short-circuit brake on 917 cars, pneumatic track brake on 121 ears,
regenerative control on 60 cars, 87 cars are reported to have the con-
troller so arranged lliat uhen it is in the " off " position an electric
short-circuit brake <-iinu-s into operation autoraatically when the car
runs back. It is nciticeablc that a combination of hand wheel brake
and short-circuit brake is lifted on 468 cars ; of hand wheel and
rheostatic brakes on 1.022 cars ; of hand wheel and magnetic brakes
on 1,424 cars ; antl of hand wheel, rheostatic and mechanical track
on 745 cars.
The particulars collected show that for ordinary service stojis the
hand wheel brake is generally used, except on systems working
heavy bogie cars in congested traffic, ■\vhere the magnetic track brake
has been largely adopted as a service brake. All systems, with but
few exceptions, report the use of an electric form of brake — slmrt-
circuit, rheostatic or magnetic track — for making emergency stops.
The replies received regarding brake blocks do not give much infor-
mation. The committee are of opinion that an endeavour should be
made to establish standard forms of blocks, and they suggest that
this should be done after consultation between the tramway assucia-
tions.
Brake Tests.
During the past eighteen months the committee has inspected
most of the later forms of braking apparatus, but it was impracticable
for them to make tests on all those they examined. They have,
however, obtained from members of the committee and others tin-
results of a number of valuable tests to which they attach consider-
able importance. Tlicsi- tests, many of which were cai-ried oui uniler
similar conditicjus, and witli the same n-cording instriiiiiriils.an- jiiven
in appendixes to the ie|ii]rt, and comprise tests on the Wcstingliouse
magnetic track brake with car wheel and manual attachments,
Maley's magnetic brake, Pringle brake, hand brakes, rheostatic
brakes and slipper brakes by members of the committee, and tests by
manufacturers, patentees, &c., on pneumatic slipper brakes. B.T.-H.
electromagnetic brake, and Freund track brake. The retardation
or deceleration of tin- stop on the level has been taken as the basis of
comparison of all tluse tests. Little consideration should be given
to the greasy rail tests, as the definition of a greasy rail is vague at the
best. No service tests are given since these depend upon the com-
fort of the passengers, and have no relation to the real power of the
brakes.
Wheel Brakes. — The committee is of opinion that for general tram-
way purposes it is inadvisable to calculate on a higher'coefficient than
025 or a higher retardation than 8 ft. per sec. per sec.
From the results given in the appendix the committee believe that
the hand brake should give a retardation from 3 ft. per sec. per sec.
for a heavy double-deck car to 3-50 ft. per sec. per sec. for a single-
truck lighter car. With power application from, say, air pressure,
the committee has no data. That the retardation -svith such a brake
is considerably better than with hand application is self-evident ;
the instantaneous application of full ]K.wcr, with ease of moderating
the same as the speed decreases, should produce the best result with
the wheel brake.
~1
~1
1 1 i 1 ! 1
/
'
J
'/
—
1
'"\ ' 'H
--^
^
=-
^
/
—
—
—
(..-iOU..;-
2030 Lbs,;'
— T^""^ '
—
—
—
^
~
~
SSOLbjJ" 1 i 1 1
Ft—
— '
—
"
Miles per U'ttr.
Block 18 Id. long.
07
^ r
/
•g 0 6
,--
X
/
-
_1
30 Lb.'
/
'.-.
—
630 Lb. 1
_
^
-
-
0-4
0
10
12
li
18
18
20
Fio. 1.
Miles per Hour.
Block 12 in. long.
-GUKVES SHOWING COEFKHIENT OK FkHTION, IN HELATION TO
Si'EEDS AND WeIGUIS, OK DEV El.M BlOi'KS.
Slipper Brake. — The committee has very little information in the
way of tests on .slipper brakes with wood shoes. The hand slipper
brake is slow in application and reipiires considerable effort, two
serious disadvantages. With power ai)plication, both of these dis-
appear. The Pringle type of slipper brake can (mly be an emergency
brake. The power aj)plication for a service and emergency brake
must be moderable.
HhciiMalic Brake. — This lirake is dependent upon wheel adhesion.
Its extreme limit of effectiveness is therefore the same as the wheel
brake. But i t is independent of the varying coefficient of frictionof wheel
brake shoes. The tests generally show that it is an effective brake for
quick stopping. The use of sand to maintain adhesion at its higher
06
\^
^"^
1 0 5
"l
4
-
%
^
£
^
t
'
S^
6l
=^
^
■-^
-r"
—
=^
^
'g.
,
1
,
■~~^
^
-
'
—
— 1
"v
11-2
_
_
10 13 U 16 18 20
Miles per Hour
Wrougbt iiM idry;
05
-
^(..l
—
n
^; ' ' ',^
1031
t^
^
—
^ ,J
_
-s
^^
S S— -— =^^=ciiaii^
F
' y \ L 1--530L
0 o 4 6 K 10 1-2 U W IS :0
Miles per Hour,
Cast iron (dry).
Fig 2 -Curves showinc Coei-iicient ok Friction, in Relation to
Speeds and Weights, or Iro:; Blocks 12 in. long.
values is a necessary adjunct to the brake. A retardation of 4 ft
per sec. per sec. can be expected. It is ojicn to the objection of
bringing additional work on the motors.
Magnelic Track Brake.-A\\ types of this brake having motor
excitation have a corrcspondi.ig rheostatic brake acl.on workmg
through the wheels to produce retardation. A hand mechanical
attachment to the nuignetio shoes can be titled to any of the.se brakc-s.
The latest pattern of magnetic shoe on b.igie ears has a maximum
force of api.lication to the rail of 4,000 lb., whUe that of a shoe as titled
to a sin>'le-truck car is 2,800 lb. The cix-fficient of friction of the shoes
isViot'easv to determine. Mr. Fell's experiments give 0-22. Assum-
ing a value of 020, we get retardations due to the magnets alone of
222
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 20, L908.
3-18 ft. per sec. per sec. and 3-06 ft. per sec. per sec. respectively
for 14-r> ton and lO-o ton cars. The magnetic brake with or without
wheel Ijlock attachment may be fitted with a solenoid device for
controllinfc tlie motor field current and thus eliminating all danger of
skidding the car wheels. Tests on a car fitted with this arrangement
liave given excellent results. The advantage that the Maley brake
niav have ()\'er the ordinary form of Westinghouse brake is that the
danger of skidding the wheels is reduced. That magnetic track
brakes are efficient in stopping a oar is certain. That they add to the
work of the motors is also certain, and. fiu-ther, they have the dis-
advantage tliat faults occurring in an electrical brake are not so
obvious as those of a mechanical brake.
Causes of Accidents.
The committee have been much impressed by the inacciu-acy of the
numerous newspa])er and public statements declaring that tramway
accidents were caused by defective brakes. These views, which
appear to be very generally held by the public, are not borne out by
the reports on the accidents on tramways, ])ublished by the Board of
Trade, which are summarised in an ajipendix. In nearly every case
the human element was a contributory cause. The committee is of
opinion that the following are the chief causes of accidents. In-
sufficient training of mntnrmen, physical unfitness, the human
element, nuiltii)licity of inotornian's duties, defective mechanism and
insufficient inspection.
V^uwous Types of Br^vkes.
Urief particulars of all th(> chief types are given, whilst the advan-
tages and disailx.nii.mcs nf each are enumerated. It is noticeable
that in every ca-v ,i nunilprr of disadvantages appear. Screw gear in
connection willi liaml l>iakos is u.sed to a limited ext4?nt abroad, but
the committee consider it inadvisable. The disadvantages of hand
brakes are, of course, well known. As regards manual slipper brakes,
it is pointed o\it that timber has proved more satisfactory than metal
under the varying conditions of service. The gear is simple and low-
in cost, and indejjendent of the revolution of the wheels and of the
electrical equipment or rheostatic brake, but it is unsuitable as a
service or emergency brake as it is slow in action and requires
manual labour. The design is open to considerable improvement,
particularly the method of application by means of a chain wound
round the brake spindle.
Freund's spring track brake* and pneumatic brakes are next
considered. No examples occur of the latter applied to the wheels in
this country, although extensively used abroad, but there are in-
stances of pneumatic track brakes ; these latter require no skill in
api)lication, but are expensive in maintenance and first cost. The
committee suggest that more attention might be given to air Ijrakes.
As regards I'ringle's (■iiiri.:'iir\ skid :i|p|>lir;l in rail groove.f this is
only suitable as an ciiii i ji iir\ lii.ikc. Inn 1 1 i|unt's no skill in applica-
tion and is elieap, bi-^nli - L;i\in^ iMiml niaidation. Particulars of
tests are given, which show very gooU results, but as insufficient
experience has been gained under working conditions, the committee
express no definite opinion. The rheostatic brake, of course, is a well
tried apparatus and requires skill to apply efficiently ; when used as
a service brake it puts a heavy strain on the electrical equipment.
The main disaK anlage of regenerative control is that its braking
effect ii-ii;ill\ ira-is al alicnit 4 miles per hour, but a perfect system
of regcni rainc ccintrol would supply a most efficient form of speed
control. The committee has not had sufficient experience of the
working of the few cars equi|)pcd with the Raworth system in this
country to make any recommendation in regard to the general
efficiency of the system ; Ijvit consider thai it deserves careful con-
sideration.
Electromagnetic track brakes are described as applied (1) to rail-
head only, (2) to rail-head and connected to wheel brakes, and (3) to
rail-head and connected to supplementary slipper blocks. As
regards (1), this is simplest, but lirst cost and maintenance are high.
The committee thinks that the number of contact iJoints should be
reduced. It is noticeal)le that a very large nimiber of disadvantages
are tabulated against magnetic track brakes. In addition to cost,
these include frequent adjustment necessary, dejiendence on revolu-
tion of wheels, inoperative on manganese steel, skill required to
apply efficiently. &c., but such brakes can be applied gradually and
also give rapid retardation. The tests made on type (3) are stated
to be nu)st satisfactory, but at jjresent the committee prefers not to
make any definite recommendations. It seems hardly desirable to
abolish the wheel brake.
Combined electromagnetic and manual track brakes are dealt with
very briefly ; the track shoes can be depressed mechanically on to
the rail before a car descends a steep gradient, and the speed then
regulated by magnetising the track shoes. Regardmg electro-
magnetic brakes in general, the combination of auxiliary track
blocks applied by the drag of magnetised blocks is considered likely
to develop into a valuable improvement, because it admits of the use
of materials having a higher frictional coefficient than the magnet
" The .suitabUity of different brakes to varying conditions " is then
briefly discussed by the committee.
SANDrso Gear.
The committee has considered most, if not all, the various forms in
use, and discuss in detail (1) continuous flow sanders, (2) intermittent
flow Sanders and (3) automatic sanders. The conclusion arrived at
is that there is room for considerable improvements, and two sand
boxes should be fixed at each end of the car. More consideration
should be given in the design of the car body to allow of the sand-
pipe being kept straight and vertical, and so fixed as to deliver sand
close to the tread of the wheels. Sand pipes should be arranged so as
to sand the rails and not the roadway at curves ; a straight pipe is
better than a curved pipe, and .should terminate just in advance of
the bottom of the wheel.
Training of JIotormen.
On careful consideration of this matter, the committee feels that it
is not possible now to lav down the exact training necessary for motor-
men under all conditions, but suggests a minimum course through
which a man should go before driving a service car. After the man
has been accepted as suitable in build, character, &e., and medically
examined, he should be put in the shed to get a general insight into
the equipment, being also provided with a book of regulations and
instructions. After he has examined generally on the working of
the car and the regulations he should then be allowed to practise with
a car, jireferably a special car. He should at first only watch and
then drive on easy roads. When the learner is capable of driving he
should be taken out by the manager or an inspector on a practice
car and tried on the worst parts of the route, difficulties being inten-
tionally made. The above course should not be hurried, and with
most promising learners the course should occupy not less than tliree
weeks. A driver trained as above is as first only fit to take cars on
easy roads, and should not be placed on hilly routes until he has
shown himself a reliable driver for at least 12 months. Although
men suitable for conductors do not in all cases make the best drivers,
it is most desirable that facilities should be given for conductors to
qualify as drivers. A man who has been at least 12 months on
the rear platform is likely to become a good driver more quickly than
a fresh man. In the London district the Metropolitan Police regula-
tions do not admit of a man holding both a driver's and conductors
licence, and in oiir o])inion this most unnecessary restriction should be
immediately withdrawn.
The final chapter in the report is headed " General Conclusions,"
and these we have already given in the general summary of the report
in our last issue. Four ajipendixes accompany the report and con-
tain iiarticulars and curves relating to the tests on the various appara-
tus which are described. In conclusion we may mention that the
price of the report, which should be in every tramway manager's hand,
is at present lOs. 6d., but this ajiplies to only a few copies, and the
price will shortly be raised.
This refers to the old. hnnd-woiuid tvpc : the improved axic-wouiul
type was described in The Electrician. Sept. 11, 1008.— Ed. E.]
t Described in The Ekctriciav, May 1, 1908.
THE VARIATION OF MANQANIN RESISTANCES
WITH ATMOSPHERIC HOMIDITY.*
BV F. E. SMITH.
Siimmiirij. — The author describes a number of tests carried out at
the National Physical Laboratory, whicli largely support the conclusions
arrived at by l)rs. Rosa and Babcock, and show that coils, coated with
a varnish which does not absorli moisture, have an advantage over
shellac-coated coils.
In the issue of 'I he Electrician dated June 14,1907, Drs. Rosa and
Babcock published an article of great interest under the above title.
A long series of measurements on manganin resistances was given,
and it was shown that the higher resistances exhibited a yearly
cycle corresponding to the variations in the relative humidity of
t iie atmosphere, which was laterf stated to be normal. Later.! Drs.
Jaeger and I.,indeek published results proving that the variations of
many high resistances at the Reichsanstalt were quite negligible
even when the humidity was believed to have appreciably changed.
The changes in resistance of the manganin standards of the
* Fiom the PhilofOphieal Ma(i(izine. Slightly abbreviated.
t The Ekctricim, Nov. 15, ISC'?. J Tht Ekc'ncian, Aug. 2, 1907.
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
223
National Physical Laboratory have been reported on from time to
time, and we have also stated that small changes in the resistances
of 1 ohm coils have been detected within 2i hours. On the publica-
tion of the Paper by IJrs. Rosa and Babcock w(- were, therefore,
convinced that some of the changes we had observed were due to
variations in atmospheric humidity, and shortly afterwards we
proceeded to measure the effect of humidity on various standard
coils.
The first coil experimented with was one of 10,000 ohms of man-
ganin, of the Reichsanstalt form, and made by O. Wolff of Berlin.
It was placed inside a box through which passed two well-insulp.led
copper leads connected to mercury cups, to which, also, the leads (jf
the coil were connected. The metal cylinder .surrounding the cod
was removed so that the shellac was fully exposed to the ntmo.s-
phere. The box was made practically air tight by coating it on the
outside with paraffin wax, and the humidity inside the box was
varied by introducing a large quantity of fused calcium chloride, or
by the insertion of water contained in large crystallising dislie.^.
The temperature could be varied by placing the box inside a large
electric oven, but it was not allowed to exceed 35°C. Measurements
of resistance were made at an approximately constant temperature
of 17=C.
After the 10,000 ohm coil had been in the box for eight days in an
atmosphere dried with fused calcium chloride, its resistance was
identical with its value in an atmosphere of 60 per cent, relative
humidity. When water was substituted for the calcium chloride
and 20 days had elapsed, the resistance of the coil was seven parts in
100,000 lower than before ; but on opening the box and exposing
the coil to the outer atmosphere, the resistance rose to its normal
value within 20 minutes. We concluded, therefore, that the low
\'alue was a result of leakage, and we suspected the presence of a
thin film of moisture on the ebonite. In some later experiments
such a film was visible, and the main leakage was undoubtedly that
between (,he ciu'rent leads of the coil and the metal cylinder on which
the coil is wound. The gap between the leads and the cylinder is
about 5 mm. In the experiments cited above the temperatvue of
1
—
~
-
^
^
.-'-
— ^
^
-^
Curve showino Vauiation in 10 (iimi M.\N(;anin Resistanck L. 19.
the box and its contents was raised to 35 (_'., but as this appeared
to be a doubtful jjrocedure all subsequent exjjeriments with coils
in saturated atmospheres were made at the temperature of the air.
We next placed the 10,000 ohm coil in an atmos])hcre dried with
phosphoric anhydride, and after the expiration of 30 days its resist-
ance was again measured. It was two parts in 100,000 lower than
normal. Afterwards, acting on a suggestion from Dr. Rosa, the coil
was scaled inside a glass beaker, at the base of which either fused
calcium chloride, or phosphoric aniiydride, or water could be iilaoed.
Before sealing (when a dry atmosphere was desired) the beaker and
its contents were placed for eight hours in an atmosphere at Ioh-
pressure — the pressure recorded being 3 cms. of merciu'v. After the
coil had been exposed for four days to the action of an atmosphere
dried with phosphoric anhydride the resistance was one part in
100,000 lower than normal, and after being exposed for foiu' days
in an atmosphere approximately saturated with water, the resistance
was 11 parts in 100,000 low. The latter effect was again found to be
due to leakage, for on exposing the coil to the air of the room the
resistance between the current leads steadily rose, so that after 25
minutes it was only one part in 100,000 low. The first coil exi)eri-
mented with exhibited, therefore, no appreciable change in resis-
tance with change in humidity.
In order to obtain an idea of the amount of moistm'e absorbed by
the shellac coating a resistance coil, Mr. Melsom shellaced a metal
cylinder of the same size as those used in the winding of standard
coils of the Reichsanstalt pattern, and afterwards baked ii and
treated it in the same way as standard coils are treated. After re-
maining for 10 days in a desiccator containing phosphoric anhydride,
this shellaced cylinder weighed 51 •261-1 grammes, and after being
hermetically sealed for 10 daj's in a beaker containing a little water
at 170 C. its weight was 512816 grammes ; an increase of 0-02
grammes. It appears that, after calibration, such a cylinder might
be used as an hygrometer.
The other standard coUs examined are five in number. One of
these. No. 2,449, is by O. Wolff. Berlin, and the remaining four were
made by Mr. Melsom in accordance with the Reichsanstalt specifica-
tion In Table I. some of the results are recorded. The value of the
resistance in air having a relative humidity of about 60 per cent, at
17°C. is taken in each case as the unit, and the variations from this
value, when the coils were placed in atmospheres approximately
di-y and approximately saturated are given in parts in 100,000.
Here we have positive evidence of changes in standards of the best
construction, and the fact that the coil made by O. Wolff is affected
by varying humidity to a less extent than the coils made by Mr.
Alelsoni points either to a difference in the shellac varnishes em-
ployed, or to an effect due to the ageing of the varnish, or both.
The changes recorded in Table I. are comparable with those given
by Drs. Rosa and Babcock.
It is of interest to compare the changes in resistance from Janu-
ary, 1906, to January, 1908, of one of these coils with the humidity
change given in Table I. In comparing the change it is necessary
to bear in mind that during the period 1906-8 the coil L. 19 was kept
in oil, and hence the variations of atmospheric humidity would have
an appreciably less effect on the shellac, and hence on the resistance,
than wlien the coil was exposed to the air. The observations on
L. 19 for 1906-8 are summarised in the. accompanying curve, from
which it will be seen that the resistance has gradually increased since
January, 1906, by about eight parts in 100,000 : that maxima occur
about July each year, and that it is improbable that the change in
resistance due to humidity variations has exceeded two parts in
100,000, or one-twentieth of the change recorded for the same coil
in Table I. Observations on other manganin coils, immer.sed in oil,
indicate maximum changes in their resistances, due to variations
in atmospheric humidity, of the order of one part in 100,000.
Table I-
; Atmosphere dried
Nominal with PjOr, for
value. 1—
Ohms. 3 days 5 days lOdsys
L. 19..
L. W3..
L. 140.,
L. 139..
2,449 ..
10
10
100
1,000
1,000
-15
- 1
- 3
- 2
1 -18
-18
' ^ 2
- 3
1 -1'7
-16
! - 2
- 2
- 4
-3
Of au--cooled manganin coils coated with shellac, a number in
boxes, by R. W. Paul and by O. Wolff, have been measured from time
to time, and the seasonal changes of resistance — especially in the
case of the Paul box — must have been very small, certainly less than
one part in 10,000.
Table II.
Nominal
value.
Atmosphere Atmosphere ,
dried with saturated with .
P.Os for I water for , Ma.ximum
- change.
a days 20 days 2 days 20 days
4,000, 3,000, 2,000, Ohms.
1,000 10,000
1,000 1,000
400,300,200,100...! 1,000
100 i 100
40, 30, 20, 10 ; 100
-3
0
-2
-1
0
-6
0
-6
-4
-2
Weight (in grammes) ^i\W-2th bV'lbi
shellaced cvlmder j '
-r9
+ 1
•fl
+1
■fl7
+ 5
+ 7
+ 5
+ 6
51-280 51-283
In Table II. the results are given of some mea.surcmcnts on man-
ganin coils in a box by Mes.srs. Naldcr Bros. The outer case was
removed and a larger one substituted for it. In this larger box.
water, fused calcium chloride, or jjluisijhoric anhydride, could be
placed, and the air inside the box could be healed by an electric
lamp and stirred by a small mnlor-drivcn fan. The shellaced
cylinder, previously referred to, was also hung inside the case, and
was weighed from time to time to rougldy determine the hygrc-
metric state of the atmosphere. The range of the box is from 4,000
ohms to 1 ohm. Measurements were made of some individual coils
and of some in series, as indicated in column 1. The change in resi.s-
tance is given in parts in 100,000. the values in an atmosphere of
about eO^per cent, relative humidity at 17"C. being taken as unit
values. ■■ • 1
Table III. gives the variations in resistance of some coils m a box
bv O. Wolff, the results of the observations being in clironological
order. It is noteworthy that when the box coils were measured in
an atmosphere dried byP^O.^, the resistance of the tliree higher coils
224
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
Table III.
" ""
Atmosphere dried
Water i ^"""T'
Coil".
Nominal
value.
Ohms.
with PjOo for
vvarer. , atmo.sphere.
2 daytj.
10 days.
4 daya. 1 day. 30 days.
50,000 *c.
100,000
-25
-38
-2,100 -220 ! -15
10,000 /)■
10,000
-27
-59
- 630 ! -310 1 -25
10,000 a
10,000
-20
-35
- 520
- 265 - 18
1,000 0
1,000
0-2
- 58
- 31 - 2
1 ,000 a
1,000
0 - 2
- 61
- 22 1 - 4
100 li
100
- 2 - 1
0
+ 2 0
100 a
100
0 - 2
+ 1 + 2 1 0
diminished by appreciable amounts, but the 1,000 and 100 ohm coils
remained practically constant. When, however, the atmosphere
was converted into one saturated with moisture, the 100 ohm coils
.ilone remained approximately c(jn.stant. in resistance : the value of
till' other coils fell by very considerable amounts. Although this
fall was probably entirely due to leakage, it persisted, in a diminished
decree, after oxjiosure of the coils to a normal atmosphere for 31) days.
In the case of this box the humidity effect is seen f)nly in the
change of resistance resulting when the coils were transferred from
a normal atmosphere into a dry one. When the saturated atmo-
.sphere was substituted, the leakage effect quite masked over any
effect due to elongation of the wire by expansion of the shellac.
It will be seen that our observations do on the whole support the
conclusions arrived at by Drs. Rosa and Babeock, and that coils
hermetically sealed, or coated with a varnish which does not absorb
moisture, must have an advantage over manganin coils coated with
shellac. The fact that some high-resistance coils exhibit the " hu-
midity (^lfoct " to a negligible extent? only, points to the possibility
that a shellac varnish may be jirepared which, after baking, is not
appreciably hygroscopic.
PBACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN THE SELECTION
OF TURBO ALTERNATORS.
The following is an abstract of the discussion which took
place at a meeting of the Manchester Local Section of the
Institution of Electrical Engineers, on November 8rti, when
J)r. M. Kloss read his Paper on tlie above subject. An abstract
of this Paper appeared in our issue of November 6th.
I\Ii-. A. H. Law remarked that the substance of the Paper was fairly
well known to designers, but the points the author brought out had
never been recognised by the ordinary purchasing engineer. He had
recently seen one of the 6,000 kw. sets running at Stuart-street gene-
rating station, Manchester, and mspected the cooling arrangements. As
far as he could understand from looking at the machine from outside,
the cold air went in outside and passed inwards through ducts, then
along the rotor and out again through the feet of the stator case. Taking
the assumption as correct, the arrangement seemed »pen to a certain
amoimt of criticism. The author said in the Paper that a machine was
never limited by the stator, but always by the rotor. Assuming this
to be tlie system of ventilation, the cold air passed first through the
stator iron, which was not very important, np\t through the stator
copper, which ought to he kept as cool as |i .--iM. . m.l finally through
the rotor, which above all other parts shouti U,- k. |.t ....,]. In his Paper,
the author showed that the V-shaped groove bttwct-n the field magnets
was entirely wasted. In a system of ventilation in which the air was
passed in from the ends of the rotor and allowed to pass radially outwards
through the stator, this V-shaped groove was of great value, since it
could he used for air passages. A ventilation system was instnllod at
Carville' station, Newcastle, where this V-shaped groove was utilised in
this way. The alternator was first self ventilating, and had an output
of 3,,')00 kw. to 4,000 kw. Motor-driven fans were afterwards installed
to blow the air in at each end of the rotor .nnd along the rotor and ra-
lUally outwards. This had resulted in the output being increased to
(),000 kw. Forced ventilation was being carried too far. To put in
forced ventilation for machines under ,500 kw. and rumiing at 3,000 revs,
per min. was absurd. As regards voltage regulation, it had been recog-
nised that this almost entirely limited the output of machines. A
method of compounding had been devised by his firm enabling alter-
nators to be designed for fairly high voltage regulation, and it seemed
to lum to allow the regulation of the system to be kept within reasonable
limits. Tb.e method might be de«cribed as an exciter eompnundiruT
arrangement. The leakage eoefticient of the exciter was satisfactorilv
increased by means of iron leakage parts. These carried coils which
were in series with the main current, or excited by current obtained from
current transformers. When the load came on the alternators the
leakage llux through the leakage parts was stopped and diverted through
tlie exciter armature, thereby raising the voltage of the exciter and
eompensatmg for the increased load on the alternator. In large turbo-
generators, where the iiolc-pitch was one-quarter or half the curcum-
ference, it was alwavs difficult to support the end wmdmgs. This was
best renictlied by designing the machine for a heavy drop and compound-
ing to bring back the voltage to (he normal amount. He was m perfect
agreement with the author on (he (|iicstion of power factor. A machine
was sometimes specified with 0-,>5 jiowcr factor, and would aftei-wards
be found to be nearer 0-85. If an engineer wanted a margin, it would
be much better to specify that margin in asking for a low temperature
rise.
Mr. Seaton said that since the turbine builders had decided to be the
main contractors, consequently they had to take on the electrical troubles,
and it was (juite the custom in the engineering trade that when trouble
arose the (commercial man was first of all sent to deal with it. This had
the advantage of saving the expert from betraying his ignorance in
front of the customer, and so aggravating the case.
Mr. J. S. Peck thought that, although there were many points in
favour fif external forced ventilation, where a machine could be self-
ventilated, it represented a distmct gam. If a machine were made
self-ventilating, and the temperature rise come out too high, radical
changes in the design would be required, whereas, with external ventila-
tion, it might be advisable to speed up the blower or put in a larger
cooling set. Such a course should be avoided, as the power required
for cooling increased as the cube of the air delivered, whereas the cooling
itself increased much more slowly than the amount of air supplied. At
the Chelsea generating station there were eight 5,500 kw. alternators, all
of which were self-cooling and within the guaranteed temperature limit.
With regard to the advantages of the system enumerated in the Paper,
jiractieally everything claimed for external ventilation applied to an
enclosed "self-ventilating machine, which drew its air from the outside
of the building. He felt sure that self-ventilation would gradually
become standard practice on machines up to the largest capacity now
used in this country. With regard to voltage regulation, it was really
a question as to whether extremely close regulation, particularly on large
machines, was worth while. The fluctuations in the load of large machines
were not very great or very rapid, therefore fine regulation was not of so
great importance. The one occasii.n on which the sudiln. rli:iii^<- in the
load occurred was on a short cin uit. wlirn the |iooicr tip ivjul iimn the ,
less damage resulting. Automatic vohiige regulators liail l»in sn ■.:reatly
improved that it was more and more the practice to insta! machines
having rather poor regulation, and to provide them with some form o
automatic regulation. In that respect Mr. Walker's system of com-
pounding an alternator was of great value, since it maintained a constant
voltage for ordinary load fluctuations ; but in the event of a short-circuit,
where the power factor was very low, it gave poor regulation, and con
scquently the amount of damage was small.
Mr. S. J. Watson considered the figures given in the Paper for slow
speed and turlio-aiternators, and showed that some system of taking
the air from outside and also discharging it outside the engine room must
liccomo a standard practice. It was an interestmg suggestion of the
author to use the heated air for some useful purpose, and he thought
something might be done with it by passing it into the boilers. It would
considerably increase the effieiencj' of the boiler if aii- of a fairly high
temperature were used instead of taking the cold air of the atmosphere.
Mr. ,1. Frith thought one or two speakers had made a false distinction
between artificially cooled and ventilated turbo machines. Ventilation
had to be done with a fan, and the naturally cooled machine v,'as the best.
The fan was simply mounted on the rotor shaft instead of on a shaft
somewhere else. He personally would go further, and believe that a
good deal could be done by putting compressed aii' into a turbo-alternator.
A compressor was no more complicated than a motor-driven fan. when
there were already installed oil pumps and water pumps. The au- was
cooled and the heat carried, off in a far more useful form in hot water,
and the air in expanding m the generator case cooled very much, which
would keep the machine working at a much lower temperature, and
therefore at a higher efficiency. It became a rather interesting point
to know what was meant by the surroundini; atmosijhcre. Was it the
outside temperature or the engine-room tenipcrature ? He quite appre-
ciated the point of view of the purchasing engineer who wanted a margin,
and if he was not now working with a 0-7 power factor might possibly
some day want to. It seemed that to specify a larger machine than was
really wanted was the best thing to do.
Mr. .J. R. Salter remarked that the question of the selection of a
turbine as compared with a reciprocating set was a commercial proposi-
tion. The turbine generally h.ad a lower price, but if the extra losses
due to the necessity of obtainmg a high vacuum or for superheat were
taken into consideration and capitalised it would be found that there
was little difference between a turl)inc and reciprocating set, except as
regards floor space. Where space was ,in iiii|„, riant question, even the
conditions of vacuum and superheat w\. ,liii,,,t in. .ugh in themselves
to decide between the turbine and the n ; i|.i.., .iiuii; set. As regards the
getting rid of the heat, if the cost of the ian werctaken and the losses
capitalised, a set of conditions were again obtained that would make
a turbine quite incomparable with a reciprocating set. The same con-
ditions applied with regard to the power factor.'only it was put differently.
The Chairman (.Mr. .Miles Walker), in repiv to Mr. Salter, said that
the efticieney of a turbo-generator w.as much" higher than the ordinarv
reciprocating .set. and one could obtain as good regulation. He did no"t
agree with the author's statement that the rotor temperature limited
the outinit. It was (piite possible to have a machine in which the highest
temperature was reached in the armature, although the regulation was
better than that generally specified for the engine-type machine. He
thotight the future would show that large machines would be ventilated
by forced draught in all big stations.
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
225
SOME NOVELTIES OF MESSRS. D. H. BONNELLA &
SON, LTD.
It is, ni- suppose, inevitable that something which is merely large
should attract attention simply and solely on account nf its size,
apart from any other con.sideration. For instance, a 2,000 k\v. gene-
rator is more likely to appeal to the multitude at an exhibition than
a small fitting, though the latter may be just as mueh an engineer-
ing job. There is besides, often quite as much ability required in
the evolution of the latter as in the former.
Among those firms who have directed their attention exclusively
to small articles are Messrs. D. H. Bonnella & Son, l^td., of Mortimer-
street, London, who are now manufacturing a number of interesting
accessories for electrical work. The lu.Kury of the modern motor
car would scarcely be complete without some arrangement for its
internal lighting, and it is further a necessity that any fittings used
in this connection should harmonise with the upliolstery and other
interior " fitments." To comply with these requirements Messrs.
Bonnella have designed an interesting selection of fittings specially
for this purpose, one of which, an interior root light, is shown in
Fig. 1. The base of this fitting is made of '' Ivoride " in any desired
colour. Such accessories as the door handles, strap rings. &c., can
also be made in this material and of the same colour, so that the
general colour scheme of the interior is not disturbed. The fitting
contains, as lighting element, a small 4 volt metallic filament lamp,
which can be supplied from the ignition accumulators of the ear.
We understand that these arrangements ai'e being largely taken up
by the car builders, and doubtless visitors to the Olympia Exhibi-
tion will recognise many of them in full working order on the
various stands.
The activities of Messrs. Bonnella are, however, not confined in
this direction alone. "Ivoride," which is a special material very
similar to and very hard to distinguish from ivory, is again pressed
latcs tlie interclxanjieabillty of biitli. Messrs. C. A. \'a.\dervell
an- cxliibiting a jdual ignition .system in which magneto, and coil
iL,'Milion are combined. The apparatus is shown in full working order
Mil the. stand. This company has acquired the sole agency for the
Ruthardt magnetos, which are noticeable for their extreme lightness,
neat appearance and substantial construction. The weight of the
smallest model for motor cycle use is 4i lb., the dimen;iions being :
height 4 in., width 3J in., and length .jl in. The model for four-
cylinder motor-car engines weighs only 8| lb., and is arranged to run
at the full crank .shaft speed of the engine. .Ml types are littcd with
ball bearings, and the parts are made intcrchangealjlc. The same
hrm makes a good showing of accumulators, ignition coils and electric
lights. We understand that the latter are being largely used in place
of acetylene lamps, owing to their extreme cleanliness and con-
venience. We may also call attention to the company's single
trembler synchronised coil for small four-cylinder high-speed engines.
This pattern has met with a good reception from users of small cirs
fitted with four-cylinder engines. The company is showing for the
first time a special sparking plug, in which .silica is used as an in-
sulating material. The design of this jihig should be inspected, as it
possesses many points of interest out of the common. Messrs. J.
L.\cosTE are exhibiting their standard batteries and magnetos, with
improvements for 1909, and also a large variety of accessories in the
shape of small lighting lamps, ignition plugs, terminal apparatus, &c.
Electrical engineers will be int<,'rested in a new insulating material
which this company is showing, as it can be moulded into a large
variety of shapes. Specimens are exhibited which liave been with-
drawn directly from the mould, and which show a good surface polish
without having been touched since moulding. The material is proof
against certain acids, damp, &c., and it can be moulded with extreme
accuracy round metal jjarts. such as terminals, contacts. &c. We
understand that the material is largely used by a number of the big
electrical manufacturing firms on the Continent, who employ it for
both liigh and lo« -tension work. Messrs, LoDciE Bkcs. & Co. ex-
Fii:. 1. — MES.SRS. Bonnella
Motor Car Rook Licut.
Fill. 2. — Messrs. Bonnella', Patent Reflector, suowini: Lever Ai;m Arkancembnt
into service, and many artistic bell pushes, switch covers and well
sockets in all colours are the result. This material is also exten-
sively employed for making the labels such as are finding an increas-
ing application in hotel and similar work for naming or indicating
circuits.
.Another interesting speciality is the reflector which we illustrate
in Fig. 2. In this fitting the lamps .are mounted in pau:s on a
hinged arm which allows them to be swung out of the reflector as
shown on the right of the figure. This arrangement allows the re-
flector to begot at with ease, while at the same time the lamps
can be changed without trouble.
This article would not be complete without some mention of the
"Shadoless" patent candle lamp and fittings which Messrs.
Bonnella are now putting on the market. This imitates the well-
known paraffin candle in an extraordinary way, and .should Hnd a
large application in drawing rooms and other similar places. Its
special feature is that the '• candle " is separate from the lamp
so that the latter can be renewed at the cost of the lamp alone. We
understand that small 2o-volt metallic filament lamps are now being
supplied for use with this fitting, a detail which should still further
enhance its reputation.
THE MOTOR EXHIBITION.
The electrical featiucs of the Jlotor Exhibition at Olympia are.
as in previous years, practically confined to ignition appai-atus.
Visitors to the show will find all the specialities displayed in the
gallery, which is now always devoted to accessories of all kinds. If
anything, the number of makers of ignition apparatus appears to be
on the increase, for this year one finds magnetos and several ignition
devices designated by unfamiliar names. Xothing particularly new
is to be seen, but a commendable and successful effort has been made
to combine magneto and battery ignition in a manner which facili-
hibit the ignition apparatus invented by Sir t)liver Lodge, the
" Lodge " spark being shown in oil and water and under all the
difierent conditions connected with ignition in engine cylinders.
A feature of the " Lodge " distributor is a steel wipe contact, which
is said to be practically unwearable. Messrs. Sie.mexs Bros. & Co.
exhibit " Siemens Obach " dry cells for use with Siemens ignition
coils, also a number of magnetos, revolving and oscillating, a ])alent
electric hooter and an electric speed indicator. Siemens plug with
visible spark-gap and ammeters and voltmeters for electromobiles
are among the other specialities shown. Messrs. Peto & Radford
make a large exhibit of accumulators for ignition, electric lighting
and power work. They al.so show electric vulcaniscrs and small
engines for dynamos and battery charging jjlants. The Electric
Ii:nitiox Co. have a neat terminal attachment to their magnetos,
by which the contact-breaker and distributor ran be inspected with-
out disturbing the magneto connections. The trembler fitted to
their four-cylinder synchroni-sed ignition set can also be removed
without disturbing the connections and adjusted to a nicety while
held in the hand. Messrs. Van Raden & Co. exhibit the Nieuport
dual ignition, which is interesting in that the distributor is driven
from the lay shaft of the engine, while the magneto is run at engine
speed. The one distributor is common to both the magneto and coil
ignition. The coil is fitted at the back of the dashboard in a cir-
cular case, the front of which is closed by a special sw itch, with which
either the magneto or the coil ignition can be put in cir<^uit, or both
can be turned off. The front of this switch is fitted with a prtss
button which gives a continuous trembler, and enables the engine
to be started from the driver's si>at. The design is such that the coil
can be slipped in and out of this cast- without disturbing any of the
connections. Messrs. Fuller & Co.. amongst their exhibit of
ignition specialities, show an electric geyser for motor garage use.
This is a small device which only needs connecting with the water
supply and electric circuit to immediately give an instantaneous
supply of hot water. The device takes about li units per hour, and
turning on the water completes the electric circuit.
22r)
THE ELECTRICIAN. NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
r H. D. Wilklnaon, M.I.E E.
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BRAKING ARRANGEMENTS AND SANDING GE&R
ON TRAMCAR8.
The frequency with which tramway accideuti of a
serious nature, sometimes fatal in their results, have oc-
curred during the last few years has aroused a feeling of
anxiety in the minds of traction engineers. This anxiety
maybe described as two-fold— first, that thepresent braking
apjiliances for tramcars are not as etlicieut as they sliould
be, and, second, that the general public will come to
regard a journey by the electric tramcar as one of a
lial:ardous nature. When, therefore, it was announced
that Committees had been appointed by the Tramways
and Light Eailways Association and by the Municipal
Tramways Association to investigate the question, it was
hoped that the reports of such Committees would do much
to restore confidence in the braking equipment of tramcars.
It would have been desirable, in view of the public interest
taken in the subject, fur the two Associations to have issued
a joint report ; but as this procedure has been found im-
practicable, we are pleased to notice that, at the request of
the Board of Trade, a joint meeting of the two Associations
was recently held, in the hope that uniformity in the re-
commendations of the two Committees would result. As
a matter of fact, the tardy appearance of the September
issue of the " Official Circular" of the Tramways and Light
Hallways Association, which contains the report of the
Committee appointed by that body to investigate brakes
and sanding apparatus, is due to the holding of this joint
meeting ; we understand also that the report of the Com-
mittee of the Municipal Tramways Association is ready
for publication and may be expected at an early date.
From announcements elsewhere, it would appear that con-
siderable difficulties have arisen between the two Associa-
THE ELECTRICIAN. NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
227
lions with regard to these reports, Ijut with this we are not
at present coucenied, beyond expressing our regret that co-
operation was not secured from the start and continued
througliout the investigations.
AVlien it is realised that the report of the Tramways
and Light Eailways Association comprises ]28 jiages,
and contains, in the way of curves and tables, particulars
of a large number of tests (the Committee particularly
refer to the assistance provided by Mr. A. L. (J. Fell in
carrying out extensive series of tests on the Loudon County
Council tramways), some idea of the large amount of work
involved in its preparation can be formed. Li fact it
was found desirable to divide the work between two sub-
Committees. The first of these was mainly concerned with
a discussion of the objects to be aimed at in obtaining
braking effects and the carrying out of tests to determine
the coefficient of friction of various materials under normal
dry conditions and under the wet and greasy conditions
frequently experienced in practice. Tiie second sub-Com-
mittee was more concerned with a classitication of the
various forms of brakes, recommendations as to the brakes
at present on the market, and the most suitable forms of
sanding gear.
In our la8t',issue we mentioned la'ietly the " Conclusions "
arrived at in the report. At hrst sight it may be
thought that these conclusions are scarcely as definite
as would be expected, but, since the conditions under which
tramways are operated vary considerably, it would be im-
possible to lay down any hard-and-fast rules. The Com-
inittee discuss very carefully the requirements of brakes,
pointing out the characteristics of the various types and
indicating their limitations ; whilst in an appendix they
give particulars of a large number of tests which have
been carried out on many patterns of brakes at present on
the market. Although no definite recommendation as to
the adoption of any particular brake is made, probably for
the reason slated above, the views expressed by the Com-
mittee should meet with general approval. Thus, they
state that a special brake should be used for descending
gradients, leaving the service brake free for pulling up, if
necessary ; also, in cases where a high speed is maintained
in tratfie, the service brake should be operated instinctively
by the motorman, should be ]mt on l.)y a single motion, and
should be capable of giving the maxinmm allowable retar-
dation, which is fixed by the committee at 8 ft. per second
per second. A much smaller retardation than this will be
found to l»e more than inconvenient to the passengers, but
it should be noticed that, even with the retardation main-
tained constant at the above value, a car travelling on the
level at 20 miles per hour would only be brought to a stop
in 54 ft., this distance being, of course, increased on a down
gradient. So that the difficulty of dealing with a runaway
car on greasy rails can easily be appreciated, and it is
obviously essential to keep a car well under control in all
such cases. Again, the Committee consider that on lines
with steep gradients track brakes are essential, and a quicker
means of application than the manual method is necessary
in order to deal with a runaway car travelling back-
wards. It will be remembered that several accidents have
occurred due to cars beginning to run backwards and
getting out of control, so that the electrical " run-back "
brake, referred to in the report, in which the motors are
short-circuited and connected as for forward driving
when the controller handle is in the "off" position, thus
oidy allowing the car to creep liackwards, might frequently
be found of advantage, since it would be brought into
action by the motorman's usual first movement when power
fails. To deal effectively with such mishaps, however, the
motorman requires to have had a very thorough training.
Information which has been collected by the Committee
from many important tramway undertakings, including
numy where traffic is heavy antl where gradients are
severe, seems to show that the braking equipment most
frequently fitted to tramcars consists of a wheel brake
operated by hand, together with a rheostatic brake, whilst
a hand-operated wheel brake in combination with a mag-
netic brake comes next in favour. As regards the first-
mentioned combination, we think tliis can scarcely be
considered satisfactory, since both brakes depend on the
rotation of the wheels for their eflect, and in the case
of steep gradients this view is expressed by the Com-
mittee. It is interesting to notice the recommendation
that where a "power" brake is fitted — and such a brake
is suggested by the Committee for all cases where quick
and frequent stops are necessary — it should become the
service brake. We believe that in some cases this is not
the policy pursued, but it is undouljtedly the correct one,
since only by such repeated use can a brake be kept
in perfect working order ; whereas, when it is depended
upon for emergency use only, it is lialjle to fail occasion-
ally or to be wrongly operated, and this is a by no means
infrequent occurrence where too much reliance is placed
on the hand-operated wheel brake. Another considera-
tion, and a by no means insignificant one, is that the
service brake should in cases of emergency be capable of
giving the maximum retardation allowable, so that by
merely one movement tiie motorman has any desired
braking force available. This simplification of the appa-
ratus controlled by the motorman is most desirable, so
that he be given as few alternatives as possible for stopping
a car; and partly for that reason we are opposed to any
brake which is used solely for emergency purposes. Where
apparatus of that character is installed, the fact that it is
not in constant use may lead to a certain amount of
inattention to its component parts, and, however simple
these latter may be, its o]Kuation in the time of need may
prove unsatisfactory.
With regard to cars getting out of control 0:1 gradients,
through too high initial speed, it should be possible to
eliminate this type of accident almost entirely, as men-
tioned in the report, provided a compulsory stop, wliich is
fixed by tlie Board of Trade in the case of dangerously
steep gradients, were made just before the descent is com-
menced, a track brake being then applied to such an ex-
tent as to counteract the elfect of gravity, so that tlie
usual braking equipment would be available for controlling
the speed of the car. Since to bring a manual track brake
into operation usually re.juires considerable exertion on
the part of the motorman, and also a slight delay, it is occa-
sionally disregarded, and in lespect of its application, it
would seem that there is room for some improvement.
It would also be an advantage if all magnetic brakes
228
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
could be adapted lor luecluiuical oiieiution, so that in the
case of any failure of the electrical circuit a track lirake
would still l>u available. In connection with the type of
power brake to be adopted, the Committee do not appear
Id have arrived at a definite conclusion, but it is worth
noting that they consider that more attention might be
I'iven to air brakes, which, although extensively used in
other countries, have not been tested to any great extent
in the United Kingdom, and also to systems of regenera-
tive control.
A problem which is intimately connected with that of
brakes is the design of satisfactory sanding apparatus, and
considerable attention has been paid by the ('ommittee to
the examination of existing types. A casual inspection of
many tramway tracks in the condition known as "greasy "
will draw attention to the apparent inetticiency of some of
the sanding gear at present in use, and this is evidently
the view of the Committee, for they consider that there
is an opening for much improvement in the design of
such apparatus. In view of the possible serious conse-
quences occasioned by a failure of the sand supply, we
liope the recommendation as to the provision of two sand
biixes at each end of the car will be duly considered and
steps taken to put it into effect.
The great development in trattic brought about by elec-
tric traction has in many cases taxed the carrying capacity
of the cars, so that these latter have gradually increased
in size, and when equipped with top covers have become
rather unwieldy on steep gradients. We have referred to
this feature ou a previous occasion, and the Committee in
their report suggest that on very steep gradients only
single-deck cars should be employed. On undertakings
where such gradients are not exceptional, considerable
expense would bo entailed in carrying out such a sug-
gestion, liui, in view of the prevalence of the single-
deck ear on the Continent and in America, further con-
sideration of this question is desirable. Sir Clifton
KoBiNSON some little time ago pointed out the disadvan-
tages of the double-deck car as regards delays at stopping
places, remarking that its adoption in this country had lieen
brought about by the strict enforcement of regulations
against overcrowding.
A striking feature in connection with many tramway
accidents is that they cannot be altogether attiibuted to
faulty apparatus, but rather to failure in the " human "
element. ( In previous occasions we have drawn attention
to this question, and our views are borne out by the
information collected by the Committee. Indeed, of the
six causes of accidents which are discussed in the report,
four are directly concerned with the human element in
the person of the motorman. Special emphasis is laid on
tlie necessity of ensuring the proper training of these men,
and we must agree that there is frequently room for con-
siderable improvement. A slight amount of training
suffices to enable a man "to operate the controller and brake
handles under normal conditions of working, but it is in
cases of skidding wheels or a ear running backwards that
the thoroughness or otherwise of the training becomes
apparent ; for under such conditions a slight amount of
tlurry is almost certain. Careful consideration should
be given to the course of training laid down by the Com-
mittee, and it is noteworthy that tliey consider that a
motorman should not be entrusted with a car on hilly
routes until he lias proved himself a reliable driver for a
period of at least 12 mouths. In view of the agitation
which arose in connection witli the proposed medical
examination of the motormen on the London County
Council Tramways some little time ago, it is interesting to
observe that the Committee are strongly of opinion that it
should be obligatory on all undertakings to have the drivers
medically examined every five years. We hope that due
attention will be paid to this recommendation, and that
no pandering to the feelings of employes will again take
place, in view of the importance of such periodical exami-
nation in the interests of the general public.
A section of the report to which we have not hitherto
referred is that in which particulars are given of tests to
ascertain the value of the coefficient of friction of the
materials employed in brake construction. The data given
in this connection are likely to become of historical interest,
in view of the paucity of information hitherto available;
and more particularly we would draw attention to those
tests carried out on greasy and wet rails. Although no defi-
nite conclusion is arrived at liy the Committee on this point,
possibly because they felt that some of the lesults require
confirmation by other investigators, tramway managers liave
much valuable information placed at their disposal. The
thanks of the tramway world are due to the Tramways and
Light Eaihvays Association, and more particularly to the
members ofthe Committee and those who have devoted much
time to the carrying out of experiments, for what must be
considered a valuable treatise on the theory and practice of
" braking " on electric tramways.
REVIEWS.
Copies o£ the undermentioned works can be had from Thr Electrician Office, post frer
ou receipt of published price, adding 3J. for booUs published under 2s. Add 10 per
cent, for abroad or for foreign books.)
Wireless Telephony. By Ernst Rithmer. Translated from the
German by J. ER,sKiNE-McRR.Ay. (London : Crosby Lockwood &
Son.) Pp. xiii. + 217. 10s.6d.net.
In the author's preface this work is spoken of as a " little
book," but so far as the English translation is concerned this
is quite a mistake— if, as might be supposed, the word " little "
refers to linear dimensions and mass, which are about the same
as, say, one of Thomson and Tail's volumes on Natural Philo-
sophy. Wo may, liowever, measure the size of a Ijook by the time
taken to read it. The word - little " is then quite appropriate.
This making of a large volume out of a " little book " is accom-
jihshed by the use of thick paper, fairly large type, and numerous
very large diagrams ; luxuries which are surely unnecessary in
a work that will probably be right out of date in five or ten
years.
Wireless telephony has grown almost uiwbserved by the
majority of electricians. It is now 30 years since Bell, the
inventor of the telephone, succeeded in transmitting speech
over a distance of several hundred feet in an exceedingly simple
manner. At the sending end the sound waves were made to
vary the intensity of a beam of light which was projected into
the receiver; and these variations caused corresponding
alterations in the resistance of a selenium cell placed in series
with a battery and telephone. This so-called light-telephony
is discussed in the first six chapters. It is obviously not
suitable for long-distance transmission.
The remainder of the book is mainly'devoted to an account
of the attempts that have been made to utilise Hertzian waves
for telephonic transmission. These attempts were begun
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
229
shortly after tlie iiitrodxictioii of wireless telegraphy, but little
success was obtained until means had been devised for the
production of high frequency, undamped oscillations. Since
then progress has been very rapid and now messages can be
transmitted by this means over a distance of 200 miles.
In a work that professes to deal with practice as well as
theory, the perpetual omission of all such details as the dimen-
sions of the parts of the apparatus experimented with is very
undesirable ; and the translator's explanation that it would in
many cases be unfair to inventors to publish numerical details
which might prove essential to the proper operation of their
instruments will, we think, scarcely be considered adequate.
To some extent the omission is balanced by numerous references
to patent schedules, but surely one object of a practical text-
book is to save readers the trouble of looking through such
original sources.
Les Ddcouvertes Modernes en Physique. % Dr. 0. M.vnville.
(Piui-s: A. Heiiiimiii.) Pp. ii.— 182. Fr. 5.
This little book professes to furnish an arsenal of weapons
both for the adherents of an " electric theory of matter " and
for its opponents. In other words, it attempts a survey of the
facts which point towards such a theory, and of other facts
which do not. This manner of presenting experimental re-
sults has the advantage of maintaining the reader's interest
more effectively than a disconnected enumeration. It is
something like the historical novel which groups history
round a " plot." We obtain in this manner a readable
volume in which separate chapters are devoted to liquid
conduction, discharge through gases, ionisation, the speci-
fic charge of electrons, radio-activity and secondary radia-
tion. The last chapter of all deals with " the electron theory
of matter," on the basis of the inertia of a moving electrified
body. It is just here, however, where the book is most dis-
appointing. The reduction of mechanics to electric principles
is dismissed as a kind of dream in a few paragraphs, and the
problem is never boldly faced as it is in such works as Lodge's
"Electrons." This may be due to the circumstance that the
difficulties in the way of this view have increased of late
rather than otherwise. In any case, the work under review
suffers under sonic serious drawbacks which a little additional
care might have avoided. On p 27 we find Lenard rays de-
scribed as generated by the impact of cathode rays, whereas
they are simply cathode rays filtered through aluminium foil.
Throughout the book we find the words " catodc " and
" catodique." This revised spelling was started three years
ago by a French electrochemist painfully ignorant of the rules
of Greek etymology. It is deplorable to find that it has found
an imitator. But in any case, it is used consistently. The
same cannot be said of foreign names, which are very roughly
handled. Thus we find Hittdorf (p. 13), Widemann (p. 2-5),
Eoengten (p. 52), Marc-Clelland (p. 55), J. J. Thompson (p. 50),
and Ruterford (p. 136). On this same page the lettering of
the diagram representing the three classes of radium rays is
entirely misleading. This, however, we must put down to the
engraver rather than the author. The theories of the heat
generated in a conducting wire are hardly stated fairly on
pp. 177 and 1 78. Surely nobody ever thought it was generated
by the oscillation of atoms occupied in handing on charges.
That would be^too anthropomorphic. The modern view, which
attributes the heat to a generalised Koentgen radiation, might
at least have been mentioned.
INAUGURAL ADDRESS TO THE DUBLIN LOCAL SEC
TION OF THE INSTITUTION OF ELECTRICAL
ENGINEERS.*
BY O. F. PILDITCH.
In his address the author deals with tlie commercial aspects of
electricity supply, and refers to some of the obstacles wliich tend to
prevent success in this direction.
Perhaps the most adverse condition is that of a poor load factor,
a state of things in which there is little prospect of alteration .so
long as a district remains purely residential. The only method of
improving it is by an extended use of electric heating and cooking
apparatus, and the onus of effecting this to any appreciable extent
* Abstract.
rests rather with the makers of such apparatus than with the supply
engineers. In the case of heating apjjaratus, the cost of wiring may
be a considerable |icn(iit;iL'e of the whole, but this does not hold
with cooking utiTisils, «|i,,h are generally placed in the basement
and near the entiaiirc of the liouse service main.s. But the present
price of electric cooking apparatus goes far t« prohibit tlieh- ex-
tended use.
Then, again, there is the question of .services ; these in some cases
mean a big outlay, which is compensated by only a very small re-
turn. This might be met by providing a row of cottages with a
common service, though in this arrangement there always comes a
time when one particular consumer consideis that his meter is
registering some of the energy used by his neighbours. The engineer
then realises the inadequacy of his argumentative abilities.
The author then considers the task of securing new business.
Though very few undertakings supplying residential districts are
wealthy enough to support a separate jjublicity department, yet
strenuous endeavours should be made to keep the advantages of
electricity supply before the public. The ifsults obtained from
scattering pamphlets broadcast arc rather disaiipointing, and the
business therefrom small. But much may be done by following up
such a pamphlet with a canvasser, who may be the meter reader.
This man is able to give the sort of information required by the aver-
age man. and there is no expense to the undertaking unless a new
consumer is obtained. Svich canvassing should be accompanied by
educational literature, and much may be performed in this way
by Cd-operating with other undertakings to produce a really high-
class magazine, as is already done in London.
The author does not believe in local exhibitions, as tlie.se have
very little lasting effect, and much better results are obtained from
|)crmanent show rooms suitably fitted up. The show rooms should
be situated in the best part of the district, and at the same place
accommodation should be provided for the collector and canva.sser,
so that inquirers can get all information they desire. By such an
arrangement the expense would not be incurred solely for advertising
purposes, and there would be the additional advantage that con-
sumers coming to pay their bills would, in passing through the show
rooms, see such things as electric flat-irons, kettles, cooking utensils,
heaters and many other useful electrical devices and fittings. An
occasional demonstration of electrical cooking might be given with
advantage, as it is a good thing to Uce|i Ijcfore the notice of consumers
the fact that cooking can be bolli well and cheaply done by means
of electricity.
The question arises as to why such |)oor results are ol)lained in a
certain district (Rathmines) after eight years steady working by a
good and steady canvasser. The reason is not far to seek. Tlie
majority of houses are held under yearly or, perhaps, three-yearly
tenancies. The tenants, although, perhajis, very anxious to have a
l)etter and cleaner light than gas or oil, are not prepared to spend
money on the wiring of somebody else's property, especially as the
greater part of the installation must he left behind when they leave.
On the other hand, the landlords will not spen<l money on having
their houses wired so long as they can continue to let tlicm without
doing .so. A cheap form of wiring, such, for instance, as a good
surface system of flexible wiring as used on the C'ontinent, would get
over this difficulty to some extent, but not altogether. In order to
make any real headway it must be jtossible for the supply authorities
to put in installations free of all cost either to the landlords or
tenants, and to charge a small rental for the u.se of the same. To do
this requires i)arliamentary powers, and to obtain these otherwise
than by inserting a clause in an "omnibus" bill is out of the ques-
tion. The author, therefore, looks forward to the time when loans for
this purpose may be obtained by application to the Ivocal Govern-
ment Board. The local authority car, of course, enter into negotia-
t i(jns with a company, but this has many disadvantages, among them
the landlords' objections to such an arrangement, the lack of atten-
tion to the installations which may arise, with consequent dis-
satisfaction on the ))art of the consumer, and the fact that with a
company really low lentals are not as.surcd. The autlior recommends
tliat in such cases the wiring work sliould be earricd out by the local
contractors in competition, that each installation be paid for in cash
and that the Council recoup itself for the outlay by the rtntals
received. He believes that l)y the aid of some such scheme as this
the demand for electricity would be effectively cultivated, especially
w here the charges for tlie sui)ply as well as the rentals for the in-
stallation are moderate.
Turning to the question of tariffs. For lighting he is in favoiu-
of a flat rate, an arrangement which, though not ideal from the
.supply jxiint of view, is more convenient to the consumers. Further,
it is less difficult to obtain new consumers if supply at a fixed rate
is offered. The maximum demand system leads to mystification,
and the prospective consumer, after an hour's study of it, is in a fit
condition for keeping his gas lamps.
230
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
The iiicliillic tilameiit lamp will.fin the author's opinion, not cause
S"cli a serious falling off as is anticipated. Wlien consumers find
their bills lowered they will increase the number of lamps and use the
light more, so that the consumption per customer will not in the long
run ho much or anything less. The author gives some actual figures
from tlie record inRathmincs, showing the difference in consvimption
in l)oth private houses and shops due to the use of metallic filament
lamps. It is found that in none of the private houses on the mains
has a complete change yet been made. Many consumers are using
metallic filament lamps in one or two rooms only, but none through-
out the house, and, as a consequence, comparative figures would not
at present be of much value. A few of the shops have changed over
entirely, and the eflFcet on the consumption in some of the cases is
as follows : —
Units Consumed.
Sept. quarter, Sept. (iikumt. Dilfercucc
Cla.ss of .shop. 190(1. Carbon 1908. .'Mcidl
filament lamps. tiUuuenl tiiii|
Draper 7;
in units
iiisuined.
-54
Chemist LIS
Ironmonger l.")
Confectioner .58
Jeweller 90
Tobiieeonist Sfi
Pork butcher 77
10(1
81
100
7H
+ 30
- 9
+ 14
- 4
The net loss to the undertaking is 77 units, tliough these more
economical lamps form an excellent bait for new consumers.
In conclusion, the author deals with lighting of side streets. Arc
lighting is not generally required in any but the main thoroughfares,
and u|) to the (iresent there has been some difficulty in competing
with gas for the lighting of the side streets. Carbon filament lamjjs
have been used jiretty generally up to the jiresent, but they have
not proved altogether satisfactory. A 32 c.p. lamp in each post is
not sufficient to properly light a street, even though it be a quiet
one, and anything beyond that becomes prohibitive owing to the
large consumption of current. Small enclosed are lamjis, of cour.se,
arc excellent from a lighting point of view, but the cost of trimming
and upkeep puts them out of court. It seems that the solution of
the problem will be found in the use of metallic filament lamps.
Having no moving or complicated parts, these lamjjs do not require
any attention beyond that of being replaced when they burn out,
and this, being a simple operation, can be done by the ordinary lamp-
lighters. High candle-power lamps can be used, and in the majority
of places the cost would not work out more expensive than with
incandescent gas burners of equal candle-power. Metallic filament
lamps are vastly superior to incandescent gas mantles for street
lighting, in at any rate one respect — viz., that the candle-power
remains practically constant throughout their life, a feature which
even the most ardent supporters of gas cannot claim for the incan-
descent mantle.
THE LATE PROFESSOR AYRTON,
At the meeting of the Institution of Electrical Engineers
held last week, members met together to pay a last tribute to
the memory of the lute Prof. Ayrton.
Mr. W. M. MoRDEV (President) said that s.miu- ..f lli.i-.r |.ri-senl had
gathered round the grave of their much revered I'.i-i I'lr^dent. Prof.
Ayrton, that afternoon, and had joined with n |irr < niu !m< of other
societies, in which he was interested, and in cornie<i n .ii w n h h Inch he hail
.worked perhaps as valuably as he liad for the Institution of Electrical
Engineers, in paying tribute and respect to Prof. Avrton's memory and
to his life. They had met to-night not to maugurate in the us\ial way their
new and ,S8th .-icssion, but to mark officiallyas the In.stitntion of Electrical
Enginee.s their sense of the very great loss tliat electrical engineers and
seie.iee had sustained, and to sciid to Prof. Ayrtcm's widow and family a
message of their de(|. >\ .iihy. In Prof. Ayrton thev had lost one of
their most u.scful and in. i i .Iim inu'uished men. The occi\sion was not one
when any account n. . ,1 l„. ;;n,.n of his life or of his work ; the time for
that would come latei- ; tint he would remind them that since the Institu-
tion was founded. Prof. Ayrton had been one of the mainstays. He was
elected a member in 1872, it being then known as the Society of Telegraph
Engineers. After 20 years of eonstruetion work to further the objwts of
the Institution he became President. His efforts had been continuous in
every way in and outside tlie Institution to further the objects they all
had at heart. Only those who had been members of the Council could
know how constant had been tbe attention and great the thought he
always gave to their efforts, not jierhaps less in the capacity of treasurer,
an office which he held for five vio- U:-m 1S97 to 1902. , a period when the
greatest care, the greatest ;m , Ml ,M„ ,,,„! t he greatest skill w.is necessary in
that office to establish it ,.n ,, ..ii,,,! Inundation, which is verv lar.'elv due
to the work that he did in ll,,a prnod. As for Prof. Avrton's us'efuhiess
Mr. Jlordey said be need hardly refer to it; their Journal alone was a
monument of it; but the Journal although it contamed the record of a
vast amount of work that Prof; A^Tton had done only contamed a small
part even of his routine work. He, the speaker, had looked through the
.fournal and found that diiriuL' (be 3(1 years of membership Prof. Ayrton
had read before the Institution 32 p.iiiers. mo:-t of them m conjunction
with Prof. Perry. He had in addition (akeii jiart m no less than 103
discussions. They would agree that on every one of those oeeasions he
never spoke without contributing useful and often very valuable informa-
tion. They lost in him one of the small band of eminent teachers who had
doneso much to establish British electrical engineering on the firm founda-
tion on which it rested. Thev could ill spare him. His early work m
particular was esjwcially useful. It might be described m three winds—
experiment, accuracy and measurement. His idea was to experiment
always, to aim at accuracy and measurement. It was Prof. Ayrton and a
few others who had put electrical measurement on a film practical engi-
neering basis. His influence had been great and his success had been
very great — as a tiadicr and in other ways, but his work did not die
with him. He lived in the record of his work in theu Journal and in
I)articular m his pupils, the men who learnt from him not merely ordmary
knowledge but had learnt to imbibe the principles of his reasonings. His
name was known all over the world in every civilised country, and in fact
ui every country where electrical engineering Wiis known at all. His
pupils were all over tlic world, and men who had been his personal
friends. They might all claim to be his pupils. He, Mr. Mordey, had
attended Prof. Ayrtons evening classes in 1881, and he was bound to say
he had been a jjiipil of Prof. Ayrton's ever since. On such occasions it
was not appropriate that they should look entirely on the sad side. He
had said the other day. with regard to his master Kelvin, that whilst they
deplored his death they could feel thankfulness for his life and for his
work. They had lost a man who would always be looked upon as one of
the founders of electrical engmeering m this country, and he thought
they could at least say that their last thought should be one of thankful-
ness for his life.
Prof. Perry said his partnership with Prof. Ayrton had extended over
15 years and a close friendship of over a third of a century. He was
proud of having been Prof! Ayrton's partner and of sharing credit with
him for the work |jub!ished, In the past few days he had been forced to
think of the glorious time of the pioneers of electrical engineering when a
new world was before the explorer. The young members of the Institu-
tion knew, and could know, nothing about those times that the pioneers
had when he. Prof. Perry, was one of the explorers. He had intended
to leave his speech that evening to the spur of the moment, but that
morning, after his usual lecture, he felt that it was such an unusual
occasion that he might break down and might not be able to collect his
thoughts. Even after a few hours deliberation he felt that he could only
ton<b on :> few s.dient points. By Prof. Ayrton's death they had suffered
a l:ii ii l.r . riie service which they had demanded fi'om him as a meni-
bei .III;, III I If iition and as a member of the Council was a labour of love,
willui;^ly undvi taken as long as his health allowed. He allowed no business
to interfere with his Institution work. The work of the Council had
gradually become very eom]ilex and Prof. A\Tton's knowledge and keen-
ness had been of the most valuable assistance. It was no wonder that he
loved that Institution — it was the mirror of his life. It gave a scope for
that energy, that untiring energy, of which he was always possessed, but
he did it also for love of the Institution, the love of the mother for the son
who had gradually grown up to splendid manhood — the most intense of
all forms of love. He. Prof. Perry, was privileged to assist Prof. Ayi-ton
m his scientific work in Japan and England. On arriving in .Japan in
1875 Prof. Perry said he found a marvellous laboratory, such as the world
had never seen. At Clasgow, Cambridge and Berlui there were tliree great
j)ersonalitics, but none of these laboratories bore any comparison with
Ayrton's. Diligent students and a never resting keen-eyed chief were
what he found. He, Prof. Perry, was only oeeasionally energetic, but
Prof. Ayrton was always working at fever 'heat, his load factor was 100
per cent. Many of their investigations ie(|uired only one observer, and
that one was always Ayrton. Prof. Perry said he regretted getting half
the credit for their joint work when only 20 per cent, was due to him. On
his return to England Prof. Ayrton arranged a laboratory at Kensington,
w hie!: even now ranged as the finest in [England. They continued to
work together and he, Prof.iPerry, contmued to get half tlic credit, a uosi-
tion which he felt was insupportable audj at length he forced a rupture.
It was Prof. Ayrton at Kensmgton who was doing all the work, while he.
Prof. Perry, was doing the teaching, and at last his self-respect forced him
to cause a breach He w,as, he said, so fearful of yielding to temptation
and letting that state of affairs continue that he spoke angrily, which
made tbe rupture irreparable. But, he said, 1 loved him and after a
time I was able to let him see that it was the only course possible.
During a thud of a century they had been the closest friends. When
in 1878 Prof. Ayrton came from Japan and 'started the classes at
the City and Guilds Technical College at Einsbnry. there were no
other classes to «hieh electrical science winkers could go, and as
a matter of fact there were very few workers in electrical research
at that time. Those early workers have had their reward. Prof.
Ayrton held a brief not merely for the \ery clever, but also for the
average student. His students learned by doing rather than by listcnmg.
In the study of mechanics the engineer dealt with energy, "stress, &e.,
and all be hail done was to become acipiainted with"tho.--e thmgs,
but in electricity they were dealing with something abstract. They did
not therefore create a perfect electrical engmeer, but aimed at creating a
learner and a learner all the time, a man whose education would go on
until he died. He lemcmbered. said Prof. Perry, sitting in that very
room m 188() and looking over the large audience and many more than
half of those i)resent were pupils of Prof. Ayrton Manv of Piof.
Ayrton's numerous investigations wouki be found in the publications of
THE ELECTKICIAN, NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
231
t'le Royal Society. A lecord would be found there of some of his inven-
tions, many of which although proving successful, were afterwards
dropped because there was other more interesting work to do. Some
of those inventions would be found to be essential parts of the most
modern electrical machinery. He did not s])eak of Prof. Ayrton's later
work, he spoke of Ayrton as a pioneer. Prof. Ayrton was disappointed
at the end — not because his work was forgotten, but because his failing
body would not respond to his wishes. He worked hard, until he coidd
work no longer, and when he knew he could work no longer he died.
A resolution of deep sympathy with Mrs. Ayrton and the memheis r,f
Prof. Ayrton's family in their bereavement was then adopted.
CORRESPONDENCE.
RAIL CORRUGATION.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ELECTRICIAN.
Sir : 1 have read with considerable interest the many su"-
gestions given hy the various railroad and other officials as To
tlie cau50 of rail corrugation in your issue of October 'Jth. As
the opinioiH given are so widely differ-ent as to causes, and in
some cases absolutely contradi';tory, it will be difficult, in my
opinio:!, for the committee to arrive at a practical solution of
the trouble without extending the inquiry to the manufacture
of the steel rail itself. As I have had a long practical expe
rience in both iron and steel rail manufacturing, I shall attempt
to give the primary reasons for the trouble in the lad itself.
Most of the reasons given by the railroad officials are what I
should call the developing featur-es of rail corrugation during
service in the tr-ack, but the fundamental cause of the ti-ouble
is inherent to the rail itself. I have never heard or read of
iron rails coiTugating, but if I am mistaken in regai'd to this
statement, the same reasons will apply as to steel rails
namely, the lack of uniform continuity of physical structure in
lioth steel and iron rails, as made by present methods. As
steel is the metal almost, if not exclusively, used for rails in
modern practice, 1 shall confine myself to the cause inherent
to steel rail metal as now manufactured, as being the funda
mental source of rail corrugations. Having thus'located the
seat of the disease we shall be able to suggest suitable rcme
dies for its cure.
I believe that I rolled the first girder rail made in the
United States. It was made from irorr and, owing to its diffi-
cult shape, was exceedingly troublesome to produce, and from
what I now know I believe that it was the only order rolled
from iron. Steel, from its great toughness when hot, lends
itself to greater liberties being taken with the metal when
rolling, and this permits the manufacturer to produce much
more difficult sections from steel than from iron.
It is the general opinion of steel buyers that steel is a homo-
geneous product, from the fact that it is produced by melting.
In a melted condition it is, in fact, of a i)racticalli- uniform
composrtioii, but only when in that condition. During solidi-
fication segregation takes place and pipes and blow-holes are
formed, and no subsequent mechanical treatment by the
ordinary rolling process eliminates the physical defects caused
thereby. ]n addition, the overheating of tlie steel, wheir the
rail is being rolled, is another serious cause of inhererrt weak-
ness and is very common, as overheating softens the metal
and facilrtates both large output and the production of difficult
sections, like girder and trilby rails.
The only method depended upon at present to over-come
pipes, blow-holes, segregation and overheated steel is the
ordinary rollrng mill, which, it is well known, lacks the neces-
sary penetr-atrng action to reach the axis of the ingot, where
the principal weakness is located (pipes), until the temperatui-e
and mass are so reduced that it is impossible to weld or
solidify either the pipes or blowholes, and the segregated
material can never be entirely eliminated. It can be .said that
no two ingots, even out of same melt, are exactly alike in
physical structure. The pipes vary in length, and blow-holes
have no settled location, consequently a fixed discard from the
top end of the ingot cannot be relied upon to entirely remove
this source of stiuctural weakness.
Having briefly enumerated the leading reasons for lack of
uniformity in the ingot, I will now attempt to show the in-
adequacy of the ordinary rolling mill to develop the best
physical qualities inherentjn lail steel.
The ingot is rolled down in the blooming mill to the neces-
sary dimensions to form the desired sized rail. Thus, if it is
7iin. high, the bloom would be about Tin. square, and th3
entire effective pressur-e is exerted in a longitudinal direction,
which results in producing a rail much weaker transversely
than longitudinally, and it is in the transverse direction that
the rail should have its greatest strength and elastic qualities.
In rolling rails the head or table on which corrugations de-
velop has the least efficient compression, and in consequence
is tlie part least a<lapted to resist compression under the roll-
ing action of the car wheels. Another reason for weakness is
the lar-ger mass of the head, which is always hotter when
finished than the web of the Hangc, which generally results in
the headanneahng itself during cooling, which lowers both the
tensile and elastic limits in that part of the rail.
Another reason that might be assigned is the narrow head
on which the heavy axle loails are concentrated.
The reasons briefly enumerated above, inherent to all rails,
will, I believe, fully explain the apparently strange vagaries of
rail corrugation. No two rails seem to act exactly alFke, and,
in fact, no rails are similar. The rails formed from the bottom'
of the ingot will always be more reliable than those made from
the toj). Ingots poured first from the melted steel will not be
as good as those poured last, the metal of those poured last
being cooler and the ingot more solid in consequence. I would
suggest that rails should be marked, denoting from what part
of the ingot the rail was made, as now suggested for T rails
for standard railroads.
I have brielly attempted to show that modern methods of
making rails do not produce a i-ail of uniform continuity of
structure, consequently drop tests are misleading, as not
giving a correct measure of quality to all the rails produced
from the same heat. — I am, itc,
.J.VMEs E. York.
(The York Transverse Rolling Process Co.)
Billiter-street, London, E.C , Nov. 14.
PROGRESS OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION.
City and Guilds of London Ln.stitite.— The origin and
scope of the Technological Department of this Institute are, of
course, well known to our readers, and the report on its work
during the session 1907-8 shows that its activities are by no
means impaired. In fact, statistics indicate that steady pro-
gross has been made since 1879, when 202 candidates were
examined in IG subjects, up to last year, when the candidates
were 23,9.30 and the subjects 77. This is gratifying; but
there are unfortunately several causes which prevent the
results of the teaching being as satisfactory as might be desii'ed.
These are emphasised in the reports of the Institute's examiners.
There is, first, the difficulty of finding competent teacher's,
and second, the unduly large proportion of students who,
on account of insufficient prcliminar}' kirowledge, ar'e not able
to take full advantage of the instruction. Every care is, of
course, taken in the selection of teaihers, l>ut it is cousidei'ed
that better results would be obtained if thsy pos-cssed a more
general education, in addition to their special knowledge.
Ever}' encouragement should, therefor-e, be given to the State
in its efforts to raise the standard of teachers' qrralifications.
It is satisfactory to note that the certificates of the Institute
are increasing in valire and that their possession is often of
great help to the holiler in obtaining better employment. Care
is being taken that a student does not take up one subject
alone, but such special instruction has to be supplemented by
attendance at classes in allied work. Turning to the reports
of the examiners in electrical subjects, their rather pessimistic
tone cannot be overlooked. In "Telegraphy" complaint is
made of lack of knowledge of fundamental principles, and of
negligence of the arithmetic of the subject. The results ar-e,
in general, satisfactiny, and the drawing has improved. Many
candidates seem to be unacijuainted with examination tactics,
as they spend too much time on one question. In " Tele-
phony," too, arithmetic ia a stumbling block, and there was
232
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 20, 1908^
general evidence of undigested knowledge The drawing
was, with a few exccjitions, " indescribably bad. In Wee-
trie wiieman's work" the written examination seems to have
troubled many, and in the practical examination several
serious mistakes were made, though some of the work was
excellent. Too much attention seems to be paid to ]0'nt-
in" " at the teaching centres, though this is often prohibited
in°actual work, while the connecting of switches and fattings
which is much more general, is neglected. The number of
candidates in "Electrical engineering" has fallen, probably
owing to the new regulations, but the percentage of failures
in the ordinary grade is less than usual. Many of the
answers however, indicate that the candidate has had little or
no laboratory instruction, and the sketches reveal an ignorance
of engineering drawing. The lack of preliminary training in
physics, mechanics and drawing is also rather evident.
The questions on continuous current work were better answered
than those dcalinv; with alternating currents, indicating that
fuller instruction ~is given in the former subject. In the
honours grade the failures amounted to 77 per cent., the
answers to the general paper being very poor. The examiners
impress upon honours candidates the fact that to obtain suc-
cess a thorough scientific and technical knowledgeis required,
such as can only be obtained by adequate training. There
is no doubt that the examinations of the Department set an
excellent standard, and the care which is taken to keep the
syllabus up to date makes them all the more valuable.
Extensions at thk Boiiouhh Polytechnic— On Friday
evening last a considerable addition was made to the accommo-
dation at this polytechnic. The new buildings, which were form-
ally opened by the Eight Hon. Earl Carrington, K.G., G.C.M.G.,
comprise a new hall (to be designated the "Edric" hall), a print-
ing room, a bookbinding room, a lecture room and laboratory
for the bakery school and a lecture room and laboratory for
painter's oils, colours and varnishes. The " Edric" hall is a
welcome and much-needed addition to the institute, and will
allow lectures, examinations, meetings, &c., to be held with
greater comfort and convenience than hitherto. The total cost
of the new buildings and e<iuipment, together with alterations
to the old buildings, amounts to neariy £17,000. Towards
this sum Mr. Edric Bayley, who was the first chairman of the
governing body, and continued in that capacity from 1892 to
1905, has contributed £5,220, and the London County Coun-
cil has made grants exceeding £10,000. The present chair-
man of the governing body, Mr. J. L. Spicer, presided, and
described the circumstances which led up to the opaning.
Lord Carrington in his address drew iittention to the great change
which had taken place in education as 'regards the critical period of a
boy's life— viz., from 13 to 15 years of age— and contrasted thejiresent
technical teaching with the curriculum in vogue at the period when
he received his education. For a very small fee the students were now
.able to obtain that practical knowledge which was essential to suc-
cess in private or public life. In conclusion, he -n-ished the extension
long life and every possible .success. A vote of thanks to Lord
Carrington was proposed by Sir Philip Magnus, M.P., and seconded
by Sir Buxton Morrish, J.P., whilst a vote of thanks to Mr. Edric
Bayley for his gift was proposed by the chairman, and one to the Lon-
don County Council by the Right Hon. R. K. Causton, M.P. After a
vote of thanks had been given to the chairman, the new workshops
and the other buildings were inspected by the visitors.
REPORT OF THE LONDON TRAFFIC BRANCH OF THE
BOARD OP TRADE.
It will be remembered that the London Traffic Branch of the
Board of Trade was established in August, 1907, with the object of
considering new schemes of locomotion seeking statutory autho-
rity, so far as these came within the scope of the Board of Trade, col-
lecting information, and preparing an annual report on London
traffic. Tlie pre.sent report supplements the Report of the Royal
Commission on the means of Locomotion and Transport in London,
completed in June, 1905. Mi;. H. .Jekyll, the chief of the new
branch, in a prefatory note remarks that London traffic presents a
number of problems, dillering from each other but yet inter-related,
and a close study of the whole subject shows that the subject can
only be effectively dealt with by a permanent body giving attention
to it in all its branches.
The report itself is divided under eight headings — nameh', pre-
liminary, streets and roads (necessity for a plan of improvement),
public carriages, tramways, railways, steamboats, regulations of
traffic and obstructions in streets, conclusions; whilst a memo-
randum is added by the Home Office and five appendixes are at-
tached. Some figures showing the increase m the amount of travel-
ling undertaken by the London public are contained m the first sec-
tion. Including local railways, tramways and certain omnibuses,
the number of journeys per head of population per annum has in-
creased from 56-6 in 1881 to 128-7 in 1901, to 153-2 m 1905 and
177-5 in 1907, showing that the travelling habit is inMeasmg rapidly.
In the section dealing with public carriages the following remarks
on the electric omnibus are of interest : —
Electric omnibuses are in use in small but mcreasing numbers
They are quiet, free from smell and have much less vibration tban the
other forms, so that they are more comfortable as conveyances and
suffer less from wear and tear. They are heavier than petrol or steam
omnibuses and their speed is not so great. It is indeed, one of their
advantages that they cannot be driven at a speed of more than 12
miles pe? hour. If they can be worked at a profit they ought to suc-
ceed, .as they are free from the objections which are so conspicuous in
some of the older tvpes. Electricity has great advantages over all
other kinds of power for public vehicles, and if it could be adopted
generally the objections to mechanical vehicles would disappear.
Omnibuses are stated to be better adapted than railways for
carrying people short distances, and can be used in streets which
are too narrow, or are otherwise unsuitable for tramways. It is
(generally considered that, where there is traffic enough to support a
service of motor omnibuses running at intervals of 12 minutes, a
tramway will pay.
The total length of tramways in the Administrative County ot
London is stated as 126-8 route miles at the end of 1907, all but II
miles belonging to the London County Council, whilst the number
of passengers carried during that year on the tramways was approxi-
mately 374 millions within the Coimty of London and 212 millions in
outer London, or a total of 586 millions. The number of tramcars
licensed in 1907 was 2,172, and horse cars are expected to disappear
by the year 1913.
"The electric railways, if worked in combination with the tramways,
are considered to go far to meet the needs of public locomotion ; and
by means of universal tlu-ough-booking and carefully planned inter-
change stations the two might be welded into a comprehensive
system. An account is given of recent developments as regards the
electrification of railways, and a cheap supply of electricity is supposed
to alter the present conditions, and to be capable of transforming
the whole traffic problem. The Board are advised that it is possible
to construct a cheaper type of deep level railway adapted for sub-
urban traffic. In conclusion, the need for remedies is as urgent, if
not more so, than in 1905, when the Royal Commission proposed a
Traffic Board.
LONDON ELECTROBUS CO. (LTD.)
This company are inviting subscriptions at par, from the existing
shareholders of the company, for £50,000 six per cent, debentm-e stock,
and the directors in a letter to the shareholders accompanying the
prospectus, issue a statement from which we abstract the following : —
Owing to the character of the streets of London, the electric tram
cannot be developed to the same extent as in cities of more recent origin
(as for instance New York and Berlin), and it is, therefore, in London only
that the omnibus, as a means of surface transportation, has really
assumed and retained a paramount importance. It is estimated on good
authority that during 1907 nearly 4,000 'buses were licensed to ply for
hire in London, and that they earned not less than £1,750,000 collected
from approximately 407,000,000 passengers, mostly in Id. fares, and this
despite the keen competition of the tube railways and the development of
the electric tramway.
These facts show the practically unlimited field which is available for
companies operating 'buses. The financial results so far achieved by
companies operating petrol and steam 'buses have been anything but
satisfactory. These companies have never published intelligible figures
showing the operating cost per 'bus mile. The London Electrobus Com-
pany gives these figures herewith. The Du-ectors confidently submit these
as proving the commercial value of the Company's business.
'The Company started a service of six 'buses in July, 1907, and in the
first three months 179,909 passengers were carried, the takings being just
under 13Jd. per 'bus mile.- When these figures were first published in
November last year, it was suggested that the comparatively large num-
ber of passengers and the high revenue was due to the novelty of the
electric omnibus. Yet the number of passengers carried in the three
months from July 15 to October 15, 1908, was 925,959, and the takmgs
were over 14d. per 'bus mile, proving that, as the Company increased its
number of 'buses, the ratio of takings per mile has increased. The
Company has maintained throughout popular fares, and the figures are
consequently the more convincing. Over a period of 15 months (July,
1907 to October. 1908) the average number of passengers per 'bus has been
nearly 11, and the takings about 14d. per 'bus mile. This compares with
London General Co.'s 'buses 6 and 8d. respectively for the only com-
parable periods.
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
^33
Another point raised in conuection with the Electrobus was tlie
question of battery maintenance. The Directors are pleased to state
that (witli the exception of a few experimental batteries), all their battery
maintenance has been done imder contract at 2d. per 'bus mile, which
contracts are still in force, and they have offers to maintain over 100
Electrobuses at the same rate for three years.
From the certificate of the Comiiany's .iinlitnis it a|i|ir,irs tliat tlir ■ a Til-
ings of the 'buses during the first 12 iiicnii li- "iih rx. .. .l.-d (hr .p. iiiiirj
expenses by £742. I8s. 2d., which fell >Mni.Hii,ii sli..,t ,.l th. .MaLhsli-
ment and overhead expenses of the Company. For the three mnnths
(.July, 1908 — October, 1908) the earnings have exceeded the operating
expenses by £1,526. 8s. 9d., about sufficient to pay establishment and
overhead expenses. These expenses are about £6,000 per annum, and
will not be materially increased if the Company's 'buses were doubled in
number.
Following is the Auditor's report : —
We have examined the book.s, accounts and other records of your
company for the 15 months ended Oct. 15, 1908, and certify that for
the year ended July 15 : —
The number of passengers carried was 1,596,831
The total receipts were £8,727. 12s. 9d.
The average receipts per 'bus mile were 13'8d.
The tot^l operating expenses were £7,984. 14s. 7d.
The profit on operating for the year was £742. 18s. 2d.
And we further certify that for the three months ended Oct. 15,
1908 :—
The average daily mileage of the 'buses in
service was 672
The number of passengers carried was 925,959
The total receipts were £5,006. 16s. lOd.
The average receipts per 'bus mile were 14'38d.
The total operating exj^enses were £3,480. 8s. Id.
The average operating cost per 'bus mile was 9'99d.
Theprofitonoperatingforthethreemonthswas £1,526 8s. 9d.
The following is a detailed statement of the Receipts and Operating
Expenses during that three months : —
Income.
£. s. d.
Traffic 4,856 19 3
Advertise-
ments ... 149 17 7
1,000 18 5
EXI'ENDITDRB.
Per 'bus mile. £. s. d.
Drivers' and conduc-
tors' wages, inclu-
ding bonuses 2'87d.
Wages of washers,
cleaners, lift and
yardmen 0'41d.
Accumulator hire l"99d.
Tyre hire l-69d.
Power, exo. " forming
expenses" 1 05d.
Power wages O'lOd.
Repairs to rolling
stock and plant 0'48d.
Wages on same 0'29d.
Rates, taxes, rent, gas
and water 0'49d.
Garage, clerical wages 0'07d.
Licences 005d.
Insurance 0'42d.
Accidents 005d.
Punches and tickets... 0'02d.
Printing 0 Old.
129 0
695 7
588 8
5
10
9
368 7
35 15
3
0
168 14
103 0
6
1
170 16
26 19
18 0
144 0
17 11
9 6
4 2
2
0
0
0
8
8
6
Total operating cost.. 9-99d. 3,480 8 1
\ Profit .■ 4-39d. 1,526 8 9
Per 'bus mile !
1438d. £5,0C6 16 10 14-38d. 5,006 16 10
The stores and material on hand at Oct. 15 have been valued by
the Comp.any's engineer and officials, who have also allocated the ex-
penditure, which allocation we have adopted.
The above statements do not include any provision for establish-
ment, supervision or head office charges, nor repairs to buildings, but
the total of these, excluding depreciation, for the three months ending
Oct. 15, was £1,516. lis. 7d.
TilOM.vs .7. Garlick & Co., Chartered Accountants.
15, George-street, E.G., Nov. 12, 1908.
SAFETY DEVICE FOR PREVENTING DAMAGE
DUE TO THE OVERLOADING OF ELECTRICALLY
OPERATED HAULAGE GEAR, &c.
As is well known, it is nowadays customary to protect all electri-
cal machinery fiom excessive currents caused by overloads by means
of an automatic circuit-breaker. This circuit- breaker may, how-
ever, sometimes be the cause of accidents to the machinery itself,
as in the case of electrically-operated haulage gear. When the
motor becomes overloaded and the maximum circuit-breaker has
come into action, the load begins to pull back the gear and the motor,
and serious accidents, not to mention damage to the plant itself,
are often the result, unless the driver has the presence of mind to
apply the brake at once, as operating with the control lever is use-
less when the electrical circuit is once broken.
The device, which is diagrammatically shown in the accompany-
ing figure, and has been placed on the market by the Felten &
GuQleaume-Lahmeyerwerke, Frankfort-on-Main, is provided to
prevent accidents taking place in case the circuit should suddenly
become interrupted. The circuit breaker is connected up in such
a manner that when its overload coil acts, the main circuit is only
partially instead of completely opened.
The driver is thus enabled to bring the haulage gear to rest by
using only the control lever, from which he may not, on any
account, release his hold. In the diagram, which is practically
self-explanatory : a is the haulage motor, l> the generator, and c the
automatic circuit-breaker, to which the resistance d, which is
preferably in .series with the overload coil, is connected. If now
an overload occurs which causes the circuit-breaker to Qy
out, then a small amount of current still flows to the motor
through the resistance d, sufficient to enable the driver to
bring the motor to rest by means of the control lever. This
resistance, connected in parallel with the circuit-breaker, also
acts as a buffer, and serves to take up the shock which naturally
occurs when the circuit is suddenly interrupted.
.S.VFKTY DevKE FIIU PROTErTINf; H.vrL.\f;E Ge.ah.
It is of great importance then that the haulage motor should not
become absolutely "dead " as before, but that it should still remain
connected with the current supply in such a manner that tho
machine can be brought to rest by means of the usual control lever.
Thus the driver need not first release his hold of the control lever
and afterwards grasp the brake lever in order to bring the machine
to rest.
In conclusion, it may be mentioned that a device of this descrip-
tion is in operation at the colliery Grossherzog Wilhelm-Ernst, near
Halle-on-the-Saale, where it is giving every satisfaction.
THE G.B. SURFACE CONTACT SYSTEM
On Tuesday the Highways eommittct^ presented theii- report on
the Aldgate-Bow Bridge tramway of the London County Council
and the G.B. surface contact .system.
After setting out the circunislauces under which the system was
adopted on this route and the nature of the arrangements made with the
licensors, &c., the report states that the roadwork was completed during
the second week in March of this year, and by .May 15 six cars had been
fitted with the necessary equipment. A certificate for the working of
the tramway for six months was obtained from the Board of Trade and
on June 25 the lines were opened for public traffic. Only a limited ser-
vice was run owing to the small number of cars which were equipped with
the necessary apparatus. On July 28 the committee reported that the
results obtained from the w^orking of the tramways on the system as it
then existed were such as to show that it would not be practicable to
continue the use of the system consistently with the safety of the public
using the roads and the efficient working of the tramways under the cir-
cumstances prevailing on the loute, and that arrangements had been
made, therefore, pending submission of the facts to the Council, for tho
electric cars to be withdrawn. The committee hnther advised that the
lines be equipped for the overhead system at an additional cost of £8.000.
Before, however, that report was "considered by the Council. Stepney
Council refused to consent to trolley traction, and the County Council
therefore decided to obtain expert advice.
llr. W. M. Jlordcy has reported that, in his opinion, all defects which
have shown them.selves in the working of the G.B. system on tho Aldgate
to Bow tramways are remediable, and that the working of the lines may
be made efficient and safe without any material alteration in the work
already carried out. and at comparatively small additional cost. Mr.
Mordcy suggests that to demonstrate the practicability of giving effect
to his suggestions —
(1) A length of not less than li.ilf a mile of tho track should be over-
hauled and the studs modified as shown by him. (2) One or two oars
should be run over this letigth of tra<k at night. es|>ecially under trying
conditions of weather andtrack. (3) Each car should be fitted with
extra contact brushes, coimected alternatively to a resistance shunt and
to a condenser in order to try both methods. The presence of Uve studs
should be ensured by adding to the mud on the road at a sufficient number
of points to enable a thorough trial to be made. (4) The collector should
at first be used as it is now, then with two exciting coils only.
F 2
234
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
I'lic wood coverings of (he rollettor should be made impervious to
moisture by soaking in liot jxiraffin wax or other suitable impregnating
material. The wire and hemp suspension rope should be treated m the
same way. , , , , i t ,i i i
Mr Mordcydoes not think it necessary ,to change thewliole ot the stud
heads for this trial. About 50 cast steel heads should, however, he states,
bo put in mainly for finding how much they improve the contact with the
collector— by reason of the better magnetic quality of the steel.
The Higln\:i\^ . njinuittce arc of opinion that arrangements should
be made to ^:l^■ ■ II ' i i' Mr. Mordoy's projiosal. The modifications
propo.scd will ii'.l ^iltn I he chief features of the system. The licen-
sors have been furnished with a copy of Mr. Mordcy"s report, and
have exprcs.sed their willingness, if so desired, to adopt the sugges-
tions contained therein ; and. further, they are prepared to adapt
and work, at their own cost, an experimental length of line, provided
the Council allows the equipment and use of not more than four of
its ears for the purpose and undertakes to repay to them the cost
incurred in giving effect to the expert's suggestions if the Board of
Trade sanction the use of the system as so modified. The total cost
of tlie experiment will be about £.'500. In the event of the Council
being satisfied with the alterations and deciding to equip similarly
the whole route, further expenditure will be necessary. Tlie com-
mittee think that it will be desirable to enter into a supplemental
agreement to give effect to their proposals and also to clear up cer-
tain outstanding matters in respect of work already done under the
contract for car equipments.
The committee consider it will be advisable that the experiment
should be carried out generally under the direction and to the satis-
faction of Mr. Mordey, and accordingly recommend that an agree-
ment be entered into with the licensors of the G.B. surface contact
system and Mr. Griffiths, providing for the carrying out by them of
the work referred to.
Sir J. Benn proposed an amendment to the effect that the Council
])rooeed to electrify the lines on the conduit system, and argued that,
taking the ft)2,.Wtr which had been spent im tlie system and the loss of
prolils whii'h h;i(l resiilled owing to the conduit svstem not having been
,i,|.i|.ir,l o,i-i,i,,llv. Ihr ('Miinnl ImcI lost £100,00(). With regard to the
|,M.|„, 1(1 1 1 II 111. 1 . \|ii I inn 111 .. Ill -aid the Council's officers did not believe
ll,,-V riiiil.i !..■ , Miiieil mil l.ir tUr s.ini proposed.
Air. UoRUon, wlio seconded, .said the cost nl i |,rinl\ mv ilir In si iiortiim
of the Northern tramways on the conduit s\ I'ln «,i tl'.M is |,er mile :
im the liiitter.sea Park-road section the cosi u i- l-ll.lt-.i |ii i mile: in
Theobalils-niiid i'2«.7SI» : while the estimuleil cost per mile cm the Mile
End-ro:id was i2ll.0ll(l. With regard to the system as laid down, the
expert stated that the great dillieulties were tho.se of the collector pick-
ing up pieces of iron in the street and the limitation of the speed of run-
ning. Those diffieulties, he admitted, were capable of being got over.
A further evil was that the studs often became alive from leakage of
current, and this fjuilt. so far .as he could .see, was incapable of cure by
attention to the detail of either design or construction. The expert
confined himself |iraetically to the difticulty of live studs due to leakage,
but all live studs were not tlue to leakage. It was proposed that each
car should carry a condenser and attached to it would be a brush which,
by making contact with the live slot, would cause the extinction of the
arc caused by the leakage. He contengled that the system was abso-
lutely unsuitable for London.
After further discussion the amendment was defeated and the
mendaliou ailopled.
REFLECTED LIGHTING BY HOLOPHAHE GLOBES.
In the course of our article on " Progress in Electric Lighting,"
published in last week's issue of The Electrician, we gave some
account of the -'Holophane " globes now being supplied by Messrs.
Julius Sax & Co., of Charing Cross-road. In one i.articular this
account was rather misleading. It appears that the " Holophane
globe shown in Fig. 6, on p. 181 of our last i.ssue, has no reflecting
properties, but is simply the standard globe for diffusing light. Ihe
new '• Holophane " reflector bowl is shown in the illustration, and
consists, as will be seen, of two parts. The upper portion reflects
the light downwards, while the lower part diffuses it and projects it
in the required direction. This bowl is one of the latest designs, and
is, -we understand, very satisfactory in every respect.
03RAin LAMPS REDUCED PRICES.
The (icucral Kleitric Co. have this «eek made a special announce-
ment of new standard prices for t).iram lamps. The low voltage
patterns, 100'1;«) volts, 28, .3.5 and 5.5 watt, will in future be 3s. 6d.
each, instead of 4s., and the 25 volt 2s. Gd. The most marked re-
duction is. however, to be made in the high-voltage .50-65 watt
lamps, the ii.se of which should be encouraged in every possible
way. The original price of 6s. is to be altered to 4s. i)d. A further
interestifig change is that ot the 50-55 volt lain)). This will be mar-
keted at 3s.. and it is confidently hoped that this pattern lamp will
be u.sed on small transformer circuits in greater numbers than the
25 volt, seeing that the higher voltage will not so seriously introduce
the problem of higher current and greater voltage drop as on 25 volt
circuits. With this pattern of lamp the consumer has also a greater
choice ot candle-power, the range being extended from the 16 c.p.
of the 25 volt lamp to 25 c.p. and 32 c.]).
In the circular making this important announcement the General
Electric Co., referring to the life of the lamps, state : " Within the
short space of 18 months millions of these lamps have been put on
the market, and various independent tests have been published
showing a life varying from 1,500 to 6,000 hoiu-s, with a loss of
candle-power not exceeding 5 to 10 per cent."
The company looks for the co-operation ot contractors and central
station engineers in making the Osram lamp more popular than
ever with the new prices.
" l!oi.oiir.\NE" Keflectou iiowi, (ji'i.irs Sa.x k Co.).
The view of Messrs. Julius Sax's shop window given in Fig. 7 on
p. 181 ot last issue also requires a little explanation. It appears
that while " Holophane " reflectors fitted with " Tantalum " lamps
are shown in the left-hand window, the right-liand window contains
" J. S." tungsten lamps fitted with similar reflectors. The glare in
the left-hand window, seen in the photograph, does not, ot course,
proceed from the lamps inside the reflectors, but is due to a num-
ber of bare lamjjs also exhibited.
PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.
LONDON ELECTRIC SUPPLY BILLS.
London and District Electkrity 8uitly Hiii..
Mr. Erskine Pollock on Thursday last week, on behalf of Middlesex
County Council, addressed the Select Committee presided over by Sir
Luke White, ami said his clients were in a different position to any of the
other opposers of the hill, and their opposition included two main points
not taken by other objectors ; they objected being brought into the area
at all, and had a strong objection to being brought under the authority
of London County Council. The Committee should require some |)iililio
evidence, cither that the local authority had neglected its duties or that
there was a crying demand for .such" a .scheme within the Middlesex
Council's district. He submitted that the evidence of the experts for
the bill showed that their real feeling was that they ought to include
Middlesex because of some sort of duty, and that the end of economical
supply was 15 mdes. Was it not clear that the best scheme for Middlesex
was that they should deal with their own area '! They were told that a
bulk supply, to be given economically, wanted cheap generation, but it was
also necessary that there should be moderate distance and a moderate
length of cable. The distance Middlesex was from Barking annihilated
any economy there might be in generating at that station. Middlesex
would be the most expensive area to lay mains for, and there would be
the greatest loss in working.
In regard to his second point. Was it to be domestic government by
the Middlesex Council, or alien government by the county council of
another county ? The instruction to the Committee by the House of
Commons was that the L.C.C. were to be named as the purchasers of the
powers in the bill. Of course, if that meant anything, it meant that the
view of the House of Commons was that the County Council, first of all,
was the proper municipal authority to own a big power station in London,
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
235
and, secondly, it proved that their view was tliat it sliould he nninici-
pally owned eventually even if it could not be municipally started. If
this was so, surely it was part of the very foundation of princi|ile that
what was true for one county was also true for other counties, and it fol-
lowed that .Mitldksex County Council was the proper municipal authority
to own in Middlesex.
'Jhe Cn.iiRMAy : The question of the extension of the boundaries
mii;ht be raised before 1931.
Mr. Pollock said that if the Committee thought the question of bring-
ing the boundaries of Jliddlesex within the County of London was likely
to arise, the Committee would not do anything to prejudice the position
of Middlesex in that case. The time for the question as to whether a part
of the distributing mains in Middlesex should be transferred to London
County Council was when the extension of London was brought about.
As it stood at present, the rates of London were to be spent on work out-
side London. If the scheme failed in the hands of the L.C.C, or was not
jirosperous, it was clear Middlesex would be faced with some such ques-
tion as contributing to the capital cost. On the other hand, supposing
the scheme was a success, the L.C.C. might say Middlesex was very
expensive for cables and distribution, and, not being ratepayers of the
L.C.C, Middlesex should be treated on a commercial basis. Another
question was, in [..ondon the L.C.C'. might acquire, cither liy af,'reement
or in process of time, all the electrical u rule rli kin l'-^^uhI .'11 tin- d it i ibutors,
and would then own the power station iriil i In- ili-i nlml in^ r. i i-i well.
That could not happen in regard to Mirl.lli-.K. 1.,-, ,iu-.- in Mid. II. sex the
local authorities would still remain outside Jjondon, would he still each
iji a separate area, allied, if to anybody, to Middlesex County Council,
and wholly independent of London. He imagined no Committee would
allow the L.C.C', rights to distribute outside London.
All these complications, he submitted, would arise in order that
Middlesex might have electricity more expensively than if it generated
the electricity itself, with generating stations of its own. The London
and District scheme could be of no benejit to Midtllcse.x,
-Mr. Rioii, K.C, for the City of London Corporation, said the bill ought
not to pass, but if it did pass, the Committee ought to provide that the
promoters did not go through the City for the purposes of laying their
mains. Then, again, the City had power to buy in 1914 the present
staticms supplying in the City. If they bought in 1914 and should want
current fr. in\ the promoters, this could be supplied at those stations. It
would lie 1912 before the scheme v.'as in working order, and the new cmu-
pany should iKPt b. ii- i miii.-l i.. . .unc in and compete with them in 1914.
The Chairman .i'l ih. i '.iinniiiico would consider the question of
opening the stre. I' iiiii in ili. ( ii\ il they came to clauses.
Mr. RjOG, contininML, >..i'l i here was no ev id. rice ..f iiri^.itisli.'.l 'Icmaud
for electrical powir m l.iii.l.in. The railways hul ..iil\ ,i-,L.mI ih,.t they
should have an o|. I i..n ..I Mi|.ply if ever they i |. . Ir ili.il ih.ir Im.-^.
On Tuesday, Air. .Ja.mis I)i:\ . .ssniiii:. rnnniuin^; director of the North
Metropolitan Electric l'..\'.. i Sii|i|i|\ (.,.. .,,i,| hi- lompany was one of
the lirst power oornjiHiii.'- .ml Ir .i i-.-.l in lin-. ...iiiitry. Their area in-
cluded a portion of that dealt with in the present bill. The company had
four generating stations, two within the limits of the present bill. There
were also 14 or 15 sub-statiims, 12 belonging to the company and the
remainder to the distributors. Tv.'o of the gcucraLing stations were con-
nected by duplicate mains. Their authorised capital was fc'iOO.OIMI, with
usual b.irrowing powers, £350,000 in shares had been issued, and
£133,000 had been borrowed. They paid their first] dividend (4 per
cent.) last year. Two local authorities would not take supplj' unless the
company agreed to indemnify them for loss in the earlier years of taking
bulk supply, and the company had agreed to this. He believed in
W'illcsden last year the average price to consumers for lighting and power
w.is 2ti8d. Hendon was being supplied by his company. Wood Green
had been adviseil by tluir i .insulting engineer to take supply from the
comp.any, and S.nii Iil' at.- Cuincil were negotiating with them. At
Enfield the Nortli .Miti.'pi.litan Electrical Power Distribution Co, were
takiii;' .supply from his company. They did not find it easy to get manu-
fai iiinrs to take jiower. The Administrative Co, had been careful to
abstain from com])etmg with his company, and the Committee struck
out Stoke Newington from the Administrative bill, so as to preclude com-
petition. The Kitson clau.se was not intended to protect one power ccuu-
])any against another, but to protect authorised distributors. He
thought the business could only be carried out efficiently by having a
virtual monopoly and diversified supply. If his company were subject
to competition with a similar power company, they would not be able to
take financial risks they would otherwise take. The cost of laying t he mains
from Wood Green to supply Stoke Newington was fl2.()00, and they
wouhl never have taken that risk if they had ncit expected to have a
virtual monopoly of the power users on route. The result of the pro-
motion of several recent power bills had deterred consumers from taking
his company's supply, but they were now beginning to come on. There
were no powers of purchase in his company's acts,
Mr. E. T. RuTHVEN Murray, chief engineer of the North Metropolitan
Power Cfl., said his company's four stations had a capacity of 1 1,450 kw.
The jjortion of their area in which the power demand was likely to develop
was that in which the promoters proposed to su]iply. His company's
capital expenditure was £21, 8s. per kilowatt. They supplied three phase
current at 10. .500 volts, with a frequency of 50, The average cost of
their sub-stations was £12. 10s. per kilowatt installed. For the year to
8e))tembcr last th.y supplied 13.137,37-1 units. The total costs, in-
cluding cajiilal cliaiL'.'-. were 0-712d. per unit. When the demand reached
20 million units, win. h he estimated would be two years hence, the costs,
iniliiding lapital changes, would be 0-57d. per unit. The loadfactor was
in the region of 5(1 per cent. The promoters estimated, with the same
loadfactor, thatthcir total costs at a much later period would be 0-4143d.
Mr. BALKOt:R Brownk, on behalf of the .N'orth Metropolitan Power
Co., said the bill ought not to be allowed to pass, becau.se it was contrary to
all precedent, and would be injurious to his company and to the consumers.
Mr. Parshall had said he had no objection to make the Kitson clause
apply to the North Metrojiolitan Co.'s area all round, but he (Mr. Balfour
Browne) asked for the jirotection which the Boai-d of Trade recommended
should be given to the present suppliers who had spent their capital and
were doing their work properly. Parliament had never given sanction
to competition by two power companies. This principle of not allowing
competition was applied in the Durham district, in the Clyde Valley, and
in the case of the Administrative bill. Cilasgow Corporation were pre-
vented from giving a supply to Riitherglen, which was in the Clydo
Valley Co.'s area, the North -Metropolitan and the .Metropolitan Co.
were prevented from sup|>lying in each other's area-s, and the Chaiing
Ooss Co, and the North Metropolitan Co, were similarly prevented in
regard to each other's areas. He submitted that the ajiplication was not
a bona fide one with regard to many of the districts outside the County
of London, and he wanted the Committee to say they should not go
there. Competition always led to combination, and after (uunbination
the consumers had to pay the inter-est on the two capitals.
Mr-. Bl.ENNKRHASSKT said if the veto were given which .Mr. Balfour
Br-owne asked for he ho)ie(l Willcsdeii would be ex(-liided fi'om that veto.
Willesden was not a part of the statutory area of the North Mctropolrtan
Co.
.Mr. FitzCJerjILD then asked for anil received permission to recall .Mr.
Parshall with regard to the effect which Mr. .Sellon had said would result
from laying the cables in the way the promoters proposed to lay them.
Mr. Pah.shall said he did not think Mr. Sellon understood what they
proposed to do. The output of 120,000 kw. would give .5,100 amperes
per phase. The current density would be in ai-tual working 750 amperes
per square inch of conductor for about six hours a day. They had an
otfer from Mcs-rs. Siirn.ns to guarantee cables for 1 ,250amperes persquare
inch, wiiikin._' . ..iit inn. ii-ly. Even if the cables were laid In a nest the
results would 11..1 l"- a- .Mr. Sellon had stated. But no one would lay
cables in that way. The effects Mr. Sellon referred to were obtained in
tests made when he was layint.; cables for 100 cycles some j'ears ago :
but, according to Mr. Sellon's curve, the lo.ss would not exceed 1 1 per
cent. Such loss had not resulted in the ease of the L.C.C. cables, l(i of
which came out of the station together, and often worked at 1,500 amperes
per square inch ; nor had it ever occurred in his (Mr, Parshall's) ex-
perience. It never occurred with a frequency of 50, which the promoters
jiropo.sed to adopt with laminated conductors of O-fiV sq. in. The lo.ss
with their cables would be a negligible ([uantity.
Cross-examined by Mr. Pollock : It was nonsense to say that 0-35
cables would develop a heat of 240' if laid eight in a bunch. There
would be no loss in their cables from induction, l.ut there would be from
inductance. They proposed to use three-core V-shaped cable. He had
said their transmission loss would be about 4 per cent.
Re-examined by Mr. Talbot : A book produced an<l quoted from by
Jlr, Pollock, which was issued by the British Insulated & Helsby Cables,
showed the heating and loss in cables higher than he estimated them, but
that was to put the company's customers on the safe side,
Mr, FitzGerald said, in the very large area covered by the bill, .-i
large majority of the local authorities affected did not appear to ojipose
the bill, and there were also a mimbcr of companies who had not appi'ared.
In the area outside the County of London there were (i4 local autho-
rities, 21 of whom were small parish councils, and none of the latter were
opposing. Several of the largest corporations and district councils
in Essex and Essex County Council were not opposing. The banks of
the Thames below Barking were an admirable site for manufacturing
works to be erected. In Surrey there was only Croydon, and in Kent
Beckenhani and Bexley opposing, and the only evidence from that
district was on behalf of Croydon. Of the 22 companies in the area
nine were not appearing to oppose the bill. They had had evidence
that several of the railway companies would jirobably take sup|)lies
from the new company, and he thought tbi'ie could be no doubt that
many of the authorised distributors woirld be glad to avail themselves
of the supply, and that the tube railways would have done so if the suiqily
had been available at the time when their lines were constructed, Tlio
present scheme had been considered carefully by the L,C.C., and for six
weeks by a House of Lords t^ommittee, and important alterations had
been made m it. and. in those circumstances, he thought Mr, Balfour
Browne's remark that it was a wild-cat scheme a very strong one. The
advantage of aggregating the output in one large station was apparent.
The cajiital cost of the present (ili stations was £42 per kilowatt, and if
120,000 kw. were multiplied by £42 and £11 respectively, it made a
difference of £3.750,000, although (as the chairman suggested) he did
not say that they could save that. If they saved 2s. n ton on coal (of
which they would require 500,<X)0 tons a year in stage B) that would bo
£50,000 a'year. But the saving did not stop there. By generating on
a large scale they would only use 2-3 lb, of coal per unit, whereas the
figures that had "been submitted relating to existing works showed the
lowest to be 3-S lb, at Brimsdowii and 3-2 lb, at Willesden. Islington
had been using 10 lb., but they were about to reduce it to S lb.
On Wednesday, Mr, FiTzCiERAi.n continueil his speech. With regard
to the water supply it was important that a practically unlimited supply
should be got at anominal cost, which was only possible on the banks of
a tidal river. Cooling towers were not any real substitute for the large
sui)ply of water required for generating on the large scale they proposed.
It had been said that the provision in the 18SS Act that the granting of
an order should not hinder the granting of a competing order had been
put in for the protection of the local aiitliorities, but it was not so, it wa.s
put in for the protection of the public. Why should it not apply to a
236
THE ELECTRICIAN. NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
power company where the competition was o
iaaes a very small ,,ort.on-of the income of
inly for a )iortion — in most
the authorised distributor
cases a very small portion— oi uie ujiw,..^ -. .■■- ■ -■ ,
«nd where it was hedged round by the Kitson Clause .' The effect of
^fvn^ he distributors the complete veto would be givmg them a statu-
Srv ?ieht to be as unreasonable as possible. In the mterests of power
'users nothin" ought to be allowed to stand in the way of theu- gettmg a
Tean supply. There were strong reasons to induce manufacturers to
ofthe ways to induce them to remain in London was by givmg them a
cheap r»PPly of '•'"■"■'«^' V-^y^r. The Electric Lighting Acts would
prevent the compatiy from getting into an area at a low price and then
Sing the price to other consumers, beca.ise they speeded that prefer-
cntial char-res should not be given to eertnm eonsumer.s.
>S-: Balfoub BROW^■F.: Mr. I';.r-h„ll -.M it was intended to charge
different rates at different distances fi • nn i U- station. „„.,,:„„
Mr. FitzGerai.d said Mr. Parshall h.id ..roved t^iat there was noth ng
in the evidence given by Mr. Sellon which pointed to any defect m the
arrangements the ,.romoters proposed to adopt with regard to laying
cnblest If there had been anything in such a form of er.ticism Sir
Alexander Kennedy or Mr. Sparks would have adopte.l it It had been
stated on behalf of the companies promoting the London Llectric feupply
Bill that they could, by linking up six of their stations, give a supply to
the whole of London, but the proposal to go outside theu- own areas was
now given up. They generated electricity at different voltages, wliich
would involve a very large expenditure in transmission mams. Ihe
transforming at each end of the mains would cause a loss of current, in
addition to the cost of the transforming machinery. The present costs
of generation, even taking them as the witnesses for the opponents gave
them, were much higher than the estimated costs at Barking.
The CmiRMiN siiid : That Committee had had no details laid before
them with regard to linking up. and that question would not weigh with
them in determining the issue before them, except that they knew pro-
posals would be made hereafter with regard to it.
Mr FitzGekald : This bill was promoted by a number of gentlemen
of position, most of whom were possessed of considerable means.
The Chaiem-in said he was fully satisfied with the guarantee that the
f (;00 000 would be forthcoming if the bill pivssed in a satisfactory form,
but that was a small item compared to the capital which the public
woidd be asked to subscribe. .
Mr. FitzGerai.d said the investor must be shown a substantial return
before he would invest his monev in a business of that sort. He thought
they had given all the evidence possible as to the raising of the money.
Preamble Declared not Proved.
After a private consultation the Chairman said the Committee had
fully considered the evidence and the arguments of counsel, and had
come to a unanimous decision that they would be obliged to report to
the House that the preamble of the bill had not been proved.
London Electric Supply Bill.
The Committee yesterday (Thursday) commenced then- consideration
of the London Electric Supply Bill, the second of the power bills brought
before Parliament this session. This bill is promoted for the purpose of
conferring further powers, to enable them to link up their existing under-
takings, upon the following London companies :— Brompton & Kensing-
ton ; Charing ftoss. West End & City ;, Chelsea Electricity Supply ; City
of London Electric Lighting ; County of London Electric Supply ; Lon-
don Electric Supply Corpn. ; Metropolitan Electric Supply ; South Lon-
don Electric Supply Corpn. ; and the South Metropolitan Electric Light
& Power Co.
Messrs. C. P. Sparks and J. S. Highfield are the engineers, and Jlr.
Balfour Browne, K.C., and Mr. C. C. Hutchinson, K.C., are counsel for
the ))romoters of the bill.
Mr. Balfour Browne. K.C., said the bill was of a far different char-
acter to that submittal to the House of Lords, which was for the
formation of a joint committee who were to have power not only to link-
up as proposed by the jircsent bill, but to turn these stations into ])ower
distributing stations. It was, in fact, a bulk distribution bill. The
present bill was not (hat at all, but merely gave one station power to link
up with another. Certain instructions had been given by the House to
the Committee in regard to this bill, and certain discretion had been left
to the Committee by lli.i-.- m-iruninns. He believed it was partly in
consequence of tlinM ni-i nn 1 1< 'ii- i h.it various local authorities and others
opposed the bill, but their «.i.-, he ilmught, very few who were opposing
the preamble. The comiianii-s wanted to be able to associate themselves
by what was called the " linking-up " of certain stations with certain
other stations, and he did not thmk anybody would say that that was not
a good thing. In London security of supply was everything. At pre-
sent each area had to have a station, with sufficient spare plant to supply
its own area in ease of breakdown, but if coupled up it was very unlikely
that accidents would occur simultaneously in two or more stations. It
was quite possible with the land, buildings and machinery they had, for
the companies to assist one another and give absolute security to each
other in the supply of electricity.
Some discussion followed as to the exact interpretation to be put upon
the instructions of the House to the Committee, but it was very soon
evident that little opposition would be brought against the bill
during the preamble stage, and that such opposition would be chiefly
confined to counsel representing Southwark and Camberwell Borough
Councils.
Mr. J. B. Braithwaite (chaiimau of the City of London and County of
London Companies), and Mr. C. P. Sparks. M.I.E.E., gave evidence in
support of the bill.
Mr. Vesev Kxox. K.C. made a speech, the mam contention of which
was that if the L.C.C. pur.hascd the iindcrtakmg of one company in his
(Southwark) area they sho.ikl be eom,.clled to purchase all.
Preamble Declared Proved.
The Chairman here announced that the Committee had decided to
'^Te'X^tn ofte'nouse of Commons that the KC.C. .should be
named in the bill as the purchasing authority was then discussed
Mr. Freeman (for the L.C.C.) said they had no desire to purchase the
undertakings of the local authorities ; all they w'anted was a transfer of
the powers the local authorities would ultimately have to purchase the
undertakings in their districts. v j j -j j * •„„o,t
The CHAiRM.oi announced that the Committee had decided to insert
the L.C.C. as the purchasing authority in accordance with the instruction
of the House. The Committee were of opinion that between the passing
of the bill and the year 1931 there should be no mterferciice^ with the
powers of the local authorities either in the City or the boroughs. With
regard to the City, the L.C.C. would have the same powers of purchase
th?re as elsewhere, unless the Cori.oration had purchased one or both the
undertakings in the ('ity prior to 1 031 . The L.C.C. would have power to
acquire local authorities' undertakings also, but it would not.be in their
case a mere matter of purchase but one of arrangement between the
L.C.C. and the local authorities as to the value of the works.
Mr Balfour Browne made no objection to the local authorities being
given similar powers for linking up to those conferred by the bill on the
existing companies. t,- ^ i, i, ir i
4fte? a stirring speech by Mr. Blennerhasset, K.C, on behalf of
Westminster City Council, in which he described the measure as unpre-
cedented and as authorising confiscation and something akm to robbery.
The Chairman finally announced that the Committee had decided to
insert the provision m the bUl constituting the L.C.C. as the purchasing
authority on equitable terms, and Mr. Balfour Browne undertook to
bring up a clause to that effect.
We shall conclude our report of yesterday's proceedings next week.
LEGAL INTELLIGENCE.
Fletcher v. Nottidge and Others.
Before Mr. Justice Bucknill last week, plaintiff, a civil and electrical
engineer, sought to recover from Mr. Thos. Nottidge and three others
(trustees under the will of the late Mr. W. P. Pomfret) £315 professional
fees and expenses alleged to be due in connection with the installation of
the electric light at Mystole mansion, Canterbury, and for a water supply
scheme. Defendants admitted plaintiff was consulted but they alleged
that he did so knowing that it would be necessary to obtain the sanction
of the Court to the expenditure and that he (plaintiff) agreed to abide by
any limitations imposed. The Court limited the capital expendituie to
f L113. 2s. 7d., and the payment to plaintiff to 5 per cent, on the amount,
or £55. 13s. Plaintiff had already received £205, and £105 was paid in
pursuance of a verbal agreement but not oh general account, and defen-
dants eounterelaimed for the repayment of £100 and damages alleged to
have 1-iecn sustained by plaintiff's "failure to complete an affidavit in sup-
port of defendants' second application to the Court for sanction to incur
the accessoiy expenditure to instal the electric light.
After hearing the evidence, his lordship said that he found as a fact
that there was an agreement to pay plaintiff 300 guineas, and the only
question, therefore, was one of quantum meruit. He came to the con-
elusion that plaintiff was entitled to recover £244. 5s. for work and service
done. Plaintiff havuig received £205, there would be judgment for him
for £30. OS. on the claim, and also for the plaintiff on the counterclaim,
with costs.
Campbell & Isherwood v. Gale Shipping Co,
At Liverpool County Court last week, before Judge Shand. plaintiffs
sought to recover £7. lis. for overhauling and repairs to the electrical in-
stallation on board the s.s. " Storm." For plaintiffs it was stated that
they fitted the electrical installation under a contract, but before the
completion of the work the vessel had to go to Preston to receive her
dynamo. Before she returned she was damaged by a collision, and when
plaintiffs went to comiect and test their installation to complete their
contract they found the switchboard was damaged and other repairs
necessary. They alleged that the chief engmccr of defendant company
was told" this was extra to the contract, and that he gave them instruc-
tions to do the work which they did, but on jiresentation of the accoiint
defendants repudiated liability and denied the instructions. Plaintiffs
now said the damage was no't due to the collision, but was probably
caused by other workmen.
For defendants. Capl. J. Gale (managmg owner of the steamer) said
the chief engineer had no authority to order the repairs.
Mr. E. Lancaster, chief engineer, who denied ordering the work, said
he was not authorised to give any instructions of that kind.
Judge Shand said if a chief engineer was allowed to order what he
chose in the way of stores or repairs he might put owners to enormous
expense. He held that most of the work claimed was part of plaintiffs'
contract, and that no order was given which would bind defendants, for
whom he gave judgment with costs
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
237
MUNICIPAL, FOREIGN & GENERAL NOTES.
APPOINTMENTS VACANT.
.Vpplications are invited for tlie jmst of assistant lectiin-jr and
demonstrator in the eleetrieal engineering department of tlie
Battersea Polytechnic (London, S.W.). Salary £150, rising £10 per
annum to £180. Applications by Dec. 9. Particulars from the
Secretary. See an advertisement.
A shift engineer is wanted at an eleetricily supply station, with
knowledge of d.c. and three-phase working. Wages 30s. weekly.
See adverti-sement.
A thoroughly competent |)ractical mechanical engineer, accus-
tomed to running machinery, is wanted for agold mine in West Africa.
See advertisement.
A capable and accurate draughtsman is required immediately
in London for electrical signalling apparatus and instruments. See
advertisement.
Applications are invited for the position of lecturer in electrical
engineering at the City of Bradford Technical College. Commencing
salary £170 per annum, with additional payment for evening work.
which last session amounted to £33. Particulars and forms from
the Principal of the college. Applications to the secretary of the
Education committee (Mr. Thos. Garbutt) by Nov. 23.
A. and B. class station supervisors are required at the Hong Kong
Dockyard for not less than three years. Pay 40.25 and 33.25
dollars per week, with certain allowances. Applications to the
Electrical Engineer, H.M. Dockyard, Portsmouth, not later than
Dec. 4. See also an advertisement.
A lecturer in physics is req\iired at Swindon and North Wilts
Seconday School and Technical Institution early in January. Com-
mencing salary £150 a year. Applications to the secretary (Mr.
W. Seaton) by Nov. 27.
A professor of motor car engineering is requu'ed at the Merchant
Venturers' Technical College, Bristol. Salary £250 to £300 a year
for ])art time. Particulars from the Registrar.
The Graham Young Lectureship in metallurgical chemistry will
shortly become vacant at the University of Glasgow. Particulars
from the Secretary of tlie university.
EDUCATIONAL NOTICES.
University oi Birmingham.— The Lord Jlayor (Mr. G. H. Kenrick)
has made a gift of £10,000 towards the funds of this University.
This is the third contribution made by Mr. Kenrick towards the funds
of the Universit3'.
Birmingham Municipal Technical School.— Prof. W. E. Dalby on
Friday last distrilnited tlie prizes to the successful evening students.
The Principal (Dr. W. E. Sumpner) said the number of students attend-
ing in tlie last session was very large, but the idea of preparatory classes
for young students after leaving the elementary schools had been deve-
loped, and the preparatory courses were now held in three centres instead
of two. The number of students already in attendance this session was
rather more tlian twice the number attending last session. The ordinary
work of the scliool was progressing, and the number of class attendances
was greater than ever, altliougli the number of individual students was
slightly less. In a single week in October the class attendances reached
5,700, The examination results of last session's work were very good,
particularly those in the chemical department, in which the results were
excellent. Two " King's " prizes had been gained by their students
during the year, one for chemical and \\u- ■ ii In r t. t metallurgical subjects.
One student succeeded in obtaining a rlhiln -lii|i at the Royal College of
Science, South Kensington. This scl;,.l,iiv|ii|> was mainly gained in
physical science subjects. The results of the City and Guilds of London
Institute examinations were also very good. The Birmingliam schnol
had obtained a large number of honours, and their students had also
obtained two silver medals for electric wiremen's work. The equipment
iind organisation of the classes had been improved and the school was in
a very prosperous state, but further developments were required, and he
had no doubt they would receive the sympathetic considoratiuu of the
committee.
Croydon Polytechnic— The annual distribution of ijrizes took
place on Saturday evening. After Dr. W. Beckitt Burnie had given a
survey of the year's work, the prizes were distributed by the mayor,
Coimcillor J. E. Fox.
Algeria. — Commercial Intelligence" " states that a municipality in
Algeria is willing to grant an important concession for 50 years for
electricity supply works and tramways. The municipality will give
the ground required for the generating station (one-and-a-half
hectares) and will guarantee interest on the tramway, which is to
be over 7 miles in length.
Argentina. — Differences have arisen between Buenos Ayres
.Municipality and the Cia Alemana Transatlantica de Electricidad a.s
to the interpretation of a clause in the concession regarding rates for
current for private offices. The Corporation contend that the
company are not justified in charging different rates for offices in
the (!ity and offices in private houses, such as used by lawyers or'
doctors.
Asylum Lighting.— The special Lighting committee of the Kich-
inond (CO. Dublin) Asylum, having considered the cost of lighting the
institution by gas and by electricity, unanimously recommend the
adoption of electric lighting, but they also report against the plans
and specifications which have been prejtarcd.
Australasia. — Launceston (Tasmania) Council recently declined
an oti'cr by Mr. R. Hain (who rei)resents the North .Melbourne Tram-
ways Co.) for the construction of electric tranuvays. but ^Ir. Hain was
asked to submit an alternative proposal and .Messrs. Noyes Bros.
were also invited to submit a scheme.
Mr. A. J. Arnot has been elected president (in succession to Mr. A.
W. Kendall) and Messrs. ,L E. Donoghue and 1*). G. Fleming vice-
presidents of the Electrical Association of New South Wales. Mr.
Arnot opened his year of office by giving £.50 for the purcha.se of
books for the library of the Association.
Fremantle and East Fremantle (W. Australia) Councils' tramways '
earned a net profit of £4,390 for the year ended August last, com-
pared with £4,019 in the previous year. 2.207.111 (2,291,0.55)
passengers were carried and 418,643 (484,071) car miles run.
Mr. J. M. O'Neill, electrical engineer, has been appointed by
Bulla (Victoria) Shire Council, to superintend the equipment of the
Sunbury electricity works.
Belfast.— On Tuesday the Works committee of the Belfast Harbour
Board reported that, at their meeting on the 11th inst.. Major P.
Cardew and Mr. F. Thursfield (of Messrs. Preece & Cardew) attended,
and discussed the question of the jiroposed erection of a combined
pumping, electric light and power station, but no report had yet been
received.
Birlienhead. — An unojiposcd inquiry was held here last week into
the ajiplication of the Council for sanction to a further loan of £20,000
for extensions of the generating plant, mains, house services, &c.
Bishops Stortford.— Owing to an inquiry by the Board of Trade
as to what steijs have been taken by the Council to carry out the
provisions of their electric lighting order of 1905, the Electric Light-
ing committee have been asked to report upon the question of elec-
tricity supply at an early date.
Bristol.— Aid. Geo. Pearson has been re-elected chairman of the
Electrical committee.
Cape to Cairo Telegraphs. — Very little progress has been made for
several years in the construction of this line of telegraphic com-
mimication across Africa. Construction work hailed at Ujiji (Ger-
man East Africa), it being found that the country from the adjoining
Lake Tanganyika to Uganda and the Soudan is very marshy and
unsuited for land telegraph operations. A suggestion has been made
that a wireless service would surmount the difficidty. and it is now
reported that this proposal may probably be adopted. It is suggested
that the trustees of the late Mr. Alfred Beit should be asked to devote
a portion of the funds which were left at their disposition to Ix-
employed in the development of int<-rnal (-omnumication between
South and North Africa to this inirposc It is pointed out. however,
that the project for extending the land line .is originally designed ha.s
not been aliandoncd : its execution is expected to be deferred for
some years.
Colchester.— The Council in committee have decided, on the recom-
luendalioii of the consulting engineers (Mes.srs. Mordey & Daw-
barn), to lay a high-ten.sioii' feeder to the Hythe. At the end of Sep-
tember the equivalent of 49.050 8 c.p. lamps was connected, against
45,451 8 c.p. in 1907.
Dartford.— The Council have increased the salary of the station
engineer. .Mr. R. .Jones.
Denny (N.B.).— Electricity supply was available for the first
time in this burgh on 11th inst. The ceremony of switching on the
cmrent was performed by Bailie Lochhead, convener of the Gaa and
Electric committee.
Devonport.— The Council discussed on Monday a report of the
Electric Power committee recommending the fixing of a maximum
and minimum scale of salaries and wages and annual increments of
same in the electricity department. Lltimately the report was
referred back.
238
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 20. 1908
Dublin.- -A tiro Dcourrod icccntly at tlio Council Chamber, and as
usual «Iwn llir raiisc of a firo is unknown, it wa,s suggested that the
fusing of the eleetric light wires was the cause. In a communiealiun
to the Couneil the City electrical engineer (Mr. Mark Huddle) dis-
I)o.se.s of this suggestion, for he states that : —
There were no electrie wires helonging to the eleetric siipi'ly de|iart-
mjiit anywliere near where the outbreak of fire oecurrcd. and upon e.\-
aniinaticm i.f tlie fuses in the chamber they were fiiund to he in perfect
or.ler and had nut come iiili) operation. .'\s a matter of fact, the switches
were turned iifT. and there was no current at all in the wires. If there had
been the fuses might have bl.iwn when the insulation on the wires was
deslniyed by the lire, but as matters stand the electrical installation had
nothing to do with the regrettable (lullacak of tire.
Exhibitions.- The eighth Ironmongery and Hardware Trades
K.xhibition will take place at the Royal .\gricultural Hall. London.
N.. from .July i:{ to 23. 1909. The International Trade Exhibitions
(Ltd.) have been appointed organising managers.
h is announced that there is very little probability of the
guarantors being called upon to make any disbursement in con-
nection with the Franco Hritish Kxhibition. The total number
of visit ors to the Kxhibition was about 8.400.0110.
Germany. — The report of .Mr. Consul L. Buchmann on the trade of
Jiamria for 1907-8 states that the first three of the Bavarian State
Railways to be converted to electric traction will be the Salzburg-
Freilassig-Berchtesgaden-Konigsec, the Garmiseh-Mittenwald-
Scharnitz and the Garmisch-Griessen. The total mileage is 52A.
and the total estimated cost £3(i4,l)10. The Minister of Communica-
tions states that £2.375.000 will be required for the electrification
of the lailwav .-\slem to the Soidh of Miuiieh. 3.50 miles in length.
The r.:i\.iiiaii ( h ■vernmeut have under consideration nine schemes
for ulih-mL' "atir power from ditTerent places in connection with the
electrification of the railway.s to the extent of 203.900 h.p.. and at
least one further scheme of a similar character is contemplated.
The net profit of the Munich municipal tramways for the year
1906-7 was £21.170, equal to £441 i)er route mile. The revenue of
the Munich mimicipal electricity works is stated to be £240.000 ]ier
annum.
Bavarian electrical manufacturers were fully employed in 1907.
The nmnber of their hand.s from ,''>.022 in 19f).'") to 0.343 "in 1906. and
tiJOOin 1907.
Handsworth. — The Willon sewage |iumping station i.f the Cnuncil
was foiinally opened on Tuesday.
The wiirku consist of a |)umping station with storage tanks and ma-
chinery buildings containing 12 in. centrifugal pumps and .'iOB.H.p.
electric nintnrs in dii])licate. The current for the motors will be supplied
from Handswiirlh electricity .statiim. The motors and pumps can be
.■oilcimaticMlly started when the sewage reaches a set height in the tanks,
and the mutors can also he started hy hand. .Mr. A. Sanders, chairman
of the Council, started the iiiulors liy pressing a buttim fixed on the
luncheon table.
Letter Telegrams.— On Dec 1 the, French I'ost and Telegrajih
authorities will introduce a .system by which it will be possible to
send from any important town in France to another what are called
letter-telegrams.
The rate is to be a centime a word, or ten words for a penny, with a
minimum charge of five centimes (one halfpenny). These letter telegrams
will be received for transmission after 9 p.m. They will be telegraphed
in the usual way, and delivered early on the following morning by the
postman. At jnesent a letter from Paris to Afarseilles takes on an average
twenty-four hours to reach its destination.
Light RailwajS.— The Board of Trade ha\c recently confirmed the
Barton and Imraingham Light Hailw.iy t)rder. lilOS, which autho-
ri.ses the construction of a light railway in the coiuity of Lincoln from
Barton to Immingham.
Liverpool. — Sir Chas. I'etrie has been re-elected chauman and
Aid. F. Smith deputy chairman of the Tramways, Electric Power
and Lighting committee. .\ projiosal to form an electrical sub-
committee has been rejected.
Sanction has been received lo a loan of .i:iJ,4(H) Inr the construction
of elect ric tramways in Melrose-road.
Lowestoft.— The Couneil have received .sanction to a loan of
£1.000 for free wiring work, to be repaid in 12 years. The Council
have rejected a recommendation to amalgamate the Electric Lighting
and Tramway committees. The connections to the electricity mains
are equal to 47.233 S c.p. lamps, and consumers number 976. in-
crease of 7.0IHI s e.p. lamjis and 180 consumers compared with 1907.
*" London County Council.— On Tuesday it was decided to grant
loans of i;10,037 to Bermondsey and" jE7.0no to Steimey for
electricity supplv.
London and nishicl EhrtricH,, A',?/.— Considerable discussion took
place over the recommendation of the Parliamentary Committee to
oppose the Board of Trade clause giving the Council power to purchase
the London ami District electricity un.lcrtaku.g by agreement before the
perifKl specified in the purchase cliUise now contained ui the hdl.
Sir .loHN Bknn pr(.les(e<l agiinst the Coumil takmg any such action
asthat suggested" by the committee. w ,- ,
The Hon. \V. Pf.fi. said the luidertakuig was of suoh a speculative kmd
that it ought to be jjioperly established and shown to be a success before
the Council came in.
Proim-sid Tm/Jic Umrd.—'l'he General Purposes committee announced
that the Prime Minister had fixed Nov. 26 for the reception of a deputa-
tion from the Council to urge the necessity of securing the estabh-shinent
of a London Traffic Board on the lines indicale<l m the re))ort of the Royal
C(uniuission on London Traftii-. .
BMopsgate-slrcet Widemm/.—'The Couneil .adopted a recommendation
by the Improvements committee that capital expenditure of £1.56.950
for widening Bishopsgatestrect Without be approved. The Corporation
of the City of London had undertaken not to offer any opposition to the
continuation of the .N'orton Folgate tramway to Bishopsgate-strcet With-
out, from the City boundary to Middlesex -street, if the Council woukl
agree to contribute half the net cost of forthwith widening the road.
L.C.C. Tramways.— Paddington Council are recommended by their
Works committee not to assent to the construction of electric tram-
ways from Harrow-road, via Sutherland-avenue, toMaida Vale, "as
the proposed tramways would depreciate the value of property in
Sutherland-avenue and adjacent streets and would serve no useful
purpo,se."
Marylebone (London).— The gross income of the electricity depart-
ment for the June quarter wa.s £24,002. or £2.501 less than in the
corresponding quarter of 1907. The decrease is attributed to the
extended use of metal filament lamps, and the lower average price
obtained for current.
Niagara Falls Electric Power. — The work of erecting the Ontario
Government's transmission lines, wliich will provide electricity
from the Niagara Falls generating stations to a number of munici-
palities, was commenced on Wednesday. The work will, it is es-
timated, be completed in two years.
Obituar). — The death is announced of Mi-. James Tate, electrical
engineer, of Bradford. Deceased, who was in his 63rd year, was
])atentee of stn'eral mechanical and electrical a|3pliances.
Radclitle (Lanes.) — An inquiry was held here on Wednesday into
the application of the Council for sanction to borrow £14,350 for
extensions of the electricity undertaking. The Lancashire Eleetric
I'ower Co. (whose works are in the district) and other firms, who
opposed the application, were represented by Mr. C. H. I'ickstone.
Mr. Ci..\YTON (solicitor to the Council) took e.xception to the Power
Co. being represented, on the ground that they were a competing
authority, but the inspettor ruled that the company were " interested "
in accordanee with the notice of the inquiry.
The main reason for the application w.as the progress that had been
made. Witnesses were called to show that the undertaking had been
conducted in a business-like way. and that it would be cheaper to carry
out the extension scheme than to have a supply of current in bulk from
the Power Co. on the terms submitted.
Mr. PiCKSTONE cross-examined, with the idea of showing that the local
authority had imposed such regulations that firms which might otherwise
have eoine into the locality and been supplied by the Power Co. had been
prevented from doing so.
Mr. Clayton contended that the CouncU had only sought legitimately
to protect their jiowers. and had never received a guarantee that the
company would fulfil obligations which might be entered into.
The inquiry was adjourned until Dee. 10.
Russia.— The report for 1907 of Mr. C. S. Smith, the British
Consul-General at Odessa, states that the Societe Anonyme des
Tramways d'Odessa (a Belgian company) have acquired a conces-
sion to provide electric tramways for Odessa, in place of the present
service of horse waggons.
The port of Nicolaieff is now lighted electrically.
Spain. — The report of the British consul at Bilbao (Mr. A. Maclean)
states that the electrical charging adopted at the coke ovens at Sestao
has been found more satisfactory than the system formerly employed.
The I'Vrro-Carriles Va.seongados. who own the railway from Bilbao
to San Sebastian, have commenced to light their carriages electrically.
The principal makers of iron, brass and copiier tubing in Spain, whose
works are near Bilbao, have discarded steam in favour of electric driving.
All the electricity supply C(uupanies in Bilbao, except the Co-opera-
tiva Electrica, have united, under the name of the Union Electrica
Vizcaina. with a capital of £639,430.
New electricity supply works were opened at Santander in June. 1908.
A Glasgow firm have erected at their iron mines at Camargo. near San-
tander. electric power works with a capacity of between'SOO ii.r. and
400 It. p.
Mr. Maclean says buyers in the North of Spain have been so accus-
tomed to deal with German and Swiss firms in the electrical niaehmery
tr.ade that it is diffieu.t to make them l>elievo that similar goodsaremade
in the United Kingdom. The ot\1v inni ,| wav. he urges, for British
firms to .secure a share of the trad, i, l,\ , ,,nil,ining to open branches in
I Spain, with expert representative- sptakmL' Spanish.
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 20. 1908.
239
Tlie Billi.h. 'ri';ini»:iv Cn. arc erecting a power station at Biirccfia, un
the Hilba.i river. ■i'lu- plant will include two 2.000 H.I>. steam tiirliines
and Babcoek boilers. Thi.s company have agreed to sell cmicnt (.1 tip-
Hidro-EIectrica Co. in the summer at 0-59d. per unit, and Ic. pimli.isr
from them in the winter at 0-38d.
.Mr. S. P. OocKEREU., late commercial attache at Madrid, says, in his
report for 1907, that an association of mining companies has raised
l.ddU.OIK) pesetas by an issue of 5 per cent, debentures to defray the cost
of works for unwatering the large mining district, of Beal, near La Union,
and two high-pressuie centrifugal Sulzcr pumps, driven by electric
energy from the Aklemeyer power station at ('artngena, have been
erected, and are raising 3 cubic metres of water per minute to a height of
194 metres.
At the Nueva Montana blast furnaces, Santander, electric power plant
of about 2,000 h p. has been erected for driving the various machinery,
and use is made of the blast furnace gases. The electrical plant also
supplies energy for lighting the works and for operating a mines railway
(4J miles in length), besides giving a supply to one of the Santander
electric lighting com])anies.
From time to time schemes have been brought forward for cheapening
the cost of generating electrical energy in the Madrid district. The
Hidro-Electrica Efpafiola, with an authorised capital of 12,000,000
pesetas, has been formed to erect power stations on the Jucar and Tagiis
rivers, where the coni]>any will at on<i- pro.fcd t.> cicct works of :2 t.uoo h.p
capacity, from which 8,060 H.p. will ii.- , ..in,.y. .1 u, Madrid ;ni(l t.odO h.p.
to Valencia, to be ultimately incrcMscd to Ui.iKid u.p. and S.(M«i u.p. re-
spectively.
Don E. Urquijo has acquired a waterfall in Guadalajara; 44 miles
from Madrid, for the purposes of an electric power project, and has ordered
two 4,0f>0 H.p. turbines from (iermany.
The iladrileiia. Chaniberi and Mediodia electric lighting companies
of Madrid have entered into a 10 years' agreement to pool their revenue
and divide it on the basis of their respective takings in 1906.
An English company, the Alliamc Trust, is said to be contemplating
the utilisation of eight falls on the river Ebro, from which they will
obtain 42,0t)0 H.p. to generate electric energy, which will be transmitted
to Reus and other t(iwns, including, if desired, Barcelona.
Surbiton. — The Council have obtained sanction to loan.s of £1,377
for excess e.xpenditure, £2.000 for mains, £900 for house services
and £676 for meters. A sum of £1.980. 13s. for excess expenditure
was disallowed.
The Electrobus.— The L.B. & S.C. and the S.E. & Chatham Rly.
Companies have sanctioned the introduction of clectrobuses into the
forecourt of Victoria Station, a privilege denied to all other forms of
mechanically-driven omnibuses.
Tjnemoilth. — The Corporation have retained Messrs. Handcock
* Dykes to report on the condition and management of the electricity
works, anil on the cliargcs made for electric current.
Underground Telegraph Wires. — The Associated Chambers of Com-
merce of the United Kingdom recently asked the Postmaster-General
to lay imderground telegrajjh wires to Land's End. so as to obviate
the frequent interruption of telegraphic communication cau.sed by
storms, which interferes with the prompt transmission of telegrams
from the East received over the Eastern Telegraph Co.'s cables at
Land's End. The Postmaster-General replied that the wishes of
the Chambers had long since been anticipated, for in his report for
last year he expressed the hope that the underground line would
reach Penzance during the current financial year, and he trusts
no \ery long time may elapse before it is completed to Porthcui'no.
Wireless Telegraph Notes. — A Royal Commission has been receiv-
ing evidence as to the working of the Post and Telegraph Department
of the Australian Commonwealth, and amongst the witnesses called
to give evidence was Mr. John Hesketh. chief electrical engineer of
the Department, who. in reply to an inquiry as to his views on the
feasibility of installing wireless telegi'aph stations in Australia, and
if they Would l>i- commercially and financially justified, .said: —
"Wiiilr s irl. ijiaphy is suitable to Australian conditionsjbut is not
iiii.arniilK jirt itiahle. There would not be any proper return for the
outlay. Vou cannot operate a wireless system overland as economically
as you can the wire system. 1 know of no instance in which wireless
telegraphy can compete with wire." After asking Mr. Hesketh the
names of |il:i( c-. where it has been proposed to instal wireless staticms,
the (oiiiiiii-ioii, IS inquired : "You think that in not a .smgle instance
is the -latioii . oiiiinercially justified ? " " That is my opinion." replied
Mr. Hesketh.
In commenting upon these remarks of Mr. Hesketh. the Australian
'\Mining Standard " says : —
It is well known that tenders have been called for such installations,
and that the first batch were rejected in globo as not complying with the
specifications ; also that the term for the second batch of tenders was
extended from August to December this year. In the meantime comes
the aeknowledgemcnt (or what practically amounts to an aclmowledg-
ment) by the chief electrical engineer that the object in calling for tenders
was only to ascertain the possibilities of the position. ' Until you
invite tenders " he sail, " you cannot arrive at the important factor —
the cost."
With regard to the propo.sed wireless communicalion between
Victoria and Tasmania. Mr. Heski^th said : —
The tratlic at jiresent is sufficient to keep two cables working on the
duplex system. I Icnow of no commercial installation of wireless tele-
graphy which has performed, or is capable of performing, the same ser-
vice. The traffic is beyond the capacity of wireless telegraphy.
It is not unlikely (concludes our eontem)>orary) that a man who.se
study and work has been restricted to wire communications wotdd
hesitate to recommend a new system. .\lr. Hesketh does not con-
demn the w-ireless .scheme, but he distinctly gives his opinion that.
at the moment, it is financially impracticable.
It is anticipated that much valuable data on the subject of the
u.se of wireless telegraphy on warships will result from the round-the-
world voyage of the United States battleship squadron. The .ships
of the American Navy which are included in this sipiadron are all
fully equipped with wireless telegraph (and telephone) apparatus,
and experiments on a large scale (more particularly in connection
with signalling) have been carried out (luring the voyage. As a
practical outcome of the information obtained, it is stated that the
Navy Department has already in contemplation the erection of a
very large station at Washington, with a commimicating radius of
3,0(30 miles, and that the ])rincipal warships will lu' ((piiiiiied for
1,000 miles services. There is talk of tenders being invited shortly
for a number of battleship equipments of wireless ai)paratus.
Wireless Telephony Notes. —The "Daily Clu-onicle " (Londcm)
has received another communication from its Milan eorre.siMm-
dent on the subject of Prof. Majorana'.s^wireless lcleplioiii(r sy.stem.
Writing under Tuesday's date he says : —
Important experiments in wireless telephony have just been carried
out between Rome and Sardinia by means of the hydraulic microphone
system. The distance between tiie stations on the .Montemario forts at
Rome and Becco di Vela, on the island of Caprcra was ir>(i miles, the
receiving posts being only 150 ft. in height, and a single voltaic arc and a
solitary microphone were employed. The communications consisted of
bona-fide verbal messages, which were received with such marvellous
intensity that naval officers and other bystanders 12 ft. away from the
apparatus on Caprcra were astonished. As they a])|)roache(l nearer to
the receiver the words became distinctly audible. By Prof. Majoran.i's
advice, the authorities are restricting the use of radio-telephony for the
]iresenf to battleships. The correspondent continues: "The greatest
triumph of radio-telephony hitherto achieved is with the De Forest appa-
ratus on the Eiffel Tower. In this case the receiving mast was over
!MXt ft. high, and (he Parisian exijcrimenters used 13 voltaic arcs and
eight microphones. With this apparatus they claim to have succeeded
in sending the sounds of gunfire, nuisical instruments, &c., over a distance
of 180 miles."
It is annf)iuieed from Paris that some very successful wireles.s
telephone ex|icriments were conducted last week between the EitTcl
Tower and .Meliin. a distance of nearly 50 kilonicdes. by .\'av,\l
Lieuts. Colin and .leance.
Wolverhampton. — An unopposed inquiry «as held here la.st week
into the application of the Corporation for sanction to borrow £6,000
for extensions of the electricity undertaking.
Workhouse Lighting. — The North Dublin Hoard of Guardian.s
have appointed .Mr. L. ,1. Lawless, jun.. consulting engineer in con-
nection with iIk- ]iropo.sed electric lighting of the workhouse.
Rotherham guardians are recommended by the House committee
to take steps to light the workhouse by electricity instead of by gas.
the current to be obtained from Rotherham Corporation. The
Electricity sub-committee have been em|>owered to obtain the advice
of an engineer on the subject.
Wrexham. —An inquiry was held here on Tuesday into the Council's
application for sanction to borrow £(i.8,">0 for extensions of the elec-
tricity undertaking.
The town clerk (Mr. L.twsoN Taylor) and the borough electrical
engineer (Mr. W. G. Pickvaxck) gave evidence in support of the applica-
tion.
The insiiector (Mr. H. Ross Hoopkk) said future loans would only be
sanctioned uium the understanding that the expenditure under each
sanction was kept separate. After examining the various items of the
Iiroposed loan, the inspector suggested that about f2..'im) for new gene-
rat ing i)lant w Inch was not required immediately should b<- deferred. He
also advised that £300 asked for in respect of meters should be reduced to
£1(HI. and that in future meters shoidd be purchaseil out of revenue.
These suggestions having been adopted, the amount ai)plied for was
consequentl}' reduced to £4,165.
In this connection it may be noted that the present borough electrical
engineer (Mr. Pickvance) took up his post a little over twelve months ago,
and one of the reforms initiated by him is that the bulk of the accounts
are to be kept bv the engineer at his own offices, and this system has lieen
approved of by the new borough accountant.
Electro Harmonic Society.— A " Ladies' night'' concert will be
held in the King's Hall, Holborn Restaurant, on Friday evening,
27th iiist., at eight o'clock. .Mr. W, M, Jlordey will preside.
240
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
TRADE NOTES AND NOTICES.
READY.
"THE ELECTRICIAN " ELECTRICAL TRADES'
DIRECTORY AND HANDBOOK.— The 1908 Edition
of the Big Blue Book, price 8s. 6d., or post free in the
United Kingdom, gs. 3d. The new and enlarged volume
brings a great mass of statistical and technical data
quite up to date, and the Directorial Division has been
thoroughly revised and amplified.
All branches of Electrical Engineering and Industry
are fully treated, and Electro-Financial matters have
received every attention in the new volume, which aggre-
gates more than 2,000 pages. The Directory Division 13
complete and thoroughly accurate, and has been com-
pletely revised. All mere lists of members of Societies
and Institutions (so easily and cheaply available) are
excluded, as quite unreliable for Manufacturers' and
Dealers' purposes. The full set of valuable Statistical
and Engineering Tables, &c., have been very carefully
revised and extended, and remodelled into handy book
form ; these are included in the 1908 Blue Book, making
it the most complete book of the kind ever published.
TENDERS INVITED.
The Electric Supply committee of Birmingham Corporation are
considering the question of the generation of electricity by means of
gas-driven generators and they will be glad to hear from firms capable
of building large gas engines and producer gas plant of this character.
The smallest unit which will be considered will be 3,000 kw. Com-
munications should be addressed to the city electrical engineer and
manager, Mr. R. A. Chattock, M.I.E.E., 14, Dale End, Birmingham.
See also an advertisement.
The committee of Visitors of the Essex County Lunatic Asylum
invite tenders for the supply and erection of the following plant and
work : (1) Two steam (1\ 11; >s (1(10 kw.*), steam and motor balances,
main switchboard and li u.llinj 1 ranc ; (2) steam exhaust and rain
pipes and valves ; (3) l;i\ iriu cmIiIcs. distributing boards, wii'ing and
lam])s ; (4) motors, motor starters and cable connections ; (5)
telcpliones. bells, fire alarms and electrically-cbiven clocks. Plans
and s])ecifications can be seen (but not obtained) at the oifices of the
consulting engineers (Messrs. Haw'tayne & Zeden), 9, Queen-street-
place, London, E.C. Tenders to Mi-. W. P. Gepp, New -street,
Chelmsford, by noon Nov. 30.
The directors of the North Eastern Railway are prepared to receive
tenders for telegraph apparatus, telegraph wire and line stores
during the 0 (or 12) months, from .Jan. 1, 1909, delivered carriage
j)aid to the Company's stores at York. Forms of lender from the
telegraph superintendent (Mr. C. H. Ellison), and tenders to the
Secretary {Mi. R. F. Dunnell), York, by 9 a.m. of Thursday, Dee. 3.
The directors of the North Eastern Railway also want tenders
by 9 a.m. Dec. 3 for six or 12 months' supply of are lamp carbons,
electric lamps, wires and cables, electric light fittings, are lamp
globes, electric conduits, signal wire and cord, metal tubes, castings,
oils, &c. Specifications, &c., from Mr. E. H. Clark, Gateshead.
Sheljield Electric Light committee want tenders by 10 a.m,
Dee. 11 for supply and erection of an automatic or electric railway,
telpherage or wire ropeway, for conveyance of refuse from the power
station boiler house. Particulars from Mr. S. E. Fcdden.
Utirknt'y (London) Council want tenders by 7 p.m. Dec. 17 for
supply of d.c. electricity meters of the ampere hour motor type.
Specifications, &c.. from the electricity works, Millfields-road.
Lower Clapton, N.E., on and after Nov. 23.
Handsworlh Council want tenders by noon Dec. 3 for supply of
coal to the generating station. Specifications, &e., from Ab. F. A.
Nixon.
Manchester Corporation Tramways committee want tenders by
10 a.m. Dec. 1 for supply of tramcar trucks and tramcar resistances.
Specifications from Mr. J. M. M'Elroy.
Kilmarnock Corporation invite lenders for the electric lighting
of the Infectious Diseases Hospital. Tenders to Town Clerk by-
Dec. 1 ,
SPECIAL NOTICE.
NOW READY Vol. LXl. of " TuE Electrician " (1,018 pages),
iH.und i.i strong cloth. Price 173. 6d.; post free, 18s. 6d. Also ready
Cases for Binding. Price 2.s. ; post free, 2s. 3d.
A complete set of "The Eucctumian " (1860-1865-1878-1908) can
be supplied. A number of odd volumes and some odd okl back num-
bers, to help in making up complete sets, a-e also now available.
Dublin United Tramways Co. (1896) (Ltd.) invite tenders for
supply of general stores, including ear fittings, iron, steel, castings,
oils, paints and glass, ironmongery, electrical supplies, timber, &e.,
for year ending Dec. 31, 1909. Tenders, addressed to the Chair-
man, by Nov. 30.
Tenders are invited for the supply of submarine cable repau'ing
plant to the Postmaster-General's De]5artment, }'icio)-ia, Aus-
tralia. Tender forms and specifications may be obtained at the
Commonwealth Office. 72, Victoria-street. London, S.W. See also an
advertisement.
TENDERS RECEIVED AND ACCEPTED.
For the reeuiistruction of the tramways in King's Cross-road,
Farringdon-road, and Swinton-street and in Essex-road the follow-
ing tenders were received by London County Council : —
W. Jbwulers (acaplnl) .'. £4?,534 12 7
Dick. Kerr & Co 44,038 19 3
.John .Miiwlem & Co. ; 44,856 12 3
'I'lip eliicf engineer's estimate was £44,277. Ifis. lOd. The successful
tenderer may sublet to Hall & Co. (Croydon), (or the Associated Portland
Cement Manufacturers, or Coles, Shadbolt & Co.), the supply of cement ;
to the Anderston Foundry Co., east-iron yokes, covers, &c. ; to the
Improved Wood Pavement Co.. wood paving ; to the Lahmeyer Elec-
trical Co. or the Forest City Electric Co., copper bonds ; to Bayliss.
Jones & Bayliss, or Blakemore & Co., or the Sraethwick Stamping Co..
bolts, nuts, ticbars, &c.
For supply of the overhead electrical equipment for the Lough-
borough -Junction to Norwood, Hammersmith to Putney, and
Streatham to Norbury tramways London County Council received
the following tenders : —
R. W. Blackwell & Co. (accepted) £7,801 6 10
British Insulated & Helsby Cables S.l^i?!) 14 i
nick, Kerr & Co '. S.2(iii 17 (•
Sidnev G. Smith 9.ili7 10 0
ReidBros 11.171 9 11
The estimate of the chief officer of tramways was £9,000. R. \A .
Blackwell & Co. have been allov/etl to sublet to the British Mannesinann
Tube Co., the poles ; to Bradshaw & Co., bases and fittings ; to .Siraclian
& Henshaw, brackets ; and F. Smith & Co., trolley wire.
London Coiuiiy t'nuni il have arranged for extensions of contracts
with the undc 1 m. ii11"im .1 linns : — W. T. Henley's Telegraph Works
Co., l.t. cables (,il,,.ui t:l4,.-i00); J. H. Tucker & Co.. feeder pillars
(£400) ; Johnson & I'hillips, switchgear (£460) ; and the J?ritish
Westinghouse Co., motor generators (about £4.000).
For 12 wcHii (ubc lidili-rs at Greenwich generating station London
Countv ( 'on I Hi I II ,i'i\ , .1 the following tenders : —
Baix.n k ,v\\,io,\ .,„-,v/,ta/) '. £27.5i!6 0 0
Kilwm li.itik, ,V Cn 2.5,11.''. 1.'^ 0
Cfuki. ('lM|ii.i:ui & Co 2.5,87.5 0 0
Stiriiii- noilri- Co 27.8.33 0 0
Richardsuns. WestKarth & Co 39,262 0 0
The estimate of the chief officer of tramways was £30,000. The lowest
two tenders were reported not in accordance with specification. The
amount of the tender of Babcock & Wilcox included £499 for spare parts,,
but these will not be rcqiiii-ed. Babeock & Wilcox will be allowed to
sublet to H. Windsor & Co., brickwork ; J. Hopkinson & Co., Dcw-
rance & Co.. and Cadnian & Co., iKiiler mountings ; to the Electric Con-
struction Co., the electric motor ; and to David Brown & Sons, the worm
reducing gear.
Messrs. Crompton & Co. have received an order from Cory Bros.
& Co. for an alternator with an output of 650 k.v.a. (2,200 volts. 25
cycles, 107 revs, per min.). This alternator will be a duplicate of
the one now being installed by the same firm at the Aber Colliery of
Cory Bros., and will be th-iven by the large Kiirting gas engine
manufactured and shown by Mather & Piatt at the Franco-British
Exhibition. Messrs. Crompton & Co. have also supplied two three-
phase high voltage motors for driving the main haulage at the Aber
Colliery. The motors have each an output of 270 b.h.p. and run at_
a speed of 360 revs, per min.
Lowestoft Council have accepted the following tenders for annual
stores : —
J. Jones, white waste, 26s. per cwt., coloured waste, 20s. : R. J^each,
odd stores ; T. E. Thirtle, brivss and iron screws ; Rudd Bros., wood
bushes ; Vacuum Oil Co., oil (crank .and chamber). Is. 5d. and Is. 4d. per
gallon ; Wakefield & Co , dynamo oil. Is. 3Jd. per gallon.
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
241
The contract for the erection and equipment of the new central
telephone exchange in Paris has been awarded to the Societ6 de
Materiel Telephonique (G. Aboilard & Cie.), which controls tlie
patents of the Western Electric Co. in France.
Stalybridge. Hyde, &c.. Joint Tramways and Electricity Buaid
have accepted the tender of T. Beeley & Sons, for superheaters with
HopkinsonFerranti valves.
Dartford Council have accepted the tender of. W. T. Henley's
Telegraph Works Co. for cable, and that of the Sun Electrical Co.
for electric signs at £3. 10s. 6d. each.
Sunderland Corporation have accepted the tender of Stewarts &
Lloyds for w.i. piping, and of the Albion Clay Co. for stoneware
conduits.
Maidstone Guardians have accepted the tender of 0. Jones for
repairs to telephone installation.
llford Council ha\c jilaced an order with the Electric Fittings CIo.
for wiring and fitting the Seven Kings public library and hall at £112.
Waterloo Council have accepted the tender of the Liverpool Dis-
trict Lighting Co. for wiring the new municipal offices.
Mr. G. A. Puente, agent for the " Jones " stoker, has secured the
contract for the mechanical stokers required at the new Dock Sud
power station of the Compania Alemana Transatlantica de Electri-
cidad, at Avelleneda, Buenos Ayres.
Melbourne Electric Supply committee have accepted the tenders
of British Insulat<?d & Helsby Cables for insulated cables, £2,806 ;
Veritys (Ltd.) for arc lamps,' £102 ; John Danks & Son, for gun metal
and brass castings for 12 months at schedule rates ; and Davies,
Shephard & Co. for gun metal water meter, £22. 10s.
The P.M.G.'s Department, Sydney (N.S.W.), have accepted the
tenders of the British Insulated & Helsby Cables fcr h.d. copper wire :
International Electric Co., for white porcelain insulators ; (). Haes
for copper binding tape ; R. .lohnson, Clapham & Morris and (iil)bs.
White & Co., for g.i. wire ; Jas. Paton & Co. for table and wall
telephones ; and Zwicker, Tod & Co., for white porcelain insulatta-s
and iron pins.
The P.M.G.'s Department, Melbourne (Victoria) have accepted
the tenders of the International Electric Co. for jacks, conductor
cords, plugs and ringing and listening keys and the British Insulated
& Helsby Cables for switchboard cable.
The P.M.G.'s Department, Adelaide (S. Australia) have accepted
the tenders of the India Rubber, Gutta Percha & Telegraph Works
Co., for trembling bells, galvanometers, detectors and lightning arres-
ters ; La\vrence & Hanson for magneto extension bells, condensers,
receiver cords and porous pots ; the International Electric Co. for
induction coils, receiver cords, switches, switchboards, and lightning
arrester boards ; the British Insulated & Helsby Cables for cords with
plugs, switch and lightning arrester boards, i.r. insulated and s.w.g.
tinned copper wue, insulators and copper tapes and binders ; LTnion
Cable Co. for i.r. insulated copper wire ; J. Bartram & Son for
granular carbon, cords with and without plugs, carbon diaphragms,
wall, table and portable l(li|ihrine sets, condenser and atten-
dants' telephone sets,du|ili\iii^ i i;iiisformers and trunk line timers ;
O. Haes for Leclanche cells i \\ islern Electric Co. for extension and
bell telephone switches, switchboards and protectors, R. Johnson,
Clapham & Morris for copper and g.i. wire ; Geo. Wills & Co.. for
phosphor bronze wire ; Zwicker, Tod & Co. and Unbehaun & John-
stone for porcelain insulators.
New South Wales Public Works Department have acceijted the
tenders of T. K. Steanes for storage batteries at the Newington and
Rookwood Asylums for the Infirm.
Melbourne Council have placed orders with the British Westing-
house Co. for 600 arc lamp globes, and with the London agency of the
A. E.G. for 12 a.c. plain arc lamps.
BUSINESS NOTICES.
Mr. Juan Abella. consulting engineer, of Buenos Ajtcs, has opened
an office at Dashwood House, New Broad-street, London, E.C.
The Newcastle-on-Tyne offices (at 61-65, High Bridge) of Simplex
Conduits (Ltd.) were officially opened on 12th inst., when a large
party were received by Mr. L. M. Waterhouse (managing director)
and other officials of the company.
The general offices of the Western Union Telegraph Co. in London
will be removed on 23rd inst. from 252, Gresham House, to 33
(first floor). Broad-street House New Broad-street, E.C. The com-
pany's telephone numper (11,444 Central) remains unchanged.
The Westinghouse Cooper Hewitt Co. have opened a factory at
151-2, Great Saffron Hill, Charterhouse-street, E.C, for the manu-
facture of Cooper Hewitt mercury vapour lamps.
IMPORTANT NOTICE.
Extra Copies of " The Eleetpieian " Special Mining Issue
July 10th, 1908), are obtainable, price 1/- nett (post free
U.K., 1/4 ; abroad 1/6).
Herbt. Geo. Sproates and Geo. Alex, ^'ickers (trading as Sproates,
Viokers & Co.), electricians and contractors, 104, Linthorpe-road.
Middlesborough, have dissolved partnership. Debts by Mr. Sproates.
who continues the business at 104, Lintliorpe-road, .Middlesbrough.
The partnership between V. E. Walters. M. K. A. Hankej-, and
H. L. Phillips (trading as Walters & C'o.), electrical engineers, &c.,
Birmingham, has been dissolved so far as regards H. L. Phillips.
Sale by Auction. — Messrs. Fuller, Horsey, Sons & Cassell will sell
by auction on the premises, Clarence Works. Clarence-road, Hack-
ney, N.E., on Tuesday, Dec. 6. at 11 a.m., .some plant, machinery
and stock, including lathes, milling, cutting and drilling machines,
two electric motors, shafting, belting, loose tools. &c. May be
viewed day preceding sale, and catalogues had at the works and of
the auctioneers, 11, Billiter-square, E.C.
Plant for Sale.— Messrs. G. Elliott & Co., 186-188, Long-lane,
Bermond.sey, London, S.E., have for sale two compound Marshall
steam engines coupled to two Crompton dynamos, a combined
generating set, and also three dynamos. Furtlier particulars are given
in advertisements.
Australian Journalism. — We have received a copy of the first
numlxr of the " Austialian Mining and Engineering Review," a
montlily pul)lication established to cater for the technical man, and to
supply a reliable summary of information on mining, engineering and
allied subjects.
Telegraph Code for Travellers. — A positive marvel in the way of
telegraph codes is tlie new khaki edition of " The Service Code for
Naval and Military Officers and all who Travel," by Mr. D. H.
Bernard, late commander C.N., and late of the Eastern Telegraph
Co.'s service. Although this book of 10.000 code words, numbers
and sentences is well printed, strongly bound and of over 450 octavo
pages, the price is only Is. net. by post Is. 4d. Although primarily,
as its title indicates, the book is intended for the use of the Services,
there are quite sufficient phrases (and facilities for making a large
number of additional phrases) for it to become a very useful book
for the general public. We are much struck with the cheapness
of the code, which will doubtless have the very wide circulation
it deserves. His Majesty the King has been pleased to accept a copy
of the book.
London Statistics. — We have received a I'opy of Vol. XVI 1 1.
(1907-8) of " London Statistics," which contains statistics of the
administrative county of London and of the public services can-ied
on therein. The volume has been compiled by the statistical officer
of London County Council, and anyone who has not seen and ex-
amined the mass of statistics and other information given in this
volume of over 600 pages cannot form an adequate conception of the
amount of administrative work iiivolved in the government of
London. Apart from the franchise, census and vital statistics,
which are of general interest, the volume contains .a mass of informa-
tion of special interest for our readers, including financial and tech-
nical particulars of electricity and gas undertakings, locomotion
(comprising electric tramways and tube railways), technical educa-
tion, rating, finance, jniblic libraries and mii.s(>uras. &c. The statis-
tical department of London County Council is to be congratulated
upon the results of its laliours and upon its ability to produce and
publish such a useful volume of statistics, maps. &c., for 5s. The
publishers of the book are Messrs. P. S. King & Son, Great Smith-
street, Westminster, S.W.
The Westminster Engineering Co. Flame Arc Lamps.— With refer-
ence to a short article on tliis interesting lam]) which appeared m last
week's issue of the Industrial Supplement we wish to correct an im-
pression that might be conveyed by the opening i)aragra|>h. The
Westminster Engineering Co. are by no means giving up the manu-
facture of their well-known enclosed arc lamp, the demand for which
is as great as ever, but the new flame lamp has been introduced as an
extra line. Tliis lamp can burn four in series on 200 volt circuits,
and its total life is ~'U hours, i.e. 10 hours between each paff of carbons.
These figures correct those given in the article.
CATALOGUES. &c.
T.\NT.\i.VM Lamps.— Siemens Bios. Dynamo Works are issuing
on then' " Tantalum " lamp correspondence a heat and attractive
colom-ed label in stamp form, a reproduction i>f their well-known
" Satisfied Consumer " poster. These labels should spread the
242
THE ELECTKICIAN, NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
faiiip of the " Tnnlalurn " lamp. Peifonited sheets of these hihels
will be supplied to the trade on application to the eorapany. (>. Bath-
street, City-road, London, K.C.
CoiTEB. — The Broughton C'ojjijer Co., .Manchester, have j)repared
an interesting brochure which describes very fully their works in
•Manchester, the platf and sheet rolling mills at Oarston. near Liver-
|)ool. and the smelting works at Ditton. near Widnes. Some excel-
lent views are given of the .shop.s. together with a brief description of
the i)rincipal processes. The publication concludes with interesting
matter on the company's copper productions.
Telegraph Poles. — Messrs. Richard Wade, Sons & Co., Hull,
.send us a leaflet in which they set out the particulars which should
l)e s|«rlii<d by inquirers when applying to the company for informa-
tion regarding their various designs and types of poles.
A.I'j.G. RiMPHLETS. — The A. E.G. Electrical Co., of South Africa.
send a batch of recently-issued pamjjhlets which deal with .section
insulators. adju.stable cord pendants, single-phase commutator
motors, lead-covered cable accessories, high-speed d.c. motors, com-
])l<-tely enclosed d.c. motors and electric locomotives for mines and
ironworks.
SwiTCHGEAR. — A file containing the leaflets describing the switch-
gear specialities of the Switchgear Co. has come to hand. The prin-
cipal features are circuit-breakers, time lag relays, oil switches, and
motor starters.
Expanded Metal. — In the design of modern switchgear it is not
an unusual thing to find high-tension apparatus enclosed by ex-
panded metal guards. The Expanded Metal Co. send us section 3
of their made-up goods catalogue in which particulars are given of
expanded metal screens for switchboard work. Numerous illustra-
tions are given of examples of guards fitted to switchboards, belt
pulleys and gears, &c. The publication is an interesting one, and
should be in the hands of all supply station engineers and designers
of switchgear, as well as machinery users.
Telephones, Bells, &c.— Messrs. Johnson & Phillips have ready
leaflets U and V dealing respectively with duect working telephones
and electric bells and indicators. The former include a number of
interesting designs of telephones for domestic and commercial use.
Allan Metal. — Messrs. A. Allan & Son, New York, have sent us
Nos. 1 and 2 of an interesting series of bulletins which they are send-
ing out describing the use of Allan metal. This is a friction metal
specially intended for use with steam engines and also for lining
bearings, &c.
? Electrical Goods. — Archibald J. Wright (Ltd.), Ley ton Green-
ro.ad, London, N.E., are issuing section N of their illustrated \mce
list of electrical good.s, scientific and mechanical novelties, cSic.
" Victor" Arc L.amps. — In last week's issue of the Industrial
Supplement we gave a description of the " Victor " flame lamp
manufactured by the Electric & 6rdnance Accessories Co. We
have now received a catalogue dealing with this subject. This
includes the information given in our article on the flame lamp,
together with full descriptions of this firm's well-known standard
and miniature lamps for direct current circuits. The catalogue
gives many interesting details on the working of these lamps, and
should prove very useful to prospective buyers.
Motor C.*.r Accessories.— Messrs. Siemens Bros. & Co. have
issued a new catalogue dealing with motor car accessories. The
articles described and illustrated in it vary from low-tension magnetos
to motor car leads, and include various types of lamps, measiu-ing
instruments and testing apparatus suitable for motor-ear work.
A great point is made of the utility of the well-known Obach dry
cell for ignition work. These cells" are made in various sizes, the
larger types really consisting of several elements in series. The
testing apparatus is exceedingly neat, portable and cheap. A device
to which special attention may be called is an electric speed indicator.
This consists of a small alternator, driven from the differential or
cardan shaft, connected directly to a voltmeter reading in miles
l)er hour.
Westinohouse Speciauties.— The British VVestinghouse Electric
& Mfg. Co. have sent us a tastefid binder containing the most
recent leaflets dealing with the specialities of their supply depart-
ment. This makes up a very useful catalogue of theii- apparatus,
such equipment as tiubines, giis engines, traction work and motors
only being excluded. These leaflets are as full of information as
the proverbial egg is of meat, and it is interesting to note that the
lines most in demand are enclosed flame. Cooper-Hewitt and tung-
sten lamps, together with small transformers for use with tliis last
class. Those who feel cold will be interested in the pamphlets deal-
mg with heatmg appliances, while those on cooking apparatus will
strike an answering chord in all. Heavv engineering is exem-
plified by liquid motor controllers, lightning arresters and oil switches.
Motors tor powers up to Ij h.p. are also included.
.1. & P. Leaflets. — We have received from Messrs. Johnson &
Philli|)s leaflets "J"' and " T. " The former deals with search-
light projectors for continuous current, prices teing given for the
firm's standard sizes, together with approximate shipping specifica-
tions. The second leaflet gives particulars and prices of cut-out
boards, switches, wall plugs, adaptors and connectors, ceiling rose
cut-outs, lamp-holders. &c. Both lists are coded, enabling clients
residing abroad to indicate their wishes at the smallest cost. The
firm will be pleased to send copies of the lists to anyone interested.
BANKRUPTCIES, LIQUIDATIONS, &c.
Mr. Herbt. Allen. 147. Leadenhall-street. London. E.C., has been
appointed trustee in the bankruptcy of ,Jas. Hy. .Mockridge and
Arthur Pearce (trading as Jukes. Coulson. Stokes & Co. and Moreton
& Fo.ster). engineer and telegraph buoy makers, 11 and 12, Clements"-
lane, E.C., and Hancock-road, Bromley-by-Bow. E., London, and
2.3, Furnival-street. Sheffield.
The trustee (.Mr. C. Mercer, U. Bedfurdrow. London. W.C.) in
the bankruptcy of Chas. Herbt. Montague .Amias \'ere. electrical
engineer, 5. I'arkparade. North Finchley. London. N.. has been
released.
Claims against McPhail & Simpson's Dry Steam Patents Co.
(Ltd.). Calder Works. Wakefield, must be sent by Dec. 1 to Mr.
J. W. Close. North British and Mercantile-buildings, East-parade,
Leeds.
PATENT RECORD.
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS.
Note. — The uiuUrmentionedApplications[except those martedf) are not
open to public inspection until after acceptance oj Complete Specification-^
Those marked t are open /or inspection 12 months ajler the date attached
to them, if they have not been published previously in the ordinary course.
Names ivithin parentheses are those of communicators of inventions. Wlien
complete Specification accompanies application, an asterisk is affixed.
Ji'LY 1.5, 1908.
14,082 Vebitys Limited & Wokslev. Electric arc lamp having in-
clined carbons.*
14,995 Cox. Enclosed electrical switches. (Addition to No. 27,792/07.)
14,998 ScHANSCHiEFF. Magnetoelectric machines.
15,013 Frickkb. Electric motor starters.
15,026 Cannon & Sons & Cannon. Counter weights for adjustable
cord pendants.
15,030 WiLKiNS. Incandescent electric lamps.
15.038 Johnson. (Cliemische Fabrik Griesheim Elektron, Germany.)
Melting and casting magnesium and alloys thereof.
15.039 ZiPPEBF.R. Electromagnetic interr\ipters.
15.047 Peck. Alternating electric current distribution sys en s.
15,052 WooDHorsE. Electric transforming systems.
15,054 Gray. Telegraph cables.
15,057 Majert. MetaUic filament electric incandescent lamp^.
July 16, 1908.
15.079 Aron & C.EIOER. Decarbonising filaments for electric metillic
filament lamps.*
15.080 Aron & tiEicER. Metallic filaments for electric incandescent
lamps.*
15,116 Shaw. Arc lamps.
15,118 Siemens & H.u,ske Aktiengesellschafi'. Electrical signal-
ling installations. (Date applied for, ltj/7/07.)*t
1.>.130 B.T.-H. Co. (A.E.G., Germany.) Electric motor-generator
sets for supplying arc lamps for searchlights and for other appa-
ratus. (.\ddition to No. 4,379/05.)
15,131 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co.. U.S.) Trucks for railw.iy and like cars.
July 17, 1908.
15,177 Siemens Bros. & Co. (Siemens & Halske Act.-Ges., Germany.)
Signallmg by means of electric bodies.*
15,186 Stonehaji & Stoneham. Coin controlled mechanism for gas,
electricity and other meters.
15,206 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Centrifugal fans or pumps.
July 18, 1908.
15,238 Sowinskl Electric primary batteries.
15.2<)8 BiRKETT. Controlling or braking electrically operated machinery.
la.27o JoHNSo.N-LiNDELL Electric Traction Co. & Price. Regula-
tion or control of electric motors.
July 20, 1908.
15,286 MuNBo & Bbecknell, Munro & Rogebs. Section insulators for
trolley wne conductors for electric tramways and railways.
15,289 Hall. JIagneto-machines for use in connection with the ignitio i
•systems of internal combustion engines.
15,330 Weisse. Electrical fusible cartridges.*
15.341 (;raham. Insulator.
15.342 GR.tHAM. Support for insulators,
15,346 MocNT & Beck Flame Lamp. Mountmg and feeding carbons in
electric arc lamps.
15,362 Edison. Metallic films and preparing the same for use with
storage bat tcry electrodes. (Date applied for, 6/2/08.)*t
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
243
13,370 BcscHELBERGEK, Switch device for indiictoi- uf lelcijlioiu."
apparatus. (Date applied for, 18/7/07. )*t
15,376 Rains. Electrical water heaters.*
lj.377 Condon. Electrical water heaters. (Date applied for. l/ll/U(i.
comprised in No. 23,801, 28/10/07.)*t
July 21, 1908.
15,388 RoDEN & Co. & Metz. Electric accumulators.
15,470 Pearne. Electric selective systems.*
15,487 Burleigh. Dj-namo-electric machines.*
July 22. 1908.
15,522 Taylor. Transformation of electric currents.
15,540 SzEK. Metal-electrodes for electric batteries.
15,544 Snowdon. Starters for electric motors, regulators anil resist-
ances.
15,571 kSiR W. G. Akmstkong Whitwortb & Co., & Wright. Electric
capstans.
15,590 SvKES & Cooke. Control of traffic on electric railways.*
July 23, 1908.
15,()12 Railing & Mead. Electric motor controllers and regulators.
15,615 AiTKEN. Telephone transmitters.
15.640 QuAiN. Control of electricity.
15.641 British Insulated & Helsby Cables, & Cole. Armouring cpf
flexible electric trailing cables or the like.*
15,646 Kilburn. (Eugene Oesterle, U.iS.) Magnetic separators.
15,660 Marks. Electric control for elevating and training operations in
artillery mountings with an arrangement of reserve electric
and liand iiower. (Societa Anonima Jtaliana and Ansaldo
Armstr(jng & Co., Italy.)*
15,664 Allgemeene Elektricitats-Gesellschaft. Protective devices
for electrical apparatus. (Date applied for, 24/7/07.)*t
15,668 Siemens Bros. & Co. (Siemens & Halske Aktiengesellschaft,
Germany.) Electrical measuring or signalling instruments.*
15,679 WEGUEi.m & Rattray'. Electric conductors or cables.
July 24, 1908.
15.691 W. H. Dee, W. Dee. & Edginton. Electric and other lamps.
15.692 Stevens & Hanchard. Telephone mouthpiece.
15,742 Siemens & Halske Aktien-Gesellschaft. Time limit relays
for use in electric circuits. (Date applierl for, 8/10/07. )*t
15,752 and 15,753 Railless Electric Traction Co. (Max Sohienianii,
Saxony.) Current collectors or contact arms for electric
traction.
15,791 B.T.-H. Co., Bacon & TtrppEN, Motor controlling switches and
the like.
July 25. 1908.
15,799 Skinner. Electrical door contact.
15.816 Held. Electrical heating apparatus.*
15.817 Berjonneau. Tele-photographic apparatus. (Addition to No,
8,135/08.)*
15.818 and 15,819 Aitken. Telephone cordless switchboards.*
15,S53 Raymond-Barker & Orling. Electric relay-systems and relays
tlierefor.
15.864 AuvKRT & Ferrand. Suppression of parasitic fluxes in rotary
transf<irmers, without air-gaps for converting monophase and
polvi)hase alternating currents into continuous currents. (Date
applied for, 9/8/07. )*t
15.873 Reyroi.le & Schuil. Starting and controlling of electric in-
duction motors.
15.874 Rowe. Electro mechanical device.*
15.875 Moonen. Sparking-plugs for explosion motors. (Date apjilicil
for, 29/7/07. )*t
11,070
16.252
l(i,372
16.461
16,503
16.600
17 4.^j8
17,526
17,584
17.661
17.683
17.718
18,022
18,053
18,573
19,113
iig tramway and like points or
SPECIFICATIONS PUBLISHED.
1907 Specifications.
B.T.-H. Co. (A.E.G.) Switch mechanism for contr.jllinK cl(
trie motors.
ROJCSIK. Elcrtri. ally ■
switches from |>.is^inj
McPhail. Ap|>lyiiu^ ui^irl.ii iiij^ material to electric cables, parts
of electric generators or motors, and the like.
Varley". Making and breaking electric contacts.
Deutsche (iAsoLUHLicHT Akt.-Ges. Attaching tungsten fila-
ments in electric glow lamps. (Date applied for, (i/5/07.)
Schreiber Electrically- propelled vehicle.
Hickley'. Electrolytic current rectifiers.
Trainor. Electrically-propelled vehicles
Harding. Switches for electric bells.
Dowsing. Electric switch for series lighting.
Lake. (Newhall.) Holders or supports for telephone and tele-
graph wires.
Deutsche Beck Bogenlampen Ge.s. Arc lamps. (Date applied
for. 2/8/00.)
B.T.-H. Co. {G.E. Co., U.S.) Controlling devices for electric
circuits.
Jahoda. A'on Loti, Von Loti, & Latzko, Filaments for
incandescent electric lamps.
Cole. Working or controlling illumination of electric lamps or
signs. , .
Pendlebury, Pendlebury & Pendlebury. Conduits for
electric wiring.
20,110
20,619
21.174
21,475
21,699
21,904
22,457
23.043
23.322
23,880
24.231
26.144
26.404
27,289
27,569
27,764
27,825
899
1,773
2,404
4,257
4,71)2
5,950
6,229
7,006
7,107
7,480
7.494
S.0li5
[8,415
8,471
8,769
8,996
9,289
10,121
11,134
1 1 .524
12,097
13,489
I.MRAY. (Gluhlampen-Fal)rik ■ I'nion " Gcs.) Filaments fcjr
electric lamps.
Kelman. Switch and cireuit-brcakc-rs for high ])OtcntiaI circuits.
EscARE & Damey'. Electric lam pi bolder.
Siemens Bros. Dynamo Work.s, Ltd. (Siemens-Schuckcrl-
werke Ges.) Switches, relays and measuring instruments.
Basset. Electric battery, also applicable for the manufacture of
sulphuric acid. (Date applied for, 2/10/0(i.)
Denieport. Magnetos and connections therefor in explosion
engines.
Eckstein, Heap, & Mellis. Electric circuit- breakers.
Duncan. Connecting dynamo-electric machines with their
supply or distributing circuits.
TiMAR cfe Von Dreger. Arc lamjis.
Boucher & Mitchell. Electric swilclu's.
Felten & Guilleaume Lahmeyerwerke Akt.-(;ks. Generat-
ing direct current of limited strength. (Dale applied for,
31/10/06.)
B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co.. U.S.) Electric dLstribution.
Eastwood. Lifting magnets.
Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works (Ltd.) (Siemens Schuckert-
werke Ges.) Speed-controlling apparatus for electric motors.
Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works (Ltd.) & Bolton. Starting
switch sets or arrangements for polyphase motors.
Gai.letti. Producing electric o.scillations.
Johnson (Firm of W. C. Heraeus). Electric resistance thermo-
meters.
Gibbons. Helm signal telemotor apparatus.
Felten & Guilleaume Lahmeyerwerke Akt.-Ges. Electrical
igniters for internal-combustion engines. (Date applied foi-,
19/12/06.)
1908 Specifications.
Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works (Ltd.) & Clift. Stopping
devices for electric lifts or hoists.
Siemens Schuckertwerke Ges. Elcc'tric cable boxes or
troughs. (Date applied for, 16/9/07.)
AlexandersOn. Electric motor control. (Date applied for,
26/1/07.)
Le Pontois. Magneto-generators.
Robert Bosch. Electrical ignition devices for internal-combus- ]
tion engines. (Date a|)plied for, 6/11/07. Additiim to No.
4.137/08.)
Allgemeine Elektricitats (Jes. Electrodes for arc lamps.
(Date applied for. 1/3/07.)
Barton & Sons (Ltd.), Barton & Harper. Coupling electrica
conduits.
Dig BY'. Electric arc lamps.
Porsche. Electric power transmission.
Eisemann. Sparking plugs for internal-combustion engines.
Siemens & Halske AKT.-fiEs. .Method of testing electrolytic
valve cells. (Date applied for, 4/4/07.)
Fessenden. Wireless sigiudling. (Date a])plied for, 5/4/07,)
Crompton & Co., Macfablane. & BuRGE. Dynamo-cleclric
machines.
NoEGOERATH. Dvnamo-electric machines. (Date applied for,
25/4/07.)
Verity's Limited & Smith. Electric heating apparatus.
Blum. Sp.vrking plug. (Date applied for, 11/6/07.)
Soc. Anon. L'Electricitf Modekne. Contrivance and apjiarj -
tus for storing the heat furnished by a source of electricity,
(Date apjilied for, 6/4/08.)
Aron. Multiple tariff electricity meters.
Allgemeine Electricitats Ges. Dynamo-clettric machines of
the commutator type. (Date ap])licd for, 30/9/07.)
Steckei. & Thomson. Electrical induction clutches.
Siemens & Halske Akt.-Ges. .Manufacture of metal electric
lam]! filaments. (Date ajiplied for, 8/6/07.)
Rorke & RoRKE. Make and break devices. (Date applied for,
4/6/07.)
Kuhlo. .Metal armouring for clc-itric ccuuluilor-.
COMPANIES' MEETINGS AND REPORTS.
WeEt India & Panama Telegraph Co. (Ltd.)
The sixty-lliiid ..rdiu,iry gcnc-r.il mcc-ling m.c- li.ld on Wednesday. -Mr.
Walter Bisucir Kinc:sfciuu pn-^iciuig.
The -MAXACiER and SECRiriARV (.Mr R. T. Brown) read the
notice convening the meeting and the auditors' re|>ort.
The CHAIRMAN said; Gentlemen, the total _receipts for the half-
year with which we are dealing amounted to £39,733 agamst £43.832. a
decrease of £4,099. Of this dec rease £2,253 occurs in traffic receii>ts_.
In the corresponding period of last vear our receipts were augmented
owing to the heavy Press and other traffic that was exchanged m con-
sequence of the earthquake in .lamaiea. In addition to this we further
benefitted in that half-year from earnings of a special nature arising from
the same cause. Expenses were £27,567, as compared with £30,028, or a
net reduction of £2,461 in favour of the period under review. There was
an increase in the cost of working our 21 stations amounting to £935, Of
this amount salaries and wages and subsistence allowances account for
£603. I ought to mention that the traffic receipts for the current half-
244
THE ELECTRICIAN. NOVEMBER 20, 1908.
yeiir, up to the middle of November, fall below the receipts up to the same
time last year. I am unable to suggest any special reason for this falling
off. It appears to be due simply to a discontinuance of that general
activity in Irade which brought us in our larger reccijits in the second
half of last year. You will have seen from the rc))ort that we have un-
deitukcn to establish wireless telegraphy between British (Juiatia and
Tiinidad. As you are aware we have always had great trouble in main-
taining uninterru|)ted communication between these two colonies, owing
to the ra])id deterioration of the cable, caused by the highly corrosive
nature of the ocean bed in that region. In these circumstances, wc have
offered to establisli wireless telegraphy between tho.se colonies, which we
hoire will prove a useful adjunct to the existing service. The cost would
Ix! between £.5.000 and £6,000. I now move the .adoption of the rejiort
and accounts, and the payment of the dividends therein set out.
.Mr. HENRY HOLMES seconded the motion, which wa.s carried
unanimously. A vote of thanks to the chairman, directors and staff
terminated the proceedings.
BRITISH COLUMBIA ELECTRIC RLY. CO.— Mr. R. M. Home Payne
staled at the meeting hist week tliat every indication pointed to in-
erea.sing trade and prosperity for British Columbia and for the company.
The first thing that was essential to the success of such a company as
theirs, from the standpoint of the public as well as that of the share-
holdei-s was a long lease of life on fair conditions : it is absolutely im-
possible to achieve any success unless an undisturbed existence of at least
40 years was guaranteed, because it was impossible to rai.se money on
reasonable terms, and with less than 20 years to run it was next to im-
))ossible to obtain money at all. In this respect theu: company was
favourably situated.
BULLEBS (LTD.).— The directors" report for the year ended July 31
states that the year has been one of contmued depression in trade, and
comjictition has been keener and more severely felt than in any year of
the company's history. Profits in consequence have been very largely
rcdui'cd, though the volume of business has been fairly mauitaiued.
In order to meet the altered condition of trade in the colonies and else-
where, the directors are establishing agencies in Africa, Australia, New
Zealand, India, &c. The benefits of those representations must neces-
sarily take time to develop, but it is expected that by these means the
company will gain closer touch with the large buying centres in the colonics
and other places. The buildings and plant and machinery have, as
usual, been kept in a state of cfliciency out of revenue. The accounts
show a profit of £14,659. 3s. 7d., which, with £1,247. Is. brought forward,
makes £15,906. 4s. 7d. The directors regret this is not sufficient to
declare any further dividend on the ordinary shares. The interest on
the preference shares (£7,500) and dividends of 5 per cent, on the ordinary
shares (£7,500) have been paid, leaving £906. 4s. 7d., which the directors
propose to carry forward.
COMPANIA ANGLO-ARGENTINA DE ELECTBICIDAD (BUENOS AYRES).—
For the yciir ciiilcci .luly 31 this ciimpany's gross rc( cipt-- ucrc .Sl(l0.ll7(i
and tlic net prolit was' SS,S72I (equal t"o an ,S per cent. .li\ idciiil). but
this pr.ilil lijs liccn spiiii upon extensions of the company's stations
and the imnhasc, if meters.
MONTREAL STREET RAILWAY CO.— The report for the year ended
Sept. 30 states that the gross earnings increased by §173,789, or 4-96
per cent. : the operating expenses *55,74I, or 2-55 per cent. : the net
earnings S120,048, or 8-58 per cent. The percentage of expenses to
gross earnings decreased to 56-69, against 60 07 per cent, for the pre-
vious year. These results are attributed to some extent to the fact
that the principal main lines are now equipped with cars of the
" pay as-you -enter" type. The chief increase in fixed charges is due
to increased payment to the City of Montreal of its percentage of the
earnings (increase §27,591'.
RICHARDSONS. \VESrGARTH & CO. (LTD.)— The directors have inti-
mated that no dividend can be paid to shareholders owing to the pro-
Lmgcd strdc- in the cnt'liiccring trade. They are of opmio,n"that the pro-
))osed amalganmtion of certain marine engineering busines.ses on the
North-East coast would be greatly to the advantage of the marine engine
industry.
SINGAPORE ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS (LTD.)— The report for 1907 states
thai tlic receipts were £61,298, and after providing for depreciation
and dclR-utuir interest, there was a loss of £4,552, increasinp- the
debit balance of £7,624 brought down to £12,176.
NEW COMPANIES, STATUTORY RETURNS, &c.
NEW COMPANIES.
MUNSTER ELECTRIC LIGHTING CO. (LTD.) ^100,269) - Reg. Nov. 14,
capital .t;2,000 in £1 shares, to acquire the busine.ss of general elec-
tricians and contractors, electric light contractors, &c., carried on as
the Munster Electric Co., at Fethard, co. Tipperarv. Private com-
pany, !• ii>t diioctors, .J. Uirnter, J.P., and E. tiriffith.
■ ^o^oTJ'"'!''"^'^ '^°- <''™-* (1^0.245. )-Reg. Nov. 12, capital £11,000,
ui 10,000 preference shares of £1 each and 20,000 deferred shares of Is
each to acquire from A. W. Gittie, A. G. .Seaman and H. Aldrich the
benetit ot certain existuig inventions for improvements relating to the
loading, unloading, sorting, weighing, conveying and marshalling of
goods.iraerchandise, books, documents, &c , and to carry on the busi-
ness of mechanical, electrical and magnetic engineers, manufacturers
of apparatus, appliances, implements and machinery, Ac. First direc-
tors, A W. Gattie, A. G. Seaman .and H. Aldrich.
WEST KENT ELECTRIC CO. (LTD.) (100,231.)— Reg. Nov. 11, capital
£100 in £1 shares, to carry on the business of electricians, electrical,
mechanical, metallurgical and chemical engineers, &c. First directors,
P. H. Martin and G. E. Bird.
STATUTORY RETURNS.
EDMUNDSON'S ELECTRICITY CORPN. (LTD.)— Return to Aug. 20 gives
capital as £800,000 in £6 shares (80,000 preference), all of w-hich have
been taken up. £5 jjer share has Ijeeii called up on 66,800 ordinary and
80,000 preference, and £734,000 has been received. £66,000 is con-
sidered as paid. Mortgages and charges, £572,000.
JANDUS ARC LAMP & ELECTRIC CO. (LTD.)— In the return to Aug. 25
capital is £30 000 in £10 shares, 2,041 of which have been taken up.
£5 per share has l.e.n called up on 1.195 and £10 per share on 250
shares, and £8,475 has been received. £5,960 considered as paid.
Mortgages and charges, £5,144. 2s.
RECEIVERSHIP.
D SANTONI & CO. (1906' (LTD.)— H. G. Nordalys ceased to act as re-
ceiver and manager on Oct. 31, 1908, and has filed accounts from
Nov. 30, 1907, to Oct. 31, 1908. showing repayment of £4,936 to de-
benture holders on .account of £4,950 capital.
FOREIGN COMPANIES WITH BRITISH ADDRESSES.
BAHIA TRAMWAY LIGHT & POWER CO. (504r.)— Capital stock,
$5,500,000 ill •■slOO shares. Reg. in Maine, U.S.A., on Nov. 16, 1905.
British address, 31, Bishopsgate-street Within, E.C., where H. M.
Hubbard and B. H. Binder are authorised to accept service.
PUEBLA TRAMWAY LIGHT & POWER CO. (530F.) -Capital ^6,500,000
in .*;100 shares. Reg. in Canada on Aug. 13, 1903. British address,
47, Parliament street, 8.W., where .J. H. Macdonald is authorised to
accept service.
VANCOUVER POWER CO. ,'473F.)— Reg. in British Columbia. British
address, 34, Nicholas-lane, E.G., where G. Kidd is authorised to
accept service. No memorandum or articles of association yet filed.
CITY NOTES.
MEMORANDA (No\-. 19).— Bank rate 24 per cent, (since May 28, 1908)
Price of silver, 23 [jd. per oz. Consols 84i; — 84i for money and 84^'5 —
84j's account. Consols Pay Day, Dec. 1 ; Stock and Shares Continua-
tion Days.'Nov. 25 and Dec. 9"; Ticket Days, Nov. 26 and Dec. 10 ;
Pay Days, Nov. 27 and Dec. 11.
Pkices of Metals (London). — Copper, cash, 635 ; three months, 64J.
Lead, English, 13J — 15J ; foreign, cash, 13/,, : three mouths, 13y|.
Spelter, foreign, 21— 21 J. Tin, English, 135—137 ; Fine Foreign, cash,
136J ; three months, 137J— 138f . Iron, Cleveland, ca,sh, 49/3 and three
months, 49/10.
ANCHOR CABLE CO. (LTD.)— Subscriptions are invited for £50,000 4^
per cent, debenture stock at par.
ANGLO-PORTUGUESE TELEPHONE CO. (LTD.)— A dividend of 3 per
cent (tax free) has been declared for the [last half year,
CONSTANTINOPLE.— It is announced that the tramrt-ay company of
Constantinople has decided to increase its capital from £T600,000 to
£T940,000. The conijiany has hitherto been controlled by the Con-
tinentale Gesellscliaft fiir Elektr'sche Unterenhmungen, but in future
the undertaking will pass under the control of an Anglo-French house,
Messrs. A. Spitzer. The material and plant for the electrification of the
tramways will be supplied by French firms. The company's concession
expires in 1992.
REDUCTION OF CAPITAL.— A ])etition for confirming a resolution
reducing the capital of the British Electromobile Co. (Limited and Re-
duced) from £25,000. 8s. to £21,072. 8s. will be heard on Nov. 28 in the
High Court. London.
A petition for confirming a resolution reducing the capital of Cowans
(Limited and Reduced) from £30.000 to £24,520 is now pending, and the
list of creditors is to be made out for Dec. 21.
RICHARD HORNSBY & SONS (LTD.)— The directors recommend pay-
ment of a dividend on the ordinary and new shares for the year ended
Sept. 30 at the riite of 6J per cent, per annum (less tax), placing to re-
serve £15,000, writing oft' patents £2,500 and carrying forward' £4,243_
STOCK EXCHANGE NOTICES.— The Stock Exchange Committee have
appointi'd Dec. 2 .i ^pcr-inl settling dav in £700.000 .i'per cent, mortgage
debenture stock fully and partly (50 per cent.) paid, of the Brilhh Ah-
minium Co. (Ltd.). and have ordered the same to be quoted in the Official
List. The committee have also granted quotations to Sl.325.000 30
year 5 per cent, gold bonds (in lieu of scrip now quoted) of the Kaminis-
tiquia Pourr Cu. {Ltd.). and a further issue of £154.109 4.i per cent, jier-
petual consolidated mortgage debenture stock of the Shawinigan Wafer
atid Power Co. The committee have been asked to appoint a special
settling day in and grant a quotation to scrip (fullv paid) for £550.000
4 per cent, prior lien debenture stock of the Metropolitan District Sail-
way Co. to allow a further issue of £28,900 first mortgage prior lien gold
bonds of the Montreal Water A Powr Co. to be quoted.
THE ELEOTBICIAN, NOVEMBER 2ti, 1908.
ELEGTBIC TBAHWAT AND BAILWAT TRAFFIC
BECEIPTB.
Aberdeen Corporation
Alrdrle
Anglo- Argentine
Ayr Corporation
Baker St. & Waterloo By....
Bameley
Barrow
Bath Electric Trama, Ltd...
Birkenhead Corporation ...
Birmingham Corporation...
Birmingham & Mid
Blackburn Corporation
Blackpool Corporation
Blackpool and Fleetwood...
Bolton Corporation
Bombay .'.
Bournemouth Corporation-
Bradford Corporation
Brighton Corporation
Bristol Trams & Carriage...
Burnley Corporation
Burton Corporation
Bury Corporation
Calcutta Tramways Co
Camborne-Redruth
Cardiff Corporation
Oavehill
Central London Railway ...
0haring0.,Eu8ton&H'fltead
Chatham & Diet. Lt.Rya...
City & South London Kly...
City of Birmingham
Colchester Corporation
Cork Klectric Trams Co. ...
Croydon Corporation
DcTonport & Diet. Trama..
Dover Corporation ,
Dublin & Lucan Railway..,
Dublin United
Dudley-Stourbridge
Dundee Corporation
EaHt Ham Cooncii
Exeter Corporation
Gateshead & Dist. Trama...
Glasgow Corporation
GloBSOp Trams,
Graveeend— Northfleet
Great Northern & City Kly..
tit.Northern, PiccadUly,&c
Greenock & Port QlaBgow...
Hartlepool Tramways
Hastings Elec. Trams Co....
Hong Kong
lluddersfield Ooi^pn
Hull Corporation
Hford District Council
Ilkeston District Council ...
Ipswi'jh Corporation
Isle of Thanet Co
Jarrow
Keighley Corporation
Eidderminster & District...
Eilmarnock Corporation ...
Lanarkshire Trams Co. ...
Lancashire United
Leamington
Leeds Corporation
Leicester Corporation
Leif.h Corporation
Lincoln Corporation
Liverpool Corporation
Liverpool Overhead Kly, ...
•London County Council ...
London United
Lowestoft
Maidstone Corporation
Uanchetjter Corporation ...
Mersey Railway
Merthyr
Metropolitan Dist. Railway
Metropolitan Elec. Trams...
Middleton
Nelson Corporation
Newcastle-on-Tyne Corp. ...
Newport (Mon.)
Northampton Corporation.
Oldliam, Abhton & Hyde ...
Oldham Corporation
Penh (N.B.)Corporation ...
Perth ( W.A. ) Elec. Trams...
Peterborough
Portsmouth Corporation ..
Potteries
Preston Corporation ,
Rotherham Corporation ..
Rothesay
Salford Corporation ,
BhefiBeld Corporation
Singapore Trams ,
Bouth Metropolitan
South Stafls ,
Southend Corporation ...
Southport Tramways ,
Staiyb dge,Hyde,Ac.,.Tl.Ci
Sunderland Corporation ,
Sunderland District
Swansea Trams ,
Taunton ,
Tynemouth and District ,
Tyneside Trams Co
Wallasey District Council,
Waloall Corpn
Warrington Corpn
West Ham Corporation...,
Weston-super-Mare ,
Wolverhampton Co ,
Wolverhampton Corpn...,
'Worcester
Wrexham
Yorksliire W.R. Trama ..,."
Yorkshire Woollen District,
S.123
r37,52I
1.297
4,350
Ino.
or Deo.
(a) I No. of
^,;fe,J Amount. I ^^; -^^
+ 2
- 108
+ r3,266
780
_
35
$8,354
_
$656
1,118
-
120
2.421
-
65
12U
_
14
316
+
5
278
+
36
97
19
HI
_
88
_
12
136
J-
8
1,20J
82
1,102
—
116
155
+
13
6,248
116
2,129
-
17
489
+
9
1U6
4-
6
1U,687
184
1,370
_
22
36,195
+
2,896
6,192
253
158
—
11
146
14,167
_
91
1,934
+
86
216
-
5
lo.ice
+
1,307
5 895
+
1,207
294
-
3S
102
_
37
3,734
_
287
618
+
4
385
+
6
533
67
1.737
.
H4
133
1,377
—
220
103
_
8
1,610
_
27
l,86!l
—
175
665
—
39
574
-
19
43
-
3
4,296
-
61
53
-
1
6,291
_
307
$9,439
+
$575
788
+
27
909
114
303
+
3;
232
+
12
618
97
1,062
_
211
442
—
18
914
+
36
36
10
147
_
9
385
_
27
783
+
32
492
47
347
—
36
2,207
-
65
39
+
4
431
30
737
_
92
251
+
6
67
+
3
1,235
+
20
892
+
9
38,615
9,S81
9C(',0n9
9,378
60,470
7,874
10,982
33,773
209,<>95
36,198
38,167
77.468
+ 1,108
>1,603,563
+ R268,::i7
66,642
|- 2,':i;
166,134
+ 214
32,342
+ 635
229,488
47(
8,101
614
9,104
600
38,237
1942,368
5,900
72,316
3,994
148,738
66,845
20,952
47,467
20,7C0
7,716
2,860
108,514
37,314
31,658
29,166
10,816
44,819
414.274
6.731
9,467
56,620
10I,6S5
23,506
10,719
25,226
4,687
13,662
2,498
4,662
3,176
6.C26
4,029
68,636
60,520
7,731
220,118
4.%098
14,333
3,913
481,361
28 199
1,124.825
305,815
1,175
6,621
603,572
37,426
9,4C0
184,818
256 663
15,953
4,521
128,677
22,118
15,601
26,261
63,216
14,397
20,128
9,596
156,983
2,663
187,955
$34,976
36,400
39,193
16.067
12,759
!i08
43,051
1,810
10,3:U
8,211
30.208
24,413
12,257
71,562
6,604
20,217
20,032
12,679
4,684
56,124
40,817
(a) These comparisone are with the oorresponding period last year. S Plus 3 days.
Plus 2 days. ♦ Partly eleotrlos', f Minus 3 days t Minus J days,
ELECTRICAL COMPANIES' SHARE LIST
LAST
DIVI-
Dmm
4U
2/0
St. 4%
6 2/3
6 2/0
St.' 4i%
10 6/0
10 6/0
St. bX
St. ax
b 2%
6 6%
10 4/0
10 6,0
St. ' 4J%
St. ! 4J%
6 1 2/0
6^ 2/6
St., iiX
HX
100| 4j%
10 ■
iix
6%
4%
3%
4J%
10 : 6/0
6, 2/6
it. I i\
,6l 6/0
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
Boumemonth & Poole Eleo. Sop. Ord
Do. 4J per Cent. Cam. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Second Pref. ,
Do. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) .
Bromley (Kent) El, Lt. & Power Shares
Do. Do. Ist Dehs,
Brompton & Kensincton Eleo. Sup. Ord,
Do. 7 per Cent. Pref.
Central Elec. Snp. Co.4y Gnar.Db.Stock
Charing Cross (W.End&City)El.Snp. Co,
Do. 44 per Cent. Pref
Do. 4 jjer Cent. Deb. Stock (red.).
Price
Wed..
Nov. 18.
ifj-ioj
!>J-Oi
lOJ -1' *
101 -105 4 6
3J-4J
St. 34%
61 ..
St. I 4%
61 4/0
1 0/6
1 0/8|
St. ax
6' 2/6
6i 2/6
St.
^x
St.
b/o
St.
bX
St.
6"^
St.
bX
St.
il
10
6/0
io
6/0
Id
10
0/9
St.
n
b
4/0
St.
ihX
10
•iX.
10
6/0
St.
44/.
37 -90
Ci'tv Undertakini; 4J% Cm. Prel. 8^ -3J
Chelsea E'lectric Supply Ord 2j-Si
4i per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ... lou -103
City of London Electric Lighting Ord... 8J - 9|
6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. 12J-13
B per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) 1S3 —125
4J per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock (red.)
CountyofDurhamElec. P.D. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, non Cum. Pref.
County of London Elec. Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cam. Prof.
Do. 4J% Deb. Stock (red.)
Do. Second Deb. Stock
B'olkestone Electricity Supply Co. Ord.
Do. 6 percent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J 1st Deb. Stock (red)
Hove Efcctric LiRhting Ord
Kensington & Knightsbridge Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Ist Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (rod.)
Kensingtn. & Knfitbg. Co. cfcNotting Hill
Co. (Joint Station) 4% Deb. Stock (red.)
Kent Elec. Power Co
London Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb
Metropolitan Electric Sup. Ord
Do. 4i per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 j per Cent. Deb. Stock 1st Mort.
Do. 3J per Cent. Mrt. Deb. Stock(red.)
Midland Elec. Corp.for P.D.lstMort.Db.
Newcastle & Diet. Elec. Ltg. Ord
Do. 4A per Cent. Deb
Newcastle Elec. Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, non Cum. Pref
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. red. 1907.
Korthern Counties Elec. Sup
Do. 4S per Cent. Deb
Notting'Hill Electric Ord
Oxford Electric Ord
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Bt. James' & Pall Mall Elec. Ord
Do. 7 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 3i per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
Smith fleltt Markets Electric Snp. Ord...
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
South london Electric Supply Ord
South Metrop'n Elec. Lt. & Power Ord.
Do. 7 per tent. Cum. Pref
Do. 4i 1st Db. Stk. Red
Urban Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4* per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb
Westminster Elec. Sup. Ord
Do. 4J per Cent. Cum. Pref.
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS k. TRAMWAYS,
Baker St. & Waterloo 4% Perp. Db. St
Bath Elec. Trams Pref. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref
Do. 4J 1st Mort. Deb, Stock (red.) ...
K'ham & Midland Trams 4J 1st Db.Stk.
Bristol Tramways & Carriase Ord 10.4-lOJ
Do. Cum. Pref. (fully pafd).. "
4 11
4 10
6 11
93 —96
113-lij
6i-6i
96 —98
7A-8
V-V4
88 — 8U
2k-n
i-i
1 -li
99-103
t-1
Ii-2J
60 —S3
74 8J
93 —93
4 IS 9
5 10 6
6 12 0
SJ— 9
Do. 4per Cent. Debs." '. ii7 — E9
British Electric Traction Ord,
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 5 per Cent. Perpetual Debs.
Do. 44 per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock
Central London Ordinary Stock 67 —69
Do, 4 per Cent. Pref. Stock I SO -68
Do. Deferred Stock 61-63
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs 1101—104
CharingX.Euston&HmpstdPerDh.Stk.' "" '''
City of Birmingham Trams. S^Cm.Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Dabs
Citv & South London Ely. Con. Ord. ...
Do. 6 per Cent. Perp. Pref. (1891) ...' 112 _I14
Do. (1896) l'9-lll
Do. (1901) ; 107 -IIJ
Oo. (1903) 101-103
Do. 4 per Cent, Perpetual Debs '.'9—101
Dublin United Trams. Ord 114-124
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref 13—11
Gt. Northern & CityRly. Pref. Ord.(4X) 4-1
O. Northem.Piccadilly & Brompton Ord.! 7i— SJ
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock i fli — 91
Hastings & Dist. Eleo. Trams. 6% Cm. Pf. 3 —J
4JDb. St 1 8S-92
ial Tramways Ord t'i - &i
34-
90 -
73 —75
83 —68
4J-43
96 -100
3.'4 -S34
4 II
3 19
3 17
4 11
4 10 0
4 11 0
4 17 0
3 19 0
St., iZ
10, e/0
St. ! b%
10 ..
1 Imperial Tramways Ord.
JDo. 6 per Cent. Pref.
JDo. 4J per Cent. Debs
I. of Thanet K. T. 4 Lt. 5 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
{ BnaiNEsa
Week TO
I Nov. 18.
103
23—3
38-35
74-75
K'i-103
107 -111)
97 -UO
4i-6J
6 — 6J
97 —10}
fj-ej
74 -8J
6 -64
94 —97
!,7 -ICO 4 0 0
86 -90 6 0 0
J-li 0 3 0
4J-4i 6 13 6
89 -92 4 7 0
4i-43 6 16 6
i'i -45 4 12 0
1C6 —109 4 16
86 -ES 3 19 6
96 -98 4 12 u
J*-5 397
90-92 4 18 U ,
4i-5Ji S 0 0
6J-6.J 4 13 0
Mar, Sept,
Feb, Aug
Fob, Aug
Jan, July
April, Oct
May, Nov
March ....
Mar, Sent
June, Deo
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
March . .
June, Dec
Feb, Aug t'.;
Jan, JuW
June, Dec 1234
Jan, July ,
April, Oct
April, Oct: •-
Feb, Aug I ..
M.ir, Sept I • .
Jan, July' ..
A pri'l, Oct . .
Mar, Sept -
Feb, Aug
April, Oct' H
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
Mar, Sept ••
Mar, Sept
Jan.Jufy WJ
April. Oct **
Jan, July *i
June, Dec ,107*
Jan, July
Juni.Deo ^
Feb, Aug "
Jan, July | •■
Feb, Aug I *•
Feb, Aug
Jan, July —
Mar, Aug
Jan, July
March .. ' •;,
March .. , 63!
Jan, July 1 ..
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb ....
Feb, Aug
April...
10 bX
3c.; 4/,
10 6/0
it. 4%
Lanes. Utd. Trams 5 , Prior Lieu Db. St.
Liverpool Overhead Railway Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref,
1 0/6
;t. 44%
it. 4%
t., 2i%
t. 3J%
t. 34 >,
t. 3k
34%
34%
9J -9i
93 —95 15 5 6
n-'i I ..
o-r>j I 9 2 0
81 -hi 4 13 0
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
April, Oct
April, Oct
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
April ....
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
June, Dec
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
Fub.'Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb ....
Jan, July
Jan. July
April, Oct
April, Oct
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
May, Not
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jau, July
Jan, July
Feb, Aug,
lii
"i|
IOC) , 98}
__. . ^,. Cent. Dob,
London United Trams. bX Cum. Pref. ... 44-64
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb. Stock 70 — ;o
Mersey Con. Ord. Stock 1—3
Do. 3 per Cent. Perp. Pref. 8—6
Metropolitan Elec. TramwaysOrd 4J— f'5 -
Do. Def. 3^— A •■ i *P,"1-
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. j— i 5 14 0 ieb, Aug
Do. 4 J oer Cent. Deb. Stock 92—95 4 14 9 Jan. July
Metropobtan Railway Consolidated 36J-374 16 6 Feb, Aug ..
Do. Surplus Lands Stocks 67—8* 4 0 0 Feb, Aug 67j .
Do. 84 per Cent. Preference 85—87 4 0 6 Feb, Aug »6 1 65i
Do. 3il»''t-'<'ut. "A'Prelcreuce 76—79 !4 S 6 Feb, Aug .. ..
Do. 3J pe' Cent. Convertible Pref. 75—78 i4 9 9 Feb, Aug .. ' ..
St i 34% Do. 34 per Cent. Debenture Stock 91—93 , 8 15 3 Jan, July 92| I 911
St.: 34% ' Do. 34 percent^' A" DiUo .....^.^ 89 —91 : 3 17 0 Jan, July 9J ._^
- ,„ w.lonlating the yield allowanoe has been made for soorned iutereet but not for redemption
t Bi Dividend. } The London Stock Exchange Comniitt«e have declined to qaote these
THE 1.1 I (11,11 IAN VOVEMl'.EU 20, 1938.
,,;
Last
u
invi-
DERD
Ft.
Kt.
ft.
H7.
St.
n
Ht.
*%
SI.
m
St
m
St.
iZ
6
1
O/M
Price I RATE % I niTIDBHD businkss
Wed.. I YIELD. n^, Wbkk to
Nov. 18. — ''"*'•
CO»II*.A.INIES' SII^AJRE LIST — Continued.
1 0/6
31. HX
1 0/7;
Bt.
4«
Bt. H',,
B 6/C
6' 2/6
Bt. 4J5J
„' 1/0
B'- 44%
(l,»il
«in
0(»f
1/0
U/Vf
S/0
tx
O/Vt
!!/(l
0/74
Bt.
4<y
l/B
i!/l)
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS * TRAMWAYS- Continued.
M <'roi>olitiin PisliHot Uiiilwnv Ord
1)0, f;xlMi«ii.n I'lcl. (S pfiCent.)
Do. Afsoiilp.l E.xt. I'ri-f. (Inl. Guar, l.y
Und. Klpc. Bly«,ro, nf London, Ltd.)
Do. 8 ppr Cent. C'oinoltd. Renl-chargo
Do. 4 l>Pr Ccn*. Midliind Rent-charge
Do. Guirr, Stock 4 jier Cent
Do. 6 per Cent. Perp. Deb. Stock
Do! 4 per Cent. Ditto
>'en Gen. Tract. 6 per Cent. Cnm. Pref.
rolterieB Electric Traction Ord.
;;,.. 5 per Cent. Com. Pref. ....
tlln 4* per Cent. Deb. Stoek .
K Met. Elec. Trams. & Ltg. 6% Cm. Pref.
Do, 4 per Cent, Deb. Stock
Sunderland Diet, Elec.Trm9.B3; IstMt.Dh,
UnderproundE.Rya.Lon.fi",;' Inc'm bonds
]>o. .5'-; Prior Lien Bonds
Do, )*■; Bonds
Yorkehire (W.B.) Elec. Trams. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4A per Cent, let Debs
ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING, Ac.
Aron Electricity Meter Ord
Do. (1% Cum, Pf. lex on a/0 arrears)...
Balicook & Wilcoi Ord
Do, Prof,
British Insulated & Helsbj Cables Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref,
Do. a per Cent, 1st Mort. Dob. (red.)
BritishThoms'n-Honsfn ^^% l8t Mt.Db.
British Weslinghoase 6 per Cent. Pref...
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock
Prush Electrical Engineering
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. non-Cum
Do, H per Cent, Perp. 1st Deb. Stock
Do. Perpetual 2nd Deb, Stock
Callender'a Cable Con. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J per Cent, 1st Mort Debs, (red.)
Castner-Kellner Alkali Co
Do. 4i per Cent, 1st Mort. Deb. (red.).
Chadburn's (Ship) Telegraph Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Oum. Pref.
Consolidated Electrical Co
Consolidated Signal Co
Do. 6 per Cent, Cum. Pref.
•Crompton & Co. (Nos. 1 to 86,000)
Do. 6 per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs. (red.).
Datis&Timmina
Dick, Kerr & Co. Ord
Do, 6 per Cent. Cum, Pref.
Do. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock
(Edison & Swan United ("A" 8h.)(£3pd.)
(Do. (£5 paid)
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock (rd. )
Do. 6 per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock
Edmnndeon's Elec. Corp. Ord. —
Do. 6 per Cent, Cum. Pref,
Do, 4J per cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.)
Electric Construction Co
Do. V per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Perp. 1st Mort. Debs.
General Electric (10(10) 5% Cum. Pref.,..
Do. 4 percent. l9t Mort. Debs
Henley's Telegraph Works Ord
Do. 4i per Cent. Pref.
Do. ii per Cent, lat Mort. Deb. Stock
Ii dia HuClier, Gut. Per , &c.,Wrke
Do, 4 per Cent. Debs, (red.)
National Elec. Construction Co
RichardsoTiB.Wcstgarth & Co., Ltd. Ord,
[ Do. (iperCeut. Ci ""-''
- 4i ^, " ' '
£ •. d.
66 -69 5 J
123 —126
8i —86
J- 3.
6 0 0
76'_5o 160 0
SO -84 I 6 19 0
23-24
75J-76J
5-U
2J-38
84 —87
U-fl
35-4
Ia-It";
61-68
0 -6g
104 — 1U7
91 -96
3-4
40 -45
3 15 0
7 10 6
4 14 0
68 -73
50 —64
91-101
6i-6J
107 ,i- 1094
li^i!— lis
103 —107
w
lA-ii
98 — lul
i-n
IJ-U
101 -104
li-ij
66 —70
63 -7 J
84 -68
lUi-llJ
6'- 6J
107 —109
16S-17i
8d -bo
li
6»
1014— 103j; 3 16
U/7J ! "Do."tiperCeut. Cum. Pref.
4j% Po. 4J per Cent. Perp. Deb. Stock ...
fimplel Conduits Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref
Telegraph Construction & Maintenance
Do. 4 per Cent Deb. Bonds (1909) ..
1/6 Vickers, Sons & Maxim, Ltd., Ord
0/6 Do. b per Cent. non-Cum. Preference
5% Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Preferred
tI)o. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Db.Sk, (red)
4i% : Do. 4iper Cent. 2ud Mort. Deb. (red.)
16/6 Do. 6 percent. 3r J Mort, Debs Soi'ip.
lO/U .I.G.White & Co. 6% Cm. Pref.
Wil'.ans & Kobinson Ord
Do. 6 per Cent . Cum. Pref.
Do i per Cent, let Mort. Deba
TELEGRAPHS.
Amazon Telegraph
6% Do. 6 per Cent. Debs, (red.;
16/0 AnploAmerican
30/0 Do. Preferred
1% Do. Deferred
4% Commercial Cable 4 per Cent. Deb. Stk.
6/0 Cuba Submarine Ord
10/0 Do. Preference 10 per Cent.
2/0 Direct Spanish Ord
6/0 Do. 10 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
ii% Do. 44 per Cent. Deb
4/0 Direct United States Cable ....
44% Direct West India Cable 44% Kg. Db. (rd. )
26/0 Eastern Ordinary
17/8 Do. 84 per Cent, Pref. Stock
4% Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Btk. (red.)
2/6 Eastern Extension
4% Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock I 101 — lU3
4X Eastern & S. African iX Mort. Deb. 1009' 100-1O2
4^ I Do. 4%Mauritiu9Sub. Debs, (red.) ...
6/0 G,N,(o) Copenhagen), withCoupon74..,
44% Halifax & Bermuda4i;j let Mt. Db.( red.)
12/6 Indo-European
til Mackav Companies Common
81 Do. Preloreuce :
Marconis Wireless Teleg. Co
1U0| 4Jj Pacilic & Europe'n Tel.4%Oaar.Db8.(red.)
"i\ 1/3 V est Coast ol America
,"i 4% Do. 4 per tent. Debs
^"1 .. West India & Panama
^0; d/o Do. 6 per Cent. iBt Pref.
,10 26,0 Do. 6 per Cent. 2nd Pref.
,6% Do. 6 per Cent, Debs
10 6/0 UWesteru Telegraph id and bona
*'■! 4% Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
•• i% Western Union Telegh..il,OOU 4,^ Bond:
5 14 0
6 18 0
1 11 0
6 11 0
420
4 2 6
6 16 0
410
2i-3i
90 — 9ii
68 —61
103-104
i78-i;8
69 —91 1
74-84 I
16i-l/J
3 -34 I
100%— 103%!
134- 13J I
Uigh-
1 est.
i 13i
Feb, Aug
Jan, July ' 78
Jan, July 1
Mar, Sept -.
•Tan, July mi
Jan, July 83
Mbt .... 1 ••
April, Oct
Feb, Aug I . .
May, Nov I . .
Fob, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July ,
Jnne, Deo
April, Oct
April, Oct
Julyi Feb
Jan, Jaly
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
March . .
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
Nov, May
May, Nov
Feb, Aug
March . .
April, Oct
August .,,
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Sept
Sept
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jtme, Deo
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
May, Nov
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July
Jnne, Deo
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
April. Oct
April
Nov ....
May, Nov
Jan, Jaly
Lovi
Mar, July
Jan, July
Apr, Oct
Apr, Oct
May, Nov
June, Dec
June, Deo
F,My,Ag,N
6 ; F,My,Ag,N]l'.'l
0 lK,My,Ag,N 17U
0 jJn,Ap,Jy,0 "
0 1 Feb, Aug
6 I Feb, Aug
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
, Dec
134
1034— 1U54 3 16 6
116-12
994—101!
6 15
3 17 9
8 18 0
3 IS 8
66 —69
6 12
0
78 -82
5 U
0
70 -74
5 8
0
101 -1U3
3 17
1;
li-14
4 3
0
101 — lU3
3 IV
ft
*-§.
8 -^4
7 1
(1
8i-9t
1014-1034
3 17
u
18-134
6 0
(1
102 -104
3 17
0
86 -SO
4 10
0
Ja,Ap,Jy,0 136 134
JB,Ap,.Iy,0 ...
May,>ov 1IO44 loji
Ja,Ap,Jy,0 '■" ---
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
May, Nov
Jau,July
June, Deo
May, Nov
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
April
June, Deo
May ....
Jan, July
May, Nov
May, Nov
May, Nov
Jau,July
Mr,Jn,0,D
June, Dec
sa 84
13J ' 13'
Lasti
Divi-
dend!
, Price
Wed..
I Nov. 18.
1 BnsiNSiS
Week to
Nov. 18.
TELEPHONES. I
Amer. Telephn. & Telegh. Cap. St 131 -137
Do. Coll.Tmst»l,0(.i04 percent. Bds 8;l -96
AncloPortug'se TeL 6% 1st Mt.Db. Stk. lOU -102
Chili Telephone f- 1 i
IMoiite Video Telephone Ord. l;"'"
1 0/74 IMoiite Video Telephone
1 0/6 t (to. 5 per Cent. Pref. i .'^-,"
St. 6% National Co. Pref. Stock t?^ , Ji
St. 6% , Do. Def. Stock }„,,?•
10 6/0 I Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Ist Pref. }„?,,'!
10' 6/0 Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. 2nd Pref. ...„.„. I JlH-llt
6 2/6 I Do. 5 per Cent. non-Cum. 3rd Pref. .., fi.— 'ft
St. 34% • Do. Deb. Stock 3i per Cent, (red ) ... 98-100
Bt. i-/. Do 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) l.'l — 1U3
Oriental • , Ir'il
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. Jf-\i
Do. 4 per Cent. Red. Deb. Stock 90 -9J
Telepho " .,---. ..«™-c,.,,<.
1 0/7!
1 0;71
St. 4%
St. 44%
4 13
4 14
5 13
5 8 tl
6 6 6
4 10 6
3 10 0
3 18 0
5 16 3
4 18 0
Co. of Egypt*4j;Db.Stk.(red.): 1004-1024; 4 8 0
2/6
United River Plate ?8— 7|
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 44 Deb. St. Red
FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, Hi.
34-4
' -10?
Elec. 4 Gen. Investment 6% Cum. Pref.
Globe Telegraph & Trust
Do. 8 per Cent. Pref. 13J— 13J
Submarine Cables Trust (Cert.) 127 — 13J
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRIC
RAILWAYS, TRAMWAYS, Ac.
Anglo-Argontir
Do. WX Noi
Do. Permani
Auckland El(
e 6% Cum. let Pref. 1 6,'^— eii
-cum. 2nd Pref. ] bS^— 9,"j
nt6% Deb. Stock I 141 —146
Trams. 5% Deb. (red.)...; 102 —106
5 2,'6
44%
it. 8%
it. 30 0
it.' 5%
40 44%
iiZ
m
6%
4a
-45
i;-
—6 ,',5
lOi
—105
114
—138
116
—120
l(i7
-109
lljl
-103
Electric Trams. Invest. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 44 per Cent. Db. Prov. Certs. ..
I British Columbia El.Ry.Df. Ord
Do. Pref. Ord. Stock
Do. 6% Cum. Perp. Pref. Stock
Do. 44 per Cent. Isi Mort. Debs. ..
Do Vancouver Power Deba ! 103 — 1(6
Do 4J%Perp Con. Deb. St ' 102-101
BnenoB Ayres Elec. Trams (1901) Ltd,
Deb. St
Buenos Ayres Grand National Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 64 per Cent. Pref. Debs
Do. b per Cent. Ist Deb. Bonds
Bnonoa Ayres Lacroze Trains Ist Mt. Db,
Buenos Ayres Port & City Tram. 1st Mt,
Deb, Slock £76 Paid
Calcutta Tramways (1 to 137,610)
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Prof.
Do. 44% 1st Deb. Stock (red.)
Cape Electric Tram Shares
tCity ol Buenos Ayres Trams Co. (1904)Sh,
Do 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Colombo Tr, it Ltg. 5% 1st Mt. Db
Electric Traction Co, of Hong Kong 5
per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
Havana Elec. By. Con. Mt. 6% $1,000 60
year Coup. Bds
Kalgoorlie Elec. Trams Sh
Do. 6 per Cent. "A" Deb, Stock
Do. 6 per Cent. "B" Ditto
Lisbon Elec. Trams. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Reg. Mort. Debs
Madras Elec. Trams. 6% Deb. Stk
Manila Elec. Ry. SI, 000 Gold Bonds
Mciico Trains lIo. Com. St
Do. Gen. Con. 1st Mort. bX OoW Bds....
Montreal Bt. Ry. Sterling 44 per Cent.
Debs. (1922) (Nos. 601 to 2,1)00)
Perth Elec. Trams Ord
Do. 1st Mt. Db. Stock
Rangoon Elec. Trams & Supply Co. 6%
. Pf.
97 -102
24-28
1 -44
9/ —99
61 —66
44-6
48-6*
103 —106
Hi -91
85 —90
69 -94
86 -81
CO -eb
i;— ii^
1 -li
92 -97
92 —95
813 —90
145 —147
92 -93%
103 —106
St.
44%
6
3/3 ;
Ml
ili 1
im
iX I
500
6%
5
St.
bX
bt.
b%
St.
6%
10s
0/3
1
O/Vit
Bt.
6%
600
6%
St.
81
too
bZ
lot
$U
1
l/as
1
l'«s'
Bt
bZ
b
8/0
101
SI
bZ .
6d. ■
Do. 44% Ist Mort. Deb. Stk ,
Bao Paulo Tramway, Light &. Power Co.
JlOO Stock
Do. 5 per Cent. 1st Mt. $600 Db.
Toronto By Co. 1st Mt. 44,4 Ster. Bonds
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRICITY
SUPPLY &c.
Adelaide Elec, S'ply Co.6% Cn.Pr.
" ibayE.S, &T. 6%Cn ""
6i-5i
99 —lul
165 —167
10l-103r;
97 — W
6J-54
104
Do. 44per Cent. Deb. Stk, (red,) j i)4 — !
fCalcutta Elec. Supply Ord | 54—1
Canadian Gen. Elec. Uo. Com. St I lOB —
Castuer Electrolytic Alkali Co.(of U.S. A.)
1st Mort. Stl. Debs 92—'
Elect. Development Co of Ontario 1 84 -I
"■ ). Ltg. & Trac. Co. of Auat. 6 per
Cent. Cum. Pref
Do. 6 per (Jeut. Deb Stock
Elec. Supply Co. of Victoria 6 per Cent.
Ist Mort. Deb. St.
Indian Elec. Sup. & Trac. Co. Constli
Deb. St. Rd
Kalgoorlie Elec. Power & Ltg. Ord. i
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Prof. ".[[',
Madras E. B. Corp. 6 per Cent. Constii
Deb. St ■
Mexican Elec. Light Co. bX 1st Mort'
Gold iJonds
Mexican Lt.Jt Power Co. Com, St.
Do. 6.4 Ist Mort. Gold Buds ".'"
Montreal Lt. Ht. & Power Co. Cap. St
River Plate Electricity Co. Ord. .
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Pref '.'.'.....".
Do. 6 per Cent, Deb. Stock ||
Rosano Elee. Co. 6% Pref. (l-20.'6oo)'.*.*.*,!!
Bhawmigan Water \ Power Co. Cap's't
Do. 6perCent.BdB
Victoria Falls Power Co. Pref...
1314
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
August . .
Nov ....
May, Nov ! . .
Feb, Aug 110
Feb, Aug 118
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug 6ij
June, Dec 9»i
Jan, July 102}
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, July ..
July 6!5
Jane. Dec
Jan, July
Jan, July
SpDcMrJu
SpDcMrJu
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
June, Dec
Jan, July
May .. , .
May, Nov
Jan, July ,,
Mar, Sept 140
May, Nov ' '
Jan, July ■;
April, Oct '0-1
Jan, July '0',
il
ii.'i 1 1164
6 12 0
4 10 0
4 17 6
2 -24
86 —87%
76|-76i
69 —90
5 14 0
4 13 9
8 13 8
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Feb, Ang
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
F,My,'A,N
June, Deo
May, Nov
June, Dec
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
May ....
Jau, July
6 11 0
llu4— 112JI 6 11 6
l = -li=a
99 — lu2
8 J —Hi
106%' 4 15 6
4 12 6
5 13 0
4 18 0
6 13 U
103
Jan, July
Apnl,Oct
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
April, Oct
April, Oct
t93
F,My,A,N 1174
April 1|
May
Jan, July
April, Oct ' . .
Jan, July 1044
" , July
• In calculating the yields allowance ha. been made (or accrued interest but not for redemption t Ex dividend, t The London Stock Kiohange Committee have declined to quote the
11U|
1'3
THE ELECTRICIAN:
THE OLDEST WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND FINANCE
ESTABLISHED, First Series (Weekly), 1861; Second Series (Weekly), 1878.
No. 1,593. [vSJlJi..]
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
Pbice Sixpence "'li§.'5f' ■
Abroad 9d., or 18 cents, or SOc., or 80p/.
CONTENTS OF THE CURRENT NUMBER.
Notes 247
Arrangements for tlie Week 249
Manchester Corporation Elec-
tricity Department Ac-
counts 250
Inaugural Address of Mr. W.
M. Mordey to the Institu-
tion of Electrical Engineers 251
New Observation on Long-
distance Submarine Cables.
By E. Breisig. Illustrated 253
Inaugural Address to the
Glasgow Local Section of
the Institution of Electrical
Engineeis. By W. W.
Lackie. Illu.strated 255
Electrification of the St. Clair
Tunnel of the Grand Trunk
Railway. Illustrated 257
Domestic Electricity Sup)ily
(including Heating and
Cooking) as Aft'ected by
Tariffs. By W. R. Cooper.
Illustrated 259
Commercial Electric Heating.
By J. Roberts. Illustrated 261
Alternating Current Commu-
tator Motors. — The Reinil-
sion Motor. By Dr. Rudolf
Goldschmidt. Illustrated 263
Testing of Alternators— X*/.*-
cussion 266
eojIPAKISONS IN THE ELECTRI-
CAL Industry 268
Reviews 269
Die Isolierraittel der Elek-
trotechnik [Wernicke] ;
Telegraphic Systems and
other Notes [Crotch] ;
Electric Power Trans-
mi.ssion [Bell].
Aluminium as a Factor in the
Electrical Industry 271
Correspondence 272
Wireless Telephony (Regi-
nald A. Fessenden).
Pennya-word Telegrams
within the Empire (E.
Raymond-Barker).
The Institution and other
Societies 274
I'HYSicAi Society 274
Lighting. By Prof. H. Bohle 274
The " Exide " Accumulator.
Illustrated 276
Large Submarine Telephone
Cable. Illu-strated 276
Parliamentary Notices 277
ParliamentaryIntblligenoe 277
Legal Intelligence 281
Municipal, Foreign & General
Notes 281
Trade Notes and Notices 283
Companies' Meetings and
Reports 285
New Companies, &c 286
City Notes 286
Companies' Share List 287
:n o T £: s.
Electric Omnibuses.
In the controversy which has taken place durino' the
last two or three years in regard to the possibility of run-
ning electric omnibuses at a profit, the question of the cost
of battery maintenance has been prominent. Figures have
been issued from time to time by the London Electrobus
Co., but such figures have only been the contract price at
which an accumulator company was willing, for the time
being, to maintain the batteries in service. It has always
been felt that no reliance could be placed on these figures,
because many battery companies are willing to buy experi-
ence of this kind without making a profit, or even if making
a certain loss. • We are glad, therefore, to be able to state
that the Tudor Accumulator Co., which has been promi-
nently associated with the battery equipment liitherto
used by the Electrobus Company, has arrived at the con-
clusion that they can undertake contracts of this kind at
a price of 2jd. per omnibus-mile. This figure includes the
continual maintenance of the batteries which are, of course,
purchased in the first instance by the omnibus company
and also the handling of the batteries during charge, so
that they are ready for use by the omnibus company
as required. It will be noticed that this figure, which,
of course, includes a profit for the Tudor Company,
is considerably higher than the l-99d. given in the figures
recently issued liy the Electrobus Company. This does
not, of course, mean that the company may not be able to
work at such a figure as l'99d. for some years to come, but
it means that in all probability such a figure is not remu-
nerative to a battery company, and that the figure arrived
at by the Tudor Company, which it may be mentioned,
has a very large experience to go upon, is considerably
higher if profit is to be included.
It is interesting to compare this figure with those pre-
viously obtained on tramway systems. Some years ago
Mr. W. E. CoopEii discussed this subject in the Proceed-
ings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, and gave re-
sults for a number of continental tramways. Trustworthy
figures of this kind are difficult to obtain, for tJie reason
that batteries are sometimes handled liy companies
wlio are merely seeking experience. Leaving out of
account some of the lowest figures, which may, perhaps, be
optimistic, it was found at Hanover that maintenance and
renewals cost 0'5.'35d. per car mile, to which must be added
the cost of handling. On one of the Paris tramways using
Tudor cells the Tudor Company expressed the opinion that
the cost of handling, maintenance and renewals amounted
to l-92d. per car-mile ; and on another Paris tramway line,
in which the batteries were worked by the company itself,
this cost was found to amount to 2-46d. per car-mile. It
appears, therefore, that the cost of running accumulator
omnibuses is greater than that of running accum.ulator
tramway cars, which is not altogether surprising. As to
whether such omnibuses can be run commercially is a
large question, and must depend to no small extent upon
the size of the undertaking. We think, however, that it
will be generally agi-eed that the accumulator part of the
question is not sucli a predominant factor as was at first
supposed.
American Progress in Railway Electrification.
The electrification of tlie St. Clair tunnel of the Grand
Trunk Railway Co. of Canada, a description of which
appears in the present issue, is noteworthy, since it is
stated to be the heaviest railway service that has yet been
248
'J'HE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 27, 1908,
converted for electrical operation. The conditions which
brought aliout the conversion are deserving of mention.
The ventilation of tunnels is always a diliicult problem,
and when a frequent service of trains is run the conditions
become very unpleasant for passengers, to say nothing of
the damage done by smoke and fumes of the locomotives to
the facings of the tunnel itself. Such cases, therefore,
offer a favourable opportunity for electrical working. In
the present instance there was still further inducciinent,
because the maximum capacity of the route had been
I'eachcd with the existing equipment of steam locomotives,
which were becoming incapable, on the gradients, of
dealing with the heavy freigiit trains necessary to accom-
modate the trattic. So tliat electric traction was decided
upon as the most satisfactory solution of the problem. It
is interesting to notice that, after the merits of continuous
and alternating-current equipments had been carefully
investigated, a decision was finally made in favour of
a single-phase alternating current system employing a
pressure of 3,300 volts. In view of the severe conditions
prevailing, this will, of course, be regarded as a great
victory by the advocates of the single-phase motor and
overhead equipment. As each electric locomotive must
handle trains of 1,000 tons in weight on a 2 per cent,
gradient, the capabilities of the installation are likely to be
severely tested, but we understand that up to the present
the equipment, which has been supplied by the Westing-
house Electric & Manufact\iring Co., has proved very
satisfactory.
Anotiiek important stej) towards the displacement of
the steam locomotive is the recent decision of the Illinois
Central Itailroad to electrify its terminus in Chicago. Con-
siderable discomfort has resulted from the smoke, cinders
and noise inseparable from the large iniml)er of steam
trains which daily enter that city, and public interest
has been aroused to such an e.xtent as to bring aliout this
important decision on the part «f the management. The
progress of the work, in view of the extensive character of
the scheme, is likely to be watched with great interest on
the part of other companies, who are experiencing difficulty
in dealing with the increasing traffic at such termini. In
fact, the electrification of railways is at present an absorb-
ing topic in America. We learn also that the Pennsyl-
vania Kailroad has just decided on the electrification of
its New York terminal system. A very extensive scheme
has been planned, including the new tunnel to Manhattan
Island, and the contract for the work has been let to the
Westinghouse Electric & Manufocturing Co., who have
been concerned in so many of the important railway elec-
trifications of recent years. Indeed, we learn that no less
than 6625 miles of railway track have been converted or
are under construction in America by this company for
single phase working alone, whilst they are also concerned
with 1.50 miles on the same system in Europe.
Breakdowns.
Wiioj.ivSALK breakdowns of electric light and power
systems are now, happily, events of infrequent occurrence,
but they are none the less regrettable incidents. The
failure mi toto of J.ot's-road recently and the extinction of
the lights, in part, at the Manchester Electrical Exhibition
are doubtless fresh in our readers' memory, particularly tlie
former, which created probably the record " disturbance "
of its kind in the history of electric railways. Leeds is the
latest station to figure on the breakdown list, and, as
reported in our last issue, the entire supply from the
Corporation lighting station was cut off for a Ijrief
peiiod, the while the trams, fed from an independent
source and brilliantly lighted, sped along the darkened
streets. With the details of this latest " incident " we
do not propose to deal. We may, however, remark
that breakdowns at the central source of supply, con-
sidered generally, may be something of a reflection on
makers of plant and switchgear. The failure of one
generator should not automatically remove the others
from the circuit even under abnormal conditions, and
only when in extremis should the entire supply be cut
off. Subdivision of switchgear and suitable arrangement
of generating plant, jiartieularly with big units, should
aftbi-d adequate safeguard for the consulnerand practically
ensure continuity of supply. The larger the system the
greater the apparent need for subdi\"ision of both plant
and distriljution network. Of course, breakdowns on the
latter can be more readily guarded against by, say, some such
system as the Merz-Price, which is not only a feeder pro-
tective gear but is also suitable for guarding against failure
at the generating station. The plant itself must possess
the element of absolute reliability, or, if it cannot be
trusted, must be backed by spares. In the switchboard,
however, the greatest confidence has to be placed, as this
cannot be duplicated in its vital parts, and the breakdown
of a panel may disable the rest of the station. What must
be aimed at is those features of reliability in plant and
switchgear which make for absolute continuity of supply
at all times and under all possible conditions.
It must not be sui:)posed that we have a monopoly of
such breakdowns in this country. At Barcelona (Spain)
a few days ago there was a breakdown at the works of the
(.'ompania P.arcelonesa de Electricidad (a German com-
pany) which lasted from 5:30 to 10:45 p.m. This com-
pany not only supplies liglit and power for private and
industrial u.ses, but also the public lighting of Barcelona.
The city was consequently in almost complete darkness,
and shops, offices, &c., had to close, many of the evening
newspapers (nearly all printed by electric power) coukl
not appear, and the Hughes instruments at the Central
Telegraph Station, being fitted with electric motors, were
stopped for some time and had to be fitted with the old
weight arrangement to run the clockwork of the instru-
ments. Some of the Barcelona main telegraph lines are
worked by electric power taken from the Barcelonesa
Company, and batteries had to be hurriedly supplied for
working these. Here, as in the case of the Lot's-road
breakdown, the defect which caused the trouble, our corres-
pondent informs us, was apparently in the switchboard.
Pennya -Word Telegrams throughout the Empire. — A
meeting is to be lield at the Mansion House, London, on
December 11th, to discuss Mr. Henmker Heaton's proposal for
penny-a-word telegrams throughout the British Empire.
Oable Interruptions. j^^^^ „; interruption.
Pontianak — .Saigon ' «„,, it
Kotonou- Grand Bassaru Oet 29
Dakar — Conakry - ' '
, 1908
1908
Nov. 8, 1908
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
249
Royal Institution. — The eighty-third Christmas course of
Juvenile Lectures, founded at the Koyal Institution in 1826
by Michael Faruday, will be delivered this year_ by Prof.
William Stirlini;, his subject being " The Wheel of Life." The
course, which will be fully illustrated, commences on Tuesday,
December 29th, at three o'clock, and will be continued on
December 31, l!t08, and -January 2, ,5, 7 and 9, 1909.
The late Prof. Ayrton. — We much regret to find that we
reported incorrectly tlie remarks of Mr. W. M. Mordej^ in
reference to the late Prof. Ayrton at the meeting of the Insti-
tution of Electrical Engineers last week. The words " 20 years
of construction work " should read " 20 years of strenuous
work," and for " routine work '' should be substituted " written
work." There are also some minor errors in the report for
which we tender our apologies.
Census of Production Act. — In accordance with the pro-
visions of this Act, a schedule has just been issued dealing
with general and engineering trades. Manufacturers coming
under this heading are required to give their total annual out-
put— namely, the value of all general and jobbing work, in-
cluding repairs done in the year. Goods bought and sold
again without work being done on them are not to be in-
cluded. The actual amount charged to customers is to be
stated, and goods in hand at the end of the year are to be
included at their estimated value. The number of persons
employed and the days worked in the year are also to be given.
■' The Central.' — The current number of "The Central " is
in every way worthy of the high standard the editors have
set themselves. There are a number of interesting articles,
though perhaps the one which will appeal most to electrical
engineers is that by Dr. C. V. Drysdale on " Recent De\ elop-
ments in Light Production." A Paper on " Water Rheostats,"
by ^Ir. N. -J. Wilson, contains a good deal of useful informa-
tion, and there are other articles by Messrs. R. J. Francis and
Reginald Krall. A feature we do not remember having seen
before, though probably this is our forgetfulness, is a review
of the past session from a social point of view. We notice
that the session was on the whole dull, one " brown-dog" riot
being evidently not sufficient to relieve the tedium of the re-
maining months.
Obituary. — We regret to record the death, at Brussels, on
20th inst., of Mr. Douglas Lewis Knevett Wells, eldest son of
the late Mr. Lewis Wells, for many years traffic accountant of
the Eastern Telegraph Co. Mr. Douglas Wells was for 10 years
in the service of the Associated Telegraph Companies, princi-
pally on cable repairing vessels, and was afterwards engaged
in laying cables in all parts of the world for various Colonial
and foreign Governments. He acted later as consulting engi-
neer to man}- foreign Governments in connection with liglitiiig
and other electrical work, and finally settled in Brussels, where
he was connected with the Brocklebank Automatic Coupling
Co. and the Miller Synd. (Ltd.), the latter working visual and
audible signals for locomotives. Mr. Wells also represented
W. T. Glover & Co and the Imperial Supply Co. in Belgium.
He leaves a widow but no family.
Progress in Radiology. — At the annual meeting of the
Rontgen Society on November 5th, Dr. W. Deane Butcher
delivered his presidential address, taking for his subject the
year's progress in radiology and the allied sciences. The chief
advance of the year was undoubtedly in instantaneous radio-
graphy, and in this direction, judging by what he saw at
Amsterdam, the American radiologists were easily 6rst. It
was now possible to take a life-sized portrait of the whole of
the abdomen, with an exposure of half-a-second. The instan-
taneous exposure caught the stomach in the very act of con-
tracting. An exposure of a second would just miss this
phenomenon. As the source of their current the Americans
used static machines of great power. In some cases their
machines had bO plates rotating on a vertical axis. The dis-
advantages of the static machine were its terrific noise and the
danger of the plates Hying to pieces. He suggested that a
means might be found for relegating the machine itself to the
cellar, and having a chimney-like arrangement to communicate
with the workroom. The Snook generator was also praised at
the Congress. It consisted of a motor generator producing an
alternating current, the high-tension secondary current being
rectified by a rotating pole-changing switch. The prettiest
thing at the Congress was the modification of the Einthoven
galvanometer by Prof. Wertheim Salomonson, of Amsterdam.
Anglo-Japanese Water Power Plant. — Preparations are
being vigorously made for the construction of the largest
water power plant so far projected in .Japan. The promoting
company will have three generating stations in the province
of Shiznoka, about lOO miles west of the city of Tokio, to
which the bulk of the power will be transmitted. The first
station, to be completed in the near future, will have
(10,000 H.I', capacity, the total cost being estimated at
£1,7.10,000. The head at this .station is 600 ft. The dam,
which is 300 ft. high and 700 ft. long, serves to store the water
of the Oi river. Six three-phase 2.5-cycle 0,600- volt genera-
tors direct-coupled to 13,.")00h.p. vertical water wheels will
be installed, together with two .500 H. p. direct-connected
exciters and transformers for stepping-up to 66,000 volts.
The length of the transmission line is about 10.5 mdes. .Steel
towers .50 ft. high with 450 ft. span will be used. The entire
line will be in duplicate so as to ensure continuous service. At
the sub-station end of the line the voltage will be stepped
down to 0,600 volts, and current distributed in Tokio, Yoko-
hama and adjacent cities and towns. Contracts have already
been made for the supply of about 20,000 kw.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE WEEK.
FRIDAY, November 27tll (to-day).
Physical SociETi'.
J p.m. ireeting in the Pliysics Laboratory, Royal College
of Science, Imperial Institutero;id, South Kensington.
Agenda : " A Graphic Method of Dealing with Kefracting
Surface.'?," by Mr. H. S. Allen. " A Method of Determining
Moments of Inertia," by the late Prof. W. Gassie. ''An
E.xperimental E.xamination of Willard GiVjbs' Theory of
Surface Condensation Regarded as the Basis of Adsorption, " by
Mr. M. C. Lewis. "On the Diffusion of Actinium and Thorium
Emanations," by Mr. S, Russ, and "On the Ellijjtic Polaris.ation
Produced by the Direct Transmission of a Plane Polarised
Stream through a Plate of (Juartz cut in a Direction Oblicjue
to the Optic Axis, with a Method of Determining the Error
of a Plate !5uppo.sed to be perpendicular to the Axis," by Mr.
.James Walker.
Elei'tro-H.vkiioxii' Societv.
S ji.m. Concert in the King's Hall, Holborn Restaurant. Mr.
\V. J]. Mordey in the Chair. Ladies' Evening.
TUESDAY, December 1st.
M.WCHESTEK Sei'TION OF THE IsSTITUTIOS OF ELECTRIC.\L En<;ISEER.S.
/■.JO p.m. Meeting in the Physical Laboratory, University, Man-
chester. Paper on " Transformers— Some Practical and
Theoretical Considerations," by Me.ssr.<. A. P. M. Fleniiiigand
K. M. Fuye-Hansen.
WEDNESDAY, December 2Q<i.
JStiije.nts' Sectio-v ok the Institctiox of Ei.ei.tkh'.m. Excuxeebs.
7:-',op.m. Meeting at 92, Victoria-street. Paper on "Electric
Road Vehicles, other than Tram&irs," by Mr. S. M. Hills.
Rov.\r. Society ok Arts.
.■< p.m. Meeting at John- street, Adelphi. Paper on "Mechanical
FHght," by Mr. E. S. Bruce.
THURSDAY, December 3rd.
Civil .\>;d MEciLiNU al Encineers' Society.
>i p.m. Meeting at Caxtoii H-ill, Westminster. Paper on "The
Influence of Track upon Railway and Tramway Carnages, '
by Mr. J. S. Warner.
RoxTuEX Society.
S:ljp.m. Meeting at 20, Hanover-square. Pa|»r on "Pheno-
mena Observed in Electrical Currents of Continuous Oscilla-
tion," by I)r. H. Manders.
The Electrical Engineers (London Division).
The following order.'' liave been issuol lor the current week :—
Monday, Nov. 30th, | Infantry drill (Recruits), 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
"A" Company \ Technical drill. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Tuesdav, Dec. 1st, ( Technical drill, 6 p.m. to 8 30 p.m.
" B " Company t Infantry drill, 8:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 3id, f Infantry drill, 6 to 7 p.m.
" C " Company I Technical drill. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday. Dec. 4th f Infantry drill, 6 to 7 p.m.
"D" Company t Technical drill, 7:15 to 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. IsC, Medical Inspection for Recruits, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30
Ciipt. .J. H. S. Phillips will give a series of monthly lectures, com-
mencing on Dec. 1st, to all Companies on the first Company night in
each month.
The Wednesday lectures to N.C.O.s will still be continued.
250
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
MANCHESTER CORPORATION ELECTRICITY
DEPARTMENT ACCOUNTS.
The auniial accounts of the Manchester Cori)oration elec-
tricity department are invested with unusual interest, since
the undertaking is one of the largest in this country, and is
always referred to as typical of the best P]nglish practice.
From our analysis of the accounts for the year ended
March 31, iOOS, it will be seen that the undertaking continues
to make progress, the revenue showing an increase of £38,057
over the figure for the previous year, notwithstanding the fact
that the average price received per unit shows a considerable
decrease — viz., l-45d., as against 1 TSd. for the previous year.
The revenue received from private lighting consumers has
remained practically stationary, £171,153 this year as com-
pared with XI 71,199 last year, this being partly due to the
cfiect of metallic filament lamps and partly to reduced charges.
The sale of current for power purposes, however, shows a sub-
stantial increase — viz., a total of £67,114, as compared with
£40,871 last year — whilst £10,500 additional revenue has
been received from the traction supply.
In connection with the above mentioned revenue obtained
from lighting consumers it is interesting to notice that on
December 25th last a very considerable reduction in price
came into operation. To consumers on the flat rate a reduc-
tion from 4Jd. to 3Jd. per unit was made, which must, of
course, be considered a very substantial one in view of the
economy now possible through the adoption of metallic fila-
ment lamps. To long-hour consumers a reduction from £7
per kilowatt of ma.\imuni demand and I'ld. per unit to £7 per
kilowatt and lid. per unit was also made at the same time.
Turning now to the figures for the number of units sold, we
find that of the 82,752,989 units generated, 33,826,430 were
sold to private consumers, 98,818 for public lighting, and
2'.>,51 1,840 for traction, whilst 3,8711,683 were used on the
works. The total quantity accounted for was, therefore,
67,316,771 units, or 81-85 per cent, of those generated. The
increase in the number of units accounted for over the figure
for the preceding year is 15,955,159.
An inspection of the analysis of the accounts given below
shows that a considerable reduction has been made in the total
cost per unit, the figure, including capital charges, now being
l'23d.; or, excluding capital charges, 0 68d. as compared with
0'75d. last year.
The gross profit for the year amounted to £205,244, which
is equivalent to about 8-6 per cent, on the average capital ex-
penditure. Interest and sinking fund, however, absorb the
greater part of this sum. Of the surplus of £59,544 shown in
the analysis of the accounts, £40,000 is allocated to the re-
newals suspense account, £10,000 is paid over to the City
Fund in aid of the rates, £7,545 goes to the reserve fund and
£1,998 is applied in extension of works where borrowing
powers cannot be obtained. Owing to certain abnormal ex-
penditure on discarded plant having been debited during the
year the renewals suspense account only shows a net increase
of £29,955, bringing it to a total of £130,567, whilst the
reserve fund now stands at £13,854.
During the year ended March 31, 1908, the plant at Stuart-
street generating station has been increased by the addition of
a 6,000 kw. WillansSiemens three-phase turbo-alternator, and
we understand that another turbo plant of the same capacitj'
is likely to be installed at an early date. The mains depart-
ment have also been l>usily employed during the year, since
almost 20 miles of new mains have been laid, comprising extra-
high-tension ihree-phase mains, tr.actiou feeders and distri-
butors. The total mileage of main conductors laid at March 31,
1908, was 338 J miles.
The total maximum demand made on the generating stations
amounted to 28,521 kw.,* this being composed of 18,233 kw.
for lighting and power and 10,288 kw. for traction pur-
poses. The corresponding figures for the previous j'ear were
15,37(>kw. and 9,804 kw. respectively, and it is interesting to
notice that the increase in the maximum demand for lighting
and power is the largest yet recorded ; this speaks well for
the development of the undertaking. Also, this mcrease in
the maximum demand has not been gained at the expense of
the load factor, for it is gratifying to notice that this is 2o-3S^
I,er cent., as compared with only 21-56 per cent, in the pre-
vious year. ,. , . ^,
We give below an analysis of the expenditure during the
past financial year, together with the cost of working per unit
soldfor the year 1907-8 and the year 1906-7:—
Cost per unit sold.
Generating Costs.
Coal, &c £65,354
Oil, w.aste, water, &c 5,518
Salaries and wages at station ... 16i971
Repairs and maintenance 17,618
Miscellaneous 1.167
Total Generating Costs £106,628
Distribution Costs.
Wages £14,126
Repairs and maintenance of
machinery, mains, meters, &c. 14,929
Miscellaneous 3,023
0-40d.
0-05d.
0-40d.
0 07d.
Total Distribution Costs £32,078
Managrement Costs.
S.alaries £7,837
Rents, rates and taxes ._ 28,689
Establishment charges 884
Printing, stationery, &c 1,021
Law and Parliamentary charges 627
Special charges 1,394
Total Management Costs
£40.452
Total Costs (f.r. capital chai;ges).£179,168
Capital Charges.
Sinking fund £77,268
Interest 69,039
Total Capital Clkarges £146,307
0-06d. .
. 0-07d.
0-Old. .
. 0-Old.
0-12d.
015d.
003d. .
. 0-04d.
O'lld. .
. 0-14<i-.
OOOd. .
. OOUl.
0-OOd. .
. OOOd.
0-OOd. .
. OOOd.
OOld. .
.. 0-Old.
015d.
0-20d
0-68d. .
. 0-75d.
0-29d. .
. 0-36d.
0-26d. .
. 0-34d.
0-55d.
0-70d.
Total Costs (i«c. capital charges)... £325, 465 ... l-23d. ... l-45d.
Total Receipts from all sources... £385,009 ••• r45d -■■ l-78d.
Balance £59,544 ... 0-22d. ... OSSd.
The generating costs given above refer to the costs at
Dickinson-street, Bloom-street and Stuart-street stations taken
together. The generating costs at these stations, the former of
which generated 25,481,556 and the latter 57,271,433 units,
are as follows : —
Dicldnson-street and
Bloom street.
Co.al, &c £23,835
Oil, waste, water, &c 1,286
Salaries and wages at station 8,984
Repairs and maintenance 7,835
Micellaneoiis 832
Stuart-street.
£41,519
4,232
7,987
9,783
335
Tot.al £42,772
£63,856
During the jear the capital expenditure amounted to-
£104,226, mains accounting for £41,597, distributing stations
£19,350, and generating stations £29,642 of this sum.
The total capital expenditure to March 31, 1908, is given
in the following table, and the cost per kilowatt installed for
each item is also included : —
Capital Account.
Land and 'mildings (Uickiuson-street)
Per kw.
installed.
M^chi
£99,301
(Bloom-street) 72,961
(Stuart-street) 220,814
(Total) £393,076 £9 9
:ind plant (Dickinson-street) 172,315*
(Bloom-street) ... 127,331t
,, (Stuart-street) ... 327,610t
* 15,450 kw. at Stuart-st., and 14,257 kw. at Dickinson-st. and Bloom-st.
(Total) £627,256 15-7
Stuart street Railway 81,380 .. . 2-1
Distributing stations 326,907 82
Mains .7... 889,168 22-3.
Meters 57,306
Motors 26,371
Electrical instruments 3,446
Cable stores and workshop 30,532
Miscellaneous 6 858
1-5
0-7
01
0-8
0-2
£2.442,600
' £18 per kilowatt installed, t £17-7 per kilowatt installed.
t £14-2 per kilowatt installed.
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
251
INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF MR. W. M. MORDEY TO
THE INSTITUTION OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS.
SOME COMPARISONS OF THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY IN
THIS COUNTRY AND ABROAD.
Summnry. — In order to show the incorrectiics^ of the frequeatly-
made statements that this country is behind other countries in elec-
trical development, the author gives detailed figures comparing the
cost and extent of electric supply and electric traction here and
abroad, and shows that this country is well in ad\ance. Owing tx) the
numerous tables a satisfactory abstract is almost impossible, and we
therefore recommend our readers to study the address itself.
It is often stated that the development of the electrical industry
in the United Kingdom is in a very backward condition as com-
jjared with other countries, and a resolution to this effect was
passed some five years ago by a committee of engineers and business
men jjrominently connected with electrical engineering.
The author is told there has been no improvement in this state of
things. Various explanations are given, the favourite one being
that our scientific and technical education and our educational
equipment, are defective and far behind some other countries.
Another is that we are more hampered by legislative restriction
than other countries. A third, that our banks do not come forward
to the support of industries as they are said to do in Germany. And
there are others. ISuch a widely disseminated charge against British
electrical engineers and British enterprise is very .serious and very
depressing, and no apology is necessary for examining it.
The Supply of Electrical Energy. — The question we have to
examine is a very simple one. Is it true, as the resolution states,
that this country is " In a backward condition as compared with
other countries in respect of practical application to the industrial
and social requirements of the nation ?"
To answer this question it is, broadly speaking, only necessary,
so far as the service of the public is concerned, to find the extent
to which the systems of supply of electrical energy in different
countries provide for the requirements of the public ; or, in other
words, to find the average consumption in units per inhabitant
and the average price per unit actually paid.
I have prepared some tables giving this information for a large
number of towns here and abroad.
Germany is the most important country for the purpose of the
present comparison, for, so far as concerns European countries, it
is Germany in particular that is referred to in the common state-
ments about British backwardness. I am, therefore, very glad to be
able to put before you authentic information regarding the supply
of electrical energy in that country.
Table A deals \\ ith electric supply in this country. Table B with
Germany. They are prepared on precisely similar lines. First
comes the capital, then three groups of to\vns, six towns in each
group, arranged according to population, to show the conditions
respectively in large, medium and small towns. The figures neces-
sary for oiu' comparison are given for each town and are averaged
for each group.
The to-vvns were selected in the following way. A list of the
towns was arranged in order of their populations, ranging from
10,000 to 20,000 for the small towns, and from 100,000 to 200,000
for the medium-sized towns. Then si.M towns were selected from
each group, distributed uniformly according to population. For
the group of large British towns — of more than 350,000 inhabitants
— Glasgow and Bristol, the first and the last of the list, were ex-
cluded in order to restrict the group to six towns. The order of
selection was in no way influenced by the electrical results — in fact,
those results were not known at the time. Probably this method
gives a fair average. In the case of Germany, the list was made
only of those towns for which the information was available.
When we come to Table B a difficulty arises with regard to Berlin,
for which place no information is available except the consumption
for lighting and piiwer, the supply authorities not being willing to
publish any figures as to revenue or average prices obtained.
In addition to the three groups of German towns in Table B, I
have given Cologne separately, instead of including it in a group,
aa the information regarding it is incomplete in one respect. The
Cologne authorities are unable to give the revenue and consumption
for lighting and power separately, as they do not differentiate be-
tween light and jjnuer, energy for both being measured and charged
on the same tariff l)y double-tariflf meters, wliich change the price
according to the time of day without apparently any reference to
the purpose for m liicli the energy is being used. This is a very-
logical system, for which there is much to be said. It was first pro-
posed by Dr. Kapp. The price of energy in Cologne is the lowest
of any of the large German towns.
An important colunm in Tables A and B' is that show ing the gross-
profit as a percentage on the total c-apital exi)ended. This Ls very
significant, in view o£ the fact that in both countries nearly all the
systems examined are under municipal control. The larger gross
profit in Germany indicates that the municipalities are taxing the
consumers of electricity for the benefit of the rates.
In order to see to what extent the slightly higher price of coal in
Germany ail'eets the cost of production, the actual cost of coal per
unit is given in detail in Tables A and B, which also show the wages
and salaries costs^ these being inserted to test the usual opinion
that in Germany labour is cheap. In one respect there is a difference
between Tables A and B. The column headed " Wages and
Salaries '' in A includes also management, office, legal and insurance
charges; whereas in Table B it includes only wages and salaries,
the information regarding management, office, legal and insurance
charges not being obtainable from the German records. The joint
effect of these two items of cost-— coal and labour — is also .shown.
In all three classes of towns labour is higher in Germany than
here, which shows that low wages and long hours do not necessarily
mean cheap labour. If the wages and salaries column in Table A
had included as much as it does in Table B, the comparison would.
ha\e been still more in our favour.
Table C summarises the main results shown in Tables A and B.
Capacity of Generating Slation-i. — -Another comparison may prove-
interesting — that of the total power provided in Germany and Greati
Britain respectively for the public supply of electrical energy for
lighting, power or traction. Table B gives this comparison, and
provides a further proof that there is no foundation whatever for
the common belief in British backwardness in electrical supply. Our
generating stations contain two and a quarter times as much power
per inhabitant as those of Germany.
Table D Totul Kilowatts of Generating Plant in Power Stations for
Public Supply or for Tramiiays.
Great Britain 985,181
Germany 612,652
Kilowatts. Population. Watts per inhabitant.
45,000,000
63,000,000
21-8-
9-7
The [)ower in the stations in Great Britain is made up as follows :
282 public supply stations 668,117 kw.
14 power companies' stations 107.480 kw.
48 .separate tramway stations 94,144 kw.
16 electric railways stations 93,440 kw.
Electrical Supply in Various Towns Abroad.— A table referring to
a number of important towns in different parts of the world out-
side of Germany shows that, with the exception of a very few places
which have ample and cheap water power, the supply of electrical
energy and its cost to the public does not compare favourably with
ours.
It has been difficult to get such information, as there are no use-
ful official or authoritative returns available for any countries but
Great Britain and Germany.
The three Swiss towns— Ziirich, Geneva and St. Gallen— all have
the advantage of water power. Zurich is mainly water power, with
a long-distance transmission, and St. Gallen is partly water jjower
and partly steam. In these two places it will be observed that the
average price is 7-5 per cent, higher than in the medium-sized
British towns. .
The power at Geneva is entirely water power, where, in siddition
to the ordinary electrical supply, there is a very large consumption
—about 18,000.000 units— for electro-chemical work which is not
included in the tables. The average price to the public is 1-6-td. or
10 per cent, less than the average of our medium-sized towns.
Of the other large Continental towns, with the exception of Lyons,
all are higher in price— most of them very much higher m price—
and appreciably lower in consumption than in our large or medium-
sized towns. . 1 J
Lyons has water power and a very large industrial motor load.
Its price for Ughting is. however, high, and the con.sumption only
about half as much as the average of our large towns. The power
load is, however, the largest in the list. Grenoble-another town
sui.plied from water power— has also very high consumption both
for power and lighting antl low prices. .
The information regarding Chicago is very interesting. especiaUy
•IS it is the onlv American town of which I am able to give any par-
ticulars. Knowing ^vhat 1 do of the place and of its electrical ruler.
Mr. Insull. 1 am inclined to think the Chicago results are probably
better than those of other American towns. The consumption per
head is higher than in any European towns, except Geneva and
Lyons.
252
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
The average price for power is 208d., against r73cl. in London
and Id. in the hirge British towns.
The price for liglit is 3-52d. as compared witli 3-27d. in Lomlon
■and 3"22d. in tlie large Briti-sh towns.
In considering these prices, it is necessary to bear in mind the
lower value of money in the United States.
I am glad to be able to giv^e the figures for Melbourne and Ade-
laide. They show a satisfactory development of electric supply,
and the prices charged are moderate in view of the low value of
money in Australia.
• Electric Tramway Statistics. — A comparison betw-een two groups
of British towns and two corresponding groups of German tovms is
summarised in Table E.
It will be noticed that the differences between the two countries
are much less than in the supply statistics.
The most striking difference between the two countries is in the
car-miles per inhabitant — the German figures being nearly double
the British for both groups of towns. The difference is. of course,
due to the use of small cars in Germany. An examination of the
German statistics shows that in all the towns mentioned in the table
the average normal or licensed carrying capacity of the cars (in-
cluding standing space, which is allowed in German practice) is .33
passengers — probably the average capacity of our cars would be
about .lO passengers.
The cost per pas.senger — a very important .(uantity — is distinctly
higher in Germany in both groups of towns, being 9 per cent, higher
in the large towns and UJ per cent, higher in the small ones. The
total cost per car-mile. is lower than here. Low wages help in this. As
only two attendants can be employed on each car, low wages and
low cost of labour are synonymous. The comparison of the ratios
of costs to revenue is in favour of the British towns.
Conclusion. — 1 do not, of course, suggest that these results are
exhaustive, or that they cover the whole field, but I think they
may at least be taken to show that the question we set out to
examine may be answered in the negative — the question whether
" the United Kingdom is in a backward condition, as compared
with other countries, inrespect of practical application to the indus-
trial and social requirements of the nation."
As regards Germany, the tables show that we are far ahead of
that country in the extent and cheapness of om- supply industry.
The relative position of tlie two countries as regards the supply of
energy for public lighting, for domestic and for industrial piu-poses
may be summed up thus : —
L In the large towns in Germany electrical energy costs twice as
much per unit, and the consumption per inhabitant is half as much
as in our large towns. The difference in the cost of coal is insig-
nificant, and does not account for the higher price. The b.bour
there costs more than it does here.
Table A. — Electric Supplfi Stalisticifor British Towwi (excludiwj TramicayxJ.
Ccinsuraption in
Popula- millions of units.
Units per inhabitant.
Light. , Power. Total.l Light.' Power. Total
London — 1
BoroughCouiicils M I 2,394
Companies C' 2,291
41-4
89-7
18-3
25-3
Total or averages , 4,685 ; 131-1 I 43 6
Alanchester M
Liverpool . M
Birmingham M
Leeds M
Shetfiold M
Belfast ... M
Averages
725
704
522
470
448
• 380
13-3 i
10-4
50
6-7
4-0
2-0
20-6
31
4-6
5-7
4-3
1-3
6-9
6-6
59-7 , 17-3
115-0 39-2
176-7 I 28-0
7-6
110
33-9 18-4
13-5 ! 14-7
9-6 : 9-6
12-4 14-2
8-3 8-9
3-3 5-3
28-4
4-5
8-8
12-2
9-6
3-5
13-5 12-7 I 12-2
Light. Power. Total.
24-9
50-2
37-3
46-8
19-2
18-4
26-4
18-5
Average price per
unit.
Rev. I Per unit sold
per I
inhab.i
Total.l Coal.
*Wages,
Isalaries, &:c.
d. I d. d. s. d. 1 d.
3-04 I 1-12 2-45 5 1 0 49
3-38 1 2-16 3-11 13 OJ 0-48
9 0 I 0-48
310
3-31
3-36
310
352
3-16
Bolton M
Sunderland M
Blackburn M
Birkenhead M I
Plymouth M
Halifax M I
Averages
Aver, for six )
small towns ** ( '
Berliu C
Hamburg C
Munich M
Dresden M
Leipzig M
Breslau M 1
Frankfort M
183
146
130
121
119
106
1-6
1-8
1-2
0-9
0-9
0-9
5-1
5-0
0-9
0-2
0-1
0-7
6-7: 8-7
6-8 12-1
21 9-4
1-1 7-6
10 78
1-6 91
27-8
34-5
6-8
2-0
1-0
6-6
36-5
46-6
16-2
9-6
8-8
! 15-7
3-14
2-73
315
4-22
3-56
3-62
0-78
1-68
1-29
1-20
0-95
1-30
1-69 6 7 I 0-25
2-93 I 4 84 0-33
2-37 3 7i 0-25
2-20 ' 4 10 ' 022
2-18 1 3 4 0-27
1 9A 0 39
2-42
d.
0-36
0-52
0-46
1-00
2-13 I 4 5i 0-28
0-56
1-12
1-23
1-73
2-10
1-27
1-18
1-54
2-34
3 7
6 0
3 2\
3-70 I 2 lli
3-40 : 2 6"
2-65 3 5i
134
1-2 2-0 3-2 9-2 150 242 3-30 092 1 83 3
36 0-21
14-5 0-183 0136 0319 12-6 9-3 i 21-9 ' 4-00 132 2-86 5 3 0-49 0^
The SIX towns selected are Sutton Coldfield, Hawick, Kendal, Mexborough, Bangoor and Newmarket.
Table B.— Electric Suiyply Statistics Jor German Town.-i (cccluding Tramway «). •[
C-17
0-21
0-26
020
018
0-15
019
010
0-26
0-25
0-39
0-32
025
Total !
cost Gross
per unitlproBtf
sold.
d.
1-24
1-42
1-37
0-68
0-79
0-76
0-67
0-73
076
0-69
0-56
0-99
0-92
142
1-27
0-99
Averages.
Cologne ...
..M
Konigsberg .... M
Elberfeld M
Aix-Ia-Chapelle...M
Mulhausen M
StegHtz C
Plauen M
Averages
Aver, for six )
small towns ++ i
5 00
417
504
4-60
412
304
4-22 4 7
2-51
4-28
0 35
0-415
0-48
0-29
0-33
0-32
0 28
3 5
3 9 0-44
2-31 5 OJ,' 0-23
2-04 4 10 i 0-42
5 9 0-37
4 4 0-49
5 7 0-52
0-25
0-35
6-45
0-24
0-23
0-25
1-61
2-72
3-49
0-38
2-43 I 4 9
4-01 i 6 7 I 0-82
0-15
0-57
020
016
036
0-28
026
0-86
1-53
1-57
100
l-'30
0-82
0-75
115
067
1-53
0-59
0-70
0-66
116
0-91
022
0-83
0-56
1-92
tt The six towns selected are Wolfenb„ttel, EdenkobenrBad^;^:Ba:de.;. Homburg, Grossi;^S^dorf^^>dN;;,hal5;;S^te;r
, T„ „,ij... . , , , t=tompany. M = Municipahtv.
+ .".^== il ''^'^^^^ """ salaries this column couluins management, office, legal and insurance expenses in t he r-^ o r.( R.if ; ~i, .
t ..rass prof,t = percentage on total capital expended without°deduction of interct and ..inkint ffi ^ "^'^ °^ ^"'"'' '"''
* A 55 ner"c.e,?rnr!r "■■'*^'' ''"'' r^""''' ?''^^'- . " ^'^ ^^''''^'°"* ^^''^ ^t'''"" l">"e'- except where otherwise stated
tL „.. ? f "" ^"^''^y '^ ^™™ '™'*'' I'°"'"' *e coal per steam generated unit cosrs 0-87d
latter he^^Jiv^'n^Eri:'""" ''" '""''' °'' '■'^''""' ^"" ''^^'' '^'"' ^'''''''' '"^^ """■'^^ f"'' ^"^ ■^--" t"-"^- "^ -^H as the averages for
5-8
6-7
8-6
81
7-8
91
61
7-9
7-9
10-9
6-1
6-6
3-3
7-3
7-5
76
5-7
8-5
10-6
14-4
12-7
19-3
11-4
10-6
14-6
9-2
15-5
7-7
13-6
11-1
9-3
us only.
THE ELECTRICIAN, KOVEMBEll 27, 1908.
253
Table C.—Summn ry of Tahks A, and B.
Per inhabitant.
(Lirjhtinrj and Power.)
Per unit.
Towns.
Units.
Rev.
Price,
d.
I>iff«'-;Coal.
ence. ,
Wages &
salaries.
Coal plus
wages, &c.
Differ-
ence.
Total
costs.
JDiffer-
j ence.
s. d.
d.
°/o
d.
d.
d.
d.
d.
'^■
6 large British ...
24-9
4 5.1
2-131
2-09
09
fO-28
0-19
0-47 1
010
( 0-69 1
0-46
6 large German ...
12-9
4 7
4-22/
1 0-52
0-25
0-57 (
6 medium British.
24-2
3 8i
1-83 1
0-60
33
/0-36
0-21
0-67 \
0 03
1 0-86 1
- 0-05
6 medium German
23-7
4 9
2-43 J
1.0-38
0-22
0-60 j
\ 0-83 1
6 small British . . .
6 small German ...
21-9
19-7
5 3
6 7
2'86\
4-01/
1-15
40
/0-49
.1^0-82
0-58
0-56
1-07 \
1-38 /
0-31
r 1-53 1
I 1-92 1
0-39
Table E. — Summary of Tables of Electrit- Traimoays.
Per inhabitant.
Capi-
tal.
6 large British ...2-40
6 large German . 2 '83
6 medium British 2-05
6 medium German 1'79
Jour-
neys.
160
157
92
78
yds.of
track.
0 29
0-36
0-31
0-30
Car-
miles.
Rev. ! Cost.
16-5
27-8
8-9
15-2
d.
1-09
115
1-06
115
d.
0-68
0-74
0-69
0-79
d.
10-6
6-5
U-0
5-9
d.
6-6
4-2
71
4-1
2. In the medium-sized towns the price in Germany is 33 per
cent, higher than liere. and the consumption is about the same as
here in our medium-sized towns.
3. In the small towns in Germany the price is 40 per cent, higher
and the consumption is about the same as here.
4. Our public generating stations contain two and a quarter times
as much power per inhabitant of the \vhole country as those nf
Germany.
5. In electric tramway work we do not comjiare unfavourably.
As regards important towns in other countries, while the advan-
tage of cheap and ample water power in a few places has enabled
an extensive supply to be given at low prices — notably in Lyons,
Geneva and Grenoble — the lowest price in any town here tabulated
is in a British town — Bolton, with its average of ri8d. per unit,
heading the list, Lyons being second with P27d. per unit. There is
nothing in their electrical work to justify in any way the charges
that have been so freely made against us.
There is one thing I think I ought to say — these depressing
charges have not originated abroad ; they are entirely of home
production.
.4t the outset I referred to explanations given of our alleged
backwardness. The backwardness does not exist ; we are ahead,
and well ahead. I do not wish it to be thought, however, that
there are no hindrances — legislative or otherwise — to our getting
still further ahead. But I do wish to say that, in my opinion,
there is no more justification for the statements about our scientific
and technical education being behind other countries than for the
statements about the backwardness of our electrical engineering.
I resent very strongly the disparagement of the results achieved in
this country by the band of teachers, eminent over the whole world,
who have been responsible for the scientific and technical education
of the engineers concerned in the development of our industry.
Technical education should be judged, not by the wealth of the
equipment of laboratories, but by the engineering results achieved
in the country. I have tried to show you some of those results.
I can only hope the facts I have put before you may be the
means, to some extent, of preventing the repetition of the depres-
sing statements about British backwardness in electrical engineering.
The address is accompanied by numerous tables beyond those
here given (namely. Electric Supply in Foreign Towns, Electric
Tramways in Great Britain and in Germany, and figures of highest
and lowest average prices per imit here and abroad) and details of
the cost of power at Geneva.
NEW OBSERVATION CN LONG DISTANCE SUB
MARINE CABLES.*
BV F. BREISIG.
This article descriljes the author's experience with long distance
submarine cables in ^ihioh the copper conductors are wound for their
entire length with tine iion wii-e in order to increase the inductance,
iihI thus diminish the attenuation and distortion. The method
iW i|ited was designed by Krarup (seeE.VZ., 1904, p. 223.)
riie author describes |iarticularly the second German-Danish cable
aid between Fehraarn and Lolland, a distance of 19-32 km., and
constructed by Messrs. Felten &
Guilleaume in JIulheim. This cable
has an air core. It consists of two
twin strands or cores, each of whose
conductors consists of a copper wire
2-15 mm. in diameter, having three
segment-like flat copper strips (2-4 by
0.5 mm.) lying locked or closed around
it. and three layers of soft, annealed iron
w ire, 0-2 mm. in diameter, wound tightly
around the copper so that there are at
least 40 turns per cm. length in each of
the 3 layers. Over the iron wire is a
taping of paper cord in the form of an o[)en spiral and a thick
^ r, 1 wrapping of paper to a diameter of '■' mm. Four similar
Per passenger Per car- mile. ^^^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^.j^^^^ together (diagonal distance
10.5 mm.), and the cable core thus formed is given a winding
Rev. i Costs, with paper striii to a diameter of 20 mm.
The cable core is protected by two seamless, water-tight lead
coverings. l'4mm. thick, containing 3 per cent, of tin, which
run the entire length, and are in turn covered with a double
layer of asphalted paper and a jute compound. For the sub-
marine cable (see Fig.), the armouring of 13 tinned iron wires of
trapezoidal cross-section follows next and finally a double jute
compound covering.
On the German side, along the coast for 2 km., the cable contains
in the interval between the jute compound coverings, a .second
armouring. Over this is placed an outside layer of double jule com-
poimd. The outside diameter of the submarine cable is about 44 mm.
and that of the coast cable is 60 mm. The weights per metre, are
about 6'8 and 13'9 kg. respectively. In order to prevent the strands
or cores from becoming damp for a great distance, in case of an injury
to the lead coverings, a stuffing 1 metre long is introduced at intervals
of 150 metres.
The electrical constants of the caljle obtained with direct current
are as follows : —
Resistance per loop kilometre at 15 C. ... 481 ohms.
Capacity per loop kilometre at lo'C. (be-
tween diagonal cores) 0-047 m.f.
Insulation resistance per km. above 1,500 meg.
The alternating current constants of the cable were obtained by
taking two measurements of the sending end impedance, with the
receiving end first open and then
closed. From these two measure-
ments all the electrical constants
can be obtained. Calculation of
the measurements of the new-
cable gave results for the capa-
city that w-ere independent of
the frequency. At least not a
single value was materially diffe-
rent from 0-0415 m.f. per km.
This, it is w-orthy of remark, is
considerably lower than the value
obtained from the installed cable
with steady charge.
The self-induction is somewhat
variable with the frequency. It lies between 0-00984 and 0-00975
henry per loop kilometre." The values of the attenuation constant,
a. are given in the following table :-
p = 2n^. Loop 1.
5,000 000(!7
fi.OOO 0-0072
7,000 0-0077
-According to these figures the cable is approximately as good as the
Heligoland cable, although the latter contains considerably more
copper (12 sq. mm. as against 7-2 .sq. ram.)
The Danish Telegraph Administration emplo.v.s in its inner territory
onlv gutta-percha cables. The previously described cable from
Heisingor to Helsingborg is also a gutta-[)ercha cable. Many diflferent
kinds of thi.s type of cable were laid in the years 1906 and 1907. The
cable that is most like the new air space cable is an eight core sub-
marine cable, with a copper conductor of 8 sq. mm., wound with three
layers of strong iron wire, 02 mm. thick, and covered with gutta-
percha to 9 mm.
Between Korsor and Xyborg. a distance of 191 km., short lengths
varying from 03 to 3-6 km. have been laid, and connected up to the
new- German-Danish cable. In the same year along the coast of Ice-
land as well as between the Faro Lslands. cables were laid having
5 sq. mm. copper covered with a layer of iron wire 05 mm. thick,
and sheathed with gutta-percha to 8 mm. Only with the first
Abstracted from the Eleclrotechnisclie Zeitschrijt.
J>oop 2.
0-()0(J7
0-(X)72
00079
mentioned cable were measurements made with alternating and
254
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
direct currents. Will, direct currents tlie loo|, resistance jx-r kilo-
metre at 20 C. was 4-30 ohms, and the capacity was (yi.ii mt^, while
•with alternating currents of periods between Tfir)' and 1.225-. the
resistance varied between 4-66 and .508 ohms, the capacity averaged
'01275 mf., and the self-induction was 00093 henry.
The specific dampings were as follows : —
Frequency 705^ !)07- 1.084- 1,22.5-
o ... 00107 ... 00115 ... 00124 ... 00132
It would be of interest to compare the values of a obtained for the
•different cables of this kind, at the same time having regard to the
construction. A comjiarison of these cables will be made )>y eonsider-
ang the space required by a twin core or strand, and the value attained
ibv «. The smaller each of the quantities, the smaller also their pro-
■duct and the better the cable.
Table I. serves for the comparison. For cables 1 and 5 which
have no lead covering, half of the cylindrical cross-section, which tiie
•twin cores required, was reckoned as the space for a double conductor,
■in order to makr i.nssil.lc a r(.in|iarison with other cables. For cable
4, whichisac..in|iMsitr irl( l'i.i|'Ii and telephone cable, the extra space
is added to the i(lr|ilHiiir i-.iiuluctor^
parison with R, and that K^ i:
is tlie leakance.
With these assumptions we may ^viite :
Iso large in comparison with IS. which
"^/{iWi*iWiy-
■=v/¥('
No.| Year.
Cable.
1902
1902
1903
1903
1907
1907
Helsingor-Helsingborg
Fehmarn-Lolland
Greetsiel-Borkum
Cuxhaven-Heligoland
Korsor-Nyborg
Fehmarn-Lolland
sq.
Pro-
mm.
duct.
1-54
0-0194
2-98
403
0-0105
4-25
1-42
0-0133
1-89
31.5
0-0064
200
1-84
00120
2-21
1-37 1 0-00(i9 ' 1-08
Insu-
lation.
G.P.
Imp. P.
A.S.P.C.
A.S.P.C.
G.P.
A.S.P.C.
From the numbers -which the third column of the table contains,
dt clearly follows that the most recent construction siu-passes con-
siderably even the older ones that were similar. The improvements
result solely from the increase of iron ; therefore, they are possible
■without considerable expense.
The preceding values of a are derived directly from the sending end
impedance measurements as previously mentioned. Usually the
■specific damping of conductors with increased self induction would
Tie calculated from the formula a,— 7, V ^ where R, K and L are the
z Li
•effective values obtained from the measurements mentioned above.
For the previously described cables it is evident that tlie value of a^.
is not inappreciably smaller than the effective ^alue of a. For the new
;gutta-percha cables, we have —
Frequency -»■ «i a-ai
705 0-0087 0-0020
907 0-0088 0-0027
1,024 0-0092 0-0032
11,225 0-0094 00038
and for the air space cable —
j)=2ir-— ai a -a,
5,000 0-0058' 0-0009
0,000 0-0003 0-0009
7,000 00072 0^0007
A redetermination of the effective resistance of the conductors,
whose resistance was small in comparison with the reactance pL was
difficult ; consequently the numbers are only approximately correct.
These observations are important because they bring to mind a
point which, till now, was considered of small moment for cables,
namely the importance of the dielectric loss. As the losses which
depend on the current strength — such as losses through eddy currents,
lateral induction and magnetisation, make themselves known through
an increase of the effective resistance with increasing frequency' so is
the loss^which is dependent on the leakage, increased over that
found for constant currents. In the first measurements of this kind
on a telephone cable, of older construction. Franke found that the
value of the leakage increased greatly with the frequency and
amounted to(i5— 10"'' at 1,000 periods j)er second asagainst 0-1 x 10^"
<<>r a constant current (E.T.Z., 1891, p. 4G0.)*
In conse(|uence of the improvement in cables, losses of this kind,
as found by later measurements of ordinary cables are becoming less.
Observations on Pupin cables and on those discussed above, have
shown the cause and demonstrated the action of the normal or effec-
tive leakage of conductors with increased self-induction. The in-
fluence of leakage between aerial conductors, on the quantity a has
been considered previously (E.T.Z., 1901, p. 1029).
The general expression for ■> viz : —
L"he quantitv a contains, therefore besides a, a quantity which
depends on thcclTective resistance R. designated another quantity «S
which depends on the leakance S. and which becomes of more im-
portance, the higher this characteristic of the cable.
For cables with small .self-induction tlie formula becomes approxi-
mately
J L \
^ + 2pK 2/)P. y
In the case of the new air space cable the attenuation is increased
from 0-0007 to 0-0009 at 1000 periods per second by the dielectric
loss. Since the line impedance amounts to 480, this corresponds to
an effective leakage of from 29 to 3-8- IQi^. Should a cable of a
homogeneous dielectric be equipped with Pupin coils and the line
impedance thus increased as is customary at present, viz. to 2,000,
the effective leakage alone would then add 0003 to the value
of a obtained by calculations. As a matter of fact — excesses of
this magnitude liave been observed in the case of ordinary cables with
paper insulation, when loaded with Pupin coils.
In the ease of the new- gutta-percha cable whose line impedence
amounts toA/o-mS ^ ^*^^'"^™" "^^ addition to a arising from
the effective leakage, is about 0-003, while in the ca.se of a gutta-
percha cable with Pupin poUs the increase -would amount approxi-
mately, to 002 and might exceed it considerably on account of part
arising from the effective resistance.
"^^i J\ii-^+ W^) iS'' + KY) - ity-KL - SR)
will now be considered under the conditions that Lp is large in com-
* See also Cohen and Shepherd, " Telephonic Transmission Measuie-
mcnts," Journal of I.E.E., May, 1907. p. 524 and Bcla Gati, Electro-
Uchnischc nnd Kaschincnhaii, Part XIII., 1908.
There are several points to which the abstractor of this Paper
would di-aw attention.
Dr. Breisig states that in the case of the new gutta-percha cables
the increase in attenuation due to effective leakage amounts to 0-003
per km. and that with loading coils it would amount to 0-02 per km.
It is not known how Dr. Breisig obtains these figures, but, in any
case, throughout the somewhat extensive loading experience in this
country no such attenuation increase as 0-02 has been obtained in
practice with loading coils, and, moreover, this figure, which is given
for an estimated increase in attenuation due to the effective leakance
when using loading coils, is in itself about three times as great as
the total effective attenuation constant for cables such as the
Fehmarn-Lolland, loaded, in accordance ^Wth present-day practice,
w ith Pupin coils.
Dr. Breisig implies that a line impedance of 2,000 ohms would be
the value aimed at if the cables in question were P upinised, but
such heavy loading is quite unsuitable for such low resistance con-
ductors by reason of the increase in effective leakage referred to. It
is, however, quite possible to obtain results at least as good as, if not
better than, those quoted in this article by employing light loading
coils spaced as widely apart as is permissible without detrimentally
affecting the articulation. .tft
Dr. Breisig gives no figures for the effective resistance of the latest
Fehmarn-Lolland cable. However, in a previous Paper translated
in The Electrician (Nos. 1.372 and 1,374, Sept. 2 and 16. 1904) he
gives a series of values for the increase in resistance with frequency
for three somewhat similar cables including the first Fehmarn-
Lolland. These figures show- effective resistances at least 20 to 30
per cent, higher tlian the direct cm-rent values.
Taking Dr. Breisig's figiues for the values of inductance, capacity
and leakance of the latest Fehmarn-Lolland cable, and taking the
effective resistance as 25 per cent, greater than the direct current
resistance we get about 0-0067 for the attenuation constant and thus
confii-m Dr. Breisig's figures.
By the em])loyment of only three loading coils in the 19-3 km. of
the Fehmarn-Lolland cable in place of the continuous u'on wire,
the inductance would be the same as that given by the iron wue and
the attenuation constant w-ould be only o"o063, and the cost of the
loading, which is an improvement over the iron w-u-e, would be enor-
mously in favour of the coils.
The abstractor does not, therefore, consider that Dr. Breisig's
remarks regarding the inefficiency of using Pupin coils for light load-
ing of submarine cables in the cases he mentions are justified when
considering, at all events, the loading coils of extremely low- effective
resistance as used in this country. The laying of submarine cables
with loading coils inserted has been proved feasible by the Lake Con-
stance cable, and indeed there would appear to be nothing insur-
mountable from the mechanical point of view in inserting a few coils
something under 6 in in diameter at three points in 19 km. of line.
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
255
INADGURftL ADDRESS TO THE GLASGOW LOCAL
SECTION OF THE INSTITUTION OP ELECTRICAL
ENGINEERS*
BY W. \V. LACKIK.
Summary. — The author deals mainly with the subject of load
•factors and their effect on the cost of supply. Some interesting figures
are also g;iven to show the diversity factor in connection with motors
used in different trades, and curves to illustrate the growth of the
demand for lighting and power in Glasgow.
Reference is first made to the loss to the world by the death of
Lord Kelvin, Lord Blythswood and Prof. Ayrton, to the change in
procedure last session with regard to Papers, and to the new
borne on the Embankment for the parent Institution, in which
connection the author hoped that local sections would acquire rooms
of some kind to which members could resort at any time to read
and chat together.
As showing the growth in the demand for electrical energy in
Glasgow reference was made to Fig. 1, and it is seen that the elec-
tricity department of the Glasgow Corporation last year sold
32,000,000 units to ordinary consumers, and 27,000.000 units were
used by the tramways department, or a total of 59,000,000 units,
representing a revenue of £37,000. To transform this enercy at
least 50,000 H. P. of plant was required. The supply of electrical
energy in tliis country now employs a capital of 53| millions
sterling, with an annual revenue of £6,500,000. This would seem
to indicate that the industry has so far developed that its gronth
56
S2
48
44
41)
.5' 3C
^ 32
/
/
/
/
/
cf
r
/
«S^
/
i>
,^
f
—
20
16
/
/
__^
/
i^
/
8
4
0
f
/
/
^
^
y
,
.^
1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908
Fig. 1. — Oi'TPUT of Uxits .\t (;las(;ow.
may be taken as a measure and an index of the trade of our country
and empire. In these practical days the question of cost is ever
the main consideration, and it is this side of the subject to which
the author devotes his address, with the object of interesting more
especially the manufacturer and contractor in the principles under-
lying the current systems of charging for electrical energy. The
following matters of general interest are. however, first mentioned.
The supply of electrical energy in the early days suffered from too
stringent legislation. This year the Home Office decided that
the generation, transformation, distribution and use of electricity
as carried on under the Factory and Workshops Act, 1901. were a
source of danger, and issued draft regulations. In spite of the modi-
fications obtained by this Institution and other bodies, these new
rules, if passed into law. will undoubtedly retard tlie growth of the
use of electricity by large industrial users.
Strange as it may seem, events are likely to jirove in the near
future that the law relating to electricity supply, from another
point of view, is not sufficiently comprehensive. Xo doubt it will
surprise many to hear that the authorised electrical undertakings
in and around Glasgow are threatened with serious competition
from what I can only describe as a private company. This com-
pany, with no parliamentary authority and without any provisional
order, propose to supply energy in areas, allocated to companies and
municipalities, defined by Act of Parliament or provisional order.
to consumers who may have premises which are adjacent to or abut
upon railway lines or other private way. This is a contingency
which does not seem to have been contemplated as possible when
the Electric Lighting Acts were framed, and, so far as I can see, it
is not covered by them. In the meantime supply authorities can
only hope that something will be done to prevent the raUway
peopl(! from allowing their wayleaves to be used in this manner.
Apart altogether from its influence on local supply concerns, it
seems to me that this new company will cause a detrimental re-
action on the supply of capital for authorised power supply com-
panies tliroughout the country. It may be said that authorised
companies have nothing to fear, but it has to be remembered that
this private company can pick and clioo-se its customers, whereas
an authorised concern has to supply practically all the consumers
in its area.
I now turn to the subject of load factors and their influence on
systems of charging for electrical energy. In a city like Glasgow
with its nine-story tenements of offices taking electric light for a
very few hours in the year, and where we have sudden fogs, we
1 ,000
20,000
i9,cno
is.oiU
17.111)0
is.uoi)
i
r
Winter Load \
Summer Load 1 1
_ :r ~\ ~~
\ \
l__\
t i V
\X __
L
t\r\ i V
" - " pi Xt "- - ^-
/i. L ^T
" " Ta '^ 3v ± X
t^Al " T X
:^::;:22 ^i:::'/:::X::zjs
A,^_„ t
"■-^
12 1 2 J 4
Miduiohl,
9 10 1112I234567S9 10 II i;
Noon Midnib'u
Fu:. 2. — Combined Load Cirves at Glasoow.
have conditions different from the majority of towns. Fig. 2 gives
the load curve of a day in December, when the demand is at its
maximum in a city like Glasgow. On such a day we generate
something like 185.000 units ; but there wa.s plant available to
meet a demand of 24.000 kw., or 5()7,000 units could have been
sent out if there had been a demand for this quantity equally
spread over the 21 hours. Take a similar load curve in .August.
The maximum demand, mainly for power, is 6,300 kw.. as against
22,000 kw. in Dec('mber.
Going back now to the load curve of a winter day, the following
load-factor figures, all of which have a meaning and use. will be found
interesting. In these works there would be sold, roughly, 32.000.000
units and the maximum demand is 22 000 kw., so that the load
,, ,, 32.000.000 X KW
factors would be as follows : ( 1 ) Annual load factor , ~.7g"fu)(y„ o -^an
= 16-8 per cent, for the year ; (2) plant load factor for the day
(winter), i^^l^^ — "" ^^^'^ 35 per cent.; (3) Kennedy load factor
(ratio of actual output to units that would have been generated if
the plant had been fully loaded during the time it was running),
185.000 X 100^ „_ percent.; (4) station load factor for the dav.
240,000
185,000 X 1(X)_2Q ppjjj pyj. t]jg summer load curve the
24,000x24
figures are: (1) Load factor, II per cent, (withrelation to the year s
i56
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
maximum demand), or 5S wr cent, (with relation to the days
maximum demand) : (2) plant }oad factor, 45-5 per cent, ; (3) Ken-
nedy load factor, 84 per cent. : (4) station load factor, 14 per cent.
To show the importance of the first load factor take, as an example,
interest, sinking fund and depreciation on a station of 1,200 kw.
Allowing for stand-by (200 kw.) its maximum output, say, 1,000 kw.
per annum, if called upon would be 8.760.000 units. Probable
capital expenditure would be £80,000. and allowing 10 per cent, for
the charges referred to. these work out at 0-218d. per unit.
If, however, tlie station supplied energy for power purposes the
utiit.s generated would be about 3.000.000, and cost per imit for
these charges 0-64d. : while if for lighting purposes only, about
1,000,000 units would be generated, and the cost per unit for
charges referred to would te l-9d. The cost per kilowatt per annum
in every case is the same — viz.. £8.
The wages for a station of this size would be about £1,825 per
annum, equal to £1. 16s. 6d. (ler kilowatt per annum, irrespective of
the units generated. Cost per unit under ideal conditions — i.e., out-
put of 8,760,000 units per annum— would be 005d. At 3,000,000
units 0175d., and for 1,000.000 it would be 0-438d. The figures
give a total cost per kilowatt, irrespective of works cost — i.e.. coal,
oil, &c.— for interest, sinking fund, depreciation and wages of
£9! 16s. 6d., or for an average power supply 0-815d. and for a light-
ing supi)ly 2-338d. per unit.
The reason for suggesting that the rates should be increased on
aceoimt of the increased use of metallic filament lamps is not that
energy has been sold under cost price, but that the supply stations
may find themselves for a year or two with excessive plant upon
which interest and depreciation will be charged.
The load factor has a direct bearing on the cost of coal per unit
{see Fig. 3). A boiler having a heating area of 4.000 sq. ft., with its
corresponding pipes and fittings, to maintain a pressure of 2001b.
per square inch, requires 92 lb. of coal per hour while supplying no
The following table, in this connection, should prove very interest-
ing. It relates to the motors connected to the Glasgow mains at
May. 1908 :—
90%
'/l)%
«u%
30%
\,
s
N
10%
n
No. of I ToUl I Load
con- Occupation, :H.P. for factor
trade, for trade
36
10
60
100
B.nkeis
Bookbinders
Butchers
Clothing
m'nufct'rs.
Diversity
factor.
Revenue Revenue
perH.P. ofperH.P.
max. dem. installed
578
30
222
604
per cent, jper cent,
11
12-2
9
18
78 , Engineers
2,563
23
77 Hoists
834
4-6
12 , Ironworks
808
26
68 Printer &
1,328
11-5
publisher
Total on .station —
3,583 113 trades
23,748
38
62
72
58
66
66
100
55
58
£ s. d. £ s. d.
3 13 4,2 7 0
5 2
3 8
6 7
6 9
2 0
6 11
4 8
3 15
2 15
4 3
4 6
2 0
3 13
2 12
10 0 0 2 16 0
These figures give an excellent test for a paper on the cost of
energy from a public supply as compared with a private supply.
Lb. of Coal per I'/iil.
Fic. 3. — CiiivE SHOWiKG Relatio* between Load Factok and
Coal ConsuMrTios.
steam. The conditions under a ])ower load, a lighting load and an
average load are shown in Fig. 4. It might be suggested to shut
down the boiler every night, but it is found better to bank up and
feed at the rate of 92 lb. ))er hour if the boiler is likely to be required
inside 40 hours.
The load curves given''are ty|iieal of what is found in Glasgow.
The pounds of steam i)er kilowatt -hour taken by any particular
unit of plant vary with the proportion of full load taken from it.
For instance, a L.^OOkw. reciprocating engine in .steam consump-
tion lakes at full load 24 lb. of steam per kilowatt-hour, at J load
2.5 lb., at \ load 28 lb. and at J load 29 lb. ; while a 3,000 kw. turbo-
alternator takes at full-load 16'8 lb. steam per kilowatt-hoxir, at
,' load 17-3 lb., at iload 18-6 lb., at i load 20-4 lb. Thus, in other
words, the higher the Kennedy load factor the lower the coal con-
sum]ition.
The increase of the power load in Glasgow just now is about 30
per cent, per annum, while the increase in the lighting load, due
lem()orarilj' to metallic filaments, is now nil.
While it is of interest to know what each individual consumer's
oad factor is, the supply engineer must look more to what is the
load factor on the station created by the aggregate demand of all
the consumers added together. An excellent example of a diversity
factor is given by the tramway system in Glasgow. Each car is
equipped with two 35 h.p. motors, and frequently this amount of
jiower is required by each car. The aggregate horse-power of motors
on all the cars amounts apj)roximately to 45,000 h.p., while this
possible demand is met by some 7,O0OH.r. or 8.000 h.p. in the
generating station. This shows a diversity factor of 5-9, or, stated
as a percentage, 17 pei'^ccnt.
Noon Miilnight
3. Average.
V
_
^
Noon
. 2. Power.
C.. 2.0011
^■~' 1,000
Mi.lnighl Noon Miilnigfi-
No. 1. Lighting.
Fig. 4.
There is no diversity factor in a private supply. It would therefore
seem that a fair method of charging would be some such tigiu'e as
£6 per kilowatt of maximum demand for lighting and £i per kilo-
watt of maximum demand for power, plus cost of coal and other
stores per unit. All the figures I have used are based on a capital
cost of £B0 per kilowatt. This is the principle underlying the maxi-
mum demand system of charging used in Glasgow.
It may be possible to still further reduce the price for lighting
considerably if by a proper adjustment of the rates for power we
can so increase the power load as to be able to ignore in a large
measure the greater cost of the lighting units. With the present
arrangement whereby some companies supplying power allow con-
sumers to use 5 per cent, to 10 per cent, for lighting at power rates,
there may be a time when the total demand for lighting will
be only 10 per cent., and the remaining 90 per cent, for power and
heating. The effect of metallic filaments helps on this idea, and
the passing of the Daylight Bill, which was recently before Parlia-
ment, would also make for the same end, although I do not w'ish.
or expect it to pass.
The curves in Fig. 1 show the demands for lighting and power in
Glasgow since 1901. Much has yet to be done in the way of supply-
ing energy for heating purposes. It is commonly said that the
absence of a good storage battery is the only obstacle that stands^
in the way of a flat rate all round ; but until it arrives we must
bend our efforts to create a demand which will keep the plant run-
ning during those hours of the day and night when it is not fully
taxed to supply the power and lighting loads. The use of large
units in the generating station would also mean a saving in capital
and consumption of coal.
THE ELECTRICfAN, NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
257
ELECTRIFICATION OF THE ST. CLAIR TUNNEL OF
THE GRAND TRUNK RAILWAY.
One of the most interesting cases of the application of elei^tricity
to railway operation is in connection with tlie electrification of the St.
Clair tunnel of the Grand Trunk Railway, since it is said to be the
heaviest railway service in the world handled by electricity. The
question of the electrification of this tunnel was under consideration
by the officials for some years, and various plans for its accomplish-
ment were submitted from time to time. Mr. Bion J. Arnold was
eventually instructed to report on the general question of electrifica-
tion, and subsequently to prejiare specifications for the equipment.
The specifications stipulated that the installation when completed
should be capable of hauling a 1,000 ton train thi'ough the tunnel in
15 minutes, and that in doing so the maximum speed should not
exceed 25 miles per hour, and the minimum speed, when ascending
a 2 per cent, gradient, should not be less than 10 miles per hour.
Afl( r larrful analysis of the tenders received, it was decided to adopt
th ■ sinuli-i'liase alternating current system, using an overhead con-
duitiii' at a [iressuro of 3,300 volts, 25 frequency, this being the first
decision providing for the application of the single-phase system to
heavy steam road service. The contract was eventually awarded
to the Westinghouse Electric & Mfg. Co. The work was expedi-
tiously carried out and the equijiment has been in C(jntinuous
operation since May 17, 1908.
The length of route electrified is approximately 4 miles, or equiva-
lent to about 12 miles of single track. The length of the tunnel
itself is, however, only 6,032 ft. It is situated under the St. Clair
River, and is the connecting link between the terminus of the western
division of the railway at Port Huron, Michigan, and the terminus
of the eastern division at Sarnia, Ontario. The open tunnel
approaches, of which the gradients are 2 per cent., are of considerable
magnitude, that on the Port Huron side being slightly over 2.500 ft .
in length and on the Sarnia side 3,300 ft. The total distance
between the summits is therefore about 2j miles. A single track
extends through the tunnel, while a double track is laid in both of
the tunnel ai^proaches. Four steam locomotives of special design
had been in use since the opening of the tunnel in 1890, but increasing
traffic was taxing the capacity of the tunnel with this equipment.
The advantage of the u.se of electric locomotives, on account of the
freedom from smoke and the attendant discomfort, together with
the possible greater economy in operation, led finally to the decision
to jirovide an electrical equipment to handle the tunnel service, this
equipment to provide for the operation of the trains through tin-
tunnel by means of electric locomotives, the handling of the drain-
age and seepage water by means of electric pumps, the lighting ol
the passenger stations, the tiuinel and the roundhouses by electricity,
as well as fiu-nishing a certain amount of power to the roundhouses ;
also provision was made for a limited amount of outside lighting in
the form of arc lamps. After corisidi i i;i;j Imlli nintfinKais cuiiiail
and alternating current systems, diri-h ill \v;i- liiially uiadr in la\Miir
of tlie latter, tising a three-phase .sy.^tciii Inr ilir distrilnitmn ul |H,\\(r
required for pumping and for shop motors. « itli single-phase distri-
bution for locomotives and lighting.
Electric Locomotives.
Tliree electric locomotives have been provided for this service,
and each consists of two half-units {see Fig. 1), each half-unit being
mounted on three pairs of axles driven tlu'ough gears by three 235 volt
single-phase motors of a nominal rating of 250 H.P.. the nominal
horse-power of the complete locomotive unit being 1,500. In so far
as the electric motors have a very liberal overload rating, it is easily
possible to develop 2,000 h.p., and on occasion in excess of this, in
one locomotive. The half-units are duplicate in every respect, and
as the multi])le unit system of control is u.sed, they can be operated
when coupled together with the same facility that a sinule-iihase
half-unit can bo operated.
The locomotives are designed to develop acb-awbar pull of od.OOO lb.
at the comparati\ely lov\' speed of 10 miles per hour, and are
powerful enough to start a 1,000 ton train on a 2 per cent, gradient,
in ca.se this should be necessary. At a test made on a half-unit,
using a dynamometer car, it was found that a single half-unit deve-
loped 43,000 lb. drawbar pull before .slipping the wheels. This was
done on a comparatively dry rail with a liberal use of sand. On
this basis it would be possible to develop about 86,000 lb. di-awbar
pull with a complete locomotive. The maximum speed of the loco-
motives is 35 miles per hour. However, it is not the intention to
operate them at a speed in excess of 30 miles per hour. Speed
indicators are provided, which indicate on a large dial located in the
locomotive cab near the engine driver's seat the speed at which the
locomotive is running, and at the same time record the speed through-
out the length of the run.
The locomotive cab is rectangular in .section, constructed of sheet
metal supported by structural steel shapes. Inside of the cab are
locati-d |irarli,ally all the apparatus used in connection with the
locoiii^inr. niih the exception of the motors and the brake rigging.
Inclii.l.-d ill this apparatus is a single-phase transformer used for
reducing the voltage from 3,300 to a voltage suitable for application
to the motors. The transformer, as well as the motors, is air-
cooled, the supply of air being furnished by an electrically-driven
blower, also located in the locomotive cab. The air for the cooling
is taken through a suitably designed shutter located in the side of
the locomotive cab, and is distributed through sheet metal ducts
installed under the cab floor to the three motors under the cab and
to the transformer. From the latter the air passes eitlicr through
an opening in the floor of the cab into the ojien air or, if desired, into
the interior of the cab. In the latter case an appreciable amount of
heat can be secured from the main transformer for utilisation in
heating the cab during cold weather.
Motor-driven air compressors are also located in the call. The air
brake equipment i.s of the standanl type used for electric cars and
locomotives, witli the e.xci plion of the motors, which are single
phase. They are operated b\- means of an elt'ctric controller, which
serves to keep the normal air pressure at about 1001b. All of the
contactor switches are aii' operated, the air valves being operated by
Fio. 1.— Electric Locomotive for St. Claib Tl'NSel.
direct current electrical control. This also ajjplies to ringing the bell,
blowing the whistle, raising and lowering the trolley, and the appli-
cation of sand to the tracks.
Electric control of the contactors is effected through the master
controller, the current for which is furnished by a small storage
battery operating at about 20 volts, the battery in turn being charged
by means of a small motor-generator .set provided for the purpose.
The electric controller has 21 (loinls in all. 17 of which are running
points. This provides for an increase in the speed of the locomotive
from the lowest running .speed to the maximum .speed by very slight
c'radations. thus making it possilile to maintain a practically constant
drawbar p.ill, while the locomotive is accelerating the tram. This is
very desirable, in so far as the minimum variation m the drawbar
pull while handling the train through the tunnel dccrea.ses the lia-
bility of breaking the train in two. Particular attention wa.s given
to this phase of the train operation in designing the locomotive, and
the resulting remarkable decrease in the number of breaks-m-two
since the operation with electric locomotives has been inaugurated
is a source of great satisfaction. , ,. .
Each half-unit is arranged for ojieration in either direction; air
valves, a master controller and ammeter being located at each end
of the cab. Hy means of cable couplings, the control system of two
or more half-units can be tlux)wn in jiarallel, thus providing for the
operation of anv number of half-units from any master controller.
In this way the "two half-units are generally operated in the handling
of freight^rains through the tunnel. The passenger traffic can
ordinarily be taken care of by a single half-unit.
D
258
THE electricians'. NOVEMBER 27. 1908.
The current is collected from the trolley wires suspended at a dis-
tance of 22 ft. from the track by means of a sliding bow pantograph
trolley. Electric headlights are provided, as well as lights for the
illumination of the interior of the cab and the dials of the indicating
instruments. The height from the t<)[) of thi; rail to the to]) of the
roof is 13 ft., and to thy top of the pantograph bow, when lowered.
14 ft. U in. The over-all length is 23 ft. 6 in. and the width is
9 ft. 8 in., the total weight of a locomotive half-unit, fully equipjied.
is nik loMs. the diameter of the driving wheels being 02 in.
I'lMl'INO, LuiHTINt; .\NU I'oWEU.
I'umping is neces.sary to free the tunnel approaches from water
due to rain storms or melting snow, and the removal of a small
amount of (H)ndensaiion and -seepage water collecting in the tunnel.
For this purpose pumping plants have been installed at both tunnel
portals, that at the Tort Ihinin enliancc consisling of two centri-
fugal |>umps, each ea])able of delivering t.OdO gallons per minute,
ch'iven by direet-coniieeted 100 ii.i'. thrce-jjhase 2.0 cycle 3.300
volt induction motors, and at the Sarnia entrance consisting of two
.5,500 gallon pumps driven by two 200 h.p. motors of the same type.
In addition a 1.50 gallon pump driven by small induction motor is
located in each pump house, these jjumjis serving to take care of the
small amount of water that is constantly finding its way into the
drainage wells. Two 1.50 gallon motor-operated centrifugal |)umi>s
are also locatetl at the foot of the Sarnia grade, and serve to remo\e
from the tunnel the condensation and seei)age water, delivering it
to the well at the Sarnia portal.
^'"^^^^^K
-^^^^h
fc
^w..
p-v> ■
-^^H^^^^^H^V
^
r
-c'^"*^^*^'^''^^H^K
*-«»>^^
..^fSKm^^^
L -
Fig. 2. —View in St. Claib Ti'nxkl, showi.ng Method ok
SCPPOMING t)VERHE.\D WlKES.
Altogether 480 lamps have been installed in the tunnel, at a height
of about 10 ft. above the rails, as can be seen in Fig. 2, and 30 arcs
are provided in the yards, &c., the current for the latter being fur-
nished by means of a mercury arc rectifier. The total amount of
lighting is just under 100 kw., but there is 100 kw. of small motors.
Electkical Distribhtion System.
For distribution of the single-phase current to the locomotives,
substantial steel towers have been erected throughout the tunnel
yards. The steel work used for supporting the working conductor
consists of strong lattice columns supporting bridges of trussed con-
struction. The average spacing of the overhead bridges is 250 ft.
They are designc d to extend over all tracks that are to be electrified,
and in ease of those located at a jjassenger station extend, in addition,
over the platforms, thus in no way interfering with the access oi
passengers to and from the trains. This necessitates a length of
about 141 ft. for some of the bridges located on the Port
Hui-on side, in which case the bridge spans seven electrified tracks
in addition to the station platform.
Single catenary construction is used throughout, a messenger
cable of :J in. extra heavy galvanised steel being suspended on the
insulators located on the overhead bridges immediately over the
centre lines of the track to be equijjped. The working conductor
is attached to the mes.senger cable by means of fittings of varying
lengths so arranged as to support it at a uniform height of 22 ft.
above the top of the rail._ No. 4/0 hard-diawn grooved copper is
used throughout the yards and at all places, excepting on the tunnel
approaches and tl^roughout the tunnel, °" -•^■"'L.^^XnJer
3')0,000 circ. mils conductors have been i.istalled. The messenger
cables forming the catenary construction termmate a the tunnel
portals, where they are securely anchored to eye bolts •^bedded
n the heavy masonry portal. At this pomt the ^essenger w,res
supporting the working conductor throughou the tunnel are
anchored to spe<.i.vl brackets located on the tunnel face. The work-
ing conductors in the tumiel are continuous wUh those on the unnel
aiM-roaches. Fig. 3 shows a view of the overhead construction at
the end of Port Huron Yard. , ,, ^ i i,„n „-oc
The methn<l of supporting the wire ins.de of the unnel .shell was
conditioned by the requirement that complete overhead equiixment
should not encroach on the tunnel opening more than 9 m. 1 his has
Ix-en accomplished by bolting to the tunnel shell special iron brackets,
each of which su,.ports tw.. spool-.shapcd insulators {set Fig. 2).
These insulators in turn support steel messenger cables, which a e
.Irawn taut throughout the length of the tunnel, and attached at the
tunnel portal to special brackets. Special clamps are attached to
these messenger cables at points between the insulator supports, and
these in turn serve to support the two trolley wu-es. The insulating
supports are attached to the tunnel shell at '"tervals of 1- ft. as
ahso are the clamps connecting the messenger cable with the trolley
Fig. 3.— Ovehhead Construction at end of Port
Huron Yard.
wire. This method provides an attachment at once sufficiently rigid
to maintain the proper clearance between the trolley and the turmel
shell, and at the same time suflBciently flexible to provide for the
proper ojieration of the trolley bow on the overhead conductor.
Section switches have been provided w-here necessary to permit of
disconnecting the working conductor over any switch track from the
main line extending throughout the tunnel.
All feeder lines connecting the various parts of the equipment to
be suiiplied from the power plant are carried in the tunnel conduits.
For this ))urpose four conduit lines have been laid on either side of
the tunnel throughout its length. Connection has been made with
these conduit lines, at a point about 1,700 ft. from the Port Huron
portal, with a vertical shaft extending from the top of the tunnel to
the surface of the ground, terminating at a jioint about 75 ft. from
the pow-er plant. The overhead feeders, terminating as above noted
in tlie portal ]iump hou-ses. are continued as underground feeders
down tluough the tunnel and up the shaft, finally terminating at the
switchboard near the power plant. The cables are paper insulated,
lead covered and are installed in tile ducts.
Power Plant.
The power plant is located on the Port Humn bank of the St. Clair
River, about U»0 ft. distant from the centre line of the tunnel. The
boiler-house equipment consists of four 400 ii.p. Babcock & Wilcox
boilers, a Foster superheater being situated between the two batteries,
each of two boilers, and steam is supplied to the engine room at
2<X) lb. jiiessure.
THE ELECTRICIAN. NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
259
Two Westinghouse-Parsons turbo-generators have been installed.
These are designed to operate at a normal voltage of 3.300 volts, with
a frequency of 25 cycles per second. They are three-phase machines,
but are further required by the specifications to furnish their full
rated load of 1.250 kw. as single-phase current. The turbines are
appro.ximately 37 ft. over all. 6 ft. in width, and 8 fl. high, and
designed to operate at 1,500 revs, per min. The generators are
cooled by means of air drawn through the coils by vanes installed on
the rotor. A speed limit device is arranged to cut off the supply of
steam in case the speed of the turbine exceeds a predetermined value.
Barometric Jet condensers with 30 in. inlet manufactured by the
H. L. Worthingtou Co. have been installed in connection with each
of the steam turbines, and the necessary water is obtained frcm the
St. Clair River.
Two steam-chiven Westinghouse exciters have been installed,
each of 25 kw. capacity, this being sufficient to provide excitation for
one generator. In addition a motor-driven exciter of 40 kw. capa-
city is installed, and is ordinarily used in the operation of the plant,
the two steam-driven exciters being for additional security .so far as
continuity of service is concerned.
The switchlinard is also of Westinghouse make and contains 10
panels.
Operation op the Electrified Sy.stem.
The entire electrical equipment has been in preliminary operation
11.29 11.31) 11.31
lighting. Until the last few years this state of affairs has been, per-
haps, inevitable, but with the cITect of continued economies in gene-
ration, it appears desirable to reconsider the question of tariffs for
household consumers. It is the object of the present Paper to point
out the extremely important position that domestic power supply
may assume if tarilTs are .so modified as to encourage, instead of ham-
pering, the use of electrical enf.Tgy for domestic power purposes.
Existing Tariffs. — The tariffs at present in use are almost ex-
clusively either flat rate or based ujion maximum demand. The
flat rate is largely in vogue. ,ind has the one advantage of simplicity.
On the other hand, no consumer on a flat rate tariff, with a due
regard to finance, will u.se the sujjjily for electric heating ''■r cooking,
simply because the flat rate, to be remunerative for lighting, must
be much too high to induce any consumer to consider the problem
of electric heating and cooking.
There is no doubt that the maximum demand system, as introduced
by Mr. Arthur Wright, was sound in principle. The system is still
largely in use, and out of a total of 405 stations it is maintained in
about 170. The maximum demand system has been educational,
warning the consumer to a\oid heavy loads and showing him the
advantage of using his lamjjs for long hours. Unfortunately, how-
ever, the average consumer has hut an indirect control of his light-
ing, and the turning on and off of lamps lies in domestic hands which
know nothing of tariffs and care still less for economics. It is to be
during the greater part of this year, and the work of construction was I doubted, indeed, whether this system has materially reduced the peak
done without any material interference with the traffic through the I load. Similarly, no consumer, with the most alluring tariff, except
tunnel. The tunnel was given over to the contractor for construction the Continental <i forfait system, will use light when he does not rc-
pm'poses for two two-hour periods each day during the time that quire it.
actual construction was in progress in the tunnel. I The maximum demand system has not been ;i comiilete success
for the following reasons: (1)
Owing to the pojmlar difficulty
in understanding the .system, it
has generally been necessary to
give as an alternative a flat rate,
and the .supplier was certain to
be left witli all the short-hour
consumers <m the latter. (2) In
the light of recent jirogress, tlie
limit imposed by a maximum de-
mand has proved to be undesir-
able in domestic su])ply, because
it necessarily restricts the u.se of
the supply for other purposes.
(3) One great disadvantage of the
maximum demand system is that
it does not discriminate between
difl'erent times of day. It is highly ilcsirable, no doubt, to keep down
the load in a house cluring times of pi^ak load at the station, but there
is no object in imposing a maximum demand at other times of day. In
fact, the station engineer would welcome such loads, but any pro-
gressive spirit in the consumer is hampered by the demand indicator.
. It has been sought to remedy, in a measure, thes<> defects by com-
liining a flat rate for power witu a maximum demand tariff for light-
ing. But however excellent such an arrangement may be when it is
warranted by the character of the loud, as in many conmiercial estab-
lishments, the introduction of the flat rate for j)ower in domestic
supply, coupled with the maximum demand .system for lighting, has
been a hopeless solution of the difliculty.
The .same remarks are true of flat rates pure and sim|)le, where one
rate applies to light and the other to power.
EsKentiaU oj a Hatisjadorij Tariff.— H will be admitted that the
peak load due to lighting will remain. Xo tariff, however ingenious,
will eliminate this peak, and, come what may, the load curve of a
station will consist of a lighting ciuve siiiK-rimposcd u))on a power
curve. For the moment, the industrial power load dt>es not concern
us ; fortunate is the station i)oss<-.ssing such a load. There are many
stations, hoMcver, that cannot look forward to industrial develop-
ments—stations which depend up.m lighting alone. In such cases the
problem is particularlv important. Although the lighting jieak
cannot l)e eliminated, il'is worth « liile to consider whether the domes-
tic power load cannot be suttici.ntly developed to render the jx-ak
unimportant. If it were {lossible to sui)erimpose upon the ordinary
lighting load a more or less uniform power load over 12 hours |)er day,
with a maximum three to four times that of the lighting, the station
engineer would feel very little troubled by the peak load. Tha.t such
a cFomestic power load, very much more important than that due to
lightimr, is jjo-ssiblc under suitable conditions is at once seen when it
is^remembered that a fair-sized house may have, say, 80 30- watt lamps
with a maximum load of 1-5 kw. ; yet if the consumer switches on a
single radiator and a teapot the load due to this apparatus alone is
more than that of the whole of the lighting. Thus the idea of domestic
power amoimting to three or four times the lighting load is by no
means extravagant.
Tim? of trip from Amer
Fk;. 4. — Lo.4D Curve.
Ill .Siimmit to Canadian Sumi
Energ}- = I3.'i kw-liour?.
lit =9 minutes 33 seconds
Fig. 4 13 interesting, as showing the power taken during the pas-
sage of a train (weight 1,020 tons) from one terminus to the other.
We are indebted to Mr. Bion J. Arnold and Mr. F. A. Sager, his
assistant, for the particulars here given.
DOMESTIC ELECTRICITY SUPPLY (INCLUDING
HEATING AND COOKING) AS AFFECTED BY
TARIFFS.*
BY W. R, COOPER.
Siiniiiiiiri/. — Tlic author considers the impnrtanoo of sn adjiistiiig
tariffs that electric heating .and cooking may be encouraged. Present-
day tariffs are nearly all useless for this purpose. The essentials of a
t.ariff for ilonicstic supply are laid down, and tariffs based on rateable
value, on two-rate meters, and on the total " wattage " of the lamps
installed .are considered. Preference is given to the latter, in which a
certain sum per annum is charged per equivalent 8 c.p. 30 watt lamp,
plus a small charge per unit. It is shown that this charge may very well
vary from Jd. to Id. per unit. Finally, the economic a.spect of electric
heating and cooking is considered in some detail.
In glancing over the history of electricity supply, or even at |)re.sent
day statistics, one is struck by the number of difl'erent tariffs that
have been de\isiil to suit jointly the needs of the consumer and the
supplier. This multiplicity of tariffs is due to two main causes :
first, because c\cry generating station giving a domestic supply
has started with a lighting load, lighting being that use of electricity
which appeals more easUy to the general public than any other ; and,
secondly, the desirability, which became apparent later, of supi)lying
power at a comparatively cheap rate.
With tariffs for power pure and simple the author does nut deal.
In domestic su))ply hitherto practically no advantage has been taken
of electric power (in which term is included electric heating and
cooking), and, indeed, the tariffs mostly in vogue have given con-
sumers little inducement to use electricity in any other v-ay than for
* Abstract of a Paper read before the Institution of Electrical
Engineers, on November 26th.
260
THE ELECTRICIAiN, NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
But in order tlmt sucli a load shall be cultivated, tlie tariff, omitting
the question of price, which will be considered later, must have the
following oliaraeteristics : (1) It should be simple. (2) It should
permit th" use of clectricale nergy for both lighting and power equally.
(3) It sliould exehide two distinct tariffs with duplicate wiring. (4)
It should 1)0 independent of a ma.\imura demand. (.5) It should,
nevertlieless, di.scriminate in some way between the lighting and
the power load, because these loads differ essentially in theii- total
cost of supply.
Possible Tariffs. — The simple flat rate affords no solution to the
problem, because if the rate is fi.xed sufficiently high for light it is far
too low for ))ower. and vice versa. IVIoreover, it provides no dis-
tinction between the light and power loads, and it is essential that
the tariff should apjjly satisfactorily (that is equally) to each of these
load^ considered sejmrately. The relatively heavy capital charges
and inefficient production in the case of a lighting load cannot be
disregarded.
Fortunately, the character of domestic lighting, from house to
hou.se, does not vary much during times of peak load. As far, how-
ever, as the capital charges connected essentially with lighting are
concerned, we need only consider the characteristic peak load, any
more extended use of the light being considered .simjily as power.
i-A— -
4,21)0
r: d_—
4,000
//!„__
-ZC —
///____
-/A—
-^<<4
3,000
////
T^y'T'y
2,400
-■777/ /\
' /-A/'/-/-\
1,80(1
' 7 / / / /\
'777777
777L77.7./.
i ^7777Z
— '" 77777^'
H 1 i ^ Amci^A
\ 7 1 t'^//^^^7^
V- L A^ S^-^-J.*^ 7 7777.7 7^
\ i
12 2 4 0 S 10 12 2 4 6 8 10 12
Midnight. Noon. MidDight.
Fia. 1. — MiDwiNTEK Lo.vD Curve of the Richmond (Suhrey)
Genek.\tino Station, Frid.vy, Januakv 10, 1908.
The charges peculiar to this peak load must be provided liy a special
yearly payment in some form or special rate, the rate per unit being
otherwise small and uniform.
The particular part of the load to which reference is here made is
indicated in Fig. 1, which shows the mid-winter load curve of the
Richmond (Surrey) generating station, which has almost a purely light-
ing load. From the point of view of tariffs this load may be divided
into two parts — the shaded and the unshaded parts in Fig. 1. The
shaded part is what is here termed the lighting load, and the un-
shaded part the power load, although p;irt of the latter no doubt
consists of lighting.
Tariffs dependent iipun Rateable Value. — The tariff' introduced
by .Mr. F. M. Long at Norwich affords a means of providing for these
capital charges. The Norwich Corporation make an annual charge
of 12 [V^r C3nt. on th? net rateable value of the consumer's premises
and a further charge of Id. per unit. Mr. Long has stated that the
rateable value of a house at Norwich can be taken as a fau- measure
of the number of units used in the house per annum, the consumption
amounting to about 7 units per £ of assessment. Although this may
be so in certain cases, the author feels that rateable value has too
vague a connection with electricity supply to be adopted as a general
basis of the annual consumption for domestic lighting. Rateable
value in itself is by no means a constant quantity, and does not depend
merely uiion the size of a house. A charge depending on the as.sess-
ment is /.eces-sarily hard upon the'consumer who puts in a few lamps
instead of wiring his house complete, ot who uses 8 c.p. lamj s m prefer-
ence to 16 c.p..whereas, from the station ])oint of view, both consumers
may be equally desirable. Indeed, such a system may be looked
upon as one that is distinctly discouraging to economy, or to the use
of metal filament lamps. Flats, again, would present some diffi-
culty, because they are not rated separately, and they often vary
voy much in size in a single block.
Tariffs based on Two-rate Meters.— \n some oases the peak is a
sufficient evil to turn one's thoughts to some restrictive method of
charging. As already remarked, the jieak load cannot be con-
veniently restricted by imposing a maximum demand, because this
prevents the demand being exceeded during other times of day
when the load would be acceptable. This objection, however, does
not apply to the imposition of a higher price during certain hours of
f)eak load. For example, again referring to the load shown in Fig. 1,
if a two-rate meter were installed .so that all units used between such
hours as 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. were charged at a higher price, then the
proportion of the lighting units so charged might be sufficient to
provide the purely lighting costs.
The vu'tue of the system, however, is really its inlierent defect. A
peak load would certainly be discoiu-aged, but consumers could
scarcely be expected to suspend all heating and cooking operations
between any particular hours ; yet if the consumer indulged in such
operations within those hours he would lie ])cnali.sed by the higher
price. It must be admitted that this system, sometimes referred to
as the Kapp tariff, docs not provide a .satisfactory solution.
Tariffs based on the Larnps Installed. — Another basis for a suit-
able tariff is the equivalent number of 8 c.p. lamps installed. Houses
vary in their lightness, and therefore in the extent to which lamps are
in use for long hours, but in private houses there is not much difference
per 8 c.p. lamp from the supply point of view between the hours of
4 p.m. and 11 p.m. Takmg the average house, 50 8 c.p. lamps in one
hou.se are likely to be used as much as 50 8 c.p. lamps in another
house between those hom-.s, more particularly if regard is had to the
restricted definition of the term " lighting load " adopted in the pre-
sent Paper. Published figures of consimiption per lamp are useless
as a basis for tariffs, because they include all kinds of lighting and
also power. Possibly 10 or 12 units per annum per 8 c.p. (30 watt)
lamp might be taken as an average figure between the ordinary hours
of lighting.
This .system has the advantage that the charge has a definite
relation to the commodity purchased ; it is easily applied and dif-
ferentiates between the use of 8 c.p. lamps and 16 c.p. lamps, or
between metal filament lamps and low-efficiency carbon lamps.
But there are one or two practical difficulties. It will be urged that
lamjjs are liable to be changetl to a higlier power in their renewal.
Such cases would probably be rare. \ ((uarterly inspection nught
be necessary, and this would involve a slight expense to the supjilier,
but the consumer would probably raise no objection to these visits
if the inspector at the same time were to put right any small defects
in switches, &c., or were to call attention to flexibles in bad condition
and requiring renewal, and any other small matters of that kind.
It may be said that a system of this kind discourages extensive
wiring. Considering the fact, however, that the charge would be the
same whether the consumer put a 32 c.p. lamp of 120 watts into a
fitting, or four 8 c.p. lamps each of 30 watts, the restrictive effect
would not be felt to any great extent. Possibly it might be desirable
to consider lamps in lavatories, and other situations where the use
would be very intermittent, as forming a class to themselves, a
reduced annual charge being made in such cases. The tariff based on
assessment has the one advantage of simplicity, but a tariff based on
lamps installed has the further advantage that the consumer benefits
if he uses high-efficiency lamps, and pays according to his demand.
The station engineer may retort that high-efficiency lamps do not
lienefit the station. In a sense this may be true, but it must be ad-
mitted that in the long run what is satisfactory to the consumer is
good for the station. The author does not suggest that such a tariff
is ideal, but it is often necessary to leave ideals behind and to select
the best practical compromise under the cucumstances. In the pre-
sent instance the ideals have been with us too long.
Figures are given showing how the.se tariffs work out for a par-
ticular case, the charge on the last tariff' being 3s. or 4s. per 30 watt
lamp per annum, plus Id. per unit.
Limits for the Flat Rate Part of the Tariff. — ^The tariffs under
discussion practically consist of, or are equivalent to, a lump annual
sum for standing charges for lighting, plus a flat rate which must
provide the running chai-ges for light and jjower and any other
legitimate charges in regard to the latter. If electric heating and
cooking are to be seriously encouraged, it is essential that the flat
I rate part of the tariff should be low. It will be generally admitted
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
'261
that Id. per unit is a limit above which the public cannot be e.\|)ectc(l
to go. and it is wortli while to con.sider whether a lower hiiiit may not
b3 taken with advantage.
There are some important differences between domestic (louer
s ipply and the more usual power supjily proper, and these differences
act decidedly in favour of the consumer. The first point to be ob.served
is that additional services and iiiitcr^ an- in'l rei|iiirr(l ; tliese are
alread}- in existence, and it is ninrly ' (|im sImih i.l l)i inuui;,' them into
more extended u.se. .Also any sm li iiuivascd su|i|p|y \Miiild not mean
any increase in meter reading or the rendering of accounts.
Table I. — Lower and Up per Limila of Costs per Unit Sold for Domi xlic
Power, Genertilul under Ordinarily Favournhle Conditions.
Lower Limit. , Upper I^imit.
; d. d. <l. d.
Coal 0-15 0-:iO
Oil, waste, water, .and stores 0-03 ()-0:{
Wages of workmen 0-0,5 0-l(>
Repairs and maintenance 0-10 015
Working costs 0-33 (I-5S
Rent, rates, and taxes i 0-05 010
Management 005 010
Total cost of production 0-43 ! 0-7S
Interest on capital ' 0-34 l 0-34
Total cost I 0-77 { 1-12
In Table I. are given estimated costs to the generating station ol
supplying domestic power, the figures on the left-hand side being
as low as might be expected under very favoiu-able conditions, and
tho.se on the right considerably higher, corresponding to less favour-
able conditions, it being unlikely that hitrher figures than these would
result in ordinary cases. It is assvnnrd that the >tati.in is already
supplying light, and that the load facl^ -i ^l i!..iiic~i m' p^ i«cr would be
as high as 2.5 per cent., which is a reascnai.li' .issmiiiit ion, consider-
ing the long hoiu-s during which lieating is required in the winter.
The item for coal is estimated on the assumption that addilidntd
units can be generated for 2.1 lb. of coal per unit sold. The sum of
0'05d. ])er unit for wages of workmen may seem low, but it must lie
borne in mind that in many cases very little additional labour would
be required. Repairs and maintenance at O'Id. per unit cannot be
considered as unduly low under favourable conditions. Rent, rates
and taxes would generally be less than the figures given, because the
revenue per unit would be lower than in the case of a purely lighting
load. The additional cost of management for these power units ^\ill
be small, for reasons already mentioned, and therefore only O'Ood. to
O'lOd. has been allowed for this item. Thus we arrive at 0-43d. and
0'78d. as the lower and uj)per limits respectively of what are usually
termed " total costs."
This cost, which is here termed the ''total cost of production,"
does not include any profit, and, therefore, cannot be regarded as
giving a satisfactory figure for the charge to the consumer. So long
as no additional plant or mains are required to meet the demand for
domestic power, this point need not be seriously considered, but
if further plant is required {as it certainly would be if such a demand
were stimulated), the question of ))rofit becomes important. For this
item it is difficult to take definite figures in the general case, but in
many cases it will, no doubt, be )ieiiuissilile to take £50 per kilowatt
as the cost of aditilional generating ]ilant and mains for domestic
power piu-poses. Assuming the eiJiciency of distribution to be only
80 per cent., and the load factor to be 25 per cent., then 5 i)er cent.
on this additional capital outlay will be 034d. ])er unit. A i)nifit of
5 per cent, can only be regarded as a minimum, but with an increasing
output this figure might be expected to increase also.
Thus for the " total cost," including interest on capital, we arrive
at 0'77d. per unit as the lower limit and l'12d. as the upper limit for
this class of snp])ly. Although .Id. per unit as the flat rate [lart of
the tariff would leave a small ]5rofit under favourable circumstances,
it is probable that such a low figure could not be adopted without
risk. A charge of Id. per unit has already been mentioned as an
upper limit above which the public are not likely to take up domestic
(tower to any serious extent. The intermediate figure of |d. ])er unit
includes a considerable profit, and in many cases T think that this
low figure might be adopted with advantage for consumers taking
energy for lighting.
In arriving at these figures no mention has been made of diversity
factor. As to what this might eventually become is uncertain ; as an
approximation from experiments in the U.S.A. by Mr. J. R. Cravath,
it appears that the diversity factor might be 21. It does not follow,
of course, that such would be the case in this country, since the con-
ditions are somewhat different.
(To be conchuJed)
COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC HEATING.*
I-.Y ,T. HI )1! Kins.
Snmmiiry. — Electrical heating on a counnercial scale cannot be
realised until the present methods of distribution are altered. The
employment of single-pha.se alternating current with hou.setrans-
formers is suggested for the purpo.se, and low-pressure (50 volts) for
both heating and lighting is a necessity. More care must be paid to
the design of heating apparatus, and a new arrangement for this pur-
pose is descril)ed. As regards charging, the " Norwich" system ap-
pears the most favourable. The totjil failure of present practice re-
quires revolutionary methods.
It is surprising to note, among the subjects brought forward for
discussion by electrical engineers, the ahuost complete absence of
the question of heating by electricity. This is all the more astonish-
ing when the ease with which electric energy is converted into heat
is considered. Such neglect would seem to point to difficulties [uit-
ting the problem <nitside the field of practical |)olitic.s. Tlie author,
however, considers that without adding heating to what can be
offered in the way of light, there will be but a small chance of obtain-
ing business from the small householder and the benefit of the metallic
filament lamp will be chiefly confined to existing consumers.
The difficulties that would arise from the station engineer's point
of view if the maximum demand of the average small residence
increased, say, from 3 to 20 amperes, have led many station engineers
to say that electricity ought only to be applied to such heating
utensils as small kettles and Hat-irons, and there is no doubt that the
size of the distribution mains at usual pressures would have to be so
enormous to cater for the large demands for power which universal
domestic heating would entail that the capital cost would be pro-
hibitive. The only alternative .seems to be to use hisilicr distribution
pressures in c<innection with transformers, and many of the present
complications of low-tension networks will have to be swept away
before there can be successful competition with the simple ways of
the gas engineer. Expensive high-tension switchgcar. seems inevitable,
but alternating current distribution at, .say, 800 volts pres.sure is a
gor^l solution of the difficulty.
The question of alternating versus direct current is really inti-
mately bound u)) with that of electric heating, and the author sees
no advantage in the use of the latter to the larger proporti<m of con-
sumers. Kxcept for tramway service there is very little which a
two-phase .supply cannot accom|)lish, and in the days to come, when
electricity will be generated in large central stations, the transforma-
tion to direct current will require expensive extra apparatus. Thf.
ideal low-tension system is, in the author's opinion, obtained by
supplying two sepaiate single-phase currents 90 deg. apart. In
ordinary ca.ses one phase could supiily each side of the street, while
where power was required ta|)pings could be made from both phases.
This arrangement also makes for sinijilicity in the distributing
arrangements, the employment of single-core cables being quite
feasible. The conclusion seems evident that suppliers have adopted
for their o^vn convenience pressures too high for consumers' a))pa-
ratus, while not high enough to avoid an enormous cost in mains.
Transformers arc cheap and efficient even in small sizes, while the
.suiieriority of the low-voltage over the high-voltage lamp would
perhaps even make this arrangenu'iit pay. Let the distributing
pressure suit the engineer and let the consumer al.so have a pressure
to suit him.
Greater simjilicity in the distributors is also desirable. It is sug-
gested that single conductors with wateri^oof insulation laid in
porcelain insulators in a watertight iron trough be employed. The
system can easily be made watertight, and alternating current has
the advantage of giving no trouble from electrolysis or minute .surface
leakage currents.
The ordinary coal range is in reality a most wasteful piece of appa-
ratus, and most engineers do iu)t reali.sc what an etficient device its
electrical counterpart can be made. At tlu- same time there is no
doubt that all ingenuity must be used in designing electric heatuig
utensils to absorb and" retain as much as possible of the heat ex-
pended. ,
There is no doubt that the whole industry is groaning under the
wicked practice of supplving such a i)ressure as 230 volts to the con-
sumers' lamps. This has had the effect of making the cost of interior
wiling bear the same relation to the cost of gas piping as that obtain-
ini' in the respective distributing systems and has slammed the door
iiAhe face of electrical cooking enterprise. -Modern forms of cook-
ing utensils are too like laboratory instruments. As an dlustration,
in°the author's house an electric kettle made by a prominent firm is
in use. In the first place it is made of copper. Strong exception is
* Abstract of a Paper read before the Institution of Electrical En-
gineers on Xovember 2()th.
262
THE ELECTRTCTAN. NOVEATBER 27, 1908.
not taken to tliat except to remark that a copper kettle is an unusual
luxury in (lie middle-class home, antl must conduct away heat faster
than if made of a cheaper metal. The hody of the ve.s.sel is fitted
with two terminals, and the insulation of the live j)lug depends upon
a thin ebonite washer. If a drop of wat<T falls on to the edge of this
washer when the kettle is filled with water, sufficient leakage takes
))laee to put the user on his back if he is standing on a tiled floor.
.As regards the plug for attachment, the .screw securing the ends of
the flexible cord when in i)osition has its head about J in. below the
surface, and if the plug is grasped with wet hands, the user is lial)le
to a repetition of his unfortunate experience. The other end of the
flexible cord terminates in a |)lug of which the body is made of china.
which is smashed the first time it is droj)]>ed on to a tiled floor. Now .
while the whole outfit described is not out of place for connecting up
a galvanometer by a person of experience, who knows how to pi'otect
himself against shocks it is little short of criminal to jiut it in the
hands of an ordinary servant girl. Although, of course, a little more
alteiilion to detail would obviate these faults to some extent, the
troubles to be guarded against are largely due to the use of danger-
ously high i)ressures.
The author, therefore, advances the general statement that
to get the full benefit of the safety and convenience of electri-
Hol pIdCei
Fia. 1. — Stove in Section.
city there must !«■ a iituni to low pressures for both heating and
lighting. The lou -|irissuic lamp is, of course, superior to the high-
])ressuie lamp, while t he- pr<v-c-ut wiring costs will probably be halved,
if no hesitation is shown in departing from present practice. For
instance, in working class dwellings the pendant and switch might
bo combined into one fitting, the latter being worked from the Hoor
by cords.
High-jiressure cooking apparatus is from its nature bound to lie
expensive and likely to get out of order, and ordinary cooking work
must only be done with equipment without flexible cords. It follows
that utensils must be heated by placing them in contact with hot-
plates and a i)roi)er corollary is that these must be designed to |)re-
vent radiation in other than the required direction. Such a stove
is shown in section and elevation in Figs. 1 and 2. The out^r case is
of sheet iron or steel and the top is fitted for four hot-plates, two
largo and two small. The body is taken up on the right-hand side
of the oven, a compartment on the left holding the reducing trans-
former. This transformer is fed by the 800 volt/listribution mains.
The secondary is wound so that 50 volts can be taken out for the
lighting circuit. This winding is also used for the shunt circuit of
the metor on the high-pressure .supjily. Tlucc dtlur tajis fr.mi Ihi-
secondary are brought to copper bars'running across the front of the
stove, so that 7, VZ}.. or 20 volts can be applied to the elements. The
stove is vacuum insulated, and the element.s are .securely fixed to the
under side of the hot-i)lates and to the lining of the oven. Fig, :{
shows in detail the construction of tlu- hot-plate. In the present
day hot-plate there is no proper insulation of the heating element
underneath the plate, so that cb-aughts carry off heat and reduce its
temperature, and there is no provision to .shield the imperfect sur-
faces of contact between plate and utensil, so that convection cur-
rents of air circulate across them and reduce the efficiency.
The type of element suitable for use on 20 volts is mostsimple. and
IS shown in Fig. 4. It is made of a cii'cular sheet of metal of })roper
t uckness cut spirally. suflScient metal being removed at the cuts so
that no msulation is wanted between the turns so formed. Fig. 3
of the assembled hot-plate in section shows that the clement is secured
between the under side of the hot-plate and a str..n-lv riblied casting
in order to hold it in as close contact as possible w ith thin slieets of
mica as insulation. Rivets clam]) everything together thoroughly,
and the assembled jilate is fixed to the top of the stove through
a ring of asbestos to prevent lateral conduction as far as possible.
Fig. ,5 shows a pot suitable for use with the plate. The sides of
the pot project below the bottom in order to shield it from draughts
of air blowing between it and the plate, and the whole is double
lined, as is also the lid. Such a vessel, though not of customary
form, is still quite cheap to make.
One end of the winding of each element is permanently connected
to the end of the t ransformer secondary, and the other to a contact so
arranged that a phm can lie made to connect either of the three copper
bars running acidss the front of the stove. Figs. 6 and 7 show a side
and front elevation of the three bars on the stove with the contacts
connected to the heating element. Fig. S shows the form of plug
suggested. No insulation is used on the handle. The plug can be
inserted so as to connect to any of the bars, and the handle is so
shaped that two plugs cannot be inadvertently used on the same
element and so short-circuit a transformer winding. The trans-
former will not dissipate much energy, and what is lost will help to
keep the stove warm, and will not he wasted. Such a stove could be
manufactured at a reasonable cost, and would be so reliable that it
could safely be offered for hire.
The amount of the maximum load of the cooking service is so much
greater than what is wanted for lighting that no concern need longer
be felt about their overlapping. One thing is clear at the outset, and
that is the above aims cannot be achieved unle.ss current for cooking
requirements is not more than Id. per unit. The maximum demand
system cannot be tolerated. A separate heating circuit is imprac-
ticable in requiring two m ters, and further, it is impossible to prevent
a consumer connecting a length of cord from his cooking circuit to a
lamijholder. withdrawing his main lighting, switch and doing all his
lighting at the cooking rate. A time switch changing over his meter
at a certain hour is another scheme which must be rejected, if only
on the score of initial expense and cost of upkeep. It seems that the
only way is to adopt what is known as the Norwich system. Fix a
minimum figure, depending u|)on the rateable value of the premises,
and charge as much below Id. per unit as jjossible.
A treatment of this subject in all its bearings, particularly when
tariflfs have been touched ujion, requires at least some .speculation on
what load factor a universal heating and cooking service would yield.
Taking all cla.sses of a community, there can be no doubt, at any rate,
it would be an excellent one comjiared with lighting. The wealthier
classes take their most important meal at a different hour from other
sections of the eomnnmity. As to radiators, the poorer householder
Fig. 4.
Fic. 5
lan-ly has more than one lire going at a time. Kven the better elai-s
do not often use more than two fires at once. A combined load factor
on the plant of 40 per cent, might be realised, though not on indi-
vidual distributors of course, so that the problem looks hopeful from
that jioint of view. That is the class of load which ought to be dealt
with at Id. per unit, if a minimum charge is made, as suggested, to
compensate for capital charges. It ought to pay as well as a motor
load which is Vicing dealt with at figures less than this, but it cannot
luiless distributint.' costs imc lowered.
The methods outlined w ill be stigmatised as revolutionary'and too
great a departure from present practice. Does not the past total
failure point to something radically wrong and unsuitable in present
practice ? And as to scrapping distributing plant, there is no such
plant along the hundreds and thousands of miles of dwellings in the
length and breadth of England. We resign this territory to the care
of the gas comjiany, and they are attending to it. The present time
is marking an epoch in the electrical world. Large central plants
with steam tmbines are reducing costs of production to figures never
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 27. 1908.
2G3
approached before. The new metal lamp has given us something to
offer the small householder which is comparable, in fact superior,
to the gas mantle. Let us give him current at a reasonable pressure
but through a simpler though higher pressure network, and we shall
then realise the ideal which Sir Wm. Preece held up, that electricity is
the ])oor man's light, remembering that he was probably using about
50 volts in his own house when he spoke.
If there is anything in the contentions tliat the author has endea-
voured to make it is that the sujiply c-iigineer must tackle this matter.
He has left it up to the jsre-sent to tlie maker of cooking utensils, and
it has proved too much for him. and it is likely to remain so unless
the two put their heads together and find a cure for the trouble.^ If
electric heating'on at least the same scale as it is being carried on by
slightest effect on the behaviour of the machine. Hardly
any advantage could be claimed for this arrangement, except
that the heavy armature current need not be handled in the
control apparatus, or that the voltage and current of the
armature may be chosen as is most convenient, the field
perhaps being wound for the high voltage of the supply.
Compared with the transformation of the whole energy supplied
to the motor, as shown in Fiji. 2, the former method would
have the advantage of requiring a .somewhat smaller trans-
former, but, on the other hand, the field winding must be a high
voltage one.
Fia. 6.
Fig. 8.
gas is only a dream, let us admit it frankly. A properly exjjressed
reason will do no harm ; in fact, a discussion of the difficulties might
be fruitful.
ALTERNATING CURRENT COMMOTATOR MOTORS.''
THE REPULSION MOTOR.
BY DR. RUDOLF GOLDS(!HMIDT.
Summary. — In this article the author discusses the theory of the
repulsion motor. After dealing generally with the induction of the
current in the armature, the author details the various peculiarities
of the repulsion motors due to Elihu Thomson and Latour- Winter
Eichberg respectively. The methods of operation of, and the determi-
nation of the losses in, both types are discussed at length.
Fig. 3. Fig. 4.
Looking at the armature circuit of Fig. 1 we (iiid that it is
short-circuited in itself electrically, and not connected with the
primary at all. Now it is possible to carry out the tran.s-
formation in the motor itself instead of in the transformer,
utilising part of the main flux, which produces the torque, for
the transformation; as it were, we could combine motor and
transformer. In this case the brushes would be simply short-
circuited, the secondary winding S of the translormer dropping
out, and we should arrive at a commutator motor of the
induction type, the " repulsion motor."
Starting from an ordinary series motor, we see that, apart
from the circulating currents produced in the coils under
commutation nnd sliort-circuited by the brushes touching
1. — The Induction of the Current in the Armature.
We have been treating in detail the simple series commutator
motor — as a matter of fact, a machine in principle the same
as the direct current machine, only supplied with alternating
current. We have seen that the alternating current brought
some disadvantages with it, such as reduction of output,
power factor and efiicieucy. We have not utilised, however
the qualities prominent with alternating current, namely,
the ability to transmit energy from one cii-cuit to another
without any electrical connection. This quality has been
made use of with commutator motors chiefly in transforming
the current for the armature. We may, for instance, wind the
field for high voltage and small current and, by means of a
transformer, transform the voltage down to a lower figure
for the armature. This is indicated in Fig. 1. It is evident
that the behaviour of such a motor would be exactly the same
as that of an ordinary series machine, primary and secondary
current being kept rigidly in phase by the interlinking flux.
Assuming for a moment that the transformer had a ratio of
transformation 1:1, its introduction would not have the
* Copyright. All rights ot reproduction are reserved. A previous article
appaared in The Electrician, Vol. LXt., p. 863.
several segments at the same time, the held has uo mducmg
effect on the armature winding through the alteration of its
intensity. Even if we short-circuit the annature as proposed
(Fi<^ 3)". exciting the field up to its full value, the stationary
armature would not have any current mduced m it. The
conductors from a to h (Fig. 3) receive E.M.Ks in opposite
directions to those induced in the conductors from b to c and
both cancel one another. Mattery would be different if he
brushes w^ere shifted 90 deg. (Fig. 4). In this case tic
E M F s from a to b and b to c would add up, and the alteriiat-
i„; flu^ would induce a very heavy current in the short-c.rcinted
armatlire. IJut under these conditions no torque whatever
would be developed, as the dynamic actions between the tlux
issuing from the poles and the conductors from a to 6 and
a to d would cancel one another.
264
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
With the field shifted 90 deg. from the brush line (Fig. 3).
brushes in the neutral zone, the field can only exercise torque
on the armature winding, but no induction of current tlirough
the alternation of the flux — i.e., no transformer action — can take
place. In the case of coincidence of the field line and brush
line it is just the reverse. The arrangement we should have
to adopt would be a combination of the two, as shown in Fig. .5.
Starting from the ordinary motor, with the brushes in the
neutral position and short-circuited, we provide a second i)air
of poles, 90 deg. displaced from the first pair and excited in
scries with the latter. Pair luiinber 2 would induce the cur-
rent in the armature and this current would create a torque with
the flux produced by pair number 1. Compared with Fig. 1
the field winding 2 would be the primary P of the trans-
former T, and flux N, the transformation flux; and the armature
would be equivalent to the secondary S. Fig. .5 actually
represents the diagram of the Atkinson repulsion motor.
2.— The Repulsion Motor of Elihu Thomson.
The practical form of such a machine would luiturally be
different from that shown diagramnuitically in Fig. 5, first of all
because it would be difficult to provide room for the two pairs
of poles and the two windings side by side. The neutral zone
will, through the presence of the poles marked 2, more or less
disappear, as the space must be used for the flux N.^, inducing
the current in the armature. The form of the stator would
therefore be very similar to that of an induction motor with a
two-phase winding, one locally displaced from the other by
90 deg., as shown in Fig. 6. Going still a step further, we
recognise that at any moment under consideration in a certain
stator it is only in imagination that there can be two magnetis-
ing forces. In reality we can join the two windings into one.
The resultant winding A will have a position somewhere be-
tween windings Aj and A, according to the strength of either.
Considering, therefore, this one winding only as existing, we
find that the arrangement is the same as that shown in Rg. 7,
with the exception that the interpolar space has disappeared
and that the brushes are shifted from the neutral position.
We have now developed the repulsion motor in its original
form, as invented by Elihu Thomson.
_ For theoretical consideration, and to understand its action,
It IS by far the most convenient way to remember that the single
winding on the stator can be split up into two components the
centre line of the first Aj being shifted 90 deg. from the
brush line and producing the flux for exerting the torque.
i he centre line of the second component A„ coincides with the
brush hne,and A^servcs to induce a current iii the short-circuited
armature. If the field winding is displaced bv a deg. from
the brush hue (Fig. 6), and A is the number of ampere-turns of
the resultant field winding we can put
'V = A < cos a and A^:=A ■ sinu.
\' = t:in ,-. ; foru=ir),li.fj, ^^i^]
- "^1 '
Thcscare ai)pro.ximate only and havJ bv hvpothesis a
smusoidal distribution of the field winding, a condition
which ,s nearly fulfilled if the winding is distributed over
several slots, similar to the compensating windino - This
arrangement is not the most favourable with ordinarv
series motors, but it becomes more so with an induction
type of motor, where the necessity of producim; the arma-
ture current by means of transformation is' important
For this reason the leakage between the inducing (primary)
stator winding and the induced (secondary) armature ought to be
kept as small as possible by making one a true picture of the
other — i.e., distributing the stator winding over many slots on
the inner surface of the field. Fig. 6 shows clearly that a
concentrated primary winding, A,, would only induce effectively
on conductors close to it (2), and only with great loss of lines
on those closer to the brushes (1). From this point of view it
would be best to provide two primary windings, one distri-
buted for the induction and one concentrated for producing
the main flux. In fact, the compensating winding of an ordi-
nary series motor might be used as an induction winding. A
method has been {loc. cit.) described in which the compensating
winding did not carry the main current at all, but was short-
circuited in itself and a current produced by mutual induction
from the armature. In our case, compensating and armature
windings would simply exchange roles, the latter being short-
circuited and the former carrying the main current. There
is, however, one essential difference between what happens
when simply compensating the armature reaction and when
transmitting the energy to the armature by mutual induction
in the motor. In the former case only a very small flux inter-
linked both windings one with another;, as a matter of fact,
it is the object of compensation to keep the flux down. In
our case the whole flux in the transformer T in Fig. 1 trans-
mitting the energy to the armature must alternate in the
direction 2.
3.— E.M.F.s, Currents and Fluxes in the Thomson Motor.
The electrical energy P^ equivalent to the mechanical
power is: CurrentxE.M.F., E,, in the armature conductors
produced by these conductors cutting the flux Nj This will
be so in whatever way the energy has l.ieeii transmitted to the
armature, if by conduction (series motor) or induction (repul-
sion motor). The energy transmitted to the armature con-
veyed by the flux Nj is P.3=CurrentxE.M.F., E^, induced in
tile armature i)y flux N.,. P, is (apart from losses) equal to P,,
and therefore the E.M'.F. induced in the armature by the
'• alternation " of the flux N., is equal to the counter E.M.F.
due to the armature " moving in " N(.
E,=E.,.
Actually E2 = Ej4-ohmic and inductive drop.
For both E.M.F.s the number of conductors is the same— that
of the armatuie— the nnmber of cycles at which N.^ alternates
IS fixed by the supply frequency, whilst the relative speed
between armature and flux Nj is fixed by the number of
revolutions.
* Tht EUclrkliui, Vol. LXl., p. 6,2.
Fill. 8
Fig. 8 represents the armature surface |with its conductors
and Ni and N., distributed sinusoidally. As has already been
shown,
The calculation of E, requires a simple integration, as we
have to deal with a winding spread over a circumference.
We find Eo= — . z . t. . N„ . lO"" volts.
V 2
Consequently, as Ej=E2. tttx . Nj = !,' . N ,
or N^^n/60 ^^_^^^ Ng^w _ actual speed
1 *" Ni «,, synchronous speed'
At synchronous speed both fields would be equal. The
higher the speed, the larger the ratio N, Ni. If the speed were to
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
265
alter inversely as Nj (terminal voltage constant and .small
inductive drop in the field), Nj would be constant.
Apart from the fact that Nj and Nj are contained in the
same body and the peculiarity that both act on the same
winding, the characteristic of the repulsion motor ought to be
the same as that of the series motor with transformer for the
armature (Fig. 1) — i.e., if the transformer is perfect (practically
without leakage and magnetising current) — the same as in an
ordinary series motor, because, " after the transformation,"
current and flux Nj work together in the same way as we have
stated in full detail with regard to the series motor. But
unfortunately the transformation is not perfect as it has to be
carried out across an air-gap separating primary and secondary.
We might simplify the investigation, replaciiig our
motor by two motors (Fig. 9), motor I carrying windinu Wj
with the ampere-turns Aj=A cos a and flux N,, motor II
carrying W., with the ampere-turns A2 = A sin a and Nj. The
former is the ordinary series motor while the latter may be
looked upon as stationary as it does nothing but transmit
energy.
As already pointed out with regard to Fig. 1 , the electrical
equivalent of the transformation — apart from voltage and
current variations which accompany it — is a direct supply of
the energy to the secondary circuit. It is common knowledge
that it is a matter of indifference to the supply circuit whether
the energy is supplied to an apparatus through a transformer or
direct, provided we take care of the magnetising current and
the leakage if these figures are large, and furthermore provided
that account be taken of the ratio of transformation. As first
shown bv Steinmetz, this can be effected bv a combination of
Frc. 10.
choking coils (Fig. ](.). Lj representing the self-nuluction of
the primary, L., that of the secondary winding of motor If,
L, bemg the choking coil taking the magnetising current
to drive the flux N, through air-gap and iron. L, and L., act
]ust as an increase of the field and armature leakage o"f an
ordinary motor, so that we can include them in these figures.
Its effect IS an increase of E,,, and consequentlv a reduction of
the power factor and overload capacity, but not any principal
alteration in the jK-rlormance of the machine. The rotor cur-
rent t,„ flowing in s„ turns must be multiplied bv the ratio of
transformation sjs., to obtain its primary equivalent, which is to
be introduced into the diagram. Therefore, the repulsion motor
IS ^mvalent to an ordmary series motor tvith a choking coil in
parallel with the armature, the magnetising current taken bv
the choking coil being as high as would be required to produce
the transformation flux N, in the motor, the number of turns
bemg the total multiplied by the sine of the brush angle a
{Fig. i).
A consideration on the basis of our previous treatment wil'
show us how large is *,„. At synchronous speed the two fluxes
Nj and N^ are equal. The reluctances of their paths being the
same, the waUle.ss energy to produce them will he the same."
Therefore E, x i^ =. E„ x /,„ ,
f E *■ / ti \ 2
O"^ ^m = h • w" ; !<"" 'I'lV other speed i,„^i, . -^r ( |
The diagram of the i-epulsion motor becomes very simple.
In Fig. 11 we draw i^. In phase with it the flux NJ and the
E.M.F., E,„ induced by the armature revolving in Nj. At right
angles to i^ we draw the E.M.F. of self-induction of windmg
Wj, E, (inclusive diop in T., and L., Fig. 10), which is to be
Circcmfercnce
A B C D
added to E„ in order to obtain the terminal voltage e. So far
we have drawn the diagram of the primary circuit which is
exactly the same as that of the series motor. If there is only
very little ohmic and inductive drop in the armature, E„ is its
terminal voltage and that of the choking coil. So we find the
current /,„ in the latter 90 deg. behind E„. The armature cur-
rent i^ (actually multiplied liy s„!s.,) assumes such a value that
i„ and »,„ combine to the total current /,. As *'?=/■ . /"V
' ii E„ \nj '
at synchronism, the angle between 4 and /, is the same as be-
tween e and E„ or 2\ — that is, the angle </> itself, generally tan' ji
= t,j<l> . (nin,)-. As E^=i\mJj it represents f,,the same as in
the circle diagram for the series motor. For the sake of com-
parison, side by side with this diagram the diagram of the
series motor has been drawn. Starting again from the same
value of «=?'j we find N = Nji, just as large as before with the
same E„. (So the vnly difference lies in the alteration of the
H2=M,
armature current, which (.s Inryer by the amount i,„addcd graphic-
ally to i^i^. If we wish to study the performance of a repul-
sion motor we can use the same linear diagram I and also the
circle diagram] for the series motor.
4.— The Core Loss in the Ihomson Motor.
It remains to determine the inliuence the transformation
flux N., has on the core loss and the coils under commutation.
N, and N, are displaced 90 deg. locally and in phase relation.
If Nj and N., are equal (synchronous speed) they would com-
pound to form a proper revolving field of constant intensity,
as in a two-phase induction motor (Figs. 12 and 1-3). If
they are not equal, the revolving field is " elliptical " — i.e.,
it alters its intensity when revolving (Fig. U).
We may again attack our problem in the same way as wc did
with the series motor — i.e., resolve each alternating field into
* The Electrician, Vol. LXI., p. 591. t Ihid., Vol. LXI., p. 592.
J /6h/., Vol. LXI , p. 670.
266
THE ELECTRICIAN. NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
two rcvolviii;^ ones of half the intensity. In our case \vc obtain
two pairs of revolving fields : —
From Nj, one with the intensity Bjf/2 revolving forward and
a second one B,j/2 revolving baclcward ;
and from N„ one with the intensity B, /2 revolving for-
ward and a second one B,,,/2 revolving backward.
Now the two fields revolving forward add up. the two back-
ward fields subtract each moment, as will be easiiv seen from
Nj-N;
Figs. 15 and 16. Fig. '1.5 represents the position of the fields
at the moment when N, has reached its maximum value and
Nj is zero, and Fig. 16 the conditions half a period later
when Nj is at its height and Nj zero. By studying further
Figs. 17 and 18, it will become evident that the forward
direction is the direction of rotation of the revolving armature.
Fig. 17 representing the conditionsof Nj = Nj„„j and Ij = Ij,„„^ ,
Fig. 18 half a period later, when t,„ = i„^as.
We obtain a field of intensity, Bj^ + Bj2, revolving forward,
the other one, Bj — B2/2, revolving backward. The speed of
Nl backwu-d^
..*'l forwkrd
3 L_._.'
*'l backward
N2b»ckw«rd'
Fk;. 16
either is the synchronous speed n,. The speeds relative to the
armature are n^—n and n,+n respectively ; or, putting again
»i = ax«, «,(n— 1) and n,{a+l).
The core losses (chiefly eddy currents) caused by the two
fields are
P/= constant x (Bj + B,)'^ x{a— If,
P/,= constant x (Bj — Bj)^ x (a+ 1)-,
and j) total = ;)^-f p^ = constantx 2(Bi2-f B,2)
x(aHl)"-8a. B,. Bo.
The stator naturally has zero speed and thus a=0. There-
fore the stator core loss is constant x 2(Bj- + B/). For a series
motor (B., = ()) only B, exists— (.e., in n rcpulsintt motor theslator
^Hl-Hln
Nj-Nji
core loss is higher than that in n series motor, the trans/ormer flux
Nj and the motor flux Nj each causing losses the same as if the
other wasnot there. Actually the losses will be somewhat smaller
than this amount because we have assumed the whole core loss
to be due to eddy currents.
1 As to the rotor loss, we find for a= actual speed ^^
synchronous speed
and Bj = B., : /^,„,.— 0. With tiie series motor it would be con-
8tantx2x B,-.
Generally we may put for a certain speed n = axn„ neglect-
ing saturation
^2= !* =rt and /),„, =constant x 2B,-^ x (1 +a2) (a^+i)_Sa2 x B^^
Bj «'
= constantx2xBi2x(a--l)-. With the series motor, p^t.
= constant x 2 x Bj^ x (a-+ 1). The ratio of the rotor core losses
(a2_l)2
in a repulsion motor to those in a series motor=
a^ + l
i
1
/
/
/
/
/
/
V
Eotor Core iLoss or§erie3_My5r
nircniatmg Cmrent Loss of Series Motor
/
/
/'
/
......
U-25 05 0 75
25
1-25 1-.5 2
^ijiir/ironotis (Si^eerf.
Fig. 19.
I. Rotor Core Loss of Repulsion Motor at different speeds.
II. Circulating Current Loss of Repulsion Motor at different speeds.
Consequenthj in the repulsion motor the rotor core losses can be
tieghcted for speeds in the proximity of synchronism. At very
high speeds the rotor core loss of the repulsion motor is much
higher than that of the series motor (see Curve I., Fig. 19).
{To be continued.)
TESTING OF ALTERSATORS.
On p. 173 of our issue of November 13th we published an
abstract of a Paper by Mr. S. P. Smith on this subject, read
before the Birmingham Local Section, and in what follows a
summary of the discussion is given.
This was the opening meeting of the session, and in con-
cluding the formal business the chairman referred to the suc-
cess that had attended the formation of the three local Com-
panies of Electrical Engineers under the Territorial Army
scheme, the corps being now up to full strength. The pro-
posal to extend the district covered bv the section had been
referred to the other local sections and was still under con-
sideration.
The Chairman (Prof. Kapp) then .spoke in sympathetic
terms of the death of Prof. W. E. Ayrton, briefly sketching
his career and detailing a few of the many wavs in which he
had so greatly assisted in electrical engineering development.
He proposed that the Honorary Secretary be asked to convey
to Mrs. Ayrton and family an expression of deep sympathy
on behalf of the members of the Local Section.
Dr. W. E. SuMPNER said that he felt the loss very keenly,
as he was one of the first of Prof. Ayrton's students in this
country, and had afterwards worked with him for many years.
He paid a warm tribute to the character of Prof. Ayrton, and
referred to his exceptional energy and the extent of the work
he had accomplished.
DISCUSSION.
Dr. \V. E. SiT.MPNER said that the only criticism he had to make was
that the ntimeroiis subdivisions of the field rendered the method com-
plicated, and also caused abnormal distortion of the field at the many
points of juiutiou of the pole sets. Lack of balance was due to un-
equal fluxes in the generator and motor portions. Since the magnetic
pulls, and also the core losses, were in each case proportional to the
square of the flux, it followed that any inequality of the motor and
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
H\7
generator Hiixe.s would not only cause trouble due to want of Ijalanee,
but would also lead to inequality in the core losses in the motor and
generator sections. To reproduce working conditions it was desirable
to make such losses equal. The test had as yet only been tried in two
ways : either the motor and generator sections were made ei{ual and
the exciting currents different, or the sections were made unei|ual and
the exciting current the same. There still remained the possibility
of simply dividing the poles into two adjacent sets, and of independently
adjusting the ratio of the number of poles, and the ratio of the two
exciting currents, so as to secure both equal fluxes and the right arnui-
ture current. Under such conditions the core losses and core heating
would be normal, and it would be easy to allow for any difference in
coil loss. Such independent adjustment of the number of poles and
current, with fewer o|>enings in the jield, v.'ould give conditions more
nearly approaching those obtained in practice.
Mr. R. A. Chattock (Birmingham) noticed that the results obtained
by the author's method of testing in nearly all cases .=howed less tem-
perature rise than was the case when the machines were tested on dead
load. He thought that this was an indication that one method was not
tjuite comparable with the other. In purchasing an engine and generator
the buyer did not as a rule trouble himself about the efficiency of the
generator by itself. What he wanted to know was how many pounds of
steam the engine required per kilowatt output of the generator at various
loads and at various power factors. To ascertain this it was necessary
to use a non-inductive load with an arrangement for adjusting the power
factor. The cost of carrying out such a test in a generating station,
where, of course, the power could be obtained at a very reasonable
figure, over a six hour.s' run on a 1,500 kw. generator amoiuited to from
£li to £S. At the Birmingham station they I'ri imlirilly tested nil the
inarhines, and he considered that the cost and im nm nnc-nce of opening
up the field windings and making the necessary arrangements for the
test described by the author would render it almost impossible to adopt
this method. From a manufacturer's point of view he realised that
the test might be very valuable, as an indication of what a machine
wo\dd do eould be obtainnl ,|intc hi uralrl\ mough for all practical
jiurposes with a miniinnm r\|ii n.lil mi' nl riii];;y. In the ease of a
disjiute between the engUK- l>uildcr anil the maker of the generator, the
test described by the author would be very usefid, as it would be |iossible
to measure aeeurately the efficiency of the generator independently of the
engine. The only other way of doing this would be to couple the engine
up to some form of brake, and this method in the case of large engines
was practically unworkable.
Mr. Orsettich (General Electric Co.) said that there were several dis-
advantages connected with the author's test. The larg(^ number of
openings was a serious objection, especially at high s])eeds, and, the
distribution of Hux being (liffercnt. (lie mrn loss was affected. Where
saturation of the teeth w.i- lin;li. iiiiri|ii,il llii\ ih-lribution would further
affect this loss, while the I. ak i-r \>.i- m ly .lillrj, iit to what it would be
under normal condition^. He did not agree Willi Dr. Sumpner that the
copper loss could be tietermined by calculations based on tlie resistance.
The heating of the cojqier woidd depend on the heating of the magnets
and on the ventilation, as well as on the exciting current. In designing
machines it was necessary to reduce the amount of copper used as far
as possible, particularly in the field coils, and it was, therefor", ini))ortant
to use the maxininni cxcitiuL' current during the test. He asked the
author to make clrai v. liri li,r the field current in his test was equal to the
actual normal lull I'ihI i m Iting current at imity power factor. He
would also like to know whether the author had employed the method
with very high-speed machines, such as turbo-alternators, as he was
afraid it would not be suitable.
.Air. R. X. Everest (B.T.-H. Co.) was not convinced that the (lu.'c
distribution in tlu> test described was such as to give core losses cor-
res|)oiiding to those in actual working. That the results corresponded
in the ca.se given, as shown by temperature tests. a]i|icared due to an
accident. It was ,|iiiir p. i^-il,|,. ',, |,i. -di'iri miiM 1 1,, lir.ii ing of a machine
on full load from .ili^riA ;ii nm- nf i un- mail.' m; 'i|" n 'W-, mt and on shin-t-
circuit. When running uu open i iiniil. )aefer.ilily at [(( or 1.5 per cent,
above normal voltage, the heating was observed on the stator core, on
the field windings and also on the inactive stator windings, due to con-
duction from the hot core and to the warm air from the fully-loaded field
whidings. TIw short-circuit run, during which the core loss was neg-
ligible, and till' licld losses also small, showed the heating on the stator
coils arising from their own loading. It also shows the heating of the
core due to the loaded coils. By combining results, the heating on full load
when both core and coils were active could be accurately pre-determined
He had applied tn>- method in a number of cases, subsequent full-load
tests al«av- uu mj n nil - rlov.K in ;h , Miclaiii-e with the values predicted.
Dr. Kioss ^-.,1,1 il,,,i ihr nivaf a.|iania-r of the method was that, if it
could be |>ro\cd .suti.sl.n lory, it would result in a great .savmg compared
with full-load tests. It was not qtiite clear how the core losses would
be made up under the conditions of the tests. At points where the field
was reversed, and two adjacent poles were of the same polarity, the
induction in the gap and the teeth would be reduced to, say, half the
normal value, and- therefore the loss in the teeth at these places would
be reduced to about one-quarter. Moreover, at this point the frequency
would be reduced two-thirds, and this would lead to a further reduction
in the loss. With half the flux-density less ampere-turns would be re-
quired ; but as the field current was not reduced in these poles the Jiux
would go up, and consecpiently the loss wotdd not go down to the extent
at first assumed. On the other hand, the density in the core at the places
of reversed poles would go up for the same reason, but the frequency
would be reduced to two-thirds. It was, therefore, not definitely clear
whether the total iron losses in the machine would be higher or lower
Inductive Load
used also as
Transformer
with this method than w'hen running under normal field conditions.
This referred to open-ciicuit tests only. When the machine was short-
circuited the motor poles would be stronger than the generatiir poles.
Under these conditions, the inm loss might well be greater than tmder
ordinary load. This, however, was fair towards the customer, as the
machine would actually be tested under worse conditions than with
normal load. This point wanted clearing up, and it <i>uld (mly be
done by com]iaring the loss as determineil by the test with the loss on
actual load.
Dr. D. K. MoRKis (r,,\,iitiy| said that the drawback to the Behrend
type of test was tla- up unluity of the magnetic conditions occurring
wherever the field wiinliim u i.- opened. There was much to be said for
the .separate open circuit and short-circuit tests. The former gave full
voltage, while the latter gave full current at zero or low ])ower factor.
The recent Paper by Mr. R. K. Morcimi and the speaker had shown that
a test was now quite possible in which the points of the open circuit and
short-circuit tests were combined, while at the same time hardly any
power was required. It was merely necessary to connect the alternator
to an inductive load of the type described, and run the generator at
fidl voltage and eiuTcnt, and at approximately zero power factor. Ex-
])erience had shown that the apparatus rc(|uired was relatively small
and compact, and that the same set could be used for generators covering
a wide range of powers and voltages. Generators did not normally
rec|uire to work below 0'75 or 0-8 power factor, and it micht, therefore,
be necessary to run the test at rather low voltage and full current or low
current and full voltage ; for only when the ext'iter would enable ftdl
current to be obtained at a power factor as low as 0-71 would the test
be finite possible at full voltage and full current.
Dr. D. K. Morris, in a subsequent written communication, suggeste<l
that the inductive test eould be modified in the simplest manner lo
give circulating power in eon-
junction with inductive load.
The midpoint of each phase
of the main generator winding
could be connected with a
point slightly removed from
the mid jioint of each choking
coil.
In-]thasc cirt-iilating current
woukl then How. one half of
the alternator winding acting
as generator, and supplying
half of each of the choking
coils with energy. This would
be transformed and delivered
back l>y the other or secondary
half of each coil to theremainuig
half of the generator windings, as ill- phase mot. ir current («YC Fig.). Rather
larger choking coils (say by 10 ]icr cent.) wcmld be needed for such a test
than for that of zero |"i\M i f.n lor. But very much larger tran-sformers
still (six or seven timrs ,is In -.) wnuld be needed if an attempt were made
to do a similar test without the out-of-phase lairrent component. The
test eould conveniently be arranged at power factors a.s high as 0-75
or 0-8. The field windings would not be interfered with in any way.
Mr. A. T. Bartlett (Birmingham) asked how it was known that the
machine was running with the correct flux, and suggested connecting a
voltmeter across one of the coils. In his opinion, the Behrend test in-
cluded splitting the field into unequal parts. He had seen many Beh-
rend tests run, and had experienced vibration troubles due to unbalanced
forces. On this account he had arranged tests in which the field was
split into four parts.
Mr. R. C. \'. Brooks remarked that, as the test was not carried out
at full voltage, it would not show up defective hisulation.
Mr. A. E. Clayton (Stafford), in a written communication, said that
the author's method was an imiirovement on the Behrend method.
"Balance," iron losses and rotor heating were all nearer full-load
working conditions. The last was a necessary cimdition. as it was
the draught created by the rotor that c<ioled the stator. He would
have expected the U'on loss on open circuit to be slightly less with the
author's test than under normal conditions, owing to the reduced luimber
of flux reversals. Also, it seemed strange that the normal iron loss curve
showed signs of saturation, while the curve taken on the ;iuthor s test did
not. There appeared to be a constant error in the normal iron loss curve,
as it did not go tlu-ough zero. Whether the iron loss on the author's
short-circuit test was equal to the actual iron loss on load could
only be determined by experiment. The iron loss per active motor pole
could, therefore, be t.iken a.s the ojien circuit iron loss due to the active
exciting current in the motor section (i,-+i.), and similarly the loss in the
generator pole as that due lo (/ - ,,). Taking a .312 k.v.a. machine as au
example, the iron losses were: 7-7 kw. on the generator poles .,nd 7-1 kw.
on the motor poles, the total iron loss being, therefore, 14-8 kw. I his
was some 40 per cent, greater than the iio-loud iron loss, and was, there-
fore probably 1,5 to 20'^ per cent, greater than the normal full-load iron
loss Since the iron losses were slightly on the high side, the efficiency
» aniid 1,1 ..bably work out a little too low. The author obtained the iron
I , . MM \--u\ from the input on open circuit and normal voltage, after
.|, I, .M> I. ution and excitation losses. But the increased voltage was
itsrlf iitiiru nt to account for the increased flux on load necessitated by
stator impedance. Also, no account was taken of the increase of maxi-
mum flux-density in the gap and teeth due to distortion of the flux
wave (see Fig. 8J. It would be best to take the iron losses as equal to
the total losses minus the known losses. The latter could be calculated,
allowance being made for eddy-current losses in the stator copper.
E 2
268
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COMPARISONS IN THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY.
In givini^ liis I're.siileotial Adilress last week to the
Institution of Electrical Engineers Mr. W. M. MoinniY
left the beaten track of such discourses and gave us infor-
mation which was undoubtedly of the greatest interest to
all those who had the good fortune to be present. The
.subject chosen was " A Comparison between the Electrical
Industry in this Country and Abroad." It has been so
frequently stated that we are behind other countries in
the extent to which we make use of electrical energy, such
statements emanating even from well-known electrical
engineers and business men, that Mr. Mokdey has felt
constrained to investigate the matter so far as electricity
supply and electric traction are concerned. The result of
his investigations is a mass of very interesting figures and
instructive deductions, an account of which our readers
will find on another page. Unfortunately it is impossible
to deal with a Paper of this kind quite satisfactorily in an
abstract, ami we are unable to afford sufficient space for
the reproduction of all the tables. We hope, therefore,
that our readers will not fail to consult for themselves the
original address.
We are glad to note that Mr. JMoKDEY has been able to
prove that in the branches of electricity supply and elec-
tric traction we are not merely holding our own, but in
many respects are very much to the front. The frequent
statements to the contrary, as Mr. Mordey puts it, " are
entirely of home production " ; they have not emanated
from abroad. (Tcnerally speaking, we suppose that this is
the case, though we remember that the Electrical World of
Xew York, in its Editorial comments quite recently, implied
that electrical developments in this country were almost
on a level \\\t\\ those in heathen lands. We speak from
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
269
memory, and proliably those exact terms were not used ;
but that was tlie soi-t of impression left upon our minds.
Tt is, therefore, a relief to find that the genei-ating plant
installed per inhal)itant in this country is more than twice
as great as that in Germany, that the number of units used
per inhabitant is greater, that the average price is very much
less, and that the total costs are generally somewhat lower.
The question naturally arises whether the methods em-
ployed in arriving at this conclusion are correct. In general
we think they are, though possibly there may be some
difference of opinion as to the averages taken for each
group of si.K towns examined. For example, if the average
price per unit is taken over six towns, and for this purpose
the total numlier of units is taken, the result may be very
different from that obtained by taking the cost per unit
at each town and taking an average of these separate
figures. By the first-named method, if the group includes
one town with a mucli heavier output than the remainder
and at a much lower price, the average per unit over the
whole group will necessarily be low, and will tend to ap-
proacli the price of this large individual output. The
centre of gravity, as it were, will be near this single town.
On the other hand, if the average is taken of the six
figures of price per unit for the six towns the average price
so obtained will be very much higher. In making a com-
parison between two countries we are rather inclined to
the view that it is more correct not to take units into
account in obtaining such an average of the prices in six
towns. Our reason for this view is that the character-
istics of a country cannot be measured by those of a single
town ; for example, electrical energy may be very cheap at
Bolton, but if it were expensive everywhere else, and all the
other outputs were comparatively small, we sliould not be
justified in saying that the price of electrical energy in this
country is very low because it is cheap at Bolton. We
cannot all live at Bolton, even if we would, and if an entire
country is to be characterised as enjoying cheap electrical
energy, such energy must be fairly diftused.
In passing, we may say that we should have preferred,
if it were possible, to have seen a larger set of statistics
referring to companies than have been given, instead of so
large a proportion of municipalities, because private enter-
prise affords a better index of the commercial possil lilities
of electricity supply in any country. The march of nnmi-
cipalisation, liowever, is so strong that there is little choice
in the matter in some countries.
When it is realised that we supply electrical energy more
clieaply here than abroad the c^uestion naturally arises.
How is it that small towns are able to support the cost of an
electricity supply more readily abroad than in this country ?
It is notorious that mere villages abroad have the electric
light, whereas it is difficult in this country to make under-
takings pay even in small towns. We think there is some-
thing in the fact brought out by the tables that whereas we
may feel proud that we can supply more cheaply, yet thetJer-
man supplier, on the other hand, must derive consolation
from the fact that ho can make more profit. The gross
profit of undertakings appears to be larger abroad. This
means that consumers are prepared to jjay more for their
supply than they are in this country, and, therefore, that
the competitors of electric lighting are not so favouralily
placed as in this country. In other words, the price of gas
and of other ilhiminants lias a very distinct effect on the
problem. It is impossible for prices of electrical energy to
be so high in the United Kingdom, where the price of gas
is so low, as compared with abroad. (Jn the Continent and
elsewhere the price of coal is much higher, and this may,
perhaps, double the cost of the fuel item in electricity supply,
yet the net result on the total cost is not very great, whereas
the net result on the cost of gas is much more serious.
Knowing this, the consumer is willing to pay moi'e for his
gas, and electricity supply is at a corri'sponding advantage.
REVIEWS.
Copies of the undermentioned works can he had from Thr EUcIrician Office, post free
on receipt of publi&lied price, adding 3d. for hooks puhlistictl under 23. Add lu per
cent, for abroad or for foitiuMi books.)
Die Isoliermittel der Blektrotecbnik. Uy Karl Wkr.vicke.
Vol. X. of " Elektrotechnik in Kiii/.uli).iistellungen." Edited
by \)r. G. Benischke. (Biunswick : F. Vieweg und Sohti.) Pp.
ix.— 181. M. 5.50.
This volume is No. 10 of the series known as " Elektrotech-
nik in Einzel-Darstelhingen," which have been appearing
during the past few years under the editorship of Dr. G.
Benischke. By far the largest part of the book, 121 pages in
fact, consists of a description of a number of the different in-
sulating materials at present on the market. A large amount
of experimental data is given, but in a rather imdigested
manner. It is, for example, of very little use, to tell us that,
according to such and such an authority, such and such a
thickness of a particular insidating material stands up to s\ich
and such a voltage. To the practical engineer or manufac-
turer such information is almost useless. In ordinarj^ practi-
cal work the comparative method of testing is always followed.
For example, we will say that the manufacturer is using a
certain kind of insidating cloth. Another make of such mate-
rial is brought under his notice. He will then proceed to make
comparative tests on the two materials, and if he find the new
one to be better on the whole for his purpose he will adopt it.
It is to be observed that he makes little or no etlbrt
to obtain absolute information about either, as all he
requires is a comparison. It will be recognised, therefore,
that a large number of the test results which have been
gathered together by the author are only of value for very
rough-and-ready comparison, as no attempt is made to apply
any criterion to the figures given. It would be, we must
admit, very ditficult to do this. There are two methods by
which such investigations may be pursued. One way in which
it can be done is that adopted recently by the National Phy-
sical Laboratory in its report on the effect of temperature on
insulating materials— that is, to standardise a set of tests,
apply the same to all the materials tested and to tabulate the
results. This is an easy, practical, if laborious, method, but
yields truly comparative results which can be used as a basis
for criticism. The other method is to determine the actual
electrical constants of the materials under standard conditions.
This can be done in some cases, but not in all. For example,
it is comparatively easy to determine the actual dielectric
strength of insulating oil. Alexander Knssell has shown that
if the breakdown test be made between spherical electrodes at
a less distance apart than twice the diameter of either, a dis-
ruptive discbarge will ensue the moment the maximum electric
stress between the spheres equals the dielectric strength of the
material He has also given tables recently by means of which
the maximum electric stress existing in the material tested
can be calculated from the dimensions of the testing apparatus.
Tests made with these precautions yield absolute results and
render superfiuous the many curves and tables of breakdown
tests between differently-shaped electrodes at various .listances
apart and so forth, which many writei-s liave published. Ihe
defect of the book under review is that the abo^e two stand-
points are hardly taken notice of at all, the results given by
the different investicators being collected together without any
appreciable effort at'criticism. Nevertheless the book contams
a larc;e amount of valuable information, especially concerning
methods of manufacture and such hke, which should render it
270
THE ELECTRICIAN. NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
worthy of a place in an electrical engineering library of any
pretensions wiiatevcr.
In his preface the author states that one of the reasons
which prompted him to write the book was that, hitherto,
there had not been any German work dealing with the subject
with the exception of a translation of an English treatise.
Tresumalily the, author considers the existence of this latter
work sufficient reason for practically ignoring manufacturers
of insulating materials outside Germany. Thus the products
of the Sterling Varnish Company and the Standard Varnish
Company ami the Massachusetts Chemical Company are dis-
missed in about a dozen lines. Considering the^ extent the
varnishes and enamels of these firms are used in England and
America, this treatment is rather disappointing to an English
reader. The authority of Arnold is given to the statement
that linseed oil vai-nishes are disadvantageous, as they render
the imijrcgnated materials brittle and give rise to the forma-
tion of verdigris. This may or may not be true theoretically,
but a somewhat extensive experience in the use of linseed oil
varnishes has convinced the present writer that the good brands
of this type of varnish at present to be had yield results, in
])raclical work, which it would be ditKcult, at the present state
of the art, greatly to improve upon.
On p. KiOa short referenceismadeto theeffect of the dielectric
constant on the gradation of electric stress in composite dielec-
trics. Dr. Benischke is referred to as having investigated this
subject in 1907, whereas credit is not given to Mr. O'Gorman
for his earlier and valuable work in this direction in 1901.
Chapter V. deals with insulators for overhead lines. It cou-
taiirs an interesting discussion on the principles governing the
design of such articles, and clearly states the two points that
huvc to be borne in mind, vi;^., that the direst distance in air
in the straight est possible line between the conductor and the
])in has to lie kept to a maximum, and, secondly, the petticoats,
&c , have to be constructed so that some part of their surface
remains dry under any possible condition. The "chamber"
insulator, designed by I)r. Benischke, and illustrated on p. 169,
is Njry interesting in this connection. Mention is made of the
historically interesting oil type of overhead line insulator.
This had a turned up internal circular channel, which was filled
Avith oil. Great things were hoped from this, as it was thought
that the oil would increase the voltage that the insulator would
withstand. This wa.s, of course, reasoning from the experience
obtained with telegraph insulator manufacture. For high vol-
tages these oil-type insulators were a failure, due to their
de-ign being based on wrong princijiles.
\Vc can recommend this book to those readers who desire
to have at hand, for reference, a large amount of the published
experimental data obtained by various investigators in the field
with which it deals. C. C. G.
Telegraphic Svstems and Other Notes- By Arthuk Crotch.
(Lmuluii: Charles Urirtin & Cii.i rp. xvi.-263. Es. net.
The author has earned praise in affording, within the brief
compass of 263 pages, a scientific and instructive account of
all tlu' best known and most widely used telegraphic systems
of 1 he day. In his own words, he has " endeavoured to give a
j)lain and concise description of the main systems in use in
jiraclical telegraphy. The latter limiting condition naturally
rules ()ut many ingenious plans and much delicate apparatus,
wliicli, though of great merit, and giving, in some cases, very
high speeds, have not succeeded in proving their adaptability
to working conditions." The book will mainly be read by
those interested in, and especially by those practically engaged
in, the operation, maintenance, and supervision of working
telegraphs. It is assumed that the reader possesses a know-
ledge of the principles upon which telegraphic apparatus is
constructed, and of the methods by which it is caused to
function, and, with this consideration in view, the author
has discarded all descriptive matter but that inseparable from
the practical aspect of the subject.
Chapter I. deals briefly with the best known types of primary
and secondary cells, and the chemical actions involved in them.
The modern application in large offices of the secondary cell
for universal battery working is described in Chapter II.,
in connection with the single needle, double sounder, sinale
current with relay, and doul)le current systems, and here, as
elsewhere, the admirably clear diagrams, coupled with the
lucidity of the descriptions, render the various methods easily
understood. /
Chapter III. treats of duplex telegraphy, and the construc-
tion and practical application of differentially wound instru-
ments are clearly explained in their several working phases, in a
pain.staking manner. There are numerous figures to assist in
aiving to the reader a clear perception of the subject.
In Chapter IV. a good account is given of diplex and quad-
ruplex telfgraphv, together with the simplification of the
formerlv troublesome B local circuit, and including the connec-
tions tiiat have been adopted for universal working with
secondary cells.
Chapter V. on automatic telegraphy, includes descriptions
of the keyboard perforaters of C'reed and of Kotyra, and of
the ingenious piece of mechanism by the former inventor for
punching the received slip. The Murray-Creed receiver or
printer is also referred to. There is a short and instructive
account in Chapter VI. of multiplex telegraphy, in which the
limiting effects of the phenomenon of retardation are well
considered. The Hughes and Baudot systems are dealt with
in Chapters VII. and VIII. which naturally claim from the
reader a careful perusal, looking to the extensive employment
of these favourite type printers in Europe.
The Murray printing telegraph, which has given such good
results in Great Britain and in Germany, and has been installed
in Russia, and, it is believed, in India, is thoroughly discussed
in Chapter IX.
Chapter X. treats of test and battery boxes of the styles
used by the British post office. In Chapter XI. are interesting
descriptions of concentrator switches, the modern Metro-
politan Inter-eomnumication System in- London, in connection
with the Central Battery, and the duplex arrangements
evolved in relation to the same system. Chapter XII. on
repeaters is well illustrated and will be of use to the engineer
who is recjuired to instal these important additions in long
and heavily worked circuits. The functions of the sounder
silencer arc fully explained.
Two useful Chapters, XIII. and XI\'., on submarine and on
wireless telegraphy, respectively, together with an index
bring the book to a close.
The treatise will be of much help to the telegraph engineer,
and to the student in his preparatory training, and it can be
thoroughly recommended. It is of no small importance to the
reader that the type is good, and that the diagrams are clearly
printed.
Electric Power Transmission. By Louis Bbli., Ph.D. Pp. 723.
(London; Arcliibuld Constable & fco.) 16s.
The issue of the fifth edition of this standard work on elec-
trical power transmission follows closely on that of the fourth,
which we reviewed so recently as December 14, 1906, and we
have little to add to what we then said, since the present
volume differs to only a slight extent from the previous one.
We notice that a description of the cascade converter has now
been added, whilst in the table giving a list of American plants
worked at 2().<)l)() volts and above, particulars of a number of
new companies have b^en inserted. This table is now headed
by the Grand Rapids-Muskegon Power Co., operating at
69,000 volts, whereas 60,000 volts was the highest pressure
recorded in the 1906 edition. It is interesting to notice the
number of new power transmission schemes in America which
have recently been installed and in which pressures of about
20,000 volts arc employed ; in fact, particulars are now given
in the table of 60 installations in which pressures of from
20,000 to 26,000 volts are in use. More attention might have been
given to making the minor corrections necessary to bring the
volume up to date. Thus, the index has not been corrected ;
also on p. 687 the statement of the previous edition " It is now
nearly five years since the third edition of this work appeared "
has been merely altered by the sub,stitution of '• seven years"
for " five years," whilst on the same page " five years " is still
allowed to remain. One or two other similar hasty alterations
appear to have been made.
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
271
ALUMINIUM AS A FACTOR IN THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY.
IntroduclioH. — To those who pursno rhe study of the con-
structive sciences, it is a pleasant, and indeed a beneficial, task
to look back on what has been done in their particular field,
instead of always reaching forward to something new. The
comparatively slow development of things tending to real
progress does not allow improvements wliich have been effected
in one lifetime to be viewed in their proper perspective,
and it is necessary rather to place oneself in the position of a
Rip Van Winkle in order to judge these matters in their proper
light. That the above statements are true in the majority of
cases will be denied by no one. But there are exceptions, and
the electrical engineer is fortunate in including a not insignifi-
cant number of them in his branch of science. Not only has
the development of electricity for technical purposes led to
the creation of a new industry, but it has also made possible
methods in other branches of science which were either econo-
mically impossible or quite outside the range of vision.
To come now from the general to tte particular, in no case
are the foregoing statements more applicable than to the pro-
duction and employment of aluminium. As is well known,
this metal is a constituent of all clays, and is more widely dis-
tributed throughout the world than any other similar sub-
stance. In spite of this, however, as a metal it was unknown
to the ancients, and although attempts to reduce its oxides
and other ores were made by numerous of the more modern
chemists, including Davy, it was not finally isolated until 1827,
when Wuhler oljtained it by employing potassium as a reduc-
ing agent, the chloride being the compound used. The im-
portance of this discovery from an industrial point of view
was quickly recognised, and various methods for making it
a marketable substance were tried. It is, however, unneces-
sai-y to describe these here, for few of them met with any
lasting success, and until about 1885, when the first electrical
method was introduced, the expensive, though ingenious,
chemical methods of Deville and Castner in which the employ-
ment of .sodium was a prominent feature, held the field. The
price of the metal did not, during this preliminary period, fall
below £1 per lb. After 1889 electrical methods were univer-
sally adopted making purely chemical reduction a thing of the
past, and immediately causing the price of the metal to fall by
about 75 per cent. Its present price varies from 7d. to Is. per lb.
At the time when Deville's and C'astuer's methods were still
working, sodium was itself prepared by wholly chemical means.
It is not improbable, therefore, that the consequent manufac-
ture of sodium by electrolytic methods would have at any rate
cheapened the production of aluminium, though not to the
extent that has subsequently been the case. From 1885
onwards electrical methods only need be taken into accoui^t,
and though many ways have been attempted for reaching the
desired end the method by which aluminium is now manu-
factured is that set forth in the patents granted in 1886 and
1887 to C. M. Hall in America and to P. L. T. Heroult in France
and in this country.
Preparation. — At the present time the tyranny of competi-
tion does not allow manufacturers to publish full details of the
methods employed by them in producing aluminium, and out-
siders have to be content with the merest outline of the various
equipment. The method employed by the British Aluminium
Co., as well as by several concerns both on the Continent and
in America, is briefly as follows : The action takes place in the
Heroult cell, which consists of a small iron box lined with
carbon baked into a solid ma.ss. At the bottom of this furnace
is a cast-iron plate which serves as the connection to the nega-
tive pole, though the molten metal which lies on this is the true
cathode. The anode consists of a bundle of carbon rods which
can be adjusted in a vertical direction. The cell is first tilled
with cryolite, which is melted by the heating effect of the cur-
rent and the pure alumina is then fed in. As long as the volt-
age per cell does not reach too high a value the cryolite is not
attacked, the simple reduction of the alumina to aluminium
alone taking place. The freshly formed metal sinks through
the cryolite and is drawn oft' at the l)Ottom of the furnace.
The voltage per cell should not exceed 5 volts, for the rea.son
mentioned above, and the cells are, therefore, worked in
series. The current density is about 7(HJ amperes per sq. ft.
of heating surface, and the number of rods in the anode is such
that each carries about 6 or 7 amperes per sq. in. of cross-
iection. The part the cryolite plays is by no means certain,
though the final reaction is most probably a reduction of the
oxide by carbon. As the alumina used in the Heroult f\irnace
must be quite pure, it is necessary to submit the native ore,
bauxite, to a preliminary treatment to remove iron and other
impurities. The crude bauxite is first drenched with caustic
soda solution which dissolves the alumina but not the impuri-
ties, and hydrated alumina is then added to the sodium alu-
minate thus formed, with the result that about 70 per cent, of
the aluminium present is thrown down as hydroxide. This is
dried and on ignition gives a pure oxide suitable for use in the
furnace.
The Use oj AJuminium /or Eleclricul Purposes. — It is quite
! in accordance with .so-called poetic justice that aluminium,
which owes so much to electricity in its production, should be
able to repay the debt when the question of the transmission
of power over long distances comes up for consideration. In
this country, it is true, the employment of aluminium as a
conductor has not had much vogue, though in the United States
it has been used to a great extent for some time. The Niagara,
Lockport & Ontario Power Co. employ it on their transmission
line from Niagara to Syracuse, a distance of 162 miles, while
the Standard Electric Co, of California possesses a transmission
line 200 miles long on whicli it is used.
That aluminium has not been more used in Great Britain is
perhaps not altogether a matter for surprise. In the first place
there is the well-known British inertia to be overcome, while
owing to the, until late years, very meagre adoption of over-
head work for public supply it has hardly received a proper
consideration. The question whether it can be economically
used for cables is an interesting one whicii comprises many
opposing factors, and it remains to be seen whether the greater
bulk and, therefore, less flexibility for the same conductivity
will be more than set off by its lightness and cheapness. In the
long run, of course, financial considerations will decide, and it
may, therefore, be of interest to discuss the matter from this
point of view.
During the past two years the price of copper has lluctuated
between £112 and £54'per ton. Though to .some extent dis-
turbed by these variations, consequent on a demand which
the manufacturers were not able to meet, aluminium is now
available in any quantity, and its price has been reduced until
to-day it is quoted at the same price i)er ton as copper. .\s,
however, for equal conductivity oidy lialf the weight of alu-
minium is required as of copper, a net saving of 50 per cent.
on the cost of the raw material is effected by employing the
former metal. The initial cost is not the only factor making
for greater economy, since in addition there is a further con-
siderable saving in'froight and in handling, owing to the less
weight of aluminium as compared with copper.
In the installation at Snoqualme Falls, where 12,000 h.p.
is transmitted bv aluminiuni conductors some 32 miles
to Seattle and 44 miles to Tacoma. the spans between
the poles vary from 120 to 150 ft. From Elcctra to San
Francisco the poles are about 130 ft. apart, and the total
distance over which power is transmitted is 154 miles, white the
maximum span reached hv aluminium conductors is 2,192 ft.
across the Niagara River. An interesting comparison can be
made with this equipment, for when copper was used the
average span was 75 ft., but since the adoption of aluminium
it has-been increased to 112.1 ft. In fact, the success obtained
bv the employment of aluminium for power transmission pur-
poses in the United States has led to its specification on
most of the more recent power schemes in that country.
It is true that for equal conductivity the tensile strength of
272
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
alumiiiiuin is oiilv three-quarters that of copper ; but alumi-
nium wei^'hs about one-half, and no diffieulties are experienced
in this direction, at anv rate for the larger sized wires. Greater
tensile strength, at the .expense of a c-ertain amount of con-
ductivity, mav be obtained by alloying the aluminium with
copper. Alloys equalling the strength of copper for e(,ual con-
ductivity with a reduction of from 1 to 2 per cent, in percentage
conductivity and an increase of about 2 per cent, in weight have
been produced. Experiments are being conducted in this
direction, and the results will be awaited with interest. A
comparison of the more important physical properties of alu-
minium and copper are given in the table below, and in this con-
nection it mav be mentioned that owing to the greater radiative
surface the C^R losses are likely to be less with alummiuru when
employed for overhead transmission work.
Table I.— Comparison oj the Physical Properties of Aluminiam and.
Copper Wire.
Copper 'Aluminium
wire. wire.
8'.)3
2-65
100
(il
1
1-64
1
1-28
1
0-495
1
0-46
1
0-7.5
Specific gravity
Conductivity
Section for equal conductivity
Diameter ., ..
Weight .. ..
Tensile strength for equal section
„ „ ,, conductivity
We have only so far discussed the adaptability of aluminium
to electric power transmission in relation to overhead lines.
With this system the increased section is, if anything, rather
an advantage, and the factor which requires most consideration
is the lower tensile strength of aluminium. When, however, we
come to consider its employment for cables, the larger diameter
for the same conductivity is a matter of great importance,
while the tensile strength is quite a secondary affair. Not only
docs the larger diameter of the insulation make the cable more
expensive, Ijut theoretical considerations also have decided
weight. Mr. W. Murray Morrison, in his Paper before the In-
stitution of Electrical Engineers* some years ago, showed that
with copper at lOd. per lb. aluminium wires insulated with paper,
lead covered and armoured, and of the same conductivity as
copper would have to be obtainable at from l-t-Sd. to 16-5d.
per lb., for sections equivalent to from 1 to 0-2 sq. in. of copper.
In vulcanised rubber cables there would be a saving in total
weight of about 15 per cent, on an average, but in lead-covered
cables the weight for equal conducfivity would be increased by
an almost similar amount, the weight of the insulation and
sheathing forming on this type of cable a large percentage of
the whole. Now, taking the price of aluminium at the present
time as £6-") per ton, or rather under 7d. a pound, it is obvious
that cables of this metal are from this point of view quite a
commercial proposition, and considerable development may
be looked for in this direction in the near future.
The fact that the insulation is stressed by amounts which
vary inversely as the distance of the point considered from the
copper core has a bearing on the problem, and Mr. O'Gorman
has pointed out that for a given voltage a certain cross-
section of copper gives the cheapest cable. It may, however,
occur that it is more economical, especially in high voltage
transmission, to use aluminium instead of copper. This fact
was pointed out by Mr. Morrison in the Paper already quoted,
and has recently received the attention of Herr Aptt who
arrived at the same conclusion from theoretical considerations.
The problem is of great interest both practically and theoreti-
cally, and may lead to the employment of aluminium cables for
extra high tension transmission in crowded areas where over-
head wires are not permissible.
We have dealt at some length with this matter, for it is one
of the most pregnant of those at present exercising the brains
of electrical engineers. Besides, its application in power trans-
mission aluminium is being more and more employed for indus-
trial purposes, and though in this way its properties are also
brought to the notice of the electrical engineer, a discussion on
these more properly belongs to the next section of this article.
The Use oj Aluminium for Othr than Electrical Purposes.—
In dealing with this subject we are rather in the position of the
examinatTon candidate, who in three hours is expected to write
an account of '' The Various Causes which led to the Adoption
of the present Parliamentary system in England." Its scope
is exceedingly wide, and we can only deal with the various ways
in which aluminium may be employed in quite a cursory fashion.
It may broadly be stated that the use of aluminium possesses
advantages in many cases where brass or steel are at present
employed and where little question of stress or strain is involved.
It has' already received a wide application in motor car work
for the construction of gear boxes and for the more decorative
parts of the equipment. It possesses the useful property of
being easily worked and its cost of upkeep is less than if iron,
brass or steel were employed. Its greater lightness allows the
dead weight above the centre of gravity of the car to be mate-
rially reduced. It is also employed in textile work for nume-
rous moving parts, such as bobbins and rollers. By this means
a large saving in power can be effected owing to the greater
lightness of the parts. We have not yet heard that it has been
employed as material for the conduits used in electrical work,
but it might very well be, as it can be worked just as easily as
the various materials now used, and the rust demon which is
now so often present would be set at rest once and for all.
Again, as a material for household work it should, if judged on
its merits, obtain great vogue. It is lighter and easier to keep
clean than iron ; soap and water are all that are required,
while it possesses none of the dangers of copper. The list might
be extended indefinitely, and anyone who considers the matter
can immediately call to mind a number of cases where aluminum
might be substituted for other metals.
Aluminium also finds employment in other directions than
those of a purely constructional nature. For instance, when
reduced to a fine powder it is greatly used, especially on the
Continent, as the chief constituent of aluminium paint. Its
great affinity for oxygen is made use of in the " Thermit "
welding process, while the same property is employed in
'" Ammonal," a high explosive consisting of an intimate mixture
of aluminium powder and ammonium nitrate. This explosive
possesses the advantage of being practically innocuous except
when actually required for use, and its action is very local.
(To be continued.)
CORRESPONDENCE.
• The Electrician. Vol. XLVIII., p. 389. + /Jid., Vol. LXI., p. 692.
WIRELESS TELEPHONY.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ELECTRICIAN.
Sir : A reply to Major S. Flood Page's interesting letter
(The Electrician, September 4, 1908) has been delayed,
awaiting the completion of the publication of the article and
possible further criticisms.
The historical section of the Paper was prepared with the
greatest care, and every attempt was made to secure absolute
accuracy. In order to avoid any possibility of bias, as is
stated in the preface, only published results were referred to,
and any expression of personal opinion was avoided and all
references were carefully checked. Also, as stated in the
preface, except in a few cases, no reference was made to work
done which consisted merely of the repetition of already
published results.
This historical sketch will form an introduction to a small
treatise which I propose publishing on the theory and prac-
tice of wireless signalling, and in order to have this as accurate
and authoritative as possible, I shall be much obliged to any-
one who will inform me of any omissions or corrections.
The following is a list of those already noted :
1. The reference to Profs. Thomson and Houston should
be properly placed as regards date.
2. Much of Rosenschild's Paper appeared in Poggendorff's
" Annalen," Vol. XLIII., p. 193, 1838.
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
273
:5. Popoft's 1H95 work with the filings coherer appears to
have been anticipated by Le Eoyer and Von Berchem who
prior to April, 1S!»4, used such a filings coherer at distances
up to 25 metres for measuring the wavelengths of Hertzian
oscdlations. The Paper is published in the "Aichives des
Sciences Physiques et Naturelles," Geneva, 3rd Period
Vol. XXXL, p. 55.S, 1H94.
■1. The use of a resonance circuit for govcrniug, as described
111 connection with the high-frequency generator, has been
found to have been anticipated by JMiller, U S. Patent No
559,187, February 25, 1896.
5. The u^e of helium with an arc for generating high fre-
quency oscillations has been found to have been anticipated
by the Tclefunken Company, German patent No. 193 ;3->7
July 22, 189G. ' ' '
As regards Mr. Marconi's work, so far from slighting it a=
Major Page supposes, I really gave it in my article considerably
more importance than it was really entitled to in comparison
with the work of other inventors. For example, I referred to
Marconi's provisional .specification, although this, being merely
a repetition of results already published one or more years
previously by other inventors, might properly liave been
omitted. Again, I referred to the magnetic receiver as follows :
" In 1902 Marconi invented a very ingenious form of current-
oiierated receiver called the magnetic detector," and I pur-
posely omitted to state that the U.S. Patent Ottice had de-
cided in U.S. Interference No. 22,3G0 that this magnetic
detector was fiist invented, constructed and used by the
writer, but that the writer's failure to promptly file his appli-
cation, due to the fact that he had developed it further than
Marconi and ascertained that since it depended on hysteresis
which necessarily distorted the wave shape, it could not at
the same time be sensitive and adapted to shari^ tuning, was
in effect an abandonment of the invention, and th.it the patent
must therefore be credited to Marconi.
It will be noted that Major Page's criticisms are merely
statemcn's, and that he gives no references or cviden, e to
sui'port them. For example, he says :—
As a matter of fact and one that is well known, Marconi l.ad been
rthcT;™,'kers" '" ^^^ ^■' '■""'' ^'"^' "' "^""°' ^^^^' ^°' ^^''"^ of all the
Major Page gives no evidence in support of this, and it is
not well known or a matter of fact, hi Equity suit No S -1 1
the Marconi Company against the De Forest Company M,,'
com s personal testimony covers nearly 300 pages, and he had
every incentive to demonstrate this, but failed, being unable
to produce any evidence whatever.
Major Page has carefully selected extracts from the decision
ot Judge lownsend, so I will content my.self with nuotin.-
trom Judge lownsend's decision, p. 2S, as follows :—
Mmconi testifies that in 1895 he con.structed apparatus bv whi..h
>n ell g.ble mes.sages were sj.ccessfully tran,smitted and received nnto
a distance of 2 nu es. In this discussion, however, in the absence of
sa isfactory corroboration of .said testimonv, tlie date of inventio
.J«,^2!l896." ■' "" "'"' °^ '^^ ^^'"'S "^ '''^ J^"««'' Intent!
Even if Marconi's statements were true, it would not imply
that he was, as Major Page states, "ahead of all the other
workers in IS95. Lodge had the year previously, /.,-., in
1S94, constructed substantially the same apparatus, and
transmitted up to a distance of half a mile. Careful exami-
nation of the records seems to show conclusively that when
he came to Lnglaml in IS96 the only improvement which he
had made, or considered that he had made, consisted of a
somewhat more .sensitive filings coherer to that previously
n, i7r , n!x> ! X'!^ '^'''■^' experiments made by Marconi
for the Brmsh Post Office on Salisbury Plain, his apparatus
vas substantially identical with that used by Lodge in h!s
lectures several years previously. If he was, even in 1896,
tar ahead of all the other workers," it is remarkable that he
should not have disclosed this when he had every inducement
to do so.
Major Page states : —
tfaJt^'he 'rnvi-'"' 1''''='"'?2*« '"■'de i"the same paragraph, suggesting
and Pono^ff h r I ^'';^".fi«'-^t,on only contained that whicrLodge
fairness ""^ ^' '"'■«*"'<^-'l' ^^-hioh may be questioned as 1o
In this, again, my statement is sustained by Judge Towns
end, who in his decision say?, p. 29 :
If, now we examine the patent in suit in the liglit of this discus.
s,on, we shall hnd that every element of the claims in suit is taken
from the pnor art. The " signalling " and •' receiving instruments "
i^^pS^'Tk" \°r ■'"■'°."^ apparatus from Italbear in 1882 to Popofi
in 1895 ; the Morse key is specifically referred to by Dolbear, Edison
a.Kl Kitsee, and is suggested by Lodge ; the spark gap, invented by
Ponoff .hn«qrR^ *?' "1!'^'' oscillations, is found in Lodge and
1 opoflf; the 1891 Branley coherer or "imperfect electrical contact,"
comprising a tube with hlings, audits operation by means of a tapper,
are elaborately ex|.Iained in Lodge's lecture, and utilised by PopoJi
ily I'rX''™^" ' ''"" "'=^°'''"g'=o''s " a'-e illustrated and described
The "insulated conductors," described and shown as comprising
elevated plates suspended on wires, were shown in Dolbear, Edtson and
It further appears^ that Marconi's apparatus at first worked imper-
fectly, and that up to 1898 or 1899, when he intro,luced various im-
provements, .so»«« of,rl,ich inrolred mdkal rhany,., he failed to estab-
lish communication for greater distances at most than 30 or 40 miles
Also, p. 48 :—
But claim 1 is a new broad claim, which in terms covers every form
ot inipertect contact in every possible kind of svstem for producing
signals by means of Hertz oscillations. In view 6l the limitations im-
posed upon the Marconi coherer by the disclosures of Branley, Popoff
and Lodge, such a generic claim, much broader than those of the
original patent for which it seems to have been substituted, should not
be permitted when the etfect would be to enlarge the scope of the
original invention.
ill the original patent, as alre.ady shown, Marconi limited most of
his claims to a combination in a receiver for electrical oscillations of
his coherer, consisting of a tube and powder and mcj^ns for shaking
the powder. But inasmuch as this had been disniosed bv prior publica-
tions, he applied for the re-issue, and now, by claim l,"has attempted
to cover, as shown above, not merely the coherer of his former claims
or any such coherer in a receiver, or a coherer with means for shaking
the povder therein, but every form of imperfect contact device pre-
viously disclosed by others or which might be thereafter discovered,
whenever combined with any electrical signal apparatus using Hertz
ascillations. This claim, if allowed, wouhf ajiparentlv cover the prior
devices of Lodge and Popofi; the latter of which is claimed to have
necessitated the disclaimer and re- issue.
A decree n,ay bo entered dismissing the bill (us to claims 1, 8, 10 and
2a and for an injunction and an accounting as to claims 3 and 5, com-
plainant to recover one-half of its costs.
It is quite characteristic of the general methods of the Mar-
coni Company that this part of Judge Townsend's opinion
should not have been referred to, but only extracts picked out
that could be twisted so as to apparently construe Judge
Townsend's decision as holding that Marconi was a pioneer in-
ventor.
I regard as highly improper the way in which the Marconi
Company has endeavoured to belittle and slur over the work
of those men to whom the success of wireless telegraphy is
really due, and more j)articularly the work of the early pioneers
in that field.
Major Page appears to have confused prominence in com-
mercial advertising and exploitation with prominence in scien-
tific and technical work. — I am, &c.,
IvEGIN.VLD A. FkSSKXDEX.
Brant Eock, Mass.,U.S.A., Nov. 7.
PENNY-A-WORD TELEGRAMS \\TTHIN THE
EMPIRE
The following letter appeared in the "Standard" of the
19th inst. :—
Sir : My attention has just been drawn to a rejiort in the " Standard "
of Nov. 12 of the address lately given by Mr. .1. Hennikcr Heaton, M.P.,
before the members of the Royal Colonial Institute, regarding his pro-
|iosal for thi> csfnlilishmcnt of a "' pcnny-a-word " telegraphic rate to all
jiarts of tlif Kni|iir<'. The report includes a reference to an interview
bflw.'cn yniir ii|ir.-si-ntative and .Mr. Marconi, also .Mr. Bradticld.
ni.iniL'rr mI (he .Marocmi Telegraph Co. .Mr. Brndlield informed your
n |iii ~i 111 iiu ( that the rca.son of the whole ditlioulty in regard to high
. :il.|i , li ir:;i - is the neglect of the cable companies to keep abreast of the
limes. iiH-mioning as an instance of this the slow methods of signalling
in vogue, the Kelvin siphon rcconlcr being for long distances capablt —
Mr. Bradfield believed — of only soiuctliiiig like 2"i words a minute. That
this is an extremely serious undtrstatcnient of actual cable .signalling
performances may be proved by data given by me in letters published in
The Electrici.vx, the " Electrical Review " and the " Electrical Engi-
neer ■" of Jlay 2!l of the current year.
Regarding the Pojlak-Virag electrical photographic writing telegraph,
which, Jlr. Bradfield states, has been offered to the cable companies,
Mr. Bradfield. who quotes the speed claimed for this remarkably inge-
nious combination of telephone diaphragms and mirrors as 400 words a
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
Vinig apparatus ov.t the Atlantic or Pa. , h M ;,;/ fj^n so ma.st.r.
acoomplmying ocmdiUonB of •;« heavy ... M at.on ^^._^^^
fully dealt with by the late Lord KeUui in m^ ui\i nuon
iinri the sinhon recorder receivers. ,i,.*,, (,,r
Tie figures 400 words per minute would appear to.haye done duty for
some 12 ve-frs past. In 1896. Mr. Henniker Heaton. m" Ca«se ' s M.ig. -
zr-" stated that he had seen an apparatus that would work at a rate of
4S0 wo ds per minute through an Atlantic ''^ble, through which Mr^
HennTer Heaton owned, a maximum of 45 words was, by ord may
":"hod:! sometimes reached. In these days of V^^^^^;:^^'^^;
•ind Mr S. G. Brown's speed improvement devices, Mr. Henmker "eat"" ^
"«" still constitutes in under-statement. As to the 400 words pc
minute hrough an Atlantic cable, a duly accredited record of specimens
,f there signafs or letters would constitute an interesting item m the pages
of the teclmical Press. , • i c tu
Mr RaymoiKl-Barker has written us on the subject ot the
above letter, complaining that, owing to the omission of a
portion of his letter, his reference to Mr. Bradfield s remarks
are weakened. The omitted paragraph was as follows :—
As one interested in the teclmical branches of submarine cable and
wireless telegraphy, I notice with regret that partisans of the wireless
section of this fascinating branch of applied science not mfrequen ly
underrate the performances of its elder sister cable branch m a manner
by no means in accordance with facts.
Mr. Raymond-Barker's letter to ourselves continues : —
At the Royal Colonial Institute meeting on Nov. 10, notwithstanding
Mr G. R. Neilson's previous emphatic repudiation of the Folte,k-\ irag
apparatus as a system feasible through long subnmrine cables Mr Henmker
Heaton, in the course of his final remarks, said :— I will ask you in a
minute just to see this wonderful process of the carrymg capacity ot the
.■ables and I think Mr. PoUak-Vii-ag will reproduce a considerable part
of our speeches for exhibition on this splendid apparatus, which can be
used for wireless as well as for submarine messages." Not only is Mr.
Heaton misinformed as to the adaptability of the PoUak-Vurag system
to long submarine cable work, but he apparently is not awa»e that the
Pollak-Vu-ag system requires a double telegraph Ime. In other words
granting, for the sake of argument, that the Pollak-Vii-ag is a practical
system for submarine work {which it is not), each cu-cuit would myolve
tiie use of two cables looped, or of one double core cable, the loop m either
case being earthed at both terminal stations.
Clearly, then, even in the case of overhead landlines, the traffic output
of a Pollak-Virag two-wire circuit ought to be compared with the output,
not of another single wii-e. but of other two wires, each one of which, let
it be remembered, might be worked by the British High-Speed Wheat-
stone automatic duplexed or even quadruplexed. In the United States
I have seen the Wheatstone automatic system harnessed to a typewi-itmg
keyboard and receiver, and made to work as an extremely high speed
typewriting telegraph. Kach circuit consisted of a single line, and the
signals came out in plain Roman characters without the disadvantage
necessarily attaching to the developing of signals recorded photographi-
cally on sensitised paper as in the Pollak-Virag apparatus.
I yield to none in my admiration of the subtle and beautiful technical
design iiivolvi'd in this last-mentioned apparatus. What I do protest
iii,'.iiii-<i is 111.' . .111.1. iiniation of the cable companies for non-adoption of
tiu- r..ll:ik \ iiMi; ,i|i|i:ijatus, and this by persons unacquainted with the
ti-.lini.:il i.i|iiiivni.iiis of cable working. — Yours, &c.,
Uimblid..ii, Nov. 24. E. Raymond-Barkkr.
THE INSTITUTION AND OTHER SOCIETIES.
At the meeting on Thursday last week, Col. R. E. Crompton,
C.B., the retiring president, after presenting the awards and
premiums for the previous session (a list of these appeared in
our issue of May 29th last), vacated the chair in favour of the
new president, Mr. W. M. Mordey. A vote of thanks to Col.
Crompton for the way in which he had filled the position of
president during the past year was then proposed by Sir John
(iavey, C.B., who mentioned that Col. Crompton had under-
taken the duties at a time when lie had a very large number
of onerous calls upon his time. The vote of thanks was
seconded by Mr. R. Kaye Cray, and after a few remarks by
Mr. W. M. Mordey, the resolution was carried by acclamation.
Col. Crompton, in replying, mentioned that he thought the
steps the Council had taken during his term of office were a
distinct advance, and that they had .acted wisely in obtaining a
new home.
Mr. W. M. Mordey then delivered his inaugiual address, an
abstract of which will be found elsewhere in this issue. Sub-
sequently Col. Crompton proposed a vote of thanks to Mr.
Mordey for his address, which he considered very patriotic,
and Dr. Gisbert Kapp, in seconding, described the address as
not only patriotic but scientific. Dr. Kapp was also able, since
he had lived in Germany for 1 1 years, to support Mr. Mordey
in saying that the cost of production of electricity in Germany
was greater and the consumption per "'hfitant smaller than
in this country. Mr. Mordey, in reply, thanked those mem-
bers who had drawn his attention to the disparaging state-
ments made in this country, and referred to the hdp he had
received from his assistants, Mr. Levin and Mr. Haslam in
collecting and tabulating the information given in his address.
Manchester Section.
Owing to Mr. Cramp's Paper on "The Electrical Di^scharge
and the Manufacture of Nitrogen Compounds having been ac-
cepted by the Council for reading in Lomlon on December 1 / th,
it cannot be read at Manchester until December 15th, and is,
therefore, postponed till that date. Messrs. A P. M. 1 leming
and K. M:Faye-Hansen have, however, kindly consented to
read their Paper on " Transforraeis ; Some Theoretical and
Practical Considerations" before the Section on December 1st
instead of on December 15th as previously announced.
Glasgow Students' Section.
At a meeting of this section of the Institution held on
Friday evening last Mr. G. L. Black read a Paper on " Some
Phases of Mains Testing." Several methods were described
for the detection of faults, including various modifications of
the loop test and the method of using a motor-generator, the
motor of which is designed to run at the mains voltage. Ihe
method of fault signalling by means of a pilot wire, as
employed in Berlin, was also described. After a short discus-
sion on the Paper a series of lantern slides was shown illus-
trating various accessories in use in the Glasgow Corporation
Electricity Department.
University of London, University College.
The annual dinner of the Old Students' Association of Uni-
versity College, London, will take place at the College on
Monday, December 7th, under the presidency of Prof. J. T.
Morris. Among the guests who have already accepted invita-
tions are Sir Alex. Binnie, Sir Alex. Kennedy, F.R.S., Prof.
J. A. Fleming, F.R.S., and Mr. Charles Hawksley. As this
year's president i.s a former engineering student, it is hoped
that as many old engineering students as can possibly do so
will make a point of attending. The secretary for the dinner
is Mr. D. B. Byles, 36, Hamilton-road, Harrow.
Rugby Engineering Society.
The members of this Society will come up to London on
Saturday next, November 28th, and will pay visits to the Fisher-
street substation of the Metropolitan Electric Supply Co.,
to the Taylor's-laue, Willesden, station of the North Metro-
politan Electric Supply Co., and to the power station of the
Central London Railway at Shepherd's Bush. One party
will visit the first and either the second or third of these
stations, while another will visit the second and third stations.
PHYSICAL SOCIETY.
A meeting cf this Society was liekl on November 13. at University.
College, by kind permission of Prof. F. T. Trouton, F.R.S.. under the
presidency of Dr. C. C'luee, F.R.S. In a note on the
" Photo-Electric Properties of Potassium Sodium Alloy."
Dr. Fleming, F.H.S.. said that it was well known that under the
action of ordinary and ultraviolet light the electro-positive metals lost
a negative charge of elect rieity, the effect being most marked in the
case of rubidium, potassium and the liquid alloy of potassium and
sodium. Dr. Fleming described a method of making a tube in which
potassium and sodium could be melted together and then decanted
over into a chamber containing a platinum plate, so that a mass of the
liquid potassium-sodium alloy having a perfect . clean surface, and tho
platinum plate fixed above it in an inclined position, could be con-
structed. Contact was made with both plate and alloy by platinum
wires. By illuminating the alloy by a jjowerful beam of light an
electromotive force varying from 0'4 to (t'S volt was produced by the
action of the light alone. This photo-electric effect was, however,
dependent on the colour of the light, being greatest in the case of violet
light with the potassium-sodium alloy ; but a very thin sheet of
yellow glass cut off the effect entirely. Fvirther, this electromotive
force was a maximum when a beam of polarised light was used whose
plane of polarisation was perpendicular to the plane of incidence of the
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
light and was greatly diminished by even a feeble magnetic field
paralle o the surface of the alloy. This photo-electromotive force
was additive and a cell formed by a number of such tubes could be used
to rectify high frequency currents, though the action was inferior to
that of the author s oscillation valve. It was shown that the photo-
electric effect could not be identical with the volta contact E.M F and
wasprobably due in the case of potassium to the violet rav emitted bv
^at metal vvhen heated. Some points of interest in connection
with radio telegraphy were then discussed. It has been shownTat
dust-free an- is not ionised by ultra violet light, so that if absorption of
teTo7rr7""^'''"''^\'''''"""' "f ^'■^'^'""^ it might arise from
the photo-electric action of the light on the dust particles.
The author in reply to Prof. S. P. Thompson stated that sodium
was most sensitive to yellow light. ^ <" M.uium
A paper entitled
" Electric Splashes on Photographic Plates "
was read by Jfr. A. W. Porter. The author showed by means of
t ansparenc.es the effect of a normal magnetic field upon the patterns
terminals between which a sudden discharge pa.ssed. The figm-es
produced appeared to be independent of thf Jofu.n of the chame
conveyed along them, or else these moving charges had a very lar'e
encos^rJa'f) "t *'"": '^'^ "^"'''^ obtaiied varied wfth the
rte n.n?fr 1 *'^^°^g^t«'e terminal was on the sensitive side of
the plate though no variation was noticed when the poles werereversed
In reply to Prof. S P. Thompson the author said that the effect did
IfrT W P T'.r '""f "-^'r ''' '''' Pl^otographic plate,:
^^ iMr. A. W. Porter then showed an experiment
'^On an Anomaly in the Lagging of Thin Wires and Narrow Pipes '
?uc*viTv of it' ""? ""? r ""i'"^' '-'"''"^ "i"^' "-' f '- -t'o of the coii-
o,Xr . ^ "''"''"''' '° ^^'^ emi.ssivity from its surface wliicii the
wM. alll , t^o narrow st«am pipes were shown, one coated
coS ^tf^r ^"^''"'', P'P''^ ^°^' ''^^ '"^"'' ^'^ ^ -«-v thick
escape of hett T"- "'^""'"l""* '" "^^^ P°«'^^ °f preventing the
3 . t f" ." Mtern.ed.ate thickness of coating woulffhave
made a worse-lagged pipe than either of them.
Other papers read were " On the Rate oi Growth of Visccitv in
Congealing Solut ons," by Mr. A. O. Rankine, and • No4 ,n the
Recombination of Ions in .4dr,-' by Dr. PhUlips.' Prof. F T Tn utgn
wmcn must subsist between the concentration and temperature of a
irbed'nert" ""' 'f' '''^^ ^•^'^'^' "^ "- -"u^" - St b^
275
LIGHTING.'
BY PKOF. H. BOHLE.
fufrrenteTco!;';/^'^'.'' ""'-^ '" considered under four headings : (1)
SnTt^*nof bu t'^ "n)outIT-il""-"'/'^ illumination ; (2) LI
photometers. ""''"'=' ' '•■^^ ""t^'"^^'^ iIlMinmo.tion ; and (4) iUumination
The iUumination E of a surface by a source of light of intensity I
is expressed by E^-^^. ,-here 0 is the angle of the incident
rays with tlie normal to the illuminated area, and R the distance of
oreTbVhTto H."^% " ' "'. ^'^•^ '-^"^'^ °f the norL;trthe
thrtrJ f J '"''^^'^^' ^"'l » th'^ distance of a point P from
the trace^of the normal, then^the illumination at P is given by
^^{a^+¥p^' ''"'''' °°^^=7J^- Suppo.se a lamp has to illumin-
putting -=0, we find a= v U or k^O-la. We see then that to
Tamn sb*n,?lH^''fi""f ''°'",'"' """'■ *'^^ ^"'''"mference of the table the
Xle rf u "^ "' "" ^'''«^^ °f O-' r^»'S above the centre of e
'^ tIS;^r^sr^i^S;''T"" T^'"' the circull^Jrei
a shade above the Xe of feht The°b "^.^ ™^T" ^'' ^"^^
intportance for the unrn^iif o'f the -liTnlti '^ tth^: S
t.on^^properly designed^reflectors. the polar curves oHnost^amps
may be varied more or less at will, and a uniform illumination from a
single lamp is quite possible.
The area ivliich can be effectively illuminated by a single lamp
depends upon the size of the lamp, it. height above the sm-fSe to^:.^
lUummated and the illumination requh-cd. For glow lamps, tl!^
ratio I is on the average limited to l-.",, for arc lamps to 3-0.
plotetfetb 7f 'u" ".'"""°**'«'^ gi^'<^" '^y two lamps, the author
plots for each the illumination curve and adds the ordinates ; he
aso con.siders analytically the illumination between the lamps
&uppo.sing now that a place has to be illuminated uniformlyT/ a
number of lamps. The best results are obtained by Tr^LgLg
the lamps at the corners of equilateral triangles, or parallel tolhf
boundaries especially if the latter be square shaped
It IS of course impossible to obtain a perfectly uniform illumination.
If, however, the polar curves are constructed, and if the ratio ? is
somewhat standardised, and more method is applied to the maL
facture of reflectors, whereby the polar curves of the exktin' Sean-'
descent and arc lamps are altered more or less to the theoretTca
feTeaUyr;;^:^:^ '' °"'^'°- -^ '"^- iI.un>ination~rJ
niunnnation, of Baikluujs.-The methods previously described
enable us to determine the illumination of any given room or spaV?
With an Illumination of 50 luxt we read as fast as in davli/ht^ In
no case should the same be less than 10 luxt if the eye is to be worked
For a genera illumination 7 to 10 luxt are sufficient. The ifiuTnina:
tion IS usually requu-ed in a horizontal plane one metre aboT"he
floor (table height). In picture galleries, however, most .,? thllight
i.s requ^ed on surrounding walls, and the fixing of the lights, and the
calculation of the illumination should be ma<ie accordingly For a
uniform cLs ribution it is advi.sable to employ a large number of smaU
lamps suitably distributed over the whole ceiling. The best arran-^e
ment consists, as has already been shown, in pla^cing the llmi at the"
ZIZ f f,'*"''^^«^^' ?"^"g'««- » along {he sides of rectangles
parallel to the sm-rounding walls. A very uniform illumination Is
obtained by the employment of inverted arcs. The illumination then
approaches that by daylight. If a white ceiling f't ayaHaEl"
mverted lamps may still be u.sed by employing suitable reflectors
by the employment of this indirect method
When the illumination takes plaee with lamps arranged in clusters
^ve may treat these as single lamps with a iean spherical candle-
ovver equal to the sum, less a certain percentage. The lo.ss is caused
lamn Vr 1 .°°' vi' '"'?' "'^ ^^''^ "^ *''^ '"'^'^t from the other
f P- . f or cjusters with two lamps we deduct about 12 per cent
for 3 lights 10 per cent., for 4 lights 18 to 20 per cent, from^.he .1.
As clusters of glow lamps are often arranged under a common re-
flector, the distribution of the light is considerably altered In such
cases the polar curve of the whole cluster should be plotted The
horizontal distribution of clusters consisting of more than two lights
IS practically uniform. ^
It is, of coiu-se, impossible to exactly pre-caleulate the illumina-
tion of any place, since a great deal depends unon the nature of the
walls and ceilings, as well as upon the colour of tiie furniture. Accord-
ing to Dr. Sumpner, a yellow paper reflects on the average 40 iier
cent., a blue one 25 per cent., a brown one 13 jier cent., a clean white-
wash, 40 per cent., and a diity white-wash 20 per cent, of the lii'ht
VV hen a room has to be illuminated with glow lamps to a given degree
m a prescribed plane, it is advisable to neglect the reflection and to
calculate the illumination for a dead black room. At first the resul-
tant illumination will be greater than the specified value, but as most
of modern glow laiujis reduce in candle power with age. the resul-
tant illumination will gradually chop to the required value. Some
idea of what the illummation per square metre of floor space should
be may be gathered from the following figures, recommended by the
A. E.G. Co. Private houses: — drawing room 4 to 5 c.p.. dining
room 3 to 3-5 c.p., bedioom 1-5 to2c.p., kitchen 1 to 2 c.p. Shops:
counter 4 to 7 c.j)., stores 3 to 3-5 c.j)., offices 5 to 6 c.j>. Hotels :
concert halls 9 to 13 c.p., private rooms 2 to 4 c.p., meeting rooms 3
to 7 c.p. The height of lamps in rooms less than 4-5 metres high is
usually 2 to 2-5 metres. For rooms more than 7 metres, the con-
venient height is 0-4 times that of the room. For factory yards we
instal 0-3 to 0-5 c.p. per square metre of floor space, for railway
stations 0-5 to 1 c.p., market halls 1-5 to 2-a c.p., factories (general)
2 to 3 c.p.
Outdoor IHuminalioji.— Streets and squares are illuminated so as
to enable people to recognise one another, to distmguish objects on
the ground, and to read an address in at least some parts of the
illuminated area. From this it might appear that a vertical plane
would be best for testing the illumination. Against this stands the
t Candle- metres.
F 2
276
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
ficl that a vertical plane may have different positions witli regard to
the incident rays, in «ome of whieh it miglit receive light from one
source only, or from none at all, even though several sources take
part in the illumination of the region into which the plane has been
.laced These disadvantages obtain more or less also for mclmed
planes so that the horizontal alone is left, in which street lightmg can
be properly tested and in which it should be judged The illummation
on a plane 1 metre from the ground will be considered. The illumma-
tion of a street or square is usually judged by that of the darkest part,
, e. by its minimum. This appears to be hardly correct for avenues
which contain rows of trees, and would be unfair to the contractor.
At the same time we must not judge the lighting by the maxmuim
illumination as this would be unfair to the public, smce with a satis-
factory ma.ximum illumination some parts of the illuminated area
may be in comparative darkness. The illumination should be
judged by the average value, and the uniformity of the lighting is
expressed by the ratio of maximum illumination to the mean and by
tlie ratio of "the minimum to the mean. . The more these two factors
approach unity, the greater is the uniformity of the illumination. It
has already been shown how this result can be obtained.
Large squares and wide streets are best illuminated by arc lamps
fixed about 15 metres above the ground. The best height would be
0-7 times the distance between adjacent lamps, but in this case we
should get poles 30 and more metres high. In .squares the lamps
are best arranged at the corners of equilateral triangles ; for strccls,
above the middle of the road, if possible. The average illumination
for main thoroughfares should not be less than I candle-metre, for
side streets it is often less than a tenth of this.
The determination of the average illumination may be accom-
)ilished by plotting illumination curves in various directions, and
taking tlie mean value. Such a method is, however, extremely
laborious. It is simplified by the assumption that the lights are
symmetrical, and as most arc lamps are surrounded by diffusing
globes, and as glow lamps, are usually covered with shades, the error
thereby introduced is not so very great, espeoially as in any case
aj.proximate results can be expected only. The method is further
simplified by dividing the street into a number of .small squares.
For the coutre of each we determine with the aid of the polar curves
the resultant illumination of all lamps taking part in its illumination,
Mii.l ;ili.i«ar(ls take the mean result. The method is not as labo-
rious I II ,i|.pcarsatfirstsight, especially it all the liimiis are equally
sijiirril, I.I the same type, and erected on poles of similar height. It
is at least, useful to check results of completed installations.
Br. Bloch advocates a further simplification (Elektrotechnisc.he
Zeitschrift, 1906, p. 493). The street is divided into a number of
equal squares so that each one receives one lamp or bracket, placed
in the centre. The area of each square is then changed into an equal
cu-cular one, and it is assumed that no other lamp takes part in the
illumination. This introduces two errors. By changing the rect-
angle into a circle and calculating the average illumination for the
lallcr, we obtain a value slightly too large. On the other hand, by
neglecting the light from other sources, we obtain the average value
somcH-hat too small. Both errors partly neutralise one another, the
remainder may be expres.sed by a factor K with which the calculated
average value has to be multiplied in order to obtain the actual
average illumination. Dr. Bloch gives the value (for street lighting)
distance between lamps
of K- l-2-()lX, where X = .^SFirof-street " ^^^ '^'^*^"''^
between the lamps is measured in the direction of the street, even if
the lamps are staggered.
The author then works out the average mean horizontal illumina-
tion of a circular area, and gives two examples showing the applica-
tion of the results.
Illumination Photometers. — These may be divided into two classes :
(I) diffused reflection, and (2) diffused transmission photometers.
The author then describes Weber's photometer, Brodhun's street
photoiiiitcr, Mnit.Mi's illumination ]ihotoiiieter. Trotter's universal
photoinclri. aiiil I'lbiicht's inteu'iator or spherical photometer, and
also luctlioils iit measuring mean horizontal candle-power.
work, and this has, of course, included telephone ^^^''t The latent of
these is a ten pair submarine cable manufactured for The Bell Tele-
phone Co., of Canada. In this cable each conductor is composed of
3/22 S.W;G. tinned copper wires which are insulated with pure and
vulcanised India rubber and taped with waterproof tape These
conductors are then twisted into pairs, cabled together with anned
jute wormings and covered with tanned jute yarn. The cable thus
formed is further protected with 27 galvanised u-on wires each 0 238
in. in diameter. The whole is then served overall with two heavy
coverings of prepared jute and impregnated with waterproof com-
pounds. The overall diameter of the finished cable is 2 j m.
LARGE SUBMARINE TELEPHONE CABLE.
Tlic great development w liich has been effected in recent years in
long-distance telephony has resulted in much interesting a])paratus
being designed and jmt to work. As far as we can see there is not
raueli likelihood of any alteration in this desirable state of things,
for there is still a great deal being done in this direction with, we hope,
beneficial results to all concerned.
Among the firms who are justly renowned for their specialities in
this direction are Messrs. W. T. Henley's Telegraph Works Co. They
have long been known both in this country and abroad for their cable
VIP SUBMARINE CABLE
'^ S ' 8
CfOSJWEICH'iCToNS
A Lakoe Cable Drum for IOpair Submarine Telephose Cable.
As was only natural such a cable required a good sized drum for its
transportation. The longest length shipped on one drum was
4,260 ft., and for this purpose the ch-ura shown in the accompanying
illustration was employed. It measured 1 1 ft. in height and 7 ft. in
width, the weight being 16 tons gross. This cable is laid under the
Quebec or 8t. IjawTcnce River between Quebec and Levi.s.
THE "EXIDE" ACCUMULATOR.
At a very appropriate time, considering that the Olympia Motor
Exhibition was in full swing, the Chloride Electrical Storage Co.
issued a pamphlet dealing with then- " Exide " accumulator.
'Exide" Accumulator.
ignition and other
li' " plates of the
venting the active
which is, as is well known, specially ilesi.jia,! fo
portable purposes. In this cell sihm iil i;\i
" cage" type are used with the olijei t oi pi
material falling away from the grid. Tl
wood diaphragms which are previously submitted to special treat
ment to render them porous and to remove objectionable matter.
The cells are enclosed- in celluloid boxes and the terminal nuts are
ebonite in which a metal plate is moulded to secure good contact.
plates are se]iarated by
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 27. 1908.
277
It is intere.sting to note that the Society of Motor Manufacturers
and Traders have recently recommended that the capacity of a cell
should be taken at its 20 hour rate of discharge with an interval of
rest after 10 hours. The ignition capacity of the " Exide " cell is,
however, taken as double that of a continuous discharge at the 10
hour rate, which is naturally more severe than the above conditions.
In order, however, that a factor of safety may be allowed, the accu-
mulator is stated in the list to be in accordance with S.M.M.T. rating.
A view of an " Exide" accumulator is given in the accompanying
figure.
PARLIAMENTARY NOTICES.
The following official notices of intention to ap))ly tor I'arlia-
mentary Powers for Electricity Supply, Electric Traction. Ac. Imve
been published : — ■
PROVISIONAL ELECTRIC LIGHTING ORDERS.
Cleethorpex with Thru-nscoe (amendment of 1900 Order), Heme fSiiij
and Turton Urban Di-strict Councils Hindhead <t- District Electric Liijht
Co. {Ltd.) (for Hindhead and District), Macclesfield Electric Lic/ht A- Pmrrr
Co. {Ltd.) (for Mafdcsfield).
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY HILLS.
Mountain .-l.ili Urban District Council, for additional pnweis fur their
electricity undertaking, to supply tittinga on hire, to wire ])remis('s on the
pre])ayment system, to sti]i|ilv energy in Imlk outside disfrirt ;iii(l tor
traction. &r-.
H'r.ot Kent Kliclric I'owrr Co.. to t:d;e transfer of ■■crlain powers of the
Kent Electric Power Co. and of the Bromley Rural Distriet Eleetrie
Lighting Order of 190.3. &c.
■ North MetropoUtein Electric Power Supply Co., to supply electrical
energy in Hendon, Finchley, Friern Barnet, Hornsey,- Walthamstuw,
Chingford and VValtliam Cross, and for traction, and to authorised users,
&c.
To incorporate a enmpanv to aeipiire the Bnlli Corjinration eleetrieity
undertiikini;. lo r,,iiliii,i a-i'.-.inrni lietHr.n the ( ■.,r|ioral ion .,im! Mr. K.
Schenk. toeorilri I II, I I,, , |„,uia- i- l,.,lei In.lty sU|i|.ly. » n nm m| I >es.
siipjily of fitting-. I iiihLi of motors. Ar.. .ju lure, to enter uilo .iir.iiige-
meiiis «itli I lie S i-et & District Eleetrie Power Co., to supply clee-
trieii\ to til, I 1,1 |,,,,:iti,,M and the Bath Electric Tramways. Ltd.. &e.
Hrudjoid Col J,,, ration, to confer further powers as to sui>ply of ele<--
trieity in bulk, to make bye-laws as to electric fittings, kc.
TRAMWAY PROVISIONAL ORDERS.
Murvcamhe Ci>rporation, Portsmouth Corporation (Extensi.m). Klnl-
icorth Urban Council.
TRAMWAY BILLS.
Wid/'iKi 1^ frliin Council, to construct electric tramway.s, &e
J)iidl,ii 1 ',, 1 1„ ration, for further powers as to leasing their tramways
and liylit r,iil\\ays, &c.
Folkestone, Sundgatc <{.• Hylhe Tramways Co., to construct electric
tramways, to abandon portion of lines authorLsed by 1906 Act, to extend
time, &c.
Liverpool Corporation, to construct tramways in Liverpool and Huyton-
with-Roby, to run vehicles on railless .system on tramway routes and
elsewhere, &c.
Bradford Corporation, to construct new tramways, to confer further
powers as to carriage of goods and mineral traffic, to provide motor
omnibuses and work same on overhead system, &c.
Torquay Tramways Co. {Ltd.). to construct new tramways in Toniuay
and Paignton, to alter portions of existing lines, &c.
JOINT LIGHTING AND TRACTION BILLS.
Oldham. Corporation, to construct additional tramways, to su])ply
electricity to premises outside area of supply, to confer further provisions
as to the electricity imrlertakint;. &c.
Bury Corporation, to , ,,n^,,li(late. amend and repeal acts and orders,
to confer further |»,h, i~ a- t,, tramways and electricity supply, to pro-
vide for throii'_'li I,, ,,kni- ,,\, r traiinvays of Heywood and Rochdale, to
enable the (', ,r|",rai i,,ii I., I, t ,,n liii,' ,leetric motors and fittings, to make
bye-laws witli r, -|„ , i t,, , I, , tii, il linings, &c., to authorise the creation
of a muniei]ial lir,' in-uran, , Inml. ie.
Salford ('or|,,,iati,,n, i,, ,,,nstruet additional tramways, to use and
work motor ,,iniwl,n-,-- ,,ii ,,\eiliead system of traction, to make further
provision as to eleetiieity supply,' to restrict persons from supplying
electricity in areas stii)plied by Corporation, &,c.
MISCELLANEOUS BILLS.
Norlh-We.it London Raihouy Co.. to eimstruct new railway commeneing
by a junction with the L. & N.W. Rly. at Edgeware-road and terminating
by a juncti(m with the Baker Street & Waterloo Railway Co.. to extend
time. &c.
Application is intended to be made for a bill to empower the Railway
and Canal Commission to hear and determine all questions and matters
of difference which may arise in connection with certain indcntuies
(dated Feb. 2. 1005. and Aug. 8, 190.5) relating to the purchase by the
Postmaster- General of the plant, property and assets of the N.ationa!
Telephone Co.. to regulate the procedure of the Railway and Canal
Commission in relation to the determination of such differences atid
to confer such furtlier powers upon the Commission as may be neccss.uy.
Anglo-Argentine Tramways Co. (Ltd.) are promotmg a bill to reorganise
and rearrange the capital of the company. &c.
Manchester Corporation, to eonstniet new roads, to adopt the " track-
less trolley " system of traction, &c.
LIGHT RAILWAYS.
Middlesex County Council are applying for an order reviving certain
powers conferred by their Light Raihvay Orders of 1901, 1903 and 1906.
The Liijht Pm/u-ai/ A- '.', », nd Construction Co. are seeking an order to
construct four ien-jtlis ,,f l;-lit railway in Rhyl and Prestatra.
Cheltenham A- Ih.slnrI L,,,hi Rnilway Co. seek authority to amend their
1904 Order by allowing an increase of fares.
PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.
LONDON ELECTRIC SUPPLY BILLS.
The London Electric Sippi.y Bn.i..
On Thursday last week, Mr. B.iLFOiiR Browne. K.C, referring to the
instruction of the Hou.se nf Commons to the Select Committee that the
|iowers propo.sed by this Bill "shall be conferred also on the local authori-
ties who are authorised distributors in the .administrative Ccmnty of
London," said he lead this instrueticm to mean that there should be
powers given for linking up between companies and local authorities,
otherwise it would not lie neeessaiy to put it in his bill at all. What Mr.
Churehill wanted was that eveiytliiuf,' sliould be linked up everywhere.
Mr. Freeman (for London Ccninty Comieil) said he thought the inten-
tion was that the local authorities should lie put in the same positicm as
the companies. The only power proposed by the bill was that com-
panies should be able to link-up amongst them.selvcs. and the instruction
meant that similar powers were to Ije given to the local authorities, so
that they would be able to link-up amongst themselves. Further words
would be required if it were meant to link-up both the companies and the
local authorities.
Mr. Vesey Knox and Mr. Li.civd. K.C. cxprcsserl the same view as
.Mr. Balfour Browne.
The Chairman said the Committee would interpret the in.structinn in
the widest sense possible, and if the bill passed the iireamble he thought
they should go a little further. It was the intention of Parliament, if
powers were given to these companies to link-up, that there should be a
ireneral power giving authority to local authorities also to link-iip, and
ilso that there should be powers to link-uj) as between companies and
Icjeal authorities.
Mr. BAi.FOfR Browne said that, having regard to the fact that the
local authorities represented were in favour of linking up not only amongst
themselves but w'th the companies, he would have no objection. There
was another matter. It was desired by the President of the Board of
Trade that at some time the whole of the undertakings of the companies
should get into the hands of London County Coiineil. and not only that
but it was desired that they should come into the hands of the County
Council at some one particular time and the instruction was ■' that it be
an instruction to the Committee to which the hill is referred that they
have jiower to insert a provision constituting London County Council
the purchasing authority on equitable terms." It was for the Com-
mittee to consider whether they woidd substitute the L.C.C. for the local
authorities. Many of the companies were purehaseable in 1931. Two
of them, m the City, were purehaseable in 1914, and one, he believed, not
until 1940 or 1941. In all cases where purchase took place at an earlier
or later date than 1931 the purchase was on special terms. For instance.
( 'anibc-rwell could purchase at any time by giving £133 per £100 of capital
exix-nditure. If the Committee eoneluded that the L.C.C. should be
substituted, this did not matter to him. because he would be paid for Ins
undertakings by the L.C.C. just a-s he would be by the local authorities.
The local authorities might, however, resent the idea of having their
powers taken away from them. That was a matter more between the
L.C.C. and the local authorities rather than between his companies and
the local authorities. If the L.C.C. were substituted for the IcK-al autho-
rities there would be one obvious advantage, there would be no question
of severance of the various undertakmgs in London. There wotdd be
linked-up undertakings at that time, and the idea would be to conduct
them as one undertaking in the hands of the L.C.C. This mstruction
did not matter to him, because hLs companies were to be purchased " on
equitable terms." and. further than that, it was not one company that
woidd be ])urehased, but all the companies at the same time. There was.
of course, no intention on the part of the Government to allow the L.C.C.
to buy <me eompanv and comi)ete with another.
Mr." Freeman sa"id he read this instruction in a different sen.se. In
reaard to the last words of the instruction. " the purchasing authority on
equitable terms," as between the L.C.C. and the company, the L.C.C.
would be taking over the rights of the local authority, and the purchase
would be on the same basis as the local authority could purchase. The
County Council would be simply stepping into the local authorities'
shoes. . , 1 .. • j-a
Mr. Bai.foi'R Browne said that he read equitable terms in a diltc-
rent sense. When the time came he would be prepared to lay before the
Committee what his views were a.s to " equitable terms." These were
certainly not the terms of the Act of 1888. or the instruction would have
said so. He did not think they wouhl be less than the 1888 Act, because
278
THE ELECTKICIAN, NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
niuncy had l"'on burrowed (m the strenKth of that aot, ami he siigfestcd
that '• I'iMiitalili- terms " was something more than the 1S88 Act.
.Mr. Bi.i-.NSKHiiASSKT (for Westminster) raised no objection to the hill
itself, but protested most strongly against the L.C.C. power.s to purchase.
The Ch.\iu.m.\n said that a very important question was raised as to
whctlier the instruction meant that the L.C.C. shoidd be the jjurchasing
authority only within the area of the C^ounty of London, or o\itside.
This was a question the Committee would consider. He thought that if
the instruction were given effect to by the Committee it would be desir-
able to confine it to the County nf London, but if stiictly confined to the
County of London it woiild brincr in n L'""d many difficulties, because
some of the companies had gencmi nrj -i m inn outside.
Mr. Lloyd, K.C.,(representiir^ \In\lrli,,nc .and other Borough Coun-
cils owning electricity supply uiKliitakuiHsJ -said hLs <mly objection was
that the bill, although a good one, did not go far enough, and they
desired to be included.
Mr. A. Habkison, surveyor to Southwark Borough Council, .said in
some parts of the boi'ough there were three competing supplies. Nego-
tiations with the County of London Company had been started for the
purchase of the Council's undertaking and this bill might be the means
of depreciating the Council's undertaking.
Mr. \'ksky Knox, K.C. (for Southwark Council) said linking up was
one thing but a scheme for the working of part of the undertaking of one
company by another company was another, and the latter was permitted
by the hillas it stood. He assumed a case in which it might be worth
the comjjanies' while to arrange that the part of the London Electric
Corpn.'s undertaking which was in the City Company's area should be
worked by the City Company and the part in the County of London Com-
liany's area should be worked by that company. The competition would
be gone and the two companies would quote the same prices to a manu-
facturer who wanted a supply of current for power. It was clear that
sucli an agreement would be against the public interest in Southwark.
lie dirl not object to linking up under proper restrictions. The equality
plo^i^inns of the Electric Lighting Acts did not cover the ease, as they
.ipphi-d only to a supply in the area, and not to a bulk supply from out-
side. The Council .should have the right to get a supply on equally
favourable terms to anybody else.
The Chairman here armounced that the Committee had decided to
pass the preamble of the bill. _
Mr. Seymour Bushe. K.C, applied to have his bill, the Limdon (West-
minster & Kensington) Electricity Supply Companies' Bill, set out the
following day (Friday), so that it could be considered, if the Committee
pleased, on Monday, and the Chairman made the necessary order.
Jlr. Freeman, K.C, said the instruction of the House (with regard to
the London Electric Supply Bill) was at present in his favour, and he
would, therefore, ask the Committee to give the direction that the L.C.C.
slundd be declared the purchasing authority. The speech of the Presi-
dent of the Board of Trade on the occasion when the instruction was
moved in the House {see The Electrician for Nov. 6, p. 156) seemed to
mean that the L.C.C. should only be constituted the purchasing authority
on equitable terms. That matter would not arise with regard to the
companies, as the L.C.C. were merely to be substituted for the local autho-
rities, and the terms on which they could purchase were described by
their orders aiul the general acts. The question of severance would not
arise, bccaiisc the L.C.C. were putting themselves in what would have
been the a<tual position If all the undertakings had been purchascable at
the same time. They had no desire to purcfiase the imdertakings of the
local authorities, either originated by themselves or acquired. He agi-eed
that the L.C.C's operations .should be confined to the Coimty of London,
with this modification : the local authorities had power to purchase the
undertakings which distributed within their districts and he wanted
transfer of those powers.
Mi: Lloyd said although the L.C.C. did not seek that po\ver, he
understood that, in consequence of the instruction of the House, his Coun-
cil's undertaking would be liable to be purchased by the L.C.C. They
certainly opposed it.
The Ghairm.\n : We are agreed that it only refers to companies.
.4fter questioning Mr. Rigg, K.C, as to the present purchase powers of
the Corporation of London, the Chairman said ; Assuming the City had
not purchased the undertakings by 1931, the L.C.C. would then have the
power to purchase. He did not think it would be right for the L.C.C. to
purchase the City undertakings in 1914. If Mr. Rigg brought in a clause
to that effect the Committee would consider it.
Mr. Balfour Browne said if the City bought one of the City under-
takings in 1914, they should be compelled to buy both.
Mr. Rigg said they would not want to buy two sets of m.'iins.
Mr. CouRTHOPE MiTNROE sujiportcd Mr. Rigg's view.
The Chairman : The Committee are of opinion that between the pass.
ing of the bill and the year 1931 there shall be no interference with the
powers of the local authorities either in the City or the boroughs.
Mr. Blennerhasset, K.C. (for Westminster), said : Any argument in
favour of the instruction based on the idea that it would provide for a
unified system of supply for London was put an end to by the Committee's
decision that the purchasmg power was not to apply to the undertakings
of the local authorities.
The Chaikahn : We have not said that. It does not apply as a'mere
matter of purchase, as in the case of the companies. It would be a
matter for arrangement between the L.C.C. and the local authority.
Jlr. Blennerhasset thought the question whether the purchase of the
liical authorities as well as of the companies should be given to the L.C.C.
should stand over. Westminster Council had given its consent to the
grantmg of the companies' orders in return for the provision that they
could buy the undertakings in 1931, and now. on a mere unimportant
private bill, it was pro))oscd tr) alter the general law and deprive the
Council of its rights. Westminster had jiower to buy portions of seven
undertakings and to go outside t heir own area and buy the great generating
station of the Central Electric (.'ompanv in Marylcboue. (The Chairman :
" You have powers of confiscation.") It had been admitted over and
over again that they had, in the undertakings they were authorised to
purchase, an asset of the greatest value and that their area was suffi-
ciently large and their position sufficiently advantageous to enable them
to set' up and carry on a successful undertaking. To take away a right
of the greatest value and not give them Is. as compensation was more
akin to robbery than anything that had ever been done by Parliament.
The Chairman announced that the Committee had decided to insert
the provision in the bill constituting the L.C.C. the purchasing authority
on equitable terms, and Mr. Balfour Browne said he would bring up a
clause to that effect.
Mr. Balfour Browne said there seemed to be some misunderstandmg
between the City and the L.C.C. He understood that if the City pur-
chased either the two or one of the companies in 1914 the City must be
prepared in 1931 to sell that undertaking to the County Council.
The Chairman : They will be in the same position as any other
authorised distributor — the same position as any local authority.
Mr. Balfour Browne said he raised no objection to the local autho-
rities being given linking-up powers as well as the companies, and the
Chairman said he did not think there would be any objection on the part
of the local authorities.
Mr. Lloyd said when the clause to carry out the instruction relatmg to
liuking-up came to be drafted this difficulty would .arise. A and B would
wish to lay a connecting main through the area of C, and he wished C to
have the option of becoming a party to the agreement, if the Board of
Trade thought it right.
The Chairman said that could only be done if it were done in regard to
companies in the same way.
On Friday Ml'. Balfour Browne asked the Committee to modify their
decision of the preceding day — that the present powers of local
authorities should not be interfered with before 1931. Under the exist-
ing state of affairs, the companies whose systems extended to several
boroughs would, on the purchase of their undertakings by the various
local authorities, have made a claim against each of the local authorities
for a sum for severance. The idea of the Board of Trade in their report
was to make the whole of the purchase take place at one time, and thus
save an immense sum of money. At an interview with Mr. Winston
Churchill at the Board of Trade on July 24 he and other representatives
of the promoters pointed out that the Board's recommendation meant
taking away from the companies the whole advantages of the severance,
and Mr. Churchill then proposed to put in the words " upon eciuitable
terms," and these w'ords were added m the instruction. The Joint
Committee then met and passed a resolution that they would not oppose
the insertion of the L.C.C. or other central authority as the purchasing
■authority, but if the terms for purchase were not such as the companies
considered equitable they were to be at liberty to withdraw their bill.
Mr. Churchill expressed himself satisfied with that resolution. In the
House, in reply to Mr. Morton. Mi'. Churchill said " we undoubtedly pro-
pose to consolidate all the existing purchase rights and vest them in the
London County Council," and " The whole of tlie electrical supply of the
area should be in one hand." He (Mr. Balfour Bro\vne) ventured to say
that what the Committee had done on the previous day (by allowing the
City, Camberwell, Lambeth or any other authority that had power, to
purchase before 1931) was contrary to the spirit of their decision by
w'hich Westmmster and other authorities who had powers to purchase in
1931 were ousted. He asked the Committee to oust everybody and to
say the whole consolidation w'hicli was contemplated when the L.C.C.
were put in the position of purchasing authority should take place in
1931. In taking away Westminster Council's powers the Committee
were altering a public act. but in the City they would only have to alter
provisional orders. Their decision, which affected Camberwell as well as
the City, knocked the bottom out of the consolidation which the Board
of Tracle and the Committee were aiming at. He asked the Committee
to consider whether they would not make everybody purchaseable in
1931. He understood the L.C.C. adhered to the principle that the under-
takmgs should all be purchaseable at one time.
Mr. Freeman : No. He wanted all the present purchase powers to
fall into the hands of the L.C.C. '" E(|uitable terms " meant arbitration
in each case. He had distinct evidence that the jjrovision for equitable
terms was meant to apply between the L.C.C. and the local authorities,
and not between the L.C.C. and the companies.
The Chairman announced that the Committee had considered the
application made by Mr. Balfour Browne, and were unanimously of
opinion that they must adhere to their decision.
Mr. Balfour Browse a.sked for a short adjournment so thatjhe and
liis clients could consider whether, in view of the Committee's decision,
they would withdraw the bUI.
The Chairman said he did not know whether that could be done with-
out the leave of the House.
After the adjournincnt. Mr. Balfour BKO^VNE said the promoters had
decided to go on. The existence of imminent powers of purchase over
two of the Largest stations in London — Bankside and Bow — must prevent
or postpone the linking-up of the stations contemplated in the bUl. It
created a severance, because it was severing the City portion from the
other jiortion of the companies' undertakings. In deciding to go on with
the bill he must not lie held to be in any way abrogating the arrangement
made with the Board of Trade, who were, in a sense, co-promoters, and
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
279
he wanted to s)iefially keep good faitli in that res))eot. Sitiee the adjunin-
ment a Board of Trade report had been sent, he beheved, to the Com-
mittee, and a copy had also been put in his hands. This stated that, with
regard to the instruetion of the House of November 2, that the Committee
liad power to msert a provision constituting the L.C.C. the purchasing au-
thority ou equitable terms, the Board made the observation that the local
aiithorities' powers of purchascTunder the Electric Lighting Act. 1888,
could, as a rule, have little real value, as the companies" undertakings
extended to the districts of several local autliorities and in some eases to
only parts of boroughs, and in some boroughs there were two companies
supplying in competition ; in some cases a local authority would have to
purchase a station supplying other districts and in other cases to pur-
chase mains only, and in consequence, there were few instances where a
local authority would purchase an undertaking extending to the whole
of their district. The Board of Trade submitted for the Committee's
consideration that the L.C.C, if it proposed to exercise its powers of
ptirchase, should be under an obligation to purchase the undertakings of
all the companies at one and the same time, and this would involve the
repeal of special powers of purchase now vested in certain local authori-
ties. He then submitted clauses making the following provisions : — •
That every power to purchase any undertaking or any part of any undertaking of an
electric supply company, v, hich, but for the passing of this Act, would have been exercise-
able.by a local authority in the County of London, be transferred to the L.C.C., provided
that the L.C.C. give not less than 10 years' notice of their intention to exercise such
powers.
T hat the London County Council shall not give notice of or undertake any such purchase
unless they at the same time purchase or give notice to purchase all the undertakings of all
the London Electric Supply companies, except undertakings used solely for the supply
of any district outside the County of London.
That the companies' undertakings shall be paid for upon such terms, if not agreed upon,
as an arbitrator may determine to be equitable, having regard to all the circumstances of
the case and that the arbitrator shall not award a less price than would have been payable
to the company under the 1888 Act if a local authority had exercised its power of purchase.
and that in the case of the city portion of the undertaking of the Charing Cross Company
the price shall not be less than the price which would have been payable under the terms of
their City of London Electric Lighting Order, 1899, viz ; the amount of their capital pro-
perly expended, plus such an amount as will bring their dividends up to 4 per cent, per
annum from the date of their order, and, if the purchase takes place in 1931, a premium
of 10 per cent.
That the London County Councirmay purchase atI1931 or on the expiration of any
subsequent ten years .
That the rights of the Corporation of London to purchase portions of the undertakings
of the Charing Cross Co., and the City of London Co. , or the right of the Borough of Camber-
well to purchase a certain portion of the County of London Co.'s undertaking under the
terms of the respective orders shall not be deemed to be taken away.
That (a) on and after the date of notice by the L.C.C. to purchase the undertakings of
companies the County Council shall, if required by such companies, advance, by way of
loan, money required by the companies for capital expenditure for developing or carrying
on their undertakings, provided the companies give six months' notice of the amounts
required ; that the L.C.C. if they object to n-ake such advance, shall within one month
give notice of such objection, and the Board of Trade shall determine what sums ought
reasonably to be expended by the company ; ib) U the L.C.C. do not object to the advance
or if the Board of Trade certify that any money ought to be expended by the company as
aforesaid, the L.C.C. shall, ui thin six months of the notice from the company or within five
months of the certificate by the Board of Trade, advance the amount so required or certified
and until such advance shall have been made it shall be deemed a debt from the Council
to the Company ; (c) the Council shall advance the money at interest of 3 J per cent, per
annum or such lower rate as the Board of Trade may determine, and the money so advanced
shall be repayable to the Council out of the purchase money. ,
The last clause had (said counsel) been drawn up because, if the com-
panies were to be purchased in 1931, it would be difficult at the end of
their time to raise money or go on extending their works, and they would
therefore not hand over their works in a perfectly complete and going
condition. In so far as the works had been paid for by the L.C.C. under
that clause the companies would not get any compensation. Supposing
a company agreed with the L.C.C. that a main should be laid costing
£10,000, that £10,000 would be paid back to them out of the purchase
money. He suggested that if Camberwell and the City of London did
not exercise their powers of purchase as soon as they were entitled to do
so theu- right should only continue in force for a further 10 years.
Mr. Freeman said it was impossible to deal with these clauses on the
spur of the moment, but so far as he could see they were a " monument
of misplaced impudence." He suggested an adjournment.
•The CiniRMAN asked Mr. Freeman to submit clauses if the L.C.C.
objected to those proposed by Mr. Balfour Browne, and it was arranged
that coun.sel should be given till Tuesday to consider Mr. Balfour Browne's
jjroposals.
Mr. FitzGerald submitted a clause on behalf of the Metropolitan
Water Board for the |irciii-. ii,,i] ,,f the Board's mams and pipes. In
addition to the provisimi- , .uii.niicd in the provisional orders (simil.ar
to those in the Electri. Li^rlitm^' Clauses Act) in regard to altering the
position of water mains, he asked for a clause providing that seven days'
notice be given to the Board when electric mains were to be laid within
6 ft. of an existing water main.
The Committee granted the clause asked for, and then adjourned till
Tuesday.
When proceedings were resumed on Tuesday, the Chairman re-
ferred to the loss sustained by the Committee and the Bar by the death
of Sir Ralph Littler, C.B.. K.C., and said he believed he expresseil the
feeling of all in that room when he said they sincerely regretted his
death.
Mr. Balfour Browne, on behalf of the Parliamentary Bar, expressed
their great regret, and referred to Sir Ralph's valuable services as Chair-
man of Middlesex County Council and of the Middlesex Bench.
Mr. Cripps, jun., added an expression of the sympathy of the Parlia-
mentary Agents.
Mr. J. B. Braitiiwaite, chairman of the County of London Co., was
then called by Mr. Balfour Browne to speak on the recommendation of
the Bo.ard of Trade which resulted in the instruction of the House of
Commons that the companies should be purchased on equitable terms.
He said the mere substitution of oae purchasing authority for l-> meant
that the companies were to make great sacrifices in the cau.se of consoli-
dation. The fixing of the time of purchase at 1931 meant that some of
the companies had to give up rights of prior purchase which would have
been of value to them. He would not have accepted the instruction
unless the words " equitable terms " had been included, as a concession
to the companies. It wa.s a reasonable thing that long notice {put at 10
years in Mr. Balfour Browne's clauses submitted on the preceding Friday)
should be given by the Coiuity Council to the companies. It was both
in the interests of the companies and the County Council, becau.se in the
event of the Council giving notice the works would be developed for the
benefit of the Council, and if they decided not to purchase they would be
developed for the benefit of the company. He thought the proposal
that the price should not be less than that the company would have
received under the 1888 Act was a reasonable interpretation of the phrase
" equitable terms." They might have to withdraw their bill because
taking Bow and Bankside away at 1914 upset their engineering scheme.
It did not follow that they would not have had any claim for severance
if all the London local authorities purchased at the same time, because
some parts of the companies' undertakings were outside the County of
London,
Ml. Freeman said the L.C.C. had taken it that the eciuitable terms
referred to the terms on which the local authorities' rights were to be
taken by the County Council.
The Chairman said the first instruction relating to equitable terms
referred to the companies.
Mr. Freeman said if that was the view the Committee took there was
an end of the argument from that point of view. Ijut he further objected
that the promoters had tried to construe equitable terms and had not left
the matter to the discretion of the arbitrator. With regard to the con-
tention that there would be severance, because there were portions of the
companies' undertakings which none of the local authorities concerned
could purchase, that remained exactly the same whether the Borough
Councils or the County Council purchased. He objected to the jiroposal
that the County Council should be compelled to give 10 years' notice,
which was unprecedented. The companies would get enormous benefits
under their proposals.
The Chairman said the Committee would, he thought, be in favour of
some notice being given, although not so long as had been suggested, and
he asked whether Jlr. Freeman thought instead of the interest to be paid
by the companies to the Council during the time they were under notice
being fixed at 3h per cent, it should be left to be decided when the time
came.
Mr. Freeman thought the capital should be found by the companies
and the price payable by the County Council should be made large
enough to cover it.
The Committee rejected a proposal by Mr. Freeman to alter the pro-
visions with regard to the purchase of the City undertakings, and adhered
to the promoters' clause.
Mr. IJalfour Browne said the proposal that the arbitrator should be
bound not to give the companies less than they would have got imder the
existing terms of purchase was reasonable, as they had borrowed money
and spent capital on the strength of the 1888 Act.
Mr. Freeman said if it was arranged that the notice to be given by the
L.C.C. should not be more than three years the Council would accept an
enabling power to lend the companies the money.
Mr. Balfour Browse asked the Committee to put the obligation
upon the Council.
Mr. Blennerha.sset referred to the idtimatc acquisition by the L.C.C.
of the companies supplying in Westminster, which, he said, would have
to be the subject of a further legislative enactment, as those companies
were not scheduled in the present bill.
The Chairman said Mr. Blenncrhasset's remarks on that subject
must be deferred till a later stage of the proceedings. He said the
Committee had decided to adopt the clause regarding notice being
given by the County Council with the alteration of the 10 years to
three years.
Mr. Freeman asked that the words " exclusive of any allowance for
future profits or goodwill might be added." If a company had not reaped
the profit it ought to have drme by 1931, and there were a prospect of
getting a better return after, the arbitrator would consider the question
of compensation for that, as the clause said he must ccmsider all the cir-
cumstances. But a definite statement that the companies were to have
compensation for future profits would be contrary to the Act of 1888.
The Chairman said the Committee were unanimous on the point that
the arbitrator should not award less than the companies would have
received under the 1888 Act. i » n »u
Mr. Freeman asked that the same prmciple should ajiply to all the
companies, including the Charing Cro.ss Co. ., , ^„ •
The Chairman said the Committee were agreed that if the Cliaruig
Cross Co s City undertaking were purcha.sed in 1931 the company should
be entitled to the v.due of the 10 years by which the period of its tenure
had been curtailed. The Committee agreed that the provisions of the
Charing Cross Co.'s order should apply if they were purchased m 1931
Mr W F Fi,ado.4TE, chairman of the Ch.armg Cross Co.. said: In 1914
the company would, if purchased at that time under their order, get
the repayment of capital properly expended, plus 4 per cent, on their
capital expenditure, if not previously earned. .,■..»
The Chairman announced that the Committee had finally decided that
the provision suggested by the promoters with regard to the terms of
purchase of the Charing Cross Co.'s City undertaking m 1931 should be
adopted. , , .,i ^ . i t
Mr. Freeman wished that the provision in the bill for the purchase by
the L.C.C. of the Willesden station and the portion of the Metropolitan
280
THE ELECTKICIAN, NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
Co.'s iiiuU-rlakiiiK .mtskle llu- C.niiityi.l Lc.iulun sIk.uUI Ik- dfli-l.-d. a-, the
rompany nnw siipplied riglit down to Windsor.
Tho Chairman said Ue flid ii(»t tiiinlv conijiulsinn sh<nil(i he placed upnii
the Comity Coimfil to purclni'.c. ih,. ^inlion.
Mr. .JoiiN ('(iNACUKK. lirn. Ill in ui iL"T of tlip .Metropolitan Co., said :
If it wi-re decided now, it cm. I- 1 l.r n i .lll^,■d that the h.C.C. eould purchase
so niiicli of the W'illesden .^l.diun ,i., uas used for supply in the County of
I.oiidou. If the L.C.C. did not want the station and the Committee did
not tliink it necessary that they should imrchase it, he was not desirous
of thruslirif! it upon them. But if (he Willesden station was not included
the linkinfi-up scheme would go forward as a defective one.
The CUAIR.MAN said the Committee had dei'ided that the L.C.C. should
not be put under the obligation to purchase the station.
In reply to the Chairman, Mr. Freeman said he would not object to a
proviso being ))ut in that the L.C.C. could purchase Willesden station by
acrreemcnt.
.Mr. Hi.iiN M CM \ ,sj, I \r,\ 1 1 1.1 1 III,, light of ynirehaseof such portions
of the undci I ikiicj- .rl .>i h. i .ciiii|>.inii' than the five companies promot-
ins; the Luridnn West niiiisici mid Kcn-^ington) Companies' Bill, as were
witliiu tin- City of Westminster (viz., the Metropolitan, Chelsea and
London companies) should remain in the hands of Westminster City
ConiK-il.
The Committee rejected the amendment, the Chairman remaiking
that (hey must take the schedule as it was.
On Wednesday Mr. Balfour Browne proposed that the clause
jireserving the power of the City Corporation to purchase the City elec-
tricity undertakings should be altered so that the Corporation should
not have continuous power to purchase between 1014 and 1(131.
The Chairman said he thought 1925 a reasonable limit.
Mr. Talbot suggested, to meet the case of Camberwell. that theii-
option of |Mnili:i-i' -Ihnild expire in 1927 — one year before the L.C.C.
would have i.. jim im.ikc to purchase.
Mr. Conn len i. .\li \kiie asked that Lambeth Council's right to enter
into |ll,s^,■^Moll ill the local company's undertaking in 1918 and 1928
.sh.Mll.l Ih |i|r..,M.d.
'I'lii ( i.MKijAN decided that a special provision for Lambeth to that
elfecl sliould be |nit in.
The Chairman agreed that words should be inserted to carry out the
t'ounty Council's desire for a provision to enable the Council to pur-
chase undertakings, or parts of undertakings, of companies in the County
of London all hough the same, were not purehaseable by a local authority
under the KSSS .Act.
Mr. Bali'oiir Brow-ne and the Comiuidee jurveil to insert words
proposed by Mr. Freeman to carry out Ins -.,,^,ji.-ii,,i,.
Mr. Freeman asked that the L.C.C. sli.ml.l nui l,e placed under the
obligation to supply capital for the companies diuini.; the time they were
under notice to be purchased by the Council. The latter would not be
entitled to recover what they advanced unless the award were sufficient
to cover all the charges that had first to be met.
The Chairman announced that it was the intention of the Committee
that it should be compulsory.
Mr. Freeman submitted a clause to authorise the Council to pay the
comi)anies by stock issued for the ])Hrpose. The price of the stock to
be settled by agreement, or, failing that, by arbitration. This would
save having to raise the money at a very high price.
Mr. Balfoir Browne said that would not meet the rights of the com-
panies' debenture holders, who eould not be compelled to accept the
Council's stock. The companies would have to raise the ea.sh for their
debenture holders, and if they placed a large amount of the Council's
stock on the market at one time the price would go down. He suggested
that not exceeding half the purchase sum should be paid in stock.
Mr. Freeman suggested that the precedent of the National Telephone
Co. should be followed— that three-fourths of the amount should be in
stock.
Ultimately the Committee agreed to make the amount one-half.
.Mr. Krkeman proposed a clause providing that, under agreements
entered into by two or more authorised undertakers for mutual assistance,
the maximum price of current for power purposes should be stated as
£(). 15s. ])er kilowatt demanded and 0-33d. per unit, and that the ex-
pression " power purposes " should include all purpo.ses except lighting.
He said the Board of Trade recommended the uisertiou of a maximum
price.
The Committee decided to insert the clause, .subject to the figure beiiK'
decided later. ^
Ml'. Freeman wished to insert in clause 3 of the bill amendments that
agreements for mutual assistance between undertakers should be subject
to the Board of Trade, and that the County Councils should have the
right to be present when the agreements came before the Board and to
make representations.
Mr. Vesey Kno.x and Mr. Rioci supported the proposal.
Mr. Balfoitr Browne opposed. The Committee, he said, had decicle.l
the question on the preamble.
The C^hairman announced that the two amendments would be allowed.
Mr. Coward, K.C., proposed .in amendment giving the L.C.C. the
fame rights as the local authority with legard to approval of the routes foi
mains.
Mr. Hutchinson though it unreasonable to ask that there should be
a dual authority to decide the routes of mains. The promoters raiidit
satisfy the local authority that a certain route was a right one. but the
County Council might object. -
The Chairman said the Committee had a strong objection to the pro-
posal, an<l had decided against it. They would strike out the sub-
clause 4 of clause 4, which dealt with this point.
.Mr. Lloyd refened again to the r afjc of two authorised undertakers
entering into an agreement to give and take, respectively, a supply under
the powers of the bill, .and to run a main through a third ilistrict for this
jiurpose. Provision should be made enabling the intervening district,
whose area was being utilised for the convenience of the other two, to
have the option of a supply, if they desired it, with the approval of the
Board of Trade.
Mr. Balfour Brow ne objected. Supposing he had just enough energy
to sujjply a certain district, it was unreasonable for the intervening
district to demand a supply. He would, of course, be glad to give a
su|)ply if he could, but it was ridiculous to make it compulsory.
-Ml-. Llovd : If such an instance were put before the Board of Trade
it would not be approved.
The Chairjian said the Committee would allow the insertion of such
a clause, to appl_v to authorised undertakers.
Mr. Balfour Browne .said he lielieved such a clause would render
illusory the whole idea of linking u|i. A district wanted, say, 1,000 kw.,
and he had spare jjlant for that amount. He was unable to give the
supply because the intervening districts said he must su])ply them on
the same terms. Therefore, the first company would not get any supply
at all. If he had 3,000 kw. spare plant, and only wanted to give 1,000 kw.
to the first company, he would, of course, be glad to supply the others.
Mr. Talbot sujijiorted the promoters.
The Chairjian said there .should not be the slightest difference in the
ultimate working of the clause as between companies and local authori-
ties. The local authorities asked for this clause, and the companies
objected. The Committee were strongly against creating a difference
where the principle was the same ; but if the local authorities were
desirous of having this clause, and seeing how it worked, the Committee
would allow it to local authorities only.
Mr. Bigg said the City Corporation were practically in favour of
}he principle of linking up, but objected to cables being laid through
the City without their consent. Mains would be run north, south, east
and west, and the City might become the hub of a wheel of mains in this
way. He thought the companies should be made to go round.
ill. Talbot referred to' Camberwell's position in regard to the pur-
chase of the County Co.'s undertaking. The County Co. was made up
of nine different undertakings, each under a provisional order and totally
separate. One of these was Camberwell. Under the bill, the County
Co. could lay a main through Cainherv.cll for the supply to another
undertaking vested in them, or inMitle r i .•iii|i;iny, or lnral .luthority, or
railway. Although of no use « Iih.m r i.i iinln i uill. mhIi ,i main might
become part of the Camberwell uriilirl a kiii^, .nid the ImrouL'li would not be
able to exercise their powers of purcha.sc without having to buy something
which was very ex)iensive but of no use to them. They should not be
obliged to buy what was of no use to them, or to risk having to pay for
severance.
The Chairman said the Committee did not think there was anything
in the bill that would interfere mth Camberwell's rights. The Committee
had done what was necessary to keep intact undertakings for near
purchase.
Mr. Balfour Browne said connecting mains through the district
would not be piirt of the undertaking, and would not come under the
Camberwell order.
Mr. Talbot persisted that their order only described the undertaking
by local limits. They slioukl be preserved from having the undertaking
augmented and the price increased. If the Committee's opinion, as &
matter of policy, was that such mams should not be charged to them,
(his should be specified.
The Committee would not agree to insert the clause.
In order that the members of the Bar might attend the memorial service
for the late Sir Ralph Littler, held yesteiday (Thursday) morning, the
(Jommittee did not sit till the afternoon, v.'hen the clauses stage of the
London Electric Sujiply Bill was concluded.
Mr. Balfour Browne announced that as the result of a conference
between the L.C.C. representatives and the promoters, it had been
arranged that authorised distributors taking energy under the bill should
not charge a price exceeding £6 .15s. per kw. per annum of the maximum
power required, and 0-5d. per unit for all energy supplied. This compared
very favourably with existing maximum prices. A new clause was
introduced covering this arrangement, and received the sanction of the
Committee.
Mr. Vesey KVox asked for a special provision giving Soutliwark the
nglil I.I c.ill u|iiin the laomoters for a bulk su])ply on the same terms as a
su|.|ily iiiivlii III i:u, iL to the London Electric Corporation. They were
not siilln lentlv ^.il.Ljuarded under the equality clause.
The CommUtec did not grant the provision asked for.
Mr. CouRTHORPE JluNROE, on behalf of Woolwich, asked for a special
clause confining the bill to London as it now e'xisted. Woolwich had
rccentl_v received special bulk powers to supply outside, and he feared the
cMiii|iaiii.s 111 LiiiuImii iiiij^dit by means of the bUl supply Dartford, for
inslaiue. by luniiiiia luainstlirough the borough.s. Clause not allowed.
A number ol other amendments were submitted to the committee, but
were not allowed.
The Committee meets this (Friday) mornincr at 11.30 to jconsider
the thu-d of the bills, before Parliament this session, the London (West-
minster and Kensington) Electric Supply t' impanies' Bill. We understand
there wdl be very little, if any. opposition on the preamble.
Audit of Electric Light Companies' Accounts -In the House
ot Commons on Tuesilay, the President of tlio Board of Trade said he
did not intend to appoint any of the shareholders' auditors to act as
otticial auditors of the accounts of electric light companies for this year;
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
281
LEGAL INTELLIGENCE.
Johannesburg Council v. D. Stewart & Co. (1902) (Ltd.) and others.
Ill the Outer House of theCourtof Session (Kdiuburgh) on Tuesday,
before Lord Mackenzie, the record was closed in this action, which lias
been brought by Johannesburg Municipal Council against D. Stewart
& Co. (1902) (Ltd.: and Mr. Wni. Beardraore, and the representatives
of tlic late .Ju>epli licardniore, claiming damages, Ac, amounting to
over £400.000, caused by tlie defendens D. Stewart & Co. having aban-
doned and failed to complete contracts entered into bj- them for the in-
stallation of gas- producing plant, gas engines and electrical plant for
thecity of Johannesburg for generating electric current for tramwavs,
lighting and power. D. Stewart* Co. plead that the matter should be
dealt with by arbitration,, and also that, in terms of their contract,
the matter should be decided by English law and in England. Thev
also deny breach of contract, and plead that the in.stallation was nuufe
according to the specification of pursuers, and that any f.ailure of the
installation to reach the prescribed tests was due to unsuitability of
coal supplied by pursuers to defenders (D. Stewart & Co.) for gas-
producing purposes. The defenders, Beardmore, were guarantors for
the performance of the contract by the other defenders, their liability
being limited to the amount contained in a bond — viz., £115,134. The
balance of the sum sued for is £145,000 for repayment of the part of
the purchase price already paid to D. Stewart & Co., and about
£200,000 for damages for breach of contract. The case was sent to the
Procedure Roll.
Barnes Urban Council v. London General Omnibus Co.
X Divisional court (Justices Bighani and \Valtr)n) last week lieurd
l.iaintiffs' appeal from a decLsion of the Wandsworth County Court judjje.
It seemed that the District Council had had 18 lamp-posts broken by
various 'buses, some bemg damaged two or three times, and thev had
brought actions in three cases. The County Coiu-t judge found that the
omnibuses were of the size and description licensed by the Metropolitan
Police, and that unless the drivers were sho%vn to be negligent the com-
pany v/as not liable. He held that drivhig within -1 in. of the kerb was
not negligence, as defendants were entitled to use the v/hole of the car;
riagc way. From that dfcision the Council now appealed.
After hearing li-L.:il ;ir:jiiiii.iit~. Mr. Justice Bioham gave judgment, and
pointed out that in. in ..nimbuses licen.sed and properly constructed
were such that when tb.' K],ri-U were brought close to the kerb the l)ody
projected over the side walk. It was obvious, he thought, that it was
possible to avoid knocking lamp posts dowTi in the particular cases
before the Court, because the drivers were v.orking their vehicles in
daylight, and they must have seen the posts. The company said that
the camber of the road varied and the position of the posts also varied,
but they did not call evidence to show that they took care to avoid
knocking dov.-n the posts. The County Court judge ought to have held
he thought, that the onus was upon the company to show that they used
reasonable care. That onus had not been discharged, and, therefore,
judgment shouM be for flic Council. The ajipcaf would be aliout-d
with costs.
MUNICIPAl, FOREIGN & GENERAL NOTES.
APPOINTMENTS VACANT.
Applications are invited for the post of assistant lecturer and
demonstrator in the electrical engineering department of the
Battersea Polytechnic (London, S.W.). Salary £150, rising £10 per
annum to £180. Ai^plications by Dec. 9. Particulars from the
Secretary. See an advertisement.
ilr. Harvey Banister lately professor of phy.sics at Meerut Colleg<.
(India), has been ajijiointcd headmaster of the Queen's C'ollegialc
School, Benares.
EDUCATIONAL NOTICES.
Glasgow and West of Scotland Technical College.— The annual
port of tlic 112lh Se-^sion of this collet^e lias been is.sued.
Tile total class enrolments were 4«',I.77,S. against 47.5,950 in lltlHi-7.
urmg the year building operaticms have been pushed forward verv
indly. and the i)rin,i|i;il additions to the eipiipnient have been the
.pM.'tiw nnd (ittiirj-. for the dyeing l.Tboratories and the testing
I' '. i|. - m.lhx.li.nli. |.l:iiit for the Miechanics department. Ithasbeen
' ' '' ' '" ' "■' ''" -i .inli'd of the )irelimiuary examination to that of
' '' '^ '"- . ' 1' iH itc ..I ilie. Scotch Education Department in September.
''"■ l''iiinj ill., session the engineering departments of the college
■I. I-,. ill iii-|.. . led by the Cliicf Engineer of the Board of Trade, and
. ll..irLl h.uc now agreed to recognise the college; as suitable for the
.iioug of marine engineers. Mr. Martin Pitt, an associate of the col-
^. . was awarded the Sir .John Pender Bursary (£40) and Gold Medal m
electrical engmeering. The report contains much interesting matter
relating to the jirogress of the various departments of the college.
University College of North Wales. -The calendar for the session
IlliiS-!! bn-i hern issued, and c-ontains particulars of the cr.urses of
in, i ruction given at this Collcg,.. which is one of the affiliated colleges
of the University of Wales. (Jomjilete courses of instruction are given
in physics, chemistry, mathematics. &e.. and there are well-equipiied
laboratories for physical and chemical research work.
Merchant Venturers Technical College, Bristol.- -The annual dis-
tribution of prizes will be made l,y the .Master of the Society of
Merchant Venturers in the Bristol Museum Lecture Theatre' on
Monday, Dec. 21.
Blackpool.— The borough electrical engineer (Mr. C. Furnes.s) is
endeavouring to stimulate the demand for electricity for cooking and
heating.
Mr. Furness recently obtained some stoves which were tested to show
that a stove will cook a li lb. piece of beef and a large leg of mutton at
the cost of about Id. for electricity. This is said to lie cheaper than gas
and much cleaner and more convenient."
The Electricity committee have instructed .Mr. Fume.ss to bring up
a full statement, showing at what cost stoves can be obtained and fi.ted,
and report at theu' next meeting.
In answer to an inquiry. .Mr. Furness stated that an ordinary private
residence could be supplied with electricity for all lighting and cooking
purposes at £.5 per annum, assuming the charges similar to those in vogue
for motors were made.
Brighcuse. — On Wednesday the Council ordered the common seal
of the borough to be affixed to the agreement with the Yorkshire
Electric Power Co., under which the Corporation agree to purcha.se
electricity in bulk from the company.
Bridgend.— An inquiry was held here last week into the Council's
application for £8,500 for exten.sions of the electricity works.
In lStl3 the Council obtained a provisional order, but nothing was
done until 1902, when the Council entered into an agreement with the
South Wales Electrical Power Distribution Co. to take electricity in
bulk for public lighting. The Council were charge<l l.'.d. per unit and
Jd. for transforming. Subsequently the charge jier unit was reduced
to 1 Jd. Two years ago the company encountered dirticultics. the station
at Bridgend being worked at a loss. In order that the station, which
was supplying the power for public lightmg, might not be closed, the
Council agreed to subsidise the company, and paid the monthly deticit
on the working. The Council's proportion of the deficit for last year was
£380. The comjiany offered to sell to the Council the power station,
lilant and mams for £14.000. The Council offered £.3.000. and that sum
was eventually accepted. Before deciding to ])urchase the station the
Council concluded an agreement with the Asylums committee that their
asylums at Angelton and Parcgwyllt shoidd take electrical energy and
jiower and light exclusively from the Council's power station. The
A-\bini~ .■..niniittee agreed to pay 3d. per unit for lighting for .seven
\. II -. III. I ■2\il. for the second .seven : lid. per unit for power for the first
>. \i II yi ii<, and Ijd. for the second. La.st vcar the asvlums consumed,
I Mjlily. 130,001) units, and the town 120.000 units, (if the loan a.sked
t .1 li ."iOO was for the actual purchase and incidental expenses, and the
l.iliiMi- was for improvements. It is proposed to extend the repayment
over 20 years.
Electric Pumping.— At the meeting of Hurbanks .Main Lode (1904),
Ltd., on Tuesday the Chairman said there were being erected on the
proiJcrty electric putnps which would enable them to deal with as
much as 200,000 gallons of water a day, and as at luesent they had
only about 70,000 gallons to deal with, they would have a very large
margin of power with which to meet any possible further water that
may come. Electric pumps were considerably more costly than
others they might have erected, but after conference wi(h Prof.
Nicholas, and after communication with his son. thev determined
that they would put up these electric |iiinips. for two or three rea.sons.
First, they were much more manageable than ordinaiy jmnip-s, and
could be placed in various parts of the mine. They could use electric
power for a variety of other purposes, and it was quite |>ossible that
eventually they might drive their battery by that power.
Electrically Driven Mills. — The report of Dorman. Long cSt Co.. for
the year ended Sept. .30. slates that their new electrically-driven mill
was ready to start and would l>e in operation in the course of a few
weeks. The new steel furnaces were also nearing completion. The
directors express confidence that these extensions will prove valuable
additions to the company's property.
Electricity and Music. — Electricity has been introduced on many
oee.isions in connection with the operation of musical instruments,
and has proved a distinct success in a number of cases. The talk of
the town at the present lime is a device called the " Phon<jliszt "
which .Messrs. Keith, Prowse & Co.. the well-known musical agents,
arc exploiting and which is regarded in musical ciicles as a v(ry
marvellous development of the automatic pianist.
282
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
Euston Watford Railway. -Tt is announced that the directors of
tlic \j. cV X.W. Ci). arc making preparations in the Watford district
for the construction of this line.
Exhibition.— .All International E.\hil)ition will he held at Turin
in 1011. , ,
Felixstowe. -Tlie Sullolk Electricity Supply Co. have accepted llie
olfcr of the ( 'uuneil to purchase the local electricity works for £8,500.
and application has been made by the Council for sanction to borrow
£13,000 for the purchase of the undertaking and tor extensions of the
works.
Glasgow.— The manager of the tramways dejiartment (Mr. ^.
Dalrymple) and the convener and sub-convener of the Tramways
committee, who attended the ].5tli annual International Tramway
Congress at Munich in Sept^mlier, have prejjared a report on their
^'^'i''^- . . t 1 „
In re"iird to brakes it is stilted th.nt Continc'iitid men appear to do
satisfied that the two most efficient oar brakes are tlio eleotric brake (as
in use in filasirow) and the air brake, whioh is in common use in many ol
the Continonfal cities. There was a discussion at the congress on tlio
nuostinn, and the ultimate decision was that there was very httle to
choose between the two methods of braking. It is suggested that tlie
Tramways committee might consider the advisability of havmg two or
three cars ociuipiied with the air l)rako. so that the tramway staff might
linvc tliat form of brake tested in Glasgow.
Hanley.- The new 500 Inv. generating set, which has been recently
installed at the Corporation electricity works, was started on TViday
last by the Chairman of the Electric Lighting committee, Aid.
Coatcs. .
This set consi.sts of a 500 kw. Westinghouse alternator (with its ex-
citer), direct coupled to a vertical high-speed triple expansion Howden
engine, supjilied with a system of forced lubrication, and running at 3.'J3
revs, per min. The engine is arranged to run either condcnsin;; or non-
condeusing. being connected with a Korting ejector condenser, the water
supply for which is drawn from the canal by a centrifugal pump, whicli
can be driven either by motor or steam engine. Tlie whole of the founda-
tion work' was carried out by direct labour under the superintendence of
the staff. ' The engine, which was started in 1905, was of a similar type.
and was called the " Coatcs " engine and the present engine was named
the '^ .Schcificld " engine, as a compliment to Councillor Schofield, deputy-
chairman of the committee.
Hastings. — The Council have applied for sanction to a loan of
£50.000 for electricity supply extensions.
Hull.— .\n inquiry was held here on Tuesday into the application
of the C'orporation for sanction to borrow £24,000 for extensions of
the electricity undertaking.
The city electrical engineer (.Mr. H. Bell) stated that the money was
required fur ,iii extension to East Hull, where the demand had so in-
creased tliat tlie existing sub-station was overloaded. It was also m-
convcnicntly situated, and. the demand having gone eastward
necessity existed for another sub-station in a more easterly pi
The work was partially completed.
After discussion between the Inspector and Mr
a])plied for was reduced to £11,185. <
Inouest. — An adjourned inquest was held at Eavensthorpe
(Yorks.) on Tuesday on a slack washer named Allen Wilcoek, who
was killed at the Dark-lane I'it of I he llirfield Colliery Co. on 19th
inst.
Evidence was given that a |aill wire belonging to a water valve of the
slack washer came in contact with an electric cable, and, becoming a
live wire, gave deceased a fatal shoc^k.
Haruv Taylor said he had noticed the pull wire touching the eleotric
wires for two months.
The jury returned a verdict that Wilcock died from electric shock
caused by tlie ))ull wire coming in contact with tlie calilc, thus becoming
a live wire. They considered tliere had been a lack of systematic in-
spection of wiring and a neglect of the spcci^d rules, which provide that
all electrical circuits must be completely insulated from earth and tested
daily, a record bemg kept of such tests. They expressed the view that
this had been due to inexperience rather than negligence of the officials.
London County Council. — On Tuesday the following loans for
electricity supply were sanctioned : Islington. £5,541 ; St. Pancras.
£530.
L.C.C. Tramways. — .\ii innovation has been introduced into the
working of tlie tramways during the last few days by the changing
over of cars at Cainberwell Green from the underground conduit to
the overlioad trolley sysleni, and vice versa. The plough used for
the conduit system is run out from beneath the car when the latter
proceeds on the overhead section from Camberwell Green to Brixton-
road, and is used for a subsequent car travelling in the opposite
direction on to the conduit system.
Middlesex Tramways. — There has just been placed upon the Fins-
bury rarlc-Walthain Cross electric tramway service of the Middlesex
County (Jouncil tramways four handsome top-covered tramcars of
the very latest design. The new cars appear to be already very
popular.
the
sit ion.
Bell, the amount
Neath.- An inquiry was held here on Thursday last week into the
application of the Council for sanction to borrow £18 0f)0 for eleetnc
lighting at Blaenhonddau, Coedfranc, DyfEryn aydach, Dylais Lower
and Llantwit Lower. , . ... , .,
It was stated that £7.000 was required for a generating station of the
South Wales Electrical Distribution Co.. and for 1 M yds. of cable,
which could be taken up and rclaid ols.-where. £22.000 had been ex-
pended under previous loans, and in 1!H)5 they commenced takmg a
supply from the Power Co. Within a year they had to increase payments
to the company from IJd. to 3'.d. per unit, which was the cost of workmg
the station. It was hoped to make the scheme self-supporting.
Tlie application was opposed by Blaenhonddau Parish.
Paignton.— At a recent meeting of the members of the newly-
formed Paiunton Electric Light & Power Co. (Ltd.) it was stated
that 6,295 shares had boon allotted, the total amount received bemg
£•7 448
The Chah-man (.Mr. W. J. Ham) remarked that they h.ad gone in for
what some ,.eople would describe as a speculation, but he believed it would
turn out well for the company as well as for the town.
Dr PravES. consulting engineer, said the work was bemg pushed on
rapidly, and they might expect to get the light by Cliristmas Eve. The
contractors were given four months to complete the work, and he believed
it would be finished well within that time. It was important that a towTi
like Paignton should have electric lighting, especially along the sea front.
The company had entered into an agreement to erect a refuse destructor
which should prove a source of revenue.
Personal.— ill-. George Verity, chairman of Veritys Limited, left
Enfland on 19th inst. for India. Singapore, &c., on a combined busi-
nes's and holiday trip. He is due to return early in March when he
t akes up his duties as High Sheriff for the County of London.
Presentation.— The staff of Loughborough Corporation electricity
supply department presented Mi-. W. Allcroft. who has completed
his pupilship and is lea;ving to take up an appointment with the
■ Valvoline Oil Co. (Birmingham), with a combined letter wallet and
pocket book, fountain pen and pocket steel tape. The presentation
was made by the borough electrical engineer (Mr. W. H. Allen).
Preston.- A committee has been appointed to report upon the
acquisition of the undertaking of the National Electric Supply Co.
Sheffield.- -At the next meeting of the Corporation the Tramways
committee -will recommend that additional plant be put dowii at the
tramway power station, at an estimated cost of about £7,000.
Telegraphists' Cramp.- A Blue-book of the evidence taken before
the Departmental ( 'ommittee on compensation for industrial diseases,
refers to " telosra[jhists' cramp."
Dr. J. Sinclair, second medical officer at the General Post Office,
stated before the Committee that this mysterious complaint is an occu-
pation neurosis, or fatigue spasm, one of a group of functional disorders
characterised by muscular sjiasm. tremor and weakness. The occupa-
tions in whioh "the affection was found wore for the most part compli-
cated acts brought to perfection by education and practice, and tele-
graphy was an example of such an occujiation. The complaint might be
said to date from the mtroduction of the Morse mstruraent, which, o])e-
rated mainly by the first and second lingers on the knob of a key and the
thumb underneath it. The work of a sending operator on these instru-
ments must be characterised by neatness, precision, and perfect rhythm,
and accuracy of spacing of the greatest importance. Telegi-aphists'
cramp is resulted from prolonged employment of the special movements
called for in the manipulation of the key. and the effect of the ailment
was the production of jcrkiness and illcgiiiility m signalling and disability
for duty limited purely to the particular movements involved. The
symptoms could not be easily diagnosed in the early stage : it was symp-
tomatic then, but when once there was a disability in signalling power
the disease could be recognised at once. The disease was specific to the
employment, because a man must be an expert telegraphist before ho
could use the instrument. About 2-75 per cent, of the total staff of
18.000 omployoil in telegraphy were affeeted with the disease, which, in
Dr. Siucl.iir's o]iiiiion. is not curable when once established.
Telephone in Railway Working.- It is reported that on account of
the new Federal Law in the United States, which limits the continuous
service of telegraph operators to nine hours, the American Railway
Association have decided to revolutionise the present method of
dispatching trains by substitutina the telephone for the telegraph.
Thousands of men in consequence will be put out of work, to be re-
placed by girls.
The Ill-fated " Sardinia.' —Among the unfortunate pas.sengcrs on
board the s.s. " Sardinia," which was destroyed by fire off the coast
of Malta on Wednesdaj', were Mi-, and Mrs. Grant and their little
boy aged 3J years. The parents are amongst the fortunate survivors
of "the catastrophe, but the child was apparently lost. Jlr. Grant is
well known in the Eastern Telegraph service, and has been stationed
for some time at Malta and Zanzibar. He has been home for an
examination at Head Office in London, and was subsequently ap-
pointed to Alexandria. He was on the way to take up his new post
when the disaster to the " Sardinia " occmred.
Trans-Atlantic Telephony. — Renter's agency announces that Capt.
Anzaloue. of the Italian Engineers, is carrying out, in France, experi-
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
283
menta in trans-oceanic telephony by means of the Atlantic cables by
a new method of working which lie is alleged to have invented.
Wireless Telegraph Notes.— It is stated that Messrs. Bellini and
Tosi, whose recent work in connection with wireless telegraphy is of
the greatest interest, claim, as a result of some recent experiments
between Toiirville and Le Havre (France), to have discovered a
jiractical selective method of operating wireless.
TRADE NOTES AND NOTICES.
READY.
"THE ELECTRICIAN" ELECTRICAL TRADES'
DIRECTORY AND HANDBOOK.— The igoS Edition
of the Big Blue Book, price 8s. 6J., or post free in the
United Kingdom, gs. 3d. The new and enlarged volume
brings a great mass of statistical and technical data
quite up to date, and the Directorial Division has been
thoroughly revised and amplified.
All branches of Electrical Engineering and Industry
are fully treated, and Electro-Financial matters have
received every attention in the new volume, which aggre-
gates more than 2,000 pages. The Directory Division is
complete and thoroughly accurate, and has been com-
pletely revised. All mere lists of members of Societies
and Institutions (so easily and cheaply available) are
excluded, as quite unreHable for Manufacturers' and
Dealers' purposes. The full set of valuable Statistical
and Engineering Tables, &c., have been very carefully
revised and extended, and remodelled into handy book
form ; these are included in the 1908 Blue Book, making
it the most complete book of the kind ever published.
TENDERS INVITED.
Melbourne City Council invite tenders for the supply of 33.2(:i(l
incandescent electric lamps. Copies of specification, conditions of
contract, &c., can be obtained from the agents for the Council (Messrs,
Mcllwraith, McEacharn & Co., Proprietary, Ltd.). Billiter-squarc-
buildings, London, E.G., to whom tenders are to be sent by noon of
Tuesday, Dec. 15. See also an advertisement.
The Electric Supply committee of Birmingham Corporation arc
considering the question of the generation of electricity by means of
gas-driven generators and they will be glad to hear from firms capable
of building large gas engines and producer gas plant of this character.
The smallest unit which will be considered will be 3,000 kw. Com-
munications should be addressed to the city electrical engineer and
manager, Mr. R. A. Chattock.M.I.E.E., 14, Dale End, Birmingham.
The directors of the Xorlh Eastern Railway are prepared to receive
tenders for telegraph apparatus, telegraph wire and line stores
during the 6 (or 12) months, from Jan. 1. 1909, delivered carriage
paid to the Company's stores at York. Forms of tender from the
telegraph superintendent (Air. C. H. Ellison), and tenders to the
feecretary (Mi-. R. F. Diinnell), York, by 9 a.m. of Thursday, Dec. 3.
The directors of the Nnrth-Eastern Railway also want tenders
by 9 a.m. Dec. 3 for six or 12 months' supply of arc lamp carbons,
e eetric lamps, wires and cables, electric light fittings, arc lamp
globes, electric conduits, signal wire and cord, metal tubes, castings,
oils, &c. Specifications, &c., from Mr. E. H. Clark, Gateshead.
ShefpeU Electric Light commitl,.,- «,,i]t tenders by 10 a.m.
Dec 11 for supply and erection d ;,„ mitnnuitic or electric railway,
telpherage or wire ropeway, for con\c\ aiicr ..f refuse from the power
station boiler house. Particulars from Mr. S. E. Fedden.
London County Council want tenders by 11 a.m. Doc. 1 tor road-
work and plate laying required for the electrification of the tramway
from Camden Town to Hampstead on the underground conduit
system. Forms of tender from the Chief Engineer. '
norer Harbour Board want tenders by Dec. 9 for 15 months'
supply of various stores, including electric cables, electrical sundries
ironmongery, tubing, jiaints, oils, &c. Schedules. &c.. from JIi-
Martyn Mowll, Castle-street, Dover.
Manchester Electricity committee invite tenders for supply and
delivery of exhaust steam, circulating water and air pump discharge
pipes at Stuart-street generating station. Tenders to Chairman by
10 a.m. Dec. 9. I
Felixstowe and Walton Urban District f'ouneil invite lenders for
the supply and delivery of a Diesel oil engine and dynamo. Tenders
to the Clerk, Town Hall. Felixstowe, by noon Dec. 12.
Warrington Electricity and Tramways committee want tenders
by noon Dee. 1 for supply of slack. Specification. Ac. from the
borough electrical and tramwa\'s emiiiieer.
Jfancfeesfer Tramways committee want tenders by 10 a.m., Dec. 1^
for .supply of steel girder tramrails and car axles. Specific >tion.s
from -Mr. J. M. McElroy.
Bristol Electrical committee want tenders by 10 a.m.. Dee. 10. f:r
wiring the third instalment of the Avoiibank electric lighting station.
Sjiecification from Mr. H. Faraday Proctor.
The Deputy Postmaster-General. Brisbane, Queensland, requires
tenders by noon, Jan. 4, for sujjply of cahie. in.siilators.'iron and
copper wire and ironwork. The Deputy Postmaster-General,
Brisbane, also wants tenders by Jan. 11. for tclegraiih and telephone
instruments, parts and accessories, switchboards, parts and acces-
sories, accumulators, measuring instiuments. protectors and parts.
Specifications, &c.. from 72, \'ictoria-strect. London. S.W.
The Direccion General de Obras Publicas, Madrid, want tenders bv
Dec. 10 for a concession for the construction of electric tramways in
Bilbao on terms more advantageous to the fJovernmcnt than those
offered by the Cia del Ti aiivia Urbano de Bilbao.
Tenders are iinn. .1 t,,i 1 he installation and working of a telephone
system in Ciudialila ,lr M, norca, Spain, on terms more advantageous
to the Government than tlio.se offered by Sefior Conde de Torre Saure,
«lio would have to be re-imbursed for the value of his plan, i.e.,
1,000 pesetas.
The " Madrid Gazette " for Nov. 10 and 13. containing further
information of the above two contracts can be .seen at 73, Biisinghall-
street. London, E.C.
Tenders are invited for the electric tramway concession for Baku,
South Russia. The coneessiimaire is to advance the town £95.000
at 5 per cent, to be iptlccin<(l during the term of the concession.
Particulars from the Russian Consulate, London. Tenders byJan.2-1.
TENDERS RECEIVED AND ACCEPTED.
London County Council have received the following tenders for
manufacture and erection at Greenwich generating station of three
electrically-driven three-throw boiler fcediwmps: —
^ahn Cochrane {accepted} £1,892 10 0
Worthington Pump Co 2,561 0 0
R. Warner & Co 2,228 6 b
Electric Construction Co 2,220 0 0
A. & P. Stevens 2,164 0 0
F. Pearn & Co 1,981 5 0
Pratehfctt Bros _ 1,863 0 0
Thwaites Bros 1,851 0 0
London County Council have received the following tenders for
road work and plate-laying for the reconstruction of the Xine Elms-
lane to East-hill tramways :. —
J. Mbwlem & Co. {accepted) £68,602 8 5
.T. G. White & Co 74,831 5 5
W. Manders 70,097 13 8
Dick, Kerr & Co 68,767 4 1
For suj^plies of electrical sundries London County Council Asy-
lums committee have accepted the tenders of the General Electric
Co. at £12, 5s. 6d. and Cox- Walkers (Ltd.) at £8G. 193.
For two turbo-generators for the Greenwich generating station the
London County Council received the following lenders : —
British Westinghouse Co. (Rateau turbine) lacajj/al) £40,800
Belliss & Morcom (Westinghouse generator) '37,350
Do. (E.C.C. generator) '37,644
Do. (G.E.C. generator) '41,821
Electric Construction Co. (Belliss turbine) '37,858
Do. (Parsons turbine) 43,736
Do. (Musgrave turbine) 50,328
General Electric Co. (Belliss turbine) +42,249
Do. (Parsons turbine) 49,137
Willans & Robinson (Dick, Kerr generator) 43,174
C. A. Parsons & Co. (Parsons generator) 44,055
Do. (Westinghouse generator) 44,688
British Thomson -Houston Co. (B.T.-H. generator) 44,620
.James Howden & Co. (Westinghouse gener.ator) 48,495
John Musgrave & Sons (Westinghouse generator) 50,890
Do. (E.C.C. generator) 51,237
Electrical Co. (A.E.G. generivtor) 57,700
The estimate of the chief officer of tramways comparable with the
above tenders was £50,COO.
The Highways committee reported that, having regard to the im
* Includes £500 for turliines with blading of the segmental con-
struction.
+ Includes £513 for turbines with blu'ling of the segmental con-
struction.
2-84
THE ELECTRICIAN. NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
Doituit beaiin"- of the turbogenerators on the successful working of and the clip is attaclied to it with a small steel screw providing a very
the tjeiientting' station, they had carefully considered which of the firm fixing. When the clips are closed down over the pipe it has been
" " ' •■—'■■ -' - ---' found i,y actual test that the pin can be pulled out before the clip
breaks. These clips are made in sizes up to that suitable for nse with
I in. lubing, and should find a wide application.
tenders they sliould recommend. The chief officer of tramways and
the tramways electrical engineer had ins|jected the works of several of
the tiriiis su'hmittiiig tenders. As regards the two lowest tenders, the
committee understood that the turoo-rii.iai.Ms niauufactured by the
lirm and in operation were not of a sizf i ,,njiiMii-iiiate with those re-
quired, and .although they recognised I h..i i Im t" m had a high reputa-
tion for reciprocating engines, they felt it, essential that the contractors
for the work slmuld have had experience in the manufacture of
turbines coiiiparal.le with those to be installed at the Council's gene-
ratin" station. The fir.st three tenders included Belliss & Morcom
turbines, while the fourth (that of the British Westinghouse Co.)
included turbines of the Kateau type. There were no examples of a
large type of these last-mentioned machines in operation in this
country, and they accordingly arranged for the chief officer of tram-
ways and the tramways electrical engineer to visit works in Milan,
wher-r- R-itf>:iii turbines were in use. Having considered a report by
til,. , liici Milii^ I ..f ii:iiriw:i\ -, the committee Had decided that it would
1„. ,1, I ii,. i„ -1 ml, I, -I , .ii ill, ( 'ouncil that it should accept the tender
of thclilUl.oh WeaHll-linllMiCo.
The contract for the held rheostats is to sub-let to E. F. Moy (Ltd.),
and for the condensers to the Worthington Co.
On Tuesday the London County Council considered the following
tenders for the reconstruction of the tramways from King's Cross to
Maiden- road: —
J.Mowlem&Co(-(..i£47,58t 0 0 I l>i(k, Kerr & Co.... £47,782 5 6
A.M.Coles 53,6',i8 9 1 | W. Manders 47,642 17 2
Roekhampton (QueiMisland). Counfil have accepted the amended
lender of Dalgetay & Co. for steel rails for the municipal trainway.s
(at £1,123 per mile) in place of J. E. Toole's tender withdrawn. The
tenders of J. J. McEvoy for 4,000 and M. Crossley for 2,000 sleepers
have also been accept<'d.
Leith Council have accepted the tender of Hadfield's Steel Foundry
Co. for points and crossings at ill .772 : that of the Tramway Supplies
Co., for overhead equi|ini<'nt. tl.'itil ; .John.ston's (Ltd.). for Port-
land cement, £2,040 ; solid-drawn one-piece jioles, £1,947.
Bermondsey (London) Council have placed orders with Johnson &
Thillijis for feeder pillars at £4.'5. lOs., and with Callender's Co. for
cable at £31. 17s. fid.
Margate Council have acce|)ted the tender of Kingston & Co., for
wiring the Town Hall at £10. 1,5s.
Alder.shot Council have accepted the tender of Heenan & Fronde
for a refuse destructor.
Leith Corporation have accepted the tender of the British Insulated
& Hclsby Cables for tramway cables at £2,302.
BUSINESS NOTICES.
The telephone numbers of .1. II. Ilnlnies & Co., of Newcastle-on-
TyncN live now Central 809, and City X27S.
The Crypto Electrical Co. have added a second tele]jlione. No. 12831
Central.
The address of Mr. Emil Gafeke is now Electrical Federation
Offices, Kingsway, London, W.C
Plant for Sale.— Messrs. G. Elliott & Co., 186-188, Long-lane,
Bermondsey, London, S.E., liave for sale two compound Marshall
steam engines coupled to two Crompton dynamos, a combined
generating set, and also three dynamos. Further particulars are given
in advertisements.
Plant Wanted. — An advertiser wants one M)-M B.ll.r. motor (100
volts, shunt wound with foundation rails. &c.) ; also one 30-40 H.P.
motor.
Agency Wanted. — A firm of engineers in Italy advertise that they
are willing to represent in Italy British makers of arc and incandes-
cent lani|)s.
Premises to Let. — rmnises are advertised to be let in \'ict(iria-
street, London, S.W., suitable for electrical engineers or manufac-
turers' showrooms. Applications to Secretary, 87, Victoria-street.
S.W.
New Material for Conduit Fixing. — .Many of the present day methods
employed for fixing " electric" conditions have such grievous dis-
advantages that a new clip is a welcome invention. Such a clip has
lately been put on the market by the Sun Electrical Co., and although
originally designed for use with their well-known " Kalkos " tubing
it has been found equally ■safe and inoons))icuous with any form of
pipe. The clip consists essentially of a band of metal which fits
round the pipe. Where the latter is fitted to a wooden surface the
clip is first secured by an ordinary wood screw and is then closed down
over the pipy. VV'here fixing to brickwork is necessary a special
dowel pin is jnovided. This pin is pointed at one end and tapped at
It is driven into the wall with a few blows of a hammer
the other.
A History of Lighting. — Under this title the South Metropolitan
Electric Lijilit & I'ower Co. have is.sued an interesting pamphlet
int^'nded to atlr.iii |ii,i>p.i tive consumers. The history of artificial
lighting is briclU ^kri, li.d and the great advances made pos.sible
by the introduclion nt clictric lighting, and especially of the metallic
filament lamp, are recorded. Some instructive figures of cost and
current consumption when these lamps are used in an eight-roomed
house are given. Prospective consumers are advised that a special
staff of representatives of the company will give any desired infor-
mation.
CATALOGUES. &c.
Self-Se.\i.in(i Condensers. — The Briti.sli Insulated & Helsbv
Cables are sending out leaflet Xo. H34 describing their self-sealing
condensers which they manufacture, under Mansbridge's patents,
for telegraph and telephone circuits, motor-car ignition and any class
of work in which a reliable and cheap condenser is needed.
Boiler House Economies. — An interesting brochure on this
subject is being issued by Messrs. Ed. Bennis & Co. (Ltd.). which
points out the advantages of inti'oducing the Bennis stoker on boilers
which sujiply steam to a drapery plant store in London. The publi-
cation is wiitten in convincing style, and the illustrations are well
re])roduced. The last page of the pamphlet is occujiied by a talile
giving the results of comparative trials between hand firing, and the
Bennis stoker and compressed air furnace in a large Lancashire
cotton mill. The company will be pleased to supply copies of the
pamphlet to interested readers if application is made to their i^ublicity
department, 28, ^'ictoria-street, London, S,W,
Dynamo .4nd Motor Brushes. — List B2 just issued l)y J. & H.
Grevener, Eldon-street House, London. E.G., gives full details of the
carbon and metal brushes which the firm are now in a position to
supply. There is a very complete range of brushes for dynamos and
motors of all types from which to make a Selection.
CRYSTALlrE Reflectors. — In a recent issue we described the
(hystalite lineal reflectors of Messrs. D. H. Bonnclla & Son. The
company now write to inform us that they are issuing a leaflet giving
full details and prices 6f this interesting form"of illuminating appara-
tus for which a number of advantages are claimed.
Boiler Fittings. — A particularly 'hand.some and well-bound
catalogue is being issued by Messrs. Dewrance & Co., Great Dover-
street, London, S.E. This illustrates and describes very fully the
well-know-n boiler and engine fittings which the company has
manufactured for many years past. Amongst the latter we notice
the firm's sight-feed lubricators with interlocking handles which
enjoy such n considerable vogue.
Morris-Hawkins Motors and Dyn.4.mo.s. — Messrs. Morris-Haw-
kins (Ltd.) arc issuing a file which contains a pamphlet giving a full
descrpition of their d.c. motors and dynamos, which are manufactured
in standard sizes up to 250 b.h.p. and 60 kw., for pressures up to
,500 volts. The company inform us that their works are now under
entirely new management, and that they can give prompt delivery
of all machines up to 30 h.p. A full guarantee is given for a period
of 12 months.
Electric Cranes.— A useful booklet dealing with the subject of
electric cranes manufactured under specialised conditions is being
published by Messrs. Adamson, Ramsbottom & Co., Birkenhead. A
special feature is made of three-motor electric cranes for every class of
industrial service, and the illustrations given of these show up the
electrical features to advantage. The pamphlet is artistically pro-
duced and is well wTitten.
Electrical Novelties.— Messrs. F. Darton & Co. send us their
catalogue of electrical novelties, which contains a number of new
features for the coming season in addition to a large stock of small
motors whkh the company manufactures, and of which full par-
ticulars are given. The list also refers to domestic telephones,
electric bells and medical coils.
Electric Lifts.— Messrs. W. Wadsworth & Sons, School Hill,
Bolton, give .some interesting illustrations of their specialities in the
way of electric lifts, hoists, Ac, on a postcard which is just to hand.
F.-S. Specialities.— Messrs. Falk, Stadelmann & Co., Farringdon-
road, London, R.C., are sending out particulars of th.eir " Efesca "'
auto-transformers fur use with metal filament lamps. It is claimed
that tlicsi' have a liiu'li rtlioieney, and are absuliilely silent in working.
From the same source we have received list No. 289 describing and
prii'ing the " Aureola " electric luminous radiators which ore manu-
factured in a very large variety of designs.
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
SPECIAL NOTICE.
NOW READY Vol. LXI. of " The Electkician " (1,018 pages*,
bound in stronjr cloth. Price 17s. 6d. ; post free, 18.s. 6d. Also ready
Cases for Binding. Price 2.s. ; post free, 2s. 3d.
A complete set of "The ELECTRiciAy " (1860-1865— 1878-1908) can
be supplied. A number of odd volumes and some odd old back num-
bers, to help in making up complete sets, a-e also now available.
BANKRUPTCIES, LIQUIDATIONS. &c.
In the bankiuptcy of Geo. H. Smith, electrical engineer, 1.").
Ashley-road, Altrincham. a first and final dividend of Is. Id. is jiay-
able at the O.R.'s. Byrom-street, Manchester.
The trustee (Mr. F. W. Page) in the bankruptcy of Fras. B. Eggin-
ton, electrical engineer and contractor, 11, Tempest-street. Wolver-
hampton, has been released.
Claims against the Multiphone Co. (Ltd.) by Dec. 5 to Mr. E. G. F.
Medley, 6. Farringdon-avenue, London, E.C. A meeting to receive
an account of the winding up will take place on Dec. 29 at 24, The
Pavement. Chiswick.
Claims against the Guild of Handicraft (Ltd.) by Dec. 31 to Mr. G.
Vickerj'. E.sscx House, Chipping Campden, Glos.
Jlr. F. Geoghegan, 8. Old JewTy, London, E.C. (with a committee
of inspection), has been appointed liquidator of Illuminated Signs
(Ltd.), 120a, Manor-street, London, S.W.
A meeting will be held on Jan. 7 at 1, Arundel-street. London,
W.C, to receive an account of the winding up of the International
Telescriptor Synd. (Ltd.)
A meeting will be held on Dec. 23 at Mr. J. H. Duncan's, 39. Cule-
man-street. London, E.G. to receive an account of the winding up of
D. Santoni & Co. (1906). Ltd.
A meeting will be held at 21. Spring-gardens, Manchester, on
Dec. 28 to receive an account of the winding up of the Llandudno and
Colwyn Bay Electric Traction Co. (Ltd.)
Deed of Assignment. — Under a deed of assignment executed by
Ernest B. Haertel (trading as the Electromotor & Dynamo Co.), 15,
Gray's Inn-road, London. W.C, and 43, Deansgate. JIanchester, by
Dec. 10 to ,Mr. F. E. Wright, 19, St. Dunstans-liill, London, E.C.
PATENT RECORD.
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS.
'SoTE.— The undermentioned Ap2jlications{excepf those marked^) are not
open to public inspection until after acceptance oj Complete Specifications
Those marked t are open /or inspection 12 moiUhs ajter the date attached
to them, if they have not been published premoiislt/ in the ordinary course.
Names loifhin parentheses are those of communicators of inventions. When
cctnplete Specification accompanies application, an asterisk is affixed.
-July 27, 1908.
I.'j,.sy4 GBiFFrN. Sparking plugs of multi-cylindcred engines from oscil-
lating magnetos.
I r,.s>.)H Siemens Bros. & Co. (Ltd.( (Siemens & Halske Akt.-Ges., Ger-
many.) Controlling electrical transmission aparatus.*
1.").929 Brandon. Wireless telegraphy.
15.940 Dean. System of telegraphy.*
\r<<Ml B.T.-H. Co. & Martin. Apparatus for testing magnetic nualities
of metal.
July 28, 1908.
I. "..'.Hit) Willis. Cable connector and emergency brake.
I.">.'.I79 Van Raden & Co. & Metz. Electric lamps.
I '.!I94 Frauenlob Devices for electric lamps.
l'i.iX)7 MfRRiE. Railway and tramway brake apparatu.'^.
!t>.028 HuTTON. Telephone transmitters.*
Iii.(i4.5 Butler. Terminals for electric batteries.
July 29, 1908.
lii.OtiO Rayner & Chilungton Tool Co. Connection between cUc
trical conductors.
lli,076 Willey & WORSLEY. Trolley controlling devices for use on
ck-ctric tramcars and the like.*
l(i,090 Siemens & Halske Act.-Ges. Telephone installations. (Date
applied for, 2/8/07.)*t
Ii;,12f) Garside. Starting switches for electric motors.
July 30, 1908.
Hi, 144 J. & T. M. (Jreeves & EvE.s. Electric driving of spinning and
twisting frames and machines.
Hl.lol Jandiis Arc Lamp & Electric f'o. & .Tones. Arc lamps
Iii.lli4 Siemens & Halske Akt.-(;es. Sj.ring switches for electrically
, .- «'*t'n.i;i'»l"ayiM.ints and signals. (Date applied for, 2/9/07.)*"t
Hi.l/O Rouse. Primary batterie.>j.
lii,183 ScHiESSLER. Telephony and telegraphy.*
li;.204 Jacobs & Ellison. Telegraphic railway block signalling instal-
lations.
SPECIFICATIONS PUBLISHED.
19117 Si'ErlFICATlONS.
8,851 Mayor & Mavor & Coulson. Multiplia.se electric induction
motors.
9.950 Mayor & Mayor & Coulson. Control of alternating electric
current generators and of motors sui)plied thereby.
11.IS3 Mayor, Hird & Coulson. Speed control of bodies driven by
alternating current motors.
14,451 Thompson. (Ges. fiir Drahtlose Telegraphic). Production and
detection of electric oscillations.
lo.Olti Tracey. Facilitating and checkini.' i-.>dc telegraphy.
I.5.S4I) Fennell & Perry. Electri.,1 .li-n il.-it,,,,,.
lli.4K5 Lenner. Controlling and iiui-ui mj .l.^tiic currents.
lli.577 BucHHOLZ, Frames for sui.i.Mitm^^ . I.-, trie c(mductors m the
open.
I(i,(il5 B.T.-H. Co., WeDmore, & Hamlyn. Protective devices for
electric distribution systems.
H>,719 Forbes. Arc lamps.
1<).7.'J5 Harrison. Electro-chemical deposition of metals or for making
metallic articles by electro-chemical deposition and apparatus
t heref or.
17,0.59 Grote & Ely". Arc lamps.
17,332 Mladek, Mladek & Samal. Electric transmission at a distance.
COMPANIES' MEETINGS AND REPORTS.
AMAZON TELEGRAPH CO. (LTD.)— The accounts to the year ended
June 30 show gross revenue £84,978 and total working expenses
£43 174, to which are added £26,996 for debenture interest and sink-
ing funds, leaving a balance of £14,838 for the year, thereby rcducinc
the debit balance to £51,070.
CASTNER-KELLNER ALKALI CO. (LTD.)— At the meeting last week the
Rt, Hon. Gerald W. li.iltour s.url tile ligurcs for the year were satis-
factory, the net prolit liciiig only tiHIO less than the previous year. After
dealing with the various items in the accounts, the chairman said the
directors had for some time been desirous of starting a general reserve
accoimt, and they should have done it last year had it not been neces-
sary to write off fl6,00t). As this year they had only £1.386 to write
off, the shareholders wotdd be asked to sanction the placing of £12,500 to
general reserve, which would be available in ca.ses of emergency for
cciualising the dividend. &c. £33,750 would be used in payment of a
final dividend of Is. ()d. per share (making 12J per cent, for the year),
leaving £15,2H9 to be carried forward.
EAST INDIA TRAMWAYS CO. (LTD.)— For the year ended July 31 the
gross receipts and payments amounted to £10,641 and £9,138 respec-
tively, against £9,8li and £7,487 respectively for 1906-7, leaving a
balance profit of £503 {after placing £1,COO to suspense account),
•against £1,323. With £710 brought forward the total balance is
£1,212. It is recommended that dividends lie declared of 5 per cent,
on the cumulative preference shares and 2^ per cent, on the ordinary
shares, leaving £96 to be carried forward.
ELECTROMOBILE CO. (LTD.)— The directors' rcjiort states that a re
valuation of assets has been made which has enabled items amounting
to £15,849 to be written off, leaving a deficiency of £1.444. .\t the
general meeting resolutions arc to be submitted for an increase of the
borrowing .powers to £100,00, aud of the c:ii)ital to £125.0110 by the
creation of 50,000 new ordinary shares nf £1 eaih.
GENEVA TRAMWAYS CO. (1906' (LTD.)— The report for the year ended
Sept. 30 states that the accounts show a profit on working the Swi.ss
company for the year of Fr. 526,817.75, .added to Fr.310,467. 75 brought
forward. Out of a final balance of Fr. 372.279.85 a dividend of li (>er
cent. (Fi. 300,000) has been paid, Fr. 72,279.65 being carried forward.
At the meeting on Wednesday the chairman (the Hon. Arthur G. Brand)
j said th.at negotiations were in progress, and, he thought, would be
I concluded very shortly, respecting the power contract with the town
I of Geneva. He thought that under the new contract the additional
; expenses which the company had incurred in working the line, such as
wages, would be wiped out by the advantage which would be received
under the contract. The arrangement for working the Carouge-
Ceroi.\ de Rozon line had worked satisfactorily and showed a consider-
able revenue to the company.
ISLE OF THANET ELECTRIC TRAMWAtS & LIGHTING CO. (LTD.)—
The report for the year ended Sept 30 states that there was a profit
of £13,391. Tr.atfic receipts show a decrease of £580, while sale of
electricity shows an increase of £237. The year wa,s free from any
serious accident. The directors transfer to reserve £2,500, bringing
it up to i5,500, and declare a dividend of Ij ix;r cent, on the prefer-
ence shares, leaving £1,141 to be carried forward. The provision of
additional plant to extend the lighting business is urgent, and an
additional installation at an estimated cost of £7,500 is necessary to
meet immediate and prosiiective reciuirements.
MONTREAL STREET RAILWAY CO.— The accounts for the year emled
Sept. 30 show a net pioiii, after deducting fixed charges, of $1,136,411,
af-ainst 61,040,357 in the previous year. After providing for four
quarterly dividends of 2A per cent, each and transferring S175,000 to
contingency fund and 825,000 to fire insurance fund, there remains
.?35,686, which has been placed to surplus account.
286
THE ELECTRICIAN, NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
SINGAPORE ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS (LTD. )— For the year ended Dec. 3 1 ,
l'JU7, tlie cxffss uf icvciiiu- over e.\|ifiisos was £26,222, and after meetnig
debenture interest, depreciation anil royalty (£30,775) the loss was
£4,5.52. Severe depression in trade has had an adverse affect on the
traffic receipts, but the revenue in 1!I07 from tramway sources .showed
an increase of 896,262.76 and an increase of 3,271,094 passenjiers carried.
Passenger receipts per car-mile had risen by 11'07 per cent., whilst work-
ing expenses per car-mile had decreased 3-05 per cent. The amount of
ciiT-rt'V l..r liL-liliiiL' ;ith1 pr.wcr continued (o show a gratifying increase.
WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH CO (LTD )— The re|30rt of the presi-
d,..it Ml ihr . MMipaiiv Inr th<' vcar <Midcd .lune 3(1 states that the year's
rcVcniH' V,.i- SJS.,-,SJ.L>|L>. a ,i,.,',ra>r .,| Sl.U'Tl.l'.U : cxIn'M-r. S2o.l79,215
(Iccna- Nl.:;.^.;!.:isl. ncl ivx.nn. s;'.. |o-j.'.i:)7. ,{,,,,■.,'>' s-J.OL'1.213. inte-
rcut Mil liMii.l^ .'i|.7.'5L'.:;.")(i. uiriiMM' s:{l:J.lsi.i ; prnlit s l. 071 1.747. decrease
83,233,402 ; appropriated for dividends .51,714,571, decrease S3,153,525.
Dcticii 143.825, against a suriihis of }36,053. The net growth of [the
|ilaut was in poles and cables 2,S31 miles, in wire 38,231 miles, m
(illiccst37. Tlie number of messages decreased 12,433,264. The
rcpiiit states that the decrease in the number of me.ssages was
due to depression in business and to the operators' strike which began
early in Augu.st and lasted imtil Nov. 7, 1907, and the loss shown
on the year's working was also due to increased expenses and loss of
revenue caused by the strike. There are indications of improvement in
business manifested by di 111 and,, frimi many ditTerent parts of the country
for help to handle im' naHii!^ tralli. . 'Ilir jiitomatic printing telegraph
owned by the conipain lias l.rcn luniin ,\irTided. The cost of construc-
tion work was $l,13S,'.j07, «liicli was .SI. 734,444 less than last ye<ir.
NEW COMPANIES, STATUTORY RETURNS, MORT
GAGES AND CHARGES, &c.
NEW COMPANIES.
BATLEY ELECTRIC CARBONISING CO. (LTD.) (100,350.)— Reg. Nov. 21,
capital £20,000 in £1 shares, to carry on the business of waste jrallers
and caibonisers carrietl on by S. Butterfiekl as the Batley Waste
Pulling- Co. Private company. First directors, S. Butterfiekl, G. H.
Briggs, H. Hey, 1. Holmes and A. D. Smith. Reg. Office, Bradford-
road, Batley.
LIGHT RAILWAY & GENERAL CONSTRUCTION CO. (LTD.) (100,343)—
Reg-. Nov. 20, capital £1,000 in £1 shares, to construct or acciuire and
turn to account light railways and tramw-ays in the U.K. and abroad,
*c. Private company. Reg. by PainesS Co..l4, St. Helen's-place, E.G.
MIDGLEY & SIMPSON (LTD.) (100,329)— Beg. Nov, 19, capital £1,000
in £1 shares (995 preference), to acquire the business of electrical,
mechanical and consulting engineers carried on as Midgley & Simp-
son at Leeds. Private company. First directors, C. A. Midgley, D. H.
Simpson and two others to be appointed by the subscribers. Reg.
oHice, Aire & Calder Navigation Collieries, Bridge End, Leeds.
PEMSEL & WILSON (LTD.) (100,316)— Re?. Nov. 18, capital £1,000
in £1 shares, to adopt an agreement with A. F. Perasel, W. L. Wilson
and H. J. Pemsel for the acciuisition of the business of motor, electrical
and general engineers and constructors carried on by them, and to
carry on the said business and that of electricians, manufacturers of
and dealers in motors, motor cats, &c. Private company. First
directors, A. F. Pemsel and W. L. Wilson. Reg. office, Lonclou-road,
Apsley End, Hemel Hemi>sted, Herts.
ROBINSON & HANDS ELECTRICAL CO. (LTD.) (100,349)— Reg. Nov. 20,
capital £1,000 in £1 sliaics, lo cany on the business of manufacturers
of aud dealers in ek-ctrieal and gas fittings and accessories, &c. Private
company. First directors, A. 0. Robinson and W. C- Hands. Reg.
office, 54, Barwick-street, Birmingham.
STATUTORY RETURNS.
NALDER BROS. & THOMPSON (LTD.)— Ill return to Nov. 12 capital is
£22,500 in 10,000 preference and 12,500 ordinary shares of £1 each, of
which 8,256 preference and 11,125 ordinary have been taken up. £1
per share has been called up on 8,256 preference and 1,125 ordinary
and £9,381 has been received. 10,000 ordinary shares are considered
as fully paid. Mortgages and cliai-ges, nil.
MORTGAGES AND CHARGES.
ADAMS MFG. CO, (LTD.)— A statement of the total amount outstand-
ing on .July 1 in respect of mortgages and charges created prior to that
date and not required to be registered under see. 14 of the Companies
Act, 1900, has been tiled. Particulars, deed of covenant and charge
dated May 27, 1908, to secure £2,000 ; a charge dated Nov. 2, 1908,
to [secure £700 (supplemental to an indenture dated Dec. 19, 19C4)
charged on certain hereditaments in Bedford, has been registered.
Uolders, M. E. Stephens and F. S. Pelissier.
ASSOCIATED BATTERY CO. (LTD.) -Particulars of £2,000 debentures
created by resolutions of Fob. 26, 1908, have been filed pursuant to
sec. 10 (3) of the Companies Act, 1907, the amount of the present
issue being £500. Property charged, company's undertaking and pro-
perty, including uncalled capital. No trustees.
DAVIS ELECTRICAL CO. (LTD.) -Particulars of £2,000 debentures
created by resolution of Oct. 12, 1908, have been tiled pursuant to
sec. 10 (3) of the Companies Act, 1907, the amount of the present issue
being £1,500. Property charged, company's undertaking and property,
present and future, including uncalled capital. No trustees.
MARDY ELECTRIC LIGHT CO. (LTD.)— A statement of the total
amount outstanding on .July 1 in respect of mortgages and charges
created prior to that date ami not required to be registered under
sec. 14 of the Companies Act, 1900, has been filed. Particulars, mort-
ge dated 1899, securing £650.
FOREIGN COMPANY WITH BRITISH ADDRESS.
HART MFG. CO. (541F.)— Capital stock, ^^50,000 : reg. in New Jersey
on Oct. 27, 1896. British address, 72, ^'ictoria-street, London, S.W.,
where Mr. W, Crichton is authorised to accept service.
CITY NOTES.
MEMORANDA(Nov. 26).— Bank rate 24 per cent, (since May 28, 1908)
Price of silver, 22i'd. per oz. Consols 84^-84 ,V for money and 84 J —
84i account. Consols Pay Day, Dec. 1 ; Stock and Shares Continua-
tion Day, ] >ec. 9 ; Ticket Day, Dec. 10 ; Pay Days, Nov. 27 and Dec. 11.
Prices of Metals (London).— Co^jper, cash, 64-/6 ; three months, 65.
Lead, English, 131—14; foreign, cash, 13^ ; four months, 13|— 13{J
Spelter, foreign, 2l|— 21^ Tin, English, 136—138 : Fine Foreign, cash
137.',— 137:,' ; three months, 139. Iron, Cleveland, cash, 49/8 and three
months, 50/3.
ALLIANCE ELECTRICAL CO. (LTD. & REDUCED).— A petition will be
heard by Jlr. Justice Eve on Dec. 15 for confirming a special resolution
reducing the capital of this company from £120,000 to £60,000.
ANGLO-ARGENTINE TRAMWAYS CO. (LTD.)— The directors have de-
cided to submit proposals for the reorganisation of the company's
share and loan capital.
ARON ELECTRICITY METER (LTD.)— The register of members will be
closed from Dec. 5 t., 14 inclusive.
CALCUTTA ELECTRIC SUPPLY CORPN. (LTD,)— The number of units
delivered to consumers during the five weeks ended Oct. 30 were
681,268, compared with 644,573 in the corresponding five weeks of
1907.
COMPANIES STRUCK OFF THE REGISTER. — The following were struck
off the Kcgisl.-iof.li.iiil iSliirkCiiiipanics nil Nov. 20:
Accumulator Synd.. British Automatic Alarm Bell Co., Cahfornian
Electric Power & Miiiuig Development Synd., Dorchester & District
Electric Supply Co., Electrograph, Ktngsbridge & South Devon Electric
Lighting & Traction Co., New Mutual Telephone Synd., Vernon Mecha-
nical &. Electrical Registers.
The following will be struck off the Register unless cause is showm to
the contrary before Feb. 20 : —
Electric Light & Power Co. of Japan, Electric Motive Pow-cr Co.,
Electro-Carbide Lamp Synd., Epstem Electric Accumulator Synd.,
Hy. F. Joel & Co. and Thos. Potter & Sons United, International Power
Co.. London Electro-Mobile Synd., Tramway Share & Debenture Corpn.,
Welsh Electric- Traction Co.
THE ELECTROBUS ISSUE. — In connection with the recent issue of
£5(1.(1011 ilcbrnture stock of the London Electrobus Co., a correspondent
to llic ■ D.iily .Mail" «rote to that jonrnal : — "Careful .study of the
prospectus issued to the shareholders does not convince me that the pro-
vision for depreciation is sufficient, and one paragraph particularly gives
me pause. It is that m which the Board says that all the battery main-
tenance has been and is being done under contract at 2d. an omnibus-
mile, and that the Board has offers to maintam a hundred electrobuses at
the same rate for three years. This arrangement seems to me too
favoiirablp tn the company: and the terms seem too good to be true.
'I'hr Jill I till- should give us mformationas to whether the 2d. a mile pays
111 Ill 1 ,n iHi s. whether the arrangement is on a business-like basis, and
wliai will liappcn if the offers are withdi-awn or when they terminate at
the end of the tluee years."
The secretary of the company forwarded a reply to the " Daily Mail,"
in the course of which he stated : — " Your correspondent says ' the
directors should gi\c information as to -whether the 2d, per mile pays the
contractors." It is not for my directors to make statements regarding
other |icoj,l|-s business, but they are pleased to state that, after making
lanliil 1 \|ii run. Ill- mil dials since two years, during which hundreds
of iliiii- iiiil~ "I 11 iiliiiL- «' jc taken, they have arrived at a business-like
.'ii.iiiL;ciiirni « nil -iili-i.uitial tii-ms for the battery maintenance. These
arrangements have now run satisfactorily for a period of a year and a
half, and fresh arrangements on a similar basis are now under offer.
From these facts any unbiassed observer must infer that the contracts
for the battery maintenance are equally profitable to the battery manu-
facturers as they are satisfactory to the London Electrobus Co."
We refer to this subject under " Notes " m this week's issue.
MACKAY COMPANIES.— A regular quarterly dividend of 1 per cent,
on the preferred shares and a regular cjuarterly dividend of 1 per
cent, on the common shares in the Mackay Companies will bo paid on
.Tan. 2, 1909.
STOCK EXCHANGE NOTICE.— The Stock Exchange committee have
been asked to allow £126,500 5 per cent. £100 mortgages of the
Xorlh Metropolitan E/cctric Power Supply Co. to be quoted in the
Official List.
UNITED WIRE WORKS (LTD.)— For the year ended Sept. 30 the
directors recommend a dividend of 2 per cent, on the ordinary shores
(tax free), leaving £1,606 to be carried forward.
THE BLEOTEICIAN. NOVEMBER 27, 1908.
ELEGTBIG IBAHWAT AND RAILWAY TBAFFIC ELECTRICAL COMPANIES' SHARE LIST
RECEIPTS.
Aberdeen Oorporatlon
Alrdrlo
Anglo -Argentlno
Ayr Corporation
Baker St. & Waterloo By....
Barnsley
Barrow
Bath ElectrlQ Tram^, Ltd...
Birkenhead Corporation ...
Birmingbam Corporation...
Birmmgham & Mid
Blackburn (JorporatloD
Blackpool Corporation
Boltou Corporation
Bombay
Bournemoutli Corporation..
Bradford Corporation
Brighton Corporation
Bristol TramH & Carriage...
Burnley Corporation
Burtron Corporation
Bury Corporation
Calcutta Tramways Oo
Camborne-Bedruth
Oardiflf Corporation
Oavehill
Central London Railway ...
Charing C.jEustou & HVtead
Chatham & Dint. Lt. RyB. ...
City & 8outh Loudon Rly...
City of Birmingham
Colchester Corporation
Cork Klectric Trams Oo. ...
Croydou Corporation
DevoDport & Dist. Trams..
Dover Corporation
Dublin & Lucan Railway..,
Dublin United
Dudley-Stourbridge
Dundee (Corporation
East Ham Council
Exeter Corporation
Gateahead & Diat. Treuas...
Glasgow Corporation
GlosBop Trams
Gravesend— NorHiHeet
Great Northern & City Bly..
Gt.Northern, Piccadilly, &c.
Greenock & Fort Glasgow...
Hartlepool Tramways
Hastings Eiec. Trams Co....
Hong Kong
Hudderslield Corpn
Hall Corporation
nford Dintrict Council
Ilkeston District Council ...
Ipswich Corporation
Isle of Thanet Co
Jarrow
Keighley Corporation
Kidderminster Sa District...
Kilmarnock Corporation ...
Lanarkshire Trams Co. ...
Lancashire United
Leamington
Leeds Corporation
Leicester Corporation
Leith Corporation
Lincoln Corporation
Liverpool Corporation
Liverpool Overhead Rly, ...
•London County Council ...
London United
Lowestoft
Maidstone Corporation
Manchester Corporation ...
Mereey Railway
Merthyr
Metropolitan Dist. Railway
Metropolitan Klec. Trams...
Middloton
Nelson Corporation
NewcaHtle-on-Tyne Corp. ...
Newport (Mon.)
Northampton Corporation ,
Oldham, Ashton &, Hyde ...
Oldham Corporation .........
Perth (N.B.) Corporation ..,
Perth(W.A.) Klec. Trams...
Peterborough
Portsmouth Corporation ...
Potteries
Preston Corporation
Botherham Corporation ...
Rothesay
Salford Corporation
Sheffield Corporation
Singapore Trams
South Metropolitan
South Staffs
Southend Corporation
Southport Tramways
Stalyb-dge.Hyde.&c.Jt.Bd.
Sunderland Corporation ...
Sunderland District
Swansea Trams
Swindon Corporation
Taunton
Tynemouth and District ...
Tyneside Trams Co
Wallasey District Couaoll...
Walsall Corpn
Warrington Corpn
West Ham Corporation
Weston-super-Mare
Wolverhampton Oo
Wolverhampton Corpn
♦Worcester
Wrexham
Yorkbhire W.R. Trams ......
Yorkshire Woollen District.
Rl5,U26
1,303
4,331
Deo, (g)
14
S4
22
833
ii
45
25
34
41
47
6
45
li2
34
a 12
45
1133
45
373
21
4
44
101
135
$3U7
S
26
45
48
45
7<
31
19
45
lui
34
11
3
48
46
2
45
19
45
12
20
e2
833
35
47
31
33
1
45
4S
45
11
45
3
45
H3
47
31
45
36,660
10,111
676,437
215,413
37,028
39,205
40,272
11961,574
6,017
4,060
164,681
70,360
36,490
e3,4')2
125,004
2l','373
48,716
21,175
7,873
2,635
113,252
38,076
32,675
30,016
11,072
45,789
430,864
107,145
23,966
10,914
25,991
83.631
15,088
4,811
13,963
2,7o6
4,975
3,318
5.105
4,170
59,710
61,670
7,895
226,220
47,129
14,801
491,705
28,65»
2,177
1,66G
1,104
29,497
,168,873
311,061
1,331
6,772
517,651
39,332
9,613
194,872
262,234
16,2)1
4,630
132,524
22,716
15,899
26,787
6S,U37
4,347
6!,U76
20,712
9,640
160,055
2,608
193,201
$74,249
37,097
40,U45
16,406
12,977
26,011
40,652
1,3»9
42,965
l',885
10,472
8,675
31,002
21,600
73,'616
12,915
4,678
67,207
2,350
$698
427 i
M
LAST
K
Dm-
_?
DERD
10
6/0
11
4/«
11
6/0
St.
m\
1)
2/0
8t.
MX
h
4/6
h
xm
Si.
iZ
h
2/6
f
2/3
St.
iX
fi
2/3
6
2/0
St.
itiZ
11
6/0
1(
6/0
St.
6%
St,
44%
6
6%
IC
4/(1 1
II,
6/0
St.
4*%
St.
i*Z
h
2 0
f)
2,6
St.
4V/f
b
4/0
b
4/0
b
67„
t.
4j;
St.
4%
St.
ih'/J.
8
1/6 ^
b
3/0
St.
fi
4%
100
iiX
4?
HZ
8SJ
6%
4%
S%
4i%
10, 6/0
St., i%
EUCTRICtTY SUPPLY.
BonrnPmonth & Poole Eleo. Snp. Ord...
Do. 4* per Cent. Com. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Second Pref. ...
Do. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Bromley (Kent) El. Lt. & Power Shares
Do. Do. 1st Debs,
Brompton ft Kensington Elec. Sup. Ord,
Do. 7 per Cent. Pref.
Central Elec. Snp. Co.4=^ Gnar.Db.Stock
Charing Cro3s(W.End ft CityjEl.Sup.Co.
Do. 4J per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Do. City Undertaking 4J/J Cm. Pre(.
Chelsea Electric Sapply Ord
Du. 4i per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
City of London Electric Lighting Ord..
Do. 8 per Cent. Cnm. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb. .Stock (red.) ,
Do. 4* per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock (red.)
CountyofDurhamElec. P.D. Ord
Do, 6 per Cent, non Cnm. Pref. ,
County of London Elec. Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cnm. Prof.
Do. 4j/; Deb. Stock (red.)
Do. Second Deb. Stock
Folkestone Electricity Supply Co. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Gum. Pref.
Do. n Ist Deb. Stock (red)
Hove Electric Lighting Ord
Kensington & Knightsbridge Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. 1st Pref
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Kensingtn. ft Kngtbg. Co. .St Notting Hill
Co. (Joint Station) 4% Deb. Stock (red.)
Kent Elec. Power Co
London Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb,
Metropolitan Electric Sup. Ord.
Do. 4J per Cent. Cum. Pref. ..
Do. 44perCeut. Deb. Stockist Mort. I 106 —109
Do. SJperCent. Mrt. Dob. Stock(red.) °' '"
Midland Elec. Corp.forP.D.lstMort.Db,
Sewcaatle & Dist. Elec. Ltg.Ord
Do. 4i per Cent. Deb
Newcastle Elec. Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, non Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. red. 1907.
Northern Counties Elec. Bup
Do. 4J per Cent. Deb
Notting'Hill Electric Ord
Oxford Electric Ord
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Bt. James' & Pall Mall Elec. Ord
Do. 7 per Cent. Pref,
Do. 3* per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
Smithfield Markets Electric Snp. Ord...
Do. 4 per Cent, Deb. Stock .. .
South 1 undon Electric Supply Ord
South Metrop'n Elec. Lt. & Power Ord.
Do. 7 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4Jl9tDb. Stk. Red
Urban Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. . .
Do. 4* per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb
Westminster Elec. Snp. Ord
Do. 4i per Cent. Cum. Pref.
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS & TRAMWAYS.
Baker St. ft Waterloo 4^ Perp. Db. St
Bath Elec. Trams Pref. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4i 1st Mort. Deb. Stock (red. ) ...
K'ham & Midland Trams 4) 1st Db.Stk.
Bristol Tramw.iy3 & Carriage Ord.
Cum. Pref. (fully paid)...
Price
Wed..
Nov. 25.
KJ-lOg
9J-95
104-1'*
101 —105
41-42
94 —98
7.5 -8
7i-7}
99 -102
3s-4S
4 -ii
D7 -9tt
83 -4J
3 — 3J
101 -1U3
Si-lOi
12J-13
123 —126
101 —103
2i— 3
38-35
73 -Si
104-11
107 —110
97 -ICO
4I-6J
6 — 5i
97 —100
fj-ej
7J-8J
6 -ei
94 —97
4}-.^i
6 )2
H
4 12
II
6 .'i
II
4 10
(i
3 18
(;
6 PI
6
."i 7
6
3 111
6
S 6
0
6 H
6
4 7
6
;. 17
II
4 12
n
4 II
n
4 7
6
H 9
7
6 ;:i
4
4 U
i 10
6 11
90 -02 I 4 18 11
93 —96
ns-iij
6i-6i
96 —98
75-81
r -71
87 —91
2i-2g
80 —83
5 ~bi
93 —93
4-8
4 16 9
5 10 6
6 12 0
(a) These comparisons are with the corresponding period last year. § Plua 3 dayp.
Plus 2 days. ♦ Partly eleotrioe', t Minus 3 days { Mtaus % daja.
1
1
1, 0/6
St. iiX.
St. J%
St.,' 2i%
St. 3J%
St. 8J/i ,
St.]
93 -93
lOi -10|
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb's.' 87-69
British Electric Trattion Ord ! !S— If^!
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. 34-4
Do. 6 per Cent. Perpetual Dobs I 91-93
Do. 4J per Cent. 2ml Deb. Stock 73—75
Central London Ordinary Stock 1 65 —67
Do. 4 per Cent. Pref. Stock 1 86 -S8
Do. Deferred Stock ! 61 -53
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs ! 101 —101
CharingX.Euston&HmpstdPer.Db.Slk.l 83 -88
City of Birmingham Trams. 6%Cm.Pref. 4^-4}
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs i 96 -160
City ft South London Ely. Con. Ord. ...: 31.i -SSJ
Do. 6 per Cent. Perp. Pref. (1891) ...1112-114
Do. (189C) 119-111
Do. (190J) 107 -1IJ9
Oo. (1903) I 1"' -103
Do. 4 per Cent. Perpetual Dobs 1 99—1011
Dublin United Trams. Ord HJ-l^i
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. ; 13 —It I
Gt.Nortliern&CilyRly. Pref. Ord.(4%) i-1
G. Northern, Piccadilly & Brompton Ord.j 7i— SJ |
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock ; Oi —91
Hastings & Dist. Elec. Trams. 6% Cm. Pf., 3 —1
Do. 4i Lb. St iti
J Imperial Tramways Ord 8J - 9i
JDo. C per Cent. Pref. n*^ "' '
tDo. 4J per Cent. Debs ^■',~H
I. of Thanet E.T.& Lt. 6 per Cent. Pref. ^-'°
Do. 4 percent. Dab. Stock
Lanarkshire Tramways
Lanes. Utd. Trams 5 i Prior Lien Db. St.
Liverpool Overhead Railway Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb
London United Trams. 6% Cum. Pref. ..,
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb. Stock
Mersey Con. Ord. Stock
Do. S per Cent. Perp. Pref.
Metropolitan Elec. IramwaysOrd
Do. Deferred [
Do. 6 per Cent. i^um. Pref.
Do. 4J ner Cent. Deb. Stock
Melropoli'tau Kailway Consolidated ,
Do. Surplus Lands Stocks
Do. 31 per Cent. Preference
Do. 31 per Cent. "A" Preference
Do. 31 per Cent. Convertible Pref.
Mar, Sept,
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
April, Oct
May, Nov
March. . ..
Mar, Sept
June, Dec
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, Joly
March . .
Jtme, Dec
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
June, Dec
Jan, July
April, Oct
April, Oct
Feb, Ang
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
May, Nov
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
June, Dec
Jan, July
June, Dec
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
Feb, Ang
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
Mar, Aug
Jan, July
March ..
Jan, July !
Feb, Ang
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
Feb ....
Feb, Aug
April ...
Fob.Aug
April, Oct
April, Oct
April, Oct
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Be ejMea
WIEK 10
Nov. 2u.
High-, Low
at. est.
lOa 10|»j
12|
i-
Di — tl
9J— 1)
03 —95
IJ-li
5-5i
81 -S'J
»i-fi
67 — i-.;
u-n
92 -9
4 10
4 11
4 17
3 19
4 IS
9 14
6 14
4 IS
Jan, Jnlj
Apnl.... I " t —
6 I Jan, July I -. I —
6 April, Oct •• I ..
9 Jan, July - i ..
6 Feb, Aug ■• -
0 .. ••
0 Feb, Aug .-_
June, Dec 1 'ji .-
0 , Feb, Ang "i; ..
0 ] April, Oct 9*1 01
0 I May, >oy ■ • .»
6 Feb, Aug
0 Feb, Aug
0 Feb ....
0 Jan, July WSJ 103
0 Jan, July t'l t7
0 ' April, Oct • • ' ..
0 April, Oct
0 I Feb, Ang
6 Feb, Aug
0 Feb, Ang ,
9 Feb, Aug
0 Feb, Aug
0 May, Nov
0 ' Feb, Aug
!• Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
0 Jan, July
Mar, Sept |
0 April, Oct I
0 ; Mar, Sept
0 Mar, Sept
U Jan, July
Mar, Sept
0 Jan, Jnlj
0 Feb, Aug
6 ' Jmn, July
Feb, Ang
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July ,
Jan, July
Feb, Ang.
S2i , si
1001 I „
92i
OiJ
81 per Cent. Debenture Sto
31 per Cent. "A" Oilt.i
:k 91—93
S'l —91
April.. .
Feb, Aug '
4 14 9 Jan, July
17 0 Feb, Aug i
4 0 0' Feb, Aug
4 0 6 Feb, Aug
4 S 6 Feb, Aug
4 9 9 Feb, Ang
3 15 3 Jan, July
3 17 0 Jan, July
ii
911
I!
i
67
851
• In o»lonlftting the yield ftllowance has been mad© for aoorned iaterest bat not for rodemptirn
t Kx DiTidend, } The London Stock Exchange Committee have declined to quote lliesa
THE ELECTRICIAN, VOVEMBEK 27, 19W.
EluECTIMCAL. C03«*A1NIES' SHAIfcE T^IS^.— Continued.
„:
(.ART
a
DlVI-
in
DBND
Sf,-
Ht
8t.
8J%
St.
sr
8t.
4^
St.
m
St
n
St.
*x
Price
Wod.,
Nov. 25.
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS i TRAMWAYS-
fl ToliolitHn Dislri.l Unilwnv Ord
Ho. Kxlcn«i.m I'icf. (.'. I'TCent.)
Do. ApspiitfH K.\l. I'lcf. (Int. Guar, by
Unci. Elpo. Ply. f'o. i.f London, Ud.')
Do. S per Cpnt! C'oii?olld. Rent-charge
Do. 4 per rent. Midland Bent-charge
Do. Guar. Stock 4 per Cent
Po. e percent. Perp. Deb. Stock
Do. 4 percent. Ditto
.\'ew Gen. T:«et. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
r.ilterieB Electric Traction Ord
;:o. 6 per Ceut. Cum. Pref.
too. 4* per Cent. Deb. Stock
s Met. Elec. Tram«. & Ltg. 6% Cm. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Sunderland Dist. Eleo.Trm8.B%lstMt.Db.
T'nderproundE.Rvfl.Lon.6/;' Inc'm bonds
Do, bX Prior Lien Botlds
Do. '!*>, Honda
Yorkshire (W.B.) Elec. Trams. Ord. .
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4.1 percent. l«t Dobs
ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING, &t
Continued, £ g, d.
1 1/7J
1 P/7J
6; 4/0
St.
8/0
4^
ut.
4?^
t>
Ht.
*X
•/.
Bt.
4*V
bit.
4r',
5/C
St. nx
1 1 1/0
Bt.i 44%
1 I/U
1| (1/7 J
3 S/U
100 6%
1 0/7t
Bt.
lb
4J%
2/9?
47.
6/0
4%
f/0 !
2/3
]|.^ I c t iji. i'{, ,A 1,11 ii/j arrears)..
liaU.., k>^ UiiiuiUiil
Do. Prof.
British Insulated & Helsby Cables Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent, Pref.
Do. 4i per Cent, lat Mort. Dob. (red.)
British Thoms'n-Housfn H% let Mt.Db,
British Westinghonse 6 per Cent. Pref...
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock
l^rueh Electrical Engineering
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. non-Cum
Do. 4i per Cent. Perp. Ist Deb. Stock
Do. Perpetual 'ZuA Deb. Stock ...
Callender's table Con. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4) per Cent. 1st Mort Debs, (red.)
Castner-Kellner Alkali Co
Do. 4i per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.).
1 0,9ji Chadburn'B (Ship) Telegraph Ord
1 0/7J I Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
" Consolidated Electrical Cr
tConaohdalcd SiKnal Co
t Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
•Crompton & Co. (Nos. 1 to 86,000)
Do. 6 per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs. (red.).
Davis & Tinimins
Dick, Kerr & Co. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 J per Cent. Deb. Stock
(Edison & Swan United ("A" 8h.) (£3 pd.)
IDo. (fSpaid)
Do. 4 per Ceut. Mort. Deb. Stock (rd. )
Do. 6 per Cent, 'ind Deb. Stock
Edmundson's Elec. Corp. Ord. ... -
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4^ per cent. Ist Mort. Deb. (red.)
ilectric Conatniction Co —
I'D. 7 per Cent, Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Perp. Ist Mort. Uebs.
General Electric (1900) 6% Cum. Pref....
Do. 4 per Cent, l.'it Mort. Debs
Ilr niey'a Telegraph Works Ord
Do. 4 J per Cent. Pref.
1 o. 4} per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb. Stock
Iidia Kubber, Out. Per. , &c.,Wrk«
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs, (red.)
^•ali0I!al Elec. Construction Co
11 ichardaone, Westgarth & Co., Ltd. Ord.
Do. D per Cent. Cum. Pref.
I o. 4i per Cent. Perp. Deb. Stock ...
irimplex Conduits Ord
Do. (i per Cent. Cum. Pref.
lelegraph Conatruction & Maintenance
Do. 4 per Cent Deb. Bonds (1909) ...
Vickera, Sona & Ma.tmi, Ltd., Ord
Do. b per Cent. non.Cum. Preference
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Preferred
♦ Do. 4 percent, lat Mort. Db.Sk.(rcd)
Do. 4i percent. 2nd Mort. Deb. (red.
Do. 6 per Cent. Sri Mort. Debs bcrip.
i-.^;,-^'"'''.JCo. 6;!; Cm. Pref.
12
12/0
luo
4X
1
1/0
1
O/B
tt.
bX
St.
*■/.
ItiO
UK
lou
16(0
10/U
b
1/0
b
3/U
lUU
iy.
in
.00
bX
St.
16/0
Bt.
3U/0
Kt.
l-K.
Bt.
n
10
6/0
10/0
6
2/0
6
blO
bO
4*7.
20
4/0
100
^U
Bt.
26/0
Kl.
iv/«
St.|
iZ
10
m
75 —78
ICO —101
67 -eO
123 —126
to —83
a
90 -93
J-1
76 —80
J -II
38-4
irt-i/:
91 —06
1-5
68 -73
60 —64
91-lCi
6i-6J
107i-lCOJ
lie— liJ
103 — 1U7
lA— 14
98 — lul
i-H
li'.-ii'.
Iri-lTfr
101 —104
U-z4
i-ij
66 -70
ej-vi
84 -88
lOi-lli
5-6J
107 —109
16i-17|
1.7 -99
fco — ba
6t
31i-3Si
10U-103J
l«'-l!iv
5 19 0
3 18 0
3 18 6
6 0 0
4 17 0
6 0 0
3 15 0
7 10 6
4 14 0
9 6 9
6 14 0
6 18 0
4 11 0
6 11 0
4 3 0
4 2 6
6 16 0
WiUaus & Robinson Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do 4 per Cent, let Mort, Debs
TELEGRAPHS.
Amazon Telegraph
Do. 6 per Cent. Debs. (red.I
Anglo- American
Do. Preferred "
Do. Deterred ''"
Commercial Cable 4 per Cent. Deb. Stk!
Cuba Submarine Ord
Do. Prelereiice 10 per Cent
Direct Spanish Ord
Do. 10 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4i per Cent. Deb
Direct United States Cable
Direct West India Cable 4}% Kg. Db. (rd.)
Easteru Ordinary
Do. 8* per Cent. Pref.'Stook ....!!.'.".'.'.'
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. 6lk. (red.) 103J— lOS*! 3 16 8
'•■"' — "' - ' 118— llj "
102J-1C4* 3 16 6
104 —106 4 6 0
1C6 -103
24-31
90 -93
68 —61
10!j-103i
Ui-ITJ
88i— 90i
74-8i
16i-l(J
3 -3J
8-9
100%— 103%
13J-13S
10 16
6 14 6
5 10 0
6 14 6
6 16 B
6 16 0
6 11 0
4 7 6
6 12 0
10
45
6/0
100
MZ
26
12/U
luo
«t
io;i
u
too
n
^4
1/3
in
*•/.
Eastern Exteni
Do. 4 lier Cent. Deb. Stock .
I astern & S. African 4? Mort. Deb. 1909
Do. 4% Mauritiua Sub. Debs, (red.)
G.N. (ol Copenhagen), with Coupon 74"
Dalifai & liermudB4J i 1st Mt. Db.( red.)
i-European..
kay tlnnipauiea Common
leleg. Co
i ■■1.4%Guar.Dba.(red.j
Vv. 4 1,11 ,1,1. lieljB
est India A: Panama
Do. b per Cent. Ist Prof. ...
Do. BperCent. 2udProf.
Do. 6 per Cent, Debs.
4-g
8 -t>i
8i-«»
10I1-1O3J
lit— 13i
102 -lOn
. calonlating the yiel.U allowance ha, Vse„~~„adrfo7^'
St. '.'" r^o"^J,f',^'^^V-^ .dandbonu;
/. 1 ""'"•> Vmoulelegh. 51,000 44 Bond,
An calculatinir the vinliin *ii .
101 —103
100-102
99i— lOli
32 -82
101 —103
65 —68
•,8 —62
70 —74
loi — liis
li-lj
101 —103
High-j Low-
est, j est.
126
234
K'i
82i
Feb, Aug
Jan, .July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept ' 57
Jan, July
Jan, July
April, Oct
Feb, Ang
May, Not
Fob, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, Jufy
iTone, Dec
Jan, July
April, Oct
April, Oct
Julyi'Feb
Jan, Jaly
Jan, J uly
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
March ..
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
May, Nov
Feb. Aug
March . .
April, Oct
August ...
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
June, Deo
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
May, Not
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July
June, Deo
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
Mar, Sept
Feb, Ang
April, Oct
April
Not ....
May, Nov
Jan, July
Mar, July
Jan, July
Apr, Oct
Apr, Oct
May, Not
106.!
87i
"i
75J
Hi
13J
3 16
«
6 18
(1
3 17
9
3 18
0
8 18
B
6 6
0
3 17
6
6 13
II
6 0
(1
e 8
0
3 17
«
4 3
n
3 17
6
7 1
0
3 17
II
5 7
(1
3 17
n
4 lU
0
J one, Deo
June, Dec
F,My,Ag,N
F,My,Ag,N
F,My,Ag,N
Jn,Ap,Jy,0
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
June, Dec
Ja,.My,JyO
Ja,.\ly,JyO! '^'i
May, isoT I ...
la,Ap,Jy,0 Hi
Feb, Aug ll'2t
Feb, Aug I
May, Not
Jan, July
June, Deo
May, Not
Ia,Ap,Jy,0
la,Ap,Jy,0
April ....
June, Deo
May ....
Jan, July
May, Not
May, Nov
May, Not
Jan, July
Mr,Jn,0,D
June, Dec
Lasti
DITI-
Idehd!
Price
Wed.,
Nov. 26.
^*™^ 1 DITIDEHD
DUK,
BusniEs
Wkekk
Nov. 25.
TELEPHONES.
Amer. Telephn. & Telegh. Cap. 8t 13' —
Do. Coll. Tmat 81,0004 percent. Bds! 94—1
AngloPortug'ae TeL 6% 1st Mt.Db. Stk
5 5''0 ChiH Telephone -
1 0/7i (Monte Video Telephone Ord,
1,0/6 t Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
St.! Bi; NationalCo. Pref. Stock
Do. Def. Stock ,
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. let Pref. lOJ— llj
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. 2nd Pref. \ 101 -lU
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. 3rd Pref. ...' 6/„— 6ft
Do. Deb. Stock 3i per Cent, (red.) ...' 98-100
Do 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) I'.'l- 103
Iriental - i '? — ^8
Do. 0 per'Cen't.'Cumi Pref. l*-li
Do. 4 per Cent. Ked. Deb. Stock 90-93
lelephoneCo.ofBgypt44;^Db.Stk.(red.) 10114-102}' 4 8
Jnited Kiver Plate "" "^ " '"
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. ....
Do. 4J Deb. St, Ked
100 2t
.. ' 4%
St. 5%
6>.
10 6/0
10 f/0
6 2/6
St.: 3j%
St. V/.
1 0/7.'
1 0/7i
St.: 4%
St.: 44%
6/0
4 18
8 —84 1 4 Jl
|.= -li'8 1 5 13
;;.■- 3.1 : 6 6
loti-iiOj: 6 8
:ui— UBi 6 1
4 10 6
3 V) 0
3 18 0
5 16 3
4 16 0
St.
ax
88-74
6 -64
101 —108
10 2 0
10 3/0
ex
FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, Ac.
Elec. 4 Gen. Inveatment 6% Cum. Pr
Globe Telegraph &. Iruat
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Submarine Cables Trust (Cert.)
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRIC
RAILWAYS, TRAMWAYS, Ac.
Anglo-Argentine 6% Cum. 1st Prof.
Do. 10/t Nou-cum. 2nd Pref.
Do. Permanent B% Deb. Stock
Auckland Elec. Trams. bZ Deb. (red.)...
Brisbane Electric Trams. luToat. Ord....
Do. 6 per Cent. Com. Pref.
Do. 44 per Cent. Db. Prov. Certs
tBritiah Columbia EI.Ky.Df. Ord
Do. Pref. Ord. Stock
Do. b% Cum. Perp. Pfef. Stock
44 per Cent, lat Mort. Deb
Do. \
POK
44;.
4J% Perp Cou. Deb. St
Buenos Ayres Elec. Trams (1901) Ltd,
Deb. St
Buenos Ayres Grand National Ord.
Do. 5 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 54 per Cent. Pref. Debs
Dc. ti per Cent. Ist Deb. Bonds
Buenos Ayres Lacroze Trams Ist Mt. Db.
Buenos Ayres Port & City Tram. 1st Mt.
Deb. Stock £75 Paid
Calcutta Tramways (1 to 137,610)
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J% Ist Deb. Stock (red.)
Cape Electric Tram Shares
tCity ot Buenos Ayres Trams Co. ( 1904)Sh.
Do 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Colombo Tr. it Ltg. 6% 1st Mt. Db.
Electric Traction Co. of Hong Kong 5
per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
flaTana Elec. By. Con. Mt. 6% $1,000 60
year Coup. Bds
Kalgoorlie Elec. Trams Sh
Do. 6 per Cent. " A " Deb. Slock
Do. B percent. "B" Ditto
Lisbon Elec. Trams. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Keg. Mort. Debs
Madras Elec. Trams. 6% Deb. Stk
Manila Elec. Ky. 81,000 Gold Bonds
Meiicolrams 00. Com. St
Do. Gen. Con. 1st Mort. 6% Gold Bds....
Montreal St. By. Sterling 44 per Cent.
Deba. (1922) (Nos. 601 IX) 2,000)
Perth Elec. Trams Ord "
Do. 1st Mt. Db. Stock
Bangoon Elec. Trams &. Supply Co,'6%
34-4
Itj-llJ
u —134
127 — 13J
. Pf. ,
61 —66
4i— 5
46-6J
103 —106
1-*
6* —oi
loO —104
S7 —90
83 —90
1424—144*
a 4 -93i?.
Do, 44% 1st Mort. Deb. Sik
Sao Paulo Tramway, Light & Power Co
8100 Stock
Do. 6 per Cent. 1st Mt. $600 Db. '.','....
Toronto Ky Co. 1st Mt. 444 Ster. Bonds
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRICITY
SUPPLY &c.
Adelaide Elec. S'ply Co. 6% Cn.Pr 51-64
Bombay E. S. &T.b;. Cm. Pf. Ij— 104
Do. 44 percent. Deb. Stk. (red.) 1)4 —9b
tCalcutta Elec. Supply Ord I 5A-6
Canadian Gen. Elec. Go. Com. St llo"— 112
Castner Electrolytic Alkali Co. (of U.S. A )l
Ist Mort. Stl. Debs .; 92 —97
Elect. Development Co of Ontario ... *"i 81-86^
Elec. Ltg. & Trac. Co. of Aust. Bpe.-I
Cent. Cum. Pref. | 2 —24
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb Stock ."'"l 83—68
Elec. Supply Co. of Victoria 6 per Cent !
1st Mort. Deb. St ! 90-93
Indian Elec. Sup. & Trao. Co. Coustn.l
_
St.
81
„
bW
6%
100
1
1
Sli
1/S5
I 2?
St.
b7„
6
3/U
12I
Kill
81
mi
'>'/.
Deb. St. Kd,
Kalgcorhe Elec. Power & Ltg. tir'd. '
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Prof. "„..
Madras E. S. Corp. 6 per Cent. Constii
Deb. St
MeiicBU Elec. Light Co. 6%"lat Mort
Gold Bonds
Mexican Lt, i Power Co. Com. St.
Do. 6,4 1st Mort. Gold Buds. ... "'■
Montreal Lt. Ht. & Power Co. Cap. St!!!!
Kiver Plate Electricity Co. Ord !!!
Do. 6 per Cent. non.Cum. Prof !!!!!!!!!
Do. 6 percent. Deb. Stock !!!!!!
Kosario Elec. Co. B/„ Pref. 11-20,000).!!!!!
bhawiuigan \\ aler & Power Go. Cap. St.
Do. 6 per Cent. Bds
Victoria l-alls Power Co. Prof
30 —40
8C —87%
7ti\-774
b'J.j-904
Uvj— 111*
6 12 0
4 10 0
4 17 6
5 U 0
4 13 9
6 13 6
i.: — ll'.;
pio —11,3
— 6g
—hi
-106%
6 10 6
6 11 B
4 13 0
6 13 0
103
eat.
13S^
Jan, Jtily
Mar, Sept
August . .
Not ....
May, Nov
.. 1
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
1184
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
6.(.',
June, Dec
984
Jan, July
April, Oct
11
April, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, Jtlly
July....
m
June, Dec
Jau, July
1044
Jan, July
SpDcMrJu
loi
SpDcMrJu
April, Oct
April, Got
Oi'L
Jan, July
June, Deo
Jan, July
May ....
-• .
May, Not
Jan, JniT
Mar, Sept
137
May, Not
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
"
Js, Jol ..
Feb, Aug
iii
Jan, July
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Feb, Ang
Mar, Sept
—
Jan, July
Jan, July
F,My,A,N
Jane, Dec
May, Nov
June, Dec
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
Jan, July
024
July ....
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
'Mi
Feb, Aug
May ....
Jan, July
1664
June, Dec
:o2
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
m
Jan, July
April, Oct
b'i
1114
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
„
Jan, July
Jan, Jaly
Jan, July
-
April, Oct
April, Dot
87
^
37*
»di
F,My,'A,N
lu*
April
lit
May
Jan, July
April, Oct
...
81*
Jan, July
I04i
Jan, July
loci
accrued Interest but not for redemption t Ex dlTidend. J The London Stock Eiohange Committee have declined to quote these
THE ELECTRICIAN:
THE OLDEST WEEKLY ILLDSTBATED JOURNAL OF
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND FINANCE.
ESTABLISHED, First Series (Weekly), 1861; Second Series (WeeUy), 1878.
No. 1,594. [vSiIlSi..]
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
Price Sixpence %^°^*-
Abroad 3d., or 18 cents, or 90e., or SOB/.
CONTENTS OF THE CURRENT NUMBER.
Notes 289
Arrangements for the Week 291
'Domestic Electricity Supply
(inclutling Heating <uid
Cooking) as Ati'ected by
Tarilfs. By W. R. Cooper.
Illustrated. Concluded . . 292
-A Comparison of Natural and
Induced Draught Systems.
By W. N. Y. King 296
The Kinlochloven Works of
the British AluminiumCom-
pany. Illustrated 297
Oerlikon Steam Turbines.
Illustrated 302
Accumulators for Peak Loads.
, By A. M. Taylor. lUus. . . 305
Testing of Alternators— ZJjs-
ctifision 307
T.iRiFFS fokDomkstic Power 3t8
Electric Cooking and Heating
Apparatus. Illustrated . . 309
•COBRESPONDENCE 314
Wireless Telephony (S.
Flood Page).
Correspondence— fOiidtudeu!.
Glasgow Local Section —
Inaugural Address ^A. M.
Taylor).
The Institution and other
Societies 315
The Production of Small Vari-
able Frequency Alternating
Currents suitable tor Tele-
phonic and other Measure-
ments, By B. S. Cohen.
Illustrated 315
Apparatus for Alternating
Current Measurements. 111. 316
The Phantophone. Illustrated 517
Lift Controller. Illustrated.. 318
Parliamentary Notices 318
ParliamemtaryIntelligknce 319
Legal Ixtellkjence 319
Municipal, Foreign & General
Notes 320
Trade Notes and Notices 322
Companies' Meetings and
Reports 325
City Notes 326
Companies' Share List 327
NOTES.
Accumulators for Peak Load.
With that energy so necessary to a good cause Mr. A. M.
Taylok, iu our present issue, returns to the question of
using accumulators for meeting the peak load in generating
-stations. We do not suppose there is any subject more in
the mind of the station engiueer at present than that of
reducing capital expenditure to a minimum. The lower
the load factor the more important this question becomes,
for with a low Joad factor capital charges become a very
.serious handicap. With the continual striving after the
lowering of prices charged for electrical energy, and with
the ever-present object of capturing further fields depen-
dent upon the supply of electrical energy at a low figure,
this question of capital cost becomes extremely important.
We are, therefore, pleased to give Mr. Tavlok the oppor-
tunity of returning to the subject. Our readers are already
familiar with his views, but on some points they may
possibly not be entirely conversant with the details. In
■dealing witli a subject of this sort it must, no doubt, be
remembered that batteries in the early days did not earn
.a very desirable reputation. The history of the accumu-
lator has been marked not by sensational advance, but
by steady progress due to ceaseless attention to minute
details, until at length Ijatteries have been produced the
performance of which can be foretold very definitely and
the maintenance of which can be guaranteed on very
reasonable terms. Consequently, the accumulator of to-day
differs in its performance very materially from that of 1.5
years ago, and this fact must be taken into consideration
when looking into the merits of the case.
Aluminium in the Electrical Industry.
As our readers will have noticed, iu our last issue we
dealt with this subject at some lengtli, giving as our final
opinion that aluminium would be a very prominent factor
iu the future development of the electrical industry. In this
issue we include an article on tlie new works of the British
Aluminium Co. at Kinlochleven, showing that this com-
pany is fully alive to the industrial possibilities of the
metal iu the near future. From the electrical jioint of
view there can be no doubt that these possibilities are great.
Its employment for transmission work gives ample food for
thought to both theorist and engineer, especially in regard
to aluminium cables. At its present price, which is prac-
tically equivalent to that of copper, there is little doubt
tlial its use is an economical advantage for overhead power
transmission, while even in high-tension cables, as far as the
provision of the insulation itself is concerned, there would
be less difficulty than witli corresponding copper cables. In
fact, a well-known firm of cable makers has recently
expressed the view that with the metal at its present price
aluminium cables are economical. In other branches of
engineering, aluminium has already " arrived," and its use
is becoming more and more extended. Further develop-
ments and still lower prices are promised, and as they can
only be for the good of the industry, we are sure that they
will be heartily welcomed by all.
Systems of Charging.
\ sritiKiNi; feature iu connection with electrical energy
is the accuracy with which it may be measured and the
precision to which costs may be determined. Thus it has
become usual to determine the cost of supplying various
classes of cousumcr and to charge accordingly. Possibly
too much attention has been paid to such methods in the
endeavour to charge all consumers as nearly as possible in
proportion to the cost of producing the energy required by
them. It has frequently been stated that this is the only
sound basis on which an electricity supply undertaking
can be built up. In this respect, ilr. E. W. Cowan must
be regarded as somewhat of a heretic, since he proposes to
290
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
base the charges for energy, not on the cost of pro-
duction, but on the vahie of the energy to each class of
consumer. Thus, although energy supplied for heating
l^urposes may cost on the average, say, one-third of that
supplied for lighting, the charges made to the consumer
would not necessarily be in that ratio, but would be ar-
ranged so that the cost of electric heating would l^ear
favourable comparison with that of other forms of heating.
In other words, the price of electrical energy .would be de-
termined by what it would fetch in the open market. This
will certainly be considered rather a bold policy to pursue
and it would place too much responsibility on the engi-
neer controlling an undertaking, whilst, carried to its
logical conclusion, it would involve a separate price for
each consumer. Such methods have been known to lead
to disaster. Indeed, we are afraid that in spite of the
argument brought forward last week by Mr. (yOWAN, at
the meeting of tlie Institution of Electrical Engineers, he
Avill not have obtained many converts to the principle be
so ardently advocates.
Labour Co Partnership.
No one who considers present-day social conditions can
help being struck by the great, and often quite pre\'entable,
inifairness which is imposed by them. We by no means
ad\ocate Socialism in the sense in which the term is now
understood, but, on the other hand, we think that much
le\(dling up between Cajtital and Labour could fee carried
out with advantage. The day has now gone by when the
workman could be considered as a machine, which it was
necessary to keep in working order,it is true.butwhose "up-
keep charges " were cut down to the lowest possible limit.
In this connection a point made by Mr. A. J. Balfoui; in
his presidential address to the Labour Co-Pai'tnership
Association is worthy of notice. He gave it as his opinion
that, in general, a man's greatest life interest was in his
work, and that by increasing this interest great good
to the community would result. This co-partnership is
indeed primarily financial, but the interest engendered
by it leads to far deeper results than those shown in the
balance-sheec. Such a co-partnership is, of course, not
new. It has for long been employed with most bene-
ficial results among gas companies and in many other
trades. Its beneilts cannot be overrated, for it practically
leads to the prevention of internecine strikes, which in
themselves, as Sir Christophek Fuisness pointed out, lead
to a wastage of capital amounting to 9j per cent, at the
present time. Co-partnership is not, however, put for-
ward as a cure for all ills, nor is it proposed that individual
elfort should lie suppressed, or that management by a
debating society should lie introduced. IJut, after putting
the management into the hands of one responsible person,
lot each member of the concern have such an interest in
its well-being that the furtherance of its objects will be his
primary aim. This, in our opinion, is Socialism of the
right kind, and our only regret is that it was not intro-
duced sooner, and that its influence is not more
widespread. The first of these points cannot now be
remedied, but the second may be put forward as a very
feasible solution of the present-day labour problem, for the
mutual knowled-e aoiuiredby both sides will be a common
advantage.
New York. New Haven & Hartford Railway.--It is reported'
that this railway company have applidl to the Public Service
Commission for powers to electrify the section of their track
between Bronx and New Eochelle.
Personal.— Mr. S. W. J. Smith, M.A., D.Sc, has been
ii]ipointed one of the honorary secretaries of the Physical
Society in succession to the late Prof. W. Cassie.
We understand that Mr. G. C. Lloyd, who has been secretary
of the Institution of Electrical Engiueers since 1904, has.
been appointed secretary of the Iron and Steel Institute in
succession to the late Mr. Bennett H. Brough.
Electrical Engineers' Ball, 1909. — It has been decided to
hold the 1909 ball on Friday, February 5th, at the Hotel
Cecil. A large and influential committee has been formed,
with an executive committee consisting of the same gentle-
men as on the last occasion. The honorary treasurer is Mr.
Robert Hammond, and the honorary secretaries are Mr. A. M.
Sillar and Mr. H. Alabaster.
Electric Clocks at Gotha. — The Zeikchrift fur SchtiMchstma-
Icchnik describes a system of electric clocks which is now being
installed at Gotha, and which serves a number of public build-
ings and churches as well as 3.5 private houses. The master
clock is fixed in the Town Hall, where it works an electric
transmitter and thus controls the system. This regulation has
been designed to feed six, lines, each of which has a capacity
of si.x clocks. The pendulum of the master clock is electri-
cally connected to the Observatory, so that if it swings too
quickly its motion is retarded by a magnet. The working
battery consists of 10 large cells connected to the system
through a small switchboard on which are mounted instru-
ments and lightning arrester apparatus. The subscription
for the installation of one of these clocks is 2.5s. per annum,,
extra clocks being charged at half the usual rates.
Electric Traction at Odessa. — The Klcktrotechniher axmoxvac^^
that the municipality of Odessa has decided to construct a sys-
tem of tramways, and has granted a concession to a Belgiaik
company which holds similar rights over the present horse lines.
The system in question will have a mileage of 1)5, half of which
will be single track. The gauge will be 1 metre and Phceuix
rails weighing flO lb. per yard will be used in the town and
Vignoles rails, weighing 76 lb. per yard, in the suburbs. The
troUey system will be adopted throughout. The generating
station will contain four generator groups, each having a capa-
city of 1,000 kw. Alternating current will be distributed at
the generator pressure of 6,000 volts to six sub-stations, where
it will be transformed to continuous current at 550 volts.
The rolling stock will be made up of 250 motor cars, as well as
trailers. It is estimated that the total expenditure will exceed
£1,250,000.
Physical Society's Exhibition.— At the exhibition to be held
by the Physical Society on Friday evening, December llth
(from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.), at the Royal College of Science,
South Kensington, the following firms will exhibit : Messrs.
The Cambridge Scientific Instrument Co., Casella & Co.,
A. C. Cossor, J. H. Dallmeyer, Elliott Bros., Everett,
Edgcumbe & Co., Gullenkamp & Co., Gambrell Bros.,
J. J. Griffin & Son, A. Hilger, The India Rubl er, Gutta
Percha & Telegraph Works Co., Marconi's Wireless Telegraph
Co., Nalder Bros. & Thompson, Newton & Co., R. W. Paul,
.Tames Pitkin & Co., Siemens Bros. & Co., Snell & Tinsley,
,T. Swift k Son, Alexander Wright & Co., and Carl Zeiss.
From the pro2;ramme, of which we have received an advance
proof, there appear to be many items of considerable interest
to both physicists and electrical engineers. We understand
that invitations have been given to the Institution of Elec-
trical Engineers, the Faraday Society, the Optical Society and
the Rcintgen Society. Admission, however, except to Fellows
of the physical Society, will be by ticket only, and therefore
members of the societies just mentioned desiring to attend the
exhibition should ajiply to the secretary of the society to which
they belong.
Cable Interruptions. Date of interruption,
Pontianak— Saigon Sep. 16, 1908
Kotonou Grand Bassam Oct. 29, 1908
Dakar— Conakry Nov. 8, 190a
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
291
The " Electrical Review " (N.Y.) and the " Western
Electrician." -Amalgamations appear to be much in favour
with American technical journals. A few months ago we had
to chronicle a combination of interests between the " Street
Railway Journal" and the "Electric liailwaj- Review," and
now we have to announce that the "Electrical Review,' of
New York, and the " Western Electrician," of Chicago, have
joined forces, the first is.sue of the new combination appearing
on November 7th. In form it closely resembles the "Electrical
Review " previous to the amalgamation, and we hope that the
con.solidation of the two jmblications will prove of mutual
advantage.
Medical Electrotherapeutic and Radiology Convention. —
A Convention, strictly confined to the medical and scientific
professions, and assuming almost an international character,
will be held next year from .July 6th to .July 9th, at Univer-
sity College (University of London), Gower-street, London,
AV.C, to discuss all the most recent developments in electro-
therapeutics and radiology. In connection with the confer-
ence an exhibition will be held of up-to-date apparatus and
appliances used in electro-medical and radiographic treatment.
Already we understand there is promise of a number of vastly
improved apparatus for both the classes of medical treatment
above mentioned. The object of the conference and exhibition
will be to attract the attention of the medical profession generally
to recent advances in these branches of science and application.
It is hoped that one of the main results of the ('onveution
will be to make the focus tube as familiar in the hands of the
physician as the stethoscope. One of the most interesting
matters in the Convention will be a conference between eminent
medical and naval authorities to discu.ss the difl'erences between
the Riintgen anil the Marconi radiations, the latter at the
present time being a serious interference with the former. i\lr.
Ernest Schofickl, 1 1, Chandos-street, Caveudish-S(|uare, London,
^\ ., is organising secretary. The executive committee are
Drs. W. Deane Butcher, M.D., Lewis Jones, M.D., and Reginald
Morton, M.T).
Comparison of the Working Costs of Small Arc Lamps
and High Candle power Osram Lamps. — A recent number of
the " Elektrotechnische Zeitschrift " contains an article by
H. Kemane dealing with this subject. It appears that the Auer
Company are turning out Osram lamps of 200, 300 and 400 c.p.,
suitable for burning on circuits whose voltage lies between 110
and 130 and between 200 and 270 volts. Tliese lamps have a
life of about 800 hours, the candle-power diminishing 5 or 6 per
cent, in that time. The ratio of the mean hemispherical illu-
mination to the mean horizontal ilhunination is about 0-82,
and the eflicienty is about l-;i3 watts per candle-power. These
lamps, when used for interior lighting, are fitted with a re-
flector, and when employed outside, with both a reflector and
clear glass globe, the figures for etticieucy then become 0'9S
and 1'05 watts per candle-power respectively. The results
obtained of the cost of energy with different types of lamp and
by different observers, taking the cost of current to be 4Jid. per
unit, are given in the tables below : —
Table I, — Constniiption in Wat In per Candk-poircr for Dirncl Currail
Enclosed Arr Lampx.
Amperes. Remaiu'. A.E.G. S.S.W.*
3 -il 1-01 105
4 1-7 0-95 0-9
5 1-5 0-84 0-86
6 1-4 — 0-93
Table 11.— fj'P^t^P Cont in Pnict per Hour j,, r 1,000 i'.^).
Osram Lamps. Arc Lamps.
Amperes. Remane. Remain-. A.E.Ci.
1 — — ~
2 _ .. 4-65 .„ — —
5 4-65 9-b 4-7
4 4'65 77 4-4
5 — 7-7 38
6 — 62 —
'Siemens-Schuckerfc Werke
Electrification of the Paris Suburban Railways. -It is
announced that the communes of Asnii'res, Brcon, Argen-
teuil. Saint Germain and several other places in the vicinity,
which are at present served by the Ouest Railway Co., are
in urgent need of further railway accommodation. It has
been proposed that two additional lines of railway should be
provided at the entrance to Saint Lazare station, and that a
new bridge across the Seine .at Asni.'res shouU be built. This
extension, however, will not fully meet with the graduallr
increasmg dem.ands, and a scheme of electrification is being
considered. The project is as follows : The railways from
Paris to Saint Germain and from Paris to Argenteuil will be
rendered entirely independent of the main lines to Xormandj^
and both will be worked electrically. They will run into Saint
Lazare and terminate in an underground station, with a plat-
form length of 600 ft., accommodating six lines of rails. The
existing passages on the level will all be abolished, and will
be replaced by subways and by o^-erhead galleries. The cur-
rent employed for traction purposes will be at a pressure of
from 600 to 650 volts, and will be taken from a third rail,
placed alongside the track. The high-tension three-phase
current from the generating station will be conveyed by means
of underground cables to transformer stations distributed
along the line. It is intended to run from 12 to 30 trains
hourly, but this number m.ay be increased to 21 trains per
hour. The estimated expenditure amounts to ,£1,160,000 for
the rails, the workshops, and the electrical equipment, and
.£S00,000 for the rolling stock, the substations and trans-
formers, together with the conductors for the high-tension
current.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE WEEK.
FRIDAY, December 4th (to-day).
SiKMEN'S' St.^fkord Exi:ixkkrisu Societv.
cS' p.m. Meeting at the Siemens Institute, Stafford. Paper on
" Military Engineerincj," by Mr. H. G. Williams.
MONDAY, December 7tli.
SoriETY OK Enoineers.
.'< p.m. Meeting at the Royal United Service Institution, White-
ball. Paper on " Mechanical Flight," by Mr. H. Chatley.
TUESDAY, December 8th.
Man'cuestkk Stitikn-ts' Section of the Institution ok Electkical-
exoineers.
'/".-.j'O p.m. Meeting at the Municipal School of Technology, Whit-
worth-street, Manchester. Paper on " Single-pliase RaiU
ways," by Mr. P. C. Jones.
Gl.\S(:o\v Section of the Ixstitction of Electrical Exgixeees.
,s' p.m. Meeting at 207, Bath-street, Gla-sgow. Paper on-
" Domestic Electricity Supply (including Heating and Cook-
ing) as affected by Tarifi's," by Mr. W. R. Cooper.
WEDNESDAY, December 9th.
Assoi lATiON" OF Encineer-s in CirARGE.
.s' ji.iii. Meeting at St. Bride's Institute, Briilelane, Fleet -street.^
Paper on •■CouK its Compo.sition and Combustion," by Mr.
W. H. Booth.
THURSDAY, December 10th.
Institition of Electrical En(;ixeer.s.
fip.m. .Meeting at Great George-street, Westminster. Papers
on "Output and Economy Limits of Dynamo Electric
M.achinery," by Messrs. J. C. Macfarlane and H. Burge, and
on " Commercial Electric Heating," by Jlr. J. Roberts, if
time permits.
FRIDAY. December 11th.
Pnvsic.u. SixiETV.
7 j,.m.—l<i pin. Exhibition of Electrical, Optical and other
Physical Apparatus at the Royal College of Science. Imperial
Institute-road, South Kensington. (S-c Note.)
The Electrical Engineers (London Division).
The following orders have been issued for the current week :—
,^ ° -7.1 i Infantry drill (Recruits), b p.m. to 7 p.m.
Monday, Dec. ,Cth, J Xechnical drill, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
"A" Company | Adjutant's lecture, 8 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 8th, | Technical drill, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
" B '■ Company ( Infantry drill, 8:45 \>.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Tuesdiv Dec.Stir... .Medical inspection for recruits, 6:30 p.m. tO-
7:30 p.m.
I Lecture by Capt. Phillips to corporals at
Wednesday, Dec. 9tli, 8 p.m. Other N.C.O.s may attend this lec-
I ture.
Thursday, Dec. lOtli. (Infantry drill (Recruits), 6 to 7 p.m.
" C " Company (Technical drill, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
^ ., _, ,, , (Infantrv drill (Recruits), 6 to 7 p.m.
Friday. Dec. lltli, I xechniral drill, 7 to 8 p.m.
"1)' Company ( Adjutant's lecture, 8 p.m.
292
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
DOMESTIC ELECTRICITY SUPPLY (INCLUDING
HEATING AND COOKING) AS AFFECTED BY
TARIFFS.*
i;v \v. K. cooi'Kit.
(Conrluiled from pa(je '.'61.}
Summari/. — The author considers the importance of so adjustinj;
-tariffs tliat electric heating and cooking may be encouraged. Present-
day tariffs are nearly all useless for this purjiose. The essentials of a
tariff for domestic supply are laid down, and tariffs based on rateable
value, on two-rate meters, and on the total " wattage " of the lamps
installed are considered. Preference is given to the latter, in which a
certain sum per annum is charged per equivalent 8 c.p. 30 watt lamp,
plus a small charge per unit. It is shown that this charge may very well
vary from Jd. to Id. per unit. Finally, the economic aspect of electric
heating and cooking is considered in some detail.
- The Economic Aspect of Electric Heating and Cooking.
Ehdric, Healing. — In considering the pcssibilities of electric lieat-
g one is brought face to face with the inherent thermodynamic
ineliiciency of producing electric energy from coal. Fortunately
there is a compensating inefficiency in the use of coal in the ordinary
household grate, but, on the other hand, it imparts a clieerfulness
associated only with a coal fire. This property is by no means an
miimportant factor in the eyes of the public, and there is no doubt
that, in comparison with the coal fire, the ordinary radiator (of the
wire pattern) is a dismal a|pplianrc.
A small room of L.'idO li. i.',0(io lubic ft. can be heated by burning,
say, I cwt. to '. cwt. per <lay dt \'2 hours, and, with coal at 25s. per
ton.'^this would ('o.st 4.W. to 5d. per day. If a radiator were used re-
•quiring 1 kw., which is an ordinary figure, the consumption per day
would be 12 units, if kept on continuously at full rate, or 9 units if
used at half rate for half the time. From this it is apparent that Id.
per unit is not a very encouraging tariff.
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Fig. 2. — Oraimiic Rkcokds ok Load due to Elki-tric Cookini:,
iiY .1. R. Cravatii.
-. Fortunately it.s virtues are sufficient to make the radiator popular,
Ht least for auxiliary heating, if the charge for energy is reasonably
low. The radiator has pre-eminently the vutue of cleanliness,
which appeals to every housewife, to whom the dust from the ashes
of a coal fire is a continual trouble. It is also extremely portable,
wliieh is most important from the point of view of comfort, and in
this respect it has a great advantage over gas. For auxiliary heat-
ing the radiant, or lamp, form of radiator is certainly |)referable.
because it has a cheerful appearance when in u.se, its cliVct is felt
at once on switching on, the heat can be directed where required,
aiul the heating elements are replaced very easily. There is no
doubt that such radiators have a large field of usefulness before
them in small sitting rooms and bedrooms if electric energy is sup-
plied at Id. or less per unit. From the station engineer's point of
view the load so obtained is desirable, because it would probably
come chielly at those times of day when the lighting load would not
be -it its highest value.
The prospect of heating houses enthely by electricitj' seems some-
what remote. The only method that ap))ears jiraeticable is to heat
bodies of water at night, thus forming a kind of thermal storage
system. Such water in different parts of the house might be heated
during the night, energy being provided at a much lower rate through
a. two-rate meter between, say, midnight and 0 a.m.
There is one little electric heating device that could probably be
put to much more useful service in this country than at present —
namely, the electric flat iron. In America this device has been found
very useful for arousing the householder's interest in electric heating
and cooking, and once this interest has been aroused the chance of
p,* f'''**'''"''' °X "^ ^'H'et- i-ead before the Institution of Electrical
ijuguieci-s, ou November 26th.
introducing other electrical apparatus is much increased. It should be
realised that in j)ractically every household a small amount of iron-
ing is carried on. The usual flat iron may reach various temperatures.
;ind the average domestic is not renowned for her carefulness, with the
result that a good deal of irretrievable damage is done tlirough the kon
lieing too hot. Consequently the electric flat iron, which is alway.s
clean and always at the proper temperature. a))peals strongly to the
housewife. This fact is so well recognised in America that in some
towns electric flat kons are loaned on trial, there being little risk of an
unsatisfactory result. Thus, in the discussion at the Convention of the
Colorado Light. Power and Railway Association last year on " Central
Station Power Problems." a case "was cited m which 117 irons were
placed on loan, and 92 of these were sold as the resiJt of the trial.
-Air. J. F. Vail mentioned that his company had loaned 1.200 flat irons,
and at the end of two years 800 of them were owned by the consumers.
In Denver 3,000 irons were introduced in a single summer, and at
Pueblo the revenue per iron was found to be 24s. per annum. At first
sight a flat iron seems a device too small to trouble about, but if they
came into general use the revenue so derived would be considerable,
and they have the very great advantage that they provide an essen-
tiaUy daylight load.
Electric Cooking. — In seeking information on the economic aspect
of electric cooking from the consumer's point of view, one is struck
■svith the great apathy of those chiefly concerned. The maker of
apparatus for electric cooking will tell the inquii'er to the tenth part of
a penny, or even more closely, how much it will cost him to cook a
chop or a leg of mutton ; or. if he is particularly cautious, he will give
the cost of boiling a pint of water with energy at Id. per unit, sug-
gesting that the consumer should pay £1 for a copper kettle, or per-
haps £10 for an electric oven. The average publicity department of
an electricity undertaking will give similar information. The inquir-
ing householder may be somewhat impressed, particularly with the
cost of the apparatus, but he fldll depart without the information he
desired, for the simple reason that he does not already know how
much it costs him to cook a leg of mutton, or even to boil a pint of
water, by coal or gas. What he does laiow is that his bill for coal or
gas is so much per annum, and what he would like to know is how
the cost of electric cooking for liou.sehold purposes would compare
with that of coal or gas, not merely in cooking a single joint, but
over a lengthy period. This information neither the manufac-
turers nor the electricity undertakings have been progi'essive enough
to obtain. The householder knows that for light cooking gas is
cheaper than coal. That is the extent of his knowledge ; he knows
nothing of electricity, and he is not going to buy expensive electi'ic
cooking apparatus without having a fair idea of whether electric
cooldng, in actual practice, not on show trials, is likely to be more
or less expensive than the average kitchen raiige. If electric cooking
is to be fostered, time and money must be spent in obtaining informa-
tion of this kind (and it will not be ill-spent) instead of leaving the
consumer to find out for himself if he cares to take the trouble. The
latter is the easy way, but it is not progressive business.
The most cui'sory examination of a kitchen range reveals the fact
that it is a most inefficient jjieee of apparatus. It might almost be
said that cooking is a by-product of wasted heat. The kitchen
chimney is always recognisable on the upper floors by its comforting
warmth, and the efficiency of the range is generally brought to a
minimum by the manipulation of the cook herself.
Notwithstanding the jioorness of the result from the efficiency point
of view, the usual kitchen range has the one virtue that it supplies hot
water, whether wanted or not, practically as a by-product of the
cooking operations, without fm-ther expense. A hot-water system is
now a recognised necessity in every house ; a good supply of hot water
is essential, but. unfortunately, this introduces in an electrical equip-
ment a great difficulty. «hich may render the serious application of
electric cooking almost impossible in the majority of cases.
If the electric heating of water were attemptecl the present cu-cu-
lating systems would no doubt be abandoned. ' The energy would
be supplied automatically, the heat insulation would be excellent,
the general efficiency would be much improved, and there would be
the great advantage that hot water would be always available,
night or day.
But, unfortunately, the amount of heat requued is large. Thus,
in a particular case of a household of eight persons it was found that
125 gallons raised through SO'F. were used per day. This quantity
would require lOH.OOO B.Th.U., and, neglecting loss from radiatioii.
this is equal to 29 kw.-hours. Even at the low ijrice of ?,d. per unit
this comes to Is. 2M. per day, which is quite prohibitive, considering
that the complete cooking by coal in this particular case, including
the heating of water, requhes one ton per month, and thus costs
9^d. per day with coal at 23s. (id. per ton. There is a fmther diffi-
culty in heating water on a large scale— namely, the heavy cm-rent
that is necessary.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
293
\\'e must, thereloie, conclude that electrical methods are inadmis-
sible for cooking as a whole unless separate coal-fired plant is installed
for the water system. Such plant would be economical, and it is quite
possible that this method will come into favour ; also that flats will be
supplied with hot water from a central service, as in America. In that
case the prospects of electric cooking would be much improved,
ileanwhile. however, it seems that electrical methods will be used as
an auxiliary rather than as a main agent, somewhat in the same way
as gas, which likewise suffers through the hot water difficulty. In
competition with this rival, although perhaps not so cheap, electric
cooking has some marked advantages which should be borne in mind.
Briefly these are as follows: (1) Cleanliness. (2) Ease in working.
(3) Better quality 'of cooking. (4) Very little smell. (.5) Coolness.
(6) Great adaptability, so that cooking need not be restricted to the
kitchen. These ad\-antages belong essentially to electric cooking.
When we come to the important question of the relative cost of
electric cooking we find that very little information is available.
Practically nothing on this subject appears to have been done in this
country. In America more keenness has been shown. At the Thomas
S. Qarkson Memorial School of Technology, U.S.A., Miss C. D.
Seaver* carried out comparative tests by cooking a series of whole
meals. The chief result is that electricity at 2d. per unit is about
twice as expensive as gas at 4s.
Ml'. J. R. Cravatht kept careful records of electric cooking in his
home at Chicago during one month. Hot water for washing and
general domestic purposes was supplied otherwise. The number
of units for 30 days was 137. The maximum cooking demand was
28 amperes, as compared with 2 to 4ri amperes for lighting. The
average gas bill (over eight months) for this family, before electric
cooking was adopted, was 9s. 8d. per month, with gas at 3s. fijd. ]ier
thousand. The conclusion is stated that if the price of electricity- is
more than IJd. per unit it is more expensive than gas at 4s. 2d. Tlie
load diagrams in Fig, 2 obtained by a recording instrument during
the month referred to are of interest as showing the variation of the
load from day to day, and they indicate that a good diversity factor
may be expected from electric cooking. This would certainly be the
case, even more than appears from these diagrams, if the class of
house supplied varied to any great extent.
.^Ir. E. H. CallahauJ (U.S.A.) has also published records extending
over a year, during which the watt-hours per person per meal were
264. At the Convention of the Canadian Electrical Association last
year, and again at the Convention of the National Electric Light
Association, the opinion was expressed that the consumption per
person per meal may be safely taken at 300 watt-hours.
We thus get some idea of the consumption, and can now arrive
approximately at a suitable price from the consumers's point of view.
Returning to the case of a household of eight persons to which
reference has already been made, the consumption per meal would be
2'4 units, or. assuming thi'ee meals per day, 7'2 units per day ; or
allowing for contingencies, say 8 units per day, which is probably on
the high side for eight persons. This consumption, which does not
provide hot water for general purposes, must be compared with the
cost previously mentioned of cooking with coal, including the heatirg
of water, at a cost of 9id. per day. It is thus apparent that a charge
of Id. per unit will permit electric cooking to be adopted to a con-
siderable extent in competition with coal, though a lower charge
would certainly be desirable, more particularly with gas in the field.
Possibly electricity at Id. might be taken as being equivalent to
gas at 3s.
The high first cost of apparatus is certainly retarding develop-
ment : but, on the other hand, cheap apparatus, if inferior, is still
more harmful. A somewhat high figui'e for maintenance is also a
difiiculty at the present time, though doubtless this will diminish
with time.
The idea is prevalent that a great deal of new apparatus is neces-
sary in order to give electric cooking a trial, and that existing appa-
ratus must be given up. The general public should be educated to the
fact that the electric hot plate is available, can be placed anywhere,
and can be used for heating any of the usual kitchen utensils.
A field that is more easily attacked than the private house is the
hotel or the restaurant. Hotels are beginning to realise that electric
cooking has passed the experimental stage. A large grill taking
3 k«-. per compartment is in use at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Xew
York ; London hotels also have the question under consideration.
Restaurants and public-houses are finding the advantage of the elec-
tric grill, partly because of the convenience and good results, and
jjarth' because it interests the customer. An electric grill and other
apparatus is at present being used experimentally by the James
Fleming Restaurants in London with satisfactory results, and plant
* The Electrician-. Vol. IXIIl.. p. 529, 1907. I
t - Electrical World."' Vol. XLIX., p. 432, 1907.
I {S Electrical World." Vol. XLIX., p. 710, and Vol. L., p. 655. 1907. I
for cooking is also being given a trial at one of Mes.srs. Slater's
restaurants, at Messrs. D. H. Evans & Co., and elsewhere. Mr. Flem-
ing has carried out a short test (three hours) between his electric
grill and a gas grill of about the same size, and he has kindlj- supplied
me ^vith the following approximate figures. The electric grill con-
sumed fully 3 units, and the gas grill required 75 cubic ft. of gas ;
thus, with electricity at IJd. and gas at 2s. lOd., the electric grill
cost about 3jd. as compared with 2id. for the gas grill. With a Id.
rate, which is more usual, the figm-es w-ould be rouglily as 3d.
to 2.',d. The time taken to cook a eho]) with either grill was the
same, but Mi'. Fleming is inclined to think that, were both the grills
worked at their full capacity, the better distribution of heat in the
electric gi'ill would give it some advantage over gas.
Conclusions. — The author jnits forward the following conclusions:
(1) The use of any tarift" involving a maximum demand, or duplicate
wiring, is inherentlv adver.se to the use of electric power for domestic
purposes. (2) A simple flat rate is inadmissible. (3) The tariff
should requii'e payment of a fixed sum per annum, based on the
total " wattage " of the lamps installed, phis a low pay.-nent per unit
u.sed. (4) The latter payment should not exceed Id. per unit, and
may frequently be. say, ^d., owing to the special circumstances of the
case. (5) Such a tariff would greatly encourage electric heating as an
auxiliary to other methods. (0) Although electric cooking cannot be
expected to displace cooking by coal, it sliould take an important
position, equal or superior to that of gas cooking at the present time,
if the price per unit does not exceed Id. (7) The load factor of .sta-
tions supplying only a lightmg load would be materially improved.
(8) The load so obtainable is highly important to stations at present
dependent almost exclusively on lighting, and should receive very
careful attention at the present time as affording an antidote to any
diminution of the output due to the use of metallic filament lamps,
and to po.ssible legislation as to the gieater utilisation of daylight.
DISCUSSION.
Mr. W. M. MoKDEY, in openuig the discussion, said the author had
given them a most interesting and suggestive Paper. There was hardly
a paragraph that was not worth a good deal of consideration. He
hoped the diseu.ssion might do sometiiing to settle one or two of the-
points dealt with in the Paper.
Mr. C. P. Sparks dealt with the question of tariff. The author had
alluded to the maximum demand system, and pointed out that the
system was in use in 170 out of 405"districts. These figures, however,
were somewhat misleading, as, although such system was in partial use,
mvestigation would show that the preponderance of the fiat rate .system
was very much greater than was indicated. What had given rise to the
rapid cliange from the maximum demand system to the flat rate
was the necessity of meeting the consumer. He was not an advocate
of the maximum demand system, and he wished to .say a few words on
other tariffs. As regards two-rate meters, he was (juitc in accord with
the author's remarks : but the author missed out the i^rcsent system,
namely, the use of two meters and two circuits, one for lighting and
one for heatmg. In the Paper the future importance of the heatmg
load was pointed out coupled with the necessity of not chargmg
the consumer anythmg more, or only slightly more, than what was
usually termed the runnmg cost, the suggestion being to eliminate
the large part of the charge entailed by meeting the demand. The
method proposed was to count the lamps and make a charge based
on wattage. Systems of that kuid had been tried, and difficulty was
found m the annual or quarterly inspection. Tliere was not only a con-
siderable amount of time spent in makmg such inspections, but
there was als.i the fact that no householder liked to have the servant.s
of a public body going into his premises and making exammations of that
kmd. He, therefore, considered that any system such a.s was suggested
was impracticable. In his. the speaker's, opmion, the slow growth of the
heatmg and cookuig load was not so much duo to the ra_te or tariff as
to the cost of the apparatus : also he very much regretted to see m the
Paper the very low efficiency of electric cookmg by a hot plate. It a
separate method of heatmg could be found, so that there was only a
small investment necessary in what he would call he prime heater.
allowing of the ordinary appliances bcmg used, then they might bo able
to go forward. The capital outlay on the apparatus must be reduced.
The tariff difficulty was not nearly so great. He was sure that the
separate meter and wuing was not nearly such a difficult matter as had
been suggested, and. in his oi.inion. it was a much better solution than
any of the tariffs put forward in the Paper,
jfr -V M TWLOK, in a nTitten communication which was reaa oj
Mr, J. F.' r.Snell, pointed out that, as far as the .station w.as eoneemed.
there was n,> excuse whatever for it to continue struggling under the
bmden of a peak such as sho«-n in Fig. 1 of the Paper. \ 'thout knowing
the lav-out of the feeders he could not say whether the same remark
would not apply to them also, but . at any rate, had the Richmond Compan>
a couple of years ago laid down accumulators on suitable lines, ms read
of addUiona eugine'and boilers, the capital outlay on the station plan
wou d not have been more than (30 to 70 i>er cent, of wha tit now must
be and probably the outlay on feeders and mams would have been
reduced iA nearly the same proportion, while the charge to the consumer
could probably have been reduced by 15 to 25 per cent. He qualified
the statcment.'however, by remarking that it was based upon the assump-
294
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
m'tlii.t Kichniond was not visited by the "pea soup" variety of
I onilori fo" 'I'lic remarks would apply to the large majority ot pro-
vincial towns, anfl would cover moderate fogs. With the use of accumu-
lators the necessity for any annual fixed charge to the consumer would
in large measure disappear, and in some cases the happy ideal mignt oe
reached of a common flat rate both for light and power. He disagreeu
with the author's figures of cost.s, which seemed altogether too optimistic.
He thou.'ht that tliose who had given greatest attention to the question
aio 1.1 o . 1 ■' ..„:i.. .-...IJ l.„ .^.^,^t ..oofUf fa nc/ree that
•of the cost of I
■the theoretical l'
the additional ut
f.vlorlMnrlh. ll
tl,.- 111. Ml «.i -.
atHl thr.x|.ri,M.~
which .'nablcd tl
, d ■' units would be most ready to agree that
.,, M„lv to be had practically in those cases where
n. ,;,i,.'d just sufficed to bring the " iilant " load
, nil. ,ly " load factor) up to 100 per cent. Directly
li.-h' engines and boilers had to be started up,
lip aj^ain. In other words, the only class of load
1 III. mi- icononiies to be fully realised was a load that was
absolutely under the control of the station, and was adjustable ai; the
discretion of the engineer. Such a load was provided by a battery
which could either be charged or discharged at will, and w-as. m tact,
merely a " make up " load. The left-hand column of the table referred
to would hold in such a case, and might even be improved, but without
accumulators he felt confideiit il.:it ll,.. lisht-hand column might with
much more safety (except, p.rl,: r. .■ n .ards the coal item) ^'^.^flf
the " lower " limit. He also ,, „, 1 1. .1 iImI he could not agree with the
author that 25 per cent, was at all a likely l„ad factor for a domestic power
load, nor with £50 per kilowatt of maximum demand (not plant capa-
city) as a likelv cost for generating plant and mains for a residential
power load, unless in a large town. About £80 was nearer the mark.
If the author would analyse the costs for the nine towns outside of London
having highest load factors he would, the wTiter thought, find all the
above criticisms borne out. ,
IVIr. J. F. C. Snell believed that a simple tariff system and a simple
system of wiring were the things they had to aim at. Simplicity in the
design of the auxUiary apparatus for cooking and heating was also a
tthing devoutly to be desii'ed. He agreed with Mr. Sparks that it was
not so much the question of the tariff at the present time as the first cost
of apparatus itself. What struck one particularly about such apparatus,
compared, for instance, with that made to use with gas, was the more
complicated design ; but he did not think that that need be an inherent
part of an electric cooker or heater. The comparative flimsmess of the
electric apparatus compared v.'ith gas cooking apparatus was also very
marked. He felt quite sure that the ingenuity of engineers could arid
would overcome that ; but there seemed to have been a lamentable
lack of attention to that matter, as if the engineers looked down upon the
question of electric heating and cooking. He could not agree with the
. estimated cost per unit given by the author, who, he noticed, had omitted
a very important point — viz., provision for the redemption of capital.
When fixing a tariff one had to take the whole cost of production into
account, and he thought that the author's rating account, certamly for
the County of London, was on far t.... l.w n l.a^is. To base a tariff upon
running cost alone was simply Ih;"Iiiii; Miuyht for destruction. A
great mistixke was made, except in a Miy f.w instances, in trying to sell
energy for power purposes at what might be called the "by-product
price. He hoped that the lieresy of attemptmg to base the charges for
heating and cooking, or for power, upon running costs alone would not
be entertained by members of the Institution.
llr. H. W. Handcock noticed that the author dismissed the " contract
demand " system as unsuitable for domestic supply, but the speaker
believed that system had merits which were bound to win a prominent
position in the long run. Unconsciously, in decidmg on the basis of a
flat rate, for instance, what was to be the charge to a consumer, one
asked what was his maximum load likely to be and how many units was
he likely to use. Where a flat rate was applied throughout a district,
what it meant was that some consumers had to defray the expenses
due to others, and surely, under these cir. uin>iaii. is. it was better to
adopt the contract demand system, whi.li ..ni.in iii. ally allocated to
each consumer the charges that he was iesp..iisilii,- f..r and should pay,
thus dealing in an equitable manner with all, and so directly forwarding
the interests of the undertaking. So far heating appliances on domestic
■circuits had not come extensively into use ; they came on to the circuit
at very intermittent intervals, often on the peak. The load they gave
for a short time was very often in excess of that due to the lighting load.
So long as this continued to be the case it was very doubtful whether
one was justified in giving them the particularly favourable terms they
now received in many quarters. Should they come into such general
use as to give a better load factor than ordinary lighting did, the con-
tract demand .system met the case, just as with motors ; when circum-
stances justified it, the contract charge per kilowatt was reduced. In
cases where the consumer's load, likely to come at peak time, due to
heating, was greater than that due to lighting, the standing charges
should be regulated by the demand for heatmg, just as much as by the
demand for lighting. The general principle advocated in the Paper, of
basing the standing charges on the lights installed, when the intention
was to make the load due to other causes, such as heating, an important
factor, was one that was open to considerable criticism. He drew atten-
tion to the admuable work bemg carried on by Mr. Wilkinson at Harro-
gate, where the Corporation had decided to leave consumers absolutely
free as to the number of lamps they installed and to dispense with meters,
fixing instead a limit indicator, and chargmg a fixed quarterly sum
depending on the number of lights for which the indicator was set. In
districts whore the load was almost entirely domestic, the speaker had
come to the conclusion that heatmg and power was of so little value that
it was better to give no day supply at all, merely making it available
irnm A.,=\r t„ j„ — j,j these eases the consumer was " free wired,"
from dusk to dawn.
and a fixed sum charged per quarter, paj^ible '" «\''"^^' *° X^^ ,' ^i
free wiring and other standing charges, the -^V^fy^X^fit St: the
the consumer allowed to use it for as long as he thought fit d»"ng the
hours of supply, subject to his paying for ;'- ^^^f ^^,°*dS:i^"::^;
Financially the arrangement was one that 1" ' " rtdit one In such a
and he was convinced that the prmciple was '''''J fl^* ^^''-j.^" Xa,>
;cS;=Sn>r?^^>^<i^^^^
^r--o^ei:^ a5^n:;;^;t -^^rr^^^"^
adopted by the author and many other engineers » -\'^:t of its suppTv
trieity should be based as closely as possible upon l^-'.X* °/ /that elec
in each individual case. He held that the right prmciple "'^J -'''i^lt,
trieity should be priced according to >H.^'''\"'-- ,?^'°g, ,,^„"L ^^^the
ordinary commercial sen.se. He defined ^ value ^/.^^f i;7*Ji, f/,
relation between the " desire tx. possess" on he P?^* f^^^^^XX^S
and the cost of supplv at which business results. \ alue was mfluenceu
by each of these t'X" factors, but determined by -'^her f one it^ was
determined by their resultant effect. He was aware that there was a
great wX It Jf authority in favour of the view that electricity should be
fod to rafh customer at^i price which accorded with tfe-^' "^^^^jf ^^
ing him. He felt very diffident m expressing an opmion ^ontraiy to
brother engineers, but surely this question was rather one of fact than
of ophiion^ Why was it that in practically all other commercia opera-
"LnrprTce was a'measure of vahJ ? Did a «'"1-.---^- -l-^'^f , t' ho d
of his vovage and divide the result by the cubic contents of his ho kl
or the displacement of his ship, and then proceed to ^^-S^ -™ '^-f >
at so much per cubic foot or per ton ? Of course not. He could not attoi d
to ignore the question of the value of the services he rendered, and lie
fixel MrLigSt charges as nearly as possible in -'^"^^ance wi h su h
value, and thus secured the maximum return So with the lai h^iy
compknies : they classified theu charges aecordmg to tli%^'^\»f ' . *^^<^
goods to be transported. Why did he pay 50 per «ft. more for the t.ans^
;ort of a case of brass castings from Manchester to London than or a
case of iron castings of the same measurement and ^™.g'^\- ^'\.'"''
opinion the shipowner and the railway company were 'ict'^g^"'.*^;"^;
1 rlctly and wisely, because when price depended upon value the la gest
profit accrued to the seller and the greatest advantage to the buye.s
' collectively. Apply this principle to the sale of «l«°t^,'"'y-. ,™";*
step was to investigate the problem from the consumer s pomt of view
One man wanted light, another heat, and an.>ther power-what ve e
these services worth to them ? The price they vv.nild be prepared t. pay
would depend upon the cost of other forms of light heat and po«e,
and upon the comparative convenience of the electrical form, ilie
fact that the light, heat and power came to them m the form ot elec-
tricitv was merely incidental ; they did not want electricity, they wanted
light, heat or power. The next step was to refer the figures thus ob-
tained to the question of cost of production and supply. It was at tins
point that the most careful attention should be given to questions o load
factor and diversity factor, &c. The third step was to frame the tariff
and to frame it upon the basis of regard to the two factors just refeed
to— viz the strength of the demand and the cost of supply, in olliei
words, to adjust it to value as nearly as possible— J. e., to make it coincide
with that relation between the strength of demand and cost ot suppi.y
which would on the whole seciue the best business. The question oi
equil il'l.' uv iiiiient as between one class of consumer and another did
not 111 Ills . .lani. ill. come into the problem at all. If one charged accord-
ing t.. \ahi.- piMice would be secured to all, even though, m relation to
cost alone, a customer for power paid haU the price paid by a customer
for light. It would, of course, not be overlooked that the future course
of the busmess must be kept in mind in fixing the tariff. It was im-
perative that the tariff should be so framed and admmistered that low-
priced units did not, to any serious extent, displace high-priced units, ihe
problem should be treated as a collective one, and not as an aggregate ot
individual problems ; that as in a theatre the seats are sold at different
prices because the public put a different value upon them, and the manage-
ment adjust their prices accordingly, though the entertainment costs
practically the same for every seat in the house, so the policy ot tne
electrical supplv business should be similarly deduced from a review
of the question" in the mass. He believed that only in this way could
the best results be obtained to both producer and consumer, and that tne
method of charging according to cost of production was ^vrong in prm-
ciple, and therefore its apiilication in practice was bound to be injurious
to the industrv. . . ,
Col. R. E. B. Crompton said : that it was necessary to distinguisn
between ideal tariffs, which were not permissible under existing enact-
ments. If we had no Parliament or Board of Trade to deal with there
mi^ht be some chance of the Institution thinking out for itself an ideal
tariff, and taking steps to secure its adoption. Unfortunately, there
was not much chance of the existing state of muddle and misunderstand-
ing being summarily ended, so that perhaps it would be better for the
present to confine ourselves to the tariffs which were now allowed hy the
Board of Trade. The wisdom of our forefathers had decided o"^"- '^
unit as a maximum price. He understood that the price could only
allow them to apply differential tariffs m which it could be shown that
in no case the tota'l charge for electricity per unit exceeded the above
maximum. This point must be borne in mind. A consumer m a large
London mansion, only used occasionally during the summer season,
sometimes wanted the whole of his house lighted for one day m the
year. In this extreme case the maximum price he could be charged
would be 8d. per unit. It was interesting, therefore, to find out how, as
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
295
!Mr. Handcock had |)uinted out, that in Nurwioli tlioy manaf<i-d to make
■a fixed charge at 12 per cent, on the rateable vahie of'thc houses s\i]i|ilied,
for surely In some oases at Norwich the price thus chargefl must work
out in excess of 8d. for the units actually usprl. Hf ^iltcciI with the
author that double wiring was undrsir il,|, . ui-l ..n tin. i„,ii,t li,. was in
strong disagreement with Mr.Spark-. Tli. i\ r,i^, Imhi-, Ip.M.rwas very
-conservative, and objected strongly tu lus « alls and icilinns linnj dimnL'cd
and decorations disfigured by a second set of wires bcin- In Hijln mt..
rooms already fitted with one set. This fact entirely pnvcninl ilunhlr
wiring being applied. Among tariffs permissible under cmsiui" luu-
ditions he thought that the two-tariff meter, although not ideally per-
fect, had the advantage that they could charge the niaxinium, Sd., for
the very short period of maximum demand, and could cut down the
-charge to Id. for the remainder of the 24 hours. In this way sinfje
wiring could be utilised. He was one of those who was not pessimistic
as to the future of electric heating. Electric heating, especially of small
rooms, was far more comfortable and enjo3-able by the occupant than
it ought to be if the total heat given out v.ere measured. The radiated
heat given was particularly pleasant, comfortable and had a certain
100 to 2-iO volts, and that, therefore, the maj(jrity of the wii-ing in the
borough was ample in copper, they had met with several cases where a
radiator or cookmg range would have overloaded the wiring, and that
certamly constituted a great difficulty which it was beyond the power
of tariffs to remedy. As regards cooking, results were not so satis-
factory, and that ai.peared to be attributable to the high cost of appa-
ratus, prejudice (principally of servants), and the entire ignorance of the
av.i.i-.- consumer in the very elements of the subject. It would clearly
III- n.rissary to do a vast amount of edu<^ational work before anythino-
like go.)d progress was made, and in that, as Mr. Cooper said, they were
handicapped by the meagreness of comparative data of cost. It had
been their experience that manufacturers of electrical, gas and coal
cooking apparatus could not supply and sulistantiate any definite jirac-
tical figures,and the chefs of various restaurants that they had approached
appeared to have only the haziest of ideas on the subject of ccsts. It
was in consequence of this that wherever possible they were instituting
comparative tests under practical conditions ; but they found it by no
means an easy task to persuade suitable firms or person.^ to allow them
"' — periment. Jlr. Fleming, of Fleming's Restaurants (Ltd.), had very
cheerful mental effect, so that the occupant of an electrically heated I kindly given them ever v i>ossible a.ssistance with resuVts that' M^Coodct
room^ with the thermometer at only 50' felt practically much more com- J had mentioned. The grill used in that test had in many ways been
fortably warm than the occupant of a room at 65^ heated by „
stove; but in order that the full advantage might be taken of fixing elec-
trical heating radiators in small rooms, advaiitage must be taken of the
•existing wires, and the tn^o-tariff meter seemed to be the only possible
means of charging. One of the reasons why electrical cooking a]))ja-
ratus had fallen mto disfavour was that all the electrical kettles for
boiling water were liable to be damaged when allowed to boil dry. It
was difficult to tram servants to appreciate this, conseyiiently miich of
the water- boUing apparatus was spoilt in this manner. The author
had omitted to mention a use for electricalenergy which he, the s])eaker,
considered a valuable one— namely, the artificial production nf cold!
Electrical energy could now be applied to work air compressing arrange-
ments, and by the subsequent expansion of the au- cold could be produced.
This, however, was a roundabout way of doing it, and he hoped that there
would be further developments in this direction, so that simpler apparatus
could be sold to those who wished to avail themselves of cold storage
for keeping their food, or in India for actually cooling the rooms in which
they lived.
Mr. W. R. Rawlings was gratified to learn from Col. Crompton
that he was in favour of a single wuring system, because in Keu-
smgton, where he, the speaker, had his business, there were three dif-
ferent methods of charging for service — one for heating and cooking,
one for domestic premises and another for large house lighting, whicli
was subject to certain rebates. He was sure that, if thej-'could get rid
of that quadruple method, and bring it down to one, increased business
would result. With regard to periodical inspection, he did not know
whether the author had ever tried to obtain access to a West End house
to examine the lamps. His, the speaker's, experience wns that it took
three days to do so. for if one called in the morning the bedrooms could
not be seen, in the afternoon the drawing room was not accessible and
in the evening the dining and other rooms could not be entered. Other
• difficulties were large rooms and halls with clusters of lamps at a con-
siderable height and other inaccessible places. The author had also
suggested that the inspector could adjust switches, but that was his. the
speaker's, busmess. not the inspector's, and. with regard to calling atten-
tion to frayed wires, the inspector might go farther and do the "repairs.
He, the speaker, thought the author's tariff was still before its time. A
system of the kind suggested would discourage extensive wbmg. Quite
.50 per cent, of the lamps mstalled in West End houses were in excess of
the requirements and would be done away with. The contractors
advocated a large number of plugs to complv with the msurance com-
panies' requirements to avoid long lengths of 'flexible. At what candle-
power would such plugs be estimated ? If the author's suggestions
were adopted, the number of points wired in a house would be diminished,
and this would certainly affect the contractor, who was really an index
to everyone else in the industry. Lamps m cupboards and dark corners
would also be done away with. Contractors in all such cases would
have a very busy time taking out lamps and afterwards lookmg for
another job.
Mr. A. P. Trotter, speaking unofficiallv, thought that the suggested
.system was an admirable one, and he would like to see it carried out.
As regards Col. Crompton's legal difficulties, it would be perfectly legal
to charge a consumer on any system they pleased, so long as the price
per unit did not exceed Sd.. and that 'the system was not refused to
anyone else who asked for the same terms. He agreed with Mr. E. W.
Cowan that the price of a thmg was what it would fetch.
Mr F. A. WiLKiN-sON (communicated) remarked that at Marylebone
they had always recognised the truth of the contention that the future
of electricity supply in a district mamly residential lav in development
of the domestic power load, and for two years they had been actively
pushmg that class of business. At the outset it was found that prejudice
was very hard to overcome, but recent results in the direction of heating
had been most encouraging, and there a|)peared no doubt that the next
two or three years would witness considerable extension in the use of
radiators. They made it a practice, where required, of lending these
to consumers for a few days free of charge, and this year of the many
they nad put out in that way they had not had one returned. In 2i years
the number of radiators connected had risen from 281 to approximately
'I'-ffi ^""^ "^"^ '""''' ^'^^ ^'^''y ™^^y ™°'''' ''h^ad. The special circuit
difficulty had, of course, been experienced, but it had now been very
effectively met by the use of plug sub-meters, rented at Is. per quarter.
Despite the fact that their pressiu-e of supply had been changed from
brought to special notice, and the reliable ccunparison the test afforded
should be of value. There was no doubt that Mr. Fleming was correct in
saying that at full capacity the electric grill would be cheaper than gas,
and, from an intimate practical knowledge of it, the wTiter had no hesita-
tion in saying that such a grill split up into a number of sections, instead
of only two, would at Id. per unit be cheaper than the gas grill against
which it was tested. Electric ovens, as comparatively large consumers
of ciu:rent, were of particular interest, and the following details of a test
carried out for two weeks under practical conditions in a large restaurant
would perhaps be useful :
Article cooked. ' Weight
Time
to cook.
_!«
Units I Units per I Cost at Id.
consumed, lb. of meat per unit.
Meat
Do
Do. (pork)
Do
Do
Do
Do. & 2 puddings
Do. do j
Meat
Do •
Do
Do !
Do
Do
Do
Lb.
41
48
43-5
41-5
32
41
22
25
77
53
87
41
38
58-5
40-5
H. min.
4 10
6 0
5 30
4 0
5 0
5 30
4 0
4 50
7 0
6 20
7 30
5 0
5 0
7 40 I
4 0
13
11
9
9
9
8
9
14
11
14
10
9
15
11
0-195
0-271
0 252
0216
0-281
0-219
0-363
0 360
0181
0-207
0-161
0-243
0237
0-22iJ
0-271
s.
d.
0
8
1
1
0
11"
0
9t
0
9
0
9
0
8
0
9
1
2
0
11
1
2
0
10
0
9
1
1
0 11
* Half heat after 4-25 hours.
Average units per lb. = 0-216.
t Halt heat after 1-5 hours
Average cost per I'o. =0-216(1.
When working at its full capacity, so far as they had been able to ascer-
tain, the cost at Id. per unit was certainly not above that of gas. The
nearest comparison they were able to make was with a large and efficient
gas oven of first-class manufacture. This consumed 400 cubic ft. of gas
per hour at a cost of Is. 2d., and had a capacity of .-JOO lb. of meat.
Taking the capacity of the electric oven at 80 lb., the cost of cooking was
practically the same. They had lent out a considerable amount of
cooking apparatus free on trial, and were continuing to do so, a.s they
recognised that this at present was the best means of popularising it.
In all but a few cases they had met with opposition from chefs and cooks,
and that constituted one of the chief difficulties. Mr. Cooper rightly
laid em])hasis upon the bad impression that inefficient or unsuitable
cooking apparatus produced. The writer had found that borne out in
several cases, and a bad impression was most difficult to eradicate.
ilnnufacturers were, of course, well aware of that, and there was no
doubt they were improving their goods every day. Still, there were
one or two points in the average piece of apjiaratus to which as a user
he might be allowed to call attention. Taking ovens, in the majority
on the market the loss of heat by ratliation was very large, and the usual
lagging arrangements were entirely inadequate. Consumers objected
to that radiated heat, and in some cases in their experience it had been
sufficient to turh the scale against them. A first-class gas oven was in
that directit)u far ahead of most, if not all, of its electrical competitors.
Bad head distribution m the oven was another point upon which they
had received complaints, and inaccessibility and neglect of small details
which enhanced convenience had also been mentioned. In many similar
directions there was distinctly room for improvements that would
cheapen and encourage electric cooking. They must, however, bear in
mind that the same might be said of gas and coal apparatus, which in
many instances were ob\'iously capable of great improvement, and there
appeared every likelihood that the cost of gas cooking would be materially
reduced by means of more efficient apparatus were there anj' real com-
petition. The firele.ss cooker, so popular in Sweden, had never been
exploited in this country. Au American writer stated that the cost of
electric (booking might be reduced 50 per cent, by means of the principle ;
surely it w.-.s worth while to investigate it. With regard to the future
of electric cooking, beyond the question of tariff, it seemed that the
amount of publicity necessary for a quick realisation of their aims could
not adequately be attained on the usual lines of each supply authoritj'.
296
THE ELECTRICIAN. DECEMBER 4, 1908.
contricotor and manufacturer acting independently, and in to,, many
c^es not acting at all. To popularise electric cookmg m a reasonal k
time some concentrated effort, calculated to awaken all ^-^K"" ^
!,ossibilitieB and give it the widest publicity, was necessary, and tha for
KfiTTip comnrchensive form of co-operation.
Tfr W R COOPEK. in reply, said that the difficulty of m.spect.on did
not seem' to him to be so serious as appeared to some of the s|.eakers.
There roi"ht be difficulty in large fashionable houses, but it should i.e
remember"ed that any such tariff as was proposed would - "V ">■;;; ,
Ifconsumersdidnotearcl,.,„,,.|,t •'■;ly''' ^^-""''l '^'- "" '"" ' '| ' V
in the middle-class house il,.-,v :-1.h,1,1 I.,- inn.l, -, m'- ^-' 'H'"' » •';^
muchdifficulty. Itwoul.l li- ;. -unplmMtlr, m -!,.,« '■^;-""'-" "V" . ;
how a tarifl based on total ' watlayc ot \.imy.- u.mld .,IU . t 'I'l" ■" '
count, and to demonstrate the advantage.s. As lamps akme would be
taken into consideration, there would be no restrictive effect on wall
Tjlues and in the smaller class of house any restrictive effect <m wu-mg,
due to such a tariff, would be small, becau.se wiring m such cases wa,s
not usually lavisli. The first cost of apparatus for cookmg was un-
doubtedly a difficulty, but this would diminish as such apparatus was
anufactured in larger quantities; a suitable t^ar^ 7"iV' 'I. Tariff
this cheapening of production. Mr. Rawlings had asked how the tariff
based on " wattage " of lamps led to the consumer paymg accordmg to
his demand, as stated in the Paper. Tliw w.i- , ,, 1 'n 'ximately the case,
because the energy used in any house « .,- m.. I, i Ur same as m any other
house during the time of what was deliucd ui tlic I'aper as the hghtmg
load '■ T!ic figures of costs had been criticised by some speakers, but it
was wortli while to remember the Id. limit advocated was already m iisc
by several undertakings. The other pomts raised in the dLscussion would
be dealt with in the written reply. . .,,,.,
Mr W. M. MoEDKY said the Paper and the discussion pointed to the
elimination of the maximum demand system. It was doubtful, as the
author said, if that system had reduced the peak load, which was really
its main object. A general recognition of that fact would do somethmg
tow.-irds making things clearer. The author referred to the difierence
in the cost of lighting and power luiits, but was there any such differ-
ence' T'he diff'erenee was in time but not in purpose, and the 2-rate
meter which difl-erentlated as to time seemed therefore logical. He
could not help thinking that they were slowly driftmg towards simpler
methods of charging. The peak of the load curve would be lowered
partly by using more efficient lamps, but also— relatively— by raising the
height of the remainder of the curve. He believed that tlicy won c
ultimately come down to one rate for light and power- but it would
take years. .
A COMPARISON OF NATURAL AND INDUCED
DRAUGHT SYSTEMS.*
BY \V. ,N. Y. KING.
One of the most serious losses in connection -with steam-raising
)ilants is the discharge of a large volume of gas at high tempera-
ture from the cliimney. This may amount to as much as 20 to 25 per
cent, of the total available energy of the fuel. Since the losses
become greater the greater the draught pressure required, systems
for its production by mechanically-driven fans were introduced, as
the latter do not necessitate the use or waste of any considerable
proportion of energy, and it is only on account of the practical diffi-
culty of conveniently absorbing heat at moderately low temperattrres
that any heat at all is wasted in such systems. The " induced
draught" system possesses for land piu'poses many advantages over
the " forced draught " system, and is the one which the author here
considers.
He first describes the principles of natural draught and gives
curves showing how the draught pressure varies with the chimney
temperature for various heights of chimney, and then jiroceeds to
make a comparison in efficiency between natural and induced
draught, taking the particular case of an installation comprising
two Stirling water-tube boilers of the five-drum type, built together
in one casing, and one motor-driven fan with a short chimney, to
serve both boilers working simultaneously at their maximum out-
put. The maximum temperature of the furnace gases is assumed
to be 2,800 F. The percentage loss of total available furnace heat
with gases leaving the boiler and entering the fan at 439^F. is
shown to be i:!-5 per cent. A further loss has to be debited to the
fan on account of the energy taken bj' the motor, and it is found
that the jiower taken to produce a draught of 1-04 in. is just under
81 kw. for the two boilers. Assuming the coal equivalent as 4 lb. ]ior
kilowatt-hour,thefau takes 1-31 percent, of the total consumption.
Taking the case of a natmal draught chimney with the same tem-
perature of gases at the inlet and allowing 5 per cent, for loss of
pressure in friction, the theoretical draught pressure to be produced
is 1-1 in. of water, hence the height of chimney required is 186 ft.,
and this will give the same heat loss in chimney gases as the fan
plant. The volume of gas discharged is 282 cubic ft. per second,
' Abstract of a Paper read before the Leeds Local Section of the In-
stitution of Electrical Engineers.
allowing 181b. of air per pound of coal, ^f .'X^Z^T'TiorT
deal with this volume at 10 ft. per second is 28 2 sq. ft., or for a
cu-cular section the internal diameter must be b tt.
No air-heater or economiser was m use with the fan system
though the reduction of temperature in that way would have been
an entire gain. With natural draught, on the other hand, the tem-
perature could not be reduced on accouut of the necessity of mam-
taining the draught pressure. . . . » „ „
The space occupied bv the draught plant is an import^ant con-
sideration. The fan plant of which the wortang has ]ust been dis-
cussed, on account of the lightness of structure, cons.stmg largely as
it does of thin steel plates riveted or bolted together, is very con-
veniently placed so as to occupy no P.oor space at all, and this has-
proved to be an entirely suitable and thoroughly practical arrange-
ment. The passage from the final pass of the boiler rises vertically
into the base of the chimney, so that w4ien working on natural
draught for light load, the full benefit of the chirnney draught is
obtaLed without any baffling at sharp bends and aiigles. Four
dampers of the "^butterfly" or "swing" tj^e control the passage
of the gases, so tliat either " fan " or " natural draught can be
put into service in a minute or two, for either or both boilers. The
fan housing is carried on a Jin. steel plate bolted to two joists winch
in turn are supported by the wall at one end and a steel channel,
a member of the boUer framing, at the other end. The weight of
the fan and motor is about 3 tons and of the chimney— 4 ft. 6 in. dia-
meter internally, of -f„ in. steel plate-is a little over 2,? tons, say
6 tons in all. The motor is carried on two steel joists embedded in tbe
engine-room wall, in such a way that the weight of the fan is par-
tially balanced against that of the motor on the remote side ot the
wall, and it has the advantage of being in the cleaner atmosphere
of the engine room, and one of an open type is used with its atten-
dant advantages over the more or less enclosed type which would
be advisable in the presence of the more dusty atmosphere of the
boiler room. , , r ^■
Diagrams in the Paper show the elevation and plan of a portion
of the induced cbaught plant at the generating station of the
Sheffield Corporation tramways and also of the previously
described arrangement.
The extreme reliability of a brick chimney is a very great pomt
in its favoM, and can only be equalled by installing two or more
fans. As regards relative costs, taking the case of fan plant and
chimney (brick) of the dimensions previously used in this compari-
son, the approximate values of the different charges will be some-
what asfollows: A'a/"fn/(/ra«g/!f— Capital cost £1,000. Interest and
sinking fund (6 per cent.) £60, depreciation (2i per cent.) £25,
maintenance (* per cent.) £5 ; total annual cost, £90. Imluced
draught ;)?o.«.?— Capital cost £300. Interest, &c., £18, deprecia-
tion (5 per cent.) £15, maintenance (1 per cent.) £3, power at id.
perkilowatt-hour, 8-1 kw. for 365 days ; total annual cost £159 for
20 hour day, £97-5 for 10 hour day, £66-8 for 5 hour day.
Comparing these figures, it becomes evident that the cost of run-
ning a fan increases largely in proportion to the length of time it is
in service, and the charges due to a chimney remain practically ui-
dependent of the time of use. It is not economical to rim a fan for
long periods at a greater speed than that for which it is designed,
because the power taken is increased in proportion to the cube of
the speed, whereas the volume of gas discharged is only increased
in proportion to the speed. With this limitation, the great draught
capacity attamable by a fan is of use at times when shortness of
boiler pow er has to be met, and by its help coal consumption may
be increased to 30 or 40 per cent, above the normal rate, and
evaporation in nearly the same proportion.
Briefly, the advantages of induced draught are: (1) Greater effi-
ciency obtainable by lower temperature of flue gases. (2) More
suitable for burning cheap fuel on account of greater draught pres-
sure obtainable. (3) Coal combustion can be largely increased at
times of emergency, allowing less spare plant to be installed. (4)
Greater facility and efficiency in suiting draught to variations of_load.
Car for Testing Rail Bonds. — In a receut number of the
" Elektrische Kraftbetriebe uud Bahnen " a description is
o-iven of a car of this kind which is being used in Vienna. The
equipment consists of a direct current motor-generator, which
transforms the trolley voltage of 500 volts down to 5 volts,
the full load current at this voltage being 200 to 300 amperes.
The poles of the machine are connected through the axles,
which are insulated from each other to two points on the rail
about 7 ft. apart, and the voltage drop on a rail length of 3 ft.
is then measured by special contacts. In this way about \h
miles of track can be tested in an hour.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
297
THE KINLOCHLEVEN WORKS OF THE BRITISH ALUMINIUM COMPANY.
COMPLETION OP A GREAT UNDERTAKING.
Historical. — From what has hoeii said in th'' tiist part ul Laiiiciii Iiclaiid, tupicparethe iH'cessaryeh'ctrodcsatGreenock,
this article it follows that the greatest drawback to the use of to reduce the alumina at Foyers, and to refine and work up the
aluminium was its cost. In order that this metal may he metal at the old Cowles factory at Milton. Thoujih a company
widely nsed it must be cheap and the expenses of production ' starting with such aspirations can scarcely he said to have had
must also he low. The manufacture of aluminium depends on ; small beginnings, it has developed considerably since that
electric power, and the generating and distributing costs of time, and is still extending its borders. At the present time
the Company are drawing the necessary raw material froir. their
bauxite beds in the province of Var in south-east BVance, the
Irish deposits being kept in reserve. 1^
The present works at Foyers are capable of developing
7,500 H.P., and owing to their situation on the ('aledonian Canal
communication with the alumina and electrode factories and
rolling mills is both cheap and easy. These works have been
in operation since the middle of 1896, but are not capable of
meeting the rapidly increasing demand for the metal. The
j British Aluminium Co., therefore, decided to develop the much
more extensive water-power scheme which thev had had under
theircontrolfor some years previously, and early in 190.5 a com-
mencement was made with the new works. Since that date the
development has been energetically pushed forward, an average
of about 3,000 men being employed on the works continuously.
Developments of such magnitude necessarily take considerable
time to complete, but the company now have the satisfaction
of seeing their new undertaking practically finished and
under test. The production of aluminium at their permanent
Kinlochleven factory will therefore be commenced quite early
in the new year. Recognising the length of time wliich
would be required to complete the main works, tlie company
erected a temporarv factory at Kinlochleven. where they
have been producing metal for the last year, thus turning
.•^ome of the vast power available to early utility. In spite of
its name, the British Aluminium Co, also possesses works at
.Stangfjord in Norway and at Orsieres in Hwitzerland. the total
capacity of the various works being over 60.000 h.p.
Gpneral Position oj the Kinlochleven iro;-^-.s', — The general
position of the new- works is best described by a reference to a
map of the western part of Scotland (Fig. I). From Oban
Loch Linnhe runs of? in a north-easterly direction, and joining
with other lochs by means of short interconnecting stretches
forms the lower part of the Caledonian Canal. About half
Fig. 1. — .M.M' of thk West of S^
At r:MiXH'M Ci
this form of enei'gy must, therefore, be a minimum. The
corollary to the foregoing is that the most economical method
must be employee! for producing the energy necessary
for the manufacture of aluminium, and this is obtained
by using water power. Tlie British Aluminium Co. long
ago recognised this, and although water power
the
'Tftf £Lecnnc'Av
Fid, 2,— Cenerai. L.woct ok tiik Wokks ,\xi) Power .S.heme
British Isles is generally found in more or less inaccessible
positions, it still possesses economical advantages especially
in the case of metallurgical processes.
Perhaps the history of the British Aluminium Co. has scarcely
yet reached the stage when it can be said " to rank with most
romances," but it is certainly full of interest to technologists.
It was foundedin 1895, to mine bauxite and purify it to alumina at
* Tlie tir>t part of this article appeared on |i. 271 of our l.i^t issii>-.
wav along Loch Linnhe Loch Leven runs off in an almost due
easterlv direction, and it is at the top of this locb that the new-
works of the British Aluminium Co. are being built. Thi.s Loch
Leven must not be confused with another more famous one of
Mary Stuart fame which is in Fifeshire. The neiuhbouring
region is wild in the extreme, and until the various operations
inconnection with the new works were begun was practically
uninliabited. It is, however, pleasant to think that the more
298
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
or less primeval forests and wildnesses will not be di.stui-l)ed
more than is absolutely necessary ; in fact the works and d\\ cll-
in<!;s will form a veritable f!;arden city where the smoke nuisance
will be unknown. The relative positions of the hydraulic
works, generating station, furnace house, factories and dwell-
ings are shown in the accompanying map (Fig. 2).
Ilydraidic Details. — As above mentioned the Kinlochleven
works and village are being erected at the head of Loch Leven.
At a distance of 5-^- miles IVoni the head of the Loch, a dam is
being built for c.on-
.servingthe necessary
water. By its means
the water of three
lochs with Gaelic
names are thrown in-
to one. The top of the
dam is 1 ,068 ft. abov<'
sea level, the level of
the three lakes being
992 ft., 1,022 ft. and
1,028 ft. ]'espectively,
and the catchment
area formed by their
unification from 55 to
60 square miles, while
as the rainfall is
about 100 in. per an-
num in that part of
Scotland the possi-
bility of a shortage of
water and its harm-
ful consequences is
very remote. This
gives the Kinloch-
leven works an advantage over a great many other hydro-
electric stations which are liable to run dry in summer, besides
being frozen in winter.
The dam itself is about three-quarters of a mile long, is 80 ft.
high, and 63 ft. wide at the bottom, tapering to 10 ft. at the top.
Its i'ouiulations have been sunk 5^ ft. in the solid rock. A
general view of the dam in course of construction is
given in Fig. 3. It is constructed of concrete and is
surmounted by a 'tower from which the valves at the
entrance of the outgoing conduit are controlled. These
3, \'!E\V OF THE l)AM FRU
the generating .•itation being 43 ft. above sea li'vel. there is,
therefore, a fall of 922 ft. in 1| miles.
At the end of the conduit is a penstock chamber, from which
the water is delivered into pipes leading down to the power
house. The pipe line is about l.J: miles in length, the track
being prepared for eight pipes. At present only six pipes are
installed, each being 39 in. in diameter and equipped with a
valve (Fig. 5). They are laid down in 20 ft. lengths, the whole
being fixed to concrete pedestals. The total weight of the
pipe line exceeds
6,000 tons.
There are very few
engineers in this
countrv who are ac-
quainted with the
special construction
and design of pi]je
lines for high-pressure
w-ater turbine plants.
The laying out of such
a pipe line requires
vast experience and
the greatest care, and
the British Alu-
minium Co. have
gone very fully into
the matter of details,
and have obtained
the help of various
experts in and outsidi'
the United Kingdom.
All the pipes are
solid Welded by water
gas and have been
tested at the works to l-J- times the working pressure. The
main joints are of a special patent design, namely, the high-
pressure ■' Muff " joint (Fig. 7). This joint allows every pipe to
expand freely, and it is at the same' time possible to repack the
joint at any moment under the full working pressure. There
is a huge solid concrete anchorage at every bend in the pipe
track and at all such anchorages rigid flange joints are used.
Suitable anchoring is provided at each change in gradient.
Fig. 6 shows the pipe line. At the generating station end of tli e
pipe line are two 'luis pipes, to each of which any turbine can
.Softh-West.
valves are worked by hand through rods and suitabk'
gearing. The water first passes through a conduit which is
about 3| miles long. This is built up of concrete reinforced
with expanded metal sheets, and is 8 ft. square in internal
dnnensions. When the station below is working at full load
the clearance from the surface of the water to the top of the
conduit IS SIX inches. The fall of the conduit is 1 in 1,000 ft.
A bridge section of the conduit is shown in Pig, 4. The pen-
stock chan,bor where Ihc effective fall begins is 965 ft., and
be connected, if required. This allows easv periodical inspec-
tion and repairs, when necessary. The contract for the dam,
conduit, laying of pipes, &c., was placed with Sir John Jackson
(Ltd.) to the specification and under the direction of the
British Aluminium Co.'s consulting civil engineers, Messrs, T.
Meik & Sons, of Westminster.
Messrs. Sir Alexander Kennedy and B. M. Jenkin have
acted as the company's consulting engineers for the power
plant and electricil equipment.
THE EI.ECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
299
Turbmes. — The water turbines an' ul the well-known hiyh-
pressurePeltou wheel type. The whole plant consists of nine large
wheels with an output of 3,200 h. p. each and a wheel diameter
of 8 ft. There are also two small tuibines of 930 h. P. each, the
diameter of these being 6 ft. The casing of these turbines is made
in two parts, connected by a horizontal flange, so that by remov-
ing the top part the whole turbine can be inspected. The lower
part of the casing is cast and arranged as a heavy and rigid bed-
plate extended so as to take in the two main bearings. The
casing is also extended downwards, and this lower part has to
be grouted into the concrete to protect it against the action of
the water when splashing out from the wheel. The inlet
nozzles are fixed on to an inlet stand or front shield, which is
rigidly bolted on to the lower casing. On this inlet the
whole of the regulating arrangement is mounted, as well as the
filter for cleaning the water. The upper part of the casing is
made of steel plates, as cast iron would be too heavy.
To prevent the water leaking out along the shaft where it
passes through the casing, patent water traps are placed on
both sides. These traps catch all the water and work without
friction. The turbine wheel has boss, disc and rim snlidlv cast
Fio. (). — Pipe Tr.4Ck from
in one piece of steel on account of the high velocity. The
buckets are fixed on to the rim in such a way that they are
easily removable. These buckets are spoon-shaped and' con-
structed according to Escher, Wyss & Co.'s patented design.
The bucket edges are chiselled and filed to an extremely fine
edge, and the whole of the inner surface is ground on emerv
wheels and highly polished so that the efRciencv of the water
acting on the bucket is 98 per cent. The shaft is of the best
.Siemens-Martin steel, while the bearings have a ring lubrica-
tion, are amply dimensioned and have large oil chambers.
The quantity of water supplied to the impulse wheel is regu-
lated by two needle nozzles adjusted either by hand or auto-
matically by the governor, thus enlarging or diminishing the
diameter of the water jet as required. The effect of the peculiar
shape of the needle nozzle is to produce a solid transparent jet
of water, free from air and bubbles, which is very essential
for obtaining high efficiency. The shape of the nozzle is
perfectly true, and the inside of the nozzle and the whole
of the needle valve is highly polished. It goes without
saying that the material used "must be of the very hardest.
The fact that the water jet is compact and transparent
whether full sized or of reduced diameter, guarantees the
highest pcssible efficiency for varying loads. This is not the
case with many other methods of regulating, which act by
throttling or merely deflecting the water jet IVom the impulse
wheel.
The automatic governor consists of four principal parts, viz..
the pendulum, the distributing valve, the servo motor, and the
relay.
The pendulum is of the \v<'ll-kn()\vn centrifugal weight type,
high speed, spring controlled, working on knife edges, and
lubricated automatically. It is thus very sensitive and very
powerful. Its duty is to move the piston of the distributing
valve up or down from its iioimal position, directly the speed
changes.
Fii:. 7. — 'Section thriu'ch JfrFF .Ichnt in use tts Pipe I.ixe.
The distributing valve is in itself a relay valve, for the pen-
dulum moves a small valve one way or the other, which adniit.s.
the pressure fluid behind one side or the other of the main
valve, and thus a very slight movement on the part of the
pendulum is sufficient to cause the main valve to make a com-
plete stroke, with the least possible waste of time. The main
distributing valve admits the pressure fluid into one end or the
other of the servo motor.
The servo motor is a cylinder with a piston which is directly
coupled by means of a rod and lever to the regulating shaft of
the turbine, which it moves in one direction or the other.
Fig. 8.— Gexer.al V
according as the pressure fluid is admitted to cither end of the
cylinder. The purpose, therefore, is to open or close the guide
apparatus, as the speed falls or rises.
The relay consists of a series of levers, one end of which is
fixed to the piston rod. and the other to the fulcrum of the
lever operating the distributing valve, and as the piston rod
moves, this fulcrum is altered so as to bring the valve back to
its normal position. Its duty is most important, and is to
prevent any hunting from taking place. There is also a special
arrangement whereby it is possible to run the turbines with
automatic governing over a wide range of speed. All the parts
300
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
of the automatic governor are made with the utmost care and
precision, and those parts which come in contact with the
pressure liquid are made of bronze.
The pressure water has to be cleaned previous to enterina;
0 to 1.000 amperes by adjusting; the speed alone. The gene-
rators are designed to run continuously, when necessary, at
the highest speed required, viz., 330 revs, per min. The rise
in temperature of the armature, commutator, field winding —
the distributing valve in a specially constructed filter. This any other part of the generators or their field switches does not
filter is divided into six chambers so arranged that whilst
one of the chambers is cleaning the water for the governor, the
opposite chamber may, at the same time, be washed out liy
forcing pressure water through the sieve in the opposite direc-
tion to that in which it is admitted to the distributing valve of
the governor.
A pressure regulator is provided to prevent heavy and dan-
gerous shocks or water hanii'ier in tiie pipe line, which, hut tor
Fii:.9.— View uk 2,000 i.». l>ori;i.i>Gi-
vTiiK ( DuK, Ki;ki: & Co.).
its use, would be set up by the checking of the flow of water.
due to the very quick action of the governor in closing down
the turbine (either wholly or partly), when the load is reduced.
It is worked on the relay principle, and is controlled by the
governor. It consists of a differential cylinder with a piston
and rod, actuating a sluice valve, which is in direct communi-
cation with the ])enstock. If the supply of water to the tur-
bine is suddenly shut off by the automatic speed governor, the
pressure regulator, which is mechanically connected up with
the speed governor, simultaneously causes the valve to open to
an extent exactly proportionate to the amount of
the shutting down of the turbine, and to let out
jin e(]uivalent amount of water. The sluice valve
is then very slowly closed, so that the flow in
the pipe line is gradually lessened without
causing dangerous shocks, and any waste of water
is prevented.
A view of one of the turbines is <>iven in
Fig. 8.
The whole of the pipe line and turbine con-
tract is in the hands of Mr. Jens Orten-Bovinii,
of London, whilst the valves have been supplied
by Messrs. Glenfield & Kennedy, of Kilmarnock.
Generators. — There are 20 main generators
installed in all, each having an output of l.OOOkw.
at a voltage of 250 to 275 volts (Fig. 9). They are
coupled in pairs to the water turbines. All the
generators are of the direct current multipolar
type, w'ith slot wound armature, and are shunt
wound. As in order to comply with the exi-
gencies of the work, they have to run continu-
ously at full load day and night for months at a time, it is neces-
sary that all adjustments, renewal of brushes, and necessary
cleaning and lubrication should be possible whilst the machines
are running. Each generator has a normal full load output of
1,000 kw. when running at its normal speed of 300 revs, per
mm., hut it is also capable of an overload output of 1,100 kw.
for one hour and can be altered to uive anv voltage, when self-
o.xc.terl, hetweon 200 volts and 275 volts'with anv load from
exceed 70°F. above that of the surrounding air after a continu-
ous run of six hours. Following on this test the generators
will stand a one hour's run at 1. KM) kw. without a further rise
of more than 10=F. The full load efficiency is 9-1 per cent,
and the efficiencv at half-load 89 per cent. The magnet frames
are constructed" of high permeability cast iron, divided hori-
zontallv so that the upper half can be removed. The pole
pieces are made of laminated steel of the best quality and are
juovided with detachable pole shoes
which hold the field spools in place. They
are cast into the magnet frames with a
cast welded joint, thus ensuring good
magnetic conductivity. The armature
spider is made of the best quality cast
iron, specially designed to avoid all
shrinkage strains. The armature punch-
ings are made from the best electrical
steel, securely fixed to the ends of the
arms of the armature spider. The
laminations are thoroughly annealed
r^ before assembling, to prevent the genera-
^v\ tioii of eddy currents, and are held in
place by cast-iron end plates or flanges.
The periphery of the armature lamina-
tions is provided with open slots to
receive the armature conductors. These
notches are accurately spaced so that
they fit together perfectly upon
assembly, and before winding they
are carefully dressed smooth to avoid
injury to the insvdation. The commutator is made with
hard drawn copper bars insulated with carefidly selected
mica. It is carried upon an extension of the armature spider
to which it is securely keyed, and the bars are firmly held in
place by steel clamping rings. A wearing depth of 2^ in. is
allowed for. The generator shafts are of specially large
diameter in the bearings, and of ample strength to transmit
the torque to the second machine. The shafts are of mild steel
fitted with a forged steel half coupling at each end, so that the
armature mav be interchangeable. The 500 kw. sets, of
HI.EVEX VlLI,.4C,E.
which there are two, deliver current at 250 volts for lighting
and power purposes in the factory and village. The two
75 kw. sets are compound wound and deliver current at from
500 to 530 volts when running at 400 revs, per min., and are
used for supplying current for traction purposes. Exciting
current for the main generators can be supplied from the
501) kw. sets. The generators have been supplied by Messrs.
Dick, Kerr & Co.. of Preston.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
301
Swilchbodids. — The main switchboards are very simple
in construction and have been equipped by the British
Aluminium Co. themselves. Their most interesting feature
is the extensive employment of aluminium in their man-
ufacture. This metal has also been used for the 'bus
bars on the lighting and power and traction boards. The
necessary current for lighting and power is supplied from the
500 kw. turbo-generators mentioned above, and is controlled
from two boards made by the British Thomson-Houston
Co., of Rugby, according to tlieir special design. The lighting
board is made up of two generator panels, the furnace
panel, one exciting panel and four feeder panels. These panels
are equipped with the usual switches, circuit breakers and
measuring instruments, the latter having been supplied by
Messrs. Kelvin & .Tames White of Glasgow. The 'bus bars are
in duplicate thniuuliout, connection being made to either set
by means of s|iiti;i1 plugs. Fnnn this board the circuits for
lighting and power throughout the works and village are fed.
The traction board is similar in design and is made up of one
generator panel, one meter panel and two feeder panels. It
supplies the necessary current to the railway which runs fi-om
the factory to the quay and to the cranes on the quay.
Ijy the oxygen from the reduced alumina. In order that a plenti-
ful supply of this commodity may be always to hand, the Briti.sli
.\luminium Co. have erected a factory for its manufacture at
Kinlochleven. This factory is supplied both for power and
lighting purposes by two pairs of alutiUMium conductors. Each
cable contains 169 strands of ()-()8.5 in. aluminium wire. These
feeders are led to a special board, whence current is distributed
to the power and lighting circuits. The board, which contains
one incoming feeder panel and two distributing panels for power
and two for lighting has been made by Jlessrs. Siemens Bros.
Dynamo Works, who have also sujiplied the motors and con-
trol panels.
Railway. — As mentioned above a railway runs from the
factory to the quay at the head of I^och Leven. By its means
both outgoing and incoming produce is transmitted from the
factorv to the quay and vicf versa. Its total length is about
three-quarters of a mile double track, turnouts being fitted at
suitable places. The traction feeders are of aluminium,
and are supplied from the traction board in the station.
Side arm construction is iiiostly used throughout, though
in .some cases span wires are provided. The feeders which are
supported on porcelain insulators are fixed to the same poles as
the trolley wires. Lightning arresters are also provided along
the line. The overhead construction is on the bow string
principle, there being double insulation throughout. Porcelain
insulators are used at the strain ends. The span wire consists
of 7 No. 12 galvanised iron wire. The gauge of the railway is
3 ft., bull headed rails being used.
Fig. U. — Klectric I.oco with Tipping Waggons.
Lii/htinf/. — The whole of the factories, streets and houses of
the British Aluminium Co.'s new village of Kinlochleven,
a corner of which is shown in Fig. 10, are lighted by
means of incandescent lamps. It is scarcely to be wondered '
at that this system has been chosen considering that the
veritable supply "' in bulk " is at the doors. Distribution ;
from the main switchboard to the various feeding points is
efiected by means of aluminium conductors either fixed to
insulators erected on the buildings or on pole lines. We have
in the first part of the article shown that aluminium offers many
advantages over the more usual cop])ei- for power transmission
purposes, and it will be seen that the British Aluminium Co.
believe in their own specific for cheap power supply, as both at I
Foyers and Kinlochleven, as w-ell as at all their other works,
aluminium enters largely into the material used in the layout
of the various woi'ks.
Power. — What we have said above with regard to lighting i
applies even more forcibly when the question of power is con-
sidered. Cheap power is at the very doors of the various
factories, and it goes without saying that the electric drive has i
been adopted throughout.
Electrodes. — The Heroult process for manufacturing aluminium ;
consumes a good deal of carbon ; this substance being used as the
anode in the furnaces and liein^ burnt awav to carbon monoxide
Fiii. 12. — :! TON Ei.EiTKir Loro Crane Lowering Skips ov to
Railway iio.MKS .vr the Wharf.
The overhead construction, together with the aluminium
overhead feeders for lishting and power, and the telephone
system have been carried out by Messrs. Johnson & Phillips,
of Charlton and London.
Locomolives.— The locomotives (Fig. 1 1) were built by Messrs.
Dick, Kerr & Co.. of Preston. They are supplied with current
from the overhead line at 500 to 550 volts, the return being
made through the rail. Each locomotive is capable of hauling
30 tons, or five wagons, at the rate of 10 miles an hour up an
incline of I in 100. Twenty-five passengers can also be carried.
The locomotives weigh eight tons and are fitted with two
35 H.p. series motors and tramway controllers. The usual
braking devices, sanding arrangements and life guards are pro-
vided, while each locomotive is fitted with a double bow
collector.
Besides these locomotives two jib " loco " cranes (Fig. 1-)
made bv Me.ssrs. Stothert & Pitt, of Bath, one stationed on
the quav wall, and the other used where required on anv
of the railway sidings, arc provided. They are fitted with
three motors, so that lifting, slewing and moving motions
can be obtained simultaneously. A derrick crane made by
Messrs. Carrick & Ritchie, of Edinburgh, is fixed on the quay
wall, and is used for lifting and lowering only.
Buildings.— The power house and extensive factory buildings.
302
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
together with the village, offices and staff houses, have been
elected by Messrs. McLaughlin & Harvey, of Belfast, and the
electrode factory by Messrs. R. McAlpine & Sons, of Glas-
u'>w. The whole of the building work has been carried out under
the supervision of the company's architect, Mr. Alban A. Scott.
Cmchision.—\t will be seen from the foregoing that ample
provision has been made for supplying an increasing demand
for aluminium, and as a result of the economical layout and
equipment of the works and the large scale upon which the
metal is produced the costs of production are so greatly reduced
as to enable the British Aluminium Co. to sell the metal
profitably at a much lower figure than has ever before been
reached.
We are indebted to Mr. W. Murray Morrison, Managing
Director and Technical Adviser of the British Aluminium
Co., for the details of the new works at Kinlochleven and for
the photographs illustrating the article.
OERLIKON STEAM TURBINES.
The time has now perhaps rather gone by when it «as permissible
t.Mrtlk lit tlic relative advantages and disadvantages of the steam tur-
liii\c nnd n'oijirocating engine, for these are now so evident that they
may l)e taken for granted. But if the question be considered in tlie
ri)l<l light of reason there is no doubt that, even with these advan-
tages, the development of the steam turbine has been extraordinarily
liipid and it is interesting to inquu-e into the probable causes of this
state of affairs. In the first place there is the fact that rotary motion
is obtained without any intermediate transformation being neces-
sarv. wliich in itself leads to great simplification of the moving parts
The Oerlikon steam turbine is a single cylinder partial admission
turbine. It is of the pure pressure or impulse type, with several
pressure stages. It differs from other impulse turbines now on the
market principally in the fact that the outlet velocity of the steam
from the rotor is fully utilised in the i)artial admission stages. In
order to effect this the turbine is built u)) of one or more gi-oups of
pressure stages, and inside each group the length of the admission
arc is constant, while the width of the blades increases from stage to
stage as the steam expar>ds. This increase may occur very quickly,
Fig, 1.— Diagram of the Operation of the Oerlieox Steam Tcbiu-ne.
although the changes are never sudden but always gradual. As
soon as the dimensions of the blades have reached the highest per-
missible limit, a second pressure stage begins, that is the admission
length increases suddenly in a peripheral direction, and then again
continues constant for all stages in that group. The blade width,
in general, decreases suddenly from the last Ijlade of one group to the
LoNClTlhlNAL SECTION OF OeBLIKON StEAM TuREISE,
and also to a reduction in the floor sj)ace required. Further, the
weight of a set of the same output is less in the case of a turbine than
of a reciprocating engine, while at tbe same time the cost of repairs is
very small. Another point is the readiness of the turbine for run-
ning, a matter which is of course of great advantage in electricity
supply stations, for such a set standing cold can be brought up to
speed and take the load in a very few minutes.
It is, therefore, evident from the foregoing that the tiu-bine was
generously endowed from its birth and a proper recognition of its
advantages was only a matter of time. There are, of course, many
interesting methods of obtaining the same end, and in what follows
"e |>n>»(ise to give .some details of one of these, which is due to the
Masthinenfalirik Oerlikon, of Zurich, Switzerland. The Oerlikon
tiirbiiu- has been on the market for some years, but its details have
been considerably developed from time to time, and the following
description is of the latest tvpe of machine.
lirst blade of the next group and then increases gradually again from
blade to blade. By this arrangement the outlet velocity of the steam
is fully u.sed in every stage of the Oerlikon turbine with the exception
of the last one of each group (see Fig. 1, E and F), for the steam at
the outlet from the rotor continues in the same direction and is not
turned either peripherally or radially by a sudden expansion. The
rotor wheels revolve between circular diaphragms provided with
guide blades, which are fixed circumferentially in grooves formed in
the interior of the turbine easing. In the diaphragms of the first
stage through which the steam passes the guide vanes are only
situated on part of the circumference to obtain partial injection of
the steam : the space in which they are set increases until in the last
stage they are placed round the whole circumference of the diaphragm
so that total injection is produced.
The exhaustion of the steam is shown diagrammatically in Fig. 1
(A-E). The cross-section (Fig. '2) shows that the turbine is of the
THE ELECTEICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
303
partial admission t.ype, as tlie blade width with equal admission
diameter, is much smaller in the second than in the first group. The
cui've p (Fiff. 1) shows that in every stai^e a diminution in pressure
takes place, while the curve, »', indicalc- the ulii ration in the velocitv.
This latter is different from that oIiI.himiI hi iiiipul.se turbines made
by other firms, for the outlet velociiy is iiiiplnyed. This is in other
turbines wholly or nearly wholly lost, in each stage, while in the
Oerlikon type it is only in the last stage of a group that it is not fully
worked out. This peculiarity requires a special arrangement of the
constructive parts. Fig. 2 shows a longitudinn! section of the tur-
bine in its most compact form.
there is naturally some steam loss from this cause it is kept very
small, as the cross section of this clearance .space is very small rela-
tive to the cross-section of the diaphragm. Any grazing of the
diaphraL'iii and rotor is quite prevented.
Tlie L'lii'li' liladrs are of steel and are machined to practically the
theoretical s.ti.m in bars. The a.xial play between rotor and
diaphragm is 3 ram., or more, and is increased towards the low
pressure side in the larger units.
The rotors (Figs. 4 and 5) are of best Siemens-.Martin steel and arc
all made from discs of the same strength ( I'ig. oa). From a considera-
tion of the stresses called into play the dimensions are so propor-
FlG. 3 — 3.200 KW. TiikeE-Ph.^SE TrBI'.O-dENER vtop.
"?The rotor is supported on two bearings, a heavy thrust bearing
taking up the axial pressure, which even in impulse turbines cannot
be wholly avoided. All the bearings are lubricated under jiressure,
and in the larger units water cooling is also provided. The bearings
are always placed outside the steam chambers, and are. therefore,
easily accessible. For packing the shaft, bushes depending on the
" labyrinth " principle are used, which have the property that their
good operation is entirely independent of their exact alignment
along the axis of the shaft. The strongly made nickel steel shafts
have their maximum diameter in the middle, gradually decreasing
Fig, il, — RoTOK Wheels.
to each end. Thii, makes the assembling of the rotor an easy o].)era-
tion. Great cire is taken throughout the erection of these turbines
that quite free dilatation is always possible.
The diaplu'agms arranged in groups with constant arc admission
length are placed in the interior of a horizontal cylinder. They are
in two parts, and are stamp-id out of polished cast steel or cast-iron
discs in order to reduce th? ^team friction to a minimum. On the
outer circumference the diip'iragms are welded or fixed into boxes,
^v'hile the boss of the rotor revolves in the cylinder formed by the
diaphragms. The radial ph'.v is made relatively large, and although
tioned that the factor of safety obtained is from i> to 7, On the
outer circumference of the rotor proper a slot is cut in which the
rotor vanes and spacing pieces are placed. .411 the end plates and
.some of the spacing pieces are riveted axially to the rotor spokes
(Pigs. OB and ,5c). The blade rim to which the vanes are fixed is in
one piece with the rotor. Each rotor is tested before erection at
.speeds 50 per cent, above the normal, though the turbines are fitted
with a governing airangement -ivhich prevents maximum speed from
exceeding normal by more than 10 or 15 per cent, ; '
The rotor blades are of nickel steel, and are worked to a great
degree of precision, the inlet and outlet edges being placed at tlie
theoretical angles. [A steel band, which is riveted solidly to each
Fig. 5, — Rotor showino Vanes,
vane, prevents any leakage of steam to the outside. As a conse-
quence of the impiilse system the steam pressure is the same on both
sides of the rotor, and there is no so-called absolute clearance pres-
sure, A rcKitively greater play (3 mm. or 4 mm.) can, therefore, be
allowed roimd the rotor vanes, between the cylinder cover and rotor
vanes, and between the vanes and the diaphragm and contact between
the fixed and moving ])arts of the tm-bine. either on account of
dilatation or bearing wear is quite avoided.
The Oerlikon steam turbine is of the one cylinder type, and is built
in all sizes up to and exceeding 10,000 h.p. The cylinder is divided in a
304
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908,
liorizontal plane through the axis, and the bearings are cast in une
piece i\ith the lower half. In this way the axes of the cylinder
and bearings always coincide, whether the cylinder i.s hot or cold.
The cylinder cover is cast on to the cylinder barrel, thereby
avoiding a .separating surface, which it is very hard to keep steam
tight. The upper part of the cylinder is quite free from valves
and pii)e connections, so that it is easily rai.sed when access is re-
quired to the interior of the turbine.
Fig. fi is a diagram of the patent governing arrangement supplied
with these turbines. When the attendant has brought the turbine
to its normal speed by means of the bye-pass valve a, the regulator r
automatically takes charge. The valve c is opened, and oil luider
pressure is thereby supplied to the underside of the piston e. and
the main steam admission valve a is opened. This latter is held
0|>en by the oil pressure, while the piston valve h takes over the
regulation. The bye-pass valve c is closed and the valve r opened.
The working stroke of the regulator r is the distance H. while the
stroke which is necessary for regulation between no load and full
load is h. Through the distance H-7( the governor works as a safety
device. When the turbine exceeds the no-load speed — i.e.. when
the stroke of the piston is more than h — oil is pumped from the
cylinder y to the upper side of the piston e. and the oil on the lower
side is caused to flow away. This has the eflfeet of closing the main
valve a and shutting off steam. The speed, therefore, decreases
until the action of the cylinder ;/ is again reversed. The main
admission valve is then re-opened and normal operation is resumed.
This safety arrangement comes into play for any desired increase
lUSftlOU
(' i-istiMi valve,
f Fciwei- iiistoii.
fj Siii)plL'iiK'ntar\
/.. Main spring.
m Turbine slmft.
71 lie^'iilator slmft.
I KeKiiiator.
u Bye-pass valve.
V Three-way valve.
y CoutrolliiiR cylinder.
ill llie normal speed in tlie neighbourhood of 15 per cent. In Fig. C
tlie governing spring is shown on the right of the regulating shaft.
This arrangement serves for adjusting the speecl fur jiarallel running,
and may for this purpose be electrically controlled from tlie switch-
board by means of a small motor. The oil under pressure in the
controlling cylinder y is supplied from the pump i. which also forces
oil into the bearings for lubricating purposes.
On account of the high rotor speed in turbo-generators it is all
importivnt- that the bearings should be generously supplied \^■ith
lubricant. Anv failure in the lubrication would at these high speeds
very quickly lead to hot running, and consequent seizing. In the
Oerlikon turbine. theretVu-e, care is taken that, should tlie lubrica-
tion fail for any reason, the steam is cut off from the turbine, and a
signal is given to the attendant. Failure of the lubrication is only
possible when the oil |)ressure drops, and in this ('ase the main
admission valve would be immediately closed by the spring /.„ and
the steam automatically cut off. The oil pump / is driven from the
regulator shaft n. and this latter from the turbine shaft m. If the
operation of the oil jiump or regulator fails, the oil pump is of
course, stopped and the steam cut otf. The machine is shut down
by closing the valve r w'hich is generally arranged as a three-way
cock, so that connection is made to the oil exhaust. Turning this
\-alve through 90 deg. suffices to stop the turbine.
Fig. 7 shows regulating gear suitable for a 1.500 kw. turbo-gene-
lator. An indicating arrangement is provided to show whether
the m<iin admission valve is open or closed. The turbine is connected
to the generator bv means of an elastic eouiiling. The .Maschinen-
fabrik Oerlikon pay great attention to the quiet operation of the set
as a whole, and before the turbine rotor is erected it is most carefully
balanced.
In order to overload the turbine or to obtain full load when work-
ing non-condensing live steam can be admitted from the ring main
bv an automatic overload valve, and allowed to impinge on the first
higli-])iessure wheel with higher injection than usual. The con-
densed steam is obtained quite free from oil. and can be used for
boiler-feed purposes without further cleaning.
The steam consumption of this turbine is at least equal to that of
a good triple-expansion engine and is certainly considerably lower
than the steam consumption of simple and compound engines,
and while in the latter the consumption is likely to increase with
wear, in turbines it is practically constant.
These turbines have, of course, received a wide application, es-
pecially in electrical work, and they are to be found working in
large numbers both in this country and on the Continent, while
they are also being emiiloyed in marine work. The total horse-
power of the turbines supplied by the ilaschinenfabrik Oerlikon to
date considerably exceeds 100,000 h.p.
The Oerlikon Company will soon be able to show in London, the
three different classes of turbo-senerafors built ■^' their vhops. namely.
(Jeaii for a 1,500 K". Ste.\
high pressure turbines, low-pressure or exhaust turbines, and mixed
pressure turbine.?. Of the first named, two are just being installed
(one is already running) at the Kensingtcn & Xotting Hill Elec-
tric Lighting Co.'s Works, at Wood-lane. Shepherd's Bush. W.
Two 1,100 kw. exhaust turbo-generators ha\"e b.:en running now
for approximately a year, at the Central l-!lectric Supply Co.'s
Works in St. John's Wood, N.W.
Each of these machines when run with the exhaust steam from one
Willans-Oerlikon LofiO kw. non-condensing set. has reduced the
steam consumption per kilowatt hour by 46 per cent. The excellent
all round results gained with these machines resulted in the Central
Electric Supply Co. placing a repeat order for two mixed pressure
turbines of similar output, with the Oerlikon Co. These latter
machines can be run either with exhaust steam, high-pressure steam,
or with mixed steam. A repeat order from the Milan City Authorities
for a 4,000 kw. set, has also been recently booked, and the list of
repeat orders has been headed by the City of Stockholm Electricity
Works ordering two complete (),000 kw. hi-li pir-sun' lurbo-'ji-iiera-
tors, from the Maschinenfaluik Oerlikon. tin u li\ iiiIi'n m^ liow well
satisfied they are with the two l,(i00 kw. to -i.i i:ii kw . >rt^. w Inch have
been running in Stockholm for about twelve months.
We are indebted to ilr. G. Wiithrich. engineer and manager of
the Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon's British, Irish and Colonial depart-
ment, whose offices are at 34-35. Oswaldestre House, Norfolk-street,
London, W.C.), for the above informaticn. and for the Ioeu of the
blocks illustrntins: the article.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
30i
ACCUMULATORS FOR PEAK LOADS.
BY A. >r. TAYLOR.
' Summari/. — The author discusses the considerable rehictance appa-
rent on the part of central station engineers to instal accumuhitors for
supplying the peak loads of their stations. He then proceeds to con-
sider the comparative capital costs and working expenses of steam
plant and accumulators. The cells are shown to possess a decided ad-
vantage under both headings, and their reliability can be rendered by
no means inferior to that of steam plant.
Several reasons are to be found to explain the fact that
hitherto engineers in this country have been content to con-
demn cells for peak load purposes, for lighting and power, both
on the score of capital cost and of working expenses.
1. Engineers have virtually ignored all savimjs in fixed
eliarijes due to the avoidance of a peak at the main station, and
have been content to compare cells with steam plant solrhi on
the basis of capital cost and maintenance costs, and these again
have been taken much heavier than need be, owing to tlie
small sizes of cells considered.
2. The low cost of the energy used in charging the l)attei'y
(viz., 0-2d. in most large stations) has been lost sight of, and
consequently the bogey of the inefficiency of the battery has
been made much of. The relative unimportance of the efliciency
of generating plant used only for the peak, provided that the
capital cost be low, is now well understood.
3. Engineers have had no definite schemes laid before them
as to how to put down batteries, in instalments as a substitute
for steam plant extensions (within recognised limits) without
unduly increasing the capital outlay thereby and the floor space
required.
4. It has not been considered practicable to break up bat-
teries into small independent sections or units and so provide
a means of introducing spare units, in order to give engineers
equal confidence in their reliability that they have with gene-
rating plant.
It may be added that it is not generally recognised that load-
factors up to .35, and probably to 40 per cent, or more, can be
efficiently dealt with by means of accumulators without over-
taxing the remaining steam plant, or drawing upon the spare
generators ; and that, with the ordinary load curves of pro-
vincial municipal stations, a very substantial saving in the coal
bill may be looked for, after all losses introduced l)y the cells
have been discounted.
Fixed Charoks.
The question of fixed charges due to tiie oeeurrence of a
" peak " at the main .station will fir.st be gone into. The effect
of the fixed charges (other than capital charges) upon the cost
of the generation and distribution of electrical energy for power
and lighting purposes is one the importance of which we can-
not afford to minimise. Being more or less independent of the
load-factor, and to a large extent dependent on the ma.ximum
load to be dealt with at the station and in the feeders and mains,
they are more conveniently expressed as a standing charge per
kilowatt of maximum demand than as a charge per unit sold.
Strictly speaidng, they de])end almost directly on the plant
capacity installed.
In the Table A Ijeiow an anaKsis is given of tiiese charges
for some of the leading municipal stations.
In his recent Paper before the I.M.E.A the writer of the priJ-
sent article hoped that the importance of these fixed charges
had been sufficiently emphasised, but apparently the point is
not yet fully appreciated by the majority of engineers. The
present article is given with a view to emphasise the large
amount of those costs which, in great degree, depend on the
ma.ximum load,^and the comparatively trifling increment on
existing fixed costs which would be incurred in a station in
which extensions (within definite limits) were carried out with
batteries installed at the substations, taking up the propor-
tions of the peak load indicated by the curves given in the next
section of this article.
t!OMPARATIVE CAPITAL ( 'OSTS A.NU WoRKINC Exi'ENSES OF
Steam Plant and Accvmitlatoks.
The results conveyed in Table A are in part embodied
in the two diagrams, Figs. 1 and 2, herewith attached, together
with additional figures relating to capital cost.
It may be explained that the item of £4-63 per kilowatt of
added M.D. given in item 15, column 10, of Table A, is that
labelled in Fig. 1 as " Steam Costs ; Ba.sis of Table IX. ; M.E.A.
Paper."
Running ^
cost
for coal
Item.
per
unit.
1
1
Manchester
...1907
0 1.5d.t
2
„
...1908
3
„ Incrc
ment. .
1907/8
4
1907/8
Table A-
.\nnua! fixed charges^per kilowatt of niaxin
iiu demand.
(less distriliution charges)
5 Glasgow 1907
(i Livcrpn..! 1907
7 Birmingham 1908 (
8 Nottingham 1908
9 Salford 1907
10 West Ham 1007
11 , Sheffield 1907
12 I Leeds 1908
13 I Steam, Table VI11.,..1913 (
{M.E.A. Paper)
14 . Ditto, Increment.. .190S/i:i
15 Ditto, Increment... 1908/13 \
(excluding distribution) (
10 Cells, M.E.A. Paper, In- ',
crement 1908/13,
(including distribution) ; '
17 Ditto 1908/13 V
(e.tcluding distribution) /
Standby
coal.
Wages.
2
3
£118
£0-93 1
111
0-.58
04-t
0-.V>
0-S2
i;o-49
0-94
113
0-5(!
0-(>.5
0-,'>l
Repairs
£118
1-20
I -3-.
118
O-'.M)
MiO
0-8(i
0-
(a.c.
£0-
distn.
44
distn.
73
.mams
)-27
0-41
(ex. mains]
0-0(i
(ex. mil in:
0-0.5
;) (ex. mains)
.Manage-
ment.
Total Interest Uoptn. or Total
Rates, (ex. stand- & sinking reserve (cx.sland-
ing co.al). fimd. fund. by coal).
£0-39
0-40
0-97
0-84
0 r,|
0 91
I'lO
0-90
(1-94
1-20
0-41
"(tiro:
0-81
0-50
0-3i!
0-32
£1-10
1-02
0-42
0-42
1-20
(Ili3
1 ■ 1 .3
1-04
£3-8o
.3- n
3 32
3 41
3-41
4-00
3()(i
0-28
O-ol**
(irofit small.)
2-29
• *0-44
s profil
0-49
0-49
■2-W
lall.)
2-4;-)
2-29
1-83*
0-74
0-3o*
10
2-9
£^^-(J!> £ll-0
1-34 7-5G
(assumed)
1-00* 5-4*
(assumed)
2-28 9-71
2-94 12-4.>
2-1)7 12-04
2-7i; U-49
1-9.) 11-93
XIKdeli.ili 10-33
11-4.5
4-02
(ilO
4-(i7
(i-32
li'liO
8-70
8-ti."i
4-09
I's*
I (mains) j'(mains)
I 0-7.5 I 017
0-4r> I 1-35
[ (cells) I (cells)
0.45 \1f. .
('•'l'^) I (cells) I
0-40
0-83
1-2
10*
12 17
8-04
4"(i3*
{.,-,„
Km..
' All costs chargeable to distribution eliminated, in each case,
'bus bars of suh-.station. t Coal assumed at
Comparison between steam and accumulators only carried as far as L.T.
7s. 6d. per ton ; if dearer, the standing charge will I>e less.
306
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
Also that the item of £54 per kilowatt of M.D., labelled in
Fi<r 1 as " Steam Costs ; Basis of Manchester. 1908," is that
given in item i, column 10, of Table A, and is obtained by taking
the increments per kilowatt of added M.D. of the Manchester
1908 costs over the 1907 costs ; and again, taking certain pro-
portions of these increments (to eliminate distribution costs)
in precisely the same way as was done for the hypothetical case
of Table IX. of the above Paper.
£6
OF MANCHESTEHdOOS)
c ^
STEAM COSTS-BASIS O
TABLE a.
MEA PAPEf
1
Swages
)
1
C-CEl
^ '
LDINGS BOO
3TERS AND
LAND
|manage*
Irates ij
^
^
^
f 0
L .
{
11
SiL
RESERVE \
FUND
1
f
i
■ ae...
c
-]
c
if
i
r
C
\
r
£5
I per
P'rcentage of Peak. Chiaiijo Motor Load Ciircf,
jr^;^ 1 — Annual Fixed Charges per kilowatt of Maximum Demand.
The writer hopes that it will thus be seen that every fairness
has been used towards the steam plant in making the above
comparison ; and that the fixed charges taken for steam are
virtually only those that have been incurred on the latest
and largest steam units laid down, the method adopted
eliminating all charges on the earlier, and smaller, units.
£ 20
' 1
TEAM COS
3: BASIS O
TABLE IX
M E A PAPER .'
Ill
.
t- Q
c-
BBiL-
CELLS
JOOSTERS t
AND
/I
^
-^
Bi
1 25%)
/
/
BB
Z
11
/
'
>OBiL
h
/
c
c
' Z CD
4 Ul
si
'
BB.>
■C
C
1
D
r'
r- rcentagu of Ptok, Chicago Motor Load Curv*.
Fio. 2. — Capital Costs per Kilowatt.
As regards the capital outlay with steam {see Fig. 2), it may
be stated that the capital cost per kilowatt of plant rapacity,
including buildings, land, and all auxiliaries, but exclusive of
spares, is taken at £20 per kilowatt, which, for reciprocatiug
engines, is certainly not an exceptional figure.
To this is added 25 per cent, for spares (to bring to " cost per
kilowatt of M.D."), and to this again is added the cost of E.H.T.
feeders to sub-stations, and E.H.T. switchgear at both ends,
and transformers and rotaries in the sub-stations.
The accumulator costs in Figs. 1 and 2 are plotted with -per-
centages of the peak of a pure motor load, aggregating 18,000
kw. of motors connected, the load curve of which is given in
Fig. 3. The writer has selected this curve as representing prob-
ably the most trying conditions likely to be encountered by
cells, in municipal sub-stations in this country for many years
to come ; and more trying, in fact, than a combined light and
power curve.
The curves in Figs. 1 and 2, represent the costs for a sub-
station fed with alternating currents and distributing with
continuous currents. The costs would be the same for the
cells, but higher for steam, if the substation were fed with con-
tinuous currents ; and somewhat higher for the cells if the
distribution were carried out with A.C. E.H.T. currents as at
Sheffield and Leeds.
It will be noticed that, on a three-hour basis, which would
deal with 30-50 per cent, of the peak on most provincial light-
ing stations, there is a difference of some £3. 4s. per kilowatt
of M.D. per annum, in favour of the cells, as against the latest
steam costs increments of one of the most up-to-date stations.
This difference, capitalised at 10 per cent, per annum (to cover
interest and depreciation), represents an adverse balance
against steam of £32 per kilowatt of M.D.
1-2,000
A
TT
\
aA
111,11(10
-IV
-25
1-33J
%
V
\
I'J.WIO
«
-1
Ss—
60%
A
\
B
6,0011
Wi
W/i
^^
^^^^
////,.
■ '.yy
^yiW/.
yM
\
\
1
1
l.ili.fi
8 10 12
(ill. Mitlniiiht.
Area below line AB = 76.0iiii kw-hoii-s
Midnight. Xo
Arei above line AB =39,500 kw.-hours.
Total capacity of engines = 141,C00 kw hours. Available for charging cells (144.iiuii -
76,00*1)= BS.OOO kw.-houTs. Useful units lequired from cell3=3s,500 kn.-hours.
Cliaige reciuired into cells = 55.oou kw.-hours.
Fio. 3. — Chicago Motor Load Curve. IH.OOOkw. counected, Three-
Phase E.H.T.
In other words, if the actual steam and accumulator capital
investments were exactly equal, the accumulator scheme
would stUl be the equivalent of £32 per kilowatt the cheaper
scheme.
But it will be noticed (see Fig. 2) that on capital outlay also
the cells have a decided advantage, as prices now rule, of some
£15 per kilowatt, making an equivalent total of some £47 per
kilowatt in their favour.
As regards reliability, it is possible, by subdividing the
battery units, to make accumulators every bit as reliable as
steam sets, and, in fact, much more so ; and, if the battery is
put in for a sufficient proportion of the peak, it is impossible to
discharge it at a rate injurious to itself.
The writer has definite proposals to make in this connection,
but the limits of the present article do not permit of taking this
up here.
Notes ox Table A.
Coal. — Consider a station in which tlie ' Running Plant Load
Factor " is, say, fiO per cent. This means that tlie same number
of engines that are now run could be used, if fully loaded up. to turn
out 40 per cent, more units, without running them any longer hours
than at present, and (it may be mentioned incidentally) witliout
incurring any more for wages.
It also means that these extra miits may cost, in coal, anything
down to 50 per cent, of the cost of units generated under existing
conditions, in fact, they are only debitable with what may be called
the " true running cost." Hence the wTiter contends that if, from
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
307
the. total existing charge for ooal, a jiroportion is deducted correspond-
ing with the " true running cost " on the units now generated (say
3 lb. per unit, costing say 0'12d. per unit generated, or. say 015d. per
unit sold), the balance may, for purposes of the present comparison.
be treated as a fixed charge, which will remain unaltered when cells
are installed to take the increment in the peak. Column 2 of tlie
attached Table A is thus obtained.
That the above assumption is still fairly liberal will lie evident
from the fact that in many cases fewer boilers will need to be in com-
mission for a large part of the year, and that the standby losses on
thoso not required will be saved altogether, and that this saving is
ignored in column 2 of the above table.
Wages. — With the above assumed " Running Plant Load Factor."
an addition of load corresponding to some 66 per cent, of the existing
peak could be dealt with, without any material increase in wages at
the main station, as already indicated. In some stations, however,
the R.P.L.F. may be higher, but it would still be practicable (where
colls are used) to deal with the above addition to the-peak without
having more running plant in operation than now obtains.
It is, in this case, merely a matter of running the same plant for
longer hours. In a large modern station this latter means hardly any
increase in the wages cost, and any such increase is quite com-
pensated by the reduction in boiler room attendance, rec{uired by the
fewer boilers under commission (on the average), and the greater
regularity of their loads.
In item 16 of column 3 of the above table no extra cost is debitable
on account of main or substation wages, except the extra wages
required on account of distribution and of cell attendance and
boosters. In the table published in The Electricl^n for July 1(1
(p. 484), this latter is taken account of separately ; a sum of £1,(I0()
per annum being allowed for same. This ap]iears separately under
item 17, column 3 of the present table.
Repairs. — The \^Titer"s views as to the large element debitable to
fixed charges have been set out elsewhere (" Central Station Econo-
mies," I.E.E. Paper. 1907), and have been in great part corroborated
in a Pajier read by Messrs. Highfield and Burstall last year. In the
writer's opinion, the 50 per cent, added, in item 16 of column 4 of
the above table, to the existing (1908) total repairs cost, is am]ily
sufficient to cover the extra cost of repairs to the enlarged system of
mains and sub-feeders, as well as any small extra charges at the main
station and sub-stations.
Management and Office. — In a big station the management cx-
])enses are a very heavy item, and of the nature of a charge which
depends mainly on the maximum load on the station and feeders,
and, as .such, remains constant in the development we are consider-
ing. That part of the office charge which is proportional tt) the
number of consumers might amount to 20 per cent, of the total com-
bined charge, hence an increase of 50 per cent, in the consumers
would only increase the total by 10 per cent., which is less than the
figure taken (18 per cent.) in item 16 of column 5 of the above table.
Bates and Taxes. — This subject is rather involved. It api)cars.
however, that the rating depends in large measure on the gross profits
(i.e., on the difference between the total receipts, and the working
expenses), while the taxing depends directly on the gross profits.
Out of gross profits interest and sinking fund are paid, and out
of the balance a sum is usually set aside to a reserve or depreciation
fund, with a view to the obsolescence of steam plant before the period
of the loan expu'es.
If now, it is found that the capital for the accumulators for the
extensions has to be provided out of revenue, as the writer some-
what anticipates (.see recent I.M.E.A. Paper), the gross profits will
be reduced by the fact that a very large sum, representing main-
tenance and depreciation on cells, takes the place of a corresponding
charge for dejireciation of extra steam plant, but now falls under
" working expenses," while no sinking fund has to be provided for,
out of the gross profits on account of the cells. The amount that has
to be earned as gross profit, may, therefore be much smaller, in pro-
portion to revenue than now obtains, and hence the taxing on same
will be less.
In the hypothetical case taken up in his recent I.M.E.A. Paper,
which the writer worked out in detail at the time, and the results of
which were given in the table published in TuE Electricun for July
10 (p. 484), it was found that the increase in the item for " Rates
and Taxes," due to the above cause, was not more than about 33 per
cent., which, in the case taken, corresponded with £2,650 per annum,
or £0-15 per kilowatt of added M.D., the figtire in item 16 of column
6 of Table A.
Reserve Fund. — Since a large jjroportion of the reserve fund is
put aside towards the renewal of steam plant which may be obso-
lescent before the period of the loan is up, or in other words, to make
up the insufficient sum compulsorily claimed by the L.G.B. on
account of depreciation and obsolescence of steam plant, the writer
contends that, in comparing the cost of steam plant for extensions
with that of cells (which can be maintained perpetually at 12 per
cent, per annum), the steam plant must be debited with that pro-
portion of the reserve fund which may be set aside for this purpose,
say, at least £1 per kilowatt of M.D. per annum.
General. — The cost of distribution, from the substations onward,
being common to both schemes, may be omitted in comparisons
between them.
TESTING OF ALTERNATORS.
In our last issue we gave an account of the discussion at the
Biimingham Local Section in connection with Mr. S. P.
Smith's Paper on this subject, of which \Ve gave an abstract in
our issue of November 13th. Mr. S. P. Smith has replied to
the discussion in a written connnunication, of which we here
give an abstract.
Jlr. 8. P. .Smith, in reply, ^aid the i liief puint wa.s tin- (jueslion of core
losses. This had not been overlooked in his Paper, as it would be seen
that he regarded it as the criterion of the test. He agreed with Mr.
Clayton that the iron losses when running on open circuit would be slightly
less than when the poles were normally connected and excited with the
same current. The iron loss curves in Fig. 'i were certainly unfortunate
in this respect and there was very probably a small constant error in the
measurement of windage and friction losses in the curve of normal iron
losses. Ml-. Clayton had estimated the iron losses with short-cii'cuited
armature and full load exciting current. The conclusions arrived at
could readily be confirmed by reference to the curve in Fig. .5. He had
further confirmed these results in later tests which all .showed that the
iron losses usually came out from 15 to 25 per cent, too high, comi)ared
with normal full load conditions. So long as the machine was well within
its guarantee this did not much matter either as regards efficiency or
temperature rise, as it would imt Ivivc a very great effect on the total.
Only in cases where the i;u;u:iiit'-.' was cut very fine disjmte might
arise, but even then it was always |iii-sihle to check the iron losses and
make a suitable allowance hn any (lisire])ancy. In reply to Or. Sumpncr
he did not think any advantage would be obtained by dividing the
field into two parts only, and trying to obtain equal fluxes by using
diflferent exciting currents. It would be found that this method might
easily result in an increase of 50 per cent, above normal in the rotor copper
losses. This woidd also affect the temperature rise of the stator. Another
disadvantage was that the sum of the two exciting ou-rents would be
considerably greater than the capacity of the exciter. Also, if one of the
field circuits became broken, which might happen with the temporary
connections used in a test house, the residts might be disastrous. The
advantages of his own method he summarised as follows : (1) Correct
exciting current, (2) exciter working on full load, (3) proper cooling con-
ditions in machine, (4) correct stator current. (5) slightly increased core
losses, ((3) complete balance, (7) safety of working, (8) simultaneous
efficiency and heating test. He thought Mr. Chattock was wTong in
s.aying his method gave the temperature rise too luw. He had even found
it a trifle higher than the actual, which was no doubt due to the extra iron
losses. The method described was especially suitable for the manufacturer,
althcniuh in rases of a dispute, as Mr. Chattock mentioned, it might l>c of
value t\ . -I a I II ,11 .iiL'ineers. In reply to Mr. Orsettich, he did not claim any-
thini; ' a ij Ilia I |. I his test. He had. however, worked out and described a
method |]o>sc->iiiy many advantages and had shown how it could be
reduced to ac(-urate calculations. By full load exciting current he
meant that with which the machine worked on full load at the power
factor for which it was designed. He did not think it would Ix- possible
to ajijily the test to machines having less than sixoreight poles. He was
inclined to believe that the results obtained by -Mr. Everest's method of
testing were accidental, for neither on open circuit nor short-circuit did
correct heating or cooling cither in stator or rotor obtain. The conditions
of test were indeed absolutely fictitious. He was pleased that Dr. KIoss
had referred to the great saving such a method would mean to manu-
facturers apiut from its immense convenience. Indeed, for want of such a
method, many manufacturers (even in America, where Bchrcnd's method
was published) resorted to such methods as those described by -Mr.
Everest, which necessitated estimating the results. W ith regard to Dr.
Morris's remarks, it was not possible to enter into a discussion of the
new method proposed. Various firms had uscil for years some method
for obtainmg full load at zero power factor, but re.piu-mg auxiliary
apparatus.
The Electrical Production of Cast Steel.— The CcnlraMutt
fill- Eisinhnlfni H'-.o,/, describes an installation for this purpose
at Bonn, where, since last December, a Stassano furnace has
replaced a crucible furnace with satisfactory results. The capa-
city of the furnace is about 1 ton, and the total time taken bj'
a complete operation five hours. The consumption per ton of
iron melted is about OOOkw.-honrs, a kilowatt-hour costing
0-56d. The .actual cost of purification per ton, including
capital charges, is £9. The advantage of employing the electric
furnace is that very crude iron costing from £3, 10.s. to £4. Is.
per ton can be used, and at a very high temperature.
308
THE ELECTRICIAN. DECEMBER 4, 1908.
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TARIFFS FOR DOMESTIC POWER.
In the discussion which took place last week at tiic
Institution of Electrical Engineers on "Domestic Electricity
Supply as Affected by Tariffs " there seems to have been
some reluctance on the part of speakers to interfere with
existing tariffs, as such interference might have a deterrent
effect on new consumers. In this connection we think it
is worth while to remember that existing consumers are
for the moment more important than prospective con-
sumers. Electricity supply undertakings have a very
large field indeed in which to deal, if merely the existing
consumer is taken into account. New consumers are not
so likely to take up electric heating and cooking as those
who have already had experience of electric lighting. With
the existing consumer the supply undertaking is already
in touch. Accounts are being rendered, and it is not a
difficult matter to determine how any new tariff' will affect
such a consumer. Having determined this point negotia-
tions can be opened with the householder. It can be
shown to him that the revised tariff will be to his advan-
tage rather than otherwise, and it is for him to decide
whether he will give it a trial or not. Such methods are
particularly suitable to those undertakings where show-
rooms, are in existence and apparatus is let out on •
liire. The hiring out of apparatus is a much more impor- |
tant business than is probably realised. We do not
suppose that the gas companies would be doing nearly so
much business in heating and cooking as they are doing at
present if they had not adopted the policy of sending out
stoves and kitcheners on hire, so that the consumer could
try the advantages of gas cooking with the least possible
trouble and expense. The gas consumer has had things
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
309
made very easy for him. He is well looked after, and in
some cases gas sto^•es are even left on his premises during
the summer quarters without any charge for hire.
There can be no doubt that the domestic power load
will become increasingly important. (Dn alternating ciirrent
networks the effect of the metallic iilament lamp in re-
stricting the lighting output is being felt to no small extent.
Tn the case of undertakings having an industrial power
load this is not of nnicli importance, but where an under-
taking is concerned very largely with domestic lighting it
is a different matter. Here it is highly desirable to bring
on further load and to have the mains more fully utilised.
At the present time domestic power supply is suffering
from complication and restriction on nearlyallnetworks. The
public has a strong objection to the complication of two
meters and duplicate wiring, for this renders a trial of elec-
trical methods too expensive a matter. The restrictive
effect of the maximum demand system is equally harmful.
J]ven so it will be found that electric heating and cook-
ing is making some headway, as will be seen by an article
which we publish elsewhere in the present issue. There
it will be found that the Newcastle-on-Tyne Electric
Supply Co. have a load of this kind amounting to no less
than 1,800 kw. Electric radiators are being used exten-
sively in both private houses and offices, and electric fiat-
irons are largely in demand. At Maryleboue Mr. F. A
Wilkinson reports that COO radiators are now connected to
tlie mains,and that there is a decided increase in the demand
for apparatus for both heating and cooking. We are glad to
notice thatMr. Wilkinson is adopting the progressive policy
of sending out grills, ovens, &c., on loan for a time, so
that consumers can make up their minds by actual
trial as to the possibility of such methods. Mr. Seabuook
also, at West Ham, although naturally occupied for the
moment with power developments pure and simjjle rathei
tlian with the question of domestic electricity supply, finds
that electric flat-irons and kettles are greatly in demand,
and he also is adopting the policy of sending out Hat-irons
to consumers free of charge for one month. The results
obtained are excellent, and we hope that examples of this
kind will be followed by engineers in other districts, so as
to extend this important branch of electricity supply much
more rapidly than has hitherto been the case.
ELECTRIC COOKING AND HEATING APPARATUS.
Altliougli central-station engineers have been developing
the motor loads connected to their mains, the number of units
sold to private consumers for lighting purposes has suffered
a considerable diminution on many undertakings, due to the
advent of the metallic filament lamp. With decreasing
revenue per consumer the capital outlay on services becomes
less productive, and the need for the connection of additional
current-consuming devices becomes evident, if the capital
charges on mains and meters are not going to absorb ultimately
tlie profits obtained from the lighting consumers. Since the
application of electric motors in the average household is
limited — or, at any rate, the energv consumed by such motors
is likely to be small — it is becoming increasingly essential for
more attention to be paid to the development of the use of
electricity for domestic cooking and heating purposes. The
advantages as regards cleanliness and convenience are so
easily demonstrable that possible consumers are quickly in-
terested in the question. In this connection much can be
done by .showing the possibility of using various cooking
utensils on a "' hot plate," and if such utensils are suitably
made of enamelled earthenware and of artistic design, they
can be transferred direct from the heating apparatus to tlie
table, thus saving much labour. In fact, the installation of
such apparatus is likely to revolutionise household arrange-
ments.
The objection which is frequently raijied by consumers who
would like to make the experiment, since they appreciate
many of the possible advantages arising from the u.se of elec-
trical appliances, is that the price of the apparatus is too high.
Whilst this was undoubtedly true a few years ago, the objec-
tion is not .so forcible at the present time, since apparatus at
a moderate price is now obtainable ; and as the engineers are
now more convinced as to its satisfactory operation, it is likely
that in the immediate future nmch more will be done in the
way of " hiring-out " such apparatus to consumers. Another
essential point for ensuring the more general adoption of
electricity for cooking and heating purposes is the tariff which
is in force. With this aspect of the question wc do not, how-
ever, propose to deal here ; but we would refer our readers
to the abstract of a Paper read last week before the Institution
of Electrical Engineers by Mr. W. R. Cooper, the concluding
part of which appears elsewhere in this issue.
A London electrical undertaking which has given atten-
tion to the development of this class of load is that of St.
Marylebone, and as the result of the special efforts which have
been made during the past two years good progress has re-
sulted. Wc learn from the engineer, Mr. F. A. Wilkinson,
that approximately 600 radiators are now connected to the
mains, and the yearly increase recorded has ranged from 27
to 48 per cent. It has been found more difficult, however, to
popularise electric cooking, but a fair increase in the number
of such appliances is now observable and greater develop-
ments are expected in the near future. To encourage this class
of load the electricity department is arranging to hire out
cooking apparatus, and a special feature is being made of the
free loan of grills, ovens, &c., so as to educate consumers as
to the possibilities of electrical methods. This is undoubtedly
the right policy to pursue, and we hope that the results will
soon become apparent in the yearly report of the engineer. It
will be remembered that a cooking demonstration was recently
held at Messrs. Flemmg's restaurant, Oxford-street, and nego-
tiations are proceeding for similar exhibitions elsewhere.
The experience in Fulham has not, however, been quite so
satisfactory. It is found that, although it is easy to get people
interested in electrical appliances for heating, cookmg, &c.,
they draw-back on hearing the prices charged by the manu-
facturers for the various appliances. If consumers could only
be met in the matter of prices, Mr. A. J. Fuller, the engineer,
believes there would be considerable developments. It Ls evi-
dent that the electricity department have done much to
popularise electricity, since the charge for current for heating
and power purposes is only Id. per unit.
The consumers comiected to the mains of the Si. Jainc^' and
Pall Mall Electric Light Co. have installed quite a large num-
ber of electric radiators and convectors. and cooking apparatus
has also been installed, but to a smaller extent. As the charge
made for energy for these purposes is only id. per unit, it is
evident that there should be considerable scope for a large in-
stallation of both heating and cooking apparatus, provided the
consumers can be supplied with the necessary apparatus at a
suitable price. The company are doing what they can to
bring such apparatus to the notice of their consumers and have
a well-e(|uipped showroom for demonstration purposes.
The high initial cost of electric cooking apparatus has also
had considerable effect on the demand for such utensils among
the consumers of the St. Panxras electricity undertaking,
although the electricity department are doing what they can
to bring the advantages of electric heating and cooking before
the notice of such consumers. Thus, a slip is enclosed with
the quarterly accounts drawing attention to such advantages
and indicathig that apparatus for cooking and heating can be
310
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
Been in operation"' at the Council's showroonis. We are
informed by Mr. S. W. Baynes that a large number of
radiators are in use, also a few electric baths and flat-irons.
Mr. A. H. Seabrook, the engineer of the WeM Ham elec-
tricity undertaking, informs us that at present his depart-
ment is not actively pushing electric cooking, since a really
serviceable cooking outfit is difficult to obtain at a sufficiently
low cost to ensure a large sale. Electric flat-irons and kettles
are, however, greatly in demand, and an excellent policy is
being pursued in loaning such articles free of charge to con-
sumers for one month. This usually produces such a good
effect on the consumers that business results.
In view of the great developments which have taken place
in power supply in the Newcastle district, it is interesting to
notice that heating and cooking have by no means been over-
looked. Indeed, it may come as a surprise to many people
who are interested in this question to learn that at the present
time no less than 1,800 kw. of heating and cooking load have
been obtained by the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Electric Supply
Co. This is, of course, the result of several years' work in
bringing to the notice of consumers the many household
utensils which are particularly adapted for electric heating.
Radiators are largely used in both private houses and offices,
whilst electric flat-irons are greatly in demand, particularly in
private houses of the smaller class, and electric kettles are
coming into considerable use in medium sized private houses.
Among other apparatus for which a demand has arisen may
be mentioned chafing dishes, coffee percolators, special food
\varmers for sausage shops and coffee and tea urns in public
cafes. The price charged by the Company for energy for
heating and cooking purposes is lid. per unit, with a 5 per
cent, discount ; but as the price of gas in the district is Is. lOd.,
it is evidently the energetic policy pursued which has brought
about the large demand for electrical apparatus.
At Blackpool there has been, up to the present time, no
demand for electric cooking apparatus. An interesting series
of experiments has been carried out, however, by Mr. C.
Furness, the borough electrical engineer, who has recently
made a recommendation to his committee to set aside out of
the reserve fund a sum for the purpose of hiring out electric
ovens and grillers, at a rental of 3s. to 4s. per quarter. Mr.
Fiu'iiess lias supplied us with particulars of some results ob-
tained w^th an electric oven placed on the market by Mr. C.
Fonteyn (referred to below), and he points out that, on these
results, electric cooking with current at Id. per unit compares
very favourably with cooking in gas ovens when gas is sup-
plied at 2s. 6d. per 1,000 cubic feet. A joint of beef weighing
6 lb. was cooked in 60 min. for a power consumption of 1 unit ; a
5.^ lb. shoulder of mutton in 50 min. for 900 watt-hours and
a 91b. leg of mutton in 10.5 min. for 2.030 watt-hours; whilst
three fowls were cooked in 35 min. The oven to be adopted
for hiring out purposes will be suitable for cookine, grilling
and boiling, and Mr. Furness is of opinion that its cost will
have to be not greater than £6.
At Scarborough, electricity consumers have the advantage
of a supply of energy at Id. per unit for cooking and heating
purposes. This low rate has lately led to a large increase in
the number of radiators connected to the mains, but as re-
gards cooking smaller progress has been made ; this is stated
to be due chiefly to the high initial cost of the apparatus.
Much of the apparatus now on the market is already well
known to our readers, but we give below particulars of some
more recent developments.
Consumers living in districts where an alternating current supjily
of electricity is available have, during the last year or two, been
more favourably situated than those obtaining their electricity sup-
ply from continuous current mains, in so much as they have been
able at little expense to instal auto-transformcrs and to make use
of low voltage metallic filament lamps. The electrical cooking
apparatus recently placed on the market by the Berry Construc-
tion Co. also pio\i(U's the former class of consumers «ith the oppor-
tunity of installing cooking apparatus, possessing several undoubted
advantages which is not available to continuous current consumers.
The cooking apparatus referred to differs very considerably as re-
gards appearance and construction from other types on the market.
The cooker itself is illustrated in Fig. 2 whilst Fig. 1 shows a
group of utensils adapted for use with it. Saucepans and kettles
of the household pattern can be utilised, but in order to obtain the
best results, as regards efficiency, the special utensils illustrated
should be employed. Special care has been taken in the manufac-
ture of these to obtain perfectly flat bottoms, so as to ensure the
most rapid transfer of heat from the heating element, and we under-
stand that this results in much more rapid boiling than is usually the
case, and, what is also of considerable importance, an equal passage
of heat over the bottom of the cooking utensil. Experiments show
that with the standard Berry apparatus a pint of water can be
boiled in just under 3J minutes, and we were interested in the fact
Fi(i, 1.— Electric ('(
ui I rrr uf tui, BLia;Y CoNsuai iiux Co.
that boiling appeared to commence, not in one or two positions in
the water, but over the whole surface.
Having thus given some idea of the possibilities of the apparatus,
we will now briefly describe its construction. A glance at Fig. 2
will show that the cooker consists of a round body, on the top of
which is a circular iron plate. ThLs plate is raised to a dull red
heat or lower, as required, the degree of heat being controlled by
two switches. The body of the cooker contains a small Berry trans-
former, output about 0-8 kw., which is so well known to our
readers, a description of the most recent types appearing in our
issue of November 6th. The secondary coil of this transformer, in
which the induced pressure is about 10 volts, feeds into a coil of wire
Fic;. 2. — "TuiriTv" He.\ter of the Berry Coxstrcction Co.
immediately \uider the cast-iron plate referred to above. The cur-
rent in this coil induces heavy currents to flow in the plate itself,
which can be considered as a tertiary circuit. In tliis way the iron
plate is quickly raised to a dull red heat, whilst when a metal uten-
sil is placed on it a heating effect is produced, in addition to the
transfer of heat bj' conduction, by the induced currents due to the
pulsating flux. It will thus be seen that most rapid heating is
ensured, and as the ciurent in the secondary circuit and the coil
under the hot plate reaches at full load 80 amperes, it will be evident
that a large sized wire is essential, so that a substantial heating
element is the result, instead of the small resistance wires which are
usually employed in electric cooking apparatus.
THE ELECTRICIAN. DECEMBER 4, 1908.
311
In order to provide for the most economical operation two
switches are provided on the cooker, allowing six stages of heat to
be obtained. In the apparatus we inspected these corresponded to
electrical inputs of approximately 800, 600, 400, 250, 200 and 150
watts respectively. The most efficient method of cooking will thus
be found to be to switch on the full power for a few minutes until
boiling begins, and then to reduce the input to 150 watts which
will usually be found sufficient to maintain boiling. The wide range
of control, however, provides the consumer with a valuable means
of regulating the cooking as required. We may perhaps mention
that the complete outfit, including the utensils illustrated in Fig. 1,
is listed at £15, whilst, as the various uten-sils get worn out or broken,
they can be replaced at very small cost at any ironmonger's, differ-
ing in this respect from the usual electric cooking apparatus, which
can only be replaced at considerable outlay. We understand that
a number of central station engineers are now giving a trial to this
apparatus and are .surprised at the excellent results which they are
obtaining.
The extensive series of electric cooking apparatus manufactured
by the Gener.^l Electric Co., is, of course, widely known and a large
amount of this apparatus is already in use. The company continue
contractors, but it is deserving of more attention by them. Little
more need here be said with regard to the " Pnjmetheus' goods,
except that new designs are continually being added and improve-
ments made to meet the requirements of all possible users of the
apparatus.
The cooking and heating apparatus which has been placed upon the
market by Messrs. Veritys Limited, is characterised by its simplicity
and also efficiency. In the boiling utensils the heating element is
arranged so that there is a complete circulation of water round it ;
this to some extent reduces the liability to breakdown, besides adding
considerably to the efficiency of the apparatus. .As regards the
kettles and other cooking apparatus, these are manufactured of
copper and are lined with aluminium, thus avoiding the necessity of
frequent tinning. Much of the apparatus is already well known, but
we should here like to draw attention to one or two pieces of appara-
tus which may be considered more as novelties. The first is the grill
illustrated in Fig. 4. This is made of cast iron and has a heated sur-
face of 8 in. .square ; whilst the overall dimensions are 12 in. l)y 13 in.
An important and useful feature is the gravy receptacle in front. It
Fli. 3. — To.iSTEK BY THE OeNERAL ElECTRIC Co.
to improve existing types of utensils. Attention may be di-awn to
the toaster illustrated in Fig. 3. the feature of which is that it toasts
on both sides of the bread at once, the latter being squeezed between
the two plates seen in the illustration. Current is switched on for
four minutes before beginning to toast, when the plates are thoroughly
warm the bread is placed between them and squeezed tightly l)y a
spring, toasting being completed in about IJ minutes. Toasters can
be made up in any number of sections and a four section one is in use
on His Majesty's yacht. As regards the electric ovens manufactured
by the General Electric Co., the important feature is the high
efficiency obtained, due to the attention paid during construction to
the packing of non-conducting material between the inner and outer
cases. This results in practically the whole of the energy being use-
fully applied, differing in this respect very greatly from gas cookers,
in which the necessity for removing obnoxious fumes causes a con-
siderable portion of the heat to be lost. As an illustration of the small
radiation losses in the General Electric Co.'s electric oven we may
mention that in one case when the temperature had been raised to
420°F. by means of the full electrical input of 1,500 watts, this
temperature only decreased to 410° when the in))ut had been reduced
to 500 watts for half an hour ; and on all current being switched off
the temperature only fell to 360" after a further period of half an
hour.
One of the best-known names in connection with the domestic
applications of electricity is that of " Prometheus," and the com-
plaints which have recently been brought forward regarding the high
cost of electrical heating and cooking apparatus cannot be considered
as applying to the goods of The British Prometheus Co. This firm
have for the last year or two been making great efforts to supply
such apparatus at a reasonable cost and have now on the market a
convector, taking 1 kw., which is priced at £2. undoubtedly a low
figure when the quality of the material used is taken into account,
whilst a two lamp radiator, requiring J- kw., isobtainable for 27s., this
price, like the jirevious one, including all flexible wire, plug, &c. As
regards electrical kettles the.se are now obtainable at a price within
the reach of all consumers — viz., 8s. 6d. — whilst flat-irons cost only
15s., and this price is likely to be reduced at an early date. The
British Prometheus Co. are doing all they can to popularise these
articles, as they fully appreciate that only by more extensive u.se is
it [lossible to reduce the cost of manufacture. We would here like
to draw attention to the fact that the company have fitted up an
excellent showroom at 100, Oxford-street, W., which is placed
entirely at the service of contractors, who are at liberty to bring
possible customers to view the apparatus there set out. We under-
stand that the opportunity so provided is appreciated by several
Fi(i, 4. — Grill by Messrs. Verity?
will be noticed that it is fitted with three terminals and a range of
four heats is available. Another feature which will l)e apparent from
the illustration is the degree of cleanliness obtainable.
Electric ovens until recently have never been considered a very
great success, although the application of electricity to other cooking
utensils has always proved very .satisfactory ; but the cooking range
which is now being supjilied by Messrs. Veritys is staled to be giving
very good results, and is also claimed to be one of the simplest on the
market. As will be seen from Fig. .5, this i::ii_. Jiir what
from the customary type, and attention is drawn to the fact that the
walls which are of mild sheet steel are easily detachable from either
inside or outside, thus facilitating access to all parts. The door is of
cast metal and is arranged so as to act as a shelf for the cook's use.
This is a feature which should appeal to housewives. The heating
elements themselves are all contained in copper shells that can easily
312
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
bo detached and elcmonts can bo replaced at low cost: also as six
doKrees of lieat are obtainable it is obvious that the greatest possible
economy and efficiency is provided for. Another feature is that the
oven is fitted with a detachable stool shelf to half its height, and a
further point which will be readily appreciated, especially as it is
.'enerally absent in this type of apparatus, is the boiler fitted with a
tap at tiie top of the oven. Other features, all pointing to the care
which has been taken in designing this cooking range, could be
mentioned, but sufficient has been said to show that it is a very
practical piece of apparatus. We may, however, mention that when
it is fitted with hot plate, boiler, oyen and plate warmer it requires
4,800 watts, the size of the complete range being '2a in. by 20 m. by
18 in., whilst the oven itself only requires -2,000 watts.
with the resistance wire employed is that it can, w^en at red heat,
be regularly subjected to splashes of cold water mthout apparently
suffering any harm whatsoever. . , ^- • t
The griller t« which «e refern-d above is an interesting piece of
apparatus, and its design has recently been cons.deraby altered As
seen in Fig. 7 it consi-sts of a frame supported on small feet, and the
heating element which consists of spiral " Phcenix ' resist^ance wire
mounted on small porcelain insulators is arranged beneath the cover.
The grill itself .slides into .shelves arranged below the cover so that its
distance from the heaters can be regulated, whilst the top of the cover
heats sufficiently to warm plates placed on it. In the original pattern
two sets of heaters were provided, fixed respectively below and above
the food, but this arrangement ha,s been discarded in favour of that
here described, in which the heater is only placed above the food
being cooked. This griller is made in several sizes takmg from /OO to
1,400 watts or even •2,0tK) watts, and in the small size can cook a
chop in about 8 min., and steak in from 12 to lo mm. All the
apparatus of the " Phc^nix " type can, of course, be employed on
either alternating current or continuous current circuits.
In our issue of October 23 we described some mteresting cooking
and heating apparatus, which has recently been placed on the market
by Mr C Fonte^N of Mortimer-street. London. \\., and wliich is
known under the title - Lc Radiant.'' As we have so recently re-
ferred to this apparatus, further particulars are here unnecessary.
Kia. 6. — rHQ-;Nix Electkic Ovkn.
The " Phoenix " cooking and heating appliances aie already
widely known and appreciated, and as pi oof of the esteem in which
they are held, we may mention that aljout faO electiic o\ens are being
supplied to the Admiralty for use in submaimes The manufacturers
of this apparatus, the Vhienix Electrk Hevtini Co ha\e recently
considerably altered and improved then pattern ot electric o\en. It
has been found more satisfactory to place all the lesi^tance wires at
the bottom of the oven, instead of also distributina them over the
I'm. 7. -PuuiNix Electkic Gkim..
sides, as used to be the custom. With the type of oven which we
illustrate in Fig. 6, full power, 2,400 watts, should be switched on for
15 minutes to raise the temperature to that necessarj' for cooking.
The power can then be reduced to 600 watts which is found to be
sufficient to maintain the temperature at the required level. It will
also be noticed that two boiling rings, taking 1,100 and 600 watts,
respectively, are fixed on the top of the oven, whilst a griller is in-
corporated on the right hand side, the space on the left being pro-
vided for warming plates. It will thus be seen that ample provision
is made for all requirements. An interesting point in connection
|FlU. S.— IS KW t'ONVEtTOR BV THE GENERAL ELECTRIO CO.
The heating and cooking apparatus supplied by Simplex Cok-
DCITS IjIMITED, contains many features of interest, besides being
inexpensive. As we described this apparatus in detail in our issue
of April 10 last, it is unnecessary here to do more than draw attention
to our previous notice in which most recent patterns and apparatus
are described and illustrated. It will be remembered that " Pro-
metheus" strip system of heating elements is in all cases adopted.
Any description of recent electric cooking apparatus would be in-
complete without reference to that which was installed in the kitchen
of the model house of the London Electric Supply Companies at the
Franco-British Exhibition. It will be remembered that this was sup-
lilied by Messrs. R.^SHLEioH Phipps & Co. and the cooking table and
oven were illustrated and described in detail in our issue of July 3, iu
which description we would refer our readers. In view of the many
thousands of visitors to the Exhibition who inspected this oven and
witnessed the practical demonstrations of its utility we hope that
Messrs. Rashleigh Phipps & Co.. will reap the reward of their
enterprise.
There are many occasions on which a continuous stream of hot
water is required at a moment's notice ; for instance in hospitals and
in all medical and surgical work, in hairdressers' shops, &.c. For such
purposes the electric geyser placed on the market by Messrs J. C.
Fuller & Son, of Woodland Works. Bow, London, E.. has been
specially designed. Itjworks on a different principle from the variou
electrical heating devices generally employed, in that it is designed
for fittuig to the existing water supply at a tap by means of a rubber
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
313
or other connecting pipe. Tlie cold water, enlcririi: (lir ■ji-\.,'r ;il
the inlet pipe, passes through a scries of chambeis. w ludi :.ii m , .,ii-
nection with the electric supply mains, and bee(H]ic> litauil, is,,iiiri[,'
in a continuous stream from the discharge pip;; of the gejser.
The temperature of the discharge water can be regulated by altering
the flow, so that a small stream of very hot water, or a copious flow
of warm water, can be obtained at will. With a current consumption
of 1^ units per hour in the smallest size of geyser, two pints of hot
«'ater per minute can be obtained. It is interesting to notice that no
wires or resistances are employed in the geyser, so that there should
be little trouble from short-circuits, &c.
Turning now to the application of electricity to heating apparatus,
we must first draw attention to the new type of heater which was
exhibited at the recent Manchester Electrical Exhibition by the
Genebal Electric Co. This apparatus is quite new and is only just
being placed on the market. A complaint which is sometimes made
against electric radiators is that the heating of the air in a room is not
uniform. This objection cannot apply to the heater in question, for
it has been designed on more scientific lines. It is a combination of
the well-known lamp radiator and the more recently introduced typo
of heat convector, possessing, therefore, the advantages of both. As
will be seen from Fig. 8 herewith, the lamps are enclosed in cylinders
with open ends, which can be made of coloured glass or metal, whilst
the fitting itself is of iron, brass or copper. These cylinders or glass
Fii;. 9. — Mkssks. Purcell & Noises' " Electkoyl " Rawator.
Single Column Pattern.
tubes induce a ra])id circulation of the heated air, thus warming
a given space to t!i? best advantage. Although the immediate
effects of this arrangement of heater are not so apparent as when those
of the usual t^-pe are employed, it is claimed that the final results are
more satisfactory, since it ensures that the whole air of a room shall
be warmed to the same extent. Other heating apparatus manu-
factured by this firm to which we would here like to draw attention are
the electric flat-irons for laundry and domestic purposes. These
are being adopted in very large numbers and the improved design
should do even more to popularise their use.
A characteristic of most electrical radiators is their dissimilarity
from other forms of heating apparatus. This is not necessarily
an :ul\anl,iii'-. ni'l Mr^sr-. Purcell & Nobbs, who have had an
(■\|icriini r "I Ih iiiiij ,i|i|)aratus extending over many years, have
AMthin thr la^i lew inniii lis placed on the market, as the result of an
extensive series of experiments, a type of electric radiator which is
claimed to be far more efficient than any existing types, and
which certainly possesses features of unusual interest. In lamp
radiators the heating element is at a very high temperature ; this
causes a large proportion of the energy to be converted into radiant
heat, whilst only a smaller part is transferred to the air by the
process of conduction. Where it is not desired to heat the whole of
the air in a room, this may prove the most satisfactory arrangement,
as the heat may be concentrated in any particular direction ; but, on
the other hand, in the case of ofiices and large rooms this may not
|)rove so satisfactory, since a part of the radiant heat will pass dii-ect
t(i the walls and be conducted through these and .so lost, and also the
heating is liable to be " patchy." If, however, the heat is transferred
to the air by conduction, the whole of the aii- in the room will eventu-
ally get warmed and a very uniform temperature result, whilst very
little heat will be transferred to the walls and lost. It is on this latter
principle that Messrs. Purcell & Nobbs have designed their " Elec-
troyl " radiator — which is, of course, really a convector — and baise
their claim for a considerable sa\ing in cm-rent. Fig. 9 shows one
of these radiators. The heat is produced in a resistance consisting of
coils of wire interwoven with asbestos weh and suspended in oil, and
the heating element itself is situated near the base of the radiator, the
limbs of which are nearly filled with oil, whilst all the air is also ex-
hausted, leaving a vacuum above the level of the oil.
Owing to the resistance being susi)ended in oil little trouble is
experienced from vibration, and as the wire is only run at a tempera-
ture of about 300°F., its life should be considerable. It will be
noticed from Fig. 9 that the radiator has been designed to have a
very large heating surface and the temperature of (his is usually from
180° to 200°F. At this temperature, which is reached in from 10 to 15
minutes, it is claimed tliat only about 30 per cent, of the energy
will be given off as radiant heat, about 70 per cent, being
therefore em])loyed for direct an- warming. A switch with four
positions is su)ipiied with each radiator {tl;e tliree tumbler switches in
Fig. 9 have hern ciiscaiilcci). till- jjiisitions being low heat, medium
heat, full liiai ni ^lallllPJ, The ^larling or full position allows the
maximum eiirr(ait lo pass anil is iin|iliiyed to bring the radiator up to
working tem])erature as ((uickiy as possible, when the current can
Fio. 10.— DowsiNo Kahhtoi:.
then be reduced. Thus in the t vpe illustrated, the power at starting
would be about 2,.")00 watts, for noruud working 1,500 watts, and
for low heat 1,000 watts, whilst the heating surface is 50sq. ft,, and
it would be sviitable for heating a room of 5,000 cub. ft. ca])acity.
These radiators have aroused considerable interest, and, besides
l)einK appliid for house anil office use. are being adoj.ted for theatre.
raihvav and tramway work, for which latter purpo.seslhcy arc said to
be par'ticularlv suitable. Further advantages claimed are the hygienic
treatment of air-warming at the comparatively low temperature of
180"F. to 200'F.. absence of self-induction, absence of hrc risk, and
uniformity of temperature in the room. .
As regards other electric radiators at present on the market, httle
alteration has to be chronicled, the pattern in which lamps are em-
ployed having liecome standardised. We may recall the fact.
however, that the special form of lamp put on the market by Mr. C.
Fontevn is smaller than the usual lamp for the same input. As
illustrating one of the most recent designs of lamp radiator we may
refer to Fi". 10. which shows a radiator recently designed by the
Dowsixo Radiant Heat Co., "hose apparatus has proved so very
succes.sful. It is finished in dead brass, and is fitted with a ne^y clip
allowing the lamps to be easily replaced without risk of breakage.
For small rooms this type of radiator should prove very suitable,
and the lamp type of radiator is always likely to be popular on
account of its cheerful glow, which, as pointed out at a recent
meeting of the Institution, makes one feel warmer than one really is.
314
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
CORRESPONDENCE.
WIRELESS TELEPHONY.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ELECTRICIAN.
Sir : I shall be obliged if you will grant me space for a reply
to the letter of Prof. Feesenden which appeared in your issue
of November 27th. He writes : —
It will 1)0 noted that Major Page's criticisms are merely statements,
and that he gives no reference or evidence to support thera. For ex-
ample, he sa>8: "As a matter of fact, and one that is well known,
Maiconi had been experimenting in Italy, and had, in .June, 1895, got
ahead of all the other workers. Major Pago gives no evidence in sup-
jiort of this, and it is not well known or a matter of fact."
If Prof. Fessenden will turn to the House of Commons'
report on the Radio-telegraphic Convention, and will read ques-
tion and answer No. 2,885 he will see that Mr. Marconi said :—
On .June 2, 1896, that was the tirst patent I took out in Great
Britain. Going back to my experiments in Italy, I was able in 1895
and 1896 to communicate over a distance of 2 miles.
As no other inventor in connection with wireless telegraphy
has ever professed to have communicated over a distance of
2 miles in the years 1896 and 1896, I claim that in the quota-
tion from my letter of September 4 to your journal I merely
stated a fact. It may be that Prof. Fessenden does not know
the opinion which Prof. Slaby expressed with reference to Mr.
Marconi's being ahead of other inventors at a date immediately
after that which I have already quoted. Prof. Slaby said :—
In .Januarv, 1897 ... I travelled to England, where the
Bureau of Telegraphs was undertaking experiments on a large scale.
Mr. Preece, the celebrated engineer-in-chief of the General Post Office,
in the most courteous and hospitable way, permitted me to take part
in these ; and in truth what I there saw was something quite new.
Marconi had made a discovery. He was working with means, the
entire meaning of which no one before him had recognised.
Prof. Slaby also said in 1897 : —
I had not been able to telegraph over more than 100 metres through
the air.
Moreover, if Prof. Fessenden will refer to the report of the
Select Committee of the House of Commons on the Kadio-tele-
graphic Convention he will find in paragraph 10 of that report
the following statement : —
The Committee do not wish to express any opinion on controversial
i|uestions of priority and patent right, but it appears to be generally
ailmitted that the Hertzian waves were lirst experimentally applied
for practical telegraphic purposes in 1895-6 by Mr. Marconi.
And paragraph 1 1 of the same report states : —
The principal systems in use are : Marconi — the first practical
system in the field. The first Marconi British patent was applied for
on June 2, 1896, and accepted on July 2, 1897.
As many of your readers will n^t have my letter which
appeared in your issue of September 1th at hand, I content
myself with repeating what Judge Townsecd said in giving his
decision in the United States Circuit Court on May 4th, 1905: —
It would seem, therefore, to be a sutficient answer to the attempts
tu belittle Marconi's great invention that, with the whole scientific
world awakened by the disclosures of Hertz in 1887 to the new and
undeveloped possibilities of electric wave::, nine years elapsed without
a single practical or commercially successful result, and Marconi was
the first to describe and the first to achieve the transmission of definite
intelligible signals by means of these Hertzian waves.
As to the last clause but one of Prof. Fessenden's letter, in
which he takes upon himself unfairly and incorrectly to rebuke
the M.arconi Company, I venture to say that, over and over
again, Mv. Marconi, in addresses made to members of the
Koyal Institution, the Institution of Electrical Engineers, and
others, has ungrudgingly recognised the work of early workers
in wireless telegraphy.
I am content to rest my case on the opinion of the German
I'atent Oltice, the United States Circuit Court as represented
Ity Judge Townsend, and Prof. Slabj's statement which I have
already quoted, all of which are, in my judgment, absolutely
coniirnicd by the quotations I have made from the report of
the Select Committee of the House of Commons on the Radio-
telegraphic Convention. It should be Imrne in mind that the
Select Committee of the House of Commons examined prac-
tically the whole of the men in the Kingdom most competent
to give evidence on the question at issue, and pardon me for
repeating the conclusion at which they arrived : —
The Committee do not wish to express anv opinion on controversial
•juestions of priority and patent right, but it appears to be generally
admitted that the Hertzian waves were tirst experimentally applied for
practical'telegraphic purposes in 1895-6 by Mr. Marconi Many inven-
tions and improvements by Mr. Marconi and others have appeared
since at a rapid pace, and there are now several 'systems or
" methods " in existence, whilst the number of patents is very great.
The principal systems in use are :— , „ , , ™ ^. , ,,
Marconi- The first practical system in the field. The first Marconi
British patent was applied for on June 2, 1896, and accepted on
July 2, 1897.
These conclusions of the majority of the Select Committee
must of necessity carry great weight, and I think I may fairly
claim that this impartial judgment should put an end for all
time to controversy on this point. — I am, &c.,
Adelphi, London, Dec. 1. S Flood Page.
GLASGOW LOCAL SECTION— INAUGURAL
ADDRESS.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ELECTRICIAN.
Sir : In Mr. Lackie's most interesting and valuable in-
augural address he is reported to have said that the " good "
storage battery has not arrived as yet. Now, Sir, though we
are all pining "for the " ideal " storage battery, yet surely that
need not debar us from using the batteries that are on the
market if there is anything to be gained thereby.
Mr. Lackie speaks of the figure of £80 per kilowatt of
maximum demand, of which, no doubt, his steam plant and
transmission and conversion plant (to his city sub-stations)
would account for some £40 to £50. Is he aware that a
battery big enough to take 7,000 kw. off the top of his peak,
could be got for some £5 per kilowatt (ex. auxiliaries) ?
No doubt he will reply that I have forgotten the fogs. In
reply to that, I would say that a battery for a continuous
five-hour discharge could be got for some £10, which would
leave 3i hours of additional peak available to deal with fogs.
If Mr. Lackie can show that his worst fog load adds an area
above the 14,000 kw. line of the published diagram, integrat-
ing more than 24,500 kw. hours (7,000x3-5) I will admit
that Glasgow is an unfortunate (though not impossible) city
in which to use batteries for lighting. But in that case I
would still contend that it would pay him to put them in for
power.
Assuming, for example, that his summer curve, as published,
is practically all " power," the above £10 battery would take
up 2,500 kw. oft' his engines and boilers, and enable the stand-
by losses of boilers corresponding with this output to be
saved by shutting down boilers to this extent for the whole
year. Mr. Lackie himself supplies the data for arriving at
the annual coal saving, which is roughly 400 tons per boiler
shut down.
He would really be able to shut down some additional boilers
above those needed for the 2,500 kw., because he vrould have,
at all times of the summer, a battery standby equal to a one-
hour discharge at some 7,000 kw. during this first hour of the
fog, when boilers could be started up if thought desirable. So
that really it might be possible to shut down boilers and
engines all the year round (or nearly all) to the extent of
something like 5,000 kw., with corresponding saving in coal,
wages and repairs.
The fcg might last for the whole 12 hours of the day, but
this would not affect the batteries, as the motor load taken up
by them only integrates up to some five hours, and the re-
mainder of the evening peak would be carried in the usual way
with the steam plant.
If some 10 per cent, (including interest, sinking fund, main-
tenance, and depreciation) on the capital cost of steam plant,
and some 1 7^ per cent, on that of accumulator plant, are the
relative annual expenses, exclusive of all savings on fixed
charges introduced by the cells, and if the capital costs are in
the ratio of 3 to 1 or 4 to 1, surely there is a case for
accumulators, even in their present stage of development.
But, as a matter of fact, it can be shown that the savings in
fixed charges will alone much more than pay for the perpetual
maintenance of the cells ; so that the only question outstand-
ing is not the existence of, but the amount of, the saving in
interest on capital. — I am, &c.,
Birmingham, Nov. 27. A. M. Taylor.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
315
THE INSTITUTION AND OTHER SOCIETIES.
Biimingham Section of the Institution of Electrical Engi-
neers.— The second annual dinner of this Section was held at
the Grand Hotel, Birmingham, on Wednesday evenin^^' last,
Prof. G. Kapp, chairman of the Section, in the chair. Among
those present were the President (Mr. W. M. Mordey),
Mr. R. A. Chattock, Mr. R. Kaye Gray, Major W. A. J.
O'Meara, R.E., Mr. J. F. C. Snell, Dr. W. E. Sumpner, Prof.
Threlfall, F.R.S., and Mr. H. E. Verbiiry. Prof. Kapp, in
proposing " The Institution of Electrical Engineers," made
a most interesting speech, in which he dealt with the
relations of the local sections to the central body. He
then drew attention to the greater care which was being
taken with regard to the antecedents and scientific attain-
ments of those desiiing admission to the Institution, and
announced that, with the object of raising its status, aji exami-
nation for the associate membership was to be arranged. This
announcement was evidently quite in accordance with the
views of the assembled members, who greeted it with applause.
Mr. W. M. Mordey, in reply, said he was pleased to hear the
reference to the proposed examination so well received. He
was also sure it was agreed that they should have a roof of their
ownovertheir heads, and in this connection hewished toe.xpress
the debt of gratitude they owed to the Institution of Civil
Engineers. He asked them to dispel the pessimistic ideas
now in vogue about the electrical industry in this country.
Mr. R. Kaye Gray proposed the "Birmingham Local Section,"
to which Prof. Threlfall replied. Other toasts were the " City
of Birmingham," proposed by Major W. A. J. O'Meara, ami
"The Electrical Industry," proposed by Mr. J. F. C. Snell.
These were responded to by Mr. R. A Chattock and Mr.
H. E. Yerbury respectively.
Institute of Metals. — The next meeting will take place at
the Instittition of Mechanical Engineers, Storey's-gatc, West-
minster, on January 19 and 20, 1909. In addition to the
reading of new Papers, discussions on the several Papers
which were adjourned from the Birmingham meeting held on
November 11th and 12th last will be resumed. Papers on
which discussions will take place include: "The Mechanism
of the Annealing Process for certain Copper Alloys," by
Messrs. Hudson and Bengough ; "The Nature of Inter-
metallic Compounds, ' by Dr. Desch : " Aluminium and Some
of its Uses," by Mr. Echevarri ; " Some Points of Litcrest
concerning Copper and Copper Alloys," by Mr. J. T. Milton ;
" Some Notes on Phosphor Bronze," by Mr. Philip ; "Plant
used in the Manufacture of Tubes," by Mr. Robertson ; and
" Metallographic Investigation of Alloys," by Mr. Rosenhain.
Siemens' Stafford Engineering Society. — This Society held
its first annual conversazione on Friday, November 20th,
in the large hall of Siemens Institute, which was suitably
decorated and proved well adapted to the purpose. In
addition to the major portion of the staff of Messrs. Siemens
Bros. Dynamo Works, a large number of local residents
were present. The guests were received by the P resident
(Mr. F. AV. Schiller) and Mrs. Schiller. The exhibits were
typical of recent advances in science and engineering, and were
for the most part arranged by members of the Society. The
large working model of the Brcnnan mono-rail shown by Mr.
J. H. CattersonSiuith demands special notice, whilst colour
photography, rotating fields and the harmonograph also
attracted much attention, and the lucid explanations appeared
to carry conviction, even to the ladies. Mr. Cattersou-Sraith
lectured ou gyrostatics, Mr. Hey showed some beautiful
colour lantern slides and Mr. A. F. Campbell Pollard expounded
smoke rings by means of mathematics and an arc lantern. The
lighter side of the programme included a short concert, a
sketch by the Siemens Amateur Dramatic Society and selec-
tions by the Siemens Institute Orchestra, whilst the needs of
the_flesh were not neglected.
Rugby Engineering Society.— Owing to the Wagner Con-
cert of the Philharmonic Society taking place on 'I'hursday,
December lOlh, the Council have postponed the next ordinary
meeting until the following Thursday, December 17th. when
Mr. Halliwell's Paper on " flie Utilisation of Exhaust Steam in
Low-pressure Turbijies" will be read.
THE PRODOCTION OF SMALL VARIABLE PRE
QUESCY ALTERNATING CURRENTS SUITABLE
FOR TELEPHONIC AND OTHER MEASUREMENTS.
BV B. .S. COHEN.
Summary. — The author describes various methods of producing small
alternating currents of a frequency .suitable for telephonic measurements,
including a new method, in which a form of vibrating wire interrupter
is employed in connection with a resonating circuit, a series of damped
wave-trains of any frequency being produced. Several forms of circuit
are described, and also the use of continuous waves for absolute measure-
ments.
The ordinary telephonic current is a few milliamperes at a potential
of about 2 to 10 volts and is of complex wave form. The frequency
of the fundamental harmonic generally lies between 100 and .300
complete periods per .second, the highest harmonic having a fre-
quency of 4,000 ■^ to 5,000 •^, although all liarmonics above 1,500
-^are comparatively unimportant. The average frequency of the
whole wave is about 800-^. From consideration of these data it
follows that the ideal device for supplying such alternating current
is one which will give currents of any frequency lying between 1(X) -^
to .500 -^, singly or in combination. The output of this apparatus
should be about 1 watt, and it is necessary that it should be capable
of working uniformly over a fairly considerable period of time.
Simplicity and portability are also highly desirable. The author
summarises the methods of obtaining such currents, including alter-
nators (a small one of the inductor type has been built in the Investi-
gation Department of the National Telephone Co. giving a fairly
good wave form), humming telephones, organ pipes, &c. The
vibrating wire interrupter described by Wien. Orlich, Campbell, and
others, has when suitably modified given very satisfactory results.
It has been found very difficult to construct a vibrating wire which
will run reliably at a frequency much above 300 -^, the output is ahso
very limited, and the frequency difficult to determine and vary. In
order to overcome the.se drawbacks a special form of instrument has
been designed. f The wire is steel. 1.06 mm. in diameter, and sup-
ports a soft iron armature which is maintained in vibration by an
electromagnet with a laminated core of stalloy, a mercury cup and a
platinum wire contact. The wire is provided with a tension adjuster,
and will run steadily at frequencies varying from 100 -»■ to 250 -^
The frequency of the alternating output is quite independent of the
wire frequency, and is obtained by means of a separate circuit,
mercury cup, and contact, Several forms of oscillating circuit have
been used of which the two principal ones may be described as " single
action ' and " double action " respectively {illustrated in this issue,
p. 316). By joining up the two secondaries in a " double action "
circuit, so that the waves either assist or ()|)pose each other, some
interesting results are obtained. With the break oscillations assist-
ing one another, the make oscillations op|)Osi> each other and are
therefore wiped out, the result being to give a wa\c exactly similar
to that obtained with the single action circuit, but with about double
tlie amplitude. When the .secondaries are joined up so that the
break oscillations oppose each other, whilst the make oscillations
assist, the result, if these oscillations arc equal in frequency but un-
equal in amplitude, is to give a contiiuious and more or less uniform
wave. The regularity of the continuous wave can be best modified
by slightly varying one of the inductances, which have air cores by
inserting in the cores one or two strands of fine iron wire. It is
obvious since the output depends on the difference l)etween the two
circuits that it will not be large. To increa.se the output, different
inductances for each of the two circuits can be used, and the capa-
cities adjusted so as to get the same frequency in each circuit. It is
of course impossible to obtain a pure sine «ave by this method, and
the extent of the impurity has not yet been examined analytically.
It is worth noticing that a number of double action circuits can be
operated by means of a single luercury-cup and contact and any
number of oscillating circuits can be joined in series. The oscilla-
tions which ensue on break are quite independent, each having the
frequency of its particular circuit. The make oscillations will
depend on the total capacity and inductance of all the circuit. The
secondaries of the transformers can be joined up in series or in
parallel to suit the external circuit conditions, and can also be joined
to oppose or assist each otlier. By this means complex waves of
definite formation can be built up. and examples of the waves are
given in the Paper. A modified form of double action circuit which
has been found to give a greater output is obtained by replacing the
* Abstract of a Paper read before the Physical Society. \ short
aljstract of the discussion following the reading of this Paper appeared.
in The Electrici.4X, .June 12, 1908. p. 333.
+ Described and illustrated elsewhere in this issue, p. 316. Sue
■ .\pparatus for Alternating Current Measurements."
F 2
316
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
two tratisfiirmcrs by a single one put in such a position that both
usciliatiuns [lass tlirougli it. Examples are given of continuous
waves of 1,020 -^ and 3.700 -~ i)roduced by this method.
If the oscillations produced by one circuit are superimposed on a
second similar circuit, as in Fig. I, a continuous oscillation results.
Fig. 2 shows the resulting wave forms when each of the two circuits
is tuned to 8,'50 -»•, (a) being the api)lied oscillation, and (6) the
resultant. The w.«//(.s- ,.j«riiiirli appears to be as follows: — The
damped oscillation aiiplicil lo tlie second circuit causes resonance in
the latter, and the dsc illatinn set up will be in the reverse direction
of the original oscillation inasmuch as it will tend to rise to a maxi-
mum whilst the latter is falling. By suitable adjustment of a series
resistance, or an inductance, tjierefore. it is possible to obtain in the
second transformer a wave which is the resultant of two equal and
opposite trains of waves. This resultant wave is practically con-
tinuous.
Fig. 1. — CoNTiNUODs OsfiLL.\TioN Circuit.
Merrun/ CoHlart Effect. — In connection with a vibrating pouit con-
tact in a mercury cup, a series of sparklcss points occur at regular
intervals as the distance between the contact and the mercury is
varied. The author cannot find any previous reference to this
phenomenon. It is probable that the action is partly mechanical,
as at the sparklcss points the vibrating surface of the mercury seems
to be set in a rigid condition.
Use of ('imlinuoHii Waves for Absolute. Measurements. — The waves
produced by the various arrangements described appear to be accu-
rate enough for use when making absolute, as opposed to merely
comparative, measurements. Tests, of which particulars are given
in the Paper, show that the amount of the departure from the sine
sha))e in these continuous waves is comparatively inconsiderable.
Tvlephmic. Medsuremetils.—The special form of vibrating whe
described was primarily designed for telephonic measurements of
attenuation ; and the author concludes with a brief outline of such
vvwvwwmwmWWwvw^v^
Kli:. 2. — W.WK l''(lUMS llll; ( 'i.N'l IM'ol S OSCII.I.A [lON ClKi IIT.
tests. It has been found tliat Ijy replacing the human voice and
transmitter by the vibrating wire, and by using the correct frequen-
cies, similar results to those produced by the voice can be obtained.
It was suggested by my assistant. Mr. A. J. Aldiidge, that direct
measurements of the comparative volumes of sound issuing from the
t«lc])h(me receiver could be made by allowing the receiver to sound
into a transmitter connected up in the usual manner to a battery
and induction coil, and to measure the current in the secondary of
the induction coil. This method has been found to solve most of the
difficulties, and with the vibrating wire at the sending end of the line
and at the other end of the lino a receiver sounding into a trans-
mitter, the latter being connected to a barretter used as an alter-
nating current milliammeter, it has been found possible to carry out
comparative telephonic measurements with greater accuracy than
with the voice and ear, owing to the elimination of the personal
equation and the greater sensibility to volume variation of the
apparatus used.
APPARftTUS FOR ALTERNATING CURRENT
MEASUREMENTS.
A vibi-ating wire interrupter foi'ms a convenient method of pro-
ducing small alternating currents for measurement ]nn-po.ses. There
are, however, a number of drawbacks to the ordinary type of this
apparatus. It is difficult to construct an interrupter of the ordinary
type to run at a frequency above 500-^, the output is limited and
the frequency difficult to determine and vary.
A novel fcjim of ^•ibrating \virc has been designed bv Mr. B. S.
Cohen in which these objections are overcome. Fig. 1 shows this
apparatus, which is constructed by Mr. Robt. W. Paul, of New South-
gate, London, N. A laminated magnet acting on an iron armature
maintains a stout steel wire in vibration. The circuit is made and
by a platinum wire contact and adjustable mercury cup. The broken
alternating current output is quite independent of the driving circuit,
and is produced by an oscillating circuit containing battery, con-
denser, inductance and transformer, and operated by a separate
mercury cup and contact. The alternating current produced in this
circuit can be varied in frequency between large limits by varying
Fu.. 1. —Cohens iNXKRRfi-TKR rou ruouuciNG Sm.4LL High-
frequency Alternating Currents.
the capacity. An output of 3 watts at frequencies up to 3,000-»- can
be thus readily obtained.
By reason of some action, which has .so far not been explained, the
full output can be obtained without any appreciable sparking
at the mercury cup, although quite a considerable cm-rent maj' be
interrupted. The mercury cups consist of small glass tubes cemented
into brass sockets, to which connection is made, and the sockets are
held by adjustable carriers from which they can readily be removed
■^
«
0
ra
Fig. 2.
'SiNGLii Am
ClK.
for cleaning purposes. The instrument is designed to take Ijd \ulls
for driving purposes. The output can be varied by varying the volt-
age of the oscillating battery, which for ordinary measurements is
about 4 volts.
Two circuits, which may be respectively designated " single
action " and " double action," can be used with this apparatus.
The circuits are shown in Figs. 2 and 4. The right hand mercury cup
in both cases is the driving cup which maintains the wue in vibration.
The left hand cup interrupts the oscillating circuit. In the single
Fu:. 3.— 1).\MPKI> Or-CILLATIOXS FROM " SiNGLE AcTIOS '' CIRCUIT.
action circuit (Fig. 2). at each break between the left hand ouji and its
contact, a damped oscillation is set up. Fig. 3 shows a train of
oscillat ions of over 1 .000^ ^produced in this manner. The frequency
of the oscillations is , A/
-^ ^ LK"
The double action circuit ^hown in Fig. 4 consists of two oscillating
circuits as shown in Fig. 2, and if the two circuits differ slightly from
each other, and the trarsfor jer secondaries are joined to oppose each
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
317
ulhcr, the result is to produce a continuous and fairly uniform «a\ c.
Fig. 5 shows a l,020-«- wave so produced.
(iolh (hose lypes of wave form are useful for allernatinj.' ( iirnni
measurements. They have proved paitieularly useful to the designer
of the apparatus in connection with telephonic measurements. By
using a special mercury cup, which can be easily fitted, in place of the
ordinary cup an interrupted current up to 50 watts can he carried,
and the instrument is then very useful for measurements with Camp-
bell's vibration Galvanometer.
Double Action' " Circuit.
Further particulars of the apparatus are contained in the Paper
read by JMr. Cohen before the Physical Society, an abstract of
which will be found in the present issue.
For measurement purposes Mr. Paul supplies the pattern of vibra-
tion galvanometer due to Mr. A. Campbell of the National Physical
Laboratory, and he has also brought out an alternating current
galvanometer, con.sisting of a sensitive moving-coil pointer galvano-
^/W/WvAM/Wv^^/W/WW
Fic. 5. — V/.WE OF 1,020 Periods per Second.
meter, combined with a barretter circuit of the form devised by
Mr. Cohen and previously described in our columns.* The sensi-
tivity for alternating currents is high, a deflection of about 5 divisions
being given with lo microamperes at any frequency up to at least
5,000'.
Oopie
BOOKS RECEIVED.
I of the undermentioneil works can be ha't from 7Vi- Etfclrician office, poat free,
on receipt of published price, aiding 3d. for books published under Sj. and .'> per cent,
for books pub;i5lu'l u.-'tt. Add 10 per cent, f jr abroad or for f jreien books.)
'" Submarine Cable Laying and Repairing." By H. D. Wilkinson.
Revised Edition. (London : " The Electrician " Printing & Pub-
lishing Co.) 15s. net.
" Science Abstracts." November. Vol. XI. Part XI. Section
A— Physics : Section B — Electrical Engineering. (London : E.
and F. N. Spon.) Is. 6d. each.
" The Elements of Electricity and Jlagnetism." By Wm. S.
Franklin and Barry Macnutt. (New York: The Macmillan Co.). 7s.
" Notes on, and Drawings of, a Four-Cylinder Petrol Engine." By
Hy. J. Spooner. (Longmans, Green & Co.). 2s.net.
" Alternating Currents." By Alfred W. Mar.vhall. (London :
Percival Marshall & Co.). fid.
" Transformers for Single and iMultiphase Currents." By Gisbert
Kapp. 2nd Edition. (Whitlaker & Co.) 10s. 6d. net.
" A Dictionary of Electric Railway Material." 4th Annual Edition
1908. (New York : McGraw Publishing Co.)
"Unites Electriques." By Le Comte de Baillehache. (Paris:
H. Dunod & E. Pinat.) 6 fr.
" Proceedings of the Royal Society." Vol. LXXXL No. A. 548.
Series A., Mathematical and Physical Sciences. (London : Harrison
& Sons.) 2s. Gd.
" Science Abstracts." Oct., 1908. Vol. XI.
Physics ; Section B, Electrical Engineering.
N. Spon.) Is. 6d. each.
" A. B.C. Five-Figure Logarithms." By C. J. Woodward. 2i'.d
edition. (London: E. & F. N. Spon.) 2s.6d.net.
" Fortscliritte der Elektrotechnik." By Dr. Karl Strecker.
(Berlin : Julius Springer.) M.15.
* The Electrici.\n, Nov. 22, 1907, p. 222.
Part X. Section .\,
( London : E. k F.
4tli
edition.
THE PHANTOPHONE.
Wlien the present telegraphic circuits in connection with the block
apparatus employed for signalling on our railway systems were in-
stalled the telephone was still in its infancy, if indeed it had then
appeared on the .scene. Without wishing to decry the telegraph
there is no doubt that over such short distances as'obtain bcrween
railway signal boxes it lacks fle.Nibility, while the large number of
code signs in u.se in this class of work make operation by its means
somewhat unwieldy. Against the.se disadvantages the telephone
has many advantages. Conversation by its means is easier and
there is less liability to mistakes, while we hear on good authority
that when it is used the pereentaue of sui firing is reduced.
It therefore apjiears that the advani.ij.- i^ all with the telephone,
but unfortunately it is not always |i..--il>l,-, ..i- e.xpedient for econo-
mical reasons, to alter existing methods of working to any great
extent To get over this difficulty the British Insulated & Helsby
Cables (Ltd.) have directed their attention to the problem of design-
ing apparatus which permits the application of telephones to exist-
ing telegraph and block signalling cucuits. over .short lengths, such*
as are met with on railway systems. The result of their experiments
St.-ind.^rd PuANTontoNE (British iNscLATKD.i Hei-suv Caii.'.es, Ltd.)
is an instrument known as the " Pliant ophone," a standard type of
which we illustrate herewith.
This instrument is made in three distinct patterns to suit the three
conditions usually met with. These require the connection of a
telephone circuit to a single-line telegraph or block signalling circuit.;
the connection of a telephone circuit across two single wire telegraph
or block signalling circuits, each of the latter being worked inde-
pendently while the telephone circuits forms a metallic loop, and the
connection of an earthed telegraph circuit to a metallic loop telephone
circuit. J • I 1
In the first arrangement no modification is requu-ed in the to e-
grapb or block apparatus, but an impedance coil is connected in the
ciicuit at each end to flatten out the telegiaiihic currents and reduce
the tendency to interference with the phantophone. The phanto-
|)hone is connected directly to the circuit at each end. Should there
be three telegra|)h stations the telegraph apparatus at the inter-
mediate station is shunted by a eonden.ser having a capacity of one
microfarad. In the case of a single telegrajih circuit imposed on a
metallic loop worked telephonically by means of a phantoiihone the
telegraph circuit divides at each "end through a difTerrntial impe-
318
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
diinco coil. This imppdanoc ooil is so wfiund tliat it is inpflective
inthictively 1" flie telegrapli currents, 1ml offers nn-.it imiicdanoe to
tcleplione currents. When there i.s an intermediate station the
intermediate telegraph apparatus is shunted by two condensers, one
placed in each line and two differentially wound impedance coils
placed across the line.
LIFT CONTBOLLER.
A new form of Schureman lift controller, which has been designed
for use with alternating current has been brought to our notice. It
is mad(! for two and three-pha.se motors only, and is adapted for use
where the lift is operated through a hand-rope passing tlirough the
cage.
As will be seen from the illustration, which shows the 10 h.p. size,
there is a reversing switch at the top which is operated by the hand
rope. It has three definite positions, " up," " down," and " off "
respectively ; no intermediate positions are possible, so that acci-
dental burning of the contacts is obviated. When the switch is
closed, the motor starts with all resistance in circuit. This resis-
tance, which is star connected, is cut out by short-circuiting switches
r-f -" if s -^ ^
^'
S( 111 REMAN LiKT Controller.
operated through a cam shaft which is actuated by a solenoid. This
solenoid contains the only coil in the apparatus and it is heavily
wound with a large margin of safety. The rate at which the resist-
ance is cut out is regulated by the adjustment of a dash-pot. The
arrangement is such that upon the failure of the supply'or opening
of the reversing switch by the movement of the rope, all resistance
is instantly inserted, whilst it is not possible to reverse the direction
of running without first inserting the resistance.
The switches, which are supplied by Messrs. W, Geipel & Co., of
Vulcan Works, St. Thomas-street, E.G., are of heavy construction,
with carbon contacts, and every part of the apparatus is readily
renewable. The resistance material consists of German silver wound
in coils in which a large margin of capacity is provided. The sizes
constructed range from 5 to 25 h.p.
PARLIAMENTARY NOTICES.
Tile following notices of intention to appiv for powers for Electricity
Mipply, tlectnc Traction, &c., have been published additional to those
appearmg in our last is ue:—
PROVISIONAL ELECTRIC LIGHTING ORDERS.
Sonlhampton Corporation, extension of area of supply to include North
and bouth •Stoneham.
,lii''l'f^'"'^^^?'"ou°''*""* ^°"""'' *« ■■"■"'^'' 1S99 0'<J"-; to annul
Pol p"'""'!" *° Shropshu-e, Worcesterslure :md Staffordsliire Electric
fn Trl.f ■ ' ? ™,"^'" *''" '^'""""' '° generate aiul supply eleetricitv :
Cm17 "a4 ?"""';" '; '" "'^">'" ""'l *"'PP'y eleetricitv in-faulk, &c..
and North hnV/i, ' 1 '• '""''''"'P-"'*''' ^"'^'^t Berkliamp.sted Rural
HempsTe«dr;V"lUTi\:'^'" "' ^"^■■■''^'"" ™™' district ^and Hemel
r'„,/v/ Ji, r.l,,/,,,,,,,! r„rpn. (for Walton on the N.nze.)
CI,,-, -I,/ /;,;>-. ,1 Cn. (for Holsworthy. Devon).
i:,//,,,,,, AY, ,/,„■ L„il,lii,,/ Siind. (for Staines).
ChijiiJinrj Morion d- DiKlrici Electric Lirjht <f- Power Co.. for Cliipping
Norton
DnnjernUine Corporation, amendment of 1904 Order.
Skdmorlie S Wemyss Bay Oas <fc Electric Supply Co., for Inverkep and
Largs.
GreyMones Electric Light 6s Power Co., for Grey stones, co. Wicklow.
ELECTRICITY .SUPPLY BILLS.
Cardiff Corporation seek further powers in regard to tlieir electric
lighting undertaking, including authority to sell, let on hire, &c., electric
motors, fittings and apparatus ; to supply electricity in bulk, &c.
Wakefield Corporation, to confer further powers in respect of the elec-
tricity undertaking and especially in regard to the price to be paid for
current supplied to premises having separate sources of supply ; to com-
pel consumers to give notice before removing, to refuse to supply elec-
trical energy to persons whose payments are in arrear, &c.
Watford Urban District Council, to extend area of electricity supply to
Cassibury Park. &c.
County of Durham Electric Power Supply Co., to enable company to
enter into agreements with Newcastle-upon-Tyne Electric Supply Co.
(Ltd.), Cleveland & Durham County Electric Power Co., County of
Durham Electrical Power Distribution Co., and Northern Counties
Electricity Supply Co., to enter into and carry into effect agreements for
connecting and linking up the generating stations and substations of
and the interchange of electrical energy or current by said companies or
any of them ; to supply electricity to North-Eastern Railway Co. and
Hartham Railway Co., &c.
TRAMWAY PROVISIONAL ORDERS.
Bolton Corporation, t» construct additional tramways, Keighley
Corporation, to construct additional tramways, &c.. Norlhnmplon
Corporation, extension of authorised lines.
ELECTRIC TRACTION BILLS.
Lii,idoii County Coimcil, to construct new and reconstruct existing
Iramways in the Counties of London and Middlesex, &c. ; to purchase
Higlif;ate Hill Tramways and to enter into agreements with Hornsey
Corporation and Highgatc Hill Tramways (Ltd.), &c.
Baker Street <(■ Wiitirlon Railway Co., extension of time, &c.
Central London llaiheay Co., to construct a new railway between
present terminus and the G.E.R. terminus at Liverpool-street, further
capital powers, (fee.
City of Oxford Electric Tramways (Ltd.), to equip tramways on over-
head system of traction, &c.
Edcjware d' Hampstead Railway Co., to extend time ; to abandon por-
tions of authorised undertaking, &c.
Gateshead & District Tramways Co., to construct additional tramways,
&c.
London United Tramways (Ltd.), to confer powers for maintenance of
tlu-ough rates, bookings and fares on company's tramways and as between
those tramways and other tramways and railways and interchange of
traffic ; to relieve company of obligation to sell tramways in London, to
confer running powers over tramways of London County Council, &c.
North-East London Railway Co., to extend time in which capital is to
be subscribed and works commenced, &c.
North and South Shields Electric Railway Co., to revive and extend
powers for purchase of lands and for comjiletion of works, &c.
Preston, Chorley & Norwich Tramieays Co., to purchase tramways
from Bolton Corporation ; to confer running powers over tramways of
Bolton, Wigan and Preston Corporations, &c.
Southport <£• Lytham Tramroad Co., to abandon undertaking autho-
rised by Acts of 1809 and 1900.
South-Western d- Isle of Wight Junction Railway Co., to construct
railways, piers and works m the County of Southampton : to extend
time for completion of railways and works.
Watford cfc Edgware Railway Co., to revive powers of compulsory
purchase of lands ; to extend time for completion of authorised rail-
way, &c.
Glasgow Corporation, to construct tramway extensions, &c.
M. d- G.W. Railway Co. of Ireland, to construct and work electric
tramways in Dublin : to confer running powers over system of Dublin
United Tramways, &c.
Holywood (Ireland) Tramways Co., to revive powers ; to extend time,
&e.
Sligo d- Arigna Railway Co., seek powers to use electricity as motive
power.
MISCELLANEOUS BILLS.
Aldershot Oas <ۥ Water Co.. to authorise company to generate and
supply electricity : to enter into arrangements and acciuire undertakings
of companies and persons within company's iirea : to supply electrical
energy in bulk outside area of supply ; to wire consumers' premises, &c.
Biddulph, Bradley Green d- Black Bull Gas Co., to enable re-incor-
porated company to apply for powers under the Electric Lighting Acts,
&c.
Wells Gas Light Co., to enable company to supply electricity, &c.
York-town d- Blackwatir Gas Co., to authorise generation and supply of
electricity throughout tlie parishes of Frimley (Surrey), Hawley-with-
Mmley and \ateley (Hants.), and Sandhurst, Crowthoriie, Fincharapsted
and Wokingham (Berks.) ; to supply electricity in bulk outside area of
supply ; repeal Camberley & District Electric Lighting Order, 1906, &c.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
319
PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.
LONDON ELECTRIC SUPPLY BILLS.
London (Westmcs'STEB and Kensington) Electric Srpi'i.v
Companies Bill.
On Friday last week the Select Committee of the House of Commons
presided over by Sir Luke White considered the last of the three London
electric supply bills — viz., that promoted by the Westminster, St.
James', Kensington and Notting Hill Companies.
Mr. Seymour Bi'she, K.C. (for the promoters) said the bill was a
short one, but one which the promoters thought would be to the advan-
tage of the public they served. The companies were all confined to their
own districts. They had, as it were, been working in watertight com-
partments, and the result was that there had been separate installations
of generating plant in each district, which was found to be undesirable,
and the change in that respect authorised by the last act was, he thought,
an indication that the idea of intercommunication was better than isola-
tion. In 1809 Parliament sanctioned the formation of these four com-
panies into two groups, and gave permission for each grt)up to ha%e a
generating station outside its area. The Wood-lane and the Marylebonc
(Central Co."s) stations were, consequently, erected ; b\it, although the
companies h.ad the.se stations outside they did not supply outside their
areas. He imderstood the bill was not opposed on preamble, and. as
regarded the clauses, the bulk of them dealt with the same matters and
in the same way as those in the London Electric Bill. The House of
Commons had given an instruction that the question of the piu'chasc of
his companies' undertakings should be left to future legislation, and that
his companies should be heard on the subject, not with a view to opposing
the L.C.C. being constitvited the purchaser, but with regard to terms.
The Commitlii- ]i.;\ in^ |iassed the preamble of the bill.
Mr. Freeman. K.i , i l"i the L.C.C.) said : In the clause of the London
Electric Bill m\ m- yi iin^^ion to the companies to enter into agreements
for giving supphcs .it encTgy to or taking supplies from one another, the
Committee inserted an amendment " with the approval of the Board of
Trade," and also ,iu amendment providing that authorised undertakers
shoidd submit to the Board of Trade their proposals for such agreements
and that particulars of the proposals shoidd also be supplied to the L.C.C,
who should be entitled to be heard by the Board of Trade on the subject.
He suggested that the same amendments should be put in this bill,
with the word " companies " substituted for " authorised undertakers."
The Chairman said it was put in the other bill because the local autho-
rities concerned would remain the purchasing authority until a subse-
quent, bill was brought in and passed for transferring their powers to
the L.C.C.
Mr. BrSHE opposed the latter amendment. The L.C.C. were not con-
cerned in what agreements his companies made in their lifetime.
Mr. Blennerhasset, K.C. (for Westminster City Council) thought it
desirable that particulars of the companies' agreements should be sup-
plied to the local authorities.
Mr. Freeman agreed that the local authorities should have the par-
ticulars and the powers iifi-ncd In. and thought when the L.C.C. stepped
into their shoes they ^ln.nl.l li:i\.- them.
At the request of tin- ( li.ni ni.ni, who thought such a clause should be
inserted, Mr. Freem iii iin.l. i l....k to draft a clause givmg such powers
to the local authoriti.--. am! ~i .ling that if hereafter the L.C.C. became
the purchasing auth..rily thi y sliould have similar powers.
Mr. Freeman pro|>(.iscd amendments in clause 9a, which provides
that if at any time within five years from the passing of this act the
Board of Trade or the Comicils of the Metropolitan Boroughs shall in-
troduce a bill to confer on such councils rights of entering into agreements
for mutual assistance or association, the companies shall not oppose the
same, except to secure clauses to protect their interests. He proposed
to add " or the London County Council " after " the Board of Trade."
The promotion of a bill by the L.C.C. to give powers to the Councils
saved the necessity for the promotion of several separate bills by tlie
latter. He also proposed to eliminate " within five years from the pass-
ing of this act."
The Committee agreed to both Mr. Freeman's proposals.
Mr. BlTSHE said clause 9b was introduced to carry out the instruction
of the House that, in the event of a bill being introduced to constitute
the L.C.C. the purchasing authority, the companies should not oppose.
He claimed the right to be heard, not to oppose the constitution of the
L.C.C. as the purchasing authority, but on the subject of the terms of
purchase.
Mr. Freeman asked that the Committee should put in the purchase
clause a condition that the County Council should be able to ))urchase
on the terms of the 1888 Act. He asked them to put this bill in the
same position as the preceding bill.
The Chairjian said : The Committee adopted the instruction with
regard to purcliase, and decided that the companies should not oppose
any bill relating to purcha.se, but they allowed a clause to make it quite
clear that the companies could appear on the question of the terms and
conditions of purchase.
Mr. Coward, K.C, asked that the L.C.C. should have the same powers
as the local autliorities under clause 9c. The amendment was not ac-
cepted in the London Electric Bill, but its omission might lead to com-
plications, as the companies would b; working under one set of con-
ditions imder their orders and another set under this bill.
The Committee held that they were bound by their decision given on
he preceding bdl.
The Committee passed the clause fl.xing the maximum price for power
at £6. los. per kilowatt and Or>d. per unit, as in the London Electric BiU.
This concluded the Committee's deliberations, and the proceedings
tcruiinated.
In the House of Commons cm Wednesday the President of the Board
of Trade (Jlr. W. Churchill) met the London Liberal members to confer
with them on the London Electrics Supply Bill as amended by the Select
Committee presided over by Sir Luke White. The proceedings were
private.
Objections were raised to several clauses, but particularly to the one
dealing with purchase, which was strongly opposed. Jlr. Churchill
discussed all the details with the meniljers, and the " Daily Newi "
reports that he assented to move an amendment to the effect that the
power to purchase should be based on the provisions of the Electric
Lighting Act of 1888. The consideration of the bill will come on next
week, ]>robably on Tuesday or Thursday.
LEGAL INTELLIGENCE.
Electric Light, Power and Hiring Co. v. Maidstone Palace of
Varieties, &c.
On Nov. 28, before .Mr. .lusti.c .Jclf. |ilaintitfs' c(umsel moved for
judgment in this case. Plaintiffs stated that, in pursuance of a written
agreement, they fitted the .Maiilslonc Hippodrome with a complete elec-
tric lighting installatiim, including generating machinery. Defendants
agreed to liire this plant for five years from date of completion at £fi90
per annum, payable monthly, with 10 per cent, per annum interest on
all overdue payments. The i)lant was completed on .March 21, 1908,
and on April 11 defendants paid £.57 on account. The agreement further
provided that in the event of defaidt in punctual payment or the mort-
gaging of the premises, future payments should, after notice in writing,
become payable on demand. Both these contingencies had arisen, and
defendants had failed to pay the rent, excejit the £57 mentioned. Plain-
tiffs brought this action for the recovery of the rent for the five years.
with interest to date. On Aug. 13 a Master's order was made (confirmed
by .Judge in Chambers on --Vug. 20) that if fL.WO was paid into Court
tt-ithin 14 days defendants might defend the action as to the whole of
plainlifV-' . liini. but, if not, plaintiffs should be at liberty to sign judg-
ni.iii I'j iin-i .Icfendants for that amount, defendants having liberty to
defend ilic a. tion as to the residue. Defendants had not complied with
that order, and plaintiffs had accordingly signed judgment for £1,.500.
There was £1,913 still due on the claim. .Judgment was now given, in
default of defence, for that amount, with interest, for the return of the
plant and machinery, with an injunction restraining defendants from
removing or in any way dealing with it. Mr. Wm. P. Theernian. of
Manchestei-, to contiiuie as receiver under an order made liy .Mr. .Justice
Channel.
Hy. Drane v. London United Tramways (1901), Ltd.
.\t Westminster (London) County Court on Monday plaintiff sought
to recover dam.ages for injuries alleged to have been caused b^- the
negligence of defendants' servants. Plaintiff was riding on the top of
a tramcar through Brentford on .\ugust Bank Holiday. When opposite
the fire-station, where the road was being re])aired, the car began to
oscillate, and plaintiff grasped the rail to steady himself. .-Vnother car
passed at that moment, and the two vehicles oscillated to such an extent
that they came together, causing injury to his hand.
Corroborative evidence was given. Witnesses for the defence were
called to show that the rails were in good condition, that the speed of
the tramcars was only six miles an hour, and that the maximum oscilla-
tion possible was about | in. to 1 in. The tramway had been approved
by the Board of Trade, and no accident of a similar nature had ever
occurred or had been alleged to have occurred. It was quite impo.ssible
for the accident to have happened in the way suggested.
.Judge Woodfall found for plaintitf f.)r i'3.">. with costs.
Macaulay v. Gt. Northern, Piccadilly & Brompton Railway Co.
Ml'. Justice Lawrence and a special jury heard this week an action
brought by Mr. D. Macaulay (of Hclfast) and his wife tfl recover damages
from'clefendants for personal injuries alleged to l)cdue.to the negligence of
the servants of the company. It appeared that on Aprd 12 Mr. and .Mrs.
Macaulay were passengers in a lift at the Holborn station of defendants
railway.'when a man in the companys cmj.loy fell down the shaft,
and. crashing through the roof of the lift, fell on plaintiffs, who were
injured thereby. Tomlinson was killed. The company denied negli-
gence, pleading that Tomlinson, though employed by them, w.as not on
duty at the time, and they suggested suicide
\fter a hearing which extende.l over three days the jury retiurned a
verdict for plaintiffs, awarding .Mr. .Macaulay £750 and .Mrs. Macaulay
"hIs Lordship held yesterday that the finding of the jury that Tom-
linson was in the actual employment of defcndiints at the time of the
accident was against the weight of the evidence, and he entered judg-
ment for defendants^
Re British Electromobile Co. (Ltd)— On Saturday, Mr. Justice
Neville sanctioned tlie ic.lu.lion of the oapitJil of this company by the
cancell.ttion of certain shares to the extent of £3,928,
320
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
MUNICIPAL, FOREIGN & GENERAL NOTES.
APPOINTMENTS VACANT AND FILLED.
.\j)|ilJc;i(ii)ils arc irivUcd lor llic |Misili..ii nl jdiiini irii-ti-rs assistanl
in the City of Birmingham Kleotric supply dfijartment. Applicants
must have had thorough training in testing of a.c. meters and must
have experience in connecting up of three-phase three-wire meters
on 5,000 volt circuit. Salary £100 per annum. Applications to the
city eleetricalcnginecr and manager (Mr. R. A. Chattock, M.I.E.E.)
Iiy Tuesday, l.jth inst. See an advertisement.
Applications are invited for the post of assistant lecturer and
dciiionstrator in the electrical engineering department of the
lialtcrsea Polytechnic (London, S.W.). Salary £1.50. rising £10 per
annum to £180. Applications by Dec. 0. Particulars from the
Secretary. See an advertisement.
The position of installation assistant at Belfast, roecntly advertised
in Tirn Er.KCTRifiAN, has now been filled.
.Ml-, .fuhii Kcnyon has been appointed IclcL'raph superintendent nl
Blackburn CJeneral Post Office.
ih: Trank H. .Michin has been a|)pointed jiuiior a.ssistant engineer
at Leek.
Argentina. — The C'ompania de Ferrocarril Bahia Blanca y Noroeste
have leeeived from the Government authority to sujiply current for
lighting and power in the town of Bahia Blanca.
Aspirant for Parliamentary Honours. — Mr. E. Elvey Robb, who
was for 7i jx'ars chairman of the Electricity committee of Tunbridge
Wells Corporation and is a past mayor of the borougb, has been
selected as Unionist candidate for the East Manchester Parliamen-
laiy division at the next general election. Mr. Robb is well known
for his views on municipal trading. He is in favour of electrical
])rogress, and as he has also a good grasp of electrical matters, and
especially of electrical legislation, his candidature will be of con-
siderable interest to the electrical engineering industry.
Assessment of Telephone Lines. — It is announced that the National
Telephone Co. have withdrawn their. appeal against the assessment
of their lines in the Chorlton Union. Hitherto telephone lines have
lieen valued for rating purposes nearly everywhere at £1 a mile, in
London £1. 2s. 6d. The Assessment Committee of Chorlton Union,
however, thought it more equitable to assess telejjhone wires accord-
ing to their earning capacity, a principle iln \ ui'ji- already applied to
lailway and tramway lines. The re-vain, il 1..11 .il llic tclc|ili«inc wires
in Chorlton Union on this new basis advaiictd the rateable value
from £-J,S9.) to £4.491. and will further advance it next vear to over
£.'),000.
Birmingham. — In presenting the report of the Ti'amways com-
mittee to the Council on Tuesday, Mr. Harrison Barrow said they
jiropiiscd to apply to the Board (pf Trade for sanction to borrow
£0i!.(l47. ts. (id. tdi- .idjusliiiu llic capital ace it in respect of monevs
aiithniiscd to I.,- I„„,u»c(l Ici liicii rniiiiuaNs Acts 1903 and 1905,
and for the iccmisi iiicIkhi ,,I a pi.rtion ni the Bristol-road lines.
Ml. I ! mm;( i w sa id the amount estimated for construction of new tram-
"■i,\ '« I- li-".iii.l)()0, and they had actually spent £257,978, leaving
i;:is.iiLM will, h had not been expended. There were now 3 miles of the
traiuwav!- originally authorised which had not yet been constructed.
The total capital expenditure of the tramway department at present was
£9».S,lo7. and there was a balance due of about £20,000, making a total of
£1,018,000.
The minutes W'ere approved.
Blackburn.— Aid. W. Thompson and Councillor C. Higham have
been appointed chairman and vice-chairman of the Electricity and
Tramways committee.
British Standard Pipe Threads.— Messrs. Stewarts & Lloyds
announce that, in regard to British standard pijie threads for iron and
steel pipes and tulies, authorised by tlie Engineering Standards com-
mittee, they have made the following arrangements :— (o) From
1st Jan. next, tubes and fittings will be screwed British standard
threads when so ordered by customers ; (6) from 1st July, 1909, all
tubes and fittings will be screwed British standard threads, unless
otherwise ordered. Accompanying this notice is a schedule of sizes.
Canary Islands.— The " Bulletin Commercial " (Brussels), states
that llic sicara tramway at Las Palmas has been sold to a Spanish
hank. It is understood that the purchasers intend to convert the
line to electric traction, and to extend it to Santa Brigida. an addi-
t ion of 9 to the existing 4 miles.
Dover.— Tlie Council have sealed an agreement to supply current
lo tlic .\dmiralty Harbour for lighting at 2Jd. tier unit up to 200,000
units pfv annum and 2^d. beyond, and for pou er at 2^ d. up to 200,000
units, Ld. lictwoen 200,000 and 300,000 and Ijd bevond
Eccles.— Sanction has liecii rccci\cil to .1 loan of £12.711 for exten-
sions of the electricity works.
Electric Shot Firing. During the p.i.sl ucek Mc.s.sr.s. Hy. Heys &
Co., of Stacksteads and l<'acit, have introduced into tlieir quarries
an innovation in tlie way of electric shot firing for blasting purposes.
A Ijattery has been in.stallcd by which if is pos.sible to fire a charge at a
distance of 2tl(t y.irds. and a number of charges may also be fired
simultaneously. The introduction of tlie electric firing replaces the
old hand fuse, and thus minimises the risk to life and limb. ^Messrs.
Heys are, it is stated, one of the first firms in Lancashire to utilise
electricity for such a purpose.
Electric Steel Smelting. — It is stated that a first experiment is
about to be made in Russia with electric steel smelting. The plant is
being installed in the Obuehoff factory, where, as soon as the new
plant is ready, the old crucible system will be definitely abandoned in
favour of the new.
Exhibitions. — It is stated that an Imperial International Exliibition
is to lie held in 1909 at Shepherd's Bush on the site of the Franco-
British Exhibition. The Exhibition will open in May. and clo.sc in
October.
The Electricity committee of Aberdeen Corporation have decided
to organise, in February or March next, an jexhibition of modern
electrical appliances, including motors, cooking and heating appa-
ratus, &e.
Hereford. — The Council are recommended by the Electiic Lighting
committee to apply for sanction to a further loan of £8,000 for
additional machinery at the generating station, extensions of
mains, &c.
Hessle. — Hull Corporation, which has been asked to state terms for
giving a su))ply of electricity in this district, have asked the town
clerk and the city electrical engineer (Mr. H. Bell) to prepare a
rejiort.
Japanese Imports.— Tlie report of Mi-. Harrington, acting British
Vice-Consul for Yokohama district, for 1907 states tlie import of
telegraph wire was nearly all from Germany, the small British imjiort
liaving been decreasing for the last three yeai-s. The total imports
of telegraph cables and other electric wires at the port of Yokohama
in 1907 were value £lf)3.9S(l. against £70,530 in 1906: electric
machinery (mostly American) £134,370 (£110,137).
London Electricity Supply.— On Thursday last week the President of
the Board of Trade received a deputation representing 15 metropoli-
tan borough councils owning electricity undertakings and 13 local
authorities supplying electricity in districts adjacent to the County of
London.
The proceedings were private, but we understand the deputation was
introduced by the Hon. Claude Hay, M.P., who- stated that their objects
were to ask the President to assist in the passuig of the later stages of
the London Electric Supply Bill, and to remtroduce into Parliament
the bill for amending the Electric Lighting Acts which was introduced
by the Board of Trade in 1900, in order to enable undertakings to give
and take supplies of electricity in bulk.
After the views of the deputation had l)ecn expressed by Mr. Councillor
Bihby (Shoreditch) and .Mr. B. Todd (Finchley) on behalf of the local
authorities outside the county of London,
Ml-. Winston Chukchill said he was pleased to find that at last
there seemed to be some general agreement on the question of the neces-
sity for improvmg the eonditi.ms of electricity supply in and near London.
On the question as to the advisability of undertakings being allowed to
link up their systems there could be no doubt. He referred with satis-
faction to the action of the Select Committee in having inserted in the
London Electric Supply Bill provisions consolidating the powers of
purchase in the hands of the London Count}- Council, and for enabling
local authorities, as w^ell as companies, to link up by mutual agreement.
At the same time it was of importance in the public interest that the
companies should not be entitled to make any claim, on their under-
takings being purchased, in respect of goodwill or other similar considera-
tions. The bill before the House of Commons related to the County of
London only, and it would be necessary for the Board of Trade to supple-
ment that scheme, if it became law, byre-introducing the bill referred to
hy the deputation, which would facilitate the linking up of undertakings
outside the metropolis with the linkcd-ii)) system created by the bill now
before Parliament.
London County Council.— On Tuesday the Fire Brigade committee
reported that, with a view to the improvement of the fire alarm
system of the fire brigade, they had for some time past had in use in
connection with the fire-alarms connected with the Islington fire-
station a new type of apparatus which had the following advantages
over the type at present in use : —
(o) When the fire-alarm is pulled, all the electric bells throughout the
hre Stat urn are actuated, uistead of only the bell in the watch room, as
at present ; (6) when there is a fault on a tii-e-alarm circuit only one bell
in the watch room of the station rings, thus obviating the brigade un-
necessarily turning out ; and any small defect on a circuit is immediately
mdicated by means of a milliampere meter, which prevents the whole
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
321
fire-alarm systPin in poniK-itinn with :i slalioii being put nnl n( workiiicr
order, as sometimes oe.nrs with tlie present apparatus: anil (,■) the
person calling the brigade by means of the tire alarm can be rung up
from the tire staticm, and telephonii' eonimunication can be kept up
between the tire alarm and the fire station, a receiver being kejjt in the
fire alarm post for the pur])ose.
The experimental installation had proved satisfactory, and the chief
officer of the tire Brigade recommended its adojition for the fire alarms .if
the stations of the Brigade and for all new fire alarm posts. Ha-ing
seen the pro|,osed nev. pattern of a|)paratus and very carefully con-
sidered the .ualtci. the cniniittcc cntiiciv concur in the chief officer's
recomiuendatiun. and p,..pusc that tlic new apparatus shall be adopted
without delay. They had communicated with the Post Office, who pro-
vide and maintain all fire alarm apparatus of the Brigade for a yc.irlv
charge, as to the financial efl'ect, and were informed that the cost "uf the
new apparatus in the ca.se of fire al n ni, t,, l„. provided in future would be
OS. ayoarperalarmmorethant)i.|iir-, ,,1 .i|i|Mi;,tus,and that in thccaseof
exLsting fire alarms the Dcpartmcni, ui ,Ml.liiion to increasing the rent
of each alarm by os. a year, would increase the annual charge fo,- the
apparatus at each station by £1. or in the case of a superinf'endcnt's
station by £1. 1.5s.. and will also charge the Council with the cost (£'> ')<
m the case of a one-circuit post arwl £2. 12s. (id. for a two-circuit ])ost)
ot ada].ting the luc alaiiii posts and the cost (about £2. 15s.) of making
the necessary allcrat ions al each station. There are at present about
l.Sm ..larni-^ ni l..in,lon. aid the total cost of adapting these would be
about f.!..iciii. .oi.l ihr |,ir^, nt annual charge for the alarms would ulti-
mately Ih- inriv;,-.,l l,y ;,l»,iii t;425 a year, less about £120 a year saved
by the aboliti,.n of jiortable telephones.
It was decided to ask the Post Office to instal the new apparatus in
all stations.
Trmnwat/s.—The Highways committee recommended the construc-
tion of tramways in Amhurst-road and Dalston-lane at an estimated
cost of £6,500. — Postponed.
London Electric Supply Bill.— The Parliamentary committee brought
"P f r"SY^y report dealing with the London Electric Suj.ply Bill.
l.)Oh, in which they express disappointment at the action of the ".Select
Committee m refusmg to accept the Council's amendments. The com-
mittee recommended that every endeavour .should be made during the
progress of the bill to secure the following amendments: (1) That the
undertakings of the companies shall be purchasable tinder the pro-
visions of sec. 2 of the Electric Lighting Act, 1888. except in the case
of the undertakmg of the Charing Cross Co. within the area of the City
of London: (2) that in the case of the last- mentioned undertaking it
shall be purchasable on Electric Lighting Act terms plus a considera-
tion in respect of the loss which the company may sustain by reason .>f
purchase taking place in I!K!I instead of 1941: (3) that an enabling
power for the Councd to ;Hh on,. , :,|,„al to the companies after notice
of purchase ha.s been give, -I, .,11 l„ .■„l.^(ituted for the obligatory power
now m the bill ; (4) that the Council should be entitled "to discharge
three-f,,urths, and not merely one-half, of the purchase money by the
issue o{ stock: (5) that the Council and the local authorities may be
empowered to agree as to the purchase by such local authorities from
the Council of so much of the distributing .systems of the undertakings
purchased by the Council as may be within their districts : (6) that
the usual powers for the Council with regard to street routes be inserted
in the bill.
Capt. Hemphill moved, as an amendment, words providing that the
Council should secure the rejection of the bill on third reading Li the
House of Commons. If the bill passed as it left the Committee ft would
be an endowment of the companies. There were nine companies and
If. local authorities, and four of them used different systems, 33 different
pressures and nine different frequencies. They could not, therefore,
get unification.
Mr. H. Gordon- seconded the amendment, which SU- M. Beechcrokt
opposed. He thought the Council sluudd not throw away a possibility
by which the question of cheap electricity might be solved.
.1, fox"" r^-"""^' •'*""' • *^"'"g '° tl"? clauses which had been put in
he bill for the protection of the City Corporation, Lambeth and Cam-
berwell Borough Councils, if those local authorities exercised their
rights the L.C.C., when the time for purchase came, would not be able
to^deal with the whole cpiestion.
59 voted for the committee's recommendation and 38 a.^ainst. The
rejiort was then apjiroved.
Malvern.— The Council have decided not to support a .scheme for
instituting a service of trackless trolley 'buses in the di.strict.
Oldham.— A discussion took place at the Council meeting on
V\ ednesday on the financial position of the tramways.
Jlr. HiKST said, from the statement of the general manager for the
naii-ycar. there appeared to have been a loss compared with last year.
Mv. JlTDDLETON said they ought to have built up a reserve fund for
renewals. '
I Aid. Lees agreed that a reserve fund of at least £50,000 ought to be
oum up. He did not think they could expect more than 4 per cent,
irom the gigantic outlay on the tramways, the initial cost of which was
at least 15 to 20 per cent, too high.
Aid. DuNKERLEV (chairman of the Tramways committee) said the
i-inance committee had £29,600 of the Tramwiys committee's sinking
lunu, winch ought to have been invested and the interest devoted to
Mat account. If the committee got fair play they would run the tram-
■ways at a profit, and show that the days of jirofit making were not over.
He. was of opinion that the ass-^^mcnt of the tramway
Palace Lighting.— Various improyemenls have recently been
earned uul al Hampton Courl I'alaee an.l I he whole of the buildings
are now d uminat«d by electric light. This was ordered by his
.Vlajesty, who desu-ed to minimise the risk of danger to the valuable
art collections here.
Peterborough.- The Council liave appealed against the increase of
the assessment of the electricity works from £800 to £1.100.
Precautions against Fire in Underground Electric Railways —The
Fire Brigade committee of London (Vauitv (;,unr,\ ,,n Tuesday
presfiiteda report containing certain simgesti.ins « loch the committee
considered should be made to the Board of Tr.-ide by the Council :—
Dealing first with tube railways constructed since 1904. and built in
.aeeonlance with the regulations lai.l down by the Board of Trade in thai
.year, and with ,e,„,l ,,, „ lo.h the chief officer has certified that efficient
hydr.ants ho.sc a„,l i„e ,|,|,l,;,nces have been provi.led, the committee
suggest that auf,a,,:,i,, Mynal lights, or preferably an illuminated sign,
should be provided which would show on the platforms of the stations
and also on the street levels, when the current to the live rail is cut off
m either direction. It is obviously (continues the report) very import.uit
that firemen and other persons working in the tunnel of a tube railway
as on the occasion of the fire on the City & South London Railway on"
July 16, 1908, should have reliable information as to whether the current
IS on or not.
M regards tube railways constructed before 1904. ii is und(,ubtedly
desirable, froni the point of view of public safety, that they should be
ni.ade to co„i,,lv with the regulations of 1904. and that the suggestions
set ,.,,t above si M In- irirorporated with the.se regulations.
Proposed London Traffic Board.— A deputation from London
County Council waited upon the Prime Minist<'r on \ov. 20 on the
subject of the traffic of the metropolis, and Mr. A.squith promised to
give full consideration to a projjosal put before him that an Advi.sory
Board, haying judicial powers only, .should be a).pointed. On behalf
of the Council it was stated that, liaving a large tramway system of
their own, London County Council did not desire to be the authority
in the matter of traffic.
Provisional Order Revocation.— The Board of Trade have revoked
the (;oole Klectric Lighting Order. 1901. as from Xoy. 2:5.
Provisional Order Transfer.— Han well District Council have given
notice of intention to apply to the Board of Trade for leave to tralisfer
to the Metropolitan Electric Supply Co. the undertaking authorised
by the Council's 1904 Electric Lighting Order. The iiecuniary con-
sideration for the transfer is £585. Objections to tlie Board of Trade
bj- Dec. 28.
reduced by at least £3,000.
ay.s ought to be
Submarine Telephony.— The " Daily Cluoniek-'s " correspondent
at Milan states that Capt. Anzalone, the transoceanic telephone
specialist, has left Italy for Marseilles, Havre and other Ercncli ports,
where, at the invitation of the French Government, he is to conduct
a series of telephonic experiments acrosi? the Atlantic. Cajit.
Anzalone exjwesses doubts as to the solution of the iiroblem of trans-
oceanic telephony on the same principle as radiotelegrapliy. " .My
scientific studies," he is reported to have said, " convince me we
shall never be able to talk across the Atlantic or the i^aeific, for prac-
tical industrial everyday purposes, by electric waves witlioiil wires."'
The ElectrobUS. — A run was given in London on Saturday last to a
new type of covered-in electrobus. Starting from the Hotel Cecil,
the new vehicle took its peculiarly easy way down the Strand,
through Fleet-street to St. Paul's, and was the subject of much
favourable comment. The top weighs about 300 lb. and the covered-
in electrobus was piloted through the congested thoroughfare with
the utmost ease. The vehicle is so arranged that curtains can be
used in the summer and windows in the winter, and the general
appearance is effective. .As the trial run included Ludgate Hill, the
test, besides being a severe one. showed that the top of the roof was
about 40 in. below the railway bridge at the foot of the hill. In
dealing with the ordinary form of omnibus anything that increa.ses
the top-hamper of the vehicle must Ix^ carefully considered, but an
electrobus differs from the majority of vehicles in an important
respect — the position of the lieavy storage batteries which supply
the power required to move the vehicle brings down the centre of
gravity to a very low point. It is doubtful whether any other type
of omnibus could be safely constructed with a covered-in top.
The Telephone in Austria. — It is announced that, in order to meet
the demand for an imjiroved telephone service, both inter-urban
and local, in .Austria, the Post Ctfticc will [spend O.iXMi.OtKI kronen
(about £250,000), on the building of new lines next year. New trunk
lines from Vienna to Berlin, and from Vienna to Frankfort, via
Munich, will be (■onstructed. A new trunk line is al.so to be built
iietween \'ieiina and Prague, a very important and bu.sy telephone
route. Several new lines will be built in the manufacturing dis-
tricts of Bohemia. Moravia and Silesia, establishing communications
between many important commercial cities and ton-ns. In Vienna
the authorities propose to reorgani.se the whole telephone system
upon a very extended basis, sufficient for 110,000 .subscribers.
322
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
iiilication of
Torauav— On Tuesday the Council assented to (lie api
the Tor.|uav I'llectric Tramways Co. to extend the tramways ..
the b,,ronf.'h boundary, with a view to an ultimate extension to
West Indies.— The report of Mr. R. 0. Uuslie, acting Colonial secre-
tary of Trinidad and Tobago, for the year 1907-8. states that there is
a complete system of telephonic communication (worked by a com-
pany) in Port of Spain, and connecting with the principal tow-iis^
The wireless telegrajih .system between Trinidad and lobago sent SIS
messages in one direction, and 309 in the other during the year,
besides several communications with ships.
Wigan —The L.C. Board have sanctioned a loan of £4,836 m
respect of excess exjienditure on electric lighting and £2.onO for new
cables.
Wireless Telegraph Notes.— The " Morning Post says :—
For a loiv time past the Deal boatmen have been dissatibtied with
the means adopted for signalling casualties on tlie Goodwin Sands. The
old method l)v which the boatmen were apprised of the lact ol a ship
bein<J in difficulties on the Goodwins was by gunfire, but some time ago
wirefess telegraphy was inaugurated, and messages are now sent to the
Nortli Foreland from the lightships and telephoned on to the ditterent
stations on the coast. Deal Council asks that a Marconi station l)e
established at Peal, which lies in the very heart of the Diwns.
Smoking Concert.— The P. and O. Batti-Wallahs Society are giving
a smoking concert at the Abercorn Rooms. Great Eastern Hotel,
Liverpool-street, London, E.G., on Monday evening next.
Football.— Wc are asked to announce that the semi-final of the
Municipal Tramways Amateur Football Shield Competition will be
played before Feb. 28, by Sheffield v. Potteries Electric Traction Co..
and by Liveri^ool or Leeds v. Birmingham.
SPECIAL NOTICE.
TRADE NOTES AND NOTICES.
READY.
"THE ELECTRICIAN" ELECTRICAL TRADES'
DIRECTORY AND HANDBOOK.— The 1908 Edition
of the Big Blue Book, price 8s. 6d., or post free in the
United Kingdom, gs. 3d. The new and enlarged volume
brings a great mass of statistical and technical data
quite up to date, and the Directorial Division has been
thoroughly revised and amplified.
All branches of Electrical Engineering and Industry
are fully treated, and Electro-Financial matters have
received every attention in the new volume, which aggre-
gates more than 2,000 pages. The Directory Division is
complete and thoroughly Accurate, and has been com-
pletely revised. All mere lists of members of Societies
and Institutions (so easily and cheaply available) are
excluded, as quite unreliable for Manufacturers' and
Dealers' purposes. The full set of valuable Statistical
and Engineering Tables, &c., have been very carefully
revised and extended, and remodelled into handy book
form ; these are included in the igo8 Blue Book, m aking
it the most complete book of the kind ever published.
■unw READY —Vol LXI. of " The Electb ician " (1,018 pages\
bomid^ s'^tr^ong^cTotl" Piie 17s. 6d.; post free, 18s. 6d. Also ready
Gases for Binding. Price 2s ; post free, f-fi-
A complete set of "The Electrici.^n" " (1860-1865-1878-1908) can
be supiZd A number of odd volumes and some odd old back num-
bers? to help in making up complete sets, are also now available.
TENDERS INVITED.
Cardiff Corporation in\-ite tenders tor supply, delivery and erection
at their generating station of a 2,500 k.v.a. turbo-alternator com-
plete with surface condensing plant and motor-driven auxiliaries.
Specifications and forms of tender from the city electrical engineer
(.Mr. ."Vrthur Ellis), Central Offices. The Hayes, and tenders to the
office of the town clerk (.Mr. J. L. Wheatley) by 10 a.m. Dec. 18.
Sec also an advertisement.
Tenders are invited for supply and delivery of various sizes of
electric motors required by the Electric Supply committee of the
City of Birmingham. General conditions, specification and form of
tander from the city electrical engineer (Mr. R. A. Chattock.
M.I.E.E.), 14, Dale-end, Birmingham, to whom tenders by noon
Dec. 29. Further particulars are given in an advertisement.
Melbourne City Council invite tenders for the supply of 33,200
incandescent electric lamps. Copies of specification, conditions of
contract, &c.. can be obtained from the agents for the Council (Messrs.
Mcllwraith, McEacharn & Co., Proprietary, Ltd.), Billiter-square-
buildings, London, E.G., to whom tenders are to be sent by noon of
Tuesday, Dec. 15.
London County Council want tenders by 11 a.m., Dec. 8, for the
road work and platelaying required for the conversion to the under-
ground conduit system of electric traction of the tramways from
Hackney-road, via Lower and Upi^er Clapton-roads, to Stamford
Hill. Forms of tender from the Chief Engineer, Sprmg-gardens. S.-^ .
SheffieU Electric Light committee want tenders by 10 a.m.
Dec 11 for supply and erection of an automatic or electric railway,
telpherage or wire ropeway, for conveyance of refuse from the power
station boiler house. Particulars from Mr. S. E. Fedden.
The municipality of Perm. Russia, invite tenders from firms wish-
ing to take charge of the organisation and working of the 1 crm
tramways. Tenders by Feb. 1.
Bor!o'( Algeria) Municipality want tenders by Jan. 15 for the con-
struction and working of an electric power station, and an electric
tramway. Specifications. &c. (in French), can be seen at 73, Basinir
hall-street, London. E.G.
TENDERS RECEIVED AND ACCEPTED.
For reconstructing the tramways from Prince of Wales-road to
Archway Tavern, Highgate, London County CouncU received the
following tenders :—
John Mowlem & Co. {accepted) ...:-•• ^^^'^^f ^ ,\
A. M. Coles 33,128 o U
Dick, Kerr & Co ,„/^'*i^ ^ f ,
The chief engineer's estimate was £32,771. 7s. lOd. The success u1
tenderers are allowed to sub-let to the Anderston Foundry Co. or Hadlield >
Steel Foundry Co., rastiiigs ; to Wm. Lee. Sons & Co., Martin i.arle &(_ :...
or the Associated Portland Cement Manufacturers, the Portland cement ;
to Bayliss. .Jones & Bayliss, Guest. Keen & Nettlefold, the District Iron
& Steel Co., or the Deritend Stampmg Co.. the wrought u'on ; to And.i
son & Bowers, redressing setts: and to Callender's Cable & Construr-
tion Co. or W. T. Henley's Telegraph Works Co., the jumper cable.
London County Council have placed an order with G. E. Taylor &
(b. for the electric lighting of the cloakroom and messroom at tlic
central car-repair depot at £155.
London County Council have, in arranging their annual contracts
for stores, accepted tenders by the following companies for electric
wires and cables : —
British Insulated & Helsby Cables, Hooper's Telegraph & Indian
Rubber Works, Liverpool Electric Cable Co., London Electric W n-
Co., Chas. Macintosh & Co., Saxonia Electrical Wire Co., Veritys Limit' I
and Western Electric Co.
The Mirrlees Watson Co. have received orders for a number o
surface condensing plants, including the Cie Fran^aise Thomson
Houston (for Tunis, repeat order) ; Jas. Howden & Co., Rio Tiiito
Co.. and the Aktiebolaget de Lavals Angturbin, Stockholm.
Bolton Electricitv committee have accepted the tenders of the
Perfecta Seamless ,Steel T\ibe & Conduit Co. and I. Griffiths & Son
for tubes and fittings for one year.
Wolstanton and Burslem Guardians have accepted the tender of
the National Telephone Co. for alterations to the telephone installa-
tion at the Union buildings at £93. lOs.
York Council have accepted the tender of G. Barnitt & Co. f 1
engineers' stores for 12 months, and that of Hardy & Holgatc I. i
general stores for t he electricity department.
Dover Council have accepted the tender of the British \\'estini;-
house Co. for an alternator at £533.
Sheffield Council have accepted the tender of E. Taylor & Sons f^.i
extensions of the electricity works buildings.
Shipley Council have accepted the tender of Eleetromol 1 m
Limited for a 10 in. pump and motor with switcligear at £333.
Oswestry Guardians have accipti-d the tender of E. M. Evans loi
electric bell installation at the Woiklnaise.
BUSINESS NOTICES.
The electric traction and other companies constituting the British
Electrical Federation have removed to Electrical Federation Offices,
Kingsway. London. W.C. to which address all communications
should now be directed. The telegraphic addresses remain as at
present, and the new telephone numbers will be Holborn 2686
(private branch exchange).
The registered offices of the Metropolitan Electric Tramways (Ltd.),
the North Jletropolitan Tramways Co., the North Metropolitan
Electric Power Supply Co., the North Metropolitan Electrical Pow-er
Distribution Co. and "the St. Albans & District Electric Supply Co.
(in liq.) have been removed to Electrical Federation Offices. Kings-
wav, London, W.C.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
323
The Klein Engineering Co. (1908), Ltd., ha.s betn tuimed Ui lairy
on the condensing and cooling bu.siness of the late Klein Engineer-
ing Co. (Ltd.). Mr. J. Duncan C^ighton is managing director of the
new company and the registered offices are at 94. Market-street,
Manchester. Tlie company will be represented in London as
hitherto by Mr. F. Evill (51, Moorgate-street, E.C.). Special ar-
rangements having been made as regards works, and all the company's
specialities will be manufactured under their direct supervision.
Mr. H. Lyon informs us that he has severed liis connection with
Jlessrs. Tetley & Co., of Sal ford, and has commenced business at .39,
Silver-street. Durham, where he will manufacture som e of his latest
patented liquid resistances, polyph.a.se motor con'.rollers, &e.
Plant for Sale.— Messrs. G. Elliott & Co., 186-188, Long-lane,
Bermondsey, London, S.E., have for sale two compound Marshall
steam engines coupled to two Crompton dynamos, a combined
generating set, and also three dynamos. Further partieulars are given
in advertisements.
Business for Sale. — Messrs. Mellors. Basden. & Mellors. C.A..
Bridlesniith-gate, Nottingham, advertise for .sale as a going concern
the electrical engineering and metal spinning business as now carried
on by Cutler, Wardle & Co. (Ltd.) at Manchester. Further ]iar-
ticulars on application.
Factories and Sites for Disposal. — Messrs. Douglas Young & Co.,
31, Coleraan-street. London, E.C.. advertise that they have some
factory sit^s, factories, warehouses and wharves to be sold or let in
London, the suburbs and the provinces. Printed list gratis.
Cassier's Magazine. — The issue of this famous magazine for
November takes the form of a Special Marine Number, and contains a
fine assortment of illustrations of the principal warships of tlie world
as well as of many of the finest examples of the mercantile vessels.
It is a handsome number of a magazine which has always held the
front rank in publications of this class. The contributors to the
Special Marine Number include the leading specialists on this highly
specialist subject.
Income Tax. — At a time when the C'hancellor of the Exchequer is
at his wit's ends to provide ways and means for meeting the lieavy
and prospective demands upon the public purse, tho.se who are liable
to the inland revenue surveyor's aggressive attentions will do well to
make them.selves aci[uainted with every possible means of combating
any undue demand from this official. Since the passing of the \90~
Finance Act numerous publications have been issued with the view of
instructing the public in these matters. One of these publications,
entitled " The Income Tax Simplified," by Mr. A. Fieldhouse. of
Huddersfield, has reached us. The book professes to be a guide to
the preparation of the return for assessment and a practical and
authoritative exposition of the Finance Act, 1907. It is published
by Messrs. Simpkin. Marshall & Co.. London. Price Is. Mi-. Field-
house's association in this work with an experienced income tax
official and his standing as the author of several good commercial
publications, coupled with the fact that he is an accountant and
auditor, should give his views on income tax matters an authority
which many who presume to wiite on this involved subject cannot
claim.
Novelties in Clocks.— Messrs. S. Smith & Sons, of 9. Strand, London,
who possess a high reputation as specialists in all that appertains to
watch and clock movements, have lately introduced the " Chrono-
sphere," or terrestrial clock, which should prove of great value to
educational authorities. The " Chronosphere " was the object of
much interest at the recent J''ranco-British Exhibition, and is a
smart piece of horological work. It gives the correct time all over
the world ; demonstrates the actual rotation of the earth on its
axis and the actual speed of the earth ; gives at a glance the dift'erent
times of all places on the earth's surface, and the correct mean of
the time at any place in tlie Eastern or Western hemisphere. It
requii-es winding only once a week. The " Chronosphere " is made in
several sizes.
Christmas and the Railways. — Those who remember the difficulties
and annoyances wliicli accompanied the despatch of parcels at Christ-
mas time in the old days will recognise that the railway companies of
the United Kingdom have accomplished a great deal in methodising
these consignments and towards relieving the public of much anxiety
as to their ultimate delivery at destination. By means of frequent
collections and by establishing receiving offices all over the country,
much has been done to relieve the pressure of this class of traffic at
such busy times as Christmas. Something more, however, remained
to be done, and we understand that arrangements are now com-
pleted by which a telephone message to the parcels' office of any of the
main lines of railway will secure the prompt collection of parcels.
We have received a notice Ikjui the manager of the Great Central
Railway that tlie.se arrangements for the coming Christmas season are
very comjilete and comprehensivi".
This is the age of effective publicity and the railway companies are
as keenly alive of the necessity for adverti.sing as other trading con-
cern.s. The publicity departments of these undertaking.s are con-
stantly introducing novelties to entertain jiassengers while travelling,
and now we learn that a series of tastefully-designed souvenir playing
cards, the backs showing views of historical and other well-known
places, is being issued by the fireat Central Company, and can be
obtained by the general public.
CATALOGUES, &c.
Oerlikon Motors. — Folding caid price lists of .single and three-
phase motors have been sent us by .Mr. G. Wiuhrich. Maschinen-
fabrik Oerlikon. Oswaldestre House, Norfolk-street. Strand, London.
W.C. The single-phase motors arc standardised in sizes from
I'r H.P. to 5 H.p. for squirrel-cage machines and to .'50 h.p. for slip-
ring machines. The standard voltage and frequency is 2.')0 and 25
res2i8Ctively. The three-phase 'motors are also slip-ring and short-
circuited rotor machines, the former ranging in output from
12 H.p. to 85 H.P.. and the latter from -Jr H.p. to 8i H.p. These motors
are built for .50 cycle working, and can be sup])licd wound for pres-
sures up to .500 volts. The makers claim high quality of product
for these motors, high power factor and general all round efficiency.
Paraffin-dynamo Sets. — A neat direct-coupled paraffin engine
and dynamo is being put on the market by Newtons Limited.
Taunton. Four sizes are listed in a pamphlet just issued, having
outputs of 07, 1'5, 3 and 6 kw. The dynamos are shunt wound
for 40-80 or 100-220 volts. The ignition is by accumulator and coil.
though magnets can be supplied in addition to. or independent of.
the coil. The fuel may be either paraffin, petrol, town or suction gas.
It is stated that on petrol the output would be 20 per cent, more
and on town gas 15 per cent, less than the ratings when running on
paraffin. The fuel consumption per brake horse-power-hour is
said to average 08 pint. The governor will keep the speed within
a 5 per cent, variation between no load and full load.
Twist-Drill Grinding Jig.— Jlr. W. E. Crowther. of .'JOS. :Mans-
field-road, Nottingham, has placed upon the markc^t the " reliance ''
twist-drill grinding jig. which he claims to be the only practical solu-
tion of the drill-giinding
difficulty. Tlie jig (which
is shown in the acct)mpany
ing illustration) is fixed bj-
a single nut to any emery
wheel, however large or
small, and is instantly re-
movable. It can be used on
cither face of the wheel, front
or back, the bracket being
swung over and locked at
the desired angle. Where
neither emery grinder nor
lathe is available, a wheel
or stone may be mounted
horizontally in an ordinary
bench chill and the bracket portion of the jig be carried on a vertical
bolt .screwed into the bench, the wheel being raised oi- lowered by
the feed for the various sizes of drills.
Arc Lamp Show Card.— An attractive show card is being issued
by the Gilbert Ai-c Lamp Co., and they inform us that all
interested contractors who ajjply for a copy will receive same by re-
turn of post. The card contains numerous illustrations of the com-
pany's standard enclosed and tiamc type lami)s. We described these
in some detail in the Nov. 13 issue of the Lndistrial Sipplemext.
J. & P. Leaflets.— We have received a copy of leaHet X ju.st
issued by Messrs. Johnson & Phillips, dealing with voltage trans-
formers for metallic filament lamps. Partieulars are given of the iron
losses, voltage drop and the efficiencies of several sizes of trans-
formers for various ratios, full dimensions and prices also being in-
cluded. The list al.so deals with " Osram " lamps, adaptors and
galleries. The same firm have issued leaflet D dealing with alter-
nators, exciters and regulators, in which prices will be found for
single two or tliree-phase alternators at various speeds and \ oltages.
Efficiencies are given for the various machines, and also the weights.
Both lists are coded, enabling clients residing abroad to pass on their
instructions at the least possible expens»\ Copies will be sent to
anyone interested on ai)plication.
Centrip Gear. — David Brown & Sons, Loctivood, Huddersfield,
are issuing a pamphlet which contains particulars of the "' Centrip
gear (Spence's patent). This is a totally enclosed double reductioa
The Ria.iAv. I. T« Krl'ini i
Ji(i— No. 1 Pattern
324
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 4, 1908.
gear with straight line transmission, and consists essentially of a
pinion gearing «ilh (liroc spur wlieels. plaeed concentrieally round
and ciiuidistant Ironi one another, keyed to shafts on each of whieh
is also fixed a pinion whic'li gears with a spur wheel whose axis is in
line with tliat of the first i)inion. These gears are mounted in a
specially designed case, serving not only to prevent dirt or other
foreign matter getting in, but also as an oil bath in which the gears
run. The list gives sizes in which the gear is manufactured, the
horse powers which may be transmitted tluough the various sizes, &c.
Generators and Motors. — Messrs. Mavor & Coulson have issued
their price list of three-phase generators and motors. The list con-
tains particulars, |)iiees. dimensions and weights of their standard
'machines. Some good illustrations of the firm's manufactures are
included.
DiARlE-s. — From Messrs. W. H. &. L. Collingridge. 148 and 140.
Aldensgate-street. E.G., we acknowledge a copy of thi " City Diary "'
for 1909. The new edition should jirove an indispensable work of
reference for the City man whether he is interested in the municipal
work at the Guildhall or in parochial affairs. Careful revision of the
editorial information has taken place, and the work constitutes an
up-to-date and reliable guide to the city and its ramifications. It
contains a complete list of the members of the Corporation, the
names and addresses of the clerks of the guilds, &o. The diary pro-
))er gives three days to a page and is interleaved blotting. Price is
Is., post free Is. 3d.
" The Companies Diary and Agenda Book for 1909," which is
published by Messrs. Jordan & Son.s, 116, and 117, Chancery-lane,
VV.C, is another serviceable publication. In fact the amount of
useful information relating to limited liability companies .should
make it an indii?pensable work of reference to secretaries, clerks and
officials of comjianics and business houses. In the first place there is
a good and accurate summary of the prmoipal requirements of the
Companies Acts. 1862 to 1908 "(by Messis. F. Gore Browne. K.C., and
Wm. Jordan) ; then follow particulars of stamp duties and fees, a
summary of the jirovisions of the Companies Acts, 1907 and 1908,
and a mass of useful information on a variety of legal and business
topics. The diary proper gives three days to a page (foolscap size),
and there are a number of pages allocated to memoranda and
reminders, &c. The Diary is published at 3s. 6d. in cloth, and at
2s. 6d. in boards, postage fid. extra.
BANKRUPTCIES, LIQUIDATIONS, &c.
Hy. Jas. Wimshurst, engineer, Carlton, Warren-road, Blundell-
sands, formerly 4, Adelaide- terrace, Waterloo, Liverpool, has been
adjudicated bankrupt.
Thomas Ward, a dii-ector of the Electrical Instrument JNIanufae-
turcrs (Ltd.), attended on Monday foj- examination at the Edmonton
Bankruptcy Court, when the case was adjourned. Liabilities
£1.161, as.sets nil.
A receiving order has been made against Wm. Aubert. jun..
electrical engineer, &c., lately of 16. Harp-alley, London, E.G.. and
Tagg's Island Hotel, Hampton Court. First meeting of creditors
Deo. 8, and the public exam. Jan. 20 at BankruiUey-buildinas,
London. W.C.
Claims against Richd. S. Blackburn, electrical engineer and con-
tractor, Osborne-street, and Ribstone Works, Hebden-bridge, by
Doe. 12 to Mr. C. H. Plant, 13, Winckley-street, Preston.
The liquidator (Mr. P. Mason, 64, Gresham-street, London, E.C.)
in the winding up of Shippey Bros. (Ltd.). 13 and 14, King-street,
Cheapside, E.C, has been released.
The Amalgamated Radio-Telegraph Co. (Ltd.) is being wound up
vohnitarily and Mes.srs. F. W. Pixley and H. Allen have been ap-
))ointed liquidators. A meeting of creditors was held yesterday
(Thursday) at Salisbury House, London, E.C.
PATENT RECORD.
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS,
Note, — The undermentioned Applications [em-ept (hose marked-^) are not
open to public inspection until after acceptance oj Complete Specifications
Ihose marked \ are open jor inspection 12 months after the date attached
to them, if they have not been published previottsly in the ordinary course.
J^ames wilhm parentheses are those of communicators of inventions. When
complete Specification accompanies application, an asterisk is affixed.
iPOAo c. J"'y 2!). 1!»08.
10,-08 SiF.MKxs Bros. & Co. (Ltd.) (Siemens & Halske Aktiengesoll-
Hi->U', irri','\ *"''''"■!">'■* Kloctric current transformers.*
ii.i.i.M\NN. lclf|ili,,iuc- apparatus.
& Tmbehv.
' electric cui'i
atically
ilure u(
Electromagnetically operated
Electric voltage regulate
1008.
Shs
■'I'P'i-
Jnly 31, 1908.
lli.2Sr> Cnr.iiRiOE Er.i.rruir.M. .Storaoi
swilching in an au.viliary .^oiu-
the main supply.
16.298 B.T.-H. Co. (O.K. Co., U.S.;
switches.
16.299 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.)
August 1,
16,305 CuRWEX. (,J. G. Brill & Co.. U.S.) Supports for contact plo
or electric current collectors for electric railways.
16,311 RussEi.L. Electric lamp-holders.
16,366 Medway. Regulating resistances of electric motors and
ratiis.
August 4. 1908.
16,377 Edmonds & McKenzie & Holland. Signal machine for raiUv.nys
or tramways.
16,384 Watts. Telephone mouthpiece disinfector.
16,399 KoHLER. Primary and secondary electric cells.
16,410 Trotman. Electrical controlling and indicating attachment to
engines, dynamos, electric or other motors.
16,446 Siemens & Halske Actien-Gesellsc-haft. Electric telegraphs.
(Date applied for. .5/8/07.)*t
16,449 Chap.man. Electrical conductors.
16,462 O'Neil. Electric telegraphy.
August B, 1908.
16.483 Lewis. Telegraph and telejihone pole .arms.
16.484 Lewis. Metallic arms of telegraph and telephone poles.
16.491 Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works, Ltd., & ICloss. Electrical
propulsion of ships.*
16.496 Fiddes & Seifke. Electric water heaters. (Date a])plicd fur,
18/12/07.)*t
16,529 BiMELEE. Storage batteries.*
16.534 CooLiDOE. Refractory electric conductors. (Date applied for,
7/8/07. )*t
16.535 Gaiffe. Electrical condensers. (Date applied for, 8/2/08. )*t
16,538 and 16,539 Moxge & Arzano. Electrolytic processes for cover-
ing silver jilated surfaces of glasses or mirrors v/ith a protective
metal-layer and apparatus therefor. (Date applied for, 12/8/07.
Comprised in Application No. 18,210. dated 12/8/07.)*
1 0.546 Marconi & Marconi's Wireless Teleoracii Co. AVireless
telegraphy.
August 6, 1908.
16,562 Andrews. Regtdating or resistance switches, motor starters,
and the like.
16,583 Fairweathee. (HufiE Electrostatic Separator Company, U.S.)
A]>paratus for electrical separation.*
16.507 Trier. Portable electromagnets.
I(l,(i21 B.T.-H. Co. (Allgemeine Elektricitats-Gesellschaft. Germany.)
Control of electric motors.*
August 7, 1908.
16,()58 Chapman. Electromagnetic apparatus.
Augu.st8. ions..
16,695 Cutler, Wardle & Co.. & Wardle. Electric incandescent
lamps.
16,704 Parsons & Law. Dynamo-electric machinery.
16,722 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Arc control mechanisms for
projectors, searchlights and the like.
August 10. 1908.
1 6.755 Col WILL & Horswell. Sound-proof telephone box.
16.766 Siemens Bros. Dyn.\mo Works. (Siemens-Schuckertwerke
G.ni.b.H., Germany.) Electromagnetic clutches.*
10.774 Harle. Fuses with double action. (Addition to No. 1.820/08.)*
16.775 H.\GL Pedestal or socket for poles carrying electric conductors
(Date applied for. 12/6,08.)*t
16.788 Tardieu. Telephonic microphones.*
16,797 Rensino. Arc lamps.*
16,819 Jerome. Electrical vibrators.*
August 11. 190S.
1().836 Gov.\N. Electrolysis of liquids.
16,863 Hann. Conduit jointing.
lt).869 WooDHOUSE. Electrical contacts.
16.885 Lake. (Standard Varnish Works, U.S.) Solid insulating ctnu-
pounds.*
Ui.900 Tayoix, Chauchy' & Fraysse. Magneto-electric machines.
(Date applied for, 13/8/07.)*t
16.910 Schattner & Amberton. Prepayment electric meters. (Date
applied for. 17/3/08. Application No. 23,450. 23/10/07.)*
10.911 Parsons & Parsons. Commutators.
August 12. 1908.
16,042 Kershaw. Telegraphic instruments.
lii.otT i;.>i sK. Primary batteries.
li;.'i:,:; Si , h.istawer. Electromechanical motor.
IH.'.isi. S.M iKVE Anonyme Westinghouse & Brun. Direct current
motors. (Date applied for, 14/8/07. )*t
August 13. 1908.
17.045 Crompton & Jones. Carrying and jointmg electric tram wires.
17.047 and 17.048 Kingsbury. '(Western Electric Co., U.S.) Re-
trausmittiui; and reinforcing telephone currents. (Addition to
X.is. ll,(!(l,-)/05 and 11,600/05.)
August 14, 1908.
17,079 Brickjlvn & Brickman. Electrical wire overhead suspender.
THE ELECTRICIAN. DECEMBER 4, 1908.
325
17.112 Mu.NKc) & RoGEKS. Electrically operated apparatus for con-
trijlliiig the movements of points or switches on tramways or
ra ilway s.
17.114 London Electron Works Co. & K.ikdus. Electrically insu-
lated track and trolley.*
17.115 London Electron Works Co. & A. de Back. Vehicle or cage
for conveying scrap tin. or the like, for electrolysis.*
17.122 Kershaw. Mechanical transmission of energy.
17.137 DrpONT & Harle & Cie. Regulating speed of contin\ious current
electric motors.*
17.140 P.iTEKSON & Tubes. Carbons for flame arc lamps.
17.142 Snowdon. Switches.
17.143 Tyer & DOBSON. Electric telegraphs.
17,159 Postans. Electric ignition devices.
17,161 AsHiNGTON Coal Co. & McKie. Indicating and rei'ording cur-
rent leakage in electric circuits or motors.
August 15, 1908.
17,107 Tate. Plug connection for use in paralleling dynamo-electric
machines.
17,170 White. Fu.ses.
17,205 and 17,206 BRADBirRN. Telephone Apparatus.*
17.209 Kingsbury. (Western Electric Co., U.S.) Telephone exchange
systems and apparatus therefor.
17.210 PiERSON & ScHi'LTZ. Making and breaking electric cu-cuits.
17.211 Shears. .Magnetic brakes for tramway and other vehicles.
17.221 Fkicker & .\l(iKi)EY. Electricity meters.
17,223 (iiN. Elcitilcal apparatus for gassing threads. (Addition to No.
4..-).-)(l/U7.)*
17.227 Xaldkr Bros. & Thomson, Handcock, & Dykes. Apparatus
for giving warning as to use of currents exceeding a pre-deter-
niiued limit.
SPECIFICATIONS PUBLISHED.
1907 Specifications.
17.346 PRESTf)N & Theobald. Holders for electric incandescent
lamps.
17,463 Postans. .Magneto-electrical ignition devices for internal-
combustion engines or the like.
17,475 B.T.-H. Co., VVedmore & Hamlyn. Electric circuit-breakers.
(Addition to No. 27.358/06.)
18,163 Siemens Bros. & Co. (Siemens & Halske Akt.-Oes.) Telephone
exchanges.
18,210 MoNGE & Arzano. Electrolytic processes for covering silver-
plated surfaces of glasses or mirrors with a protective metal
layer, and apparatus theref()r.
1S,348 Fennell & Perry. Electrodes for storage batteries.
IS, 4 14 Hahih. Marine electrically-controlled steering gear.
1S.582 B.T.-H. Co. (A. E.G.) Protective devices for electric systems.
18,688 LOWDEN. IncalldrsrcHl l;llll|is.
18,924 Von Kando. ( umril - iiIIcc ting devices for clcctrically-[iro-
))elled locomotiM'., and \<-lii(le.s.
1!>.039 Wilkinson. Brakes for tramway vehicles.
19,348 Flohr. Manufacture of iron or steel by the open-hearth process
19,784 Ai.LOEJiEiNE Elektricitats CxES. Switch mechanism for
electrical signalling and like svstems. (Date ai)plicd fur,
,5/9/06.)
20,361 Brooks & Alston. Tremblers of induction coils.
20,460 Hasiop. Cleaning or trueing electric contacts,
20,397 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Rheostatic electric contn.lling
switches.
20,867 AiLGEMEiNE Elektricitats Ges. Alternating current machines
of the commutator type. (Date applied for, 20/9/06.)
22.405 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Systems of motor control.
22,481 Ailgemeine Elektricitats Ges. Control of electric motors.
(Date apjilied for. 13/10/06.)
23.418 Turner. Transformers. (Post-dated, 23/1/08.)
23,710 Reist. Cooling or ventilating dynamo-electric machmcs. (Date
applied for, 26/10/06.)
23.786 Gimingham. Incandescence lamps.
23.801 Condon. F.l.rtii.al water heaters. (Date applied for. 1/11/06.)
24,505 Schefflki: a s, hi m m her. Screw clamp device for electrically
connectirii; rlrrinc n ues and other conductors.
24.808 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Alternating current dynamo-
electric machines.
25,115 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Systems of generating and dis-
tributing current.
25,148 Ashton & Ashton. Ignition in combustion engines.
25,478 Electric & Ordnance Accessories Co. & Hall. Electric
fuse holders.
25.863 Feather. Supporting trolley wires or conductors of elect ric
tramways.
25.864 Feather. Supporting the trolley wires or conductors of electric
tramv.'ayp.
26,134 Sie.mens Bros. Dynamo Works & Birreb. Rotors of alternat-
ing current machines.
26.435 Bosch. Electrical ignition ai)paratus foi- intcrnnl-conilnistion
engines. (Date applied for, 7/2/07.)
or electrical furnaces.
27.222 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Protective devices for electrical
systems and apparatus or conductors.
27,225 B.T..H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Protective devices.
28,494 Boon & Mellaerts. Preventing the falling of aerial wires of
electric tramways.
2,195
2,495
2,871
3,09(i
3,418
3,583
3,648
3,860
4,030
4,568
5,015
.5,1.50
1908 Specifications.
HoFF.MAN. Suspending devices for electric conductors. (Date
applied for, 8/10/07.)
Derain. Dynamos. (Date applied for, ()/2/07.)
Bloxam. (Siemens Schuckertwerke Ges.) Electric-ally-propelled
motor road vehicles.
Hutton. Appliances for use witli telephone transmitters.
B.T.-H. Co. (Ailgemeine Elektricitats Ges.) .Control of alter-
nating electric current motors of cinnmutator type.
Wilkinson. Brakes for tramway vehicles.
Seibt. Radio-telephony. (Date applied for, 28/3/07.)
Bohmer. Controlling the switches of hoists, elevators and the like.
Marks. (Electrical Mfg. Co.) Switches.
TiDNAM. Telegraph poles. (Date applied for. 9/7/07.)
Taylor & Broo.m. .Arc lamps.
Harrison. (Electric Railway Improvement Co.) Joining metallic
bodies by means of an electric current.
PlEPER. Electro-mechanical transmissiim systems for auto,
mobiles.
COMPANIES' MEETINGS AND REPORTS.
Amazon Telegraph Co. (Ltd.)
unde
t. The fourteenth ordinary general meeting was held on Tuesday,
the presidency of Mr. (iEORGK Keith.
The SECRETARY (.Mr. Edmund Petley) read the notice convening
the meeting, and the auditors' report.
The CHAIRMAN said : Gentlemen. I am glad to be able to present a
favourable report for the year ended .lune 30 last. The accounts again
show an increase in revenue and a decrease in expenditure in a measure
similar to what ti.,,k |.Iar,- in ili.- |iri-r,..ling year, but, unlike that year,
the traffic traii-iinitr.l .mi mii . iMi . largely increased during the first
half of the year ami li II .ill iliniiiij ili.- -n-ond, or rubber crop season, in
consequence of the great fall m the price of rubber and the general de-
pression of trade on the Amazon. The financial crisis, which took place
towards the close of 1907, interfered badly with the financing of the
rubber crop and since then our business has been .adversely affected.
On the other hand, the value of the Brazilian currency has been very
steady on the basis of 15 pence to the milreis, and there has been no
loss due to the fluctuations of exchange, such as occurred in previous
years. The traffic receipts come out at £07.022, showing an mercase
for the year of £818. The subsidy, £17,125, has been fully earned, and
the interest earned upon the year's cash balances gives £831. Alto-
gether, the total revenue amounts to £84.978, which is higher than it
has ever been before. Last year it was £83.815, and the year before
that £81,133. These figures show a favourable advance year by year.
The cables have worked remarkiibly well during the year. The con-
dition of the river was more than usually favourable for their main-
tenance and there were fewer repairs to contend with. The interrup-
tions which took place during the year were principally caused by
landslips, ship's anchors and the dredging operations in connection with
the Para Port Works, which latter necessitated the removal of our cables
in the Para Harbour to a safer position and to a new landing ])lace.
The expenses attending the maintenance of the cables .show a decrease
of £5,188, due to the smaller quantity of cable used during the year, but
this is an item which depends upon the very uncertain action of the river
and the saving cannot always be reckoned upon in future years. It is
also necessary to bear in muid that the cables are becoming older every
year and the amount of cable used may increase, rather than diminish,
iis time goes on. All the other items of cxpcndit\ue vary more or less in
accordance with the special cireumstan<-es of I he year under review. There
is also an additional item for income tax. which, I think, is a very un-
reasonable impost on a business with a large debit balance to pay olT and
which is unable to pay any dividend. Altogether, the total working
expensesamount to £43,174, showing a decrease for the year of £4.898.
The charges for interest and redemption of the (> per cent, and 5 jior
cent, debentures remain uuchan<.'cd. and. after meeting these charges, as
well as the working expenses, there is a surplus for the year of £14,808,
which reduces the debit balance standing against the revenue account to
£51,070. The improved result of the year's business is practically due to
better working of the cables and to the diminished cost of their main-
tenance. At the same time the losses of trathc receipts were very con-
siderable while the interruptions which took place durmg the year were
being repaired. These losses occur more or less every year, and cannot
be obviated with a single line of cable, but every endeavour is made to
diminish them as miuh as possible.
Our cable repairing steamer is always kept in readiness and carries
out the repaus most successfullv with the greatest possible despatch.
The duplication of the main cable is conse.piently becoming more and
more necessary in order to obviate these losses and to provide continuous
and permanent communication, and for this purpose a suitable route has
alreadv been surveved ami selected. We have also been in communica-
tion with the Brazilian Government on the subject, and have every hope
our petition for the assistance necessary to enable the work to Ije carried
out will be granted on the basis of the extension of the period of the eon-
cession and the payment of the present subsidy for a further term of
years. , . ^ . u
Up to the present business on the Amazon durmg the current year has
been very depressed, and our traffic receipts show a considerable fallmg
off as compared with those for the same period of last year, which, how-
326
THE ELECTKICIAN. DECEMBER 4, 1908.
ever, as I luivo already mentiuncd, wtre abnormally high. The price of
rubber has been gradually rising since last Febriiary. when i( reached its
lowest point, and now stands higher than it did l)ef'ir,- ilic Im mrial crisis
last year, and business prospects for the coming inMn r ..i-nn are now
more favourable. I now move the adoption of the ri|ji.ii mkI arcniiiits,
.Mi-. C'H.ARLJ';.S W. parish seconded the resolution, which was carried
iiiianiniously.
Mr. (.'corge Keith was re-elected a directoi, and the retiring auditors
were re-appointed, after which a vote of thanks to the chairman and
directors terminated the proceedings.
BRUCE PEEBLES & CO. (LTD.)— The joint liquidators of this company
announrc tliat tlic scheme of arrangement has been sanctioned, and, as
noapi"' il ha lireii Inil-^iil, t lie s< heme is now approved of.
The liri cliirri,.i> nl i|ic' Tuw company are Mr. Charles H. M'Euen
(Callcii.l. ] ,- ( ,1,1,. ^v (\,ristriuti,,n Co.). Mr. M. B. Mountain (Mountain
& Gibson). .Mr. .Alexander .Mackenzie (Mackenzie & Moncur). Mr. F. E.
Andrews (of the Brush Co.), Mr. C. J. Shiells, C.A., Edinburgh ; and Mr.
A. W. Tait, C.A.. London. As soon as possible the shareholders will be
eommunieated with, and will be offered the shares to which they are
entitled. Thereafter, the liquidators' adjudications upon the claims
which have been lodged in the lifpiidation will be submitted to the Court,
which will be asked to allow the deliverances to be intimated to the
different creditors. Those creditors whose claims have not been ad-
mitted in whole or iii ))art will then have an opportunity of stating their
objections to the liquidators' deliverances. After the deliverances are
all approved of or adjusted, the debenture holders and creditors will
receive what they are entitled to under the scheme of rearrangement.
CITY OF BRISBANE ELECTRIC LIGHT CO. (LTD.)— During the half-
year ended .July 31 the output wa> !)iiO,7I5 units, against ()27,570 for
the corresponding period of lltll". an increase of 53-.5 per cent. Com-
paring the revenue from the sale of electricity for the same periods the
increase has been 25-() per cent., while the revenue from all sources
increased 25-4 per cent. After placing a substantial sum to credit
of renewal, replacement and contingencies account, £500 to credit of
franchise and purchase sinking fund, and £150 to accident insiu-anee
fund, there remauied £3,610. Is., out of which the directors recommended
a dividend at a rate of 6 per cent, per annum, which, with dividend duty,
absorbed £2,097. 8s., leaving £1,512. 13s. to be carried forward. The
machinery and plant at the station and the underground mains have
worked well, and have been mamtained in a state of high efficiency.
To cope with the increased demand, the directors have ordered for
delivery this year another Parsons steam turbine of 750 kw. capacity
and another boiler.
ISLE OF THANET ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS & LIGHTING CO. (LTD.)— At
the meeting last week Lord Arthur Butler said their traffic receipts had
been adversely affected by the extremely wet weather which prevailed
between Aug. 20 and Sept. 14, usually the best part of the year for the
company. The rearrangement of fares made in June had proved a s, ,urce
of profit. The electric lighting business was increasing:. AiMiti,,nal
capital would be required, and v/ith the view of consi<i,i uii; lli, l,cst
means of raising it the dii-ectors had invited some of the |,i in, i|,al share-
holders to consult with them. In the course of discussion'^the results
shown were criticised, and it was suggested that a strong' committee
should be appointed to go into the affairs of the company. Eventually
the report was adopted, and a eommittfee of four shareholders was ap-
pointed to confer with the bo.ard.
RICHARD HORNSBY & SONS (LTD.)— The report for the year ended
Sept. 30 states that the profit was £55,461, after writing off deprecia-
tion and paying directors' remuneration. A dividend on the ordinary
shares to Sept. 30 at the rate of 6J per cent, per annum (less tax) is
recouiuicndcd, placiiit; £15,0C0 to reserve, writing ofT patents £2,500
and Icav iiij; .f4,243 to cany foiward.
SIEMENS SOHUCKERTELEKTRICITATSWERKEA.G.— The net profitfor
the past year enables the dii,, i,,- i,, ,1,-, !:,i,. a .livideud of 11 per cent..
the same as in 1906-7. Tli, ,ii|i,n\ ,r m,,- that they have more
orders in hand than at the , ,., ,, ..|,n,i,li,,n p,,,,,,! last year.
STRATFORDONAVON ELECTRICITY CO. (LTD.)— At the meeting last
week Mr. (,'. .M. Bu-.j said they had made a small profit. Their plant
during the ])ast mnnlli. at all events, had been working pretty con-
liniujusly and towards its full capacity, and nculy c\,r\ v. eek they
were getting new consumers. At the present tim, ili.y «,;,■ workini;
at a profit, and extensions of mains were constant I \ l„i)ii; in.nk'.
NEW COMPANIES, STATUTORY RETURNS, MORI
GAGES AND CHARGES, &o.
NEW COMPANIES.
CAERGWRLE & DISTRICT ELECTRICITY SUPPLY CO. (LTD.) (100, 390) —
Reg. Nov, 25, capital £350 in £1 shares, to carry on at Cacrgwrle and
elsewhere the business of an electric light and power company,
i'rivate company.
,t^m°r™^°^ *' ^""^ (LTO.)-Reg. Nov. 26, capital £7,500 in £1 shares
(5,000 6 p,! ,ciit. preference), to carry on the business of mechanical,
electrical and goneral engineers, manufacturers of electrical and other
cr.anes, machinery and appliances, iron and brass founder.', &c. Pri.
vate company.
NEVILLE KAYE & CO. (LTD.) (100,413)— Reg. Nov. 26, capital £5,000
in £1 shares, to carry on the business of constructors, builders,
erectors, and suppliers of electric, h.^ diaulic, steam and mechanical
lifts or elevators, engineers, &;c. Private company. First directors,
G. V. Twiss, J. L. Brooks and H. N. Kaye (manager). Reg. office,
231-2, Strand, London, W.C.
THOMAS KESNOR & CO. (LTD.) (100,419)— Reg. Nov. 26, capital
£0,000 in £1 shares, to ac<iuire and carry on the business of elec-
tricians, engineers, manufacturers of, and dealers in electric and
other machinery and apparatus, &c. Private company. First directors,
H. J. Norball, J. L. Lawson, G. Lawson, and W. (i. Dunstall. Reg.
office, Armadale- road, Fulhani, London, S.W.
STATUTORY RETURNS.
VAUGHAN & SON (LTD.)-In return to Oct. 9 capital is £50,000 in
£1 shares (20,000 preference), of which 3,716 preference and 20,639
ordinary lia\'e been taken up. £24,405 has been received. Mortgages
and charges, £5,000.
YALE ELECTRIC POWER CO. (LTD.)— Return to Oct. 9 gives ca|)ita
as £20,000 in 800 ordinary shares of £25 each, of which 668 have been
taken up. £25 per share called up on 600 shares and £14,975 has been
received, leaving £25 in arrears. £1,700 is considered as paid on 68
shares. Mortgages and charges nil.
MORTGAGES AND CHARGES.
BRITISH PROMETHEUS CO. (LTD. i— Particulars of £3,500 debentures
created by resolution of Oct. 30, 19C8, have been filed pursuant to sec.
10 (3) of Companies Act, 1907, the amount of the present issue being
£550. Property charged, company's undertaking and property, present
and future, including uncalled capital. No trustees.
RICHARD PAPE (LTD.)— Particulars of £1,000 debentures created by
resolution of Sept. 16, have been filed pursuant to sec. 10 (3) of the
Companies' Act, 1907, the amount of present issue being £500. Pro-
perty charged : C'ompan3''s undertaking and property, present and
future, including uncalled capital. No trustees.
VERITY'S LIMITED.— A memorandum of satisfaction in full of de-
bentures, dated .Jan. 9, 1906, securing £40,000, has been filed. Par-
ticulars of £60,000 debentures created by resolution of Oct. 27, and
secured by a registered trust deed have also been filed, the whole
amount being now issued. Property chai-ged : The company's works,
buildings and other assets, present and future, including uncalled
capital. Trustees: The Trustees, Executors & Securities Insurance
Corpn.
CITY NOTES.
MEMORANDA (Dec. 3).— Bank rate 2^ percent, (since May 28, 1908).
Price of silver, 22d. per oz. Consols Bi^'^, — 83,"jfor money and SSJj; —
83{j| account. Consols Pay Day, Jan. 6 ; Stock and Shares Continua-
tion Days, Dec. 9 and 28 ; Ticket Days, Dec. 10 and 29 ; Pay Days,
Dec. 11 and 30.
Prices of Metals (London). — Copper, cash, 65^; three months, 64.
Lead, English, IS.J — 13j ; foreign, cash, 13^—13-^ ; three mouths, 13|.
Spelter, cash, 21|— 21,'s. Tin, English, 133—135: Fine Foreign, cash
133J ; three months, 134^-135,'. Iron, Cleveland, cash, 49/0 and three
months, 49/7.',. i[tui„ii Ste,l (.irice supplied by W. F. Dennis & Co.t,
£55. ■
ANGLO-PORTUGUESE TELEPHONE CO. fLTD.) -The directors have
dechired a dividend of 3 per cent, (tax free) for the past half-year.
COMPANIES TO BE STRUCK OFF THE REGISTER.— The following will
be struck otf the Kcyister i,f .l,,int St,,<k Companies unless cause to the
contrary is shown l,i-f, ur M.n, h 1 ; —
Hemsworth Kl,, tn, ii \ .Supply Co.. Home Counties Electricity Supply
Co., Hyde KIctri, ,1 \ifa (,,..' Hyderabad Electric Light & Traction
Co.. Irish Ele, Hi, al Aurin >. l\n,eL'cr Liglit Cure & Electro-Therapeutic
Institute. (>z,,iic, Siluil/ ■riul,in,s. S.ieiitilic Appliances, Telegraphone.
GREAT NORTHERN TELEGRAPH CO (LTD. i (OF DENMARK)— As was
foreshadowed in the report of the meeting of the company which
appeared in The Elkotrichn tor May 1, Commodore E. Suenson has
resigned his position as managing director of this company, but
remains chairman of the Board of Directors. The management of the
company has now been placed in the hands of a Board of Management,
consisting of Messrs. Kay Suenson and Peter Michelseu (general
managers), Ivay Gulstacl (engineer-in-chief), and Holger Rothe
(inspector of telegraph.s).
MEXICO TRAMWAYS CO.— Mr. E. N. Brown and Mr. Julio Limau-
tour have been elected directors of this company.
N.S.W. TRAMWAYS.— The revenue of the N.s!w. Government tram-
ways for the ipiarter ended Sei>t 30 was £218,504, or an increase of
£20,014 in revenue and over 5,000,000 in passengers carried over the
corresponding period of 1907. The total nunil.ierof pas.sengers during
the (piarter was over 42,000,000. Expenditure was £192,806, increase
£4,852. The lines, which are principally worked by electric traction,
have a total length of 135Jf miles.
STOCK EXCHANGE NOTICES— The Stock Exchange committee have
appointed Dec. 10 a special settling day in, and have granted a quotation
to, £550.000 4 per cent, prior lien debenture stock of the Metropolitan
District Rnilwaij Co.
R. WAYGOOD & CO. (LTD.)— An interim dividend has been declared
of 5 per cent, on the ordinary shares for the six months ended Sept. 30.
J-HE^ELBOTBICIAN. DECKMBRK 4. 1908.
ELBGTBIC TBAHWAT AND RAILWAY TRAFFIC
RECEIPTS.
Aberdeen OorporaUon
Alrdrio
Anglo- Argentine
Ayr Corporation
Baker St. & Waterloo By....
Barneley
Barrow
Bath Electric Tramd, Ltd...
Birkonhead Corporation ...
Birmlngliam Corporation...
Birmingham &, Mid
Blackburn Corporation
Blackpool and Fleetwood.,.
1 Corporation ,
Ino.
or Deo.
(a)
Ino. or
Deo, (g)
26,928 + 8,7t6 47
BoumemoQth Corporatlon«
Bradford Corporation
Brighton Corporation
Brlatol Trams & Carriage...
Burnley Corporation
Burton Corporation
Bury Corporation
Calcutta Tramways Co
Oambome-Redruth
Cardiff Corporation
Oavehill
Central London Railway ...
OharingCfciuston&H'atead
Chatham & Dist. Lt. Bys....
City & South London Rly...
City of Birmingham
Colchester Corporation
Cork iLlectric Trams Co. ...
Croydon Corporation
Devonport & Dist. Trams...
Dover Corporation
Dublin & Lucan Railway ...
Dublin United
Dudley-Stourbridge I
Dundee tJorporation
East Ham Council
Exeter Corporation ,
Gateshead & Diet. Trams..,
Glasgow Corporation
Oloasop Trams ,
Graveseud— Northfleet
Great Northern & City Rly..
Ot.Northern, Piccadilly, &c
Greenock & I'ort GlaHgow...
Hartlepool Tramways
Hastings Elec. Trams Co....
Hong Kong
Huddersfield Corpn
Hall Corporation
Dford District Council
IlkeHton District Council ...
Ipswich Corporation
Isle of Thanet Co
Jarrow
Kei(,'hley Corporation
Kidderminster ii District..
Kilmarnuck Corporation ..
Lanarkshire Trams Co. ...
Lancawhire United
Leamington ,
Leeds Corporation
Leicester Corporation
Leith Corporation
Lincoln Corporation
Liverpool Corporation
Liverpool Overhead Rly. ...
•London County Council ...
London United ,
Lowestoft ,
MaidMtone Corporation
Manchester Corporation ...
nleri^ey Railway
Merthyr
elrupolitan Diat.Railwa>
3,163
+
l<10,798
+R4
1,233
4,377
+
738
+
4,750
+
1,044
232
_
1,074
+
149,272
+ Bl
117
1,991
+
60
+
e,e9S
3,410
+
37,880 - 174
10,327 - 61
|1,0U3,365 + 21S •>'«
9,738 - '151
66,656 + 12 ssu
8,216 f 431
11,397 - 591
3-5,6(6 ; - 2,308
S-'l,851 + 6,860
37,839 -I- 7bo
40,162 ■(- 124
81,737 + ■■i,261
El,B89,368 +B28I,079
69,078 - 2,929
le4,t46 + . 523
33,822 + 760
■»,750 i+ 182
10,179 '- 843
9,578 - 603
41,346
Kl,040,846i-
6,134
76,331
4,12U
160,276
73,770
37,200
66,S69
127,648
Nelson Corporation
Newc:i8tle-on-Tjn6 Uorp. ..
Newport (Mod.)
Northampton Corporation
Oldiam, Ash ton & Hyde ...
Oldham Corporation
Perth (N.B.)Oorporation !.'
Perth (W.A.)Eleo. Trams...
Peterborough
Portsmouth Corporation .!.
Potteries
Preston Corporation .'.''.'..'
Botherham Corporation !!
Bothe.say
^alford Corporation
Bheeroesa
Bheffleld Corporation.*."!.".'.'
olngapore Trams
South Metropolitan .
South StaSs "
Boolhend Corporation"!'.'.!'.
Bouth|x)rt Tramwaja
Btaljl, dg£.,Hjde,&c.,Jt.Bd
Baudwland Corporation ...
Sunderland District
owantiea Trams
Swindon Corporation
lannton
lynemouth and'iS'iBtrio't"!!'
iyneside Trams Co..
w^,'°";;5' """"<=' Oouniii!!!
"aiSHli Corpn
Warrington Corpn. !!!:!!:;!
"est Ham Corporation
Weston-super-Mare ...
Wolverhampton Co.
■ceHter .
*reiham ..
forkshireW.B. Trams"
$2,113
1,620
2,449
10,339
1,333
33,819
6,107
358
«
3
8,109
-h
21
31
-*•
2
417
21
764
-
19
232
+
2
to
■ +
1
1,172
•f
121
844
+
e
21,834
49,9li9
21,013
H.Uii
8.0/4
117,867
38,826
33.7SO
30,868
11,332
16,779
447,464
6,97U
9,813
29,436
112,675
24,437
11,109
26,749
56',324
86,081
15,469
4,930
14,261
3,1,01
6,072
3,461
C.186
4,3u8
60,854
62,914
8,083
232,608 I
49,129
4','U8 I
504,014
30,83J
,192,722
316,168
1,488
6,911
632,028
41,333
204!663
267.593
16,632
4,730
136,;o3
23,343
16.2b 7 i
27,299
69,531
4,499 ■■
68,448 I ■
6,958 ' -
7i!,755 I
63,698 -
18,754 -
21,302 -I
9,681 , ■
163,004 -I
2,653 ■
198,642 -
$^.',761 -i
37,789 -I
40,853 I -
16,767 -I
13,191 -
26,657 -
41,743 -
1,791 -
13,892 ■->
31,787
29,408
12,618
77,782
6,668
21,054
21,646
13,147
4,768
68,379
42,611
+
1,772
l —
E7,885
f
217
-
25
-F
160
■h
45,808
■H
15,996
+
2,694
-
2,001
-
2,111
-
425
8 131
362
1,614
7,388
19,780
6,050
2,376
1,384
ELECTRICAL COMPANIES' SHARE LIST
biLASII
giDrvi-
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
6/0
4/8
10 6/0
St. I HZ
6i 2/0
St. 4J%
4%
St. 4%
6 2'3
6 2/0
St. 4J%
10 6/0
10 6/0
St. 6%
St. I HZ
6 iZ
6 6%
lOJ 4/0
10 6 0 I
3t. I 4J%
St-i 4J%
*z
St. HZ
S! 1/6
Price
Wed.,
Dec. 2.
YmD. °'S?_""' WEEK TO
ED. ""'■ Dec. 2.
! High- Low"
I'i-lOg
9J-10
lOJ-Ki
lC'2 -106
94 —93
Melr
64-
10,419
3,629
133,959
4,027
Boarnemonth ft Poole Elec. Snp. Ord
Do. 4J per Cent. Cnm. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Second Pref.
Do. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Bromley (Kent) El. Lt. & Power Shares
Do. Do. Ist Debs,
i^rompton ft Kensington Elec. Sap. Ord
Do. 7 per Cent. Pref.
'Central Elec. Snp. Co.4?r Gaar.Db.Stock
Charing Cross (W.End & City)El.Sup. Co.
Do. 4i per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red. j
Do. CitT Undertaking HZ Cm. Pre(.
Chelsea Electric Snpplv Ord
Diy. 4i per Cent. Deli. Stock (red.') ".!.
City of London Electric Lighting Ord...
Do. 8 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. B per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Do. H per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stockfred.)
Connlyof Durham Elec. P.D. Ord
Do. 5 per Cent, non Cum. Pref. ,
County of London Elec. Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref
Do. 41% Deb. Stock (red.) !
Do. Second Deb. .Stock
Folkestone Electricity Supply Co. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J Ist Deb. Stock (red)
Hove Electric Lighting Ord
Kensington & Knightabridge Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Ist Pref.
„ , Do. 4 per Cent. Deb, Stock (red.)
St. iX I Kensingtn. & Kngtbg. Co. & Netting Hill
' Co. (Joint Station) 1% Deb. Stock (red.)
Kent Elec. Power Co
London Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. !!
4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb
politan Electric Sup. Ord
DO. 4i per Cent. Cnm. Pref.
Do. liperCent. Deb. Stock 1st Mort,
Do. SiperCent. Mrt. Deb. Slock(red.)
Midland Elec. Corp.forP.D.latMort.Db,
Newcastle & Diet, Elec. Ltg. Ord.
Do. 4* per Cent. Deb
Newcastle Elec. Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, non Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. red. 1907.
Northern Counties Elec. Sap
Do. 4J per Cent. Deb
Notting Hill Electric Ord
Oxford Electric Ord
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Bt. James' & Pall Mall Elec. Ord
Do. 7 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 3* per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
Smithtield Markets Electric Sap. Ord...
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
South london Electric Supply Ord
South Metrop'n Elec. Lt. & Power Ord.
Do. 7 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
44 1st Db. Stk. Red
Electric Supply Ord
6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4* per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb !!!
Westminster Eleo. Sup. Ord. ...
Do. H per Cent. Cum. Pref.
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS & TRAMWAYS,
Baker St. 4 Waterloo iX Perp. Db. St
Bath Elec. Trams Pref. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4) 1st Mort. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
B'ham & Midland Trams 4) 1st Db. Stk.
Bristol Tramways & Carriage Ord.
Do. Cum. Pref. (fully paid) .'.'.'.'.'.'. 8}— 9
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs [ S7 -S9
British Electric Traction Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. B per Cent. Perpetual Dobs.
4 J per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock
est.
6 12
4 l»
5 16
4 6 6
5 13 0
4 12 0
St. 4%
St. HZ
St.' -•-
too
4X
100 HZ
6
8%
b
6%
100
*z
1
r/.
100
HZ
10
6/0
h
v;«
St.
*\
5
6.1)
6
•m
St.
HX
6
St.
iX
b
4/0
1
0/6
1
O.Sif
St.
iiZ
b
5
2/B
2,'fi
8s - »;■
K -gj
98 -101
4}- 4 3
■iir-4i
97 -99
H-u
4 — 4J
101 -104
lOJ - 106
12J -13
123 —126
101 —103
25-3
3i-:il
S5-9i
lOJ-llJ
10" — llu
97 -ICO
ii-H
6 -6J
97 —100
H-n
6 -ej
04 -97
t? -mo 4 0 0
86 —90 6 0 0
IJ-li 6 7 0
4J-.';i 6 II 9
' Mar, Bept,
Feb, Ang
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
April, Oct , .
May, Not |
March S
Mar, Sent 7
June, Deo 9.i
Feb, Aug I 4
Feb, Ang 4
Jan, July |
Jan, July | i
March .. i 4
June, Dec
Feb, Aug I 10
Jan, July | 12]
June, Dec
Jan, July 102
April, Oct
April, Oct
Feb, Ang 8i
Mar, Sept Wj
Jnn, July 9i-
May, Not • ,
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Feb. Aug
April, Oct , ^
Feb, Ang I 8
Jan, JoJy j >.
lOi
lo;i
April, Oct |100
Jan, July
Star, Sept H
Mar, Sept 4;
Jan, July ;;
April. Oct 6j
■ . July
Urba:
St., H%\
St.' 4%
1
St.
0/6
HZ
St.
HX
Ill
•iX
10
iX
St.
iX
10
10
3/0
St.
bZ
St.
HX
St.
■il
St.
iX
St
27
101)
iX
St.
i-i
6
2/6
100
i^
St.
IhX
H
St.
f>X
bX
St.
bX
iX
10
t/u
10
6/0
42-5
li-1-4
6i-6J
es —72
2g-3
-i-J
Ij-.-l/-
luj— 1U3
8-1
]g-2
SO —83
SJ-91
5i-6J
92-
!i— li'u
3j-4i
91 —9a
, , 73 — 7S
Central London Ordinary Stock .. i 61 —(6
Do. 4 pel
Do. Dele
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs t 101 —101
CharingX.EusloniHmpstdPer.Db.Stk.l Si —ii
City of Birmingham Trams. 5°<:Cm.Pref. 4i-4j
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Murt. Dobs l 96-100
City ft South London Ely. Con. Ord. . 33J -Sli
Do. 6 per Cent. Perp. Pret (1891) ... 112 —114
Do. (1890) 1'9— 111
Do. (190!) I 107 -109
Oo. (1903) lOJ — 102
Do. 4 per Cent, Perpetual Debs 99 —101 ;
Dublin United Trams. Ord I 111-12}
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. I 13—14 ,
HO 4 2 0 June, Dec lOli
12i
5 110
6 13 0
6 13 0
5 14 0
6 4 0
6 0 0
4 116
4 13 0
3 17 0
8 17 0
4 11 0
5 6 0
n, July
.Tune, Dec
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Ang
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Mar, Ane
Jan, July
March ..
March . .
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb ....
Feb, Aug I
April-...
Feb.'ing
April, Oct
April, Oct
April, Oct
April, Oct
Mar, Sept i
Jan, July
Jan, July
April
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb,"Aag
June, Deo
Feb, Aag
April, Oct
May, i\or
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb ....
Jan, July 103J :103
66 I Sig
4 Ii)
4 11
4 18
3 19
lO! 0/9
I City Rly. Pref. Ord.(4%l
I.Piccadilly & BromptonOrd.
i-8J
St. I 4% ' Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock DJ -91 4 5 0
6
4/0
St.
HX
10
n
H
6/.
St.
H-i
6
13
St.
4/„
10
6/0
St.
b*
10
10
bX
n
1(1
6/0
St.
u
it.
1
1
1
St.
0/8
HX
!2!^f!;i!:iWioilcnDletri^
-""J". rartly eleotrioe', t Minus 3 days t Mia-/ J days,
hX
"-iX
iiX
HZ
Hastings ii Dist, Elec. Trams. 6^ Cm. Pf
Do. 4i Lb. St
t Imperial Tramways Ord.
;Do. eperCeut. I'ref. ..
:Do. 4J per Cent. Uebs.
tl. of Thanet B. T. & Lt. S per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4 percent. Dab. Stuck
Lanarkshire Tramways
Lanes. Utd. Trams 6 ; Prior Lien Db. St.
LiTerpool Overhead Railway Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref
Do. 4 per (^ent. Deb
London United Trams. hX, Cum. Pref. ...
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb. Stock
Mersey Con. Ord. Stock
Do. 8 per Cent. Perp. Pref.
Metropolitan Klec. Tramways Ord
Do. De/erred
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4) per Ceut. Deb. Stock
Metropoli'tau Railway Consolidated
Do. Surplus Lands Stocks
Do. 3J per Cent. Preference
Do. 8i per Cent. " A " Preference
Do, si pe- Cent. CouTerllble Pref,
Do. 8^ per Cent. Debenture Stock
Do. 3t per Cent. "A" Ditto
4 Ij 0
9 14 0
6 14 0
4 18 U
■n- -
8S —32
8J-81
8J-li
9j -9i
i-l| I ••
66 -tl ' 8 11 0
93— 1 1 6 0 0
93 —95 S 6 6
15 -Ji ..
6-5} ,930
81 -84 4 13 0
H-bh 9 2 0
C7 — i:! 6 11 0
1-2
l-i 5 14 0
91 —93 I 4 17 9
35 -36 17 0
87 —89 4 0 0
85 —87 ! 1 0 6
78 —79 I 4 8 6
74 —77 i 4 11 0
91 —93 I 3 15 3
89 —91 3 17 0
Jan, July
April, Oct
April, Oct
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
May, Not
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan. July
Mar, .Selit ■
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
Jao, July
Jan, July ,
Jan, July
Feb, Aug.
April.. .
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
Feb, Aug '
Feb, Aug
Jan, July '
" n, July
tU I 67i
3li 31
931
gei i 91]
• Id otioalsting the yield allowanoa h*a been made for scorned interest but not for redempti' n
t Bx Diyidend. : The London Stx>ck Exchange Committe? have declined to quote these
i,ouaii)i!<u '.
El.lilCTI^IC-AJL. COIMFAP^IES' SHAJRE LIST — Continued.
II/A6I
Dm-
mmD
NAMB.
Price 1 RATB X \ DmMND i B™ihbss g Labti
Wed., Yrau). ""^p"!"" WEEK TO g Drpi.
Deo. Z. : ID. I """^' I !"■'■ ' I " fEHDl
Price
Wed.,
Dec. 2.
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS & TRAMWAYS-
M .Toimlitnii Dislrlct Hailway Ord
Uo. Kxt.nRi,.nl>icr. (.'. liPi-Ceiit.)
Do. Afscr.lea T.\>. Prof. (Int. Guar, bv
Und. Elen. BIyp. r,). of London, Ltd!)!
Do. 8 I'd- Cent. f'nliHoltd. Rent-charpei
Do. 4 jier Cent. Midland Eent-cbarge, 100
Do. Guar. Stork 4 per Cent
Do. 6 ppr Cent. P.-rp. Deb. Stock
Do. 4 per Cent. Ditto
New fien. Tmct. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Potteries Electric Traction Ord.
V'O, 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. ... .
Do. 4* per Cent. Deb. Stock .
B. Mel. Elec. Trams. 4 Ltg. 6% Cm. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock ....
Sunderland Dist. Eleo.Trms.fiXlstMt.Db.
FndereronndE.Rvn.Lon.6Y Inc'm bonds
Do. .')Y Prior Lien Bonds
Do. 4*' Ponds ,
YorkehTre (W.K.) Elec. Trama. Ord. ...
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4.JrerCent. l9t Debs
ELECTRIC. MANUFACTURINC, Ac.
Bt. 4J%
St., 4J%
0/9'!
"in
4 J/.
4*%
6/. ;
lU/0
Electricity Meter Ord.
Do. 6% Cum. Pf. (ex on a/o arrears)...
Babcock & Wilcoi Ord
Do. Prof.
British Insulated & Helsby Cables Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4i per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.)
Briti9hThom8'n-Housfn4J%lstMt.Db.
British Westinghonse 6 per Cent. Pref...
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock
Brush Electrical EuRineering
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. non-Cum
Do. 4i per Cent. Perp. 1st Deb. Stock
Do. Perpetual 2ud Deb. Stock
Callender's Cable Con. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref
Do. ii per Cent. 1st Mort Debs, (red.)
tCastner.Kellner Alkali Co
Do. 4i per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb. (red.).
Chadburn's (Ship) Telegraph Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Gum. Pref.
Consolidated Electrical Co
Consolidated Signal Co
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
•Cromplon & Co. (Noa. 1 to 86,000)
Do. 6 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs. (red.).
Davis & Timmins
Dick, Kerr & Co. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock
Ediaon & Swan United ("A"8h.)(£3pd.)
Do, (£6 paid)
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stook(rd.)
Do. 6 per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock
Edmnndson's Elec. Corp. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Dc. H per cent. Ist Mort. Deb. (red.)
Electric Construction Co
Dd. 7 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Perp. 1st Mort. Jebs.
General Electric (lOUO) 6% Cum. Pref....
I'o. 4 per Cent, lit Mort. Debs
II en ley's Telegraph Works Ord
Do. 4i per Cent. Pref.
1 1(0. 4 j per Cent, let Mort. Deb. Stock
li dia Rubber, Gut. Per. , 4c.,Wrk8
Uo. 4 percent. Debs, (red.)
>Htiouul Eleo. Construction Co
h iebardsocs, Weslgarth & Co., Ltd. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. ...
I o. 4JperCcnt, Perp. Deb. Stock ...
f implex Conduits Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Telegraph Construction & Maintenance
Do. 4 per Cent Deb. Bonds (1909) ...
Vickers, Sons & Ma.'tim. Ltd., Ord
Do. b per Cent. non.Cum. Preference
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Preferred
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Db. Sk. (red)
t Do. 4i per Cent. 2nd Mort. Deb. (red.)
Do. 5 per Cent. 3rd Mort. Debs Scrip.
■ O.White & Co. 6 4 Cm. Pref.
Continued.
I2J— 18
i-4
73 -76
84 —87
£ >.
d.
-
3 19
0
H IK
(1
8 18
(>
8 «
it
4 15
II
4 16
0
li -eg
104 —107
91 —96
3-S
10 -46
68 -73
49—63
Hi -10 J
6i-6J
i07J-109J
14-18
103 —107
iK-ij
98 — lul
i-H
liV— l-vs
101 -104
lj_2i
76 -.79
86 —89
1-14
66 — iu
6a-7i
84 -88
11 —12
5 -6i
105 —107
168-171
b7 -99
l-l
6 18
0
5 3
0
7 12*
i 18
3 16
7 10
4 14
4 4
i 14
0
3
0
6
0
0
0
Feb, Aug
.Ian, .luly
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
May ....
April, Cot
Feb, Aug
May, Not
Fob, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
June, Deo
Jan, July
7 1)6
5 13 0
7 10 0
6 14 0
6 18 0
4 U 0
April, Oct
April, Oct
JulyiFeb
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
March ..
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
0 Jan, July
Nov, May
May, J*07
Feb. Aug
March . .
April, Oct
August ...
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, JtUy
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Sept
Sept
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
June, Deo
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
May, Nov
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July
June, Deo
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
AprU, Oct
April
Willaus & Robinson Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
I Do 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs
TEIEGRIIPHS.
Amazon Telegraph
Do. 5 per Cent. Debs. (red.|
Anglo-Aniencau
1)0. Preferred
Do. Deferred
Commercial Cable 4 per Cent. Deb. Stk
Cuba Submarine Ord ,
Do. Preference 10 per Cent
Direct Spanish Ord ,
Do. 10 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4i per Cent. Deb
Direct United States Cuble
Direct West India C8ble4J% Rg. Db. (rd.)
Eastern Ordnmry
Do. 3J per Cent. Pref. Stock
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stk. (red.)
Eastern Extension
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Eastern & S. African 4 '< Mort. Deb. 1909
Do. 4% Mauritius Sub. Debs, (red.)
G.N. (01 Copenhagen), wl'.h Coupon 74 '
llabfBi&Bermuda4ii; IstMt. Db.( red.ji
Indo-European
Mackav Companies Common
Do. Preference '
Marconi's Wireless Teleg. Co
Pacific & Europe'n Tel.4 jOnar.Db«.(red.)
West Coast ol America
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs [
West India &, Panama
tDo. 6 per Cent. Ist Prc£ Z
Do. O'o 2nd Pref ex on ;i c <•! arrears
0/, I Do. 6 per Cent. Debs , ,,,,. ,„,
6/0 tWest.rn'ielegraph .i. i'. r: ^l^t^
V; \ '^^iJ^vlT^-?'^- S^'o-^Mred.) ,KS?
»/o 1 "estcrn limou lelegh. 5l,UU0 4 4 Bondi
In calculating the yields allowauca has been
101J-103J; 3 16
U-iU I 7 ir
1-1* : 4 9
U3 -106
104 -106
8 -9
7 1 0
6 16 6
6 16 0
6 11 0
00
26
00
00
12/6
«t
»1
1
00
2J
Oil
4%
1/3
10
10
t/0
l-'fO
21 -3i
90 — 9d
68 —61
102 —103
17 -ITJ
87 —89
74-8*
16i_lJl
3 — 3J
100%— 103%
13 — 13j I B 0 0
101 —103 I 4 7 C
129 —134 6 4 9
83J— 861 I 4 2 0
103)— lUSi 3 16 6
11* -12 6 16 6
101'— 103 3 17 9
100-102 ' 8 18 0
99i-lUl{ 3 IS 6
id —32 ,650
Mar, July
Jan, July
Apr, Oct
Apr, Oct
May, Noi
J-8
01 —103
IJ-IJ
01 — 1U3
4-6
lUlj— lu3J
3 17 6
4 3 0
3 17 6
3 17
bth
13 1 J 130
Sj« I 834
IWJ lubj
J nne, Dec
June, Dec
F,My,Ag,N
5 17 6 I F,My,Ag,lJ'l'.'3g to2
6 16 6 F,My,Ag,N '" ' "
4 10 0 Jn,Ap,Jy,0
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Ja, Ap,Jy,0
June, Dec
Ja,My,.IyO
Ja,.\ly,JyO
May, Nov
j8,Ap,Jy,0
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
May, Nov
Jan, July
June, Dec
May, Nov
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
April ....
June, Deo
May ....
Jan, July
May, Nov
May, Nov
May, Nov
Jan, July
Mr,Jn,0,D
June, Dec
6ei
sci
i! 0/7 J
• 0/7i
iX
iiX
6/0
2/6
TELEPHONES.
Amer. Telephn. & Telegh. Cap. St
Do. CoU. Trust 81,0004 per Cent. Bds
Anglo-Portug'se TeL 6% ist Mt.Db. Stk.
Chili Telephone
Monte VicJeo Telephone Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
National Co. Pref. Stock
Do. Def. Stock
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. let Pref.
Do. B per Cent. Ci
Do. 6 per Cent.
•Do. ~ ■ " ■
Do
132 -135
94 —96
109 —102
8 —84
-1
£ 8. d.
6 IS 6
4 3 0
4 18 0
4 14 0
6 0 0
i bubisess
Week to
Dec. 2.
51- 3!
lOSJ-llOj 6 8
iiei-usj 6 1
lOi— Hi 5 6
2nd Pref. lOj-Hi
i-Cum. 3rd Pref. ... ' 6,'c— 6 ft
Deb. Stock SJ per Cent, (red.) ... 08-100
4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) 101 — 1«3
4 10 6
3 10 0
8 18 0
5 16 3
4 16 0
6
8/0
6
b/0
Rt.
^Z
St.
bX
(V
2/6
B
2/6
St.
ihX
St.
n
Kt
8(» II
St,
6%
40
m
100
m
St.
6%
6
6
2/6
I0(
64%
KHI
6%
St.
6%
St.
6%
OrienUl \\~\\
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. IJ- U
Do 4 per Cent. Red. Deb. Stock 90-92 4 7 0
Telephone Co. of Egypt 4J5JDb.Stk.(red.) luoj-102i 4 8 0
United River Plate 88-74 6 16 0
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. 6 —64
Do. 44Deb. St. Red 104—108
4 U
FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, &C.
Eleo. & Gen. Investment 6% Ctun, Pr
Globe Telegraph ii Trust
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Submarine Cables Trust (Cert.)
34-4
I'jj-itS
Id —134
6
1/3
st.i 44
it
100
6^
1
6%
1
100
6%
6
n
6
1/0
1IK)
0/V»
St.
6%
St.
i%
b?o
100
»l
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRIC
RAILWAYS, TRAMWAYS, Ac.
Anglo-Argentine 6% Cum. Ist Pref ' 6J-E8
Do. 10% Non-cum. 2nd Pref. I ii—H
Do. Permanent 6% Deb. Stock 143-148
Auckland Eleo. Trams. 6% Deb. (red.)... 102—106
Brisbane Electric Trams. Invest. Ord.... 4| — 4J
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. '!i— 6,'.:
Do. 44 per Cent. Db. PrOT. Certs '"
British Columbia El.Ry.Df. Ord
Do. Pref. Ord. Stock
Do. 6% Cum. Perp. Pref. Stock
Do. 44 per Cent, ist Mort. Debs
Do. Vancouver Power Debs
Do. 4J% Perp Con. Deb. St
Buenos Ayres Eleo. Trams (1901) Ltd.
Deb. St
Buenos Ayres Grand National Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 64 per Cent. Pref. Debs
Uc. 6 per Cent. Ist Deb, Bonds
Bnsnos Ayres Lacroze Trains 1st Mt. Db.
Buenos Ayres Port ,t City Tram. Ist Mt.
Deb. Stock £75 Paid
Calcutta Tramways (1 to 137,610)
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4j% Ist Deb. Stock (red.)
Cape Electric Tram Shares
City ol Buenos Ayres Trams Co. (1904)Sh.
Do 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Colombo I'r. 4 Ltg. 5% 1st Mt. Db.
tElectiic Traction Co. of Hong Koug B
per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
Havana Elec. Ry. Con. Mt. 6% $1,000 60
year Coup. Bds
Kalgoorlie Klec. Trams Sh
Do. 6 per Cent. " A " Deb. Stock ...
Do. 6 percent. "B" Ditto
Lisbon Elec. Trams. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. E per Cent. Reg. Mort. Deb.* ...
Madras Elec. Trams. 6% Deb. Stk. ...
Manila Elec. Ry. «1,0U0 Gold Bonds ...
Mexicolrams Uo. Com. St
Do. Gen. Con. Ist Mort. 6% Gold Bds....
Montreal St. Ry. SterHug 44 per Cent.
Debs. (1922) (Nos. 601 Co2,U00)
Perth Elec. Trams Ord
Do. 1st Mt. Db. Stock
Rangoon Elec. Trama & Supply Co. 6%
134 —138 5 16 0
97 -102
H-ii
61 —65
44—6
101 — lod
i-4
64 -■>i
lOU —104
87 —9"
89 -94
bb -8i
6 12 0
i 19 0
4 17 6
139 —141
92j-931% 6 7 0
*4J5
. Pf.
Do. 44% 1st Mort. Deb. Stk
Sao Paulo Tramway, Light & Power Co,
8100 Stock
tDo. 6 per Cent. 1st Mt. $500 Db
Toronto Ry Co. 1st Mt. 44;^ Ster. Bonds
104
1 0/7 J
Bt.' 6%
St. 31
600 b7,
lOU SIJ
1 1/2,
6%
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRICITY
SUPPLY &c.
Adelaide Elec. S'ply Co. 6% Cu.Pr I 6
BombayE.S.4T.6%Cm.Pf. ' lu
Do. 44 P^r Cent. Ueb. Stk.(reJ.) I 94
Calcutta Klec. Supply Ord , 5,
Canadian Gen. Klec. Uo. Com. St
Castner Electrolytic Alkali Co. (of U.S. A.)
Ist Mort. Stl. Debs
Elect. Development Co of Ontario
Elec. Ltg. & Trac. Co. of Aust. 6 per
Cent, Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb Stock
Elec. Supply Co. of Victoria 5 per Cent!
1st Mort. Deb. St 90—93
Indian Elec. Sup. ii Xrac. Co. CoQStn.
Deb. St. Rd
Kalgoorlie Elec. Power & Ltg. tiri ...
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pret. '.!i
Madras E. S. Corp. 6 per Cent. Constn.
Deb. St ! 80 —84
Mexican Blec. Light Co. 6?i 1st Mort.
Uold l<ouds ' 86—87%
MeiicauLt, &Power Co. Com. St. ... ! 76—77
Do. 6,i 1st Mort. Gold Bnds '.'.' bOi-SOJ
Montreal Lt. Ht. & Power Co. Cap. St.... 109 —111
' Plate Electricity Co. Ord 1^^.— 13=',.
109J
65-:
Jan, July
Mar, Bept
August . .
Nov
May, Nov
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug 1175
Feb, Aug ' ..
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
June, Deo '
Jan, July I
April, Oct
April, Oct I
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
June, Dec
Jan, July I
Jan, Jnly 1 . .
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April, Oct
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May .... I *i:
May, Nov' •••
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Mar, Sept '^^4
May, Nov ,118,
Jan, July "8 J
April, Oct I •"
Jan, iTuly
103 J
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug !
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
F,My,A,N
June, Dec
May, Nov
June, Dec
Feb, Aug
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Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July I
Jan, July
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
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Jan, July
1674 -1694i 5 12 0
June, Dec '*'^
Feb, Aug ••
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6 13 6 1 April, Oct
Jan, July
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Feb, Aug
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April, Oct
6 per Cent. non-Cum, Pref
made tor accrued Interest but not for radempttOD t Bx dividend.
6 13 0
4 17 0
6J — 6i 6 13 0
60 —82 • 4 17 6 - I - -
103 —106%! 4 16 6 , Jan, July llOlj IW
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X The London Stook Exchange Committee have declined to quote these
*. Co. 6% Pref. (l-20,o6u)'.'.'.;!!
Shavnnigan Water fii Power Co. Cap. St.
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Victoria Falls Power Co. Pref
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April ....
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I
THE ELECTRICIAN:
THE OLDEST WEEKLY ILLUSTRATES JOURNAL OF
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND FINANCE
ESTABLISHED, First Series (Weekly), 1861; Second Series (Weekly), 1878.
No. 1,595. [vSHili..]
FRIDAY, DECEMBER ii, 1908.
Price Sixpence %l°^-
Abrcad 9d., or 18 centa, or 90c., or SQp/,
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.
" THE ELECTRICIAN will be published on Thursday in Christ-
mas weeli instead of on Friday, and all Editorial communications
intended for that issue must reach the Editor not later than first post
TUESDAY, December 22nd.
All new Advertisements and alterations to running Advertisements
should be received by MONDAY, December 21st. Open Contracts and
other Official Announcements, Auctions and small advertisements can
be accepted up to 2 p.m., WEDNESDAY, December 23rd.
CONTENTS OF THE CURRENT NUMBER.
Notes 329
Arrangements for the Week 331
Accounts of the London Tube
Railways 332
Output and Economy Limits
of Dynamo-electric Machin-
ery. By J. C. Macfarlane
and H. Burfje. Illustrated 334
Electric Traction on Railways.
X. — Electric Locomotives.
By Philip Dawson. lUus.
Continued 338
The Use of a Phase-shitting
Transformer for Wattmeter
and Supply Meter Testing.
By C- V. Drysdale, D.Sc.
Illustrated 341
The Discharge of Electricity
from Glowing Bodies. By-
Prof. E. Rutherford, F.R.S, 343
Electric Driving of Machine
Tools. By A. (i. Seaman.. 344
Lighting of Public and other
Libraries 345
THKUNI)EKGRODNr)R.\IL\VAVS
(IK London 346
Reviews 347
Standard Polyphase Appa-
ratus and Systems
[Oudin] ; Popular Fal-
lacies [Aclcermann] ; Ur.
J. Trick's Phy.sikalische
Technik [Lehmann] ; Die
Elektrische Wellentele-
graphie [Arendt].
Transformers : SonieTheoreti-
cal and Practical Considera-
tions. By A. P. M. Fleming
and K. "M. Faye- Hansen.
Illustrated 349
Municipal Tramways A^-ll-
ciation's Report on Brakus
for Tramcars. Illustrated 348
Correspondence 352
The Influence of Atmos
plieric Humidity on Elec-
trical Resistances (Dr.
St. Lindeck).
Comparisons of the Elec-
trical Industry in this
Countr\- and Abroail
(Kurt Perlewitz).
The Position of the Elec-
trical In lustry (Wm. L.
Madgen).
Tariffs and Value (Ed. W.
Cowan).
Glasgow Local Section —
Inaugural Address(W.W.
Lackie, A. M. Taylor).
Superimjjosed Telephones
for Railways (Charles
Isaac).
The Electrical Industry and
Taxation ." 352
Recent Improvements in
Geipel's Steam Trap. Illus-
trated 355
Patent Econoraiser Air E.\-
cluder. Illustrated 356
Legal Intelligence 357
Municipal, Foreign & General
Notes 357
Trade Notes and Notices 361
Companies' Meetings and
Reports 363
New Companies, &c 364
City Notes 364
Companies' Share List 365
NOTES.
The Electrical Industry.
Mr. W. M. jMokuey's presidential address to the Insti-
tution of Electrical Engineers has given rise to a good deal
of discus.sion from two points of view. In our present
issue we publish a letter from Mr. Peklewitz, in which the
liasis taken by Mr. Mordey in his comparison between
this country and Germany is criticised. It is pointed out
that in Germany there are a large number of works which
are practically private stations, but which supply elec-
tricity as a sort of by-product to surrounding neighbour-
hoods. This seems to be an essentially German feature.
Of course, if these stations, which differ materially from
undertakings having statutory uiiligations, are taken into
account, they make a substantial difference to the figures.
Further, Mr. Perlewitz states that theie are numerous
private generating stations with plant amounting in the
aggregate to 6,000,000 kw. If, in addition, accumulators
are taken into account, the total figure becomes very
large. Undoubtedly a very comprehensive basis is obtained
if private stations are included, but, on the other hand,
there is great difficulty in obtaining any reliable figures
for such a purpose. It is scarcely necessary to point out
that the more costly the public supply the greater induce-
ment is there for private plant to be used, and probably
this is the reason why there is so much private plant in
Germany. If accumulators are included, the totiil may be
raised very materially, but we doubt if this is a very
satisfactory method to follow ; the point arises at once as
to what basis should be used for rating the accumulators,
apart from the fact that they do not generate energy.
The other point of view on which discussion has arisen is
that ofthe prosperity ofthe electrical industry. In our present
issue there will be found a letter from Mr. W. L. Madgen-
on this subject. It is natural enough, no doubt, that such
questions should be brought up, but we fail to see that
they have any connection with Mr. Mordev's address.
AMiat Mr. Moedey aimed at proving was that the engi-
neering work in this country was as good as in other
countries, that electrical energy was used more largely and
was supplied more cheaply. His figures, we think, are
enough to show that the United Kingdom is not behind
other countries " in respect of practical application to the
industrial and social reciuirements of the nation." From
such a point of view low price is most important, and it is
here that we have the advantage. This, however, has nothing
to do with the present state of the manufacturing in-
dustry. Everyone who is connected in any way with
the electrical manufacturing industry at the present
time knows that, with few exceptions, this industry is
in a very unsatisfactory position. As to the causes of
the trouble, authorities appear to difier, and although dis-
cussion on this subject is certainly desirable, we think it
should be differentiated from the very dissimilar subject
dealt with by Mr. Mordey in his Presidential Address.
aao
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 11, 1908.
The Reports on Brakes.
A MKKE si;laiice through the Keport, just issued by the
Municipal Tramways Association, on ?>rakes for Tranicars
renders evident the duplication of work carried out
by tlie Special Committee of this Association and that
of the Tramways and Light Eailways Association, the
report of which was issued a few weeks ago. Indeed, we
believe that these reports have suffered to no little extent
liy tlieir independent publication and by the unfortunate
" explanations " which have resulted. We hope, however,
that the P.oard of Trade will be able, after further consul-
tation with representatives of the two Associations, to
arrive at a definite decision as to what steps shall be
talcen to render tramway accidents less frequent in the
future. The information contained in the two reports
is certainly very valuable, and they are both likely to
prove of historic interest.
As will be seen from our abstract of the second Jleport
elsewhere in this issue, the Committee consider that the
brake problem is bound up with (1) the unrelialjility of the
human element, and (2) greasy rails. The importance of
the former of these factors was also brought prominently
forward in the Tramways and Light liailways Association's
Report, and it is evident that more attention will have to
be paid to the choosing, training and supervision of the
employes. In this connection it is interesting to notice
that the Municipal Tramways Committee believe that
careless Ineaking or ignoring of important regulations
is the most common cause of accidents on gradients.
The personal element can never be entirely eliminated ;
but by having a brake which can be applied
effectively and safely on the rear platform by the con-
ductor, who should be acquainted with the com-
pulsory stops and regulations, greater security would be
obtained. The Committee recommend simplification of
the braking appaiatus, and suggest only one brake per
vehicle as the ideal, such 1 irake to be automatically applied
in the event of failure in the ordinary method of applica-
tion. We doubt if this view will be generally endorsed.
Such a brake is not likely to be realised at present, and the
Committee do not indicate whether the solution is likely
to lie found by the use of pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical
or other means. They state, however, that the brake
problem resolves itself largely into a question of track
cleaning, and consequently track brakes are suggested, at
any rate for steep gradients. The opinion is definitely ex-
pressed in fa\our of cast iron rather than wood ibr track
shoes, and an illustration is given of the type of shoe sug-
gested. The greater part of the report may be considered
as supporting the conclusions formed by the other Com-
mittee, and it is to lie hoped that, where both are agreed, as,
for example, in providing ruu-back preventers on all cars
operating on steep gradients, no delay will occur in the
carrying out of the suggesti( ms.
Birmingham and Gas Engines.
The Corporation electricity supply area in Birmingham
is served by one large and two smaller power-houses
equipped with modern steam plant. The question of
electric power supply has been dealt with in a manner
tilting the industrial character of the district, and the ser-
vice given has proved so satisfactory that there is a pros-
pect of liberal extensions to the generating plant being
necessary in the not very distant future. The consumers
already include some of the largest rolling mills in the
district, and we understand that loads of this character are
on the increase. The city electrical engineer, Mr. E. A.
Chattock, is considering the question of power plant ex-
tension so as to be in a position to meet all possible con-
tingencies arising from the new class of supply. It is a
matter of considerable interest that he has asked recently
for tenders for gas engines of a minimum capacity of
0,000 kw. This does not necessarily mean that he will
immediately commit his undertaking to the care of
gas-driven plant, but we may assume that Mr. Chattock
is anxious to have practical figures, drawn from what we
may call competitive sources, wherewith to arrive at a
definite conclusion regarding the suitability of gas plant for
this purpose. Mr. Chattock recently formed one of a
party of British engineers who visited Germany under the
guidance of Mr. Leonard Andrews, with the express
object of seeing what was actually being done in that
country in the development of the large gas engine. We
feel that Mr. Chattock is exceptionally well placed for
using large gas engines, and we shall be interested to see
what his ultimate decision is in regard" to their application
to the electric power service of the Birmingham Cor-
poration, and whether he favours their use for peak loads
or for contniuous service.
Revocation of Patents.
It is interesting to note that the new Patents Act, in
regard to the working of foreign patents in this country,
is not a dead letter. The Comptroller yesterday made
pulilic his decision to revoke Patents Nos. 6,455 (1900) and
22,139 (1900), granted to Ludwig Hatschek, on the ground
that they are not lieing worked in the United Kingdom.
It was contended by the patentees that they had adver-
tised and had written to manufacturers, but that the adver-
tisements brought no replies. The Comptroller, however,
held that sucli eflbrts were not sufficient to meet the
requirements of the Act.
British Science Guild. — The annual meeting of this Society
will be held on Friday, January 22, 1909, by kind permission
of the Lord Mayor of London, at the Mansion House. Mr.
R. B. Haldane, President of the Guild, will be among the
speakers.
Faraday Society. — The opening meeting of this Society's
session will be held od Tuesday next in the library of the
Institution of Electrical Engineers at 92, Victoria-street. The
Papers down for reading are given under " Arrangements for
the Week."
New Alpine Railway.— The "Elektrotechnik und Maschi-
nenbau " gives some details of an important new Alpine rail-
way. This railway, which will be electrically-driven through-
out its length, will connect Grisons with east Lombardy. It
will run through the pass of Poschiavo to Tirano, and then, fia
Edolo, to Brescia. The lino from Brescia to EJolo is already
being built, while tenders for the length from Edolo to Tirano
are invited. The biulding of this line will greatly shorten the
route between Zurich and Venice.
Cable Interruptions and Repairs.
Date of Intenu ption Date of Repair.
Pontianali — Saigon Sep. 16, 1908 ... —
Kotonou— Grand Bassam ... Oct. 29, 1908 ... Dec. 5, 1908
Dakar— Conakry Nov. 8, 1908 ... —
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 11, 1908.
331
Nobel Prizes. — The Nobel Prize committees have decided to
award the prize in chemistry this year to Prof. Ernest Kuther-
ford, F.R.S., of Manchester University, and the prize in physics
to Prof. G. Lippmann, of Paris.
Royal Society. — Among the Papers read yesterday afternoon
were the following : — " On the Specific Heats of Air and COj
at Atmospheric Pressure by the Continuous Electric Method
at 20 C. and 100°C.," by Mr. W. F. G. Swann; "Potential
Gradient in Glow Discharges from a Point to a Plane," by
Mr. J. W. Bispham ; "Results of Magnetic Observations
at Stations on the Coasts of the British Isles, 1907," by Com-
mander L. Chetwynd, R.N. ; " The Rotation of the Electric
Arc in a Radial Magnetic Field," by Mr. J. Nicol, and " A
Comparison of the Radium Emanation Spectra obtained by
Different Observers," by Mr. T. Royds.
Large Electric Goods Locomotive. — The " Elektrische
Kraftbetriebe und Bahnen " describes an electric locomotive
now being used for goods work by the Brooklyn Rapid Transit
Co. It is fitted with two trolley arms, which are designed for
working with heavy currents. Four motors, each having a
capacity of 600 h.p., are provided. The driving wheels are
3 ft. 1| in. in diameter, and the gauge is slightly wider than
standard. The total length of the locomotive is 31 ft., the height
13 ft. and the weight 57 tons. It is built entirely of steel and
is provided with Gould couplings. The control is on the
multiple unit system. This engine is designed to draw heavy
trains at a speed of ISJ miles per hour.
Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders in Scotland.
On Tuesday last this Institution held a " house warming "
at their new buildings in Elmbank-crescent, Glasgow. About
500 members and friends attended, and were received by the
president (Mr. John Ward) and the vice president (Mr. C. P.
Hogg). At the outset the president made a brief speech, in
which he sketched the development of the Institution since
its foundation 51 years ago, and hoped that the building
would be regarded as a fitting memorial of past work and
workers, and would serve as a symbol of painstaking industry.
The Lord Provost of Gla.sgow (Mr. A MTnnes Shaw) briefly
congratulated the members of the Institution on their new home.
Royal Institution. — As already announced, the Christmas
course of .Juvenile Lectures at this Institution will be delivered
by Prof. W. Stirling, the subject being " The Wheel of Life."
Lecture arrangements before Easter, 11)09, include two
lectures on "Mysteries of Metals," by Prof. .1. 0. Arnold;
two lectures on " Aerial Flight in Theory and Practice," by
Prof. G. H. Bryan, F.R.S., and six lectures on " Properties of
Matter," by Sir J. J. Thomson, F.R.S. The first Friday
evening meeting will be held on January 22nd, when Dr. A. R.
Wallace, F.R.S., will deliver a discourse on " The World of
Life." Succeeding discourses will be delivered by Prof. H. A.
Wilson, F.R.S. , Sir H. Cunynghame, C.B., the Earl of Berkeley,
F.R.S., Mr. S. G. Brown, Prof. R. Threlfall, F.R..S., and Sir
J. J. Thomson, F.R.S.
Civil and Mechanical Engineers' Society. — On Thursday
last, December 3rd, Mr. J. S. Warner read a Paper on " The
Influence of Track upon Railway and Tramway Carriages. '
The author dealt mainly with the " conformity line," which
he defined as the most perfect path a car running on a given
track could follow. In our issue of January 17th last, in con-
nection with the Warner truck, we referred to this " line "
and the principles advocated by Mr. Warner. In his Paper
last week, the author defined a number of other " lines," such
as the momentum line, the velocity line, the rolling line, the
apparent track line, the virtual track line and the chance line.
These he illustrated by a number of diagrams, but the majority
of his hearers did not appear to have fully grasped the author's
ideas or to be acquainted with the Warner truck. We are
pleased to learn that this truck is to be tried on a more exten-
sive scale.
Noisy Trams at Newcastle. — The engineer and manager of
the tnamways (Mr. E. Hattou) has reported to the Council on
the alleged noise maiie by the C'orporation tramcars.
In hi.s report Mr. Hatton state.s that it is ab-solutely impossible to
carry heavy weights on steel-tyreil wheels or any form of metal over
metal rails without making a noise, particularly if the rails are laid in
a very rigid manner. The lines having been laid in this w.a)', it is
essential, on straight lengths where high speeds are employed, to
keep the lines in perfect alignment and to gauge ; and on curves
to prevent both flanges of the wheels on opposite sides of the car from
binding in the groove of the rails. In Newcastle neither of these
criteria are fulfilled. Another source is the corrugation of the rails, of
which there is no satisfactory explanation. Dealing with the noise
caused by the cars themselves Mr. Hatton explains that the teeth of
the steel pinion gearing become worn and as the clearances increase
so the noise increases. It becomes, therefore, a matter of deciding
when the gears are sufficiently worn to be discarded, and cost enters
largely into this question. The trucks of the cars are being over-
hauled as fast as circumstances will permit, and, apart from renewal,
the only means of deadening the sound is by introducing fibre washers
between the metallic surfaces, and also by the introduction of felt where
possible. It is on these lines that Mr. H.atton is now proceeding. The
magnetic brakes, which are suspended from the cars by springs,
create a noise, and until some device can be introduced to operate the
lirake in some other manner Mr. Hatton does not see how that Ciui be
altered without sacrificing efficiency. He suggests that a sub-com-
mittee be formed to go into the matter.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE WEEK.
FRIDAY, December 11th (to-day).
NoHTUAMrTox Institute Exiunebbino Society.
.;.• /J p. /It. Meeting at the Institute, St. John-street, Clerkenwell.
Paper on " Instrument Transformers," by Mr. R. E. Dickinson.
Physical Society.
7 p.m. — 10 p.m. Exhibition of Electrical, Optical and other
Physical Apparatus at the Royal College of Science, Imperial
Institute-road, South Kensington.
Institution of Engineers and Siiipbuildeiis in Scotl.\nd.
S p.m. Meeting at 39, Elmbank-crescent, Glasgow. Paper on
" Standardisation and its Relation to the Trade of the
Country," by Sir J. Wolfe Barry, K.C.B., F.R.S.
SATURDAY, December 12th.
.J I nick Institution of E.ngineeks.
4 p.m. Visit to the Oarage and Shops of the London General
Omnibus Co. at Black Horse-lane, Walthamstow.
Birmingham and District Electric Club.
7 p.m. Fourth Annual Meeting at the Colonnade Hotel, New-
street, Birmingham.
TUESDAY, December 15tli.
Manchester Section of the Institution of Electrical Engineers.
7:.!0 p.m. Meeting in the Physical Laboratory, The L'niver.sity,
Manchester. Paper on " The Electrical Disch.irge .and the
Manufacture of Nitrogen Compounds," by Mr. W. Cramp.
Faraday Soiiety.
.V p.m. Meeting at the Institution of Electrical Engineers, 92, Vic-
toria-street. Papers on " The Redetermination of the Electro-
lytic Potentials of Silver and Thallium," by Dr. F. J. Brislee : on
" The Heats of Combu.stion of Aluminium, Calcium and Mag-
nesium," by Messrs. F. E. Weston and H. R. Ellis ; on " The
Formation of Graphite by the Interaction of Magnesium
Powder and Carbonates," by Mr. H.R.Ellis; and on "Col-
loidal Barium Sulphate," by Dr. E. Feilmann.
WEDNESDAY, December 16th.
Birmingham Section of the Institution of Eleitrh'al Engineers.
7:30 p. m. Meeting in the Mathematics Theatre of the University,
Edmund-street. Paper "On the Use of Transformers as
Choking Coils, and Applications to the Testing of Alter-
nators," by Dr. .1. D. Coates.
Junior Institution of Eni^iNEEB-s.
7:30 p.m. Meeting at the Roval United Service Institution, White-
hall. Paper on " Motor'Omnibuses,' by Mr. E. Boult.
Students' Se<tu>n of the Institution of Elkctrkal Engineebs.
7:45 p.m.. Meeting at 92, Victoria-street. Paper on " Auto-Trans-
formers and Metallic Filament Lamps," by Mr. G. H. Stevens.
THURSDAY, December 17th.
Institution of Electrical Engineers.
5 p.m. Meeting .at the Institution of Civil Engineei-s, Great
Geor"-estreet, Westminster. Paper on "The Electric Dis-
charge and the Production of Nitric Acid," by Messrs. W.
Cramp and B. Hoyle.
FRIDAY, December ISth.
Electro-Harmonic Society.
g p.m. Smoking concert in the King's Hall, Holborn Restaurant.
The Electrical Engineers (London Division).
Col. R. E. B. Crompton, C.B., commanding.
The following orders have been issued for the current week :—
Monday, Dec. 14th, f Infantry drill (Recruits), 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
"A" Company \Technical drill, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 15th, /Technical drill, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
" B " Company \Infantry drill, 8:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Tuesday Dec. 15th... Medical inspection for recruits, 6:30 p.m. to
7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 17th, flnfantry drill (Recruits), 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
" G " Company JTechiiical drill, 7 p.m. to 10 p. m.
Friday, Dec. 18th, (Infantry drill (Recruits), 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
" D" Company \Technicjil drill, 7:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The headquarters will be closed from December 23rd to January
3rd, both dates inclusive.
332
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 11, 1908.
ACCOUNTS OF THE LONDON TUBE RAILWAYS.
In otir issue of November 8, 1907, we analysed the accounts
for the half-year ended June .'50, 1907, of the underground
railways of London. We now give a detailed analysis for the
12 months ended June 30 last, i.e., a period covering two half
yearly reports of the directors, of the same railways, certain
of the figures obtained in the previous analysis, referred to
being also given to facilitate a comparison between the present
and last year's working.
It will b(- noticed that the Charing Cross, Euston k Hamp-
stead tube appears for the first time in the table ; no figures
regarding the working of this line were obtainable a year ago,
since it was only opened for traffic in June, 1907. The
accompanying tables are, therefore, now a complete state-
ment of the operation of London's underground railways,
with the exception of the Waterloo & City tube, the
particulars of the working of which are included in the
London & South Western Railway Co.'s accounts, and not
issued separately ; but this omission is not of serious moment,
as that tube is operated under different conditions to
the otheis, and a comparison might prove misleading. Owing
to the mixed nature of the traffic controlled by the Metro-
politan Eailway, such traffic comprising a large number of
steam-operated trains and an extensive system of goods and
mineral traffic, particulars regarding operating expenses per
car-mile are not easily obtainable, and also would not be on the
same basis as other lines. We have, therefore, in this par-
titular case omitted the columns giving the cost of operation
per car-mile. Also, for reasons to which we refer below, the
analysis of the Metiopolitan District Railway Co.'s accounts is
given separately.
Slight extensions have been made to the routes of some of
the railways, the most important probably being the exten-
sion of the Central London Railway from Uxbridge-road to
Wood-lane, the terminus now being adjacent to the main
entrance to the Franco-British Exhibition which has just closed
its doors. This Exhibition has had, of course, a great effect
on the traffic- on this railway, but it has not appreciably
affected the results for the period covered by the accounts
herewith analysed, since the rush of visitors did not really
begin until the close of the period in question. The effects of
this Exhibition are also likely to be noticeable in the results
oljtained by several of the other luiderground railways, when
we analyse the accounts next year.
As regards the bases for comparing the various items in the
Accounts, wc have again adopted the car-mile and rea.sons for
this procedure will be found elsewhere in this issue. It must
here suffice to draw attention to the fact that allowance should
be made for the different sizes of cars in use on the various
railways, and an approximate comparison is facilitated by the
figures given for the average seating capacity of each car ; but
an accurate comparison is almost impossible, owing to the
number of "strap-hangers" carried at "rush" periods during
the day. Another interesting comparison can be made by cal-
culating the percentage the total expenses bear to the total
receipts.
Turning now to the details of the accounts, it will be seen
that whereas increased working expenses per car-mile, as com-
pared with the results published a year ago, are shown on
several of the lines, a considerable reduction — namely, from
6-201d. to 5-052d. — has been made on the Great Northern,
Piccadilly & Brompton tube, a reduction from G!)2.^d. to
6-30-td. on the " Bakerloo " tube and from 3-392d. to .'5-130d.
on the City & South London Railway. Although the last-
mentioned reduction is small as compared with the two pre-
viously mentioned, it is nevertheless worthy of at least as
much attention, in view of the fact that the line has been
running for so many years and, therefore, has less opportunity
for economies.
Attention may here also be drawn to the results achieved
on the tireat Northern ^V City tube, which, considering the
largo seating capacity of the cars, would appear to take first
place as regards costs per car-mile, the City & South London
ivailway commg second. It will be noticed that these two
tubes, in contrast to the others, show a diminished revenue
per car-mile. In the case of the City k South London tube
this is probably due to the extension of the line to King's
Cross and Euston, the traffic on this section being much
smaller than that on the remainder of the route. In view of
the fact that this section has only been open for traffic for
little more than a year, improved results are likely to be
attained in the future. The diminished traffic on the Great
Northern & City tube is likely to be partly accounted for by
the competition of motor omnibuses and the London
County Council tramways. As regards the greatly increased
traffic on the other tubes, we have on several occasions re-
ferred to this feature, and further reference is here unneces.
sary.
Turning now to the Metropolitan District Railway, since the
cars of the company run on other companies lines, and vice
versa, the results obtained have to be treated in a slightly
different m.inner to those in Table I. We, therefore, give
in Table III. a detailed statement. of co.sts for this line, and the
method of arriving at the various figures given is sufficiently
indicated, so that further explanation is unnecessary. It will be
noticed, however, that whilst several items appear unduly
large, the total working expenses are not greatly in excess of
those on other railways owned by the LTnderground Electric
Railways Company of London.
A noticeable and interesting point is the heavy cost of repairs
and renewals to cars on the District Railway. This item
amounts to 0'640d. per car-mile, as compared with 0'146d. on
the Great Northern & City Railway," and it is rather difficult
to account for the difference. Maintenance and renewals of
the permanent way — namely, 0'563d. per car-mile — is also a.
very heavy item in the accounts of the above-mentioned rail-
way, and it would be interesting to know whether this is
accounted for to any large extent by the rolling stock, since
this item is only 0"0H6d. in the case of the City & South
London tube, in which it will be remembered that electric
locomotives are employed, or whether it is due to greater
acceleration and retardation necessitated by the frequent ser-
vice in vogue on the " District " lines.
It should be noted that in the case of the Bakerloo, the
Great Northern, Piccadilly & Brompton, the Charing Cross,
Euston & Hampstead, and the Metropolitan District lines the
figures given for cost of current include interest and deprecia-
tion on the generating plant expenditure at Chelsea, and are
therefore not comparable with the corresponding figures for
the other railways, which refer to generating works costs only.
Also these figures include units used for the lifts and for light-
ing purposes. We give in Table 11. the main items comprising
the power expenses of those railways which have independent
generating stations, and the figures do not require any
explanation or comment.
Table II. — Locomotive and Generating Expenses for 12 montlts ended
June, 1908.
Salaries, office expenses, &c.
Coal and coke
Water and gas
Oil, tallow, stores, &c
\Vaj;es
Repairs and renewals
Electric current purchased
Miscellaneous
Hire of engines to contractors, &c
\entilation charges
Central
London.
City & S.j Metro-
London.' politan.
£2,003
18,640
76
1,812
16,313
9,753
49,497
"508
G.N. &
City.
£972
9,917
134
1,181 ;
10,842
4,550
i3,098
60,067
1,808
3,464
40,620 i
36,023 !
3,203 I
2,661
£536
6,548
982
292
5,267
2,920
27,596 150,944 16,54*
1,913
Totals £48,989 £27,596 £149,031 £16,545
It will also be seen that " rates and taxes " is an unduly
heavy item, accounting for l-002d. in the case of the Central
London, 0-778d. in that of the "District" railway, and 0-602d.
on the " Bakerloo " tube. These charges seem unnecessarily
large, and would point to the necessity of more lenient treat-
ment on the part of the Commissioners.
THE ELECTEICIAN. DECEMBER 11, 1908.
333
334
THE ELECTKICIAN, DECEMBER 11, 1908.
Table III -Mflfopolitnn Dixtrkt Railway Compimy.
Miles of route constructed and
owned by company '
Capital expenditure (total)
Total No. of cars((!.t. 10 elec.looos.)
Averafje seating capacity
I. Car-mileage by District cars
on District Railway
II. Car-mileage by District cars
on joint and foreign lines
III. Total car-mileage by Dis-
trict cars
XV. Car-mileage by other com-
panies' cars on Dist. railway
V. Total car-mileage on District
Railway
VI. Total car-mileage by District
and foreign cars on District
Railway and by District
cars on joint and foreign
lines
No. of passengers
No. of passengers per car-mile
(based on car-mileage, No. V.)
Maintenance, of Way and Worhs.
Salaries, office expenses and gene-
ral superintendence
Maintenance and renewals of
permanent way
Repairs to signals
Repairs to stations, buildings,
bridges, pumps, &c
Total
Jiepain and lieneiraLt of Hollinq
Slock.
Salaries, office expenses and gene-
ral superintendence
Repairs and renewal of cars
12 months,
■June, 1907-8.
6 months ended
June, 1907.
24-3
£12,144,804
433
52
24-3
£12,084,425
433
52
8,840,549
4,145,408
6,665,427
3,309,545
15,505,976
7,454,953
2,396,712
1,103,121
11,237,261
5,248,529
17,902,688
55,435,318
8,558,074
25,426,825
Total,
12mths.
.Tune,
1907-8.
£
1,072
26,156
8,875
Per Car-mile.
12 mths
June,
1907-8.
6 mths.
ended
June,'07.
d.
0-023
0-563
0-191
2,014 j 0-031
41,346 0-640
Total I 43,360 0-671
Car-
mileage
used as
basi.s.
d.
0-017
0-585
0-261
0-045
0-638
0-683
Electric Train Workiny.
Electric current and generating
expenses (inc. interest on power
house)
Wages of trimmer
Car cleaning, depot expenses and
running stores
138,881
39,002
5,551
1-865
0-604
1-585
0-536
0-086 0-081
'No. V.
[(above)
|No.1II.
No. VI.
'no.III.
Total 183,434
Traffic £.rpe)i.scs.
Salaries and wages
Fuel, light, water & general stores
Clothing _
Printing, stationery, billposting
and tickets
Miscellaneous
Telephone service
Total
Sinidri/ Items.
•General charges
Law charges and Parliamentary
expenses. Government duty ...
Compensation '
Rates and taxes
Joint lines and stations expenses
Total
Total working expenses
Thduvt: Work done for other
companies (£89,824)
less work done by other
comi)anies (£14,555)
Net Working Expenses
Revenue from passenger traffic,
Revenue from sundry receipts ..
28,973 , 0-619 j 0-635
7,415 0-160 0-178
741 0-016 0015
6,270 0-134
104 I 0-002
130 ! 0-003
0-130 ! \ No. V,
0-003 ' I
0-003
43,633 0-934 0-965 J
22,912
1,354
2,892
36,352
8,546
72,056
0-491 0-499
0-029 t 0-038 I
0-062 I 0-030 Ik. ,-
0-778 , 0-865 j ^^^lo- \'
0-183 0-136 '
1-543 ; 1-568
310,898
454,414
37,949
472,563
9-308 ; 9-240
0-812 0-846 I \ No. V.
10120 10-086
161,465 1 3-457 3-508 \j
ODTPDT AND ECONOMY LIMITS OF DYNAMO-
ELECTRIC MACHINERY.*
BY J. C. MACKABLANB AND H. BUKGE.
Summtiry.—ln this Paper the authors consider (a) the factor limiting
the output obtainable from a given core size of a medium-speed dynamo-
f!ectri(! machine ; (6) the present-day practice with regard to this ; and
(r) the directions in which extension of this output limit and economy m
active material mav be expected. In the authors' opmion the best
machine is the one which complies with the specified conditions with the
least weight, size and cost. These advantages can be secured with only
a slight sacrifice in temperature rise in d.c. machines, power factor m
induction motors and regulation in alternators.
Direct Current Machinery.
Since the introduction of the int«rpole the output that can be
obtained from a given core size is no longer governed by the sparking
limit, but depends on the permissible temperature rise. The
output diagrams shown in Figs. 1 and I A are made up by first obtaining
a relation between armature core dimensions and the output.
This is done by considering the usual equation for the E.M.F. induced
in the armature and then introducing the current into both sides
of it Two factors - and pN, are thus obtained, -where Z is the total
c
number of armattire conductors. C the current in amperes, c the
number of paths through the armature winding, p the number of
—
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Fig. 1. — Relations between Outfit Factors and Armature Core
Dimensions for iSmall Square Pole-face D.C. Dynamos.
(Average modern jiractice).
poles and N the total flux per pole crossing the ak-gap. These
factors are called the " total electric " and " total magnetic " load-
ing respectively. They depend on the armatiu-e dimensions, and
the equation can therefore be WTitten
_/60-8xK)^\ x^ts ...
en--
Bxgrxi^ y^R.p.My ■ * *
ivherc q is the electric loading intensity (ampere conductors per inch
of periphery) and V' is the ratio of pole arc to pole pitch. Making
this latter factor equal to 0-7 the relation
B X g= 870 X 10« X :^^ ^dH
R.P.M. ■
(2)
IS obtamed. This result is applied in Figs. 1 and 1 a, where quadrant
1 gives the relation between the output per revolution and the pro-
duct of the magnetic and electric loading intensities (B x q). Quad-
rant 2 gives the relation between the output per revolution and the
size of the armature core (the m). Quadrant 3 gives the relation
between the diameter of the armature and the dH value of the arma-
ture for variousnumbers of poles, on the assumption that the poles
* --Abstract of a PapexTeiidbefoi^thelnstltutTon^oTE^I^tric^Engineers.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 11, 1908.
335
have square faces.* Quadrant 4 gives the relation between the
diameter and length of the machine for any number of poles, and
square pole faces. In making up these diagrams, a large number of
interpole hiachines of modern design were considered, and the dimen-
sion.« of the armature, the ratio of the i)ole arc to the pole pitch, and
the output and speed were tabulated. The output was reduced to
watts per revolution, and to 70 per cent, ratio of pole arc to pole
pitch, and also in direct proportion to the ratio —
core length for square poles
existing core length
The d and I values being known for the corrected square pole outputs,
the corresponding dH values were calculated, and from the above
equation the product of the electric and magnetic loadings deter-
mined. Since the net length of the armature core equals the pole
arc for square pole-faced machines and the assumed ratio of pole
arc to pole pitch is 0'7,
and also (P=(dH) — ?— --.
7rxO-7
from which the core length and diameter for the selected fi^Z values
have been calculated.
\ I These diagrams are useful, for they enable the values of the pro-
duct of the electric and magnetic loading intensities, the d-l value,
and the diameter and length of the armature core of a machine
Fig. 1a. — Relation between Output Factors and Armature Core
Dimensions for Large Square Pole-face D.C. Dynamos.
(Average modern practice.)
having square pole faces, to be obtained at a glance for any selected
value of the output, and for any number of poles. But it is to be
noted that this core size will only be large enough to give the selected
output with a temperature rise not exceeding 75"F., provided the
armature is fairly well ventilated, and provided the sum of the losses
in the armature does not exceed the value obtained from the curves
Figs. 2 and 2a, corresponding to the d-l value found. Conversely, if
a certain core size is given, the output at a certain speed and the per-
missible value of the watts that can be dissipated in the armature in
order to insure not more than 75°F. temperature rise may be obtained.
These two values, as the authors show at length in their Paper, are
derivable from Figs. 1 and 1a and 2 and 2a respectively.
The information necessary to plot Figs. 2 and 2.1. was obtained
from the average test results of a large number of machines of diffe-
rent make, all the results being reduced to 75''^F. temperature rise
and to the speeds given in the diagrams. The armature losses
obtained from these curves are only suitable for open type machines ;
a reduction of approximately 10 per cent, should be allowed if the
machines are of the protected type and well ventilated.
There are tliree directions in which to look for extension of the
output limit of d.c. machines — viz., (1) Improvements in the active
' By a square-pole machine is meant a machine in which the polar
arc is exactly equal to the net length of the armature core— that is,
the length of the core without the ventilating ducts, &c.
materials used in the construction of the armature, (2) improve-
ments in the ventilation, (3) improvements in disposing and pro-
portioning the active materials on the machine. In considering
point (3), the others not being dealt with, the authors show that the
output per revolution per d-l is directly proportional to the product
B X y. This product depends on the value of the slot space factor ;
in fact, for constant los.ses in the armature winding it varies directly
as the square root of this factor. It further depends on the depth
of slot and on the value of the flux density in the teeth, which^is-
limited by considerations of economy in field copper.
yMO 4000 5000 6000
00 SOOO 9000 u»oo
Core 0? LV(lJue5(C<unc»«s(
Fig. 2. — Permissible Kilowatts Loss in Armature. — As a Func-
tion OF THE Core Size for Sjiall Machines.
The total magnetic loading varies, as shown above, inversely as
the total electric loading on the armature for constant output; and
it may be observed that the amount of material in the magnetic
circuit — i.e., the iron and shuntcopper — varies almost directly as this
loading. Also the amount of material in the electric circuit — i.e.,
on the armature and interpole windings — varies approximately in
direct proportion as the electric loading. From the above it is
obvious that there is some value for the ratio of the total magnetic
to the total electric loading which makes the cost of the active
material for any machine a minimum. This minimum occurs'when
the cost of the material in the magnetic circuit is equal to the cost of
the material in the electric circuit.
f -
-
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/
y
-
^^
y
-
vf>
f^„.t
f>
if
y
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k
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-
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f
-
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- 1
I'V
1
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t
^~V ^J
u¥
BO Ml
JOO 301
300 M
oj ..
1)
Fig. 2a. — Permissible Kilowatts Loss in Aemaiuue.— As a Fcsc
TION OF THE CoRE SiZE FOR L.iKOE JIaCHINES.
In Fig. 3 are shomi five curves giving the total costs of the active
material as a function of the ratio of the magnetic to the electric loading
for five machines of different outputs, and different numbers of jjolcs.
These points of minimum cost appear to vary only slightly with the
size and proportions of the macliine, and the number of poles. The
minimum cost in each case occurs when the cost of the material in
the armature winding, plus the cost of the material in the interpole
winding, is equal to the cost of material in the shunt winding, plus
the cost of the effective iron and steel in the magnetic circuit. The
losses in the electric and magnetic circuits were also calculated for
the above five machines, and it was found that not only were the
336
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 11, 1908.
total losses a mitiimum wlien\tlie loss in the electric circuit was
approximately equal to the loss in the magnetic circuit for each
machine, but these minima corresponded very nearly to the corre-
sponding minimum points for cost. The minimum cost point
depends on tlic market i)rices for the material and the curves (Fig. 3)
■were made out for the following prices : Armature iron 348. per cwt..
pole stampings' 22s.f per cwt., effective yoke steel 18s. per cwt.. and
copper Is. per pound over all.
Obviously the total cost of active material will depend on the
number of "poles, but it is very difficult to set down any hard-and-
iast rules as to the best values for the frequency. In the authors'
«l)inion the value 33 should not be exceeded for medium speed
5 ^
7
Vi-
A
^t-
■^ 6(Arii -10 poles
i~
° 1
° 1
\ 1
0 A I
^
\ ^
^^
ll
^^^
^E
1 11
1 1 1
0 u
zo.n-,pol^-
A
Jl^
V.-1 ^
^-\ ^
^ .-^ T"'"
'^i^
"' ^-W
"' 1
--^E
^■^m
and approximately as the square of the density. These results give
the equation
W=±/i-3(V;B,-'-l-V,B/). i ! (3)
10'^
j where V, and V; are the volume of iron in the teeth and core respec-
tively and W is the total watts loss in the armature. This equation
gives good results when the densities in the armature teeth and core
are fairly high. It enables the effect of an alteration of the fre-
quency on the iron loss to be readily estimated. In settling the
I question of frequency from the iron losses, these may be taken as
half the total loss in the armature.
From the above considerations it follows that (1) the maximum
output is obtained from a given d-l value when the width of the cop-
JOO 400 600 600
Fio. 3. — Cost ok .\fTivE Material as a Fu.nction or the R.atio
direct cmTent machines, and it is waste of material to go below 20,
where the number of poles is not limited by mechanical considera-
tions.
In order to obtain an equation by which the iron losses can be
readily estimated, thereby determining one factor in the above
problem, the following tests were made on two modern direct
current machines of exactly the same dimensions. The armatures
were coupled together on the same shaft, and the pole faces
thoroughly laminated. To reduce the friction and brush losses to
a minimum, two sets of ball bearings, and only two brushes on each
commutator were used. The tests were taken as follows : One
1
-
tV
-
tl
/
-
/
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L
/
.1
'
-
/
/
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/
<■.
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/
-
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/
/
/
rP
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-
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-
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y
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/
^,-
/
T'.O'^
,^^
-,
^
^
I^
-^
-^
-^
Fio. 4. — Cork Loss as a Ffnction of the Flux per Pole .ind Speed.
{Experimental icsults.)
machine was run as a motor driving the other imexcited, and under
this condition the driving watts were carefully registered. At a con-
stant speed the soc'ond machine was supplied with different excita-
tion values, and the difference in the driving watts was registered for
each of these values. These tests were also repeated at different
speeds in order to find the effect of varying frequency. The results
of the above tests are shown in Fig. 4, where the abscissie represent
flux values, and the ordinates give the watts loss values for the
various conditions. From the results plotted, it appears that the
•core loss varies approximately as the 13 power of the frequency
CortD'LVilues Cob i>
Fig. 5. — Inductio>- Motor. Alr-gap (Si) as a Function of the Coke
per in the slot is equal to the width of the root of the tooth, and when
the depth of slot is approximately one-sixth of the armature diameter,
the losses being kept within the permissible value by increasing the-
radial depth of the armature core. As already stated, in large
machines it will not be possible to use slots of such a depth because
the permissible losses will be exceeded. In quadrant 2. Figs. 1 and
1a, are given dotted line curves which show the increased outputs
which may be expected from machines designed on these lines, the
permissible losses being taken from curves Figs. 2 and 2a, and the
densities of the roots of the teeth being fixed at 135,000 C.G.S. lines
per square inch. The actual iron losses were checked by equation (3).
(2) That with the present prices of copper and iron the cost of active
-
1
-
^/
-
.
M \
-
^^,
!^
-
■^
'/
5?^
^
-
r'^'.
y
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-
£
^
-
/<
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-
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<?
y
-
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- -^
^
_L_
_L_
1
^
1
Pole (HtCtl
IFio. (). — Ratio Iron Length L-^Pole Pitch T as a Function of
THE Pole Pitch.
material is a minimum when the ratio of the total magnetic to elec-
tric loading lies between 250 : 1 and 350 : 1. It is obvious that this
condition in conjunction with (1), which leads to the maximum out-
put, involves the best proportion of core diameter to core length in
every machine.
The design of the commutator requkes careful attention, as with
interpole machines it can be made much smaller than with non-
interpolars owing to the diminished brush contact loss. In fact,
the diameter of the commutator is only limited by the mechanical
thickness of the plate and the proximity of the brush arms of oppo-
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER U, 1908.
337
site polarity to one another which maj' lead to flashing over. This
may also occur if the E.M.F. between adjacent commutator bars be
too great ; this E.M.F. should not exceed 2.5 volts.
By the u.se of jjroper factors the diagrams in Figs. 1 and 1a may
he applied to d.c. motors and rotary converters.
Induction Motors.
The core size of the induction motor is not usually limited by
heating considerations, but by the value of the leakage factor on
which the value of the power factor depends. The leakage factor
is defined for this purpose as the ratio of the ideal light-load current
to the ideal short-circuit current. These values are of importance.
The first is given bv
0-23B„,„-f6,
C„=
(i)
where fi is the length of the air-gap in inches and S the number of
turns in one coil of each phase of the winding. This value will have
to be increased from 40 to 80 per cent, to allow for the jnagnetic
resistance of the iron pajil* of the motor and for the increase in air-
gap density caused by tlie slot openings. With regard to the reduc-
tion of slot face area due to .slot openings, the latter is supposed con-
stant and the number of slots per pole per phase directly propor-
tional to the pole pitch.
The only considerations which influence the size of the air-gap are,
in general, mechanical, and the curves (Fig. 5) give the suggested
air-gap values for machines as a function of their dH values. >Ia-
TiG. 7. — Relations between Maxijiu
AND PRIXCrPAL GORE DlMESSIO.N"
.M POW
S FOR
ER AN'D Leakage Factors
Induction Motors.
chines have been designed and are working with smaller air-gaps,
but from a manufacturing point of view the lengths should not be
very different from those shown.
The authors then proceed to the calculation of the ideal short-
circuit current. Neglecting certain effects due to leakage variation,
it is possible to obtain an expression for the value of the ideal short-
circuit current which will be within 5 per cent, of the actual average
test value for a large number of motors. In order to simplify
matters the motors are assumed to have wound rotors and nearly
•closed slots, for the object is to compare the values of the leakage
factor under different conditions rather than to estimate the actual
values. By obtaining the total reactance per phase of the motor
from the above considerations and combining it with the ideal short-
circuit current a value, a; for the leakage factor is obtained. This is
- Co_^ l-05A(46;-f.2-8T'')
"CsH TH
(5)
where C,, and C^„ are the ideal light load and short-circuit current
per phase respectively, A the sum of the actual air-gap length, the
■air-gap length equivalent to the resistance of the iron part of the
magnetic circuit and the air-gap length equivalent to the extra
-resistance of the air-gap due to the reduction of area by slot open-
ings, I the net length of the stator core and T the pole pitch. <r is
/ T
therefore, a minimum when 2-8T''=-tfi/— i! g , when — nro-
T lC-4 ' *
vided A is constant. From this it;4ippears that the values of the pole
pitch should vary with the ratio core length to pole pitch and should
be large to get a maximum power factor from a given value of dH.
ii is not, however, constant for a given value of TH. and this must
be considered in estimating the best ratio of l/T. Tlie effect of this
variation is large when the actual air-gap i.s small, and it increases
the best value of IT already obtained.
The upper curve. Fig. 6. has been plotted with the aid of equation
(.5) for an actual air-gap value ^i=0-02 in., which may be considered
the smallest practicable air-gap for any size of motor. The best
value of core length-Hpole pitch for any pole pitch lies nearly on the
upper curve, when the au--gap is small, and when the air-gap is large
lies nearly on the lower curve. The intermediate curve has been
drawn for a medium actual air-gap value f , =004 in., and the values
of d, I in the diagrams. Figs. 7 and 7a, have been estimated from
this curve as a basis. In these diagrams : Quadrant 4., if T is the
independent variable, the values of / for known values of T are
obtained from the intermediate curve. Fig. fi, and as
d^P'^
the'values of d for selected numbers of poles, and for the known
values of T, have been calculated and set down. Quadrant 3. d
Fig. 7a. — Relations between Maxi.mum Power and Le.vkage
Factors and Principal Core Ulmensions for Induction Motors.
and 1 are already known, and the dH values for known values of d
and the selected numbers of poles have been calculated and set down.
Quacbant 2. From known values of T and /, and calculated dH
values for the selected numbers of pole-s, the values of a set do>vn in
this quadrant have been calculated from the equation
l-05A(46Z-(-2-8T-')
.= ^J^ .
Quadrant 1. For selected values of a the values for the maximimi
power factor set down in this quadrant have been calculated from
the well-known relation
Ij
The above diagrams. Figs. 7 and 7a, arc extremely useful, for they
sliow at a glance the maximum power factor that can be commer-
cially obtained from any core volumes, provided the motor has a
wound rotor and is designed with (a) a determinable number of slots
per pole i)cr phase, (6) an air-gap as given by curve Fig. 5, (c) a ratio
of core length to pole pitch nearly in accordance with curve Fig. 6,
((/) neai-ly clo.sed slots. A motor designed as above would be a good
commercial motor, which could l>e adopted as a standard for com-
paring power-factors, and the sizes of such motors for given outputs.
COS0= —
338
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 11, 1908.
Up to llie present time, except in the case of very small macliines.
induction motors liave not been designed with nearly so large an
output per unit of d-l as given in quadrants. Figs. 1 and 1.4. for
direct current machines. This is not necessary, for in direct current
machines it is usual to work with a maximum density at the root of
the teeth of l.S.'i.OOO C.G.S. lines ])er .square inch, whereas with in-
duction motors it is not advisable to work above a maximum density
of 12r>.ll(H» (UJ.S. lilies per s(|uare inch, and this, it will be observed,
gives the direct current machine an advantage of about 7 per cent,
in magnetic intensity loading. The induction motor is also at a
disadvantage because of the distribution of the flux along the air-
gap, for although the ratio of the pole arc to the pole pitch is 100 per
cent, in induction motors as against about 70 per cent, in direct current
interpole machines, the jjroduct of (" x 100 per cent. ) is less than
( 1 X 70 per cent. ) by about 8 per cent. This gives the direct current
machine a total advantage of 1.5 per cent., but owing to the better
distribution of the windings of the alternating current machine it
has an advantage of 1 1 per cent., which finally reduces the advantage
of the direct current machine to 4 per cent. It will therefore be
sufficiently near to take the curves, quadrants 2, Figs. 1 and l.\. of
d-l values for direct-current machines as the limit to the size of induc-
f ion motors for any output, provided the size is not already limited
by power factor consideiations.
)S It is the authors' ojiinion that in many cases, especially when the
number of poles issmall.it is possible to reduce the core size until the
limit of output is that of temperature rise only, for, although this
practice tends to slightly reduce the maximum value of the power
factor that can be obtained, there are important advantages to be
gained, viz. : (a) An increase in the over-all efficiency of the motor,
(6) an increase in the mechanical security, for the peripheral speeds
and span of the rotor coils are reduced to a minimum, and it will be
possible to make the shafts and frames stiffer. The disadvantage,
as already stated, is a reduction in the maximum power factor, but
it will be observed from the diagrams. Figs. 7 and 7-4, that in some
cases the core size can be reduced to about one-fifth without decreas-
ing the power factor by much more than 1 per cent.
In some cases it is convenient to use fractional pitch windings
owing to the free ends of the winding becoming inconveniently long.
With two-pole motors the authors consider that a fractional pitch
of 50 per cent, should be used in almost every case, as this is easily
obtained by winding the motor for four poles and reversing one in
cveiy phas('. But this is almost the only ca.se in which the use
of the fractional pitch winding is advantageous.
It is to be noted that the leakage flux per ampere-turn is reduced
almost in direct proportion to the reduction in the pitch of the wind-
ing, and in order to obtain the correct number of turns for any motor
it is only necessary to reduce the value of the leakage flux per ampere-
tarn.
( To he concluded)
ELECTRIC TRACTION ON RAILWAYS.*
X. -ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVES.
BY PHILIP DAWSON.
(Continued from pai/e :!>^.'0.)
Nummary. —Much can be said in favour of electric locomotives as
aguuist motor cars. The author in this article discusses the reasons
whu-li .jivr rl,.r(ii,. I, ., , ,ni. it I v. ■.- il,,' ii.lvantage. He fir.st con,siders
gearl.>> lur.iiiK.i i\ ,>, .l,>,riliiiio ihc diilcivnt forms of construction
adupl. .1 :iinl ivt. II iiil; I., I, , . Ill cxaiuiilc >. and then passes on to the
gcai. I iii.ii II iy|ir I'll,. |ii,,s :uid coiis of guarless as compared with
geiii.il III. iiniiiiiMs all.' ili-iiis>e(l, and finally the advantages which,
umlci ^ui'ii ciiMiliiidii^ ,it iipc'iation, electric locomotives jiossess over
the latest and most economical steam locomotives.
Having thus briefly examined the three cla.sses of gear-
less locomotives we are brought to the fourth class, that is
to say to the geared motor. This can again be subdivided
into two classes, that is to say : (1) tlie motor which drives
a gear wheel located on the driving axle itself ; (2) the motor
driving through gears a countershaft which, in its turn by
means of a crank pin and connecting rod operates the
driving wheels. Of these two classes by far the greatest
number of existing electric locomotives belong to the first
class. In this case the methods of supporting the motors
iromjthe^e fi-anies and driving the axles are practically
• Copyright. All rights of reproduction are reserved.
in cvei y way similar to those in use with motor cars, with the
exception that there being no limit of height between the top
of the rail and the highest part of the motor which naturally
exists in the case of motor cars where it is found desirable
to keep the whole equipment under the car floor and to
preserve a uniform height above the rail level for the car
floor, much greater freedom exists in settling on a suitable
method of motor suspension. In the ca.se of a locomotive,
it is if anything an advantage to have the motor projecting
in.side the cab, as bv this means not only is the centre of
gravity raised but the motor is more readily accessible,
and can more easily be watched by the driver and his
assistant, and the latter, owing to the absence of having to
fire the boiler and seeing that steam is kept up, can concen-
trate all their energies which are not required for the actual
driving of the locomotive to keeping the various mechanism
in the best of repairs and condition.
We now come to the type of gear driven locomotives
similar to the gearless locomotive for the Valltelina Railway
which has just been described. In this case the motor is
firmly and rigidly fixed in the frame between the road wheels
whicli it has to drive ; by means of a single reduction gear it
drives a connecting shaft located below it which in its turn
by means of a combined driving and connecting rod operates
the road wheels. This latter portion is in every wa}' similar
to that already described and illustrated in connection with
the Valtelina locomotive. One of the motor trucks of such
a locomotive is illustrated in Fig. 8 while Fig. 9 illustrates
the complete locomotive. As will be seen, this construction
has the advantage of putting the motor higher up from the
ground than is jjossible when the motors are geared direct to
the road axles. This is an important point to consider for
two reasons ; fir.sitly, it raises the height of the centre of
gravity, a very important consideration, particularly in the
case of powerful, heavy and fast locomotives. Secondly,
as it raises the motor well up into the cab, it renders the
brush gear most accessible and enables it to be constantly
under the observation of the two men operating the loco-
motive, not that this is essential to proper operation, but it
is evident that a machine operated under such conditions
must be working more favourably than one hidden away
under the floor of a car and which is only inspected at stated
periods. The following are some of the most important
(lata connected with this locomotive, which was constructed
by the Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon to operate on the Seebach
Wettingen line of the Swiss Federal Railways, and which
lias been equipped by them with a view of procuring data
from actual operating experience which can be applied in
connection with the Swiss Government's intention to even-
tually operate a large portion, if not all the Swiss Railways
by means of electricity generated by the large water power
which Switzerland still controls : —
Total weight of locomotive 40 ton.";
Total weight of electriciil equipment 16-5 tons.
One motor complete without gear - 3-38 tons.
Power of each motor one hour rating 200h.p.
Gear ratio " i . 3.14
Diameter of di-iving wheels 40 in.
Having thus generally considered the weight of electric
locomotives, it may be of interest to discuss the reasons
which give electric locomotives, as compared with electric
motor cars, the advantage, and further to discuss the pros
and coils of gearless, as compared with geared locomotives.
After this a few remarks will follow, in which an attempt
will be made to considei- the advantages which, under given
conditions of operation, electric locomotives possess over
the latest and most economical steam locomotives.
These three separate subjects have been specially grouped
THE ELECTEICIAN, DECEMBER 11, 1908.
339
so as to be considered together as most of the arguments in
favour of the three points considered, namely : —
Electric locomotives versus electric motor coaches ;
Geared versus gearless locomotives ;
Electric versus steam locomotives ;
more or less api)ly to all the three comparisons above
enumerated.
The principal, or better perhaps, one of the principal,
points to be considered is economy. A.s regards this point
there seems little doubt possible under all three headings.
Economij. — Locomotives are moi'e economical to main-
tain than motor coaches for many reasons, such as constant
supervision of all motors and auxiliary apparatus (for
example, commutators, resistances, contactors, &c..) which
are all practicallv under the eyes of the drivei- and his assist-
ant ; the latter has practically all his time available to look
after, clean and generally maintain the apparatus. The
periodical inspection of locomotives need not be cairied out
as often as with motor cars which, except when undergoing
periodical inspection, are never watched, as is the case'with
electrically equipped locomotives.
The same reasons of economy are cpioted in favour of the
gearless as against the geared locomotive. Gears neres-
KiG. 8. — Sixole-Phase LoCdMciTivE Opkratixc the Seebai h-\Vi;tt-
INOEN Line, Swiss Federal Railways, constructed by the
J1.1SCHINESFABRIK OerLIKON.
sarily mean additional parts to wear and to be maintained,
not to speak of energy losses due to the losses in trans-
mission, which, though small are not entirely negligible.
But against this must be set the considerable extra weight
involved by the use of gearless motors over geared, particu-
larly if large driving wheels and slow speeds have to be con-
sidered. Many formulpe have been devised by various
writers, and curves drawn to prove the relationship which
exists, between weight speed and cost of a motor for a given
power. None of these are absolutely reliable, and the ojily
safe way for the user is to institute comparisons between the
weight of standard motors of a given power, operating at
various speeds, as regards their first cost, and deciding the
question as regards whether, for given conditions, a geared
or gearless locomotive will be most suitable. The addi-
tional loss due to the extra weight of a gearless as compared
\vith a geared motor must be set off against the loss of energy
in the gears and the cost of operating and maintaining them.
As regards the question as to whether electric should
supersede steam locomotives, economy again is a governing
factor and, given a sufficiently frequent service and cheap
electricity, there is little doubt as to which method should
be the mo.st economical.
We have .so far considered the three ([uestions as to : —
Electric locomotives versus electric motor coaches;
Electric gearless locomotives vrrsus geared electric loco-
motives ;
Electric versus steam locomotives.
The investigation in connection with electric locomotives
which has been dealt with in this section cannot be con-
cluded more fittingly than bv examining these three ques-
tions mentioned, in the light of experience gained on lines
at present operated electrically. The general causes which
lead to electrification of railways have already been dealt
with in a previous section and need not be treated here
again, but a few considerations in this connection are instruc-
tive and indeed nece.ssary at this juncture.
Taking the earliest line, the City & South London, first.
Li this case it was want of space as much as anything which
caused the adoption of electric locomotives, and there is no
doubt that the gearless locomotives under the conditions
that here obtain, have proved eminently satisfactory. The
next gearless locomotive of any importance to be constructed
Fig. I). — Single Phase Locomotive Upekating the Skekach - Wetting kx
Line, Swiss Federal Railways, constructed by the ArAscHTSES-
FABRIK OerLIKON.
was that for the Baltimore & Ohio Tiaiiway. 'J'liis was a
liarticidar case, howevei-, as the ti-ains had only to be hauled
at comparatively low speeds, and under these circumstances
it seems evident that a geared locomotive was more suit-
able, and such, as a matter of fact, has proved to be the
case.
The next case of any inqiortance was the Central London
Railway, in which it was found that the gearle.ss locomotives
then adopted, which, milikc the previous cases, had the
armatures rigidly wound on the wheels in a way .similar to
that adopted orl the City & South London Railway, and
which in that case has apparently been found to be entirely
satisfactory. But there are obvious reasons why this should
have, been found to be the ca.se when one considers the large
difference in the weights of the two locomotives, the Central
London one being about -W tons heavier than the South
London one, and in addition the permanent way construc-
tion in the case of the Central London left much to be
desired. The rejection of gearle-ss locomotives in favour of
geared locomotives and later the replacement of these latter
by motor car trains, was primarily caused by vibration
troubles experienced at the .same time ; there is little doubt
that in other ways also the original gearless locomotives, as
340
THE ELECTRICIAN. DECEMBER 11. 1908.
for instance, as regards their cost of luaintcnaiue. were far
from satisfactory.
It is probably the nnsatisfactoiy re.sult.s obtained with
the Central fx)ndon locomotives which has cau.scd ail the
more recent ones, such as those used on the Orleans Railway
and the Metropolitan Railway, to be fitted, not only with
spring supported armatures, but also with geaied motors.
Later developments in locomotive practice have again
caused the adoption of gearless locomotives, but with the
exception of the locomotives built for the New York Central
Railway, all the gearle.ss motors have their armatures spring
hung, these being either wound on quills spiing supported
round the axles and driving into them through springs, or
else the motors are fitted independently of the axles and
are thus entirely spring supported, driving a counter shaft
which, in its turn drives the road wheels through connect-
ing rods.
The final results of the use of the armatures directly
wound on the axles on the New York Central Railway must
be awaited before any logical conclusion can be come to as
to the best foi-m of gearless locomotives to use ; at the .same
time it would appear that other things being equal, spring
supported motors and large driving wheels have great
advantages which should not be overlooked.
In the last two sections the general propositions of motor
coaches and locomotives have been discussed, and before
concluding this subject a few remarks as to the future of
locomotives and motor coaches in railway service may not
be out of place.
For lines having terminal stations and a subui-ban traffic,
varying very largely in bulk during different hours of
the day, which may necessitate trains of different lengths
being run at different hours, motor car trains are indispen-
sible, and notwithstanding the disadvantage they possess
as regards cost of maintenance and operation, when com-
pared with locomotives, these are more than outweighed by
the greater operating facilities which under such conditions
motor car trains possess.
When trains constantly go round a wide circle the sizes
of train units practically remain the same all through, and
there is much to be said in favour of the electric locomotive.
But in the electrification of ordinary main line railways it
will probal.dy be found that the conditions are such as to
require the use of both motor car trains and electric loco-
motives.
In a previous article it has been shown that the electrifi-
cation of the entire suburban system of many, if not all our
great railways, must be carried out, unless they are either
pre[)ared or permitted to entirely drop the whole of their
suburban traffic. Therefore, admitting this to be the case,
and taking the example of any railway having a large
suburban system operating all its suburban trains electri-
cally, there will still remain all the main line trains to be
hauled by steam locomotives. These steam locomotives
at the termini have to be turned round on turntables which
take up most valuable space when it can ill be spared. The
locomotives have also to take up fuel and water, the former
of which has to occupy valuable space where it is stored,
and the water probably having to be purchased at great
cost. The locomotives have to be fired with the greatest
care, for otherwise, in London the railway companies are
prosecuted and fined for smoke nuLsancc, and the ashes
have to be got rid of sometimes at considerable cost, and
last, but not least, a steam locomotive takes up much more
space than an electric locomotive of equivalent or greater
capacity.
Tlius a modern steam locomoti\e developing from 1,200
to l.(;nO ir.i', would occupy a space of CO to 70 ft. in length,
and would weigli. complete with tender, l-'50 to 160 tons in
running order, of which only about 60 to 70 tons would be
available for adhesion on the driving wheels. Whilst an
electric locomotive rated at 2.200 h.p. weighs complete
ready for running i»0 tons, of which 63| tons are available
for adhesion on the driving wheels, and in the ca.se of electric
locomotives there is no rea.son why the total weight of the
locomotive should not be available for adhesion, and as has
ab-eady been shown, this is actually the case in the majority
of electric locomotives to-day. The space occupied by such
a locomotive would be undei' 40 ft., a considerable saving
in space if a large number of locomotives have to be stored
at the terminus. But there is a further advantage possessed
bv electric locomotives which, in our climate, is of the
greatest importance, and that is the rapid corrosion to
which all iron and steel weak is subjected in consequence of
the locomotive fumes, steam, smoke and heat. It goes
without saving that by far tlie largest number of bridges,
particularly low ones, of steel roofs, &c., must be met with
in the urban area traversed by a railway on its way from
the terminus in or near the centre of the City to the
open country, and it is here again that electric loco-
motives have another, and very important superiority over
steam, a superiority, the very importance of which, very
few people, including electrical engineers, really realise, and
which naturally steam locomotive men. are most loath to
concede. What corrosion may amount to may be gathered
from the fact that there are cases in which some of the girders
of railwav bridges have to be replaced in 10 years owing to
corrosion, the majoiity of which is entirely due to the action
of the locomotive furnace gases combined with our moist
climate on the steel work. Furthermore, owing to the intense
traffic, once a bridge is erected and painted and the trains go
under it, it is practically useless to paint it where it is most
desired, namely, those portions which are liable to corrode,
owing to proximity of contact with the furnace gases.
Enough has been said to show what great advantages,
principally of an economical nature, could be gained by
entirely doing away with the steam locomotives, at any
rate in the urban area. It is not intended to suggest that
wholesale electrification of our railways is imminent, or
need, for the present, at any rate, be even seriously con-
sidered, or that the day is approaching when we shall travel
by means of electrically- operated trains from London to
Manchester or Glasgow. What is contended is, that as far
as the .suburban area is concerned, all trains, both main line
as well as suburban, must eventually be operated electri-
cally, the former hauled by means of electric locomotives
and the latter dealt with in all probability in most cases by
means of motor car trains. Once the suburban lines are
electrified, the question of operating the main line trains by
electric locomotives will follow. On many lines at present
the main line trains entering London stop at the outskirts
in order to have the train split up, one section running to the
City and the other to the AVest End, and vice versa, out-
going trains from the West End and the City meet and go
off on the rest of their journey as one. Hence the introduc-
tion of electric locomotives would cause no delay, and as it
can be taken for granted that the local lines are already
electiified, little, if any, capital cost will be involved by
adopting this method of operation, as the electric loco-
motives would only replace new steam locomotives which
would otherwise have to be built, and, owing to the points
already mentioned, fewer electric locomotives would be
required than would be the case if steam engines were
used.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 11, 1908.
341
This method of operation is already in use on the Orleans
Kaihvay in Paris, where all the trains are run out of the
station of the Quai d'Orsay to the outside of Paris bv elec-
tric locomotives, whilst suburban traffic is handled bv means
of motor car trains. The New York Central and the New
York, New Haven & Hartford are operated in practically
the same way, and it appears to be the intention of the
Prussian Government to handle the traffic in and out of
lierlin also by this method.
(To be continued.)
THE USE OF A PHASE SHIFTING TRANSFORMER
FOR WATTMETER AND 8DPPLY METER TESTING.
IlRVSllAr.K. I).S<
One of the most troublesome operations in connection witii
the testing of wattmeters or supply meters is the obtainiiii;
of a supply at any required power factor, and the varviiii;
of it in a suitable manner. For this purpose the use of in-
ductance coils and condensers is most costly and trouble-
some, and it is' almost impossible to obtain any exactly speci-
fied conditions of current and power factor in this way. An
excellent method of getting over the difficulty is by the use
of two alternators coupled together, one of which supplies
the P.D. and the other the current, and in which the phase
of one can be varied relatively to the other by rotating its
usually fixed armature or field. Such a device is, of course,
perfect, but it is very costly, and suffers from the disad-
FiG. 3. — Ph.\se-shikting Transformer, Two-phase Suci'lv.
vantage that the regulation of the power factor cannot readily
be effected by the testing operator while reading his instru-
ments, and it therefore involves a second operator or a con-
siderable waste of time in setting the machines, if they are at
any distance.
This trouble and expense is entirely avoided by the use
of a small phase-shifting transformer, which can be fixed on
the testing table by the side of the instruments, and which can
he adjusted instantly to any power factor by the operator who
is taking the readings. The writer first designed such a trans-
former in 1901, and an experimental one was made up anil
found to give good results. The method of use was described
at the 8t. Louis Congress in 1904, when the writer found that
Dr. Rosa, of the Bureau of Standards at Washington, had de-
vised and used a similar arrangement. The moderate cost and
great convenience of these transformers has led Mr. Tinslev,
of Beckenham, to take up their manufacture, and a brief de-
scription will be given of their construction and use, as the
subject appears to have attracted attention recently. Thev
enable the phase of the P.D. applied to the pressure coils of
such instruments to be varied by merely turning a pointer
over a scale of equal divisions, tlius turning the phase angle
through an equal amount, w-ithout altering the voltage to any
extent.
/-mrr-i
Mater or Wattmeter
Fk;. 4.— CoNN'EITIO.NS of PH.VSE-SHItTI.NO TliANSFORMElt, TllKEK
PHASE SlPPI.Y.
Tlie principle of the transformer is exceeding! v simple.
In construction it is like an ordinary induction motor, having
a primary or stator which is wound with two sets of coils at
right angles when the supply is tw-o phase or single phase,
or with three sets of coils at 120 deg. for three-pha.se supply.
Tiiis, of course, produces a rotating field in the centre. A re-
entrant drum winding with suitable tappings may also be
used. The secondary is in the form of a cylindrical rotor, and
is wound with a single diametral winding.
In Fig. 1, which shows diagrammatically a jihase shifter for
a two-phase supply. AB and CD are the terminals of the two
phases. The stator coils are eqmvalent to two diametral
coils at right angles. In this the secondary coil is shown
with its plane parallel to that of the primary coil AB. It
therefore has an E.M.F. induced in it in phase with the P.D.
on AB, while the second primary coil has no effect, as [the
flux produced by CD passes bv the secondary coil without
cutting it. If. now, the secondary coil is turned through
a right angle, as in Fis. 2. it is evident bv the .«ame reasoning
■"'Wd ^
Meter or Wattmeter
Fit;. 5.— CoxNECTioNs op Piiase-shiftini; TRAXSKtiit.MER, Siscu;-
PHASE SCPPLV.
that the E.M.F. induced in it will be in phase with CD, and that
AB has no effect. Since in a two-phase supply the two cir-
cuits have equal voltages with a difference in phase of 90 deg..
it follows that turning the secondary coil through 90 deg.
shifts the phase of the voltage induced in it by the same
aniomit, without altering the voltage. Since, also, the mag-
netic field is a uniformly rotating one, it is evident that the
phase angle must increase uniformly as the rotor is turned, and
by the same amount.
The use of the transformer for testing wattmeters, &c., is
then obvious. The phase-shifting transformer is comiccted to
342
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 11, 1908.
the two-phase supplv, as in Fig. 3. and on.- of the phas^es is car-
ried on to the primary of a step-down transformer, which sup-
plies the main current for the standard and test instruments.
A .second pair of leads is taken from the secondary of the phase-
shifting transformer, and the pressure coils, S,, S,, S^, of all
wattmeters, meters or phase indicators are connected to these
leads. The P.D. on the shunt coils can be varied either by
regulating the voltage on the two-phase supply, or, more con-
veniently, by interposing a small variable ratio transformer,
such as'a lamp tiansformer, between the secondary of t-^e
phase-shifting transformer and the shunts. This ■ enables
is shown bv the reading on unity power factor at two fre-
quencies, while the zero power factor test shows the error due
to phase displacement in the wattmeter.
TeMs oj the Phase-shifting Transjormer.—ln order to show
the behaviour of the transformer, the following ondograj)h
curves. Fig. 6, give the most clear idea. In these curves the
single higher curve is that of one of the primary voltages,
which is taken for reference, while the remaining curves are
for the secondary at unity power factor and at intervals of
30 deg. lagging and leading. It will be seen that the intervals
between these curves are very closely equal, showing that the
shift of phase is fairly accurately given by the movement of the
rotor. There is a very small variation in the height of the
curves, which is due to the rotating flux being not quite uni-
Fic. 6.— Ondochaph Cvrves, Two-I'Iiase Sci'plv, Alioth Rotary.
the P.D. and the current to be varied independently of one
another, and the power factor can be set to any desired amount
(either lagging or leading) by turning the pointer to the desired
phase angle or power factor marked on the scale. For approxi-
mate purposes this power factor may be taken as correct
without any measurement, but as the field is liable to slight
distortion with difTerent loads on the secondary, the actual
jjliase displacement can be checked by a standard wattmeter.
Tlie procedure in the case of three-phase or single-phase
su]iply is similar, the diagram of connections in either case
being the same as above, except that for three-phase supply
there are three connections to the primary of the phase-
Fio. 7. — Oniiockai'ii Cckvbs, SiXGLE-i-nAsi:, 0-25 amt. Secondakv.
shifting transformer, tw-o of which are carried forward to
the step-down transformer, as in Fig. 4, while for single phase
a single pair of leads supplies both the phase shifter and the
step-down transformer (Fig. 5). In the latter case the phase-
shifting transformer has a two-phase winding, and arrange-
ments are provided for splitting the phase. Either the two
phase or three-phase supply is, however, to be preferred, as
in this case the behaviour of the phase-shifting transformer
is very little affected by either frequency or load, whereas
with single-phase supply the phase-splitting device requires
adjusting for different frequencies. A convenient source
Fio. 8. — .SlM:l.E-rMASK, O'Samp. SErUNl>AKV.
of two or three-phase supply for the purpose is a small variable-
speed direct-current motor with slip rings, which enables the
frequency to be varied by shunt excitation without altering the
voltage.
The phase-shifting transformer enables the behaviour
of any wattmeter or supply meter to be ascertained almost
at a glance if a reliable standard wattmeter is in circuit.
It is then only necessary to observe the instrument under
test on unity and zero power factor. Anv error of calibration
Fio. 9. — Diacram Phase'Si'I.ittinc: Device.
form in magnitude; but this is of little importance, as the
variable ratio transformer is always used for regulating the
voltage, and can easily compensate for this variation. No
perceptible distortion of wave-form is observed.
Fie. 7 similarly gives a series of curves for the same trans-
former w'hen employed with single-phase supply, a 60 mfd.
condenser shunted with 120(u being connected in series with
one primary coil. The curves for no secondary current or
for a load of 0-25 ampere are practically as perfect as those
for the polyphase supply, but on increasing the secondary
load to 0-5 ampere they become distorted, as in Fig. 8. For
many purposes, however, this arrangement is perfectly satis-
factory, as the 0-2-5 ampere at 100 volts corresponds to 2-5 watts.
-05 0 ) 2 ? 4
Fi.;. 10.— Variation of Current with Frevuency in Phase-sflittinc!
Device.
which should be sufficient to supply the shunts of several
wattmeters or supply meters. The variation with frequency
is also fairly considerable, but the device shown in Fig. 9
wmII probably reduce it sufficiently for all ordinary ranges.
J^ince the lagging current due to a choking coil gets smaller
the higher the frequency, while the leading current due to a
condenser increases, we can, by having two windings side by
side, through which the two currents are passed in reverse
directions, obtain approximate constancy of current and phase
over a moderate range, as shown in Fig. 10, where the change
from 40 ^ to 70 ^ is very small. As the primary windings
will alwaj^s be wound with two independent circuits, which
can be connected in parallel or series for 100 or 200 volt
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 11, 1908.
343
supply, tliis arrangement can be conveniently employed.
Thanks to Mr. Mansbridge's method of producing condensers
of considerable capacity at moderate cost, it should be pos-
sible to produce phase-shifting transformers for single-phase
supply which are nearly as effective as those for polyphase
circuits. The above device is also obviously suitable for phase
meters, and should enable a practically uniform scale to be
obtained, with a moderate range of frequency.
Construction of the Transformer. — A section of the trans-
former is shown in Fig. 11. The primary winding is in 32
tunnels, \\hich arc only just closed, while the secondary is
aaaiaa
01^345678 Inches
Fic. 11. — Ph.ase-suiftixc Transkormeb, Seconu.m'.v 100 Volts 2 Amts.
wound in l(.) slots, which are spaced so as to avoid any cogging
of the field. The rotor is turned by a worm and wheel, and
carries a double-ended pointer, moving over a scale of power
factors and degrees, as seen in the general view. Fig. 12, in
which the cover is removed to show the whole scale. This
scale can be slightly rotated when desired. Four primarv and
two secondary terminals are mounted on an eboiiit<' bridiic
at the top.
It need hardly be pointed out that the rotor itself may be
|)njvided with a polyphase winding, allowing tests on com-
bined fwo-pliase or three-phase meters or wattmeters to be
Flu. 12 — \'lE\N>f JF PnASIi-SItlKTINll Tn.l.\'SFOH-MEU.
conducted uu ler working conditions. The transformer has
been found equally satisfactory with all frequencies from
30 ^ to 80 ..^ per second.
I''inally, it is also obvious that such transformers on a larger
M ;ilc might be of great service in polyphase supply for adjust-
uig the power factor of the load, and that they might obviate
the necessity for using synchronous instead of asynchronous
plant. The same thing could also be done with two or three
ordinary transformers of variable ratio.
A large number of tests on wattmeters and supply^meters
have been made with the aid of these phase-shifting trans-
formers, and will be published shortly.
THE DISCHARGE OF ELECTRICITY FROM GLOWING
BODIES.*
BV 1'1;<1K. v.. laiTHEFfKOlai, K.K s.
The study of tlic disoharge of electricity from glowing bodies is so
closely associated with tlie ionisation of gases that it will be advi.sablc
to refer briefly to some of the effects of ionisation.
Ionised gas may be produced in a variety of ways — e.g.. by the
application of X-rays, cathode rays, high temperatures or ultra-
violet light. If two metal plates, se])arated by air. be connected to
a battery of electrical accumulators no current will flow under
normal conditions, but if the dielectric be subjected to the influence
of X-rays ionisation takes place, and a curient of el(?ctiieity
actuallj' passes through the gas. This effect is explained by the
fact that the X-rays cause a dissociation of the air molecules,
,i,'iving rise to positive and negative particles, and immediately
these jjarticles ai'e liberated tliey tend to move in two streams,
the positive particles going to the negative plate and vice versa.
Ionised gas, therefore, becomes a conductor, the ions them-
; elves being the carriers of the electricity. If a curve be |)lotted
showing how the current through the gas varies with the I'.D.
Iietween the plates, it will be found that up to a certain
point the current is directly proportional to the voltage. This is
explained by stating that at low voltages the speed of the ions from
plate to plate is relatively slow, and many re-combinations take
])lace before the ions reach their destination. .As the voltage is
increased, however, a saturation point is reached when there is no
lurther increase in current, and at this stage all the ions present
succeed in reaching the electrodes, hence they are all actively
engaged as current carriers, and no further increase in current
can take place. Ohm's law fails in application when dealing
with ionised gas; for example, in the ca.se ju.st mentioned, if the
distance between the plates be reduced by half, but ihe 1'. 1). kept
constant, only half the number of ions will be formed, hence the
current will be halved instead of doubled.
Similar effects are obtained for low pressures of the gas, the only dif-
ference being that the saturation point is reached much more ipiickly
owing to the more rapid motion of the ions. Townsend investi-
gated the cause of breakdown of the dielectric by an electric spark
passing from plate to plate, and this he attributed to ionisation by
collision. A negative ion on making its way to the positive plate
collides with a molecule, and if its velocity is greater than, .say,
10' cm. per second, it is able to generate new ions by collision with
the neutral gas molecules.
The rate of production of ions by movement of the negative ions
increases rapidly with the strength of the electric field. When the
field approaches the value requu-ed for the
passage of a spark, the positive ions also
E become effective as ionisers, though to a much
— ^ smaller degree than the negative. Under these
conditions, the current through the gas rises
rapidly with the voltage until the gas breaks
down with the passage of an electric spark. The
1 1 leory and experiments of Townsend afford a very
'ompiete explanation of the phenomena until the
liassage of the spark. After the spark discharge
has started to pass, the temperature and other
conditions of the gas are much altered and the
])roeesses occurring in the gas can no longer be
followed with certainty.
.\ good illustration of ionisation is formed by
placing two platinum wires forming the terminals
of a battery in different parts of a Bunsen flame.
The flame "itself, being an ionised gas, permits
an appreciable current to flow, and this current
can be further increased by the addition of
potassium or sodium salts to the llame. It is
in(irc>tin«to note, also, that one of the platinum
wires may be^«ithdra\vn from actual contact «ith the flame
and still permit' the current to flow, owing to a number of ions
which are drawn out of the flame by the electric tteld.
The etfect of high t<'mperatures in producing ionisation can Ijc
readily explored by surrounding a i)latinum wire by a metal cylmder.
so as to form a condenser in vacuo. Now. if the wire and cyhnder
form the electrodes of a battery (the wire being at negative poten-
tial relativelv to the cylinder) and a separate source of current be
employed to" heat t!ie wire, ne.gative ions escape from the wire.
The current increases rapidly with rises of temperature, thereby per-
♦ Abstract of a lecture delivered before the Manchester Section of
the Institution of Electrical Engineers.
344
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER U, 1908.
mitting a (Uiriciit lo flow between tlie wire and cylinder. The value
o£ thia cmreiit at any temiitrature can be derived from tlie expression
(i
where a and 6 are constants, 0 is the absolute temperature, e is the
base of Naperian logarithms.
J. J. Thomson has given a general explanation of the escape of
negative electricity from hot bodies by sujjjiosing that the body
contains a large number of mobile negative particles oi' electrons
which are kept from escaping from the body by the action of a
"double layer" of electricity formed on its surface. As the tem-
jierature rises, some of the electrons acquire sufficient energy of
inuveinent to escape from the body and are conveyed to the positive
electrode by the electric field. Obviously, when the wire is positive
it tends to retain the particles. These effects were demonstrated
some years ago by Fleming in his well-known carbon filament
experiments.
Wehnelt found that a platinum plate coated with calcium or
barium salts has a greatly increased power of emitting electrons,
and by this method cm-rents at the rate of 1 ampere per .square
centimetre of surface are easily obtained. A special vacuum tube
designed to demonstrate these effects consists of a long glass cylinder,
having at one end a simple platinum wire electrode and a similar
start inn clnirnde about midway in the tube. The negative electrode
sihiiiiil .11 till- remaining end of the tube consists of a .strip of
pliitMiHMi iii.iiid with lime, which can be heated electrically by an
external l);Utery. It is found that in order to start the flow of
current tlirough the tube the two platinum wire electrodes must
be short-circuited, thereby affording a shorter path for the ions
emitted from the heated lime. After starting, however, ionisation
by collision takes place, and permits the end electrode only to be
used. This apparatus permits eight electric lamps, taking 5 amperes,
to be lighted through the tube from a 200 volt supply circuit, the
area of the lime surface being less than one square cm. By this
method very heavy currents can be passed through as gas at very
low pressure. The striations produced in the tube are very brilliant
and sluu'ply defined. Such a tube acts as a rectifier for alternating
currents.
ELECTRIC DRIVING OF MACHINE TOOLS.*
BY A. O. SEAM.4N.
Till' author, in opening, reviewed the problem to be discu.ssed.
namely the aceoniplishnicnt of .i iii\rii pircc of w.nl^ 1,\ a iiiacliine
tool with a minim II 111 nf I'lTort .in.l . ci>i. and \mi li .lii.> . ^ iii-Mlniiion of
(jualily. Hcdescrilicd the essrnlial cliaracli i isl iis ot llir van. .us tool
steels and considered the power requii-ements for di-iving the tools.
He noted that in foundries, shipyards and boiler shops the estimated
power might require to be increased by a factor of from 10 to 50 per
cent., and said this should not be lost sight of in considering the over-
load margins. He remembered a case of some works with engine and
boiler shops recently equijjped with electric motors, where the extra
jiower re(piired by the boiler shop showed up at once on the switch-
board and l<^d to j)rompt overhauling and a reduction of nearly 30
per cent, in the power taken. Having touched upon the power
absorbed at the tool in cutting, which he said researches had made it
fairly c-asy to estimate, he remarked that the power to drive the
machine when cutting was by no means so easily ascertained. The
ranges of si)eed, the number of speed changes, and the ratio of speed
changes, were also factors for consideration, and the lecturer .sub-
mitted that the smaller the ratio, the smaller was the change of cut-
ting speed which took place with a change of gear, and the more nearly
the average cutting s|.,r,l apiToarlied the maximum economical
speed. He did not think ll.al \W iiniHi.taiK-e of maintaining the
maximum suitable euttin- s,,,.,-,l »as sufficiently realisi'd by users of
maclinu- tools. The ideal arrangement would be to automatically
iiuivasr tlu' speed of rotation a.s the diameter of the work decreased :
the larger the iatii>, the more the average speed fell below the maxi
mum, and the longer was the time required to complete the job.
Dealing with electrical speed variation he submitted that a lathe
for^ general engineering work would usually have a range of 1-50 or
1-70 with 12 or 16 speeds. The corresponding ratios where 1-46 and
1-32, increasing the time by 18 per cent, and 14 per cent., respec-
tively. A heavy s..,viriim lathe would have a range of 1 to 96 which
with 18 speeds w, I hiNr a ratio of 1-31. increasing the time bv 13
per cent. It was ,,l,vi,,i,s tliat a method which enabled the ratio of
speed change to be reduced to. say, 1-05, entailing an increase of only
^5 percent, in the time of cutting, would enable a saving of 7 per cent.
'R-fd'w Nov ^IT" '■''''* ^■^°"' "^^ ^°'''^°*^y Engineering Society
to 15 per cent, in the time of performing a given cut. Such a method
was provided by the variable speed shunt motor, and the question of
ratio could be met to any desu-ed extent by increasing, at compara-
tively small cost, the number of contacts on the regulating switch.
It had this further advantage, that the speed could be varied without
in any way stopping the work, and unlike mechanical methods of
speed change, no effort on the part of the operator was required to
make the changes : they could be made automatically, thus resulting
in much higher efficiency. With the exception of some makers, who
were large users of electrically-driven tools in their own works, tool
builders as a body had not yet appreciated the peculiar advantage of
the variable speed motor ; they regarded it as an extremely con-
venient, but expensive, means of dispensing with Cone pulleys or a
certain number of gears. Those who had gone into the question
found that for machines requu-ing less than about 20 to 25 H.P., they
could construct a mechanical change-speed gear box at less cost than
was involved in obtaining the same total range of speed in variable
speed motors, and they were surprised that, desipte this fact, users
sometimes persisted in .specifying machines with variable speed
motors down to 5 h.p. and even less. For outputs of 20 h.p. and
over, the mechanical gear box became unwieldj'. the gears had to run
at high speeds and were consequently noisy and the cost reached a
point where the alternative of the variable speed motor began to
make a favourable comparison.
Dealing with individual diiving as against group driving, Mr.
Seaman said the latter was the cheapest in capital outlay ; if well and
judiciously laid out, it was more economical in power consumption
where machines were in constant use ; and it enabled the use of
either alternating or continuous current motors. Individual driving
was necessary for machines in isolated positions, for portable tools,
where variable speed motors were advisable, and where a machine
requiring more than 15 h.p. was likely to be standing idle for lengthy
periods of time. He did not think it was possible, or even advisable,
to lay down any hard and fast rule as to when one and when the other
should be adopted. In all cases where wide speed variation was
required, individual driving, even for comparatively small powers,
was likely to displace other methods. For other cases, well arranged
group driving was likely to be retained, and for this, alternating
motors had great advantages. The power supply companies would
prefer to supply alternating current, and it might be that constant
speed drives would be alternating current motors, with special plant
to deal with the variable speed motors. This was not a serious item
where there were a reasonable number of tools requiring variable
speed motors. A rotary converter was an extremely economical
machine, and was capable of carrying very heavy overloads, so that a
unit could be selected to deal economically with the average loads.
Even the three- wire system suffered from the drawback that the out-
put of the motors at the lower range of speeds (at A voltage) was
only half that at the upper, while the condition of most tool driving
was constant output over the whole range of speed. In some cases
even the ln-a\ ic^l loads occurred at the slowest speeds, or the lightest
loads at hi^ln -i -picds. While dealing with the subject of variable
speed lie iiicniinnrd that in his n|iiniiin there was very little pro-
bability that the variable vultam- s\siiin. other than the three wire
system, would ever find mucli ,i|i|.liiai ion in tool driving, on account
of the poor regulation on the luuer .speeds.
The necessity of using motors having a good speed regulation (not
exceeding 10 per cent, variation with load) in all cases where tlu'
cutting s))eed was in the neighbourhood of the maximum prevented
the adoption of the usual methods of varying the speeds of alternatinL:
current motors, excluding them from this field at present. The
.same remark applied to the use of series and compound wound con-
tinuous current motors, though there were special cases in which the
use of such motors was advisable. For all constant speed drives, the
polyphase motor was eminently suited, on account of its overload
capacity, in particular for planers, slotters. shapers and all reciprocat-
ing tools ; also on account of the long range over which it had a high
efficiency ; and because under no circumstances could it run away.
Generally speaking, the universal tool worked much of its time belov\-
its maximum output, but was liable at any time to be set on a par-
ticular class of work, which might involve its full capacity for a day
or more at a time. The motor should therefore always be caj^able of
doing, with a fau- margin of safety, the maximum work which the
machine w^as likely to be called on "to perform.
In some all-geared lathes the sudden increase of load, caused by
throwing some of the gear changes, was such as to produce a sudden
demand sufficient to tri]i the maximum current cut-out. In such
eases flywheels might with advantage be fitted to the motors. All
motors driving tools through positive geared drives should be pro-
vided with maximum cmrent cut-outs, to protect both the motor and
the tool. In connection with group driving, the speed of the counter-
shafting should be so chosen, where possible, as to be intermediate
THE ELECTEICIAN, DECEMBER 11, 1908.
34i
betweoii tlie speed of the motor and that of the machines to Ije dpiven.
Lines of shafting laid out for speeds of SOU to 5t(l) revs, per min., well
lined up and jirovided with automatic ring lubrication, would be
lighter in weight, carry smaller pulleys, and lun both economically
and with the minimum of attention.
As lathes with (iO ft. bed and boring tools up to 15 ft. in length
were not excejjtional, .some form of controlling gear, arranged so that
the operator culd start and stop the motor from the tool, was most
essential. Such control might be readily provided by electro-
magnetic controllers operated on the push button sy.stem with
sliding contacts, on the saddle, making contacts with ]irotected con-
ductors attached to the bed of the tool. In his opinion, considerable
development remained to be done in the control gear for ma'chine
tools.
Proceeding to speak of reciprocating tools, he instanced that |ilan-
ng machines presented a very interesting problem as to where the
greater portion of the energy was expended, his solution being that it
was not in reversing the bed and its load, but in reversing the gear
employed to drive it. The weights of the reversible parts must
therefore be reduced to a minimum, and those of the constant runn-
ing parts arranged with as much inertia as possible. In conclusion
Mr. Seaman expressed the opinion that the introduction of high speed
tool steel had brought about reforms in many engineering shops that
years of preaching had failed to accomplish, and said that, at first,
attempts were made simply to speed uj), but this soon brought
troubles, and experience demonstrated that " high speed " tools
required an amount of power so much in excess of those that they
replaced, that it was necessary to adopt other methods for driving
them. Although electric driving provided the simplest means of
supplying this additional power, and the electrical engineer was not
slow in offering his .services, the excellent arguments he advanced
were accepted with very considerable reserve as being not entirely
disinterested. The very great incidental advantages and the low
rates at which power could be economically supplied electrically
were however bearing fruit, and it might be generally stated that
where an installation had been properly installed, and a good supply
was maintained, the owner would never return to his previous
niethcjd of driving.
LIGHTING OF PUBLIC AND OTHER LIBRARIES.
[Communicated.]
It is scarcely necessary to say that electric lighting is a sine qua
mm for public libraries. The reasons for installing electricity rather
than gas may be suocintly summarised as (1) minimising the risk of
tire ; (2) prolonging the life of the books and bindings ; (3) maintain-
ing the purity of the air in buildings constantly used by large num-
bers of people. Other reasons are common to the use of electric
light anywhere, but these are germane to a library.
There are two systems of lighting for library jiurpuses, and it is of
the utmost importance that an early decision should be Mrrivcd at as
any attempt to combine the two results only in a vitiaticn of the
advantages of both. These systems are individual or point lighting
and general illumination. Without claiming pre-eminence for either,
they are so distinct that it is necessary to clearly understand the sco])e
and the limitations of each. Both expert electricians and expert
librarians often estimate library light by the power of the lamps,
without allowing in the calculations for their positions. The only
safe method is to measure the light on the table or desk or news-
stand where the light is required with the news-sheets or periodicals
displayed there. The result in the case of general illumination
where this is done, is frequently found to differ very much from that
expected. General illumination if efficiently carried out, ».('., if the
lamps are sufficiently numerous, is more expensive than individual,
or as it is sometimes termed, point lighting. To obviate this the
number of lights is usually limited. The ilhnniiia(i(jn of the room
appears good, but in close reading it is found that the light is poor.
One of the greatest advantages of general lighting is tliat pictures and
frescoes, and ceilings are displayed, which in a system of point light-
ing, are generally in obscurity — I say generally because, of course,
if the system i-i effectively carried out the wall pictures will be lighted
by their own lamps, and the ceiling by reflected light. On the other
hand point, or individual light is much better for reading purposes
and much more restful for the eyes. It is strange how often men w ill
use single lights over their office desks and condemn the same thing
in a library or similar building, where the conditions are essentially
the same. In general lighting the eye is receiving the full glare of
what, if the table illumination is sufficient, will be a very strong light
on the eye line. And during the time of reading the retina is under
some attraction from above. In the case of individual lighting,
however, the full glare is thrown on to the table, and though some
amount of light struggles through the shade this is so much less than
the light below the eye line that it is a negligible quantity. Some
consideration must be paid to the dominant colour of the table upon
which the light is tlirown. In a newsroom, even if the furniture is
dark, the wide expanse of the many newspapers acts as a powerful
leflector. Something of the same may lie said in a Ics.ser degree
of the magazine room if the periodicals arc without eases or enclosed
in cases of a light colour. Wheie the cases are. as they most commonly
are, dark bucki-am or pigskin, the absorption of light is great.
Some difference must be made with regard to the lending library,
where the reflection, if there is any, is small, and where the surface
to be lighted is frequently a large one. Having said so much of the
principles of the two systems it is only necessary to describe the
application. General illumination is so commonly adopted, however,
and is capable of so much manipulation and suliject to so much taste
and fa.shion that it would be useless to give any detailed mention of
it. Individual or point lighting is so seldom used, and when it is
used, is so (comi)aratively) frequently wrongly aiJiilied that some
explanation is required. The chief drawback liiilitating against the
more frequent adoption of this plan of electric lighting is the ajjparent
dimness of the room above the e3'e-line. Of course this seeming
drawback is the essence of the scheme, but it leads to all kinds of
ineffective compromises.
Point lamps in a library or reading room must be so fixed that when
the reader is in the reading position the light docs not throw into his
face. Obviously a table lamp cannot be below th(> eye-line of a seated
individual, but it should be so hung and the shade so shapetl that the
eyes would be out of the range of the direct rays of light. In the
same way the light over a displayed news stand cannot be below the
eye-line of an individual .standing up. but it can. and should, be so
fitted that the light is thrown on to the ))aper only. The lights in
the lending library are much more difficult to arrange effectively
chiefly because the light has to cover a vertical space usually some
7 ft. 6 in. by 7 ft. or even more. In open access libraries this is
scjmewhat less as the cases are never made more than 6 ft. in height,
and sometimes are not so much. There are several possible shapes
of shades that would distribute the light over this space more success-
fully than at present, and no doubt, when the principle of individual
lighting is better understood new patterns will find their way on to
the market.
Taking the height of the table at2ft.(>in. (he lamp should be
lumg about 5 ft. from the floor. The lamp slioukl not fall ajipreci-
ably below the edge of the shade, and the shade, which should be
nearly opaque, must be shaped to throw the light to the edge of the
table. It will not generally be found a good plan to endeavour
to illuminate a table of more than 8 ft. in length with one lamp.
But then, in library planning, it is not good to have tables of a greater
length than this. The lamp may be a di-op light from the ceiling or a
table standard with the cable running up the table leg. The former
is tlie method recommended.
The news room requires somewhat different treatment. The lamj)
should be approximately 6 in. above the level of the stand. The
lamps in the case of wall stands should not be so far apart that light
has to be borrowed. Not only is the light insufficient if the form of
shade is a good one. but the break l)cl\\een the two papers is irritat-
ing to the eyes.
In the lending library sd riiiirh d. pruds iijionthesize andslyle of the
cases that it is diffimiit t.. -ipj-.-i any uniform plan, but it may be
accepted as an axiom that . .rn- li.'ht >liould not be made to do duty for
two large cases, more particularly when the public is admitted to
direct access to the shelves.
Another golden rule is to bann all lights above the eve-line if they
can be seen from the rooms in which the eye-line is preserved, unless
they are hooded.
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" Electric and Petrol-Electric \'ehiclcs." By D. Povnter Adams.
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" Proceedings of the Royal Society." Vol. LXXX. Xo. B 543.
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346
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 11, 1908.
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THE UNDERGROUND RAILWAYS OP LONDON
Our readers will remember that a little more than a year
ago we publi.shed an article in which the working results
of the various London underground railways were com-
pared. This statement aroused no little interest, which
we think will be revived by the more valuable comparison
for a complete year's working, ended June 30, 1908, that
we are able to give in the present issue.
In making such a comparison between the costs of ojDCia-
tioii of various electric railways considerably greater diffi-
culty is experienced than in the case of electric tramways
or electricity generating stations. In the last-mentioned
case the unit of electricity forms a satisfactory basis for
determining relative costs, and in the case of tramways,
as practice has become fairl;, well standardised and equip-
ments do not vary considerably, comparisons based on the
cost per car-mile may be taken as reliable in the majtwity of
cases. .Vttention, however, should be drawn to the fact
that this basis for determining the-costs is not absolutely
lair, and the inaccuracy is liable to be more pronounced
when the method is applied to electric i-ailways. In the
first place, the si''.e of the cars — and, incidentally, their
seating capacities — vary considerably, and allowance should
be made for this fact. The fairest basis for comparison would
probably be to state the results p^r passenger-mile ; but
figures regarding the average length of jouniey midertaken
by passengers are not accessible in the majority of cases,
and would not be obtainable on, for example, the Central
London Railway with the present system of issuing tickets,
THE ELECTEICIAN, DECEMBER 11, 1908.
347
or with the "strip " tickets which luivc recently come iiilo
use. Ill lieu of these figures, results might be based ou
cost per passenger, but this would prove misleading, since
the average distance travelled by passengers varies con-
siderably on the different railways.
Agam, if attempts are made to take uito account the
seating capacity of tlie various cars, too much reliance
must not be placed on the figures so obtained, in view of
the number of " strap-hangers " travelling on some of the
lines during " rush hours " each day, such passengers, of
course, being neglected in calculations per seat-mile.
Under these circumstances, therefore, we have again
adopted the car-mile as a basis of our comparisons ; but
it will be seen tliat we also give the average seating capa-
city of the various cars and the number of passengers
carried, so that our readers may take such figures into
account when comparing costs. An interesting com-
parison might also be made by taking the ratio between
working expenses and receipts, but a high percentage does
not necessarily mean uneconomical working.
It will be noticed that the results obtained on the Metro-
politan District Railway are given independently of the
others. This is due to the fact that this company is a
much too complicated concern to allow of its accounts
being ana"3'sed and tabulated in the same manner as the
■■ tubes." For example, the traffic consists largely of
" through-traffic," and only ti'-i per cent, of the car-miles
run by the "District" cars are run on the "District"
track, over which a considerable number of other com-
panies' cars also run. Through the courtesy of Sir George
GiBB we are able, however, to give what we hope will prove
a sati-sfactory statement regarding the working of this
lailway. This statement, we think, will reply to some
extent to the criticism which has frequently been levelled
at the operation of this line. We should here like also
to draw attention to the fact that compaiisons made as to
the cost of current per car-mile in the case rf tlie " District "
and the tubes owned by the Underground Electric Railwa>s
Co. of London, which usually appear much to the disad-
vantage of these railways, are frequently misleading. This
is due to the fact that the Chelsea generating station of
the Underground Railways Company is operated as an
independent undertaking, so that interest on the capital
outlay and an allowance for depreciation, &c., arc included
ill the price of current charged to these railways, whilst
the ■■ current " expenses of the other electric railways in
London represent " works cost " only, since the generating
stations are operated as part of the respective undertakings.
An item in which several of the " tubes " appear to sufier
unduly is that of ■" rates and taxes." On the Central
London Railway this item accounts for no less than J •002d.
per car-mile, or nearly one-fifth of the total working ex-
penses, and shows an increase on last year's figure. With
such a handicap it is not surprismg that many of these
railways find a difficulty in showing satisfactory financial
results, and, in view of the heavy capital expenditure in-
volved in construction, they should certainly not be handi-
capped by what can only be considered excessive rating.
In view of the large outlay involved, amounting to nearlv
£700,000 per mile in the case of the most recent tubes, it
is evident that the right policy is being adopted in running
the most frequent service found practicable. AVith traii^
composed of fewer coaches and run at smaUer headways—
so that the service becomes, if it has not already become,
superior to that of electric tramways and motor omni-
buses—the public are likely to become more and more
enamoured of this mode of transit, especially as delays
due to the congestion of th" traffic in the streets become
more serious, from (he |joint of view of percentage in-
crease in the duration of a jouiney, as the speed of public
conveyances increases.
In this way the solution of the traflic ))r()hlcm might be
considerably facilitated, especially if the (juestion were
taken in hand seriously by the London County Council.
Thus, the Council's tramcars could contain in a prominent
position a plan of the routes of the tubes, and if the con-
ductors were to call out the names of the various stations
and names of the railways, which in themselves to some
extent indicate the routes, a coiisideiable interchange of
traffic would probably result even if " through book-
ing," as described in the recent report of the London Traffic
Branch of the Board of Trade, were not in vogue. At any
rate, the whole question should be dealt with on broad
lines, particularly where railways, tramways and omni-
buses are in operation over poitions of the same route.
Immediate action would appeai- to be necessary, since the
agreement arrived at last year between the various com-
panies is reported to have proved unsatisfactory, and it
seems probable that unprofitable competition is again to be
the order of the day. There can be little doubt that this
is not to the ultimate — or even present — benefit of the
general public, and we hope that steps will I)e taken to
restrict the various forms of transit to those districts for
which they are best adapted, so that eventually a complete
system of interchange of traffic will result, such as is at
present developing on the Underground Railways of London.
REVIEWS.
Copiesof the uuiiermentioued works LMii l/e huii from T/u EUctr
on receipt of publi&bed price, addiug 3d. for books published ii
cent, for abroad or for foreigu books.)
■iVi7( Office, post fre
idcr 3s. Add 10 |ir
Standard Polyphase Apparatus and Systems. By Mairick A.
OuDiN. Stli etlition. (London: Sampson Low, Maiston & Co.)
Pp. 369. 12s. 6d. net.
This book was first piiblislu'd in 1899. and has now roaclifd
its fifth edition, from which it would appear that the bock lias
been well received. \V'e must take exception, liowever, to tlie
author's prefatory remark, when he says " These notes aie
intended for electrical engineers, central station rueii, and
others who talk about, operate or are interested in polyphase
machinery." It seems to us that the book is intended for
any engineer but an electrical eiiffiiiecr — it is rather for those
of the latter class who. interested in polyphase machinery and
systems, possess little or no knowledge of the principles ou
which they work.
In some 360 odd pages, the author attempts a description
of generators, induction motors, synchronous motors, trans-
formers, rotary con\^eiteis, motor-generators, &c., switch-
boards and station equipment, hghtning protection and line
348
THE ELECTRICIAN. DECEMBER U. 1908.
construction, two and three-phase systems, ^■''"'^ J^' *:
quencv, relative weights of copper ior various syste^ns, a ml,
la t y a chapter is appended on the calculation ot transmis-
sion lines. With the exception of this last chapter there
is scarcely a numerical symbol in the book.
As regards the contents, they arc p.actically what one
would expect a designer in the alternating-current department
of a la.-e electricalfirm to collect from his wide experience
and detailed knowledge of numerous installations and speci-
fications. To this extent the book may be taken as a fairly
safe guide of present-day practice— at least in America, where
the book was written.
(ilancing throuah the several chapters we first have a sl^ort
introductory one', dealing with the definitions of alternating
terms. Chapters II. and III. contain a brief account of
modern generators and their characteristic features, whilst
chapters IV. and V. contain a similar digest of induction
motors. At the end of chapter V. on induction motors
strange to sav there is a section on singk-^hase motors and
variable speed «»»(/^e-phase motors, which, however, contains
little more than one would expect to find on the same subject
in an electrical engineering pocket book. Chapter M. con-
tains an account of the starting and working of synchronous
motors. From chapter VII., which treats of transformers,
onwards, the book becomes more interesting, containmg a
survey of the various kinds of rotary converters, motor-gene-
rators, freciuency changers and other converting apparatus,
including an interesting section on mercury rectifiers. Ihe
remaining seven chapters of the book deal with station and
line equipment, transmission systems, with their relative
copper weights, concluded by a number of examples illus-
trating the use of the formuhe and tables given for calculating
transmission lines.
The book is well written and easy to read, the style being
popular throuahout. The text is clear and the figures in
-reneral are good ; but the bright glossy paper-so frequeiitly
used in American books of this type— .soon tires the eye. For
those renuiring a superficial knowledge of standard polyphase
machinery and systems, written in semi-technical language,
the book can be recommended, but not to students. ^^ p^ g_
Popular Fallacies. By A. S. E. Ackerm.\nn. (London : Cassell &
Co) l>|i. xii + 312. 6s.
Fallacies liave a certain fascination, more particularly when
Ihey are other people's fallacies.. Without seeing Mr. Acker-
niann's book we should never have thougiit that fallacies were
so numerous, but in this instance we think that the definition
has been somewhat expanded to include more than fallacies
pure and simple. The author includes all subjects of popular
interest, even to a section on technical fallacies, and some
of the latter are so technical as to be beyond the ordinary
ii:uler. We will not run the risk of reviewing sections such
as lho.sc on the animal and vegetable kingdom, or on the human
anatomy, but will conhno 'jurselves to the more technical part
in which many interesting points are raised, and which we
can readily endorse. In a popular work of this kind it is, per-
haps, too much to expect a reference to rotational energy, and
we must be content with the statement that the energy of a
body is potential or kinetic, the latter being ^mV'. We do
not quite follow why the author has taken bicarbonateof soda
as his example of an alkali, except on account of its medicinal
propel lies, and surely "That Steam is Invisible" is less of a
fallacy than that it is visible; in fact the context shows that
the author adopts this view. These, however, are very small
matters, and we must congratulate the author upon having
produced an emineiiily readable book
Dr. J. Trick's Physikalische Technik. By Dr. Otto Lehmann.
7lh edition. Vol. 11 I'art. I. (Brunswick : ¥. Vieweg <Sr Sohn.)
Pp. xvii.-762. M.20.
This, the latest instalment of Dr. Lchmann's elaborate work
on " Experimental Physics," the earlier parts of which have
already been reviewed in these columns, deals exclusively
with electrical science. The experiments described run into
hundreds, and cover the whole range of the subject, from
electro-statics to space telegraphy. Few classical experiments,
if any have been omitted, and we do not doubt but that
eve. Experienced experimentalists will discover- some new ot
Ht known matter of interest. In addition o the experi-
ments, which are described in concise and clear language,
he atlthor has inclu.led descriptions of the most commonly
employed electrical appliances, such as measuring instruments
dvnamos for supplying various kinds of current, a variety of
XTba teS'accumtdators, and so on, The numerous
^ints which are given as to the best or quickest rnethodo
carrying out experiments should be of considerable ben fit
to the less experienced, and another valuable feature is the
extensive list of makers and prices of various apparatus The
hook has over 7-50 pages, and contams some 1,4-10 illustra-
tions in the text and three folded sheets illustrating the usual
kinds of armature windings and the distribution of magnetic
and electric fields for various arrangements of magnet poles
and electric conductors respectively.
Die Elektrische WellentelegrapMe. By p Akendt. (Bruns-
wick : Friedrieh Vieweg & Sohn.) Pp.. ix. -1- 166. M.6.
This is a text book which should be of considerable use
to the higher grades of telegraph engineers. It is divided nito
two parts, the first 19 chapters being devoted to physical
facts and theory, and the remaining six to telegraphic apparatus
proper It must not be supposed, however, that the theoretica
.section is unpractical, for this is not the case. The actual
instruments and conditions are outlined and the explanations
are simple, and on the whole correct, though exception must
be taken in a few cases. The diagram on p. 80, for instance,
which is intended to represent Marconi's magnetic detector,
shows the permanent magnets in such a position as would make
their action extremely inefficient, and which is never adopted
in practice. The lines of force shown on pp. 60, 61, and par-
ticularly in the second part of Fig. 57, are very crudely drawn,
and certainly give a false idea of the actual state of the field, ihe
section on undamped waves is hardly as complete as might
have been expected, no mention being made, for instance, ot
high-frequency alternators, such as have been used by Fessen-
den for some years, and the author does not appear to appre-
ciate the advantages, as regards non-interference, of using a
uniform high-frequency current of low voltage.
A feature of the book, which enhances its value from the
practical point of view, is the reprint (if the German Post Office
regulations for the use of wireless telegraphy in the service
of the public. This is a most interesting, if somewhat in-
tricate, document, giving the actual code signals and working
rules in use throughout the German Empire and on board
German ships.
MUNICIPAL TRAMWAYS ASSOCIATION S REPORT
ON BRAKES FOR TBAMCAR8.
As foreshadowed in our issue for Nov. 13, in which we gave an
abstract of the Report of the Tramways and Light Railways
Association committee on the question of braking airange-
ments and sanding gear for tramcars, the report on this subject
prepared by a Special committee of the Municipal Tramways
Association has not been long in making an appearance. In
fact, it has been purposely delayed by arrangement with the
Board of Trade.
The Special committee, which was formed in November,
1906, at Col. Yorke's suggestion, following the accident on the
Highgate section of the"Metroi)olitau Tramways, consisted of
Mr. J. Aldworth (Nottingham Tramways), Mr. J. M. McElroy
(Manchester Tramways), Mr. P. Fisher (Dundee Tramways),
Mr. J. B. Hamilton (Leeds Tramways), Mr. H. Mozley (Burn-
ley Tiamways), Mr. C. J. Spencer (Bradford Tramways), and
Mr. A. E. Feamley (Sheffield Tramways). These gentlemen
have held a consideralile number of meetings, and visits have
been paid to many cities and towns for the purpose of inspec-
ing special types of brakes, sand gear, &c.
The Committee fiist give abstracts of the Reports of Inspect-
ing Orticers of the Board of Trade on all the serious accidents
which have occurred during the past six years, and from
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER li. 1908.
349
these they conclude that the accidents, as a whole, have been
due rather to the failure of the human element than of the
brakes, which have generally shown themselves eijual to the
work they have been called upon to perform.
The committee put forward the following causes as likely
to result, or have resulted, in runaway cars. (1) The careless
or thoughtless breaking or ignoring of important regulations.
(This is believed to be the most common cause of all accidents on
gradients.) (2) The growing tendency to construct and work
tramways on very steep gradients, and the running of cars
on these gradients at too high a speed. (3) The employment
of men who are not fit for their positions, and insutticient
training of men in charge of cars. (4) The dani,'er of
adopting_ new forms of brakes without the fullest knowledge
as to their action under all conceivable conditions of servic'e.
(5) The disregard of the absolute necessity of constant
and careful inspection in the depots of the equipment, and the
danger of allowing cars which have exhibited defects to remain
in service. (6) The running of cars on long gradients without
suitable tr.ack brakes. (7) Drivers of cars losing conscious
control of their actions under trying and critical conditions.
Simplification of braking apparatus is considered desirable,
and the committee suggest that an ideal brake equipment
would be one where the same gear is used for all purposes—
viz., service, emergency and coasting— and worked from a
single lever by the driver, whilst, in the event of failure or ac-
cident, the result would be the application of the brake and
not its release. It should also be capable of being operated by
the conductor, and be, as far as possible, independent of
auxiliaries (sand, &c.).
The types of brake equipment adopted in this country are
reviewed by the committee, and also the principles of braking.
These subjects, however, we dealt with at some length in con-
nection with the report of the Tramways and Light Railways
Association.
weight of car (19,040 lb.), and at speed of 2 miles per hour
showed for cast-iron shoes on greasy rails a coefficient of
fnction=0-U9<s ; with wheels locked this fell to 0-122 ■ the
figures for dry rails were 0-2.3 and 0-241 respectively Tests
on a clean wet rail gave almost the same results. The tests
with birch shoes varied considerably, a figure of 0-4123 beine
obtained with grain parallel and on a clean drv rail, and of
UV» with grain parallel on a greasy rail.
A comparison of results obtained between an artificial wet
rail and a natural wet rail showed higher figures in the latter
case. Particulars are also given in one api.endix of exneri
ments with various kinds of grit. Other appendixes give a
summary of the coefficients obtained at ditierent speeds with
shoes of wood, plain cast iron, serrated cast iron and skidding
wheels, both steel tyred and of chilled iron.
An interesting table is that showing the ultimate possibili-
ties of mechanical brakes as regards the adhesion limit A
speed of 12 miles per hour is assumed at the instant of apnlv-
ing the brakes. With wooden shoes on greasy track the dis-
tance required to stop car was 44-5 ft., and on dry track
li.-84ft. A diagram of unusual interest is that showing' the
results of a brake block friction test, new blocks bein- run on
steel-tyred wheels until the coetticieut became constant
Descriptions are given of the apparatus and in most cases
particulars of tests on the B.T.-H. electromechanical track
brake, the British Westinghouso magnetic biake, track brake
and run back preventer used on the Burnley Corporation trams
^reunds axle-wound track brake, slipper brake use.l on the
Huddersfield Corporation tram.s, Maley's electiome(-hanical
rail brake (used at Leeds), Mallins' improved sandin<' appa-
ratus, air brake used on the Oldham Corporation'' trams
Fringle s gioove skid emergency brake, .Simpson's track brake
and C. H. Spencer's track brake. The committee do not hold
themselves responsible, however, for the accuracy of the
various de.scriptions nor for the opinions expressed by manu-
facturers and others.
>MIMENr>ED FOK.M
IF C.iST-IRO.N- ,ShuE with SerRATIO.N.':
SH.\rED Ends.
1N1> lio.iT-
In the summary and conclusions, the human element .and the
greasy rail are considered to be the two factors to which atten-
tion should be paid, the former of these causing the majority
of serious accidents, and improvements in design should be iu
the direction of reducing the importance of the human element,
he comnuttee feel that the safety of passengers when
de.<^cending steep gradients should not depend on the safe
working of a sand box and gear or magnetic arrangements
alone ; the brake problem is, therefore, reduced largely to a
question of track cleaning. Track- brake shoes are very efiec-
tive for cleaning purposes, and serrated cast-iron shoes are
lound to be better than smooth cast iron, and generally cast
iron IS better than wood. We illustrate herewith the recom-
mended form of cast-iron shoe with serrations and boat-shaped
The practical result arrived at by the committee is the
desirability of a brake which can be applied instantaneously,
either by hand or power, from a single lever, to both rails and
wheels the track brake coming to its maximum limit of appli-
cation before the wheel brake comes into operation. No sand
should then be necessary. The question as to whether pneu-
matic, hydraulic, electrical or other means of application should
be adopted is for future experience to determine. Emergency
brakes are not desirable, and automatic run-back preventers
sliould be fitted : steel tyres are also preferred to chilled iron.
iwenty-five appendixes accompany the report, and give
particulars of tests on various equipments.
The results of friction tests taken in a tramway depot, with
brake blocks fitted under each wheel, so that total pressure =
Nil I,
TRANSFORMERS : SOME THEORETICAL AND
PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS.*
BY A. P. M. FLEMING AND K. M. FAYE-HANSEN.
an/ ~ThK Paper i.s divided into two sections— theoretical and
jiraetical. In th
transformers, as leLi.inl- dini. t',
and also the effects ..t ditincii
tile mnxt ,-r,.i\..,uirid ratio bet
.seronil
and til.
i.f ih
made of shell and core types of
1 ' '>t. efiieieney, eooliug surf.ice, &c.:
i.iliiiis of iron are diseu.'^.'.ed, as well a.s
■n the copper and iron los.^es. In the
Paper, the different melhorl.s of cooling are considered,
al construction of transformer.s.
A comparison is first made of the dimensions of rectangular and
circular shell, and rectangular and circular core tyi)es of (rans-
forraers, for copper space factors of ()-5 and 0-2, the iron space fat- tor
being 0-9 in each case, and the ratio between the price per lb. of copper
and iron =3. and it is seen that the difference in the amount of
material for the four types i.s very small. The rcctanfrular shell
type is in all cases (especially for high copper space factors) slightly
superior to the other types, while the circular shell type for low
cojjper space factors (i.e., for high voltages) is somewhat inferior to
the other types.
It is fmther interesting to note that a reduction of the copper space
factor, from Oo to 0-2 (i.e., to 40 per cent, of its original value), corre-
sponds to an incrca.se in the cost of the active material of approxi-
mately 21 to 25 per cent, for the different types. The electrical per-
formance is next compared, ns-sumin<r that the iron used has a loss of
1'5 watts |)er lb. at an induction of 10.000 lines per sq. cm. at 50
jieriods, and that the iron loss \aries as the scjuare of the induction.
The copper loss per lb. at a current density of l.C)0O amperes per sq. in.,
and at the actual working teiu|)erature of the transformer, is assumed
to he 2-6 watts. Tables given show that the difference in electrical
performance' between the t,\pes is too small to be of importance in
practice, and all types are equally adaptable as po«er and lighting
transformers.
Ill these comparisons all the most important electrical qualities
of the transformers are taken into account except the reactance.
which together with the copper loss determines the regulation of the
transformer at different power factors. To make a comparison
regarding reactance for the different t\q)es, it is calculated for the
* Abstract of a Paper read before the Manchester Local Section of the
Institution of Electrical Engineers.
THE T?.T.Tr.nTRTCIAN. DECEMBER U. 1908.
,.,„,.winu ananficmonts <,f windings: (1) single concentrio winding
. 1 1 ^nsion coils inside, the high-tension coils outside : (i)
r"L:o.^;^ri> winding with one half of the low-tension eo.ls
■ 1^ rdtluotle half outside the high-tension w nding ; (3
'"f^ . ed Id ng It is shown that with suitably designed
'"r,lv regulation can be obtained with any of the above types.
;V"''!hf "y tvis H wm generally not be advisable to use the
n'.Ie cone ntr c w nd ng. as the regulation at low power factors wjU
r^t bad The double concentric winding, however, gives fairly
rrell, but for practical reasons t^hisarr^ange.e.t^
very seldom used for the rectangular shell type 1< or t^ie core t>pe
l^P sinele concentric winding gives fair regulation, and the triple
nt iP winding very good regulation. If the interleaved wind-
in"' isX-^edthe c::.'type req'uires a larger number of coils than
(he shell ty,)es for obtaining the same regulation.
The K.s^ bihty of obtaining any reactance for any type o an -
,,„„ er s also <,f interest from the point of view ..f banking of Hans-
soT different types. For good banking "' /--f ",
e luired-lD exactly the same ratio at no load fc.r the d fluent
iransformers ; (2) connections to give the same polarity ; {-i) the
^^^h^rS'^^Sr^-T^ ^or the differ- J^^^^--X:
That Iv inserting ventilating ducts and by providing special eooling
Mi ios it is possibl,. to keep a transformer of any of the above types
•oo 1? altering the proportions the cooling surfaces can also be
ncreas'd fo Iny of the tyi^es without appreciably altering the price
nd wights For the theoretically cheapest 100 k.v a. transformer
^^Uie dffferent types at a copper space factor of O-o. the cooling sui-
faci a e approxtoately as given in Table I. when no ventila ing
duet are Tertcd. As the cooling of the c.^.per is mos important
it will be seen that the core types are better than the .shell.
Table I. _^__^
Typo.
iRectangular
shell.
Circular
shell.
Rectangular
core.
Free copper surface
Free iron surface..
Total free surface
Iron to copper sur-
face
Iron to iron surface
sq. m.
770
1 .825
2.r>iir>
I.OIil)
(I
MM"
sq. in.
740
l.:!.5()
2,0<l()
1 :2rA)
mo
(llii'oreUtally^)
1,.500
1,500
3,000
1,0S0
0
Uieprieeperpoundc.cc^pe^andiron = l-5inb2.cas^
obtained are -^JT^^^^,^.^^^, t; copper weight 494 lb. and
tivelv ; iron weight / la 10. ana -i^o i j. , yi » , , „„- . t>
2721b. ; proportional cost of active material 3,030 and l,66oB
Finduct on) 10,300 and 15,300; ^ (current density) /5o and 1.120
on TosrJcopper loss, watts 738 and 890: maximum efficiency at
uTload, per ee^nt. 98-55 and 98-25. It will be seen that whenever the
size of a transformer is limited by efficiency it will be of advantage to
use the alloyed iron mentioned above. , , ,. ^- u
There is one further question which can be treated mathemat.eaUy.
.nd that is the most economical ratio between copper and^on loss for
transformers which do not run continuously at full load. It is
necessary to assume that the load per day consLsts of full load for a
tfme of 24 x a hours, corresponding to the load factor a (the rest o the
t me no load at all), and that the price per unit6..alteis with the load
a as ner curve Fig 2.* The most economical ratio between copper
loss and iron loss is deduced and is shown in the same figure. It is
eeommended. however, that for ordinary voltages the rat^io between
the copper and iron loss at full load should not be larger than about
80 ner cent of the values given in the curve, since the ii'on loss in-
creases more slowlv than the square of the induction, also a larger
wire means increased space factor, and cheaper transformer and
better regulation. For very high voltages and small outputs the
ratio should be much lower.
The authors then turn to the practical considerations. From these
the most important difference between various types of transformers
is the method of cooling. The different methods in actual service
are --(a) natural draught, (6) oil insulated self-cooling (O.I.S C .), (c)
ail- blast, (d) oil insulated air blast {see Fig. 3). (e) oil insulated water-
cooled, with cooling either internal or external. In practice, the
limits in output f.^r which the natural draught type can be economically
built are very narrow, since as the size of the transformer increases,
the exposed 'surface per unit volume of active material decreases
rapidly and accordingly also the material densities which can be
allowed without undue lieating under operating conditions.
S(|.
1,.530
l.:«5
2,«<)5
1.100
0
Fl.:. 1
SUKhh TyI'K.
Having thus completed the theoretical comparison between the
different types, and having found that they are practicaly equal,
« ith the exception of the rectangular s^iell type. Fig. 1, which slmus a
slight superiority over the others, tlie
further theoretical considerations are con-
fined to this type alone, though all the
conclusions made will be exactly the same
for all the types.
The demand for abnormally high effici-
encies compels the manufacturers to try
to use excessively high s))ace factors, so
that the insulation is cut line and the
reliability of the transformer reduced. The
authors have found that the dift'ereiu-c in
percentage loss (for a given output, induc-
tion, current density, space, and loss factors) between the cheapest
and (he best emcicncv transformer for all jiractical conditions is
very small. Nvhile the diffcrcnee in price is under certain conditions
very considerable, so that the method of determining the best effici-
ency transformer is of little practical value.
As the importance of the use of alloyed iron in transformer work is
increasing, the authors go further into this (luestion. For tliis pm--
pose they assume that the alloyed ii-on as finished punching has
double the price per lb. of ordinary transformer sheet iron, and that
the loss per lb. is GO per cent, of that for ordinary iron at the same
induction and frequency. Under these assumptions they calctilate
the cheapest 100 k.v.a. transformer of the rectangular shell type,
liavin<» the same copper and iron space factor (0-5 and 0-9) as in the
first example. (1) With the product of induction and current density
being V 100/60=1-29 larger than before, corresponding to the same
loss in watts per lb, of material. (2) With the product of induction
and current density being 1002/602=2-77 larger than before, corre-
.sponding to .i|i|>ru\ini,itely the same efficiency. The ratio between
* By fill ...Inij Miiiite is meant that surface of the active material,
the normnl to winch does not penetrate any other active material.
5 10
Fi,^ 2.— Curve showino the Theokbtically Most Economkai.
Ratio between Iron and Copper Losses at Full Load for
GIVEN Load Factor and Price per Unit.
The O.l.S.C. type can be built for very much greater caiiacities
than the natural draught type, which is considered only suitable tor
low voltages and small sizes, but the latter type has the advantage ot
greater cleanliness, especially in case of repairs or alterations and
ease of transport. On the other hand, in the O.l.S.C. type there is a
greater uniformity of temperature throughout the active material
and overloads can be carried for much longer periods. Also it is
capable of withstanding a higher temperature without injury than
the natural draught type, and its economic Imiit is about l,oOO--,outi
k.v.a. at 50 periods. In the remaining types the output, both trom a
1 theoretical and practical point of view, is unlimited.
' With regard to the safe-limiting temperature conditions for trans-
formers, it might be pointed out that the temperature rise, as given by
the manufacturers, is that above the suiTounding an- (or, in the case ot
forced cooled transformers, the applied air or water), so that it is
important for the user to keeji this down as low as possible, since the
depreciation of insulation and ageing of iron depends on the actual
temperature attained. This temperature should not for any length
of time exceed about 85°C.
With transformers of the forced cooled type the temperature ot tne
cooling medium (an- or water) can usually be easily kept low enough,
and the an- temperature of the transformer chamber is of secondary
importance. In the self-cooled types, however, particularly for largo
units, special precautions must be adopted to ensure adequate ventila-
tion of the transformer chamber. The importance of this point
seems to be very much underrated, as, for instance, in transformer
street tanks, in which usually no provision is made for the cooling ot
* The figures from which this curve is plotted correspond to those given
in Ml-. Snell's Paper of January 17, 1908, as the average price for the larger
stations, j
THE ELECTRICIAN. DECEMBER 11, 1908.
351
the ail- siu-rounding the transformer. A similar condition exists in
many transformer chambers and sub-stations.
.\ iiKilt'i not less important than tenipriai luc is ili;ii nl ii!,,iilHtion.
'I'lic "" i\i.i II il " insulation, i.e., the insiil, 1 1 h. II inoiiriniL^ I'lrhiwh-
and Imu t;ii>ion windings, &c., usually givis \(iy little tKinhlc. By
far the more important is the " internal " insulation — i.e., the in-
sulation between the various parts of individual coils. Here good
results depend essentially on workmanship, and also on the mechani-
cal featiu'es of the insulating materials more Uian on llieir insulating
properties.
Diirinu Midden changes of potential the v.rlii.;, :,, ic^,., (Ik- trrniinal
]ioiiion-; nl the liigh-tension winding raax' Inr ;i h.n i i nm. he raisrd ^o
many linu's the normal value, ko that for lai uri' 1 1 ,iii^t..iiners for really
high voltages it is becoming standard practice to specially insulate
the end turns, except in such cases where the necessary protection is
afforded by heavily insulated choking coiLs arranged outside the
transformer in series with the high-tension winding.
Fia. 3. — Three-phase, Oil-insulated, Air Blast. CmfULAK Core
Type Transformer tor 1,700 k.v.a. 5,000 \'olts.
Unfortunately it is almost impossible by means of tests to ensure
that the internal insulation is really satisfactory. Further, the
operating conditions causing potential concentration cannot easily be
reproduced in the factory during testing. Faults in the " int<?rnal "
insulation can only be obviated by careful workmanship and close
supervision.
In the case of oil-insulated transformers of very high voltages, say,
of 100,000 and upwards, the principal insulation difficulty is not in
protecting the windings, but in bringing the terminal conductors
safely out of the transformer case. A form of terminal insulation
which has been latterly introduced for dealing with this problem in
very high-tension transformers consists of alternating cylinders of
insulation and metal foil wound on to a metal tube which constitutes
one of the terminals. The consecutive layers of insulation arc of
similar material and thickne.ss, and tlie metal foil cylinders have each
approximately Uie same area, so that in accordance with the law for
condensers of similar capacity in series, the potential gradient across
the entire dielectric thus composed will be uniform. This permits
an economy in the total radial thickness of material re quired, and
prevents the greater part of the stress falling on a small thickness of
insulation nearest the terminals.
In laying out the windings so as to ensure the best disposition of
insulation, care must be taken not to lose sight of their mechanical
rigidity. This point in the design of transformers has not until
recently received the attention it deserves. It must be remembered
that the electromagnetic stresses developed are proportional to the
square of the current flowing, and in modern transformers having
very close regulation at low power factor the current on short-circuit
may be from 50 to 100 times the normal full-load cun-ent, correspond-
ing to 2,500 to 10,000 times the normal stresses.
Fig. .3 shows a consfnietion adopted for taking care of these
stresses. In this 1,700 k.v.a. transformer, which has not a sijocially
clo.se regulation, the forces on short-chcuit are calculated to be about
1-4 tons for the coil nearest the yoke. It will thus be seen that the
tendency for obtaining closer and closer regulation for transformers is
a somewhat dangerous one. Undoubtedly also it makes the parallel-
ing of transformers more difficult, as a small difference in the ratio
will cause very heavy circulating currents.
Contrasting briefly the mechanical features of th(! various types: —
(a) The rectangular shell type affords a .sound mechanical construc-
tion embodying a short iron circuit, easy method of building, all
joints interleaved, freedom from humming, and no bolts are required
through the laminations, (h) The rectangular core type is con-
structed either on the same general lines as the shell type, or else the
cores and yokes may be interleaved or arranged with a butt joint
between them, and either concentric or sandwiched windings used,
whereas in the former type the sandwich winding is preferable, (c)
For large sizes the circular core type construction requires the use of
bolts through the laminations to ensure a really rigid mechanical
construction, and is generally built with a butt joint between top
yoke and cores, which affords an easier means of assembly and
removal of the coils than does the shell or rectangular core type hav-
ing interleaved joints. With this tyijc either the sandwich or con-
centric winding may readily be used, (rf) Regarding the circular
shell type the authors have had no experience in the building of the
magnetic circuit, but from the appearance of the finished transformer
there would seem to be some difficulty in making a really substantial
nieclianieal job of seciu-ing the laminations. With this type prob-
ably the triple concentric or sandwiched windings are usually adopted.
The difficulty in making a tank entirely impervious to oil is re-
ferred to by the authors. For small transformers gahaniscd or
enamelled cast-iron tanks are used, and for larger sizes sheet iron.
In two apijcndixes equations and general formula' referred to in the
lirst iiart of the Paper are given.
CORRESPONDENCE.
THE INFLUENCE OF ATMOSPHERIC Hr:\III)ITV
ON ELECTRICAL RESLSTANCES.
•|() THE EDITOR OF THE ELECTRU'I.VX.
Sii; : Will you kindly allow ine to make a few remarks on
your Note entitled "" Mauganin Resistances " which appeared
on p. 2 of your issue of October 10, and on the abstract of my
article " Ueber den Einflu.ss der Luftfeuchtigkeit auf elek-
trische Widerstiiiide " from the ■ Zeit.schrift fiir Instrumcnteii-
kimde," Vol. XX VIII., pp. 229-213. 1908, which appeared on
pp. 14-16 of the same i.ssiie.
In our former communication, which was published in The
Electrici.ax of August 2, 1907. Prof. W. Jaeger and myself
drew the conclusion that " The variations of resistance due to
the shellac, if existing at all in our climate, remain very small,"
while in your Note you consider that my complete results are
not in agreement with this "' for . . . considerable varia-
tions were found when coils were placed iu an atmosphere of
80 per cent, humidity."
Two things, which have nothing to do with each other, have,
however, been confused. The behaviour of standard resis-
tances under the climatic conditions of Charlottenhurg should be
kept quite separate from the behaviour of test coils which were
intentionallv submitted to conditions that in realitv would not
352
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER n, 1908.
1 ohm .
1^^ .
. 0001.
1, ceo ohm
10 ohms .
. 10a .
. 0003,
IOe .
. 0002„
100 „
100a .
. 0-003.,
10,000 „
100b .
. O'OOSi
be met with in any climate. As the al)Ntract in your journal
does not deal with a very important part of my article, viz.
the behaviour of standard resistances in our climate over the
period of a year, there is a danger that your readers will obtain
a false idea of the results of my work, and for this reason I
.submit the following remarks.
During the 12 months from April, 1907, to April, 1908,
which included one of the dampe.st .summers ever recorded by
the Berlin meteorological service, I have noticed the following
inaximum variations in stnndnrd resistances: —
Value. Designation. ^^^^-^ , Value. Designation, ^^j^^;
1,000a . . 0007j
1,000b ... 0006;,
l,O0Oc ... 0007,
10,000a ... 0006,
10,C0Cb .. 0 005,-,
10,000c ... 0 007,
It may well be claimed that the periodic variations in the
1, 10 and 100 ohm resistances are "very small," though
they can be distinctly observed in consequence of the extra-
ordinary increase in accuracy of resistance measurements
which has been obtained by the introduction of manganin.
Even the variations in the 1,000 and 10,000 ohm standard
resistances in the Charlottenburg climate are only about one-
lifth of those noticed on corresponding coils of resistance boxes
at the Bureau of Standards in the Washington climate.
It should, however, be noted that 1,000 ohm resistances are
not so important as those of 1 ohm which directly incorporate
the unit, and that it is by no means permissible to compare
the constancy of a 1 ohm resistance made of a given material,
such as platinum silver, with that of a 1,000 ohm resistance
made of manganin ; for it is now well known that the latter, in
its hitherto existing form, is subject to the influence of damp
in a comparatively great degree.
Since even recently the superior suitability of manganin
has been called in question in English journals, it is perhaps
reasonable to bring again to the notice of your readers the
views arrived at by the Bureau of Standards in Washington
after very careful measmements. Messrs. Eosa and Babcock,
in fact, sum up the residt of their researches, as follows :
" Our work tends to confirm the work of Drs. Jaeger and
Lindeck, as they very properly observe, not only that man-
ganin is very well adapted for resistance standards, but that
the method of mounting the resistances and protecting them
from the oxidation of the air or oil by shellac or varnish is
very satisfactory, /j/oivWerf Mey aretdso protected from. the. effects
of atiiuispheric h um iditi/." (Bulletin of the Bureau of Standards,
Vol. IV., p. 139, and The Electrk'i.an, Vol. LX., p. 16i.)
I am perfeMly convinced that it will in the near future be
also recognised in England that properly constructed man-
ganin standard resistances are by far superior to all other
patterns in which the hitherto known resistance materials,
such as platinum-silver, are used. — I am, &c..
Dr. Sc. LiNDKi'K.
Physik.-Techn. Reichsanstalt, Charlottenburg.
COMPARISONS OF THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY
IN THIS COUNTRY AND ABROAD.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ELECTRICIAN.
Sir : Among Mr. Mordey's statements on the electrical
industry in England and other countries is a comparison of the
electricity supply in England and Germany. 1 must raise
a protest agamst the basis of comparison contained therein.
It is very likely to give rise to false ideas about the true
relations which exist. And as a text to my statement I will
take Tabic D of Mr. Mordey's address, which is set out
below, and which compares the capacity of English and
German electricity works.
Kw. I'opulation. ^^^'-itts Per
u , , „ inhabitant.
^^"Kland 983,181 45,000,000 21-8
L,eimany 612,652 63,000,000 9-7
As stated by Mr. Mordey in his address, the above figures
lortremany are taken from the statistics of the " Vereini"ung
der Elektnzitatswerke" for 1907, while the English figurj
relate to a period ending March, 1908. The figures given
only take generators into account, and exclude convertors and
accumulators.
Next I notice that as regards the number of the stations
the statistics of the "Vereinigung der Elektrizitiitswerke "
employed are very defective. Only 241 stations are given in
them, while general figures referring to the same time and
worked out by me for German electricity supply stations {see
" Elektrotechnische Zeitschrift," 1908, No. 11) exhibit 1,530
stations as supplying light and power. All these works supply
for public purposes— i.e., they use the public streets for laying
their main.s, supply large towns or considerable parts of the
same, and can, therefore, be considered as public works. To
the objection that many of these works only generate current
as a "by-product" and are principally manufactories, coal
mines, breweries, or saw mills, I reply that this method of
supply is characteristically German, though whether it also
occurs in England I do not know. Stations which supply
electric tramways and railways exclusively are not included in
the above 1,530, and even machines in the above stations which
are used for traction purposes onh/ are not taken into account
in estimating their capacity.
It is further characteristically German that besides the
public supply stations there are a very great number of
private plants in blocks of flats, factories, hotels, theatres,
warehouses, &c., where the personal requirements for light and
power of these establishments are generated. As far as I
know this is not the case in England under similar circum-
stances. If the current supply -of the two countries is
to be compared on a right basis, not only must one class of
stations be included — i.e., the public supply station as it is
known in England, but all generating plant must be taken
into consideration.
The total capacity of the above-mentioned 1,530 works was,
as stated by me in the "Elektrotechnische Zeitschrift," on
April 1, 1907, 074,595 kw. of generators (excluding convertors)
and 128,090 kw. of accumulators.
From a graphic representation showing the development of
German stations the corresponding figures for April 1st, 1908,
are 784,500 kw. of generators (excluding convertors) and
150,000 kw. of accumulators.
Further, I have ascertained that 44,600 kw. of generators
and 25,000 kw. of accumulators were used for railway work on
April 1, 1908, which are not included in the above figures.
The capacity of German "public " electricity supply stations
is, therefore, 829,100 kw. of generators (excluding conver-
tors) and 175,000 kw. of accumulators, making a total of
1,004,100 kw.
Dettmar, on p. 1,188 of the "Elektrotechnische Zeitschrift "
for 1908, states that the capacity of German " private " plants
would be 0,000,000 kw. (including generators and accumula-
tors) on April 1, 1909. Reckoning backwards on the same
scale as that used above, this gives 545 million kw. on April
1, 1908, or the total capacity of generators and accumulators
in the whole of Germany was, in round number.s, 6-45 million
kw. on that date. Taking Mr. Mordey's figure of 03 million
inhabitants, this gives about 100 watts per inhabitant.
Only these figures cin be taken as a standard of German
electricity supply, and it remains for Mr. Mordej- to correct
similarly his figure of 21-8 watts for England. But I am fully
of the opinion that Germany will in that case by no means
coniiiue so unfavourably as Mr. Mordey has stated.
•The comparati\e figures given by Mr. Mordey are not only
built up on incorrect foundations, but on quite aVrong basis of
comparison. — I am, &c.,
Friedenau, Berlin, Dec. 5. Kurt Perlewitz.
THE POSITION OF THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY^
to the editor of the ELECTRICI.iN.
Sir : As in some measure concerned with the appointment
of the committee of the Institution of Electrical Engineers
whose report on the grievances of this industry in 1902 has
just furnished a text for Mr. Mordey's Presidential Address
in 1908, I hope you will grant me a little space for what
appears to be a necessary explanation.
I have no wish and no time to take part in any academic
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 11, 1908.
353
tliscussion of our "backwardness " or otherwise. In any case,
whether wc are backward or forward, I hold that a spirit of
intelligent discontent is more conducive to jirogress than a
spirit of complacent retrospection, however " patriotic' And
from this point of view I cannot conceive what advantage it is
to the members of electrical trades and professions, or to the
general public, that Mr. Mordey and Prof. Kapp should be
delighted with the present condition of the industry. They
can scarcely suppose that essays and addresses will satisfy or
even console disappointed engineers, manufacturers, officials
and shareholders. What is good enough for Mr. Mordey and
Prof. Kapp is certainly not good enough for them. They can-
not take a very lively interest in the number of units of
publicly generated electricity consumed per head in ( lermany.
They cannot eat statistics or pay their rent witli diagrammatic
curves, and they may be excused if they consider it not a little
cruel that so much ability should be devoted to proclaiming
"All's well " at a time when the need for reforms is so pressing.
The committee of 1902 consisted of IG representative mem-
bers of the Institution, including Mr. Mordey himself. Its
conclusions were unanimous, and the report began with the
summing up of evidence which showed "that electrical enter-
prise has not attained that stage of industrial development in
this country which might fairly have been expected, having
regard to the many favourable natural conditions, and having
regard, also, to the achievements of British capital, labour and
inventive genius in so many other branches of the mechanical
arts." Legislative and other hindrances were described, and
it was finally recommended that the Institution should
memorialise the Prime Minister.
The Council of the Institution did accordingly address Lord
Salisbury, and as the result the President of the Board of
Trade received a deputation fully representative of the
industry. There, however, the cfiFort expended itself. Then,
as now, there was no Minister of Commerce who would, on his
own initiative, seek to promote the interests of our industries ;
then, as now, the electrical industry lacked an organisation
with sufficient strength of purpose in these matters to influence
politicians.
We are not to be persuaded that the Institution was under
the influence of some extraordinary delusion in 1902, based
on ignorance of the kilowatt capacity of German central sta-
tions. The committee, and afterwards the Council, had to
deal with the possibilities of commercial electrical develop-
ment in our own country. To-day, as in 1902, those possi-
bilities are still shut off by legislative and official restrictions.
There are great public improvements to be cariied out, but
capitalists and engineers are deterred from attempting them.
Great Britain is of all countries the most conveniently laid
out for electrical distribution and traction schemes ; yet the
electrical industry is not prosperous. Surely it is more useful
to investigate the cau.ses of this unhappy condition and to
strive for remedies than to endeavour to comfort ourselves
with barren statistical comparisons.
The only question that deserves discussion is whether this
country has an electrical industry worthy of its peculiiu-Iy
favom-.ible nutural conditions: whether, in otlier words, we
have made the most of our opportunities, and whether the
industry is as extensively and as intensively useful to the com-
munity, and as profitable to those who are' engaged in it as it
ought to be. — I am, &c.,
London, Dec, S. Wm. L. MADiaox.
TARIFFS AND VALUE
TO THE KJJiTOli OF THE ELECTRICrAN.
Silt : May I correct a small but important error in your
comments upon my contribution to the discussion upon Mr.
Cooper's Paper. You represent me as proposing to base the
charges for energy, not on the cost of production, but on the
value of the energy to each class of consumer. I do not advocate
such a basis of charge. The view that I submitted to the
meeting, which you accurately reported, was that the basis of
charge should be adjusted as nearly as may be practicable to
the commercial value of the supply. The commercial value of
a commodity or service is not a measure of its utifity to the
user though it is influenced by that factor. The commercial
value is the resultant mainly of two factors, (1) the utility to
the user and (2) the cost of production.
I think that an attempt to charge upon the arbitrary basis of
cost of production only is not right in principle, nor would it
be right to charge upon the " desire to possess " on the part of
the user ; but I think that it is right to allow for the due in-
fluence of both these factors in fixing the tariff.
You further say that, if carried to its logical conclusion, the
policy I commend would involve a separate price to each con-
sumer. I do not agree that you arc adhering to the right
principle in maintaining this, but I trust that none will be so
foolish as to apply an abstract principle to conditions which
render its application impracticable — that way lies disaster.
I nmst regret the dearth of converts you foretell. I am not,
however, out for scalps, but to defend a principle all but
universally accepted by the commercial world.
I am encouraged by the fact that no one has yet attempted
to refute the arguments which can be put forward in support
of this principle. — I am, &c.,
London, Dec. s. Euw. W. Cowan.
[In remarking that Mr. Cowan proposed to base the charges
for energy not on the cost of production but on the value of
the energy to each class of consumer, we did not wish to imply
that the cost of production wotdd be entirely overlooked, but
that it would not be the deciding factor, as is usually the case.
Mr. Cowan himself stated that charging according to cost of
production was wrong in principle, and that if one charged
according to value justice would be secured to all. It was to
these opinions that we particularly desired to draw attention,
and we mentioned that too much attention had probably been
paid to the former principle. A difficulty in applying
his suggestion appears to be that as electricity undertakings
are mostly controlled by raiuiicipal bodies, one class of con-
sumer should not contiibute towards the cost of energy sup-
plied to another ; by encouraging, on a fair basis, the demand
for all purposes, the interests of all consumers are best
served.— Ed. E.].
GLASGOW LOCAL SECTION -INAUGURAL
ADDRESS.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ELECTRICIAN.
Sir; : In your issue of the Gth inst. a letter appears from Mr.
A. M. Taylor, making reference to the address 1 delivered, as
chairman, before the Glasgow Local Section of the Institution
of Electrical Engineers. I did not think that my remarks would
give rise to a discus.'^ion on " steam " i: " storage batteries."
Mr, Taylor already knows that the Glasgow Corporation
tried wdiat he advocates, and it proved a miserable failure.
When our steam plant was only equal to 1,<S50 kw., two storage
batteries with a maximum rate of discharge of 100 kw. for two
hours were installed. During the first winter after these butteries
were put down we had a three days' fog that gave us practically
our peak load from 10 a.m. ; and by 12 noon the batteries were
fully discharged, leaving us with oh hours of practically maxi-
mum peak load still to meet. Such a state of aflairs as existed
during the afternoon of that day and the two succeeding days
would not now be tolerated, and I consider that in a city such
as Glasgow, if a battery is to be depended upon to meet a part
of the peak load, it should have a cajiacity of from seven to
eight hours' maximum rate of discharge.
"l used the figure of £80 per kilowatt as I thought it a fair
.average, but it is much in excess of the capital charges in
Glasgow. These were, at May of this year, £5G per kilowatt,
and the steam i)lant and transmission to substations repre-
sented X17 per kilowatt. We, of course, know that generating
plant, including boilers and switchgeai-, can now bs put down
for £« per kilowatt, and if we take Mr. Taylors own figure of
.£10 per kilowatt for a five hours' discharge, and his figure for
interest, sinking fund and depreciation, it will be seen that: a
7,000 kw. plant will cost for steam plant £5,600 per annum,
and for battery £12,250 jier annum.
I agree, of coui-se, that every electrical ruidertaking of any
size should have a battery, which station engineers have found
to perform a function upon which a price cannot be put. —
I am, &c.,
Glasgow, Dec. 7. W. W. Laikie.
F 2
354
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 11, 1908.
TO THE KIJITOR OF THK ELKCTKIC'IAN.
S(K : Mr. Lackie has very courteously forwarded me a copy
of his letter to you in reply to mine, and I take the liberty of
sending you a few lines in reply. It is surely not quite fair
that Mr. Lackie should abandon his Glasgow figures and base
his argument upon the figures of the London Power Bills,
which are for units bigger than his increments of power would
warrant and include only the generating station. Let us take
his own figure of £11 per kilowatt — no doubt, of plant capa-
city— and add to it the Glasgow proportion of spares— viz.,
33 per cent., bringing it up to £23 per kilowatt of maximum
demand.
The difference in cost between the power house building
and the battery building would be probably another £3 per
kilowatt, but we will set this off against the fact that his ne.\t
instalment of plant will be cheaper. Then we have the
following : —
Steamplant 10% on £23 x 7,000 kw. =£16,100 per annum.
Battery plant... 17i% on £10 x 7,000 kw. \_£,Tf,co
10 %on£ 2 x7,000kw. /-^'*'^^°
If the comparison ended here, there would not be much to
be said for the battery, but it is in the fixed charges where
the saving would come.
In my article in your last issue I endeavoured to show the
importance of these. From an analysis of the Glasgow costs
over the last seven years, I would estimate roughly that a net
saving of some £2. 10s. per kilowatt of maximum demand per
annum, or over, might be realised by the installation of a large
battery used for peak loads. This, on a 7,000 kw. peak, would
account for no less than £17,500 per annum, which would at
once turn the scale in favour of the battery, since this sum has
to be added to the £2,450 saved on account of interest, &c.,
charges.
Mr. Lackie does not tell us the number of units above the
14,000 kw. line in his latest Glasgow fog experiences ; but I
maj' say that I took the trouble some time ago to look through
every day s record in another large town, over the space of
three years, and found only two occasions on which a fog load
of serious proportions lasted for three hours in excess of (in
advance of) the ordinary peak.
Generally speaking, the duration of the fog was inversely
proportional to its density, and in no case was 70 per cent of
the winter peak exceeded. — I am, &c.,
Birmingham, Dec. 8. A. M. T.wlor.
SUPERIMPOSED TELEPHONES FOR EAILAVAYS.
TO THE EDHOR OF THE ELECTRICIAN.
Sir : 1 notice in your issue of the 4th inst., forwarded to my
Company's works, Southall, from your otHcc last week as usual,
a full account of what purports to be a new system of railway
signalling.
I would point out to j'ou that your desciiption, though very
interesting, is somewhat misleading, insomuch as that the
system of signalling to which you refer — namely, by means of
superimposed telephones — has been in use for many years. My
Company has manufactured telephones for superimposed
work for the last 12 years, and the telephones so manufac-
tured are in use on nearly every railway system in this
country, and are also largelj- used abroad by railway com-
panies of anj' importance. 1 send you herewith a catalogue
dated 1899 (I cannot at the moment lay my hands on an
older one), showing our various types of telephones for super-
imposed working. I call your special attention to the type
"R" on p. 5 of this list. I also send j'ou a copy of my
Company's catalogue for 1008, and would call your atten-
tion to the type " R E " instrument illustrated on p. 3,
Figs. 1 and 2.
Thanking you in anticipation for the insertion of this
letter. — We are, &c..
The New Phonopore Telephone Co. (Lti>.)
London, Dec. 10. Charles Isa.vc, Managing Director.
[W'e regret that we should have given the impression that
superimposed telephones were an innovation. We intended
rither to draw attention to the departure by the British
Insulated & Helsby Cables (Ltd.), along this particular line.
THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY AND TAXATION.
[Communicated.]
lu (iermauy at the |)rcsent moment the electrical industry is
threatened with a special tax which, as will be sho^^Ti, cannot fail to
hamper it considerablv now. and intc-rfere to an appreciable extent
with its future development. Xor is this handicapping of a jiower-
ful rival at all sure to result in any advantage to British manufac-
turers ; on the contrarv. there is every reason to fear that the scheme
of taxation, if carried into effect, may prove a bad precedent for a
British Chancellor of the Exchequer on the look out for a new and
convenient source of revenue. In consequence of its trade organi-
sation, there is no country in the world which absorbs more attention
from British legislators and commercial men than Germany ; what
takes place there in the world of industry cannot possibly escape
notice here : and there is every probability that the new scheme of
taxing electricity in that country is already being represented in a
favourable light to our own legislators. We are morally certain of
a considerable deficit in the next budget, and the Old .\ge Pension
scheme will demand sacrifices from the nation ; it consequently
behoves any new and growing industry which is not old enough
established 'to be able to count upon such powerful adherents as.
for instance, the brewing trade or the coal trade can count upon, to
be ready with its argument.s of defence to reix>l any unfair encroach-
ment by way of taxation upon its young, vigorous life. Its pro-
mise for the futm-p may be the very reason for its being selected as a
victim for taxation.
Such is, in fact, the reason assigned by the German Treasury for
its desire to make the electrical industry a permanent soiu-ce of State
revenue. To quote the words addressed by the Government to the
Reichstag, the Treasury in its effort" to raise new funds has cast
around for a branch of industry " which can be taken while its
ilevelopment is on the rise, which has an important future before it.
and of whicli it may be at the same time assumed that, by reason of
its solid foundations, it is able to sustain a moderate sacrifice com-
mensurate with its actual conditions without narrowing or en-
dangering its future structure." This description it considers to
apply to the electrical industry, and the means it has devised to
exact the commensurate sacrifice fi-om it is the " electricity and gas
tax," which it calculates will at the present time bring in 50,000,000
marks per annum, or some 10 per cent of the total amount requucd
for the balancing of the Budget, but " in a future scarcely removed
from oiu- sight will, in consequence of the general adoption of elec-
trical power, be able, without any disturbance of econc.mic condi-
tions, to cover an important portion of the total amount required
for the Empire's needs." These are fair words and draw an attrac-
tive picture ; the electrical industry, they insinuate, seems to have
been sent by Heaven in the nick of time to pull the nation out of its
economic trouble just when matters have become most complicated.
But it remains to consider how the newly-contrived means arc likely
to accomplish so desirable an end.
In the first place, how is the tax to be levied ? It is to fall a)ion
electrical supply at the estimated rate of 5 per cent, of the selling
price, but not to exceed 04 pfennig (about j^d.) per kilowatt-hour.
In case current is generated for own use, the rate is 04 pf. per
kilowatt-hour, or 5 per cent, at choice. In the first case the tax is
to be levied according to the showing of the supply company's
ledger, in the second case accorcting to the record shown by regis-
tering instruments stipplied by the Government. Then comes a
tax uixm combustible gas " as the source of energy," to quote the
expression of the Ti-easm-y, " which is in constant competition with
electric current.' In this way "a tme-sided bmdening " of the
electrical industry is avoided. The rate is 04 pf. per cubic metre of
gas.
Then it is a secondary intention of the Treasirry to tax electric
current and gas as generators of light more heavily than as sources
of heat or power, whether applied to mechanical or chemical work,
the motive alleged being that they are sold at higher prices for the
former than for the latter purpose. To achieve this purpose a sort
of stamp duty, such as we have for patent medicines, is to be attached
to all illuminating appliances. This for electric incandescent lamps
is fixed at from 5 to 50 pf. (fd. to 6d.) according to power, for incan-
descent mantles for gas. spirit, paraffin oil and similar lamps 10 pf.
(lid.), for are lamp carbons 1 mark per kilo., for mercury-vapour
and similar lamps 1 mark per 100 watts. Of the total amount of
£2.500,000 to be produced by the tax, the Treasury estimates that
Si per cent, will be derived from electric power, 26 per cent, from
gas. 24 per cent, from electric light and IS ]ier cent, from gas light.
Xow, will this biuden of taxation demand a " moderate sacrifice "
from the trade, or an altogether immoderate one ? There is abund-
ance of proof forthcoming from trade circles that the latter is the
true alternative. A cas? that has come to light recently in Berlin
has occasioned a deal of talk. The proprietor of a large manufac-
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 11, 1908.
355
turing concern decided recently upon the eleclritieation of liis plant,
which liad hitherto been driven by steam power, and had calculated
upon a slight jirofit thereby of £300 per annum. Luckily for him,
before he had time to sign tlie contract with the electrical firm, the
new Government scheme of taxation was ]iublishcd. and, on calcu-
lating the amount he would have to jiay on his use of electric power
plant, he found it to amount to no less than £500 per annum, thus
converting an expected prolit into a loss. The case is instanced by
(Jberbiirgermeistcr von Hor.scht of Munich in an essay on the subject
he has contributed to the " Allgemeine Zeitung," and is a neat ex-
ample of tlie capability of electric power pushing its way under
present trade conditions, but the absolute impossibility of doing so
under the proposed crushing tax. Another instance is mentioned
by Oberbiirgermeister Cimo of Hagen in the " Vossisohe Zeitung."
A large jjaper mill has recently substituted electrical for steam power,
j)aying 00 per cent, more for its electrical than it did for its steam
plant. As a matter of fact it did not expect to
gain directly by the change, but only indirectly,
and was largely influenced by humanitarian
motives in getting rid of the tangled web
of bands, ropes, drums, &c., which were a con-
stant menace under the old system to the safety
of the workpeople. It now finds it will have to
pay a tax of 3.3 pt. on every 100 kilos, of newspajier
it turns out, which will amoimt to some 50,000
marks (£2,500) per annum. This is a third of its
average yearly profit, which has hitherto only been
maintained at a level of about £7,500.
The truth is that the whole fundamental idea of
taxing electrical power is a -nTong one from the
|)oint of view of true political economy. Indirect
taxation should only fall upon complete industrial
[iroducts, not upon the production itself ; otherwise
it is not the enjoyment of a product which is
taxed, but the labour which produces it. Now it
is an absolutely wrcmg and mistaken policy to tax
labour. Men need encouraging to work, and when
they are inclined to fulfil this onerous duty of exis-
tence, should not be deterred from doing so by a
tax. What should be liable to taxation is a product
« hich is matle the object of enjoyment or satisfaction, and the con-
sumiJtion of which is not necessarily connected with the primary
duty of labour, such as wine, tobacco, horses and carriages, &c.
Any intervention of the State which hinders work is to be depre-
cated, and there is not the slightest doubt that a tax upon electrical
power will interfere with the work of manufacture to a most deplor-
able extent. This hindrance to industrial progress will be extended
in various directions. Production of artificial manures, which is now
carried on in Germany at great chemical works employing power
jilant usually averaging some 30.000 H.p., will be no longer commer-
cially possible, according to Oberbiirgermeister Cuno's presentment
of the facts. The production of steel in the electric furnace, which
is now a promising new development will] be set back for years.
And so on throughout the whole range of industry, if a crushing tax
is to be imposed on the most hopeful soiu-ce of' modern industrial
progress.
its seat, without straining the expansion parts, with a much gieater
force, whilst the diameter of the valve can be increased.
The importance of having a valve whose seat is of large diameter
and of considerable lift is obvious: — a glance at the discharge capa-
cities specified for these traps, which vary from 750 to l.."i(K) gallons
per hour, according to size, shows v.liat an ample valve opening the
" Rapidity '" trap provides. Such a size of opening is impracticable
with " float " traps, especially for high pressures, becau.se it is neces-
sary, in order to provide sufficient ff)rce to shut the valve, to have a
float and casing of abnormal dimensions, such as would still further
increase the excessive loss by radiation oc^easioned by traps of this
description. To avoid thisdifficulty il is customary lo use valves of
very small diameter : some of the valves in well known '" float "'
traps are as small as .r.. in. in diam<>ler. although the inlet is as large
as 1 in., .several liutKhvd per cent, larger than the valve. Sf. small
a valve, of course, resiills in its rapi.l destruction, combined with a
RECENT IMPROffEMENTS IN GBIPEL'S STEAM TRAP.
The main feature of the Geipel steam trap, which was placed on the
market 10 years ago and has ever since been one of the most success-
ful, as is indicated by the fact that about 100,000 are in use all over
the world, consists in the method by which the expansion is multi-
plied without the use of levers, cranks, &c., great simplicity being
obtained, combined with a movement which is definite and which is
not partly lost, as is usually the case where levers and pivots are
adopted. Another feature is the provision of a yielding abutment,
by means of which excess expansion, due to a varying steam pressure.
IS rendered innocuous to the valve seat. These two features
formed the principal points in a patent action for infringement by
another party, which was decided in Mr. Geipel's favour. In his
judgment. Mr. .Justice Swinfen Eady stated that it had been proved
that this invention had made expansion traps practical and useful.
Recently important improvements have been made in the con-
struction of the Geipel trap, although in respect to the above fea-
tures, the trap remains unalt-ered. To distinguish the new trap from
lis predecessors it has been given the title of the " Rapidity " oteam
trap. The valve is arranged .so thai il is luld i.n iis seat by steam
pres.sure, instead of by means of an al.iiun-iii ,i-,im>i si cam pressure,
as is the case in the ordinary trap; c. .ris( ,|ii,.|iil\ i he \alve is held on
Geihel's " RAPiniTv " .Sikam Tuap.
tendency for it to get choked with the slightest amount of dirt : the
latter is not an infrequent element to be dealt with in the draining
of steam pipes which often contain sediment and dirt these being dis-
charged through the traps. The valve of the " Rapidity "' trap is
not only large but is also of the rotating type, and tends to grind
itself in every time a discharge takes place. In addition, the action
of the valve is such that it is forced well off its .seat when blowing
through, thus giving the maximum opening and a rapid discharge.
The best standard of comparison between different traps would pro-
bably be the amount of valve opening or discharge capacity and not
the size of the inlet.
The valve of the Geipel (rap is quite loo.se and disconnected from
any other jiart of the trap ; it can
be removed from its casing by
simply unscrewing the valve cover.
without in any way interfering
with the steam connections. It can
then be easily removed, inspected
and cleaned, an operation which can
be done in less than one minute.
This is a great consideration, for in
many traps the operation is difficult
and requires considerable time.
The loss of heat by radiation is
even less than in the ordinary
Geipel trap, the surface e.xpo.sed to
the steam being from } to ] sq. ft.,
according to the size of the trap.
When it is remembered that every
square foot of surface continuously
exposed to the heat of steam. repre-
sents a less by condensation at the
rate of about h ton of coal per
annum, the economy of using such
a trap is ap|)arent, es|)eeially when
compared with float traps which
may have a radiating surface of
6 sq. ft. This point is worth the consideration of steam users.
Another advant^age of the " Rapidity " trap is that it still further
increases the range of pressure through which these traps will work
without adjustment. It is only neccs.sary to set the trap for the
lowest pres.sure at which it is required to operate, bej-ond which, any
increa.se of pre.s.sure or temjierature merely moves the valve casing
Fui. 3. — Geu'EL Arkang
IIENT OF SEPAR-iTOR, &(
356
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 11, 1908.
away from the jjoint of abutment, wliereas in the case of the ordinary
(rap an excess of pressure causes an extra strain upon the expansion
tubes. In this connection it will be also noticed that as long as the
trap contains steam and the valve is closed thereby there is no strain
on the expansion tubes ; the strain occurs only momentarily when
the valve is being opened, whilst as soon as the valve is open, there
is again no strain on the tubes, wliereas in the case of the ordinary
Geipel or other expansion traps the ex])ansion tubes are continually
under strain.
The construction of the trap is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. It will
be seen that the brass tube A which forms the inlet and is connected
to the vessel to be drained, is at the bottom of the trap, and the iron
tube B, which constitutes the outlet, is at the top as in the ordinary
Geipel trap. In the valve body a passage leads from the entrance
of the brass tube to the upper side of the valve C. whilst the passage
from the lower side connects to the iron tube B ; the pressure there-
fore comes on the top of the valve. When the trap is cold or full of
water, the brass tube A is contracted, so that the valve casing D is
accordingly pulled into its lowest position ; and the valve spindle
E, which abuts against the lever F, is in contact with the valve and
has raised it from its seat.
When steam enters the brass tube the latter expands and moves
the valve casing up\vards. The steam pressure closes and holds the
valve tight on its seat, until water has again entered the brass tube
and caused it to contract and again pull the valve casing downwards.
Just as the valve opens, a rush of water takes place, which forces the
valve upwards and causes a large opening and therefore a rapid dis-
charge, whilst at the same time the rush of water catches the vanes
provided on the periphery of the valve and accordingly causes it to
rotate and grind itself in at each discharge. The action of the trap
is such as to dispense entii-ely with the objectionable throttling so
oommnnly adopted witii steam traps.
We may mention that Mr. Geipel has obtained many awards for his
traps, which oocupv almost a unique position in the engineering
world. We were enabled last week to view a number of tests on the
latest forms of valves described above, which have only just been put
on the market. These tests fully bore out the advantages described
above, and demonstrated the adaptability of the Geipel trap for
practically every requirement. Mr. Geipel also ^showed us the
arrangement of separator and cocks illustrated m Fig. 3 which he
recommends as giving very satisfactory results and which certainly
is convenient.
Fio. 4. — "Admir.^t.ty'' P.\ttern of Geipel's Steam Tkap
A sharp blow through occurs at each opening until all the water
is discharged, after which the valve is suddenly closed. This gi-eatly
prolongs the life of the valve because of the absence of that cutting
action which ^occurs when water or steam are leaking tluough
dribbling or improperly opened valves, or, in other words, passing
through narrow apertures at high velocity. The lever for blowing
through which is show-n in Fig. 1 is conveniently arranged so that it
can be used by hand or foot according to the position in which the
trap is placed.
Although the " Rapidity " trap works with considerably greater
ranges of pressure than the ordinary Geipel or other types of expan-
sion trap, yet for the purposes of the Admiralty, who specify that a
trap must be capable of working from atmospheric pressure up to
."500 lb. per square inch without adjustment. Mj'. Geipel has intro-
duced a new method of automatic adjustment, which is illustrated
in Fig. 4. The automatic adjustment is shown underneath the frame
of the trap in Fig. i. It consists of a cylinder which is connected to
the pressure side of the valve casing by a coiled tube. The position
of the piston is controlled by a helical spring and moves the adjust-
ment wedge outwards according as the pressure rises and vice versa.
This has the effect of raising the abutment by meahs'of which the
valve is opened.
It will be observed that the higher the pressure at which the trap
is to work the higher the position taken up by the valve casing.
The angularity of the wedge is adjusted so that it gives the precise
movement required by the abutment to accommodate itself to the
respective positions of the valve casing. The Geipel trap is already
fitted on over 50 vessels of the British Navv. as well as upon a similar
number of vessels in the principal foreign navies
ECONOMISER AIR EXCLUDER.
To make good better is the aim and privilege of the practical
engineer, as it is the goal of competition. The enterprise that has, of
late, directed its attention to introducing economy m the boiler-house
has met with considerable encouragement whether
as applied to chimney construction, boiler-design,
fuel consumption, or" facilities for coal-handling.
There is. of course, no finality in anything hitherto
achieved, but there is. as there should be. progress.
One of the most pleasing features of this advance is
the care accorded to detail, and the latest arrival in
this connection is the Ogden patent economiser air
excluder, which has been introduced by Messrs.
Ed. Bennis & Co.. to overcome a great disadvan-
tage of economisers. viz., air-leakage.
It is an admitted fact that air-leakage into the
fines redufps tlie draught, and at -the same time
lowers the tempera-
ture available for
heating the water.
The object of the
" air excluder," as
it^ name implies, is
to provide means
tor excluding the
cold air or draught
from entering the
interior of an econ-
omiser tlirough the
chain holes (i.e., the
holes through which
the chains attached
to the scrapers arc
made to pass and
work). It is so con-
trived that wliile it
stops the air leak,
age, it requires no
attention and is stationary, its adjustment also being
simple.
It has been calculated that in an average instal-
lation about 1 per cent, of the coal is lost through
air leakage via the economiser cham holes, so that
the small price of the appliance should be quickly
repaid by the saving effected, and in addition the
value of the economiser greatly enhanced. This
point will be the better appreciated by a consider-
ation of the significance of 1 per cent, of the coal bill.
The patentee having tested the practical value of the excluder by
fitting it to the economiser of several ^A•e!l-known firms, was suffi-
ciently enooiu-aged by the results obtained to ofi'er it to Messrs. Ed.
Bennis & Co., of Little Hulton, Bolton, and 28. Victoria-street,
London, who, having carefully considered the merits of the invention,
have secured the sole rights for the manufacture and sale of the
apparatus, and are now prepared to fit it to all types of existing
economisers. A reference to the illustration herewith affords a clear
idea of the apparatus^
Electric Traction in Bavaria.— The line from Berchtesgaden
to Hangender Stein, in Bavaria, is now operated by electricity.
There are two 450 h.p. turbines, each driving a 1,000-volt d.c.
generator. Still another line, from Salzburg to Berchtesgaden,
will be operated by single-phase current at 10,000 volts. It
will be remembered we described the features of this line in
connection with an article on " Electric Traction on the Bava-
rian State Railways," which appeared in The Electrician
for May 29, 1908.
'Economiser"
Air Exclttder.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 11, 1908.
357
LEGAL INTELLIGENCE.
Cole V. Maxwell Butcher & Co.
In tlie City dI' rjondou (/uurt, on Jlonday, before Juilgi- LiiniK-y
Smith. K.C. plaintiff sued defendants (a firm of electrical engineers)
fur £25. 16s. lOd., the price of electric motors supplied.
Defendants alleged that the motors were faulty, and made a counter-
claim for £33 as damajjes.
Plaintiff's ca.se was that in March last defendants asked if lie rc.iild
supply two sample electric motors, which he did. PlaintitT inquired. for
what purpose the motors were wanted, but he was not informed. Sub-
sequently defendants ordered 12 motors as samples, and they w'ere sent
on July 18. Defendants were practical electrical engineers and under-
stood motors. Mr. Butcher complained that four insulators were
missing, and they were sent. Defendants' customers then complained
that the machines were inisatLsfactory. and he found that they wanted
adjusting. Subsequently it was agreed that they were all right. They
were sent by defendants to Birmingham for running phonographs.
There was no doubt that the motors were not the most suitable for that
purpose. Plaintiff added that at first he supplied motors for 6 volts,
and they were altered to 4 volts. The batteries used, which he did not
supply, were too small. He found that the pin that held the brush
gear had been riveted tlu'ough by defendants. Apparently someone
found that this was loose and had riveted it in the WTong place, and had
also screwed up anything found to be loose. If put on to suitable woik
the motors should last a considerable time.
Mr. Butcher said the machines were defective. He had had lit
years' experience of electrical engineering. His clients refused to have
the motors. The condition of the commutators prevented the motors
from working. He did not examine them thoroughly before sending
them to his customer. There was no doubt the batteries were unsatis-
factory.
After hearing the evidence, the Judge found for plaintiff on the chiiiu
for £23 and also on the counterclaim, with costs.
MUNICIPAL, FOREIGN & GENERAL NOTES.
APPOINTMENTS VACANT AND FILLED.
The Council of the Metropolitan Borough of Hammersmith invite
applications for the post of mains superintendent. Applicants must
have had practical exjjerience of the laying and maintenance of high
and low tension electric su))ply mains, and be good draughtsmen.
Commencing salary £130, ri.sing, by annual increments of £5, to a
maximum of £1,50 per annum. Applications, on form.s to be obtained
from the borough electrical engineer (Mr. 0. Gilbert Bell), Electricity
Department, S,"), Fulham Palace-road, W., by 10 a.m., Dec. 18.
See also an advertisement.
An experienced man is wanted to take charge of the publicity
department of a London electric supply undertaking. Applications
to H. B. R.. Moorgate-court, Moorgate-place. London, E.C. See an
advertisement.
Cleveland & Durham Electric Power Co. (Ltd.) require two sub-
station attendants. Commencing salary 25s. per week. Applicants
must have had technical training and workshop cxjjerience. Applica-
tions to the Secretary, Hinton's-buildings. Middlesbrough. See an
advertisement.
A cable jointer, with central station experience, is wanted for
Chili. See ad\-ertisement.
A draughtsman, thoroughly experienced in design of switch-
boards and switchgear, is recjuirecl in the Midlands immediately.
Applications are invited for the position of junior meters assistant
in the City of Birmingham electric supply department. Applicants
must have had thorough training in testing of a.c. meters and must
have experience in connecting up of three-phase three-wire meters
on .5,000 volt circuit. Salary £100 per annum. Applications to the
city electrical engineer and manager (Mr. R. A. Chattock, M.I.E.E.)
by Tuesday, 15th inst.
Mr. J. M. Jolly (of Staerker & Fisher, Adelaide), has been appointed
manager of the A,E.G.'s Melbourne Agency. He has gone to Ger-
many to make observations of the Company's manufactm-es and
of mining installations and single-phase electric railway equipments
before taking up his duties at Melbourne.
The A. E.G. Australasian representative, Mr. J. D. Griffin, has been
appointed general manager of the .\.E.G. of South Africa (Ltd.), and
will take up his position at .Johannesburg after a tour in the U.S.A.
which will commence early next year.
Argentina.— Senor A. Chapeaurouge has obtained a concession for
the construction and working for 40 years of a port for oversea and
coasting vessels at Villa Constitucion. province of Santa Fe. The
works include electric light and power, cranes, &c. The materials
can be imported duty free.
A concession has also been granted to Messrs. Gandulfo & Diaz
Valdez for the construction of an electric tramway in Buenos Aires,
Tucuman Senate has approved a bill authorising the erection and
equipment of official electric light and power works.
The first section of the Tucuman city electric tramways will be
opened in a few months.
The conversion of the Cordoba and La Plata tramways to electric
traction will be commenced shortly.
Parana Municipality recently in\ited tenders for the erection of
municipal electricity works. The local g.is company have already an
electric power .station.
Electricity supply works have been opcMcd at Rafaela. province
of Santa Fe.
Florencio Varela Municipality have accepted the otter of Otto
Franke & Co. to supply current to 40 arc lamps for public lighting at
S25 per month.
A company is being formed with a capital of 13,000,000 m/n to
erect an electric power house on the river Priraero in Cordoba.
The Senate of the Province oi Buenos Aires have approved a Bill
granting to Mr. A. Limousin a concession for electrieitv supplv in
La Plata.
Audenshaw. — Manchester Corporation have oft'ered to supply
electric current for |)ulilic light ing in this district at £2. .5s. per lamp,
per annum.
Australasia. — The " Australian Mining Standard " states that at
the annual meeting of the Engineering Association of New South
Wales on Oct. 8 the president (Mr. .Jas. Shirra) was re-elected and
Messrs. E. Erskine and W. H. German v\-cre aii]>ointed vice-presidents.
Ml-. H. V. Ahrbecker is hon. sec.
Electric tramways from Leonora (Western Australia) to Gwalia
were recently opened. The Leonora municipal electricity works
having obtained demands in excess of the original estimate, an
extension of plant will shortly be requu'ed.
Boulder (W. Australia) Council have decided to borrow £o,CKlO for
plant extension, and the electrical engineer (Mr, H, G. Alder) ha.s
submitted specifications for a 420 b.h.p. turbine with 300 kw.
generator at a cost of £6,250.
Mr. E. E. Stark, city electrical engineer, recommends Dunedin
(N./5.) Council to duplicate the present Waipori generating plant, at
a cost of £32,190.
At the second annual meeting of the Australasian Tramway Officers
Association, at Sydney on Oct. 7, -Air. O. W. Brain was elected
president, and Messrs. J. S. Badger and \\'. G. T. Goodman were
appointed vice-|)residents. Mr. G. .Macoim is hon. sec. and treasurer.
Barrow-in-Furness. — The Council have authorised an expenditure
of £400 on an extension of the electric cables to Messrs. Caird's works.
It is estimated that the annual revenue from the j)roposed extension
will be £250 to £300.
Bath.— The Electric Lighting committee reported to the Council,
on Tuesday, that the Board of Trade had refused to sanction the
transfer of the electricity undertaking to Mr. E. Sclicnk.
Mr. H. J. Hatt, chairman of the committee, said he regretted that the
Board had not seen fit to give the reasons which had actuated them m
theii- decision to refuse sanction. The committee had always recognised
that an appeal to Parliament would probably be necessary to override
the Electric Lighting Act of 1S8.S, inasmuch as under the agreement the
sale was to be in pcrpetuitv, but they never contemiilated going to Par-
liament to support Mr. S.henk in getting overridden the refusal of the
Board of Trade to any sale at all. They had thought the Board would
entertain no great objection to the leasing of the umlertakmg for a period
of years, and that they would not regard it as an antagonistic attitude on
the part of the Corporation if thcv supported a bill for the purpose of
selling in perpetuitv. Theii- refusal to sanction the transfer was a diffe-
rent matter, and tliey would have, before doing anything more to dLs-
eover how the Board would view the iiromotiou of a bill which would
have for its object the overriding of their refusal of consent to the agree-
ment. Thev therefore asked for powers to interview the Board as to the
bill Mr. SehJnk was promoting. .Mr. Schjuk had stated that he intended
to proceed as though no ai)plication had b_-en made to the Board of trade
Mr. John asked for an assurance that the present involved state ot
affairs would not he further complicate! by any negotiations or provi-
sional arrangements with Mr. .Sdunk.
Mr. Hatt gave that assurance, and the minutes were adopted.
In the coriespondencc which pasic 1 between the L.G. Board and the
Council two points come into promineu'-e. In the first place, the Board
state that it is contrary to the practice of the Board on the transfer of
an electric light undertaking to allow the undertaking to be charged with
358
THE ELECTRICIAN. DECEMBER 11, 1908.
mmpany/'TI'e I^w<r«-iilr;.|nirc an explanation" as tn tl»- difToronrc
in these two aniiiunts. * ■ i i c t
\ letter ..f exi)lanali.in having been sent by the town cleik. the tina
communication from the Board states that the Board of I rude liad
decided, after consideration of all the cucunistancos of the case, not to
sanction the proposed transfer for the foUowing rcas.nis :— (1) Ihc Lor-
Corporation. by retaining the money in the smking fund, were gomg to
make a large ])rottt, and it was contrary to the Board s practice to allow
any undertaking transferred to be charged with any profit l_o the party
transferring ; (2) as to the provision to transfer the undertaking in per-
petuity, they were not aware that the Corporation had any power to
contract their successors out of the rights of purchase c.mferred by sec. ■
of the Electric Lighting Act. 1S8S. They also state that they are advised
that tlio |iniposal would l)i- inoperative becau.sc of that Act.
Bradford Technical College. -We have received a copy of tlie
general deiiaitniental rcijort for the session 1907-S. The total num-
ber of students in attendance last year was l.ftOl. against 1,029 in
1906-7. Engineering students, however, dropped from 632 to r^OS.
College diploma.s were awarded to nine students. This distinction is
awarded only to students who attend for tlu-ec complete sessions,
and who j)as"s each session the College examinations in every subject
in the coiuse. A new scholarship scheme has been introduced.
Burslem. — The L. G. Board have sanctioned the borrowing of
£4.619 for 1 7 years, £3.800 for 25 j'ears, and £1,675 for 15 years, for the
electricity undertaking.
The Electric Lighting committee reported to the Council on Tuesday
that they had considered the question of the scale of charges for elec-
tricity, and the electrical engineer (Mr. A. Bremncr) Iiad submitted a
comparative statement as to the cost of production and the charges for
power in Burslem and other towns, and a statement for the year I'.)l)7,
showing works costs to be 0o24d. per unit, the general cost 0-354d. per
unit, repayment of loans and interest l-304d. per unit, a total cost per
unit of 2182d. for the year. Total receipts for the year were £3.201. 2s..
or 2-35d. per unit.
Canada.—" Indu Jlrial Canada " states that plans are in prepara-
tion for the conversion to electvric traction of 7{W) miles of the Cana-
dian Pacific Railway, and that- the ultimate conversion of the whole
system is rontemplated. The directors recently obtained power to
issue new stock for 6:50,000,000.
Cheltenham. — The District Auditor has issued his report on the
accounts of the electricity undertaking, and takes exception to the
cliargi^ of 3d. jjer unit for current supvilied for street lighting.
In reply. -Aid. Waohorse. chairman of the Fiuaucc committee, stated
at the Council meeting on Tuesday, that there were reasons which justi-
fied the electricity department in charging a sum for street lighting
which would give them a jirofit. Out of that profit it was intended to
apply a portion to reserve, and that was an object which ought to be
encouraged, because it was idle to suggest that the amount set aside
every year for repayment of loans and the creation of sinking funds
was sutticient to meet wear and tear and all the calls that might be made
on capital account through the ravages of time and so fortli. The way
now adopted was the onl}' one in which a reserve fund could be built
up. They could not come upon the rates every year for £2.000 or £3.000
to appropriate towards an electricity works reserve fund, but they could
attain the same object by charging a higlier price for street lighting than
that at v.lii(li the current could possibly be supplied.
Chippenham. — The Council have decided to support Messrs.
Edwards & .Vrmstrong's scheme to form a local company for the
pm'pose of erecting electricity works for general su])i)ly. A member
of the Council is to be on the board of the company. Overhead wires
are not to be employed.
Christmas Illuminations. — Hastings Council have given permission
to the tradesmen in King"s-road, the leading thoroughfare in St.
Leonards to erect Venetian masts and to decorate the street with
festoons of electric light during Cliristmas week.
Colchester. — .-Vt the Council meeting last week, it was resolved
lliat the Town Clerk confer with the consulting engineers (Messrs.
^Mordey & Wawbarn) to arrange for obtaining the consent of the Board
of Trade to the erection of the proposed overhead feeder cable to
Hythe Quay.
Costa Rica. — The Governr.ient have grantwl a concession to a
company for the construction of an electric tramway from San Jose to
Cartago. a length of 12 miles.
Darwen. — The Council have received sanction to a loan of £3.657
for extensions of the electricity undertaking.
Dudley.— On Tuesday Aid. Cook announced that the Tramway
committee and the British Electric Traction Co. had arrived at "a
basis of an acreement in reference to the jiurchase by the Corporation
of the tramways and light railways within the borough and theu-
lease to the company. ,.,■■. .,
Under existin-' powers, he said, they eould lease the light railways,
which to all intents and ])urposes were tramways, to the company for
30 years, but the actual tramways for only 21 years In order to obtain
a uniform period of .30 vears for leasing both it would be necessary to pro-
m.)te a bill in Parliainent. The <-..mpany would pay the taxed costs
incurred by the ].romotion of the bill, and they would assist m its pas-
sage throu"!! Parliament. Tile rent would be paid as from .Jan. 1 next,
and the inircliase money after the bill was p.xssed. He proposed a
number of formal resolutions in connection with the promotion of the
bill, and these were unanimously adopted.
The JLiYOR said that, in regard to the recent negotiations with the
tramway (onqiany, reasonableness had been displayed on both sides,
and the"company "had met the Corjioration very fau-ly.
Dundee.— The Electricity department have decided to take up the
scheme of stau- lighting prepared by the city electrical engineer (Jlr.
H. Richardson). The department is to carry out all installations of
stair and close lighting complete, and to charge the o-miers of pro-
perty an annual sum to cover interest on the capital expended, m
addition to the amount charged by the department for current and
controlling the switching on and off of the current.
The income of the tramways department for the first half of the
current year was £32.019 and the expenditure £19,97S.
Electric Cooking and Heating Apparatus.- In the article on this
subject in our last issue we referred to the interestmg series of utensils
supplied by Mr. C. Fonteyn, whose address was stated to be Mortimer-
street, London. W. We regret to learn that this is incorrect, and
that it should have been given as 76. Xewman-street.Oxford-street. W.
Electrical Manufacturing in Australia.— The Postmaster-General of
the Australian Commonwealth has decided, in order to encotirage
electrical manufacturing in the Commonwealth, to invite Australian
firms to tender for 10,000 wall telephones, together with the associ-
ated electrical parts. It is also stated to be possible that the order
may be extended to 30,000 telephones, spread over a term of years,
if by that means it is possible to establish this new branch of industry.
It is not necessary that the instruments should be precise reproduc-
tions of European models, and scope is given for fresh patterns, which
will be favourably considered. A former invitation to tender for
5.000 telephones and parts of Australian manufacture failed to
receive any response as respects the parts, while only two tenders
were received for the instruments, which are reported to have been
150 per cent, higher in price than the imjiorted apparatus.
Electricity in Horticulture.— An Electric Light Experiment.- At
meeting of the .Scottish Horticultural .Association last week, among
the exhibits was one of lilium harrisii grown under the electric light at
night, in order to illustrate the stimulation of the opening of the
flowers by this means. During the 21 days the plant was exposed to
the electric light at night time, the plant showed an advance of 7 days
as compared with plants which were grown under the ordinary con-
ditions of daylight and night. The exhibitor was jVIt. David Kingt
Osborne Kursery, Murrayfield.
Fareham. — Tlie Council have received sanction to a loan of
£10.000 for the erection and equipment of new electricity works.
Of the amount sanctioned £8.350 is for new buildings and generating
plant, and is to be replaced in 16 years : £450 for engineers" fees, &c.. in
10 years. £450, for public lighting, in three years, £430, for mains, in 25
years, £220. for services and transformers, in 15 years and £100, for
"meters, in five years. The outstanding debt on the plant to be super-
seded is about £2.100. but the Council expect to realise about £750 on the
sale of old plant, and they have undertaken to provide £900 out of reve-
nue by March 31 next towards repayment of the debt. The Board state
that it would accord with their practice to deduct the remaining £4.50
from the new loan, but having regard to all the circumstances of the case
they have decided to authorise the borrowing of the amount for three
years.
Gillingham. — The salary of tlie mains sui)erintendent (Mr. H. R. G-
Forster) has been increased.
Glasgow. — The Corporation have been authorised by the Secretary
for Scotland to raise a loan of £150.000 for extensions of the electricity
works. The proposed loan is exjiected to meet the needs of the dept.
until about June 1910. New buildings will cost £10.(XHt. Each
year about 1..500 new consumers are added, representing an aggre-
gate increase of about 3,000 kw. of plant estimated to cost about
£46,000. The chief engineer (Mr. W. W. Lackie) also estimates that
about £72,000 will be required for mains and cables, and meters will
cost about £3,600.
The Tramways committee have rejected a proposal to obtain
parliamentary powers to construct an electric tramway along Univer-
sity-avenue.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 11, 1908.
359
Haslingden. — Tho Council have applied for further time to earry
out the terms of tlieir 1899 provisional order. Xegotiations ai-e ))ro-
ceeding with Accrinaton and Rawtenstall t'lirporations as to sujjply
of electricity in bulk.
Heme Bay. — TIio Council have retained .Mes.srs. Laeey, Sillar &
Leigh as consulting' engineers in connection with their apphcation tor
a provi.sional electric lighting order.
Highgate Hili (London) Tramways. — Limdon County Council,
having decided to jnucliasc theso. tramways, has asked l.slington
Council to contribute £2,01X) towards the cost of widening the
carriageway. Tho Works committee of the Borough Council recom-
mend that the request be not complied with, and that conselit to
electrified tramways be deferred jiending the decision of the County
Council as to road widening.
Hove. — The Town Council have now received the decisiim of the
Board of Trade on then- application for an order, under See. 8 of the
deed of transfer of the Hove electric lighting order, to the Hove
Electric Lightine C'o.. to vary the prices charged for electric current
by the company. A local inquiry was held into the matter l)y Mr.
Sims Williams on behalf of the Board, and, aft^r considering Mr.
Williams' report, the Board now state that they are not prpjiared to
make the order sought.
India. — " Indian Industries & Power '" states that a syndicate has
been formed in Calcutta to establish works for supplying electric
power to the Bengal coal mines.
The E(iuitat)le and Borrea Coal Companies were the first to experi-
jiient with electric power in the Bengal coalfields, and the Bengal
Coal Co. made similar experiments last year, but the conclusion has been
arrived at that a central station for each field will provide the best means
of economical v/orking. The syndicate propose to raise a capital of
R. 21, 00, 000 for stations for the Raniganj and Jherriah coalfields. Imt
it is hoped to eventually float a company in England with a capit^d of
£1,000,000, and to extend the supply of power to other districts. It is
proposed to start with four 1,000 liw. steam turbo-alternators.
The " Indian and Eastern Engineer " says Secunderabad Munici-
pality recently gave general approval to an application by the
Indian & Colonial Development Co. for an electricity supply con-
cession for the town.
Tlie Maharajah S(-india of Gwalior has adopted a new scheme of
public improvements, including an electric tramway for the ca])ital
and its suburbs.
The Railway Conference Association recently decided in favour
of gas lighting in railway carriages because " they regard electricity
as being in its infancy in India."
Rangoon Telephone Co. hope to shortly put before the port autho-
rities definite proposals for the provision of telephonic communica-
tion between the town of Rangoon and the steamers lying ofi' the
buoys below Hastings Shoal.
Light Railways. — Seven applications were lodged during November
witli the Light Railway Commission for light railway orders, but only
three of these were electrical schemes. Three of the ajjplications
are for extension of time or amendment of powers and four are new
projects. Imt of the electrical schemes only one (the Rhyl & Prestatyn)
is a new jnoject, as the Cheltenham & District application is for an
amendment of existing powers (alteration of fares), and the County
of Middlese.x seek an extension of time and a revival of powers. The
length of the projected Rhyl & Prestatyn line is 5 miles, the gauge
.3 ft. a in., and the promoters are the Light Railway & General Con-
struolion Co.
London County Council. — On Tuesday it was agreed to lend i.'i.OOO
to Hampstead, and £9,.")0(i to Stepney for electricity purposes. It
was also agreed to expend £.5,400 for constructing authorised tram-
ways in Amhurst-road and Dalston-lane.
London Electric Supply Bill. — It is anticipated that the report
stage (if tliis Bill « ij] br taken on in the House of Commons on
Monday next.
Loughborough. — The Council have applied for sanction to a su])ple-
mental loan of £821 for electricity supply.
Lowestoft. — The Council have decided to apply for a loan of
£2,00O for house services. There are now 1,001 consumers, repre-
senting the equivalent of 18,191 8 c.p. lamps connected.
Mr. F. Spashett has been elected chairman of the Tramways com-
mittee, in place of Mr. L. V. Orde, who has retired from the Council.
Maidenhead. — Application lias been made for sanction to a loan of
£3,.5tM» [or the purchase of a 100 kw. Diesel oil engine and electric
generator, switchgear, &c.
Manchester. — For the week ended Nov. 20 the consumption of
electricitv was 1.940,312 units, and for the week following it was
2,132,890, a total for two weeks of 4,073,202, against 3,760,320 for
the corresponding weeks of 1907.
Middlesbrough.— For the six months ended Sept. 30, the profit on
the ck'ctricity undertaking was £.%39. Owing to the local strike the
total revenue had decreased to £.5,819, against £().0()9 in 19(i7.
and the gross profit was £2,10.5, against £1,565.
Newport (Mon.) — Sanction to borrow £4.262 for generating plant
and meters has been applied for by the Coimcil.
Obituary.— We regret to record thed eath on the 30th ult. of Mr.
Alex. Adams, of Gla.sgow. Mr. Adams, who was 44 y(!ars of age,
had been connected with the Corporation electricity department
since its commencement in 1892. For a number of years he acted as
(!entral district mains superintendent, and was recognised alike by
his colleagues and by the electrical contractors of the city as an able
and energetic official. His funeral took place on the 2nd inst., and
was attended by Mr. W. W. Lackie. the chief engineer, and the other
principal officials of the Electricitj- Department as well as by a
number of the department workmen who had been imder Mr. .Adams.
The death occurred on Dec. 2 at the age of 63 years, of Mr. Chas.
Payne, for many years in business as an electrical engineer at
Norwich.
Oldbury. — The Council have decided to ask the local tramway
company to construct a line between Oldbury and Blaekhcath.
Paraguay. — Mr. Edward Moeller has been granted permission to
transfer to the Asuncion City Improvements, Jjlectric Light, Power
& Tramways Co., his concession for electricity sup])Iy, tramways,
&c., in the town of Asuncion.
Penmaenmawr. — On Tuesday the Cotmcil had before them a
communication from the Board of Trade as to the present position of
the Council's electric lighting order of 1905. The North Wales Electric
Power Co. also possess authority to supply in the district. Tho
Clerk will report fully on the question at the next meeting.
Personal. — We are pleased to note that Mr. Albion T. Snell,
M.I.K.E., consulting engineer, is a candidate for the City of London
Council (in the Dowgate ward) at the forthcoming elections Common
on St. Thomas's Day. Mr. Snell, who has already issued his
addiess at the request of a number of ratepayers of the ward, has
jjractised in the ward as a consulting engineer during the past 18
years, and lays stress on the fact that, having regard to the rajiid
|)rogress being made in the application of electricity for ligb.ting and
power, his experience will be of value to the Corporation in the event
of his being returned. We need scarcely add that we wish .Mr. Snell
every success in his campaign, and would vote for him if he would
came further west.
Presentation. — Ilford electricity works. Staft'. have ))re.sentcd a
dressing case to Mr. G. H. Cowper, who is leaving for .Melbourne,
Australia.
Proposed New Brighton-Birkenhead Electric Railway.- A scheme
is being formulated for the construction of an electric railway to
connect New Brighton with Birkenhead, and thus give additional
means of communication between the Wallasey district and Liver-
pool. Preliminary plans have been prepared by Messrs. Pearee &
Lloyd, of North John-street, Liverpool, and one of the leading
l)romoters of the new scheme, forw hich Parliamentary powers will
])robably be sought, is Mi. Hickman of New Brighton.
Rawtenstall.— The Council have received .sanction to a loan of
£33,800 for electricity works.
Rochdale. — The Electricity committee have decided that for 14
days before Christmas the electrical engineer (Mr. C. C. Atchison) be
authorised to cut out the maximum demand indicator at any shop
premises should application be made for that purpo-sc.
In connection with the water treatment plant at the electricity
works the committee have ordered a specification to be prepared and
tenders invited.
Rotherham.— The borough electrical engineer (Mr. E. Cross) lias
been asked to rejiort as to the cost of extending the electric light
cables to \Viin-(>I).uik.
Telephone Operators and (he Public— The Postmaster-General
has just issued a si>t of • Standard expressions to be used by Tele-
phonists engaged on Trunk Working."
\ telephonist at a record position .answermg a call should announce
her iircscnoc bv saying ' Trunk nimiber, plca-se." Failing to hear what
a subscriber says slic should say "Plea-sc repeat." W hen she has re-
corded the <all she sliotdd repeat as in the following example : " \ou
are .300 National. Central, I^eds, and you want 300 Post. Central,
Lniidon." assi.niiug that 300 National, t'entral, Ix^eds. is the calhng
and 300 Post. Ccutnd, London, the called subscriber. \\ hen the repeti-
ti,.ii lias been agreed to she should say, " You will be rung later," and
I lien dear t lie line. , , . , ,
If a subs<ril)cr makes an inquiry which the telephonist at the record
liosition cannot answer, she should say : " I will connect you with the
inquiry table." and should arrange with the telephonist at the transfer
position for the line to be connected with the inquiry position, when
360
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 11, 1908.
this position can be conncftpcl i'mm Ihe transfer board. When this is
not possible or desirable, she should record jjarticulars of the jiq^'ry
and say : " Supervisor will ring you later and let you know." The
inquiry flhould then be passed to the supervising ofiicer-in-charge ot the
record positions.
When a subscriber's attention has been obtained for a trunk call the
telephonist should say : " What is your number, |)lease.'" ()n ascertain-
ing that the correct number is connected, the telephonist, if the call i.s
one originating from tlie subscriber, should say : " Your Leeds call.
If the call is an incommg call she should say : '■ Leeds wants you." (In
each example it is assumed that the call is to or from I^eeds.) If the
lines are worked by call wire or on the continuous attention system.
the telephonist, after ascertaining that the pro])cr number is connecU'd.
should say: " Your Leeds call in a minute. Please hold the line," or
'• Leeds want.s you in a minute. Please hold the line." When the con-
nection is actually made she should say : " Your Leeds call now, ' or
" Leeds wants you now." If the .subscriber has been kept waiting for
more than the regulation time, she should add : " Sorry to have kept
you waiting."
In offering an extended call the telephonist should say : " Your time
is up. Will you have another three minutes ? " At the end of six
minutes, if the subscriber has not finished, she should say : " Your six
minutes is up. Shall I book again '•. " If the answer is in the affirmative
and no other calls are waiting, she should allow the conversation to
continue, timing on from the conclusion of the previous call. A suitable
record of this fact should be made on the ticket, which should be handed
to the supervising officer m order that a ticket m.ay be prepared for the
second call. If the answer is in the affirmative and other calls are on
hand, the telephonist should, before disconnecting, say : " I will ring
you later," note the ticket, and hand it to the supervising officer, who will
see that a ticket is made out for the second call, which will take code turn
with those waiting.
When a subscriber does not respond to a call, the other subscriber
should be informed that there is " No reply from (say) 300 National,
Central, Leeds." Should it be known that the circuit is out of order the
subscriber should he told so. If a subscriber is being kept waiting un-
duly, the telephonist should inform him that the is attending to the call
liy saying ; " I'm ringing (say) 300 Leeds."
When asking a local exchange to ring a subscriber again, the tele-
phonist at the trunk exchange should say to the telephonist at the local
exchange : " Please ring on junction so-and-so." quoting the number
of the junction line. When calling f..i a .li>ljiit town on the trunk line,
the telephonist should call the nami- ••> i\ir i "\' n h ith a rising inflection.
A telephonist answering a call on a .Iim iiL;.i;;ril trunk line should .state
(he name of her exchange and add, " Number, please." Thus a Leeds
Iclcphonist answering a call would say, " Leeds, number please."
The Telewriter. — A demonstration was given before a gathering of
pres.s re]>rrsentat.ive.s thi.s week of the " Telewriter " an instrument
which was shown iit the fir.st electrical exhibition at Olympia (1904).
It is stated that the !iyndicate which operates this apparatus received
early in the current year a licence from the Postmaster-General which
remains operative until Dee. 31, 1911, after which date, it is stated,
the owners will be in a position to supply combined telephones and
telewriters. The apparatus itself is familiar to our readers.
Torquay. — The Lighting committee have applied to the Electric
Lighting committee for a reduction in the present charge for electric
current for public lighting.
Uruquay. — The " Diario Oficial " of Oct. 1.5 publi.shcs a decree
authori.sing the Government to undertake the working of telephone
services, first in Montevideo and afterwards in the departments.
The plans of Mr. A. R. Bennett have been accepted for the Monte-
video service, and he has been recomtnended to examine the working
of the Strowger, Lorimer and other automatic systems. Consider-
ation of an application by a Chicago firm for the concession has been
postponed.
The " Diario " for Oct. 16 contain.s a project of law authorising the
Junta Economica Administrativa of Roeha to contract with Don
li'rederico Ribas for the electric lighting of the town of Rocha.
Victoria Falls Power Co.— The " Daily Mail " announces that the
absorption by this c(im|iany of the new rival concern, is being made
the opjmrtuuitj- for the carrying-out of a comprehensive scheme in
which all the English, French, and German interests will be united.
This scheme, we understand, will involve the increase of the capital
(if the \'ictoria Falls Power Company.
Walmer. — The Council have asked the Board of Trade to postpone
the revocation of the \A'almer electric lighting order, 1904, for 12
months.
Watford. — The Council have conditionally accepted tenders for
additional generating plant, and application has been made to the
L. G. Board for sanction to borrow £S,000 for carrying out the
work.
Wednesbury. — The Council have received sanction to a loan of
i.SOO for an overhead feeder main at King's Hill,
Wells. — The Council have appointed a special committee to rejiort
upon the application of the local gas company for electricity snpplv
powers.
West Ham.— At the last meeting of the Corporation the town
clerk (Dr. F. E. Hillearv) submitted a letter received from Mr. H.
Ross Hooper, the L. G. "Board inspector, who opened an inquiry in
.luly into the Council's application for sanction to further loans for
the" electricity undertaking. Mr. Ross Hooper's communication is
dated July 30, and is as follows :—
With reference to the inquiry in respect of an application to borrow-
further moneys for the electricity undertaking, and which was adjourned
on 2lst inst. to 29th Sept. next. I shall be glad if in the meantime you
would kindly draw the Council's attention to clause 29<> of the Public
Health Act,"lS7o, and to sections 20 and 21 of 10 and 11 Vict., c. 109. in
the event of their deciding not to furnish me with the particulars asked
for at the inquiry. You will remember that I asked that examples
lettered I, 2. 3, &c., of the contracts made, instead of giving the firms'
names, might be supplied, but as at the informal conference after the
adjournment of the incpiiry the chau-man of the Electricity committee
maintained that this suggestion to use numbers in lieu of names would
make no difference, I propose upon resuming the inquiry to ask for the
contracts to be placed on the table.
Having heard the opinion of the Town Clerk thereon, the Elec-
tricity committee recommend that the Council decline to produce at
the public inquiry the contracts asked for, and that the Town C lerk
take such steps as he considers necessary to protect the Council's
interests when the inquiry is resumed. We understand that the
Council have ado]>ted this recommendation.
Wireless Telegraph Notes.— It is announced that a long distance
wireless telegrajih station is to be erected for the United States Xavy
Department near Washington, which will be capable of sending
messages tlu-ough a distance of 3,000 miles. The present stations
along the Atlantic coast will, it is further stated, be abandoned after
the construction of the Washington station. Two American war-
ships are to be fitted with wireless equipments having a sending
radius of 1,000 miles.
The Rome " Corriere della Sera " states that Mr. Marconi has
informed a representative of that joiu-nal that a wireless telegraph
service, at Id. per word, is about to be established between England
and Italy by means of the new wireless station at Coltam. It i.s
further stated that this service has hitherto found an opponent in
the French Government.
There will be opened to-day (Friday), by the Postnuistcr-
General, what is described as the first Post Offiec-eontrolkd
wireless telegraph station in this country. The situation of
the station is at Bolt Head on the South Devon coast, whon-
a coastguard station is located, and accommodation will be
found for the wireless operators. Bolt Head is S.'iO ft. above
.sea level, and as it is in close proximity to Plymouth and to Prawle
Point (a Lloyd's station), it will prove a useful station for messages
from the large number of ships which pass this point of the English
Channel. Eddystone Lighthouse is within 10 miles of the station,
which is also close to Salcombe Harbour. The mast is 180 ft. high.
The station will be worked entirely tor the receipt and
despatch of messages to vessels at sea and between Admiralty
stations within range. The estimated cost is' about £10,000.
The station hps been erected and equipped by Marconi's Wireless
Telegraph Co.. the contract having been put out to tender. The
range of the station is stated to be 250 miles. It is intended, if
everything goes well, that the station shall be used for ensuring
communication with the Channel Islands should the cable between
the mainland and the islands be put out of service from any cause.
It is stated further that the station will be available for effecting
communication between all ships fitted with wireless telegrapli
equipments on any system, in the terms of the International Radio-
Telegraphic Convention.
The draft of an agreement between the .-Admiralty and .^bertlecn
Council arranging for the supply of electrical energy for the new
wireless telegraph station adjacent to the city has been issued. The
Corporation have to complete all necessary works within six months
from date of execution of the agreement, and are to provide and
maintain supply of energy. A flat rate of S'd. per unit has been
fixed, and the department will guarantee to take supply amounting to
£3.50 per annum. £1,000 towards the expense of lajnng the feeder
cable to the station will be provided by the Admiralty, who also pay
the Corporation a further £195 as cost of installing an underground
telephone cable between Bucksburn and the wireless station. The
agreement remains in force for five years from March 31 next,
and is afterwards terminable on three months' notice on either
side.
Workhouse Lighting,— St. George's-in-the-East (London) Guar-
dians have asked Stepney Council to submit an estimate of the cost
of electric lighting in the workhouse and infirmary.
Dinner. — .\ dinner was given at Porth on Wednesday by the
Rhondda Tramways Construction Syndicate to celebrate the open-
ing of the Rhondda Valley tramwaj's.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 11, 1908.
361
Mr. L. B. Schlesinger presided, and Mr. .T. C. S.^umders, another
director, who proposed the toast of the " Rhondda Urban District
Council," said he felt that the Council had always worked with the
interests of the ratepayers in view, and that they appreciated the fact
that such schemes as the Rhondda tramway could be better worked by
a private company with technical knowledge than by a municipal body.
The chairman of the Council (Mr. E. Jones) and the clerk (Mr. W. P.
XiCHOLAS) replied.
Councillor W. D. Wight, M.E., submitted the toast of the " Under-
taking," and the Ch.4IRMAn, in replying, gave interesting statistics of
the prospective prosperity of the tramways.
Old Students' Dinner. — The third annual dinner of the Finsbur\-
Technical Cnllcyc did Stuilcnis' Association will take place on Dec.
l.Tat the Criterion Kcsiaurant. Piccadilly Circus. W.. at 7 for 7:.30p.ra.
The chair will be taken by Mr. P. V. ilcMahon, President of the
Association. Tick^t-s .5s. each, may be obtained from S. E. Gritton
(Mechanical), Talfourd Cottage, Reigate ; Ernest W. Moss (electrical)
20, Huddleston-road. Tufnell Park, London, N. : or H. F. Knight
(Chemical), 6-t. Amluirst Park, Stamford Hill, N.
The Batti-Wallahs.— A smoking concert of the P. & 0. Batti-Wallahs
Society was given on Monday at the Great Eastern Hotel, London,
under the presidency of Mr. Walter Riggs. The entertainment
proved, as usual, a very enjoj-able one.
TRADE NOTES AND NOTICES.
READY.
"THE ELECTRICIAN" ELECTRICAL TRADES'
DIRECTORY AND HANDBOOK.— The 1908 Edition
of the Big Blue Book, price 8s 6d., or post free in the
United Kingdom, gs. 3d. The new and enlarged volume
brings a great mass of statistical and technical data
quite up to date, and the Directorial Division has been
thoroughly revised and amplified.
All branches of Electrical Engineering and Industry
are fully treated, and Electro-Financial matters have
received every attention in the new volume, which aggre-
gates more than 2,000 pages. The Directory Division is
complete and thoroughly accurate, and has been com-
pletely revised. All mere lists of members of Societies
and Institutions (so easily and cheaply available) are
excluded, as quite unreliable for Manufacturers' and
Dealers' purposes. The full set of valuable Statistical
and Engineering Tables, &c., have been very carefully
revised and extended, and remodelled into handy book
form ; these are included in the 1908 Blue Book, making
it the most complete book of the kind ever published.
TENDERS INVITED.
Bradford Corporation invite tenders for .supply and erection of
two 3.000 kw. turbo generators, complete with condensinj! jjlanl.
motor-driven auxiliaries and steam exhaust and circulating pipework.
<'opies of .specification, general conditions of contract and forms of
tender from the city electrical engineer and manager (Mr. Thos.
Roles), Electricity Offices, Whitaker-buildings, Bradford. Tenders
to the town clerk (Mr. Fredk. Stevens), Town Hall, Bradford, by first
])ost Wednesday. Dec. 2.3. See also an advertisement.
Cardiff Corporation invite tenders for supply, delivery and erection
at their generating station of a 2,500 k.v.a. turbo-alternator com-
plete with surface condensing plant and motor-driven auxiliaries.
Specifications and forms of tender from the city electrical engineer
(Mr. Arthur Ellis), Central Offices, The Hayes, and tenders to the
office of the town clerk (Mr. J. L. Wheatley) by 10 a.m. Dec. 18.
See also an advertisement.
Messrs. Preece & Cardew are instructed by Sydney (N.S.W.)
Municipal Council to invite tenders for supply and erection of five
water-tube boilers, each capable of evaporating 24,000 lb. of water per
hour, with economisers, stokers, feed pumps, pipework, &c. Speci-
fication, drawing and form of tender from Messrs. Preece & Cardew.
8, Queen Anne's Gate, Westminster. S.W. Tenders to the Town
Clerk. Town Hall, Sydney (N.S.W.). by 4 p.m. Feb. 22nd. 1900.
Further particulars are given in an advertisement.
Tenders are invited for supply and delivery of various sizes of
I electric motors required by the Electric Supply committee of the
City of Birmingham. C4eneral conditions, specification and form of
I tender from the city electrioal engineer (Mr. R. A. Chattock),
14, Dale-end, Birmingham, to whom tenders by noon Dec. 29.
SPECIAL NOTICE.
NOW READY.— Vol. L.\I. of " Tiik Elf.ctrioiax " (1,018 pages),
bound in strong cloth. Price 17s. 6d. ; post free, 18s. 6d. ALso ready
Cases for Binding. Price 2s. ; post free, 23. 3d.
A complete set of "The Electricia.v " (1860-1865— 1878-1908) can
be supplied. A number of odd volumes and some odd old back num-
bers, to help in making up complete sets, a-e also now available.
Batlersea (London) Council want tenders bj' 3 p.m., Dec. 22, for
12 months' supply of coal to the electricity department. Forms
from the engineer, electricity works.
ilanrhesler Tramways committee want tenders by 10 a.m., Dec. 1.5,
for supply of steel rail cold sawing machine. Specification. &c.,
from Mr. J. M. M'EIroy.
Selby District Council want tender.s for supply and erection of a
battery of accumulators at Brayton waterworks. Forms of tender,
ifec, from the Waterworks Engineer, Council Offices, Selby.
Kilmarnock Corporation want tenders by Dec. 14 for the Electric
lighting of the infectious diseases hospital.
Melbourne City Coimcil invite tenders for the supply of 33,200
incandescent electric lamps. Copies of specification, conditions of
contract, &c., can be obtained from the agents for the Council (Messrs..
McIIwraith, McEacharn & Co., Proprietary, Ltd.), Billiter-.square-
buildings, London, E.G., to whom tenders are to be sent by noon of
Tuesday, Dec. 15.
The Diputacion Provincial of Oiiijnnnra, Spain, have been
authorised by the CJovernment to arrange for the installation and
working for 35 years of an inter-urban telephone .system in the
Province. The " Madrid Gazette," for Nov. 26, contains text of the
Decree. On view at 73, Basinghall-street. Londcn, E.G.
Tenders are required by Dec. 23 for the concession for lighting the
town oiSan Felia de Guixols (Spain) for 10 years. Local represen-
tation is necessary. The " Madrid Gazette." for Nov. 23. contain-
ing further particulars, can be seen at 73. BasinL'hall-strcet. London,
E.'C.
TENDERS RECEIVED AND ACCEPTED.
For reconstructing tramways from Camden Town to Hampstead
Heath the following tenders were received by London County
Council : —
W.Mnnden (arc i>l^d) £35.101 8 0
A. M. Coles 3"'.73" 14 ■'■
.John Mowlem & Co 3().343 17 «
The chief engineer's estimate was £3t!.444. .5s. 4d. Mr. Manders is to
lie allowed to sub-let the undermentioned portions of the work : to
Anderston Foundry Co., cast-iron yokes : to the Alisociated Portland
Cement Manufacturers, Hall & Co.. or Coles. Shadbolt & Co., the cement ;
to Bayliss. Jones & Bayliss or Deritend Stamping Co.. the tic-bars, bolts
.ind niits, &e. ; to Callender's Cable Co., the jumper cable ; to Hadtield's
Steel Foundry Co., the plough hatches, &c. : to Lahmeyer Electrical Co.
or the Forest City Electric Co., the bonds ; and to the Improved Wood
Pavement Co., wood paving.
For six fuel economisers for the Greenwich generating station I^ondon
County Council received the following tenders : —
¥,. Green &. Son (accepted) '£3,874 4 0
.1. Carter & Sons *3.3<>0 8 fi
Edwin Danks & Co :!-3"8 l> <»
Goodbrand & Co 3-'-'3'> 13 0
Roberts Bros 3.9o7 10 0
.V Lowcock (Ltd.) -'WeO 0 0
Clay Cross Co X'm 12 «
* Not to specification. i
The estimate of the chief officer of tramways was £4,000. Mes.srs.E.
Green & Son are allowed to sub-let to the British Thomson-Houston to.
the induction motors : to the Mewellins Machine Co., the worm gears :
to the BritLsh Westinghouse Co.. the starting switdibixirds : and to K.
Wagner the pyrometers.
London County Council have accepted the following tenders for
electric carbon brushes and carbons : — . ,„,,„,
Le Carbone ffi07, Morgan Crucible Co. £784. Crycels.. Limited £200,
Edison & Swan Co. £146, Pope's Electric Lamp Co. £l.o20.
Also tenders from Glover Electrical Co. (for outdoor lamps). General -
Electric Co. (for osram lamps), H. G. .Mayer & Co. (for •' Standard
tantalum lamps), and Siemens Bros. Dynamo \\orks (for Sun tan-
talum lamps), for which no quantities are given. , , ,
London County Council have accepted the tender of the Acme
Flooring & Paving Co. for sui>i)ly of SO.aX) jarrah wood b ocks.
required for the tramways department at £5. Us. per 1.000. JIiHars
Karri & Jarrah Co. tendered at £5. 14s., and Wm. Grifiiths & Co. nt
£.5. 16s. Od.
Watford Council have accepted the following tenders :—
British Thomson-Houston Co. (500 kw. turlxi-alternator). £2,400.
Ditto (switchbo.ird panel). £86. lOs.
Isaac Storey & Sou (condensing plant). £066.
E. Green & Sons (cconomiser). £402.
Ashworth & Parker (fan), £188.
L. R. Ensor (buildings, flues and foundations), £496.
362
THE ELECTKICIAN, DECEMBER 11, 1908.
Ri.l,mon'l (Snrn-y) Kloctrio Li»l,l & I'nw.r Co have m-dercd fmin
Fl 15,.nnis & ('!.. Uttle Hiiltnn. U.lt.):.. t..iir Bfiinis slokd^.
and solf-oleaning e.mpressod air furnaces for Davcyl axman
boilers.
Stockport: Council have accepted the lender of ^'r'^jj^., '.''■;''■,", f i
for a boiler feed pump at £138 : that of MeClure & W h.tf.eld foi a
20 H.P. motor at £135. 5s. ; and that of Estler Bros., for framvay
o\crhead materials at £02.
Oillin-ham Council have ac.-eptetl the tender of llie .yed«a.V
Motor & Kngineering Co. for wiring the Naval wards at tlie liosi)itai
at £29. IDs.
The Golden Horseshoe Estates (Ltd.), mine owners in Western
Australia, have ordered a second A.E.G. 500 kw. turbo-generator,
condensing iilant. switchboard extensions, &c.
The Mount Bischoff Tin Mining Co., Waratah (Tasmania), have
placed an order with the A.E.G. (through Staerker & Fischer) for a
water-driven 300 kw. generator, with Tirril voltage regulator.
Tunbridge Wells have accepted the tender of S. E. Haward & Co.
for wiring the Town Hall yard premises at 13s. 6d. per light.
Clacton Council have placed an order with Elliott Bros, for two
ammeter.s.
Salford Council have accepted the tender of Bertram Thomas for
wiring and fitting the new baths at Weaste at £459.
Whitby Council have placed an order with Callender^s Co. for cable
for the harbour extension at £455.
. Eccles Council have accepted the tender of W. P. Theerman & Co..
for wiring work at the Town's Yard at £50.
Belfast Tramways and Electrical committee have acceiited (lie
tender of the British Insulat<"d & Helsby Cables for trolley wire.
Watford Council have also accepted the tender of Ferranti Limited
for 12 months' supply of electricity meters at schedule rate.
It is stated that the Chilian Navy Board has purchased two com-
)ilete Marconi wireless telegraph equipments of high jiower, similar
1 I those in use on the largest British war vessels.
Australasian Tenders. .
'I'lie Postiuasler-tipneral's Dcpiirtnient. Melbofrne (Victoria) liave
aereiited the lenders of the Hritish In.-iulaled & Helshy t'aliles and \V. T.
Henley's Co. for telephone eables : of Western Electric Co. for telephone
cable and paper sleeves : and of Davies, ,Shephard & Co. for telephone
plugs. ■ , u
The Postmaster-Gcnerars Department. Hob.\rt (Tasmania) liave
aeeenlr.l il„ f, ,„1,TS of the India Riil.1..i f'-. f-r -il.inimoniae, a 200 cell
Meidiir'M l.iiirrv. zincs and insnl.itMi ~li .. kl-. A ■ - ; of the British
Insut,i.,l A H.ls'bv Cables for 1 -.Mll-i I, r. 1 nuhe batteries ; of
Zwieker. t'od & Co. for sulp. magnesia and iiiMilators ; Lawrence &
Hanson for terminal screws, porcelain tubes and Meidmger battery
zincs ; of Noyes Bros, for armoured cable : of Mauri Bros. & Thomson
for c.i. pipes ! ,,iul nf Shiner & Co. f.r.iron brackets.
The Po^tiei-iriCrTiriil- |i.|Miiinciit. Sydney (N.S.W.), have ac-
cepted the triMlc Is nl iln- In.li.i Unl.liii t'o. for zincs and fuses : Western
Electric Co., switelmif; pliij^s ; i-;nli»li Insulated & Helsby Cables, tele-
phone cable, condensers, rheostats, copper tajie, jointing wire, tinned
and g,i. and cotton-insulated wire ; India Rubber Co. , soldering
solution, glass cells and tubes, zincs, galvanometers, &c. ; Western
Electric Co., switchboard cables, carbon blocks and shot and microphone
carbon, cords, carbon diaphragms, mica discs, vulcanite transmitter
mouthpieces, terminal cord, lightning arresters, receivers, relays, bell
standards, cords, ear-pieces, fuses, jacks, meters, microphones, plugs,
screws, lamp sockets, &c., : Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works, submarine
cable ; Dalgety & Co., porcelain insulators ; Staerker & Fischer, incan-
descent lamps ; Noyes Bros., g.i., copper and v.i.r. insulated wire ; Law-
rence & Hanson, trembling bells, wall telephones, carbons, coils, porous
pots, battery l>.>\e». eonden^ers, cords, carbon diaphragms, ear-pieces,
switches, li;i irl in-iil 1 1 ■ 1 ■. Iiiilecy boxes, ringing and listening keys,
&e. : R. .I(.lin-:iii, (I ipliiin ,V Morris, g.i. and h.d. copper wire and gal.
steel cable ; Unli.-li ' Kvei Keady " Electric Co., dry cells ; Jas. Baton
& Co., wall telephones ; Zwieker, Tod & Co., porcelain insulators, sal-
ammoniac, sulp. magnesia, screws, Morse paper and iron jiins ; Federal
Flint Glass Co., main battery balloons and battery cells and cups.
The Postmaster-General's Department. Perth, W. Australia, have
accepted the tenders of Malloch Bros, for binders and tapes ; O. Haes,
copper wire: Noyes Bros., steel wu-e ; Unbehaun & Johnstone, insu-
lators : General Electric Engineeruag Co., insulators ; Zwieker, Tod &,
Co.. insulators and sleeves : Richd. Johnson, Clapham & Morris, wire.
Melbourne City Council have accepted the tenders of Kelvin & Jas.
White for ammeters, &c. ; Cowans Limited, automatic sv.it -hf^ ;
Australian Gener.al Electric Co., h.t. switchboard panel and watt -hoar
ni'Hcr ; Perks. Dane & Co., feed water pump.
BUSINESS NOTICE.
Ernest Townson and .\rtluir Chadwick, electrical and mechanical
engineers. 118, Bark-street, Bolton, have dissolved partnership
Debts by Messrs. Harper, Pilling & Harper, 23, Acre.sfiekl, Bolton.
IMPORTANT NOTICE.
Extra Copies of " The Electrician " Special Mining Issue
(July 10th, 1908), are obtainable, price 1/- nett (post free
U.K., 1/4 ; abroad 1/6). ^_^=:==^
'piant^foTsall^Messrs. G. Elliott & Co., 186-188, L"ng-laie.
BermondscT London, S.E., have for sale two compound Marsha
stear^ encdnes coupled to two Crompton dynamos, a combmed
geneTatlSset, and llso three dynamos. Further particulars are given
in advertisements.
Business for Sale.-Messrs. Mellors. Basden & Mellors. C.A.,
BrTdTesm th-gate. Nottingham, advertise for sale as a going concern
fhTeleXcal engineeringand metal spinning business as now carried
on by Cutler. Wardlc & Co. (Ltd.) at Manchester. Further par-
ticulars on application.
Jandus Regenerative Flame Lamps.-We are informed that these
lai^scn lu^w be supplied adjusted for 10 amperes at^55 volts four
n iries on 220 volts. &c., enabling open type lamps to be i-eplaced
without alteration to the wiring. None of the well-known eatures
of these lamps, viz., 70 homrs burning with one pau- of caibons, h gh
cand'epower. low running costs, &c., will be sacrifaced under the
new conditions of working. The original form o lamp (5 amperes
7Z\Y on 100-120, two on 200-250 volts. &c.) will still be supplied
Further particulars of Mes.srs.- Drake k Gorham. 66, Victoria-street.
London, S.W.
Tantalum Lamps tor Railway Carriage V^.^^'^f •-^'^'"',^'iha'ri'n
Dvnamo Works. ('.. Hath-slreet. Cit v-voad. London, inform '■'^ !« "^
,Juie ast thev fitted up a carriage up<,n the (b-eat Northern X- C.y
Railway with -'Tantalum" lamps. Fifteen lamps n a 1 we e
installed, and of these two have broken down up to date, «l">e t^^^
remaining 13 have now run for 2.000 hours withou failure o. serious
decrease in candle-power. Out of a large number of lamps used in tie
stations of this railway 75 per cent, have Imrned for about 2.010 horns
and are still in use, while the remaining 25 per cent, (excluding toui
lamps which broke down through mechanical defects) gave an aver-
age life of 1 .300 hours. As a result of the.se tests, the Great Northern
& Citv Railway propose to dis|ilaoe their carbon filament lamps and
use "Tantalum " lamps for both train and station lightnig.
ImportS.-The following are official values of electrical machi-
nery, material, and apparatus imported into this country («) durnig
November. 1908, and (b) during the current year froni Jan. 1 to
Nov 30, with the increases or decreases compared with the corre-
^'^r^l^t:!^i^irUl34,789 (decrease £2L915) ; (^ £540^
(decrease £18,582) ; telegraph and telephone cables (n) £8,79o (de-
crease £4,3B2, (6) £113.490 (decrease £\13.45I); telegraph a d tele^
phone apparatus (a) £15,417 ('"^■•f""^ ^'>^-*'^'''^"^f'/'!? , iffT:.^,;
£65,257) other electrical wh'cs and r:,M ■-. .nl.l,,.,- insulated («) £3 lot.
(decrease £.5.623). (h) £65.970 (decreas, t:n.s-J) : -'''. ;•♦'"■ X~
a) £6.336 (increase tl.lHC,). (h) £9,5.81C. (u. a.ase 12S..,24). T>e ollow-
iuB were not se|o,,,,,lv .numerated last year: Carbons (a) £12.20/
fc) £147,189; Jl>» Im,,,- ,.,) £43,191, [b) £310,519: arc lamps and
elertrir sf..„.,.hle.|it ~ (/) UJo, (/,) 4:4.711 : parts of arc lamps and searcU-
jl„li,, ,,,,1,,,, ,1, .,, ,,.,,1 ,, i„i t.-,,s'.i(i. (/)) £53,173; primary and seeon-
d'^ix l,,n. ih - M >.-. :!sl ,/-i i:.|,o'.i-J. Totalof electrical goods and ap-
p'uitu. Mihi than lunliin.ay and telegraph and telephone wir,-
(a) £109.421 (increase £7,231), (b) £1.127.618 (decrease £18.230).
Exports.— The exports of electrical machinery, material. &e (a)
during November. 1908. and (b) during the current year iriun
Jan. 1 to Nov. 30, and the increases and decreases compared witU
the corresponding [leriods of 1907, are as follows : —
Eleetrieal maehinerv (o) £103.339 (increase £14,954), (») /'•H,"l--y.-''
(mcrease £334.847) ; telegraph and telephone cables (a) £lt).I.W_i) (in-
crease £141.507). (/;) £577.256 (decrease £702,(>81) ; telegraph and tele-
plaau. a,,,.a,atus\,;) £18.721 , in,, -ease £9.255). (/.) £153.997 (decease
£4 [-1)) .all, I- elec-tri,al wires and , allies, rubber insulated («) iii.oii
(iiureas,. l-.-.,o73). {b) £254.76,-, in, lease £6.850): with other iiLsulations
(a) £17,231 (decrease £3,372), (6) £300.300 (increase £88, /9o).^ the
following were not separately enumerated last year : Carbons (o)
£551. (b) £7,732; glow lamps" (a) £5.881, (6) £53,141; arc lamps and
searchlights (a) £1.175. (b) £19,361 : parts of arc lamps and searchlights
(other than carbons) («) £2.126, (b) £16,889 ; primary and secondary
batteries (,„) £10,546. ((,) £76,317. Total of electrical goods ""d appara^
tus other than machinery and telegraph and telephone wire, (") i-OiS.O"'
(increase £1.59,379. (6) £1,787,685 (increase £572,.566).
Calendars, &C.— We have received from Messrs. Street & Co., the
well-known London advertising agents, their calendar for 1909.
This is illuminated, framed and glazed, and will occujiy the welcome
place in oiu- .sanctum that its predecessors over many years have
occupied.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 11, 1908.
363
Simplex Progress. — An important develojjment in the liistory of
Simplex Conduits. Ltd.. took place on Nov. II, when the new show-
room.s and stores at High Bridge, Newcastle-on-Tyne, were inaugu-
rated. The celebration was made the ocea.sion of a dinner to which
a large number of guests sat down. The menu for this function was
an artistic production, which dealt not merely with the good things
provided for the company pre.sent, but also gave a concise account
of the year's progress of Simplex Conduits in a very attractive form.
Our readers will doubtless recall the little brochure entitled " Ten
Years of Simplex," which the Company issued last year. The
account to which we now refer is a sequel to this booklet, but it deals
with one year's trading and for this reason is chiefly distinguishable
as a record. We illustrate herewith views of the company's new
premises at Newcastle.
1^
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Wm
tI ,.,,, 'iipiii|
p' (III !lllll
K. mi 1 Hill
ISss m
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WSKSB^Bt^
I.NTKRIOK AND ExTKHIOR OF NEWCASTLE I?RANrl[ SlMl'LEX CoNDUlTS, LtD.
CATALOGUES. &c.
attractive appearance.. It can be supjjlied with bioiize finish f<;r
indoors or in black lacquer finish for outdoors, both types being
fitted with opal globes. The Electrical Co. will .send a copy of
the leaflet describing this lamp on request.
" Sunshine " Fl.4ME Lamp.— The Electrical Co. also send us
some three-colour illustrations of their " Sunshine " flame arc lamp,
which we described in the iNDUSTRLti, Supplement for November.
Vibrator Generator.— Messrs. Marples, Leach & Co. have
ready a list (T.3) which describes the " Adni! " vibrator generator
for converting any d.c. pressure to any a.c. pressure. It is suitable
for ringing a number of large loud bells, and is of special advantage
in connection «ith fire-alarm systems. The device is made up in
five standard types, suitable for a range of pressure from 3 to 220
volts.
RUH.STRAT Rheostat.?. — In their
list No. 16 Messrs. Isenthal & Co..
Mortimer-street, London, W., give
details of the.se rheostats, whic h
are constructed for switchboards,
bridges, projectors, laboralcjry work,
wireless telegraphy, &c.
The Peacock Br.\ke. — The Cc n-
solidatcd Acces.sorics Co.. Clemcnt.s-
lane, London. E.C., arc sending out
a list describing the rigging of this
well-known brake. The list con-
tains a number of carefully dimen-
sioned drawings from which full
])articulars of the sizes can be
obtained.
Model Railways. — Model Engi-
neering has reached such a degree
of perfection that scale locomo-
tives, rolling stock, track, signal
Switchboards. — \ largi' Kckcli.')n of switchboards and switch-
ing ajjparatus is manufactured by the Univer.sal Electrical Mfg. Co..
Peckhani. London. S.E. The company has just issued a loose leaf
catalogue which fully describes its switchgear products, and also
gives some details of a flame arc lamp and a number of arc lamj)
accessories.
Conduit Clip. — In om- last issue we referred to the special conduit
clip which the Sun Electrical Co. is putting on the market to provide
COMHIT Ci.ie.
a cheap and efficient clip for wiring conduits. We give an illus-
I ration of this clip secured to the wall by a special piii of harc'ened
I'.el, which can be driven in without plugging the wall.
Braulik Specialities.— Ml-. G. Braulik sends us a number of
loose leaflets dealing with his specialities in meters, time switches.
wire measuring apparatus, electric sign switches, &c. An interesting
instrument is the " Veritas " double-time meter for use on tram-
ears to indicate how long the motors have been used in series and in
l)aral!el.
" Gral '■ :\lETAr, Filament Lamps. — The Armorduct Mfg. Co.
have ready a circular giving the reduced prices and amended dis-
counts for " Gral " lamps. »
Nernst Lamps. — The new :? ampere Nernst lamp, specially de-
signed for replacing small arc lamps, is described in a pampbJet
just issued by the Electrical Co. It is designed for voltages from
200 to 250. and is stated to give between 800 c.p. and 1.000 c.p.
The life of tlie burner is given as -100 hours, and the lamp has an
systems, and other railway acce.ssories can now be obtained
quality which raises them above the level of ordinary toys. .Messrs.
Bassett-Lowke & Co., of Northampton and Holhorn, London, issued
yesterday their complete catalogue of electric, steam and clockwork
locomotives, and a very large variety of acc<'Ssories for the building
up of complete railway .systems. In addition there are particulars of
stationary and marine engines, boilers, sailing yachts and sundries for
model engineers. The jiubhcation is one which will delight, not only
the average school boy. but also the engineering parent who appre-
ciates the educational value of good engineering models. There
IS no denying that model railways have a remarkable fascination for
grownups, and we recommend tho.sc of our readers who po.sse.ss
miniature railways or who intend to do so to obtain a copy of this
comprehensive catalogue. The jirice is 6d. .An announcement is
made on the last page of the issue of a :id. monthly entitled " Model
Railways." the first issue of which will l;c ready next week. Six
months subscription 2s.. pest free.
BANKRUPTCIES, LIQUIDATIONS, &c.
Claims against Edwd. I'. Oliver (now or lately trading as N'cwing-
ton, Priddle & Co.), electrical engineer, .'iO, (U. Sutton-street. J/ondon,
E.C., by Dec. 19 to .Mr. i\. \\ . ClKi).nian. Mankruptcy-buikling.s,
London, W.C.
.-\ meeting will be lieUl on ,lan. o at 0. l!ootli-slrcet. Manchester, to
receive an account of tlic winding uji of the .Mutual Telei)hone Co.
(Ltd.).
COMPANIES' MEETINGS AND REPORTS.
ALUMINIUM CORPORATION (LTD.) .\t an e.v'raordinary meeting on
Wednesday it was itsohcil that as the company cannot by reason of its
liabilities continue its business it is advi.sahlc to wind up same volun-
tarily. The chairm.in (Sir .Ja.s. Sivcwright) .said that in taking that step
they were conscious that it was the best policy possible for the protection
of their joint interests. In their opinion, the best thing was voluntary
liquidation with a view to reconstruction. They projiosed to appoint
Messrs. L. W. Hawkins and -A. H. Gibson as liquidators. Since the last
meeting they had gone in for manufacturing ferro-alloys, and on the
quantity examined they had made a profit of £40 a ton, though the
market was depressed.
ANGLO ARGENTINE TRAMWATS CO. -The directois announce that
they iiave comhidcil an aixicement with the municipality of Buenos
Ayies for the absorption of the Buenos Ayres and Belgrauo, the
Buenos Ayres Electric, and the Belga-Argentine undertakings and other
existing companies having a fixed term of concession. A principal con-
dition stipulated by the agreement is delivery to the municipality
gratuitously at the end of each concession of the depots of the various
364
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 11, 1908.
coinpiiiiies in addilion to the lines and rolling stock, a= provided by tlio
present concessions, the company to construct •^0 km. (12i mdes) of
new lines in the next 20 years.
BLACKPOOL, ST. ANNE S & LYTHAM TRAMWAYS CO. (LTD.)— The
directors' report states that the net rcifii.l- ..„ ilic r,,ni|iany's own lines
show a decrease of £370 compared witli last year. The agreement with
St. Anne's Council ha.s been amended, thereby effecting a saving in the
eo.st of electric energy. The trustees for the debenture holders intimated
their intention of paying 2i per cent, on account of the arrears of interest
on debenture stock. The total traffic receipts for the year were £27,290.
of which £4,917 was payable to Blackpool Corporation. Traffic expenses
al)sorbcd £4,099. general expenses £:i,425. reiiairs and maintenance
£2,S(K), iKuvcr £.5.044. and rents of leased lines £2.,'!03. leaving a credit
balance,, f £.-..47!!.
BURMA H ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS & LIGHTING CO.{LTD.)— The report for
year ended July 31 states that the credit balance, after including £3..52.5
brought forward, was £5,202. It is proposed to transfer £.5,000 to de-
preciation.
COSTA RICA ELECTRIC LIGHT AND TRACTION CO. (LTD.)— For the year
ended .Iiiiie 31) the net earnings in Costa Rica am,.unted to £14,402. 9s. lOd..
against £14.302. 17s. (id. in l90(i-7. and £12,418. Is. 7d. in 1905-fi. After
])ayment of interest and expenses the surjilus profit was £4.489. 13s. 2d.,
against £3.960. 15s. 5d. The produce of the issue of £15.000 prior lien
debentures was to have been expended in laying down a double track in
San Jose City, in order to comply with the terms of the concession, but
after protracted negotiations San Jose municipality has. by a new
contract, released the company from this unremunerative obligation,
accepting instead an extension of the tramway line to Guadalupe,
which will bring in an increase of revenue as soon as completed. The
materials already provided for the double track are available for this ex-
tension. Two directors (Messrs. Leese and Western) are now in Costa
Rica to gather information as to the possibilities of developing new water
power.
INDIA RUBBER, GUTTA PEBCHA & TELEGRAPH WORKS CO. fLTD.) —
The diic.tors' report for year ended Sept. 30 states that, after pro-
vision for doubtful debts, the net profit was £o2,94r<. 7s. lid. Adding
£49,033. 19s. lOd. brought forward, and deducting £12.500 hiterim
dividend, there remains £89,480. 7s. 4d. The directors recommend the
distribution of a dividend of 15s. a share (tax free), amounting to £37.500
and making a total payment of 10 percent, for the past year, leaving
£51,980. 7s. 4d. to be carried forward. The general business of the com-
pany shows an increase com))ared with the results of last year in certaui
lines : in others, however, there has been a falling off. The prices of
raw material, which had declined during the early part of the year, har
dened again towards the close. The electrical industry has been passing
through a period of depression, from which the company have not
escaped. There has been little doing in submarine cable work, but the
company's steamers have had occasional emjjloyment during the year
and .are in an efficient condition. The works at Silverto^Ti and Persan
have been maintained in their usual state of efficiency. The Board
regret to state that the Hon. Henry Marsham died m July last. Mr.
Marsham had been a member of the board for 21 years and chairman of
the company for seven years.
MANX ELECTRIC RAILWAY CO. (LTD.)J-The report for the year ended
.Sept. 30 states tliat the gmss receipts were £33.734, and the gross expen-
diture £11). 733. leaving £17,001. making (with balance forward) £18.211.
Deducting debenture interest (£9,000), interim preference dividend
(£3,580) and £1000 placed toreserve, there remains £4,031. The balance
preference dividend absorbs £3,580. leaving £1.050 to carry forward.
At the meeting on Monday Mr. A .C. Boscawen said the directors had
done all they could to secure the permanent interest of the line, and had
obtained the new postal contract for distributing the mails in the island.
With regard to the negotiations with the Corporation of Douglas for the
electrification of the front, they were resumed soon after the last meeting,
but owing to the attitude of the Tramway committee which had rejected
the Board's prop,isals. n,, thins; further had been clone.
RICHARD HORNSBY &SONS (LTD.)— At the meeting on Monday, Mr.
H. Siinps,jii Gee stated that not only had they done an increased
volume of business, but they had made a larger profit than in the pre-
vious year. The increased trade was exhibited in both their home
and foreign departments.
UNDERGROUND ELECTRIC RAILWAYS CO. OF LONDON (LTD.)— The
direct, ,1's' rcpi,rt for tlic y,ar cikIimI Si'pt. 30 states that the scheme for
the convcisi.in ,.f the |>r,>lit-sliaring si-,iircil imtcs and for raising further
money liy means of prior lien bonds has lieen carried into ctTcit. and the
voluntary liquidation necessary to carry out the scheme was closed under
order of Court on July 21. •Since the date of the balance-sheet the loan
of £183,175 to the Metropolitan District Railway Co. has been rejiaid.
and the £04,998. lis. 3d. appearing in the balance-sheet has been paid to
the trustees of the power house depreciation fund. Half -yearly ^accounts
will, in future, be submitted to the shareholders (made up to June 30 and
Dec. 31 in each year) and it is proposed to hold half-yearly meetings.
WEST KOOTENAY POWER & LIGHT CO.— The accounts for the year
ended Aug. 31 show total receipts of S397,6'70, and deducting working
expenses, the net profit was $193,906. After [iroviding for interest on
the 6 per cent, bonds, sinking fund, dividends on preferred and com-
mon stock, the net balance is §52,069, wdiich has been placed to credit
of profit and loss. The report states that now that business is re-
viving the accounts for the current year are expected to make a still
more satisfactory showing. The demand for power is increasin,', and
IS expected to continue to increase.
NEW COMPANIES AND STATUTORY RETURNS.
NEW COMPANIES.
BRITISH TUNGSTEN LAMP CO. (LTD.) (100,468)— Reg. Dec. 1, capital
£12 000 in £1 shares, to adopt an agreement with the Metallfaden-
lampenwerk -Berlin), G.m.b.H., and the Syndicate Lamp Co., for the
purchase of the British and Colonial rights in the metal filament and
metal filament lamp which belong to the German company. First
directors, A. Wenck I Berlin) and F. C. Becker (representing holders
of German shares) and L. Higginbottom, H. S. Morrison and T. Johnson
(representing holders of remaining shares). Reg. office, 36, Spring-
gardens. Maiicliester.
BRUCE PEEBLES & CO. (LTD.) (6,962. )- Reg. in Edinburgh Dec. 5,
capital £250,000 in £1 shares, to acquire the business carried on by
Bruce Peebles & Co. (Ltd.* (in liquidation) at East Pilton, Edinburgh,
and to carry on in the United Kingdom or elsewhere the business of
electricians", mechanical engineers, suppliers of electricity, brass-
founders, tube makers, metal workers, wire draw^ers, &c. First direc-
tors, C. H. McEuen, M. B. Mountain, A. Mackenzie, F. E. Andrews,
J. Shields and A. W. Tait. Keg. office. East Pilton, Edinburgh.
NEWALL'S INSULATION CO. (LTD.) 1100,451)— Reg. Nov. 28, capital
£60,000 in £1 shares, to manufacture, deal in, erect and apply insu-
lating materials and appliances, to manufacture, deal in and apply
cork, magnesia, asbestos, silicate of cotton, &c., to manufacture and
deal 'in chemical products and substances, and to acquire or subscribe
tor shares, debentures or liabilities of Magnesia Coverings (Ltd.), and
the Washington Chemical Co., &c. Private company. F. S. Newall
is first director.
STATUTORY RETURNS.
CHLORIDE ELECTRICAL STORAGE- CO. (LTD.)— Return to Aug. 27
gives capital as £135,250 in 62,CO0 preference, 43,168 ordinary, and
30,082 unclassified shares of £1 each, of which 62,000 preference and
43,168 ordinary have been taken up. £1 per share has been called up
on 48,750 preference and 16,250 ordinary and £65,000 has lieen re-
ceived. £40,168 is considered as paid on 13,250 preference and
26,918 ordinary. Mortgages and charges nil.
CITY NOTES.
MEMORANDA (Dec. 10).— Bank rate 24 per cent, (since May 28, 1908).
Price of silver, 27:3d. per oz. Consols 83.'— 83! for money and 83i —
83j account. Consols Pay Day, Jan. 6 ; Stock and Shares Continua-
tion Day, Dec. 28 ; Ticket Day, Deo. 29 ; Pay Days, Dee. 11 and 50.
Prices of Metals (London). — Copper, cash, 62g ; three months, 63 ,'5.
Lead, English, 13J ; foreign, cash, 13J : three months, 151. Spelter,
cash, 21—21^: three months, 21.^ Tm, English, 131—133; Fine
Foreign, cash, 132— 132i ; three months, 132j— 133^. Iron, Cleveland,
cash, 48'5 and three months, 49/1. Magnet Steel (price supplied by
\V. F. Dennis & Co.,) £55.
CANADIAN GENERAL ELECTRIC CO.— The directors have declared a
dividend of I4 per cent, on the common stock for the three months to
31st inst. , being at the rate of 7 per cent, per annum.
CITY OF LONDON ELECTRIC LIGHTING CO. (LTD.)— The transfer Ijooks
and register of holders of the 5 per cent, first and 4J per cent, second
debenture stock will be closed from 17th to 31st inst. inclusive.
EASTERN TELEGRAPH CO. (LTD.)— This company announce the pay-
ment on Jan. 15 of a dividend at the rate of 3i per cent, per annum
(less tax) on the preference stock for the quarter ending 31st inst.,
and the third quarterly interim dividend of 1.J per cent, on the ordinary
stock (tax free) in respect of profits for the j-ear ending 31st inst. The
transfer books of the ordnairy stock will be closed from Jan. 7 to 14,
inclusive.
EASTERN EXTENSION, AUSTRALASIA & CHI^fA TELEGRAPH CO. (LTD.)
I The directors of this coiupanj- have declared an interim dividend for
the quarter ended Sept. 30 last of 2s. 6d. per share (tax free), payable
on 15th prox. The share register will be closed from Jan. 7 t;o 14, in-
clusive.
GLOBE TELEGRAPH & TRUST CO —The directors announce a quarterly
dividend of 2s. per share.
LONDON ELECIROBUS CO. (LTD.) - Du;ing the week this company
invited applications for £40,000 6 |ier cent, convertible first mortgage
debenture stock at par.
SAN PAULO TRAMWAY, LIGHT AND POWER CO. (LTD.)- This company
has declared a quarterly dividend ,,f 2', pjr cent.
STOCK EXCHANGE NOTICES.— The Stock Exchange committee have
been asked to grant quotations to a further issue of £100,000 deferred
ordinary stock of the BrUi.!:h Cduiiibia E/tctric llailiray Co. (Ltd.);
£819,300 5 per cent, conversion debenture stoc c of the Biieiwg Ayres
Grand yational Tramirai/s Co. .Ltd.), and £360,000 5 per cent, con-
version debenture stock of the Buenos Ayrei Xev Trumvmys Co. (Ltd.)
WESTERN TELEGRAPH CO. (LTD. 1— The directors have declared the
first quarterly interim dividend of 3s. per share (tax freei for the year
ending June 30, 1909, being at the rate of 6 per cent, per annum. The
transfer books will be closed from Dec. 14 to 19, inclusive. The divi-
dend will be payable on 21st inst.
_™RKIiBOTBICIAW, DECBMBEB. 11, 1MB.
ELBGTRIG TBAHWAT AND RAILWAY TRAFFIC
REGEIPTB.
Aberdeen OorporaUon ...<
AlrdrlG
Anglo -Argentine
Ayr Corporation
Baker St. & Waterloo By.,
Bameley ,
Barrow ,
Bath Bleotrio Tramd, Ltd...
Blrkoohead Corpuratlon ...
Blrmlngtiam Corporation.
Birmingham & Mid
Blackburn Corporation ....
Blackpool and Fleetwood.
Bolton Corporation
Deo.
Bournemouth Corporation..
Bradford Corporation
Brighton Corporation
Brlatol Trams & Carriage...
Burnley Corporation
Burton Corporation
Bury Corporation
Calcutta Xramwaya Co...
Camborne-Redruth
CardifE Corporation
Oavehili
Central London Railway
CharingCEustoQ'&H'Btead
Chatham & Dist. Lt. Rya....
City & South London Rly...
City of Birmingham
Colcheater Corporation......
Cork Klectrio Trams Co. ...
Croydon Corporation
Devonport & Diet. Xrama...! Nov,
Dover Corporation Dec.
Dublin & Lucan Railway,., „
Dublin United ,'
Dudiey. Stourbridge I Nnv.
Dundee Corporation
East Ham Council
Bieter Corporation ,
Gateshead & Dist. Trams..,
Glasgow Corporation ,
Glossop Tram^^
Gravesend— Northfleet
Great Norlhern & City Rly.,
Gt. Northern, Piccadilly, &o
Greenock & Port Glasgow...
Hartlepool Tramways
Hastings Elec. Trams Co....
Hong Kong
Huddersfield Oorpn ,
Hull Oorporatlon
nford District Council
Ilkeston District Council ...
Ipswich Corporation
Isle of Thanet Co
Jarrow
Keighley Corporation ,...'..
Kidderminster & District...
Kilmarnock Corporation ...
Lanarkshire Trams Co. „.
Lancashire United
Leamington
Leeds Corporation
Leicester Corporation
Leith Corporation
Lincoln Corporation
Liverpool Corporation
Liverpool Overhead Rly, ...
•London County Council ...
London United
Lowestoft
Maidstone Corporation
Manchester Corporation ...
Mersey Raiiway
Merthyr
Metropolitan Dist. Railway
Metropolitan Blec. Trams.^
Middleton
Nelson Corporation
Newciistle-OD-Tyne Corp.
Newport (Mon.)
Northampton Corporatior
Oldham, Ashton & Hyde .
Oldham Corporation
Perth (N,B.) Corporation .
Perth ( W,A. ) Elec. Trams,
Peterborough
Portsmouth Corporation .
Potteries
Preston Corporation '.
Rotherham Corporation .
8,100
RI1.4S3
1.223
3,612
Ino.
or Deo.
(a)
Nov. 27
Dec. 3
Nov. 27
Dec. 5
Rothei
Salford Corporation
Nov. 27
Dec. 5
Nov. 27
Deo.
Nov. 27
Dec. 7
Nov. 2.3
Dec. 6
Sheffield Corporation
Singapore Trams
South Metropolitan .
South Staffs
Southend Corporation*'.'.
Bouthport Tramways
Stalybdge,Hyde,&c.,Jt.L_., „_ „
Dunderland Corporation 6
Sunderland Dia trio t q
Swansea Trams J jJoV 27
owinUon Corporation
^auuton I •" 27
Xynemouth and District'."' !! y?
AyncHide Trams Co Dec. 2
Wallasey District Counoll... 5
Walsall Corpn 5
west Ham Corporation Dec. 3
Woston-auper-Mare Nov "7
Wove,^amptonCo "'l^' ^
Wolv(.rhanpton Oorpn i Dec 2
fcr;:;; - »'-• "
^H^iSii^-WoolJenDiBtrlct. Nor. 27
(aj These comparisons
«Plas2.d.y9. ' Partly eleotricVi^
*3,670
36
_
2
130
-
360
_
16
808
+
fil
476
36
338
.
S
2,111
_
(i.-,
26
w
1
411
^
41
737
„
32
231
+
4
98
+
6
926
867
+
159
25
Amount.
Ino. or
Deo. (a)
£
&
39,168
_
145
10,661
-
61
8,921
_
24 -
69,836
+
12,S!)s
8,376
4-
43li
11,604
-
Ell
35,681
-
2,J s
223,381
+
' 6.E00
38,647
+
776
83,837
+
"'l.23Ji
Bl,630,881
+8284,761
00,303
-
3,026
ltS,487
-
52
34,608
+
71H
9,436
+
■11\
11,210
1,036
9,821
-
606
Rl ,040,846
_
no,257
6,26.s
■H
239
77,250
37,931
69,603
130,290
22,2 55
61,201
22,048
8,169
31,725
11,595
47,763
464 083
7,078
9,988
30,876
118,135
21,879
11,312
27.516
67',681
88. 126
16,272
6,010
14,661
3,212
6,160
3,.jS2
5.263
4,448
62,024
64,017
8,219
238,234
51,182
321,209
1,631
7,019
43,311
10,053
214,628
272,923
16,834
4,824
140,164
33,030
16,5t0
27,841
71,618
4,630
66,t52
6,055
74,336
86,592
2l',V'50
9,721
168,981
2,700
203,674
SJl,673
33,430
41,697
17,073
13,407
27,262
42,783
2,246
44,J77
32,593
86,885
12,983
79,894
6,693
21,165
22,233
13,381
4,864
69,303
43,308
107
166
.45.037
16,675
2,K06
2,194
2,540
'" 3S6
28,664
2,258
1,726
1,015
l,tl6
6,1 2 i
2,124
1,360
ELECTRICAL COMPANIES' SHARE LIST
LAST I
Dnn-
DEHS
DmDENl>«^™„
t.
4%
St.
4%
St.
^\X
I
1/6
h
■m
St.
n
6
2/S
6
m
St.
H%
St.
■MZ
nr-l
123 -125 4 0 0
101 —103 4 7 6
2j— 3 8 9 7
H~3i 6 17 19
85-94 S 10 0
104-11 6 9 0
107 -lilt 4 2 0
97 -100 4 10 0
4i-6J 6 7 0
6 — 6J 4 11 0
97 —100 1 10 0
ej -61 6 8 0
7J-8J 6 0 0
6 — ei 4 12 0 ;
9» —97 4 2 6
97 -100 4 0 0
80 —90 6 0 0 ;
91 -94 4 6 0
10,302
3,6»0
138,411
3,702
St.: iiz
6 6/0
3t. m
St., 4J%
II' 9>,
101 4%
are with the oorreeponding porlod Iset year. § Plua 3 dayp,
" ' ' t Minus 3 days } Minus 2 days.
EUCTRICITY SUPPLY.
10: 6.,'0 Bonrnemouth 4 Poole Elec!. Snp Ord I'J— 1'
10 4/8 , Do. 4J per Cent. Com. Pref. 9j- 10'
10 6/0 : Do. 8 per Cent. Cam. .Second Pref 10|— I'j
St. 4i% Do. 4i per Cent. Deb. Stock (red ) ' 1C3 —106
6 2/0 Bromley (Kent) El. Lt. & Power Shares 4|-4i '6 12 8
St. H/, Do. Do. Ist Debs. 94 —98 4 12
6 4/8 Brompton 4 Kensington Eleo. Sap. Ord. 8i-8} 5 14 3
6 3/6 Do. 7 per Cent. Pref. S — 8J
St. 4% 'CentralElec. Sap. Co.4''Gnar.Db.Stook " ""'
6 2/6 Charing CrossfW.End 4 City)El.Sup.Co.
5 2/3 Do. 4i per Cent, Pief.
St. 4/! Do. 4 percent, neb. Stock (red.). ..
6 2/3 Do. City Undertaking 4J% Cm. Pre!
6 2/0 Chelsea Electric Sapply Ord.
St. 4J% D„. 41 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red'.)"
10 6/0 City of London Electric Lighting Ord
10 6/0 Do. 8perCent. Cum. Pref. ....: '.
St. 6% Do. 6 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red,)....
St. 4i% Do. 4} per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock (red )
B iZ ConntyofDurhamElec. P.D. Ord
6 6% Do. 6 per Cent, non Cum. Pref.
10 4/0 , County of London Elec. Supply Ord .
10 6/0 Do. 8 per Cent. Com. Pref
^t. HZ Do, 4j% Deb. Stock (red.) .'..'.'.'.'.
5t. 4j% Do. Second Deb. Stock
6 30 Folkestone Electricity Sapply Co. Ord.
6' 2/6 Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
St. 4J^ Do. 4i 1st Deb. Stock (red)
6 4,0 Hove Electric Lighting Ord
6! 4/0 Kensington 4 Knightabridge Ord
' °°' Do. 6 per Cent. Ist Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (rod.)
Kensingtn. 4 Kngtbg, Co. & Notting Hill
Co. (Joint Station) 45; Deb. Stock (red.)
Kent Elec. Power Co ,
London Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb.
Metropolitan Electric Sap. Ord.
Do. 4i per Oent. Cum. Pref. ...
Do. 4* per Cent. Deb. Stockist Mort.' 107 -no 4
Do. SJperCent. Mrt. Deb, Stock(red )i 85 —8S 3
Midland Elec. Corp.forP.D.lstMort.Db.l 93-98 4
Newcastle & Dist. Elec. Ltg. Ord I 45— EJ 4
tool 4J% Do. 4» per Cent. Deb 90-92
S% Newcastle Elec. Supply Ord 4J— 5
6 per Cent, non Cum. Pref. 6i-6J
,. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. red. 1907. 96—97
11 3% Northern Counties Elec. Sup
100 4}% Do. 4J per Cent. Deb
'" "~ Notting Hill Electric Ord
Oxford Electric Ord
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
St. James' &. Pall Mall Elec. Ord.
Do. 7 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 3J per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
Smithfield Markets Electric Snp. Ord...
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
South London Electric Supply Ord..'..'..!
South Metrop'n Elec. Lt. & Power Ord.
Do. 7 per Cent. Cum. Pref
Do. 4i 1st Db. Stk. Red
Urban Electric Sapply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, Cum. Pref.
Do. 4* per Cent. 1st M.irt. Deb,
Westminster Elec. Sup. Ord. ...
Do. 4iperCent. Cum. Pref. ....
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS & TRAMWAYS.
Baker St. 4 Waterloo 45; Perp. Db. St
Bath Elec. Trams Pref. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J 1st Mort. Deb. Stock (red.)...
B'hani 4 Midland Tnims 41 IstDb.Stk.
Bristol Tramways & Carriaae Ord. OJ -
Do. Cum. Pre'r. (fully paid)...
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs
British Electric Traction Ord...
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. 3J -41 8 13 6
Do. 6 per Cent. Perpetual Deba , 91 -9i 6 4 0
Do. 4J per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock I 73—76 0 0 0
Central London Ordinary Stock 1 61 -86 4 10 6
Do. 4 per Cent. Pref. Stock SI -86 4 13 0
Do. Deferred Stock 61-63 3 17 0
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs I 101 -101 3 17 0
Charing X,Easton4Hmp9tdPer.Db.Stk.i 83—88 4 11 0
City of Birmingham Trams. 6%Cm.Pref. 4i-4i ',560
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs ' 96—100,4 0 0
City 4 South London Ely. Con. Ord. ...I 29} -30J 4 19 0
Do. 6 per Cent. Perp. Pref. (1891) ... 112-114 4 7 6
Do. (189C). . 1j9 — 111 4 10 0
Do. (190!) '... 107—109 411 9
Do. (1903) ' 98—101 4 10 0
Do. 4 per Cent, Perpetual Debs I 99 -101 ! 3 19 0
Dublin United Trams. Ord 1 11J-12> 1 S 4 0
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. 13—14 |4 6 9
Gt. Northern & City Rly. Pref. Ord. (4%) J-';
ju 0/9 I G. Northern, Piccadilly &Brompton Ord. I 7*-a |
St. iZ I Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock Oi — 9i 4 6 0
6 4/0 I Hastings & Dist. Elec. Trams. 67o Cm. Pf. 2}- 3J
St. 4J%I Do. 4jUb. St I SS — 92 4 13 0
10 9Z I t Imperial Tramways Ord 8i-9i 9 14 0
10 »/, • tDo. 6 per Cent, i'ref. ' Sj-sj 6 14 0
St. 4*if , tDo. 4J per Cent, llola | 9j -9J 4 18 0
I. of Thanet E. T. & Lt. 6 per Cent. Pref. 1— IJ
Do. 4 per Cent. Dob. Stock | 65^—81 ,8 11 0
Lanarkshire Tramways '
Lanes. Utd. Trams 6 i Prior Lien Db. St.
Liverpool Overhead Railway Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb
101 6/6 London United Trams. iX Cum. Pref. ..,
iX Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Dob. Stock
Meraey Con. Ord. Stock
Do. 8 per Cent. Perp. Pref.
Metropolitan Elec. Tramways Ord
1' _ I Do. Deferre.l *
J 0/6 Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
St. H% Do. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock
St. iX Metropobtan Kailway Consolidated
St. , 2j!i Do. Surplus Lands Slocks
St. 3j< Do. 3J per Cent. Preference
St. 1' 3J ', Do. Sj per Cent. " A " Preference
St. Sj;; Do. 8? per Cent. Converiiblo Pref.
8t. 3}% Do. 8} per Cent. Debenture Stock 91
■ ■ ■• SJ,
iBigh- Low
9.'J
3U 81
i'ii
Feb, Aug
.'une, Deo
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
.^Iay, ^ov .. ..
Feb, Aug 851 , 63
Feb, Aug 8JJ ..
Feb .... 61
Jan, July 103J !l02j
6
2/8
10<
iZ
St.
HZ
!>Z
St.
t>Z
6r
St.
n
St.
iZ
8/0
10
8/0
98 —95 1 6 6
93 —93
SSj-36*
87 —69'
83 —87
76 —79
74 -77
-93
-91
Jan, July
April, Oct
April, Oct
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Fell, Aug
May, Not
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, .Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan. July
Mar, Sept I
April, Oct ,
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan, JuGr
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Jmn, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July ,
Jan, July
Feb, Aog.
b7i ; 67
SOi ; 2<i
' lu ciuou'aiiug me yiem allowanoe liaa been made for Momad inurest bnt not for redemption
t Ex DiTidend. } The London Stock Exchange Committer haTe declined to qnote tnesa
THE BLBOTRIOIAN^J)ECBMBER n,J908^
^^SH^S^^^C^ffA^™SLSH^^E^,IST^^on^
! IL»ST
Dm-
IdkndI
8J%
Last I
Drvi-
dkbdI
1 Business
Wbee to
Dec. 9.
EltCTBIC RAILWAYS i TRAMWAYS- 1 Co««/™erf.
M ^'ropolitn
. Pref.
DiRlricI EBilwajr Ord
i.u. Kjlennion Prof. (f> iwr Cent.)
Do APBpntoa Fxt. Prcf. (Int. Guar, hv
Und. Eli-c. Blv". Co. of London, Ltd.)
Do 8 Iipr Cent: CoiiHoltd. Kent-charRe
Do' i por C.-nt. Midlnnd Rcnt-chorRf
Do. Onnr. Sto,-k 4 por f>nl
Do. 6 per Crnt. P. rp. Deb. Stock
Do. 4 per rent Dillo
New Oen. Trdct. (1 per Cent. Cu
Potteries Electric Traction Ord.
Do. fiperCent. Cum. Pref. ....
)>o 4* per Cent. Deb. Stock .
R, Met. Klee.TrHniK. & Ltd. 6% Cm. Pref.
Do 4 per Cent. Peb. Stock
Snnderland Diet. Eleo.Trmi.S5;l»tMt.Db.
rndereronndE.RvH.Lon.e"/ Inc'm bonds
Do, ,« Prior Lien Bonds
Do. 4« Bonds
Yorkehire (W.B.) Eleo. Trams. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cam. Pref.
Do. 4i per Cent. Ist Debs .
54 -59
75 —78
100 —lot
67 -60
123 —126
eo —83
90 -93
92J-9:il
73 —76
iS-U
6 19 0
3 18 0
3 18 6
ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING, kt.
ron Electricity Meter Ord
1/4; Do. 6% Cnm. Pf. (ex on a/o arreaM)...
l/7i Babcoek & Wilcox Ord
0/7I Do. Pref.
4/0 British fnanlated & Helsby Cables Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4* per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.)
British ThomB'n-Houst'n 4 J% Ist Mt.Db
I .; I BritiBh WestinghonseCperCent.Pref...
I 4V Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock
iix BnuhE.En(;.Co.4j",.Perp.l8t Deb.Stock
41%: Do. Perpetual '2nd Deb. stock
6'C ' ' Callendcr'a Cable Con. Ord ,
2/6 ' Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref
4J% ' Do. 4> per Cent, lat Mort Debs, (red.)
1/6° IfCaatner-Kellner Alkali Co
44% j Do. 4J percent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.).
0/98 I Chadburn'a (Ship) Telegraph Ord
0/7i Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
U/8S Consoliilated Electrical Co
J/O Consolidated Signal Co
0/71 Do. e per Cent. Cum. Pref.
8/0 «Crompton&Co.(No8.1 to 86,000)
6% Do. 6 per Cent. 1st Mort. Deba. (red.).
0/7* Davis &TimminB
2/0' Dick, Kerr cfe Co. Ord
0/7i Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
4i% Do. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock
1/6 Edison & Swan United ("A" Sh.) (£3 pd.)
2/6 Do. (fSpaid)
4% Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock (rd.)
6% Do. 6 per Cent, 2nd Deb. Stock
Edmundson's Elec. Corp. Ord
.. j Do. 6 per Cent. Cum, Pref.
, f"! 4J% Do. 4J per cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (ted.)
^^■1 .. I Electric Construction Co....
Do. 7 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Perp. Ist Mort. Deba.
General Electric (19o0) 6% Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent, lat Mort. Debs
Henley's Teleeraph Works Ord.
Do. 4J iier Cent. Pref.
tDo. 4 J per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. Stock
li.dia Kubhcr.Gut. Per., 4c.,Wrke
Do. 4 jierCent. Debs.(rod.)
X^alional Elec. Construction Co
EichardaoDS, WeBtearth cS: Co., Ltd. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Prcf. ...
Do. 4* per Cent. Perp. Deb. Stock ...
Simplei"Conduit8 Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Telegraph Construction & Maintenance
Do. 4 per Cent Deb. Bonds (1909) ...
Vickers, Sons & Maxim, Ltd., Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Preference
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Preferred
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Db. Sk. (red)
tDo. 4J per Cent. 2nd Mort. Deb.(red.)
tDo. 6 per Cent. 3rd Mort. Debs Scrip.
.1. G.White & Co. 6J;Cm..Prcf.
WLlIans & Kobinson Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
tDo 4 per Cent, lat Mort. Debs
V
2/9; 1
li
4% !
6/0 !
4%
Bl.
6/0 1
b
2/3
1.
HZ
St.
S/0
1(1
n
Ulll
1
o/Vii
1
0/7i
1
M7.
bt.
6
12/0
12
iX
1(10
1/0
1
0/6
1
n
St.
4%
St.
4«
10(1
b%
1(1(1
10/0
10
1/0
5
3/0
t.
i'/l.
100
1(1
f'X
10(1
16/0
St.
30/0
Ht.
IX
tt.
n
Kt.
6/0
10
10/0
10
2/0
b
6/0
b
m
till
4/0
20
m
100
26/0
bt.
17/6
St,
i%
Bt.
2/6
10
i'/i.
St.
n
100
n
2b
6/0
11
MX
lot.
12/0
2b
»l
1(11
»1
10;
1
1?^.
ej— 7
105 —108
91 —96
5-4
40 -46
65 -70
49—63
9 —10
6i-6}
1074-lC9i
14-lS
103 —107
!S-1A
98 — lol
i-n
1,'.-U3
li'o-l-ii
101 —104
I4-2J
76 ■ 79
86 — fcO
7 12 0
4 18 3
3 16 0
8 17 6
6 8 6
8 10 0
TELEGRAPHS.
Amazon Telegraph
Do. 6 per Cent. Debs, (red.;
Anglo-American
Do. Preferred
Do. Deferred
Commercial Cable 4 per Cent. Deb. Stk.
Cuba Submarine Orlf
Do. Preference 10 per Cent
Direct Spanish Ord
Do. ID per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4i per Cent. Deb
Direct Unite! States Cable
Direct West India Cable 4 J% Bg. Db. (rd. )
Eastern Ordinary
Do. SJ per Cent. Pref. Stock
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stk. (red.)
Eastern Extension
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Eastern & S. African 4% Mort. Deb. 1909
Do. 4% Mauritius Sub. Debs, (red.) ...
G.N. ("I Copenhagen), with Coimon 74...
II alilax & Bermuda 4^ ;^ 1st Mt. Db.( red.)
Indo-European
Miuku 1 niii|i;inies Common
66 —70 6 14 0
7 — 7J ' 6 13 6
84 -be ,4 11 0
1U-12J 6 0 0
S -61 ■ " "
105 —107
168-171
67 —99
8d — M
•U
6J
lOlJ- 10311 3 16 6
U-ili: 1 r 17 0
1 -1* 1490
103 —106 I 4 14 3
102 —104 I 8 17 0
103 —105 4 6 0
Feb, Ang ■ 13J
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug • •
Jan, July , 76
Jan, July ■ ■
Mar, Sept 661
Jan, July 123
Jan, July
May •...
Apnl,Oot
Feb, Aug
May, Not
Fob, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
June, Deo l?i
74i
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jnlyrreb
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
Voy, May
May, Not
Feb. Aug
March . .
April, Oct
August ...
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, July
Sept
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
June, Deo
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
May, Not
Jan, Jnly
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July
June, Dec
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
April
Not ....
TELEPHONES.
8-2
2t-2i
67 —60
101 -102
ifg-iej
74-61
16i— IVl
3 -3J
10 6/0
10' 12/0
\a' by.
t VreC. .
liu. 4 jitr leut. Uebs.
West India & Panama .
tDo. BpcrCcut. Isi
Do. 6% 2nd Pref ex or
Do. b per Cent. Deba.
Western Telegraph
4 per Cent. Dob. Stock ^red.) .
6 16 6
6 16 0
6 11 0
.00%— 103% 4 7 6
13 —134 6 6 0
101 —103 14 7 6
129 —134 I 6 4 9
831-864 I 4 ii 0
103j— 1054 8 16 6
118-12J 6 16 0
101 —103 , 3 17 9
100-102 8 18 0
994-1014 3 18 6
30 —82 j 6 5 U
101 —103 I 3 17 6
64 -67
18 -82
70 -74
101 —103
li-1*
101 — 1U3
7*- 64
102 —104
128-13J
SJl
132
—98 I 4 1
Mar, July
Jan, July
Apr, Oct
Apr, Oct
May, Not
June, Dec
June, Dec
F,My,Ag,N' 69
F,My,Ag,N 1"^J
F,My,Ag,N ■"
Jn,Ap,Jy,0
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
June, Dec
Ja,5Iy,Jy0
Ja,-My,JyO
May, Not
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
Feb, Aug
1 Feb, Aug
May, Not
Jan, July ; 3li 8(4
! June, Dec ' ..
May, Not | 6e4 ti
132* 129*
iBlj : 834
1U4J il03J
Hi: IIS
6 0 0
Ja,Ap,Jy,U
6 8 0
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
April
3 17 6
June, Deo
4 3 0
May ....
3 17 6
Jan, July
May, Noy
^
7 7 6
May, Not
May, Not
VA
3 16 0
Jan, July
5 7 0
Mr,Jn,0,D
m
1 b 17 0
June, Dec
1 4 10 0
1
0/7*
0/6
n
m
0/0
f/O
2/6
■MX
M
0/7.'
0/7 1
47
4*%
6/0
2/6
4JZ
Amer. Telephn. & Telegh. Cap. St. ....■■
Do. CoU.Trust$l,0004perCent.BdB
Anglo.Portug-aeTel.6Zl8tMt.Db.atk. '""-J"'
Chili Telephone "j ?« |
Monte Video Telephone Ord. ; .,f_ ,,
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. [ ,„!|_,5Ai
National Co. Pref. Stock ' Y& .11"'
Do. Def. Stock \
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. l8t Pref.
Do. « per Ce«t. Cum. 2nd Pref^. ......
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. 3rd Fret. ...
•Do. Deb. Stock 84 per Cent.- (red.) ...
Do 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Oriental •"••••
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Prel
Do. 4 per Cent. Red. Deb. Stock . .... J
Telephone Co. of Egypt 415;Db.8tk.(red.)i
United River Plate
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 44 Deb. St. Red
;16 -^118
lOi-ll* I
104-114
5/'«-6ft
98 —100
101 —103 I
li-lg I
00 —92 I
1004—1024,
104 —106 14 5 0
4 10
3 10
3 18
5 16
Jan, July ' 871
Mar, Sept I . .
AuguBt . . I . .
Nov .... IS
May, Nov I
1 Feb, Aug 110
Feb, Aug 1174
Feb, Aug 111
I Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
June, Dec
Jan, July
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
June, Dec
Jan, July
65S
Elec. Trams (1901) Ltd,
FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, A.C.
Eleo. * Gen. Inyestmont 6% Cnm, Pref. pi— J ,
Globe Telegraph & Trust I ;j*— }"|
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. ,.^?*~5S
Sabmarine Cables Trust (Cert.) 1^' —"0
' COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRIC
RAILWAYS, TRAMWAYS, 4c.
Anglo-Argentine 6% Cum. l8t Pref ■ 6g -64
Do. 10% Non.cum. 2nd Pref. „^*-?«^
Do Permanent 6% Deb. Stock 143—148
Auckland Klec. Trams. 6% Deb. (red.)... I 102 —106 , 4 15 3
BrisbaneEIectricTrams. InTeat. Ord....! 4| — 4* |4 2 6
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. ' I'lJ-e,'.! 4 19 0
Do 44 per Cent, Db. PrOT. Certs 1 10 1 —105 4 6 0
British Columbia Ei.Ry.Df. Ord, . ' '" -'•^« I = ■.-= n
Do. Pref. Ord. Stock
Do. 6% Cum. Perp. Pref. Stock..
Do. 44 per Cent, lat Mort. Debs,
Do. \ ancouver Power Deba
Do. 41% Perp_Con. Deb. St.
Buenos Ay "'
Deb. St
Euenoa Ayrea Grand National Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 64 per Cent, Pref. Deba
Do. t, per Cent, lat Deb. Bonda 102—105
Buanos Ayres Lacrozo Traip.a Ist Mt. Db.
Buenos Ayres Port & City Tram. 1st Mt.
Deb. Stock £75 Paid 61—66 6 12
Calcutta Tramways (1 to 137,610) 44—6 4 10
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. 4^— 5i 4 16
Do. 4J% 1st Deb. Stock (rod-) 10 J —106
Cape Electric Tram Shares J- 1
City ot Buenos Ayres Trams Co. (. 1904)Sh. 6* — oi
IX, 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock lOO — 104
Colombo Ir. & Ltg. 5% lat Mt. Db.
tElecdic Traction Co. of Hong Kong 5
per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
Havana Eleo. Ey. Con. Mt. 6% $1,000 60
year Coup. Bus 89 — 94
Kalgoorlie Elec. Trama Sh ii _
Do. 6 per Cent. " A " Deb. Stock 8b —8J
Do. 0 percent. "B" Ditto
Lisbon Elec. Trams. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. E per Cent. Reg. Mort. Debs ...
Madraa Elec. Trama. 6% Deb. Stk. ...
la Elec. Ey. $1,000 Gold Bonda ...
Jan, Jnly
SpDoMrJu, 104
SpDcMrJu 13,'c
April. Oct
4 12 6 April, Dot
- - " ' - July
116 — IvO a 0
107J-1094 4 11
nil —103 4 7
103 —106 4 6
-105
June, Dec 'i'l
Jan, July 1'"^* •■
May .... ' ■■ \ ■■
May, Not ' • - 1 - •
fes^'p^t'isei 'idii
May. Nov ""i 'l""*
Jan July 109 ,10;7
April, Oct
Jan, July
1031
Me
coTr,
.St. .
il]
Con. 1st Mort. 6/0 Gold Bds....
Montreal St. Ey. Sterling 41 per Cent.
Deba. (1922) (Nos. 601" to 2,000)
Perth Elec. Trams Ord
Do. 1st Mt. Db. Stock
Rangoon Elec. Trama & Supply Co, 6%
Cuiu. Pf.
Do. 44% 1st Mort. Deb. Slk
Sao Paulo Tramway, Light & Power Co.
JlOO Stock
tDo, 6 per Cent, lat Mt. $600 Db
Toronto Ry Co. 1st Mt. 41;^ Ster. Bonds
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRICITY
SUPPLY &c.
8t.
6%
bt.
b%
St.
6%
lOa
0/3
1
0/7f 1
Bt.
b% ,
600
6%
St.
$1
bOt
67.
101
SIJ
1
\m
1
112/!
Bt
65J
6
3/0
10(
$1
•
b%
6a.
Adelaide Elec. S'plyCo.e%Cn.Pr.
BombayE.S. &'i'.6/:Cm.Pf.
Do. 44 per Cent. Deb. Stk. (red.)
Calcutta Elec. Supply Ord
Canadian Oen. Elec. Go. Com. St. ...
Castner Electrolytic Alkali Co.(of U.S. A.)
Ist Mort. Stl. Debs
Elect. Development Co of Ontario ...
Elec. Ltg. & Trac. Co. of Auat. 6 per
Cent. Cum, Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb Stock
Elec. Supply Co. of Victoria 6 per Cent,
Ist Mort. Deb. St
Indian Elec. Sup. & Trac. Co. ConstD,
Deb. St. Rd
Kalgoorlie Elec. Power IS. Ltg. Ord. ...
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Madras L. B. Corp. 6 per Cent. Constn.
Deb. St
Mexican Elec. Light Co. 6% Ist Mort.
Gold Bonda
Mexican Lt.& Power (.k). Com. St. ...
Do. 6% 1st Mort. Gold Buda.
Montreal Lt. Ht. & Power Co. Cap. St,
River Plate Electricity Co. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Pref
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb. Stock ,
Rosario Elee. Co. 6% Pret (1-20,000)..
Shawmigan Water & Power Co. Cap. St.
Do. 5perCent.BdB
Victoria Falls Power Co. Pref
138 —140 2 17
it -93% I 6 7
103 —106
i-i
101 —104
61-54
V) —101
6 14 0
4 13 9
6 13 6
S71-8S1
J» —111
luu
5 7
6
15 0
D
8 0
0
6 19
0
6 13
0
5 U
0
4 13 0
6 13 0
4 17 0
6 13 0
4 16 0
i03 -106%] 4 16 6
■It's
100 — lu3 I
6i-6g
Ja, Jul . .
Feb, Aug
Jan, July I
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July '
F.My.A.N
June, Dec
May, Nov
Feb, Aug
Jan, July '
Jan, July
July .... I
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
May . . . .
Jan, July
June, Deo
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, Jnly
April,' Dot
April, Oct
J7i
90
F,My,A,N uoa
April
May la'ii
Jan, July 101 J
April, Oct 64
S^S
Jan, July lOlJ
Jan, July' i
\ */, \ Western Union Telegh. «1,000 44 Bou'isl
lu calculating the jleUia allowance baa been made lor accrued Interest but not for redemption t Ex dividend. ) The London Stook EiohaDge'Oommittee have decUued to quote these
SVVFLEMENJ to "The Electrician." Vecember II, 1908.
eONTENTS.
1
— ...» II
The Centrip Gear
72
European Hydro-Elect ics . .
72
Portable Hand Lamps
74
Siemens H T. Mining Gear . .
74
Printing Press Control
75
A. &R. Electric Cranes
78
Expanded Metal Guards
81
Editorial
82
Fpinner Motors
84
Cotton Mills as Power Load. .
85
Paraffin-Petrol Dynamos . .
86
Standaid Dynamos and
Motors
88
Compressed Cotton Pinions .
90
Motor Breakdowns . .
90
Index TO Advertisers
93
■r 1^' npr » .
Pi ¥ m^ m
Electrician No. 1S95.
Indust. Suppt. No. 30.
Gratis to Subscribers.
DECEMBER ii, 1908.
108.ff^mji$tf "^ri^NDDN.E .c.
AUTOMATIC
"DIREKTON'
) CONTINUOUS
CURRENT
Motor Starters,
— PATENT
A Starter and Main Switch combined.
Starts the Motor by simply closing the Main Switch.
OPEN TYPE,
1030 H.P.
TO START,
PUSH THE HANDLE
DIRECT ON.
OPEN TYPE
I 7_' H P
No Starter to operate.
Combines the principle of a Slow Motion Starter.
Overload and No Volt Releases in operation while
the resistances are being automatically cut out.
No Current broken on the Starter Contacts.
Independent of the Operator.
The Resistances are made up of our Patent Units.
Removes all possibility of turn outs on Starter and
Motor through faulty switching.
SEMI-ENCLOSED TYPE,
lC-30 H P.
TO STOP,
PULL THE HANDLE
FORWARD.
SEMI-ENCLOSED TYPE.
l-7i H.P.
ENGINEERING INSTRUMENTS Ltd., "'"""""'' '^""^'°"'
LONDON.
Telees. : INSTRUVIS LO.N„
Teieph. : 43 N:r;'-
i Supplement is issued Gratis to Subscribers to " The Electriciau.
HXTBA OopiEs can be obtained, price id. per copy, post free.
SVPTl.EMENI to "The Electrician." December 11, 1908.
72
) IMS |)IOTM(
DYNAMO WORKS LIMITED.
MINING SWITCHBOARD.
HEAD OFFICE: York Mansion, York Street, Westminster, S.W.
■leh;.h,.
Wl
KlrminKham.
Bristol.
Cardiff.
Glasgow.
Leeds.
London.
Manchester.
Newcastle-on-Tyne
Sheffield.
TMINSTEU. 'rrle,nni,is: -" Si HJI IIIIA I.IIS LlJNDUN."
BRAtfCH OFFICES:
Central House, New Strekt.
32, Bridge Street.
b9, St. Mary Street.
163, Hope Street.
Standard Life Assurance Buildings, City Square.
1. Abchurch Yard, Cannon Street, E.G.
196, Deansgate.
39, CoLLiNGWooD Buildings.
Foster's Buildings, 22, High Street.
Cl)e Centrip 6ear.
THE motor car industry is largely responsible for im-
provements in gearing and also for the perfection
of machinery for its production. Highly etiicient
gearing is admirably adapted for use with the electric
motor, and many interesting forms have been introduced
form time to time ami are giving satisfactory service. The
Cuntrip gear (8pence's patent) is
a totally enclosed double reduc-
tion gear with straight line trans-
mission. It consists essentially of
a pinion gearing witli three spur
wheels placed concentrically
round it and equidistant from
one another. These wheels are
keyed to shafts on each of
which i,s also ii.Kcd a pinion which
gears with a .spur wheel who.se
axis is ill line with that of the
first piniiiii. Thi.s is clearly shown
in the diagrammatic view of the
gears in the figure. The gears
are suitaltly mounted in a speci-
ally designed case, serving not onlv to prevent any
dirt or other foreign matter getting in," but also as an oil
bath in whicli the gears run. To keep the gears as small
and light as iiossilile they are made from steel, the primary
shaft being mckel steel, whilst the pinions themselves are
cut on tlieir shafts and hardened
The primary .shaft runs in ball bearings and is provided
on its outer end with a flexible coupling to prevent any
possibility of a bending strain being placed upon the .shaft,
and on the inner end is cut a pinion which gears with
three spur wheels fixed to countershafts placed concen-
tiically around the primary shaft at 120 deg. to one
another. The countershafts are placed one above and two
below the centre line of primary shaft, as shown in the
illustration, and run in ball bearings. One of the wheels
of these countershafts is keyed solid whilst the other two
are bolted to fixed centres to allow adjustment. The
pillions wliich are cut on the countershafts gear in their
turn with a spur wheel which is keyed on the slow speed
.shaft to lie driven.
As this wheel is equally driven by the three pinions it
transmits pure torque and therefore docs not require a
special bearing in the case for its shaft, the wheel being
carried on the overhanging shaft of the machinery to be
driven. The enclosing gear box is in two pieces, bolted
together on the centre line of the primary and slow speed
shafts. The upper portion is readily removable, together
wiih the countershaft and wheels it carries, and the lower
half is provided with oil sight gauge and drain plug. A
hand hole is provided for inspection and filling with oil.
The gear is manufactured in 4 in., 5 in., 7 in., 9 in. and
11 in. radial centre distance sizes, and is standardised for
ratios of 10, 15, 20 and 25 to 1 approximate reductions
from the British Engineering Standards committee electric
motor speeds corre.sponding to the normal transmitting
ca]")acities of the gear. It is made by iJavid Brown & Sons,
Ltd., Tfuddersfield.
Curopean l)pdro=€lectric$>
CONSIDERABLE activity is being displayed in many
European countries in the development of hydraulic
power for the generation of electrical energy. The
Norwegian Storthing has recently considered two bills
which have for their object and utilisation of 60,000 to
70,000 H.p. from the Tyui and Matie water courses in
Bergensstift, West Norway. A German company sought
the concession to develop these works and agreed to pay
the State about Is. per horse power beyond the 10,000 h.p.
representing the natural undeveloped supply of the fall.
The work is to be commenced within five years, and com-
pleted inside 12 years. After a period of 75 years the plants
will revert to the State. Considerable hydraulic work will
bo required on the undertakings, and this includes the
regulation of the water flow from 20 small mountain lakes.
The power will be principally used for chemical works, iron
smelting and other industries. The plants are estimated
to cost about two million sterling.
In Austria anyone who may desire to use any public
waterway for any purpose wliich may affect the quality of
the water, or the quantity or height of same must first
obtain a concession from the p(5litical authorities. Each
concession must definitely specify the place where, and the
quantity, also the manner in which the water is to be used.
Tlie (ioveriiment does not develop, sell or lease water power,
such enterprises being carried out by corporations or indi-
viduals. The Goveriimont, however, endeavours to have
the water power utilised as much as possible. There is no
fixed rate charged for water power, as the price varies
according to place and circumstances. Several mills in
Prague which have been run by water power will be obliged
to resort to steam when the river Moldau is made navigable
through the city. In Bohemia water power is principally
used for running flour mills, paper mills, glass works, and
electric light plants. In the mountain districts where there
73
Supplement to "The Electrician.'- Vecemher 11. 1908.
are numerous small streams the various industrial estab-
lishments are utilising water power without any inter-
ference from the Government beyond the usual concessions
for erecting the plants.
The developnuMits in Switzerland have long been the
admiration of the whole electrical world. Already a
quarter million horse power of plant is in operation and of a
total of a million horse power three quarters can be actually
exploited. In most of the cantons the cantonal govern-
ment is deemed the owner of all public waters, lakes, rivers,
streams, &c., where private rights iiave not been proved,
hut many small mills are run on [)rivate and sometimes on
public waters, their rights being based on ancient servi-
tudes. The cantons, and sometimes the communes, grant
concessioiis for the use of water ]iower, charging a certain
rate for the concession as well as a gi'adnated tax, accord-
ing to the horse power exploited.
Among the more important electric power houses run by
water power are those of Brusio, Geneva, Rheinfelden,
Kander-Hagneck, &c., many of which are owned and ope-
rated either direct by the cantonal governments or com-
munes, or controlled by them through holding stock. The
price of electric power generated by water varies according
to the number of horse power and length of time used. A
favouiite method is that of paying a fixed yearly sum for
.'5,000 to .■!,."iU() hours, and factoi'ies make contracts with the
power houses varying in prices paid from £4 up to £1.'5.
Where a meter is used, the price is chaiged per kilowatt-
hou]', the minimum being about 0-4r)d. cents. Each power
house has its own scale of charges.
For a number of years interested parties and associations,
among which the society Free-land may be mentioned,
have been striving to secure uniformity on the subject of
water-power legislation, a matter upon which it is difficult
to reach an agreement on account of the conflicting cantonal
regulations and diversified interests. Switzerland, as a
mountainous country, possesses such a wealth of water
power, so comparatively easy of utilisation, that it amounts
to a national fortune, particularly when the fact is con-
sidered that the countiy is dependent upon foreign lands
foi' its coal, imported to the extent of 3,000,000 tons yearly.
The main railroads are owned and operated by the federal
government, and a permanent commission is engaged in
studying the question of their electrification. Whenever
this conversion is accomplished — and it will be many years
before the change is completed — the government must be
assured of sufficient water power to generate the electricity
for their use.
Protectitni of the streams is also important to the domes-
tic industry which is dependent upon the foreign markets.
In i;)0(i the government took a decisive step. Drawing
attention to the immense sums that had been expended in
the past for the correction of lakes and rivers and to the
vital importance of Switzerland being secure in the posses-
sion of its water power, it obtained from Congress the pas-
sage of a resolution providing that the transmission into
foreign countries of electric energy generated by domestic
water power must be dependent upon a permit gi-anted by
the Federal Council. This was directed against the bound-
ary cantons, some of which had granted liberal concessions
for the sale of power to foreign countries, particularly Italy.
The resolution provides further that permission will be
granted if the power is not required in Switzerland, that
permits shall be for a period not exceeding 20 years, that
they may be revoked if necessitated by the public good,
and damages resulting shall be decided by the Supreme
Comt. It was dated March 31, 190G, and "is to remain in
force for three years (until March 31, 1909). This resolu-
tion was not styled a law, liut designated as urgent and,
passed by Congress without the rclciciidiun clause. There
was added to it a postulate inviting tin- Federal Council to
investigate the question of |)rotecting the interests of
Switzerland with regard to vvatei- power in general by
means of con.stitutional amenrlrncnt or otherwise.
In the meantinni the adherents of nnitv in water power
legislation were not idle. In order to hasten matters, an
initiative was pi-epared and 9.").(ii)i) signaluri's. or |.").()(I0
more than the neeessar\- •")0,0iin. weiv secured, it de-
manded an amendment to the Swiss constitution placing
the utili.sation of the watei- |io\vi'r undei- the control of the
Federal Government, and providin.g that suhsequent regu-
lations be made concerning the rational ex])loitation of tlie
intercantonal and boundary walcis. tin' collection of in-
.sufficient cantonal legi.slation (iionnal concession), the
rights of the Confederation as owner of the main railways
and the protection of the pidMic interests in general ; con-
cessions to be granted by the cantons as heretofore with the
exception of those concerning intercantonal or iKHUidarv
waters when the Federal Govermnent is empowered to act ;
taxes, fees, &c., to be retained by th(> cantons ; the per-
mission of the Federal Government for the transmission of
energy into foriegn countries: subse(|ueiit legislation to
cover present concessions unless contrarilv stipulated.
This amendment was withdrawn in hivour of the Federal
Council's substitute amendment, which was ado|ited at the
Federal elections held Oct. 2"), 1 90S. |n the last few years
the federal govermnent has made several contracts with the
cantons in order to secure water power for its own use. The
acceptance of the amendment by a majority of the voters
and cantons adds to the centralisation whicii took a wide
step forward with the passage of the new civil code destined
in 1912 to supeisede the varieil' cantonal ,aws.
f enct Cc^ui to bi>e^KflJl
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." December It. 1908.
74
iijli.
MANCHESTER.
Iiiir.0..^ i<.«4, t.o II.EI Icu.R..> "ISIItl »««OHE!ti«.
DYNAMOS
MOTORS
ELECTRICALLY-
DRIVEN
SPECIALITIES.
The Complete Electrical Equipment
OF
WORKS AND FACTORIES.
LONDON OFFICE
BIRMINGHAM ...
GLASGOW
NEWCASTLE ...
LIVERPOOL
35, Queen Victoria Street, E.G.
109, Colmore Row-
43, Mains Street, Waterloo Street.
10, Neville Street.
4, Ashfields, Wavertree.
I)ana Camps.
THE poiUilnlitv of the electric incando-icpiit lamp i-< one
of its most valuable features. Yet strange to relate
many accidents have occurred through lamps of this
class being badly designed, it is not difficult to realize that
a^ lamps of this class are used in every conceivable position
in dam)) and dirty situations, in proximity to metal plates
&c., the results of a shock may be
fatal to the user of the lamp.
H.M. Electrical Inspector of Fac-
tories, G. Scott Ram, Esq., has
ve])()vted from time to time on the
fatalities which liave occurred due
to faulty design and construction
of electric hand lamps, and as a
lesult of this British Insulated &
Helsby Cables ( Ltd.) have designed
and are making at their Prescot
works a lamp similar to that shown
in the adjoining illustration. The
principal object in view has been
safety to the operator and this
seems to be best secured by sound
mechanical construction in all
parts of the lamp. The handle is
of polished hard wood with hole
drilled to take workshop flexible.
This hole is chamfered to prevent
__ rubbing of the insulation, and
^^j^^^ provision is made for binding the
^s^-^^^""^ braiding to the handle. This last
mentioned is an important detail
as it frequently happens that the chafing back of the braid
is the beginning of trouble, which develops in the future.
Between the brass lampholder and the cage higli insulation
is assured, and the screws fixing the cage are wireholed to
admit of their being sealed. The cage is also fitted with a
hinged lid, which can be sealed if necessary to prevent the
removal of the lamp. The cage admits of the lamp being set
down in a vertical position, and by the use of the leather
.sling it may be hung up.
Siemens l)^=Cn^inmq
SmltcDgear. > > .
WE illustrate a high-tension mining switchboard and
exciter pillar respectively, which have been sup-
plied by Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works (Ltd.) for
the generting station of a colliery in South Wales.
The board shown in Fig. 1 is built up of a number of the
firm's standard mining pillars, and is designed for dealing
with single-phase current at 2,500 volts, 40 cycles. As
shown there are four pillars ; the one on the left-hand side
is for controlling a 1.^0 kw. single-phase alternator, the
Fig. I.— Siemens Ironclad Mining Pillars.
next is for a 30 ampere feeder, while the two pillars on the
right hand side control two 20 ampere feeders.
The 1-50 kw. alternator pillar of the switchboard is
equipped with one ammeter, one voltmeter, one watthour
meter, one current transformer, one potential transformer,
two fuses for protecting the above, one d.p. automatic oil
switch, one d.p. isolating switch. Bach feeder pillar is
equipped with the following apparatus : — One ammeter,
one d.p. automatic oil switch, one d.p. isolating switch.
The instruments on the generator pillar are operated
from the low- tension side of the current and potential
transformers, while the ammeters on the feeder pillars are
mounted on insulators and directly connected in the high-
tension circuit. These mining pillars are built entirely of
iron, are fully enclosed, have no combustible parts, and are
fitted with a single handle which operates both main and
isolating switches, and is interlocked with the door in such
75
SVVVLEMENT to "The Electrician," December 11. 1908.
a way that the switches cannot be operated in the wrong
order, and all accessible parts are made dead before the
door can be opened.
The instruments are placed inside the pillar behind a
thick plate glass window, and are thus protected from dust,
damp, fire and accidental blows, another advantage being
that a plain glass and iron front gives a much greater feeling
of security to an unskilled operator than an array of instru-
ments which he m^y imagine are carrying high-tension
current.
In addition to tlje switchboard, the switchgear of the
generating station h1«o includes an exciter pillar which is
located near to the alternator. It is fitted with an ammetei',
voltmeter, single-pole field discharge switch and resistance,
a .shunt rheostat operated by the small hand wheel, and a
.series rheostat worked by the large hand-wheel.
Fig. 2 shows a standard high-
tension motor coptrol pillar
with superior finiijih, such as
is lequired for central stations.
However, where a ^pecial finish
is not required, as, for instance,
for mining work, ^c., the pillars
are supplied witl| a somewhat
rougher outside fljiish, but the
quality and workmanship of the
switchgear itself is of the .same
high grade as for the highly
finished pillars.
The pillars are supplied for
voltages up to '6,000 volts, and
currents up to 400 amperes,
and with any desired combin-
ation of instruments ; for in-
stance, the small pillar shown
in Fig. 2 is equipped with
ammeter, oil switch and iso-
lating switch. Trifurcating
boxes or cable bushes, are
supplied on pillars which stand
alone to take incoming and
outgoing leads.
A considerable number of these pillars have been supplied
to the North of England and Wales, and a large number are
now on order and in the process of manufactm-e at the firm's
Stafford woi'ks.
Prinlinfl fRacMne ConlroK
THE electric driving of printing presses is no longer a
matter of precedent. It has long since taken its
place as the recognised order of things in large and
small printeries but more particularly in newspaper offices.
Problems inti-icate in the abstract but comparatively
s'mple in the concrete have been tackled in this particular
field and dealt with to the entire satisfaction of the man
who demanded satisfaction — the printer him.self. And
printing press motor control has proved a problem woi-th\-
the mettle of the electrical manufacturer. It is worthy of
note tliat Lu this particular the printer himself has given
his hearty co-operation to the electrician, and in great
measure made the solution of the problem not only a
more easy one, but also a more permanent one. Of couise,
finality in design can never be expected while changes in
printing presses are constantly taking place; but certain
standards have now been reached which give printing
press control gear the air of permanence.
Messrs. J. H. Holmes & Co. have been identified with the
pioneering and subsequent development of electrically-
Fig. 2.
Siemens Control Pillar.
Mi
iUeston electrical
Instrutncnt Co.
ACCIIBATE TESTING WOI
! JMultimetep, Model 58. Standard Portable Testing Set.
i £ondon Office and Dtoratory :
ll AUDREY HOUSE, ELY PLACE, HOLBORN,
TelephoneNo. : 2039Holborn. Telegrams; Pivoteil London. E.C.
^^
Ferranti Starters
Made in OPEN,^ SEMI-ENCLOSED & TOTALLY
ENCLOSED TYPES for
DIRECT CURRENT MOTORS.
/
FERRANTI st
PLEASE SEND US YOUR ENQUIRIES
FERRANTI LIMITED,
HOLLINWOOD, LANCS.
ALSO FOR
SWITCHGEAR AND METERS.
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician.' December 11, 1908.
76
driven printing machines, and we turn with interest to two
designs of motor control gear for printeries which this firm
make as standards for th* purpose. , We illustrate these in
Figs. I and 2 heiewith. Fig. 1 shows a panel for large flat
bed press motors and it is at once distinguished by its com-
pact form and the complete enclosuic of the working parts.
Current enters at the foot through an ironclad d.p. switch.
Above this, on the panel, will be seen a small box with
hinged cover. This contains a special speed regulating
switch which may be set and locked to give a certain speed
say, for a certain " run " which it is desired to make.
Above this is the main solenoid switch, also enclosed in
iron box with glass front, and interlocked with the solenoid
.starter in the box immediately above. The object of the
interlocking is to prevent the main solenoid switch being
closed if all the resistance is not in the starter circuit.' It
should be noted that the whole of the main current is broken
at the solenoid niiiin switch, which is fitted with carbon
breaks and blow-outs for the purpose. The solenoid
circuits are closed by a distance control switch placed in
any desired position and which is fitted with a no-volt
release. This distance control switch remains inoperative
until the d.p. switch on the panel is closed. It will be seen
that all current carrving parts are entirely enclosed, so that
adequate protection is afforded those near the apparatus.
Fig. 2 illustrates another Holmes printing press panel for
large rotary machines such as are common to newspaper
Fig 2.-Holmes Rotary Printing Press Control Panel.
Fig, I.— Holmes Ironclad Panel for Printing Press Control.
offices. Ill like manner to the panel shown in Fig. 1 this
panel can be placed in any desired position, and the control
effected by the small pilot switclt* which will be noticed
(detached) at the left hand of the panel. The maximum
pressure for which this gear is designed is GOO volts. The
gear makes complete provision for running the press at a
crawl for " inching " and for working in the web, and also
for gomg steps up to full speed. A speed limit and adjust-
ment switch IS provided by which any predetermined
desired speed can be given to the motor." The protective
devices include a Holmes-Page d.p. switch and s.p. circuit
breaker which cannot be closed on short circuit.
77
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," December II, 1908.
A Contrast
®lU'
and
The new
CROMPTON & CO., LTD.,
London and Chelmsford
SVTPLEMENT to "The Electrician." December 11. JOOS.
78
R, Si R- Electric Cranes
THE standardisation of electric motors and controllers
for crane service has greatly facilitated the produc-
tion of electric hoisting machinery of every descrip-
tion. A considerable amount of work has been put into
the electric ci'ane motor, and the controller has also re-
ceived a degree of attention which the conditions peculiar
to crane service have in every way justified. It is interest-
ing to note that the dictates of the electrical engineer have
been met in the right spirit by the crane maker. For in-
stance, it was a common thing in the early days of electric
ci-anes to use only one motor for the driving of the crane
itself, the hoisting and lowering gear and also the traversing
crab. Experience showed that three motors — that is, one
for each of these motions — were to be preferred, and makers
of motors altered the design and con.struction to this class
of service. In the light of these facts, it is interesting to
note that one firm at least has discontinued making the
single-motoi- crane, because the three-motor type has greater
merits to commend it. The fact that the three-motor
crane i.s more costly than the single-motor type indicates
rather that a degree of economy is introduced with three
motors which does not obtain with the single motor, and
which enables the user of the crane to recover the additional
cost in a short period. It is not a difficult matter to per-
suade the engineer that losses in mechanical transmission
by belts and' clutches are bound to result with the one-
motor drive. Three motors, of course, introduce gearing,
but this is now made highly efficient, and, moreover, the
virtue of the separate motor drive lies in the independence
of the three power sources. It is not often that all the
motors are used at one time, so that the actual energy con-
sumption of the crane is confined to the useful work done,
and is not expended in constant losses in transmission
which apply with a one-motor ci'ane.
The makers of three-motor cranes referred to above are
Messrs. Adamson Ramsbottom & Co. (Ltd.), Birken-
head, who specialise in the production of electric and
hand cranes, hoists, &c., from | ton to 100 tons
capacity. The makers have standardised the general
details of their three-motor cranes, and it will be of
interest' to comment briefly on a few of their main features.
Aiiy shaft, motor, wheel or other part can be moved for
inspection, repair or replacement without disturbing any
other part. All parts are machined together and secured
with turned steel bolts. The longitudinal motion is
derived from a totally-enclo.sed reversing motor bolted to
the side of the girder in the centre of the span. It is
claimed that this position ensures perfect balance of the
movement at each end. Large gusset plates connect the
girders and end carriages, and have been introduced as an
extra precaution against cross-winding or strain. In the
slow-running axles of these cranes there are no keys, it being
the practice of the firm to build the spur rim direct on to
the travelling wheel, thus dispensing with loose keys and
also with any torsion oi' tendency of the axles to twist or
bind in the bearings. The crab of a crane is, of course, its
most important member. Upon the speed, efficiency and
durability of this part the running cost and upkeep of the
crane undoubtedly turn. The main object of the makers
has been to secure efficiency while retaining the greatest
possible simplicity of working parts. The frame is of rolled
steel sections riveted together and accui-ately machined
to receive the bearings and motors. We understand that
in no case are bearings or motors " chipped " in position or
fixed on black faces. The spiral grooves in the hoisting
barrel are turned out of the solid, and are of sufficient
length to take the full quantity of rope without over-lapping.
They are also so designed as to ensure a true vertical lift.
The barrel wheel is fitted direct on to the outside diameter
of the barrel, this obviating torsion on the shaft. Over-
winding devices are fitted to prevent the crane man hoist-
ins the bottom block on to the barrel, and there is also an
A. & R. 20 Ton Three-Motor Crane,
79
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician.- December 11. 1908.
HI6HTENSI0N ACCESSORIES
TESTED TO AT LEAST THREE TIMES WORKING PRESSURE.
g
J
OIL SWITCHES
for Pressures up to 12,000 Volts
VOLTAGE DETECTORS
for Pressures up to 20,000 Volts.
ABSOLUTE SAFETY.
FIRST-CLASS MATERIAL
AND WORKMANSHIP.
FUSES
for Pressures up to 6,000 Volts.
A.
REYROLLE
&
Co.
Ltd.
Hea.d Ofiice «£ 'Works: HCBKURN-OK-
XYNE.
X#\ I
STEEL-CLAD
MOTORS.
1 ^ I
OPEN, PROTECTED
Or ENTIRELY ENCLOSED.
1 H.P. TO 200 H.P.
VERY SOLID CONSTRUCTION.
HIGHLY EFFICIENT.
We a/so make Polyphase Generators and Motors,
MATHER & PLAIT, -^MtNCHErTER.
Supplement to "The Electrician," "December 11. 1908.
80
10 Ton Three-Motor Crane shuwing details of Wiring and Motor Drive.
ovei'-lowfi'iiio; swit(^li, wliich foiitrols tho hottinii limit (it
travel of the hook. The iioisting motor is_fitted with an
electrically-operated brake, which prevents^excessive speed
and automatically takes charge and sustains the load should
there be anyf ailure of current. This brake also checks any
tendency of the motor to run away through unskilled
driving, it being arranged to bring the armature to rest
without shock to the gear or other parts of the craiie.
Special attention has been paid to the design of the
motors used on tiiese cranes, and also to the controllers,
which are of the tramway type, and which can be operated
simultaneously or individually as desired. The arc shields
and spark guards are constructed of fireproof and non-
hygroscopic material. Where the cranes are required to
work in exposed positions, the controllers are made abso-
lutely watertight, and are fitted with weatherproof resis-
tances. Particular attention seems to have been paid to
the arrangement of conductors and cables about tiie crane.
Current is picked up by special conductors from two bare
wires running the length of the gantry rails, and from these
conductors cables are run to the operators' cage through
a main switch. Independent switches are provided for each
of the motor circuits, together with safety fuses for the pro-
tection of the circuit. Bare wires are stretclied between
insidators across the crane, and current for tlie motors is
picked up from these by special hook collectors. The hook
and bottom block of the crane is fitted with mild steel side
plates, carried in a cross head which revolves on steel balls
Standard Crab of 20 Ten Three-Motor Crane showing Rope Grooves in Winding Barrel,
81
SUPPLEMENT to -The Electrician.- December 11. 19 08.
A. & R- Pillar Crane, driven by Two-phase Motor.
nuinlng in hardened steel races. Tin's design admits of
the [nil load being freely rotated without twisting the ropes.
The pulleys are bushed with gunmetal, and revolve on a
mild steel shaft, lubrication being effected through the
centre of the shaft by grease boxes. We give illustrations
herewith of various types of cranes manufactured by this
firm, and an inspection of these will bring out the principal
features upon which we have commented above. The
pillar types of crane are interesting in that there is a very
wide field for their utilisation in warehouses, railway sidings,
wharves, etc., and they are so compact and handy that they
very soon save the cost of installation.
Expanded M^etal 6uarcl$>
THE introduction of expanded metal some years ago
was followed by an almost immediate demand for this
material for a great variety of purposes. As a commer-
cial product it is too well known for us to describe it in detail,
but we think that it will be interesting to give a few par
ticulars of the manner in which tiiis useful material can l)i'
applied to electrical purposes. The Expanded Metal Co.
has recently issued a publication in which illustrations are
given to switchboards, motor starters, resistance coils,
gear wheels and motor panels can be efficiently protected
at comparatively low cost. In the case of switchgear the
material appears to be principally useful for enclosing th*^
backs of high-tension apparatus of medium voltage, ami
thereby guarding attendants from risk of accidental com
pact. The expanded metal is enclosed in an angle-iron
frame, which is suitably strengthened at the corners aii'l
stayed diagonally in the larger sizes. This constructici
is, of course, exceedingly light, while it also presents prac
tically the equivalent of a solid surface between the
operator and the electrical parts which require protection.
In the case of switchboards, and particularlv complete
panels which have been standardised by the makers, the
expanded metal portions of the geai- caii also be standar-
dised and made interchangeable. This is something of an
advantage, particularly when a large number of these
panels is erected together.
The great advantage of this material appears to lie in
its extreme flexibility and great adaptability to a varietv
of different conditions. The classes of electrical apparatus
which needs efficient protection vary considerablv, but this
fact does not appear to present any difficulties where the
use of expanded metal is concerned. The material has
also something to commend it in that it admits of a free
access to air to whatever apparatus it mav be enclosing
with resistance, and certain class of switches. This is an
advantage which cannot be overlooked.
We have not any details of the mechanical strength of
this material, but it appears to be sufficiently strong to
resist even the most severe blows which it is likely to sus-
tain in switchboard service. From an ornamental point
of view the material can also be utilised for filling up cer-
tain gaps between the bottom of insulating panels and the
switch gallery, or ground upon which thev are erected.
Not unfrequently blank slate or marble panels are intro-
duced to fill u]) these spaces becau.se the board is too low
for either switch apparatus or in.struments to be put in
this position. Ey the use of expanded metal the blank is
filled in a pleasing manner, and also in such a way that the
operator who has thecontrol of the board from the front can
see if anyone is working at the back of the board. This
is an important feature, because, although the titmost
precautions are taken in electricity work to ensure that
circuits upon which men are working shall not be made
alive until all work has been finished, still it is a matter of
some importance to be able to actually see behind the
board without going round to the end of it. In this par-
ticular application expanded metal, we think, fills a dis-
tinct gap, and makers of switchgear appear to appreciate
this from the manner in which they ai-e applying for it.
We give illustrations of certain applications of expanded
Fig. I.— H.-T. Panels Enclosed by Expanded Metal Doois.
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." December 11. 1908.
82
Fig. 2.- -Liquid Starter with Metal Guard.
metal and switchboard service. Fig. 1 illustrates a special
frame construction, in which expanded metal doors
figure prominently, this being a high-tension switchboard
built for colliery service. Figs. 2 and 3 are expanded metal
screens used on liquid starters. This is a type of con'rol
apparatus which it is immensely advantageous to keep
exposed to view at all times, and by the use of the ex-
pa,nded metal cover this object is effectively and econo-
mically accomplished.
All communications should be addressed "The Electrician"
Industrial Supplement, 1, 2 and 3, Salisbury Court, Fleet
Street, London. B.C.
Copy for Text or Advertiseniciit passes Jor next issue should reaih the above
address not later than '/nesday, January 5th.
Mantifacturers, Contractors, Central Station Engineers, and those
interested in Electrical Industrial Developments are cordially invited to
contribute original matter to the SUPPLEMENT, and when suitable
this will be inserted as space fermits.
Filing Case for "Tlie Electrician" Industrial Supplement.
The INDUSTRIAL SUPPLEMENT is holed for filing, and we are
distributing cases which will hold twelve issues. On request a case
wiU be sent to Consulting, Manufacturing, or Contracting firms ; to
Chief or Resident Engineers of Electricity Supply, Traction or Power
Stations ; to any firm of Merchants or Agents ; to Railway, Tramway,
Dock, Harbour, or other companies interested in the applications of
Electric Power, &c., to their undertakings; and to other large con-
sumers of electrical energy, either at home, in the Colonies, or abroad.
A portion of each issue of the SUPPLEMENT is reserved for special
circulation oversea.
Cditorial.
Fig.3.-Another Form of Liquid Starter with Expanded Metal Cover.
The activity displayed in several Euro-
Hydro- £/ectrJc .' , , . r, • ,1
"Developments, pean countries, notably in Switzerland,
Norway and Sweden, and also in Central
and South America in the development of hydro-electrical
energy, is a matter which has a distinct bearing on the
future of the world's industrial progress. Hydraulic
schemes have a similar fascination for the engineer. They
piesent him with problems in the impounding of water
wliich furnish ample scope for ingenuity and the display,
not only of engineering ability, but a certain amount of
commercial foresight. In conjunction with electrical
machinery they assume an even more fascinating aspect
because it is readily possible by electrical means to convert
the energy of falling water and to transmit it over many
miles of country for use in industrial centres. From a
consideration of all the facts the position of hydro-electric
systems to-day probably does not confirm the anticipation
of the engineers who were re.sponsible for them. Perhaps
we ought to say rather that they have not materialised the
hopes of the financiers who were originally responsible for
their initiation. Hydro-electrics are, however, a com-
paratively new thing. They have not yet found their feet.
They must be given a full measure of time in which to build
up the necessary business, to stimulate confidence in theii-
service, and also to develop on those commercial lines
which at present distinguish many of the steam and gas-
driven stations operating throughout the world. For
this reason we hope that the^e important schemes will
not prematurely fail for lack of business building or for
the want of the necessary financial enthusiasm to carry
them over certain trying periods of their development,
83
SVPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." December' 1 1 . 1908.
^^^
?7^
.-■'.'-'-'- '.'Jit '--i
',l!ni^'
-JT
ffi
J^''C
Sirocco Fans
Trade Maik.i
FOR
INPUCCD DRAFT.
Davidson ^ Co., Ltd.,
Sirocco Engineering Works, .:,
Belfast.
^
^;.-'
©
r
^5^:s^v. .-f^ir^^
g"siRpGCO(^
I)
),
' SIROCCO g
^^Roao°^
((
("electric CONTROL LIMITED^
ti
CMPIR€ AUTO STRRTERS
rTr-M
form Ihe
^ MOST EFFICIENT AND RELIABLE
■''■i ^ '%^* Method of Motor Control. I ^X^
«^ Their EASE and CERTAINTY Of OPERATION ji^ "^
I i j j ■will Reduce your Factory Costs. I M
'B^ M?^- ^° SLIDING CONTACTS. Quick make and break
on every step ELIMINATES SPARKING TROUBLES. f/^
Our patent A C MAGNET ensures SILENCE
and FREEDOM FROM VIBRATION.
A (J
50 H.l'. 3 PHASE.
IWpite for Catalogue.
I 177, REID ST., BRIDGETON.GLASGOW. )
SUPPLEMENT to " The Electrician." December 11. 1908.
84
u
Spinner" Hooters.
range of service to which they may be apphed Where it
is necessary to start and stop niduction motors frequently,
this machine has many marked advantages.
THE A.C. motor is pecidiar in that, if mcc-hanical ar-
rangements are made to levolvc the stator, the
motor can be easily started by closing tlie cncuit
and gradually screwing down tlie brake which biings the
stator to rest. We illnsti-ate herewith a type of motor
built on these lines whicli is manufactured
by Mavor & Coidson, Glasgow, which is of
the sipiirrel-cage pattern, and is simply modi-
fied so tluit the stator can rotate instead ol'
being permanently fixed.
The metliod of operation is perfectly
simple. When starting the motor the brake
is released, leaving the stator free to revolve,
("uirent is then switched on to tlie stator
windings through brushes and slip-rings. The
rotor in the meantime is, of course, connected
to the load, and this tends to keep it sta-
tionary. The stator, therefore, rotates in a
direction opposite to tliat normally taken by
the rotor. When s}-iiclironous speed is at-
tained by the stator the brake is applied gra-
dually and tlie rotor begins to move. Tlie
process of braking the stator is accompanied
by a coriesponding increasing speed on tlie
part of the rotor, which gradually runs up
until the speed of synchronism is reached. At this point
the stator is brought to rest. This method of construction
greatly simplifies the starting arrangements, as compli-
cated" controllers are abolished, and, in addition, the
general mechanical simplicity of tlie squirrel-cage motor
is retained.
Three-Speed " Spinner "^Motor.
We understand that Messrs. Mavor & Coulson (Ltd.)
have used these motors chiefly for textile and mining
machinery, though there is, of course, a very much wider
Single Speed " Spinner " Motor.
Tlie Spinner motor consists of three concentrically ar-
ran"ed elements, from which the power is delivered. The
rotor is usually of the closed-circuit or squirrel-cage type,
and may be rotated in either direction. The Spinner,
cylindrical in form, is mounted on bearings concentric
with those of the rotor. The inner surface of the Spin-
ner carries windings relative to the rotor, and on its
outer surface is a squirrel-cage winding relative to the
stator. The stator, with its primary windings, is arranged
exactly as in an ordinary induction
motor.
For middle .speed the Spinner is held
stationary by a mechanical brake, and
current is applied to its inner windings ;
the rotor, with load connected, then runs
at no null speed, tlie conditions being those
of an ordinary induction motor. For the
higher speed the " Spinner " brake is
released, and current is simultaneously
applied to the windings of the outer mem-
ber or stator, so as to rotate the Spinner
in the same direction as the rotor. The
lower speed is obtained by applying cur-
rent in the reverse direction to the outer
member, so as to rotate the Spinnei; in
the direction opposite to that of the
rotor.
The three speeds may be of any desired
magnitude corresponding to the frequency
and number of poles, but in any machine
the speed is increased or decreased about
the same number of revolutions each way.
The change of speed is obtained without
the use of energy-wasting devices, and
tlie Spinner has the valuable property
of a buffer again.st rapid and violent fluctuations of load.
Applications : Drivmg ships at sea, colliery fans and rolling
mills.
85
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician/* 'December 11, 1908-
Ask us to quote you.
Every attention given to enqii
ELECTRIC & ORDNANCE
MOTOR CONTROL PANEL
Consists of Standard-Pattern Ironclad Combined
Quick-Break Switch and Fuses, and Open. En-
closed, or watertight Motor Starter.
Quick-Break Switch and Fuses ; Replaces and
is more compact than separate double-pole Switch
and fuses.
Current carrying parts are insulated from case.
Impossible to open case unless switch is " off."
Fuses of cartridge type.
Electrically and Mechanically strong.
Watertight, Gastight, Dustproof and Fireproof.
Contacts renewable and interchangeable.
Motor Starter ; Can be fitted with either no-
voltage release, or no voltage and overload releases.
Will start up against 50 per cent, overload.
Absolutely reliable. Modern Design.
Soundly Constructed. Low Price.
LTD.,
T,-Iri
Stellite, Birming
LONDON— Bax I BR & Gaunter. 86, Cha
176 & 179 East,
P.O. 9 (Trunk ca
THE ELECTRIC & ORDNANCE ACCESSORIES CO.
ASTON, BIRMINGHAM.
Clr u-.,:l : Irli-pho
-- - ■ - ly).
Kd., W.C. GLASGOW— T. & A. Anderson, 231, St. Vincent Street.
MANChE-iTER— J. Booker, 106, Ueanscate. SOUTH WALES-C K. Hour,H,2;, WoodlandPark,Newport(Mo
NEWCASILE^J. W. MoRLEY, Consctt Chambers, IIELFAST— J. WnAl j v, 16, High Street.
HANLEV WORKS: Shelton Potteries. Hanley.
Cotton rRiils as Pomer £oaa.
TWVi prai.ses of hydro-electric energy ai-e frequently
.sung by the technical pajDer.s published on the Con-
tinent and in America. When we consider that
most of the countries on tJiese continents can boast power
plants driven by water turbines and transmitted over tens
o'^ miles and lines there is some justifieation for this atti-
tude. It is, however, one thing to initiate, design and
construct a hydro-electric transmission plant and quite
another to run it on profitable lines. Unless the right
character of load is secured the system cannot be expected
to make a return on the capital invested. From the pub-
lished records of most of the American stations in the
northern and western states, a steady and productive load
can be obtained to make the undertaking a commercial
success. The bulk of these stations are, however, equipped
with water turbines supplied fiom reservoirs connected to
the power house by pipe lines. Consequently a consider-
able amount of water is held in reserve and may be utilised
in exact proportion to the demand on the equipment.
From an ai'ticle recently published in the " Electrical World "
we gather that the hydro-electric stations in the soutliern
states are mainly run on low falls with little or no reserve
of water and no means of impounding it. A number of
these southern plants give a supply to textile mills on or
near cotton fields, but the load represented by this class of
con.sumer, though svibstantial in amount only extends over
11 to 12 hours of the day. In the article in question a
typical load curve was published showing the demand on
the station on an April day. The mills load came on at
between <i and ():.30 a.uL, reaching a maximum at about
!» a.nL During the dinner hour it declined to one-fourth and
again readied a maximum at about 3 p.m., finally dropping
oft' entirely between (■> and 7 in the evening. The maxi-
mum denrand for the morning and afternoon made by the
mills amounted to about 11,400 kw., but at 7 p.m. it fell to
1,900 kw., remaining in the neighbouriiood of this figure
until 5 o'clock the next morning. This demand was made
up of mixed light and power load. During the 24 hours
the station output was 151,500 kw. hours, representing an
average load of 6,:512 kw. or 55:5 per cent, of the maximum
load. In another plant an average of :}.(H)0 kw. was the
load between (i a.m. and (i p.m. while for the next 12 houis
the average did not reach :5S4 kw. The.se figures siiow that
S,S pel' cent, of the plant output during 24 hours occurred
between (i a.m. and the new load only averaged about 12-8
per cent, of the average day load. Stated in other words the
large loads of these southern hydro-electric systems occur
only about 60 hours per week and 80 to !)0 per cent, of the
water used for powor passes through the wheels during these
hours. Our conteniporarv, commenting editorially upon
the article, remarked: "to put the situation with brutal
frankness here is a costly and well organised plant m
which the owners have to see slipping over the dam some
100,000 kw. hours' worth, in the vicinity, probably, of
£40,000 per annum net." This state of affairs is. of course,
aggravated by the fact that the water cannot be held m
reserve. Even a day or two's supply of water would
improve the situation, though, of course, a far better
solution of the problem would be a 24 hour load which is
naturally difficult to obtain, even where the conditions of
power supply are most favourable.
SUTPLEMENT to "The Electrician," December 11. ItOS.
86
Paraffin-Petrol Dpnamos^
AVTOMOIJILE engiiipering has (lone a distinct service
to the electrical engineer in improving the design and
construction of the petrol motor. For many years
past country house installations have been put down in
which the dynamo is driven by a single or multi-cylinder
petrol engine. Similar sets have also been developed for
running the engine on jjaraffin. The petrol motor is, how-
ever, perfectly safe in unskilled hands, and its easy starting
and mechanical running aie features which commend it for
small installations. TJie engine has also a further advan-
tage of compactness, steady running at varying loads, and
a high speed, which admits of its being coupled directly to
the dynamo which it is required to drive. We are illus-
trating in Fig. 1 a Parsons paraffin-petrol engine and Morris-
Hawkins dynamo. It is made in a variety of sizes, and the
engine has specially interesting features in regard to its valve
gear. The details of this are shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The
inlet and exhaust valves are mechanically operated by
separate cams. No extra work is put upon the cams and
rollers, as the large valve, which will be noticed lifted in
Fig. 2, is only raised on the suction stroke. It will be seen
that the body of the suction valve forms the seat of the
exhaust valve, the stem of which passes through a guiding
sleeve at the base of the suction valve body. In Fig. 2 the
exhaust valve is shown raised at A, B is the body of the
suction valve, Bl is the air and gas inlet, and Al in Fig. 2
is the exhaust outlet. C is the spring for operating the
valves, this being common to both, and B2 is the cotter
and washer upon which the base of the spring rests. D is
the cover by which access can be had to the valve chamber.
This arrangement considerably simplifies the valve gear
and also the general design of the engine. In the two,
three and four cylinder engines there is a bearing between
each crank, and the crank chamber can be opened without
disturbing the crank shaft. The lubrication is automatic
to all parts of the engine and all gear wheels are enclosed
and run in oil. A further advantage to this arrangement
of valve gear is that the incoming sprayed charge impinges
upon the exhaust valve, and is vaporised, though, of course,
Fig. I.- Parsons Piraffin Engine and Morris-Hawkins Dynamo
Fig. 2. — Dttail of Valve Gear showing Exhaust Open.
only the moment before it enters the cylinder. The engine will
also run on both paraffin and petrol, and when this is used
there is vapoiisation in the carburetter and no additional
heat is required, consequently there is no condensation be-
tween the carburetter and the inlet valve. For the same
reason liquid paiaffin cannot reach the combustion chamber.
It will be obsei'ved fi-om Fig. 1 that the engine is compact in
size and does not ajipear proportionately large in com-
parison with the dynamo to which it is directly coupled. In
engines of the independent vaporiser type the oil is usually
pumped in in drops, and really takes an appreciable time
to evaporate, but in the Parsons engine the oil is conveyed
through the usual fioat feed carburetter, the spray of which
has a number of jets or grooves so that the issuing fuel
sucked out by the inspiration stroke of
the engine is very finely atomised in-
deed, and, in fact, arrives at the valve
chamber in the form of a minutely-divided
spray oi- a fine mist. The result of this is
that a much smaller vaporising surface
than usual is quite sufficient to thoroughly
vaporise every particle of the incoming
charge, the result being a perfectly clean
combustion and a practically invisible
exhaust.
Pei'haps a parallel can be instanced here
in that of a drop of water, allowed to fall
on a red hot surface. It is not instantly
vaporised, but runs about during the
time the heat is penetrating to the centre
of the drop, then, and only then, the whole
of the drop is vaporised. If, on the other
!; hand, the same amount of water is sprayed
/' on to a red hot surface in a finely-divided
lorm the whole of it is immediately flashed
mto steam, and this is precisely the
difference in the operation of the usual
vaporiser type of paraffin engine and
the operation of the valve gear in the
87
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." Vecember 11, 1908.
The power behind the NAME
•[ There is no better illustnilioii of a t^ood naine bein;.;- a buyer's
best guide than in the purchasi- of an electric motor.
f| A name of repuie is a guarantee that tli(- motor has given satis-
faction to others, and is almost certain to give satisfaction to you.
•[ It has taken some time to firmly establish the name " Uxiox."
but ■' Union " motors are now produced at the rate of 15 per dav.
^ Does not such an output prove that " Uxinx " motors are in
demand.
IDfiKllBgHERKB.
soUTHWARK
-PARKS'^.
GLASGOW, NEWCASTLE ON-TYNE. LIVERPOOL,
BIRMINGHAM, DUBLIN, READING
LOHDON.S.P
MANCHESTER. LEEDS, CARDIFF,
AND GLOUCESTER.
iiimmiiiii
^^HB
S.D.&C°
Pansous engine. Tlie compression- inj^tliese engines is not
too high, as it is always thought advi,sable to have the
engine simple even if less efficient in a slight degree, and
abo to build it so that it is not a case that an almost super-
human effort has to be made to get the engine over om-
(iirf^
-5f -B2
'Fig. 3.— Valve Gear showing Inlet Valve open and Exhaust closed.
piession. The runnmg of the engine can be carried out in
such a way that the combustion chamber need become no
more foul with paraffin than with peti-ol, and whereas the
industrial paraffin engine very often requires a good deal of
cleaning, there are cases of this particular engine running
on paraffin for several years with nothing being done to
them, except an occasional grinding in of the exhaust valve.
Brazilian BpdroClectrics.
THE possibilities of power supply on strictly modern
lines in South America appear to be particularly
promising, and, judging by the projects for the
generation of hydro-electric energy and its transmission to
cities and industrial centres which are in hand, there .should
be something of a boom in electric power in the near future.
A large plant, with an ultimate ca|)acity of ."jO.CKX) h.p.,
has just been completed, as to its initial equipment, on the
Piabanha River, in Brazil. The installation is at present
in service, giving a supply to Kio de Janeiro, Petropolis
and Nichteroy, as well as other centres in the Rio de
Janeiro State. Three 5,000 h.p. units are at present
installed, and the generating ])re.ssure of 2,;J00 volts is
stepped up to 44,000 volts for the transmission line. This
voltage was fixed upon as the highest practicable limit,
owing to the extreme dampness of the region through
which the line pas.ses. The line extends for "lO miles to
a switching station, from which the lines branch to difierent
centres. A (Jovernment contract for power at 1^ cents per
kilowatt-hoiu- has been fLxed up. and the oi-dinary rate will
be luider 5 cents.
SUPVLEMICNl to "The Electrician." December 11, 1908.
88
Standard l»otor$ ana Dpnamos-
n^orrisBawkins Products.
FKOjM the users' sLandpoiul tho standardisation^ of
motors and dynamos is a matter of considerable im-
portance, more particularly when these machines
arc required for industrial service. The electric motor is
so simjile a machine that the question of interchangeability
of parts is one of minor importance in so far as particulars
are concerned. Accuracy of construction is, however,
essential in a power agent of the simple rotating type,
such as the electric motor is, and when methods of pro-
duction are adopted which ensure the practical embodi-
ment of this desideratum the user may turn to this machine
with feelings of confidence. Messrs. INIorris-Hawkins (Ltd.)
have specialised in the production of direct current motors
and dynamos for many years past and, by the introduction
of suitable machinery at their works, have been able to
make standardisation a very strong feature of their designs.
The company's manufactures of dynamos and motors cover
a wide range of outputs and speeds. The standard machines
are embraced by sizes of \ w.v. and 100 ir.P., though larger
machines are manufactured to clients' specifications.
Reviewing briefly the company's specification of its
manufactures in the way of these machines, we may re-
provided with a special insulated trough. Where heavy
currents have to be dealt w-ith, the windings are made up
of copper strip bent on edge. Steel wire bands secure the
Morris-Hawkins Worm Geared Motor.
mark that the magnet yoke is cast in one ring in the
smaller sizes and in the larger sizes in two halves divided
on a horizontal line. The poles are of mild steel of circular
section and cast into the yoke. Laminated pole tips are
secured to the poles by countersunk screws, the lamina-
tions being riveted together. luterpoles are fitted in cases
where the commutating conditions are likely to be severe,
ro where heavy overloads must be dealt with. As is well
known, the introduction of these auxiliary poles ensui'es
sparkless commutation as all speeds and all loads. The
field windings arc cylindrical, and after drying, impreg-
nating, varnishing and baking, are served with two layers
of thick tape. The ends of the coils are attached to ter-
minals of copper strip, which provide against the risk of
the shunt wire being damaged or broken oil'.
The armature is of the slutted drum type with core of
specially selected charcoal iron stampings, carefully insu-
lated from one another and firmly clamped together by two
strong metal flanges secured to the shaft by an accurately
fitting key. Ample provision is made for the free circula-
tion of tVie air through .slots in the core. The armature coils
arc fonuiT wound and dropped into the slots, which are
Standard Enclosed Ventilated Morris-Hawkins D.C. Motor.
windings firmly in position, but are carefully insulated
from them by several layers of mica.
In the making up of the commutator, hard-drawn copper
bars insulated with strips of the best quality mica are
forced by hydraulic pressure into a strong cast-iron clam]i
ring. In this position a V-sliaped recess is turned into
Open Type Morris- Hawkins Motor or Dynamo>
89
SUPPLEMENT to " The Electrician." December 11. 1908.
tlie bars at both ends and this is filled on eacli side with a
special mica ring, a cast-iron bush and end plate being
forced into the mica rings under hydraulic pressure, after
which tlie end plates are securely bolted together. Special
attention has been paid to the lirusli holder as this forms
a vital detail of the machine. It is of the box pattern
with sliding carbon lilock connected electrically to the box
by copper flexible. A spring bears on the back of the
holder to keep the Itrush in position on the commutator.
Another important detail is the terminal block, and in
machines below 30 h.p. the porcelain block fixed to the
side of the machine effectually protects the terminals
against risk of accidental contact.
Accompanying this article are illu.stratioiis of Jlorris-
Tiawkins standard products, and among them will be
noticed a motor and worm reduction gear. In the case of
the latter the worms are of mild steel, in one piece
with the shaft, the thread being cut from tlie solid
metal.
Messrs. Morris-Hawkins (Ltd.) also manufacture a special
range of two and three-phase motors of the squirrel-cage
and slip-ring type. These ha\e an overload capacity of
25 per cent, for half an hour, 40 percent, for three minutes
and momentary overloads of 2 to 2^ times the normal
rated load. Standard machines are Imilt for 40, oO and
GO cycles, in sizes ranging from 014 H.P. up to 110 ii.P.
Motors up to 5,000 volts are subjected to an insulation
test of double the normal voltage for half an hour. Above
this voltage and up to 10,000 volts a test pressure of 5,000'
volts in excess of the normal is applied.
Starters for these motors, both the alternating current
and direct current type, are listed by the company, andean
be supplied wilh all thrir machines.
Messrs. Morris-Hawkins have introduced their motors
into many industrial establishments, both under special
and standard conditions. We undi'rstand that they are
Morris-Hawkins Enclosed Motor.
giving satisfactory service in these fields and have done
much to impress upon power users the practical economies
of the electric motor.
GREAT
REDUCTIONS
IN PRICE OF
SIMPLEX
CONDUITS
And
FITTINGS.
IVrUefor NEW LIST
SIMPLEX CONDUITS, Ltd,
Garrison Lane,
BIRMINGHAM.
113-7, Cliaring Cross Rcl.
L0N03M, W.C.
MANCHESTER, CUSCOW
LIVERPOOL, NEWCASTLE
SUVPLEMENl to "The Electrician.' December 11. 1908.
90
Comprcssea Cotton Pinion$> IRotor Breakaowns.
THE problem of the silent pinion is one wiiic-ii has
been brought more prominently to the front since
the use of the electric motor as a high-speed power
agent in industrial circles. Raw hide first made the run-
ning of motors quieter, and paper followed in its wake
with claims to recognition. A ('onipressed cotton pinion
now demands attention, and, under the name of " Unica,"
is being vigorously pushed by Messrs. J. B. Hamilton &
Co., who make tliese pinions at their Tottenham works.
A number of important claims are made by the makers
for the pinions which they state are fully borne out in
practice. They state that they are stronger than raw
hide or compressed paper, and they are absolutely miaffected
by oil. They can even be run in an oil bath if necessary,
and in most cases they do not require shrouding. They
can be kev-seated without fear of failure, and it is also
Unica Compressed Cotton, Pinion.
uimece.ssary to use bushes. They are unaffected by atmo-
spheric moisture. The elastic limit is said to be higher
than in any similar material, and they are much lighter
than cast iron. They will transmit equal power without
any increase in size, and their extreme elasticity enables
them to be run at high speeds. Vibration is reduced to a
niininuim, and no lubricant is required ; but grease or oil
will do 11(1 harm. Unica gears are equal in strength to
(iiiliiiaiy cast iidii. and in many cases have out-lasted
gears of metal.
The pinions can be made in any size to '.>() in. diameter,
and are accurately cut to Hrowu cV' Sharpens standard
with involute teeth, unless otlieiwise specified.
WHILE we are always glad to see electric motors made
use of for industrial purposes we also appreciate
that they are liable to failure, and whenever data
regarding breakdowns is available it is with the best in-
tentions that we give publicity to them. An American
accident insurance company has recently published some
details of breakdowns to electric motors which contain
many items of technical and commercial interest. In-
formation on the subject of breakdowns should be dissemi-
nated as widely as possible, because it will help to bring
home the importance of having every regard for the careful
handling of electrical machinery. Efficient designs, good
workmanship, and careful construction are embodied in a
complete motor and dynamo by the manufacturer in the
interests of the user. If the latter deliberately neglects
his trust and relies entirely upon the piece of machinery to
go through everything which may be required of it without
a proportionate amount of care and attention, then all the
good offices of the manufacturer are brought to naught.
In the report in question instances are given of a number
of breakdowns whic'i are mainly attributed to the entrance
of foreign bodies between the moving and fixed parts of the
motors. In one case a 500 volt three-phase motor had six
stator coils completely stripped and 15 rotor coils, through
some foreign body being caught in the motor winding and
carried round with the coils. The binding wires remained
intact, .showing that the coils had not been lifted by centri-
fugal action. In another case a D.C'. motor, in which four
armature coils were found to be burnt out, a piece of cinder
was discovered wedged in the space between two of the con-
ductors and the end of the core. It was supposed that this
had become embedded in the armature, where it was being
rolled on the ground previous to its insertion in the frame.
A more peculiar breakdown was that in which the foreign
l)ody was soft soap. This was a 250 volt machine and was
jirotected by a watertight iron box which had become a
receptacle for tools and odds and ends, and among which
was a handful of soft soap which had run down upon the
windings.
Enclosed motors are liable to damage bv the accumula-
tion of carbon dust, fluff and dirt in the interior. An 80 h.p.
motor which was protected by a fuse 2| times its normal
capacity gave out through the armature coils becoming
saturated with oil and very dirty. The ends of the com-
mutator segments burned close to the spokes through oil
and dtist settling between the spokes and short circuiting.
The machine was so damaged that the armature had to be
entirely rewound and the commutator rebuilt. The failure
of a rolling mill motor of about 40 h.p., which was subjected
to frequent reversals, was found to be due to the effects of
hard service. Two armature conductors were burned out.
and when the repairs were being made short circuits were
discovered between the commutator bars. It was found
that the bars were from jL in. to I in. deeper than the mica
between them and that arcs had formed across these gaps.
BRITISH ENGINE, BOILER & ELECTRICAL INSURANCE
Head Office ... 12, KING STREET, MANCHESTER. I Glasgow Office ... 65, Renfield Street. CO., LTD.
London Office ... 49, Queen Victoria Street, E.C | Newcastle Office ... Standard Chambers, Neville St.
Cardiff Office Temple Chambers, 8, St. John Street
DYNAMOS, MOTORS, ENGINES, BOILERS, LIFTS, &c., Insured, Inspected and Tested.
„^. PI-ANS AND SPECIFICATIONS PREPARED. SUPERVISION DURING CONSTRUCTION.
Chief Engineer ; MICHAEL LONGKIDGE, M.A„ M.Inst. C.E., M.I.Meeh.E. Elec. Engineer : LLE WELLTN FOSTER AMICE M I E E
Secretary : EDWARD MOSS.
di
SUPPLEMENT to "the Electrician," t>ecember 11, 1908.
IGN5
That Attract,
Signs That Compel Attention,
Signs That ^Talk:
ARE OUR SPECIALTY.
WRITE FOR OUR CATALOGUE O.
THE SUN ELECTRICAL Co., ltd.
118-120, CHARING CROSS ROAD,
LONDON, W.C.
Telegrams: "SECABILIS LONDON." Telephone; GERRARD 2291 and 2292.
It was supposed that the short circuits in the arinatui-e coils
were due to the arcing set up at the conuiuitator. It was
also found that the armatui'e was very loose on the shaft,
which proved on examination to be Jj in. less diameter
than the bore of the armature sleeve. A curiovrs break-
down occurred on a series wound six pole enclosed motor
driving a lO-ton crane. The motor speed was 400 revs, jier
min, and the cii-cuit voltage 500. Repeated failuie of the
fuse required a close examination of the motor, which
showed that the coils at the pinion end had been rubbing
against the bade end plate and two of them were fused.
The jerks caused by the running of the crane and the vibra-
tion of the gearing had loosened the kov and left the arma-
ture free to .slide alone the shaft.
MESSRS. CROMPTON & CO. Iiave given u.s particulais
of a series of instruments which they are making
and which are intended for use with continuous
and alternating current motors, so as to show at a glance
the horse-power which is being developetl in that motor.
There is little doubt that such information will be of con-
siderable value to all users of electric motors, and it will
enable them to satisfy themselves that they are using the
right size of motor for the particular machine or group of
machines which they are driving ; to arrange the grouping
of their machinery in such a way that the motor or motors
are working at their most efficient power, being neither too
lightly loaded nor seriously ovcr-loadi'il. Then' will also
be a continual indication both of the efficiency of the driver,
machine and of the workman in charge of it.
Tliese instruments are of the moving iron type designed
in a most .substantial nianiicr with a very simple movement
Cronipton Horse-Power Meter.
which is unaffected by any ordinary magnetic field which
mav surround it, and it is very effectively damped by a
simple pneumatic device.
The cases of these instruments are of cast iron and about
SUTTLEMENT to "The Electrician," "December 11, 1908.
92
IMASCHINENFABRIK
OERLIKON
Generators.
Motors.
Transformers.
Switchboards.
STEAM TURBINES
ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVES
Isolated Plants.
Electric Cranes.
Pumping Plants.
Electrolysers.
Conipick equipments for Power Cransmission, Distribution and Utilization.
G WUTHRICH Oswaldestre House, Norfolk St.
r«" ^^ ^ ■_"^'V ■' STRAND, LONDON, W.C.
Manager and London Rcstdcnt'Eng^ineer
Telegraphic Address:
•■OERLIK LONDON.'
Telephone :
No. 4167 Garrard.
8| in. diameter over all. They are usually provided with
back terminals, but front terminals can be fitted.
The pointer in these instruments is of aluminium and of
a form that can readily be seen from a distance, so that
the man in charge of the machine can continually keep his
eye on it while he is at work.
The scales are very open at about the usual working parts
and are clearly marked in brake horse power units. The
divisions of the scales are calculated on the basis of the
efficiencies of Messrs. Crompton & C'o.'s standard types of
motors.
They are made in a lai'ge number of standard sizes suit-
able for motors varying in power up to about 150 b.h.p. on
voltages of 110, 220, 440, and 500. As it is not necessary
to give the horse-power with any great degree of exactness,
they may without alteration be used on any of the standard
supply voltages near to the above-mentioned figures, the
error in the reading in no case amounting to more than
about (5 per cent.
The instruments for alternating current motors can be
a'so used on any of the usual frequencies without any
adjustments and without introducing any error of import-
ance.
Il^crcurp Vapour £amp$
for Inaustrial CidDting. .
THE problem of the application of electric motors to
the driving of workshops has met with such a
satisfactory solution that all modern works both
liirge anil small put in motors as power agents. When a
works has been wired for motors it is a perfectly simple
matter to arrange for lighting both with arc and incandes-
cent lamps. The former, in the fiame pattern, is greatly
favoured by many engineers for general illumination.
There is, however, a marked economy over flame lamps
effected by mercury vapour lights, these having also other
advantages in their favour. A lamp of this class is simple
in construction, and does not require regular atteniiou at
any time after erection. Its one drawback is the absence
of red rays in the light emitted, but iu workshops this is
not a serious matter, particularly as the illumination effect
is not deleterious to the eyes.
The Westinghouse Cooper-Hewitt Co. has various forms
of mercury vapour lamp on the market and claims impor-
tant advantages for the lamp for workshop and general
industrial lighting. As is well known the principle of this
lamp is the incandescence of mercury vapour in a hermeti-
callv sealed glass tube. The lamp electrodes are at
opposite ends of the tube and the mercury is made to con-
nect the two by tilting the tubes. On resuming its normal
inclined position the arc is maintamed in the tube and a
powerful light is emitted.
The tilting of the tube can be done automatically as soon
as the current is turned on, if this type of lamp is used,
otherwise the switch must first be closed and the tube,
which is fixed in a carrier hinged for the purpose, must be
tilted by pulling down a chain.
The company referred to make the lamp in two sizes
rated according to caudle-power, one lamp being of 800
Westinghouse Cooper-Hewitt Lamp, Auto-type'350c.p.
and the other of 350 c.p. The current taken by the.se two
types is the same — namely, 3| amperes, but the voltages
are 110 and 55 respectively. The lower voltage lamp is
the shorter of the two. The tubes of both patterns can be
renewed for about a quarter the original cost of the lamp.
The range of voltages is 50 to 550.
We illustrate the shorter type of lamp rated at 350 c.p.
The efficiency is stated to be 0-45 watt per candle-power,
this being maintained during the burning life of the lamp.
The latter is put by the makers at between 2,000 and 6,000
hours, depending upon the conditions under which the
lamps are used.
We understand that tlie company is putting forward new
types of lamps which will greatly increase the value of this
illuminant, particularly for trade and industrial purposes.
Many of our reader's will already be familiar with this
lamp outside some of the London theatres, particularly the
dome and gallery of the Gaiety. This theatre, by reason
of its commanding situation, always attracts the eye of
passers, and at night especially.
93
SUPPLEMENT to "The Etpctrlcian," December 11, 1908.
HOME FOR
3^ ^/fr>f/ n' a m/7ifcrfa/-/<:
OBTAIN
^^ ^HSC uwqmrti/ne of
c.rprr,i. ) (^"xr// rriro/h') fn '///
Jjp/ido/i ' ///a rtf/f/'c/it) lo
^y(/7^?,:>/Nre.Jjancar)/ure
£y /Ap ^ for/A ?
AND TRAVEL BY
Great Central Railway
iViijiyii/irrnj frrr/i/ /Ilii n/Mtvif
'ffaf//'n . yf'i/7t (■/fico'>'i^/'/e-rici&)
PiMcityDep!. 216.Marylebone Road,
Jam 'fa I/. Oer^ml M<,n,3fer
CHRISTMAX
^^-s^^q-os-sv s-s; s^
EDISWAN
AUTO-TRANSFORMERS
ARE
MADE
throughout by the Edison fj Swan
United Electric Light Co., Ltd.,
at their
PONDER'S END WORKS,
and
Standard Voltages and Ranges
CAN NOW
BE
DELIVERED
FROM STOCK
Index to fldi?erti$ers«
PAGE
British Engine, Boiler & Electrical Insurance Co. !I0
Crompton & Co., Ltd 77
Davidson &. Co., Ltd 83
Edison & Swan United Electric Light Co., Ltd. ... 93
Electric & Ordnance Accessories Co 85
Electric Control Limited .So
Electromotors Ltd. (Openshaw) 74
Engineering Instruments Ltd 71
Evershed & Vignoles, Ltd 73
Ferranti Limited 7.j
Great Central Railway ;i3
Henley's (W. T.) Telegraph Works Co., Ltd 1)4
Lewis, H. K 8S
Maschim^nfabriU Om-likon (G. Wuthrich) <M
Mather .>c Piatt 79
Mordey Fricker Meter Co., Ltd 'SA
Eeyrolle Limited 70
Sanders, Kehders & Co., Ltd 71
Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works, Ltd 7l'
Simplex Conduits, Ltd 1*1
Sun Electrical Co i»3
Union Electric Co., Ltd S'J
Westou Electrical Instrument Col ■ 75
THE MORDEY-FRIGKER
ELECTRICITY METER Ct
LIMITED,
82, Victoria Street, Westminster, S. W.
ELECTROLYTIC
Approved
by the
Board of Trade,
300
REPETITION
ORDERS.
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician/' December 11, 1908
94
50-Paii' Dry-Core Lead-covered
Telephone Cable.
3-Core Vulcanised Bitumen
Insulated, Double Wire;
Armoured and Served.
Head Of lice:
4-Core Submarine Telephone Cable
Gutta-Percha Insulation.!
ANGLO-BELGIAN TELEPHONE CABLE.
HENLEY'S
INSULATED
CABLES.
3-Core, '8 sq. in., 3,000 Volt, Paper Insulation, Lead-
covered, G.I. Wh'e Armoured and Served Cable,
supplied to THE POWELL-DUFFRYN STEAM
COAL CO., Ltd.
3-Core Paper Insulated, Bitumen
sheathed, V/ire Armoured and
Served Gable.
91/-110"P and VIR, taped,
Braided and Com-
pounded.
Blomfield Street, London, E.C.
XoKrii WoouvicH & Gr.w'Esenl).
W. T. HENLEY'S TELEGRAPH WORKS CO., LTD.
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THE ELECTRICIAN:
THE OLDEST WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND FINANCE.
ESTABLISHED, First Series ("Weekly), 1861; Second Series (Weekly), 1878.
No. 1,596.
r No. io. i
Lvol. LXII.J
FRIDAY, DECEMBER i8, 1908.
Price Sixpence '"/iSf '•
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.
" THE ELECTRICIAN " will be published on Thursday in Christ-
mas week instead of on Friday, and all Editorial communications
intended for that issue must reach the Editor not later than first post
TUESDAY, December 22nd.
All new Advertisements and alterations to running Advertisements
should be received by MONDAY, December 21st. Open Contracts and
other OfHcial Announcements, Auctions and small advertisements can
be accepted up to 2 p.m., WEDNESDAY, December 23rd.
CONTENTS OF THE CURRENT NUMBER.
Notes 367
Arrangements for the Week 369
Altei'iiatiiig Current Commu-
tator Motors. — The Repul-
sion Moto) , Bj' Dr. Rutlolf
Goldschmidt. Illustrated.
Concluded 370
A Comparison of Xatural and
Induced Draught Systems.
— Diicue-^ion 375
Flash-over Voltages. By J.
Lustgarten. Illustrated . . 374
Raymond-Barker's Multi-tone
Vibrating Transmitter. III. 378
London CountyCouncil Tram-
ways and "Through-run-
ning." Illustrated 381
Domestic Electricity Supply
(including Heating and
Cooking) as Affected Ijy
Tariffs— />!.*^!(.s.v!OK 381
The Electric Discliarge and
the Production of Nitric
Acid. By W. Cramp and
B. Hoyle. Illustrated 385
ThePh3'sical Society'sAnnual
Exhibition of Apparatus.
Illustrated 386
OvKRsrECI.A.LISATION 388
RE^^E\vs 389
Steam Electric Power
Plants [Koester]. Re-
viewed by A. H. Seabrook.
Reviews — continiud:
Elenientary Manual on .
Applied Mechanics
[Jamieson].
Output and Economy Limits
of Djnamo-electric Machin-
ery. By J. C. Macfarlane
and H. Burge. Illustrated.
Concluded 390
State owned and Controlled
Cables 393
Correspondence 395
Steam v. Storage Batteries
(W. W. Lackie, A. M.
Taylor).
London County Council
Turbos (G. Wiithrich).
Physical Society 397
Transformers: SomeTheoreti-
cal and Practical Considera-
tions. — DirlCll^sioH 398
Electric Hot-water Radiators.
Illustrated 599
Parliamentary Intelligence 59S
Legal Intelligence 400
Municipal, Foreign & General
Notes 401
Trade Notes and Notices 405
Companies' Meetings and
Reports 405
New Companies, &c 4C6
City Notes 406
Companies' Share List 407
NOTES.
State-owned and State controlled Telegraph Cables.
The meeting which was heh_l at the ]\hiiision House,
London, on Friday last, to discuss the question as to the
advisability of the State (that is to say, the British State)
becoming the owner and controller of submarine telegraph
cables was convened, according to the public Press, by
" The Telegraph Committee of the House of Commons."
The Lord Mayor of London, Sir Wyatt Trlscott, who
presided at the meeting, was, we consider, less impartial
.than is usual with presidents of public meetings held in
the City of London. The only speaker whose views differed
from those of the promoters of the gathering experienced
some difficulty in obtaining a hearing. This was certainly
unfortunate, as it lent colour to an impression that the
meeting was a partisan one. It is true that, after and amid
considerable interruption, Mr. G. R. Xeilson (whose pro-
posed amendment to the principal resolution was ruled
l)y the chairman out of order) was allowed to put his
views before the meeting. It is to be presumed that at a
meeting of this kind discussion is invited, and in such
circumstances it should have been unnecessary for
an intending speaker to be compelled to appeal from
the chair to the meeting itself for a fair hearing,
the more especially if, as we presume, notice had been
duly given to the Lord Mayor that an amendment was to
be moved. The subject of the State Furcha-se of Submarine
Telegraph Cables is a large one, and should be S(}berly and
sensibly discussed, and, assuming that a public meeting in
the City of London is a suitable occasion for such discus-
sion, it is essential that both sides should have a fair and
impartial hearing. This cannot be claimed for the meeting
hold at the IMansion House on Friday last, ^^'e fear the
e.vplanation must be that the Lord Mayor found himself
somewhat overawed by his platform, whicli was un-
doubtedly a vevy strong one, although representing only
one side of a complex question. The proceedings at the
meeting are adequately reported in another part of our
present issue.
With some of the views expres.seil by the speakers who
supported the various resolutions submitted to the Mansion
House meeting we are ourselves in agi-eemeut, because it
is obvious to all who have carefully considered the subject
that any development which will tend to increase traffic
over the cables will, at the same time, tend to reduce rates.
I5ut we believe it will be realised, when the matter is
discussed by representative men in conference, that re-
duction in rates has not in the past been followed by
an adequate increase in traffic. This has been proved
many times over, and is the crux of any serious proposal
to reduce rates. As was pointed out in Mr. Xeilson's
remarks, no complaint is made of the working of the
cables under their pre.sent management, and it is, there-
fore, only on the question of lower rates that any differ-
ence of opinion exists. The men who are chiefly concerned
in the management of submarine cable enterprise are
unanimous in the view that, untler existing conditions, any
radical reduction of rates is unlikely.
368
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908,
The Fixation of Atmospheric Nitrogen.
It is now several years since Sii' AVk.i.iam Ckookes
startled the general public by pointing out the possibility
of world-wide starvation unless the aid of the chemist
could be successfully enlisted. The available sources ot
the nitrogen so necessary to plant life were becoming, he
showed, rapidly exhausted, and to discover some method
of drawing on the large stores of that gas found in the
atmosphere was practically a necessity. Since that time
experimenters along this line have not been wanting,
their idea being, in general, to build up oxides of nitrogen
synthetically from the atmospheric gases. Some of the
methods proposed have been economically successful, but,
either byaccident or design,no detailed theoryof the subject
has been made public, with the result that though its super-
structure is good there is not much foundation. A direct
consequence of this is that little has been done to assist the
inventor in obtaining the best yield from any form of appa-
ratus. A Paper by Messrs. W. Cra.mp and B. Hoyle,
read before the Institution of Electrical Engineers this
week both in London and Manchester, has for its object the
remedying of this evil. From an abstract which we pub-
lish elsewhere in this issue our readers will see that the
authors do to some extent clear the ground, but we fear
that much further spade work will have to be done before
a wholly sufficient theory can be deduced. The value
of the Paper lies rather in the fact that the authors indi-
cate the lines along which further investigations should
be directed. But the difficulty of the subject seems
to have rather oppressed them, so that the results oli-
tained are not always brought out with the force which
could be desired. We should like, for instance, to have
seen a more general resume than is given of the effect of the
different variables on the output. Such want of detail does
not, however, greatly detract from the value of the Paper
as a whole, and it will, we hope, result in the determina-
tion of data which are at preseht in the air. With such
data it will be possible to discover whetlier " burning "
methods, like that due to Birkeland and Eyde, are being
worked at a high efficiency, and if that be the case it
would appear that they cannot compete economically with
the cyanamide process. This object indeed seems terribly
commercial, but to obtain it much beautiful theory will
have to be enlisted, as a reference to Messrs. Crajip and
Hoyle's Paper will show. The development of some sys-
tem on economical lines will, moreover, possess interest for
the electrical engineer from the supply jKiint of view.
The Physical Society's Exhibition.
All electrical engineers, with whatever branch of the
profession they are connected, would have found the fourth
annual exhibition of scientific apparatus arranged by the
Physical Society, and held last week at the Imperial
College of Science and Technology, South Kensington, well
worth a prolonged visit. In fact, the exhibition was as in-
teresting to the commercial man as to the scientific experi-
menter, and in this respect it differed from the recent
electrical exhibition at Manchester, and other exhibitions
of a similar character, in which the scientific interest is to
a large extent overshadowed by the commercial question
of appealing to the general public. For that reason the
Physical Society's annual exhibition is the more valuable,
since the electrical industry is intimately concerned with
scientific developments. Although electrical apparatus
predominated, engineering was much in evidence. Of
this latter class of apparatus perhaps the most inter-
esting was the method of obtaining a metal in the
form of continuous riblwn. The sim]ilicity of the appa-
ratus was very striking, since it merely consists of a
water-cooled revolving drum, on to which the molten
metal is allowed to flow from a small orifice. The
metal is instantly cooled and projected into a continuous
ribbon of very small thickness. The system is likely to
have an extensive practical application in the " cyanide "
and other processes where it is necessary to prepare a large
surface from a small quantity of metal. Another e.xhibit
deserving of mention on account of its value and simplicity
was the Meker burners, shown by the Cambridge Scientific
Instrument Co. In these, complete combustion is obtained
by proportioning the inlets so that the theoretically cor-
rect quantities of gas and air are admitted. The pro]3or-
tion is about six parts of air to one of gas, whilst in
the usual bunsen burner the proportion is only about
two to one. Attempts at increasing the quantity of air
have hitherto only led to " lighting back," but this is pre-
vented in the Meker burner by introducing a nickel grid
at the top of the burner, on the principle of the Davy
lamp. The burner may also be regarded as a number of
small burners in parallel, and this conception is borne out
by an inspection of the flame, which appears to be
composed of a number of small jets. In addition to per-
mitting an economy of about 50 per cent, in gas, the
burners give an intensely hot flame, and in the Meker
furnaces, specially designed for use with these burners,
even platinum can be melted by the assistance of an air
blast.
A.s to the purely electrical exhibits, these are or will be
described in detail in the present and future issues, so that
we need only mention one or two instruments of general
interest. One of these is the " reflectoscope " of Messrs.
Elliott Bros., which, by an arrangement of mirrors and
lenses, reproduces on a screen any objects or illustrations
(such as a page of a book) held in front of it, thus ren-
dering lantern slides unnecessary. The objects have, of
course, to be strongly illuminated, and for this purpose an
arc lamp is employed. The rheograph, shown by the Cam-
bridge Scientific Instrument Co., is of the nature of an
oscillograph, but possesses the advantages of being much
cheaper to construct and of enabling the waves to be
projected upon a screen of considerable size, so that
it should prove very, convenient for demonstration pur-
poses. A feature of the exhiliits, perhaps, was the
number of instruments for indicating temperature elec-
trically. These are now being extensively used for re-
cording the temperatures of cold stores and various rooms
in ships and, of course,^have the important advantage that,
by using one indicating instrument in a convenient posi-
tion and running leads to the various thermome ters, all the
temperatures can conveniently be read in a very short timg.
It will be somewhat of a surprise to many to learn that
THE ELECTKICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
369
electric lamps were not in evidence ; in fact, the only in-
stance was the quartz glass mercury vapour lamp, which,
however, aroused a good deal of interest. This lamy) is
an improvement, as regards the colour of the light, on
the more ordinary pattern.
Academic des Sciences. — The Prix Hubert has been awarded
to Prof. A. Blondel for his researches on the electric arc.
Merchant Venturers' Technical College, Bristol. — The an"
nual disti'ibution of the prizes by the Master of the Society
of Merchant Venturers will take place in the Bristol Museum
lecture theatre on Monday next.
Fog Dispersion by Electricity. — The Highways committee
of Westminster (London) Council recommend that Mr. Ernest
L. Walford be allowed to experiment on a portion of the
Council's property near the Grosvcnor Canal with Sir Oliver
Lodge's system of dissipating fog by means of electricity.
New Irish Universities. — It is officially announced that
letters patent have passed the Great Seal of IreLind consti-
tuting a university, having its seat in Dublin, under the name
of the National University of Ireland, and a university, having
its seat in Belfast, under the name of the Queen's University,
Belfast.
University of Cambridge. — As already announced in these
columns, certain friends of the Chancellor desire the establish-
ment of some award to be associated with Lord Rayleigh's
name and to commemorate the election of a scientific investi-
gator to this high office. They have, therefore, deposited a
sum of money in the bank, the interest on which will form
the Piayleigh prize. It is proposed to adjudicate this prize at
the same time and by the same adjudicators as the Smitli's prize.
Determination of Longitude by Wireless Telegraphy. — In
a recent number of the " Comptes Eendus " is a report by
M. Bouquet de la Guye on this subject. After reviewing the
importance to navigators of this question, and the various
methods by which longitudes have hitherto been determined,
the report discusses the possibility of sending signals, at pre-
advertised hours, from the summit of the Eiffel Tower. It is
concluded that such signals could be sent, say, at midnight,
when there would be least interference, and that ships, in any
part of the Atlantic, for example, could thereby receive the
correct time necessary for the determination of longitude. A
recommendation that the necessary experimental apparatus be
erected on the Eiffel Tower as soon as possible was obtained
from the Bureau des Longitudes, endorsed by the committee,
and forwarded to the Ministers of AVar and Marine.
Obituary. — With great regret we record the death of Mr-
L. L. Hartvigson, superintendent of the Great Northern Tele-
graph Co.'s Newcastle-on-Tyne station, who died on the 27th
ult. from heart disease. Mr. Hartvigson was born in 1849,
and entered the Great Northern Telegraph Co.'s service more
than 35 years ago, starting his career at the very station
where he ended liis days. Having served at a number of the
company's stations, both in the Far East and in Europe, he
was appointed to London in 1883, where for many years he
filled an important post as the company's engineer in England.
In 1885 he was sent to St. Petersburg to demonstrate the
utility of the Wlieatstone system, the trials being so success-
ful that the Kussian telegraph administration shortly after in-
troduced the system on the main circuits between St. Peters-
burg and Vladivostock. During his appointment in London
he controlled the manufacture of several thousand miles of
submarine cable, at all the leading cable works, on behalf of the
Great Northern Company. In liJ03 he was appointed superin-
.tendent at NewcastIo-on-T3ne.
Cable Interruptions and Repairs.
Date of Interruption Date of Repair.
Pontianak — Saigon Sep. 16, 1908 ... —
Dakar— Conakry Nov. 8, 1908 .. Dec. 16, 1908
Birmingham and District Electric Club. — The fourth annual
meeting of this club was held at the Colonnade Hotel, New-
street, Birmingham, on Saturday evening last, under the presi-
dency of Mr. H. Rolierts. Mr. G. T. Wood was elected presi-
dent for the ensuing session and Mr. Vincent E. Walters
and Mr. Ct. A. Pope vice-presidents, while Mr. E. A.
Morgan and Mi'. W. G. L. Riddle were re-elected treasurer
and secretary respectively. The fohowing were elected to the
committee : Messrs. H. W. Brady, G. O. Donovan, J. Hill,
John J. Innis, Joseph A. Jeckell, E. R. Phillips and W. H.
Whitehouse. The annual report of the committee gave some
interesting facts regarding the steady increase of the member-
ship roll and the numlier and quality of the Papers read
during last session. The secretary announced that a good
programme had been ai'ranged for the next session and that
Mr. Wood would deliver his presidential address on January
9th next.
Automatic Block Signal System.— A recent issue of the
" Electric Railway Journal " contains a brief description of the
automatic block system and signal discs which have been in
use on the Lebanon Valley Street Railway for several years.
The operating mechanism is in a box located above and on the
same pole as the discs. The contact makers which operate
only in one direction are small in size and weigh only 5 lb.
They are mounted on the overhead wire and are actuated by
the trolley wheel. The setting and releasing contact makers
are located opposite the pole just ahead of the pole carrying
the signal box, thus giving the motorman ample time to see
the operation of the signals. This system requires two line
wires, one for setting and the other for the lamp circuit. The
latter contains two lamps connected in series, neither of which
is lighted when the signals are not in operation. The lights are
discernible in the daytime, even if the sun shines directly
upon the lenses. Should a car pass the overhead contact
maker after the danger signal has been set by an approaching
car, it will not interfere with the signals, since the circuit has
been cut out autoniaticall}'. No current flows through the
magnets, except momentarily at the time of operation. An
electric bell arrangement has been recently installed on one of
the blocks. Should the lamp circuit be interrupted for any
reason, a car upon entering the block and touching an insu-
lated rail will close the circuit, and tlms cause the ringing of
the bell on an adjacent pole and indicate that a car is
approaching.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE WEEK.
FRIDAY, December ISth (to-day)
NoRTH-E.vsT Coast In-stiti-tion of Enoixekrs .ini> Shipbcilder-s.
/.JO p.m. Meeting in the Lecture Theatre of the Literary and
Philosophical Society, Westgate-road, Newcastle-oii-Tyne.
Paper on " The Electrical Equipment of Cranes," by Mr. J. B.
Duckitt. Adjourned Discussion.
Electro- H.1R5I0XIC Society.
,s' p.m. Smoking concert in the King's Hall, Holborn Eestsiurant.
MONDAY, December 21st.
Faraday Sociktv.
,s p.m. Meeting in the Library of the Institution of Electrical
Engineers, 92, \"ictoria-street. Paper on " The Influence of
Cheap Electricity on Electrolytic and Electrothermal Indus-
tries," by Mr. E.' A. Ashcroft.
TUESDAY, December 22nd.
Lnstitction of Civil ENiriXEERS.
Spm. Meeting at Gi eat (ieorge-street, Westminster. P.iper on
"An Investigation of the Heat Losses in an Electnc Power
Station," by Mr. F. H. Corson.
The Electrical Engineers (London Division).
Col. R. E. B. Cronipton, C.B., commanding.
The following orders have been issued for tlie current week :—
Mondiiy, Dec. 21st, (Infantry drill (Recruits), 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
"A" Company \Technical drill, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec 22nd, (Technical drill, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
" B " Company ^Infantrv drill, 8:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 22nd... Medical inspection for recruits, 6:30 p.m. to
7:50 p.m.
The headquarters will be closed from December 23rd to January
3rd, both dates inclusive. The usual drills for the companies will
commence on January 4, 1909.
370
il[E ELECTRICIAN. DECEMBER 18, 1908.
ALTERNATING CURRENT COMMUTATOR MOTORS.*
THE REPULSION MOTOR.
BY DR. RUDOr.F GOUISCHMIDT.
(Concluded from page S6(i.)
Summary. — In this article the author discusses the theory of the
repulsion motor. After dealing generally with the induction of the
current in the armature, the author details the various peculiarities
of the repulsion motors due to Elihu Thomson and Latour-Winter
Eichberg respectively. The methods of operation of, and the determi-
nation of the losses in, both types are discussed at length.
5. — Circulating Currents.
Tho most intere.sting effect of the transfcyrmation field N, is
that on the circulating current in the coils short-circuited by the
brushes. N., is in the same position as was the interpolar space
in the series motor, and therefore its lines are cut by the coil
under short-circuit, and an E.M.P. induced in it. Moreover,
the phase displacement between Nj and N., is 90 deg. —
that is, the condition necessary to counteract the circulating
current induced by the alternation of Nj. It is most
easy not to calculate for each field singly but to combine
Nj and N, to form two fields revolving backwards and forwards
at synchronous speed in the same way as we did just nowwhen
studying the core loss question. Here we have to apologise
again for carrying out the splitting up of the alternating field
into two revolving ones with the series motor where the inter-
polar space makes the existence of proper revolving fields
impossible.
Considering again the synchronous speed first, with the re-
pulsion motor the field revolving backwards is 0 and the field
revolving forwards has no speed difference relative to the rotor.
Therefore, at synchronism, there is no circulating current
induced in the coils short-circuited by the brushes. With the
scries motor the E.M.F. induced by the forward and backward
component of the field is in each case constant x Bj. Therefore
both together are constant X 2 x Bj, irrespective of the speed, the
coil und^er commutation being always in the neutral zone, just
as if it were part of the stator. The losses are constant x 4 x B^^.
No cutting of lines through the movement takes place, as there
is no field in the neutral. With the repulsion motor we may
put the losses caused by forward and backward fields in the
same way as with the eddy current losses, namely, 2x61^
x(a-— 1)-. The ratio of the losses in the resistance connec-
tions in the repulsion and series motor is
2 '
this relation being represented by Curve II., Fig. 19.
The Eeitlsiox .Motor of L.vioi-r-Wi.xter-Kichuekc.
6.— The Armature Winding as an Exciting Winding.
In the previous chapter we saw how the armature winding
itself could serve as the secondary winding of a transformer^
the primary being on the stator'; as a matter of fact, the
magnetising current i,„ itself, producing the transformer flu-\,
has its seat in the armature winding. The armature as an
e.xciting winding can be utilised still further bv omitting the
wiudmg Wi of the repulsion motor (Fig. 22) arid creating the
flux Nj by a current in the armature (see Figs. 20 and 21). This
current naturally cannot in any case be conducted to the
armature through the short-circuited brushes, because these
brushes have such a position that only a transformation flux
(N.,), not a dynamic flux, can be reproduced. Nj must keep its
position at right angles to the old brush line 2-2, and therefore
a second pair of brushes 1-1 (Fig. 23) with its line at right
angles to the first must be used to conduct the excitina' current
to the armature. Fig. 23 is a diagram of the Winter-Eichberg-
or Latoui-, motor, briefly the L.W.E. motor. In our new
motor the stator carries only a transformer winding to transmit
energy to the rotor, exactly as with the original repulsion motor,
the only alteration being that the armature winding is the
excitnTgwi^nding^_At^igt^t we may predict that the general
character of such a machine is not very different from that of
the repulsion motor proper, or series motor, hardly anything
being materially changed. What strikes us first of all as the
effect of transferring the seat of the exciting current into the
armature itself is that the leakage flux must disappear, a flu.x
amounting to 10 to 15 per cent, of the total when the excitation
is on the field separated from the armature by an air-gap.
The second question to ask would be : What happens],if
two currents flow through the same armature winding, the
brushes being displaced 90 deg. from cue another ? Calling
(Fig. 24) I the current entering the armature through the
brushes 1 — 1 and Ij the current conducted by 2 — 2, branches
b—c and a — (/ will carry the current Ii/2+I/2, the branches
a—b and d—c the current Ij/2— 1/2, as can be read off directly
Fi(i. 20. — PRODrcTiox of Flcx
BY Excitation from St.\tor.
Fig. 21. — Production of Flux
BY Excitation from Rotor.
from Fig. 24. Calling r the resistance of one-quarter of the
armature and also the resistance of the total armature measured
between 1 — 1 and 2 — 2, we find the copper losses to be
xr-h
\2 2/
=P . r+V . r.
i.e., the copper loss in the armature is just as large as if the
exciting current was flowing through the armature regardless
of a current being conducted also by the brushes 2 — 2. In the
ordinary way, if a resistance, r, carries two currents, Ij and I, the
losses would be larger, for Ii=I double as large as if Ij and I
were flowing each by itself. Thus we can produce the field
ill the proposed fashion without extra loss, except that caused
by the drop in the additional brushes and their contact resis
tance, the advantage being that the leakage is smaller. A
2k J2
disadvantage, or rather a peculiarity, is that the losses in the
armature are larger still than with the repulsion motor, the
excitation losses taking place there instead of in the field.
Therefore the armature of the Winter-Eichberg motor will, as a
rule, have a large)- diameter than that of the series motor or ordinary
repulsion motor in order to accommodate the extra ampere-
turns on its circumference. This is naturally compensated by
the dropping out of the exciting ampere-turns from the .stator ;
more copper losses in the rotor, less in the stator. With
the ordinary repulsion motor we had— compared with the
series motor— more copper losses in the rotor, but not less in
the stator.
Special conditions are created by the field-turns as well as
the armature-turns being fixed ; iii fact, both being identical.
In the motors we have dealt with, the number of field-turns.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
:.71
was smaller than that of the armature-tums and, due to our
now being tied as to the high number of field-turns, a serious dis-
advantage would certainly be the consequence. Now we have
only to remember that we are dealing with alternating current,
which can be so easily transformed, and a transformer, T (Fig.
25), may be introduced, the ratio of transformation of which
we are at liberty to make suitable to the particular case. In
this way we may regain flexibility. Very often T is arranged
so that the ratio of transformation can be regulated by alter-
ing the number of turns of the secondary coil.
7. — The Compensation.
We might have dismissed the Latour-Winter-Eichberg
motor as a special case of the repulsion motor, having
no particularly new features, if there were not a new element
Fig. 24.
Fig. 25.
introduced through the brushes 1 — 1 being shifted 90 deg.
from the direction of the flux N,. We know that under
these conditions the transformation flux No induces an
E.M.F. (E,) in the armature winding through the latter
cutting its lines and that a torque may be exercised by
this flux Nj on the armature conductors carrying the current
I. To start with, we can say that the torque between
No and I will be zero, because I and Nj are in phase
(except for hysteretic phase displacement) and the phase
of N, is 90 deg. behind Nj, and consequently also I and N^
have a phase displacement of 90 deg. Naturally, if through
hysteresis lag and other reasons, the angle between I and Nj
should be altered they would be able to act on one another.
Disregarding this, the torque will be zero. The E.M.F. Eo
induced in the armature winding in the direction ]~- 1 through
cutting the lines of N.^ — as it were, an E.M.F. induced in the
" exciter circuit," the brushes 1 — 1 representing only its
Flux-Ni
Flux-Na
E.M.P. E2 caused
through "cuttiDg' N2
Fig. 26.
" terminals " — is in phase with N., (Fig. 26) and therefore Eo
is displaced 90 deg. from I. Further we may say that as
Nj is lagging behind Nj and I, Eo is also lagging behind I.
Now we have two E.M.F.s. in our exciter circuit 1 — 1 (Pig. 26).
the E.M.F. of self-induction E, (or generally E, , if we include
armature leakage) caused by the alternation of Nj which was
leading in respect to the current I bv 90 deg. and Eo laygimj.
Thus E,, tends tci (■(,rn|),.|isatc E,. Wr niav sav : Thnrngh the
arniMlinr hrnn/ ,isr,l us in, ,\r,il i inj iniiilnnj i ii ihr LAV .F, . motor,
hesidis the kunnjal E.M.F. 0/ .srlj-iiidadin/i, n iicii; K.M.F. is
induced in the exciter circuit, which tends to reduce the former.
This E.M.F., E,, may be called the '■ compensating E.M.F."
When the motor is running at synchronous speed, the two
fields Nj and No have equal intensity , and the speed
of cutting the lines is the same as the speed of alternation.
so that at synchronism, E., is equal to E,- and com-
pensates it entirely. Consequently there is no wattless E.M.F.
necessary to produce a field iu.st as with the field of a direct
current motor. At synchronism the power factor of the LAV. E.
motor is practically equal to unily.
8.— E.M.F.S, Currents and Fluxes in the L.W.E. Motor.
Fig. 28 shows a diaaram of the series or ordinary repulsion
motor and Fig. 27 that of the L.W.E. motor in their simplest
forms, the only difference being the E.M.F., Eo. which reduces the
angle of phase displacement <}. The diagram of the .secondary
(rotor) circuit 2 — 2 of the two repulsion type motors has been
drawn separately (Fig. 29), Figs. 27 and 28 referring to the
primary or main circuit only. When N, = N2 (at synchronism)
the magnetising current for N,, I', (Fig. 25) becomes equal
to the magnetising current for N,, i,,,, the number of turns for
both being the same. Generallv
i,» No'
'= ', where H, equals synchronous .speed and n the
and
No
actual spe
To
It is interesting to note that the two magnetising currents
have such a simple relation one to another, just as the two
fiehls.
+1
I I«\ 1
Fig. £8.
The relations between the other currents are fixed by the
ratio of transformation of the two transformers — i.e., that in
the motor with the winding W (Fig. 25) as primary, qi=/ a«<i
that in the exciter-transformer T, 00="-.
1
I
1i
Then I'i=^ ; !'■> =
?i ' 'h
The field ampere-turns producing Ni are I'.^ x armature-turns,
the •' working armature ampere-turns " (rotor ampere-turns
minus magnetising ampere-turns) are I', x arinature-turns ;
therefore the ratio, field ampere-turns to working armatui-e
ampere-turns is equal to the ratio of transformation of the
exciter transformer divided by that of the motor transformer.
It mav appear at first sight as if, on account of its compensat-
ing (luaiities, the L.W.E. motor might be designed regardless of
the power factor, and that consequently the ratio, field ampere-
turns to working armature ampere-turns, might be very high,
the air-gap being as large as with a direct current machme.
However we are not so entirely free in our design because with a
verv high ratio of field ampere-turns to working armature am-
pere-turns the magnetising currents*,, and r.,having to produce
No and Nj will be very large, and will become prohibitive with
aii-gaps approaching" those of direct-current machines.*
With the L.W.E. motor the armature copper losses
are already higher than desirable, the armature having to
carrv the exciting currents for both fields Nj and No as well as
the "working current I'l. If the ratio, field ampere-turns^to
working armature ampere-turns, were 1 , 1'j as well as i,„ would
* Ths Elkctkhn Vol. LXI., p. 693.
372
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
at synchronism be e<iual to the working armature current I\.
Consequently, flux and body of tlie motor being tlic same, the
ampere-turns in the armature would be throe times as much
as with the plain series motor, and one and a-half times as
much as with the plain repulsion motor. It would be hardly
possible to provide enough copper section for this enormous
number of ampere-turns. Consequently, the air-gap, and with
it the magnetising ampere-turns, must be kept as small as
possible with all alternating-current commutator motors for
the following reasons : —
With the plain series motor, to improve the power factor ;
With the plain repulsion motor, to improve the power
factor and to reduce the armature copper losses ;
experimentallv or bv calculation. Draw OC, find D by making
OD = DC, and DF vertical on OC. Where DF cuts a Ime GF
4-5 deg. inclined to OA—i.e., at the point F— is the centre of a
second circle which we draw through 0 and C. Producing the
vector AB = E/-E„ so that it cuts the new circle m H, we
have AH = E) and BH = E2, AH being at the same time a mea-
sure of the current. We note that not the •' stand still " or
" short-circuit " current AO is the largest possible, as in the
previous diagrams, but the current AK, where AK passes
through F. This is due to the choking effect of the field (E^)
being reduced by E, which grows as the speed inrceases, Ej
subtracting directly "from E,-, whilst the counter E.M.F. E., is
only at right angles to it. At synchronous speed the current
With the L.W.E. motor, to [^reduce the armature copper I jg AC=&X AO, or ?i (of the order 0-5) times the short-circuit
current. " Then the power factor OB {see previous circle
diagrams) is unity.
Above synchronism the current becomes a leading one, and
at the same time falls off more and more until at very high
speeds it approaches the smallest limiting value, AL, and leads
in respect to the terminal voltage hy 90 deg. The watt-com-
ponent of the current— I.e., the vertical line HM— is, just as in
our previous diagrams, a measure of the output of the machine.
Its maximum is reached if HM passes through F. With the
series motor the maximum output was GN, on exactly the same
scale, and was considerably less. Thus, with the same short-
The ratio of ampere-turns must be kept small, also with
regard to the overload capacity and the starting conditions of
the motor, and the fact that only at synchronous speed perfect
.compensation takes place. -^
A few interesting relations between the voltages E„, E, and
Eo (Fig. 27) may be developed.
We can put :
\ 1 >J «
E„ = constant x w x N^ x - = constant x ■», x N.^ x , and
Further :
Consequently
?i
= constant x m, X Nj x - ,
= constant X m X N., X -.
!/i
_n N.,_/w \-.
w, ' N, V n, )
Qi
Ni
The ratio between compensating E.M.F. and E.M.F. of self-
induction in the exciter circuit is equal to the square of the ratio
E,
= 1, as we have
= 0-56,
= 0-44xE^,
— . At svnchronous speed =?
synchronous speed " E^
already found from general considerations. We see that E.,
changes very quicMy with the speed, and that at, say, 2.5 per
cent, below synchronism
E„ ,,„r'
Er'"'
so that E,-E2
only 56 per cent, of the E.M.F. of self-induction is compen-
sated.
E
.\t twice synchronous speed -=4: E, — E., = — 3xEf
^ E, ■
The motor would be very much over-compensated, and the
power factor become very small.
Naturally. E^ only represents the E.M.F. of self-induction in
the exciter circuit, not including leakage of any sort. Complete
compensation will therefore take place at a speed slightly over
■synchronism.
Other interesting relations are
E„
n
1i
E,
■».,
'h .
E
n
1-1
K„
n
?2
At
synchronism
E,,
E,"
E„
E., = E., .
9.^ The Circle Diagram of the L.W.E. Motor.
Through the presence of Ej the circle diagram will have to
be modified for the L.W.E. motor. Fig. 30 shows the circle
diagram for a motor where the influence of the resistances
and core losses has not been taken account of.
|> We make OA=e= terminal voltage; draw the circle with OA
^as diameter, as in the previous diagrams. Again OB is the
useful E.M.F., E„ ; AB is the wattless E.M.F., now no longer
E„ but AB=E,-Eo, or rather E^^-E,, if the whole self-induc-
tion in the motor is combined.
In order to find E^ itself, which as we know gives us a
measure for the current I we draw AG vertical to and OA
make AC = lixOA. The ratio S"! may have been found
circuit current — i.e., the same ratio of field ampere-turns to
armature ampere-turns — the overload capacity of the L.W.E.
motor is larger than that of the series motor. But with all
motors equally, series, repulsion and L.W.E. motors, the short-
circuit current ought to be as large as possible, to give good
starting conditions, there being practically no difference what-
ever in the behaviour at starting, the faculty of compensating
appearing with the L.W.E. motor only when running.
It is not desirable to make our diagram more complicated
by introducing more lines, for instance, for the speed or the
rotor current. The speed as a percentage of the synchronoug
speed can be easily found by taking account of the equations
OB
AH'
^l E „ (7,
12 ^/ 'h
-., v?2
n = »j X
E.>
e";
n.x^^-x ™ = n, X ?•= X tan HOB,
g-i t<}, q, OB q^
/e /hr
or n = n,x ^ ^ = n^x ^ ^^.
We may calculate the speed from the amount AP cut oft by
OB from the vertical AC; where AP=OAx ^^x (""-'^V ^°
q-2. ^n «J
that AP is actually only a measure of ('"''—'L ) , from which—
\n nj >*»
must be calculated. When AP becomes identical with AC,
the speed is 0-618 of the synchronous speed. It is necessary
to start from the dimension AP if it is desired to find the cur-
rent power and power factor when the speed is given.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
]73
The rotor current passing through the brushes 1 — 1 naturally
is I'j=AH. The working component in the portion of the
rotor short-circuited by means of the brushes 2 — 2 is
I', = rix"i, whilst its magnetising component i„, can be
1i
found from the relation /' =— .
1 2 n,,
It is the object of the circle diagrams for the ideal motors
to compare in principle an ordinary series motor with a repul-
sion motor of the Thomson or Latour-Winter-Eichberg type,
the supposition being that the same iron body is used in all
cases, that the normal fluxes are the same, the ratio
field ampere -turns/ working armature ampere-turns being
assumed as 0-4 or 0-5 or on similar lines. In dealing with a
particular case it is, as already explained, preferable to con-
struct a linear diagram for every point of the load, taking
account, as much as possible, of every detail, such as leakage
and saturation, the latter making the attempt to construct a
circle diagram more or less futile.
A COMPARISON OF NATURAL AND INDDCED
DRAUGHT SYSTEMS.
The following is an abstract of the discussion which took
place at the meeting of the Leeds Local Section of the Institu-
tion of Electrical Engineers when I\Ir. W. N. Y. King read his
Paper on the above subject. An abstract of this' Paper ap
peared in our issue of Dec. 4 ; —
JMi'. J. R. Williams (Imimht the author had not given sufficient ctila
and exj)lanaticiii n niiujil draught, and he, the speaker, thercfcui'
elaborated the d.a.i liimii iii cirder to make the discussion more intcifsl-
ing. The weiglit of gases ciischarged was found to attain its maxiinum
at about 600'-F. The exact temperature for the maximum discharge li\-
weight wasthat at which the volume of the gas per pound was doulile that
of fliL cxirrnal air. At the saiii.- time (iic .|uaiitity nr u.i^jlit n{ Ix.t
L::i-r~ .llM hai-ed per second \ar ir.l M l \ llll Ir v, lllm'r llir H nlr liTiiits .,f
Ic lii|..aatniv. ,,f 300° to 1.000 I-'., lli.- a', lllal lallall.Mi I" III^ a., from 71
at atPII- to 7(i-4 at 600° and 73 at l.tXtU F. Tins apparent anomaly was
explained by the relation of density to velocity. He showed two curves
in this connection, one of which we reproduce herewith. It could hardly
lie c ailed a fair comparison to compare a brick chimney costmg £1,000,
w il h a useful life of 75 to 100 years, with an induced draught plant whose
a|i|irciximate useful life was from 10 to 15 years, for by the time the brick
chimney had reached the end of its useful life, the induced draught plant
would have been twice over put on the scrap heap, and therefore its
approximate cost taken over this length of time would be £900. -A
better comparison would be with a natural draught plant having a
steel chimney. These could now be erected to a height of 200 ft.,
and by the use of foundation bolts and guy ropes the necessity of splay-
ing out the foundation was to a large extent overcome ; in fact, a chim-
ney of this description could be erected whose foundation need not be
more than li times the area of the chimney itself, and it was no more
nceessary to use an internal brick lining for natural draught than it was
for forced or induced di-aught. The cost of a chimney of this type
would be approximately £.3<X) and would therefore show a much greater
ccuMiimy f'>i till- natural driULiliI plant than was given in the Paper.
Tile lii'st ]i<iviin,n fni lixuuj tlir i^uys was not at the top of the chimney
but in a pM>iiiMU a|i|ii i.xuu,iirl\ iw.i-thirds of the chimney height. In
his opinion tlir idral nietliod would !»■; all lioilrrs discharging into one
main Hue. the i;a.scs passing through ■■.( iuiaai~rix. and one large fan at
chimney base airaiiged with two mm, a,, u >i i. liability. For ordinary
loads file natural draught could be utilised, and the fan brought into
service for peak loads, or as might be required. With steel chimneys tliis
would give great tleyibility for extensions.
Mr. Gkatmai had Ijcm 'a>„,ri:it,..l witli Ilir littinc! "f installations of
theElhsal.M l^,l^.- -\-\,-ny of ualilr,.,! ,hau-_lil.a^i:iv^ iliu- 750,000 H.f.,
on all ty|ic- ol l.oiln-. hoih on laial an. I -ra.aua h.al had a unique
opportunitN ol j;iiiin'^ soiur ai. uialc data lor coiiipaiisou between an
installation of lioilcis «hii li hail lieen running under natural ch-aught
and the perforiiianie of tlic boilers after they have been fitted with
induced draught. (Jn one occasion they fitted an installation to take
tlu' ]ilace of two 7 ft. by 30ft. Lama^linv li<al. i-,. which were workmg
in conjunction with three others. Tlir\ ^u u uitii d to give more steam
out of a Oft. by 30ft. boiler fitted with then au-hcatin.j- system than
tjiey were getting from the two old boilers. Such a b.aloi » i~ |hi1 down,
with the result that they were enabled to get about d.nilil, ihr steam
from this one boiler, and at the same time effect a sa\ mg ol about 70 per
cent, in fuel. He could give unlimited mstances of a similar kind. He
would like to mention a case of a large water-tube boiler, the normal j
furnace was . iiti
Mr. W. I'.. W.
account of f lie lo
ment of the eas
rating of which was 30,000 lb. of steam working under natural draught.
On actual test with induced draught and a combmation of Ellis- Eaves
system of hot an-, the evaporation was 52,0001b. of steam, and even at
that high evaporation the efficiemy of the boiler plant was 82 per cent.
An mduced draught plant by itself gave an increased evaporation from
boilers, but he considered this was acquired at the expense of econo-
my. In putting down an mduced draught jilant he recommended that
either a feed-water economiser or an air-heating economiser should be
installed as well. An an-heating economiser would give more econo-
mical results than a feed-water economiser. A disadvantage that was
sometimes brought up against mduced draught was that when the fire
doors were ojicn there was an inrush of cold air, unless the dampers were
closed befoioo|i,.niii^j of the doors. They had just patented a system of
balanced drau'^hi ulu, h obviated that entirely .and the draught in the
(lanced.
II sE said the author claimed gi-eater efficiency on
I u ) lerature of the gases. This w.as hardly a fair state-
tlie lower temperature was not a direct effect of
induced draught, but was due to the use of an economi.ser. The capital
cost of the chimney should not be merely included on one side and the
fan on the other, but also the capital cost of the cconomLsers that were
put in. It was difficult to criticise the tests given without knowing the
heat value of the coal, and it would add greatly to the value of the table
if these partirnlars were given.
Ml. Kim; lirn- said it was about 12.S(MJ.
-\li . \\ I loi.H, ,1 SE : In that ease the results were impossible. To begin
with there was a loss of 12 per cent, in the gases due to temperature, and
at least another 12 per cent, ui imperfect combustion, and he was
afraid that would not balance. He thought all calculations which
dealt with the efficiency of boilers were apt to be misleading
imless the efficiency of the furnace and the efficiency of the
boUer as a heat transferring apparatus were treated separately.
The efficiency of a boiler as regards transfer of heat from the gases to the
water did not vary much with the amount of water evajiorated per
square foot. The efficiency of the furnace, however, would vary very
closely with the draught, and he thought the real difficulty in deter-
mining whether mduced draught was better than natural draught, or
300 400 5U0 6U0 700 800 900 1,0U0
Teiuperatuic, degrees Fahr.
CrKVE Showing Rei,.\live Wkioht of Gasks Disciukced at
Different TEMPERATt:RE.s.
whether a J ui. draught was better than a draught of 2 in., was the way
the efficiency of the furnace varied. His own experience had been that
a draught of 1 m. or more enabled one to handle the fires very much better
and to get a frequently increased output from the boilers, but just how
nnich the efficiency was improved or altered by altering the draught by
a fraction of an inch was very difficult to ascertain. But the control
which one secured over combustion by a means of varying the draught
was a most valuable aid to efficiency. He was very much in agreement
with Mr. Kmg regarding induced draught, but he could not bring any
definite dat.a on the subject.
Ml-. Fleet could not agree with Mr. Graham's reference to centra
station engineers not gouig in for more auxiliary plant.
Mr. R. H. Campion poiiited out that the author might have considered
a natural draught plant on modern lines, i.e., to have the flues expand-
mg, and thus do away with half the shaft traps. He would also point
out that in the majority of cases where he had seen induced draught
plant installed it had been to overcome inherent bad design. Induced
ch-aught fans had sometimes to be installed because the main flues were
so badly designed. One of the ].rineipal points was the heat losses, which
needed careful attention as they were very heavy indeed. He did not
know whether the author had seen the steel chimney of the London
United Tramways, but there were no such things as guy ropes and it was
quite a fair comparison with a brickwork chimney. The author did not
point out what the speaker considered was one of the chief failures with
all indue ed draught plant, viz.. the bearings. These ought to be of ample
design, or there was considerable trouble in keeping them cool. He
certainly thought that ui most large central stations it was advisable to
luit in an auxiliary chimncv in the shajje of a sraaU steel chimney, as
the ditli(-iiltv in cleaning dilTerent portions of the chimney bottom and
main flues was gcttuig a rather complicated and difficult task: whereas
if a small auxilmry chimney were installed it would be possible to turn
into that whilst tlie operations were bemg executed.
Mr. W. H.1RTNELL thought that in order fairly to compare the relative
advantages of natural and induced draught systems the arrangement of
374
THE ELECTRICIAN, DI^XEMBER 18, 1908.
the lioilcr mikI llm-s should he such as were mo.st suitable tor utihsing the
<lrftught available. A factory boiler might act economically «'ith a high
<>himncy iVth to I'^th the ai-ea of the grate : but the boilers of small
steam boats with short chimneys might also act economically by enlarg-
ing the relative area of the chimney to Jth the area of the grate. Econo-
mical eva])oration was possible with all ordinary heights of chimneys
provided the arrangements were jiroperly designed to suit the draught
force. A tall chimney of ample area was. however, an advantage not
only as giving rather better results with less trouble, but because it
enabled more steam to be raised with a given capital outlay. If it were
decided to rely on fan draught, full advantage should be taken of the
stronger draught ])ressure available. The furnace should be such that
a deep intense fire could be maintained, the area of the flues shouUl
be such that the gases passed nearer the heating surfaces at a high velo-
city, and the gases should be cooled as much as economically practicable
and then jiass slowly through an ample, but not necessarily high, chim-
ney. The advantage of the fan draught over the chimney draught
would now be a still less capital outlay and a higher eiliciency. The
disadvantage would be the cost of wear and tear of the fans ami belong-
ings, and a small cost for power, and a po.ssibiUty of accidental derange-
ment im])robablc with chimney draught. When there were gi-eat varia-
tions in the quantity of steam rei|uired. the fan. as an auxiliary to the
chimney, was decidedly economical in capital outlay. In conclusion,
where reasonable space for ordiiiar\ i.i.iln- iind chimney was available,
chimney draught pressure was prrl.ralil. i., I.ui draught pressure, but
when the demand for steam was very i:iii:il'lr fans were an economical
auxiliary. Fan pressure alone would seem advisable where space was
cramped, a sufficient height of chimney not possible, or the demand for
steam almost intermittent during long periods of no sujiply wanted.
Mr. T. H. Churton asked whether the author could give any informa-
tion as to the effect of the induced or forced draught systems upon the
smoke problem. He thought that beyond a certain point any increase
in the velocity of the draught might possibly have the effect of carrying
unconsumed fuel up the chimney.
Mr. H. Dickinson thought that for a constant steady load the induced
draught plant had no very great advantage over natural draught, pro-
videtl the chimneys and flues were properly arranged, but for lentral
stations induced draught fans had considerable advantages. They had
installed at Leeds three fairly large ones and were nuining them with
motors up to 250 h.p. taking the peak load, and had found them very
satisfactory. There was certainly an amount of complication, but they
had had very little trouble with the bearings which were water-jacketed.
The plant was not run during the daytime unless there was some sudden
call on the boilers, but it was run at night, and enabled them to have
fewer boilers under steam and fewer standby boilers. Altogether they
found very great economy. The author did not say whether he had had
any trouble with the grit coming out of the flues where short chimneys
h.ul been aoopted. They had had trouble in this respect with a chimney
21(1 ft. bigii, and he .should imagine with a keen draught there would
certainly be trouble with a chimney 80 ft. high. He also asked as to the
probable life of the steel chimney. Such chimneys woidd quickly I'ust
inside.
Mr. W. N. Y. Kixi:, in reply, agreed that there was no advantage to
be gained by carryiii'.i iln iriii|iciature above 400''F.. and that was un-
doubtedly what he w.mi. d i.i luing out, for in many chimney stark- the
temperature when taken .il llu- base w«idd be found to be about (iOO or
700°F., and there was no advantage in that. He further mentioned that
the life of a brick chimney was 75 to 100 years whilst that of a fan was
about 20 years. Changes were constantly taking place in the method of
generating electricity, and in 20 years they might be glad to reconsidei-
any decision. Mr. Williams had referred to the natural dra\ight steel
chimney, and said that it might be made to occupy le.ss space than stated
in the I', pi, l'\ m il,iirj ii ni ^iicl only : but that was not so. because if
they h III I I ill 1 II .ii]i|"iiini- ' lumncy. even if it was made of steel, it
must l.r \M II .|il i\, ,1 Mill II ill, lij-e. The brick lining was always put
in up to the hrsi .">U ft., if tmi ill ili.- w.iy up the stack^ consequently he
thought his figures for the ^|.,ll i m . ii|ii,il by the chimney were correct.
He did not agree with the ciiii. j-m rc^^arding the position of the guy-
ropes. With regard to the heating of air, Mr. Graham stated that air at
,'J00°F. restdted in an increase of furnace temperature of ,iO0°F., but
that was an advantage which mostly applied to a Lancashire boiler, oi-
any boiler where the furnace was not very well designed, and the gases
got cooled down very quickly after leaving the fire by coming into con-
tact with the cold surface of the boiler, but with a good brick furnace
similar to those fitted in water-tube boilers, they got a heat such as the
bricks would stand and it w-as simply a question of getting bricks to stand
the heat. .Mr. Woodhouse referred to the ca])ital cost Of cconomisers,
and he, the author, agreed that these shotdd be included when they were
l)art of the system. Also the efficiency of the boilers and furnaces sliould
be taken separately. He agreed with Jlr. Campion that flues should lie
expanding and rounded at corners. He i)ointed out that there need be no
guy ropes in connect ion w^ith the steel chimney, and t he a uthor agreed that
these were unnecessary provided there was a very broad base tot he stack —
the idea of the ropes wastosteady the stackwithoul ]iuttiu'j mi m i\ l,iii;e
base. Some of the speakers meniicmed the difficulty ui clc.iiiinj rliinni. ys.
The bottom of the fan and chimney was provided with a d , mi lUai it
was a very easy matter to clean out the induced draught chinuiey. It
was mentioned that there were several points that had been overlooked
and that the comparison was not fair all round. It was not, however,
his idea to state the case fully iu the Paper. The grit question was likely
to bo a nuisance at times. The slower the fan was run the less oae "k
these grits.
FLASH OYER VOLTAGES.
BV .1. LUSTGARTEN.
The trend of modern development in the electrical trans-
mission of power towards high pressures requires the atten-
tion of the designer of insulating apparatus to deal satisfactorily
with their requirements under operating conditions. In this
country porcelain seems to be the only material extensively
used for high tension line insulators, terminal tubes for trans-
formers, insulators for switchgear and other high-tension appa-
rattis. The tendency in development has been an improvement
in the quality of the material to withstand the great electrical
and mechanical stresses required of these porcelain insulators ;
and an improvement in the form. Eealising that the form of
the high voltage insulator and the relative merits of the plain
and corrugated porcelain insulators are as yet questions of
dispute, a series of experiments (the results of which will be
given in a subsequent article) have been carried out at the
Municipal School of Technology, Manchester, to investigate
the circumstances and conditions affecting the flash-over and
puncture voltages of plain and corrugated porcelain insulators
of various shapes and sizes.
As air is a dielectric associated with the insulator, a con-
sideration of the effects of high voltages on the former should
first be studied, and these will therefore be dealt with first.
For a better understanding of the circumstances affecting the
flash-over or discharge of electricity between electrodes, we
shall discuss in the present article the nature and properties
of the gaseous ion by means of which the mechanism of
the brush, spark and arc discharges, can be satisfactorily
explained.
The Electric Field. — When a diflerence of potential exists in
a dielectric, a certain state of strain — the electric field — is
established. Electric forces are exerted throughout this field
and the value at any point is (from the definition of potential)
equal to the rate of fall of potential as we move along the
lines of strain through the point. It is, therefore, represented
by F= - — , i.e., by the potential gradient in the direction of
the force at the point. The average electric force or intensity
between two points at distance x, and potential difference V,
would be - V/x. The maximum electric intensity R,„ is given
by R,„= -^./, where />1.
The electric force will cause attractions or repulsions on
charged particles according to their polarities. We can speak,
therefore, of a charged particle acquiring a certain velocity
under the influence of electric intensity of field or a potential
gradient. Moreover, an excess of free positive or free negative
electrification establishes an electric intensity or potential
gradient. In any layer of free electrification the volume den-
sity p of the charge is obtained from the potential gradient by
using Poisson's equation :
■ ilTfl.
Ciifiilnctiviiy of Air. — The conductivity of air, as well as
other gases, increases with large voltages as they become rare-
fied ; it reaches a maximum at a pressure of about 1 mm., and
then diminishes. With further reduction of pressure, until we
reach the lowest vacua, electricity does not pass in appreciable
quantity. This would suggest that electricity is associated
with matter.
A charged body leaks but little in dry air and in an en-
closure, but the gas under the influence of ultra-violet light,
Rontgen rays, or radio-active substances, causes the body to
leak at a very great rate owing to the increased conductivity
of the gas. Air which has been rendered conducting by some
of these agencies can, by passing it through glass wool, or
through an electric field, lose its increased conductivity.
Ions. — It would seem, therefore, that there are carriers of
electricity in the gas somewhat similar to the ions or charged
chemical atoms (or radicles) in electrolytes, the molecules of
the gas being modified in some way so as to act as carriers of
electricity. The positive carrier is called the positive ion and
the negative carrier the negative ion. The process of produc-
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
375
ing these ions is termed ionisation. The rate of leak of an
electrometer is a delicate detector of these ions.
C. T. II, Wilson found that under certain circumstances ions
formed nuclei for condensation of water in dust free air which
was suddenly expanded, the negative ion acting more readily
as a nucleus than the positive. Sir J. J. Thomson points out
that this difference between the two kinds of ions would have
nn important bearing on the subject of atmospheric electricity.
For an electrical field might be expected to result in ionised
air, if condensation took place on negative ions only, these
loaded ions being then carried down by gravity. The source
ot free ions in the air (accounting for the small leakage from a
charged body) is probably due to the radio-activity of the air.
Recent experiments by Elster and Geitel have shown that air
and carbonic acid gas which have risen from great depths
generally contains some kind of radio-active emanation, and
probably this diffuses into the open air. According to Ebert
the difference in potential in atmospheric electricity is but a
consequence of ionic concentration in the open air and the air
of the ground.
The Charge on lom. — The most important use which has
been made of the fact that ions act as nuclei for condensation
of water vapour has been in determining the charge of elec-
tricity carried by each ion. Sir J. J. Thomson'- determined the
charge by noting the rate of fall of the drops and the quantity
of water condensed. He found that the charge on the ions
produced in hydrogen and oxygen and other gases is in
variable and is equal to that carried by the hydrogen ion in
electrolysis of liquids. The quantity e caixied is 3-4 x 10"'"
electrostatic units. This value has been checked in experi-
ments employing various methods of ionisation, sucli as by
ultraviolet light falling on certain metals, and incandescent
metals, as wed as by the cathode rays. The important dis-
tinction between gaseous and liquid conduction Hes in the fact
that in the former the charge e is in all cases the same, whereas
in electrolysis this charge is proportional to the valency ; for
instance, the oxygen ion carries twice the charge of the hydro
gen ion.
Recomhinations of Ions. — Recombinations of ions of opposite
polarity takes place under the influence of their electrical
attractions, the rate of recombination depending upon the
product of the number of each kind of ion and their velocities.
If the velocities are great, their kinetic energies may cause
them to separate again. At atmospheric pressure the chance
of collision is much increased, and a greater recombin.ation
takes place than at lower pressures. In dusty air we should
expect the rate of recombination to be more rapid as the ions
diffuse to the large dust particles. Moreover the ions diffuse
to the enclosure and thus ionisation disappears in a few
seconds, leaving but a very small percentage of ions after
the ionising agent has been removed.
The Electron. — Ions move with a velocity proportional to the
strength of the electric field. The negative ion moves faster
than the positive ion ; Zeleny gives 1'375 as the ratio of their
velocities for dry air at a given temperature, and I-IO for
moist air. The velocity of a negative ion is reducetl in moist
gases, whereas that of the positive is not much affected. This
gives us the view that the ions form nuclei for the molecules
of the gas as well as for the water molecules. We therefore
associate the ions with attendant clusters. Prof. Kutherfordf
has shown that ions produced by Rontgen rays move with the
same velocity as those produced by uranium oxide. Langevin
shows that the velocity of the positive ion increases but slowly
with diminished pressure, whereas that of the negative ion
increases, and Sir J. J. Thomson, by his investigations shows
that this is due to a diminution in size. At verv low pres-
sures the mass of the negative ion is 1/1,000 of the mass of
the hydrogen atom, and this is the same whatever the mode of
ionisation. It wou'd seem, therefore, that at low pressures
the cluster of molecules has been shed, and we have reached
an indivisable unit which forms a constituent of matter. Sir
•T. J. Thomson calls this corpuscle, which has an apparent mass
less than that of the hydrogen atom, an electron. At very
* " Conduction of Electricity through Gases." p. 121.
' t " Radio-activity." By E. Rutherford, p. 43.
low pressures, the mass of the negative ion or electron is
invariable as well as its charge, thus, negative electricity in a
gas, at low pressure, has a structure analogous to that of a gas,
the electrons taking the place of the molecules. The positive
ions, as far as is known at present, from a measurement of their
masses are always comparable to the masses of ordinary atoms
of the gas in which they occur. Thus we are led to the view
that the gaseous molecule consists of an aggregate of the
simpler units — the electrons — and, if the molecule is neutral,
an equal amount of positive electricity. Sir J. J. Thomson, in
his "Electricity and Matter," conceives the atom to consist of
jibsitive electricity and electrons, and by the configuration of
the latter he explains che properties of atoms, such as atomic
weight, the Periodic Law, the Zeeman effect, radio-activity, &c.
Mechanism of Ionization. — The removal of an electron from
a neutral molecule would leave it positively charged, and this
would probably become the centre of attraction of a cluster of
neutral molecules, the whole constituting the positive ion. The
electron in gases at very low pressure travels unattended and
constitutes, in Crookes' tube, for instance, the cathode ra}'. At
atmospheric pressure the electron immediately becomes the
focus of an aggregate of molecules which move with it and
constitute the negative ion. The process of ionisation, what-
ever the agency, consists of the expulsion of electrons from
their atoms, leaving the atoms positively charged.
The high conductivity of metals and carbon is attributed to
free electrons being diffused through them. These electrons
are easily given out in vacuo by heating these substances, or
by the action of ultra-violet light. A great electric stress nr
bombardment of an electrode by positive or negative ion,
having great momenta would give rise to emission of electrons.
lonmttion bij Collisions. — The ionisation of a gas can be
effected by Lenard or cathode rays, ultra-violet light and by
the positive and negative ions emitted by radio-active sub-
stances. In the latter case the ions move with such high velo-
cities that we should expect ionisation to occur by collision
with the molecules of the gas. Prof. Townseud studied the
process of ionisation by the collisions between ions and molecules
of gases by taking two parallel plate-electrodes and allowing
IMntgen rays to ionise the gas between. On increasing an
E.M.F. applied to the plates, the current first obeys Ohm's
law, then approaches a maximum value (called the saturation
current), this is obtained when the rate of generation of the
ions by the rays is equal to the rate at which the}' are remov ed.
If N ions are formed between the electrodes per second, the
saturation current for any P.U. will be Nc. By increasing the
electric intensity — i.e., by increasing the P.D. between the
plates — it is possible to make the ions travel with sufficient
velocity to form other ions by collision with the neutral mole-
cules of the gas. At first, whilst the field is comparatively
weak, only the negative ion produces fresh ions by collision
(especially in vacuo), because of its smaller mass. It acquires
a high velocity along its free path between collisions, this velo-
city diminishing with increase of gas pres.sure. As the elec-
tric intensity increases the positive ion also gains sufficient
velocity to produce ions in appreciable numbers. This stage,
at atmospheric pressure, occurs very near to the sparking
potential. The action of the positive ions as ionising agents is
confined practically to the layer of gas adjacent to the cathode
or by the bombardment of the cathode itself, for it is onl}' in
the neighbourhood of the latter that the positive ions acquire
their energy to ionise.
Mechanism of the Spark Dischnrge with Dirc-A Current dif-
ference of Potential. — If, instead of taking an external ionising
agent, we start with the simple case of the parallel plates im-
mersed in atmospheric air in which there are alway.s a few ions
present, then starting with a weak field we shall reach a cer-
tain field intensity when fresh ions appear by the collisions due
to the negative ions originally present. At each collision with
a neutral molecule a pair of ions are liberated. The new nega-
tive ion acquires its velocity, and hence its kinetic energy,
under the influence of the field until it, in turn, ionises a mole-
cule of the gas by collision. The old velocity of the negative
ion is so much reduced by collision that it practically starts
from rest along its new path and is ready to ionise with the
velocity acquired under the influence of the electric foice and
37G
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
its length of path terrainateil by the next collision. With in-
crease of field the positive ions commence to ionise and the
conductivity of the air increases rapiilly, but this for a given
P.D. does not increase indefinitely, for the strength of field
between the plates diminishes owing to the presence of positive
and negative ions, and it will reach a point such that the rate
at which ions are produced is equal to the rate at which they
combine and diffuse to the electrodes. As the I'.D. is increased
the conductivity increases enormously until a discharge ensues.
i'ofenlial fimdicnl. — With the movement of the ions to the
electrodes we shall expect the normal potential gradient to be
disturbed. Zeleny luis shown that when electricity passes
between two plates immerseil in ionised gas, that there is a
sudden drop of potential near the surface of the electrodes
and the electric field for the intermediate space is practically
uniform. The gradient is steeper at the negative than the
positive, the density of electrification at any point between
being given, in terms of the distribution of potential, by
_= _ iTvp. Next to the anode there is an excess of negative
electricity and next to the cathode an excess of positive. The
density of free electricity in the central portion of the gas is
small. With larger P.D.s the layers of free electricity expand
until they fill the whole space. We thus see that the moving
ions and ion.s produced by collisions greatly modify the dis-
tribution of the electric field and this will go on from the
moment the P.D. is first applied to the point at which discharge
takes place.
I'lG. 1. — Eheak-down ()!■ Air Between Two Spheres.
Distance between spheres ii':iCin. E.M.S. \ olts, 15,iMi I
Mechanum oj Spark IHsdumje irith A-G. Difference of
Potential. — When an alternating E.M.F. less than the sparking
E.M.F. is applied to two parallel plates, during the first quarter
of a period, the growth of ionisaf-ion will take place by collisions
as discussed in the case of direct current difference of poten-
tial. In the second quarter, the ionisation, and hence the cur-
rent, falls, since the electric field is diminishing, thereby
producing ions at a less rate. A greater recombination also
takes place for the kinetic energies of the ions are reduced.
On reversal of the E.M.F. in the third quarter of the period,
the growth by collisions of the ions reoccurs ; the current is
reversed until a maximum is obtained depending upon the
maximum electric stress, i.e., upon the maximum E.M.F. The
conditions in the last (juartor will be similar to that of the
second. On increasing the applied E.M.F. the maximum ionisa-
tion produced will rapidly increase as the maximum stress
increases until the sparking voltage occurs. The sparkin''
voltage, called also the disruptive voltage, is measured as
K M.S. volts, but the maximum value of the alternating E.M.F.
causes the disrujjtion. AVe see from this that the shape of the
alternating-current wave affects the value of the disruptive
voltage.
La(j.~K definite time interval elapses for the ions to estab-
lish the state corresponding to the sparking voltage, from the
moment the pressure is applied to the passage of the spark.
This interval is termed the "lag." A higher voltage, or ex-
ternal ionising agents such as Eontgen rays or ultra-violet
light shining on the negative electrode, will reduce the lag.
Kig. 1 IS an oscillogram taken on the primary side of a high-
tension transformer, the secondary of which is connected to
two spherical electrodes separated by 0-36 in. The applied
voltage was 15,000, at a frequency 35, and was in excess of
the sparking voltage. The E.M.F. wave is marked E and the
current, when disruption of the air between the spheres
occurs, is denoted by C. It will be noticed that the tim&
interval or lag is j',, second.
Corona. — With metal electrodes other than parallel plates
the normal potential gradient is not uniform, and the electric
intensity will be greatest at the electrodes, with the result that
as the P.D. increases the kinetic energy of the ions in the
layer at the surface of the electrodes will be increased. This
may cause the air in each surface layer to be faintly luminou.s,
the glow being of bluish-violet colour. The air is said to b&
locally disrupted and of increased conductivity. This visual
apjicarance of the locally disrupted air is called the " corona."*
With the appearance of the corona the electric field will be
disturbed. The corona has a polar preference with dissimilar
shaped electrodes, starting with a lower difference of potential
in one direction than the other. In high-tension transmission
of power, the lines will exhibit coronie if the voltage of the
lines be sufficiently high and, simultaneously, with the appear-
ance of luminosity, energy loss in the line suddenly begins.
The Brush Discharge.— As the voltage is increased, short
reddish-violet streamers, commonly known as the silent brush
discharge, and- later white sparks, issue out from the corona
and extend some distance from the electrode. The paths
along which the velocities, and number of collisions, of the ions
are great are thus made visible. The violet glow and the
brush discharge are efficient ionising agents. Ozone is readily
produced by them.
Discharge from a Point Electrode. — The bru.sh discharge
shows a polar preference similar to that shown by the corona.
The P.D. required to start a brush discharge from a point
electrode discharging to a plate is much less if the point be a
cathode than if it be an anode. When the field at the point
reaches a certain strength a short spaik passes from the point
to the air a little distance away. Along the path of this spark
positive and negative ions are produced. AVhen the point is
a cathode, negative ions are driven from the intense field to
the plate and these possess a great amount of energ)', ionising
the molecules of the gas in great numbers. When the point
is positive, the positive ions driven into the surrounding gas,
do not possess the energy to the same extent.
The Spark and Arc. — At higher pressures the brush discharge
becomes whiter and longer and a hissing noise is heard,
and finally, when the sparking potential is reached, the spark
passes across from electrode to electrode. This spark is accom-
panied by a distinct explosive noise and a high mechanical
pressure. The perforation of thin plates of glass and pieces of
cardboard is evidence of the magnitude of this pressure.
The heating produced by the spark on the electrodes causes
the metal to vaporise, and the discharge will now become an
arc. This is due to the ease with which the metal is ionised.
The arc can only be maintained with large quantities of the
metallic vapour present.
'The Pilot Spark. — Profs. Schuster and Hemsalech from their
researches concluded that after the first spark which passes
through air, the succeeding ones pass through the metallic
vapour of the electrodes set free by the first spark. This first
spark, which we shall designate the pilot spark, is seen in the
photograph (Fig. 2) of a discharge between copper rods bent
to form the so-called horn-arrester. In this case an alternating
pressure of frequency 40 was used, and the pilot spark can be
distinguished from the successive arcs which occur during each
alternation. Fig. 3 has been taken with the camera nearer to
note the path taken by the pilot spark. It will be noticed
that the succeeding arc tends to follow the path of the pilot
spark. In Fig. 1 the maximum value of the first current alter-
nation—i.e., the pilot spark and first arc, is sm.aller than in the
succeeding alternations. In Fig. 2, when the arc is established,
the voltage between the electrodes falls considerably, but as the
arc lengthens its resistance increases and the current (density
of ionisation) therefore falls. The diminution in cross section
of the arc near the electrodes and high up the horns bears this
out. In the middle portions of the arc near the top of the
horns, the width of the arc is greater because of the greater
diffusion of the ions.
* H. J. Ryau, " Trans. " A.T.E.E., Vol. XXI., 1904, p. 101.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
377
CatJwdc loiiisation. — Fig. 2 brings out mapy other interest-
ing points, the alternate dark spaces occurring as the electric
field is passing through its zero value indicate that a large
amount of recombination of the ions take place.
The intense ionisation at the surfaces of the electrodes, as
compared with the middle portions of the arc, where the
density is less, is quite marked. The bright points along either
electrode are alternately the cathode and anode respectively.
The brighter point is the cathode as ionisation of a metallic
vapour has been found to go on more vigorously at the cathode.
It has been experimentally shown by Weintraub that if ionisa-
tion is started at a mercury cathode an arc will spring to a
distant anode, whatever its metallic nature and its tempera-
tine, but an arc cannot be maintained unless the cathode is
hot, Steinmetz* has shown that the stalVilit}- of the mercury arc
depends entirely on the cathode and not on the arc stream
nor the anode. From his experiments it is seen that the
vigorous ionisation (or "blast"' as he terms it) at the cathode
is necessary to maintain the arc, which can easily be shifted
from one anode to another anode, but impossible to shift from
cathode to cathode.
Lombardi and JNIclazzof have taken photographs of the
alternating arc between metal electrodes by means of a strobo-
scopic disc, and these verify the difference in the luminosity
of the arc at the electrodes. In their photographs during the
peiiod of extinction of the arc a very brilliant siiark is seen to
strike from the negative terminal, and when the I'D. exceeds a
definite limit sufficient to cause between the electrodes a new
disruptive discharge, the arc is once more established. Sir
J. J. Thomson believes that a vigorous emission of corpuscles
* Steimnetz The Electric Arc. "-Trans
Louis, 1904. Vol. II.
t Lombardi and Melazzo. The Alternating Arc.
Congress, 1904. Vol. 11., p. 802.
Elec. Congress, St.
Trans." Elec.
from the cathode is essential to keep up the ionisation — i.e.,
the arc. These corpuscles set free from the metal will ionise
the molecules of vapour and the positive ions of which will
keep the cathode hot by impact on it.
Effect of a Magnetic Field in llie Arc.—li an ion is moving
under the influence of an electric field at right angles to the
direction of a magnetic field, the ion will describe a circular
orbit, the radius of which is directly proportional to its
velocity (viz , the electric intensity of the field) and inversely
proportional to the strength of the magnetic field.
The arc when first established between the horns in Fig. 2
will create a magnetic field at right angles to the plane of the
paper. Since the arc can be considered as a flexible conductor
carrying current it will be deflected at right angles to itself
and the magnetic field. This will cause the arc to move up-
wards, the direction of the mechanical force being always the
same when the current is reversed since the magnetic field
i.s simultaneously reversed. Were the horn arrester in-
verted by properly shaping the electrodes where the pilot
spark occurs, the arc could be made to travel downwards,
proving that it is the magnetic field and not heated air which
causes the ho'n ari'ester dischar-ge to travel upwards. If we
Fdi. .3. — DiscHAKuE ACROSS Horn Arrester, showing Pilot Sr.\KK
.\N'D SrciESsivE Arcs.
consider a negative ion at any moment moving between the
electr-odes in the plane of the paper, the magnetic field being
at right angles, the particle will tend to describe a circular
orbit. Where the velocity of the particle is small, as in the
middle of the arc, the radius of the orbit diminishes. In
Fig. 2 we see the arc curves more readily in the centre, and
this is more evident nearer to the top of the horns. Should
the arc move out of the plane of the paper, the magnetic field
is no longer perpendicu'ar to it, and the path of the middle
portion of the arc becomes complex.
When the electric and magnetic fields are not at right angles
the path of the moving ion will be a helix. The tortuous
or spii'al path traced out by the arc on the right hand side of
Fig 2 is probably due to .such combined action of the electric
and magnetic fields, assisted somewhat by the hot air rising.
It may be pointed out that similar spir-als were observed in
other photogr-aphs (including stereoscopic photographs) taken
of the same arrester'. For the two photographs 1 am indebted
to my colleague, Mr. K. B. Fishenden, of the School of
Technology.
378
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
RAYMOND-BARKER'S MULTI TONE YIBBATING
TBAMSMIITEB.
Aniuug the instruments exhibited by the India Rubber, Gutta
Percha k Telegraph Works Co. at the rh)sical Society's
Exhibition last week was the Kayniond-lJarker multi-tone
vibrating transmitter. This instrument is a novel develop-
ment of the Cardew vibrating transmitter, and enables the
conditions, these are endowed with n <listinct resultant bias,
either positive or negative.
The Eaymond-Baiker multi-tone transmitter enables any two
tones to be given respectively— at the operator's pleasure — a
positive or a" negative resultant bias, thereby producing on
any electro capillary receiver, or on any current detector, such,
e.'/., as a Kelvin syphon recorder, those equal-tirae-value
reversal M^nals gcneially kiiown as constituting the syphon
rocoider code.
The two-tone reversal transniiter makes theequdl-
time-value reversal code applicable to:— (1) acoustic
signals, I'.fr, with telephone receiver, (2) signals visual
but ephemeral, e.;/., with the mirror speaking galvano-
meter as receiver, (3) recorded signals, e.c/., with
syphon recorder f.s receiver.
10 TuANsMrrrKU.
principle to be utilised for codes made uj) of two notes, three
notes, or any number of notes. The only receiver reipiired
for these multi-tone acoustic signals is a .single telephone, al-
though several telephones may be joined up if so desired. For
reception of visual or recorded signals respectively, a mirror
galvanometer, or a Ke'vin syphon recorder, may be used, the
received signals emanating, in this last mentioned case, from a
two-toned transmitter sending positive and negative undulatory
signals to the line.
l<"ii;. 2.— RurEiviNu j-.v Two-tonk TuA.ssMnTKU.
Multi-tone transmission is not wholly unknown, but the
system hero referred to is a distinct improvement on older
devices, utilising as it does the Cardew vibrator effect, namely,
current undulations of comparatively low potential accom-
panied by super-imposed spurts of higher potential and extra
current. The electrical impulses utilised are not alternating,
and are not, therefore, self-neutralising in their resultant effect
on any ordinary current detector. The innmlses are undulatory,
but owing to the cumulative effect of extra current, and other
The two tone transmitter giving undulatory impulses of
-1- or - bias offers striking advantages over the single tone
principle as follows : —
1. Owing to the fact that, in the equal-time-value reversal
code, the "dot" and "dash" signals are of equal duration,
whereas in the Morse code the "dash" is three tiines the
length of the "dot," the former system of signalling is about
27 per cent, faster than the latter.
2. The two-tone acoustic system, with its two clearly dis-
tinguishable notes reproduced in the telephone, has been proved
in actual practice to be more easily read in the prevalence of
Fic. 4. — GoTT Fault-seakcukk Coil i'seu fok RBOEiviiii.! Su;nai>.
telegraphic cross-talk on the wires than Morse vibrator signals
of short and long sounds of similar pitch.
(8.) Signals over an aerial wire from the two-tone transmitter
to a telephone or other recei\ er can be recorded, in equal-time-
value reversal signals, on a small syphon recorder. Such an
arrangement, under certain couilitions, would be of great value,
for example, in army work when headquarters in the field may
wish to effect and retain permanent record of all outgoing
vibrator messages despatched to outlying points.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
379
Fig. ], herewith, shows the instrument in its form when
two electromagnets are used, and is an improved combination
of vibrating transmitters for producing, on one or on any de-
sired number of receiving telephones at the distant end of a
telegraph line, two distinctly diflerent notes of equal time value
corresponding to the "dot " and "dash " signals of the Kelvin
mirror and recorder. P^mphasis is laid on the fact that the
undulatory impulses emanating from the transmitters are of a
nature to produce reversal signals on any current detector or
syphon recorder, which apparatus may be used instead of, or
in addition to, tl\e telephone.
In general practice the two-tone transmitter may be adopted,
although an excellent fast secret code for militirv or naval
purposes may be devised, by using a combination of from one to
three different notes. In this case a triple key and a three-
tone transmitter would be used with a single telephone re-
ceiver. Two out of the three tones could at any time be used
to transmit recorder signals.
The apparatus is thoroughly suitable for working over very
Xo. 1. — Diagram sHo^^^^•G Coxxectioxs of Instrument.
General Note. — This apparatus has one electromagnet v/ilh two differently tuned
vibrating tongues energised respectively by the right-hand key 1. which gives a high
note for a " dash." and by the left-hand key 2. which gives a low note for a " dot."
To test current and telephone to line depress one of the keys and at the same time
press the button Pi. thereby taking the short-circuit off the telephone, which accord
ingly will sound a loud note.
In the event of the vibrator system being used on a circuit of very low resistance, it
may be advisable to insert a resistance in the sendin.g circuit. This is easily done by
unplugging the coil of 250 ohms provided on the instrument for that; purpose. At the
operator's pleasure switch S need not be worked by the keys automatically, but may. by
means of the cam, be kept depressed for " sending." and raised for " receiving" ; if how-
ever, automatic switching be preferred it is always feasible. The contacts on keys 1
and 2 are arranged so as to be suitable for us3, if required, with two electromagnets
with their respective tongues differently tuned, as in another model of two- tone trans-
mitter.
duce good mirror or recorder signals. These recort^er signals,
under certain conditions, are more clearly defined than "those
produced by ordinary battery currents from a reversing key.
_ The use of the two-tone transmitter at a shore station, as
indicated in Figs. 2 and 3, in conjunction with a Gott fault
finder held on a cable ship against a cable (Fig. -t), on which
the final joint and splice of a repair were being effected
would, by the diverse-sounds imparted respectively to " dots "
J™-- '^= 1 r
i-4
--® S '3 a 0 o. :Tv-
TEST D U
Plug P, out.
Xu. .3. — External Connections \vith .Split Battery for use with
Telephone, Syphon Recorder ^^of. Mirror, or for Articulate
.Speech with Micro-Telephone.
Keys 1 and 2 transmit from corresponding vibrating tongues, undulatory currents of
respectively <- and -polarity. N.B.^Plu? P, is to be kept out. For syphon recorder
or for mirror w.ork either of these apparatus may be substituted for the telephone shown
in diagram. A recorder or a mirror should have a short-circuit, or shunting plug, or
switch to protect the receiver from the cable discharge at each raising of the two sending
keys. To use the micro-telephone for articulate speech, keep sv/itch S depressed by the
cam provided.
Hug P, in.
vo. l. — E.xternal Connections with Single Battery, suitable
FOR Telephone Work, also for Articulate Speech with the
Micro-Telephone.
^ N.B.—Flue P| is to be kept in, thereby giving the single battery to both keys 1 and Z
'o use micro-telephone for articulate speech keep switch S depressed by the cam pro-
Plug Pi in.
•'). — External Connections for Ixdctive Two-ton:; Cable
.Signalling with Telephones on Board' .Ship or Elsewhere,
utilising the Gott Fault Searcher Coil.
No. 2. — Expanded Dlvgram fiF Connections.
Depression of key;t closes contacts at Ki, K„ and K-„ and carries down switch S from upper (receiving) contact to lower (sending) contact. Depression of lcey'2 closu oonticts
ai K\,K-2 3ntlk:;, and carries down switch S from upper to lower contact. After each depression of either key, switch S rist"s automaticilly thus leaving connKtions to " re-
ceive. Continuous lines show external connections, dotted lines show internal connections.
Flo. 5. — Emi.axatorv Diagrams of Connections of Ravmonh-Bakker Two-tone Transmitter.
faulty underground lines, and could be used in cases where it
IS desirable— as in military operations— to signal over con-
siderable lengths of bare wires laid direct on the ground.
The two vibratory impulses transmitted from the two tone
apparatus are arranged to be of opposite electrical sign, so
that when a Kelvin mirror or recorder is used as receiver on a
cable or other telegraphic circuit, the + and - impulses pro-
and " dashes," cause the signals in the ship's telephone
to be readable, whereas under like cnr.ditions the ordinary
method of cable transmission would evoke, in the ship's
telephone, signals which, owing to similarity of " dot " and
" dash " sounds, would be quite unintelligible. Not only
has practice proved shore to be able to communicate with
ship inductively by the above means, but the reverse process
380
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
has also hpcz effected. That is to say, ship's two-tone signals
sent through a Gott fault searcher coil hel 1 against a covered
finKi Joint have been read with absolute facility on shore.
ployed, one battery of from 4 to 12 Leclanche cells will suffice.
If opposite sign signals be required for mirror or recorder
working, a double or split battery is employed.
~A.''
A
Note. — These records have been slightly reduced in size.
la. 0. — Signals on Syphon Recorder (Kelvin .short cable pattern) received from Raymond-Barker two-tone Vibrating Transmitter. KR = l-5x 10".
Up to the present two of the more striking instances — in
regard to distance — of this inductive working, which have
happened in actual practice, have been : —
(1 1. Over '20 nautical miles of cable with core 70 lb. Cu and
75 lb. G.F. per n.m. K.i;. of 26 miles = 3,779.
Fig. 5 is a diagram of the connections, and the accompany-
ing notes are self-explanatory, whilst Figs. 6 and 7 show
typical examples of the recorded signals.
The latest form of the two tone vibrating transmitter with
one electromagnet and automatic "send" and "receive"
_r/
_S'^v\s\fWijy\jM~\j i/v__ywtmA__
Note. — These records have been slightly reduced in size.
Fio. 7.— Signals received from Waterville Cable Station on c.s. " Buccaneer's " Syphon Recorder (heavily .shunted) From
Raymond- Barker Transmitter (used Morse fashion) through about 10 miles of lable.
(2). Over 59-8 n.m. of cable ^vith core of 4.50 lb. Cu an 1
270 lb. G.P. per n.m. K.ll of 598 n.m. = 8,905.
The above two cases, however, do not constitute the maximum
distance for this class of inductive signalling.
On another occasion of a recent" cable repair off Ireland
many service messages and other matter were exchanged be-
FiG. 8.— Single Electromagnet form op Transmitter.
twecn ship a,u'. snore ;,fier the final splice had been started,
the signalling being carried on at the highest manual speed of
two expert cable station operator.^.
If only acoustic signals, with telephone receiver, be em-
switch is shown in Fig. 8. In conjunction with a micro-tele-
phone this apparatus may be used for telephonic articulate
speech. The key contacts are adapted for use, if necessarj',
with two electromagnets.
Apart from inductive signalling, this apparatus has been
found very convenient, within certain KR limitations, for
ordinary conductive acoustic signalling — i.e., through a cable
conductor. Very clear two tone acoustic signals have been
exchnnged conductively between ship and shore through lOO
miles of cable, Kit being 12,000. It is only by practical ex-
periments on laid cable that reliable data as to KR limits can
be obtained. Data obtained from experiments on artificial
cable or through cable coiled in tanks are most misleading. It
is to be expected that for acoustic signals the limit beyond the
aforementioned KR of 12,000 would soon be reached. There
is no such limit in the use of the two-tone transmitter when
used in connection with a mirror or recorder receiver. For
instance, on the occasion of a recent repair on a cable between
England and Ireland, when station " A " on the English
coast was in inductive communication with c.s. " P>uccaneer "
whilst the latter was making final joint and splice, station
"B" (Ireland) received all '■ A's " signals as ordinary mirror
signals on a Sullivan (marine type) (galvanometer. Cable
KR= 435,870.
We understand that Mr. I tuymond Barker's apparatus has
been supplied to the Comu.fcicial Cable Co., the Anglo-Ameri-
can Telegraph Co., the Cent ml & South American "Telegraph
Co., the German Cable Co., ihc Japanese Government and
the ships of the India luibber, Gutta Percha & Telegraph
Works Co., whil.st experiment, are being made at Plymouth
by the Eastern Telegraph Co, on the cable ship "John
Pender," and also in Plymouih Harbour.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
381
LONDON COUNTY CODNCIL TR&MWAYS AND
"THROUGH RUNNING.'
An objection wliich liiw frequently been raised again -t the
adoption of the conduit system, in addition to that of heavy
capital outlay, is the " isolation " which results from the diffi
culty of running cars provided with such equipment over
sections of track in which the over-head trolle3' system has
been adojjted, or vice vena. This dilliculty is, perhaps, more
-Pi.oucii AS LEFT iiv Car.
serious in the cise of tramway undertakings just ou'side the
London County Council area. Several of these are desirous of
running " through "cars over the tramway routes of the Coun-
cil, and although such "through-running" is very desirable in
the interest^ of both the tramway undertakings and of the
passengers themselves, there has been some doubt as to the
extent of the delay and inconvenience which would result at
the point where the change from conduit to overhead equip-
ment took place, to say nothing of the capital expenditure
involved.
It would appear, however, that the inconvenience due to
changing over from one system to another is not very serious ;
at any rate that is the impression that one obtains from an
inspection of tlie process at Camberwell, where for the last
three weeks certain of the cars of the London County Council
h\ve "shed "their ploughs and run for absut a mile — viz,
from Camberwell to Brixton — taking current froai overhead
wires by means of the customary trolley.
'Die solution difl'ers fr.nn that adopted in I'aris. On the
L.C.C. system the conductor rails terminate some yards before
the end of the conduit, and the momentum of the car is
allowed to carry it a little distance beyond the conductor rails.
The motorman then brings the car to rest, and an employe of
the Council reaches under the car and uncouples the conductors
connected to the plough, as seen in Fig, 1. Meanwhile the
motorman has operated a " tiirow-over" switch fixed on the
car and thereby connected his controller to the wiring in con-
nection with the trolley, which latter has been placed on the
overhead wire by the conductor of the car.
The motorman then starts the car, taking current from the
overhead wire, and as the slot through which the plough passes
is deviated from the centre of the track and passes outside the
rails, as seen in Fig. 1, the plough slides off the end of its sup-
port under the car body, passes on to a little four-wheeled
truck placed to receive it and is left behind. Fig. 1 shows the
plough so left by the car just outside t!ie running rail, and the
four small wheels of the supporting tiuck are observe!.
The whole process occujiies only about half a minute, which
cannot be considered of much consequence, since a delay of
more than that amount frequently results due to setting down
and picking up passengers
As regards the reverse process, this is not much more diffi-
cult. The plough is supported in the slot outside the track
by the two-pronged piece of apparatus seen in Fig. 2. The
ends of the prongs rest on the car truck, and as the car
slowly moves forward the plough glides underneath the truck
as the slot approaches its correct position between the rails.
As soon as the plough is underneath the truck, the car is
stopped and the attendant couples the plough leads on to the
maiTi conductors^. The car is then run forward until the "live"
conductors in the conduit are reached, when the trolley' is
removed frjm the overhead wire, the motoiman throws over
the previously mentioned switch and the car proceeds on its
joui'ney.
It will be seen that the whole arrangement is extremely
simple, and it is operating very satisfactorily. Two employes
are at present always in attendance at the junction of the
.systems, so as to obviate any delay due to two cars arriving in
opposite directions at the .same moment, but the cost of such
attendance is stated to be no more thati what would be neces-
sary for conduit cleaning, &c.
The woi-ldng at Camberwell and at Ri-i.\ton will be watched
with interest, and, if on extensive trial it proves .satisfactory,
there will, doubtless, be further developments in " throngh-
runninir."
DOMESTIC ELECTRICITY SUPPLY (INCLUDING
HEATING AND COOKING) AS AFFECTED BY
TARIFFS.
The following is an abstract of the discussion whicii took
place at the meetini; of the Glasgow Local Section of the
Institution of E'ectrical Engineers^ on December Sth, when
Mr. W. Iv. Cooper read Ids Taper on the above subject. An
abstract of this Paper and of the discussiju which took place
in London appeared in our issues of November 27th and
December 4th.
Ml-. S. Mavou said lie \\m\ licon very imi. li (n.-^appointcil in using
lieating apparatus. Siioli oxporiments us lio bad been able to make
« itii electric ovens, saucepans unci the like, where the supply was ob-
tained from private water power, and, therofoie, cost of energy cUd
not come into account, were discontinued after six months' use. He
was of opinion that the «oinen folk were at.; 'in.st such methods, no
doubt unconsciously, in iiol knowing how to treut the delicate appara-
tus, which he admitted wasquite inadequate for the purposes intended.
He was of opinion that corporations, such ;»s (ilasgow, should hire out
apparatus for, say, three months' trial and allow it to be used on the
lighting circuits, and in that way assist consumers to come to some
conclusion in an e.xperimental way. He thought there would be no
ditficulty with a double meter supply, but thought the inspection pro-
posed was intolerable, while the charge of 4s. per 8 c.p. Lamp would be
a strong objection to the proposed tarift". He was of Mr. Stoddart's
opinion, that "all the flat-irons in existence would never smooth out
peak loads."
S82
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
Mr R<)i:ei:tsox (Orcenock) thought loral eoii(iitioiis would ahvays
enter into the question of what llie tariflF sliould be. For example,
London was totally <lifTerent from an industrial centre, and snnilar
tariffs for each would he totally different. He had always been against
the maximum demand system as it hindered the supply, liut hi Olas-
eow llicv had got ov.^r that ditlicultv to some extent hy chargnig a
maximuiii demand rate for 730 hours per annum, and a cheap rate of
Id. per unit thei-eafter. Tlie maximum demand sy.stem hmited the
demand when the station would he otherwise only too glad to have it.
The rateable value system was also (juite out of the question owing to
cheaper rents in the east end (compared with the west end ; a man
in the east end would bo consuming more and paying less than a man
in the west end. Any system based on the inspection of the lamps
was objectionable, more especially as most househclders would resent
their honesty being doulited. The tlat rate was his i<leal, and if we
depart from it, which need not be the case if the diversity factor were
high, then a double rate meter .system was next best. It sliould not
matter to the station what the enci-gy was used for so long as they could
getconsumers off the peak, and hetben would be entitled to the all-day
consumers' cheaper rate. Why should a Hesher with a 9 per cent, load
factor get i', better rate than a domestic consumer when there was
nothing to prevent him coming ou at peak load ? He thought present
cooking and heating apparatus was not much used owing to high first
cost. In many oases such ajiparatus had been abandoned owing: to
delicacy. He did not agree with Mr. Cooiier's conclusions regarding
higher and lower limits, as the units generated on jieak load were
really the cheaper. He tlio.ijlil hii in.^ of apparatus as suggested by
Mr. Mavor more the provi nt .i |,i u.ite firm than of a Corporation,
because of legislative and nili.i ililli. nUies.
Mr. SiM.ERV (I'artick) thought the tlat r.ate was the only safe and re-
liable tariff and it should be .as low as possible. He stated that Partick
Corporation were installing an electric oven in the liurgh Hall for the
use of people using the hall. At Id. per unit he considered electri-
city cheaper than gas. He was sure that some reliable and efficient
apparatus could now be obtained.
Mr. J. W. M.vc'KEN/.iE considered that consumers were the deter-
mining factor as to what the tariff should be. If it did not suit then
they would not accept it. During 10 years he had found barely 2 per
cent, who could not understand the maximum demand system, and he
knew instances wliere they were able to take full advantage of it. He
gave instance of a tea boiler on the Glasgow supply at 250 volts, the
capacity of which was 60 gallons. It was brought to boiling point in
29 minutes and the energy used was 37i units. This at Id. meant
3s. lid. He had heard that it took about 600 or 700 cubic ft of gas to
do tlie same in the same time. He was surprised to hear from Mr.
SiUery that electricity was cheaper than gas under certain conditions.
He had found that no known type of apparatus would heat up a room
to any appreciable extent. He was in favour of a fiat rate.
Mr. C.M.DWELi. emphasised the point that trustworthy inspectors
would be necessary and that ladies would object to such men going all
over the house. A Hat rate was in his opinion the best for people not
able to calculate and for shopkeeper.s. He gave some particulars of
the grills .at the Fleming Itcstaurants where at IJd. per unit, the
yearly cost was £58. This electric grill cooked in five minutes as
against eight minutes for gas,aiid did so without deteriorating the food.
Mr. Kkkk thought that the idea ol using electricity for every pur-
pose was out of the question. ,
Mr. Ckaki said he was sure the consumers would be sure to grumble
at Mr. Cooper's tariff during the summer mouths. The two-rate
meter would be popular and acceptable. What w'as wanted was a
good time switch which would run for a month with one winding.
A showroom with demonstrations as in Newcastle would help matters.
Kettles and irons should be made ^rith their heating elements easilj'
renewable.
Mr. Austin had made some experiments some ye.ars .ago and found
that electricity at .Jd. per unit \\as comparable with gas at 2s. per
1,000 cubic ft. The most common mistake made was to expect an
ordinary four-lamp radiator to heat a room. If wanted for such a
purpose, convectors should be used. He thought we had a long way lo
go before reaching anything like the perfection of other commodities.
Mr. ILvNorcii'ii instanced a ease in Paris where asbestos- ::overed re-
sistance wires were woven into the carpet and used for heating halls
occasionally. He advocated more perfection in ilat irons, especially
under the new factory Regulations, which practically prohibited the
use of gas irons in laundries without the expensive apparatus for
gettine rid of no.xious fumes.
Mr. Bl.'VOK did not agree w ith the " wattage per lamp installed '"
tariff advocated. The only likely system to succeed was the one with
two-rate meters. Present electrical cooking apparatus had a lot to
answer for, for it was far too dear and the renewals were too costly.
He suggested that the contractors should take up the matter more
seriously.
Mr. Friday thought th.at the maximum demand system shouhl still
hold the field on account of its tendency of making the right people
pay at the higlier rate during peak load. He advocated charging for
power and lighting separately arul differentiating between private
nouses and otfices. If a flat rate were enforced, then let them give a
rebate to those not on at peak load time.
Mr. W. W. La<'kie ((ilasgow), the chairman, ([uestioned if extra
wiring for heating and power was really a serious matter, and if the
existing lighting circuits could possibly carry three, four or even seven
times the current used for !i ^bting. He still adhered to the maximum
demand system. After going tlirou.rh Mi-. Cooper's proposals, he
looked through some of the Glasgow accounts and instanced a case in
Glasgow of two houses each of a rental of £130. The energy bills at
picsent were, on a flat rate of 3'.d. per unit, £4. 19s. 9d. and £19. 14s. 9d.
respectively. On the ratable value systeni they would be £14. 2^.
and £20. 10s. respeetivelv. He gave another instance of flats in
(ilasgow where A paid £3' and B £9. 5s. On the assessment system
their liills would be for A £7 and li £=». A careful examination of
ac(»unts made some years ago confirmed him in his favourable 0|)inion
of tlie maximum demand .system : this examination showed that
domestic consumers were the only cl.ass who could be bu nched together
for special treatment, as fully 90 per cent, of them used their supply
foi- two hours per dav— i.e., 730 hours per annum. It therefore became
a simjile matter to charge a flat rate of 3^1. per unit for 750 hours, as
•against 6d. for 365 hours and Id. thereafter. For heating and cooking
the natural law held good that the greatest amount of energy would
be required during the winlerat the .same time as the peak load. They
had (]uite a number of domestic consumers with large installations
of heating in their houses, and the consumption for heating and light-
ing w.as practically the same, liut in winter the heating units and the
corresponding maximum demand were very much greater than in the
case of light It woulil therefore be absolutely impossible to charge
a fixed rate of so much per 8 c.p lamp installed in a city like Glasgow,
and he thought such a system was wrong. The assessment system was
also wrong and illegal unless special powers were obtained. Energy
must be charged at so much per unit. A simple method at (ilasgow
would be to get over the necessity of two meters, charge all units used
by domestic consumers in November, December and .Tanuary at a flat
rate of 4.Ut. per unit, .and all units used at other times at a Id. per unit.
If the use of heating apparatus doubled the units used by domestic
consumers, this would just mean charging all power units at Id. He
instanced Mr. (5hamen's idea some years ago of putting a-separate
meter on each radiator and using one main meter, charging heating
units at so much and remainder on main meter after deducting heating
units at another rate.
Mr. W. R. Cooper, in reply, said that there was one point in his
Paper which some of the speakers had rather missed — namely, the
importance of simplicity in tariffs. There were many tariffs which
were perfectly good from the point of view of correctness, but they
were impracticable through want of simplicity ; for popularity, sim-
plicity was essential. Mr. Mavor had mentioned the poor effect ot
radiators. In considering this point it was necessary to remember
that if it was desired to warm the whole of the air of a room, the effect
of a radiator from the financial point of view was decidedly poor. On
the other hand, if one could sit in the rays of a lamp radiator, the
efl'ect, though local, might be all that was required. This would not
be sullicient for severe winter weather, but it would be enough for
S[)riiig and autumn. Mr. Mavor and other speakers had referred to
tlie unsatisfactory and delicate nature of cooking apparatus as well as
its high first cost. These defects no doubt existed, but they would
certainly be very much less as such apparatus became manufactured
on a larger scale. The whole of the difficulty must not be attributed
to high first cost of apparatus. This high cost would not be got down
unless the apparatus could be manufactured in large numbers, and
this would not be done unless a suitalile tariff were introduced.
Several speakers b.ad referred to the ilitficultics of inspection. In
regard to this, it was necess.ary to bear in mind that the proposed
tariff n.as purely optional. If the consumer saw an advantage in the
tariff' he probably would not object to the inspections. There might
be an advantage, however, in putting matters in a roundabout way.
An ins|)ection might be made, and the consumer then told th.at after
a certain number of units had been used all further units would be
supplied at a cheap rate, such as Id. The number of high-priced units
would, of course, depend upon the total watt.age of the lamps in use ;
but the consumer would not be told this, and he would probably then
look upon an inspection in a more favourable light. Undoubtedly the
ultimate ideal to aim at would be a low Hat rate for all purposes. This,
however, at the [ircseiit time could not be adopted without .serious loss.
The present lime must hv consirlered one of transition, and it was
necessary to adopt such a taritt' as would take us through this period
rapidly. He(theauthor)did not wish to draw any distinction between
lighting and power, except during the peak, and even at such times,
in his opinion, if people desired to use energy for electric heating and
cooking they should be free to do so just as much ;is the man who used
energy for motor jiurposes. There was no doubt, as one of the
speakers had mentioned, that more demonstrations were required.
The Newcastle Company had found the desirability of doing so. They
therefore gave frequent demonstrations, at wdiich" free afternoon tea
was given as a matter of course, and lady canvassers were used with
good efl'ect. The result was that a heating and cooking lo.xd of
1,800 liw. had been secured simply on the merit of electrical methods,
for gas was at the low price of is. lOd. There was no need to start
Willi living to get consumers to take expensive outfits. Let them start
with small apjiaratus and get u^ed to it. One speaker had mentioned
that the mMNimiim clemand had the advantage that it tended to ensure
that the li'jliiiii-- |M ,k was paid foi by the right ])eople. This, how-
ever, was .|ii:ii' .( tilla.y. Maximum demand was always run with a
Hat rate a- ,iii alleiiiative.'and conse(|uently the short-hour consumer,
who ought to pay for a large proportion of the peak, nerer went on
the maximum demand system. The system suggested by Mr. Lackie -
namely, charging 4 id. per unit daring the three winter months and
Id. per unit for the remainder of the jear — was an interesting sugges-
tion. At first sight he (the author i was a little afraid of it. But if the
high tariff were applied during the three coldest months of the year it
would encourage electric heating during the other months when it was
a most useful accessory method, and it would encourage electric
cooking in the summer, when perhaps it would be more popular than
at an^' other time of the year.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
383
THE ELECTRIC DISCHARGE AND THE PRODUCTION
OF NITRIC ACID*
BY W. (RAMI' AND B. HOYLE.
Siimmiir!/. — In this Papir tlic authors first summarise the i
employed by various inventors for the fixation of nitrogen.
comparis(m of these systems they deduced an experimental aj
the results obtained with which are set out at Icnfjth. The prr
of the electrical (lischar<;e in its tivct..ini- i- .ii-. n-<.-.l, ;inil ihc,
characteristics of these and the .llr,!- ,,t i, ^i-iun.. n i.iinr,-.
rents, and niafrnctic fields on thcni .irv ,1,-, r lind. In ihrn r,-, mi-
authors laid down five variables as likely to atfect the \ i>IJ "t
peroxide, and the influence of each of these, the other f im !'• m
while kept constant, is discussed. In conclusion, some iTitin -i
nomena due to oscillatory discharge with its effect on the yield
agreement of theory and practice in these matters are given.
net hods
From a
)paratus
iduction
hemical
,. |.hc.
Old the
la spite of the many attempts which have been made to fix
atmospheric nitrogen, little has been done to assist the inventor to
obtain the best yield from any form of apparatus, and it is with tlie
object of clearing the ground a little in this direction that tlic work
embodied in this Paper has been carried out.
In passing in review the attempts that have been made to burn
nitrogen in oxygen, the authors show that each designer has decided
upon some j)oint in the form of the discharge to be used which he
believed to be the most important factor in determining the jjro-
duction of the gas. The various a]>paratus employed from time to
time are shortly described, including that cjf McDougall and Howies,'
Naville and Guye,- Kowaiski and Moscicki,' Bradley and L.^vcjipy.'
Patiling,'^ Werner, Birkeland and Kyde,'' Rossi, and Frank and Caro.'
In all these processes except the last the object is to produce NU.j
+ N0, which, combined with water, gives a mixture of nitric and
nitrous acids. From these is produced calcium nitrate, in whicli
form the fertiliser is sold. In the Frank and Caro process the
cyanamidc produced is sold direct. The first seven methods use
the arc, No. 8 emjiloys lower temperatures and No. 9 uses the
arc indirectly. This last process a))pears to yield the best result
per horse-power expended, and the product is already chea|)er than
Chili saltpetre. This being the case, it is necessary to discover
whether direct combination in the electric arc can ever be as suc-
cessful as indirect combination, and, in order to do this, the factors
upon which the [)roduction of NO and NO2 depend must be ob-
tained.
An examination of tlie fir.st seven proiisso mentioned above
shows that the licsi results have been ..l.i.niircl with very large
plants, and the diliercnce in yield bctwcrri Hn kilaiid's Ktkw. and
his 200 kw. plant is amazing. The next point that suggests itself
is the excellent results obtained by Bradley and Lovejoy from
their multitude of small, long, direct current arcs, and this result
is to some extent verified by Moscicki's yield, obtained by the u.se
of very high frequency discharges. It is notable, also, that whether
the plant is large or small the yield is poor if an ordinary hot and
thick arc is employed. The results of McDougall and Howies are
particularly poor in tliis respect. Little better is to be expected
from either Neville and Guye or Pauling, and if there is one lesson
• Abstract of a Paper read before the Institution of Electrical Engi-
neers, in London and Manchester.
' Thk Electrician, Vol. LIX., p. 544 : - Unci., Vol. LVIL, p. 500 :
■' Ihi,/., Vol. LIV., p. 55: ' Ibid., Vol. XLIX., p. 684; ■• liitl., Vol.
LIX., ]). 545 ;«/(,)■(/., Vol. LIV., p. 55, and Vol. LVIL, p. 494 ■,' Ibid.,
Vol. LI. p. 767.
more than another which can be learnt from these attempts it is
that an are is never successful unless made use of to heat a very
large quantity of air.
It seems .safe to assume that good results are only to be obtained
by the use of thin flames with very rapidly moving are tlireads, used
to heat suddenly quantities of air which are as quickly as po.ssible
cooled again. For tliis Tca-nn ilie apparatus selected for experi-
mental results was a niodiii. ,ii hni i if that suggested by Werner.
The plant (Figs. 1 and li) c^ insisted of a high-tension transformer
■excited by an alternator, and feeding on its high-tension side a pair
of phosphor-bronze ribbon electrodes. The nozzle A was supplied
with air from an air pump and receiver, so that the air had time to
cool after being comjiressed before issuing from the nozzle. The
air pump was capable of giving about 4 cubic ft. of air per minute
at a pressure of 10 lb. per square inch, and was connected, as .shown
in Fig. 1, to a receiver, in order to cquali.se the pressure on the jet —
I.e., to prevent the beats of the pump affecting the blast and flame
discharge, and also to lower the temperature of the air as it passed
to the jet. The speed of the machine was 180 revs, per min. A
pressure gauge was connected in the air main from the receiver
to the nozzle, also an outlet was provided in order to regulate the
CVamp self-excited '
1-1 ie, which is very suitable
ihrough the air blast. The
allowing very wide rcgu-
,2lMt revs, per min. and the
pressure used. The idternator «a
machine with a very droopiuL' rliai.u
for giving a .steady continuous di-' Ii.h
Held was controlled by large iv-i-iu
lation. The .speed of the machine w;
frequency Kit).
\Verner used a Hat-ended nozzle perforated with nine tiny holes,
l)ut the authors, after a short examination of various types, decided
on a sliape like that known as the " Laval " nozzle. The shape of
the flame obtained approximated closely to a section taken between
two radii about 60 deg. apart of the Birkeland disc flame. Guides
Mk ^
A Alnminium laval nozz'e. B Ihosphor brome sparking li'b.iae. P Alu-
luiDiuin p'ate. carrying ebonite base E and adjaitab*e on A. T Terminals.
S Screw ailjustmtnt for gap length.
Fli;. 2.
at the sides of the electrodes enabled the path of the air to be con-
fined to the active area of the discharge, and this alone was found
to make a considerable difference in the amount of acid i)roduced.
The authors divide the forms of electrical discharge into five
classes — viz., glow, brush, spark, nitrogen flame (high tension)
and arc (low tension), and show that by modifying the circuit arrange-
ments a discharge between two |)oints can be made to pa.ss through
each of the above forms. A dift'erence in the form of the curve
obtained is, however, noticed when the measurements are taken
on the high-tension instead of the low-tension side of the trans-
former, and this leads to some very interesting results, which are
fully gone into in the Paper.
As regards the chemical characteristics of the tliree forms men-
tioned above, the glow and brush produce mainly ozone, the spark
produces ozone with some oxides of nitrogen and the nitrogen
Hamc produces oxitles of nitrogen and no ozone. The arc differs
from the nitrogen flame in the fact that the conducting part is
mainly made up of the va])ours of the material of which the terminals
are com])osed.
The ellecte of resistance and reactance on the circuit are prac-
tically the same, and. by suitably adjusting them, any tyiK- of dis-
charge may be obtained. For instance, high pressure and high re-
sistance give the glow, while should the spark be desired the resistance
will be less. Capacity and inductance have an important effect
on the oscillatory discharge, as this discharge is maintained largely
by resonance. The effect of an air- cm-rent or magnetic field on
such an arc is the same as if a resistance were insertedjn the circuit,
so that under these conditions a much smaller resistance or reactance
is needed to maintain the discharge. The authoi-s also show how
the colour and general appearance of the dischaj-ge varies as it
passes from one class to the other.
384
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 18. 1908.
In examining tlie chemical results obtained with the discharge
between conduotors. as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the following
variables have been considered : The effect of the use of nozzles of
different diameter, the effect of change of current, the effect of
change of air velocity, the effect of alteration of spark-ga)) length
and Uie effect of change of capacity of the circuit. One variable
having been decided on everything else was kept constant. The
air whieli passed through the discharge had a free exit, and a jiortion
of it was <li'awn off at a certain rate, by means of an asjjirator.
through a flask containing a weak solution of caustic soda of known
strength. I'henolphthalein was used as an indicator. This is
in
(
(l
"N
/
<
P
/
O-
^ I
/
r
E
/.
if
¥
7
Curve
I Is
n
for Id
ilz\t
No 4-
Vdl
1
/
/
It lj
for tr
lall La
No 6.
Vdl
/
/
ill 15
J
ford
t No,
9-pin-
3.
0
I
5
4
Cubic Feet per Minute,
Fii:. 3.
not alVectcd by ozone, so that the results obtained form fairly reliable
relative figures, and l)y i)erforming suitable calibration experiments
it is possil)lc to calciilalc llir strength of acid produced.
'J'he elTccts of IIk cli.ini!'- ut nozzle are shown in Fig. 3, and the
deductions apparent tii.iLi these curves are as follows: The greater
the amount of air pas,se<l by the jet for a given pressure the greater
is the maximum acid output, and the greater the amount of aii-
passed by any given jet the less is the maximum acid concentration.
Curve's Kill lolbs. per D |
Ic,m|^o•25cm,gdps.
5 lbs. per d"
icm So-zscTi-
^Titl 2 lbs. per □'^-^
ic,m|!i 025 c
_KipQCtl^ell^
It follows that with increased ipiantity of air tlie amount of acid
])rodiiced increases faster than tlie eoneentrati<in diminishes, and,
therefore, for a large yield [ler kilowatt-year with such an apparatus
a nozzle giving a low concentration will probably be necessary.
The shape of the curves is probably due to the fact that up to a
certain maximimi the increased temperature gradient increases both
output and concentration, after which the decreased mean tempera-
ture reduces the maximum acid formed. The falling away of the
ciu:ve %\ith large ipiantities of air tends to show that a point may be
reached when, for a given current, no N.O^ is produced. As a restilt
of these curves, one particular nozzle was selected, and was used
throughout the sub.sequent work.
A series of curves are shown in the Paper eonnectmg the amount
of acid produced with' the current and the concentration with the
current respectivelv. The practical deduction evident from these
is that for a constant air-gap length (0-5 cm.) increase of current is
Top curve o^ eacli pdir| is with vm
1.5 volbmeCer connected. I
- The lower curve Js without the
volCineter.
Gap length in M.M.5.
Fi.1.5.
invariably accompanied by au increased yield. The ct)ncentration
falls off rapidly with the quantity of air, but the amount of acid pro-
duced increases ra^iidly up to a CL-riain limit \xith the same condi-
tions. The results obtained by varying the air-gap and with different
values of the current for each length of gap are shown in Fig. 4.
When the air-gap is small there is a current at which the yield is a
maximum. A large current, in fact, would increase the mean tem-
perature and lead to dissociation of the peroxide produced. The
shape of the cm-ves at low-current- values is very irregular, and is
easily accounted for by the changes in the discharge which take
place at those values.
In Fig. 5 curves arc shown connecting the gap length with amount
of air and concentration for various constant currents. The curves
are in dui)licate. In the case of the upper curves an electrostatic
voltmeter was connected across the gap tor measuring the pressure,
and for the lower curves the voltmeter was taken off. The effect
350
.-o-
-s
/
/^
H
\^
/
/
N
/
2iu
ISO
/T°C. which 15 dppros. c6 currenC.Compdre
with Curves JHhW Fig.-S
Fu:. 6.
of the presence of the voltmeter was very marked, and is referred
to below. These curves have Ijccu plotted specially to bring out a
j)oinl already more than once referred tt. — namely, that there is a
maximum yield for each current corresponding to a given gap
length, and though this maximum for each gap length is liigher the
greater the current, yet to obtain the best results it must be accom-
modated to the current used.
With regard to the effect of a change of frequency, the authors
•are of the opinion that a high-frecjucncy discharge is always present,
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
385
.and that this materially affects the acid yield. In Fig. .5 it has
already licen jjointed out that the presence of the high-tension
voltmeter altered the acid output. That this was due to high-
frequency discharge is supported by the fact that the insertion of
a hot wire ammeter in the voltmeter cucuit showed a considerable
resonance current to be flowing therein. Such a resonance current
would be proportional to the frequency of the oscillation, and by
plotting a series of curves connecting this current with the main
current some idea of the frequency of the discharge and its effect on
the output may be obtained. From such curves it is found that the
higher the blast pressure the more pronounced is the resonance at
certain currents and the higher is the value of the current at which
the oscillations are set up and the more prominent they are. This
result has special interest in view of the fact that greater pressures
have been shown to give greater acid yields, but it is still more in-
teresting when considered in conjunction with Fig. .'>.
Endeavours have been made to find out whether a very high
frequency in the discharge always corresponds to high acid yield,
but in vain, for the subject is much complicated by the presence of
more than one frequency, and by the fact that such changes in fre-
quency alter not only the pres.sure. but also the current flowing,
as well as the amount of ozone produced. It is thought that,
while it must be conceded that the question of the effect of frequency
is undetermined, if not altogether indeterminate, it must also be
allowed that the presence of a high fi-equency, in so far as it admits
of large capacity currents across the arc and probable production
of ozone, is to be considered on the whole as likely to increase the
yield of ])ero,xide, which fact is considered as clearly proved by the
curves in Fig. 5. The yield of ozone by the o.scillatory discharge
has been shown (by Prepogno) to increase with the frequency used,
and it is considered that the presence of ozone has no small effect
on the formation of peroxide of nitrogen from the flame, and that
from this cause alone the effect of high frequency would be .sufficient
to increase the yield as shown in Fig. 5.
The authors explain the increased output of acid due to a capacity
current flowing across the gap by the fact that this current is in-
creased by the presence of a shunt capacity current, and that more
ozone is given off. This gas being more active than oxygen, it is
reasonable to suppose that mmv )iHii"j.t ]\ will combine with it to
form nitrous products. L.-iri_'i liijii fi' c|im ii. y currents (0'4 ampere,
100,000 to 200,000 periods at t.dDii v..hs) are too high for efficient
working, but it is possible that at lower frequencies (6,000 to 10,000)
the efficiency may improve again. Similarly, by further reducing
the frequency, it is very likely that the efficiency may again decrease.
The effect of the presence of this oscillatory discharge can only
bo examined by means of the spectroscope, and it is found
that by first testing the effect when pure ozone is being given off
and then switching over to a powerful nitrogen flame, the follow-
ing prominent changes in the spectrum are obtained: (1) The
distinct red line at the red end of the spectrum disappears, leaving
only a slight red band further to the right or blue end of the spec-
trum. (2) The single yellow line of the oxygens pectrum is elimi-
nated, and the two characteristic yellow lines for nitrogen take its
place. Tliese lines come conveniently one on either side of the D
line for sodium. (3) When the portion of the oxygen spectrum
F to G was observed there was practically a blank. When the
nitrogen flame discharge was switched on, a very distinct band of
blue-green appeared just before line F. (4) It is also interesting
to note that in one and the same discharge, if the voltmeter is con-
nected up, the spectrum of nitrogen is prominent in the upper or
purple part, and that of oxygen in the lower oscillatory part.
The oxygen spectrum never quite disappears when observing the
oscillatory discharge, and, similarly, the oxygen spectrum never
quite disapiiears from the spectrum of the nitrogen flame. The
addition of an electrostatic voltmeter gives rise to a high surging
current with a large output of ozone. This, as shown above, com-
bines with the nitrogen and leads to a greater output of oxides of
nitrogen.
The temperatm-e of the issuing gases is quite high enough to cause
disiociation, and if they be cooled fairly suddenly on leaving the
ai)paratus an increased yield, varying from 10 to 2") per cent., may
bt obtained, x-^lso, by ionising the gases after formation by means of
a Tc<la coil connected to plates lictween which the gases pass, an in-
creased output of from 5 to 20 per cent, is noticed. As sparks passed
between these plates, tests were made to discover whether the
increased output was d\ie to this cause, but this was found not to
be the ease.
When first the P.D. is applied across the points, the electric field
IS very strong near them, and very weak near the centre. As a
result, ions produced near the points do not reach the centre of the
field ; and since they are acted on by an alternating field, they are
alternately driven out some distar/^'^ and lecalled. An increase in
the pressure results in the motion at either pole getting more in-
ten,se, so that with increased movement of the ions a glow appears at
either pole. With further increased pressure the glow extends across
from point to point as a double luminous cone, and at this time the
velocity of the corpuscles is jirobalily nearly enough to produce
ionisation by collision. Further increase in the strength of the field
results in not only the production of more ions from either side, but
in the more rapid and complete interchange of the ions a,s they pass
from one pole to the other. As soon as the stage is reached when
free interchange can take place, and when the kinetic energy of the
ions exceeds the critical value necessary for ionisation by collision,
there must be a corresponding reduction of the ajjparent resistance
of the path. This leads to a formation of brush discharge. The
heat of the terminals, and consequent increase of the corpuscles,
with the production in turn of more ions by collision, leads to a re-
duction in the resistance of the path, so that the current is still more
increased. Further ionisation is a.ssisted by the heat produced,
until the terminals themselves probably supi)ly the whole of the
necessary corpuscles. When this hap])ens the spectrum shows the
cliaracter of the material of wliieh tlie terminals are made, and •• the
low-ten.sion arc " is produced.
Sir J. J. Thomsim has shown that if the ionisation of the air be
taken as unity, then for oxygen it is 1-2 and for nitrogen 0'95. It
may. therefore, be assumed that when electric stre.ss is present in
the air-gap the oxygen is ionised before, or to a greater extent than,
the nitrogen. This leads to the formation of ozone. Thus, when
the air velocity through the air-ga)) is liigh, so that the glow or the
brush only exist, the current is jirobably carried exclusively by
oxygen ions, and hence the oxygen and ozone spectra alone appear,
and the gas smells strongly of ozone. As the held becomes stronger
the nitrogen gradually becomes more and more ionised with the
production of oxides of nitrogen and the nitrogen flame.
A simple calculation of the current-densities in the aic threads
is given by the authors. The diameter of these threads was obtained
by drawing a piece of hard texture pajier through the discharge
and measuring the diameter of the holes punctured ; in the same
way the number of holes per centimetre length give a good idea of
the frequency of the discharge. In the arc tested by the authors
the current density was 6-6x10' amperes per square centimetre,
with a diameter of arc thread of 0002 cm., and a current in the
secondary (jf 02 ampere. The corresponding figures for Birkc-
land's arc are 2 x 10", 001 and 150.
Combining these two results, the conclusion is arrived at that the
ionisation at these very high temperatures is very much greater
than anything hitherto measured. This does not agree with the
experiment of McCTung,* who found that with constant pressm'e
ionisation was inversely proportional to the absolute temperature,
while with a constant density it was independent of the tempera-
ture. Sir .1. .1. Thomson, however, concludes from his investiga-
tion that til.' ioiiisation ought to vary more with the temperature
than is con^i-diii uith McClung's results.
The autli. I ( :.lrnlalc the pressure in their spark to be 5-5 x 10-'
atmo.sphere.s, as against I'SxlO" in Birkeland's sparks, taking the
jiressure to be proportional to the current-density.
It is interesting to note that temperature and pressure seem to be
interchangeable in these reactions, for a Kernst glower will produce
peroxide under great pressure, though under ordinary pressures
this gas could not be detected even though the air impinging on the
filaments was ionised.
In connection with the hyiJothesis that the i)roduction of peroxide
is purely a thermal, and neither an electrical nor chemical, phe-
nomenon, Nernst has given a formula from which Birkcland de-
duces values for the peroxide prochiced per minute corresponding
to different temperatures. .\nd as a change of current must change
the temperature of the arc in i)roportion to the s(tuare of the current
with a given amount of air and length of air-gap, the authors have
plotted such figures calculated on a base v'l . which should be pro-
portional to the current.
The shape of the curve thus obtained, Fig. 6. should be compared
with Nos. 3 and 4, Fig. 5. which show the connection between
output and current, and suggest the explanation of the yield of
peroxide referred to above. Besides this, the calculation for pres-
sure .suggests that the diffusion from the c.>ntre of the are, thread
outwards, must be so enormous as to give a temperature gradient
sufficient to fix a good proportion of the peroxide actually formed,
provided that it is removed from the neighbourhood of the flame fast
enough ; that is, there \\\\\ be, on this assumption, an air velocity
for which the output will be a maximum ; this, again, agrees with
the ciu:ves for different nozzles and spark-gaps. The agreement,
also, between theory and practice in the shapes of the curves between
volume of air and per cent. NOa is very good. .
'^^PhirMag.,^' Vol. VII., 19C4.
386
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
Further the fart (if tlip iiia.xinuii.i yield |)oiiil oecurrin},' at lower
air veloritics for the smaller currenls is als.i explained. The whole
series of tests undertaken clearly lead to the belief that the e(iuations
of Nernst are applicable, and it would seem as though it were possible
to apply them direct if the temperatures existing in the flames were
only known. As the result, then, of applying these theories it is
concluded that peroxide is formed in the arc by the combined agency
of great temperature, great pressure and great temperature gradient ;
that IcMiiMMiHiv jiiii inessure may be interchanged, and that it is
practir.ilK II .1. i-,iMrin|,t lo .set "a limit to the maximum efficiency
attainal.l. nil Hn-- i.lii i-mships are better undenstood. As regards
].ractical dcduclions, atteiit ion may be called, lirst. to the great impor-
tance of adajiting gap, current and air blast to one another, for it is
evident that changcsofyieldto the extent of .^ill percent. or moremay be
obtained by slight variations of either factor from the best obtainable.
Again, it may be noticed that, as regards quantity of air forced
through the flame, the maximum acid yield does not for a given
current occur at the same point as the maximum acid strength ;
consequently there is reason to doubt the value of using a magnetic
field (as .Inrs i'.irkeland) to spread out the flame. It would appear
from r.iuuli I iiMLilions made on the Birkeland-Eydc process as if
the efliri.ni\ ol ihis system was such as to lead to the belief that a
very good j)ro|)ortion of the maximum possible yield was being
obtained. This is a most important point, for, if it be true, then it
is hardly possible to compete with the cyanamide process in point
of view of cost. If, on the other hand, by making use of {a) the
most favourable velocity, (6) the most favourable gap length, (i)
the introduction of ozone, (d) the instantaneous cooling of whatever
gas is produced and (e) the fixing by subsequent ionisations, much
better yields may be expected, then it is well worth while proceeding
to these lines with the object of rendering the production of NO more
economical.
THE PHYSICAL SOCIETY'S ANNUAL EXHIBITION
OF APPARATUS.
On Friday evening last, December Uth. the I'hysical Society held
their fourth annual exhibition of electrical, optical and other physical
apparatus at the Royal College of Science, South Kensington. The
exhibits last year were arranged in the large elementary physics
laboratory of the college, but on the present occasion other adjacent
rooms had to be recpiisilioned to accommodate the large number
of exhibits and demonstrations of apparatus.
The exhibition was undoubtedly a great success, as was evidenced
by tlie large attendance and the fact that, although the clo.se was
fi.\ed for 10 p.m., a large number of visitors were present at 10:30 p.m.,
apparently unwilling to leave. The'apparatus was certainly much
more interesting than hitherto. Electrical engineers were much in
evidence, having doubtless taken advantage of the invitation which
was extended to all meiiibers of the Institution of Electrical En-
gineers, as also to the luemlii'rs of the Faraday Society, the Optical
Society and the Riintgen Society.
A most ingeniously simple exhibit was Messrs. S'ibange & Gra-
ham's apparatus for preparing metal ribbons. The method is
applicable to metals having low melting points, and zinc. lead, tin
and several alloys have already been successfully experimented
with. The molten metal is allowed to flow through an orifice
on to the periphery of a rotating water-cooled metallic (gunmetal)
di'um. The water is directed towards the circumference of this
drum by means of four internal vanes. The metal almost instantly
solidifies, and is })rojected from the rotating surface in the form of
a continuous ribbon for a distance of several feet. The thickness
of the ribbon can be varied by altering the size of the orifice or the
rate of rotation of the drum. Lead was utili.sed for demonstration
purposes at the Exhibition, and the ribbon could be produced at a
thicknossof only .jJnin. Aquantityof zinc ribbon, produced with the
same ajiparatus, was sliown, and in this case a thickness of only .;.,l\)i, in.
is obtainable. The drum used was about a foot in diameter, and
is usually run at a speed of from 500 to 800 revs, per min. It is.
of course, easy to arrange for a revolving drum of any width, so
that a number of continuous ribbons can be simultaneously pro-
duced by utilising a number of orifices. We might also draw atten-
tion to the fact that the supply of molten metal should be maintained
at a constant head in order to produce a ribbon of uniform thickness.
A bunsen burner sufficed to provide the heat necessary for melting
the lead in the apparatus exhibited, which has only recently been
designed, but which, nevertheless, worked with great smoothness,
and its simplicity was a matter of no little comment. It may be
mentioned that in order to prevent a slight tendency of the ribbon
to stick to the drum, the surface of the latter should'be kept a little
greasy by means of an oily pad. The size of the drum is immaterial,
since with one of a larger'diameter it is merely necessary to run at a
lower speed, the surface velocity being the only consideration.
Metallic ribbon of this kind is desirable when metal is required
to be finely divided. For example, the lead ribbon would be used
for making white lead, and the zinc ribbon for the cyanide process.
The above apparatus attracted so much attention that the series
of micro-photograiihs exhibited by jMessrs. Srange & Graham
showing the " induration " process of hardening was to some extent
overlooked. This process, which is due to Dr. Hodgkinson. consists
in the adoption of acetylene and ammonia gases for hardening the
surface of iron or mild steel, and the photographs sliowed that the
hardening took place to a much greater depth than usual.
Perhaps the most beautiful exhibit, though not altogether novel,
was that shown by Messrs. Cabl Zeiss. It consisted of a projection
apparatus for examining upon the screen the forming of crystals
under polarised light. In this instance solutionswere not used, but
organicsolids which were fused by applying a small gas flame beneath
the microscope slide. The fused mass was then cooled by a jet of air,
and gave remarkably beautiful colour effects on the screen as the
crystals formed. The most interesting effect was obtained with what
we understand was para-azoxybenzoic acid ethylester, in which the
crystals as they formed were seen to rotate continuously and,
curiously enough, always in the counter-clockwise direction.
On entering the laboratory one of the first stands to attract atten-
tion was that of Messrs. J. J. Griffin & Sons. This was due not
only to its position adjacent to the entrance, but by the glare of
what was at once seen to be a merciu'y vapour lamp of unusual type.
Fli:. I. — Ql AKIZ (il.A.SS .MERcrUV VaI'OI'K LaMC of MliSSKS. J. .).
(lEiFFiN & Sons.
This lamp, which is shown in Fig. 1, is an imi>i'o\ed form of lln-
quartz glass mereiuy lamp which was introduced by the firm of
W. C. Heraeus in 1904.
The lamp consists of three distinct parts — the anode bulb, the
cathode bulb and the vapour tube. The anode and cathode bulbs
are different both as to size and shape. The sizes are as far as pos-
.sible juoportioned to the amount of heat develojied at the respective
poles, ill order that the loss of heat at each end may be proportional
to the heat generateil. This is necessary if vapour is to be produced
at the same rate at both electrodes, so that it may be possible for
the lamp to burn continuously. Since it is never possible to obtain
the precise ])roportionality required between the sizes of the two
bulbs, an additional device has been employed to establish auto-
matically a balance between the heat generated and the heat
radiated. This device consists in drawing out the cathode bulb
into a narrow neck, where it joins the vapour tube. The bulb and
part of this neck are filled with mereiirv. The heat developed at the
surface of the mercury is carried away by the mixing of the hot metal
with the colder contents of the bulb : the wider the neck and the
nearer the surface of the mercury is to the bulb the more rapidly
will this transference of heat be effected. If at any instant the heat
is carried away too rapidly, the mercury level in the neck will ri.<5c,
and this will tend to retard the flow of heat to the bulb. By suffi-
ciently contracting the neck and by making the cathode bulb of a
suitable size, it has been possible to produce a lamp which burns for
anv length of time.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
387
The electrical qualities of the lamp are dependent upon the
amount of vapour j)roduced at the electrodes. Other things being
equal, this will depend upon the cooling of the electrodes ; the
better they are cooled the greater will be the current through the
lamp. In order, therefore, to make a small lamj) capable cjf absorb-
ing a greater amount of energy, the bulbs were surrounded by metal
bands carrying cooling fins, as .seen in Fig. 1.
On a 220 volt supply, with a regulating resistance of about 50
ohms in circuit, the lamp can be made to burn continuously with
any P.D. between its terminals varying from 25 to 175 volts. At
low voltages the arc fills the entire cross-section of the tube, whilst
at higher voltages it becomes more and more constricted, and
ultimately forms a thread having a thickness of about 5 mm. The
light yielded by this lamp is said to be the greatest ever obtained.
Thus, with .304 volts between the terminals, and a current of 3'85
amperes, about 6,420 c.p. were developed, which corresponds to an
expenditure of 0-182 watt per candle-power. In order, however,
not to prejudice the life of the lamp, it is usvially not run at a higher
pressure tlian 175 volts. Under these conditions, it consumes
4 amperes and develops a mean spherical candle-power of about
2,860 c.p., which is equivalent to 0244 watt per candle-power.
It is well known that the mercury lamp is very rich in ultra-violet
rays, also that quartz glass is transparent to such rays down to a
wave-length of 185 u-ij.. With increase of temperature and pressure
in the lamp a greater yield both of ultra-violet and of visual radiation
is obtained for the same amount of energy consumed. Also at the
higher temperature a gieater proportion of red rays are produced,
so reducing to some extent the disadvantageous colour of the mercury
lamp. This lamp is said to be the richest available source for actinic
rays of short wave-length.
At the suggestion of Dr. L. Arons, a lamp is now made in which
a liquid amalgam replaces the mercury, and it was this type which
Fig. 2. — Diagram of Conxectioxs for Quartz Glass Resistance
Thermometers.
was shown at the Physical Society's exhibition. This lamp yields
an extraordinarily rich line spectrum. The amalgam consists of about
00 per cent. Hg, 20 per cent. I'b, 20 per cent. Bi, h per cent. Zn
and I per cent. Cd. At low voltages the amalgam lamp only ex-
hibits the Hg-Cd-Zn spectrum ; at about 100 volts the Bi and Pb
spectra become visible in the neighbourhood of the electrodes ;
at about 123 volts the whole arc exhibits line spectra, particularly
rich in the ultra-violet region, of all the five metals. The electrical
qualities of the amalgam lamp are the same as those of the mercui-y
lamp.
Quartz glass resistance thermometers (Heraeus patent) were
shown for measuring temperatures from — 2(X)=C. to 900=C. The
platinum resistance, which consists of absolutely pure platinum
wire, is coiled in a spiral on a small rod of quartz glass. Rod and
platinum coil are then introduced into a thin tube of quartz glass
which is so intimately fused on to the rod that the resistance wire,
embedded within the quartz material, lies very clo.se to the
surface. The leads to the resistance wire are contained in a thicker
quartz glass tube, which is fused on to the bulb, and can be made as
long as may be required. The leads are made of silver or gold, and
are insulated from each other by capillary quartz glass tubes. In
this way the resistance wire is completely protected from the injurious
effects of gases, vapours and the like, and is prevented from ex-
panding or suffering mechanical strain. Further, it instantly ac-
quires the temperature of its surroundings, so that the thermometer
immediately responds, and, indeed, far more readily than a mer-
curial thermometer. Another important advantage of this form
of resistance thermometer results from the well-known thermal
property of quartz glass, which renders the instrument capable of
standing the most abrupt changes of temperature. The length of
the spiral, or bulb, may vary within fairly wide limits, whilst tin-
resistance may range from 5 t(j 50 ohms. As a rule, the bulb of the
thermometer has a length of 00 mm., an external diameter of 4 mm.
and a resistance of exactly 50 ohms at O'C.
The measuring device proper consists of a battery. B (Fig. 2),
a galvanometer, G, and a Wheatstone bridge. When the resistance
of the thermometer. T. is exactly 25 ohms at O'C., and that of each
of the other arms of the bridge is likewise 25 ohms, no current
passes tlirough the galvanometer at 0 C and hence the reading is
0 deg. A rise of temperatiu-e affects the resistance of the thermo-
meter and causes a current, the intensity of which will depend on
the increase in resistance, to pass tlu-ough the galvanometer. This
instrument indicates the temperature diiect in degrees C. The
P.D. between the ends of the bridge should remain constant, and
this may be verified at any moment by means of the adjustable
rheostat A and the test resistance R^. The latter has at a certain
temperature, which is marked by a red Une on the galvanometer
dial, exactly the same resistance as the thermometer, and can be
put into circuit in the place of the thermometer by means of the
switch S. The appaiatus may be made available for a second
Fig. 3. — Pattern of Resistance Therjkjmeter for Fixing on a Wall
to Record the Temperature of the Air.
)'ange of temperatures by simply switching in a different resistance
in the arm R3. This alters the sensitiveness of the galvanometer,
and an additional scale corresponding thereto can be engraved on
the dial of the instrument. The scales range from — 200°C. to
_ 100 C, - 100-C. to 0°C., 0=C. to 150X'., 3CM1"C. to OOO'C, &c. Any
number of thermometers may be connected by switches to a single
measuring instrument, and the galvanometer may be rejilaced by
an automatic recorder. Fig. 3 shows a pattern of thermometer for
fixing on a wall and recording the temperature of the air.
Among other apparatus on this stand was a magnalium balance,
the beam pillar and scale (jans being made of magnalium, a white
metallic alloy consisting of about equal parts of aluminium and mag-
nesium, and, although light in weight, pos.sessing considerable
strength.
The chief exhibit on the stand of The India Rubber, Gutta
Percha & Telegraph Works Co. was the Raymond Barker two
tone transmitter. The two musical notes emitted by this trans-
mitter correspond to the ilot and dash of the .Morse cixle, but with the
advantage of being of equal time-value. By means of this apparatus,
and a Gott fault-searcher coil, inductive signalling is possible lictween
a cable ship GO miles from shore and a submarine cable station, during
the making of the final joint and splice of a repair. A detailed
description of the whole apparatus will be found elsewhere in this
issue.
Other instruments shown by the India Rubber. Gutta Percha, &
Telegraph Works Co. were the Appleyaid conductometer. a direct
reading instrument for the rapid measurement of the percentage
conductivity of copper whe of 95 per cent, conductivity and up-
wards, the Appleyard conductivity l)ridge and the well-known and
almost universally employed SUvertown portable testing sets.
{To he continued)
E 2
388
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OVER SPECIALISATION.
It appears that the latest technical society to be formed
across the Atlantic is the Association of Car Lighting Engi-
neers, engaged in what we term "train lighting"; and, in
the American technical Press, .accounts are given of a most
enthusiastic and successful meeting with which the new
as.'iociation began its work. We cannot help thinking that
the formation of such a society is a case of over-specialisa-
tion. If there are further developments on tliese lines we shall
soon have the Society of Electric Heating Engineers, the
Institution of Electric Cooking Engineers, and many others.
Such questions as those involved in train lighting are of
sutttcient general inteiest to merit attention by societies
already in existence, and we can scarcely conceive that
such a body as the American Institute of Electrical Engi-
neers would find it difiicult to deal with questions of this
kind. The field is necessarily limited, and after the first
eiitliusiasm has passed away there will not be very much
to discuss except small details.
America is essentially the home of specialisation. This
term has become the key-note of her ,success in competing
with other countries, the aim of the manufacturer being to
have an output as large as possible and to specialise every
detail, so that such details are turned out with the greatest
rapidity, and, on account of the skill obtained by the worker,
with the least possible cost. Specialisation in this way is,
doubtless, very desirable from the point of view of reducing
cost and securing regularity in output and uniform quality of
product. As 10 its effect upon the worker, we think in all
probability it must be bad. It must reduce the human worker
to the level of a machine, so that any intelligent interest
in the work is lost, and from this state of mind it must be
difficult to escape. Althougli specialisation of this kind
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
389
may be necessary, we fail to see the benefit of extreme
specialisation in technical societies. Owing to the rliffi-
culty of attending frequent meetings and of reading
numerous publications, such specialisatioff tends to make
the enj^'ineer narrow his basis of observation. Although
there is everything to be said in favour of the engineer
knowing thoroughly the business with which he is particu-
larly concerned, yet there is a good deal of danger in the
engineer restricting his technical field; and the higher his
position tlie more is this the case. Developments come
rapidly at times, and it sometimes happens that a specialised
branch of engineering becomes completely changed by some
advance in engineering science. In tliat case the engineer
wlio specialises on a very narrow basis is apt to be left
behind. He knows every detail of the old order of things,
but, owing to his lack of taking a broad view, he is unable
to adapt himself to the new conditions quickly enough to
reap an advantage from them.
The narrowing down of the field of view is apt to
start at the very beginning of a man's engineering career.
Many a student on completing his college course thinks
he knows all there is to be known ; and after a short period
of practical work, he concludes, by way of reaction, that a
great deal of the information imparted to him at the college
was unnecessary. Instead of proceeding to gain a thorough
general knowledge built upon the basis he has already
acquired, he straightway forgets what, for the moment, he
feels to be unnecessary. For retaining and broadening this
general knowledge there is probably no more simple and
agreeable course than that of attending the meetings of an
engineering society with a comprehensive programme.
We think, therefore, that what we may term over-special-
isation in technical societies is a thing to be avoided, and
that engineers will gain more by contenting themselves
with the older societies as far as possible, and by retaining
the broader l)asis on which these societies are run, than
from the formation of innumerable smaller associations.
REVIEWS.
Copies of the undermeDtioned works cau be had froiii Thr: Electrician Office, po.'it free
on receipt of published price, adding 3d. for books published under 23. Add 10 per
cent, for abroad or for foreign books,)
Steam Electric Power Plants. By Frank Koester. (London :
A Constable &Co.) Pp. xviii.-ISS. 21s. net.
Tliis book will undoubtedly take a high place among the
classical works of the industry. It is evidently the result
of an exceptional experience, such as falls to the lot of very
few engineers, and the broad-minded and liberal manner in
which various equipments are described and criticised is most
refreshing. It is clearly set out from the beginning that
no hard and fast rules can be prescribed for power ])lant
design, as hardly any two electric services have similar con-
ditions and requirements. The advantage of this from a con-
sulting engineer's and power plant designer's point of view
is obvious.
Although the large power plants take up most of the space,
the author gives a considerable amount of attention to the
small plants, which, in the aggregate, are of far greater im-
portance than the larger, and are lor many reasons more likely
to suffer from inferior design and amateurish effort, owing
to the fact that, because of their smallness. money is .saved {"0
by not obtaining the best possible advice in their lay-out.
The author is emphatic on the necessity for the complete
design, structural, architectural, mechanical and electrical
being placed under one engineer, who shoidd be in charge
of the designers of the various branches. A distinct leaning
towards architectural beauty of power plant building is shown ;
British and American practice is unfavourably compared with
Continental design in this respect, and it is stated that the
superior economy of operation of Continental plants is to some
extent accounted for by the pleasing appearance of the buildings
and surroundings. If there be anything in this, certain
British municipal power houses with which we are acquainted
should show a very high degree indeed of efficient working.
The author states boldly that a greater part of the power
plants in America and Great Britain are ma.sterpieccs of
ugliness.
It is pointed out that Continental designs fioure on a much
longer life for buildings .stacks and plant than is usual in Great
Britain and America, and perhaps the author's diffidence
as to the satisfactory operation of turl)ine plant as comjsared
with the more costly reciprocating plant is consistent with
such a practice. But if we look back on the last 25 years of
power-plant progress, and consider the present, it certainly
does not appear desirable to build anything which cannot be
written off in 10 years, and the closest attention to economical
spending of capital is necessary to ensure this, if the price at
which electrical energy is sold is to be kept low enough to
enable it to hold its own against its competitors, and at the
same time to allow of this liberal dejireciation.
One point is overlooked in connection with boiler room
equipment: this is, the necessity of providing draught recorders,
flue gas, feed, &c., thermometers, condensed water and feed
water measures, in addition to the COj recorder mentioned,
which by itself does not give much valuable information.
The main idea in designing a steam power station is economy
in fuel consumption, but if the boiler house is not laid out in
such a way that it can be run week in and week out under
test conditions, the main point is missed. It should be known
hour by hour what is the steam consumption of the generating
plant and the evaporation of the boilers, and the iiecessary
instruments continually kept working, capable of indicating
immediately, not only any variation from the correct steam
consumption of the plant, but the cause as well. Consider-
ably more money may be lost by neglectintr these instruments
than by forgetting to put in an ash conveyor.
The book is to be highly commended, not only to those
engaged in the design of power plants, but to those engaged
in their operation. A. H. .SEArnooK.
Elementary Manual on Applied Mechanics. By Prof. J^ mikson.
8tli edition. (Loiui.ju : Cliailes (inltiii ct <'o) I'p. xvi.— 455.
3s. 6d.
The latest edition of this well-known text book is wel-
comed with pleasure, .After so many additions have been
made to the original book, exception may be taken to the title,
as it is certain that the average first vear student, owing to the
short time at his disposal, ca'niiot grasp all lli<' subject matter
contained therein.
Lectures XXIV. and XXV. might have been simplified by
using the shearing force diagram as the basis for the construc-
tion of the bending moment diagram. For non-standard cases
of loading of beams, it is easier to obtain the Viending moment
diagram from the shearing force diagram than to find an ex-
pression from which it mav be calculated. The substitution of
this method for the necessarily complicated formuhe given
would be of assistance to students. Even advanced students
find that they do not clearly understand the uses of the bendnig
moment and shearing force diagrams, or the intimate relation-
ship that exists between them. The method of treating this
important subject is probablv the cause of the above state of
affairs. In practice, the actual values of the shearing force and
bending moment at inflection points are often omitted from the
diagrams. If students were taught to con.sider these diagrams
more as working drawings than as illustrations, this fault
would soon be remedied. " The author might with advantage
lav more stress upon this matter.
There appears to be an error in the 7th line fi-om the bottom
of page .310 wherein it is stated that the tensile and shear
390
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
strengths of the plate and rivet materials depend upon the
number of rows of rivets. It should be stated that the formula
1-2 Jf gives the diameter of the rivet hole for steam boiler work-
only. In the notation table on the above page, it would be
advisable to state that (/-- diameter of rivet hole in inches. If
the word hole is omitted from working drawings, doubt exists
as to whether the diameter given refers to the rivets before
riveting, or to the rivet holes.
Regarding the (|uestions raised by the author, it matters but
little to the trained engineer whether the term " thrust " or
" pressure " is used. For examination purposes the older
established term " pressure " appears to be the more suitable
one. The choice of word must depend, to a great extent, upon
the nature of the object under discussion.
Numerous recent examination papers are to be found in the
appendixes. Their value for guidance in preparing for exami-
nations is increased by the number of answers given.
The printing is well done and the illustrations, which in-
clude reproductions of photographs of actual machines as well
as diagrams, are good. To all persons desirous of studving
applied mechanics, whether for examinations or for general im-
provement, this book is confidently recommended. A. C.
OUTPUT AND ECONOMY LIMITS OF DYNAMO-
ELECTRIC MACHINERY.*
■,' BY J. V. MACFAELANE ANIJ H. BURllE.
(Concluded from ■page 33S.)
Suinmary. — In thi.s Paper the authors consider (a) the factor liraitiug
the output obtainable from a given core size of a medium-speed dynamo-
electric machine; (6) the present-day practice with regard to this; and
(c) the directions in which extension of this output limit and economy in
active material may be expected. In the authors' opinion the best
machine is the one whicli complies with the specified conditions with the
least weight, size and cost. These advantages can bo secured with only
a slight sacrifice in temperature rise in d.c. machines, power factor in
induction motors and regulation in alternators.
Alternators.
Tlic niilput tci \h- iil)tainecl from the armature of a syneluonou.s
alti^rnating eurrerit dynamo is not in any way limited by questions
of temperature rise, but is entirely limited by the permissible value
of the potential rise from full load to no load, when working on the
maximum inductive load.
In a similar way to thatdescribedabovefordirect current machines,
the autliors then develop a rela'tion between the principal core
dimensions and the output. This is done by assuming the formula
for the E.M.F. generated in one phase of a tlu'ee-phase machine and
combining it with the current to obtain the total output. The
electric and magnetic loading values are then introduced, and with
the assumption that the pole arc is 70 per cent, of the pole pitch the
formula
B X ./ = 784 X W X vi'lt-amperes ^.,^
K-P.M.
is arrived at. The only difference between this and the previous
formula is the smaller constant. These results are applied to Fig. 8,
where quadrant 1 gives the relation between the (jutput per revolu-
tion and the product of the magnetic and electric loading intensities
(Bx(/). (Quadrant 2 gives the relation between the output per
revolution and the size of the armature core (the dH). Quadrant 3
gives the relation between the diameter of the armature and the d'-l
value of the armature for various numbers of poles, on the assump-
tion that the poles have square faces. Quadrant t gives the relation
between the dianutcr and length of the machine for any number of
poles, and square |)ole faces.
By comparing the corresponding direct and alternating current
diagrams (Figs. 1a and 8) it will be seen from quadrant 2 that for
the same output alternators are approximately twice as large as
direct current machines. The chief difficulty in obtaining small
sizes for alternators of the stationary armature type does not lie with
the armature, but is a question of storing sufficient field copper on
the alternator poles. This is due to the fact that the ratio of field
ampere-turns to armature aiiipne lunis has lo In- \,i\ i;ieiit to pre-
vent the ri.se in ]ioteMtial exc mliMj [\„- peinu -ili!, \,ilue. From
the above equation it will he sieii Ihat U it uen ii..>,il,k to get over
this question of potential rise alternators might be designed to give
even a greater output per dH than equivalent d.c. machines. In
• Abstract of a Paper read before the Institution of Electrical Engineers.
quadrant 2 (Fig. 8) is reproduced the curve given in quadrant 2
(Fig. 1a) to the -.1111. -<■:,]<■ showing at a glance the relative sixes of
alternating and due. i cm rent generators for a given output.
It has been toiincl ili.it the cost of active material for a standard
machine is nearly twice that of a minimum cost machine. The
question of potential is, therefore, all important, and its value can be
estimated as shown hereunder.
The calculation of potential rise is best done by assuming that
the whole electric circuit consists of two parts, viz., an external part,
including the feeders and network, and having a resistance=Ri
ohms, and a reactance=X, ohms per phase ; an internal part, con-
sisting of one phase of the alternator winding, having a resistance
= rj ohms and a reactance = .r, ohms. The total impedance is then
obtainable, and X and R can be written down in terms of the total
E.M.F., the current delivered to the network and the angle of lag.
The value of r, can be obtained from the dimensions of the armature
conductor, and to estimate the total E.M.F. the armature reactance
per phase must be found. This is arrived at as follows : the per-
meance of each slot is given by its dimensions, and knowing the
number of slots per pole per phase the leakage flux per ampere-tiu'n
per inch is given, and thus the total leakage per ampere-tiun and the
tan-
Fill. S. — Relations between Output Factors and Armature Core
Dimensions for Square Pole-face Altern.\tor. (Average
Modern Practice.)
total reactance per phase, giving the value of the total E.M.F. gene-
rated in one phase. The phase angle between this and the load
current C is
iX,-f j-|
Ri-l-n
where x, is the armature reactance per phase, and the opposition
M.M.P. of the armature is equal to S x C x sin v, where S is the number
of turns in each coil of the stator winding. This is equivalent to
S X C X sin 0X1' ampere-turns on each field pole, where v is the Hop-
kinson leakage coefficient. It is now easy to estimate what will be
tlie potential rise at the terminals when full load is thrown off. From
the no-load characteristic of the machine the value of the field
ampere-tiu-ns required to generate the armature E.M.F. per phase
(E ) should be found and added to the ampere-turns obtained from
the expression S x C x sin I'f. This value, when applied to the no-
load characteristic, will give tlie P. I), at the terminals of the machine
when the load is tlirown off.
Table I.
Power
(A)
(B)
(C)
Core
K.V.A.
factor
Actual rise in
Calculated
size.
of
volts, full load
rise in
Error.
cucuit.
to no load.
volts.
inches.
Per cent.
Per cent.
Per cent.
36x12
140
0-85
22
18
4 low
.■56x15*
100
0-,i7
26
26
Correct
36x22
250
0-80
15
17
2 high
THE ELECTKICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
391
' To test the accuracy of this method of estimating the potential
rise, careful tests were made on several alternators, the results
of which are given in Table I., where column (C) shows the dis-
crepancy betwein the actual and observed values in percentages.
In estimating the value given in column (B), the Hopkinson
coefficient was taken as 1"35, as the authors have found that values
between 13 and 14 give very good results in estimating the rise by
the above methods.
It is difficult to see where improvements with regard to reducing
the size and cost of alternators for a given output can be made, for
although many attempts have been made to get a satisfactory com-
pounding device, none of these has been very successful up to the
,^
^
— -
^
^
Cur*;
/
/
/
/
/
/
<Curv
61
/
/
/
L 1 .,
5000 booo
Ancere Lwrns per pote
Fig. 0. — No-LOAD Characteristic for Alternators,
present time. One of the reasons is that most of these devices have
been fitted to the exciter with the result that the alteration to the
field excitation lagged behind the change of load. It is therefore
probable that compounding devices which are not duectly applied
to the alternator will never be entirely successful. The authors
suggest tliat the old method of saturating a part of the iron section
of the magnetic circuit might be made to give good results by careful
design. For instance, the section of the pole may be considerably
reduced by extending the screw hole, so that the part of the pole
above the tip of the screw becomes highly saturated, which has tlie
efftct of flattening out the no-load characteristic, as seen from Fig. 9.
1^00
\
\
-
\
\,
s
-
\
s
/
:urve (2) for
for str^ghc n
Altcrn
lodd
dtor n
„hdrdC
n
1
EWOO
&00
600
-
1
\
-
3
\
h.
-
=1
\
-
"
-=->.
-.^
Cu
■vedl
for
-
^
\
-
t:
,/
,\
a I
00 :
00
.'
>o ^
00 6
00 6
00 SO
LOAd current.
l'":r.. 10. — Tehminai. Volts as a Function of the Cikkk.nt on a
0-8 Pole-face Circuit.
In order to obtain the best results the ratio of the reluctance of
the iron part of the magnetic circuit to that of the air-gap should be
very high, wliich means that the magnetic resistance of the au--gap
should be low. This can only be done by reducing the air-gap
density to the lowest possible value, preferably by increasing the
pole-face area, using semi-enclosed slots, and by reducing the lengtli
of the air-gap to a minimum. If the pole is over-saturated, so tliat
the requisite E.M.F. cannot be obtained on full load, the length of
the saturated part of the pole can be reduced by .screwing tlie hold-
ing-on bolts further into the pole. Comparative designs of two
alternators of the same output are given below. No. 1 is an ordinary
commercial alternator and No. 2 is an alternator designed on the
lines just suggested, having a dH value of about one-half that of the
Table II.
No. 1
alternator.
36 in. X 22 in.
Core dimensions (gross)
Air gap
Potential vise, full load to no load, on 0-8
power factor , 15 per cent.
Potential rise, full load to no load, on unity
power factor 4
Ratio of field ampere-turns to armature
ampere-turns per pole
3-7
No. 2
alternator.
36 in. X 11 in.
*in.
13 per cent.
2-2
first alternator. The no-load characteristic of No. 1 alternator is
curve 1, Fig. 9, and of No. 2 alternator in curve 2, Fig. 9.
Table II. gives the core dimensions, the air-gaps, the potential
difference as estimated by the above metliod on non-inductive and
inductive loads, and also the ratio of the field ampere-turns per pole
to the armature ampere-turns per pole in both cases. Also the curves
in Fig. 10 give for an O'S power-factor circuit: — (1) The potential
difference at the terminals of the alternator No. I as a function of
the load current per phase. (2) The potential difference at the
terminals of alternator No. 2 as a function of the load current per
phase on the assumption that there is no pole saturation — that is, that
the no-load characteristic does not bend. (3) The potential
difference at the terminals of alternator No. 2 as a function of the
load cm-rent on the a.ssumption that the pole is highly saturated —
that is, that the characteristic is the same as that given in curve 2,
Fig. 9.
DISCUSSION.
Col. R. E. B. Croiipton said he was somewhat diffident in attempt-
ing to discuss such a Paper as they h,ad before them that evening,
but it was perhaps fitting that he should make some opening remarks,
as the authors of the Paper were connected with his own firm. He
was one of those who believed that one of the reasons why their Insti-
tution existed was that those who were trying to make real advances
should come to the Institution and pool their ideas with otliers. He
was sure that in every case where that had been loyall3' done, the
industry as a whole had benefited, and those who gave freely of their
ideas had benefited most of all in the end. Col. Crompton then briefly
referred to the early history of dynamos, when a happy conjunction
brought Dr. Kapp and himself together, one being a mechanic and
the other an electrician, as in the case of the present authors. He
was please i to see a P.a{jer of this character, because it could then
never be urged as a reproacli to Enfrlish engineering that English
engineers were rule of thumb engineers. He was also glad to notice
that the authors were using quadrant diagrams. As one more or less
expert on electric station costs he could say that they hardly knew
how much time had been saved by the use of that type of diagram.
It was easy to make a dynamo, but when they were forced by the
severe competition at present prevailing to produce with the smallest
possible amount of material and labour an electric generating machine
or a motor which had to be free from all fault, and to produce it at
the lowest possible cost, then they were doing a worthy thing, and uU
honour to those who wished to put into their hands the latest informa-
tion on matters which it would take years of experiment and work to
obtain. As to the Paper before them, he was not as competent .as
many there to criticise it theoretically, but he knew that the pr.ictical
results were second to none.
Mr. Hawkins entered a plea for a more definite terminology in
relation to the subject of the Paper. The quotient of the watts of
output divided by the angular velocity in revolutions per miiuite
being the specific of the machine, he sugge.sted that the quotient
/wattsperreys pe'' """-j ^g called the "dimensional torque,"being the
torque given b}' each cubic inch of the product d-l. For its reciprocal
\wai
d-l
^.)
should be reserved the term "size constant "
atts perrevs. permin.y
in place of "output factor" used by the authoi-s. The maximum
value of the product Bq for average modern practice might be divided
into B = 9,000 lines per square centimetre and -/^SOO ampere wires
per inch of armature circumference, or 10,000 and 1,000 respec-
tively for the possible increased values witli commutating poles. For
alternators the curves had not the same validity as for continuous-
current machines, owing to secondary considerations, such as flywlieel
effect and number of poles, which caused the diameter to prepon-
derate. He concluded by criticising the author's approximate method
of predicting the rise of potential, which did not take into account
tlie effect of the armature cross ampere-turns on liigh power- factors.
Prof. SiLVANUS P. Thomi'Sox remarked that as recently as .January
of this year tliey had discussed a Paper on the same subject by Dr.
Goldschmidt, who might be placed .among those who had contributed
to the success of the same firm as the authors of the present Paper.
Comparing t)ie results given in .lanuary last as modern practice with
the results before them that evening, one could imagine that modern
practice had gone ahead verj- fast. The change in the output of arma-
tures and the improvement in machines for years past had generally
come about by verj- careful selection and the discarding of unsatisfac-
tory patterns. But now quite suddenly armatures of a given size
392
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
were made to yielil tliree limes as much power as formerly. It was
evident that the introduction of auxiliary poles had enabled them to
make smaller machines for the same output and with mucli less weight
of copper. He would like to ask the authors wliether they were jus-
titled in assuming that the cost of the material in each of tlie electric
jiarts was nearly proportional to the electric and magnetic loading.
Also, in regard to the ratio of X toY, had they found on examination
of standard moflern machines any difference in machines of the same
output? Did practice dictate that the armatures or motors should
bo relatively more powerful than for genei'ators, as was declared bv
some to be the case a quarter of a century ago 1 He thought there
were a very large number of intensely interesting points in the Paper.
Tlie authors' investigations regarding core losses and temperatue rise
ought to be of great assistance.
Mr. Miles Walkek considered the quadrant diagrams were very
clever generalisations of the performance of induction motors of ditTer-
ent sizes. In obtaining a general expression for dimensions and per-
formance of electrical machinery it was difficult to tix or co-relate the
many variables, and the way in which this has been done by the
authors was very interesting. The relation between length of iron and
pole pitch given in Fig. 6 was not necessarily the best. It was deduced
on the assumption that the motor was designed to give the minimum.
It was not sufficient when arranging a line of machines to take the
minimmn or maxin\um value of any particular function under con-
sideration, but it was necessary to see how ciuickly the minimum or
the maximum value changed with the change of the other variable.
They ought therefore to consider at w^hat rate a altered with the
ratio between length and pole pitch. The relation between L
and T could be altered between very wide limits, and yet only
made a very small percentage change in the value of a. Cost of
material and cost of labour were of much more consequence. Equa-
tion (5) was far from being a true guide to the best dimensions
of a motor or to the value of a which could be obtained in a
commercial motor. Indeed, the values obtained from Fig. 7 showed
its defects in this respect. Taking, for instance, the figures for the
500 it.n.p. motor of 50 -»• running at 375 revs, per min., this might
be a commercial motor to hnild, for it certainly was of very small
dimensions, but would its performance render it a commercial motor
to acU. The purchaser would expect a higher power factor than 087
on a 500 h.p. motor even with 16 poles. By using a larger frame one
could get nearer to 90 jier cent, power factor and at tne same time
have less chance of temperature troubles and pulling over accidents.
The authors did not allow full value for the advantages of short cord
winding. It was possible to reduce the pitch of the coils by 40 per
cent, and only reduce the output by 15 per cent. He agreed with Mr.
Hawkins that the Paper did not take into account the cross magnetisa-
tion of the pole, and with Mr. Stoney as to the danger of obtaining
regulation only by saturation. The use of the Hopkinson leakage co-
ctfioient in the expression S.C. sin e.v was not correct. Apart from
these criticisms, he thought that the method of dealing with the whole
subject was excellent.
Mr. G. Stoney first referred to a shunt-wound dynamo, which he
had seen in 1880, with a solid iron armature. The heating of this
could not then be explaiiied and it was hard to realise at the present
time that such things as eddy currents and hysteresis were then prac-
tically unknown. Also when Mr. Parsons started his first high-speed
turbo-dynamo it was very problematical whether the magnetism would
lie able to follow round the core 'fast enough. As the authors men-
tioned, the outputs of continuous current machinery had been im-
mensely increased by the use of iiiterpoles and compensating winding.
For turbo-dynamos, either a pure compensating winding or a compen-
sating winding combined witli interpoles had proved most satisfac-
tory. Interpoles alone were not satisfactory as a rule, owing partly to
the lag in the magnetism at sudden change of load, causing flashing
over and, on the whole, in his experience, pure compensating winding
without interpoles was most satisfactory : and the use of such devices
had enabled the output of a given arnuxture to be increased by about
three times, oven without ,-iny shifting of the brushes. The authors
III tlicir suggestions for improving the output and economy limits said
they did not consider improvements in the active material used in the
construction of the armature and improvements in the ventilation.
Improvements in the active materials had done almost more for the
designer than anything else. Ventilation also was most important,
and generally the problem that the designer had to tackle was for the
minimum price in the minimum space to put the maximum of iron,
copper, insulation and \entilation, and it was onlv by a satisfactory
compromise that the best results could be obtained. Again, Fig. 4
^yould bo of much more value if the authors in replying to the discus-
sion would give the size and other particulars of the'core experimented
on. In alternating current macliinery the authors said that the out-
put from the amuiture of a synchronous generator was not in any way
limited by temperature rise, but only by the regulation. In his ex-
perience temperature rise was (juite as important, or even more so,
than regulation. One speaker had suggested the " Tirrill " regulator
for improving the regulation. This, of course, had the difficultv of
moving contacts, and he (the speaker) drew attention again to "the
form of regulator deviseil* by Mr. Parsons and Mr. Law. The authors'
suggestion for increasing the output of a given alternator by using
high saturation in various parts was rather dangerous If there was
the smallest error in the calculations or if the quality of the material
was not quite so good as expected, serious difficulties were met with,
audjin^nejiases the machine might fail to give its rated voltage.
and a! H?^^""''""''' ^'°'' '^■^- l*- ^*- ^^P^'' ""y '^^^^■<:^- G- Stoney
Also on inductive load the nece.s.sary increase of exciting current might
be excessive.
Mr. S. E. (iLEyDEXSlxo noticed that the authors stated that the
output from a given core size was now limited only by the temperature
rise permissible. Unfortunately it was still easy to make a bad
machine by trusting too much to auxiliary poles. The authors sug-
gested the use of very deep slots and a small commutator, but he had
found that an alteration in either of these directions tended to lower
the commutation limit. The authors had adoped a line of machines
of small diameter and great axial length. By making the net length
of the armature equal about half the pole pitch, the watts lost on the
armature at 3,500 ft. per minute could be improved by at least 30
per cent. The gain was partly due to increased cooling surface and
partly to better windage. Materials such as " Stalloy," though left
out of consideration in the Paper, would have a considerable influence
on future progress. Enamelled wire could now be got the covering
of which— 1 mill thick — would stand 1,000 volts after moderate bend-
ing. The price was about 30 per cent, higher than for cotton covered.
Aluminium, too, might decrease the cost of magnet windings. Ven-
tilation was also left out of account in the Paper, and the above items
would have more effect than the authors' suggested improvements.
Mr. P. R. Feiedlandeb (communicated) thought the Paper was
valuable, even if it was based upon only one maker's designs, but it
could only become a definite landmark in dj'iiamo design if confirmed
by the experience of other makers. In connection with the suggested
means of improving the output limits, it might be pointed out that
the exact cause of the greater part of the iron loss in continuous cur-
rent armatures was at present inexplainable. The excess was prob-
ably due to additional eddy currents produced partly by the burring
over of the discs during construction and partly in the thick end discs
used to separate the armature and in the magnetic pole faces. Sys-
tematic attention to those points would probably do more to reduce the
iron loss than the employment of improved material. The authors did
not explain how they estimated the total flux per pole (or the average
flux density in the air-gap). Apparently they assumed a sine wave
space distribution of the flux, and this was not quite justified for
normal motors having few slots per pole per phase. The suggestion
made of saturating the poles of alternators so as to improve the out-
put coefficient w'ithout increasing the drop was not so efifecti .'e as
would appear, since the zigzag leakage and the distortion of the field
by armature re-action were not taken into account. High-speed regu-
lators of the Tirrill type probably offered the simplest and most flexible
solution of the alternator regulation problem at the present time.
Mr. R. LiviNGSTOXE (communicated) remarked that in considering
continuous current machines the authors left out machines with inter-
poles. At present these were used chiefly on high speed or variable
voltage generators and variable speed motors, and ordinary generators
and motors were still built without them. In Figs. 2 and 2a a density
of 135,000 C.G.S. lines per square inch was given for the limit of tooth
density. M.any machines were running with a tooth density 15 to
20 per cent, greater than that (at frequencies of 25 to 30-^\ and he
would like the authors to give their reasons for keeping that density^
so low. A deep slot gave a high reactance voltage, and the high arma-
ture strength gave a large distortion of flux in the inter-polar gap.
Those two factors influenced the commutation so that more turns
would be required on the commuting pole- Would not that aft'ect the
ratio of depth of slot to diameter of armature and also the dotted line
curves in quadrant 2, Figs. 1 and 1a ? In variable speed motors or
generators the increase of values between adjusting commutator bars
due to field distortion became of more importance and would put a
limit to the depth of slot. In calculating the no-load current of an in-
duction motor the simplest way was to work out the dimensions owing
to the length of the different portions of the magnetic circuit and from
the usual B.H. curves estimate the ampere-turns required. The gap
was the starting point in the design, and it would seem advisable to
first of all determine rationally the "most economical size.
Dr. A. RussEi.L (communicated) thought the formula given for the
total iron losses in the armature of continuous-current machines must
be accepted with caution, since it gave no limit as to the effect pro-
duced by varying the thickness and resistivity of the iron stampings.
Unfortunately, at present, theory did not help much. Making the
assumption of constant permeability, it might be shown mathemati-
cally that if the product of the jiermeabiUty ^ and the frequency/
divided by the resistivity p be high, the losses per cubic centimetre
varied directly as Vm />/', where t was the thickness of the lamina-
tions. On the other hand, if m./JV be small it was well known that
the eddy current losses per cubic centimetre were proportional to
(';/-, p) B,„ax.'- In the former case the heating of the iron increased the
eddy current loss ; in the latter it diminished it. The formula for
either case given by Sir Joseph Thomson was fairly simple. He had
a diHiculty in accepting the formula for the leakage factor. It was
hard to believe that that factor to a first approximation was indeiien-
dent of the number of turns and the nature of the winding of the
stator and rotor. From that formula, on the assumption that the
number of poles and the volume of the rotor was constant, the authors
deduced a " best ratio " for core length to core pitch. In making this
assumption, however, they assumed that the equivalent air-gap A did
not vary with the diameter of the rotor. Mr. Hawkins had called
attention to the formula given for the demagnetising ampere-turns due
to the current in the armature. When the ratio of the pole arc to the
pole pitch was very small they had a simple coil winding, the breadths
of the coils being negligible.
Mr. T. Carter (communicated) noticed that the authors stated that
neglecting armature copper loss, E.C. was the output in watts of a,
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
393
continuous current machine. The I'aper included dynamos and
motors, but it was only in a dynamo that the statement was correct,
as in a motor some of the watts contained in E.G. were used up in
overcoming windage, brush and bearing friction and core loss— a con-
siderable percentage in small machines. He also objected to the ex
pression " watts per revolution,'' which was meaningless. From
quadrant 4 in Figs. 1 and lA, it was clear that the ratio of diameter to
length for square-pole faces was very nearly half the number of poles.
That was a ver,\- easy rule to remember. As to the mathematical rela-
tion of slot deiith to diameter of armature, that seemed so very far
away from anything adopted in practice that the utility of the expres-
sion was (juite doubtful.
The authors reserved their reply for the ".Toui'iial."
STATE OWNED AND CONTBOLLED CABLES.
A meeting was held at the Mansion House. London, on Friday last
convened by " The Telegraph Committee of the House of Commons.'
The Lord May(ir was in the chair. The avowed object of the meeting
wa.s to disruss the question of State-owned and Controlled Submarine
Telegraph Cables.
Those ]iresent on the platform included ; — Duke of Argyll, Lord Strath-
oona (High Commissioner for the Dominion of Canada), Lord Weardalc.
Viscount.Milni'r. Lord .Jersey. Lord Blytd. the Hon. R. Lemieux (Post-
uiaster-GenTal for Canada), Hon. W. S. Fielding (Minister of Finanre
for Canada). Jlr. Fisher (Minister of Agriculture for Canada). Sir Edward
Sassoon, JI.P.. Sir Frederick Young, Sir Benjamin Stone, M.P., Sir tieorge
Doughty. Sir William Holland, M.P., Sir H. Seymour King, ILP., Sir
Albert Spicer, Admiral Sir E. Fremantle, Sir Alfred Jones, Capt. M.
Collins (representing the Australian Commonwealth), Sir Somerset
French. Sii' Richard Solomon, Mr. C. Charleton, Mr. Henniker Heaton,
M.P.. Mr. Owen Philipps, Mr.T. P. O'Connor. M.P., Mr. Stanley Machin,
Capt. Pirrie. M.P.. Major Renton. M.P., &c.
The Lord Mayor sa'd : I suppose there is at the piesent moment
nothing which is more desirable than the perfecting and facilitating of
intercommunication between the different parts of the Empire. I am
certain you will listen with interest, whatever your personal opinions on
the subject may be. to 'lie disciiss'on which is about to open, and I have
))leasure in askmg Sir Edw.ird Sassoon to open the d'scussion.
Sir Edward .Sassoon, .^LP. ; Let me first say that we look upon the
" penny- a- word cablegram " proposition .as a pious aspiration, not
vmworthy of sympathy, but as a goal to be striven for in the years to
come, whereas what we desire to see brought about now is easy of accom-
))lishment and immediately practicable. We have now obtained
penny postage within the Empire, but it takes nearly two and a half
months to get an answer to a letter from here to Australia, nearly three
weeks to get an answer from Canada, and about a month or six weeks
flora the Cape. Much has been said about the development and perfec-
tion of codes. That is all very well, but these are beccmiing more com-
])licated and more tangled. By eliminating the necessity for the use of
codes people would pay more in telegraphy. Whereas Frenchmen can
send a telegram across the seas to all their distant jjossessions for no
more than id. per word, to send a word to Egypt costs 24 times as much
as the Frenchman pays to send a message to Algiers or Tunis. I was
interested the other day tcj read a letter from Sir .John Wolfe Barry, the
eminent and talented chairman of most of the cable com|ianies. In this
letter he trotted out the doctrine v/liich I should have thought w.is by
now exploded. He said that the idea of any material reduction in cable
rates was chimerical and not |ii,iri i, :il, :iiiil he t(.iok shelter in the ra|)a-
cioHS folds of a re|iort of the hi |i,iii iiirnt.il Committee appninted by the
Government of UioO. a tlomnnttee to ulueh strong objeeti"n was taken
at the time. Let me read to you a single sentence of that report, as to
which Sir John Wolfe Barry pins his faith very strongly. The sentence
reads thus : '■ Even when the cables of a company are fully occupied
messages cannot be carried below a rate which would provide for interest
on capital, expense of working and maintenance, and so on." How long
for 24 hours are Ihe.c cables fully occupied ? As to his second point,
interest on capital, there is the rub. the sting, and the root of the evil.
If you work upon a basis of earning from 7 to 13 per cent, dividend, if
you keep by a handsome reserve, and. 1 suppose, as a further measure
of protection and precaution, you have vast invisible reserves in the
shape of cables and other materLals paid out of revenue, then, of course,
yon cannot reduce rates. But what we are asking is that the State,
which can work up(m a rate providing a 3 per cent, interest on capital
and does not want any profits, and will be able to benefit by the constant
scientific improvements in the methods of the reception and transmis-
sion of messages, shall confer upon the communities the advantage
accruing therefrom. Sir John Wolfe Barry only the other day said he
thought the qucstiitn of State-owned cables was an undesirable thing.
There is nothing new ..r startling in the idea. It first took root and
llnurishcil in Caiiaili. 'Ilic I'aiilir cable, which, as shown on the map.
'untains in the- sticich lium \'an(i>uver to Fanning Island, the longest
span of cable in tlie world, over 3,300 miles, and then goes on to Fiji.
Australia and New Zealand, is practically paying its way. The last
account showed a deficit. I know, of £tiO,000. It should be remembered,
however, that this is after the provision of £77.000 for sinking fund,
representing interest on the money invested, and also the provision of a
reserve which has been accumulating in the last five years, amounting
to no less than £171.000. That is, 1 think, not doing so badly, but if it
is not doing better it is because it is in a truncated situation. If you
have a cable constructed by the Government from your sh'ires to Canada
yr)u will then give the scheme a chance of showing what it is capable of
doing. In conclusion, I wodd point out that the Indian rates have
been brought down from 4s. 7d. to 2s. This was done very grudgingly
and in a very stinted sort of way. We are here to say that when private
interests clash with public interests then public interests must prevail.
The Hon. R. Lejiiktx. said : Canada has always been impressed with
the importance of tstablishing fast and cheap communication with the
mother country. She took the lead in extending to Marconi a helping hand
to establish his trans-oi-eanie wireless system. Canada first proposed and
finally arranged Imperial Penny Postage. Her Parliament is pledged to
carry out a scheme for a fast steamship service on both the Atlantic and
Pacific oceans. She has alieady obtained from the British Post Office a
substantial postal reduction on magazines, newspapers and periodicals.
She was the first to advocate and finally secure the Pacific Cable, State
owned and controlled. Speaking fo.' myself. I am, of course, more par-
ticularly rdnccvncd with a State-oivned cable .service across the Atlantic,
whieh i~ the Icigie^d sequence to the establishment of the Pacific Cable.
This one step would be of incalculable importance. It is, in my opinion,
a feasible scheme, and one that can be worked on a paying basis. I will
not weary this meeting with figures i-egarding cost of cable laying, ter-
minals, repairs. &c., which are proper subjects for ,a conference. I am
reminded, however, that sentiment is a sorry substitute for sound
finance, and that, as a matter of tact, the Pacific Cable is worked at an
annual loss. Let us not be deceived. Each year there has been an excess
of earnings over expenditure, th's e.\cess having ranged from S125,00O
to S278.000 a year. This surplus is regularly employed to reduce and
pay off the onginal capital expenditure connected with the establish-
ment of the joint State undertaking. Our own Caii.idian Auditor-
(icnera! confirms the fact that this highly important Imperial work is
financially in a ])rosperous condition ; that the revenue from traffic not
only meets all current expenses, but yields a surplus which already dis-
charges half the annuity designed to pay off in a fixed term of years the
whole of the borrowed capital, and at the same time provide a reserve
fund to renew the cable. As regards the- establishment of a State-owned
Atlantic cable between Canada and Great Britain, the consequences
would be far reaching. You must beai- in mind, speaking for Canada,
that this country is ours. Canada's jicqndation in 1703 was 70,000.
At confederation in 1867 it was 3,.'>00.()00. In 1905 it was estimated at
O.OOO.OOO, and at the next census in 1911 it will be over 7,000.000.
Emigrants are pouring into our country at the rate of 200,000 to 300,000
a year. Ninety-five per cent, of our population is British born. Lord
Strathcona predicts that at the end of the 20th century Canada will
have a population twice as large as that of the British Isles. This would
make Canada the dominating state in the British Empire. Under those
circumstances is it not wise policy to give cheap telegraphic communica-
tions between both countries ? A State-on-ned cable across the Atlantic
would at (mce lower cable charges between England and Canada 50 per
cent. This would bring down charges on messages between England,
New Zealand, and Australia.
Capt. Collins (Commissioner for the Commonwealth of Australia) :
I will give you the Australian point of view. The sympathy and support
of Australia can always be relied upon in any measure or scheme that will
]iromotc intercourse between the various parts of the Empire. Austra-
lia, from its remoteness, has a special interest in any scheme that will
annihilate distance and bring the Colony into closer touch with the
mother country. Nineteen years ago telegrams to .Vustralia cost lOs. a
word. I think, viewing the present charges, that wc can confidently look
forward to some progressive reduction, and I am instructed by the Post-
master-General of the Commonwealth to state that he is in favour of
cheapening cablegrams so far as maj- prove practicable on a commercial
biisis. My Government reserves, of course, a perfect freedom to con-
sider any definite proposals when such may be put forward, anil they arc
in favour of co-operation with other authorities on the Pacific Cable to
acquire on the same terms State-owned cables.
The Duke of .A.rgyll then proposed and V'iscount Milner seconded
the following resolution : —
" That this meeting, convinced of the desirability and necessity to
numifold imperial interests by a system of low prices, ea-sy and uniform
means of telegraphic connection within the Empire, pledges itself t«
support the efforts of the Cable Committee of Members of Parliament
with that supreme object in view."
The Duke of .^Rovu.said: I believe thcMarconiratcforwu-ele-ss mes-
sages at the ]iresent moment is. I understand, 7 Jd. per word between Hali-
fax and Montreal and Great Britain, .and the Marconi press rate is half
that charge (3Jd.). while the jiress rate by the Atlantic companies Is 3d.
per word, the ordinary rate being Is. per word. For the last few years
the amount of traffic has remained more or less stationary, and of course it
should be argued from this that if a reduction were made there would
be an increase, because more people would use the cables. Whether
this increa-se would correspond to the reduction m price is. perhaps,
another matter. Now, it amounts to this: The reduction is a great
necessity for the authorities who are (.n this platform and others (I
notice, however, that no representative of the Government is present),
and if the demand is reasonable it must inevitably be met in a very short
time. Government reinesentativcs should meet and talk over this
matter, which, as judge<l by one of the business heads in London, is a
matter' of not very difficult adjustment. I am rejoiced to find that this
resolution is allow-ed to be spoken to by Lord .Milner. who is (m the same
platform as myself a.s being a grateful sufferer— grateful bccau.sc of the
effoits made by the companies to give us a cable at all. but suffering
because of the heavy sums wc have to spend on cablegrams. On the
land lines in France. I believe I am right in saying, after business hours,
they have a different tariff from that in force diu-ing business. You may
394
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
sm.d 10 words for a ccniimc right across the .onntry after I o dook m
the even K and tlmt message is delivered next mornmg. „ , tl>">k also
„ Gmad they have different tariffs for day and n.ght. Ih.s method
may possibly come into the discussion at the suggested conferenee.
Viscount Vneb, in seconding the resolution, said: My object m
comhiK here to-day is merely to express my own strong personal sym-
mZ with this movement. I entirely agree with >vhat I understand
to be the opinion of Lord Curzon that, important as a reduction m the
ost of transmitting postal matter is, certainly, from the nnpenal stnnd-
po nt, a reduction in the cost of telegrams is very much more important
I speak on this question from the point of view of imperial P"l't.cs o
the desirability of closer communication between different ,«rts of the
Empire with the view to effective co-operation to-day and effectivcoit-
and^out union some day. I quite agree that the matter of a ew hou.^deky
in the transmission of social messages is not a matter of the same im-
portance as with urgent business messages. If an arrangement is pos-
S by which a great reduction is effected for press messages durmg
certain hours of the day or night, when the cable has no great demand
upon it, the principal object I have in this matter would be perfectly
sa^tisfied, but there must be not only a reduction but a really very great
■ind substantial reduction, and it would be worth our while to lose some
money in obtaining a substantial reduction in the cost of communica-
tion between different parts of the Empu-e.
The LoRU M.4Y0R declared the resolution carried.
Sir Albert Spiceb tlien moved the following resolution :—
" That this meeting, composed of representatives of commercial and
industrial interests, respectfully suggests to His Majesty's C'Oje™ment
the convening of a conference of postal authorities of the btates and
Dependencies within the Empire for the purpose of concertmg measures
tending to a wider recognition of the policy of State-owiied and con-
trolled cables, subject to respect for private rights. He said: As
President of the London Chamber of Commerce, I consider it is our
primary duty to do all we can to foster trade, not simply m the great
central" city of the British Empire, but throughout all parts of that
Empire. The subject of State-owned and State-controlled cables is
not new to our Chamber. At the fifth Congress of the Chambers of Com-
merce of the Empire, of which the London Chamber is convener, at
Montreal in August, 1903, they passed a resolution supportmg the
establishment of a cham of State-owned telegraphs to unite all tfie self-
governmg British communities, and at the sixth Congress, held in London
in 1906, the Congress went a step further by asking the Imperial Govern-
ment to devise means whereby cable and telegraphic news to and from
all parts of the British Empire should be furnished entu-ely through
imperial channels. There is reason to believe that this subject will again
be discussed at the seventh Congress of these Chambers in Australia next
year. In referring to this question of State-owned and State-controlled
cables, we recognise clearly that existing private rights cannot be dis-
regarded. They should, and must be, recognised. We believe that the
time has come when in the truest interests of the Empu'e cables should
be under the control of the different Governments. It is important
that we at home should keep thoroughly and completely informed of
all the new movements that are going on amongst the young and vigorous
peoples of the various States of the Empire. The absence of State-
owned and State-controlled cables may constitute any day a great
danger to the Empire. Their possession would be a great imperial asset.
The Rt. Hon. Lord Jersey seconded the resolution and said : This
resolution ought, I think, to be well received, because it binds no one to
any distinct scheme. It only expresses our hope that the various
Governments will come together and consider the subject, and that the
rin-hts of the cable companies that are now existmg shall be duly con-
sidered. Neither here nor anywhere else would I stand up for any policy
that would ignore what the cable companies have done for communica-
tion between the different parts of the Empu'e. I hope the resolution
may be carried.
The Lord Mayor rose to put the resolution.
Mr. G. R. Neilson : Shall I be in order in movmg an amendment,
my Lord Mayor ?
The Lord Mayor : Yes, certainly.
Mr. G. R. Neilson then said : 1 desire to make it clear that I speak
in no representative capacity, but come forward only because I have
studied telegraphy for 36 years and have the misfortune to be a
taxpayer.
The Lord Mayor : We should have the amendment read.
Mr. Neilson : The amendment I move, my Lord, is : " Tlial this
meeting of the citizens of London held at the Mansion House is not
convinced of the practicability of the Government purchase of sub-
marine cables used for Imperial and international traffic, and depre-
cates any policy at the present time which might involve heavy addi-
tional burdens on the resources of the Empire except for its defence."
The Lord Mayor : Is the amendment seconded ?
.Mr. Wells : I second the amendment.
The Lord Mayor: It is my opinion that the amendment is a iliiect
negative.
Mr. Neilson : I submit, my Lord, that this is a perfectly fair amend-
ment.
The Lord Mayor : I shall have to rule this amendmcnl out of order
as being a dii'ect negative.
Mr. Neilson : Very good, my Lord ; 1 will then speak to the resolu-
tion, and a vote can be taken for or against. Within the last month
Mr. Henniker Heaton has urged three courses to be followed for the
attainment — highly desirable in itself — of a penny-a-word telegraph
rate, sometimes he says throughout the Empii-e, at other times, with airy
irresponsibility, it is to be universal. These three courses arc that, first.
the British Government should erect, work and maintain grand trunk
land lines through Europe, Asiatic Russia and As,a to India and the lar
East; second, that long-distance wireless telegraphy^ should be utilised
forthwith throughout the world ; and. thirdly, that t he British Government
should buy up existing submarine cables. Land lines half way round
the world and radiotelegraphy as agents for the attainment of
popular telegraph prices Sre now dismissed, and Sir Ec ward Sassoon
comes forward to aSvocate the Government purchase of cables. The
voice is Jacob's voice, but the hands are the hands of i-sau
A Voice (interrupting) : I rather gathered my Lord, that the resolu-
tion was to the effect that a conference should be held.
Mr. Neilson : I submit, my Lord, that the resolution is m favour of
the Government purchase of cables, and I propose to speak as to that.
This meet'ng is for a discussion of the matter, and I do not quite uiider-
stand the interruptions. I stand alone, with a very powerful platform
against me, and I appeal to you. gentlemen, for a fan- hearmg.
Mr Neilson : Now one cannot imagine any reason why shareholders
or officials of telegraph enterprises should object to the Government
purchase of cablet at a fair price if it were feasible and in the interests
of the State. , ■ . i j t j
Sir Edward Sassoon (interruptmg) : A point of order, my Lord.
Will the speaker keep to the resolution now before us. .
The Lord Mayor : There appears to be a little misunderstandmg.
I will read the resolution. , , . j ^,. ^
Mr. Neilson : I submit, my Lord, that I am perfectly m order, on that
resolution, in speaking on the question of the Government purchase of
cables. But it is eminently unfortunate that the whole world does not
belong to Great Britain, because then very great obstacles to this scheme
would be removed. We must, however, make the best of thmgs as they
are, and one rubs one's eyes and remembers that many of the cables touch
on foreign shores. r c i
A Voice : My Lord, it is only suggested that the advisability ot btate-
ownership should be considered.
Mr. Neilson: My Lord. I appeal for your support. 1 ought to
receive fau: treatment, and I am not getting it. I propose to occupy
only a very few minutes. It is very difficult indeed to speak with such
mterruptions. Many of these cables touch on foreign shores. Will
those countries think it consistent with theii- national dignity to
allow another Government to work the submarine lines landmg on
their territory ? Again, having regard to the immense strategic
value of cables in time of war, and preparations for war, will they for
one moment agree to a foreign power holding the ends of cables con-
necting them with other parts of the world? If, under the Inter-
national Convention of St. Petersburg, a Government exercised its
right to " suspend the international telegraph service ... for an
indefinite period," or its "right to stop the tiansmission of any
private telegram which may appear dangerous to the security of the
State," might not delicate diplomatic situations be created '! A private
enterprise, on the other hand, thinks more of amicable working in
future years, and has not to guard its prestige, as a Government must.
If a company working under concessions from foreign powers assigned
its cables to the British Government, one requires neither special know-
ledge ot telegraphy nor of international law to see that the conces-
sions must instantly lapse and the landing rights forthwith be
abrogated.
A Voice : I rise to a point of order. So far as I can see the speaker
is under a misapprehension
Mr. Neilson : I claim that I am speaking on the subject of the State
purchase of cables. The late Sir John Pender used to say that ' ' cables
have no politics," but will other countries believe that, if the interna-
tional submarine lines are owned and worked by another Government ?
But it may be replied that the consent of other countries would
be obtained before the British Government takes over the cables. One
hopes, gentlemen, that some advocate of this scheme will be appointed
" Envoy Extraordinary " foi the purpose. He will certainly need, in
addition, to be "Minister Plenipotentiary." It would shorten his
mission to commence with Berlin, for it would probably end there.
No one who knows the intense jealousy on the Continent of the
British cable network and the strenuous efforts formerly of one
power and now of another to become independent of it, would covet
the mission. It may be said it is only proposed to purchase the
cables to our Colonies, and one willingly admits that, thanks to
the prophetic vision of our Empire builders as to the value of strategic
points and stepping stones, we can have Imperial cables touching only
British territory ; but some of the sections would be terribly long and
therefore very costly and very slow. It would, moreover, be a policy
of putting all our eggs in one basket. But, my Lord Mayor, it would
be a very serious act — h,aving grave and far-reaching consequences
to separate ourselves from the comity of nations in international tele-
graphy. The International Telegraph Convention provides for " the
right of all persons to correspond by means of the International Tele-
graphs." In face of this it would be necessary either practically to
boycott the telegraphic corres]5ondence of other nations with our
home country and its Colonies or to introduce some sort of inter-
national control of the links between these great British Government
cable arteries and foreign countries. For the ramifications ot inter-
national telegraphy are so far-reaching and intricate that it would be
like endeavouring \o insulate the venous system from the arterial to
draw a hard-and-fast line between British and foreign telegraph tralfic.
In addition, the International Telegraph Convention provides for
" the opening of as many routes as possible to the public at equal
charges." Before, therefore, ditferential Empire rates as against
foreign nations could be introduced it would be necessary to renounce
our adhesion to that great instrument of telegraphic and international
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
395
progress. But if no responsible authority wouUI juopo.-e that, tlieii
why should ve Ijear the loss on foreign messages if a low rate is to
be introduced ? Moreover, would not the purchase of cables involve
the purchase of wireless systems also, since the Government could
not have a competitor with itself working on our shores ? Would it
not also stimulate the laying of opposition cables by other Governments?
Several other questions are involved. First, would governments
work cables more cheaply than private enterprise does ? Tliat is not
the usual result of work undertaken by governments. 'Would the
working of the cables be more rapid, more accurate, more efficient in
the hands of Go\-ernment employes ? Would complaints be less fre-
quent or more satisfactorily dealt with ': Everyone may answer these
questions for himself. It is true the British Government would have
a small advantage in raising money for extensions at a low rate of in-
terest, but, gentlemen, the credit of the best cable enterprises is higher
than that of most foreign Governments. The 4 per cent, debentures
of the principal companies are at a piemium, and new cables laid out
of reserve, as is now usually the case, represent foregoing only about
3J per cent, of interest. The margin is, therefore, inconsiderable in
any case.
Let us turn now to the question of the Government carrying mes-
sages at less than their cost. One can think of no way of arriving
at an idea of the loss involved except by a process of redndio
lid absnrdum. There are four cables practically all the way to
Australia, and the present rate is 3s. per word. Shall we
suppose that half one of these cables «-ould carry all the present
traffic? Assume that Id. per word increased the traffic 36 times.
Then 36 cables divided by half a cable = 18 cables. Deduct four
existing lines and you would rec[uire 14 additional caljles all the way
to Australia at a capital cost of, say, £45,000,000, and there would
be only the present gross revenue to provide annually interest on
capital, working expenses, maintenance ships for repairs, and de-
preciation. And the more your traffic grew the more appalling your
financial position'would be, for the simple reason, of course, that you
were selling things at less than cost. M. Lemieux's charming speeches
might persuade even a Chancellor of the Exchequer to share with
Canada the loss inv-ilved in a 2Jd. rate to be added to the loss of
£60,COO a year on the State-owned Pacific cable ; but why should
you and I be taxed to [jrovide cheap telegraphy for other people ?
(Jentlemen, the epitaph of penny-a-word Empire telegiams might
be " Killed by publicity." It was necessary to stake everything on
the possibility of transmitting messages through cables at an
enormousspeed, as, for instance, at the rate of 40,000 words an hour
by the Pollak-Virag system, whereas Lord Kelvin's universallv used
syphon recorder will not transmit one-fortieth of that number of
paymg words. I directly challenged this assumption at the meeting
of the Roj-al Colonial Institution a month ago. I have since received
the support of the entire electrical Press on the siibject, and the
representative of the Pollak system has written to the " Times " to
say that they have never contended that their present apparatus
could be worked on long cables. When a far reaching proposal such
as this is— involving no little chance of enormous loss— is brought
before the public, and is accompanied by no sort of estimate of re-
ceipts and expenditure, one is entitled to scrutinise the credentials
of those who advocate it. \\'holesome plain speaking is a duty when
large sections of the Press and of the public are being utterly nii*led.
In the report, published inlS02, of the Inter-Departmental Committee
—a very representative one -appointed by Government to enquire into
the whole status of the British enterprises carrying on international
telegraphy, the Commissioners say: " No detailed calculations were
laid before us to show how a Id. rate to America and Australia could
be made to pay— indeed the advocate of the scheme broke down alto-
gether when cross-examined on the point, and we are clearly of opinion
that the establishment of such a rate on a commercial basis would be
impossible. On the other hand, we are not (generally speaking) in
favour either of the working of cables by the State at a loss, or of
the subsidising of private cables on commercial (as opposed to
strategic) grounds, both of which courses appear to us to burden
the general taxi)ayer unfairly for tbe benefit of a special class." And
if anyone still believes in Mr. Henniker Heatoii as a telegraphic
reiormer let him glance at pp. 187 to 194 of the Blue Book issued last
year by the Select Committee on tlie Ratihcation of the Wireless
lelegraph Convention. Such faith will not survive a perusal of
the absolutely destiuctive cross examination to which Mr. Heaton
was subjected by the Po.c|„i,,-^ter-General and other members of
the Committee, ili . II. u .,, -t.,i,,l that he was in favour of free
competition in wirel<— n I- r , j .lu^uid vet wished to give the Mar-
coni Company a niMU^.i-uly. llu was in favour of intercomunica-
tion between different radiotelegraph systems but not of compulsory
intercommunication, and so on. I ask, my Lord Mayor and gentle-
men, are these the trusted pioneers in telegraph reform whom the City
of London will follow ? One ventures to think not, and I had, therefore,
intended to move the amendment to the resolution now before the
meeting which has been already read to you. But I must perforce bow
to the ruling of the Lord Mayor that it is not in order and content
myself witli having stated the reasons which actuate me in voting
against the resolution.
The Lord Mayor then put the resolution to the meeting and
declared it carried.
Mr. Jesse Collixgs. M.P., then moved the following resolution ;—
"That the Prime Minister be asked to receive a deputation early next
session composed of influential men in the commercial, industrial and
bankmg enterprises of the Empire with the view to submitting the fore-
going resolutions to the urgent attention of His Majesty's Government."
Mr. T. P. O'Cox.voR formally secimded the resolution and it was
carried practically unanimously.
The Hon. W. S. Fieldoo (Minister of Finance for Canada) : I do
not desire to continue this discussion. If the proposals before us were
to be taken as a serious obligation to the extent that ilr. Neilson seemed
to think, I should be the last to give the resolution cordial support, for
in my own country I liappen to be Chancellor of the Exchequer, and
therefore I am against reckless expenditure : but we all desire cheaper
means of communication for a thousand and one reasons, and whatever
may be done to help that cause has our symjjathy and support.
A vote of thanks to the Lord Mayor having been passed.
The Lord Mayor, in reply, said he thought there had been a very
useful discussion.
The proceedings then terminated.
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CORRESPONDENCE.
STEAM r. STORAGE BATTERIES.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ELECTRICIAN.
Sir ; I do not think I can let the subject of " Steam v.
Storage Batteries " d rop with Mr. Taylor's reply to my letter
in your issue of December 11th, as his conclusion that, say,
bet^veeIl £17, -500 and .£111,950 per annum could be saved in
Glasgow by the installation of a 7,000 kw. storage battery
casts a reilection on the engineering policy of the electricity
department of this Corporation, which cannot go unanswered.
Mr. Taylor accuses me of not being quite fair in abandoning
my own Glasgow figures and basing my arguments upon the
figures of the London Power Bills, which are for units bigger
than natural increment would warrant in Glasgow. I do not
however agree with him in this. 1 must stick to the Glasgow
capital cost figures for steam plant anil the Glasgow figures
for accumulators, or I must take the figure per kilowatt at
which additional plant is being put down and has been put
down for the last three years. This is the figure I used and it
is practically the same as that given by Mr. Miles Walker in
his recent address before the Manchester I^ocal Section of the
Institution of Electrical Engineers and confirmed by Mr.
Pearce, the chief engineer to the Electricity Department of
the Manchester Corporation. I also used the figure given by
Mr. Taylor as the cost of accumulators to-daj'.
Adopting the first named figure we get the annual cost of
steam plant £1G,700 and accumulators £31, :200 ; if, on tbe
other hand, we take the latter figure {i.e., the one used in my
letter of December 7th) we get steam plant at £5,600 and
accumulators at £12,250.
Mr. Taylor is entirely wrong in his statement that 33 per
cent, is the Glasgow proportion of spares. This maj' have
been the percentage last year, but if he will look back three
years he will find that the maximinn load on the stations was
in excess of the plant capacity. There ought to be one spare
unit equal to the largest set, and no fixed percentage of spares
is aimed at, but there should be this one spare set whether
accumulators are installed or not.
It is by no means a simple matter to run through and add
the load curves of three generating stations for three years
F 2
396
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
1 4,000 kw. line on foggy
I car will b(! different ;
back and g.ve *hp unUs rhovc the
davp, for the corresponding line m each y , , ■,
but only lasl n-.ok we had a mild fog and ihu number of unit
above the : i,000kw. line was 10,000.
I cons'ilor that if Mr. Taylor found in a city, such as Olas-
t-ow that there bad been a fog even once in three years to
serious as to last for more than three hours, so far as coping
with the peak load is concerned, a battery with a three-hour
rate of discharge is condemned. How can Mr. Taylor say that
the fog will not occur every year and perhaps three times in
one year ' . i r ui ■
1 am afraid the Glasgow fogs arc not sufiiciently rehable in
their nature and behaviour to be covered by any mathematical
formula such as "the duration of the fog is inverse proportion
to its density." My experience with Glasgow fogs has fre-
(incntly been the reverse of this. , , n
To me Mr. Taylor's letter of the Sth only shows how hgures
unless thoroughly understood, can be used in the advocacy of
either of the two sides of a subject of argument.
1 have of course, looked at the matter entirely from the
point of view of a city liable to dense fogs. In towns where
fo"s do not occur the facts are different, although I question
if'thev are more favourable to Mr. Taylor's contention. If
such a saving as Mr. Taylor mentions can be effected by the
use of batteries why do we not see installations of these being
]mt down in all the towns and cities of the United Kingdom
(including Birmingham). — I am, <&c
(ilasgow, Dec. 14.
Thursday, the 3rd inst. The heavy peak load was due to a
fo" which lasted jiractically continuously for four days. Mr.
Feclden sutigests that if accumulators were used in this case,
W. W. Lackie.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ELECTRICIAN.
.Sii{ : Mr. Lackie has again very courteously sent me a copy
ol his letter to you of yesterday. He really need not be afraid
about the reflection of discredit on his department ; he is sin-
ning in very good company.
As to his Glasgow figures, both the capital costs and the
annual costs of his undertaking are in the highest degree satis-
factory, but I really cannot accept his figure of £8 per kilo-
watt as representing everything down to the sub-station direct
current 'bus bars, including spare plant at both ends. Assum-
ing, however, that his figure is true, the difference between it
and his total figure of £56 (£80 per kilowatt of M.D.) is so
great as to emphasise the importance of getting the cells as near
to the consumers' premises as possible.
The injustice done to the cells in putting their upkeep at
£84, -200 per annum, is so much, greater than the undue prefer-
ence shown towards the steam plant in neglecting spares that,
in order not to bo contentious, I will work on Mr. J.ackie's
figures of £5,600 and £12,2-50 for the respective annual costs
for interest, sinking fund and repairs ; and against his esti-
mated loss of some £6,(iUU per annum, I will ask him to show
ciuise why the greater portion of the saving of £17,500 per
annum on the fi.xed charges should not obtain.
Then, as to the fog question, the onus still lies on him to
produce a curve for the past year, integrating 24,000 units
above the 14,000 kw. line, over and aliove the ordinary peak.
From the case cited, 1 gather that the 16,000 units referred
to includes that part of the ordinary peak which is above the
1 4,000 kw. line. It will be interesting to learn whether
Glasgow e.xceeded this during the past winter, which is that
we arc discussing. The present winter would require a bigger
battery.
I submit, sii', that until Mr. Lackie can produce data from
an actual fog in Glasgow to disprove my assumption that a
five-hour battery would carry him through, the case against
the latter will remain "not proven." I also submit that until
he has shown that the conclusions as to fixed charges in my re-
cent article in your |)aper are all on a wrong basis an annual
saving of some £9,000 (17,500 - 6, GOO) remains to the credit
of the batteries.
As to the last paragraph of Mr. Lackie's letter, all I am in a
position to say at present is : " Wait and see !" — I am, &c.,
Biimingham, Dec. 15. A. M. Taylor.
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In connection with the controversy on steam i'. storage bat-
teries, we have received from Mr. S. E. Fedden a copy of the
load cuive, which is reproduced herewith, at Sheffield for
Lo.\u CrsvE, Thursday, Dec. 3, 1908.
Uai. load: Amperea, 2,620. Kw., 6.432
where the peak prt of the load would require about 1,500
amperes, many of the consumers would have to resort to other
illuminants. — Ei>. E.
LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL TURBOS.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ELECTRICIAN.
Sir; From the i-sue of your valued paper, dated Novem-
ber 17th, I notice that the London County Council have
ordered from the British Westinghouse Company two 5,000 kw.
turbo generators for their Greenwich central station, these
turbines to he Rateau machines ; it is interesting to observe
that a manufacturer has been entrusted with this important
order, who adopts such a radical change in the type of machine
as that represented by the difference between an impulse tur-
bine, w ith a set of blade wheels, and a reaction turbine of the
drum type. In your paper it is staled that tJie London Countij
Council engineers preferred Bateau turbines after tlien had
seen one of these running at Milan. It ivould appear that the
London County Council therefore expects to receive for its
central station at Greenwich turbines built on the lines oj the
machine seen in that city.
Permit me to draw your attention to the fact that the
2,:)00kw. three-phase turbo generator which came into bene-
ficial use at the City of Milan electricity works in the spring
of 1907, is a machine built and suppiicil by the Maschinen-
fabrik Oerlikon in Srcitzcrland and that the central station
authorities have expressed their gi-eat sitisfaction with this
machine, by ordering another unit of the same type, but of
0,500 kw. output. This latter machine has just been delivered.
The Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon has secured from Prof.
Rateau, in Paris, the right to build impulse turbines, and to
sell them besides in other countries, also in the United King-
dom. At a very early period, howevar, they got out designs
essentially ditlerent from those of the original Rateau turbine,
and they developed wheels, bladings, p.acking boxes, thrust
bearings, governors and regulating devices of their own ; they
were the "first to build turbines of 2,000 ii.r. capacity and
more, with only one cylinder. Your valued paper of the 4th
inst. gives a fairly complete description of the turbine now
built at the Oerlikon Works. These designs to the greater
extent patented by the Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon are, of course,
the sole and exclusive property of tlic latter, and a licence
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER is. 1908.
397
mider the patents of Prof . Baterm does by no means einbody
the rjiihtof iiso of thedesiyns got out hi/ tin; Oerlikun Comjhini/.
The type of the turbine built by the M;i^chinenf;ibrik
Oerlikon is in many essential parts altogether <lifi"ei'ent from
that heretofore built by Prof. Kiteau and his licensees, an<l
particularly so in connection with the larger units (^[ilan
3,500 kw., Cairo 3,000 kw., Roux-Charleroi "2,000 kw., Stock-
holm G,0001w.).
The turbine inspected by the London County Council engi-
neers in Milan is a multistiKje n.vial prei^surc turbine, and is
covered "s <»'7t by the English patent No. 24.204/98, which
latter is the ])roi)erty of Prof. Kateau. The design of machine
as described in this patent difl'ers also iu essential points from
the machines built under the direct influence of Prof. Rateau.
From these the designs of the Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon, how-
ever, differ not only as regards the sizes already built, but
particularly also by the characteristic deviations in practically
all the parts of the machine. If, therefore, the inspection of
an Oerlikon turljine in Milan (where, by the by, some time ago
a Westinghouse ir-fii-tinii turbine was erected) influenced the
London County Council in favour of a tiubine name<l " Rateau
turbine," a similar result shouUl have been obtained by inspect-
ing one of the so mlli'il ZoeUy turhinrf, as the.sc also are of the
multi-stage axial impulse type in which the steam works ac-
cording to the views of all authorities exactly as in the Rateau
turbine, and which, in face of these reflections, slioulil appa-
rently be called a Rateau turbine aho, and therefore fall within
the same patent.
I shall be greatly interested to hear what success the makers
will have with the first pure impulse turbines they have con-
tracted to build, particularly so as tliey arc of relatively e.xcep-
tion.al size, and designed for the L.C.C., and as I believe, they
cannot have received the many details of design essential for
fcuccess from either Prof. Rateau or one or the other makers of
this type of machine. — I am, X'c, G. WCTHIUCH.
34, No'folk-street, Strand, London, \Y.C., Dec. 14.
PHYSICAL SOCIETy,
.At a meoling held on Nov. 27. Dr. C. Chree, F.R.S., the pre.sident.
«ho was in the chair, announced that the council had appointed
Jlr. S. W. .]. Smith to succeed the late I'ml'. Cassie as an h(inorarv
secretary "t tlir Society. \ I'apfr. entitled
" A Graphic Method of Dealing with Refracting Surfaces,"
was read by Jlr. H. S. Ali.en. In this Paper a grapliic method is
pivon for finding the cardinal points for combinations of coaxial
refracting surfaces. Tlie method may be aj)plied to such cases as
that of two thin lenses a finite di.stance apart, two refracting surfaces
forming a thick lens, or to the general case of the combination of two
lens systems. Through the second focal point of the first .system,
set off a line F/E, at right angles to the axis, equal to the second
focal length of that system. Draw F^E.^ similarly through the first
focal point of the second system equal to the first focal length of that
system. Fi'Ej and FoE, intersect in C a point in the plane of the
optic centre of the combination. The images of C formed by the
two systems determine the principal planes of the combination. By
tracing the rays CE, and CEj through each .system a simple construc-
tion is obtained for the cardinal points and focal lengths. The
method avoids the use of continued fractions, and may lie of value
for investigating the way in which the properties of a combination
are affected by making given alterations in the character or separa-
tion of the components. It affords rion-mathematical students a
means of realising the existence of the cardinal points for a com-
plicated system of refracting surfaces.
Dr. EccLES remarked that the Author's treatment of refracting sur-
faces was limited to spherical surfaces and to the direct incidence of
jieiKils of infinitesimal aperture. If the treatment were extended to the
disc ussiim of oblique pencils and the construction of caustics it would be
veiv vahcihle.
-■\ I'aper on
' An Accurate Method of Measuring Moments of Inertia, "
by the late Prof. W. Cassie. was read by the president. In this
method use is made of the periods of small oscillation.s of a balance-
beam. The method consists in taking as standard moment of
inertia a known mass hung from the knife edge of a balance and com-
paring others with it. The time of swing is taken with the .standard
mass in (jne pan and a counterpoise in the other. The bodv whose
moment of inertia is re(piiir(l is all:irhcil to (be beam in such a
manner that the coefficient of the directive couple is unaltered and
the time of swing i.s determined without weights in the pans. From
these times, with a knowledge of the length of the beam and the
masses used, the moment of inertia required is ea.sily calculated. In
the Paper the method of attaching the body of unknown moment of
inertia to the balance-beam is described fully.
The Secretary read a letter from Prof. W. Stroud describing a
method of determining moments of inertia in use in the Univer.sity
of Leeds. In this method two vibrators perpendicular to one another
are used, and they can be arranged to produce a Li.ssajou figure.
The horizontal vibrator carries a vertical slit and rice vtraa ; and
as the two slits are placed one behind the other, a small spot of light
can be seen through the combination.
'Sir. S. Rrss read a Paper
■' On the Diffusion of Actinium and Thorium Emanations."
Experiments were described in which the emanation of actinium was
allowed to diffuse into the following gases : — .Air. hydrogen, carbon
dioxide, sulphur dioxide, and argon. The diffusion coefficients of
the emanation in these gases agree in general with those calculated
by nieans of Graham's Law, making use of the diffusion coefficient
in air. The variation with pressure of the diffusion coefficient of
the a<llniiiiii i-iii:ination in au was shown to be quite in accordance
with tl). .-i.liii.iiy gas law.s. down to a lew centimetres pressure;
the piiriliiri lit the pressure and diffusion coefficient remaining prac-
tically constant. Experiments under identical experimental con-
ditions with thorium emanation over a .similar range of pressure also
yield nearly a constant value for the product of pressure and diffusion
ccjefficient. The ratio of the two constants thus obtained leads
directly to a ratio of the molecular weights of the two emanations.
the result being that thorium emanation appears to have abcmt I'4
times the molecular weight of actinium emanation.
Prof. C. H. Lees pointed out that the low values for the molecular
weights of the emanations had all been obtained by allowing the emana.
tions to diffuse into light gases. Prof. Pickering had allowed them to
diffuse into mercury vapour, and obtained a value abo\it 230.
A Paper " On the Elliptic Polarisation produced by the Direct
Transmission of a Plane Polarised Stream through a Plate of Quartz,
cut in the direction oblique to the optic axis, with a method of deter-
mining the error of a Plate sup]Jo.sed to be Perpendicular to the
Axis," by Mi-. J. Walker, was taken as read ; and also one by Mr,
W. C. M. Lewis, entitled "An Experimental Investigation of Gibbs'a
Theory of Surface-Concentration regarded as the basis of Absorp-
tion."
TRANSFORMERS: SOME THEORETICAL AND
PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS.
The following is an abstract of the di.scussion which took
place at the meeting of the Manchester Local Section of the
Institution of Electrical Engineers, when Messrs. A. P. Fleming
and K. M. Faye-Hansen read their Paper on the above subject.
An abstract of this Paper appeared in our last issue : —
DISCU.SSION.
Jlr. J. S Peck (British Westinghouse Co.) observed that the authors
had concluded from theoretical considerations that there was very little
difference between the different types of transformers, so far as weight
and efficiency were concerned. It was interesting to note that two
distinct companies in the I'nited States were manufacturing transfor-
mers of the same type, 3'et one insisted that it was a core type, whilst the
other said shell type. There were many considerations other than
theoretical which influenced engineers in selecting a type of transformer,
and these had been touched upon in a general way in the Paper. The
possibilities of ventilating and insulating, of supporting the coils mecha-
nically, of rpiickly repairing in ca.sc of breakdown, adaptability for single
phase and polyphase construction for large and small sizes, all required
very careful consideration. The fornuiKT! given in the Paper were the
short cuts used successfully by engineers actually engaged in the design
of transformers, and undoubtedly were of great value. The authors
stated that a "high copper loss" meant bad regulation, which would
have to be compensated for by the use of cables of larger dimensions.
There was another point in favour of close regulation, and that was better
light and higher meter readings. He did not consider that oil-cooled
transformers entailed any great risk as regards explosions, as he had
made sevcial tests and only succeeded in obtaining slight explosions
under extreme conditiims.
Or. C.C.Gabbakd (General Klectric Co.), in considering the theoretical
portion of the Paper, found himself mainly in agreement with the authors'
conclusions. He did not agree. however. with the methods employed in
arriving at them. He preferred to arri\e at conclusions as a result of
experience rather than theory. It was comforting, however, to find a
theoretical proof of one's conchisions. Contrary to the authors' con-
clusion, he had found a great advantage in the use of varying magnetic
induction, this being greater in the core than in the yoke. The result
398
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
was a shorter length of mean turn, and it was interesting to note dial a
lengtliv Paper i)iiblislietl in the " K.T.Z." proved the above oonstriietion
to be the best. Taking iron at Is. 7d. per pound and eopper at lOd. per
pound a ratio of ti was obtained against the autliors' ratio of 3, and
takino- labour cost into consideration the ratio would probably be in-
creased still more. The authors had also assumed that the iron losses to
vary ns B-. whereas in modern transformer design the value was more
nearly B'''. He also pointed out the importance of the reactance and
good regulation in modern transformers. Earth shields were the last
things which .should be placed in transformers. They weakened
the insulation and their efficiency was extremely problematical. How-
ever, as such shields were occasionally demanded, it was worthy of
note that the core type tran.sformer only retpiired four shields agamst
six for the shell type. He agreed with the authors in stating
that with the core type transformer, interleaved windings should
not be adopted if good regulation was required. Referring to the
measurement of temperature rise, this in oil-cooled transformers was a
comparatively simple matter, but in the case of air-cooled transformers
the only reliable method was the increase in resistance method. The
danger of explosions in oil-cooled transformers was not due to the oil
itself but to the vapour of the solvent used in the varni-sh. If. after
impregnation, the transformers were not subjected to prolonged drying
so as to drive off all the solvcni ( ■ Mi;illy Iienzine or najJtha), great danger
was incurred, and it was a wi-^r in. niion to keep naked lights away
from tanks for some time aftci m ipll.iiiMH.
Mr. K. Von Kbooh said the Paper indicated that it was absolutely
impossible to build a 1 kw. transformer of an appropriate size with the
same efficiency as a 100 kw. transformer, even, if due to a lower voltage,
the space factor could be made the same. Copper was beyond further
improvement, but better iron was possible in view of the great advances
which had been made in iron manufacture for electrical purposes during
the last few years.
Mr. (!. Harlow (British Westinghonse Co.) said the authors had showii
that from a theoretical point of view there was nothing to choose between
the vaiioii:, I \ pes of transformers at present on the market. There were,
howevii. r.rtiin |.i-ii-tical reasons for the adoption of the rectani;ular
shell ty|ir III! nil iin conditions of operation. Owing to cheaper inanii-
facturc being |ins.<il)le, more material could be put into this ty|'C oi
transformer for the same price, and consequently higher efficiency could
be obtained. Working at the same induction, the shell types would
have only 60 per cent, of the nnnilic- of tnrn-^ required by the core types.
The labour of winding was tlm . lir,i|., r in -li. II i \ |,r I nmsformers, and
this advantage was particulnis ihMh,,il I, m -inill i ransforniers and
also H.T. transformers for all ..iitimu . -\. lurilicr a>l\;aitage of the shell
type for H.T. work was the ease of producing series parallel connections
without danger of short-circuiting internally. The shell type trans-
former could be very efficiently braced to withstand the tremendous
stresses on short circuit, and further, as pointed out in the Paper, no
bolts were required through the iron core and consequently the labour
in assembling the iron was reduced ; the possibility of humming was
also considerably reduced in this type of construction. A great advance
in transformer instruction due to the introduction of alloyed iron was
shown in the Paper. This did not apply so much to transformers at a
frctjucncy lower than about 30. Below this tir;uic it was ni't imsiMi t,,
increase the induction at present employed in low frciiiirn. \ n n-idi-
mers, owing to the excessive no load t'lincnt wliicli would rc-ult I'on-
seqeuully, in low fre(piency transformers a considerable increase in
efficiency was obtained, but very little reduction in price. Transformer
builders at the present time required an ii'on having the same lo.sses as
the new alloys, but a much higher permeability.
Mr. J. N. C. HoLROYDE (British Westinghonse Co.) pointed out that
from a user's point of view the troubles they experienced with their
transformers were very often due to the carelessness and ignorance of
those who handled them, and not to any defect in the transformers them-
selves.
Mr. .1. Fiirni (M.iihn \ I'latt) wished to know how the question of
output inflnen.rd ilir i\|h.- of transformer selected and the amount of
ageing with the new ;ilh.\cd irons.
Mr.'C. F. Smith (School of Technology, Man. 1,, si. ,) tlunight one point
mentioned by the authors a little mLsieadiiiL'. I ln' . ii. ular shell type
transformer was shown to have less free surtn. f ir..ii than any other
type excepting the circular core type, and further, the iron to iron surface
was shown as being only ()10+(theoretically oc). He could not follow
this meaning, and he thought a better comparison would have been in
the ease of the circular shell type, to take the surface actually exposed
to the air, with the usual degree of bunchmg the plates together, and t.)
call this free u-on surface. The author.s had also ))lot(ed the best rela-
tion between iron and copper losses on a basis of a transformer load
factor, the price per unit at the station being given. The method of
obtaining this theoretical relation would be correct if the losses exerted
any appreciable influence on the station output, but this was not so for
very small loads. Considernig the small magnitude of the iron losses he
thought the load-factor of the station should be taken rather than that
of the transformer. Referring to the special high tension terminal bush
mentioned by the authors, he thought a great difficulty was encountered
in getting rid of flash over troubles, ancl further, if surface leakage or
ionisation effects reduced the resistance between metallic layers, the
potential gradient would not be uniform, and, in fact, the fullpotcntial
might be concentrated over (piite a few .sections. This would occur
unless the resistance and capacity of the series condensers could be kept
uniform.
' Mr. A P. M. Fleming, in reply to Dr. Garrard, said the appendix gave
reasons for the assumiition that the induction should be uniform tlu-ough-
out the iron circuit. With reference to the copjier and iron cost rat
assumed as 3 in the Paper, and claimed by Dr. Garrard to be nearer 6,
the authors woukl point out that the figure chosen, which was for finished
materials, did not in anv way alter the comparison between the different
types. Re-'ardmg Dr. Garrard's remark that the iron loss varied as
B' ' this corresponded with the authors' experience for low inductions,
but 'for inductions such as quoted in the Paper, viz., 7,000- 15,000, the
iron loss varied as B>»". Further, assuming the iron loss to vary with
the induction according to a ipiadratie curve, the maximum error was
6 pec cent., which was much less than the variations m loss obtained with
best quality iron. Most manufacturers had developed certain types of
transformers, but the authors thought this was due chiefly to the great
capital outlay necessary for manufacturing many different types. The
question of an explosive mixture being formed due to volatile benzine
was interesting, but not likely, as the bulk of such volatile matter would
be got rid of during the baking process. With air drying varnishes, ho" -
ever the danger mentioned by Dr. Garrard might be serious. Mr. Frith
had raised the question of the effect of sizes on the various types. Theo-
retical comparisons held good for any size, but the consideration of build-
ing, eoolmg, ease of handling, &c., introduced a preference for different
types for different sizes. Ageing in the case of the new iron was negli-
gible, as a test for 000 days at 85 deg. C. had shown a remarkably stable
condition. The effect of frequency did not affect the comparison already
drawn. When dealing with 2.5 period transformers the price could not
be reduced by using alloyed iron, although in some cases, a slight extra
cost would give a considerably increased efficiency. Replymg to Mi-.
Smith, the free iron surface in the circular shell type was smaller than in
the case of the other types, but it had been pointed out that the cooling
was much better m this type than in the others, owing to the increased
cooling surface. This could not, however, be called entirely free surface.
In regard to the flashing over, ifec, in the high tension terminal insulator,
this could be got over by suitably designed shields.
ELECTRIC HOT-WATER RADIATORS.
In our issue' of December 4th we described apparatus which has
recently been placed on the market in connection with electric heat-
ing and cooking, and we referred to some interesting cooking uten-
sils of the Phoenix Electric Heating Co. This firm have a type of
electric hot-water radiator to which we should like to draw attention.
PlKl M\ FlCI UvIC Hoi.w.vter Radi.vtob.
Hot- water radiators offer many advantages over other forms oi
artificial heating, and when they arc- combined with electric heating
they provide, of course, a very convenient piece of apparatus. '\\ e
illustrate herewith the Phoenix electric hot-water radiator, in which
the heating element is entirely immersed, so that the whole of the
electrical energy is utilised in heating the water. These radiators
are made with any number of loops, the one illustrated being a nine-
loop radiator. Its length over all is 31 in. and height 39 in., whilst
it contains 74 gallons of water. The maximum electric power de-
manded at starting is 1,C00 watts, and this falls to 1,200 watts after
one hour's use, The heating surface is approximately 30 sq. ft.
As all the radiators installed are each separately controlled, they
offer, of course, a possible economy over the usual system of hot-
water radiators.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
390
PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.
LONDON ELECTRIC SUPPLY BILL.
In the House of Commons on Monday, on the order for the considiTa-
tion of the London Electric Supply Bill,
Mr. JIoRTON moved to insert a now clause to provide that nothing
in the bill should authorise any undertaker to break np any street or
lay any electric plant along any street within the City of London except
with the consent in writing of the Corporation. He said the object of
his amendment was to prevent the breaking up of streets in the City
for linking up purposes.
Mr. W. Churchill said the amendment would give the Corporation
an absolute veto. The amendment was rejected by the Committee
withoTit the promoters being called upon. He could not ask the House
to give the Corporation an absolute veto against laying mains which
might be necessary : but he woidd accept the amendment with the
words added, " Or failing that consent, with the consent of the Board
of Trade."
Sir E. Cornwall contended that if such a power was conceded to the
City of London Corporation it should be conceded to all the London local
authorities.
The clause was defeated by 198 to 28.
Mr. Churchill moved to insert a new clause with the object of pre-
venting the company increasing its revenue for the remainder of its
term by raising the prices charged to consumers after a notice had been
served on it by the London County Council that it was liable to pur-
chase.— Agreed.
Mr. Churchill moved an amendment to clause 2 the object of which
was to enable the promoters of the bill and the promoters of the London
(Westminster and Kensington) Electric Supply Companies Bill to link
up their supplies. He promised that he would later present a bill to
transfer the purchase rights operative against the London (Westmmster
and Kensington) Electric Supply Companies to the I/ondon County
Council, in exactly the same manner as those rights were transferred in
regard to the group of companies dealt with in the present bill. — Agreed.
Mr. W. OuiNNESS moved to amend clause 4, which would give London
County Council concurrent powers with the borough councils in deciding
which routes the mains should run.
Sir L. White said that that proposal came before the Committee which
considered the bill, and was opposed by the borough councils. The
Committee were unanimous in their decision that there should not be
a dual authority set up in London.
Mr. Churchill said, oti careful leflection, he felt disposed to support
the amendment. All it innpus' il tn do was to give the County Council
the .same power of revisicn m jcjiocl to the laying down of linking-uj)
mains which they alreadj pu,s.sc.■^scd in regard to distribution mains ;
and he thought they were entitled to that power, not only as the autho-
rity over the streets, but as the authority which one day. he hoped,
would possess the unified .system.
Lord R. Cecil hoped the House would ujjhold the decision of the Com-
mittee and not accept the amendment.
The amendment was agreed to.
Mr. B. S. Strau-s moved that the limit which may be charged by the
company per kilowatt be £4. 10s. instead of £6. 15s., the figure named
in the bill.
Sir Luke White said the Committee came to the conclusion that the
maximum was a question to be decided by experts, and the engineers
agreed upon the £0. 10s. per kilowatt as a compromise.
Jlr. Churchill said he was advised that, in the altered conditions,
the amendment, if accepted, would inflict such a hardship on the pro-
moters that they would not be justified in going on with the bill. He
would ]ioint out, however, that while the charge per kilowatt was £4. 10s.,
in the i:riginal bill and £6. 15s. in the present bill, the charge of ^d. per
unit remained constant ; and the charge per imit was the more im-
portant, "for the kilowatt represented the cliargc for the horse-power
of the engine, and the unit the charge for tlie amount consumed." The
Board of Trade had ])Ower. on the application of the County Council
or the local authority, to revise the maximum price every seven j'ears.
The amendment was withdra«'n.
Several other amendments of a minor character having been dis-
po'jed of,
Mr. Churchill moved a new sub-section providing that the under-
takings of the several London supply companies within the county
shall, if purchased by the Council, be paid for on the terms specified in
sec. 2 of the Electric Lighting Act, 1888. This was, he said, the most
important of the amendments he had placed on the paper on behalf of
the Board of Trade. The Committee never intended to give the com-
panies power to be compensated in 1931 for goodwill or expectation
of future yirofits, but he was advised the present clause might be con-
strued in that way. The promoters had accepted the clause in the form
he now moved it, and therefore the undertakings would be piuchiusable
on the terms of the Electric Lighting Act, 1888. Two companies — the
Charing-cross and the City of London — had a longer run than 1931. One
was purchasable in 1932 and the other in 1940. The Government thought
it right that, in consideration of theu' giving up the e.xtra period to which
they were entitled, these companies should have special treatment. There
were some mains and one generating station which would not be pm--
chasable under the individual rights of the boroughs, but which would be
purchasable under the new consolidated system of pm-chase. The com-
pany asked to have special terms with regard to that part of their plant.
and the Government found it inipcjssible to den}' the justice of their
claim. But they had said that if they excepted that plant from the
general operation of the existing purchase clause it must also be excepted
from the obligation of the County Council to purchase all or none of the
undertaking. Otherwise, the County Council might be forced to pay
an excessive price for one portion of the property or lose then- option over
the remainder.
Sir L. White supported the amendment, as it would carry out the
intention of the Committee, and it was agreed to.
Mr. W. Guinness moved to add another sub-section to the clause,
providing that, in the event of the London County Council purchasing
an undertaking for the supply of electricity they might then be em-
powered to .sell to a local authority so much of the undertaking as was
concerned with the distribution of electricity within the area of that
local authority. London County Council were anxious that that amend-
ment should be accepted, because they did not think the distribution
of electrical energy for London would be so well done by the Council
as by the local authority.
Mr. Churchii.l said the policy the Government were pursuing was
for the unification of electrical supply for London, but the adoption of
that proposal would have the effect of dividing it up again. Out of
unity would proceed economy in generation, management and distribu-
tion, and, though economy in generation would remain, the economy
in management woidd be largely impaired by distribution being in
other hands.
The amendment was withdrawn.
Mr. W. CJuiNNESS moved a further amendment to provide that where
a local authority was in competition with the Coimty Council, the
County Council should have the power to acquu-e the undertaking of
the local authority.
Mr. Churchill o]i]iosi<I. nnd the amendment was withdrawn.
Mr. W. GuiNNE.ss iihuimI ihit three-fourths of the purchase money,
instead of one-half, as pr.iposcd liy the bill, should be paid in stock.
Mr. Churchill said that, as the result of negotiations, the companies
were prepared to make that concession, and the amendment was agreed to.
Mr. Churchill moved a sub-section to clause 24, providing that Lon-
don County Council should not be obliged to advance any sum to a
company under the section unless they were satisfied that there was
adequate security for the repayment of the sum to be advanced and
interest thereon. — Agreed.
After some further slight amendments the bill was read a third time.
LONDON (WESTMINSTER AND KENSINGTON) ELECTRIC
SUPPLY COMPANIES BILL.
On the consideration of this bill as auicndcil.
Mr. Lambert moved " That, if the Admiialty are of opinion that the
generation or use of electrical energy under or for the purpose of this
act by the companies injuriously affects, or is likely injuriously to affect,
any instrument, or ayiparatus in or adjacent to the Royal Observatory
at Cireenwich, including the Magnetic Pavilion, or the efficient working
of such instrument or a)iparatus, the Admnalty may, after such inspec-
tion and inquiry as they thmk proper, req\iu:e that the companies shall
use such precautions, including ins\ilated returns, as the Admiralty
may deem necessary for the prevention of such injurious affection, and
the companies shall forthwith comply with such requisition. For the
purpose of this section, any person authorised in WTiting by the Admiralty
shall have access at all reasonable times to the works and apparatus
of the companies, who shall give all due facilities for the inspection.
Provided always, that in the event of any instrument or apparatus
hereafter used m the said Observatory which may be of a different
character and of materially greater delicacy than those used therein
at the passuig of this act, the Admiralty shall consider, and may m then-
discretion determine, to what extent the powers of this section should
be exercised, regard beuig had to the interests of the public .a-s well as to
the purposes of the instruments or apparatus, a-s the ca,se may be. Ihe
Admiraltv Suits Act, 18(i8, shall apply for the purposes of proceedmgs
in regard" to any breach of the provisions of this section, or for mjunous
affection of the said Observatory or instruments or ajiparatus.— Agreed.
The bill was then read third time.
Atlantic Cable Rates.— lu the House of Commons on Monday the
Postmaster-General (Mr. S. Buxton) stated, in reply to a question by-
Sir W. Holland that advantage had been taken of the presence in England
of Mr. Lemieux (Postmaster-General of Canada) to discuss the question
of Atlantic cable rates. Representatives of the British and Canadian
Governments would meet in London in the spring to consider the subject.
ITALIAN ELECTRICITY WORKS.— The I'nionc Esercizi Elettrici of
Milan has decided to increase its capital at once from 2i to 8 million lire,
and ultimately to 20 million lire. The company, which some time ago
took over the business of Gadda & Co.. either owns or is interested in
various electricity works in Piedmont and Liguria i\s well as in .Middle
and Southern Italy. In recent years there has been a rapid develop-
ment of electricity "supply in Italy and the new capital is requu-ed for the
purpose of acquir'ing further electricity undertakings and also the interest
of Gadda & Qo. in Conti & Co.. Brown, Boveri & Co., &c.
THE ELECTRICIAN. DECEMBER IH, 1908.
LEGAL INTELLIGENCE.
»
Westminster Electric Supply Corporation and London County
Council.
When 111.- arl.iliMtioi, prc'ceclinf-s l.-forc Mr. J. A. Simon, K.C. (mii-
pirl) and Messrs. Jas.n'-.U'onei- ..nd Andrew Young (arbitrators) regard-
hL the amount to be paid by (be J.C.C. for (l,e eomi.any s M.I-
llk-'tr;". station and ,1s compen.sation tor the le.s.s f-'ourable eond.
tions of working with whieh the eomp..ny .-jUeged tl ey ^"If h'^^ '^
eontend in eonsequenoe of their removal to the new site provided by the
(louncil were reopened on the 3rd inst.
^•. BA,.roUR Browne, K.C, put in a statement as to an arrangemen
that had been come to between the parties in regard to mains, ile saia
M,f .1 F. C Snell (on behalf of the L.C.C.) had met Mr. 0. 0. Gnmshaw
and Sir Alex. Kennedy (on behalf of the company), and Mr Snell hart
g ecd upon the principle whieh Sir Alex. Kennedy had aid down in h.
evidence that th, 'loss hi the feeders after the change should not be greate
than before and he had further agreed with his eslimated loads on the
•lifferent feeders at the time of removal. The great changes to be made
in the two heavy northern feeders remained practicaUy as proposect. but
in respect of the larger number of the remaining feeders Mr. Snell sug-
gested that by a certain alteration of route of the new feeders and alter-
atbn of their junction points with the old feeder.s the required result
eould be obtained with about the same copper but with a ^ery large
saving in cost of pipes and roadwork. Sir Alex. Kennedy had found
this suggestion to be correct and it was therefore adopted. 1 he parties
had agreed all the quantities of cables, pipes and roadwork involved in
the modified scheme, and on those quantities he (Sii- Alex. Kennet^.v)
had obtained a new tender from Callender's Co. and Mr. Snell had
obtained a tender from the British Insulated and Hclsby Cables. Those
tenders were found in comparison to be very near together, Callender s
being a little the higher. Mr. Snell had agreed that, under these cir-
cumstances, as it would be the Callender type of cable and not the
British Insulated cable that the company would actually use, the amount
to be paiil sh.iiild be founded on Callender's tender. The amount of that
was f34.7:iil (based on copper at £<ib and lead at £18. l.')S. per ton). The
market price of lead at that date was £13. 15s. while copper was still £t)H
The actual amount of Callender's tender, if accepted that day, would be
f59('> less, or £34,13.5. Engineering charges, at 5 per cent., represented
£1,707, and 10 per cent, for contingencies and roadwork (of £8,290) was
£829, or a total of £3(i,(179 which was agreed between the jiarties. The
company also claimed 10 per cent, on the cost of mains and pipes (esti-
mated at £2.';,8.')3), or £2,r)8.'5. Mr. Snell offered 2i per cent., with £350
for work «n double set of mains and £250 for high tension alterations, or
a total of £1.236.
Evidence was given by Mr. O. C. Locket .and Mr. J. Charrington as
to the cost of delivering of coal.
Mr. LioNKi. H. HoEDKRN, manager of the Westminster Electric Supply
Corpn., said he had taken 3s. 3d. a ton as the additional cost of cartage
of coal : that was the actual sum they were jiaying. At Millbank-street
the cost of unloading coal from barges' into the bunkers was 11 -7 Id. a ton.
In Horseferry-road the coal would be tipped into a pit and hoisted out by
the conveyor. Thai, of course, would be unloaded very much quicker ;
and the ligiires he submitted were based on the actual cost of doing the
same \vi>rk with the same machinery at their Grove-road station. It
worked oil! at 0-S7d. per ton ; so that they saved 10-S4d. in unloading.
That had to be deducted from the additional cost of cartage (3s. 3d.)
which left 2s. 4- 1 (id. He had based his figures on 2s. 4d. a ton, and his
calculation was based upon the assumption that the coal conveyor would
be allowed.
Evidence was then given as to the character of the area supplied from
Millbank, the demand for lighting and power, &c. The district was
improving rapidly, and for the past 10 years the connections to their
mains averaged 4(i9 kw. per annum ; this year they had connections
equal to 582 kw., and they had applications in hand for over 1,000 kw.
Rather more than half of that demand was for jiowcr. The avcr.age
increase in units sold during the past 10 years was 3S(i.500. and in 1907
they, sold 4,870.000. In 1910 he eslimated that they would sell about
7,250,000 units, and after that the annual incr.-ase w.is put at 380.000
units. .As they were not to be moved till 1910 he had started his calcu-
lations from that year. Tables were put in which showed how Mr.
Hordern arrived at his figures and the result of the increase of business
upon the cost of carriage of coal. He could not say when the estimated
increase would cease; the ga.s companies had been uoiug on for 100
years and they were still increasing 2 per cent. He hail lakcii an average
increase of load from 1910 to 1931 at the rate of SSo.dOll units a year. He
had allowed for an improved load factor, because they brought the lbs.
of coal per unit down from 3J to 3]. The increase at first amounted to
5i per cent, in 1911, 3i percent, in 1921, and 2S percent, in 1931. They
had provided plant at Horseferry-road for meeting that dem.and and
they should have provided the same at Millbank. They should have
viforked the station practically half with motor generator and half with
steam. 'I'hey should have varied from year to year, but on the average
it would have been half and half. Working with condensing plant at
Millbank with coal at the same number of lbs. per unit, it would have
been an extremely econonii. ,il ^tatinu and thry slmulcl have worked the
system for all it was woith. \ k. il ,i^ i<, ilir acMitional cost the com-
pany would be put to ontliir^iiiMai, ^nl.hiiu. il, Miiiii ss said that if thev
took the sum of the present value fnuu liiKI to UKM it came tn .£24..')19,
and 10 per cent, nn that brought it up to £2(1,971.
Cross-examined by Sir EnwAitn Clarke, witness said that at .MilUiauk
, , .1 r-jc 1-,.. „f.;t/.-ini olant and 2,890 kw. of motor generator
they had now 2,53b kwot ^^^^^ ^l' ^^^^^.^,,^ ,3 the steatn plant had
• ■ . QS lu in 1910 down to 31 lb. in 1931.
^^s;e;^ar»c"I.!kJ"k:^, said he would can evidence astobuildi^^
ami plant, the uuestion of the mains having been agreed between the
'"'mT h"' A Stfward and Mr. .1. Si.ATER then gave evidence at some
lengJii t t cubiralcontents of the buildings at Millb.ank-street and
"orti^openfng of the sixth day's proceedings, Mr. Balfour Browne
announced 'that Callender's Co. h.ad refused o keep then- ten<^er open
bevond the 10th inst.. and it had been agreed between the parties that
th.^comanv-s tender should be accepted at £34 143, the onlyoutstand-
n.- Hu,.. i..n l.eina the £1,200— whether it was 10 per cent, or ;> per cent.
It"u,,- il-> i.iied that the parties had agreed that the net difference m
ccist i.t .[111 ^llMllkl be "s. 4d. a ton.
Mr loHN F C Snell said that one-half of Mr. Peach's floor areas at
Hor.seferry-road was quite am,,le to hold the equivalent amount of plant
which could be accommodated at Millbank-street. The area was sufh-
cient to hold at least five times tl,e ,,,,-cnt nununt of mo or genera or
plant at Millbank-street. Som.Mun. 1.^^ ilin, ..le-lmlf of the relative
Lbie contents was ample to meet n,e pn. ,-,.ns ., (he act. H's figures
for the buddings was £40,140 against .Mr. I'.-aehe . io7.330. He thought
5 per cent, ample to cover contingencies and he had never heard of 10
per cent, being allowed. His total for the buildings was £44,799. 6s..
against Mr. Peach's £73,809. 6s. 3d. He put in a table to show the com-
parison of the existing plant at Millbank with the parts of the plant
which he had advised the Council they ought to put mto Horseferry-
'^^Mr Balfocr Brownk. K.C, complained of the table being put in at
that stage, and said that they put in the figures of the tenders for plant
that was actually ordered. They could not put in any of the plant now.
Sir Edward Clarke said their liability was to sujjply plant of the
same capacity. The plant ordered and put in was of a greater capacity
and the evidence would go to show that the plant of a capacity equal to
that which they had to put in could be put m at much smaller cost.
Mr Snell was examined at areat length as to the various items in his
table and he pointed out where he differed from Sir Alex. Kennedy s
ficrures. He also put a table comparing Sir Alex. Kennedy s claim and
hfs (Mr SnelVs estimate) ; he had deducted certain items for spare parts
which were (he said) properlv revenue charges. He also took exception
t.> the cost of the batterv and to .an item of £1.400 for contingencies.
The difference between them in the first four items (from boilers to con-
deuMU" plant) was £0-79 per kw. (£13-4(i against £12-67). His total was
il'i-ihlr kw. against S„ Mrs .nd. , '- u, ..inal claim of £14-58. The
total ol Sir \le.\ Ki-iiia il\ . I.iirii « 1- t.s4..">73. and as amended by Mr.
Snell £81.503. but -Mr. SuellV e.luuate of (he cost of the plant which he
thought the L.C.C. were liable for was £58,631. Mr. Snell also put in a
table showing his estimate of the cost of installing plant of the same
capacity at Horseferry-road station as that at MUlbank-street at the
time of removal. His fiaures were : — boiler house section £13,836 :
pipework, &c.. £5,484. 13s. 6d. : engine room, £20,1.50: motor gene-
rator and battery room sections £11,522; switchboards, £4.800, or a
total of £55,792. 13s. (id., or, with 5 per cent, for tools, contingencies.
&e. (£2,789), and 5 per cent, for engineering (£2,789), the grand total was
£61.370. 13s. 6d. Mr. Snell next put in a table dealing with the cartage ot
coai. The difficulty was to apportion the units generated into the units
to be generated by the motcu- generators and by the steam plant. The
total units to be generated were 5.849,900, and on his argument 3,281,18.3
would be supplied by the motor generators. Mr. Snell then dealt with
the coal consumption figures. .\s to the mains and feedeis he had agreed
everything except the 10 per cent, which Sir Alex. Kennedy claimed
on tiie whole of the work. As the accepted tender included all trifling
details, such as the bonding of the cables, the labelling of them. &(:.
there was no room for any eimtingencies, and. therefore, the 2) per cent,
which thev offered was a liberal sum.
.Mr. C il. Gadsby also gave ;vidence on behalf of the L.C.C.,and ))ut
in a number of tables of the estimated cost of the buildings, plant, &c.
The proceedings stand adjourned until .Ian. 8.
Tramways By-Laws.
Last week the Manchester sti|)eudiary magistrate heard a ease in
which a tramcar driver named Lowe was charged with causing an ob-
struction of traffic in the High-street by driving his car at too short a'
distance from a car immediately preceding, contrary to by-law.
Mr. Sutton (who rcjirescnted the Manchester Horse Owners' Associa-
tion) said the information had been laid to obtain an interpretation of
the by-law bearing on the matter. The Tramway Act (incorjiorated
with the :Manehe'<t;>r Corporation Act of 1900) contained two provisions,
one regulatnej i\u -pe.-d of cars, the other leseivini; to the police the
right to du-> t i1m tnllie. There was an obhyation on the Corpeuation
in theu- A' t.uitliui .m.\ months after takuig over the tramways, to make
by-laws jiresciibing, amongst other things, the distance at whieh cars
using the lines should follow one another. A by-law was made, which
jiiovided that the distance between the ea-s should be not less than 25
y.uds in the central area of the city. If that stood alone it might be said
that see. 61 of the-Tramways Act, 1870 (which reserved power to the.
THE ELECTRICIAN. DECEMBER 18. 1908.
401
|i'iliii> to reguhito the traffic) was in conflict vvilh it : tlicivtore, lie sug-
gested, the furtlici' pfovi^iuii was made that " except in the central area "
(in which Hisli -^lT.■ i wis) llie distance between cars '" sl\oiil(l be such as
might be dhcilcd U\ ilii' iiolice." At the termini outside the centi'al
area the dislam . |.i ^ ~i i li.id was five yards. In the interin'etatiun of
those clauses, li. n junl. I he L'.') yards distance wa^- the one to be oKserved
in High-slrcel. I.m il,, n-. rvation to the police of the .-ight to regulate
the distance left the matter in doubt. On the other hand, no general
diioctions to the police had been laid down, nor (on the occasion in ques-
tion) was any special direction given. Cars had alwa,vs been in the habit
nf following cjne anothf r in High-street at shorter distances than 25 yards,
and the ipicstion was whether they could lawfully do so. The Horse
Owiiers' Associ.ation desired to have the by-law judiciously Interpreted.
.Mr. \Visro.M.\N, secretary to the Horse Owners' .-Vssocialion. .said
trouble occurred in High-street through a string of cars jiroeeeding
elo.sely behind one another. A man from Shudehill Market with a cart
laden with produce was unable to cross the street in consequence of this
obstruction.
Mr. Belt, (for defendant) contended that the by-law was clear enough,
that as regarded the central jiart of the city drivers should not follow one
.another at a less distance than 25 yards — " except as hereinafter men-
tioned," and the provision " hereinafter mentioned " was that the traffic
should be subject <o polii c rrgiil.ition.
The stipendiary (Mr. i'.i:ii,i;i i , I said the questiou w:is, if the police
gave no direction and niiic u ,i> _ix en by the officer on |inint duty, what
was the rule '/ It seemed to liiui there was none. Upon a proper con-
struction of the by-law he was of opinion that there was no provision as
to the distance at which one ear should follow another except that it was
to be subject to the dii'ection of the police. The summons must therefore
be dismissed
Mr. Sutton asked the magistrate to state acase, and tliis .Mr. Hrierley
agreed to do.
MUNICIPAL, FOREIGN & GENERAL NOTES.
APPOINTMENTS VACANT AND FILLED.
The Council of the In.stitution of Electrical Engineers is prepared
to consider ajjplications for the appointment of Secretary of the
Institution from candidates of good standing only, and of not more
than i.") years of age. In making a selection irajiortance will be
attached to the following qualifications : — Admintstrative experi-
ence, tact and business capacity, acquaintance with the profession,
knowledge of modern languages and technical knowledge. Applica-
tions to the President of the Institution of Electrical Engineers, 92,
Victoria-st., London. f-!.W., by Tuesday, .Jan. 12. See also an
advertisement.
.Applicati(ms are invited for the po.sition of superintending electrical
engineer on a large power supply and traction iui<lcr(aking. Only
those with practical knowledge of electric car construction and main-
tenance and experience of generation, distribution and sale of
electricity for power need apply to the Secretary, Electrical Federa-
tion Offices. Kingsway, London, W.C. See also an advertisement.
Cleveland & Durham Electric Power Co. (Ltd.) reqin're two sub-
station attendants. Commencing salary 25s. per week. .'Applicants
must have had technical training and workshop experience. Applica-
tions to the Secretary, Hinton's-buildings. Middlesbrough.
RaWucnstall Corporation invite applications for the position of
borougli electrical and tramways engineer. Salary i'idi) pci' annum.
Particulars from the Town Clerk.
A)in!icat:ons are invited for the Chair of Electrical Engineering in
the LT.iiversity of Manitoba (Winnipeg, Man., Canada). Salary
$2. .50(1 pi r annum. Applications to the registrar (Mr. D. M. Duncan)
by Kcb. 15,
.\ teacher of engineering is required at Doncaster Jinnicipal
Technical Schcol. Salarv £130. .Viiplications to the Princi])al by
Dec. 2S.
Mr. A. Forbes has been appointed by the Metropolitan Asylums
Board as electrician at the South Western Hospital, Stockw'cll.
Mr. W. H. N. James, of the Manchester School of Technology, has
been ajipointed lecturer in electrical engineering at the Bradford
Technical Institute at £170 per annum.
Argentina. — The " Review of the River Plate" says the Rosario
Tramway Co, are about to extend some of their lines, and the
material has already been received.
Santa 1''^ Municipality are negotiating for the eleetritication of the
tramways.
Australasia. — The " Austrcalian Mining and Engineering Review ''
says .Mr. A. U. Alcock has prepared estimates for a local company for
an electric lighting scheme for C'liitrlh.ii (.\.,S.W.).
Kiirtiiiihiirrii Council are cniil.iii|.|,ii i-. ■ the erection of electrii-ity
works. Mi-. (_;. VVevmoiith his MiluiiUinl ;i report and estimates.
L,i,l,rn./r (W.A.') Mimicipalitv arc exteudinu tlu-ir electric ligluim;
plant, and have floated a loan of £r),.500.
Bradford. — At their meeting la,st week the electricity committee
had under consideration a report by the city electrical cngineei- (Mr.
Thus. Roles) on the necessity for (iiitting down additional plani at
the Valley-road work.s. It was decided to visit the electricity works
at Liverpool and Newcastle to inspect the plant (hei-e.
The ]iresent full-load capacity of the generating plant at Valley-road
is V.HSOkw., but owing to the condensing plant in N'o. 2 works being
considerably smaller than is necessary to maintain the vacumn when
the whole of the sets are in operation, a total load cannot be .sustained
of more than 2,800 kw. on these sets, and the full-load capacity of the
Valley-road works does not, therefore, actually exceed fi,8(X) kw. Any
further demands made on the works have to be met by overloading the
slow-speed engines. In addition to the Valley-road |)lant there is a
300 kw. high-speed steam-driven set at Sunbridge-road sub-station,
which makes the total fidl-load eapacit,v of the steam generating jilant
7,100 kw. The maximum load ex|>erienced during the present winter
to date has been 6,597 kw., on Nov. lit, but this load will probably be
exceeded. The difference between the maximum load experienced
and the full-load capacity of the plant 's considered too small a margin
to meet contingencies, and in his leport Mr. Roles makes it clear that
the direct ciu'rent generating ))lant is not of sufficient capacity.
The neee.ssity for extending the extra-high-tension supply was stated
to be even more urgent still. The present capacity of the motor gene-
rators is 1,,500 kw., and, while heavy demands liad Ik'cii m.ade im them
in the past, it was estimated that the load woidd be increa.scd by fullj-
l.OOOkw. before ne.xt winter. In addition, there was every (irobability
that power load would be required for other mills and factories in the
city. In view of these ciretmistanccs, Mr. Roles submitted that il was
imperative that immediate steps be taken to increase the caiiacit3' of
the steam-generating plant, and the new plant be ready for use by .July
next, if the continuity of the supply was to be ensured. Mr. Roles
recommended that two extra-high-tension alternating current turbo-
generators, each of 3,000 kw. capacity, and capable of carrving 2.0(X) kw.
overload, should be installed, and that the largest sets which could be
rnn individually at approximated fidl load during the next winter should
lie iili!;iiiH-d. The extension scheme also provides for the ercrtinu of
two cooling towers, piping between the cooling towers and condensers,
two water-tube boilers (each with an evaporative eap.aeity of 18,0(K) lb.
per hour), complete with chain-grate stokers, superheaters and steam
and feed piping, extra-high-tension switchgear and cables, grease ex-
traction and nitration plant, and the completion of Wiiter tanks, pump
house, &c. £511.30(1 is Mr. Roles' estimate of the cost of the j)rovision
and erection of (lie additional iilant.
Bradninch (Devon). — The official inauguration of the works of the
Bradninch & District Electric Supply Co. recently took place, .Mrs.
Muir (wife of the chairman of the company) switching on current for
ptdjiic and private lighting.
Brighouse. — The Council have received sanction to a loan of
£3.!)40 for electricity supply extensions.
Bulgaria. — The Ministry of Finance is fornitdating a scheme tor
lighting \'arna harbour electrically.
Carlisle. — .An unopposed inquiry was held last week into the
CounciPs application for .sanction to a loan of £1,000 for a coal con-
veyor, elevator and bunker. &e., a( the electricity works.
Cathedral Lighting.— St, Michael's Pro-Cathedral, Coventry, ha.s
recently been fitted fur the electric light, the greater part of the
expense having been met through the munificence of the Wyley
family. The tower is lighted from the dome of the lantern by an arc
lampof 2,100 c.p., and the general lighting of the main body of the
edifice is provided by a series of 23 c.p. tantalum lamps, arranged
round the capitals of the cohnnns, 16 on each, and the arrangements
.admit of alternate lights being switched on. A cluster of lamps illu-
minate the side chapels, and in the chancel the light is thrown up<m
the altar by refiectors, the vestries being lighted from the ceilings.
Cheltenham.— The assessment of the electricity works has been
reduced on ajjpeal from £4,850 to £3,200.
Cookstown (Ireland.)— Efforts are being made to establish elec-
tricity works in this town, and a firm of consulting engmeers have
subm'itted particulars of a scheme to the Council. The matter wdl
be discussed at the next meeting.
Dundee.— The Dundee Sailors' Home has been provided uilli ait
electric lighting installation through the munificence of ,Sir W m. O.
Dalgleish, Bart,
Durban (Nafal).— The report of the borough electrical engineer
(Mr, ,Iolin Roliirts) for tlu> year ended .July la.st shows total revenue
£72,668 (against £77.099 iii previous yeai). .and net profit £14,849
(£16.887). 6,025,860 (5,641,478) units were sold.
Mr. Roberts recommends the Council to wire consumers' premises on
the hire-i)urchasc system. The installation of time switches for switch-
in.' the public lamps on and off has resulted in a reduction of cost of
labour. .-V steam turbine is being put down which will drive the gene-
r.itiuK iilant for 18 hours a day for all classes of supply, including tram-
wavs. and will reduce cost of fuel. oil. repairs and .nttehdancc.
402
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
Electricity in Mining.—At tlie meeting of the Cliiuiiiiidii l-iet^f (Sold
Mininf.' (':ini|i;my cif Indiii on Wednesday the (^haiiniiin (Mr. John
'I'aylor) said lliat llic saving which had heen effected in the milling
and other costs had been mainly due to the reduction in the charges
for electrical power derived from the Cauvery Falls electric power
works and from tlie Kolar Mines power station on the held. From
the Kolar Mines power station they were using 720 H.P., including
350 H.P. for operating the new electrical hoi.st at Rowc's shaft. He
looked upon the adoption of electrical transmission, as the means of
conveying power to their mines on the K<jlar goldfield, as one of the
mo.st — psrhap.s, he should say, the most important improvement ever
carried out there. The system had proved an unqualified success
thro\ighout, and the benefit derived in cheaper and more efficient
power was most marked.
Electricity Supply in Japan. — " The Engineer " .states that the
capital invested in eleetricity .suj^ply undertakings in Japan increased
from £2,800.000 in 1003 toil 3,800,090 in 1907. and the number of
lights supplied increased from 365,000 in 1903 to 859,143.
Exhibition.-- Regulations regarding the importation, duty-free,
of foreign products to be shown at the Brussels Exhibition of
1910 may be seen at 73, Basinghall-street, London, E.G.
Fatality. — Peter Beveridge, brusher, met with a fatal accident at
the Aittson Pit, Kelty (belonging to the Fife Coal Co.), on 12th
inst. Deceased had been engaged lifting the pavement in one of the
dooks in the Dunfermline splint seam, when a slight fall took place
from tlie side of the road. The effect of the fall was to cause an
electric cable to slip to the pavement. When in the act of replacing
the cable it eame in contact with his chest, causing instantaneous
death.
France. — The report of Mr. Consul E. Vicars on the chemical,
metal and mining' industries of the Lyons district for 1907 states that
the output of S])ecial metals cast in the electric furnace is believed to
have been at least equal to that of the previous year (13,700 tons), but
slackness set in at the close of the year. The tendency appears to be
in the direction of utilising such waterfalls as have been prepared for
the generation of electric power for transmission over long distances
and for the manufacture of nitrates for manures. Tlirei new
services were established during the year, one by the C4renoble Power
& Light Co., who generate at Moutiers (Savoy), Avignonnet-on-the-
Drac (Isere), and Bellegarde (Ain) ; another by the Central Electric
Energy ('o., who transmit power from the Drac as far as St. Etienne ;
and a third by the Mediteranean Littoral Electric Energy Co., who
supply the whole of the South of France, fi'oni Montjiellier to Nice,
with power derived from the Durance.
Frome. — The Council have received sanction to a loan of £9,605
for extensions of the electricity undertaking.
Golborne. — The Board of Trade have inquired of the Council as to
the steps taken to put the provisions of their electric lighting order
1905. into force.
Govan. — A sub-committee of the electricity committee has been
instructed to report upon two alternative schemes of tlie burgh
electrical engineer (Mr. T. C. Parsons) for the extension of the electri-
city works, the one involving an expenditure of £14,000 and the
other £11,000.
Gravesend, — The Council jM-opose to adopt a .scheme of "free""
and assisted wiring, the work to be e:uiied out by local wiring con-
tractors.
Keighley. — Tlie Couneil have decided to apply for sanction to a
loan of £l:i,82() for extensions of the electricity supply undertaking.
London County Council.— On Tuesday it was agreed to loan £3,290
to Hackney fnr c'Icctricity suiiplj*.
Elcplfiiil ,1,1 1 i\rl' Sii>:-.d,iii,,ii. — The Highways committee proposed
that Iw" l,.>(Mik«. niul(ir L;(ncratiirs should be erected in place of the
four siniiller ;;eneriitiir.s at present in the station at an estimated capital
charge of £lti,00l». Postponed.
" O.B." Surface Contact Tramways. — The Highways committee
reported that with regard to the working of the Aldgate to Bow tram-
ways there were 927 occasions recorded on which alarm indicators
operated on the ears showed that studs remained alive immediately after
the ears left the studs; 728 of these cleared themselves: 185 cleared
after being hammered ; 7 studs would not clear and lemained alive.
The total number of cases in which it had been reported that accidents
occurred, or were alleged to haveoccurretl, v.as 7. In three eases claims
were received and dealt with by the solicitor and £60 4s. wns p:iid in
respect thereof.
L.C.C. Tramways.— The Councirs overhead trollev tramway in Lea
Bridge-road was inspected on behalf of the Board of Trade oii Dec. 8.
C!ol. Yorke inspected the continuation of the Dulwich tramway to a
))omt near Forest Hill station, a distance of U miles, on Wednesday.
London Telephone System.- An Exchange has been opened at
tmchley ui connection with the Post Office London telephone
system. Trunk communication is afforded tlirough the London trunk
exchange at the charges applicable to London.
Lowestoft. — The Electric Light committee reported to the Council
last week that for the year ended Sept. 30 there was a deficiency of
£252. 7s. 7d. on the undertaking and of £192. Is. 5d. on the cottage
wiring account.
The report of the borough electrical engineer (Mr. G. A. Bkvce) stated
that the total receipts of the department were £13,618. 13s. 2d., an in-
crease of £1,091. 12s. 5d.. and the gross profit £5,387. 14s. 9d. on the
year's working, which, after i>aying working expenses and repaus. was
equal to 6 per cent, on the capital That amount, and an extra £250
from reserve, was taken to meet mterest and sinking fund. The reason
why the expenditure was more this year was partly due to interest and
sinking fund on the feeder cables, &c. (f(iOO), to the rise in price of coal
(£350), to the rebate in the price of current from 5Jd. to 4Jd., and also to
the number of metallic filament lamps in use having reduced the revenue
The total number of consumers was 966, an mcrease of 169, against 107
last year. The total number of units generated was 1,194,111, an hi-
crcase of 150,000. The loans for free wiring had been taken up very
quickly, and by that method a very good return was being shown. Pub-
lic street lighting was being proceeded with, several orders being well in
hand. The committee should take into consideration the advisability
of installing additional plant in order to economise on the day load :
and in order to accomplish that they required a 250 kw. engine and
dynamo, which v/ould readily show a saving of about £250 per annum.
The committee should again consider extensions.
Maidens & Coomfae. — The County of London Electric Supply Co.
have informed the Council that the question of commencing work
under their luovisional order in the spring is under consideration,
but no definite date can be given at present.
Newcastle Emlyn. — The Carmarthenshire Main. Roads committee
have granted permission to the Emlyn Electric Light Co. to erect
overhead wires for the supply of electricity in the district.
Newport (Men.). — The borough electrical engineer and tramways
manager (Mr. H. CoUings Bishop) recommends the Council to adopt
a rail-less tramcar service in certain districts of the borough, as he
considers that under certain conditions the system possesses many
advantages over the present double track system.
The cars used on rail-less system carry a conductor and driver and
seat about 20 passengers, but Mr. Bishop proposes to design a car on
the p.iy-as-you-enter principle, and to dispense with the services of the
conductor. He proposes that the system should be introduced over a
length of 2 miles, allowing 20 minutes for a single journey, and estimates
the total capital cost (including purchase of four running and four spare
ca'-.-) at £8.000, or £16,000 per route-mile, less the total capital cost of
a 2 mile tramway with a double track running the same number of cars.
He also estimates a savmg of 3-90(J.(7-.58d., compared with ll-48d.) in
cost of working the new system, and adds that, to make a net profit of
Id. per mile, the rail-less cars would only have to earn 8'5Sd. per mile,
com])ared with 12-48d. per mile by a tramcar service. A deputation is
to visit Continental towns where the system is in operation.
Cbituaiy. — The "Australian Mining and Engineering Review"
states that Mi-. A. H. Warden (the Melbourne Manager of the Edison
cS: Swan Co.) died on Oct. 31. Mr. Warden was formerly manager of
the Zeehan Electric Light Co.
The death took place on Dec. 8, in his 68th year, of Mi-. Thos.
Flamwell. of the firm of T. Flamwell & Son, electrical engineers.
Church Walk, Worksop.
Oldham. — At the last meeting of the Electricity committee the
borough electrical engineer (Mr. F. A. Xewington) gave an explana-
tion of the recent failure of electricity supply in parts of the town.
.Ml-. Newinoton said that two fuse boxes had burned out owing to
faihu-e of the insulation. They had been making some alterations, and
some of the fuses were not connected, or the effect would not have been
so serious. It tlu-ew all the work on the other mains, and the fuses went.
They had had a lot of bother with imderground fuses. The better course
would be to take them all out and replace them with fuse pillars, and
this he proposed to do. The provision of boxes was (Mr. Newington said)
inrliided in the alterations he had previously suggested to the com-
mittee. The cost of the boxes and alterations to mains would be about
£3tlO.
Patents Development.— The proprietors of the undermentioned
patetits arc desirous of entering into arrangements, by way of licence
and otherwise, for exploiting same and ensuring theu- full develop-
ment and practical working in this country : —
Patent No. 29.406/1906, for " Improvements in Electric Contact
Devices."
Patent No. 26,590/1905, for " Apparatus for Generating and Utilising
High-tension Alternating Currents for the Ignition of Explosive Mixtures
in Internal Combustion Engines."
Patent No. 170/1906, for " Improvements relating to the Regulation
or Control of Electric Motors."
Communications in regard to the above should be addressed to Messrs.
Haseltine, Lake & Co., patent agents and consulting engineers, 7 and 8,
Southampton-buildmgs, Chancery- lane, Loudon, W.C.
THE ELECTEICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
403
Radclifle (Lanes.). — An iidjom-nt'd L. 0. Board inquiry was held <in
Tluu'sda}- last week into tlie application of the Council for sanction to
borrow £14,3.50 for extensions of the electricity works. The Lan-
cashire Electric Power Co. and some local firms opposed the applica-
tion.
Evidence was given that the local Property Owners' Association,
which represented about one-half of the cottage and shop property of
the district, was in favour of the Council's scheme.
Councillor S. R. Walker, chairman of the Electricity committee, gave
evidence as to the policy of the Council in regard to electricity supply
and as to their relations with the Power Co. If necessary Radcliffe could
take electricity in bulk from Bury Corporation. By the present scheme
the Council were only completing their generating station as originally
laid out, and the amoimt required for that was £3,500. The rest of the
money asked for would be required, whoever gave siipply. The general
])olicy at present was to confine their supply to small consumers. In the
future the Electricity committee's policy would be to encourage a cheap
supply of power in the district.
In reply to the Inspector, Mr. F. E. Lacey stated that the existing
station would not admit of a high-tension plant, and he thought the
([uestion of bulk supply v/ould be seriously considered before the present
buildings were extended.
Mr. PtcKSTOSE (for the Power Co.) contended that the company were
not satisfied with the 2-^ per cent, commission they had to pay to the
Council, and said they had only agreed to it in specific instances and not
generally. In one case they were negotiating with a firm who proposed
to establish large works in the neighbourhood of the Power Co.'s station,
which would be an industry requiring a fine margin of profit with regard
to the supply of electricity. He said that the demand for the 21 per cent,
commission ))laced an absolute ban on the company suggesting Radcliffe
as a suitable loco lit}' for the works, which would employ a large number
of men.
Other evidence having been given in support of the application Mr.
Pickstone addressed the Inspector on behalf of the Power Co., and Sir
R. Ham])son. a director, and Mt'. C. D. Taite, the manager and engineer
of the company, gave evidence.
Mr. Taite said that causing an applicant to make what he knew to be
a futile and blind application to the local authority very frequently had
the effect of breaking off the negotiations at the outset. He cited cases
to show that the condition that application must be made through the
Council had proved an obstacle in the way of progress. With regard to
canvassing, his experience wa,s that unless they canvassed applications
did not come in. In Salford they had a canva.sser whose sole duty was
to be continually calling liTi |iT.i^|i, rtivc power and light users. The more
legitimate sphere of a Im mI im Ii.i ii \ . particularly a small authority, was
undoubtedly lighting and null |iowfr supply. In Radcliffe he con-
sidered the demand for clci ninty t<'r lighting coxdd never be extensive,
while undoubtedly the distn. ( Krit itself to a very extensive supply of
electrical energy, and m;iny I'f the power users required such large
amounts of power that these demands could only be met by a large gene-
rating station put dowii primarily for the purpose of supplying power as
distinct from lighting. He did n.it think that the proposed new plant at
Radcliffe would, after providing adequately for stand-by purposes, leave
much for future developments nor reduce the cost of production ; that
it was the tramway supply that kept them alive, and he thought there
was not the slightest doubt, having regard to the figures, that Bury Cor-
poration were bound in the interests of their ratepayers to ask for the
same terms offered to other power users in the district, and if they were
successfid in obtaining that the loss to Radcliffe works would be £760
per annum. It would be an advantage to the Council to take the tram-
way supply from the company. He had prepared figures showing that
if the Council shut down their station and took the whole supply from
the company instead of there being a loss to the Council, as had been
stated, there would be a considerable gain. In Bolton the company had
been sup|.lyiii'j for more than two years one consumer without any pay-
racni 111 )iil: h .|iiirod by Bolton Corporation ; Bury had given them |ier-
mission lo Mi|i|ily large consumers on the basis of a nominal consideration;
and .Salford Corporation had given them authority to supply a consumer
in Preitwich on the payment of f I per annum.
Mr. R. B. Leach, chief electrical engineer for Farnworth, said that
from April I next his Council would take their supply in bulk from the
Power Co. After a careful investigation they came to the conclusion that
was the best thing they could do. and Prof. E. Hopkinson, who had
investigated the .scheme, decided that undoubtedly, so far as Farnworth
was concerned, it was the only and best thing to do.
Ml'. John W. Kenworthy, chief engineer to the Bleachers' Associa-
tion, said that they had Whittaker's and Andrew Greenhalgh's works in
Radcliffe, and on behalf of those two works they opposed the applica-
tion. He considered the Council's charges j>rohibitive. Mr. Taite wrote
that owmg to the action of Radcliffe Council he would be unable to do
anything for them, and so the matter had dropped.
Other evidence was given for the opposition, and after legal addresses
the inquiry closed.
Russia. — Works capable of producing from 5,000 to 6,000 tons of
electrolytic copper per annum will shortly be opened in the Kychtym
district.
Taunton.— The Council have instructed Mr. Motlatt to report on
the present condition of the tramway track.
Uruguay. — The " Review of the River Plate " says the Govern-
ment intend to spend £20.(XH) upon a telephone system for the police
tations throughout the RepubKc,
West Ham. — The salary of the station superintendent (Mr. Lloyd
.Jones) has been increased to £300 per annum.
A special agreement has been entered into with J. Tate & Sons,
of Silvertown, for a supply of electric current for five years.
Twelve additional tranioars are to be fitted with top covers, the
cost to be defrayed out of revenue or the reserve fund.
WireleJS Telegraph Notes. — An Ordinance has been issued provid-
ing for the regulation of wireless telegraphy in the British East Africa
Protectorate. LTnder this Ordinance no person may establish any
wireless telegraph station or instal any apjiaratus for wireless tele-
graphy in any place except under licence granted by the Governor.
The Postmaster-General (Mr. Sydney Buxton) formally opened
the new post office wireless telegraph station at Bolt Head, on the
South Devon coast, about 7 miles from Plymouth, on Friday last.
Some details of this station appeared in our last issue, p. 360. At the
opening ceremony, the technical details of which, we learn, worked
with perfect satisfaction and included an interchange of messages
between Bolt Head and the Channel Islands, the Postmaster-General
made a few remarks to the party assembled at the station. He said
the station they had , inaugurated would |)rove a useful one from
many points. There were, of course, limitations to the use of wire-
less telegraphy — atmospheric limitations and limitations in direction
and distribution. At the present time messages .sent out from a
station could not be directed to any one spot exclusively, as any other
station could take the message. In this way privacy was impossible.
So far a^ (lir prail ical side of wireless telegraphic workwas concerned,
the Brii i^li Ailiiui alty and the Post Offic? were in as good a position
as it was pi.ssililr to occupy. The new station was situated in an
ideal spot for the purposes for which it was intended. It might be
regarded as the outcome of the International Telegraph Convention
of Berlin, 1906. He referred to the services rendered by Sir Henry
Babington -Smith and Lieut. Loring in connection respectively
with the Convention and with the erection and equipment of the
Bolt Head station.
It is announced that the charge for communication with ships at
sea, via the new Bolt Head station, will be 8d. per word, which will be
divided as to 3W. for the coast station.4d. for the ship station, and id.
or the Post Office land service.
On the subject of the equipment of the new Bolt Head station we
have received the following : —
As most of the daily pajjers have had accounts of the successful open-
ing by the Postmaster-General of the new G.P.O. radio-telegraphic
station at Bolt Head, South Devon, and have generally mentioned the
Marconi Company as beuig responsible for the plant, we think it only
fau- to point out that we supplied and installed the power plant equiji-
ment for the station, i.e., the engine, dynamo, alternator, switchboard,
battery and connections, to the specification of the General Post Office.
The Westminster Engineering Co. (I.,td.)
Victoria-road, Willcsden Jimction, London, N.W.
Wolverhampton. — The Council have received sanction to a further
loan of tti.diio for extensions of the electricity undertaking.
Workhouse Lighting. — At their next meeting Monmouth Guardians
will consider an oflfer of the Corporation Electricity department to
supply electrical energy for the lighting of the workhouse.
Yarmouth. — Sanction has been received to a loan of £2,000 for
extensions of mains, &c. Cables are to be laid in certain roads, and
in all new streets as far as practicable.
TRADE NOTES AND NOTICES.
TENDERS INVITED.
Fareham Urban District Council arc prcjiared to receive tenders
for three alternators and exciters, high antl low pressure switchboards
and overhead travelling crane. General cimditions and specifications
may be obtained at the offices of the ctmsulting engineers (Messrs.
May & Hawes). Caxton House, W'estminster, S.W. Tenders must be
addressed to the Clerk of the Council (.Mr. U'onard Warner) l)etore
10 a.m. of Wednesday. Jan. 20. See also an advertisement.
Tenders are invited for the supply of a branch metallic multiple
magneto switchboard to the Postmaster-General's Department in
Neil} Soiilh Wales. Tender forms and specification may be obtained
at the Commonwealth Offices, 72, Victoria-street. London. S.W. Sec
also an advertisement.
Bradjord Corporation invite tenders for supply and erection of
two 3,000 kw. turbo generators, complete with condensing plant,
motor-driven auxiliaries and steam exhaust and circulating pipework.
C'o|)ies of specification, general conditions of contract and forms of
tender from the city electrical engmeer and manager (Mr. Tfaos.
Roles), Electricity Offices, Whitaker-buildings, Bradford. Tenders
404
THE ELECTRICIAN. DECEMBER is, 190P.
to the town clerk (Mr. Fredk. Stevens), Town Hall. Bradford, by Inst
po.st Wednesday, Dec. 23.
Messr.'f. I'recee & Cardew an; inslnioted !)>• 'Sy/«f,'/ (N.S.W.)
.Muiiieip.al (Jouncil to invite tenders for supply and ereotion of five
water-l iilie lioih^r.s, each capable of evajiorating '24,000 Hi. of watei- per
hour, with («onomisers, stokers, feed jninips, pipework. &c. Speci-
fication, drawing and form of tender from Messrs. I'reece & Cardew.
8, Queen Anne's Gat«. Westmin-Hter. S.W. Tenders to the Town
Clerk. Town Hall, Sydney (N.S.W.), by 4 p.m. Feb. 2-2nd, 1909.
Tenders are invited for supply and delivery of various sizes of
electric motors reqnin-d by the Electric Su|)ply committee of the
City of Birmingham. General conditions, si)ecificat ion and form of
tender from the city electrical engineer (Mr. W. A. Chattock),
14, D.ile-end, Birmingham, to wliom tenders by noon Dec. 29.
Wigan Klectric Light committee want tenders by Dec. 21 for
cables, carbons, electrical accessories and other stores. Specifica-
tions, &c., from the Electrical Engineei-.
Tenders arc invited for electric lighting, hell ;ui(l telephone installa-
1 Ion-; :i( the Bradford Baths. Manehesti^r. Tenders tot 'ity Architect's
(llfiir liy 9 a.m.. Dec. 2;i.
M iilillcflirough Corporation want lenders by noon Dec. :io for 20
flame arc lamps, posts, brackets and incandescent fittings for same.
Specifications from the Borough Electrical Engineer.
Beckenham Council require tenders by 4 p.m.. Jan. 4 for electricity
meters. Specifications from the Council Offices.
TENDERS RECEIVED AND ACCEPTED.
For recoiislMicling the tianiways fmni Hackney-road, via Marc-
street and Lower and LTpper Clapton-roads to Stamford Hill London
County Council received the following tenders : —
Dick. Kerr & Co. (ac«'/>to/) £82,715 6 11
i W. Mander.s St.:«:i II 7
A.M.Coles X4.;5.5.') 13 7
.J. Mowlem & Co S.S.titU l:i .■")
The chief engineer's estimate was £87,977 1.5s. 9d.
Messrs. Dick. Kerr & Co., who have to give preference in employment on
easvial or unskilled labour requu'ed for the work to men bona fide resident
in the County of London are allowed to sub-let to the undermentioned
firms the following portions of the work : — .4ndei-son Foundry Co. or
Wilsons, Pease & Co., yokes ; Doulton & Co. or Bullers. Limited, insu-
lators ; Bayliss, Jones & Bayliss, or Guest, Keen & Nettlcfokl. tiebars.
holts. &o. ; Associated Portland Cement Manuf'icturers, cement ;
Harrison & Co. (Lincoln) and Hadfield's Steel Foundry Co.. plcaigh boxes
and drain boxes ; Forest City Electric Co.. bonds.
London County Comieil have accepted the following tenders for
stores, &c. : —
Klectric fittings, globes and shades from Ba.xter & Caunter. U. Braulik,
City Glass Co.. Dorman & Smith, Elliott Bros., Falk, Stadelmann & Co..
(!»neral Electric C.).. A. P. Lundb'crg & Snns.',Wm. McGeoch & Co .
Nctllcfnid & Sons. Siemens Bros. & Co.. Smith Bros., G. Straus & Co.,
'i'aylor k Co.. Veritys Limited and Wm. White & Co. ; for insulating
materials fi-oin firit ish Insulated & Hclshy Caliles. British Westinghouse
V.O.. Siemens Bros. & Co.. Wm. (icipcl & c'o.. General l':icctric Co., Baxter
& Gaunter. BrHisli Klectri.al & .Mf;.. ('.... Jas. .N'ortli Hardy & Co.. D.
.laroslaw, Wicanite & Insulator (Vj.. Geo. Schultz & Co., T.iylor & Co..
Artluu- Terry and \'iTitys Limited ; for electric cables and wires, Cal-
Imder's Co.. Hooper's Telegraph & Indiarubber Works, Western Electric
C). Amongst oilier aci'cpted tenders for chemicals and chemical a])pa-
lalus are Baird & Tatlock, J. ,1. Griffin & Sons, F. W. Berk & Co..
and Spencer, Chapman & Messel ; for indiarubber In^lia Rubber, Gutta
Percha & Telegraph Works Co.. David Moseley & Son. ,T. E. Hopkinson
* Co., J. (!. Ingram & Son. and North British Rubber Co. ; and for cast
i on aiul steel the Klectro-.Mechanical Brake Co.. Mountain & Gibson and
l\vke & Palmer.
Wolverhampton Council have accepted the tender of the Electric
Construction Co. for switchgear and accessories at £120, and that of
Hodgkinsons (Ltd.). for two pairs of coking stokers at £277.
London (!ounty Council received live tenders (varying in amount
from £!()(). lOs. to £275) for the electric liglUing of the Camden Town
fire station, and the lowest (that of Tredegar & Co.) was accepted.
London County Council have accepted the tenders of the Western
JOIectric Co. for electric cables and wu-es at £292, and that of Geo.
Sehultz & Co. for insulating materials at £165.
London County Council have acce))ted the tender of F, & H. Higgs
(at £1,080) for structural work, &c., requiied at the \'ictoria Embank-
ment generating station.
Stalybridge, Hyde, Dukinfield & Mossley Joint Tramways &
Electricity Board have accepted the tender of Thos. Beeley & Son
for a superheater and pijiework.
Messrs. .lolm Horn (Stockport). Ltd.. have placed an order for 53
motors, starting panels, and main switchboards for their new works
■With Veritys Ltd., Manchester.
Dailington Council hav(^ placed an order with Co.x-Walkers (Ltd.)
for an eleetrieally-driven pump at £107. L'is.
Shijiley Council have accepted the teiuler of R. Lindley. jun.. for
wiring the reading room at Saltaire.
The Hoffman Brick Co.. Brun.swick (Victoria) have ordered a
80 kw. generating set. an 80 h.p. Rhotles motor, and a number of
smaller motors for driving the pottery works, pumping. &c.
BUSINESS NOTICES.
Brucs Peebles & Co. (Litl.) has now b.'L-ii successfully rjconstructsd,
and is actively engaged in tlu' manufacture of all the different classes
of electrical machinery with which its name has for so long been
associated. The business has been conducted without interruption,
and as its control is now in the hands of an entirely new and influential
board of directors, it is believed that the success of the bu.siness is
assured. The new board consists of the following : Messrs. A. W.
Tait. M. B. Mountain. C. J. Shiells, Alex. Mackenzie. Chas. H. M'Euen
and F. E. Andrews. The Company owns the sole manufacturing
rights in Great Britain and the Colonies, of the well-known " Peebles-
La Com" motor converter.
Messrs. Palconar, Cross & Co. are removing in January to 7 & 9.
Ridloy-))lace. Newcastle-on-Tyne. The telegraphic address will
remain " Install. Newcastle-on-Tyne,'' and the telephone No. 203
Central National.
Messrs. Pritchetts & Gold (Ltd.). storage batterj' manufacturers,
will, on or about the 24th inst.. remove from 20, Victoria-street to
their new offices at 58, Victoria-street, London, S.W.
Sale by Auction. — Messrs. Fuller, Horsey, Sons & Cassell will
include in their sale by auction at H.M. Dockyard, Portsmouth, on
Tuesday, Jan. 12. and following days, at 11 a.m. each day, 40 tons
foundry ashes. 20 tons old lead and zinc ashes and bottoms, 1.450
tuns mild steel and iron scrap. 90 tons old wire rope. 55 tons electric
cable, a quantity of electrical gear and stores, 4 lathes, 39 steam
engines, lamps and lanterns, vices and loose tools, &c. May be
viewed three working days prior to and on mornings of sale. Cata-
logups (Od. eacli) may be obtained at the Dockyard, or of the Auction-
eers. 11, Bihiter-square, London, E.G. See also an adverti.sement.
Plant for Sale.— Messrs. G. Elliott & Co., 180-188. Long-lane.
Bermondsey. London, S.E., have for sale two compound Marshall
steam engines coupled to two Crompton dynamos, a ccmbined
generating set, and also three dynamos. Further particulars are given
in advertisements.
Factory Sites for Sale.— Messrs. Douglas Young & Co.. 51. Coleman-
street. E.C., advertise that they have for sale (or letting on lease)
factory sites, factories, &c., in all ))arts of London and suburbs.
Christmas Holidays. — Most of the leading Electrical Engineering.
Manufacturing and su)3ply houses will be closed for several days dur-
ing the Christmas holidays. Amongst these is the Union Electric
Co. whose works, offices and stores at P.ark-strcet. Southwark, will
be closed from Dec. 25 to Dec. 29.
Christmas Presents.— The closing of the Franco-British E.vhibition
at Shepherd's Bush has. naturally, led to the dispersion of a large
number of the exhibits. Messrs. S. Smith & Son. 9. Strand. London,
whose watches and jewellery exhibit was a notable one at the
Exhibition, inform us that they are offering the whole of these high
class goods for disposal at greatly reduced prices, representing in
many cases less than cost price. The reputation of the firm of S.
Smith & Son is such as to guarantee the quality of the goods on offer.
"Daily Mail " Yea; -Book.- The 1909 issue of this year-book con-
tains much intercsling and useful information concerning current
political, .social, commercial and industrial matters. Among the
many topics dealt with in the year-book are the Patents and Designs
Act of 1907. Statistics as to the Manufacture and Use of Steel. Iron.
Copper and Aluminium. London Electricity Supply. Developments in
I'^iectricity. the (^nsus of Production, the London Tramways,
Engineering Statistics. Tables of Imports r.nd Exports. Old Age
Pensions. Railway and Light Railway Statistics, Railway Nation.ali-
sation. &c. One of the most useful .sections is that devoted to
brief sketches of leading public men. The ]mblishcd price of the
yearbook, which has been edited !iy Mr. P. L. Parker, is Od.
CATALOGUES. &c.
Rheost.\ts, &c.— We have received from W. Geipel & Co., Vulcan
Works, St. Thomas-street, S.E., a copy of their new list of Ward
Leonard field rheostats, motor starters, motor speed controllers,
theatre dimmers, resistance units, circuit-breakers, &c.
The same firm issue list of surjilus stock which show great reduc-
tions in the prices of motor controllers and starters.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
405
Arc Lamps and Accessories. — We have received from Messrs.
Johnson & Phillips a copy of their new price list K. which deals with
arc lamps and accessories. In the first portion of the list particulars
and prices are giv('n of the company's patent shuntless single enclosed
arc lamps, \^hich are suitable for either continuous or alternating
currents, and aie particularly suitable for use in dusty places or
positions where steam is pre-
sent, as special dust-tight and
steam-proof cases can be sup-
plied when desired. This
type of lamp, which is stated
to be perfectly noiseless in
operation, is made in two
sizes, and illustrations are
given of the standard and
small i)atterns. The firm's
patent " Magnet Juno " flame
arc lamps are next dealt with.
No shunt coils are employed
with these lamps and the com-
pany claim that this type of
lamp has no equal for relia-
bility, simplicity and dura-
bility. For the company's
[Kxtent vertical carbon flame
lamps, which come next in
the list, it is claimed that
they have an exceptionally
high efficiency, a very bril-
liant result being obtained
with a consumption of 1 to \
unit per houi'. Owing to
the angle at which the maxi-
mum light is emitte^d a very
uniform distribution is ob-
tained over a large area
making iIms^ limps in-
valuable l(ii -II. M liL'hting,
factory, dock and railway station illumination. I'mi h iihn ;uv also
given of the patent magazine fiame lamp, which has OU to 80 hours
burning capacity, burns a cheap grade of carbon and is easy to trim
and clean. The carbons are short in length and the lamj) is stated to
be thoroughly reliable, burns steadily and costs little to maintain.
The list also contains particulars and prices of auto cut-outs and
Magazine (iO-80 hour Flame Lam-.
DC. " Macinet .TuN') " Flamis- Lamp
Series Enclosed Lamp, D.C.
Kiilistidiiional resistances, safety and economy coils, tin- " Hell"
ati^ lani]), raising and lowering gear, ratchet winches. )iullcys. arc
lamp brackets and poles. Copies of the list will be supplied to
interested jiarties.
" SiLVERTOws ■' Testing Sets.— The India Rubber, Gutta Percha
& Telegraph Works Co., have ready a circular describing the " Silver-
town " ]inrtab!c testing set Mq a.1.925 for accurately measuring
conductor resistances of electrical circuits and apparatus. This set
has been designed to meet the want of a cheap instrument for the
purpose, and the result is a very compact arrangement of which the
workmanship and finish are Hr.st class, and tlir k ■^i^t,uH■ecare fully
adjusted. The adjustable resistance contain- ■.nl- Iimhi 1 to 400
ohms, giving a total of 1,110 ohms. The rati<. c.ils nn- so arranged
as to require only two plugs, and by their means ratios of 10 times,
equality, and one-tenth are obtainable. The range Avhich the instru-
ment can measure is, therefore, from 01 to 11.100 ohms, but by means
of galvanometer deflections — in the well-known way — suitable
resistances may be measured to hundredths of an ohm. The galvano-
meter is well made and similar in construction to tho.se provided in
the company's more expensive instruments.
Oerlikon Motors. — From Mr. G. Wiithrieh. Oswaldestre House,
Norfolk-street. W.C. (manager and chief engineer of the British, Irish
and Colonial Department of the Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon), we have
received pamphlet L 32-p. 38 which deals with three-i)hase variable
speed motors, from i to 20 H.p., and suitable for pressures up to .500
volts, 50 cycles. It is claimed that those motors are compact,
strongly constructed, of high efficicriiN . wiih safe running qualities.
The motors are suitable for dircit . niiphnL'. belt ch'iving, worm and
cog-wheel gearing. They are staiidanli-i'd for two or four speeds.
Copies of the list will be supplied on application.
The Economy of Small Elevators. — We have received from
Messrs. Ed. Bennis & Cu.. Little Hulton. near Bolton, and London, an
interesting ]iampliki dealing with this question. It is doubtless an
economical advantage to small steam users to employ some form of
elevator in conjunction with their automatic stokers, and we can
recommend those supplied by Messrs. Bennis & Co. for the purpose.
The pamphlet contains several descriptions of plant installed in
textile mills and other factories, while illustrations are given of the
Bennis rotary side truck tippler and combined elevator and conveyor
as Avell as a new patent .self-lubricating tray conveyor which, by a
unique arrangement of its links, moids the usual gaps which have
hitherto been a source of aniioyaiicc to users of this type of conveyor.
The central idea conveyed by the reprint is that the best economic
results are obtained from mechanical stokers when they are used in
conjunction with this class of elevating plant, whether in textile mills
or elsewhere. The pamphlet should prove of great interest to all
steam users, and Messrs. Bennis will be pleased to supply a copy on
application.
Thermit, — A circular is being distributed by Thermit, Limited, ,"55,
Martins-lane, Cannon-street, London, E.C.. giving particulars of
Dr. Goldschmidt's patent welding compound, made by the
Alumino-Thermit process, of which the company are the proprietors
for Great Britain and Ireland. The Company has opened repair
works at Hnw-road. London. K.
Diaries, Calendars, (St-"?. — From the tHoui c sicr Railway Carriage &
Wagon Co. comes a copy of the" Gloucester " Diary & Directors'
Cakndar lor 190'.).
From Messrs. NaUler P.r(is., & Thomi)Son. Ltd.. we have received
a neat calendar, with montlily Icar-t ff sheet.s.
BANKRUPTCIES, LIQUIDATIONS, &c.
The lirst merlin^ . .t cri'diiois i.f Win. .\iilirrl. jun.. ekrlrieal
engineer, late of 10. Harp .Alley. London, E.C.. look place on Dec. S.
The O.K. reported that debtor had not surnndtrcd. Liabilities
amounted to about £500, assets about £400. .Mr. L. B. Linnet. 42,
Poultry, E.G., is trustee.
The public examination recently took place of Jas. H. Mockridge
& Arthiu- Pearce, who had carried on business at 1 1 and 12, Clement's-
lane, LondoH, E.G.. and Bromley -by -Bow, E.. as Juke.s, Coulson,
Stokes & Co., and .Moreton & Foster. Liabilities £(i.839. estimated
assets £1.797. Failure attributed to bad trade and particularly to
falling off of Government contracts. Examination closed.
A first and final dividend of 2s. 4id. is payable at the O.R.' s
Figlree-lane. Sheffield, in the bankruptcy of Ernest Goachcr, elec-
trical engineer. &c., (iat('ford-r(«id. Worksop.
A meeting of the creditors of Cutler, Wardle & Co.. (Ltd.). will be
held on Dec. 21 at Chartered Accoimtunts' Hall, 60, Si>ring-gardens,
Manchester.
A meeting to receive an account of the winding up of the Private
Telephone Co.. Ltd. (old company) will be held on Jan. 20. at 27,
Chancery-lane, London, W.C.
Electro-Hydro (Ltd.). 344, Bury New-road, Manchester, is being
wound ui> voluntarily, .Mr. W. L Horton, 344, Bury New-road,
Manchester, is liquidator. A meeting of creditors will be held on
Dee. 22.
Winding up Pelilion. — A petition lor winding up the Aluminium
Corpn. (Lt<l.). will be heard at the Royal Courts of Justice,
London, W.C, on Jan, 12,
406
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
COMPANIES' MEETINGS AND REPORTS.
India Eubber, Gutta Percha & Telegraph Works Co. (Ltd.)
The forty-tiftli oidiiiniy seiienil mcetiiij,' of tlie .sliarehokler.s of this
company m.is huld on Tuesday, Major Lkos'.mu) DAFtwiN presided.
Tlie SE(■liE'^Al;^' (Mr. A. P. Crouch) read the notice convening
the meeting, .ujd tin- auditors' re])ort and certificate.
The CHAl KMAN referred to the severe loss thecompany liad sustained
by tlic deatli of their colleague, tlie Hon. Henry Marsham. ])uring the
21 ye'irs Air. Marsham had served on the board as director and as
chairman the shareholders from personal knowledge had had an oppor-
tunity of appreciating his many (lualities. 'J'he board had lost a re-
spected andmui'Ii valued friend. Continuing he .said : I think I may
congratulate the shareholders in that the board is in a position to re-
comimiid fliu payment of the u.sual dividend. At these meetings some
of thr ^li,.i.lMil(lirs have expressed the view that it is desirable that
your din. In.- ,-liould jiay a steady dividend, and I think that your
board lias, with one exception, been able to carry out this policy during
the last 15 years, in spite of ever-increasing taxation and competition
at home and abroad. The desire of the shareholders is constantly in
the directors' minds. Our general turnover has considerably in-
creased, although in certain lines there has been a fallingoff: the busi-
ness done in some of these has been considerably below the average.
Our French works has been unfortunate in the sale of some of its
special lines, to a great extent due to a staunch determination on our
part to maintain the quality of our productions while being forced to
reduce our selling prices. In the opinion of the board this is a passing
situation, and this opinion is supported bj' the fact that similar cir-
cumstances have not occurred for a period of years. The general
electrical trade has not been at the standard one could wish. For the
information of the shareholders I may mention that we have 12
branches in the United Kingdom and nine abroad in .addition to our
warehouse at Paris ; our works at Silvertown and at Pers m in France
depend very largely on these for the marketing of our productions.
Bad trade in South Africa, in Australia, India and .South America will
.adversely affect our general trading. The possession of foreign
branches, however, often assists in counteracting the effects of bad
trading at home. In the directors' report you will have found fully
stated the information relating to the recent issue of capital. I now
move the adoption of the report and accounts, and the distribution of
the dividend of 15s. per share (tax free), payable 17th inst.
Mr. C. H. MOORE seconded the resolution, which was carried
unniiimouslj'.
The retiring directors (Mr. J. Y. Buchanan and Mr. C. H. Moore)
were re-elected, and the auditors (Messrs. Turquand, Youngs & Co.)
re appointed.
A cordial vote of thanks to the chairman wa^s unanimouslv agreed
to, and the proceedings terminated.
ADELAIDE ELECTRIC SUPPLY CO. (LTD.)— The profit and loss account
f..r tho yciir ended Aug .-il shows a credit balance of £12,91)2. 8s. 4d.
After payment of preference dividend for half-year to Feb. 28. placing
£1,000 to depreciation. &c., there remains (includina; amount from pre-
vious year) an available balance of i^,329. I9.<. 5d.,Vhich the directors
recommend should be applied in paying the balance preference dividcnil
(£3,891. I9.S. 4d.) and a dividend of Si per cent, on the ordinary shares
(£4,.'358. lis. (id.). During the year £40.085 was expended on capital
account in the provision of additional land, buildings, plant and main?.
The policy of extending the mains into the residcnii il iliMnris surround-
ing the City of Adelaide is hearing good fruit, ami appii. aii.,ns for light
and power arc coming in satisfailmilv. To meet tins demand, an issue
of further capital will in dnr ( ..nr ,r i.r.nme necessary. The additional
generatmg plant iicccssilalcd hy llii' ..niipany's contract fnr the siqijily
of power to the Adelaide Jlumi-ipal Tramwavs Trust hav I,. , n inst ,l!-(i.
and it is expected that the supjily will be commenced ai ,.n r:ii\ dati
At the end of the year the equivalent of 71,138 H v.y. Iiaip. v.,. r,,n
nected for lighting and 1.837 H.p. for power, a total ..f Il".mi2i' S <■ p
against 102,756 8 c.)). in 1907. During the year I,iillii.li74 units of clcr-
trical energy were sold.
AILGEMEINE ELEKTRICITATS GESELLSCHAFT.— At the recent meeting
Il was slated Ih.it. in assoriation v.illi the Siemcns-Schuckcrtwerke, the
A !•..(.. hail s|ii-ii( e.insideralilc sums in ex|ieiiinental weirk in connection
with railway elcetrilicatioii, and there was every prospect that some
tangible return for that expenditure would be received before many
years. The chairman claimed that they jiaid the highest rate of wages
m Berlin, the average rate paid to their skilled workmen being 73-9'pf.
(9.J-d.) per hour, coiii|)ar(-d with 72 pf. (9d.) per hour last year. The
company tax proposed by tlu? Covernmcnt was severely criticised, and.
the chairman said, if carricil tlirmigh, would m^ike a difference to the
. om]iany of 817,000 marks (l-40.S,-,l)) per annum. Still greater objection
was taken to (he iirojm.sed eleedieitv tax, and it was asserted that several
inipiirtant schemes were being held back on that are. Mint, and wonlil
only be possible if the Government's financial p:.i|ni ! v> , i, ,i,,,ppe(i
The year's turnover was 258 million marks (i[l".Mii ihiii) r nnsi "liii
million marks (£13.300,000) last year, the Austrian and Russian branches
c.>nlnl>|inne I., million marks (£2.250,000) of this amount. 1,000.000
maik 11 rl iirn -ranted to the v.-orkmen's fund, which had been built
niavl'-'s """"""""*' f''"'" *'"' fii'ii. and now amounted to lv3 million
UNITED ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS OF MONTEVIDEO (LTD)- -i circular
has l,cen H.ued to the shareholders stating that h, order to cope with the
volume of trailic, which has exceeded the original estimates, it is neces-
sary to increase and extend the plant in the power house, instal addi-
tional feeders, provide more rolling stock, and probably, in the near
future, duplicate some of the lines. The combined .systems now under
operation by electric traction amount to 124-427 kilometres (77j- miles),
in addition to an extension of 6 kilometres (3j miles) now under con-
struction and a further extension of 5 kilometres (3 miles) to be built in
the near future, making a total of 135-427 kilometres (84 miles) when the
whole of the systems have been completed. Since the inauguration of
electric traction in ]\fontevideo the increase in traffic has been ver.v
marked. To provide for the future development of the company's
business, the directors rec-ommend that the antliorised share capital be
increased to £1.000.01X1 by the creation of a further 20,000 preference
shares and a like niimlier nf ordinary shares of £5 each.
NEW COMPANIES AND STATUTORY RETURNS.
NEW COMPANIES.
HATTERSLEY & DAVIDSON (LTD.) (109,565.)— Reg. Dec. 8, capital
£15,000 in £1 shares to takeover the business carried on byHattersley
&, Davidson at Sheffield and elsewhere, mechanical, gas and electrical
engineers, manufacturers of motor specialities, mining and machine
tools and springs, &c. Private company. First directors, A. Davidson
and E. W. Hatfield. Keg. office, 139, Norfolk-street, Sheffield.
TRANSVAAL HYDRAULIC POWER SYND. (LTD.) (100,665)— Reg. Dec.
12, capital £20,000 in £1 shares, to exploit and investigate water
power in the Transvaal or elsewhere, and to take over from the Transvaal
Power Development Synd., or others, contracts, rights, options and
agieements, and to carry on the business of electricians and mechanical
engineers, &c. Private coiapanj-. Reg. office, 24, Coleman-street,
London, E.G.
STATUTORY RETURNS.
ERNEST SCOTT & MOUNTAIN (LTD.)— Return to Oct. 7 gives capital
as £150,0CO in £i shares (50,000 preferred ordinary), of which 97,790
ordinary and 29,800'preferred ordinary have been taken up. £1 per
share has been called up on 75,790 ordinary and 29,800 preferred ordi-
nary shares, .and £105,590 has been received. 22,000 shares are con-
sidered as fully paid. Mortgages and charges, £55,700.
NILMEIIOR (ENGLAND) (LTD.)— Return to Nov. 3 gives capital as
£5,000 in £1 shares, all of which have been taken up. £7 h.as been
received and £4,993 is considered as paid. Mortgages and charges,
£2,200.
CITY NOTES.
MEMORANDA (Dec. 17).— Bank rate 2J per cent, (since May 28, 1908).
Price of silver, 22,'',{d. per oz. Consols 83 1,' — 83 J;! for money and 83 J;' —
831 f. account. Consols Pay Day, Jan. 6 ; Stock and Shares Continua-
tion Days, Dec. 28 and Jan. 12 ; Ticket Days, Dec. 29 and Jan. 13 ;
Pay Days, Dec. 30 and .Ian. 14. Jlining Shares Cany Over Day, Dec. 24.
Prices of Metals (London). — Copper,cs,sh, 62 1',,; three months, 63j.
Lead, English, 13J ; foreign, cash, 13J ; three mouths, 13>. Spelter,
cash, 20;; two months, 21^. Tm, English, 130—132: Foreign,
cash, 132i ; three months, 133|. Iron, Cleveland, cash, 49/3 and three
months, 49/6. Marjact Stcl (price supplied by W. F. Dennis & Co.), £56.
AMERICAN TELEPHONE & TELEGRAPH CO. —The regularly quarterly
dividend of ??2 per share has been declared.
BRITISH COLUMBIA ELECTRIC RAILWAY CO. (LTD.)— During the week
suli.seiiptions were invited for £500,000 4i per cent, perpetual consoli-
dated deljcntuie stock at 69.
CHADBURNS (SHIP) TELEGRAPH CO. (LTD.)— The directors have de-
clare.I an interim dividend at the rate of 6 percent, per annum on the
c.rdn.ai y shares for the half-year ended Sept. ?,0.
GATESHEAD & DISTRICT TRAMWAYS CC— This company has just
nKeivd fnr s.ile Kl.lMIO ..rdaiary -han-s of £10 each.
GLOBE TELEGRAPH & TRUST CO. (LTD. )— The directors have declared
a qiiarterlv dividend of 2s. jier sljare on the ordinary shares.
GREAT NORTHERN TELEGRAPH CO. (LTD.)— The directors announce
an interim dividend of os per sliare, less tax.
PROVINCIAL TRAMWAYS CO. (LTD.)— For the year ended Sept. 30
the net revenue from the local companies was £33,083, against £38,048
last year. The net balance is £16,542. The directors recommend a
dividend on the ordinary shares of 4s. per sliare, making 7s. per share
(tax free) for the year. '
SHAWINIGAN WATER & POWER CO.-A dividend of 1 per cent, has
been declared for the (piaiter ended Dec. 31.
STOCK EXCHANGE NOTICES.— The Stock Exchange committee have
ajipointed Dec. i2 a special settling day in and granted a quotation to
£600,000 4J per cent, debenture stock of the Toronto Power Co. (Ltd.),
and have also ordered a further issue of £28,900 first mortgage 4 per
cent, prior lien gold bonds of the Montreal Walir A- Poirer Co. to be
quotetl. The committee have been asked to grant a quotation to
60,000 £10 fully-paid ordinary shares of the Bumlai/ Klecirk Stipply
d' Traiiiicai/t Co. {Ltd.).
UNITED RIVER PLATE TELEPHONE CO. (LTD.)— The directors an-
nounce an interim dividend of 6 per cent, (tax free) on the ordinary
shares for the half-vear.
THE BLBOTBICIAN, DECEMBEK In, 1908.
ELBGTBIQ IBAMWAT AND BAILWAY IBAFFIC
BECEIPTB.
Aberdeen OorporftUon
Alrdrie
Anglo- Argentine
Ayr Corporation
Baker St. & Waterloo By...
Bamsley
Barrow
Bath Electric Tramd, Ltd..
Birkouhead Corporation ..
Birmingham Corporation..
Birmingham & Mid
Blackburn Corporation
Blackpool and Fleetwood...
Bolton Corporation
Bombay
Boumemoath Corporation.
Bradford Corporation
Brighton Corporation
BrlBtol Trams & Carriage..
Burnley Corporation ,
Burton Corporation
Bury Corporation
Calcutta Tramways Co
Camborne-Redruth
Cardiff Corporation
Oavehill ,
Central London Railway ...
Charing C.EuBton&H'Btead
Chatham & Diet. Lt. Rys....
City & South London Bly...
City of Birmingham
Colchester Corporation
Cork iClectrio Trams Co. ...
Croydon Corporation
Devonport & Dist. Trams...
Dover Corporation
Dublin & Luoan Railway...
Dublin United
Dudley-Stourbridge
Dundee (Jorporation
East Ham Council
Exeter Corporation
Gateshead & Diet. Trams...
Glasgow Corporation....
Glossop Trams
Gravesend— NortKfleet
Great Northern & City Rly..
Gt.Northern, Piccadilly, &c
Greenock & Port Glasyow
Hartlepool Tramways ...
Hastings Elec. Trams Co..
Hong Kong ,
Uuddersfield Corpn
Hull Corporation
Dford District Council ....
Ilkeston District Council ,
Ipswich Corporation
Isle of Thanet Co
Keighlcy Corporation
Kidderminster & District...
Kilmarnock Corporation ...
Lanarkshire Trams Co. ...
Lancashire United
Leamington
Leeds Corporation
Leicester Corporation
Leith Corporation
Lincoln Corporation
Liverpool Corporation
Liverpool Overhead Rly. ...
♦London County CounoU ...
London United
Lowestoft
Maidstone Corporation
Manche.ster Corporation ...
Mersey Railway
Merthyr
Metropolitan Dist. Railway
Metropolitan Eiec. Trams...
Middluton
Nelson Corporation
Newcastlo-on-Tyne Corp. ...
Newport (Mon.)
Northampton Corporation .
Oldham, Ashton & Hyde ...
Oldham Corporation
Perth (N.B,)Corporation ...
Perth(W.A.) Elec. Trams...
Peterborough
Portsmouth Corporation ...
Potteries
Preston Corporation
Botherham Corporation ...
Rothesay
Salford CoriionitiouT.!'.!!!!
Bheerness ]"
Bheffleld Corporation '. .
Singapore Trams
South Metropolitan i
South Staffs
Southend Corporation ..".*."
Bouthport Tramways
Stalyb'dgf.Hyde.&c.Jt.Bd.
Wimderland Corporation ...
ounderlaud Disiriot \
Swansea Trams
hwindoQ Corporation
Taunton |
Tynemouth and Diet^ict'";!'
J-yneyide Trams Co
Wallasty Diatrict Council...
Walsall Corpn
Warrington Corpn
West Ham Corporation
Weston-super-Mare ..
Wolverhampton
If b'?/" w.R."TramB7.;:::
yor^hlreJVoollenDUtrlct
(«) These compariBona
Ino.
or Deo.
Ca)
1,177
_
1,126
.
133
+
6,3U3
+
8,065
106
+
1,302
_
33,713
+
6,0U8
- $1,16
+ 2
-+•
61
-
8
+
109
—
60
-
22
2')
-
2
13
-
2
_
119
+
$830
15
-
34
+
25
+
5
-
49
-
109
-
39
+
13
+
37
2
'^°-S'\ Amount ^°- »'>
- 117 11
■10.? 52
10,766
1,058,275
HI,1U1
73,1KU
8,833
11,796
36,3117
38,511
14,290
12,310
10.1159
43,3ilj
Rl,091,894
6,38r.
60,369
4,226
171,916
«ll,900
38,667
73,022
132,983
22,672
62,439
22,495
8,324
3,291
127,706
40,333
36,074
32,577
11,867
48,730
4SU,766
lo'.'ieR
32,365
124,015
26,316
11,606
28.236
■5.343
4,598
63,202
C6,179
8,352
214,514
53,237
33,412
1,260,630
323,215
1,781
7,181
660,259
46,331
10,259
278,'219
17,10.-.
4,926
143,936
24,626
73,431
4,776
68,325
6,150
76,935
87,459
17,078
22,408
9,761
173,3;il
2,747
209,062
(100,988
39,162
42,EII3
17,361
13,600
■(• 1,234
+R267,871
3,132
6,720
21,867
23,045
13,609
4,955
60,330
44,146
1.H
166
45,369
17,275
2,901
2,436
2,682
'" 362
S.S-'HJ
"i,681
8,136
20,996
6,152
2,469
1,381
" 539
3,732
141,766
3,442
.115 1
8,097
1,168
Plm,7^i°°°°.'J.° "'"' ">= corresponding period last year. S Plus 3 dsy».
riua ^.days. • Partly elpotrica'. t Minus 3 days } Minus 2 days.
ELECTRICAL COMPANIES' SHARE LIST
hILAST
« Dm-
m DERD
St. I 4%
6' 2/3
2/0
It.! HX
10 6/0
10 6/0
it.' 6%
it. I 44%
6 2%
6! 6%
10, 4/0
6 4/0
it.! HX
10! 9X
10] 6/,
' UK
6 r3
St.
i-A
10
6/0
St.
6"„
Ill
10
6%
St.
4X
lU
b/0
St.
iX
0/6
St. I ii%
St., J%
St. I 2J%
St.' 3J%
St. 8J?i
St.. 34%
St. I 81%
34%
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
Bonmemonth & Poole Elec. Snp. Ord..
Do. 4J per Cent. Cam. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Second Pref. ..
Do. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Bromley (Kent) El. Lt. Si Power Share!
Do. Do. let Debs
Rrompton & Kensin«ton Elec. Sup. Ord.
Do. 7 per Cent. Pref
Central Elec. Sup. CoAX Gnar.Db.Stock
Charing CrOBs(W.End&City)El.Sap. Co.
Do. 44 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. .Stock (red.)
Do. City rndertaking 44% Cm. Prel.
Chelsea Electric Supply Ord
' D„. 44 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ..
City of London Electric Lighting Ord...
Do. 8 percent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red,).
Do. 44 per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock (red.)
CoantyofDnrhamElec, P.D. Ord
Do. 5 per Cent, non Cnm. Pref.
County of London Elec. Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J/f Deb. Stock (red.)
Do. Second Deb. Stock
Folkestone Electricity Supply Co. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cnm. Pref.
Do. 44 Ist Deb. Stock (red)
Hove Electric Lighting Ord
Kensington & Knightabridge Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. 1 at Pref
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (rod.)
Eensingtn. & Kngtbg. Co. & Notting Hill
Co. (Joint Station) 4% Deb. Stock (red.)
Kent Elec. Power Co
London Ble^tric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
iDo. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb
Metropolitan Electric Sup. Ord
Do. 44 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 44 per Cent. Deb. Stock 1st Mort,
Do. 34 per Cent. Mrt. Deb. Stock(red.)
Midland Elec. Corp.for P.D.lstMort.Db.
Newcastle & Dist. Elec. Ltg. Ord.
Do. 44 per Cent. Deb
Newcastle Elec. Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, non Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. red. 1907.
Northern Counties Elec. Sup
Do. 44 per Cent. Deb
Notting Hill Electric Ord
Oxford Electric Ord
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
St. James' & Pall Mall Elec. Ord
Do. 7 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 34 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
Smithfleld Markets Electric Snp. Ord...
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
South London Electric Supply Ord
South Metrop'n Eleo. Lt. & Power Ord,
Do. 7 per (Sent. Cum. Pref
Do. 44 Ist Db. Stk. Red
Urban Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 44 per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb
Westminster Elec. Sup. Ord
Do. 44 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS i. TRAMWAYS.
Baker St. & Waterloo 4^ Perp. Db. St
Bath Elec. Trams Pref. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cnm. Pref.
Do. 44 1st Mort. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
B'hani & Midland Trams 4i Ist Db. Stk.
Bristol Tramways & Carriage Ord
Do. Cum. Pref. (fully paid)
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs
British Electric Traction Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Perpetual Debs ,
Do. 44 per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock
Central London Ordinary Stock
Do. 4 per Cent. Pref. Stock
Do. Deferred Stock
Do.
Prtoo
Wed..
Dec. 16.
Ki-lOi ,646
9j-10 4 10 0
lOJ-l'J 6 6 6
U2 —106 4 6 0
4i-4i 5 12 H
91 — 9S 4 12 0
ei-9 5 11 0
8 —84 4 2 0
B8;_101 3 19 0
41-45 3 3 0
4i— 48 4 17 0
97 —99 3 U) 6
-4i 5 2 6
3i-4J
101-104
iOi-108
121-13
123 —126
101 —103
23-3
34- 'ii
Si-9i
U'S-Ui
107 — Uu
93 -101
6 -64
97 —100
ti-6S
7} -81
64 -97 I
07 —100
86 —90
IJ-U
H-H
89 -93
6 —64
18-6J
107 —110
85 — 8S
95 —98
.'.4-13
90 -93
43-5
61-64
96 -97
11J-12J
61-61
4 0
6 0
6 7
6 U
4 6
5 8
4 S
4 2
3 19
4 12
3 6
4 18 :
8 1
4 13
4 3
Mar, Sept,
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
April, Oct
May, Nov
March ....
Mar, Sent
June, Dec
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
Jan, July
March . .
Jnne, Deo
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jnne, Dec
Jan, July
Apnl, Oct
April, Oct
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
May, Nov
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Apnl, Oct
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
April, Oct I . .
Jan, July
0 ' Mar, Sept 1/s
9 : Mar, Sept 6,-'„
Business
Week to
_ Dec 16^
High- Low
est.
96 -98 4 2 0
4-i
80 —83
SiJ-8J
6 -bi
i-l
: Cent. Pref.
uston&Hmpstd Per.Db.Stk.!
City of Birmingham Trams. 6%Clu.Pref.'
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
Citv & South London Ely. Con. Ord. ...|
Di. 6 per Cent. Perp. Pref. (1891) ...
Do. (1890) '
Do. (1901)
ao. (1903) I
Do. 4 per Cent, Perpetual Debs |
Dublin United Trams. Ord
Do. 6 percent. Pref.
Gt. Northern & City Ely. Pref. Ord. (4%)
6. Northern. Piccadilly & Brompton Ord.
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Hastings & Dist. Elec. Trams. 6% Cm. Pf.
Do. 44 Db. St
J Imperial Tramways Ord. .
!Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. ....
!Do. 44 per Cent. Debs. .
I. of Thanet E. T.&Lt. 5 p
Do. 4 percent. Deb. StocK
Lanarkshire Tramways
Lanca. Utd. Trams 61; Prior Lien Db. St,
Liverpool Overhead Railway Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref
Do. 4 percent. Deb
London United Trams. 5'/, Cum. Pref. ...
Do. 4 percent. 1st Mort. Deb. Stock
Mersey Con. Ord. Stock
Do. 3 per Cent. Peip. Pref.
Metropolitan Eleo. TramwayaOrd
Do. Deferred
Do. 5 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 44 per Ceut. Deb. Stock
Metropoli'tau Railway Consolidated
Do. Surplus Lands Stocks
Do. 84 per Cent. Preference
Do, 34 per Cent. "A" Preference
Do. 34 per Cent. Convertible Pref.
Do. sj per Cent. Debenture Stock
Do. 34 per Cent. " A " Ditto
3i-44
7 6
0
92 -97
73 —76
0 0
0
64 -66
4 10
6
84 —86
4 13
0
6 J -62
3 17
0
101 —104
3 17
0
86 —88
4 11
0
41-43
S 6
0
5 11
6 13
6 13
i.Juty
April. Oct
Jan, July
June, Dec '
Jan, July
June, Deo
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
Feb, Ang
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
Mar, Ang
Jan, July
March ..
March . .
Jan, July
Feb, Ang
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb ....
Feb, Ang
Apnl-..,
6A
1114
loiij
911
6A
1074
29 —30
112 —114
119 —HI
107 -109
98 —101
99 -101
114-124
13 -11
71-73
9i -94
23-33
84 — S8
81-91
S3 -11
90 -92
J-18
66 —61
93— 1)
B8 —95
H-'i
6-54
81 -86
4i-64
G7 -?2
1 —2
2-8
93 -93
35 -36
67 —69
85 —87
76 —79
74 -77
91 —93
89 —91
4 10 0
4 11 9
4 19 0
3 19 0
9 14 0
6 14 0
4 IS 0
Feb, Aug
6 April, Oct
April, Oct
6 April, Oct
3 j April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
April...,
Jan. July
April, Oct
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
June, Deo I 1]
Feb, Aug I 3;
April, Oct Oi
Jlay, I*ov
Feb, Aug 65
Feb, Aug
Feb ....
Jan, July 1034
Jan, July 873
April, Oct
April, Oct
Fel), Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
May, Not
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
Feb, Aug.
ii^l
sii
293
2H
71
92}
4 11 0
8 15 3
3 17 0
April.. .
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
" I Jnly
, Jnly^
* is oalOQlftting the yield allowanoe hae been made for eocmed interest but riot for redemption
t Bx DiTidend. t The London Stock Exchange Committer have declined to quote these
THE BLECTRICIAS, DECEMBER 18, 1908.
ELECTRICAL CO]yi]RAr>JIES- SHARE T^J^^. -Continued.
List I
DIVI-
DCNDi
Price
Wed..
Dec. 16.
.„ ■ DUE.
BUBIRES8
Week to
Dec. )0
Laet
Dm.
DEHD
Price
Wed.,
Dec. 16.
Bdbiness
Week to
Dec. 18.
8t.i 4)%
1' 0/7 J
EltCTRIC RAILWAYS 4, TRAMWAYS-|C<"'W'"'e''-
M-'roi.nlit»n District Railway Oni I 13J— 18}
Do Kxtension Pref. (6 ppr Cent.) i 23 — 87
Do Awntort K,\t. Prcf. fint. Gua
Unil. ElfP Ulys. fo. of London, Ltd.)
Do. 8 per Trnt.' Consoltd. Rent-cbarKe
Do. 4 ppr Cent. Midland Rent-charge
Do- Guar. Stock 4 per Cent
Do. n per Cent. Perp. Deb. Stock
Do. 4 per Cent. Ditto
New Gen. Tract. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Potteries Electric Traction Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4* per Cent. Del) Stock
K. Met. Elec. Trams. & Ltg. 6% Cm. Pref.
£ t.
d.
~
6 19
3 38
8 18
0
0
«
67 -60 I 3 6
123 -126 I ^ \l
6u —83 ' * 18
III 8 o'
l-l ! 6 0
SO -»3 I i 17
,5-1
Do 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock ' '6 —80
Sunderland Diet. r.lec.Trm«.S%l8tMt.Dl>. 81 -85
TnderEroiindE.I'.vi.Lnn.e-; Inc'm bonds ^'> -22
Do. flV Prior Lien Bonds , 93-94
Do. Ijy Unnds 73—75
Yorkshire (W.R.) Elec. Trama. Ord S -Ij
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. 53-3i
Do. 4J per Cent. Ist Debs 84—87
4SC
t6;t
Bt.| 4J5i
ll 0/98
I 0/7S
ELECTRIC MANUFACTURINC, &c.
Aron Electricity Meter Ord
•tDo. 6% Cum. Pf. (ex on a/o arrears)...
Babcook & Wilcox Ord
Do. Pref.
British Insulated & Helsb; Cables Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref
Do. 4i per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb. (red.)
British Thoms'n-Houst'n 4}% Ist Mt.Db.
British Westinghonse 6 per Cent. Pref...
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock
41% B' uib E.Eng.Co. IVo Perp. Ist Deb.Stock
Do. Perpetual 2ud Deb. Stock
(blender's Cable Con. Ord
tDo. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J per Cent. 1st Jlort Debs, (red.)
Castner-Kellner Alkali Co
Do. ii per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.).
Chadburn's (Ship) Telegraph Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Consolidated Electrical Co
Consolidated Signal Co
Do. 6 per Cent. Ctim. Pref.
•Crompton & Co. (Nos. 1 to 86,000)
Do. 6 per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs. (red.).
Davis &. Timniins
Dick, Kerr & Co. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4j per Cent. Deb, Stock
Edison i Swan United ("A"Sh.)(£3pd.)
Do. (£6 paid)
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock (rd.)
Do. 6 per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock
Edmundson's Elec, Corp. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4^ per cent. Ist Mort. Deb. (red.)
Electric Conslmction Co
Do. 7 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Perp. Ist Mort. Oebs.
General Electric (1900) 5% Cum. Fret...
4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs.
4U
2/9 J,
6/U
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
Jan, July
3 Mar,. "Sept
0 ! Jan, July
0 Jan, July
May ....
0 ' April, Oct
0 Feb, Ang
" May, Not
Fob, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jnne, Dec '
Jftn, Jnly
Low-
est.
13iJ
6 14
4 18
3 16
3iS-4^5
Irt-li's
Di— 7
105 —108
91 -96 I 4 14 0
i-i
43 — 4S I 8 6 0
65 -70 6 8 6
49-53 ' 8 10 0
9 —10 7 4 U
6J-68 I 4 9 0
107*-lo9i 4 2 0
li's-lU i 7 S 9
103 —107
i'4-il
98 -101
1-14
1,«,-M3
I'l's-l-is
101 -104
76 ■ 79
86 —SO
(3 -6/ 6 0 0
7 1)6
5 13 0
7 10 0
WO I Henley's Telegraph Works Ord. ' llj-12i I 6 0 0
6
12/0
12
iX
111(1
1(0
1
U/6
1
n
Bt.
*x
St.
4«
100
by.
1110
lO/U
ll
1/0
5 -6i
105 —107
16«-17|
17 —99
i-l
irk
ih per Cent. Pref.
Jio. ii per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. Stock
Ir dia Rubber, Out. Per , &c.,Wrk«
Do. 4 per Cent. Deba. (red.)
National Elec. Construction Co
Richardsons, Westgarth & Co., Ltd. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
To. 4J per Cent. Perp. Deb. Stock ...
i-implei Conduits Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Telegraph Constiuctiou & Maintenance
Do. 4 per Cent Deb. Bonds (1909) ...
Vickers, Sons & Maxim, Ltd,, Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Preference
Do. 5 per Cent. nou-Cum. Preferred
1)0. 4perCent. 1st Mort. Db.Sk.(red) 102—104
Do. 4} per Cent. 2nd Mort. Deb. (red.)
Do. 6 percent. Sril Mort. Deba Scrip.
.1. G.White &Co. 6 i Cm. Pref.
Wir.ai'S & Robinson Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, Cum. Pref.
Do 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
6 6/0
6 HZ
501 4/0
TELEGRAPHS.
Amazon Telegraph
Do. 6 per Cent. Debs, (red.;
Anglo-Amencan
Do. Preferr.d
Do. Deterred
Commercial Cable 4 per Cent. Deb. Stk.
Cuba Submarine Ord 7i—Si
Do. Preference 10 per Cent 16i— l7j I 6 16 6
Direct Spanish Ord 3 — 3i 16 16
Do. 1(1 per Cent. Cum. Pref. 8—9 6 11
Do. 4i per Cent. Deb 100%— 103%
Direct Uuitei States Cable 12J— ISi
Direct West ludiaCable4J% Kg. Db.(rd.) lOl —103
Eastern Ordinary 1129—134 6 4 9
Do. Si per Cent. Pref. Stock ' 83—86 '426
4 jcr Cent. Mort. Deb. Stk. (red.) 1031— 105i 3 18 6
bo —8a
'H
H
3"J— 324 i 6 8
lOlj-lOSJ, 3 16
H-l'd I 7 ll
1-14 * 0
2}
Eastern Extension .
118-llJ
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock lUl — lU3
Eastern &, S. African 43;; Mort. Deb. 1909
Do. 4% Mauritius Sub. Debs, (red.) . .
G.N.I'.i Copenhagen), with Coupon74..
DulilaiA: Bermuda 4J;$ 1st Mt.Db.( red.)
6 18
3 17
8 16 0
26| vl f Macka^ Companies Common
100 «1 if Do. i'leloreuce
103j .. i Marconis ■Wireless Teleg. Co,
1| 4% ! Pacilici European Iel.4JiGnar.Dba.(red.)
100' 1/3 1 \\ est Coast ot America ,
2ii 4% 1 Do. 4 per Cent. Debs. ...
lOUj .. i W e-.t India & Panama
10| e/0 Do. b per Cent. Ist Pret
10 12/0 Do. t% 2nd Pre! ex on r
101 6% Do. b per Cent. Debs
lOOi 6/0 V\ estern lelegraph
""J? „?"■ *P,«f "-enl. Deb. Stock (rii).'.;."
• . I «/. 1 \% estern I n.on lelegh. SI.UUO i < Bonds
• lu calculatinR the yields aUowanca baa bei
; of arrears
100-102
99i-101J 3 18
30 —82 ' - '
101 —103
63 -66
•iB —60
70 —73
101 — X03
li-lj
101 — 1U3
10,1 —104
12 J— 13
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jnlyi'reb
Jan, Jnly
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Feb, Ang
Jan, Jnly
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, Jnly
Nov, May
May, Not
Feb. Aug
March . .
April, Oct
-August ...
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, Jnly
Mar, Sept
Sept
Sept
Jan, Jnly
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
Jnne, Deo
Mar, Sept
Jan, Jnly
May, Not
Jan, Jnly
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July
June, Deo
Mar, Sept
Feb, Ang
Feb, Ang
Mar, Sept
Feb, Ang
April. Oct
April
Nov ....
May, Not
Jan, Jnly
Mar, JtUy
Jan, Jnly
Apr, Oct
Apr, Oct
May, Not
Jane, Dec
Jnne, Dec
F,My,Ag,N
F,My,Ag,N
F,My,Ag,N
Jn,Ap,Jy,0
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
June, Dec
Ja,My,JyO
Ja,.My,JyO] Bl , 8i
May, Not |1u3J 1u3*
Ja,Ap,Jy,0 Uii lis
Feb, Aug lUli I'.ilj
103i 1 ..
106J 1 101
lOol 1 105
TELEPHONES.
12-1
6 5
0 i
3 17
6
6 U
0
6 0
0
6 lu
0
3 17
6
4 3
(1
3 17
6
7 7
6
! 3 16
0
5 8
0
3 17
(1
1 4 10
0
'b, Aug
May, Not
Jan, July
June, Deo
May, Not
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
Ia,Ap,Jy,0
April ....
June, Dec
May ....
Jan, Jnly
May, Nov
May, Not
May, Not
Jan, July
Mr,Jn,0,D
June, Dec
131 -134 6
jl0/7i
„1| 0/6
st.i e'y
Amer. Telephn. &Telegh. Cap. St.
Do. CoU. Tmet $1,000 4 per Cent. Bds 95 —97
AngloPortug'se TeL 5% 1st Mt.Db. Stk. lOO —102
Chili Telephone , ° — f'
Monte Video Telephone Ord. f ,,
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. | ,„';~-,J-,,
National Co. Pre£ Stock I lObJ-llUJ
Do. Def. Stock I :l«.— 11«
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. iBt Pref. I lOr-lJ*
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. 2nd Pref. ICJ-llJ
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. 3rd Pref. ... Sffe- 6ft
• Do. Deb. stock 34 per Cent, (red.) ... 98 — loO
Do 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) IJl —103
Oriental , \\''\\
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. 1*— IJ
Do. i per Cent. Red. Deb. Stock 90 -9a
Telephone Co. of Egypt 4JS;Db.Stk.(rod.) 100J-102J
United Kiver Plate 61— 7i
4 18
4 14
6 0
16 —118 6 19
5 4 0
6 4 6
4 10 6
3 10 0
3 18 0
5 16 3
4 16 0
4 7 0
4 8 0
102|
6 per Cent. Ci
Do. 4i Deb. St. Ked.
, Pref. .
6 —64 4 11 0
101 —106 4 5 0
FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, Ac.
Elec. 4 Gen. Investment 6% Chun, Pref.
Globe Telegraph & Trust
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Submarine Cables Trnst (Cert.)
3J-4
104-101
12i-13|
127 —130
6^-f6
9l-9s
141 —148
102 —106
48 -4|
7 10 0
6 13 6
1 10 0
4 10 3
St. 4J%
St.' 8%
St. 30 0 I
St. I bZ •
40 44%
1001 i\x'.
St. I ih 1
St.i 6%
6' 2/6
10( I 6J%
100 6%
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRIC
RAILWAYS, TRAMWAYS, &c.
Anglo-Argentine 67, Cum. 1st Pref.
Do. lOX. Non-cum. 2nd Pref.
Do. Permanent 6% Deb. Stock
Auckland Elec. Trams. 6% Deb. (red,)...
Brisbane Electric Trams. Invest. Ord....
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. | li2
Do. 44 per Cent, Db. Prov. Certs i lOl
British Columbia El.Ry.Df. Ord I li6
Do. Pref. Ord. Stock
Do. 6% Cum. Perp. Pref. Stock lOTJ-lOai
Do. 44 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs lua — 104
Do. Vancouver Power Debs 103 —IC 6
Do. 4J% Perp Con. Deb. St. 98-102
Buenos Ayres Elec. Trama (1901) Ltd,
Deb. St 97—102
Buenos Ayres Grand National Ord. 25— 3|
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. 4*— 4J
Do. 64 per Cent. Pref. Debs 100 —11)5
Do. b per Cent. 1st Deb. Bonds 102—105
Buenos Avres Lacroze Trams Ist Mt. Db. 974-991
Buenos Ayres Port & City Tram. 1st Mt.
Deb. Stock
Calcutta Tramways (1 to 137,610)
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Prof.
Do. 4J% 1st Deb. Stock (red.)
Cape Electric Tram Shares J-i
City ot Buenos Ayres Trams Co. (1904)Sh. 6,»„— .^
Dv, 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Colombo Ir. IS. Ltg. 5% 1st Mt. Db.
Electric Traction Co. of Hong Kong 5
per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb;
Havana Eiec. Ry. Con. Mt. 6% $1,000 60
year Coup. Bds
Ka)goorlie Elec. Trams Sh.
tDo. 6per Cent. "
tDo. 6 percent.'
Lisbon Elec. Tri
Deb. Stock
B" Ditto
Ord
6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. 1 — li
e per Cent. Reg. Mort. Debs 92 -97
Madras Elec. Trams. 6% Deb. Stk 92 —95
Manila Elec. Ry. 81,000 Gold Honda 86 —90
Meiicolrains tlo. Com. St
Do. Gen. Con, 1st Mort. 6% Gold Bds....
Montreal St. Ry. Sterling 44 per Cent.
Debs. (1922) (Nos. 601 to 2,000)
Perth Elec. Trams Ord
Do. 1st Mt. Dti. Stock I 101
Bangoon Elec. Trams li. Supply Co, 6%
Cum. Pf. ..J 5,
Do. 44% 1st Mort. Deb. Stk lOO
Sao Paulo Tramway, Light & Power Co.
$100 Stock ..i 168
tDo. 6 per Cent. Ist Mt. $500 Db I
Toronto Ry Co. 1st Mt. 44,{ Ster. Bondsl
Jan, Jnly I ..
Mar, Sept
August . . . .
Nov .... I ..
May, Not
Feb, Aug 110
Feb, Aug I17i
Feb, Aug lOi'i
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
June, Dec
Jan, July
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
Jnne, Dec
Jan, July
Jan. July
SpDcMrJul 10,
SpDcMrJu 131
April, Oct ■""
April, Oct
Jan, Jnly
June, Deo
Jan, July
May ....
May, Not
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
May, N
1164
6 11 0
4 10 0
«?-5i 4 15 0
lOS -100 4 5 0
1S73
1181
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-ioo,°„ sou
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: COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRICITY
I SUPPLY &c.
I Adelaide Elec. S'lily 0.6% Co. Pr.
I Bombay E- S. &T.t>% Cm. Pf.
Do. 44 percent. Deb. Stk. (red.)
I Calcutta Eiec. Supply Ord
j Canadian Gen. Elec. Ho. Com. St
Castner Electrolviic -Alkali Co.(of U.S.A.)
1st Moi-t.Stl. "Debs 95 —100 j 5 0 0
I Elect. Development Co of Ontario 84 - 86^ 1 5 16 0
; Elec. Ltg. & Irac. Co. of Aust, 6 "per
j Cent. Cum. Pref. I 2—24 I
Do. 5 per Cent. Deb Stock 87—92 ,5 8 6
Elec. Supply Co. of Victoria 5 per Cent. I
1st Mort. Deb. St 90-93 5 7 6
Indian Elec. Sup. & Trao. Co. Constn.
Deb. St. Rd
Kalgoorlie Elec. Power & Ltg. tiri .
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref
Madras E.S. Corp. 6 per Cent, (jonsto.
Deb. St.
M.-i
EI.i- Light Co. 6"/i Ist Mort,
: i'ow
;r Co. Com. St. ...
Du. :i ; Ifi .Mort. Gold Bnds '
Montivol Lt. Ht. & Po»er Co. Cap. St....
Itiver Plate Electricity Co. Ord
Do, 6 per Cent. non-Cum, Prof"!!
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Kosario Elec. Co. 6% Pref. (l-aO.doO). '..!!!
inigan Water fit Power t;o. Cap. St,
80 —84 6 19 0
87 —83% 6 14 0
76i-77J
89 - 91 6 12 0
Victc
110 —112
Is^.-lj'-
ii-ii'«
lOo — lu3
64 -5g
Sli-84
103 —106%, 4 IS 6
6 8 0
4 13 0
6 13 0
4 17 0
6 13 0
4 17
Ja, Jul . .
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Feb, Ang
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
F.My.A.N
June, Dec
May, Nov
Fob, Ang
Jan, Jnly
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July
Jan, Jnly
Jan, Jnly
Fob, Aug
Fob, Aug
May ....
Jau, July
Jnne, Dec
Fob, Aug
Jan, July
Apiil, Oct
Fob, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, Jnly
Jan, July
April,' Oct !c
April, Cot ! ••
1 S7i
"8
F,My,A,N Uij
Aprd I
May I ••
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April, Oct : ■
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made lot accrued Interest but not for redemption t Ex dividend, J The London Stock Exchange Committee have declined to quote these
THE ELECTRICIAN:
THE OLDEST WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND FINANCE.
ESTABLISHED, First Series (Weekly), 1861; Second Series (Weekly), 1878.
No. 1,597. [v"o?...Vn.]
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1908.
Price Sixpence "'|il?'',=*'
Abroad 9(t., <
CONTENTS OF THE CURRENT NUMBER.
Notes 409
Arrangements for the Week 411
Bolton Corjioration Electri-
city UeiKUtmeiit Accounts 412
On a Method of Using Trans-
formers as Choking Coils
and its Application to the
Testing of Alternators. By
J. D. Coales. Illustrated 412
Electric Traction on Railways.
XI. — Calculation of Drop in
Return Circuit. By Philip
Dawson. Illus. Continued 414
The Incandescent Electric
Lamp. By J. Findlay 418
Accumulator Railway Cars of
the Prussian State Rail-
ways. Illustrated 419
Threepha.se Four-wire Sys-
tems. By K. iaye-Hansen.
Illustrated 422
The Cooling of Rotating Discs
considered in Connection
with Marconi's New Gene-
rator of Continuous Oscilla-
tions 423
A New Large Generator for
Niagara Falls. By B. A.
Behrend. Illustrated 424
Legislatiox in 1908 42f-
Reviews 428
The Evolution of Forces
TLe Bon] ; Agenda de
Electro, 1908: Isolations-
messung und Fehlerorts-
bestiminung in Elektris-
chen Starkstromanlagen
[Stern].
Electricity in 1799 428
The Physical Society's Annual
Exhibition of Apparatu.s.
Illustrated. Continued . . 429
CORRESPONDEMCE 433
Accumulators for Peak
Loads (A. M. Taylor).
The Law of Electio-
magnetic Induction (H.
Bohle).
The Electric Discharge and
the Production of Nitiic
Acid — />i-SC!l«.S!'0H ..
E.xperiments with Heusler'.s.
Magnetic Alloy. Bv J. (i.
Gray, B.Sc. Illustra'tetl .
Note on the Electrical Resis-
tance of Spark Gaps. By
R. A. Houslun.Ph.D., D.Sc.
Illustrated 436
Value of the Care and Main-
tenance of Meters. By H.
D. King. Illustrated ' 437
ParliamentaryIntei.ligence 438
Parliamentary Recoi'd foi' 19C8 438
Leoal Intellioence 438
Municipal, Foreign & General
Notes 439
Trade Notes and Notices 441
City Notes 444
Companies' Share List 445
433
435
M^ O T S S.
The Dispelling of Fog.
TiiEKE is iiiobably no greater aftlictiou to tlii> citizens
of London on certain occasions than tliat fog which is
familiarly characterised as of the "pea soup" variety, and
which, at one time of the year, is apt to envelop the metro-
polis for days at a time, and to dislocate traffic to an extra-
ordinary degree. These visitations, apart from the per.sonal
inconvenience cavised, give rise to a serious loss of money,ex-
cept to such undertalvings as are concerned with the supply
of artificial illumination. A day's fog means heavy expense
to every railway company running into London, and the
personal loss of time and energy, which after all is latent
wealth, is apt to be enormous. The effect of an electro-
static charge upon dust has been known for long enough,
and for many years now Sir Olivkr Louge has advocated
the possibilities of electric discharge in dealing with fog.
His experiences in this direction are, of course, well known,
but no attempt has hitherto been made to put these
principles into actual practice, chiedy, no doubt, on
account of the expense involved in carrying out the
necessary preliminary inxestigations on a large enough
scale to demonstrate the feasibility of the method. We are
glad to see that at length the Highways Committee of the
Westminster City Council desire that active stejjs should be
taken in the matter. Such steps will be w, itched with in-
tei'est, and should certainly receive more support than the
mythical method of fog guns, of which we heard .something
recently. Probably the most important localities where
such e.xperiments miglit be carried mit, nr where such
methods would be desirable, are on tiir suburban railway
systems. If the.se could be kept clear of fog by some such
means, so that the punctuality of the train service could be
maintained, a very great advance would be made, and other
inconveniences, at least for the time being, might be put on
one side.
London Power Supply.
Those responsible for electricity sui)ply in London will
be able to enjoy their Christmas with comparative peace
of mind. The great struggle as to who should supply Lon-
don with electric power has at length come to an end, or,
at least, we hojie, and we think we may assume, that such
is the case. It is now quite a number of years since ^Ir.
C. H. Mekz started out with the cry of cheap power for the
metropolis, and each year has seen some attempt to till the
demand which was supposed to exist. At length the right-
to give the supply is left in the hands of tlio.se to whom it
was entrusted before the struggle began. Those who have
watched the yearly round of evidence by experts of every
kind, and who have noted how much the issues depended
upon quantities quite foreign to questions of power supply
pure and simple, will question whether our methods of
dealing with such matters are all that i.s to be desired. Year
by year existing undertakings have had to spend fresh
money upon the struggle, and their officials have had to
give endless time and energy in trying to retain their
rights. Money, time and energy spent in this way do not
tend to increase the efficiency of any existing undertaking,
and we cannot help thinking that if all this energy had
been put to the purpose of cheapening and extending
supply, instead of being lost in Parliamentary committee
looms, the consumer in London would have lieen the
gainer. Generally speaking, however, competition is an
excellent thing, and we suppose we must be content to lose
something at times by following such methods ; but even
so, something might be done to facilitate the reasonable
consideration of schemes in Parliament, and to improve the
methods hitherto adopted.
410
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 25, 1908.
London United Tramways and " Through Running."
If the I'.ill which is being promoted by the London
United Tramways in the 1909 session of Parliament is
passed in its present form, an important step will have
been taken towards co-operation between the London
County Council tramway system and other undertakings
concerned in London's passenger traffic. It will lie re-
membered that the London United Tramways are already
operated in conjunction with some of the underground
railways, and if sanction is obtained to the proposed
Ihiking-up with the County Council tramways and to thi;
running of " through " cars, together with " through " fares,
greatly increased facilities will be provided for the public,
and the undertakings themselves should benefit accord-
ingly. -At present the Council's tramways are far from
meeting the requirements of London's traffic, since the
cars terminate their journeys at inconvenient points, so
that greater co-operation with existing undertakings is
very desii'able. That the engineering difficulties in the
way of " through-running " are not very serious is shown
by the particulars, given in our last issue, of the process to
enable the Council's cars to run over sections of track
equipped with overhead lines. Other considerations, how-
ever, also retard tlie successful development and organisa-
tion of the Council's undertaking. Thus, the running of
the ears on the route between Camberwell and Brixton,
whei'e an overhead trolley is brought into use, is regarded
by a certain section of the Council as mismanagement by
another section. It is, therefore, very probable that the
application of the London LTnited Tramways will arouse
much opposition, especially on the part of the ardent muni-
cipalists ; but we hope that the recent report of the London
traffic Isranch of the Board of Trade will res\ilt in the ques-
tion being dealt with on broad lines and in the best interests
of those chiefly concerned — namely, the general public, in-
stead of on the lines of party politics.
Scientific Meetings.
A NOTICEABLE feature at annual conventions, and fre-
quently at meetings of technical societies, is the difficulty
of reading and sati.sfiictorily discussing all the Papers in
the programme. This applies to some extent to the Insti-
tution of Electrical Engineers, although the arrangement
adopted a year ago, whereby all Papers are read in abstract,
and by which Papers read at local sections may also be read
and discussed in London, and vice versa, has removed to a
considerable extent the possibility of insufficient discussion ;
in fact, on several occasions last session the discussions
terminated before the time allotted for the duration of the
meeting. The American Institute of Electrical Engineers
has always appeared to have an excessive number of
Papers presented at their meetings and conventions, and it
is interesting to notice that this view has evidently been
taken by the " Meetings and Papers Comnuttee " of that In-
stitute, for from an announcement in a recent issue of the
" Proceedings " it appears that in future only one Paper
will be accepted for each meeting during the present ses-
sion. Another interesting announcement is that "pre-
pared" discussion is to have precedence until 10 o'clock, at
which hour open discussion will be invited. Compared
with our ideas this sounds like real work, for nothing is
said as to the hour for terminating discussions. Such is
American energy, whieli is our envy at times.
Memorial to the late Sir George Livesey. — At a special
meeting of the Institution of Gas Engineers held recently
under the presidency of Mr. Thomas Glover, it was decided to
open a Livesej' Memorial Fund, and to invite contributions to
it with the object'of endowing a professorship in Gas Engineer-
ing .and Fuel at Leeds University.
The Institution of Municipal Engineers. — At a meeting of
this institution, held on Wednesday, December 16th, Mr.
John T. Pegge, city engineer and surveyor of Durham, was
elected president for the ensuing year. The next general meet-
ing will be held at Caxton Hall, Westminster, on January l(5th,
1909, at 10:30 a.m. A conversazione will take place in the
evening of the same day.
Crystal Palace School of Engineering. — The 108th award of
certificates to students of this school took place on Friday last,
the chair being taken liy Sir John Jackson. In his address to
the students, the chairman congratulated them on the training
thej' were receiving. Hard work, honesty of purpose and
professional integrity, he said, were all necessary for a success-
ful career. He emphasised the importance of each student
spending one or two years in engineering shops, as some con-
tact with workmen was very necessary. During the last 100
years engineering had done much towards civilisation and
towards bringing the nations of the world together.
6,000 h.p. Motor. — A motor having this output and said to
he the largest in the world was, according to the "Electrical
Eeview " of New York, recently started to work. It is supplied
with three-phase current at 6,600 volts from two 2,000 kw.
Curtis turbo generators. The control is on the General Elec-
tric system of step-by-step control, using a master controller.
This master controller gradually inserts resistance in a number
of steps, starting at 1,3.50 volts,to full voltage. To the satis-
faction of everyone present, the motor started in the right
direction and attained full speed in 45 seconds. The starting
or magnetising current was at first indeterminable, and for
the following 30 seconds stood at 540 amperes, graduallj'
dropping down to 85 amperes. Owing to outside conditions
— the turbines feeding South Chicago at the same time — the
voltage was a>iout 5,600 during the first part of the test. The
size of this machine can be imagined when it is stated that
300 gallons of lubricatingoil are required in each of the bearings.
Standards for Radioactivity. — The Council of the Rimtgen
Society has now deciderl to act upon the advice of the com-
mittee appointed in 1906 to consider the possibility of pre-
paring a standard for the measurement of radio-activity. This
committee recommend that: "The y-ray ionisation from one
nigm, of pure radium be regarded as a standard, and called a
unit of radio-activity." The Council has deputed Mr. C. E, S.
Phillips to prepare a set of three sub-standards of RaBn, and
these are now maturing. Owing to the kind co operation of Prof
E. Rutherford, comparison will be made with a specimen of the
purest RaBroat the Victoria University, Manchester. The quan-
tity of radium in otherspecimens will be, by comparison with the
sub-standards, capable of accurate measurement. It is, there-
fore, anticipated that by this means the exact description of
medical, physical, or other work with radium will be facili-
tated, and that the possibility of fraud in the sale of expen-
sive radium preparations will be eliminated. The Council
intends to lend the sub standards to any competent person
desiring to measure the amount of radium in his possession,
or to arrange for authoritative tests to be made. For further
particulars applications should be sent to the Honorary Secre-
tary of theRiiutgen Society, at 20, Hanover-.square, London, W.
Oable Interruptions. Date of interruption.
Pontianak— Suigon Sep. 16, 1908
THE ELECTRICIAN. DECEMBER 25, 1908.
411
Telephony in Sweden. — According to the "Zeitschrift fur
Schvvachstromtechnik, " the Swedish telephone authorities
have still further reduced the payments to certain classes of
subscribers. These have now been fixed atone of 1 Is,, with a
yeai'ly subscription of .'538., including I'lO free calls per quarter.
Extra calls are charged at the rate of 0-6d. each. These new
arrangements, which will come into force on April 1st next,
-are intended for private persons, and especially for those who
do not use the telephone a great deal.
An Appeal.- -We regret to learn that the widow and two
children (aged S and 1.5) of the late B. H. Thwaite, have been
left inadequately provided for. It is unnecessary to remind
our readers of the position in the engineering world held by
the deceased, of the numerous patents (over 200) taken out
by him, and of his pioneering work in connection with the
utilisation of waste blast-furnace gas, power transmission, &c.
Most of this work was carried on under difficulties, and he reaped
no adequate monetary reward from his patents. Mrs. Thwaite
is suffering from a malignant disease, and Mr. A. Carnegie
has generously promised a donation of £500, provided a like
sum is subscribed by others. In order to take advantage of
this offer an influential committee is appealing to the members
of the iron and steel trades and the mechanical and elec-
trical engineering industries, and we need scarcely add that we
hope the appeal will prove successful. The hon. secretary to
the appeal is Mr. W. H. Booth, 2, (i)ueen Anne's-gate, West-
minster, S. W.
Electric Sounding Apparatus. — The "Elektrotechnik und
Maschinenbau " gives an account of a new apparatus of this
description due to Schortau. The ordinary apparatus pos-
sesses the disadvantage that the weight in deep sounding
must be hauled on deck for each measurement to be made.
The Schortau equipment consists of a glass tube, which is
•closed at the top, and in which are placed two lesistance wires.
These wires are connected at the bottom with a metal cap in
which the tube is firmly fixed. The cap is itself screwed into
an iron ^'ox whose sides are corrugated, and therefore act as
springs when under pressure. This box is filled to the cap
with mercury. When the apparatus is sunk the increased
pressure forces the mercury up the tube and short-circuits
more or less of the resistance wires, thus giving on deck an
indication of the depth. The resistance bridge may be cali-
brated in metres, and only corrections for atmospheric pressure
and, in very accurate measurements, for the specific gravity of
sea water, need be introduced.
New Locomotives on the Chicago City Railway. — The
"Electric Rail *ay .Journal " gives an account of two 40-ton
electric locomotives which have just been built for shunting
purposes on this railway. They are designed to haul loads of
from 400 to 500 tons at speeds not exceeding 7 miles per
hour. Great attention has been paid to strength in their
design, and a special feature is the provision of cast-iion
ballast blocks which are bolted to the fitime. This arrange-
ment prevents any movement of the ballast even under the
severest service. The electrical equipment comprises four
75H.P. motors. These are connected permanently in two
pairs of two in series. The gear ratio is 72:16 and the trolley
voltage is .500. The usual controlling arrangements are pro-
vided, and braking is eft'ected by compressed air. For this
purpose an air compressor driven by a 2 h.P. motor is employed.
A special attachment has been provided for the air sander,
coiisisting of two valves and operating stems so arranged that
changing the reverse handle on the top of the controller changes
the admission of air to tlie sanders and ensures that sand will
only be poured on the rails in ailvance of the forward wheels.
The German " Secret Kartell "' at an End. — Our readers will
be interested to learn that the famous " Secret Kartell " of
the leading German electrical manufacturing firms, dealt with
in our issue of October 9tb, has been recently declared by one
of the firms concerned " to exist no longer," and that under
rather peculiar circumstances, which are detailed as follows by
the " Frankfurter Zeitung." It seems that the Prussian
State Railways had advertised for tenders for the supply and
installation of a convening plant in the principal railway
station of Frankfort-on-Main. The tenders received were .is
follows: A.E.G., 9i),996 marks, rounded ofT to 98,000 marks
(£4,900); Siemens-Schuckert Werke, 11 8,392 marks, rounded
off to IKJ.OOO marks (£5,800); Brown, Boveri & Co., of
Mannheim, 124,230 marks (£6,211); Lahmeyer & Co., of
Frankfort, 129,017 marks (£6,450) ; and Ernst Heinrich
Geist, of Cologne, 115,300 marks (£5,765). As the four first-
mentioned firms belonged to the " Geheim-Kartell," it was
generally concluded in trade circles that the notable difference
in the amount of the Allgemeine's temler from that of the
others was a clear ca.se of the AUgemeine having been selected
for " protection," and that the tenders .sent in by the other
three fiims were a mere "blind." Word was, however, sent
round the circles interested, that the competition was abso-
lutely free, and the Siemens-Schuckert Werke in particular
definitely stated that "the Secret Kartell no longer exists."
This is attributed by the very well-informed organ, already
quoted, to the pressure of public opinion and to the vigorous
opposition made to the Kartell by the outstanding firms.
New Electric Railway for Boston. — After a considerable
amoiuit of legislation, the Railroad Commission of the State of
Massachusetts have recommended the building of a new elec-
tric railway connecting Boston with several outlying towns,
though there is at present a further delay pending legislative
permission to build a tunnel under Boston harbour and a short
subway from the water front to the central business district.
The promoting company intends to construct a high-speed
inter-urban railroad of the most modern type between the
cities of Boston, Lynn and Salem, connecting with Beverly
and Danvers. The line will be entirely on a private right of
way, and built for fast tunning. The estimated cost is about
£2,750,000. The plans allow for station platforms on a level
with the car doors, double-track construction throughout, no
level crossings, mtiltiple unit trains with fireproof cars, four-
motor, 600-volt, direct ctirrent equipments, block signals, and
a running time of about 20 minutes Ijetween Boston and
Salem. The equipment of the road will include 90 lb. rails,
20 stations, an 8,000 kw. power plant, three sub-stations
aggregating 10,000 kw., 50 cars, each with four 200 H.}'. motor.s.
service cars, shops and thu'd rail distribution system, with
transmission line feeding the sub-stations. The estimated cost
of the power plant on the basis of 8,000 kw. is as follows : —
Land, &c., 16s pp.r'cw £6,400
Buildings, £4 j.er kw 32,000
B.iilers, engines, generators and auxiliaries £12. 8s. per kw. 99,200
Electric equipment, except generators, 16r. per kw 6,400
Miscellaneous, £2 per kw 16,0C0
Total £160,000
The estimated cost of the distributing system is : —
Third rail, 413 miles, at £940 per mile - £38,820
Bonding, at £100 per mile 4,130
Tran.'imis.sion cable, 7 miles at €1,584 per mile 11.068
Tran.smiission line, 16 miles at £800 per mile 12,800
Terminal houses at £600 i 1,200
£68,018
Sub-stations are estimated at .£G per kilowatt and cars at
£3,370 each. The proposed tunnel and subway are estimated
to cost £438,012.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE WEEK.
ItoVAL IXsTlTrnoN.
Meetings at Albemarle-street. Six Lectures, adapted to a juvenile
auditory, on the " Wheel of Life," by Prof. W. Stirling, as follows :—
TUESDAY, December 29th.
.: /i.ifi. Lectun- I.. 'The Breath of Life.''
THURSDAY, December 31st.
.; ji.m. Lecture 11., " Consider the Lilies of the Field."
SATURDAY, January 2nd, 1909.
./p.m. Lecture III., " Daily Bread."
TUESDAY, January 5th.
.; ji.iii. Lccturo IV., ■■ Rivers of Life."
THURSDAY, January 7th.
3 p. III. Lecture V., " Sentinels and Citadels."
SATURDAY, January 9th.
J /I. III. Lecture VI., "Work, Fatigue and Repose."
41:
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 25, 1908.
BOLTON CORPORATION ELECTRICITY DEPARTMENT
ACCOUNTS.
TliP annual accounts of the Bolton Corporation electiicity
department for the year ended March 31, 1908, are at the
present time invested with unusual interest, in view of the
prominent position occupied by the Bolton undertaking m
the tallies given by Mr. W. M." Mordey in his recent presi-
dential address. It was noticeable that the results at Bolton
appeared to surpass those recorded at other towns, at any
rate'as regards the low average price per unit sold. This figure
for the past year was only l-26d. (in our analysis below, the
total revenue appears as l-31d. ; but this is due to the fact
that it includes rental of meters and hired motors, and also a
profit on fittings), the average price received for private light-
ing units being 2-95d., for public lighting 2-86d., for motors
0-868d. and for traction MOd.
Notwithstanding the low tariffs which are in operation, it is
gratifying to notice that a net profit of £8,774 has been made
as a result of the year's working ; in fact, a net profit has been
recorded for the last 11 years, whilst during the same period
the rates have benefited to the extent of £43,083, the small
losses made during the first three years' working reducing this
by only £1,91G, so that the ratepayers have little of which to
complain.
The number of units sold exceeds the figure for the previous
year by no less than 32 per cent., 10,791,105, as compared with
8,152,6.52. This is, to a considerable extent, due to the
great development of the motor load, which accounted for
5.080,639 of the total number of units, an increase of 2,014,815
units in the 12 months. It will thus be seen that, as the trac-
tion load takes 4,110.085 units, there should be little trouble
fi'om the lighting peak. The private lighting load is, however,
by no means insignificant, since it accounted for 1,594,408
units, as compared with 1,457,547 in the previous year, show-
ing that in spite of metallic filament lamps good progress is
being made. The number of consumers connected to the
mains on March 31.1908, was 2,251, 177 having been added
during the 12 months, whilst over 10 miles of mains were laid
during the same period. The total number of motors con-
nected to the mains was 690, aggregating 7,691 h.p., an in-
crease of 1,560 H.p. in the 12 months. The plant installed has
been augmented by 800 kw. and n'ow amounts to 7,600kw. ; the
maxinmm demand on the station was, however, only 4, .504 kw.
and the load factor works out at 27-3 per cent.
T'urning now to the details of the working, it wUl be seen
tliat the cost of fuel has increased ; this, however, was only to
be expected, in view of the high price prevailing last year.
Notwithstanding this increase, it will be seen that the total
costs, including all capital charges and depreciation, have been
reduced by 0'05d., and now stand at the exceedingly low figure of
1-1 2d. In the Profit and Loss Account an inclusive sum is
given to cover redemption of debt and depreciation. This
sum is obtained by allowdng 6 per cent, on mains and trans-
formers, 7 per cent, on machinery, 10 per cent, on meters,
motbrs and instruments, and 20 per cent, on the cost of well
sinking. This totals to £16,851, and it will be seen that
£11,034 goes towards payment of debt, leaving a substantial
sum for depreciation proper. The total amount now in hand
for replacing obsolete plant is £22,960, or a little over 7 per
cent, of the total capital expenditure.
We give herewith an analysis of the expenditure during the
past financial year, together with the cost of working per unit
sold, the cost for the previous year being also included for the
sake of comparison : —
Cost pel unit .'old.
Generating Costs. 1907-8. 1906-7.
Coal, &c £12,473 ... 0-27d. ... 0-2ad.
Oil, waste, water, &c 1,389 ... 0-05d. ... 004d.
Salaries .and wjiRes at .station ... 3,086 ... 0-07d. ... O'OBd.
Repairs and mtuntenatice 4,!i63 ... Q-lOd. ... 007d.
Total Generating Costs £21,211
Distribution Costs.
Wages
Repairs and maintenance o
mains, fuses, &c
Meters replaced out of revenue .
Cost per unit sold.
19078. 19C6-7.
0-Old. ... OOOd.
413
446
0-Old.
0-Old.
OOld.
0 Old.
Total Distribution Costs £1.133
Management Costs, &c.
.Salaries
frinting, stationery, &c
Miscellaneous
£1,213 ... 003J. ... 0-04d.
100 ... OOOd ... OOOd.
287 ... O-OOd. ... 0-Old.
£1,600 0-03d. 005d.
Rents, Rates and Taxes £1,881
Total Costs (e.i-. capital charges).... £25,825
Capital Charges.
Interest £7,658
Sinking fund 11,034
Depreciation 5,817
0-04d.
0-57d. .
.. OOSd.
. 0-55d.
0 17d.
0-25d. .
0-13d.
.. 0-21d.
.. 0-31d.
.. 0-lOd
0-55d.
0-62d.
112d.
l-31d. .
019d,
.. 1-17.1.
. l-52d.
.. 0-35d.
Total Capital Charges £24,509
Total Costs (iHc. capital charges; ... £50,334
Total Receipts from all sources ... £59,108
Balance £8,774
To this net profit of £8,774 is added a balance of £3,101 from,
the previou.s year's Profit and Loss Account, making a total of
£11,875, of which £7,500 is handed over in aid of the rates and
tlie balance of £4,375 carried forward to next year's accounts.
During the past year a capital expenditure of £33,715 has
been incurred, mains accounting for £12.926 of this sum, and
machinery £17,370. The total capital expenditure on March
31, 1908, amounted to £.325,987, and in the following table we
give the amounts expended on the various sections of the plant,
together with the cost per kilowatt installed.
Per kw.
Capital Account. installed.
Land £4,709 £0-6
Buildings 47,314 .... 6-2
Michinery 141,564 18-6
Mains 97,667 12-9
Motors 11,513 1-5
Transformers 9,288 1-2
Meters 12,004 16
Instruments 437 O'O
Well sinking 1,491 02
ON A METHOD OF USING TRANSFORMERS AS
CHOKING COILS AND ITS APPLICATION TO THE
TESTING OF ALTERNATORS.*
BY ,T. 1). COALES.
Suinmai-y. — A description is given of a method of reducing the per-
meability of the core of a transformer (thereby increasing the m.-ignet-
ising current) by bringing the flu.\- density in the core to a high value
by means of continuous current sent through the secondary winding.
Particulars are given of the application of this method to the testing
of alternators, and comparisons are made with the use of choking coils.
The coefBcient of self-induction of a choking coil with a closed
iron circuit depends upon the permeability of the core, and any
cause which changes the permeability correspondingly affects the
coefficient of self-induction. The value of L (in henries) = ^?^ — x —
^ ' lOH dm
where »= number of turns, A= iron section of core in square centi-
metres, ?=mean length of core in centimetres, and dB dm is the slope
of the tangent to the hysteresis loop expressed in lines per square
centimetre per ampere-turn per centimetre. For ordinary sheet iron
with B = 3,500, dBjdm = 5.300 ; and with B = 1 7,000, dB!dm= 19, show-
ing of com-se that L will vary enormously. The smallness of the
no-load current renders a transformer useless as an inductive load at
the voltage for which it is designed, unless by some special means the
no-load current can be increased to a reasonably large value. In
core transformers -irith butt joints this may be accomplished by tem-
porarily opening the joints between the limbs and. yoke, and
inserting distance-pieces of non-magnetic material. This plan would,
liowever, hardly be adopted, except in the test-room of the manu-
•' Abstract of a Paper read before the Birmingham Local Section of
the Institution of Electrical Engineers.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 25, 1908.
413
iacturer, and would in any case involve difficulties in manipulation
and danger to the insulation and construction of the transformer.
The author describes a second method of reducing the perme-
ability of the core of a transformer (and thereby increasing its mag-
netising current), which involves no interference with its construc-
tion. Briefly it consists in bringing the flux density of the core to
a point on the magnetisation curve corresponding with suitably low
values of fi and dB/dtn, by means of direct current sent through the
secondary winding;; so that when an alternating E.M.P. is applied
to the ijrimary, the flux density undergoes variations about a mean
flux density corresponding to low permeability, instead of about
zero flux density corresponding to high permeability as is ordinarily
the case.
The investigation was carried out : (1) To examine the behaviour
of transformers used in the way described, and (2) to ascertain the
suitability of this method for obtaining inductive loads in testing
alternators. In attempting to separate the inductive and reactive
components of the " drop " in alternators on load, it is necessary to
apply an mductive load about equal to the full-load current of the
alternator under test. To provide choking coils for such a pm-pose is
generally out of the question, on the score of expense, especially in
the case of large alternators, and the test has to be abandoned. If.
The next test was carried out with the two'low-tension windings
connected in series (Fig. 2). The curve conne'cting the alternating
and du'ect currents, and that for cos 0 are given in Fig. 4, and are
similar to the corresponding curves for the parallel arrangement'of
the low-tension windings, but for a given value of the direct cii--
rent the alternating current in the latter case is almost exactly
twice that in the former, the power factors being about the same.
One test was made to investigate the variations in the direct
current, and to ascertain whether there was any .serious amount of
alternating power conveyed to the direct-current circuit. The
Fic. 1
however, the alternator is provided with transformers either for
stepping its voltage up or down, the tests may be easily and accu-
rately carried out by the method here described.
In the use of this method for single phase working, it is evident
that something must be done to prevent the secondary E.M.F. from
di'iving an alternating current through the source of du-ect current.
This may be done by connecting (see Fig. 1), the primaries of two
Fig. 3.
Coirve I is the curreut iu oueL.T. wiuding ; Curve II is current in other L.T. windini?
and IS Curve I reversed. Curve III n.p'e5entstot.il current, ami is obtained from I an.l II.'
results are embodied in the curves of Fig. 5, and a series of oscillo-
grams are given in the Paper. In no case do the curves .show an
actual reversal of the current in the dii-ect current circuit due to
the alternating component. Fig. .5 also gives the core losses.
Tests carried out to ascertain the behaviour under conditions of
constant (D.C.) current and variable (A.C.) pressure showed that
. ., ^ , . „ , , „ , • . *'^*' applied alternating voltage and resulting alternating amperes at
similar transformers m parallel, and the secondaries m opposition, low voltages are roughly proportional to each other, whilst at
or {see Fig. 2) the primaries in series, and the secondaries in oppo- higher voltages the alternating current tends towards a constant
sition. The inductance of the second arrangement is double that of the value for any applied voltage. This property is an interesting one
first, and by use of both a wide range of inductances may be obtained, and is the opoosite of what occiu-s in an ordinary choking" coil'
The transformers used in the tests were built by the Westing. The direct curr"ent was then adjusted so as to make'the alternating
house Mfg. Company and were of the shell type, rated capacity current in the low-tension windmga constant for all voltages The
,h kw. The preliminary tests were carried out with alternating results sliow lliat as tl„. alternating voltage is increased a smaller
current supplied from a two-phase 7J kw. L^arker
alternator, the E.M.F. of which has a nearly pure
sine wave-form, the transformers being connected as
in Fig. 1. In the remaining tests a Brush alternator
was used, because its output and voltage were more
suitable. Curves are given showing that the alter-
nating and direct currents are connected by a very
nearly straight line law, and that the power factor
is below O-I, and the angle of lag greater than j
84 deg, for all loads greater than 20 per cent, of the !•
full load current. "^
In testing alternators for "drop" on inductive ~
loads, it is necessary to take into consideration the ^
wave-form of the current employed for the purpose ;
for the distribution of the armature reaction over the
cycle depends upon this, and it is possible that the
"drop," to some extent, dependson this distribution of
the armature reaction as well as upon its mean value.
The first wave-form test (Curve I. in Fig. 3) was carried
out by means of the .loubert disc method on the cur-
rent taken by one low-tension winding. The postive
portion of the curve corresponds to the condition in
which the alternating ampere-turns oppose those of the
direct current, making the resultant flux density of the core low and
its permeability high. The negativeportion, on the other hand, corre-
sponds to high saturation, low permeability, and low self-induction,
in consequence of which the current runs up into a sharp peak. All
further tests were carried out with an o.«cillogi'aph. and a number of
records are given. The effect of the direct ampere-turns is evident in
the reduction of the peak of the positive half-wave, and the exagge-
ration of the peak of the negative half- wave. This want of symmetry,
due to the form of the hysteresis loop, is exliibited in all the curves
and must necessarily exist when the transformers are worked at
their rated voltage, for the total variation of the flux density is then
about 12.000 lines per square centimetre.
and -smaller direct current is required to enable a given alternating
cm-rent to flow. The form of the curve bears a general resem-
blance to the permeability curve of the core.
Application!! to llir TeMing of Alternators on Inductive Loads. —
In the ease of single-phase alternators full inductive load tests
can be cturied out « itii transformers arranged as described, for, as
the oscillograms show, the wave forms of the currents above 20 or
2.5 per cent, of the full-load currents of the transformers are approxi-
mately of sine-form. .Also it is shown that the actual wave-
form is not of very great importance in such tests. For testing
three phase alternators with full inductive loads, if six transformers
are available, then loads of good wave form may be obtained by
414
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 25, 1908.
makint; up three .siii<.'lo-pliiise pairs connected as in Figs. 1 or 2,
and coml)iiiins tlicsi- in star or mesh groupings, with the direct
current scut tluoueli tlie six secondary windings in series, or each
threei)liase set may be star connected, and tlie two sets connected
in parallel with the secondaries opposing each other. It is of great
convenience to be able to use the high-tension windings for the
direct current circuit, for then the strength of the direct current
required is i^roportionately reduced, and when possible the con-
nections should be arranged with a view to this circumstance.
A comparative test for "drop" with a 20 kw. three-phase Brush
alt<;rnator with transformers having artificial saturation, and with
ordinary choking coils, showed that the difference in the effects upon
the alternator of the two methods of obtaining an inductive load is
not serious.
A comparative test for " drop " with partially inductive loads
having power factor (cos 0)=O-8 also showed that the method of
obtaining inductive loads by means of transformers having artificial
saturation of the coils may be expected to give results which are
sufficiently accurate for ordinary purposes.
As regards the construction of special choking coils in which arti-
ficial satui-ation of the cores is to be made use of, it is a good plan
to'design the respective dimensions of the core and primary winding
so that, for the average alternating voltage to be used, the range of
variation of the flux density above and below the mean value is
comparatively small. This condition, of course, necessitates either
a large weight of iron per kilo-volt-ampere or a large weight of
copper. The windings through which the direct currrnt is to ckcu-
iate should preferably have a large number of turns in order to gain
the convenience of using comparatively small direct currents of ordi-
nary pressures. In order to combine the two transformers into one
J—
\y
y"
.4"=-ii-
+.p 1. *c.
dnp.*
x^
Z"^ X ' \
-(>4'
/^ Vollt
Frequ
- 232 can5.
ency - 50 o
ant
V
^
^
X
^
LT xind
HI, *ind
oppo
Aicernawr
ngs connected in
ttion (t with direCC
■M. CirCUlaCmg- from-
/
r bdttery
-4. C Am-peifi.
Fig. S.
and so save labour in construction, it is suggested that a double
magnetic cu-cuit be used having three parallel cores, of which the
middle core has double the section of the outer cores. The primary
winding should consist of two equal coils placed upon the outer
cores and connected so as to magnetise the rectangle formed by the
outer cores and yoke in the same sense. The direct current winding
or secondary should then be placed on the middle core, so that when
excited it magnetises the two outer cores in parallel, while it is
itself uninfluenced by the alternating magnetic flux produced by
the primary windings. By this means half the copper required for
the direct current windings, when two transformers are used, is saved.
return cii-cuit, no matter what the materials are of wluch
the circuit i.s compcsed. This is a matter which can easily
be settled, as the measurements of the resistances of tlie
various circuits can readily be ascertained, and the cacula-
tions necessary to determine what, under any given con-
ditions, the drop in the return circuit would be are a
comparatively easy matter. With alternating currents this
is not the case.
The first point which enters iirto consideration is the fact
that with alternating currents the drop of voltage in a con-
ductor depends upon its shape and size as well as on the
material of which the conductor consists, independently of
its specific resistance.
If L is the coefficient of self-induction and i Is the cm-
rent at any time, we know that the E.M.F. due to L at
any time is E=(Z't/cZ<.
With a cui-rent having a true sine curve the maximum
value of iildt is equal to 27rHl,„,„ where n is the nimiber of
complete periods per second, or the frequency ; and occurs
at the instant when the actual value of i is zero.
Therefore, E,„a^=L27rwI,„^„ or for a sine wave £,„.
= \JliTn\„, where the subscript indicates the effective
value.
In order to develop the formulae giving the self-mduction
of railway systems we must first take the case of a simple
cu-cuit consisting of two parallel wires through which the
out and return currents pass. Let the separation of the
wires be d, their radius r, and the current flowing 1. To
find the value of the flux at any point we must use the
equation
magnetomotive force
^^^ reluctance
We know from elementary considerations that the work
W done in moving a conductor carrying a current across a
magnetic field is equal to the product of current and
flux as expressed by W=I</). We know also that 47r
magnetic lines eminate from a unit magnetic pole. Hence
if we move a vrae carrymg a current I completely round
a unit pole the total work done will be 4^1. The eiiect
will be precisely the same if we move the imit pole aroimd
the wire. Suppose, then, we move a unit pole in a cii-ciilar
path of radius x around a wire carrying a current of I
expressed in amperes. As the ampere is 1/10 of the current
expressed in C.G.S. units, the work done will be 4-110.
The quantity 41-1/10 is called the magnetomotive force.
The reluctance of an air path is equal to its length. In
this case reluctance =27r.T ; the flux at a distance x from the
wire will therefore be, if a;>r,
4 ^
10'
ELECTRIC TRACTION ON RAILWAYS. ""
XL— CALCULATION OF DROP IN RETURN CIRCUIT.
BY PHILir DAWSON.
{Continued from page 341.)
Samin-iry. — The author here considers mathematically the pressuie
drop due to induction in the return circuit of an alternating current
supply of electricity, and gives examples for a trolley wire and a con-
ductoi rail.
In calculating the drop in return circuit when continuous
currents are dealt with, if we neglect leakage currents, the
only points to be considered are the ohmic resistance of the
* Copyright. All rights of reproduction are reserved.
magnetomotive force
<l> =
reluctance
_2 I
'-'la^x
This applies to all points outside the wire. For points
within the wire the above formulae does not hold, since the
resultant field produced by the current elements flowing at
a greater radius than that at the point under consideration
is equal to zero. Only the current elements within the
circle cutting the point under consideration produce a field
at that point.
The reluctance of the path will be '2ttXijl in this case where
H IS the permeability of the material of the wire, and for
x<r we shall have
2 I
'ids;
X-,X/x=
Ix/x
10 r-
and for copper ij.=\.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 25, 1908.
415
Observing these two equations for tlie flux ]iroducecl by
a current flowing in a wire we notice
(a) At the centre of the wire the flux is zero :
2 I
(b) At the edge it is a maximum and its value is= ^-',
(c) It increases for points within the wix-e as the first power
of the distance from the centre;
{d) It decreases for points without the wire iu the inverse
ratio of the distance from the centre.
In Fig. 1 these results are shown plotted for the fluxes
produced by the out and return wires and the sum of these
fluxes is shown in heavy- lines. It should be remembered
that a resultant flux also exists outside the circuit. This,
however, has no effect on the self-induction of the circuit
itself since the flux lines outside embrace both lines and
therefore do not make linkages with the current lines.
Before we actually calculate the inductance for the
simple two wire circuit it will help to understand the mean-
mg of these formulae if we try and follow the actions of flux
a, id current.
It is obvious that between the period from zero to maxi-
mum flux that this flux is somehow generated in the neigh-
bourhood of the wire, and the best conception of the way
the flux changes is to consider the circular lines of force as
being first created at the centre of the generating conductor,
and then expanding away from it as the current increases
and as the current dies away shrinking upon themselves
and then disappearing at the centre of the wire. With this
®
hypothesis it is seen at once that the flux lines emanating
from one wire which pass beyond the other produce equal
and opposite effects on the two wires since the currents in
them are in opposite directions and therefore have no effect
on the inductance. Further, that those lines which do not
reach the surface of the generating wire at all only cut a part
of it and so produce less effect, their area of action being
less.
This conception explains the introduction of the idea of
linkages which is so usual in all inductance calculations.
We are now ready to calculate the coefficient of self-induc-
tion for the case in hand. If we assiune one ampere to be
flowing in the circuit. L will be the number of flux and cur-
rent linkages multiplied by 10"^. Considering the link-
ages due to one wire alone, Fig. 2, we shall have to sum the
flux from centre to centre of the two wrres. For the space
2 1,
between the wires <i> = 77r > and each flux line embraces the
10 X
entire current of one ampere, therefore the liirkages outside
the wire are
Linkages =
2 dx_ 2
JO X ~10
Jogc ■
For the space within the wire the flux lines do not embrace
the whole cui-rent but only x^/f^ of it.
The linkages will therefore be
^ fX.X
lOr-r^
,xdx =
10 r
^x'dx^—,j..
10'
The total induction for both wii'es and for a length I of
the circuit will be, expressed in henries,
d . 0-5
^=2?(^^Qlog, ^+j^,.jl0«
=21(2 log,. '^-fO-5/x !10-".
For a single wire the coefficient will be
d
L =2?(^log,^+0-25yxjlO ■'.
Mutual Inductance.— 1\\ order to arrive at the compli-
cated formulae for railwav circuits we must now consider
B
<f
B
the .subject of mutual inductance, wliich deals with the
action of one circuit on another, just as self-induction does
with a circuit on itself. Calling the coefficient of mutual
induction M, the definition will be that M shall be the num-
ber of linkages in one circuit due to unit current in the
other. M in heni-ies will also be equal to the value of the
volts of the electromotive force induced in one circuit when
the current in the other changes at the rate of one ampere
per second.
We have shown that the flux at a distance x fiom the wire is
^ x/ and if I=one ampere the flux is \Qx in C.G.S. units.
The total flux between two points distant a^ and a., from the
generating wire will be
Linkages
I 2 2 dx 2 ,
In Fig 3 is shown the general case of two circuits AAi
and BB,. and the coefficient of mutual induction of A on B
will be
^i='i()('«-a;-^^^6;)
or in henries M=.^^(log.^^)lO-=2.(log,:;,0
10-
416
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 25, 1908.
With the aid of the formula for M just given we can calcu-
late the E.M.F. which would be produced in any circuit,
such as telephone circuits, in the neighbourhood of an
alternating line. The E.M.F. induced will be E=2TrnMI,
where I is the current in the railway circuit.
I^'or the calculation of the total self-induction of an alter-
nating current railway, it is simpler to combine Maxwell's
equations for the self and mutual induction for a single long
straight wire. The self-induction of a single wire of length
I and radius r is
21 , . M
i
and the mutual induction of this wire on a jiarallel wire
whose distance is d will be
■<.».. f^>+:)
L.= -a(lo^2;-l),
A combination of these two will give the inductance in
any single conductor for any system of parallel conductors,
however complicated. Thus for one wire of a simple
circuit of out and return wires the induction will be
21
L=L.+L„-2?(log. ;'-l+J-log„ -;+l)=2?(log,. '^+^)-
for henries, I being cms. multiply by 10"-', which gives the
same result as we obtained by summing the linkages.
To show the method for a fairly simple case and thus to
lead to the formula which will satisfy any case which may
occur, consider a single line with one auxiliary overhead
feeder (Fig. 4). I have adopted small letters for the out-
going currents and capitals for the return currents, the
distances are designated as shown, for example, rfv4 means
distance A to b, &c.
Eemember, before we go further, that the terms out-
going and return are not necessarily synonymous with high-
tension and low-tension but are determined solelv bv the
direction of the current.
Let the currents flowing be designated by I„, Ij, I , I
and call the total current I„, which for this case is equal to
I^+Ij or— (I,+ Ir) ; call the radii r,„ r,„ &c. From what has
been said it will be clear that the voltage drop in a length I
of any conductor, say, b. will be
E=2;rrtLl,
-f2;7wI„x2?flog,. ^i-lVo-
0
-27rwl
A x2/(log, 1^-1)10-^
~27TtiI„x2l(]og^ JJ_1 ~)lO-".
Remembering that 1„+ 1, ,= - (I,-f I J, we find that all the
ilog, 2, and the unity terms cancel out, and we have
nxd jb
From which we see that L in henries for the wire b is ex-
pressed by
L=/^+21og/^-'^'^«„^)lO-.
From this we may derive the general expression for the
inductance for the case of any number of parallel conductors
in which the out and return currents balance each other.
Thus, calling the
C'onductors of outgoing currents a, b, c, &c.
Conductors of retitrn currents A, B, C, &c.
Distances between conductors in centimetres d^„,
rf,j„, &c.
C'urrents in conductors in amperes I„, It, &c.
Radius of any conductor r„, r^, &c.
Permeability of any conductor m„, /Ui> <^c.
-^^
T'
amps.
Working (^
ConductorT
Fro. 4.
— H ^ ^
U- 150 cm: --"-J
Fig. 5.
Then the inductance L,. of any conductor N for a length
of I centimetres will be
h, u u
M,.T,_ ds,lx^Xdt„i«xd,,,i'', &c. \
li'^iH.-"'--^^
yo-
^.X(^„AiKXrfvB'^XrfxJ>, &c.'
and the reactance drop in volts will be
E=2;rwL.J^.
If we wish to work up the values of L for henries per
kilometre, i in the above equation becomes 10', so we may
replace 10'' by 10'. If we want henries per mile / will be
lo^xi-ei. ^
Note that the exponents ^, &c., in the equation for L
merely represent the fractional ratios of the currents in
other wu-es to those in the wire under consideration. That
tho.se above the line are for opposing currents, those below
tor like currents, is what we should expect since opposite
curi-ents strengthen the enclosed flux and like cm-rents
weaken it. The above should make clear the effect of
inductance and the voltages it produces.
Another voltage produced in the line' is that due to resis-
tance. This voltage, which is the onlv one which occurs in
direct current practice, is in phase with the current flowing
and IS equal to the product of current and resistance, E =
IR.
THE ELECTKICIAN, DECEMBER 25, 1908.
417
If the conductor is a magnetic medium, as in the case of
steel rails, the ohmic resistance will be increased owing to
hysteresis, eddy current losses and skin eflect. Some
valuable information on this subject has been jniblished by
the Electric Railway Test Commission of America in 190(i.
For example, it gives results of both laboratory and out-
door tests on a 56 lb. rail of T-section. The values of the
c , A.C. impedance ■ , . ,, , ,
lactor '- . varied tor the outdoor tests from 3-<S
U.C. resistance
to 5-3 for currents ranging from 100 to GOO amperes, the
lower current corresponding to the lower factor.
Though it is beyond the scope of this article to attempt
any exact analyses of the combined effects produced by an
alternating current flowing in a steel rail it is worth while
just to consider them separately.
Hysteresis. — The law for the hysteresis loss in magnetic
materials as experimentally evolved by Steinmetz (" Alter-
nating Current Phenomena," page 116) is W=i//i'-''.
Where
W=loss of energy per cycle in ergs or (C.G.8.) units
(10"' joules) per cm.'
^=maxinium magnetic induction, in lines of force per
cm.^
)/=the coefficient of hysteresis.
Steinmetz adds that >/ for hardened steel (tungsten or man-
ganese) reaches as high as 0-8. Assuming therefoi-e that
/i is proportional to the current flowing, the loss due to this
cause will rise ns the 1-6 power of the current.
The Edilif ( 'iirrcnt loss is jjroportional to ji-.
The Skin Eljcd is a factor would be extremely difficult to
determine theoretically for a magnetic material of irregular
shape like a rail ; its cause is, however, well known and was
first elucidated by Lord Kelvin.
To explain briefly what takes place, consider a circular
iron conductor carrying a current, and imagine it composed
of a bundle of small iron wires. It is clear that owing to the
high permeability of the iron the self-induction will be
relatively high, and that of the various wires of the bundle
those near the centre will have a much higher inductance
than those near the edge, since the flux current linkages
will be much greater for wires at or near the centre. The
result of this is that the back E.M.F. forcing the current
through the wires will have a value gi-eatest at the centre
and decreasing towards the edge, resulting in an unequal
distribution of the current, since the resultant E.M.F.
forcing a current through the central strands will be smaller
than at the periphery. It is quite conceivable that with
high frequencies and large conductors there might be a
•central core of current flowing in the opposite direction to
the main stream.
The results of some tests made by the General Electric
Co. of America, though they make no allowance for varying
magnetic properties of the rail, are here given. These tests
were made for rails of 4:5 1b., (iO lb. and 80 lb. per yard,
with a length of 180 ft. and at 25 cycles. The effective
•resistance for 180 ft. was given by
0-2814
R„fT =
Perimeter in inches
per mile therefore
8-25
Perimeter in mches
Example. — Measurements made on a partly worn 45 ft. rail
on the South London line show a perimeter of approximately
'20 in., so that the effective resistance per mile would be
8-25
^-=20
=0-413 ohms.
A 7/0 trolley has a resistance of slightly less than 0-22 ohm
per mile and radius of 0635 cm., so that for trolley and
track alone the resistance to A.C, current at 25 cycles will
0-413
I be 0-22-I-
2
-0-43 ohm per mile. Suppose we have a
parallel feeder of the same section as the trolley placed
as shown, the current distribution being as shown in Fig. 5.
The coefficient of self-induction per mile will be as follows : —
For the feeder
L, = 1-61x10' 0-5+2 log.
100 'uu
10-
hence
For the trolley
0-635 X300WU/
=975x10-*
..=2n-wL, = 2>rx 25x 9-75x lO"''
=0153 olinis pei^ nnie.
L,,=-l-61xl0''( 0-5+2 log
500 'ou
10-
and hence
0-635 x 300^'
11-8x10-*
2Ttn (lL8xI0-<)
=0-185 ohm per mile.
Track consisting of Two Rails. — Here we shall have to
select a value for /x and remember that for two rails Lu will
be half the value for one. As for the value of yu, I have
before me some German te.sts giving fi as 18 for rail steel
and the above American tests give values ranging from
266 to 788. The value of /x/4, which is one component of the
inductance, will be 4-2, if /i = 18, and from 66 to 1!)6 for
the high values of ^. For the higher ranges, neglecting the
log^ term, the reactance would be from 1-04 to 3-06 ohms
per mile, which, with such high permeability steel, would
point to the desirability of a bonded copper return for the
current.
Taking fi as 18, and the ecjuivalent radius of the rail as
4 cm., we have
L„
18 , 500^5ux700-
l-loc
4^ "' 4x1-50
1-61x10-*
= 10-76x10-*
Xi=27r}i(10-76xlO-*)
=0-169 ohm per mile.
Now the total impedance is Z= s/t''-\-x- and we shall there-
fore have
For the feeder, Z,..=Vo^2^-+Oa53'^=0-268 ohm per mile.
For the trolley, Z,=V'(>22-+0-185-=0-287 ohm per mile.
For the track, 2^= v'0-206'+0.169-=0-267 ohm per mile.
The track drop in a mile with the currents shown on
Fig. 5 will therefore be
Er=IZ=500x 0-268
= 1.33 volts,
which shows at once the imdeshability of retiuumg large
cm-rents in a track.
If the above track were sectionalised and booster trauo-
formers employed, say, every mile, the current per section
would nominally be reduced to a maximum of 200 amperes,
giving 100 in each direction, and the worst train position
would be the middle, giving a drop with the above con-
stants of
Et,=iz
= 133 volts ;
this being without the aid of retiu-n copper.
{To he continued.)
418
THE ELECTKICIAN, DECEMBER 25, 1908.
THE INCANDESCENT ELECTBIC LAMP*
!1V J. FINDIj\Y.
A perusal of the early patent speeitieations dealing will) incan-
descent electric lamps makes it difficult to understand why some of
lliese lamps were not successful. rrobat)ly their non-success was
owing to lack of perseverance on tlic part of the invcmtors. The first
British patent to be classed under " Incandescent Lamps " was
granted to A. N. Lodiguine, of St. Petersburg, in 1872. The first
to mention an exhausted glass vessel was granted to S. W. Konn. in
1875. A patent granted to C. W. Harrison, in 1878. describes the
manufacture of metallised carbons. Edison's first patent is dated
October 23, 1878. and very curiously, in addition to mentioning
carbon as a possible material for the filament, it mentions, among
other things, titanium oxide and osmium, or otlur mciiils having a
high melting point. In the following montli. IMi^un lil.il another
application, in whicli mention in made of zirconinm oxide, silicon and
boron, all materials which have figured largely of late in the efforts to
find substances of higher efficiency than carbon. Kdison's patent.
dated November 10." 1879, speaks of " a carbon filament of liigh
resistance in a vacuous glass bulb." This sentence aptly describes
the carbon filament lamp of the present day.
The physical defects most generally met with in incandescent
lamps, and for which tire purchaser should look out. are loose caps,
spotted filaments and bad vacuum. The second of tliese can be
detected by burning the lamp on a reduced voltage, and the third by
the use of a spark coil, or by tapping the bulb sharply and noticing
the time of vibration of the filament. If the filament continue to
vibrate for some time and comes to rest gradually the vacuum is good.
By neglect of this last jirecaution the normal current of the lamp may
be greatly exceeded owing to the residual gas acting as a conducting
path from one leading in wire to the other.
Further, in buying lamps not only the price of the lamp, but the
cost of the energy consumed must be considered and against this
must be set the amount of light obtained from the lamp during its
life. Suipposing that a lamp should be renewed when its candle
power has diii|iped 30 per cent., its useful life will, according to the
speoitical ion of the Engineering Standards Committee, be 600 or 1.200
hours according as its initial consumption is .592 or 6.5"6 watts.
Taking the price per unit for current at 4id.. the total cost of current
and renewals per 100 hours is 2s. 2d. in the first case and 2s. 5jd. in
the second case, showing that it is more economical to use the shorter
life lamp. A 52 watt lamp on the other hand would only have a life
of 300 hours and reckoning on this basis the cost of renewals and
current would again bo 2s. 2d. per 100 hours. A rise in efficiency
causes the life to shorten so quickly that there may be a loss by the
use of the higher etficicney lamp, while the exact efficiency at which
the most economical lesult is obtained depends on the pfioe of the
current and the price of the lamp. •
The above figures have been calculated on the supposition that the
supply voltage is steady. If this is not the case, and even if the varia-
tions do not exceed the leyal limil. (In life of thv lamp is verymuch
reduced, while in one cas,- ihc .ommiiim i i> i^i itm^ less than he is
IJrepared to pay for, and in Ihc nthri he is ])a\ mi; for more than he
wants.
Too much reliance is placed on current tests alone. These do not
give a proper idea of the state of the lamp, and if a lamp is bought
simply for its low consumption without regard to the candle power
much disappointment may result. This method also gives dis-
honestly ralcd lamps lull play. It should not be difficult to find a
remedy for tins sinie ol affairs. In fact a beginnint; has already been
made. Sevei al iininieipal engineers have installed facilities for lamp
testing, and have undertaken to test lamps for those using their su))-
ply mains. Wherever these facilities exist, the consumer ought to
take samples from each lot piu'ohased, and have them tested for
candle power and current consumption. It is not necessary to test all
lamps purchased imless the quantity is very small. The Engineering
Standards s|,eeili.;,( ion pi o\ ides thai if nol'less that .', percent, of afl
the lamps IN n eonsiun ni-iM an- Pasted, and if less Ihan'IOpereent. of
those tested la II u It lull the limits i herein provided, (lie whole consign-
ment may be rejected. If this were put, into practice universally, the
dishonestly rated lamp would bo in bad repute, and the honest dealer
who gave full measure would not be subjected to so much unfair
competition as at present.
Even in the case of large private concerns, where current is gene-
rated very cheaply, it is shortsighted policy to employ the cheap
lamp. For the candle-power drops so greatly during the first 50 or
100 hours' burning that the total light emitted from a 16 c.p. lamp
of this class is often no more than would be obtained from a pro-
* Abstract of a Paper read before the Kugby Engineering Society.
IK-rly-ratcd 8 c.p. lamp. In a specific case, a British lamp during-
its I'ihi consumed 50 units less than a foreign lamp, so that for the-
latter to prove, on the whole, cheaper, current would have to cost
less than ()-04d. per unit— a rather improbable figure.
A good manv of the foregoing remarks may be applied with equal
force to the tungsten lamp. This lamp is often over-rated, the
efficiency of M watts per candle-power being too high for lamps
used on the ordinary supply circuits, though it might be correct
under ideal conditions, say where the voltage was never more than
1 per cent above the normal. 1 1 is very often stated that on account of
the resistance of a tungsten filament increasing with the temperature
instead of decreasing, as in the ease of carbon filaments, that the
tungsten lamp is far less susceptible to change of voltage than the _
carbon filament lamp, and that the life is not so adversely affected
by a rise in voltage. This may all be true when the efficiency is
1-1 watts per candle-power or less, but when the lamp is operated
at eflficiences over M watts per candle there is reason to doubt
if all this statement will still hold. Figures are not readily avail-
able, but there is reason to believe that the life of a tungsten lamp
burning at IJ watts per candle is four times as long as it would be
if burned at 1 watt per candle-power. This difference in efficiency
will be caused by a difterence of 10 per cent, in voltage, and will
be accompanied by a rise of 40 per cent, in candle-power and 5J per
cent, in current. The total cost of light, with Ud. per unit for current
and 4s. for lamps, will be for a,30 c.p. lamp, biu-ning for 250 hours
at 1 watt per candle, 32-7d. per 100 hom-s, while a 30 c.p. lamp,
burned at IJ watts per candle for 1,000 hours, will cost 21 •7d. per
100 hours. So long as lamps remain at their present price there can
be no economy in burning them at anything above 1 J watts per candle,
and it will probably pay to buy lamps even when rated at 1|- watts
per candle, for a voltage 2 or 3 per cent, higher than the declared
voltage, so that the lamps may be able to withstand temporary rises
in the line voltage. Experience reported from the United States
confirms this view. When the tungsten lamp was first put into
service in America many complaints were made of bulbs blackening
and of early burn-outs. Reports were made later from many
different points that this trouble had been overcome to a large extent
by ordering lamps of a voltage 5 per cerit. higher than the voltage
of the supply line.
Further corroboration of this view is given by the figures con-
tained in a Paper recently read by H. Remano before the German
Association of Electrical Engineers. The following was given as
the result of the life tests on a large number of " Osram " lamps :
At normal voltage lamps broke at the end of about 1,000 hours,
after having lost only 7 per cent, of their initial candle-power. At
105 ])er cent, of the normal voltage the lamps liad dropped to 80 per
cent, of their initial candle-power in 900 hours. At 110 per cent,
of the normal voltage they dropped to 80 per cent, in 370 lioms.
At 115 per cent, of the voltage they dropped to this value in 210'
hours, at 120 per cent, in 125 hours, and at 125 per cent, in 70 horns.
When burned above normal voltage, it will be seen that these
lamps would have to be taken down and renewed because of loss
of candle-power, but when burned at or below normal voltage they
may be retained in use until they break.
Details of Various Incandescent Lamps at Present in
Use.
Kind of lamp.
Mean
Spherical
c.p.
Watts
per
candle.
Candles
per kw.
Common 56 watt carbon filament
incandescent lamp rated at 3-5
watts per candle power 16 hori-
zontal candle power
13-2
4-24
236
Common 50 watt carbon filament
iiuandeseeut lamp rated at 3-1
watts per candle power 16 hori-
zontal candle power
13-2
3-78
264
Three-glower, 264 watt Nernst
810
3-26
307
"Gem" 125 watt .graphitised
carbon filament lamp of 50
horizontal candle power
40' 7
307
326
40 watt " Tantalum " lamp rated
at 20 horizontal candle power
14-5
2-75
328
Direct current 5-1 ampere enclosed
are on 110 volt circuit 1-5 in.
2130
2-63
380
Alternating current cnelo.sed o-7
amp. arc taking 38S watts on
110 volt circuit 5 in. carbons
1520
2-55
392
60 watt 110 V. tungsten filament
lamp burning at 1-25 w. per
37-0
1-62
617
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 25, 1908.
419
ACCUMULATOR RAILWAY CAPS OF THE PRUSSIAN
STATE RAILWAYS
The Prussian State Railways have now put into service
new accumulator double-cars, which, in addition to the large
through trains, are to be used for making intermediate connec-
tions on their main and branch lines, where there is a heavy
traffic. Such a supplementary service will be beneficial for
various purposes, as for example, for the local service in the
suburbs of large towns, for connecting outlying towns and
villages with stations at which the through-running expre.sses
stop, for augmenting the service in districts where a heavy
traffic exists, and also for thinly populated districts, where'
there is very little traffic, as a substitute for .steam service. &c.,
Fig. 1.— \ik\v uk fnMRiii,i,i:i; ix 1)ki\ i;u- Lakin.
us. in the latter case, one accumulator doul>lc-car is (juite
.sufficient, and the traffic too unimportant to compensate
for the erection of an overhead system.
The first official trial run of these accumulator double cars,
as supplied by the Felten & Guilleanme-Lahmeyerwerke,
Frankfort-on-Main. took place on the line Mavence -Gaual-
gesheim-Miinster a.St., 27 miles long. The result was very
satisfactory. The normal speed desired was not onlv reached,
but, on certain parts of the track, even well exceeded. The
luaking tests, which took place from time to time whilst
running at full speed, also gave most satisfactory results.
As this new type of accumulator carriage is of great import-
ance, in addition to its being another step towards the general
electrification of railways, it will, perhaps, not be out of place
to more fully discuss the electrical equipment of the cars sup-
plied by the Felten & Guilleaume-Lahmeverwerke.
First of all, the controller is shown in Figs. 1 and 3. Fig. 1
shows same already fitted in the driver's cab and Fig, 3 gives
fletailsof construction. The general construction is the same
in principle as that usually supplied for this class of work: anew
feature, however, is the type of .so-called '-deadmaii's" handle,
which, on being released, automatically switches off the current,
and thus brings the energency brake into immediate action.
The Felten & Guilleaume-Lahmeverwerke. instead of using a
push-button on their controller handle, have incorporated iu
it a device which answers the same purpose. In order to start
the motor, the driver must press down the controller handle,
which under normal conditions is pressed upwards by a
spring. This operaticm closes two contacts, which in turn
close the main circuit of the automatic circuit-breaker. One
of the two contacts remains rigidly connected with the con-
troller, whilst the other is only connected with it when
the driver presses down the handle. Should the driver release
his hold upon the controller handle whilst it is in either a
running or braking position, it immediately flies up,
thereby disconnecting the movable contact, which
returns to its " off " position by means of a spring.
This breaks the circuit of the • maximum circuit-
breaker, thus causing it to fly out. By this means
the main circuit isnot only interrupted, but an electri-
cally-operated valve on the compressed air brake is
opened, so that the emergency brake comes into
.iction at once.
The circuit- breaker can only be closed again after
rlie controller handle has been pressed down, which
IS. how-ever, only possible after it has been brought
back to its " off " position.
It may be specially mentioned that the weight of the
diiver's arm is sufficient to press down the handle.
special exertion on the part of the driver is therefore
not necessary. If , however, a push-button were used,
t he driver's hand, which would have to continue press-
iiig the button, would soon become very tired.
Two controllers, arranged for .series-parallel con-
Kkmoti; CoSTROi.r.ED CiRi riT
Bbe.vkkk.
tiol, are provided, one controller being fitted iu each driver's
cab. They are interlocked in such a manner that the car can
be controlled from either cab.
On starting up, the motors are both in series, and both in
parallel when running on an open stretch. A reversing
sw-itch, by means of which the train may be run either for-
wards or backwards, as the case may be, is fitted in the driver's
cab. This, however, can only be used when the controller
handle is in its " off "' position. By reversing the direction
of rotation of the motors the head lights on the train at
the same time are automatically reversed. The circuit-
breaker previously mentioned is fitted with a maximum
automatic relea.se and remote control (Figs. 2 and i),so rated
that it releases at "ioQ amperes. The other winding on the
circuit-breaker, which only carries current at a low pressure
and the circuit of which can be closed from either of the
driver's cabs, closes the main switch. For this purpose
one short-current impulse is sufficient, as the switch, when once
engaged, is held in position by mechanical means. The over-
420
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 25. 1908.
load coil, which, however, constantly remains unrler ciinent
wlien the switch is in the " on " position, serves for the remote
control, insomuch that it releases the main switch whenever
its circuit is broken. Each carriage is fitted with one main
switch of this desciiption.
Each driver's cab contains, in addition to the controller,
a single-pole reversing switch, by means of which either the
one or the other battoi-y mav he used, as mav he necessary in
spheres or sinks heiow ;3| atmospheres, stops or starts the
motor compressor. The rear brake cylinders are connected
with the reservoir pipes, and the reservoirs are in turn con-
nected to the brake-controlling apparatus fitted in the driver's
cab by a continuation of the supply pipes. One handle
suffices for both controlling apjiaiatus. This may be removed
whenever necessary, but only when the brake controlling
apparatus is in its middle, /.'..the ■•off" position. By this
Fli:. 3.- -l)l.4c:ll.4MS SMOWIM: CoNSTHICTIVK DeT-MLS ok I'llXrRciI.l.EK.
case of breakdown of the cells, etc. Thissingle-jwle r.'versing I means the brake can onlv be operated from one driver's cab at
switch serves at the sa,me time as an emergency switch. I a time.
Signals are given by means of an electric Inizzer which [ The return valves are fitted in the supplv pipes in case at
takes the place of the steam whittle usually fitted to loco- . any time the cars might suddenlv be separated from one
motives. This is operated l)y the driver pressing a push- [another. Under normal conditions these valves are held
button, htted to the controller. For communication with ' open bv means of a spring, so that the compressed air freelv
the guard, a second push Initton is provided, which rings an i circulates through tln' iiipe. Onlv in case of accidents caus-
*lectric bell.
The accumulator doulile car is iM|uij)ped with rlir Knorr
compressed air brake. The air. compressed liy means of a
motor compressor to a pressure of four atmospheres, passes
through a return valve into the receiver pipes, and thence
through two return \-alves fitted with counter springs
■on to the piincipal reservoir. A pressure regulator is also
fitted between one of tin- two return \alves and the flexible
<^ouphng, whi..],, when tl„. ,nvssuiv ,.ither e.xee.ds four atrao-
l'"lc;. .").— .\IR COMPRKSSOR FlTTKn
I'NDERN'E.^TH THK (.'.VH
iiig a sej)aration ot tin' two cars. and. of a necessity, damage
to the supply pipe, tiie pressure in the reser\oir immediately
forces the valves down on their seating, so that they are
automatically closed. The result of this is that immediate brak-
ing takes place. It is. however, possible, after closing both stop-
cocks, to release the brake and to allov.- the brake of the
leadino- carriage to act until all the compressed air in the reser-
voir is completely e.xhausted.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 25, 1908.
421
The motor coinpressor. as shown in Fig. 5, is fittt'il uudoi-
neath the carriage, and consists of a single-acting twin-cylinder
horizontal air pnnip. driven by a 2| h.p. series motor by means
of bevel gearing. Further, the motor and compressor are fitted
in wholly enclosed separate cases, between which there is ^n air
space of about 1 in. By means of this air space oood \-iiitil,i-
tion is effected, es-
pecially when the
carriage is in motion,
and the heat gener-
ated upon compres-
sing the air is thus
not directly trans-
mi 1 1 e d to the
motor. The case
of the motoi-com
pressor is also fitted
with inspection
<loors, so til at all
parts are easily ac-
cessible, and may
be interchanged
without difficulty.
The motor com-
]jressor produces
310 litres of com
pressed air pei
minute. The train
may also, in addi-
tion to the com-
pressed air brake,
be e I e c t r i c ii 1 1 \-
braked bv the con-
troller.
On the trial run, Mavence-Miinster a.St., it was found that
the train, when travelling at a speed of 36 miles per hour, could
be brought to rest, when using the compressed air brake alone,
in 600 ft.; when using both compressed air and electrical brakes,
in only 300 ft. It mav also be mentioned that the cars are
fitted with a simple mechanical brake, which mav be operated
from each driver's cih \,y means of a hand-wheel (Fig. 1).
springs to the underside of tlie frame. The ratio of the'reductiuu
irear. which is also totally enclosed, is as 1 : •1-2. Fig. 6 also
shows the motor fitted to the frame of the carriage.
The battery consists of 168 cells, fitted in two compartments
(84 in each), in front of the driver's cab. The total pressure is
31(1 \(i!ts, and the capacity 368 ampere-hours on a one hour
rating ba.sis. The
distance of 62 miles
may be run on one
charge, and a ma.xi-
inum speed of 31
miles per hour can
Ih' attained on the
level. These bat-
teries are supplied
liy the Akkumula-
torenfabrik A. -ft..
of Herlin.
For wiring the
cariiages. etc., as-
bestos and rubber-
covered cable is
used, that for the
nidlor circuit beiiiL'
laid underneath
the carriage floor-
Mig oil a specially
const vucfed wooden
floor made of pitch
pine, which is pro-
tet-ted on its under
side by asbcsto.s-
covered sheet iron.
Kach single cable
is held in position by special clamps, and the whole is totallv
enclosed in iron tubes, .so that a perfectly enclosed cable channel
is thus formed. In places where the cable has to be led over from
one carriage to the other, special channels of wood, covered
with asbestos and sheet iron, have been made, in which the
cable is laid, and led on the floor of the cairiage, along the
middle iron girder. Soldered joints have also been avoided.
(). — View cnderneath Car, showing .Motor,
Fig. 7. — General View o.' an Ac cmci.atok Docblk-Car.
file electrical e(|ui))iiieiit of each complete train, as supplied inasimieh that all branches have been made from the terminals
by the Felten & Guilleaume-Lahmeyerwerke, consists of two and the apparatus them.selves, by means of double cable
interpole series motors of the totally enclosed and watertight shoes.
type, each giving -50 h.p. on the two-hour rating, or 8.5 h.p. How much care has been taken, even with the minor details,
on the one-hour rating basis. They are fitted in the usual way, is shown by the construction of the charging plug. This
as mav be seen in Fig. 6, on the one side with the reduction possesses an electromagnetic interlocking device, which,
gear on the .shaft and oii the other side suspended by means of whiNt charging up. hfiids fa<t the eoiir.ectin..' nible fitted into
422
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 25, 1908.
it. This cable can only be withdrawn when the charsinp
( iiiTont ceases to flow. The battery may be charged either in
>i'ries or in parallel as required, special contacts being fitted
t<v: this purpo.se. The charging plug is further provided with a
('iVL-r, which has to be removed whilst charging up. .Should,
liowever. the plug be inadvertently left open after charging is
completed then the motors will not start. The motor circuit
will only be completed again after the covei' has been refitted
on the plug.
As regards illumination, both the carriages and the signal
l.-iinps are provided with 32 candle-power 75 volt Zircon lamps.
baving swan bayonet .sockets. Two head lights over the bufiers
are provided, with plain glass discs, having large reflector lamps,
and one small lamp outside the driver's cabin with a green
'Aass disc. These provide the exterior illumination. All the
-ilinal lamps are fitted with two .32 candle-power lamps, so that
ill the event of one lamp burning out, the other one still con
tiinies to burn. Each carriage is illuminated by means of ten
.■'>2 candle-power lamps, and each driver's cab by means of one
■32 candle-power lamp in addition to which all the apparatus
are illuminated from within by a special scale illumination.
The lamps in each carriage are connected to one set of cells,
so that two lamps always burn iii series, each lamp thus receiv-
ing current at a pressure of 75 volts.
The switches for the lighting circuit are fitted in the driver's
cab on the left-hand side of the driver. They are mounted on
;t small marble panel enclosed in a cast-iron case, the cover of
u Inch, on the side adjacent to the driver, is always left open.
( 'ne switch suffices for switching " on " and " oil " the various
lamps for the interior illumination. In addition to this, there
is a special switch for the lamps of each carriage, and for the
'ji-een signal lamps.
The head lights and the light in the driver's cali aie
dependent on the position of the controller drum. In the
"off" position, only the lamps in the driver's cab are alight.
If, however, one controller is in the motor circuit, then both head
lights of that carriage are alight and the lamps in the driver's
cab of the other carriage are automatically switched ■■ off."
The interior construction of the carriages is excellent and the
illumination in particular can be very favourably compared
with the usually poor and inadequate gas illumination generallv
iiiet with on branch lines. The general view of an accumu-
lator double-car, built by Messrs,. Gastell Bros.. Mombach
i'/llaycnce. to the design of Oberbaurat Wittfeld. of the
Prussian .State Railway Department is shown in Fig. 7.
The weight of a fully loaded train is about 02 tons, and from
.ictual tests carried out on the trial run, it was found that the
(Miergy used at a speed of about 27 miles per hour was only about
lit watt hiiui's per ton-mile.
THREE-PHASE FOUR-WIRE SYSTEMS.
nV K. tAVK-H.4XSE\.
As is well known, it is in many cases desirable to operate
three-phase motors at a higher voltage than is suital)le for lamps.
l''or this purpose a fourth or neutral wire maybe installed and
the lamps connected between the outers and the neutral and
the motors across the outers. The lamps will thus have a volt-
age equal to 1/ ^3 of the motor voltage. This method of dis-
tribution means a very large .saving of copper in feeders and
cables over that with the ordinary three-phase three-wire
.systems, where the motor voltage is "limited by the lamp volt-
age. The four-wire system is, however, not used in all eases
where it could be advantageously adopted, probably because
the different means of obtaining balanced voltages between the
diftVrent phases and the neutral, when the lighting load is un-
balanced, are not widely enough known.
rnder these circumstances it is necessarv either —
I. To bring the neutral back to the generator or to the main
transformer ; or
II. To use special three-phase four-wire balancers.
I. Wh,.,, th.. ,un,tr,d ,;,n I,,, brought back to the oe„erator,
■ > >nu uitu-s a,v „u.t w,rh as long as the percentage of the ont-
of- balance current is not excessive, but the cost of the neutral
wire will often prove to be prohibitive. ^Yhen the neutral is
brought back to the main transformer, this latter may be con-
nected in star both on the primary and on the secondary .side.
If the transformers consist of a group of three single-phase trans-
formers or are of the three-phase shell type, it will in all cases be
necessary to connect the neutral points of the transformer with
the neutral of the generator, as otherwise the ampere-turns on
the different phases would be unbalanced and cause a very
considerable voltage drop. Fig. 1 gives the winding and the
vector diagram for a transformer in star/star connection, the
arrow heads indicating the direction in which the current is
flowing at a given momejit when only one phase is loaded (load
between terminal c and neutral).
If the main transformer is of the three-phase core type in
star/star connection, and the current in the neutral can be kept
ven/ low compared with the normal current of the transformer,
it may work quite satisfactorily, as the interlinking of the flux
in the three cores will have some balancing effect. If the un-
balanced load is large, however, it will in the case also of three-
phase core type transformers in star/star connection be
necessary to connect the neutral of the transformer primarv
winding to the neutral of the generator.
Owing to the cost. &c., it is usually preferred not to have
this extra fourth lead between the transformer and the aene-
rator. and the transformer is then normally connected in delta
on the H.T. side and in star on the L.T. side. This connection
was first proposed by Mr. Dobrowolsky, and by means of it
balanced voltages between neutral and outers can be obtained
at large unbalanced loads.
Fig. 2 shows this connection, and the direction of currents is
again indicated by arrow heads.
From Fig. 2 it will easily be seen that the ampere-turns on
each leg should balance even when only one phase is loaded.
For high primary voltages and specially for small outputs
the delta connection on the high-tension side will, however,
mean a considerably more expensive and less eflScieut trans-
formers than if star connection can be used, as ^-Tmore turns
are required, these beini; of a smaller size wire and consequently
requiring more space. Instead of the delta/star connection,
the connection of the primary side in star and of the secondary
side in interconnected star, as shown in Fig. 3. can also be used
for three-phase four-wire system. This connection was first
proposed by Mr. J. S. Peck, and for high voltages and small
outputs it is usually preferable to the delta/star connection, as
the H.T. winding will be exactly the same as for the star/star
connection. On the low-tension side, however. 15 per cent,
more turns and 15 per cent, more copper than for the star/star
connection will be required.
Instead of the above coimections, the star/star connected
transformer may be pro^■ided with one auxiliary coil per phase,
these coils being connected in delta as shown in Fig. 4. This,
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 25, 1908.
423
as well as other similar connections (as for instance Fig. 5 which
shows a star/delta connection with an auxiliary winding on the
low-tension side for obtaining the neutral), is to my knowledge
very seldom or never used in practice, though under special
circumstances it might prove to be advantageous.
It might be noted that transformers in delta/star connection,
and in star to interconnected star, as well as transformers in
star/delta connection can all be made to work in parallel with
each other, but they cannot work in parallel with transformers
in star/star connection or in delta/delta connection.
A „ a
^^ /$\ ^C> A
Fici. 3. Fig. 4.
II. Three-phase fom'-wire balancing coils (though less knowii
than the connections given above) can in many cases be used to
advantage. Tlie balancing coils can be placed at those points
where the lighting is required, and thus a saving in the length
of the neutral wire can be obtained. The best form of balanc-
ing coil consists of a three-phase auto-transformer with a lead
brought out from the neutral point. The three phases are so
interconnected that when the current flows into the neutral it
jsasses equally through the three phases of the balancing coil,
EG (hat no unbalanced ampere-turns will be produced in any of
the phases, as shown in Fig. (5. (The patent covering these
balancing coils is owned by the Westinghouse Company). The
advantages obtained by using balancers are as follows : —
(1) The length of the neutral wire may be greatly reduced.
(2) The drop in the neutral wire is reduced, so that better
balancing voltage between the difierent phases is obtained.
(3) The current is more equally distributed between the line
wires.
(■i) A standard polyphase wattmeter can be used instead of a
special four-wire wattmeter.
(5) It is possible to supply a four-wire circuit from a trans-
former group connected in star/star or in star/delta, thereby
saving in cost of the main transformers.
The advantages by using balancing coils will be specially
large when the amount of power required for the lighting is
small, compared with the power required for the motors.
For existing circuits where delta/star transformers are now
used, it will therefore often be advantageous for future exten-
sions to use star/delta transformers (which can parallel with
delta/star transformer.?) as these will have the same price and
efficiency as star/star transformers, and to obtain the four-wire
circuit by means of the balancers described above.
Regarding the size of the balancing coils, for instance, for a
100 kw. circuit, where the maximum out of balance current
would be 25 per cent, of the fiill load current in the outer wires,
a three-phase transformer of a size corresponding to a standard
5 k.v.a. transformer would lie required, and the out of balance
of the phase voltage at this neutral current would correspond
to one-third of the percentage drop of a standard 5 k.v.a. three-
phase transformer.
THE COOLING OF ROTATING DISCS CONSIDEBED
IN CONNECTION WITH MARCONI'S NEW GENE
BATOR OF CONTINUOUS OSCILLATIONS.
Tlie new arrangement of rotating discs useil b_\- .Marconi as a gene-
rator for continuous, or, rather, closely adjacent, trains of oscillations
u.s'jd at his high-power stations, has e-xcited considerable interest,
and for more than one reason. Firstly, the practical results obtained
are highly satisfactory, especially as regards the modified form ia
which knobs are provided on the disc rim to fix the rate of sparking
and give a definite note at the receiver.* Again, some controversy
has already arisen over the question whether the method can be con-
sidered an arc or a spark method. The somewhat peculiar manner
of connecting up the condensers and the di.scs employed has also led
to several theories being put forward to account for the action
involved, but though these serve their purpo.se in putting before one
a mental pictiue of the process, they remain only theories and do not
supply any definite information on the subject.
An interesting; contribution by R. Riidenberg in the " .Jahrbuch
der Drahtlosen Telegraphie " may serve to elucidate in some dt^gree
the first doubtful point referred to above and, in any event, is to be
welcomed as being the first attempt to sujjply numerical values for
the cooling effect which the hiali speed of rotation exerts upon the
disc.
Riidenberg first points out that, as is well known, the arc is only
able to produce oscillations of very high frequency when it is supjilied
with some means for quicklj' getting rid of the heat liberated in it.
Simon and Poulsen effect this by conduction, using metal electrodes,
which can, in addition, be water cooled. Marconi prefers the con-
vection method, employing rotating discs as electrodes at the peri-
phery of which the current passes in the form of an arc. Here also
the heat spreads from the edge to the interior of the disc by conduc-
tion ; the real cooling is, however, effected by the rim, which is con-
stantly having new cooler portions brought into the arc area, the
already heated portions passing away out of this region.
The cooling thus takes place chiefly by means of the material
transportation of the heat which is imparted to the j)articles of the
disc's rim ; these particles, in addition, cool off by conduction of
heat into the interior, and the disc as a whole loses its heat as a result
of radiation, conduction and ventilation to the surrounding air. In
the steady state, the whole disc acquires a certain temperature which,
owing to the equalising eftect of the heat conduction, is practically
the same at all parts ; a noticeable increase above the mean disc
temperatiu'c occm-s only at the edge, where the arc pasaes and heat is
sup|)licd to it.
The jnoblem considered by Riidenberg is the calculation of this
rise in temperature — the low value of which is a measure of the efK-
ciency of the arrangement — as dependent ujjon the supplied energy,
the dimensions, the properties of the materials employed and iho
speed of the disc.
It is assumed, for the sake of simplicity, that the heat liberated at
the electrode is a ]3eriodieally unvarying quantity ; this, of course,
is not the case in actual practice. It is fm-ther assumed that the base
of the arc on the disc rim of width d forms a rectangle which extends
a distance, 6Jcontimetres, along the periphery of the disc. The arc
thus occupies an area, bd, on the rim, which latter is taken as of
infinite radius, i.e., not curved.
• The Electriciax, Vol. LXII., p. 129, 1908.
424
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 25, 1908.
'J'lic iiarl wliicli follows is almost entirely mathematical and can-
not i(;atlily bo dealt with in a shortened form. Since each ])aiticle
uf llie disc, after describing one revolution, arrives at the same tem-
perature, the temperature rise is dealt with as a periodic function in
a Fourier series, the fundamental vibration being alone considered at
first. The analysis reveals that the temperature penetrates to the
interior as a form of temperature wave and, further, that the heat
does not penetrate inwards radially, but by paths inclined at an
angle to the surface. Numerical examples are given for the case of
a cop|>er disc of 10 cm. diameter and heat conductivity 1-14 cm.-/see.,
making one revoluticm per .second. The heat penetrates in this case
to a depth of 2-70 cm., while the inclination of the flux of heat works
t)ut at (i°r)0', thus showing that even at this low speed convection
plays the largest part in the heat movement. The velocity of the
disc at which conduction and convection would be equally effective
is only 0-228 em. per second in the above ease. Thus an exceedingly
slow speed of rotation is sufficient to give a very noticeable cooling
effect.
The same process is next gone through, this time with considera-
tion of the'harmonics. from which there results a more general solution.
A somewhat complicatnl cxpivssinn is finally arrived at which permits
of the following i)rarii<:,l d, .hu-lions : (1) That the temperature
curve is more rounded i.lV and runs steeper than the energy curve ;
(2) that the temperature rises rapidly at first, but with increa.se of
the temperature rise more and more slowly ; (3) that the cooling
effect increases, not directly as the speed of the disc, but as the square
root of the disc velocity, so that to double the cooling four times the
velocity is required (This explains why Marconi has found it neces-
sary to use suili lii'jli s|Kc-(ls with his arrangement); (4) the material
of which the di^r i- iii:i'!i' i> aK" of importance since the rise in tem-
perature is invc rscU |)n.|H.i Imiial to the square roots of its conduc-
tivity and specihc heat. A table of these constants for various
metals shows that while silver, as is well known, surpasses copper in
heat conductivity and iron surpasses copper in the value for its
specific heat, the heat convection (which is equal to the product of
heat conductivity and specific heat) of copper is greater than that of
either silver or iron.
Copper being thus the best material to use. neglecting consulera-
tions of mechanical strength, a numerical example is worked out to
show the extent of the temperature rise above mean disc temperature
for the case of an are of 100 volts, 50 amperes, taking place over a
width equal to that of the disc, b'.5 cm., and 2 cm. long in the direc-
tion of the periphery. It is a,ssumed that of the 1.200 gramme-
calories set free by the are one-half goes to the disc, which rotates at
a peripheral speed of 20 metres per second. The formula previously
obtained gives for the excess temperature of the rim under the arc
24 -SO.
Assuming,lheii,that the heat supplied to the disc edge is not constant
but varies according to a parabolic law, this excess temperature works
out at 51 ^"C., or about twice that found on the former assumption.
The cooling effect is thus extraordinarily strong, so much so, in fact,
that Riidenberg considers it doubtful whether the characteristic
behaviour of tin- rUrlric arc would be obtainable at this temiH-ra-
ture ; the eli-i 1 1 nil \ in.i \ |ia.ss from one electrode to the other in tlio
form of the gl^'w di^iliargc Marconi's own account of the apjicar-
ance of the phenomenon would also seem to favour the latter as
b-'ing the correct view. The characteristic of the glow discharge
bjing probably very steep would also explain the effectiveness of
(lis arrangement.
In conclusion, for the sake of comparison, a calculation is made
of tlie cooling effect of water-cooled hollow electrodes for the
same sized are as previously considered, namely, one liaving
1 sq. cm. of electrode surface and sending 600 gramme-calorics
into this. Taking the copper wall as being of thickness 2 mm., the
temperature increase amounts to 130 deg. To this has to be added
the jump in temperature at the surface of contact of the water.
Assuming that the heat inside the metal walls spreads out over al)out
10 times the area before reaching the water, this temperature jump
works out at 210 deg. The electrode temperature is therefore
100-1-210-)- 130 = 440^0., where 100 deg. is the temperature of the
boiling water. This figure is naturally only a very rough approxi-
mation. In reality the temperature lies considerably above this ;
much lower it cannot very well be. since even by the use of thinner-
or stouter-walled electrodes one temperature gradient can only be
diminished at the cost of the other.
Tlie true value of the electrode temperature in Marconi's generator
depends, from the above given figures, chiefly upon the mean disc
temiierature. which can easily be maintained at a low value by means
of the powerful cooling effect. The very high peripheral velocities
used should, besides the previously considered eflfeet, secure especially
effective ventilation of the whole disc.
A NEW LARGE GENERATOR FOR NIAGARA FALLS.*
BY B. A. BlillKENO.
Summary.— A description is here given of an 11,000 n.r. three-phase
generator, wound for 12,000 volts, w Inch has been recently installed
at Niagara Falls. Particulars of the etiicieneies, &c., obtained on
test are given.
A new generating plant of considerable magnitude has been com-
pleted recently at Niagara Falls for the Niagara Falls Hydraulic
Power & Manufacturing Co. The station contains a number of
/.
^
_A
X
t
V
T7W
/ /
4/
y^
/
1
<>f
/
I
/
Ampeits Ex<'ttaUon.
Fil:. .1— S.\TURATI0N AND REGULATION CuRVKS OK 10,000 U. P.
Generator.
large generators used for the manufacture of aluminium, each gene-
rating unit consisting of two direct current generators connected to
ll.t)O0H.i'. turbines. A large alternating current generator, one of
98
^
^:^
A-T"
■
/^
'
D- — ■
r
^
/
,- ;i5
/
1
i 94
!)3
92
\ 5 \ Full load i; I.i
Fi<:. 2.— EiFiciBNoY Curves ok 10,000 h.i-. Generator.
Efficieucy. not
including Windage
and Friction
i .\=6,500kw. output full load at 05 per cent, power fa,ctor.
load.
Fftlciencies (In per cent.)
A B C I)
94-41 !>4-32 84-27 90-«
06-81 96-73 9G-G1 94C
97-.">4 97-40 97-28 96-t
97-83
97-92
97-94
EBiciencits (in per cent.)
B (' r
97-05 97-.">l 96-
three wound for 12.000 volts, has also been installed in this station.
The power house is located at the foot of the falls,on the American side.
* Abstract of a Paper read before the American Institute of Electrical
Engineers.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 25, 1908.
425
The generator described in this Paper offers a number of interest-
ing features and is remarkable among the generators at Niagara Falls
on account of its speed, 300 revs, per min.. which is greater than
the speed of any of the other large generators installed in the power
houses at the Falls. The generator is wound for 12.000 volts, three-
phase, 25 cycles. The water-wheel is mounted on a horizontal shaft
and has a capacity of 11,000 h.p. The generator is rated at 6,500 kw.,
with a capacity for continuous operation of 7,320 kw., or approxi-
mately 7,500 kw. The runaway speed of the waterwheel is given as
506 revs, per min. [the generator, therefore, had to be designed to be
safe at this speed.
power neces.sary to overcome the friction and windage at 300 revs,
per min. is equal to lOti kw. The curve giving the short-circuit core
loss of the generator, shows that the ratio of the short-circuit loss to
the PR loss, at 7,500 kw., is equal to 1-45, which is an excellent result.
Fig. 1 represents the saturation and regulation curves of the gene-
rator with a regulation of 8-4 per cent, at full load and 100 per cent,
power factor at 12.000 volts. The generator is capable of giving
13,0(K) volts under any condition of load that is likely to occur,
should this be required. I'ig. 2 slio«s several efKciency curves and
a table of the efficiencies obtained.
From the tests made regarding the heating of this unit, the tem-
Fio. 3.^t;EXEK.\L Akkani^ement ok 10,000 u.r. (Jenekatof.
Fig. 3 shows the most important details of this generator. The
construction of the rotor is worthy of careful study. A disc of nickel
steel, without a hole in the centre, forms the middle part of the
revolving clement. Two nickel steel rings are mounted on each side
of this web and are bolted and keyed to it. The nickel steel used for
this construction must have great mechanical strength and high
magnetic permeability. A nickel steel containing 3-5 per cent,
nickel has been used for this purpose. Its elastic properties arc : —
elastic limit, ,50,000 lb. per sq. in. ; ultimate strength, 80,000 lb. per
sq. in. ; elongation, 20 per cent, in 2 in. ; reduction of area, 40 per
cent. The magnetic qualities of this steel are shown by a curve
given in the Paper. The nickel steel forgings as u.sed in this con-
struction enable the designer to produce the strongest and lightest
construction, as the mechanical strength of the material is great and
the magnetic permeability high. 'The weight of the complete rotor
is only 92,900 lb. and, the bearings being 1(1 in. by 50 in., the specific
pressure is only 58 lb. per .sq. in. The weight of the stator is 1 1(1.700 lb.
and the weight of the entire machine is 275,(J00 lb.
The theory of elasticity applied to the radial and tangential stresses
in rotating discs shows that the point of ma.ximum stress is at the
centre of a disc and at the inside surface of a ring. The radial stress
normal to a free surface must be zero, and, therefore, the maximum
stress appears as a tangential stress. In a solid disc the elements at
the centre are subject to both radial and tangential stresses. .\
hole in the centre eliminates the radial stress, and, as is shown by
theory, this doubles the tangential stress. Great mechanical strcngtli
and lightness are obtained in this rotor construction, and although it
would have been possible to use a hub mounted on a shaft, according
to the practice with slow-speed machinery, as the stresses on the
inside of the hub would not have been prohibitive, the design adopted
for this large generator is elegant and mechanically superior.
The electrical characteristics of this unit are shown in curves
accompanying the Paper. The core loss is seen to be 75 kw. at
12,000 volts, or approximately 1 per cent, of the output, whilst the
perature rise will remain within 35 deg. at normal load and 40 deg.
at 7,500 kw. The power obtained from this generator is going to be
used chiefly tor the opL-rati<jn of induct ion nujtors in Nia.L'ara Falls
and its vicinity.
Hydro Electric Developments in New England. — At a
recent meeting of the New England Struct li^iilway Club, Jlr.
H. S. Harriman gave some account of a hydroelectric plant
which i.s being built at Vernon. This plant will (levclop about
16,000 H.P. for 1l' hours per da\% and will supply current
at about 70,000 volts to towns iu Worcester Comity, the dis-
tance being about 60 miles. A dam is being constructed which
will provide a head of about 34 ft. The liue will be carried
on steel towers by a iu!arly straight route to the towns of
Gardner, Fitchbui-g, Clinton and Marlboro, the loss being
about 7 per cent. A number of small jiowcrs of from 500 h.p.
to 2,000 H.P. have been discovered on the way, and these may
later be developed for systematic operation with the rest of the
plant. By the use of electrolytic airesters and overhe.^d guwd
wires Mr. Harriman expects to eliminate mcst of the lightning
troubles. Discussing further probable high-tension develop-
ments iu New England, Mr. Harriman stated that within the
last 10 years the cost of co.al at the mine had incre.ised from
.about 3s. 4d, to 5s, 3d. per ton, or over ."lO per cent. This con-
dition of afJairs was bound to be effective in stimulating further
electric power transmissions over long distances and wide .areas.
Two lines .are now in use in that country, employing 100,000
volts, and it is probable that 150,000 volts will be commercially
available within the next 5 or 10 years. Tliis means that it
will be profitable to transmit power to distances of 300 to 400
miles : and the St. Lawrence River may even be utilised.
K 2
426
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 25, 1908.
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' THB BLBCTRICIAH" INSOSTRIAL SUPPLBMBNT.
With " The Electrician " for Sept. 14, 1906, was issued the first of a
series of '" Industrial Supplements," to be published from time to time
with ■• The Electrici.in." The thirtieth issue of the Supplement was
issiufl (C^ratis) with the number of " The Electrician" for December 11.
The " Industrial Supplement " is a comprehensive record of develop-
ments ill Electrical Plant, Machineiy, Apparatus, Accessories, Sundries
and Jlaterials, and of their proved suitability for various Industrial
purposes.
The " Industrial Supplement " is holed for filing or hanging, and
filing covers can be supplied for holding 6 or 12 issues.
LEGISLATION IN 1908.
Though the record of the public and private acts of the
1908 Session of Parliament, which we publish in another
column, may not coiiipare favourably with the work of
previous sessions, yet the legislative enactments of the past
session possess features of considerable interest to the elec-
trical engineer. Tiie public acts which are likely to affect
the electrical industry are few and comparatively unim-
portant. In the first place, there is the Telegraph (Con-
struction) Act, which amends the Telegraph Acts of 1883
to 1906. In extending the Tost Oftice London telephone
system the Postal Telegraph authorities experienced con-
siderable difficulty in obtaining wayleaves in the suburbs,
and in some cases local authorities also objected to the
erection of poles and overhead wires, on ;esthetic grounds.
The new Act gives the Post Office authority to erect tele-
grapli and telephone lines on laud near public roads with-
out tlie consent of the occupier, and confers on the Post-
.ma8T£1!-Gkneeal Other powers which will facilitate tele-
graph and telephone extensions.
The Patent and Designs Act simply corrects a mistake
in the draftsmanshi]) of the Patents and Designs Act of
1907, and restores to litigants the right of appeal in certain
cases, which was unintentionally taken away by the 1907
Act ; and the Expiring Laws Continuance Act renews the
Light Railways Act of 1896 and other acts for another year.
Though the Coal Mines (Eight Hours) Act is not directly
electrical in character, yet it is necessary to refer to it, for
it is lilvcly to have a serious effect upon electricity supply
and industrial undertakings in this country. One result
will most probably be to increase the price of coal, and this
cannot be a matter of indifference to the engineers and
managers of eleetrieity supply works, whose works costs
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 25, 1908.
427
will be adversely affected by the rise. The Tort of London
Act is another measure which is not directly electrical,
yet it must have an important effect upon the trade, com-
merce and shipping of the Port of Londou with which the
electrical industry is closely concerned.
The proceedings of the Board of Trade respecting the
applications for electric lighting provisional orders do not
call for any lengthy comment. It appears that the Board
are somewhat strict in regard to the evidence of the
financial standing of companies to which it is proposed by
local authorities to transfer their provisional orders, as
two applications (Barton-upon-Irwell and Macclesfield)
were rejected on this ground during 190S. We also
notice that the Board still display a fondness for hjcal
authorities, as their applications are usually preferred to
those of companies. We are pleased to note, however,
that in future applications the Board will insist upon
stronger evidence of the intention of a local authority
to make use of its powers, and that the application is not,
as it has frequently been in the past, a ruse to keep out a
company. There are two or three provisional orders foi-
towns with populations of about 20,000 which were obtained
by the local authorities 18 or 20 years ago, and yet the
holders of these orders are not now in a position to give a
supply of electricity ! We think that it is not too much to
insist upon local authorities and companies carrying out
the terms of their orders within, say, three or four years,
and if they do not do so, the orders should be revoked.
For electrical engineers the chief interest of the past
session lies in the keen struggle for the right to supply
electrical energy for power in the London area. After
prolonged contests before Committees of botli Houses of
Parliament, the Londou Electric Supply and the London
(Westminster & Kensington) Electric Supply Bills were
ultimately passed in a somewhat modified form, Init the
Londou i& District Electricity Supply Bill, which proposed
to incorporate a company for the erection of a larg(^
station at Barking for the generation and distribution of
electricity for power and industrial purposes was rejected
by a Select Committee of the House of Commons, though
it had already been approved by the House of Lords. The
London Electric Supply Act, which was promoted by nine
of the London Electricity Supply Companies, makes it law-
ful for Ihe authorised electricity undertakers within the
Administrative County of London, oi' any two or more of
them, with the approval of the Board of Trade, to enter
into and larry into effect an agreement or agreements for
mutual assistance, or for association with each other, or in
regard to (a) the giving and taking of a supply of electrical
energy and the distribution and supply of electrical energy
so taken, (b) the management and working of the generat-
ing stations or of any part or parts of the several under-
takings of the contracting parties, ((-) the appropriation and
division of receipts arising undei', and Ihe pro\ision of
capital required for, cai-rj'ing into effect any such agree-
ments, and (d) any matter or thing incidental to
or connected with any of the purposes aforesaid. On
the instruction of the House of Commons a clause was
inserted in the Act which constitutes the London County
Council the purchasing authority of the undertakings of the
supply companies in 1931, when, by the terms of existing
provisional orders and acts, tliese are purchasable. The
right of purchase has hitherto been vested in the Borough
Councils, and the substitution of the Londou County Coun-
cil in the new Act is due to a desire on tlie part of the pre-
sent Government to increase the authority and importance
of the Coimty Council. Three years' notice of intention to
purchase must be given, and the terms of purchase are those
specified in sec. 2 of the Electric Light Act, 1888. Some-
what similar powers are conferred by the London (West-
minster and Kensington) Electric Supply Act upon the
Notting Hill, Kensington, St. James' & Pall Mall, West-
minster and Central Electric Supply Companies. In this
case, however, the Loudon County Council has not become
the purchasing authority, but it is understood that the
companies will not oppose any future bill which has for
its object the transfer of the purchasing power to the
County Council.
For some years past we have been pained spectators of
the expeusi\ e yet fruitless annual contests over the right to
supply electrical energy for power in London. It is more than
probable that we have now heard the last of this great
power problem, and that no further attempts will be made
to incorporate an independent power conipauy for Loudon.
The records of other power companies are not of such a
character as to lead one to expect that a new company
would be more successful in the Metropolis, and their newly-
acquired powers of linking-up and mutual assistance place
the existing London companies in such a position that they
can meet any demand there is likely to be for power.
As it is also proposed to confer similar powers of
linking up upon the municipal electricity undertakings,
it is difhcult to conceive that there is any room for
another company. It may again be claimed for t'.ie existing
undertakings, which have hitherto met all demands for
electricity for lighting and power, that the charges for cur-
rent have been greatly reduced, and we may hope that,
with their new powers, they will continue to develop and
prosper.
The Central Ireland Electric Power Act, 1908, is also
interesting, iuasmiich as it is the only new power scheme
of the past session. The original project was rejected by a
Committee of the House of Commons, but the promoters
were fortunate in inducing the House to re-commit the
Bill, and after the portions relating to the supply of elec-
tric current in Dublin, Pembroke and Bathmines had been
dropped, the preamble of the Bill was found proved. The
Act incorporates a company to generate electrical energy
b}- gas power produced by means of peat, and tiie use of
overhead transmission lines has been authorised. The
scheme is a novel one, and we trust the promoters will
succeed in doing all they profess to be able to do.
The Act of the South Wales Electrical Power & Dis-
tribution Co. sanctions a reorganisation of the company's
finances and authorises the sale of portions of its under-
takings to local authorities and companies. This company,
which was one of the earliest of the power companies to
u;et to work, has been singularly unfortunate, and a some-
what too ambitious programme, coupled with financial
difficulties, has compelled it to modify and curtail its
original scheme. Having obtained Parliamentary sanction
to its revised proposals, we hope and anticipate that its future
428
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 25, 1908.
career will be more successful. Uf the remainder of the
private acts the majority confer additional powers for
electricity supply or authorise extensions of existing
tramway systems, &c. These, though interesting enough
to electrical engineers as giving promise of additional
work, possess no features of interest from the Par-
liamentary point of view In very few cases were
exceptional powers asked for, and, consequently, few
contests took place before the (Jommittees dealing with
private bills. In the case of the Keighley Corpora
tion Bill a committee of the House of Commons struck out
a clause which would have enabled the Corporation to cut
off the supply of electricity and gas from a person who
had failed to pay his gas or his electricity bill, the
reason for the excision being that it would be unfair to
authorise the Corporation to cut off both electricity and
gas when a consumer was only in arrear on one of these
accounts.
Though the record of the past Session in regard to pri-
vate bill legislation may be looked upon as fairly satisfac-
tory, it is to be regretted that no attempt was made to
amend the Electric Lighting Acts or the Light Railways
Act. There is a general demand for legislation on the lines
of the London Electric Supply Bill of 1906, and we trust
that time will be found for the re-introduction and passing
of this bill in the next Session. It is to be hoped that the
London municipal electricity supply undertakings will
speedily obtain linking- up powers in order that they may
be placed on an equality with the company-owned under-
takinos.
REVIEWS.
Copies of the underineDtioued works cau he had from r/ie Electrician Office, post free
on receipt of publlfelied price, adding 3d. for books published under 2s. Add 10 per
i-fiit. for abroad or for foreigu books.)
>
The Evolution of Forces- Bv Dr. Gustave Le Bon. ^London :
Kegan Paul, Trench, Triibner * Co.) Pp. xv. +377. 5s.
The author of this work is aw experimenter of considerable
ability. He also writes good style, which loses nothing by
the excellent translation before us. But that is about all tliat
can be said in favour of this book. The title and most of the
chapter headings are little better than mere catch-cries, with
practically nothing to justify them. We look in vain for any
acconiit of how forces " evolve," or whv they emerge in
one period of the world and arc absent in another. The uni-
verse originates in "" the formation, by the action of gravita-
tion.or of unknown causes, of clouds of ether." These clouds
become " whirls," which (also for unknown reasons) attract
each other. They eventually " precipitate their movements,
agglomerate and form the nuclei of atoms which, by reason of
the increasing rapidity of their rotation, become more and
more saturated with energy." Finally they thus " acquire a
quantity of intra-atomic energy which they can no longer
contain and therefore radiate in the form of heat, light, or
various forms of electricity." We are told that the world
must coiAe to an end as soon as the intra-atomic energy is
exhausted, but that '" perhaps, in the course of ages, a new
cycle of birth and evolution may succeed its destruction."
If, as the author maintains, all forms of energy are derived
from intra-atomic energy, what is there to prevent still smaller
aggregates, say, electrons, havinjia store of " infra-electronic "
energy to fall back upon, and so on nd infinitum ; Also, if
there is any possibility of energy being created out of nothing
at some remote epoch, what is there to prevent a production of
an endless supply of it now, and why are not several cycles of
volution going on at the same time, with different, and perhaps
mutually supplementary phases ? The well-known pheno-
mena of radio-activity and allied processes (in the discovery
of which the author took a small, but according to his own
estimate, very insufficiently recognised part) are heralded by
such " scare headings " as " the dematerialisatiou of matter "
or " the transformation of matter into electricity." We even
find a chapter on '" the transformation of matter into light,"
but on reading it through we find that it deals simply with such
comparatively innocent things as the distribution of energy
through the spectrum, the absorption of light by matter, and
the chemical and photographic action of light. When we
come to " the dematerialisatiou of matter by light " we find
ourselves in the presence of the well-known action of ultra-
violet light on charged bodies, studied by Hertz, and later by
Elster and Geitel.
To those who prefer to take their science in the guise of
" smart journalism " we can recommend this book as likely to
suit their taste. But they must take it with the same open
mind and the same reservations as are usually associated with
that form of literature. E. E. F.
Agenda de I'Electro, 1908. (Brussels: " L'Electro.") Pp.269. Fr. 5.
Having regard to its size this electrician's pocket book has
too much of the matter of an elementary text book, and far too
few tables of physical properties, chemical data, and such
similar information as one looks for in a work of the kind.
Space is given to large sections of the subject which is practi-
cally wasted. For example, telegraphy has 2^ pages of general
letterpress, which contains no tables of overhead construction
data, or indeed any tables of figures at all ; and electric traction
has nine pages of a descriptive character with no tables. The
book is not a good specimen of its class.
It is curious that elementary books continue to be published
abroad with the old dimensional formulas. Resistance is still
a velocity, inductance a length, and volume the cube of a
length. The dimensions of torque and energy are still confused.
There is .some want of contact between physicists in England
and teachers in the continental schools, and the dynamical
conceptions which are the foundation of the system of electrical
units are confused.
Isolationsmessung und Fehlerortsbestimmung in Elektrisclien
Starkstromanlagen. By Paul Stern. Vol. LXXXI..
" Bibliotliek dev ffesamteii Technik." (Hanover: Dr. Ma.v
.Janecke.) Pp. vi. - 103. M.1.60.
This small book contains descriptions of most of the com-
monly used methods of localising faults in electric cables.
It is written for the use of those who are engaged practically
in the laying and testing of mains, and this is probably
the I'eason for the omission of the proofs of man^' of the
formula given and the absence of any reference to instru-
ments other than of German make, as these would be the ones
most likely to be handled by the readers to whom the book is
intended to appeal. Nevertheless, it is unfortunate that the
instruments selected for illustration and description are almost
completely limited to those manufactured by two firms.
There are one or two parts of the book that require some
re-writing, and as an example of this we would refer to the
algebraical proof given on p. 37, which is unintelligible owing
to the notation that is used not having been explained. A
misprint occurs in the last formula of p. fi8, from which the
factor L has been omitted.
In a future edition we would suggest the inclusion of a
description of the methods of automatic fault signalling in
lighting mains, especially as they have been adopted to such
a large extent in Germany.
ELECTRICITY IN 1799.
(CO.MMl'XICATED.)
The writer, in delving recently amongst the old books of a
free library, came upon one of some interest to present-day
electricians. It is entitled " An Essay on Electricity, ex-
plaining the principles of that useful science, and describing
the instruments, contrived rather to illustrate the theory, or
render the practice entertaining." It is from the pen of George
THE ELECTRICIAN. DECEMBER 25, 1908.
429
Adams, mathematical instmmL'iit maker to His Majestv, and
was published in 1799.
The author, in the preface, makes a very pregnant state-
ment : '■ Our view of things is so circumscribed, and the
mysteries of nature so profound, that it is not easv for us to
determine, whether the received theory is founded on the basis
of truth and conformable to nature, or whether we shall be
considered by future philosophers as mere children amused and
satisfied with imperfect opinions and ill-digested theories."
The volume is really an account of a great many experiments
on frictional electricity, but every now and then the writer
diverges from the point in hand. For instance. " In medicine
it (electricity) has been very judiciously considered as acting
under three forms : —
■■ 1. The fluid, which may be considered as a sedative.
■' 2. The spark or friction, which may be ranked under the
title of a stimulant.
" 3. The shock, which may be considered as a powerful
deobstruent. The fluid may be thrown upon or extracted
from the patient. This is always best effected by a wooden
point.
" 1. Insulate the patient, and connect him with the positive
conductor ; then present the wooden point of the director
towards him and it will gradually draw the fluid from him.
" 2. Let the patient communicate with the ground, and
connect metal part of the director with the positive conductor,
and the fluid will be thrown upon the patient.
'■ 3. Connect the insulated patient with the cushion, then he
will receive the fluid from the director held in the hand.
" 4. Comiect the director with the cushion and the fluid will
be extracted from the cushion."
Then follow directions for giving " a quick vibratory sensa-
tion not so pungent as the shock though stronger than the
spark." In the chapter headed " Electricity in General " we
read: " Electricity has one considerable advantage over most
other branches of science. It furnishes matter of entertain-
ment for all persons promiscuously, while it is the subject of
speculation by philosophers. Neither the air-pump nor the
orrery, neither instruments in hydrostatics, optics or mag-
netism nor those in all other branches of natural philosophy,
ever brought together so many or such great concourses of
people as those of electricity have done singly."
Again :'• That electricity is real matter and not a mere
property is evident from a variety of circumstances. When it
passes through bodies it divides the air, and puts it into those
undulations which give us the idea of sound. It emits the rays
of light in every direction and those rays are variously refrangi-
ble and calorific, as other light is ; and", if light is acknowledged
to be matter, it is contrary to reason and experience that the
thmg which emits it should" not likewise be material. A stream
of electric matter has a sub-acid taste. The analogies between
the action of electricity and fire are very striking. 8ome of
these I shall point out in the words of two able writers. ■ Fire,'
says Mr. .Jones, ' is divided into three sorts : solar, culinary,
and elementary, the solar is that fire which resides in the orb of
the sun as in its reservoir or fountain, and proceeds from it in
the form of light. The culinary is that fire which is kindled on
earth by artificial means and burns in anv sort of fuel. The
elementary is that subtile fluid which resides constantly in all
gross bodies and is not nercssmilv distinmiished from i"ts heat
as cuhnary fire, by its light ,i. m.L, , ,,,■ sidrnal fire, but is known
by other effects even in a culd mvisiliic state.' "
" Fire is brought into action by friction as well as electricitv.
Fire ddates all bodies. The electric fluid has also a dilating
power which is evident from its action on a thermometer,
though in general the force with which liodies cohere together
is greater than the dilating power of electricity."
Of course it is the theory that is so bizarre. The experi-
ments, of which no less than 1.50 are given, are rs good as anv-
tliing modern on the same subject.
At the end of the volume there is a long account of the use of
electricity in medicine, with painfullv accurate descriptions of
the suffering of the victims.
THE PHYSICAL SOCIETY'S ANNUAL EXHIBITION
OP APPARATUS.
(Continued from page :i-s7.)
The exhibition contained .several examples of electric resistance
furnaces for laboratory use. In the case of those shown by Messrs.
J. J. Griffin, and due to Heraeus. one of which is illu.strated in
Fig. 4, the heating body consists of a tube of liighlv refractory
porcelain, around which is coiled a ribbon of very thin platinum,
this possessing several advantages over platinum wire. The con-
tact of the latter with a porcelain tube is liable to be imperfect, and
the transmission of heat, therefore, irregular : whilst if there should
be a bad contact anwUinv in the spual. this is likely to become
Fig. 4.— Electric Resistance Furnace of Messrs. J. .J. Griffin &
8oNS.
overheated at that point and may hinv. In tl,,, Heraeus system
thm foil IS used, and closely enwTaps tlie lube. I'he temperature
of the foil is not sensibly s^reater than that of the tube, and the
amount of platinum required is .safd to be onlv a sixth part of
what would be used it the furnace were wound with wire. In the
smallest tube tlie maximum temi)erature of I,400"C. can easily be
reached. Above tliis tem])erature the porcelain begins to conduct
electricity, and an electrolytic action is set up b(-tween the platinum
and the tube which will eventually cause it to break.
The electric furnace shown by .\Iessr.s. X. Oallenkamp & Co
was of parti, ul.u i„i, ivsi. ,i,„.,. ,„, platinuni had been utilised in
Fig. 5. — Electric Resistance Firnace of JIessrs. t;Ai.LENKAMP & Co.
its construction. The furnace, which we illustrate in Fig. ;>. has been
designed with a view to reducing the cost to a more reasonable
figure. For many purposes a temperature uf S,30°C. (1..5tO F.)
n"ed not be exceeded — for instance, much recalcscence ^\ork and
the demagnetisation of steel rods— and as nickel melts at l,-i30°C.
(2.600°F.). and does not deteriorate to any extent if 1,000'C. is
not exceeded, this metal has been adopted for winding the tube of
430
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 25, 1908.
the furnace. In oaso such winding gets accidentally burnt out, it
can, of course, be replaced at low cost. The tube is made of silica,
and' i.s 16 in. long and ] in. internal diameter. Silica is preferable
to porcelain for this purpose, as it does not crack with sudden heating.
Any diameter of tube can be supplied, however, to order. Tlie
silica tube is surrounded by a wider tube, the space between being
filled with finely-powdered "quartz. The outer tube is covered with
a layer of special magnesia lagging, which is the best material avail-
able for the retention of heat. The small amount of energy con-
sumed is lai-gely due to the efficient insulation. The magnesia
lagging, which is made in two sections, is encased in a thin iron cover,
also in two sections, provided with hinges. This arrangement
enables the cover to be removed rapidly, so as to obtain access to
the interior. The whole furnace may be taken to pieces and re-
constructed in a short time. The stand is solidly constructed of
wrought iron, and gives a steady support to the furnace. A space
is provided beneath the furnace for fixing a suitable resistance, so
that the arrangement is complete in itself and portable. To main-
tain a steady temperature of ],()00°C. {I,8()() F.), we understand
that the power eonsumjition is only .500 watts, and this is stated to
be much less than in platinum furnaces.
This firm also showed a potentiometer of the simplest tyije, in
which a wire 4 metres long was employed. This piece of apparatus
has only just been completed, and appears very compact and sub-
stantially made ; a rocking contact-maker of new type was utilised.
Much of the apparatus exhibited by Mr. R. W. Paul is already well
known to our readers, as descriptions have appeared from time to
Jt'H:. 0. IkWI-N's HoT-WlKE OsCIl.LULUi.MMl, SHOWN BV
iMu. R. V\'. Paul.
time in The Electrician. This a])plies to Irwin's oscillograph (The
Electricl\n, Vol. LIX., p. 266), which depends for its action upon
the difference in temperature between two wires, due to the im-
pressed current acting in conjunction with a polarising cm'rent in
one wire, and in opposition to a polarising cmrent in the other wire.
A view of the instrument is given in Fig. 6.
Hitherto one of the disadvantages of resistance thermometry in
workshop practice has been the necessity of balancing a galvano-
meter to zero before one could obtain a reading, hence fluctuations
in the temperature under control could not he watched without
constant manipulation. The Harris defleetional resistance ther-
momet«r shown by Mr. Paul gives a direct reading of the tem-
perature. This instrument depends for its action upon the prin-
ciple of the two-coil ohmmeter, but has one of the coils wound
dilTerentially. One of the differential windings (X in Fig. 7) is
shunted with a platinum thermometer, the other winding, S, being
shunted with a resistaiu:e «, which is made variable so as to balance
tlie thermometer at certain fixed temperatures. The control coil D
of the ohmmeter system is also shunted with a resistance, (/, the value
of which is determined by the degree of sensitiveness required, and may
be made variable with s. Theee shunted windings are connected
in series, and the eu-euit is completed through a battery and switch.
By using a differential winding, the currents in which are respec-
tively due to the resistances of the thermometer and s. in conjunc-
tion with a control coil, in which the cm'rent is proportional to a
selected ditference unit, d. the advantage is gained of making the
indicator read on both sides of what would be the zero point in a
non-differentially wound ohmmeter, thus increasing the possible
length o£ the scale from under 90 deg. of arc to something approach-
ing 180 deg. Also, as the deflection is proportional to the ratio
of the difference in the currents in the differential windings to the
current in the control coil, the sensitiveness for a given variation m
the temperature of the thermometer may be made as great as is
required by giving a suitable value to (1. and is only limited by
practical considerations.
The instrument exhibited was designed for^ general work and
covered a range of measurement from —200 C. to 1,200 C. It
was arranged to give a deflection of 90 deg. of arc for a temperature
variation of 200'C, using a Callendar & Griffith's platinum ther-
mometer with a fundamental interval of 1 ohm. A slider mounted
on the instrument enabled the range embraced by the deflections
to be set at -200''C. to 0 deg., 0 deg. to 200°C., &e., at will, by
varying the value of «. and simultaneously varied d, thus auto-
matically compensating for the decreased variation of the resistance
of the thermometer at higher temperatures. The scale was cali-
brated in degrees Centigrade to Prof. Callendar's formula, and was
true at all ranges. Terminals were provided for connecting the
compensating leads in series with s.
Campbell's constant inductance resistance box and constant
inductance rheostats are of interest. The arrangement of the wind-
ing of these is such that the resistance can be altered without varying
the inductance. This is secured by means of duplicate windings
in copper and manganin, so arranged that as manganin resistance
is cut out, or in, an equivalent number of turns of copper are cut in.
or out. The coils of the resistance box are immersed in oil. These
instruments have been designed particularly for use in the measure-
ment of capacity, inductance, &c., in conjunction with the Camp-
bell vibration galvanometer * and standards of mutual inductance,!
examples of which w ere also exhibited. These provide the best
means for standardising inductances and capacities, the variable
standards of mutual inductance being adjustable down through
zero and giving a reading of less than 1 micro-henry.
Fig. 7. — H.inHis's Deflechonal Resistance Thjbkmometer Indicator,
exhibited by Mr, R. W. Paul.
Another interesting exhibit on this stand was Cohen's vibrating
wire interrupter. As this instrument was described fully in The
Electrician tliree weeks ago. further reference is here unnecessary.
A new line of cheap rheostats for the laboratory or test room and
a fine adjustment rheostat were also shown. The latter comprises
a slate cylinder carrying resistance wire wound in a spiral groove
cut in its edge. This drum is carried on a spindle screwed for a few
turns to the same pitch as the spiral in which the wire is wound.
Pillars mounted on the slate base carry a casting tapped to take
the screwed portion of the drum spinclle, the other end of which
is (varried by a bearing in the slate base. A contact slides along
one of the pillars supporting the top casting. The coarse adjust-
ment is obtained by sliding this contact up and down the pillar,
line adjustment being obtained by rotating the dium.
The form of Cohen's portable barretter was similar to that shown
a year ago, and previously described in our columns, except for the
fact that the galvanometer was included in the same ease as the
barretter, and therefore considerably added to its advantages. The
single-pivot galvanometer exhibited is also known to our readers.
The exhibit of Messrs. Siemens Bros. & Co. was very extensive
and attracted a good deal of attention. It consisted mainly of
the new types of instruments which have been recently introduced
by this firm. In our issues of July 24th and 3Ist we gave a detailed
description of these interesting instruments, which are likely to be
much appreciated.
In our issue of December 27th last we also described the improve-
ments which Messrs. Siemens have made in X-ray apparatus. Con-
• The Electrician, Oct. 25, 1907, p. 60,
t The Electrician, Nov. 22, 1907.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 25. 1908.
431
tiimuus cuiieut is found tu be the most suitable for working an
Xiaiy outfit, but, of course, it is frequently not available, and in
such cases probably the best arrangement is to employ an electrolytic
valve. Fig. 8 herewith shows the alternating current X-ray outfit ex-
hibited by Messrs. Siemens at the I'liysical Smiety Exhibition. It
comprises a 20 in. spark induction luil with spark gauge, a switch-
board with choking coil, an electrolytic valve and a triple Wehnelt
interrupter. The lengtli of the .secondary sparks can be varied
in from three to si.\ steps, and their intensity in tlirew steps, the
former being obtained by adjustment of the primary windings and
the latter-by using a multiple Wehnelt interrupter. The outfit is
said -toS-ork very reliably, and does not require attention for months
at a time, as there are no parts to wear out, whilst it forms a very
compact and convenient arrangement. As large numbers of these
Siemens X-ray outfits have been supplied, they are already pro-
bably well kno«n to our readers.
The stand of Messrs. Everett. P>dgcu.\ibe & Co. always attracts a
good deal of attention at these exhibitions, and the apparatus shown
able plate is surrounded by a metal screen to prevent interference
from external fields. It is noticeable that the scale is practically
evenly divided over 75 per cent, of its total range, whilst it is claimed
that these instruments occupy less space and aic more convenient
than other instruments of the same caiiacity. .Another electrostatic
voltmeter shown was Hamilton's multicellular pattern, which we
described a year ago when dealing with the previous exhibition.
The portable multi-range astatic wattmeter illustrated in Fig. 10
is suitable for single, two, or three-phase loads, and is provided with,
four pressure ranges, viz., for maximums of To. 1.50, 300 and 600
volts, and four current ranges. 750. 150, 30 and (i amperes. It is con-
structed on the dynamometer principle, and is absolutely astatic, so
that it is quite unaffected by even the .strongest stray magnetic
fields. As will be seen from the illustration, the change-over frtm
one volt range to another, or from one form of connection (for
example, two-phase), to another (for example, three-phase), is done
entirely by means of a sim])le change-over switch fi.xed to the side of
the case. The zero of the instrument is adjustable fi'om the out.«ide.
-Hn:ii-ii Nsiox E:.htii;ii^TAric Voumeikh ok
Messks. Kvkrett, Kncii'MBK & C'l.
on the present occasion was certainly of considerable interest. The
tyjie of extra high tension electrostatic voltmeter, which wc illustrate
ill Fig. 9, is adajited for measuring pressiu-es up to -200,000 volts,
and is due to Jona. The distinguishing features ar° the clear and
open scales, the dead beat action, immunity from disturbance by
-stray electrostatic fields, and the fact that one of the active surfaces
is electrified by induction, so that the " breaking down '" voltage is
enormous. The instrument exhibited was for pressures up^to 60,000
volts, in two ranges, and is entirely enclosed in a protecting glass
case, whilst the working p.irts are contained in a stout cvlindrical
vessel of insulating material, at the bottom of which is mounted a
plate to receive the inductive electrostatic charge from a plate belofl-
the bottom of the vessel. The moving plate is suspended by a
metallic strip from one end of an arm, the other end being attached
to a spindle pivoted in the usual way, in jewel bearings, and having a
pointer and sca,le. The charged and moveable plates ara immersed in a
special oil, which ensures " dcad-beatness " and prevents danger of
sparking across. (In the illustration, the oi lis absent.) The mov-
and the scale ir, provided with a mirror fi.xed under a knife-edged
pointer. The current ranges are obtained by means of a multi-
range transformer fitted in a portable wooden case and designed so as
to give a perfectly negligible phase and ratio error. The wattmeter
itself has a non-inductiv" pressure circuit free from capacity effects,
so that the instrument can be used with perfect safely even down to
the very lowest power factor. The size of llie instrument is 7J in. by
7-; in. by 7 in. deep, antl the current transformer 7 in. by (i in. by G in.,
so thatthe whole forms a very comiiaci piree of apparatus.
The iiotentiometer is usually regarded a.s piu-eJy a laboratory
instrument, but its field of usefulness is considerably extended when .
it is arranged to be easily transported and used in silu. Fir this
piupose .Messif. Everett, Edgcumbe & Co. have introduced a self-
contained potentiometer which is thoroughly portable and has been
specially designed fov such work as checking ammeters, voltmeters,
and wattmeters in situ, and also for photometer work. The particu- '
lar pattern exhibited (Fig. 11) is designed specially for the latter
work, and has three current ranges for maximums of 03, 1 5 and 6
432
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 25, 1908.
amperes, and |)>xvssure ranges of 75, 150. and 300 volts. Thegalvan.)-
meter which is provided is self-contained in the case, and for all
ordinary commercial work is quite sensitive enough. If for special
purposes additional sensitiveness is required, provision is made
whereby an external reflecting galvanometer can be employed at will.
The slide wire, which is circular, gives a scale approximately 12 in.
long, and in series with this are 14 similar coils so that the effective
Fig. 10. — PoET.\BLE Astatic Wattmeter of Messrs. Everett,
Edocdmbe * Co.
scale length i.s about 15 ft. 'I'liu Clark or cadmium cell is contained
in the case, but is readily removable. Various shunts can be sup-
plied, thus extending the range of the instrument to any required
degree. Besides measurements of current, pressure and power, the
instrument is particularly suitable for the measurement of low resis-
tances, and, in fact, for all direct current electrical measurements
where considerable accmacy is desired. The size of the case is 1 1 in.
by 9 in. by G| in.
Fin. 11. — Messrs. Everett, Edgcumre's Portarle Potentiojieter.
A feature of Messrs. Everett, I'Mgcumbe's instruments to which
we should like to draw attention is that plain oak is always used for
the cases. Although this, perhaps, is not so ornamental as polished
mahogany, it has much better wearing qualities, and, of course, this
is an important consideration in instruments which are intended for
more than laboratory use.
The latest form of Trotter universal photometer was shown on this
stand. In its usual form it is well known to our readers. It is now
supplied with two standard lamiis and these are fixed on the lid, so
that by opening the latter they are easily got at for replacement. A
scale is also provided on the lid. by means of which the position of the
lamps can be adjusted according to the voltage of the accumulators,
should this differ to any extent from the normal of 4 volts. The
provision of two lamps allows two scales to be u.sed, the ranges^being
respectively Q-Oi to 05 candle foot, and 01 to 4. These enable
measurements to be made under practically all conditions, and the in-
strument is very convenient for both indoor and outdoor use.
Attention may also be drawn to the regulating resistances; for
laboratory u.se, the features of which arc compactness, good ventila-
tion an infinite degree of adjustment possible, since no stops are used,
the contact being a sliding one. One resistance exhibited had a
range from 0 to 8.000 ohms, and would prove
a very haridy instrument.
Recorder pens are frequently a source of
trouble, we would, therefore, mention the tvpe
of pen which is now adopted by Messrs. Everett,
Edgcumbe & Co., and which is illustrated in Fig.
12. There should be little trouble from clog-
ging with this pattern, whilst an additional
advantage is that the stem is made very flexible
so that it may be bent about with gi-eat free-
dom without suffering to any extent. Another
feature of the recording instruments is that
the pens are automatically lifted from the chart
whenever the instrument cases are opened.
The limited space at our disposal prevents us
from referring in detail to the other exhibits on
this stand, some of which, although known to
our readers, are of great interest. They comprise portable ammeters
and voltmeters, combined standard ammeter and voltmeter, power
factor or phase meters, and a frequency indicator (of the reed
pattern), whilst the disc pattern of recorder shown enables the
whole record to be always in view.
The exhibit of Messrs. A. C. Cossor, although small, was interest-
ing. An attractive instrument was the " Rose " vacuum pump
(Fig. 13). This is an electro mechanical pump in which the piston
is actuated externally by an electromagnet traversing th eoutside
of the cylinder. This method entirely does away with the piston rod
with its necessary stuffing boxes, glands and other packing airarige-
FiG. 12.
Recoeder Pen of
Messrs. Everett,
Edgccmbe & Co.
Fio. 15.— Vacuum Pumi' ok Messrs. A. C. Cosson.
mi'iil.s, which reader a \ci y high vacuum ilifficult, if not impossible,
to obtain. The pump is hermetically scaled and there is no mechanical
connection whatever through the cylinder to the piston. The
possibility of leakage is therefore eliminated, and the pump is said to
give the highest known vacuum with great rapidity. From ofticial
tests with a McCleod gauge, a vacuum of O'OOOOl mm. has been
obtained. The pump is very simple, requiiing practically no atten-
tion, and will run continuouslv for months without cleaning or need-
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 25, 1908.
433
ing fresh oil. The electromagnets are wound for 110 volts direct
current and take only 0-4 amperes.
The development of -wireless telegraphy has led to a considerable
demand for variable condensers. Messrs. A. C. Cossor exhibited a
vane tyjie of instrument, which for rapidity and fineness of adjust-
ment is certainly all that could be desired. It consists of a series of
metal vanes, one pole being formed by the fixed vanes (Fig. 14)
and the other by moveable vanes, which can be interleaved with the
former by means of the milled head. A .scale is provided on the
ebonite cover, on which the position of the vanes is shown by the
pointer attached to the central spindle. This scale is divided into
100 divisions, and although quite arbitrary, and niainlv provided so
that previo:is adjusiments may be resumed with accuracy, the error
will be very snudl if the capacitv is assumed to be proportional to the
scale reading. The condensers may be used « ith air or oil'dielectric,
and in order to ensure that in the latter case no leakage shall occur,
the central spindle passes through a stuffing box, and all joints are
made perfectly oil-tight. The instrument shown had a capacity of
0-003 mfd. witli oil as dielectric, and this capacity is increased 3 to 4
times if no oil is used. The vanes are of substantial construction to
obviate any possibility of buckling, and are supported on a ball race
which ensures an exceedingly smooth movement, and enables the
finest adjustment of capacity to be made even in the largest instru-
ments. •' '■
In regard to Walter's tantalum wave detector shown by Messrs
Cossor, this was fully described in our issue of August 14 last.
The Lodge high-tension valve tubes .shown have been specially
Fig. 14.— V.MiiAiiLE (Jonuensek dk Messks. A. C. (JossuB.
designed for carrying heavy discharges and are claimed to remain
constant in \acuum for a very long, time. In this connection we may
mention that Sir Oliver Lodge has had some in u.se for two years
without any apparent alteration in vacuum. The rectifying proper-
ties of these tubes are claimed to be considerably greater than in any
other high-tension valve on tlie market.
(To be continued)
CORRESPONDENCE.
ACCUMULATORS FOR PEAK LOADS.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ELECTRICIAN.
Sir : The fog load curve which you publish to-day is very
interesting, but is apt to give your readers a wrong impres-
bion. Mr. Feddeii was kind enough to send me on the 4th
inst. his load curve for the 2nd inst.,this being presumably up
to time of writing the worst example of a fog he had worked
out. As a matter of fact it is equally bad with that of the 3rd
inst. and, in fact, worse, but the point to which I wish to call
special attention is that the ordinary peak reached 2,800 am-
peres on the 2rid inst., as against only 2,300 amperes on the 3rd
inst.
It may be taken, therefore, that 2,800 amperes or more is
the usual peak and that the left-hand, or fog, peak is only some
90 per cent, of the ordinary peak for this time of year.
Treating Sheffield on the same lines as I have been treating
Glasgow — viz., that 33.1 per cent, of the peak is taken up by
cells — the cells would have to be put in to deal only with that
part of the peak which is above the 1,800 ampere line. If
Mr. Fedden will integrate the area of this part, he will fiiid
that it is only equivalent to 1,000 amjjeres for 365 hours : in
other words a 3| hour battery would be sufficient to meet
that particular day's performance.
I think, sir, that in view of this your readers will consider
that, in offering Mr. Lackie a five-hour battery, I am dealing
with the case on a reasonable basis.
I would also point out that, since neither Mr. Lackie nor
Mr. Fedden aie likely to start with a battery equal to 33?, per
cent, of the kilowatts of the existing peak (representing
7,000 kw. in the case of Glasgow), a battery rated for two
hours would be ample to begin with, and would, of course, be
much cheaper — in fact, only half the price — of one for a five -
hour rating.
So long as engineers fail to grasp the significance of reserv-
ing the battery discharge until the steam plant /imi/ has been
reached (/.<'., the 1-1,000 kw. line, in the case of Glasgow), so
long will they keep ou remarking that, on a foggy day, the
battery is sure to run down before the evening peik is reached.
At the time of the year when fogs persist for whole days
together, the whole of the available steam plant woiiM be
under steam, and there would be no need to draw upon the
battery beyond its normal rating in the initial stages of the
fog. During some eight or nine months out of the 12, the
fogs are due more to passing banks of cloud and, though very
dark, they have no continued persistence like the December
fogs. Consequently the batteries could, in such case, be used
with great advantage to save steam boiler losses.
The very fact that engineers talk about an '-emergency
rate " for fogs, shows that the whole question is looked at on
a wrong basis.
The " rate " should be the kilowatt rating for ordinary work,
and in really foggy weather should never be exceeded, unless
for a few minutes.
Apologising for the length of this letter, I am, X-c,
Birmingham, Dec. 18. ' A. M. Taylor.
THE LAW OF ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ELECTRICIAN.
Sir: In your issue of October 2, 1908, in the discussion
on Mr. Herring's Paper on " An Imperfection .... in the
Law of Electromagnetic Induction, " Prof. Elihu Thomson
states that " a magnetic induction machine for direct current
must have a commutator or sliding contacts of some sort." If
Prof. Thomson means that it is necessary to have .' o -a high-
voltage machine a comiriutatoi-, or a large number of slip rings
whereby t'le armature conductors are joined in series, I beg
leave to differ. I have had constructed at this college a small
machine which produces a direct current without commutator,
and which possesses two slip rings only. 1 am not prepared,
at this stage, to give a description of the machine, but I may
mention that the machine possesses no electrolytic valves and
is a simple magnetic induction machine. The principle on
which it is based agrees fully with Faraday's law— or with
Maxwell's— and no existing theories arc upset by it. — I am, Ac,
South African College, Cape Town, Dec. 2. II. Bohle.
THE ELECTRIC DISCHARGE AND THE PRODUCTION
OF NITRIC ACID.
We give below an abstract of the discussion on Messrs. W.
Cramp and B. Hovle's Paper on this subject, which took place
at the London meeting of the Institution of Electrical Engi-
neers on Thursday evening of last week.
Mr. Beutram Bi.ocnt shortly criticised the chemistry of the Paper.
Mr. W. Ul-ddeli, inquired about Figs. II and U m the Pap:;r :
he was not cuite certain that he understood Mr. Cramp correctly in saying
that the data was deduced from measurements on the prmiary side of
tlie transformer. Fig. IS had given him some d.fl.culty. as he did not
see how a definite current could corre-sp,.nd to two stable conditi.ms of
disch.arge. With regard to the nuthors remarks on electrostatic volt-
meters he did not think tlie matter was quite so simple. He d d not
know whether a sroup of currents with a high maxima existed, or whether
there were a number of perfectly regular ones. It was iieces^sary to know
a httle more of the wave form of the current m these discharge.^ before
it could be quite clear as to what was meant by the curves m iig. 13. As
to Fie. 14. he would like to ask whether it was a fact that if the air was
blo«ii through a less voltage was required across the discharge. Accord-
ins to curve A, for a 2 lb. pressure, 4.300 volts weie necessary, but if the
air pressure wa-s increased to 10 lb. only 3.300 volts were requu-ed. The
f2
434
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 25, 1908.
general opinion had hitherto been that the higher the hit pressure tlu-
greater the voltage necessary to maintain the discharge. On the same
siibiectthe authors stated, " across the points themselves with this torm
of discharge there always exists the blue line of the oscillating spark. In
wireless lelettiaphy it was not customary to consider the blue spark as
the oscillating spark. How did Mr. Cramp know that it was the osc-il-
latins spark ? It would be interestuig. also, to know what was meant by
Fig. 22, what was the periodic force here, and what was the frequency
of the interruptions of the spark across the gap. In wireless telegraphy
a spark which went only half way acro.ss the gap wa-s obtamed, and was
known as multiple sparking. He considered it would also be interestmg
to have some information about the wave forms, as some of these were
extremely complicated, and the root mean square value of the current
did not, therefore, convey exactly what was gomg on. The curves m
the Paper were all plotted in terms of the primary amperes, but m a trans-
former of the type Mr. Cramp was using these would depend very little
on the power. Some figures regarding the power required would have
added to the interest of the Paper, as this was an essential pomt.
Mr. G. W. Huntley said the term nitric acid had two meanmgs.
There was 100 per cent, acid and the ordmary commercial 70 per cent,
acid. The figures in the Paper piobably referred to the 70 per cent,
acid. As regards the method used by the authors for estimatmg the
nitric acid produced, he did not think it was quite satisfactory or very
definite. The measurement of volume was very intricate, and what was
wanted was the actual amount cf the acid. He did not know whether the
authors guarded agamst moisture, as a few drops of water would repre-
sent a considerable fraction in the quantity of acid produced when
workmg on a small scale, which might account for some of the curves
crossing each other. Most workers on the subject directed then- attention
to the output per kilowatt- vear. but the strength of the gas was also an
important point. The cost of the energy might be the most important
factor, but the chemical output had also to be considered.
Dr. H. BORNS criticised the bibliography at the end of the Paper. The
authors had modified the Werner arrangement, but there was no reference
to Werner. Technically, the process of the Badische Anilin und Soda
Fabrik was probably one of the most successful, but, unfortunately, no
information as to the manner in which that process was actually carried
on appeared to be available. Mr. Cramp did not mention Brode. Brode
observed three zones in the arc flame, somewhat as in the candle flame,
and in Mr. Cramp's Fig. 1 : (n) A blue streak of light, {h) a greenish-blue
zone above it, (c) a pointed flame of a lurid yellow-greenish colour. The
electric discharge, and also the formation of NO, took place chiefly in
(a). When a glass rod was held in («) potential and current changed at
once, but not when it was held in (b) or (c). This referred to an arc burn-
ing in air. In a pure gas only one uniform band was observed. These
observations were confirmed to a certain extent by Howies, and it seemed
that the phenomena were very complex, and should first be studied in
)iure gases. Mr. Cramp had spoken of Moscicki, but had not stated that
this inventor had abandoned the apparatus described, and now used
two concentric cylindrical electrodes, with the magnetic field so disposed
that the arc was rotated in the annular space between the cylinders.
The air current was sent up this space. This arc could be fed with direct
current, and it was noteworthy that several investigators had found
direct and alternating currents equally efficient tor electrothermal
reactions, calculating the yield per watt. Brion had adopted a similar
arrangement, but his electrodes were a kathode disc surrounded by an
anode ring. Rasch struck his arc between electrodes of metallic
oxides (clay pipes). .According to Clement and Rasch, ozone was not
formed in that case, only nitrogen was burned. This statement should
be reinvestigated in view of the authors" ob.scrvations cm the formation
of ozone and of NO by the same current under different conditions : in-
vestigators differed as to the influence of ozone >n these phenomena.
Oxide electrodes, chiefly Ncrnst glowers, were also used by Haber and
Koenig in their remarkable research. While according to Nernst tha
nitrogen combustion was thermal, Haber, in agreement with Warburg,
considered that the collisions of electrons played an important part,
and he distinguished between thermal and electric equilibrium. It was
known that N and 0 combined at high temperatures, and that the re-
sulting NO was also decomposed at high temperatures ; attempts had
been made to remove the product as rapidly as possible out of the arc.
If the combination and decomposition proceeded at equal rate, Haber
argued that the electrical effect would predominate. If the tempera-
ture was such that the decom]insition was much more rapid than the
combination, the electric cITi. t wnuM be of little influence. Tempera-
tures at which the decom]niviti,,n wa^ ~lu\\- siiiuild, therefore, be worked
with, and Haber concluded, iu opjiositiou to others that the arc should
be relatively cold. He showed, moreover, that the gas temperature.';
in the arc flame were not really so high as generally assumed, and dill
not exceed the melting pouit of ])latinnm by more than a few hundred
degrees. The phenomena were no doubt very complex, and the pro-
blems, and especially the ionisation phenomena discussed on p. 37 of
the Paper, would become clearer if the experiments were made with pure
gases in the first instance. The authors mixed up British and metric
measures in an undesirable manner: pressures were stated in pounds per
square inch, air volumes in cubic feet, spark-gaps in centimetres, and
the rest was in respectable C.O.S. units.
Mr. H. M. Saykrs said that, with regard to the possible efficiency of
the process, he |iresumed tliat the heat of formation of the oxides of
nitrogen was known. It the specific hent of the various gases in the
furnace could be enumerated, a value for the efficiency could possibly
be worked out in watts, which would add to the interest. Given a cer-
tam amount of energy ui the secondary winding, they ought to be able
to get the efficiency of the piocess, just a« they could the efficiency of a
motor. Mr. Duddell had asked some questions, which he, the speaker,
would like to repeat, regarding the relations between the primary am-
peres and the secondary volts. „ .^ lu j
Mr C Weiss said Dr. Borns had referred to the very excellent method
recently brought out by the Badische Anilm und Soda Fabrik. It was
extremely interesting, "and he would like to suggest that the authors
should make themselves acquainted with this process. ., ,, ,
Prof. SiLVANUS P. Thojipson. in a written communication, said that
Messrs. Cramp and Hoyle's experiments were extremely suggestive and
valuable as throwmg fight on the molecular processes at work in the
production of nitrates from the air by electrical discharge. He thought
the authors had hardly aijpreciated the importance of the spontaneous
further oxidation of the gases formed in the passage of the air through the
flaming arcs used m the process of Birkeland and Eyde. The gases, after
they left the furnace, were not treated with water or lime until they had
been allowed to remam (and cool) a considerable time m large oxidation
chambers. If that were not done, a very large proportion of the liquid
formed iu the water towers would be nitrous mstead of nitric acid It
seemed to him that 900 kg. of nitric acid per kilowatt -year was too high
for the average commercial yield of that process. If he remembered
rightly, this was an exceptional, not an average, figure, the average bemg
nearer 600 kilos. It was well that there should be no exaggeration,
and he happened to know that in calculating the commercial project for
the new and enlarged factories in Norway the experts expressly took a
lower figure, so as to have a margin of safety m their calculations. Ihe
large scale working of the new factory at Notodden had certainly shown
a higher economical yield than that assumed in the estimates. The
authors mentioned the cyanamide process, though that did not produce
nitrates. There was no doubt that the two successful processes to-day
•were the nitrate of lime process and the cyanamide process ; but though
both of them took nitrogen from the air. the products were of different
character. Nitrate of lime had proved to be just as satisfactory for
agricultural purposes as nitrate of soda, and, m the case of heavy clay
soils, the lime in it gave it a prefei enee. Cyanamide, on the other hand,
was akin to sulphate of ammonia rather than to nitrate of soda, and
competed with the former rather than with the latter. Moreover,
nitrate of lime had certam important applications in the coal-tar colour
industry for which cyanamide would not serve. A recent result of
careful observations in Norway was that nitrates, hitherto regarded in
agriculture as deleterious, were just as useful to vegetation as nitrates.
That would enable a cheaper product of the electric oxidation furnace
to be put into commerce. All electricians would do well to study the
authors' discussion on pp. 12 and 10 of the Paper of the five types of
electric discharge. Much vague and loose use was often made of the
terms " brush " and " glow," and often the production by sparks iu the
air of nitrous gases was confused with ozone.
Mr. Wm. Ckamp (ui reply) said that the processes dealt with in the
Paper requu-ed a large amount of study, and their investigation called
tor a good deal of courage. The authors' work on the subject was not
complete, as he had stated, and the particulars now given would not
have been published except for the fact that for certain reasons they were
unable to continue their researches. Dr. Thompson had referred to the
spontaneous formation of N.Oj after the gases had left the flame. The
authors had taken the preca'ution to cover their apparatus with a large
dome, very large indeed compared with the amount of air being blown
through, especially to avoid the escape of NOj, which was, he took it,
what Dr. Thompson was referring to. With regard to the remarks on
output, the authors had not attempted to give absolute, but only com-
)iarative, figures for the ]irocesscs used, with a view to indicatmg which
was the most economical. T'hc arrangements by which the mca.sure-
mouts were obtamed were fairly well known. He was exceedingly in-
teiested to hear from Mr. Huntlcv that commercial nitric acid was only
a 70 per cent, mstead of 100 per cent, acid, but that did not alter the
figures: in the Paper in any way. and the pouits the authors had laid stress
upon were still of importance" With regard to the measurement of the
gases, the authors had had a good deal of experience in observing and
measuring small quantities of oxides of nitrogen, and they had devised
the method described in the Paper because they found that when
testing the issuing gases, jiractically no peroxide came over. He
would like to remove any misunderstanding regarding Figs. 11 and 13.
The measurements were taken on the low-tension side of the transformer,
and there was no high-tension voltage on, except where distinctly stated.
There was nothing on the liii/litension side except the spark gap. As to
Fig. 13, the measnirninii^ wne taken on the high-tension side direct.
He did not quite uii.l.i -im.l wlutt was meant by Mr. Duddell regarding
the blue flame. With i.^ipI in Or. Borns' remarks cm literature, refer-
ring to Werner's work, lir tl,.- s|. ,iK, ,. hrli.-vc.l tliat Werner had never
written anything lui tlic miIij.-, i. II, ■ fully aiiic.-d with Dr. Borns that
in all such'experiments imii n:i^c- -ImhIiI U- used, but this was not com-
mercially possible.
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" Tlie Life Story of Sir Chai-les Tilston Bright." By Charles
Bright. F.R.S.E. (London: A. Constable & Co.). l^s. fid. net.
" The Practical Engineer Pocket Book for 1909." (London : The
Technical Publishing Co.). Is. net.
L'Exposition d'Electricite de Marseille. (Paris: Ciauthier-
Villars).
THE ELECTRICIAN, I)ECEMBER 25, 1908.
435
EXPERIMENTS WITH HEUSLER'8 MAGNETIC
ALLOY.*
BY J. O. GRAV, B.SC.
Siiiin,nirij.—'['\\i-< |M))or dcsc-ribes a scries of ex|)urini('iitsf imitr'cI out
l)y the autlioi- to investigate : — (1) the magnelie ptoiicrties of (he Hcuslcr
inajiiietie alloy (consisting of copper, manganese ami ahiniininm) at
temperatures lying between 0°C. and 400'C. (about the critical tempera-
ture of the material) ; (2) the alteration in magnetic properties brought
about by heating and cooling the material : (3) the magnetic properties
of the alloy at low temperatures in the quenched condition.
The specimens experimented upon had the following composition :
— 25 per c.nt. manganese, 12-5 per cent, aluminium, a trace of lead,
and the remainder copper. It will be seen that the manganese and
aluminium were present in atomic jjroportions, a condilion which was
shown by Heusler to result in a material possessing maximum
permeability for a given amount of dissolved manganese. The
specimens were in (he fortn of cylinders, and wore lested in I lie erudi-
tion whioli resulted from tlie dressing operations.
The magnetomelric method was adopted throughout, and the
arrangement of the apparatus is shown in Fig. 1. The specimen was
jilaeed within the magnetising solenoid S. Connected in .series with
the solenoid was a large lircular balancing coil C. |)laced with its
jilane perpendicular to, iinl its centre coincident with, the axis of
the s lenoid. Also on tlic axis i,t the solenoid, and beyond the coil C,
was the magnetometer needle, the movements of which could be
observed by means of a lamp and scale in the usual way. The coil
I. Speciuieu at 1(1°C.
II. Specimen at I20^C. III. Spe
IV. Specimen at 32ti C.
Flo. 2.
and solenoid were connected through a reversing key K with a battery
U, an ammeter A, and a variable resistance R. The stands carry-
ing the magnetometer, solenoid, and coil moved in grooves as shown
in the diagram, an arrangement which admitted of the preliminary
adjustments being carried out with great convenience and rapidity.
In order to study the behaviour of the material when at tempera-
tures considerably above that of the room, an electric furnace was
contrived. A thin porcelain tube T, having an internal diameter
somewhat greater than that of the specimen, w-as \\ound non-in-
ductively with very tine platinum wire. It was then placed within a
tube T' of hard glass, and the intervening space packed with kaolin
* -Abstract of a Paper read before the Royal Society of Kdinburgh.
t Some interesting experiments were also con\miuiicatcd last year by
A, D. Ross, M.A., B.Sc. to the Royal Societv of Edinburgh, and an
abstract of his paper appeared in The E/nclricinii, Dee. 27, iilO", p. 40!). •
clay. The ends of the platinum wire were brought out and con-
nected to a pair of terminals f. I. On |)a.«sing an electric current of
suitable strength through the platinum wire it was po.ssible to bring
the interior of the |)oreelain tube, and consequently the specimen,
to any desired temperature. The external diameter of the glass
tube being very slightly less than the internal diameter of the magnet-
ising solenoid, tlu- furnace could be slipped as a cartridge within the
.solenoid. Bet« ecn the furnace and the magnetising coil was a water-
jacket .J, through which a stream of cold water was kept circulating.
The various temperatures employed in the course of the investiga-
tion were measured by means of a platinum, platinum-iridium
pyrometer. In the experiments contained under (1) and (2) above,
the magnetising solenoid, with the furnace in position, was adjusted
so that its axis was on the east-and-west line passing through the
magnetometer needle. In carrying out the experiments at low-
temperatures the furnace was removed, the sjjecimen placed in a
glass tube well served with cotton-wool, and the whole slipped within
the solenoid. One end of the glass tube was clo.sed ; the other end
was open, and the tube was bent uji to allow of liquid air being poured
in.
Experiments (1).— Tlie sjiecimen uas carried througli a cycle in
the usual way, the temijcrature being that of the room (I5"C.), -A
current was now passed through the heating coil of the furnace
which resulted in a ste.ady temperature of 120 f. being .set U]),
With the specimen at this temperature a cycle was gone through.
^ ^>^
A
\^
-^
Applied field = l£0 CCS. units
Temiwiahire. Degrcs f .
Applied fl>'M = 75 C.G.S. units.
Tempuntnir.
Applied field=
iCGS
3.
This procedure was repeated for various temperatures, and the result 5
obtained are shown in Fig, 2, X\ :5I0"C. the specimen became
practically non-magnet ic.
Fig 3 is nf cdiisiderable interest. In obtaining tne curves, there
.shown, the following jirocedure was gone through: — The specimen
was placed ^^•ithin the solenoid and a magnetising field applied. This
field was maintained constant throughout. The temperature of the
specimen was now gradually increased until the magnetometer
deflection had become zero ; the specimen was then allowed to cool
slowly to room temperature, readings of the magnetometer being
taken as the temperature fell. It will be seen that in the ca.se of the
higher fields the permeability of the material is zero at about .5IK)T..
and that the cooling curve in no case coincides with the heating
curve. At the higher fields also, as cooling proceeded, the sus-
ceptibility remained practically zero until the temperature had
fallen to about SSCC.
Hopkinson* has carried out similar experiments upon alloys com-
posed of nickel and iron, and it is interesting to compare the results
obtained with those shown in Fig. .'}. A sample containing 4" per
cent, of nickel and 0-22 per cent, of carbon exhibited magnetic pro-
perties, when tested at room temperature, very similar to those of
mild steel. On giadually increasing the temperature it was found
that the magnetic quality of the material gradually improved until a
temperature of about 7o(l t". was reached, after which it deteriorated
rapidly, and the susceptibility became zero at a temperatm^e of about
825'C. On cooling, the susceptibility remained zero until a tem-
pei'ature of about 670^0. had been reached, after which point it
increased, until finally at room temperature it was restored to very
nearly its initial value. The behaviour of a nickel-iron containing
2.5 per cent, of nickel was even more remarkable. This specimen wa.s
found t<i be nim-magnetic at room temperature, but on being cooled
to about — oO"C, it became magneti.sable, and remained so as the
* Proceedings of the Royal Society, Dec. 12, 1889 ; J.in. 23, 1890 ;
May 1, 1890,
436
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 25, 1908.
lempeiatuic was (.'ladually increased to al)out 600^('., at wliicli ijoint
the siisooptibility became zero. On allowing the specimen to cool,
it remained non-magnetic down to the ordinary temperature of the
room.
It will b ■ seen from Fig. 3 that in the ca.se of tlie particular Hcuslcr
nlloy.s imder test the cooling curve never rises to the healing curve.
Tluis heating above the critical temperature results in tlie magnetic
quality being to some extent destroyed. Continued heating and
.subsequent cooling results in a diminution of magnetic property, the
perccnl:iL'r liijjiiiiulion in .susceptibility brought about by the first
heatinii Ui-iwj L'lvatlyin e.xccss of that by such subsequent heating.s.
There .ipiMMrN li> lie no sign of a steady state having been .set up.
Th<' magnetic j)roperties of the Heusler alloys when quenched from
a high lem|)erature are very remarkable. Fig. 4 shows the results
obtained on testing a specimen in both the normal and the quenched
conditions, (.'urve I. was obtained with the specimen in the normal,
or unquenched, condition ; Curve 11. was obtained with the speei-
/
^i
/
/
/
^^
.■^
/
/
/
A
/JL
/.
>
^
^M.
u
^
<y
^
I. Specimen at start. II. Specimen after quenching at 750'C. II'. Specimen in
ISSJ? "t^S^'o"^ quenching at !50''C. III. Specimen after quenching twice at
Z.W C. m . Specimen in liquid air after quenching twice at !50=C.
Fio. 4.
men in the quenched condition ; Curve II.' with the specimen com-
jiletely immersed in liquid air. Curve III. shows the magnetic
behaviour of the specimen after two quenchings, and Curve III.' its
behaviour in the doubly quenched condition when at the tempera-
ture of liquid air. It will be seen that the effect of the low tempera-
ture is to greatly increase the susceptibilitv of the material. The
Heusler alloy in this respect resembles Hop'kinson's nickel-iron alloy
contammg 25 per cent, of nickel. It is interesting to note also, in
connection with the comparison of the two materials, that in the
Heusler alloy we have a material, composed of non-magnetic metals
which IS strongly magnetic, whereas in the case of the nickel-iron alloy
we have an example of a material composed entirely of magnetic
metals which is initially non-magnetic at ordinary temperatures
NOTE ON THE ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE OP SPARK
GAPS.*
BY K. A. HOtJSTUN, PH.D., D.St.
-S«w»w)-y.— The author describes the effect of changing the material
ot the electrode on the resistance of the spark gap for eight different
metals, the other conditions being always the same.
Spark spectra are, as is well known, more complex than arc
spectra. Formerly this was attributed to a very hieh temperature
m the spark, but it is now regarded as due to a disintegration of the
atom produced in the spark-gap. If the current density in the spark
gradually mcreases imtil it is strong enough to disint^egrate a par-
ticular sytem in the atom, we should expect a new spectrum to be
produced then, and probably a change in the resistance of the spark-
gap. My experiments have shown me that our methods of measur-
ing the resistance of spark-gaps are not nearly accurate enough to
show such a change if it existed. I employed "the method of takin"
EiorhTff"'" "'f''- ^'^ "'"^ ^^' Bjerknes, which, according tS
EickhofiUs much^to be preferred tc^tjie^former method.
* Ab.,tract of a Paper read before the Ro/al Society of Edinbuich. ~
The apparatus consisted of an oscillator and a resonator (.see dia-
gram). The oscillator consisted of a conden.ser K, the opposite sides of
which were connected by short thick copper wii-es to the electrodes
E. between which the spark jiassed. The electrodes, no matter what
the metal was. were cylindrical. 4 mm. diameter, about 3 cm. long,
and had rounded ends. They were connected to the secondary of a
large induction coil. The condenser in the primary circuit was
formed of six zinc plates 20—20 cm., placed at a distance of 2 cm.
from one another, and hence had a capacity of 80 cm. The resona-
tor was made in Drude's form. It consisted of two parallel tubes in
which rods slid, the rods and tubes being mounted vertically 2 cm.
apart. The lower ends of the tubes were attached to tlie opposite
plates of a condenser C. the capacity' of w hich was 50 cm. The upjier
ends of the rods were joined by a thermo-coujile T, from which wires
led to a sensitive d'Arsonval galvanometer G. The resonator was
thus a long narrow rectangle, the length of which could be varied
from 58 to 100 cm. by sliding the rods inside the tubes. The self-
inductance of the resonator was found to be strictly proportional to
its length. The latter was read off on a scale.
The procedure was as follows : — When the induction coil was
started it charged the condenser. The latter then discharged itself
through the spark-gap in a train of diminishing oscillations and
induced o.scillations in the resonator. These heated the thermo-
couple and produced a deflection on the galvanometer scale. This
deflection was proportional to the mean square of the induced cur-
rent. The self-inductance — i.e., the length — of the resonator was
altered until this deflection was a maximum. The resonator was
then in resonance with the oscillator. The deflection of the galvano-
meter was then read for different lengths on both sides of resonance,
and deflection plotted against length gave the " resonance cirrve."
If J„, denotes the maximum value of the deflection, or,,, the corres-
ponding length of the rectangle, J the value of the deflection for
another length, a„,±ia. where ia is small in comparison with a„, then
Drude has shown* that 7, + 7,= t"" a/ '' . where 71 and 7, are
res])ectively the logarithmic decrements of the vibrations in the
oscillator and the resonator, the logarithmic decrement being defined
as the natural logarithm of the ratio of two successive oscillations in
the same direction. 'I=-^^a/'^- where R denotes the resistance.
C the capacity, and L the self-inductance in the circuit. Drude's
formula is derived on the suppositions (1) that the magnetic coupling
of the two circuits is weak ; (2) that the resistance of the spark-gap
IS constant; and (3) that the oscillator condenser is not charged
again until it has been completely discharged. In other words,
there are no partial oscillations in the secondary of the induction coil.
The second supposition is open to serious objections. Still it is
obvious that 71-1-72 measures the flatness of the resonance curve,
and that from general considerations the less the vibrations in the
oscillator are damped, the sharper and better defined the resonance
curve must be.
The resistance of the resonator was about 0-54 ohms, o* was 88 cm.,
and the diameter of the rods 5 mm. Its self-inductance, therefore,
when m resonance with the oscillator, was 730 cm. y, was thus
found to be 0-015. y, + y., was determined experimentally, y.. sub-
tracted, and the values of yj, the logarithmic decrement of the vibra-
tions in the oscillator, determined for different materials of the elec-
trodes and various lengths of spark-gap.
The values of the logarithmic decrement y, for zinc with different
lengths of spark-gap were 0-4 mm. 0-.32, 1-1 mm. 0-27, 1-4 mm. 0-23,
2-2 mm. 0-29. For aluminium 0-4 mm. 1-08?, I'OSmm. 0-44,
1-5 ram. 0-27, 2-0 mm. 0-24. For cadmium 0-45 ram. 0-2fi, M mm.
0-22. 1-6 mm. 0-18, 2-4 mm. 0-22. For tin 0-45 ram. 0-45, 11 mm.
0-40. 1-5 mm. 0-25?, 2-4 mm. 0-28. For copper 0-4 mm. 0-30,
11 mm. 024, I -5 mm. 0-29, 1-9 mm. 0-21. For iron 0-45 mm. 0-33,
* Ann. d. Phys., XV., 1904, -p. 700.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 25, 1908.
437
Mmm. 0-30, 14.5 nim. 019, 1-7 mm. 0-31. For brass 0-35 mm.
0-20, Mmm. 0-20. For nickel 045 mm. 0-39, 1-15 mm O'>0
145 mm. 0-23, 1-7 mm. 0-21.
The resistance of the sparli-gap in ohms can be obtained approxi-
mately by multiplying the above values of y, by 23. Tlie smallest
resistance recorded is therefore about 5 ohms. ^ The period of the
oscillator was 4 x 10-' seconds.
As will be seen the values of the decrements for different spark-
gaps do not well agree. - The resistance of the spark-gap itself seems
to vary irregularly, and I could not get a ,s((;iil\ ilcll.rfion of the
galvanometer. Pour induction coils were tricil. .i I- i . I illn vut lireaks :
the ordinary hammer break, the Wehnelt elccl i<.l\ i ir lurak. and the
Foucault mercury break were used. The Ijreak giving the most
regular results and used in obtaining the above results, was one
driven by a motor, and consisting of a platinum strip pressing
against the rim of a brass wheel, in which pieces of slate had been set.
In place of the thermo-couple a quadrant electrometer with un-
charged needle was connected to tlie plates of the resonator con-
denser, but was not so convenient to work. Zinc always gave a
larger decrement when freshly cleaned, but cleaning had no definite
effect on the others. When the Wehnelt interrupter was used much
lower values of the decrement were obtained, 0-12, and thereabouts
VALUE OP THE CARE AND MAINTENANCE OP
METERS.*
EV H. 1). KlXti.
Considerable time and energy are devoted to the consideration of
the best boilers, engines, generators, switchboards and various
labour-saving and economical devices for production, while the simple
matter of transportation and sale of current is put off as being of
much less importance. Xot so many years ago it was considered
reasonable to suppose that, so long as a meter continued to show
that a customer was using any light or power whatever, or that it
would operate on one 16 c.p. lamp, its mission was fulfilled, and it
wa,s unreasonable to expect anything more than that it should keep
going ; indeed, surprise was expressed that it should keep going, and
any complaint from a customer called for an immediate disposition
to have it changed for something different. As i)Usiness and manu-
facturing competition increased the customer began to analyse his
expenses and demanded that his light or power be delivered to him
in competition with his ability to supply his own needs, and the
electric companies found that the marketing of their product de-
manded more consideration. The electric manufacturing companies
met the demand for better meter.', and the strides of that industry
during the last three years have been little short of wonderful when
thepresent product is compared with that formerly furnished.
The present form of commutator tvpc of meter, less a few refine-
ments, was the prevailing type because it was readily adapted to
both alternating and direct current, and could, with slight changes,
be arranged for two or three-wire service of any voltage, 8oon
after this, various types of purely induction meters, for use on
alternating current only, were offered to the central station man to
be compared with the improved commutator type. The duty of the
central-station meter department was then clearly defined, and a
close analysis of the performances of the various types and makes
gave some interesting comparisons.
With a view to standardising the meter departments of a larce
. company, aggregating 18,000 installed meters, data were obtained
showing the number of meters handled per department employe,
the freiiuency of test, methods of testing and calibration, also
records of tests that would show the general or average conditions
ot meters as found when tested periodically. In order to determine
department eftciency, it was decided to make a close study of 1,000
meters in a district having average conditions and apply the know-
ledge thus gained to the object in view.
The results of tests on these 1,000 meters, of which about 900
were made on customers' premises,- are shown graphieallv by
I'lgs, 1, 2 and 3. It will be noted that 471 meters were of the com-
mutator type, of which 50, or 10 6 per cent., were correct on light
load and 193, or 41 per cent., were at lease 30 per cent, slow: while
J»H, or 40 per cent., were correct on full load, and only three were
dO per cent. slow. Curve 1, Fig. 1, shows an average light-load
T °u. i^*^'' '^®"'- °° '■'^'^ 'yP" °f meter. In a year's time con-
siderable loss of revenue would result from light-load operation.
ihe a,verage capacity of all the meters is 10 amperes, and the light
load IS one-tenth of the normal capacity. Assuming 10 hours a
day for light-load operation, the yearly loss on 500 meters would be
about X'b20, at 5d. per unit. From Curve 2, Fig. 1, it is found that
the same type of meter showed an average loss of 3ti per cent, on
lulUoad. Assuming three hours per day for full-load operation, the
» Abstract of a Paper read before the National Electric Light
Association. "
loss would amount to £400 on 500 meters. Therefore, the total
loss on the 500 commutator-type meters woukl amount to £1,020,
or over i,'2 per meter-year.
As a comparison, the same plan of reasoning is followed out on
the induction-type meter. Out of :i58 of these meters tested, 229
or 64 per cent., were correct on light load and 282, or 79 per cent
were correct on full load ; live, or 1-4 per cent., were 30 per cent,
slow on light load and three, or 0-.S4 per cent., were 30 per cent
slow on full load. Curves 3 and 4, Fig. 2, show a vast difference
in the performance of this type of meter and the commutator type
on light load, the average light-load loss on the former being 1-5 per
cent, as against 17 per cent, on tlie latter. Curve 4, Fig. 2, shows
4-
110-
iiin-
-
-
—
+j-
hH
-
-
i^H+K
V
n
Is
<r-
--
-
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-
J_
i
1
-
-
-
+M-
-
Z^'
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FlC. 1. — CUKVKS nOWING AVEKAOE LlOHT-LOAD ANI> Fui.L-LOAD L0S.SEg
ON CojniuTATOR Type Meteiis.
the average full-load loss as 0-8 per cent. The lost income from
the induction meter, calculated in the same way as the com-
mutator type therefore shows a loss of i;0-:i9 per meter-year as com-
pared with i;l'04.
All commutator-type meters were tested twice a year, and in the
majority of cases it was found necessary to change jewel and pivot,
besides cleaning, to restore the meter to its initial efficiency. It
was never found necessary to change jewel or pivot to restore initial
accuracy in the induction type, although from one to three years
had elapsed since last test. The upkeep cost is also much lower in
the latter type, because a competent man can test from 10 to 12
meters per day, while with the commutator type six to eight tests
constitute a fair day's work. The cost of jewels and pivots that have
no' ' '
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Meters
Fig. 2. — Cubves sHonixa Aver.vqe Lionx-LOAD and Full-load Losses os
Indoction Type Meters.
to be used in the commutator tj'pe is considerable, while that le-
(juired for the induction type is almost negligible, a test showing
that for the average consumer a period ot 10 years can be allowed.
Particulars are also given in the Paper showing that where a com-
mutator type of meter is replaced by one of the induction type the
increased registration more than offsets the first cost of the meter,
which only calls for about one third the upkeep.
The number of meters tested per day by each tester will vary
considerably, duo to type under test, conditions of meter and loca-
438
THE m.ff.nTRTOIAK DECEMBER 23, 1908.
tinn also tl.c distance to be travelled and transportation facilities
r^ood day'^vork for a competent tester should not be mo^ethan
fo induct ontvpe meters, unless they are found correct, m whf ca «
or 2 1 nay be tested. In testing conimntatoi-type meters, 4^^. to
. ; r ; Tis all that can be done if the work U l>onestly P^to med
It ,s comparatively easy to get the meter up to ^Pf^^ o" en t will
but the question is, will it stay there ■.' Mne >>^cs out of e" '* wm
not The only sale and sure way is to adjust the meter to noi"™*!
ondit^" by having the brushes ,,ust right even if ''--">
to leave the meter 5 per cent, slow on I'gh' .1°^^^ ^^ " >^«\7j^°
have a meter in that condition than tosacrihce ^^.s pom ■ 1 the
hrush tension is excessive, friction soon causes trouble ^^"^^ '^ t^°
li.-ht, sparking results on full load, causmg roughness on the com
nnitator ; in one month's time the meter will not operate on light
load and is invariably slow on full load.
PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.
DAMAGE TO ATLANTIC CABLES BY TRAWLERS.
In the House of Commons o„ Monday. -Mr. B..1.A.NL1 aiked tlie Post-
ma U-Gen^ ll whether his attention had been -""1 '" |.'>\-;f ■"l'"''
T^m^^e caused to the .Atlanti.. cables off the coast of Balhnskelhgs (co.
Kerrv^ bv ti-.«1r.- : :>",! whether, in view of the representations made
hv the Unitc.l SI an . ( :, ,^ m.ment and the Chambers of Commerce m the
i^nted Stito- hmI i;„.l;.nd on the subject, he would use his influence o
h,ave these trawler, excluded from the cable .one, withm which 13
cables are laid, to a distance of about 15 miles from the shore.
In reply, M^. Sydney Buxton said his attention had been draN™ to
recent further cases of damage to the Atlantic "^"es off the coast of
Kerry which were attributed to trawlers. In consultation ^^lth the
President of the Board of Trade, he appointed a Committee last summer
which carefully investigated the whole question. The Committee ha
before it a proposal made by certain of the cable compame tl^a* " "^^
should be excluded from the area extending sonie 70 miles from the Mo.c
(not 1.5 miles, as suggested in the hon. member s question), in wliiU
damage attributed by the companies to trawleis had occurred. Tlu
Committee considered that proposal impracticable, a vie>y m which His
Maicslv-'. (^.vernment concurred. It repotted, however, m favour of an
•atern.tu. ..r.^-al made bv certain . :,l,l,. ...mpanies for the inspection
f ti « hu: I- , and the practical si,-,- '■• '- "^en to give effect to that
,'fV,ui,m!',riau...i v..Te now nude,- I In- o m.-hI,, at ion of the T)ep:u-tmcMt.
('iinffrnt"(l. ''
PARLIAMENTARY RECORD FOR 1908.
\t the close of each I'arliainentary Session we have for many years
presented our readers with a summary of the work of the Session.
Notwithstanding the length of the Parliamentary year 1908 the
lecislative output is relatively small and. with one notable exce).tion.
eolnparatively unimportant. The exception is the passing of the
London Electric Supply and the London (Westminster and Kensing-
ton) Electric Sui^ply Acts. This fact, along with the rejection of the
London and District Electricity Supply Bill, may be said to have
decided the ve.xed question as to what form the " supply of cheap
e'pctricity for power and industrial purposes in London "' is to take.
As the main features of the past year's legislation are digested m
another column, we simjilv give belo« a list of the public and private
Acts of 1908 dealing with electricity supply, electric traction, tele-
craphy, telephony, &c.
Public Acts
Private
|-Sl;u-kburn Corporation. j
Hristol Tramways.
Hurnlev Corjioration.
Ceutrai Ireland Electrie Power. j
D.iucaster Corporation. j
Fin<lilev Urban Distrii-t Council.
Crcat Northern. Piccadilly and j
Bromi)ton Railway. i
K<-ii;hlcv Corporation.
King's College, London (Transfer).
Leeds Corporation.
Leicester CJorporation.
Leith Burgh.
Liverpool Corporation (General
Powers).
London County Council (Tram-
ways and Improvements).
Ijindon Electric Supply.
Tlie folio
oinplianc-f
London ;
Great E;
Belfast (
London
11. :
Acts.
London United Tramways.
London (WestminstCT and Ken-
sintilon) Electric Supply.
M;i, I l.->tieldand District Tramways
(Al'audimment).
Metropolitan District Railway.
Meti-opolitan Electric Tramwasy.
North-East London Railway. ,
Nottiiighamshiie and Derbyshire
Tramways.
Ravensthorpe Urban District
Council.
Ro(-hdale Cori>orati()n.
Smith Wales Electrical Power Dis-
tribution Co.
Stockport Corporation.
Wishaw Burgh Electricity, &c.
Wolverhampton Corporation.
cdcil with or were rejected for nnn-
li\ a Committee : —
i|i|.ly {preamble not proved).
, nM-rs) (eirchica' dannes wilhdrriwn).
.,„,/ ,.,i,Ung).
.inroads and Tramways (with-
)_ \dr(iu'n).
rl.,1 n„ ---."'.
_„ and Wind..., Mo,,., Koa.l,. '
Lower Thames (Grays Dock) {widulni
West London Tramways (withdrawn).
Highgate Hill Tramways {withdrawn).
Erith Tramwavs {withdrawn).
Croydon and Southern District Tramways {withdrawn
Com|ianies (Consolidation).
Comi)anies Act. 1908.
Port of London.
Telegraph (Construction).
Patents and Designs.
Coal Mines (Eight Hours).
Exjiiring Laws Continuance.
Provisional Order Confirmation Acts.
Electric Lighting.
Electric Lighting Provisional Orders (No. 1) : Bispam-with-Norbet-k,
C,-ildy Manor, Carmarthen, Fleetwood, Halesowen. Heswall. Lowestoft.
Lvimn-'toM. Portsmouth. Southampton, Woking.
'Kle.-tric- Lighting Provisional Orders (No. 2) ; Barrhead. Clyileliank,
Dundee. Ruthcrgleii.
Klcctrie Lighting Provisional Orders (No. 3): Bridgend, Hendon.
Ll.indaft' and^Dinas Powis, Llansamlet, Oult>m Broad. Sowerby Bridge.
Tewkesbury.
Tramtcays.
Tramways Order Coilfirmation (Manche«.ter).
'i'r.amways Orders Confirmation (No. 2).
Liverpi nl. North Staffordshire.
Confirmatory Acts under Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland)
Act, 1899.
.\yr Corporation Tramways 0,'de,-.
Kdinhni-ph Corporatiou (tiamwavs. &c.) Ord-r.
I.ana,-k.l,i,v I'.aluuax^ th-dcr.
Lo,-h l/-\, I, \\a,, , Power Ordei-.
. Paisley Ulsli-n.1 Ti.ouways Ordtr.
LEGAL INTELLIGENCE.
Acton District Council v. London United Tramways (1901) (Ltd.)
A Divisional Court (Darling and Walto,., JJ.) recently heard defen-
dants' appeal from the Brentford County Court judges decision mtlm
case, which involved the question as to responsibility for cleai ng
awav snow from the tramway track at Acton. The County Court
'udfe found in favour of the Council's claim for £25 for the work of
dearing away snow which they alleged should have been done bj the
company. There was a cross appeal by the Council against His Honour >
findino- that the company were not bound to scavenge the tramw aj
track under sec. 28 of their Act. The original action >Nas reported in
The ELEt'TRiciAN for April 3, 1908. .. t »i,„
Mr H. NiELD, M.P., for appellants, said the arnount ot tne
charge for the work done by the Council was arrived at by setting tne
proportion of the road occupied by the tramway against the total cost
of the removal. In this way they arrived at the tramway liability as
being one-tliird of the whole. They did not grumble at the "mount
so arrived at but thev objected to the assertion that they had so piled
up the snow as to create a nuisance. On the night of Christmas, lyut),
there was a heavy fall of snow, and the following morning the com-
pany improvised "a snow plough by putting up an obstruction in front
of one of their cars. The plough effectually cleared the line but the
result was that heaps of snow were thrown up on either side ot tne
line The Council cleared it away and subseiiuently charged tne
company Iwith the cost, alleging that it had become a nuisance.
Counsel argued that before they could charge the company for the
removal of a nuisance they ought to have given notice of the exist-
ence of the nuisance. , .
■Mr N \LDKETT, for Acton Council, maintained that the oblig-itiori
on the part of the company to maintain the road included the removal
of snow, and in its removal from the track they had no right to deposit
it on another part of the road so as to create an obstruction and
nuisance. . , , , „;„:„„
In giving judgment, Mr. Justice Darling said he was of opmrnn
that the cross appeal bv the Council must fail, as he agreed with tne
conclusion at which the County Court judge had arrived on that point.
Otherwise it would mean that if the company was charged with main-
tenance it would have to sweep away the snow as it fell. There was
also the fact that the Council had contracted to remove the snow. Ke-
garding the company's appeal, his lordship could not say that there
was any evidence of a nuisance, from which the Council had sutlerea
peculiar damage. He thought the Council was bound to remove the
snow in any case, and that there was no evidence to show that. De-
cause it was taken of the middle of the road and put to the side, it
was an obstruction or a nuisance, or that any extra expense had l^een
caused to the district. He thought the company's appeal must be
Mr. Justice Waijon concurred, and the appeal \vas allowed. The
cross appeal was dismissed.
Electrical Enterprise in Russia.— It is reported that electrical
]irospects in Russia are very promising. The satisfactory results
..l.tained by the electricity undertakings in St. Petersburg, Moscow
and other towns have stiiiulated a number of municipalities to sub-
stitute electric for horse tramways. Odessa, Kharkov, Vilna, Baku
and Astrakan. in addition to other towns, are engaged in carrying out
electric traction schemes.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 25, 1908.
439
MUNICIPAL, FOREIGN & GENERAL NOTES.
APPOINTMENTS VACANT AND FILLED.
The Council of the Institution of Electrical Engineers is prepared
to consider applications for the appointment of Secretary of the
Institution from candidates of good standing only, and of not more
than 45 years of age. In making a selection ini|icirtanre will be
attached to the following qualifications : — .Administrative experi-
ence, tact and business capacity, acquaintance with the profession,
knowledge of modern languages and technical knowledge. Applica-
tions to the President of the Institution of Electrical Engineers, 92,
Viet«ria-.st., London. S.W.. by Tuesday. .Tan. 12. See also an
advertisement.
A general manager is required by Bruce Peebles & Co. (Ltd.),
Edinburgli, must be thoroughly capable of taking entire charge of
both manufacturing and commercial departments, a good organiser
and a man of sound experience in all details of electrical engineering.
Applications to the Chairman of the Company. East Pilton. Edin-
burgh. See an advertisement.
The South Indian Railway Co. re(|uires an electrical engineer to
take charge of the electric lighting of trains and the installation of
electric driving in the locomotive shops. Salary Rs. 500, increasing
to Rs. 700 per mensem. Applications to Mr. R. White, Con.sulting
Engineer to the company, 3, Victoria-street, London, S.W.
Applications are invited for the Chair of Electrical Engineering in
the University of Manitoba (Winnipeg, Man., Canada). Salary
82,.500 per annum. Applications to the registrar (Mr. D. M. Duncan)
by Feb. 15.
A teacher of engineering is required at Doncaster Ivjunicipal
Technical School. Salary £130. Applications to the Principal by
Dee. 28.
Dublin Electric Lighting committee have selected .Mr. Ernest
Mayne to the position of mains anfl substation engineer, rendered
vacant by the death of Mr. Chas. Clancy, at a sal.Tiy of £200, rising to
£250 per anninn.
.Mr. .\rthur Cov-oney. tramways manager ;il I'^rith. has been
appoinietl by tlie Council to the juinl position ni I'Icetricnl engineer
and tramways manager.
Mr. A. Dover, of the British Thomson-Houston Testing De]i(.,
has been appointed assistant in the electrical engineering department
of the Battersea Polvtechnic.
EDUCATIONAL NOTICES.
Sir John Cass Technical Institute. A course of 10 lectures on " Con-
duction iti ttases and Radioactivity " will be delivered on Friday even-
ings (from 8 to 9), commencing Friday, Jan. 15. by Mr. R. S. Willows.
IM..^., D.Sc. The lectures will be fully illustrated by experiments,
and the course is intended for tho.sc who have a knowledge of general
physics and who desire to become acquainted with the recent advances
in this branch of science. A course of 12 lectures on " The Mathe-
matics of the Differential and Integral Calculus and their Application
to Chemical and Physical Problems " will be delivered by Mr. .\. E.
Hall, A.R.C.S., on Wednesday evenings (7 to 8), commencing .Fan. 13.
The course is arranged for those engaged in chemical industries and
for students of physical chemistry whose mathematical knowledge
is insufficient to enable them to follow the newer books and papers on
physical chemistry, and its technical applications. The detailed
syllabus of the courses may be obtained at the office of the Institute
(.Jewry-street. Aldgate, London, E.C.), or from the Principal.
Electrical Standardizing, Testing and Training Institution.— At the
recent scholarship examinations held at Faraday House, Mr. W. B.
Cushion, of Gresham's School, Holt, Norfolk, has been awarded an
entrance exhibition of twenty-five guineas a year, tenable for three
years.
Crystal Palace Engineering School. — " Wilson premiums " for the
best Papers read before the Crystal Palace Engim ri uil' Soriety iluring
the ))reseut session have been awarded to W. X. (in ni lIcn lij.s paper
on " I'ermaneut Way"), and R. S. R. Scrivcii'i (tcir his paper on
" Indian Railways "). The premiums were presented by Sir John
Jackson on the occasion of the 108th distribution of certificates, on
the IHth inst.
Australasia. — A public meeting at Longford (Tasmania) recently
discussed the position of the municipal electricity jiroject. It was
stated by Councillor Hudson that the consulting engineer (Mr. A'. L.
Corin) had provided for 25 c.p. lamps, but now the council had
adojil^d suction gas driving instead of t urbines. (he plnnls would have
to be revised and new tenders invited. The niajorily of those present
favoured further action by the < 'ouneil with a view to carrying out the
scheme and a subse(pienl poll nsultnl in 127 votes being cast for and
15 against this action.
Ayr. — The Tramways committee recommend the Council to pro-
ceed at once with the construction of the tramway to Hawkhill.
The salary of the tramways manager (.Mr. W. Grant) has
been increased to £250 per annum.
Barton-On-Irwell. — The Lancashire Electric Power- Co. Iinv(!
offer-ed to take over- llie ('ouncil's prdvisiorial order- loi- llie Clillon
district.
Beira (East Africa). — A corresiiondent informs us that it is piopo.sed
to establish electricity supply works for public and |)rivate lighting in
this town. It is proposed to adopt bare overhead conductors on
wooden ])oles for the distribution of electrical energy-
Broadstairs. — The directors r)f the Isle of Thanet Electric Tram-
ways and Lighting Co. are about to substitute up-to-date flame arc
lain|)s for the existirrg lamps on the fr-onl.
Clitheroe. — In order to test local feeling as to the question of
establishing electricity supply the surveyor recently sent out a
circular to ratepayers, and the result is a majority of 24 in favour of a
municipal scheme while .54 promised to take a .su])ply of current if
available. The Clitheroe provisional order was obtained in 19t)4.
Dover. — .\n inquiry was held on Friday into the application of the
Corporation for sanction to borrow money for extending the mains to
St. Margarets-at-Cliff.
Dublin. — The Electric Light committee report that the demand for
electric current for light and power continues to increase at a good
rate, the increase in the number of consumers during the three
months ended Sept. 30 being 123 (from 1721 to 1844).
A large number of inqiiirios nrc nl>i> ticing dealt with owing to the
growing popularity of mct;il lil.iin. iii I. mips. The great increase in the
use of these lamps is seriously dimiiii-luii^ the demand on the station ;
the committee report a gratifying irn-n-iise in the mimher of users of
electric motors for industrial purpo.ses. The present varying rate for
electric current for power is not working out as satisfaitoiily a" antici-
pated and the committee have decided to recninnieiid :i iiniforni rate for
all power, heating and similar purposes thiouglioiil the vimi- fr..ni .\l.o-rh
31 of IJd. per imit.
The estimated expenditure for the year to .March 31. llHril. is
£58,4111. 13s. fld. ; estimated income, £61,391. 10s.
Dundee. — On Thursday Last the Council instructed the Electricity
committee to report on a proposal to instal electric light in clo.ses and
stau-s. the landlords to pay interest on the capital outlay and the
tenants to pay for the electric current.
Electric Driving in Indian Textile Factories.— The " Indian Textile
Journal " for October contains particulars of some electric power
installations which have been put down in textile factories in India : —
. At the Shri Baldeo Mill, Hathras. the plant consists of a steam turbo-
generator (with surface condensing plant) direct-r-nuiiled to an electric
generator. The preparation machinery is driven by motors on each
shaft ; the ring frames are arranged in pairs and drivti> by direct coupled
motors. This plant has been in operation for some time and is reported
to be working most satisfactorily. The electrical equipment wa,s sup-
plied by the British Westinghouse Co.. through Messrs. Bradbury,
Brady & Co., who represent them in Western India.
The Finlay Mills (Ltd.). Bombay, have two Diesel engines of 400 b.h.p.
each, driving alternators which sujiply current to motors placed at the
end of the several line shafts, the weaving shed being driven iir .-i srmilar
manner by one large motor. The sizing and winding departments are
also driven by a special inotot, whilst the calenders and tinishers are
driven by an independent motor to each machine.
In eonsequence of extensions to the spinning and weaving machmcry
at the Bombay United Mills more power wa.s called for. The pecidiar
location of the new buildings, however, demanded a most extensive
system of bevel wheels, counter shafts and ropes, which would absorb a
large jiroportion of the surplus power. It was, thcrefori-, decided to
emplov electricity to drive the new extensions, and a rope-driven electric
geruTator is bcirrg installed, which will siiiq-ly current to motors placed
iit the end of the line shaft, and to motors driving the calendering ma-
chinerv. the total power provided for being 4tK) b.h.p.
At t"he cotton ginning factory of the Akola & .Mid-India Spinning &
Weaving Co. a rope-driven generator is bcmg installed in close pioxi-
mity to the main mill engines, and currect is conveyed by an overhead
cable to the sinning factory, where a motor of 120 b.h.p. will be installed.
This is stated to be the first instance in India of the application of electric
powTr to the driving of cotton gins.
The Kalccswarar Mills (Ltd.). Coimbatore. have also placed orders for
driving their new mill electrically. The plant will consist of a Diesel
engine of 525 b.h.p. driving an alternator.
At the E. D. iSassoon and Jacob Sassiwn Mills, Bombay, the super-
intendent (Mr. Nathan) has decided to instal an electrical power trans-
mission plant at each mill, which will comprise two .itX) b.h.p. Diesel
440
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 25, 1908.
nngines at llic E D. Sa=?ofiii mill, and two 400 B.II.P. Diesels at the Jacoli
SassDim mill, both drivirt.' diiecl i-oupled generators. \vilUn]ii>ly eurrent
to motors |>lii''ed in siiilalile ]>osilions ia the various line shaft?.
Electrification of American Railroads. — The Anuriciui Railway
Enpineerinjr and Alaintenatice of Way Association has appointed a
cominitl;-:' to deal with the electrification of steam railways. The
eomniill^e will not deal with motive power, or matters outside con-
strnction and maintenance. The subjects assigned for considera-
tion include transmission, line crossings, clearances, insulation and
protection, electrolysis, relation of track structures, and maintenance
organisation. Mr. G. W. Kittredge, of the New York Central, is
president of the committee.
Epssm. — An adjourned inquiry was held last week into the
Coiaicirs application for .sanction to a loan of £1,500 for extensions
of mains, house services, &c.
The clerk (.Mr. Wilson) and the electrical engineer (Mr. Foster) appeared
i.i siippirt of the apj>lieation and answered a number of questions as to
the financial po.^ition of the undertaking put by the inspector (Mr. H.
Ri5s Hoop.^r). Ultimately th? inquiry was again adjourned sine die.
and Mi. Hooper said he wanted information by the time of the resumed
in(|uiry as to the expenditure on accumulators, generating and distribii-
(i'li; stations, transformers, motors, and general store?. The Board did
not sanction loans for stores, and they covdd not have general stores
charged to capital account. He should like an ajiproximate statement
of tliinfrs u|) to theSlstiust.
Gravesend. — .-^n inquiry was held here last week into the applica-
tion of the Cor|)oration for sanction to borrow £6.000 for extensions
of the electric lighting mains, house services. &c.. and also for excess
expenditure on the jiresent undertaking. The inspector (.Mr. H. Ross
Hooper) asked a number of questions as to cxk^es; expenditure,
whether sinking fund had been allowed on it.and also as to the present
financial position of the tmdertaking.
Hamilton. — The Council have resolved to apply for a provisional
order to authorise the wiring of premises, the hiring of motors. &c.
Handsworth.— The Council have asked the Board of Trade to
a|i|inint an arbitrator to fix the price to be paid by them for so mush
of I lie undertaking of the City of Birmingham Tramways Co. as lies
» illiin Handsworth.
Heywood. — At the last meeting of the Council it was resolved to
])roceed with their- bill for authority to extend the tramway system
to run cars over the lines of the Bury and Rochdale Corporations, to
confer further powers in regard to electricity supply, &c.
India. — Mussoorie Municipality have received a licence from the
U.P. Government for electricity supply in the town.
Tlte concession of the company hitherto supplying electriciiv in
Lucknow ha\^ing expired, the Municipal Council have decided to
in\ile tenders for electric or gas lighting.
Leeds. — Electric light mains are to be extended into the Bramley
district.
Limerick. — Recently there has been friction between the workers
at the elcolrioity works, and a special meeting of the Whole House
committee of the Corporation was held on Monday to decide as to the
action to be taken in connection with the threat of the workers to
strike unless a switchboard attendant was dismissed.
A deputation from the Labo\ur Council attended, and after a lengthy
discussion. Aid. Joyce, M.P., and Aid. McNeice having consulted the
deputation, it was deeidde that ■' the Mayor should wait on the attendant
objected to and ask him to resign." The deputation imdertook that the
men would work on for a fortnight to give the attendant an opportunity
of resign mg.
London County Council.— On Tuesday loans of £2,868 to Battersea,
£4,426 to Marylebone, and £7,i3 to Woolwich, for electricity supply
I'xiensions, were sanctioned,
Uephint and Castle Sub-sfalion.— On the recommendation of the High-
ways ccmimittee,. it was decided to incur a capital expenditure of £14.200
111 providing two 1,500 kw. motor-generators at this sub-station.
Xoilhamptai, Pdli/hchnic lii.-:liliile.—The. Education committee recom-
mended that the proposal of the governors of this institute to purchase
c cctrical equipment at a cost of fo.fiOO be approved and that a grant to
that extent be made. It was intended to make the installation a com-
plete example of a modern generating station and they propose to pro-
vide two 90 B.H.p. gas engines and suction gas producer plant, the
engines to be coupled to a 50 kw. d.c. generator and a 50 k.v.a. three-
pliase alternator, one 25 kw. motor-generator, one automatic reversible
Dooster, balancer set for three-wire system, one 25 kw. rotary converter
tour static transformers (each of 10 k.v.a.), secondary battery of 250
cells, two switchboards. Agreed.
Ahandonmen! oj Trumimy.—lt was resolved to abandon the proposal
to .seek tarhamentary authority to construct tramways from Harrow-
roart, via hutlierl ,ud-uvenue, to Maida Vale, as tJie consent of the local
authoiity was not forthcoming.
Fl^ch-ir-r'"""''' ^'■''""'■".'/-■•— The an-angement with the Metropolitan
continl '?""";'.vs (T,td ) for working the Arehway-road tramways was
contmiml for a further three months.
U.h. Surface Conlact Tramways.-Oa the reception of the Fin.ance
committee's report objection was taken to the payment of the fee, of
250 guineas to Mr. W. M. Mordey, the consulting engineer called in to
report on these tramways. It was argued that the fee should not be
paid until the work had been completed. The motion to delay the pay-
ment was lost.
Macclesfield.— The General Purposes committee recommend the
Council to retain their electric lighting order (1901), and not to
a.ssent to the application of the local electric light and power company
for a new order.
Marylebone (London).— At their next meeting the Council will con-
sider a recommendation of the Electric Supply coranuttee that the
streets of tlie borough be lighted by electricity at a cost of £10.000,
and that aijplication be made to London County Council for a loan.
Montreal (Canada). — One of the most important electric lighting
and power companies in Canada is the Montreal Light, Heat and
Power Co., which either operates or controls plants having a total
capacity of 68.800 h.p. The company generates alternating current
at 63 cycles, though there is soine 3,000 h.p. in d.c. power chiefly
for elevator motors. There are tlirec hydro-electric jilants. viz.,
Chambly with 20.000 h.p., Lachine with 10,000 h.p.. and Soulangcs
with 15.000 H.p. The company controls the output of the Shawini-
gan Water and Pow-er Co., which is about 16,000 h.p., and there are
four au.xiliary steam plants of an aggregate capacity of 7.800 h.p. At
Chambly electrical energy is generated at 2,2(K) volts, two-phase ;
it is stepped up to 22,000 volts for long-distance overhead transmission
(20 miles). At Lachine tliree-phase current is generated at 4.400 volts
and transmitted (6 miles). At Soulangcs three-phase current is
generated at 4,400. then stepped up to 44.000 volts for transmission
over 30 miles. At Shawinigan the three-phase current is generated
at 2,200 volts, then stepjied up to 50,000 volts for transmission over
90 miles. The steam plants generate two and three-phase current at
2,200 and 4,400 volts. There are five sub-stations where the above
current is transformed down to 2,200 volts for local two-phase and
three-phase distribution round the city and 10,000 volt interconnect-
ing lines between sub-stations, and one sub-station for steam heating
and rotary converter d.c. power service. Customer's distribution is
partly from overhead and partly from underground circuits through
transformers located both on poles and in transformer vaults in
individual buildings for power and lighting; service two wire 110
volts principally, with some two wire 220 volts, and three wire
110/220 volts for lighting. 5.50 volt two-phase and three-phase for
jjower and 250-500 volt d.c. power three w-ire circuits. The electrical
plant is American, having been supplied by the Stanley. Westing-
house and General Electric Companies. There are 14.724 lighting
consumers. 471,488 incandescent lamps. 2,222 commercial alternating
multiple arcs and over 1.000 miscellaneous ajiparatus. There are
also about 50,000 tungstens and other metal and metalised filament
lamps in use in the city. There are 1,107 a.c. power customers, and
1.925 a.c. motors (representing an aggregate of 50,973 h.p.) ; 244 d.c.
power customers and 515 d.c. motors (representing 3.040 h.p.). For
street lighting there are 2,080 series a.c. arc lamps, 119 65 c.p., and
510 32 c.p. lamps. 242 d.c. arc and 28 65 c.p. incandescent lamps, and
177 multiple a.c. 32 c.p. and 24 16 c.p. lamps. The company supplies
power and lighting in 17 towns. &c.. besides the city of Montreal, and
also sujiply power to the Montreal Street Railway Co.
Municipal Telephony. — At the meeting of the Hull Telephone
committee on Monday, it was reported that there had been an increase
of 67 subscribers during the past quarter.
Neath. — The L.G. Board have authorised the Council to borrow
£7,0il0 for the purchase of the Neath generating station of the South
Wales Electrical Power Distribution Co.
Personal.— Ml-. E. Kilburn Scott, A.M.Inst.C.E.. M.I.E.E., has
resigned his position at the University of Sydney (X.S.W.), and is
returning at the end of the year to London where he will resume
professional work. During the last four years he has organised and
equip])ed the electrical engineering dejjartment of the Russell School
of Engineering, now housed in a building that compares favoiu-ably
with engineering schools elsewhere. Amoi;gst other professional
work Mr. Kilburn Scott has advised the X.S.W. Government regard-
ing the electrification of railways, Bendigo City Council regarding
electric lighting and tramway rating, and has acted as expert to the
X.S.W. Public Service Board. He was associated with Messrs.
Coane, of Mclboiine, in the Trawool dam irrigation and electric
power scheme referred to in the railway electrification report by ^Ir.
C. H. Merz. He also reported on a scheme for the erection of a
carbide of calcium factory at Cairns, near the Bavrou Falls, Queens-
land.
At the Board of Ti-ade on Friday last a number of officials, in-
cluding some past and present colleagues, presented Sir Thomas W. P.
Blomefield, C.B., with a silver bowl, as a token of their affection and
respect on his retirement after 40 years' service. The presentation
was made by Sir H. Llewellyn Smith. C.B., and the Hon. T. H. W.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 25. 1908.
441
Pelham. C.B., and among the otlicr officials present were Sir Walter J.
Howell. Mr. G. R. Askwith. K.C. Sir C. N. Dalton, Mr. Wilson Fox,
C.B.. Col. Sir Herbert Jekyll, Mr. J. G. Willis. Mr. G. S. Barnes,
Sir .Alfred Bateraan, Col. Yorke, R.E., C.B., &e.
Mr. Geo. Whale, chief mechanical engineer of the L. & N.W. Rly.
Co., has tendered his resignation o«ing to ill-health.
Potteries Federation. —In connection with the scheme lor the
federation of the chief pottery towns the agreement between the
parties makes provision that the different gas and electricity works
are to be carried on by the Council of the federated borough as separ-
ate undertakings, provision, however, being made for combining two
or more gas or electrical undertakings if and when it was found
desirable in the interests of economical management, and subject to
the approval of the L. G. Board.
Private Bill Legislation. — Among the bill.s to be promoted in the
1909 Session of Parliament is the Manchester Corporation Bill which
seeks authority to " run, work, and use cars, omnibuses, and vehicles
(with or without trailers) for the public conveyance of passengers,
goods, merchandise, and other traffic along public streets and roads
(without using or laying down rails) by electrical motors obtaining
their energy by means of overhead trolley lines." It is provided
that the expenditure shall be " such sum as the Board of Trade may
determine."
The Somerset & District Electric Power Company have
given notice of their intention to a})ply for leave to bring in a bill
to extend the periods limited by the Somerset & District Electric
Power Act. 190.3, for the commencement of works and the provi-
sion of a sufficient generating station ; to acquire local authorities'
and other undertakings authorised by provisional orders to sell or
lease the Company's undertaking ; to manufacture, purchase, hire,
sell, &c.. electric fittings, meters, motors, &c., to enter into agree-
ments to supply energy for traction and other purposes -within or
without the area of supply ; to acquire by agreement the undertak-
ing of the Bath Electric Tramways Co. ; to enter into agreements
with the City of Bath Electric Supply Co. for the exercise by either
company of the powers conferred upon the other company, &e.
A bill is being promoted for powers to extend the Charing Cross
Euston and Hampstead Railway from the Golder's Green terminus
to Watford. After Golder's Green the next station will be on the
Shire Hall Estate. There will be two stations at Hendon. Collin-
dale flill be the next stopping-place, and then, in a direct run, the new
railwav will pass tlirough Edgware, Stanmore and Bushev. to
Watford.
The County of Durham Electric Power vSupply Co.'s bill empowers
the Durham Co., the Newcastle Electric Supply Co., the Cleveland
and Durham Electric Power Co., and the Northern Counties Elec-
tricity Supply Co. " to enter into and carry into effect agreements for
mutual assistance or for association with each other." These agree-
ments may include the linking-up of their generating stations, or the
supply of electrical energy to one another, or the sale or transfer of
mains, works and apparatus belonging to any one of the contracting
companies. The bill also proposes to empower the company to lay
mains in South Shields for supplying energy to the North Eastern
Railway Co., and the Harton Coal Co., and power is further sought to
subscribe for shares in or lend money to any company taking a supply
of energy from the company.
Liverpool Corporation seek powers to carry out street widenings
estimated to cost £30,000, and to lay down further tramways,
estimated to cost, with equipment, £100,100. Authority is also sought
to run cars on the trackless trolley system. All expenses incurred
and all revenue derived are to be dealt with as part of the Corpora-
tion's tramway undertaking.
The Preston, Chorley & Horwich Tramway Co.'s bill seeks power to
extend the time for the construction of authoriised works, &c.. to
reduce its share capital from £500.000 to £425,000, and the loan
capital from £125,000 to £106,250, to enter into agreement with
Bolton Corporation as to leasing and working the existing tramways in
Horwich, to confer running powers over lines of Bolton, Preston and
Wigan tramways, to take electricity in bulk from authorised under-
takers, &c.
Renfrew. — Tlie Board of Trade have granted an extension of time
for carrving out the terms of the Renfrew Electric Lighting Order.
1905.
"Tantalum " Lamp Encomiums.— A paragraph in the "South
African News." referring to the recent cutting of the CuUinan dia-
mond, states that " experts describe the contrast between the largest
portion of the Cullinan stone and the Koh-i-noor as that between a
' tantalum ' electric lamp and a half-penny dip,"
Torquay. — The local tramways are to be transferred from the
Dolter Electric Traction. Ltd. (in liquidation) to the Torquay Tram-
ways Co., Ltd.. for a consideration of £157,.50()
SPECIAL NOTICE.
NOW READY.— Vol. LXI. of " The Electrici.« " (1,018 page9\
bound in strong cloth. Price 17s. 6d. ; post free, 18s. 6d. Also ready
Cases for Binding. Price 2s. ; post free, 2s. 3d.
A complete set of "The Electriciax" (1860-1865—1878-1908) can
be supplied. A number of odd volumes and some odd old back num-
bers, to help in making up complete sets, are also now available.
Trade Marks in Japan and the Argentine.— Recently the Birming-
ham Chamber of Commerce made representations to the Foreign
Office as to the injury cau.sed to British traders by piracy of trade
marks in .Japan and the Argentine. Sir Edward Grey has replied
explaining the regulations prevailing in Japan respecting the registra-
tion of foreign trade marks, and advising owners of trade marks to
forward particulars of such marks to the Patent Bureau in Tokio.
The difficulty of protecting trade marks is greatly increased by the
failure of foreigners to take any action to secure their rights, and Sir
Edward recommends traders to combine to appoint a common agent
at Tokio to watch over their interests.
Turkey. — It is announced that Prince Ferckh. son of Prince
Medjid, is about to proceed to England to study electrical engineering.
Watford. — The Council are applj-ing for powers to authorise the
wiring of premises, the hiring-out of motors. &e. The local con-
tractors are opposed to these powers, and the Electric Lighting com-
mittee have invited them to discuss their objections.
West Bromwich. — An unopposed inquiry was held here last week
into the Council's application for a loan of £2.000 for extensions of
cables and services.
Arc Works Provident Fimds.— At the annual meeting of
the Arc Works \\)luntary Sick Benefit Society (established for the
benefit of Messrs. CromptonT& Co.'s employees at Chelm.sford),
which was held on Dec. 12, Mr. A. J. Hodgson presided and was
supported by Jlr. Claud Ciompton.
The secretary (Mr. W. G. Bickmore) read the bakance-shcet. which
was adopted. The report (read by Mr. Hodgson) stated that the con-
tributions were £300. 12s. 4d. and donations by the company £S7. 2s. Id.
Sick pay was £312. .5s. 3d., officers' salaries (£19. 10s. lOd.) and other
expenses made the total outgoings £335. 16s. 7d., leaving £53. 8s. for
distribution. Five funeral levies amounted to £119. 15s. 6d. It was
decided to send £14. 7s. Id. (the amount by which the reserve exceeded
£100) to the Essex and Chelmsford Hospital Enlargement Fund. The
secretary, committee and auditors were le-elected.
The meeting of the subscribers to the Infirmary and Dispensary fimd
followed. Total receipts were £28. 8s. lid. and expenditure by hospital
and dispensary letters, &c.. £27. 6s.
The chairman afterwards drew attention to the Benevolent Fund,
which is supported entirely by the company. During the year £24. 4s.
had been expended in weekly sums of from 5s. to 7s. 6d. amongst the
employes.
A vote of thanks was accorded to the directora for the interest taken
by them in all the institutions, and a vote of thanks to the chairman
closed the meeting.
Concerts. — The Birmingham section of the P. & O. Batti-Wallahs'
Society do not appear to be behind their brothers in London, for thev
gave a successful bohemian concert on the 17th. inst.
The Birmingham local section has been foimed about live or six months
and the present membership totals (in. The section has already organ-
ised two smoking concerts, and on the present occa.sion a number of
friends (including ladies) were entertained at the Grand Hotel, Birming-
ham, over 160 being present. The programme was a most enjoyable
one, and made all the more so by the fact that the talent were member's
of the local section or their friends.
Derby Corporation Electric Light Department Recreation Club
held a smoking concert last week, at which the borough electrical
engineer (Mr. T. P. Wilm.shurst) presided.
TRADE NOTES AND NOTICES.
TENDERS INVITED.
Tenders are invited for the supply of n branch metallic nudtiple
magneto switchboard to the Postmaster-General's Department in
New South Wales. Tender forms and specification may be obtained
at the Commonwealth Offices, 72, Victoria-street. London. S.W. See
also an advertisement.
Fareham Urban District Council are prepared to receive tenders
for three alternators and exciters, high and low pressure switchboards
and overhead travelling crane. General conditions and specifications
may be obtained at the offices of the consulting engineers (.Messrs.
May & Hawes). Caxton House, Westminster. S.W. Tenders must be
addressed to the Clerk of the Council (Mr. Leonard Warner) before
It) a.m. of Wednesday. Jan. 20.
442
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 25. 1908.
READY.
"THE ELECTRICIAN "ELECTRICAL TRADES'
DIRECTORY AND HANDBOOK.— The 1908 Edition
of the Big Blue Book, price 8s. 6d., or post free in the
United Kingdom, gs. 3d. The new and enlarged volume
brings a great mass of statistical and technical data
quite up to date, and the Directorial Division has been
thoroughly revised and amplified.
All branches of Electrical Engineering and Industry
are fully treated and Electro-Financial matters have
received every attention in the new volume, which aggre-
gates more than 2,000 pages. The Directory Division is
complete and thoroughly accurate, and has been com-
pletely revised. All mere lists of members of Societies
and Institutions (so easily and cheaply available) are
excluded, as quite unreliable for Manufacturers' and
Dealers' purposes. The full set of valuable Statistical
and Engineering Tables, &c., have been very carefully
revised and extended, and remodelled into handy book
form ; these are included in the 1908 Blue Book, making
it the most complete book of the kind ever published.
Tender.s are invited for supply and delivery of various sizes of
electric motor.s required by the Electric Supply committee of the
City (if BiimiM/hnm. General conditions, specification and form of
tender imm tiie city electrical engineer (Mr. R. A. Chattock),
U, Dale-end, Birmingham, to whom tenders by noon Dee. 29.
Portsmoulh Corporation want tenders by noon Jan. -1 for ma-
terials (poles, overhead line material, bonds, conduit, frames and
covers, thermit joints, rails, &c.) for about 1 mile of tramway. Speci-
fications from llie Town Clerk.
Ldth Ciirporalion require tender.s by .Ian. (i for su|iply and erec-
tion of a 000 kw. steam dyniiino. Siieoitieations from tlio i^uruh
Electrical engineer.
Beljast Harbi.iir CiiiiniiissidM invite lenders for tlie supply of about
]00 ton.'f of sle(>l girder Irannvay rails with fishiilates and bolts.
'JVnders to tlie Seeielary. Harbour Offices. Belfast, by Dee. 30.
Messrs. Preece & Cardew are instructed by Sydney (N.S.W.)
Municipal Council to invite tenders for supply and erection of five
wat<?r-tube boilers, each capable of evaporating 24,000 lb. of water per
hour, with economisers, stokers, feed pumps, pipework, &c. Speci-
fication, drawing and form of tender from Messrs. Preece & Cardew,
8. Queen Anne's Gat«, Westminster, S.W. Tenders to the Town
Clerk, Town Hall, Sydney (N.S.W.), by 4 p.m. Feb. 22.
A translation of the conditions, &c., for the Baku (Russia) electric
tramway concession (for which, as we recently announced, tenders
have to be in by Jan. 24) may be seen at the Board of Trade. 73,
Basinghall-street, London, E.C.
Castro del Rio (Spain) Municipality will open tenders at 11 a.m.
on Dec. 30 for a 20 years' electric lighting concession on the basis
of an annual rent of 6.000 pesetas (£214).
The time for receipt of tenders for the construction and working
of an electric power station and tramway at Buna (Algeria) has been
extended to Feb. 15 next. Specifications may be seen at the Board
of Trade, 73, Basinghall-street. London. E.C.
TENDERS RECEIVED AND ACCEPTED.
Cardiff Elect lieal cuinmittee recommeiul tlie acceptance of the
tender of Wilhiiis & Robinson for the supply of a 2..500 kw. turbo-
alternator (Parsons type of turbine with Siemens generator) at £6,7.'55
Delivery to be made in 28 weeks. There were 20 tenders.
London County Council received the following tenders for an
electric lighting installation, bells and fans of the L.C.C. Clapham
secondary school : —
G. E. Taylor & Co. {am pled) £399
The eontrarl of W. T. Henley's Telegraph Works Co. at the L.C.C.
rri.lr.il e.ir repair .l-p..l. has been extended to cover th^- in.slallalion
if telephones at an estimated cost of £12").
Bradford City Council are recommended to accept the tender of the
Bradford Electrical Entrineering Co. for wiring the Green-lane
child feeding dejiot at £97. 10s.
The offer of Hadfiold's Steel Foundry Co. to supply the trackwork
for a junction at the Hackney car shed for £262 (less 2i per cent.) has
been accepted by the London County Council.
For the provision of additional condensing water pipes at the
Greenwich generatina .station the offer of Messrs. J. ('..ehrane &
Sons at cost price, plus 10 per cent, was accepted. The estimal<><l
cost is £8,000.
Bolton Education committee have accepted the tender of the
Corporation electricity department for wiring the Tonge Moor schools.
Tunstall Council have accepted the tender of Evans & Son for
wiring the museum.
Bedford Education committee have |, laced an order with J.
Source for six months' electrical goods.
Worksop Council have placed an order with the Mordey-Fricker
Electricity Meter Co. for 50 prepayment meters at £2. 3s. 9d. each.
Gravesend Education committee have accepted the tender of F. A.
Glover & Co. for A\iring the Cecil-road schools at £234.
Commonwealth Tenders.— The Postmaster-General's Department.
Sydney (N.S.W.) have accepted the following tenders :—
'W T Henley's Co. for switchbo,ard cable. J. A. Newton Propiietary
for single Ime pluge. Federal Nut & Bolt Works for mtulator spikes.
J W. Broomhead for local batterv rnp|,rrs and suspenders, Plutte,
Seheele & Co. for v.i.r. insulated en].,., v, ,,.■. \. S. Jacob for mam battery
corks, H. A. Sweeney for g.i. scharlJ. - .n .1 l-lts and nuts. H. C. Martyn
& Sons for Morse instrument ink. Shin r & Cu. for c.i. brackets. (J. Haes
for accumulators, F. G. King for local battery zincs and iron bracket
pens. J. T. Jay for main battery connections and leads, and Jas. Paton
& Co. for magnetic bells, bell standards, ebonite buttons, granulated
carbon, induction coils, receiver coils, combination cords, receiver
diaphragms, microphone carbon walL telephones, generator handles,
Ericsson combinations for bridging tele])hones, receiver hooks, gene-
rator matmets, micro-tele]iliones. mouthpieces, nuts, plug?, felt rings,
sciew heifds. shunt springs, switch levels, junction switches and bell^.
•-. j:nk<. riivj .l.nvn order wire, and ringing and listenmgtkeys.
ImI .lliplrx lr.iM-l:ltorS, &C.
r,,MnL,-iri (.rn.iMrs Department, Sydney (N.S.W.), have also
,1 ihi- u-ik1,-i ..( the Western Electric Co. for a branch metall'-
Pullan 1,116
F. C.Hoskin.s&Co 1,084
Lund Brothers & Co. . 990
S. .J. Suter & Wood 988
G. N. Haden & Sons 971
Tredegar & Co £923
G. Weston & Sons 803
W. G. Cannon & Sons 789
Comy n Ching & Co 786
Aland & Co 783
W.J. Fryer & Co 748
Staffs Education committee have accepted the tender of Lea. Son
& Co. for wiring the Albion-street schools at £224 ; and that of the
Midland Electric Corporation for Power Distribution for service
cables.
The contract for auxiliary controllers and electric brakes for the
new electrically driven cogging mill and bar mill at the Staffordshue
Steel and Ingot Iron Works. Bilston. of Sir Alfred Hickman (Ltd.).
was carried out by Messrs. Welbnan Sea ver& Head. , . .
earpic. I
i-ignal-
'Thr
multiple magneto ^\vitrhhoa^ll for Mosnian exchange (at £3,346), addi-
tional cibling ( i-'iS) and a|.i.aiatiis for 27 incoming junction lines 24s. 6d.
each, and 40 oiitgoiiig junction lines Us. (id. each.
The I'otni istciCiecerars Depaitment. Brisbane (Queensland) have
accei.tc-a the trndcrs of W. T. Henlev's Co. for v.i.r. copper wire. Zwicker
Tod & Co. fur Acme msulators, N.Z. Loan &M.A. Co., Perry Bros. &
Rich & Co., for g.i. wire.
The Public Works Department of Westerii Australia have accepted
the tender of G. Wills & Co. for copper wire and steel pole tops for tele-
phone jiurposes.
The Postmaster-General's Department. Melbourne (Victoria) have
accepted the tenders of F. and W. Drayton Proprietary for w.i. straps
and bolts and nuts for Sullivan p.'Ks ancl K. L. R. Roberts for insulators.
BUSINESS NOTICES.
The London office of Messrs. Stewarts & Lloyds is now at Win-
chester House, Old Broad-street, E.C.
The offices of the River Plate Electricity Co. (Ltd.) have lieen
removed to 62, New Broad-street. London, E.C.
Ralph Ernest Bowyer and John Hodson, electrical engineers. &c..
Stansted and Takeley. Essex, have dissolved partnership. Debts
by Mr. Bowyer.
Thos. Hy. Satchwell and Albt. Ernest Gittings, electric fittings
makers, Tantarra-street, Walsall, have dissolved partnershi]). Debts
by Mr. Gittings, who continues.
Julian Wm. Revy and Philip Francis Besch. trading as Reyy,
Phillips & Co., general and electrical engineer.^, 181. Queen Victoria-
street. London, E.C have dissolved partnership. The business
will be continued as Revy, Phillips & Co. (Ltd.).
The liquidator of Meldrum Bros. (Ltd.) WTites to say that the
iminession amongst some of their customers tlrat their Timperley
works are closed is erroneous : the works have been running all
along under the personal supervision of Mr. J. W. Jleldrum.
Messrs. Earley it Co. have commenced business as electrical engi-
neers at 16, Beaufort-road. Birmingham.
Plant for Sale.— Messrs. G. Elliott & Co.. 180-188, Long-lane,
Bermondsey. London, S.E., have for sale two compound Marshall
steam engines coupled to two Crompton dynamos, a combined
generating set. and also three dynamos. Further particulars are given
in advertisements.
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 25, 1908.
443
Patents Development. — The proprietors of the undermentioned
patents are desirous of entering into airangements, by way of Hcence
and otherwise, for exploiting same and ensurinji their full develop-
ment and praetieal working in this country : —
Patent No. 29.40(3/1906. for " Improvement!' in lOlccirir Cuiitaot
Devices."
Patent No. 26,590/1905, for " Apparatus for Generating and Utilising
High-tension Alternating Cui rents for the Ignition of Explosive Mixtures
in Internal Combustion Engines."
Patent \o. 176/1906, for " Improvements relating to the Regulation
or Ccmtnil nf Elertric Motors."
Ciinimuni' ;ilinii> in icaard to the above should be addics-i-ed to Messrs.
Haseltinr. L:ikr iV I'm,. patiMit agents and consulting engineers, 7 and 8,
Sontliam|>t<in l)nilibiii;s. Cbancery-lane. London, W.C.
Patents, Designs and Trade Marks. — Messrs. Brown & Co.. 9.
Warwick-court. London, W.t'.. recently issued a new edition of their
Chart of Infornuition on Patent.;. Designs. Trade Marks and Copy-
right. The information appears to have been carefully edited and
includes the alterations in the law and procedure regarding the grant
and working of patents, &c., introduced by the 1907 Act. Some
particulars aie also given of the foreign and colonial jjatents. together
with a table of the most important foreign countries and British
colonies granting jiatents and trade marks. The chart should prove
useful, not only to solicitors, engineers and diaughtsmen in the
patents departments of engineering firms, but to all who are interested
in the ])roterticin of industrial property.
Foster Show Card. — The Foster Arc Lamp & Engineering Co.
Ltd., are sending out a useful show card directing attention to their
auto-transformers. Tlie value of the transformer is graphically dis-
played by estimates comparing the costs of biu'ning carbon and
ifiai ©[UD
'uKECE^^l
metallic filament lamjjs. We show a small rejinidiiiiidn of ilii' -Imw
cai'd herewith and must compliment the Ciini|iany and Mi. .1. ( '■nway
Price on the production of the same. It should pii|>iilan/i- tin- anlo-
transforuier ainnngsl electricity users.
E.C.C. New Year Novelties. — We arc accustomed t" look for- somc-
tliing useful as a New Yerrr' novelty from the Electric Construction
Co., and we are seldom disappointed. For 1909 the company have
again succeeded in combining the ornamental with the useful in the
form of an art match box. and a very serviceable block of ink and
jrencil eraser. The Company must be prepared to receive apirliea-
lions for a considera!)le number of renewals of the latter as the years
roll on. Both items are exceptionally good advertising media.
"Simplex" Specialities. — There arc few better known articles
in the electrical industry than the Simplex range of good.s, and usually
the Company can be depended upon to .strike out a fresh line uirli
regard to their introduction. The 1909 Simplex device takis the
loiru of a brazen tablet fitted with a thermometer and bearing the
Simplex emblem prominently on its' face. The wirole makes an
excellent advertisement.
Always welcome is the Simplex Company's pocket price list of
conduits, fittings, -Hires, lainirs and general accessories. The book
C(jntains so mirch infor rnatiorr. besides a complete diarv for' the year.
))rinled orr s(pia'-('(l jiapor. that lire electrical man will find it a vciy
u.seful pocket companion.
Thermit. — An error occurred in our note last week (p. fOo) relating
to Thermit. Limited. The number in Martin's-lane, Cannon-street,
London, E.C., should have been 27, not 35, as erroneously given.
C.\LEXD.\RS .'ND Di.\RiES. — The majority of table and wall
calendars given away by manufacturing firms usually bear advertis-
ing matter- of some kind. The reoinrssi> metal calendar issued by
-Messrs. 'Venner & Co. is a striking e.xception to the rule, in that it
bears no reference to the time switches and meters of this firm. It
should, none the less, remind recipients, who will doubtless make use
of it, of the source from v\'hich it emanates. We are informed that
the calendar will be distributed early in January, and any of our
readers who are not clients of the Conrpany can obtain a copy by
forwarding a Is. with their request.
From the Electrical Power Storage Co.. -1, (Jreat Winchester-street
E.C., we have again received one of their very useful combinations of
a calendar, blotter and diary for 1909. .As an introduction to the
diary, interesting particulars, with i)rices, are given of the various
types of E.P.S. cells. The cover of the diary is artistically produced
in colours, andl the blotter and diary carry with them insurance
against railway accidents for £500. The combination makes an
extremely useful and highly appreciated desk companion.
From Messrs. Siemens Brother-s & Co. we have received a lu-atly
bound and useful pocket diary, calendar and memoranda book.
Some tables are included in the early part of the diary and
illustrated particulars are also given of .some of the company's
standard manufactures.
Messrs. Wnr. Geipel & Co. also .serrd us a nicely bound waistcoat
pocket diary and calendar. It contains ^ome useful tables and
accompanying it is a £1,0(X) insurance coupon waich covers accidents
of travel and sickness allowance.
From the Hart Accumulator Co. (Ltd.), .Marshgate-lane, Stratford,
London, E., wc have received a u.seful desk blotting pad.
A hanging calendar, with bold Hgirres and monthly tear-oflf sheets
has come to hand from Messrs. J. Halden c& Co.. .Manchester.
From Messrs. Shand & .Mason wc have received a large sheet calen-
dar for 1909.
BANKRUPTCIES. LIQUIDATIONS, &c.
At Edmonton on Monday Thos. War-d, of Enfield Wash, lately a
director of the Electrical Instrurrrent .Manirfactui-ers (Ltd.), Freezy-
water, Waltham Cross, attended for examination. Liabilities
£1,1(51 and as.scts nil.
Debtor .-aid (be c(ini|iany was id liquidation under a compulsory
winding-up order-. The company started in 1905 and was indebted to
him to the extent of £1,100, but there was no chance of recovering it.
The company had no banking accoirnt and used his. He was to have
bad £200 a year from the company, but he had not had 10s. a week. He
bad sold shares in the comjrany and bad paid the numey into his own
ac(-o\int. During the last three year-s be bad had no means of bis owir
exi Pi)t what be had received from the sale of shares or debentures in the
company. His claim for £1.100 irrcbided money advanced (£700 or
£800) and arrcas of salary. Examination adjoui'iied.
Geo. Suteliffc (trading as Geo. Sutcliffe & Co.), electrical engineer"
22. Church-street, Abertillery, Mon., has been adjudicated bankrupt.
Mr. L. B. Linnett. 42, Poultry, London, HC., has been appointed
trust,?? in the bankruptcy of Wnr. Arrhert. jun., electrical engineer,
late 16, Harp-alley, London, E.C.. and Tagg's I.slamI, Hampton
Corrrl.
Clairirs irgainst the Sevenoaks Motor Car & Electrical Co. (Ltd
by Jarr. ;!1 to ,Mr. A. P. (irrcrrier. 12(). Gresham Horr.sc;, I.,<jndon, E.C.
A meeting of the creditors of the Hircnos Ayics Electric Ti-aiuways
Co. (1901), Ltd. (in voluntary liqrridation), will be held on .(an. 7 at
02, London Wall, London, E.C. Claims arc to be sent by Feb. 1 to
Mr. F. Thrrrsby at that address.
Crrtlcr. Wardlc & Co. (Ltd.) is being «orrnd up voluntarily, Mr.
.\. G. .\lcllois. C..\., Xottingham, is liquidator.
PATENT RECORD.
APPLICATIONS FOE PATENTS.
Note. — The undermentioned Apjdications [except those marked^) are no
open to public inspection until after acceptance oj Complete Specifications
Those marked t are open /or inspection 12 months ajter the date attached
to them, if they have not been published previously in the ordinary course.
Names within parentheses are those of communicalors of invetitions. When
complete Specification accompanies ap])lication, an asterisk ii affixed.
August 17, 1908.
17.-.?sl iMriKriT. Electric furnaces.*
17,283 Gr.w. Electric conductors.
August IS, l»lt8.
17,291 Heap & Beattv. High tension switchgear.
17,308 Watson & Ashwokth. Supplj-ing and uu- i*nrin.r ,1,.. trie
current.*
17,.311 Fergi'son'. Dynamo electric machines,
W.St'y Cox. Switches.
17.331 HvBiiELL & Fu-Lr.ER. Reversible galvanic batteries.*
17,349 Egrert vox Lepel. Producing rapid electric oscillations. (Date
applied for, 20/8/07.)*t
17,355 Haunz & ScHREiBER, Accumulators.
17,380 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.). Dynamo-electric machines.
444
THE ELECTRICIAN, DECEMBER 25, 1908.
August lit, 1908.
1 7 305 Glover. Supplying tram cars with power from electric cables.
17,'4i0 LUNDBEBO. A. P., LrNDBERO, G. C, & LUNDBEBG, P. A.
Switches.*
17.412 SiKMENS Bros. Dynamo Works, & Nicholls. Tnsulatuig live
])arts of switches.
17, 114 SiE.MENS Bros. Dynamo Work.s & Kieffer. Ventilatmg the
rotors of dynamos electric machines.*
17.410 Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works. (Siemens-Schuckertwerke
G.m.b.H., Germany). Cooling of the end windings of dynamo
electric machines.*
17,417 Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works. (Siemens-Schuckertwerke
G.m.b.H., Germany.). Commutators for electrical ma-
chinery.*
I7.4l!i Little. Lamp electrodes. (Date applied for. 3/10/(l7.)*t
17.421 KoRTiNG & Mathesen A.-G. Arc lamps. (Date a)ij)lied for,
20/8/07.)*
17.431 SowiNSKi. Primary and secondary cells.
17,43.'> Strohmenger. Secondary batteries.
1 7.43!l Blackall & Jacobs. Apparatus for electric telegraphs.
17,4.")(i Graetzer. Insulating and gripping devices for electric con-
ductors. (Date applied for, 28/10/07. Comprised in No.
23,774, 28/10/07.)*
SPECIFICATIONS PUBLISHED.
191)7 SrECIFICATIONS.
14,0,ill Grob. Voltage regulated .system of electrically lighting an<l
heatmg vehicles. (Date applied for, 6/7/06.)
18,937 Ryall. Boxes or cases for thermal electric contact making
devices.
lil.OH.l .Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Co. & Mitchell. Tremblers
for sparking apparatus.
19.174 Burleigh. Dynamo electric machines.
20,261 LuTZ. Make and break devices for magneto-ignition in mternal-
combustion engines.
20,491 Heymann. Electrode for secondary batteries.
21,273 Vandervell & Hoffman. Magneto-electric machines for
ignition purposes.
22,283 Cote & Piebron. Electric furnace for the continuous extraction
of zinc from its ores.
22,523 Meek. Magnetic separatois
27,375 Guenet. Tremblers for induction coils.
1908 Specifications.
3,285 Allgemeine Elektricitats Ges. Frictionally-driven feeds for
rock drills. (Date applied for, 13/2/07.)
5,390 Struble. Lightning arresters.
5,489 Sykes, Sykes & Cooke. Electrical control of railway traffic.
6,162 Soc. d'Electricite Nilmelior. Contact breaker mechanism
for ignition apparatus of explosion motors. (Date applied
for, 9/11/07.)
6,450 Bliven. Trolleys or collectors for electricity.
6,555 Mebguin. Connection for cables and the like.
6,721 Veevers & BuTTERWORTH. Tramway or like points.
7,571 Brookes. (Cushman Electric Co.) Field magnets for dynamo-
electric machines.
7,586 Jones. Electrically-operated signals for railroads. (Date applied
for, 13/5/07.)
8,017 Branco & Gumpebt. Manufacture of a material from peat for
electric and heat insulation.
8,288 Felten & Guilleaume Lahmeyerwebke Akt.-Ges. Differen-
tial relays. (Date applied for, 4/5/07.)
8,414 Allgemeine Elektrkttats-Ges. Alternating current motors
of the commutator type. (Date applied for, 17/4/07.)
been jiaid on 265,000 preference and £300,000 is considered as paid on
40,000 preference and 260,000 ordinary. Mortgages and charges,
£271.030.
MORTGAGES AND CHARGES.
NEW lONITION SYND. (LTD.) — Particulars of £5,000 debentures
created by resolution of Nov. 12 have been filed, amount of present
issue being £2,000. Propertv charged, company's undertaking and pro-
perty, present and future, including uncalled capital. No trustees.
A memorandum of satisfaction in full of debentures, dated Jan. 25,
1907, securing £600, has also been filed.
NEW ROTTINGDEAN ELECTEICIT? CO. (LTD.)— Particulars of £2,000
debentures created by resolution of June 10 have been filed, the whole
amount being now issued. Property charged, the company's under-
taking and property, present and future, including uncalled capital.
No trustees.
ROBERT H. EDGAR (LTD.)— A debenture, dated Oct. 7, 1908, to
secure £30, charged on company's undertaking and property, present
and future, including uncalled capital, has been registered. Holder,
N. Snell.
SUFFOLK ELECTRICITY SUPPLY CO. I LTD.)— Particulars of deben-
tures to secure not more than half paid-up capital for time being,
created Nov. 2, 1898, have been filed pursuant to sec. 10 (3) of the
Comi)anies Act, 1907, the amount of present issue being £50. Projierty
charged ; Company's undertaking and property, present and future,
including uncalled capital. No trustees.
FOREIGN COMPANIES WITH BRITISH ADDRESSES.
STOLTZ ELECTROPHONE CO. (734F)— Capital 125,000,000 in shares of
$10 each. Reg. in Illinois (U.S. 4.) on June 16, 1908. British address :
82-5, Fleet-street, E.G. E. K. Brown, solicitor, of 11, Pancras-Iane,
E.G., is authorised to accept service.
SOCIETE ELECTRO -INDUSTRIELLE (ELECTRO INDUSTRIELLE CO.)
(684F.)— Capital Fr.400,000, reg. in France on Feb. 13, 1906. British
address, Eagle Works, 1, Hercules-place, HoUoway, N. G. H. Smith,
of Valetta, Wallington, Surrey, is authorised to accept services.
NEW COMPANIES, STATUTORY RETURNS,
HORTG&GES AND CHARGES, &c.
NEW COMPANIES.
GRAVITY FLAME ARC LAMPS LTD.) (100,733.)— Reg. Dec. 17,
capital £5,000 in il shares, to acquire from F. Blankensee and others
certain patents for inventions relating to gravity Hamc arc Lamps, and
to carry on the business of manufacturers of electric lamps and elec-
tric d apparatus, electricians, suppliers of electricity, &e.
OMEGA ELECTRIC LAMP CO. (LTD.) (100,678.)— Reg. Dec. 14, capital
SJl.OOO ill £1 shares, to carrj' on the business of manufacturers of and
dealers in incandescent electric and other lamps, dynamos, motors,
accumulators, batteries, electrical apparatus, fittings and plant, &c.
Private company. First directors, R. E. Haywood and J. A. Scoular.
THOMAS TRANSMISSION '(LTD.) (100,6<16)— Reg. Dec. 11, capital
£5,000 in £1 shares, to acquire from J. (J. P. Thomas a British patent
relating to an electro-mechanical power transmission system, and to
carry on the business of manufacturers of and dealers in motor cars
and vehicles, electrical and mechanical engineers, &c. Private com-
pany. First directors, W. A. Tritton, H. J. Thomson and A. R.
Mitchell. Reg. otfice, Monson Chambers, Corporation-street, Lincoln.
STATUTORY RETURNS.
Dies, KERR & CO. (LTD.)-In return to Oct. 13, capital £650,000 in
±.1 shaves (3o0,000 preference and 300,000 ordinary), of which 305.000
preference and 260,000 ordinary have been taken up. £265,000 has
CITY NOTES.
MEMORANDA (Dec. 23).— Bank rate 2^ per cent, (since May 28, 1908).
Price of silver, 22id. per oz. Consols 83i— 83J for money and 833 — fi3|
account. Consols Pay Day, Jan. 6 ; Stock and Shares Continua-
tion Days, Dec. 28 and Jan. 12 ; Ticket Days, Dec. 29 and Jan. 13 ;
Pay Days, Dec. 30 and Jan. 14. Mining Shares Carry Over Days, Dec. 24
and Jan. 11.
Prices of Metals (London). — Copper,ca.ah, 62/;,; three months,63i',..
iearf, English, 13J ; foreign, cash, 13g ; three months, 13j| — 13i',;.
Spelter, cash, 20|— 21}. Tin, English, 131—133 ; Foreign, cash,
132J ; three months, 133J— 134f. Iron, Cleveland, cash, 49/0 and three
months, 49/8|. Mar/net Steel (price supplied by W. F. Dennis & Co.), £55.
CALCUTTA ELECTRIC SUPPLY CORPN. (LTD.)— The number of units
delivered to consumers during the four weeks ended Nov. 27, 1908,
were 358,911, compared with 314,207 units in the corresponding four
weeks of 1907.
COMPANIES TO BE STRUCK OFF THE REGISTER.— The following will
be struck oil the register of Joint Stock Companies unless cause is
shown to the contrary before March 18 : Conrad Dewey & Co.. Elec-
trical Investment Synd. and the British Blahnik Arc Light Co. A
company with the last mentioned title is believed to be at present
carrying on business.
ELECTRIC CONVERSION SYND. (LTD. )— The report for' the year ended
Sept. 30 states that the lioard has been principally engaged in liqui-
dating the amounts due to secured creditors.
SHANGHAI ELECTRIC CONSTRUCTION CO. (LTD.)— At the meeting
last week Sir Alfred Dent. K.C.M G., said that, owing to the delay of
the municipal council in completing the new power plant and new
bridges over the Soochow Creek, the}' were only able to commence a
partial running of the tramcars. No progress had been made with re-
gard to the council's purchase of their electrical undertaking. Nego-
tiations had been practically suspended. If the company could estab-
lish their claim for failure in supply under clause 13 of the power
agreement a large amount would be payable to them.
SOUTH LONDON ELECTRIC SUPPLY CORPN. (LTD.)— This company has
this week made an issue of £100,000 5 [ler cent, first mortgage deben-
tur
,1 p.
UNDERGROUND ELECTRIC RAILWAYS CO, OF LONDON (LTD. ) -At the
meeting on .Monday, Sir Edgar Speyer said that hitherto the accounts
had been made up annually to the end of June, and the general meet-
ing had been held in the autumn. Under the conversion scheme a
revenue account had to be made up half-yearly to June 30 and Dee. 31
for ascertaining the amount of profit made. It would be convenient
to hold the meetings in February and August. The increase in traffic
had been satisfactory, both on the District Railway and on the tubes.
UNITED ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS OF MONTEVIDEO (LTD.)— At an extra-
ordinaiv meeting on Mondav it was decided to increase the capital
from 1800,000 to £l,000,000,by the cre^ition of 20,000 further 6 per
cent, cumulative preference shares of £5 each and 20,000 further ordi-
nary shares of £5 each,
THE KiBOTBICIAW^ECBMBBR a5, ItOB.
EIiEOTRIG TBAHWIT AND BAILWAT TRIPPIC
RECEIPTS.
Ins.
or Deo.
(a)
Aberdeen Oorporatlon Dec.
Alrdrle „
Anglo-Argentine ,,
Ayr Oorporatlon ,
Baker St. 4 Waterloo By.... ' „
Bamsley i „
Barrow
Bath Electric Trama, Ltd... ' „
Birkenhead Corporation ... | „'
Birmingham Oorporation...
Birmingham & Mid
Blackburn Oorporation
Blackpool and Fleetwood ...
Bolton Oorporation
Bombay
Boomemontb Oorporation..
Bradford Corporation.,
Brighton Oorporation
Bristol Trama & Uarriage...
Burnley Corporation
Burton Corporation
Bury Oorporation
Calcutta Tramwaye Co...
Oamborne-Bedrutb
OardifF Corporation
Oavehill
Central London Bail way ...
Charing 0.,Eu8ton & H'steaS
Chatham & Dint. Lt. Bys...
City & South London Kly.. J
16 1,268
Ina or
Dee, (a)
2,119
ll39,lc'.5
1,285
City of Birminghi
Colchester Oorporation ....
Cork Electric Trams Co. .,
Croydon Oorporation
Devonport & Dial. Trams..
Dover Corporation
Dublin & Luoau Bailway..
Dublin United
Dudley-Stourbridge
Dundee Oorporation
East Ham Council
Exeter Oorporation
Oateehead & Diet. Trams...
Glasgow Oorporation
GlosBOp Tram.s
QraTOsend—Northfleet. .'.'.'.'
Great Northern & Oity Bly.
Ot.Northern, Piccadilly.&c
Qreenock & Port Glasgow..
Hartlepool Tramways
Hastings Elec. Trams Oo...
Hong Kong
Uudderslield Oorpn .".
Hull Oorporation
Ilford District Oounoil
Ilkeston District Council ...
Ipswich Oorporation
Isle of Thanet Oo
Jarrow
Kelghley Oorporation ".".".'.'.
Kidderminster s District...
Kilmarnock Oorporation ..
Lanarkshire Trams Oo. ..
Lancashire United
Leamington
Leeds Oorporation .""
Leicester Oorporation
Leith Corporation
Lincoln Oorporation ".
Liverpool Oorporation ....!.
Liverpool Overhead Bly. ...
♦London Uouoty Council ...
London United
Lowestoft ''
Maidstone Corporation!.'.'.'.'.
Manchester Oorporation ..
Mersey Kailway
Merthyr "'
Metropolitan Dist."Bidj'w'ai
Metropolitan Elec. Trams.'
Middleton
Nelson Corporation !.!
NewoaBtle-on-Tjne Corp'.'!!!
Newport (Mod.) '..
Northampton Corporation!!
Oldham, Ashton & Hyde ...
Oldham Oorporation
Perth (N.B.)Oorporation!!!
Perth(W.A.)Klec. Trams...
Peterborough
Portsmouth Corporation '
Potteries
Preston Corporation!
Botherham UorporaUon"!"
Bothesay
SallordCorpo'ra'uoii"!!!!
Dheernesa
BhefHeld Oorpora'ti'on!!!!!!!!'
Singapore Trams ..
South Metropolitan !!
South Staffs
Southend Oorporati'on '!!!;"
Soutii port Tramways
St»lybdge,Hyde,&c ,.Jt.Bd.
Sunderland Corporation
Sunderland Distrlot . ■"
Swansea Trams ..
bwuidon Corporation"!!!!"
.iaunton ...
Tynemouth and'b'istrict"!!!
^yneside Trams Oo
""IsallCorpn
Warrmgtoa corpD
"est flam Corporation....
Weston-super-Mare
Wfi verhampton Oo
Wolverhampton Oorpn....
'Worcestar ....
Wreiham ..
lo°rk,"?r'S-'^""*'™''"!!:
"orkshlre Woolle- ":..._."
21 I 38
41,620
10,679
1,085,879
f 8.040
11,709,679
62,817
l;2,7t0
38,930
19,142
13,391
1U.310
Rl, 141,654 - K
',003
4,276
177,703
S4,680
39,418
76,203
13-»,721
1,112
676 : 29
«7,36J
1,610
2,S3«
10,432
1,330
34,162
6,249
!2,967
s'.'ioo
132,579
41,071
37,1»3
33,486
12,139
49,720
497,378
7,192
10.331
33 869
129,715
25,783
11,639
28,945
3,7U7
6,379
3,834
64,413
66,32J
8,486
55/4 19
16,226
4,438
333,137
34,742
I. 201,692
331,461
1,923
7,321
671,834
47,368
10,467
231,692
283,510
17,394
.5,032
147,823
17','394
28,849
73,271
4,914
69,821
6,247
7?,.">31
6'.l,263
17,755
2/,978
9,"',IC
8,791
214,673
$109,978
39,814
43,317
17,6G(J
13,798
44,926
3,lf.l
46,620
2,031
11,0J4
10,038
.34,lt8
26,866
81,'993
13,e.j.-.
6,046
61,400
17,916
3,012
2,589
2,738
ELECTRICAL^ COMPANIES' SHARE LIST
LAST
g Dm-
NAMH.
6
2/0
10
fi'n
10
6/0
6%
if,"/.
6
iX
b
iX
4/0
10, 6/0
St.; HX
100
IC'
100 4i%
8%
f 6%
100 1 i%
IOC i^X
IC 6/0
6 2/8
St. iX
l\ 6/0
f( 3/6
S'-i 8J%
£', -
St. *X
6 1 4/0
11 0/6
1 0/8|
St. I 44%
3t. 4J%
t, 6,0
6j 2/S
St. iX
1 ..
1, 0/6
3t- iiX
4i-6i
6 7
6 -5J
4 11
97 —100
4 10
H-H
6 4
7J-61
6 !<
6S-f2
4 14
04 -97
4 2
98 -100
4 0
86 -90
6 0
li-15
6 14
4J-5i
6 11
89 -93
4 6
61-68
5 C
41-51
4 <i
07 —HO
t 2
86 -83
3 18
ELEGTRIGITY SUPPLY.
10' 6/0 Bonmemonth & Poole Elec. Sup. Ord
10 4/8 I Do. 4} per Cent. Cnm. Pref
ol° ?{1 I ^°- * ?"■ Cent. Cum. Second Pref!'!
St-, iiX ! Do. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
o. J,„ : Bfomley (Kent) El. Lt. & Power Shares
St. 44% Do. Do. 1st Deha
6 4 6 Brompton k Kensington Elec. Sup. Ord'
6 3/6 , Do. 7 per Cent, Pref.
k Vk ' CentralElec.Snp. Co.4VGnar.i)b.8to'ek
, 2'2 i CharingCrossfVf.End4City)El.Sup.Co.
e 2/3 I Do. 4J per Cent. Pref. .. ^
St. 4Z , Do. 4 per Cent. Deh. Stock f red.)
St; 4} 7„ Do, 4jFerCei,t. Peb, ft"ck(red) "
6 2/3 Do. City Undertaking 4JX Cm. Pre!
Chelsea Electric Supply Ord.
• D>,. 4i per Cent. Deb. Stock "('red!')'!"
City of London Electric Lighting Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. '
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb. Stock (re(i.)
Do. 4JperCent. 2nd Deb. Stock (red i
Connty of Durham Elec. P.D. Ord......
Do. 6 per Cent, non Cum. Pref. ...!!
Connty of London Elec. Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cnm. Pref
Do. HZ Deb. Stock (red.) '.'.!.!!!
Do. Second Deb. Stock
Folkestone Electricity .Supply Co. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. ..
Do. 4J 1st Deb. Stock (red) !!'.'.
Hove Electric Lighting Ord .!!! "
Kensington 4 Knightsbrldge Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. 1st Pref.
^t.| 4% f Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red )
4% Kensingtn. 4 Kngtbg. Co. & Notting Hi'li
I I Co. (Joint Station) 45' Deb. Stock (red.)
St. tiX \ Kent Elec. Power Co.
3| 1/6 London Electric Supply Ord.
3/0 Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. .. ..
4% tDo. 4 percent. Ist Mort. Deb!'!!!
2/6 , Metropolitan Electric Sup. Ord. !
2/3 j Do, 44 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
4J?. I Do. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock Ist Mo'r't!
34% I Do. SJperCent.Mrt. Deb.8tock(red)
4J5; I MidlandElec. Corp.forP.D.lstMort.Db no —98 4 1" u
Newcastle & Dist. Elec. Ltg. Ord. .... -ij-tj 3 6 8
Do. 44 per Cent. Deb " '■
Newcastle Elec. Supply Ord !!!!'
Do. 6 per Cent, non Cum. Pref. .....!.'!
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. red. 1907
Northern Counties Elec. Sup. —
Do. 44 per Cent. Deb ! 93—96
Notting Hill Electric Ord
Oxford Electric Ord
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock !!!'!
St. James' & Pall Mall Elec. Ord....
Do. 7 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 34 ner Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) "!!!
Smitbtield Markets Electric Snp. Ord
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
South london Electric Supply Ord!
South Metrop'n Elec. Lt. & Power o'rd!
Do. 7 per Cent. Cum. Pref
Do. 44 1st Db. Stk. Red
Urban Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 44 per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb!!!!
Westminster Elec. Sup. Ord.
Do. 44 per Cent. Cum. Pref!
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS A TRAMWAYs!
Baker St. 4 Waterloo i% Perp. Db. 81
Bath Elec. Trama Pref. Ord. ...... .
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 44 Ist Mort. Deb. Stock (red.)'!"
B'ham 4 Midland Trams 4J 1st Db. Stk.
Bristol Tramways & Carriage Ord.
Do. Cum. Pref. (fully paid)
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs
British Electric Traction Ord I
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Perpetual Debs.
Do. 44 per Cent, 2nd Deb. Slock ...!!!
Central London Ordinary Stock 1 61 —66
Do. 4 per Cent. Pref. Stock !!!!!!' 84 -86
Do. Deferred Stock I 6) —52
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs ! 101 —101
CharingX.EustoniUmpsldPer.Db.Stk. 83 — S8
City of Birmingham Trams. 63JCm.Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
City 4 South London Elv. Con. Ord. ,
Do. 6 per Cent. Perp. Pref. (1S91)
4J-5
6 -97
St. I HZ
St.) 6^
ll!-12i
H-H
98 -98
88 -9J
' -74
87 -81
6ti —72
28-3
10 j -103
8-1
lg-2
SO —83
se-8i
li-bi
4-1^
2^-8?
13-93
93-10
8J— 9
97 -£9
4 18 U
8 13
4 13 0
4 16 9
5 10 6
6 10 0
5 11
6 13
6 13
5 14
May, Nov
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Keb, Aug
April, Oct
Feb, Acg
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan. Jufy
I April. Oct
I Jan, July
June. Deo |M3
Jan, July |
Jane, Deo
Feb, Aug
Jan, July 1
Feb, Ang 1 .
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Mar, Aug |
Jau, July I . .
March . . ;
March . . ,
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug —
Jan, July
Feb .... ..
Feb, Aug
April
831 86i
6j' ;;
93i
i
73 —75
4i-4J
96 —100
27 --'i
112 —114
5 S 0
0 0 0
4 I'J 6
4 13 0
3 17 0
3 17 0
4 11 0
5 5 0
4 0 0
3!J
P Wd^ayr'-'paS^^^^^i-^-B P^i-xi '"t year-
' Partly eleotr.oei. f Mlnu.s 3 days J Min
S Plus 3 day?,
s 2 days.
St. I 6%
St. 4X
10! 6/0
lO 6/0
10 ..
10,1 0/9
St. I 4%
st.j HX
■St. I 6?.
10 ..
10 bx
St- iX
10 1 6/0
St. I iX
1' 0/6 I
St.. ikx\
St. Iz
St- 2JX
St., 3]%
St., I U'4
St. sh
St.! 34% I
Do. (169C) ! 1j9 — 111
Do. (190!) ' 103 -109
Oo. (1903) I 98—101
Do. 4 per Cent. Perpetual Deba 99 —101
Dublin United Trams. Ord 114—121
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. 13—14
Gt. Northern Si CityRly. Pref. Ord. (4%)i i--;
G. Northern, Piccadilly i Brompton Ord. 7J— 71
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock I 9i — 91
Hastings Si Dist. Elec. Trams. e% Cm. Pf.l 2i— 3J
Do. 44 Db, St 83 —9J
{Imperial Tramwavs Ord 1 8i-9i
JDo. 6 per Cent, i'ref. | Si-lJ
IDc. 44 per Cent. Debs 9j — 9,2
I. of Thanet B. T. & Lt. 5 per Cent Pref.
Do. 4 percent. Deb. Stock
Lanarkshire Tramways
Lanes. Utd. Trams 6 4 Prior Lien Db. St.
Liverpool Overhead Railway Ord |
Do. 5 per Cent. Pref
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb
London Uuited Trams. 6;!; Cum. Pref. ...
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb. Stock |
Mersey Con. Ord. Stock 1
Do. 8 per Cent. Perp. PreC „
Metropolitan Elec. Tramways Ord
Do. Deferred
Do. 6 per Cent". Cum. Pref.
Do. 44 per Cent. Deb. Stock !
Metropohtan Railway Consolidated
Do. Surplus Lands Stocks
X>o. 84 per Cent. Preference !
Do. 8» percent. "A" Preference ...!!! ..
Do. 84 per Cent. Convertible Pref. 74-77
Do. 34 Iier Cent. Debenture Stock 91 —93
65 —61
95-1 )
93 —95
15 -li
S-.51
81 -86
«l-5
68 -72
1 —2
2-J
r-7'
93 -96
354-364
67 —69
83 —87
76 —7!
4 10
4 11
4 10
3 19
9 14
6 14
4 18
Feb, Ang
April, Oct
April, Oct
April, Oct
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, J0I7
April ....
J.in, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
Feb, Ang
Feb, Aug
Jnne, Dee
Feb. Aug
April, Oct
May, >ov
Feb, Aug 65
Feb, Aug
Feb .... ..
Jan, July 1034
Jan, July fc7j
April, Oct
April, Oct
Feb, Aug 2!J
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug —
Feb, Aug I"'l
Feb, Aug 934
May, Nov l""i
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
Jan, July 934
Mar, Sept
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
I Mar, Sept
Jan, J ul J
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July .
Jan, July
Jan, July
Feb, Aug. I
851
April.. .
Feb, Aog
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
THE ELECTRICIAN DECEMBER 25, 1906.
ELECTIMOAX^
^a5^i^^:i^^si_SH^jaE_LisT^^^
a 'diVI-
NAME.
Pric*
Tue*.,
Deo. 22.
List I
jom-
dbidI
Ieiectric railways a tramways
84% Met.Kly. ?} r" Cent . " A ■ D.b. St--
.. M-'roi'olit— ".="•'■•>
1)0. Exi
:k ! 89 -91
81%
Rt.
W
1
II/7J
81.
4r,
lOOl
« i
2i/ll
6
h
81.
4*
1
1
o'/V:
l/7i
0/7J
4/0
5
8/0
Ord I 131-m
ision Pief. (6 per'Cent.) j S3 — S(
,-, „,,.otert Ext. Pref. (Int. Guar, hyi
Unrt E!ee. Klvs. Co. of London, Ltd.)! J* -J»
Do SnprCent.Consoltd. Kent-charge
Do 4 per Cent. Midland Kent-charge
nn'. Ruor. Stock 4 per Cent.........
Do. 6 per Cent. Perp. Deb. Stock
Do 4 percent. Ditto ■.....•
Sew Gen Tract. 6 per Cent. Cam. Pref.
PotteripB Electric Traction Ord
Uo 6 per Cent. Cnm. Pref.
Do 4» per Cent. Deb. Stock •.....■".■
S Met. Elec. Trams. SLtg. 65: Cm. Pref.
Do 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Bnnderland Diet. Elec.Trm9.fi'/;utMt.Db.
11nderBroondE.KY8.T.on.6°/ Inc'm bonds
Do. 5'< Prior Lien Bonds
Do. 4** Bonds ............
Yorkehire (W.B.) Elec. Trams. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cam. Pref.
Do. 4 A per Cent. 1st D"b«
ELECTRIC MANUFACTURINC, Ac.
Aron Electnoity Meter Ord
+Do. 6% Cnm.Pf.(ex on a/c arrears)...
Babcock & Wilcoi Ord
Do. Pref
British Insulated & Helsby Cables Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. ■..•
Do. 4J per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.)
British Thoms'n-Uousfn HX 1st M t.Db. j
British WeslinRhoase 6 per Cent. Pref...
Do 6 por Ceit. Prior Liea Dbs (rd. j
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock '
BuubE.EnB.Co.4i'\.Perp. IstDeb.Stock
1)0. Perpetual 2nd Deb. Stock
( allender's Cable Con. Ord
tDo. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J per Cent. 1st Mort Debe. (red.)
Castner.Kellner Alkali Co
Do. 4i per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.).
Chadburn's (Ship) Telegraph Ord
I Do. 6per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Consolidated Electrical Co
Consolidated Signal Co
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
•Crompton & Co. (Nos. 1 to 86,000)
Do. 6 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs. (red.).
Davis & Timmjns
Dick, Kerr It Co. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4* per Cent. Deb. Stock
Edison Si Swan United ("A" 8h.) (£Si>d.)
Do. (£6 paid) "■;••;■,
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stook(rd.)
Do. 6 per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock...
Edmundson's Elec Corp. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. .....
*ik Do. 4J per cent. 1st Slort. Deb. (red.)
Electric Construction Co
2/9Si Dd. 7 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
'"''■ '• Do 4 per Cent. Perp. Ist Mort. Uebs.
Gmeral Electric (1900) 5% Cum. Pref....
Do. 4 percent. 1st Mort. Debs
Henley's Telegraph Works Ord.
Do. 4i per Cent. Pref. ■.■••;;—■•,■
Do. 4i per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. Stock
Ivdia Rubber, Gat. Per., 4c.,Wrk»,
Cent. Debs, (rod.)
0/7ii
8(U
bl
uin
2/0
0/7*
4*%
1/B
m
iX
6%
bt.
6
i le
SIS
S 18
90 -91
J-1
76 -80
81 -85
21 -28
93-91
71 —78
si^
81 —87
I^Its
105 -108
91 -96
i-^ , i
96t-974
13 -48
65-70
19-63
9 —10
bk-H
107i-lo9i
li-lS
103 —107
iM— n^
lA-14
98 -101
J-li
If.-Vd
Irs— 1m 1 " '■
101 — 101 1 «
3 15 0
7 3 0
1 12 U
,High-l
I eat
Jan, July 1 891
Feb, Aug 1 ISJ
Feb, Aug
Feb, Auk j -■
Jan, Jnly pi
Jan, jmy lOl
Mar, Sept f8
Jan, July 12o3
Jan, July | 83
May
April, Oct
Feb, Aug
May, Not i . .
Fob, Aug
Jan, July I —
Jan, July - ;
Jane, Deo 21i
13i
5 13 0
7 10 0
7 12 6
7 6 0
6 16
6 '-
5 18
Bt.
6/0
10
n
t.
6/0
2/3
b
4«
til
b/0
10
4%
National Elec. Construction Co
Kichardsons, Westgarth & Co. , Ltd . Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
To. 4J percent. Perp. Deb. Slock ...
Eimplei (Jonduils Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
lelegrsph Construction i Mamlenanoe
Do 4 per Cent Deb. Bonds (1909)
Vickcrs, Sous & Max: ' "■ ""'
Do. b per Cent, noi
Do. 6 per Cent
Do. 4 pi "
1 —2
76 - 79
86 —69
^A" \ '■'■
62 -65 I 6 18 0
l^lfj I 9 8 9
61 —65 16 3 0
7'-7J , 6 1" «
63 —87 I 4 U 6
llj-12i i 6 0 0
5 _64 I 1 a 0
105 —107 j 1 4 0
168-171 6 16 0
Ltd., Ord.
Lim. Preference
um. Preferred
Cent. 1st Mort. Db.Sk.(r
M
501—82* 6 8 6
lOlJ-lOsj 3 16 6
lJ-._2 ' 7 10 0
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jnlyi Feb
Jan, Jalj
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Jao.July
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
Hot, May
May, Sot
Feb, Aug
March ..
April, Oct
August ...
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, July
I Mar, Sept
I Sept ....
Sept
Jan, July
Feb, Ang
Feb, Aug
Jone, Deo
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
May, Not
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July
Jane, Deo
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Feb, Ang
April, Oct
April
Hot ....
May, Not
Jan, Jaly
"~i 121
5 6'0
1 0/7J
1 0/6
St. 6?;
St.l 6\
lOi 6/0
lO! 6/0
6 2/6
et.l 3U
JEIEPHORES.
Amer. Telephn. & Tolegh. Cap. St .^■■■
Do. CoU.TmBt »1,000 4 P".C€nt-*»'i joo -102
AngloPortug'se TeL 6% 1st Mt.Db.Stk., IW m^
Chili Telephone ■■■■■■ ,_!"
535
- 1 V.
10b' —iu6
102 -104
4 6 0
6 19
1 10
7 1 0
6 16 6
5 16 0
6 11 0
... „„. 4fper Cent. 2nd Mort. Deb.(red.), IM
'7. I Do. 6perCent.3rdMort. Debs Scnp. 101
0/0 i J.G.\Vhito&Co.6J;Cm.Pref. »
1/0 WiUans & Robinson Ord I i
i/0 Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. , J
*7. Do 1 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs. ' ™
1 TELEGRAPHS.
i Amazon Telegraph................
3% \ Do. 6 per Cent. Debs, (rod., ..,
16/0 I Anglo- American
iO/0 Do. Preferred —
1% 1 Do. Deterred 16j— 18
4Z I Commercial Cable 4 per Cent. Deb. Stk. 87 —89
6/0 I Cuba Submarine Ord 7J— 6i
10/0 ] Do. Prefereuce 10 per Cent 16t— Iji
2/0 Diiect Spanish Ord 3 — 3J
6/0 I Do. 10 per Cent. Cum. Pref. 8—9
14% Do. 14 per Cent. Deb 100%— 103?
1/0 ' Direct vlnitei States Cable 12J— ISJ
147. liirfctWe8tlndiaCable44J!Rg.O''.(rd.) 101 -103 - ■
26/0 , Eastern Ordinary 128 — 1.S3 6 B
Do. 3J per Cent. Pref. Stock 82—86 1 ^
Do. iptrCenl.Mort. Deb. Stk. (red.) [ 1031-1054 3 16
Eastern Extension r 111— Hi
Do. 4 iier Cent. Deb. Stock 101 -lOS
Eastern & S. African IX Mort, Deb. 19091 100-102
Do. iX Mauritius Sub. Debs, (red.) ...
G.N. (01 Copenhagen), wUll Coupon 71... ,
Halifal&Bermuda4iiil8tMt.Db.(r«d.) 101 —108
100 12;6 1 Indo-European 62 —65
'JS »l (MuclvST Compauies Common 71—78
ICO 81 *| 110. i'rcloreuio 71 —71
10.1 .. Mslcouis Wireless lelek'. Co J— g
1 1% Vacilic&Europe'nTol.lXUa»rJ>bB-(red.) 101 — 103
100 1/3 I West Coast ol America IJ— IJ
24 iX 1 Do. 4 per Ceat.-Uebs 101 —lu3
llm .. , West India & Panama 4— g
10 6/0 1)0. o per Cent. iBt Prut 75-84
10 1-2,0 l>o. b';,, 2nd Prof ex ouii.col aiieaisl VJ— 84
10 &% '; Do. b i)er Cent. Ueba 1 104 — >ltM
'"" '" " 'lelefiiapb .„ _i 12J— 13
Monte Video Telephone Ord. ..
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. I
National Co. Pret Stock '
Do. Def. Stock
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Ist Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Com. 2ud Pref-.-- •.-•
Do. 5 per Cent. nou-Cum. 3rd Praf. ...
•Do. Deb. Stock 3J per Cent, (red.) ...
Do 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
OrienUl - •"— 1 —
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 1 per Cent. Bed. Deb. Stock . ....
Telephone Co. of Egypt llJ;Db.3tk.(r«d.),
United KiTer Plate
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. H Deb. St. Ked
FINARGIAl, INVESTMHT, Ac
Eleo. t Gen. InTestment 6% Cnm, Prof.
Globo Telegraph St Trust
Do. 6 por Cent. Pret
Submarine Cablet Xnut (Goit.)
Jan, July I -•
Mar, 8ept . .
August . . 1 • .
Nov .... i ..
May, Nov , • ■
Feb, Aug 1081
Feb, Aug U7i
Feb, Aug 11 10*
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug H\
June, Deo i 9»J
Jan. July ; lOlS
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
Jane, Dec
Jan, July
«; — Its 000
108i-ll04 6 8 6
:16 —118 6 10
lOi— H4 5 10
104-114 6 16
5i_6^ 1 10 6
98 -100 3 ID 0
100J-102J 8 17 6
1,'»— 1"' 6 12 V
IJ-li 1 18 0
90 —9i 17 0
lliOi— 102J 18 0
8J— 74 5 16 0
5 — 6| 1 U 0
101 —106 ; 1 6 0
3J-1
10 — ICA
13 — isi
127 — 13i)
4 16
St.
4«
Ht.
ny.
Kt.
300
St
ny.
10
iZ
10(1
1 z
St.
i X
bt.
6%
B
6
2/6
10('
5i%
100
n
Kt.
bX
St.
%x
6
2,0
IOC
m
1
44%
102 —106
«U-5rS
ij— 6 •
101 —195
116 -liO \ 6 0
IO7J-IO94I 1 11
102 —101
103 —106
98 - 102
10«4 ;l05i
1063 11044
Mar, July
Jan, July
Apr, Oct
Apr, Oct
May, Not
June, Deo
6 I June, Dec] ..
11 |F,My,Ag,N' 67
u F,My,Ag,N ! 9J
0 !F,My,Ag,Nl 16i
0 ,Jn,Ap,Jj,0, SOS
Fob, Aug i S
Feb, Aug I IBS
April, Oct
April, Oct ; -
Jan, July 1 ..
Ja,Ap,Jy,0 18J
Juno, Dee ••
jB,MT,JyOll3l>4 129
Ja,.My,JyO] 83« "-
100: 6%
61 6%
6! 1/0
100. 0/74
1, 1/0 1
St., 6%
6 3/0
St. I li%
"1 6%
100 lU
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ElICTRIS
RAILWAYS, TRAMWAYS. Ae.
Anglo-Argontine e',' Cum. Ist Pref
Do. lOX NoDCum. 2nd Prof.
Do. Permanent i'/. Deb. Stock .........
Auckland Elec. Trams. 6% Deb. (red,)...
Brisbane Electric Trams. Inrest. Ord....
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do 44 per Cent. Db. Pror. Cert
British Columbia El.Ry.Df. Ord
Do. Pref. Ord. Stock
Do. 6% Cum. Perp. Pref. Stock
Do. 11 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
l>o Vancouver Power Debs
Do. 41% Perp Con. Deb. St
Bnenob Ayres Elec. Trams (1901) Ltd
Deb. St .•■■;..■■ ;••■••■
Buenos Ayres Grand >Btional Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6J per Cent. Pref. Debs.
Oo. B per Cent, lat Dob. Bonds, .j...
BnenOB Ayres Lacroze Tranislst Mt. Db.
Buenos Ayres Port t City Tram. Ist Mt.
Deb. Stock
Calcutta Tramways (1 to 137,610)
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 11% 1st Deb. Stock (red.)
Cape Electric Tram Shares
City ol Buenos Ayres Trams Co. (1904)Sh,
IK^ 1 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Colombo Tr. S Ltg. 5% Ist Mt. Db. ......
Electric Traction Co. of Hong Kong 6
per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs
Havana Kleo. Ry. Con. Mt. by, $1,000 60
year Coup. Bde
Kalgooilie Elec. Trams Sh. ..'.
tDo. 6 per Cent. " A " Deb. Stock
tuo. 6 per Cent. "B" Ditto
Lisbon Elec. Trams. Ord :.'.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. e per Cent. Reg. Mort. Debs
Madras Elec. Trams. 5% Deb. Stk. .
Manila Elec. Ky. W.OOO Gold Bonda »' -«
MexicoTram3Oo.Com.St ; 'SS -'■'»
: Do. Gen. Con. 1st Mort. 6,;. Gold Bds.... ^i -^^A
Montreal St. Ky. Sterling 14 per Cent. 1
Debs. (1922) (Nos. 601 to '2,000) | '0*.,~J™
I Perth Elec. Trams Ord
i„
Jan, Jnly , ,„,
SpDoMrJn, }0i
SpDcMrJn 13|
April, Cot
April.Oot
'Jan, July
1 3 u June, Deo
1 IS 3 Jan, July
I
»i«
May
May, Hot •=»
Jan, July
May.-NOT l»«l
Jan, July }^
April, Oct ,'03
Jan, July
I'.'U 101
UOi
97 -102
2i-3|
44—14
100 — lOS
102 -105
97* -994
44-6
l|-6i
lOJ —106
i-1
6!i— "!£
100 — loi
88 —91
83 —88
89 -94
1 -li
1 18 e T% Jul .
5 U 0
6 11
i 10
1 15
Feb, Ang 1
Jan, July
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
; Feb, Aug ;
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
FJIy,A,H ;
J ana, Dec
M»y, Not
5 11 0
9 10 0
1 17 0
1 16 0
92 —95 I B 5 0
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jsn, July
July ....
Jan, July
Jaa, July
Jaa/Joly
Feb, Ang
-i
Do. 1st
ii^m.&z^'::::::::::::::::::::\-^^ -^
16 0 Feb, Ang
e 13 6 May
1 16 0 Jan, July
Rangoon Elec. Trams & Supply Co. 6%; 51 _55 6 6 6
12i5
, . . . , - . 82i
, - . , May, r.ov ilOlt 103
6 18 0 Ja,Ap,Jy,0 U| UJ
pf I
Do, iix 1st MortViieb. 8tk!" 10^' -^'^
Sao Paulo Tramway, Light & Power Co.
$100 Stock
Do. B percent. 1st Mt. $500 Db
Toronto By Co. 1st Mt. 44i Star. Bonds
COUMIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRICITY
SUPPLY &C.
3 17 6
13 0
3 17 6
3 IB 0
lUi *•/.
lieb. Block (red.)
lelegh. k\,WO 4 % Bonds
lu calcutatinK Uie yields aUowanc« hu baen v
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug I
May, Not
Jan, July
June, Deo
May, Not
|Ja,Ap,Jy,0
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
April....
June, Dec
May
Jan, July
I May, Not
. May, Not
May, Not
Jau,July I ..
1 Mr,Jn,0,D 1 125
I June, Deo ..
6 3/3
100 m
100 by,
6OO1 6%
St.
BOOJ 6% I
St.! $1
6001 6%
lOOl Sli \
li \tti
i \n
St. 6%
6 3/0
100 81
.. 6%
168 —160
99-100%
98 —100
4-ioi
91 — 9«
5J-6i
109 —111
June, Deo ,
Fob, Aug
6 9 0 1 Mar, Sept
I59i 1681
6 6
Jan, July
April, Oct
1-84
76i-7Bi
894- 9Ji
llu —Hi
U'j-I/J
Ji-irt
lOu — lu3
s!;-8'l
B 0 0
6 IS 0
Jan, July
5 8* 6
Fob, Aug
Jan, July
5 7 6
Jan, July
16 0 0
Jan, July
7 8 0
April, Oct
6 1> 0
April.Oot
i B la 6
'1
Adelaide Elec. B'plyCo.6%Cu.Pr.
BombayK,6.*T.6;;Cm.Pt
Do. 14 per Cent. Ueb. Slk.(red.)
Calcutta Elec. Supply Urd
Canadian Gen. Elec. Oo. Com. St. .
Castner Elect rolvtic Alkali Co.(of U.S.A.)
ist Mort. Sll. Debs. 2? ~i^ 51s X I""™'"' 1 6»4 Ml
Elect. Development Co of Ontario 8S -86;; b la u 1 .. 1
6 Elec. Ltg. Si, Trac. Co. of Aust, 6 per „ „ .
■ I Cent. Cum. Pref. J "^
t. by Do. 6 per Cent. Dob Stock B7 — tre
t by 1 Elec. Supply Co. of Victoria 6 per Cent.!
I iBt Mort. Deb. bt i 90-9'
t 8"/ I Indian Elec. Sup. & Xrao.Co. Constn.,
• I Deb. St. Bd | 30—*?
Os 0'3 I Kalgoorlie Elec. Power ft Ltg, Ord. .
1 0/74! Do- 6 per Cent. Cum, Pref.
"■ M&dras E. ti. Corp. 6 per Gent. Constn.
Deb. St
Mexican Elec. Light Co. 67. lot Mort. ,= ,0 R . 8*1 8i
Gold Bonds 871-W|4 B W t> •• 77' hoi
Mexican Lt. & Power Co. Com. St 76i-7bJ •• - oji 8«
Do. axis' Mort. QoldBiida. : °"' ""i'"' •> '
Montreal Lt. Ht. & Power Co. Cup. St,
Hiver Plate Electricity Co. 0:d
Do. 6 per Cent, non-dim. Prof
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb. block
Kosario Elec. Co. 0%PTef. (l-iO,000)
Isi 100 "81 Shavfinigan Water & Power Co. Cap. St.
Do. SperCent.Bds
Victoria Falls Power Co. Pref ota these
to. acoraad Interest but not for redemption t Ex dividend, J The UadoB Stock ExohaBg»ConM»iMee »>"» decUned to quo
5 10
5 8 0
1 13 0
6 13 0
1 17 0
B 13
1 17
103 -106% I 1 16 6
8<J
77
F.My.A.Nl ••
I April 1 11 J
May ' 1
Jan, .Tuly lo^J
April, Oct ! ■ ■
Jan, July 1 -
, Jan, July i
THE ELECTRICIAN:
THE OLDEST WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND FINANCE
ESTABLISHED, First Series (Weekly), 1861; Second Series (Weeldy), 1878.
No. 1,598. [v'll.LV^i.]
FRIDAY, JANUARY i, 1909.
Price Sixpence '\?j§^f*'
Abroad 9d.,0T 18 cente, or 90c., or Wp/.
CONTENTS OF THE CURRENT NUMBER.
Notes 447
Arrangements for the Week 449
Plans and Records for Elec-
trical Distribution Systems.
Ej .J. W. Beauchamp. lUus. 450
The Theoretical Calculation
of the Battery Capacity
required for a Given Load.
By Dr. W. Lulofs, IH.Sc.
Illustrated 452
The Electrical Qualities of
Porcelain, with Special
Reference to Dielectric
Losses. By H. F. Haworth,
Ph.D., M.Sc.B.Eng. Illus-
trated 455
An Electrically-driven Sewage
System. Illustrated 457
Recent Developments in the
Street Lighting of Berlin,
and a Comparison with
Former Methods of Illumi-
nation. By Dr. L. Bloch.
Illustrated 460
The Ageing of Steel and the
Effects of Water Hammer.. 463
Some Electrical Events ix
1908 464
Obituary 467
The Physical Society's Annual
Exhibition of Apparatus.
Illustrated. Continued .. 467
Correspondence 470
The Tantalum Wave De-
tector (W. Torekata, L.
H. Walter).
Measuring Iron Losses (L.
T. Robinson).
Duddell Oscillograph (G.
W. Worrall, The Cam-
bridge Scientific Instru-
ment Co.).
The Electric Discharge and
the Production of Nitric
Acid — fJiscn>ision 471
An Investigation of the Heat
Losses in an Electric Power
Station. By F. H. Corson 472
A Method of Using Trans- '
formers as Choking Coils —
Discnasion 473
A Safety Device against Ex-
cessiveVoltage when Switch-
ing-in Electric Machinery
and Apparatus. Illustrated 474
Patents Expiring in 1909 474
Electrical .Toint Stock Com-
panies of 1S08 474
Public Companies Wound Up,
Dissolved, &c., in 1908 475
Municipal, Foreign & General
Notes 476
Trade Notes and Notices 478
City Notes 482
Companies' Share List 483
N o rr £2 s.
Street Lighting Problems.
Ai' the present time there is probably no question more
interesting to station engineers, or one that has caused
more lively discussion, than that of street lighting. We
think that this discussion will have still further interest
gi\en to it, and perhaps also be rather consolidated by, the
article by Dr. Bloch which we publish on another page of
this week's issue. In this article the author discusses at
some length the various methods employed for street
lighting in Berlin, which are, as in most other towns, very
numerous. About three years ago enclosed continuous
current arc lamps or uj 'turned high-pressure gas lamp.? were
almost exclusively employed, and between these it was not
ibund possible to make any direct comparison on a cost
basis on account of the many factors coming into play.
Since that time many improvements have been made in
both systems of lighting, but this dithculty of compari-
son is just as much to the fore as ever. Dr. Bi.Ofii,
therefore, very wisely leaves the reader to draw his
own conclusions as to the suitability or otherwise of the
different types of lighting. He simply gives the re-
sult of exhaustive measurements that he has made on
the subject without commenting on them to any great
extent. His article, is, in fact, quite unbiased, one way
or the other, and, as such, appears to us to be a very valu-
able contribution to the problem of street lighting gener-
ally. The comparison of the two methods of lighting from
a cost point of view no doubt forms a very pleasant recrea-
tion to many interested in the subject at the present time.
There is, of coui'se, no harm in this ; but, as is pointed out
by Dr. 1>L0CH, no definite result can be obtained from such
an analysis, for the general question is quite indeterminate.
The two systems may Ije compared from an illumination
point of view, and this is very carefully done in the article.
Such comparison shows that the flame arc lamp is better
than the inverted high-pressure gas lamp, as the continuous
current arc was better than the upturned high-pressure
gas lamp. < )ne or other of these may, however, be the
cheaper, depending on the rela ti ve prices of gas and
electricity.
There is one point in the article which we think is de-
■serving of special attention : Dr. Bloch criticises the
present-day trend of street lighting. He points out that
increasing illumination to a much higher value than that
which exists at present is likely to possess grave disad-
vantages. Shopkeepers will also increase their light to
attract attention to their wares, and the attendant glare
will be even wor.se than it is at present. An increased
illumination of the side streets will also become a necessity.
Dr. Blocii's article is certainly extremely valuable as a
foundation for future work, but whether such work will
e\-er enable us to compare scientifically these two systems
of lighting from a cost point of view appears at least open
to question. We can none the less commend the article to
the notice of the civic authorities of the City of London,
particularly after the exhibition, using this term other
than in the accepted sense, which the Corporation is at
present making of modern gas lighting in Fleet-street.
After dislocating vehicular traffic for several weeks by
laying a special main in the roadway and obstructing the
side walk for another week in putting up the brackets, the
public is no doubt expected to admire the improved (?)
illumination of this famous thoroughfare. Dr. Bloch
endeavours to point out in his article that the only reliable
basis of comparison of lighting units is that in which the
illumination value is compared. Seeing that his verdict
places the tlame arc in the top position, the gas lamps in
448
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 1, 1909.
Fleet-street appear somewhat belated. Now we must
confess that after all the elaborate preparation we expected
a sliow of lighting which wonld be at least noticeable on
the " opening night." We were disappointed to the e.vtent
of failing to observe the existence of the lamps until three
nights after their inauguration. The arctic weather con-
ditions i)f this week have further complicated matters.
The first fall of snow seemed to have disorganised the
arrangements badly. The jeers of omnibus dri^■ers so freely
expended during the day upon broken down motor omni-
buses were quickly transferred, during the passage of
Fleet-street, to half-a-dozen men pushing a tower ladder
tlnough the mud and slush from one lamp bracket to
another. What the journalists of Fleet-street have done
to deserve this treatment at the hands of the City Corpo-
ration we cannot say. Evidently they are not worthy of
classification in the same category as the warehousemen of
Cannon-street, and the bazaar holders, drapers and insurance
clerks of High Holborn who glory in the golden rays of
flame arcs.
Electric Power Supply.
With this issue we present our readers with the first of
our annual tables, in which are summarised the electric
supply and traction undertakings of the United Kingdom.
The table in question is numbered III., in accordance with
the system of sub-division adopted some years ago, and
relates to Electric Power Supply. The only addition to
these i)urely power undertakings, either in operation or
projected, is the Central Ireland Electric Power Co., an
Act having been passed in the recent session of Parliament
authorising the company to supply electricity over an area
of about 847 square miles. The scheme will prove one of
unusual interest, since it is proposed to utilise peat as the
source of power, the peat being obtained from the Bog of
Allen. During the last few years various schemes for the
utilisation of peat in power production have been sug-
gested, but hitherto they have not taken definite form. We
hope, therefore, that success will attend the latest scheme
and that the desire of the company to see manufacturers
congregate in the neighbourhood of the power station will
be fultilled. In regard to existing undertakings there is
little progress to record in the majority of cases,the ditticulty
of obtaining money retarding the extensions necessary to
carry the supply over a lorger area. This remark, how-
ever, does not apply to the three large undertakings in the
Newcastle and Durham districts, which have become con-
solidated ; small stations have been shut down, and a
supply " in bulk " is given from the large stations of the
Newcastle-upon-Tyne Electric Supply Co., the connections
to whose mains now total 8o,0()() kw., as against 73,000 kw.
a year ago. An important development, and one likely to
have far-reaching effects, is the utilisation of the waste heat
of blast furnaces and coke ovens. The Waste Heat & Gas
Electrical Generating Stations Co. are now supplying the
Cleveland & Durham County Electric Power Co. with
electrical energy " in bulk," and this latter company now
have only one generating station in operation. The result is
that the north-east corner of the country furnishes an
excellent example of what can be done by co-operation and
an energetic policy in electricity supply.
An example of the reverse condition of affairs is supplied
by the South Wales Electric Power Distribution Co.,
whose undertaking has unfortunately had to be divided,
owing to the difficulties which have arisen during recent
years. Thus, the Neath and Bridgend generating stations
have been di.spo.sed of to the respective local authorities,
whilst the two remaining stations are also being run by
subsidiary companies. The experience of this company
is likely to dishearten the advocates of large power
schemes, but we aie pleased to notice that some of the
other power companies are now developing more rapidly.
The Yorkshire Electric Power Co. have more than doubled
their connections, which now total nearly 8,000 kw. ; the
North Metropolitan Electric Power Supply Co. have increased
their connections from c,700kw. to 9,700 kw., and the
Midland Electric Corporation liom 4,410 kw. to nearly
7,000 kw. Many of the companies are also obtaining very
desirable loads in the form of a supply for electro-chemical
purposes,such as the manufacture of aluminium and calcium
•carbide, and this branch of supply is likely to lead to great
developments in the future. In conclusion we may, per-
haps, mention, althougli the subject has become rather
hackneyed, that the prospects of a London power company
appearing in onr annual tables is now I'athei' remote, and
probably most electrical engineei'S will not bewail the
fact, since the existing undertakings are to be developed
on co-oi^erative lines.
Expiring Patents.
Ei.sEWHEKE we give a list of the patents of more
immediate electrical interest that will expii'e during tlie
present year. These appear to be of less importance than
is often the case. As an echo of past days in the history
of the secondary battery, mention may be made of patent
No. l,7ol, due to Fauke. The object of this patent is
to keep the active mateiial in position on the plates, and
this end is attained by the use of silicated asbestos
fabric, by which the plate is covered, the a.sbestos being
itself covered by a perforated sheet of celluloid. The
fabric is made by soaking asbestos in a solution of sili-
cate of soda and exposing it to the air. Patent No. 19,402.
due to Prof. GisBEKT Kapt, practically covers the use of
negative boosters for electric traction circuits to reduce
the drop in the return circuit within the required limits
The patent by Jandus (No. 4o7a) has now somewhat lost
its interest owing to the advent of the flame arc lamp.
This patent has for its object the prolongation of the life of
the carbons by enclosing them in a more or less airtight
chamber : a limited air inlet was allowed, such inlet being
insufficient to prevent the formation of an inert atmosphere
for the carbons. A patent (No. 21,283) relating to the
well-known Elmore process permits of high current-density
by rapid circulation of the electrolyte through the small
space between the anode and cathode. Other patents of
some interest are those relating to the Shallenberger meter,
tlie Diesel oil engine (tlie patent in this case being for the
regulation of tlie fuel supply to admit of governing), a
patent by Sykes in regard to railway signalling and one by
Steljes referring to his well-known form of printing
telegraph.
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUAEY 1, 1909.
449
Electrification of the Melbourne Railways. — It a])pcars that
the Victorian hailway Commissioners have reported adversely
on the electrification of these railways, as j)roposed recently by
Mr. C. H. Merz (svr The ElE(T1iI( ian, September 25th and
October 2nd •, though not on the scheme itself.
Memorial to Ampere. — A tablet in memorial of this distin-
guished scientist has recently been erected in the railvvay
station of the town of Ampure, N.J. The unveiling cere-
mony, which took place on December -Jrd, was performed by
M. Jules Jusserand, French Ambassador to the United States
of America. Others present included Dr. S. S. Wheeler (the
donor of the tablet), Messrs. E. W. Pope, T. C. Martin and P.
Cooper-Hewitt. Profs. Crocket-, Pupin and Arendt also
attended.
Electric Barometer. — According to the "Engineer," an
electric barometer has recently been invented which depends
for its operation upon the short-circuiting of a I'-shaped
carbon filament by means of a barometric mercury column.
The filament dips into the top of the column, and as the
atmospheric pressure increases, the mercury rises in the tube,
cutting down the length of the exposed part of the filament,
and thus reducing the resistance. As the mercury is also
afr'ected by temperature, a second filament and mercury
column is provided. In this column the tube is sealed, so that
the mercury will not be affected by atmospheric conditions.
As the filament is more or less covered by the thermometric
column the resistance correspondingly varies, and this varia-
tion in resistance is introduced into the circuit of the barometric
filament so as to counteract the temperature variations in the
latter.
Experimental Car Heating and Ventilating in Chicago.—
The " Electric Railway Journal" gives an account of some
experiments that .have been made on this subject by the
Health Department of the City of Chicago on one of their
new cars. The heating and ventilating equipment installed
in this car comprises duplicate sets of electric heaters and
suction and blower fans operated by electiic motors. The
hot air is distributed by means of ducts extending along the
sides of the car. Two fans driven by a single motor and a box
enclosing an electric heater are compactly installed under one
end of the longitudinal seat at the end of the car. Within
this enclosure is the ^ h.p. .")00 volt motor. This motor has
a long shaft carrying at one end the blades of a suction fan
and at the other end the blades of a blower fan, so that
the foul air is withdrawn, and at the same time fresh air is
pumped in over the heating coils. Each of these fans is 7 in.
in diameter and runs at 1,800 levs. per min. The coils are
arranged to consume 4, 7 or 1 1 amperes, so that varying degrees
of heat may be obtained.
Tramway Development in Germany. — According to the
"Zeitsclu'ift fiir Kleinbahnen,' the total length of tramways
in Germany on March 31, 1907, was "J, 1-53 miles; the num-
ber of two-axle motor cars was 8,378, of four-axle motor cars
i,i04, and of electric locomotives 63. The number of fatal
accidents was 170 and the numlier of injured 743, as against
146 and 669 in the preceding year. Some interesting infjjr-
mation regarding the tramwaj^ undertakings in the principal
German towns is given below : —
Towns.
Berlin
Hambu rg -Altonii
Munich
No. of
■ , 1 -J. . persons
inhabitauts. ' ■ ,
carried.
No. of Length Receipts
of per
track, passenger.
Dresden -
Leipzig
Breslau .„
Cologne
Frankfort
Nuremberg-FUrth
Elberfeld-fiarmeu. .
Hanover-Linden ..
Dusseldorf
3,013,000
971,000
539,000
SlV.OrO
503,000
471,000
429,000
395,000
355,000
319,000
308,000
253,000
millions.
481-1
157-2
64-3
87 -5
86-4
65-3
76-7
68-6
29-6
27-4
39-5 ,'
34-6
miles.
231
107
40
57
56
34
45
43
18
17
24
21
Pence.
1-225
1-300
1-250
1-313
1 150
1-000
1-088
1-188
1-150
1-212
1-300
1-138
Cable Interruptions. Date of interruption.
Pontianak — Saigon Sep. 16, 1908
Malta-Zante Dec. 29, 1908
New Cable Steamer. — The Goole Shipbuilding & Repairing
Co. are building a new cable steamer for the West Coast of
America Telegraph Co., which when ready will replace the
"Retriever'atC.allao, on the WestCoastof South America. The
new vessel will be about the same size and tonnage as the old
" Retriever," which was launched in 1878.
Double Flow Steam Turbine. — The " Electrical World "
describes a patent which has recently been granted to Mr.
J. P. Nikonow. This covers the construction of double fiow
steam turbines, of the Parsons or re-action type. In the Niko-
now turbine certain improvements to increase the light-load
efficiencies are embodied. Steam is admitted at the centre
stuffing channels seiiarating the two units. When the turbine
is running at full load the steam enters the left unit through
the proper port. A magnet connected in series with the mains
from the generator, driven by the turbine, is then fully ener-
gised and holds its plunger up, thus opening a valve and ad-
mitting steam to the second unit. Consequently the two tur-
bine units work in parallel. If the load drops below onc-hilf,
the magnet releases the plunger, thus closing the valve and
cutting off steam from the second unit. The remaining unit
works at half load with full pressure of steam, and conse-
quently with high efficiency. The non-working unit runs in
caciii) and therefore without appreciable friction or windage.
A centrifugal governor of ordinary design controls the steam
admission through the main valve regardless of whether one or
both units are working.
Water Power in Europe. — The " Elektrotechnik und Mas-
chinenbau " gives the following details on this subject, showing
the water power available and employed in the various Euro-
pean countries : —
Bavaria
Wurtemberg^
Baden
Prussia
Saxony
Alsace-Lorraine .
German Em])ire.
France
Switzerland
Austria
Hungary
Italy
Norway
Sweden
Total 35,604,200
Water Power.
Percentage
Available, H V
Employed, u p.
114.800
employed.
665,000
17
58,000
8.700
15
280,000
106,400
38
304,600
228,000
74
45,000
9,000
20
100,000
23.000
23
1,677,600
503,300
30
5,524,000
1,190,800
22
1,500,000
380,000
25
5,125,000
450,000
9
550,000
65,000
U
5,500,000
464,000
8-4
7,525,000
301,000
4
6,750,000
200,000
3
35,604,200
4.044,000 '
11-3
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE WEEK.
RoV.\I, IN.STITCT10.S,
Meetings at .\lbeniarle street. Lectures, adapted to a juvenile
auditory, on the " Wheel of Life," by Prof. W. Stirhng, as follows :—
SATURDAY, January 2ud,
J p.m. Lecture ill., " Daily Bread.'"
TUESDAY, January 6th.
.: j)./ti. Loctuie IV.,
THURSDAY, January 7tli.
3 p.m. Lecture V., "
SATURDAY, January 9tli.
J p.m. Lecture \'l..
•' Rivers of Life."
Sentinels and Citadels."
' Work, Fatigue and Repose."
TUESDAY, January 6tli.
M.iNcnESTEit Stcdents' Section ok tub Institciion or
Electrical Engineers.
::30 p.m. Meeting at the Muuicipiil School of Technology, Whit -
worth-street, Manche.ster. Paper on "Notes on the Elimin-
ation of Sparking," by Mr. L. H. A. Carr.
THURSDAY, January Tth.
RoNTCEN SOCIETV.
S: 1.1 p.m. Meeting at 20, Hanover-square. Pajier, " A Descrip-
tion of Three Sub-standards of Radio-Activity recentlj- pre-
pared for the ROntgen Society," by Mr. C. E. S. Phillips.
450
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 1, 1909.
PLANS AND RECORDS FOR ELECTRICAL DISTRI
BUTION SYSTEMS*
BY J. W. BEATJCHAMP.
Siimiimry.— A. doicriptioii is given of the system of mains records
used hy the Sheffield Corporation electricity department, and on this
a complete system is outlined.
The chief weakness of mains recording systems in general pro-
bably lies in the fact that they are not in continual use, and except
m case of occasional faults, the plans are only referred to for the
jjurposc of designing and recording extensions. Although when
ke|it in a simple and almost diagrammatic way they may sufficiently
ducts or cables in use, unless the maps are drawn to a very large
scale, when the record becomes unwieldy. Large scale maps have-
also the drawback that it is difficult to see any considerable portion
of a network at a glance, which is very necessary when considering
the scheme as a whole or plamiing extensions. Attempts have been
made to overcome these difficulties and fto provide a practical
system which should be capable of indefinite extension by using'the
maps for the delineation of the main features of the system and re^
cording all details in books or on cards in such a manner that they
can be easily turned up from references found upon the maps.
A mixed sj'stem of this class has been developed for the mains^
department of the Sheffield Corporation undertaking during the last
five or six years, and is at present giving good results. Its chief
well present the scheme of distribution as a whole, yet it w'lW he
found that the possession of an up-to-date, well indexed, and fully
detailed set of plans and written records will reduce the cost of
maintenance and avoid delays and waste of labour in times of
emergency. Whatever the system of recording adopted, it
should be possible readily to obtain the following
information : — Concerning every building, pit, duct, or
cable forming part of the distribution system, the «,r
name of district, and public or private way, or other
definition of position. Position of ducts, or cables in
roads, footpaths, or open ground with regard to fixed
points fruch as buildings or I'ecognised boundaries.
De[;th of ducts or cables with ngard to poimanent
road, or path surfaces, or bench marks. Fall or inclina-
tion of drained ducts and conduits. Particulars of ducts
and cables, with full details of type, form, size, and
references to tests made. Date wiien laid and brought
into u.se. References to special plans and to cost books.
OriL'in and destination of each duct and cable.
Physical position and electrical particulars of every
junction, branch, or service connection on any cable.
Hi-idgnised address or definition of all premises or
places connected to the supply, with particulars of the
capacity of the apparatus connected, electrical bal-
ancing, &c. All the particulars to be kept corrected
up to date.
The basis of all systems of records must be found in
s recognised map of the district, and, when sufficiently
elaborated by means of large scale sections, it may be possible to
(lelnieat* upon it all the required information : but generally in
large systems and the more important parts of small ones it becomes
ditbcult, if not impossible, to show sufficient details of the
features and method of working are as follows ; — A key map of the
city divided into squares and marked with reference numbers to a
set of Ordnance sheets (.scale 1 in 500 or 4i-66 ft. to 1 in.) to cover
the area included in the city boundaries. On these Ordnance sheets
all the pipes and cables on either side of a road are represented by a
PARTICULARS of MAINS.
'6t>v<.v\.i.f
! numerous
^^Jt:^^!:^^:^' *•" Le^Local Section oToTe
Fig. 2.
.single line on that side of the road on the map, high-tension cables
being indicated by a red line, low-tension cables by green, spare
pipes by yellow, draw-boxes by a square (black), substations bv a
square (green), switching pillars and boxes by a circle (green),
service connections by a tee line off t he cable, with scale, with regard to
position along the building line. In addition, densely cabled areas
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 1, 1909.
451
are redi'awn to a larger scale, permitting of more detail and sectional
insets being showii where needed (Fig. I).
On the plans, draw-boxes, disconnecting pillars, and substations
of every kind are marked with a number referring to lists and cards
kept in an index cabinet. These cards are specially ruled, and when
filled in, each one shows details of size, position, and contents of any
two adjacent draw-boxes, and a cross-section of all ducts and cables
between them, this information being amplified by means of detail
sketches on the back of the card where the complexity of the work
calls for it. Numbers referring to the Ordnance sheets on which
the courses of the detailed cables appear are also given on the card.
The working procedure for extensions is as follows : — Full par-
kw.,is carried out by one draughtsman and two assistants, occup}--
ing only a part of their time, about equal to the continuous labour
of one man and a junior, to which must be added the cost of super-
vision by the chief draughtsman, andasmall allowance for the atten-
tion of the mains engineers. Cost of labour is, say, £200 per annum.
The equipment consists of a set of maps and cards and filing cabinets
— approximate value, £60 ; in addition, a considerable amount of
drawing office material is used. The result, of course, is a valuable
and really indispensable asset which, kept in an accurate and up-
to-date condition, is of great assistance in developing the distribu-
tion system on sound lines, and prevents trouble and waste in its
maintenance.
o
^■^Particulars of Mains-.-
NAME or STREIET • A Wl c^ :^l € (i d ''K-ol CUD' SHtH EP. 15-E D«T£ ^t■8 06
PIPES
CABLES
FOOTPATH a ROAD
LlJ
posiTion
n'
SIZt
n-
SfCTlOCl
m«E
MAKER
a«CTii
UnbV
mature:
ini".'.'^
I
3"
1
•1-3(5-
L.T
-
Ou>.,.
3MO
?o e.
W^^ar f^T^
'.-'.i.,'--,- .,^. , , \
: I''
! < i
V .1
Mftca^ri
3<f>ncLe f^TM
i o
J- errs
' A— -.-— -"'"r^^:;:::^^^^ :
CABl-E TREnCM
CABLE DBAWM IM
FORE MAN
REMARKS
'•"r!:'^^s"^^^^^^li^L
"••-
~'°™
'.•-;■;;—
rptr.'gTmirfl
fe^
1 : t rs.
r" 1
ticulars of pipes, cables, and courses to be followed are entered on a
printed form (Fig. 3). This constitutes an instruction to the
draughtsman who makes the tracing from the Ordnance sheet or
sheets of the locality where this work is to be carried out, and the
proposed cables are shown upon it in a different colour from that
used to indicate existing works. From this tracing prints are
obtained for the use of the Post Office and road authorities whose
permits have to be obtained. When the work is being carried out
it is followed through l>y a draughtsman, who obtains precise par-
ticulars and measiu-ements in a ruled skstch book. From this a
oard is entered up and the course of the cables laid is marked on the
Ordnance sheet in the proper colours, where also the (iraw-box
Several improvements of this " map and card " S3'stem have sug
gested themselves, and might be adopted where records are being
started, any change at a later date being a serious matter. A com-
plete system is outlined for a two-phase high and low-tension system
with distinct low-tension networks fed from substations, but very
similar forms are suitable for a direct-current supply, the feeders
taking the place of the high-tension cables.
The various items would be (1) Key map of the area giving refer-
ence to the Ordnance sheets. (2) Set of Ordnance sheets on which
the course of the — {a) high and low-tension cables and spare ducts
are shown with single lines of different colours ; (6) substations,
disconnecting pillars, and boxes, by reference letters and numbers.
positions are marked with the consecutive numbers which give
reference to the street card (Fig. 2), which is then filed alphabeti-
cally under the name of the street or place. The original tracing of
the work is also filed, as in the case of alterations.
Service connections are similarly dealt with, but the detail record
is allowed to remain in the ruled sketch books, which are preserved
for reference. In addition to these records the whole of the high-
tension cable system and transforming points are shoivn on a skeleton
map (Fig. 4).
The work of recording all mains extensions, services, and altera-
tions at Sheffield, with consumers' connections aggregating 16,000
as (Ss 6) (D P 110). (Src. : (c) street draw-boxes or selected points^in
tlujroughfares by numbers referring to the card on which details cf
the works at these points are shown. (3) A map of the whole area
on the largest practicable scale, with high-tension feeders and low-
tension distributors shown by suitably coloured lines, and all high-
tension terminal points, substations, or transformer boxes, public
or private, indicated by their reference number. (4) A diagram of
all liigh-tension cables showing — (n) the generating station and
switch panel from which each originates ; (6) all tee, in-and-out,
and terminal points with reference numbers ; (c) sizes and lengths
of cables. (5) A list of reference numbers and symbols for — (a)j^alL
452
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 1, 1909.
hig)i-(en.sion substations, jiiliais. boxes, and terminal points : (i)
aU low-tc^nsion disconnecting pillars and boxes. (6) A set of cards
with accommodation for particulars concerning all substations.
(7)/A set of street cards presenting diagrammatic plans of the
thoroughfares and sections ofall the mains, at points as near to-
gether and numerous as is necessary to present a complete record of
the network ; also particiUars of consumers" connections filled into
spaces which are prcjvided for all premises along the course of the
mains. (8) A file of the extension and service note books used by
the draughtsmen to record daily work on the mains.
The author gives a few explanatory not-es in the Paper with regard
to these item.?, and one or two additional diagrams.
Although the system outlined herein renders it easy to trace the
details of any cable in the draw-boxes, it may be found convenient
actually to label th(^ cables with the leading particulars of theu-
origin, supply, and size, at the time of jointing up. I'robably the
best method of doing this is by attaching a tally of lead on which the
particulars arc stamped. It is now possible to obtain for this work
cast-lead laliel.s. which are sufKcicntly self-attaching to the cables
without soldering, and have letters and .symbols in relief upon their
surface so arranged that by the simple process of cutting portions
away with a knife or chisel the label can be left with a legible indi-
cation of the characteristics of the main to which it is attached.
This device obviates the necessity of including special jjunches in
the jointer's kit, and .serves as a reminder of the various particulars
whicli have to be indicated.
It will be obvious that, in a simplified for.m, the above-described
system can be well adapted to recording the details of large private
installations, as found in factories, mines, and shi)>yai'ds.
THE THEORETICAL CALCULATION OF THE BATTERY
CAPACITY REQUIRED FOR A GIVEN LOAD.
IIY DK. W. LULOF^, M..S(;.
The capacity of an accumulator is, as is well known, depen-
dent upon the value of the discharge current, and in this pro-
perty lies the difficulty of calculating the right size of accu-
mulator for a given load in ampere-hours at varying current
strengths. Prof. W. Peukert has published the following for-
mula, which expresses the dependence of the current a cell is
\
s
\
-
-
\,
!l.
\
\
N
\
\
\
S,
! I 1
1
N^
N
1
\
^
\
\
1 1 ■ i i i
1 1 1
w^
N
\,
!
S
\
N
'
\
\
s
\J
hl7\l
'
\
\
\
s»
\
\^
^
\
s
s
®9, , , , :^
\,\
\,
\
\rr^
N
\
s
[,r
\
■^
\
S
3
\ \ '
-
\
\*
y j\
-
-
-
\
\
\
\
V
X ! >
s
1
^
l^
\
\
s
V
A
\
\
<\""
\
\
s
^\
\
\
A
\
\
\
\
\
J
_J
_
_
k\
L
^
>^
\\l
0-3 0-4 0-6 0-8 10 1-2
Lvg C.
Fic. 1. — Tudor Ar(_:r.Mvi..\TORs.
able to give out on the length of discharge, provided the cell is
tully charged and not dischar ged below 1 -8 volts. The formula
IS U't = a Where 0 is the discharge current and / the length
ot time the cell is discharged at a current of C amperes, ,i and
a are constants, the former deuending on the construction of
the plate— namely, on the alteration in the composition ot the
active material and electrolyte surrounding the active material
—and on the alteration in resistance of the electrolyte and
active material as the discharge proceeds ; whereas a is simply
Values of In, 1„, a,,, <tc., /or )i=/'35 ami u=llioS.
Fifj. 2. — Tudor Accu.mulators.
dependent on the current density — i.e., on the number of
plates each cell contains. For this reason the two constants
may have difl'erent values for diHereut makes of cell.
The above formula can be used to calculate theoi etically the
right size of cell — i.e., the required number of plates per cell
-
i
: 1
'
l\
\
\
I
^
s
\
\
s.
\
\
\
1
\
\
1
y
\
1
\
s
\
\
k
\
"^
i
\
\
^
^
\
\
^
i
1
\
\
\
--
\
w^
\
s
l\
\
l\^
s
^
\
1
1
\\\: 1
M
0-2 0-4 oa 0-S 1-0 1-2 1-1 1-6 1-8
Lo.j C.
1 strip cell type. ■-' LL type. 3 LH type. 4 LS type.
Fk;. 3. — D.P. Storage B.vtteries.
for a given ampere-hour demand should « and a be known.
The shape of the load curve gives the required current at each
moment, and these currents when raised to the nth power,
permit a new curve to be constructed whose area is C'V, and
whose value can be obtained with a planimeter. The cell
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 1, 1900,
453
whose constant a is equal to or near this vahie is the type re-
quireJ. The object of this Paper is to prove that the Peukert
fonuuhc also holds good for English makes, and to calculate
the res})ective values of the constants n and a, I obtained the
data, on which the following calculations are based from the
makers, to whom I tender my thanks. I should like to draw
\^
i ! 1
_\
—
\
\
s,
\
\P1
7
--
\
\
\,
s
\,
\
20 3-1 2-2 2-3 2-4 3-5 2-6 2-7
Loo C.
Fig. 4. — ELEfTRic.ii. Power SToK.\(iE Co. Tvi-e P17.
their attention to this article, as it would to a great extent
simplify the calculation of the type of cell required if they
were to publish the values of n and a in their price lists.
The formula C"< -a can be written n log C + log ^ = log a,
C and / being the variables; or y= —nx + k, which represents
a straight line, where «/ = log t, )i = logC, h = \oga, knowing the
time of discharge for various current values thi.s straight line
can be calculated for each type of cell. The inclination of
2-S
I
1
\
\
s
>
\
L-.
--
\
\
s
\
-
\
\
\
s
\
\
\
s,
\
\
\
\
s
\
\
\
^ 1-1
s
N
\
.
\(
3
\
\
\
\
-
\
\
\
\
s
\
\
\
1-0
\
^
\
l\
\^
\
^
0-s
1
k
k
s
\
,
1 j
\
s
\
N
\
1 1
\
\
\
N
1
\i 1
s
\
\
\
\-k
\
\
\
\
1
Vrrr
\
\
\
0-2
\
\
\
\
\
k
\
^
\
\
n
;
_..
1
^
\
_^
\
0-2 0-4 0-6 0-8 1-0 1-2 1-4 1-6 I'S 2-0
Log C.
Fig. 5. — Chloride AroiMULATOKs.
this straight line gives the value of n and the length of the
ordinate is equal to log a.
From the tables given below it is obvious that the log of
the discharge current and time represent a straight line. At
ver}' high currents, however, this relation does not hold good,
and, therefore, should the load curve be particularly pointed
* Sec " Beraclinung tier virosseeiner Akkumulatoren Batteriefiireine
gegehene Amperestunden Belastung Bei verantlerlichti' Stiomstiiihe."
Tiof. W. Feukert, E.T.Z., 1907, 28, pp. 705.
in shape, the size of battery might be under estimated. It is
not, however, certain whether the battery really would be too-
small to take the load. By discharging at a rate which will
not allow the acid in the porus of the active material to be
maintained by dift'usion, the current density will not be homo-
genous, but will be stronger at the surface of the plate, owiny
to the increase in resistance of the diluted acid in the porus
Lead sulphate (PbSO,) is therefore chieHy formed on the sur-
face of the jjlates, the openings of the porus Ijecomc stopped
up to a certain extent, as this substance has a greater volume
than either lead or lead dioxide. The capacity of the cell
falls rapidly for this reason, while the \oltage is momentarily
of a lower value, owing to the dilute acid in the porus.
These conditions, however, are of a temporary nature, and
the cell has time to recover when the discharge current
decreases. In any case the danger of under estimating the
battery can be avoided by ascertaining, when the size oi cell
has been calculated, whether the highest momentary current
exceeds the maximum discharge current as given by the
makers.
TuDoi: Accumulators.
The accumulators are divided into two groups : (1) L type
cell for low working rates, and (2) H type cell for high work-
ing rates.
L Typi:.
The figures in following table were given by the manufac-
turers for cell LP : —
Discharge current
in amperes C.
25-75
20-4
17-6
14-75
13-3
11-6
10-6
10-0
Time of discharge
in hours T.
3
5
6
7
8
9
10
Lost C.
LogT.
1-411
0-477
1-311
0-602-
1-245
0-699
1-169
0-778
1-124
0-845
1-064
0-903
1-027
0-945
1
]
Curve LI, (Fig. 1) obtained from these figures is a straight
2--15
line, and the constants n and a. are : «= ^-^- =l-2'> : log ;«■
= 2-25, f( = i;'.V.
H Type.
The following tigures were given for the cell HI., of the higlr
working rate type : — ^_____
•Discharge cui-reiit
in amjiere C.
72-75
42-7
33-3
Log C.
1-856
1-630
1-622
LogT.
I
2-70
0
0-301
0-477
Curve HP is again a .straight line and « =y . = l--t55 -.
log a = 2-7, « = o02.
To obtain the fundamental value of a, i.e., the value for
the smallest size, namely, LP and HP, the following calcula-
tion must be made : —
The formula' C"t = (/ can be applied to any cell, n being
constant for the same type of cell. The constant a for a
smaller size of the same type of cell is, therefore, directly de
pendent on the value of C and can be calculated accordingly.
For example: For cell LP /(-1-25 and C = 27 amperes
when t = 3 hours and a = 178.
Cell LP, which is constructed for a discharge current ot
9 amperes for tiirce hours, gives the following values :—
It" xt = a
or (ix27)"x<=«,
"li:. r^xc'^v
a, „=3'-^ • "lis.
"110=2'"-^",.,., &c. (.s-« Fig. 2).
In this way the constant a may be calculated for the ow
and hiirh working rate cells.
and
454
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 1, 1909.
5
45
84-1
9
1,135
17
6,420
/.,„r.,ro
•/■!/(.'/ /!ar
Cil/s. Tvi'f L. Tudor Accnmufalor".
«=i-?5.
LI
6
108
200
11
1,491
19
7,410
7
178
332
13
1,880
21
8.190
9 11 1 13 1 15 1 ...
256 338 ...
476 628 1 791-5 1 956 i ...
15 17 19 ' 21 23
2,278 2,712 3,125 3,581 4,020
23 25 27 29 ' 31
9,550 10,660 11,700 j 12,815 14,000
25
4.470
33
15,310 ,
27
4,950
37
17,600
29
5,420
41
20,190
Value of a for LP
U)
Valiicof « forLQ
31
5,880
LR
45
Viihie of a for LR
22,770
High-worhiiif/ Sate Cells. Type H. Tudor AccumiUcUors.
n = 1-455.
HI 3
A'alue of a for HI 666
Value of a for HP 136-5
HQ 9
Value of « for HQ 2,820
HR 17
Value of « for HR 21,100
5
182-5
384
11
3,810
19
25,650
7
330
676
13
5,085
21
29,310
9
502
1,028
15
6,380
23
33,580
11
697
1,429
17
7,670
25
38,090
13
15
17
19
l','842
2,'315
19
21
23
25
27
9,140
10,640
12,220
13,990
15,700
27
29
31
33
37
42,650
47,450
52,350
57,500
68,500
29
17,400
41
80,400
31
19,300
45
92,300
The following figures were obtained from the D.P. Battery
Co. (Ltd.):—
/■or the Sti-ip Gel
Type.
Sj
For the LL Tjip,:.
X
0. LU
Di-scharge
Time of
Discharge
Time of
■current in
amperes.
discharge
in hours.
LogC.
LogT.
current in
amperes.
discharge
in hours.
LogC.
LogT.
C
T
C
6
T
10-38
0-778
6
10-3
0-778
1-013
1-016
6-5
9-3
0-813
0
968
6-5
9-42
0
813
0-974
7
8-3
0-845
0
919
7
8-35
0
848
0-922
8
7
0-903
0
84S
8
7 12
0
903
0-P52
9
6-05
0-954
0
782
9
6-1
0
9.S4
0-785
10
5
1-000
0
699
10
5-05
000
0-705
11
4
1-041
0
602
11-5
4-09
061
0-611
13
31
1-114
0
491
13
3-05
114
0-484
17
2-05
1-230
0-312
18
2-05
255
0-312
25
1
1-398
0
28
1-025
447
0-01
The Electrical Power Storarje Co.
I obtained full information from the manufacturers con-
cerning their P type, as follows : —
CM P...
Far the Lll Type. Xo. LJ/,.
For the LS Type. Xo. /,S;;.
6
6-5
7
9-25
11
12-5
15
20
30
10-91
9-81
8-81
7-55
6-4
5 32
4-0
3-025
2-0
10
0-778
1-037
14
0-813
0-992
15
0-845
0-945
16
0-903
0-878
18 1
0-966
0 806
20 !
1 041
0 726
24
1-097
0-602
28
1-176
0-481
35
1-301
0-301
45
1-477
0
70
10-7
9-65
8-75
7-5
6-48
5-12
4-02
3 0
2-0
1-0
-116 1-029
-176 I 0-985
-204 0-942
-255 I 0-875
•301 I 0-816
-38 ! 0-709
■447 0-604
-544 : 0-477
-653 j 0-301
-845 ! 0
The four curves drawn from these figures (.s-e« Fig. 3) are
all straight lines, and the constants n and a obtained from
them are : —
(1) «:.
LL.
<3) LH3
•(4) LS,
2-255
"-1-42-
-1-585.
log <i--
= 2-255.
2 255
(( =
= 180.
"- 1-45 =
= 1-551.
logd
= 2-255.
2 255
a
= 180
1-5
= 1-5.
log ((
= 2-255.
2-70
a --
= 180.
"~l-So5~
1-455.
log a
= 2-70
« -
502.
Ami the values of a for the ditlerent
sizes are : —
Number of cell...
\'alue of a for
S» = l-585
\:ilue of a for
LLk = 1-551 ...
Value of a for
T-H,i=15...
Value of „ for
LSu-= 1-465
3
5
. 7
9
11
15
15
180
540-0
1,025
1,620
2,315
3,072
3,937
180
529-0
988
1,548
2,182
2,915
3,680
180
508-5
935
1,444
2,011
2,654
3,340 1
! -
502-0
908
1,380
1,918
2,477
3,115 1
Discharge current
in amperes. C.
Time of discharge
in hours. T.
LogC.
Log T.
120
9
2-079
0-954
128
8
2-107
0-903
138
7
2-140
0-845
151
6
2-179
0-778
171
5
2-23
0-699
203
4
2-3075
0-602
247
3
2-393
0-477
310
2
2-491
0-301
425
1
2-628
0
Fig. 4 again shows a straight line from which the folio-win^
figures are obtained : —
1-055 T.Acr 'og a 1-055 , o ncK n^<-A
Mr" ' -^=-0^.1oga=3-9b5, a = 9660,
and the values of a are given on the following page.
From the curves (Fig. 5) the following figures are obtained :
5-35
log « = 0-769.
1-47
n.=
10
log,/ = 1-47. <( = 29-5.
1-31
log a = 1-915
„, 5^17
For K,
ForP,
ForL,
= 1-47.
fl = 5-88.
:l-47.
For S,
For C,
1-48
lo.g» = 2-17.
= 1-465.
a = 82-2.
= 1-46.5.
rt=148.
•=ra='-™-
log a = 2-84. </ = 692.
From these values the following table can be constructed :
Tj'pe of cell.
n
C
1-47
S
1-47
1-47
1-47
K
1-47
692
148
82-2
295
5-88
17
19
21
3,937 ; 4,845 5,845 6,920
4,515 5,440 6,395
3,340 I 4,080 4,840 5,700
23
8,050
7,435
6,535
6,000
25
9,220
8,480
7,460
6,845
27
10,730 ... I ..
10,000 ...
8,445, 9,445 I 10,420
11,600; 12,6001
7,690, 8,560 9,420l 10,300 11,290 12,250
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 1, 1909.
455
9
11
4,080
13
15 17 19 21
23 1 25 29 33 37 41 49 57
Valueof aforPn=l-466 ...
2,940
5,310
6,670 1 8,130 : 9,660 1 11,250
12,980 1 14,660 18,400 22.500 26,600 31,300 ' 40,700 50,750
The Chloride Elect
■ical Storage C
7o.
LogT.
Type of cell.
Time of
discharge
K
P
Discharge
current in Log C.
amperes. C.
L
s
Discharge
current in
amperes. C.
30
14-75
9
6-75
LogC.
1-477
1-169
J -954
0-829
C
in hours.
T.
Pischarge
current in
amperes. C.
Log C.
Discharge
current in
amperes. C.
Log C.
1-312
1-021
0-778
0-653
Discharge
: current in
amperes. C. '
Log C.
1
3
6
9
0
0-477
0-778
0-954
3-35
1-75
1-00
0-75 t
0-525
0-243
0
0 125
10 1
5 0-699
3 0-477
2-25 0-3520
20-5
10-5
6
4-5
85
41-75
25-5 1
19
1-929
1-621
1-406
1-379
As n. is a constant value for the various types these vakies
of a can be verified by using formula C"/Ci"=a/'aj. In nearly
all cases the value of ii is found to be about 1-.5, so that the
formula C''^ = rt is nearly correct for all types and makes of
accumulators. As Cl represents the capacity of a cell K, the
following formula is roughly right: KVO = a, or the capacity of
a. cell = K=
which does not agree with the formula
K = <C?
veu by L. Schroder
was altered by approximately 40 volts each time between limits ±
200 volts. Several cycles were gone through, and the charge was
plotted against potential, showing that the descending values were
slightly greater than the ascending ones, thus indicating a small
dielectric loss even with very slow rates of change of the field. >■ - iij,
The Variation of the Dielectric. Constant with Temperature. — Tlu:ee
[xircelain plates were placed in a copper vessel containing a drying
agent. This copper vessel was heated by means of an oil bath
THE ELECTRICAL QUALITIES OF PORCELAIN, WITH
SPECIAL REFERENCE lO DIELECTRIC LOSSES.
BY H. F. HjVWOKTH, PH.D., M.SC, B.ESG.
Summary. — Particulais aie here given of experiments nnclertalccn to
determine the capacity, conductivity and dielectric loss of porcelain, and
(heir variations with respect to potential, temperature and time.
The porcelain was in the form o£ glazed discs, about 21 cm. in
diameter and 0-55 cm. thick, from the Fabrik Hermsdorf, Sachsen-
Alt«nbiirg. The discs had a circular tinfoil electrode of 20-5 cm.
diameter fixed on them on each side. Current readings were taken
with a Siemens and Halske galvanometer, the usual sensibility of
which was about 0-5 x lO^i" amp. per mm. deflection at 2 metres.
The deflections were read by means of a telescope and scale, and could
be estimated to 1/10 mm. For potentials up to 200 volts a battery
of 100 large accumulators was used. For potentials up to 5,000
volts a batterj' of 2,500 small accumulators was used. These cells
were made up in sections of 50 in two rows of 25 each, fixed into a
paraffin wax base which rested on a glass plate bq,cked with wood.
Contact was made with mercury cups.
The Rate of Charge of a Porcelain Condenser. — Two plates connected
in parallel were used, and they were charged and discharged by
means of a paraffin wax insulated mercury switch. To secure
accuracy, and to avoid temperature and otlier effects, the following
method was adopted ; — (1) The plates were charged for one second,
and were then discharged through the galvanometer, the swing being
noted. (2) They were then charged for two seconds, discharged, and
the swing noted. The plates were discharged for a time equal to.
or greater than, the charge time. About 70 of these double readings
were taken, the charges of one and two seconds alternating. Tlie
averages of these results were then calculated, and from their differ-
ence the percentage increase of charge, when the charge time was
increased from one to two seconds, was calculated. The plates were
then charged for two and three seconds, and so on. It was assumed
in this experiment, and proved in the next, tliat the potential charge
curve for porcelain was a straight line, therefore the time-charge curve
may be continued, and the charge for three seconds calculated for the
original voltage. The results are graphically represented in Fig. 1 .
The Charge of a Porcelain Condenser as a Function of the Potential.
— The two plates used in the previous experiment were charged for
half a minute, discharged for one minute, and the swing of the galvan-
meter and the potential were noted. Readings were taken up to
1,200 volts, and a curve given in the paper shows that the charge is
directly proportional to the charging potential.
The Effect of Sudden Cyclical Changes of Voltage on the Charge of a
Po'celain Condenser. — Three plates were enclosed in a vessel, contain-
ing phosphoric acid as drying agent, and were charged, and dis-
charged, for one minute in the usual manner. The charging potential
* Abstract of a Paper read before the Royal .Society.
Fig. 1. — CuAKiiE or A Porcelain Condenser as a Fcnction of ami
Time oe Charge.
the oil of which was first heated to tlie required temperature Ijy a
Bunsen burner. The temperature was then maintained constant by
means of an electric heater, which consisted of a framework of
asbestos insulated iron wire wound on tlie inner copper vessel. The
heat radiation from the apparatus was exactly balanced by the
current sent through the resistance framework. The oil was circu
lated by means of a pump and stirrers worked by hand. The
HXl"
Ttiiipenittire. Buret's Centigrade.
Fia. 2 The Dielectric Constaxt of Porcel.ux .\s a Fl-sction ok
THE TEMrEBATDBE.
temperature « as measured by a thermometer resting on the porcelain.
The porcelain was charged and discharged in the usual manner,
charge and discharge being each of one minute's duration, the
(jotential being reversed each time to neutralise polarisation effects.
The charging and discharging was continued until the galvanometer
swings and temperature Mere constant for at least ime hour. The
results of the experiment are shown graphically in Fig. 2. It will be
456
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUAEY 1, 1909.
seen that the temjicratuie lias a very trreat influence on tlie dielectric
constant. From (I'C to 30 C. the dielectric constant is a quadratic
function of the temperature, the equation being of the form C,=(\,
(1+0-00223/ + 00005/=). From 30' to 100° the equation of the
curve is C'„=C,2e<'0264((] -(■■). We find that the dielectric constant
for this kind of porcelain at 20°C. is 8-95.
The Apparent Conductivity of Porcelain as a Function of the Potential.
— By the a])parent conductivity is meant the conductivity as ex-
pressed by the ratio of current to potential. A porcelain plate was
placed in an air-tight glass vessel containing a drying agent, and a
current was sent through it as well as through the galvanometer
Fifi. 3. — Apparent CoNDncTiviTv-VoLTAGE Cdkve fob Porcelain.
from the liigh-tension battery. At the end of 1^ minutes the deflec-
tion was noted, and from it the conductivity per cm. cube was
calculated. The potential was increased by steps of 110 volts to
2,500 volts ; the eiu-rent curves obtained were concave towards the
voltage axis, but they did not remain constant, they varied daily.
The conductivity decreased greatly with increase of potential. On
taking the readings with decreasing potentials the results obtained
were widely different from those obtained with increasing potentials.
and on putting the porcelain through a cycle of electrification the
curve obtained for current with respect to the potential ^^as a closed
one. On pulliip^ the inMicIain thicinL'h a number of continuous
cycles of electiiiii Ml lull i li,- >,iiim> ( iii \ c wns traced out each time, tluis
showing that .i ^i.mcIv r_\(li(:il stale had lieen reached. The porcelain.
160
'
-
V,
N
"^
—
1 .
.
\,
65hrs.
25 mins.
\
^
'
—
il5 105 115 125 1,S5 116
A ^ CoiuUictivitj' of Poiceliiin as a fuiictii
B-- Sliort circuit current from porcelain.
of ttxe time of electrittcatio
"U having a potential impressed on it, generates a back 1C..M.F. wliich
varies for different cycles of electrification. In other words the
dielectric becomes pojariscil.
U we consider the dielectric as being made up of electric doublets
(liartieles of matter having electric poles), they are normally in a
heterogeneous condition, but when an electrostatic field is im-
piessed on the dielectric, the particles tend to orientate with their
'■lectrical axes along the lines of force. The number which would do
>ij would vary directly with the im))ressed voltage, and their electro-
static potentials would add up to resist the flow of current tlu-ough the
dielectric. The free poles of the particles in contact with the elec-
trodes would constitute the charge. In Fig. 3 the apparent con-
ductivity is plotted with respect to tlie potential. It will be noticed
that on starting with an impolarised dielectric, the eonduetivitjr
is fairly constant for increasing potentials (A to B), but on decreasing
the potential the conductivity rapidly falls owing to the polarisation
of the dielectric ( B to C). and the fact that the curve goes off to a
negative infinity simply means that the back E.M.F. of the porcelain
is greater than the impressed E.]\r.)'\
The Variation of the Apparent ConductivHy of Porcelain with the
Time of Electrification. — Fifteen plates, connected in parallel, were
placed in a glass vessel containing a drying agent and a ther-
mometer. The plates were placed in a pile on porcelain feet
and were connected in parallel with strips of tinfoil. The glass
vessel was sealed up with paraffin wax, and the connecting
wires were brought out through long glass tubes filled with
paraffin wax. Current was supplied by a battery of 100 cells, the
voltage being constant (200) tluoughout the experiment. The
apj^arent conductivity ])lotted against the time gave Fig. 4 (A),
from which it will be .seen that the conductivity falls very rapidly in
the first 10 minutes, and then more gradually for an hour. After
18 hours the conductivity was considerably smaller than at the end of
the first horn', and after 65 hours the conductivity had an inter-
mediate value. This was probably a temperatm-e effect. After
65 hours 35 minutes the electrodes were short-circuited through the
galvanometer ; a large cm'rent (B) Fig. 4 was given in the reverse-
direction which was much greater than the positive current measured
/
14
12
/
5-
1.
^
Sa
/
, -•»«
10'' 20° 311' 40° 60° 60° 70°
Ttinpei-titun\ IJegrei-s C'eilJiifratlf.
Fill. 5. — Apparent CoNDOciiviTy of Porcelain as a Function of
THE TeMPERATCRE,
before switching the cells off. This was not the ordinary capacity
discharge, as the galvanometer was short-circuited while this was
taking place. The dielectric takes a very considerable time to polarise
completely, and in doing .so it stores up energy which may afterwards
be returned. The cycle is reversible, the porcelain dielectric acts
like an accumulator.
The Conductivity of Porcelain as a Function of the Temperature. —
Fourteen porcelain plates were placed in a pile in the inner copjier
vessel used in the previous temperatme experiment, with phosphoric
acid as drying agent. The heating arrangements were as before,
but the oil was maintained at a uniform temperature by an inclined
propeller driven by a small motor. The results of the experiment
are given in Fig. 5. It will be seen that the increase of conductivity
with temperature is very great. The follow ing is the equation for the
curve: -/'i^ry's. eO-osoasviu-/.). fhe specific conductivity of porcelain,
calculated at 20°C., was 0-2624 x lO-i^' mhos, per cm. cube.
The Dielectric io.ss. — The foregoing results show that there is a loss
of energy in putting a porcelain condenser through. a cycle of elec-
trification, and it is desirable to find on what factors this loss depends,
and the laws connecting it with variations of voltage, frequency, and
temperature. To investigate the dependence of the dielectric loss
on the frequency of the cycle of electrification, the foUowmg experi-
ments were made : — A porcelain plate was placed in a sealed glass
vessel, with sulphuric acid as drying agent, and was connected across
the secondary of a transformer giving about 2,000 volts. The cur-
rent and voltage waves were tlieu plotted with the .Joubert contact
method. The area of the current wuve was then calculated tor
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 1, 1909.
457
dirteixMit values of the time, and so the quantity of eleetiicity on the
condenser was obtained for that time. Q = fidf. Tlie \-oltat;e at tliis
time M-as known from the voltage curve, and Q was plotted against
y. The resultant curve enclosed an area representing the energy
required to put the condenser through a cycle of electrification at
that particular frequency and voltage. A number of these curves
were constructed at various frequencies, and the results given in the
Paper seem to show that the loss per cycle is roughly a constant
quantity, about 9.10'-^ joule.
To investigate it further, the following method was adopted, which
could be worked more rapidly, and by one person alone, whereas the
previous method required two observer.s. The porcelain plate wa.s
))laced in a large glass case containing some strong sulphuiic
Resistance i J [Poixel;
H
Eartli
, -Earthed
' Goard Ring
Transformer
^on-lndnctive Resistance
Regulating Resistance
K/VWA
Double Pole Switch
? ?
|Mams|
Fig. 6. — DiAOB.iM of Connections.
acid. Pressure was sup])lied with a Ferranti transformer, trans-
forming from 150 to 40.000 volts. In series with the ))orcelain
condenser was placed a condenser of large capacity (f, ) com-
pared with that of the porcelain (C2). and a non-inductive
resistance of 40.000 ohms. The current through the porcelain
« as measured by measuring the voltage across the resistance,
and the voltage across the porcelain was measured by the same
instrument (an Ayrton and Perry quarter cylinder electrometer)
being placed across part of a non-inductive resistance, which itself
«as (placed across the primary of the transformer. Connection to
the bottom electrode of the porcelain was made through the brass
case of the thermo]iile. The current passing had no etTect on the
Loss.
I \/
Fig. 7. — Potenti.\l-Loss Curve for Porcel.^i.v.
thermopile. A diagram of connections is given in Fig. (i. It was
intended to measure the capacity of the porcelain (C.,) b>- measuring
the pressure across the condenser (C,) placed in series with it. accord-
ing to the law CiVi=C2V2. where V, being small the capacity C,
could be assumed to remain constant, but on connecting the con-
denser C\ to the electrometer a small deflection was first obtained
whicli rapidly grew larger until it was beyond the range of the elec-
trometer. It was found that this deflection was due to polarisation,
for. when a battery was placed in series with the electrometer, the
defection ahvajs increased when the negative pole of the battery
was connected with the earthed side of the condenser, thus showing
that the polarising current was passing tliroUgh. or over, the porce-
lain from low to high-tension side. It was thought that perhaps the
brush discharge was causing tiiis effect, so an earthed guard ring wa.s
put round the bottom electrode, but the result was the same. This
conden.ser was then dispen.sed with, and capacity calculations were
made from the values of the current, voltage and frequency. This
was allowable, as the E.M.F. wave was a pure sine wave.
A considerable alteration had to be matle in the apparatus on
account of the large quantities of ozone and o.xides of nitrogen which
were formed by the brush discharge, and whicli rendered the rooms
very objectionable to work in. The porcelain plate was placed on
one enil of a theimojjile (used for temjierature measurements), the
whole standing in a large ])hotographic dish, and was covered with a
bell jar. Air was sucked into the apparatus tluough two towers
containing calcium chloride, and a wash bottle containing .sulphuric
acid. The bell jar was .sealed at the bottom with ordinary machine
oil. The ozonised ak was led out through a lower containing man-
ganese dio.xide (to split the ozone up into oxygen), and a wash bottle
containing strong sulphuric acid, to ))revent any water vapour from
creeping into the apparatus. The air current was produced by an
ordinary filter pump, and the air was dried before entering the appa-
ratus, in order to diminish the brush discharge.
The dielectric loss was measured by the difference of temjierature
which could be maintained bv the centre of the surface of the porce-
lain plate above atmospheric iemperature. This temperature differ-
ence being only a few degrees, it follows from N'cwton's law of cool-
ing, that the heat lost is pro|).)rtional to this difference : and as the
beat lost is equal to the heat gained, if the temperature is constant,
a thermopile placed with one end in contact with the (lorcelain will
generate an E.M.F. which is directly proportional to the dielectric
loss. This K.M.F. was measured by connecting the thermopile with
a low resistance galvanometer through a reversing switch, and noting
the direct and the reversed dctlections to neutrali.se the effect of local
E..M.F.S. &c. The losses were first measured at a eon.stant frequency
of .")() per second, with pressures up to 38.000 volts (R.M.S.). The
results are graphically represented in Fig. 7. The equation to the
curve is expressed by loss per cycle jc t\"'''' =; 1-83 x 10 -'-V' '^
joule per cubic cm., where V is the R.. M.S. potential gradient per cm.
The los.ses were then determined at constant pressure (30,(X)0 volts),
and for frequencies between l."iS and 200. The points obtained lie
practically on a straight line w hich does not pa.ss throuch the orisin,
so we have the equation for tin' dielectric loss as follows ? —
Dielectric loss oer cub. > , ,.,,-i;i,, 1 . ,>, • 1
em. in tim'e I , ^ ' '^"^ "" l"""-^ '/+ l'' ^>' J"^"'^^'
where V is the R.M.8. jiotential gradient per cm. and / is the number
of cycles per second. The constant 14-4 is probably due to the jiorce-
lain not being a perfect insulator.
We have here a striking similarity between magnetic and dielectric
losses. They are each independent of the time in which the cj'cle
is completed. (If we neglect th.c C-R loss due to the inijierfection of
the dielectric), and are proportional to similar powers of the ampli-
tude of the cycle. May we not i-xtend this similarity to the internal
actions ? Let us imagine the di'lectric to consist of electric instead
of magnetic doublets, these particles would o.scillate or revolve under
the influence of an alternating electric field, and energy would be
ab.sorbed in overcoming their mol<>cular friction
The Pajier concludes with a liistorical rcnumr of previous experi-
mental work on dielectric losses.
AN ELECTRICALLY-DRIYEN SEWAGE SYSTEM.
The problem of the eiTectiial disposal of sewage has occupied
the minds of engineers for a considerable time, and bacteria
beds, .sewage farms and the proper disposal of effluent are still
subjects of animated discussion among civil engineers Apart
altogether from the question of the ultimate disposal of such
matter, its transport through the district to a central collecting
point is one which presents teclinical difficulties of a high order,
more particularly where the district happens to be of a hillr
nature. A case in point occurs in the scheme which provides
for sewering the area of the Wiiickham Urban District Council,
a locality adjacent to Newcastle-upon-Tyne and embracing
a portion of the Whaggs and Tethercock estates. Whickhani.
Sunniside and Marley Hill.
The .scheme serves a present population of about 1.4(K).
which number is, however, likely to be considerably increased
now ttat a proper system of sewerage is provided. Before
the execution of the present scheme the sewerage from a por-
tion of tlie area covered discharged direct into a water course.
458
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 1, 1909,
jind the n'maiiidtT was dealt with by iir-hiis of cesspools.
Owing to the undulating character of the ground traversed by
the sewers, gravitating sewers to discharge into the Council's
existing sewerage system at Whickham were not practicable,
and after careful con.sideration the Council, upon their en-
gineer's recommendation, decided to raise the sewage at two
points by means of Shone automatic pneumatic ejectors, so
that advantage could be taken of the existing sewers and the
drainage from Marley Hill and neighbourhood discharge
through the present outfall. In addition to sewage, surface
water from roofs and back yards is also dealt with.
Gravitating sewers are laid from Marley Hill to the •" Fox
Cover " near Sunniside, where is situated the first ejector
station, iu which are placed two Shone ejectors, each of 100
The ejectors are fi.xed in duplicate in each station complete
with inlet and outlet flap valves, inlet and outlet sluice valves,
automatic air admission and exhaust valves, patent alternat-
ing valves, r tubes. &c.. and are capable of dealing with 2iX)
to 300 gallons per minute at their respective stations. Should
it ever be required, it is anticipated that in time of emergency
they will be able to deal successfully with .3W to 400 gallous
per minute.
The sewage gravitates from the sewers through the inlet
pipe of the ejectors shown in the line drawing, Fig. 1, of one
of the ejector stations and into the ejector, in which it gra-
dually rises till it reaches a bell float attached to a rod passing
upwards to the compressed air admission valve. The air,
at atmospheric pressure inside the bell when first enclosed, is
Shork E.;e<.'Tors in Bhu-k Cwamiiek.
gallons capacity. From this station the Marley Hill and Sunni-
side sewage is forced through an 8 in. cast-iron rising main to
a delivery manhole at the corner of Whaggs-lane and Broom-
laue, a distance of 660 yds., and a maximum lift, including
friction of 40 ft. From this delivery manhole gravitating
.sewers are again laid to the second ejector station near the road
leading to Marshall Lands Farm, collecting in their course the
■cwage from part of the Wliaggs and Tethercock estates. At
Scale of Feet
10 15 20 25
I -I I I
Fii;. 2. —Plan ok E.ikotok St.-ition.
this station two 150 gallon ejectors are installed, and the
sewage from station No. 1. together with that from the Whangs
and Tethercock estates, is forced through a 9 in. rising main
to a delivery manhole at the head of the Whickham sewerage
system. The distance in this case is 310 yds. and the lift 49 ft. ;
from this delivery manhole the sewage passes through the
Council's existing system and discharges through the present
outfall. ■ ^ '
compressed by the rising sewage, and lifts the bell and spindle.
The compressed air thus automatically admitted to the ejector
drives the sew'age through an opening at the bottom into a
delivery pipe, which communicates with the rising main. A valve
on the inlet pipe prevents the sewage returning back. The
escape of the fluid exposes a counterweight cup on the spindle,
which in its turn pulls down the spindle and reverses the com-
pressed air admission valve, w-hich first cuts off supply and
then allows the air in the ejector to exhaust down to atmo-
spheric pressure. A flap valve on the delivery retains the licjuid
in the rising main, and so the action goes on so long as there
is sewage to flow. A general plan of an ejector station is
shown in Fig. 2.
The compressing station for the supply of air to the ejectors
is situated at the rear of the Council offices in Whickham. and
the farthest ejector station is about l-J- miles away from it.
The compressing plant consists of electrically-driven air com-
pressors, the motors being of the protected slip-ring type
made by Messrs. ,T. P. Hall & Co., of Oldham, for three-phase
current, 440 volts and 40 periods, giving 15 b.h.p. at 575 revs,
per min., and are controlled by automatic electrical controlling
apparatus, made by the Adams Mfg. Co., of Bedford, consist-
ing of duplicate panels, one for each motor. A view of one
of the panels is given in Fig. 5. The supply is connected to
either motor by means of a triple-pole switch.
The functions of the apparatus are to start either motor
automatically when the aii pressure falls to a predetermined
minimum — in this case, 17 lb. per square inch — and stop the
motor when the pressure has increased to 23 lb. per square
inch. Each half of the controlling gear is fitted with a dial-
type pressure regulator provided with suitable contacts to
operate a relay circuit. The relay closes solenoid circuits,
which in turn operate immersed main oil-switches and a valve
controlling a piston, the function of the latter, which is acted
on by air pressure, being to work a three-armed rheostat, and
so cut out resistance in the rotor circuit durint; the starting
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 1, 1909.
459
period. When the air pressure has reached the piedetermiiied
iiiaximum, the pressure regulator short-circuits the relav coil,
allowing its plunger to fall, and .so open the solenoid circuits,
thus allowing the main switches to open, and the air to act on
the reverse side of the piston, .so resetting the resistance in the
rotor circuit ready for the next cycle to commence.
The system is quite simple, and is so interlocked electric-
ally that it is impossible for the motors to ho switrlu'd dh
( with machine-cut teeth) on the crank shafts of the compre,9sors.
Each compres.sor has an air cylinder, 9 in. diameter by 8 in.
stroke, and is capable of delivering 1.5.5 cubic ft. of free air per
minute to 20 lb. pressure when running at 264 revs, per min.
The air mains are of Mannesman steel tubes, jointed in lead wool
*• aU -U ^ - _
3. — Cojii'KE.ssoR Station.
unless the starting resistance are in circuit. The oil-immersed
main switches have a quick " make " and " break," and the
movement of the piston is adjustable as regards its travelling
speed, and will work under any pressure from about 15 lb.
Fu:
-Co N T Ko 1, 1 . 1 N ( : Pa n e r..
and covered with jute cloth : they are of -t in. diameter to
the nearest ejector station and 3 iio. afteiwards. They were
tested in lengths when laid to a pressure of 40 lb. per square
inch, a leakage of not more than 5 per cent, per hour being
to the square inch upwards. The pressure regulators al.so
have a wide range of adjustment.
The eompies.sors are of the horizontal duplex tvpc, and are
driven independently by separate motors through raw hide
priiiODs on the motor .shafts, gearing into cast-iron spur wheels
.illowed under thecontiact conditions; as in no case did the loss
exceed 1 lb., or 2i per cent., the results may be considered as
eminently satisfactory. The general appearance of the com-
pressor station is shown in Figs. 3 and i.
In all. the scheme comprised the laying of over 2.', miles of
460
THE ELECI'KICIAN, JANUARY 1, 1909.
i,'r:i\itatiim srwers, 2,376 yds. of Mamii'.sman stei-l tul)i's.
977 yds. cast-iron rising main, the buildiiij; of manholes, and
other work incidental to any scheme of sewerage work, ejector
chambers and compressing station, the total cost of which was
estimated at £5,941, and it is satisfactory to note that this .-inm
will not be exceeded by more than, if as mnch as. f 10.
The ejector chambers are of brickwork built in two leaves.
an outer one of 14 in. and an inner one of 4J in., with a layer
of Callender's bitumen sheething between. The compressing
station is of rock-faced .stone externally, and is finished off
with white opalite tiling inside ; the flooring is of terrazo.
Mr. J. W. Robson, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, was the con-
tractor for the gravitating sewers, manholes. &c., ejector and
compressing stations. Messrs. Hughes & Lancaster. Ruabon
and London, .sole manufacturers of the Shone ejectors, were
responsible for the ejectors, the air compressors — also their
own make — air and sewage rising mains, motors, &c. The
.\danis automatic starting panels were erected under the
supervision of their local agent, Mr. F. T. Hanks, by the Corlett
Electrical Engineering Co., Newcastle and Wigan, while the
sup|)ly is by the County of Durham Electrical Power Distri-
bution Co., and is by means of overhead cables from Axwell
I'ark Colliery sub-station.
The .system is particularly interesting, inasmuch as it is
believed to be the first time that it has been tried on such hilly
ground. Installations have been in operation in flat country,
such as°at Gosport and in Rangoon, but it was in the nature of
an experiment to try it under the conditions mentioned, and
credit must be given to Mr. J. B. Renton. engineer and sur-
veyor to the Urban District Council, for its success. There are
no sumps to clean out, as a scavenging pipe operated with com-
pressed air is all that is necessary, and, as stated above, the air
losses on the system are fractional. At the time of our visit,
when the system was working on the ordinary sewage of the
district, the pumps were operating at periods of two minutes
running and 10 minutes standing, but during rainy weather,
when there is a large amount of day water, the periods are in
the nature of three minutes run and five minutes stand. This
variation proceeds absolutely automatically, and adjusts itself
instantly to any change of condition. It is exceedingly in-
terfcsting to note the prominent part electricity takes in con-
ducing to the efficient operation of this system. Our thanks
arc due to Mr. Renton for his courtesy in allowing us to inspect
the installation. '
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE STREET LIGHT-
ING OF BERLIN, AND A COMPARISON WITH
FORMER METHODS OF ILLUMINATION.
HV 1)H. I.. lll.OCII.
Siimnuif;/. In thi.s article the author gives a detailed comparison of
the various methods of street lighting now in use in Berlm. These
methods include lioth high and low pressure gas lamps and Hame and
oi'dinary arc lamps. Measurements of illumination liave in every case
lieen made under actual working conditions, while in order to ensure
.1 truer basis of comparison, in one or two instances the results thus
ohtained have been re-calculated for otlier heights of suspension. In
conclusion, the author deals with the (piestion of cost, but shows that
from this point of view gas and electric liyhting are not comparalile,
MS so many opposing factors are in'esei\t.
iNTRODrcTIOX.
In a former Paper the author coinpared the various methods of
street lighting wliich were in u.se in the principal streets of Berlin
about three years ago. These consisted in some cases of upturned
liigh-pressure gas lamps, and in others of ordinary direct current
arc lamps. Improvements which have been effected in the science
of illumination during the last few years made it neces,sary that
these systems of lighting should be overhaided both from the point
of view of their construction and cost of upkeep. In what follows,
llic present methods of lighting, both by gas and electricity, are.
tlierefore, compared with one another and with those which were
formerly used. Tliese measurements liave been carried out by tlu
Testing Department of the Berlin Klectrieily Works.
.\fter the adoption of upturned high-i)resiure gas lamps the next
nnprovcment in street lighting by gas was the employment of inverted
lamjjs burning under ordinary (iressure. These were introduced
into Berlin in the spring of U)06. And although no improvement
in illumination over the upturned higli-prcssure gas lamp was ob-
tained, economies over upturned gas lighting of every kind were
effected.
Street Lighting by Inverted Hii;h-pressure Gas Lamps.
During the latter part of 1907 inverted high-pressure gas lamps
were introduced into the Kiiniggriitzer Strasse. and soon after-
«-ards into a number of other streets in Berlin. An exhaustive
description of the results obtained with this lighting has already
been wTitten by I'rof. Drehschmidt.* wlio has made a special study
of the subject.
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Metres*
Yiii. 1. — Illumination of the Konigcraetzer Strasse by Inverteu
HiGH-PREssrRE Gas Lamfs.
A Eilye of rif;ht pavement. B Edge of left pavement. C Middle of the str eet.
At the end of November. 1907. the lighting of the Kuniggriitzer
Strasse, near the Anhalter Bahnhof. was measured by the author.
This street is •28-.5 metres (94 ft.) wide, the lamp-posts being arranged
on the edge of the pavement on both sides. The distance between the
lamps is on the average 42 metres (139 ft.). On each post is an
inverted high-pressure gas lamp having a round clear glass globe,
suspended about 5-5 metres (18ft.) from the ground level. These
lamps contain two burners, consuming 1.200 litres (424 cubic ft.),
or altogether 2,400 litres (848 cubic ft.) per hour. Some months ago.
however, they were replaced by three bmners, each consuming 800
litres (282 cubic ft.) per hour.
rAlOflJ Y"
V
w
\
r\
A's
- (^'^
10
15
30
Met,
Dhtancejiom Foot of Lamp.
Fu;. 2. — Illi-mination by Inverted High-Pressvre Gas Lamps.
GcRVE OF Horizontal Illumination for one Lamp alone.
A In the KiiniggrStzer Strnsse. B In tlu- Potsdamer Strasse.
The horizontal illumination at a height of 15 metres (oft.)
from the ground level was measured every two to four metres along
the line joining the lamps at both sides, as well as along the middle
of the street. The results obtained by these measurements are
shown in cmves A, B and C of Fig. I. The values obtained for the
horizontal illumination varied between 135 and 2 lux (1148 to 0-17
candle-ft.). Fig. 2 shows curves which, for greater clearness, are
exhibited on two scales, giving the horizontal illumination for one
lamp alone. From them the distribution of light over the w hole sur-
face of the street and the correct maximum and minimum value of the
Joiinm/fiir GasbtlcurlUuny, p. 761, 1908.
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 1, 1909.
461
Table I
. — ComparUons of Different Methods
of Street Lightiiiff
'n Berlin.
Meas.
H«f ht ui.tance
Street
Street Consump-
surface tion per
1 per post
j Ump-post. I per hour.
Consump-
tion p. 100
C'on.sump.
per lux &
i
Horizontal
Uumination
Type of lamp.
Place.
or
calc.
apart of
^"^P«°- lamps.
width.
sq. m. of
street sur-
face p.hour
100 sq.m.of
street sur-
face p.hour
Mean
lux .
Max.
lux.
Min.
lux.
Max.
Min.
(ras Lif/htinq.
m. ft. ra
. ft.
m.
ft.
sq.m
.s<].ft.|L'res. cu.ft L'res. cu.ft L'res. cu.ft
Inverted high-")
Potsdamerstr.
Meas.
5-5 18 40
132
36-6
121
! 1!2
7,832 2,400 84
328 11-4
19 0-66
17-3
123
1-7
72
prcs lamps ... )
Koniggriitzerstr.
Meas.
5-5 18 42
139
28-6
94
j 600
6,42012,400 84
400 14
22 0-77
180
99
1-9
52
Upturned ord.
pres. lamps ...
Kii u i ggratzerstr.
Calc.
3-5 U-5 58
92 b
28-0
94
400
4,280 ?50 8-75
62 5 2-2
39 1-4
1-6
IM
0-25
44
Upturned high- i
Alexanderstr.
Meas.
5-7 18 8 42
139
21
70
441
4,7181,200 42
272 9-S
52 1-8
5 2
18-9
OR
25-5
pres. lamps ... >
Konigstr.
Meas
5-7 18 8 42
139
20 6
68
431
4.6112,400 84
557 19-5
48 1-7
11-7
41
2-0
20 5
Inverted ord. pres.
lamps
luvalidenstr.
Meas.
4-5 14-8 23
<i'ib
17
66
238
2,54f 456 16
192 6-7
35 12
5-5
.-P.
n-6
97
Electric Lightinij.
Arc lamps with
Watt-hrs.
Watt-hr.s.
AVatt-hrs.
ordin. carbons
Friedrichstr.
Meas.
10 33 30
99
22
73
660
7,062 P,25
125
18-4
6R
Ill
?.f>
4-3
Flame lamp 1
Fried richstr.
Meas.
10 33 30
99
22
73
660
7.062 825
125
69
182
31 -r,
66
4-7
with "Alba-
Potsdamerstr.
Calc.
5-5 18 40
132
3b-6
121
733
7,832 825
112
49
2V1
132 3
20
66
carbons 1
Potsdamerstr.
Calc.
7 25 40
132
3b-6
121
732
7,832 825
112
5-2
21 -7
71-5
29
246
Flame lamjis (in- "1
Potsdamerstr.
Calc.
7 23 40
132
3bb
121
732
7,832 8?5
112
5-4
20-7
1 ?1 -5
2-5
49
clined carbons) )
Potsdamerplatz.
j Meas.
18 59 45
148
[3,640
38,948) 4,400
120
65
18-8
82
1-3
63
illumination can be calculated. Fig. 3 shows this distribution of
light. The value of the illumination .shown in the upper 15 squares
corresponds with that in the lower. The mean horizontal illumina-
tion is 18 lux (1'53 candle-ft.) for the whole street. The maxi-
mum value is 99 lux (8'4 candle-ft.), and the minimum
15 20 Metres
Fill. 3. — IlXUMINATION OK THE KoNIOGRAETZER StRASSE IIY InVEKTKI)
Hich-Pressure Gas Lamps.
value is 19 lux (016 candle-ft.). The maximum value in
this ca.se is the mean of five readings, which explains its
difference from that given above. The ratio of the maxi-
mum to the minimum value is 52. In order to show the relation
between the costs of lighting, the amount of gas taken per 100 sq.
metres (1,070 sq. ft.) of street siu-face is of importance. In this
Fic. 4. — Illlmination of tub Potsdamer Stras.se bv Inverted
High-Pressi'RE Gas La.mps. Horizontal Illumination (measured).
A Edge of Pavement. B Middle of Sti-eet.
case it was 400 litres (l-l'l cubic ft.) ; the amount consumed per lux
of mean horizontal illumination and 100 sq. metres of street surface
was 22 litres (0"75 cubic ft.) per hour. The way in which these
values compare with the results obtained from other systems of
lighting is shown in Table I.
Results obtained from inverted high-pressure gas lamps in the
Potsdamer Strasse are also shown in the table. The width of this
street is .36-6 metres (120 ft.), .uid lli.- ;iv.-r;iL'.- (li.slitnci- apart of the
Footway
.,,:-.
48 8 ; ; ;
Lamp 1 ;
97J_ :__«■!:_;.
, : ,
Roadway
33 5:10-
1 : ■ ' :
y
Lamp
Footway :
[i2 05 3 1 ! 5
s ■ m'o;
□.-'
2-,1 L
5-10 L.
10-30 L
20-30 L.
>3CL.
I I ' 1 1 1 r'
10 15 20 Metres
Fii;. 5. — Illumix.ation' of the Potsdamer Strasse by I.nverted
Hioh-Presstre Gas Lamps.
lamps 40 metres (132 ft.). The height of suspension is 5'5 metres
(18 ft.), and the amount of gas consumed by the lamps 2,400 litres
(84-8 cubic ft.), or 800 litres (28-2 cubic ft.) for each of the three
burners employed. The results of measuring the horizontal illu-
mination at a distance of 15 metres (5 ft.) above the ground and
on a line joining the lamps is shown in Fig. 4. Tliose results vary
from 135 to 28 lux (11-4 to 024 candle-ft.) in a horizontal direction.
Curve B in Fig. 2 shows the illumination curve for one lamp alone.
The distribution of light over the whole street is shown in Fig. 5
FlO. 6. — IlI.IMIN-ATION (rAI.f.ILVTED) OF THE KdNIi:CRAETZER StRASSE
BY Ordinary Pre-ssdre Gas Lamps with UiTrRNED BrRSES.s.
and also in the table. The mean horizontal illumination is prac-
tically the same as in the Kiiniggratzer Strasse, but the evenness is,
on account of the higher maximum value, somewhat less favourable,
« hile the consumption per lux aud 100 sq. metre is about 15 per
cent, better.
E
402
THE ELECTKICIAN, JANUARY l, 190'J.
Comparison of the New Illumination with that iiskd J'\)BMERLy.
In order to obtain a comparison between the new system of lightmg
in tlic Knniggriitzer Strasse and that wliieh was formerly installed,
consisting i>( gas lamps with upturned Inirnors, the value for the latter,
which \vm- inad<- up of two inoandcs.-cnl luantles per lamp spaced
28 metres (92 ft.) apart, was obtained from former measurements.
Tlie distriljution calculated over the whole street for this earlier system
is shown in Fig. 6. A comparison of the earlier and present system of
lighting in the Kiiniggriitzer Strasse shows that the gas consumption
|)cr 100 s((. metres of street surface is 6-5 times the former value,
while the mean horizontal illumination has increased 11 times.
The efficiency of this newer lighting is obvious, the amount of gas
consumed per lux and 100 sq. metres being about one-half.
There is no doubt that the earlier mean horizontal illumination
of IG lu.\- (014 candle ft.) was too small for a town with a large
amount of traffic, but whether such an increase in the gas consump-
tion and in illumination was necessary is. at least, open to question.
The lighting of the neighbouring Potsdamer Platz and the Platz yor
dem Brandenburger Tor was imitated as the horizontal illumination
ill those places is nearly the same as that at present obtained in the
Ivnniggriitzer Strasse. The results formerly obtained in the Pots-
damer Platz are shown in the table. But the illumination of these
two ])laces is rather out of the ordinary on account of the extremely
Flo. 7. — Distribction oi- Lioht wrrii a 15 ami'ere 825 watt
D.C. An:. Lamp.
A Flame .\rc Lamp with Alba Cacboui B Flame Arc Lamp with Imliueil
Carbons. C Ordinary Arc Lnnp All with opal glass globes.
heavy traffic which passes through them. If it is acknowledged
that so high an illumination should be the rule in such streets there
will be a danger of the demands continually increasing. There is
no doubt, then, that side streets turning off such brilliantly lighted
streets will also require an increase of their illumination, as, owing to
the greater contrast, they will otherwise seem to be in darkness.
Shopkeepers who have premises along these streets will be obliged
lo use stronger l.iiiii.s in onlir that their shops may be more noticeable.
It is, further. Iiijlil\ |i , il,lc that they will not emjiloy the same
type of lam|> as ili,,s,. ,;„■(! in the street itself, but will u.se other
colours, ami adopt especially electric flame arcs. The supply
engineer will probably be satisfied with this addition to his load.
but, on the other hand, the appearance of the streets at night will
be such as to fatigue the eyes.
Comparison of Illumination by Inverted High-pressure Gas
, Lamps with that op other types of Gas Lighting.
For comparison the table contains the results «ith high-
pressure upturned gas lamps in the Alexanderstrasse and Konig-
strasse and with inverted gas lamps at ordinary pressure in
the Invalidenstrasse. From this it will be seen that the amount
fv** ^°."^"™'=d per 100 sq. metres of street surface is higher
m the Kumgstrasse than in the Koniggratzer Strasse, upturned
high-pressure gas lamps consuming 2,400 litres (848 cubic ft.)
per hour, i being installed in the former of these. The mean
horizontal illumination is about 3:$ times as great in the Potsdamer
Strasse and Koniggriitzer Strasse as in the Invalidenstrasse and
Alexander.strasse. and 15 times as great as in Kiinigstrasse.
Comparison of the illumination is also based on the ratio between
the maximum and minimum values of the horizontal illumination, and
shows most unfavourable results with ordinary pressure inverted gas
lamps, as in this case most of the light is dii-ectly underneath the lamp.
With inverted high-pressure gas lamps it is only a little better,
and, in spite of a considerably greater heiglit of suspension, is not
as good as with upturned gas lamps under ordinary pressure. The
most favourable values are obtained with upturned high-pressure
\
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DiitmcB between L«mpe
—36 Metres-
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Fii;. 8. — Illumination in thk Friedrichstrasse ev Arc Lamps
WITH Alba Carbons.
a Middle of Street. B Edge of Pavement.
gas lamps. The distribution of light is in this case similar to that
of the uptitrned ordinary gas lamp.and the height of the lamp is con-
siderably greater.
The advance which has been made in the industry by the introduc-
tion of inverted high-pressui'c gas lamps, especially in comparison
with those of upturned type, is very clearly shown in the table by
the consumption of gas per lux and per 100 sq. metres. This con-
parison of the different systems of gas lighting is. however, not
complete. It only takes into account the costs of the gas alone, for
the upkeep and renewal costs cannot be obtained. On these points
no authentic results for high pressure gas lighting are available.
Eleotric Street Lighting in Berlin during the Last Three
Years.
If the advances made in electric street lighting in Berlin are con-
sidered, and the position three years ago reviewed, it will be noted
\
V
\
\
\io
\
S 1 n
^
v
^
V
^
~—
Metres.
Distance from foot of lamp.
Fid. 9 — Illu.min.wion by Arc Lamps with Alba Carbons. Curve of
Horizontal Illumination for One Lamp alone, oeduceo from
Measurements in the Friedrichstrasse.
that the ordinary direct current are lamp with pure carbons was the
most widely used. Illumination with the more powerful and economi-
cal Hame arc lamp with inclined carbons had at that time already
been adopted in the Bellevuestrasse. as well as on the Potsdamer
Platz, and on the Platz vor dem Brandenburger Tor. It had,
however, to be proved whether this system was practicable over long
periods. The removal of several incidental defects now allows this
lamp to operate exceedingly well, and there is no doubt at the present
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 1, 1909.
463
timt; it gives, with t-aivlul mamtenancc, an extremely gciocl street
illumination.
New Flame Arc L.\mps with Alb.4 Cakbok.s.
The tiame arc lamp with inclined carbons was destined to replace
the ordinary arc lamp if carbon experts could not within a short time
bring out carbons which would bestow advantages of the flame arc
on the ordinary lamp. The firm of Siemens have lately brought
out the so-called " Alba " carbons, which contain a thick core in a
thin covering of carbon. The core is made of a material that gives
out an intense white light. These carbons can be obtained of the
same thickness as ordinary arc lamp carbons, and are burnt in the
vertical position. The arc lamps intended for "Alba" carbons
differ only slightly from those in which ordinary carbons are used.
With the ordinary arc the maximum light is obtained from the highly
glowing carbon points and very little from the arc, while in the new
flame arc lamps the arc itself is practically exclusively the illuminat-
ing part, and is of a much greater length than when ordinary carbons
are used.
Flame arc lamps fitted with " Alba " carbons possess the follow-
ing advantages. On account of the large carbon diameter the same
burning life can be obtained as with the ordinary arc lamp. The
colour of the light is practically white and is still brighter than'the
light of the ordinary arc lamp. The flame arc lamps with inclined
carbons used hitliertoin the Berlin streets have a slightly red colour.
The distribution of light obtained from the new "Alba" lamp is
inactically the same as with the ordinary arc lamp, and a more even
illumination can be obtained with a smaller height of suspension than
with the flame arc lamp with inclined carbons whose maximum
illumination is practicallv directly underneath the lamp, as shown in
Fig. 7.
The efficiency of the new "Alba" carbons is still better than that
from inclined flame arc carbons. A lamp consumes 0'14 toOI5 watt
I I M I I I ri I I I I I I I 1 1 I 1 1
0 5 10 15 20 Moires
Fli;. 10.— ILH-MINATIO.N OK TUE Fkiedkioustuasse bv Arc Lamps
WITH Alba Carbons.
[ler hemispherical candle-power, and, without taking into account the
losses in the globe and series resistance, flame arc lamps with inclined
carbons consume 0-16 to 0-18 watt, and ordinary arc lamps 0-45 to
0-6 watt per candle-power. A very favourable output is obtained
with the new carbons not only with large currents, but even with
currents as low as 10 or'even 6 amperes, the specific consumption is
not much higher than that given above. It is, therefore, possible
with these new lamps to obtain not only a specially strong light,
but a mean candle-power of from 1,00(J to 2,000. They are specially
good for low lamp voltages and possess the advantagethat they can
be used 3 in series on 110 volts, and 6 in series on •220 volts," thus
leading to a considerable decrease in the energy losses in the series
resistance. In this way it is possible to obtain in an economical
manner, not only very bright street lighting, but also moderate, and
even weak illumination.
The Berlin Klectricity Works have followed the operation of these
new carbons with interest for the last three years, and the laboratory
staff in the spring of this year adopted them "for practical use, and witii
the approval of the Municipal Authorities erected at first 11 "Alba"
lamps in the Spittelmarkt and on the Gertraudtenbriicke.
The lLLUMrN.\TioN of Friedrichstkassb by FL.AME Arc La.mps
WITH .Alba Carbons.
In .luneof this year 16 ordinary direct current lamps were replaced
by '• Alba " lamps in Friedrichstrasse. In consequence of the com-
plete success of this first trial the Berlin Electricity Works have
been directed by the Municipal Authorities to illuminate the whole
of Friedrichstrasse and Lcipzigerstrasse by flame arc lamps with
"Alba" carbons instead .'of the ordinary arc lamps used there
hitherto. When fitted with opal glass globes the lamps have
a mean hemtspherical candle-jjower of 3.100 c.p. as compared with
1,000 c.p. from ordinary arc lamps consuming the same current
The distribution of light is shown in Fig. 7. The results with an
ordinary lamp and with aflame arc lamp with inclined carbons taking
the same current are indicated in the figure. The lamps are
suspended about 10 metres (33 ft.) above the centre of the street.
The measurements were taken in a line down the middle of the street
and on other lines along the edge of the pavements. Values varying
from 39-4 to 5-3 lux (33 to 0-4,^ candle ft.) for the horizontarillu-
mination were obtained at a height of I •.'5 metres (,5 ft.) from the
surface of the ground. The variation in the illumination is shown
m Fig. 8, and the horizontal illumination for one lamp alone in
Fig. 9. From these the distribution of light over the whole street
surface with the lamps an average distance apart of 30 metres (99 ft )
and a street width of 22 metres (72-6 ft.) was obtained as shown in
Fig. 10. (The numerical results are given in the table).
(To be concluded)
THE AGEING OF STEEL AND THE EFFECTS OF
WATER HAMMER.
During the 50 years of its existence the Manchester Steam Users'
Association has, as is well kno\\n. carried out investigations which
have been of great value In all engineers. As examples, we may
mention the ex|)eriments (,f Sir William Fairbairn to determine the
collapsing strength of flues, and of ,Mr. L. E. Fletcher on the introduc-
tion of cold water into a boiler which, due to shortness of water, had
got red hot, as well as on the strength of riveted joints. The memo-
randum by the chief engineer, .Mr. C. E. Stromeyer, for the year 1907,
which has recently been issued, deals with explosions brought about
by so-called water-hammer in steam pipes, and also with experiments
on the ageing of steel.
In connection with the latter. Mr. Stromeyer suggested in the
memorandum of 1905 that certain qualities of mild steel possessed
the property of slowly changing their constitution, even when lying
quiet and out of reach of chemical influences. It was hoj)ed that a
test might be devised whereby such steel could be discovered at the
w.irks and ivjccted, but the expectations have not been fulfilled.
It is known that the best Lowmoor furnace plates have, after years
of work, acquired a brittleness which cannot be ieino\ed by anneal-
ing. The cau.sc of this brittlene.ss may be either a molecular change
due to age alone, or a chemical change due to ab.sor[)tion of gases.
It is not as widely known as it should be that neither solids nor fluids
are free from gases, that it is most difficult to remove them, and that
absorption is constantly taking place. The noxious fumes of boiler
furnaces enter the plates, and possibly also hydrogen from the water
side. It is. at any rate, certain that a very small percentage of
hydrogen makes mild steel not only brittle, but so hard that it will
scratch glass, and very small traces of nitrogen also iini)art brittleness
to mild steel. Unfortunately, these gases are not easily detected
by chemists and are rarely recorded in cheir analyses, so that when
cases of brittleness are dealt with, the possibility of its being caused by
gases cannot be ascertained.
Mr. Stromeyer's conclusions with regard to the ageing of steel are
that the effect of an injury, such as a chisel nick, or a serious deform-
ing pressure, is not an immediate one, except as regards local altera-
tion of shape, but that after a lapse of many weeks the neighbour-
hood of the injm-ed region gets somewhat brittle. Nevertheless, this
decrease of ductility is not serious, and has only been detected by
very sensitive tests. Tensile tcst.s of steel plates of boilers which
have been in use for 25 years show that the strength and reliability
of the plates have not suffered, whatever changes may have been
proceeding.
In regard to steam pipe explosions, it is shown that steam pipes
made of mild steel are infinitely sjifer than cast-iron ones. Jlr.
Stromeyer remarks that it is not yet generally realised that a very
large number of steam pipes, both old and new. are so arranged that
water can lodge in them, and it is but faintly realised that the opera-
tion of removing this water is an exceedingly dangerous one, involv-
ing serious risks of explosion. The only safe metluxl is to drain the
pipes when there is no steam in them ; but. unfortunately, when the
steam is shut off, the water will generally not run out, yet as .soon as
the steam is turned on all the elements of danger are combined — viz.,
water in contact with steam, rapid condensation, agitated water sur-
faces, steam pressure in some parts and vacuum in others.
E 2
464
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 1, 1909.
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Submarine Cable Laying and Repairing, By H. D. WUkloaan, M.I.G.E.
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■IiBCTRICITT SUPPLY TABIiBS AND DATA,
The first of the valuable Series of comprehensive Tables of
Statistical and Xngineerine Data relating to Electricity Supply
Undertakings of the United Kingdom for Lighting, Power and
Traction is published Gratis) with this issue of " The Electrician."
This Supplement deals with the Electric Power Undertakings,
and is accompanied by sketch maps of each of the areas covered
by the powers acquired by the respective Companies, corrected to
date.
The second Table, giving details of Electricity Supply Under-
takings without Tramway Load, will be published iGratisi with our
issue for January 15 ; the third, dealing with Electricity Supply
Undertakings with Combined Lighting and Traction Load, and with
Towns taking Electricity Supply in Bulk, will be published (Gratis )
with our issue for January 22, and the fourth fifth and sixth, giving
complete Engineering Data of the Electric Tramways and Rail-
ways of the United Kingdom (Gratlsj with our issue for January 29.
On February 19 will be issued Gratis i a Complete Index to the above.
Tables VII. and VIII., giving details of Electricity Works and
Electric Tramways and Railways in the Colonies and some im-
portant places abroad will be issued on February 12.
SOME ELECTRICAL EVENTS IN 1908.
To .survey the .state of the electrical engineering industry
during 1908 is by no means a pleasant task. It would
almost seem as though the stagnation of the past few years
in this country had settled down permanently, for the outlook
is not encouraging, and it is hard to see a way out of the many
difficulties. It must not, however, be thought that there
is no silver lining to the present cloud. There is at least a
beneficial side to all this depression, for it is now being
realised that, in order to set the industry again on a firm
basis, new ground must be broken, and a progressive policy
must Vie the order of the day.
It is generally recognised that the time has passed when
electrical manufacturers could depend on the building and
setting to work of new stations for their sustenance. There
now only reniain extensions, for the majority of towns
already possess an electricity supply, and, as a reference to
The Electrician Tables of Electricity Supply Undertak-
ings will show, new stations are few and far between — only
one or two, and these of small capacity, having been
opened during the year.
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 1, 1909.
465
There are, however, a numljer of towns, with popula-
tions of from 7,000 to 12,000, which at present liave no
electricity supply. By the introduction of internal com-
bustion engines as prime movers and the emj^loyment of
overhead lines for distribution, and certain oth(!r privi-
leges, these disabilities might doubtless be removed, and at
the same time the I'educed capital costs of the system
would make a lower charge per unit possible. Such towns
would at first sight .seem to form an excellent opening for
electrical enterprise. But unfortunately there ai-e at the
present time many opposing factors at work, which operate
disastrously on initiative of this kind. Even if the pro-
moters succeeded in obtaining the ])ermission of the local
authorities to supply within their area, the state of the money
market during the past few years has not been favourable for
the launching of new schemes, and even now, though tlie
Bank rate is only 2^ per cent., against 7 per cent, at this time
last year, there is a feeling of dittidence in financial circles.
It is, therefore, not easy to get money for new electrical
schemes. This tightness, combined with the uncertainty
engendered by the trend of recent legislation and the prac-
tical certainty of increased taxation, has made prospective
shareholders unduly cautious. It therefore remains to
find other spheres of activity ; and along newer lines the
progress made during the past year has been most en-
couraging.
To take an instance, the use of electricity in mines bas
become much more extended, and is capable of still further
development. In July last we published a special "Mining
Issue," which called attention to the wealtli of excellent
equipment which had been designed for mining work.
There are still a large number of mines in this country
where obsolete methods are in use, and which, therefore,
oft'er an opening for electrical enterprise. Tiiis fact lias
not been lost sight of by the more enterprising electrical
engineering firms, with the result that many collieries
in this country have, during tlie last year, installed
electrical equipment, either putting down their own
generating plant or taking a supply "in bulk." In this
connection we may mention the Ferndale Collieries of
Messrs. D. Davis & Sons in South Wales, the Tribley Pit
in Durham, and the Maritime Bit of the (Ireat Western
Colliery at Pontypridd, where a large electric winding
engine is successfully working.
The employment of the electric drive in factories has
also received considerable attention, and its benefits are
now becoming more generally reccjguised. We have from
time to time during tlie past year given instances where
existing plant has been replaced by motors operating
under more favourable conditions, thus leading to increased
efficiency and output.
Electrochemical factories, again, form a very valualile
outlet for a large amount of power. These are, in some
cases, being supplied from public mains under certain re-
strictions, though in the majority of cases they have their
own plant. A large private plant, having a capacity of
20,000 kw., has recently been opened at Kinlochleven, in
Scotland, by the British Aluminium Co., to supply the in-
creasing demands for aluminium. This equipment possesses
many points of interest, both from its size and from the
fact that water power is employed. The Electrici.vx for
November 27th and DecemVier4tb contained an illustrated
account of this in-stallation.
It has, however, been recognised, and quite riglitly, that
while much development is possible in new directions, there
is still ample opportunity to extend the sphere of usefulness
of existing undertakings. It lias, therefore, been thought
necessary that the present conditions under which electri-
city is supplied should be revised, with a view to increasing
its employment by the general public, in contradistinction
to the power consumer. This brings us at once to the ques-
tion of tariffs, and, as showing the interest taken in the
subject, and the way in which its importance is recognised,
we may mention that during the past year tliree suggestive
Papers, dealing more or less directly with the subject, have
been read and discussed before the Institution of Electrical
Engineers. In the early part of the year Messrs. Hand-
cock and Dykes dealt with the effect of metallic filament
lamps on supply prospects. They were pessimistic as to
the result of introducing the new lamp, and suggested a
modification of existing tariffs so that electric heating
might be further developed and thus compensate for the
expected falling off in consumption. To effect this they pro-
posed a fixed price per kilowatt, with a " limit switch " to
restrict the demand of the consumer, and a low charge per
unit. This latter would be determined by the production
costs, and no distinction would be made between current
used for light and power. Later on, Mr. W. K, Coopek
read a Paper on the same subject, but proposed to deal with
the problem in a dilferent way. He suggested a fixed
charge per lamp installed, combined with a low charge,
not exceeding Id. per unit, and again nudviug no distinction
between current used for light and power. The.se propo-
sals, as might be expected, were not generally accepted,
and while everyone agrees that something ought to be
done, quite what it ought to be has not yet been decided.
There is full agreement that the public cannot be expected
to use, say, radiators to any great extent with the price per
unit standing at 4d., but as regards the exact method by
which existing conditions are to be altered, engineers dilfer
very much in tlieir opinion.
We cannot leave this subject without referring to the
Paper by Mr. J. Poueuts, which is decidedly revolutionary
in tone. He proposes the use of high-tension alternating
current for distribution with house transformers and the
employment of quite low voltages in the house itself. He
does not stop there, however, but recommends the further
improvement of the present-day laboratory-like heating
and cooking apparatu.s, with a greater attention to the
factors coming into play. U^nfurtunately this Paper has
not been discussed, so that the views of station engineers
and others on these proposals arc not known.
The general question of cost of electrical power for in-
dustrial purposes was dealt with in an exhaustive Paper
by Mr. J. F. 0. Sxell. Not only did he compare the cost
of electrical power generated by various methods, but he
"ave the actual cost of power for works of different kinds.
The Paper concluded with an interesting commentary on
financial details of power supply in London.
The above short summary is sufficient to show that those
\7ho deal with electricity supply have recognised the im-
portance of getting to root principles in order th^it the many
466
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 1, 1909.
necessary improvements may be effected. The need of
publicity is also recognised ; the majority of supply engi-
neers lire taking active steps to increase the number of
their connections and to imbue the public with a proper
sense of the value of electricity for industrial use. To pur-
sue a pushing policy is not always pleasant, but it is unfor-
lunately necessary in order that no ground maybe lost.
The results achieved by " publicity " have, in general, been
very gratifying, and there is no doubt that this is the right
way to set to work.
Tlie lessons to be learnt from the e.Kperiences of last year
seem to be that in order to induce the public to employ
electricity for .something more than purely lighting pur-
])Oses a revision in existing tariffs is necessary. Improve-
ments in existing apparatus for heating and c(Joking might
with advantage be made, and the introduction of American
methods, toned down a little, perhaps, to accord with our
(lue-hovse ideas, will conduce to the benefit both of the
electricity undertaking as a unit and of the electrical
industry as a whole. The outlook may be lilack, but, to
employ a platitude, the tide must turn, and with the
introduction of new uses of electricity, both in the
house and factory, with, we hope, the cessation of cut-
throat competition and a greater consolidation of interests
generally, we may expect a brighter day to dawn before
long.
To review in a more particular manner the happenings
(if the past year, we may first deal with the work of the
Institution of Electrical Engineers. Perhaps the most in-
teresting event last session was tha decision, which was
not arrived at without opposition, to purchase, as a per-
manent home, the Inulding known as the IMedical Ex-
amination Hall on the Victoria Emliaukment, Lrindon.
The Institution, since its foundation, has been to a great
extent dependent on the hospitality of the Institution
of Civil Engineers, and the op"i3ortunity offered seemed,
in tlu! opinion of the majority of those members
who attended the special meeting, too good to be
lost, and the bargain was sealed. The new home
will not, however, be available this ses.sion. A popular
election to the office of President of the Institution was
that of Mr. W. M. Mokdey, who at the beginning of the
jircsent session succeeded Col. E. E. B. Ckompton, who,
in the middle of last session, had been called to the presi-
dential chair for a second time, in succession to the late
l.urd Kelvin. Mr. W. M. Mokoey made his first appear-
ance as I'resideut at the annual dinner, and inaugurated
his occupation of the chair with a speech of cheery op-
timism, which has been the keynote of his subsequent
utterances. In his Presidential Address he compared the
development of electricity supply in this and other
rountries, much to the disadvantage of the latter. Such
statements could not, of course, be expected to pass without
criticism, and this has not been wanting, alike from foreign
patriots, from people who think Mr. Mordey'8 data are not
a true basis of comparison, and from staunch believers in
the superiority of everything in every other country but
their own. With some of the most interesting Papers read
durmg the past session we have dealt above, because they
bear mo.st nearly on a very important problem ; but it
would be invidious to specialise further, and we shall content
ourselves with saying that these Papers covered a wide range
of subjects and belied the statement that the Institution
gives too much preference to the theoretical side of the
profession. It is with mingled feelings that we congratu-
late Mr. G. C. Lloyd, who has been secretary of the Insti-
tution since 1904, on his appointment as secretary of the
Iron and Steel Institute. During the time he has held
the appointment he has shown himself the pos.sessor of all
the tact necessary for such a position, and he has contributed
much to the smooth working of the whole system.
An interesting announcement as to the future working
of the Institution was made by I'rof. G. Kapp at the annual
dinner of the I5irmingham Local Section — namely, that it
was the determination of the Council to inaugurate an
examination for candidates for associate membership. It
has long been felt that the door into the Institution has
been opened rather wide, and, with a view to narrowing it
somewhat, the technical and educational abilities of each
candidate are now being more closely examined. This
new suggestion will, at any rate, meet with the whole-
hearted approbation of those who are already members — so
long as the standard adopted is not too theoretical.
It was to a certain degree unfortunate that the meetings
of the International Conference on Electrical Units and
Standards were overshadowed in engineers' minds by
the more pressing claims of the Manchester Electrical
Exhibition. This Conference has not been held for
14 years, and the occasion gave us the privilege of welcom-
ing numerous distinguished savants from other countries.
The Conference, was opened by Mr. Winston Churchill,
President of the Board of Trade, and its deliberations were
presided over by Lord Ray'LEIGH. A good deal of interest
was aroused by the proposal to maintain the length of the
mercury ohm constant at 1 metre and to vary its weight
in ai'cordance with future determinations. This proposal
was referred to the Technical Committee, but was not
adopted. The proposal to define the international amiiere
as the current depositing a certain weight of silver per
second from a given solution was carried, in spite of an
amendment that it should be defined on the C.G.S.
system. Two of the quantities in Ohm's law were defined
instead of all three, and the Clark Cell was finally
discarded in favour of the Weston Normal Cell,
owing to the greater constancy in E.M.F. of the latter
and to the trouble the former type has given on
account of its variation with temperature. A number of
discrepancies in the specifications were removed and the
details generally were brought up to date. Not the least
important work of the Committee was the reconmiendation
to establish a permanent International Commission for
Electrical Standards. It is intended that this I 'ommission
shall deal with all work in connection with standards that
shall arise between the meetings of the Conference. It
was also proposed to recommend the establishment of an
International Electrical Laboratory to keep the electrical
standards and to issue sub- standards. The result of these
recommendations is not yet known.
The International Electrotechnical Commission also met
in this country during the autumn, and was presided over
by Sir John Gavey, C.B. This Commission, which was
formed at St. Louis in 1904, comprises a number of sections
THE ELECTRICIAN. JANUARY 1, 1909.
467
whose duties ;ire the standardisation of the nomenclature
and ratings of electrical apparatus and machinery. These
sections consult with the branches in various countries
with a view to obtaining uniformity in their results. A
glossary of terms is in process of preparation, and the
English section, as far as words beginning with G, has
already been issued. The question of symbols was also
considered, but the published account of the proceedings
^v■as very meagre.
In this connection a very interesting proposal has
recently been put forward by Mr. Miles "W^aikeu. He
suggests that a return should be made to more primitive
methods, and that the employment of signs for representing,
more or less faithfully, the quantity considered should be
adopted. This proposal seems, after being submitted to the
fire of criticism, to have been lost to sight without anything
practical having been done.
Probably the most interesting event in the University
world, from the electrical point of view, was the appoint-
ment of Lord Eayleigh as the Chancellor of the Univer-
sity of Cambridge. Cambridge has always been considered
a seat of scientific learning, and by conferring this great
honour on one who is now the doyeji of physicists, Cam-
bridge has enhanced its reputation in this respect. Another
honour, which also reflects on this University, was the
knighthood conferred on Prof. J. J. Thomson, who is the
successor to Lord IIayleigh in the chair of Experimental
Physics. The endowment of a Chair of Engineering at the
University of Oxford is an indication of the modernising
tendency which in time permeates even into University
/ <r/imes. By appointing Mr. C. F. .Tenkin, a son of the
late Prof. Fleemixg Jenkin, to the Chair of Engineering,
the Oxford authorities have followed Continental practice
fur Mr. .Fen KIN has long been connected with practical
Work, and at the time of his appointment was in
charge of an important department of one of the largest
electrical firms. The woik of consolidation of the Univer-
sity of London is still proceeding, and this body is
gradually becoming more of a University and less of an
examining board. Sir Aktiiuk Euckei; retired during the
year from the office of Principal, and was succeeded Ijy
Prof. H. A. Mieks. The first session of the Imperial Col-
lege of Science and Technology opened in October last.
This college has absorbed the Eoyal College of Science as
regards purely scientific education, while the Central
Technical College becomes the engineering branch of the
new institution. Besides the ordinary curricula, a number
of lectures on special subjects have been delivered by experts,
and, we understand, these valuable courses are to be con-
tinued. Some adjustmeut has also been made in the working
uf the Irish Universities, with a view to the removal of certain
disabilities. Up to the present time the West of England
has been without a University. Xow, however, owing to
the efforts of many infiueutial men and to the munificence
of Sir H. O. Wills, arrangements have been made for the
establishment of one at Bristol. A petition for a charter
has been forwarded to the Privy Council, and an Act is
being promoted to transfer the property of the existiug
University College, Bristol, to the new University.
In our next issue we hope to deal with the progress
made in electric traction during the past year.
OBITUARY.
GEOKGE GORE, F.R.S.
We regret to record the death of Mr. George Gore, F.R.S.,
which occurred at his residence in Birmingham on December
20th last. He was in his 83rd year.
George Gore was born at Bristol in Januarj-, 1826, and
received his education in a small private school in that city.
He .served his apprenticeship as a cooper, but, in spite of the
long hours he was obliged to keep, he found time for pursuing
his scientific studies. These included investigations in electro-
metallurgy, a subject which he afterwards made peculiarly his
own. Aboutthistimehedida great deal of purely chemical work.
He discovered the substance known as "explosive antimony,"
and made the deposition of nickel possible as a pure white
metal by the use of "Gore's liquid." In 1859 he began his
researches on the thermo electric effects of liquids, and dis-
covered the singular phenomenon of the production of sound
l)y passing an electric current through cyanide of mercur}'
and potassium. From 1860-1809 he was continually occupied
in preparing, purifying and investigating anhydrous hydrofluoric
acid. He at last succeeded in obtaining this body perfectly
pure and determined its chemical composition and properties.
In 1867 he visited numerous laboratories and scientific institu-
tions on the Continent in order that he might study their
courses of instruction and tluis aid the late Sir Josiah Mason
in planning Mason's College, now an integral part of the
University of Birmingham. Other physical phenomena whose
development or discovery are due to him include the investi-
gation of the recalescence of iron and its magnetic ]jropertics
when in that state, the eti'ucts of electric torsion, and the use of
the capillary electroscope.
George Gore was the author of mimerous scientific books
and Papers. These include " Electro-Chemistry, " "The Art
of Electrolytic Separation of Metals " (both of these being in
The Electrici.\n series of scientific books), and ' 'The Principles
and Practice of Electro-Deposition." He was also the author
of many papers on physical and electrical subjects which
appeared from time to time in the " Philosophical Transac-
tions," The Electrk'Ian, the " Philosophical JLit^a/.ine" and
the " Proceedings " of the Birmingham l^hilosuphical Society.
In 1865 Mr. Gore was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society
for his researches on hj'drofluoric acid. He wus awarded
the honorary degree of LL.D. of Edinburgh Univer.sity in
1877. and was the recipient of a Civil List psnsion in 1891
THE PHYSICAL SOCIETY'S ANNUAL EXHIBITION
OF APPARATUS.
(Continued from page 1:33).
Messrs. Gambkell Bros, cxliibited an interesting series of instru-
ments in one of the rooms readied before enteriiif.' the main labora-
tory. We may mention tlie long range ammeters and voltmeters
(Davie.s) of the permanent magnet moving-ooil typo which pos.sess
somewhat unusual features. The scale covers an arc of about
•220 deg., and is, therefore, nearly 2J times the length of scale usually
found in meters of this type. This long scale is obviously a good
feature, and particularly in measuring instruments intended
for laboratories, where open scales are always desirable for purposes
of experiment and research. The magnetic circuit of these in-
struments posse.s.ses also a good feature — viz.. the small reluctance
of its air-gap ; the magnetic circuit, therefore, possesses considerable
stability. Particular attention i.s given to the steel magnet in order
to ensure permanency. The apparatus, designed by Mr. J. I'aley
Yorke for lantern demonstration, and shown by Messrs. Gambrell
Bros., will, we believe, prove of especial interest from an edu<-a-
tional standpoint. Lines of force about magnets, coils and solenoids
were shown most clearly by means of a demonstration lantern and
iron filings, and an interesting series of figiures showing the interpolar
field of a dynamo. These little pieces of apparatus should be much
appreciated by teachers. There was also shown a lantern form of
ballistic galvanometer (Fig. l.^), a magnetometer with degree and
tangent scales, and projecting arms for the '" A " and " B '" position
of Gauss, an' electric bell, a gold leaf electroscope, a form of Ewing's
468
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 1, 1909.
model i.i wl.icl. tlu. .na^notic needles only appear on the seiecn.
and some experiments on the chemical effect ot a current
mZ apparatus has been designed for use >n an o^'^'^'y f "
mon tration Lntern with U in. condenser, and, as only ^^o-^^^^^-
rents are required to work tiie electrical experiments, Messrs^ Gam -
brc 1 Bros, are likely to receive many enquu-,es ooncernmg this
Splratus. ,..mor>gIhe other apparatus ^f^'^^^;\^Z^\^
stand were several galvanometers, a new pattern and small tjpe o
10 coil rheostat, resistance boxes, Wheatst«ne br.dges, a potential
divider, and an improved form of metre bridge.
In an adjacent, room Mr. Hans Kn.tdsbn gave a demonstration
of his svstim for the wirH, -, n.n.n,i.sion of photographs. The
pp ratus was similar to .Lm ^ Onl.,„ ,I at the Hotel Cecil, so tha
tothcr reference is here ,„,.„■. .-..rx . We will therefore refer our
readers to the issues of The Electkician of May 1st and Septem-
ber 2.5th, in which a description of the apparatus is given.
Messr-! Elliott Bros, were exhibiting in both the main laboratory
and in an adjacent room. In the latter was perhaps one of the most
interesting instruments shown, vi-/... the letlertoseope. With this
The mains testing set and the leakage indieator for continuous
euirent circuits are already well known and widely used, and this
applies also to Harrison's universal photometer The latest form of
this instrument was shown in which two standard lamps are used the
two scales ranging from 0-0.5 to 0-5 candle foot, and from 0-5 to 5
candle foot. A detailed description was given in our issue of Decem-
ber 20 1907. in connection with the Physical Society s exhibition last
vear An important addition has. however, been made to the instru-
ment whereby the total horizontal illumination can be measured.
For this purpose the revolving screen is fixed and a cap removed from
the top of the case so as to expos e a white disc. A small ho e in the
centre of this disc enables one to see the illumination of the fixed
white screen The standard lamp, a nd the illumination of the screen
is adjusted until it equals that of the white disc on the top of the
instrument, the value of such horizontal illumination being then read
° The portable standard wattmeter shown is for use on alternating
current cu-cuits in connection with current and potential transformers.
These instruments are of special construction, and although they are
of the dynamometer type, only two coils of wire are used, instead of
as usual three. In the ordinary dynamometer the moving coil
sv iiigs inside the long fixed winding formed by the two fixed cods.
In this form the arrangement is reversed ; there are two coils only,
and the moving coil swings outside the fixed coil, which is wound in
the form of a ball ; thus the efficiency of the instrument is increased
owing to the better disposition of the windings ; this allows consider-
ably stronger controlling springs to be used with a coil of relatively
less" weit'ht and inertia, without the accompanying disadvantage of
in.Toased coefficient of self-induction. Thesfe instruments can also be
supplied in connection with .shunts suitable for use on alternating and
CI )nlinuous current circuits.
Messrs. Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Co. only exhibited one
instrument on their stand; this was a multiple tuner for tuning a wu-e-
less telegraph receiver so as to render it immune to interference from
other stations. It can also be used for measuring the lengths of the
transmitted and received waves and for estimating the distance oi a
known station. The instrument has been designed so as to stand
.severe climates and comiuiiatively rough u.sage, and is suitable for
all wave lengths from 30(1 to H.dOd ft. Its general principle is shown
in Fi^' 10 where A represents the aerial, Ethe earth: R the receiver
Fic:. 15.— Lantkun Fokm oi' Ballistic (;.\lvanomkter of Messks.
(iAMiiKKLL Bros.
apparatus jihotographs. lithographs, drawings, maps, reading matter
and illustrations, in fact jiractically any conceivable object of small
size can be projected on to a screen such as is used with the ordinary
lantern. The operator need only hold the object in the beam of
light or attach it to one of the specially arranged hinged doors, when
it will instantly appear on the screen in its true form and colour,
magnified according to the range of projection. The rays of light
being parallel, delicate si-c. iiii. in . a.i be exhibited without fear of
injury due to heat. The m i .niiiciiu ui .cnsists in brilliantly illuminat-
ing the object, obtaining il ivil^ci i,.ii m a mirror and projecting such
reflection on to the screen by means of a lens. An advantage of the
instrument is that it can be quickly converted into the ordinary form
of lantern for use \v\t\\ lantern slides. On the stand in the main
laboratory were shown galvanometers of the " Century '" d'Arsonval
pattern, designed with the object of having the maximum possible
sensitiveness and of having all their parts readily accessible. The
sensitiveness is such that with a coil of 1.000 ohms resistance and a
scale distance of one metre, a jiressure of one volt through 3.000
megohms gives one mm. deflection. A square-cased galvanometer
was also shown, for use where specially good insulation ot all ihc parts
of the circuit is required. There are eight coils, having a resistance of
60,000 ohms., these being carried on hinged ebonite frame.
The "Century" testing set is already well known. Tlie most
recent patterns, one of which was shown, have a pressure range up to
750 volts, and can measure currents up to fiOt) amperes. Whilst on a
millivolt scale reading.s up to 125 millivolts can be obtained, so that it
will be seen that the range of the instrument is very large.
Fic. 16.— Biaobam showim; PkiniU'LE (;f MAKroNi's Mvltiple
Tuner.
or detector. There are tliiee separate ciicuits termed the aerial
circuit, the intermediate circuit, and the detector cu-cuit. The
aerial chcuit passes from the aerial A, through the aerial tuning
inductance I, aerial tuning condenser C, and aerial inducing induct-
ance Pi to the earth at E. The intermediate circuit consists of two
equal inductances Sj and S, connected in parallel to the intermediate
tuning condenser C,. The detector circuit consists of an inductance P.^
in series with the detector tuning condenser C^and detector R. The
inductances I and P; are adjustable at B and D respectively, and the
condensers C„ C., and C,, are all adjustable, so that the tliree circuits
can be tuned to" the received wave length. The oscillations in the
aerial circuit then induce (by means of P, and Sj) oscillations in the
intermediate circuit, whicli in turn induce (by means of S, and PJ
oscillations in the detector circuit. In addition to the above adjust-
ments, the two coils Sj and S. may be rotated relatively to the coils
P, and P, so that the couplings between the three cu-cuits may be
varied. The condensers C,, Co and Cg are continuously variable
from zero to a maximum of 10 jars (a jar being 1,000 cms.), but the
range of the instrument is increased by other condensers placed in
parallel or series by means of the tuning switch. In addition to the
parts shoNvn in Fig. 16, the instrument is fitted with a micrometer
spark gap and shunt inductance (of the order of 80,000 microhenries)
connected between the aerial and earth terminals to prevent the
accumulation of an electrostatic charge in the aerial, with a change
switch by means of which the \\hole of the tuned eu-cuits may be
out out, and with a tuning switch by means of which the capacity in
the intermediate and detector circuits may be increased to a maxi-
THE ELECTRICIAN. JANLTARY 1, 190. i.
469
imim of 30 jars. When signals from the station to whicli it is required
to communicate are received the aerial tuning inductance and the
aerial tuning condenser should be adjusted till the strongest signals
are obtained. The intensifier handle is set to 90^. and the tuning
switch to the wave length roughly indicated by the amount of the
aerial tuning inductance and condenser. Then the change-over
switoh is thrown-over to position " tune," and the intermediate and
detector condensers varied together till the best signals are obtained.
After again adjusting the aerial tuning condenser to give the strongest
signals, and if interference is found, adjust the intensifier handle to a
small value and adjust the condensers again. It will be found that
the further the intensifier handle is turned from 90" the sharper will
the adjustments of the condensers become, and the greater will be
the freedom from interference. The measurement of the strength
of the received signals depending upon the hearing of the operator and
upon conditions which are likely to vary from day to day, in addition
to the'details of the two stations, it is impossible to utili.se it for the
determination of the distance of the transmitting station. But the
same man on the same day may make relative measurements of the
.strength of the received signals from the same station, and thus
determine the relative distances between the stations at the different
times, so that in the case of a boat, if he knows the distance at any
time he can determine it at any other time so long as he is within
range. For determining the distance a table is supplied giving the
distance in miles for different po.sitions of the intensifier handle.
Fk;. I7.-.J0LV
InSTRCMENT ( ''
;!•; Slib>tikii
Messrs. Alexander Wright & Co. showed photometers for
laboratory and street work. One of these was a duplicate of the
standard photometer bench in use at the National Physical Labora-
tory, This was designed by Messrs. Simmance & Abady, whilst the
lamp rotator is due to Mr. C. C. Paterson, of the National Physical
Laboratory. These were exhibited at the recent Manchester Electri-
cal Exhibition, and were described and illustrated in our issue of
Oct. 16, and they are, therefore, well known to our readers. This
also applies to the Simraance-Abady portable illumination photo-
meter whicli was describefl in the same issue.
The exliibit of the Cambridge Scientific Lvstrument Co. is
always one of considerable interest, and this was particularly the
case in the present instance. The Milker burners and furnaces,
perhaps, attracted most attention. These burners have been de-
signed to give an intensely hot and entirely homogeneous flame.
The air and gas are mixed in almost the exact pro|)ortions for com-
!)lete combustion, which is far from being the case in the ordinary
bunsen burner. In the latter any attempt a( increasing the amount
of air is attended with difficulty through " lighting back." This
j,; prevented in the Meker burner by a deep nickel grid at the top of
the burner. An intensely hot flame is obtained — or, rather, a num-
ber of flames in parallel — and copper can be easily melted in the
Meker furnace, which has been designed for use with these burners,
whilst even platinum can be melted with the assistance of an air
blast. It is stated that an economy of oO per cent, in gas, together
wi(h a saving of 18 per cent, in time, can be obtained with these
burners.
Much discussion has taken place in our columns during the last two
years with regard to the effect of variations in the humidity of the
atmosphere on manganin resistance coils. The Cambridge Scientific
Instrument Co. exhibited what we understand was the first her-
metically sealed manganin coil to be made in this country. The
coil is of silk-covered manganin wire wound on a brass cylinder and
inserted in a case containing oil and hermetically sealed. The shellac
varnish on the coil is thus not affected by atmospheric humidity.
The Callendar and Barnes continuous-flow calorimeter has been
designed for the rapid and fairly accmate (one-tenth of 1 per cent.)
determination of the heat equivalent of electric energy. A current
of water passes through a glass tube 44 cm. long, through which a
silk-covered manganin wire is wound in the form of a helix. The
temperature of the water is taken at the inlet and outlet by mercury
thermometers to within j^C. The flow of water is kept constant
by an overflow cistern for maintaining a constant head, and the
water passing through the tube is collected and measured, from which
measurement and the reading of the difference in temperature the
heat energy received by the water is obtained.
Apparatus for taking records on a slow-moving photographic
plate is frequently at fault as regards the uniform motion of the plate.
In the moving-plate slide exhibited by the Cambridge Scientific
Instrument Co. the photographic plate is held by a carrier which is
drawn upwards by strings attached to a special piston in an oil
cylinder. The piston tends to fall owing to gravity, but for it to do
so the oil in the cylinder must escape through a small valve into the
hollow piston. The opening of the valve can be regulated to give
a speed of from 0 cm. to 6 cm. per second to the plate slide. The
movement was remarkably smooth and imiform, even at the very
lowest speeds.
An interesting instrument was Jolv's meldometer, which we illus-
trate in Fig, 17. This is employed for determining the melting point
of any substance. For this purpose a very small sample of the
substance under test is placed on the platinum strip. This latter
is heated by an electric current, and the specimen is observed through
a small telescope. By varying the current the temperature of the
|)latinum strip can be adjusted by TC, up to 1,500°C., and its tem-
perature is indicated by the extension of the strip. For this purpose
one end of the strip is fixed and a lever attached to the other end.
This lever is pivoted so that the extension of the platinum strip is
magnified, a spring attached to the lever serving to keep the strip
taut. A micrometer screw closes the circuit through a contact at
the end of the lever. By observing the deflection of a galvano-
meter when current is passing, the extension of the platinum can be
followed up by the micrometer screw, and as soon as the specimen
melts, the temperature can be instantly read off. An interesting
jjoint in connection with the telescope is that no rack and pinion are
employed for focussing, the movement being obtained by the friction
of a roller. This, of course, obviates all backlash, and the movement
is particularly smooth.
The differential steam calorimeter due to Prof. Joly, F.R.S.. is
not of electrical interest. Two copper spheres are suspended from
the arms of a delicate balance, one containing free air and tlic other
the gas or liquid whose specific heat is to be investigated, A jet of
dry saturated steam at atmospheric pressure is then blown on to
both spheres, and from the difference in weight of the steam con-
densed by each sphere the specific heat of the gas or liquid is cal-
culated.
A number of " H " pattern hermetically sealed Weston cells,
made in accordance with the suggestions of the International Con-
ference on Electrical Units, were exhibited on this stand.
The limits of our space ))revent us from doing more than men-
tioning the extensometcr for measuring the extension of te-st pieces
in a testing machine, the principle being to measure the extension
by a micrometer screw and a form of contact measurement.
One of the most imjiortant new instruments exhibited by the
Cambridge Scientific Instrument Co. was the rheograph. Tliis is
the invention of Prof. .M. Abraham, of Paris, and is likely to be used
for work hitherto only iicrfnrmed by the oscillograph. Suspended
by two wires is a liglit rectangular aluminium frame, which is the
secondary of a small transformer carrying the current under observa-
lion. The suspended frame is in a strong ])ermancnt magnetic field,
•■() that it follows the pulsations of the main current. The light from
a mirror on the frame falls on a revolving totally reflecting prism,
and t he beam is reflected on to one of four fixed mirrors, which reflect
the light on to the screen. These mirrors to a certain extent overlap,
so that the wave shown on the screen is continuous. The prism is
rotated by a small synchionous motor. The instrument has the
advantages over the oscillograph of cheapness and of enabling much
enlarged images to be thi-own on a screen, so that the apparatus is
470
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 1. 1909.
likely to be used very larfiely for demonstration purposes. We
liope to jjive further details of this .npparatus in an early issue.
One of the mo.st interesting instruments exhibited by Me.ssrs.
Nalder Bros. & Thomt-son was the telethermometer. a piece of
apparatus for indicating temperature electrically. It consists of a
raoving-coil ohmmeter. and is worked on the bridge principle. Tliree
of the arms of the bridge pos.se.ss no temperature coefficient ; the
" out-of-balance " current due to variations in the resistance of the
fourth arm (nickel wire). whi<>h has a high temperature coefficient.
is recorded on a galvanometer in the form of an indicating dial cali-
brated in degrees. The current is obtained from a small hand gene-
rator, or the apparatus may be connected up to the electric supply
mains. The recording instrument is " dead beat," and variations
in temjjeratm-e are quickly indicated. For cold stores or other cham-
bers on hoard ship a special form of switchgear is supijlied, so that
t .3 temperatures of the various rooms can be ascertained quickly
and conveniently.
The testing .sets of Messrs. Nalder Bros. & Thompson are well
known. The " Ohmer " in \u Iin ^i fnrni is fitted with a vibrating
reed to indicate when the cuin n |m. -uie is given by the generator.
This is, of course, more satislachM y ili.in to depend on the " usual
speed '" of the handle for obtaining the correct voltage. These in-
struments are also fitted with two vibrating reeds, which would
respond to two 'iistinct pressures, so that the advantages of a two-
range generator can be easily obtained.
The \.C.S. wattmeter exhibited on this stand has been designed
by Ur. C. V. Drysdale. but must not be confounded with the original
Drysdale wattmeter. It is of the moving-coil type, the electro-
magnet consisting of soft iron stampings, round which arc wound
coils of wire carrying the main current, whilst the moving coil — of
the -Ayrton-Mather type — swings in the magnetic gap. The damp-
ing is magnetic. The important features claimed for these watt-
meters are their accuracy on low power factors and their freedom
from errors due to variation in frequencj' and wave form. They
are also suitable for alternating or continuous currents, the h\s-
tsresis loss being said to be practically negligible.
(To be concluded.)
CORRESPONDENCE.
THE TANTALUM WAVE DETECTOR.
TO THK EDITOR OF THE ELECTRICJAN.
SiK : I have read with much interest Mr. L. H. Walter's
description of his "tantalum cjetector " in your issue of
August Mtli, and also the letters on the same subject by Dr.
Les da Forest and Mr. Walter, in your issue of September 4th,
for we are now usinj,' the tantalum detector, as well as some
other types, practically in our laboratory.
My tantalum detector is, however, of quite a difierent
type from Mr. Walter's. I discovered last year that tantalum
was very sensitive to electric waves when used in a certain
electrolyte. I have tried a tantalum electrode with mercury,
as has Mr. Walter, but it was quite unsteady and of no prac-
tical use. 1 do not know the device with which Dr. de Forest
has discovered that the tantalum detector is so inferior in sen-
sitiveness to the platinum electrode electrolytic detector, and
I am not sure whether he has tried every kind of electrolyte or
not. But it is certain that the tantalum detector is very sen-
sitive with many electrolytes, at least, rather more sensitive
than carborundum.
I use a tantalum electrode in a certain special electrolyte,
which gives the greatest sensitiveness. My tantalum detector
seems, though somewhat similar, not to be quite on the same
principle as the i)latinum electrode electrolytic detectors, and
IS very sensitive with many kinds of acids and alkalis.
We have Dr. de Forest's wiieless apparatus and the Telefun-
ken apparatus in our laboratory, as well as the various detectors
supplied with this apparatu.H. We have experimented with
these various kinds of detectors, and find the tantalum de-
tector IS as sensitive as other electrolytic detectors. We have
succeeded with my tantalum detector in receiving messages
clearly at a distance of 200 miles, the station having a capacity
of only i kw.— I am, &c.,
Tokyo, Japan. -\V_ Torekata.
We have submitted a proof of Mr. Torekata's letter to Mr.
Walter, from whom we have received the following reply : —
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ELECTRICIAN.
Sir : Mr. Torekata's information, though interesting, is
hardly novel. In my earliest experiments, in May, 1907, 1
used a tantalum point electrode, which in certain alkaline solu-
tions gave the electrolytic detector etf'ect at almost exactly the
same applied P.D. as the platinum point ; and as an inferior
sensibility was obtained it was considered hardly advantageous
to replace the more manageable and otherwise satisfactory
metal platinum with a metal like tantalum. From the practi-
cal stand])oint such a substitution would, further, not remove
the device from coming within the scope of the all-embracing
claims of Prof. Fessenden's patent of 1903, which appear to be
conveniently ignored in almost every quarter.
As regards the tantalum-mercury detector this undoubtedly
belongs to a new type. For not too weak signals I have
experts' reports which place the loudness of the signals as
anything between eight and ten times as loud as the electrolytic,
while they state that for radio-telephonic purposes — for which
1 originally brought out the detector, and not for wireless
telegraphy — the sound reproduction surpas.ses that of all other
known detectors.
In conclusion, I might point out that the name " tantalum
detector " has now very generally come to be associated with
the tantalum-mercury efJ'ect utilised in my detector, and I
venture to submit that for Mr. Torekata to call his detector a
tantalum detector is somewhat misleading ; for the electrolytic
<letector is not called a "platinum detector.'' — I am, &c.,
Westminster, Dec. 28. L. H. Walter.
MEASUEING IRON LOSSES.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ELECTRICIAN.
SiK : I have read with considerable interest Dr. Beattic's
article in your November 6th issue on " A Method of Measur-
ing Iron Losses in Bundles of Straight Strips."
It may be of interest to state that we have used an appara-
tus for tests of hysteresis in sheet iron for the past nine
or 10 years, in which the samples are \m. wide, 10 in. long,
and piled sufficiently thick to weigh 1 lb. (about J in.). Instead
of employing the electrostatic voltmeter and resistance, we
have employed, as suggested, in the last paragraph of the
article, a sensitive reflecting dynamometer wattmeter, and
to measure the density a similar instrument, arranged to
measure volts. The electrostatic voltmeter is to be preferred
to a dynamometer voltmeter, but at the time the first set was
built there was none available. For the measurement of the
losses the wattmeter has its potential coil connected to a
separate winding, having the same number of turns as the
magnetising winding. The two wires are wound on at the
same time, side by side. It is evident that such an arrange-
ment measures all the losses, excejit the I-K loss in the mag-
netising winding, without regard to the form of the iron
sample.
The exploring coil is used to determine the density, and
instead of being located at 0--)6 of the half length from the
centre is placed at the centre of the sample, and has a numlier
of turns computed from the curve of magnetic density along
the length of the sample determined by test. This location is
to be preferred, as the Hux distribution at the centre of the
sample is nearly uniform throughout a considerable length of
the strips, whereas at a point nsar the end the leakage makes
the tlux change rapidly along the sample, and good results
cannot be obtained unless great care is used in placing the
sample in position. The current supply is from a small motor
generator set run from a storage battery and supplying cur-
rent at 6)-; to 19 cycles. Commercial tests are made at one
frequency and one density, usually lO.OOOBand 10 cycles, and
the wattmeter scale is graduated directly in watts per cycle for
the sample. By means of a small weighing balance the sample
is made to weigh 1 lb. to the nearest single sheet, and the
balance beam is graduated to show directly the voltage to be
used for the standard density; also on another scale is the
multiplier to bo used to correct the watts per sample per cycle
to watts per pound per cycle, the r'esidt desired.
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 1, 190!).
47i
Eddy losses are eliminated by deducting from the total loss
determined a fixed value, depending on the thickness und
kind of iron being tested. This value is determined, with the
apparatus, by testing at several fr€<iuencies, in the usual
manner, keeping the density constant.
The agreement between results obtained with the apparatus
and by means of a ballistic galvanometer is very close, and
better than can be generally obtained by any other method,
but the ''chief value of the arrangement lies in the rapidity
with which the tests can be made.
One man tests and records the results on 75 samples in a
day.— I am, &c., L. T. Robin.son,
Standardising Laboratory, General Electric Co.,
Dec. 9. Schenectadj', U.S.A.
Dl'DDELL OSCILLOGEAPH.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ELErTRI('I.\N.
Sir : I have recently heard that the Cambridge Scientific
Instrument Co. have discarded the drum oscillograph camera
in favour of the old falling plate arrangement. The excessive
cost of the films is given as the reason for this step.
I do not think there is the slightest doubt as to the superiority
of the revolving drum over the falling plate, and it may perhaps
be of some value to oscillograph users to know that bromide
paper mav be employed instead of films with equally good
results. Any good non-staining developer may be used, l)nt
personally I have found nietol aduiol (Hauff's fonnuhi),
fairly strong, the most satisfactory.
The paper is specially sensitive and is made in 70 cm.
lengths, 8 cm. wide, by Gust. Schaienffelen 'sche Papier Eabrik,
Heilbronn am Nekar, Germany. The paper is called " G. S.
Negative Papier." The cost of a full length, 70 cm., is le.ss
than that of the plate 26 cm. by 8 cm., used in the falling
plate arrangement, and is, of course, very much less than that of
a film. — I am, &c. G. W. Worrall.
Technische Hochschule. Karlsruhe. Dec. 14.
We have submitted a proof of Mr. Worrall's letter to the
Cambridge Scientific Instrument Co., from whom we have
received the following reply ; —
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ELECTRICIAN.
Sir : We have to thank you for your courtesy in allowing
us to see the proof of Mr. G. W. Worrall's letter with regard
to the rotating drum camera used in conjunction with the
Duddell oscillograph. We discontinued the manufacture of this
camera for two reasons ; first, because of the heavy cost of the
films, and, secondly and chiefly, for the reason that, with the
exception of one or two clients, we were never asked to supply
the instrument. We had it in our catalogue for several years
and it was never inquired for.
We ourselves feel that those who have once used the falling
plate camera will never wish to go back to the rotating drum
arrangement. We had rather a striking demonstration of this
some few years ago. We placed one of our rotating drum
oscillographs at the disposal of a client who wished to make
some experiments on an induction coil, and after he had worked
for a short time with the instrument, he asked us to allow
him to ])ostpone his experiments until we had a falling plate
camera ready.
With regard to the sensitised paper, Mr. Dudiell has em-
]iloyed, with considerable success, a rapid bromide i)apcr in
the cinematograph camera used for oscillograph work. Ic costs
about 7s. Gd. per 100 ft. — We are, &c..
The CAMiiRiuGE Scientific Instrument Co.,
Robert S. Whiffle,
Cambridge, Dec. 22. Managing Director.
BOOKS RECEIVED.
(Copies of the nndermentioued works can be had from T?t^ Elecirictan office, post free,
on receipt of published price, adding 3d. for boolis published under 2s. and .') per cent
for hooks published nstt. Add 10 per cent, for abroad or for foreign books.)
" Scliriften des Naturewissen-Schaftliclien Vereins £iir Schlcswig-
Holstein." Vol. XIV. Part I. (Kiel : Lipsius & Tischer). JI.4.
■ La Telegraphic Sans Fil." By Albert Turpain. 2nd Edition.
(Pari.s: Gauthier-Villais.) Fr. 19.
THE ELECTRIC DISCHARGE AND THE PRODUCTION
OF NITRIC ACID.
We give below an abstract of the discussion on Messrs. W.
Cramp and B. Hoyle's Paper on this subject, which took place
at the meeting of the Manchester Local Section on Tuesday,
December 15th.
Dr. E. W. Mabohant (Liverpoi)l Univer.sity) asked the authors how
the properties of the circuit affected the discharge, and consequently the
shape of the curves obtained. He thought that if the curves given
ajiplied to a transformer, it must luive had very bad regulation, and
some of the results obtained might have been due to the character of the
circuit. The phenomenon of the ])ilot s]iark had been noted when he
(Dr. Marchant) was dealing with oscillatory discharges, having a fre-
quency of 10,000 per second, and the conclusions then arrived at were
borne out by the author.s. It would be interesting to know the effect of
capacity on the yield of nitric acid, as suggested by the inlluence of the
electrostatic voltmeter. In the case of an influence machine having
about 400 plate.s, much trouble had l)een experienced by the pitting of
the brass fittings, and thi« Iw :i1trilintcrl to the production of nitric acid.
Mr. C. F. Smith jSi I I ..| I - . 1 \.r^\. Manchester) said that it was well
knowii that in tlie ■ i-' "! In .1 i' ii-mn work, when a transformer was
suddenly connected to llic mcuii, llie voltage was not evenly distri-
buted, but built up at the end turns. The same effect was [iroduced
every time the current changed. When, however, still more ra|)id
alternations were produced, such as occurred in the ca.se of an oscillatory
spark, the distribution of pressure along the circuit, even external to the
transformer, would be very irregular. It was exceedingly difficult
therefore to determine the pressure across any part of a circuit, as even, a.s
shown in the Paper, an electrostatic voltmeter might entirely alter the
conditions. Mr. Cramp had ascribed the wavy effect in the arc as being
due to the heated air blast, but the magnetic action of the current was
chiefly responsible for this.
Prof. W. W. Haldane Gek (School of Technology, Manchester) said
it would be of interest to give a curve showing the percentage of nitrogen
dioxide obtainable at different temperatures, but a difficulty was met
with in ascertaining fhe temperature of the arc. The method adopted
by the authors in taking tlic si|narc of current as proportional to the tem-
perature was probal)ly tin- nii-t satisfactory way of proving Ncrnst's
law. Taking the best .i\:ul.iMr .lata, it seemed as if Nernst's equation
alone would explain the relatively low efficiency obtained by even the
best modern devices for combining nitrogen and oxygen. The molecules
ui the air could be broken up, and made to recombine not merely by
heat, but in many other way.s. The continuance of the experiments
would show whether the Birkeland process had any prospect of com-
peting with the cyanamide process. He also briefly referred to the greater
efficiency of the cyanamide process* and the method of Uorbav and
Mitkeivitch,|
Mr, J, LuSTOARTEN (School of Teelmology, Manchester) said he under-
stood from Mr, Cramp that when a potential diffcrcmc \v:i- first applied
between two points, the electric field was very sliniiL' in n ihu.-c points,
and very weak in the centre. As a result of this, ihr i'li- pridurcd near
the points never reached the centre of the field, 0\miik to ilic increased
motion of these ions due to the intense field at the poles, an increase in
P.I), iiroduced the glow. Mr. Cramp had stated that after the apjiear-
ancc of the glow, ionisation took place by collision. He (Mr. Lustgarten)
wislicd to ask the authors how ionisation first mciirred but by collision.
The e.\i)lanation given by the ionisation theory was a.s follows : Free
ions were invariably iiresent in the atmosphere and as soon as a poten-
tial difference was a|iplicd between the points, the ions started to move
with a velocity wlii.b in. teased with the strength of the electro.static
field. It then't'M,, f, .llowi-d that collisions would lake place between the
free ions and tlir nHilr. nl, - of the gas with the result that more ions would
be i)roduced i an wn-. n.-ative and positive charge-. Eventually, when
the kmetic energy ol llic ions, due to the increase in the field applied
between the points, became large enough, the glow appeared. It seemed,
therefore, that ionisation by collision took place long before the glow was
established. Mr. Cramp was perhaps not quite piccise when speaknig
of corpuscles, this term being generally applied to the electron, which
never moved unattended in atmospheric air. They had simply positive
and negative ions which could both ionise by collision, the latter having
the power of ionisation much earlier. The electron had molecules of
the ga.s adheiing to it almost immediately after its production by colli-
sion. It appeared, therefore, that when the kinetic energy of the ions
in the neighbotirhood of the points was incrca.sed, the brush discharge
took place? producing streamers which eventually became a spark,
.Mr, E. A. Watson (Liverpool University) said he would like to add
yet another explanation to Mr. CYamp's observations on the glow and
spark discharges. Taking the ca.se of two sharp points separated by.
say. air, and with a difference of potential between them, if the points
were infinitely sharp, the dielectric stress at the points would be infinitely
great. This, however, was impossible, but actually the point was sur-
rounded by a zone of disrupted air, which was roughly spherical
in shape. The dielectric stress at the surface of such a sphere was much
less than at the point, so that the effect of disruption was to relieve the
dielectric stress on the air. and enable a stable condition to be maintained
quite irrespective of the character of the circuit employed. On increas-
ing the voltage bet-ween- the points the sione-of disrupted air would grow
' The Electricias. Vol. LXI.. p. 69o.
t Ihid, p. 18.-?
F2
472
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 1, 190U.
in s'm- until it, reached fi certain critical value, at which, as shown by
Mr A Russell, a fintlii-r increase in its diameter would increase the
dielectric stress in tin' remainder of the air. The condition would then
become unstable, and what the authors called a " brush discharge
would take place. This discharge, unlike the glow discharge, was
affected by resistance and reactance in the circuit. In fact, being
unstable, if the transformer and alternator were of large capacity, the
discharge would pass straight from the glow to a spark. A circuit of
sufficient reactance or apparatus of small capacity would, however, give
the brush discharge, and by suitably an-anging the circuit this could be
made to pass to the spark discharge. In support of the above lemarks
it was noticeable that if spherical electrodes of sufficient size were em-
])loyed, no glow discharge wa? observed, but a brush or jiark discharge
wa.s obtained directly a definite voltage was reached.
Mr. P. Kemp said it was interesting to compare the figures given in
the Pa|ier with the ordinary saturation curves of current and voltage
licfw.Tii i.,ii;ill.l jilates. At first the current and volts increased pro-
|,MitiuTi,illi III luircnient with Ohm's law, but later the current remained
|,rarn.;i]l\ .,.ii~i;int for a large increase in voltage. The curve for
])arallel plates then bent sharply upwards, at the stage when fresh ions
were produced by collision with positive ions, and consequently a large
increase in current was produced by a comparatively small increase in
pressure. Assuming the air gap to be decreased, even a reduced pres-
sure would be sufficient to cause a substantial increase in cujrent. This
stage corresponded to a brush discharge, breaking down the layers of air
nearest the electrodes. A peculiar rise of pressure was observed, however,
at this point. But a CR drop was produced in the high-tension sjjark and
nitrogen flame, and owing to the pressure being high when the pilot spark
passed, a considerable load was ymt .ui the transformer, thus producing
the sudden drop in iircssure. Tin- |.,n -i.iim, m arc was then established,
and ions were torn olT from the elirtMiilr Miifarcs. practically forming a
flexible conductor by mi'ans of tlic melalliu arc. Referring to the
dielectric strength of air Mr. A. Russell had evolved a formula based on
Kirchoff and Schuster's results.* Applying this formula to his own
results, Mr. Kemp did not obtain a constant value for the dielectric
strength of air, but found that it decreased regularly as the diameter of
the spheres used as electrodes increased. The variation was about 20
per cent, on either side of the accepted 38 kilovolts per cm. These
results seemed to show that either Russell's formula was inconclusive or
the dielectric strength of air was variable, which was improbable.
Mr. W. Cramp (in reply) said Dr. Marchant referred to the effect of cir-
cuit arrangements. If on the^high-tension side the volts be divided by the
(■nrrent an entirely different resistance was obtained to that derived from
measurements on the low tension side. The difference between the two
was due to the resistance or reactance of the instrument. It was almost
impossible to give the exact circuit conditions at this stage. External
reactance gave the results detailed in the Paper, but to what extent the
change of yield of peroxide of hydrogen was due to it w<as unknowii.
With regard to Dr. Marchant's proposal to put a condenser across the
spark gap ; this might lead to a considerable increase in the yield and
tlic question was discussed fairly fully in the Paper. Mr. Smith referred
III I lie ipiestion of insulation resistance and drew certain comparisons
in (bis connection. One of the objects of this Paper was to give an idea
of what happened when one discharge changed into another. This, of
course, always took place with a breakdown of insulation. With regard
to the calculation of the pressure in the spark, a very large number of cal-
culations were made most of which were taken in electrostatic units and
then converted. Mr. Lustgarten's remaiks with regard to glow ionisa-
tion did not agree with the authors' ideas. It had been clearly shown
by Sir J. .1. Thomson that ionisation, due to an electrostatic field, took
|)lac-c. This was all that was necessary to .start the action in view of the
ionic velocity which could be roughly calculated. The limiting velocity
was not present to produce ionisation in the glow. With reference to
Mr. Kemp's remarks as to the first spark that passed the author
thought that, there was a surging effect which could not be maintained
with a gradual increase, .so that under the latter conditions the five stages
were always passed through.
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE HEAT LOSSES IN AN
ELECTRIC POWER STATION. I
BY V. H. CORSON.
An inquiry, originating from Blackburn, in 1903, showed that the
average coal consumption of the 34 principal generating stations of the
United Kingdom was about 7-7 lb. per unit generated. The figures
ranged from 3() lb. to 15 lb., Blackburn standing at 10 lb.
Rough tests on tlic various sections of the plant resulted in con-
siderable re-arrangement. The steam-pipe system was overhauled
and more cHc<'tivcly drained, and steam separators and driers were
in (uTisc.|uiiirr dispensed with. Kngine stop valves were, where
possil.l,, iti iiIiihI directly to tlic main steam pipes. The steam
ring ^^ a> ilisraidi'd, and generally the eftective heat-radiating surface
was greatly diminished. Better fitting boiler dampers were pro-
vided, the condition of the brickwork was improved, and the whole
process of combustion was more thoroughly controlled by the in-
* " Phil. Mag.," 1906.
t Abstract of a Paper rsad before the Institution of Civil Engineers.
stitution of flue gas analysis. These and similar alterations occu-
pied about three years, and the fuel consumption fell during that
time to about 6 lb. of the same coal per average unit generated, a
reduction of 40 per cent. Further progress being imperative, it was
decided to conduct t<?sts covering tlie whole operation of the works,
viewing the losses peculiar to eacli part of the plant in their relation-
ship to each other and to the w hole ; and arrangements were made
and apparatus devised for their prosecution.
After isolated trials of the various types of apparatus had proved
their reliability, simultaneous tests were arranged, of a duration long
enough to embrace all conditions of operation met with in routine
work.
The Blackburn undertaking comprises two adjoining stations oack
of 2,300 kw. capacity, containing 12 mechanically-fired Lancashire
boilers, six fitted with superheaters : 15 high-speed engines driving
generators from 60 kw. to 775 kw. in size, controlled from three
switchboards ; steam piping 3 in. to 14 in. in diameter ; ejector and
jet condensers fed from an overhead water tank above the boiler
house : low-speed steam-driven feed pumps ; four batteries of
eoonomisers totalling 1,504 tubes ; two chimneys, 150 ft. and 250 ft.
high respectively. The test covered during 168 consecutive hours
the combustion of about 230 tons of coal, the evaporation of 3'376
million pounds of water, and the generation of 99,295 electrical
units. 'The net results show a consumption of 515 lb. of coal and
a total evaporation of 33-9 lb. of water per average unit.
Observations were taken half-hourly of the rate of eva)joration
and of the temperature of the feed water at the feed tank and the
cconomiser inlets and outlets ; of the chemical composition and tem-
perature of the gases in boiler and cconomiser flues ; of the tem-
perature and pressure of steam supplied to and discharged from the
engines ; of the temperature and quantity of the injection and
discharge water of the condensers ; and of the electrical imits gene-
rated. Some of these data were also obtained by using recording
apparatus.
Fuel Selection. — This was effected after comprehensive trials,
involving calorimetric determination and actual working test of
various fuels. The insufficiency of the calorimeter indication alone
was discovered, and it was accordingly used only as a preliminary
guide, supplemented by practical trial under working conditions.
As a means, also, of ensuring uniformity of supply of fuel, the em-
ployment of the calorimeter was largely discarded, more reliance
being placed on observation of the coal in actual use. To exhibit
the results quantitatively, the calorimetric determination of the heat
value of the coal was adopted.
Estimation of Moisture in Coal. — Every load of coal entering the
works was sampled at the weighbridge. All samples {roughly 1 lb.
weight each) were mixed at the end of the day and dried, the loss of
weight being approximately a true statement of the moisture con-
tained. Periodical tests were applied to check the acciu-aoy of the
method, and showed that some water, about 1 per cent, of the weight
of the sample, still remained. With this correction, the moisture
is estimable by these means with close approximation, and uncer-
tainty as to the efficacy of the process is overshadowed by the greater
doubt acciiinpaiiyjng any calculation of the qualities of the whole
from tlio.sc of a small part.
Determination of Calorific Value. — The Thompson calorimeter was
modified to remove certain liabilities to inaccm'acy existent
in its original form. Oxygen supply from a gas cylinder rejilaced
that from potassium chlorate and nitrate, rendering combustion
more controllable and .securing better transference of heat to the
water. Electric ignition ensured thoroughness of combustion, and
external silvering of the outer vessel reduced radiation error. The
mean calorific value obtained from 73 tests of the dried fuel was
13,180 B.Th.U. per pound, or. allowing for moisture, 12,310 B.Th.U.
per pound of the coal fired.
Flue Ga.ses Analysis and Mea.^iirement^- — The chemical constitu-
tion of the flue gases was estimated by a Ki-ell COj recorder and by
the Orsat apparatus. Considerable difficulty was encountered in
the selection of truly average sample gas, and a large number of tests
were made to ensiue certainty of its representative character
at all times. Numerous test holes were drilled in the flues, and
samples from one point compared with those derived simultaneously
from another. Other difficulties arose from the type of analyser
employed. After a trial of varied arrangements, all such troubles
appear to have been surmounted, and the correctness of results was
proved by confirmation by the Orsat apparatus.
Specific Heat. — Some doubt arose as to the validity of com-
puting the specific heat of the gases from that of their several con-
stituents, and also of assuming the quantity to be independent of
change in temperature and pressure. In the inquiry this course was,
however, followed, any error resulting therefrom being probably
exceeded by possible uncertainty of tli'e chemical analysis.
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 1, 1909.
473
Trmprraturi:. — Four certified meroury jiyrometers, one of rerord-
inu tyjic. were used for this section of the observiitions.
Erai>iiriilion of Water and Di.itrilit(li(ni oj Steam. — The feed water
was registered by a Siemens water meter in the ])ump suction pipe,
the instrument being tested daily on the pumping, at various rates,
of a measured quantity of about 2,000 gallons. Errors of the meter,
due to the presence of air vessels, were encountered, but were ob-
viated, and the half -hourly record of the meter, corrected by the
error curve.s. may be accepted with confidence. The water lost by
leakage and by blowing down of boilers was determined by
direct test, and the radiation loss by shutting off all engine valves
and applying still tests of 10 hours" duration for the measurement
of condensation. This may be inaccurate, for in practice the steam
is superheated, but it was preferred to results obtained from attempts
to (lerive the figure from the fall in temperature accompanying the
tlow of a known weight of superheated steam.
Steam. Consumption of Auxiliaries. — The tests under this head
covered the steam used by furnace grate jets, by feed pumps, and by
apparatus of a domestic character. The first of these was arrived at
l)y feeding all jets from one boiler and noting the rate of evaporation,
the second by condensation of the exhaust into a known weight of
water at various speeds of pumping, and the third by frequent direct
tests.
Steam Consumption of Main Engines. — The steam consumed by
the main engines was deduced from the increase in temperature of
tlie condensing water, the quantity of which was measured. Tlie
accuracy of this method rests upon drjiiess of the exhaust steam,
which appears to be indicated by thermometers and mercury gauges
fitted to the engine exhausts.
Estimation of Electrical Output. — All energy used for whatever
jjurpose was passed through meters calibrated to 2 per cent, accuracy.
In conclusion, the author discusses the part played by each pos-
sible source of loss in the indifferent thermodynamic performance of
the works as a whole. While regretting that circumstances have
compelled somewhat superficial treatment of some details, he has
confidence in the accuracy of tlie data obtained, within the limita-
tions prescribed by tlie apparatus available and by the character
and conditions of the trial.
A METHOD OF USING TRANSFORMERS AS CHOKING
COILS.
Tlie following is an abstract of the discussion which took
place at the meeting of the Birmingham Local Section of the
Institution of Electrical Engineers, when Mr. J. D. ('oales read
his I'aper on this subject. An abstract of this Paper appeared
in our last issue.
Dr. W. K. SiiMPNEK (Birmingham) said that Mr. C'oales" Paper des-
rribeil a method of providing artificial loads of very low power factor.
A short time ago Messrs. Morcom and Morris showed how to design a par-
ticular type of choking coil for the same purpose. Previously, low power
factor loads had been obtained by a simple copper coil, but this was not
convenient in practice. The most important point to consider was
whether such apparatus could be successfully used in connection with
the testing of large machines. He did not feel confident from the
author's statements that the use of transformers as choking coils was
promising. The core losses under the conditions described were very
large. The author stated that they were from two to tlu-ee times the
normal. Under these circumstances the difficulty would be to keep
the transformers cool, and this might prevent them being used success-
fully as a load for large alternators. It w'as to be hoped that some way
would be found for overcoming this difficulty, so that it would be possible
to test large machines without providing special plant except that in-
volved in the special direct current excitation. The statement that
cos (p had no definite meaning unless the currents were truly sinuous wa,s
incorrect, for the expression when equated to the power factor yielded a
value for 4> which had a precise meaning in connection with vector
figures, however irregularly the currents and voltages varied. Also the
author's experimental result that the average self-induction of the
transformer coil was inversely proportional to the strength of the direct
( urrent u.sed for the excitation followed directly from Lp.'\=V, in which
l..\ would be constant.
.Mr. S. P. Smith (Siemens Bros.) referred to several interesting points
.iljout the wave forms and comjjared them with those of an alternator.
The line current curves « to c. Fig. 9 (in the Paper) showed clearly thai
the current wave approached more nearly to a sine wave as the satura-
tion incrcas.rl. tlic i, M>on being that the effect of the iron diminished at
such hiali liii\ 'I' n iii' ~. In this case the prominent harmonic seemed
In ))!■ a nrn.iin. , ,,-i.» i.rm of tlie third order. But v.-here did this third
li.iniiiinic 111 I 111- line cuiTcnt come from ? The answer to this seemed to
be ;;iven by the curves themselves. Looking, for instance, at the curves
iif ni.ignctising current in Kig. H (/ to j). it would be seen that a strong
second harmonic due to hysteresis' was visible. Turning then to lig. 13
curves (fc to c) were given of the direct current in the windings marked
HT. Now, in the lower curves (d and c), the curve of dircci ciiiTenl
amperes showed the superposition of an almost pure second harmonic,
whilst the curves of alternating current amperes in these cases deviated
ljut|little from sine w<aves. In curves /) and r, however, the alternating
current amperes showed the strong third mentioned- above, and this
showed its effect on the direct current amperes by the superposition of a
fourth, as seen by the peaks and Hats in these curves. That thus fourth
harmonic varied with the third in the alternating current wave (Fie. 0.
h to e) seemed to point conclusively to the fact that it was due to this
third harmonic. In a similar manner, the third harmonic in the alter-
nating current line amperes doubtless owed its origin to the second
harmonic in the magnetising current (Fig. 9). The reactions then seemed
to be as follows : — The second harmonic in the magnetising current due
to hysteresis superposed itself on the secondary circuit traversed by
direct current. This reacted on the primary current and set up a third
harmonic. This third harmonic again reacted on the secondary and
produced a fourth harmonic and so on. It was remarkable that the
results should so closely resemble the reactions in an alternator, where
the second, fourth, sixth, &c., harmonics appeared in the field amperes,
whilst the first, third, fifth, seventh, &c., appeared in the armature
amperes. In the case of an alternator, however, the origin of the second
harmonic was clear, viz., the rotation of the field system in synchronism
with the main current.
Dr. D. K. Morris (Coventry) called attention to the great importance
and to the difficulty of testing alternators, also to the cost of carrying
out such tests. Since the work by Messrs. Morcom and Morris, the cost
of the necessary apparatus, if choking coils were used, might be said to
be reduced to somewhere about one-tenth of what it formerly wa.s. Dr.
Cfiales' test seemed to call for no special apparatus, which would be a
very important advantage. He thought the test could not be run more
than about half an hour without causing overheating, instead of four
hours. This would, however, permit of the regulatiim of the alternat^ir
being tested, and from the rate of rise of temperature it would be possible
to get an idea of the temperature rise. A disadvantage was the very
low direct current voltage required which would in most <^ases mean
special cells or generators. An advantage of the test not clearly brought
out was that the use of direct current permitted an easy .adjustment of
the alternating current when working with constant voltage.
Mr. A. R. EvEREs¥ (B.T.-H. Co.) was unable to understand the sug-
gested large increase in iron loss for the same voltage and frequency when
the flux pulsation was superposed upon an initial inagnetLsaticm produced
by direct current excitatiim, and referred to some tests made some few
years ago, which appeared to show that the author's hysteresis loops
shown in the diagrams did not quite represent what occurred.
Prof. G. K.tpp, considering the matter from the point of view of the
practical engineer, thought a test for alternators that could be carried
out without the purchase of any special apparatus would possess a
distinct commercial advantage. For the test proposed by Mr. Coales it
would be necessary to go to some expense in order to provide a suitable
supply of direct current, but this should be less than that due to pro-
viding special choking coils. The important question then wa.s whether
a transformer used in the way suggested would get hot too quickly. lor
a long time engineers had been in the habit of believing implicitly in the
statement by Steinmetz that the hysteresis loss dejiended solely on the
limit of flux variation, dependence lieing expressed by ihe index 1-6. It
would be very strange if this were proved not to be true, but he must
admit. that the author had some evidence to sup|iort this view. But
even taking the statement in the Paper that the <ore loss was uicreased
by 40 per cent, over the normal, he still believed the method could be
used commercially since the heat capacity of an oil-cooled transformer
was enormous and the test could be run for several hours.
Mr. J. D. CoALES, in reply, said that Dr. Sumpner, Dr. -Morris and Prof.
Kapp had in turn alluded to the possibility of testing alternators for six
hours with an inductive load obtained in the manner described. I his
point had been briefly referred to in the Paper, although the original
intention of the author was to suggest the use of such inductive loads
merely for regulation tests of alternators. Taking the case of a 100 k»'.
transformer of 98 per cent, effieiencv. with a total of 10 kg. of copper and
iron per kilowatt and a 4 kg. of oil per kilowatt, with coohng conditions
such that a final temperature rise of .50°C. would be obtained, it woul.
be found that about 30 hours would elapse before the temjierature rise
attained 9S per cent, of its final value, or 25 hours bef.ire it attamed ! .>
iier cent, of its final value. From what was said in the Paper this would
allow of a four hours' run at full inductive loa.i, with ordmary cooling
conditions, and a 10 hours' run with full load of p,iwer factor = 0-8. U it h
temporarilv increased cooling conditions the above mentioned period ot
four hours might be increased to six hours thus rendering a full inductive
load test possible. With regard to the use of the term ' cos ^ for
power factor, when the pressure and current wave forms were of different
shape Dr. Sumpner wius no doubt correct from his own point of view.
but it' seemed to the author that some s,x-cial convention was necessary
in order to be able to represent wave forms, which were not sinusoic^al.
and were very dissimilar, bv simple rotating vectors. In regard to Dr.
Sumpner's la.st criticism he (the author) was merely puttmg the results
of evperiment in another form. Mr. Smiths remarks in connection with
the harmonics in the current wave forms illustrated in the osci lograms
were interesting. With reaard to the question of core losses alluded to
by Mr Everest and also bv Prof. Kapp. the curve gave the total core
losse- including the eddy current losses in the two transformers, and it
could n.it, without further investigation, be iw^cepted as evidence that
the results of Stcinmet?. wciv of d.uibtful accuracy. It hadto be remem.
bere.l that the strong saturation of the core bv.the direct currents tended
to pr.miote leakage and that this probably caused unusual eddy current
liisscs in the copjier of the windings and in the unlaminated iron work m
the neighbourhood of the core.
THE FJ.EOTPJCIAN. JANUARY 1, 1900.
A SAFETY DEVICE AGAINST EXCESSIVE VOLTAGE
WHEN SWITCHING IN ELECTRIC MUCHINERY
AND APPARATUS.
Fxi«Ti.-Mci> Ims sh.iwii lli^ii «I"-M <l.vimm...^. iridnrs or dllicr
,.|,.ctrical apj-anitn. working on a, iMoil.TatHy high voltage, are
switched into circuit the insulation is liable to be punctured, and
portions of the winding thereby short-circuited, the coils or conduc-
tors lying nearest to the supply mains being most readily aitected.
This is owing to the fact that due toihe -self-induction of the windings,
these coils or conductors are subjected to a greatly increased voltage
at the moment of closing the circuit, whereas in regular operation
they have to withstand only a fraction of this pressure, and are in-
sulated accordingly. It should be pointed out that it is not the
increase of voltage to earth that is referred to. this being guarded
against by the external insulation of the whole built-up coil, but the
increase of pressure between different wires in the same coil. Experi-
ments have iiroved that this voltage of .self-induction in the coils of
tlie motor becomes less and less the further the coils are from the
supiily connections. In order to determine the ratio of this diminu-
tion of the incr(-ase of voltage generated in succeeding coils, tests
were made with a 10,000 volt star -connected three-phase motor,
having eight coils per phase, and upon switching the motor into
circuit at the full working voltage the following pressures across the
various coils were measured : —
1st CDJl
2na ,.
\'olts.
8,000
4,000
S-.TOO
Volts.
4th coil l.HOO
5th „ 1.300
Thus it will be seen that, while under ordinary circumstances there
is a vblttige across each coil of
10.000 .^^ ,^
p^^,=722 volts,
when current is switched on to the motor a pressure almost eleven
times as great is set up. This circumstance is to be explained as
follows : — At the moment of closing the
circuit the momentary voltage may
have any value between zero and the
maximum. Should it be at the maximum
there will be a heavy rush of current
causing the first coils to exert a power-
ful choking eflfect so that the greater
part of the induced pressure is set up in
these coils. .
The Felten & Guilleaume-Lahmeyer-
werke A.-G., of Frankfort-on-Main.
have patented a method by means of
which the production of high pressm'es
in the first coils, and the consequent
possibility of breakdown in the insula-
tion of these coils, are entirely and
with certainty prevented. The device,
which is shown diagrammatically in
the accompanying figure for a three-phase motor, consists in prin-
ciple of connecting choking coils D between the line, and the first
coils of the tluee phases of the motor M. The seat of the excessive
voltage upon opening or closing the circuit is thereby transferred
from the windings of the machine into those of the choking coils,
so that the pressures induced within the motor itself are very con-
sideral)ly diiuiiiishcd.
The results of three scries of tests with choking coils of different
sizes connected in series with the windings of the motor already
mentioned are tabulated below : —
motor may be kept within qnit« safe limits. t is, of cottr.se, possible
to insulate the choking coils, which are mount«l en irely apart from
the machine, in such a way that they are able to withstand ,vith ease
the highest voltage likely to occur. Moreover, should a combination
of oarticularlv unfavourabl.- circumstances eau.se a failure m t ,.■
insulation ..f the choking .'oil. it <'aM b,. re,.aire,l comparatively easily.
and at a much less cost than if the insulation ..1 Ih,. windings ol the
machine itself were damaged. , , , , ..i
In order that the inductive coils shall not uselessly choke the pres-
sure supplied to the machine under ordinary working conditions,
means are provided to short-circuit them after switching the
machine. They need be in circuit only for a very short time, and it is
therefore advantageous that the main switch be arranged to short-
circuit them when in its final position, as shoivn in the hgure. Jiach
blade of the main triple-pole switch is provided with two contacts in
such a way that when the switch is on the first contact the choking
coil is connected in series with the motor, but upon movmg the
switch to the second contact the motor is connected directly to the
line, the choking coil then being short-cu-cuited.
If several machines are operated from one switchboard it is not
necessary to provide choking coils for each of them : one set may be
mounted in a convenient position, and connected in such a manner
that they are momentarily placed in series with each of the machines
when .switching in or out.
It has been sought to prevent the setting up of excessive pressures
in the windings of machines by connecting non-inductive resist-
ances in parallel with the motor at the moment of closing the circuit,
and cutting them out again a moment later. This method, how-
ever, protects the machinery only from external influences such as
surg'ings in the network, and these are generally already sufficiently
guarded against by spark gaps or other arresters. The effect of the
patented device described above, on the other hand, is to protect the
machine windings from the pressures set up by the self-induction of
the windings themselves, and this effect is quite unattainable with the
use of non-inductive resistances.
The protective device here illustrated is at use in, among other
installations, the Bow generating station of the Charing Cross
Company, the power stations of the Neumiihl Colliery, Rheinland,
and the Gesellschaft fiir Chemische Industrie, Basle, and in Messrs.
Meyer & Schmidt's works in Rheinfelden.
The table shows the remarkable reduction of the pressure induced
in the first coil of the motor as compared to that induced when no
choking coil was inserted, and demonstrates further that by the
employ raont of a suitable choking coil the induced pressure within the
PATENTS EXPIRING IN i909.
The following is a list of patents of interest to electrical
engineers which, unless specially extended by the Privy
Council, will expire during 1909. The list does not include
any patent granted in 189.5 which has since for any reason
become void.
Date
(1895).
.Tan.
2
Jan.
7
Jan.
24
Feb.
4
Feb.
6
Feb.
9
Feb.
12
Feb.
12
Feb.
27
Mar.
13
Mar.
30
Apr.
3
Apr.
18
Apr.
22
Apr.
27
No. Name of patentee.
Subject of patent.
Apr. 27
Apr. 30
June 13|
June 24
Aug. 1
Aug. 13
Aug. 16
Sept. 23
Oct. 16
Oct. 16
Nov. 9
Nov. 11
Nov. 13
148
437a
1,731
2,430
2,565
2,913
3,024
3,086
4,243
5.331
6,573
6,864
7,782
7,990
8,385
8,392
8,393
8,394
8,573
11,548
11,549
12,229
14,627
15.215
15,445
17,746
19,402
19,454
21,283
21,357
21,569
Shallenberger
Jandus _
Faure
Felten & Guilleaume.
Ferranti
Priest
Parsons
World Flash Co
Diesel
Fish
Heath
Winter & Arkouam...
Voigt & Haefi'ner ...
Higgins .,
Sban & Collier
iMoskowitz, Adler,
J Adler & Myers ...
Smith & Granville ...
J Western Electric Co.
Voigt & Haetfner
Brown & Neilson ...
Buckingham
Steljes
Hoepfner
Kapp
Sykes
Elmore
Mercadier& Pierpuini
Sykes *:
Electric meters.
Electric lamps.
Secondary batteries.
Electric conductors.
Turbines.
Control of electric motors.
Turbines and pumps.
Telegraphs.
Air and gas engines.
Electric meters.
Compasses.
Signalling.
Electric resistances.
Printing telegraphs.
Dynamos.
1 1 Train lighting
Electric conductors.
Telephony.
Electric resistances.
Electric fire alarms.
Printing telegraphs.
Printing telegraphs.
Electrolysis.
Electric railways.
Railway signals.
Electro-deposition.
Telegraphy & telephony.
Railway signals.
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 1, 1909.
m
PUBLIC COMPANIES WOUND UP, DISSOLVED, &c.,
IN 1908.
Following arc the principal electrical and engineering limited
liability companies who have been woun<l up (either vohmtarily
or compulsory) during tlie past year. An asterisk (*) denotes
that the company has ))cen wound up by order or under the
su2)ervision of the Court, and (I) denotes that the company
has been struck off the register of joint stock companies : —
Accumulator & Jfotor CoiiBtruc- | fFord-Lloyd Mfg. Co.
tion Co.
t Accumulator Syucl.
Allan Electrical Syucl.
Alsop Flour Process
Amalgamated Radio-Tclenaph
Co.
fAriel Arc Lam)i Svnd.
Aublct, Harry & ('n.
fBeaman & Dcas
Bisshop's Cluster C<..
151ackpoiil Electric Trannvav.^
(South)
tBritish Automatic Alarm Bell Co.
Bruce Peebles & Co. (recon-
structed)
Buenos Ayres & Belgrano Elec-
tric Tramways Co.
ffalifornian Electric Power ^c
Mining Development Synd.
• 'halliam & Rochester Electric
Lighting Co.
Chipping Norton Electric Light &
Power Co.
Commercial Electro-Chemical
Analysis Co.
Cornwall Electric Power Synd.
Cutler, Wardle & Co.
Uolter Electric Traction Co.
i'Dorc'hester & District Electric
Supply Co.
D, Santoni & Co. (1900) (Recon-
structed)
Eldon Electric Co.
fElcctrical Appliances Synd.
tElectrical luUle.ss Printing Synd.
tKlcctrciphonc
♦Elcrtrical Instrument Mfrs.
i-Elcclrical ]>i ..durtinns
tElcitrir Exploitalinn Co.
Elcrtric Installation Co.
Klci'tric Power Development Co.
tElcitro Smelting Co.
Electric Traction Construction &
Equipment Co.
fEleotrograjih
ElectromobileHiiin«j ('<.. lamalga-
mated with Elcn i,,iiiMl.i!r ('(].)
f'Evoy" Patent Adpi.tiricnt
Compass (British & Colonial)
f'Evoy" Patent Compass (Parent)
IFowler. Lancaster & Co. (reg.
Jan. 23. 1894)
F. W. Dickinson
Gardner Electric Drill & Hammer
Co.
Could Storage Battery Co.
Craliani <V iiauks
Mini-. I.r,. .V- Co.
i'llflh.^ lOrriiiral Construction Co.
*llliimina(cd Signs
Industiial Storage Battery Synd.
'i'lrish Electric Railways Co.
tJ. 0. Statter & Co. (leg. Sept. 13,
1893)
Joseph Richmond & Co.
Klein Engineering Co.
fKingsbridge & South Devon Elec-
tric Lighting & Traction Co.
Lancashire Electric Supply Co.
Lionel Robinson & Co.
London & Continental Electric
Carriage Co.
■(■Medical Electrical Institute
*Meldrum Bros.
fMillcr Signal Synd. for India
.Mi.nohlc.c Accumulator Synd.
Multii>honc Co.
■(■New Electric Light Synd.
•{■New Mutual Telephone Synd.
fNorth-West London Electric Sup-
ply Co.
fOrme's Electric Signal Synd.
Premier Accumulator Co.
Reed's Electrical Co.
Kevan Electric Co.
Rowell, Stuart Kelman & Co.
Sanfil
fSignals Synd.
Sevenoaks Motor Car & Electrical
Co.
South Western Electrical Co.
St. Albans & District Electric
Supply Co.
Traction Development Co.
fUddington District Electric
Lighting Co.
fVernon Mechanical & Electrical
Registers
" X " Electric Accumulator Co.
" Z " Electric Lamp Synd. (for
reconstruction)
ELECTRICAL JOINT STOCK COMPANIES OF 1908.
'i'he following are the more important limited liability com-
panies connected with the electrical and allied industries
registered during the past year, with their capital : ~
Aero Fire Alarm
£25,000
British Tungsten Lamp
.■iO.OOO
1!),(K)0
Co
£12.000
Brown-Mackenzie Sig-
nal Co
Balchin, Schulz&Co....
I.IIOO
Bankfoot Power Co....
40.000
Bruce Peebles & Co....
2M.( II K 1
Bastian Quaitz Lamps
(i.lOO
Cahnont, King & Co....
3.000
Bat Meter Co
20.000
10,000
Bat lev Electric Carbon-
Cert us Gearless Co
25.(HK)
ising Co
20.000
Chipping Norton &
Bau.Kite Refining Co. ...
100.000
District Elec. Light
Benjamin Electric
1 .000
& Power Co
10.000
H. T. Boothroyd
Ki.OOO
Chisholm, Grav&Co....
7.000
Bo\irne End Electric
Colonial Rail & Tram-
Installation Co
5,000
way Synd
lM(M
Bradninch &. District
Cordoba Light. Power
Klectric Suppl.y Co.. . .
British Flexlume Sign
2,000
50.).000
A.C.Co.ssor
3,500
Co
20,000
(1,000
British Photo - Lcxi-
G. Davenport & Co....
7,000
graph Co
12,.W0
Davis Electrical Co....
3,000
Dodd & (Fulton i;20,00ll
Dynamo Electric Car
Transmission Synd, 2,000
Easton Lift Co 10,000
Egham & Dtstrict Elec.
Light Co 25.001 )
Electric Batteries &
Carbons 20,000
Electric Control 0,000
Electric Prepayment
Meters 5.000
Electric Taxicab Co. ... 300,000
Electrical Fittings Co. ... 1 5,000
Electrical Regidators &
Economisers 2.000
Electrolytic Co. (Spain
& Portugal) 255,000
Electro - Mechanical
BrakeCo IO,(M)0
Electromotor E(|ui|i-
ment Co 5, ODD
EUwood & Sledmcre... 10.000
Fife Synd 10.000
Foreign & Colonial
Lighting Co .30.000
Garonne Valley Electric
Supply Co 22.500
E. Goosscns, Pope &
Co 1.000
Grasse & Cannes Elec.
Tramways Synd 2,100
Gravity Flame Arc
Lamps 5,000
Greystones Electric
Light & Power Co.... 3,500
J. P. Hall & Co 35,000
Hattersle.y & Davidson 15,000
L. J. Healing & Co 100,000
Heswall District Power
Co 30,000
Hirst JIa,trneto Co 2,000
H. Hooper & Co 5,000
Hydro Electrical Gear
Co 0,000
Imeson, Finch & Co. ... 10.000
Imperial Brake Block
,. Co. of Gt. Britain &
Ireland 20.000
L T. C 10.000
J. L. Mfg., Co 2'i.OOO
B. John.5on & Son 7,.500
Karabon Co 10,000
Thomas Kesnor & Co,. . , 8,000
Laidler, Ritchie & Co,. . . 0,000
Langbein - Pfanhauser
Works 3,000
Lea, Son & Co 12,000
Leeds & Bradford Dist,
Elec, Railwa.ys 00,000
Lind & Co ' 5,000
Macclesfield Electric
Lighting & Power (^o. 25,000
McLaughlin & Blair... .5,000
Macneta Time Co .30.000
:\laha Tramways 140,000
.Marplcs, Leach & Co.... 20.000
:\larryat & McNausht... .5.tXI0
H .I.'-Mei iv.lv. Eaton &
DavidM.n.' 5,000
Mercedes Klectric Mfg.
Co 50.000
.Mcrslion lnsulatur(High
Tension) Synd. ...... £20.000
.Munster Electric Light-
ing Co 2.000
Neville Kaye & Co 5.000
New Lowca Engineer-
ing Co 25,000
New Transport Co I 1 .( Ii lO
Ncwall's In,sulati<m Co. 00.000
Newcastlc-Emlvn* Dis-
trict Elec. Sii|i])lv Co. 2.000
Norfolk Electrical t'o.... 2.000
North British Klectric
Power Svnd 4,325 10
Northern "Electrical &
Ventilating Co 5.000
Oliver Clark & Co 2,.500
Omega Electric Lani])
Co 1.000
O.\foid Tramways Synd. 55,000
Orliug's Telegca[)h In-
struments Synd I, .500
Paignton Electric Light
& Power Co 15.000
Richard Pajie 10.000
Paris .Accumulator Co. 3.0(K)
Penrith Electric Supply
Co .". 7.000
Premier Elec. Control... 7.000
Premier Elec. Heaters... 2,(X»0
E. A. Prevettc 3.000
Private Telejihimc Co. l.OflO
Radio & Electi ic Power
Co 10,000
Railless Electric Trac-
tion Co .5.000
Railway Audible Signal
Co 50.000
Railway & Tramway
Development Co, ... .50.000
Revy, Phillips & Co.... 10.000
Rex Electric & General
Supplies' 3.(KH)
Frederick A. Roberts... 3.000
Rosario & District
Railway Synd (iO.OlK)
Rowell. Jones & Co.... 2.000
Rugby Lamp Co 10.000
Santoni Arc Lamp &
Eng. Co .3,000
Schreiber Electric Bat-
tery Co 7.000
Ernest Scott & Co 30,000
James Scott 2,500
Ship Carbon.s 1.000
Solium Electrical Co.... 42.000
Sylverlyte Electric
Lamp Co 2.7.50
Tewkesbury Electric
Light Co. .5.000
Thomas Transmission 5,000
Thorpe Meter Synd.... 9.000
Transvaal Hydraulic
Power Syml 20.000
Tungsten ^ic(al Co 40.000
Undcrw<iod (.Man-
chester) 3,000
'X" Svnd 2.000
Yorkshu'e Cable Co, .,, 5,000
" Z " Electric Lamp
Mfg. Co 1.50,000
LEGAL INTELLIGENCE.
»
Wright and Corfield v. Fulham Electric Joinery Co.
In the Lord JIavor's Court last week, before the .\ssist.ant Jud<^e
(Mr Jackson), Me.ssr,s. F. E. Wright and (i. E. Corfield. joint trustees
for the benefit of the creditors of B. Haertel (formerly tr.odmg as t,he
Electromotor & Dynamo Co.) claimed £19. 14s. for work done for
defendants. . >. i r • i ..
Jlr. LiyKK.SKDC.E, for plaintiflTs, said the claim consisted ot eight
items, two of which were admitted. The balance was due in respect
of repairing electric motors.
Mr. H.\EKTKL said the work charged for was due to the negligent
working of the motors by defendants' w:orkmeri.
Defendants ])le.ided tliat the work w:us never properly executed by
Mr. Haertel, and couutcrclainied for £19. 14s. in resjject of loss to which
they had been put in consequence of the defective workmanship.
The Assistant Ju^ge found for plaintifTs on both the cla'in and
counterclaim
47 fi
THE ELECTRICIAN, .]ANUARY 1, 1909.
MUNICIPAL, FOREIGN & GENERAL NOTES.
APPOINTMENTS VACANT AND FILLED.
The Council of llie Institution of Ek-ctrioal JOiiKinei'is is prciiaii-d
tn consider applications for the .appointment of Secretary of the
InsdtnlloM from candidates of f;o<icl standing only, and of not more
lli.in l."i years of age. In making a selection importance will be
adaelu'd lo the following (pialitieations :— .Administrative exi)eri-
enee. lael and Inisiness capacity, accpiaintanee with llic profession,
knowledges of modern languages and teelinical knowledge. Applica-
tions to the President of the Institution of Electrical Engineers, 92,
Victoria-st., London, S.W., by Tuesday, Jan. 12.
One or two draughtsmen, used to h. and l.t. switcli design, are re-
quired. See an advertisement.
In consequence of the retirement of Mr'. H. B. Palmei' from the
position of superintendent of the line, the directors of the Metro-
j)olitan Railway Co. have appointed as traffic superintendent Mr.
W. Holt, who will be both superintendent of the line and manager
of the goods department.
Aberdeen. — The Electricity Committee have received a com-
munication fiom the Municipal Electrical Association with reference
to the proposal that the Association should approach the Institution
of Electrical Engineers with a view to getting the rules against a
cheaper form of house wiring by flexibles fixed to suitable insulators
altered or removed, and inquiring if the municipality had had any
experience in that form of wiring.
The committee have replied that the ramiicipality had had no such
experience, but that they were in sympathy with any form of wiring
which would cheapen the .supplj' without increasing the risk of fire.
Ammanford (Carmarthenshire). — The Urban Council recently
decided to enter into an agreement with Mr. W. Herbert for public
lighting.
The draft agreement provided for lanterns at 12s. 6d. each. The
lamps were to be 50 c.p., and the charge £2. 10s. each for the first 100
lamps, £2 for the second 100, and at the rate of £1. 15r for upwards
of 200 lamps. The Council would have the option of purchasing the
undertaking at the end of 7, 14, or 21 years, at a price to be agreed
upon, but no goodwill would be paid. Private consumers are to be
charged 5d. per unit and 3d. for power. All streets are to be lighted
Ijy Aug. 1 next. There are SJ miles of roads to lie lighted ; the dis-
tances between lamps vary from 55 yds. to 80 yds. The electric
supply would be for 1,800 hours per year. 0\erhead wires and gas
driven plant w ill be employed. It ist' proposed to have 160 lamps at
first and 192 lamps when all the roads are lighted.
Argentina.— The " Review of the River Plate " says the city of
San Juan electricity works are on the point of commencing supply.
Santa Fe Municipality are about to invite tenders for the purchase
and electrification of the nuiniiipal tramways.
A comjiany, with a capital of $SO.(ltlO, and with Messrs. Buxton,
Cassini, Hall. Clisdell, Bellamy and Flinr as its first subscribers, has
been formed to establish electricity woiks at I.as Plores.
Australasia. — The " Australian Mining Standard " says that the
report obtained from Noyes Bros, by the Prahran-Malvern Tramway
TYust as to the overhead construction, recommends the use of centre
poles radar than s|,an wires, as this would eti'ect a saving of £1.380
on the iriiii.il scImih,.. hi'^ides involving lower capital and mainten-
ance cnsis li.T rxlcTismns. The work of re-grading the Caulticld
Railway line to do away with the necessity for a level crossing( which
will cost over £40.000) will be commenced shortly.
Eaglehawk (Victoria) Council recently applied to the Minister for
Works for an order authorising them to establish electricity works,
on the ground that the Electric Supply Co. of Victoria, wliich had
previously secured an order to jwovide tramways and electricity
.supply, had only constructed the tramways. The company ojiixiscd
die application, and stated diat they had issued £l()(l.()(Ki worth of
<lebentures to carry out the combined scheme, but so few of the
residents had as yet consented to take current for lighting that it
had been found impracticable to jirocced with the wor-k. The Minis-
ter reserved his decision.
The annual report of the N.Z. .Mines Department states that the
Earnsc^eugh Gold Dredging Co. have extended electric driving to
their No. ,5 dredge, as its application to their No. 3 dredge has saved
them 50 per cent, in cost of ])owcr.
Launccston (Tasmania) Cainnl ,,.r,„ilv<i,Mi,l,.d (o construct the
proposed tramways on the (Irlunt „,,. ,\.|,.,,i
but bef,„o a hnal agrwuronl w„s ue 1„ full pauicilars woakl Ih- pla.ed
bi'fore the citizens and a plebiscite laken. If this be favouralMe, the con-
struction work will be undertaken by the London tramways i;riaip. re-
presented by Mr. Main. wOiose )ir-ii])"sals were drat h's |.iiiu i|ials slinriici
rinder-take the construction work at a ])rice to be rnrifn illy aL'rei-d ri]i(in.
that, such price be paid to the constructing comirariy in the Council's
debentures at current market rates, that the company undertake the
ojieration nf the system arrd i-cccive the profits therefrom for 30 years,
the comparry to pay to the Council the interest on the debentures and
anrrual ccnittibirtiorr's on such a scale as to cxtingriish the capital cost in
:!() ycar-s. A bill enrpowering th.' ('or|inraf inn to bnn-(iw frnrn £50.(100
to £70.01)0 for- Irairiway pirr'|inscs lias b,-,-n passed by lb,- [.egislaliv-e
Assembly.
Austrm. — Tire erection and cmii|irrictrt of electricity works at
Villach is just being begun and will, it is cxirected, be completed by
the spring of 1910.
Black Smoke. — .4t the South Western Police Court on Thursday
last week tire County of London Electric Supply Co. were summoned
by Wandsworth Ctouncil for contravening a prohibition order which
required them to abate a nuisance arising from the issue of black
smoke from a chimney shaft at their Wandsworth generating station.
For the defence it was said that the company had spent £2,000 in
securing the best possible appliances, but the issue of smoke occasion-
ally was unavoidable. In that instance the issue only continued for
five or six minutes. This notwithstanding, a penalty of 20s. was
imposed.
Bournemouth. — Mr. J. B. Hamilton, general manager of the Leeds
tramways, who was recently called in by the Corporation to report
u|ion the municipal tramways, has sent in his report, which will not.
ho«ever, be issued for some time.
Bromley. — The Rural Council have decided, on the advice of tlr eir
consulting engineer (Mr. Manville), to continue the flat rate system of
charging.
Dover.--Tlie salary of the canvasser of the clcctr icit\- department
(Mr. Martin) has been increased owing to his ciiiiiiins-hin having been
adver.sely affected by the incr'eased use of melal lilarm-rii lamp''.
The Council have authorised the )mrcha.se of a booster at £630.
The Council have arranged with the Admiralty for a supply of
current for charging batteries of submarines.
Electric Traction in Canada.~Mr. Wm. Mackenzie announces that
it is proposed to construct an electric railway along the route of the
Electrical Development Co.'s transmirision line between Niagara and
Toronto.
Farnham.— The Hon. T. H. W. Pelham. C.B., Assistant Secretary
to the Board of Trade, assisted by Mr. A. P. Trotter. Electrical .Adviser
to the Board, r-ecently held a public iuqiriry into the application of
the Farnham & District Electric Supply Co. for premission to use
overhead lines for the purpose of giving a supply of eleotrieity under
the Farnham Electric Lighting Order of 1905.
Mr. G. V. Roumieu, J.I'., chiurmanof the company, and Mr. Edwd.
Prior, electrical engineer to the company, appeared in support of the
application, and the Council were also re'presented.
In the course of his prelrrnirrary remarks, the Hon. T. H. W. PE'^Hi.-u
said that, after an advertisement relating to the proposal to use over-
he.ad wires, only one objection had been lodged, but it appeared that
the local authority, who had considererl the question, received a peti-
tion signed by 437 ratepayers objecting to the overhead wires. That
number represented one-third of the rate[)ayers of the district. The
Board of Trade consequently ordered a local inquiry. Without pre-
judicing the question in any way, he wished to say that the
general principle of the Board was not to give sanction for overhead
wires except in unpopulous places or in populous jilaces where
there was a great deal of waste land and moorland, as was the case
\-er'y often in large manufacturing districts. There was a feeling in
the country very much .against overhead wires in populous places.
They all knew that the overhead system was a great nuisance and
annoyruice in towns where there was a great deal of tratiic. The onus
lay on the company because the feeling of tfie Board was rather agaiust
overhead wires for electric lighting in an urban district or in a populous
place.
After hearing evidence, the Commissioner reserved his decision.
India.—" Indian Engineering " says the East Indian Railway Co.
are obtaining a 100 ii.r. electric motor from England for the Janial-
pur locomotive shops.
'■ Indian Industries and Power " states, that Lahore Municipality
intends to raise a loan of R. 14,00.000 for electric lighting and other
}iurposes. Our contemporary remarks that Calcutta, owing to the
action of the Municipal Commissioners, '• an unwieldy body of
parochial cranks," in having accepted the tender of the Oriental
Gas Co. instead of tiiat of the Calcutta Electric Supply Corpn., is
doomed to remain a " city of dreadful night."
Infirmary Lighting.— Battersea and Wandsworth Guardians' Works
committee arc reporting upon the i|uestion of adopting electric light-
ing at the infirmary.
THE ELECTRICIAN. JANUARY 1. 1909.
477
Inquest. — At the Moor Green Colliery (Xotts.) an inquest was
lifld on Monday on the body of Clias. W. Thomson, who was killed
in the power room of the colliery on Dee. 24. The ])roceedinjis were
watched by Mr. R. Mel.son. H.M. Electrical Inspector of Mines, Mr.
A. H. Stokes (mining inspector), Mr. Orton (switchgear engineer of
the British Westinghouse Co.), and Mi-. J. W, Fryar (mine manager).
Evidence was given that deceased was 25yearsofas;e and unmarried,
and was the son of Mr. VV. Thomson, of Dunedin, New Zealand. He
was a B.Se. of Dunedin ITniversity, and he had been in this country
for two years.
Mr. G. .1. BisH, employed with the British Westinirhouse Co. as
supervisor of the installation of switchgear, &c., said he did not know
the deceased personally, but he had been on the company's books for
19 months. Witness believed that deceased was a competent man, and
he was sent to erect the addition to the switchj^ear scheme. Deceased
arrived on the 14th, after witness had inspected the addition pre-
viously. Deceased was sent alone to do the work, and witness per-
sonally gave him his instructions. Deceased was eng.sged in the
construction of the extension itself in the Manchester shops before its
removal. He was engaged on the work from the 14th to the 24th, when
he met his death in one of the cubicle switchgear structures behind the
main switchboard, and these cubicles formed part of the main
board. Witness explained that when a man entered a cubicle he
would take the'plugs out and so break contact and make the cubicle
perfectly safe. There was a padlock on the door of each cubicle, and
further there was a locking gear in connection with the switch which
was operated from the main board. It was not possible for anyone to
enter without the switch being thrown open. Deceased would be
familiar with the requirements of the work, but it was not his duty
to get into the cubicle in which he was found. He had apparentlj-
finished his work in that cubicle, the second from the end, and was
working that day in the third, which was cut off safe. He should
have been working in the third cubicle, but for some unknown reason
he returned to the second and met A'ith his death there by an electric
shock through coming in contact with two live pieces of iron.
He was burned across the nose and on the back of the hand. He
omitted to remove the plugs in tlie roof of the culjicle, which would
have immediately broken the circuit, and by so domg let the current
continue, and when doing some work he came in contact with live
metal He was working under the instructions of Mr. Routledge, the
chief electrical engineer for Messrs. Barber, Walker & Co.'s Eastwood
Collieries, and hart received no written orders from the British West-
inghouse Co. He ought not to have entered the second cubicle with-
out permission from Mr. Routledge. He saw some pieces of skin
adherent to the terminal. The average current would be 3,000 volts,
and he considered 200 volts sufficient to make death instantaneous.
Deceased had written asking for leave for the Christmas holidaj-s, and
he was, no doubt, hurrying in his own interest. He was doing wrong
if he went into the cubicle without Mr. Routledge 's instructions.
Mr. Stokes read a letter from witness to deceased : " You are to
make the necessary provision for wiring from this switch to tlie
Tirrill regulator." and suggested that deceased would have to enter
the second cubicle to do that, but witness pointed out that he wrote :
" Under Mr. Routledge's instructions."
Fk.\nk Thorpe, a test-room as-sistant, .said he arrived on the 22nd.
On the 24th the switchboard attendant told him something had hap-
pened, and running behind the large switchboard found Thomson
lying on his back on the floor of the second cubicle. The}' tried arti-
ticial respiration but to no purpose.
Mr. L. G. F. RoiTi.EncE said electricity had been installed for
nine mouths. An additional machine was installed, and that re-
quired an extension of the switchboard. Deceased was engaged on
the work and appeared to be very careful. He worked late every
night that week, and witness was always about the place while the
work was on. He did not allow deceased to go to a cubicle without
permission, and he had not done so previously. There was a noti(!e
on the iron doors leading behind about the entry to cubicles and
witness had warned deceased not to enter. The work in the second
cubicle was finished the day before, and he could not tell why deceased
had revisited it.
Dr. GilTjESpte said artificial respiration was tried for more than an
hour, but without effect He considered death was instantaneous.
Mr.;R. Nelson .siiid in his opinion the accident was caused by neglect
of proj5er precautions, and the neglect consisted in not removing the
safety plugs. He thought that probably this was due to momentary
forgetfulness on the part of deceased. He was of opinion that there
had been a certain laxity in the handling of the keys. It shoidd not
have been possible for deceased to obtain possession of the keys
without the knowledge of the man in charge of the switchboard. He
.strongly recommended that definite rides should be drawn up, and
that the keys should be left in the possession of the man .at the
switchboard, and that he, and he iilone, should do any unlocking.
He would also suggest that as a precaution no bare live metal be lett
in front or behind the switchboard, and that the terminals should be
insulated just as the leads from the switch were covered.
The jury returned a verdict that " Deceased was accidentiiUy killed
by coming in contact with an electrical terminal," and considered
that the accident was due to some oversight on the part of deceased
himself.
Italy. — A Decree has been issued authorising the Unione Italiana
Tramways Elettrici, of Genoa, to construct and work a second line
along the Staglieno to I'rato tramway.
Decrees have recently been issued aiithorisinL' thcSocicta Lombarda I
to erect oleetricity supply works in the towns of Gallarate. Castano
and .■\rlano. and the Societa Kllettrica di \'ergiate to establish a
similar undertaking in C!erro Mapgiore.
The " HandelsraiLseum." of Vienna, states that in Xaples there is a
constant demand for electrical ajipiiances and insulating material,
much of which is apparently intended for the warships.
Keighley. — A recommendation by the Electricity committee to
a])ply for .sanction to borrow £12.820 for the extension of the elec-
tricity works will come before the next meeting of the Council.
Kirkcaldy. — Tlie burgh electrical engineer (.Mr. (). F. Francis) has
reported on the question of extending the tramways and recommends
the construction of a line to Dysart.
L.C.C. Annual Report. —In the annual rcpnil t,i the ij.C.C. for (he
year ended .March :il, the Highways committL-i; report all jiossible
progress with the electrification of the tramways, but the difficulties
of electrification are much greater now than formerly, as there have
been left to the last those lines which present the greatest difficulty,
owing to the narrowness of the rt>utes traversed and other circum-
stances.
Lucan-Leixlip Electric Railway. — On Tuesday last week the Irish
.fudicial Committee fif the Privy Council heard an ajiplication for the
i.ssue of an order I'm tin .-^ iii-ti uction of this line which was recom-
mended in Feb., lltiKi. W\ I In ( Mrnmittee. The order stated that an
application was made by .Mc-^is. \V. .Mooney and John L. Scallan to
his Excellency for an Order in Council to authorise the construction,
maintenance and working of an electric railway, which would com-
mence at the termination of and by a junction with the rails of th(i
Dublin and Lucan electric railway, in Lucan. passing through Liican
and Petty Canon, Ltican Demesne, Dodsborough and CooJdrinagh,
and terminating at Leixlip. The Lord Chancellor said the Com-
mittee would pass the order now as if it were the first time it camo
before them.
Marriage. — Mr. Sidney Emile Garcke. son of .Mr. Emile tJarcke.
was married on Wednesday to Miss Clare Lorrain. daughter of .Mr.
.1. (Jrieve Lorrain. of Norfolk House, Victoria Embankment, London.
Municipal Honours. — We are very pleased to record that Mr.
Albion T. Snell. .M.I.C.E., M.I.E.E.. c.on.sulting electrical engineer.
has been elected a representative of the Dowgate Ward on the City
of London Court of Common Council. Mr. Snell is too well known
to our readers to require any more detailed reference to his work, and
to his past career.
Obituary. — The death is announced of .Mr. Frank Taylor, mining
engineer and chairman and manager of the Sandycroft Foundry Co.
(Ltd.). He was also head of the firm of ,Iohn Taylor & Sons. Oucen
Street-place. London. E.C.. and a director of many gold mining
companies.
Paignton. — The local eleclrieily works weri> formally inaugurated
on Lee. 24, when electric cnrreni was switched on for public and
jirivate lighting. 14 " Crompton-Brunton " llanic an; lamps have
been erected along the sea front, and in Torbay-rd. and Victoria-
street.
Para (Brazil). — The electricity supply works and ch'ctric tramways
in this town are owned by the Para Electric Railways & Lighting Co.,
Ltd.
The company supplies electricity for the whole of the jmblic lighting
of the city and also to 1.4;m) private consumers. .At the generating
station there are two E.C.C. alternators of 800 ii.r. aggregate (coujiled
to Belliss engines) and three Dick, Kerr d.c. dynamos of 1,200 n.i>.
aggregate (coupled to three Belliss engines), three Siemens & Halske
alternators of 720 h.p. aggregate (coupled to three Siichsische Maschineu-
fabrik steam engines), one Sue. Alsacieniie 240 H.P. .steam alternator.
The boiler plant comprises four BMlico.k & Wiluox marine tyjw boilers
of 1.600 H.p. aggregate, three Steinmiiller boilers of 1.200 H.P. and one
300 H.P. Belleville boiler. The ei|iiivalent of 'MSki' S c.p. lamps was
connected for lighting at the end of November and the price per unit for
lighting is Is. 3d., while gas is 12s. (id. per 1.000 ft.
There are 35 miles, single track . of tramway constructed to a gauge of
1-44 metres. The contractors for the construction and overhead equip-
ment were Messrs. J. G. White & Co. There are 100 cars. 70 motors and
3(1 trailers.
Patents and Designs Act of 1907.— The U.S. Consul at Gla.sgow
(.Mr. .1. H. .McCunii) has rejiorted to the Bureau of .Manufacturers at
Washington that, with lesard to the clause in the Patents .Act dealing
with the working of patents in this country " to an adequate extent."
it would appear to be perfectly in order to manufacture the parts of a
machine in the United States and have them assembled in the United
Kingdom. Each part of the machine, taken se))arately. is not a
patented article, the patent merely applying to the machine as a
whole. This is stated to be the generally accepted reading of the
law. and this view will be acted upim until a test ca.se is decided.
Personal. — Mr. Clias. D. Humet. M.I.E.E.. hii.s joined the .stafT of
the Tudor .Accumulator Co.. 119. \'ictoria-street, London. S.W.
478
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 1, 1909.
Private Bill Legislation.—Tlie North and Simlli Sliiclds Eleetrio
Ilailwav <'n.. wliicli was incorporated in 1902 to construct a railway
under the River Tyne, between North and Soutli Shields, are promot-
iii); a hill to revive their powers and to grant a further two years for
aci|uiriii},' the necessary lands. The time for comi)leting the railway
is also pio|)osed to be extended to July 31. 1913. The Bill further
empowers the Company to enter into working and other agreements
with railway and tramway companies ; and power is also sought " to
pay a commission not exceeding 10 per cent, to any i>ers()n in con-
sideration of his subscribing " for any shares in the f;otn])any. or
agreeing to procure subscriptions, provided the payment of such com-
mission is disclosed in (he i)rospcctus inviting subscriptions for
shares.
The .N'orlh .Metropolitan Electric Power Supply Co. are promoting a
hill lo extend their area of supply to Hendon, Finehley, Friern
Harnct aud Hornsey, to increase their capital powers by £250,000.
ThcW'c'^l Kent Electric Power Co. intend to ask I'.uliament for the
tianslcr lo them of the powersexercisahlr I.;. iIm W, iit KIcctric Power
(-'o. in West Kent, and of the Bromley Kuial oroviMnnal order of the
Kent Electric Power Synd., &c.
The Central London Ely. Co. seek authority to extend their line
from the Bank to Liverpool-street station, to construct a subway to
connect MusiMjm station with the Holborn station of the Brompton
and Piccadilly Railway, to raise £330,000 additional capital, to
employ railway constablcs„&c.
Bi-adford Corporation are seeking powers to construct additional
tramways, to equip and use vehicles mechanically projielled on the
trackicss trnlley system, &c.
Proposed New Tramways for Roumania. — " The I"^inancier "'
announces that it is contemplated to construct a number of electric
tramways in the chief towns of Roumania, and for the purpose of
constructing these lines a company is being formed, with a capital of
1.'), 000.000 fr., the local municipalities will take part to the extent of
.1,000,000 fr. in the capital issue.
Railway Receiving and Booking Rearrangements. — A matter which
is of importance to all firms and persons engaged in industrial and
commercial enterprise is their relations with the railway companies
in regard to carrying facilities and the most expeditious and con-
venient methods of transmitting large and small consignments of
goods to near or distant places. The recent working arrangements
entered into between the Great Northern and Great Central com-
panies appear to have given general satisfaction so far as we have
been able to ascertain, and we now learn that the Great Eastern
company have joined with the two first named companies in pooling
thoir arrangenu-als I'.a I li,- enllccl ion and delivery of goods in London
for transmission <i\i-y ilini icspcctive services. In the large pro-
vincial towns arraniicrnrnis d a more or less similar character have
been entered into. From to-day the three com|>anies above mentioned
are re-arranging their London receiving and booking offices, and it
would be well for traders to make themselves acquainted with these
re-arrangements. The general public are also concerned, inasmuch as
more complete arrangements are being made for the issue of passenger
tickets over the three routes, from which the public may expect to
gain in many respects.
St. Pancras (London).— On tlie 21st Dec. a new 2,800 kw, turbo-
generator (Willians turbine, and Dick, Kerr alternator) and a 1,400
k«-. Bruce Peebles motor converter were started up by Councillor
Ingram, chairman of the Electricity committee. Both machines are
inore than double the size of any unit yet installed in St. Pancras.
The tui bine drives the three-phase alternator which generates current
at .5,000 volts. This cm'rent is converted, and, besides meeting local
requirements, high pressure current is also supplied to the northern
and soutlKrn sub-stations.
Sir John Cass Technical Institute.— A course of lo lectures on " Con-
duction in Gases and Radioactivity" will be delivered on Kridav even-
ings (from 8 to 9), commencing Friday, Jan. 15, liy Mr. K. S. \Villows,
.\1.A.. D.Sc. The lectures will be fully iUiistratVd by experiments",
and the course is intended lor tiicse who .have a know,"edgr> o." general
physics and who desire to become acquainted with the recent advances
m this branch of science. A comse of 12 lectures on " The Methods
of the Differential and Integral Calculus and their Application to
Cheminal and Physical Problems " will be delivered by Mr. A. E.
Hall, A.R.C.S., on Wednesday evenings (7 to 8), commencing Jan. 13.
Ihe course is arranged for those engaged in chemical industries and
tor students of physical chemistry who.se mathematical knowledge
IS msufiicient to enable them to follow the newer books and papers on
pliy.sical cl>emistry, and its technical applications. The detailed
syllabus of the courses may bo obtained at the office of the Institute
(Jewry-street, Aldgate, London, E.C.), or from the Principal
School Lighting.— The Governors of Northallerton Grammar
School have decided to introduce electric lighting at an estimated
cost of £250.
Saffron Walden.— Recently Mr. M. Parker submitted to the
Council particulars of an electricity supply scheme, estimated to cost
about £2(i,000, A guarantee would be given against loss during the
first three years. The Council have declined to entertain the scheme
owing to the financial obligations involved, but no objection would
be raised against a company coming in and undertaking the work.
Southampton.— The Electric light mains are to be extended to
Bassett. A new motor alternator is to be purchased at £700.
Switzerland.— Tlie company controlling the St. Gall-Trogen
electric railway have been granted a concession for lines from Heiden
to Walzenhau.sen, and from Trogen to Heiden, with a branch from
Kaien to Rehetobel. The cost of the two proposed sections is
estimated at £116.000.
M. Spillman, of Zoug. has obtained a concession for the con-
stiuction and working of a metre gauge electric railway from Zoug to
Nidfurren and Oberiigeri, from Zoug to Baar and Talacker, and from
Nidfurren to Edlebach and Menzingen. The proposed new lines will
be about 14} miles in length and are estimated to cost £69,200.
Tower of London Lighting. — Hitherto the Tower of London ha.s
been supplied with electric current by the City of London Electric
Lighting Co., but, as the Tower happens to be in Stepney, the Council
of that Borough claimed to be entitled togive the supply. H.M. Com-
missioners of Works have admitted the contention of the Council,
and in future Stepney electricity department will sujjply current for
lighting the Tower.
Tramway Transfer. — Altrincham District Council give notice of
intention to lease the tramwavf; in tl.cir district to Manchester Cor-
poration for 23 years at a lental (after May 10. 1909) of £1,181. 8s. 2d.
per annum. The lessees are to have the exclusive use of the tramways
and are to provide electrical equipment.
Will. — Mr. Robert Niool Reid, of Reid Brothers, telegraph and
pneumatic engineers and contractors, who died on Nov. 4, left estate
of the gross value of £58,249, with net personalty £58,1 12.
York. — The Tramways committee wil' take over the local tram-
ways on 18th inst., or on the date of the actual completion of the
purchase of the undertaking. The system will be converted to
electric traction.
Croydon Tramwaymen's Benefit Society. — The annual meeting of
Croydon Corporation Tramuays cniplipyes Sick and Benefit Society
was held on Dec. 19. The general manager (Mr. T. B. Goodyer),
presided, and JVIi-. H. B. Harris, the engineer, was also present.
It was announced that the past year's receipts were £400. 10s. 2Jd., a
reduction of £72 compared with 1907, the average membership for the
year being 133, against 163. Sick pay was £92. 10s. (increase £7. 3s. 4d.)
and medical attendance cost £27. 13s. Od. The contribution was Is. Id.
per week per member and the share out at the end of the year, after
meeting expenses, £1. ISs. 2d. Satisfaction was expressed at the result,
and votes of thanks were passed to tlie president and the medical officer
(Dr. (irapel).
TRAUE NOTES AN^ NOTICES.
TENDERS INVITED.
Oiimsby Corjxiration are prejjared to receive tenders for sujiply of
c.c. motors and starting panels, sizes \ h.p. to 15 H.r. Full particu-
lars from the borough electrical engineer (Mr. W. A. Vignoles).
Electricity Works, Grimsby. Tenders by Jan. 16. See also an ad-
vertisement.
Schemes and tenders are invited for altering lifts and fans at
IlammcrsmUh workhouse at present h orked by continuous current :
for lifts and two fans to work from single-phase a.c. ; and two fans
to work from steam engine. Firms who propo.se to tender must
specify the allowance they are prepared to make for the present
transforming jjlant, and c.c. motors ; drawings, specifications, &c,.
to be supplied free of cost to the Guardians. Tenders to the clerk
(Mr. J. Lamb), 206. Goldhawk-rd.. Shepherd's Bush, London, W.,
before Jan. 19. See also an advertisement.
The Guardians of the Poor of the Parish of Birmingliam invite
tenders for a telephone installation at the Workhouse, Wcstern-rd..
Birmingham, where a plan can be seen and a cojiy of the specifica-
tion obtained. Tenders must be delivered to the clerk (Mr. Chas.
Fletcher). Parish Offices, Edmund st., Birmingham, by 14th inst.
See also an advertisement.
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 1, 1909.
479
READY.
"THE ELECTRICIAN" ELECTRICAL TRADES'
DIRECTORY AND HANDBOOK.— The 1908 Edition
of the Big Blue Book, price 8s 6d., or post free in the
United Kingdom, gs. 3d. The new and enlarged volume
brings a great mass of statistical and technical data
quite up to date, and the Directorial Division has been
thoroughly revised and amplified.
All branches of Electrical Engineering and Industry
are fully treated and Electro-Financial matters have
received every attention in the new volume, which aggre-
gates more than 2,000 pages. The Directory Division is
complete and thoroughly accurate, and has been com-
pletely revised. All mere lists of members of Societies
and Institutions (so easily and cheaply available) are
excluded, as quite unreliable for Manufacturers' and
Dealers' purposes. The full set of valuable Statistical
and Engineering Tables, &c., have been very carefully
revised and extended, and remodelled into handy book
form ; these are included in the igoS Blue Book, making
it the most complete book of the kind ever published.
Messrs. Preece & (/ardew are instructed by Si/ilnei/ ^Municipal
Council to invito tenders for the supply and erection in Sydney of two
1,000 k\v. and two 600 kw. motor-generators, with starting and regu-
lating apparatus. Specification, drawing and form of tender may
be obtained from Messrs. Preece & Cardew. 8. Queen Annex-gate.
Westminster. S.W.. and tenders addres.sed to the Town Clerk at the
Town Hall. Sydney. X.S.W.. not later than 4 p.m. March 1. See also
an advertisement.
Tenders are invited for the supply of a branch metallic multiple
magneto switchboard to the Postmaster-Generars Department in
New South Wales. Tender forms and specification may be'obtained
at the Commonwealth Offices. 72. Victoria-street. London, S.W. See
also an advertisement.
Fareham Urban District Council are prepared to receive tenders
for three alternators and exciters, high and low pressure sw itchboards
and overhead travelling crane. General conditions and specifications
may be obtained at the offices of the consulting engineers (Messrs.
May & Hawes), Caxton House, Westminster, S.W. Tenders to the
Clerk of the Council (Mr. Leonard Warner) before 10 a.m., Jan. 20.
Portsmouth Corporation want tenders by noon Jan. -1 for ma-
terials (poles, overhead line material, bonds, conduit, frames and
co%'ers, thermit joints, rails. &c.) for about 1 mile of tramway. Speci-
fications from the Town Clerk.
Chester Corporation invite tenders for building a battery room and
other extensions at the electricity works. Tenders to Town Clerk by
10 a.m., Jan. 14.
Birr (Ireland) Urban Council invite tenders for public lighting by
electricity or gas for 5 or 10 years. Tenders to the Clerk by Jan. 18.
Tenders will be received until Jan. \5 at the offices of the Cie de
I'Exposition de Bruxelles, 1910 (rue des Danze-Apotres. 34. Brussels)
for supply of electricity for the Brussels Exhibition. 1910
The Italian Ministry of Public Works want tenders for wiring and
fitting the Palace of Justice. Rome, for the electric light. Specefica-
tions from the Cienio Civile di Roma, to whom tenders by Jan. 24
for the supply and erection of conductors, lamps. &c., and by Feb. 8
for " objects of an artistic nature '" in connection therewith.
Madras Corporation require tenders by noon Jan. 26 for supply and
erection of 24 arc lamp-posts and accessories, laying connecting
cables and supply and erection of 32 lamp-posts and accessories for
incandescent lighting. S])ecifications. &c.. from the Kngineer on
pajTnent of R.IO (13s. 4d.).
TENDERS RECEIVED AND ACCEPTED.
Aberdeen Electricity committee have accepted the following
tenders for stores : —
Cilegg & Thomson and .Shirras. Laing & Co.. ironmongery : (ieorge
Donald & .Sons and Farqnhar & Gill, paint, oil, &c. ; CJeo. CJordon & Co..
timber ; Shirras, Laing & Co., tallow ; John Blaikie & Sons, brass, lead,
&c. ; Clyne, Mitchell & Co., c.i. work ; David Kichmond & Sons, wrought
iron.
Belturbet (Ireland) District Council have accepted the tender of
the local Electric Lighting Co. for the electric lighting of the Town
Hall.
C. Brightman & C^o. have secured the contract for the erection at
Watford of the generating station for the new- Euston-Watford
electric railway of the L. & X.W. Railway Co.
Fur the supply and erection ni a 2..")Uli k.v.a. turbo-alternator,
with surface condensing plant and motor-driven accessories. Cardiff
Corporation received the following tenders : — Vacuum Augmenter.
WiLLAXS & RoBDiSON (Siemens alternator) £7.212 ... £6i755*
With General Electric alternator. £7.207 and £6,750; Bruce Peebles,
£7.212 and £6.755; Dick, Kerr, £7,507 and £7,050; E.C.C., £7.787 and
£7.330; Vickers. Sons & Maxim. £7.787 and £7.330, .
C. A. Pakso.ns & Co. (Bnice Peebles alternator) i:(>,'.»37 ... €7.1IJS
With Dick. Kerr alternator, £7,283 and £7.514 ; Parsons, £8,175 and £8,406.
Brush Company £6.9.50 ... —
(General Electric Co. (Parsons turbine) — ... £7.084
With Belliss turbine. £7.522; Richardsons. Westgarth, £7,791 ; Musrrave,
£7,866.
Vickers. Soxs & Maxim (Parsons turbine) — ... £7.37!)
With Belliss turbine, £7,8S3 ; Richardsons, Westgarlh, £8,211 ; Mus-
grave, £8,255.
Siemens Dynamo Works (Parsons turbine) — ... £7.38.5
With Belliss turbine, £7,685; Eraser, Chalmers, £7.875; Richardsons.
Westgarth. £7,880 ; Musgrave. £8,000.
British Westinghouse Co. (Rateau turbine)... £7.8.50 ... £7.400t
Jas. Howden & Co. (Bruce Peebles alternator) £7.475 ... —
With General Electric alternator, £7.479 ; Siemens, £7,495 ; Westing-
house, £7.968 ; E.C.C, £8,125.
British Thomson- Houston Co £7.530 ... —
Belliss & MoRCOM (General Electric alternator) £7.637 ... —
With .<;iemens alternator. £7.673; Bruce Peebles. £7.689 ; Vickers. Sons &
Maxim. £7,973 ; Dick. Kerr. £8.101 ; E.C.C, £8.1 12.
.loHN .MfSGRAVE & Sons (Siemens alternator)... £7.704 ... —
With Bruce Peebles alternator. £7,729 ; Dick. Kerr, £7.974 ; Westir.g-
house. £8,154 ; E.C.C. £8.254.
Electric Construction Co. (Parsons turbine) — ... £7,828
With Belliss turbine, £8,075 ; Musgrave. £8,504. ■
Richardsons, Westgarth & Co. (Siemens alter-
nator) £7.000 ... —
With Brown. Boveri alternator. £8 730 ; Westinghouse, £8.410 ; E.C.C..
£8,500.
Lah.meyer Electrical Co £8,540 ... —
Maschinenfabeik Oeelikon £9,050 £9.302 ... —
* Recommended by committee for acceptance, t Lehlanc condenser.
Downham Market Guardians have accepted the tender of the
Jas. Keith & Blackman Co. for .i ventilating fan.
Dover Corporation have accepted the tender of W. T. CJlover & Co.
for 3.200 yards of cable at £.500.
Warrington Guardians have accepted the tender of H. Rogers for
electrical supplies.
Commonwealth Tenders. — The Postmaster-General's Department.
Melbourne, have accepted the following lenders for telegraph and
telephone material : —
India Rubber Co. for Leclanche cells, coppers, fuses, and holders,
porous pots, screws, staples, earth plates, copper wire, amperemeters,
trembling bells, detectors, galvanometers, and ebonite ; British Insu-
lated & Helsby Cables for cords, fuses, jacks, lead strips, plugs, paper
sleeves, zincs, copper binders, switchboard cable, copper wire and tapes,
strip indicators, switchboards and Chatterton's compound : Siemens
Bros. Dynamo Works for Obach dry cells ; Richard Johnson. Clapham
& Morris for g.i. and g. stranded steel wire : J. t!. Black for cable webb-
ing ; Rowe. Drew & Co. for Bakers soldering solution and lacquer
coioiu's : Briscoe & Co. for g.i. wire, steel battery brushes and tlyers ;
Zwicker, Tod & Co. for sal ammoniac. Leclanche zincs, button insulators
and sulphate of magnesia ; Mephan Ferguson for base plates ; Wilhams
& Co. for g.i. bolts and nuts, stay rods. g.i. stems, wire raisers, crossover
brackets and iron rail extender brackets; J. A. Newton & Co. Pro-
prietary for listening kevs. alow lamps, pulleys, switches, ebonite tube,
arrester rods, buzzer calls, "switchboards. telei)hone buzzers, telephones
and rubberLsed tape : Holden * Lewis for c.i. cable boxes: Fritsch &
Walding for bolts ; E. & W. Drayton, for pins and rails ; Cole
Bentlev for cable box links, nuts, saddle pieces, German. silver springs,
brass and copper washers and disc papers ; Davies, Shephard & Co.
for diaphragms, wandering plugs, pulleys, l>atterv sciew.s, lever
switches, tablets, arresters, lightning brackets, brass clips and httiugs,
cable sleeves and fittings and terminal slips : J. Bartram vt Sons tor
conversers, induction coils, diaphragms, terminal discs, ear-pieces,
mouth -pieces, watch pattern and head receivers, bells, condensers, gene-
rators, extension switches, wall, tabic ami attend.ants sets, trans-
mitters and translators; Dalgety & Co. for insulators: ^oyes Bros.
Proprietary for office wire : Lawrence & Hanson for cords, zincs,
condensers" and Morse ink ; Lohmann & Co. for transfer lx>x wire.
The Electric Light & Power Supjily Corpn. have placed the following
contracts for plant. &c.. for the Balmain (Australia) and District Electric
Light & Power imdertakiiig :— Staerker & Fischer (A.E.ti.). one oOO kw.
set. one 250 kw. set, and one electrically driven siu-face condcnsmg
plant ; General Electric Co.. main^witchlioard transformers, arc lamps,
&c. The total value of the contracts is about £12.000.
BUSINESS NOTICES.
Messrs. Pritchetts & tuild (Ltd.) inf..rin us that owing to the larg*"
and continued increase in their business. thc\- are removing thei""
sales department to 58. Victoria-street. S.W.. where all orders and
correspondence for that department should be sent. Telegraphic
address and telephone numbers remain unaltered.
Thos. Jas. John.son and Alfd. John Miller, electrical engineers. &c..
Queens-road. Weybridge. have dissolved partnership. Debts by
Mr. Johnson.
480
THE ELECTKICIAN, JANUARY 1, 1909
SPECIAL NOTICE.
NOW READY. -Vol. LXI. of " Thk Elkctrician " (1,018 pages),
liound in stioiij,' cloth. I'rico 17s. 6d.; post free, 18s. 6(1. Also ready
Casc.s for Binding. Price 2s.; post free, 2s. 3d.
A complete set of " Tub Elkctkicia.n " (1860-1865—1878-1908) can
lie supplied. A number of odd volumes and some odd old liack num-
liers, to help in making up complete sets, a'-e also now availaljle.
Mr. J. C. B. Inglcby has taken over as a going concern the business
of the .Jones- Westwood Electrical Mfg. Co., of Elland-road, Leeds,
He will carry it on as heretofore, but under the style of Ingleby &
Co.
Edwaid O. Evans and John V. Grundy (trading as E. G. Evans),
electrical engineers, 4(i. Stewart-street and 189, Edward-street,
Nuneaton, have dissolved partnership. Debts by Mr. Evans.
The partnership between Sir H. Gordon, Bart., M. Buchan and R.W.
Hogarth (under the style of Buchan & Partners), consulting engi-
neers. Parliament-chambers. London. S.W.. and Edinburgh, has l)cen
dissolved so far as regards Sir H. Gordon.
Plant for Sale.— Messrs. G. Elliott & Co.. 186-188. Long-lane,
P.crmondsey, London. S.E., have for sale two compound Marshall
steam engines coupled to two Crompton dynamos, a combined
generating set, and also tliree dynamos. Further particulars are given
in advertisements.
Patent Development.— The owners of patent No. 28Ar^S of 1904
relating to " Incandescent Electric Lamps," desire to negotiate with
manufacturers with the view of ofi'ering licences. Further informa-
tion from Messrs. Lloyd Wise & Co., 46, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London,
W.C.
Motor-Controlling Apparatus.— The Adams Mfg. Co. are organising
a special exhibiticin n( " Igranic "' motor-controlling apparatus at
ilir iMcmises of their agent (Mr. F. T. Hanks), 1, Higliam-place, New
Hi iclL'f-street, Newcastle-on-Tyne. The exhibition will be held from
.1.111. 11 to 30.
New Quartz Mercury Vapour Lamp.— The Allgemeine Elektrieitats
Gcsellschafl. of Berlin, have brought out a mercury vapour lamp, in
which the mercury is enclosed in a quartz, instead of in the usual
glas.s tube. This tube is from 2J in. to 6 in. long, and is tipped auto-
nuitically to start the arc when current is switched on. The lamp is
something like the Nernst lamp in external form, the solenoids for
ti))ping the tube and the resistances for steadying the light being con-
tained in the casing above the globe. The light from the quartz tube
is exceedingly rich in ultra-violet rays, which cause inflammation of
the skin and intense |)ain in the eyes if'exposrd to them for only a few
.seconds. Kor this reason the lamp should never he u.sed without a
glass globe which cuts olT the ultra-violet rays. 'I'he A.E.G
(Foreign Doj)!.). Caxton House. Westminster, ,S.W., are export
agents for the lamp, which is made in three sizes, taking 4 amps, at
no volts to 2 5 amperes at 220 volts. A life of 2,000 hoiu-s is
claimed for the new lamp.
Calendars— The London Electric Firm, of Croydon, send us
a hanging sheet calendar with monthly tear-oiT slips.
From Messrs. Jordan & Sons, the well-known joint-stock company
experts, we have received a useful hanging sheet calendar, on the
ba(^k of which are given memoranda of the principal requirements
luider the Companies Acts of 1862 to 1908.
i'lom the Direct United States Cable Co. we have to acknowledge
the receipt of a useful desk or hanging calendar with a pad of daily
dateslip.s.
From the D.P. Battery Co. we have received an artistic hanging
card calendar with monthly tear-off sheets. In the centre of "the
card, which is i)rinted in colours, is a clear and good view of the com-
)>any's works.
CATALOGUES. &o.
.WriSTic FiTTiN(iS.— The General Electric Co. arc inaugurating
tlu! New \ ear by the jiublication of a new catalogue giving particu-
lars ot their fittings and glass ware. The artistic quality of these
ittmgs IS already known to our readers, but .several new designs have
iccn introduced and the results are most satisfactory. We are
pleased to note that a special feature is being made of advertising
signs and that in this section the Osram lamp comes into notice.
PRIV..VTE TEi.EPuoNEs.-The luter-eommunicating Telephone
.. Have issued a new list of their special make of private telephones.
C
Tl,,^. , , , , •"' •■' ^'" " ^I'l-wai muKe or privai;e telepliones.
mem, 1, '^ . "^^ ''"' specially intended for use in houses, and arrange-
ment, have been made for the instrument^- to be hired at an annual
O.SRAM Lamps.— At this time of year, when plum pudding is still
vividly in our imagination, the General Electric Co. have issued a
.small pamphlet introducing this sca.sonable eataljle in juxtaposition
to the Osram lam]). Under the illustration of the pudding is " A
heavy currant bill '" and under the lamp " No current bill at all " !
ALTiiRNATiNC, CURRENT INSTRUMENTS. — Messrs. Elliott Bros, are
issuing ])amphlet AC 82, which gives particulars and prices of the
switchboard type of recording ammeters, voltmeters and watt-
meters manufactured at the Lewisham works of the firm for a.c.
circuits.
BANKRUPTCIES, LIQUIDATIONS, &c.
The first meeting of creditors of S. S. Bojesen was held on Wed-
nesday. Debtor states that about 4i years ago he formed the De
Forest Wireless Telegraph Synd. (Ltd.), of which he became
managing director without salary. The syndicate was amalga-
mated some 18 months later with another concern, under the style
of the Amalgamated Radio-Telegraph Co. He was appointed
managing director of the company at a salary of £2,000 a year, and
took shares in it in exchange for his holding in the syndicate. He
resigned the managing directorship about a year ago, and attributed
his failure to the company having recently gone into voluntary
liquidation. The unsecured liabilities are estimated at £5.000.
The meeting was adjourned to enable debtor to place an offer before
his creditors.
A second and final dividend (7kl.) is payable at l.'i, Wincklej'-
street. Preston, in the bankruptcy of Richd. S. Blackburn, elec-
trical engineer and contractor, Osborne-street and Ribstone Works,
Hebden Bridge.
A meeting of the creditors of the Aluminium Corpn. (Ltd.)
was held last week. Mr. L. W, Hawkins, one of the liquidators,
presided, and read a statement of the company's affairs.
In the course of the discussion it was suggest:5d to adjourn the
meeting until Jan. 6 or 7, so as to give the liquidators an opportunity
of presenting a definite reorganisation scheme. The advisory com-
mittee presented a report .advocating the desirability of w.aiting for the
liquidators' scheme. It was decidefl to adjourn for four weeks.
A meeting to receive an account of the winding up of the Clift
Mfg. Co. (Ltd.) will be held on Jan. 26 at 27, Chanoerv-lane, London,
W.C.
The Eldon Electric Co. (Ltd.) is being wound up voluntarily : Mr.
Wm. Sparks, C.A., Newcastle-on-Tyne, is liquidator.
PATENT RECORD.
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS.
Note. — The undermeiitioned Applications {except Iho.ie marled +) are no
opeii to public inspection until after acceptance of Complete Specifications
Thoxe marked t are open jor inspection 12 monilis ajter the date attached
to them, if they have not been published previoiisly in the ordinary courfc.
Names within parentheses are those of communicators of inventions. When
complete Specification accompanies application, an asterisk is affix ed.
August 20, 1908.
Hope. Iron-clad switches and switch fuses.
Marconi & Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Companv. Wire-
less telegraphy.
Regina-Bogeni AMPENFABRiK G.M.B.H. & Hanisch. Arc lamp.*
ScHMAHL. Conduit junction boxes.*
SCHMAHL & Henderson. Conduit junction boxes for electrical
outlet fittings.*
Zoller. Magnetic blow-outs for lamps.
L.AND-UND Seekaeelwerke Akt.-Ges. Electric cables. (Date
applied for, 7/9/07. )*t
Trin. Electrical accumulators. (Date applied for. 29/8/07. )*t
Allgemeine Elektricitats-Ges. Arc lamps. (Date apiilied
for, 2 1/8/07. )*t
17,.'5.3t; Allgemeine Ei.EKTRiciT.iT.^-CiEs. fontroller nicfhanisni for
electrically operated ci-.ino.^ and lifts. (Date anphed for.
21/8/07.)*t
August 21. 190S.
17,540 Norman & Reader. Light-controlled lighting switch.*
17,588 Bradley & Jenkins. Electro-deposition of metals and alloys.
17.607 Zeitlin. Plug switches.
17.IU0 AND 17.611 Siemens & Halsicj; Akt.-Ges. Improving the
ductility of tungsten. (Date aiiplicd for, 26/10/07. Addition
to 17,350/08.)*
17,012 Gibberd & Elias. Constant disinfection of speaking-tubes,
telephone mouth-pieces or the like.*
17,618 Arsem. Manufacture of refract. irv cnndurtors. (Date apiilied
for, 24/8/07. )*t
17,461
17,505
17,509
17,511
17,512
17..527
17,-530
17,533
17,i535
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANl ARY 1. 190',).
481
17,619
17,620
17,622
17,626
17,627
17,659
17,687
17,730
17,742
17,748
17,750
17,752
17,774
17,793
17,797
n.soti
17,809
17,815
17,816
17,822
17.835.
17,841
17.852
17.88(1
17.890
Fuller. Manufacture of refractory electric conductor'^. (Date
applied for, 24/8/07. )*t
AND 17,621 COOLIDGE. Manufacture of refractory electric
conductors. (Date applied for, 24/8/07.)*t
Allgemeine ELEKTRICIT.A.TS Ges. Electrically operated cranes,
lifts and the like. (Date applied for, 23/8/07. )*t
August 22. 1908,
WiLLiA.M DE TuNZELMANN. Electric light fitting.
Silica Syndicate & St. Clair Matthey. Ignition device or
sparking plug.
Barratt. Insulating materials for electrical purposes.
Pheysey'. Electric heating apparatus. (Date applied for,
22/8/07. )*t
August 24, 1908.
Kennedy. .^Iteuiating electric energy integrating meters.*
Licktwerke (j..m.b.H. Holders of glass, porcelain and other
non-conductors for metallic filaments of incandescent lamps.
(Date applied for. 21/4/08. )*t
BouLT. (Electrical Mfg. Co., U.S.) Automatic electric circuit-
breakers. *
BouLT. (Allgemeine Akkumulatoren-Fabrik, Geimauy.) Cy-
lindrical positive electrodes.*
LuLiNCi. Switches. (Date applied for, 31/8/07.)*t
Haddan. (Lincoln .Alexander Lang, U.S.) Telemotors.*
August 25, 1908.
Whitelaw. Switches for controlling reversing electric motors.
Nolan. Water current motors. (Date applied for. 24/7/08.
A|iplicati(m No. 15.704, 24/7/08.)*
Bres.man. Plunger connection for wiring bayonet joint incan-
descent lamps.
Beromann. Magneto-electric igniting device with symiuetric
])olar pieces.*
Bergmann. Cable joint.*
Bergmann. Electric igniter.*
Stevens. Control for petrol-electric or electric cars.
GoLDSCHMlDT. Producing high-frequency currents and
ratus.*
Page. (Telegr'aph Transmitting Instrument Co.. U.S.)
board telegraphic transmitters.*
Dupont & Harle & Cie. Continuous current motors.
appa-
Key.
( Date
applied for, 27/8/07. )*t
Talk. Electric battery.*
B.T. -H. Co. & Wedmore.
installations.
MIOK.
17.9.34
17.93(>
18.038
1 8.053
18,0.54
18.109
18.11.".
i.s,i:j.-i
18.165
1S.I.S2
18.192
18.216
18,220
18,222
18.246
18.27.5
18.277
18.278
1S.;U2
18,359
18,372
Palmborg. Tclcphii
Reineke. .Cleans foi
.■r\rlM,,n, -. (Date applied for. 3/9/07.)*t
lii'Milnriin_r rlcctric energy.*
Augu.st 27, 1908.
Siemens Bros. Dy-namo Works. (Siemens-Schuckertwerke
G.m.b.H.. Germany.) Regulation of speed of electric motor.*
DoMMEKijUE. Three-wire tele|)hone .systems.*
B.T.-H. Co. (G.K. Co., U.S.) Dynamo elect .-ic machines.
.Arsis.m. Incandescent lamps and the inauufactiire thereof.
(Date applied n,,-. l(./9/07.)*t
Augu-t 28, 1908.
(idw. lin[jripved material opaque lo electric radiations.
Si'ii.MiToi'oL. Electric cells.*
August 29. 1908.
Black. Variable speed altei-nating curniil iiiMli.r.
RowiEY & Maidment. Differenliul cinuil-lin-.ikcr.
.■\ D.^ MS- Ran HALL. Telephones.
August 31, 1908.
Hall. Induction coils.
S. P. (SrcHdsTA - RR Patkxt.s) Synd. & Savers. Surface con
tact system of electric traction.*
Llttz. Kleclro-plating apparatus.*
Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works (Ltd.) (Siemens-Schuckert-
werke G.m.b.H., Germany.) Fixuig and supporting overhead
electric traction conductors in tunnels and the like.*
Welssmann. Fitting incandescent lamps. (Date applied for.
10/l/08.)*t
Hri-roN & HuTTON. Electroplating and like (irocesscs.
• ''"'ci:ii. i;c'_'ciierativc systems of control fi>r electric motors.
(Il.io^ ,i|.|ili.'d for. 3/9/07.)*-!-
KrnLt;sn \i ssLN. Theriuo-electric piles.
Kremenezky-. Sealing the filament carrier into the; bulb of
incandescent lamps.*
September 1, 1908.
Cooper. Equalising devices for iilternating current circuits.
(Date applied for, 3/9/07.)*t
Cooper. Systems of operation for alternaiing current motors
and generators. (Date applied lor. 3/8/07. )*t
Davis. Glow lamps. (Addition to No. 29,620/06.)
Roos. Circuit tester*
Allgemeine Elektricitats-Ges. Alt<>rnating current dynamo-
electric machines of the commutator type. (Date applied for,
21/9/07.)*t
18.408
18,429
18,430
18.458
18.4(iO
I8..'i(l8
18,513
18,518
18,531
18,564
18,619
18,623
18,628
18,(i43
18,653
of electric
Se]itember 2. 1908.
Tho.mson. Suspending and varying the po^
lights.
Brandon & Hellyar. Ap|iaratus for electrically synchronis-
ing clocks.
Fessenden. Producing hig-hfre((uency electric oscillations.
(Date applied for. 1 6/9/07. )*t
B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co.. U.S.) Electric heating devices.*
B.T.-H. Co. (A.E.G.. Germany.) Commutating devices for
dynamo-electric machines. '"'
B.l'.-H. Co. fG.E. Co., U.S.) Commutating poles for dj-namo-
eleetric machines. (Addition to No. 5,741/07.)*
September 3. 1908.
LuiTHLEN. Illuminating interiors without production of sha-
dows.*
Rochllng'sche Eisen-und Stahlwerke Ges.m.b.H. & RODEN-
HAUSER. Electric induction furnaces. (Date applied for,
26/2/08. )*t
Marks. (Burlingame Telegraphing Typewriter Co., U.S.)
Printing telegraphs.*
Bestetti & Spinelli. Single-phase induction motor.*
September 4, 1908.
DoBSON & SnuTH. Lifeguards for tramcars and like vehicles.
B.T-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Electric protective devices.*
Sandy'croft Foundry' Co. & Dutton. Electric starting switches
using liquid resistance.
September 5. 1!H18.
Low. Electric ignition appliances.
HoDGKiNSON. Permanent wjiy of tramways.
Cote & Pierron. Electric furnace for continuous extraction of
zinc from its ores. (Date applied for, 12/2/08, addition to No.
5,100/07.)*
CoLE.MAN. Railway and like signailiui; systems. (Date applied
fo., 1 6/3/08. )*t
19,241
19,424
19,562
20.068
20.495
21.197
22,211
22,526
23,303
23.809
24.291
24,486
24.992
25,340
25,553
26,352
26,844
27,926
1 ,.502
3.056
4,111
4,181
5,016
8,874
9,479
9,.50I
9.502
9.577
9.637
10,118
10.211
11,511
SPECIFICATIONS PUBLISHED.
1907 Specifications.
JIavor, & Mayor & Coulson (Ltd.) Electric motor equipments
for marine propulsion.
Lecoche. Electromagnetic cut outs or circuit-breakers.
Mayor & Biles. Electrical propulsion of marine vessels.
Deutsche Gasgluhlicht Akt.-Ges. (.Xuerges). Incandescence
lamps having holders or suspenders for the filament>-'. Date
applied for, 1.5/4/07.)
Huntington. Switches.
Jacoby. Governing the speed of alternating c\u-reiit commu-
tator machines.
AssERSOHN. Mountings or fittings for tulndar incandescent
lamps.
Opper.manx. .Secondary batteries.
Jacoby. Alternating ciurent electric motors.
Major, Stevens & Stevens. Electric lifts.
B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Wire stringing devices.
Spkague & Hookham. Counlhig trains for electricity rnet<rs.
H.vgen. Electrodes.
B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Dynamo-electric machines.
Holt & Wallis. Electric track circuits for railway signalling.
Levy. Electro-deposition of metals.
Woolliscroft. Brush holders for electrical machines.
Bartels & Land- und Seekabei.werke Akt.-Gzs. Sparking
devices.
.Vllge.meine Electricitats (Jes. Apparatus for weUUng rings,
hoops, chauilinks, and the like by means of an electric cnirent.
(Date applied for. 4/1/07.)
1908 SpKcrFicATloNS.
Hookham & Chamberlain & Hookham iLtd.) Electricity
meters.
Struble. Ahernatinsr current relays. (Date applied for,
18/2/07.)
Siemens Buos. Dsnmhi Works. D.u,ziel, Brooks &. Jenki-v.
Recording ai iinurm nis or apparatus for utc in connection with
electrical iiu i-niii- ji >truments.
Lassen. Klc. n ic.illy-iiropelled motor car with single steering
wheel. (Date applied for. 2/3/07.)
Harbison. (Electric Railway improvement Co.) Bonding
rails and similar conductors.
Levy & Meklhose. Electric ventdator.
ScHAFFER. Supporting hooks for electric glow lump filaments.
(Date applied for, 3/5/07.)
Baggett. Arc lamps.
.\i.lgemeine ELEKTRiciT.vrs Ges. Arc lamps. (Date applied
for. 2/5/07.)
.Ai LiiE.MEiNK. Elkktricitats (iEs. Dynamo-cIectric machines.
(Date applied for. 4/5/07.)
SiEMENs-ScHroKKRTWKKKE Ges. Dynamo-electric machines
fitted with commutation poles. (Date applied for. 16/5/07.)
Von Gizinsky. McClure & Wiesner. Electrical railways, tram-
ways and the like.
Pollock & Wekd. Insulators. (Date applied for, 9/5/07.)
Siemens Bros. & Co. (Siemens & Halske Akt.-Ges.). Electrical
contacts.
482
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY l. 190i).
12,2U;
12,(i7S
14.()!)8
lli,r)38
( Date applied fur,
Kocii. Transmitters for signalling systems.
(i/()/07.)
GaOI.IO & ViLLASI. Cut-out. , ■ ■ •.
Bosch Carbon brush-hoWers for magneto-electric igniters.
(Date applied for. 21/4/08.)
and Hi ''3!t Monge & Arzano. Klectrolytic processes for cover-
ing silver-plated .surfaces of glasses or miiTors with a protecfve
metal layer, and apparatus therefor. (Date applied for, 12/8/70.)
OJ
stereotyped industrial methods. In ( iern.any which was in the fore-
front of industrial progress, there were some hundreds of amalgama-
tions of one kind and another. There it had been amply demonstrated
that the secret of commercial success lay in i policy of combined eftort.
The meeting was adjourned to await a report from the directors
when the amalgamation negotiations were more advanced.
COMPANIES' MEETINGS AND REPORTS.
LONDON ELECTROBHS CO. (LTD.)— The directors' report for the period
from July 15, 1907, to October 15, 1908, presented at the meeting on
Monday stated that while the directors regretted the necessity for
ssiing debentures they reminded shareholders that they had had
mmv difficulties to su'rraount in introducing and fostering a new
enterprise which h«l been considerably retarded owing to the great
o position it encountered at the beginning. Notwithstanding this,
the company has shown by certified figures that the Electrobus is a
,„nnnercial 'success, each ''bus in commission earning an operating
nrorit of £448 ijer annum. The directors claim that the company is
the only motor 'bus undertaking that has published details of its
operating expenses and earnings. Experience has proved the profit-
able earning power of the Electrobus, and, with the necessary working
ripitd tn an.'ment the fleet of 'buses, there is no reason why in the
ii, II fni uiv the .share-, should not be ou the dividend hst. The heavy
,.i ,lili-l.iiii lit expenses consequent upon the introduction of a new
ciilcipn-e uiU not recur ; the Electrobus is now established, and is
acknowledged to be superior to the petrol 'bus, both by the public
and the authorities.
RICHARDSONS, WESTGARTH & CO. (LTD.)— At the meeting on Tues-
iViv Sir C Furness, M.P., referred to the proposal for the amalgama-
tion of the business with that of several other engine liuilding firms
on the north-east coast. He said that the commercial possibilities of
such an amalgamation was in the opinion of the directors so impor-
tant that thev felt it their duty, even at the sacrifice of very consider-
able time, to'investigate the position thoroughly, and to take part in
what was proving to be very prolonged negotiations. The past year
had been one of the most disastrous in the annals of the north-east
coiist, involving as it did the practical stoppage of the engineering
industry for no less than seven months by the engineering strike, and
that, ill their own case, was preceded by partial stoppage aind com-
iilote disorganisation owing to sectional strikes in the shipyards. They
had lost, in fact, an entire year, and the immense eftbrts they had
made in laboriously building up additional branches to their business
had been ruthlessly upset by one of the most ill-advised and calami-
tous—indeed, wicked— strikes on record. British industries were
being jeopardised and British capital destroyed to an extent un-
paralleled in British industrial history. At the commencement of
the strike they had an unusual number of important contracts in course
of erection in v.arious parts of the kingdom, and at a stroke every-
thing was brought to a complete Stoppage, that being followed
by the virtual paralysis of their entire business for seven months.
The position they liad to face was one of intense competition, and
what that competition meant was well illustrated by the fact that their
once highly remunerative forge department, together with many others
in the district, was now practically closed, as they could obtain
forgings at considerably lower prices than they could either produce
them or buy them in this country. The competition would surely
spread to other departments unless they adopted wise measures, and
the points they must always keep prominently in view were that there
must be no strikes, that greiiter individual interest must be taken in
the day's work, that contract dates must be kept and the confidence
of buyers restored, and that the cost of production must be decreased.
If commercial success was to be achieved by any scheme of amalga-
mation, however, it was obvious that it could only result from in-
creasing the excellence of their manufactures and decreasing the cost
of production. Experience had shown that the highest success in any
manufacture could only be obtained by specialised production in large
tpiantities under expert management. The firms who were considering
the scheme of amalgamation had, during the past seven years, supplied
complete engine equipments to 1,200 steamships, having an aggregate
of 2,150,000 11.1'. The detail alone in connection with the yearly out-
put of 172 sets of machinery was enormous, and were it standardised
and manufactured under modern conditions, profits would be ob-
tained which under the present conditions were (piite impossible.
The suggested amalgamation was, therefore, a commercial proposi-
tion of the first order. He was convinced that if they were to
advance their industries and to protect the capital invested in them,
they must recognise facts and modernise their methods, and in deal-
ing'with that scheme they must also endeavour to sink personal con-
siderations. They could not but realise that the industrial world was
advancing at a pace unparalleled in its history. To have been told 10
\ears ago, or even five years ago, that Japan would be building, and
building with the greatest success, her " Dreadnoughts," her fast
torpedo destroyers and her 23 knot passenger liners, would have been
regarded as a dream, yet they were accomplished facts. Continental
competition was also increasing by leaps and bounds, but in spite of
all he was convinced that they could hold their own, nay, more than
hold theiv own, if they would but shake off the inculnus of their
NEW COMPANIES, STATUTORY RETURNS,
MORTGAGES AND CHARGES, &c.
NEW COMPANIES.
ALUMINIUM FOUNDERS (LTD.) (100,843.)-Reg. Dec 24, capiUd
£2 000 in £1 shares, to carry on the business of metal founders, elec-
trical and general engineers, &c. Private comparjy. First directors,
C. K. Cirahain (chairman) and E. Farmer. Beg. othce, Raglan-street,
Wolverhampton.
BE4TEN METAL CO. (LTD.) (100,845.)— Reg. Dec. 24, capital £2,000
in'£l shares (500 preference), to take over the business of manufac-
turers of art metal work and electric light fittings, &c., carried on at
Birmingham as the Beaten Metal Co., and to adopt an agreement
with C. A. Cooke and W. G. Galley. Private company. First direc-
tors, C. A. Cooke and W. G. Galley. Reg. office, 90, Bromsgrove-
strcet, Birmingham.
DENNISON, KETT & CO. (LTD.) (100,769.)— Reg. Dec. 19, capital
£3 000 in £1 shares, to carry on the business of mechanical and elec-
trical eno-ineers and contractors. Private company. E. W. Dennison
is one of the first directors. Reg. office, 11, Queen Victoria-street,
London, E.G.
RESIDE & CO. (LTD.) (100,812.)— Reg. with capital of £3,000 in £1
shares, to acquire the business carried on by Reside & Co., and to
carry on the business of electrical, mechanical and motor engineers,
&c ' Private company. First directors .T. Reside, W Barraclough
and H. T. Whiteleye. Reg. office, Huddersfield-road, Brighouse.
WALLACE BROS. (LTD.) (100,842.)— Reg. Dec. 23, capital £15,000
in £1 shares (5,000 preference), to take over the business carried on as
Wallach Bros., and to carry on the business of asbestos and rubber
manufacturers and dealers, engineers, dealers in electrical, chemical
and scientific apparatus, &c. Private company. Governing directors
6re .1. Wallach and L. C. Wallach.
STATUTORY RETURN.
VENEZUELA TELEPHONE & ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES CO. (LTD.)—
In return to Dec. 15 capital is £85,000 in 70,000 ordinary shares of £1
each and 1,500 preferred shares of £10 each, of which 70,000 ordinary
and 860 preferred have been taken up, £1 per share has been caltel
uii on 13,494 ordinary and £10 per share on 860 preferred, and £22,094
has been received, £56,506 is considered as paid on 56,506 ordinary.
Mortgages and charges, £88,500.
MORTGAGES AND CHARGES.
FLEETWOOD & DISTRICT ELECTRIC LIGHT & POWER SVND. (LTD.)—
Charge, dated Dec. 8, to srcuie £1,125 and further sums not exceeding
in all £1,700, created by receiver appointed on l>ehalf of debenture
holders Property charged; assets and undertaking, ranking in
priority to trust deed dated Oct. 31, 1899. Holder, W. C. Johnson.
WARREN, BEATTIE & 00. (LTD.)— Debenture, dated Nov. 30, to
secure £500, charged on company's undertaking and property, present
ami future, including uncalled capital. Holder, G. Jones.
CITY NOTES.
MEMORANDA (Dec. 31).— Bank rate 2^ per cent, (since May 28, 1903).
Price of silver, 23;d. per oz. Consols 83i'— 83^ for money and 831;! —
83!;- account. Consols Pay Day, Jan. 6 ; Stock and Shares Continua-
tion Days, Jan. 12 and 26 ; Ticket Days, Jan. 13 and 27 ; Pay Days,
Jan. 14 and 28. Mining Shares Carry Over Days, Jan. 11 and 25.
Prices of Metals (London).— Copper, cash, 63J ; three months, 64^.
Letul, English, 13i-13i; foreign, cash, 15, \ ; four months, 13^.
Speller, cash, 21V,i— 21,'j ; three months, 21j^— 21i. Tm, English,
131—133 : Foreign, cash, 131* ; three months, iSlj- 133. Iron,
Cleveland, cash, 49/2 and three months, 49/10. Mafjnet Steel (price
supiJied by W. F. Dennis & Co.). £55.
DIRECT WEST INDIA CABLE CO. (LTD.)— This company has declared
an interim dividend at the rate of 6 per cent. (Is. 6d. per share) (tax
free) for the past half-year.
HALIFAX & BERMUDAS CABLE CO. (LTD.)— The directors have de-
clared an interim dividend at the rate of 5 per cent. (2s. 6d. per share)
(tax free) for the past half-year.
STOCK EXCHANGE NOTICES.— The Stock Exchange committee have
granted a iiuotation to 3,000 .additional $100 shares of the Nao I'avlo
Trnmway, Li'jht A- Power Co. (Lid.). The committee have been :jsked
to appoint a special settling day in and grant a quotation to £1,000,000
5 per cent, first debenture stock of the ilovtcrey Railway, Liflht <t-
Power Co., and also to grant quotations to £409,700 5 per cent, deben-
tures (registered) of La Capital rrartion d- Electricity Co. {Bumos Aires)
(Lid.), a further issue of £10.0C0 £5 6 per cent, cumulative preference
shares of the Hangoon Ekctrie Tramway & Supply Co. (Lid.), and
£350.000 5 per cent. £100 debentures of the ."iingaporc Electric Tram-
ways (Lid.).
THE ■LBOTBIOIAN, JANUARY 1, 1909.
ELBGTRIC TRAMWAY AND RAILWAY TRAFFIC
RECEIPTS.
Aberdeen Oorporation ..
Alrdrie
Anglo-Argentine <
Ayr Oorporation
Baker St. & Waterloo By,
BarDBley
Barrow
Batb Electrlo Trams, Ltd...
Birkenhead Corporation ..
Birmingham Oorporation..
Birmingham & Mid
Blackburn Oorporation
Blackpool and Fleetwood..
Bolton Oorporation
Boumemoath Oorporation..
Bradford Corporation
Brighton Oorporation
Bristol Trams & Oarriage...
Burnley Corporation
Burton Oorporation
Bury Corporation
Calcutta Tramways Co
Oamborne-Bedruth
Cardiff Oorporation
Oavehil:
Central London Railway ...
Charing 0.,Euston i£ H'stead
Chatham & Dist. Lt. Rys....
Oily & South London Kly...
City of Birmingham
Colchester Oorporation
Cork Electric Trams Co. ...
Oroydon Oorporation
Devonport & Dist. Trams...
Dover Oorporation
Dublin & Lucan Kailway...
Dublin United
Dudley-Stourbridge
Dundee Corporation
Bast Ham Council
Eieter Oorporation
Gateshead & Dist. Trams...
Glasgow Oorporation
Glossop Triinis ^....
Gravesend— Northfleet
Great Northern & Oity Bly..
Gt. Northern, Piccadilly,&c.
Greenock & Port Glasgow...
Hartlepool Tramways
Hastings Blec. Trams Co....
Hong Kong
lludderafifld Corpn
Hull Oorporation
Dford District Oouncil
Ilkeston District Council ..
Ipswich Oorporation
Isle of Thanet Co
Jarrow
Keighley Oorporation
Kidderminster ii District. .-
Kilmarnock Oorporation ...
Lanarkshire Trams Oo. ...
Lancashire United
Leamington
Leeds Oorporation
Leicester Oorporation
Leith Oorporation
Lincoln Corporation
Liverpool Oorporation
Liverpool Overhead Rly. ...
• London County Council ...
London United
Lowestoft ,"*
Maidstone Corporation.!!!!!
Manche.ster Corporation ...
Mersey Kailway
Merthyr '
Metropolitan Dist. iBaiVway
Metropolitan Eleo. Trams...
Middloton
Nelson Corporation !!.!
Newoastle-on-Tyne Corp. ...
Newport (Mon.)
Northampton Corporation.
Oldham, Ashton ii Hyde ...
Oldham Oorporation
ferth (N.B.) Oorporation !!!
Perlh(W,A.) Kiec. Trams...
Peterborough
Portsmouth Oorporation'!!!
Potteries '_'
Preston Oorporation !!!!!!!!!
Rotherham Corporation !!!
Rothesay
Saltord Corporation ' !!' !
Bheernesg '['
Bhoffleld Corporation!!!
Singapore Trams
South Metropolitan
South Staffs
Southend Oorporation"!!""
Bouthport Tramways... .
Stal,bdge,Hyde,&c.,Jt.Bd!
Bundorland Corporation ...
Bunderland District ...
Swansea Trams .
Swuidon Corporation"!!!!!'
iaunton
lynemouth andDi'strict'!!!
Tyneside Trams Oo
Wate^n^'""'" '^"■^"ll-
Walsall Corpn
Warrington Uorpn. .!!
West Ham Corporation
Weston-super-Mare ....
Wolverhampton Oo.
Wolverhampton Corpn!!!!!'
♦Worcester
Wrexham ...
Sorkshire W.'B.'Tr^s!!!"
??£i"!;inWor,?lpn District
(a) Theai
r39,SU1
1,423
4.447
Inc.
or Dec.
(o)
AoaBsaATi
+ 8,721
+B2,ill
115 3S
-I-b3,284
81 {i
13
t7,«»7
1,519
2.SI.0
l.JOK
35,37»
6.991;
+ $!i37
-t- 3,362
21 L§38
21) I 611
133 w
+ S29
J2,8B0
11,1S4
l,i:2,96U
1U,464
79,681)
8,B6U
12,203
37,649
S48,"681
41,076
43,9'.l.j
9U.393
Bl,74'J,480
61,240
1(7,207
36,781
24,9K3
H,77'.l
6,667
84,696
4,339
182,633
86,160
40,3C1
79,614
138,490
23,0)2
b:>,333
23,444
8,48«
3,661
138,446
41,803
3K,3ti8
34,416
135,016
26,233
11,901
18,678
3,977
6,487
4,020
■"..608
4,884
6:i,664
67,4SD
8,6211
257,726
57,736
17,196
1 ,330,07 1
337,460
2,Oil5
7,607
690,194
40,523
10,684
244,221
2tl8,983
17,688
.'1,165
162,273
25,846
17,776
71,634
6,314
ai'.'ois
18,489
23,672
9,833
182,25U
2,»i-2
2211,683
S11U,0J3
40,511
44,l.-.l
18,003
14,ill>
29,262
46,236
3,516
47,388
2,069
11,131
10,467
36,U16
27,499
14,607
84,222
6,773
22,692
14','698
6,136
63,820
Inc. or
Deo. fa)
+ 249,1111
13
1,412
-hR291,52«
3,266
162
|4,4e
18,415
3,094
2,831
2,833
" 324
28,228
9,674
"i.746
8,78a
21,706
6,263
2,651
1,614
"' 618
PlusTdays"'" .%":??'' '''^'^"^'f ponding period last year
""''• tartly eleotrioai, t Minus 3 days t Mi
§ Plus 3 days.
[inus 3 days.
ELECTRICAL COMPANIES' SHARE LIST
U.Labi
g Dm-
DSRD
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
6/0 Bonmemouth & Poole Eleo. Sup. Ord
4/6 Do. 4J per Cent. Cnm. Pref.
10 6/0 Do. 6 per Cent. Cnm. Second Pref
St., 4j%| IDo. 4J percent. Deb. .ttock (red.)
6 2/0 t Bromley (Kent) El. Lt. ii Power Sharei
St. HZ ! Do. Do. 1st Debs.
5 4/6 i Brompton & Kensington Elec. Sup. Ord
6 3/6 Do. 7 per Cent. Pref.
St. 4% CentralEIec. Snp. Co.4VGnar.Db.Stock
6, 2/6 CharinKCroB8(W.End4Cify)El.Sup.Co
E 2/3 I Do. 44 per Cent. Pref.
St. i'/. tDo. 4 per Cent. Oeh, Stock (red. \. ..
St. 4*7, Do, 4* per Cent, rcb, Stuck (red.) _
6 2/8 Do. Citv Undertaking 44^ Cm. Prel.
6 2/0 Chelsea Electric Sapplv Ord.
St.l4j%| tDu. 4} percent. Deb. Stock (red.')".!!
10 6/0 City of London Electric Lighting Ord
10 6/0 1 Do. 8 per Cent. Cum, Pref. "'
St. 6% I tDo. B per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)...
St. ; 4J% I tDo. 4i per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock (red. )
" ""' ' CountyofDurhamElec. P.D. Ord
Do. 5 per Cent, non Cum. Pref. ...
County of London Elec. Supply Ord,
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Prof.
tDo. 4jZ Deb. Stock (red.) !
6 6%
10' 4/0
10 6.0
St.' -■-
4%
iX
HZ
»i 8%
6l 6%
100: 4%
1 3%
lOOl 4J%
10; 6/0
1| 0/6
1 (I/Si
it.! *iZ
St. 4i%
0/6
St.' 4J%
St., 4J%
Ki-lOi ; 6 4 6
98—10 : 4 10 0
lOJ-103 6 8 6
101 — IC.-. 4 6 6
4J-6 6 1" "
94 —68 I 4 12 0
8J-9 5 11 0
S — 8J 4 2 (i
98 -101 3 19 0
36 »8
0.sl,_i,«,i
»3-4i'
3J-4J
101-104
lOJ-lOj
12J-13
121 -123
9a —101
2J— 3
3i-33
83-92
log -Hi
105 -118
99 -102
4i-6i
6 — 6i
97 —100
n-ei
7J-8J
65 -fi
94 —9?
98 —101
86 —90
13 -It
H-H
89 -93
5i-6J
1C6 —106
86 —88
5 11 0
6 13 0
6 13 0
5 14 U
100 4?
St. HZ
St.i b/,
St,
St,
6^
f>7.
St. [ bZ
3t.' iy.
lOi 6/0
lo e/0
10 ..
10 4/0
St.' iZ
6 4/0
St. HZ
10 9/,
10 »/,
~ H'i
Second Deb. Stock
Folkestone Electricity Supply Co. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 41 1st Deb. Stock (red)
Hove Electric Lighting Ord
Kensington & Knightsbridge Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Ist Pref
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Kensingtn. A Kngtbg. Co. & Notting Hill
Co. (.Toint Station) 4% Deb. Stock (red.)
Kent Elec. Power Co
London Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. !
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort, Deb
Metropolitan Electric Sup. Ord
tDo. 4iper Cent. Cum. Pref.
tDo, 4i per Cent. Deb. Stock 1st Mort.
tDo. SJperCent. Mrt. Dob. 8tock(red.)
Midland Elec. Corp.forP.D.lstMort.Db. 96-98 4 12 0
Newcastle & Dist. Elec. Ltg. Ord. ' 5.J-i,5 3 6 8
Do. 4* per Cent. Deb " "" '"
Newcastle Elec. Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, non Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 percent. Mort. Deb. red. 1907.1 «t> — w 4 3 4
Northern Counties Elec. Sup , —
Do. 4i per Cent. Deb I 93—95 4 16 9
Notting Hill Electric Ord I lU-lSJ S in 6
Oxford Electric Ord ; EJ -6g 6 10 0
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock 1 96-98 4 2 0
St. James' & Pall Mall Elec. Ord
tDo. 7 per Cent. Pref.
tDo. 3i per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
Smithfleld Markets Electric Snp. Ord...
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
South London Electric Supply Ord
South Metrop'n Elec. Lt. & Power Ord.
Do. 7per(;ent.Com. Pref
Do. 4i 1st Dh. Stk. Red
Urban Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4* per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb
Westminster Elec. Sup. Ord
Do. 4J per Cent. Cum. Pref.
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS Sb TRAMWAYS,
Baker St. & Waterloo 4^ Perp. Db. St
Bath Elec. Trams Pref. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4i iBt Mort. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
tB'br.r.: & Midland Trams 4i 1st Db.Stk.
Bristol Tramways & Carriage Ord.
Do. Cum. Pref. (fully paid)
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs
British Electric Traction Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Perpetual Debs.
Do. ii per Cent, 2nd Deb. Stock
Central London Ordinary Stock
Do. 4 per Cent. Pref. Stock
Do. Deferred Stock i 6J — 53
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs 101 —101
tCharingX.Euslon&HmpstdPer.Db.Stk.i 84 —86
City of Birmingham Trams- 6S:Cm.Pref.l 4^-43 5 6
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Murt. Dobs 96-100 ' "
Citv A South London Elv. Con. Ord. ... 2c* -26 5
Do. 6 per Cent. Perp. Pref. (1891) ... 112-114
Do. (189C) 119—111
Do. (1901) ■ 108 -109
Oo. (1903) I 98—101
Do. 4 per Cent, Perpetual Debs 99 —101
Dublin United Trams. Ord ' llj-12i
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. 13—14
Gt. Northern & City Rly. Pref. Ord.(4X)l J-V
G. Northem.Piccadilly&BromptonOrd.i 7J— (j
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock "" "'
Hastings & Dist. Elec. Trams. 6/. Cm. Pf.
Do. 4J Db. St
llmperial Tramways Ord,
JDo. 6 per Cent. Pref. .
" " ii per Cent. Debs
4i-5
6J-68
68 -72
2S-3
4-3
I , ,. -1 .,■„
lilJ— 103
a-1
lg-2
so —83
64-64
97 -89
is- li'o
3J— 4
92 -97
73 —76
61 —66
84 -88
Mar, Bept,
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan. July
April, Oct
May, Not
j March
Mar, Sent
June, Dec
Feb, Aug
I Feb, Aug
I Jan, July
Jan, July
March . ,
June, Dec
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
April, Oct
April, Oct
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
May, Nov
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
Feb, Aag
Jan, July
April. Oct
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
April. Oct
Jan, Jnly ,
June.Dec
Jan, July
June, Dec
Feb, Aog
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July {
Mar, Aag
Jan, July
March - .
March ..
Jan, July
Feb, Ang I
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb ....
Feb, Aug
April
Feb, Ang
April, Oct
April, Oct
April, Oct
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
905
7 10
6 0 0
4 10 6
4 13 0
3 17 0
3 17 0
4 13 0
4 0
4 10
4 11
i 19
3 19
67j
b 13 1 I. of Thanet K.r.& Lt. 6 percent. Pref.
tDo. 4 per Cent. Dab. Stock ,
LanarKsnire 'I'raiiiways
tLancs. Utd. Trams 6 i Prior Lion Db. St.
Liverpool Overhead Railway Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref
Do. 4 per C;ent. Deb
ILoudon United Trams, bi Cum- Pref. ...
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. Stock
Mersey Con. Ord. Stock
Do. 3 per Cent. Perp. Pref.
Metropolitan Elec. TrsmwayaOrd
Do. Deferred ,
6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
St. in,
1 0/6
St., 4JX
st.,^ h
St- 1 iiX
St.; 31%
St., Six
St.' 3iz
St. sj°/
2J-3i
8) — 8J
8J-9J
9j -9i
J-IJ
64 —59
9J-1J
91 —93
IJ-IJ
a-5J
81 —88
4_4J
63 — 7u
1 —2
J-*
» 14
S 14
4 IS
tDo. 4i per Cent. Deb. Stock I 91—91
Idetropohtan Railway Consolidated I 36J— 37i
Do. Surplus Lands Stocks ^. 6i — 70
Do. 3J per Cent. Preference.. ' 86—88
Do. 8* per Cent. " A " Preference 76 -79
Do, SJ per Cent. Convertible Pref. 74-77
Do. SJ per rent. Ilebenture Stock ni — '«
6 0
5 7
0
0
.' 9 2
0
t 4 13
0
10 10
u
i 6 U
u
1 —
—
-
5 14
0
4 IC
u
1 6
9
3 16
9
3 19
6 ,
4 8
fi
4 11
5 IS
0
:t
6 Jan, July |
April —
0 Jan, July - -
6 I April, Oct
0 Jan, July — , ••
0 j Feb, Aug • • —
0 Feb.'Aog .. -
June, Deo -* «.
0 Feb, Aug 3;,; ..
0 April, Oct 93i
■ May, Aov T4t
Feb, Aug 35*
Feb, Aug S^a S*i
Feb .... 52
Jan, July I"3i loij
Jan, July "^
April, Oct
0 April, Oct
0 Feb, Aug
6 Feb, Aug
0 Feb, Aug
9 Feb, Aug
0 Feb, Aug
0 May, Nov
D Feb, Aug
!l Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
» Jan, July '
Mar, Sept
3 April, Oct
t Mar, Sept
J Mar, Sept
) Jao, July
Mar, Sept
) Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
25J
goj
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
J&Q, July
Jan, July
Feb, Aug.
April.. .
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
.Ian, July
H *i
874 it>l
THE ELECTBICIAN, JAXUAgX '.
El^ECT^K'K--^^' -■ * * _!ZLz1J- ; — ■ ..,^, ■ Price tKATK%i
tASIl
Drvi-
drndI
NAMB.
Price
Wed..
Sep. 30
KATB % 1 DrnDKHD
YMLD- T,n„_
1 '/'f
. n/7l
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS 4. TRAMWAYS- Continued.
M«t. lUy. 3i iwr (Vnt. ■' A ' Dfb Stock
M ■ToTinlitan Dislriit Railway Ord
1)0. Ellennion Prcf. (B piT Cent.)
Do Amented Ext. Pref. (Int. Guar, by
Und. Elec. Rly». Co. of London, Ltd.)
tDo. S per Cpnt.'CoiiBoltd. Rcnt-charRp
I Do. 4 ppr Cent. Midland Rent-charge
Do'. Ouar. Stock 4 ])er Cent
Do. fi iier Cent. Perp. Deb. Stock
Do. 4 per Cent. Ditto
New Gen. Tract. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Potteries Electric Traction Ord
no. B per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4* per Cent. Deb. Block
s tlel. Eler. Trams. & Lte. 6% Cm. Pref.
U'o 4 per Cent. T)eb. Stock
Sunderland Diet. Elec.Trms.B'/tlstMt.Dh.
I TTndereronndE.Rvn.Lon.6'!^ Inc'm bonds
Do. 5°<: Prior Lien Bonds
Do. 4*1; Bonds
Yorkehfre (W.E.) Elec. Trams. Ord
I Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
+ Do. 4* oerCent. l9t Debs
ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING, tt.
Aron Electricity Meter Ord
tDo. 6% Cum. Pf. (ex on a/c arrears)...
Babcock (t WUcoiOrd
Do. Prof...
British Insulated & Helsby Cables Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
H% tDo. 4» percent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.)
4U BntishTBoms'n-Housfn4i% IstMt.Db.
.. i Pritish We»tinghouse6perCent.Pref...
,,.. 30/2' Do 6 iier Cent. Prior I.iea Dbe(i'd.;
1)' 4% (Do. 4 perCent.Mort. Deb. atockj
St" *iX Blush E.EnE.Co.44'!„Perp.latDeb.Stock
4*°'. Do. Perpetual 2nd Deb. Stock
6/0 Callender's Cable Con. Ord
2/6 Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref
■"■ tDo. 4 J per Cent. 1st Mort Debs, (red.)
Castuer-Kellner Alkali Co
Do. 4i per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb. (red.).
tChadburn's (Ship) Telegraph Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Consolidated Electrical Co
Consolidated Signal Co
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
•Crompton & Co.(No8. 1 to 06,000)
Do. 6 per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs. (red.).
Davis &Tinimin6
Dick, Kerr & Co. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
tDo. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock
Edison & Swan United ("A"8h.)(£Spd.)
llo. (£6 paid)
(Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock (rd.)
Do. li per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock
Edmnndson's Elec. Corp. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 j per cent. Ist Mort. Deb. (red.)
Electric Construction Co
Do. 7 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Perp. 1st Mort. Oebs.
General Electric (1900) 6% Cum. Pref....
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
Henley's Telegraph Works Ord
Do. 44 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4 j per Cent, lat Mort. Deb. Stock
It.dia Rubber, Gut. Per. , ftc.Wrks
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs, (red.)
National Elec. Construction Co
Kichardsons, Weslgarth & Co., Ltd. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
I To. 4 J per Cent. Perp. Deb. Stock ...
oimplex Conduits Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Telegraph Construction & Maintenance
Do. 4 per Cent Deb. Bonds (1909) ...
Vickers, Sons & Maxim, Ltd, Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Preference
Do. B per Cent. uon-Cum. Preferred
Do. 4 percent. Ist Mort. Db.Sk. (red) 102—104
Do. 4iperCent. 2nd Mort. Deb. (red.) '"' '""
Do. 6 per Cent. 3rd Mort. Debs Scrip.
t.I. O.White & Co. 6J; Cm. Pref.
WiP.ans & Robinson Ord. ...
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
TEIE6RAPHS.
Amazon Telegraph
Do. B per Cent. Debs, (red.;
Anglo-American
1/6
44^
0/7;
0/71
0/8?
1/0
oni
3/0
6%
«ni
2/0
0/7i
44%
1/6
2/6
i'/.
6%
4»%
16/0
122 —126
80 —82
i-t
90 -93
J-1
74 —78
81 -85
21 -28
94 -95
74 —76
X-IJ
82 —85
5 19 0
3 19 0
3 18 0
8 0
6 0
4 17
irt-iA
eS— 7
6j-6i
103 —106
91 -96
3 16 0
7 3 0
4 12 0
BOBINKaS
1 8 DAVS TO
' DFr 30.
"Eigh
LAST]
Dm-
DF-NTl
Price
Wed.,
Dec. 30.
LOW'
est.
Preferred ..
Deferred ..
ial Cable
Cuba Submarii
46— EO
9 —10
6i-6J
108 -108
I4-I8
103 —107
tf-lfs
li'I— ti'i
1,'s-lJ
98 —101
II -I'd
1«— Iti
99 —102
ii— 2I
1-4
61 —6a
7-7J
83 —87
11J-12J
5 -64
1054 -107 J
IB —16}
88 -100
,i-4
14
64
30j— 324
lOlJ— 1034
2-2i'5
1.,'..-!^
108 —106
8 —0
66 —61
5 13 0
7 10 0
7 12 6
m
21)
Jan, Jnly
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, AoR
Jan, Jnly
Jan, July
Mar, Sept,
Jan, July 125i
Jan, July —
May .... ! •■
April, Oct li
Feb, Aug I ..
May, Not ..
Fob, Aug 1 .-
Jan, July
Jan, Jnly
June, Deo
Jui.JiilT
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jnlyi Feb
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Bept
Feb, Aug
Jan. July
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, Jnly
Not, May
May, Not
Feb. Aug
March . .
April, Oct
August ...
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Sept
Sept
Jan, Jnly
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
June, Deo
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
May, Not
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July
Jime, Deo
Mar, Hept
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
April
Not ....
May, Not
Jan, July
est.
Oil 1 ..
13S I 13}
Mar, July
Jan, July
87 —89 6 1
16|-15g 16 8 0
74-8*
St
*i
St
2/6
10 i-/.
St. 4X
100 4%
26 6/0
10 44%
100 12/0
26 «1 '
100 «1 1
lOO .. '
1 4%
lOol 1/3
2
1ft
4 <%
10 d/O L
10 12/0 L
10 b% \ 1
100 3;0 I W
lUi *'/, I'.
82 -86
103J— 106*! 8 16
118-134 ' ■ ■■
Preference 10 per Cent I ItiJ-
Diicct Spanish Ord | 3 -34
Do. 10 per Cent. Cum. Pref. 8—9
Do. 44 per Cent. Deb 101%— 104%
Direct Unitel States Cable 12j— 13|
Direct WestlndiaCable44%Bg.Db.(rd.) 1C2 —104
EaBtern Ordinary 128 — 133
Do. 34 per Cent. Pref. Stock
Do. 4 per Cent, ilort. Deb. Stk. (red.)
Eastern Extension
Do. 4 lier Cent. Deb. Stock
Eastern & S. African 45J Mort. Deb. 1909
Do. 4% Mauritius Sub. Debs, (red.) ...
G.N.(n) Copenhagen), with Coupon 74...
ilihtni &, Bermuda4iJi 1st Mt. Db.( red.)
ludo-European
Macksv Conipauies Common
Do. Preference
Marconi's Wireless Teleg. Co. .,
Pacific & Europo'n Iel.4%Ouar.Db8.(red.)
West Coa!,t ot America ,
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs
4 11 0
7 1
6 17
6 16
5 11
lWI-102
30 —82
102 —104
62 —65
74 —78
71 —74
4-i
101 —103
li-14
ptr Cent, lat Pref.
/o 2ud Pre!' ex OU U;C OC
> per Ceut. Debs ,
a lelegraph _
1 per Cent. Dob, Stock (red.) I lui''— lija
n Union Telegh. ^1,000 4* Bonds »o —89
i-i
74-h,
101 — 1U8
124—13
6 15 0
3 m 0
8 17 6
8 18 0
6 S 0
3 16 6
3 17
1 3
3 17
3 16
Apr, Oct
Apr, Oot
May, Not
Jnse, Dec
June, Deo
F,My,Ag,N
F,My,Ag,N
F.My.Ag.N
Jn,Ap,Jy,0
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
June, Dec
Ja,.My,JyO
Ja,Jly,JyO
May, J*i0T
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
May, Hoy
Jan, July
June, Deo
May, Not
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
ia,Ap,Jy,0
April ....
June, Deo
May ....
Jan, July
May, Nov
May, Not
May, ^OT
inn
2»
4% 1
St.
bZ 1
.".
h'»
1
m^
1
0/6
St.
n ■
St.
n
1(1
6/0
10
6/0
TELEPHONES.
tAmer. Teleph:
.„.„,,„„. & Telegh. Cap. St. .„...
uo. Coll. Trust «1,000 4 per Cent. Bda, »B
Anglo Portug'se TeL 6% 1st Mt.Db. 8tk.| 100
Chili Telephone
Monte Video Telephone Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
National Co. Pre£ Stock
Do. Def. Stock
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. l8t Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. C— "-^ ^-'
Do. B per Cent, nc
Do. Deb. Stock
129 -132 6 1 0 1
8 —84
iosi-110!
:i6i-ii8i
^„„^.„ 104—114
_'. 2nd Pref. ] JOi^jy
a-Cum. 3rd Pref.
per Cent, (red.)
iX it Do 4 per C'eDt. Dub. Stock (red.)
■ 0/7i: ' Orientol -.••■ "••■: I
0'7'( Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. j
47 I Do. 4 per Cent. Bed. Deb. Stock . ....
Telephone Co. of Egypt 44%Db.Stk.(red.)
United River Plate
t Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
t Do. 44 Deb. St. Red
5r'fi-6A
97 —93
99 —101
FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, i.t.
tEleo. & Gen. Investment 6% Cum. Pref.
♦Globe Telegraph Si Trust
t Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Submarine Cables Trust (Cert.)
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRIC
I RAILWAYS, TRAMWAYS. &C.
i' 3/0 tAnglo-Argentine 6% Cum. Ist Pref.
SJ 6/0 " ■"■ " "-'' °""'
St.j 6%
St. 6%
li'«— l.'fi ' 5 12
14-li 4 16
88 —90 4 9
984— lUOJ 4 9
(si-e^ 6 '0
4i-6g 4 IS
102 —104 1 4 6
m-3i
itligll.Low*
1 eat. I est.
Jan, July >• ' ••
Mar, Sept . . i —
I August . . I • .
i Nov .... 1 ..1 ..
May, Nov • . i • •
Feb, Aug
Feb. Aug 1174 iliel
Feb, Aug - I ..
Feb, Aug • . I ■■.
1 Feb, Aug
June, Deo
j Jan, Jnly I013 ...
April, Oot I -
April. Oct ' ..
Jan, July
Jan, July
July n , ..
June, Deo [ — ' ■•
Jan, July
St. 44%
2/6
44%
l73
6%
100 6^
IBg
97
12!;
63i
12U'
121
t Do. 10% Non-cnm. 2nd Pref.
t Do. Permanent 6% Deb. Stock
fAuckland Elec. Trams. 6% Deb. (red,)..,
Brisbane Electric Trams. Invest. Ord....
Do. 6 per Cent. Cam. Pref.
tDo. 44 per Cent. Db. Prov. Certs
British Columbia El.By.Df. Ord
Do. Pref. Ord. Stock
Do. 6% Cum. Perp. Pref. Stock
Do. 4J per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs
Do. Vancouver Power Debs
Do. 41*i^ Perp Con. Deb. St ...
tBuenos Ayres Elec. Trams (1901) Ltd.
Deb. St •
Buenos Ayres Grand National Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 64 per Cent. Pref. Debs
Do. b per Cent. 1st Deb. Bonds
Buenos Ayres Lacroze Trams 1st Mt. Db.
Buenos Ayres Port & City Tram. 1st Mt.
Deb. Stock
Calcutta Tramways (1 to 137,610)
tDo. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
tDo. 4J% Ist Deb. Stock (red.)
Cape Electric Tram Shares
City ot Buenos Ayres Trams Co. C1904)Sh.
tlX. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Colombo Tr. & Ltg. 5% 1st Mt. Db
Electric Traction Co. of Hong Kong 6
per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb:
6% Havana Elec. Ey. Con. Mt. 6% »1,000 60
year Coup. Bds
. . Kalgoorlie Elec. Trams Sh.
6%: Do. 6perCent. •• A" Del
6% Do. 0 per Cent.
1/0 \ Lisbon Elec. Tran
0/7J (Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
6% J Do. e per Cent. Keg. Mort. Debs ...
-,i tMsdras Elec. I'rams. B% Deb. Stk. ...
Manila Elec. Ry. «1,000 Gold Bonds ...
gl Mexico Iraais Oo. Com. St
Do. Gen. Con. Ist Mort. 6% Gold Bds.
Montreal St. By. Sterling 44 per Cent.
Debs. (1922) (Nos. 601 to 2,000)
Perth Elec. Trams Ord
Do. 1st Mt. Db. Stock
tRangoon Elec. Trams * Supply Co. 6%
I Cum. Pf.
4j% tDo. 44% Ist Mort. Deb. Slk
yi4 tSao Paulo Tramway, Light &, Power Co.
$100 Stock ,
b7 Do. 6 per Cent. 1st Mt. $600 Db.
i\x Toronto Ry Co. 1st Mt. i^X, Ster. Bonds
6J-
-eS
»■
-UJ
14'.»
-146
1(11
-103
*W-
-hiv
ii
-6
99
-103
13B
-139
116
-1.0
107^
-109J
1112
-iO»
103
-1U6
Jan, July
Sp DcMr Ju
SpDcMrJu
April, Oct
April, Oot
Jan, July
June, Deo
Jan, July
May „..
May, Not
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
May, N
SA
.Ord..
96 -100
2i-3|
4S— IJ
100 — 1U6
102 -105
97J-994
4-i
6i;— olS
93 —102
88 —91
89 —94
84 ~6-i
6 12 0
4 10 0
4 17 6
,'july "94
April, Oct : —
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
F,My,A,N
June, Deo
May, Not
6 13 9 I Jcme, Dec
6 6 6 I Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, Jnly
Feb, Aug
3 11 0
9 10 0
4 17 0
4 16 U
6 3 0
6 8 6
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRICITY
SUPPLY &o.
6 9 0
8/0
«1
5%
6J-6i
95 —100
874 -'"4
80 —84
87i-88J%
764-764
8U4 - 9 Js
a 1^
6 IS 0
6 11 0
5 10 6
15 0
6 19 0
6 12 6
6 lii" 6
4 13 J
6 13 0
4 1!) 0
6 13 0
4 U 0
104 —106%! 4 14 3
iS— li'<
98 — lul
6J -5g
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
April,' Oot
April, Oot
F,My,A,N
April —
May
Jan, July
April, Oct
r Cent. Deb. Stk. 86'— 88" 1 4 11 0 Jn,Ap,Jy,0 s; .. 6 8/0 Adelaide Elec. S'ply Co. 6% Cu.Pr jHJi,
' -'-•'•.'• BombayB.S.&T.6%Cm.Pf. 94-lOi
tDo. 44 per Cent. Deb. Stk. (red.)
Calcutta Klec. Supply Ord
tCanadian Gen. Elec. Oo. Com. St. ..
Castuer Electrolytic Alkali Co.(of U.S. A.)
Ist Mort. Stl. Debs
600; 5^ Elect. Development Co of Out _.
I Elec. Ltg. & Trac. Co. of Aust. 6 per
Cent. Cum. Pref.
6 per Cent. Deb Stock
il4 St.l 6/ 1 Elec. Supply Co. of Victoria 6 per Cent,
! 1st Mort. Deb. St
fiV Itlndian Elec. Sup. & Trac. Go. Cooatn.
' Deb. St. Rd
Kalgoorlie Elec. Power & Ltg. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Madras E. S. Corp. 6 per Cent. Constn
" '\ " I Deb. St
BOO 5/ Mexican Elec. Light Co. 6^ 1st Mort.
Gold Bonds
St SI Mexican Lt.& Power Co. Com. St
60bi 6% I Do. 6% iBt Mort. Gold Buds
100 $1' I Montreal Lt. Ht.& Power Co. Cap. St....
1: i/i;l i itiver Plate Electricity Co. Ord
li 1)2$ i 1^0. 6 per Cent. non.Cum. Pref
Rt.l hy \ tDo. 6 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Kosario Elec. Co. 6% Pref. (1-20,000)
Sliawuiigau NValer 6i Power Co. Cap. St,
Do. 6 per Cent.Bds,
,.__,, ,. ., ,^„, Victoria Jf alls Power (Jo. Pref
u calculatiuB tlie jlelde allowance ha. been made lot accrued Interest but not for tedemptlon ♦ Bi dividend, t The Undon Stock £ictiaDge Committee have decUned to iiuote these
1664-1684
9i - 100.°;
88 — lOi)
Feb, Aag
May ....
Jan, July
1691
Jtine, Deo , ^^i
Feb, Aug
8..}
Mar, Sept
Sii
THE ELECTRICIAN:
THE OLDEST WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND FINANCE.
ESTABLISHED, First Series (Weekly), 1861; Second. Series (Weekly), 1878.
No. 1,599. [v-o'J.Jx^i.]
FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1909.
Price Sixpence %l°^^'
AbToad M., or 18 cents, or 9(k., or 80b/.
CONTENTS OF THE CURRENT NUMBER.
Notes 485
Arrangements for the Week 488
Electric Cranes. By H. H.
Broughton. Illustrated.
Continued 489
The Log of the New Haven
Electrification. By \V. S.
Murray 492
A Diagram of Correction Co-
efficients for Air-gap Reluct-
ances. By T. C. Baillie,
M.A., D.Sc. Illustrated..
The Hemsjo Power Companj-,
Sweden. By P. Frenell.
Illustrated ." 4S6
A New Source of Illumina-
tion. By G. A. Johnstone.
Illustrated 498
Plans and Records for Elec-
trical Distribution Systems.
— ii(V«Wo« ".
Low-pressure Turbines. By
.1. W. Kirkland. Illus. .'.
Elkctric Tkaction i.\ 1908..
Reviews 505
Industrial Electrical Meas-
uring Instruments [Edg-
cumbe] : Switchljoard
Measuring Instruments
for Continuous and Poh'-
phase Systems fConnan] ;
494
499
501
502
f^EVIEWs — continued,
Le Nuove Lampade Elet-
triche ad Incandescenza
[Mantica]. Reviewed Ijy
W. A. Price.
Recent Developments in the
Street Lighting of Berlin,
and a Comparison with
Former Methods of Illumi-
nation. By Dr. L. Bloch.
Illustrated. Concluded . . 506
The Physical Society's Annual
Exhibition of Apparatus.
Illustrated. Concluded .. 508
High-tension Power Trans-
mission in Europe 509
The F.\r.iday SootETV £10
The "Fair Wages" Question 510
Electric Lighting Provisional
Orders 512
Electrical Progress in India.. 512
Electrical Engineering in
1908 513
Municipal, Foreign & General
Notes 515
Trade Notes and Notices 518
Companies' Meetings and
Reports 520
New Companies, &c 520
City Notes 520
Companies' Share List 521
NOTES.
The New Haven Railroad Electrification.
TiiK I'apei- read rt-ceiitly by Mr. W. S. MuRUAV before
the American In.stitute of Electrical Engineers, an abstract
of which appears elsewhere in this issue, is of an nuusual
type and contains most valuable information on the single-
phase system as adopted for high-speed main line railway.s.
The Paper is unique in so far as it is a record of the
troubles due to inexperience in working the system and to
unsuitable equipment ; and it is the more valuable since
the alterations which have been found necessary in order
to render the system satisfactory are described for the
benefit of other undertakings which have adopted, or are
adopting, the single-phase system. An interesting point is
that, although the motors had to fulfil the unusual condi-
tions of operating with either continuous or alternating
current, they have given no trouble whatsoever. The most
serious trouble occurred with the overhead equipment.
This was described in our issue of September 20, 1907, and
it has been found that, with the method of suspension there
described, sufficient flexibility was not provided at the
points of support of the trolley wire. This difficulty has
been overcome by suspending below the existing wire a
steel wire from whidi current is collected, such steel wire
being suspended by clips at the mid points of the existing
spans, although it is now believed that loop suspensions
will give better results. The adoption of a steel trolley
wire is an interesting innovation, and was influenced by
commercial considerations, though piiono-electric wire was
found to give better results as regards reduction of spark-
ing. The importance of flexibility in the method of sup-
porting trolley wires has become fully appreciated during
the last few years, especially for cars running at high
speeds, and even for tramway working it has not been
neglected.
The Recent Snowstorm.
FouTrNATELV fnr tliepeaceof mind of tramway managers,
and also for the welfare of their respective undertakings,
snowstorms such as that experienced at the beginning of
last week are of rare occurrence. The delays and con-
sequent loss of revenue, together with the cost of clearing
the track and increased current consumption, are no small
consideration, while the cost of repairs to rolling stock is
proliably not fully realised for some time after the occur-
rence. This is due to the fact that the motors suffer from
the heavy overloads imposed upon them, whilst the mixture
of salt and snow forms a penetrating liquid which has
very deleterious effects on insulation, so that it is a by no
means uncommon experience for motors and wiring to
break down within a short period of any heavy snowstorm.
The use of salt for liquefying the snow is always a source of
complaint from other users of the streets, but in removing
snow and ice from the groove and tread of the rail it serves
a very useful purpose, since the want of adhesion between
the car wheels and the rails is one of the chief difficulties
encountered on such occasions. Another difficulty is due
to the blocking of points by snow and ice, and for such
emergencies salt is practically essential. Lifeguards
of the plough type probably score to some extent in
removing snow from the track, as difficulty is frequently
experienced in keeping those of the gate pattern from
collapsing under an accumulation of snow, the trigger being
continually relea.sed by the gale coming in contact with
snow on the track.
A.s regards the reliability of the various systems orelectric
traction under the weather conditions recently experienced,
although traffic was entirely suspended for lengthy
periods over certain sections of the routes, the cars of the
THE ELECTKICIAN, JANUAKY 8, 1909.
London County Council do not appear to have been
delayed more tlian in the case of many systems where
overhead ef|uipment is in use. This is, however, no
criterion as to the operation of the conduit system, since
the fall of snow may have been heavier in other localities,
whilst greater facilities for dealing with such emergencies
should exist on the London undertakings. Outside London,
the best example of a conduit system in this country is
that at Bournemouth. Despite a 6 in. fall of snow, a
fairly good service was there maintained, the only difficulty
experienced with the conduit equipment being due to
frozen snow preventing the sliding head from properly
seating itself in the carrier on the trucks of the cars
when the ploughs were lowered into the conduit. The
number of surface contact systems in operation in this
country is exceedingly small, and recent experience
at Kawmarsli — where a surface contact system has
been replaced by overhead equipment — and elsewhere is
not likely to encourage its advocates, although it possesses
several distinct advantages. LThe best instance of such
a system in this country is probably that in operation
on the Wolverhampton Corporation tramways. The
tramway service was there somewhat disorganised by
the severity of the blizzard, but the officials do not attri-
bute any unusual delay to the Lorain system, whilst the
experience at Lincoln with the " G.B." .system was of a
similar character. Coming lastly to the electric railways,
we understand that stoppages occurred on some of the
electrified sections of the North Eastern Railway system,
due to difficulty in maintaining sufficient contact between
the collector brushes and the conductor rail, and the Metro-
politan District Railway also experienced trouble of the
same kind.
The " Fair Wages " Question.
Thej!k is no doubt that the question of paying fail'
wages and the abolition of " sweating " is one that meets
with approval from every fair-minded manufacturer, but
there are many difficulties in enforcing any scheme to
provide for these ends. As the outcome of a resolution
passed by the House of Conanons, this question, in regard
to Government work, has recently been considered by a
Departmental Committee, and elsewhere in the present
issue an account will be found of the conclusions
reached by this Committee. Briefly, the Committee are
ill favour of a fair wages clause in Government con-
tracts, but they do not feel tiiat it is desirable to
enforce the observance ^of Trade Union conditions, or
that the Trade Union rate of wages should neces-
sarily be accepted as the standard. In dealing with
piece-work, the general principle is recognised that the
earnings on such work should exceed the standard time
wages for the same period on similar work. It is also re-
commended that the names and addresses of firms obtain-
ing (Joverninent contracts should be published, but the
idea of drawing up a list of what are known technically
as "fair houses" (that is, firms paying wages above a
certain rate) has not met with approval. In considering the
general question, it is pointed out that there is somedifficulty
in_dealing with firms which have moved awav from towns
into the country, so as to benefit by the various cheaper
conditions. Owing to high rates and taxes, and high rates of
labour in towns, this process is continually going on, and
will, no doubt, become more general. In such casei the
power of the men to enforce their conditions is somewhat
weakened, and it may be difficult to say exactly what is
the standard rate of wages. Another difficulty is the in-
creasing use of female labour. It is sometimes urged that
women should be paid at the same rate as men, because
otherwise men are liable to be displaced. On the other
hand, it may very well be urged by employers that the rate
of payment to women cannot be so high as that to men for
the same work, as there are greater limitations in the one
case than in the other. It will be seen, therefore, that the
whole problem is not a simple one, but, we think, the re-
port will be considered satisfactory from the broad point of
view, as it recognises the desirability of fair wages without
at the same time unduly hampering the contractor.
Electric Power Developments.
It is sometimes not fully recognised how rapidly tlie use
of electrical energy for power purposes is being developed.
Occasionally, when a large mill, or large works of some
kind, is converted to electric driving, a description is given
of the new condition of things, and thus attention is drawn
to the fact; but there are numberless cases where the
adaptability of the electric motor renders it peculiarly
suitable for driving machinery hitherto driven by other
means, and thus the older methods are constantly being
replaced by their youthful rival without any such publicity.
The change is continuous, but little is heard of it. In
order to enable our readers to see how the electric motor
is gaining in popularity, we have decided to publish tables
in vk'hich figures are given, showing the number and horse-
power of motors supplied by the public mains of many
electricity undertakings. The first of these tables forms
part of the Industrial Suppi.ejient appearing with
this week's issue of The Electrician. We do not doubt
that the information there given will prove of interest to
our readers, and we trust that it may also prove useful to
manufacturers and contractors who are more particularly
concerned with meeting the demand for the electric motor
in its varied uses.
Academie des Sciences. — M. Villard has been elected a
member of the Physical Section in place of the late 'SI. E.
Mascart.
2,000 H.P. Rolling Mill.— The " Elektrotechnische Zeit-
schrift" gives a description of a 2,000 H.P. three-phase motor
which the Fellen Guilleaume Lahmeyerwerke have recently
installed at the iron and steel works in Viilklingen. This
motor runs at 100 revs permin. with 5,000 volts pressure and
a frequency of 50, and can be used alone or in conjunction
with a 3,000 H.P. gas engine for driving the piehminary rolls;
the finishing rolls are driven by ropes from the preliminarj-
rolls. The motor is [irovided with two bearings which are
fixed on a common bedplate and its spindle is at one end con-
nected to the mill while the other end is fitted with a rope
wheel. The stator winding is three-phase, and is embedded
in micauite tubes, but the rotor winding is two-phase. Start-
ing is effected by means of a liquid starter provided with
short-circuiting contacts.
Cable Interruptions. Date of interruption.
i'.Hilian^.k- Saigon Sep. 16, 1908
Malta -Zante Dec. 29, 1908
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 8, 1909.
487
London, Brighton & South Coast Railway Electrification. —
The process of electrityini; the Limdon J)ridge-\'ictotia route
of this raihvaj' is neariug completion. It is reported that the
new rolling stock has heen drawn over the lines liy steam
locomotives to test the running, and that an experimental
electric train will bo run in the course of a day nr two.
Electricity as Applied to Heating and Cooking. — At a
recent meeting of the Liverpool <K; District Electrical Associa-
tion a Paper bearing the above title was read by Mr. S. R.
Gibbon. The author first dealt with the subject from an
historical point of view and showed how gieat had been the
development during the past few years. He theu stateil the
conditions which have to be fulfilled by really satisfactory
apparatus and described the essential details of the well-known
•equipment of various makers. Several theoretical points in
•connection with the subject were also discussed.
Electricity versus Gas. — To prove that the use of electricity
is safer than gas, says the "Electrical World," <i local firm of
electrical engineers puts forward the following comparisons
on this subject, based on the report of the Massachusetts Gas
and Electric Commissioners for the year ending June 30,
1907, and the record of the Boston Underwriters: —
Gas. Electric light.
Consumers in Massachusetts 2,425,644 2,531,074
fatal accidents to the public 53 1
j!^on-fatal to the public 54 2
iiMreloss 291 17
Improvements in Mercury Vapour Lamps. — A recent patent
describes an improved construction of mercury vapour lamp,
in which there is no necessity for a vacuum or seals. The
lamp consists of a glass tube with a mercury container at
each end above the level of the tube, so that when it is not in
operation the mercury fills the tube. The tube is surrourided
by a resistance. When the current is passed through the
wire, the liquid is forced by the evaporation of the mercury
into the receptacles at each end, where it is retained as long as
the current is passing. Contractions or narrow necks are pro-
vided between the tube and the receptacles in order to prevent
too rapid a passage of the liquid into or from the receptacles,
which would render the light unstead}^.
Large Accumulator Battery. — The " Schweizerische Elektro-
technische Zeitschrift" gives an account of a large battery which
has recently been supplied by the Electric Storage Battery Co.
to one of the rolling mills of the Carnegie Steel Co. There are
125 cells capable of giving out 10,000 amperes over long, and
15,000 amperes over short, periods. The installation of such a
■battery has been necessitated by the great load variations in
the mills, which are driven by two 250 volt 750 kw. motors.
The current taken by these motors may vary by 15,000
amperes within a few seconds, thus necessitating the use of
two generators. By installing the batter}', however, the em-
ployment of the second 1,000 kw. generator could be discon-
tinued and the machine used as a reserve. The working
machine operates at nearly constant load, the battery taking
up the " peak."
Hydro-Electric Development in Sicily. — In a Paper on this
subject by M. E. Vismara, read before the Associazione Elet-
trotecnica Italiana, the author <liscusses the water power avail-
able in Sicily. It appears that the Societii Elettrica della
Sicilia Orientale are at present building two stations, one of
which will have a capacity of 8,000 ii.P. and the other of
7,500 H.P. The transmission line will follow the coast from
Messina to Syracuse, the total length being 137 miles. Iron
poles are used and are placed about 200 yds. apart where the line
is straight. Each pole is 60 ft. high and weighs about ,' ton.
The line is made up of three wnes each 0-24 in. in diameter,
and the transmission voltage is 40,000 volts. A 50,000 ii.P.
distribution system at 40,000 volts has been designed which
will encircle the island. It will be necessary to use 790 tons
■of copper, the mean diameter of the wires being 0-28 in.
Electric Traction in the Tunnels of the Pennsylvania Co. —
According to the " Electrical World," the Pennsylvania
T>mnel & Terminal Kailroad Co. have decided to work the
trafHc through these tunnels on the direct current third-rail
system. This decision is rather unexpected, as tests of the
single-phase overhead system have been in progress for some
time on an experimental track on Long Island. It is now
stated that direct current was selected solely because, in the
opinion of the engineers of the company, it was best suited for
the service to be performed in the electrified zone, and fitted
into the system already in use. There have been many
rumours that the Pennsylvania llailroad would electrify its
entire New York division as far as Philadelphia, and even
farther west, and this problem has certainly been studied, but
the plans considered for the abov'e project have had no in-
rtuence in determining the system to be employed in the ter-
minal district between Newark and Long Island City. A pro-
tected top-contact third-rail will be used, and three-phase cur-
rent at 11,000 volts and withafrequency of 25 willbe transmitted
from Long Island Cit}' power station to sub-stations, where it
will be transformed down to 500 volts for use at the third rail.
Single-phase Traction in Europe. — According to the " Elec-
tric Railway Review " a number of contracts for single-phase
railways have recently been let. The Allgemeine Elektricitiits
Gesellschaft are to erpiip the Padua-Fusina Railway, in Italy,
21-7 miles in length. The trolley potential will be 6,000 volts
at 25 cycles. Ten motor cars will be used, each equipped with
two 80 H.P. motors. Another line is the Lotschbergbahn, in
Switzerland, on which a line voltage of 15,000 at 15 cycles will
be used. One locomotive, equipped with two 800 H.P. motors,
will be employed. A colliery line road at Menzelschacht,
in Germany, 3-1 miles in length, will also be equipped with a
locomotive with three 40 II.P. motors ; a pressure of 220 volts at
40 c}'cles will be employed. The company also has an order
for the Blankenese-Ohlsdorf line for 25 cars, each to be
equipped with two 180 H.P. motors. The present single-phase
motor capacity of the roads equipped by the Allgemeine Co.
amounted in November, 1908, to 42,480 it. p. The latest con-
tract of the Siemens-Schuckert Werke is that for the Wiesen-
talbahn, between Basel and Schopfheim, in Germany, 34 miles
in length, on which a line voltage of 10,000 volts at 15 cycles
will be used. There are 10 locomotives, each equipped with
two 450 H.P. motors. The aggregate capacity of the single
phase railway motors hitherto supplied by this company
amounted in October, 1908, to 33,490 H.P.
Mercury Pressure Ammeter. — The " Electrical World " de-
scribes an arrangement recently patented by Dr. E. F.
Northrup for utilising the pressure in the interior of a liquid
conductor carrying current. The device makes use of the so-
called " pinch " phenomenon, which supposes that each element
of a conductor is subjected to a force tending to cause it to move
toward the centre. Thus the liquid of a conductor will be
under a greater hydrostatic pressure at its axis than at its cir-
cumference. The difference in pressure varies with the square
of the current. By sectionalising the conductor and adding
the higher pressure of one section to the lower pressure of the
adjacent section, a device is constructed for exhibiting the sum
of the pressure diflerences of the various sections. This can
be employed as an ammeter for registering the mean effective
value of the current. The inventor sUtes that with a liquid
conductor 05 in. in diameter, consisting of 1,000 sections, a cur-
rent of 600 amperes will give a total resultant pressure of
43-2 lb. per square inch. An ammeter of this type can be
built up of copper disc elements with mercury as the liquid for
transmitting the pressure. Passing through each of the
elements in a slanting direction from the centre of one face to
the edge of the ne.\t is an opening lined with an insulat-
ing tube. The column of mercury serves to transmit the
pressure cumulatively from one section to the next. A
graduated vertical glass tube at the top of the device serves to
indicate the total pressure on the sections, and hence by cali-
bration shows the efl'ective value of the current.
Electrification of the Melbourne Suburban Railways. —
In oui- last i.^sue wc atmounced that the Victorian Railway
Commissioners had reported adversely on the electritication of
these railways, as proposed by Mr. C. 11. Merz (■■iee Mr. Merz's
report in The Elk,( tiiici.vn, September 25 and Oetobei 2,
1908). The report of the Commissioners upon Mr. Merz's
proposals was laid before the Victorian Parliament on Novem-
48S
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 8, 1909.
bcr 19th. The Coniraissioners, whilst paying a high tribute
to Mr. Merz'.s work, considered that he had been over-sanguine
in his estimates. Tliey find that no stage of the scfiome is
financially satisf;ictory, but recommend that it be reviewed
from time to time. In the meantime new rolling stock and
station platforms are to be adapted for electrification. The
substance of the Commissioners' report is as follows : —
The cloc-triliciilioii would ii-siilt in :i ocinsiderably greater finaneiiil loss
in all stages, in the year 11)12, than indieatecl by Mr. IVIerz in his report.
The alterations which they consider must be made in Mr. Merz's estimates
are : —
(a) Alteration in the estimates involving decrease in capital expendi-
ture recpiired for electrification — Alteration to bridges. Port Melbourne
and St. Kilda lines, £4.415 : stage No. 1. £U>.794 • stage 2. £14.(i41 :
stages. £17,232.
(6) Alterations involving Increase — Cost of new rolling sto{-k and alter-
ations to existing rolling stock, Port Melbourne and St. Kilda lines,
£483 ; stage No. 1, £43,.')f)l : stage 2, £68,.5()2 ; stage 3, nil.
(c) Alterations involving decrease iu capital r\|«ndil im- required for
continuance of steam working — Alterations tn ini'l^r-. j'orl Melbourne
and SI. Kilda line.s, £4,41.5: stage No. 1. is.'.ii'D : Ma.j,- 2. £10.(i8S :
stML!.- :;. ti7.L':i2.
(</) AIm r;il;uiis in estimates involving increases iu annual working
cx|n ii-r- :iihI ' hargcs wltli elcctrlc traction: —
/„,s/„,/.,,„ ,11,, I M,iliitemince of Rolling Stock. — Port Melbourne and
Si. KiM.i luH-. fl.:!s:i.
l;, !„,,,. In l:,, III, I, I ,S7o<-fc— Port Melbourne and St. Kilda lines. £r.l(( :
st;iL. \-. I. i:i,:!li(): stage 2, £M20 ; stage 3. £10.000.
A.hhh,.,,,,! Shifl at Stations.— Stuge No. 1, £2,418: stage 2. £<i.7S3 ;
shiij.- :;. tl2.(l."".7.'
J'loporlion of F;.,;,Jrh,ir,i,s ,il rii,l.<rh C,V,x„,wfo.— Port Melbourne and
St, Kilda lines, £7o ; sia^,. x, . |, tito.-, : siage 2. £612 ; stage 3. £1,000.
Avtiqvaliov /•■»«./. — I'orl M.-llionrn.- ,<iu\ St, Kilda lines. £2,325:
st;e.i.> \.i. 1. a ill3 : stage 2. £5,902 ; stage 3. £8,268.
I'Ih i,i|l,i» nil; table is given to show the estimated financial icsults of
clc. ii ihr.iiii.ri m 1912, the comparison being in each case with steam
traction m I'.HIb : —
Port Melbourne Stages.
and St. Kilda , -■ .
lines. 1. 2. 3.
Stimn Traction, 1912. 1' £ £ £
Additional revenue (20 percent.)... 10,000 ... 44,290 82,080 114,528
Additional operating expen.ses 5,827 ... 14,256 26,629 41,096
Interest, 4% on additional capit.al 1,492... 5,640 10,560 16,554
Net gain in 1912 over 1906 4,681 ... 24,414 44,891 67,098
Electric Traction, 1912.
Additional revenue (25 per cent.) .. 12,500 . 55.363 102,600 145,160
Additional operating expen.ses 1,353,.. 8,(13 20,709 57.486
Interest, 4% on additional capital 14,111 ... 55,145 56,664 88,392
Antiquation fund '. 2,325... 3,913 5,902 8.268
Gain or loss in 1912 over 1906... ._ 5,289 ... 10,292 19,325 9,014
loss gain gain gain
/,ow, elec. traction 1912, as com-
pared with steam traction 1912 9»970 ... 14,122 25,566 48,084
The percentage of increased revenue over 1906 required by electric
tra --'on in 1912 to balance results under steam traction in' 1912, is.
therefore, 25 per cent, for the Port Melbourne and St. Kilda lines, 11-3
per cent, for stage 1, 11-2 per cent, for stage 2, and 13-3 jicr cent, for
.stage 3.
Although the Commissioners fully appreciate the additional convcni-
enco and comfort for the ])ublic, tlie additional safety and other advan-
tages of electric traction, they do not consider these of sufficient impor-
tance tojustify the incurrence of the large estimated capital expenditure
and possible annual loss in working.
It will be remembered thtit Mr. Mcrz estimated that an
increase of 7-8 per cent, in traffic above the assumed normal
growth of L'O per cent, would balance the additional capital
charges, less saving in operating expenses, in the case of the
complete scheme.
The Gas Engine in Small Central Stations.— At a recent
meeting of the Worcester branch of the American lusti-
tiite of Electrical Engineers, Mr. F. AV. Sawyer read a
Paper on this subject. He showed that a gas engine had a
clear advantage, even in small stations, in districts where
natural g-s was found For instance, a fair price for this gas in
Indiana and West Airginia was from 7id. to Is. 3d. per'l,000
cubic ft. A gas engine could also "be run economically
in connection with a coal gas plant. The author laid
groat stress on the need for reliability in the plant, and
gave an e.\a«nple of a case where increased reliability
iuul meant a rise in the income from £1,400 to £8,000 in
seven years. The producer was not yet so reliable as the
engine and the pressure type seemed to give better results
than the suction typo, as the gas from the latter type often
conSwt r °'':^^" '"t^- ^'^'^ '^' '^■•'^ «"Si"c in the small
cent.al station the effect of a poor load factor was a great re-
duction in economy. The running costs on the basis of the
fuel consumed, with good load factor, would be about one-half
those of a compound reciprocating engine plant of the same
size, but in actual practice the stand-by losses were nearly as
large as with the banked steam boiler. The repairs on the gas
engine were more frequent, and small defects would more
easily shut down a gas than a steam plant. The maintenance
costs of the producer were often high on account of the sul-
phur present. A serious question was the higher first cost of
the gas plant, while, owing to the excessive stresses present,
the weight per horse-power was greater than in the steam
engine. In this connection the author recommended a depre-
ciation of between 8 and 10 per cent, ia the case of the gas
engine, which would also allow for early replacement if neces-
sary. It was, further, not possible to overload the gas engine to
the same extent as the steam engine. Mr. Sawyer stated that,
in his opinion, there was a large field for the use of combined
steam and gas plants, the average load being carried by the
gas engine and the peak load by the steam plant. A cheaper
and less efficient steam plant burning, say, 6 lb. or 7 lb. of
coal ])er kilowatt-hour, could be installed if it was only to work
from two to four hours per day. The author also drew
attention to the heat wasted in the jacket waterof the gas engine,
and suggested its use for heating boiler feed water in combined
gas and steam plant stations.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE WEEK.
FRIDAY, January 8th (to day).
Ei.ectko-Harmonic Society.
S p.m. Smoking Concert in the King's Hall, Holborn P>e.staurant.
SATURDAY. January 9tli.
Royal In.stitutio.\'.
■ : p.»t. Meeting at Albemarle-street. Lectures, adapted to a
juvenile auditory, on the " Whee.l of Life," by Prof. W. Stir-
ling. Lecture VI. — " Work, Fatigue and Repose."
MONDAY, January llth.
Newcastle Section ok the iNSTiTrTiON of Electrical Enc inkers.
S p.m. Meeting at Armstrong College, Newcastle-on-Tyne. Paper
on " Method in Invention," by Mr. C. Turnbull.
Graduates' Association of the Institution of Mechanical Engi-
neers.
a ]).m. Meeting at Storey's-gate, Westminster. Paper on " Motor
(,'ar Construction and Design," by Mr. R. V. Vining.
TUESDAY, January 12th. .
Manchester Section- of the Institution of Electrical Engineers.
7:J0 v.m. Meeting in the Physical Laboratory, the University,
Manchester. Paper on " The Improvement of Power Factor
in Alternatine- Current Systems,'' by Mr. Miles Walker.
WEDNESDAY, January 13th.
BiKMiXGiiAM Section ov the Institution of Electrical En(;ineeks.
;:./(' p. Ill Meeting at the University, Edmund-street, Birming-
ham. Paper on "Practical Considerations in the Selection
of Turbo Alternators," by Dr. M. Kloss.
Associ.iTioN OF Encineers-in-Charge.
S p.m. Meeting at St. Bride's Institute, Bride-lane, Fleet-street.
Paper on "Water and its Impurities," by Mr, J. B. C. Kershaw,
THURSDAY, January 14th.
Junior Institution of Engineers.
r.-jV/ p.M. Meeting at the Royal United Service Institution,
Whitehall. Lecture on " The Laws of Heat Transmission in
Steam Boilers," by Prof. J. T. Nicholson.
Institution or Electrical Engineers.
•v p.m. Meeting at Great George street, Westminster. Paper on
"The Ml.B.' System from a Tramway Manager's Point of
View," by Mr. S. Clegg.
FRIDAY, January ISth.
Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
Sp.iii. Meeting at Storey's-gate, Westminster. Paper on "The
Filtration and Purification of Water for Public Supply," by
Mr, .1. Don.
The Electrical Engineers (London Division).
Col. R. E. B. Crompton, C.B., commanding.
The following orders have been issued for the current week :—
Monday, Jan. 11th, (^ Infantry drill (Recruits), 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
"A" Company 1. Technical drill, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
j' Technical drill, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 12th, J Infantry drill, 8;45 ]).m. to 9;45 p.m.
" B" Company | Medical inspection for recruits, 6:30 p.m. to
V 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 14th, /Infantry drill (Recruits), 6 p.m. to 7 [j.in.
" C " Company \Technical drill, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 15th, f Infantry drill (Recruits), 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
" D" Company (.Technical drill, 7:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Arms will he issued to recruits on Januarv lltb, 12th, 14th and 15th»
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 8, 1909.
489
ELECTRIC CRANES.*
BY H. II. BROUCHTOX.
{Continued from page 101.)
Summary.— The author here deals with the desiK" and construction
of the structural steel framework of cranes. The first sections of the
article are devoted to a consideration of the most suitable materials
and working stresses. It is suggested that the Engineering Standards
Committee's specification for structural steelwork should be adhered
to by crane makers ; also that the working stresses allowed be based
on the nature of the forces acting and not upon some arbitrary " fac-
tor of safety. Then follows a note on the determination of the stresses
in the several members of frames of complicated shape. To assist
designers, curves connecting weight and capacity of English and
German cranes are given. A number of typic^al examples of girder
construction are also described.
agreement at 24 ft. span negatives this argument. Another
point of interest in connection with these curves is the
close agreement in weights of low capacity cranes of Eng-
In designing cross-girders and the like, draughtsmen
frequently substitute an equivalent uniformly distributed
dead load for the rolling load, in order to determine the
bending moment. A common plan is to assume a dead
load of from one and a-half to twice the rolling load, and
to proportion the girders to withstand this. In some draw-
ing offices an equivalent dead load of twice the rolling load
is assumed, quite irrespective of the span, the trolley wheel
base, and the wheel-loads, and sufficient material is put
into the flange plates to withstand the bending moment.
Such rough-and-ready unscientific methods are no doubt
due to manufacturers reducing the drawing office staff in
order to lessen works costs. The author calls to' mind a
certain 15 ton crane of 55 ft. span, designed and detailed
in a few days, that was subsequently found to be abundantly
safe in the structural part for a load of 40 tons. Many such
instances might be given, and we would strongly urge
manufacturers, desirous of reducing works costs, to
bear in mind that a reduction in weight of a fi-action
of a ton in the structural steelwork brought about by
careftil design, reduces works costs to a far greater
extent than overworking the drawing office staff.
In the majority of cases the bend-
ing moment can be readily deter-
mined gi-aphically or by calculation.
In his own work the author finds
curves such as those given in Figs. 64
and 65, connecting weight and lifting
capacity of travelling trolleys, and
span and weight of multi-motor over-
head travelling cranes, of consider-
able assi-stance. An inspection of
Fig. 65, wherein are plotted the J
weights of standard English and '=
German cranes, leads to the conclu- |
sion that sufficient care is not taken =
by otir own manufacturers in design-
ing the structural steelwork. A 50-
ton crane of 60 ft. span by a certain
English maker weighs 50 tons, and
a crane of the same lifting capacity
and span by a certain German fiini
weighs onlv 40'5 tons. The German
50-ton crane of 77'5 ft. span weighs
50 tons, hence for a given weight of
material our Continental friends pro-
duce a crane of 17'5 ft. larger span
than we ourselves can produce. It
might be argued that the whole
construction is designed with a
lower "factor of safety," the travelling trolley much lighter,
and so forth, but the "fact that the two weiglits are in exact
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Liflitvj Capacity of Trav-'llimj Trolley in Toil.<,
Fi(.-. 64. — Cdkves connecting Weight and Lifting C'ap.icitv ov
Travelling 'Trolleys.
lish and German manufactm-e. The plotted weights of the
10-ton German crane show this very clearly, and the smaller
capacity English cranes are, if anything, a little lighter
Curves shown in dotted linos relate to cranes by a leading German ncni.
full „ I. •. •• EnglisU „
-Curves connecting Weight asd Span of St.\ndabd Cranes o? English and
German Manufactcre.
than these built in Germany. Quite apart from this, the
curves are useful to the designer m getting out prelimmary
designs for cross-girders and gantry guders.
400
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 8, 1909.
Having determined the bending moments and the safe
woiking stresses, a series of comparative designs of varying
depth and width can be put down. As a first approxima-
tion tlie areas of cross-section of the flanges can be deter-
mined from tlie expression
A=M/D/,
whei'ein A is tlie area of cross-section of one flange, in square
inches, M is the bending moment in ton-inch units, D
is the distance apart of the centres of gravity of the flanges,
in inches, and / is the safe working stress in tons per square
inch.
.\s an example, take the case of a girder required to with-
stand a bending moment of 3,000 ton-inch
units, the distance apart of the centres of
gravity of the flanges being .30 in., and the
safe working stress 6"5 tons per square inch.
A=3,000/.30x6-.5=1.5-4sq. in.
A probable .section would be a 12 in. X f in.
plate together with two 4| in. X 3-| in. xf in.
angles.
It must not be inferred from the above
that we advocate such a hajihazard method
of determining the final sizes of the flanges.
The example has been given in order to show
that the approximate, dimensions may be quickly deter-
mined.
Having obtained a probable section for the girder it is
necessary to check by means of the equation —
Safe working stress Bending moment
Depth of neutral axis Moment of inertia'
//2/=M/I,
putting l/y=z, we get M=z./, or that the maximum bend-
ing moment is equal to the modulus of the section multiplied
by the safe working strength.
Constructional Detai's. — Hitherto wa have considered
what might be termed the theoretical side of the subject.
Tliat many of our readers are inclined towards the strictly
practical side now induces us to include several examples
In order to avoid confusion each part will be considered
separately.
(a) TJie Bridge or Cross-Girders.^The type of girder con-
struction mainly depends upon the load to be lifted, the span
and the location of the crane. Suitable sections are given
m Fig. 66. The sections shown in A and B are used for
light cranes of small span, and the remainder of the sections
. 66. — V.Mviuus Cross-Gikdbk Sections.
taken from the best practice. To describe the construc-
tion of a machine is difficult. Mere words and symbols are
meaningless to many engineers, and therefore we propose
to impart our instruction in the picture language of the
engineer.
The structural steelwork of an overhead travelling ciane
consists of three parts, namely :
(a) The bridge or cross-girders.
(b) The runway or gantry.
(c) The travelling .trolley.
Fii:. 67. — CojnioN Arkance.ment (ik Cross Gikders.
are used for cranes of larger capacity and span. The box
sections, H, J, K, and L are less liable to injmy in trans-
port, and come out truer than the other sections ; further-
more the box-section admits of a very rigid connection to
the end carriages, but on account of the small distance
between the web plates it is impossible either to inspect or
paint the interior, and in consequence the type is giving
way to others which admit of easier inspection. The " single
Fir.. 68.— TlIREE-GlRUER CoN.STRrcTION KOR Tw o-Boi:iE Ch.\-\es.
web " type, braced laterally to outrigger lattice-girders is
used at the present time by the leading English and German
makers. This construction, shown in Fig. 67, besides
making a very stifi structure, admits of an excellent support
for the platforms and travelling gear.
The lattice type is generally used for large spans and high
speeds. For outdoor cranes the lattice type should always
be used in order to minimise the effect of" wind pressiu-e.
The joints in the flanges and web plates must be covered
with butt-straps on both sides, and stiffener plates or T-
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 8, 1909.
491
stiffeners riveted to the webs where necessar}-. In girders
of box-section the stiffeners may take the form of dia-
phragms, Z bars, or angles back-to-back-riveted between the
webs.
Rails of bridge-section, of good dej^th and width, are
used for the trolley track, and these are firmly held in posi-
tion by means of bent clips, or straight clips and packing
plates bolted to the flanges.
The head room and side clearance usually decide the type
of end carriage. The design must be such as to prevent the
bridge falling in the event of the crane leaving the track, or
an axle or wheel breaking. In normal cranes the wheel base
is seldom less than one-fifth of the sjjan. In cases where
the travelling speed is high or the span short, a longer wheel
base is necessary, and ratios of one-quarter and one-third
are not uncommon. On the other hand, in cranes of con-
siderable span the wheel base is relatively small, and ratios
as high as one-eighth have been used.
The forces which tend to pull the structure out of square
are resisted by diaphragms riveted between the webs of the
end carriages at the points where the girders are attached,
and a rigid connection is ensured by providing broad bear-
ing surfaces, substantial tie plates, gussets, and angle cleats.
The connections between the girders and end carriages are
made by means of tiu'ned bolts fitting into reamered holes,
in order to allow of easy erection and transport.
The three giider construction, Fig. 68, has been used in a
number of heavy two-bogie steelworks cranes. It will be
Fic. 69. — Section of Gikders suitable for Heavy Chases havixc
Oftside Chains.
seen that the arrangement is such as to allow of gusset
stiffener plates being introduced between the main girders.
The auxiliary bogie runs between the webs of the main
girders, on a track riveted to the lower flanges, and the
travelling gear and platform are carried by the third girder.
The type of girder construction shown in Fig. 69 is an
excellent one to use for heavy cranes having outside chains.
The girders are of the open " Warren " type with intei-
niediate verticals from the intersection of the diagonals at
their lower extremity to the top boom. The box girders are
connected together top and bottom, at intervals of about
twice the depth of the girders, by means of gussets and
diagonal bracing. When it is desired to provide a track
for an auxiliary bogie on the lower flanges, the bottom
gussets and diagonal bracing will have to be dispensed with.
This type of girder is largely used by some of the leading
makers, and the finest example which we can call to mind
is the 150 ton fixed revolving crane constructed by Messrs.
Sir William Arrol & Co., for Messrs. John Brown & Co.'s
fitting-out basin. In this crane the jib is constructed of
two open lattice box girders, 14 ft. centres, the distance
between the webs being 4 ft. The gii-ders are 26 ft. deep
over the tower, 7 ft. at the end of the long arm, and 15 ft.
at the ballast box.
The end carriage or truck, shown in Fig. 70, is coming into
general use for all heavy cranes. It has been applied to
overhead travelling cranes, goliaths and high gantry cranes.
The particular end carriage illustrated was designed by
Messrs. Stothert & Pitt, to whom we are indebted for the
drawings, and was used l)y them on a 20 ton crane of 135 ft.
8 in. span for the Natal Government. From the drawing
it will be seen that trucks of this kind permit a certain
amount of vertical play, thus ensuring that the load is
equally divided by the wheels.
In normal cranes a chequer-plate platform, guarded by a
suitable hand-rail, covering the entire span, is fij^ed to the
bridge to allow of easy inspection of the trolley and gearing.
A short platform (about as long as the trolley), fixed to the
othei- side of the bridge, will be found very convenient.
The cabin, built from figured steel sections, and of sufficient
size to accommodate the controlling apparatus, is attached
to one of the cross girders and end carriage in such a position
as will permit the driver to obtain an unintei'rupted view
of the load, the shop and the track. An alternative arrange-
ment is to attach the cabin to the travelling trolley. Where
two cranes are mounted on a common track it will be found
advantageous to fix the cabms at opposite ends of the cross
girders. Small capacity cranes may be controlled from the
floor by means of jjendent cords, but generally .speaking this
arrangement is not to be recommended. An iron ladder
fixed to the side of the cabin enables the operator to reach
FlO. 70. — CoMPEXSATIXIi E-VD Cahkiace
the platform with a minimum amount of inconvenience and
risk. For outdoor cranes the cabin is made of teak or sheet
steel, well glazed to enable the operator to have the hook
and the yard in full view.
The Runwai/ or Gantry. — Generally speaking the design
and construction of the gantry fal's outside the province of
the crane maker. The stanchions carrying the track are
usually an integral part of the structural steel fi-amework of
the building, and as such they carry the roof principals,
gal ery floors, shafting girders, and occasionally side jib
cranes.
A complete discussion on the design of gantries would
involve much preliminary matter relating to principles of
building construction, sucii as roof trusses, floors, fomida-
tions, and so forth ; also much space would have to be
devoted to the consideration of several important problems
which are adequately dealt with in books on mechanics.
We must therefore limit this section of the work to a few
general remarks, and the reader should supplement these
bv referring to some treatise on structural steel work, and to
numerous articles in the engineering newspapers.
The girders carrying the track are designed in much the
same manner as the cross girders, and in getting out a pre-
liminary design, the depth may be taken at about J, of the
span, and the width at about -,\- of the span. These figirres
are onlv intended as a rough guide, and should be used with
492
THE ELECTEICIAN, JANUARY 8, 1909.
discretion.* Jii determining the flange areas, the horizontal
bend ng stresses due to the braking of the trolley have to be
allowed for, and a horizontal foice of about 250 lb. per ton
weight of the trolley and load may be assumed. Provision
should also be made in the design to resist the forces set up
when the crane is used as a sort of locomotive foi' dragging
heavy weights along oi- across the floor. These several
allowances result in a top flange of greater width and stiff-
ness than is the case with ordinavv "irders.
a
-^ -i^^-
Fio. 71. — Typical Ga"ntrv Girder Sections
Type details of gantry gii-ders suitable for small spans are
depicted in Fig. 71, a to d, and the sections e to k (Fig. 71)
are suitable for larger spans. In cases where the top flange
is formed of thin plates, it may be necessary to provide
inner as well as outer angles, to prevent the flange " dish-
ing " under the influence of the heavy and concentrated
wheel-loads.
Heavy bridge rails should be used for the track, and the
joints should overlap those of the girders by several feet.
It is desirable to fix the rails to the girders after the latter
FiQ. 72. — Buffer at end of Gantry.
Fio. 73. — Spring Check at end of Cross Girder.
are in position in order to make the track as true as possible.
The importance of laying the rails true and level will be
understood from the following test made on a 10-ton crane
running on a badly laid track. Travelling speed in one
direction was at the rate of 133 ft. per minute, and in the
other direction at the rate of 240 ft. per minute.
Some makers provide spring-checks or buffers {Figs. 72
and 73) to take the shock in the event of the crane overrun-
ning. The ends of the end rails are curved to a large radius
with the same object in view. To prevent oscillation of the
* An examination of existing gantries will show that the .-atio of depth
to span vanes from J to -,\-.
gantry the top flange or the web of the girders should be
secured to the stanchions by means of diaphragm plates
and angles.
The approximate maximum loads on the end carriage
wheels for cranes of various .spans and capacities are shown
in Fig. 74, and from this can be deduced the maximum load
on the stanchion, due to the crane, when the wheel basejand
the distance apart of the stanchions are known.
(c) The Bogie or Bridge Truck. — A steel frame of the box-
type is the best for carrying the hoisting and traversing
gears. The maximimi and minimum stresses are calcu-
lated from a diagi'am of probable loads, and the section
chosen should be such as to give no appreciable deflection
of the frame under full load. The overall dimensions are
determined by the size and number of motors on the truck,
arrangement of gearing, and height of lift. Incidentally it
may be mentioned that these factors sometimes decide the
cross-girder centres and the wheel base.
The joints are made by means of angle-cleats and gusset
plates top and bottom. Heavy frames are strengthened
Fig. 74 — Wheel Pressures fob Cranes of Different Capacities
AND SP.iNS,
by means of diaphragms riveted between the webs. Facing
strips, flush riveted to the frame, may be machined flat in
one operation before passing on to the erecting department,
thus lessening the works costs.
{To be continued.)
THE LOG OF THE NEW HAVEN ELECTRIFICATION.*
BY W. S. MURRAY.
Smmnary. — A description is here given, as the result of experience
gained between April 1, 1905, and November 1, 1908, of the errors that
have been made in the equipment of. and their effect on the operation of,
the New York, New Haven and Hartford Raih-oad, for which a smgle-
jihase 11.000 volt system was adopted. A description of the equipment of
this line appeared in the issues of The Electrician for Sept. 20. Oct. 11,
and Nov. 1, 1907.
Although the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Co.
have lircii s(\ iirly criticised in connection with the operation of the
eleotnlh cl -\ -i, in. the author is even more in favour of the electriflca-
tion a(l..|.ir[| I liin he was when the scheme was first promoted.
* Abstract of a Paper read before the American Institute of Electrical
Ensineers.
THE ELECTEICIAN, JANUARY 8, 1909.
493
Unlike steam traction, where the number of links in the delay
chain is but one, electric traction has its delay chain composed of
three links — namely, in the order of their seriousness as regards
-delays, the power house, line and locomotive. In the conception of
the form of power house, line and locomotive to be used in tlie New
Haven system, ignorance and lack of experience led those pertinently
interested in its success to believe that, while the chain of power
generation and its transmission and utilisation for traction was of
a new character, its links, however, were made up of principles
long recognised and reliable. They were right in this conclusion,
except that it did not include certain phenomena which could not
have been anticipated. The errors may be divided into serious ones
and minor ones. The former are first considered.
Potcer House. —The electric power supply for the New Haven
rn,id i-i rl,.|ivc.l fioin four 3-phase 11,000 volt steam turbine genera-
'^"'"- ' '" ' ^^ III' h have a capacity of 3,750 k.v.a. single phase, the
fi'uifh unit miiMsting of a 6,000 k.v.a. three-phase generator, which
can also supply single-phase current to the system. Although the
generators as originally designed were made" exceptionally strong,
and particular attention paid to their insulation, due to the necessity
of earthing one phase, it was found that the utilisation of so mucii
smgle-phase current from a tliree-phase star-wound generator pro-
duced a stray magnetic field completely out of the path of normal
lammation. As a refill, it wns impossible to develop for continued
operation more than 6<j per cent, of the normal rating of the gene-
rators. Overloads of any character produced abnormally rapid
heating, making such operation dangerous, although the generators
were guaranteed to carry 50 per cent, overload for two hours and
100 per cent, overload for two minutes. After three unsuccessful
attempts at complete correction a fourth was successful, and the
generators are to-day operating in the power house, fulfiling the
guarantees mentioned pre\'iously. The heating was completely
cured by the simple addition of a short-circuited winding siu-rounding
the rotating member of the generator, similar to that of a squirrel-
cage induction motor.
Line Iiisulalion.—The years of experience which we have had in
the study of insulating various pressures led to what was considered
a very conservative insulation in the various parts of the line, and
it was thought that ample provision had been made. Experience
has proved, however, that, in places, just double the amount is
required. It was quickly noted that the greatest number of insulator
failures occiu-red wherever the insulation was subject to the dkect
blast of the steam locomotive. To correct the difficulty, therefore,
it was found necessary to double up on anchor insulators. The
intermediate messenger insulators proved adequate, and it was not
found necessary to increase the impregnated stick insulation between
trolley wu-es at curves, but wood stick insulators had to be added in
series with the moulded material insulator between the pull-off wire
and pull-off post. The original insulators on the anchor-bridge
switches were made of moulded material, and for them was substi-
tuted porcelain. It was not necessary to change the feeder insula-
tors on the catenary bridge struts. While very little trouble has been
experienced with the form of insulation used for supporting the
feeders under highway bridges, it is anticipated that trouble will
follow if this is not changed. The present form consists of the cor-
rugated spool-type insulator, for which there will be substituted a
regular porcelain double-petticoat insulator. To-day. instead of
line failures being the rule, they have become the exception.
Circuit-breakers.— The momentary energy involved in a sliort-
circuit produced upon a line fed by high power, high-speed turbines
IS very great. Tiie effect of the short-circuited winding, mentioned
above as added to the generators, is to allow more current to flow on
the occasion of a short-ckcuit. This tendency, however, is controlled
by a method later to be described. In the New Haven system, as
Ihe current from the power house was fed directly to the "line and
from there to the locomotives without transformation of voltage by
transformers, the inductive element to counteract the surging cur-
rent was practically negligible; under these conditions there re-
sulted short-circuits which no circuit-breaker apparatus then de-
signed could be relied upon to take care of. Here it is expedient
to pomt out the very marked difference in operating conditions
between circuit-breakers used on a system that is earthed and one
that is not. In either case, it is, of course, good practice to earth the
frames of all circuit -bi-eaker apparatus. In the case of the earthed
system, this vu-tually brings one terminal of the generating system
directly to the frame of the circuit-breaker, and is liable to bring
about a direct short-circuit in the case of a heavy current surge. On
the other hand, where the system is not earthed, even should the
Mails of a chcuit-breaker be broken down, there would be no elec-
trical connection (unless the neutral be earthed) between the circuit-
breaker frame and the generator, and thus no return path for the
'•iirrent. (
The remedy adopted was simple. Instead of feeding the main line
with a direct tran.smission straight from the power house "bus bars
to the trolleys directly opposite the power house, the current was fed
into the line over feeders connected to it at Port Chester and Stam-
ford. By the introduction of this ohmic resi-stance, amounting to
not more than 2 per cent, normal drop on the system, we were im-
mediately released from the disastrous effect of short-circuits on our
cu-cuit-breaker apparatus, as many as half-a-dozen cu-cuit-breakers
having been lost in a day. For the feeder resistance above de-
scribed there has since been substituted impedance coils installed in
the leads of the generators. These coils act as shock absorbers
protecting the generators. Later, it is to be expected that there
will be installed a circuit-breaker acro.ss the terminals of these im-
pedance coils, which, for normal operation, will shunt the current
tlirough them, the breakers opening under stress of abnormal flow
of cm-rent and automatically closing when normal conditions are
restored.
Trolley Wire.—ln the month of May, 1908, it became evident that
withm at least one month from that date, if some change were not
effected m the contact wire, that the New Haven electric service
would cease. While this truth was so plain, it may be best described
by the fact that daily reports were showing that the copper trolley
wire was breaking at various points ; and where it was not broken
it had become so badly kinked at the hanger points that it was
impossible to operate electric locomotives upon the line without
serious arcing. This resulted in violent surging on the locomotive
transformers, and at times, on account of the extremely poor con-
tact of overhead shoes on the line, in reducing the voltage to such
a low value as to prevent a sufficient supply of power to enable the
locomotive to perform its schedule. An examination of the hard-
drawn copper trolley wire throughout its length proved that even
after only a few months' operation upon it, its cross-.section had been
so materially reduced as to point to its short life with a continuance
of operation upon it. Especially was this true in the vicmity of the
many low highway bridges, where the trolley wu-e approaches the
bridge on a 2 per cent, gradient. This fault and dilemma were indeed
serious. The cause of the difficulty was perfectly apparent— namely
the hard spots in the line which existed at the hanger points.
Many suggestions were offered. None of them, however, offered
the speedy installation that was paramount. Mr. McHenry, vice-
president of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Raih-oad Co.,
made the suggestion that an auxiliary wire be suspended from the
present copper wu-e by clips at its mid points between the hangers,
and followed up the suggestion that this auxiliary wire be made of
steel, of the same cross-section as the 0000 grooved hard-di-awn
copper above it. It took two weeks for the manufactm-cr to draw
2 miles of this wire. It was installed immediately upon its receipt
on the mam line between Port Chester and Harrison. Previously to
the installation of the steel wire there had been installed a section
of hard alloyed wire suspended in a manner similar to that of the
steel. It was the general consensus of opinion that there was less
sparking on the hard wire, but, although the operation was better,
the' steel seemed to be of an entirely satisfactory commercial natui-e.
and it was finally adopted. It is undeniably true that hard alloyed
wire would, from a purely operative point of view, be the better of
the two, and yet the commercial aspect, which would naturally in-
clude its cost, had to be considered, particularly in reference to so
large an immediate order as one mvolving 100 miles of single-phase
electric trackage. Again, it is important to note that the steel,
besides havmg the advantage of being a cheaper, harder and stiffer
wire, also possesses a lower coefficient of expansion and higher elastic
limit, especially valuable characteristics for the service desired. The
auxiliary wire construction on the main line, as described, prevails
tliroughout the whole system, excejit at the approaches of, and under,
a few very low highway bridges, where the contact system consists
of two wires strung in the same horizontal plane. The New Haven
trains have been operating now on the auxiliary wire for several
months, and absolutelj- no kinking has been noted at the hanger
points, with the attendant result of a .smooth and almost sparkless
overhead contact.
Locomotives. — There were originally purchased 35 locomotives
rated on a half unit basis. That is to say, the half unit was designed
to handle about Toper cent, of the trains, the remaining 25 percent,
to be handled by two unit,s. Only a short experience in commercial
operation revealed two important facts. The first, that the two
main parts of the locomotive — namely, the transformer and motors
had sufficient capacity to more than handle the manufacturer's
guarantees. The second, that many of the auxiliarj' electrical and
mechanical parts of the locomotive equipment were not of equivalent
capacity. A number of electrical and mechanical changes have been
found necessary. The most important mechanical changes neces-
sary «ere the reinforcement of the truck bolsters and the installatiop
494
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 8. 1909.
of pony wheels, whilst the mosi iinjjorlant electrioal clianges were
new bi'usli-holdeis for tlie motors, and for the switoli grouj) revised
shunts, studs and arc shields, copper reverse switches, one-turn blow-
out coils and air ports enlarged. A long list of alterations are given
in the Pa)>er, all of wliich were considered absolutely necessary.
Attention is drawn to the marked value of the spriiig type of
armature and field suspension begun with the JS'cnv Haven locomo-
tive motors, tims niaUinK flexible the entire motor susi)ension. In-
dications already predict (hat tliis iiriangemenl in eniubinatiiin with
the pony trucks will reduce m.-iteriiUly the track and loe<. motive
maintenance and repairs.
Emphasis i.s also laid on a jjoint in design concerning the New
Haven locomotives that has been persistently misrepresented. The
sp(!cifications stated that each locomotive unit would handle a normal
trailing load of 200 tons. The writer found that the latter averaged
212 tons. At present 73 per cent, of the trains can be handled witli
single units, 27 per cent, requiring two units. The use of the latter
has frequently been wrongly attacked, as is shown by a table giving
the actual weights of the trains used. In regard to minor break-
downs, " earths " on the generator coils were at first frequent, due
to the heavy short-circuits referred to above. They have disappeared
with the rearrangement of the feeders and the installation of choke
coils. It has been found advisable to connect different generator
terminals to the line from time to time, so as to work all tliree phases
equally.
It is also believed that more sparkless ojjeration of the line can Ije
obtained from an auxiliary wire which, instead of being attached by
a rigid clip to the overhead copper conductor, is simply su-sjiended
from it by a loop. The contact wire should be anchored by tiun-
buckles to permit slacking and straining of the wu-e in winter and
summer.
The pressure applied to the signal \\'ires (2,200 volts 60 cycles) is
distinct from the line pressure, and the proximity of the two wires
resulted in many short-circuits. The former wires should, if possible,
be supported on .separate poles. Or, if it is necessary that they
should be on the same pole, they should be on cross arms on the op-
jiosite side to the line wires.
Difficulty has been experienced in obtaining an efficient panta-
gra])h shoe ; the present cost works out at 0-03d. per locomotive-
mile. Mileages between 600 and 1,500 have been obtained with the
various types used, but other roads, where slower speeds are em-
ployed, have obtained as much as 25,000 miles per shoe.
The complete service only came into operation on July 1, 1908.
and the author gives the logs of operation for the months of July.
August, September and October. This shows the train-minutes
delay for each day, and the cause is assigned. Particulars of the
locomotive daily reports .\nd repairs necessary are also given. With
regard to the delays, 10 of over 300 train-minutes per day are re-
corded in the four months, October only showing one, so that im-
provement is apparent.
As regards the electrification in its relation to matters other than
traction, the prevention of the disturbance of telegraph and tele-
phone lines has proved to be simple and not costly. Briefly de-
scribed, it consists III ciiMiprnsatin'j I lansformers whose secondaries
are a part oi tin- ti'lriji;i|ili .mil trli|ilii>ne wires, and whose primaries
receive their Miltagc linm |iiliil w in s strung on the same cross-arms
as those bearing the telegraph and telephone wires, and thus having
impressed upon them the same voltage, by electromagnetic induction,
as the telegraph and telephone wires.
An interesting commentary on the efficacy of the compensating
transformer is that its use obviated the necessity of any change in
the phy.sical location of the telegr.i|ili :iinl telephone lines within the
zone of induction, and has thus in in i d,. m, ,ins of removing what at
first was rightly considered a vei \ ..111 iisu ■ attribute of the single-
phase system.
As no fatality to the travelling public* has happened by reason of
the high-voltage wires since the system has been in operation, this
wbuld indicate the safety involved in its construction. The catenary
form of construction as applied to the suspension of the trolley wire
vu-tually eliminates all danger of these wires falling. On the other
hand, the feeder or by-pass wires are not suspended bv messengers,
and although the 300 ft. spans used in this construction are not un-
common, it has been considered a wi.ser policy to reinforce all such
spans which are above passenger platform stations.
All electrifications are subject to foreign wire crossings. .As in the
case of suspension of high-voltage wires over passenger platforms,
instead of using supplementary catenaries or cradles, the safer (and
incidentally the cheaper) method of crossing is to use at the crossing
heavier (and possibly guyed) poles, better insulation and larger wu-es
than_arej!ommercially necessary in the other parts of the foreign
* Several have occurred to employes, due to carelessness or violation
of nistvuctions.
transmission line. High factors of safety with economy are obtained
following this policy.
An ideal arrangement of catenary construction in relation to light-
ning protection would be to have the overhead messenger system
earthed, and from it suspended by insulators a secondary catenary
system, to which in turn would be attached the contact wires. Even
in the New Haven case, where the overhead messenger system is not
earthed, lightning has given but slight trouble. This is probably
due to the very great number of earthed steel trusses and struts pro-
jecting above the electrified wires.
Structures supporting high-voltage insulators should be earthed.
Particularly is this true of structures foreign to the railroad company,
sucli as highway bridges. This arrangement ensures a prompt re-
sponse of the circuit-breaker apparatus, and carries out the good
practice universally applicable that the material supporting the in-
sulator be earthed. This principle has application in wood-car con-
struction. Positive earths between Pintsch gas pipes and both car
trucks should be made to avoid any arcs being di-awn under the car
body.
Many of om' catenary bridges, of both the intermediate and anclior
type, serve to support signals. Signal men have been entirely free
from coming in contact w'ith the high-tension wires by the simple
provision of earthed close mesh screens interposed between the signal
platforms and the high-voltage wires. The value of two earths can
be rated considerably higher than twice that of one.
The excellent results of a year's experience with cross-catenary
construction in our Port Chester yard, where as many as 10 tracks
are spanned, is encouraging for its application to main-line work.
Should the cross-catenary be used, anchor bridges should be spaced
at close intervals, say one per mUe, The question of the use of cross-
catenary versus the bridge-bent on multi-track roads, however, de-
pends largely upon the right-of-way conditions. Cross-catenary
struts have to be guyed. In many instances right-of-way limits will
requu'e the guy to be placed on foreign land. If the additional cost
of the foreign land brings the catenary bent up to, or more than, the
cost of the bridge-bent it loses its object.
In conclusion, the author believes that alternating current is more
suitable than continuous current for the electrification of steam roads^
A DIAGRAM OF CORRECTION COEFFICIENTS FOR
AIR GAP RELUCTANCES.
BY T. C. BAILLIE, M.A., D.,SC.
Hiimmary. — The author quotes experiments verifying Carter's for-
mula for the effect of armature slots on the reluctance of the air-gap
of a dynamo, and gives a diagram from which the correction coefficient&
can be read off without calculation.
A greater number of ampere-turns is necessary to send a
given flux across the air-gap of a dynamo with a slotted arma-
ture than would be necessary if the armature were smooth.
The usual way of allowing for this increase is to calculate the
ampere-turns for the air-gap as for a smooth armature (that is,
on the assumption of a uniform distribution of the lines in the
air-gap) and multiply the ampere-turns so obtained by aa
appropriate correction coefficient, the value of which will
depend on the proportions of air-gap, width of slot, and width
of tooth (.it tip). We are now in possession of trustworthy
information as to the values of these correction coefficients,
the determination of which has been attempted in three
different ways,
(1) F. W. Carter, in a theoretical investigation {ciile "Elec-
trical World and Engineer,' of New York, Vol. XXXVIII.,
p. y84), finds the following expression for the correction
coefficient : —
1+.
where
l + (l-<r):
s= width of slot,
t = width of tooth,
'/ = air-gap.
(2) Hele-Shaw, Hay, and Powell tackled the same problem
by the stream line method {vide " Electiucian," Vol. LIV.,.
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 8, 1909.
495
jip. 213, 307, November, 1904). Their results agree with
Carter's within the limits of experimental error.
(3) The direct experimental method has been applied Vjy
Wall (viih' "Electrician," Vol. LX., p. 365, December, 1907,
and "Journal" Institution Electrical Eiigineeis, Vol. XI..,
p. 550, 1907). Wall's results also agree closely with those
obtained from Carter's expression, the reliability of which may
therefore be taken as established.
gives data from which curves may be drawn for use with
either formula.
But all such devices are cumbersome to use compared with
a diagram from which the correction coefficients can be read
off directly. The accompanying set of curves enables this
to be done. In constructing this diagram from Carter's
expression, the scales of ordinates and abscissaj have been
graduated so as to make all the curves come out straight lines.
Width of Slot divided by Width of Tooth.
I)iai:ram ok Correction Coekfk-iests.
Correction coefficient =
Carter's expression is not — as it stands — in a convenient
form for practical use. One might adopt the following simple,
but astonishingly close, approximation,
t + s
t + b(js ^
which only gives an error of more than 1 per cent, in extreme
cases not met with in practice. It is better still to get the
values of o- or 1 - <r from curves showing tliese as a function of
s/ff. This is the sort of procedure adopted by those who use
Arnold's formula — viz. : —
Correction mpffipipnt- ^'"t, pitch ^
width of tooth + Xx air-gap'
wheie X is a function of the ratio of width of slot to air-
gap. Carter's and Arnold's formulfe will be identical if X
=:(l-cr)^
9
The following table, calculated from Carter's expression.
This arrangement has the advantages of lending itself to
accurate construction and being readily copied on tracing
paper. The non-uniformity of the scale divisions will not be
inconvenient to those accustomed to slide rules.
slO
-
1-0-
X = (l-<r)£
9
0
0
1
0
1
0-15311
0-8469
0-847
2
0-.i793t>
0-72C6
1-441
3
0-37555
0-6245
1-873
4
0-44868
05513
2 205
5
0'50556
0-4944
2-472
6
0-55086
0-4491
2695
7
0-58783
04122
2-885
8
0-61858
0-3814
3051
9
0-64460
0-3554
31&9
10
0-66692
0-3331
3 331
15
0-74384
0-2562
3-842
20
0-78965
0-2104
4-207 .
200
0-96432
0-0357
7137
CO
1
0
00
496
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 8, 1909
THE HEMSJO POWER COMPANY, SWEDEN.
ItV p. FRE.NELL.
In the south of Sweden two large waterpowcr developments
have recently been planned. These are the South Swedish
Power Company (Sydsvcnska Kraftaktiebolairet), which has
its area of distribution in the south-western part of Sweden,
especially in the towns of Malnio, Helsinuborg, &c., and the
llemsjo Power Company (Hemsjo Kraftaktiebolaget), distribut-
ine; its power in the south-eastern part of the country, the
principal towns beinu' Kristianstad, Solvesborg, Kiirlshainn, and
Karlskrona. Tlie first of these two companies is not yet in
action, as its power stations, transmission lines, and transformer
stations are still under erection, and will not be completed until
the end of this year. The latter, however, has been in dailv
operation since the beginning of last year. As this plant
represents the latest electrical developments in Sweden a
description of its features will be of some interest.
((■"Looking at the map (Fig. 1), we find the hydrographical
situation of the district in which the company has its occupa-
tion. In the district are three rivers, viz : the Helge, the dis-
charge for lake Mockeln. the Morr'um for Asnen, and the
Fi(i. 2. — \'iEW OF THE Upper Hemsjo Power Station.
Itomieby for lake Rottnen. All these rivers liave manv falls,
of which the largest ones belong to the Power Company, and
are as follows : —
Torsebro waterfall in the Helge about 3,000 n i-.
Ryd (two falls) in the Monum. ,, 4000 n !•
The Upper Hemsjo Fall in the Mcirrum ", j'sOO h r
the Lower Hemsjo Fall in the Wraruni ,, 2,800n r
\ erperyd \
Brentafors I in the Ronneby „ 3,50On.r.
Djupaiors I
Sibbarp in the Bli.storp Brook , 5,000ii.r.
It IS now ten; years ago since the work at the waterfall on the
nver .Morrum, the Hemsjo Fall, began. . An open canal, about
a mile in length, was dug and the power station building erected,
intended to contain four turbo-generator sets with the necessary
raising transformers and switching apparatus. While these
works were going on a conflict arose with the owners of the
fishing-rights in the Morrum, where there are plenty of eel and
salmon, the fishing-proprietors being of opinion that the
power plant would interfere with the fish on account of the
water passing through the turbines. The conflict did not come
to an end before the year 1905, and consequently no power could
be delivered until that time. In the following year 1906, the
Hemsjo Power Company was constituted. The object of the
company being to supply power to the towns Kristianstad and
Scilvesborg, and to the cement mills at Maltesholm and Ifo, the
total consumption being about 3,000 h.p., which is just the
amount the power-station at Hejnsjo can deliver during 8 or 9
months of the year. During the other .3 or 4 months, however,
the same power cannot be obtained. as the regtdation of lake
Asnen (60 square miles) has not yet been accomplished. To
enable the Company to fulfil its power-contracts with the con-
sumers such special agreements were made, that whenever the
Company ran short of water it should have the privileuc of
usinu' the consumers' steam and aas machinerv that had
nes indicate complete portion of I
Lines indicate projected portion <
become superHuons through the electrification. By this
arrangement the company has obtained a resei've supply of
1,500 H.P.
GeNER.\L OfTHNES OP THE SYSTEM.
In the diagram. Fig. 3, may be seen the already completed
parts (drawn in full lines) as well as the projected parts, marked
in dotted lines. The power station at Torsebro with a trans-
mission line to Kristianstad is also shown here in full lines, being
under erection and expected to be completed at the beginniin.'
of the present year.
The amount of power the Hemsjo Co. now has at its command
is about 20,000 h.p. For the present, transformer stations are
built at Axeltorp, Ifo.Solvesborg, Kristianstad, and Maltesholm,
In the future there are also to be transformer stations at Karl-
shamn. Djupafors for Ronneby, and Karlskrona.
Of the waterfalls above mentioned, those situated on the
river Moirum have a variable quantity of water. In order to get
a more constant flow of water lake Asnen will be regulated — a
task which the company with everv effort has in hand, and
which no doubt will be accomplished very soon. Under the
present state of things the amount of water in the Miirruni is
decreasing to 10 cubic metres (2,210 gallons) per second during
5 or 4 months, but keeps at 20 cubic metres (4,420 gallons) per
second during'the other 8 or 9 months of the year. After the
regulation of lake Asnen one might at least count upon 20 cubic
THE ELECTRICIAN. JANUARY 8, 1909.
497
metres all the year round — possibly more. On calculating tlie
effect of the Upper Hemsjci Power Station a water flow of 20
ciibic'metres has therefore been taken as a basis. The fall is
.)0 ft., consequently
the total effect
amounts to 3,000
H.p. This power has
been divided into
three units of 1.000
H.p. each.
On the Ronueby
Riverthe regulation
of lake Rottnen has
lately been con
sented to by the
Swedish Govern-
ment, and by this
means a constant
How of water, equiv-
alent to about 3,500
o 1 c c t r i c a 1 horse
power throughout
the year, has been
obtained for the
power stations at
Djupafors, Branta-
fors. and Verperyd.
If water is lacking,
the company has an
agreement with the
means of a 40,000 volt transmission line. The power is
delivered to the 'bus bars at Hemsjo.
In Fig. ] isshown diagraminatieally tJi^ transmission lines be-
tween the different
above mentioned
places. All the lines
consist of three
wires and are insu-
lated for 40,000
volts. At Axeltorp
a transformer
station has been
I'rected for the
kaolin works there.
The consumption is
about 200 H.p. for
power and lijiht. At
ffii another trans-
foi-mer station has
been erected for the
cement and kaolin
works. The con-
sumption is here
t.OOO- 1.200 H.p.
From this station a
line branches off to
Solvesbor-i.
In Kristianstad
the greater part of
o^'- the power is being
Section at A.B.C.D.E.F.G.H.
ITUDINAL .SkcTIOX AND I'l-AN OF UpPEK HEMSjii PdWEK STATION.
Fridafors Co. to receive 400 h.p. from their power station some
o miles north of Hemsjo. These two power stations are there-
fore working in parallel and connected with each other by
used for private industries, and some of it for municipal
electricity and water works. On account of the .shape of the
town being long and narrow, and the great distances between the
498
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 8, 1909.
consitmers, a double traiisformatioii lias been iiecessaiv. TIr-
primary station therefore transforms from 4U,00() volts down to
o.OOO volts, and the secondary stations from 5,000 to 500 volts.
The primary and secondary stations are connected by a cable-
lietwork.
At Maltesholm the capacity of the transformer station is the
same as that of Ifo, In Solvesborg the electric energy is
chiefly used for light — there being no power consumer of any
importance. Here also double transformation has been
necessary. The secondary voltage in the primary station is
1,750, and is further reduced to 220 in two secondary
stations, which are connected with the primary station, in one
case through a cable, and in two other cases through an over-
head line. With this latter voltage the lighting-distribution-
system is supplied. The incandescent lamps are connected
between the neutral and outer conductors.having consequently
a voltage of 125, which is suitable for the new types of metallic
filament lamps.
Having mentioned these general features of the system, we
proceed to a description of the power station.
The Upper Hemsjo Power Statiox.
As already mentioned, the dam and the canal for the station
were constructed some years ago. The water is led through a
long canal to the station. The dam is built for four steel-
tubes each one connected to a turbine with a horizontal sliaft.
The internal diameter of the tube is 2,300 mm. (T'fi ft.), and the
« Scale of Feet
5 10
Fio. (). — Ckoss Section of Turbixe House.
thickness is 6 mm. At each of the tube-entrances hand-
operated icegates and sluices are arranged in the usual way.
In the power-station, the exterior of which is shown in Fig. 2,
there are placed three turbines giving a little more than 1,000
H.p. with a fall of 14-5 metres (47-5 ft.). The speed is 300 revs,
per min. The turbines have double wheels and are directlv
coimected to their respective generators by means of flexible
leather-couplings which are combined with flywheels, as the
moment of inertia of the rotating parts of the generator was
found to be insufficient. In addition to the large turbines in
the power station there are also two small 80 h.p. exciting-
turbines each one directly connected to a continuous current
generator of corresponding output. The 1,000 h.p. turbines
have hydraulic generators of the servo-motor type. The inlet
for the smaller turbines can be regulated by hand from the
instrument balcony, and they also have a common automatic
regulator which, by means of a belt, can be connected to
either of the two turbines. The consulting engineers for the
hydraulic part of the power station, including the dams, canal,
pipe work and water-turbines, were the Aktieholaget Vattenby-
ggnadsbyrSn, Stockholm. The pipe work, turbines, and regu-
lators with accessories were manufactured and delivered by
Karlstads Mek. Verkstad (Karlstad Mechanical Works).
The electrical equipment of the power station consists of
three 3-phase,generators each giving'900 kilovolt amperes. The
generator voltage is 3,800 volts at a frequeucv of 50 per second.
The efficiency of the machines was found to be 92-8 per cent, at
a power factor of 0-75 and 900 k.v.a. output, and 93-8 per cent,
at unity power factor, and 675 k.v.a. Both figures include the
losses in the generator field and in the rheostat. The regula-
tion of the generators between normal full load and no load is
2r6 per cent, at a power-factor of 0'75,and 7'9 per cent, at
unity power factor. The power used for the fields was found
to be 13-4 kw. at full load and 0-75 power factor. A view of
the generating plant is given in Fig. 4, and plan and section are
shown in Figs. 5 and 6.
In the station the two exciters mentioned above are directlv
connected to the 80 h.p. turbines. The exciters consist of
two direct current generators having a normal output of 52 kw.
at 1 10 volts.
{To be continued)
A NEW SOURCE OF ILLUMINATION.*
BY <:.. A. JOHNSTONE.
tSummarij. — The aiitlior describes how certain alumiDium alloy.s. when
used as electrodes in a condenser, rectifier, or lightning arrester, become
very brightly illuminated under certain conditions. An interesting
application of this phenomenon has been made.
Aluminium electrodes in a cell used as a condenser, rectifier or
lightning arrester are known to show small sparks scattered over the
surface of the metal when the voltage exceeds a certain amount.
With pure aluminium electrodes the .sparking does not occur until a
comparatively high voltage is applied, the value depending on the
history of the cell, and the nature and temperature of the electrolyte.
The .sparks are very small and of short duration, but very white and
bright, and appear scattered over the whole surface of the metal.
The explanation given is that at the high voltage certain weak points
in the film break down, a minute arc forms.and immediately the spot
heals over and breaks the arc. It the voltage is maintained, unless
it is too near the critical E.JI.F. of the cell, the weak spots will
become strengthened and the sjiarking will gradually become
less until the ^"oltage is again raised : sparks then appear until
the film again thickens by a sufficient amount to prevent their forma-
tion at the new voltage.
It was thought that the weak s]iots in the film «ere probably
caused by foreign substances at the surface of the metal, and that if
an alloy were used the sparking would be more peimanent. The
results of a trial of unc cumbinatlon in particular were so striking
that they promised at once possibilities of usefulness. Moreover,
an entirely new phenomenon was presented. This alloy was one
that is used in making small aluminium castings. It consists of
about 90 per cent, aluminium and the remainder mainly of copper
and tin. with small quantities of manganese, iron and zinc and traces
of silicon. With such a large percentage of foreign non-film-forming
metals present, the alloy would hardly be exjiected to resist a very
great voltage. It was found, however, that although the leakage
was much greater than with pure aluminium, the pressure could be
gradually raised to 250 volts without the passage of large currents.
The electrolyte used most frequently was a solution of common borax.
Other alkaline solutions gave similar results.
The light from this cell is very different from that of one using
pure aluminium. Instead of being described as sparking, it can best
be called glowing. With a cell that has been subjected to pressure
for a sufficient time to form a considerable coating on the electrodes,
the glowing is first noticeable at a pressure of from 40 to 50 volts in
a room where the daylight is shaded, and increases in brightness with
the E.M.F. until at 200 volts a stick looks like a white-hot iron rod
that has just been ])lunged into water. With the loner voltage the
light is of an opal culour and piesents an appearance very similar in
evenness and brightness to a white tower closely studded with incan-
descent lamps.when viewed at sufficient distance through the dark-
ness to make the individual lami)S indistinguishable. When the
E.JI.F. is increased beyond 200 volts, small whit«, shifting sparks
appear among the glow, which itself has become white.
The performance of the cell is comparable, it not similar, to that
of a highly charged transmission line. The glowing of the electrodes
may be likened to the corona «luch forms about the wire when the
potential is sufficiently high, wliile the .sparkint; takes the place of
the breakdown between wires. In one case the dielectric is air and
in the other a film of o.xide microscopically thin. The explanation,
however, that seems most suitable is that the light emanates from a
* Abstracted from the Electriccil Wodd.
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 8, 1901).
491)
inullitiide of minute arcs that form at each point where the foreign
iibstances appear. When viewed with a microscope the illumina-
inn does not separate into individual arcs, but this is as would be
. xpected on account of the gas bubbles that are continually forming
and shifting on the surface of the metal ; moreover, the non-tilm-
forming substances must be separated by molecular distances only-
Of cour.se, it is rather hard to conceive of an arc being struck from a
.single molecule of copper or tin, or iron, but at the present time this
explanation .seems best to describe the action. Further research h ith
the proper equipment may determine that the gases present play an
important part. «•
Pure aluminium sheet, or the so-called pure (about 90-5 per cent.).
when tried in a dark room was found to show some glow ing that had
1 & 2. — CunvEs OK Light Waves.
entirely escajted detection in the lighted room, and here the distinc-
tion between the glowing and the sparking was very marked indeed.
When the E.AF.F. (100 volts, .say) was suddenly applied to new elec-
trodes of this pure metal, a very faint bluish-white glow appeared at
once, but gradually disappeared in a minute or so, and there Was no
more light to be seen unless the E.M.F. was raised to the sparking
stage, perhaps another 100 volts being required.
The performance of the alloy and the pure motal is, therefore, very
similar, the only difference being in the time of the api)oarance and
the duration of the two stages. The alloy does not glow until some
minutes after the E.M.F. is applied — that is, until the film has formed
to some degree — and it persists for an indefinite period as compared
to the pure metal, and the two stages arc merged. This delay of the
Fig 3 — Details ok Sup .^Uter.
S-')wing in the case of the alloy is to be expected, since the foreign
mai-nals m the surface give short-circuit points between the electrode
ana ti.o i,quid until the formation of o-xide over the points ^^•here
aiummiun, molecules are present gradually obtains sufficient thick-
ness and are. to crowd the connecting links between the conductors
into such long. >iarrow quarters that the passage of the leakage cur-
% *''!;°"^'' '"'''^'■' ""'^ '« accompanied by a minute arc.
ine him may be considered as a non-conducting honev-combed
sheet that IS mterpostd at the beginning of cxerv other half cvcic
Detween the electrode on the one side and the liquid oil the other," the
openings resislering with the molecules of foreign substances, and
thus drawing the arcs. Since these small arcs are fed by the foreign
metals present, they being the positive element, it would be ex|ieeled
that the spectrum of the light would indicate what metals are present.
Probably absolutely pure aluminium would show no glow.
Some further idea of the intensity of the light from this source can
be gained from the fact that a very good view of the spectrum is
obtained with an ordinary small instrument. A cell using two sticks
the .?ize of an ordinary lead pencil gives sufficient light to read small
print when held near the glass containing vessel but at arm's length,
the electrical power being only 8 or 10 watts. The glowing is the
same to the unaided eye with alternating as with continuous current,
except that with the former both electrodes are illuminated, while
with continuous current only one becomes luminous ; this is the
anode. The dark electrode can be any other metal, such as lead or
iron.
With alternating current, each electrode will go through a period of
light and darkness during each cj'cle. This fact is demonstrated when
a cell having its two electrodes near each other is viewed with a
stroboscopio disc. The light ajipears first at one and then at the other
in the same way that the arc in a mercury rectifier is seen by means
of a disc to leave one anode and appear at llic other, only the light is
less abrupt in ehangintr from one .source to the other in the aluminium
cell.
The wave of illumination maj' be illustrated as in Fig. 1, it being
assumed to be in time-phase with the E.M.F. 'J'he part of the curves
above the line repre.sents the value of light and voltage at one
electrode, and that below the line tho.se at the other. If one of the.se
be screened from view, the light wave will be as in Fig. '2, and it will
have one-half the frequency of the arc lamp. The use of this
phenomenon in a .speed-counting device is at once suggested.
In Fig. 3 details are shown of a slip meter that was used by the
writer with very gratifj'ing results in connection with induction
motors. At A is a disc driven by the shaft B. « hich is connected by
a flcxiljle coupling to the shaft of the motor under test. Small
holes in the disc are arranged in three circles of different radii, there
being only one hole in the first or inner circle, two in the second, and
three in the third. In the frame at 1.2 and 3 is a row of peep holes
spaced so as to register with the circumferences of the three circles
on the disc and through which the holes in it may bo viewed as they
come around. .At C is the cell. A holder D introduces the terminals
E and F into the liquid and it may be secured at 1', 2' or 3' at will,
thus putting the terminal E in line with the peep holes 1, 2 or 3,
respectively. E is a button of the alloy which is connected to the
circuit by a small wire of pure aluminium. The other electrode F is
merely a piece of the same wire clipping for a short distance into the
electrolyte. This is all that is necessary, as no light is required at
F, and the pure metal will keep down the current during the half cycle
that F is anode. A cone G aids in viewing the button E. .V con-
tact switch is provided to put the cell in circuit only when in use, to
prevent heating as much as possible. For a two jiole motor the
circle with one hole is used for a four jjole the two hole circle, and the
three hole circle for a six pole motor. The number of times the button
is seen to light up in a given time will, therefore, be the number of
revolutions that the disc or motor has sli[>petl from the synchronous
speed in that time.
The model shown in Fig. 3 has a disc 5 in. in diameter with .} in.
openings. The cell is contained in a I in. lest tube which has the
top cut off. The button is about one-half the size of the end of a lead
pencil. Even with this small model good results are obtained, the
ciuning and going of the light being so clear and distinct that very
high slips can be counted. Slips as high as 200 revs, per min. arc
measured with great ease and accuracy. The simplicity, both in
construction and O[)eiation, of this instrument and also it,s great
accuracv and wide range of limits should recommend it very highlv.
PLANS AND RECORDS FOR ELECTRICAL DISTRI
BUTION SYSTEMS.
We give below an abstract of the discussion which took
place at the meeting of the Leeds Local Section of the Insti-
tution of Electrical Engineers, when Mr. J. W. Beauchamp
read his Paper on this subject. An abstract of this Paper
appeared in our last issue.
Ml'. E. J. iLuiSH congratulated the author ou his Paper, whioli dealt
with a very interesting subject, on which there was very little informa-
tion and which up to the present had been treated as of minor iraport-
anre. With regard to Fig. 9 (in the Paper) where the author gave the
capacity of the cable.<^ in kilowatts, he.a.sked v.-hether the author put on
500
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 8, 1909.
the same r.ird. i>i
amperes obseivi'il
(,11 :i card near it, iiarticniars of the maximum
(ho feeder; for if the iiifMi ni:,l imi could be easily
cot' after the work had been done, and louii ,:li. , il,.. ,. iK-rating station
■staff had disappeared, it would be a great :„K ,1,1,,.. u, rheek the rate of
increase of current in the feeder. He ..ltc-.I >, ,1 1, 1 lie author that it was
■idvisable to have the cables distiurtK l,,l,rll,d in the di-aw boxes,
because if the jointer was sent to uu.kc ,,n> ir|Mirs in a district with
which lie was not very familiar, he might easily make a mistake. Ihe
lead labels mentioned by the author should be securely fastened. He
also asked how the renewal of a piece of faulty cable would be
registered. , . ^, . ,
Mr. J. Fawcett asked for the length of the mams, as this was not
mentioned in the Paper. He considered any system of keepmg mams
records was good enough, so long as it was kept up-to-date: and in
order to do this it was essential that the system should be as simple as
possible. After all. the records of a mauis system were required for
working purposes. He had never found Ordnance maps very much
good as they were not clear enough. It was advisable to make one s
own maps, and to a larger scale, if required. Regarding the matter of
cost, which the author said was slightly under £200 a year for labour
and 'slightly over £50 for equipment, iliis |.c,li;,ps did not seem a great
deal, but if it were capitalised it wo.il.l ;,|.|h ;,i rather a large sum, and
it appeared to the speaker that the li-nic uixm «:i« much too high. If
the network was in a fair stal.^ la- M ,l ^.iv iliat :-.i efficient system
could be provided at about liall llic .,.M. iliMn;jh |.rili;,ps not quite so
elaborate. There was one thing about llii.-, .s.yslcin, ihat m readmg it
one seemed to lose one's way in endeavouring to follow it closely, as it
was so complicated. It contained everything one wanted, and also a
great deal of information iiprha)is not want.-rl. For instance, in Fig. 2.
particulars of a service ,;;l.lc «r,c jnc,. hIiicIi mclnd.Ml (he name
of the maker. This did umI ;,|,pc:,MM I., ,-cntial. i.r, ,1,,-, h itli tlie date
of the cable the stores cuiild tell «ho.sc Lablc it «as. A inctliud which
was very successful at one time was to divide the distribution network
into four, six or eight parts. Maps were made of these sections mounted
on rollers for the use of the mains superintendent, and a complete set of
box sketches. Particulars of the .services and extensions were kept in
sketch books, and services and connections were copied on the meter
cards so that in the event of anyone requiring information regarding the
service it was only necessary to turn up the meter card. He admitted
that with this method they had two cards, but the original card was kept
intact. With regard to lead -labels which the author suggested, they
scrapped a whole set of them m 1903, as they were not satisfactory,
getting quickly worn. They eventually had labels done on the auto-
matic "machine and coloured them red, yellow and blue, according to
requirements. These were wired to the cables and v/ere found fairly
efficient.
Mr. A. J. Cridoe found more to criticise in what Mr. Fawcett said than
in the Paper itself. Hi- did laa tliink it was true that any system of
keeping mains records v.;i~ ;; 1 enough if kept up-to-date. A .system
shoukU-ontain sufficient infni luaiK.n t.i enable a new man to find his way
about with a minimum of difficulty. Mi. I''a«eiii ilMiuiiht pc .,ple -IimuM
make their own maps. He (the spcakei , ,, -Le.l Mr, heiin Ii:mii|. i! iIhs
was not what was already done. He uaflarei! ihai tlie clr.ln imc maps
were for the purpose of making tracmgs, and the particulars were entered
on these. Mr. Fawcett also suggested that a sketch of the service con-
nections should be made on the consumer's icenrd. which was kept in
(he meter department. He (the speaker) ,li.,e^r.e,l miireiv hiiIi lliis.
'riicre was work enough in the keepiiej mJ ihmii ilm n. iiI.m - i-i 1 ep.u.iie
de]iartmciit. and if it were not so ilieie u.iul.l he „.. ^.un m . lie,, |>,,e... ;,i
.•my rate in the case of a L,i lm I.itakiiig. All such sketches w,,ul.| he
incomplete, and it was i,,, e-s,,i\ that they should only be used in con-
neetiim with a large map t,, |,,iii them u]! with one another, so that it
eou Id be .seen how all the -, p,,r:,l, Hems ,lep,ii,l,,l ,,n .,iie another.
Mr. FawcI!TT here saal ih ,1 ihe -k, 1, I,, - ,,1, il,, 1,,, 1, 1 .ards did away
with the service cards thai «e,,' m ihe 1 k Mi, ( 11, lu. seemed to think
they were an alternative to tlie card sketch whi, li Mr. Beauchamp
showed.
Mr. W. N. Y. IviNO remarked that willi such a complete arrangement,
as had been described, the records must be kept up-to-date, and as each
extension was made it must be entered up all tlirough the records : for
if the entcrmg up was allowed to fall into arrears, or was passed on from
one man to another, they were likely to get errors, and in time of emer-
gency the system would fail. With this complete system he did not
think such a state of affairs was likely to happen. With regard to tram-
way systems where the feeders were much simpler, a map in the genera-
ting station was very useful, as it saved a great deal of time in dealing
with interruptions to the sujiply. He did not think the card system
was rcal!\ la • , ssai \ , ,is .piiti' siiilicieiit check could be kept by havuig a
goodsy-1,,,1 i< 1 k . ,,niaiiiii,e all account of the mains.
Mr. II, 1)1, KINS,, \ il,,,uL:hi th.it the author had not di-awn quite suffi-
cient distincuou hot ween tlic d liferent .sy.stems of laying mains. In
Leeds they were laid on the solid system, and he thought the system of
naoicls adopted in Leeds suited the purjiose very well indeed. With
the mains laid on the snlirl systnii, it was necessary to know exactly
where the mains cross,,!, ami ihi~ ,a,ukl l„- 111,, si ii',,,iily a,lii,-Mal by
making a plan showiin; ,iil tli,- .k't.iiU. II,' t,„,k it tli,,t 111 tlic antler's
ease Ihe mains were mostly laul 111 coiuluils which did not cross one
auollier. They had adopted a combination system of Ordnance maps
with sketches taken irom the maps to an enlarged scale, and also used
the card system. The card system had been ui operation for a number
of years, hut the system of taking the sketches from the Ordnance maps
had been in operation since the station was opened in 1903 and they had
found it very satisfactory indeed. They had one general outline plan of
the whole system, showing every street wh.ere cables were laid, to a .scale
of 1 to r>00. For detail reference work the streets were cut up into
sections and a copy was taken of each section and enlarged to twice the
size, upon which every cable was drawn in different colours to represent
the diiferent types of cable. All jomts. joint boxes, cnneetions, &c.,
were shown on the.se enlarged plans, with the depil, .,i,,l I,,, .ition of the
cable relatively to the curb or house front as th,- ,1-, mijlit be. Each
cable was numbered, which number carried tlii,i,i^li,.iii the different
maps wherever its particular main happened to b, . 11,. Iir-t ihing theydid
when a fault occurred was to go to their mams re, ,,i,l 1,, liial out exactly
where the cable was. In eases where there should liappcii to be a diffi-
culty in getting all the cables on to the plan, it was quite easy to enlarge
the plan to more than double the size, but they had not found this neces-
sary so far. Photographs were taken when laying mains of anything
extraordinary, and such photographs were filed and were found to be
very useful for reference in the future. In their mains records they
showed, as far as possible, when opening the ground, what pipes, gas,
water or otherwise, were come across, and a lot of valuable information
was gathered in this way, which was of great use when opening again in
the future. Personally, he thought the author's system was rather
elaborate. He preferred to have a lot of the information the author put
on a card in a book, which was easier to use. Their plans were made
with the pantoirrajih on sinsrle sheets ,if imod white jiaper and placed in
special covers, » hn h ,'i,a I,],,! 1 1,, -h,, 1 . t,, h,- 1, ■m,,\ , ■,!, should it be neces-
sary at any I ina, -,, I h,,i , sh,., 1 .siulil h,. ,'asil\ 1. pkiced by a new one.
They also kept a tia,.'Uig ,jf these ,,ii::iii.,l sh,,is m the works, so that in
case of fire it was unlikely that li,iih , ,.pi,s v.aiuld be destroyed. The
card system they had in conneetan, witli iln- mains records gave the
name of the consumer, the name of tlie street in which the consumer was
locatcil, ,,ml als,i the sub-station from which he was served. From these
refcrcii, , s ih, y , ,iuld turn up immediately the plan records and get the
full partieiilars requisite.
Mr. W. F. Milan spoke in comiection with the general proposition of
keeping records. He agreed with Mr. Dickinson and suggested that the
elaboration in Mr. Beauchamp's system was largely due to the fact that
he was dealing with wi'itten records instead of sketches. They all knew
that it was possible to describe in a comparatively simple sketch what
would probably require a couple of pages of written characters, and he
thought for that reason Mr. Dickinson suggest,,! that iiia]is, photo-
graphs and other sketches were preferable for ki, pmj i,' ',r,ls to such a
system as described by the author. The two imp,,it,,iit hatures in the
keeping of records were : first , -,,nie,,ii,- lulls' > ,,mp,'t, iit and understand-
ing the system, and second, ih, k,,'pii,'j ,i| ih. |,,,, 11, , liars absolutely up-
to-date. That was true irr,s|„, m,- ,,| tli, systiin 111 u.se.
Mr. M. F. Newton said the keepuig of records was an important factor
of their system. The records were not entered on cards, but in books
divided into sections, and at any moment it was po.ssible to obtain
detailed information respe, 1 iiej 11,,- .ibles. An entry was made of the
jomter who made the j<iint. th,' l.njih of the cable installed, and the
date it was tested. It was al,s,. hitch necessary that all cables should be
labelled.
Mr. J. W. BEAtTCHAMP, in reply, said that the self-attached labels
referred to were of heavy cast lead, and fastened to the cable somewhat
similarly to a wrist strap. They were not easily detached. =^<* "'"
raised letters upon them, whilst sufficiently m.-.-^.i-o m withstand rough
handling, could quickly tie removed with a knife or chisel. He was not
awaic that thearrangement lia,l l.,a'ii mimh in use. In the event of damage
I,, Ih,' ,al,lc. notes were ma, I,' .,11 ih,' ,■.,!■,! ,.f tin' repairs carried out ; or
il iIm'n were extensive a new , ar,l waaild he written up, as it was one of
the p.iiiiis ,,f th, system that the map and cards always showed par-
ticul.ais , ,1 1 h, m,,ins as they stood at any time, with sufficient reference
to ciiahl,' th, manner in which their condition had been reached to be
traced from plans or old cards. Regarding cost of maintenance, the
figure mentioned included an estiiii.itcd |inqiortion of the mains sujier-
intendcnt's time for supervising the \i,irk of the draughtsmen. Refer-
ring to those speakers who appeared to consider the methods described
unduly elaborate, he would say that in the second part of the Paper
some of the details showir were of a tentative character to give a great
deal of information that was useful to the mains department, and could
further be made to give much information concerning the area and its
|)ossibilities which would be helpful m du-eeting the efforts of the can-
vassers, advertising department, &c. In reply to Mr. Cridge, the
tracings were only made for the benefit of the Post Office and road
authorities, when askmg their jierraission to do certain works. The
work of posting up particulars was carried out continuously, so that
details obtamed on the job to-day would be entered on the cards and
jilaiis to-morrow. He had no dotibt that the map system, more or less
elaborated, was pa? li, iil.u ly suitable for tramway work, but suggested
that the gcneratiiii; -iiii'ii ,lii^i,un described in the Paper might also
]irove u.set'ul to t!i,,sc m , h,,i ,:, ,,! the station, giving, as it did, lengths,
details, origin and terminals of every feeder. With reference to Mr.
Dickinson's remarks on the subject of gas or water pipes, and the mancor
in which he had been able to discover their position, to the occas-*'"-"
benefit of the department to whom they belonged, this was most uiterest-
ing and suggested that in future it might be found possibl" am' con-
venient to have a central department in a large city, possiWy unc'cr the
surveyor, the duty of which would be to preserve mav^er plans of all
hidden work in the city, the pipes, ducts and wires d every enterprise
which had properties below the ground. With rejjard to Mr. Mylan s
criticism, the printed card or form was an advantage in that it con-
stituted a continual reminder of the various items of information which
must be filled m ; whereas a sketch made out of doors, under possibly
uncomfortable conditions, was apt to be left more or less mcomplete.
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 8, 1909.
501
LOW PRESSURE TURBINES.*
BY J. \V. KIKlvLA-ND.
The Io\v-|irc.'ssure turbine affords a means of increasing the capacity
of existing central stations that are equipped with reciprocating
engines, and of, at the same time, reducing coal consumption.
Furthermore, tlie increased capacity will be, in every case, secured at
;i Irss ra|,iia! cost than by installing additional high-pressure gonerat-
iii'j ,ip|Mjt u<. These advantages are such as to warrant tlic sciiuus
idiisid.i.itina of low-pressure turbines in connection with plans lor
increasing the capacity or improving the economy of any eni;int-
driven plant. In a great many instances these turbines will be found
to offer the best solution of the particular engineering problem.
The curves in the accompanying diagram show the effect upon
engine economy, and represent the results of a number of carefully-
perforiucil u-t's uii an engine coupled to a 1,200 kw. generator,
andhaviii- i hMin consumiilinn of .'i-i lb. ]ier kw.-hour at full load
non-c(.iiil( ii-^iiiL:, ,111(1 <if slighlly less than 23 lb. when run condensing
with 28 in. vacuum.
The results show that by compounding a good existing engine with
a low-pressm-e turbine a gain of about fiO per cent, is effected in
steam economy. This is to be compared with 2.5 per cent., which is
generally accepted as the maximum gain possible by simply taking
the steam from a compound engim- into .i cimdenser in which 2S in.
vacuum is maintained. A condensing iiilmii.- tliat is fau-ly ec(momical
at full load is usually quite the rcversi- at cillier under or over load ;
in other words, its limits of load for good econ(jmy are quite restricted.
For instance, in the diagram herewith, with an increase of 25 per cent.
S2
VOL
,../
j__N()n-c
!^
§28
128
"S JO
l^;
,-*.'
p
A-S-
p
fS
€■
>
lis
16
fia
?iBe
and
Pre
ssur
iTu
«in
.28'
Vac
xutn
1,900
2, lull
7U0 91.10 ],10O 1,3)0 1,500 1,700
Kiluiralt Oulpul.
Points marke i O. X . O , correspond to equal steam flows.
Tests OF k Rice-Sabgeni Engine Unitcomp.ired with results obtainable
FKOM SAME EsGINE IN CONNECTION WITH Low PRESSURE TuimiNE UnIT.
in load the steam consumption, condensing, increased 4 lb. per kw.-
hour(from 22 to 261b.). Since the efficiency of a good low-pressure
turbine is very uniform throughout a large range of load, the effect
of a combination of engine and turbine is to produce a very flat
economy curve ; in fact, this curve shows that the combined steam
consumption varies only from l.'i-.') lb. to K'.-," II). IliLnmlimil .i i.mge
of from l.oOOkw. to2,.'500kw. Thisconsidn .ii ion i^ ,,l vn ji impoi i;,iire
in central-station practice, because it is r.mly pos il.lr lo luii iii'jihcs
at anything like constant load ; and it is not at all uuusvial tliat a
station made up of several units, each of good efficiency, has a total
steam consumption of from 2.1 to -JO per cent, more than that of each
engine at its best.
Very many stations are running non-condensing to-day with a
steam consumption of about 3.51b. per k\v.-li<ini, l.rcaiiM' a uiriii of
25 per cent, in economy does not warrant llio cNpon r of ni.'liiiig
costly arrangements for condensing water or insl.iljiri'j c. >. iliiii; low ns.
Since a gain of almost .50 per cent, in economy is po.ssible by means
of low-]iressure tmliiues and the output of such a plant thereby
))ractically doubled without increase of boiler capacity or coal cost,
it is evident that a very great investment would be warranted — or, in
fact, dictated — by all considerations of economy.
In this Paper, consideration is particularly given to low-pressure
turbines in existing central electric stations. Their use, in connec-
tion with heat storage, for such confirmed steam-wasters as rolling
mills, forges and hoisting engines, is a large subject in itself and has
naturally great possilu'lities. The storage of heat at atmospiu'ric
pressure is comparatively simple and efficient, and there is no doubt
hat, within a few years, low-pressure turbines will work something of
a revolution in this branch of steam engineering.
The author then explains the comparatively small importance to
engine economy of high vacua, owing to the limitation of the expan-
sion ratio by the size of the low-])ressure cylinder. One advantage
of the steam turbine lies in the fact that it has sufficient space in its
various nozzles and buckets to permit complete expansion through-
out all practical ranges of pressure, and another is that it is particu-
larly efficient at low pressures because of the attenuated vapour in
which the wheels and buckets revolve. Also it is much easier to
maintain a high vacuum on a turbine than on an engine because the
glands of the latter are sure to leak air when operated below atmos-
pheric pressure. For this reason, it is always desirable (o adjust a
low-pressure turbine so that it takes steam at slightly above atmos-
pheric pressure.
A low-pressure steam turbine is the turbine in its sim|)lest form.
It requires less shaft length than the high-pressure, because of fewer
wheels and stages. It is subjected to comparatively small pressure
and temperature changes. It can in practice be operated with either
the simplest form, of throttling governor in its steam pipe, or, in case
it is run in parallel Avith other generators, it may simply float on the
line without other governor than the emergency stop-valve.
It is not strictly an indejiendent source of power, inasmuch as it
takes steam that has first been used in an engine. It is, however,
mechanically independent, and it is quite possible to operate a low-
pressure turbine by high-pressure steam brought to the required
j)ressare in a reducing valve. It is quite possible, and often desir-
able, to instal an automatic reducing valve o|)eiated by a diapliragm
to supply from the high-pressure steam main any deficiency of low-
pressure steam that may exist.
The author then takes a ty]iical (-enlral ek'cliii- station load
diagram and shows how future increases in load can be most satis-
factorily met by installing low-pressure turbimss. In the case dealt
with, the peak load is supposed to have grown from (i.OOO kw. to
10,000 kw.. and, with the assumed station load factor of 40 jier cent.,
the low-pressure turbines generate 25,000 out of 72,000 units per day.
<S'('/HC E.rislinij Installations. — There are two SOO kw., low-pressure
luibines in the Thirleenlh and Mt. Vernon-street plant of the
I'hiladelpliia Rapid Transit Co. One was \»i\. in in lltOo and the
second was added early in li.)0(i. In practice llie machines are started
up at about 6 a.m. and ai'c shut down at 1 a.m. Operating, as they
do. 19 hours out of every 24 at full load, they turn (mt ,'!0,()00 kw.-
hours a day. If we take the coal consumption to be ."! !b. per kw.-
hour, it is apparent that the turbine installation effecls a saving
of 45 tons of coal a day — less the small amount requii'ed to run the
cooling fans, circulating pump and air pumps, which may safely be
taken at not over 4 or 5 tons. Against the saving of fuel need only
be reckoned interest and depreciation on the first cost of the installa-
tion and a really insignificant amount for increased station atten-
dance and oil, waste and water.
In the street railway power house at Scranton. I'a.. there is a
500 kw. low-pressure direct-current turbine. The engine equip-
ment consists of a 1,050 kw., a 400 kw. and two 300 kw. engines,
having a common exhaust header. This turl)ine is also without a
governor and, in practice, floats on the line deliveiing from 850 to
050 amperes at about 550 volts. Cooling water for the conden.ser of
this turbine was (ibtaincd fi-om the river, some distance away, by
means of a trench.
In the plant of the East St. I.oiiis & Suburban Co. in Kast St.
Louis there are two lovv-])ressui-i' turbiiu' •■•ets in operation. One is
of 1,000 kw. capacity, 60 cycle, and nnis at 1.200 revs, per min., and
the other of SOO kw."25 cy(!e. al 1..500 revs. )icr min.
* Abstract of a Paner read bef(5r6 the National E'cctiic Light As
iation, at Chicago.
Electric Furnace for Annealing and Tempering,— The " Elec-
trical World " describes a new type of electric furnace now
being manufactured by the General Electric Co. (U.S.A.) for
operation on alternating current circuits, metallic salts being
reduced to a liquid state by means of an electric current. The
furn.ace consists of a fire-clay crucible surrounded by an insu-
lating material, usually of asbestos, which rests in .a lire-clay
box. Two suitable cle'trodes arc placed on each side of the
crucible, and arc in direct contact with the bath at all times.
When tiie bath has reached its proper temperature, that por-
tion of the material to be hardened is submerged in the liquid,
and is allowed to remain there until it attains the same
colour as the bath, when it is removed and tempered in water
or oil as the case may be. The bath for hardening or anneal-
ing consists of equal portions of barium chloride and potassium
chloride. The ultimate temperature depends on the relative
proportions of the two chlorides ; the higher the percentage of
barium chloride the higher is the temperature.
E 2
502
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 8, 1909.
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BK.BGTRICITY SUPPIiT TABLES AND DATA.
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takings, and was accompanied by sketch maps of each of the areas
covered by the powers acquired by the respective Companies, cor-
rected to date.
The second Table, giving complete Engineeritig Data of the
Electric Railways and Tramways of the United Kingdom, will be
published (Gratis) with our issue for January 15 ; the third, giving
details of Electricity Supply Undertakings without Tramway Load,
will be published (Gratis) with our issue for January 22 ; the fourth,
dealing with Electricity Supply Undertakings with Combined Light-
ing and Traction Load, and with Towns taking Electricity Supply in
Bulk, will be published (Gratis) with our issue for January 29. On
February 19 will be issued (Gratis > a Complete Index to the above.
Tables VII. and VIII., giving details of Electricity Works and
Electric Tramways and Railways in the Colonies and some im-
portant places abroad will be issued on February 12.
ELECTRIC TRACTION IN 1908.
C'ei'Uiiiily one of tliu uKjsfc interesting events which
oceurreel (during the past year, from the electrical point of
view, was the adoption by the Midland itailway of electric
traction for operating their Heysham-Morecamhe hrancli.
This is worthy of notice for two reasons. It is the first Hue
in this country to be worked on the high-tension single-
phase system, and it further indicates that the utility of
electric traction is being recognised by steam railway
officials. If the object of this conversion is to test the
eflicieucy of electrical e(|aipinent generally, no better dis-
trict than that around Hey.sham could be chosen for the
experhneut. It is subject to the worst of weathers and to
storms of both wind and rain. As stated above, single-
phase current is used, the voltage at the trolley wire being
6,000 volts and the frequency 2.5. The total length of the
line is about 10 miles, ilany novel details have been in-
cluded, both in the overhead e(juipment and in the rolling
stock used on this line, full descriptions of which have ap-
peared in The Electeician. It was opened in May last,
and so far appears to have operated satisfactorily. The
results of the experiment vill lie watched w.'th interest,
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 8. 1909.
503
for events in the railway world at the present time are
all tending to a reduction of working expenses and to con-
solidation instead of cut-throat competition, and it there-
fore remains to be seen what place electric traction will
lind under the new conditions. This was the only in-
stance during the past year in this country of the con-
version from steam to electric traction of an ordinary
steam line. Other developments are, however, under
way, and the early part of the present year will, it is
hoped, see a portion of the London, Brighton & South
Coast Hallway's suburban system electrically operated.
As our readers know, the London & North- Western
Ifailway liave also obtained powers for the construction
of a new line frona Euston to Watford, to be worked
electrically, and a contract for the erection of the power
station has already been let.
On the Continent, the question of electric traction is at
the present time engaging a good deal of attention. < >ne
report on the subject, of which we publislied an abstract,
dealt with a comprehensive scheme for the conversion of the
liavarian State Uailvvays. In that country water power is
plentiful and coal is dear, so that electric traction has
a priori many advantages over the older system. As a
result of this report certain lines are being experimentally
electriBed with a view to studying the costs of operation.
Certain water powers are allocated for this work, and
others are being surveyed with a view to their future adop-
tion. In Sweden, too, another country where coal is
scarce, this question is being considered, and several of the
main lines have already been mapped out for conversion.
The question is under considei-ation by a number of other
railway administration.s, including those of the Prussian,
.Vustrian and Italian State Kailways. The first of these
has been experimenting for some time, and it is now an-
nounced that a portion of the main line in the neighbour-
liuod of Halle is to be converted. The Arlberg tunnel line
near Salzburg and numerous lines in the neighbourhood of
llilan are also being considered as possible training grounds
for the new system. In France several lines in the
Tyrences are now being converted, while a scheme to
(dectrify the Parisian suburban lines of the Ouest Eailway
is also being considered.
In tiie United States considerable progress, as regards
electric ti'action, has been made during the past year. The
geographical position of New York makes some special
arrangements for handling the traffic necessary, and with
a view to avoiding congestion the whole of the traffic of the
New York, New Haven and Hartford Eailway is Ijeing
\vork<;d by electric locomotives between New York and
Stanford, a iew miles out. The Pennsylvania Eailroad
has also been considering the advisability of using electric
traction for luiuling trains through the long tunnels in the
vicinity of New York. This company laid down an ex-
perimental track worked on the single-phase system,
but has now decided to adopt the older direct current
system witli the third rail. Electric traction has also been
adopted fur working trains through the St. Clair tunnel
beiween the United States and Canada. The approaches
to tl'.e tuiniel are very steep, and the use of steam locomo-
tives caused considerable delay. Single-phase alternating
current is again employed here, the voltage at the trolley
wire being 3,300 volts and the frequency 25. Arrangements
are also being made by the Illinois Central Eailroad for
electrifying their lines in the neighbourhood of Chicago,
and a somewhat similar scheme has been got out for the
suburbs of Boston.
It is impossible, in the space at our disposal, to name
all the light railways which have been set to work or
extended during the year in the Uniteil States and on
the Continent of Europe. Their development seems to
be almost continuous, and is certainly an advertisement of
the efficacy of electric traction. In mining work, too, this
form of traction is receiving an increasing application,
small locomotives, driven either by accumulators or taking
current from overhead wires, being employed.
The problem of London's traffic has not become any less
involved during the past year. The streets appear as
chaotic as ever, and the inhabitants are still waiting for
the recommendations of the Eoyal Commission, which
promise some sort of alleviation, to be adopted. One favour-
able feature at the present time is that the London (Jounty
Council itself appears to be in favour of the formation of
a Traffic Board.
There is one matter in which the Loudon "Tubes"
have made great progress, and in which their success is well
deserved. This is in the attractive and effective way
attention has been called to the methods of getting about
London by means of the " Underground " systems. The
management of the Tulie Eailways of the Metropolis desire
the public to consider the sepati^ite systems as one, from a
traffic point of view, and liy the introduction of through
booking they have done much to make "Tube" travel
popular.
With the exception of the extension (if it can be so
called) of the Central London Eailway to Wood-lane and
the provision of a station there for the convenience of
those visiting the Franco-British Exhibition, there has
been no increase in the mileage of the " Tube " railways.
The Metropolitan Eailway Co. also built a station at Wood-
lane to deal with the Exhibition traOic. The Londcm County
Council tramways have, on the other hand, been consider-
ably extended, and many further extensions or conversions
are in hand or in contemplation. The most notabk; exten-
sion on this system was that of the Aldwych subway to
the Embankment. This line, though very short in length,
made intercomnmnication possible between the north and
south of London without change of cai'. Only single deck
cars can be used, for on account of the structural difficul-
ties met with, the tunnel could not be made any larger.
On the financial side of the London traffic undertakings,
progress has been slow. Tlie majority of the "Tubes"
certainly now seem to have just turned the corner, but they
are handicapped by the heavy capital account with which
they are burdened. Since they give greatly increased
facilities to the public their utility is unquestioned, and on
that account the advisability of assisting them with a
Government subsidy has been mooted. Whether this is
the right way to tackle the problem is a matter of opinion ;
a better method would, we consider, be to relieve them of
some of the heavy rates and taxes, which, as was shown in
our^analysis of their accounts a few weeks ago, form a not
inconsiderable percentage of their total costs.
504
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 8, 1909,
Shortly after the present County Council was elected
Messrs. W. 1!. 1'eat and F. W. Pixley, two leading
accountants, were appointed to report on the accounts of
the tramways and other undertakings of the Council. Some
very interesting information was obtained from the report
on the tramways. The accountants considered, firstly,
that a sum of £1,000,000, which was necessarily ex-
pended in converting various lines from horse to electric
working, was without an asset, thus allowing nothing for
" goodwill." Sixty years is allowed lor the repayment of
this sum, and until itis repaid the auditors urged that no sum
should be placed to the relief of the rates. Messrs. Peat
and Pi.KLEY also criticised the amount put aside for re-
newals. This had been fixed by the Council's advisers at
Id. per car-mile, but the amount actually allocated has
during recent years been much below this amount. If Id.
had been allotted, as suggested, the apparent profit would
have been turned into a deficit. It is interesting to note
that for the financial year ended March 31, lUOS, §d. per
car-mile was taken as a basis in providing for this fund ;
this basis is to be reviewed at the end of fi\e years. But it
must not be forgotten that the system of tramways pos-
sessed by the Council is still very new, and is even yet in
the making. We feel sure that when things have settled
down, and provided, of course, that the question is kept clear
of party politics, perhaps a rather Utopian proviso, London
will at last have a tramway system worthy of the name.
The London County Council, from the beginning of its
tramway experiences, has suffered in the matter of the
system of traction to be employed. In general, as is well
known, the conduit .system has been used, while on certain
short lengths of line — e.g., from Hammersmith to Harles-
den, from Camberwell Green to Brixton-roatl and Lough-
borough Junction — the overhead system is employed. But
engineering and other difficulties precluded the use of
either of these systems on the Aldgate to Bow Bridge line,
with tlie result that the " G.B.", surface-contact system was
adopted. It has not so far proved successful in opera-
tion. There has been an outcry for inquiry, and the
matter was referred to Mr. W. M. Mordey, who made
certain recommendations. It suffices to say that the
"G.B." system is in successful operation elsewhere, and
there is no apparent reason, if the modifications neces-
sary for its employment in roads where there is heavy traffic
are made, why it should not be a success in London.
The possibility of a further use of accumulator road trac-
tion in the London streets has been engaging a good deal of
attention during the past year. The success of the " Elec-
trobus " has led to a consideration of the details of the
question, which is mainly financial. The accounts of the
London Electrobus Co., which are the first to be published
in connection with the extensive London motor 'bus
service, indicate that the cost per omnibus-mile for care
and upkeep of the batteries is I'OOd., and the total operating
cost 9-99d., while the receipts have amounted to 1 4-38d. An
interesting corollary to this showing is the statement of the
Tudor Accumidator Co. that they are prepared to undertake
the maintenance and handling of the batteries necessary for
such a service for 2-75d. per omnibus-mile. The question
IS one of great public moment at the present time, and
will be watched with keen interest, and if accumulator
road traction is shown tci be a commercial proposition, it
will offer a possible solutinn of certain of the difficulties in
London's traffic problem.
Another method of electric traction which has been under
consideration during the past year is that known, as
the " trackless trolley," by which is meant an electric
omnibus, provided with a trolley, running on the ordin-
ary roads, and taking its current from an overhead wire.
This system has had some vogue on the Continent and
seem.s particularly adapted to thinly populated suburban
districts. It offers the advantages of lower first cost and
reduced upkeep expenses. It should, further, offer a method
of making extensions cheaply,if the difficulties attendant on
" through running " can be overcome.
The important question of brakes has received a good
deal of attention during the past year. There is no douli'c in
the minds of those who consider the matter that the equip-
ment provided for this purpose should, as far as humanly
possible, be absolutely safe with a view to tiie prevention
of accidents. Certain untoward accidents, the most serious
of which were those at Bournemouth and Glasgow, that
have occurred during the year in different parts of the
country are directly traceable to brake failures, and, with a
view to preventing their repetition, conmiittees of the Jluni-
cipal Tramways Association and the Tramwaj-s and Light
Ivailways Association were appointed, at the suggestion of
the Board of Trade, and have lately issued their reports. We
have already dealt with the " Conclusions " of these com-
mittees, and it now remains to be seen whether the recom-
mendations made, if adopted, will lead to a diminution in
the number of accidents.
Another question which, as for many years past, has
been one of great interest to tramway engineers is that of
rail corrugation. Various more or less probable theories
have been put for\iard to account for this phenomenon, but
none have, as yet, been generally accepted. Meanwhile,
undertakings afflicted with this malady are doing their
best to remove it. A Paper by Prof. Cauus Wilson
before the Tramways and Light Railways Association
dealt with the subject exhaustively, but his views, as is
usual in this problem, were submitted to a heavy fire of
criticism. As an instance of the diversity of opinion
existing on this point we may mention the fact that
the committee of the Union Internationale de Tramways
and de Chemins de Per d'Inte'ret Local, appointed to con-
sider the question, were unable to produce a report dealing
with the subject. The answers to the questionnaire sent out
to members certainly exhibited great diversity of opinion
as to the true cause of rail corrugation, and the variety of
factors coming into play prevented any comparison of the
results being easily made.
The application of electricity to the working of railway
signals has made considerable progress during the past year.
It is now generally recognised that the hand operation of
points at a large station imposes too great a task on the
signalman, and that the work is as efficiently done when
performed electrically. The installation at the new Victoria
Station of the Londou, Brighton & South Coast Eailway is
a case in point. The signalling operations at so important
a terminus are naturally very intricate, and are now all per-
formed by electrical means and with a minimum expendi-
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 8, 1909.
505
tiue of labour. The question of calling the driver's atten-
tion to the position of the signal by other than visual means
is also a direction in which electricity can be usefully em-
ployed. Several systems of this kind are already in experi-
mental operation, and the question is receiving the attention
of the railway authorities. A more ambitious arrangement
due to Capt. A. Gardinei;, K.E.,has been put forwaid, liut^
as far as we know, has not yet been practically tried. In
order that a better service of trains may be run, and to
avoid delays which are at present too frequent, the Metro-
politan Railway Co. decided to equip their line from Aldgate
westwards with a system of track signalling similar in
principle to that already used on the District Eailway.
In our next issue we hope to deal with some of the re-
maining applications of electricity dnring the past year.
REVIEWS.
Copies of the undermentioueii works cau be had from Tht Electrician OflBce, post free
ou receipt of published price, adding 3d. for books published under 3s. Add 10 per
cent, for abroad or for foreign books. )
Industrial Electrical Measuring Instruments. By Kenklm Edi;-
ct MEi:. (LoTiiloii: A Constable .t Co.) I'p. xiv. -219. 8s. net.
Switchboard Measuring Instruments for Continuous and Poly-
phase Systems. By J. C. Conn.an. (London : E. & F- N. Spon.)
Pp. 146. 5s. net.
The practical side of instrument theory and construction
lia.s been sadly neglected by the writers of books, except as
relates to electric supply meters ; and it is, therefore, interest-
ing to come across two works which have appeared almost
simultaneously with the object of filling up this gap. We
m.ay be grateful to both authors for having given us books in
which the subject is handled both from the point of view of
the manufacturer and user, and which have that definiteness
which only a combination of laboratory and manufacturing
experience can give.
Mr. Edgcumbe's book covers a somewhat wider ground, a.s
sevoial instruments besides those used on switchboards are
described, including pyrometers, oscillographs and .safety
devices. It differs refreshingly from the majority of technical
works in containing nothing but diagrams and d'-awings
showing the jirinciples and essential features of the instruments
described, instead of the usual external views of a case, scale
and pointer which, adorn the usual compilations. Of course,
ill the attempt to deal with such a large subject in a volume
of some 200 pages, extreme compression has been necessary :
and in some cases, notably as regards potentiometers and
sfandard cells, this has been carried to such an extent as to
render the descriptions practically useless. But in most cases,
although the author omits many details, he has certainly
exercised a wise discrimination in selecting the most essential
points, and his ter.se and clear explanations will certainly be
much appreciated by many.
The introductory portion deals with general matters relating
s,^^ to the construction of all instruments, and is very serviceable
and practical. Cases, scales, springs, pivots, coils, magnets,
shunts and damping, &c., come, under consideration, and
fonie useful rules are given, especially as regards springs.
MoYe might have been said with advantage as to the construc-
tion aj-.d various forms of pivots and jewels. On p. 21 appears
what we *hink is an erroneous explanation of the effect of the
^'ap in a peimanent magnet, in which it is assumed that the
residual magnetisation is equivalent to a magnetomotive
force of amount Cyrresponding to the coercive force, and that
the reluctance of the gap, therefore, dimmishes the flux. The
correct explanation is surely that there is no magnetomotive
force, but only a magnetic polarisation, which 1- is no external
effect when the circuit is closed, but which develops poles
vhenever a gap is produced, and these poles exercise a self-
demagnetising effect on the magnet. However, the author's
treatment appears to give sufficiently good numerical results.
The different types of ammeters, voltmeters, wattmeters,
resistance and leakage measurers, &c., are mostly very well
dealt with, and the simple explanation of the behaviour of
most alternate current instruments will be of great service.
We must congratulate the author also on his excursions into
territory rather outside his subject, such as lightning protec-
tors and pyrometers, of which the latter especially are of the
greatest possible importance, and of which no text book has
hitherto taken any notice.
Mr. Connan's book covers very much the same ground,
except that it restricts itself to switchboard instruments, and
is somewhat more theoretical in treatment. Manufacturing
details are almost entirely absent, but, on the other hand,
the descriptions and illustrations are very clear, and the theory
in many cases fairly complete. Although the illustrations are
many of them external photographs, they are of a higher
order than usual. Alternate current and polyphase instru-
ments of all types are very well treated. The classification of
the various types of instruments is very good, as also the selec-
tion of examples which most typically illustrate the principles.
We do not know why the author always speaks of the case of
an instrument as a " pot."
The general get-up of the book is excellent, and it is a dis-
tinct addition to the literature concerniiiji electrical instru-
ments. The classified list of references at the end is also
most valuable. C. \' . D.
Le Nuove Lampade Elettriche ad Incandescenza. iiy <;. Man-
Ti'A. Vol.1. (Milan : Tipo'.'iafi.i Antonio (;iMil:uii.l I'p. 165. L.4.
Signor j\Iantica controls the hinip testing laboratory of the
As.sociazione Utenti Eneigia Elettrica d'ltalia, and this work
is substantially a reproduction of articles from TJKnergia
Elettrica, the organ of that association, describing the results
obtained in the examination and testing of incandescent lamps.
The book consists of three main sections, dealing respectively
with the history of the carbon filament lamp, the metallic
filament lamps, and the method and course of examination
of incandescent lamps ; and treats mainly that side of the
subject which concerns a testing laboratory. Efficiency,
fragility and length of life are fully dealt with, but very little
information is given about materials or methods of manufac-
ture.
The account of the carbon filament lamp contains much
of interest in the earlier history, as Signor .Mantica had ex-
tended experience of the use of laige incandescent lamps con-
nected in series, and using relatively larj;e currents. We
suppose few English engineers have .so much acquaintance
with these systems. The economical results obtained at that
time with series lamps arc rather .striking. An efficiency
of 1-225 watts per candle was obtained in 188(5 by A. Gerard
with 200 c.p. lamps taking 7 amperes at 35 volts; and 2-1
watts per candle with 20 c.p. lamps taking 1-5 amperes at
28 volts.
The efficiency of incandescent lamps being determined
almost solely by the temperature at which they are run, the
efficiency in practice is fixed by the highest temperature at
which the material will last a useful life. The life of a carbou
lani]) under a given efficiency increases witli the size of the
filament, so that lamps with thick filaments— ('.c. for low
voltages — can be run at higher efliciencies than lamjis for the
same candle-power with thin filaments — i.e.. for high voltages.
Great advance has been made in the manufacture of carbon
lamps by the so-called metallised filaments, and high-voltage
carbon lani])s are now produced working at 2-25 watts per
candle, with a satisfactory life. The tantalum lamps take
1-7 watts, and the tungsten lamps 1 watt, or a little more.
One effect of the introduction of metal filament lamps has been
that houses are being fitted with trausformers taking current at
high pressure, and supplying current to the lamps at low pres-
sure. If this becomes common, the carbon filament lamp will
have a new opening, since the thicker filament lamps, which can
then be employed, can be run, with a good life, at a much
506
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 8, 1909.
ItiKhcr c'dicit'iicv than is possible now. The figures we have
iproted from Si"f,'iior Mantica on the results obtained in 1886,
and the improvement since made in the manufacture of carbon
filaments, indicate that the carbon lamp at 50 volts might
well compete in efficiency with the tantalum lamp, if not with
the tungsten ; and the introduction of the metallic filament
lamps n"ay induce an improvement in the working conditions
tliat will enable the carbon lamp to hold its own. The account
of the operations of lamp proving in the laboratory of the
Associazinne Utenti, which concludes the book, should be
\a,laul)lc to those engaged in such work. W. A. Pbice.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE STREET LIGHT-
ING OF BERLIN, AND A COMPARISON WITH
FORMER METHODS OF ILLUMINATION.
BY BR. I.. BLOCH.
(Concluded from page 463).
Smnmary.—ln this article the author gives a detailed comparison of
the various methods of street lighting now in use in Berlin. These
methods include both high and low pressure gas lamps and flame and
oi-dinary arc lamps. Measurements of illumination have in every case
been made under actual worlving conditions, while in order to ensure
a truer basis of comparison, in one or two instances the results thus
obtained have been re-calculated for other heights of suspension. In
conclusion, the author deals with the (juestion of cost, but shows that
from this point of view gas and electric lighting are not comparable,
as so many opposing factors are present.
CoMl'.iKJSON OF TltE NeW .VND OlD LuJHTING OF FrIEDRICU-
-STBASSE.
In order that a comparison may be made between the present
results and those obtained with ordinary arc lighting, tlie latter are
given in Fig. 11, and the numerical results are given in tlie table.
From these it will be seen that the mean horizontal illumination is 2-7
Footway
'■■: '' , ■:-l V/.
■J 1 ■'. ■' . 1 ,-, 10-9
Lamp
Y Roadway
Footway
Fii^ 11.— Ili.cmination of the Friedriohstrasse by Ordinary D.C.
Arc Lamps.
times as great as was formerly the case. There is a most satisfactory
evenness of illumination on account of the height of the suspension
and the advanlagecnis distribution of the light is the same with the
new lamps as wa s t( >niurl y the case. As the current consumed is about
Ihc same ashitlicrto thecfficiencyof the illummation in watts per lux
and 100 square metres has increased in the sameratio as the horizontal
ilUuuination. Even when the greater upkeep and maintenance
charges with the new lamps are taken into account the total cost per
lux of mean horizontal illumination and per 100 square metres of
street surface is only about half as great as formerly, in spite of the
fact that the low price for current in Berlin makes the upkeep and
maintenance charges a not inconsiderable percentage of the total
cost.
CO.MPARISON or THE ILLUMINATION BY FlAME ARC LaMPS WITH
".4lba" Carbons and Inverted High Pressure Gas Lamps.
A comparison of the new lighting in Friedriohstrasse by arc lamps
fitted with " Alba " carbons and that in Potsdamer and Konig-
gr.'tzer Strasse by inverted high pressure gas lamps shows that
with both systems there is practically equal mean horizontal illu-
mination. As a set-off to this the maximum and minimum values,
and, further, the evenness of the illumination, differs very greatly
in the two cases. This is partly due to the great difference in the
height of suspension of the lamps, which is 10 metres (3.3 ft.) with
the electrical and. 7>'^ metres (18 ft.) with the gas lamps. The dis-
tributiim also depends partly ujion the different ways in which the
lamps are arranged and the variation in the width of the streets. It
would be unfair simply on the basis of these results to suppose that,
in general, electric lighting is more even than gas lighting. In order
that a more direct and just comparison might be made, the results
which would have been obtained in Potsdamerstrasse by using
flame arc lamps were calculated from the results obtained in the
Friedriohstrasse. The high pressure gas lamps were supposed to be
replaced by flame arc lamps having the same consumption as in
Friedrichstrasse, but the arrangement of the lamps and the height
of suspension remained the same.
This conversion was effected very simply from the horizontal
illumination of one lamp alone (Fig. 9) whose height of suspension,
0_yi^kiji\ [~]2-5L
n
5-10 L.
10-20 L.
20-30 L.
>30L.
10 IS 20 Metre.
Height of lamp 5-5 m. (18 ft.).
Fiii. 12.— Illumination of tue Potsdameb Strasse by Flame Arc
Lamps with Alba Carbons (calculated).
A, was 8'5 metres from the surface of measurement or 10 metres
from the ground. The value for the horizontal illumination is then
given by
T cos ■'a
E=;
li^
where I is the candle-power of the lamp and a the angle of the rays
to the vertical. When the height of suspension is /i^ or 4 metres
From the results given by the cmve in Fig. 9 it is, therefore, possible
to obtain another curve when the lamp is suspended at a height of
4 metres. It then appears that the mean hoiizontal illumination
with electric light is 33 per cent, higher than «ith ga^ "'"i^^ H"'
20 Metres
Height of lamp 7 ni. (23 ft.).
Fii;. 13.— Illumination (calci'L.ated) ok the Potsuamer Strasse by
Flame Arc Lamps with Alba Carbons.
maximum and minimum values are also greater. There is aly
slightly more evenness. The vertical illumination is higher »ilb
electric than with gas lighting, wliile with equal height of susivnsicn
and arrangement the ratio of the vertical to the horizontal dlumina-
tion is only dependent on the distance from the lamps -^ greater
height of suspension should not, therefore, be used wi^'i dectric than
gas lamps, if the same amount of evenness is required. Special atten-
tion may be drawn to this result, as it is contrary to the usual
statements on the subject.
Besides the difference in the even distribution of light some account
must be taken of the effect on the eyes of the passers by. Lamps
having a candle power of over 3,000 even when, as in flame arc lamps
their light is shaded by opal glass globes, can only be used at a height-
such that the passer-bv does not receive the rays directly in the e.^-e
THE ELECTRICIAN. JANUARY 8. 190;».
507
* Table 1.— Comparisons of Different Metlwds of Street Lijihting in Berlin.
Type of lamp.
Place.
Meas.
or
calc.
Height ' TV ,
7 Distance ai„„„,.
■4"- -c^'i -'s
Street ' Consump- 9°n**"°'P- t^on-;"™?-
surface t.on per tion p. 100 per lux &
per 1 post 1 sq- m.of ilCOsq.m.of
lam^-iost. |pe?hour.!f^^-;t^-
Horizontal
illumination.
Mean Max Jlin.
lux. ' lux. lux.
Max.
Min.
(t'as Liqhtinq.
m. ft. ra
. ft. m.
ft.
sq.ra. sq.ft.lL'res. cu.ft L'res. cu.ft L'res. cu.ft
Inverted high-")
Potsdamerstr.
Meas.
5 5 18 40
132 56-6
121
7.'2 7,832 2,400 84 1328 11-4 19 066
17-3
123 1-7
72
pres. lamps ... /
KiJniggratzerstr.
Meas.
5-5 18 42
139 28-5
94
600 6,420 2,400 84,400 14 22 0-77
ip,n
99 , 1-9
,52
Upturned ord.
pres. lamps ...
Ktiniggriitzerstr.
Calc.
3 5 U-5 28
92 5 28-5
94
4C0 4,280 250 8-75 625 2 2 39 14
1 6
111 0-25
04
Upturned high- i
Alexanderstr.
Meas.
5-7 18 8 42
159 21
70
441 4,7181,200 42 272 9-5 52 18
52
18-9 1 0-8
23-5
pres. lamps ...'
Konigstr.
Meas.
5-7 18-8 42
159 20 5
68
431 4,6112,400 84 557 )9-5 43 17
11-7
41 ' 20
20 8
Inverted ord. pres.
4'5 14-8:28
92-6 17
Sfi
238 2,546 456 16 192 6-7 35 1 2
5-5
58 0-6
97
Electric Lhjhtiinj.
Arc lamps with
!
VVatt-hrs. Watt-hrs. Watt-hrs.
ordin. carbons
Fried richstr.
Meas.: 10 33 30
99 22
75
660 7,062, 025 125 184
68
111 2-6
4-3
Flame lamp)
with "Alba-
Fried richstr.
Meas. 1 10 53 30
99 22
73
660 7,062 825 125 6 9
182
31-2 6 6
4-7
Potsdamerstr.
Calc. 5-5 ! 8 40
152 56-6
121
733 7,832 825 112 i 49
21-1
132-5 20
66
caibons 1
Potsdamerstr.
Calc. 7 25 40
152 56-6
121
732 7,83? 825 112 ' 5-2
21-7
71-5 29
24 6
Flame lamps (in- 1
Potsdamerstr.
Calc. ,7 25 40
152 56 6
121
732 7,832 825 112 54
20-7
191-5 2 5
49
clined carbons) J
Potsdamerplatz,
Meas. 18 59 45
148
5,640 38,948, 4,400 120 65
18-8
82 1-3
63
as he goes along the street. For this reason fiame arc lamps, which
can easily be let down and trimmed in the roadway, should be
suspended at a height of at least 7 metres (2.3 ft.). The curve of
horizontal illumination in Fig. 9 is recalculated for this height of
sus])ension. i.e.. .'5-.5 metres (18 ft.) above the measuring surface, and
the light distribution over the whole street surface with a similar
arrangement of lamps as with the high pressure gas lamps in the
Potsdaracr Strasse is calculated for flame arc lamps with " .Alba '
carbons. The result is shown in Fig. 13 and in the table. With this
high suspension the mean horizontal illumination with electric
isij.rsj ■fs,! 3 1
91 5 [ 23J_; ■) 3 ; h 9„
Fii:. 14. — Illi-si!n.\tion (calci"la7eii) ok the Potsdamek Stujssk i;v
Flame Aeo Lamps witu Inclined Cakbo.vs.
lijihting is about 25 per cent, greater than with gas. The evenness of
llie lighting becomes better by increasing the height of suspension,
and corresponds to that obtained from upturned high pressure
gas lamps. The efficiency of the lighting is raised about 25 per cent,
and when the height of suspension is 55 metres (18 ft.) about 30 per
cent, over the results obtained in the Friedrichstrasse with a
height of suspension of 70 metres.
C0.MPARIS0N OF THE Illumination with Flajie Ari- Lamps and
Inverted High I'ressvre Gas Lamps.
The illumination of the Potsdamer Strasse was also calculatcil for
flame arc lam])S with inclined carbons, suspended at a height of 7 m.
(23 ft.) and under the same conditions as the high pressure gas lam[)s.
The curve of distribution for one of these lamjis is shown in Fig. 7, and
the distribution of light over the street suifacr i> L'i\rn in Fig. 14.
The mean horizontal ilhimination is practn mIU ,1^ ^m ai. though the
evenness of illumination is not so good, as with the ' AIha " carbons';
but is better than that obtained with suspended high pressure gas
lamps. From this it appears that flame arc lamps suspended at
heights which arc usual for ordinary arc lamps give the same evenness
of illumination as high pressure gas lamps. The efficiency of this
method of lighting is practically the same as that of " Alba "" carbons.
The Eificiency of the Newest Methods of Lighting.
In conclusion the two newest methods of lighting, that is. the
inverted high pressure gas lamp, and the flame arc lamp fitted with
Alba'" or with inclined carbons are compared. The comparison
is not made \vith any particular prices for current or gas, but is con-
sidercd in a general manner, so that the prices for current and gas
can be inserted in any particular case. For lighting by inverted high
pressure gas lamps an average consumption of 20 litres per lux of
mean horizontal illumination and 100 sq. metres of street surface can
be taken. The corresponding value for the lamp fitted with " .Alba "
carbons or with inclined flame carbons is about 6 watts. This
value is obtained when the arc lami)s are suspended at the usual
height of S or 9 metres (26 or 29 ft.). A comjiarison of lhe.se two
values is shown in Fig. 15, and from which it will be seen that with
equal current and gas prices the cost of current for the flame arc lamp
is only 30 per cent, of the cost of gas with inverted high pressure
i
1 ^J^
§
'^ \
'^
^
y^
i
0
^
y
■S „
1
This Table was also given in our last issue. It has been repeated
for convenience in comparing results.
H.: 1 1-5 ■ 2 'I J :i 3-j 1
l'l-i>-f per kiv. kvni-
Priceper cub. metre-
Fig. 15.— Rkl.\tion ok Current and Gas Costs with Equal Mean
Horizontal Illumination and Equ.vl Street Scrfa<-e to be
Illuminated.
gas lam[). The costs for current and gas becomes equal when the
price of current per kilowatt hour is 33 times that of gas per
cubic metre. For example, when one cubic metre of gas costs
12 pf. (l-2d.) or 2s. lOd. per 1,000 cubic ft., and a kilowatt hour
40 pf. (4d.). In tlie former paper (hir. ril.). it was shown that
using upturned high pres.sure gas burners and ordinary direct current
arc lamps the cost of current was 36 per cent, of the cost of gas. .so
that the total costs were equal when the price of cunent wa.s 2-7o
times that of gas. In spite of the great imi>rovement in the efl[iciency
of gas lighting, that is from 50 to 20 litres (ITo to 0-70 cub. ft.) per
lux and 100 sq. metres, the advantages of electric lighting by flame
arc lamps as comi)ared «itli imerted high pressure ga-s lamps are
greater than they were with ordininy arc lamps, and upturned high
l)rcssurc gas lamjis.
Consideration OF Upkeep and Maintenance Charges.
The comparison given above should be expanded by including costs
for trimming, repairs and maintenance for both sorts of 1 ghting. These
however, cannot he obtained for gas lighting. Even though the
trimming, repairs and maintenance costs for flame arcs, should, in
relation to the cost of current, be higher than those for inverted high
pressure gas lamps in relation to the cost of gas, the ratio of the two
systems of lighting is not very materially altered. This can be
shown by taking an example, which is especially unfavourable for
electric light. It should be stated, however, that these figures do not
refer to results obtained in street lighting either in Berlin or any
other place. For high pressure gas lighting lower, and for electric
hghting higher, upkeep charges are taken than would be the ca.se in
practice.
Taking the price of gas as 9 pf. (0'9d.) per cubic metre, (2s. Id. per
1,000 cubic ft.), the upkeep and maintenance charges should be taktn
.508
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 8, 1909.
as 30 per cent, iif (lie gas costs, and with llio |irice of current as 12 pf.
(r2d.) per kilowatt hour the upkcc|i aiul maintenance charges as 100
per cent, of the cost. For the consumption of gas given above the cost
of gas would be 0'18 pf. (0018d.) per hour and the total cost of
lighting by inverted high pressure gas 1-3 x 0-180=0-234 pf. (0023d.)
per hour for 1 lux and 100 sq. metres. Electric lighting with
'' Alba " carl)ons requires 6 watts per lux and 100 sq. metres. The
cost of current would thus be 0072 pf. (00072d. ) per hour for 1 lux and
100 sq. meties. and tlie total cost of electric lighting would be
2xO-072=0144 |.l. ((l(iI44d.). From this example it will be seen that
the cost of elect lie ligliting is 61 per cent that of gas lighting, while
the cost of current alone is 40 per cent, of the gas costs. The upkeep
charges for electric light are 0'072pf. (00072d.), and the total costs of
lighting by gas and electricity would be equal if the cost of eiu-rent
was 0'162 pf. (0'0162d.) per lux and 1(K) sq. metres. This gives a
current price of 27 pf. (2'7d.) per kilowatt hour. If the upkeep costs
well kill iiu( as in the above example the price of current could be
llin ( tunes as great as that of gas in the case where electric lighting
was cHriic'd by flame arc lamps and gas lighting by inverted high
j)rcssure gas lam))s. In fact in practice the difference in the upkeep
costs in electric and gas lighting would not be so great by far as those
taken here, and the result of the above general comparison of current
and gas costs would be less influenced by the differences in the up-
keep costs.
Summary of the Results.
The results put forward in this Paper can be shortly summarised as
follows : Gas lighting by the adoption of inverted high pressure
lamps has made a considerable step towards obtaining a greater, and
at the same time an econbmical, illumination in the streets. In the
same way, also, electric light by the practical use of flame arc lamps
for street lighting, especially when " Alba " carbons are used, makes
a very suitable and economical light for this purpose. It is as im-
j)ossible to-day as heretofore for one of these two very different
methods of lighting to be said to be the cheapest, but the balance lies
with one or the other, as the cost of gas and electricity and the upkeep
costs vary. Where before the ordinary arc lamp was more efficient
and gave a better distribution of light than the upturned gas lamp
under ordinary or high pressure, so to-day the flame arc lamp with
" Alba" or other carbons holds the same position as regards inverted
pressure gas lamps.
THE PHYSICAL SOCIETY'S ANNUAL EXHIBITION
OF APPARATUS.
(Concluded from page 470.)
Some of the most interesting instruments shown by Messrs. Snell
&• TiNsLEY liave recently been described in oiu' columns. Thus, a
description of the phase-shifting transformer appeared in our i.ssue of
the 11th ult. in an article by its designer. Dr. C. V. Drysdale, and the
Drysdale standard wattmeter was described in our issue of June 12th
last. The instrument shown was designed to carry 50 amperes per
phase and read correctly on single, two and three-phase circuits,
as well as with continuous currents, so that it is very comprehensive!
It IS needless to remark that it attracted much attention.
A small, but by no means insignificant, improvement in a widely-
used piece of apparatus was incorjiorated in the signalling key for
submarine cable working and also in the Morse key, which is illus-
trated in Fig. 18. These keys are both of new de.s-ign. Tlie levers
are L shaped, with the result that the contacts become horizontal
instead of vertical, as in the standard forms. In this wav they are
always in view, so that there is greater likelihood of tlieir being kept
• lean and m good working order, whilst when cleaning is necessary
It Kxn be performed with greater ease. As the contacts are enclosed
Ml a glass cover (seen in Fig. 18), cleaning should not. however, be
otton required.
Another simple but valuable modification of existing apparatus
was the resistance box designed for use on the pressure'cireuit of a
wal tmeter. Pho resist ance coils are wound non-induetively on mica
I'lales 111 sHi;;!,. la MIS. and a large number of coils are used, so as to
I'li'T ihc clrrii,, static Capacity, which occasionally causes trouble
>■ iijii ivsist ati.e , ,,ils of the usual form are employed. Also, as the
.•oils arc wound in single layers, they ofifer a very large cooling surface
'o iiic air. wliilst the ab.sence of metal in their mounting adds to their
.c_liabilit,y. For high-pressure cu'cuits-say 2,000 volts-the com-
^rnJl M°" '^.f "wni'-rsed in an oil bath. As the winding is
; nlnt I r"*' ^"''"■"'^" "''^''='' "'<^^<^ '« ^ considerable difference
down '"'" ■ ''^'''"'*' "'""^ '•'""''^ ^^ ""'^ likelihood of break-
ar^MeceZv^if M^^''""'; ^"'i' * ^'^^'^^'^ ^VV^re^t^^ in which plugs
ai. necessary is the perfect fit obtained. We rotated many of the
j)lugs in their sockets and the movement was as smooth as that of a
ball bearing, although the contact was made under pressure. A
u.seful instrument was the adjustable slide condenser. With this
any capacity from 001 to lOD mfd. is obtainable. One microfarad
is put in circuit by inserting a'plug, and sliding .switches are used
for obtaining smaller amounts from O'Ol to 099 mfd.
Although no new principles are introduced into the design of the
syphon recorder exhibited by Messrs. Snell & Tinsley, there are many
refinements of a practical nature which make for efficiency, especially
as regards case of adjustment. The suspension piece is .so con-
structed that it stands without support when removed from the body
of the instrument. The line and earth terminals are connected to
platinoid springs tipped with gold, and the ends of the coil are joined
on to light insulated pillar-; which terminate in ))latinum contacts
Fig. 18.— Improved Morse Key ht Messrs. Snell & TInsley.
under the base of the frame. The vibrator terminals are connected
in the same way to springs, and the vibrator connections are brought
by means of flexible wires to insulated platinum points at the base of
the suspension piece. The ba.se of the latter carries two blocks,
through which horizontal holes are bored, exactly fitting the ciiide
rods on the body of the recorder ; when, therefore, it is necessary
to remove the suspension piece it is simply slid off the rods, which
action automatically disconnects the coil. Fine adjustments are
provided for altering the sensitiveness and period of the coil, «'hich
enable the instrument to be used either on short cables, where fast
signalling is desired, or on cables of a large K.R.
As a natiu-al result of the recent decision of the Conference on
Standards and Units, cadmium cells were in evidence. Messrs.
ER EXUIBITEli HY MESSRS. SnELL & TiNSLEY.
Snell & Tinsley make a S])cciality of a hermetically sealed box with
a glass front for containing a set of the.se cells, which are mounted so
that the box is readily portable, whilst the glass front enables the
cells to be inspeeted easily. The accuracy is guaranteed to 1 part
in IdO.OOO. .111(1 the cells are made in accordance with National
I'hysical Lalmralory .specifications.
The potentiometer exhibited by Messrs. Snell & Tinsley, and
illustrated in Fig. 19, attracted much attention. It is designed to
work with an accumulator of any voltage between 18 and 22 volts,
and between these pressmes adjustment can be made on the instru-
ment without any supplementary rheostats, two of these, a coarse and
a fine one, forming a portion of the potentiometer itself. The fine
adjustment rheostat is fitted with a micrometer screw, which enables
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 8, 1909.
509
an adjustment to 0-OI>01 volt to be easily t)btainecl. The main
balancing coils consist of 17 manganin coils in series w itli a jilatinum
silver slide wire, divided into 110 equal parts, and an extra set of coils
on the Thomson Varley vernier principle, thus giving a u.seful range
from 0-OOUOl volt to 1-8 volts, the instrument being capable of being
read to 0-OOUOl volt over its complete range, thus forming a most
useful piece of apparatus for measuring potentials of all descriptions
by a du-ect opposition " null " method. The slider on the platinum
silver wire is drawn by silk cords, thus leaving the scale perfectly
open and keeping the heat of the hand away from where it might
cause thermal effects. The instrument is of moderate resistance,
200 ohms, thus rendering it more suitable for use with a d'Arsonval
galvanometer, a point of considerable importance. Its small size
for its range, 18 in. by 11 in., is another striking feature and we are
informed that Mr. Tinsley has just got out a'new design which reads
from 18 volts to 1 microvolt, and is only 1 in. larger than the above
instrument.
Examples of electrical pjo'ometers were also to be seen on the stand
of Messrs. Pitkin & Oo., instruments of the portable and workshop
type being exhibited. Galvanometers of the Holden-d'Arsonval
pattern were also conspicuous, special attention being paid in these
instruments to counteract the effects of vibration. In this connection
the anti-vibration stand shown by Messrs. Pitkin should prove of
considerable value, especially where galvanometers are in proximity
to heavy machinery. Other apparatus exhibited by this firm, such
as testing sets, portable ammeters, voltmeters and wattmeters, con-
densers, keys, recorders, &c., are already well known to our readers.
An exhibit which attracted a good deal of attention was that of
Messrs. Newton & Co. It included, among other things, a sjiecial
and very comjjact apparatus for the production of the well-known
Duddell singing arc. The necessary inductance and variable con-
denser are contained in a box, on the top of which is a " keyboard "
for playing the arc. The tunes that can be realised are, however,
rather limited, owing to the absence of half tones. When tA\e arc
is being usnl in large rooms an intensifier, in the form of aloo.se
l)aper comli nsii'. is .•nijiloyed. The condensers are so arranged that
they give a|i|iin\irnately, by calculation from Kelvin's formula, an
octave from B to B. A new projection apparatus, designed
by Mi\ F. J. Cheshire, of the Birkbeck College, for demonstrating
the natui'e of light and colour by projection was also shown.
Tile various fittings required are mounted and can slide freely along
an optical bench, which in this case consists of a plain cast triangular
bar fitted with a millimetre scale. When this apparatus is employed
for colour subtraction and addition experiments, a large lens is placed
on the screen side of a direct vision liquid prism, through which
])arallel light is passing. The object of the large lens is to focus
the spectrum within the length of the bench, and to focus simul-
taneously tlie outlet face of the prism on the screen. The beam of
white light is. therefore, decomposed Ijy the prism and re-combined
again as white light on the screen. By introducing small skew
prisms into the beam any of the constituent colours maybe removed,
and at the same time the remaining colours may be deflected up-
wards or downwards, and to the left or right, giving three partially
overlapping discs of colour on the screen. Cheshire's model eye,
which was also .shown, is an apparatus whereby the optical proper-
ties of the eye can be demonsrated on the screen. The " eye " con-
sists of a tube about 2.5 cm. long with a transparent screen, painted
to imitate the retina, at one end, and a second achromatic lens
sliding along the axis between the lens and the retina to obtain the
varying amount of accommodation. By suitably adjusting these
lenses all the usual optical defects can be demonstrated and then
corrected by giving the" eye " suitable spectacles. The retina being
transparent, all these effects can be thrown on the screen, and the
apparatus is, therefore, sprfiall\ sniiablc for class demonstration.
Other apparatus shown on iln- iiiHl was Cheshire's projection
polariscope and Clay's wavr rippl.- apj.aiatus.
Messrs. C. F. Ca.ssella & Co. showed a machine for rapidly testing
steel and other metals, which was applicable for workshop use, the
actual test being sufficiently simple to be performed by an intelligent
labourer. The result of the test is automatically plotted, by the
machine, on a strip of paper, and such records can be afterwards
examined. The tost pieces are ^ in. diameter and 4 in. long. The
record shows the number of bends, the bending effort in pounds-feet
and the total energy in foot-pounds required to break the? test piece.
Another exhibit not of direct electrical interest was an Atwood's
machine which was made self recording by utilising a paper strip in
place of the usual cord. This machine was shown by Messrs. G.
CussONS.
Other exhibits not of direct electrical interest were the lenscjs and
photographic cameras of Messrs. J. H. D.vllmeyeb, the spectro-
scopes of Messrs. A. Hiloer, and the microscopes of Messrs. Swift
& Son.
BOOKS RECEIVED.
(Copies of the undermentioned works can be had from T/ie Etectrtcian office, post free
on receipt of publislied price, adding 3J. for books published under 2s. and ■< per cent
for hooks published nett. Add 10 per cent, for abroad or for foreign books.)
Die Elektrisehen Eigenschaften'und die Bedeutung desSelens fiir
die Elektrotechnik." By Dr. Chr. Ries. (Berlin : Administration
der Faehzeitschrift " Der Mechaniker.") M. 3.
" Traction Electrique." By G. Sattler. Translated from the
German by Pierre Girot. (Paris: Gauthier-Villars.). Fr. 5.
" Das Elektrische Taschenbuch." By Ing. Paid Scharlolt.
(Leipzig Carl Scholtzo.) M.1.75.
HIGH TENSION POWER TRANSMISSION IN EUROPE.
A recent issue of the " Elektrotechnik
voltage exceeds 30,000 volts : — •
und Maschinenbau" gives the following list of undertakings in Europe whose transmission
lloimbath(Ruhital!iperren-Gc:-i.). Aaehon...
.Mnni-h (.Moo^biu-g)
* Hamburg — Altona
Kykkolsiud, Norway
Snriedad Hydroeleetrica Iberica, Spain
]>ai;iiiias dc Riiidera, Spain
Sncicdad Hyihcic-lrctrica Kspanol-i Molinar
.Madrid
Zamoro. Spain
Siiripilad HydrdokH-lrica do Guadiero, Spain
Billia... Spain
• a Ham, Lombardy
.Mnn(L'ieale an der Cellina, Liiinl)ardy
I J r-(^m( 1, Lombartly
'i'lisuiano, near Cleva.no
Hournillon, France
La Plombii-re, France
Saint-Cezairc, France
Durance Station, Marseilles
fMoutiers — Lyons
Voltage.
34,000
.'itJ.OOO
30,001)
.50,000
33.000
30.000
(i)i,000
30.000
40,000
50,000
33,000
40,000
3(>,00()
40,000
30,000
3r).(K)((
.")7.000
30,000
50,000
.57.000
Date of
opening.
1004/05
1900/07
1! 100/07
1907
1903/05
1903/00
In course c
erection
1901
1906/07
190(5/07
1900
I'M 15
1900
190(i
1900/07
April. 1900.
Capacity.
Kw.
3,090
4.000
5,(«)0
3,000
10.000
1.050
25,(X)0
3.0(X)
3,3(X)
4.500
3.4(iO
10,000
7,0<K)
;{,oot>
7.000
l.(X)OH.l'.
S.OtK)
5,700
15.000
4.100
Length of
transmission
line. Km.
250 to Madriil
120
40 t.>
Valla<li>lid
130
120
50
33 to Venice
34
200
m no
Sicniens-Schuckert.
Sicniens-.Scliuckort.
Kolben & Co.
Alioth & Co.
.Maschinenfabrik Ocrlikon;
Maschinenfabrik Ocrlikon.
Brown, Boveri & Co.
Wcstinghousc.
[do (ieneva
Comp. de I'industrie electrique
Thomson-Houston
Comp. de I'induf trie electrique
de Geneva. iThury System)
* Single Phase.
tJDireet currer'
f2
510
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 8, 1909.
THE FARADAY SOCIETY.
Al I he m n'ting of the Faraday Society held on Tuesday, Decem-
Ixr l."i. Dr. T. M. Lowry in the chair. Dr. F. J. Brislee communicated
a Paper, nliirh was read by Dr. N. T. M. Wilsmore. on
" A Redetermination of the Electrolytic Potentials of Silver and
Thallium."
Tlie electrolytic potentials of silver and thallium were redeter-
mined over a range of concentrations and in solutions of two different
salts — silver in silver nitrate and acetate solutions, thallium in
thallous nitrate and chloride solutions. The measurements were
made with a Clark-Fisher potentiometer, employing a Weston cad-
mium cell as standard and the decinormal calomel electrode as com-
parison electrode, the liquid potential at the junction of the two
tn'ing eliminated by a saturated solution of ammonium nitrat«. The
ionic- ciineeiitrations were calculated from the most recent conduc-
tivity measurements. All measurements were made at room tem-
perature— viz., 17"C'. The results obtained for the electrolytic
potentials of silver were : Silver in silver nitrate : -I- 1076±00005
volt, mean of six determinations. Silver in silver acetate : + 1 075
±0'0013 volt, mean of six determinations. General mean of both
series of measurements is: + 1-0757 ±0'0006 volt. For thallium
the results obtained were: Thallium in thallous nitrate: —0042
±0-001 volt, mean of six determinations. Thallium in thallous
chloride : — 0-042±0-0004 volt, mean of four determinations. The
general mean is: — (iii-ti;."i ' il()0()5 volt.
Prof. R. Abego (ci-iinniinii :iir.l) expressed the hope that English
\vi-iters would use the syiiilinl^ prii|«>.sed by the" Potential Committee "of
the German Bunsen Society, and adopted by the 5th International Con-
gre.ss of Applied Chemistry, when publishing electrochemical work.
A Paper entitled " The Heats of Combustion of Aluminium, Cal-
cium and Magnesium " was read by Mr. F. E. Weston, B.Sc. and
Mr. H. Russell Ellis, B.Sc, and one on " The Formation of Graphite
by the Interaction of Magnesium Powder and Carbonates," by Mi-.
H. Russell Ellis, B.Sc. A preliminary communication on " Colloidal
Barium Sulphate " was made by Dr. E. Feilmann.
At the meeting held on Monday, December 21, Dr. N, T. M. Wils-
more in the chair, .Mi-. E. A. Ashcroft read a Paper on
"The Influence of Cheap Electricity on Electrolytic and Electro-
thermal Industries."
Tlie ext"iil of future develcipnu-nts of electrochemical industries
will dc-)iend cm the limits to which the C(5St of electric energy can be
reduced at suitable sites. In most cases an industry only becomes
economically possible when the price of pow-er has been reduced below
a certain point, which varies more or less tor every electrochemical
industry. The author discusses, in particular, the lowest possible
limits of cost for the production of electricity from water power, with
special reference to conditions such as exist to-day in Norway. Some
industries (the smelting of iron, the manufacture of lime nitrogen,
and the complete treatment of complex sulphide ores may be in-
stanced), to be worked commercially, will require a supply of energy
at a cost of about £2 per kilowatt-year, and this " low-grade limit "
III the ci|iiiiinii ,,| I he- author can only be obtained from what he calls
water |i(.\v, i ,1 ,| ,ss I. — namely, those in which natural conditions
enable the- ili-vc-|ii|iment and regulation of power at a very low ex-
penditure of capital — of the order £7 per E.H.P. capacity, including
all necessaries uj) to the dynamo terminals. (The author estimates
the corresponding figure at Niagara to have been not less than £30.)
The number of powers of class I. are not very numerous, and their
natural advantages will to some extent be neutralised by the values
placed on the water rights, but many examples exist, and the author
gives full particulars of the cost of developing a concrete case in
Norway of 7,500 kw. capacity. This fall costs £7. 8s. to develop and
equip, and current can be sold at £2. 10s. per kilowatt-year. It
should be mentioned that at Meraker 3,000 h.p. has been sold for
£1. 14s., and at Notodden (both in Norway) for £1. 17s. per kilowatt-
year. The second-best source of energy "in bulk to-day is what the
author calls waterfalls of class II.— namely, those wheie a high cost
of regulation or development is necessary to bring the ^^■ater to the
jilace of consumption, and to ensure an even supply all the year
round. From these, electricity can be sold for about £5. 6s. per
kilcmatt-year, while the corresponding figures for oil engines, gas
eiiirm-s and steam engines arc given by the" author as £7. 4s., £(j. 18s.
antl ts. (is. 6d. respectively.
.Mr. VV. R. Cooper (communicated) point<"d out that the cost of water
power was frequently what it would fetcli, and that it could not be likelv
til liave a hxed value. The pric-e of water power tended to rise, that froiii
other sources tended to fall : water power should, therefore, I.e ,m,--
chascd outright by the consumers, and not merely leased.
^onro'eT^"^"' ^^°^'''^ l^'°"»'''' *'>''" ^^^ ^""^""^ '^'^<^ °o<- ^one justice to
w»^ , • '^r,'"' ° ^''', ^^""^ ^"^"^ : tl^^ °°t>"i that very cheap power
was required for all electrochemical industries was erroneous He re'
ferred to the possibilities of electric zmc smeltmg among the industries
requiring cheap power awaiting development.
Mr. W. Murray Morrison was also of opinion that steam and gas
power could be produced cheaper than stated by the author — the former,
in some cases, for £3 per kilowatt-j-ear. The author's class II. water
power he considered a bad sijecimeii. and he further criticised in some
detail other figures given in the Paper. He thought that not enough
margin had been left for contingencies. The source of the capital was an
important consideration that had not been discussed ; on it frequently
depended the nature and cost of labour. No two schemes were alike,
and every one must be considered on its merits, taking all conditions
into consideration.
Mr. L. Gaster pomted out that the Niagara plant had been designed
for afar greater output than had up to the present been reached, and that,
therefore, the limit of cost of production of power was far below the
figures at present obtaining. He suggested the desirability of manufac-
turing such products as graphite and carborundum at European power
centres.
Mr. C. Weiss drew attention to the conditions under which the water
powers in the Bavarian highlands were being developed.
Dr. H. BORNS referred to some of the disadvantages of many water
powers, such as inconstancy of supply
Prof. R. H. Smith also remarked on the ice difficulty, which was of
frequent occiurence. He did not think it possible, in the ca.se of water
powers, to reach the low figures given by the author, and he took excep-
tion to the allowances for depreciation made in the Paper.
Dr. E. Feilmann suggested that very cheap power gas schemes might
be developed in connection with the peat-fuel industry, and he thought
that large-scale experiments were being made in this direction.
Mr. E. A. AsHCROFT, in reply, said his principal purpose had been to
ch-aw attention to the very special kinds of water power that were still
available, although rare, and not to contrast the various modes of power
production. His figures, to which he adhered, represented a probable
average. The ice difficulties referred to did not exist in Norway.
THE "FAIR WAGES" QUESTION.
In a Treasury Minute of Aug. 14, 1907, it was recommended that a
committee should be appointed to consider the working of the " Fair
Wages" Resolution of the House of Commons of Feb. 13, 1891, and
report whether any changes or modifications were necessary. The
Committee was constituted as under : —
Sir G. H. Murray, K.C.B., Secretary to the Treasury, Chairman :
.Mr. H. De La Bcre, C.B.. Assistant Director of Army Finance, War
Office :
JIi-. A. Wilson Fox, C.B., Ccunptroller-General, Commercial. Labnur,
and Statistical Department of the Board of Trade :
Ml-. A. F. King, Second Secretary, General Post Office ;
Mr. F. W. Black. Director of Contracts, Admiralty ;
Mr. R. Bailey. M.V.O.. Controller of H.M. Stationery Office ; and
Mr. ,T. B. Westcott, M.V.O., H.M. Office of Works.
Mr. J. J. Wills, of the Board of Trade, Secretary.
Mr. West<-ott subsequently died and Mr. J. H. Hillier. Controller of
Supplies, H.M. Office of Works, was appointed m January, 1908.
The Committee has just issued its report, from which we cull the
following notes : —
The report states that evidence was given by 68 witnesses, of whom
41 represented Trade Unions and 22 represented organisations of em-
ployers. The " Fair Wages " resolution passed by the House of Com-
mons on Feb. 13, 1891, was as follows :— " Besolved—Thut in the ojiinion
of this House, it is the duty of the Government in all CJovernment con-
tracts to make provision against the evils recently disclosed before the
Sweating Committee, to insert such conditions as may prevent the abuse
arising fnnn siili-letting, and to make every effort to secure the ])ayment
of such waKcs as are generally accepted as current in each trade for com-
petent workmen."
The result of the passing of this resolution by the House of Commons
was the insertion of a common form of clause in most Government con-
tracts as follows :— " The wages paid in the execution of this contract
shall be those generally accepted as ciu-rent in each trade for competent
workmen in the district where the work is carried out."
In Office of Works building contracts the followmg clause is used :—
" The wages paid by the builder to workmen employed by him on the
execution of works shall be those generally accepted in each trade for
competent workmen in the district where they are employed, and the
contractor's wages books and time-sheets for all workmen, as far as they
relate to this contract, shall be open to the inspection of the Commis-
sioners of Works or theii- representative at such times as they may thmk
Stationery Office contracts, m addition to the usual Fair Wages clause,
coutaui the followmg clause on the subject of Union and non-Union
labour :— " The contractor shall further undertake that in the engage-
ment and employment nf workmen and others required for the execution
of nny wnvk nnli>rrd under this contract no preference shall be given as
bctw.ii. riii.iiiiMs ' and ■ non-Unionists.' "
Asn Minis s|,l, l.ttingit is the usual practice to forbid the transfer of any
part of ihi- coiui.at without the -nTitten consent of the Department con-
cerned, and to allow only such sub-letting as is customary in the trades
affected. In dealing with the less organised industries special precau-
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 8, 1909.
511
li.ms arc (nken. The natiiie of the obligations imposed upon (ho fon-
(lactor varies in (lip (liflVrpn( trades.
The report now issued states that there was some diversity of opinion
among the witnesses examined by the Committee as to the utility of
(ho |irr^.'iii F:iir Wages clause. Some representatives of the Trade
t'iii..n ill icli II il that the olausc had been of very considerable benefit
to tin Hill k|ii .,|.|,.. others that it had boon of little use. The employers
appeared tn c cnsidi j- iIh- |in ■-inl .11 iMnijinicnls satisfactory. On a general
review of tlir i\ nl.nir tin ( .11111111 !•.■ -1 ii' that it is not easy to see in
what respert tin- ^iiIinI iiiun.ii nM hr |.lii.i^r Trade Union rate of wages "
for ■■ currorii i.ih ,.| u;iMes ot the distriot " would enable the objects of
the Fair WiLi - h-lIhi mn to be carried out more effectually. As regards
the rate of «,iMr. ii>,'lf, where in a given district the Trade Union has
succeeded in estalihshing a rate wliii li i-- ^m far accept<'d by the employers
that the majority of the workponplr in 1 liif district do in fact obtain the
rate, the Trade Union rate is of cuui-i' 1 lir 1 uirent rate " of the dtstricf.
and is the rate which the contractor is under the present form of contract
already compelled to pay on Government work carried out in the district.
It is, therefore, only in eases in which the Trade Union rate is not the
current rate that any change would be effected by any proposed amend-
ment ; but these are cases in which it is at least open to doubt whether
the Government would be justified in enforcing the payment of the
Trade Union rate by its contractors. A rate demanded by a Union, but
not in practice obtained, or a rate which has been agreed upon only by
a minority of employers and workpeople, or which by changes of process
has, become to a large extent obsolete, can scarcely (the report con-
tinues) be the " current rate " intended in the Fair Wages resolution.
On the whole, therefore, the Committee do not recommend that the
words " Trade Union rate of wages " should be substituted for " current
rate." The proposed enforcement of Trade Union " conditions," in
addition to the rate of wages, met on the whole with great opposition
from the employers. A more difficult point arose in connection with
piece-work earnings. In those trades in which both time and piece rates
of wages are paid, it is generally recognised that persons employed on
piece-work are expected to produce a greater output in a given period
than those engaged on similar work and paid by time. Consequently
the piece-work earnings in a given period are generally expected to be
higher than the time \\rigi-< for that jiciicrd. The proportion between
the weekly earninus iindir iho iw.. sysinns of payment is of course not
fixed, and it would ]irnli;iiily 111 iiiiiiiy ra>cs not be easy to discover an
amount customarily recognised as that by which piece-work earnings
(icr week should exceed the standard weekly wage. It was therefore
contended by Trade Union witnesses that it was not sufficient com-
pliance with the Fair Wages clause for piece-work earnings to be equal
to the standard time wage for the same period. It was desired to prevent
an employer who only paid 34s. a week to hLs time workers, while 3tis.
was the current rate, arguing that, as his workpeople employed on a
Government contract were earning 40s. a week by piece-work, he was
complying with the Fair Wages clause. It was contended that the piece-
work rate would in effect be based on the time rate of 34s. Upon this
point the Committee say : — In view of the practical impossibility in
many trades of determining what the proportion between piece work
earnings and time wages should be, it is not easy to see how any rigid
rule could be universally applied by Government Departments. But
we think the principle that piece-work earnings are expected to exceed
time wages .should be recognised, and that individual eases of complaint
that jiiece- work earnings are not as high as they should be must be deter-
mined in accordance with the special cii'cumstances found to obtain in
each case."
On the subject of " Unorganized Trades " the report continues : —
Various suggestions have been made with a view to meeting the diffi-
culties which arise in regard to unorganised trades owing to the absence
of A generally recognised rate of ])ayment which the Government can
enforce in its contracts. The proposals before the Committee were :
(i.) That the Government should fix in the contract the rates of wages to
be paid to the various classes of workpeople engaged for the various
operations involved in the work, (ii.) That a minimum time rate of wages
should be fixed, below which no person engaged on the work under the
contract shall be paid, (iii.) That wages in trades such as those in
question should be dealt with by Wages Boards, (iv.) That the con-
tractor should be required, when tendering, to furnish a schedule of the
rates of wages and hours of labour which he proposes to pay and ob.serve
in the execution of the contract.
The Committee point out that the first proposal is one which has
already been adopted by London Coimty Council in contracts for cloth-
ing, and, assuming that Government work could be so standardised as
to make comparison between the wages paid in different factories work-
ing on different systems easy, then a time log might be constructed,
.setting out for each item of work the average time required. Payment
would then In- l.y tin- |iicre according to this log, the rate being calcu-
lated by nuilii|ilyiii'j iIm lime required by the hourly rate of wages.
The second siiLii;i-xi n.ii is that, where there is no generally recognised
standard of wages (u \\ liich a cuntractor may be obliged to conform, a
minimum time rate of wages should be fixed below which no one should
be allowed to l.c ciii))l"vcd on Government contract work. A method
of this kind li.i>. rnintly been experimentally adopted in the case of
certain Post ( Mlh>' 1 - ml 1 .irts.
The previniis MiLijcaiiins have involved the fixing, by different methods
of rates of wages. A jiroposal of a rather different kind is that when
contractors are invited to tender, they should be required to submit a
schedule of the rates of wages and hours of labour (in the ease of the time
workers) which they pro|iose to pay and oliserve in the execution of the
contract. A system of this kind is in operation in I'lmnection with sunn-*
of the contracts for work tor (ho Canadian Government. In this case
the conlractor states the rates that he w^ould be prepared to pay to all
persons who might be engaged on contract work. The statements are
submitted to the Canadian Department of Labour, which either certifies
its approval of the rates, or itself specifics the minimum rates. In the
latter case the contractor is informed that until he makes an agreement
securing the payment to his workpeople of the rates specified, his tender
will not be considered.
In regard to the .second class of cases, in which there is no " current
rate of the district." viz., those in wdiich the absence of a current rate is
due not to the generally unorganised condition of a trade as a whole,
but to the fact that the district is one in which only a single employer is
engaged in the trade in question. It has therefore been suggested that
the Trade L^nion rate of the nearest town in which there is such a rate in
operation should be enforced. On this subject the Committee observe : —
" The movement of factories to country districts is diu^ partly to the
lower expenditure on rent and rates as well as to the lower rates of wages
outside the large towns. This movement which appears to be making
considerable progress in some trades, is moreover one that is in many ways
desirable from the point of view of social conditions. It cannot be
denied, however, that the establishment of a factory in a countrj' district,
whatever be tlie intention, does in fact frequently deprive the work-
people of the power of collective bargaining, and withdl'aws safeguards
which are available in more populous and better organised districts.
Nor does the present Fair Wages clause afford any protection to the
workpeople engaged on Government contract work in such a factory.
The factory being isolated and not surrounded by others with which it
can be compared, the phrase " current rate of wages," so far as it means
anything at all, can refer only to the rate paid at that factory, so that
the clause gives no independent standard with which to compare the
wages paid.
A solution of the difficulty which arises in connection with the Fair
Wages clause when the factory is an isolated one might perhaps be found
in comparing the wages paid with those paid ui other trades in the same
district, or with those paid in the same trade in other districts, taking
into account the cost of living."
A further difficulty in the enforcement of the " current rate" arises
from the increasing tendency to " sect ionise " or subdivide work .accord-
ing to the various degrees of skill required for the jierformanee of each
operation, the less skilled portions bcin^r puid fur at lower rates tlmn the
others. A Trade Union rate fixed on tin .i--iini|.tion that all the opera-
tions are carried through by one indivnlii.il 1 ^n-c qnently tends to become
broken up, or to apply only to those ojierHtions whicli require the highest
skill. Subject, however, to the q\ialification that each ca.se must be
treated on its merits, as in any other instance where no current rate can
be found, the Committee cannot recommend that a Government contract
should be u.sed as a means of interfering with a natural and legitimate
tendency in the development of economic production.
In regard to the employment of women and young persons on work
formerly done by men. or still done by men in some establishments, the
report states that some of the Trade Union witnes.ses objected to the
employment of women at all in their trades, and most agreed u> asking
that when women are employed they should be paid the same rates ot
wages as men. Thus the representative of the Compositors" Society
said that the work of a compositor was work to be done liy men and not
by women, on the ground that it had always been regiirded as men's
work, and a large number of men had conseciuently been t rallied to do
that work. He did not suggest that there was anything unsuitable for
women in the work, but ulijcrtcd to thcu- employment on the ground
that cheap female labour disorganised the employment of men The
contention of employers m this trade (printing) was adverse to the pay-
ment of women at the same rate of wages as men on grounds that were
fully explained. The Committee came to the view that any regulation
providing that women employed on Government work, in which they
enter more or loss into competition with men. should be paid the same
rates of wages as men, would tend to deprive women of employment.
Several Trade Union witnesses went further than to suggest the
enforcement of Trade Union rates of wages .and conditions on Govern-
ment contract work, and proposed that only those firms recognised as
" fair " should be invited to tender for Government work. But it would
appear that great difficulties are involved in the ]iropo.sed restriction to
" fair houses." Even when a list of " fair " firms has been drawn up it
has been prepared by only one side, and while it might be possible to
accept a list agreed upon by bodi employers and men. it is clearly im-
possible for the Government to accept a list drawn up only by the Trade
Union. Accordingly the Committee are unable to recommend the
adoption of the proposal that Government contracts should be so re-
stricted.
Several of the Trade Union witnesses asked for facilities for ascertain-
ing where Government contracts are placed. Under the present system
particulars of certain contracts are ascertainable from the trade papers,
while in other cases the most that has been done has been to furnish
* In other contracts a " fair wages schedule," drawn up by the Cana-
dian Laboiu: Department, is inserted in the tender forms, and the con-
tractor agrees to pay the rates set out in the schedule for the various
occupations engaged! These rates are stated to be " based on the rates
prevailing in the localities in which the work is done, and where there
arc no such prevailing rates obtainable, then on what might be con-
sidered a fair and reasonable rate, due regard being had to the cost of
living in the localities concerned." (Report of Canadian Department
of Labour for the fiscal year to March 31, 1907, p. 82.)
512
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 8, 1909.
copies of (endci- forms to fcrtain persons representing organisecl worf;
people. The employers w)io gave evidence, althoiigli not in fiivonr uf
the proposal, were not on the whole strongly opposed to the jiiibliiatinii
referred to. Many local authorities in this country puhlish names of
contractors, and in Canada the names of (Jovernment contractors, brief
particular.s of the nature of the work and amount of the tender, and
schedules of the wages to be paid to the workpeople engaged are pub-
lished. It was argued by some employers that difficulties might arise
in obtaining supiJies of materials if the names of contractors were pub-
lished. It appeared to the Committee unnecessary, if publication be
decided upon, to make the names of successful tenderers known before
the work commences, and a policy of selection is advised.
On the subject of sub-letting and home work the report urges that the
objection to sub-letting is the resnlting increase of difficulty in ascer-
taining whether in fact the work is being executed under the conditions
laid down in the contract : but it is not possible to prohibit the practice
altogether. A practice, however, to which more objection was taken
was that generally knowii as " sub-contracting," in which work is give
out, not to an independent employer, but to a person employed by the
firm holding the contract, who, in turn, gives the work to persons under
him. This system, presentmg considerable variety in matters of detail,
appears in some cases to be firmly established and to meet with no oppo-
sition, while in other cases it is not so prevalent and is opposed by some
sections of the workpeople. As regards work actually carried on in the
work)ic(>]ilc's liomes, although some witnesses expressed disapproval, it
was gcn.i ilK i.lmitted not to be feasible to prohibit homework on all
GoveniiiM rit ^Mutiirts. A prohibition of homework would necessitate
the provision ut i.dditional accommodation for the workers brought into
the factory, and would doubtless involve considerable hardship to num-
bers of persons.
We have dealt with the report thus fully as it may be regarded, we
think, as a publication of considerable industrial importance. We con-
elude by setting out almost verbatim the " Summary of Conclusions "
of the Committee : —
(n) We recommend that the present wording of the Fair Wages clause,
which obliges the contractor to pay the ciuTent rates of wages for com-
])etent workmen in the district where the work is carried out, should be
retained.
{!>) While we do not recommend that words intended to enforce the
observance of Trade Union "Conditions " should be inserted in Govern-
ment contracts, we think that such conditions of employment as are
generally accepted in the district in the trade concerned must be taken
into account when considering the question whether a particular con-
tractor is observing the Fair Wages clauses.
(c) We think that where persons are employed at piece rates of wages
on work for which a current time rate exists the general principle that
the piece-work earnings for a given period should exceed the standard
time wages for the same period on similar work should be recognised ;
and we recommend that contractors should be enjoined to keep proper
records of the time worked by their workpeople in all cases of this kind.
{d) In the ease of trades which can be identified as unorganised.' ir in
any other eases in which the Department concerned considers that diffi-
culties are likely to arise in ascertaining the " current rates of wages,"
we recommend that one or other of (he methods suggested .should be
adopted.
(e) We cannot recommend that Government contracts should be
restricted to what are known technically as " fair," houses, but we think
that great care should continue to be taken in selecting firms to be placed
on the list of contractors so as to ensure that only good employers shall
be admitted.
(/) We recommend that in all works where Government contracts are
being executed a copy of all the labour conditions of the contract should
be prominently exhibited for the information of the workpeople.
((/) We recommend that, so far as practicable and at the discretion of
the Departments concerned, the names and addresses of all firms obtain-
ing Government contracts should be published.
(ft) We recommend that there should be uniformity among the Depart-
ments m the wordmg of all clauses dealing with the conditions of labour
in contracts affecting the same trades.
(i) We think that every effort should be made to ensure all possible
co-operation among the different contracting Departments in such
matters as inspection, the mvestigation of complaints and the interpre-
tation of the Fair Wages clauses in difficult cases. With a view to fur-
thering this object we suggest that a Committee should be formed of
representatives of the different contracting Departments, who should
meet fi-om time to time for the discussion of matters of common interest,
and the settlement of disputed questions.
The committee express their appreciation of the assistance received
from Mr. J. J. Wills, of the Board of Trade, in his position of secretary
to the committee. The report is .signed by Messrs. G. H. :\turray. R.
Bailey.jF. W. Black. H. de la Bcre. Arthur Wilson Fox. J, H. Hillier.
and A. F. King.
Fire.— A fire recently occurred at the works of tlio Antwerp
Teleph.me & Klectrieal Works, but Messrs. W. F. Dennis & Co., the
sole agents in the United Kingdom for the company, inform us that
>t will not^make any difference whatever in the prompt execution of
OKlers m hand or in the completion of fresh orders
ELECTRIC LIGHTING PROVISIONAL ORDERS.
During October and November we gave particulars of the
notices of intention to apply for Frovisional Electric Lighting
Orders in the 1909 ses.sion, and we now publish a complete
list of the applications for orders deposited with the Board of
Trade by December 21, 1908. There is a considerable drop
in the total number of applications (13 against 27 in 190s and
33 in 1907) and the majority of these are for extensions or
amendment of powers. The London area is not affected by
the applications and there is only one order from Scotland.
Seven applications are made by companies and si.\; by local
authorities, against 10. and 17 and 17 and IG in 1908 and 1907
respectively.
Tide of Order and Area. Promoters.
Chesham (extension) (Boiou<!:h of Chesham Elec. Light & Powe.
Hemel Hempstead, Urban District Co.
of Great Berkhamstead, Parishes
of Great Berkhamstead Rural and
Northchurch, Amersham. Ashley
Green, Cliesham-Bois, and Latimer,
Bovingdon and King's Langlcy)
Chipping Norton Chipping Norton & District
Electric Light & Power Co.
Cleethorpes (amendment of I'.IOO Urban District Council.
Order)
Dunfermline & District (amendment) Corporation.
Heme Bay Urban District Council.
Hiiidhead & District (extension) (Por- Hindhead & District Electric
tion of Parishes of Frensham. Head- Light Co.
ley, and Grayshott, Parishes of
Bramshott, Petersfield, Haslemere,
Thursby, Witley, Fernhuist, Lmch-
mere and North Amersham)
Holsworthy Christy Bro.s. & Co.
,Skelmorlie"and Wemyss Bay (portions Skelmorlie & Wemyss Bay Gas
of Parishes of Inverkip and Livrgs) & Electric Supply Go.
Southampton (extension) (Parishes of Corporation.
North Stoneham and South Stoneham)
Staines Egham Electric Lighting Sj'nd.
Stourbridge Urban District Council.
Tm'ton Urban District Council.
Walton-on-the-Naze Coast Development Corpn.
ELECTRICAL PR0QRBS8 IN INDIA.
Through the oom-tesy of Mr. J. W. Meares, M.I.E.E., electrical
adviser to the Government of India, we are able to give a list of the
applications for electricity supply and tramway powers under the
Indian Electricity Act of 1905, together with particulars of the pro-
gress made in each case. There may, however, be other applications
to some of the local governments, particulars of which are not yet
available.
Technical details of the more important of these stations will
be given in the Tables of Colonial and Foreign Electricity Sui)ply
Works and Tramways which will be published as a supplement to
The Electriciai^ on Feb. 12.
Bengal Pkesidescy.— C'f(?fi(^/« — General electricity supply — in
operation. Separate tramways scheme — in operation.
Darjeeliny— General electricity supply, municip.il (water power)—
in operation.
Barrcu-kpore — General electricity supply — in operation.
7/o«')a7i— General electricity supply, suction g.as plant— in operation.
Separate tramways scheme, Diesel engines — in operation.
Coal Fie/d-f Dislrict—Po-wer hcence granted — work not bcMn.
Hooijhly Hirer Di-ilriul—Vower licence granted— work not begun.
Province of Eastern Bengal and Assam. — Dacca— General elec
tricity supply — in operation.
ShiUong—GeneraX electricity supply (water power)— under con-
sideration.
Cft/«a30?tg— General electricity supply — under consideration.
United Provinces. — Cawnpore— General electricity supply and
tramways — in operation.
Liicbioii — General electricity supply and tramw.ays— licence granted.
ft H<i/t«— General electricity supply and tramw.ay8— licence granted.
Miisaoorii: -General electricity supply (water power), municipal —
nearly completed.
The Vvsja-b. — Amrttmr — General electricity supply — licence
granted.
Delhi — General electricity supply and tramways— in operation.
Simla — General electricity supply and extensive pumping (water
power), municipal — in progress.
Bombay Presidency. — Bombay — General electricity supply and
tramways — in operation. Hydro-elcctriq long-distance power trans-
mission— licence granted.
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 8, 190!).
513
Ckntrai. Provinces. — Kaiiijur — Oeiieral electricity .sii|)[ily and tiam-
Wiiys — in [jrogress.
Jiihbii//mrK — General electricity supply and tramways - licence
{•■ranted.
HvDER.iri.VD, Decc.^k. — SecKiiilerahad — General electricity supply and
tramways — licence granted.
Madras Presidency. — Mrulras — General electricity supply — in
operation. Separate tramways scheme — in operation.
BiRMAii. — ffa».(7O0)!.— General electricity supply and tramways— in
operation.
^[an(lal(ty — General electric supply and tramway.* — in operation.
In a recent communication an Indian correspondent writes to us
as follows : — ■
A few energetic gentlemen have exerted themselves to introduce
electricity " in all its shapes "' throughout India and Burma. These
gentlemen are all Indians, and they are determined to leave no stone
unturned to take " Electric Balm " to every house, and to do that they
will sell everything extraordinarily cheap. They have proposed to do
this under any chcumstanccs, not minding even if there be a temporary
loss. They have by dint of various exertions created a big field for every-
thing electrical tlu-oughout the country. They are still ripening their
scheme and collecting information. More about them, with theii' per-
mission, and after they have completed their work. Their names have not
been given, at their request.
Our correspoadent also states there is an opening for the introduc-
tion of isolated electric light installations, bells, telephones and
their accessories, burglar and fire alarms, electric motor cars and
launches and electric light and power plants for municipalities and
other big public bodies ; also telephone exchange services in many
places. &c.
ELECTRIG/IL ENGINEERING IN 1908.
It has been our custom to give, at the' beginning of each year, a
brief general review of the past year's work, and we begin our record
for 1908 with the following notes : —
Some of the more important electrical installations which Messrs.
Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works have carried out during the past year
are particularised below.
At the Cardiff coal washeries of the Cardiff Washed Coal Co. (near the
Queen Alexandra Dock, Cardiff) the company have supplied the gene-
rating plant and motor and lighting equipments. The power equipment
consists of a three-phase standard alternator having an output of 550 k. v.a.
.'>00-525 volts, 50 cycles, at 125 revs, per min.. the steam engine being of
the tandem compoimd single-crank type. No flywheel is provided, the
necessary flywheel effect being obtained by providing sufficient weight
in the rotor. The exciter armature is direct-coupled to the engine shaft,
the magnet frame being mf)unted upon a separate sole-plate, and no
exciter bearing is provided. The power section of the main switchboard
consists of one gcnoratcir panel fitted with the necess.ary apparatus for
the control cif the generator and exciter, and includes a series regulatur
for the alternator lield and shunt regulator for the exciter field, together
with two blank jiancls of the same size, which will be fitted with con-
trollmg apparatus when additional generators are installed. Two feeder
panels are provided, arranged for three feeder circuits of 400, 200 and
50 ampere capacity respeetivclv. From the 400 and 200 ampere feeder
circuits three-core paper-insidated lead-covered cables, fitted with the
necessary trifurcating boxes, are taken to distribution boards situated
in different positions in the coal washerias. whence the various motor
circuits are fed. The .50 ampere feeder circuit supplies current to a
.'!0 B.H.p, three-phase motor direct-coupled to a centrifugal pump sup-
jilying circulating water to the condensing [ilant^bencath the engine room
flour. The starter for this motor is mounted im the switchbnard. so that
the motor can be controlled without the attendant leaving the switch-
board platform. A passage way is provided at the bac-k of the main
switchboard, and the ends are enclosed with expanded metal screens.
The distribution boards in the washery are also arranged in the same
manner, and are fitted with voltmeters and the necessary switches, fuses
and ammeters for controlling the supply to the following motors : One
conveyor motor (12 b.h.p.. 1,000 revs per min.). one elevator motor
(25 B.H.P., 1,000 revs, per min.), one motor driving elevator and screens
(40 B.H.P., 750 revs, per mm.), one motor driving elevator (80B.H.P.,
750 revs, per min.), one motor driving drying plant (80 b.h.p.. 750 revs,
per min.), one motor for washery (80 b.h.p., 750 revs, per min.), all
arranged for belt drive, one pump motor (80 b.h.p., 600 revs per min.).
fitted with flexible coupling for direct connection to shaft of centrifugal
pump, and v.iiimi^ other motor.s. As the 20 B.H.P. and M p.h.p. niotnr-i
arc in-l.ill. il n ...< Iitaucc from the distribution boioil. llu~c nii- liin, -
are iii,i\ii|(-.| vmiI, ^«,irh boxes (mounted near the ni"iMi-.| r,.iii;iiniiiL>
tri)ilc-|i. ik' .suitrli, liisiv, and ammeter, switch fuses liciniA |irovidcil fni
the.se motor circuits on the distribution boards. For the li,i;hting. a con-
tinuous current generator has been installed, driven by a belt from the
flywheel of a separate steam engine, and having an output of 75 kw. at
220-230 volts at a speed of 785 revs, per min. This machine supjilies
current to about 240 16 c.p. incandesceaits in the washery and office
buildings, and also to 24 arc lamps, eight, of which are used" for lighting
the engine room and washery buildings, the remainder being fixed upon
poles for lighting the weighbridges, railway sidings. &c. Two jianels
are provided on the main switchboard for controlling the lighting equip-
ment, one for the generator and one for controlling the various feeder
cu'cuits. The 10 amjiere arc lamps are arranged for burning foiu" in
series across the 220 volt mains, and are provided with the necessary
regulating resistances. &c. A separate circuit is taken to a small dis-
tribution board mounted on the first floor of the office building for con-
trolling the office lighting. The generatcjr also supplies c\irrent for a
20 B.H.P. motor which is used for driving the machines in the workshop.
Another interesting application of electric driving is to be found at
Caer Bryn Colliery, where the equipment consists of main switchboard,
overhead transmission lines and dLstributing cables, together with motor
equipment, for a continuous current supply at 500-550 volts. The
switchboard consists of one generator and two feeder panels of enamelled
slate, mounted in strip iron frames, which are supported by stays from
the wall, and are .so arranged as to provide a passageway l)ehind the
board of the width required by the Home Office rules. The space
behind the board is closed at each end by expanded metal doors. The
generator panel is of 75 kw. capacity, and is fitted with maximum and
reverse circuit-breaker, single-pole quick-break switch and single-pole
fuse, ammeter and voltmeter of the moving-coil type, together with a
field breaking switch and resistance and shunt regulator. The feeder
panels are arranged for five circuits of 10!) ampere maximum capacity,
each being fitted with a double-pole (piick-break knife switch, two single-
pole fuses and an ammeter of the moving-coil type. A leakage indi-
cator, roiisi^ting of milliammeter with two-way switch and resistance.
iv :il,o nil, .1 on one of the feeder panels. The board is illuminated by
inr,.iiilr^r,ni lamps with shades and brackets. Between the power
station and the pit shafts transmi.s.si(m lines of bare copper conductors
are provided, being supported by creosotcd timber poles about 32 ft.
long ; these are fitted with oak cross-arms for carrying the porcelain
insulators. Lightning arresters of the horn type arc jirovided at each
end of each transmission line, and are connected to copper earth plates.
An earth wire is run the whole length of each transmission Ime, being
carried on an additional insulator on each pole. It is connected to copper
earth plates near the power house. The shaft cables c<msist of two
single-core vulcanised bitumen double-wire armoured cable, and the
underground cables are of the twin-core type insulated with vulcanised
bitumen and single wire armoured : a cable of a similar type to thai
used tuiderground is also employed for supjilying current to a pump
motor in the drift, this cable being mounted on a stand and provided
with suitable gear, brake, &c., for laising or lowering the cable to suit
the position of the pump m the drjft. A double-pole main switch with
double-pole enclosed fuses in a watertight cast-iron box is provided at
the top of the drift for cutting off the supply of current to the drift pump
motor. The distribution board at the pit bottom is equipped with
double-pole switches and fuses in watertight covers for the various motor
circuits, the panel being mounted upon a wrought-iron frame. The motor
equipment consists of the following 500-550 volt continuojis current
machines : An open-tvpe compound-wound motor fitted with tjelt pulley
and slide rails for driv'ing a ■' Waddle " fan of about 20 ft. diameter. It
is capable of a continuous output of 30 b.h.p. at 300 revs, per min. Tins
set runs continuously day and night at full load. The motor is controlled
from a panel fixed jto the wall, fitted with single-pole circuit-breaker
with overload and no-voltage releases, single-pole quick-break switch,
porcelain fuse and ammeter. The starter is of the liciuid type with short-
circuiting contacts. The two pump motors are of the jirotected ty|K>
shunt wound and fitted with commutation poles. They are mounted
on slide rails and drive by belt. Kacli has an output of 18-24 b.h.p.
continuously at a speed of from .500-1.000 revs, per mm., the speed
variation being effected bv shunt reghlation. The ventilatmg opeiimgs
are fitted with special sheet metal covers to jirevent dripping water from
entermg the machines. The starters arc of the customary type with
overload and no-voltage releases, and are mounted on ))anels. togctlicr
with a double-pole main switch, fuses, shunt regulator and ammeter,
all the ai.i.aratus being of the weatherproof type. Two identical venti-
lated. shunt-«o,md motors, fitted with coinnuitation poles, are enyjloved
for driving by belt the conveyor and slant [lump resiwctivcly. hacli is
capable of developing 10 b.h.p. continuously at a six-ed varying from
350 to 750 revs, per mm. bv shunt regulation. They are controlled froiu
panels similarly equipped to those for the pump motors. The protected
compound-wound motor in the washery has an outi)ut of 20 b.h.p. at «
speed of 750 revs, per min. All the motor frames and switchgear are
earthed by being connected to the euthing wire carried on the poles of
the overhead transmission. All switchgear and apparatus conform to
the Home Office ".Regul It ions" for Mine-s.
The generating equipment for the rotary kJn plant at the cement
works of I. C. .Johnson & Co., Greenhithe-on-Thames, consists of three
155 kw. 220 volt two-bearing generators, each mounted on its own bed-
plate and connected to the engme by a flexible couphng. I he gene-
rators are compound wound and driven at a speed of 1,;> revs, per mm.
The machines ire of ample size, so .is to be able to deal with continuous
overloads and their temijerature rise after six hours run on full loa<l
• \..v~ not exceed 70"F. above the temijerature of the atmosphere. The
vv II. hhoard is of black enamelled slate, and comprises tlu-ee generator.
one li'liting .and two feeder panels. Each of the generator panels is
equipped with an overload and reverse-current circuit-breaker, volt-
meters and ammeters, field regulator and equalising switch. The light-
ing panel is provided with double-pole switches and fuses for various
liThting circuits, while the feeder panels are fitted with circuit-brejikers
switches and ammeters. .\ watt-hour meter for recording the total
output of the station is also supplied on one of the feeder panels. The
transmission lines were also supplied and erected by Siemens Bro .
514
THE ELECTRICIAN, .lANUARY 8, 1900.
DynaiiKi Wi.rks, and c.nsisl of hard-iiriuvn ri,\r\n'r ial>leH suspciulea by
Iciitlicr slinj," from steel wires on wooden poles, l-iglitnwij; arresters
and all other usual arecssories and fittingi are ])rovided.
'I'he motor 0(|uipment is as follows :' The motor drivin"; the gcindins
])lant has an oiit|)nt of 2<iO li.ii.e. at 4r>() revs, per niin. I( is eoritrolleil
from a slate panel with nudtiple switch starter and tir<uit-l)reaker,
ammeter, main switili and watt-honr meter. The motor in the wasli
mills has an oii(|]iit of 120 H.H.f. at a spi'ed of IIJl) rev.s. p t mill. The
rotary kiln motor has an output of 1!I0 B.H.p. at 350 revs, per mill. The
slurry pumping plant motor has an otitput of 40 b.h.p. at 700 revs, per
min." All these motors are controlled from panels equipped with the
usual ajiparatns and instruments. There are also a number of other
small motors, driving pumps and rai.scellaneous small machinery. The
are lamps and other lighting 7)lant were also s\ipplied and erected by
Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works, who likewise installed the lighting
arrangements at the wharf, interesting by reasim of the fact that the
wharf is at (inu-s submerged, so that the wiring had to be very larefuUy
carried out. A series of sockets with watertight covers is provided for
removable li.xtures, and no trouble has been c.\|ierienced.
For the Harton Coal Co.. which obtains electrical energy from the
Cleveland & Durham l<;iectric Power Supply Co.. the following motors
were supplied and put to work during lOOS": At the St. Hilda colliery
one three-phase induction mutor with bedplate and two pedestal bear-
ings, complete with bru.sh lifting anil short-cii-cuiting device, giving an
output of 400 E.H.r. at a full-load speed of 205 revs, per min. on 5..")00
volts, (liir,.-|,l,,i>r. 10 cyc'lcs. and direct coujiled by flexible coupling to a
colliery \ mi il, i m^ Ian. This mfilor is complcte'with rotor starter and
high-tiiiMoii . .,iiii,,l switch pillar. Also one similar motor, but having
an output ot :«I0 u.h.p. at a full load sii.-.-d ••< 2i;2 revs, per min. This
motor is connected by flexible cou|i1mi'j i-i m. iIm i \, m ilii iim fan and
is complete with rotor .starter and bi-h icii-inn i . iii i nl ,.« n . Ii pillar. At
the Whitburn colliery one three-phase uiduetaai nn.U.r. uilli bedplate
and two pedestal bearings, complete with brush lifting and short-
circuiting device, giving an output of 350 b.ii.p. at a full-load sjjeed of
lot) revs, per min. on ri..")0ll vnlts. three phase. 40 cycles, and connected
by flexible coupling t nlln r\ Mutilating fan. This mutor is i luiiplrd-
with liquid starter and Im.:Ii !• )i~hin ccmtrol switch pillar. There arc ,\\^>>
five haulage motors of llic \ciitilati'(l ty|«'. tin- vi-ntilatiiiL' "juMiin;.;^ and
slip rings being protected a^mi-i |i|i-liiii'j umI .iM|i|i!ii'j lil « iliia and
the insulation specially impn '^nni .1 i.i im.lri ii «aiii|HM(i|. Iva h nl
these motors has two end .shuld lHaiiiig>. and dnvcs ,l ni.uu ,oid tail
luiulagc rojie by means of gearing. This haulage is used for removing
the trucks from the working face tOuthe main galleries, where they are
taken on by another haulage set. This side track is about ^-mile
long, and mostly on a gradual incline upwards away from the working
face. Each motor is capable of giving (iO b.h.p. for 1-J hours at a syn-
chronous speed of 480 revs, per min. on 2,750 volts, three jihase. 40
cycles. Each motor is complete with an oil immersed reversing con-
troller with 12 steps each way, and a high-tension switchbox containing
automatic oil switch, &c., is also provided. For driving centrifugal
pumjis two motors of the same type as the above-mentioned hatilagc
motors have been supplied, but are fitted with brush lifting and short-
circuiting device, and have a continuotis output of 35 b.h.p. at a syn-
ehrtminis speed of SOO revs. ))er min. on 2.7.')0 volts, three phase. 40
cycles. Each of these puni]) motors i<i ]irovi<led with suitable oil-cooled
rotor .starter and liiLditcnsion switchbox containing oil switch. &c. At
the Ho/iloii (■mIIi.i\ ili.ir IS MTU- ventilated cndo.sed three-phase indiicliMn
motor with vniiilai mv .i|iiiiings and slip rings protected against spla sit-
ing and dripiMiiu i.l uai.i. The insulation is specially impregnated t..
ren<ler it waterproof. This motor drives a fan by belt and has an output
of .50 B.h.p. at a synchronous s[)eed of 480 revs, per min. when runiung
on 2.750 volts, three phase, 40 cycles. It is controlled by an oil-cooled
rotor starter and high-tension switchbox.
At Messrs. Barker & Allen's rolling mill, where power is obtained from
Birmingham Corporation's 5,000 volt mains, and is transformed down
in a small sub-station in the firm's w^orks to 440 volts by two 220 kw.
transformers, a low-tension switchboard is provided in the sub-station
for distributing the 440 volt three-phase current to the various motors.
Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works have supplied a 215 b.h.p. tlu'ee-phase
motor running at 300 revs, per min. for drivmg a rolling mill tluoiigh
ropes, and also a 120 n.it.p. motor for di-ivlng in a similar fashion. Both
motors have tlin-,- b.ann^.s and an extended bedplate, and are controlled
by amply diniiiiM.nM ,| lu|aal Mailers, permitting the motors to start up
under the m.i.si s,\,r. . .ii,,liii„iis. A 50 H.p. three-phiu>c motor, run-
ning at 375 revs, jier min. is employed for driving a similar mill through
gearing. The following motors have been supplied for driving the
various machinery in the wire mill, &c. : One 22Jh.p., three 15 h.p..
three 10 h.p., three 71 h.p. and two 2i h.p. motors' all running at 750
revs, jier min. Each motor is provided "with suitable starters and sHiiih-
box. This plant has now been running for about a year with every
satisfaction, and the order for the equipment of Messrs. Barker & Allen's
new mill has recently been secured.
For some large glass works Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works have sup-
plied the following : Three generators for an output of 6«0 kw, each,
and three for outputs of 550, 525 and 330 kw. respectively. Five moto-s
lor 4,50 b.h.p. each, six for 180 b.h.p. each and one for an output of
100 B.H.P. .
For the British Aluminium Co.. a Hve-panel mam distribution switch-
,c 00- T^r : °^ '^'«'"''"S with 2,000 amperes, has been supplied, and also
ri'ta't' ^"'A"^"''"'''- ranging m output from 100 h.p. downwards.
„„'^i 11 "; . ^"'* ■'■''** ''''^''- P"'' "^'"- gfierafor, with three bearings
lighting. '"Stalled in a flour mill for supplying current for
LEGAL INTELLIGENCE.
General Electric Co. (Ltd.) v. Pratt Bros.
At the Edinburgh Sheriff Court, on Tuesday, Sheriff Orr gave
judgment in this action brought by the General Electric Co. for the
recovery of £267. 17s. Id. from defendants, a local firm of electrical
engineers, for goods sold and delivered. Between Aug. 3 and Sept. 15
the coinpanv sold and delivered to defenders electric lamp-holders,
lamps, &c , supplied in connect ion witli the lighting of the Edinburgh
Exhibition at Sanghton. It w.as admitted that the defenders on
Aug. 24 expressed dissatisfaction with the lamps, and claimed that
they were not "Robertson'' lamps, for whichthey had asked. Pursuers
stated that the lamps were " Kobcrtson " lpinp.s, made at pursuers"
own Robertson factory, and that they conformed to specitication in all
respect.s. The Lamps" were of good quality, and, in view of the rough
u.sage to which they were subjected at the Exhibition, stood the test
w ith a smaller percentage of breakages than was usual in similar cir-
cuinstiinces. Defenders stated that the lamps supplied were not
" Robertson " lamps, as ordered by them, but the time being limited
for the fulfilment of their contract with the Exhibition Executive,
they had no alternative but to use them for decorative lighting at the
Exhibition, and they estimated the loss they had sufiered at
£50. Sheriff Orr found that pursuers had failed to prove their
averment that it was verbally stated at an interview between
the parties, at which the price was adjusted, that the lamps
would not be stamped with the Robertson trade mark, and that
pursuers committed a breach of contract. Accordingly he assessed the
damages due to defenders in respect thereof at £39. He also found
that defenders were entitled to a deduction of £5, 7s lOd. as discount,
and he granted a decree for the pursers for £222. 9s. 9d., and found
pursuers liable to defenders in four-fifths of the costs.
MUNICIPAL, FOREIGN & GENERAL NOTES.
APPOINTMENTS VACANT AND FILLED.
The Council of the Institution of Electrical Engineers is prepared
to consider applications for the appointment of Secretary of the^
Institution from candidates of good standing only, and of not more
than 45 years of age. In making a selection importance will be
attached to the following qualifications : — Administrative experi-
ence, tact and business capacity, acqiiaintance with the profession,
knowledge of modern languages and technical knowledge. Applica-
tions to the President of the Institution of Electrical Engineers, 92,
Vlctoria-st., London, S.W., by Tuesday, Jan. 12.
A meter inspector is wanted by Partick Burgh electricity depart-
ment. Wages commence 32s. ](er week. Also two meter readers
and assistants, commencing wages 22s. 6d. per week. Apiilications
to tile burgh electrical engineer (Mr. W. Sillery, A.M.I.E.E.), Partick,
(JIasgow. See an advertisement.
One or two draughtsmen, used to li. and l.t. switch design, arc re-
quired. See an advertisement.
Mile End ( London) Guardians require a wireman at the workhouse.
Bancroft-rd.. Mile End. E. Particulars from the Master.
Mr. Arthur Coward, one of I ho .slaff at Messrs. Dick, Kerr & Co.'s
Works, Preston, has been .selected to superintend the erection of a new
Marconi wireless telegraph station at Clifden, Co. Galwav.
The Governors of the Merchant Venturers' Technical College,
Bristol, have appointed Mr. Wni. Morgan, B.Sc professor of motor-
car engineering.
EDUCATIONAL NOTICES.
King's College, London.— At this College, which is a recognised
school of the University of London, there are evening classes for
civil, mechanical and electrical engineermg, architecture and building
construction, drawing, metallurgy, physics and other science sub-
jects. Prospectuses from the Secretary, King's College, Strand, W.C.
Carnegie Research Scholarships.— The Council of the Iron and Steel
Institute Hill shortly pnn-ced to award Research Scholarships
founded liy Mr. Andrew Carnegie. Candidates, who must be under
35 years of age, must apply before Feb. 28 on special forms to be
obtained from the secretary of the Institute (Mr. G. C. Lloyd), 28,
Victciria-st., London, S.W.
Aberdeen. — On Monday the Electricity committee reported to the
Council that they had authorised the city electrical engineer (Mr.
J. Alex. Bell) to procure a .small stock of electric heating and cooking
apparatus for hiring out. .\n amendment to defer the matter for
three months was carried by 17 votes to 14.
Acton. — The Metropolitan Electric Supply Co. have informed the
Council that they are prepared to entertain a proposal for working the
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 8, 1909.
515
Council's electricity undertaking, and also to apply for further
Parliamentary powers (if necessary) provided terms can be arranged.
'["lie general lines on wliich the company are ]irepaiecl to iiegntiate
with the Council are the payment of a fair rental for tlic mulertnUing
«hcn it is taken over and the return, at the expiration of the agreement,
of capital provided by the company for its extension, less a lixed ainiuni
reduiticin for depreciation. The agreement to be for .such a period as
would afford the ro]ii|j;ni\ ;iu opportunity of earning a fair return upon
capital spent l)y ilirjn l.,iili within and without the Acton area, and for
that reason the siil/lj. >i. .1 |icriod of five years is impracticable, as Ls also
the proposed spc. ilir n-ilni tlon iu |)rircs. which must be left to be deter-
mined from time to tijuc witliiu the statutory maximum in accordance
with commcnial considerations. The company are unable to adopt
tlic suggestion of the Council that the present agreement should be
delerrnincd at the end of next year as this woukl only make the I'xisliic.;
jiositiou of the Council's undertaking worse than it now is.
'I'lic clerk has been instructed to proceed with the negotiations.
Argentina. — The " Review of (he River Plate " states that the
inhabitants of Azul have decided to establish a Co-operative Electric
Light Co. There is already a company sup])lying current in the
town.
Barnstaple. — The questions of obtaining powers for wiring con-
sume] s |iiiinise.s, and for the supply of motors on hire, &e., are
undei consideration by the Council.
Berkhamsted. — The Riual Council have assented to the applica-
tion of Chesliam Electric Light Co. for a provisional order.
Bournemouth.— The report of Mr. .J. B. Hamilton, of Leeds, on the
organisation and financial position of the municipal tramways
came before the corporation on Tuesday. Mr. Hamilton suggests
that the system should be remodelled and that the follouing ap-
pointments be made: — General manager, at a salary of titii"! per
annum ; electrical engineer, £200 ; rolling stock superintendent and
traffic superintendent, £17.5. This would result in a saving of £325
per annum. The running of Sunday cars is advocated, and a clear
))rofit of from £4.000 to £.5,000 ])cr annum is estimated from this
source.
Bradford. — On Tuesday the Electricity committee considered the
recent icjjort of the city electrical engineer (Mr. Thos. Roles), recom-
mending certain extensions of the electricity works. This report
was abstracted in our issue of Dec. 18. After discussion the com-
mittee resolved to recommend the Council to authorise the proposed
extensions, which comprise the installation of two extra high-
tension alternating cm-rent turbo-generators (each of H.OOO kw.
capacity), &c., at an estimated cost of £50,0(X).
The committee alsti considered the tenders submitted for supply
(if turbii-gencrat(jrs and other plant, but. before recommending any
t 'nder for acceptance, decided to visit .and insiiect nuining plant
erected by firms, whose tenders were under consideration, and similar
plant at the .same firms" workshops.
Bolton. — The Electricity committee have acquired land for an
additional substation.
Bristol, — On Friday the Watch ct>mmittee took over the (lamewell
system of automatic fire alarms which has been installed for them by
the Post Office authorities. Forty-two alarms have been erected in
I he -I reel - ,itm1 conncctcd with the central fire station. Instruments
li:ive ,il c. I a installed al (he Horfield, Redland. St. Ceorge and
Ki-h|.iiii(i ; ~i,iii(jns. There remain for completion the a))paralus at
licdminsler' .station, and eight more .street boxes.
Cheltenham. — On Monday the Council received the anntial accounts
of the electricity undertaking. The receipts for the year were
£23,102. exiicnditmc £9,870, or with income tax £10,224, leaving a
gross profit of £13,107.
Interest, sinking fund, &c.. toiilKd flo.IKi, and the net profit on tbe
year's trading was £2,691. Tlie in -t . Iiu -e upon the net profit was the
Jiayment of a proportion of the |iriiirip,il nul interest of the debt which
was piled up (luring the enrlier vears of tlie undertaking. That would
swallow U]i i:2.0.-)l. Icaviui; flUl.'to wliieh had to be added £473 bniught
forward, nuiking £1.113, out of whieli the eommittee proposed to put
£700 to reserve (increasing it to £2,700). and to carry forward £413.
Mr. Gridi.ey, who presented the accounts, remarked that for the first
time in the history of the concern the revenue had not shown expansion.
That was due to the introduction of the new metal filament lamps. .\t
I lie same time, the number of customers was increasing.
Mr. Gkeex moved the reference of the accounts back to the committee,
ill the hope that they would see their way to devote an amount from the
profits of the undertaking equiv.alent to a U\. rate for the relief of the
ralc]iayer.s.
(Xher members favoured a reference back in order tn examine the
accounts, and this course was eventually decided upon.
Devonport. — On Monday the Tramways committee further con-
sidered the Icttjr from Devonport District Tramways Co., announc-
ing their intention to discontinue running trams on the leased lines
after .Ian. 16. If was decidctl to serve notice im the company
requiring them to provide "a rea.sonabIe .service" of cars on (he
lines lea.sed to them by the Corporation on and after 17th inst.. in
.accordance with the terms of the lea.se. In the event of the comjiany
raising any question as to the service, it was decided to apply (o the
Hoard of Trade to determine the matter.
Dudley. — The Corporation have approved the proposed Bill author-
ising them to lease the tramways and light railways to the British
Electric Traction Co. for 30 years, to enter into an agreement w ith the
company in regard to the purchase and leasing of the tramwav lines,
&c.
Exhibition. — An international exliiliition. Mliicli will coiiipri.se
sections devoted to clcctricify. mining. mctalUirgy. trans]i(ir(. &c..
is to be held jit Nancy (France) from .May to October next.
Falmouth. — The f'ouncil have consented lo the use of oveihead
wires by the Electric Supply Corporation in cimnccfion with the
supply of electricity for private lighting.
Finchley. — The Council are recommended by the Highways com-
mittee to adopt electric lighting in the Regent's Park-roiid. Ballard's-
lane and the Great North-road, and to ask for sanction to a loan of
£2.200 for carrying out the work. The committee propose that 50
flame arc lamps should be erected, and the estimated annual cost is
£20 per lamp per annum. The North Finchley Tradesmen's .Asso-
ciation also support the scheme.
At the last meeting of the Council the ((uesi ion was fully discussed,
and, although the principle of electric lighting was adopted, the
matter is to come up again for discussion.
Halifax. — The final report of the special committee ajipoinfed to
deal with claims in respect of the Pye Nest tramway accident states
that the total amount of tbe .settlements is £11.190. 3s. lid., of
which £1.(MM) has been paid by the insurance company, the extent of
their liability under their policy, and £280 (the amount ])aid in the
case of Conductor Robin,son) debited to the Accident Insurance
Fund.
The number of claims in respect of deaths was 5 ; for personal in-
juries 50, for damage to property (>, other claims 23 : total 84. Twenty
actions ill the High Court were commenced and writs i.ssucd against the
Corpoiatioii, but only one was actually taken into court; on the case
heiui; ealled. plaintiff accepted the amount |)aid into court, each side
paying its own costs. The aggregate amount claimed for personal in-
juries amounted to £15.819, exclusive of costs and doctor.s' charges, and
the amount actually paid (exclusive of costs and doctors" charges) was
approximately fit.44li. some of the cases being settled by payment of in-
elusi\'e amounts.
Hammersmith (London). — The Finance committee have approved
an estimate for the provision of an additional main and machinery
required in connection with the .supply of current to future exhibi-
tions on the site of the late Franco- British Exhibition.
Hanley.— Last week the C^hairman of the Electricity commit lee
started a new Westinghouse-Howden generating set.
Harrogate. — The Council's schools are to be wired at a cost of £264.
Hereford.— The Council have decided to apply for a further loan
of £5,7CM> for electric lighting extension.s. in addition to the £2.300
loan applied for to cover the cost of excess expenditure.
Hessle. -The Board of Trade have extended the Council's electric
lighting older for a year.
Hungary.— The Szarvas Municipal Council have voted £l(i.7tlO
for an electricity undertaking.
Italy.— The Ministry of Public Works has granted to the Briantee
Electric Tramways Co. a concession for the construction and working
of a tramway from Monza to Meda (Milan).
Leeds.— The Tramways and Electricity committee are to report
at the March meeting of the Corporation as to the construction of a
tramway along Whitehall-road.
Light Railways.— The Board of Trade have confirmed the Bradford
Corporation (Nidd Valley) Ligbt Railway Orders (amendment)
Order, 1908.
L.C.C. Tramways.— Hammersmith Borough Council have decided
to oppose the proposal of the London County Council to obtain
Parliamentary |)owers to construct a temporary tram-line a<ro.-s
Hammersmitii-broadway to connect the existing tramways from
Willesden to the Broadwav with the line being constructed between
Hammersmith and Putney. The Council object lo tramcars running
across such a bu.sy thoroughfare as Hammersmith-broadway mitil
the contemplated widening is completed.
Northwood.— The question of public lighting was before the
Council last week, when a report of the Highways committee was
submitted, giving estimates for electric and gas lighting obtained
from the Northwood Electric Light & Power Co. and the local Gas Co.
The electric company (piote t'l . 13s. 4d. i>er lamp per annum for 50 c.p.
incandescent electric lamps (iiicludiug current, lamp renewals, ic.) ;
516
THE ELECTKICIAN, JANUARY 8, 1909.
and the "-xs oomiwuv foi' -■:- l.uii|i- iiicludii.g rcuewals iind main-
tenance Sf lamps and rep.i mi m,., ^iin^Urds every two years) 31s. per
lamp per annum. It is cshnKaul il,M two men would in either case
be rei Hired for cleaning-, liu'litiiij; .-iiiil tiirninc; out the lamps at a
weeklv «age of about 18s. per week for eight mouths [ler annum.
The cost of standards and fittings for either electric light or
gas lias been taken at 50s. each and cost of fixing at 15s. each.
The committee state that they are informed that in ueiKhbourhoods
of a similar character to Northwood, the distance apart of lamp stan-
dards is usually about 70 yds., and that on this basis the number of
lamiis i-et|uired in the roads set out in schedules would be 155 m the
case of scheme B, or 191 for scheme A. The cost of standards, fittings,
and fixings for either electric light or gas for the 191 lamps would be
£3. 5s. ca'ch, total £620. 15s. Scheme A works out at £441. 6s. 8d. per
annum for electric light, fittings, &c., and £491. Is. for gas fittings,
&c., wliile for scheme B the electric lighting would be £366 and gas
lighting £318. After discussion the matter was referred to a com-
mittee composed of Northwood members only.
Obituary.— The death uccmri-d. suddenly, at the Eastern Tele-
graph Co.'s station at Tant;!. i, .M.n,,, ,■,,. on Jan. 4 of Henry Ralph
Harvey, the Company's sup. rini.iid.-nt. Mr. Harvey, who was
only 40 year.H of age, had only been at Gibraltar about two months
(from Malta), and had been in indifferent health for some time.
On Jan. 2, the death occurred of Edward Smith Foot, junr., of
th ' Tclcgiaiih Construction & Maintenance Co.'s London office staff.
Personal.— Mr. A. C. Kelly, A.M.Inst.C.E.. has resigned from the
position of traction engineer to the British Westinghouse Electric &
Mfg. Co., in order to join the staff of the Buenos Aires & Pacific
Railway Co. at Buenos Aires.
Portdinorwic. — At the last meeting of Gwyrfai District Council a
letter was received from Llanfairisgaer Parish Council in regard to the
use of overhead electric wires for the lighting of Portdinorwic, re-
questing that the decision of the Gwyrfai Council to have a wire net
placed under the electric wires be roeonsidered. as electrical experts
consider there is no danger to human life. The Council, liowever,
decided to adhere to their decision.
Private Bill Legislation. — In the bill of the Midland Great Western
Railway Co. of Ireland ]iuwer is sought to construct a tramway from
its Broadstone terminus to the lines of the Dublin United Tramways
Co., and running powers are also sought over the companies' lines,
but the new trainway may be leased to the latter company.
Tli(> Southport & Lythara Tramroad Co.'s bill seeks ]50wer to
abandon the company's authorised undertaking.
Provisional Orders Revocation. — The Boarfl of Trade have revoked
(as from Dec. 19, 1908), the Hucknall-midcr-Hutliwaite and the
Orrell Electric Lighting Orders. I90;5.
Salford. — On Wednesday the Electricity committee were sum-
moned for jierniitting the issue of black smoke from the chimney at
the Frederick-road electricity works on two occasions so as to cause
a nuisance.
;, All iNsrEC'TOE of the health department stated that the occupiers of
other works in the vicinity had pointed out that they were being
accused of similar offences, and that the electricity department ought
to be proceeded against.
Mr. ViiTOR A. H. McCowEN, the borough electrical engineer,! said
there were exceptional circumstances in the emission of the smoke on
the occasions referred to. In one instance they weie testing coal and
in the other one ofthe ecoiiomisers broke down.
The Maoistkate said the Corporation had done its duty in prosecut-
ing. Salford was entitled to a pure atmosphere, or as pure as possible,
and if it was said that the electricity department had done all they
could to obviate the nuisance there was still the fact that an offence
had been committed. A fine of 5s. and costs would be imposed, and
an order of abatement made.
Shrewsbury. — The Council's bill for the extension of the electric
ligliling |iowers, &c., has been approved at a towa's meeting.
South Shields. — The Tramways committee recently applied for a
reduction in the charge for electric current (1.36d. per unit) supplied
for traction, but the Electrical committee have decided, on the
advice of the electrical engineer (Mr. J. H. Cawthra), to advise the
Council against the reduction.
Spain. — A concession has been granted to the provincial authorities
of Guipuzcoa for the establishment and working for 35 years of an
intcr-iirban telephone system. The Provincial Deputation is to con-
trilmtc til the State 10 per cent, of the gross receipts.
Stoke-on-Trent. — On the recommendation of the Electricity com-
mittee the Council have decided to repeat their application for a
loan of £0,500 for water cooling plant at the electricity works.
Swindon.— The Sanford-stieet s.-hools arc to be wired.
Telephones lor Police Street Boxes.— t)n Wednesday Liverpool
Corporation adopted a ivcmmcndatiun of the Watch ommittee in
favour of an expenditure of £1,204 on the establishment of telephone
communication between police street boxes and police stations.
Tramwaymen's Bonuses.— Belfast Tramways Committee on
Monday ordered the £1 bonus for 12 months' freedom from accidents
to be paid to 63 motormen and half a day's extra pay was granted to
all the Corporation's motormen and conductors who worked nn
Monday and Tuesday of last week, during the snowstorm.
Wallasey. — At the statutory meeting on Wednesday to consider
the f'onncirs bill for the extension of the tramways, &e., a resolution
in favour of the promotion of the bill was rejected by 120 votes to 120.
Wednesbury. — To encomage the demand for electrical energy the
electricity dcpartmen. is prepared to wire consumers' premises free of
charge, provided the consumer guarantees to take a stated minimum
of current for three years.
'Will.— The late Prof. W. E. Ayrton left estate valued at £43,590
gross, of which £42,976 is net personality, and probate of his will has
been granted to his widow (Mrs. Hertha Ayi-ton) and his daughters.
Mrs. Edith Ayrton .Zangwill and Miss Barbara Bodichon AjTton.
Wireless Telegraph Notes. — " The Times " announces that for
some time past negotiations with the Marconi Wireless Telegraph
Co. have been in jirogress for obtaining meteorological reports by
wireless telegraphy from liners crossing the .Atlantic. The object
of the negotiations has been to make a trial of three months' diu'ation
in conjunction with the Deutsche Seewarte. Hamburg, of an inter-
national system of wireless meteorological reports. It had been
hoped that arrangements would have been completed in time for
the contemplated trial to begin on Jan. 1, but it has been found
necessary to postpone it until February.
It is announced that communication has been successfully estab-
lished between the new Bolt Head station off the coast of Devon-
shire and Scheveningen (Holland), distant 375 miles. The station
at Scheveningen is equipped with Marconi apparatus, and has been
in operation for some years.
It is stated that the Admiralty authorities have been successful
in effecting regular wireless telegraph communication between the
Admiralty, Whitehall (London) and the battleship " Queen," sta-
tioned at Devonport, where the New Year promotions were received
by wireless.
It is announced that preparations are in progress for establishing a
wireless telegraph station at Claypit-lane Barracks, Leeds, of the
Northern Command Telegraph Companies (R. E.). This will be the
first station of its kind in connection with the newlyrcreatcd
Territorial Army.
The Norwegian State Telegraph Department has issued the
following" Notice to Mariners" applying to wireless telegraph equip-
ments on board ships in NoiMiunan tciTJtorial waters.
1. Wireless telegrajjh or winlr-- i,l,|ili,inc staliuns on boai-d foreign
vessels must not be employed, cxrc |it liy special ]iermission, within Nor-
wegian territorial water,s. Recpiests fur such permission must be .«ent
to the Telegraph Department, which will communicate its decision after
conference with the Marine Dejiartment.
2. Permission to use the stations on board foreign vessels, when
within Norwegian territorial boundaries, may be restricted to certain
fixed places, or to certain fixed jieriods of the 24 hours. Correspondence
by means of the wireless apparatus shall be at niire suspended whenever
it shall be so desired by the Telegrajih Dejiartment. the Marine Depart-
ment, or by any one of the coast stations under tlieir authority.
3. During the stay of a vessel in a Norwegian harbour, within a dis-
tance of 5 kilometres (2,"5ths miles) from the nearest telegraph station,
the station on board a foreign vessel must not be employed for tele-
grajiliing either with Norwegian or foreign coast stations. Without,
special permission, the station during a vessel's stay in a Norwegian
harbour must not be employed for communicating with other ship
stations, except for the purpose of preventing accidents.
4. The regulations above mentioned do not, however, apply to stations
on board vessels of war belonging to foreign powers, which carry nn
mutual ciirrrs|i(,iiil>iii I'. Such stations are, however, bound to submit
themselvi-.- to iIh i.-nlations contained in the second clause of Section 2.
5. WheiuMi tin station on board a foreign vessel is employed during
her stay in Norwegian territorial waters, this shall be done subject to the
regulations contained in the International Telegraph Convention, with
the rules pertaining thereto.
The French warships which have gone to Messina to a.ssist in the
work of mercy at that earthquake-stricken centre have established
wireless telegraph communication with the Eiffel Tower in Paris,
and by this means are able to circulate news concerning the f)])era-
tions that are going on off the coast of Sicily.
The " Standard's" San IVancisco correspondent is entirely
responsible for the following statement : —
The discovery of wireless telegraphy has had a most remarkable deve-
lopment at San Francisco, w here, it is announced, all the railn iiy trains
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 8, 1909.
517
owned by the Southern Pacitic Railway Co. will shortly- lie equipped
witli « irelessjtelegraph apparatus. For a loiiK time the project lias been
under tlie consideration of the railway king, Edward H. Harrinian, but
he delayed action until his engmeers could assure him that the locomo-
tive.-' could be signalled individually, so that a message intended for
one would not by any chance be received by another, and thus cause
confusion. Now the engineers, after months of experiment, have
evolved a sending apparatus which is able to send messages only to re-
ceiving plants attuned to receive them. The locomotives will have
simply a danger signal. If two locomotives are speeding to a col-
lisionl each will have a warning aerogram sent to it. A small metal
Ijox in the cab, not unlike a tire alarm box in appearance, will flame
red through its glass case as the warning reaches it, and a gong
attached will call the engine driver's attention if the red light has
escaped his notice.
Worcester. — The Council have decided to apply for sanction to
a loan of £852 for excess expenditure and for £4,900 to meet pro-
bable extensions of mains, house services and meters during the
next three years.
York. — The Master Builders' Association, which includes all the
local electrical contractors, have protested against the opening of
municipal showrooms for the sale of electric fittings, &c., but the
CViuncil decided on Monday, by 22 votes to 14, to proceed with the
scheme.
Wedding. — On Jan. 4, Jlr. Ralph U. Bailey, engineer-in-charge at
the Summer-lane electricity works of Birmingham Corporation, was
married to Miss Lottie May Hunter, of Newcastle. The electricity
works staff presented Mr. Bailey with a handsome clock.
Festivities.— On Saturday last the annual tea and entertainment
of the wives and children of Messrs. Crompton & Co.'s employes (at
which Clu-istmas trees and a baby show were special featm-es) took
lilace in the Corn Exchange. Chelmsford. Over 1,000 persons were
present, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Chelmsford, Col. and
.Mrs. Crompton. Mi-, and Mis. Claud Crompton, Miss Crompton,
Canon and Miss Lake, &o.
After tea, the Premier Band (directed by Mr. A. A. Wuudgate) played
.selections, members of the Ait Work- Club l'-ivp n.n.ii.iti.- displays, and
a contingent of lady members .Irlijii- .i iIm' ■ lul.livn l,\ m aM. leuder-
ing of nursery rhymes. A mai;! Iimiiim mi r i i diiiik m u;- mrhided,
piirtraits being shown of the chau inau ..( llii i..m|iaiiy (-^b- 'Ji'lui Trotter),
Ciil. and Mrs. Crompton, Mr. Claud Crompton and some of the chief
iifticials which were cheered vociferously. The hon. sec. (ilr. P. G.
Cheverton) read a condensed version of " Alice in Wonderland." There
were 41 babies in the show, the winners receiving medals.
The mayor (Aid. Cramphorn) moved a vote of thanks to the directors
and Col. Crompton replied. After a vote of thanks to the committee
and other helpers had been passed, the presents on the ten handsome
Cliriftntas trees as well as other luxuries were distributed.
TRAUE NOTES AN J NOTICES.
TENDERS INVITED.
Plynwulh Corporation is prepared to receive tenders for supply
of stores during 12 months ending March 31, 1910, including arc
lamp carbons, electricity meters, transformers, cables (paper insu-
lated), lubricating oils, engine waste, &e. Copies of specification
from the borough electrical engineer (Mr. E. G. Okell), Prince Rock,
Plymouth, to whom tenders by Saturday, Jan. 30. See also an
advertisement.
Hammermnith (London) Borough Council invite tenders for supply
of a 2,000 kw. steam turbine generating set, with condenser. Speci-
fication and forms of tender from the borough electrical engineer
(Mr. G. Gilbert Bell), Electricity Department. 8.5, Fulham Palace-
road, W. Tenders to the town clerk (Mr. H. Thompson). Town Hall.
Broadway, Hammersmith, W., by 4 p.m. .Ian. 27. See also an
advertisement.
Schemes and tenders are invited for altering lifts and fans at
Hammersmith workhouse at present worked by continuous current ;
for lifts and two fans to work from single-phase a.c. ; and two fans
to work from steam engine. Firms who propose to tender must
specify the allowance they are prepared to make for the ijre.sent
transforming plant, and c.c. motors; drawings, specilications. itc.
to be supplied free of cost to the Guardians. Tenders to tlie clerk
(Mr. J. Lamb), 206, Goldhawk-rd., Shepherd's Bush, London. \V.,
before Jan. 19. See also an advertisement.
Tenders are invited for the supply of a branch metallic multiple
magneto switchboard to the Postmastcr-GeneraVs Department in
New South Wal^-s. Tender forms and specification may be obtained
at the Commonwealth Offices, 72, Victoria-street. London. .S.W. See
also an advertisement.
SPECIAL NOTICE.
NOW READY.-Vol. LXL of " The Eleotrictan " (1,018 pages),
bound ill strong cloth. Price 17s. 6d.; post free, 18s. 6d. Also ready
Cases for Binding. Price 2s.; post free, 2s. 3d.
A complete set of "Tub Elkctutcian " (1860-1865—1878-1908) can
be supplied. A number of odd volumes and some odd old back num-
bers, to help in making up complete sets, are also now available.
West Ham Council want tenders by 2 p.m. .Jan. 21 for supply of
various stores, including electric wiring materials and accessories,
engine room stores, ironmongery, eastings, metals, &e. Forms of
tender for wiring material. &c., engine-room stores and chemicals,
from the Borough Electrical Engineer, and for other item.s from the
Borough Engineer.
Boston Collapsible Barrell & Mfg. Co. want tenders by Jan. 26
for electrical work in connection with their new factory about to be
erected at Cardiff. Specifications from Mr. Walter Sayer, 79, York-
road, London, S.E.
Halifax Corporation require tenders b\- Jan. 20 for sujiply of
electric light fittings, accessories, cables, copper «irc, meters, over-
head materials, car accessories, &c., for the tramways and electricity
departments, and manhole, ventilator and lamphi.le covers, castings,
oils, &e.. for the tramways and highways dciiartnients. Forms for
the former group from the Gencial .Manager. Skircoal-road. Halifax,
and for the latter from the Borough Engineer.
Fareham Urban District Council are preijared to receive tenders
for tliree alternators and exciters, high and low pressure switchboards
and overhead travelling crane. General conditions and .specifications
may be obtained at the offices of the consulting engineers (Messrs.
May & Hawes), Caxton House, Westminster. S.W. Tenders to the
Clerk of the Council (Mr. Leonard Warner) before 10 a.m., Jan. 20.
The Guardians of the Poor of the Parish of Birmingham invite
tenders for a telephone installation at the Workhouse. Western-rd..
Birmingham, where a plan can be seen and a co|)y of the specifica-
tion obtained. Tenders must be delivered to the clerk (.Mr. Chas.
Fletcher). Parish Offices, Edmund-street, Birmingham, by 14th inst.
Grimhsy Corporation are prepared to receive tenders for su])ply of
c.c. motors and starting panels, sizes J h.p. to 1.5 h.p. Full particu-
lars from the borough electrical engineer (Mr. W. A. Vignoles),
Electricity Works, Grimsby. Tenders by Jan. 16.
Beckenham Council want tenders by 4 p.m. Jan. 18 for electric
wiring of houses. Specifications from the Council's Collector. Council
Offices, and further information from the Electrical Engineer.
London County Council want tenders by 11 a.m. Jan. 26 for laying
stoneware cable ducts. Forms from the Clerk.
Camberwell (London) Council want tenders by ;):30 ji.m. Jan. 2.5
for one or three year.s' maintenance of telephones and electric bells,
and one year's supply of electric lamps, ironmongery, tubing, tools,
oils,' &c.. Forms from the Borough Engineer.
The Metropolitan Asylums Board want tenders by 10 a.m.. Feb. 1.
for supply of eight motor ambulances. Forms of tender, &c., from
the Board's Offices.
Messrs. Preece & Cardew are instructed by Sydney Mimicipal
Council to invite tenders for the supply and erection in Sydney of two
1,000 kw. and two 600 kw. motor-generators, with starling and regu-
lating apparatus. Specification, drawing and form of tender may
be obtained from Messrs. Pieece & Cardew. 8, Queen Anne's-gatc.
Westminster. S.W.. and tenders addressed to tlie Town Clerk at the
Town Hall, Sydney, N.S.W., not later than 4 p.m. March 1.
TENDERS RECEIVED AND ACCEPTED.
Hull Tramwavs cominittee have ace. pled llie following tenders:—
Paterson Engineering Co.. cil .•liiiunat<.r. ill'i.") : (j. Jackson & Son.<.
engine and condensing plant, £(Hi7. 3s. : Stavelly O.al & Iron <-"■• 3<' »'■
c i pipes £643 15s. 9d. ; United Electric Car Co., six car bodies. £1.800 :
MoiintaiA & Gibson. 20 car trucks: £43 each: K';«;>'r<l'^ 'l'>'^«''.>"n
Patents (Ltd.), regenerative eiiuipmcnt for one car. £,J2t.. 10s. : Uiok.
Kerr & Co., five pairs of 40 H.r. interpole motors, £192. 10s. per pair:
Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works, five pairs of 38 h.p. interpole motors.
£187 per pair : British Thomson- Houston Co.. 10 pairs of controllers
(B 18 tvpc). £47 per pair : W. Boy.leM & Sons, resistances. £7 per pair :
J. Baker & Co.. 30 pairs of wheels and axles. £n. 9s. per pair ; Angleiir
Steel Works. 300 to 400 tons of rails. ,,, , r
In regard t.i the tender f.>r tramway raUs. the city engmcer (.Mr. A. Jb.
Wliitc) "reported to the tramwavs committee on Friday that about 100
tons of rails would be required for stock and vari.nis purposes, but the
\ncleur Steel Works, which made their special rail would not take an
order for less than 500 tons. He had a.scertiined that Doncaster tram-
wavs department, which used a similar rail to that in Hull, required ^
tons and h" suggested that if Hull joined Doncaster in sending an order
for .300 tons the Liege firm, he had no doubt, would execute it on reason-
able terras.
518
THE ELECTKICIAN, JANUARY 8, 190H.
Si-vcr.il nicMiilKMS cxprc-ssetl Iheir surprise wlu-ii tli<-y wiMi- infoniifd
that llicy wrii^ piai-lically compelled ti) go to Belfjinm fm' 'li'it particular
typn of rail. The cliairinan (Aid. T.arard) .said tlint Uritish firms wc.idd
not ciil'a set of mils to make the rail required, consequently llionsands
of |)iunds worth of work, which might have been done in Kn^l.md, liad
b.^cii Kiv\Mi to foreign firms.
Th" re ommendation of th:> city engineer was aloplcd.
Hanley Council liave accepted the tender of the British ln.suUited
and Helsby Cables for cables and that of the IJritisli Electrical Trades
Ruiiply and Bitumen Co. for bitumen.
Derby Council have accepted the tender of the National Telephone
Co. for rciiewiu;,' telephone installation at the Infectious Di.seases
Hospital.
The Lnridoii (^^nlll\• Council li.ivc extended Campbell, Macmaster
& Co.'s (i^aslings dcpt.) conlr.aci lor lli<- supply of east iron-stopping
sign frames to tramways dept., Iiy one year ending Dec. 31, 1909.
~Ashton-under-Lyne (iuardians have accepted the tender of the
Lancashire Electrical Eng. Co. for a telephone installation at the
workhouse.
Stoke-on-Trent Town Conaeil have accepted the tender of the
Harris Patent Feed Water Kilter (l>ld.) for supply of a chemical oil
eliminator at £128.
The Bantjes (S. Africa) Mines (Ltd.) have placed orders with the
British We.stinghouse Co. for four 22J H.r. and two 11 h.p. motors,
and with the A. E.G. Electrical Co. of South Africa for four 40 n.p.
motors.
Uitenhage (Tran.svaal) Town Coimcil have conditionally accepted
the otTi-i of thi' (icncral Electric Co. (U.S.A.) for the public electric
light iuL.'. Tlic L'.ri'i ii "I'j plant is to be equal to a supply of 27,000 c.p.
and the ( 'oiiin il uill lake il over in 10 years.
BUSINESS NOTICES.
Messrs. E. P. Allam & Co. have removed their offices and show-
rooms to 28. Gray's Inn-road, London, W.C. The telephone No. is
Holborn 1280. The firm have also opened stores, and a special
de])artment for electric motor repairs at 9, Church-passage,
Chancery-lane, W.C.
Messrs. Davis & Soper, of 54, St. Mary Axe, E.C., announce that
their business will be continued by Mr. William Soper, the only son
and sole surviving partner of the late Mr. William Garland Soper.
The Chatteris Engineering Co. have appointed Mr. A. W. Camp-
bell, .'\.M.I.M.E., their London representative.
Plant for Sale.— Messrs. G. Elliott & Co., ISfi-lSS, Long-lane,
Bermondsey, London. S.E., have for sale two compound Marshall
steam engines coupled to two Crompton dynamos, and also three
dynamos. Further particulars are given in advertisements.
Plant Wanted.— A 200-300 kw., 40 periods, alternator and engine
complete (direct driven preferred), fiOO volts, with panel switches,
&c., is required by the Thrislington Coal C'o., West Cornforth, R.S.O.,
CO. Durham. See an advertisement.
Patent Development.— The owners of patent No. 28,458 of 1904
relating to " Incandescent Electric Lamixs," desire to negotiate with
manufacturers with the view of offering licences. Further informa-
tion from Messrs. Lloyd Wi.se & Co.. 46. Lincoln's Inn Fields. London,
W.C.
The proprietor of patent No. 27,297/1904 for " Improvements in
and relating to Means for Lighting and E.xtinguishing Gas Lamps by
Electricity " also advertises that he is desirous of disposing of the
patent rights or of negotiating for the grant of a licence to work same.
.Applications to Messrs. G. F. Redfern & Co., 4, South-st Finsbury
London, E.C.
Agents Wanted.— The proprietors of patents pertaining to the X
accumulator are prepared to appoint agents in the provinces.
A|)plications to the X Syndicate (Ltd.), Jlitcham Mills, Beddington
Corner, Mitcham, Surrey.
.c '?** •'°"''nal.— We liave jveeived a copy of the first issue of
" Flight," a journal devoted to the interests, practice and progress
ot aerial locomotion and transport. The new journal is published
weekly at 44, St. Martin's-lane, London, W.Cl
Who's Who.— A useful set of reference books, issued by Messrs.
A. & C. Black, of Soho, London, under the title of " Who's Who,'"
and which comprises, beside the main book, the Who's Who ^' ear-
book, tlie Englishwoman's Yearbook and the Writers' and Artists'
Yearbook, are no« published for 1909, and form a compact library
of notable pcrs,,ns m all walks of professional and industrial life.
We have ourselvs fou.ul this set of " Red Books " of assistance, and
irr?'"r; Z u '" ''<=*'"^'"*''' "l«'n t^em, speaking generally, is
criMl.tabe to all concerned. The main book is published at 10s.
net, and when we state that this volume comprises about -^ 200
closely- packed pages of l)iogra|)hieal matter, the value of " Who's
Who for 1909 " needs no further showing.
In the .same .series the Englishwoman's Y^sarbook fills a similar
place in dealing with the lives of notable women, and special re-
ference may be made to a .section of the book which deals with insti-
tutions (educational, professional and industrial) which are specially
devoted to women's work. The price of this book is 2s. Gd. net, and
it comprises over 400 pages.
The Who's Who Yearbook is made uji of tables and general statis-
tical information which formally wa.s a part of the main publica-
tion. The published price of the Yearbook is Is. net.
The Writers' and .Artists' Yearbook chiefly comprises a list of some
of the newspapers and magazines and many ot the principal pub-
lishing houses of the kingdom. Not quite .so much attention has
been given, we fear, to this member of an interesting family ot re-
ference books, but, taldng the group as a whole, they are a useful set.
CATALOGUES. &c.
" SuNLlTE." — We have received from the Sun Electrical Co, a
pamphlet dealing with their well-known " Sunlite." This, it will lie
remembered, is specially adapted for such purposes as shop window-
lighting, and. taking into consideration the terrible glare which is
noticeable in many shops at the present time, we wish the employ-
ment of these reflectors was still more extended. They are specially
adapted for use with Tantalum or other metallic filament lamps.
The pamphlet also contains details of the " Lumin-Ad " reflector
for lighting shop windows, the details of which we have already
described in The Electrici-4N. This reflector forms an excellent
method of advertising during the dark hours.
Pyrometers. — It is often necessary in many industries to know-
exactly the temperature of a furnace, and it is satisfactory to
notice that the old " rule-of-thumb " methods of doing this are
gradually being replaced by electrical means. Messrs. Wm. Geipel
& Co. have ready a leaflet dealing with pjTometers. These are made
in two design.s — indicating and recording. In the first of these the
galvanometer is of moving coil pattern and reads directly in degrees.
The recording pattern is, of course, specially useful for showing the
temperature of the furnace at any time during 24 hours. The gal-
vanometer in this case is of the suspended coil type. A dotted
record is obtained by the needle being depressed every 15 .seconds.
Telegraph Appar.^tus. — The activities of the British Insulated
& Helsby Cables during the past few years are well known to readers
of The Electrician. Their latest catalogue forms an excellent
handbook to the telegraph work undertaken by the company. It
contains some excellent illustrations as well as comprehensive details
of telegraph apparatus.
Holophane Glass. — Effective distribution of light, so that the
greatest illumination can be obtained exactly where it is wanted,
is a problem worthy the special attention of lighting engineers. One
very special method of doing this is by means of holophane glass-
ware, and the catalogue which we have received from Messrs. Julius
Sax & Co. contains designs to suit all tastes. This ware may be
divided into reflectors and globes. In the first of these the light is,
of course, thrown downwards, whilst in the second it is distributed
and the filament is successfully hidden from view, thus preventing
any glare. This glassware is specially adajited for use with metallic
filament lam])s.
Aids for the Contractor. -The Davis Electrical t'o. forward
an abridged price list, the principal feature of which is that the price
of every-day lines are worked out net, so that the contractor can see
at a glance their e.xact cost. The details contained in this catalogue
include lamp-holders and apparatus requu-ed for house work.
Arc Lamp Carbons.— Mr. M. Seeck, 6, Henrietta-street. London.
W.C, who is sole British agent for Sirius arc lamp carbons, has
issued a new price list of carbons for flame, enclosed and open arc
lamps. Copies will be sent on application.
Ignition Speciauties.— Messrs. C. .A. Vandervell & Co., Acton
Vale, London, W., have issued a complete catalogue covering the
entire range of their ignition specialities, all carefully illustrated and
priced. We have not recently seen .so complete a publication upon
this particular subject. We recommend the list to the notice of
motorists, and particularly to electrical engineers who may be
ranked in this category, because we know they will appreciate the
good points of the electrical devices, of which particulars are given
in the list. From a printing and illustration point of view the cata-
logue leaves nothing to be desired.
Wood Poles, &c,— Messrs. Richard Wade, Sons & Co., of Hull,
forward a leaflet in which they refer particularly to the'r speciali-
ties in the way of wnodcn masts for wireless telegraphy, arc lamp
poles, wooden troughing tor calile laying, water-cooling towers, &,c.
This list is fully illustrated, and contains a quantity of useful informa-
tion on the subject of creosoted and uncreosoted poles.
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 8, 190!)
519
Calendars, Diaries, &c. — Messrs. Johnson & Phillips have sent us a
useful paper weight in the form of a solid block of glass with the name
and address of the firm, and an excellent illustration of a section of a
large cable. The block forms a permanent advertisement of a very
effective character.
The General Electric Co., who are always to be depended upon for
something novel in the way of diaries, pads, &c., have issued this
year a pilot file with a useful calendar and memo tablet pad upon which
the company's various manufactures are well advertised, without
interfering in any way with the use of the pad. The whole is
mounted on a block suitable for desk use. We anticipate the demand
for renewals as time goes on will be considerable.
We have received from Messrs. Cassell & Co., the publishers of this
useful series of diaries, copies of Letts's j)Ocket and desk diaries for
1909, which, besides their admitted usefulness for diary purposes,
each contain an accident insurance policy for £1,000. This is a not-
able feature of the whole range of Letts's diaries, and as many of
these are specially prepared for distinct trades, they deserve more
than a passing reference.
From Gibbons Bros., of Dibdale Works, Dudley, we have to
acknowledge a useful desk blotting pad, which, besides being a
useful article, .serves as an excellent advertisement for the firm's
manufactures of clay and silica goods of all descriptions, boiler
seating blocks, retorts, elevating and conveying machinery and a
large variety of clay workers' goods, engineering accessories, and
retort and furnace installations.
A useful companion to a pocket diary is a stamp case, and the
Union Electric Co. have forwarded us a useful pocket case specially
designed for carrying stamps.
From Thermit Limited, 27, Martin's-lane, Cannon-st., London, E.C.»
we have to acknowledge a useful pocket memorandum book and
calendar for 1909 and 1910. Some particulars are given of the Ther-
mit process of welding and the company's various tramway and rail-
way tools and appliances.
From Messrs. C. A. Vandervell & Co. we have received a per-
petual calander consisting of a box of date tickets attaclied to a
substantial and artistic hanging card.
Messrs. W. H. Willcox & Co., of Southwark-.st.. London, S.E.. send
us a useful hanging calendar of monthly sheets. The calendar serves
as an effective reminder of the company's various engineering
supplies and stores, machine tools, &c.
Simplex Conduits. — Since the receipt of the " Electrical En-
gineers' Diary " we have decided to go into the conduit business. In
future our readers can obtain large stocks of conduits and accessories
by applying to us in the usual manner — that is, either by post or by
personal call. Incidentally, the " Electrical Engineers' Diary " is
issued by the publicity department of Simplex Conduits {I4d.). and
is an advertising scheme of the first water.
In addition to the diary, we also have before us a copy of the
December issue of " Installation News," which contains a useful
su|)|ilement in the way of a calendar.
Electromotor & Dynamo Co. — In The Electriol^n for Nov. 27
(p. 28.5) appeared a n(jtice of a deed of assignment which it has
been pointed out to us is open to misconstruction. We, therefore,
insert the following letter: —
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ELECTRICIAN.
SiK : 111 llio issuf <if The Electrician of 27th November last, under
the licailiii^ ■■ Deeds iif Assigniiient," on page 285, you have inserted a
most misleading iinragrapli which has caused serious damage and incon-
M-iiience to our clients, the Electromotor & Dynamo Company. The
announcement you have made is evidently taken from an advertisement
appearing in the " London Gazette " which we inserted on the instr\ic-
tions of the acting trustee in the winding up of the estate of the gentle-
man who, previously to the 19th July, 1907, traded as the Electromotor
& Dynamo Company. Some 12 nimiths ago the trustee sold the busi-
ness to our present ■ lunt^ wlm ,iiv Ir.Mlniii under the old name, the
Electromotor & Dynjiim i .iin|i,in\ . ci !■. i.iay's Inn-road only. Our
clients are one of tht- li'ailm'j linii^ iiiakiiiL; .Mntinuoiis and alternating
current machines uf any size; are conl i a. i..is hn c.iiiplete electric
cipiipment fur factories and for country Ihim . plnii. iml il.i. fcir electric
cranes and lifts (it any capacity. You will, tlicidorc. -c. thai the matter
is a serious one for theh fu:m and reptitation. Feeling siu'e that the
matter is really the result of a clerical error, we trust you will see your
way to insert this letter in justice to our clients. — Yours, &c.,
TlI'PETTS.
11, Maiden-lane, Queen-street, Cheapside, E.G., Dec. 31.
BANKRUPTCIES, LIQUIDATIONS, &c.
The trustee (.Mr. G. G. I'opjileton. 4, Charterhouse-square. London.
E.G.), in the bankruptcy of Arthur Bagshawe (trading as Bagshawe,
Bros. & Co.), engineer," 41a, Upper Thames-st. (late of 159, Queen
Victeria-st.), London, E.C., has been released.
The liquidator (Mr. H. de V. Brougham, .33, Carey-st., London,
W.C), of the British Electric E(|ui])ment Co. (Ltd.) has been
released.
The Burniah Tramways Construclion Co. (Ltd.) is being wound u\>
voluntarily. .Mr. W. R. Elston is licpiidator.
A meeting of the creditors of the KIdon Electric Co. (Ltd.) (In
voluntary liquidation) will be held at 24, Grainger-st. West,
Newcastle-on-Tyne. on .Jan. II.
In the bankruptcy of Geo. Siitelille (trading as Geo. Sutclift'e &
Co.), electrical engineer, 22, ( liurch-st.. .Abertillery, Mon., the first
meeting of creditors will take place on .Ian. 13. at 144, Commercial-
st.. Newport, Mon., and the public examination on Feb. 3, at the Town
Hall, Tredegar.
Creditors of the Aluminium Corp. (Ltd.) (in vdliintary liquidation
must send particulars of claims by Jan. 30 to .Mr. I,. W. Hawkins,
Basildon House, Moorgate-st., London, E.C.
A meeting will be held on Feb. 9 at 3. (it. St. Helens. London, E.C,
to receive an account of the winding u]) of the Reversible Turbine Co.
(Ltd.)
The " London Gazette " of the 1st .January announces that a
dividend is about to be declared in the matter of a deed of assign-
ment executed on March 25 last, by Ernest E. Rrestwich & Ernest C.
Lea (trading as Prestwich & Burt), electrical engineers. South-lane,
Kingston. Creditors must send claims by Jan. IS to Mr. (i. E.
Corfield (Corfield & Cripwell), Balfour Hou.se, p'insbury-pavement,
London, E.C.
PATENT RECORD.
APPLICATIONS FOK PATENTS.
Note. — The undermentioned Ap2Mcations{exeeptlhosemarkedi) arena
ojien to public impecticm until after acceptance oj Complete Specificaliont
Those marked t are open for innpection 12 monthn ajter the date attached
to them, if they have not been published previously in the ordinary course.
N'ames ivithin parentheses are those pf communicators of inveiUions. When
complete Specification accompanies application, an asterisk is affixed.
September 7, 1908.
IS. 700 Barron. Time switches for electric circuits.
IS. 713 8. P. (SccHosTAWER Pjvtents) Synd. & Sayeus. Electric trac-
tion on the surface contact system.*
18.715 Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works. (Sicmen.s Schuekcrlwerkc
G.m.b.H., Germany.) Regiilatidii "f alternating current gene-
rators working in parallel*
18.721 Doe. Dry battery cells.*
18.75") and 18.750 Zahringer. Magneto-electric ignition apparatus.
( Date applied for. 30/3/08. comprised in application 7.014. dated
30/3/08.)*
18.766 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Electric hcatmg devices.
18.767 CowpEK-CoLES. Electro-deposition of iicin.
September 8. 1908.
18,811 Denieport. Double effect sparking coils.*
18,822 Tierney & Malone. Point shifting .•wraiigciiicuts fi.r electric
tramways and the like. (Addition to No. l2.;)23/08.)
18,832 Liske & ZoLLER. Ar(^ lamps.*
18,8.55 Alcock & Simpson. Magnetic separators.*
18,880 Stephens. Manufacture of inafinetos.*
Se].tembcr 9. liltlS.
18.893 LoNOFORD. Insulation of conductors of electricity.
18,897 Breadner & Ckiohtox. Candles, brushes, plates, blocks and
diaphragms for electrical purposes.
18.!)00 Bates. Electric lamiiholdcrs.
18.!K(5 Watson & Eaton. TiJeplionc indexes.*
18.915 Cook & MacNamara. System of railway signalling.
18,917 DiNSHAH Pe.st.inji Framji (Jhadiau. Completely de-energis-
ing dangerous oveiJiead wires the moment they snap.
18.925 Cox. Adjusting electrical resistances.
18.946 Heinrich. Manufacturing metal lilaments of refractory inctals,
wolfram, molybdenum, uranium, tantalum and the like or mix-
tures thereof.
I8,9(j5 Garside. Starting switches for motor.s.
September 10. 1908.
18.996 Brown. Electric signalling on railways.
19.052 Pope cfc O'Coxnell. Filaments of incandescent electric lami)s.*
19 054 Beach. Control systems for electrically propelled vehicles.
( Date applied for, 2C/9/07.)*t
September 11. 1908.
li),(il)7 HosKiNc Drums or reels for coiling and transporting electric
cables, wire, ropes and the like.
19,109 Keith & TnsoN. Electrically operated valve-controlling
devices.*
520
THE ELECTRICIAN, .lANUARY 8, 1909.
I't lis .\I(I<;j:nn\- ((iliililampeinvorU Aiikc-r C.'.m.b.H.. (iermany.)
Oxulc-coated metal holders f.jr olpilrical sIkiw lamps with metal
lilametits.*
1!),141 Job. Electric flashing signs.
lll.iriO WooDHALi. & Emery. Electric light fittings.
111,1.51 Vetter & Mi'RER. Time snitches.
SPECIFICATIONS PUBLISHED.
1007 Si'ECIFIf.iTlONS.
12.:il2 IkiiiiV. Printing telegraph receivers.
12,381) MavOR, Mavor & Cotl-SON (Ltd.) & UlhtX. Electrical prupiilsi.m
of m:irine vessels.
i;t.073 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E.X'o., U.S.) Alternating current motors of the
repulsion type.
17.474 H.T.-H. Co. (O.E. Co., U.S.) Alternating current motors of the
commutator type.
lil.282 PoLi.AK. Strengthening weak ciu-rent impulses, alternating
currents, and variations in current strengths, applicable to
telegraphy and teleph.ony.
19.570 Garrard & Ferranti LiiinTED. Electricity control relays.
)»,672 Ges. fur Vekwertung CHEnnscHER Produkte. Metallic fila-
ments or the like for electric glow lamps and the method of
making same. (Date applied for, 28/07.)
19,()!)!1 Ali.oejieine Elektricitats Ges. Signalling and like systems.
(Date applied for. 3/9/0(5.)
10,883 J5.T.-H. Co., Clinker, Wedmore & Woodbridge. Protective
devices for alternating electric current distribution systems.
2l»,0H5 Edgcumbe & Everett. Relays for the protection of electric
circuits.
20,203 Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works (Ltd.) (Siemens Schuokert-
werke Ges.) Ecpialising and compensating the loads on the
pha-ses of polypha.se current systems.
20,332 Veritys 'Liotted & Gott. Controllers and starting switches
for electric motors.
20,348 Watson & Smith. .Multiple trembler induction coil ignition
systems.
20,785 Werkner. Electrical transmission of power for propelling
vehicles of all kinds.
20,986 Bell. Magneto machines chiefly for the ignition of internal
combustion engines.
22,28oA Silver. Supporting or carrving of dynamo-electric m.achines.
(Date applied for, 9/10.'07. ) '
22,728 Justice. (Rowland Telegraphic Co.) Balancing the Wincsof
electric circuits.
22,870 B.T.-H. Co. (A.E.G.) Starting devices for electric motors.
23,216 Felten & CJuilleaume Lahmeyerwerke Akt.-Ges. Electric
circuits for altering the difference of potential of two points of
a circuit between which a practically constant current has to
How. (Date applied for, 19/10/06.)
23,7lt7 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Control of alternating electric
current motors.
24,103 Lake, (.-into Pump Co.) Indicators for indicatmg water and
other liquid levels.
COMPANIES' MEETINGS AND REPORTS.
SUNDERLAND DISTRICT ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS (LTD.) — At the
Meeting on Tuesday tlie directors' report for the year ended Oct. 31,
1908, stated that the accounts showed a lo.ss on the year's wor'v-
ing, after providing for interest, bringing the loss to" date up to
£13,823. Compared with last year traffic recei|)ts showed an increase
of £1,964 ; the ratio of cost ofjworkiiig to receii)ts comes out at 66 per
cent., against 75 'Allast year. Afterconsultation with the :^oramittee ap-
pointed at the last annual meeting to consider the cpiestion of running
a service of goods cars, the directors decided not to proceed further
with the project, the initial expense of inaugur.iting a scheme of this
sort being found to be much heavier than was anticipated, and its
ultimate success problematical. The receipts per car-mile were 8990d. ,
against 7-608d., and the power costs 0-790(1. per unit, against 0 790d. ;
the total works costs were 5-953d., against 6-174cl, and the net revenue
2-954d, against l-434d. The units per car-mile were 1'860 in 1908
and 1-685 in 1907 : the car-mileage was 694,336, against 753,532 : the
passengers carried were 3,930,868, against 3,741,096 last year ; ax-erao-e
miles per car per day 119,300, against 118,800. The appeal agaiiist
the as.scssment of the undertaking had been successful.
NEW, COMPANIES, STATUTORY RETURNS,
MORTGAGES AND CHARGES, &c.
NEW COMPANIES.
AUTO-CONTROLLERS (LTD.) ( 100,844. )-Reg. Dec. 24, capital £800
m £1 shares, to acipiiro from R. H. Pearson and E. G. Brvant the
tieneht of certain inventions relating to automatic switches" or auto-
controllers to develop and turn to account same, and to carry on the
husiuess of electrical engineers, manufacturers of and de'alers in
^ectrical nwchinery, fittings, &c. Private compan v. Reg. office, 4-5,
iown HalLchambers, Bournemouth. i . . & .
MIDLAND ELECTRIC MFG. CO. (LTD.) (100,921.)— Reg., capital
£3.000 ill £1 sliares, to take over the business of manufacturers of
electrical a])pliances and flttings carried on by G. T. Thornhill, W. L.
Barber and F. W. Abbott, at Birmingham, as the Midland Electric
Mfg. Co. Private companv. First directors G. T. Thornhill, W. L.
Barl)er and F. W. .Abliott^. Reg. ott'ce, 140, Conybere-street, Bir-
mingham.
MOTOR & INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING CO. (LTD.) |(100,965.— Reg.
Jan. 2, capital £10,000 in £1 shares, to carry on the business of mecha-
nical, electrical and general engineers, manufacturers of and dealers in
motor vehicles, magnetic, electric, telegraphic, telephonic and other
apparatus, &c. Pri\ate company. Reg. office, 4, Union-court, Lon-
don, E.G.
STANDARD CABLE MFG. CO. (LTD ) (100,968.)— Reg. Jan. 2, capital
£10,000 in £10 shares, to carry on the business of manufacturers and
sellers of wires, cables and other articles and accessories reciuired in
the electrical and allied trades. Private company. First directors,
C. N. W. A. W^euste, E. C. Carp. A. C. 1". Haniel, T. Croon and F.
Plutte (man. director). Reg. office, 18 19, (,iueenhithe, London, E.G.
MORTGAGES AND CHARGES.
ARC LAMPS (LTD.) — Particulars of £5,000 debentures,created Dec. 18,
1908, have been filed pursuant to sec. 10 (3) of the Companies Act,
1907, the whole amount being now issued. Property charged : Com-
pany s o-eneral assets, present and future, including uncalled capital.
No trustees.
NAIROBI ELECTRIC POWER & LIGHTING CO. (LTD.)— Issue on Dec. 23
of £1,000 debentures, [lait of series created April 8, 1908, to secure
£4,000, charged on company's undertaking and )iroperty, present and
future, including uncalled capital. No trustees. Previously issued
of same series £2,500.
OMEGA ELECTRIC LAMP CO. (LTD.) -Particulars of £1,500 de-
bentures, created Dec. 18, 1908, have been filed pursuant to sec. 10
(3) of Companies Act, 1907, the amount of present issue being £1,000.
Property charged : Comiianj-'s undertaking and firoperty, present and
fntnre, including uncalled capital. No trustees.
CITY NOTES.
MEMORANDA (-Tan. 7).— Bank rate 2J per cent, (since May 28, 1908).
Price of silver, 23i^d. per oz. Consols 83^ — 83i- for money and 83J —
83J account. Consols Pay Day, Feb. 3 ; Stock and Shares Continua-
tion Days, Jan. 12 and 26 ; Ticket Days, Jan. 13 and 27 ; Pay Days,
Jan. 14 and 28. Mining Shares Carry Over Days, Jan. 11 and 25.
Prices oe Metals {London}.— Copper, cash, 63J; three months, 645.
Lead, English, 13J ; foreign, cash, 13^; three mouths, 13g— 13}J.
Spelter, cash, 2"lj— 21a ; three months, 21i. Tiih English,
130 — 132 ; foreign, cash, 131 ; three months, 131J — 132J. Iron,
Cleveland, cash, 49/1 and three months, 49/7. Marjnet Steel (price
supplied by W. F. Dennis & Co.i, £55.
CLA. DE ELECTRICIDAD DE LA PROVINCIA DE BUENOS AIRES— The
receipts for the year to July 31 last were 8571,946, against 8453,035 in
the previous year. The capacity of the plant in the company's eight
stations is 2,768 kw., and the private consumers connected are eijual
10 an aggregate demand of 2,140 kw-. A dividend of 10 per cent, has
lieen declared.
DUBLIN UNITED TRAMWAYS CO. (LTD.)— Di\idends at the rate of 6
per cent, for the half-year ended Dec. 31 have been declared on the
preferred and ordinary shares, carrying forward £8,148. The directors
ha\-e charged against revenue the whole cost (£13,521) incurred during
the half-year to comjilete the relaying of the route to Blackrock.
ELECTRIC CONSTRUCTION CO. (LTD.)- The directors have resolved
to pay on the 15th inst. the ilivideiid on the 7 per cent, preference
shares for the year to May 31 last.
LONDON UNITED TRAMWAYS (LTD.)— A circular has been issued to
the preference shareholders stating that the directors have resolved
that a payment on account of the 5 per cent, cumulative preference
dividend shall be made at the rate of 2i per cent, per annum for the
half-year ending Dec. 31 (making 3J per cent, for the year). The
directors state that although there has been an increase in the total
traffic receipts, yet, having regard to the additional route mileage
being worked, the receipts have not show-n the expansion anticipated.
Moreover, the company has had to encounter severe competition,
which has seriously interfered with the growth of traffic on the main
routes.
STOCK EXCHANGE NOTICES.— The Stock Exchange committee have
a|ipuiiitid .bin. 13 .-1 >pecial settling dav in £1,000,000 4 per cent.
niortga'.;c debenture stork of Sir W. O.' Arm-tron<j, WInlirorth ii- Co.
{Lid.) and have ordered the same to be quoted. An official (juotatioii
luis also been granted to £126,500 £100 5 per cent, mortgages of the
Xorlh MiJropolitan Kt^rtrir Power Supply Co. The Committee have
been asked to appoint special settling days in and grant quotations to
a further issue of 6,500 £5 full v paid 6 pe'r cent, cumulative preference
shares aiul £200,000 5 ]jer cc'iit. first debenture stock of the United
Ek-.lrii- Trrimmti/.s e,i Muntfridtei (Ltd.) and to grant quotations to a
further issue of £37,500 31 per cent, debenture stock of the i?o»>-(«-
motilh <t Pooh- Eltctri,;iii Sniqjly Co. (Ltd.), a further issue of £47,974
500 year 4 per cent, debenture stock of the Commercvil Cable Co. and
a further issue of £76,200 4^ per cent, debenture stock of the Metro-
polltan Electric Trai>iirai/x(Ltd.)
THE KLEOTBICIAN, lANIAUV 8, 10"9.
BLEOTBIG TBAHWAT AND BilLWAT TBAFFIC
BECEIPTB.
Dec.
Jan.
Dec.
Jan.
Dec.
Aberdeen Oorpontion Dec.
Alrdrie
Anglo-Argentine t
Ayr Corporation Jan.
Balier St. & Waterloo B7.... „
Bsmsley.. ^'ec.
Barrow
Bath Electrlo Trama, Ltd
Birkenhead Corperation
Birmingham Corporation... Jan.
Birmingham 4. Mid Dec.
Blackburn Corporation
Blackpool and Fleetwood...
Bolton Corporation
Bombay
Boomemoath Corporation-
Bradford Corporation
Brighton Corporation
Bristol Trams & Carriage...
Bomley Corporation
Barton Corporation
Bury Corporation
Calcutta Tramways Co
Camborne-Redruth
Cardiff Corporation
Cavehill..
Central London Railway ...
0haringC.,EuBton<&H'8tead
Chatham & Diet. Lt. Bys. ...
City & South London Rly...
City ol Birmingham
Colchester Corporation
Cork Electric Trams Co. ...
Croydon Corporation
Devonport & Diat. Trams...
Dover Corporation
Dublin & Luoan Railway ...
Dublin United
Dudley-Stourbridge
Dundee Corporation
East Ham CouncU
Exeter Corporation
Gateshead &, Diet. Trams...
Glasgow Corporation
SloBsop Trams
Graveaend — Northfleet
Great Northern St City Rly..
Gt.Northern, Piccadilly,&c
Greenock & Port Glasgow...
Hartlepool Tramways
Hastings Elec. Trams Co....
Hong Kong
Huddersfield Corpn
Hull Corporation
nford District Council
Ilkeston District Council ...
Ipswich Corporation
I Ic of Thanet Co
Jarrow
Eelghley Corporation
Kidderminster & District...
Kilmarnock Corporation ...
Lanarkshire Trams Co. ...
Lancashire United
Leamington
Leeds Corporation
Leicester Corporation
Leith Corporation
Lincoln Corporation
Liverpool Corporation
Liverpool Overhead Rly, ...
♦London County Council ...
London United
Lowestoft
Maidstone Corporation
Manchester Corporation ...
Mersey Railway
Merthyr
Metropolitan Dist. Railway
Metropolitan Blec. Trams...
Middleton
Nelson Corporation
Newcaatle-on-Tyne Corp. ...
Newport (Mon.)
Northampton Corporation .
Oldham, Aahton & Hyde ...
Oldham Corporation
Perth (N.B.) Corporation ...
Perth (W. A.) Elec. Trams...
Peterborough
Portsmouth Corporation ...
Potteries
Preston Corporation .........
Rotherham Corporation ...
Rothesay
Salford Corporation
Sheffield Corporation"!!!!!!!
Singapore Trams
South Metropolitan
South Staffs
Southend Corporation'!!!!!!
Southport Tramways... .
Staljb'age,Hyde,&o.,Jt.Bd.
Sunderland Corporation ...
Sunderland District
Swansea Trams
Swindon Corporation "!!!!!'
Taunton
Tynemouth and Distriot'!!!
lyneside Trams Co
Wallasey Distriot Council...
Walsall Corpn
Warrington Corpn.'!!!!!!!!!
West Bam Corporation
Weston-super-Mare
Wolverhampton Co. !!!!!!!!!
Wolverhampton Corpn'!! "
♦ Worcester *^,
Wrexham
lorkehire ■W.B'."f rams'
Yorkshire Woollen District
Jan.
Jan.
Jan. I
Dec. 2:1
Jan. 2
Deo. 25
Jan.
Jan. 3
Dec!' 31
Jan. 2
Dec. 23
Ins.
or Deo.
(a)
31,791 + 9,874
R39,S7.j
l,2(i4
4,H37
1,0S8 - 141
1,610 I - 200
S7,74U
1,510
2.531
11.621
1,271
35,926
4,433
740 -
292 +
43,918
H,3S0
1,144,701
1U,608
3,670
9,077
12,44.5
88,279
!55','u62
92.971
• 1,789,035
65,324
182,014
24,014
56,4(8
23,976
30,493
35,323
12,735
51,924
532,004
7,43a
10,770
1,610
5,700
5.618
6,090
66,6f5
68,707
S.777
263,913
17','77.)
4,6ii0
595,722
1 271
,;65.997
311,893
2,241
7,622
6U 1,011
2,00 J
10,957
0,618
205.322
18,03a
6,253
6,491
(0,1.)0
03,119
2,S92
226,120
J2;7,472
41,385
4 3,143
18,276
14,237
29,^03
47,437
2,101
11,2.S7
10.877
36,777
14,380
5,269
1,147
46.846
■I- 1,3(»
■fB298,ll(
3.4JI
ELECTRICAL COMPANIES' SHARE LIST
r.l
LART
a
Dm.
DERD
10
5/n
K
4/6
1(
H/0
Bt.
4J%
(Do.
St.; 4}%
St., 4%
St.
iX
St.
U'U
h
2/S
b
2/0
tit.
4n
10
5/0
K
ti/O
St.
b7.
St.
44%
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
Bournemouth A Poole Elec. Sup. Ord—
Do. 4i per Cent. Com. Pref.
6 per Cent. Cum. Second Pref. ...
4 J per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) .
Bromlev (Kent) El. Lt. & Power Shares
Do. Do. 1st Debs.
Brompton 4 Kensington Eleo. Sup. Ord.
Do. 7 per Cent. Pref.
Central Elec. Snp. Co.4% Gnar.Db.Stock
Charing Croa3(W.End&City)EI.Snp. Co.
Do. 4J per Cent. Pref.
tDo. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Do, 44 per Cei.t, Peb, Stuck (red.) ..
tDo. Citv Undertaking 4i% Cm. Prel.
Chelees E'lectric Supply Ord
tDo. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
City of London Electric Lighting Ord...
Do. 8 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
tDo. B per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
tDo. 4i per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock (red.)
o -/. Conntyof Durham Elec. P. D. Ord
6 6% i Do. 6 per Cent, non Cum. Pref.
10' 4/0 : County of London Elec. Snpply Ord
1016/0 Do. 6 per Cent. Com. Prof.
>'■! 4i% tDo. 4i/£ Dfb. Stock (red.)
i'-'4J%i Do. Second Deb. Stock
6 1 3/0 I Folkestone Electricity Snpply Co. Ord.
' "■" Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4i lot Deb. Stock (red)
Hove Electric Lighting Ord
Kensincton 4 Knightsbridge Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. 1st Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Kensinetn. 4 Knirtbg. Co. & Netting Hill
Co. (Joint Station) 4% Deb. Stock (red.)
Kent Elec. Power Co
London Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb
Metropolitan Electric Sap. Ord
tDo. 4i per Cent. Cum. Pref.
tDo. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock 1st Mort.
IDo. SJ per Cent. Mri. Deb. Stock(red.)
ax
Price
Wed..
Jan. 6.
^""" 1»™?NI> Wekk to
DDK. T.ie.R
Yddj>-
1(1-108
98-10
101-1' S
101 — K.'i
ii-b
91 —98
8J-9
UKt-l.MiJ 490
ii-H 5 6 0
3i-41 6 5 0
102 -105 4 7 6
lOi-11 5 9 0
12i-13 4 12 0
121 —123 4 1 0
9) —101 4 9 0
2i— 2J 4 ■! ■'
3i-3J 6 17 19
S| -Si 5 7 0
lOg-llJ 6 8 0
105 -1(8 4 3 3
II!) _1(,3 4 7 6
4|-61 6 7 0
B —64 4 11 0
97 -103 4 10 0
(2-62 6 10
7J-81 6 9 0
6l-^S 4 14 6
91 —97 4 2 6 i
98 —101 ! 3 19 0
86 —90 6 0 0
lJ-13 6 14 0
4|-51 6 13 6
89 -93 4 6 0
6 —64 5 :> "
High- Low
I £ ■. d. ' i est. I est.
6 4 6 I Mar, Sept, ^1"; | l''^:
4 10 0 Fob, Aug ■• , -
6861 Feb, Ang | . . . .
4 6 8 Jan, July I •- ..
6 10 " April, Oct , 4;!| ..
4 12 0 I May, Nov
5 U 0 ' March
4 2 0 Mar, Sent
3 19 C June, Dec
5 3 0 Feb, Ang
4 17 0 ; Feb, Ang
Jan, July
H
m
100
44
99S
.Tan, July
March ..I ■• i
June, Dec, 1"! ,1034
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
June, Dec
Jan, July
April, Oct
April, Oct
Feb, Ang
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
Feb, Ang
Jan. Jnly
111, U
911
44% itMidlandElcc. Corp.forP.D.latMort.Db.' 93 -95
1 3%
IOC 4J%
10 1 6/0
St. I 34%
St. I 44%
St.
St,
St.
3t,
jt,
100] tx
61 2/6
it
nx
Newcastle & Dist.'Elec. Ltg. Ord.
Wo. 44 per Cent. Deb
Newcastle Elec. Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, non Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. red. 1907.
North Metro. Eleo. I'ower Snp. 5Morts
Kortbem Counties Elec. Sup
I Do. 4* per Cent. Deb
Notting Hill Electric Ord
Oxford Electric Ord
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
St. Jamea' & Pall Mall Elec. Ord.
Do. 7 per Cent. Pref.
tDo. 34 per Cent. Deb. Slock (red.) ...
Smithfield Markets Electric Sup. Ord...
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
South London Electric Supply Ord
South Metrop'n Elee. Lt. & Power Ord.
Do. 7 per Cent. Cum. Pref
Do. 4J Ist Db. Stk. Red
Urban Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4* per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb
Westminster Elec. Sup. Ord
Do. 44 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS A, TRAMWAYS.
Baker ht. i V>atcrloo 4^ Perp. Db. St
Bath Elec. Trams Pref. Ord
tDo. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 44 1st Mort. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
tB'ham & Midland Trama 4J lat Db. Stk.
Bristol Tramways &. Carriane Ord.
42-5
ii-H
98 —96
IQil -102
91 —93
in -123
96 -98
8g-9iS
T -74
68 -90
2S-3
,4-i
so —83
ii-8J
6J-64
91 -S4
9j— 10
. Pref. (folly paid) 85 -8S
!Do. 4 per Cent. Debs I 98 -tS
British Electric Traction Ord S.5— li^
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. | 3J— 4
Do. 6 per Cent. Perpetual Deba 91—97
Do. 44 per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock '3 —75
Central London Ordinary Stock I 6* — f6
Do. 4 per Cent. Pref. Stock • 61 -S8
Do. Deferred Stock '' "'^
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs
tCbaring X.EustoniHuipstd Per.Db.Stk.
City of Birmingham Trams. 6%Cin.Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Dobs
City & South London Ely. Con. Ord. ...
Do. 6 per Cent. Perp. Pref. (1891) ...
Do. (189C)
Do. (190!)
Do. (1903)
Do. 4 per Cent. Perpetual Debs
Dublin United Trama. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Gt. Northern i City Rly. Prof: Ord.(4%)
G. Northern, Piccadilly & Brompton Ord.
rDo. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Hastings b Dist. Eleo. Trams. 6% Cm. Pf.
Do. 44 Db. St
_ .,„ t Imperial Tramways Ord
11, 8% :jDo. 8 per Cenl.Vref.
" 44 ■" ■' " ■ '■ '
101
April, Oct
•Tan, July
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
June, Dec 1
Jan, July
June, Deo
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Ang
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Mar, Ang
Jan, Jnly
March ..
March . .
.Tan, July
Fib, Ang
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb ....
Feb, Aug
April
Feb, Aug
I April, Oct
„ April, Oct
1115 6 ' April, Oct
5 8 3 April, Oct
Jan, Joly
April
Jan, July
April. Oct
Jan, July
Feb, Ang
4 17 I"
5 10 6
6 :o 0
5 n 0
6 13 0
8 13 0
5 14 0
21;.
SS 8,=„
6 3 0
6 0 0
4 10 6
4 13 0
3 17 0
3 17 0
4 11 0
5 5 0
4 0 0
a"
9 4
S6i
98 -101
99 —101 1
114-12} I
13 —11
1-) I
91 -93
2j-3}
8) —a)
SJ-9 1
81 -f J
911
61 1,3
St.l iz
W 6%
St.l 4%
10 1 2/6
31.1 4%
J-H
5t —59
1) _l..i
(a) Toese comparisons are with the corresponding period last year. S Plus 3 days
iPIU8 2.d»y8. • Partly eleotrice'. t Mlnua 3 days JMinu3 2day3. jjj
1
1
0/6
St.
m
St.
u
St.
'iiZ
St.
34 X
St.
34-/.
St.
■HX
St.
34%
IDo. 4» per Cent. Deba ! ■**-81
I . of Thanet E. T. & Lt. 5 per Cent. Pref. ' ^ -' "
tDo. 4 per Cent. Dub. Stock _
Lanarkshire Tramways
(Lanes. Utd. Trama 6 J Prior Lien Db. St.
Liverpool Overhead Railway Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb
(London United Trams. B^ Cum. Pref. ...
• Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb. Stock I
Mersey Con. Ord. Stock
Do. 3 per Cent. Perp. Pref. S-S
Metropolitan Eiec. Tramways Ord I l-j — 3?
Do. De.'erred t i'i—f-
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. i'ref. 1— j
tDo. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock 91—91
Metropohtan Railway Conaolidated 36 —37
Do. Surplus Landa Slocks , 6S — 70
Do. 84 per Cent. Preference 87 — 8J
Do. SJ per Cent. " A " Preference 76—79
Do, 34 per Cent, Convertible Pref. 74—77
8^ per Cent. Debenture Stock 91
84-4.J
6j —jo
I —2
4 13
111 2
I 6 14
Feb, Aug , . .
June, Dec 1
Feb, Ang 3,1
April, Oct 93*
May, >ov
Feb, Ang 65
Feb, Aug
Feb .... £.1
Jan, July 1034
Jan, July 67
April, Oct
April, Oct
feb, Ang 293 ' ^'1
Feb, Ang
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug 109
Feb, Aug
May, Nov
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang .,
Feb. Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July < 92
Mar, Sept , .
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
.Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan. July
Jan, Jnly 4,
Jan, JiUy iij
Feb, Aug. I j
April.. .
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Ang
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan. Jnly
6^1 t9
' In ckiemuing the yield lUowanoe haa been made for Monied intoieat bnt not for redemption
t Kx IHyidendT I The London Stock Exchange Committe? have declmed to qno e tbeso
THE ELECTRICIAN JANUARY 8,
Electrical coiwrRA-iviES snARE^^isT^-co«*mtfc^
Last I
Divi-
dend!
Price
Wed.,
Jan. 6.
1 Will' ! DIVIDEND
YIKLD- j,pj_
X.18T,
g jdeiid!
Price
Wed..
Jan. 6.
ElTE % DtVIDElID |BDSINB?s
YIELD- " n^?? Week TO
ED. I "™' I JAN. 6.
(Do.
[ ElECTRIC RAILWAYS A TBAMWAY8-
BV 3J% Met. Rly. 3J per Cent. " A ' Dfli. Stock
St.! .. M-'ropoIil«n Dialnpt Esilway Ord
.StI -. I iio F.xlnnsinn Pref. (6 per Cent.)
.) Assented Ext. Pref. fint. Guar, hy
Und. Elec. Klys. Co. of London, Ltd.)
tDo, 3 per Cent. Consoltd. Rent-charge
4 per Cent. Midland Rent-charge
fiuar. .''tock 4 per Cent
6 per Cent. Perp. Deb. Stock
4 per Cent. Ditto
».. I Sew Hen. Tract. 6 per Cent. Cam. Pref.
l! 0;9J Potteries Electric Traction Ord
1' 0/6 I V,.-,. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
t. 4i% Do. 4* per Cent. Deb. Stock
10 7! R. Met. Elec. Trams. & Ltg. 6% Cm. Pref.
t. it (Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Snnderland Dist. Eleo.Trm8.S%l8tMt.Dh.
lTndereroundE.Ry9.Lon.6T Inc'm bonds
5% Prior Lien Bonds
8t.| 8J%
St.' 3%
8t.| i%
St. 13%
St ex
St. 4%
too 6%
St.
21/11
4i
+Do. 4*Y Bonds
Yorkshire (W.R.) Elec. Trams. Ord. ...
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
tDo. 4i per Cent, lit D»b8
ELECTRIC MANUFACTURINC, 4bc.
Aron Electricity Meter Ord
Do. 6%Cum. Pf.
Babcock & Wilcoi Ord
Do. Pref.
British Insulated & Helsby Cables Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
+Do. 4^ per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.)
British Thoms'n-Housfn 4i% Ist Mt.Db.
5 .. British Weslinghouse 6 per Cent. Pref...
liiij. Z'V-i Do 6 per Cent. Prior Liea Dbs (rd.)
i 4% fDo. 4 percent. Mort. Deb. Stock I
.St. H% BiushE.EngCo.4i",,Ferp.lstDeb.Stock
0/7:
iffS
m
4/0
8/0
St
4k
St.
St. 4*%
St.
nx
1
1/6
St
nx
1
0/7i
1
U/7J
1
0/S?
1
J/0
1
^m
3
8/0
bZ
1
urn
2/0
0/7i
Ft
HZ
1/6
'2ie
fit
4!S
St.
b%
tDo. Perpetual 2Tid Deb. Stock
I'allender's Cable Con. Ord
BperCent. Cum. Pref.
lOj 1/0
' 8/0
89 —91
131—13?
■22 —25
90 -9i
5-1
74 —78
79 —83
73 -75
i-l|
62 —85
3j-4
li's-lft
Bi-7
6J-64
103 —106
91 -96
2-«
96J-974
41 —46
65 -70
46— 6 »
9 —10
tDo. 4jperCent. 1st Mort Debs, (red.) 106 —108
Castner-Kellner Alkali Co I*— 18
Do. 4JperCent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.). 103—107
fChadburn's (Ship) Telegraph Ord 'I— It's
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. If— ^I'a
CoDsolidated Electrical Co ^' ''
Consolidated Signal Co li'e — ii-
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
•Crompton 4 Co. (Nos. 1 to 86,000)
tDo. 6 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs. (red.).
Daris & Timinins
Dick, Kerr & Co. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
tDo. 4j per Cent. Deb. Stock
Edison Si Swan United ("A" Sh.) (£3pd.)
Do. (£6 paid)
tDo. 4 percent. Mort. Deb. Stock (rd.)
Do. 6 per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock
Edmundson's Elec. Corp. Ord.
Do. 6perCent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4} per cent. l3t Mort. Deb. (red.)
Electric Construction Co
Do. 7 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Perp. 1st Mort. Oebs.
General Electric (1900) 6% Cum. Pret...
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
Henley's Telegraph Works Ord
Do 4J per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4 j per Cent, lat Mort. Deb. Stock
tir.dia Rubber, Gut. Per , &c.,Wrks
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs, (red.)
National Elec. Construction Co
Kichardsons, Westgarth & Co., Ltd. Ord.
I Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. ...
tro. 4JperCent. Perp. Deb. Stock ... 13-46
aimplei Conduits Ord 1)
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref 6i
Telegraph Construction & Maintenance i 31 — 33
tVo. 4 per Cent Deb. Bonds (1909; ...i 99—102
Vickers, Sons & Maxim. Ltd., Ord i 2—2^s
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Preference, IJ^ — Ig^.^
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Preferred I 10a'— 1U6
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Db.Sk. (red) 102—104
Do. 4iper Cent. 2nd Mort. Deb.(red.)i 104 —106
Do. 6 percent. 3rd Mort. Debs Scrip. I 104 —106
■ - - _ - g _g
28-2}
68 — 7i
£ s.
d.
3 17
0
-
5 19
0
3 19
0
« IK
«
3 3
«
4 15
0
i 17
(i
*iX
St.
i 12/0
12 4%
100 1/0
ll 0/6
i; s%
St. *L
St. 4i%
100' W ^^_ „r>. ^„. „.„,„„,. „.
100 5^/0 t.I.(;.\Vhite&Co.6JCm.Pref. .
7 116
5 13 0
7 10
7 12
—ii 6 4 0
i;^ii
96 —99
J-li
l:fi-H-!
lls-l-ft
99 —102
if— 2?
76 -la
86 —89
i-i
62 —66
i-8
H-iS
61 —65
7-7J
83 —87
lli-13J
6 -6J
105J-107J' i
151— 16J -
98 —100
M
6 13 u
4 12 6
6 0 0
Willi
6%
16/0
30/0
St. 1%
Et. 4%
St. I 6/0
10 10/0
10 1 2/0
6| 6/0
4i%
St. 17/6
i & Kobinaon Ord,
6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs.
TELEGRAPHS.
Amazon Telegraph
tDo. 6 per Cent. Debs, (red.; 94 — 97
Anglo-American 66 — 59
Do. Preferred I 96 —98
Do. Deferred 1 14J— 15
1 Commercial Cable 4 per Cent. Deb. Stk. I 86J— 87i
Cuba Submarine Ord 7i— 8J
Do. Preference 10 per Cent - - -
Diiect Spanish Ord
Do. 10 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J per Cent. Deb
BOl 4/0 i Direct Unite! States Cable
2O1 HZ jtDirectWestIndiaCable4J3;Rg.Db.(rd.)
100,26/0 Eastern Ordinary ,
■'- - Do. 3* per Cent. Pref. Stock
Dn. 4 per Cent. Jlort. Deb. Stk. (red.)
Eastern Extension na — 13a
ri,. A ^ t r._i. d....u ' " . S
Bt
2/6
n
4Z
im
4X
26
b/O
101 41%
100 12/<
25| il
lOC
»1
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock , loi — lu3
Eastern & 8. African 4 ^ Mort. Deb. 1909 ' lOl —103
Do. 4% Mauritius Sub. Debs, (red.) ...
G.N. (o( Copenhagen), ex Coupon 74..;
t ii alilax & Bermuda 44 li lat Mt. Db.( red.)
Indo-European
MackbT Companies Common
Do. Prelerence
Marconi's Wireless Teleg. Co
1; 4% 'iraciflc&EuropenTel.4tOn»r.Dbs.(red.)
10« 1/3 I West Coast ol America'.
21: 4% I (Do. 4 per Cent. Oebs
West India & Panama
Do. B piT Cent. 1st Pret
Do. 6';„ 2nd Pref
tDo. 6 ijer Cent, Debs !......
. lelcuraph
per Cut. Deb. Stock (rod.)
Telegh. «1,000 iX Bond's
lOj e/o
10! 12/0i
10 6%
lOOl S/0 tWe
101 4% ' Dc
.. I 4% We
6 17
5 16
6 11 0
99%— 10S%
12J-138
100 —102 14 8 0
127 -13) I 6 8 0
84 —87 14 0 6
103J— 1051i 8 16 6
6 13 0
3 18 0
8 17 6
3 18 0
764
104]
Jan, Jnly
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept , 63
Jan, July 121
Jan, July 1 -
May . . . . ' •
April, Oct
Feb, Aug i .
May, Nov
Fob, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
.Tune, Dee
April, Oct
April, Oct
July,' Feb
Jan, July
Jan, Jnly
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Jan , J uly
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
Nov, May
May, Sot
Feb. Aug
March . .
April, Oct
August ...
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Sept
Sept
Jan, Jnly
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jnne, Dec
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
May, Not
Jan, July
Jan, JnJy
July
Jan, July
June, Deo
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
April
No
100-102
30 —82
100 —102
62 —65
74 —78
71 —74
J-i
100—102
ii-14
99 —101
S— 13J I 6 7 0
May, Not
Jan, Jnly
Mar, Joly
Jan, July
June, Deo
Jime, Dec
Apr, Oct
Apr, Oct
May, Not
J ane, Dec
June, Deo
F,My,Ag,N
F,My,Ag,N
r,My,Ag,N
Jn,Ap,Jy,0
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
June, Dec
Ja,My,JyO
Ja,My,JyO
May, Not
Je,Ap,Jy,0
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
May, Not
Jau, July
Juue,Deo
May, Not
Ia,Ap,Jy,0
la,Ap,Jy,0
April ....
June, Deo
May ....
Jan, July
May, Nov
May, Not
May, Not
J an, J uly
Mr,Jn,0,D
June, Dec
941
. In calculating the yields allowance ha. bee „ade tor accrued Interest bui
1016
TELEPHONES. | ^ ,
tAmer.TeIephn.&Telegh.Cap. St. ...... ^H -\T- ' f \
tDo. Coll. Trust $1,0004 per Cent. Bds 93 -9o 4 4
Anglo. Portug'se TeL 6% lat Mt.Db. Stk.l 100 -102 4 18
ChUi Telephone , **-»' * If
Monte Vicfeo Telephone Ord. .? ,, ? 2
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. inEFiJi^i I I
National Co. Pref. Stock }?2=~H^! ! *
Def. Stock I HI'~J^J*
St. 6%
St. 6% _- _
10 6/0 Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. 1st Pref.
10 6/0 Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. 2Qd Pref.
t 2/6 Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. 3rd Pref. ...
St.! 31^ t Do. Deb. Stock 31 per Cent, (red.) ...
Bi- if. tDo 4 per Celt. Dob. Stock (red.)
1 0/7; Oriental
10/71 Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
St. 4% t Do. 4 per Cent. Bed. Deb. Stock
St. 44% tTelephoneCo.ofEaypt44iiDb.Stk.(red.)
6 3/0 tUnited River Plate
B 2/6 t Do. 6per Cent. Cum. Pref.
t Do. 44 Deb. St. Red
104-
101-114
5f',!-6ft
97 -93
loo —102
'A- l.'s
l*-li
5 4 0
6 4 6
4 10 6
3 11 0
3 18 0
5 12
4 16
*iX
8S —90 4 9 0
99 —101 4 9 0
FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, Ac.
tElec. & Gen. Investment 6% Com, Pref. 3^
tGlobe Telegraph & Trust i |0 ■
t Do. 6 per Cent. Pret. "
Submarine Cables Trust (Cert.)
High
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
August . .
Nov
May, Nov
Feb, Aug 103i
Feb, Aug MH
Feb, Aug ~
Feb, Aug j . .
Feb, Aug I 6j'j
June, Dec I 97
Jan, July 10 JJ
April, Oct ! -
April, Oct! ..
Jan, July ' ..
Jan, July , . .
July .... 1 61^
June, Dec i 4l-."^
Jan, July
Jan, July
SpDcMrJu :
44%
St.: 5%
40, 41%,
100 44%
St. I 4}% I
6 ..
6 2/6 I
100 1 64% 1
lOOj 6%
St. 6%
St. I 6% I
2/0
8/6
4J%
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRIC
RAILWAYS, TRAMWAYS, Ac.
6] 8/0 tAnglo-Argentine6%Cuni. Ist Pref.
5! 5/0 t Do. lOZ Non-cum. 2nd Pref.
St: 6% t Do. Permanent 6% Deb. Stock
St.! 6% tAuckland Elec. Trams. 6% Deb. (red.)...
B' 2/6 , Brisbane Electric Trams. Invest. Ord....
5 2/6 ! Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
tDo. 41 per Cent. Db. Prov. Certs
British Columbia El.Ry.Df. Ord
Do. Pref. Ord. Stock
Do. 6% Cum. Perp. Pref. Stock
Do. 41 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
Do. Vancouver Power Debs
Do. 4i%Pcrp Con. Deb. St
Buenos Ayres Grand National Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
tDo. 64 per Cent. Pref. Debs
Do. 0 per Cent. 1st Deb, Bonds
Buenos Ayres Lacroze Trams 1st Mt. Db.
Buenos Ayres Port 4 City Tram. 1st Mt.
Deb. Stock
Calcutta Tramways (1 to 137,610)
tDo. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
tDo. 44% lat Deb. Stock (red.)
Cape Electric Tram Shares
City ot Buenos Ayrea Trams Co. (19«4)Sh.
tDv, 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Colombo Tr. & Ltg. 5% 1st Mt. Db. -
Electric Traction Co. of Hong Kong 6
per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
Havana Elec. Ry. Con. Mt. 6%.$ 1,000 60
year Coup. Bds
Kalgoorlie Elec. Trams Sh
Do. 6 per Cent. " A " Deb. Stook
Do. 6 per Cent. "B" Ditto
Lisbon Elec. Trams. Ord
tDo. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
(Do. e per Cent. Keg. Mort. Debs
tiladras Elec. Trams. 6% Deb. Stk
Manila Elec. Ry. *1,000 Gold Bonds
Meiicolrams Uo. Com. St
Do. Gen. Con. 1st Mort. 6,, Gold Bds....
Montreal Bt. Ky. Sterling 44 per Cent,
i Debs. (1922) (Nos. BOl Co 2,000)
Perth Elec. Trams Ord
1 tDo. 1st Mt. Db. Stock
Inangoon Elec. Trams & Supply Co, 6%
4 9 9 SpDcMrJU|l3i-:
1 10 3
9—91 16 8 0
6%
6%
6, 1/0
100 0/7}
St., 6%
St. 6%
.. bX
lOOi SI
Cu
. Pf.
rCo.
44% tDo. 44^ 1st Mort. Deb. Slk
«i 4 ! tSao Paulo Tramway, Light & Powe
8100 Stock
6% , Do. 6 per Cent. 1st Mt. $600 Db.
Toronto Ry Co. Ist Mt. m Ster. Bonds
4U
3/0
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRICITY
SUPPLY &Q.
4i— 5
4S-5i
100 —103
89 -91
April, Oot
April, Oct
Jan, July
June, Deo
Jan, July
May ....
May, Nov 41
Jan, Jnly ■•
Mar, Sept 'S'J
May, Nov ,1°,
Jan, July ['"^
April, Oct
Jan, July
102
13i —135 3 19 3
!)l4-9.'liil 6 8 0
103 —106 I 1 6 0
SJ —101 i 4 I'J 0
61-51,
Adelaide Elec. S'plyCo.6%Cu.Pr.
10! 6/0 1 BombayE.S.4T.6%Cm.Pf.
8t.' 44% I tDo. 44 per Cent. Deb. Slk. (red.)
61 3/3 Calcutta Elec. Supply Old 63— 6i
100: 7/2 ,tCauadianGen. Elec. Oo. Com. 8t 108 — lu8
100, 6% ltCastnerElectrolyticAlkaUCo.(ofU.S.A.)
I Isl Mort. Stl. Debs 93 —103
600 j 6% j Elect. Development Co of Ontario 81 -86^
6 .. Elec. Ltg. & Trao. Co. of Auat. 6 per
Cent. Cum. Pref. 4—24
St.! 6% ! IDo. 6 per Cent. Deb Stock 85 —«U
Jfilec. Supply Co. of Victoria 6 per Gent.
1st Mort. Deb. St 871-901
(Indian Elec. gup. & Trac. Co. CooatD.
Deb. St. Rd ,1 30—40
10b I 0/3
1' 0/7i
BX
$1
6%
100' $li
1 1/2;
1: l:2g
St.i 6%
6: 3/0
loo< 91
••I bX
Kalgoorlie Elec. Power & Ltg. Ord. .,
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref
Madras E. S. Corp. 6 per Cent. Constn.
Deb. St
tMexican Elec. Light Co. 6% let Mort.
Gold Bonds
Mexican Lt. ,it Power Co. Com. St. ..."
Do. 6.4 l>t Mort. Gold Bnda. '..'.
Montreal Lt. Ht. & Puwer Co. Cap. St....
Kiver Plate Electricily Co. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. non.Cnm. Pref
tDo. 6 percent. DeO. Stock
Kosario Elec. Co. 6% Pref. (1-20.000)
IShawiuigan \\ ater & Fower Co. Cap. St,
.%-i
85i-B6i%
74i-761
894-9^4
116 -Hi
1,^-1/..
98 — lul
64 -51
64*-8j4
101% 1 4 16
n-'J 1
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
F.My.A.N
June, Deo
May, Not
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jau, July
July ....
Jan, July
Jan, Jnly
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
May
Jan, Jnly
June, Dec
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
April, Oct
Feb, Aug
Jan, Jnly
April, Oot
April, Oot
10,',
5 10
6
6 10
0
F.My.A.N
4 13
u
April
5 13
0
May
4 19
II
Jan, July
5 13
0
April, Ool
4 IS
0
102
Jan, Jnly
1 Jan, July
90g
not for redemption t Ex dividend, t ^* Londos Stock Exchange Committee have declined to Quote these
SVVVLEMEM to " The tlectrtcian." January 8. 1909.
Cheaper Industrial Wiring
New ^'tout-Motion Starter
Electric Power Episodes
Small Motor Lift Gears
Editorial
Some Westirglioiise Motor
installations . . . . 701*
Tables of ELEcrnrc
Power Supply ii>3-ii2
Shitiijard Installatons ..113
liquid Starters .. ..114
Union Motor hhstallations .. 115
iHotors at Heme and Abioad 116
4 Spinning Mill Power Plant 116
'ndividual Drive in Textile.^.. 117
'ndian Colliery Power Plants 11^
'Jectric Turntables .. ..120
Mining installations . . ..121
I^XEXTO Advertisers 121
Polyphase Motors.
400 H.P. Slow Speed Haulage Motor, 2,000 Volts, SO Periods.
THE
Lancashire Dynamo&Motor Co., Ltd.
MANCHESTER.
SoppLEMENT is issued Gratis to Subscribers to " Tlie Eleotriciau."
tiXTKA Copies can be obtained, price 4d. per copy, post free.
SUPPLEMENT to " Thi Electrician." January 8, 1909.
96
m fMfwm
DYNAMO WORKS LIMITED.
STANDARD LIQUID STARTER FITTED
WITH WORM GEAR.
TARTERS
CONTINUOUS
ALTERNATING
CURRENT.
SMOOTH STARTING
and CONSTANT
ACCELERATION.
FOR ALL
VOLTAGES
AND OUTPUTS.
LONDON :
HEAD OFFICE:
York Mansion, York Street, Westminster, S.W.
rri(.j-/,()H<',--452 WKS
T.MINSTEEl. T(7c;/ra/;ls.-— "SIH.llllKAl.OS LOSIION."
BRANCH OFFICES:
Birmingham.
Central }Iodse, New Street.
Bristol.
32. hiuur.i: Street.
Cardiff,
t-9, .'^T. I\lARY Street.
Glasgow.
163, Hope Street.
Leeds.
Standard Life Assdbance Bdildinos, City Square.
London.
1. Abchurch Yard, Cannon Street, E.G.
Manchester,
196, Deansgate.
Newcastie=-on<
■Tyne.
. 39, Collikgwood Buildings.
Sheffield.
Foster's Buildings, 22, High Street.
Cfteaper Industrial Wiring.
Till'; cost of an electric power installation does not
I'lul with the motor and starting appaiatus. The
wiring is an important item and may be carried
<mt oil lines which would greatly increase the initial ex-
]ieuditui-e of the installation. The work musi, of course,
l:e done efficiently and in accordance with certain rules,
those of the lioard of Trade, the Home Office, Insurance
companies, &c. These, considered generally, specify that
insulated wire shall not be run on insulators exposed, and
without covering of any kind, unless by special permission.
In contradistinction to this ruling, open wiring is per-
mitted on the Continent, and a verygi-eat deal of it is done,
not only in industrial installations but also in private
houses, hotels, &c.
Now we have our own views on the running of wires
out of sight, even in the most humble of domestic estab-
lishments. Surface wiring is not considered " nice " and is
not therefore done.
To industrial installations, however, the argument does
not apply. "Use before ornament" is the motto, and it
should be kept in view with motor installations, more
especially so in the smaller plants in towns which need to
build up the power load. The American " knob and tube "
system has little to commend it for concealed work, thouoh
it is largely practical, but it might be introduced with
advantage in motor installation work.
We are apt to measure our industrial importance out of
the social .sack. In industry things are temporary more or
less, and undue elaboration, which is another word for too
much spending of money, is not desirable.
Exposed wiring is able to cheapeir the cost of electric
power to the user, while still maintaining the necessary
standard of efficiency throughout the installation. If insu-
lator wiring is equal to the supply conditions imposed by
the Continental electricity undertakings, it is certainly ap-
])licable to Bi-itish practice. Of one thing the user would
lie assured, this wiring would always be in sight.
Tliere is, of course, another side to the question. Every
i;ood thing has certain drawbacks. Take the case of machine
tool wiring. British practice has favoured the use of iron-
clad motor control gear, and in conjunction with this the
(•(innections are always run in steel conduits. Obviously
they cannot be placed on insulators and festooned round a
lathe or boring mill. The u-se of tubing at once brings up
tlie " electrically continuous and earthed" proposition, and
unless the wii'ing is uniform in this respect troubles are
likely to arise when faults occur on the system.
Taking the case of power consumers supplied from public
mains, the cheapening of the wiring would do much to
encourage new business. Tlris applies to the larger instal-
lations in which motors are scattered about a works or
timber yard or any other extensive factory where long
runs of wire would he necessaiy. The reduction of tlic
wiring bill by half would be an advantage in this case.
There is one thing to be said against exposed wiring.
It suggests .slovenly methods, and may encourage a kind
of slackness on the part of the wiremen which would ulti-
mately prove to the detriment of the installation. Wiring
ill tube is solid, substantial and permanent, and should go
in where the job is likely to stand. For industrial work
about which there is a fluctuating factoi-, the exposed class
of wiring may be permissible, and be allowed to serve its
purpose over a sluirt period.
I)cu) S!ou)lRotion Starter.
Tl [E success of an electric power installation depends
very largely upon the reliability of all its parts and
its easy operation and freedom from breakdown.
The simple and easy control made possible liy electric
driving has naturally resulted in the relegation of the
operation of starting up the motors to comparatively un-
skilled workmen.
This frequently means that the only tiictor which limits
the acceleration is the liability of the belts to come off or
the cut-outs fuse. This class of acceleration not only
shortens the useful life of the whole electric equipment,
Ijut has an undesired effect upon the station load peak and
voltage regulation.
^ It is with the idea of obviating these difficulties that the
E.A.C. one-minute type starter'with slow motion attach-
ment has been produced.
From the illustration it will be seen that the slow motion
is attained by the alternate caniining and arresting by the
zig-zag groove of the pawl carried in the starter lever.
The operation is as follows : —
The pawl is normally held against the bottom side of
the groove. In moving the lever forward the pawl en-
counters the first lower teeth, and is cammed upwards until
it strikes the tir.st arresting tooth, which prevents further
progress until the Ibrward pressure is released, when the
pawl is pulled down the slot and thus allows the operation
10 be repeated on the subsequent teeth. In coming off the
pawl is free to rise over the teeth, and does not impede the
motion of the lever.
97
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," January 8. 1909.
Tlie jirincipal diffeieiices between this device and exist-
iwj, npparatus for producing a slow acceleration are : —
1. Exirenie simplicity.
2. Practically all other appliances of a similar' character
produce a unilorm slow motion. This is undesirable in
view of tlie protracted arcing which necessarily takes place
E.A.C. Slow-Motion Starter for Electric Motors.
in passing from one segment to another. The E.A.C. device
allows a rapid forward motion and only arrests the move-
ment when the contact brush is " full-on " the partieuLir
segment. Tiie resistances are rated to carrj' 50 per cent,
overload and to allow 60 seconds in cutting out resistance.
" You don't get in a single machine] on the route of our
mains," I said, without asking him to take the seat he
already occupied.
" Guess you've backed the wrong gee," he snarled.
" When I say get it in I mean, of course, in working
order, and in preference to the power service," I went on,
disregarding his interjection.
He came round tlie de.sk. and thrusting liis
hands into liis pockets, looked down at me.
" Why, man, I took the order only last niglit,
and we make delivery in .si.x weeks," was his
answer.
"What's the output T' I incpiired, picking up
the tele]ihone.
" 1,000 kw."
•■ X(it bad." T remarked. "Hello! Yes. Send
u]) .lohnson."
"You can't l.)eat it, so you need not try,'' he
commented dryly.
Johnson entered. " How maiiv motors above
lOOil.P.?"! asked.
" Six 200's, Sir."
" What delivery '."
" Immediate, .Sir."
" Whose ! "
" L. T. c<: K., Sir."
" Make sure of them in six weeks,'' I said, as he left the
room.
" Revs." turned round to me again.
" No dirty work now," he shouted.
"Oh, get out," I answered, " we're not in business to
play the giddy goat."
He bounced out with the remark that "he'd win anyhow."
and I lieaid no mon,' of him till the turbo was ready to run
at Sims' Mill.
€lcciricPou)er€pi$ode$
IV. Curbining.
STEA]\I turbines e.xercise a weird fascination on the
younger school of engineers. The old hands don't
like them. They never did. That's why the recipro-
cating got so big and unwieldy, especially on ships and in
power houses.
I like to give the steam turbine its due, but I do like it in
its proper place. As engineer of an electric power com-
pany 1 prefer it at the generating station rather tlian in the
engine rooms of factories within my area of sup)'ly.
Now, the turbine situation is a peculiar one. The makers,
of course, have a market, and a good market, for their
machines in the larger power houses of municipalities and
power supply concerns. But, like other producers, in the
modern sense, they must create a demand when the noriiuil
outlets for their manufactures either drv up or become
<-lioked.
There was one man who knew how to pu.sli turbines, and
he got into my district once. I had to move heaven and
earth to get rid of him. His coming turned the area inside
out, and while it lasted I did not relish it. His name was
McMiil. It should have been " lievs " — revolutions per
nunute — ^.judging him by his speed.
He bad cheek enough for a sewing nuichine agent.
During the first week of his sojourn in the district he sailed
up to the works in a motor car, bounced into my office with-
out being announced, and told me then and there he in-
tended to work the district for steam turbines. He threw
down the gauntlet and I took it up.
Uleston electrical
Instrument Co.
Ilultimitar, Model 58. Standard Portable Testing Set
£oiiUon Office and £atoratorp:
AUDREY HOUSE, ELY PLACE, HOLBORN,
Telephone No.: 2029 Holbom. Telegrams: Pivoted London. E.C.
!V
I
if
It
SUPPLEMEST tc "The Electrician," January 8, 1909.
98
DYNAMOS
& MOTORS
STANDARD SEMI -ENCLOSED MOTOR.
15 to 50 H.P. Sizes.
ELECTROMOTORS LIS
OPENSHAW.
In the interim I found that the machine had gone in
%-evy much on price and was not np to power house stan-
dard in the way of workmanship. _
We had worked Sims very hard to keep out the turljine,
but he was bluffed by McMill, who, among other things,
made a point of living with him over very long week ends.
In his secret heart Sims did not give a d— n for the tur-
liine, but he simply had to have it if he wanted to get rid
of McMill. 1 )uriiig the negoiiations we had the sympathies
c.f the factory engnieer who, though a favourite with Sims,
could not ward off the turbine.
Still, he knew enough about turbines to tell the dit-
ference between yood and bad work, and when the
machine came in he smelt trouble. He could see that the
l-ladin-- had been ruslied and might not standeven aday's run:
With his sympathies for the electric service at their
highest pitch, he called me up the day before the machine
was closed down.
" We're in for it," he said over the 'phone, " at least, i
lielieve we are. McMill expects to run on load in a
week from now. fan you help us if we break down ? "
"We don't give emergency service," I answered, "espe-
cially in the circumstances."
" Look here," he said, " I have not told you before, but
you know I tried to choke ]\IcMill off."
■Yes."
" Well, 1 couldn't do it, and the best I could do was to
insist on the generator voltage and that of the motors being
the same as your supply."
"That certainly helps matters, but I can only give the
supply on one condition."
"What's that ''. "
" Hello, here's ]\IcMilI -. he may as well listen. H' the
tuvlto fails in the blading you just stick to the electric
service and cease to run after other gods. I can see by
Mc^Iill's face that he agrees. .
" I can get Sims to consent to that, so we will call it a
deal to be confirmed in writing." Under his breath I heanl
him say "I'll see to the blading." He did not let up the
switch"in the hand telephone for this sotto voce comment.
But he had rung off before I could say another word.
McMill was pleased. He thought he had" struck some-
thing soft," and when he left boasted that we would never
worm the supply service into the building. , .
Still I don't know what McMill had done to Sims engi-
neer o; what the last named did to the turbme^ Af er a
week s run, punctuated by the bragging of Mc^Iill, theie
was a hiatus— inside the turbine.
The driver told me that he heard a "lot of little haul
peas whistling down the exhaust pipe " on the evenmg ot
the breakdown. . . i »
In the morning the motors were running ' as arranged
off the pONver mains and Mc^lill had to be wired for. He
had oone off motoring in high glee.
The o-rand finale was a les.son to turbine salesmen m our
area. We kept up the supply to the mill for 12 months
and durino- that time the turbine stood, with never a soul
near it McMill could not get his people to move in the
matter, because we kept him to his word about the turoine
standing if it failed. He was sport enougli to accept the
inevitable. ^ ,
Durincr those 12 months we were very busy. Several
people cc?me on the mains because of Sims' plant and the
load grew rapidly in the district. In fact,. we liad to
seriou'sly consider an extension mam to the town.
■ Then I thought of McJliU's turbine.
He still huno- about the district, though, since the break-
down, turbine orders were lopped off at the wrist (to mix
the metaphor).
In response to niv card he called.
" Morning," I said.
He spat in the grate for answer.
" That turbine " I began.
He spat again.
" We had a meeting last night and will make you an
offer," I went on.
"Eh! What?" Starting up.
" Yes we'll take it off your hands at our price, just as it
stands 'ankle deep in blade bits (to mix- the metaphor
a^ain). We want another feeder to this district, but your
turbine will form the nucleus of a new station. Incier-
stand ? "
"Ave." ^ ,
"Let me take yourniiiiu liack to our first meeting, when
I told you that turbines— steam turbines— were in then-
proper place in the power house of an electric supply aiitho-
rity and not in the engine room of a manufacturer withm
the area of that supply."
" Looks like it now, anyway."
" And let it be a lesson to you," I went on, " not to spend
your time and money trying to sell turbines in this area
again — that is, to no one except me."
McMill took it all lying down. His people were glad
enough to get rid of the machine. We allowed them to do
the re-blading under our supervision, and we ultimately be-
came good friends.
You see we had to adopt strong measures to keep back
McMill. He could sell anything, and if he had got fairly
going with turbines in our area he might have shut us down
inside a few years.
He comes along now when we have extensions m vie\y,
and everyone knows him by his scarf pin. One end of it
resembles a perfect hiuh-pressure turbine l)lade. The other
end tells its own story— to us. McMill has his version,
and Sims' engineer has his. W. E. v\.
99
SVPPLEMENT to "The Electrician,' Januarv 6. 1909-
Small rRotor £ift Gears.
THEKP] is euoriuoiis scope tV>r the small eleetriu lift.
Its field of utility is not covered yet by any means
and it will take some time to cover it. Xumerous
cases present themselves in which the electrical contractor
can introduce a small electric lift, of. the service type, for
General View of Lift Gear with Controller.
The same company supplies lift gears for >;oods and
passenger duty, tlie former \\\) to 4 cvvt. and the latter for
two passengers. For these automatic controllers for hand,
car switch, or push button control can be furnished.
The largest .size of gear supplied is one for maximum
load on the drum shaft of 12,0001b., the speed range in
this case being e.xtended by the inclu.sion of set for 200 ft.
per minute. ' ,,
' The great advantage of these gears is their compactnes.s
and the fact that they are self-con-
tained. The electrical contractor in-
terested will also find it advantageous
to know that he can select from a very
wide range of gears, among which he
will find the particular one for his
purpose. He can then be certain of
a minimum of trouble in installation,
the actual work required being the
attachment of the rope and the con-
necting up of the motor.
In pushing electric lifts tlie coir
tractor has the advantage of knowing
that aiDparatiis-df this kind is being
used very extensively. Not infre-
quently the electric lift is specified as
])art of the electrical installation, in
which ca.se tlie contractor must be
assured of the introduction of an equip-
ment which will answer the require-
ments in a satisfactory manm-i'.
It is safe to say that much of the
missionary work in connection witli
electric lifts has already been done and
in this way the electrical contractor
has the way paved for him.
instance, with profit to himself and considerable advantage
to the user of the same. He is materially assisted to this
end by the fact that these gears can be obtained in so com-
pact a form that the complete equipment only needs bolt-
ing down in the allotted place, without special fitting work
being necessary.
AVe illustrate a compact form of lift gear which may be
introduced in this way with a minimum of trouble to the
contractor. The arrangement confers the further advantage
of being supplied by the motor makers. This ensures the
proper alignment of motor and gearing and the correct
adjustment of the principal working parts.
These compact lift gears are supplied by the Victoria
Dynamo & Motor Co., who have standardised a complete
range, with direct current motors attached. It will be seen
from the illustration that the motor is mounted on the same
bedplate as the worm gear and rope drum ; the controller
in the type shown is also part of the ecjuipment. The motor
shaft between motor and worm case is fitted w'ith a brake,
which is held off by a solenoid when the motor is running,
and which comes on directly the current is cut off. The
smallest set has a maximum load on the drum shaft of
600 lb. The net load half- balanced is 120 lb., and the dia-
meter of the V-sheave islO in. The liftingspeed may be either
50, 100 or 150 ft, per min. ; the watts consumed and the
motnr speed respectively are 250 and 540, 425 and 1,080
and 600 and 1,600. The gear for 2,000 lb. load consumes
1,750 watts at 1,290 revs, per min., with a 20 in. diameter
sheave. With a 24 in. sheave these figures become 1,500
watts and 1,035 revs, per min. respectively. The motors
in the smaller sizes — that is, for 6001b. load^ — are wound
for 230 volts. Above this capicity they are intended fur
500 volt service.
Ferranti Starters
Made in OPEN, SEMI-ENCLOSED & TOTALLY
ENCLOSED TYPES for
DIRECT CURRENT MOTORS.
X
SEMI-CNCIOSED FERRANTI st«rte«
PLEASE SEND uS YOUR ENQUIRIES
FERRANTI LIMITED,
HOLLINWOOD, LANCS.
SWITCHGEAR AND METERS.
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," January 8, 1909.
100
ni<::imc\m
e«9 H0L80BN.
All communications should be addressed "The Electrician"
Industrial Supplement, 1, 2 and 3, Salisbury Court, Fleet
Street, London, E.G.
Copy fot J'exl or Advertisement pages Jor next issue, piibltshing on Feb-
ruary 5th. should reach the above address not later than Tuesday,
January 26th.
Manujacturers, Contractors, Central Station Engineers, and those
interested in Electrical Industrial Developments are cordially invited to
contribute original matter to the SUPPLEMENT, and when suitable
this will be inserted as space permits.
Filing Case for "the Electrician " Iddustrial Supplement.
The INDUSTRIAL SUPPLEMENT is holed for filing, and we are
distributing oases which will hold twelve issues. On request a case
will be sent to Consulting, Manufacturing, or Contracting firms ; to
Chief or Resident Engineers of Electricity Supply, Traction or Power
Stations ; to any firm of Merchants or Agents ; to Railway, Tramway,
Dock, Harbour, or other companies interested in the applications of
Electric Power, &c., to their undertakings; and to other large con-
sumers of electrical energy, either at home, in the Colonies, or abroad.
A portion of each issue of the SUPPLEMENT is reserved for special
circulation oversea.
Editorial.
Witli the present issue we are publish-
^'rlbUs! ^"° ^'"^ ^'^^^ number of a special Table of
Electric Power Supply which we feel sure
will be of general electrical interest. We wish to concen-
trate attention upon the progress, made liy the municipal
and company supply undertakings in the development of a
power load. We think that the data contained in the
Table will assist materially to this end. We invite the
opinions of our readers upon the arrangement of the Table
and the class of data which it furnishes. We do not pre-
tend to have a monopoly of ideas on the subject. In a
mutter of this kind there is much wisdom in a counsel of
numbers. We are anxious that the Table should be of
value to electrical contractors engaged in motor installa-
tion work. At the same time we think that it should in-
crease the interest of suppliers of electricity in their motor
development. The data in its present form is not intended
to be complete, because certain particulars cannot be ob-
tained at short notice. In subsequent issues, however, we
hope to include additional matter which will fill up the
blanks noticeable in a few places in the present issue.
Electric I'l'e average railway engineer has eviueed
Turntables. .^ practical interest in electric power de-
velopments which finds practical expression in many e.x-
cellont installations. In tlie larger towns where electric
power is purchasable, railway companies have installed
and are installing motors in repair shops, warehouses,
sidings, &c. The electric capstan is becoming a familiar
oliject in goods yards in which the hydraulic type has
hitherto found favour. (->n another page will lie noticed a
brief description of an electrical driven turntable, which is
probably among the first of its kind and which presents a
new field for tlie electric motor among railway auxiliaries.
Most turntables are not difficult to operate by hand, but
the process is somewhat laborious and takes time. Where
the turntable is constantly in use it would appear that by
the aid of the electric motor much of this time can be saved
and also a considerable economy in working cost can be
effected. We commend the description to the notice of
our readers.
Individual ' *" another page will be found a short
Motors. article describing an installation of indi-
vidual motors in a Lancashire te.xtile mill. We have
previously referred to the advantages of separate motors
in mill driving and emphasised the reluctance with which
British textile men took up this class of drive. The present
installation should help to remove, at any rate, local pre-
judice, against this class of drive, and we are convinced
that it will also be made the object of a special visit Ijy
Lancashire mill engineers. It would be dangerous to argue
from this equipment, and for many others of a similar kind
abroad, that each machine in a textile mill from the bale
breakers uj)wards should have its own motor. Electrical
engineers have expressed themselves sanguine of the indi-
vidual motor and the benefits it can confer, but they are
prepared to temper their optimism by making the argu-
ment apply chiefly to special and suitable cases. The
machine tool in which speed variations are frequently
required is admirably adapted' to motor driving and is
now generally equipped complete in this way. But
the same machine sliop will also contain large motors
driving groups of tools from short lengths of line shafting.
So it is with textile mills. We admit that the tendency of
British engineers is in favour of group driving, but this is
largely installed on considerations of first cost and in the
adaptation of electric driving to existing mills, or in the
conversion of very old ones. New mills can be found in
which the power equipment has been split up among a
greater number of motors, and we believe this sub-division
will continue even further. The versatility of the electric
drive is one of its commendable features, especially in tex-
tile work. The mill owner can be provided with a huge
motor to replace his existing steam engine, or he can, if he
will pay for it, have a small motor to each auxiliary
machine and a tiny motor on every spindle; the very
antipodes of the first proposition. There is one good thing
the Manchester Electrical Exhibition has done: it has de-
monstrated to the textile engineer what can be done with
the small electric motor. On several stands special machines
were shown in operation, driven by directly coupled motors,
and proving that where wide ranges of speed are required
the separate motor with individual control is worth putting
in. It is commercially sounil, and will do what is expected
from it in the way of increased output at reduced cost.
Electrically nothing need be said in recommendation
of it — for the electric motor is a standardised article of
manufacture and, like good wine, " needs no bush.'
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." January 8. 1909.
CROMPTON & Co
LONDON AND CHELMSFORD.
MOTORS FOR ALL PURPOSES.
SALISBURY HOUSE, LONDON, E.G.
l/.ASGO IV—fo, IVf Illusion Sir,,!
: Biuidiii
.trANCNESTER—4!,Deanssali:
l:IRill.\GHAM—i7, Paradise Street.
BRISTOL— ^S, Paldwln Street.
r:liLFAST—G,,a:;;wr H.ms,-. U;!i:„st,n, P!,,,;-.
WORKS CHELMSFORD.
C.ILCUTTA—oo, Clive Street.
.MADRAS-Artmnian Street.
BOMBA }—.Vatshairs Btdgs., Bullard Road.
SYDNEY—SO, Margaret Street.
SHA.\GHAl—.\'a'il!i>ig Road.
SUPPLEMENT to " The Electrician." January 8. 1909.
102
Some iUestinabousc D)otor Installations,
MAX\' of the largest and earliest of the motor instal-
lations in this country were put down by the
Westinghouse Company. We give below a few
lirief particulars of some of tlieir nmre lecent motor-driven
plants.
The Westinghouse Com-
pany has installed the first
largo direct connected electri-
cally-driven winding engine
put into operation in Great
Britain, at (Jreat Western
Colliery, South Wales. When
operating at full load the engine
winds 70 trips per hour, raising
a no-load of '2\ tons of coal
from a depth of 1,110 ft., or
ITo tons per hour.
The use of a three-phase
motor is an important feature
of the Westinghouse system,
and is especially advantageous
when the service is light. It
differs from others in that as
the motor is supplied direct
from the three-phase line, its
operation isindependent of that
of a load-equaliser, which may
be cut out of service and the
windingkept up at lighter loads
and lower accelerations, when
drawing e.xcessive current from
the lines. In many cases when
the duty during considerable parts of the day is much less
than the full load capacity of the winder, there is consider-
able saving in energy in shutting down the load ec^ualiser
and eliminating the losses in this part of the plant.
The rotary converter load equaliser consists of a 400 kw.
si.\-phase rotary converter, provided with the iiecessaiy
transformer, and coupled electrically at the diiect current
end to a 850 kw. direct current* machine having a 10-ton
flywheel at the extended shaft.
The winding engine consists of a starting cune-type
drum designed for a rope 5Hn. in circumference. The
drum is driven by the direct connected three-phase motor,
which has a normal capacity of 7t)0 n.p. at 57 revs, per
Motor House and H^ad Gear, Great Western Colliery.
,200
General View
sc Winding Molo.- and Rope Drum.
rnin., and is wound for the Tower Co.'s supply at
volts, three-phase, 25 jjeriods.
At a collieiy in the Clyde Valley an interesting turfio
pump was recently installed at short notice. Owiiig to a
fire and a subsequent burying of the masonry that had been
built there was nothing left but to flood the mine. To
pump out the water a complete pumping equipment was
at work within a few weeks. The pump is driven by a
Westinghouse 200 H.r. three-phase motor of the scj^uirrel-
cage type. It will permanently
remain in the colliery to cope
with the natural increase of
water.
At the foundry of Messrs.
Smitli, I'atterson I'c Co. (Ltd.),
Blaydon - on - Tyne, electric
motors are in use pT'actically
throughout the works for such
purposes as blowers, cranes,
capstans, jDumps, hoists and
machine tools. There are three
blowers. The smallest is driven
by a single motor and the other
two by a pair of motors geared
through the gearing driving the
impellers. This reduces stress
on the teeth and results in
smooth running.
The particulars of these
motors and blowers are of
interest. One has a capacity
of 4,500 cubic ft. per minute,
pressure 1 lb. per scj^uare inch
at a speed of 175 revs, per min.
The motors driving the blowers
103
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician/' Januarp S, 1909.
REYROLLE
DRUM TYPE
STARTERS
Cannot be surpasse or HeaVv .r^rf->.'rp^
Tlie Design. Workrnanship ani Materiil are <•<
the bi-3t. av I, .. ^ all theSL- Stattcrs are fitted with
our Patent a^'sistance, tbe operator has only to
rera.-iiitrr t..
WAll (IN INK FIRST STOP
luilil tlir n ■ u : ^. .11 er which the resistance
is .III oui 111 ■ ■• u'l il ..,1..
Each Millie. i~ 111 1^.1 "itli a DP. double break
switch inlerluckeil ^Mlli u\erl."ad and no-voltae<'
releases, this roniiiiiiiii; all the advantages of a
complete panel, ii a c.ii^iilerab'y lower cost.
PAMPHLET N-,, 33 ON REQUEST.
A. REYROLLE & CO.,
LTD..
HEBBURN-ON-TY^E.
^
STEEL-CLAD
MOTORS.
OPEN, PROTECTED
Or ENTIRELY ENCLOSED.
1h
P. TO
200 H
.P.
VERY SOLID CONSTRUCTION.
HIGHLY EFFICIENT.
We also make Polyphase Generators and Motors.
MATHER & PLATT,
LTD., Sal ford Iron Works.
^^ MANCHESTER.
SUTVI.EMENT to "The Electrician," January 8. 1909
104
Rcfa-y E(;ualiEcr used wJili Winding Engine.
are two lon.p., jITO revs, per iiiin.,tliree-.pliase,-iO period, 440-
volt, coustant-speeil squirrel-cage induction type, witli one
30 H.p. auto-starter for start ingbotli motors simultaneously.
Tlie drive is by raw hide pinions on the motor shafts, and
cast-steel split geai' wheels. Another blower has a capa-
city of 2;U,000 cubic ft. per hour, free air pressure | lb.
per square inch at a speed of 130 revs, per niin. It is diiveu
1 ly a 20 11. p. motor, 460 revs, per min., three-phase, 40 period,
440 volts. The drive is similar to that of the first-men-
tioned blower.
In the same installation is a three-throw vertical pump,
with plungers 4iiii. diameter by 10 in. stroke. Capacity,
4,S0O gallons p(>i- hour at 800 lb. per square inch. Speed,
52 revs, per min. Tliis electrically-driven and electrically-
controlled hydraulic pump supplies various hydraulic
cranes, capstans, &c., alDout the works. The nrotor is of
75 K.P., 575 revs, per min., tliree phase, 40 period, 440 volt,
with slip-rirgs. Tiie starter is an automatic liquid starter,
capable of starting the motor eight times per half-hour
against full-load torque. Starting time, 20 sec.
On the premises of Messrs. W."H. Moore & Sons, Bords-
ley, Birmingham, the Westinghouse Company has supplied
and erected a 220 h.p. three-phase 25 period 440 volt slip-
ring motor, which is provided with curient from a 250 k.v.a.
oil-cooled transformer. The motor is started up liy means of a
liquid starter and control pillar, lliis firm take alternating
current at 5,000 volts from the Birmingham ( 'r-rporation.
In the installation of the
Birnnngham Metal & Muni-
tiiius Co. (Ltd.) current is taken
fn JUi the Birmingham Corpora-
tion mains at 5,000 volts,
three-phase, 25 periods, to a
high - tension Westinghouse
switchboard, which controls
three 350 kw. transformers
5,000/440 volts and one 12 kw.
5,000/220 volts, two-phase, 25
periods. The secondaries of
these transformers are brought
to a low-tension switchboard
controlling 10 feeders, whicii
are run to different parts of
tlie factory. All the above
apparatus is situated in thir
power house, and in additiuu
there is a lighting and dirccD
current power board, which is
intended to embrace four dis-
tinct purposes : (1) Controlling
alternating current for motor-
generators ; (2) distributing
panels for direct current power
\:.o:\vi\ : •■>) direct current con-
trol iioiu the generators; (4)
distribution for lighting pur-
pose^.
TliC equipment of this power
hou-e consists also of two
mcitor-gencrators, each with an
output of 75 kw., one tandem
iniitor-generator balancer set,
with a rating of 50 kw. as a
generator, and one balancer set
for dealing with an out of
babiMce current of 50 amperes.
J'lilliiir/ Milli. — For driving
the Xo. 1 rolling mill, two
110 II. I', alternating current
slip-ring motors, 440 volts, are
provided and drive this mill
through double helical machine-cut pinion and spur wheel
gears," the motor being started up by a liquid starter and
controlled by a "Westinghouse enclosed type control pillar
No. 2 mill' is provided with one IGO h.p. motor, working in
parallel with one 265 H.P. motor and arranged in a similar
manner to Xo. 1 mill. This motor is of the slip-ring type.
In addition to the above the macliines in this factory
are operated by one 160 h.p. slip-ring motor and the follow-
ing small motors: Si.x 3 H. P., one 4 h.p., five .5 h.p., one
6 H.P., one 8 h.p., eleven 10 h.p., two 15 h.p., ten 20 h.p.,
making a total aggregate horse-power of approximately
1,500 H.P., including motor-generator sets relerredto above.
The supply of tiie whole of tlie above apparatus, inehul-
ing the necessary gears for change over from steam lo
electric drive, lias been carried out by the Westinghouse
Company.
At the Mint (Birmingham) (Limited) is a high-tension
switchboard tor taking cur)-ent from the Birmingham Cor-
poration, and it controls three. 150 k.v.a. oil-cooled trans-
formers supplying low-tension current to the smaller
motors, and one 10 k.v.a. lighting transformer. The three
5,000 volt motors installed are the first of their kind in
Birmingham. These motors are controlled by a liquid
type starter and control pillar. In addition to these high-
tension motors there are about 40 motors, varying from
5h,p. up to 50 H.P., making the total aggregate horse-} owi'r
called for at the jiresent time approximately 1,500.
Rolling Mil', Birmingliai'i Distnd.
105
SUPPLEMENT to 'The Electrician." January 8, 1909
" The £:iecti*ici£i.n "
TABLES of ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY
6ectrlc Pomer Suppip Progress.
THE introduction of the metallic filament lamp has
had a somewhat similar influence upon the elec-
trical industry to that exercised by the incandescent
mantle on gas supply undertaldngs. Tlie gas engine, the
gas stove and the gas fire liave proved more than welcome
to the gas engineer in compensating for the reduced demand
arising from the all too economic mantle. The last two
mentioned are worth their weight in gold to the gas engi-
neer. The gas engine, we, as naturally biased reviewers
of tlie situation, regard as a doubtful asset when considered
in the light of the competition put up of recent years Ijy
the electric motor. The gas engine may be economical and
it may fill a place as an essential portion of an installation
in which gas radiators and gas cookers play a more promi-
nent part. It has, howevei', done little or notldng .to vin-
dicate the claim made for it by those who have cheap gas
rather than cheap power to letail. By this we mean that
the economies claimed for the gas engine, even if I hey are
real, are outweighed by the inflexibility of the engine
when compared with the electric motor.
As remarked at the outset there is a distinct parallel
between the introduction of the gas mantle and the metallic
filament lamp into the gas and electric supply industries
respectively. There is, however, this noteworthy difference.
The metallic filament lamp is turning the attention of the
station engineer to electric power supply as a means to the
end which he has in view — namely, the maintaining of
the load on his plant. The iucaudesceut gas mantle has,
in contradistinction, turned the attention of the gas engi-
neer to the increasing of the demand for gas for cooking
and heating purposes. There is a similarity between the
two situations and this may be summed up briefly. Both
parties are i^ushing the apparatus which they know to be
s itisfactory and which when once used will always create
a constant request for further supplies. With the electrical
engineer this piece of apparatus is the electric motor ; w-ith
the gas engineer it is the gas cooker and tlie gas radiator.
We think the gas man will agree with our e.x;clusion of the
gas engine from his list. He knows tliat in comparison
with the electric motor the gas engine cannot justify any
of the claims made for it as an industrial power agent. He
has come to the conclusion that it is no use mincing
matters and that such competition as exists between the
two services exists between the electric motor on the one
hand and the gas cooker and radiator on the other. The
electrical engineer and the gas engineer are pushing
their respective products for power and for cooking ami
heating.
For these reasons we have decided to publish with our
Industrial Supplement every month a table of Electric
Power Supply in which statistics will be given of the pro-
gress made by electricity depaitments of the principal in-
dustrial towns in the encouragement of the power user to
employ the electric motor for the driving of his machinery.
Through the courtesy of electrical engineers' in' charge of
these undertakings we are enabled to publish these data,
and we take this opportunity of extending our sincere
thanks to those who have responded to our i-equest for
information. In the compilation of the tables it is our
object to emphasise the increase from time to time in the
number and horse-power of the moloi-s installed. At the
same time we are also anxious to show the character of
the service to which these motors are put, and o\ir
readers will find columns of considerable interest in those
devoted to individual and group driving.
The supply of information regarding the isolated plants
at present operating within the areas of electric i)0wer
supply is at present .somewhat scanty, but we hope when
the tables become better known that this data will be forth-
coming. It is always a matter of satisfaction to the station
engineer to supplant some other form of power agent with
the electric motor. The general unsuitability of steam,
gas, suction gas and oil as sources of power in industries
located within an axea of power supply has been conclu-
sively proved. We have frequently laid stress upon it in
our columns. We desire to give it the greatest possible
em]>hasis in these tables of Electric Power Supply which we
now publish, and we trust that there will be a hearty
response from electrical engineers generally in the matter
of the interest attaching to tiuvdata which the tables con-
tain. We know that the central station engineer is very
anxious to build up a satisfactory power load to compen-
sate somewhat for th2 decreased demand due to the use of
metallic filament lamps. We venture to thiidc that some
feeling of rivalry may be created by the electric power
supply returns, which our tables will give, and will tend to
stimulate and maintain this interest both of the central
station engineer and also of the electrical contractor.
At the present time the field of power supply repre-
sented by the areas in which electrical energy can be
purchased for power purposes is a very large one, and one
which is only partially covered. There is enormous scope
for developments. The power user requires stimulating.
His interest must be arou.sed. He must be made aware
in no uncertain manner of the benefits which the electric
motor can confer upon him in the conduct of his business.
We are bound to admit that central station men and elec-
trical contractors areonly partially alive to their own respon-
sibilities in this matter." We should like to see a broader
spirit of co-operation existing between these two parties.
There is room for it. The interests of both parties would
be served by some satisfactory working arrangement. We
do not wish to infer that anything but the best relations
exist between central station engineers and electrical con-
tractors. In many towns the working an angements leave
nothing to be desired, but they do not apparently exist in
all localities.
Considered generally the prcspects of electric power
supply are promising' enough to justify an extremely
optimistic outlook upon the situation. What is evidently
wanted is a synchronisation of interests which will result
in the booming of the electric motor not only by the con-
tractors but also by the engineers responsible for the
supply of electrical enei-gy to the installation itself.
SUPPLEMENT to "Thp ElPClrician. ' Sanuartj 8. 1909.
106
"the ELECTRICIAN" TABLES OF
Supply Authority.
1 Aberdeen Corporation
!
2 Ayr Burgh Council ...
EiiKineei' and
Manager.
Principal Local Trades.
Power Voltages.
A.C. D.C
Barnslcy Corporation
Barrow-in-Furness Corporation
Birmingham Corporation
.T. Ale.x. Bell
Roland Mar.shall
E. A. Barker
H.R.Burnett
6 Blackburn Corporation
7 Blackpool Corporation
8 Bootle Corporation
9 Bradford Corporation...
10 Brighton Corporation ...
11 Burnley Corporation
12 Carlisle U.D.C.
13 Charing Cross, West End and
City Electricity Co.
14 Chester Corporation
15 Chesterfield Corporation
16
17
Clyde Valley Electrical Power
Co.
Cork Electric Tramways and
Lighting Co., Ltd,
18 Coventry Corporation
19 Derby Corporation
20 Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire
Electric Power Co.
Granite quarries, eugineering works. ship- i 400
yarils. ice actories, ftsh-ciiring and pre-
serving works, paper works, woolltn
;iiiri iute works
Principally residental.buildins trades, ' 100, 200
laundries, small eng. -works, shipyard <5i„gie phasi
carpet works, boot factory
Shipbuilding, iron, .steel and 220,440
engineering works
R. A. Chattock ... Metal, cycle .and jewellery trade.? 5,000
P. P. Wheelwright Cotton manufacture and general : 220
industries '
C. Furness .roinery works, bakeries and 200
bottling stores and laundries
T.Dawson Clothiei- Timber, engineering, dyeing and
I genei'al
Thomas Roles Textile works, dye works, nierhaniciil 250, 4C0
'" I and electrical eugiueeriug, niiscel- 50-^
laneous
J. Christie ' Breweries, sawmills, laundries,
j foundry, &c.
.Jas. E. iStarkie Cotton weaving, foundries, &c.
S T Allen C'ottonfaetories.tinplate printers. en-
gineering works and railway shops
(7 companies)
H. W.Kingston Printing 10'0°0
S. E. Britton | Engineering, lloui- mills ami
printing
R. L. Acland Printing, brewery, furniture-
making, foundries
D. A. Starr steel works, rolling mills, collieries,, 1'.°^" ,
paper miUs.brickworks, foundries, &c,,'-™n'''o''?"=''
^ I to 400 for
I power
H. H. Nnlder Breweries, butter factories, kumdries, !
bacon curing, feather purifiei-s, printing
tanneries, milling, &c. i
George Tough, j/ro ' Cycle and motor cars, toolraaking, 200
tein. I weaving, watchmaking ' two-phase
T. P. Wilmsliurst ! General engineering, foundries, 200
motor cars, silk mills
H. (Jhoos I Iron works, collieries, laco and hosiery 440
works, engineering works, brick
works, &c.
220, 440
three-wire
230 2-wire
250
500
230
460
970
30/9/08
j 220, 440
three- wire
220
440
500
220, 440
three-wire
230
460
10, 220, 440
three andlivt
wire
230, 460
three-wire
210, 420
three- wire
240, 480
three- wire
Total
B.H.p con-
nected at
date
indicated
below.
4,025S
31/10/08
300
31/10/08
12,016
30/9/08
2,20n
30/9/08
1,068
460, 230
three-win
Totil Largest
^°^'"' f, Motor
number oi
^°''°f,l Circuit.
^ionnected. ^
Max- H.T.
de- motors
mand i (if
Kw. ' any).
E.\clndmE
bulk supply
[2,670,30/9/0
716
31/12 08
14,200
30/9/08
1,990
31/10/08
4,592
28/10/08
1,560
2,113
1/10/08
676
87
108
50
1,740
540
152
1,912
31/10/08
7,034
1,478
1,547
24/10/08
388
1,882
31/3 08
166
109
150
251
104
u p.
070 at
11.30
a.m.
30
30
869
300
50
7,137
1. &p.
3,883
tract'n
80
40
110
250
II p.
30
500
2,100 3 ,S00
kw.
286 , 40
548 I 120
75
200
3,300
1,120
700
600
I HENLEY'S (
ULCANISED
B
ITUMEN
CABLES
W. T. HENLEY'S TELEGRAPH WORKS Co., Ld.,
13 & 14. BLOMFIELD STREET, E.G.
I
107
Supplement to "The ElectrUian,- January 8. 1909.
1
SLE
CTI
RIC
POWER
SUPPLY.
.!■.
Standard
Insulating
Method of Driving
Rates.
Appro.v.
ri.P. of othe
power dis-
placed by
electric
motors.
Isolated
■' Plants at
present
1 Operating.
1 !7=Glas.
iA-^ = Suctiou G:ic
.<=. steam.
Remiu-1;.-..
iNOTi .-Inst E.E. Wirins Rules for Motors
generally apply in all districts.)
Wo.
Group.
H.P.
Iiidiv.
H 1>.
I'er unit.
3.'d. and Id.
M.D.
2J. to lid.
Lo.id factor'basi^
U'd. jnotoi-.5
^ijd.dat, lightint
3d. & Id.M.D
2d.-lid. F.R
Id. day rate.
2d. to Id.
Bulk
supply.
1
?
200
lOD
Id. to
0-7d.
200
8,000
j H.l>.
150</, 50.s</,
200.S-
Long hour consumers, J hour M.D.
Short hour consumers, 1 hour M.D.
Shipyard agreed to take sujjply for 400 i
: of motors. >>up|)ly not commenced ye
Varnishes
4
5
Discount (lighting only) 5 p^r cent.
ARK STIT.I.
THF RFST
6
7
8
9
Sliding scale
3d. and Id.
M.D.
2(1. to 500 per
iti-.. Id. allowo.1
2d. to Id.
2d. to Jd.
Sliding
scale
£3 per
1,000
■1 ■Jill kA. 1,1,1 ,r-ui II, ■):,'.,), - ts, property of Bradfor.l
".>' 1 ■ A- n . I. ,■ i 1 ,, , ,„i.,rtini; current supplied to
(-',,r|,i, iir ,,.,,», v,,lr- ■■-i-l, 1-,-, :.Operii>,ls,todiruct cur-
inLDLUl
1 , <\:
Maintenance
10
11
1,990
...
Id. restricted
lioars. Ijd.
imrestricted
LiKlitius.lJd.flai
Power ]3d. and
Id. M.D.
...
* Phis *d. per unit, less discounts.
Special terms to large users.
Repair
111-
12.
13
14
15
164
305
Id. and 3Jd.
Also £7 kw. per
ami. of M.D.'
Id. unitcons'd
3d. to ^d.
IJd. 1st 200
niTits per qtr.,
Id. after
IJd.— Id.
Special
terms
On ap-
plication
Above
2.5,000 per
annum Id.
Bat rate
Power supplied to tramway company, also to
Council for sewage pumping.
Electrical
Machinery.
VV '\A* -VV 'UV 'VV 'UV VU ^A/ 'VA/^ AA/ '\A^ W W
16
On applica-
tion
On appli-
cation
Manufactured by
18.
19
20
1,190
300
about
80O
248
about
il,l.J.i.,iid,.lJ.
sliding scale
Ija. 2,500 units
jer quarter and
Id. after
Id. for all
day use
None
500 steam
450 gas
800
500.f/, 200sff,
2,000s
Competing with gas at 2s. 8d. per 1,C00 c.f.
with 25 per cent, discount when aniiiKil
bill e\ceed,s £50.
STANDARD
VARNISH
,.,..,. .UO.U.j
-
WORKS.
CECIL HODGES
& CO.
For Prices and
Particulars apply
Insulating Varnish Dept.,
PINCHIN, JOHNSON
^I^
•^1^
5.
MOTOR STARTERS.
NO UOLT RELEASE.
fl.C. MOTOR SWITCH.
SWlTCHGEflR.
& CO., Ltd.,
26, BEVIS MARKS
LONDON, E.G.
Phone-London Wall 4541.
_
BALFOUR HOUSE,
Flrisbury Pavement, LONDON, E.G.
V
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician.- January 8. 1909.
108
"THE ELECTRICIAN" TABLES OF
Supply Authority.
Engineer and
Manager.
Dewsbury Corporation i R H- Campi.
Dublin Corporation
Dundee Town Council
M . Ruddle
H. Richardson
East Ham Corporation W. C. Ullmunn ...
Fulham Borough Council • • Artl.nr .T Fuller
I
Frome U.D. Council i F. H. Merritt
Glasgow Corporation W. W. Lackie
Govan Council j T. C. Parsons ..
Guernsey Electric Light and j C. Lakin-Smith . .
Power Co.
Hammersmith Borough Council G. G. Bell
Hanley Corporation
I C. H. Yeaman
High Wycombe Electric Light W . E. Bramheth
& Power Co
Hove Electric Lighting Co.
Huddersfield
G. B. Smitli
A. B. Mountain
Hull Corporation Electricity H.Bell
Department
Ilford Urban District Council .. | A. H. Shaw ....
Kettering Council
\V. A.Wi.lk.
Kidderminster & District Elec- I A. Cluulton....
trie Lighting & Traction Co. i „ „ „ ' .
Kirkcaldy Corporation I U. b. hrancis
Lancaster Corporation
Leeds City Council
Liverpool
Loughborough Corporation
! Luton Corporation
VV. A. Tester
H. Dickinson ....
Alfred Clough ..
\V. H. Allen
W. H. Cooke
Principal Local Trades.
WooUeu manufacturers. raE grinding. |
printiuc. laundries, clothing manu-
laeturers, wool shaking, iron cutting ^
Saw mills, factories, elevators in j
stores, &c.
Jute mills, shipbuilding, foundry |
Printers for motors, otherwise
district is purely residential
Engineering works, woodworking ma-
chinery, laundries, paper nuU
Cloth mills, silk mills, india-iubber mills,
iron foundries, engineering and motor
works, breweries, mill faruishing,
dairies, bacon curing
Engineering, clothing, printers,
butchers and bakers
I Shipbuilding and engineering ...
Laundries, stoneworks and quar-
ries, joinery works, foundry
Engineering and general manu-
facturers
Brickworks, 'potteries, iron works,
collieries, *earthenware and chin.i,
manufactories
Chair and cabinet making, paper
mills, engineering
Purely a residential district ex-
cepting shops
Cloth Manufacturers
Engineering, shipbuilding and
oil works
Photographic apparatus, chemi-
cal works, paper mills
Boot and shoe and clothin',r fac-
tories
Carpet manufacture
Linoleum, engineering, furniture,
malting works, &c.
Timber yards, builders' yards,
foundry, linoleum works
Numerous
Power Voltages.
D.C.
220
440
Total
p,.H.P..con-
nected at
date
indicated
below.
Total
number of
Motors
connected.
200 S.P.
three-
phase 346
200
two-phase
above 5 h.p.
400
240, 480
240, 480
three-wire
250/500
three- wire
500, 250
210, 420
472
1/11/08
1,400
1/12/08
1,950
Private, 236
'Station. 43i
1/11/08
1,211
Largest
Motor
Circuit.
H.P.
Single-phase
1011 r, 100-
■200, JOO, 2,10
Three-phasf
i one-phase
420
210
220
712
30/9/08
27,037
30/9/08
4,541
15/12/08
2,100
2,622
6/11/08
820
31/8/08
561
31/10/03
321
350
404
Private, 85 1
Station, 5
184
4,011
120
335
119
Max. j H.T.
de- I motors
mand j (if
Kw. any).
1953, 1,232 I
1 10/12/08
220, 440 5,543
three- wire 51/3/08
, 230, 460 639
i three-wire' 31/10/06
32
35
450
65
H.p.
16
35
250
165
80
200
60
150
3S H.p.
75
150
approx
1,375
800
... 3 200
2 120
1,024 1
60 H.p.
500
2,000
4,724
200
4(10
Hosiery and engineering
straw hat making, motor cars and lorries
hydraulic and general engineers, foun
ilries, printing works
i 230, 460
three- wire
I 460
j 230
I 460
1 230, 460
230, 460
2'<i0, 440
three-wire
i 500
625
i/11/08
984
786
15/5/08
425
1/12/08
8,825
30/9/08
9,517
31/10/08
172
30/10/08
1,612
10/12/08
60
30
168
21
469*
130
811 1
50
200
105
50
200
1,551
90
4,850
2,311
120, 80
48
27
80, for
pr. only
268
65
IIP.
759 ,
1
MASCHINENFABRIK
0£RLIKON
Generators.
Motors.
Transformers.
Switchboards.
STEAM TURBINES
ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVES
Isolated Plants.
Electric Cranes.
Pumping Plants.
Electrolysers.
complete equipments for Power Cransmission. Distribution and Utilization.
G%A/I JTHRId-l Oswaldestpe House, Norfolk St., ^
■ ^^ ■ "V'y"' STRAND. LONDON. W.C, ^
Manager and London Resident Engineer.
Telegraphic Addr
"OERLIK LONDON.'
Telephone :
No. 4167 Gerrard.
109
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," January 8, 1909.
ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLX.—Contnined.
-Method of Driving j
(iroup ; Indiv
II. r. H.p.
Bulk
supply.
Appiox.
H.p. of other
power dis-
placed liy
electric
motors.
Isolated
Plants at
present
Operating.
ff-Gas.
fj = Suction Gas
S^Steam.
(Note.— Inst. E.E. Wiring Rules for Motors
ffenerally apply in all districts. )
500
approx.
40
approx
About
1,312
1,450
approx.
672
approx.
2^d. down-
wards
2d. All units
over GOO per
quarter at IJd
Id. flat
2Ad. flat ;
4d. and Id.
M.D.
ijl k'iA. M.D.
la. flat rate for
restricted hours
Sliding scale
2d.-fd.
On ap-
plication
2,000
Maximum demaii.l system or Id, restricted
hour.
Large additions in hand.
On ap-
plication
jd.
To sub-
stations
I id. with dis.to
a max. of 33 J p.c.
3d., Id., fd.
and Jd.
Id.— Id.M.D.sys-
tem.iid. flat rate
1 2 rate meter
3(1 . two hrs
I'.d. after
2d. and Id.
less discount
2d. — Id- per On ap-
sliding scale plication
Id. flat.
2d.&ld. M.D.
2d. to Id. sliding
lid.
2id. to Id.
sliding scale
2id. sliding
scale to Id.
0(l8d. tol-75d.
less 5 per cent.
*2d., ljd.,ld.
Id. flat
150, also 365 50o 20.S(/
private elec- ortn« lA /
trie plant 900s, lOl-jate
(approx.)
1,000
* These motors are used in generatin<^
station for cooling towers, artesian well,
driving machinery, etc.
Power and lighting on same mains, 500 kw
day-load motors only.
Lighting : 7d.-3d. JI.l).. 6d. fl.at 5.V. Power
4d. and Lid. M.D., 2d.-2Jd. flat.'
16flr, 200s(/
rower load rajiiilly prowiu? and especially favo(U'eil
with the many small and iliverse trades subsidiary to
staple inrlnstries of tlie district.
All motors are hired out by this compnny,
and are manitained and insjiected.
Radiators are at power rates but are nut
included in this return.
Hired Motor system in operation.
2i p.c. discount for payment within 14 d;iy-
after rendering the account.
532
About i'2d., lM.,ld,
300
By con-
tract
330(7
493, 25,sf/,
SQGs
-\boiit 200(/
100.v(/, 250.V
'This is a combined figure for lighting and
power.
1 large engineering works, 1 large colliery, 1 large
malting works received entire power supply from Oor.
poration.
' 2d. u^■ 10 3.000 per (ir., IJd. fiom 3,000 to 10,000 |)Cr qi-
Id. all units in excess of 10,000 per qr.
Two private plants, total 1,200 kw, runniT(;.'
*2d. first 1,000 per qr., lid. second 1,000 pei
or.. Id. remainder.
GILBERT
ARC LAMPS.
BEST
All Kinds o-F
IlDSi'EIAL INSTALLATIONS
Write far Price Lists.
THE
GILBERT ARC LAMP CO., Lid.
Works: CHINGFORD, ESSEX.
Teitphont— 59. Telegrams— Gilbert.
FOR ALL PURPOSES.
Best VaUie at Reasonable Prices.
PORTABLE
HAND LAMPS.
Many New and Interesting Features.
Write for Price Lists.
ACCUMDLATOR IKDUSTRIES,
CilyOffiCi— LTD.,
4, WHITEST., M(X)RFIELDS, E.G.
lr<irAs— Ntaybury, Wolting, Surrey.
WIRELESS CLUSTERS
< No Jointing
■ Series or Parallel.
' Simplicity. Reliability.
CHAS. F. TRIPPE,
36, Brooke St., Holborn,
Telephcne— 1447 Holtcrn.
Victoria
Dpiiamo
and
motor
Co.
Complete
Lift
Equipments
D.C.
AND
A C
MOTORS
FOR
All Purposes.
CRAVEN HOUSE
KINGSWAY,
LONDON, W.C.
Phone-CITY 22JP.
Teleg.-" BlTANGEPlT. •
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," January 8, 1909.
MO
THE ELECTRICIAN" TABLES OF
-iipply Autliority.
Kngineer and
Manajrer.
Principal Local Trades,
Power Voltages.
A.C. D.C.
Metropolitan Electric Supply Co.
Middlesbrough Corporation
Motherwell
Newcastle and District Electric
Lighting Co.
Newport Corporation
.T.,S. Hitflifield./iV
J. Conacher, (liiJt.
H. M. Taylor
North Wales Power and Trac-
tion Co.
Partick Council
Peterborough Corporation
Reading Electric Supply Co
Redditch Urban District Council
Rochdale Corporation
Sheffield Corporation
St. Marylebone Borough Council
Stockton-on-Tees Council
S. Williams
\V, I). Hunter ...
H. CoUinji.s Bishof
(i.C'.Aitchisoii (iM.)
U. H. Patoii (Chief
Elec. Eng.)
W. Sillery
.J. C. (Jill
E. R^iwley Hill ...
'A'm .1. Feigusoii
C. (.:. Atfhi.-,oii ...
S. E. Feililcn
F. A. WilkiiLson
.I..1. Smith
Swansea Corporation
Urban Electric Supply Co
Uxbridge and District Electric
Supply Co.
Walsall Corporation
! West Bromwich Corporation
West Ham
West Hartlepool County Boro'..
C. A. fj. Prusmaiii
.1. E. Eilnuinilsoii
A. Randall Bell...
A. S. Barnard ...
W. A. .Tackson ...
A. Hugli Sea-
, brook
H. F. Friedericlis
Ordinary shops
Iron and steel works, shipyards,
joiner.s shop
Engineering and steelworks
Engineering and shipbuilding,
steel and lead works, &c.
Coal, iron, clothing, nails, brick-
works, millers, .ship repairs,&c.
Skate quarrie?, aluminium works
Shipbuilding and engineering
works
Engineering, brickworks, rail-
way
Printers, engineers and iron
founders, saw-mills
Needle trade, fishing tackle
cycle factories
Textile and engineering
Steel and cutlery work
Printing, building, small work
shops (various trades)
Sliipbuilding, engineering and
ironworks
Not
220, 4ao
three-wirej
230,460 '
240, 480
three-wire
230, 460
liermitted three-wire
Windsor Electrical Installation
Co.
Wolverhampton Corporation ...
Worcester Corporation
York Corporation
Yorkshire Electric Power Co.
A. E. Farrow.
C. E. C. Shawfield
C. M. Shaw ..
.1. W. Hame ..
W. B. Wooillionsc
500
1,000
200
200
3,000
500
2,000
200
75, 125
240, 480
200, 400
200, 400
220, 440,
500
Metallurgical
Brickworks, foundries, timber
merchants, engineering works
Flour mills; printing, engineer '
ing, brickmaking <
.S.addlery,harness,leathev,clothing,
iron founding, tubes, brushes
Spring work.s, steel rolls, hollow
ware foundries, edge tools, tubes
Chemical, engineering, flour
mills, ink mills
Blast furnaces, steel works, ship yards, en-
gine works, paper mill, saw-mills and
joinery works
Brewing
240
480
230, 460
three-wire
220, 440
three-wire
240, 480
three-wire
105
210
Ironworlt, edge tool works, corn
mill-. |i:,iiil" uuiK-. r\,l,- and
mm.,,' ,■,.., I,- -,,,>. ,,,i!l-. ,V.'.
|,rii,(iMg,l
Various .
Textile mills, iron works, col
lieries, calcium carbide factory
460
100,200,400500,200,100
230, 460
three-wire
440, 220
three- wire
100, 200 250, 460
500
230, 460
I hree wiio
Total
n.H r. con-
nected at
date
indicated
below.
3,206
29/9/08
1,691
About
3,000
8,643
25/9/08
1,772-5
20/11/08
5,050
12/08
2,545
15/11/08
1,697
31/12/08
775
17/11/08
1,138
11,000
25/3/08
1,367
24/9/C8
760
31/3/C8
1,681J.
11/30/08
454
30/10/08
4/12/08
572
31/10/08
1,000
30/9/08
6,031 kw.
31/10/08
1,700
31/10/08
231
2,332
1/10/08
701
20/11/08
1,080
10/12/08
31/10/08
Total
Largest
Max.
number c.f
Motor
de-
Motors
on
mand.
connected.
Circuit.
Kw.
H.T.
motors
(if
any).
879
300
90
49
120
128
500
210
297
130
201
233
60
50 450
3 of 120 943
150 4,300
100
6 200
240
60
65
15
256
65
97
40
190
50
1,037
400
474
110
110
100
120
12-5
100
Can
not
give
1,800
1,898
468
1,377
25
50 ... I
60 1,040
35
60 320
40
250
960
7.406
whole
supply
AJAX " S " TYPE SWITCHES AND FUSES
.'. .'. Double and Three Pole for 600 Volts. .*. .'.
INTERLOCKED
FOOLPROOF
GASTIGHF
Send for New List, Revised Prices, &c.
PARMITER, HOPE & SUGDEN
HULME ELECTRICAL WORKS
NATIONAL TELEPHONE, 1902. IVIA.NCHPST'PR
3 Pole Switch and
Fuse, showing
fuses.
TELEGRAMS: "TERMINAL
^ MANCHESTER."
Ill
SUVVLEMENT to "The Electrician.- January 8. 1909.
ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY —Continued.
Method of
Driving.
Group.
H.P.
Indiv.
H.1".
About 1,172
600 j
575 ' 2,475
About
1,400
Practicallj:
I all group
ilriren.
Per unit.
3d. and Jd.
M.D.
2d.&.ld. M.D.
Sp. on app'n.
Id. and |d.
Max. lid.
Bulk
supply.
Approx.
H.p.of other
power dis-
[ilaced l)y
electric
motors
Isolated
Vlantk at
present
Operating.
g=Gas.
sp=SuctioiiCia
s= Steam.
(Note.— Inst. E.E. Wiiing Rules tor Motors
generally apply in all districts.)
According
to load
factor, &c.
2d. and Id. On ap-
I accordingto plication
quantity
i lid.-Jd. ! __.
and under
; sliding scale
I Id. flat rate
I -IW. up to SOU
limits, Id, beyond
■ lid. flat
2d. to Id.
sliding scale.
•2d. to Id.
sliding scale
Light 4d., Heat
2d., rower
IJd. to 0-45d. On appK.
cation
HP..
About About
500 50O
Partly!both
100 1,600
2d.asthr.)&
lid. M.D.*
Id.and Id.M.D.I
2h\. Hat.
2ft to 11 flat
or" 3* f M.D.
.SV< remarks"
lAd- to Jii.
Id max.
2d.— lid. flat
with disc.
1,500
3,050
400
Sfui 668
las 100
3,374
Largest installation, shipyard, max. denial
400 kw.
Largest consumer. Sir W. G. Arinstrono-
Whitworth&Co., Ltd , Elswick Works.
In negotiation for several large consumers.
Slate quan-y loail mostly wioding, pumping air com-
pressor and mills. Transmission at 10,01)0 volts tlire;-
pbase, all overhead, bare wire. Aluminium supply up
to l;iuOk\v. D.O. transmission at 2(i,iH]U volt tlirie-pliase.
Quarterly accounts.
50;/, 125s3
310f/, 65.>.v/.
230.S-
Isolated plants on pi-esent route of mains
(approximately only).
Great expansion of use of power supiily in
rolling mills and cutlery works.
Bulk supply given to Electrical Distribution ot 'I'ork-
sliire. Ltd., for seueral Provisional Orders, inclu-Uug
supply for street lighting and tramways.
)no works take about "J.'KI.OOU t
total amount sold per ann
amounted to 318,000 units.
purpi
Special
rates
No record.
bOy, l,200.sv/,
500.S
Motor hiring scheme in operation.
* 200,000 per annum and over special rates.
Wo liave in hand an order (or 2a|M.P. in nuitors wliich
- are superseding a suction gas plant.
Id.— .^d
tS per H.i'. in-
stalled per ann.
ud Id. i)er unit
Id.
2Jd. .4 Id. M.D.
Jd.sewerageP..
Id. & 13(1. re.
stricted hour
Ij down-
On ap-
wards
plication
2d. and Id.
Ml).
100
4,500 kw.
1,650 .
750
200 since
Aug.. 1905
2d. up to loo. Ijd. up to 20{l. Uil. up to .".00, l{.i. over
.jl-io : 10 per cent, discount for over lU.OUO peraiuiujn,
12J per cent, iliscount for over l.">,ono per annum.
Large steel roll works electrically driven from
suction gas engine being replaced b\- luotor.
Any voltage required.
200;/, 450.s(/ Power load arisen during last three year
2,000s
345.7, 10.s-ff,
800s
THE "LITTLE fOSTER."
ECONOMI
CAl.
NEAT AND COMP.iCI.
THE FOSTER ARC LAMP & ENG.
CO.. LTD.
'vvjfiw^i:iE3r>ON, s.w.
MOULPCP
INSULATIN(^
MAT€RIAL
FOR ALL
ELECTRICAL
PURPOSES.
J, LACOSTE & CO.,
184, Shaftesbury Avenue.
LONDON, WC.
Phone. : Central 6828.
SIEMENS
WIRES
and
CABLES.
112
SVrri.EMENT to "The Electrician.- January 8. 1909.
Ill the company records, the Clyde Valley Power
. 1 ^ ' *i.^ T^^UlAC Co. makes a return of 14,200 H.P. connected, and shows by
ItOttl^ Clf ItltCrCSl in ll)C CflOlvS* this the appreciation of electric power supp y across the
mClllJ V' iinvi^^* I'.order. 'J'he Xewcastle & District Co. is well to the front
, ,11 n i,r» if will li,. noticed with nearly 9,000 II. P. of motors connected, and the York-
Turning nc^to ^'l;;;;^^^^-;;: ^S^'^^k^g h iL Elecic Power Co. and the Derbyshire &N..>ttinghaiu
that they contain n.aiynte est ugst^^^^^^^^^^^ Co. are operating on a progressive basis. The return of
"'T'l" t '' the"5-slem n ny of he mtle taldng'scan boast the Cork Electrize Tramways & Lighting Co is of interest
"' ''; n^n Vairno ewof them exceed 10 times this because it is one of the few which inc udes the figures for
over 1,000 ii.i'.,an(l not a lewoi bucni e ^^^^ isolated plants still operating in the district, and the
^"s:;gow-^^t r^""^ ^^'t''^'^^"^- =;^%?rfi^;;isf:h:;f:^4S:l^:'hlfts?
T.r"'"'Mr1'ackris'^t'le';.S t^SuJ^ii SSorse-powei^ connected shX that upwards of
dertaking. ^^!^- /^f '", l^ '° ^^^^^ power sup- 1,000 H.P. of new business has been mtroduced. The
't 'cia'so'i^w'i' no TouttumprtLt' industrial isolated plants now operating with steam and gas sti 1
ply. Glasgow IS no aouou a V n,u,iicipa], amount to nearly M,000 n.P., so that there as plenty of work
centre, m addition to which ^ i« 7"";^7 J"""'V; ^.g^^g ^he company to transfer this load to its mains. The
so that loca patriotism runs high ami d V^^^^ ^f «- ^^^^ ^^^^ ,,^, ^^,^^, ^^^^^^^^ ^ ^„,, ,,t„,„ of over
'S^;^^l^t:^^^^^^^ will rank 5,000 H.P. connected, of which over 3,000 has taken the
th (fl stow in industrial interest, as the figures for this place of other pants operatmg m tlie area of supply. 1 h s
IiS are not ye before ns. From tlie return made last year company's overhead transmissions are also of mterest, pai^
om ainial tables of electricity supply show that there ticularly as one is to a large aluminium factory some lo
were" 0 000 HP of motors connected to the- Corporation miles distant from the works. ,, , ,
n lertakin^ and this figure will have been materially The size of motors on the mams reaches several hundr d
uiKleitaKin^, anu u ^ „,onths horse-power in many cases, and tins is a matter for con-
^'SrS"SS™L;^Cen;s, places like Birmmg- gratulition when it.is considered that the Ughdng and
li.m Sletteld West Ham, Leeds, Aberdeen, Coventry, power supplies are given from ojie set of mains. TheCl)de
W 'ver -mpton, Govan, Motherwell give practical evi- Valley Co. can boast a single motor, of 500 H.P. on its
de Si tl^ total brake-horse-power of motors connected, mains, and the Birminghain Corporation makes a return of
of cons cble activity in poler supply. In fact, the a 300 ii.P., which is, we believe, installed in a wire-drawing
SenS o "he oUrsmaller\statioiis included in the list mill. At Sheffield there is a 400 H.P. motor in use m a
Ss volumes for the progress made in areas in which rolling mill, and we understand that the Corporation is
the comiVtitinn with other power agents is evidently experiencing a greatly increased demand from this class
, ' of consumer.
I'ricc 12s. 6cl. nett, post free ; abro;id, 13s.
MOTIVE POWER AND GEARING
FOR ELECTRICAL IVIACHINERY ;
A Treatise on the Theory and Practice of the Mechanical Equipment of Power Stations for Electric Supply, and for Electric Traction.
By E. TREMLETT CARTER, C.E., M.I.E.E,, F.R.A.S., F.P.S. (Lond.), &c.
' i;i.;\isEii i;v Mn. GK(). TH(_)MAS-DAYIES.
Price 9s« Nett. Demy 8vo. Over 220 ilustrations.
Their Construction
and Management.
ELECTRICITY METERS.
A THOROUGHLY PRACTICAL MANUAL FOR CENTRAL STATION ENGINEERS, DISTRIBUTING ENGINEERS AND STUDENTS
By C. H. W. GERHARDI.
WW.. „<.i,mhlB Practical Manual on the Management of Electricity Meters forms a volume in " The Electrician " Series. The Author
K ^! 2nf veafs' e1ceptiona7experience with Electricity Meters in connection with the Meter Department of the largest electricity supply
^^\ * ir„^n tC KinS Mr Gerhardi's intimate acquaintance with the working of all existing meters on the market and with the de a.U
7th«?rconBrucUon and management! is a guarantee that the book will meet the requirements of those engaged in work in which the Electricity
Meter forms an eGse^ial part In the division of the book devoted to "Testing" Mr. Gerhardi's unique experience will prove cf the greatest
service to supply station engineers and managers.
Very fiM Chapters on TESTING, and PRACTICAL HINTS to METER INSPECTORS, &c.
REAJyV IN A FE'W l>AVS^-vn<se 6s.
BOILER FEED WATER:
A Practical Treatise on its Quality, Effects and Purification.
By FRED. A. ANDERSON, B.Sc. (Loud.), F.I.C., F.C.S.
-THE BIJIOTRIOIAN" PRINTING & PUBLISHING CO.. Ltd., SALISBURY COURT. FLEET ST., LONDON.
113
SVTPLEMENT to "The Electrician." January 8, 1909.
SIMPLEX
CABLES
All descriptions
ELECTRIC
WIRINU.
POWER
LIGHTING
TELEPHONES
BELLS, &c.
SIMPLEX
CONDUITS,
Carrison lane,
BIRMINGHAM.
113 7,
Charing Cross
Road,
LONDON, W C.
Manchester
Glasgow
Liverpool
newcastle.
BRISTOL.
SMppard Installations,
Sunderland forge Si €ngineering Co.
IX recent years little has been heard respecting the
alleged backward and conservative methods of British
manufacturers. During the times tliese charges,
levelled against our industries, were being freely circulated,
British shipbuilders were deservedly omitted from the list
of the so-called unenterprising. They were, as a matter of
fact, amongst the first to realise the advantages of electric
power for assisting them in their work, and, without fear
uf contradiction, we can say tliat there is no important yard
to-day in Great Britain which is not using electrically-
li liven machinery.
Messrs. Osbourne, Graham & Co., of Hylton, near Sun-
derland, whose installation may be cited as typical, are
taking energy from the mains of the County of Durham Elec-
trical Power Distribution Co. (Ltd.). The supply is three-
phase alternating current, with a periodicity of 40 cycles
at 400 to 440 volts. The carrying out of this contract was
entrusted to the Sunderland Forge & Engineering Co.
(Ltd.), who supplied in all some 25 motors. The motors
are of their standard semi-enclosed protected type, and
where working in the open are suitably protected from the
weatlier liy sheet iron covers. The slots are of the semi-
enclosed type and the coils are former wound, and are
arranged to be readily interchangeable in case of accident.
On a 400 volt circuit the starting torque is in no case less
than lA times the full load in the case of the smaller
size machines, and li to twice full load in the larger sizes.
'J"he insulation is waterproof and as non-hydroscopic as
possible, so that the motors can be satisfactorily o[ieiated
in open sheds, where they may be required to stand for
long periods without being used, and where Ihey cannot be
dried out in any way before use. The finished coils are
treated with a compound which renders them oil proof.
The motors are insulated to withstand a pressure of 000
volts continuously, applied either between the windings
and the frame or between the poles, the frame being in
each case connected to earth. The bearings are of nia.ssive
design and of the ring lubrication ty]>e, so arranged as to
precluLle any possibility of oil leaking or being thrown
over the windings.
in addition to the motors, driving, punching and shear-
ing machines, and other shipyard machinery, four of the
Sunderland Forge l<s Engineering Co.'s standard winches
are installed. These winciics were especially designed for
shipyard work, and will lift weiglits up to :^ tons at a
speed of 40 ft. per minute. The motor, controller and
resistance are all totally em-losed in a wrought-iron case
with removable cast-iron lid, making the wliole of tlie
electrical equipment thoroughly weatherproof. The niotoi's
are fitted with wound rotors, the speed being varied by
means of controllers of the tramway reversing type. The
resistances are formed of cast-iron grids, the grids being
easily removable in ca.se of breakdown. Jlica only is used
as an insulator and no connections are made by soldering.
For starting the motors smaller than 12 B.H.r. a simple
enclosed triple-pole quick-break switch is supplied, and
for the larger motors of the squirrel cage type starting
compensators are used. These compensators are capable
of keeping the current down in the stator in starting to
not more than full load current. They consist of a com-
bined starter and oil-break switch, arranged so that the
JVTTLEMENT to "The Electrician." January 8. 1909.
114
Outdde of Shipyard equipped with Electrically-drivfn Tools.
motor is eiitively discannocled fioiii the circuit when tlie
switch is open.
The instiillaliou work, whicli was also carried out by the
Snndevlaud Forge & Kngineering Co. (Ltd.), was, wherever
jiossible, carried overhead, the cables being run on high-
voltage type insulators, each capable of withstanding 2,000
volts°without breaking down. Where the cal)les were
liable to mechanical injury or to be interfered with, they
;ire run in iron pipes, reamed and rodded to prevent injury
to the insulation, and piovided with swan-necked bends so
as to be absolutely watertight.
An interesting item in the installation is a motor-driven
pump, which enables the .shipbuilders to use river water
for filling and testing ballast tanks. Tlie pump lifts -io
tons of water per hour about 15 ft. and forces it 60 ft.
The whole of the installation was carried out without
interfering with the work in the yard, all the motors being
fitted on their bases before st4%m engines driving the
machines were disconnected, and the saving in money
olfected by the employment of electricity in place of steam
.supplied through long lengths ot piping to machines which
are of necessity placed somewhat wide apart has been
most gratifying to the proprietors of the yard.
During the slack time which builders have been and un-
fortunately still are experiencing, the saving is most
marked, as in periods of trade depression before the elec-
trical era large boilers had to be kept going often for the
sake of very few macl lines.
We give an illustration of Messrs. Osbourne, (iraham &
Co.'s steel shipbuilding and repairing yard, and il is interest-
ing to note that the steamer on the outside berth, which
belongs to the Union Steamship Co. ..f New Zealand (Ltd.),
had the electric light installation fitted by tlie Sunderland
Forge \- Engineering Co. (I.td.).
Tlie starter consists of one or more cast-iron tanks con-
taining a solution of soda, and in which two blades are
fixed at a short distance apart. The dipping blades, whicli
move between the K.\-ed blades, are mounted on an insu-
lated shaft, and are of such a shape as to ensure a constant
starting current and consequently constant acceleration.
They are connected by a bar carrying the short-circuiting
blades, which fit into the short-circuiting contacts mounted
on a bracket at the side of the tank. When the spindle is
turned the dipping blades are lowered into the liquid,
between the fixed blades, until they are directly opposite
to them. This position is the " full on " position, and just
before it is reached the circuit across the starteris short-
circuited by the short-i-ircuiting bar already mentioned.
CiquioStartm.
THE liquid starters made by Siemens Bros. Dynamo
Works (Ltd.) are particularly recommended for
use in exposed situations, or where subject to heavy
wear and tear, as, for example, in mines, collieries, iron-
works, chemical works, &c. They are of a simple and
solid design, and are suitable for either continuous or alter-
nating current circuits.
F;g. 1.- L-quid Starter with Hand Lever.
Fig. 1 shows a thice-]ihase liquid starter with hand lever,
and Fig. 1' a large starter for outputs up to 1,000 B.H.r.
worked by a hand crank and worm gearing.
Large starters are provided with a special cooling device
which is arranged either internally or externally accord-
ing to their capacity. The internal cooling arrangement
consists of a system of tubes Iniiit into the starter and
through which cold water is allowed to flow.
In the case of the external device the cooling tubes are
mounted in a separate tank, connected by piping to the
starter, the li(|uid being continuously circulated from the
starter to the cooling tank and back by a small pump
driven by an electric motor.
115
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician/- January 8. 1909.
The power behind the NAME
% There is no better illustration of a good name bein-;' a buyer's
best guide than in the purchase of an electric motor.
^ A name of repute is a guarantee that the motor has gi\-en satis-
faction to others, and is almost certain to give satisfaction to you.
^ It has taken some time to firmly establish the name " Uxiox,"
but " Union" motors are now produced at the rate of 15 per day.
^ Does not such an output prove that " Uxiox '' motors are in
demand.
IT]i]DKDj33u^I>ai[B
^ARKS"^. 50UTHWARK. L^HD0H.5.P
GLASGOW, NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE. LIVERPOOL, MANCHESTER. LEEDS, CARDIFF
BIRMINGHAM, DUBLIN, FEADING AND GLOUCESTER.
^^^^^^^^^^J
S.D.&C?
Liquid Starter with Geared Control.
Stiirters for use in mines, or otlier situations in whieli
provision has to be made against fire, are totally enclosed
liy a sheet-iron cover, the short-eircuitino- contacts being
innuersed in oil and the terminals enclosed.
Union rRotor Installations^
As makers ot niutuis tor Jirec'.'. eiinviiL and alteiuating
current circuits the Union tllectric t'o. is in a
position to meet the recpiiri'inents of electric power
contractors in the majority of the towns in which elec-
trical energy is consulted for power purposes. The
character of the supply varies so considerablv over the
entne country that it is difficult to find two adjacent
towns in which electric service is installed the same, either
as regards system or voltage.
The Union Electric Co. has supplietl motors for a laro-e
number of power installations during the past year, ami
many of these have gone to electrical contractors 'who
undertake their installations independent of the suppliers
of -motors.
An interesting Union i.olyphase motor installation is
that at Messrs. .T. & P. Goods' woodworking establishment,
Dublin. Nine three-phase motors operating on a 'MG volt
circuit, 50 periods, have been fi.xed eitlier in a pit under-
ground, as is common to these installations, or, in a few
cases, bolted on a wall or direct to the tioor. The motors
in each ease were of the enclosed ventilated pattern.
The machines driven included a large circular saw, a
band saw and a tenoning nrachine. general joiner, spindle
machine, mortiser, planer, grindstone and eniery wheel. A
mortar mill also formed part of the equipment. Belt
driving was adopted throughout, except in the case of the
large circular saw in which the motor was coupled direct
to the saw spindle through a llexible leathern coupling.
Most of the motors were of the short-circuited type, sUirtetl
up with an auto-transformer. The hir^e circular saw was
driven by a wound rotor motor with slip-iings, started up
through external resistance of the air-cooled tyi)e.
The whole of the installation was carried out in accor-
dance with the period of trading the I-'ire Insurances ami
the Dublin Corporation I-U'Ctricity Supply rules, and we
understand, has been running satisfactoiily for tln^ past
six months. The management states that the output of
the works has been increased, this being due to the higher
aiul more uniform rate of speed.
Another interesting Union motor installation put dowu
SUPPLEMICNT to "The Electrician." Januarp 8, 1909.
116
111 Dublin is that of Messrs. Alexander Thorn & Co. (Ltd.),
printers. 'J'wenty-tive three-phase motor.s have been iii-
.stalled for thi' driving of large and small printing pre.sses,
lith npiess, croppers, guillotiues and other printing machi-
!icr,)-. Amongst the latter we may mention five monotype
masters, together with an air compressor, which is driven
by one motor from line shafting.
Another length of line shafting, also motor driven, is
used to drive gluing machines, a Bremmer wire stitcher
and several ruling machines.
The motors were all of the three-pha.se 50 period type
and, up to o H.P.. were fitted with short-circuited rotors.
The larger machines were fitted with wound rotors and slip-
rings, in certain cases being started against no-load and in
other cases full-load torque. Other machines were fitted
with speed regulators, by which a reduction in speed of .50
per cent, below normal can be obtained by resistance in-
serted in the rotor circuit. This is a typical example of a
inodern printing establishment driven throughout by alter-
nating-current motors of the latest pattern.
FRotors at Borne and Jlbroad>
£ancd$l)irc Dpnaino a< Il?otor Co.'s
Installations.
THE British maker of electric motors occupies a dis-
tinctive position in that his products find their way
into our Colonies and many foreign countries. He
is not confined to the home market for bu,siness and can
frequently depend upon a useful turnover among power
users outside our shores. An instance may be quoted in
that of an important Japanese steel works, in which " Lan-
cashire " dynamos and motors are employed. The equip-
ment comprises the entire power plant, distribution cables
and motors required throughout the plant. The generating
station contains three engine-driven units, each of
1,000 kw. capacity, which supply energy to some 2.50
motors varying in output from 5 h.p. to 100 n.P. Starting
and controlling geai' and also any necessary spare parts
have also been provided. The plant includes both steel
works and gun shops. In the former are numerous cranes
and in the latter a large number of machine tools. These tools
are driven by variable speed motors with a .speed variation
of o to 1 and their output varies between 25 H.p. and
50 H.P. Upwards of 100 motors of this type have been
.supplied driving the tools individual. The balance of the
motors are constant speed machines coupled to line shaft-
ing or used on the overhead cranes.
The Lancashire Dynamo & Motor Co. has also supplied
plant to the India Ottice and Indian State railways. To
North Western Kailway of India two 250 kw. units have
been supplied, together with a number of direct current
constant and variable speed motors for machine tool
driving. Another Indian installation is that of the East
India Kailway, to which a 600 kw. set and a number of
alternating current and direct current motors for their
.shops and collieries were supplied.
Among other interesting installations, carried out during
the past year at home, we may mention that of tlie Dublin
Harbour Board. Here an extensive electric pumping in-
stallation was put down and as the centrifugal pattern was
decided upon electric driving from motors direct coupled
to the pumps was the ideal arrangement. The e([uipment
included two ."iOO H.P. vertical spindle motors, with Hoff-
mann l)all bearings coupled to Drysdale pumps. These
motors are fitted with intevpoles which admit of a speed
variation from 210 to 280 revs, per niin. Two smaller
electric pumping units are also included in this contract.
A .somewhat similar installation was put in at the Aberdeen
dock, but the motors are of smaller capacity, developing
45 H.P. and having a speed variation from ."SSO to 450 revs,
per min. These pumps are in use on a floating dock.
"Lancashire" motors have also been supplied during the
past year to the Admiralty for H.M.S. " Invincible,"
" Inflexible " and " Indomitable " for use in connection
with turbine lifting, turning and control gear. The same
make of motors are in use in the dockyards at Chatham,
Sheerness, Portsmouth, Devonport, Haulbowline and Malta.
At Long Eaton an extensive installation of small motors
was put down. These were 25 in number and of 2 H.P.,
running at 600 to 700 revs, per min., being direct couj^Ied
to a number of special lace machines. Automatic starters
were fitted and arrariged so that they could be controlled
from any part of the frame.
We are informed l)y the company that several large com-
plete installations have been put down, notably in Ijlcach-
ing and dyeing works. The plants have included in each
case main generator (and condensing plant) and motors for
driving callender.s, beetlers, mangles, stentering machines, itc.
fli Spinning rRillPoiocr Plant,
IX spite of the fact that power com})anies are gi\'iHg a
service of electrical energy in the Lancashir-e and York-
shire textile districts, there are certain cases in which
the projjrietors of textile factories prefer to instal their
own generating plant. A case in point is that of the
spinning mill of Messrs. Sir Elkanali Armstrong & Sons,
Pendleton. This mill has recently been equipped by Messrs.
Mather & Piatt (Ltd.) with a 'complete power plant and
motor installation for the driving of spinning machinery.
The equipment includes one 720 b.h.p. Browett-Lindley
high-speed engina direct coupled to a 500 kw. three-phase
alternator. There is also installed a '■')2 b.h.p. engine of
the same make coupled to a 22 kw. three-phase alternator
and exciter. Tlie exciter of this latter machine serves for
both alternators. Messrs. Mather & Piatt have also sup-
plied for the power house a set of their foot pumps, two
Galloway superheaters, a surface condenser of their own
make with air pump and turbine circulating pump, and an
iron tank with all pipe connections for steam exhaust
and circulating water. The power house is suttieiently
large to accommodate another 500 kw. unit wlicnever
extensions are required.
The motor installation is of an extensive character and
has been laid down on the most modern lines. The driving
has beeir arranged on the group system, as experience has
shown that in the majority of cases this is the most satis-
factory for the purpose in view. The largest motor is one
of 200 H.p. driving ring spinning frames by ropes. A num-
ber of throstle spinning and roving frames is also driven
from a 110 B.H.P. motor by period. The scutching and
blowing machines are driven by belt from a 75 b.h.p. motor
and five 50 B.H.P. motors are installed for driving cards,
drawing frames, intermediate frames, roving frames and
blowing machines. The driving in the case of the last
five mentioned motors is through cut helicalgears and belt.
Two l!0 B.H.P. motors each drive one roving frame by belt and
the other a number of looms by a raw hide gear. One 25 b.h.p.
and one 12 B.h.p. motor drive winding frames and beams
by belt, and a further 20 b.h.p. nuitor drives the number
of carding machines liy belt. In the power house one
45 B.H.i\ motor is installed driving air and circulatiu"
117
SVrPLE>lENT to "The Electrician." January 8. 1909.
pumps. The plant is so desi,u;ned that all iinichiiies can be
started and run up to speed from the power Imuse.
It is interesting to note that on the occasion of a recent
breakdown the services of electric power were called upon
emergency to keep the factory going. An old steam
engine, probably of uncertain age and output, had broken
down and a 200 n.V. motor was installed for di-iving the
looms by belt. This arrangement proved so satisfactory
that the management decided to keep the motor
as a permanency. This particular wasinstallei
within the short space of 10 days. The motoi
which weighs nearly 10 tons, was lifted ove
the top of the boilers and lowered into the tir(
hole, in which salubrious spot it was expectei
to do duty and did it.
greatest nggregalion of textile inteiests in the world — has
Vieen luiirked Ijy a strange cou.servatism : atavism would ])e a
more appropriate term. We have taught the world what
it knows about textile maehiiuTy, and our pupils have had
line advantage over us. They ciin start afresh without the
encinubrances of tlieir foi-efathers. We are hampered by
old ideas and antii|Uated driving machinery, and, what is
worse, a tendency to cling lik-c dear life to them.
Indioiauai Drioe In
Cextiles
IN dealing with the electric power equipment
of modern textile mills in these columns
we have frequently recommended the in-
dividual motor drive. On the Continent this
system has been applied with success to looms,
spinning and doubling frames, &c., and we are
naturally tempted to feel that similar condi-
tions prevail in British mills, and may reason-
ably be met by somewhat similar practice in
electric motor application.
Progress with electric driviuLr in our mills — tlie
View looking down aisle between Doubling Macliines.
r
A Sea.soiia.ble Hint
^
KS
BUY
<t
SUN RADIATORS
THEY ARE EFFECTIVE!
{See Illu-slralion^.
SEMD FOR C.M.ALOGUE H,
Containing a ranyc of excellent designs at
Prices from 24 = complete.
PROMPT DELIVERY.
SUN ELECTRICAL Co., Ltd..
118-120, Charing Cross Road.
LONDON, W.C.
Teiefiams! ^JSECABILIS LONDON '
GERRARD 2291/2.
SUPPLEMEN7 to " The Electrician," January 8. 1909.
General View ot L'oubliDg Shed, showing absence cf Shafting and position of Motors.
Muchot'tlie Work already iluiu:' in the Irxtile inllll^^trv in
installing motors nisiy be attributed to tlu; zeal of the
younger men who have authority and can exercise it. The
old do not like to take risks, ami they may be allowed
their opinion simply because of age. 15ut we must keep
ahead of those pupils we have manufactured, taking
example from them when it can profit us to do so.
To return now to the subject of this article, the indi-
vidual motor drive. It is generally agreed that tlie uses
of individual motors must be confined to special cases for
which they are peculiarly adapted. They cannot be ap-
plied generally to every class of textile machine. A recent
instance of tlieir installation under favouralile conditions
iji the Lancashire district is furnished by Messrs. McClure
& Whitfield, Stockport. This firm has put down .50 of its
""Mersey" motors into a large doubling shed, each motor
driving a doubling machine.
It will be of some interest to recapitulate the circum-
stances leading up to this installation. The shed in ques-
tion adjoins an existing mill, the power plant of which had
some 400 h.p. as reserve for extensions. 'J'iie shed is about
50 3'ds. from the main building and the conditions appeared
to favour the electric drive rather than the running of
shafting across this space. The management were only
convinced after exhaustive tests that they were taking the
right step by putting in separate motors. Accordingly a
120 kw. generator driven from the main engine was" put
down in the engine house, and also a similar unit comprising
a Belliss " ]\lersey " steam set. These machines generate
direct cuirent at 230 volts, and lead-covered underground
cables serve for transmission to the shed.
The illustrations show clearly the saving of light in the
shed and tlie neat manner in which cables take the place
of overhead shafting. In this latter respect a considerable
saving in the cost of the building was effected. This item
may be a heavy one where a large (quantity of shafting is
to be installed.
In the present installation the motors are of 12 H.f.
each and, as will be seen, are complete with starters and
speed regidators. The speed variation is a very wide one
and interpole motors are installed to furnish speed contnd
on the shunt only. The motors are fitted with ball bear-
ings and are coupled direct to the frames.
We irnderstand tliat the management are able to see
economical running with the new plant, the actual cost
being very low. The best possible opinion of the installa-
tion is that expressed by the fact that a further unit of
150 kw. is to be installed aiul some thousands of additional
spindles will bedriven l)y motors supplied from thismachine.
This installation, probably the first of its khid on any
scale in Lancashire, should do much to persuade British
textile manufacturers that individual driving (!an be put
down under conipetitive conditions with profit and im-
proved quality of output. We must congratulate tlie
motor makers on the motor installation and express the
wish that it may be the first of many more such plants.
BMMESpffireEiiCT^^
Head OfRce ... 12, KING STREET, MANCHESTER. I Glasgow Office ... 65, Renfield Street. CO., LTD.
London Office ... 49, Queen Victoria Street, E.G. | Newcastle Office... Standard Chambers, Neville St.
Cardiff Office Temple Chambers, 8, St. John Street.
DYNAMOS, MOTORS, ENGINES, BOILERS, LIFTS, &c., Insured, Inspected and Tested.
^^^ J''"*'^^ »^to5.^t''5JP"''^*"'"'Ons prepared. supervision during construction.
Chief hngineer : MICHAEL LONGKIDGE, M.A., M.Iust.C.E., M.I.Mech.E. Elec. Engineer : LLEWELLYN FOSTER, A.M.I.C.E., M.I.E.E.
Secretary : EDWARD MOSS.
119
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician.- January 8. 1909.
THE MORDEY-FRICKER
ELECTRICITY METER CI
LIMITED,
82, Victoria Street, Westminster, S. W.
>I!S : "ShADOWLKSS I.ONi>UX."
EDISWAN
AUTO-TRANSFORMERS
MADE
throughout by the Edison f,- Swnn
United Electric Light Co., Ltd.,
at their
PONDER'S END WORKS,
and
Standard Voltages and Ranges
CAN NOW
BE
DELIVERED
FROM STOCK
Indian Collkrp Poiucr Plants r'v'''"'l''T''-'"'T'^'"''^^"^'^'-^-^''i"'i'''''^''t.^viiiciMviiii^^^^^
y ■ VWVI I img|^« kept m stock, m order to meet any emei-eney. It is l.e-
lieved that tlie gros.s revenue will lie about £2'' 000 for
sale of power and about ,£S,()()() troni rentals ofcollierv
equipments. In retoence tn the need of such a .syndicate
the pro.speetus states : —
At the present time many collieries have to face an earlv
replacement of much of their plant, au.l it is partly omii"
to this that the pre.seut demands on the syndicate for
power are so large. It is only since the construction of the
rai way.s that the coal fields have been seriously worked and
although the progress for many vears was slow, thedeveloi)-
meiit has been extremely rapid of late, as the following
table of coal raised in Beni;al will shuw :—
TL'I)GIxN(t by recent reports there is a commercial future
I for coal getting in India. The prevalence of mountain
ranges in this country has encouraged the belief that
m j^ars to come it will be a land of hvdro-electric power
stations and transmission lines. Already there are many
important water power schemes in operation, an.l in snite
of certain natural obstacles, a supplv has been kept up by
means of the transmission lines operating in conjunction
with these plants. If the development of India's water
power sources is properly engineered transmitted electric
power should become a stock industrial commodity and
steam plants should be in the minoritv rather than other-
wise.
At the same time the coal supply „f the country is evi-
dently worth exploiting. I>.y the intioduction of suitable
machinery coal should be mined at a comparatix'ely low cost
and certainly cheaper than by native labour
The_ American Consul reports that many of the India
cuUieries will have to put in new machinery, and some of
them complete new equipment. To meet this need a com-
p;iny has been orgaii.scl in Calcutta called the Coaltields
I ower Syndicate, with a capital of £14(i 000
The object is to provide cheap powe'r h,r coal-miuin<"
purposes The prospectus of the companj- says that 1 0 per
cent, of the coal mined in India is consumed" at the mines
lor power, which for 1907 would be a consumption ,.f
'.•1 0,290 tons, worth 12s. per ton.
It is to reduce this unnecessarv expenditure that the
company has been formed. It is proposed to sell electrical
energy at 1 anna (Id.) ] er unit, and besides power the com-
1904
1905.
1906.
1907.
Persons Oiiti)iit No of
employed. iti tons. companies Capilal.
l^-pSp 7.058,980 28 £1.392,000
• 33,496 7,234.103 35 1,583 000
36,194 8,677.820 37 1,700 000
39.365 9,993.348 77 3 000 000
The above table shows that the number of companies and
their capita! employed in coal mining increased but slowly
uutil 1907; since then the expansion has been most rapid
but, as will be noticed fn.m the column of output, the-e
has not yet been time for the new companies to develop
their mines, and a large part of the increased capital is
therefore not yet productive. A natural result of this ex-
pansion is the shortage of labour from which the coal fields
are now suffering, and which is considerably restrictincr the
operations of fully developed mines. In fact, as slio\ni in
the table, the number of miners available has not kept pace
with the output, and shows little elasticity in spite of a
greatly increased demand. The slow development of the re-
cently-opened mines is also largely due to deficient labour
JVVTLKMKSl to "The Electrician," January 8, 1909.
20
1 CIA/IQ'Q TO LIBRARIANS AND GENERAL READERS. dRdJI ATING
L.CiWIO O The Quarterly List of Additions IS sent post free V/l ■ »X^** *-#^ ■ ■ I ^ Va
rr.-nl.irly to any address. It is a Classilied and Annotated Guide to the Scientific Publicationa of the previous three months.
ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL & GENERAL ENGINEERING TEXT BOOKS & TECHNICAL WORKS.
nciu Works and Rcio tdilions can be had from ihc Cibrarp immcdiatclp on publication.
SUBSCRIPTION, Town or Country, from ONE GUINEA. READING ROOM open Daily to SUBSCRIBERS.
COIPNXICIO 136. GOWER ST., & 24, GOWER PLACE, LONDON, WX. I IRRARY
0V#II— l« I ll IV/ Tcleerama "Pi;blicavit Loxpon." Telephone: 10721, Centbai.. ■» I fcj 11 f^ ■> ■ ■
Cicctric Curntables^
R.VILWAY compaiiie.s may lie slow in carrying forwartl
the general electrification of their lines, but they are
certainly not backward in taking advantage of elec-
tric power both in their workshops, car factories and in
and about warehouses, docks, goods yard.s, &c. In this
respect English railway companies are probably well
abreast of their confreres in America and on the continent.
One of the most recent applications of electric power to
railway auxiliaries is that of a turntable. It is strange
that this useful and frequently employed device has never
been electrically equipped before. Electric capstans and
cranes are common enough in railway yards ; but we think
we are right in saying that the turntalile has yet to be
operated by an electric motor in this country. The "Elec-
trical World" describ-as an interesting in.stallation of this
kind recently carried out in \ew York State. The turn-
table was formerly operated by hand, requiring the time
of a number of men at intervals, which averaged the con-
tinuous service of two men for 24 hours a day. The don-
key was then equipped witli a standard Westinghouse
induction motor, rated at 20 w.v., 200 volts, two-phase, 60
cycles, which reduced the labnur required to one man 'per
day of 24 hours.
Inasmuch as the men were paid 7kl. an hour in each
case, this motor produced a saving of i4s. a day, or £2.'!G
per year of 365 days. As the cost of power for the motor
has averaged but ;!2s. a month, or a total of £l'j a year, the
An interesting example of Motor Driving with Ropes. A Westinghouse Motor of 325 B.H.P
With Liquid Controller.
net saving is £24,3 a year. The total cost of the electrical
equipment, including the cost of installing the outfit, was
approximately £.'!00, which is but slightly greater than the
actual saving in one year. As a result of this installation,
four other turntables have been supplied with electrical
equipment by the same railway, and plans are on foot for
similarly equipping several more.
The economy is not the most important point in the
advantages of the electrical equipment, although it makes
a very good .showing. The work of a turntable is inter-
mitient and is usually ru.shing for a short time and then
at a standstill, especially at terminals, where many loco-
motives often come in at the same time. The length of
time required to turn a locomotive by hand depends largely
upon the number of men available to do the turning, but
even with the handles full, which condition requires from
four to eight men, it is impossible to do the work as rapidly
as with a motor. Hence the saving in time at such periods
is of great importance, as the congestion at the turntable
is relieved and the movement of traffic is expedited.
The method of supplying power to the table has some
interesting details. A bridga is used with overhead wires,
which run to a standard overhead collecting switch. This
switch is constructed with brushes and collector rings so
that contact is made at all times and in all positions of the
turntable. This switch is so constructed that there is no
strain on the line wires, as the cross-arm to which they run
does not move with the tables, but is stationary while the
table revolves.
In this installation the cab is mounted on the centre of
the turntable, so that the wires run directly from the bridge
to the cab and to the motor. In
many instances the cab is mounted
at one end, but instead of being
directly on the table, it is mount-
ed on the donkey directly over
the motor, to overcome the jolting
which the cabman would get when
tiie locomotives run on and off.
In many cases, especially in a
new installation, the feed wires
are run underground in conduit
and brought up through the king-
pin in the centre of the table.
The same type of switch men-
tioned above is placed between
the tracks and the connections
made from this point in the usual
manner.
An installation on these lines
should not be very difficult to put
through. The motor certainly
could be of standard make and
size and its applicatioii to tjie
existing turntable gear wnukl
present no serious trouble. The
principal object to keep in view
would be the enclosure of all
connections so that there would
hi no fear of shock to the men in
charge of tlie table.
121
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." January 8, 1909.
Vftmm Installations.
B.C.B. motors.
THE uses of electrical enci^y in mines are now well
understood and many electrical manufacturers
have standardised plant for the specific ])urpose of
<Iriving mining machinery. Most modern coal mines gene-
rate electric power at the pit bank and transmit it to tlie
workings and also the machinery about the pit head. Elec-
tric coal cutters are coming prominently to the front, and
in conjunction with t^hem conveyors for carrying away coal
from the face to the ways. Electric hauling and electric
pumping are now common enough in British collieries, and
<i strong move is being made in the direction of the elec-
trical equipment of winding engines. Tlie British Thom-
son-Houston Co. has during the past year carried iiut a
number of mining installations, amongst which we may
mention the Carlin How Klines in the Durham district.
This installation includes three-phase motors varying in
size from G| H.P. to 175 H.P , and aggregating some 350 H.i'.
Amongst the equipment is a three-throw ram pump.
Another installation is that of the Shettield Coal Co. In
this case a 250 kw. alternating current generator was sup-
plied, and motors ranging in size from .'!0 to 80 r,.H.r.,
and totalling 320 H.P. The equipment included controllers,
transformers and switchgear. A further supply of colliery
power plant Mas made to Messrs. Pease & Partners, Dar-
lington. These comprised a main generator and motors
and controllers aggregating 115 H.P., also a further 180 H.P.
in motors and loOkw. transformer with switchgear. Some
700 H.P. of British Thomson-Houston Co.'s three-phase
motors have also been supplied to the Fife Coal Co., Leveu.
We understand that amongst the numerous power instal-
lations put down by the British Thomson-Houston Co.
during the past year may be reckoned a number of motors
aggregating about 1,000 H.p. for Joshua Whitely & Co.
(Ltd.), Albion Mills, Hudderstield. This ecpiipment in-
cluded 655 H.P. motor.s. This equipment is being used for
textile machinery driving. A large supply of motors
totalling 2,600 b.h.I'. has been made to J. & P. Coats,
Limited, Glasgow, for their extensive cotton mills. This
equipment comprised eight three-phase motors, each
having a capacity of 325 h.p. An installation of 20 three-
phase motors, aggregating l,oOO h.p., has been carried out
for the Glenboig Union Fire Clay Co. (Ltd.), X.B. To
Messrs. Aveling & I'orter, Pochester, some 100 h.p. three-
phase motors has been supplied, and Messi'S. G)-eeves,
(Ltd.), for river mills purposes, liave installed an equipmeat
of approximately the same output of B.T.-H. motors.
B^€^P^ Installations.
FPOM a recently-issued brochure dealing with the in-
dustrial applications of electric nrotors and issued by
the Piritish Electrical I'lant Co., we notice details of a
number of large and interesting motor installations. Some
time ago we published particulars of the use of electric
motors in gas works. The Ijooklet before us is prefaced by
a list of gas woi'ks in this country in which electric motors
are used for driving auxiliary machinery. In the case of
the Perth Corporation the plant has a capacity of 700 kw.
Judging by the number of B.E.P. paper mills installa-
tions, paper makers are becoming keenly alive to the ad-
vantages of electric power. One installation at Snodland,
Kent, aggregates 2,000 H p. of power plant, with 1,000 h.p.
of motors driving paper making machinery. In anotiier
case, at Watford, some 1,300 h.p. of three-phase motors
have lieen put into a paper mill. At Alexandria, the
United Turkey l!ed Co. (Ltd.) has installed 750 HP. of
variable speed motors for driving calico printing machines
and blowers.
Index to Hduertiscrs,
.\i-ciiniul:itcjr liidiistrit's lu'.l
British Engine, Boiler & Electrical Insurance Co. lis
Cromptou & Co., Ltd lul
Edison &. Swan United Electric Light Co., Ltd. ... I lit
Electromotors Ltd. (Openshaw) '."^
Ferranti Limited '■'■'
Gilbert Are Lamp Co 1"'-'
Great Central Railway 1^1
Henley's (W. T.) Telegraph Works Co., Ltd luii
Hodges (.Cecil) K'^
.LLacoste&Co "1
Lancashire Dynamo & Motor Co '-'i
Lewis, H.K '-"
Mrtscliiuenfabrik Oerlikon (G. Wutlirirh) lUS
Mather & Platt "^'3
Mordey Fricker Meter Co., Ltd HSl
Morris-Hawkins '-'-
Parmiter, Hope & Sugden ' !•>
Eeyrolle Limited '"^
Sanders, Behders 4: Co., Ltd "J^
Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works, Ltd '•">
Siemcii.s Bros. & Co "•
Simplex Conduits, Ltd "S
Standard Varni-h Works 107
Sun Electrical Co ""
r. F.Trippe !"!•
Union Electric Co., Ltd l'*"
Victoria Hynamo.t Motor Co M'
Weston Electrical lustruuieut Co ••'
iUPPLEMENT\to "The Electrician." January 8. 1909.
122
MORRIS=HAWKINS'
MOTORS & DYNAMOS
THE MOTOR REWABbE
EFFICIENT
SIbENT
bOW COST
bOW TEMPERATURES
HIGH FINISH.
PRICED AND ILLUSTRATED CATALOUUE ON APPLICATION-
MORRIS=HAWKINS, Ltd., daoen^am. essex
Priniea ami PubUsliei\ by OEOIiOE TUCKER, at the F.ilitoiial Piintina and PiiWishing Offices, 1, 2 ami 3, Salisbiry CofRT. FLEET Street in the City if
LOMiOX. I'KIliAV, Jakdarv 8. 190'.'.
THE ELECTRICIAN:
the;; OLDEST WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF
ELEfTRICAL ENGINEERING, INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND FINANCE.
ESTABLISHED, First Series (Weekly), 1861; Second Series (Weekly), 1878.
No. 1,600. [v-oI/lVI-,.]
FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1909.
Price Sixpence "'H?'!"''
Abroad 9d., or 18 oents, or 90c., <
80p/.
CONTENTS OF THE
Notes 523
Arrangements for tlie Week 525
The "G.B." System from a
Tra,mwav Manager's Point
of View. By Stanley Clegg.
Illustrated 526
Some Jfotes on Commutating-
polc Design. By E. O.
Turner, B.Sc. Illustrated 528
Some Graphical Solutions to
Three-phase Problems. By
Leonard Solomon. Illus. . . 530
A Directive System of Wire-
less Telegraphy. Bv E.
Bellini and A, Tosi. Illus. 531
The Herasjci Po^ver Company,
Sweden. By P. Fienell.
Illustrated. Continued 535
Insulation of High-tension
Transmission Lines. By
F. S. Denneen. Illustrated 536
Deformation of Pressure
Curves due to Load in
Alternate-current Genera-
tors. By Egon Siedek 537
The Life and Wear of Rolling-
stock. By M. Stahl. Illus. 538
Harrison's Universal Photo-
meter. Illustrated 541
Electric Lighting, Tele-
CBAPHY AND OtJIER APPLI-
CATIONS OF EliECTRICITY
IN 1908 542
545
CURRENT NUMBER.
Reviews
Introduction tn (he Study
of Electrical Engineering
[Norris] ; Beitrage zur
Theorie der Kabel [Lich-
tenstein]. Reviewed liy
F. Hird. Practical Induc-
tion Coil CoiLstruction
[Pike].
The Two tone Vibrating
Transmitter and Inductive
Signalling. By Edward
Raymond - Barker. Illus-
trated 5^6
Corrkspondench 519
Measuring Iron Losses
(R. Beattie).
Braulik's Electric Sign
Switches and other New-
Apparatus. Illustrated 550
A New X-ray Apparatus.... 551
Government Telegraph and
Telephone Engineers 551
Electrical Engineering
1908
Legal Intelligence
Municipal, Foreign & General
Notes
Trade Notes and Notices
New Companies, &c
City Notes 560
Companies' Share List 561
552
563
555
558
560
NOTES.
Electric Traction.
The SuppleiiK'iit wliicli we present to cmr readers with
the current issue summarises the technical details and
other particulars of the electric traction undertakings of
the United Kingdom. It is divided, as has been the
custom in previous years, into three tables, numbered IV.,
V. and VI. respectively, a distinction in that way being
made between those tramways which obtain a supply of
electricity from a combined lighting and traction station
and those undertakings which liave power stations supply-
ing current for traction purposes only, whilst the third
table relates to electric railways in operation or in pro-
gress. The number of tramway undertakings of which
particulars are given has been only slightly inci'eased, the
Luton, Ossett and lihondda tramways being tlie only lines
to be opened during the past year. Nevertheless, one or
two other new entries will be found (for instance, Dumbar-
ton and Erdiugton) for which complete information was
not available a year ago, since the undertakings had not
long been in full operation. As the list of projected tram-
ways is even smaller than last year, it is evident that
tramway enterprise has become rather stagnant. We have
frequently referred to the reasons for this unfortunate
state of affairs. Electricity desires more tramway worlds
to conquer, and as these are not available we must be con-
tent with extensions which are continually being made to
existing undertakings. These mainly concern the London
County Council tramways and other large undertakings,
and in this way the total length of tramway track now
recorded in the tables has become o,84o miles, com-
pared with 3,651 miles List year — that is, an increase of
b\ per cent., as against a little under 9 per cent, recorded
a year ago, and lOi per cent, in the tables issued in
January, 1907. The diminution in the actual mileage of
new track is not, of course, quite so great as is indicated
by these figures.
A COLUMN, which we hope will prove of no little value,
has been added in the present tabh's ; this gives particu-
lars of the method of bonding employed on the various
undertakings. A point which is thereby bmught into pro-
minence is the number of tramways on which "Thermit"
welding is in use. In some cases, it is true, only a short
length of track has been so constructed for experimental
p)urposes, but it shows that engineers are not satisfied with
the usual mechanical methods of bonding ; and if a satis-
factory electrical or chemical process can be employed, the
benefits as regards smooth and quieter running of the cars
— with consequently reduced repairs and maintenance of
rolling stock and track — are likely to be substtmtial. In
this connection it is interesting to remember that the
question of noisy tramcars has been recently raised on
several tramways, and undoubtedly the noise made in cer-
tain cases we might mention would not be tolerated if pro-
duced by other users of the roads. Another interesting
subject, which has been broiiglit into prominence by the
recent reports of the two Tramways Associations, is the
danger caused by running cars on gradients where the
factor of safety, as indicated by considering the lowest
vahu! of the coefficient of friction with the most unfavour-
able conditions, is very small. On looking at our Supple-
ment Tables it will be noticed that there are many undei-
takings on which a gradient of 1 in 9, or thereabouts,
exists, whilst in three inst^mces the figure even approaches
1 in 8. One result of the " Brakes " reports is likely to be
that tramways, in future, will not be constructed on
gradients of this severity, whilst steps may even be taken
to alter existing routes where gradients of a dangerous
nature exist.
524
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 15, 1909.
In regard to Table VI., in which jjarticulars are given of
the electric railways of the United Kingdom, little need
here be said, since this subject was considered at some
length in our last issue. We may mention, however,
that in the course of a few months the total mileage of
railway track in this country on which electrical working
is in operation will be 411 miles, this including the London
Bridge-Victoria route of the London, lirighton & South
Coast Kailway. Although the total mileage shows slight
increases from year to year, these are really very insignifi-
cant compared with the developments taking place in other
countries, but there is the consolation that this country is
obtaining the advantage of improvements, of no small
amount, which are being found necessary in the equip-
ments of foreign lines. This consolation, however, is some-
what one-sided ; it is to the advantage of the buyer, but
altogether detrimental to the manufacturers of this country-
The "GB." System.
I'l' will be remembered that trouble was experienced
during the early experimental running of the London
County Council tramcars on the section of track in Bow-
road equipped on the " G.B." surface-contact system, due
to the presence of gas in the boxes and conduit. In fact,
an extensive process of ventilation had to be undertaken
before the line covxld be operated without danger of ex-
plosions. Trouble due to the presence of gas leaking from
faulty gas mains seems to have been experienced also at
Lincoln, although in this case the results were of a different
character — viz., the conversion of the flexible copper connec-
tions into copper carbonate and hydrate, eventually causing
broken flexibles and " live " studs. It is only through ex-
periences of this kind that attention is prominently drawn
to the quantity of gas allowed to escape from gas mains in
streets, and apart from occasional explosions the resultant
evils are not appreciated. That the amount of gas so lost
is by no means small is evident from the fact that nearly
2,000,000,000 cubic feet of gas'were unaccounted for during
the past year in the case of the undertaking of the London
Gas Light & Coke Co. As this stupendous leakage com-
pares most unfavourably with the infinitesimal leakage
from the mains of electricity supply undertakings, we may,
perhaps, be allowed to express the hope that more attention
will lie paid by the authorities, tlian hitherto, to securing
the nuiintenance of the gas mains in an efficient condition.
With regard to the experience of the " (!.B. " system at
Lincoln, it will be seen from our abstract of the Paper read
last night by Mr. S. Clegg before the Institution of Elec-
trical Engineers that man}^ difficidties arose during the first
18 months' wurking of the system. These mostly resulted in
" live " studs, but in every case, without exception, the
latter were detected by the cars. The Paper is valuable in
that it indicates the liability of such systems to failures
which can only be ascertained in some cases after lengthy
experience. A point decidedly in favour of the " G.B. "
system is that on no occasion has the current supply been
interrupted due to failure of the equipment. In view, how-
ever, of the troubles mentioned in the Paper, we think that
engineers will prefer to wait for further developments in
connection with the system as installed at Lincoln, m it-
withstanding the fact that for the last few months " live "■
studs have been reported, on the average, only about once
]ier month.
Organisation of Electrical Interests.
A MuvKMKXT has been in progress for some time past to-
estalilish an organisation representative of the commercial
and general interests of electrical enterprise. We are
authorised to state that Sir William Preece is so far in
sympathy with the movement that he has consented to-
preside at a meeting of a number of leading men who
have expressed their general accord, to be called at an early
date, in order that a scheme likely to bring the various
branches on to a common platform may be discussed. We
shall keep our readers duly apprised of developments.
In this connection it isalso of interest to note that we
have received a copy of a pamphlet suggesting the formation
of an Electrical League. The objects of the proposed League
are summarised in the following epitome, which serves as
a preface to the pamphlet : —
The condition of the electrical industry, as a whole, is in many
respects unsatisfactory. The cause is very largely premature and ill-
advised legislation. The apathy of the Legislature is the chief
obstacle to reform, as electrical interests in this country possess no
suitable organisation through whieh they can make their collective
influence felt, and Members of Parliament have no sufficient means of
hearing our side of the case : consequently electrical questions are not
always decided on their merits but according to the pressure which is
brought to bear.
The Institution of Electrical Engineers has in the past made some
elTorts to secure attention but is not able to carry on political propa-
ganda. Any differences between various sections of the industry
should not, however, be a bar to united action in matters of common
interests. The Electrical League is being formed as a combination of
individuals : and the invitation to join the League is extended to-
everyone who is in any way interested in electricity, whether as share-
holder, consulting engineer, town councillor, manufacturer, contrac-
tor or trader — whether employer or employe. The subscription is
2s. 6d. per annum, which may be commuted by a single payment of £1..
Whatever the opinions or the interests of the individual members
may be, the League in its collective capacity will start with neutrality
on contentious matters, and no action will be taken on any question
of policy except in accordance with rules to be approved by mem-
bers. The ultimate objects of the League will be to endeavour to re-
concile conflicting views, and to assist the development of the industry
in any manner found advisable after careful consideration of the
causes which hamper business and diminish prosperity.
Every endea\-our will be made to work in co-operation with estab-
lished electrical societies.
The details of the organisation are to be formulated by a council to-
Ije elected by the members.
The need for the organisation is urgent.
Inasmuch as we perceive defects in the proposals as at
present formulated we prefer to regard them as tentative.
In the meantime we look forward to the results of the
proijoscd meeting.
The British Association. — It is announced that the presi-
dents for the meeting to be held at Winnipeg from August 25th.
to September 1st next are as follows : President Elect, Prof.
Sir J. J. Thomson, F,R,S, : Section A (Mathematical and
Physical Science), Prof. E. Rutherford, F.R.S. : Section B
(Chemistry), Prof. H, E. Armstrong, F.R.S. ; Section G
(Engineering), Sir. W. II. White, K.C.B , F.R.S. ; and Sec-
tion L (Educational Science), Rev. Dr. H. B. Gray.
Cable Interruptions. Date of Interruption.
Pontianak—Saigon Sep. 16, 1908
Malta-Zante Dec. 29, 1908
Jamaica— Colon Jan. 9, 1909
Seattle— Sitka Jan, 13. 1909
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 15, 1900.
525
" Elektrotechnische Zeitschrift." — In response, we under-
stand, to the wishes of numerous readers, this journal will in
future be enlarged and more attention will be paid to the
practical side of technical subjects. Dr. F. Meissner has been
appointed joint editor with Mr. E. C. Zehme.
Royal Society. — At the meeting yesterday afternoon the
Papers read included the following : " On the Passage of
Ecintgen Rays through (jas and Vapours," by Mr. J. A.
Crowther, and " On the Velocity of the Cathode Rays ejected
by Substances exposed to the y Kays of Radium," by Mr.
R. D. Kleeman.
Obituary. — The death is announced of Prof. Thos. Gray,
head of the engineering department of the Rose Polytechnic
Institute, Terre Haute, Indiana. Prof. Gray was born in Scot-
land, was educated at Glasgow University, and was for about
three years on the teaching staff of the Imperial College of
Engineering, Tokyo. On his return from Japan he resumed
work in the laboratory of Lord Kelvin, and subsequently was
engaged as chief assistant to the engineers who were laying
the Mackay-Bennett submarine cables. In 18<S8 he went to
America, where he accepted an appointment in the engineer-
ing department of the Rose Polytechnic Institute.
Personal. — We learn that Mr. Algernon Gascoigne Putter,
for many years associated with the Silvertown Company's Sub-
marine Electrical Department, has accepted a superior technical
appointment at Cienfuegos, head office in Cuba of the Cuba
Submarine Telegiaph Co. Mr. Hutter has done good work on
all the ships of the Silvertown company, but he has for some
years past been chiefly identified with the cable repair ship
" Buccaneer,'' on which he was chief electrician. Mr. Eutter's
departure is keenly regretted by his many friends, who wish
him all prosperity in his new sphere of action. Before Mr.
Butter's departure for Cuba his triends in the Silvertown com-
pany presented him with a chronograph stop watch as a small
token of great regard.
The German " Secret Kartell." — In view of recent com-
munications made to the Press in Germany in the matter of
the now no longer " secret " kartell in the electrical industry,
it is somewhat difficult to form an opinion as to the e.xact posi-
tion, but the following communication from a Berlin corre-
spondent, published by the " Frankfurter Zeitung " — the jour-
nal which first made known the organisation of the Geheim-
Kartell in terms which have never aroused contradiction — may
perhaps be taken as the most illuminating that has yet ap-
peared. Leaving all "reading between the lines" to the
reader himself, this covimwtiquf is textually as follows : —
With regard to the tendering; for the erection of a transformer plant
at Frankfort-on-Main Central Railway Station, a statement was made
on behalf of tlje knrti II th.'it, in the case of this contract the protective
agreement w.as inii iMfnr^lit into play. In consequence of an inac-
curate commuiin ii I -11 i<i I hi- Press, this .statement was at first repro-
duced in all (iu:iiiii- 111 ihf sense that the kartell was no longer in
existence. Thek:a tellhasalready put that matter right, and I now learn
from .an intimately connected quarter that the protective agreement
continues in full force without any change, both as regards its nature,
already described in the "Frankfurter Zeitung," and its list of mem-
bers. These are now, as liefore, the Siemens-Schuckert Werke,
the A.E.G. and the Felteu & Guilleaume-Lahmeyer ^Verke. Of
course, in view of general changes in the conditions, declaration of the
tenderers and increasing keenness of competition, its application —
which is always decided from case to case and never without previous
competition having existed between the parties — is less than it was.
Formerly the agn/tiuent came into play in the case of about 8 per
cent, of the contracts tendered for, but now it only touches some 2 per
cent, or less. As the protective agreement consequently is inappli-
cable to 98 jier cent, of the cases whicli occur, its whole significance
for the parties concerned has naturally been diminished.
Mr.Henniker Heaton and Matters Telegraphic. -Very little
more on the subject of cable rates and telegraphing in general
from Mr. Henniker lleaton is, we think, needed to expose th(^
non-practicability, we might almost say the absurdity, of his
several schemes and pronouncements. His latest contribu-
bution to a highly technical international question appeared
recently in " The Times ' in the form of a letter to Sir A.
Jones, a Liverpool shipowner : —
There will not (says Mr. Heaton) be the least difficulty in reducing the
cable rates from ."lO to ''> jier cent, as the result of the powerful pressure
being brought tn bear on the cable companies and on foreign Govern-
ments ; in addition to the steps now being taken by the Inijierial Govern-
ments for the construction and laving of a few State-owned cables, I am
glad you h.ave called niv attent ion tu the com|)laints made by .some of our
Liverpool friends as to the want of efficiency — that is, perfect, quick and
prompt des]iatch and receipt <if telegrams and cables gpnciiilly from alj
parts of the earth. For many years I have been familiar with ^ic li ( om-
plaints. The great merchants who are now expending anTiui lly i.'i.oiKI.OOO
sterling fand who.se bill I am striving to reduce to £i,OUti,i.iiJU l"r ■ .ibling)
do not appear to have made adecpiate inquiries as to the cause of the
delays. It rests entirely with the foreign Governments and foreign
officials. With my friend Marconi I spent a whole afternoon at the Great
Central Telegraph Office in London. \\v telegraphed direct, and (from
each capital) in one minute we had replies from Rome, from Vienna,
from Budapest and from Berlin. A mote efficient, a more perfect ser-
vice there is not in this world, Fri)m Teheran, in Persia, from Con-
stantinople, in Turkey, tu London tlieic i.s alsii direct instantaneous
telegraph communication.
Then, in his best taste, Mr. Heaton proceeds :■ —
The foreign telegi'a|)h officials — from the Grand Imperial Director to-
the telegrajih messenger — are too indolent for words to describe. I
iimld make you l,iiij;li if you were not angry at .«ome things I witnessed
in this rcsjH-i t in fcrcivn cnuntries. If I had my way, I would draft into-
all foreign caiiil.il- Hi i( >sh officials to show the foreigners how to conduct
postal and tr|.^i,i|i|i I.M-iiio.ss. What we are fighting fur is to secure for
our people of all i l,i~-r. rheap and perfect commimieation by telegraph-
with all parts uf tlie world. With your hel|) we will secure for our
countrymen this great boon. To-day the cables of the universe are
under the control of a cable ring, whose exces.sive charges are prohibitory
to tiic masses.
The good manners of the latter portion of this communication,
from a man who courts international recognition as a reformer,
we may leave without comment, but the frivolity of Mr.
Heaton's latest word on the subject he has made so much his
own will, we think, be patent to every reader.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE WEEK.
FRIDAY, January 15th (to day).
NoUTIl.\Ml'TON I.NSTITITE EniJINKKKINO SoCIETV.
■'ip.iii. Meeting- at the Institute, St. John-street, Clerkenwell.
Paper on •' Proportionment of Armature Teeth," by Mr.
II. K. Whitehorn.
Gi,\si;ow S-rrDENTs' Sectiox of the Ix.sTiTfTiox of Elkctricai.,
Engineers.
7:.W }>.m. Meeting at the Technical College, (Jl.asgow. Paper on
"Balancing on Three- wire Systems," by Mr. A. Thomson.
Institution of MEonAXicAt. ExGiNEF.its.
.'< p.m. .Meeting at Storey 's-gate, Westminster. Paper on "The
Filtration and Purification of Water for Public Supply," by
Mr. ,T. Don.
SATURDAY, January 16tli.
InSTITFTIOX OF MUNICIPAI, Enoixeeb-s.
I0:3o <t.i,i. General meeting at Caxton Hall, W'estminster.
B1RMIX.0UAM ANO DiSTKICT El.EOTRU'Cl.fIl.
; p.in. Meeting at the Colonnade Hotel, New-street, Birming-
ham. Presidential Address by Mr. G. T. Wood.
MONDAY, January IStli.
Royal Society of Arts.
S p.m. Meeting at John-street, Adelphi. Lecture on "Electric
Power Supply," by Mr. G. L. Addenbrooko. First Cantor
Lecture.
Xewiastle Section of the Ixstitutiox of Electrical Excixeeks.
S p.m. Meeting at Armstrong College, Newcastle-on-Tync. Paper
on " Method in Invention," by Mr. C. Turnbull.
TUESDAY, January 19tll.
Manchester Studexts' Section of the Institction of Electrical
Engineers.
7:30 p.m. Meeting at the Municipal School of Technology, Whit-
worth-street, Manchester. Paper on "H.T. Aerial Trans-
mission Lines," by Mr, J. Wilson.
WEDNESDAY, January 20th.
Students' SE<"noN of the Institution of Electrual Enoinkers.
<-.;•' p.m. Meeting at S2. Victoria-street. Pa[)er on "Modern
Mining Switchgear," by Mr. J. F, Shipley,
THURSDAY, January 21st.
RoY.u. Institution,
:1p.m. Meetino- .at Albemarle-street. Lecture on " Mysteries of
Metals, • )n- Prof. .1. O. Arnold. Lecture 1.
FRIDAY. January 22Qd.
Physical Society.
5 p.m. Meeting in the Physics Laboratory, Imperial Institute
Road, South Kensington. Agenda: "The Effective Resis-
tance and InductJince of a Concentric Main, and Methods
of Computing the Ber and Bei and Allied Functions, " by Dr,
A, Russell; "The Luminous Efficiency of a Black Body ,
and "The Use of the Potentiometer on Alternate Current
Circuits,'' by Ur, C, V. Drysdale.
RoY.\L IXSTITUTIO.V.
.9 />»!. Meeting at Albemarle-street. Discourse on " The World
of Life, as Visualised and Interpreted by Darwinism," by
Mr. A. R. Wallace, CM., F.R,S,
526
THE ELECTRICIAN. JANUARY 15. 1909.
THE
"G.B." SYSTEM FROM A TRAMWAY
MANAGER'S POINT OF VIEW.*
BY STANLEY CLEGC.
Snimmri/.—Ihe author describes the " G.B." system as mstalled at
Lineohi, and then proceeds to give his experience of it under workmg con-
ditions. Particular.^ of the number of live studs are given, together with
their causes, and it is shown what alterations have been found necessary
to render faults unlikely to occur again. A comparison is finally made
between the " G.B." and the overhead svstems, the former comparing
very favourably as regards reliability, sightliness, safety to the public,
silent running and maintenance cost, sufficient in many cases to offset
the additional 10 per cent, in capital outlay.
When the question of electric traction first came before the Lincoln
Council the author intended to recommend the adoption of the over-
head system. The Tramways Committee, however, were of opinion
that overhead wires would spoil the appearance of the streets, and
were prepared to pay something to avoid this eventuality. The
author was instructed to report on surface contact systems and
reported that, chiefly on the grounds of capital cost, and the desire to
The system was installed between J"ly ^ ^•^'^ ^l^^, ^i'^'^'' '"[
November, 1905, and after inspection by the Board ot Trade was
opened for service on November 23rd.
Tbrief description* of the " G.B." surface-contact system ^s as
follows. The Cable A (see diagram herewith), through which the
current is transmitted from the power house, consists of galvamsed
iron wires stranded together on a jute core, over which are tlireaded
galvanised steel sleeves A„ wliich make a smooth face for the carbon
contacts to bed on when required. Access boxes are placed at in-
tervals along the track, through which the cable can be drawn for
inspection ; the lids are paved in with gi-anite setts or wood blocks
in the usual way. Two sections of conduit enter the box on opposite
sides and the two cable ends are connected to each other or to feeder
connections, as required, by means of flexible cable comiectors.
Drainage connections are provided from the bottoms of hose access
boxes, which are situated at the lowest pomts of the track The
conduit C, in which the cable is carried, consists of sections of ordmary
glazed vitrified 5 in. stoneware pipe. A special bitummous jomt
is used to connect t!ie separate sections, and a tee piece B, also in
stoneware, is cemented on to a special section where a stud isrequrred
The conduit is completely embedded in concrete. The total depth of
excavation necessary does not exceed 18 in. The arch and invert.
DiAGR.VMS SHOWINi: CONSTRrcTION OF " G.B." SURFACE-CONT.UT SVSTKM AT LiNCOI.N.
avoid a stud raised above the level of surrounding roadway, he pre- I
ferred the " G.B." system. The agreement drawn up with the
Company provided that : (1) The working of tlie system should be in
every way efficient and satisfactory during the twelve months covered
by the agreement, and that the Corporation should have the benefit,
free of cost, of any improvements or necessary alterations during
such period. (2) (a) The system should receive the necessary B.O.T.
certificates. (6) The collectors on the cars should allow of a speed of
16 miles an hour being attained without undue sparking, (f) The
electrical energy for exciting the magnets of the collecting apparatus
should not exceed 480 watt-hom-s per hour per car, and the total con-
sumption per car-mile should not exceed r337.5 units, as measured on
the switchboard wattmeters, (d) That not more than 18 studs in any
year, for a period of ten years, should become charged w-ith electricity
at such time as when not in use for supplying energy to a passing car,
and should remain undetected by the car that had caused them to
become so charged, (e) That the cost of maintenance of the special
apparatus peculiar to the " G.B." system should not exceed an aver-
age of £30 per mile of track per annum, during a period of ten years.
* Abstract of a Paper read before the Institution of Electrical Engi-
neers, on January 14th.
formed by the concrete above and underneath the pipe, make together
a structure which is .stronger than the ordinary 6 in. paving base.
The insulators D, which carry the cable, are of the roller pattern.
The creeping sm-face is long and ot constricted cross-section, provid-
ing a liigh insulation resistance. The galvanised-steel pins E, on
which the insulators are mounted, pass through the conduit on one
side, tlirough the hole in the centre of the insulator, and into a stopped
hole on the opposite side of the conduit. The ends of the pins which
project tlirough the conduit are connected together by means of a
galvanised-iion strip F, wliicli is connected at intervals to the rails.
This device guarantees that no stud can ever become '" live " in
consequence of leakage over the insulating surface separating the
source of supply from the stud. This immunity from a defect which
has been a source of trouble in many svirface-contact systems results
from the fact that any cmrent leaking from the somce of supply ia
bound to pass into the metal pin on which the insulator is mounted,
and thence through the connection to the rails, thus completely
shielding the stud from leakage currents.
* A description of the installation of the "G.B." system at Lincoln wag
given in The Electriciax, January 12, 1906, and of the original experi-
mental Ime at Ilford in The Electrician, Vol. LIT., p. 456.
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 15, 1909.
527
The studs have cast-iron heads G, the top surfaces of which are
level with the rest of the paving. They measure 2k in. x 10 in., and
are supported by granite blocks G, recessed to receive them. The
joint between the vertical portion of the stud H and the upright stone-
ware B, into which it passes, is made by filling in the interspace
between them with bitumen supported on a packing of jute yarn C,.
Bitumen is also run in round the stud heads, filling any spaces between
the granite blocks and the stud. The vertical part of the stud H,
which projects downwards into the upright piece of pipe, is forked
at the lower end and lined with brass I. Within the fork is mounted
a moving part ; this consists of a piece of enamelled iron J suspended
freely by means of an insulated coppered steel spring K from the top
of the fork. Its movement is limited by a brass pin L, which passes
through a slot and is riveted into the jaws of the fork. From the
lower end of the moving-piece two horns M project outwards, sup-
porting a copper clip Mj to hold a carbon contact block. Fle.xible
copper leads O connect the moving part with the main portion of the
stud. When the magnet carried by a car passes over the stud, the
moving-piece J is magnetically attracted towards the cable against
the pull of the spring K, so that the carbon block N is in contact with
the cable A, and current passes from the cable through the carbon N
and flexible copper connections O to the stud head G, where it is
collected by the car. The horns M on the moving-piece J, which
rises rapidly after the influence of the magnet is withdrawn, strike
the copper clip Mj a smart blow in any case where a slight adhesion
lias taken place between the carbon contact and the cable, due to t lie
jiassage of current. This blow is found to break down the adhesions
that occm- in practice. The cross-section given shows the respec-
tiv^e positions of M and Mj at the moment when the blow is
administered.
The magnet P is suspended rigidly from the car. The coils and the
battery are connected so that when the motors are taking current,
their current, when small, assi-K Mm- li:i(tery in exciting the magnet,
and when large also re-chart:'- \\ii- Imiii rv, as can be gatherexl from
the diagram of connections, in llu.s uay very little special charging
is nece.ssary, as the batteries are discharging and charging alternately
while in service.
The collector consists of a chain of iron links Q pinched on a wire
rope R, fixed at each end and spring suspended within one pole of the
magnet, the bottom face of which moves over the stud head. Its
method of operation is as follows : When the pole of the magnet P
passes over a stud head, the magnetic attraction causes the links t^ to
move down and make contact with it ; as each link reaches the end of
a stud, it is drawn up out of contact -with the road by the spring. If a
stud be left " live " due to any fault of the switching mechanism, a
safety brush S, carried by the car, will cause an automatic cut-out T
to open and disconnect the motor circuit of the car.
The author then proceeds to describe the manner in which the
system conformed to the agreed conditions during the twelve months.
and his experience of it since. Clause (I) of the guarantee is referred
to later. As regards 2 (a) the Board of Trade renewed, the permit to
run without any comment on October 10, 1906, and each succeeding
year since, and has sent no communication of any sort by way of
criticism or advice since the system opened. In connection with 2(6)
the system conformed satisfactorily to the requu-ements of this clause
at all points on the line, with the exception of the cross-overs and
junctions of single and double line ; owing to the vagaries of radial
trucks, cars cannot always at those points be guaranteed to remain in
such a position that the collector chain will make contact with the
studs. In order to prevent short-circuits taking place, owing to the
chains touching the cross-rails at the time they are in contact with
the adjacent studs, the studs on each side of each cross-rail are split
into two halves in their vertical length, w hich halves are bridged by a
resistance, capable of passing a maximum of 40 amperes. The resist-
ance stutis tlii'iiisclves have acted very efficiently, as during the
whole of tlic- tliivr \.>ars only about half a dozen replacements have
been necessary, t hr i ■ugh failure or breakage of the insulation, between
the two halves of the stud. The bridging resistances, however,
which were placed in chambers at the side of the rails, adjacent to
the above studs, caused trouble during the first fifteen months, owing
to the fact that they were not made entirely watertight, and there-
fore sooner or later went to earth. This has been remedied and they
have given no further trouble. 1.:' f i-' i' k 1 ■■
The collection gi'uerally by the car chains from the studs is steady,
so long as the weather is of a uniform character : but at times of
change from dry weather to wet, some difficulty is experienci^d
through the chain on which the links are tlireaded gradually tighten-
ing up, with a resultant spitting. At the suggestion of the President
of this Institution, the author is proposing, when next making up
any chains, to have the lengths of galvanised-iron wire boiled in
paraffin wax, or linseed oil, in order, if possible, to make the cores
non-absorbent.
The excitation watts were at first only 2G0, which have since been
reduced to 210.
During the first year the cars ran a total of 13.5,144 car-miles, the
total electricity taken, exclusive of shed lighting, Init inclusive of car
lighting, being 164,739 units, giving an average of 1219 units per car-
mile run. For the year ended March. 1908, the figure had been
reduced to 1108 ; this saving, however, is not. in the author's
opinion, due to elimination of any leakages on the electrical side,
but to fieei' running of the cars and gradual improvement on the
|)Hit of the drivers. The line leakage figures have not averaged more
than 0'25 ampere for the 3 miles of track, the highest ordinary
figures of 0'6 to 0'75 ampere being recorded during the winter-time
on Monday mornings, after the line has stood uncharged during the
week-end. and falling to the normal average by night. The lowest
figures have been recorded during the summer-time at the end of the
day's run, when the leakage has often been us low as O'O.'j ampere.
(d) During the whole of the time the system has been running there
has never been a live stud which has come under this clause ; that is
to say, that every stud that has remained alive after it has ceased to
feed the motors has been notified by the detector brushes on the car
and immediately dealt with. There is another kind of temporarily
live stud — one which has a]5parently given considerable trouble on
the Bow Road tramway of the London County Council — and by this
the author refers to a stud which remains alive long enough to be
notified by the detector brushes, but which, by the time the car has-
been reversed and the detector brush again brought over it, has gone
dead.
The causes of the defects in studs of this type are various, among
which may be listed : — (1) weak spring ; (2) stud set too near live
cable : (3) sticky switch-piece ; (4) arcing between the carbon and
the cable, at points where the galvanising has been badly applied,
with the result that the surface is uneven : (5) leakage over the surface
of the road, between the stud and the rails, i)« ing to the presence of
some exceedingly good conducting inedium. The only time that the
author has been at all troubled with studs coming under the heading
(5) was during the severe .snowstorm early in January, 1907, when
salt was used.
The author then discusses the live studs during the period of
the agi-eement, and at other intervals, showing the effect produced by
the different improvements, a tabular statement given showing the
number of live studs and their causes during the various periods con-
sidered. Of the 71 live studs reported between Feb. 24, 1906, and
Feb. 12, 1907, two causes were responsible for 49 — vi/.., broken flexible.*
25 studs, and carbons burnt away on one side 24. At first it was
difficult to say what was the reason for the flexibles breaking, as the
cross-section was amply sufficient to carry much more than the
maximum amount of current required by the cars ; later studs, how-
ever, revealed the fact that the small cojjper wires of which the
flexibles were composed were being gradually converted into copper
carbonate and hydrate, due to coal gas percolating into the conduit
and acting upon the flexibles. Before the studs were put in the
flexibles had been coated with vaseline, but as this was evidently
proving an insufficient safeguard, the " G.B."' Company coated the-
flexibles with a fresh compound, and there has not been a live stud
due to the same cause since Nov. 8, 1906.
A number of leaky joints in the gas mains were found and remedied
with the result that further tests showed the conduit to be free from
gas. A Root's blower was installed, when the track was opened, at
the car shed, and it is the practice to ventilate the conduits for at least
half an hour a day before the cars go out. ventilating outlets being
placed at three points on the line. On Monday mornings the period
of ventilation is doubled. The pressme capable of being given by the
blower is 1.5i in. water, but the author considers this really too liigh.
as it is liable to find the weak joints in the conduit, and 6 in. water
pressure should be quite sufficient for 3 miles of conduit.
In regard to the 24 live studs due to carbons burnt on one side.
this Was due entirely to constructional defect.? — namely, that certain
of the tee-pieces were not absolutely vertical. The shai)e of the car-
bon which was first installed made no provision for such an eventu-
ality, but on the fault revealing itself a new shape of carbon was
installed. August-September. 1907, and trouble from this cause
entirely ceased.
During the period under discussion (February. 1906— February.
1907) seven studs were listed under the head of broken or faulty
springs, the failure in six ca.scs iieing due to the same reason, viz.,
that when the workmen were forming the hook of the springs in
some cases jiliers with sharp edges were used and the wire was slightly
nicked, and the subsequent working of the stud eventually caused
this weakened part of the spring to give way. Five live studs are
recorded under the head of loose carbons, but since the date of the
renewal of the carbons there have only been two instances, and these
were found to be due to faulty fixing. There has not been a single
528
THE ELECTEICIAN, JANUARY 15, 1909.
■case of a live stud due to carbonising, i.e., leakage ; the most fre-
(juent cause of trouble on surface contact systems.
A class of live stud which did not at first appear was due to cable
strands parted. The ty})e of cable originally installed consisted of
a galvanised-iron stranded cable with a thick rope core, the total
diameter being 1} in., having a conductivity erpial to about 00 B.W.G.
inillc y "ire. There were two layers (if wires, c.f uliicli llic gauge of the
lower' was 1.") B.W.G. and of tin- ii|,|..i. ..i -uil:,.,- fiver, 8 B.W.G.
.Service conditions of a few mimtlis ri\ialcc_l the tad tliat this type
•of cable was entirely unsuited to its duty, as si.\ months' wear in
some cases cut deep grooves into the upper strands, with the conse-
quence that the cables had to be moved about every three months
in order to give new places for the carbons to make contact, and
even then, after 15 months' use, in some places the strands were so
far burnt tlirough that they snapped when moving.
.\ new type of cable was installed by the " G.B." Company, the
iiody of the cable consisting of a galvanised-iron stranded wire,
44/0'104 in. wound on to a rope core ; the overall diameter was
i'etluced, however, by } in. to allow for the original diameter being
made up by afterwards threading on solid di'awn galvanised-steel
tube; for convenience, this latter was put on in lengths of 6 in.,
A\ liich also preserved to the cable the necessary amount of flexibility.
As the sleeving could not be taken into account when calculating the
conductivity of the cable, a number of strands of tinned copper wire,
according to the conductivity required on different sections of the
line, were laid under the galvanised iron wires. This form of cable
was adopted on the grounds that if by wear or bad shorting a hole
were bm-nt through the sleeving, the cable could at any time be
moved, or the sleeve turned slightly round, to give a new bearing.
Further, the smooth surface of the sleeves would considerably
extend the life of the carbons by obviating scoring ; also the life of
the cable itself would be prolonged almost indefinitely, as new sleeves
could be threaded on at such time as the original ones had ceased to
Ije of service. The work of replacement w'as not completed till
August, 1908.
With the Lincoln service, say, averaging seven minutes, it would
not be necessary to move the cables more than once every 12 to 15
months ; and, as on each length 4 ft. 6 in. is allowed as clear space,
moving 3 in. at a time would give the sleeves a life of 14 years.
This, in the author's opinion, could easily be doubled to make up for
the extra wear of a two or three minutes' service, as it should be
IJcrfeotly easy to give the cable a half-turn, and to L'et at Ii^ist two
bearing places on the same circumference. If thr ;ilH,\r \mtc not
easy to effect in practice, the same extension of lite wnulil lie pro-
duced by taking off ferrules at one end of the cable to the extent of
4 ft. (J in. and tlu-eading new ones at the other end, which would
allow for the other half of the 9 ft. space between studs being made
use of for the periodical 3 in. movings of the cable.
The tabular statement shows that fr*m Aug. 24, 1907, to Sejjf. 7,
1908, only 40 live studs were recorded, 10 of these being due to cable
strands parted, 5 to sticking switchpiece, 9 to broken springs and
7 to resistance leads faults. The causes of these live studs have been
removed as described above.
In regard to stud heads, those which were installed at the begin-
ning, and which are still in use, are plain cast iron ; though they
have stood the trafiic very well, they are now slightly hollowed out
ill the middle, and it has recently been necessary to go tlirough the
track packing them up. This operation should make them last for
at least another 18 months or two years, making their total life five
years. Taking into account, tlierefore. their scrap value, the cost
<if thcu- renewal per annum would not be a great item, as it would
lir(ilia))ly fall concurrently with the renewal of tlie carbons. Despite
the fact that (iver a portion of the line there is a large amount of
■steam lorry and other heavy traffic, the number of stud heads which
have been broken have not amounted diu-ing the tliree years to
more than three dozen, and if steel heads were u.sed wherever there
was most traffic their breaking would be entirely avoided.
In connection with live stud replacements, every car carries a
tripod and lamp, which, in the event of a stud being notified, is
jilaeed over it in the road until such time as the linesman arrives ;
meanwhile, the conductor of each succeeding ear removes it and
replaces it, so that no inconvenience whatever is caused to the
service, especially seeing that during this last few months live studs
luive not averaged more than about one a month.
The cells which are used for exciting the magnets at times of start-
ing and stopping have to be removed from the ears once every six
months for cleaning out theu: deposit, but the expenditiu-'e on
upkeep has been exceedingly small. It has been found necessary.
on account of the amoimt of scrap iron to be found along the route,
ti. .-arefully cover, as far as possible, the iron parts of the collector.
1 he most satisfactory way of doing this has been to ease them in
wnc,cl. the space between which and the metal is afterwards run in
The type of collector chain used has given great satisfaction, as
over 20,000 car-miles is obtained from the cast-u'on links which form
the units of the chain, and from 8.000 to 10,000 miles as an average
life of the galvanised iion-wue rope on which they are threaded.
The author finally contrasts the " G.B." system with the overhead
system, and in doing so outlines the essentials of a model tramway
system, which include low capital cost, low maintenance cost,
reliability, safety to the ])ublic, silent running and sightliness. The
10 per cent, additional cost, by which the " G.B." .system exceeds
the cost of the overhead, is not a large amount to pay, particularly
as sightliness is at once obtained. The Lincoln tramways compare
very favourably in thek' maintenance costs with those on the over-
head system. For the first complete 12 months' working, viz., up
to March 31, 1907, the total working costs were 6'698d. per car-mile,
which were reduced for the year ended March 31, 1908, to 610d. jjer
car -mile, made up as follows : — Traffic expenses 2'28d.. repairs and
maintenance l'25d., management and general expenses l'18d.,and
power expenses 1 ■39d. The average total working costs of some 70
other municipalities, mostly 1907 figures, was 6'31d. per ear-mile run,
showing an advantage for Lincoln of 021d., wliich, considering the
fact that only 145,235 car -miles were run — the fewest of any muni-
cipal system — proves to the author that better results might be
looked for with a larger system.
The author claims advantage for the " G.B." system as regards
reliability. During the whole time the tramways have been running
the current has never been off any part of the line owing to
failm-e of the electrical equipment (apart from the feeders), a claim
which the author considers few overhead systems can make. Apart
from the great snowstorm in January, 1907, a total of only 100 car-
miles (or 00354 per cent, of the total) have been lost in the tliree
years, 75 per cent, being due to faults on the cars, and 25 per cent,
to the melting out of the main feeddr from its socket in the section
pillar.
The author considers that, with the working of the " G.B. '
surface-contact system, there is less danger to the public, from shock
and personal injury, than there would be with the overhead system,
whilst the silent running of the cars at liincoln is a point which is
remarked on by every one. In times of exceedingly snowy weather
the " G.B." system is at a slight disadvantage, as comj)ared with the
overhead ; but although if nothing is to be taken into account excejit
first cost, the overhead system would probably still hold the field,
the author considers that a .system like the " G.B." with its many
advantages, must have a large future.
SOME NOTES ON COMMDTATING POLE DESIGN.*
BY E. U. TURNER, B.SC.
Suimnart/. — A method of finding B in the interpole gap is first outliuedi
the necessary ampere-turns found and the dimensions of the pole-shoe
fixed. The leakage coetticient is then worked out by means of the
quantities already obtained. From this, lastly, the size of the pole
core is determined.
The mean reactance voltage of a coU during commutation is
given by the expression
_2i„L
(i^)
i'.iis the current carried in each armature circuit. 2/„ is the change
of current and 2(,|L the total change of flux which takes place in
time I , producing the voltage 2j L /,,. If an E.M.F. equal and oppo-
site to this be induced in the short-circuited coil, perfect commuta-
tion will be obtained. It is by the rotation of the armature coil
through a magnetic field created by the commutating pole that this
E.M.F. is obtained. Before the strength of this field can be deter-
mined, however, the various quantities involved in the .symbol L
must be studied. ^'
Divide up the length of one armature turn into three parts: —
Z,=length of end connection,
?„=length in slot not overhung by commutating pole.
^„^ = length in slot overhung by commutatinggpole. In the same
way let 0,., <p„ and 0„,. denote the number of C.G.S. lines per centi-
metre length linking with the short-circuited coil, per ampere-tui-n.
Thus there are, per ampere-turn, (f>,.l^ lines linked with the coil over
the end connections, and {(pj,, + (/)„rlai.) = -{(pja) ^ii^es over the slot
length. To find the number of lines per ampere these two expres-
sions must be multiplied by the number of turns simultaneously
short-circuited. The end connections, in general, lie together quite
* Paper read before the Students' Section of the Institution of Elec-
trical Engineers at Glasgow.
THE ELECTKICIAN, JANUARY 15, 1909.
529
regularly all round the armatiu-e. The number of turns short-cir-
cuited at one time will be iT/X,, where
6 = width of brush arc,
X,= sector pitch,
T = number of turns per coil.
Over the core length, however, it is different, for two coils which
lie side by side at the ends may lie in different slots — and thus for
the whole core length in nearly independent magnetic circuits. Thus
the expression bT/X^ must be multiplied by a quantity, say k, less
than unity, which shall express this partial interlinkage. This figure
will vary according to the number of coils per slot and the value of
6/X„ the number of sectors short-circuited by the brush, k is
plotted in Fig. 1.
It is evident that when there are a large number of coUs per
slot the value of k approaclies unity. This reaches its limiting
value in the case of a smooth-core armature, which might be
looked upon as having an infinite number of coils per slot, and in
which the interlinkage is constant, as it is over the end connections.
Most of the shorter formula; for reactance voltage assume tliis con-
stant interlinkage. This is justifiable in the case of a tentative
•design, but the lower value should be carefully worked out and sul)-
stituted afterwards The explanation of why the apparent re-
actance voltage may be higher on large machines (where the
number of coils per slot are usually small) follows very simply from
this ignoring of the variation of k. The values given in the curve
may be considered fairly representative, but a complete determina-
tion would be very difficult.
The influence of neighbouring slots becomes more important as
the value of b,'\, begins to exceed the number of coils per slot, and
is in any case hard to determine. In addition, the top and bottom
half coils in a slot will be undergoing commutation under positive
and negative brushes respectively, but at slightly diflfering times.
This also affects the value of k. The front and back winding pitches
should in all cases be made as nearly as possible equal to the mean
pitch. This will make the phase difference small and at the same
time give the smallest possible value necessary for the commutating
pole breadth.
The expression k5T/X, represents, then, the equivalent number of
short-circuited coils over the armature core length. It must be
noted, though, that when the winding is very nearly full-pitched, as
at will almost always be, and short-circuited coils under po.sitive
and negative brushes are in the same slot, the magneto-motive force
over the core length will be twice that due to /c6T;X,.
Using now the values obtained, the lines per ampere will be
6T , hT
<pj, for end connections, and -irpala) x 2k for the core lenfth
A, X. . " ■
These lines per ampere are linked with the T turns between two
commutator parts. Thus the inductance of each coil is
L= — {^ +.r(0.,U)lO^
26T-i
*10-" sav
(ii.)
The values of 0„ r/)„ and 0„ should be worked out from the well-
known expression
'l>= j,,Xpermeance per centimetre lenptli
for the different parts of the ampere-turn. It will be found that
in a series of carefully graded machines the values of 0 will not
vary widely.
smce
The term 0, can be taken as 0-8, this being a fairly representa-
tive value.
The term 0„ represents the sum of the slot leakage and the leak-
age round the slot over the heads of the teeth on either side. This
should be worked out in detail, and will generally lie between 2
and 4.
The term 0„ represents the sum of the slot leakage and the leak-
age across the interpole face. The latter cannot be found with any
degree of accuracy, since with solid pole-shoes the leakage has been
shown to be greatly damped by the formation of eddy currents. It
reaches its worst value when the air-gap is small and the commu-
tating pole shoes are laminated, and maybe in this case as high as
7 or 8. ®
The value of L obtained in (ii.) may ncjw be inserted in equa-
tion (i.). This gives
e=4i„T^Q4'^^l(r (iij.)
6X60
" X.QR '
Q = number of commutator parts,
R = rev.s. per min.
The value of the induced E.M.F. is at the same time given by
«=B.x2/,Tx^JJ^I0- (iv.)
where 2;.T is the known length of conductor cutting the interpole
tied of assumed flux-density B, at a peripheral speed 7rDR/60. The
values of e obtained from (iii.) and (iv.) must now be equated in
order to determine B . After cancelling there is obtained
Now 2TQ gives the total number of armature conductors, each of
which carries the current !„. Thus 2s„TQ gives the number of am-
pere conductors round the periphery of the armature, vM is the
armature cii-cumference, so that the whole of this factor represents
the ampere-conductors per centimelre'of pcripkiri/. This is generally
recognised now in this country as well as abroad by the letters AS.
I he value of B, being known, the ampere-turns necessary to pro-
duce this flux density is given by
ATc = 0-8e X AS X ^ x air-gap reluctance.
c = radial depth of air-gap.
The air-gap reluctance may be determined by means of Carter's
coefficient or any other reliable method.
A small addition must be made to these ampere-turns— 10 to 15
per cent.— to overcome the reluctance of the iron parts of the cir-
cuit. Call this AT,. Lastly, the armature ampere-turns per pole
must be neutralised by adding an equal and opposite amount to the
commutating pole ampere-tmns already obtained. Call this
AT„. Thus the final expression for th(; excitation of the commu-
tating pole is
AT, -(-AT, -HAT..
In tills expression AT,, and AT, are both largo relativelv to AT..
Of the former two. AT„ is known perfectly definitely, but while AS
is also quite definite. *, which depends on iron saturation and dis-
tortion, and is at the same time an intricate function of the slot
arrangement and the type of winding, must always be imperfectly
known. Thus it is best, whenever possible, to make AT„ consider-
ably larger tlian AT,. This will generally be found in practice to
be fairly easily effected. Whenever AT, becomes too large, the
armatiu-e diameter must be increased. This will at once decrease
AT,, AT„ remaining unchanged.
The relation of AS to the diameter presents a useful parallel to
Behrend's familiar expression for the leakage coefficient of an in-
duction motor, where
It is well known to induction motor designers that to increase the
pole-pitch r is one of the best ways to decrease leakage, and with
tlie expression for AS, the same holds true.
The necessary excitation for the commutating pole has now been
settled. It still remains to fix the dimensions for the pole-shoe and
pole-core. The length parallel to the axis of the shaft, /,. may te
made equal to that of the main pole or less. If it is made long then
B,, and therefore AT,, will bo relatively small, but the permeance
of the leakage paths between pole and pole m'.V be high. If tiie
polf! length is made much shorter than the core uiij,:ii the reverse
will be the case. A compromise must be made with due regard to
the conditions of each case as it arises. It will generally be found
530
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 15, 1909,
inadvisable to make the length less than half that of the, main pole.
and a limiting B, of 10 x ICP will be qnite high enough. In small four-
pole motors, where two commutating poles only are emplo3^ed, it is
perhai)S best to make the length of botli main and interpole shoe the
same, since the main poles may be displaced from their symmetri-
cal position, in order to make the distance between two tips con-
taining an int<'ri)ole between them greater than that between tips
not containing an interpole. The breadth of the interpole shoe
b, must be such that the coil is moving under it during the whole
time of short-cucuit. In small machines a breadth of 18 times a
slot pitch will be found quite sufficient. With large machines the
number of slot pitches covered should be increased.
% The leakage coefficient must be found before the size of the pole-
core can be fixed. The following graphical method will be found,
very simple and quite reliable. Fig. 2 represents the profile of a
magnet frame. The length of the interpole is first divided into a
number of strips as shown. On the left the leakage paths are
sketched for each strip. The total length of each strip. /, and the
mean width, u; .should next be noted. On the right the shape of
the commutating-pole coil is shown, and the distances marked m.
Fr.:. 2.
obtained from this shape, represent for each strip the total ampere
turns effective up to that strip. The leakage flux can now be very
easily summed by tabulating thus :•
Strip 1 Length
No. 1 I.
Mean width
w.
Amp. turns
m.
w. m./l.
I
3, Ac.
Sfu). m/l.)
Then the total leakage flux is giv& by
l-26i:(Mw;7)x2^,=NL, say.
An allowance must also be made for the leakage from the ends of
the interpole. This will not in general be very large. The usefu
flux per pole is
Thus the total flux per mterpole is N,-f Nl. The pole-core must
then be proportioned so as to carry this total flux at a density well
below saturation. A careful estimate of the leakage flux is "abso-
lutely essential. The ampere-turns for main and interpole do not
differ widely, but the total flux issuing fiom a main pole may be
five or six times that of an interpole. Thus a leakage which corre-
sponds to a coefficient of 1-2, say, for the main pole, makes the co-
eflicient for the same amount of leakage on the interpole as high as
2-0 or more. This fact is so often lost sight of that it will probably
be no exaggeration to say that four out of five cases, where commu-
tating poles have failed to prevent sparking, are due to saturation
of the pole cores long before full load is reached.
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SOME GRAPHICAL SOLDTIONS TO THREE-PHASE
PROBLEMS.
BY LEONARD SOLOIION.
The various methods of calculating the values of the resis-
t.auces to he inserted in tlie rotor circuit of a polyphase induc-
tion motor, in order to satisfy certain conditions, are often sa
intricate and difficult to comprehend, that an easy graphical
solution would seem to be of great help to electrical engineers
generally.
Such a series resistance may be required for either of two
completely different purposes — viz., (i.) as a starter or (ii.) a&
a controller.
In the'case of starters, it is not only essential that the current
shall not exceed a certain value, but that the motor shall,
■ivith the proper resistance, have a definite starting torque,
the value of which is usuall}' stated in terms of the normal
full load running torque. Starters such as these are required
for use with motors employed in cranes, lifts, haulage and
traction work, the induction motor taking the place of the
series motor in continuous current work. As a special case of
the above is the problem of so designing the starter that the
motor shall at starting develop the maximum possible torque ;
an example of this latter problem has been fully worked out
below. Lastly, it is sometimes specified that at starting a certain
M
2
7
\
s
L
ifY //^■^^"'^^^^^^^
1^— --^*T<<^
«\
^^^^^^^^
0,
Om
Pi / . p
l\
1 .» 1 ->JI A
».7Tr _
—
c^
1 Iron Losses
A D
definite current shall not be exceeded (the value of this is
usually limited by the Corporation supplying the necessary
power) but that as large a torque as possible shall be exerted
with that current flowing. The graphical construction to de-
termine the value of the resistance when required for con-
trolling purposes is a little more intricate than that used in
the former problems, but even here there are comparatively
few additions to the Heyland diagram.
Induction motors required to run at variable speeds are used
for cranes, in chemical works and for many other purposes,
but, like the continuous current motor with series resistance,
a reduction in speed is obtained only at the cost of a large
waste of power in the controller resistance. It is assumed
throughout these problems that the reader is thoroughlj'
familiar with the Heyland diagram, which is the basis of each
solution.
The diagram Fig. 1 is not drawn to scale, and is intended
solely to show how the new figure is constructed, as in the
actual scale-drawing the circles BSA, BTA and BRA. are so
close together that in the small reproduction it would be very
difficult to clearly explain the duties of each line; for this
reason the losses in the motor are greatly exaggerated in the
diagram. The thick lines aie intended to represent the Hey-
land diagram, while the thin lines are those added in order to
solve the problems enunciated above.
The induction motor chosen as an example is a 250E.H.P.
traction type motor wound for a pressure of 3,000 volts per
phase at 25 periods, the speed of the motor at full load being
730 revs, per min. The resistance of the stator windings per
phase is 1-03 ohms, of the rotor windings 0-0317 ohm per phase,
and the ratio of turns of the stator and rotor is as 125 : 24.
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 15, 1909.
531
The leakage coefficient rr[DA;DB] = 00143 ami the magne-
tising current DA = 8-5 amperes. From these figures the
Heyland diagram for this motor may be drawn.
*^BD = I)A,Vr = .s-5/0-0443= 192 amperes.
Tlie efficiency of this machine at full load (45 amperes) = 'Jl-r)
per cent.
D.S = full load stator current = 45 amperes.
Sl= „ „ input in watts =204,000.
AS= „ „ rotor current X 24/123.
ST= ,, „ stator copper loss = 6,2.")0 watts.
TR = „ ,, rotor copper loss = 4,570 watts.
The line BC, is drawn thiougli C,, the centre of the torque
circle BTA.
I. To determine what Besistance should be inserted in the
Eotor Circuit to obtain the Maximum possible Torque. —
The maximum torque is represented in the diagram by T,„0„.
Join BT„ and describe a circle through B and A tangential to
the line BT,„, cutting BS in i;,„.
For a moment imagine a new induction motor, and let the
circles BSA, BTA and Bit,, A represent the Heyland diagram
of this motor, which would have a starting torque (without any
/a
\c \. '^
\^ "^v. d
x^vjb _^
c — --
a' Kelatkm l.etweeu HP aii'l j^^ from 1 to 20 H I'.
a „ „ „ ' 20 to 200 H. P.
1> ,. ., H. P. and Stator Copper Losses up to 20" H. P.
c „ .. H.P and Eotor Copper Losses np to 20" H.C
d ,. „ H.P. and Stator Iron Losses up to 30U H. P.
Fig. 2.
resistance in its rotor circuit) represented by T„,0,„. Now both
motors are alike in every respect excepting that in the latter
case the resistance of the rotor has been increased, so that the
copper loss at full load (the point S being still referred to as
the full-load point) is represented by TE,„ and not TK as for-
merly. From this it may be inferred that the resistance to
insert in the rotor circuit of the 250 H.i'. motor in order to
obtain the maximum possible torque at starting is RR,„/(rotor
current)-, where the rotor current = AS x 125, 24 = 219 amperes
— i.e., therecjuired resistance = 2 18,000/219- = 4-57 ohms.+
If a torque equal to twice that at full load is required the
point T,„ is moved along the circle BTO towards B to some new
position T,, such that the vertical line T.,0^ is twice TO, BT.,
is drawn, and a circle as before is described through B and A
tangentially to BT, ; the required resistance is then calculated
in a similar manner to that in the preceding example.
Thirdly, if the value of the stator current had been stated
as not to exceed a certain value at starting — e.g., 132 amperes
— the line DS,„ would be drawn cutting the stator circle at S„„
such that DS„, represents 132 amperes, join BS„„ and proceed
exactly as in the two preceding examples.
II. To determine tchcd Resistance shculd be inserted in tlie
Eotor Circuit su that the Motor shcdl run oi 375 revs, per min. —
At full load the percentage slip of the motoris e„K„/S„Ko x 100,
where «■„ is the intersection of BS and S„Ko (the perpendicular
from S„ on to BC,, where BS,j is drawn tangentiallj" to the circle
BRA). In order that there shall be a 50 per cent, slip, the value
t'i)Ko;'SoKij must = 0'5 . -„ will therefore lie on a curve the locus
of which intersects the perpendiculars drawn from the circle
BSA on to the straight line BC. Draw this curve (shown by
a dotted line in Fig. \) cutting BS at c^ Sj^jK^ being the per-
pendicular from circle BSA on to the line BC,,, and describe
through B and A the circle BcjA tangentially to BtS^, cutting
BS in rj. Then, if the Heyland diagram uf a new motor was
given by the three circles BSA, BTA and B/ Aj, at some load
where SD represented the stator current the slip would be
K,<'j/SiKj = 50 per cent.
Hence it is necessary that the copper loss in the rotor cir-
cuit should be represented by R»i to obtain this slip — i.e., in
the rotor circuit of the 250 ii.P. motor it is necessary to insert
a resistance represented by R/j (rotor current)-, where the rotor
current is SA x -^ =219 amperes, i.e., the necessary resistance
= 43O,000,/219- = 9 ohms.
The output of the motor will now be greatly reduced, its
percentage value with respect to full load being r,/)^,RP, or
about 50 per cent, normal full load. One assumption, however,
has been made in the last problem, which can easily be cor-
rected— viz., that the iron losses in the rotor do not vary at
all with a change of speed — but this will introduce an error
not much greater than 3 per cent , provided that the decrea.se
in speed required is not more than 50 per cent. Lastly, in
order to enable rheostats to be designed for motors whose full
particulars are not given, a few curves have been drawn
(Fig. 2) from which the Heyland diagram for any motor can
be constructed approximately, provided the following are
given: (1) Brake-horse-power: (2) the voltage of supply:
(3) ratio of stator to rotor turns. For the last problem the
speed of the motor must also he given at some load.
Owing to the fact that the values of the losses, leakage
factor and power factor at full load vary according to the pur-
pose for which the motoris designed, if possible the following
details should be ascertained from the actual motor : (1) Re-
sistance of stator windings : (2) resistance of rotor windings ;
(3) efficiency at, full load : (4) power factor at full load.
* The data are given in the order in which the diagram is drawn.
t The resistance to insert per [)hase is determined in every case by
<tividinu- the above v.tlues bv 3
A DIRECTIYE SYSTEM OF WIRELESS
TELEGRAPHY
BY E. BELLIXI AND A. TOSI.
Hiimmari/.— The authors' bihiteral directive wireless telegrapli system
is first briefly described, after which particidars of a new unilateral direc-
tive method are given, depending on the simultaneous use of closed
oscillatory aerial circuits and vertical antenna-.
In the first part of their Paper the authors recapitulate the main
features of theii- original method employing closed oscillatory cir-
cuits. This system was described in The Electrician, February 28,
1908. The triangular form of circuit. o))en at the ape.x. was em-
ployed, owing to the fact tliat it could easUy be sustained by a single
mast. In order to be able to transmit and receive to or from any
direction whatsoever, without having to turn the aerial, or having
recour.se to a large number of aerials in fi.xed positions, the aerials
were built up of two equal closed oscillatory circuits, vertically placed
and mutually perpendicular. This aerial system is connected up to
special instruments for transmission and reception w hich the authors
have called " Radiogoniometers." The radiogoniometer for trans-
mission comprises two ti.xed windings, «,, n.„ mutually per|>endicular.
one of which is inserted in each of the two aerial circuits (Fig. 1).
A third winding, m. enclosed by the two first, is arranged so as to be
movable on its vertical axis, which axis is that of the inter-section of
the planes of the two fixed windings. This winding, m. is included
in the oscillatory exciting circuit by means of contact brushes. S
is the secondarv of the spark coil or transformer. The apparatus
is provided with a fixed dial, over which moves a pointer rigidly
attached to the movable winding. On setting the pointer m the
direction of tlic station to which the signals are to be sent, the emis-
sion will be a maximum in the vertical plane which contains the trans-
* \bstract of a Paper read before the Phj-sical Society. A short
account of the dUcussion appeared in The Electriciax. July 3, 190P.
p. 460.
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 15, 1909.
mittine and receiving stations— that is to say, both towards the
"ce vLstaUon and at 180 dcg. from this. The rece.vmg radio-
Loniomc^e t similar in construction to that for the transmission
n" rtable winding being suitably Connected up to the detector
I liroueh two brushes. ,. , . n
This system results in waves being sent in two diametrically op-
posite directions. Since the sending of the waves in a ««gle jasefu
llirection is often of great importance, and it is desirable t" be able to
decide not merely the direction but the azimuth, the autlioi^ ^^^^
«orked out a method of achieving this object, and have solved the
,,n)l)lera in the following manner :—
Trans,mssion.—The diagram of the electromagnetic field of the
hilateral directive system, already described, is composed of two
svstem already referred to. It was evident « pnon that, owing to
the different conditions under which the radiation trom the directive
circuit takes place with reference to the radiation from the vertical
antenna, a pha.se difference between the emissions of the two systems
.should exi.st. for equality of phase in the excitations. Experiments
have shown that this phase difference is 90 deg.. or near to that value.
The aerial of the unilateral system is formed by the aerial of the du-ec-
tive circuit to which has been added a vertical antenna m a position
symmetrical with reference to the first. Various arrangements are
shown in the Paper to secure the simultaneous excitation of the
closed oscillatory circuits and of the vertical antenna.
With the arrangement of Fig. 3 very small backwardly radiated
energy is obtained, as shown in Fig. 4, the measurements being made
with a Duddell thermogahanometer. and Fig. i shows that the pro-
blem of the emission of the energy exclusively on the usefu side can
be considered as practically solved. The phase difference has to be
over 4.5 deg for the backward radiation to became noticeable. In
order to see if the energy emitted by each component of the system
and In- the resultant system .satisfied the theoretical predictions,
these have been measured in several cases with the thermogalvano-
meter. The results were always in practical agreement with the
theory. .. j i
The simultaneous excitation of the two systems was ettected by
adding, internal to the primary of the transmitting radiogoniometer,
a winding, fixed in position relatively to the primary and inductively
excited by it. To this winding is connected the vertical antenna.
On turniiig the movable winding of the apparatus the excitation of
the vertical antenna remains constant, whilst the excitations of the
equal tangent circles, and the one half-tield, represented by one of
the cii-cles, is opposite in phase to the other half-Held. If one oper-
ates simultaneously, at the same station, lioth the du'ective system
and an ordinary system giving a cu-cular emission, whose vertical
antenna is symmetrically placed with reference to the dijectiye
aerial, the resultant electromagnetic field of the simultaneous emis-
sions of the two systems, can, in general, be obtained by vectorially
adding the partial diagrams of the two systems.
As an example, let a, and a, (Fig. 2) ))e the two tangent circles
forming the diagram of the electromagnetic field of the directive
system ; the circumference h represents the diagram of the system
with circular emission, of amplitude equal to flie maximum ampli-
tude of the dir-ective .system ; let the phase difference between b and
«i he zero, and that between h and «, 180 degi The resultant dia-
gram c is obtained in this case by adding algebraically the radii vec-
tores of the curve o, to tho.se of the diagram b. and by subtracting
the radii vectores of the curve 6 from those of curve a.. The resul-
tant diagram is represented by a "■ cardioid." It is evident from the
figure that the resultant maximum electromagnetic field is duected
to one side only ; that it has a value double that of the component
electromagnetic fields, and that the field on the other side is zero.
Curves are given in the I'aper showing the resultant diagrams
obtained for different values of M/C and <f>, where C= intensity of
field due to directive system and M to the cu'cularly radiating sys-
ti-m. f liciir.: the phase difference between the fields.
rUi- iir.uiual realisation of the superposition of the two systems
has heou L-tVfcted by employing as the directive system the bilateral
closed circuits forming the aerial of the bilateral system vary. Con-
sequently, to transinit by the unilateral system in a given direction,
one has "merely to turn the movable pointer until it points in this
direction. The tests of the unilateral system at long distances were
made between the stations of Dieppe^nd Havre, and have confirmed
the results obtained at short range.
Reception. — The same principle of the superposition of the two
systems has been applied to the case of the reception. If the dii'ec-
tive aerial of the receiving station is composed of two closed oscil-
latory circuits connected to the receiving radiogoniometer, the phase
of the E.M.F. induced in the movable winding of the apparatus will
vary by 180 deg. when the coil is turned through 180 deg. So that
the action of the directive aerial in one case will add itself to that of
the vertical antenna, and in the other case will subtract itself there-
from. It follows that, to the position of maximum reception of the
movable coil there corresjionds a jjosition of zero or minimum re-
ception, when the coil is turned through 180 deg., which thus permits
of the determination, not merely of the direction of the transmitting
station, but also of the side which it is on. The action of the detector
depends, as in the case of the transmission, upon the values of the
phase difference between the actions of the two systems and on the
ratio M/C. The law of variation of this action is the samo as that of
the variation of the resultant electromagnetic field at the transmitter,
and the diagrams are the same.
To obtain quadrature between the actions of the vertical antenna
system and that of the directive bilateral system several arrange-
ments have been tried, and are referred to in the Paper. In one
case the phase displacement was obtained by inserting an excess of
.self-inductance in one or other of the aerial circuits. A^ hilst in
THE ELECTRICIAN, -lANUARY lo, 1909.
533
another the vertical antenna is joined to one end of the secondary
circuit of the receiving radiogoniometer, through a self-inductance,
the other end of the secondary being earthed through the detector.
The directive system of wireless telegraphy described can be em-
ployed in many ways. For example, when the operator e.xpects a
message from a station whose position is unknown, he could employ
the single vertical antenna system ; as soon as reception is eft'ected
he can, by using either the bilateral or unilateral system, determine
the direction and upon which side the tnmsniittiii^; station lies, and
make himself independent of other transmissii)ns. For the trans-
mission the operator could, similarly, employ the system with cir-
cular radiation when he does not know the position of the receiving
station, or when he wishes to s;nd the same message to several
stations. He could in other cases use the unilateral or bilateral
system according to the position of the stations which should not
receive the messages.
So far as the commercial services are concerned, the possibility
of transmitting messages to one station without affecting the others,
and the ability to receive from one determined direction, result in
the stations having an increased working capacity, and, con.se-
quently, in an enhancement of their commercial value. From'tlie
strategic point of view the directive reception enables one to learn
of the presence of the enemy in a certain direction and to follow]hira
in his movements. Also the directive transmission will allow, when
suitably employed, of transmitting to one's friends without the enemy
being able to receive the waves.
THE HEMSJO POWER COMPANY, SWEDEN.
BY P. FRE.N'ELL.
{Cffiitinued from page -iOS.
The diagram Fiii. 9 gives an idea of the switching arrange-
ments of the power station. From this it \vill be seen that each
one of the step-up transformers is directly connected to its
corresponding generator without any intervening 'bus bars.
The conductors between them consist of 3 by 70 sq. mm.
lead-covered and ironclad three-phase cables, laid in channels
in the floor. Each transformer is consequently of the same
output as one generator, less the losses. The transformers
raise the voltage from .3.800 to 40.000 volts and are of the
Fit:. 7. — 'rRAXsroiniEH \V.\TEit Ini.kt and Oi-Tr.ET.
three-phase type, oil insulated and water cooled. The cooling
water is drawn from the canal above the station. Fig. 7 shows
the water inlet and outlet on the transformers. In the outlet
is an automatic signal device which gives a signal to the switch-
board attendant in case the water should stop running. This
device consists of a lever with its fulcrum in the centre. At
one end of the lever there is a cup over which the water runs
from the transformer before getting into the final outlet.
Below the other end of the lever there is an electric contact.
By closing this contact a signal is given to the attendant by
means of an ordinary bell. The contact is closed by gravity
by the lever as soon as the water pressure from the running
water is diminished or stops altogether. Inside the trans-
fortuer there are spiral tubes through which the water passes.
The oil tank is very strongly constructed of boiler plate and
angle bars. Besides the above-mentioned signal device each
transformer is supplied with a dial thermometer so that the
temperature of the oil can be observed from a distance. In
Fig. 7 is also shown the signal device, the oil stand and the
disconnecting switches to the neutral. The transformers are
placed on wheels and rails, making repairs easy, and on such
occasions they are removed from their places on to a small
j^io. 8. — Cross Section- of Switchcear at thk Upper HE.MS,i(i Power
.Station.
truck, which can be moved alongside them, out to the gene-
rator room. The purpose of this arrangement is to use the
same crane for repairs of transformers as for the turbines and
generators.
Between the generators and transformers oil fuses are in-
serted in order to protect the generators against short-circuits
in the cables leading to the transformers. To render a shut
down at ordinary overloads impossible, these fuses are rated
for a fu.sing current 100 per cent, above the normal.
Before proceeding to a detailed description of the high-
tension switchgear, a few words may be said about the funda-
mental principles which have been applied. The switchgear
is so arranged that each integral part of it can be disconnected
and repaired, whenever necessary, without causing the least
interruption to the normal service. This principle has been
followed throughout, with the exception only of the high-
tension 'bus bars, of which there are no duplicates. The cause
of this exception was that two sets of high-tension 'bus bars
534
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 15, 1909.
would have demanded a great deal of room in the building,
and would therefore have caused unnecessary expense for a
station of this size. Another reason for the single 'bus-bars
being adopted was the system of installation here used —
namely, the 'bus bars are erected on specially heavy insulators
and separated by fireproof walls throughout. For these
reasons there is very slight possibility, if any. of a short-
circuit or breakdown on these 'bus bars.
The disconnection of the different parts is made possible by
oil switches in conjunction with'disconnecting switches. \\ ith
transformers. Fig. 10. These switches are designed to break
the load of two transformers as in the event of a short-
circuit on one of the transformers the two others supply
power to the first one. To give instantaneous disrup-
tion of the circuit on such occasions these switches are
supplied with automatic reverse-current relays which are
adjusted to break with 25 per cent, reverse energy. The
relavs are placed behind the switchboard and receive their
operating current from the series transformers connected to
the leads between the main transformers and the 'bus bars.
I-)l.\r;RAM OF t'oXNECTIONS AT THE UpPER HeM.SJ6 PoWER STATION.
an oil switch one can break a very large amount of power ;
but this apparatus, on account of its automatic nature and
its complicated mechanism, must be open to inspection and
repair. For this purpose ordinary knife switches, so-called
disconnecting switches, are used wliich are so simple and solid
in their design that repairs are out of the question. These
.switches can be operated by hand, while under pressure, with
an insulated hook.
The general arrangement ot the .switchgear is shown in
Fig.^ 8. The transformers on the high-tension side are connected
to busbars through oiPswitches situated just above the
and the necessary tension from the three-phase potential
transformer connected through fuses to the 'bus bars. The
operating current for the oil switches is supplied from the direct-
current source passing through the main contacts of the relaps
and operating magnets on the switches. Besides breaking
circuit for reverse current, the relavs also break circuit for
overload. Each phase is broken twice in the oil switches,
and the break is accomplished within closed porcelain oil
tanks. Contact and opening is effected by means of metal
rods. The switches are operated electrically by direct current
from the exciters. Between the switches and the 'bus bar.s-
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUAEY 15, 1909.
.33.5
discoiinectin!.': switches are inserted in ordev to make repairs
possible. The two lines to Kristiaustad and Fridafors are
tapped from the 'bus bars. Corresponding to the trans-
formers disconnecting switches are inserted next to the 'bus
bars and after these the oil switches. These switches are of
the same type and design as those already described. The
one for the line to Kristianstad is, however, automatic for
overload and the one to Fridafors for reverse current. On
account of the agreement between the Hemsjo Power Com-
pany and the Fridafors Company, energy must only be
delivered in the direction of Fridafors to Hemsjo — not the
reverse direction.
Each of the outgoing lines is protected by horn lightning
arresters connected in series with water resistances. The
water in these resistances is circulating. The static electri-
city on the lines is discharged through a water jet apparatus
connected through disconnecting switches to the 'bus bars.
The apparatus will be seen in Fig. 11. In the lines are choking
coils to prevent high-frequency currents from entering the
transformers.
The e.xit for the lines through the walls of the building
consists of two glass squares placed edgewise and supporting
at their centre a glass tube through which the conductor
To render safe, as regards the transformer, a short-circuit to
earth on the lines, the neutral on the high-tension side is earthed
through a resistance calculated to withstand 2".5 to 3 times the
normal current on each transformer for 10 seconds, this being
the time within which the automatic switches will break with
certainty.
In the powerstation each high-tension phase is .separated from
the others by fireproof concrete walls. This method has been
adopted as the safest, both from the electrical and the operating
point of view. With an open in.stallation system — the one most
frequently used on the Continent — an electric arc may arise
from several causes — as, for instance, animals, birds, &c. — and,
when once started, it is maintained by the metallic gases,
and can be spread all over the place by a puff of air, resulting in
an entire shut-down. The larger the capacitv of the station
the more disastrous the eilect of such an arc. Further, this
system is very dangerous for the staff. There is no such
danger at Hemsjo power station, where, as mentioned, each
phase is separated by moulded concrete walls. To get
these as thin ^i-< possible, and yet strong, they are built >ipon
iron wire attached to T-iroii. This iron limits thi' walls
towards the passages and is therefore turned with its foot
flange outwards. The distance between any high-tension
conductor and these walls, or any other eartlied parts, is at
least 250 mm., but is generally somewhat more.
In order to protect people inside the station from danger
from high potentials, all iron parts, such as turbine and gene-
rator frames, the iron frames of the building and all iron
required for high and loiv-tension apparatus, are connected
together and earthed. Thus, all the T-irons for the fireproof
walls just mentioned are directly joined with iron net inside
and are earthed. By this precaution any danger aiising from
weakness of the insulation is eliminated, as all currents from
potentials in the brickwork and walls are immediatelv con-
ducted to earth through the metallic structure.
The switchboard consists of nine marble panels mounted on
an iron structure, with one panel for the two e.vciters, one for
each of the three generators, one blank pajiel for a future
generator, one panel for the synchronising apparatus and
three panels for outgoing lines. The station and the synchro-
nising voltmeters are mounted on a bracket at ri^iht-angies to
thp board. The e.xciter panels are supplied with one ammeter
and one voltmeter for each machine besides switches and fuses.
For each of the generator panels there is one 1).C. ammeter,
one A.C. ammeter and one A.C. voltmeter, control switch with
signal lamps for the oil switch, one field switch with short-
circuit resistance, hand wheel for the field iheostat, and
behind fhi' linnrd three single-pole reveise-ciirn'Mt relavs.
Fk;. II.— Waikk .Iki .\itak.-, n ■^.
Besides these apparatus there are two push buttons lor the
turbine regulator, used when synchronising the generators.
On the turbine re<rulator there is a small D.C. series
motor acting or. the regulator's speed position by means of a
worm wheel. The connection is shown in the diagram Fig. 9.
By pushing one of the buttons the motor is rotated in a certain
direction, and by pushing the other one in the reverse direction.
On the outgoing line panel for Kristianstad there are three
A,C. ammeters, one integrating meter, control switch with
signal lamps for the oil switch and three-single pole overload
relays. On the incoming panel line from Fridafors there is
only one ammeter and one voltmeter and control switch with
signal lamps for the oil switch besides three sinfjie-pole reverse-
current relays behind the board. The station panel is mounted
with a frequency indicator and voltmeter switches for the
synchronising lamps and voltmeters. The synchronising
apparatus consists of three incandescent lamps connected to
the phases -so as to produce a rotating light.
It has already been mentioned tiiat Siilvesborg gets its
light direct from the three-phase system, and on account of
the large amount of power distributed to other places the
variations in the voltage would have been so serious that the
light in the town would have suiTered had no special precau-
tions been taken. In order to yet as constant a voltage as
)3G
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 15, 1909.
possililr. ail automatic Tliurv ii-irulator was installed at
HemsjCi. 'J'Jiis regulator, driven by a small D.C. motor,
actuates a -pinion rod which operates the field rheostats by
means of pinions. Thus, the three field rheostats are operated
simultaneously, and thereby also the voltage of the three
venerators, the regulation of the Thury regulator is accom-
plished bv a potential coil connected to the secondaries of the
potential transformers for the outgoing line to Kristianstad.
The potential drop between Hemsjo and Ifo, where the line to
Solvesborg branches off, is, however, about 6-5 per cent., and
if, therefore, the regulator worked on constant voltage at
Hemsjo the voltage variations at Solvesborg would amount to
very nearly 7 per cent. A compensation of the line lo.sses has.
therefore, been made in the same way as when measuring the
potential on A.C. feeders. On the secondary of the potential
transformer and in series with the potential coil of the regu-
lator an ohinic resistance and a reactance are connected which
are in the same proportion to each other as the line resistance
and reactance between Hemsjo and Ifci. The resistance and
reactance obtain their current from a current transformer
inserted in one phase of the line. The voltage across these
is, therefore, always in proportion to the line drop.
The lighting of the power station is derived from a three-
phase transformer connected to one of the generators ; this
can be connected to either of two generators by means of a
double-throw switch. The lighting of the machine room is
obtained chiefly by means of arc lamps. In order not to have
the large generators running merely for the lighting, the in
candescent lamps can also be switched on to the exciters.
(7 (I he emit in lied )
INSULATION OF HIGH-TENSION TRANSMISSION
LINES.""
BY F. S. DENNEEN.
Siiinmuri/. — The author deals with questions of particular importance
in the selection of line insulators, and di.-icusses briefly the performance
of insulators in service and the points to lie considered in their (lesijfn.
About IS years ago the first alternating current jjower transmis-
sion line in the United States was put in operation, the voltage being
3,000. and a small glass insulator about 3 in. in diameter and 4 in.
high, made along the lines of the present standard type deep-groove
telegraph insulator, served for carrying the wires. At the time much
comment was made by engineers, who'stated that the line could not
|)();^.sibly operate with this insulation. However, it continued in
successful .service for more than six years with practically no insu-
lator tiouljles. During the ensuing six or seven years, line voltages
were ;_;radiuilly increased, and in 1897 we had transmissions in the
United States operating at 16,000 volts, and up to this time glass
was used almost exclusively for the insulation. Some porcelain
insulators were used, but these were made by the so-called " dry "
process, and gave trouble because they punctured quite readily.
Investigation showed that this early porcelain i\as porous and would
absorb moisture very rapidly at points where the glaze was removed.
A close study of the subject disclosed the fact that the body was not
sufficiently den.se and vitrified. The pieces were then made by the
"wet" process. By this method of manufacture, and with the
proper mixture of the materials making up the porcelain body, it
w as possible to produce porcelain of great mechanical and electrical
strength, the bod}' being dense and homogeneous and highly vitrified.
As the o])erating voltages increased, it was found necessary to make
the insulators witli two or more shells glazed or cemented together,
in order to keep the thickness of the parts within limits which would
permit making the body sufficiently densr ,iiiil ^ii the same time pre-
vent excessive manufacturing los.ses ii.-m n irkiiig and other causes.
At the present time glass and ]ic.rr.l;,in .nc the only materials
used commercially for the insulation of high-tension lines, and the
former is fast becoming limited to use on lines where the pressure
does ni.t exceed 10,000 to 15,000 volts.
Action of an Insulator under Stress. — Before discussing the theorv
of insulator design and the performance of an insulator in service, it
would he V ell to devote a few moments to a brief study of the action
of an insulator or dielectric when subject to electrical stress. The
study must not be limited to the insulator alone, for it should involve
a consideration of all the effects of electrical tension upon the
dielectric near the conductors. With an insulator, air is always a
dielectric in combination with glass or porcelain or other insulating
materials. When subject to electrical tension, all dielectrics, including
air, glass, porcelain, wood, &e., have produced in them a displace-
ment in the molecular structure ^\hich, if the applied potential is
carried to a sufficiently high value, results in a disruptive breakdown
of the material. Before a difference of potential can exist, current
must How into the dielectric, and if the potential is not raised to a
value wliich will cause rupture, current will flow from the dielectric
whenever the tension is reduced or removed, and a path formed for
this current to flow in.
All dielectrics are capable of receiving strain to a certain point
without rupture, and solids such as glass and porcelain possess this
feature to a greater extent than air or gases. Generally, whenever
the potential is brought to a sufficiently high value, there is a struc-
tural failure of the dielectric, solids failing by mechanical rupture
and gases by a change in the molecular state, which partially destroys
their insulating qualities and makes them semi-conducting. An
insulator under heavy load may show brush discharge, which is an
indication that while the insulator remains intact, the dielectric
surrounding it (the an) has broken down. The dielectric strength
of air plays an important part in the design of an insulator, for it is
well known that under ordinary temperatures and pressures, this
value is much below that of most solid insulating materials.
Let us consider the action of an ordinary insulator under varying
service conditions. Assume that the one in Fig. 1 is operating at its
normal line voltage and that all surfaces are dry and clean. If j)ro-
perly designed for this voltage, the electrostatic field about the
different shells will be too weak to break do^vn the air, hence no bushr
discharge or ".static" will be in evidence. Let the potential be
increased, and as the electrosfatic field becomes more intense tlie air
Flc. 1, OlnilNAKY TVI'K
OF Insulator.
Fio, 2. — Ideal Mti,TifAiiT
Insulator.
'Aljstract of a Paper read before the Central Electric Railwav
Association.
fails and brush discharge is .seen around the different shells near the
conductors, and at the cemented portions. As the potential is
raised, streamers form, further increasing the zone of ruptured air
until the air near the shells becomes sufficiently conducting that an
arc forms from shell to shell and finally from the pin to the wire, the
arc straightening out to nearly the shortest distance between them
but arovmd the edges of the shells. This, of course, assumes that
the insulator is sufficiently strong to withstand the flashing-over
voltage without puncturing.
Let us now study the same insulator under heavy rain-storm con-
ditions. The entire top surface at once becomes wet, and the poten-
tial of the line is immediately carried to the outer rim of this piece.
Some of the rain beats against the lower shells, wetting them, not
only where it strikes but on the under surface of the upper shells.
due to spattering, the amount of surface so acted upon depending
upon the force and angularity with which the rain is driven and
upon the design of the shells. L'nder a .severe storm it is quite pos-
sible for practically all of the insulator surfaces to become wet and
conducting, except possibly the under surface of the centre or bot-
tom shell. If the insulator is properly mounted with respect to the
cross-arm, and the centre-shell is correctlv formed, this inner surface
will remain dry. In the meantime, the line potential has followed
the wet surfaces of the insulator until it has reached the bottom edge
E of the centre shell, so that the full line potential is now being carried
by the centre shell alone.
The insulator can no« fail in either of two ways : {a) by rupture
of the air film adjacent to the inner surface, because of the intense
electrostatic field, resulting in an arc from the shell to the pin, or (6)
by puncture of the shell itself. In case of the formation of an arc,
the actual current flowing would be of low value, because of the high
resistance of the tliin film of pure water forming the conducting
surface over the insulator, and this would at once result in a drying
actir"< due t- the heat from the current. As this drying process
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 15, 1909
537
continues, the resistance becomes too high to permit maintaining
tlio arc. and tlie discharge between line and pin ceases. It is inter-
esting to note that the drying action is maximum at the ileck of the
smallest shell, for here the current density is highest, and therefore
the heating effect is greatest. From the foregoing it is evident that
the behaviour of an insulator under severe weather conditions is of
chief concern, and its ability to maintain dry surface under the most
trying conditions is a direct measure of its value as an insulator.
Insulator Design. — The contour of the different pieces lias u-.uch
to do with the wetting of the shells in a storm. The shajie of a shell
may be such as to deflect the air currents, thereby carrying the rain
up into recesses which would otherwise be dry. The flare of the
skirt jiortion of the shells also plays an important jiart. Referring
to Fig. I, the .second shell B is flared or curved outward at the bot-
tom, and in a driving rain the drops will be deflected against the
underside of the top portion, as shown by the arrows, because of the
curved surface. The third shell C. however, is straight, and as the
arrows indicate, the rain drops are deflected downward so that the
.shell above i.s not spattered.
There are other features which enter into the question of design,
however, which make the curved .shell particularly advantageous.
and it is therefore necessary to regard the.se different points of merit
<if the two types carefully in making a choice for any particular
design. With a given diameter and height, maximum sparking
distances between the rim and shell of the adjacent parts can be
obtained by using the curved type of shell, but there is a point
where this advantage is lost becau.se of spattering the other shells,
as already described.
Another advantage possessed by the curved shell is that, for a
uiven potential difference between the surface of the shell and the
rim of the shell above, the tendency for discharge between these two
points will be considerably lower than with the straight type of shell.
It is well known that discharge between a point and a plane siirface
will take place at a lower potential difference than would be required
to cause a discharge from such a point to the concave side of a spheri-
cal surface, all points on which are equally distant from the point
forming the other electrode. In the case of an insulator (.see Fig. 2)
the rim of any .shell corresponds to the point and the curved shell
below to the spherical surface. In many designs the flare of the
skirt is determined by a radius swung about the rim of the shell above
as a ceutre [see Fig. 2), the curve beginning at the theoretical dry
line, based upon the a.ssumption that the rain falls at a 30 deg. angle
\\\i\\ the horizontal.
It would thus appear that tlie ideal multi-part in.sulator of the
umlirella type should have its centre shell so designed that alone it
could carry the full line potential for an indefinite period without
j)uncture or arcing over. This condition actually obtains on many
insulators for the lower voltages, but it is not always tiue of those for
voltages of 60,000 or more.
.\n insulator in service acts as a condense!' and the electrostatic
cai)acity must be cut down to the lowest possible value to minimise
operating troubles. This can be accomplished best bj' placing a
considerable thickness of porcelain between the line and pin. It is
important, however, properly to balance the design of a multipart
insulator so as to distribute the potential in such a way that each
shell will carry its share of the load. Such an insulator acts as
several condensers in series, and the voltage distribution on the
different shells will be dependent upon the relative electrostatic
capacities of the several condensers formed by the different .shells.
Insulator Pins. — The question of insulator pins has long been an
unsettled one. many engineers still maintaining that nothing but the
woi id jiin should be used, while others insist upon a metal pin. For
low-voltage lines, where the insulators are small and the spans com-
paratively short, bringing light mechanical loads upon the pins, a
good quality locust or oak pin thoroughly treated with oil or paraffin
meets all requirements cheaply and effectively. It mu.st, of course,
bo remembered that to get satisfactory service from a wood insulator
|)in the desicn of the insulator itself must be such as to in.sure the pin
against burning from brush discharge or leakage. For insulatoi-s of
the larger type, where the pin must extend a considerable distance
abo^e the cross-arm. thereby placing a more severe load upon the pin.
and where this load is further increased because of the use of longer
spans, a metal pin should certainly be employed.
.Many advocates of the wood pin hold that the electrostatic stress
|ilacor| \i|ji.n llie insulator when used with an iron pin is much greater
than il wnul.l be if a wood pin were used. This means that the insu-
lator would be more liable to break down or flash over under exces-
sive voltage variations than if mounted upon a wood pin. It is
quite true that the wood pin po.ssesses. for a time, certain insulating
(pialities. but this is not of any considerable value with the higher
voltages, say 33.000 and more, particularly after the pin has become
old and to a certain extent coated over with dust.
A thoroughly insulating pin would indeed be ideal, for w ith it the
thickness of the dielectric would he considerably increased, thereby
greatly decreasing the strength of the electrostatic Held about the
insulator, hence increasing the factor of safety. This would mean
that the air adjacent to the insulator would not become ioni.sed, and
there would be no brush discliarge. However, such a \nn cannot at
the present time be made, becau.se of the mechanical diflficultiies
involved. Unfortunately, we have no .suitable insulating material
of sufficient mechanical strength to meet this class of .service.
Suggestions for Insulator SjiKifit-ations. — The following sugges-
tions to aid in draw ing insulator speciflcations are being offered with
an idea of making them cover all general insulator requirements.
These specifications are made so that they can be commercially met
by the manufacturer and at the same lime insulators made in strict
accordance with tliem should fulfil the requirements perfectly under
all ordinary conditions.
Insulators should be made of a grade of dense porcelain best suited
for high-tension in.sulators and the burning should be .so done as to
insure thorough vitrification of the pieces without overfiring. The
porcelain body should be practically non-absorbent, and pieces
broken from any insidator should not show an absorjition in excess
of one-tenth of 1 per cent. The absorption test should be made by
thoroughly drying the pieces in an oven before the first weigliing ;
they should then be immersed in water for 48 hours, after which all
surfaces should be carefully dried and a second weighing made. The
increase in weight expressed as a percentage of tlie original weight
will show the absorption. .Ml insulators should be given a dark
brown glaze (or other colour required) on all exposed surfaces. Those
surfaces which are cemented together and those upon uliich the
insulator rests in burning not to be glazed. The pinhole should be
left unglazed if the insulator is to be cemented to an iron jiin.
All cemented joints should be carefully made with neat Portland
cement of the best quality and the a.ssembling should be .so done as
to leave no hollow spaces or voids between the cemented surfaces.
In assembling, the cement should be mixed only as needed, and in the
proportions of 80 per cent, cement and 20 per cent, water, and no
cement which has been mixed for more than .30 minutes should be
used. The as.sembling should be so done as to bring all of the
various parts in correct alignment. All parts should be carefully in-
spected as they come from the kilns, and any which are chipjied or
cracked, particularly at the surface where the cells are cemented
together, should be discarded. Badly warped or distorted jiieees.
and those having checks of appreciable depth at any points on the
surface, should be rejected.
All parts should be tested for one minute at full line potential
except in cases where the design of the piece w ill not permit reaching
this voltage without flashing over. In such cases the test voltage
should be w ithin 5.000 volts of the flash-over value. Kach assembled
insulator should be tested to at least double the full line voltage for
a period of not less than three minutes. .
The insulator should be capable of withstanding a rain test at
twice the operating voltage for a period of 10 minutes without flash-
ing over or injury to the insulator, the precipitation being at the rate
of IJr in. in five minutes and directed against the insulator in a fine
spray at 45 deg.
All insulators to be operated at 23,000 volt.s or more should be
tested with at least 1 kw. of available generator capacity for each
insulator under test.
In the part tests, each piece should be immersed in w ater to com-
pletely cover the cementing surface and the inside should be filled
with water to practically the same depth, and the potential should
be applied to the two wet surfaces. In testing assembled insulators,
they should be inverted with the heads immersed to the wire
groove, the pin hole being filled with water to the full depth of the
thread.
DEFORMATION OF PRESSURE CURVES DUE TO LOAD
IN ALTERNATE CURRENT GENERATORS.
itv Ki^'iN sn:iii.K.
Hummiiri/. — The present article is an oscillograpliic iuvestigation of
the efl'ect of armature reaction in alternator.*, whereby the now
generally accepted theory is experimentally conlirineil.
1. Deformation of the Pressure Wave in a Single-phase Allernator.
— The effect of armature reaction in a generator working on a purely
non-inductive load is entirely a cross-magnetising one. and merely
distorts the main field without affecting its value, provided magnetic
saturation is not present. When the loatl is purely reactive, the dis-
torting effect vanishes and the armature ampere-turns react directly
Abstrac:eil from Elcklroltchi
538
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 15. 1909.
(,11 tlu- Mold. In casc-of a |.uie cajiacity load, the main field is
strengthened, wliereas if the load is purely induetive tiu- main lu-ld
is \\eakeiicfl by the back ampere-turns.
Since E^- - d^jlf. thv shape of the pressure curve will nlsu be
alfectcd by armature reaction. In the ease of a non-inductive load,
the pressure wave will be distorted, with an inductive load the wave
will be flattened, and with a capacity load it will be i)eaked. although
in neither of the latter cases will any asymmetry occur.
VVIien the load is only partially inductive, as in practice, tlie
armature ampere-turns can be anaiy.sed into a watt component and
a wattless eomi)onent. The former (component exerts a distorting
effect on the field or pressure curve, and the latter, according to
whether the current is leading or lagging, produces a symmetrical
increase or decrease of the field or pressure curve.
For the purpose of investigating the above etiects, a series of ex-
periments was carried out by aid of an oscillograph.* The machine
ex|)eriinented upon was of the ring wound revolving armature type,
from wliieh one. two or three-phase current could be taken.
Only curves of the phase pressures were taken, since in the inter-
linked jiressures the harmonics may be much less pronounced due to
siiperjiosition. The results obtained from the experiments were as
follows :—
Oscillograms were taken of the pressure on no-load both when the
machine was connected as single-phaser and tliree-phaser. The
single-phase pressure curve was found to be flat-topped, the three-
|)hase more sinusoidal. The difference between the two curves of
the same machine is owing to the width of pole covered by a phase
being greater in the three-phase winding than in the single-pha.se,
the total number of conductors per phase being greater in the latter
case and consequently a smaller percentage of them coming under
the pole simultaneously. Pressure curves were then taken on the
single-phase machine when loaded (1) non-inductively, (2) induc-
tivel}-. In both cases the above-mentioned effects were clearly
illustrated. The peak of the pressure curve taken on non-inductive
load was completely displaced to one side of the symmetrical axis
{i.e., ^ axis), showing clearly the distortion of the field. When takeii
on inductive load, the pressure curve was more flat-topped than on
no-load ; with a capacity load of cos0=O-666, both the strengthen-
ing eft'ect due to the wattless component and the distorting effect
due to the watt component were clearly brought out.
2. Deformation of the Pressure Curves in a Polyphase Alternator
with Balanced Load. — In a polypha.se generator, the reaction of
each ])hase acts in the same way as in a single-phase machine and
the effect of the several jihases must be combined. This can be
easily done by drawing the diagram with the current curves and the
corresponding field and pressure curves of the se%'eral phases in their
proper phase relations and superjjosing them. The resultant arma-
ture held will be found to be less in a polyphase machine than in a
single phase, so that the effects of armature reaction in a polyphase
machine will be similar to. but less pronounced than, tho.se in
the corresponding single-phase machine.
.'!. Dejormation of the Pressure Curves in a Polyphase Alternator
vith Vnhalanced Load. — If only one phase of a polyphase machine is
loaded, jirecisely the same happens with respect to the pressure of
this one phase as in a similarly wound single-phase machine. Experi-
ments were made with all three phases symmetrically loaded on a
strongly inductive load, and not the least difference between the no
load and load pressure curves could be observed, thus confirming the
above remarks on polyphase machines.
4. Effeet of Loading One Phase on the Pressure Curves of the Other
Pha.'ies ill a Polyphase Alternator. — Suppose one phase is loaded non-
inductively. the other two phases remaining open. If we then con-
sider the position of a pole relative to the several phases, it will be
seen that the ordinate of the distorted flux curve under one of the
unloaded |iha,-ies is much greater than that under the other unloaded
phase, the distortion of tlie flux curve being due to the current in the
loaded phase just as in a single-j)hase machine. This was confirmed
by oscillogiaphic observations. The pressure curve of the loaded
phase is the most distorted of all. The curve of the ])hase in respect
to w inch the current in the loaded phase leads become more peaked,
whilst that of the phase with respect to which the current in the
loaded phase lags becomes somewhat depressed ; that is to say, the
current in the loaded phase leads with respect to the pressure "of the
phase following the loaded phase and exerts a capacity effect on the
same, whilst with respect to the phase going before, the current lags
and therefore acts on this phase in the same way as an inductive load.
The pressure curve of the loaded phase is simply distorted by the
• Although not stated by the author, we conclude, from the diagram
ot connection.s in the oiigin.il article, that the oscilloffiaph was of the
hiemcns nnd HaUke type.— En t: "
current (pure watt current in this case) it carries. These effects were
also measured on a voltmeter as well as on the oscillograph, the pres-
sure in the phase subject to capacity effect being greater than that of
the loaded jihase. and the pressure in the phase subject to inductive
effect being less than that of the loaded phase.
Tests were then made with all three phases non-inductively but
unequally loaded, \ The results were similar to the above, but less
pronounced. It is to be noted, however, that the peak due to capa-
city effect was always found to be more definite than the deformation
due to the inductive effeet. The above results can also be deduced.by
means of simple vector diagrams, when the action of the current in
the loaded phase on the E.M.F.s of the unloaded phases can be clearly
seen ; also the effect of phase displacement in the loaded phase can
be studied in this way. More complicated, however, are the condi-
tions occurring in practice when the load is both power and lighting.
Experiments performed under these conditions also showed the
deformation of the pressure curves in the phases of a polyphase
generator working on unbalanced loads with different power factors.
Since all the above theoretical investigations were made under the
assumption of a coil winding and stationary armature, whilst the
experiments were carried out on a ring wound armature with sta-
tionary field, it is obvious that the deformation of the pressure curve
is of the same nature with a distributed winding as with a concen-
trated winding, whilst it is quite immaterial whether field cr arma-
ture rotates.
THE LIFE AND WEAR OF ROLLING-STOCK.*
BY M. .STAHL.
Siiiiiiiuinj. — In dealing with the answers sent in to the questionnaire
the author has divided his report into a number of sections. Under these
he reports on axles, wheels and tjres, axle boxes, car frames and gearing.
These sections are agam sub- divided into appropriate headings which
summarise the answers on the particular points ; at the end of each sec-
tion the author puts forward his own conclusions on the subject. In this
way the general design of axles, journals, wheels, tyres and axle boxes,
with the methods of lubrication and the cost of upkeep of the various
parts, which are obtained from figures provided by the members, are
given. Further, the lay-out of the car frames, details of the springs,
sanding boxes, and of various types of axles with their advantages and
disadvantages are detailed. The question of the proper design of gearing
with the upkeep costs of various types is' also dealt with.
The great importance which the rolling stock of tramway systems
has assumed from the point of view of public interccmmunication
makes it necessary to publish a report from time to time, which shall
indicate in a succinct manner the progress and improvements in the
construction of the cars.
More than 90 tramway undertakings have answered the question-
naire addressed to them. These answers and a special study of the
new types of car which have recently been designed have formed the
basis of the following report. As this should deal with well estab-
lished facts rather than with suppositions, the technical, as well as
the economical side, of the question will be considered, jj
Axles, Wheels and Tyres. '
Axles. — The c<mstruction of axles is in reality only a question of
resistance. But on account of lack of sufficient knowledge of the
stresses coming into play, theoretical suppositions are not of them-
selves sufficient. The large number of axle breakages that have
occurred on a number of systems have led to this question being
specially studied. Of 91 undertakings 81 have made definite com-
munications on the subject, and of this number 46 have given not
less than 768 axle breakages as an average. This works out at a
mean annual breakage of 16 for each undertaking, the maximum
in any one case being 153. If the mileage is taken as a basis of
comparison, it is found that per million kilometres \ run the maxi-
mum number of breakages is 18, the minimum 03 and the mean 3.
And it may further be noticed that of these 46 undertakings 29. or
63 per cent., have a metre gauge. Thirty-five undertakings whose
mileage varied from OS to 263 millions of kilometres had not a
single breakage to record. It would therefore appear that these
breakages result from either a fault in the manufacture or a flaw in
the metal. Of these 35 companies, 22, or 63 per cent., have a gauge
greater than 1 metre. Axle breakages, it appears, cannot entirely
be attributed to the bad qualitj' of the steel employed, for even
* Translation, slightly abbreviated, of a report by Herr Stahl. general
manager of the municipal tramways at Dusseldorf. on the replies received
by the Union Internationale de Tramways and de Chemins de Fer d'ln-
teret Local in resp<rn.*e to the questionnaire sen* out to members. This
report was presented at the biennial meeting (1908) at Munich.
fA million kilometres is equal to 62,500 miles.
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUAEY 15, 1909.
539
quite high quahty metal, such as nickel-steel or Krupp steel, has not
always been up to requirements in this respect. Insufficient trans-
verse section and faults in cutting the key ways may be Considered
as the sole causes of accidents. Sufficiently generous dimensions
should be always allowed in a.xle construction, on account of the
large stresses called into play modifying the molecular structure of
the metal and increasing the number of breakages. Taking into
account the fact that these breakages usually occur near the hub or
in the gearing key-way. it must be concluded that all diminution in
section should be avoided. As the key-way reduces the axle section,
this diminution should logically be met by an increase in diameter,
and the section should therefore be strengthened at these parts.
This point has, up to the present, been too little considered. It is
=^^
— Baui.y Designeu
Key-way.
—Badly Designed
Key-way.
proposed to replace the Very usual and defective arrangement shown
in Figs. 1 and 2 by the improved method shown in Fig. 3, in which
the elepth of the key-way would not exceed 7 or 8 mm. {0"28 or
0'32 in.). In spite of these small dimensions if the key be well
designed no breakage need be feared.
Metal. — Axles should preferably be made of hard material such as
Bessemer or Siemens-Martin steel. This seems to meet all require-
ments when the axles are forged by a steam hammer and are not
produced by rolling. Nickel steel and crucible steel do not seem to
be much used, probably on account of their high first cost. Nickel
steel is, however, sometimes employed, though, as remarked above,
this mat*>rial does not always prevent breakages, and one undcr-
"f^'X
f^
ings causes the motors to sway from side to side and leads to a rapid
deterioration of the gearing. The employment of check rings
would appear preferable and would avoid all giooving fji the axle
Attention must be drawn to the great advantage posseissed by
undertakings having only one type of axle. If this were general,
trains of wheels whose dimensions had become reduced by wear
could be maintained in service by submitting them to light loads,
e.g., by using them on trailers.
The expense cau.sed by each axle breakage is relatively important.
Taking into account its scrap iron value a new axle costs £2. 5s.
Further, the gearing costs from 12s. to 25s., according to the type
of motor, so that the total cost of a breakage is from £2. 17s. to
£3. 10s. If the transport of the V)roken down car to the depcjt. (lic
damage to other parts of the equijiment and the interru]ition in
.service are taken into account, a considerable sum is the result; and
this should be avoided at all costs.
The following are proposed as standard dimensions foi- axles : —
Table I- — BdatUm hetween Maximum Lwid iind Axle and Journal
Dimension's.
Maximum
Maximum
1 Maximum
Maxinuim
No.
load on the
diameter
: diameter
length
ax
le.
of the
axle.
of the
journal.
of the joiunal.
kg.
tons
mm.
in.
mm.
fn.
mm. in.
I.
5,000
5
105
4-2
80
32
170 (>-8
II.
ti,000
i;
no
4-4
85
3-4
1!)0 7-(i
III.
7.000
7
115
4-()
115
38
21(1 Hi
IV.
7,500
/•.>
120
4-8
!I,S
3»
210 8-4
V.
8,000
S
125
5-0
too
4-0
225 !)0
It is further recommended that axles with as smooth a surface as
possible be employed, for their cost is less than that of axles on
which numerous projections are turned. Lastly, at the place where
the gear wheel is to be fixed the axle should be provided with a collar
equal in depth to that of the key-way. This depth should, in tlie
opinion of specialists, be about 6 mm. I0'24 in.).
Fk;. 3. — Weu. Designed Key-way.
taking has com|)letely discontinued its use on account of the bad
results obtained. Only one undertaking is satisfied with it and
jiroposcs to continue its employment. In any case the j)rice of such
axles is very high, and for each 1 per cent, of nickel added the cost
increases 30 jier cent. Although this steel combines great hardness
with high elasticity an dtenacity, its employment is far from being
indispensable, for just as satisfactory results are obtained from
Siemens-Martin steel, if the design and manufacture are good.
Several undertakings specify 3 per cent, of nickel in their nickel
steel ; in the opinion of the rejjorter 2 per cent, is sufficient. Sie-
mens-Martin steel should, in general, have a tensile strength of 60
to 70 kg. per sq. ram. (38 to 44 tons per square inch) with an elonga-
tion of 20 per cent, and a contraction of 45 per cent.
Sliape of the Journals. — In order to avoid confusion the author
}>ropoSes to divide the methods of journal construction into the three
Axi.E WiTU (!l'lL!,OTi.VE .lorRNAI,
classes, shown in I'"ig.-:. 4, 5 and 6. As shown by answers to tlio
questionnaire, there is little uniformity under this heading. The
majority of the undertakings possess journals of the first class and
consider this type very useful, as the brasses can be removed with-
out dismantling the car frame. On the other hand, many under-
takings are employing journals of the second class, while those of
the third class are but rarely used. Each of these types of con-
struction has its advantages and disadvantages, and it is difficult to
proncHuice definitely in favour of one or other of them. As regards
dimensions, too small a journal diameter shou'd be avoided, and, in
order that the specific pressure may not be too high, its length
shoidd at least be equal to double the diameter. The axle shown
in Fig. 5 has, in the opinion of the reporter, some grave disadvantages :
when it becomes worn the play between the brasses and the bear-
FiG. 5. — Axle vmn Shoulders .\xd Collets.
Wheels. — The wheels in use on tramways may be divided into two
classes, solid wheels and wheels with spokes. Solid wheels and also
wheels of chilled iron are employed only rarely for motor cars,
though they are u.sed more often, as are also Griffin \\liecls for
trailers. It appears that this wheel has a life of 40,000 kn'. (25,0(10
miles). Solid wheels are often said to lack uniformity in the metal,
a fact which leads to flats on the rolling surface and considerably
diminishes the action of the brakes. Solid cast steel wheels are now
scarcely ever employed, this metal being used for tyres alone. The
centre of the wheels is generally made U]) of welded iron or mild steel,
having a tensile strength of 35 to 40 kg. per sq. ram. To obtain
a good fit the wheels are keyed on to the axles under pressure and
these are slightly conical at that end. The tyres are generally of
cast Siemens-Martin steel with a tensile strength of at least 75 kg.
I'"ii:. r..— .\\i.r WITH Smo.ito .JoiitXAi.s and Ei.astk-
Thrist Heahiv. .
per sq. mm. (47 tons per square inch), an elongation^ of 12 to i5
per cent, and a contraction of 25 to 30 per cent. The tyres are
always put on hot. 0-75 to 15 mm. (0-003 to 0006 in.) being an
ample margin to allow for the usual wheel diameter of 700 mm.
(2ft. 4 in.). A further fixing of the tyres by screws is very seldom
employed at the jjresent time. This system appears to be quite
superfluous for tramway working and only leads to a reduction of
the transverse section. Further, it only prevents in a very slight
degree looseness and " de-tyring." The life of t>Tes is naturally
very variable, for it depends not only on the quality of the metal,
but also on the state of the track and the way in which maintenance
is effected.
As regards upkeep, every attention should be paid to maintaining
the siime lollins diameter for the two wheels on the same axle. If
E
540
THE ELECTKICIAN, JANUARY 15, 1909.
tjiis is not done, the wear of tlie tyres will be both quick and unequal.
Tor this reason tlie majority of the companies true uj) their tyres
iifter they have run about 3.5.000 km. (21.87.5 miles). It appears
(liiit for standard gauge lines using tyres 60 to 70 mm. (•2-4 to 2-8
in.) in thickness the maximum life of the latter is 124,000 km.
(77..500 miles), the minimum 70,000 km. (4:i,7riliniilis)and the mean
99,000 km. (61,875 miles). For lines with nannwer gauges the
results are not as favourable ; for with the same size of tyre the
maximum life is only 85,000 km. (53,125 miles). The life of thin
tyres is naturally proportionately less. For instance, tyres 55 mm.
(2-2 in.) thick give a mean life of 80,000 km. (53,125 miles) and those
.50 mm. (2 in.) thick a life of 70,000 km. (43,750 miles).
Several companies have simplified the upkeep by using tyres only
50 mm. (2 in.) or even less in thickness and not turning them up.
In this case the wheels are generally renewed after 45,000 km.
(28,125 miles) have been run. This method, however, does not
appear to be so economical as the employment of tiO mm. (2'4 in.)
tyres and turning them up at a convenient time. This can be made
clear as follows :— A 60 mm. (24 in.) tyre weighs about 105 kg.
(231 lb.) which, at a cost of 24s. per 100 kg. (2201b.), represents an
-AxLK-Bo\KS rsEi>
TUE .MiNK'H Tramways.
intrinsic value of 2.5s. 2d. The removal, turning and other repairs
cost about 4s., making a total of £1. 9s. 2d. per tjTe, or £5. 16s. 8d.
per car, or, taking into account an extra turning, £6. 8s. 8d. A
50 mm. (2 in.) tyre on the same basis would cost 19s. 2d., or with
turning, &e., 23s. 2d., i.e.. £4. 12s. 8d. per car. The cost per car
kilometre is, therefore, O'OlSd. in the first ease and 0-021d. in the
second case. The employment of thicker tj^res therefore results in
a saving of £40 per million ear kilometres. And even if the upkeep
expen-ses in each ca.se had beenthe same (he turning of the tyres
has much to recommend it, for the premature appearance of " flats '
is thereby prevented. On the other hand, frequent removal and
replacement of the tyres has an unfavourable eflfect on the wheel
centres. It may be noticed that those systems where Vignoles rails
are most extensively used give the rolling sm'face of the wheel a
slope of 1 in 20. This angle is rare when groovi'd rails are employed.
Opinions differ as to whether it is advantageoiis to make the rolling
surface of grooved rails slanting, though it certainly leads to better
equilibrium when the diameters are different.
Fu:. S. — Jli.Tiioi
tllL-TuiJlTNESS lU'' .hH'KXAI.S
Vonduskms. — As a result of the foregoing it may be stated that
tyres .should be given a sufficient transverse section, that they should
lie tinned when convenient to renew the rolling surface, though at
tlie same time a minimum of material should be removed, and a long
life should be obtained. The hardness of the tyres should not be
much greater than that of the rails ; for a too highly tempered tyre,
while reducing the car upkeep, increases the wear of the rails. The
ip.creasing employment of crossings on the slope, with consequent
rolling on the flange, necessitates the tyre metal being harder and
more tenacious, and special attention being paid to the flange design.
The radius of the rounded part of the flange should be equal to that
of the rail head. As data for new work certain conditions given at
the end of the report are recommended, especially as regards the
axles, wheel centres and tyres. These specifications make for
security and all possible cheapness, and in order to obtain as great a
uniformity on tramway systems the Union Internationale de Tram-
ways and de Chemins de Ferd'Int^ret Local is recommended to adopt
them as typical.
Axle Boxes.
With a view to reducing the amount of energy lost in the axle
boxes many well designed arrangements have been proposed. Those
of the ball type, a description of which seems superfluous here, have
not given good results on either motor cars or trailers. For the
motor bearings too this arrangement has not proved equal to exi-
gencies, and their use has been, in general, abandoned as being
liardly appropriate.
As regards roller boxes, the results obtained have been more
satisfactory, though six undertakings are opposed to them, con-
sidering them impracticable. Four others, on the contrary, think
them excellent and state that they have a mean life of 168,000 km.
(105,000 miles). Supporters of these boxes give as the principal
advantage of their use a decrease in the tractive effort leading to a
reduction of as much as 25 per cent, in the current consumption,
while economies are also effected as regards lubrication. On the
contrary, their opponents point out that their cost is high, that they
are easily damaged and that the rollers wear. It is, however,
certain that even if only half the economy effected in current con-
sumption mentioned above is realised, this advantage is enough to
establish the practical utility of these boxes. In fact, taking the
mean consumption per car kilometre as 500 watt-hours and the
price of current as Id. jier unit, a reduction of only 10 per cent, in
the current consumed would in a million car kilometres lead to a
saving of £250, which is tar from negligible. The results published,
however, on the subject form no proper basis for judging the value
of these boxes from this point of view, as the tests have not yet been
sufficiently extended. The brilliant results obtained have been on
new boxes which would naturally operate satisfactorily. Examin-
ing the question in a more general manner it appears hardly possible
that so large a reduction in tractive effort could be permanent. For
on tracks made up of grooved rails .the flange friction is, on account
of the unevenness of the road and other factors, not always a negli-
gible amount of the total resistance.
The construction of roller boxes is by no means simple. It is, in
fact, a subject requiring the highest skill, and their solidity should
-TwE OF Car J''uame v.
WAYS, Showing Strixi
(IN THE DrssEEUORF TRAH-
SrsPENsio.x.
be comparable with that of the track. This roller arrangement
consists of the box proper, the rollers and the thrust block for the
ends of the axle. The box is generally of cast steel, its inner and
upper part serving as the rolling sm'face against which the axles
press. The lower part contains oil. The covering consists of two
ring plates connected by straps. The number of rollers, each of
which rest on balls, depends on the load. The pressure is distributed
at one time on from one to three rollers, the others being submitted
to no pressure. A cover of tempered steel is placed between the
balls and the box to protect the latter from wear. The axles are of
special Krupp steel, theii- rolling surfaces being tempered and
polished.
Cost and Upkeep. — A pair of ordinary axle boxes would cost
£22. lOs. per car, and. taking 500,000 car kilometres (312,500 car-
miles) as the life, this corresponds to the ten or 12 years' service. The
bronze flanges should be renewed every 100,000 km. (62,500 miles)
at a cost of £1. 10s. per car. The total expenses are therefore
£27. 10s., or O'Olld. per car kilometre.. Axles with tempered
journals and roller axle boxes cost in all £70 per car. In comparison
with ordinary boxes, the supplementary expenses of initial installa-
tion are about £50. Taking the same length of service and the same
upkeep expenses, a total of £76 is arrived at, making 003d. per car
kilometre. The difference in favour of ordinary boxes is therefore
0-02d. per car kilometre, or £95 in a million car kilometres. It
therefore follows that the economical value of the roller box is real
or zero, according to the reduction obtained in the tractive effort,
the amount saved dejieuding on the price of current.
Lubrication. — Lubrication by oil is, in [general, effected from
below by oil pads. Ordinary pads are to a great extent being dis-
placed by those of Thode or Schmassmann type, which arc composed
of horse hair, and give good results.
The type of box illustrated in Fig. 7 is in use at Munich and allows
the bra.sses to be lifted without dismounting the chassis. The
longitudinal play is limited by a fork, which engages in a groo\e in
the journal and a box. Lubrication is effected by a pad. Another
THE ELECTRICIAN. JANUARY 15. 1909.
541
arrangement described is the Korbuly box, the principal advantage
of which is the good lubrication obtained by com})letely surrounding
the journals and producing a continual flow of oil. In these boxes
oil tightness is obtained by a leather collar pressed against the axle
by a spring.
This method of secui'ing freedom from leakage has not always
given good results. In fact, many undertakings state that these
collars become defective letting out the oil and leading to axle heat-
ing. The Korbuly boxes have also another disadvantage, that should
the least fault arise, the whole chassis has to be dismantled.
Oil Tightness. — When lubrication is effected by ordinary pads or
by allowing the oil to fall drop by drop from above, the wooden
screens covered with felt or leather, which are generally adopted,
are quite sufficient. When the journals are immersed in an oil bath
these arrangements do not give a sufficient tightness at the end of
the spindle. Many attempts have been made to modify the leather
discs employed in the Korbuly box by making them double ; this,
has given good results. In order that tightness may with certainty
be obtained these parts of the lubricating boxes require to be im-
proved. Good results might perhaps be obtained by using two
packings independent of one another, as shown in Fig. 8. In order
to keep the journals in good condition and to ensure that the boxes
do not heat, it is necessary to make the brasses of special metal.
The cc instruction of these brasses differs with the type of box, but
they are generally of bronze or some anti-friction metal. The lining
of anti-fi'iotion metal is welded directly into the upper part of the
box.
As regards the actual wear of the journal and boxes, tramway
companies have unfortunately only obtained very insufiieient data.
The metals most usually employed are phosphor-bronze, bronze,
anti-friction metal and alloys containing a large percentage of lead.
There are al.so alloys in use which contain tungsten or manganese.
The difference in price of these metals is considerable. On the basis
that the loss should be as little as possible per 100,000 km. the lead
alloy,* costing £6. 7s. per 100,000 km., seems to be sufficient for
boxes when the journal is not too short, i.e., when the length is at
least equal to 1 '5 times the diameter.
Friction in the brasses is reduced very much by the emplojment
of good lubrication ; in other words, the choice of the lubricant
depends on the specific pressure. The consumption of lubricant
per car kilometre is about, for standard gauge lines : — 0'73 gms. on
motor cars and 0'63 gms. on trailers; these figures become I'TO
gms. and 096 gms. respectively on narrow gauge lines.
In conclusion, it may be said that the simplest boxes are those
which give the best results. Journals which are completely im-
mersed in oi! have the disadvantage of not always being oil-tight.
Great attention should be paid to this point, and in the opinion of
the reporter the construction should be modified to allow the adop-
tion of a double protection against oil and dust.
[To he continued)
HARRISON'S UNIVERSAL PHOTOMETER.
This well-known instrument, which is manufactm'ed by Messrs.
Elliott Bros., has recently been considerably improved by the
addition of a simple attachment that enables the horizontal illu-
mination from all fources to be measured. We referred luielly tu
this and other improvements in our descrijition of the recent c.xhilii-
tion of apparatus by the Physical Society.
It will be remembered that the instrument is intended Ic.r the
measurement of illumination on a screen making an angle ot 4.") deg.
with the vertical, and for the mea.surement ot the candle-poHer of
various .sources of light. It is i)rovided with a flicker disc rotated
by a blast of air under the control, of the operator. By fixing the
flicker disc to half cover the field of view of the eye-piece, the instru-
ment may be used as a direct comparison photometer, the illumina-
tion of the source of light being compared directly with that of the
adjustable screen inside the instrument, illuminated by a small
standard lamp connected to a .self-contained accumulator battery.
The recent addition to the instrument consists of a horizontal
screen which is covered by a cap when the flicker disc is used. Tliis
caji has a hole through the centre and forms llie eye-piece of the
instrument. When the cap is removed the horizontal sci-een is
exposed, and by fixing the flicker disc out of the field of view of the
eye-piece, by means of a small milled headed screw, the photometer
can be used to measure horizontal illumination by direct comparison.
* This alloy has the following percentage composition : Pb 59 per
cent., Sb 10 per cent., Sn 30 per cent and Cn 1 per cent.
The diagram herewith, showing the instrument together with an
enlarged view of the eye-piece, will make the construction quite
clear.
The illumination to bo measured is in all cases read off directly on
the scale by means of the pointer shown, which is fixed to the adjus-
table screen mentioned above, and by moving which balance is
obtained between the illumination of the source of light under test
and that due to one of the small standard lamj)s inside the instru-
ment.
From the foregoing it will be seen that the following tests can be
made with the instrument : (1) Candle-power by means of flicker
di.sc ; (2) candle-power by direct comparison method; (3) illu-
mination on screen at an angle of 45 deg. by flicker disc ; (4) illu-
mination on screen at an angle of 4,'5 deg. by direct comparison
method; (5) horizontal illumination by direct comparison.
The original features of the instrument have all been retained, and
the new model is just as simple to manipulate as the older pattern.
The advantages claimed for the instrument consist of: (1) Light
weight and portability: (2) long range due to use of two standard
'^, -?
V
Enlarge 1 View cf Eye-piece.
--4
^'
11 /
r
A
K---
I
V^'
\M^ ^-p------
n', .--fi
'
^V^^^
^-^
^.
Batter;
T
Dl.iOBAM SUOWISG IXTEBNAL ARRANGEMENT OF HaRRISON UnIVKRSAL
Photometer, together with an Enlarged View of the Eye-piece.
?!, Adjustable Screen attached to P, Poiater on ouuide of case. S,, Revolving Sector
Screen for general illumiDatiou. S3, f cr.^en for horizontal illumination. M, ReCei-'t-
ing Mirror. 1 1L2 Stan iard Lamps. C, Cover Cip tj be remove! wbeu taking hori-
zoQ'al illumination. G, Glass iu eye-piece.
lamps of different candle-powers; (3) permanent connection be-
tween battery and rest of circuit, which need never be disconnected
for charging purposes, &c. ; (4) battery, standard lamps and flicker
disc may be readily removed from instrument for inspection with-
oiit disconnecting or altering any adjustments; (.5) easy and accu-
rate mainpulation due to arrangement of pointer screen and flicker
disc.
We may mention that the addition of the horizontal attaclunent
does not increase the cost of the instrument, owing to its simple
construction and method of manufacture.
Improvements in Induction Motors. — A patent recently
grant cil to Messrs. J. C. Macfarlane and .\. Biuce, of Chelins-
fcril, has for its object a niodificaiioii of the usual starting
arrangements met with in induction motors, and permits a
comparatively low starting current and high initial torque.
To etfect this an induction motor, with two rotor cores
mounted axially on the same hub, is used. (Jnc rotor core
(called the running rotor) is wound wiih a low resistance wind-
ing, the other rotor (called the starting rotor) being wound
with a high resistance winding, or it may be simply a cylinder
of iron or other suitable material without any winding, the
rotor currents being generated in the core itself. The in-
terior of the hub curries a female screw thread of large pitch,
while the spindle upon whiclt it rides carries a male thread,
engaging with the female thread, with the result that when
an electromagnetic torque is applied to the rotor the hub
screws along the spindle, thus moving axially relatively to the
stator. The screws are so arranged that the effect of the
applied torque is to move the hub so that the running rotor
replaces the staiting rotor iu the stator held.
E 2
542
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 15, 1909.
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ments Vacant asm Wan'|]:i>. nnd nil kinds of Small Advebtise-
MENTs accepted up to 3:30 P.M. Thursday.
"THB BLBnTRIOIAN" INDOSTRIAL, 8nPPL,aMBNT.
With " The Electrician " for Sept. 14, lOOfi, was issued the first of a
series of " Industrial Supplements," to bo pubhshed from time to time
with " The Electrician." The thirty-first issue of the Supplement was
published (Gratis) with the number of "The Electrician " for January
Srh.
The " Industrial Supplement " is a comprehensive record of develop-
ments in Electrical Plant. Machinery, Apparatus, Accessories, Sundries
and Materials, and of their proved suitability for various Industrial
purposes. *
The " Industrial Supplement " is holed for filing or hanging, and
filing covers can be supplied for holding 0 or 12 issues.
BI<HCTRICITT SUPPLY TABLES AND DATA.
The arst of the valuable Series of comprehensive Tables of
Statistical and Engineering Data relating to Electricity Supply
Undertakings of the United Kingdom for Lighting. Power and
Traction was published (Gratis) with the Issue of " The Electrician
for January 1st. This Supplement dealt with Electric Power
Undertakings, and was accompanied by sketch maps of each of the
areas covered by the powers acquired by the respective Companies,
corrected to date.
The second Table, giving complete Eogineeriog Data of the
Electric Railways and Tramways of the United Kingdom, is
published (Gratis) with our prejent issue; the third, giving
details of Electricity Supply Undertakings without Tramway Load,
will be published (Gratis) with our issue tor January 22 ; the fourth,
dealing with Electricity Supply Undertakings with Combined Light-
ing and Traction Load, and with Towns taking Electricity Supply in
Bulk, will be published (Gratis) with our issue for January 29. On
February 19 will be issued Gratis i a Complete Index to the above.
Tables VII. and VIII., giving details of Electricltyi Works and
Electric Tramways and Railways in the Colonies and some Im-
portant places abroad will be issued (Gratis) on February 12.
ELECTRIC LIGHTING, TELEGRAPHY AND OTHER
APPLICATIONS OF ELICTRIGITY IN 1908.
As regards electric lighting, the progress made dining
19C'8 from a general point of view, has been most en-
couraging. It will be remembered that when the inetnllic
filament lamp was introduced supply engineers feared the
effect it might have on their outputs, and in some cases
these fours have been realised. But, in general, the worst
that has happened has been the removal of the sharpne.ss
of the "peak," and consumers are now obtaining an in-
creased illumination for the same amount of energy con-
sumed. There seems little doubt that in future this will
be the position, and that the actual output of the stations
will not be reduced, but rather increased, by the introduc-
tion of these new lamps, though the output per consumer
may be less and the receipts j)C9- cajjitu lowcv. It is in the
case of the small station supplying alternating current that
the diminution has been must serious.
L'oniing to the lamps themselves, the progress since this
time last year has been '^ery marked. Special articles in
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 15, 1909.
543
The Elkctkiciax have been devoted to this subject, and
to these we must refer our readersjfor full details'. It will
be sufficient to say that a metal lamp for burniiig on cir-
cuits whose voltage does not exceed 250 volts has beenjiro-
duced, and although such lamps are not made for candle-
powers lower than 50 c.p., the production of lower lighting
units appears to be only a matter of time. The employ"
ment of auto transformers on the premises of consumers
on alternating current circuits has become very general, the
voltage used at the lamps being about 25 volts. On high
voltage continuous current supply, however, the lamps
have np to the present had to be burned generally in
series, a method which has several obvious disadvantages-
An ingenious method of overcoming these has been placed on
the marlcet by JVlr. C. H. Stearx, who employs a nunrber of
low voltage lamps in series, each of which is fitted with a
resistance. Should a filament lireak, this resistance is
automatically cut into circuit and prevents the remaining
lamps of the group from being extinguished. In general,
great attention has been paid to strengthening the filaments
of the lamps, and the initial difficulties met with when
they were burnt in any but the usual position seem to
have been successfully overcome.
The flame arc lamp has also continued to develop in a
satisfactory manner. Several new types have made their
appearance on themarket, andtheir employmentisbecoming
more and more general. One of the most pronounced suc"^
cesses of the year was that obtained by this .system of
lighting in the City of London. As will be remembered,
ilame arc lamps were installed experimentally in two of
the principal streets— namely, Cannon-street and Holborn-
viaduct— and tests upon these under working conditions
showed that this form of lighting was far and away the
best for the purpose. These lamps are also being more
and more employed for shop lighting and other similar
purposes, and it may lie said that the prospects for the
tlame aic lamp are decidedly good.
It is satisfactory to note that more attentioa is being
paid to the question of illumination. It is no longer con-
sidered wholly sufficient to fix a lamp in some more or less
.suitable position and then leave it fully exposed to the
eye ; it has now become possible to obtain adequate
illumination either by means of reflected or distributed
light by the use of specially-designed fittings. In this
way a pleasanter light is obtained and the eye is not
offended by a succession of bright points.
The advantages of electric lighting for decorative pur-
poses were fully realised by the promoters of the Fraueo-
liritish Exhibition held at Shepherd's Bush last year. This
display of illumination formed an excellent advertisement
of electrical methods, and for the industry as a whole. Apart
from this unofficial exhibit, electrical engineering was not
well represented, and had it not been for the enterprise
of the London electricity supply companies things wouhi
have been much worse than they were in this respect.
A small exhibit was thus provided and formed one of
the greatest attractions in the Machinery Hall. It con-
sisted of a " model home " fitted with electrical appliances
for domestic purposes, and a showroom in which genera
electrical information could be obtained, and in which
"literature" was also provided. A few exhibits of electrical
equipments were also arranged in the vicinity. In general,
the engineering exhibits were disappointing, and many
well-known firms made no show at all. We believe this
was, to a large extent, due to the fact that an electrical
exhibition was due to be held at Manchester during
October, and which proved a great success. The key*^
note here was the adaptability of the electric drive to
industrial purposes, though other applications of elec-
tricity were adequately represented. The exhibition wfis
well attended by the general public, and in this way at least
must have proved of great educational value. Manchester
proved an excellent place to hold a display of this kind, and
as a result the hopes of the promoters were fully justified.
We have already drawn particular attention to the great
progress made in the " electric drive " during the year. It
is, however, essential that where motors and other electrical
equipment are installed everything should be as safe as
possible and that all " live " parts should be protected. To
ensure this the Home Office has issued a draft set of rules
for the use of electricity in factories, and these rules natur-
ally met with some opposition. The outcome of this oppo-
sition was an enquiry, presided over by Mr. James Swin-
burne, at which several modificati(jns were introduced.
The amended rules are, we understand, now ready for pub-
lication.
As regards electrochemistry, much progress has been made
both on the scientific and the practical side, and the sub-
ject is of such great interest that it will be dealt with more
fully in a sub.sequent article. The use of cyanaraide, wdiich
depends indirectly upon electrical methods, is becoming
more extended, the direct fixation of nitrogen is still re-
ceiving much attention, and attempts have been made to
increase the producing power of the soil by direct "electri-
fication."
In the realm of telegra[)hy several events of importance
have occurred. The quinciuennial International Telegraph
(Jonference was hsld at Lisbon in May, after a period of
doubt as to whether the serious events which had occurred
in Portugal in the earlier part of the year would involve a
still further postponement. Very little business of first
importance was transacted, and the attom pt to alter the ( 'on-
vention of St. Petersburg, 1875, upon which iuternational
telegraphic business is lia.sed was unsuccessful. Some
alterations were made in the Service Kegulations which
govern international intercommunication by telegraphic
and telephonic means, and some Pegulations were included
relating to radiotelegraph}-. It has been the custom for a
long period for these Conferences to be held quinquen-
nially, but the delegates at Lisbon decided to extend the
period to seven years, and it was further decided to Jiold
the next Conference in Paris. The first of what promises
to be an interesting feature in regard to Government tele-
graphs was a meeting of the chief officials of State Tele-
graph Departments of the world at Pudapest. The gather-
ing was presided over by M. V. Kolossv.\ry, and was
attended by delegates from most of the principal countries,
including Great Britain. The report of the proceedings
at this gathering has been issued, and shows that
several Papers were read, and interesting discussions
followed thereupon. At home Mr. Hennikek Heaton,
upon whom the credit for all recont postal reforms
544
THE ELECTKICIAN, JANUARY 15, 1909.
s<2cins, for some reason, to liave descended, lias sought new
worlds III coiiquei', and during the year has put forth a
proposal for " peuny-a-word telegrams throughout the
Jh'itish Empire " (or is it to be international ?). Having set
the ball rolling, Mr. Heaton and his followers have dropped
this quixotic scheme and have made a proposal for
British State-control of submarine cables. After creating
some mild excitement and being vigorously controverted
by Mr. G. E. Neilsox on both occasions when subnutted for
]iublic discussion, both projects have apparently passed out
of the public mind without any effect upon ]\Ir. Heaton'.s
great reputation. The serious objection to these agitations
is their effect apon timid investors. Generally, matters
telegraphic have been uneventful. The construction of
Underground trunk telegraph lines has continued, and
several important additions to the network of these lines
are under construction.
A matter of concern to the owners of submarine cable
property — the damage to submerged telegraph cables by
steam and other trawlers — has been the subject of investi-
gation by an inter-departmental committee during the
year. This Committee have issued their report, which has
been fully dealt with in The Electrician.
In the department of wireless telegraphy the ratification
by the Governments of the world of the Berlin Convention
of 1903 (which came into operation on July 1, 1908) has
given a great impetus to the development of wireless tele-
graph stations and the standardisation of wireless tele-
graphic n\ethods. A number of important stations of long
range have been erected and equipped in various parts of
the world, but we are not able to announce that any mate-
rial progress has been made in the matter of syntonising
messages. In ship-to-shore work wireless telegraphy has
ciiutinued its useful career, and there have been considerable
developments in this direction.
With regard to Mr. Makconi's scheme for establishing
trans-Atlantic wireless telegrapliy some progress has been
made. From time to time telegrams appear in the public
journals, but we understand that the a.ctual amount of
business done, compared with that which passes over the
Atlantic cables, is very small. On the financial side of
this branch, we understand the Money Market has looked
askance at all attempts by the wireless companies to raise
additional capital. One result nf this has been the passing
into the liquidator's Jiands of the .Vmalgamated Itadio-
Telegraph Co., which had a nominal capital of £450,000.
Points of interest in regard to the telegraph section of
the industry include improved methods of photo-tele-
graphy, and several demonstrations of this fascinating
branch have been made, along with the interesting an-
nouncement that Mr. Hans Kxuhsex, a prominent worker
in this department, has devised a telegraphic method of
operating linotype composing machines by an adaptation
of his photo-telegraphic apparatus.
Matters tek'iihonic are under the shadow uf 1911, and
there is little to record in regard to telephonic develop-
ments dui'ing the past 12 months. New e.xclianges of the
National Telephone Co., despite the early termination of
the Company's licence, continue to be opened at a fairly
rapid rate, with the Post Office a good second. Some
development of the automatic system of telephonic service
has occurred <luriiig the year, an exchange for L'OO sulj-
scribers having been opened at Lyons ; there have also been
rumours from time to time of the establishment of an
exchauge on this system on a considerable scale in London,
but so far nothing more than the rumour is to be
recorded.
A field of work for which it may be claimed that en-
couraging progress has been made during' the past year is
that of wireless telephony. While there is no justification
for the fairy stories which have appeared in the yellow
journals as to successful experiments in wireless tele-
phony over very long distances, minor successes, fully
authenticated, have been achieved. A notable example
was the tests made by the British Admiralty authorities
at the end of Sejitember last at Portsmouth, where we have
good reason to believe that . wireless telephonic communi-
cation was successfully carried on with De Forest appa-
ratus over a distance of nearly 50 nautical miles. The tests
were severe, inasmuch as the transmission consisted of
Stock Exchange quotations chiefly, but the percentage of
errors was very small. The importance of these tests,
following upon many others made during the past year in
America and on the Continent, is that they point very en-
couragingly to a great development in this branch of elec-
trical work in the near future.
On the legal side, apart from ordinary commercial
actions, there were few decisions in 1908 which possessed
more than local interest. The validity of Quain's variable
electric lamp patents of 1901 was raised in an action and
decided in the allirniative, an injunction being granted
against their infringement. Of more importance were the
decisions of the Comptroller-General of Patents on the
compulsory working clause of the Patents and Designs
Act, 1907. These decisions, though, strictly speaking, not
judicial, are in consonance with the intentions of the
framers of the Act, and it is evident that foreign owners
of English patent rights must work and exploit Iheir in-
ventions in this country or be prepared to forfeit their
patents. There appears to be some dift'erence of opinion as
to what is a sufficient compliance with the clauses as to
compulsory working, some maintaining tiu^t it is sufficient
if the various parts of a machine are manufactured abroad,
imported into this country, and assembled here, while
others contend that all articles and parts of machines
which are the subject of patents in this country nmst be
manufactured here. Of the numerous rating and assess-
ment cases the most important was the judgment of the
House of Lords in the appeal of Wakefield Corporation
against a decision of the Court df Appeal holding that
light railways were only liable to bo assessed at one-fourth
of their net annual value, pursuant to sec. 211 (lb) of the
Public Health Act, 1875. Many otherratingappeals depended
u]ion the decision in this ca.se, which upheld the judgment
of the Court of Appeal and finally removed any doubts as
to the principle upon which tramways constructed under the
Light Eailways xAct, 1896, are to be a.ssessed. In this connec-
tion we may refer to the judgment of the Vice-Chancellor
in the Chancery of Lancaster, who held tliat it was ultra
vires on the part of Fleetwood and Bispham Councils to
contribute to the costs of an appeal to the House of Lords
by Thornton Coun cil in regard to the assessment of the
THE ELECTRICIAN. J.VNUARY 15, 1909.
545
light railways of the Blackpool and Fleetwood Co. in
Thornton. There were various appeals by the .owners of
electricity works and tramways from the assessments of
their undertakings by local assessment committees, and in
many cases the appellants succeeded. It is interesting to
note that an unsuccessful attempt was made to induce a
Divisional Court to issue a writ of prohibition to the
Justices of Middlesex to abstain from hearing an appeal
by the Metropolitan Electric Tramways (Ltd.) against the
assessment of the tramways while certain magistrates who
were members of jMiddlesex County Council (the owners
of the tramways) were members of the Bencli of
Magistrates.
The judgment of Mr. Justice .Joyce, in the case of Heath
and others i: Brighton Corporation for an injunction to
restrain an alleged nuisance by vibration, was welcomed
liy engineers and managers of electricity works. It was
alleged that the machinery at one of the Corporation's
electricity stations cau.sed a nuisance to plaintifis and
others who worshipped in a neighbouring church, but after
hearing the evidence and obtaining an expert report,
the judge held that the plaintiffs had not established
tiieir right to an injunction, and the action was dismissed.
In West r. Bristol Tramways & Carriage Co. the Court
of Appeal affirmed the judgment of the Bristol Recorder
awarding plaintiff, a florist and nurseryman, £40 damages
for injury to his nursery plants, llowers, &c., due to fumes
from the creosoted wood paving of (he company's ti-amroad.
In Acton District Council v. London United Tramways a
point was raised as to the incidence of the liability for
clearing away a heavy fall of snow from the tramway track-
The company had used a snow plough, and the snow was
thrown on to the margins of the road. The Couucil had
til clear this away, and sued for the cost of the work, or
alternatively, damages (under the Public Health Acts) for
nuisance and obstruction. In the County Court, judgment
was given for the Council, but on appeal by the company
a Divisional Court reversed this judgment, on the ground that
there was an oljligation on the part of the Council to clear the
snow away. In the appeal of the National Telephone Co.
from the judgment of Mr. Justice Swinfen-E.\uy in an
action brought against them by the Postmaster-General,
an important point was raised as to the term "private"
teluplioue. The judge held that the company were liable
to pay tlie full royalty on the sum received for supply
uud maintenance of private telephone lines and instru-
ments, and also that the company, by supplying and main-
taining lines and "apparatus for a fire alarm system by
means of boxes placed in the streets, so as to enable any-
one to communicate with a fire station, were thereby con-
cerned in transmitting " telegrams " in contravention of
the P.M.G.'s privilege under the Telegraphs Act, 1859.
The Court of Appeal, by a majority, reversed the decision
of the Court below.
The pioneers of electrical industry and science in this
country are, to the regret of their pupils and the world,
passing away. In our last annual review we had to record the
death of Lord Kelvin, a wound from which science will
be long in recovering. Now we have to mourn the loss of
"WiLLiAir Edwakd AyrtOiV as being no more with us.
What he did for the profession as a whole is known
doubt that he
for those who
this connection
to all our readers, and there is no
made, as pioneers do, the way easier
followed. Others we may mention in
are Lord Blyth8Wood, B. H. Thwaite, F. H. Webb and
the Rev. E. Lafoxt. France lost both H. Becquerel
and E. Mascart practically in the same week. The latter
had succeeded Lord Kelvin in the presidency of the Inter-
national Electrotechnical Commission and was at the time
of his death looking forward to attending the meeting in
London.
REVIEWS.
Copif
of tbc undermentioned works can be had from Thi BUclrlcian OIBce, post frea
"""'J''h°L^"^iy'J'l?.™!v''-?'°? ^- '<"■ *"""" published under 23. Add 10 per
cent, for abroad or for foreign books.)
Introduction to the Study of Electrical Engineering By
H. H. NoRRis. (London: Cliapm.ui & Hall.) P[,. iii.-378. lOg 6d.
net.
This book professes to lay a foundation for further analytical
work, or, in combination with practical experience or laboratory
exercises, to enable the student to ■■ intelligently select, instal
and operate electrical machinery." We assume that the
student is not specialising in electrical engineering, but in some
other branch, and merely requires a very superficial knowledge
of electrical apparatus. The ground covered is .so varied and
extensive that the treatment is generally far too superficial to
make the book of very much use to any really serious student
of electrical engineering. It might be read with advantage by
a student in the vacation between his first and second year
with the object of getting a general idea of the field before him.
Some parts of the subject are treated more fully, but not alwavs
with accuracy.
The book contains an introdiiction and 13 chapters. In the
introduction a number of examples are sjiven showing the
various applications of electrical energv. These are well
chosen, although Fig. i .shows ■■ the familiar (?) example "
of a trolley car climbing a grade of 1 in ZT>. Chapter 1. con-
tains a historical survey, starting with a piece of amber and
ending with S. H. Short. On p. 2(). Henry and Faradav get
a httle mixed, "the latter" evidently meaning "the
former."'
One is startled to read on p. .'io that the Neriist lamp with its
kaolin filament is now in general use. There is an air of finality
about the statement on p. 4.5 that " the induction motor has
been improved until at the present time it is practically per-
f„,.t " •pfjg following chapter deals with electrical and mag-
fect.'
iiotic ([uantities and units. In defining the ampere we are
told that the dcposil should be OOOl 1 18 gramme of silver, and
then that the anode should be covered with filter paper to
retain the deposit. After reading this a student would cer-
tainly imagine that the filter paper was the thing to be care-
fully weighed to determine the deposit. Although headed
" Materials of Electrical Engineering," the following chapter
contains proofs of the formul.-c for the E.M.F. of an armature
conductor and the force on a motor armature conductor.
In dealing with cast iron on p. 92 we are told that the energv
losses are excessive with " even highly variable flux." what-
ever that may mean.
In the chapter on alternating current transmission lines, the
author is in error in ascribing the action of the horn arrester to
the upward rush of hot vapours. If put upside down the arc
will be driven downwards by the currents, in spite of the hot
vapours. On p. 136 /i is given as analogous to specific re-
sistance, instead of specific conductance. In chapters VI.
and VIT., on the construction and operation of direct current
and alternating current generators, a paragraph is devoted
to the distribution of load between two or more alternators.
It is fundamentally wrong, however, and shows a very sUght
acquaintance with the subject. The following chapters deal
with transformers, power stations, motors and their applica-
tions, lighting and heathig, measurements, and finally tele-
546
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 15, 1909.
};rapliy and f'-k-plioiiy. The paragraph on units of illuniination
is Vfi'v conl'iising and inaccurate.
The book is very wo^ll illustrated throughout, although in
one or two cases the illustration is evidently not exactly the
one described in the text. G. W. 0. H.
Beitrage zur Theorle der Kabel. By Dr. Inc. Lroh Lh htenstein.
(Berlin: KOldenhourg.) Pp. 40. M.S.
Dr. Lichtenstein presents us in this work with a very com-
plete and thorough treatment of the somewliat complicated
theory of the capacity of multiple-core cables, both stranded
and concentric. The first chapter commences with a con-
sideration of condensers of simple geometrical shape, such as
concentric spheres and parallel plates, and by drawing atten-
tion to the effect of external charged conductors, a considera-
tion which is usually omitted as negligible in elementary text
books, prepares the way in a natural manner for the treatment
of cases in which more than two charged conductors enter into
the system.
The author then proceeds immediately to attack the most
general case- namely, that of a system consisting of n insu-
lated conductors charged in any desired manner. The relation
between the charges and the potentials of each of the con-
ductors is established, and is shown to depend upon a series of
fi('ji -j- i) .
constants -^- — - in number, which constants depend only
ujion the shape and position of the conductors and the dielec-
tric between them.
From this general case it is easy to proceed to particular
cases, such as that of a ea])le consisting of m similar conduc,-
tors, symmetrically situated at the angles of a regular polygon
and charged from a source of n phases each of true sine form.
The restrictions here introdjjced on the general case greatly
reduce the number of constants to be dealt with, and if it is
.further postulated that m = 3. we obtain a further simplifica-
tion, and a full solution of the practical case of a three-cored
three-phase cable.
Other particular ca.ses are next considered. The effect of
.earthing one or more of the conductors is considered, as well
as the effect of introducing an earthed or an insulated con-
ducting sheathing. The case of a two-core twinned cable
with or without sheathing is also fully treated.
In the second chapter the author proceeds to a similar treat-
ment of concentric multiple-cored fables, and alsodeals with the
case of a single core cable with lead sheathing and armouring.
The third chapter deals with the difficult question of calcu-
lating the capacity constants from a knowledge of the geo-
metrical relations of the conductors and of the specific induc-
tive capacity of the dielectric.
This chapter, whilst no doubt necessary in a complete
treatment of the subject, will probably prove of less value to
the practical cable engineer than the first and second. As
Dr. Lichtenstein himself remarks, the capacity constants are
very difficult to calculate, but very easy to measure, and the
experimental determination is more reliable as well as less
troublesome. Cases may no doubt arise in practice, how-
ever, where a calculation is necessary, and in such cases the
pjactical utility of this chapter will be apprecia+ed.
Assuming that all the capacity constants of a cable have been
expi'rimentally determined, it is necessary to have a full com-
prehension of the effect of these in determining the " appa-
rent'' or "effective" capacity of the cable under definite
conditions of charge. It is, for instance, advisable to know
the effect on the apparent capacity of earthing one of the
conductors, or of insulating the lead sheathing, and to de-
termine the effect on the apparent capacitv of anv higher
harmonics which may be present. All this Dr. Lichtenstein's
work puts dearly before us, and it may here be remarked that
the determinations are by no means obvious, and that the use
of rule-of-thumb fornmire without a full comprehension of
the conditions under which alone thev are applicable is apt to
lead to serious error.
- Although the theory of the suh),.ct is somewhat tedious
and complicated, it is by no means difficult, and makes claims
rather on the reader's patience than on his mathematical
attainments.
The author is to be commended on u lucidity of style which
is too often absent from mathematical treatises of the kind.
The common vice of leaving several steps in the chain of reason-
ing to the ingenuity of the reader is here carefully avoided.
The definitions and. the notation are clear and strictly adhered
to, and the equations are often elucidated by diagrams giving
the results in graphic form. F. Hird.
Practical Induction Coil Construction. By .John Pike. (Lon-
don : Percival Marshall & Co.) Pp. 128. Is. net.
This is a valuable little book for the amateur, and contains
much useful information regarding the difficult matter of
breaks. It is written in simple language, as free as possibh'
from technical terms calculated to confuse any hut profes-
sional electricians. A chapter at the end of the book is
devoted to radiographic work, and indicates that the author
has had much practical experience ; we wish, however, that
he could have seen fit to issue a strong warning to amateurs
against the indiscriminate cmjiloyment of X-rays. While
experienced practitioners are being maimed for life it is only
proper that those who know little or nothing of the dajigers of
dermatitis should receive suitable warning.
THE TWO-TONE VIBRATING TRANSMITTER AND
INDUCTIVE SIQNALLINO.
BY EDWARD RAYMOND-BARKER.
In view of the interest manifested by friends old and new at
the Physical Society's Exhibition of December 1 1th — also at
the Koyal Institution on March 13th of last year — in the
writer's two-tone vibrating transmitter and methods for in-
ductive signalling, he ventures to supplement with a few
general remarks, and one or two points of detail, the article
on his apparatus and results obtained therewith published in
The Electrician of December 18th, and through this effec-
tive medium reach* the eyes of many interested submarine
cable confreres in various parts of the world. Diagrams will be
numbered in sequence with those in The Electrician article
of December 18th last.
These remarks will be confined mainly to the application of
the two-tone vibrating transmitter to but one of its many uses,
the one, perhaps, of most interest to cable men, namely that of
the transmitter in an inductive-signal system for maintaining
telegraphic communication between ship and .shore — within
certain KR limits — during a ship's final operations on a cable
repair, when the cable conductor is no longer accessible for
electrical signalling by ordinary methods.
As a matter of fact one has so few opportunities for studying
the practical scope of this new inductive signalling, that the
WTiter intended to await further data before publishing any
detailed description of apparatus with directions for procedure
under various conditions. Circumstances, however, outside the
writer's sphere of action, brought about the exhibition of his
apparatus thus necessitating — in reply to a formal invitation —
the illustrated general description already referred to, and so
effectively reproduced bv The Electrician in the issue of
Dec. 18. '
The writer long ago discovered that experiments with the
two-tone through inductive resistance, or artificial cable (A.L.)
gave misleading results, as the high-frequency vibratory current
were found to take short cuts across the leakage prevalent even
over apparently clean and dry ebonite surfaces, as well as at
multifarious points in the internal economy of the A.L.
Experiments through cable coiled in tanks gave equally
futile results, though telephones severally connected up be-
tween various sections making up some 900 miles of cable in 13
different tanks all gave loud and clear two-tone signals.
In the case of nearly 1,400 miles of cable distriljuted in the
three tanks of a cable ship previous to being paid out, good
acoustic signals were always obtainable through tanks 1, 2 and
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 15, 1909.
547
3, the apparatus being joined up between top end of top sec-
tion in No. 1, and top end of top section in No. 3. J^ow these
signals were almost equally good whether the cables in the
various tanks were connected up in series, or whether the tanks,
and even all the different cable sections, were disconnected
from each other, so long as the two terminal wires connecting
respectively with the top sections in tanks 1 and 3 were left
on. Many changes might have been rung on these conditions,
but there was other work to be done.
When one end of two miles, or so, of shore-end caWlc had jjcen
landed from a lighter, and paid out back to the sliip, two-tone
acoustic communication was established between ship and
cable-house. The two-tone signals from the transmitter and
two or three Leclanche cells were so loud that they could be
read some distance from the telephones laid down on the
table. On the joint and splice being effected with the main
cable, acoustic conductive signals were no longer obtainable,
the vibratory impulses necessary to produce sound being
effectually flattened down and stiffed by the cable retardation.
Yet before, when both ends of nearly the total cable on
the ship had been joined up into the testing room, acoustic
signals through the entire length had been feasible, even when
the various sections had been left disconnected from each other.
All this shows that in matters relating to vibratory trans-
mission in conjunction with acoustic receivers, definite know-
ledge can be arrived at onlv on the basis of results olitained on
laid cables.
In an experiment made by the writer in a row-boat, to the
bows of which an iron-sheathed seven core telephone cable 140
yards long between ship and shore had been raised, inductive
signalling was carried on from the boat in both directions by a
two-tone, in circuit with a Gott fault-searcher coil applied to
the outside of the cable, which, except where it was raised on
to the boat, lay in fresh water. The row-boat was nearer to
shore than to ship, and shore's signals were louder than those
from the ship.
How far, and for what distances then this system of inductive
signals is applicable to cable underrunning, and to what extent
the presence of brass tape, lead covering, or outer iron-sheath-
ing leading both ways into the water screens the copper con-
ductor from the inductive action of the Gott coil, is a mattei-
regarding which the writer would be glad to hear from men
who can write with the authority of practical experience. The
technical considerations applying to such cases will ))e con-
sidered further on in this article.
The writer takes advantage of this opportunity for acknow-
ledging the help he has derived in his work of establishing a
regular system of inductive signalling, from the existence of
Mr. John Gott's D-shaped fault-searcher coil — a well thought-
out apparatus dating from the late seventies, and the result of a
large number of experiments and much research, supplemented
also by practical investigations on board ship by Mr. Herbert
Kingsford.
This coil has l>een made at the Silvertowu Telegraph Works
ill hand form, also by Messrs. Johason & Philips in larger size,
encased in metal and adjustable in position by means of wheel
gear, so that a cable on being picked up should pass over or
inider the coil's flat surface. Mr. Gott's methods have been
further developed by the late Mr. W. .J. Murphy, and by Mr.
E. Jona. All tiii.s- work referred, of course, to tests for noting,
during picking up, when a fault in a cable came in on board and
abaft the drum.
The writer's earliest experience in inductive telegraphy may
count for nothing, but it is worth mention. Shortly ;ifter the
advent of Dr. iiell's telephone, the writer then at a cable
station in the tropics, and with no extra underground line for
speaking purposes between cable-house (C.H.) and oiTice — a
few miles apart — devised the following simple means for gett-
ing information at C.H. from the office without breaking in and
causing interference with the " through " working. He found
that by winding with a long lay, a few yards of insulated leading
wire round the cable or land-line, and joining up the wire to a
telephone, he could render all the office's out-going signals
audible, though not intelligible, owing to the similarity in the
sound of the dash and dot clicks of the Kelvin-recorder code,
as heard in the Bell telephone. In other words, there was no
dissimilarity between the er|ual-time-value sound produced in
the diaphragm by |- and by — pa.ssing impulses. This was the
incident, by the way, which drew the writer's attention to the
want of a two-tone transmitter. It was a simple matter,
however, to enable C.H. to obtain from office any required in-
formation at some preconcerted time, by arranging that office,
at a given time — when, of course, C.H. would be listening —
should signal the information with one only of the two levers of
the cable recorder-key, Morse fashion, the consequent short and
long chicks naturally being easilv read in C.H.'s telephone,
joined up to the short length of leading wire, wound elongated-
helix fashion round any portion of the line circuit. Shortly
after this, the writer read in the Journal of the (then) Society of
Telegraph Engineers a description of Mr. .John Gott's fault-
searcher coil. In view of this advent of an apparatus so
admirably suited for inductive detector-woik with a telephone,
the writer ceased to meditate on possible developments of his
fathom or so of wire passed round the cable.
It is time now to consider conditions governing practical
inductive cable signalling between a towed lighter and shore
during under-running operations, or when, on a repair ship,
owing to the final joint in a cable repair having been .started,
actual metallic connection can no longer be eiJected with the
conductor for telegraphic intercourse with shore.
Circumstances favourable to this class of inductive signalling
are confined within more or less restricted limits, and depend
upon a variety of conditions classifiable niainlv under two
headings, namely : —
1. Retardative effect due to action of cable Kl{.
:.'. Screening action of cable sheathing.
Regarding the first of these effects : — Owing to the difficulty
experienced in obtaining in a laboratory with inductive resist-
ances, or with cable coiled in tanks, absolutely reliable data for
the determination of the maximum distance between a terminal
station and a cable repair ship, over which distance, on a given
cable, inductive two-tone signals can be worked vs'ith telephone
receivers, only actual experiment can decide with certainty
what this limit is.
.\ctual i)istances of very successful inductive working have
been ij noted in a former article, with their accompanying
figures, so need not again be referred to except to enable the
writer to express his indebtedness to three cable .superinten-
dents, among others, who have been enthusiastic in their
appreciation of the convenience attaching to the possibility of
inductive signalling during the final operations of a cable
repair.
One chief official has emphasised the fact that inductive two-
tone signals received, at his station, on a telephone, from a
ship 26 miles distant, were distinct enough to be read without
difficulty in a town office amidst many street noises.
Another su])erinteiident has pointed out the convenience
attaching to the two-tone transmitter which one moment may
be used (1°) for producing conduct! vely signals on a ship's
Siphon-Recorder, and afterwards, without any change ashore,
for (2°) inductive signalling with ship's Gott coil and telephone
through the fiiud joint and splice.
A third head official in charge of a cable station dealing also
with much high-speed land-line work, has di-awn attention to
the manner in which the two musical notes of the ship's
induced two-tone signals have sounded clearly distinguish-
able above the chatter of cross-talk and noises from induction,
leakage, and imperfect earth conditions emanating from many
neighbouring Post Office wires, and overheard on the two-tono
apparatus used for receiving from the .ship.
With regard now to the afore-mentioned second heading,
viz : — The .screening action of the cable sheathing, as a deterrent
to efficient inductive signalling.
Figs. 9 and 10 show essential features of two electrically
parallel operations.
Fig. 9 shows inductive communication between shore station
A and lighter B under-runnins; cable with electrical connections
as shown in No. 5, Fig. 5. The Electkicuk, Dec. 18, 1908.
548
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 15, 1909.
Fin. 10 sliuws inductive work between shore stat'/JU A and
•ship 13 on i)oanl of which tlie final joint and splice of a cable
]-epair are beinj; successively effected. Electrical connections
arc as in No. 5, Fig. 5, as above.
At A the two-tone vibrator apparatus Ij is between earth E
and the cable, connections being as in No. 3 or No. 4, Fig. 5,
The Electrician, Dec. 18, 1908. At the distant station the
cable is to earth, either direct or through apparatus.
On the lighter in Fig. 9, and on the ship in Fig. 10, a two-
tone transmitter Ij. and a Gott coil G afford a means for
(>.\-change of inductive signals with Ij ashore at A.
S S indicate where two sides of the cable bight are lead over
tli(' ship's bow sheaves, and are thus brought close together. ■
In Figs. 9 and 10, respectively, the lighter and the ship have
been omitted, merely the essential electrical features appearing.
In Fig. 9 Ij and G act inductively on the under-run cable,
which leaves the water at points Pj and Pj forward and astern
of lighter. Thus any perfectly continuous uncovered metallic
sheathing must, together with the water form a closed circuit,
which, of necessity, tends to screen the conductor from any
effective inductive action between G and the cable conductor.
The scope of the closed-circuit screen is shown by a dotted line.
If the sheathing of the under-run cable be covered with im-
jnegnated jute and bitumen, it will be more or less insulated
from tii(^ water, and the formation of a closed circuit screen
will be discouraged, and inductive signalling correspondingly
encouraged. Also the greater the resistance between Pj and
Po, the better the inductive signalling conditions will become.
For this reason salt water is less favourable than is fresh for
this class of work, offering, as it does, less resistance than that
pertaining to fresh water. With well covered and therefore
fairly insulated sheathing wires, and with a good local earth
ashore, the sheathing wires may be used as a line conductor.
The nature of the screening action here referred to, and
the result of varying the resistance between points electrically
equivalent to Pj and T., in Figs. 9 and 10, have been demon-
strated by the writer in the experiment shown in Fig. 11.
L, a length of lead-covered brass-taped gutta-percha core,
was joined up direct to two-tone apparatus Ij, so as to form
with Gott coil G a medium for exchange of inductive signals
with I,. The resulting acoustic signals in both directions were
loud and distinct, until the-two sides of the bight were brought
together, so that the points Pj and Pj on the lead covering
touched, when inductive signals ceased, having been killed by
the screening action of the lead-cover closed circuit. Pj and P,
were then again separated when signals revived. Then the
sides of the lead-covered bight were connected by a fathom of
tinned-copper binding wire W, the resistance of which was
sufficient to leave the two-tone acoustic signals still loud. By
drawing the two sides of the bight gradually together by means
of the tinned-copper wire, signals were made to correspondingly
decrease in intensity until on P, and P, touching, they ceased
altogether.
Near the shore it is important for efficient-cable-earth pur-
poses, that in the making of splices in the cable, the sheathing
from both sides of the splice should be laid in together in actual
metallic contact supplemented by lappings of iron binding
wire. This kind of splice when made in a cable, the sheathing
of which is uncovered, is found to kill inductive signalling.
When, however, a final splice is made at too great a distance
from shore for any imperfect metallic contact between the two
sides of the splice to affect the reliability of shores cable sheath-
Fig. 9;
ami connected to shore's vibrator apparatus, as medium for the
inductive impulses exchanged between shore and lighter.
In Fig. 10, the dotted line shows the scope of the screening
action of any perfectly continuous uncovered metallic sheath-
ing. It is assumed in the diagram that precautions have been
taken at the ships bow sheaves S S to prevent, by means of
rope parcelling, the cable sheathing from resting in actual
metallic contact with the iron bow-,sheaves of the cable ship, a
short-circuiting action which would, of course, still further
restrict the scope of the metallic closed-circuit screen, and go
still further towards preventing effective inductive intercourse
between ship B and the near shore station A.
It follows that, on ship B (given favourable cable KR con-
ditions) until the closing over of the two oppo.site sheathing
<'ii(ls in a laying-in splice, there will be no closed-circuit screen
to deter inductive signalling.
Therefore the feasibility of inductive signalling during the
making of a final joint is always a certainty (within KR limits).
Dunng this step in the proceedings, the Gott coil mav be
a|)|)hed to any part of the cable bight, and signalling will'pro-
ceed without difficulty, as until the opposite sides of the sheath-
ing have been laid in together in a laving-in splice, there will
be no complete screen circuit to fend off the Gott coil inductive
impulses from acting upon the cable conductor.
The critical operation, therefore, is the splice. For this
reason, an over lapping splice is better than a laying-in splice,
as m the former there is less tendencv for the sheathing wires of
the two ends about to be spliced, to come into actual metallic
contact with each other to form with the water a closed circuit
aoreen.
Fig. 10.
Fig. 11.
ing earth, the period during which inductive signalling may be
carried on can be greatly prolonged by care not to bring about
any kind of metallic contact between the two sides of a splice.
For inductive signalling conditions to be maintained, not
only after the completion of the final joint, but also after a
start has been made on the final splice of a cable repair,
metallic contact between the two sides of the splice about to be
made must be deferred as long as practicable. General require-
ments on board ship may thus be summarised :—
(a) If core be brass-taped, brass tape may be laid over the
finished joint from both sides, but with frictional tape laid in
betwecii the two lappings to prevent metallic contact and con-
sequent tendency to complete a screen circuit.
(6) If feasible, an overlapping splice is to be preferred to a
laying-in splice.
(c) If a laying-in splice be necessary, or indeed under any
other circumstances, actual contact between sheathing wires
from the two sides may be retarded or prevented l)v impreg-
nated tape, supplemented by smearings of bituminous com-
pound. Also a lapping of strong tape ought to underlie the
wire seizings round the laid-in sheathings.
{ ') Artual contact between the cable— especially if the
sh-a'.hiig wires be bare— and the bow-sheaves of "the ship
must iQ prevented by rope parcelling ; this for reasons already
referr d to.
((:) The Gott fault-searcher coil ought not to be applied
to any part of the cable where the two sides of the bight are in
close proximity ; where, for instance, the cable is brought in
over the bow-sheaves, as indicated by S S in Fig. 10. Were
this done, the eleetrigal impulses induced by the Gott coil
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 15, 1909.
549
respectively iu the two sides of the bend of the bight, would
tend to neutralise each other, this resulting in a considerable
weakening of the signals as heard in shores telephone.
A good plan is for ship and shore to check the good working
of the apparatus by trying them for conductive signalling
at some convenient opportunity after ship's first cut-in for a
cable repair. Also a preliminary trial of inductive signalling
may be made by ship working inductively with shore by join-
ing up the two-tone apparatus to the Gott coil held against the
cut cable earthed on the ship.
Lastly, regarding precautions to be observed ashore.
These refer mainly to earth connection conditions. It is
safe to adhere to the rule that during inductive signalling
between ship and the near shore station, the more distant
terminal station of the line should earth the cable direct or
through the apparatus.
It is customary at stations liable to earth disturbances from
adjacent electric rail or tramways, for the earth connection to
be carried out along the cable ten miles or more by means of a
so-called earth core parallel with the line core, and effecting
connection with the sheathing at a series of points at any
required distance along the cable from the landing place. In
any inductive signalling carried on between shore and a lighter,
or ship operating on any point within the limits of the twin-
core cable here described, the cnrth core must not be used by
shore as an earth connection, otherwise the vibratory impulses
along the two cores will co-neutralise, and the effect, as far as
acoustic signals are concerned will be nil.
The same tendency to co-neutralisation might appear in the
case even of a single-core shore-end, when shore uses as earth
connection the sheathing wires which seawards are well covered,
and insulated with impregnated hemp and bituminous com-
pound. In this case it woidd be well for shore to use a good
local earth.
In many cases, however, the cable sheathing earth has been
found to answer admirably.
Once the nature of two-tone inductive signalling require-
ments is understood, the responsible official ashore, acquainted
as he is with local conditions, becomes the best judge as to ways
and means.
To sum up. The writer has endeavoured to show what con-
ditions may be regarded as favourable to inductive signalling,
and what the reverse.
In certain cases known to the writer, inductive signalling has
been carried on to the last moment, almost, before the slipping
of the final splice of a cable repair.
In other instances inductive signalling quite successful dur-
ing the making of the final joint has been screened, and killed
off almost as soon as the final splice was started on.
In the former cases conditions were favourable ; in the latter
they must have been the reverse. This is a matter in which the
writer cordially invites not only criticism but also suggestions
from any colleagues in the cable service who may have tried his
two-tone inductive signal system.
Since the above was written, the Silvertown Company's c.s.
•• Buccaneer" has broken the KR record by having efiected
easy inductive communication with shore from final splice
■ • r , 1 f 1, 90 lb. CU. ^T HI .
position 51 mdes from shore on core ^_ ,, ^, , - per JN.M. .
'^ 8a lb. (J.i'.
equivalent KR at sea temperature being approximately
10087.
Supplementing a brief report telegraphed by Mr. J. G. H.
Grey, chief electrician, Mr. F. U. Crawford, engineer-in-cbarge,
has written to the writer as follows : —
.... You will have heard that we tried (inductively) the two-tone
to \V , 51 miles, with good results. The new coil was .slightly
Ijetter than the old form, but best results were obtained with two
Gott coils in series. When sheathing was on (over-lapping splice)
signals were weak, and when serving on, failed ; no doubt wires made
better contact then
Already the writer has derived great benefit firstly from the
facilities given, and suggestions made, by Mr. John Gott. of the
Commercial Cable Company, for practical trials of inductive
signalling during the carrying out of various cable repairs by
the Silvertown Company's c.s. " Buccaneer," and secondly
from useful talks with Mr. J. Rymer-Jones. Electrician-
in-Chief of the Submarine Department, Silvertown. Much
invaluable practical assistance likewise has been rendered by
Messrs. E. Ronot, R. J. Hughes, and .1. P. Gorton, the Com-
mercial Cable Company's Havre, Waterville and Weston-super-
Mare superintendents ; also by Mr. A. G. Rutter, Chief
Electrician of c.s. " Buccaneer." For the photographs given
in The Electrician article of December 18th, the writer is
indebted to Mr. C. R. Wylie and Mr. F. C. Crawford.
Omission. — The connection whidi ought to apijcar between cable-
sheathing and earth terminal of apjiaratus iu diagram Xo. 4, Fig. 5, iu
The Electrician artic-k- <>f IK-i-. is. has been omitted.
CORRESPONDENCE.
MEASURING IRON LOSSES.
Ti) THE EDITOR OK THE ELECTRICIAN.
Sir : Mr. L. T. Robinson, in the Correspondence columns of
your issue of January 1st, gives an interesting account of the
method employed for measuring iron losses in the standanlis-
ing laboratory of the General Electric Co., Schenectady,
U.S.A., in which bundles of straight strips are used as test-
pieces ; and he is good enough to compare this method with
certain methods referred to by me in an article in The El.Ki-
TRICIAN for November G, 1!»0S. In point of fact, however,
the method described by him diflfers in an essential way from
any suggested by me in that article. What I advocated, in
reference to the use of a dynamometric wattmeter for measur-
ing iron losses in bundles of strips, was that the pressure coil
of the instrument should be connected to a narrow exploring
coil wound round the centre of the test-piece. The wattmeter
then measures accurately the specific loss at the particular
section where the exploring coil is wound, and the measure-
ment of the volts induced in this exploring coil gives the true
induction to which the loss corresponds. No knowledge of
the distribution of induction along the test-piece is in any way
recpiired.
In the method used at Schenectady, on the other hand, the
pressure coil of the wattmeter is, it appears, connected to a
special coil wound side by side along with the magnetising
coil. Thus the wattmeter necessarily measures the total loss
throughout the bulk of the test-piece, and as the induction in
the test-piece varies from the centre to the ends, the equivalent
uniform induction to which this mea.sured loss should be re-
ferred can only be deduced when once the law of distribution
of induction along the test-piece is known. The chief interest
in Euch a method, therefore, centres round the determination
of the equivalent uniform induction.
With short spenmens, having a length in cms. less than 30
times the section in sq. cms., and not magnetically saturated
at the centre, the distribution of induction follows a definite
law given, according to Mr. J. L. W. Gill ("Phil. Mag., ' ^ ol.
XLVl., p. iSS, November, IS'JH), by the equation
B'-l-.r=l,
where B is the induction (expressed as a fraction of the induc-
tion at the centre) and .r is the distance from the centre
(expressed as a fraction of the half length cf the test-piece).
Acceptim; this law of distribution, and supposing that the
losses are almost entirely due to hysteresis (as would be the
case with the very low fre<iuencies employed by 'Sh: llobinsonl,
we can deduce the equivalent uniform induction in any one of
the following ways : —
1. Measure the actual induction at the centre by means
of a narrow exploring coil and multiply by the constant
Ki = (/"'B'°c/.. '=0 74. The possibility of deducing the
equivalent uniform induction in this manner was, I believe.
Mist suggested by Mr. R. C. Clinker and myself ni 1896
(The Electrician, Vol. XXXVII., p. 728), and the results of
some rough experiments made by us at the time pointed to
OSO as a probable value of K,. Mr. Gill ('•" . cii., p. 480)
gives as the mean of a large number of careful experiments
K, = 0-768.
2. Measure with a narrow exploring coU the actual indue-
f2
550
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 15, 1909.
tion at a fractional distance .<•,= V 1 - Ki' = OoO from the
centre— i.^., at a distance equal to 0-56 of the half length from
the centre. This method is due to Prof. Fleming ("Phil
Mag.," Vol. XLIV., p. 267, September, 1897), but, as pointed
out by Mr. Robinson, it is liable to error owing to the diffi-
culty of adjusting the exploring coil to exactly the right
position.
3. Measure the average actual induction by means of an
exploring coil distributed over the whole length of the speci-
men and multiply by K,= Kj//,/Brfa=O-74/O-71 = l-04. As
it happens, this is exactly the value found for Kg by Mr.
Clinker and myself when using this method in 1896 as an
alternative to the first.
It is worth while noting that the reduction factors Kj and Kj
change comparatively slowly with the value of Steiumetz's ex-
ponent. If we take this exponent equal to 2 instead of 1 -6,
for instance, we find that K^ becomes 0-7"iS instead of 074,
with a corresponding increase of K, in the same proportion.
This is of no little importance, as it indicates that, in deducing
the equivalent uniform induction, either from the measured
induction at the centre, or from the measured mean induction,
the constants given above are available even when the eddy-
current loss represents a considerable part of the total. {'_/.
Fleming, Inc. cit., p. 273).
So far as I am aware, the best results are obtained by the
last mentioned method using a value of K2=l 03. Presumably
Mr. Eobinson employs the first method, as in some respects
the most convenient if not quite the most accurate, and it
would be a matter of much interest to know the results of
his experience and the value of the constant he uses in deduc
ing the equivalent uniform induction from that at the centre.
When once the apparatus is set up and all the necessary
constants determined, there is, of course, so far as rapidity of
manipulation is concerned, probably little or nothing to choose
lietween the General Electric Co.'s method and that suggested
liy me. But I think I may at least claim for m}- method that it
is easier to put into working order in the first instance, there
being no need to consider the distrilnition of induction along
the test-piece and, therefore, no need to determine whatever
constants might be required to take this into account.
Needless to say, I do not for a moment claim to have sug-
gested the use of short bundles as test-pieces for the purpose
of measuring the total loss in the whole specimen, as such test-
pieces are obviously available for that purpose and, equally
obviously, give accurate results with a wattmeter suitably con-
nected up. What I did claim in mj- article as being novel
was the employment of short bundles for the purpose of
measuring accurately the specific loss at a particular cross-
section by connecting up the pressure coil of a wattmeter to a
narrow exploring coil placed at the desired point. And I cer-
tainly can find no reference to this ever having been suggested
or carried out before.- — 1 am, Ac,
The University, Manchester, .Tan. 8. E. Beatxie.
BR&ULIK'S ELECTRIC SIGN SWITCHES AND OTHER
NEW APPARATUS.
\isitors to New York and other American cities are much im-
pressed by the number of electric signs which everywhere meet the
eye. In this country very little lias been done to encourage this
class of advertising, which is, in fact, opposed by some authorities.
It offers, however, a very promising field for additional consumption
of electrical energy, and the apparatus placed on the market by JIi-.
O. Miaulik. 8. Lambetli-hill. London, E.G.. .should meet al! the require-
nu-nls of those who wish to enter this somewhat novel field.
In its simplest form it consists merely of a switch lever which in
its iiKivoment to and fro passes tlirough two vessels containing mer-
cury, in this way alternately making and breaking the circuit every
five or six seconds. We illustrate in Fig. 1 a light and dark switch
for electric advertising signs. The apparatus consists of a strong
clockwork wound and regulated bv hand, with a capacity at one
regulation of two to four hours. In the case of a multiple electric
sign switch the controlling spring sets in motion a thumb shaft.
which in passing in and out of a vessel containing mercury causes
the switching in of five circuits, the action of the spring repla'cing the
shaft. The interval of switching is abovt two to four seconds.
Tliis latter switch can also be arranged in such a manner that five
words are lighted together and switched out simultaneously, whilst
with transjmrcnt siens five different colours can be switched in sue-
ce<^sivelv.
ti I — I K HI \\u Dark SwiTi a roR
1 LUTRK Al)\ERTlSINO SiGNS
:. — I 'HAXOJi-i
8W1TCH.
The hot-wii'e switch, which we illustrate in Fig. 3, is a very interest-
ing piece of apparatus, and serves chiefly the same pirrpose as the
clockwork switch just described. The "make" and "break" of
the contact is effected by a wire, tlirough which the main current
passes, and which operates the switch mechanically without any
Ki,
-HoT-WlRE SwiTiH.
subsidiary contact. This is certainly the simplest arrangement
imaginable, since no attention whatsoever is necessary and ntj^ clock-
work or driving motor is required. The weight of the switch illus-
trated IS about 7 lb., and it is made in 5 and 10 ampere sizes for
i- — W lEE-MF.ASlRINV ApPARAIlS
220 volts as a light and dark switch — or 10 and 20 amperes at 110
volts — and 2x5 amperes t>r 2x12 amperes as a 220 volt change-
over switch, the current capacities given being doubled at a pressme
of 110 volts.
The change-over switch shown in Fia. 2 is arranged to control
THE ELECfTRICIAN, JANUARY 15, 1909.
551
a 6 ampere 110 volt circuit, or a .3 ampere 220 volt circuit, and con-
sists of strong clockwork witli Hywheel brake, tlio controllinf; switcli
of whirli is wound by hand l)y means of a key. Tlie clockwork
controls a swilcli, tlie action of which in passing in and out 6f a vessel
containing mercury alternately makes and breaks two circuits. This
switch is suitable as a coloiu'-changing switch for electric signs,
the switching in and out recurring about every four to seven seconds,
and is regulated for a ])criod of two to four hfiurs.
The j)iece of apparatus which we illustrate in Fig. 4 is for measur-
ing the length of wires, cables, ropes, &c., up to 30 mm. diameter.
Its distinctive feature is that it is jirovided with counterwork and
jiunping ciphers, so that errors in leading are impossible. The
apparatus illustrated has one counter\\ork reading from zero, whilst
tlie second counterwork can be set back to zero after measuring any
])art of a coil of wire ; or one counterwork can be used as a check on
the other. A small type of apparatus is also supplied for measuring
cables up to 8 mm. diameter, and both pieces of apparatus should
]irove exceedingly useful in cases where lengths of wire or cable have
to be rapidly •■vnd accurately measured.
Fic. 5. — Incandescent L.4mp Tester.
Jlr. Braulik has also placed on the market an interesting and
cheap .series of incandescent lamp testers in very convenient forms.
In one case a small pocket type of ammeter, resembling a small
walch, enables currents to be read up to l-,5 amperes. It is fitted
with an adaptor and lamp holder by means of short lengths of
flexible cord. We illustrate in Fig. 5 a glow lamp tester possess-
ing greater capabilities. This is supplied for three calibrations,
(1) Continuous or alternating currents in amperes or watts,
(2j continuous and alternating currents in amperes or watts, and
(3) D.C. or A.C. current and watts. It is type .3 which is illus-
trated herewith ia Fig. 5. It will be noticed that a feature of all
tlipso testers is their convenient size, and as the adaptor and lamp-
liokler are combined with the meter, except in the pocket instru-
ment first mentioned, they arc easily transferred and can be
rapidly connected up to any existing fitting when lamps are required
to be tested.
A NEW X-RAY APPARATUS.
To the ordinary electrical engineer, inured to things of a much
more fiery natme, the induction coil and other apparatus which
forms a necessary adjunct of modern X-ray work appear compara-
tively harmless. But a considerable percentage of this apparatus
now on the market is in the hands of more or less unskilled persons,
as regards electrical matters, and the simpler the equipment gene-
rallj' and the fewer the adjustments necessary, the better for all
concerned.
The last word in simplioitj' in X-ray work is the invention of .\Ir.
H. CI vde Snook, an American, the English rights of who.se apparatus
are held by Messrs. Newton & Co., of Fleet-street ; and the equipment
is on view in their showTooms. It consists e.s.sentially of a small
motor-generator supplied at the motor end with continuous current
and giving out single-phase alternating current from th.e generator.
This current, which is at comparatively low voltage, passes tlirough
a regulating resistance and the primary of a transformer, and is
stepjied up to a voltage of many thousands. The .secondary of the
transformer is connected in series with a special rectifying appa-
ratus (driven from the motor -generator shaft ) which is the subject
of a patent and of which the details are not yet available. The ends of
this circuit arc fastened to terminals on the top of the rectifier case,
whence connection is made to the X-ray apparatus.
If the consumers supjily be on the continuous current system
connection can. of course, be made direct to the motor. This can
be started up in the usual w-ay, and the current in the primary of the
transformer, and therefore the voltage at the tube, can be regulated
by the series resistance. The necessary starter and regulating handles
are placed on a panel adjacent to the motor, the whole arrangement
thus being very compact.
On the high-tension side the ends of the transformer winding are
brought to cup-shaped terminals whence connection is made to the
outside circuit by metal standards which fit into the cups. These
standards are bifurcated at the upper end and carry a spring wheel
on which a short length of " flex " is wound. Connection is, there-
fore, easily made to the tubes. A milliammeter is fitted in this
circuit.
If the supply is alternating current the motor generator men-
tioned above remains the same, but it is belt-driven by a suitable
motor placed directly underneath.
The whole arrangement is very compact, being, with the exception
of the switchboard, fi.ved on a table mounted on castors. The
motor-generator is bolted down to baulks on the table and is con-
nected by a flexible coupling to the rectifier, so that dismounting is
easy. The rectifier is above the transformer and the two are fixed
to a sup)XJitiiig platform under the table and can be easily removed.
The apjiaratus is relatively heavy, but, owing to the fact that the
table is mounted on castors, it can be easily moved about, and it has
been designed for easy erection.
We have to thank Mr. R. f^. Wright, of Messrs. Newton & Co., for
furnishing us with details of this interesting machine.
GOVERNMENT TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE
ENGINEER?.
The institution of an International Conference of Government Tele-
graph and Telephone Engineers is the outcome of certain suggestions made
by some of the foreign representatives at the International Telegraph
Conference of London in 1903. Early in 1908 the Hungarian Tele-
graph Administration made proposals for holding a Conference at Buda-
pest. These proposals were favourably received, and the first Con-
ference, which opened on September 21. 1908, was attended by delegates
from the followmg countries : Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, France,
Germany, Great Britain (Major W. A. J. 0"Meara, C..M.G., K.E.. and
Messrs. T. F. Purves and.T. (!. Hill), Holland, Hungary, Italy, Roumania,
Russia, Servia, Sweden and Turkey.
At the inaugural sitting of the Confer-nce the president (JI. Kolossvarj',
of Hungary) welcomed tlie delegates, and the following standing regula-
tions of the Conference were adopted : —
1. The president of the Conference shall be the senior technical officer
of the administration convoking the Conference.
2. A vice-president shall be elected by each Conference.
3. The only questions admitted to the deliberations of the Conference
shall be those associated with the technical aspect of the telegraph and
telephone services.
4. A bureau shall be elected at the first sitting, and shall be responsible
for the preparation and issue of a proccs-verbal of each sitting, which
shall contain the title of each lecture and the debates thereon. The full
text of the lectures shall appear as an appendix to the proccs-verbal.
At the closing sitting at Budapest on September 29th the following
resolutions were adopted : —
1. The International Conference of Teleeraph Technicians at Budapest. 1903. insti-
tutes a committee for the r.-.r -,.■■:■ : ■ - : :'■.' -■ :'A Conference.
2. The placeof meeti:; • ! • ■ ■ r B :Japest.
3. The committee shall -, ■ ■ • or each administration represented at
this Conference, elected 1 . Cafercnce; the Hungarian administra-
tion shall be represente 1 by the whole Conference from among
the Hungarian delegate.
4. The committee m.. ^ by the vnle of the maioritv. Such
additional members mui • : sncr rank in a State administration.
and must be rroposed bv : ' :::.:M-^;rations already ser/ing on the
committee. Election mi;;t ;■ i .. :: • .■. iwo-thirds of the votes cast.
5. The Hungarian memi: : ■: - xfcutive sub-committee. The
president of the committ-'- il, .'! r - • ; ; . ■-•■ C r : r:nc3 and shall direct the sub-
committee.
6. The elections shall hold good until the next Conference.
7. The Conference shall prescribe to the committee certain subjects to be studied, and
the committee shall designate at least two of its members to deal speaally with each
subject, and prepare it for treatment at the next Conference.
8. The committee has the right to choose additional subjects for study and to prepare
them for treatment. Such subjects must be approved by at least half the members of the
committee.
The following members of committee were elected :—
Hunp.iry, M. KolossvAry (Pre^iient) : Austria. M. Karl Barth von Wehrenalp ; Bavana.
M. Steimann ; Bulgaria. M. Rousseff ; Denmark. M, Krarup ; France. M. Estaunie ;
Germany. Prot. Dr. K. Strecker ; Great Britain. Ma'or OMeara : Holland. M. Collette ;
Hungary. M. Vater and M. Holi"S ; Italy. Dr. Mirabelh ; Roumania. M. Radacovitch ;
Russia. M. Evangoulow ; Servia, M. Petrox-itch i Sweden. M. Rydin ; Turkey. M. Ferid ;
WUrttemberg. M. Ritter. The committee unanimously co-opted as additional members
Prof, di Pirro (Italy) and M. Breisig (Germany).
552
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 15, 1909.
The Conference referred to the committee as subjects for special study '■
' I. Automatic wciHS manual telephone exchanges.
Z To fix the elecliical constants of an international standard cable for telephone trans-
mission measurements. ...
3. The best means of avoiding damage or interference to telegraph and telephone
circuito by power circuits.
It was decided that the next Conference .■should he held in IlllO. but
the locahty of the Conference was not fixed, it being considered arlvisalile
to leave this jioint to the committee.
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING IN 1908.
We continue i.ur rccoid ol tlie pa.st year'.s work from t^ome inter-
esting notes supplied by manufacturers: —
British Insulated &. Hei.sby Cables (Ltd.) re|iort tliat. altbcnigli
competition has been exceedingly keen, they experienced a remarkabl3'
busy year all romid, and were working in most departments at high
pressure for the greater part of the year. Considerable extensions to
the company's works at Prescot, Helsby and Liverpool hare been
rendered necessary. At Prescot a new brass foundry has been erected,
giving four times the output of the old one, and the accessories shop
has been largely extended. A new mill for rolling aluminium sheet is
now in fidl working order, as is also a special foundry and the necessary
machinery for the manufacture of bronze wire for overhead telephone
lines. A large mill for rolling aluminium rod is in course of construction,
.and the telephone cable shop has been extended. At Helsby the re-
markable success of the Helsby tjTe has demanded a great increase in
the manufacturing capacity, and the plant for making rubber wires and
cables is also being ciiiiukI.-i Jijy extended, this section having been
working at full pressinr diiiinj the whole year. Extensions are also
being carried out at tbr l.i\rr|iiiiil works, which deal chiefly with the
manufacture of telephone and telegraph apparatus and switchboards.
Among the contracts carried out during the year may he particularised
the following: Adelaide (N.S.W.), overhead tramway equipment and
cables; Dublin Corporation, high and low-tension cable work; Birming-
ham and Midland Tramways Joint committee, e.h.t. and l.t. cables ;
Rawtenstall Corporation, overhead tramway equipment ; County of
London Co. (Croydon Rural) high and low-tension cables : It London
County Council, extra high-tension cables : Tyneside Electrical Develop-
ment Co., 20,000 volt overhead power transmission line ; Hackney,
cable work ; North Metropolitan Electric Power Su])ply Co., cable work
for the Tottenham district; Moscow tramways, e.h.t. cables;;
also a common battery telephone exchange, ecjuipped for 4,000 sub-
scribers, with an tdtimate capacity of 10,000 subscribers, manufacttu'ed
and erected at Cardiff for the British Post Office. A large business has
also been done in rubber wires and cables, non-fouling trolley wire and
its special fittings, electric welders, |iaper pinions, telephone and tele-
graph apparatus and switchboards.
The feature of the work of the Chloride Electrical Stokace Co.
during 1908 has been the number of booster battery plants (consisting
of the "Chloride accumulator" and an " Entz " automatic reversible
booster) supplied. In each of these coses tlie lesults obtained have been
in obtained before this
liide, for traction pur-
r Corporations, .and on
' in ri|ui|)ment for the
I" llie, f the company
I 'i>r|"ii:,tioMs and for an
cuiup;
■tht c.
with
very good, and, we believe, better tli:i
booster was introduced. The insliRii i"ii- in.
poses. th(«c for Llandudno. Dover -.<n.\ .Mu.lh.
belli. n- ■'„-r.n\< t..r F,ill;irk ( 'oi |,ur.,l i.,,, .,th| ;,[.
\ ink II - h ',,r r,,,lH-.,\ ..f .l.,|,,,n. I,, a.MitiM,
li.neur.lei- I,, l,;ind tW Uiaek I juru ;uul Ca|.el -« I
inijiortant steel works in Scotland. .-Vt Llamlii
plant is such an important feature of the c(|n;|.i
department have not been able to shut it down t
and without it in use. At Maidstone, we understaiid. the eipiipment
has had the result of reducing the coal cost of the whole station by 30
per cent., the traction load varying from 0 to fiOO amperes, while the gene-
rator load only varies 15 ampeies on either side of the mean. At Black-
burn the (jlant is to be installed on the traction circtut, which will be
.supplied thrcHigh a motor-generator from the lighting circuits. Thus it
IS aniieipale.l tli t cue SOI I kw. generating set running at approximately
el « ill lie ilil. (m deal with both circuits instead of runnmg
M Is ali.iil lialf load and that of the traction being of a
laracter. An Imbery patent .switch is to be installed, by
li, in case of a shut down on the lighting cu-cuit, the battery
atically switched over to the works 'bus bars, thus keeping
I irri spective of the failure of the main .supply. At Cape'^
eiy liiM.ster plant is to be installed in a sub-station at the
(II supply current to cranes, capstans, &c., which will pi'o-
"• iiiating load. Taken generally, the Chloride Company
OS III. |irovcd a rather lean year, but at the close it showed
provement, and hope is expressed that a much better
ill I.
them siiji]
town the I
docks, a ill
vide a mi
report 1 1 1
distinct SI!
report may be made for 1909.
In a resume of the past year's work, Messrs. W. H. Allen, Sok & Co.,
of Bedford, inform us that a number of extensive .and interesting con-
tracts have engaged their attention. The development of the various
navies throughout the world has brought many orders, work for the
British Admiralty holding a promment position." For each of the three
new "Dreadnought" tvpeof battlcsliip- jil,, St. Vincent " " Collini'
wood " and " Vanguard ") three sets ..i i m l, ,. l engines and 200 kw.
dynamos, and also one 101 kw. dynam,, tV,r driving by a Mirrlees Watson
oil engine, are bemg supplied, and in addition the main circulating
pumps and steam-driven aU- compressors. For each of the five new
33 knot destroyers two pumping engines and six enclosed engines and
fans are being furnished, whilst for each of the five new ships which the
Orient Co. are having built for their Australian mail service Messrs.
Allen are supplymg four enclosed electric light engines, and in the case
of tlu-ee of the vessels the dynamos are also of their manufacture. The
main and auxiliary pumping machinery for these steamers is also in
hand. For the Brazilian torpedo boats building by Messrs. Yarrow.
Messrs. Allen have secured the order for 40 fans and engines, and the}'
are constructing the air compressors for the Brazilian battleships and
pumping engines for the Russian and Argentine navies. At the present
lime the firm's engineers are erectmg the complete electric light and
power station at Khartounr, comprising enclosed engines, dynamos,
condensing ]ilants, boilers, econcmiiscrs, &c.
Prominent amongst the home contracts are the following: For the
Middle Docks. South Shields, two 30 in. pumps and 70 B.H.p. motors,
with drainage and ballast pumps. For the Corporation of Dundee, two
14 in. vertical pumps and 65 B.H P. motors. For the Corporation of
Newcastle, two 13 in. pumps, each driven by 135 b.h.p. motors, a.ssisted
by 12 in. water turbines ; and a similar plant for the Penrikyber Naviga-
tion & Colliery Co., South Wales, comprising two 14 in. electrically-
driven turbine pumps and two 14 in. water turbines. The comp.any
report that the scientific investigations they have undertaken during the
past year in connection with condensing plants have enabled them to
make considerable advances, and, in consequence, a large number of
orders for such machinery have been received from all parts of the world.
As our readers are probably aware, Thomas Parker (Ltd.) acquu-ed
some two years ago the sole manufacturmg rights for the Rees Roturbo
pumps, and we learn that during these two years the trade in Roturbo
machinery had grown so rapidly that it was decided to form a new com-
pany to absorb Thomas Parker (Ltd.). This new company (the Rees
Roturbo Mrc. Co., Ltd.,) is now engaged in general hydraulic
engineering work and continues the electrical business of the old
company. The company report that they have been busier in the
works during the past year than for some three or four years past, the
shops running full time and the machine shops running a night shift.
The Rees Roturbo pumps have been supplied for various classes of work
to collieries, mines, quarries, 'waterworks, central electricity stations,
chemical works, shipyards and many other large undertakings. Amongst
the testimonials which we have read concerning these pumps is one from
Mr. Shawfield, borough electrical engineer at Wolverhampton, who has
six of these pumps, electrically driven, under his charge. The report is
an excellent one and the makers are naturally gratified. In a booklet
recently issued Mr. Shawfield's report is accompanied by many others,
all of which refer to the continuous working of the pumps without
causing trouble of any kind. The company obtained a gold medal for
their exhibit of a motor-driven Roturbo pump working the cascade in
the Court of Honour at the recent Franco- British Exhibition.
, Despite general trade depression, Messrs. Wm. Geipel & Co. report
good business with the Geipel steam trap. The "Rapidity" type of this
trap has been adopted by the Admiralt}- in preference to the older type,
and it obtained a gold medal at the Franco- British Exhibition.
LEGAL INTELLIGENCE.
Westminster Electric Supply Corpn. and London County Council.
ARBITRATION.
The arbitration proceedings regarding the amount to be paid In'
London County Council to the above-named company as compensation
for disturbance in requiring them to vacate their generating station at
Millbank, which have taken place before Mr. J. A. Simon, K.C. (umpire)
and Messrs. Jas. Falconer and Andrew Young (arbitrators), were re-
sumed on Friday last.
Su- Edward Clarke, K.C. (for the Council) stated that the term of
the arbitrators' authority to deal with this matter expired on Jan. 1 .
and he read the section of the Land Clauses Act which showed that their
powers ceased in consequence of their not having given a decision within
21 days after the last sitting during the term of their appointment. He
did not suggest that this was due to any fault on their part, but in con-
.sequence of the length of ili, ailji.ni iiin'ent that had taken place to suit
the convenience of various parties ei.neerned.
^Mr. BAiFOUK Browne, K.C, suggested tliat Messrs. Falconer and
Young might sit as assessors, and those two gentlemen signified their
willingness to remain and give a.ssistance ; but as Sir Edward Clarke
thought the umpu-e's individual decision upon all points beyond what
might be agreed by counsel would suffice, the two arbitrators" withdrew.
Jlr. J. F. C. SxELL was then re-called, and. m examination by Sir
Edward Clarke, said that during the recess he had further considered
the curves that had been put in to show the estimated increase of output
and the consequent increase of coal consumption. The line Sir .-Alexander
Kennedy had drami, and the points w iiess had marked on the curve
for 1911 to 1914, would substantially agree. He had previously taken
the maximum demand as referable to the preceding vear instead of the
following year, and the result was that it threw oitt the arithmetical
result. The load factor for the last five ye?rs was 18-7 per cent. Al-
though, as Mr. Hordern had shown, there had leen an increasmg demand
for ])ower from the Westminster undertaking during the last five years,
tliere had been no substantial increase m the annual load factor. He
had kept the ratio of steam units to mot(jr-generator units the same
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 15, 1909.
553
down to 1924, because the company were about to iustal 3,(i00 kw. of
steam jilant, and the quantity generated by steam plant in 1924 (keejiinf;
the motor-generator units the same) would amount to 6,101,465 units, the
total tjuantity which 3,600 kw. could generate ; but in 1924 lie assumed
that they would not expend further money on the more expensive steam
plant, but would keep their steam plant working at its full limit and take
the excess from their motor generators. That was not only a matter of
good engineering, but one of eommon-sen.se. As Mr. Balfour Browne
had suggested, the 19 per cent, load factor could be split up inttj (wo
load factors. Taking the maximum demand as 0,600 kw. in 1931. if
they generated as many steam units as possible, and only took 2| million
units fi-om the motor-generators, it would give a much higher load factor
for the steam plant, but if they took it as he had taken it it would be more
]irofitable at 19 per cent, load factor in each case, the 3.660 kw. of steaui
plant bemg used to generate 0 million odd units. The Central Co. had
a load factor of nearly 32 per cent., and if the Westminster Co. sub-
divided tlie units generated in such a way as to give a 25 or 26 load factor
for theii- steam plant and an 11 per cent, load factor for the current
tnken from the Centra! Co., the cost of the Central supply would be very
much greater than if they took 19 per cent, from that company. The
maximum demand on the motor-generators would be the same in the
cases of an 11 or a 19 per cent, load factor ; it was only the units gene-
rated which differed. Even with the modern plant, the company "were
about to instal they could not afford to reduce the load factor on the
motor-generators so a.s to give the steam plant the 26 jier cent, load
factor. He had put the whole of the increase of the burden from 1909
to 1924 on the steam plant, that was until the steam plant was fully
occupied, and it was only from that point that the increase in the nujtor-
generator production began. That gave about 11 million units gene-
rated in 1931. 6,100,000 units generated by the steam ))lant was the
figure reached in 1924. It would" be for the company to pile up the load
on the plant which worked most economically, but it would not be more
economical for the company to increase then- steam plant to supplv any
additional demands. With regard to Mr. Hordern's statement that they
had new connections of 582 kw. in 1908, besides applications in hand
for 1,000 kw. more, the reduction of the kilowatts demanded in conse-
quence of the use of metallic filament lamps had to be taken into account.
He did not recognise any unfairness in the method he had adopted of
stating the 10 years' maximum demands (as above mentioned), and in
comparing them with Sir Alexander Kennedy's figures. He contended
that the figures he had given as to the maximum demands formed a
proper basis for the computation of the compensation to be paid to the
company.
Mr. Howard Martin (president of the Surveyors' Institution) then
submitted figures showing the amounts which, on the basis of Mr. Snell's
estimates of outjjut and coal consumption, would be due in respect of
each year from the C'ouncil as the extra cost of cartage of coal at the agreed
figure of 2s. 4d. per ton after deduetmg lid. per ton as the cost of the
coal conveyor, for which the Council were to pay. The extra cost of coal
was equal to a loss of profit, and ought to be discounted on that basis.
The company earned about 13 per cent., and he had taken the future
profits at 10 per cent., which was a fair and not unusual figure, and woukl
leave a margm for contingencies. He had applied that principle in a case
in which he was umpire, in preference to that of fixing the compensation
according to the amount it would produce if invested in the company's
securities at curi-ent rates, and the Court to which the matter was taken
upheld his decision.
Jlr. C. H. C4ADSBy said he had prepared estimates of the units which
would be generated in future years by taking the same ratio of units
generated to units sold as had been shown by the company to be actual
outputs up to 1907. In a restricted area which was fairly filled u)) the
demand must at some time or other attain the maximum." It could not
go on iiv i( ri-^ii'j at the same uniform increment. His extended curve
gavi' :i 1 17.-,. I II HI units in 1931. On the same diagram Mr. Snell's curve
estiniitnl tliii ihc consumption up to about 1923 would be slightly less
than hi» (uitiur-s's) curve indicated, but for the last six or seven years
Mr. Snell's ciu've went against his. The general effect of a comparison
of his curve with Mr. Sneli's was that the total number of units generated
from 1907 to 1931 was approximately the same. Mr. Hordern's curve
did not (iji v.ituess's opinion) represent quite the sort of increase that
might reasonably be expected. Since the introduction of^motor-genc-
rator plant in 1903 the company had increased fairly uniformly cacli
year the number of units taken from the Central Co.,nnd had decreased
nearly correspondingly the number of units generated by steam, and
from a comparison of the cost of producing by steam and the cost of cur-
rent taken from the Central Co., he thought the same policy would be
continued in future. He thought, however, the company were entitled
to say : " We pro]iosed to use oin- steam plant at Millbank. now that wc
can have condensing plant, more fully than we havedone in the )iast. and
take less current from the Central Co." If they pursued that policy,
he suggested there would be a gi'adual increase (nearly A a million units
a year for four years) of the units generated by steam. The figure he
had given of 4.97.'5,O0O units was what he calculated Millbank station
could turn out if filled up with plant, making the aggi-egale 3.211 kw.
He submitted that the proper basis of the decision v.ould be to
determine what would be the cost at Millbank if the company wore
undisturbed. The weight of the north country coal would be alxiut
30 per cent, more than Welsh, but the Council ought not to be saddled
with that, because the company were to use certain plant for their own
economy.
Cross-examined by Mr. BALForu Browse : He did not think the
increase in the ga.s eoniptanie.s' ovitput had been a straight line cju-vc.
Cooking and heating was not going to increase so much with electiicity
as it had with gas. Probably electricity might hn used more fa- power
than gas ever was, but not in the eom|)any's district.
Mr. John H. Rider, exaimned by Jlr. Morten, said in his opinion the
plans prepared by the company were too elaborate :)nd too costlj'. The
estimates which had been put in could not be justified. A reasonable
allowance for cost of cable had been agreed. It was reasonable to allow
more on the duct line. As to the tenders generally. Sir .Alexander Ken-
nedy had put down a general allowance of 10 per cent, for contingencies
after an allowance for each separate item. He thought if an allowance
were made on each tender for contingencies there should not be a general
allowance in addition. If estimates were worked out in close detail it
ought to be done with much less than 10 per cent, for contingencies.
But, speaking broadly, that 10 per cent, should cover everything. With
regard to spare parts, he relegated these to stock account. It was never
a capital charge. Sir Alexander Kennedy gave them the figure of £7,210
estimated cost of switchgear for the motor-generators. That was £2. 10s.
per kilowatt on 2,890 kw. He thought that cost was much too high.
The switchgear he put in the L.C.C. Creenwich station cost 14-8 shillings,
including eo.st of connecting with the machines : in the snb-.stations the
cost was on the average £1. He had gathered that it cost £2. 9s. at
Ecclestone-place. £2 at Duke-street and £3. 5s. at the Great Western
Railway ('o.'s station. It must have been lavishly designed, and money
must have been spent needlessly, as it was ])ossible to design switchgear
quite as good at the prices he had stated. Cable charging devices were,
in his opinion, quite unnecessary and inadvisable, and where they had
been under his charge he had removed them.
Cross-examined by Air. Bjilfour Browne : He wished his remarks
to be taken as impersonal. Some engineers considered it neces.sary to
put in a large number of auxiliary devices, but they increased the liability
to breakdown and increased the cost. Other engineers said the proper
way was to make the switchgear as sim])le as possible, and to put in the
least number of parts. That was the way which experience hail shown
him to be the best. The County Council" .should not be called upon lo
pay for gear which could be shown to be unnecessary for the work.
Mr. C. S. Peach, architect, having giving evidence.
The proceedings were adjourned.
On Saturday Mr. Peach's evidence was concluded, and
Sir Alexander Kennedy was recalled and supported Mr. Peach.
Speaking with regard to the statement that the switchboards were un-
necessarily expensive, Sii- Alexander said he differed from Mr. Snell and
Mr. Rider. He had found double bus bars and charging apparatus
very useful. They had had a good numy breakdowns owing to pressure
being put on too suddenly, and the apparatus referred to obviated .such
troubles. He was informed that they could not do without them at the
Great Western station. The low-tension switchboards at Millbank was
designed about 15 years ago, and was not on a plan he would ado])t now.
Amongst other things, they must have separate excitation in case of
breakdown. If he accepted Mr. Snell's estimate (which he could not),
he would have to add 16 panels to Mr. Snell's 21. The differences he
required would account for the dift'erence in cost. As to the high tension,
he considered that they .should have a similar board to that erected in
1906. He intended to work the steam jilant at Hor.seferry-road for all
it was worth, as they would save 15 per cent, on every unit, because the
energy would not have to be transformed. They had worked Grove-road
at about 36 load factor, and had found it a most economical station.
They intended to work Horseferrj'-road in the same way. He did not agieo
with Mr. Snell's curve showing estimated increase in the company's
output in the last few years prior to 1931, which was practically a straight
line.
Mr. Balfour Browne said Mr. Patehell would, if required, sujiport
Sir- Alexander's views as to double 'bus bars and charging gear, and .Mr.
Patehell, who was present, agreed, but was not called.
Sii' Edward Clarke then addressed the umpire upon the whole case.
There were, he said, five questions to be considered. (1) The proportion
of the building expenditure at Horscferry-road to be borne by the L.C.C.
— i.e., what sum was to be paid by them, which would be dependent u]><ui
the proportion of the building wliicli they had to i)rovide ; (2) the i)ro-
porlion of the plant which woidd be put into Hor.seferr3-road station,
and for which the County Council had to ])ay : (3) the amount to be i>ai<l
to the Westminster Corporation in respect of the extra expenditure on
mains which would become necessary by reason of their removal: (4) the
question of the supply of water facilities which the Council were required
under the Act of Parliament to give them or which the Council might
elect to give them ; (5) the liability of the C<nuicil under the .\ct to pay a
sum of money representing the increased burden which would lie upon the
Corporation in respect of the increased ex]>enditurc upon the carrying of
coal. The third (piestion v.as a small one. They had agreed with regard to
thelayuigof the mains that the sum of £36.679 -should be paid. .Mr.Snell
said that was a fair amount, but when it came to the question of con-
tingencies they were unable to agree on one particular jxiint. He agreed
that 10 per cent, in the cost of roadwork and manholes was a fair per-
centage, and he agreed to the percentage in that ease only. When it
came to a |Tercentage on the value of the cables and pipework. Sir .Alex-
ander Kennedy wanted 10 per cent., which he said would include all
contingent sums for both high and low-tension connections : but he (Sir
Edward Clarke) could not see. in justice to his clients, that he should
give him more than 2\ per cent. They had agreed to the lengths of cables,
and there could be no contingencies there, although with the pii>es.
which they had also agreed, their might Ix- some wastage on account of
cutting the pipes. Jlr. Snell said there was .so little chance of anything
further l>eing required that 2J per cent, would be sufficient. It wa.s
really a question of the issue between 2J and 5 per cent. Mr. Snell
offered 2J per cent, with £1,236 for high-teiision plant and mains. With
554
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 15, 1909
regard to the payment in respect of tlie cost of pipes to the river, they
iifti-ccfl with Sir Alexamlor Kennedy's estimate t)iat the cost would be
O.IIK). hut he asked tliat the Conncil sliould be allowed (hat. The fi-ac-
titm he suggested as being the f'ouncirs shareof the cost of the buildings
was 0-48 of the amount claimed, and, as a matter of convenience, he
Avould treat it as 0-50, and afterwards deduct ^th to bring it to 0-48. It
was agreed that £78,0:}(ire|ire.sented the cost of a buildingrcasonably de-
signed. There was a proposal by Sir. Peach to add £2.000 in connec-
tion witli niL'iiK CI iiiii .ontrai i>. bill Mv. rc:ii li agreed that it was a
specul;ili\" iirin. .iihI lir (Sir iMwinil iIimii^IiI it should be reduced.
A furtli.r tsoii |,„ Ini-iii:; Mi, I '. ,c li ,i-i . .M might be only £500 or
£fiOO. That, £800 ought not to be allowed it the 10 per cent! for con-
tingencies were allowed. With regard to the weighbridge he would sav
nothing. Of the total of £79.73(1 the Comicil's share was £39.8(18. and
to that he added the 10 |ii i i ml. f n mntinLiriK ii s. 5 per cent, had to be
added for architects' i -iiiiiiii-^iiiii ( t'.i'.t:>|, \>liir|i gave £45,847. Then
there was an item of tsilii li.r rxii.i ^t Iihihl' ilmve yilane level, against
which he protested. J'he same applied to £403 tor jiaving part of private
road. Half of clerk of work's salary would add £341 . The total was then
£46,327, from which the ^'jth had to be deducted. There would be no
u.se in his going in detail into the (fucstifin of tln' |.!,iii( i ninn itv. as Sir
Alexander Kennedy's, Mr. SiuH- m.l Mi, CmMh . Ii-i, 1; i.l lurn before
the umpire. Sir Alexander hid linulicil hiiiiMir \<\ i.inti.ni-. but the
money had not been expended, and it was tu a cuii.sidcral-ilc extent only
estimate, which might or might not turn out to be exactly accurate.
He had agreed that they were not to be confined to plant of the same
character as they had at ilillbank. but they had added an electric crane,
which wa.s an expensive thing, and, according to Mr. Gadsby, unneces-
sary. With regard to coal, the company were putting in at Horseferry
appliances which would enable them to use north country coal instead of
Welsh coal, and that meant using a considerably greater weight of coal,
and, if the money the Council were to pay was to be calculated on the
weight, the burden upon them would be increased by a change which
was reducing the company's expenditure. He thought a way out of the
difficulty was to see what the comjiany could have done if they had
stayed at Millbank, and award accordingly.
Mr. B.\LFOUR Browne, for the Westminster Corporation, said if one
looked at the case from end to end no desire on the part of the claimants to
manipulate the figures would be found. He called attention to the fact
that in the case of the buildings (the most important matter), in the
matter of the rearrangement of the mains (another large item), and in
the amount ])er ton for extra cost of coal cartage, the tVuincil had agreed
claimants' figures. They might have been wrong, but there had been no
attempt to manipulate any figure..
Sir Edward Clarke said the remark he had made was entirely limited
to the figures as to the future output.
Mr. Balfour Browne : The act said the Council were to provide the
company with facilities such as they now possessed fi.r obtaining vi-ater
for condensing, whether such facilities be in full M]i:i,iti<,n or in progress.
The work was in progress, as the 5,000 kw. i^iiiclciiMn- jilant was in u.se,
without the pipes from the river. He suggested that tlie words " facili-
ties in progress " in the act meant works in progress for giving the facili-
ties. With regard to the matter of altermg the conduits and mains, he
could not conceive that there would not be a large number of contin-
gencies in altering conduits and mains in streets where there were already
sewers and mains of various kinds. A^, one place in Horseferry-road they
had had to give up their subway m consecjuence of the existence of other
mains. Mr. Snell considered 10 per cent, a reasonable figure qua roadwork
and manholes, but in that case only. If the company were stopped in the
roadwork, and the contractors for the pipes were delayed in consequence,
surely there again the company were entitled to the 10 per cent. It was
a risk. If it cost more than 10 per cent, the company would have to pay
it. He, therefore, asked the umpue to award him the full 10 per cent.
With regard to the buildings, he thought regard must be had for the fact
that this was to be a new generating .station, and not a dwelling or ware-
house, and the useful areas in Millbank and Horseferry-road had to be com-
pared. With regard to the coal storage space to compensate for the loss
of the barge storage, he was surely entitled to have on land now what he
had on water before, and it would not be nearly so convenient. Mr
Gadsby and Su- Edward Clarke had endeavoured to show how the plant
could be put into a building half the size of the one proposed, but that
would be leavhig the company the heavy end of the stick. It would not
be half the cost even if it were half the size. The same khid of building
would not do in that case ; it would have to be strengthened, and in the
half-sized budding Mr. Gadsby did not even accommodate all the plant.
III.- 1 i.ri.l, iiHiii: I'loit «,is Mutside. Sir Alexander Kennedy was accu.sed
<•! ii.inu l,i\ i~li uiih I, -J,,,. I 111 the switchboard, but he designed an exactly
.■.miliar I.M.ud l.,r tlir . ,,,,i|i,iuy's station before there was anv idea of pur-
cliase. He said he would not have a switchboard without the double
bus bars and the charging gear. Mr. Rider said he could do without
them ; but he (counsel) asked the umpii-e to say the experience of one man
was as good as another. The electric crane would be necessary, as Sir
Alexander said they would have to move pieces of 21 tons. Their claim
(m addition to the amount for ooal carriage at the agreed figure of 2s 4d
l'Qrr?ol'''''l- ,S"''^'°g £68,936, plant £84,573, and mains (agreed)
t3h,b79, to which he had added the 10 per cent., £2.585. Total £in^> 773
With regard to the future output and the consumotion of coal thev
won c^ not use more north country coal per unit at Horseferry than theV
would have used of Welsh coal at Millbank. They would use 2-7 lb.
against 4-4 lb. Ihe increase of 822.000 units per annum had been ex-
regard '.'n ','■ '"'"■ ^" !''"^ '' "'"^ ^^-''^.OaO, and in 1903 83(1,000. AVith
amnores t)," ^'"^""y •^, f''""" t''^^' i" H'lO they would have 83,000
amperes, this wmter the lo.ad had gone ahead so fast that at November
last it was considerably more than it was at the maximnm for the pre-
vious year. The amperes were practically realised, so it was no use
takinga smaller figure and calculating upon that. Mr. Martin had said
if the gradient were tilted so that they would require greater power to
draw their coal in he would consider that in the value of the site, although
he said later it was merely a question of loss of profit. When an expense
.such as that occurred in connection with a fixed statutory trade it should
be put on a liberal .scale, such as 3} per cent. It d d not matter whether
the 2.S. 4d. was for extra distance or for pulling the coal up an incline.
It was wrong to say the company's profits were 13 or 14 per cent. With
the preference .shares if was only a little over 7 per cent., and with the
debentures about 6 per cent. In conclusion, he gave the other side
notice that the company had one 500 kw. machine at Millbank which
had not been used, for which they had not claimed, and which they would
remove.
The uniiiiie will take time to oonsidcr liis award.
Rhodes v. Smith & Co.
A Divisional Court (the Lord Chief Justice and Mr. Justice Walton)
heard plaintiffs appeal from a decision of the Liverpool Countj' Court
judge. Plaintiff (Dr. W. G. Rhodes) brought the action against
defendants, a firm of electrical engineers for the return of certain
plans he had prepared and damages for their detention. Plaintiffs
case was that many years ago he prepared several plans of a projected
railway between Llandudno, Colwyii Bay and Rhyl. In 1895 defen-
dants «ere employed to construct the line, and Mr. F. W. Smith (of
defendant firm) recjuested the loan from plaintiff of the plans he had
prepared, which the plaintiff allowed. Afterwards a dispute arose,
and defendants left the work and plaintiff was appointed as electrical
engineer to the undertaking pro tem. Plaintiff then recjuested defen-
dants to return his plans, but they said they could not find them.
Plaintiff accordingly commenced the present action. At the trial the
County Court judge held that the property in the plans was not in
plaintiff, and gave judgment for defendants. Hence the appeal. At
the conclusion of the arguments of counsel for appellants, and without
calling upon counsel for respondents, their lordships dismissed the
appeal.
Alleged Failure to Give Supply of Electricity.
On Tue.sday the Brentford (Middlesex) magistrates heard a sum-
mons against the Twickenham & Tcddiiigton Electric Supply Co. for
failing to supply electric current to the house of Mr. V. S. Rowtoii.
Mr. Cohen, for complainant, said Mr. Rowton purchased the house
last summer and applied for a supply of current from the coinpanj".
He was met with a claim for rent of fittings, which the company
claimed as their property under an arrangement with the builder. Mr.
Rowton contended that all the fittings passed with the property when
he purchased it, and he declined either to pay rent for the fittings or to
IHircliase them. Mr. Rowton made a formal claim for current, but the
comjiany declined to supply.
For the company, Mr. .Jones said if the contention of complainant
was correct all the money spent on the wiring of houses by companies
and local authorities supplying electricity would be confiscated wher-
ever the houses passed by sale to persons who did not make any in-
quiry as to the ownership of such fittings. If such a claim held good
it would only be by a technical rule of law as to fittings annexed to the
land, and the company were entitled to make any technical objections.
Mr. Jones then made several objections of a technical character in
respect of the action taken by the complainant, and partieularl\-
as ,to giving notice to the company. Moreover, he urged, the
occupier was not entitled to a supply of current until he had entered
into a contract with the electricity undertakers, and that the com-
plainant had refused to do.
The magistrates dismissed the summons, on the ground that no pro-
per notice, as required by statute, had been served on the company,
and as a consequence there was no contract to supply electric current.
A sum of £5. 5s. was allowed as costs.
Mr. Cohen asked leave to state a case, and this was granted.
Ee Baritsu Light Cure Institute (Ltd)— In the Chancery
Division on Tuesday, Mr. Justice Swinfen-Eadv made an order, on the
petition of Dr. A. E. Neale, a judgment creditor for £690, for the wind-
ing-up of this company.
Townsley v. British Electric Traction Co. — At the Lancaster
Assizes on Wednesday plaintiff sought to recover £2,000 damages and
£120 special damages for personal injuries caused by alleged negligence
of the tramway employes of defendants, who work the B.vrrow-in-
Furness tramways. Plaintiff was cycling in Salthouse-road, Barrow,
at the time of the accident, which permanently injured him. A settle-
ment was arrived at, defendants paying £520 to cover damages and costs
German Electric Traction Project.— The " Standard " Berlin
correspondent states that the Allgemeine Elektrlcituts Gesellschaft
and the Siemens-Schuckert Werk? have applied to the Prussian
Ministry of Public Works for a concession for the construction of
an electric railway, 40 miles in length, from Cologne to Diisseldorf.
The municipal authorities of both towns have petitioned the
Ministry in favour of the scheme. It is not proposed to erect terminal
stations but to run the trains at a reduced speed into the streets of
the towns. The average speed for the whole jonrney is, however, to
be a mile a minute.
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 15, 1909.
000
MUNICIPAL, FOREIGN & GENERAL NOTES.
APPOINTMENTS VACANT AND FILLED.
Tlie Directors of the Douglas Southern Electric 'rrariiwuys (Ll<l.)
are prepared to receive applications for the position of manager of
their tramwaj's. Commencing salary £200 per annum, rising to
£250. Applications to Mr. I. E. Winslow. consulting engineer. .30.
Broadway, Westminster. London, S.W. See also an advertisement.
An electrician is wanted to superintend existing installation and
extensions, both light and power. Salary for first three niontlis £2
per week, then £2. os.. rising to £3. See an advertisement.
Applications are invited for the po.sition of professor of iihy.sifs a(
Victoria University College, Wellington, N.Z. Salary tfiiHI per
annum. Particulars from the High Commissioner for \cw Zealand.
L3, Victoria-st., London. S.W.. to whom applications hy Feb. 2.
Mr. Lee .Murray, of Me.=srs.' Siemens Bros. Dynamo Woiks, Staf-
ford, has been appointed general manager of Bruce I'eebles & Co.
Mr. T. A. Taylor has been ajipointed mains su|)erintendent at
Hammersmith.
Ml-. L. A. Gomer.sal has Ijeen appointed engineer-in-chargc of the
Coatbridge & Airdrie Electric Supply Co.
Prof. J. H. Dobson, professor of electrical engineering at the
Transvaal University, has been appointed electrical engineer to
Johannesburg Corporation at a salary of £1,200 a y-ear. Mr. Dobson
received his practical training in engineering at Crewe railway works.
The President of the Board of Trade has appointed Mr. G. R.
Askwith, K.C., an assistant secretary (Railway Department) of the
Board, to succeed Sir C. N. Dalton, K.C.M.G., C.B. (who retires
at the end of February) as Comptroller-General of Patents. Designs
and Trade Marks.
Correction. — In our last issue, page 514, a jiaragraph appeared
to the effect that Mr. Coward, of .Messrs. Dick. Kerr"s staff, had been
.selected to superintend the erection of a new Marconi station at
Clifden, Ireland. We learn that there is no foundation for this state-
ment, and we regret that it should have found a place in our columns.
The Big Blue Book. — The lieavy work of compilation of the Bio
Blue Book is actively proceeding, and we invite the co-operation of
our readers, who would help us by returning the coloured circular D2
which relates to their entries. The corrections and alterations to
the names and addresses appear to be more numerous than usual this
January, and help of the kind suggested will be appreciated.
Station engineers, &c.. who have not yet returned their tabular
forms for the correction of the Supplement Tables which are appear-
ing from week to week in The ELECTRici-iN, and which ultimately
form an important section of the Big Blub Book, will greatly- oblige
by retiuning these sheets corrected at once.
The sub.scription list of the Big Blue Book will be closed after
Monday next. Jan. 18. The published price of the book will be, as
last year, 15s. nett, postage extra. Orders for copies of the book, for
advertising space, and for entries under the Classified Trades Head-
ings should be sent in at once. In the case of advertisements, if space
is reserved, text and illustrations for the announcements can be
received up to the end of .January.
' AefOll. — It was reported to the Electricity committee on Monday
that one of the transformers at a sub-station had broken down
through a mouse getting into it, and that it would cost £.50 to repair.
Argentina. — The " Review of the River Plate " says the electri-
fication of some of the Cordoba city tramways has been commenced.
Arc lighting is to be adopted in Calles Santa F^, de Oca and Kntre
Rios. Buenos Aires.
Ashby. — Owing to the complaints against, the quality of the gas
lighting, the Council are making inquiries as to the possibility of
establishing electricity supply.
Ayr. — The Council on Monday decided to carry out an extension
of the tramways to Hawkhill. at an estimated cost of £1:}.<>I4.
Bath. — The Board of Trade yesterday received a dejnitation from
Bath Corporation on the subject of the negotiations for the sale of
the electricity undertaking to Mr. Schenk's syndicate.
Belfast. — The Harbour Commissioners have asked the Corpora-
tion to slate the terms upon which they would be willing to give a
supply of electrical energy for lighting and jiower to the harbour.
Bournemouth. — The offer of the Bournemouth & Poole EUc-
trieity Supply Co. to undertake a portion of the public lighting of the
borough has been referred to a sub-committee.
Bradford. — An the meeting of ratepayers on Monday disapproved
. .1 1 lie ( orporation's Gas. Water. Electricity and General Powers Rills.
I'll il'arliamentary committee recommended the Council on Tuesday
lo withdraw the Bills, and this was agreed to.
The Council have decided lo defer for a month consideration of
the proposal of the Electricity committee to carry out extensions of
the works at an estimated cost of about £.50.00(1.
Biaunton (North Devon).— -V company is being f(,rnicd for the
erection of electricity works in this district. Jt is proposed to instal
plant capable of supplying 2,.3(K) 8 c.p. lamps for private lighting
and also 40 public lamps.
Bristol.— In the Somerset & District Electric Power Co.'s Act. 100.3,
Bristol and Bath are scheduled, but the Board of Trade have now
made an order, under sec. 69 of the Act for the ces.ser of the jjowcrs of
the company as to the part of the area of supply comprised within the
city and county of Bristol.
Brixton (London).— Electric-avenue, Brixton, almost the first
example of electric lighting in this country by the Fife Main Co., is to
be lighted by Lambeth Council with 11 100 c.p. metallic filament
electric lamps in lieu of the .seven gas lamps which were decided ui)on
by the Council last September.
Chipping Norton. — The Council will op|)osc the application of the
Chip|)ing Xmton & District Electric Light & Power Co. for a
provisional urder. unless certain conditions are inserted.
Country House Lighting.— Dysart House, near Dysart. X.B. (the
residence of Sir Michael Nairn, Bart.), has been supplied with a
generating plant by Messrs. Mavor & Coulsim. Gla.sgow. A 22 n.p.
horizontal high-speed gas engine drives a shunt wound dynamo. A
storage battery, capable of supplying the demand for light for several
days, is included. The residence is wired for about 200 lights.
Croydon. — .-Vt the Council meeting on .Monday it was decided that
application be made for sanction to a loan of £800 for the laying of
a scissors cross-over, &c.. on the Cor|)oration tramway's at Norbury,
in view of the increase of traffic expected as the result of the exten-
sion of the L.C.C. tramways to Xorbury.
Tavi.stock-grove and the Girls" S:'ciindary Schools are lobe wired
and littefl up for the electric light.
Derby. — The Council have adopted a ""recommendation of the
Electric Lighting committee fo purchase a water-softener for the
old power station at £30(1, and application has been made for
sanction to a loan of this amount.
From the payments due to the traniwaj' contractors the Council
deducted penalties for f.ailure to complete the work within the stipu-
lated time, and a writ has now been issued bj' the contractors claiming
f 1,575. 9s. 2d. The town clerk has been instructed to defend the
action.
Droylsden. — The Council have called upon Manchester Cor|;oration.
who possess a provisional order for this district, to take steps to give a
supply of electricity.
Edinburgh. — The annual report of the resident electrical engineer
(Mr. F. A. Xewington) for the year ended May 15 last, was presented
to the Electric Lighting committee on Tuesdav.
Thenumber/.f unit-sold for lighting was 9.047.3S3. power 30.519.840
and street lighting 1.779,77(\ an increase of 5S3.395 units, or I1-4 per cent.
for lighting, and a decrease of ()8.()98 units, or 19 i)er leut. for power.
and an increa.«e of 174,4(>0 unit.«, or 10-9 per cent, for street lighting.
There were 1,168 new (-onsumers, and the number of lamps and other
apparatus connected were equivalent to 60.803 8 c.p.. against 54.260
8 c.p. the previous year. The total revenue for the year was £129,691
and the expenditure £119.119. leaving £10.541. out of which £747 has
been transferred to r.^serve. bringina it up to the statutory amount of
£97.940. .ind the balance of £9.794 has| been appropriated f.)r relief of
general rates. The rejiort was ordered to be printed.
Electri(al Trades Benevolent Institution.— With the object of
bringing the elaitns of this institution more prominently before the
trade, it has been decided that a dinner will be held at an early date.
Exhibition. — An Imperial International Exhibition is to lie held
at Sheplierd"s Bush. London, from Jlay to October next. There
will be sections for electricity, engineering, science, art and the
chemical industries. Particulars fi-om the secretary, general offices,
Maefarlane-road, Shepherd"s Bush.
Glasgow. — The Bilsland-drive tramway extension has been opened
for traffic.
Gloucester. — The question of extending the electric light cables to
the western side of the dock has been referred to a sub-committee.
Heywood. — A ratepayers meeting has approved the Councirs Bill.
which confers powers as to running tramcars in Bury and Rcchdalc.
.A poll has. however, been demanded.
Hull. — In regard lo the note in our last issue (page 517) relating to
the tenders accepterl by the Tramways committee, the cliauman of
the committee (.Mtl. l^arard). agreed, after considerable discii.«sion,
556
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 15, 1900.
at the last Council meeting to take back for further consideration the
portion of tlic report referring to the contract for 350 tons of tramway
rails whicli it was proposer! to let to a Belgian firm.
Hungary.— 'PI ic " Oesterrflehor Zcntral Anzeiger " states that
Ihc Kisl;iiiir(''lei.'\li.i;M Miiniri|ialily, who had signified their inten-
lion of placing iIk c'cririr lijliiing of the town in the hands of the
Hungarian hrauch of tliiSii iiuiis-Schuekerlwcrkc, have now decided
to (riirry out the work themselves.
Inquest. — On Monday the adjourned in()ucsl was resumed on
.fosi'pli I'viail'i'. an electrician's lfil)ourer, who was recently killed at
till' genriMtiiig station of the Underground Electric Railways Co. of
L;indoM. at l.;jts-road. At the time Reader met his death he was
painting thc^ inside of a boiler, and afterwards his lamp-holder was
found to he broken.
.I,\MKs (ioi'iiH, the forciiiiin, said he did not consider it necessary to
remove tlie c.-iiis (jf the 4S0 small openings to the boiler to allow of more
ventilatinn. He had done similar work and had felt no hud effects.
When the broken lamp-holder v/as withdrawn he noticed an electric
spark. Il.ul there been any fusing he thought there would have been <a
llasll,
Mr. .loHN \V. Towi.l!, resident engineer at the v/orks. considered
siifticiciit' precautions had been taken with regard to the ventilation.
]',y Mr.^C'ii.EERT Scott Ram (H.M. Electrical Inspector of Factories) :
'I'lie large hole in the side of the cap of the lamp-holder was caused in
his opinion at the time of the accident. The boiler had a capacity of
:i3n cubir ft.
Ml-. .J. B. Dampney, managing director of the Cardiff firm supplying
til;' s|)ei ill paint " Apexior," .said it was a secret preparation, containing
a volatiK' spirit like naphtha or benzine. Its flash point was over 100 deg.
With i«tIVtI ventilation temperature was of no consequence, and under
ordinary circumstances a naked light could be used with safety. A weak
person might be overcome by the fumes, but he had never known of a
case. He did not thiidi there was need for more ventilation.
Mr. Ram said he had examined the lamp-holder. There had been
previous fatal accidents with similar lamps, and manufactm'ers were
trying to im))rove on their make. It was dangerous to use them v/here
there was a possibility of an " earth " such as would be caused by a
]icrson standing inside an iron boiler. He thought such lamps should
not be used in such places without further precautions. The voltage was
220, and during the past six years 22 persons had been killed by voltages
of 250 or under. The defect in the porcelain rim of the lamp v/as an old
one.
Medical evidence was to the effect that death was due to shock from
electrocution.
Dr. T. M. Leooe (H.M. Medical Inspector of Factories), said an ex-
aminatiou at the Government laboratory showed that the paint contained
exccetlingly volatile hydro-carbon, which in confined spaces tended to
produce faint ness and eventually insensibility.
'J'hc jury returned a verdict of " Acciclciital death from an electric
shock d\iring a fall." They were unablr in H. t.iniine the cause of the
fall, however, and added a rider: '• Wf ccnvidcr llie electric lamps are
iusuthcicntly jirotected for such work, and lU'ge the necessity of men
woiking under such conditions being frequently v'sited."
Lowestoft. — It was reported at the Council meeting on Tuesday
that the manager of the tramways had asked the Electric Lighting
committee to consider the question of granting a rebate on the charges
for current tor the tramways, and a special meeting of the committee
is to be held to discuss the matter. The present charges arc 2id. per
unit up to 20,01)0 units, and 2d. after.
Macclesfield.— The Board of Trade have inquired as to the steps
to be taken by the Council to carry out their electric lighting order,
and a special committee has been appointed to collect information.
^ Maidstone.— Last week the Coimcil considered a report of the
Electricity committee on the reply of the L.G. Board for sanction
to borrow £20.770 for extensions of the electricity undertaking, &c.
The conmumication of the L.G. Board stated that thev had had under
cinsidevation the rei)ort made by their inspector (Mr. H. Ross Hooper)
after the iiiqvnry held by bim into the application of the Council, and
they liad learned that there, had been an excess expenditure amounting
to i;5 550 on works, Ac. in respect ..f wl.i.l, samliu.is f., loans had pre
vinusly „.,.„ gianlr,!, in, lial.c, a,> ,x,rss ..! al I Ci.liio ,,u account of
t K- W.M-sS tor uhlrh Ihr n,m„,al |,Mn ,,t CIS.UIS « ,,s sal,, lioucd Ul NoV.,
\.m. it appeared that tlie exeess expenditure on tliat loan had been
met out of moneys borrowed under subsequent sanctions to loans for
ot lua- purposes of the undertaking, and that, in fact, all the loans had been
])lai;etl t,i a common fund and used for the various purposes of the under-
taking, and no proper accounts had been kept of the expenditure under
each loan. The result was that the Council were not now in a position
to sliow precisely in resiwct of what particular items the excess expendi-
tiii-c had been mcirrcd. The Board further learnt that the Coimcil had.
witlun tlie last two years, incurred expenditure on new work and ma-
chinery, &e., amounting to £!),7(i0. 19s. Id. in antiei,, ,ti,.n ,,f saiution
to a loan notwithstanding the warning given in th. I;,.,,,!, titer of
May 22 190.5. It also appcarc.l that the Council ha.l ,,n,vha„..l motor.'
to be let out on hu-c, and had undertaken the wiring of private houses
mcot"\b„'r ''1';"'-' T'T'i" '"'• ^1'"^^ l™-''"^"^- ""'' ">«t the money to
meet that expenditure had been obtained by means of an overdr.aft on
the borough treasurer. The ijroceedings of the Council in those matter''
had been very unsatisfactory, and before sanctioning any further loan
for the purposes of the undertaking the Board must ask the Council to
give au assurance that similar irregularities would be avoided in future,
and that proper and separate accounts of the expenditure under each
loan would be kept. The Board must also request the Council to submit
proposals for paying off the overdraft on account '4 the illegal expen-
diture on motors and free wiring within a shorter periotl than seven years.
At the same time the Board should be furnished with^a statement allocat-
ing the sum of £3,4.'>4. lis. lid. included for nev/ works in capital expen-
diture to March 31 last.
In prescntmg the rcjioit of the committee, which recommended that
the undertaking referred to be given and the statement asked for fur-
nished tt) the Board, the chairman (Alderman Vattchan) said the excess
expenditure was caused by additional mains. &c.,and also in raising the
electric light building, which was required by the L.G. Board. That
accounted for £3,000. It had been the practice among municipal bodies
to pool the loans and draw the capital expenditure on them. It was,
however, a bad system, and he v/as glad that the Board uovf insisted
upon a system of account keejiing which would be more businesslike.
The instructions of the Board would be faithfully adhered to. The
v/arning given by the Board as to incurring expenditure before receipt of
sanction was of a very feeble character indeed — so feeble that no notice
was taken of it. The Council decided by resolution of April 3, 1907, to
ask for a loan of £10,900, but the work being urgent they had to go on
v/ith it. Had they waited for the inquiiy and sanction it might have
been two years before the work was proceeded with. As to the motors,
that was not news to any of them. The Council made up their minds
to let out those motors, although they were not strictly in order in doing
so. At the same time, those motors supplied a great want, and he be-
lieved it had been a great benefit, especially to the tradespeople, to be
able to hire motors at a reasonable rate ; further, it had been a profitable
undertaking so far as the Council was concerned. Those aeccnints would
be extinguished entirely within three or four years, and the directitms
of the Board would be carried out. The Council could not possibly stand
still in carrying on their undertaking. In IttO.'!, which was their first
year, they sold 289,972 units of rl,,ir' ity, and their revemie was
£5,031. lis. 2d. Last year they sol, I Il'ssiOlTi units, and their revenue
w.as £12,218. l.'5s. 8d. During the luv-, m v.mi the figures would be still
higher. The loan which they were applying for was made up ; £3,160
for excess expenditure, 500 kw. steam dynamo £3,750, superheaters
£420, steam and water pi|ies and valves £250, switchboard and connec-
tions £.''.')0. \,,:iii r iiPiiliiT, hof weU and pi])es £500, foundations and flue
work £200, „,, , limi, ,.l si,,kers £800, additions to buildings £1,285, con-
tingeni ics .iii,l ; , m lai c.xiJi uses £(525, new mains £900, booster for trac-
tion supjjly £020, new Ijoiler and mechanical stokers £1,650, brickwork
for ditto £200. Allowed for future work : New mains £4,400, house
services and connections £1,450 ; making a total of £20,565.
After discussion, the committee's recommendation was adopted, and
it v/as also decided that the rough cU-afts of the balance-sheets of the
tradhig depaitments of the Council should be presented to the Finance
committee in future,
Muswell Hill (Middlesex). — A numerously-signed petition has been
presented to Middlesex County Council in favour of the construction
of tramways from New Southgatc fo Highgatc via Muswell-hill,
and the Light Railways committee has been asked to consider the
C|nestion.
" Pennj-a-Word " Cables. — The Australian papers are appar-
ently not so easily misled by Mi-. Hcnniker Heaton's rhetorical
flights as their British contemporaries. Reuter on Tue.sday sent
out the following from a leading article in the Melbourne " Argus "
of the same date : —
At the first breath of expert criticism Mr. Henniker Heaton's visionary
penny palace fell to ruins. He is aii-ily indifferent to the financial asjicet
which Mr. Neilson so ruthlessly exposed at the meetmg at the Colonial
Institute. It is quite obvious that the penny-a-word system would
uivolve a stupendous cost to the taxpayers of the Emjiire. Australia
has already had a lesson in the real cost of workmg a cable in the annual
loss of £60,000 on the Pacific line. Even if only a fm-ther £50,000 were
required, no Commonwealth Goveimient would dieam of increasing
its deficit to that extent. Even penny postage throughout Australia
is not feasible, because Parliament is not prepared to face the cost, and
we are many year- .li^fanf from an Imperial penny post for the same
reason. An,'ili( i pi i m ,iI consideration to business men is that the
limitation of e.nliM- l,i< iliias which must inevitably result must nullify
the advantages ol I ediKeii eable rates. ' > \f.
Presentation.— The Swan,sea staff of the National Telephone Co.
have |)resented a marble clock and bronze ornaments to Mi-. H. G.
McAithur, contract manager, on his marriage.
Preston. — The local Trades Council have unanimously passed a
resolution in favour of the purchase of the undertaking of the Electric
Supply Co. by the Council.
Publicity in Municipal Affairs.— At Salford Council meeting las*
week Dr. I'inder nuned a resolution to the effect that the terms of al'
contracts and special trading agreements proiiosed to be entered into
by the Corporation shall be ]iublished on the synopsis of the pi-ooced-
ings of the committee concerned, or on the agenda.
THE ELECTEICIAN, JANl'ARY 15. 1900.
557
Ml-. Wheatcroft said, with regard to the tenders received by the tias
committee, that the chairman was given full power to negotiate after a
certain period. The tenders accepted were not necessarily the lowest.
Siibsequciit alteration of tenders through private ncgotfation was, t.i
his niin<I, oppo.sed to the right principle of a public contract. He also
objected to the Electricity committee's (inliry. which he described as
one of secret agreements and prefcvid i M rli;ir -r,>.
The chairman of the Electricity r uniiniiii . iMr. Barrett) defended the
policy of his committee, and an anu-Mdiiifiit, moved by Aid. Linsley,
that Dr. Finder's notice of motion be deferred for two months and that
a special committee be fi|)|)ointed to consider and report on tlic whole
cjuestion was carried.
Rawtenstall. — There were 137 applications foi' the position oi
electrical engineer and manager of Rawtenstall electricity works at a
commencing salary of £200 per annum. The following have been
selected for interview by the General Purposes committee : — Messrs.
C. L. E. Stewart (Rochciale), A. W. Clegg (Accrington), .Joseph Boyeo
(Darwen), and H. L. Bull (Wigan).
Reykjavik (Iceland).— The Municipal Council has accepted the
offer of Herr Carl Franke, of Bremen, for the erection of electricity
and gas works in this town, the capital of Iceland. The Council,
which has cancelled the concession granted some time ago to a
Danish syndicate, has the option of acquiring the undertakings one
year after completion.
Rio de Janeiro. — Some of the English papers have recently pub-
lished reports that, inconsequence of an increase of fares on the tram-
ways, riots have occurred and some cars have been burnt. A cable-
gram from the management states that such reports are much
exaggerated, that the distiu-bances did not arise from an increase of
fares, but from a temporary discontinuance of certain lines of cars
for the purpose of reconstructing the Largo San Francisco line, anil
that no damage of any importance was done to the cars.
Rochdale. — The salary of the tramway manager (Mr. Moffett) has
been increased to £350, with two further annual increments of £2.5.
Rotherham. — The electrical engineer (Mr. E. Ctoss) has been
instructed to report as to the desirability of giving a supply of
electricity in the Blackburn portion of the borough.
St. Helens. — Sanction has been received to a loan of £9,439 for
electricity supply extensions and the Council have applied for sanc-
tion to a further loan of £1,275 for mains.
Salford. — At a special meeting on Wednesday the Council decided
to proceed with the promotion of the omnibus bill, which confers
additional tramway powers, &c.
Southwark (London).— The borough electrical engineer (.Mr.
D. M. Kinghorn) has tendered his resignation.
Switzerland. — Messrs. C. Wolf (engineer. Nidau), K. Rufer and J.
Laubscher and Dr. Hagen have obtained a concession for the con-
struction and working of a standard gauge electric railway fiom
Bienne to Anet.
Similar concessions have been granted to M. Balestra (Lugano)
and M. C. Pfaltz (Chiasso) for lines from Lugano to Ponte Cremenaga
and on part of the route between Chiasso and Muggio respectively.
Torquay. — The Council object to the transfer of the tramway
undertaking from the Dolter Electric Traction (Ltd.) to the Torquay
Tramways Co. on the ground that the consideration (£1.57,500) is in
e.xcess of the cost of the works carried out.
Tramways and Light Railways.— The Board of Trade have issued
the annual return (for 1907-8) of street and road tramways and light
railways authorised by act or order, showing capital authorised, paid
up and expended, length of line authorised, gross receipts, &c. The
return is divided into two parts, viz.. Part I. which gives particu-
lars of capital and mileage for local authority and company under-
takings, and Part TI. which supplies details of traflSc, &c.
8incc ISTS ihr imhi, Inrjtli ,,t I III.- <i|M-iiod for traffic has increased from
2fi9toi.4(i4 inilr.. 1 In ,, [.nil -\|i.M J II nir from £4,207,350 to f(),S.l!»ll.lll,S,
the number ..f [..i.v.n :.•, - . :uii.,l U:;n ltti.000,000 to 2.626.0(U).0t)ll. and
the net receipts from £230,9511 to £4,lU0,U(i2. The number of passengers
carried in the year is equal to about 60 times the estimated population of
the United Kmgdom. Of the total of 1,020 miles of line owned by local
authorities 1,461 miles are worked by those authorities themselves and
the remaming 159 miles by leasing companies. In 1906-7 the route
mileage open of electric line was 2,195 miles out of a total of 2,394, and
last year it was 2,286 miles out of 2,464. The mileage worked otherwise
than by electric traction has fiuther diminished from 199 to 178 miles.
Of the 305 undertakings, 177 belong to local authorities and 12S to com-
panies or other jiarties. Local authorities who work as well as own their
tramway imdertakings have made a net prolit of £3,286,713 on the year s
traffic, out of which they have applied £91ti,291 towards reduction of
tramway debt and £319,676 in relief of rates, while £728. (ioS was carried
to reserve and renewal funds. In the cases of ihre^ local avithorities and
seven companies there was an excess of working expenditure over gross
receipts. The total capital expenditure per mile of single track open was
£17.106, and the percentage of net receipts to total capital outlay was
(iSl : the average passengers carried per car-mile was 9'29 and the
average receipts pel passenger l-09d.
Uruguay. — A decree ha,s been issued authorising the Junta Econo-
mica-Administrativa of Rocha to enter into a contract with Mr.
Frederico Ribas for the electric lighting of.thc town for 20 years.
Walmer.— The Board of Trade have decided to defer for 12
months the question of the revocation of the Council's 1904 Elec-
tric Lighting Order.
Watford. — The Council have decided to adhere to (he wiring and
motor-hiring clauses of their bill, but before putting them into
operation have decided to make inquiries as to tlic experience of
other municipalities.
West Ham. — At the meeting of the Council on Tuesday a resolution
was passed to allow a discount of 5 per cent, from the electricity
department's account against the tramways department for current
for traction purposes, being a proportion of the transmission losse.s,
and subject to weekly transit rs being made in [laymcnt of the current
used. The charge per unit for which thi.s discount is to be allowed
from the 1st inst., has been for some years at the rate of a penny per
unit, the consumjjtion for the year ended March, 1908, being 4,195,000
units, which, with the ordinary consumption of the tramways depart-
ment, amounted to £17,580. Bonus pajTnents have been sanctioned
to two of the depot employes for services in connection with the con-
struction of top covers in the depot. The department has con-
structed, in all, 40 top covers, the cost, after the addition of establish-
ment charges, being £81 for the first 20 and £70 for the second 20.
Another 12 covers are being put in hand.
Whitwood.— The Board of Trade have extended the electric light-
ing order for three months.
Wireless Telegraph Notes. — An experimental wireless telegraph
station has been erected at .Armstrong College. Newcastle-on-Tyne.
The station, as stated, is for purely experimental purposes.
According to the " Electrical World " tenders have l>cen invited
by the United States Navy Department for the erection of a wireless
land station at Washington, having a range of 3,000 miles, and the
equijiment of vessels with apparatus for receiving up to a range of
3.000 miles and transmitting up to 1 ,500 miles. We understand from
otu' contemporary that by far the greater part of the specification is
taken up by restrictive clauses, and all the technical data arc confined
to the two clauses given below : —
The station to be capable of transmitting messages at all times and
at all seasons to a radius of 3,000 miles in any navigable direction
from Washington, D.C. Such messages must not be interrupted by
atmospheric clisturbances or intentional or unintentional interference
by neighbouring stations. The station to be capable of transmitting
and receiving messages with entire secieci'. The contractor must
supply the necessary concrete buildings, with living accommodation
for four operators, towers, earth connections, wiring and appiiratus
comjilete. Such to be erected at or near Washington, D.C, the
exact location to be decided at a later date. Two sets of apparatus
installed on board vessels of the United States Navy, to be csipable of
transmitting and receiving messages at all times, in all seasons and in
all latitudes, to and from a distance of 1,000 miles, and to receive
messages from the high-powered station above mentioned at a dis-
tance of 3,000 miles at all times, the apparatus to be capable of trans-
mitting and receiving mcss.ages .at the maximum r.adius with entire
secrecy and without the possibility of interruption due to atmospheric
conditions or intentional or unintentional interference. These sets to
include, as an adjunct, wireless telephone apparatus capable of estab-
lishing and maintaining satisfactory communication to a distance
between ships of 100 miles. Such communication to be sustained
without adjustment of instruments or interruption therefrom for
periods of at least five minutes. This ship apparatus must be so con-
structed as to be installed in a room with 100 si), ft. deck space. The
antenna must be so disposed as not to require a change ni the height
or distance between mast,s or to materially change the outwawl
appearance of the vessels.
Oiu- esteemed contemporary regards such a document as not un-
likely to have a deterrent etVeet if taken too seriously, and we agree.
Dinners.--On the 5tli inst. the representatives of electrical con-
tracting firms gave a dinner to the Biriningliain manufacturers who
are taking high-tension current from the Corporation mains. The
contractors concerned (the British Westinghouse Co.. Siemens Bros.
Dynamo Works, General Electric Co., and British Insulated Wiie
Co.) generously invited the Corporation engineers to join them, and
the chair was occupied by .Mr. W. E. Milns, of Birmingham Corpora-
tion electrieitv department.
The after-dinner speeches showed that the very best feelings existed
between the consumers, the electrical contractors and the Corporation
engineers, and. in emiihasising this, Mr. >Iii.NS pointed out that it was
the result of the Corporation's endeav.)ur to conduct the undertaking on
sound and straightforward lines, and to conscientiously consider the
interests of the consumer. He also attributed this friendly feeling to the
558
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 15, 190'J
]iprsnnalily of (lip loading Birmingham manufacturci's. and spnlir liiglily
.if llip plaiil siipplied liy the various clcftrical firms.
Yarraoiilli ('or|)oration tramway pmployfe asscml)l('(l for tlicir
annual dinner in two parties (each numbering about 70) on Tuesday
and Wednesday last. The manager (Mr. F. L. Turner) and the
dei)Utv mayor and chairman of the Tramways conimittcc (.\ld.
Frank Arnold) were |)re.sciit.
The stair of the Islington (Lond<in) rleetrieity departnicnl dined
logethor on Saturday. The ehief engineer (.Air. .Mhert (iay) presided
over a company of about 80.
fJneoln tramway employ^-s. 70 in number, had a raidniglit supjier
on Tuesday, (.'ouncillors Halks & Milner being present.
Athletics. — On Saturday last a lOJ mile road race was contested by
."(7 employees of the India Rubber, Giitta Percha & Telegraph Works
Co., Silvei-town, E. This local " Marathon " aroused much interest,
thousands of spectators lining the route, a circular one commencing
and finishing at the Eagle Hotel, Snaresbrook. G. Peters won the
race in ()3 minutes, excellent time considering the heavy going.
Social Gathering. — The third annual fancy ihess hall of the social
and aililctic clul). in connection with Roboilson I'>lretric Lamps
(Ltd.), took iilacc on Saturday at Brook Green Woiks. Hammersniitli.
Over 350 persons were present. Five prizes were awardetl to ladies
.and three to gentlemen.
TRADE NOTES AND NOTICES.
TENDERS INVITED.
Ph/iiiiiiilJi ('i.rpi .ration is [irepared to receive tenders for supply
of storrs (lurinii 1l' months ending .March 81. 1910, including arc
lamp carl.i.ns. rlceti'icity meters, transformers, cables (paper insu-
lated), lubricating oils, engine waste, &c. Cojiies of specitieation
from the borough electrical engineer (Mr. E. G. Okell). Prince Rock,
Plymouth, to whom tenders by Saturday, Jan. ,30. See also an
advertisement.
Ilnnimrrsniilli (London) ('onncil invite tondcis fur sn|iplv of stf.res
for the 1-2 mc.ntlis ending .March SI, lillO. in, Iu.Iiml: .ii. limp i:lnl.,s.
&e., brooms and brushes, carbons, electrl. il l.""! , lil. s. liirl.iH ks,
clay and lime, gauge glasses, insulated wires, mi'til-, inrt.Ms. nilnian's
goods, packing and jointing materials, screws and tools. Forms of
lender, &c., from the borough electrical engineer (Mr. G. Gilbert
Itell). electricity works, 85, Fulham Palace-road, W. Tenders to
the town clerk (Mr. H. Thompson), Town Hall, Hammersmith, W.,
by 4 p.m. .Jan. 27. See also an advertisement.
/fiiiiiiiii rsmith Borough Council also in\iie l.-ndeis 1. .i supply
of a l'.imii k». steam turbine generating set. willi i liiiil.nsn, ,Sp,.'i-
licalii.n and forms of tender from the bin.. ugh tli'iiriral .■nuuiri'i
(.Ml-. G. Gilbert Bell), Electricity Department, 85, Fulham Palace-
road, W. Tenders to the town clerk (iMr. H. Thompson), Town Hall,
Broadway, Hammersmith, W., by 4 p.m. Jan. 27.
Schemes and tenders are invited for altering lifts and fans at
Hammersmith workliouse at present worked by continuous current ;
for lifts and two fans to work from single-phase a.c. ; and two fans
to work from steam engine. Firms who propose to tender must
specify the allowance they are jirepared to make for the present
transforming plant, and c.c. motors ; drawings, specifications, &c.,
to be supplied free of cost to the Guardians. Tenders to the clerk
(.Mr. J. Lamb), 206. Goldhawk-rd., London, W., before Jan. 19.
West Ham Council want tenders by 2 p.m. Jan. 21 for supply of
\arious stores, including electric wiring materials and accessories,
engine room stores, ironmongery, castings, metals, &c. Forms of
tender for wiring material, &c., engine-room stores and chemicals,
from the Borough Electrical Engineer, and for other items from the
Borough Engineer.
Boston Collapsible Barrell &. Mfg. Co. want tenders by Jan. 2()
for electrical work in connection with their new factory about to be
erected at Cardiff. Specifications from Mr. Walter Sayer, 79, York-
road, London, S.E.
|4 Halifax Corporation requii'e tenders by Jan. 20 for supply of
electric light fittings, accessories, cables, copper wire, meters, over-
head materials, car accessories, &c., for the tramways and electricity
departments, and manhole, ventilator and lamphole covers, castings,
oils, &e., for the tramways and highways departments. Forms for
the former group from the General Manager, Skircoat-road. Halifax,
and for the latter from the Borough Engineer.
Farrhnm Urban District Council are prepared to receive tenders
lor three altcrnatdrs and exciters, high and low pressure switchboards
and overhead travelling crane. General conditions and specifications
may b;- oljtained at the offices of the consulting engineers (Messrs.
^lay& Hawes), Caxton House, Westminster, S.W. Tenders to the
Clerk ot the Council (Mr. Leonard Warner) before 10 a.m., Jan. 20.
Islington (London) Borough Council invite tenders for stores for
their electricity department fur lii months, including engine room
stores, arc lani)) carbons and globes, transformers and accessories,
meters, cables, electrical sunch-ies, lamps, brushes, &c. Tenders to
town clerk by Feb. 5.
Tenders are invited for tlio supply of a branch metallic multiple
magneto switchboard to the Postmaster-Generars Department in
New South Wales. Tender forms and specification may be obtained
at the Commonwealth Offices. 72, Victoria-street, London, S.W.
Tenders for the construction- and working of an urban tele))h<me
system in Orense (Spain) will be received until noon Jan. 20 at the
Gobiei-no Civil, Orense, or at the registro de la Direecion General de
T^legrafas. Madrid. Deposit of £71 required. The " .Madrid
Gazette" for Dec. 17 contains particulars and may be seen at 7.3,
Basinghall-street, London, E.C.
Porto Alegre (Brazil) Municipality want tenders by Jan. 30 for
construction and working of an electric tramway from 3 to 4 miles
in length. Estimated cost £32.tlOO.
TENDERS RECEIVED AND ACCEPTED.
Felixstowe Council have accepted the tender of the General
Electric Co. for a 130 kw. dynamo (with Diesel oil engine), acces-
sories and spare parts at £3,736.
Chichester Council have accepted the tender of Stuart & Moore for
an installation of electric fire calls at £3. 15s. jier quarter for seven
years.
C!anterbury Council have accepted the tender of Philpot & Son for
electrical work for six months.
Middlesbrough Council has accepted the tender of Ciompton &
Co. for arc lamps and posts for street lighting at £647. 10s.
Dewsbury Corporation have accepted the tender of Callender's Co.
for 500 yds. of service cable.
Maidstone Corporation have accepted the tender of the Western
Electric Co. for cable at £905.
Melboiu'ne (Victoria) City ('o\nieil are recommended by the
Electric Supply committee to aece])t the tenders of the Reason
Mfg. Co. for 250, Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works for 350 and the
A.E.G. for 170 electricity meters at £325, £994. 15s. and £233. 15s.
respectively ; of the Australian General Electric Co. for 125 demand
indicators at £130. 7s. fid. ; of the Reason Mfg. Co. for 32 indicators
at £02. 10s. ; and of Babcock & Wilcos for 100 spare boiler tubes at
£1. 10s. each.
Commonwealth Tenders. — The Postmaster-General's Department,
Syilney, X.S.W., have accepted the tender of Lawrence & Hanson
f.ii sH ililiboards for private branch exchanges.
iiir I'listmaster-General's Department, Perth. W. Australia, have
accepted the tenders of the India Rubber Co. for balloons, carbon plates,
cells, connectors, leads, pots, tubes, keys, pole changers, relays, switches,
transmitters, platinum and copper wire, ebonite rod, fuses, german silver,
sal ammoniac, condensers, galvanometers, lightning arresters, sounders,
indicators and switchboards ; Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works, for light-
ning arresters ; British Insulated & Helsby Cables, for zincs ; General
Electric Co., for receivers ; Johnson & Phillips, for copper wu-e ; Inter-
national Electric Co., for cords ; O. Haes, for binders and bronze wire ;
R. Johnson, Clapham & Morris, for g.i. wh'e ; Gen. Elec. Engineering
Co., for dry cells, wire and brackets ; W. Leslie & Co., for blocks and
zincs ; Unbehaun & Johnstone, for relays, resistance boxes, cords,
diaphragms, ear-pieces, micro-telephones, mouthpieces, switches, car-
bons, coils, listening and ringmg keys, fuses, cable, &c. : J. M. Fer-
guson, for condensers, bells, carbon, diaphragms, generator, plugs,
switches, telephones, &c. ; Lawrence & Hanson, for coppers, cords,
ebonite and protectors ; Carse Ellismith & Auld, for zincs ; and Zwicker,
Tod & Co., for snip, magnesia.
The Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne, Victoria, have
accepted the tender of W. T. Henley's Co. for v.i.r. taped lead-covered
cable.
The Postmaster-General's Department, Brisbane. Queensland, have
accepted the tender of the Western Electric Supply Co. for common
battery switchboard.
BUSINESS NOTICES.
Messrs. Edward G. Herbert (Ltd.). of .'Manehester, have been ap-
pointed sole agents for the testing machinery and appliances of
Messrs. Tinius Olsen & Co., of Philadelphia, U.S.A.
Mr. G. Hooghwinkel announces that he has removed from West-
minster to 24, Martins-lane, Cannon-street. London, E.C, and that
he has taken into partnership Mi-. W. Anthony Brown, A. M.Inst. C.E.
The style of the firm will in future be Hooghwinkel, .Anthony Brown
&. Partners. Mr. Brown will continue to devote himself more espe-
cially to the design and construction of railways, whilst .Mr. Hoogh-
winkel will continue his practice in connection with electric tram-
way, light and power schemes, the electrical equipment of mines
' and collieries, Ac.
Messrs. Marples, Leach & Co. inform us that they have apjiointed
Mr. W. M. Davidson branch manager for Scotland.
Tlie offices of the Gesellschaft fiir Drahtlose Telegiaphie m.lj.H.
have been removed to 9, Tempelhofer Ufer, Berlin, S.W. 61.
THE ELECTRICIAN. JANUARY 15, 1909.
559
Plant for Sale.— Messrs. G. Elliott & Co., 186-188, Long-lane,
Bermondsey, London, S.E., have for sale two compound Marshall
steam engines coupled to two Crompton dynamos, and also three
dynamo.'!. Further particulajs are given in advertisements.
Patent Development.— The proprietor of patent No. 27.297/1904
for " Improvements in and relating to .Means for Lighting and K.x-
tinguishing Gas Lamps by Electricity " is desirous of di.sposing of the
patent rights or of negotiating for the grant of a licence to work same.
Applications to Messrs. G. F. Redfern & Co., 4, South-st.. Finsbury.
London, E.G.
The o\vners of patent No. 123/1905. relating to " Improvements
in Aii]iaratus for and Process of Electric Welding," desire to nego-
tiate with manufacturers and users with the view of granting licences.
Apiiliiatioiis to Messrs. Lloyd Wise & Co.. 46. Lincoln's Inn Fields,
London, W.( '.
Agents Wanted.— The proprietors of patents pertaining to the X
accumulatni- are prepared to appoint agents in the provinces.
Applirati.nis to the X Syndicate (Ltd.), Mitcham Mills, Beddington
CoriKT. Mitcliam, Surrey.
Insulation Specialities.— In no branch of the electrical industry has
more care or enterprise been shown than in that of the compounding
and manufacture of materials for insulation purjiuses. Everything
likely to be of service in connection with the insulation of wires and
cables and electrical machinery has been pressed into the seivicc of
the electrical engineer, until the list of materials at his command has
become almost inexhaustible. Amongst these materials paper and
the like occupy a front place, and one of the leading firms connected
with the paper trade, Messrs. Spicer Brothers (Ltd.), of 19, New
Bridge-street, London, E.G., hold a front position with an assortment
of impregnated papers, &c., which are on the market under the titles
of " Sistoflex " [and " Defiance." This range of insulating materials
we have before us. and the trade will be interested to become
aei|uaiiitc-d with the 'jo.kIs that Messrs. Spicer Brothers have t« offer,
consistiim of iiiipirL'ii.ilrd jiaper, cloths and tapes ; vulcanized fibre
sheets, rods, tubus, di.sc.i. &c. ; press-spahn ; and a .special line of
" Dehance " insulation for armature and generator work. The
materials vary in thickness from the substance of tissue paper ( 1 1
mils) to a If in. vulcanized fibre sheet. It is further claimed for
" Defiance " insulation that it is free from cuts, wrinkles and Haws,
and is made up in rolls to suit the repau-er's varied requirements. The
same firm make a speciality of pure manilla insulating i)a]X'r for
cable and power work.
Electrolytic Steel.— An interesting demonstration of the \isc of
electricity in steel refining was given at Messrs. Dorman, Long & Co.'s
Steel Yard at Battersea, London, yesterday morning. Some special
melts were inside in an cxiirniiirnial inducfion furnace of the Kjellin
type on lM.h.ill of III,- Sli,lli,|,| Steel Research Committee. This
committee was ir|,ivs,nl',(l at the tests by Mi: Balfour, of Messrs.
Seebohm, Dieckstahl & Co., Mr. Osborn, of Messrs. Samuel Osborn
& Co., Mr. S. E. Fedden the City electrical engineer of Sheffield, anti
Prof. Ai-nold of the Sheffield University. We understand that it is
the intention of this committee to instal, if the plant proves suitable,
one of these furnaces in the metallurgical department of the Uni-
versity, and this resolution marks a distinct step forward in the
metallurgical industry. The furnace in which the tests were made
was fed with single-phase current by a 60 kw. motor generator, the
jjressure being 160 volts. This generator was driven by a continuous
current motor fed from the London County Council's tramway
mains. The charge consisted of " scraj) " and a xcry satisfactory-
yield of steel in quite a .short time was obtained, h'tnther develop-
ments will be watched with interest.
Model Railways. This is the title of a new monthly iiulilic.alion,
issued by M.'s-qs. i;,,-, ,11. Lowke& Co., Northampton.' The interest
m scale modrls ,,| rn.L'iin .ring subjects has been broadened during the
past feu years by the formation of the Society of Model Engineers
and by the high quality of the products of modern manufacturers.
The January issue of Model Railways, which is before us, contains
interesting articles on locomotives and permanent way. signalling,
&c. The principal contribution, on the building of a hiilf inch scale
model L.N.W.B " Experiment " locomotive, is from the pen of .Mr.
H. Greenly, who is looked upon as an authority upon this subject.
Although the majority of mode! locomotives arcsteam driven, many
CATALOGUES. &c.
-\rc L.VMP Pulleys and Winc hes — The Electrical & Engineer-
mg Supplies Co., 36 and 37, Upper', Thames-street, London,' E.G.,
have issued leaflets A 51 and A 52 which give particulars and prices
of stamped steel pulleys and arc lamp'winches and small mechanical
hoists. The jjulleys are, it is stated, stamped cold out of sheets of
Siemens-Martin steel and are lighter and stronger than the c.i.
pulleys in general use ; they cannot be broken by a fall or blow and
are more durable and smoother in running. The' smaller pulleys are
suitable for arc lamp raising and lowering and as guide pulleys, and
the larger ones are used as signalling, chain and guide pulleys, for
rope drives, lifts, &c. Several types of are lamp «inches and a com-
bined arc lamp contact and suspension gear are illustrated in the
.second leaflet. The company «ill forward copies of the leaflets to
the trade on request.
Switch Sockets .*.\u Plugs.— The Edi.son & Swan United
Electric Light Co. arc issuing leaflet No. A 2,144 describing and
illustrating their new switch sockets and plugs. It has long been
the practice to use switches in connection with wall sockets, but
some object to the custom which is followed by many contractors
of fixing an ordinary tumler. or phlatta, switch immediately above
the socket. The consequence has been that makers have endea-
vomed to combine the two accessories on one base, but so far few of
these contrivances have been artistic, and some have been unreli-
able in action. The new Ediswan switch socket becomes dead
automatically the moment the switch is removed, and remains dead
until the switch is not only replaced but is pushed right home. The
action is .smooth and reliable, and there is no complicated mechanism
to get out of order. The plug is jjrovided witii different sized pins
" EnisWAN ■' SwiTiji
Si r KIT ,\M> Vlvg.
to render it imp.issible to make contact in other than the wav f-r
«hieh the plug is «ired. Sp<cial features are the neat ai.peara.ice
and small projection of the arli(^le. The illustration shows the new
fitment.
Leatheboie.— Messrs. .\ttwater & Sons, Hopwood-strcet .Mill.
Ireston, have ready a leaflet dealing with " Peelre.ss " I.x-atheroid
Insulation which is claimed to be the greatest insulating paper made.
Cryselco L.\mps.— Cryselco Limited are issuins a circular giving
particulars and prices of their metal and carbon filament lamps.
Tubes and Fittings.— The latest list of iron and steel tubes and
fittings manufactured by John Spencer (Ltd.), of \\'cdnesbury and
London, is now ready, and copies can be obtained on application.
I oles for tramways, telegraphs and telephones and iron arms for
wooden poles are listed.
Lamp Testers.— Mr. G. Hraulik. of 8, Lambeth-hill, London, E.G.,
IS advertising his new incandescent lamp tester (a patent wattmeter)
and he informs us that he lias several new and cheaper patterns of
lamp testers now ready, reading in amperes and watts. He invites
applications for comjilete price list.s and special net quotations.
Telephone Apparatus. -We have previously had occasion to
refer to the telephone products of the British Insulated & Helsby
('ables. and we now have to acknowledge receipt of a useful publica-
tion, in which the principal product.s of the company in tliis branch
are fully illu.stratcd and described. We notice that s'ljccial attention
is being paid to metal-cased telephones for table and wall use. Two
patterns of these are illustrated, and they appear to make up an
extremely neat telephone combination.
Marples. Leach Specialities. — Messrs. .Marples, Leach & Co.
send us three lists in which full details are given of small sewing
machine motors, d.c. crane and lift equipments, and one, two and
threc-plia.se inductionjnotors.
Dry Batteries. — Those of our readers who are interested in the
jjractieal side of motoring, should get a copy of Mr. A. H. Hvmts
Catalogue No. 22, which gives details of a complete system of dry
battery ignition «ith Hellesen dry cells.
Foster Tkansforjiers.— The latest publication of the Foster Arc
Lamp & Engineering Co. is a four-page list giving tabulated
particulars of the efficiency and cost of Foster auto-transformers for
use with metalHc filament lamps, arc lamps and for testing pm-poses.
560
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 15, 1909.
interesting electrical types have been introduced within the last
12 months, in which small motors are fitted into the bodies of
what appear, at first sight, o be steam locomotives.
Akc Lami' CJouplings. — The suspended type of arc lamp is on the
increase, and its more general use may be attributed to the improve-
nu'nts made in couplings, winches, pulleys, &c. Our readers will be
interested in a new list dealing with this class of accessories, just
published by Messrs. J. & H. Grevener.
'I'tme Meters.— The Acme Meter Co., 46, Queen Victoria-street,
London, E.C has issued two leaflets which give illustrated descrip-
li,,ns, Willi .li:.-i;iins ..f cnnnections, of types M. Z. P. and D. M. Z.
of tlicir " A' M)^ I line meters. The former tyjjc registers hours or
minutes, and is suilaMe for continu(ius or alternating current systems
of any voltage, while the latter registers minutes, and is shunt wound
for continuous current of any voltage. A circular accompanying
the leaflet draws attention to the advantages of using " Acme "' time
meters on tramcars and gives the experience of Burnley where a
saving of U per cent, of energy was effected on four cars.
Testino M.\chinery.— From Edward C4.Herbert(Ltd.).Rosamond-
street East, Manchester, we have received sheets containing par-
ticulars of Olesen's testing machines for which they are agents in this
country.
Calendars, &C. — Amongst the novelties of the season, and a use-
ful one to boot, is an art paperweight .sent out by the Reason
Mfg. Co. as an advertising device for their manufactures. It
is certainly what many so-called paperweights are not — a real
weight, and, besides being effective, is artistic withal.
The Phceni.K Dynamo Mfg. Co., Thornbury Works, Bradford, for-
ward a handsome hanging calendar, with monthly tear-oft' sheets.
The calendar is well printed in colours, and will be an effective
reminder of the Company's goods.
The Western Electric Co.'s neat desk or hanging calendar, with
])erpetual date box, is to hand. Illustrations are given of some of the
Company's specialities.
From the Armorduct Mfg. Co. we have received a box of refills for
the " Armorduct " perpetual desk calendar.
Brush Calendar. — The popular belief that some passage of
Hliakespeare can be made to fit every and any incident makes us
wniidii' wliilher there are many quotations applicable directly to
i-Mi;iiii I I 111- A casual glance at the tear-off calendar issued by the
liiiish ('ohi|.any leads to the view that there are not. This point,
however, in no way detracts from the usefulness of the calendar,
and as most of us have a human as well as an engineering side we
shall doubtless derive much pleasure in meeting old friends as we
tsar off the date sheets. The calendar is surmounted by an excellent
reproduction of a picture by Mr. E. R. Fox entitled " In the Foun-
dry."
Imports. — The following are official values of electrical machi-
nery, material, and apparatus imported into this country (a) during
December, 1908, and (b) during the past year from Jan. I to
Dec. 31, with the increases or decreases compared with the corre-
sponding periods of 1907 : —
Electrical machinery (^0 £38,264 (decrease £6,078) ; (.h) £a78,558
(decrease £24,660) ; telegraph and telephone cables («) £11,592 (in-
crease £4,984), (/<) £125,082 (decrease £108,467) : telegraph and tele-
phone apparatus (tt) £22,034 (increa-^^e £7,364), (h) £200,172 (decrease
£57,893) ; other electrical wires and cables, rubber insulated («) £5,535
(decrease £5,187), Ji) £71,505 (decrease £14,269) ; with other insulations
(<i) £7,414 (increase £565), (6) £103,230 (increa.se £29,089). The follow-
ing were not separately enumerated in 1907 : Carbons ('/) £14,924,
('-) £162,113; glow lamps (a) £49,318, [h) £359,837; arc lamps and
electrio searchlights (a)£529, (h) £5,240 ; parts of arc lamps and search-
lights (other than carbons! (a) £10,274, {b) £63,447; primary find
secondary batteries (a) £5,961, (b) £57,055. Total of electrical goods
and apparatus, other than machinery and telegraph and telephone
wire (a) £136,139 (increase £34,367), (b) £1,263,757 (decrease £16,107).
Exports. — The exports of electrical machinery, material, &c. (a)
during December, 1908, ,and (i) during the past year from
.Tan. 1 to Dec. ,"{1, and the increases and decreases compared with
the corresponding periods of 1907, are as follows: —
Kloctricnl machinery («) £101,994 (increase £17,588, ('-) £1,354,014
(increase £358,305) ; telegraph and tele[)hone cables {a) £45,451 (in-
crease £7,100), (b} £622,707 (decrea.se £678,278); telegraph and tele-
phone apparatus («) £12,970 (increase £3,151), (/() £166,967 (decrease
£3,193) ; other electrical wires and cables, rubber insulated (a) £26,239
(decrease £2,129), ('>) £281,004 (increase £8,732); with other in.sulat.ion s
('() £21,933 (increase £9,747), (6) £322,233 (increase £95,511). The
ioUowing were not separately enumerated in 1907: Carbons {«)
£941, {hj £8,673; glow lamps (o) £4,707, CO £57,848 ; arc lamps and
searchlights (a) £2,386, (/.) £21,747 ; partsof arc lampsand F. u rl,l,..Iii ,
(other than carbons) {a) £2,163, (/.) £19,052; primary aial , . ,1,1,1,1^
batteries (a) £5,830, (/>) £82,147. Total of electrical goods auJ appui.i
vTi/,°Jo?V''^'^" machinery and telegraph and telephone wire, (a)
£154,421 (morease £30,547), (6) £1,942,106 (decrease £527,821).
NEW COMPANIES, MORTGAGES AND CHARGES, &g.
NEW COMPANIES.
CAPETOWN-CAIRO RAILWAY & TELEGRAPH COMBINATION SYND.
(LTD ) (101,005.)— Ke<'. Jan. 6, ca|.ital £20,000 in £100 shares, with
objects as indicated by the title. Private company. First directors,
F. Gheel Gildemeester, F. R. Wilm and R. Poeppel. Keg. office,
Broad-street House, New Broad-street, London, E.C.
CONSOLIDATED ELECTRIC WORKS & APPLIANCES (LTD.) (101,022.) —
Reg. Jan. 7, capital £5,0C0 in £1 shares, to adopt an agreement with
W.°Murch, and to carry on the business of electrical engineers, elec-
tricians, suppliers of electricity, manufacturers of electrical apparatus,
&c. Private company. First directors, T. Ward and W. Murch.
DUMFRIES ELECTRICITY SUPPLY CO. (LTD.) (6,990.)— Reg. in Edin-
burgh on Jan. 7, capital £40,000 in £1 shares, to ac(|uire and work the
undertaking authorised by the Dumfries Electric Lighting Order, to
adopt an agreement with the India Rubber, (iutta Percha ct Telegraph
Works Co., to construct, repair and maintain dynamos, accumulators,
cables, wires, apparatus, lamps and works, and to carry on the busi-
ness of generators and suppliers of electricity, electrical and mechani-
cal engineers, &c. First directors are W. E. Gray, R. N. Moir and
S. A. Russell. Reg. Office, Leafield-road, Dumfries.
MIDLAND AGENCIES (LTD.) (100,978.)— Reg. Jan. 4, capital £2,500
in £1 shares, to carry on the business of engineers, electric lighting
contractors, tool makers, &c. Private company. Reg. office, 42,
Summer-row, Birmingham.
WEST OF SCOTLAND TRADING CO. (LTD.) (6,988 )— Reg. in Edin-
burgh on Jan. 2, caiiital £2,500 in £1 shares, to carry on the business
of merchants, electric and mechanical engineers, founders, lighting
contractors, &c. Reg. otiice, 140, West, George-street, Glasgow.
MORTGAGES AND CHARGES.
KINETIC SW ANTON CO. (LTD. ) — Particulars of £250 debentures
created Hec- 31, 1908, filed pursuant to sec. 10 (3) of the Companies
Act, 1907, the whole amount being now issued. Property charged.
Company's general assets. No trustees.
CITY NOTES.
MEMORANDA (.Tan. 14).— Bank rate 2J per cent, (since May 28, 1908).
Price of silver, 24id. per oz. Consols 83/s— SS^'s f or money and 83 ,0 —
83 i i account. Consols Pay Day, Feb'. 3 ; Stock and Shares Continua-
tion Days, Jan. 26 and Felt. 9 ; Ticket Days, Jan. 27 and Feb. 10 ; Pay
Days, Jan. 28 and Feb. 11. Mining Shares Carry Over Days, Jan. 25
and Feb. 8. ,_ . r.
Prices op Metals (London). — Copper, cash, 62J ; three months, 63.
Lead, English, 13^— 13i ; foreign, cash, 13i\ ; there months, 13,"„.
Spelter, cash, 21-;*; three months, 211. Tin, English, 127-129;
foreign, three months, 127|— 128J. Iron, Cleveland, cash, 48/3 and
three months, 48/6. Marimt Steel (price supplied by W. F. Dennis &
Co.), £55.
BUENOS AIRES ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS CO. (LTD.)— A private meeting
of this company was held on Thursday last week.
CHILI TELEPHONE CO. (LTD).— The company has declared an in-
terim dividend of 3s. per share, tax free, for the past half-year.
CITY & SOUTH LONDON RAILWAY CO.— The accounts for the half-
year ended Dec. 31, subject to final audit, show a b.alance, after pro-
yiding for debenture stock interest, payment of the dividend on the
5 per cent, preference stocks and transfer to renewal fund of £1,500,
sufiicient to allow payment of a dividend on the consolidated ordinary
stock at the rate of"H percent, per annum, carrying forward £95'4.
The dividend for the coiresponding period last year was at the rate of
IJ per cent, and the balance forward was £1,119.
DIRECT UNITED STATES CABLE CO. (LTD )— The directors have re-
solved to pay an interim dividend of 4s. per share, tax free (at the rate
of 4 per cent, per annum) for the iiuarter ended Dec. 31, payable on
30th inst. After setting aside £5,000 to reserve the carry forward is
about £4,500. The transfer books will be closed from Jan. 12 to 26
inclusive.
EASTERN & SOUTH AFRICAN TELEGRAPH CO. (LTD. ) -This com-
pany announce the payment by M'ariants on Feb. 1 of six months in-
terest to Jan. 31, 1909, being the final interest on their 4 per cent
registered mortgage debentures, 1909, which mature on 1st prox.
MONTREAL WATER & POWER CO.— This company is inviting appli-
cations for flOO.OOO 4i per cent, prior hen gold bonds at 94 per cent.
POWER GAS CORPN. (LTD.)— The report for the year ended Sept. 30
last states that the business has suffered from the effects of the strike
on the north-east coast and the general depression in trade. As com-
pared with a loss ot £2,929 in the previous year, the result of the past
financial year's tradino- sliovvs a profit of £2,407.
SOCIETE ANONYME RUSSOBELGE D'ENTERPRISES ELECTRIQUES.—
Tlie liiiuidators of tliis company state that, owing to the failure of the
iii.iiiosalsto reconstruct the coinpany, they have decided to realise the
a— Is and distribute the proceeds. An offer of 3,000,000f. has been
1 XL' ived for the whole of the assets, representing the electricity under-
taking of Kovno and various securities, and the liquidators have
accepted the offer provisionally.
THE BLBOTEICIAN, .TANUABY :
ELECTRIC TRAMWAY AND RAILWAY TRAFFIC ELECTRICAL COMPANIES' SHARE LIST
RECEIPTS.
Aberdeen Oorporatlon ' Jan.
Alrdrle
Anglo- Argentine
Ayr Corporation
Baker St. & Waterloo By..
Bamslej.
Barrow
Bath Electrio Trams, Ltd..
Blrkcnliead Corporation ..
Birmingham Corporation..
Birmingham &, Mid
Blackburn Corporation
Blackpool and Fleetwood..
Bolton Corporation
Bombay
Bouruemoath Corporation..
Bradford Corporat:
Brighton Corporation ,
Bristol Trams & C^kirlage..
Burnley Corporation
Burton Corporation
Bury Corporation
Calcutta I'ramwaya Co
Camborne- Redruth ,
Cardiff Corporation
Oavehill ,
Central London Railway
Charing 0.,Easton <& H'etead
Chatham & Dist. Lt. Rys...,
City &. South London Kly...
City of Birmingham
Colchester Corporat:
Cork Klectr'
Croydon Corporation
Devonport & JJist. Trams...
Dover Corp.
Dublin & Lucan Railway...
Dublin United ,
Dudley- Stourbridge
Dundee Corporation
£ast Ham Council
Exeter Corporation.
Qateshead & Diet. Trams
&!asgow Corporation
Qlossop Tram
uraveaend— JNorthfleet,
Great Northern & City Rly.,
Gt. Northern, Piccadilly, &c
Greenock & Port Glasgow...
Hartlepool Tramways
tiattcuigB i!)lec. Trams Co.
Hong Kong
HuddersIifldCorpn
Hull Corporation
Bford Diotrict Council ...
Ilkeston District Council
Ipswich Corporation
iBle of Thanet Co
Jarrow
iieighley Corporat;
Kidderminster &■ District..
Kilmarnock Corporation ..
Lanarkshire Trams Co. ...
Lancashire United
Leamington
Leeds Corporation
Leicester Corporation
Leith Corporation
Lincoln Corporation
Liverpool Corporation
Liverpool Overhead Rly.
•London County Council
Loudon United
Lowestoft
Uaidtitone Corporation..
Manchester Corporation
Mersey Railway
Uerthyr
metropolitan Dist. Bailwa>
metropolitan Elec. Trams...
Middleton
Nelson Corporation
Kewcastle-on-Tyne Corp. ...
Newport (Mon.) ,
Northampton Corporation.
Oldham, Ashton & Hyde ..,
Oldham Corporation
Perth (N.B.) Corporation ..
Perth(W.A.) Klec. Trama...
PelerborougU
Portsmouth Corporation ...
Potteries
Preston Corporation
Botherham Corporation ...
ElEGTRICITY SUPPLY.
Boumemonth & Poole Eleo. Sup. Ord.,
Do. 4i per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cam. Second Pref. .,
I Do. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Bromley (Kent) El. Lt. & Power Shares
Do. Do. Ist Dehe.
Brompton 4 Kensington Elec. Sup. Ord.
Do. 7 per Cent. Pref.
Central Elec. Snp. CoAX Gnar.Db.Stock
Charing Cross fW.End & City)El.Sop.Co.
Do. 4* per Cent. Pref.
tDo. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.k...
Do, n per Cei.t, Feb. f t.ck (red ) _
tDo. City Undertaking t^Z Cm. Prel.
Chelsea Electric Supply Ord.
St. 4J% tD„. 4i per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)".!!
10 6/0 City of London Electric Lighting Ord
Do. 8 per Cent. Cam. Pref.
t Oo. 6 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
tDo. 4it per Cent. 2nd Deb. Btock(red.)
County of Durham Elec. P.D. Ord....
Do. 5 per Cent, non Cum. Pref. ...
County of London Elec. Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, Cum. Pref.
St. 4J?( tDo. 4JZ Deb. Stock (red.)
Price
Wed-.
Jan. 13.
14-106
9j-10
ioj-1'6
101 — K.i
4J-6
91 —93
«i-9
8 -8*
53-4 J"
3J-41
121 —123 4 10
99 —102 4 8 0
2J-2I 4 .. ..i
H-ai 6 17 19
83-98 5 7 0
lOg-UJ 6 8 0
IM -US
Katb X nivmKVT, I BDSIHKS8
ruLB. "'I?/'^ I Week TO
EDi "'"• J\S: 13.
High- Low
6 Mar, Sept,
0 Feb, Ang
6 Feb, Aug I ]">.?
fj Jan, July |1"3J
" April, Oct I ..
0 May, Not
0 March,... I S5
0 Mar, Sent
C June, Dec, ■
0 Feb, Aug ! 4}
0 Feb, Aug
0 Jan, July
1031
) -K3
4i-61
97 — lOO
Second Deb. Stock
Folkestone Electricity Supply Co. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Gum. Pref.
Do. 4J 1st Deb. Stock (red)
Hove Electric Lighting Ord
Kensington ft Knightsbridge Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Ist Pref
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Kensingtn. ft Kngtbg. Co. & Netting Hill
Co. (Joint Station) 4% Deb. Stock (red.)
Kent Elec. Power Co
London Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb
Metropolitan Electric Sup. Ord.
tDo. 4i per Cent. Cum. Pref. ..
tDo, 4| per Cent. Deb. Stock l.st Mort. 1 1"5
tDo. siperCent.Mrt. Deb. 8tock(red.) 85-65
I Midland Elec. Corp.for P.D.liitMort.Db.
Newcastle & Diet. Elec. Ltg. Ord.
tDo. 4* per Cent. Deb
Newcastle Elec. Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, non Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. red. 1907.
Noi-l h Metro. Eleo.Power Sup. ,5 Morts
Korthem Counties Elec. Sap
tDo. 4J per Cent. Deb
dotting Hill Electric Ord
Oxford Electric Ord
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
St. James' & Pall Mall Elec. Ord.
Do. 7 per Cent. Pref.
tDo. 3* per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
SmithHeld Markets Electric Sup. Ord..
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock ,
South London Electric Supply Ord
South Metrop'n Elec. Lt. & Power Ord,
Do. 7 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4} Ist Db. Stk. Red
Urban Electric Supply Ord,
Jan, July
March ..
June, Dec
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
June, Dec '23
Jan, July
April, Oct
April, Oct
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Jan, July '"34 ,106
May, Nov
April, Oct
Mar, Sept -
Feb, Aug
April, Oct •• ..
Feb, Aug • • . •
Jan, July ••
98 —101 3 19 0 ! April, Oct
H-n
6 14
0
4J-5i
6 IS
«
9 -93
4 6
0
41 -f a
5 U
«
Jj-5
4 10
u
108
88 -90
43-5
98 —93
100 -102
91 —93
lU-125
H-n
96 -98
8S-9J
~ -71
86 —60
6b —Ti
•2S-3
4-3
I,--.-!,'.
lOJ-lUJ
S-1
i-»
9J— 10
8a-88
96 -IS
31-4
£0 -91 I
J3 —78
e2 -61
Bothec^ay
Salford Coriiorjition
Bheflield Corporation
Singapore Trama
Bonth Metropol
South Staffs
Southend Oorporatlon
Bouthport Tramways
Blalyb ilge,H}de,&c.,Jt.l
Sunderland corporation
Sunderland Disiriot
Swansea Trama
Swindon Corporation
Taunton ,
Tynemouth and District ..
Xyneside Trams Oo
Wallasey District Ooonoil..
Walsall Corpn
Warrington Corpn.
West Ham Corporation
Weston-super-Mare „
Wolverhampton Oo I Jan
Wolvertiampton Oorpn
' ff orcci
Wreih _
Xorkshire W.B. Trama
Mrkshlro Woollen District.
(a) These compan,
il Plus 2 daya,
nth the oorresponding period last year. § Plofl 3 days
tlv clectricp" t Minus 3 days I Minus "J days
•1 Compared with ? days last year.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. 1
Do. 4J per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb '.\ SO —S3
Westminster Elec. Sup. Ord I 9S fi
Do. 4i percent. Cum. Pref. ' fJ -61
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS i. TRAMWAYS.
Uaker bt. « w aiirloo 41^ Perp. Db. 81 '"' ™
Bath Elec, Trams Pref. Ord
tDo. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. ii 1st Mort. Deb. St.ick (red.) ...
tB'hr.r.: & Midland Trams 4 J 1st Db.Stk.
Bristol Tramways & Carriaije Ord. . .
!Do. Cum. Pref. (fully paid)
!Do. 4 per Cent. Debs
iiritish Electric Traction Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Perpetual Dobs.
Do. H per Cent. Snd Deb. Stock
Central London Ordinary Stock
Do. 4 per Cent . Pref. Slock I 81-66
Do. Deferred Stock I 6 ) — 6-3
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs 103-101
tCharingX.EustonillmpstdPer.Db.Stk.: 83 — S8
City of Birmingham Trams. SXCm.Pref.l 4i-4J
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Dobs i 96 -loO
CilT ft South London Elv. Con. Ord. ...I 29 -3o
Do. 6 per Cent. re. -p. Pref. (1S91) ... 112—114
Do. (189C) 119—111
Do. (190!) ' 103 — 1j9
Oo. (1903) 93 —101
Do. 4 per Cent. Perpetual Debs 99 —101
Dublin United Trams. Ord 1'1-12J
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. 13-14
Ot. Northern t CilyRly. Pref. Ord. (4%), 1-1
G. Northern, Piccadilly ft Brompton Ord.l 7J— Vi
!Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock I 91—93
Uaslingsii Di.t. Eleo. Trams. 65i Cm. Pf.l 2J— Si
Do. 4iDb.St Si — SJ
I Imperial Tramways Ord 81 — }
r,l)o. 6perCenl.l'ref. | 8»-Si
•:Do. 4J per Oeut. Debs 8} -91
I. of Thanet K. T. ft Lt. 6 per Cent, Pref. J-l|
tDo. 4 per Cent. Dob. Stock 64-59
Lanarkshire Traiiiways 9| — loj
tLanca. Utd. Trams 6 4 Prior Lien Db. St.| 91 —03
Liverpool Overhead Railway Ord | IJ — li
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref ; 6-5J
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb 81—83
t London I' nitcd Trams. 6;!; Cum. Prof. ... 8J -4{
:Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort, Deb. Stock 6) — 7'J
Mersey Con. Ord. Stock 1—2
Do. 8 per Cent. Perp. Pref. S -S
Metropoiitan Klec. Tramways Ord $^ — ii
Do. Deieriei a'a— ii
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. J-J
(Do. 41 per Cent. Dob. Stock 9i — 95 |
Metropohtau Railway Consolidated ! 37 — 38 !
Do. Surplus Lauds Stocks ] Qi — 7J
Do. 31 per Cent. Preference I 87 —S»
Du. 31 per Cent. " A " Preference 76—79
Do. 31 pc- Cent. Convertible Pref. 71—77
Do. 3J percent. Debeulnre Stuck 9-i —91
In oaloaiatingthe yield allowance tuw boon made for aoomed
4 19 0 Jan, July
' • • - Ma -
Maj.
Jan. July
April. Oct '
Jan, Jnly *
4 3 3 June. Dec |
3 19 6 Jan, Jaly
4 13 9 June, Dec
3 6 8' Feb, Aug |
6 0 7 Jan, July
8 13 Feb, Ang
4 13 0 Feb, Ang , •
4 5 I I Jan, July
Mar, Aug
Jan, July
March ..I •
March ..I -
4 2 0 Jan, July '< •
6 9 6 Feb, Ang 9
4 13 6 , Feb, Aug 1
3 18 0 I Jan, July i -
Feb .... I ■
5 n 0 ' Feb. Aug
6 13 0 April i •
6 13 0
9 14 0 Feb, Aug li
4 7 6 April, Oct
.\pril, Oct
II 15 G April, Oct
5 8 3 I April, Oct
5 13 U Mar, Sept !>;
4 2 0 Jan, July ^!
Sept li? I lU
Sept
4 17 10
5 10 6
5 10 0
4 3
97
4 13
4 13
3 17
3 17
4 II
4 10 0
4 11 9
4 19 0
3 19 0
I*
: 5 1
1) 0
0
0
6 15
0
4 18
lU
6 16
0
5 13
(1
S 7
6
9 3
4 13
11 2
6 11
6 Jan, July
April .„ I
0 J.tn,July ~ -
6 April, Oct .. ..
0 Jan, July ' .. ..
0 Feb, Aug .. I _
7 Feb, Aug .. _
June, Dec ■ •
0 Feb, Aug 3\;' S|
8 April, Oct 91} I ..
0 May, .Not 741 7J1
0 Feb, Aug 6il I 6^
0 Feb, Aug . „
0 Feb .... £"1 \ ..
0 Jan, July 10 1 ' ..
u Jan, July 87^ 87|
0 April, Oct .. -
0 April, Oct .. I ..
0 Feb, Aug 291 ' -8i
5 Feb. Aug
0 Feb, Aug _ , ..
Feb, Aug , • I -
Feb, Aug .. ..
Mav, Not .. , ..
Feb. Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug .. I ..
Feb, Aug 7; ! ..
Jan. July i ».'l 92}
Mar, Sept , . .
April, Oct
Mar, Sept .. < ..
Mar, Soiit
Jan, July .. ■■
Mar, SopI
Jan, July .. M
Feb, Aug .. I ..
Jan. July ..
Feb, Aug
Fob. Aug .. _
Jan, J uly
Jaa,JtUy
Jan, July
Feb, Aug.
bat not for redemntion.
SI
April. . .
::l
>s 1
Jan, July
9 f
Feb, Aug
S',V
Feb, Aus
7o
Feb, Aug
89
Feb, Aug
761
Feb, Aug
7bi
Jan, July
93
t E° m^d:nd^ '"°f The Lomwrs^ck K^ctaiSieCommittoe have .lecl.nea to ..aoto these.
THEfELECTRICIAN. JANUAEY 15, J9^
-■-^-■— '-"-"^ ^"^ = — r -. »: TonoiNBRfl eA Last 07^^ VIEI.TI. I
iLaBTI
Divi-
IdendI
Price
Wed.,
Jan. 13.
BTI8IHB6S
Week to
Jan. 13.
Last
Divi-
dend
BnSINES?
Week to
Jan. J3.
tELECTRIC RAILWAYS & TRAMWAYS-
Cent. " A ■ Deb. Ktock
3J%
3%
fi tDo.
H% Do-
6% tDo.
4% -
121/11
HZ
(. (6 percent.)
o' AMei'itc.l Kxt. Pief. (Int. Guar. 1>.t
Und Elcc. Klvs. Co. of London, Ltd.)
3 iicr Cent! CoTlsoltd. Kent-oharRe
4 per Cent. Midland Kent-charge
Bo Guar. Stock 4 per Cent
tDo. 6 per Cent Perp. Deb. Stock
tDo. 4 per Cent. Ditto ^ :-..•"
Isew Gen. Tract. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Potteries Electric Traction Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4* per Cent. Deb. Stock
R. Met. Elec. Trams. & Ltg. 6% Cm. Pref.
tDo 4 percent. Deb. Stock
ISnnderland Diet. Elec.TrmB.B5;lstMt.Db,
rnderBronndE.Rys.Lon.6°<' Inc'm bonds
Do, 5X Prior Lien Bonds
tDo. iV' Bonds
yorkebire (W.B.) Elec. Trama. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
+T)o. 4* Tier Cent. iBt DehB .
ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING, &C.
Aron Electricity Meter Ord
Do. 6%Cnm. Pf.
Babcock & Wilcox Ord
Do. Pref
British Insulated & Helsby Cables Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
tDo. 4J per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.)
British Thoms'n-Houst'n iiX let Mt.Db.
British Weslinghouse 6 per Cent. Pref...
Do. 6 per Cent. Prior Liej Dbs(rd.j
tDo. 4 per Cent. Mort. Dob. Stock-
iiX iB uih E.ling.Co.4i<;„ Perp. Ist Deb.Stock
4J"'- ' tDo. Perpetual 2nd Deb. Stock
6/0 '; Cullender's table Con. Ord
6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
EO/2!
5 19 0
3 18 0
3 18 0
ed.),
6X
Bt.l 4J%
t.
in
4%
6/0
*'A
6/0
213
tn
Ib/t
lU
i"/.
4-}
J -II
S3-3i
tij— 7
3-8
954-974
41 -46
65 -70 i ? 8 6
46—6(1
9 —10
6i-6}
106 -108
i»-ia
10s -1U7
SS-Vb
n-w.
1 *iX
12/0
2/6 _,. _ ,
4J% I tDo. 4J per Cent. 1st Mort Deba. (red.)
ill/6 Castner.Kelluer Alkali Co
4J°/f Do. 4 j per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (i
0/71 tCliadburn'B (Ship) Telegraph Ord.
0/7i Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
U/8s Consolidated Electrical Co
1/0 Consolidated Signal Co
Oni Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
3/0 •Crompton & Co. (Nos. 1 to 86,000)
6% tDo. 6 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs. (1
on): Davis & Tinmiina
2/0 Dick, Kerr & Co. Ord
O/?! Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
44% i ty^'. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock
1/6 I Edison & Swan United ("A" Sh.) (£8 pd.)
2/6 I Do. (f 6 paid)
"' (Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock (rd.)
Do. 6 per Cent. 2nd Dab. Stock
Edmundson's Elec. Corp. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4j per cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.)
Electric Construction Co
Do. 7 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Perp. 1st Mort. l>eb».
acneral llectric (1900) 6% Cum. Pref....
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
Henley's Telegraph Works Ord
Do 4H'cr Cent. Pref.
Do. 4i per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb. Stock
Irdia Rubber, Gut. Per, 4c.,Wrk«,
Do. 4 percent. Debs, (red.)
lOU, •• National Elec. Construction Co
Bichardsons, Weslgarth & Co., Ltd. Ord,
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
t Do. 4 J per Cent. Perp. Deb. Stock ...
Bt.l •■ aimplei Conduits Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Telegraph Construction & Maintenance
t!'o. 4 per Cent Deh. Bonds (1909) ...
Vickers, Sons & Masim, Ltd., Ord
Do. b per Cent. non.Cum. Preferenc<
Do. 6per Cent. non-Cum. Preferred
Do. 4perCent. 1st Mort. Db.Sk.(red)| 102—104
Do. 4J per Cent. 2nd Mort. Deb. (red.) 104 —10b
Do. 6 percent. 3rd Mort. Debs Scrip. 104 —106
t.). G.White & Co. 6!; Cm. Pref. 8-9
WUlans & Robinson Ord J-i,
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. l^'i\
V= Do 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs | 68—72
TELEGRAPHS.
Amazon Telegraph
6% tDo. 6 per Cent. Deba. (rod.;
16/0 Anglo-American
30/0 Do. Preferred
1% Do. Deferred
4% It t ommercial Cable 4 per Cent. Deb. Stk,
3t.! 6/0 I Cuba Submarine Ord
10 1 10/0 Do. Preference 10 per Cent
lOl 2/0 Direct Spanish Ord
6 6/0 I Do. 10 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
6 il,% I Do. 4J per Cent. Deb
60' 4/0 Direct Unite! States Cable
20i 4J% t Direct West India Ca*jle415JBg.Db.(rd.)
.00 26/0 KsBleru Ordinary
St., 17/6 Do. BJ per Cent. Pref. Stock
St. 4% Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Dob. Stk. (red.)
St.| 2/6 Eastern Extension
1014% Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
St.l 4X Eastern & S. African 4 i Mort. Deb. 1909
100,4% Do. 4%MauritiusSub. Debs, (red.) ...
~ "- G.N. (01 Copenhagen), ex Coupon 74
t Balifax & Bermuda 44 (i 1st Mt. Db.( red.)
Indo-European
Mackay Companies Common .
Do. Preference
Marciini » W ireless leleg. Co.
.4^Guar.DbB.(red.)
ion
1/0
0/6
1
y/.
Bt
n
St.
m
100
by.
lfl(
6/0
11
;'!i
iA-14
96 —99
lis -lis
99 -102
14—24
76 ■ 78
86 — S9
11-18
61 —60
7-74
85 -89
lli-l2i
5-64
105J-1O74
16J-16J
98 —10(1
1-4 .
is -86
14
61
314-334
99 — i02
2-2A
1,',,-la',
10!) —106
7 116
5 13 0
7 10 0
8 0 0
Jan, July 1
Feb, Aug I
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
May . . .
April, Oct
Feb, Ang
May, Nov
Fob, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
•Tnne, Dec
Jan, July
April, Oct
April, Oct
Julyl Feb
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Jan, Jnly
Jan, July
Jan, Jnly
Nov, May
May, Nov
Feb. Ang
March . .
April, Oct
August ...
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Sept
Sept
Jan, Jnly
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
June, Deo
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
May, Nov
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jnly ....
Jan, July
June, Deo
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
AprU, Oct
April
Not ....
May, Nov
Jan, July
ir, July
n.July
18i
loel'
4 6 0
4 14 3
3 17 0
21-22
92 —95
66 —68
964-96*
161-16i
864— S7i
74-64
164-17*
3 -34
99%— 10S%1
12J-13I I
100 —102
6 17 0
6 16 0
6 11 0
Apr, Oct
Apr, Oct
May, Nov
Jnne, Deo
June, Dec
F,My,Ag,N
F,My,Ag,N! 97i
F.My.Ag.Nj 16J
Jn,Ap,Jy,0 87 I
Feb, Aug ..
Feb, Aug ..
April, Oct ..
April, Oct
0 1 Jan, Jnly .- I
9 !ja,Ap,Jy,0 12J
100
26
100
100
1 4%
luo 1/3
24' 4%
luu ..
1", e;o
loi 12 |C
10 b%
\\c
1 An
tDo. 4 per Lent. Oe'os ,
NN e'.t India .^^ fauama ^-
Do. t per Cent. Ist Pret 7^
Do. b% -.ind Prel' ... 7A- „.
tDo. (> ijer Cent. Deba 100 102
Ui-
lC3i
lu3
101—103
lOU— 102
30 —32
102
6 13
3 18 0
3 17 6
62 —65
74 -78
71 —74
100
li-14
102
tw
tie. 4 pi
We
lelegraph,.
- Cent. Deb. btook (red.) !.'."'
Telegb. «l,Ogo 4 ^ BundB
101 -10 J
0 Ija.Jly.JyO 129
6 1 Ja.My.JyO ' '
May, Wov
ia,Ap,Jy,0
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
May, Nov
Jan, July
June, Dec
May, Nov
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
April ....
June, Dec
May ....
Jan, July
May, Noy
May, iNov
May, Wov
Jan, July
Mr,Jn,0,D
June, Dec
I TELEPHONES. I
tAmer. Telephn. & Telegh. Cap. St. .„...
tDo. ColLTrust $1,0004 per Cent. Bda
1 AngloPortug'se TeL 6% Ist Mt.Db. Stk.
1 ChiU Telephone
' Monte Video Telephone Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
: National Co. Pref. Stock
Do. Def. Stock ■".•■•
lOl 6/0 Do. 6 per Cent. Cimi. iBt ft-ef.
10, 6/0 j Do. 6perCeBt.Cum 2udPref ...
6 2/6 Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. 3rd Pref. ...
St.l Six It Do. Deb. Stock 34 per Cent, (red.) ...
St.| i'i i Do 4 per Celt. Dub. Stock (red.)
1! 0/7J Oriental -.-. •■■••••
■ 0/7{ Do. OperCent. Cum. Pret.
4% ; ( Do. 4 per Cent. Bed. Deb. Stock . ....
44% tTelephoneCo. of Egypt4J,!iDb.Stk.(red.)
3/0° tUnited River Plate
2/6 t Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pret
44% t Do. 4i Deb. St. Red
15- S!
104 —111
121— 12 i
loj— ii4
104-114
58 -6S
97 -93
Kill -103
li^i— 1,'s
14-11
Si —90
99 —101
6* -7
4i-6g
FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, tz.
tElec. 4 Gen. Investment 6% Cnm. Pref. ,,-_,-,
tGlobe Telegraph & Trust -i \\l
t Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. li,* it.
Submarine CabloB Trnit (Cert.) ^^' —"J
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRIC I
RAILWAYS, TRAMWAYS, &C.
f,
d.
0
4 3
0
4 18
U
4 14
0
6 4
u
1 6 6
0
i 6 8
0
4 17
■i
i S ^
0
5 4
6
4 »
(1
3 11
I)
I 3 18
U
6 12
u
4 16
0
, i 9
0
4 9
1)
6 11
(1
4 l;i
1)
4 6
6
7 14
n
6 17
i 9
0
»
High-
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
August . . • .
JJOT .... I ::
May, Nov i ••
Feb, Aug lllOi
Feb, Aug |121J
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
June, Dec
Jan, July
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
June, Dec
Jan, J nly
tAnglo-Argentine 6% Cum. Ist Prof
t Do. 107. Non-ciun. 2nd Pref.
t Do Permanent 6% Deb. Stock
i+Auekland Elec. Trams. 6% Deb. (red.)...
1 Brisbane Electric Trams. Invest. Ord....
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
tDo. 4J per Cent. Db. Prov. Certs
I British Columbia El.Ry.Df. Ord
' Do. Pref. Ord. Stock
Do. 6% Cum. Perp. Pref. Stock
Do. 44 per Cent. Ist Mort. Debe.
Do. Vancouver Power Debs
Do. 41% Perp Con. Deb. St
Buenos Ayres Grand National Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
tDo. 64 per Cent, Pref. Deba
Do. 0 per Cent. 1st Deb. Bonds
Buenos Ayres Lacroze Trams 1st Mt. Db.
Buenos Ayres Port & City Tram. Ist Mt.
Deb. Stock
Calcutta Tramways (1 to 137,610)
tDo. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
t Do. 4J% 1st Deb. Stock (red.)
Cape Electric Tram Shares
City ol Buenos Ayres Trams Co. ( 1904)Sh'.
tlX 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Colombo Ir. i Ltg. 5% 1st Mt. Db,
Electric Traction Co. of Hong Kong 6
per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs.
Havana Elec. By. Con. Mt. 6% $1,000 60
Coup. Bds
6i— 68 4 11 0
9—91 16 8 0
137 -142 4 4 3
lul —103 4 17 6
IS
6%
6%
6' 1/0
100' o;7',
St.l 6%
St.' i%
.. ' b%
Kalgoorlie Elec. T
Do. 5 per Cent.
Do. 6 per Cent.
Lisbon Elec. Tran
tDo. 6 per Cent. C
t Do. E pe ~ ~
nsSh
\ " Deb. Stock .
B" Ditto
Ord
Pref..
415— 61-S
11-6
99 —103
136 —138 I 5 16 6
116 — IcO I
U8 -110
102 — J04
103 —106
100 -103 1 4 2 6
2i-3i
4S-44 ,
98 — 1U3 6 7
81 —So
41-5
41-54
6i,'.-ol:
Ba — lu:!
88 -91
:-!»'
1261
811
Cent. Beg. Mort. Deba
:. Trams. 6% Deb. Stk
Manila Elec. Ky. «1,000 Gold Bonda
Meiicolrams Uo. Com. St
Do. Gen. Con. 1st Mort. 6% Gold Bda....
Montreal St. Ry. Sterling 44 per Cent.
Debs. (19-22) (JNos. 601 to 2,000) ] 103
Perth Elec. Trams Ord
t Do. 1st Mt. Db. Sto<
1 Rangoon Elec. Trams ii Supjily Co. 6%
. Pf.
1 -11
90 — 9o
89 —92
83 -92
130 —133
911-9-1%
6 19 6
4 II) 0
4 17 6
5 11
9 10
4 17
4 16
-106
St. 6%
St. 5%
100
*1* ,
1
ua
1
iiiiS
St.
i>l
6
3/U
lOU
VI
67.
60.
tDo. 442; 1st Mort. Deb. Slk
tSao Paulo Tramway, Light & Power Co,
$100 Stock
Do. 6 per Cent. 1st Mt. $600 Db
Toronto Ry Co. 1st Mt. iy, Ster. Bonds
I COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRICITY
SUPPLY &C.
Adelaide Elec. S'ply Co. 6% Cu.Pr.
BombayE.S. &T.6;.Cm. Pf.
tDo. 44 per Cent. Deb. Stk. (red.)
Calcutta Elec. Supply Ord
tCauadian Gen. Klcc. Uo. Com. St
I Castner Electrolytic Alkali Co. (of U.S.A.)
1st Mort. Stl. Debs
Elect. Development Co of Ontario
Elec. Ltg. & Trac. Co. of Aust. 6 per
Cent. Cum. Pref.
tDo. 6 per Cent. Deb Stock
tuilec. Supply Co. of Victoria 6 per Gent.
1st Mort. Deb. St
(Indian Elec. Sup. &. Trac. Co. Conatn.
Deb. St. Rd
Kalgoorhe Elec. Power & Ltg. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Madras E. S. Corp. 6 per Cent. Conatn.
Deb. St
tMexican Elec. Light Co. 6% lat More.
Gold Uouds
Mexican Lt.it Power Co. Com. St. ...
Do. 6^ Itt Mori. (Jold Buds
Montreal Lt. Hi. i; Power Co. Cap. St,
Kiver Plate Electricity Co. Ord
Do. (J per Cent. lion. Cum. Pref
tDo. 6 percent. Deb. Stock
fcosano Elec. Co. 0/, Pret. (1-20,000)
bhawmigau Water Si Power i;o. Cap. St,
tDo. 6perCent.lid8
Victoria Falls Power Co. Pief.
Jan, Jnly
Sp DoMr Jn
SpOcMrJu
April. Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
June, Deo
Jan, July
May ....
May» Nov
Jan, Jnly
Mar, Sept
May, Nov
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
Feb, Ang
Jan, Jnly
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Feb, Ang
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
F,My,A,N
Jnne, Deo
May, Nov
Feb, Ang
Jan'july
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July I
Jan, July
Jan, Jnly \
Feb, Aug I
Feb, Aug
May ....
Jan, July
1031
61-54
os-ioi
92 -91
sj-ei
105 -lo7
9i —103
Si -86%
874-604
90 -91
118 —120
la'".- la°i
ri— lia
m —I 2
64-51,
(loj— 8.4
6 13
0
6 li'
0
5 10
6
15 0
0
7 8
0
6 19
0
6 16
0
6 10
1 6 8
0
4 13 0
3 13 0
4 18 0
6 13 J
4 11 6
103 — 10i%l 4 16 0
Jime, Deo
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
April, Oct
JaU) July
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
April, Oct
f,My,A.N
.kpril ....
May .....
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
- n, July
7ii
. lu calcuuting ite jieWa allow.ac. h„ b.eu made tor accrued Interest but »«( {ot redemption "« Kx dividend. J The London stock Exchange Committee have decUned to nuote these
J
13
THE ELECTRICIAN:
THE' OLDEST WEEKLY ILLHSTKATED JOURHAL OF
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND FINANCE.
ESTABLISHED, First Series (Weekly), 1861; Second Series (Weekly), 1878.
No. 1,601. [v"„r,?x*,i.]
FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 1909.
Price Sixpence '"^S^,^
Abroad9d., or 18 cents, or 90c., orSOf^f.
CONTENTS OF THE
Notes 563
Arrangements for the Week 665
Eloctricity and its Applica-
tion to the Reduction df
Waste. By A. B. Gridley.
Illustrated 566
The Improvement of Power
.Factor in Alternating Cur-
rent, Systems. By Miles
Walker. Illustrated ..;. 668
Korn's Apparatus for Photo-
graphic Transmission. By
Louis Dubois. lUustratel 570
The Hemsjo Power Company,
Sweden. By P. Frenell.
Illustrated. Concluded.... 573
Electric Traction on Urban
and Interurban St«am Rail-
ways. By H. E. O'Brien,
B.Sc 576
Electricity as a Faitor in
Rkducini: Waste ....... ^. 578
Reviews . . . , 579
Radioitelegrajphy [Monck-
ton] : A Study of Splashes
[Worthington]. Reviewed
bj- P. E. (>haw. Loga-
lithras for. Beginners
[PickworthD ; Aldum's
Pocket Folding Mathe-
matical Tables; A. BjC.
Five-figure Logarithms
[Woodward]. i ,
CURRENT NUMBER.
Use of Electricity in Factories
and Workshops . . . ; 580
The Life and Wear of Rolling-
stock. By M. Stahl. Con-
cluded 582
Correspondence 586
The Eclipse Boiler Furnace
(A. W. EJe^nis).
A New Large Generator for
Niagara Falls (R. Living-
.stone).
The Institution and other
Societies 586
Electric Power Supply. By
G. L. Addenbrooke 687
The "G.fe."' System from a
Tramway Rbujager's Point
of Wew—Di'icusaioti ...... 587
Electrical Engineering in
1908 588
Electrical Trades' Benevolent
Institution 590
Legal Intelligence ' 590
Municipal, Foreign & General
Notes 590
Trade Notes and Notices 593
Companies' Meetings and
Reports 596
New Companies, kc 596
City Notes 596
Cpmpaiiies' Slia're List., '. 597
NOTE S.
Home Office Regulations.
-••There \%no need to remind readers of i The Electrician
df the va^ous phases ' throiigli whicli the regulations re-
lating to th« use of electricity in factories have lately passed.
For, indeedythe last;Stage was only reaohed a few days ago,
when the'fihal rules, -Which will, except in certain cases, be-
come binding on July 1st next, were issued by the Home
Office. 1'hese rules were preceded by the report of Mr.
James Swinbukne, 'F.K.S.,'on the inquiry held by him in
the early part of last year. The result of this inquiry is to
1)6 seen, in the revised draft which now forms the new
rules, arid which will be found in full on another page of
this is.sue. The report itself deals at great length with the
overlapping of the Board of Trade Kegulations and the
proposed rules. This ditliculty ha.o, to some extent, been
removed by the .introduction, of amemlments into the
Board of Trade Regulations, but there still exists a certain
amount of dual control. This is both unfortunate and
illogical. For under the pi'esent conMitions the supplier
is controlled by the Board of Trade and the consumer
by the Home ()ffice,-^r arrangement which is unltkely to
lead to easy workiir^. ' As l-cganis the rufes themsctVe.<
the section dealing with exemptions is, perhap.s, the most
interesting. As will be remembered, in the original draft
all circuits whose pressui^e exceeded 130 volts continuous,
or 6.5 volts alternating were brought within the scope of
what maybe called the intiiarubber glove regulations. This
lower limit has now been rai.sed to 250 volts continuous and
125 volts alternating. Further, public supply stations in
which the pressure between line and earth does' not' exceed
250 volts, and above ground sul)-stations, are also exenipt,ed
from the.se regulations. •JDo'cks are not exempted. . As' pre*-
viously, the Secretary of State has powers to " temper the
wind " in any particular case. With regard to the regula-
tions themselves, the alterations, in general, merely amount
to a modification in the wording, but there are in one or
two cases substantial differences. The clause in regulation
12, containing the prov^l^ that all motors above one-third
hor.se power were to be t^rcd with automatic releases, and
round which much controversy raged, has been removed
and a much milder statement introduced. The regulation
with regard to "flexible" has also been altered for tlie
better. In our opinion everything depends on the admini-
stration of these regulations. If they are interpreted in
a broad-minded spirit there will, superficially at least,
be no hardship, but they might be made very oppressive.
Electricity Supply Statistics.
The largest, and in many respects the most imjibl-tant
of' our annual Supplements dealing with ■ tlie ijljectric
supply and traction undertakings of the United Kingdom
is presented to our readers with tlie current issue, and con-
tains particulars of those electricity supply undertakin,gs
which possess no tfaqtion load. No alteration has been
made in the arrangement of the various columns, althougli
additional information is, in most cases, given hi the column
relating to general remarks. During the past year new
stations have come into operation at Arbroath, Paignton
and Wednesbury ; in tlje last-mentioned case the Corpora-
tion had previously obtained a supply ' in bulk," but have
now constructed an independent station, from which a
continuous current supply is being given. Other 'new
entries in the table comprise Bridgend and Neath, the
District Councils having purchased the existing power
stations of the South Wales Power Co. situated in
their icspecii've areas, Avhilst Chichester is also included
in the table,' as a supply' of electricity will be com-
menced in the early part of the present year. Another
undertaking from }y;%^i j\f#f?PP?y ''''^^^ ^® givea in
1fhe course of a few montlis- is that at Eawten.sjall :
5G4
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 22, 1909
in this case, however, the undertaking is only included
in the list of stations in progress or projected. It will tlius
lie seen that, although the new stations are of compara-
tively small size, a little progress is recorded. A few
stations which appeareil in this table last yearMiave been
transferred to Table II., since they have now to be classed
among those undertakings from which a combined traction
mid lighting supply is given. ' '
li\ \iewof the pessimistic forecasts which have occasion-
all}- been made as to the effect of metal filament lamps on
eleclric sujiply stations, con.siderable interest attaches Vo
the oohnnns of the table in which are given particulars
nf the maximum load recorded, numl)er of consumers and
approximate connections. It will be noticed that although
in a few cases no increase is recorded in the maximum load,
notwithstanding an increase in the number of consumers,
tliis is not the general experience, and extensions of plant
]vd\:' been made in many cases. In some instances, however,
the effect of the new lamps has been more marked— for
example, at Hastings, where, we are informed by Mr. It. F.
Feiicuson, the borough electrical engineer, metal filament
lamps have been adopted to a larger extent, having re-
gard to the size of the town, than in any other borough in
I he Kingdom. It is, however, very satisfactory to notice that,
notwithstanding the advent of more efficient lamps, many
undertakings ha\e found it possible to reduce their charges
lor current, and we. should particularly like to draw atten-
tion here to the reduction made at Edinburgh. The price
charged for current for jirivate lighting in that city is now
only 2^d. per unit, wliich reflects great credit on the
management of the clectiicity undertaking, particularly as
the station has not the advantage of a traction load ; and as
tlie price of gas in the district is 3s. per 1,000 cubic ft.,
tin- electricity consumers must consider themselves very
fnrtunately situated. Any reduction in the number of
units sold for lighting purposes is likely to be counter-
l)alanced, in most cases, by the increase in the motor load,
a considerable addition to the horse-power of motors con-
nected being recorded in the table. The motors connected
111 the Glasgow mains now total 2.''i,748 H.P., an increase of
aliout 4,000 H.p. during the year: whilst it is interesting to
notice that the City of London Electric Lighting Co. comes
next with a total of 10,500 H.i'. Other London under-
takings also show substantial motor connections, and this
liianch of electricity supply has certainly proved very
encouraging to those engineers who have paid attention to
the develo]impnt of a power lo.vl.
Motor Cars and Tramcars.
An important point was decided last week by a Divi-
sional Court in an appeal from the decision of a stipen-
diary magistrate of 15ratiford as to the proper side on whicli
a motor car should overtake a tramcar. The Court unani-
mously decided— although the Lord Chief Justice appeared
to regret the decision— that, according to the Motor Car
(Use and Construction) Order issued by the Local (iovern-
ment Loard, a motor car should overtake on the off side,
.just as if a tramcar were an ordimuy carriage. In the case
ni question two tramcars running in opposite directions had
slopped to pick up pa.ssengers, and the motor car driver
overtook on the near side. We think it will be admitted
that every driver of experience would have done the same,,
for it is the universal practice to overtake on the uear,side
in such cases, uiiless the off side is particularly clear of
traffic. Indeed, ' it has always been felt that there is
possibly some legal risk in overtaking on the off side in
such cases. If passengers arc crossing the road to the car
the driver must of necessity be very careful, but, never-
theless, the near- side has hitherto been looked upon as
legally safe. The decision of the Court was necessarily
dependent on the wording of the Order, but we think the
prosecution, in the first instance, was made without due
regard to the common practice. If the decision is enforced
it will inevitably lead to the greatest dislocation of traffic,
not to speak of increased danger to users of the road, for
it would naturally mean that the two streams of ordinary
traffic would, under certain conditions, cross to the wrong
sides of the road. For the sake of simplification and of
adherence to existing practice, we hope that the automobile
world will appeal against this decision and get the Motor
Car (Use and Con.struction) ( )rder modified if need be.
Honour for a Hungarian Electrical Engineer. — The King of
Hungary (the Emperor of Austria) has conferred upon Mr.
Etienne de Fodorj the . Hungarian expert in electrical and
mechanical matters, and general manager of the Budapest
General Electric Co., the title of Privy Councillor for the dis-
tinguished services which he has rendered to his country.
For many years past Mr. de Fodor ha.s applied hinrself to im-
proving and elevating the standard of Hungarian industries, and
also to enlightening foreisjn countries as to the true state of
Hungarian culture through the medium of the Societe Litt6-
raire Frani;aise of Budapest, of which he is the secretary and
one of its most active founders. The electrical fraternity of
Hungarj^ are elated at the honour conferred on one of tlie
most able members of the profession.
Steam Turbines on Rubber Foundations — Messrs. Wdlans
& Robinson (Ltd.), of Lughy, have recently set to work for
the St. Pancras Borough Council a 2,000 k\v. steam turbine
mounted on rubbei- foundations, which have been introduced to
obviate any possibility ofwibration ckie to troubles previously
experienced m this locality on account of vibration from the
reciprocating engines. Although the. contractors were pre-
pared to guarantee that the turbnie would run free from vibra-
tion on an ordinary concrete bed, it was decided, in view' of
the importance of incurring no risks in ihis direction, to adopt
the special Prache foundations described below. The turbine-
set is bolted to a special slab of concrete about 2 ft. thick, re-
inforced with a steel grid and supported by a series of circular
rubber stools, which rest on the ordinarj' concrete built into
the ground. The top of the floating concrete slab is level
with the engine-room floor, but the edges do not come in con-
tact with the floor, so that there is no connection between the
concrete slab to which the turbine set is bolted and the foun-
dation except through the rubber. A trench is provided
round the floating slab so that the rubber stools can be in-
spected. Each rubber stool is a cylinder of about 4 in. in
diameter and .'5 in. in height, when compressed by the weight
of the turbine set. The rublier stools are all separately re-
newable and can be withdrawn and re-inserted by further com-
pressing them, by tightening up the " jacks " in which they
are held by means of screws. As, however, the rubber stools
have a considerable life, their renewal isnot freijuently required.
' Cable Interruptions and Repairs.
Date of Interruption Date of Repair^
Pontiaiuik— Saigon Sep. 16, 1908 . —
Malta-Zante Dec. 29. 1908 . —
• Jamaica-Colon Tan. 9.1909 . .Ian. 19, 1909
, Seattle-Sitka .Ian. 13. 1909 ... Jan. 19, 1909-
Port de Fiance— Paramaribo Jan. 14, 1909 ... —
F.ilmouth -Bilbao Tan. 19, 1909 ... —
Tourane— Amoy .Tan. 19, 1909 ... —
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 22, 1909.
56o
Speed Indicators for Electric Tramcars.— A circular has
been issued by the Board of Trade recommending the fitting
of speed indicators on a certain proportion of the cars of the
various electric tramway and light railway undei takings. It
would appear from certain tramwaj- accidents that the Board's
regulations as to maximum speed are frequently violated in
practice, and it is hoped that by fitting a few cars in this way
motormen will be trained in judging speeds.
Obituary.— We regret to record the death of Dr. Francis
Elgar, F.K.S., the eminent naval architect, which occurred on
the 17th inst., at Monte Carlo. The deceased was ('■^ years of
age. He received his early tiaining in the Dockyard at Ports-
mouth, and was one of the original students of the Royal
School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineers. After
this he remained in the Admiralty emplay until 1871, when he
accepted a post as chief assistant to Sir Edward Reed. He was
intimately connected with the advances made during recent
years in naval construction, especially as in 1883 he accepted the
chair of Naval Architecture in the I'ni versity of Glasgow. Three
years later he returned to the Admiralty as Director of Dock-
yards, again leaving after some years to join the board of the
Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. At the recent amal-
gamation of this firm with Cammel, Laird & Co., Dr. Elgar
accepted the chairmanship of the joint company.
We regret to learn that the death of Mr. Thor Pcder K.
Hammarskjold, managing director of the British L. M. Ericsson
Manufacturing Co., occurred on the iHth inst., at his resi-
dence at Sydenham. Mr. Hammarskjold. who was only .'50
years of age, was born in Stockholm, had been the managing
director of the companj' since its formation in 1903, and joined
its predecessor, the L. M. Ericsson Co., on his arrival in
London 10 years ago. He was also a member of the Swedish
Chamber of Commerce. He was at the company's offices as
recently as December 31st last, and a few days later was found
to be suffering from typhoid fever, which, with subsequent
complications, caused his untimely death.
Electrification of the Spiez-Frutigen Railway. — The Berner
Alpenbahn-Gesellschaft has decided to electrify its standard
gauge line from Spiez to Frutigen,and has already ]>laced orders
for three motor cars, one locDmotive and the overhead equip-
ment with the Maschinenfdbrik Oerhkon and the Siemens-
Suhuckertwerke. The system will be the same as that
adopted by the Oerhkon Company on the Seebach-Wettingen
line, and is also similar to that to be used for the Wiesental
railway. The Spiez-Frutigen line will be worked by single-
phase current with a frequency of 15 cycles per second and a
line voltage of 15,000 volts. Current will be supplied by the
Vereinigten Kander and Hagneckwerke AG., and for this
purpose two additional generating set^ of 3,200h p. each will
be installed in the power station at Spiez. Each set will con-
sist of a turbine direct coupled to a single-phase generator sup-
plying current at 16,000 volts. The trolley wire will be sup-
ported by a catenary in the centre of the track at a height of
appro.\;imately 21 ft. above the rails, and the current will be
conveyed to the motor-cars and locomotives by means of bow
collectors. The motor-ears will be provided with two bogies ;
they will be about 05 ft. long and provide seating capacity for
()4 pissengers, third class. The maximum gradient on the
Spiez-Frutigen line is Ij.j per cent., but the maximum gradient
on the Loetsehberg Railway, which forms the continuation of
the former line, varies up to 2 7 per cent. The motorcars
will therefore be so designed that they can accommodate four
single-phase motors having an aggregate output of S80 n.P. As
long, however, as electric operation is contined to the Spiez-
Frutigen section only two motors will be provided. The weight
of the fully-equipped motor-car will be .5.5 tons, and the capa-
city of the motors is sufficient to haul a train of a total weight
of 160 tons up a gradient of 2'7 [)ir cent, at a speed of 28 miles
per hour, or a tram weighing 2-tU tons up a gradient of 1 ■"> per
cent, at the same speed. The locomotive will have a total
motor capacity of 2,000 H.P., and will be capable of hauling
trains of 310 and 500 tons up the gradients of 2 7 and 1-55 per
cent, respectively at a speed of 2o iniles per hour. Each of
the two bogies is provided with a 1,000 H.r. single-phase
motor, which drives the three axles by means of gearing and
roucling rods. These motors will be the largest single-phase
commutator motors yet bnilt: The whoie weight of the leco-
motive (approximately 8G tons) will be utilised for adhesion.
The motor-cars and locomotive will be equipped with trans-
formers for reducing the line voltage of 15,000 volts to the
variable voltage required for the motors when running at
different speeds. The maximum speed for the motor cars and
the locomotive has been fixed at 43i- miles per hour. The
motor-cars arc intended for regular service on the Spiez-
Frutigen section, while the locomotive is primarily intended
for experimental purposes in view of the adaptation of electric
traction on the main line later on. Tbe work in connection
with the electrification is being directed by the consulting engi-
neer. Herr Thormann, of Bern. The fact that the Berner
Alpenbahn-Gesellschaft has adopted after thorough investi-
gation the single-phase system with a low-frequency and
high line voltage is certainly a testimonial to the suitability o£
^this system for the electric operation of full-gauge railways.
9
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE WEEK.
FRIDAY. January 22nd (to day).
Bkiti>u SritNc e (irii.ii.
'/ [i.m. Annual Meeting .at the Mansion House. Presidential
Address by the Rigl;t Hon. R. B. HaUlane, F.R.S.
PhYSK AL SdClKTV.
5 p.m. Meeting in the Physic- Laboratory, Imperial Institute
Road, South Kensington. Agenda: "The Etiective Resis-
tance and Inductance of a Concentric Maiti, and Methods
of Computing the Ber and Bei and Allied Functions,"' by Dr.
A. Russell: "The I.uminou." Efficiency of a Hlack Body"
and " The U.se of the Potentiometer on Alternate Current
Circuits," by Ur. C. V. Drysdale.
Royal IxsTiTrTiox.
m. Meeting at Albemarle-street. Discourse on "The World
of Life, as Visuali.sed -.uA interpreted by Darwinism," by
Mr. A. R. Wallace, O.M., F.R.S.
MONDAY, January 25Hi.
Roy AT, SociF.TY OK Arts.
Spm. Meeting at John-street, Adelphi. Lecture on "Electric
Power Supply," by Mr. O. L. Addenbrooke. Second Cantor
Lecture. ' '
TUESDAY, January 26th.
Manchester Students" Sectio.s- of the Insthttiox ok Electrical
es(;ineebs.
rSii p m. Meeting at the Physical Laboratory, The University,
Manchester. Paper on " iParallel Operation of Alternators,"
by l)i • E. Ro,senl)erg.
WEDNESDAY, January 27th.
Leeiis Section ok tiik Institktion ok Electrical Escineeks.
7:2.7 p.m. Meeting at the University, Leeds; Paijer on " The
G.B. Surface-Contact System."' by Mr. S. Clegg.
THURSDAY, January 28th.
Royal Institktion.
.; p.m. Meeting at Albemarle-street. Lecture on " My.steries of
Metals," by Prof. A. 0. Arnold. Lecture II.
Institution ok Electrical En(;iNeers.
H p.m. Meeting at Oi-eat (ieorgestreet, Westminster. Paper on-
" Parallel Operation of Alternators," by Dr. E. Rosenberg.
FRIDAY, January 29th.
North AM I'ToN Instititb Enimneekinc Society.
f, p.m. Meeting at the Institute. John-street, Clerkenwell. Paper
' on " Brakes and Brake (Jear." by Mr. J. C. Ren.iie.
Royal Institution.
:i p m. Meeting at Albeinarle-street. Discourse on "Improve-
ments in Production and Applieationof Guncotton and Nitro-
o-lycerine." bv Col. Sir Frederick Nathan, R.A.
Students- Sectdn ok the Ix.stituti.>n ok Civil En..ini!er.s.
S p m. Mcetioi.-at Great George-street. Paper, " Experiments on
a Die,sel Engine,'" by .Messi-s. W. E. Fisher and E. B. Wood.
The Electrical Engineers (London Division).
Col. R. E. B. Crompton. C B., eommandiiig.
The foUowiii"- orders have been issued for the current « eek :—
Monday, Jan. 25tb, (Infantry drill (Recruits), 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. '
"A" Company \TecbnicaI drill, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.'
■• Infantry drill (Recruits), 7 p.m. to 7:46 p.m..
Tuesday, Jan. 26tli, I Technical drill, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p m.
" B" Company 1 Medical inspection for recruits, 6:30 p.m to
I. 9:30 p.in.
Thursday, Jan. 28th, ( Infantry drill .Recruits), 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
"C" Company \Technic:d drill, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday Jan. 29th, ( Infantry drill (Recruits), 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
"D" Company ^Technicaldiall, 7:15 p.m to 9:o0 p.m.
(Week endrunat CoilbouseFort. Parade at
Fenihurcb street Station, 3:10 p.m. Dress":-
Saturday, Jan. 30th I Kii„ki service dress and greatcoats. Hiver;
"A" Company ..... j ^.,(.ks tu be worn over right shoulder. Rifle
[ bayonet, belt and frog.
5(36
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 22, 1909.
■ ELECTRICITY AND ITS APPLICATION TO THE
REDUCTION bF WASTE*
BY A. n. GRIDLEY.
Summary. — A large amount of waste <an be jjreveiited by manu-
fni'turcrs taking a supply of cleetrieal energy from public mains instead
of erecting their own generating stations or using plant of other kinds.
The various ways in which electricity saves "' waste " are detailed and
dealt with at length in the Paper under numerous headings. An im-
portant ))oint is the " waste of waste," and the author points out how. by
employing the residual gas or steam from ironworks for generating
electricity and then supplying these works with the energy so generated,
great savings can be effected. The <|Ucstion of |)ricc is also dealt with.
The particular application of clectriiity c nnsidcred by the author —
viz, its effect on the reduction of waste Ik a \ ci y wide one. and the
various points mentioned hereafter are based upon conditions as
they exist in the North of England, where electricity is available
from public sources and at reasonable prices. But for these factors
it might not be possible to sustain all, the arguments put forward, as
the reduction of waste in some of the directions indicated may not be
pOB-sible in districts supplied from small and therefore relatively
i^ieilficient generating stations, or where coal is more costly and waste
steam or gas do not exist, or where there is not a closely assembled
variety of industries. If the situation be considered broadly, the
(•(inversion of coal into energy in a wide industrial area can be effected
most economically electrically owipg to the high transmission
efficiency, while in the matter of converting electrical into mechanical
)X)wer no other driving agency can show anything like such an effi-
ciency as that of the electric motor.
Again, motors have an absolutely iipifijrm turning moment, which
must result in less strain being jiut upon the driven machines, and
(consequently the ability to run them at an increased speed. The
difference is marked when contrasted with a gas engine, but even in
the case of a high-grade steam engine the comparison is occasionally
■iufliciently striking. Fig. 1 shows actual tachograph curves from
Steam Drive
Electric Drive
KiG. J.-— Comparison of Steadiness of Steam and Electric Drive
the drive of a textile mill, the first driven by a steam engine and the
second — the same mill — electrically driven by motors drawing their
current frc un t ui be i-generators. Mill ow ikt s tind t liat they can run their
plant at 10 per cent. Iiigher average s])e('d. and. on account of fewer
thread breakages, they can produce fabrics of liner texture by elec-
trical; means, t Moreover, the simplicity and reliability of motors
resultiin repairs and skilled attention costing little. In a local works
some 1,200 ii.p. of motors running day and night under very severe
conditions cost under £70 for repairs and maintenance for a year.
Kor reasons chiefly legislative the use of electricity for power pur-
p(jses:(in the North-East CVjast was not really attempted on scientific
lines until after the introduction of the early power bills in 1900.
On Tyneside electricity has now ])ractically superseded steam, and
large undeitakings, such as the North-Eastern Railway Co. (for their
olectritied railways and workshops), .Armstrong, Whitworth & Co.,
:Swan, Hunter Si Wigham, Richardson, and practically every other
power-using company have discarded private electrical generating
plant and both gas and steam direct-driven plant, and have become
pur(chaaers of electrical energy.
Within the last five years no less than seven central supply stations
in th(cClev(>land district have ceased to run, except when emergency
has needed their temporary assistance. >; In fact, wliere a public
supply is available at reasonable pricori'it is, in the majority of
cases, folly and waste of both time and money to erect private
generating stations. There may })ossibly be some combination of
<!ircumstances which justify isolated plants in the district, but such
can be but few.
It is sometimes said by a power usei— say the owner or manager
of a colli(-ry -that he cannot see how it is po.ssible for the wholesale
producer to supply liim with current from a power station 12 or 20
miles away at so low a price as he can produce it from the coal beneath
•Abstract of a Paper read before the Cleveland and Duiham Engi-
oeci'ing Sociefv. ' ■ ' ■ >- '•''•! ' ■
, I'm'; t-*''^^"" "El&ctric Powbr l^tipirtii'to Textile Factories," read
beJW(i>tliH BrtKlford ■Kngineeriii;,'tSt»oi6tv bv Mr. W.' B. WoodhouSe:
•on .ND\loiub(3t)4, 1307. i, >■;■ , kj , ...t ,, \- '.-. ,,_,,. .m-i ,1 .y\
' ■"" •.■,■,.■;-„, ^ -•[.•..,. ,|..,,', ..■>■: ;.. i..)oJ<<'.lGbi.;-i"
his feet. There are two main principles governing centralisation —
viz., decreased capital expenditure per kilowatt and the effect of
diversity factor. Plant can be bought more cheaply per kilowatt
in large units than small, and coal and steam consumption per unit
generated are lower in large units than in small ; moreover, the cost
of oil, stores, labour, repairs. &c., must also be less. If to these ad-
vantages are added the privileges °njoyed by the large power pur-
chaser of having a duplicate mains system through which his supply
is transmitted, and .several generating stations from which such
supply may be derived, it does not seem t« be difficult to give satis-
factory reasons for the advantages to be gained by purchasing in-
stead of ])roducing. The case of supply to a colliery is, perhaps, the
most difficult for any power supply authority to tackle, and if it be
possible to justify purchase instead of production in such a case then
it should be less difficult to convince the heads of all other industries
that the principle advocated is sound. The author gives a list of
no less than 45 collieries in this district where power is already being
purchased, or where definite arrangements have already been made
for such to be obtained from an outside .source. Electricity when
purchased from an outside source at a reasonable price saves ( 1 ) waste
of capital expenditure, (2) waste of labour, (3) waste of coal, oil.
water and stores, (4) waste of tinje, (5), waste of space, (6) waste of
energy in shafting and belting, (7) waste of rates, taxes and insur-
ance. (8) waste of " waste."' and increa.ses the output, facilities for
developing busijiess, and the industries in neighbourhood.
Waste of Capital Eipendilure. — Where a variety of undertakings
are being supplied there is a wide diversity in the times at which
they make th(jir respective demands on the power station. Ex-
perience on the North-East Coast definitely proves that works whose
installations aggregate 120,000 kw. can be supplied by 40,000 kw. of
plant at the power stations. The demands of all these works,
if made at tli,e same moment, would probably be 70,000 to
90.000 kw., and if, their own plants were installed, plus, say, 33 per
cent, for spares, .fibout 106,0C)0 kw. of plant would have to be pur-
chased. The cost per kilowatt would probably be approximately
£30, taking both large and small installations, and including land,
buildings and plant, (fee. (In London the average capital cost per
kilowatt of the 60 odd existing generating stations is between £50
and £60.) The total capital expenditure on private plants would,
therefore, reach £3,180,()00. In the case of the supjily authority,
allowing again 33 ))er cent, reserve plant. .>3.0(H I kw. only would be
re(iuired, and taking the capital cost of these at £20 per kilowatt.
due to the purchase of large units, less land and much less building
material, the total cost would be £1,060,000, or a sa<ving of £2,120,(KX).
There are still in this district installations aggregating nearly
200,000 H. p.. or say 1.50,000 kw., not electrically operated. Work-
ing out the capital saving on the same basis. i;4,770,0lK) is saved in
generating plant in the district. Out of this the co.st of the trans-
mission and distribution mains and plant has to be allowed, and.
assuming that these cost nearly £2.000.0(m;), there is a skving of about
£2,770,000. It may be argued that when specific pases are con-
sidered the expenditure of some of this capital is justified where
lower operation costs can thereby be achieved. It will not, however,
be easy to find many instances of this sort, and certainly few which
cannot justifiably be brought into the co-operative scheme. Where
any works are situated within reasonable distance ()f public sujiply
mains, the only cases where isolated plants may be justified are small
collieries with less than ,50 coke ovens, or small ironworks with only
a limited amount of waste heat or gas. 'Here there may be just
sufficient waste heat or gas for steam raisihg or gas eftgine purposes
to provide for the consumer's power requirements, arid 'it is almost
as difficult, if not indeed impossible, for the power su^'ply authority
to compete in such cases as it is in saw mills Where waste -wood is the
fuel. Where there is, however, a reasonable surplus of waste heat,
either in the form of steam or gas. ((.operation is desirable, if not.
in fact, essential, if the best eommeicial results are to be attained.
Apart from such cases, it will be somewhat difficult to bring forward
any instance in which the capital cost of electrical plant is not cheaper
than steam, gas or oil-driven machinery, if a proper margin of stand-by
plant is allowed. It is. of course, obvious that in works where capital
has already been spent on private plant it is more difficult to submit
comparative balance-sheets which show figures in favour of the
adoption of a purchased supply, as interest on the capital cost of
plant already purchased has to be taken into account. Each case
of the kind has to be considered on its merits, but where new works
are being established then the purchase o| electricity is a sound pro-
position. There is. moreover, a good deal in the general argument
that the production of power, being a highly technical and special
business, should be left to specialists, it beinj; necessarily but an
auxiliary to the main business of the average manufacturer.
J I'^o-^'e oj Labour.— A few .words are neeessarv under this head.
» It Ukes nd morel ste«ltooporat*'TiOOt3 kW.'Jt'^rbo-iiJfprri&Hors thiln'it
'/ I .dO^-1 ,tl '^-iBun.iT. no v-.n (or. gnnaainj^JiS -^-m^Mia ijM i> '-tyd , 'f,..'
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 22, 1909. -
567
doe.s to look after .jlHt kw. sets. If U machines are being operated
m 14 different stations it follows that labour is wasted. Again,
electric motors need no attention except a visit of inspection now and
then. There are installations in the Cleveland district aggregating over
1.000 H.P. in motors of various sizes, the whole of which are looked
after by one man. The saving of labour in the absence of coal and
ash handling, shunting. &c.. is a considerable item in some works.
Waste of Coal. Oil. Water and Stores.— The saving possible by the
concentration of electric power production in large central gene-
ratmg stations is of real importance in the matter of coal and water
especially. In a Paper read by Mr. C. H. Merz* before the Iron and
Steel Institute, he pointed out that if all the colliery owners in the
Cleveland district i)urchased their power from an outside source
1.7i50.000 tons of coal per annum, worth, say, £,'500,000. would be
freed for sale. Taking the consumption in factories and mines as
60,000,000 tons for power purposes only, it is calculated by Mr.
Beilbyt that if, instead of using the coal in boilers for driving steam
engmes, the power required was taken in the form of electricity,
and coal used for driving steam turbines and gas engines coupled
to generators, this consumption could be reduced by at least 50 per
cent. Taking the .■!(l.(H«»,(Ui(> tons saved per annum at 7s. 6d. per
ton^ this represents an annual saving of over £11,000,000.
\ot long ago the decrea.sed consumption of coal in many of the
viorks of this neighbourhood was brought home to the author. In-
quuies showed that whilst in every case the coal delivered at the
several works during the previous year had been considerable, it had
fallen to little, and in many cases to nothing at all, since the introduc-
tion of a public supply of electricity. Moreover, the coal consumed at
the power company's stations was far less than the previous aggre-
gate consumption <if the list of works supplied.
The saving in watei' consumption is also of great importance and
has hitherto not attracted public attention. It is, nevertheless, a
fact that the consumjition of water by the works consumers of the
Newcastle & Gateshead Water Co. has fallen substantially since
the electrification of so many industrial undertakings on the Tyne.
Waste of Time.—Motors accelerate rapidly— /.c, they reach full
speed very quickly— and, therefore, electricity is playing an impor-
tant part in saving time, such as, for example, in the greater rapidity
ot travel by electric trains and trams, and the increased speeds at
which haulages and winders at coal and ironstone mines can be
operated, thus permitting greater outputs in a given period. It
should also be added that in works where electricity is purchased
mstead of produced the time of the management is saved, for instead
of energies being absorbed in the supervision of plant and men, and
purchase of stores and materials, such could be more usefully directed
to the development of business.
Waste of Spoof,— The amount of land required to accommodate
tlie necessary plant and accessories is frequently a .serious matter
where land is expensive, or where existing works are shut in on all
sides, and no further land is available to permit of business expansion.
In such cases file small amount of space required by electric motors
and the facility with which they can be placed on walls or overhead
lieams and girders provide the only way in which further ground
s|>ace IS procurable, and in some instances this factor has made the
adoption of purchased electricity compulsory.
Waste of Energy in Shafting and Belting.— It is notorious that in
many mills the arrangement of long lines of shafting, pulleys, belts,
&o.. is such as U> absorb 30 to 70 per cent, of the energy "required
tor driving purpo.ses. The adoption of the electric motor con-
veniently coupled to a short length of shafting on the " gioup ■
system, or directly driving the machine itself, enables this waste to
he reduced to a minimum.
11 aste of Rates. Taxes and Insurances.— H. has already been shown
hinv large outlays in capital expenditure can be saved, and it there-
tore follows that .substantial assessments for rates and taxes can be
avoided. Similarly savings are possible in insurances. This is almost
always lost sight of when a manufacturer is comparing his own costs
« ith an offer from an outside source.
Waste of " Waste.-— There is being wasted in this district at the
present moment a large amount of potential energy in the form of
exhaust steam, waste heat or combustible gas. This is largely due
to the fact that there has hitherto been no real market for surplus
power, so that the owners of it have not found it commercially .sound
to spend the capital necessary in order to enable it; to be utilised,
and also because no works, where a large amount of waste heat is
available, has a power load of sufficient magnitude or constancy to
enable the continuous supply of energy which can be generated from
. '!.^e« Thk Electkiiiuj, Vol. LXI., p. 8»7. •
_ i'^ffoR'?' «">; ' ^Vdenn fpwer ProdTiGUop,''.readibK,MjifiuT..Beilbv,
t.K.b., before the Glasgow Engineering Society on January 11, 1906.
waste heat to be fully utilised. In the case of coke oven installations,
for example, where the quantity 'of surplus gas given off is more or
less regular, or of blowing engines, where the steam derivable from
the exhaust is also more or less constant, and assuming the installa-
tion of generating plant sufficient to utilise this gas or steam, it
seldom, in fact never, happens that the works power requirements
are such as will keep the generating plant fully employed tlu-ough-
out the 24 hours, day and night, weekdays, Sundays and holidays,
all the year round. It therefore follows that either" some of the gas
or steam must be allowed to go to waste and a portion of the gene-
rating plant stand idle or partially employed only, or an arrange-
ment made with the wholesale power supplier for the disposal of the
surplus current that can be generated. In other words, it is only
by such co-operation that the ideal of getting as near 100 per cent,
load factor as po.ssible becomes feasible.
A network of mains now spreads from BIyth, in Northumberland.
to Loftus-in-CIeveland. The chief power stations are Carville,
Philadelphia, Nejitune Bank. Blaydon. Hebburn, Grangetown,
Newport and Weardale. Gthers under construction are Dunston.
Bankfoot and Tees Bridge. The main regulating coal-fired station.s
are at Carville-on-the-Tyne and at Grangetown in the Tees District.
The waste heat stations at Blaydon. Weardale, Newport, Bankfoot
and Tees Bridge are or will be run at their full capacity day and
night, the coal-fired stations being ready to deal with such load as
the.se stations are unable to supply, and also with peak and other
loads which may arise owing to the jiartial cessation of a waste heat
station due to temporary interruption in supply of waste heat or gas
as the case may be.
The demand in these areas is still growing at a rapid rate, so that
there is now no difficulty in disposing of as much current as
can be generated from waste heat. The waste heat owner
can, therefore, take advantage of an assured market. In addition,
he can get the current he requires for his own use a-s cheaply
as, if not cheaper than, it would cost him to produce it himself-^
capital expenditure being taken into consideration. Apart
altogether from the question of the saving in capital exix-n-
diture. and interest and depieciation charges thereon, a reliable
stand-by supply is secured owfflg to the fact that each waste heat
station is linked up to the transmission .system, which is fed from
several power stations. Moreover, there is certainly some difficulty
nowadays in getting away from the fact that the erection of further
isolated generating stations in districts where it is possible to get
cheap supply from, or to co-operate with, a large supply authority
is unsound, and even in the very few cases such as have already been
indicated, where there is just sufficient waste heat to provide for the
waste heatowners' requirements and leave practically little or nothing
to spare, it is desirable to adopt the same type of current and periodi^
city as is commonly u.sed in the district. Nearly every commercial
undertaking is striving to extend its activities, and where extensions
have to be dealt with, and part, if not the whole, of the additional
power requirements purchased from an outside source, it is des-irable
to be able to procure electric power of the .same periodicity as is used
in the works.
It may be argued that the erection of .several waste heat stations
near the .source of waste heat energy defeats the claim put forward
as to the advantages to be derived from centralisation. It is true.
of course, that in a large coal-fired station such as Carville and the
new coal-fired station in course of erection at Dunston, the advan-
tages of installing big units such as 7,000 kw. .sets are obvious, and
that the installation of smaller units in waste heat stations, which is
unavoidable, has corresponding disadvantages, as not only must the
capital expenditure [km- kilowitt of |)lant installed be higher in the
latter case, but the staff reijuired to operate several .smaller stations
must be larger and more expensive than in one or two large central
stations. The answer to this argument is that these admitted dis-
.advantages are met by the fact that the waste heat stations are run
at constant full loai so that there is a very large number of units
generated per kilowatt of plant installed over which to spread the
increased capital and operating charges, and. further, that the ex-
istence of such stations at different points of the mains network
tends to reduce distribution lo.s.ses. The objection to the small
station is. therefore, to a great extent cancelled, and. moreover, the
economical radius of distribution, which some experts would shorten,
is lengthened. In the absence of figures it can. however, be stated
that in no case ha.s a propos;il on co-operative lines been submitted
to a waste heat owner, and carefully considered by him. that has not
been ultimately accepted. It is asserted that this fact, together
with the general arguments put forward, make out a strong case in
favour of cooperation, and the ooiviervation of waste made po.ssible
thei^ebj, and if any further argumefit were needed it is supplied bja,!
[ fig. 2, which shows the result of co-operation at the worlra oftJlejif
Weardale .Sti-el. Coal & Coke Co. The lower line shows the requirements
568
TJIE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 22, 1909.
of the waste heat owner, the upper line tlie current generated, ancj
the space between the two the energy sold .to outside power con;
sumers. Of course, it does not follow that so much would be avail^
able for outside use from every co-operation scheme, but in prac;
ticall.y every case a large surplus would be available. ,
Advantages to he Obtained. — We have hitherto considered the
savings to be effected by the use of electricity for power purposes,
some of which can be secured whether current is produced or p.ur,
•chased, others of which can only be achieved by purchasing. But.the
advantages of electric driving are noticeable in other directions.
Even if none of the benefits already mentioned were possible,. its
u.se would be justified in .some cases .solely on the ground of increased
output of manufacture. Instances could be quoted where, owing
to the sjieeding up. and even turning moment of macliines. made
j)0ssible by the use .il iliciiic motors, aided further by the absence
of breakdowns. iii;iiiiiI,m: mvis have been able to turn out 10 to 40
per cent, more wcrk ihan ilu-y were formerly able to do by other
driving agencies.
-•Vnother advantage is the facility witli which additional motors
can be installed when business demands such extensions, or where
a new development becomes jiossible. or experimental work is de-
sired. It sometimes happens that the manufacturer owning a private
generating station will not go forward with extensions, or sanction
certain experiments, as to do so would necessitate additional capital
outlay in boilers, engines, dynamos. &c. If. on the other hand. aU
lie has to do is to buy a new motor or two. he is willing to go ahead. ,•
UiiliUc many other countries. England is deficient in natural
advantages so far as water power is concerned, although she pos-
.sesses compensating advantages denied to other countries where
these particular facilities are available. New industries have been
attracted to the Tyne largely, if not solely, due to the existence of a
cheap supply of electricity. On that river, however, the amount
.tf land unbuilt upon is small, and, consequently, industrial sites are
somewhat difficult to obtain. On the other hand, there is on the
:
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north batik of the River Tees a very large amount of land available
for new industries, and the existence of a supply of electric power,
aided by a proper enforcement of • the provisions contained in the
new '■ Patents " .Act, should result in a large influx of new indus-
tries, increased employment and prosperity.
Viliat is a Reasonable- Price ? — The writer of a Paper of general
iliterest is usually twitted with the fact that he uses general argu-
ments to support his ease, but does not bring forward figures. The
use of figures in dealing with the cost of electricity is almost univers-
ally misunderstood, owing to the bad habit "into which electric
power engineers and others— both producers and consumers— have
drifted by reducing calculations to cost per unit. In the production
of electricity for power purposes the cost per unit by itself conveys
nothing of any material importance, and it would be a great step
gained if this fact were grasped and admitted. The price per unit
conveys nothing unless accompanied bv a definite statement as to
load factor, and supplemented by details such as total annual con-
sum|>tion. &c. It is, indeed, misleading. There are eon.sumers
derivmg their supply at Oood. per unit who bring more profit to the
))roduoer than others paying Ud. per unit. It is only fair, therefore
tor the purcha.ser to debit himself with, if he generates, or to pay, if he
purchases, a definite lumpsum to meet capital charges, entirelv apart
from the amount of -current cons-umed. This would be satis'factorv
•enough if a motor installation could be run at a regular load year in
aftd out but trade fluctuations and an extending business make this
impossilile. and at times the demand is reduced and at others it
has necessarily to be increased. These varving conditions are met
in cases where power is purchased by a tariff based on a fixed eharcre
per kilowatt or electrical horse-power demanded— which demand
13 not •• peak, but an average taken over half-hourlv periods— plus
a running charge per unit consumed, as. for example. £1 per elec-
-unif ';Sj;^^;PJ™-f'-,^f'"^"ded per quarter, plus OSd. or 0-25d. per
-umt. The eflfcct of load factor has a very important effect upon he
average price per unit obtained. If a flat rate of. say, -Jd. per unit
were charged the supplier would lose heavily in the case of a 25 per
cent, load factor consumer, and the 75 per cent, load factor consumer
would pay a most extravagant price. In average cases the tariff
quoted would enable the purchaser to secure current at a reasonable
price. Where, works are situated some considerable distance from
the network of mains and the consumption is variable, it may be
necessary to increase both fixecF and running charges, whilst in other
cases, where the rate of consumption is above the average, the run-
ning charge may permissibly be somewhat reduced. The point to
grasp, however, is that while each case must necessarily be con-
sidered on its merits, a tariff which automatically adjusts demand
and rate of consumption is fair and reasonable to both producer and
consumer.
THE IMPROYEM!?NT OF POWER FACTOR IN
ALTERNATING-CURRENT SYSTEMS.*
BY MILES WALKER.
Summary. — The author discusses the improvement of power factor by
(1) using .synchronous motors. (2) using capacity, and (3) improving the
induction 'motor. In regard to the last-mentioned method he first
'describes Leblanc's system ofsperial exciters and Hej'land's arrangement,
and then describes a new type of machine, termed a " phase advancei."
which acts like the exciters proposed by Mr. Leblane. This " phase
advancer '" can also be employed for exciting the rotor of an induction
generator, in. which connection it is likely to prove of no little importance
This subject is an important one to station engineers, theoretical
men and manufacturers. Low power factor is troublesome for
several reasons. In the first place, it limits the output of the gene-
rators by demagnetising the field magnets and causing heating of
the windings. The losses and inductive drop in the mains are also
increased by a low power factor. To reduce the wattless current
we must either use machinerv requiring weak magnetic fields, or we
must provide independent means of magnetising the fields. A modern
transformer does not take a large wattless component in proportion
to its output, because though the total flux generated may be gi'eat,
the magneto-motive force required to produce that flux is very
small. An induction motor, however, ha'ving necessarily an air-gap
and coils with considerable magnetic leakage, has in, it a magnetic
field which requires a wattless comjionent of 25 to 30 -per cent.. of
the kilovolt-ampere rating of the motor. For this reason the in-
duction motor is the maincause of low power factors on alternat-
ing-current systems. The only other offender of importance is the
alternating-current arc lamp, which produces a lagging current
for a different reason.
Methods Employed fur Imjmjring Poiver Factor. — The methods
which have been suggested for improving the power factor are: (a)
The use of synchronous motors and rotary converters ; {b) the use
of capacity; and [c) the improvement of the induction motor, or
other machine, which produces the low power factor.
(o) Wherever the synchronous motor can have its power utilised, as
in the case of a motor-generator,or the case of a big motor on continuous
load, this plan is,a good one. A synchronous motor of 1,000 h.p., de-
signed to yield a leading wattless component of 60 per cent, of its
kilovolt ampere rating, would only cost about 10 per cent,
more than a 1,000 h.p. synchronous motor, designed to run at unity
power factor with the same temperature rise. Where, however,
there is no use for the driving power, the synchronous motor must
be regarded as a rather extravagant method for compensating for a
lagging current. In calculating the output required to produce any
degree of compensaticn in a system, it is interesting to note that it
requires much less wattless kilovolt ampere to improve a power
factor from 08 to 09 than to improve it from O'O to unity.
The rotary converter is now largely used for compensating for lag-
gingeurrents. Ithas a great advantage over the synchronous motor-
generator set in its high efficiency and greater synchronising power
on heavy overloads, and a small increase in the amount of copper
enables it to supply a leading wattless component equal to 50 per
cent, of its k lowatt volt ampere rating. In traction systems
employing rotary converters, cheaper turbo-generators can be used
than would be possible with ordinary induction motor converting
machinery.
(b) The Use of Capnrity. — High-voltage condensers have not come
into general use for improving power factor owing to their large
cost. One of the great difficulties in the construction of conden-
sers is the carrying away of the heat produced in the dielectric.
• * Abstract of a Paper read before the Manchester Local Section of
the In.stitution of Electrical Engineers.
THE ELECTRICIAN, JxVNUAJiY 22, 1909.
569
(c) The Iinprortmnit o/ Ihf Indiidion Motor. — The reason that the
•induction motor calls for so large a wattless current is that its raag-
•netising current is supplied at a high frequency. Where, however,
the magnetising current is supplied in the rotor at the low frequency
of the rotor circuit, the wattless energy required is reduced to 2 or
3 per cent, of that required at the frequency of supply. In 1895
M. Leblanc proposed to supply the magnetising current to the
rotors of induction motors and generators by means of .special
exciters, which consisted of comrautating alternating-.current gencr
rators who.se magnets were excited by the. rotor currents.* .
f^If Leblanc's exciters be applied to a three-phase rotor, three
exciters would be necessary, and these might be connected in cir-
cuit as illustrated in Fig. 1, E,„ E^, E^ being the armatures of the
exciters (made like single-phase motors and provided with com-
pensated windings) and ,W„, W,,,, W^ the phase windings of the
rotor; or the anangement might be with phase C reversed (the
slip being increased), or with phase A excited from phase B
rever.sed (the slip being decreased). In fact, it would be possible
to excite each exciter by currents from all three phases in a gieat
number of combinations. The main point in view would always
be to generate in each circuit an E.JI.F. which has a large compo-
nent at right angles to the E.M.F. generated by the rotor slip. i
Tests were made by the British Westinghouse Co. to see how far
Leblanc's method could be carried out commercially. A 170 H.P.
25-cycle induction motor, whose rotor was wound in three phases,
generating 600 volts when locked, was belted to a direct-current
generator as a convenient means of lofding. The brushes on the
•rotor collector rings were connected in series with the armatures of
-ordinary direct-current series crane motors driven as series gene-
rators. The field coils of the motors were put in parallel for the
Fii;. 1. — Exciters in Circuit with Thrbe-Phase Kotor, I'h ask .\
EXCITED FROM Ph.^SE C AND PhaSE B REVERSEli.
purposs of reducing the impedance, and were connected in circuit
in successive experiments as described above.
Particulars of the tests are given in the Paper. Witli the con-
nections as shown in Fig. 1, and with the motor on full load, 90
per cent, power factor, it was found that as the exciters gradually
increased in speed, the power factor became nearer to unity, and
by increasing the speed still further the power factor could be made
slightly leading With the speed of the exciter kept constant at
such a value as to give unity power factor on quarter load it was
found that very little change occurred in the power factor up to
half load. As the load was further increased the power factor
first became slightly leading and then fell back to unity, and at
full load it was 0-9,5 lagging. A slight increase in the speed of the
-exciter brought the power factor to unity at full load, and gave a
leatling power factor on lighter loads. The tests showed that the
results obtained tallied well with what might be expected from
theoretical considerations.
The main objection to the method, as described in Leblanc's early
patent, is that it requires two or three exciters, and as the currents
to be dealt with would in general be large, the cost of these
■exciters becomes excessive. Leblanc has described an exciter which
•embodies in one machine all |ilias,s. ;md is of a very simple nature.
Tkis is illustrated in Fig. 2 l.n ., t^^.,-pl^ase machine. The arma-
ture is made like an onhiiaiy dium-wound continuous current
armature, which, in Fig. 2, is supposed to have two poles. It is
surrounded by a simple ring af laminations, having inwardly pro-
jecting poles, but without any field windings. The notches in the
field are to aid commutation. If such an armature be provided
with four brushes, placed at 90 deg. to one another on the commu-
• Patent specification. No. 15,470 of 1895
tator and connected to the four slip-rings of a two-phase rotor, of
an induction motor, and run at a speed which is high as compared
with the frequency in the rotor circuits, it will have the effect of
producing leading currents in the rotor. The beauty of this exciter
is that the armature currents themselves excite the field and produce
a flux in the armature which is in such a phase as to generate an
E.M.F. in each circuit, exactly at right angles to the current carried
by that circuit. The question whether the E.M.F. leads or lags
behind the current depends only on the direction of rotation. Such
an exciter can be built for three phases and would be much cheaper
to build than the three exciters in Fig. 1. By proper design, and
by using carbon brushes, the commutation could be made sufficiently
good; but in view of the fact that the rotors of induction motors of
large power usually carry very heavy currents, the commutator of
such an exciter, say, for a 1,000 h.p. motor, would be of considerable
dimen.sions, and it is probable for this reason that they have not
come into use.
The author then proceeds to describe (he method put forward
Fi.i
Two-I'I/.VSK ExcITF.K. ■
l)y Heyland* in 1901, in which currents are lead into the rotor by
means of bru.shes fed from the external circuit, the position of the
brushes being such as to make the current wfiich is fed in magnetise
the rotor (Fig. .3). Heyland has developed this motor with great in-
genuity, and has minimised the sparking on the commutator by
means of resistances connected between the commutator bars.
Such motors have been built in fairly large sizes, and behave as
might be expected of them from the theory. The main objection
to them from the manufacturers' point of view is that the cost
of the induction motor is considerably increa.sed, and he can no
longer point out to the purchaser that great advantage of the
induction motor — ^viz., the absence of a commutator.
The author believes that it is po.ssible to devise a new type of
machine to act as an exciter in the manner propuscd by M. Leblanc,
which can be made for a small cost as compared with the induction
motor, and would be of practical service in cases wlicre it is im-
\kk.aN(;e.mest.
portant to improve the power factor. Such a machine might be
called a "phase advancer. " The important features to aim at in its
design are: (I) The commutator and brush gear must not be ex-
cessively large. (2) The commutation should be induced, rather
than be dependent on the resistance of the brushes. (3) It should
be possible to control the pha.sc of the E.M.F.s generated by it, and
to decrease the sli}) of the mutor rather than increase the slip. (4 1
The " pha.se advancer " should Ix' an independent unit, so that in
ciuse of its failure the motor could be run as an ordinary induction
motor.
Fig. 4 gives the diagrammatic representation of a '"phase ad-
vancer" which has been designed with these features in view.
NV'hen wound for three phases the field magnet has three poles
(laraer machines may have any multiple of three). The armature
• HeylaiKr.s patent specifications 13,738, and 25,221 of 1901. An'.
ai tide by Hevland describing the arrangement appeared in Thb-
Ei.KfTRiciAS, August 16 1901,1). 627.
570
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 22, 1909.
core resembles an ordinary direct current armatuie core, and the
coils are like the coils of an ordinary railway motor, except that
they have in the case illustrated in Fig. 4 a span of 120 deg. instead
of 90 deg. One end of each coil, which we will call the inner end,
is connected to a star-point. Each outer end is connected to oiie
bar of the commutator. The armature in this way resembles in
principle Elihu Thom.son's arc light generator, except that in
this case th(!re are a greater number of coils. (Jn the coirnnu-
tator are three brushes, which bear upon the segments connected
til coils which are for the time being passing under a pole. Each
pule is provided with a compensating winding placed in slots in
tlic pole-face, the winding being arranged so that the ampere wires
per inch along the pole-face are equal, or slightly greater than the
ampere wires per inch of periphery of the armature. If we follow
one of the arnature circuits, commencing from the star-point along
coil 1, 2, it will pass under the pole pC, then under pole pB. and it
will make as many turns in front of the poles pC andpB as are
necessary to generate the required voltage. It then passes to brush
h.\ and on to the series exciting coil on pole pA, then it passes to
the compensating windings marked A in the slots in poles pC and
//B, and, from these to phase A of the rotor of the induction motor.
The currents^in the other phases ]>ass through similar chcuits, and
limited because it is so desirable to keep down the leakage flux and the"
length of saturated teeth. The limitation of an induction motor
frame will then be by considerations similar to tho.se 'which now
obtain with synchronous motors.
There is yet another use for an exciter in circuit with the rotor of
an induction motor. We have .seen that if the E.M.F of the ex-
citer has a considerable component opposed to the E.M.F. generated
in the rotor winding the slip is increased. The exciter therefore
can be utilised to change the speed of an induction motor. The
exciter, when its K.M.I'', is opposed to the rotor E.M.F., runs as a
motK)r and is capable of putting back into the system the power re-
presented by the slip of the induction motor, which would other-
wise be wasted in a resistance.
This •• phase advancer " can be used not only for improving the
power factor of induction motors, but it may also be employed for
exciting the rotor of an induction generator which usually adds to
the wattless component, and i.s therefore not often used.
If, however, the rotor of an induction generator is excited with
a leading current, the armature becomes capable of supplying a
wattless component to heli> any synchronous generators in parallel
with it. The induction generator, ]iarticularly for turbo machines,
seems very attractive for some classes of work, and if the exciter
can be made sufRoiently simple. • it will ])rObably come into more
gensral use. Fig. .'i shows diagiammatically a method of exciting
a two-phase rotor of an induction turbo-generator by means of a
" phase advancer.*" The rotor an<l " |>hase advancer" are mounted
on the same shaft. »rA and irB show diagrammatically the two-phase
winding of the rotor. One end of each phase is connected to the
shaft at O'. The other ends are connected to the collector rings «A
and sB, and from these rings the current is collected by means of
brushes and carried to the brushes of the phase advancer 5A and
6B, which in this case would be piovided with four poles, not shown
in the diagram. The inner ends of all the armature coils are con-
nected to the shaft at the point (>, and the operation of the exciter
is exactly the same as in the case described in Fig. 4, except two
Fio, 4. — Thk Authuk's Exciter oR'" Phase ADv.\Xf'KR."
t will be seen that the HM.F. generated in any phase is due to a
iheld which is produced by the current in the other two phases, the
principle being the same as that illustrated in Fig. 1.
The difficulty ordinarily with a number of armature circuits in
parallel would be that the current would not divide equally between
all the circuits, but would tend to be greater in those coils under
the trailing pole- tip on account of the greater flux-density there pro-
iluood by the armature reaction. The effect of a compensating
winding, distributed as shown in Fig. 4, is to equalise the current in
all the wires passing under one pole. It would, in fact, be possible,
by making any particular distribution of current in the compen-
sating winding, to produce a somewhat similar distribution of cur-
rent in the armature beneath the pole, and this gives great facility
ill arranging the commutating properties of the machine. For
instance, the leading pole-tii> can be slightly strengthened so as to
make an incoming coil (juickly take up its load. The parts of the
brush under the pole can be made of a compressed metal and car-
bon, which gives a low drop of voltage between brush and commu-
tator, while the part of the brush on .which sparking might occur.
.iwini; to small errors in the adjustment of the commutation, can be
made of carbon. There is no attempt made to prevent eddy cur-
rents in the brashes due to the alternating flux in the pole. The
slowly alternating flux produces a slight eddy, but as the ciipaeity
of tlie brushes is great they carry the current without trouble.
Fig. 4 only shows one scries coil on each pole. It is. of course,
possible tivput additimial .series coils of any number oi desired turns
(•(innected to any of the phases, .so that the E.M.F. generated in an
uniiiituie circuit can be made of any tlesired phase. By the use of
;m L-.\eitor in the rotnr circuit )t will be possible to greatly increase
till- imtimt ol II mot,, I fra.u;'. . Bi^t a much greater gain in output
laa lie secured l.y dec(jeni^jg the slSfsof both stator and rotor and
putuug iivbi^ei coudi*EW!;8.--.^|i|SBent the **th of tiieSslot.? is
5V "V4».^'. "■^•.
Fic. 5. — Phase Advamek Direct ('o^^^:(:TEI> to A Two.phase Rotok«
phases are employed instead, of three. It will, however, be seen
that the brush capacity of the whole set is exactly the same as
might be employed with ordinary direct current excitation ; in fact,
no one looking at such a .set would be able to say whether the ex-
citation was by direct or by alternating current. If at any time it
became necessary to run the machine as a .synchronous set, all that
would be necessary would be to excite the field magnets by means
of coils connected as a .shunt.
The author finally refers to the question of inducing consumers to
improve their power factors, charging consumers by the kilovolt-
amperes rather than by kilowatts.
KORN'S APPARATUS FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC
TRANSMISSION.
I'.v Loris DiiiOl.s.
Thf: .Apparatus.
Our readers will remember, the apparatus for the transmis-
sion of photographs to a distance devised by Dr. Korn, of
Munich, and which we have already had occasion to describe.
The original apparatus built by Dr. Korn was brought to Paris
and was set up iii the looins of tlie weekly illustrated journal
lUustratwii. where it w^s given a public trial between Paris and
Marseilles; over a teh plione line between the two cities. Since
then thi.s jouinai decided to make practical use of the sy.stein.
and accordingly had au improved set of instruments con-
structed at Paris b\- Messrs. C'arpe^tjer, the well-known instru-
ment makers. _ Tiieso iu.stniments we're set up at Paris and at
IXECTRICIAN. JANUAKY 22, 1909.
571
London, so that the tran^mission could be carried out from
Paris to the latter city and also to Berlin, where Dr. Korn
already had a station set up. The station at London is located
in the building of the Dnilij Mail. The best transmission is
carried out between Berlin and Paris, owing to the fact that
for the London system a Channel cable must be used, which
gives rise to some difficulty. The apparatus in itself is found
to work at present very perfectly. The kind of result obtained
will be seen from the accompanying photograph (Fig. 1) of
Dr. Glatzel, the chief of the Berlin station, which was trans-
mitted to Paris from that point.
While the first apparatus constructed by Messrs. Carpentier
was found to give good results, 'it was decided to build a second
apparatus at the same establishment, which would contain the
difierent improvements suggested by experience, more especi-
ally as regards the driving mechanism. Since this apparatus
has not as yet been described, it will be of interest to note some
of^the leading features. It is the more recent apparatus which
is illustrated in the present case, from photographs which were
taken by the writer in the offices of Illustration, through the
l''ic-.. 1. — Photograph sent fuom Bekli.v to P.mus.
(Breaks in the image show disturbances in the line.)
courtesy of Mr. Jules Chatenet, who is in charge of the station.
lu general, the instrument is worked over a double telephone
line without using an earth return.
Each complete apparatus of a station consists of a trans-
mitter and a receiver which are mounted side by side, as will be
noted in the photograph. This arrangement will be seen in
the plan view, Fig. 2. Both the transmitter and receiver have
a long box through which the light passes from the lamps LL
at one end. The beam of light falls upon the rotating cylinders,
which are mounted in a separate chamber at the other end.
As regards the principal details of the transmitter, these are
represented in Fig. 3, which gives a vertical section of the*ap-
paratus. At the right-hand side is a Nernst lamp, L, which is
mounted within a sliding tube so that its distance can be
readily adjusted. In front of it is placed the lens A, which
serves to direct the beam of light towards the left. The beam
is received in the sliding tube G'. which contains a lens and also
a diaphragm in the smaller portion for concentrating the light
and bringing it to a point upon the cylinder. The photograph,
in the shape of a positive film, is placed around the glass
cylinder T, which is mounted upon the rotating shaft V by
means of the disc U, so that the cylinder can be readily removed
from the shaft. The beam of light passes through the photo-
graphic film and is reflected upwards within the cylinder by
the totally reflecting prism f, so that the light is made to'fall
upon the selenium cell S, which is placed in the upper part of
the chamber where it can be removed from the top. The
glass cylinder is made to take a rotary movement and at the
same time an upward movement by means of a revolving shaft
combined with a screw, after the manner of a phonograph
cylinder, so that all parts of the image on the film are made to
come opposite the beam of light.
As regards the essential parts of the receiver, which is seen
in Fig. 4, we have at the right-hand end the same arrange-
ment of Nernst lamp, sliding tube and lens which have been
seen in the transmitter. The beam of light passes towards the
left, where it traverses the galvanometer shutter J. This latter
instrument is one of the essential parts of Dr. Korn's appa-
ratus. Brieflv stattd, it consists of an electromagnet, rf, having
the pole-pieces ee, which project upward into the body of the
instrument. These pole-pieces are perforated so as to allow
the beam of light to pass through them. Between the poles is
mounted a removable piece containing the moving part of the
galvanometer. As seen in detail on the right, this consists of
the double wire a (a very fine platinum wire) in tension, carry-
ing a very small square of aluminium foil, h. The portion com-
posed of the wire and foil is extremely light. When a current
is sent through the wire, the electromagnet being excited by a
separate batterv, the moving part is deflected to one side, the
Id Idt-b
Compensator
deflection depending on the current flowing in the line. When
no current is pa.ssing, the aluminium square cuts off the light
beam almost entirely — that is, it throws a large shadow upon
the screen H and lens G so that no light can reach the cylinder.
When a current passes, the shadow moves to one side and the
beam can penetrate into the cylinder. The latter is shown at
1), and it is mounted upon a revolving shaft iu such a way that
all parts of the surface are brought successively under the
beam of light from tj.
TllJ': ELECTRICIAN, JANUAEY 22. 1909.
Tims it is seen that the variations of the image on the trans-
mitter cylinder T will cause variable currents in the selenium
cell S. These currents are received over the line by the
■.'alvanoraeter J. The shutter controls the amount of light
according to the value of the current, so that the receiver
cylinder D has an amount of light falling u))on it at each
instant corresponding with the thickness of the original film.
In this way the photographic film placed upon IJ will receive
tlie corresponding series of impressions, so as to reproduce the
original image. ;\.
FiG^5. — Station EQUlPi'Eii mm Pkof. Kobn
III |i' lie rici', the receiver cylinder is smaller than the one used
III! t he riansmitter, but both cylinders are rotated at the same
rate l)V synchronous motors. A reduced image is therefore
formed upon D.
■ One of the essential parts for the proper working of the
apparatus is the compcp.sator, which is an ingenious device
lirought out by Dr. Korn for overcoming the inertia of the
selenium and making it respond at once to all the variations of
the current, which effect could not be.produced by the use of a
i- lu. 0.— t)ET:,ii.s 01- iiARK Box FOK Rkckiver ; Ctlini'ER ; Transmitter
Cvi.iNiiEU WITH Photo ; Galvanometer &c. ; also E.nd Chamber of
Rkceiver with Lens, &c.
smglc selenium cell. The compensating action is secured by
the u.se of a second selenium cell connected with the cell of the
transmitter so as to give a combined action of the two cells.
The light is directed upon the compensating cell at practically
the s^anie tune as upon the cell 8 bv means of the galvanometer
''. It IS to be noted that the complete apparatus contains a
transmitter and a receiver mounted side bv side. Tn station
1 the transmitter is operated, and hence the receiver is out of
use. This allows its galvanometer to be used for operating
the compensator. Instead of illuminating both cells directlv
at the same time, as might be done, it is preferred to light the
second cell bv means of the galvanometer. It is accordingly
placed in the vertical chamber of the receiver of station 1. and
is seen at Sfi,. By.shifting a total reflecting prism, I, into the
path of the beam, the light is reflected down upon the selenium
cell. When the first celbS is illuminated, this produces a cur-
rent in the neighbouring galvanometer J, and a corresponding
illumination is given to Scj- f-'^" '^ ^^^^ ^"^^^ ^^^2 are connected
in opposition after the manner of a Wheatstone bridge, and
upon the line, so that the latter receives the differential current
of the two cells. This current is found to respond much better
to the variations of light than that from a single cell, owing'ito
the fact that the two cells are different in character. The
theory of the compensating effect 'i^-ill be explained later. The
light is diffused upon the compensdting cell iSco by means of the
set of glass rods RR.
if: The receiver cylinder is enclosed in a dark box, E (seen on the
left of Fig. 4), which can be closed by a slide, /(. This box slides
Fig. 7. — Kffecis of Indu. iiox ON the [mage.
upon the part F permanently fixed to the lens tube G. so that
the box and cylinder can rise along with the rotating shaft,
while the lens tube and slide F remain fixed. When the opera-
tion is complete, the slide n is closed, and the box removed
fi-om the apparatus for developing the film.
The transmission of the complete image requires about 1:^
minutes. A synchronous motor drives the mechanism at
either end of the line. This mechanism will be noticed in the
front part of the apparatus. The motor is run from a storage
battery. It has a pair of collector rings from which alternat-
ing current can be taken for operating the synchronism indi-
cator. As usual in such cases, the receiver cylinder makes one
revolution somewhat sooner (about 1 per cent.) than the trans-
mitter cylinder. The former is brought to a stop at the end of
the revolution, and is then released by a current impulse which
comes from the other end as soon as the transmitter cylinder
has finished its revolution. Both cylinders thus start up to-
gether upon the next revolution, and so on, so as to obtain au
approximate synchronism.
Fig. 5 shows a station equipped with Dr. Korn's apparatus,
and Fig. 6 shows some of the details.
THE E[>ECTIIIC[AN, JANUARY 22, 1909.
573
As the telephone line passes upon the same poles as other
wires, some curious effects of induction are observed, and these
are registered upon the photographic image in the receiver. A
telegraph line using the Morse system gives a series of dots and
dashes upon the image, and in some cases the messages can be
easily read upon the film. These dots and dashes occur upon
the horizontal lines of the cylinder, wliicli are the vertical lines
in the present image. ■> Another, and (|Uitc diflierent, effect is
that of lines using the Baudot telegraph system, in which an
operating disc is driven by a synchronous motor. This action
IS shown in the wavy lines which cross the image. These lines
are made up of a series of impulses which occur regularly upon
the linesof the receiver cylinder, but are somewhat displaced in
each revolution of the latter. Fig. 7 shows a result of thiiS
kind.
(To he conrholed)
THE HEMSJb POWER COMPANY, SWEDEN.
liY P. FREXELL.
The Transmission Line.
The transmission line between Hemsjii and Fridafors con-
sists of 3 bv 16 sq. mm., between Hemsjo and Kristianstad of
3 bv 25 sq. mm., and on the lines Kristianstad-Maltesholm
and Ifo-Solvesborg of 3 by 16 sq. mm. hard drawn copper wire.
The conductors are arranged in an equilateral triangle with
1,250 mm. (4 ft.) sides and mounted on insulators of- the
{Coiichided from fage -j-'lO.)
illustrates a typical railway crossing. These consist of two
steel towers, one on each side of the railway, with overhanging
stages. The distance between these bridges is so chosen that
if a wire gets broken the ends of it do not come in contact with
the train. In order to standardise these crossings as far as
possible and yet to suit the different profiles of the railroads at
crossings, the iron towers are made in three different lengths
and their foundations go more or less deep into tlu- ground.
The towers rest on four legs, which consist of extended iron
structures clad with concrete. The concrete is drawn up to
about 5 ft. above the rails. This has the advantage . that
Fti:. 12. — Arrangement of ('oxdictors.
liorstrand type 157. The insulators are supported by wrought
iron arms 1 in. in diameter. Each arm, fastened to the wooden
pole by means of f in. wood screws, can withstand a load of
220 lb. at its outer end without being permanently deformed.
The arms are carried on pine poles -iO metres (14- yds.) apart.
The poles are 7 in. to 8 in. in diameter at the top ; the height
above the ground is 28 ft. to 30 ft. and they are planted 5 ft. to
7 ft. in the ground. The poles are not impregnated. In order to
obtain equal induction in the three conductors they are trans-
])osed according to the diagram in Fig. 12. A full transposition
is achieved on 90 poles in six steps, one on evnrv 15th pole.
The lin-- is protected against lightning by horn arresters at
every 10th kilometre. The gap on these arresters is slightly less
than the flashing surface of the insulators, being set at 125 mm.
{5 in.). The purpose has been to establish a few weak points
along the line through which excess potential will pass when
lightning, which is very common in this part of the cotintry.
occurs.
The total length of the transmission line is 95-6 km. (60
miles), and there are railway crossings at H) [ilaces. Fig. 13
Fic. 14. — Ikon Pole Cox-strcctiox.
persons and animals are protected from shocks in the event of
one of the high-tension conductors coming in contact with the
iron structure. High pressures will always occur if the resis-
tance to earth is not very low. It is well known that concrete
is an insulating material, although not a very good one, wheu
dry. Even in rain that part of the concrete which is always
above the ground is a fairly good insulator. Since the towers
are clad with concrete to the height of a man, or thereabout,
this affords some protection. All the crossings are earthed by
copper plates buried in the ground. It has been found by
measuring the earth resistance that tlie iron towci-s themselves
have in general a lower resistance than the copper plates.
This result is evident from the design of the towers : below
the concrete they are provided with an iron grid riveted to the
framework, so that there is good metallic contact with the
ground, which is further increased by the weight of the tower
and the concrete. It misht al.so be mentioned that the rails
574
THE EI.ECTRICIAN, JANUARY 22. 190'J
have a verv low earth resistance, very nearly zero. It varies.
however, on difEcreut railways and seems especially to be
dependent on the state of the weather. For erecting the con-
ductors and also to connect the towers with each other steel
cables have been stretched between them.
There arc a great many high road and telephone crossings
which, in accordance withSwedish law, must be provided with
earth connections. At many crossings it has been very difficult
to find places where the earth resistance could be kept down to
the limit required by the Government— 200 ohms.
a road crossing here hard-drawn copper cable has, in accord-
ance with the Swedish law. been'used for the conductors. The
construction of this copper cable^may especially be mentioned,
as it differs considerably from the ordinary design. It con-
sists of six copper wires only, the core wire being replaced by
hemp. By this arrangement all the wires are affected to the
same decree. In ordinary cables with core wire, the latter has
to take up the greater part' of the load and has consequently
a tendency to break, whereby the cable as a whole is weakened
mechanically as well as electrically.
-;JI
1
1
i«ii|r ■ '^'^w-.-- i
^H
'^'^H^^^B'i
B
17. — Horn Lightning Arresters
WITH Water Discharger.
On account of the line crossing agricultural country between
the railway station and the power station at Hemsjo, iron
poles have been put up for a length of about 700 metres
(750 yds.). The lines to Kristianstad and Fridafors here run in
parallel and have therefore been put on common poles. The
pole construction is shown in Fig. 14. Four iron poles are
erected at a distance of about 200 metres. Two of these poles
are so-called strain poles and have been designed not only to
take strains sideways but also in the line direction. The two
intervening poles are so-called carrying poles taking strains
sideways in the line direction only. The spacing between the
conductors on these poles is 2 metres (6 ft. 8 in.). As there is
At Kristianstad the line coming in to the transformer station
as well as the one going out had. to be drawn across swamps
inundated during the greater part of the year. It was there-
fore necessar)' to replace the wooden poles by iron ones. Fig. 15
gives a view of the transmission line north of the transformer
house. The poles here also w-ere designed for double lines, as
the future line from Torsebro power station is to be taken to
the transformer station. All the poles are of the strain type,
as each one has to take up the strain from deviations of the
line. Their general appearance differs somewhat from those
at Hemsjo.
The first pole, shown in Fig. 15, is of special interest, as
there is a telephone crossing at the same place. The telephone
wires were drawn right through the iron structure of the pole
Fio. IS. — Texsiox Ratchet.
and their insulators are on iron racks, which are insulated from
the pole. This was done in order to prevent the telephone
wires from being charged from the pole in the event of a break
or fault on the telephone wires. To protect these wires from
an occasional breakage on the high-tension conductors, guard
irons have been adopted on each side of the pole both above
and beneath the wires. The guard irons extend beyond the
outside conductor and the upper pair are, in addition, bent
upwards to catch a falling conductor. As the iron poles to
the north and west of the transformer house at Kristianstad
are inaccessible both by land and by water during the greater
part of the year, a special steel cable for conveying persons and
material when any repairs are needed to the poles has been
erected below tlie telephone and the power conductors. For
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 22, 1909.
1)75
this purpose a special kind of basket has been constructed in
which the workmen pull themselves along (Fig. 16).
In erecting the conductors on the poles it was necessary that
they should have a tension corresponding with the prevailing
temperature. For the calculation of this stress the following
assumption was made. The stress on the conductors at a
temperature of - 30°C. and no wind should not exceed
8 kg. per sijuare metre (11,500 lb. per square inch), and
that this stress should not be exceeded at - lO'-C.
with a simultaneous wind pressure of 80 kg. per square
metre (16-5 lb. per square foot). Both these conditions
must be fulfilled, and from them the stress is calculated for
any other temperature. To obtain the right tension in the
wires on erection a special dynamometer was used. The
apparatus is shown in Fig. 18, which also gives an idea of how-
it is used. The wire or the cable is fastened between two
clamps. The upper one is connected by links to the foremost
part of the apparatus, which consists of a small drum round
which the wire rope for straining the conductor is wound. The
wire rope is fastened during straining with one end to the
insulator pin or to the top of the insulator, and with the other
one to the drum. The drum is turned by a handle and a catch
prevents its backward movement. On the side of the appara-
tus there is a pointer showing the tension in kilogrammes.
This little apparatus has proved very useful, and, besides its
exactness, it simplifies the erection to a great extent. Its
weight is only 3 kg., and it is therefore easy to carry about
Fk;. 111. — Fuazzi-Brick.
'^H«-7-5^
and handle. For straining the wires on the wooden pole line
the apparatus was not used, as this part of the transmission
line was already erected when the apparatus came into use.
The tension in these wires has, however, been tested at several
different places on the line and been found to be approxi-
niatclv correct. This must be considered a mere chance, as
it is impossible to decide precisely when the right tension is
attained in straining by hand and no account can be taken of
the temperature or of difference in section.
The anchorage of the transmission line to the transformer
and power stations was accomplished in the following way.
For each of the conductors two insulators were fi.xed in series.
These were first joined at the tops with binding wires and then
the line by a loop was fastened to the outer insulator. The
loop hooks into the binding wire as a link, so that in case of
breakage in the outer insulator the line is still fastened to the
inner insulator and hence does not fall to the ground. By this
method the anchorage stress from the line is evenly divided
on two insulators.
It might be of some interest to give a few data of the line.
Since this was completed, impedance and no-load measure-
ments have been made on the Hemsjo-Kristianstad section
from which the following line constants referring to the kilo-
meter unit were found : —
Resistance =0-6902 ohm.
Inductance= 1-1899 . 10"' henry.
Insulation resistance = 5,764 megohms.
Capacitv=0-010335 . 10"" farad.
The measurements were made at a temperature of -f- 2°C. and
the insulators were covered with snow in a thawing condition.
The value of the insulation resistance may, therefore, be con-
sidered the lowest attainable.
Telephone Lines.
Along the transmission lines, and mounted on the same
poles, are telephone lines connecting the power and trans-
former stations. The company have considered it necessary
to have their own telephones in order to enable them to supply
power efficiently. As is well known, it is very diflicult to get a
telephone line to transmit articulate sounds when mounted on
the same poles as high-tension conductors. The following
precautions have here been taken. The telephone line has
been transposed on each pole, very good insulators have been
used, when entering the buildings the telephone wires have
been insulated as high-tension conductors and the telephone
apparatus has been placed on insulators. In order to lead
away induced currents the telephone wires have been earthed
at several places through reactances. These reactances allow
currents of low frequency, such as those induced from the
transmission line, to pass to the ground, but prevent currents
of higher frequency, such as currents from speech, to pass.
The telephones are designed as high-tension apparatus and
supplied by L. M. Ericsson & Co., Stockholm. Each appa-
ratus is protected by a fuse which blows as soon as a high-
tension conductor touches the telephone wires.
By means of these precautions the Ilemsjo Power Company
have succeeded in getting a very effective communication be-
tween their power and transformer stations. In reality this tele-
phone system works so well that one can .scarcely perceive that
there is any tension on the line or any current going through the
conductors. One circumstance which has greatly aided the
success of the telephone .system is the transposition of the
conductors in the transmission line itself, to which reference
has just been made. The telephones are all connected in
parallel so that different signals must be used for the different
places.
Traxsfoemer S'r.\Tioxs.
Primary, transformer stations have been erected at Ifo,
Maltesholm and Solvesborg. The primary voltages for these
stations were calculated from the polar diagram for the system
at full load, whereby due regard was given not only to the
resistance but to the reactance and capacity of the lines. The'
different voltages are 37,300 volts for Ifo, 36.700 for Kristian-
■stad. 36,300 for Maltesholm and 37,000 volts for Siilvcsborg.
When selecting the units for the transformer stations one
had to decide between either the single-phase or the three-
phase type of the self-cooling oil transformers, as the water-
cooled oil transformer was out of the question, there being no
water except at a very high price at the places where the trans-
former stations are "situated. On this account choice was
restricted to sizes up to 500 k.v.a., as this is about the largest
economical capacity for self-cooled transformers. If three-
phase transformers were decided, on two units were necessary,
and one spare unit for each of the stations at Ifo and Maltes-
holm. Hence, one-third of the transformer capacity would be
spare. Furthermore, space would be needed for th.ree set-s of
high-tension gears in addition to the extra cost. Of the
single-phase type four units would be wanted, including a
spare one— that is, only one-fourth of the transformer capacity
is spare and onlv one set of high-tension gear is needed instead
of three. Besides this, the single-phase transformers are safer
in service than the three-phase type on account of their .simpler
design. From these considerations the single-phase trans-
formei-s were chosen for both these stations, and the size per
unit was 370 k.v.a. The circumstances at Kristianstad are
almost analogous with those at Ifo and .Maltesholm. It was
required to install transformers for 2.000 h.p. at this station
at the start, and it was therefore advantageous to divide the
transformers into two groups of 1.000 h.p. each. The single-
phase system pro\ed to be the best here also, as for six single-
phase transformers only one spare is wanted, that is,
576
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 22, 1909.
only one-seventh of the whole. The size of units of the trans-
formers is consequently 300 k.v.a. In Solvesborg, howevel:,
the power was so small that only the three-phase type could
be considered, and two such transformers, of 100 k.v.a., were
chosen. All these transformers are of the self-cooled oil
type-
The higlitension work in all the transformer stations is on
the cell system. The conductors are enclosed between fire-
proof walls and partitions. For the barriers a special kind of
brickhas been used— so-called Frazzi brick(Fig. 19)— consisting
of terracotta. The brick is hollow and shaped as slabs, the
dimensions being 2^ in. by 10 in. by 24 in., and has proved very
good for the purpose as it is strong, light, very homogeneous,
fireproof and, to a certain degree, insulating. It resists an
electric arc and does not crush when heated and water is
then suddenly poured upon it, though it bursts. Besides
this it has other qualities, which were of great value in this
instance ; it is very quick to erect, and. on account of its
hoUowness, it dries quickly.
The vertical partitions were erected with the bricks edge-
wise and one end to the wall to which the partition is attached ;
the other end is held by a vertical channel iron which forms
the outer edge of the wall. In the supporting wall anchor bolts
are placed at intervals. These bolts are drawn through the
holes in the Frazzi slabs and the channel iron, and are tightened
up by nuts on the outside of the latter, thus giving a very
solid construction. The channel irons and bolts are also very
advantageous from the electrical point of view, as the former
are earthed. For horizontal partitions the Frazzi brick is
supported between two channel irons connected by bolts
through the holes in the slabs, thus giving a very solid struc-
ture, which is self-supporting for almost any span.
In every transformer station a lightning arrester has been
supplied for each of the incoming and outgoing lines, consist-
ing of two horn-type arresters connected in series on each
phase, and a water resistance connected in parallel with one
gap (Fig. 17). There is also in every station a lightning arrester
of the G.E. type, consisting of a number of small gaps and
carborundum resistances.
The incoming Hemsjo line passes through disconnecting
switches, choking coils and an oil switch to the Bigh-teusion
'bus bars. From these the line to Maltesholra branches off
through disconnecting and oil switches and the conductors
to the transformers. These latter aw? protected by oil fuses,
and can be disconnected by means of knife switches. Both
for the incoming and outgoing lines there are lightning arresters
as above mentioned, and the static discharger of the G.E. type
is connected to the 'bus bars.
The low-tension side of the transformers has fuses and non-
automatic oil switches. The voltage is here 5,000. The con-
ductors on both the high and low-tension side consist of
hard-drawn copper wire. The neutral on the secondary is
earthed.
The transfoi'niers are enclosed in fireproof chambers on tlic
bottom floor of the building, the switchgear being on the upper
floor. The transformers are placed on wheels and rails so
that they, can be easily transported from the chambers to the
repair shop at the end of the building by means of a small
waggon running along the transformer chambers.
In the event of a breakdown of a transformer the whole
group of which it is a part must be shut down. When that is
done an exchange of the faulty transformer is effected by the
waggon just mentioned, and" the whole operation can be
carried out in about 20 minutes.
The building consists throughout of fireproof material,
brick and iron. Even the roof is fireproof, consisting of con-
crete arches.
The transmission lines have cost on an aviM-age £300 per
mile. This rather high cost can be explained bv the verv high
price of copper during the erection in 1907. For wavleaws
the company had to pay lis. for every pole to the respective
ground proprietors.
The telephone lines cost £17. ISs. per mile.
It may also be of some interest to give a few data regarding
the cost of the plant in question. This is, for the different
parts, approximately as follows : —
Hydro-mechanical plant .in cludmg tubes, turbines and
regulators of the Upper Hemsjo power station' £3,600
Electric plant of the Upper Hemsjo power station 7,400
Buildings, &c.. at the Ujiper Hemsjo power station ... 4,700
Transmission lines 18,000
Telephone lines : 1,050
The primary and secondary transformer stations,
cable and distribution system 14.!)00
Transformer station buildings 3.8.50
Total cost fr>3,.500
The contractors for the electrical equipment were : For
the power station, the Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon, Switzerland ;
for the transmission lines, the Luth & Rosen Electric Co.,
Stockholm ; and for the transformer stations, the Forenade
Elcktriska Aktiebolaget, Stockholm.
The consulting electrical engineers for the company were
the Elektriska Profningsanstalten, Stockholm, for whom the
writer superintended the erection of the power station, trans-
mission lines and transformer stations.
ELECTRIC TRACTION ON URBAN AND INTER URBAN
STEAM RAILWAYS.*
BY 11. E. o'bIUBN, B.SC.
Suminanj. — The author first discusses main line electrification, and
shows] that the locoirotive cost per train mile for main line service
is for steam 8'Od. and for electric traction 8'3d., the cost of fuel per raile
being 4'5d. in the latter case and 225d. in the former. He sums up
against electric traction. A.* regards urban and inter-urban services,
the advantages of electric traction are more demonstrable, provided
a largely increased traffic can be predicted, conse<iuent on an im-
proved service. The various systems of electrification are also
discussed by the author.
The problem of electrification of an existing steam railway is fun-
damentally a financial one, it is secondarily what may be called a
railway engineering problem, and lastly an electrical engineering
problem ; admittedly the last aspect of the problem seriously influ-
ences the two former, but the above order of importance must be
insisted upon owing lo the tendency on (he part of electrical engi-
neers to neglect the financial and railway engineering sides of the
question.
The electrification of a steam railway involves a large capital
expenditure and it is evident that the result of the change must be
either to decrease the cost of operation sufficiently to offset the
increased fixed charges on capital, or, if the cost of operation is not
decreased or is increased, the electrification must offer attractions to
the patrons of the railway, which will increase the traffic receipts
sufficiently to cover both the increased cost of operation and the
charge on capital. In the author's opinion, main line electrification
offers no prospect of either decreased operating cost or of attracting
increased traffic ; for increased traffic is attracted by higher schedule
speed and more frequent trains, a higher schedule speed is unattain-
able commercially and more frequent trains are not only not required
on most express services, but would also involve an increase in run'
ning staff, which would considerably increase wages cost.
To consid r the matter in detail : The use of electric locomotives
on short runs enables a high schedule speed to be obtained economi-
cally with a low maximum speed, the low maximum speed diminishes
the power lost in overcoming train resistance and dissipated in
braking, and is ])ossible owing to the high acceleration obtainable
with the electric locomotive; but as the length of run increases, the
advantage of a high acceleration in giving a high schedule speed with
a low maximum speed disappears. An acceleration of 0-5 mile per
hour per second is comfortably attainable with a steam locomotive ;
for runs of 8 miles and over at a schedule speed of 45 miles i)er
hour, and runs of 4 miles and over at a schedule speed of 30
miles per hour, higher acceleration than this gives no appreciable
reduction in the maximum speed, as will be seen from the fact that
in the former case increasing the acceleration to 2-0 ft. per second
per second only changes the maximum speed from 52 to 47 miles
per hour, and in the latter from 33 to 30 miles per hour. The advan-
tage in increasing schedule speed obtained by the use of electric
♦Abstract from the proceedings of the Liverpool Engineering Society
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 22, 1909.
577
motors therefore disappears when the distance between stations
reaches 4 to 8 miles.
Trials of express locomotives on the L. & S.W. Rly., on the
L. & N.W. Rly., and tests on express trains between Liverpool and
Southport, show the following comparative results as regards coal
consumption : —
L. & S.W.Ry.
Steam Loco.
L. & Y. Ry. |L.&N.W.Ry.
Length of run miles (without
stop)
Speed miles per hour
Useful Train (weight in tons)
Coal per mile (lbs.)
28
47
137
28
m 00
45 r,r,
100 :}r>o
20 55
For heavier trains the coal consumption will increase almost pro-
portionately to the tonnage in the case of the electric train, but in the
case of the steam train the coal consumption will not increase quite
so rapidly, owing to the considerable proportion of the total coal
required to propel the locomotive. The coal consumption uivtn for
the electric train is the actual coal consumption at the power house ;
the true equivalent coal consumption is the cost of current per train
mile expressed in lbs. of coal per train mile, and this with coal at 12s.
per ton is equal to 52 lb. of coal per train mile, approximately
double the coal consumption of a st«am train of equal weight. The
remaining itnis of ojjerating cost to be considered are wages, repairs
and oil ; it must be conceded that a very considerable economy can
be effected in operating wages for equal train services ; but, if more
frequent trains are to be an attraction, the saving in wages per train
will be offset by the increased numbers of the staff necessary for the
larger number of trains. The cleaning of the electric locomotive is
much cheaper thsin that of the steam locomotive ; the cost of oil will
also be considerably decreased ; t he item repairs is the one about
Avhich there is most doubt as to saving ; there is little reliable data
as yet as to the cost of repairs and renewals on electric locomotives,
but such as are available tend to show that the cost of upkeep will be
considerably less than with steam locomotives.
From a table given by the author, it is seen that the average loco-
motive cost on an English main line railway is about 1 Id. per train
mile. The locomotive costs per train mile for main line services
taken per se are, however, lower than the average locomotive costs
per train mile, on account of the long hauls at fairly high speeds, and
there will be no great error in assuming the locomotive cost of main
line services at 8d. per train mile. The comparative steam and elec-
tric costs may then be analysed as follows ■.^Steam : Fuel * 2-25d.,
wages, &c., 2'75d., repairs 3d., total S'Od. Electric : Fuel * 4-5d.,
wages, &c., l-8d., repairs 2d., total 8-3d. To .sum up, for main line
services the running charges will certainly be the same, if not greater,
if electric is substituted for steam traction, and any saving to be
effected must be looked for in repairs. The increases jn earning capa-
city to be gained by the change are slight and saving in o|)eration
charges is as yet unproved.
The value of electrification for urban and inter-urban passenger
services is more easily demonstrated, and electric traction has the
following advantages over steam traction : — A more rapid and more
frequent service can be given than is possible with steam traction, at
a cost per train mile but little higher than that for the slower steam
service. The capacity of the terminal stations is practically doubled
since the time occupied between the arrival and departure of
an electric train need not exceed that spent by the motorman in
walking from one end of the train to the other. Other advantages
gained at termini are the absence of smoke and steam and conse-
quently diminished maintenance on station painting and cleaning,
and the possibility of the removal of water columns, ash-pits, turn-
tables. &c.
Partially following from this, the amount of rolling motor stock
can be reduced, as by suitable arrangements of the workings of the
trains the motor coaches can be kept constantly moving and con-
sequently earning dividend, whereas a locomotive has enforced
periods of idleness in the sidings awaiting the arrival of the succeed-
ing incoming trains ; further, a motor-coach can be kept in continu-
ous service for 20 hours daily without any attention other than the
adjusting of the brakes ; to perform the same service (assuming an
impossibility) a locomotive would have to go three times to the coal-
ing stage at the locomotive shed. As a rule, after about 1.200 miles
run, a locomotive requires a thorough washing out and the whole
engine requires an examination and overhaul, a poor result compared
with the performance of a motor coach, which is capable of running
twice this distance continuously on a suburban service without other
attention than brake adjustment, and possibly the renewal of a few
brushes. The average mileage of a locomotive between thorough
* Steam service average, 35 lbs. per train mile. Electric equivalent
coal consumption, 70 lbs. per train mile. Coal, 12s. per ton.
repairs is about 40,000 miles, and these repairs will withdraw tlfi
locomotive from service for from six to eight weeks ; with a motor
car, experience has shown that, with the exception of withdrawals
from service for two or three days, about every 50.000 miles for
cleaning and changing wheels, the car can be kept continuously in
service for 250,000 miles before a general repair is needed, and even
then the mechanical and electrical repairs can be effected in about
a fortnight. From the above considerations it may seem that
for a given service the electric equipment requires a smaller per-
centage of spares than is the case with steam motors. The cost of
the repairs will vary, depending entirely on the schedule speed, the
character of the permanent way and the mechanical design, good or
bad, of th? motors and motor bogies, and it may be taken cost of
repairs increa.ses as the square of .schedule speed. Taking running
costs next, the saving in wages is considerable, one motorman
taking the pla:e of a driver, a fireman and a cleaner, and a saving
of .50 per cent, for equal services may be effected. In addition to
(his, (,wing to the short margins at the termini, the time efficiency of
the mot rman is high as compared with the time efficiency of a loco-
motive crew. The other principal item in running costs is fuel, and
in comparing steam and electric traction this must be considered in
a special manner. To run a .service, with a mean run between
stations of one mile, at 30 miles per hour, involves a consumption of
about 0-09 units 23er ton mile at the train or 1 1 B.O.T. units per mih?
with a 125 ton train. If it is assumed that, including int<'rest. depre-
ciation, repairs, &c., a unit can be produced at the train for 0-62.5d.,
this is equivalent to a coal consumption oi 115 lb. of coal per train
mile. T j run such a schedule with steam locomotives would neces-
sitate the employment of j)owerful tank engines and a total ton
mileage per train mile considerably in excess of that necessary for
electric trains. There is, therefore, a balance in favour of the steam
locomotive of 45 lb. of coal per mile for these weights, but for equal
seating capacity it is probable that the coal consumptions would be
nearer equal.
As regards maintenance of track the more rapid acceleration and
retardation of the electric trains and the low centre gravity of the
bogies is bound to have some detrimental effect, and the cost of
maintenance, especially in and near stations, will be higher than with
a steam service.
To sum up the advantages of electric traction for urban and inter-
urban .services as compared with steam for a given schedule : —
A more rapid and more frequent .service can be given. The terminal
facilities are increased by 50 per cent, without capital exjienditure.
The cost of rolling stock is reduced by 20 per cent. The repairs tt>
rolling stock are decreased by from 10 per cent, to 50 per cent. The
running costs are decreased by 30 per cent, to .50 per cent.
.\nd the disadvantages are : — Increased equivalent coal consuin])-
tion by about 30 per cent. Slightly increa.sed track maintenance.
This comparison is, of course, only true for equal services. .\ more
rapid and more frequent service of trains is an attraction to the
(ravelling public. Whether the extra traffic will be produced to
repay the increased cost of operation as compared with steam trac-
tion depends too largely on local conditions to be answered gener-
ally ; the experience gained by suburban electrification round Liver-
])ool, Newcastle and Milan makes it .seem probable that a substantial
increase in traffic will be secured.
The author then describes the systems of electrification in actual
use, and di-cusses their advantages and disadvantages.
As regards the comparative merits of the single pha.se, overhead.
H.T. system and the continuous-current, third rail. L.T. system
verv complete details of costs, weights, efficiency, &c., arc given in the
Paper, and the author finally arrives at the conclusion that, taking
everything into consideration, there is little to choose between these
two systems. Thus, the den.ser the suburban traffic and the nearer
together the stations (he smaller the advantage to be gained by the
use of the single phase system : whilst for main line work with an
average distance of three miles and upwards between stations,
infrequent stofiping train services, and few junctions or tunnels, the
lower first cost of the single-phase system is sufficient to outweight
the disadvantages of higher operating cost and increased difficulty
of inspection, repairs, &c.. to the trolley and rolling stock. The
single-i>hasc ntotor has the valuable properly of operating excellently
with continuous current, and the electrification of suburban and inter
luban lines on the t'.C. system is therefore no bar to the subsequent
introduction of the A.C. system on the main line or on branch lines
with light traffic.
For goods traffic no particular improvement m service could be
given, and the substitution of electric for steam traction could hardly
be expected to give any inducement for increased tnovement of mer-
chandise. The application of electricity to this work on any system
would involve enormous expcnditiure on electrification of sidings, or
the use of storage battery locomotives for all siding work, a mere
choice ofjevils.
E 2
578
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 22, 1909.
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11 Classification of Alternate Current Motors. By V. a. a. Fynn,
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'^"^f^*™"^?''*''"'*' Production of Nitrates by Electricity. By Prof S. P
Tltompson. lit-adi/ shortly.
Practical Telephony. By W. Altken, M.I E.B. In Preparation.
Alternating Cm-rent Motors. By Dr. RudoK OoldsohmiJt. .\;-arlv Pe iln
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"THH BIiBCTKIOIAN" INDUSTRIAL SDPPI.BWBMT.
With " The Ei.ectrichn " for Sept. 14, lOOH, was issued the first of a
series of " Industrial Supijlements," to be publislied from lime to time
with " The Electrician." The thirty-first issue of the Supplement was
published (Gratis) with the number of "The Electrician " for January
8th.
The " Industrial Svitlement " is holed for filing or hanging, and
filing coTcrs can be supplied for holding 6 or 12 issues.
■L.BOTRICITY SUPPL.T TABLES AND DATA.
The flrst of the valuable Series of comprehensive Tables of
Statistical and Engineering Data relating to Electricity Supply
Undertakings of the United Kingdom for Lighting. Power and
Traction was published (Gratlsl with the issue of •' The Electrician "
for January 1st. This Supplement dealt with Electric Power
Undertakings, and was accompanied by sketch maps of each of the
areas covered by the powers acquired by the respective Companies,
corrected to date. The second Table, giving complete Eoglneerlng
Data of the Electric Railways and Tramways of the United King-
dom, waspubllshed (Gratis) with " The Electrician " for Janu'iry 15
the third, giving details of Electricity Supply Undertakings without
Tramway Load, Is issued ( Gratis) with our pre sent issue ; the fourth,
dealing with Electricity Supply Undertakings with Combined Light-
ing and Traction Load, and with Towns taking Electricity Supply ia
Bulk, will be published (Gratis) with our issue for January 29. On
February 19 will be issued Gratis > a Complete Index to the above.
Tables 'VII. and VIII., giving details of Electricity Works and
Electric Tramways and Railways in the Colonies and some lm>
portant places abroad will be issued (Gratis) on February 12.
ELECTRICITY AS A FACTOR IN REDUCING WASTE.
A Paper read by Mr. A. B. Guidlicy last week upon
" Electricity and its Application to the Eediiction of
Waste," an abstract of which will be Ibund elsewhere in
this issue, advances the claims of electricity to recognitiou
ns H means of reducing waste in many directions. For the
moment the most important claims in this way are thcj.se of
the power station itself, and the pcssibilities that it opens
up of supplanting private installations. The argument in
favour of the power station reduces itself chiefly to two
points — namely, lower capital costs per kilowatt and the
advantage of diversity factor. Taking the cost per kilowatt
of plant for the smaller generating stations, including land,
at £30 per kilowatt, and that for the power station at £20
per kilowatt, there is an obvious advantage in fiivour of
the latter. Apart from this there is the further advantage
of more ecoiKniiical rumiing, and, finally, of less spare
plant as compared witli that which would be necessary
in a number of separate stations. The diversity factor is
equally important. Thus, on the north-east coast, works
whose aggregate installations amounted to 120,000 kw., are
now supplied by 40,000 kw. of plant at the power stations.
If the maximum demands of all these works were made at
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 22, 1909.
5 79
the same moment tliey wmilil jirobably amount to from
70,000 kw. to 90,000 kw., and if to these figures a propor-
tion be added for spare plant the total figure becomes very
much larger than the plant found necessary by the power
company. Mr. Grijjley thus places the saving at some-
thing like £2,000,000. Having regard to the fact that
there still remains in the district about 150,000 kw. of
plant not yet electrically operated, it appears that, after
having allowed £2,000,000 for transmission and dis-
tributing mains, a sa^•ing of something like £2,750,000
would result if electric power were purchased through-
out instead of producing power at the various works-
There is no doubt that when dealing with new works
this point of view is one against which nothing can
be said. In dealing with old works, however, there is
always the difficulty that money already spent on private in-
stallations cannot be fully regained, and, tlierefore, tlie power
user is not always so ready to take a power supply as he
would have been had he been erecting entirely new works.
As we have pointed out on more than one occasion, there
is also the furtlier development of the waste heat station,
so that electricity is now serving the further purpose of
saving this waste. Such stations in tliemselves are, neces-
sarily, not so laige as the usual power station, and the
units of ]ilant are smaller. In some respects, therefore,
the disadvantage of the small power station comes in, but
since the.se stations are run continuously at more or less
full load, the higher cost of plant is spread over a larger
annual output, and therefore becomes less noticeable.
Other countries have their water powers, which are an
enormous advantage ; but although we cannot boast of
water power in this country, we seem to be modifying our
conditions as far as possible so as to take further advan-
tage of such resources as we have. Any one who has
visited continental works supplied by means of hydro-
electric installations cannot fail to have been struck with
the very much pleasanter conditions uniler which work is
there carried oji. The atmosphere is far purer and the
scenery more beautiful than is possible under the usual
industrial conditions in tliis country ; but, nevertheless,
much may be done if electric power am be distributed
over a large area, such as that of the north-east coast and
along the banks of the Tees, so that works can be distri-
buted more than they are at present, and the pollution of
the atmosphere by smoke may be reduced to a minimum.
Under such conditions, although this country will not be
able to compete with the Alps from the scenic point of
view, we may at least prevent an extension of the black
country and its depressing influence.
REVIEWS.
Copies of the untlermeutioued works cau be Iiad from The Electrician OfQce, post free
ou receipt of publi&lieii price, adding 3d. for boolts published under 29. Add 10 per
cent, for abroad or for foreign boolu.)
EadioTelegraphy. By C. C.F. Monckton. {London: A. Constable
& Co.) Pp. xvii.— 263. 6s.net.
It must be very dillicult just at present for the author of a
book on wireless telegraphy to find genuine justification for
the act of pttblication. There are already so many good and
thoroughly up-to-date books available, expounding the sub-
ject from various points of view, that a new author, in casting
round for a still uumined vein of readers must be much per-
plexed. Of course, the sensible author, on i^alising that
books are published because the publisher thinks there arc
buyers about, does not worry alter new methods of presenting
his subject or after a new public, but sets to make as sound
and comprehensible a survey of his subject as he is able. The
present volume is the fruit of this commonplace sensible am-
bition, and there arc, therefore, no striking features to be men-
tioned. Broadly, wo may say that the author leans decidedly
towards the description of actual working apparatus rather
than towards the elaboration of theory or the probing into the
why and the wherefore. Furthermore, the author adopts the
policy of writing down statements that are " near enough,"
instead of straining after scientific accuracy. The book is
thus not to be recommended to the scientifically educated
reader, but is. perhaps, all the better for the wireless operator
and the general reader.
The first three chapters are. nevertheless, given up to the
experimental and theoretical science of electricity and electric
waves. The science is somewhat thin — purposeh', no doubt —
and not always quite orthodox. For instance, while self-
induction is said to be analogous to mass in mechanics, the
quantity known as inductance is put down as analogous to
momentum. Chapter IV. is the begiiming of radio-telegraphy,
and in this and the three following chapters the various ways
of producing electrical oscillations and electric waves are clearly,
conciselv and correctly described. One slip we noticed on
p. 123 ; the Marconi station at Poldhu has wooden towers,
not steel, as stated by the author. Chapters VIII. and IX.
deal with receivers, and are well planned and written. There
is occasionally a little confusion (cy., p. 160) between the
effect on sharpness of tuning of loosening the coupling between
the aerial circuit and the receiver circuit, and the effect on
sharpness of reducing the damping in the receiver circuit.
Chapter X. describes methods of measuring wave lengths
and other oscillatory magnitudes. The theory of these ineasure-
ments is so compressed that it will prove unintelliifibie to all
not already familiar with it. We suggest that the author
should introduce some numerical examples into a future
edition. Four chapters following contain descriptions of typical
stations, and the last chapter gives in seven pages a sketchy
account of radio-telephony.
The book is very attractively printed, the diagrams and
illustrations are very good, and, above all, the entire volume
is exceedingly fair to all the inventors and investigators whose
work is discussed. W. H. E.
A Study of Splashes. By A. M. \Vokthi.n.;tox. (London : Lon^'-
mans, Green & Co.) Pp. xii. + 129. 6s. 6d. net.
The word splash is comprehensive, including a succession of
effects. When a drop of water falls into a surface of water, it
drills a hole, itself liiung the hole, .\ceompanying this, there
is raised round the hole a collar of water, resembling a crater.
When the rebound occurs, the original drop, together with
some water from the general mass, is raised as a column inside
the crater and soon subsides. Meanwhile the fringing crater
has subsided. This is the general sequence of events, though,
change in the velocity of impact, size of the drop, and viscosity
and surface tension of the liquids are contributing factors.
The time taken is only about j sec, so that the unaided eye
cannot detect more than a mere outhnc of the phenomena ;
special instantaneous photography is required. Prof. Worth-
ington has spei\t several years on these phenomena, the
present deligiitfui hook being a popular exposition of what has
been in part published before scientific societies. The appa-
ratus required is simple ; an electric circuit contains two
electromagnets, a cell and a key. On depressing the key both
electromagnets act ; (a) one releases a metal ball, which, falling
between the knobs of a spark gap, discharges a charged Leyden
jar (6) the other releases the drop of water, which, falling on
the water surface, produces the splash. Since both ball and
drop can be placed at any desired height; the spark produced
by the Leyden jar illuminates the splash at any point of time
required. Thus to obtain a sequence of photographs it is only
necessary to slightly raise the ball after each fall. The uucer-
taintv|of timing is of the order v..\.rrth second ; and as the dura-
tion of the spark is onlv -,„;,;', nw;;th second, the image of the
580
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 22, 1909.
in a camera, suitably placed, is quite clear. The
weakness of tlie negative is met by soaking it for 40 mius. in
eikonogen.
The author points out that most of the effects can be ex-
plained by the two principles in surface tension, viz., skin-
tension and instability of a liquid column or thin film.
Many difTerent cases are taken (a) when the drops strike the
surface with speed, bubbles are formed by the closing of the
crater's mouth ; (6) the surface is sometimes running water ;
{(■) the falling body may be a highly-polished sphere or a rough
sphere. These provide .some most striking and wonderful
differences : (d) sphere falling into a viscous liquid ; (c) most of
the photographs are of the surface, but some series are taken of
the liquid under its surface.
Home of the phenomena are not easy of explanation, e.g.,
the difference caused by smooth and rough spheres, which the
author allows puzzled him for years, but for which he now has
a satisfactory explanation.
It seems probable that these experiments will supply raw
material for the solution of highly complex problems in hydro-
dynamics, while as a practical application there is the entry of
a projectile into solid or liquid surfaces. Thoroughly as Prof.
Worthington has followed his investigations, they are sure to
be amplified and extended in the future. There is a case which
might be exploited by this method, viz., the falling of a liqiud
on to a solid plate under varying conditions of temperature of
each.
The photographs are excellent, and the book is very elTee-
tive in general style. P. E. iShav.'.
Logarithms for Beginners. l\v C. N. Pick^orth. 2ikI edition.
(London ; Whittaker & Co.) Pp. 18. Is. net.
Aldum's Pocket Folding Mathematical Tables. (London : E.
AF, N.Spon.l 4d.
A. B.C. Five-Figure Logarithms. I!y G- C. J. Woodw.vrd. 2ad
edition. (L.nidon; K. & F. X. Spon.) Pp.166. 3s.net.
There really cannot be any necessity for more books dealing
with logarithms. The most pronounced mathematician can
scarcely find a place on his shelves for more than two such
books, one a standard work, such as Chambers, for reference,
and tlie other a small one for use. Seeing how many excellent
books of the latter description are already obtainable, the
publishers' object in placing yet others on the market is diffi-
cult to see.
In the first of the books under notice i.3 pages are taken up
with explanations that more properly belong to a text book
on algebra, while the remainder contains the usual tables of
logarithms and anti-logarithms. No trignometrical data are
given. The matter, as far as it goes, is good, but the onlv
explanation for such a book is that it may be useful to a
student who wants to be able to work with logarithms with-
out first obtaining a knowledge of indices and the other
necessary algebra. >Such an arrangement has little to commend
it. The book has, however, reached a second edition and
would, therefore, appear to supply a want.
Of the second of these works the best that can be .said i,s
that, as a pocket book, it fulfils its purpose well. But the
figures are necessarily small, and there is a want of blackness
in the printing which is trying to the eyes. Doubtless it will
find a place among those who prefer "portable" logarithms
to a slide rule, but, like the latter useful in.^trument, it will not
be good for the sight.
The third of these works, like the first, has also reached
a second edition, and possesses the distinction of being
arranged on rather out of the way lines, which property may
account for its success. Explanations for the use of the
tables are given at the beginning of the book ; these are
modified from the standard type to suit the special methods
employed by the author. Tables of the mantissae of num-
bers up to 100,000 are given at length, the first four places
benig derivable from the main tables, and the last from sup-
plementary tables. This arrangement we do not remember
to have seen before, and at first sight it does not appear to
be so speedy a method as that usually employed, though
practice would probably rectify this to some extent. The
second part of the book, dealing with logarithms of trigno-
metrical functions, opens with a very loose definition of an
Angle, and then proceeds to further pages of explanation with
regard to the use of the tables following. We notice that
the rule of adding 10 to make the characteristic positive is
advised. This is in our opinion quite an unnecessary aid,
and is more often a cause,of confusion, with consequent extra-
ordinarv results when tha time comes to re-arrange matters.
The trignometrical tables are certainly very complete, but
owing to the arrangement adopted are spread over a very
large number of pages. The third and concluding portion of
the book, which for some reason or other is printed in blue
ink, deals with natural trignometrical functions, called arc
functions throughout, and factors for Napierian logarithms.
The same arrangement is followed as in the second part,
though the information is more compressed. Several tables
dealing with compound interest calculations and various con-
version constants are given on the last few pages.
This book, as the author notes in his preface, is intended
as a laboratory companion for the student of pbysics. For
this reason it is reduced in size and would easily fit in the
pocket. On the other hand, in spite of the " lateral" index,
the information does not seem so get-at-able as in many other
tables, ar.d a great deal; of it is, as is so often the case, mere
repe'ition, and would be better obtained elsewhere.
USE OF ELECTRICITY IN FACTORIES AND
WORKSHOPS.
In our issue of August 23, 1907, we published a draft of
the Regulations, proposed by the Home Secretary, in regard
to the generation, transformation, distribution and use of
electrical energy in premises under the Factory and Workshop
Act, 1901. It will be remembered that these proposed Eegu-
lations aroused much opposition, and, in consequence, Mr.
James Swinburne, F.R.S., was appointed to hold an inquirj'.
This inquiry opened on March 3rd last, and an account of the
proceedings appeared in The Electrici.\n, March 6, 1908,
p. 802, and the four following issues.
Mr. Swinburne's report to the Home Secretaiy on the draft
Kegulations was issued last week, and the Regulations (which
are dated December 23, 1908) have now been published.
This report shows that while in the main the original Regu-
lations stand, they have in certain cases been altered, and the
wording has been modified, with the result that there is less
stringency than originally.
The revised Regulations, which we give below, are to come
into force on .July 1, 1909, except as regards such parts of
electrical stations as were constructed before July 1, 1908, in
respect of which they are to come into force on January 1, 1910.
REOrLATIONS FOR THE GENERATION, TkANSEORMAHO.N, DiSl RIEl'TIOS
AND Use of Electrical Enerhy in Premises under the Factory
AND WoRKSHO p AcTS, 1901 and 1907.
Duties. — It shall be the duty of the occupier to comply with these
Regulations. And it shall be the duty of all agents, workmen and
persons employed to conduct their work in accordance with these Regu-
lations.
Definitions.-—" Pressure " means the difference of electrical poten-
tial between any two conductors, or between a conductor and earth as
read by a hot wire or electiostatic voltmeter.
" Low Pressure " means a pressure in a system normally not exceeding
250 volts where the electrical energy is used.
" Medium Pressure " means a pressure in a system normally above
250 volts, but not exceeding 650 volts, where the electrical energy is used.
" High Pressure " means a pressure in a system normally above 650
volts, but not exceeding 3,000 volts, where the electrical energy is used or
supplied.
" Extra-high Pressure " means a pressm-e in a system normally exceed-
ing 3,000 volts, where the electrical energy is used or supplied.
" System " means an electrical system in which all the conductors and
apparatus are electrically connected to a common source of electromotive
force.
■' Conductor " means an clectiical conductor arranged to bo elcctiically
connected to a system.
. " Apparatus " means electrical apparatus, and includes all apparatus,
machines and fittings in which conductors are used, or of which they
f orm a part.
THE ELECTRICIAN. JANUARY 22. 1909.
581
means an electrical ciroiiit forming a system r.r branch of a
of sucli size, quality and construc-
tion according to tlie circum-
stances of the use thereof, that
a person is thereby adecjuately
protected from danger.
" Circuit
system.
" " Insulating stand " means a
floor, platform, stand or mat
" Insulating screen " means a
screen
" Insulating boots " means
boots
'• Insulating gloves " means
gloves
■' Covered with insulating material " means adequately covered with
insulating material of such quality and thickness that there is no danger.
" Bare " means not covered with insulating material.
" Live " means electrically charged.
" Dead" means at, or about, zero potential, and di.sconnf cted from
any live system.
" Earthed " means connected to the general mass of earth in such
manner as will ensure at all times an immediate discharge of electrical
energy without danger.
"Sub-station" means any premises, or that part of any premises, in
which electrical energy is transformed or converted tf) or from pressure
above medium pressure, except for the purpose of working instruments,
relays or similar auxiliary apparatus ; if such premises or part of pre-
mises are lari^e enough for a person to enter after the apparatus is in
position.
" Switchboard " means the collection of switches or fuses, conductors
and other apparatus in connection therewith, used for the purpose of
controlling tlie current or pressure in any system or part of a system.
" Switchboard passage way " means any passage way or compartment
large enough for a person to enter, and used in connection with a switch-
board when live.
" Authorised person " me.ans (a) the occupier, or (6) a contractor for
the time beinsr under contract with the occupier, or (r) a person employed,
appointed or selected by the occupier, or by a contractor as aforesaid,
to carry out certain duties incidental to the generation, transformation,
distribution or use of electrical energy, such occupier, contractor or
person being a person who is competent for the purposes of the regidation
in which the term is used.
■' Danger " means danger to health or danger to life or limb from shock,
burn or other injury to jiersons employed, or from i\ic jiltind^mt upon
the generation, transformation, d'stribution or use of clicli h.iI .nergy.
" Public supply" means tlic supply of electrical cncrL'v (") I'V any
local authority, company or person authorised by Act of Parliament or
Provisional t)rdcr confirmed by Parliament or by licence or Order of the
Hoard of Trade to give a supply of electrical energy; or (6) otherwise
under Board of Trade regulations.
Exemptions.— 1. Nothing in Regulations 2,3.4,7,9, 10, 11, 15, Hi. 17.
21 , 22, 23. 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30 and 31 shall apply, unless on account of
special circumstances the Secretary ef State shall give notice to the
occujjier that this exemption does not apply (a) To any system in which
the pressure does not exceed low pressure direct or 125 volrs alternating ;
{!/) in any public supply generating station, to any sys'cm in which the
|)ressure between it and earth does not exceed low pressure ; (r) In any
above-ground sub-station for public supply, to any .system not exceeding
low pressure.
2. Nothing in these Regulations shall apply to any service lines or
apparatus on the supply side of the consumer's terminals or to any
chamber containing such service lines or apparatus where the supply is
given from outside imder Board of Trade regulations ; provided always
that no live metal is exposed so that it may be touched.
3. It the occupier can show, with regard to any ic(piircment of these
Regulations, that the special conditions in liis |ircii
adequately to prevent danger, that requirement shall
satisfied ; and the Secretary of State may by Order dircri tli.it ;ii\y class
of special conditions defined in the Order shall be ilirnMii Im the pur-
poses of all or any of the rec|uirements of the.se Regulations .Hleqiuitely
to prevent danger, and may revoke such Order.
4. Nothing in these Regulations shall apply to any process or appa-
ratus used exclusively for electro-chemical or electro-thermal or testing
or research purposes ; provided such process bo so worked and such
a|)paratus so constructed and protected and such special precautions
taken as may be necessary to prevent danger.
5. The Secretary of Stats may, by Order, exempt from the operation
of all or any of these Regulations any premises to which any special rules
or regulations under any other Act as to the generation, transformation,
distribution or use of electrical energy apply ; and may revoke such
Order.
<). The Secretary of State maj', if satisfied that safety is otherwi.se
])ractieally secured, or that exemption is necessary on the ground of
emergency or special circumstances, grant such exemption by Order,
subject to any conditions that may be prescribed therein : and niay
revoke such Order.
7. Nothing in these Regulations shall apply to domestic factories or
domestic workshops.
REGULATIONS.
1. .All apparatus and conducdas sh.ill l>c sufficient in size and power
for the work they are called upon i.i dn. and so constructed, installed,
protected, worked and maintained as tu prevent danger so far as is
reasonably practicable.
2. All conductors shall either be covered with insulating material, and
further efficiently protected where necessary to prevent danger, or they
shall be so placed and safeguarded as to prevent danger so far as is
reasonably practicable.
i are such as
(.Icemed to be
tli.i
3. Every switch, switch fuse, cii'cuit-breaker and isolating link shall
be : {a) so constructed, placed or protected as to prevent danger ; (6)
so constructed and adjusted as accurately to make and to maintain good
contact ; (c) provided with an efficient handle or other means of working
insulated from the system, and so arranged that the hand cannot inad-
vertently touch live metal ; (d) so constructed or arranged that it can-
not accidentally fall or move into contact when left out of contact.
4. Every switch intended to be u.sed for breaking a circuit and every
circuit- breaker shall be so constructed that it cannot with proper care be
left in partial contact. This applies to each pole of double-pole or multi-
pole switches or circuit- bieakers. Every switch intended to be used for
breaking a circuit and every circuit- breaker shall be so constructed that
an arc cannot accidentally be maintained.
5. Every fuse, and every automatic circuit-breaker used instead
thereof, shall be so constructed and arranged as eflectivfly to interrupt
the current before it so exceeds the working rate as to invtjlve danger.
It shall be of such construction or be so guarded or placed as to prevent
danger from over-heating, or from arcing or the scattering of hot metal
or other substance when it comes into operation. Every fuse shall be
either of such construction or so protected by a switch that the fusible
metal may be readily renewed without danger.
6. Every electrical joint and connection shall be of proper construc-
tion as regards conductivity, insulation, mechanical strength and pro-
tection.
7. Efficient means, suitably located, shall be provided for cutting off
all pressure from every part of a .system, as may be necessary to prevent
danger.
8. Efficient means suitably located shall be provided for protecting
from excess of current every part of a system, as may be necessary to
prevent danger.
9. Where one of the conductors of a system is connected to earth, no
single-pole switch, other than a link for testing purposes or a switch for
use in controlling a generator, shall be placed in such conductor or any
branch thereof. A switch, or automatic or other cut-out may, however,
be placed in the connection between the conductor and earth at the
generating station, for use in testing and emergencies only.
10. Where one of the main conductors of a system is bare and uninsu-
lated, such as a bare return of a concentric system, no switch, fuse or
circuit- breaker shall be placed in that conductor, or in any conductor
connected thereto, and the said conductor shall be earthed. Neverthe-
less, switches, fuses or circuit-breakers may be used to break the con-
nection with the generatois or transformers supplying the power ; pro-
vided that in no case of bare conductor the connection of the conductor
with earth is thereby broken.
11. Every motor, converter and transformer shall be |irotected by
efficient means suitably placed, and so connected that all pressure may
thereby be cut off from the motor, converter or transformer as the case
may be, and from all apparatus in connection therewith : provided,
however, that where one point of the system is connected to earth, there
shall be no obligation to disconnect on that side of the system which is
connected to earth.
12. Every electrical motor shall be contrt)lled by an efficient switch
or switches for starting and stopping, so placed as to be easily worked by
the person in charge of the motor. In every place in which machines
arc being driven by any electric motor there shall be means at hand for
either switching off the motor or stopping the machines if necessary to
prevent danger.
13. Every flexible wue for portable apparatus, for alternating currents
orfor pressures above 150 volts direct current shall be connected to the
system either by efficient permanent joints or connections or by a pro-
perly constructed connector. In all cases where the person handling
portable apjiaratus or pendant lamps with switches, for alternating
current or pressures above 150 volts direct current, would be liable to
get a shock through a corulucliiig Hoor or conducting work or otherwise,
if the metal work of the )Kirtable apparatus became charged, the metal
work must be efficiently eartlicd ; and any flexible metallic covering of
the conductors shall be "itself efficiently earthed and shall not itself be the
only earth connection for the metal of the apparatus. And a lamp-
holder shall not be in metallic connection w^ith the guard or other metal
work of a portable lamp In such places, and in any place where the
pressure exceeds low pressure, the portable apparatus and its flexible
wire shall be controlled by efficient means suitably located, and capable
of cutting off the pressure! and the metal work shall be efficiently earthed
independently of any flexible metallic cover of the cimductors. and any
such flexible covering shall itself be independently earthed.
14. The general arrangement of switchboards shall, so far as reason-
ably practicable, be such that (a) .All parts which may have to be adjusted
or handled are readily accessible ; {!>) the course of every conductor may
where necessary be readily traced : (<■) conductors not arranged for connec-
tion to the same system are kept well apart, and can where necessary be
readily distinguished : (rf) all bare conductors are so place<l or protected
as to prevent danger from accidental short-circ\iit.
15. Every switchboard having bare conductors normally so exposed
that they may bo touched shall, if not located in an area or areas set
apart for the purposes thereof, where necessary be suitably fenced or
enclosed. No person except an authorised person, or a person acting
under his immediate supervision, shall for the purpose of carrying out his
duties have access to any part of an area so set apart.
1(). All apparatus appertaining to a switchboard and requiring hand-
ling shall, so far as practicable, be so placed or arranged as to be operated
from the working platform of the switchboard, and all measuring instru-
ments and indicators connected therewith shall, so far as practicable, be
60 placed as to be observed from the working platform. If such appa.
582
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 22, 1909.
ratiis be worked or observed from any other pla-e, adequate |ire!.;nitions
shall be taken to prevent, danger.
17. At the working platform of every switehlioard and in every switch-
board passage-way. if there be bare conductors exposed or arranged to
be ex|)i)sed when live so that they may be toiiclied, there shall be a clear
and luiobstnicted pn-'ii^c of :iiii'ii)p width and height, with a firm and
even Hoor. Adequ i!i rji. <ii- .1 ,i - r,-, free from danger, shall be pro-
vided for every swii lili'.u I |i., ,1^. "'ly-
The following ]i].n i.,iuii., .4iall apply to all such switchboard working
)ilalforms and passage-ways constructed after Jan. 1. 1909, unles.s the
ii.in- ccmductors, whether overhead or at the sides of the passage-ways,
are (jtlierwise adequately protected against danger by divisions or screens
or other suitable means : —
(a) Those constructed for low-pressure and medium-pressure switch-
boards shall have a. r.|i-ar bcigbt of not, less tlian 7 ft. and a clear width
measured from bare . .indiii I m ■ ■! imi l( ^ I h m :! ft.
(h) Tho.ie const ni. I,. 1 1 I,,, li'^li-|,,'. me :iii.l ,-xtra high-pressure .switch-
boards, other than opr r,iiiii_j .l.k t |.;rM I- working solely at low pres-
sure, shall have a rl.n li. ijlii ,,l nil If : ilioi 8 ft. and a clear width
measured from ban- ruii.lih ii.i -it n.ii h , i lim :i ft. 6 in.
(f) Bare conducting shill not be i\p isnl un both sides of the switch-
board passage-way unless either (i. ) the clear width of the passage is. in
the case of low pressure and medium pressure, not less than 4 ft. 6 in.,
and in the case of high pressure and extra high pressure, not less than
8 ft., in each case measured between bare conductors, or (ii.) the con-
ductors on one side are so guarded that they cannot be accidentally
touched.
18. In every switchboard for high pressure or extra high ))ressure :
(o) Kvery high-pressure and extra high-pressure conductor within
reach from the working pl.itform or in any switchboard passage-way
shall be so placed or proterl'-rl .-is ;Mlt'i|ii;iif'ly t" jirevent danger.
(h) The metal cases of all iii'li ininnts wm klnu; at high ])ressure or extra
liigh |)ressure shall he eitlui cirlluil nr mnijiletely enclosed with insu-
lating covers.
(c) All metal handles of high- pressure and extra high-pressure switches
and. where necessary to prevent danger, all metal gear for working the
switches shall be earthed.
(f/) When work has to be done on any switchboard, then, luiless the
switchboard be otherwise so arranged as to secure that the work may be
carried out without d iiiun, , ither (i.) the switchboard shall be made
dead or (ii.) if the > ud -« ii hliDard be .so arranged that the conductors
thereof can be madi- (Iim.I m i( tion.s, and so separated by permanent or
removable divisions or screens from all adjoining sections of which the
conductors are live, that work on any section may be carried out without
danger, that section on which work has to be done shall be made dead.
19. All parts of generators, nim.,!-.. ii:in^lnrmers or other similar
apparatus, at high pressure or exti- 1 hijli j.'c -inc. and within reach from
any po.sition in which any person ciii|iliiyi I m ly require to be, shall be.
.so far as reasonably practicable, so protciii -I ,i- i-i pi .vent danger.
20. Where a high-pressure or extra liivli p:.- mr supply is trans-
formed for use at a lower prcs.oure. nr en. i'j\ i- h m f-uined uj) to above
low pressure, siutaM.' pr<i\i-,ioii sliill li;- nm.li- i.. .Miird ;i-iinst danger
by reason of the Imi , - , i,,i i i.ni ]„;■ ,,i- ;iri id.iii.illy charged
above its normal prrs- MM' iiy !r,i k.njr > i. r,,Ml;i.'l fi'..iii tin- Inuhcr-pressure
system.
21. Wheie necessary to prevent danger, adequate precautions shall be
taken cither by earthing nr by other suitable means to prevent any metal
other than the coiidiirlMv I.,,,, l.ri'oming electrically charged.
22. Adequate jjirf ,n , ^|.,ill be taken to prevent any conductor or
apparatus from bciiij ,n iJ. npilly or inadvertently electrically charged
when persons are \\"i kiriL' ilim-un.
23. Where neccssu y nl. ipiilcly to prevent danger, insulating stands
or screens shall be pnn idrtl and kept permanently in position, and shall
bemaintaincfliu .Mirirl ,,iTidition.
24. Port.ilil I in nki I ;n.f stands, screens, boots, gloves or other suitable
means shall k. in x i.kd and used when necessary adequately to prevent
danger, and shall be |icriodically examined by an authorised person.
2.'5. Adequate working space and means of access, free from danger,
shall bo provided for all apparatus that has to be worked or attended to
by any person.
20. All those parts of premises in which apjiaratus is placed shall be
ade<iu4tcly lighted to prevent danger.
27. All conductors :,u,i .ipi.avatn-: cxpr.s.al tn the v.cather. wet, corro-
sion, mtlammable sm loinshn _ m, rvpliMvr ,ii na,-;pli,-ic, or used in anv
processor for any '.pr- Ml pmp. .■, .alir ihan ki, li-hting or power, shall
be so constructed 01 piutci ted, ,.iid sudispccial precautions shall be taken
as may be necessary adequately to prevent danger in view of such ex-
posure or use.
28. No person except an authorised person or a competent (lerson
acting under his immediate supervision shall undertake any work where
technical knowledge or experience is required in order adequately to
avoid danger ; and no person shall work alone in any ease in which the
Secretary of State directs that he shall not. No person except an autho-
rised person, or a competent person over 21 years of age acting under his
immediate supervision, shall undertake any lepair. alteration, extension,
cleatiing or such work where technical' knowledge or experience is"
required in order to avoid danger, and no one shalfdo such work unac-
companied. Where a contractor is emploved, and the danger to be
avoided IS under his control, the contractor shall appoint the authoi-'sed
person but it the danger to be avoided is under the control of the occu-
pier, the occupier shall appoint the authorised person.
29. Instructions as to the treatment of persons suffering from electric
Shock shall be affixed lu all premises where electrical energy is generated
transformed or used above low pressure, and in such premises, oi-
classes of premises, in which electrical energy is generated, tiansforraed
or used at low pres-ure, as the Secretary of State may direct.
.30. Every sub-station shall be substantially constructed, and shall be
so arranged that no person other than an authorised pei.son can obtain
access thereto otherwise than by the proper entrance, or can interfere
with the apparatus or conductors therein from outside : and shall be
provided with efficient means of ventilation and be kept dry.
,31. Every sub-station shall be under the control of an authorised
person, and none but an authorised person or a person acting under his
immediate supervision shall enter any part thereof where there may be
danger.
,32. Every underground sub-station not otherwise easily and safely
accessible shall be provided with adequate means of access by a door or
trap-door, with a staircase or ladder securely fixed and so placed that no
live part of any switchboard or any bare conductor shall be within reach
of a person thereon ; provided, however, that the means of access to su'.-li
sub-station shall be by a doorway and staircase (a) if any person is regu-
larly employed therein, otherwise than for inspection or cleanmg, or (h)
if the sub-station is not of ample dimensions and there is therein either
moving machinery other than ventilating fans, or extra high pressure.
THE LIFE AND WEAR OF ROLLING STOCK.*
BY M. .STAHL.
(Concluded from page 541).
Summary. — In dealing with the answers sent in to the questionnaire
the author ha.s divided his report mto a number of sections. Under these
he reports on axles, wheels and tyres, axle boxes, car frames and gearing.
These sections are again sub- divided into appropriate headings which
summarise the answers on the particular points ; at the end of each sec-
tion the author puts forward his own conclusions on the subject. In thi.s
way the general design of axles, journals, wheels, tyres and axle boxes,
with the methods of lubrication and the cost of upkeep of the various
parts, which are obtained from figures provided by the members, are
given. Further, the lay-out of the car frames, details of the springs,
sanding boxes, and of various types of axles with their advantages and
disadvantages are detailed. The question of the proper design of gearing
with the ujikeep costs of various types is also dealt with.
Car Frames.
Framework Proper. — Besides the usual methods of construction
employed for this purpose the cast steel frames which were placed
on the market some years ago seem to have given good results, on
account of the ease with which the sections may be modified, and a
better distribution of metal thus obtained. Further, all projecting
and hollowed parts can be directly cast. Frames built up of welded
or brazed tubes such as were employed some years ago are now com-
pletely abandoned.
In general, the frame should have sufficient strength to resist any
flexion, even when derailment takes place. The diagonal tie-bars
which in the early days were not alway.s arranged as conveniently
as they might have been, should be without " give," so that any
distortion of the frame may be avoided, and, further, the stresses
should be calculated, especially in places of maximum stress. The
frame is often made thicker at places of niaxiniuiu stress, i.e.. above
the axles, though the area may be reduced loward.s the middle and
ends.
The report contains several drawings of standard ear frames used
on the Continent of Europe with comments thereon by the author.
Among these is a pattern used in Berlin, made of cast steel. The
longitudinal members are in one piece, thus avoiding the use of
rivets. In order that the resistance to flexion shall be as great as
possible these members arc of I section above the axle boxes.
This frame is exceedingly compact, and its weight is rather below the
average. Another interesting frame is that employed at Dusseklorf.
This consists of two pieces of cast U iron strengthened by plates.
The horn plates are of sheet iron with interchangeable steel guides.
This arrangement is of such strength that even if the axle keys are
removed the whole car can be supported by the frame without the
least flexion resulting. . The body is fixed to the frame by four
wedges so that its removal can be efl^ected very quickly, while four
strong guide bolts prevent any oscillation.
Springs. — The provision of car springs is not solely for the com-
fort of the passengers, but to deaden the shocks which otherwise
would cause a rapid deterioration of the rolling stock. The frame is
at the present nearly always supported on the axles by plate springs,
while the same arrangement is employed between body and frame.
* Translation, slightly abbreviated, of a report by Herr Stahl, general
manager of the municipal tramways at Dusseldorf. on the replies received
by the Union Internationale de Tramways and de C'liemins de Fer d'ln-
teret Local in response to the queslionnnire sent out to members. This
report was presented at the biennial meetmg (1908) at Munich.
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 22, 1909.
583
Special attention should be paid to the springs reaching under the
end platforms in order that a rolling motion may be prevented.
Spiral springs, which were frequently employed some years ago,
have now been practically abandoned. These springs are not as
efficient as plate springs in preventing the car from pitching, and it
appears that breakages are much more frequent with them.-
Although plate springs have sufficed up to the present, it by no
means follows that this method of construction is not open to criti-
cism. These springs are, in fact, often made too rigid, owing to
questions of strength, and their action is thereby discounted. When
the load is relatively small they come into action very little, or not
at all, and are in all cases insensitive. In order to obtain both a
permanent and good suspension, the provision of spiral s|)rings at
the end of the plate springs is recommended. These s|)rings should
have small play and be of convenient dimensions. They should
receive the less important shocks whose harmful influence on the
car frame should not be neglected and which the plate springs, with
their slower action, are not able to take up. This method also
reduces the noise made by the cars. The metal employed for making
the springs should be of first-class quality, and the springs should be
dimensioned to obtain a good suspension. It is advantageous to
give them, as far as possible, a large capacity and a reduced deflec-
tion, the movement of the car being made much smoother thereby.
Radial Axles. — The hopes which were placed some years ago on
this type of axle have been by no means realised. Eighteen under-
takings have tried radial axles on their motor cars and thirteen
others on their trailers. The wheel base of the cars varied from 2
to 3-G metres (O'C to 12 ft.) and the play of the axle boxes on the
guides measured parallel to the axis of the car was on an average
20mm. (08 in.) and perpendicularly 30mm. (1-2 in.). As regards
motor cars three undertakings noticed a reduction in upkeep ex-
pen.ses combined with, in general, smoother running and easier
negotiation of curves. Seven undertakings gave no opinion on the
value of radial trucks. Eight undertakings suffered an increased
expenditure on tyres by their use, and, further, considered that they
give rise to bad braking, derailment and noisy working. As regards
their employment on trailers five undertakings found that their
use led to decrea.sed or at least equal expenses in upkeep. Seven
undertaking.s made no remarks and one other considered that they
made for bad braking and noisy working.
Single-Axle Bogies. — The gradual increase in traffic in crowded
areas requires all undertakings operating in towns to use large ca])a-
city cars for economical reasons. In the majority of cases, the
employment of four axle cars has been discontinued, for experience
has shown that such rolling stock leads to greatly increased upkeep
expenses. Fifteen undertakings have been employing, on a more
or less important scale, single axle bogies ; of these fifteen, eleven
possess from one to sixteen of these cars. Only one is, however, able to
give a favourable report, with the reservation that these cars cause
great wear of the tyres. Four others lind no ditterence between these
cars and those with fi.xed axles, while twci lind that the working ex-
penses are increased. These one-axle bogies have also been tried on
trailers, but here again no satisfactory results have been obtained.
Six undertakings have been carrying out tests on the subject ; one of
these has obtained satisfactory result.s, two notice no dirt'erence
between these and ordinary cars, and one remarks on an increase in
working expenses and a more defective operation. The re.sults,
therefore, appear to be rather negative. But it would be a great
error to suppose that the question of single axle bogies should be
dropped. On the contrary, it is of capital importance, and the
moment has arrived when it might be studied more closely with
advantage.
As regards the construction of these single-axle bogies, they are
divided into controlled and free bogies. In the first case, the axles
are joined together in such a way that radial displacement of the
leading axle cannot take jjlace till the other axle has also entered the
curve. This arrangement appears to possess no special advantage
over fixed axles. In the case of free bogies their construction has
been exhaustively studied ; but at the entrance to curves the axle
does not receive its directive force unless the curve is taken at a
certain, and not too low, speed. On the other hand, when such cars
are running on a straight road, a very disagreeable rolling motion is
produced, a means for suppressing which has not yet been found.
All these disadvantages become greater as the weiglit <if the axles is
increased. For cars with a capacity of 40 ])a.ssengers. the supple-
mentary weight of the bogies is about 1.^ tons, and as the body of
the car should be constructed with an overhang, making a further
increase of about J a ton, the total increase in the weight is, there-
fore, at least 2 tons, which, for cars of this capacity, would mean an
increase of 25 per cent.
Suppose that the annual- car-mUeage is 35,(X)0 km. (21.875 miles)
which means, with a consumption per car-kiloinetre of J kw.-hour.
a total consumption of 17,500 kw.-hour. On account of the supple-
mentary weight, which is taken a-s 2(J per cent., there results an in-
creased consumption of 3,500 kw.-hours. This, at Id. per kilowatt-
hour, means an increased expenditure of £17. 10s. per car per year.
In other words, the supplementary cost for current would be £5 per
million ear-kilometres. And as tlie supplementary working ex-
jjenses would only be one-half of that indicated above, it follows that
the single-axle bogie is imeeonomieal com])ared with the fixed axle.
It should, however, be noted that the employment of one-axle bogies
may be advantageous on a system where the gradients are very
varied, while the single-axle bogie is an advantage compared with the
four-axle car.
Once the employment of single-axle bogies ha.s become' more general
on standard systems it will be necessary to discover whether fixed
axle cars, but with a wheel base longer than has hitherto been used,
\\ould not give advantageous results. It appears from answers to
the queMionnaire that all systems where a greater wheel ba.se has
been tried have suffered no inconvenience up to the present time.
In general, those undertakings which support an incn^ase in wheel
base consider that a wheel base of 2'35 m. (7( ft.) is quite realisable.
Others go even further, and consider that with 2'.50 m. (8j ft.),
and even 360 m. (UJft.), the negotiation of 18 m. (60 ft.) curves
would still be possible. It would rather appear that luidertakings
have hesitated to increase their wheel bases up to the present for fear
of a too great wear of the tyres or rails. It may be added that in
Dusseldorf a car with controlled one-axle bogies has given rise to
many inconveniences. It was rebuUt as a car with fixed axles and
a wheel base of 3 m. (10 ft.), and since that time its operation has
been free from criticism.
Sanding Arrangcmenls. — As it is, in general, scarcely jiossible to
increase the power of the brakes, as this would probably lead to the
wheels becoming locked, rapid stopping has to be obtained by in-
creasing the car resistance.
Sanding apparatus is operated either by hand or automatically,
though there do exist systems which are worked by the foot, knee
or pressing a button. But the majority of undertakings using sand-
ing arrangements employ foot or hand operation. Of ()5 undertak-
ings, 55 prefer hand operation, 13 undertakings use automatic sand-
ing apparatus, and eight consider them necessarj'. Forty-two under-
takings use double sanding apparatus — i.e., arrangements are made
for sanding both rails simultaneously. The emplojTnent of sanding
apparatus on trailers is considered unnecessary. The sanding appa-
ratus in use is very varied in construction, though 42 undertakings
emjiloy some kind of slide valve. The arrangement in u.se at Mann-
heim, which is of this type, is fitted with two small [)lates forming a
ridge which prevents the entrance oi water. In another equi])ment
the sand is forced out by the oscillations of a nozzle or of a spoon-
shaped rod. In one case the sand box is not fitted to the outlet pipe,
but is quite independent, so that the outlet valve, which is fastened
rigidly to the frame, cannot be displaced in case of collision.
Nine undertakings possess no mechanical sanding arrangements,
the .sand being .simi>ly thrown on to the tiack either by hand or by a
shovel, which is kept under the driver's platform. This sanding
gear, which is certainly simple and cannot ea.sily get out of order,
has thedi.sadvantagethatthe sand isdistril)uted(m the railsat a fairly
great distance from the wheels. In some cases the ojjcning in the
delivery pipe is closed by a spherical, conical or valve arrangement.
These designs, though very useful in themselves, require that the
closing arrangement should fit tightly into the hole.
When examining different types of sand boxes it should not be
forgotten that their good operation depends in great measure on the
quality of sand emplo\cd. With ■■ .spoon " sand boxes quite coarse
sand may be used, while in those lifted with a valve or other similar
arrangement fine river sand must be employed.
Automatic sanding arrangements may be divided into those worked
by the movement of the controller, by au". electrically or mecha-
nically. In the case of compressed air the sand pipe is connected
by a little crank to the exhaust valve of the brake. In electrically
worked equipment the braking current opens the sand pipe auto-
matically by means of a solenoid. This solenoid can. of course, also
be fed from" the trolley wire, and aiTangements can be made for the
valve to open or close on any particular controller notch.
Brake 67M)es.— Brake shoes are usually made of cast iron, though
some undertakings use this material with the addition of 15 to 20
per cent, of steel : grey, hard or chilled cast uon is also used. Brake
shoes are either madein one piece or with interchangeable surfaces.
In the latter ca.se the rubbing surface is secured by keys or bolts.
The answers sent have not enabled any figures on the mean life of
brake shoes to be obtained, for numerous factors enter into the ques-
tions, including the thickness of the shoe..;, the pec.uliaritiesof thfe
system and the method of brakmg employed. It is, however, cer-
tam that shoes with interchangeable surfaces are more advantageous
F
584
THE ELECTKICIAN, JANUARY 22, 1909.
than those in one piece, for their scrap vahic and their first cost is less.
Condmions.—k% regards the conclusions to be drawn from this
section of the report, it appears that practically standard frames,
except as regards the metal used in their construction, are now being
employed. Frames of moulded sheets or laminated members are
being very much used at the present time, while cast steel gives to
the frame a high tensile strength combined with relative lightness.
Angles should bo strengthened in a convenient manner by means of
elbow pieces or stays. In general, accessibility to the different
braking apparatus should be as great as possible. Simplicity com-
bined with solidity and strength obtained from a system of \vell-
designed cross-pieces should be the basis of all frame construction.
As regards oscillation, plate springs which suppress light shocks
are not sufficient to prevent the car vibrating. Plate springs should,
therefore, be combined with spiral sjirings, a sort of triple suspension
being obtained, as shown in Fig. 9. On trailers it is always best to
employ a double suspension.
Present experience shows that radial axles do not possess the
advantages for tramway working which tbe results obtained on
railways would appear to indicate. On tramway systems where
the cars negotiate numerous curves, often of small radius, the con-
ditions are not the same as on railways, and raidal axles, though
they may have no important disadvantage, are yet not sufficiently
advantageous. As regards single-axle bogies, it may be remarked
that if the principle of not having more weight than is actually
required for operation of the car is adhered to. the extra weight
introduced by these bogies is quite superfluous. Their principal,
or at least theii- most characteristic, fault is the necessity for increas-
ing the tractive effort, a necessity which is reflected in the balance-
sheet. Fua-ther, the employment of these bogies has not led to an
increase in the life of the tyres. It has been stated that single-axle
bogies only require the employment of four brake shoes. This is
■wrong ; for eight shoes seem to be indispensable for powerful brak-
ing. A pure and simple condemnation of these chassis does not,
however, appear to be justified, for they may in certain cases give
good results. On standard gauge systems, however, their utility at
present appears doubtful, for any advantages are largely compen-
sated.
Fio. '.(. — Type of Car Frame used on the Dusseldorf Tram-
way^, Showing Spring Suspension,
On account of the very different types of car it is hardly possible
that a uniform type of sanding arrangement will be obtained, and
such standardisation would not be of great use. As shown above,
the choice of type depends on the quality of the sand employed.
Both rails should, of course, be sanded simultaneously, while the
necessity that in case of danger the braking should be as rapid as
possible seems to point to the use of some automatic arrangement
for operating the sanding gear. Further, the sanding gear might be
combined with the emergency brake so that a simultaneous opera-
tion of the two is assured. For instance, the two might be worked
by the same lever, thus eliminating any error in this direction. Too
free a use of sand may, however, be harmful ; in fact, nine under-
takings state that they have had more or less serious accidents owing
to the oar becoming insulated.
The braki' ^lin;s lumicrly emiiloyed were nearly always of cast
iron. DuriiiLi iIh l.i.t l.w years a certain quantity of steel has been
added, and i\|iri nine indicates that the w^ear is ies.s. It would be
interesting to determine whether these compound shoes do not
cause greater wear of the tyres ; on this point no answers have been
received.
On account of the very different arrangements in frame construc-
tion it would be difficult to obtain a uniform type of buffer gear.
However that may be. a uniform height of buffer beam should be
enforced on all tramway systems. Safety coupling arrangements
are very seldom found. Such apparatus is only met with on very
hilly lines or where goods traffic predominates.
Geaeino.
The transmission of the motor movement to the axles has always
been the most delicate point in tramway systems, and this mecha-
nism is the cause of permanent and sometimes very great expense.
The relatively important wear as well as the noise produced by new
pinions engaging with worn gearing are the inevitable consequence
ct power transmission by this system. These inconveniences ma^•
however, be reduced to a certain point by the proper construction
of the gear wheels and bearings and by the provision of adequate
lubrication.
In order to be able to compare conveniently the results obtained
on the various systems, those of standard gauge have been distin-
guished from narrow gauge lines. The following table gives for
different classes of system the mean life of the gearing, and of the
gearing and motor brasses :-=—
Table II. — Dependance of Gearing Life on the Character of the Route.
Percentage
length of the
total length of the
ine.
Life of gearing - ., ,
in km Life of
Gradient
Gauge.
Level.
Helow
3%
lietween
3&6%
Above
5%
Gear
wheels.
Gear'g Motor
Pin'ns. bras:e.'- brass's
in km. in km.
CTo.M A.
1
Standard 10..
90
7
2
1
236,000
69,0001 28,000 60,0C0
Narrow 9 ...
92
6
2
166,000
60,000 29,000
46,000
Class B.
Standard 11 .
44
50
5
1
195,000
67.000 27.000
51,000
Narrow 1.5 ...
28
.-iO
10
3
145,000
54,000 23,000
46,000
Class C.
'
Standard 1...
3
4.5
40
12
...
65,000 33.000
52,000
Narrow 4 ...
9
53
24
14
75,000
24.000, 30,000
51,000
Class D.
Standard — .
Narrow 3 ...
3
28
20
40
46,000
13,000 ll.OOt)
29,000
From this it will be seen that the gauge has a great influence on
the life of the gearing. There is, further, a close relation between
the wear of the gearing and the gradient of the lines, and here it
must be noted that systems which are known to work under abnormal
conditions have not been included in this table. Further, in order
to obtain figures reflecting as exactly as possible the results obtained,
the maximum and minimum have been taken out of the summary
and an average obtained from the remaining figures.
Bearings. — The wear of the gearing does not, however, depend
solely on the gauge and gradients, but also on the construction, and
especially on the upkeep, of the bearings. These last, indeed,
exercise a special influence on the life of the gearing. On account
of the great pressure on the teeth, the bearings should be generously
proportioned. Then' upkeep should also be well looked after for a
replacement or careful adjustment of the boxes or bearings will be
well worth while in the long run. In fact, if the wear is allowed to
exceed a certain limit the teeth bite in a defective manner, leading
to a rapid deformation of the toothed wheels. Further, in order to
obviate the wear of the bearings, the distance between the axes of
rotation should be maintained as equal as possible and the end play
of the motor should be reduced to a minimum. For this purpose,
many systems employ spiral springs with success. These are fi.xed
at the end of the bolts securing the motor cover and allow an auto-
matic adjustment of the bearings.
The wear of the brasses depends on the alloy employed. It is
preferable, therefore, to employ high resistance alloys, but such as
do not scratch the journals. The majority of tramway systems use
anti-friction or bronze for liners. In the first case an alloj' contain-
ing 78'4 per cent, of tin, 126 per cent, of antimony and 9 per cent,
of copper or 85 per cent, of tin, 10 per cent, of antimony and >5 per
cent, of copper is employed, while for the bronze 83 per cent, of
copper and 17 per cent, of tin is used. The maximum strength
obtained is about 17'5 per cent, that of tin. The addition of lead
increases the softness of the rolling, but diminishes the resistance
and the hardness. Another alloy often employed is phosphor-
bronze, which contains 9034 per cent, of copper, 8-9 per cent, of
tin and 0'76 per cent, of jihosjihorus.
Luhrication. — Lubrication has an influence which must not be
lost sight of on the wear of the bearings. Lubrication by oil is
specially recommended for bearings whose conditions of operation
are particularly delicate and should be also used if possible for the
gearing ; a decrease in wear is the result. Lubrication by means of
grease is very little used and increases the internal friction. There
is, therefore, very great wear of the surfaces and a loss in energy. A
consistent grease, however good and expensive it may be, is tlirown
out by the teeth, and, mingling with the dust, forms a mud. Oil,
on the contrary, enters between the teeth, and having collected the
dirt, it falls to the bottom of the casing. The tightness should
naturally be perfect. In the choice of lubricating material account
must be taken of the specific pressure of the surface and of the speed
and temperature. Further, this material, besides being highly
lubricating, should have a certain viscosity, and as lubrication is
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 22, 1901).
585
the most important point, viscous mineral oil is, in general, from an
ceonomical point of view, the most advantageous to use. Some
time ago a sort of covering for the gearing was placed on the market
under "the name of "Ironsides." This material prevents direct
contact of the teeth, and besides diminishing the wear also decreases
the noise.
Tempering of the Pinions. — Among the 35 undertakings with
standard gauge and the 27 with narrow gauge that have replied to
the questionnaire, 12 are sturdy partisans of tem]3ered pinions.
They state that the life is increased 30 per cent., and that, in spite
of the slightly greater wear in the gear wheels the total economy
effected is considerable.
On the other hand, 20 undertakings are opposed to the use of
these pinions. They say that they wear out the gear wheels too
iiuickly and make a gi-eater noise. The remaining undertakings
declare themselves satisfied with the non-tempered pinions used up
to the present time, while three have obtained good results with
bronze wheels, which have a life of 28,000 km. (IT.oDO miles). The
table below summarises the results obtained : —
Table III. — Mean Life of Gearing with Tempered and Non-Tempered
Pinions.
Tempered
Non-Tempered
Gauge.
Gear wheels.
Pinions.
Gear wheels. Pinions
Cass A. km. miles, km. miles, km. miles, km. miles
1 Standard 250,000 156,250 113,000 70,625 242,000 151,500 75,000 46 875
2 Narrow 145,000 90,025 43,000 26,875 185,000 115,640 6.5.000 40.6.70
Chss B.
3 Standard 160,000 100,000 GS,000 45,000 199,000 124,375 65,000 40,000
4 Narrow 96,000 60,000 30,000 22,500 155,000 96.875 64,000 40.000
If the figures given in line 1 of the above table are considered as
accidental, a, quits justifiable supposition, seeing the few under-
takings which employ tempered pinions, the results obtained are
not, in general, favourable to this class of gear. It must not, how-
ever, be lost sight of the fart that tempered pinions have given
e.\collent results, especially when the gearing is protected. It may
be remarked that it is very difficult to obtain a good temper, as with
pinions it usually results in patchy work. This has been confirmed
by the opinion of an important firm dealing specially in electrical
and traction work. They state that tempering is a question of
experience, and its success depends on the skill exercised by the
workman. And if the expenses of the two cla.sses are compared, it
must not be forgotten that the price of the tempered pinions is two
or three shillings more than that of the highest class untempered.
It is always a matter of endeavour to obtain the same life for the
pinions as for the gear wheels. The following three examples will
show whether this is justified. Suppose the price of a gear wlieel
to be £3, of a non-tempered pinion 9s., and of a tempered pinion
lis. 6d. :—
1. The life of a gear wheel is supposed to be equal to that of three
pinions ; suppos_^ these lifes to be 200,000 km. (125,tJ00 miles) and
65,000 km. (40.02) miles) respectively. After each 32..500 km.
(20.310 miles), replacement of the brasses is necessary, which may
be considered as costing £1. The expenses per car, therefore, work
out at £14. 12s. and per car-mile 0'015d.
2. The life of the gear wheel is supposed to be equal to that of the
pinion, and this cannot exceed 15,000 km. (9,375 miles). The
expens33 per car are then £12. 3s. and per car-mile 0013d.
3. The life of the gear wheel is supposed equal to that of two
]iiniotis which is 100,000 km. (62,500 miles). The expenses are
£13. 8s. per car and 0'0!4d. per car-mUe. From these examples it
appears that there is a great advantage in increasing the life of- the
pinion so that it corresponds to half the life of the gear wheel. It is
estimated that this is possible if the liners are only renewed after
32,500 km. (20,310 miles) and if care is taken to use an oil or " Inm-
sides " lubrication.
Metal for Gearinej. — The gi-eat majority of the undertakings use
Siemens-Martin steel for the pinions and oast steel for the gear wheels.
One undertaking uses ordinary soft steel. Tiiere is no doubt that
the best results arc obtained with forged Siemens-^Martin steel,
liaving a tensile strengtli of 65 to 70 kg. per .square millimetre (40
-to 44 tons per square inch) with an elongation of from 15 to 18 per
cent. The cast steel should have a tensile strength of 50 kg. pei-
square millimetre (28 tons per square inch) with an elongation of 43
per cent.
Form of the Teeth. — If the cycloidal tooth and the tooth obtained
by develoi)ing a circle are compared it will be noticed that the first
lead i to a longer life of the gear wheel ; no difference is observed for
the pinion. The tooth obtained by the development of a circle gives,
it is true, a simple shape, and when the axes of rotation are displaced.
chiving can always be easily etYccted as long as the gearing shows no
sign of wear. This type of tooth, however, leads to a higher prcs-
suic. and for which reason the wear should be greater. It may be
remarked that the greater the ntimbcr of teeth thi quieter the
operation.
Miscellaneous. — It is eert.iin that the regular employment of the
short-circuiting brakes leads to a rapid wear of the gearing, the
increase amounting, according to answers received, to 8 or 10 per
cent. On the other hand, as far as the other bases of comparison
which are available permit, it a])pears that in two axle cars
the wear is about 10 per cent, less than in four axle cars. This may
be explained by the increased weight of the latter.
The only special construction noted among the re])lies .sent in are
the interchangeable crowns used on the gear wheels by 16 under-
takings. Nearly all of these recognise the utility of these special
wheels whose mean life up to the present has been G7.000 km.
(41,875 miles), while the wear seems insignificant. One of the com-
panies which has made tests on these wheels states that the fixing
bolts do not hold, and in order to diminish their i>rice it might be
advantageous to bolt the hub in one part on to the axle.
Lastly, it may be observed that if the gear box, which is not on
springs, is not placed at the centre of gravity it has to be frequently
repaired and is a continual source of expense. One undertaking has
made tests with spring gearing, but the results have not lieen satis-
factory.
Conc.litsions. — As a result of the proceeding it would appear that
the gauge of the line exercises a considerable influence on the wear of
the gearing. To arrive at economical results it must not be for-
gotten that the great pressure requires the employment of suffi-
ciently long bearings. As the ratio of the length I : s determined the
pressure between the bearing and journal, so the number of teeth
exercises considerable influence on the friction : or the friction varies
inver.sely as the number of teeth. The hmgest life is obtained from
gearing by employing a large number of teetli of great width and
small pitch.
On the other hand, special attention should be paid to the profile
of the teeth and as to whether cycloidal teeth would not give better
results than circular teeth. In this case, the distance between the
axes of rotation should remain exactly the same and brasses of anti-
friction metal are therefore to be iireferred to tho.se of bronze.
It has not yet been proved that tempered jiinions increase the life
of tlie gearing. In the case of a motor for a standard gauge truck,
it is possible to obtain more silent operation antl less wear by u bi-
lateral suspension of the pinion which is a matter of no difficulty.
No economical advantage is obtained by using poor quality metal
for the gear wheels, the low first cost being counterbalanced by a
more rapid wear. Silent operation cannot be obtained unless the
gearing is well protected from dust, and the lubrication should be by
oil, or the teeth covered; the bearings should preferably bo also
protected.
MlSCELI-.lNEOrS.
Car yJof/iV.s.— Nearly all the undertakings who replied to the
que-'itionnaire agree to continue the employment of these car liodics
used up to the present. The cajjacily and con.struction of these
depends on the peculiarities of each system. During the la,st few
years transversal .seem to be preferred to longitudinal seats, although
the latter are better from the point of view of circulation and utili-
sation of the space. On the contrary, the public prefer the transverse
seat, especially on long journeys. It might be worth while examin-
ing in a general manner whetlier longitudinal scats might not be pre-
served in motor cars and transvcr.se seats used only on trailers.
Protec'ive Devices.— Tha insidation of the hand rails and steps has
not been considered, and rightly, too. as necessary to protect passen-
gers against shock. It would, besides, be impo.ssible to maintain
these parts of the car in a state of good insulation. In order to avoid
passengers from slipping on the steps many arrangements have been
used. Hard wood and corrugated metal have not given gooti results.
On the contrary fluted sheets, wood rails and cocoanut matting, as
well as patent arrangements, have been found good in operation.
Endeavours have been made for some time to obtain some arrange-
ment to prevent the a.seent and descent of passengers while the car
is moving. But even the eni]iIoyment of platform gates and re-
movable steps has led to no result.
Electric Traction on the Pennsylvania Railway.— It is
announced that the contractors for the rci,nsylvania Ilailway
tunnels, under the North River, New York, have finished the
constructional work, aud in a few weeks tlie erection of the
electrical equipment will be begun. It will be remembered
that the direct current system with third rail is to be adopted.
F 2
o86
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 22, 1909.
CORRESPONDENCE.
THE ECLIPSE BOILER FURNACE.
TO THE EDITOR OK THE ELECTRICIAN.
SiK : "We notice appeiiiing in the Press a prospectus asking
for capital for the Eclipse boiler furnace.
Absolutely no evidence of the methods by which the claims
made are to be substantiated is given except a short paragraph,
which states that " the smoke is taken through a zone of high
temperature due to a soit of gas blow-pipe, which burns it
completely." The whole thing seems to demand further light
thrown upon it, as from the information before one it would
appear that there had been at least a thousand patents taken
out in this direction, many of them fairly successful under
ideal conditions, but the numlicr of faihu-es has been so great
that they have been swept out of themaiket.
When capital of £100,000 is asked, it behoves those who
publish such a prospectus to give full information as to the
nature of the apparatus, and full particulars as to the trials
alleged to have taken place.
A specially sweeping statement is that contained iu the
following paragraph of the prospectus : " Until the invention
of the Eelipse furnace, no method was known to engineers by
which the highly volatile gases resulting from the combustion
of coal could be consumed within the boiler, and consequently
these ga'es are discharged into the atmosphere."
Now, Sir, there are plenty of mechanical stokers and fur-
naces actually doing this work at the present moment in
hundreds of factories and works all over Great Britain, in-
cluding London and Birmingham, and to mention only a few
of the makes of machines known to us as effecting smokeless
combustion with bituminous slack of low grade in Lancashire
boilers with economical results, we may instance the Bennis
stoker, Erith underfeed stoker, Hodgkinson stoker, Proctor
stoker. Underfeed stoker and Vicars stoker.
If the question arises of burning bituminous fuel smoke-
lessly under water tube boilers, we may mention the follow-
ing machines as specially adapted for the purpose : The
Babcock & Wilcox chain grate, Bennis chain grate, Bennis
coker, Hodgkinson coker, the Underfeed, and Erith Underfeed
and Vicars coker.
Now all of these machines can- burn — and are constantly
burning— bituminous low grade slacks smokelessly, and show
considerable saving over expensive Welsh coal, and this appears
to be no more than the Eclipse boiler furnace claims wi'hout
convincing substantiation.
We have no doubt that there would bo found to be, at a very
low computation, at least 20,000 of these furnaces at work.
Should you wish, Sir, to see smokeless combustion, we shall
be very pleased to direct you to as many chimneys with hard-
pressed boilers underneath them as will satisfy you us to the
accuracy of this statement. — I am, Ac,
London, Jan. 19. A. W. Bexnis.
A NEW LARGE GENERATOR FOR NIAGARA FALLS.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ELECTRICIAN.
Siu : In yoiu- issue of 2.')th iilt. is described '-A New Lar'^o
Generator for Niagara Falls." If the dimensions shown on
the diawing on p. 425 are correct, the polo dovetail is
decidedly weak. Each pole weighs ai)proximately two tons
and the radius to the e.g. is fiSin., so that at full speed
(506 revs, per mm.) the total jnill of each pole is 770 tons
If the stress due to bending is worked out in the proper sec-
tion {see "The Electrician," Vol. LVIL, p. 172), it is found
to be 63,000 lb. per square inch. This is so fai' above the
clastic limit of the material that fracture is almost certain if
the m.aclune is run at its top speed. The keys shown in the
Uovetail aggravate the bending and compression stresses con-
siderably, and ought not to be used in high-speed machines.—
1 am, &c.,
Preston, J.„. 14th. E. Livingstone.
THE INSTITUTION AND OTHER SOCIETIES.
Leeds Section of the Institution of Electrical Engineers. —
The annual dinner of this Section will be held in the Metro-
pole Hotel, Leeds, on Friday, February 19th, at 6:30 p.m.
Members are requested to notify the honorary secretary as
soon as possible of their intention to attend.
Institution of Civil Engineers. — The Council of this Insti-
tution, after consideration of the Papers on Indian engineering
sulijects published in the Proceedings for the past Session,
have awarded the " Indian Premium " of the Institution for
1908, of the value of £33, to Mr. F. P. Andenson, M.Inst. C.E.,
for his Paper on "River Control by Wire Net- Work."
Boyal Society. — Among the Papeis read at the meeting
yesterday afternoon were: "Syntonic Wireless Telegraphy,
with Specimens of Large Scale Measurements," by Sir Oliver
Lodge, F.R.S., and Dr.^A. Muirhead, F.R.S. ; "The Mobilities
of the Ions produced by Eiintgen Rays in Gas and Vapour.=," by
Mr. E. M. Wellisch : and " The Photo-electric Fatigue of Zinc,"
by Mr. H. S. Allen.
Honorary Members of the Institution of Electrical Engi-
neers.--At the meeting on Thursday last Mr. C. P. Sparks,
who occupied the chair in the ab.sence of the president,
announced that the Institution having lost, by death, two
illustrious honorary members, in the persons of Lord Kelvin
and M. Mascart, the Council had decided to confer the highest
distinction the Institution couldofi'er— honorary membership —
on two distinguished members of the profession — Mr. Oliver
Heaviside, F.R.S., and the Hon. C. A. Parsons, C.B., F.R.S.
It was also announced that Prof. Schwartz had tendered his
resignation as a member of the Council, and that this had
been accepted.
Institution of Municipal Engineers. — The first general
meeting of this Institution was held at Caxton Hall, West-
minster, on Saturday last. -The president (Mr. J. T. Pegge)
delivered his inaugural address, and a Paper on " Stieet Light-
ing," by Mr. E. F. Willson, was also read. The membership
roll of this Institution now shows 4)36 members and 26 students.
In the evening of the same day a most successful conversazione
and concert were held at the Victoria Mansions Restaurant
under the chairmanship of the president, at which about 100
were present. Tlie music provided was evidently greatly to
the taste of the audience, who applauded every item most
heartily and were successful in inducing all the artistes to
repeat their performances.
Engineering and Scientillc Association of Ireland. — At a
meeting of this association, held last week, the president.
Dr. AV. E Lilly, delivered an address on " The Efl'ect of
Strain on the Strength of Ductile Materials," and dealt piin-
cipaliy with the research work that has recently been carried
out in the engineering laboratory of Trinity College, Dublin.
The object of the research has been to determine the etl'ect of
strain on the yield point, breaking strength, elongation and
ultimate strength of ductile materials. The experiments
which have been carried out on Bessemer steel, mild steel,
wrought iron and copper, were explained, together with the
different tests that had been applied to these materials. Owing
to the small size of the testing machine at the author's dis-
posal, the range of experiments had of necessity to be limited ;
some results of interest had, however, been obtained, which
would probalily in the future have an important bearing on
the drawing up of specifications and tests to be applied to such
materials in practice. A new method of carrying out tests in
compression was described, and its advantage over previous
methods discussed. Diagrams were then referred to, giving
results of the tests, and after explaining them Dr. Lilly said
that so far as the inve.stigation had gone, it led to the conclu-
sion that any kind of strain raised the yield point and break-
ing strength, and decreased the elongation for any kind of
stress, but that the ultimate strength of the material was
little artected by strain. For carrying out tests in practice he
recommended that two samples be tested, one which was
annealed and the other tested in the condition in which it was
to be used.
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 22, 190S)
587
ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY.*
BY G. L. ADDENBROOKE.
AVh?n the question was first rais3d it was thought that tli?
supply of electricity for power purposes would have to be kept
quite separate from that for lighting. Improvements in prime-movers
and apparatus generally, and distribution at higher pressures have,
however, altered this, and power and lighting can now be supplied
from the same mains. To be successful the .supply of power must
rest on an economic basis, and the importance of the technical points
arising is measured by their relation to this basis.
The adoption of electric power for all purposes is now becoming so
general that it is of interest to form some conception of the extent
to which power is at present used in this country. There are no
direct statistics, though these will probably be obtainable in future
from the results of the Industrial Census now being taken. Some
estimates were, however, made at the time when the Coal Siqjply
Commission was sitting, and these have enabled the following
approximate figures to be put forward. According to that i-eport, in
1903, 53,0(M),000 tons of coal were used in factories, 18,000,000 in
mines, 13,000,000 on railways, 5 000,000 in chemical works,
28,000,000 in iron works and 1.5,000,000 in gas works. From
this it would appear that the total horse-power installed is between
8,000,000 and 9,fJ00,O00 in factories and mines, including gas engines,
and that there is also 1,. 300,000 )r,p. in lighting, power and traction
stations. It is estimati-d that under ;2.(lll0.lKI0 h.p. would be needed
on railways. These ap|)r(iximat(' tigiu'es show that about J- h.p. is
used per head of population for all purpo.ses, and this is considered
to be an over rather than an under estimate. The corresponding
figures for the United States in 1905 showed that 15,000,00(.) h.p.
was in use; the amount for light and traction l;cing about three
times that in this country at the same date."
Considering the figures in this country there is jn-obably
about 4,000.000 h.p. of engines which could be economically
replaced by electric power supplied from properly gi'ouped stations.
The Coal Commission estimated that if electric driving and modern
plant were universally substituted in collieries for that used at present,
the coal consumption . which is now more than 6 per cent, of the total
coal raised, would be reduced to one-third, and it is safe to say that by
adopting electric winding and taking power from central stations
still greater ec inomy would be effected and the saving in coal would
amount to 12,<ii»i.oimi t(.ns per annum. Corresponding but some-
what smaller savings would On the average occur in other industries.
The lecturer then passed on to consider how the demand for power
is being met. After pointing out that most power users are situated
in well-defined areas he showed that power was being supplied either
from manufacturers' own plant, from public supply stations in muni-
cipal areas, or from power and lighting companies. The restrictions
placed on these companies, however, have caused I he extra demand
for power to be met in greater part by alnaily cxisi iiil' stiilions, and.
except in the case of the Newcastle Comjiany aii( I a trw i it hers wlierc t he
area had already been more or less developed, the task has been very
heavy. The total horse-power connected in towns in this country is
probably over 250,000 h.p. at the present time. Turning to the
power and lighting icompanies the lecturer showed that not-
withstanding initial difficulties" the horse-power now connected
was 300,000 h.p., of which nearly half is on the mains of the com-
panies in the north-easte.^n district. These companies have
136,000 H.P. of plant in their stations, and 95 per cent, of the works
on Tyneside are taking a supply from the companies. The lecturer
consequently estimated that the total horse-power of motors con-
nected to public mains in this country is nearly 600,000 h.p.
The lecturer then discussed the economics of the electric power
situation, showing that improvements in generating plant, increased
development ami ( hra)" r rates will all make for a larger proportion
of the total |io\\,i ri(|iiirements being met by installing electric
motors. He aN^' cl.ah with the question of price, showing to how
great an extent this depended on the character of the load and the
period at which it was taken. The price of coal was also a factor.
A double sliding scale, in his opinion, was the fairest tariff,
first, to cover the price for different length of employment ))er day
and, secondly, in accordance with the quantity used. This arrange-
ment had, however, objections, and as the power requirements of
various trades \\ere becoming better known a fixed price could
generally be determined.
The figures given above indicate that a large amount of work has
been done in the direction of meeting power demands, but it is also
clear that hardly more than one-sixth of the total has yet been touched
and that under favourable conditions there is wide scope for further
developments. In dealing with the present-day conditions under
'Abstract of aCnntor Lecture delivered before the Royal Society [of Arts.
whicli electric |)ower is s>ip|)lipd from a centre, the lecturer drew
attention to the w.ay in which the companies were handicapped by
the initial ex|)cudilure. Tlicrc were also rates and taxes and
the cost of the distributing system to be considered in the
endeavour to obtain a correct understanding of the question. The
lecturer alsi dealt with tj the ?.:l.Mi'.i!'i and disadvantages of
central power stations. The better load factor and diversity factor
possible reduced the capital cost per kilowatt, and thus made for
economy. The larger station had many advantages from the point
of view of capital expenditure. This is clearly brought out in
Table 1. below, the results in which are taken from actual working
practice.
Table I — Showing the Capital Coit and Annual Working Expenses of
Electric Power Supply Undertakimji of Different Sizes.
As regards the costs of distributing systems those given in the table
are borne out in practice for the smaller stations, and have been
carefully estimated for the larger stations. This does not include
local lighting and tramway sub-stations which stand on their own basis.
In the smaller stations the radius of distribution is assumed to h?.
() miles, and in the largsr up to eight or ten. £4 per kw. is allowed
for transformers and switchgear in the smaller stations and £3 in
the larger. The cost per kw. for transformers and switchgear is
also very much less in the case of larger stations. There may, how-
ever, be a tendency on the part of larger stations to extend their
mains to less profitable areas, thus raising the co5t given in the
table. The expenditure on items outside the works has still been
maintained at a fairly high figure on the larger undertaking.?, became
although they could probably raise money cheaply, such undertak-
ings woidd probably incur expenditure in closing small stations,
in altering existing networks, and i.i other ways of a similar
cliaracter.
THE 'G.B." SYSTEM FROM A TRAMWAY MANAGER S
POINT OF VIEW.
The following is an abstract of the discussion which took
place at a meeting of the Institution of Islectrical Engineers on
Thursday last, January 14th, when Mr, S. Clegg read his
Paper on the above subject : —
DISCUSSION.
Mr. F. HiRD thought it would prove surprising to ni.any to Icarn that
the cost of miiintenance compared so favourably with that of systems
with overhead construction. In fact, it was even a little less than the
average taken from a number of overhead lines. Also, when it was con-
sidered what a large amount of experience had been gained for so
manv years upon overhead construction, whilst the installation at
Lincoln was the first of its kind, there was reason to be astonished at the
result. Perhaps the reason was that one was apt to underestimate the
cost of maintainitii; a pair of live wires in mid-air with span wires, junc-
tions, crossings, and insulators, and, perhaps, to over-estimate the risks
of failure and troul)ie which were to be expected in an entirely new
system. He believed he was also correct in saying that the cost of main-
tenance of the sluface-contact system at Wolverhampton was not in
excess of that customary with overhead lines. On the who e. he thought
that the Paper showed that they had in Lincoln a really successful
surface-contact system, and ..nc wluch. had it come a little earlier, might
have had a greater future. It had come rather late, and therefore could
not hope to oust the existing trolley installations. In the latter systems
it was very unfortunate that the most objectionable parts were neces-
sarily always in the i.rincipal centres of the town. He asked Mr. Clegg
to give some information as to whether it would be feasible in such cases,
and where it was essential to maintain the .-esthetic beauty of a town, to
,)ut down a short length of surface-contact system and run it m con-
iimction with a trolley system. , , , j u
■Mr. H. M. Savers remarked that many years ago he had expressed the
opinion that there was no commercial future for the surface-contact system,
the conduit being preferable where circumstances prevented the use of
overhead wires. The system that had been brought to their notice that
evening entailed a low capitfil expenditure, also low working costs. It
was true that the installation at Lincoln comprised only 3 miles ot track
• Including working capital.
THE ELECTEICIAN, JANUAEY 22, 1909.
and that in many tciwns the gradients and surface of the streets might
present greater difiicnlties than was the ease on the Lincoln tramways.
It was possible, of con'r.ie. that in a large network, and under roads less
porous than was tli5 case at Lincoln, the gas trouble might bs serio'.is,
since there v/ould be considerable difficulty in efficient ventilation. The
remedy might bo to sectionalise the conduit. Aho the use of copper
with galvanised iron for the conductor might lead to serious corrosion
due to damp. He. asked how the new sleeves for the cable described by
the au''.r<:' could be put on. This seemed to offer more difficulty than
hid been suggested. Another ]-n\nt was that the resistance between
the cable and the sleeves might produce trouble when the surfaces
had become less clean. The number of studs per mile was most import-
ant, and he was surprised that they had been able to work v/ith surch .a
long pitcli as Oft. Another ])oint was the short length of the b eak
allowed for a .500 volt circuit.
Mr. J. W. Hame asked how was the motorman to know whether a
failure of current was due to the studs or to the supply from the gene-
rating statio7i. He also asked v.'hether Mr. Clegg had been able to carry
out in practice the suggestion of sliding sleeves along the cable, and for
particular.s of the number of '" live " studs up to Januarj-. 19D9.
Mr. B. H. Bedell said that Mr. Sayers had mentioned there might be
trouble due to electrolysis between the copper and galvanised-iron wires
of (he cable. The use of tinned copper wires, however, obviated that
trouble, since tin and zinc produced only a slight difference of E.M.F.
The dilliculties foreseen by jlr. Sayers in ventilating a complicated net-
work M'ouUl not arise in practice, since an au' circulation could actually
hv (lilt. lined over some miles of track. With regard to the question of
slirliug the sleeves, these could easily be shifted over the ordinary length
of 140 yards of cable by forming a bend in the latter.
Mr. A. P. Trotter said that when Mr. Bedell first brought his draw-
ings to the Board of Trade he, the speaker, could not understand how
the plungers were going to be induced to comedown on to the cable, and
those who had only seen the dravv'ings given in the Paper would appre-
ciate his difficulty. He regarded the system as a most interesting
experiment, as altliough it was workmg successfully at Lincoln, it must
be remembered that in different cities and under different circumstances
entirely different conditions were introduced. From the point of view
iif the official inspection a surface-contact system where the studs were
jiractically flush with the road offered little opportunity for criticism,
since if everything went well during the inspection there was nothing to
see at all. It was necessary, therefore, to suggest that the installation
should run for a period of, say, six months, and to rely upon reports
during that time to show how it was operating. The most interesting
IJiiint in the Paper, he thought, was that every live stud had been detected
by the car itself. Several devices had been tried for indicating live studs,
and \yith one that had been tried at Wolverhampton it had been found
that if the car was going fast enough the indicating device would come
ii|i tu tile stud before the circuit had been broken. This device had been
cliMar.l.il, and he was told that they now found "live" studs by offering
ii-\\:iids to boys, who, in consequence, went about with bare feet. The
leakage only gave ."iO volt studs, but in the system described in the Paper he
could sec it was going to be a 500 volt stud. As to the question of leak-
age, that appeared to be extremely satisfactory. The question of
economy w.<is outside his province, but the cost per car-mile appeared to
be very satisfactory, more particularly when one remembered that the
car carried about a ton of extra material.
Prof. SiLVAXrs P. Thompson explamed the operation of the stud,
which appeared at first sight to be opposed to the magnetic law of attrac-
tion, but which was really a most interesting piece of electromagnetic
mechanism. The movement of the piece of iron supported by the spring
was accounted for by the fact that it tended to place itself in a position
where it w-ould allow the maximum number of lines of force to pass
through it. He was the more interested in the system as ho himself,
v.ith his former partner, Jlr. Miles Walker, had been through the mill of
inventing two or three surface-contact systems, but found the prejudice
against them 10 years ago to be such that no one could be induced to put
any money into them. There were surface-contact tramways in opera-
turn at Wolverhampton, Torquay and Lincoln, and those who had seen
the service in operation at the last mentioned town would have no doubt
Hhatevcr but that the " G.B." system had proved by its extreme sim-
lilicity to be thoroughly practical. The studs being level with the road
!is a great point in its favour, as if the stud projected even not
surf:.
niiirc than half an inch above the surrounding setts it was very notice-
able that the drivers of hor.se vehicles tried to avoid the line of studs, not
trom tear of electric shock but because of the mechanical projections in
t he roadway. He had noticed at Torqua v that for the detection of '• live "
stucls men were employed, carrying apparatus on their backs and makin.
, J . ' ■•.-—. .'uu Knjo uv jjuies armeci witn a metal point. He
learned on inquuy that they seldom found any " live " studs. The
head system and the surface contact, as had been done by the author
lor t lie matter resolved itself mto the conduit versus the surface-coutact
system, anc^m first cost the surface-contact system had a great advan-
l/ff'l -'^""""''' I!'""' "'as *•">( >■" some places it was impossible, or dis-
1 iPtly inconvenient, to have a deep conduit, and in such eases the
Sdown a" ^ y^'^'" ™"'<1 fsily be used, as it v.^s only necessary to
^ latX tuT' 7 '"''''' ""^''' "^'^ '"■■f'^'=«- I" t^-'s of snow he held
Tiiat the stud system was more sat sfactory than any other As to thp
run from one to. the other without even stopping. In the matter o
sightliness, the stud .system had a great advantage over the overhead
trolley. They all deplored the great mass of overhead wires in the
principal squares and centres of places like Milan, and who would care
to see such historic towns as Oxford, York, Edinburgh or Cambridge
disfigured by overhead wires ? The only choice, therefore, was between
the conduit and the surface-contact systems.
The Chairman (Mr. S. P. Sparks) then read the following letter from
Mr. A. L. C. Fell and Mr. J. H. Rider, of the London County Council
Tramways : —
" We have received your favour of the 8th inst.. asking us to take part
in the discussion of Mr. Clegg's Paper on the ' G.B ' surface-contact
system. It must be obvious to members of the Institution that, in con-
sequence of our official positions, and the fact that the v/hole question of
the ' G.B.' .system is more or less sub judice at the present time, so far
as the London County Council is concerned, v/e are not able to make any
remarks whatever upon that subject. In order that our silence may not
be misunderstood, v/e ask that this letter be read at the meeting."
Mr. G. R. Blackburn (communicated) remarked v/ith regard to the
excitation watts, given as 210 per car, that it v/as not stated v.'hat pro-
portion this was to the current consumption per car-niih. Taking the
latter at 1-108, and the speed at 7 miles per hour, the proportion appeared
to be 2-7 per cent. Taking this figure, the loss on a large system, such
as the one with which the writer was connected, v/ould be over £.S,800
per annum, or half the present cost of maintaining the existing overhead
equipment. This did not take into consideration the leakage. He also
asked the author in his reply to state the actual increased cost of main-
tenance for the system put forward, since figures were only given for the
total cost of maintenance. Although the author stated that, as regards
reliability, the " G.B." surface-contact system could claim the advan-
tage, yet snow and ice, as had been proved recently, did stop the traffic
far more than on overhead systems. It was also stated that difficulty
was experienced with the chain collection in bad weather. Overhead
equipment, properly maintained, was at least as safe as any surface-
contact .system could be made. The author implied that the overhead
system only held the field on account of lower first cost ; but more
extended experience of actual working results, and costs of maintenance
and renewals must be obtained over a period of years, before the " G.B."
system could be seriously considered for general adoption.
Mr. Clegg, in reply, said that in connection with through-running it
was perfectly easy for cars to be equipped for running on both the surface
contact and the overhead systems. The change could be made quite
easily while the car v/as travelling. Mr. Sayers had mentioned that the
roadway in Lincoln v/as possibly more porous than would be the case in
London, thus allowing any gas which was in the soil to get away freely.
He, however, would like to point out that the road surface at Lincoln
was tarred macadam. On that point he might say that recently a water
pipe under one of the roads burst and the water was forced into the
tramway conduits before it came out at the road surface, btit the trams
were not stopped. When necessary, it was quite easy to move all the
sleeves on the cable about 3 in. at a time. To ascertain that the sleeves
did not stick on the cable, he had examined an experimental length
which had been in the ground for about 15 months. As to conductivity
of the sleeves, the point where the carbons made contact was always
immediately above an insulator which supported the weight of the cable,
so there was bound to be good contact between the sleeve and the cable
As to the question of dead studs, there was no apparatus on the cars for
restarting if they stopped over •• dead " studs. There was no need for it,
since " dead " studs were so rarely experienced. As to drivers of
horse vehicles avoiding the raised studs, they found it was the other way
at Lincoln, and the trouble there was that the drivers of such vehicles
would not get off the track. He had said that they had never had
trouble with a " live " stud. It was rather curious, however, that when
they were experimenting, the very first moment that the current w'as
switched on there happened to be one " live stud " and on that '" live
stud " there was a pony ; that pony was living to the present day. In
regard to a comparison between various systems, at Lincoln they had
only the alternative of the surface contact and the overhead, since the
cost of the conduit system rendered the latter impracticable in the case
of small towns.
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING IN 1908.
A firm of manufacturing and contracting electrical engineers which
has made great strides forward during the last few years is Messrs.
Reyrolle cS: Co., and their report for 1908 is that, in regard to the sale
of accessories, such as motor^starters. distribution boxes, fuses, &c.,
the demand was quite satisfactory, but there was a slight falling off,
as compared with 1907, in the demand for the larger switchgcar, such as
is required by power supply undertakings. The company have been well
occupied in the high-tension ironclad switchgcar department, and the
balanced system of protection (Merz-Price patent) which they have in-
troduced has created considerable interest in the switchgcar market. We
well remember the special interest taken in this subject at JIanchester.
It is our view that the system v/ill prove an important feature in all
pDwer development work of the future, as those in charge of power supply
undertakings realise from recent experience the necessity of making
special provision on their circuits for maintaining the continuity of supply
under even the most adverse conditions. The Merz-Price system has,
therefore, a bright future before it in Messrs. Reyrolle's hands.
A section of industry that has made giant strides of late is that of the
Recording and Controlling Instrument, and a distmct feature of the past
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 22, 1909.
589
year has been the increased attention paid by engineers to scientific
methods of control, especially in the boiler house. Messrs. Sandkrs.
Rehders & Co., who have made a speciality of these 'nstruments, report
that, amongst other signs, this is shown by the increasing popularity of
combustion (CO-) recorders. As an example, no fewer than 114"" Sarco "
CO., recorders were supplied to electricity stations and works in Great
Britain, including Crompton & Co. (for Dumbarton), Wigan Corpora-
tion. Birmingham Corporation, Portsmouth Corporation tramways,
eight of H.M. dockyards, Siam Electricity Co. (Bangkok), Coventry
Electric Tramways Co., Devonport Corporation, Taunton Corporation,
Leyton District Council, Lancaster Corporation, St. James' & Pall Mall
C'o., and many others. The use of " Sarco " draught gauges has also
very considerably increased (we have before us a list of 40 electricity
works aJone), and a more ready market was found last year for calori-
meters and pjTometers. A new feature of 1908 was the " Sarco " steam
recorder, which this firm claim to be the first practical instrument directly
measuring the total cpiantity of steam passing through a pips over any
given jieriod. A number of these instruments are now in successful
operation in this country. " Sarco " instruments aie, by an arrange-
ment recently com|iktcd. to be manufactured in London, and the CO^
recorder is now niipli^ i in i very strong iron case. The list of u.sers of
the various " S i i m-i i nnients is a formidable one, and the available
literature des^rilmii; ilic instruments is instructive and complete.
Messrs. Ferr.inti Limited have, on the whole, been moderately busy
during the j'ear, and the contracts they have had in hand have been
many in number, but of relatively small amount, i.e., theie have been
comparatively few contracts in their special line of exceptional magni-
tude. No radical or startling modifications in design were undertaken.
The outlook is, however, more promising. The firm are at the present
time engaged on some designs of nev.' gear, embodying features of an
entirely novel kind, but this is not yet ready for the market, and there-
fore any purticulars published at the present moment would be prema-
ture. We hope a little later to place some interesting details of this gear
before our readers.
Messrs. Everett, Edgcumbe & Co. report that .summing up the year
generally, trade has been extremely bad, and prices have been on the
decline throughout. But, this notwithstanding, during their last
financial year they increased their output by over one-third, and profits
increased in a larger proportion. In view of the prevailing conditions,
it will be agreed that this is a very satisfactory showing.
Among the contracts carried out during the past year by the Randy-
croft Foundry Co. mention may be made of the pumping plant
supplied to the Falmouth Consolidated Mines (Ltd.). This plant con-
sisted of two horizontal three-throw mining pumjis, each capable of
dealing with 750 gallons of water per minute against a head of 300 ft.
These pumps were of the company's standard construction and of the
heavy design necessary for the arduous work for which they were re-
quired. They are rope-driven from two " Cascade " induction motors,
wound for 12 poles and having a continuous output of ITOs.H.r. at
494 revs, jier mill. In addition, the company supplied two verticle type
electrically-driven sinking pumps of Weise & Monski's centrifugal type,
the motors being of Sandycroft special form of short-circuited rotor type.
The larger pump had a capacity of 1,200 gallons per minute under a head
of 308 ft., and was driven by a three-phase motor of 180 b.h.p. capacity
running at 970 revs, per min. The smaller pump Ls capable of lifting
750 gallons per minute against a head of 308 ft., the motor in this case
being rated at 120 B.H.r. at 970 revs, per min.
Sandycroft Generating Set ■ Interfoi.b Tvce.
Referring to the " Cascade " type of motor mentioned above, this has
a simple short-circuited rotor winding, capable of simultaneously pro-
ducing tv/o magnetic fields of different pole numbers. By this means
the currents induced in the rotor are reflected back to the stator and by
means of resistances connected to tappings in the stator windings ; the
starting torque is under the same control as that of '" slip-ring " ma-
chines. The speed can be regulated in the same manner. Large num-
bers of tests on these motors have been carried out during the last two
years, and the Sandycroft Company claim to have demonstrated that
the starting current required for a given torque in their machine is
slightly less than that taken by the slip-ring machine for the same duty.
The rotor windings are of an exceedingly simple nature, and .are prac-
tically indestructible, ".Cascade " motors are not suitable for high
speeds, but for slow-speed work the efficiencies and power factors are,
it is claimed, liigher than can be obtained with motors of ordinary con-
struction. They have a large overload capacity, and as for a given out-
put they are smaller than slip-ring motors and contain less copper they
are cheaper to build. For small size.s — 9 to 10 h.f. — a 12 pole " Cascade"
motor costs less to build than an eight-pole slip-ring machine. The Sandy-
croft Company have supplied to the Great Eastern Railway Co. (for
driving their printing works at Stratford) ten 6 b.h.p. " Cascade " motors.
These are running at speeds variable between 490 and 390 revs, per min.
A feature of these motors is the exceedingl}' small slip in the above-
mentioned G B.H.P. motors: this is only 2-2 jier cent., and of the 100 B.H.P.
motor 1-2 per cent. As the motors are fixed below the floor level the
absence of slip-rings is a valuable feature.
The company also manufactured during the year a plant (to the order
of Mr. J. M. V. Money-Kent) for electrolytic work for the copper mines
of the Kyshtim Corporation (Ltd.). Siberia, this plant consisting of two
motor-generators, the motors being of the three-phase " Cascade " type,
each of a normal capacity of 330 b.h.p. at 490 revs, per min. and wound
for 2,800 volts. These motors were mounted on the same bedplate with
and direct coupled to two continuous current machines, each having a
normal capacity of 2,2,')0 amperes at 75/125 volts. The dynamos were
of the interpole type ; the general arrangement is shown in the illustra-
tion herewith, the machines slightly improved upon their guaranteed
starting with not more than 30 per "cent, of full load cuirent, and the
slip at full load was 0-8 per cent. Two additional motor-gencrator.s of
similar construction but smaller capacity were supplied for excitation
purposes for the existing alternators.
ELECTRICAL TRADES' BENEYOLENT INSTITOTION.
Wc announced in our last issue that, with the object of bringing the
claims of this Institution more prominently before the trade, it had
been decided to hold a dinner in the ne.%r future. A meeting of the
executive committee of the Institution was held on Monday, under
the presidency of Sir vVilliam Preece. There were present also the
members of tlie committee of the National EIeetrir;al Slanufacturers'
Association, representatives of the electrical journals and other well-
wishers, the object of the gathering being to consider the best manner
of bringing the claims of the Benevolent Institution more prominently
before electrical men. The Institution was originally formed in 1905,
and the funds at the command of the executive now amount to over
£1,000, which will probably be considerably augmented l)y a substantial
sum from the profits of the exhibition recently held at Manchester,
which are about to be distributed.
The first subject discussed at Monday's meeting was the <iuestionot
the dinner, and March 19th was provisionally fixed as the date upon
which this was to be held. A committee of 10 was appointed, with
power to add to their number, to select a suitable place for the dinner
and generally sui>ervise the arrangements. This committee comprises :
Mr, H. Bevis, Mr. G. Burney, Mr. Justus Eck, Mr. T. E. Gatehouse,
Mr. F. H. Nalder, Mr. C. S. Xorthcote and two members to be
appointed l)y the Electrical Contractors" Association and two to
represent other bodies. Sir William Preece has kindly consented to
be chairman at the dinner, and has undertaken to ilo all he (lossibly
can to make the event a success. It was pointed out that the occasion
would be one which would afford an opportunity to all engaged in elec-
trical operations to bring the Benevolent Institution more proraiuently
■into the life and work of the industry.
We have ourselves on many occasions discussed « ith members of the
trade the question of the be"nevolent side of the industry, and it has
always been matter for common agreement that adequate attention
has not hitherto been given to this subject, the electrical section of
the engineering industry standing almost alone in its backwardness
in this respect. The momeuL is therefore peculiarly opportune for a
development which will place this Institution in a fx)sition to afford to
those who fall by the wav from any cause that assistance which is so
much needed at such times. It is not, we understand, intended to
make the Institution a medium for sick or death beneKt, but rather to
help those who have met with disaster and are, either temporarily or
permanently, in straitened circumstances. So far as we can remember,
this is the first occasion when a really serious movement in the direction
indicated has b-eii made which ajipeals alike to all sections of the
industry, an I wc wish it every success.
LEGAL INTELLIGENCE.
Empire Palace, Ealing, v. Ealing Corporation.
This case came before a Divi.^ional Court (the Lt>rd Chief Justice and
Justices Bigham and Walton) on Tuesday on the appeal of jdaintiffs
from an order of the local justices under the Gas Works Clauses Act,
1847, directing that the managing director of the company should pay
costs for a technical offence in supplying electricity for lighting to Messrs.
Lipton. such electricity being supplied to appellant company for the use
of the Hippodrome and its appurtenances under a special contract with
Ealing Corporation.
Prom the special case it appeared that respondents were the authority
for the supply of electricity in thedistrict, and appellants had the benefit
of a contract made with their managing director (Mr. Gibbons) for the
supiily of electricity to the Hippodrome, and it was said that Gibbons
had not the right under the Gas Works Clauses .\ct to supply light to
any of the company's tenants. -Appellants were the proprietors ol
590
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 22, 1909.
proniisc/i which were sjierificd as si stage and auditorium and other rooms.
and among " (hose rooms " were premises which were at first occupied
as a restaurant and tohacconist's shop. Afterwar'ds those premises were
let to Messrs. Lipton, and (lie light wa" sup|)Iicd from (he same supply
as under the contract with Mr. Gihlions. Respondents by the contract
a)j;reed to supply eleclricify (o Mr. (!il>bons at a certain iircfercntial
]irice for .seven years from .lannary, 1907. Respondents commenced
to sup])ly the electricity under the argeement, and continued to do .so
until the ])remiscs were let to Mes.-<rs. Lipton. jSince tluit time res|)on-
dcnts denied their lial)ility to supply electricity to Messrs. Lipton, and
Mr. Gibbons admitted that he had supplied it. Since that date, however,
Messrs. Lipton had been sep.arately assessed from the Hippodrome, of
which premises they formed part, and they went into occupation on
March 12, 1908. The justices, while dismissing the summons, thought
the appellants had been guilty of a technical offence, and ordered them to
p.'iy the costs. The learned counsel contended that, in the circumstances
ajipellants had not been guilty of any offence, and ought not to have the
order for costs against them.
In the result their lordships, without calling upon eoimsel for respon-
dents, dismissed the ap])eal with costs, the Lord Chief Justice holding
that appellants were not entitled to have electricity supplied for any
purpose thai they liked, but only for the purjioses mentioned in the
agreement.
Contracts by Telephone.
During the hearing of au action ;it tlic City ■■? London Court on Tues-
day Judge Rentoul raised tlic question of the formation of contracts by
telephone. In this particular case the'plaintiifs (Wm. Beardmore & Co.).
of Glasgow, sued a firm of merchants in London for £24. Plaintitfs hail
a contract to buy ."500 tons of goods in instalments of 50 tons a month
from defendants at £13 a ton. When the deliveries were completed
defendants had over-delivered 5 tons, and as the market price had fallen
to £9. 14s. per ton plaintiffs now demanded the return of £24 overpaid.
Defendants said they agreed over the telephone \iith plain iffs' London
office to make the allowance only if future lui-inrss r. -ulted, and that it
had not. Plaintiffs said that was the first they Ii;hI heard of such an
arrangement, and they contended that they were not licinel l.\ it.
Judge Rentoul said that there were .so many | ilelin. - il.oiit tele-
phone eonversation.s — a malicious person might make a comraet pre-
tending to act for a firm by whom ])erhaps he had been discharged. Or
a foolish clerk might say : " " Oh, yes. that is all right." He knew of no
decision that firms could be bound by what occurred over the telephcme,
lU) matter who the speaker was.
Mr. J.icoBs, defendants' counsel, urged that telephones had become
l)art of the everyday life in business, and he did not see how commerce
could be conduc leil if telephone arrangements were to be disregarded.
Judge Rextoi K sai.l Im- uould hesitate a long time before he held that
a man was ncecssanly bound by the words that came over his telephone.
Every c-ontrart made in that way ought to be confirmed by writine. if
it was liable to doubt, before it was upheld by a court of law". If it were
merely |irovcd that a message had proceeded from the nian's telephone
in his ollice, without any proof of who sent the message, he did not think
It could be held that the firm was bound by .any such statements. He
fouiul for pl.iintiffs, with costs.
MUNICIPAL, FOREIGN & GENERAL NOTES.
. ••■
APPOINTMENTS VACANT AND FILLED.
A competent electrical designer, acquainted with the latest
designs of a.c. and d.c. plant and turbo-generators, is wanted by .an
electrical manufacturing firm. Sae .advertisement.
A capable telephone man.ag;r, with administrative and teelmical
ability, is wanted for abroad. See an advertisement.
The Directors of the Douglas Southern Electric Tramways (Lttl.)
are prepared to receive applications for the position of manager of
tlicu- tramways. Commencing salary £200 per annum, rising to
£250. .Applications to Mi-. I. E. Winslow, consulting engineer, 30,
J?idadway, Westminster, London, S.W.
Applications are invited for the position of professor of physics at
Victoria University College, Wellington, N.Z. Salary £600 per
annum. I'articular.s from the High Commissioner for New Zealand,
13, Victoria-st., London, S.W.. to whom applications by Feb. 2.
Mr. H. S. Dransficld, of Manchester, has been appointed junior
nieters assistant at Birmingham Corporation eloetrieity department.
Mr. A. E. Ford, formerly u.aoaeev of il,e P.eod,eo'tr<amway and
electricity works of the KIcelne Sopplv Co. ol \ „.,oria. has been
appointed manager of the new Adelaide ,-|e,.ti le tramways.
Mr. G. L. Just has been appointed the Edison & Swan C^o 's
manager in Melbourne, in succession to the late Mr. A. H. Wfirden.
Mr. Ocnt^ch. resident engineer of the Cia. Alemana Transatlantica
dej..lecln,„lad at Buenos Ayres, has left for Berlin, but he has been
ret.amed as consulting engineer to the company.
'i^L'^'^'^y^ ''^"'"'' ''"' '''*'" ''^""^'''^ secretary of the Amalgamated
society of Engineers.
EDUCATIONAL NOTICES.
University of Wales. — We have received a copy (if the calendar of
tliis University for the academic year 1908-9. The charters and
statutes of the University and certain standing orders of the Uni-
versity Court are set out in the esirly part of the work, and particulars
are also given of the constitution of the University, the University
Senate, the Guild of Graduates, E.xaminers, &c. Part yi. gives
particulars of the honours, fellowships and studentships awarded by
tile LTniversity from its coinmenoement, and Part V'll. sets out the
regulations of the University for the Matriculation and Degree
Examinations, including the regulations for degrees in arts and
science. Appendix I. gives jiarticulars of the cour.ses of study
approved for the degrees of B.A., B.Sc, &c., for 1908-9, &c. It is
evident from the roll of graduates and candidates at degree examina-
tions that the University is doing a great work.
McGill University. — In the Faculty of .Applied Science of the McGill
Uiiiversit\-. .Montri'al. a Li'cturcrsliip in Engineering, Sjieeitications
and Aivoimts has been established, and Mr. R. A. Ross (of Ross &
Holgate) has been ap|iointcd as tlie first lecturer.
Electrical Standardizing, Testing and Training Institution.— The
governors have arranged for a special .series of lectures upon " Elec-
tricity Motors for .Alternating Circuits " to be delivered to thu-d year
students during the ensuing term by Mr. H. M. Hobart, B.Sc,
M.In.st.C.E., M.LE.E.
The Big Blue Book. — Tb.e heavy work of compilation of the Big
Blue Book is actively proceeding, and we invite the co-operation of
our readers, who would help us by returning the coloured circular D2
which relates to their entries. The corrections and alterations to
the names and addi-esses appear to be more numerous than usual this
January, and help of the kind suggested will be appreciated.
Station engineers, &c., who have not yet returned their tabular
forms for the correction of the Supplement Tables which are ap])ear.
ing from week to week in The IClectriclan, and which ultimately
form an important section of the Bid Blue Book, w-ill greatly oblige
by returning these sheets corrected at once.
The subscription list of the Bia Blue Book is now closed. The
published price of the book will be, as last year, I5s. nett, postage
extra. Orders for copies, for advertising space, and for entries
under the Classified Trades Headings should be sent in at once. In
the case of advertisements, if .space is reserved, text and illustra-
tions for the .announcements can be received up to the end of
.January.
American Railway Electrification. — In our issue of Dec. 25 we
stated that a committee of the American Railway Engineering and
-Maintenance of Way .Association had been ajipointed to consider
and report upon (he electrification of steam railroads. We learn
that a meeting of the full committee has not yet been held, that the
work that is mapped out for it will probably occupy it for some time,
and that a report cannot be expected before next autumn.
Argentina. — The " Review of the River Plate " says Messrs.
Larravide & Mullen have secured a concession for the electric light-
ing of the town of Puan.
Australasia.— The " Australian Mining Standard" states that it
is necessary to erect additional machinery at the Launceston (Tas-
mania) municipal electricity works, and the city, and city electrical,
engineers have been instructed to report as to the maximum water
power available.
Eaglehawk (Victoria) Council applied some time ago to the Minis-
ter for Public Works (.Mr. McBryde) for .authority to establish
electricity works, but the recent change of Ministry may delay
decision in the matter. The Electric Supply Co. of Victoria have
renewed their offer to undertake the supply, but the Council adhere
to their preference for a municipal undertaking.
Messrs. W. A. Gosehe & Irmer have entered into partnership as
electrical and general machinery agents at Equitable-buildings,
Sydney, with a branch at Melbourne.
The business of Mr. S. A. .M. Rose has been acquired, and will be
continued under the old style, by Mi-. Thos. C. Baddeley. It is
probable that .Mr. Baddeley will establish a factory in which, "amongst
other goods, Rose's electric recording targets will be manufactured.
Longford (Tasmania) Council recently decided to appoint Mr.
A. H. Masters, consulting engineer, to prepare plans, &c.. for a
municipal electric lighting scheme, the remuneration to be either
5 per cent, on the amount of the contract for electrical plant or £25,
according to whether a poll of ratepayers results in favour of the
scheme or otherwise.
The Kalgoorlie (W. .Australia) municipal eleotrioity department
THE ELECTRICIAN, .lANLTARY 22, 1909.
5111
generated during the year ended October 1.004.007 units (increase
4.5.064). revenue was'£lS.72S (against £14.891) and gross profit
£7.81-2 (£7.2.">1). The cngiiu-er (Mr. I). Curie Smith) anticipates a
gross profit of £8.IM1(I ,in tli>- present year.
Tile late t'ommonwealtli Government, wlien it went out of office,
was considering a proposal by Mr. Louis Urennan that the (Jovern-
meht should provide £11,500 to enable him to |)erfect his monorail
system of traction and to erect the first full-size car, and that the
Government sliould have, in return, the sole right for Australia to
manufacture future cars on payment of a royalty of 5 per cent.
Tlie new Minister for External AtTairs (Mr. Batchelor) asked
(through the Commonwealth representative in London) for further
particulars and received information that if the money were forth-
coming before the end of the year Mr. Brennan would be willing
to accept £6,000 cash and a royalty of 5 per cent. The matter is
ti) be brought before the Cabinet.
St. Kilda (Victoria) Council have asked Caulfield Council to con-
sent to legislation to authorise the construction of a tramway from
St. Kilda to Malvern, part of which wouid be in the Caulfield area.
Consideration deferred.
Prior to his departure for England, Mr. E. Kilburn Scott, the
president of the society, was presented with a gold watch by the
members of the Yorkshiremen's Society of New South Wales.
A committee appointed to furnish a report to the Korumburra
(Victoria) ratepayers on a proposal to establish electricity works has
reported in favoiu' of a municipal scheme.
The electric equipment for the Pioneer Mine (Tasmania) is ex-
pected to be completed by the end of ^March.
Brunswick (Victoria) JIunieipality recently invited tenders for
public electric lighting.
Belfast Harbour Board. — At the meeting of this Board on Tuesday
it was agreed to appoint a deputation (ctmsisting of the chairman and
Mr. Clark, with the engineer and harbour master), to confer with
the representatives of Messrs. Harland & Woltl', and Workman. Clark
& Co., on the subject of the new capstans recpiired for the new grov-
ing dock.
A report of the engineer and the electrical engineer (Mr. Combe)
on the terms quoted by the Corporation for the supply of electricity
for lighting and ]iower on the harbour estate, recommends the Board
(o extend the existing electric lighting station buildings and to put
down additional ))lant, consisting of a boiler, a steam dynamo, con-
densing plant, an overhead traveller, 54 arc lamps. &c., at an esti-
mated cost of £12.000.
Brazil. — The "Frankfurter Zeilung "' states that the tramways
system of Porto Alegre has been juuchased for £106.00(1 by an
English company.
Bury.- — The Corporation have applied for sanction to the erection
of overhead lines for the supply of electricitv. Objections to the
Hoard of Trade by Jan. 30.
Cardiff. — An inquiry was held here on 14th inst. into the applica-
tion of the Corporation for sanction to borrow £36,859 for extensions
of the electricity undertaking.
The city electrical engineer and manager (Mr. Arthur Ellis) said
that £12,0.50 was wanted for generating plant, £2,750 for motor alter-
natiiis at R^atli |>.iur[- station and £2,000 at Eldon-road, the cost of
sujiiilyiiif; Hills Hiy l)i n ks was £2,400, the equipment of Hayes and
Ddi.ks suli-statiniLs HoiiM I nst £3.273, and the improvement of public
lighting £255. and for mains .services, &e., £14,000 was included. Two
or three very large new consumers made it necessary to instal additional
lilant, amongst them being the G.W. Railway. Hill's Dry Docks Co.,
and Messrs. James Howell & Co., whilst the new University College would
also be lighted electrically.
IJuring the inquiry the item for generating plant was reduced to
£8. '.150, the total loan for which sanction is applied for being thus fixed
at £33,228.
The inspector (Mr. H. Riss Hooper) pointed cut that the undertaking
appeared to be overcapitalised, and in order that it shoidd pay it was
obvious that the capital account .should be kept as low as po.ssiblc. The
capital expenditure in 1904 was l-35d. p?r unit and the output was
2,300,000 units. Last year the capital expenditure was 1-41 for an
output of 3,800.000 units. With an increased output of 1.500,000 units
the capital charges had increased, and he was of oi)iuiou that therein
lay the whok- weakness of the undertaking. The increased outp'.it
should, he tlmught. Iiave reduced the capital charges.
In reply to the Inspector, the borough treasurer (Mr. Allcock) said
that the (Corporation had adopted a .system whereby the dejirceiation
fund, plus the sinking fund, would enable them to replace the plant when
the time came to do so. The reserve fund was partly created fnr meeting
losses.
Clacton-on-Sea. — Sanction has been received to a loan of £500 for
installing two 50 h.p. engines at the electricity works.
Cuba. — Mr, W. E. Knight has received permission to establish
works for public electric lighting in the City of Holguin.
Devonport. — On Sunday the Devonport and District Tramways
Co.. according to the terms of their notice. cea.sed to work the tram-
ways leased by the Corporation to the Company. This step «as due
to the high working expenses and low returns of the lines.
4i The Council have instructed the Town Clerk to r:'ipiirc the companv'
under clau.se 1 (8) of the lease, to provide on and after Jan. 17. lOOit
(in addition to the workmen's cars), a service of cars in the ))id)lic interests
on the tramways leased to the company ; to apply to the Bfiard of Trade
to determine any question which may arise between the company and
the Corporation as to the service of cars required in the public interests :
to take legal proceedings against the company for the recovery of penal-
ties if they fail to comply with the provisions of the clause : and to take
legal proceedings against the company for the recovery of penalties if
they do not run the required number of carriages for the labouring classes,
Dundee. — At the meeting of the framwaj's committee la.st week,
Mr. Girrity moved that an experiment be made by const rut-ting a
" trackless trolley " line along the Esplanade. Three cars would
be required, and he estimated the cost at £5,000. It was, however,
decided to appoint a committee (one representative of each ward) to
consider the whole matter and to report.
Economy of Electric Lighting. — Some time ago the Hcjspitals com-
mittee of the Metropolitan Asylums Board re|)orted that from the
point of view of the health of patients and staff, sanitation, con-
venience and comfort, safety from fire, economy in cleansing and cost
of maintenance, electricity was far sufjerior to gas.
Acting on that report, other institutions were given electric installa-
tions, and the Boards Finance committee has now drawn up a further
report stating that they are satisfied that the std)stitution of electricity
for gas has been generally economical. The committee adds, however.
that it must not be inferred that it is prepared to say at the present
time, when improvements are being effected in the methods of consump-
tion of both gas and electricity, that their relative position:} will be main-
tained.
Electrical Exhibitions. — In October. 1904. the Lighting committee
of Shoreditch (London) Council held an electrical exhibition at the
Pitfield-street Baths in order to demonstrate to manufacturers and
others in this important industrial area the adai)tability and eco-
nomy of the application of electricity for manufacturng purposes.i
Practically the whole of the exhibits were machinery in actual
operation and the exhibition was so appreciated that no less than
24,000 people visited it during the 12 days it was open. In order to
interest manufacturers and consumers in any area wheie particular
trades are carried on. local exhibitions are useful in bringing before
consumers carefully selected exhibits of the exact type of machinery
or plant they are interested in. The Shoreditch Lighting committee
have, therefore, decided to hold in October of this year another
exhibition on similar lines to that held in 1904. and special cffort.s
will be made to place before the manufacturers of the district motor-
driven exhibits of machinery and plant used in connection with
woodworking, printing, bootmaking, &c,, and electric heating and
the latest form of metal filament lamjis will have special prominence.
Free tickets will be supplied to the exhibitors for the u.se of their
clients, and no charge will be made for electric eiMient used by
exhibitors. Applications for space should be sent to the borough
electrical engineer (Mr. C, Newton Russell), Coronet-street. Shore-
ditch, N.E., from whom further particulars may be obtained.
Blackpool Corporation propose to hold a local electrical exhibition
during the first two weeks in March, in one of the large public
pavilions on the promenade, in order to develop the domestic appli-
cations of electricity for lighting, heating, cooking, and for
power amongst the lighter trades of the district. The Cor|)oration
are doing their utmost to make known the f(>atures of the exhibition
in Blackpool and surrounding districts, and electrical manufacturers
and contractors who desire to be represented can obtain further
particulars from the Secretary of the Exhibition Committee (Mr. P.
Baxter). Corporation Electricity Works, West Caroline-st.. Black-
pool.
Electricity in Coal Mines.— The DccemWr issue of " Progress "
(Wellington. N.Z.) contains a description of the electric and rojie
haulage equipment of the West port-Stockton Coal Co.'s New
Zealand mine, which was recentlv opened.
The coal dci)osits lie from 2.500 ft. to 3.000 ft. above sea level, so that
the coal has to be brought down, instead of up. as in most mines. The
haulage on the two main inclines is cITected by steel ropes, and electric
locomotives take the trucks ■ in hand '" at the top. The area of the
power house is 174 ft. by 50 ft. The main generating plant consists of
two B.T.-H. three- phase" 375 kw. 6,000 volt 60 cycle generators, driven
by two 475 B.H.P. Belliss engine.s. a Wortliingtrm surface condenser, a
\Vorthington centrifugal jiump. three-throw Edwards air pump. Webster
feed water heater, four Babcock boilers (each evaporating 8,000 lb. of
steam per hour from and at 212 deg.), superheaters, automatic chain
grate stoker.*, two Tangye boiler feed pumps. There arc two B.T.-H. -
Belliss 14 kw. exciter sets, a B.T.-H. motor-generator (100 kw. gene-
rator and loO H.P. motor) for lighting and for driving d.c. motors, an
592
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 22, 1909.
..i^ht-pane! main switchboard (of white marble) &. Two t™,i«fo™ers,
of 40 kw. and 75 kw. respectively, supply current at 2.50 volts to o^ h.f. ]
and II "HP motors for driving two Lidgerwood hoists. There are at
present three main and two gathering electric locomotives of the Sprague-
(i E tvpe. The gathering locos •are equipped with a reel automatically
worked from the locomotive axle, with a length of 900 ft. of flexible
twin cahle, which fives them a range of that distance beyond the farthest
point of the overhead construction. For the track, .50 lb. rails are used,
and the "au-'e is 3 ft., the track being single at present, but provision
has been made for doubling. At each of three sub-stations is a 200 kw.
motor-generator (d.e. 280 volt generator and three-phase 0,300 voJt
300 n P motor). A telephone network connects the jjower house, sub-
stations and offices, and. by means of portable telephones, the locomo-
tives. Two ventilating fans driven by B.T.-H. 30 h.p. motors are m
use and six Sturtevant blowers with ,'5 h.p. motors. A start has been
made with two Sullivan board and pillar chaui coal cutters driven by
30 h.p. G.E. motons (the.se coal cutters being, it is said, the first of their
class used in New Zealand), three coal elevators operated by two 10 h.p.
and one 1.5 h.p. O.K. motors, with three .5 h.p. motors for the shakers.
The complete contract for the electrical apparatus has been carried out
by the Australian General Electric Co., whose N.Z. representatives arc
the National Electrical & Engineering Co.
Engineering Exhibition at Mancliester.— On Thursday last a
gathering of Manchester engineering firms met at the Midland Hotel
to discuss the question of the holding of a general engineering
exhibition in that city in 1910. The meeting was called by the
International Trade Exhibitions (Ltd.), of London, who were asso-
ciated with the recent electrical exhibition at Mancliester. We are
informed that the meeting was entirely favourable to such an
exhibition being held, and a provisional committee of nine engineer-
ing firms, representing different sections, was appointed. A further
meeting will be lield at the Midland on Feb. 17.
Euston- Watford Electric Railway.— Work is now in progress in
connection with the construction of this electric railway. The line
will run underground to Willesden, but thereafter it will be a surface
railway. At present only the route between Willesden and Harrow
(about G miles) is being constructed.
Frimley. — The two applications for electric lighting powers for the
district will be opposed by the Council.
Germany.— It is stated that the Mulheim-am-Rulu' Municipal
Council will shortly invite tenders for construction of tramways at
a cost of about £77,000.
Glasgow. — The Finance sub-committee luive received a communi-
cation from the Secretary for Scotland, indicating that, as the
Corporation had decided to pay as from June 1. 1907, sinking fund
on the sums temporarily withdrawn from the depreciation and
renewal funds of tlie electricity and tramways undertakings, they
were not prevented from giving full retrospective effect to the decision
To give effect to these further wishes of the Scottish Office means a
charge for the past years of £100,092. ,(js. 7d.
Glasgow-Edinburgh Underground Telegraph Line.— The work of
laying the undorgi-ound telegrapli cable from Glasgow to Edinburgh
is approaching completion. The cable has been laid from Glasgow to
Falkirk, and from Edinburgh to Linlithgow, leaving a length of
only eight miles between Falkirk and Linlithgow unfinished.
Gosport. — The Council last week accepted the offer of the local
electric lighting company for the supply and maintenance of 10 arc
lamps at £18. 10s. per lamp per annum, and a recommendation by
the Lighting committee that a number of lamps be placed in other
parts of the town was also adopted.
Harrogate. — Four Council .schools are to be wired for the electric
light.
Ilford. — At the last meeting of the Council the electrical engineer
(Mr. A. H- Shaw) presented a report on the charges made for electrical
energy for power and traction, &c., and after discussion the question
of the future management of the tramways and the engineer's salary
was referred to a special meeting of the Council in committee.
India. — The " Indian and Eastern Engineer " states that the tlu'ee
years' concession for the electric lighting of Luoknow by a power
company has lapsed, that the Municipal Commissioners have asked
th? advice of the Government as to the erection of municipal elec-
tricity works, and that, if the reply is in the negative, tenders will
be invited.
Good progress has been made 'with the erection and equipment of
the Mussoorie electric power station.
Inquest. — On Friday last an inquest was h?ld at Nevvea5tle-on
Tyne on Charles W. Paul, a stonemason.
Deceased comiucnced work on Jan. 4 at the County of Durham Elec-
tric powc- distribution station, Gateshead, and on Jan. 10 he received
injuries u.d was taken to Newcastle Infirmary.
Jlr. W.'j. J. RusHFORTH, electrical engmecr, said deceased had been
working as a labourer at the works. On Jan. 10 deceased and witness
were engaged cleaning the electric apparatus in the high-tension cliamber.
The room was 25 ft. long and 10 ft. wide, and in it were a number of
recesses fitted up with electric switches. It was the first time deceased
had v.'orked under witness, and he (witness) told him that the Bu-tley
feeder was alive, and that he had not to work on it. Witness instructed
deceased to clean the transformers. A few miuntes later witness heard
a shout and saw an electric discharge. On going to where deceased
had been working he found he had left his job, and was lying fixed on the
Birtley feeder, v.hicli had a pressure of 25,000 volts. Witness failed
to pull deceased off by his boots, but eventually succeeded in getting
him off by his clothing. Deceased was badly burnt about the face and
stomach.
Medical evidence was to the effect that deceased died at the Infirmary
on Jan. 10 from shock, the effect of burns.
The jury returned a verdict that deceased died from shock, the effect
of burns accidentally received.
Keighley. — The Council have applied for sanction to a loan of
£12.820 for electricity supply extensions.
Light Railways. — The Board of Trade have confirmed the Bath
Electric Tramways (Light Railway Amendment) Order, 1909.
Liverpool. — At the town's meeting on Monday the clauses of the
Corporation's bill relating to the trackless tramway powers were
defeated ; a poll of the ratepayers is to be taken.
London Tramways. — The work of converting to electric traction
the L.C.C. tramway from Vauxhall to East-hill, Wandsworth,
via Lavender-hill, was commenced on Monday, and the Board of
Trade inspection of th? Lavend?r-liill t:> Chelssi Bridge and the
Hammersmith Broadway to Putney sections took plac? on Tuesday.
The London United Tramways line from Willesden to Hammer-
smith has been continued over Putney Bridge, and it is intended to
bring this line into connection with the L.C.C. tramw.ays.
Lyme Regis. — The promoters of the local Electric Light and
Power Co. have submitted terms to the Corporation for lighting the
town for seven years. A special meeting of the Council held to
consider the matter on Tuesday was private.
Manchester. — At a town's meeting on Monday the trackless trolley
clauses of the Corporation's omnibus bill were defeated and the
Council have accjuiesced in this decision.
In regard to the Gamewell fire alarms to be placed in the streets, the
Post Office authorities decline to place the wires underground unless
the Corporation pay £2 per post per year. The Corporation have hitherto
insisted upon having all wires, except trolley wires, placed underground.
The committees interested are discussing the matter
Manchester Electrical Exhibition. — Creditors of this Exhibition ai<?
requested (liy aclvcrtisemint in another column) to send in their
names and addresses with particulars of their claims to the secretary
of the committee of the Exhibition (Mr. Walter Davenport), 2, Queen
Anne's-gate. Westminster, S.W.. by Feb. 25. after which date the
funds and assets of the Exliibition will be distributed.
Marylebone (London). — The Council on Thursday last week
adopted a resolution, moved by Mr. E. R. Debenham. that sanction
be asked for a loan of £8,000 for the substitution of electric for gas
lighting in the case of 1,964 public lamps in streets where electric
mains are already laid. It is estimated that the annual charge for
electricity will be £7,350, or £600 less than the price quoted for gas.
Mexico. — The Du'ector-General of Public Works of the Federal
District has granted a concession to the Mexican Light & Power
Co. for the electric lighting of the town of Tacubaya.
Messrs. Veyan, Jean & Co. have been authorised to use in the
Federal District, with the exception of the towns of Tacuba, Tacu-
baya and Guadalupe Hidelgo, water power from the river Alameda
for electric power generation.
Muswell Hill (London).— The Light Railway committee of Middle-
sex County Council have reported against the proposal to extend the
electric tramway from the Archway to New Southgate. via High-
gate. Muswell Hill and Colney Hatch-lane. Tlie Muswell Hill
residents who were in favour of the tramway extension will now
approach the Charing Cro.3?, Euston & Hampstsad Railway Co. to
induce them to extend their line from Highgats to the Alexandra
Palace.
Neath. — The Rural Council have received sanction for the purchase
of the electric power station at a cost of £7,000. The L.G. Board has
not yet, however, sanctioned the borrowing of £11,000 for extensions
of the electricity undertaking.
New Submarine Cable. — It was announced early in the week that a
French syndicate had asked the Argentine Government for a con-
cession for a submarine cable from Buenos AXres to Dakar to join up
at the latter place with the French Government line to Brest. The
estimated cost of the new cable was circumstantially given as about
£1.200.(X)0. The announcement was subsequently denied by
Renter's agency.
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 22, 1909.
593
Nuneaton. — T!ie L.G. Board have sanctioned a loan of £2,424 for
extensions of the electricity undertaking.
The electrical engineer (Mr. S. C. Gibson) submitted statistics at
the C'oiincil meeting last week showing that of undertaldngs with a
similar output, Nuneaton stood thu'd for lowness of cost of production.
Oldham. — It was reported at the last meeting of the electricity
committee that there was an increasing demand for electricity for
lighting and power, and the equivalent of 134,330 8 c.p. lamps is now
connected to the mains.
The conimittea is to consider the question of adopting electric ligliting
at Toniniyfiekl Market. It was .stated that during the v/inter it cn^t
some of the stallholderr. ar much as 12s. per week for naphtha. Councillor
TA5I.OR said it v.oald be better and cleaner and safer if they could gat
the stallholders to take electricity, and the Markets and Baths com-
miilee will be asked to facilitate this .':tep being taken.
Powsr Gas and Electrical Energy. — In moving the adoption of the
directors" report at the meeting of the Power Gas Corpn. on
Monday, Mr. Alfred Mond, M.P., said that municipal engineers of
large corporations were beginning to take a more earnest interest in
the question of generating electricity by large gas engines. At
pressnt several engineers of the leading corporations in England were
going very closely into this question. Wednesbury Corporation
were now generating all their electricity from Mond gas run with gas
engines. During the past year their technical staff had made con-
siderable improvements in the plant, which would simplify and
diminish its first cost.
Presentation. — Mr. Chas. Don. of the tramway staff (at Dum-
barton) of IMessrs. .1. G. White & Co.. has been presented by his
colleagues with a chest of table cutlery on the occasion of his
marriage.
Provisional Orders Revocation -The Pf aid ct Trade have revoked
the P>rumby and I'nidinghani Electric Lighting Order, 1903, as from
Jan. 8, and the Sijringhead Electric Lighting Order, 1902, as from
.Jan. 11.
Skelniorlie. — The Northern District committee of AjTshire Comity
Council have approved a draft agreement with Dr. Phil)) for the
electric lighting of the district.
Southwark (London),— At the Borough Council meeting on Wed-
nesday a discussion arose upon the present financial position of the
electricity undertaking, and some members expressed themselves in
favour of a transfer of the undertaking to the London Electric Sup-
ply Corporation, provided satisfactory terms could be arranged- A
sub-committee was appointed to con.sider and report upon the
matter.
Swansea. — At a recent meeting of the Electric Lighting and Tram-
ways committee the borough electrical engineer (Mr. C. A. L. Prus-
mann) stated that he had been reluctantly compelled to advise the
committee not to undertake the work of supplying electricity to the
garden site.
It would be very doubtful if the pressure would be satisfactorily main-
tained for any length of time by an overhead line, and to lay an under-
ground cable, together with the necessary high-tension feeder (costing
£1,400), v.^ilh £000 added tor distributors, would make the cost so great
that he did not con.sider an adequate return would be realised. The
above estimate was based on supplying 120 dv.-ellings. If the builders
w?re putting up GOO houses it might b? v.'orth while, but, as it was, they
hnd no undert.aking from tho.sc putting up the 120 houses that (hoy
would instal electric light.
Telegraph Communication between Hull and the Continent.— In
reply to the memorial recently addressed to the Postmaster-General,
suggesting that Hull should have direct telegraphic communication
with the Continent and asking for the establishment of direct cable
communication between Hull and Belgium and Hull and Holland,
the Postmaster-General has replied regretting that the amount of
traffic between Hull and either of the countries mentioned is not
sufficient to justify tlie allocation of wires for such commimication.
Telephone between London and Berlin.— Withregardtothestate-
ments in many of our daily contemporaries to the effect tliat Renter's
Agency learns " with reference to the report current in Berlin lliat the
British Postal Authorities are engaged in negotiations with the tier-
man Post Office for the establisliment of a telephone cable from
London to Berlin," and that the present Anglo-Belgian line " fre-
quently works in an imsatisfaetory manner,"' we arc informed that
the British Post Office authorities know nothing, so far, of those
negotiations, that the Anglo- Belgian line fiom London to Brussels
works exceedingly well, that communication between London and
Antwerp is also usually satisfactory, and that trouble ( n!y arises
when attempts are made to communicate from extensions such as
Cardiff or Liverpool to Belgium. The further statement that the
British official view is that a sea telephone of the length ropurcd to
communicate between London and Berlin is practicallj" impossible is
correct.
Tramway Transfer. — Stockport Corporation intend to lease tram-
waj's in Stockport to Manchester Corporation until June 1, 1923.
The lessees are to have the exclusive right of use and are to pay the
cost of track reiiair. The lease also contains provisions as to electric
equipment and as to arbitration.
Winnipeg (Manitoba). — For some time past negotiations have
been proceeding between the Municipal Council and the Winnipeg
Electric Street Railway Co. forthe purchase of the eompanv's under-
taking, roughly valued at $10,000,000 (£3,300,000) and "the com-
pany offer to sell, the price to be fi.xed b3' arbitrat'on.
Wireless Telegraph Notes.- Mr. W. W. Braclfield. manager of the
Marconi Co., is reported to have stated to an interviewer that Mr.
Marconi has, in some new patents recently lodged, " succeeded in
perfecting a duplex system of working wireless."
Another " triumph of electricity " is reported from the United
States. A letter received by a correspondent of the " Daily News ""
contains an extract from a letter of Prof. G. F. Barker, of Pennsyl-
vania Universitj', dated Oct. 1 last, as follows : —
On Sept. 20 we v.'ent to Nantucket, Massachu.setts. • The inland, as
you know, is out in the ocean, and quite isolated. Wireless messages
arc received at its eastern end from incoming and outgoing steimer.s.
Prrf. Munroe (my son-in-law) and I wei.t up one morning and calbd on
my friend Mr. Dcjlany, who has a mast erci-ted near his hous?, and he
sliowed us his method of receiving wireless messages.
In the evening he gave us a most interesting account of a new system
of automatic telegraphy, which he has invented, and which is now being
installed in this country. It sends 1,000 words a minute over a single
wu-e, and the rate is only 25 cents for .50 words to any part of the United
States. Moreover, he has lately devised an arrangement of polarised
relays by wliioh it is impossible for mc-ssages to be read en route.
Wokingham. — The Rural Council will oppose the application of the
York Town and Blackwater Gas Co. for a provisional order for
Finchampstead and Wokingham Without.
Workhouse Lighting.— Blean (Kent) and Canterbury Boards of
(iuardians have appointed committees to consider the aclvisability of
lighting their premises by electricity. -At Canterbury it is estimated
there will be a yearly saving of over £100.
York. — The L.G. Board intimate to the Corporation that if they
will make sufficient provision in the estimates for the general district
rate during the next two years for paying off the debit balance of
£4,027 on the revenue account of the electricity undertaking and
deductions of £1,861 representing items of expenditure properly
chargeable to revenue account, and the debit balance of £2,837
owing on the destructor account, the Board are prepared to give the
Corporation sanction to borrow £17,290, being excess expenditure on
the electric light undertaking, and £.'5.253. representing amount of
principal on the electric light department expenditure which shoidd
have been repaid in respect of the excess expenditure had the loans
been raised at the time the expenditure was incurred. They are also
prepared to give running sanction for £2,400 prospective expenditure
on electric mains, £900 on house services, £r>00 on meters, and £800
on motors. The Town Clerk has been empowered to give the
undertaking.
Dinner. — The fifth annual dinner of Hanley electricity works
staff took place on the 7th inst. Councillor Schofield (vice-chairman
of the Electric Lighting committee) oecui>ied the chair in the un-
avoidable absence of the chairman. .Aid. Coates. The borough
electrical engineer, Mr. C. H. Yeaman, in replying to the toast
" Success to the Works," proposed by Mr. Cartlidge. said the depart-
ment had achieved a great measure of success in the increasing use
of electricity and the greater satisfaction of the users. The profits
had been given back to the consumers. A musical programme
followed the dinner.
TRADE NOTES AND NOTICES.
TENDERS INVITED.
Ilammtrsmilh (London) Council in\ ite tenders for supply of stores
for the 12 months ending March 31. 1910, including arc lamp globes,
&c., brooms and brushes, carbons, electrical goods, files, firebricks,
clay and lime, gauge glas,ses, insulated wires, metals, meters, oilman's
goods, packing and jointing materials, screws and tools. Tenders to
the town clerk (Mr. H. Thompson), Town Hall. Hammersmith, W.,
by 4 p.m. Jan. 27.
Hammersmilh Borough Council also invite tenders for supply
of a 2,(K)0 kw. steam turbine generating set, with condenser. Speci-
fication and forms of tender from the borough electrical engineer
(Mr. G. Gilbert Bell), Electricity Department. 85. Fulham Palace-
road, W. Tenders to the town clerk (Mr. H. Thompson). Town Hall,
Broadway, Hammersmith, W., hy 4 p.m. Jan. 27.
594
THE ELECTKICIAN, JANUARY 22. 1909.
NEARLY READY.
"THE ELECTRICIAN" ELECTRICAL TRADES'
DIRECTORY AND HANDBOOK.— The 1909 Edition
of the Big Blue Book, price 15s., or post free in the
United Kingdom, 15s. gd. The new and enlarged volume
brings a great mass of statistical and technical data
quite up to date, and the Directorial Division will be
thoroughly revised and amplified.
All branches of Electrical Engineering and Industry
are fully treated, and Electro-Financial matters will
receive every attention in the new volume, which aggre-
gates more than 2,000 pages. The Directory Division is
complete and thoroughly accurate, and has been com-
pletely revised. All mere lists of members of Societies
and Institutions (so easily and cheaply available) are
excluded, as quite unreliable for Manufacturers' and
Dealers' purposes. The full set of valuable Statistical
and Engineering Tables, &c., are being very carefully
revised and extended, and are now issued in handy book
form. These will be included in the 1909 Big Blue
Book, making it the most complete work of the kind ever
published.
Ply mouth Corporation is prepared to receive tenders for supply
of stores during 12 months ending March 31, 1910, including arc
lamp carbons, electricity meters, transformer.s, cables (paper insu-
lated), lubricating oils, engine waste, &c. Copies of specification
from the borough electrical engineer (Mr. E. G. Okell), Prince Rock,
riymouth, to whom tenders by Saturday, Jan. 30.
Hiniiingham Tramways committee want tenders by noon Fel) 8.
for 12 months" supply of stores, including electrical sundries, in-
sulating materials, chemicals, oils. &c. Forms of tender. &c..
from the general manager.
Slifffitld Tramways committee want tenders by 10 a.m. Feb. .5 for
muterials and stores, including car fittings, overhead line fittings,
calile, lamps, power station supplies, brake chains, pinion wheels,
castings, ironmongery, oils, jiaints, &c. I'articulars from the
General Manager.
Tlie Melnj/ioHfd)! A.-.i/!i,m.^ Board want tenders by 10 a.m. Feb. 2
tor supply iif a siiiulc phase motor, tools and workshop appliances
at Carshalton. S|.r(ilicatiiJiis. &c., at the offices. Embankment,
London, E.C.
BennondMji (London) Council want tenders by FcIi. l.T f(,r 12
months' sujjply of carbons, cable and jointing materials, conduits,
electricity meters, meter boards, joint bo.xes. oils, &c. Forms. &c..
from tlie Town Clerk.
H arrogate Corporation want tenders by Jan. 26 from local con-
tractors for wiring and fitting of Grove-road, Oatlands. Starbeck
and Western schools. Specifications, &c., from (he Borough Elec-
trical Engineer.
Barking Council want tenders by 7 11. m. .Ian. 2(1 for coal for the
electricity department. Specifications from th.- Rnaineer and .Man-
ager.
Macroom (Ireland) Council want tenders by 11 a.m. Feb. 1 for
street electric lighting. Number and c.p. of lamps, hours of supply
and rent per annum for three years to be stated.
Chiswkk Council want tenders by Jan. 30 for the maintenance of
fire alarms and talephon^i. Form? of t3nd3r from the Surveyor.
The Deputy Postmaster-General, Brisbane, Queensland, wants
tenders by May 31 for supply of a branching multiple magneto
svvqfchboard for Toowoomba. Specifications from Commonwealth
Offices, 72, Victoria-street, London, S.W.
material to the
ri-iult-r forms
Tenders are invit<"d for the supply of telej)hone
Postmaster-General's Department in Quec„s!„,i,l. i,.,uifr torms
and specifications may be obtained at the C.umnonu, ilth Offices
72, Victoria-street, London. S.W. See also an adx.-i iis:-nient.
Antwerp Municipality want tenders by Jan. 21 for .50,000 pau-s of
arc lamp carbons. Specification from Hot«l de Ville. for 50 cen-
times (5d.), or may be seen at 73, Basinghall-street, London, E.C.
, J''f F"''"'^ ^'^"■''^^ Department, Madrid, want tenders by noon
March 6 tor construction and working of an electric tramway from
laseo de Recoletos to Calle de la Florida. Deposit of about £-'67
required. - ^ ^-.y 1
TENDERS RECEIVED AND ACCEPTED.
Orders for jilanl valued at £18.000 for the Balmain (Sydney,
N.S.W.) electricity undertaking have been placed. Babcock &
Wilcox are to supply the boiler-house equipment, and the orders for
two generating sets (.^t^lO kw. and 250 kw.), surface conden.ser,
switchboard, transformers, arc lamps. &c., have been divided by
the A.E.G.. the General Electric Co. (U.S.A.) and the British Thom-
son-Houston Co.
The works -of Hill's Dry DurU Co.. Cardiff, arc being equipped for
electric driving, and the contract for the sub-station plant, motors,
&c., has been let to the Sunderland Forge and Engineering Co.
High tension three phase current (50 periods) will be supplied by
the Corporation, and the voltage will b» reduced to 440 at the sub-
station.
.Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Co. has obtained a contract for 10
new ship wireless stations from the Italian Government. This is in
addition to 30 land and ship stations already equipped by the
Marconi Co. for the same Government.
Belfast Harbour Board have accepted tlie tender of Dick, Kerr
& Co. for supply of about 100 tons of steel girder tramway rails at
£6. 15s. per ton. with fishplates at £8. 5s. per ton and bolts and nuts
at £15 per ton.
Dublin Corporation have placed an order (tlirough Babcock &
Wilcox) with Ed. Bennis & Co. for a " Bennis " and " Miller-Cen-
nett " chain grate stoker for a Yarrow boiler for their Pigeon House
Fort electricity station.
Mather & Piatt are supplying two gas engine alternator sets, the
British Westinghouse Co. switchboard panels, transformers, &c ,
and the Lanca.shire Dynamo & Motor Co. a motor-generator, switch-
board, motors, &c.. for the East Indian Railway Co.
Gloucestershire County Council have accepted the tender of W. A.
Walton for re-wiring, for " tell-tale " apparatus, the female epilep-
tic block at the asylum.
Sunderland Corporation have accepted the tender of the India
Rubber, Gutta Percha & Telegraph Works (_'o. for supplying india-
rubber covered cables for 12 months.
Conway Rural Council have accepted the tender of Hughes &
Rowlands for laving the distributing mains at Glan Conway at
£632. 12s."''
Hull Tramways committee have accepted the tender of Walter
Scott (Ltd.) for 300 tons of Sandb?rg tram-rails at £7. 5s. per ton and
fish and sole plates at £8. 15.<. per ton.
Gosport Council have accepted the tender of the local electric
light company for lighting Fareham-road with 10 lamps at £18. 10s.
l>er lamp jier annum.
Portsmouth Corporation have placed an order with H. Gielgud fur
Belgian rails (100 lb. per yard) at £5. 83. per ton.
Douglas (Isle of Man) Council have accepted the tender of Dick.
Kerr & Co. for special cable points at £27. 5s. per ton.
Ryde Council have accepted the tender of the National Tele))lione
Co. for maintaining electric fire alarms at £21 per annum.
The tender of Thermit (Ltd.) has been accepted for Thermit joints
for an extension of the Portsmouth Corporation tramways.
BUSINESS NOTICES.
Mes.srs. A. P. Lundberg & Sons. 477-487. Liverpool-rd., N., have
appointed Mr. Charles Arnould, 55, Rue de Rome, Paris, as sole agent
for the sale of their manufactures in Paris.
Neville Kaye & Co. (Ltd.) has been registered to carry on an
engineering business and particularly to specialise in electric and
hydraulic lifts and cranes, electric lighting and power installation.s.
The managing director (Mr. H. Neville Kaye) has been London
manager to Messrs. A. & P. Steven. The offices of the Company are
at 23, Strand. W.G; and works are being equipped at Hackney.
London, N.E.
Messrs. H. Jackson. J. C. Boyce and J. S. Jeffery announce that
they have decided to commence business as electrical engineers
under the style of " Jackson & Boyce." and they have taken tem-
porary offices at 17, Berners-street, London, W. Messrs. Jackson
and Jeffery have been with Roger Dawson (Ltd.) for 20 years (the
former acting for the greater part of that period as secretary and
manager and the latter as chief engineer), and Mr. Boyce has acted
as engineer and outdoor repres-ntative of Roger Dawson (Ltd.) for
about six years.
Mr. C. U. Adamson \\ill act .is manager in Australia for Messrs.
Babcock & Wilcox during Mr. A. J. Arnofs absence of about six
months on a visit to England.
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 22, 1909.
595
Mr. F. H. Snow, Bridge-street, Sydney, has been appointed pur-
cliasing agent for the Electrolytic Refining & Smelting Co., of Port
Kembla, N.S.W.
We are informed that Mr. Duncan Watson has purcliased the
assets and the undertaking of Roger Dawson (Limited), and will
continue, with a fully qualified staff, to carry on the business under
the style of Roger liawson & Co., at 62, Berners-st., London. W.
Plant for Sale.— Messrs. G. Elliott & Co., 186-188, Long-lane,
Bermondsey, London, S.E., have for sale two compound Marshall
st«am engines coupled to two Crompton dynamos, and also three
dynamos. Further particulars are given in advertisements.
Mr. Wm. Ci'owther, Carrington, Nottingham, advertises for .sale
a reliance twist drill grinding jig.
Factory Premises to Let. — A two-storey factory in West London,
close to S.W. and (J. W. Rly. stations, is advertised to be let or sold.
Messrs. Douglas Young & Co., 51, Coleman-street, London, E.C.,
advertise some factories, wharves and warehouses to be sold or let.
Agents Wanted. — The proprietors of patents pertaining to the X
accumulator are prepared to appoint agents in the provinces.
Applications to the X Syndicate (Ltd.), Mitcham Mills, Beddington
Corner, Mitcham, Surrey.
Telegraphic Coding Facilities. — The subject of coding telegraph
messages is one which is just now before the public, and certain
discussions which have taken place of late, relating chiefly to the
reduction of cost of telegraphing, renders the publication of any work
which simplifies or adds tn thr- fafilities for coding of general interest.
Mr. A. C. Barunio, of •_>( I. C^iii hill avenue. Lmidon. E.C., is the author
of the ingenious " I'olyulni Siriincdde '" system, which, it is said,
enables an increased speed to be attained by the operator, secures
greater accuracy in the message received, and offers larger scope for
coding, inasmuch as everything that can be written in any language
can be put into cypher economically both for the merchant and
for the transmitting administration or company. This is claimed
to be a revolution in code transmission and far in advance of anything
« ith which code compilers and code users have become familiar. \\'e
have before us the work which Mr. Baronio is jjublishing. and we
have the authority of e.xperts to say that the system which he has
laboriously perfected will be found to be a great money saver, and
its adoption by the merchant will enable him to obtain still further
advantages from the coding of his messages.
We may conclude this brief review of the " Polyglot Stenoeode "
by saying that it is known by a dcsignative cypher, "' Pa])a.'" and that
the receipt of a message beginning with this cypher indicates the
vocabulary source of the coded message, and where its meaning in
jilain language can be found. An imiiortant point in regard to this
system of coding is that, it does n(jt clash with any other code, and
may consequently he used either by itself or as supplemental to or in
conjunction with any i>ul)lic or private code on the market.
Phoenix Fire Office Rules. — Our readers, whether contractors or
wiremen interested in iliitiic Imliting and power installations, will
be glad to learn that (he I'lin'iiix .Assurance Co., of Lomliaid-street,
London, are advertising tn sujiply copies of the ''I'lKCni.v; Fire Office
Rules " free on ajiplication to the head offices as above. The
I'luenix Rules were the first fire office rules issued in connection with
electrical fire risks, and are now in their 37th edition. The ofier
should certainly be taken advantage of.
CATALOGUES. &c.
Fuse Wire. — The I'Mison & Swan Co. have ready leallet W -J.!-!!)
giving particulars and prices of Ediswan fuse wire (Pyrotin). This
wire is made from a special alloy, and, it is claimed, combines all the
advantages of other fuse wires without any of their weak points : it is
less liable to mechanical injury, does not depreciate by oxidizing or
scaling, and is absolutely reliable and accurate.
Radio-Teleor.\i>hic Apparatus. — A bundle of pamphlets arc to
hand from the Radio Telephone Co., of New York. One of these is a
description of a loose ocupling apparatus in which, it is claimed,
sufficient looseness is obtained without any great separation of the
coils, while at the same time a coupling which is theoretically
infinitely loose can be obtained. This is effected by the use of a
special spherical dnmi over-wound with wire and forming the irin'r
coil. Anotlier useful instrument is the variometer which is designed
for varying the self-induction of oscillatory circuits and is wound for a
range from 3 x 10^ to 29 x 10'' cm. This variometer consist,s essenti-
ally of two spherical coils, one of which can be rotated, and one
separated only by a thin layer of hard rubber. Care has been taken
to till the space occupied by the instrument and to mechanical details.
The inner coil can be rotated tlirough 180" by a wheel placed outside
the case containing the instrument.
Calculating Rules. — We have received from Messrs. B. J. Hall
& Co. a leaflet giving details of their calculating rules. These are
arranged on Faber's system, and besides those fitted with the
ordinary cursor extra long rules having a decimal and registering
cursor are also supplied, .^^nother speciality is a rule designed for
engineers, on which is a long log-log scale.
Auto- Transformers. — .Mr. G. Braulik sends us a pamphlet deal-
ing with auto-transformers for metallic filament lamps and also
giving details of the " Eclipse '" flame arc and metallic filament
lamps, which he is now in a position to su|)|)ly.
Electric Stoves. — The merits of electric heating by means of
convectors and radiators deserve to be more widely known, particu-
larly in these days of the Id. jjer unit rate for electrical energj' for
heating j)urposes. Catalogue 25 A, recently issued by Messrs. O. C.
Hawkes (Ltd.), London and Birmingham, is a highly satisfactory
exhibition of the electric stove. Our readers will he familiar with
the X.L. patent induced draught stoves, of which Messrs. Hawkes
make a speciality. The list in question will bring them right up
to date in the matter of the most recent tyjies of this most useful
heating device. In addition to a series of comparatively expensive
but very artistic designs, a number of cheaper patterns are being
put forward which should bring the electric radiator into more
general use. We commend the jiublication to station engineers and
electrical contractors, who are in a position to push the electric stove
among their clients. Incidentally we may say that the range of
prices of X.L. stoves extend from a modest 35s. to £10. 10s. The
former is suitable for garage use and the latter has lieen installed at
the Ritz Hotel.
Electrical Accessories. — From the .Metallic Seamless Tube Co.,
Wiggin-st., Birmingham, comes a group of leaflets (in a filing case)
which constitutes Section A of their catalogue of accessories for
electric lighting and power work. The variety of fittings, appliances
and accessories listed is very large. Some details of the articles
listed are also given, simplifying the task of selection. Every article
has a distinct number and code word, and dimensions are also given
throughout. This latter point will he of great a.ssistance to con-
tractors, and makes the catalogue especially suitable for exjiort
work. The company will send co])ies on application to their head
office at Birmingham, or to any of their sale depots.
Calendars, &C. — From Messrs. Mavor & (^Joulson, of Glasgow,
comes a useful hanging calendar. The figures on the monthly tear-
oft' sheets are bold and in the centre of the card is an illustrjition of a
-too H.P. three-phase squii-rel-cage motor made by the firm.
Those who receive Messrs. Crompton & Co.'s hanging sheet calen-
dai' for 1909 will have a pregnant reminder of the company's varied
manufactures. The calendar, which is well printed in colours, is a
very artistic |)roduction. the central figures being well conceived and
executed.
.Among the large hatch of calendars we have received this season,
tha,t of the .Morgan Reeve Co. 12. Newgate-street, London, E.C., is
commendable for its bold figures and general attractiveness. A
calendar must he usefid as well as artistic, and when the date figures
are given great prominence, the calendar is more likely to be hung
up. The company will be pleased to forward their calendar to
interested in(|uirers.
RECEIVERSHIPS, BANKRUPTCIES. LIQUIDATIONS, &c.
The Municipal Electric Light & Power Corpn. (Ltd.) is being
wound up voluntarily. Mr. fi. W. Slough. 37 and 39, Esscx-st.,
London. W.C, is liquidator. Claims to -Mr. Slough by Feb. 20.
A creditors' meeting will be held at 37, Essex-st. on Jan. 25.
.An adjoiu-ned meeting was held on Tuesday of creditors in the
failure of Mr. S. S. Bojesen, lately managing du-cctor of the Amal-
gamated Radio-Telegraph Co. No ]iroposal for a composition or
scheme of arrangement was before the meeting, and the creditors
resolved that theOfticial Receiver should api)ly for an order adjudging
the debtor a bankrupt, and appointed Mr. F. W. I'i.xley trustee of
the estate.
The first meeting of creditors of Wm. .J. Heath, electrical engineer
&e., 21, Bride-lane. London. I-:.C.. will take place on .Jan. 25 at
Bankruptcy-buildings., London. W.C, and the public examina-
tion on Feb. 25 at the .same place.
-At Newport (Mon.) last week a meeting was held of the creditors of
Geo. Suteliffe (trading as Geo. Sutcliffe & Co.), electrical engineer,
Ahcrtillerv.
Debtor commenced business in .Innuary. 1904, with £80 capital (of
which he borrowed £50, which he still owed) and stock worth £20. He
subsequently borrowed about £214, which was also still owing. He
received £50 as apprenticeship premium and this was used iu the busi-
ness. Estimated deficiency £13. 13s. The official receiver is trustee.
A receiver has been appointed on behalf of the debenture holders
of Roger Dawson, Ltd.
596
THE ELECTKICIAN, JANUARY 22, 1900.
COMPANIES' MEETINGS AND REPORTS.
CITY a SODTH LONDON RAILWAY CO.— The report of the directors
for the half-year ended Dec. 31 .state.s that the receipts from all
sources amounted to .£86,698. 6.s. 9d., and cost of working to
£40 415 12s. 3d., leavino- a profifc of £46,282. 14s. 6d. Inclusive of
balance forward, the net revenue account shows an agRreg.ate total of
£48 150 16s. After making provision for debenture stock interest,
rent eharcie and transfia- to renewal fund of £1,500, a balance remains
available for dividend of £32,341. 17s., out of which the directors
recommend that the full dividend of 5 per cent, per annum be paid
on the preference stocks (1891, 1896, 1901 and 1903) and that a divi-
dend Bt the rate of 11 per cent, be paid on the consolidated ordinary
stock for the lialf year, leaving £954. 13s. 6d. to be earned forward.
10 631 336 passQiigers (exclusive of season ticket holders) were earned,
a"-'ainst 10,891,535 in the June half year and 10,732,145 in the Decem-
ber (1907) half year.
DIRECT UNITED STATES CABIE CO. (LTD. I -The report of the
directors for the half-vear endeil Dec. 31 states that the revenue, after
deducting out-i)ayments, amounted to £56,335. 9s., compared with
£58,268. 5s. for the corresponding period of 1937, a diflference of
£1,952. 16s. against the lialf-year under review. Working and other
e.Kpenses, including income tax, but exclusive of cost of cable main-
teiiancR, amounted to £25,357. 8s- 5d., leaving £30,978. Os. 7d. as the
net profit, making with £2,812. 3s. 7d. brought forward £35,790. 4s, 2d.
For the corresponding period of 1907 the working expenses and other
payments amounted to £25,105. 7s. 4d. Interim dividends of 3s. per
share for the quarter er.detl Sept. 30 and of 4s. per share for the
quarter ended Dec. 31 (payable 30tli inst.), together amounting to
£24,281, liave been declared, and after setting aside £5,000 to reserve,
thi balance of £4,506. 4s. 2d. has been carried forward. The reser\'e
fund has been debited with £11,043. 2s. Id. for the oost of cable main-
tenance and i'505. Is. 9d. for the cost of installing acetylene gas light
at Ballinskelligs station, and aftei- being credited with interest on the
investments, profit on sale of securities and amount set aside from
revenue, the balance now amounts to £507,890. Is. 4d.
SOUTH METROPOLITAN ELECTRIC LIGHT & POWER CO. (LTD.)— At an
extraortlinai-y meeting on Friday last to consider resolutions providing
for the capital of the comiiany being increased to £500,000 the chair-
man (Mr. H. St. John Winkw'orth) said that it was proi)osed to issue
at once the whole of the new capital. It was estimated that a further
output of 50 per cent, should lie readily obtainable within a reasonable
period, and that it could be generated at an additional co.st not exceed-
ing £5,000, so that the directors felt that the temporary loss of revenue
from the extensive use of the new lamps might be looked upon as a
stepping stone to a great improvement in the future position of the
company. — The resolutions were carried.
WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH CO.— The report for the quarter ended
Dee. 31 shows tljat .at the close of the quarter ended Sept. 30, 1908,
the surplus for the June quarter was $14,393,856.44, the not revenue
during the quarter ended Sept. 30, 1908, was Sl,864,95!l.97, and after
appropriating for dividend of U per cent, (paid Oct. 15) .§197,8?,0.50, and
interest on bonded debt $453,062,50, there was a surplus on Sept. 30,
1908, of $15,327,928.41. The net revenues of the December quarter
(based upon nearly completed returns 8or October, partial returns for
November and estimating the business for December) are about
$2,000,0;;0, and after apin'0[)riating for interest on bonded debt
$433,062 50, and for dividend of 5 per cent, on capital stock about
$746,822.02, there is a surplus of $16,148,043.89. The committee
according recommended the declaration of a dividend of f per cent.,
payable on 15th inst.
NEW COMPANIES, MORTGAGES AND CHARGES, &c.
NEW COMPANIES.
DISTRICT ELECTRIC CO. (LTD.) (101.C67.)-Reg. Jan, 11, capital
£5,000 in £1 .shares (2,000 6 pev cent preference), to take over the
business of electrical engineers carried on at Wolverhampton as the
District KIcctric Co. and to adopt an agreement with L. S. Aldridfe.
I'rivate coiniian.\. First directors, L. S. Aldridge and L. K. Mason
(both ])urinanentl, Reg. otlice, 39, Berry-street, Wolverhampton.
MANAOS TRAMWAYS & LIGHT CO. (LTD.) (101,081.)— Reg. Jan. 12
capital £300, OCO in XI ^hares, to adopt an agreement witii Antonio
de Lavandeyra and the Municipal & General Properties Synd. to
aer|uire tramways or railways powers, licences, &c., and to carry on
the business of manufacturers and repairers of and dealers in railway,
tramway, lighting, electric and other plant and apparatus, rollin'^
-stoek, vehicles, &c. First directors, W. C. Burton, G. M. Booth and
J. Mitchell.
ROWL,iND & HULTON (LTD.) (101,087.)- Reg. Jan. 12. capital £500,
in £1 slmrcs, to take over the bHsine.ss of an electrical and o-eneral
enginetr and contractor carried on by G. A. Wheeler as H. Rowland
%,°; l<"'j'-'5 payable in ordinary shares. First directors, G. A.
Wheeler E. A. Good, W. A. 11. Hulton and R. P. Halton (manan-ino-
director for one year). Reg. office, 28, Barbican, London, E.C. °
MORTGAGES AND CHARGES.
KINEriO-SWANTON CO. (LTD.) -A memorandum of .satisfaction in full
o, debenture dated Oct. 31, icc4, securing £1,W, has been tiled.
LEICESTERSHIRE & WARWICKSHIRE ELECTRIC POWER SYND (LTD )
Issue on Jan U of £150 debentures, part of series created July 6, 1907,
to secure £5,000, charged on the company's undertaking and i)roperty,
present and future, including uncalled capital. No trustees. Pre-
viously issued of same series, £550.
ROGER DAWSON (LTD )— Two mortgages and charges under Land
Transfer Acts, both dated Dec 24, 1908, to secure (n) £3,750 and
farther advances and {h) £2,800. Property charged in both cases.
Leasehold premi.scs No. 1, Berners-street, W., and sinking fund policy
for £10,000, payable June 18, 1948. Holders (a) O. Nettlefold, and
(/») J. Chessum '& Sons.
RECEIVERS' ACCOUNTS.
BIRMINGHAM ELECTRICAL CASE CO. (LTD.) — P. T, Thompson, re-
ceiver, has filed .recounts from June 18 to Dee. 18, 1903, showing
£67. 16s. 9d. paid on account to hrst debenture holders.
PH(ENIX ELECTRIC HEATING CO. (LTD.)— S. A. Sillem, receiver, has
filed accounts from June 16 to })ec. 31, 1908, showing receipts
£1,360. 9s. 3d. and expenditure £1,356. 3s. 8d. (no payment to deben-
ture holders during period) .
CITY NOTES.
MEMORANDA (.Tan. 21). — Bank rate 3 per cent, (since Jan. 14, 1909).
Price of silver, 23[;''d. per oz. Consols 83/r — 83f'g for money and 831 —
835 account. Consols Pay Day, Feb. 3 ; Stock and Shares Continua-
tion Days, Jan. 26 and Feb. 9 : Ticket Days, Jan. 27 and Feb. 10 ; Pay
Days. Jan. 28 and Feb. 11. Mining Shares Carry Over Days, Jan. 25
and Feb. 8.
Prices of Metals (London). — Copper, cash, 6O/5; three months,
61i. Lead, English, 13iJ ; foreign, cash, 13J — VSf'^ ; three months,
13g. Spelter, cash, 215— 21-i\ ; three months, 21-;!. Tin, English,
126-128: foreign, cash, 12b j, three months, lil7— 1285. /ro7i,
Cleveland, cash, 48/101 and three months, 49/7. Maijnet Steel (price
supplied by W. F. Dennis & Co.l, £55.
BANK FUR ELEKTRISCHE INDUSTRIE.— This Bank was formally
constituted at Cologne on 9th inst. The capital will be about
£1,250,000, the greater portion of which will be found by the Felten
& (iuilleaume Lahmeyer-Werke, A.G., and their friends. The Dresden
& Darmstadt Banks will be represented on the Cjuncil.
BRASILIANISOHE ELEKTRICITATS GE3ELLSCH,\Fr (OF BERLIN) —This
company controls the company which owns the telephone S3'stem of
Rio de Janeiro, and the report for 1907-8 states that there was a loss
of M.2,460, against a piolit of M. 1.566 in the preceding year.
BUENOS AYRES GRAND NATIONAL TRAMWAYS CO. I LTD.) -The
directors intend to pay an interim dividend of 2s. 6d. p3r share (less
tax) on the 5 per cent, cumulative preference shares.
CENTRAL LONDON RAILWAY CO.-The directors announce dividends
for the lialf-year ended Dec. 31 as follows : 3} per cent, per annum
on the undivided ordinary stock and 4 per cent, per annum for the
half-j-ear on the preferred ordinary stock and 2i per cent, per annum
for the year on the deferred ordinary stock, carrying £20,000 to reserve
and £40,253 forward.
DUNDEE, BROUGHT? FERRY & DISTRICT TRAMWAYS CO.— An interim
dividend at the rate of 6 percent, jjer annum is to be paid on the
preference shares.
EASTERN EXTENSION, AU STRALASIA & CHINA TELEGRAPH CO. (LTD.)
The interest on the 4 per cent, mortgage debenture stock for the
halt year ending 31st inst. will be paid by warrant on 1st prox., and
the register will be closed from 27th to 30th inst. inclusive.
METROPOLITAN RAILWAY CO.-The directors announce a dividend
at the rate of \ per cent, for tlie past half-year, the transfer of £17,000
to electrical renewals and depreciation, carrying forward £8,700. For
the corresponding period of 1907 the distribution was at the same rate
and £5,500 was carried forward.
MEXICO TRAMWAYS CO —The president announces that the negotia-
tions for a lease of the Mexican Light & Power Co. have been aban-
doned and the otfermade by his company to lease the undertaking has
been withdrawn. The directors announce a dividend at the rate of
6 per cent, for tlie (puu-ti.-r ended Dec. 31.
MONTREAL LIGHT, HEAT & POWER CO.— The directors havedeclared
a dividend of 1\ per cent, (at the rate of 6 per cent.) for the quarter
ending 31st inst.
REDUCTION OF CAPITAL.— A petition for confirmmg a resolution re-
ducing the capital of Cowans Limited from £30,000 to '£24,520 has been
jjresented to the High Court, and persons chiiming to have been creditors
on Dec. 21 last must send cliims by Feb. 2 to Mr. B. H. Richardson. 22,
Bri:j-:ite. BriL'li.nis,., ^'ul•k-.
STOCK EXCHANGE NOTICES.— The .St.xk Exchange committee have
granted (inotatiiins to a finih.r i«sni- nf £87. .WO 4,i per cent, debenture
stock of the Bourmm, ,11th ,i- /',.,,', /.7, ,•/■),,■,/,/ Siippfi, Co. (Ltd.). a further
issue of £47,974 sterling .''nil yr.n 4 \<rr , mt. d< benturo stock of the Oom-
m':rcial Gnhle Co., and a finlliii issue nl lO.UUU £.") cumulative preference
shares of the Rangoon Ehctric Tramiocfj cC- Sitppli/ Co. (Ltd.). The com-
mittee have been asked to appoint a special settling day in and grant a
quotation for £1,130.000 5 per cent. 50 yeai- £100 mortgage bonds of the
Rio de Janeiro Tramimy, Lir/hf d- Power Co. (Lid.), and to grant quota-
tions to 25,000 £5 fully-paid ordinary shares (in Leu of £125,000 6 par
cent, construction debenture stock now quoted) and 1,007 additional
£0 fully-paid ordinary shares of the Indian Electric Supply <t- Traction
Co. (Ltd.). and a further issue of £50,000 U per cent, debenture stock of
the Telephone Co. of Egypt (Ltd.)-
THE BLEOTBICIAN. JANUARY 22, Wl9
ELECTBIC TBAMVAT AND BAILWAY IBAFFIC
RECEIPTS.
Ino*
or Deo.
(a)
Aberdeen Uorporatloo
Alrdrle
Anglo -Argentine
Ayr Oorpuracion
Baker 8t.& Waterloo By....
BftTDdle;
Barrow
Bath Electric Tram^, Ltd...
Birkenhead Corpurition ...
BumluKUam UurpuratioD...
Birmuugtiam & Mid
BlaoKburn (-corporation
BlacKpooi and t'i«titwood ...
BoUuu uorpuraiioQ
Bombay
Boaruumoatb Uorporatlon..
Bradford Corporatiun
Brigncoo Oorporadon
BrlBsol XraniB (fc Oarriage...
Burnley Uorporation
Burton OorporatloQ
Bury Corporation
Calcutta Xramways Oo
Oamborne-Kudruth
Card itf Uorporation
Oavehill
Central London Railway ...
Charing U.,i:>ubtua >^ H'stead
Chatham & Dim. Lt.Rye....
City & aouth LuuduQ Kiy...
City o( liirmuigham
Colchester Corporation
Cork iilectric Trams Uo. ...
Croydon uorporation
DeToupori & Dial. Irams...
Dover 'jorporatlou
Dabiin (X Luuan Railway ...
Dublin United
Dudley -Eitourbridi^e
Dundee Corporation
East Uam uoancil
Bxeter Corporation
Gateshead & Diet. Trams...
Qiasgow < urpuradoQ
Gloesop Trams
aravesena riorthdeeC
Great N ortheru & City Rly..
Gt.iSorthern, Piccadilly, Ac
Greenock tSt Port Glasgow...
Hartlepool Tramways
Hastiiigs t!<lec. irams Co....
Hou^ Kung
lluddershtld Uorpn
Bull corporation
Dford District council
Ilkeston District Council ...
Ipswich Corporati^-
Isle of Thauet Uo
Jarrow -
Keighley Uorporation
Kidderminster x. Distriot...
Eilmarnuck Corporation ...
Lanarkshire Trams Uo. ...
Lancashire United
ngto
Leeds uorporation
Leicester Uorporation
Leith Uorporation
Lincoln Uorporation
Liverpool corporation
Liverpool Overhead Rly. ...
•London County Council ...
London United
Lowestoft
Maidstone Corporation
Uaocuester Corporation ...
Mersey iiailway
Merthyr
Metropolitan Diet. Railway
Metropolitan Klec. Tranta...
Midaietou
Nelson Corporation
Newc.i8tle-ou-Tyne Corp
•.Newport (Mon.)
Northampton Corporation .
Oldham, Ashton dc Hyde...
Oldham Uorporation
Perth iN.lijUorporation ...
PerthtW.A.) liiec. Trams...
Peterborough
Portsmouth Corporation ...
Potteries
Preston Curporatioo
Rotherham Oorporatloa ...
Rothesay ,
Salford Corporation
Bheeruess
Bheflleld Uorporation...
Singapore Trams
South Jletropoliian ...
South 8taifb
Southend Uorporation
Soutnport Tramways
Sta.yb dge,Hyde,&c..Jt.Bd.
BundjrUud corporation .
Sunderland District
Swansea Trams ,
Swindon Uorporation ....
Tauuton ,
Tynemouth and Diatriet .
Tyneside Trams Co
Wallasey DiMtriot Counoil
Walsall Corpn ,
W'arruigtuu i-orpn ,
West Ham Corpor:ition...,
Weston -Buper-Maro ,
Wolverhampton Co ,
Wolverhampton Corpn...
**Vorce8ter
Wrexham
Yorkshire W.R. Trams
Yorkshire Woollen District,
L6.415 I + 8,821
8,021
r39,01»
1,341
4,i06
R53..*i32 , -hB4,822
3,875 + 635
$7,873 , + $105
1 058
1.090
1,357
3l,2i8
5,-J39
$J,il)3 I - $172
1 ,2bl
2,0 H
2b7,yuu
11,8^8.072 j-hR30;,
11.318
48.i33
RlO;,O.Si
28J
00,651
€1
ll,3c4
7.755
1.631
6,805
2,510
277
S.S5
10,816
■i0.58d
37,10J
13,293
1,U6
369,216
"204
$:o,i*.'j
t.6,61y
I03,ti)7
4 00 5
.429.200
■f 1 ; .yU3
5,17J
U3,6:7
27,679
10,08 J
lOj.OiO
31,11'.'
4y,5-'8
4,96.t
ELECTRICAL COMPANIES' SHARE LIST
-17
1,964
H Last
tf pivi-
£ DEin>
10 1 6/0
10! 4/6
10 6/0
St., 4J%
it. HX
10 6'0
10, 6/0
6 6%
no *%
10(1 ..
1 3%
1.00 4i%
IC 6/0
1 0/6
1 0'8S
St.! 4J%
61 2/6
lu; 6/0
10, 6/0
NAMB.
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
Boumemonth & Poole Eiec. Sap. Ord..
Do. 41 per Tent. Cnm. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cam. Second Pref. .,
Do. 4j per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ..
Bromley (Kent) El. Lt. Jl Power Shares
Do. Do. 1st Deba,
Brompton ft Kensrogton Elec. Sup. Ord.
Do. VperOent. Pref.
Central Elec. Snp. Co.4 ' Gnar.Db.Stock
CharinB Cr093(W.End & City)El.Sup.Co
Uo. 4J per Cent. Ptef.
Do. 4 per Cent. Oeh Stock (red.l
tDo 4»perCei,t. '~eb. ft'iek(iecl)
Do, MtyCnderTakinK4i.iOm.Prel.
Chelsea Electric Supply Ord.
tDu. 44 percent. Deb. .Stock (red.) ..
City of London Electric Lighting Ord...
Do. 8 per Cent- Cam. Pref,
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Do. 4* per Cent, 2nd Deb. Stock (red.)
ConniySf Durham Elec. P.D. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, non Cam. Pref.
County of London Elec. Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cam. Prof.
Do. i\ Deb. istock (red.)
Do. Second Deb. Stock
Folkestone Electricity Supply Co. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
tDo. 4J l8t Deb. Stock (red)
Hove Electric Lighting Ord
Eeneineton& Knightabridge Ord
Do. 6 per Cent 1st Pref
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Kensingtn. ft Kngtbg. Co. & Netting Hili
Co. (.Joint Station) 4 z Deb. Stock (red.)
tEent Elec. Power Co
London Electric Supply Ord
Oo. 8 per ent. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist tf ort. Deb
Metropolitan Eiectric Sap. Ord.
Do. tj per oent. Cum. Pref.
Do, 44 per Cent. Deb. Stock Ist Mort.
Do. sl per Cent. Mrt. Deb. .Stock(red.)
MidlandElcc. Corp.for P.D.lstMort.Db.
Newcastle & Diat. Elec. Ltg. Ord
tDo. 4* per Cent. Deb
Newcastle Elec. Supply Ord
Do. 6 perl ent. non Cum. Pref.
')o. 4 per Cent. Morr. Deb. red lfl07.
Nor Ii Metri\E'co.PowerSup. 5 Moris
I Jo. 4» p-r Cent. Dab
Notling'Hill Electric Ord
Oxford Electric Ord
t JO. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
SI. James' & Pall Mall Elec. Ord.
Do. 7 per Cent. Pref,
Do. 3* per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
Smithfield Markets Electric Snp. Ord...
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. .Stock
South I ondon Electric Supply Ord
South Metrop'n Elec. Lt. ii Power Ord.
Do. 7 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4i Ist Db. Stk. Red
Urban Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4i per Cent. 1st Vlort. Deb
Westminster Elec. Snp. Ord
tDj. l4perCent Cum. Pref.
ILtfiTRIC RAILWAYS & TRAMWAYS,
+ Baker Bl. i ..„.._. 100 ii Perp. Db. St
Bath Klec. Irams Pref. Ord
Do. 5 per Cent. Cum Pref.
Do. 4) 1st Mort. Deb. Stock (red.) ....
B'han: & Midland Trams 41 Ist Db.Stk.
Bristol Tramw.-iys & Carriage Ord.
;Uo. Cum. Pref. (fully pai^
I Do. 4 per Cent, llebs
British Electric Traction Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 5 per Cent. Perpetual Dabs
Do. 4i per Cent. 2ml Deb. Stock
Central London Ordinary Stock |
Do. 4 per Cent. I'ref. Stock
Do. Deferred St.>ck
tDo. 4 per Cent. Debs
Charing X.EustonftHmpstd Per Db.Stk.
t ity of Birmingham Irams. 6«Cm.Pret.
Do. i per Cent. Isi Mort. Djbs
City ft South London Kly. Coo. Ord. ...
Do. 6 per Cent. Perp. Pref. (1891) ...
Do. (189t;)
Do. (190!)
Jo. (1903)
Do. 4 per Cent, Perpetual Debs.
Dublin United Irams. Ord ..
Do. 8 per Cent. Pref. .............;..
Qt. Nortliern S: City Pvly. Pref. Ord.(4^t
G. Korthern, Piccadilly ft Brompton Ord.
Do. < per Cant. Deli. Stock
Hastings i Uist. Elec. Trams. 6% Cm. PI
4il;b. St...
Price
Wed.
Jan. 20.
KATE?. nrvrnRNn BD8IN]
_„ DDK. .Ti>j. 0
High-Iiow
.•i
111
I{
4
v.
0
4
a
0
(!
3
1^
G
I 17
4 2
4 U
i(i-io6
9t 10
lOJ ig
lOl -UJ
•4 6
9i —93
8i 9
4i-a
J) 9S
97 —91
3i 4J 5 6
3i -Ii 5 5
102 105 4 7
lOJ lU .5 S
12 l'2j 4 U
121 -123 4 1
99 -102 4 S
21-St 4 0
3i-31 6 17
S3 9i 5 8
lOi-114 6 8
115 -U8 4 3
10) -108 i 7
85 —89 5 1 0
8J 93 4 6 0
IJ-5
93 -93
8i 9J
65 -7i
24 -ii
i-3
!%• -'•,'-
lUj-lUi
8-1
IS -2
so -83
Si H
;•! -95
9J— ID
'd) '...'.■.■..■.'.I >ii -83
S liJ
3 18
4 1"
4 IJ 0
4 12 6
93 —101 I 4 19 0
99 -101 3 19 0
11} -12) 5 4 0
13 -11 i 6 9
91 -93 4 6 0
5 11 0
6 19 0
6 13 0
5 It 0
ia) These comparisons are
II Plus 2 days, • P«
with the corresponding period last year.
rtlv eleotri<i.i t Minus 3 days ( Min
Compared with 16 days la^^t year.
$ Fltis 3 days
9 'i days
0/8
Hi
K
St.; Hi
31. 3i%
St.; 8i%
St.; SU
St. I Sj'/.
4|^ Do. 4ilib. St -', '■
9i timperial IramwaysOrd , =1 -f
it !;:Do. 6 per cent. Pref. | » -«
41 i'lDo. 4J per Cent. Dobs .•■....; "'-»'
Vi ' I.ofThanetB.r.ft Lt. 5porCeut. Pref. J-}8
4/^ I tDo. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock nl '"'ol
e/U Lanaritahiro Iraiuways •- .^,« ' 4
" I Lanes. Ltd. rram*6 Prior Lieu Do. St. 81 -»i
Liverpool Overhead Railway Ord 1 ij -It
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref : -° ll
Do. 4 percent. Deb „........'
London United lYams. 5 /, Cum. Pref. ..
•Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. U*b. btocS
Mersey Con. ord. Stock
Do. 8 per Cent. Perp. Pref.
Metropolitan Kleo. IramwaysOrd
Do. Deferred
Do. 6 per C^fut. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4) per Cent. Deb. Stock
Metropolilau Kailway Consolidated
Do. Surplus Lauds Stocks - — •-
Do. 84 per Cent. Preference 87 — 3»
Do. 3J per Cent. " A '■ Prel'er»uoo 76-79
Do, 8J pc- Cent. Convertible Pref. 74—77
! Oo. sj percent. Debenture St.^ck 92 — 9l
Mar, 6ept,
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
.\pril, Oct
May, Sot
March....
Slar, Sent |
June, Dec |
Feb, Aug I
Feb, Aag
Jan, Jtilv
Jan, July
March . .
Jane, Dec
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
June, Dec
Jan, July
April, Oct
April, Oct
Feb, Aug •
Mar, Sept .1'
Jan, July 10''
May, Nor
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Feb, .\ug
April, Oct
Feb, Aug
Jan, Jaly
April. Oct
Jan, Jaly
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
.'Vpril, Oct
Jan, Joly
June, Dec
3 m, July
June, Deo
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Mar, Aug
Jan, July
March ..
March ..
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, .\ug
Jan, July
Feb ....
Feb, Aag
April....
Fob, Ang I ;
AprU, Oct 'OS
April, Oat I •
April, Oct I ■
^pril, Oct
liar, Sspt
Jan, July
Ii
i-n i2i!
a : 8i
7oJ
e3j
5 1 0
1) u u
6 15 0
4 18 10
6 Ii
5 16
0
0
Jan, Joly
.4pra....
Jan, July
AprU, Oct
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
.lune. Deo
Feb. Aug
April, Oct
May, ^o»
Feb, Aag
Feb, Aug ~ ••
Feb .... _ ' ..
Jan, Jaly , ..
Jan, July 1 8$1 > S71
.<Vpril, Oct .. j »
April, Oct
Feb, Aug ! 29i 28|
Feb, Aug I .. ..
Feb, Aug - ••
Feb, Aug 105{ i _
Feb, Aug ..I ..
May, .Not ', .. [ ..
Kcb, Aug .. ..
Feb, Aog . . I ..
Feb, Aug .. I ..
Feb, Aug . ..
Jan, July I »n , »-'4
Mar, Sept , .. ' ..
April, Oct .. , ..
.Mar, Sept
Mar, Sjpt
Jan, July
Mar. .S-.pl
Jan. July
P'eb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Au^
Feb, Aui
Jan, July
•».'
ii; 10 0 j Jan, Jaly »;.',
i-i
OJ -93
3il -37
April.. .
Feb, Aaj
Jan.J.Uy
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb. Au-
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
uc not
;\^t°^r.**'TTt'i:;rorsrck^r.cragr6oSt.rra;;"dec^^^^
THE EI.ECTRTCIA N, JANUARY 22, 19
ELECTPtlCAL COMFATVIES- SHARE TuT^T. -Continued.
Bt.
ED. I "'"• I Jan. 20
IeiECTRIC railways a TBAMWAYS-jConWwcd.
Met. i;lv. Sj l;er Cent. " A " Dfb. Stock 89 —91
M^TornlilKn District Pailwav Ord ISJ— II
Oo, ExfenaumPref. (SperCent.) i6 — 28
Do Aswnf f.1 Est. Pref. (Int. Guar, bv
Und. Elpc. Blya. Co. nf London, Ltd:) 69-61
no. 8 IiiT Cpnt." Conpoltd. Bent-charge 76 —77
Do. 4 per Cert. Midland Rent-charge fd —102
Do. finar. Stocks percent 63—66
Do. 6 per Cent. Prrp. Deb. Stock 126 —129
Do. 4 per Cent. Ditto 60-83
New Gen. Tract. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. i— J
Potteries Electric Traction Ord J— J
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. J- J
tiX Do 4il per Cent. Deb. Stock 90 -»J
0/7S S. Met. Elec. Trams. & Ltg. 6% Cm. Pref. J— 1
4% Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock 74 —7£
6% Sunderland Dist.Eleo.Tmn.s'/l.tMt.Db 6U -84
nnderedE.Rv«.Lon.i;^In.b.l)i.wit,hcoiip.2 24 -26
21/11 Do, 5V Prior Ijien Boiids 98—99
44X Do. 4*1- Bonds 80-8
Yorkshire (W.B.) Elec. Trams. Ord i -IJ
Do. 6 per Cent. Cnm. Pref. 2i-
41 Do 4j per Cent. iBtDehs . 62 —f 5
ELECTRIC MANUFACTURINC, &c
100
100
4J5i
6/0
*iX
Electricity Meter Ord,
Do. e^Cum.Pf.
Babcock & Wilcoi Ord
Do. Pref.
British Insulated & Helab; Cables Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4* per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.)
Briti Bh Thoms'n-Houst'n ii% 1st Mt.Db.
British WcBlinghouse6perCent. Pref...
Do. 6 per Cent. Prior Tie l Dbs (rd.)
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort, Deb. Stock)
Biu* E.Kng.Co.4i",; Perp. 1st Deb.Stook
Do. Perpetual 2nd Deb. Stock
Callender's Cable Con. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 j per Cent. 1st Mort Deba. (red.)
Castner-Kellner Alkali Oo
Do. 4i per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.).
Chadburn's (Ship) Telegraph Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Consolidated Electrical Co
Consolidated Signal Co
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
♦Crompton & Co.(Nos. 1 to «6,000)
Do. 6 per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs. (red.).
D»™&Timmins
Dick, Kerr cSj Co. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cnm. Pref.
Do. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock
Edison & Swan United ("A"Sh.)(£3pd.)
Do. (f6paid)
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock (rd. )
Do. 6 per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock
Edmnndson's Elec. Corp. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
t Do. 4J per cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.)
tlectric Conslmction Co
tP-. 7 per Cent. Cum. Pref
t Ho. 4 per Cent. Perp. 1st Mort. Uebs.
General Electric (1900) 6% Cum. Pref...
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Deba
Denley's Telegraph Works Ord
Do 4J per Cent. Pref.
I o. ii per Cent, lat Mort. Deb. Stock
India Kubber, Gut. Per. , Ac.Wrks
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs, (red.)
National Elec. Construction Co
Ricbardsons, Westgarth & Co., Ltd. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
To. 4 J percent. Perp. Deb. Stock ...
Simplex Conduits Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Uelegraph Construction & Maintenance
I ; . 4 per Cent Deh. Bonds (1909) ...
Vi,.Ker8, Sons & Maxim. Ltd., Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Preference
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Preferred | 10!)"- lud
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Db.Sk.(red)i 102 —11.4
Do. 4} per Cent. 2nd Mort. Deb. (red.)
Do. 6 percent. 3rd Mort. Debs Bcrip.
J. G.White & Co. 6 {Cm. Pref.
Willans & Robinson Or^
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref
Do 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs
TELEGRAPHS.
Amazon Telegraph
Do. 5 per Cent. Debs, (red,;
Allglo-Americau
Do. Preferred
Do. Deferred
Commercial Cable 4 per Cent. Deb. Stk.
Cuba Submarine Ord
Do. Preference 10 per Cent
Direct Spanish Ord
Do. 10 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
. Do. 4J per Cent. Deb
60 4/0 t Direct Unite i States Cable
20| HX Direct V\estlndiaCable4J%Rg.Db.(rd.)
ij ^y-
100| 6%
100 f/0
1/0
3/0
lOOl 16/0
St. 30/0
St.! IX
Et.l 4%
Bt.i 6,0
101 10/0
10 ! 2/0
6 1 6/0
ax
s!-st
34-4
CJ-6J
103 —106
91 -96
3-«
961-974
JS -48
69 -64
6i-6f
lOB —108
H-H
103 -107
il-lA
86 -9S
i-H
1t^-1ts
99 —102
U-2i
76 • 78
86 -89
H-14
61 —65
7-7i
65 -89
11}-122
5 -6i
105J-1O7J
15J-16J
68 —100
i-4
lill
t3 -86
U
H
31J-38i
89 —.Oi
Us -2
2I-2J
92 —a
£5 —68
9ei— 9ei
14i-15|
85 .—87 ,
7i-S4
16§-li4
3 — 3J
8 -9
B9%— 10S%i
12J-12J 1
6 8 6
3 18 0
3 18 0
Jan, Jaly
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug I -•
Feb, Aug I ..
Jan, July
Jan, July | . .
Mar, Sept '*
Jan, July ,126^
Jan, July |
May .... I ••
April, Oct I -
Feb, Aug
May, Noy
Fob, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
.Tone, Deo
I«i
7 II
6 13
7 10
6 13 0
4 10 0
6 17 6
6 l9 6
3 18 0
7 10 u
6 17
6 16
6 11
100126/0 lEsBternUrdu
St. 17/6
St.: 4%
Bt.l 2/6
10| iZ
St.: iX
100 4%
26 1 6/0
lO; 4J%
100, 12/6
251 «l
100| $1
J03i ..
i| iX
100 1 1/3
2J 4%
100
t. Pref Stock
. Mort. Deb. Btk. (red.)
tpo. 3Jp
Do. 4 per
EasicniExt.
Do. 4 per Ceut. Deb. Stock
Eastern & S. African I '< Mort. Deb. 1909
Do. iX Mauritius Sub. Debs, (red.)
G.^. {ol Copenhagen), with Coupon 75 "
llalilui & bermuda4.j I lat Mt. Db.( red.)
Inau-Luropean
MackaT Compuuies Common .
Do. i'reterence
Marconi s Wireless Teleg. Co
Pacific & Europe'n Tel.4;iOaarJ)bs.(red.)
Coast ol A
Do. 4 perlent. Oebs
West India «: Panama
Do. 6 per Cent. Ist Prot '.'Z
Do. 6% 2nd Pref
Do. 6 per Cent. Debs ".....'.
Western lelegraph
v?°. *!,*''-'""■ Ueb- Stock '(^)'
• /. We.ternlnionlelegh.MOOOl^Bonds
• lu ealculKUug ite yleWa ullov.n.;. ha, bi
101 t/O
10 12/0
lol 6%
100 I s/0
10 4%
125 —129
5 9
0
84 — b7
4 0
6
1034-1054
3 16
6
lli-12i
6 14
0
101 — 1U3
3 IH
(»
101-103
S 17
6
100-102
3 18
II
30 —32
6 5
0
100 —102
4 8
0
62 —65
.5 18
(1
74 -78
f> 2
0
71 —74
ft 8
(1
4-S
100 -102
3 18
0
li-lj
4 3
0
99 — lUl
a 19
CI
i-i
li-H
7 7
6
7i-H
100 —102
4 IK
0
123-13i
" '
6
April, Oct
April, Oct
Julyl Feb
Jan, Joly
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
Noy, May
May, JJov
Feb. Aug
March . .
April, Oct
August ...
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Sept
Sept
Jan, Jnly
Feb, Ang
Feb, Aog
June, Deo
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
May, Hov
Jan, July
Jan, Jtily
July ....
Jan, July
June, Deo
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
April
Noy ....
May, No?
Jan, JdI;
Map, July
Jan, Jnly
June, Dec
June, Dec
Apr, Oct
Apr, Got
May, Noy
J one, Dec
June, Dec
F,My,Ag,M
F,My,Ag,N
F,My,Ag,N
Jn,Ap,Jy,0
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, Jnly
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
June, Dec
Ja,.My,JyO
Ja,My,JjO
May, iNoy
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
May, Noy
Jan, July
June, Dec
May, Noy
Ja,Ay,Jy,o
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
April ....
June, Deo
May
Jan, July
May, Not
May, Noy
May, Noy
Jan, July
Mr,Jn,0,D
June, Dec
lOOi
r^i ■ 126
_. Amer. Telephn. & Telegh, Cap. St
.. i 4% ' Do. Coll. Trust $1,0004 percent. Bds
St. b% AngloPortng'seTeL6% latMt.Db. Stk.
5 3'0 tChili Telephone
i: 0/7i Monte Video Telephone Ord
li 0/6 Do. 6 per Cent. Pref
St.: ej; ^ational Co. Pref Stock
St. n Do. Def Stock
10| 6/0 Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. iBt Pref
lOl 6/0 I Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. 2nd Pref
6 2/6 Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. 3rd Pref ...
St. 3iX Do. Deb. Stock 34 per Cent, (red.)
St. 4'/ Do 4 per Celt. Deb-. Stock (red.) .
1^ 0/7J Oriental -
1 0/7J Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
St 47 Do. 4 per Cent. Red. Deb. Stock .
St.i 44%. Telephone Co. of Egypt 44XI>''-Stk.(r6d.)
6' 3/0 i United Riyer Plate
2/6 I Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
4J% ! Do. 4J Deb. .St. Red
FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, JLc.
Elec. & Gen. Investment 6% Com, Pref.
Globe Telegraph & Trust
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Submarine Cables Trust (Cert.)
6
B/0
St.
67,
Kt,
6Z
6
2/«
B
2/6
8t.
i>l%
St.
8%
Kt
311 II
St,
n
40
HX
im 64%
100 6%
St. 6%
6%
11 0/7 J
St. b%
600| bX
St. I $14
600 6%
lOol $li
1; 1/2;
li 1;2S
St. bX
6 1 3/0
looi -■
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRIC
RAILWAYS, TRAMWAYS. Ac.
Anglo-Argentine 6% Cum. Ist Pref.
Do. lOX Nou-cum. 2nd Pref.
Do. Permanent 6% Deb. Stock
Auckland Elec. Trams. 6% Deb. (red.)...
Brisbane Electric Trams. luveat. Ord....
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 44 per Cent. Db. Prov. Certs
British Columbia El.By.Df. Ord
Do. Pref. Ord. Stock
tDo. 6% Cum. Perp. Pref Stock
Do. 44 per Cent. 1st Mort, Deba
tDo. Vancouver Power Deba
Co. 4J% Perp Con. Deb. St
Buenos Ayrea (irand National Ord.
Do. 5 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 64 per Cent. Pref Debs
yic. 6 per Cent. 1st Deb. Bonds
Buenos Ayres Lacroze Traiiialst Mt. Db.
Buenos Ayres Port & City Tram, lat Mt.
Deb. Stock
Calcutta Tramways (1 to 137,010)
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref
Do. 4 j% 1st Deb. Stock (red.)
Cape Electric Tram Shares
City ol Buenos Ayres Trams Co. ( 1904)Sh,
tDo 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Colombo I'r. H. Ltg. 5% 1st Mt. Db
Electiic Traction Co. of Hong Kong 5
per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
■flayana Elec. Ry. Con. Mt. 6% 81,000 60
year Coup. Bds
Kalgoorlie Elec. Irama Sh
Do. 6 per Cent. "A " Deb. Stock
Do. 6 perCent."B" Ditto
Lisbon Elec. Trams. Ord
.Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. E per Cent. Reg. Mort. Debs
Madras Elec. Trams. 5% Deb. Stk.
Manila Elec. Ry. 41,000 Gold Bonds
MexicoTralus t;o. Com- St
Do. Gen. Con. Ist Mort. 5% Gold Bda....
Montreal 6t. Ry. Sterling 44 per Cent.
Debs. (1922) (IS03. 601 to 2,000) ...
Perth Klec. Trams Ord
Do. Ist Mt. Db. Stock
,l.angouu Elec. Irama &. Supply Co, 6X
Cum. PI. ..°
,Do, 44% 1st Mori. Lieb. Sl'k
bao Paulo Tramway, Light & Power Co
$100 Stock
Do. 5 per Cent. 1st Mt. $600 Db
Toronto Ry Co. Ist Mt. 444 Ster. Bonda
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRICITY
SUPPLY &c.
Adelaide Elec. S'ply Co. 6% On. Pp.
BombayE.S.4T.6%Cm. Pf.
Do. 44per Cent. Ueb. Stk. (red.)
Calcutta Elec. Supply Ord.
Canadian Gen. Elec. Oo. Com. St
Castner Electrolytic Alkali Co. (of U.S.A.)
1st Mort. StL Debs
Elect. Development Co of Ontario
Elec. Ltg. & Irac. Co. of Aust. 6 per
Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 5 per Cent. Deb Stock
Elec. Supply Co. of Victoria 6 per Oonti
1st Mort. Deb. bt
Indian Elec. Sup. & Trac. Co. Coastn.
Deb. St. Rd
Kalgoorhe Elec. Power H, Ltg. Ord. ...
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. ".'.
Madras E. S. Corp. 6 per Cent. Constn.
Deb. St
Mexican Elec. Light Co. 5% lat Mort
Uold Bonds
IMeiican.Lt. & Power Co. Com. St. ...'"
Do. 6^ lit Mort. Gold Bnds .'!.
Montreal Lt. Ht. A: Power Co. Cap. St....
River Plate ElectrioiLy Co. Ord ].
Do. 6 per Cent. uou-Cum. Pref'!!! '.
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Rosario Elec. Co. 6% Prel^ (l-io.oOli)...!.!
81 rabawilogan Water 6t Power Co. Cap. St,
bX ! Do. hperCent.Bds ,
t Victoria Falls Power Co. Pref,
94 —96 , i 3
100 —102 I 4 18
7J-8J 4 16
Si— 3! ! 6 4
Sl- S! f 6 8
ltiJ4-Ul4 6 7
12lS-12a 4 17
10j-li4"; 5 4
104-114 I 6 4
515—6!^ I 4 8
97 -9J
100 —102
-li'e
64-7
4-62
6i-ei
■A-H
137 —142
lol —103
ll.'-6lS
Jl-6
9a —103
IdS — 13B
117 —la
102 —105
974-994
81 —83
44—6
<8-5i
100 —103
J -I
6^-015
99 — 1U2
88 —91
103 —106
i-i
99 -102
1574 -159J
9|-10|
92 —94
6}-ei
10«1— loeJ
9J —103
Hi - 87/.
87 —88%
88 —JO
03 -91
1
-li
\
-ll-.
Uj
6S-Sa
hV.
—91
101
-lUbX
i-i
3 11 0
3 18 0
5 12 U
4 16 0
4 9 0
4 9 0
6 14 0
4 It 0
16 6
S 16
4 I'l
4 13
6 19 6
4 lU 0
4 17 6
5 11 0
9 10 0
4 17 0
4 16 0
4 6 0
t) 13 6
4 18 0
4 16 0
a 13 U
4 18 0
5 13 0
eat. I eat.
129
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
AugQBt . .
Nov ....
May, Nov
Feb, Aug 1110} 'imj
Feb, Aug ,1231 121 J
Feb, Aug Hi I ..
Feb, Aug .. .,.
Feb, Aug bjil 5fi
June, Dec 97* j 971
Jan, July lOl
April, Oct I 1ft ..
April, Oct . , ..
Jan, July °"'
Jan, July
July ....
June, Dec
Jan, July
Jan, July
SpDcMrJu
SpDcMrJu
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
June, Deo
Jan, July
May .... •:
May, Nov , '»
Jan, July ,'0^,
Mar, Sept '•''4
May, Nov '-"4
Jan, July |lo'i
April, Oct
Jan, July •*
Feb, Aug
Jan, July ' ■
April, Oct 1"*
Mar, Sept '
n:
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, Jtily
F,My,A,N
June, Deo
May, Noy
Feb, Aug
JanVjuly
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July
Jan, Jaly
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
May ....
Jan, July
June, Deo
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
April, Uct
Feb, Aog
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, Jnly
April, Oet
April, Oct
F,My,A,N
April ....
May
Jau, July
April, Oct
LI84
KlJ
994
814
made tor accruad Inlereat but not for redemption t Ei dividend. J Tli« Loodoa Btook Exotaaoge Oommitt«e;iiave decliued to 'luole these.
THE ELECTRICIAN:
THE^OIDEST WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF
KLECTRICAL ENGINEERING, INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND FINANCE
ESTABLISHED, First Series (Weekly), 1861; Second Series (Weekly), 1878.
No. 1,602. [v"„'f:Jx«.i.]
FRIDAY, JANUARY 39, 1909.
Price Sixpence %^^f'
Abroadid., or 18 cents, or 90o., or SW.
CONTENTS OF THE CURRENT NUMBER.
Notes 599
Arrangements for the Week 601
Connections to Electricitv
Supply Works. Illustrated 602
iierman Central Stations.... 604
Tlie Improvement of Power
factor in Alternating Cur-
rent Systems. — Discussion 605
Electric Traction on Railways.
XII.— Rolling Stock. By
Philip Dawson. Illustrated.
Continued 606
A New System of Wireles.s
Telephony. B y A . Carletti .
Illustrated 6C9
Practical Consideration in the
Selection of Turboallerna-
tors. — Discussion 611
Electric Power Supply. By
G. L. Addenbrooke 612
Conduit Wiring. By L. M.
Waterhouse 613
The Claims ok Science on
THE Nation 614
Reviews 616
High Speed Dynamo Elec-
tric Machinery [Hobart
and Ellis]. Reviewed by
A.W. Maudling. Labora-
tory and Factory Tests
UeVIUWS — CO/l/z/tH/'i.
in Electrical Engineering
[Sever and Townsend].
Long-distance Land Tele-
graphy ■ 617
The Wiring of Buildings.
By D. S. Munro 617
Parallel Operation of Alter-
nators. By Dr. E. Rosen-
lierg. Illustrated 618
Correspondence 620
The (>ardiner System of
Cab Signalling (.\. Car-
diner, Capt. R.E.)
The Institution and other
Societies 621
Some Specialitie.sof the West-
minster Engineering Co.
Illustrated 622
Electrical Engineering iji
1908 623
LE(iAL Intellioence 624
Municipal, Foreign & General
Notes 624
Trade Notes and Notices 628
Companies' Meetings and
Reports 630
New Companies, &c 652
City Notes 632
Companies' Share List 653
NOTES.
The Wonders of the Telegraph.
In ail ordinary everyday, matter-(if-f;ict way, as though
Tiothiny at all particular was liappeiiing, officials of the
Indo-P^uropean Telegraph Co. on Saturday performed before
a group of journalists a piece of telegraphic work which
takes rank amongst the wonders of our times. Here in a
room in the heart of the City of London, etjuipped with simple
apparatus, the traffic of the City passing within a few feet,
direct communication was carried on without breaking
contact with the Far East as far as Karachi, Calcutta and
Rangoon, well on to 8,000 miles distant from London. Not
a hitch occurred, and those pressmen who were unfamiliar
with the accomjilishments of pre.sent-day telegraphy were
struck with astonishment. A few of the more impression-
able ventured to ask whether such record-breaking, epoch-
making developments would continue if a "penny-a-word"
tariff were established. Silence was a sufficient answer to
this query. To Mr. T. W. Stratfokd-Andrkws, the
managing director, and the responsible officials of the
Indo-European Company is due more tluurtlie praise wliich
lias been universally bestowed upon them.and England has
good cause to be proud of their handiwork in proving that
she i.s still easily first in the enterprise of telegraphy. The
apparatus with which the record was achieved has been
illustrat(-'d and descrif)ed in The Electriciax.
Power Supply.
Tables I a. and II. of our Annual Electric Supply and
Traction Supplements, which are presented with the cur-
rent issue, and contain particulars of undertakings pur-
chasing as iipply of electricity "in l)ulk " and of those
possessing combined lighting and traction power stations,
complete the tables relating to the United Kingdom. .An
inspection of Table Ia. and the one issued last week will
sliow that there is a growing tendency for a '■ bulk " supply
to be obtained from a power company, such " bulk " supply,
sometimes supplemontiug existing generating plant; or tlu!
latter is in many cases shut down and merely used as a
" stand-by." This is particularly the ease in the districts
covered by the large power undertakings in the Newcastle-
on-Tyne district; even the Corporations of ^Middlesbrough
and Tynemouth, which possess extensive electricity under-
takings, being unable to disregard the offers of supply from
these companies. The economy resulting from the shutting
down of small generating stations must be considerable,
and as the power companies are likely to reduce still
further their works costs by the latest development — viz.,
the utilisation of "waste heat" — it will not be surprising
if other large undertakings e\ entually accept a bulk supply
in preference to incurring additional capital outlay on
Iroilcrs and buildings.
Although Table 1 f. lontains more entries than was the
case a year ago, this is not due to new undertakings, but to
the transfer of several from Table I. on account of a supply
being now given for electric traction purposes. At one
time central station engineers regarded the tramway load
as an important addition to the existing lighting and power
load, but a careful examination of Tables II. and IV. will
show that in some cases this position has become rather
reversed. Thus, at Cardiff the tramway department
supply current from their power station at O'.Sd. per unit
to the electric lighting department, and similar arrange-
ments exist elsewhere ; whilst in some instances the tram-
way load has become the predominating feature, probably
much to the advantage of the lighting and power con-
sumers. In this connection attention may be drawn to the
arrangement at Leicester, which, it will be remembered, is
one of the few towns in this country where an independent
GOO
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUAEY 29, 1909.
municipal generating station has been erected for supply-
inj,' current to tramways. We understand that pow^r
consumers are there being supplied from the trolley wires.
A similar arrangement was, we believe, in vogue some
years ago in the case of a well-known undertaking in
Lancashire, but the sl-ringent Board of Trade regulations in
those days deterred many from experimenting in that direc-
tion. It offers, of course, one method of surmounting the diffi-
culty of lengthy extensions of mains ; and assuming that
the consumers supplied in this way do not object to small
fluctuations in the speed of their motors, and that the
current is supplied thiough watt-hour meters, it should be
possible to develop a motor load in outlying districts before
the capital outlay of a mains extension is justified. On
the other hand, there are, doubtless, many cases in manu-
facturing districts where the tramway standards could be
utilised for carrying overhead mains, provided the neces-
sary permission were obtained, particularly where an exist-
ing tramway or light railway company is commencing to
supply current for lighting or power purposes.
Wireless Telegraphy on Board Ship.
( )XF, of the most important uses of wireless telegraphy
has been exemplified very forcibly during the past few
days by the unfortunate collision between the steamshijis
"Eepublic" and "Florida" off the American coast. Both
ships were equipped with apparatus for wireless telegraphy,
and immediately after the collision the operators on both
ships proceeded to appeal urgently for help by sending
nu^ssages in the hope that they would be received by those
able to give assistance. As a result of this action, assist-
ance was forthcoming very promptly, without which the
lo.ss of life would probably have been most serious. Great
credit is due to Mr. Binns, the wireless telegraph operator
on the " Eepublic," for the way in which he stuck to his
post under exceptional difficulties, and to Mr. Tattei;8.\ll
of the " Baltic " for his magnificent endurance. Two
points are brought out prominently by this incident.
I'.y the International liadio-Telegraphic Convention any
" station " is bound to accept messages from any other, irre-
spective of the system employed, whereas if the old order of
things had been allowed to remain it is c^uite possible that
those aj)peals for help, which were sent out by means of
Marconi apparatus in both cases, would have been disregarded
except in certain quarters. Fortunately this contingency is
no longer possible. The other point is that one" of the
weaknesses of wireless telegraphy is sometimes its strong
poini. It is often a cause for complaint that wireless mes-
•sages cannot be restricted beyond a limited extent in the
direction tiiey take, and that any wireless apparatus within
range may be affected by the message. These defects,
however, are precisely what are desirable in such cases of
emergency.
Cable Interruptions, n^t^ „f interruption.
?o..tianak -Saigon g j^ iggg
Malta-Zante D^^ gg, 1908
lortdc irance-Paramaribo J^n. la, 1909
balmouth- Bilbao J^n. ^g jggg
Tourane-Amoy j^„ ^g jggg
Zan7.,bar-Mombasa j^„ 27, 1909
Corps of the Electrical Engineers. — Hon. Commandant
Edwd. D. Malcolm, C.B. (retired pay), has resigned his appoint-
ment as hon. commandant of the Clyde Division (E.E.).
Electric Traction in Japan. — According to the " Electrical
Review and Western Electrician," a line is to be constructed
from Osaka to Takaradzuka, a distance of 16^ miles, with a
branch from Minonio to Armia, a distance of 2^ miles. This
line will be worked electrically and will cost £287,500. It is
understood that the necessary capital is being raised in this
country.
Royal British Radium Institute. — It is announced that
H.M. the King will shortl}' grant a Royal Charter establishing
an institute, whose ol)jects will be both the carrying out of re-
search work on and the treatment of such cases as show a possi-
bility of cure by the use of radium. The council will include
Sir F. Treves, Sir Wm. Ramsay, Sir J. J. Thomson, Hon.
K. .T. Strutt and Mr. H. Morris. The foundation of this in-
stitute has been made possible b}- tlie munificence of Sir Ernest
Cassel.
Electrolytic Steel. — According to the " Manchester Guar-
dian " a new plant for the electrical manufacture of steel has
been set to work at Flekkefjord in Norway. The method
employed is that patented by Hjorth. At first the output
will consist chiefly of high-grade tool steel, though it is the
intention in future to manufacture plates also. The iron is being
imported from Sweden, and converted into steel in the elec-
tric furnace, the energy being derived from water power in
the neighbourhood. Tne enterprise is bjing financed chiefly
b}' Dutch capital. No particulars are given as to the output.
Report to the Board of Trade on the Accident on the Liver-
pool Overhead Railway. — The Board of Trade report on<
this accident, which occurreil at Seafurth Sands station on
December 19th last, has been recently is-ued. It will be
remembered that a passenger train collided with a hydraidic
buffer stop at the end of the station, 22 passengers being
injured. The driver employed was not the regidar man,
and he entered the station at too high a speed considering
the state of the rails. The accident, according to the in-
spector (Lieut.-Col. E. Druitt, R. E ), seemed to be due to over-
confideuce rather than want of knowledge. As the motor
coaches are not fitted with sanding arran^^ements, it i< recom-
mended that the rads at the terminal stations should, when
necessary, be sanded by hand.
Obituary. — One by one the veterans are leaving us, and it
is with sincere regret we have to record the death of Mr.
Frederick von der Pfordten, which occurred at Malta on the
24th inst.
Mr. Pfordten commenced Iiis career .ts a telegraphist in the Fal-
mouth, Gibraltar & Malta Telegraph Co. at Malta, to which station he
was attached in 1864. In 18?6the British Australian Telegraph Co.
was formed, and Jlr. Pfordten was then appointed clerk-in-c'iarge.
under Mr. Pell, at Batavia ; a little later he was transferred to Ban joe-
wangle as superintendent. In 1873 he succeeded Mr. Pell at
Batavia as superintendent— which position he retained till 1897, when
he was appointed to Hong Kong as manager in China for the Eastern
E.xtension Company, in which capacity he continued to act until his
retirement from the service in Septeiiiber, 1905. On his retirement
Mr. Pfordten, with his family, went to Malta, wliere he had many
friends and where he soon became a prominent and esteemed figure
in the island society. He was only 62 years of age at the time of his
death. Deep ,<ynii);ithy will be felt for'his widow and family.
66,000 Volt Power Transmission Scheme in Spain. — Ac-
cording to the "Elektiotechnsche Zeitschiift," the Sociedad
Hidroelectrica Espafiola are erecting a hydro-electric station
on the river Jucar at Moliuar in Spain. The capacity of this
station will be 30,000 ii.r., and it will supply Madrid, Valencia,
Cartagena and Aleoy, the length of these transmission lines
being 150, 50, 100 and 50 miles respectively. The trans-
mission voltage will 1>3 C6,0ii0 and the current will be supplied
through six wires, each 0-08 sq, in. in section, the total weight
of copper iised being (310 tons. Besides the high transmission
voltage, this undertaking is also noteworthy for the size of the
machines and transformers employed. Five generators, each
having an output of 5,625 k.v.a. at 6,600 Tolts and 428 revs,
per min., are included in the scheme, three of which are now
THE ELECTRICIAN. JANUARY 29. 190'J.
601
being erected. For stepping up the voltage five three phase
6,7')0 k.v.a. transformers will be employed. The transformers
are oil-cooled, the oil being kept in motion by a pump, which
drives it through a cooling plant. The whole of the work i.s
being carried out by the Siemens Schuckert Werke.
American Central Station Statistics. The Bureau of the
Census has just issued a |)relimiiiary report on the central
station industry of the United States. This report does not,
however, include the large amount of lighting and power work
done by the electric railway systems. The figures given below
are exclusive of Alaska, Porto Rico, Hawaii and the Philippine
Islands. The statistics relate to the years ended December
31, 1907, and June 30, 1902. The totals include central
stations only. They do not include isolated plants or plants
that were idle or in course of construction. We give below
the data relating to the year ended December HI, 1907 : —
Number of establishments 4,714
Commercial 3,462
Municipal 1,252
Total cost of plants £199,322,722
Total income 35,128.467
Lighting service 25,151,020
All other electrical service 8.771,915
All other sources 1,205,529
Total expenses 26,839,382
Steam and gas engines (including turbines) : —
Number 7,674
Capacity H.r. 2,684,228
Water wheels : —
Number 2,474
Capacity ii.i-. 1,347,487
Total capacity of dynamos kw. 2,642,403
Output of stations, total kilowatt-hours 5,858,121,860
Estimated number of lamps wired for service : —
Arc lamps 556.921
Incandescent lamps 41,807,544
Stationary motors served : —
Total horse-power capacity 1,649,026
The amount given for income is exclusive of that supplied by
railway companies for light and power and the number of
lamps given does not include those supplied for private plants.
The Electrical Equipment of a Hospital. — The laying of
the foundation stone of the new hospital for invalid jientle-
women, in Lisson-grove, London, N.W., by H.Ii.H. the
Duchess of Albany on the 18th iust., was the occasion of a
somewhat novel departure in such ceremonies. By arrange-
ment with the electricity department of the St. Marylebone
Borougli Council, the marquee erected to accommodate the
audience, besides being lighted, was heated elect lically
throughout by means of radiators and convectors. Electricity
is, in fact, to play an important part in the hospital when com-
pleted, and the designs of the architect, Mr. C. W. Ferrier,
include a comprehensive svstem of lighting, lifts, heating,
surgical appliances, telephones and electric clocks. All lights
near the patients" beds are to be controlled by switches fitted
with cords so as to avoid an}' risk fiom live flexible wires. An
electric passenger lift will be installed of sufficient size to
carry the patient.^ on their beds from the ambulance entrance,
level with the street, direct to every Hoorof the building, and
in the anaisthetising room of the operation department. The
con rol will be by push buttons, with automatic locking to all
the^doors, and both shaft and doors will be tiieproof. The
operating theatre is of particular interest, as it will be venti-
lated and heated by means of electric inlet and outlet fans.
The air from the former will be warmed electrically, so that an
equable temperature — a very essential point — is obtained.
Without a heated inlet the temperature of the room would
be liable to a very quick fall, owing to the rapid change
of air. This special arrangement is also necessitated by
the fact that the theatre will probably require heating when
it is not necessary to run the general heating system of the
building. The speed of the fans and the regulation of the
heater> will be controlled by resistances fitted at the back of a
marble, panel and so placed that while being accessible
from the outside of the theatre only the regulating handles
will be on the inside. This is done with a view to
minimising surfaces difficult to sterilise. Behind the .above-
UK'ntioned panel will be a small motor generator, connections
from which will be brought through ihe panel so that examina-
tion lamps and other surgical appliances requiring a low pres-
sure will be immeiliately available. This motor-generatoi
will be mounted upon a small truck .so that if necessary it may
be taken to the wards and used in connection with wall plugs
provided for the purpose. Intercommunicating telephones
will be installed between the variou,s departments. Electric
clocks will be installed throughout the liuilding, the motive
power foi- which, including that for the master pendulum, will
be obtained from the supply mains through suitali'e resis-
tances. Owing to the fact that a good manj' of the patients
will be in single-bedded wards, communication with the nurses
will be required from every bed, and in order to minimise the
staff required at night the calls of each of the two ward floors
can be switched on to ring upon the other, so that wherever
the night nurse maybe she is within call of every patient. In
order to avoid difficulty with the variation in resistance caused
by switching in additional calls, the circuits will be fitted witk
special multiple contact relays enclosed with the bells and
their indicators in dust-proof cases, the fronts of which are so
constructed that the calls will be audible outside them.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE WEEK.
FRIDAY. January 29th (to-day).
NoKTll.\!\IFTON' InsTITI'TB EXiil.N'KKKIXC SoclKTV.
■'ip.in. iVleeting at the Institute, John-street, Clerkenwell. Pa()er
on '• Brakes and Brake Gear," by Mr. .7. C Kennie.
SlKMENs' StAFKORIi EniUNKKRIXc: SoClKTV.
S p.m. Meeting at the Instute, Stafford. Paper on " Microscopi*
Electrical Engineering," by Dr. W. H. Eccles.
Royal IssTixrTioN.
U p.m. Meeting at Albemarle-street. Discourse on "Improve-
ments in Production and Application of Guncott.on and Nitro-
glycerine," by Col. Sir Frederick Nathan, R.A.
MONDAY, February 1st.
SoelETV OF Eni:IN"EKRS.
7:-Sii p.m. Jleeting at the Royal United Service Institution,
Whitehall. Inaugural Address by Mr. E. J. Silcock.
RovAi, Society of Arts.
Spin. Meeting at John-street, Adelphi. Lecture on "Electric
Power Supply," by Mr. (t. L. Addenbrooke. Cantor
Lecture III.
Newcastlf. Sectio.v of the Institution" of Eleitrkai. Encin'eebs.
S p.m. Meeting in the Engineering Lecture Room, Armstrong
College, Newcastle-on-Tyne. Paper on "The Electne-
Hv<lraulic Plant at the Bristol Dock," by Mr. W. A. Clat-
worthy.
TUESDAY, February 2nd.
Manchester Students' Section of the Institution ok Ei.ei.trical
Enuineers.
7:30 p.m. Meeting at the Municipal School of Technology,
Whitworth-street, Manchester. Paper on "Automatic De-
vices for Tramway Working," by Messrs. J. 0. and R. G.
Cunliffo.
Institution of Civil En<iineer.s.
s p.m. Meeting at Great George-street, Westmin-ster. Paper
on "Heat Flow and Temperature Distribution in the Gas
Engine," by Prof. B. Hopkiuson.
Electro- Harmonic Society.
.s'p.OT. Concert in the King's Hall, Holboru Kestaunmt, W.C.
Ladies night.
WEDNESDAY, February 3rd.
Students' Se( tmn ok the Institution of Electbicaj. En<:inkf.rs.
7:',.'i p.m. Aleeting at 92. Victoria-street. Paper on " The Direct
Current Variable SjK-ed .MoUir and its Application to Modern
Machine Tools,' by Mr. W. S. Lonsdale.
The Electrical Engineers (tondon Division).
Col. R. E. B. Crompton, C.B., commanding.
The following order.» have been i.ssued for the current week :—
Monday, Feb. 1st, f I'lfai'trv drill (Recruits), 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
"A" Company \Techiiical drill. 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
I Infantry drill (Recruits). 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Tuesday. Feb. 2nd, J Technical drill, 7 p.m. to 9:50 p.m.
" B" Company 1 Medical inspection for recruits, 6.30 p.m to
(, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 4th, /Infantry drill (Recruits), 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
" C " Company "[ Technical drill, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Fridav, Feb. 5th, f liifantrv drill (Recruits), 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
" 1) '"Company j^Teohniciil drill. 7:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
( Week end run at Coalhouse Fort. Par.ide at
, X, , t.i Fenchurchstreet Station, 3:10 p.m. Dress :
Saturday, ieb. bth J Khaki service dress and greatcoats. H:iver-
•B" Company I sacks to be worn over right shoulder. R^fle
I bayonet, l^elt and frog.
I apt. Phillips will lecture on each Company night during the week.
G02
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 29, 1909,
CONNECTIONS TO ELECTRICITY SUPPLY^WORKS.
With this issue we complete our Supplement Tables 1., Ia
*nd II. giving details of stations with no tramway load,
stations taking supply in bulk and stations having combined
lighting and traction loads. In accordance, thei-efore, with
DuGiiAM 1. — Connections to Elec-
tricity SurpLT Mains in London and
TBE Phovincis.
London ^^^^^^h^^
ProTinces -----..-
Scale I in.-- 300,000 kw.
I I
!■ !■ Il ll
istia ISSg 1S9>) 1;I02 10(1.'
L_J
Provinces. London. London and Provinces
X)iACRAM 2. — Municipal and Comfanv Connections.
Municipal ' ..---— Company ^^■^^■hm^^
Scale 1 in. = 300,000 kw.
li
ill
Provinces. London. London and Provinces.
Diagram 3.— Connections to Continuous and Alternating Current
Stations.
Alternating current - Continuous current (
Alternating and continuous — • — -
Scale lin.^30o,000k\v.
our usual custom we have prepared diagrams showing' in some
detail the progress that has been made during the year
'^^Z^ir \ '"f''*-"' ^^^ P'^S""^^^ *'>^t ^=^^ ''een made in
connections to electricity supply stations from 1893 to 1908
Data are given for three year intervals and show the way in
which the provinces have overtaken and increased their lead
on the London undertakings. The increase of this year over
last has been well maintained, though the actual figures appear
to show a decrease owing to the fact that certain adjustments
have been made in our usual arrangements. The principal of
1
L
I'.iiM I'.lllii 191IS
))iaqram 4, — Power Company Cnnectioks.
these is the exclusion of the connections of the Newcastle on-
Tyne Electricity Supply Co. This company when originally
formed supplied only in the Newcastle municipal area. Under
the provisions of the Power Companies Act, however, it has
extended its borders considerably and can no longer be con-
sidered as a supply company pure and simple.
Diagram 5.— Connection.s to Si.x Largest Electricity .Sfpplt Stations
IN London.
In Diagram 2 are given the proportions of the connections
to stations owned by municipal auth orities and private com-
panies in London and the provinces, while in Diagram 3 the
connections to continuous current, alternating current, and
THE ELECTEICIAN, JANUARY 29, 190'J.
603
eombiuecl continuous and alternating current stations are
given. An analysis of these results shows that in the pro-
vinces municipally owned stations are predominant, while in
London the reverse is the case. This discrepancy is not, how-
ever, so great as would appear at first sight. In the j.rovinces
the privately owned stations are ofti-n small, while the muni
ci|ially owned stations include such places as Glasgow and
Manchester.
Diagrams 5 and 5.A. shows the growth of the London under-
takings from year to year. By dividing this diagram into two
parts, one of which show.s the development of the smaller
undertakings on a larger scale, we have endeavoured to give
added clearness to a rather complicated set of curves. The
City of Loudon Co., in spite of its restricted area of supply,
still maintains its place at the head of the list. Since last year
the companies "linking-up" bill has been passed, and similar
92 1893 m.H 1S95 1S96 1897 1898 1,S99 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 190:, 19011 1907 190^
Diagram .5a. — Connections to Electricity Sippi.v Stations in London.
(Stations of 12,000 k«. ami mi.l.-i'.
We have this year introduced a new diagram, No. -I, show-
ing the development of the "Power' companies since 1904,
and it is interesting to note the very rapid way in which cou
nections to these companies' mains have "shot up,'' especially
(luring the last two years. It also shows the present over-
whelming superiority of supply companies as such, for both
Diagrams 1 and 4 are drawn on the same scale.
The motor table, which was included in our statistics last
year, does not now appear, the reason for this being that we
hope to give some comprehensive details showing the growth
of the more important undertakings during the last five years
in our next issue, in which, of course, figures for the motor load
will find a place.
Tablel.-('"">,fo(,o
i to Electricity Supply Statii
the Provinces.
I in London and
LONDON
(355,031 kw.)
{Municipal
(101,409 kw.
Companies
(251,622 kw.
^ Municipal
PROVINCES ;673,159kw.)
(898,859 kw.) -
Companies
[ ( 155,700 kw.)
45,915 kw
28,096 kw
27,598 kw_
70,946 kw.
32,039 kw.
128,657 kw.
288,124 kw.
112,145 kw.
272,892 kw.
73,927 kw
25,895 kw
55,880kw•
facilities have been given to the nninicipal undertakings, so that
although it i.s, of course, too earlj' to e.xpect any great result,
some interesting developments may be shortly- expected. The
general increase in connections is a bright spot amid much
gloom.
Table II. — Municipal ami Cuiiipany Connections {in Kiiowattn).
— — Muiiicijial.
Company.
TotAl.
Londou 101409
231,622
153,700
333,031
Piovinces 675159
826,859
Total 774,568 |
385,322
1,159,890
Table III. — Connections to Continuous am
(in Ki/oaam).
London.
Alteritatiiu)
Provinces.
Current Stations
Total.
Continuous 116,861
362,051
136,036
328,772
478,912
Alternating 60,135
196.171
Combined 156,035
484,807
Total 333,031 '
826,859
1,159,890
1a,hle IV. ~Di nlopment of " Poner" Campania duri
11/ the InM Four
1904
1906
1908
Connections in kw.
40,178
158,780
€04
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 29, 1909.
GEBHAN CENTRAL STATIONS.
"^Thi; following notes, which are taken from " La Lumiere Elec-
triquo," are of interest both as bearing on the subjeet of Mr. Mordeys
presidential address to the Institution of Electrical Engineers, and
on the proposal recently put forward in Germany to tax electrical
and gas undertakings.
The Imperial German Government has laid before the Reichstag
a'scheme of taxes on electrical energy, on gas and on lighting a))pa-
ratus. To this scheme is attached a very interesting report dealing
with German central stations, from which the following information
has been obtained.
Table I. shows tlie growtli of the German electrical industry.
Table I.
No. of
Total power
Pov
ver of apparal us
Year.
stations.
of stations.
1
connected.
kw.
kw.
is!ir.
180
46.000
47,000
ISIIS
:i7o
111.000
120,000
ntoi
768
:!52,000
330,000
nHi4
1,028
.531.000
567.000
1907
1,5.TO
859.000
1.101,000
The total capacity of private electrical installations is estimated
by Dettmar at six times that of public stations. In 1903 the working
costs per kilowatt-hour (that is to say, fuel, &c., and wages) were : —
I. For stations of over .5,000 kw l-20d.
II. ., of from 2,000 to 5,000 kw l-54d.
III. „ „ 1 ,000 to 2,000 kw l-56d. ' %i
IV. „ „ 500tol,000kw l-68d. gi
V. „ ., 250 to 500 kw l-80d i.^i
VI. „ ., 100 to 250 kw l-92d. '^
\'H- ,. of capacity less than 100 kw 2-40d. X.5f
[^Though the above are average prices, there are many stations in
which the working costs per unit are less than l'2d., and others where
the price of 2-4d. is exceeded. The following central stations gene-
rate at less than l-2d per kilowatt-hour: Aix-la-Chapelle (0-928d.),
Berlin (0-7.32d.), Breslau (0-928d.), Cassel (l-07d.), Charlottenburg
(0-734d.), Dusseldorf (0-7.56d.), Essen (0-627d.), Frankfort-on-Main
(0-740d.) and Haute Silesie (0-538d.). The following stations have
working costs above 2-4d. per unit: Achern (2-90d.), Blankenese
(2-99d.), Dantzig (3Ud.), Karlsruhe (2-88d.), Liegnitz f2-81d.),
Worms(3-91d.)and Stettin (2-48d.). Tiie receipts per kilowatt-liour
sold in each of the above groups (I. to VII.) are shown in Table II.
Table II.
No.
of stations ui
Receipts per kw.-hour.
Group.
group.
Pence.
I.
U
2- (in
IL
10
3-56
III.
19
:ir,i)
IV.
23
8()0
15
4-4(1
\I.
10
tso
Vll.
^
4-46
As the report remarks, the differences in these figures arise, apart
from local circumstances, from the greater or less efficiency of the
management. The report cites, as an example of the benefits to be
derived from a good management, the Berlin central stations, which
pay an annual sum to the city of about £250,000 and still distribute
to their shareholders a dividend of 10 to 11 per cent. From June 1
1906, to June 1, 1907, 143 million kilowatt-hours were sold at ai^
average price of l-884d., and a running cost of 0-71d. per unit. The
sum paid to the town tlius amounts to about 0-3Hd. per unit. The
units sold were (listril>iitrcl amongst the various classes of consumers
thus: lr,valcli,i;h(i„.;.L's.-, million kilowatt-hours; public lighting.
Ji million kiiowatt-liours; industrial installations, 48-9 million
kilowatt-hours ; tramways, .56-2 million kilowatt-hours ; consumed
in the generating stations, 3-8 million kilowatt-hours
The original report then gives relative figures for gas and electricity
which, converted to English units, are :—
I cubic ft. of coal gas gives 17-65 c.p. -hours if burnt m an upright
Wn .?';. 31-50 c.p.-lu.urs if burnt in an inverted incandescent
burner; 31 -.,0 c p. -hours if burnt in "intensifying" burners with gas
under mcreased pressure; while 1 kw.-hom- of electrical energy gives,
m ordinary carbon glow lamps (carbon), 367 c.p.-hom-s ; in high-
efficiency ditto, 558 c.p. -hom^s; Nernst or tantalum lamp. . 558 c.p -
hours; osram, tungsten or zirconium lamps, 780-1,120 c.p.-hour.s ;
alternating current are lamps, 890 c.p. -hours : direct current arc
lamps, 1,120 c.p.-hours; flame arc lamps, 2,230 c.p. -hours; mercury
vapour lamps, 1,780 c.p.-hours; and mercury vapour lamps -with quartz
tubes, 3,3.50 c.p.-hours. The appendix to the report also contains a
number of interesting tables concerning the economies realised in the
generation of energy and in the works and total costs in hydraulically
operated stations. Twelve central stations in towns of over 100,000
inhabitants have diminished their fuel consumption per unit
generated in the manner indicated in Table III.
Table III.
1901. 1002. 1903. lucre.ise.
Watt-houts generated per calorie ... 0064... 0068... 007 ...10 percent.
U.seful watt-hours distributed per
calorie 0051. ..0057.. .0 062.. .23 „
The Berlin stations, thanks to their good management, generate
0109 watt-hours per calorie ; only the station Jat Mannheim ap-
proaches this result (with 0107 watt-hours per calorie). Table IV.
.shows the increased development of the Berlin central stations in
this direction.
Table IV.
lOOl). li>0l.
Watt-hours generated per
calorie 0 O84...0-07S.,
Useful watt-hours delivered
per calorie 0067... 0076..
There has also been considerable progress in small stations, as is
shown by Table V., giving the mean results for towns of less than
10.000 inhabitants.
Table V.
1900. 190 1. 1902. 1903 Inertase.
Watt-hours generated per ca-
lorie 0045.., 0045... 0047... 0054... 20 per cent.
Useful watt-hours sold per ca-
lorie 0033.. .0033.. .0036.. .004 ...3.30 ,,
It can thus be stated that the fuel consumption per watt-hour
output has been decreased by at least 20 per cent, within four years.
The net cost per kilowatt-hour (that is to say, the cost of fuel.
&c., and wages) has decreased in certain towns from 1903 to 190(i.
as shown in Table VI.
Table VI.
Town. 1903.
1902. 1903. Increase.
.0103...0109...31 per ceiil
.0082... 0-058... —
1906. Decrease.
0-595d 19 per cent.
0-882d 23 .,
0-45d 9 „
0-67d 10 „
.. 10 „
Aix-la-Chapelle 0-74d.
Barmen 114d.
Cologne 0-49d.
Dusseldorf 0-74d.
Elberfeld 0-56d 0-49d
Hanover l-ood lOld 5
Of 1,005 central stations, 41 (4 per cent.) sell energy for lighting
at more than 7-20d. per kilowatt-hour, 359 (36 per cent.) sell energy
for lighting at from 7-20d. to 614d. per kilowatt-hour, 477 (43 per
cent.) sell energy for lighting at from 6-05d. to 4-9d. per kilowatt-
hour, while 128 (12 per cent.) sell energy for lighting at less than
4-8d. per kilowatt-hour. Thus the tariff for current used for lighting
varies between 4-9d. and 7-2d. in 84 per cent, of the stations. Again,
of 997 central stations, 132 (13 per cent.) sell energy for motors at
more than 4-8d. per kilowatt-hour, 36 (4 per cent.) at from 4Sd.
to 3-74d. per kilowatt-hour, 113 (II per cent.) at from 3-64d. to
3-07d. per kilowatt-hour, 276 (28 per cent.) at from 2-97d. to 2-40d
jjer kilowatt-hour, 404 (40 per cent.) at from 2-40d. to I-92d. per.
kilowatt-hour, and 36 (4 per cent.) at I-92d. per kilowatt-hour
and under. The mean net prices and the mean receipts per kilo-
watt-hour sold for 139 stations in 1906 were as follows : Mean
net cost per unit, l-641d. ; mean receipts per kilowatt-hour (hire
of meters included) for lighting, 4-83d, : for motors, 2-14d. ; for
traction, l-54d. ; mean receipts per unit, 3-39d.
The appendix to the report also includes the gross excess of re-
ceipts over expenditure for the year 1905. This data is drawn from
the returns of the Association of German Electrical Manufacturers,
and the additions made thereto by Dettmar-Hoppe, and is repro-
duced in Tal)le VII.
The percentages in this table are based on the installation capital.
Two hundred and eighty-three stations belonging to Prussian
cities or towns supplied in 1905 an aggregate of 139 million kilowatt-
hours and obtained a profit of £915,000. (In these statements
interest, sinking fund and renewals charges are not included.) These
receipts correspond to a total expenditure of £6,225,000. If interest,
sinking fund and renewals are calculated at 10 per cent, of the
expenditure there remains a gross profit of about £296,000— ?.p.,
0-509d. per kilowatt-hour nad a gross excess of receipts over expen-
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 29, 1909.
(i05
Table VII.
-
-
According to returns.
Acoarding to
Capacity of
No.
1
Minimum
Mean
in kw.
per cent.
per cent.
per cent.
No.
Mean %
no-ioo
10
8-55
1-82
5-68
18
71
100-250
II
14-82
1-60
7-36
V3
9-2
250-500
17
1304
415
8-40
20
11-7
500-1,000
2it
13-60
3-14
8-50
1,000-2,000
25
14-84
5-02
2,000-5,000
17
19 36
5-65
H-53
ovCT 5,000
14
14-83
5-41
9-59
Total
123
Final Average
8-50
111
9-3
diture of l-45d. per kilowatt-hour. Fifty-seven German electrical
joint-stock companies paid in 1906-1907 a mean dividend of ol
per cent., while thirty-eight large German central station.s
(municipal) in 1904 realised a profit of £428, 000 on the supply of
133 millions of kilowatt-hours. The receipts were £1.560,000, or
■2-48d., and the profits 0.778d. per kilowatt-hour.
Table VIII., which is taken from the " Elektrotechnische Zcit-
schrift," indicates the nature of the motive power of various stations.
Table VIII.
No. of station.s.
Motive poHt
Capacity of motive
power.
Per cent,
of total.
Per cent,
of total.
Steam
Steam and ga.s, or exjjlosion
engines
Gas and other explosion !
engines
Gas and wind mUls
Water
Water and steam
Water, steam, gas, &e
Water and eas, or explosion
motors
Electricity from other works
Unknown
53
3-4
15,9.50
2-2
210
13-7
25,080 j
3-4
1
10 t
161
10-5
16..3,50
2 2
288
18-8
11().088
16-0
27
1-8
5,260
0-7
36
5-6
6,680
0-9
32
2-0
745
0-1
3
1
1,.530
...
Hydraulically operated stations number 562 — i.e.. 36-8 per cent,
of the total number ; their total capacity is 144,360 kw., or 18 |)er
cent, of the total power ; 401 of these stations (26 jier cent, of the
total number) have accessory plant for use in emergency, with an
aggregate capacity of 128,000 kw. — i.e., 17-5 per cent, of the total
capacity. Hence. 10-5 per cent, of the stations are operated by
water power alone, and repre.sent 22 per cent, of the total power.
In Bavaria there are 182 hydraulic stations, of an aggregate
capacity of 48,088 kw. — i.e., 7 per cent, of the total power. In the
Grand Duchy of Baden there are 43 hydraulic stations, of an aggro-
gate capacity of 19.300 kw. = 26 per cent, of the total, while in
Wurtemburg the 75 hydraulic stations total 19,300 kw. — i.e..
2-6 per cent, of the grand total. In the remainder of Germany,
262 water-power stations yield 57,872 kw. — i.e., 8 per cent, of the
total.
Table^IX. — Water Power Available and AUiiaUy used in Gerniany.
Capable ol I Actually
utilisation.' utilised.
H.P. 1 H.P.
66.),000 ... 17-0
900.000 115,000 12-3
Wurtemburg .W.OOO 8,700 15-0
Baden 524.000 106.400 ! 20-0
Prus-sia 304.()00 228,000 ; 74-0
Saxony 45.000 9,000 200
Alsace - Lorainc. . . 100,000 23,000 23-0
according to
Mayer
from official
Totals 11,931,600 ; 490,100
250
Tne proportion of the power utilised to the total power capable
of utilisation in the various States is : Prussia, 35-1 per cent. ;
Baden, 18 per cent. : Bavaria, 12-3 per cent. ; Alsace-Lorraine,
10-9 per cent. : Saxony, 9-5 per cent. ; Wurtemburg, 7-2 per cent. ;
other States, 7 per cent.
THE IMPBOYEMENT OF POWER FACTOR IN
ALTERNATING CURRENT SYSTEMS.
We give below an abstract of the iliscussion which took
|)lace at the Manchester Local Section of the Institution of
Electrical Engineers, when Mr. Miles Walker read his Paper
on the above subject. An :ibstract of this Paper ajjpeared in
our last issue.
Mr. S. J. Watson considered the Paper ik-alt with one of the most
important questions of the present day. Where large sub-stations
were employed for converting from alternating current to direct current
tlie problem was easily solved by the adoption of different typos of rotary
trnnsformers. This method, however, had the disadvantage of a mi.^ed
type of plant. The tende.icy of present-day practice, where high-|)res-
siire alternating current was generated, was towaids alternating eurient
distribution, so as to avoid the extra capital cost and working exi)enses
of rotary as compared with static transformers. There would thus be
•a good demand for a simple and efficient power-factor regulator. Re-
garding the suggestion that an ampere-hour me^er be used instea'l of a
watt-hour meter on consumers' premises, a strong objection would be
raised to the charge. Further, who was going to supply the power-
factor regulating device for the motors ? It was undoubtedly advan-
tageous to the supply undertakers, but it wa.s not likely they would go
to the expense of supplying those devices on all the motors on consumers'
IM-emLses. On the other hand, if a consumer was informed that in addi-
tion to providing the motor he must also provide an auxiliary apparatus
to keep the power factor up, the extra cost of the installation would be
likely to retard severely the development of electrical driving. Kven
if such apparatus could be enforced, still more difficulties might be en-
countered. For instance, the employment of an ampere-hour meter
meant that a consumer was charged for units not generated, and this
idea might give rise to much dissatisfaction. Motor loads wre not the
only loads producing lagging curren+s. as the use of small transformers
for metallic tilamcnt lamps was now becoming appreciable. He also
asked the author what extra cost would he involved in providing a power-
factor regulator for a 50 H.P. motor, and what the combined efficiency
would be.
.Mr. F. C. Raphabi, thought a device would be .soon brought out for
use at the station end of the feeders, as it would be impossible to make a
consumer increase the cost of his motor by adding the device described.
He thought too much had always been made of the feeder Icsscs. A
more important consideration was that the kilovolt-ampere rating was
ditfcient from the kilowatt rating, and, conscijuently. less output was
obtained from the generators the lower the power factor.
Mr. A. F. Guy referred to the principle of Thomson's arc lighting
machine, used about 20 years ago, and suggested that the air blast method
of suppressing the arcing might be worthy of consideration in the machine
discussed in the Paper,
Mr. .J. Frith (Mather & Piatt) said the Pajier w.is full of new ideas,
and he felt sure a Tiew crop of inventions in unity power factor indu"' ion-
motors would result. The author's description of how the additional
PJ.M.F. could be used for both increasing and decreasing the slip of the
motor was extremely lucid and well put.
Mr. A. E. McKenzie (Manchester Corpn.l said that up to the present
they had not been troubled with bad power factor in Manchester : in
fact, a value lower than 0-95 w.is very r:;re. The machinery w-as chiefly
of the synchronous type, and only quite recently had indnctinn-motor
plant been installed. He agreed with .Mr. Frith in saying that consumers
should be charged according to their power factors, and thought it ad-
visable to place the phase-regulating device at the generating station end.
Mr. C. F. Smith (School of Technology, Manchester) thought the
method of expressing the volt-amiieres spent in exciting an alternating
current circuit, as the product of the induced E.M.F. and magnetising
current, was exceedingly ingenious. On the other hand, he (.Mr. Smith)
was old fashioned enough to take exception to the terminology used by
the author when speaking of the " wattless component of the power."
He particularly objected to the term " wattless power," and preferred to
si)eak of the ""idle power," as he regarded watts and power as identical :
therefore it was impossble to have - wattless ])ower " or " powerless
watts." The diagram showing the relations between the different
ijuantities of a rotor circuit, in which a booster wsis introduced, was an
admirable example of the diagrammatic representation of really com-
plicated results. The ])hase advancer was really a booster having a
variable frequency, and its complicated form was due to the variable
frequency. He asked the author what objection there was to exciting
the booster with continuous current instead of slowly alternating cur-
rent. In that case, as stated, the motor would run as a synchronous
motor, excited from the rotor, instead of an asynchronous motor with a
slow frequency booster. The motor would run s.\-nchronously under
normal conditions, and could be under or over-excited so as to give leadmg
or lagging current or unity power factor. If the machine fell out of step
through overloading, the' rotor would then be short-circuited through
the armature of the booster, and the machine would behave simply as an
ordinary induction motor.
-Air. S. J. Peck (Westinghouse Co.) remarked on the ingenuity and
numerous inventions of Leblanc, who had some years ago brought out an
exciter for improving the power factor of induction motors. There was
a ffieat difference between inventing a scheme and puttJig the scheme
oirthe market. The machine referred to by ilr. W alker was similar in
princii>lc to the single-phase railway motor. This motor could be run
606
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 29, 1909.
at'any si)Corl ;i( a fixer! freqiipnr_y. and it could also run as a generator
at any sjieed and deliver, a current of. fixed frequency, and that was what
was done in the case of the author's machine. There wa.*; a great objec-
tion to comniufafing devices on induction motors, and consumers would
not use these niotois unless they could either be made cheaper or some
penalty put on motor Imviii!;.i h.u pnwcr fa. tnr.
Mr. W. Cramp th.injlii M.m. Ik-Ii-i \< r\ f.utunate, as he had visited
a Midland town wlien- the pciXM r f;ulnr raicly rose above 0-72 and was
ft'equently doHii Id Olifi. Thb motor load was exceptionally large, and,
as cential station engineers were anxious for good motor day loads, the
subje(-t under discussion was sure to become of greater importance as
time went on. The author would probably be interested to hear of the
suggestion made by Mr. Swinburne in his Inaugiu-al Address on Decem-
ber,4, 1902. Mr. Swinburne said that an ordinary condenser was of no
use^ for practical purposes, but went on to suggest a form of electro-
magnetic alternating condenser, in which a field magnet had between
its poles an oscillating ring or armature of copper. Mr. Swinburne
pointed out that the arrangement could be made very effective, and he
(Mr. Cramp) would like to know whether it had been tried in practice.
Theoretically, there appeared to be two ways of regarding the question
of raised power factor : First, the excitation of the field of the motor
by a low-frequency current, and, second, the interposition in the circuit
of a lagging E.M.F. Now, from the latter point of view, there were two
distinct methods of overcoming the difficulty of a lagging current. An
alternating E.M.F. sujiplied to a coil exciting a laminated electromagnet,
required for magnetising purposes a current component lagging 90 deg.
behind the E.M.F. This current component would be in phase with the
flux which would jjroduce an E.M.F. in the coil 90 deg. behind. The
power factor of the circuit could be raised by reducing this latter E.M.F.
f(S much as possible, and one obvious method of doing so would be to
superimpose such an E.M.F. as would produce a magnetismg current
opposing the original magnetising current, and producing, therefore,
a flux opposing the original flux. Such a result could onls l>c an imiI at
by arranging the superimposed E.M.F. so that it was in dir. . i aiii i |.liasc
with the original E.M.F., and this method, resulting in a iinii-m.ln.tivc
cii'cuit, was termed " neutralisation," and could only be a]>i)lied where
the magnetic field was not necessary to the functioning of the particular
apparatus, as, for instance, in the case of the armature of a series alter-
nating current motor. The E.M.F. produced by the original oscillating
iield could be got rid of without actually destroying the field itself by
inserting in the circuit an E.M.F produced from other sources than aii
opposing oscillating field. Only one source was commercially available —
i.e., an E.M.F. produced by the rotation of conductors through a field at
right angles, in time, to the original field. This method necessitated the
existence of a second field in quadrature with the first, and hence was
easily applicable to two-phase circuits. The arrangement shown in the
first figure in the Paper, and the principle involved, was correctly termed
•' compensation," as distinct from " neuti-alisation." The author had
proposed to separate the compensating portion from the motors them-
selves, but he (Mr, Cramp) could not see what advantage could be claimed
for this arrangement. He also called attention to some practical diffi-
culties in the construction of the " phase advancer," including the im-
])ossibility of keeping the commutator cool.
Mr. \. (.'. (ViorKR (Colne) referred to the wear of the la.iiniml ai..i <.n
the an li.jhiinj in ichiues as being very small ; but in his . \|i.a i.n, c if
the coiiiiiniiairii ,h(l not suffer, the brushes did very badly, ami iciiiin-il
renewal every 24 hours.
Mr. T. H. Swinburne said the author'had spoken of supplying energy
to induction motors through the rotor circuits with one of the phase
advancers. He asked what economy would result as regards capital
charges and other expenses as compared with the arrangements sometimes
used of supplying energy into the stator coils.
Mr. J. W. Stelling wished to know if the machine was practicable for
high voltages.
Mr. H. C. Crews wished to sound a note of warning against the use of
the term ' jjenalising the consumer." Why not take it as " making a
concession to the consumer," and induce him to use machhiery having
a better power factor ?
Mr. MII.E.S W.\i.KEB, in reply, said it was possible that lb, i.iirc of the
motor could not be reduced sufficiently to pay for I he ph ,-, alvauicr "
but it could be much reduced, and on some occaM,,n- , u^iuimis would
[jrefer it. As far as efficiency was concerned, this would probably be
reduced a ittle. Regarding the device in the station, the difficulty was
•• ,1„1°™,'"'""'"''.''" '"''"" °^ *''"■ "*''='""''• The whole point of the
"'"i *!"■ kilovolt-ampere rating, and, therefore.
' til in til'- cost of a synchi-onous motor doing the
t to be taken out for an apparatus to
f alt
phase advancer
its cost was much sii
.same work. There ua- nii
produce the wattless Ica.loig ,,u,Tcut by moving a mass of metS"i^"fr"ont
, ., I ^"e objection to all these devices was that the
^"'''""' ■ ■"■ ' 't'"g <>f the machine was as asynchronous motor, and
" ilemonstrnted that the apparatus
■""'■'i^ Ml. it,,,. The power required
'M " h. ili,a the E.M.F. in the circuit
tin, 1 1., able was that the " phase
ti,'ii for the wattless cm-rent when
'■'I. I lie " phase advancer" would
[ucucy. The question as to whether
I hat il had ever b.
he was I
was bet I
forc\(iliii,j III, ,1 ,l..|,..n,l,.,| ,,,,1
was bclllLI III, Mas,, I ,,!■ i|iiiu]]|>l
advancer" did not permit ,,,iii
starting a motor. To obtain tl.
have to be very large and of hii,,li
it would p.y to fix a " phase ^^^vancli " dfepei^cK^ ^ * ^-T L
fowor factor Ttr '"^"'''', ''''°'' for running the motor at Cit;-
ifZht be w, rH "'?..f yP'?^^ ° compensatmg some other machme. then
•nvth^?f,.r o7 •^n*°'^ phase advancer." This would cost
anything f ro n 10 to 30 per cent, of the motor. The " phase advancer "
was mtemled primarily for low yolta<res.
ELECTRIC TRACTION ON RAILWAYS.*
XII — ROLLIKG STOCK.
BY PHILIP DAWSOK.
(Continued from page 417.)
Sinnmary — The author first considers rolling stock as being divided'
into that for (1) main line, (2) suburban line and (3) metropolitan
traffic ; then .suggesting; a classification depending on the arrangement
of the doors. After considering the conditions which influence the
design of rolling stock he discusses the influence of design on the
construction, and finally adopts the classification of all-wood and all-
steel cars. '
In a previous article we have dealt with the .subject of
truck,? ; in this article it is proposed to deal with that of
coaches which have been u.sed in the past in connection ■with
railway electrification, and to generally consider what designs
should be adopted for any individual case. In this connection
it must be borne in mind that the type of roUing stock, or
more pi-operly speaking the design of coach, depends pri-
marily on the system over which it is to be used, and on this
basis rolling stock can be divided into three main sections : —
1 . Rolling stock for main line long distance traffic.
2. Rolling stock to operate suburban portions of main
lines running into termini.
.'1 Rolling stock for tube railways, and what mav be
called, purely metropolitan railways.
As regards this country and Europe in general, it can be
said that the corridor type of carriage with separate com-
partments opening out of the corridoj- has practically founi
universal adoption.
. k 1 /t. Platform
i \\l\
Lancashire t Yorkshire Railway Electric Train
^
District Railway Electnc Train Supposed working of Door System
Berlin Elevated Railway Type
Fic;. 1. — UiAGRAji sHowixo Method for Filling and Emptying
Various Kinds of Carri.iges. Arrows indicate Direction followed
by Passengers.
In the past, as long as steam has been used, the same
types of coaches were frequently used for short distance
suburban traffic as were originally used for long distance
work, and this remark applies as much to England and the
Continent as it does to America ; but the introduction of
electricity has changed all this.
Although this country was the first to operate electria
railways, such as the City & South London tube line and
the Liverpool Overhead Railway, the question of special
design of cars to meet rapid transit requirements was not
at that time very seriously considered. In the case of the
City & South London, owing to the limits imposed by the
size of the tube, a tramway type of carriage was adopted,
as by this means the largest seating accommodation could
be arranged. The introduction of electric traction on rail-
ways on a large scale is of comparatively recent date and
has mostly taken place under the auspices of American
manufactm-ing and contracting firms, and has been installed
by American engineers, with the natural result that Ameri-
* Copyright. All rights of reproduction are leserved.
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 2',), 1909.
G07
can types of cars were introduced on the Central London
Railway and on the North-Eastem as well as on the Metro-
politan Railway and on the numerous lines controlled by
the Underground Electric Railway Co. of London. Ameri-
can experience, however, shows that, although the American
tvpe of cai' lends itself to great overcrowding, and what is
generally known as " strap hanging."" it has jjroved to
WWW ,
^ SteeJ_Rod l--''
UlAORAM SHOWING ( 'oXSTRl'CTION "f FliAME (II' WOODEX C.ili W.TH
End Dooks.
our English steam railways for their suburban services, and
has proved defective in so far as one compartment is fre-
quently overcrowded, whilst another is empty, passengers
coming at the last moment entering the first compartment
available. The cure for this has been found by adopting a
type of construction in which, whilst compartments are
retained, a small portion of the seat at one end of the com-
jiartment is cut away, thus leaving the passenger some
ly in. of width between it and the side of the coach, so that
in case of one compartment being overcrowded, the pas-
sengers could filter in and thus get evenly distributed
throughout the car.
Table I. — Sentino r. nd A t-cn.i, n Siu ndiiKj CuiMcily oj Vtir ious Ti, jxi of ati s.
Diagram showini: Cdnstriction ok Fkj
End Doors.
]F Stkki, Car with
possess serious disadvantages in causing delay in loading
and unloading passengers, with the result that a new design
of car was introduced in Boston, with a door in the centre of
the car as well as doors at the ends. It was this type which
was adopted by the American engineers on the Metropolitan
District Railway in London, and results have shown that it
s far from being satisfactory.
—
Seats.
Standing.*
Total.
(if)
44
104
3rd class Mersev trailer
(i4
4S
112
.Motor cai-. District Railway
4S
lid
lOS
Trailer oar. Di-strict Railway
.^2
4o
!I2
Lancashire and Vmk^hire t-railer ...
(ill
12
7S
North Eastern 3td class trailer
70
40
110
Pnissiin State Railv/av. Hamburg-
r.i
22
m
Bion J. Arnold's proposed New York
subway car
62
62
124
Illinois Central ty|)e. central corridor
86
66
152
Experience and data .such as that in Table L show
that whereas the American type has been designed as giving
the gi-eatest standing accommodation, the standard type
used by main line railways in England and on the Continent,
as well as the special design adopted in connection with the
Brighton electrification, has for its aim the accommodation
The number and position of doors at once indicates
another classification and if we adopt this method we get
the following classification . —
Carriages with end doors onlv.
Carriages with end doors and centre doors.
Carriages with two quarter side doors.
Carriages with end doors and two quaiter side doors.
Carriages with multi side doors.
A two car train fitted with the.se various tvpes of doors
is shown diagiamatically in Fig. J. The arrows show the
methods which should, if possible, be adopted for filling and
emptying the trains. In the case of end doors, if short stops ,
are to obtain, it is essential to drill the passengers in such a {
way that they get in at the back door and get out at the
front, otherwise great confusion arises. Where end and I
centre doors are provided, the jiassenger should be trained ,
to get in at the end door and get out at tlie ceiitre door,
and with coaches with quarter and end doors, they should
be trained to get in at the end doors and get out at the
quarter doors. Unfortunately, experience has shown that
it is very rarely possible to train passengers in this fashion,
particularly at rush hours when it is most necessary.
The old English type of multi side door composed of i
separate compartments has been that tisuallv adopted on
of as many passengers as possible with seats. This arrange-
ment has the further advantage that, whereas in standard
American cars the .standing room provided is just in fi-ont of
the seated passengers' toes whicli cannot be very agreeable
to them, in the case of the author's design, adopted for
the Brighton coaches, this di.sadvantage does not exist.
This design is very .similar to that u.sed on the Prussian
State Railways, on their electrified section between Ham-
burg and Blankenese. as well as on the Berliner Stadtbahn.
Table II. gives some rather interesting information show-
ing the proportion of seats per square foot and per length of
car for different t\-pes of suburban carriages.
Whilst considering the types of cars best .suited for ail
varieties of rapid transit, the fact should not be overlooked
that conditions obtaining on a purely metropolitan line,
and on a .suburban line, having termini, are very different.
Thus, on a purely metropolitan line one may gene-
rally expect to have a fair proportion of passengers getting
in and out at every station, quite as much at rush hours as
at ordinary hours of the day. In the case of the suburban
lines entering the terminus at the rush hours of tlie day, a
certain number of passengers get in at each station along
* The standing capacity given is that which can easily be realised, with-
out extra crowding.
608
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 29, 1909.
the line, whilst the whole lot usually ^et out at once at the In order to enable the widest possible cars to be adopted,
tonninus ; vice versa during the evening rush hours all practically in all cases electric railways in this country, with
the passengers rush and cram a train at the teirninus, only | the exception of the latest type adopted on the L.B. & S.C.
certain number getting out at every station. It is. how- [ Railway and that already used on the Liverpool Overhead,
ever, just at tlic ti-i minus and at rusji liours that it is most have adopted sliding doors or collapsible doors or gates
8teei. Car bttlt rv the KRr.sH Ktectrical ENcisEERrao Co.
€.si?ential that the train should stop as short a period as j When the number of sliding doors becomes greater than the
possible, and shovdd therefore be able to either empty or number of end platforrrts of the cars, the question arises>
fill in the quickest possible time. There is no possible doubt i how these doors are to be operated, and It has been sug-
that multi side doors are the only possible way of fulfilling ! gested in .4merica and tried on the District Railway in
these conditions. j London, to operate all these doors by means of pneumatic
llliiuiis t'entral
L.1?. &S.C. Ey
Prussian State Uya. Hambu
Hlankcue.se.
North Kustern Ry
Interborough rapid traii.sit . ..
LancMsliiro & Yorlisliirc
Mersey Hailway
Oreat Niirthorn & I'ity
District Railway
Maiil\atlan Elevatt-il
Berlin Elevated
Paris Metropolitan
Metropolitan Railway
Bakerloo
€.N.P. &B
Central London
Table II. — S(Mliwj capacity, weight, ii;c., of -wine passenger can.
Steam trail car ,
Steam trail car ,
Trail car 1st da
Motor car .■ird da
Motor car
:)rd. class trailer
1st dass motor
Motor car
.Motor
Trailer
3rd dass trailer
1st class trailer
3rd class motor
1st dass mot<ir
Motor
Trailer
End motor coach...
.Middle mt'rcoach..
Trailer ear
Motorcar
3rd class motor
2nd class trailer
Trailer
-Motor
Trailer
.Motor
Trailer
-Motor
Trailer
Motor
Trailer
(il 4
liO (I
58 ()
5S ()
59 0
59 ()
49 li
4lj 0
40 0
Seats Wciglit
9 0
9 (I
10 4
0131
01 28
0103
0-1 tiO
014
01 38
009o
0114
0111
0127
012
0099
009o
0125
28,499
28,499'
24,092
0142
01 32
1-4
1-35
1-10
0-73
1-18
1-24
0-85
113
MO
109
102
0-85
0-81
M7
1-00
1-02
2Si
19
29i
28i
n|
27i
1(5}
23
13.'
-Miix
Mill.
N.i. of
No. of
s.u-5 per
cars per
train.
traiu.
1 to 3
1 to 4
1 to3
2 to 5
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 2'.), 1909.
(]09
pressure. The cost of so operating tliese doors is great,
and the method has been found to be unsatisfactory for
nianv otlier reasons, with the result tliat it has been
decided to alter the doors on the District Railway from
]iiieuniatic to hand operation, the latter method being
that originally adopted by the Metropolitan Railway
(London).
With ordinary side doors of the swinging type, the
number of conductors per train need not
be gi'eater than in the case of the old steam
trains, one guard being all that is required
for the ordinary trains. With the usual
slamming doors provided with good spring
locks, and locking by the mere action of
slamming the door, experience has shown
in this country that the passengers them-
selves do all that is nece,ssary for rapidly
opening and shutting the doors, It has
been suggested that, in consequence of
the I'apid acceleration, if doors were left
open, it would be impossible for porters
to close them in accordance with the
practice obtained at present, but owing to
the longer distance between stations on
suburban lines, which average from f of a
mile to 1 mile, it is quite possible to arrange
the acceleration at starting in such a way
that for the first train length it should be
limited to such a speed as to render the
closing of doors by station porters not
necessarily a too dangerous operatior,.
Acceleration curves can be so arranged as piactically to
enable this to be done without losing anv of the advantages
accruing from rapid acceleration resulting from electric
traction. '~
Having briefly considered the conditions whichginfluence
the design of coaches intended for electric railway working,
and seeing that this is practically entiiely dependent on the
cla.ss of service to be dealt with, we will consider how far the
design selected will influence the constructiov. i)roper of the
coach.
Fig. 2 shows the usual form of construction of the body
and sides in the case of wooden and steel coaches, and the
constructional advantages of end doors are immediately
realised from an inspection of this diagram, which clearly
demonstrates that by the use of end doors, a form of con-
.struction is possible which eimbles the sides of the body to
be designed so as to act as bridge girders, and this is even
more clearly shown in the two illustrations. Figs. 3 and 4,
which respectively represent the framing of the wooden car
and the steel framing of an entirely all-steel car for electric
work, as manufactured by the Brush Company. Both
these illustrations clearly show how, in this form "of car, a
construction can be adopted which will render it possible
to combine the strongest and lightest construction.
(To be continued.)
Ill ulitainiiiu |iiTfi"
listaiici- of .jOd ki
(:51:
iiu'iits, and has recmitly siicrc
phonic intercomnuiuicatioii (jv
miles.)
In the course of his first experiments I'rol'. ilajorana dis-
covered that in order to solve the problem of wireless telephony
it was absolutely necessary to combine two fundamental con-
ditions. First, a generator of undamped electric oscillations
had to be used, and secondly it was necessary to employ a very
powerful microphone which would lie capable of with-
staudinj; hi^li voltages and lariie ciineiits. Ail pJiysicLsts wlio
have considered these questions, in i;('iieral ajirec that wireless
telephony requires undamped oscillations.
Consequently. Prof. Majorana endeavourerl to design a
generator capable of producing a very rapid succession of
sparks and then to discover a method whereby the intensity or
other characteristics of these sparks might be modified to
produce variations in the energy given out from the antenna
which woidd correspond perfectly with sounds or speech.
Ill his first experiments. Prof. Majorana employed a revolv-
ing oscillator. This consisted of a motor on whose spindle.
A NEW SYSTEM OP WIRELESS TELEPHONY.
Prof, guinno Majorana, directeur de Fliistitut .Superieur
Postale Tt'jejrraphie at Rome, has for some time been engasied
with the problem of wireless ((■Ir-i.iiiliv. In 190-1 he obtained
satisfactory results in the l,i I„,,;,,,,m ,,| the Institut Piivsi,,ue
de 1 Umversite de Rome, wlin,. |,r «as one of the professors.
After his appointment as duvctiMir de I'lnstitut Superieur
lostale Telegraphic he coiitiiui.'il fhe.se interesting exiH'il-
FiG. :
-1)1AI;KA.M ok TuANSMII-irNi: .AKliAN<;EMENl
was hxed a disc of ebonite carrying on its opposite faces two
rings of metal. On these rings two l)iushps which were con-
nected in the di.scharge circuit pressed. Two steel wires 2 mm.
(0-08 in.) in diameter and 70 cm. (2 ft. 4 in.) long were fixed to
the metal rings and moved parallel to them. Their ends,
across which the discharge took place, were brought up to one
another. The.se two oscillating wires were connected to the
secondary of a static transformer, whose primary was supplied
from the town mains with alternating current. When the
motor was running the two o.scillatini: wires rotati-d, and the
;io
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 29, 1909.
sparks wliicli passed between them were blown out quickly by
tlie air, and were, therefore, considerably sub-divided. By
means of this artifice he was able to ])roducc 20,000 sparks per
second. > t> r
To modify these sparks to correspond with speech, irol.
Majorana de'signed in 1905 a liquid microphone which has given
e.xcellent results in both wireless and ordinary telephony. As
is well known, one of the greatest difficulties met with in wire-
the resistance between the platinum electrodes. Quite measur-
able fluctuations are produced in the electric resistance, and
they accord perfectly with the sounds emitted.
This ingenious microphone has been tried on the ordinary
telephon«, and has given very satisfactory results. Therewith
it has been possible to telephone from the Institut Superieur
Postale Telegraphie in Rome to London, a distance of 3,000 km.
(1,87-5 miles).
By connecting the liquid microphone to a revolving oscillator
Prof. Majorana succe"eded in varying the intensity of the sparks
to correspond with the sounds given out by the microphone.
3. _ Reiki VI. so Aitaeatus emi'I.oted in tiif. Mi.ioKAS
WiKELKSs Tkleimione System.
less telephony is that ordinary granular microphones are not
.suitable for the work, owing to their low electrical resistance,
and the high voltages and currents generally employed. It was
therefore necessary to obtain a new and powerful microphone
which would be capable of withstanding
verv high potential differences (thousands
of volts), and which would not liecome
heated when several amperes were passing
through it.
This problem has been completely solved
bv Prof. Majorana with his li(iui(l inicro-
plione. This instrument is based on tin-
Fi'. ."i. Tin; Italian Torpedo-Boat '• Lancieke," fitted wnu
THE Ma-joraxa System.
With this arrangement it has been possible to transmit the
voice to a considerable distance where it can be " picked up "
by an ordinary wireless receiver.
The later discovery of Prof. Poulsen of the production of
continuous undamped oscillations initiated a new era in wire-
less telephony, and Prof. Majorana then abandoned his revolv-
ing oscillator, and employed a generator similar to that of
Poulsen. the details of which are well known to readers of The
Electrici.^x.
DlAI^RA-M (It KecKIVIXG ArKA
Fi,. i;,-View
capillary properties')! licpiid jets tliat were observed in 1886
in America by Chichester Bell, a cousin of Graham Bell. This
microphone consists essentially of a small glass tube through an
opening in which a stream of slightly acidulated water flows
uiider a known pressure. The small tube is fixed to the
microphone membrane and therefore vibrates with it. This
liquid jet falls between two platinum electrodes, thus establish-
ing an electrical connection between them. When the micro-
phone membrane is spoken into, in the same way as is an
ordinary microphone, it vibrates and the small tube followino-
Its movements causes constrirtions in the" jet, and thus varies
F THE M'lKII.E^S Tl I.I.I IIDNE StaTKIX AT Till: InSTITIT ScPKRIECR
Pi.st.m.k TEi.EiaiAriiiE at Rchie.
This generator of continuous oscillations has been employed
with important modifications by Prof. Majorana in his system
of wireless telegraphy. Fig. 1 shows the arrangement adopted
in the transmitting station. The arc. which is enclosed in a
hydrogen atmosphere, is established between two electrodes,
one of carbon and the other of copper. The oscillating circuit
is made up of a capacity (c), and the primary winding of a
Tesla transformer (Fig. "2). The secondary of this trans-
former is connected with the antenna, and to earth through the
liquid microphone (M). It is therefore evident that sound
waves correspondiiiii' to conversation modifv the resistance of
THE ELECTEICIAN, JANUARY 29, 1909.
611
the circuit by means of the jet of water, and, therefore, also the
oscillations radiated by the antenna.
Prof. Majorana has also introduced some variations into the
receiving apparatus as the magnetic or electrolytic detectors
first employed were found to be scarcely suitable to working
with " Poulsen " oscillations. The arrangement adopted at
the receiving end (Figs. 3 and 4) includes a new oscillatory
circuit, a second antenna and a thermo-electric detector com-
posed of two metals in contact, which under the influence of the
oscillations becomes more or less heated, thus producing modi-
fications in the current corresponding to the electric oscilla-
tions and, therefore, with the voice of the person speaking at
the transmitting end. These variations in current are repro-
duced in the telephonic receiver (R).
A special system of syntonisation which is very simple, but of
which the details cannot yet be published, allows secrecy to be
preserved, and the peifect tuning between the transmitting
and receiving apparatus that is so necessary for distinct tele-
Fii:. 7.— Month Makio WihilMcss 'riTjcciiArii ani> Ti;i.KrMn\i:
Statidn at ItuMi:.
phonic communication to be obtained. A small variation in
the self-induction or capacity of the oscillatory circuit is
sufficient to render the receiver quite unaffected by the waves
ti'ansmitted.
With this new system Prof. Majorana has carried out some
very interesting experiments between the wireless station of
Monte Mario in Rome (Figs. 6 and 7) and the Anzio and Ponza
stations, 60 and 120 km. (37| and 75 miles) distant, respectively.
Other experiments have been made between Monte Mario and
tlie Italian torpedo boat "Lanciere" (Fig. 5) when a distance of
200 km. (125 miles) away in the Mediterranean and l)etvvoen the
same place and the wireless station at Maddalena, a distance of
300 km. (187i miles). In all these tests the communication
was perfect, the voice was strong and clear, and it was possible
to recognise the person speaking even when he was not close to
the receiver. Experiments have also been carried out between
Monte Mario and Trapari in Sicily, a distance of 50(1 km.
(312^ miles) with quite satisfactory results. It is stated that
three stations will shortly be equipped on the Majorana system
at^Naples, Cagliari and Palermo.
PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN THE SELECTION
OF TURBO ALTERNATORS.
The following is an alistract of the discussion which took
place at a meeting of the Birmingham Local Section of the
Institution of Electrical Engineers when Dr. M. Kloss read his
Paper ou the above subject. This Paper had previously been
lead and discussed by the Manchester Local Section, an
abstract of the Paper appearing in our issue of November 6th,
and of the discussion in our issue of November 20th last.
Mr. A. R. Everest (B.T.-H. Co.) suggostetl that it was sufficiently
accurate to allow 100 cubic ft. nf air per minute for each kilowatt of
losses, the heat taken up then iniTcasing the temperature of the a'r 20'"'C.
It was desirable with large machines to take the hot air away from the
machines by pipes delivering outdoors. Regarding regulation and its
influence on the available output, he fully endorsed the statements of
Dr. Kloss. If very close inherent regulation was demanded, the ratio
I'f armatura reaction to field ampere-turns must be a small one, while
if moderately high regulation was acceptable, the armature reaction
might be increased accoidingly. thus the amjjere-tums — i.e., total volt-
amperes output from the stator — were higher in the latter case. Another
objection to a specification requiring close regulation was that the
mechanical stresses on the windings which occiurred at the moment of
<i ^udden short-circuit became enormous. Some oscillograms taken on
;i large alternator, in v.'hich steady short-circuit current did not exceed
twice full-load current, showed at the instant of short-circuit a current
lusli of about 17 times full-load value. After about five cycle; the cur-
rent was still eight times the full-load value. The.se tests were made on
a machine with solid poles. With the usual laminated construction of
turbo-alternator poles, the short-circuit current should die down to its
steady value more quickly. In cases where it was desirable to maintain
close regulation in operation this coidd be obtained in a perfectly satis-
factory way by the use of the Tyirell regulator, of which about 100 were
in daily service in the United Kingdom. Lastly, he emphasised the
importance of the point referred to in the appendix to the Paper — viz.,
I liat when making regulation tests on a machine with a load of supposedly
unity power factor, an enor of only 1 per cent, in the power factor, as
might be caused by the piesence of a small amount of reactance in the
.system, might cause the observed regulation to apjjear as much as 2 per
cent, higher than its true value.
Mr. k. M. Taylor (Birmingham) in a recent specification had noticed
that the regulation was determined not by the difference of voltage, but
by the difference of the excitation. He noticed that Dr. Kloss s])oke of
the inherent voltage legulation as being gauged by the voltage rise on
removal of the load. Would it not be preferable to consider the regula-
tion from the point of view of the voltage drop between no load and full
load ?
Dr. D. K. Morris put forward a new method of regulation. This
consisted in placing acro.ss each phase of the alternator a choking coil
nf the ty|ie described in a recent Paper by Mr. Morcom and him.self.
"^m h ■ oiN differed entirely from ordinary choking coils in that, owing
lo ilirii I li.sed magnetic circuit and high saturation, a very small change
in im|>ii-^c 1 voltage caused a very large change in the magnetising cur-
rent taken from the alternator. The choking coils should be wound so that
at. say. 15 per cent, excess voltage, they would take their full idle current
of. say. 30 per cent, of the alternator's full cuirent. Thus, at ordinary
full-load running, with normal voltage, they would take very littU idle
riurent indeed ; which current, being in quadrature to the load currents,
would not appieciably add to the copi)er losses in the stator even when
the main load had as" low a power factor as 0-8. But if the load were
suddenly switched off, the voltage rise would be slight, for the least rise
in voltage would immediately cause the choking coils to take a large idle
current which would neutralise the excess field of the generator. Such
coils could be placed, if des' ed. on the low-tension side of the main trans-
formers or at the distant end of a feeder. For the example quoted by
Dr. Kloss of a 1,000 kw. alternator costing £1.000. and giving a voltage
rise of 17 per cent., with an estimated increased cost of £130 to reduce
the voltage rise to 14 per cent., such coils would not cost more than £70.
It was possible not only to improve the regulation of alternators by this
means, but even to obtain a flat characteristic by making the load cur-
rent itself keep down the terminal volts of the choking coil, so that when
the load was removed the voltage rise was entirely checked.
Dr. J. D. Co ALES remarked that as one of the great difficulties
in the desigti of turbo-alternators was due to the heating of the
rotor field coils, owing to the necessity of keeping the ampere-tums
of the field high compared with the ami)ere-turns of the stator, would it
not be possible to design the machines with a stationary field and a rotor
armature ?
Dr. Kloss, in reply, remarked that in high-speed machines it was not
advisable to design for vity close regulation, because there would then
not be so high a short-circuit current. In reply to Mr. Taylor, there were
two reasons why it wa^; preferable to specify the voltage rise on switching
oft' the load rather than the drop on throwing on the load. First the drop
was bound to be greater than tha rise, and for this reason designers,
including himself, did not care to give the drop because it looked bad on
paper. Again, it was not likely that a load would come on so qiiickly
as to give no time for the'.atiendant to raise the excitation in a suitable
manner, whereas it was always possible at any moment tha; the full load
might get tlu-own off without warning, as, for instance, by the operation
E
G12
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 20, 1909.
of a circuit-breaker or iusp. \'ery fair regulation could be obtained by
using the Tyrrell regulator, but if it failed to act properly then a very
great drop might take place and cause trouble It was not, therefore,
good to rely too much on dynamic means In order not to get too great
a drop in voltage he found that for practical use it was well to work with
u ratio of short-circuit current to full output ranging from 1-5 to 1-0.
With regard to Dr. Morris' remarks, he was much interested in the sug-
gestion, and quite believed that it was possible to carry it out, but he
was rather afraid it might not be advisable to do so apart from a com-
mercial point of view. The arrangement seemed to take up part of the
out])ut of the machine and meant increased excitation.
(Dr. Morris here said this only occurred .it light load.)
Continuing, Dr. Kloss said that, in any ca.«e. it was a question of price,
and he felt that it would work out as inadvisable from a commercial
jioint of view. Dr. Coalcs had suggested a revolving armature with fixed
fields. When he first designed a turbo alternator under conditions
described in his Paper he adopted this design. The machine, which was
the first made by Messrs. Siemens Bros., turned out quite satisfactory
as regarded heating and regulation, but they had difficulties in connection
with collecting the alternating cuirent at the high speed at which the
machine ran.
ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY.
BY G. 1.. .IDDENBROOKE.
At the beginning of the second lecture the working costs of an
electric power supj^ly undertaking were considered, and certain
working data set out in Table II. were discussed. The figures for
load factors were thought unduly conservative, thus making the
average prices given later rather higher than would be the case in
practice. But current for lighting would also in general be supplied,
thus raising the price and lowering the power factor. On the other
hand, the supply of power for electrolytic purposes allowed a general
reduction in price to be made. The number of units sold given in
the table followed from the power factor, and the amount of coal
u.sod )icr luiit sold was deduced from the best modern practice.
A consideration of the number of thermal units derivable from the
class of coal usually employed showed that the over-all efficiency
from coal to consumer in the largst stations would be a little over
8^ per cent., and in the 2„i00 kw. stations about 6 per cent.
These figures did not include the motor losses, which would bring
ihc results down to 7J and .5 per cent. re.spectively. The price of
coal was about that paid by power stations in industrial districts,
while the sums for administration and labour were taken from the
lecturer's experience and from practice in the case of smaller stations,
and in the case of the larger stations had been carefully estimated by
a sort of extrapolation from the data of largo stations actually in
operation. The figures given covered the transformation of current
and its supply to consumers or sub-stations for lighting or power
supply, but not the distribution costs after transformation. The
cost of labour given had also been compared with estimates for
modern power stations, and the way in which the cost per kilowatt
decreased as the capacity of the station rose was noted.
The amounts allowed for rents, rates and taxes were fixed after
careful consideration of similar costs in existing undertakings. The
amount allowed for repairs and maintenance averaged nearh- 2.1 of
the whole capital of the undertaking, it being assumed that the pfant
considei'ed had been running for some time. This amount did not
include allowances for depreciation, which were fixed at 3 ijer cent.
-As cable makers were willing to maintain distributing systems for
1 per cent, of their cost, and as buildings, &c., did not need much
maintenance, such a figure as that given above was considered ample.
Table IV. showed first the amount allowed for interest and depre-
ciation. These were taken as 6 and ;? per cent, respectively
on the capital expenditure, to allow for the fact that stations were
usually built up gradually, and also that a rather larger sum might
be spent on the distributing .system without financially affecting
t 1-- undertaking. Tlu- gro.ss revenue which ought to be earned and
the average price per unit sold were also set out, the number of units
being those given in Table II.. with the average load factor there
stated.
The lecturer considered that from the smallest of these stations
-upply would be given " in bulk " for lighting at Ud. per unit, while
the larger power consumers might be ehai-gcd about Omd or ODd
and still allow the result given in. the table to be obtained Con-
sideration showed, however, that a 'i.f.OO kw. station was too small
to give a power supi>ly in districts were there were large-sized private
plants, and the large stations had a great advantage in this respect
And, at the same time, a supply which could be spread over a loner
period had a great advantage from the point of view of eapitaf
administrative and stand-by charges, and allowed cmrent to be
Table II. — Slalkm Working Data.
Available
output of
stations.
Load
factor.
Sold to cus- Lbs. of coal ' Coal cost per
tomers per ■ per unit unit sold at
annum sold. 6s. 8d. per ton.
ArU^''*''"''^ °^ " ''"'"'' '^'^""'^ 'lelivcred before the Royal Society of
Kw.
%
B.T.U.
Lbs.
d.
2,500
26
6,700,000
5-25
0188
5,000
28
12,200,000
4-50
0-160
10,000
30
27,000,000
4-00
0143
20,000
32
54,000,C00
3-50
0126
40,000
34
• 116,000,000 j
3-25
0116
Table lll.^Annim/ Working Expense.^
Available
output of
station.
., ■ ■ 'CoaI(6s.8d.
Adminis- j^„,
trationand^j, .^^j^,,
l''^""'"- jand stores.
Rent,rat«s, ^^P^}^'
i. J and
taxes and . .
insurance, ""^'nten-
ance.
Total 1 Costs.
-'- : u'St.
Kw.
2,600
5,200
10,000
20,000
40,000
£. £.
4,200 4,900
6,500 8,9:0
11,000 16,000
18,000 30.000
30,000 60,000
£. £ £. ' d.
1,500 2.500 13,100 0 550
3,000 4,000 22,400 0-440
6,000 . 7,500 1 40,000 0-360
12,000 12,000 1 72,000 0-320
24,000 22,000 136,000 0 280
Table IV. — Reveime and Selling
Price.
Available
Total
b% interest.
Total
Av. selling
price per j
Private
output of
costs as
3% deprec'n.
supply
station.
above.
on capital.
unit. j
same size.
Kw.
£.
£.
£.
d. ;
d.
2,500
13,100
12,600
25.700
1-10
0-68
5,000
22,400
20,700
43.100
0 85
0-51
10.000
40,000
35.100
75,100
0-67
0-40
20,000
72.000
59.400
131,400
0-68
0-35
40,000
136,000
194.400
240,400
0 50
0-30
supplied at a much lower figure than that given'in the tables. For
instance, in the case of electro-chemical works. ()-2d. ])er unit, or even
lower, might be realised.
Turning to the economy of private plant, the lecturer showed
that, considering a 2.500 kw. plant, the administration and labour
would be one-half, coal 10 per cent, le.ss. rates and taxes not more
than one-quarter and repairs about three-quart«rs of the sums given
in the table. Taking interest and depreciation about the same,
with an average load factor of 26 per cent., the total cost worked out
at 0-68d. instead of 1-ld. per unit. It should be noted that the cost
of private supply was the same as if it were obtained from a public
station of about tour times the capacity, including the distributing
system and separate administration. A 10.000 kw. plant could,
therefore, very well compete on a cost basis with a private plant
of about 1,000 II. p.. with, of course, a better margin for all plant of
smaller size. At the present time, in many cases, jiower was being
supplied from small combined stations, and the lighting was being
made to support an undue proportion of the costs ; but if these two
supplies could be properly consolidated they should be mutually
helpful, with the result that it would be possible to supply lighting
at a lower cost. It had to be acknowledged that the financial posi-
tion at the present time was having a strong tendency to lead to
undue development of small undertakings, whUe correspondingly
hampering the laying out oi the work on lines which were in them-
selves the most economical.
In the second part of the lecture the details of the modern electric
power station were dealt with, the subject being divided into a
number of headings, under which the coal handling and storing
plant, the boilers, the generators and the switchboard were con-
sidered. The importance of easy access to both cnal and water
supi)li(\s was empha.sised.
\\'ith regard to the boilers, the u.se of the water-tube type had
become .-■tercoty|)cd. and mechanical stokers were almost universallN-
employed; the need for hcadwork on Ihc part of the boiler room statt'.
when mechanical stokers were used, was shown. No-load losses in
a boiler were considerable, but the better power factor obtained
in large stations with a fair day load helped to cut down these losses-
Considerable economies might be effected by the use of CO., recor-
ders. The boiler room was the most hopeful department in
which economies might be made in steam stations in the future.
The losses due to filling up and banking boilers were dealt with
at considerable length and also those due to radiation, admission
of air. etc.. and some suggestions were made as to [jossible ways in
which these might be reduced, such as by the use of producer gas
and even the entire separation of the furnace from the boiler.
By using this last method very little ol the heat of combustion
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 2\), 1909.
613
would he lost, and the gas and air supply regulation would be
improved.
In dealing; « it'i the generating plant, the lecturer noted the great
economise tliat had boen made, both in first cost and running charges.
by the introduction of the steam turbine. Other advantages of the
use of this machine were a more even turning moment, better govern-
ing and increasjd overload capacity. The historical develojiment
of the turbine was also discussed. As regards the alternators, the
advantage of generating current at a lower voltage and then stepping-
up for transmis.sion was pointed out when near and distant net-
works had to be served.
In conclusion, the author dealt briefly with switchboard design.
and drew attention to modern practice in this respect.
CONDUIT WIRING.*
M. WATBBHOUSB.
Theditferent methods of insulating and protecting electrical circuits
fall, naturally, into two divisions. Bare conductors are either fixed to
supports, which, in addition to possessing insulating properties, are
also mechanically strong, or the conductor is covered with continuous
insulation, which allows a certain amount of flexibility, and this
insulated wire is then protected by a separate independent conduit.
It has been clearly shown that for insulating ordinary conductors
bare or vulcanised rubber is the most suitable substance, as it does
not destroy the flexibility of the conductor, while at the same time
it possesses very high insulating properties. Such a conductor,
however, requires a certain amoinit of protection from mechanical,
chemical and electrolytic damage, and conduits of iron or steel
afford a maximum of protection for a given size or weight. They
must be themselves protected against chemical damage by .s])ecial
means.
The author suggests that no better material for protecting wires
can be found than iron, and quotes the opinion of several well-known
experts in support of his contention. He then goes on to describe
the manufacture of conduits of various types used at the present
day, emphasising the fact that their interiors should be entirely
free from burrs, in order that no damage may be done to the wires
when they are drawn in. He also gives a general description of the
various types of coujdings and T-pieces, showing for what special
purpo.ses these fittings are designed. Sucli fittings should be made
of malleable cast iron, and their corners rounded off to facilitate
" drawing through." The proper use of junction boxes with por-
celain interiors plays a most important part in planning out a satis-
factory system of distribution. Methods of fixing and small finish-
ing details are also dealt with to some extent in the Paper.
In describing some points in connection with coiiduit wiring, the
author shows that continuity and earthing are not only advisable,
but are in many cases specified by the inspecting authorities. These
very necessary precautions do not, however, altogether guard
against fire risk, unless contact with gas pipes is avoided. This
question of contact with gas pipes is developed at some length, and
it is shown that ofanumberof so-called ' electrical fires" inOlasgow,
roughly one-half, were due to melting of "' compo '" gas tubing, with
which the conduit was in ccjutact. i^hould the tubing by any means
become alive, it becomes earthed at every point of contact. It may,
therefore, happen that a large momentary rush of current occurs
at places unsuitable to receive it. The author thinks that this
question of contact should be very carefully looked into, as il is a
point requiring great care. Another point is the desirability of fitting
insulating bushes to conduits when otherwise unprotected cable is
brought out for connection to motors or instruments. Such an
arrangement will protect the vulnerable parts at a very small cost.
Turning to the question of condensation, the authoi' is of the
opinion that its effects are much exaggerated, and that faulty work-
manship and bad design haVe often been the cau.se of so-called
" condensation " troubles. A sound cable will often stand a consider-
able amount of dam]) without being much affected, but where it
has been damaged in di-awing in the water penetrates wilhoul much
trouble. A greater danger is from the water creeping in lictwcen the
copper core and the rubber covering at exposed places, such as
ceiling, rose and switch terminals. The action in this case is much
more rapid if some of the vulcanising sulphur has penetrated to the
rubber. Great care should, therefore, be taken in handling ^^■irts
during erection, and attention should also be directed to cleanliness
of the rubber after the vulcanising process. The smface of the rubber
should bo left perfectly clean, but slightly discoloured, ton much
brilliancy being suspicious. The taping up of the cable ends at
* Abstract o£ a Paper read before the Scottish section of the Electrical
CoQlractors Association.
places where connection is made t« terminals should also receive
attention. Entrances to junction boxes on horizontal runs .should
be plugged up to prevent air cu'culation, but on vertical runs the
pipe should be continuous, and a drain fitted at the bottom to allow-
any water to run off.
With regard to switches and ceiling roses, it is recommended that
such fittings should not be mounted directly on the metal outlet
boxes. It is, in fact, better to place a small insulating disc between
the two. thus greatly improving the insulation of the system. It alto
allows any inequalities in the china base to be taken up more easily.
Iron or steel conduits, it is true, provide excellent protection
from mechanical injury, but something more is needed to prevent
the harmful effects due to chemical action. A large numlx'r of i)aints
and varnishes have been tried, and a cheap black japan varnish with
a paraffin base has been largely a.sed up to the present time. This
varni.sh, however, is not capable of withstandirg the effect.s of
the chemical plasters and cements now being used in building,
and various tests of different kinds of enamels and japans have
been carried out by the author. The result of these tests was that
an enamel with a linseed oil base, and containing a very efficient
rubber substitute, has been discovered, and gives a very good pro-
tective covering to the conduits. Tests on conduits covered with
this enamel show that the tubes can be bent to cirrves of very small
radii without cracking or scaling, and that the insulation resistance
is extremelyjhigh.
The materials which are considered requisite for the equipment
of a conduit installation on the most satisfactory lines are : A
flexible stranded copper cable of high conductivity, where the necr-s-
sary flexibility is secured by employing a large number of relatively
small wires ; a dielectric of pure and vulcanised rubber of high ai.d
lasting insulation properties, but of such a thickness that the diameter
of the cable is not unduly increased. A conduit of even diauiettr.
and smooth bore, of ample size for drawing through the various
circuits, made electrically and mechanically continuous by means of
screwed threads, and having sufficient thickness of wall to take the
standard thread without unduly weakening it mechanically. The
material .should furl her lend it.self to reasonable bending, but, on
the other hand, it should not be .soft enough to allow the penetration
of a nail. Fittings and accessories of malleable iron, designed for
the reception and drawing through of cables, with smooth interiors
and watertight covers. These fittings should be distributed at con-
venient points to admit of drawing through the circuits without
difficulty. The exercise of scrupulous care in the drawing through of
all circuits. The efficient protection of cables at all ])laces where
there is a possibility of damage to their insulation covering by the
free use of nipples and bell mouth-iiieces. The proper fixing of all
conduit runs on their supi)orts, and the rimering of all conduits
whenever they are cut.
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2 E
G14
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 2!), 1909.
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BLBOTRICITY SUPPLY TABLES AND DATA.
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corrected to date. The second Table, giving complete Eogineering
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the third, giving details of Electricity Supply Undertakings without
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dealing with Electricity Supply Undertakings with Combined Light-
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Tables VII. and VIII., giving details of Electricity Works and
Electric Tramways and Railways in the Colonies and some im-
portant places abroad will ba Issued (Gratis^ on February 12.
THE CLAIMS OF SCIENCE ON THE NATION
Xo tliiukiug mau cau study the great majority of our
daily papers or other popular journals without beiug .struck
bv the great prominence given therein to things of no lasting
importance, while matters scientific are wholly neglected or
are reported iu a few lines, and then often wrongly. This
i.s undoulitedly in accordance with public taste in tliis
country, which lacks "seriousness," and it is becoming
more and more necessary that sucli a state of tilings .should
be changed in order that the nation may l)e as much to the
fore in the future as it has been in the past. It is now
recognised that tlie day for " rule of thumb " methods has
gone by and that to maintain our prestige we must be
educated in as complete a maimer as possible.
No better educational method can be devLsed than a
study of scientific problems. Tliis to scientists or engi-
neers may seem a trite statement, but the general body of
the public are still convinced that a classical education is
the best for most purposes. But this confinement of the
mind to one side of learning has a dwarfing effect, and at
the present time, when circumstances require that more
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 29, 1909.
615
method sliould be introduced into our dealings with all
sorts of work, a scientifically educated mind is a necessity,
for by this means a broadness is obtained which can be
arrived at by no other method.
To awaken the nation to the great importance of science
in eveiy-day life the British Science Guild was founded a
few years ago, and in spite of the inertia which has been
encountered, its efforts have not been unavailing, and a
perusal of the report presented at the annual meeting on
Friday last shows that steady jjrogress is being made.
At the .same meeting the president, Mr. 1!. B. Haldane,
in his address dealt with the uuestion of scientific training
This question is the natural foundation on which the work
of the Guild must be built. Great progress has no doubt
been made along these lines, but equal progress is being
made in other countries. Further, a stimulation of intel-
lect and character is a necessity to national well-being,
especially at tiie present time when the passion for sport,
or at leastior sport as a spectacle, may be considered to be
carried to excess. On this question of education the
natural tendency of the Guild is to put forward the claims
of science in contradistinction to other forms of learning, a
propaganda which we, at any rate, may be excused for en-
couraging. It is, in fact, an ever-increasing necessity that
the study of science should be made compulsory in secon-
dary schools. The cry at the present time is science or
Greek. These two subjects, however, as Mr. Hai.uank
pointed out, are not mutually exclusive, but rather
mutually helpful, and may both be studied, if properly
taught, without undue strain to the youthful intellect.
Another point which he nuide, and which seems to us (if
extreme importance, is tiie necessity for the greater study
of mudern languages. Such a knowledge is useful indeed
to the classic, but is absolutely neces.sary to the scientist.
Unfortunately the slight encouragement which is even
now being given by the headmasters of secondary schools to
this form of learning is having a stunting effect on our
scientific progress. As stated by Mr. Haloaxil, until
headmasters recognise that modern languages and science
are essential to the progress of the nation at the present
time it will be impossible to guarantee our future. This is
a subject which we recommend most emphatically to the
attention of the British Science Guild. As their report
shows, the study of German is decreasing, partly owing to
the discouragement "f the Board of Educ.ition and parti}'
to the scarcity of ([ualified teachers in the subject. If the
British Science Guild can indues the Government to make
the study of (German or French and one other niiidern
language compulsnry in all schools, they will at least li:ive
gained one undying claim to fame. It should be realised
that other countries on the Continent have an advantage
over us in this respect ; a foreign language is more easily
acquired, or when it is not learnt as a matter of course (ni
account of geographical surroundings, a language is im-
parted by serious teaching. Thus a great commercial ail-
vantage is obtained at once. There is very little good in
the school French or German as spoken by the average
Englishman who has never left his native land ; it may be
useful scientifically, but commercially it is of little if
any. use.
A plea must, therefore, be made at the present time for
a broader view to be taken of education. Tlie urifbrtunate
controversies which have lately been raging round primary
teaching have led to an unjustifiable neglect of the secon-
dary and higher branches, which has operated greatly to
their detriment. To educate the nation money is necessary,
and of this there is nnfurtunately but little for the work
that must be done. Even the universities are affected.
In fact. Sir Oliver Lodgk complained that many of his
cherished schemes have had of necessity to be laid aside on
account of the more or less bankrupt condition of the
higher educational establishments. Not much can be
expected from an educational institution whose finances
are more or less in the condition of Mr. Micawber's and
whose staff is both overworked and underpaid. Yet such
is unfortunately too often the state of our I'niversities and
Technical Institutions at the present time.
This is all the more distressing when the way in which
money is squandered in less deserving directions is con-
sidered. The investment of the nation's wealth in the
education of the nation, from the highest to the lowest, in
the use of scientific methods and their application to daily
life, would form a gilt-edged security of the truest kind.
Unfortunately the nation do not yet recognise what is good
for them, and the British Science Guild, in their endeavours
to point out the nation's needs to the nation, should be
supported by all interested in the well being of the com-
munity.
The eflbrts of the Guild, however, have not been during
the past year, and will not in the future be, confined to the
consideration of education, qm education, alone. During
1908 attempts have been made to obtain a reduction of
the postage rates on scientific literature, but without suc-
cess up to the present. They have also considered the
question of charitable effort with reference to the direction
in which expenditure on relief work might be co-ordinated
and the way in which greater economies might be effected.
Work along these lines will be continued during the
[iresent year. The Guild were largely instrumental in
iirganising a science exhibit at the Franco-British Exhibi-
tion. This exhibit was, as will be remembered, a great
success, and undoubtedly sowed the seeds of intelligent
interest in scientific work. A committee was also appointed
to consider the synchronisation of public clocks, and
issued a report recommending that action be taken with
reference to the control of such clocks as are publicly
displayed.
In regard to the work for the present year, Sir William
liA.M.sAY, in presenting the report, called attention to
the amount of waste of our national resources which is at
present going on, ami suggested that this was a very proper
direction for the tiuild's activities. In last we.dc's loading
article we called attention to a methoil by which waste of
" waitc" is being prevented in the No'th of England, and
there is no duubt that by a furtiier consideration of such
processes, combined with an economical employment of
the resources at our command, much more could be done
in this direction. This subject is intimately bound up
with the prosperity of our posterity, and is certainly, there-
fore, entitled to some claim on our attention. The picture,
drawn by Sir William E.vmsay, of Loudon as a fishing village
of some 5,000 inhabitants, a result which he considers will
be the outcome of our neglect to take proper precautions
iu this direction, is not pleasant to contemplate.
610
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 29, 1909.
REVIEWS.
Oonlei of the uudermentioned works can be had trom Thr Electrician Office, post free
on rccc-ipt of iiiihllshed price, addini; 3d. for books published under 2s. Add 10 per
.•iMit for abroad orfur forr i!;n books.)
High Speed Dynamo Electric Machinery. By H. M Hobaht
and A. G. Ellis. (New York: Wiley & Son.s ) Pi:, x.x.— 497.
25.S 6ci. net.
'.' This treatise forms a /iiost u.seful addition to the literature
on the subject, and the authors are to be congratulated on the
tlioroughffoing manner in which they have tackled the pro-
blems they set themselves. The great number of compara-
tive designs worked out showing the influence of the .speed,
number of poles, &c., on the dimensions, performance and
design of large generators are most instructive, and must have
entailed a great amount of work.
The book deals with generators exceeding about 300 kw., and
is divided into three parts : General Considerations, Alter-
nating Current Generators and Direct Current Generators.
In Part I. the authors introduce their output coefficient,
and show clearly that the output per revolution is always
proportional to the product : — Average flux-density in gap x
ampere bars per unit of armature periphery ; which is, of
course, the torque.
The curves of ofitput, weight and cost coefficients given,
are, however, only approximate, as the authors state, and must
only be used for obtaining a rough preliminary design.
Chapter III. deals very fully with tlie predetermination of
temperature rise ; several methods of calcnhition are given
and the results compared
Chapter IV. deals with the improvement that mav be ob-
tained by using one of the new grades of low loss iron for
armature laminations. It is found, however, that even if
every care is taken to insulate the plates, erind off all burrs,
and not to have too heavy pressure on them, the actual iron
loss may still come out twice that calculated from tests on
samples. Hence the gain by using this special material miy
be much less than anticipated.
In Part IT. the effect of the ratio of field ampere-turns to
armature ampiae-turns. and the degree of saturation of the
magnetic circuit on the regulation is clearly set forth ; and
it is shown that \vi ;-re very high outputs and speeds are re-
quired, especially with two-pole designs, the regulation cannot
be expected to bo so good as with normal speed generators.
There should be an excellent field for good compounding
alternators for turbine work, as these enable the limiting
outiMits for any given speed to be raised.
Most of the designs given have salient pole rotors. The
wound rotor in which the field coils are distributed in slots
around the circumference is, however, on most points superior.
The field copper can be worked at a high.er density, the coils
are much more easily supported against centrifugal force, and
the regulation is improved, since the pole leakage is much less.
It is also cheaper to use laminations than an expensive forging
of high-grade steel, which has to be machined all over, and
perhaps have slots and ventilating channels cut out.
The authors are rather too severe on two-pole machines.
It is hard to believe that a 400 k.v.a. two-pole generator at
.■i,00tt revs, per min. costs more than a 400 k.v.a. four-pole
generator at J,.500 revs, per min., in spite of its drawbacks. One
of the large American firms is now buildim; ii two-pole "ene-
rator for 10,000 kw. at I, -500 revs, per min.
Comparisons of desians for alternating current generators of
400 k.v.a. to 6,000 k.v.a., and speeds of 94 to 3,0(X) revs, per
min. are given, and from these data curves are plotted showing
the effect of speed, number of poles, &c. The whole embodies
cxeeedingly valuable information, and will repay considerable
study. This section concludes with tabulated data and de-
scriptive matter of a number of high-speed alternators built
by various firms, and a selection of excellent illustrations
showiiiu the constructional features of rotors and stators.
Chapter XII. gives briefly the nocessarv calculations for
determining the dimensions of various parts necessarv to
withstand the mechanical forces called into play
In Part III., dealing with direct current machines, the diffi-
culties due to commutation, and the cooling of the commutator,
are well pointed out. The authors seem to be of the opinion,
however, that commutating poles are a necessary evil, and
should only be employed where absolutely necessary. This
is hardly true, for by adopting them on even small slow-speed
generators we can often obtain a cheaper machine owing to
the much higher value of the armature ampere-turns we can
use. The flux may be weakened, and a smaller field frame
and weight of field copper is, therefore, required.
A very complete line of direct current generators is worked
out, and the results compared and plotted as before. The
illustations showing constructions adopted by various makers
are clear and instructive, and many hints may be gathered
from them.
As is stated, direct current generators running at turbine
speeds are much less satisfactory jjropositions than alternating
current. One reason is that the volts per bar on the commu-
tator increase with the speed and output, and as, in order to
avoid " flashing over," this figure must not be allowed to
exceed about 20 to 30, we come to a point where we are forced
to reduce the speed if we want to increase the output. Various
suggestions have been made for reducing this figure by taking
taps from the rear end of the armature coils, through the core
to intermediate commutator segments, but they have not yet
come into general use.
Finally, we have a chapter on the properties of brushes of all
types, and on the design of brush-holders and gear.
A. W. MaUdling.
Laboratory and Factory Tests in Electrical Engineering. By
Geor<5k F. Sever and Fitzhdoh Townse.vd. 2nd edition. (Lou-
don : A. Constable* Co.) Pp. xii.— 268. 10s. 6d. net.
The authors of this book are respectively the professor and
a former instructor of electrical engineering at the Columbia
University, whilst its contents represent the laboratory work
required in the electrical engineering course at this Institution.
The work, however, is intended also to be of use to those already
engaged in the electrical profession, and this seems to have
been one of the objects the authors had in view in classifying
the tests as " commercial tests " and " illustrative and special
tests." The tests arc well described, and, wherever necessary,
brief discussions of the theory involved are given.
Part I. of the book deals with direct current tests. The charac-
teristics of dynamos and motors are fully investigated, and the
various methods of determining the efficiency are explained.
Rather too much stress, it seems to us, has been laid on the
value of what is called the " stray power method " of deter-
mining the efficiency. We agree that the expenditure of power
is reduced to a minimum (no-load losses), but we cannot agree
that the results are more accurate than those obtained by a
combined electrical and mechanical method, inaccurate as
the latter may be. Then, again, what about the temperature
rise V Surely this is at least as important as the efficiency.
In general, it will be found that the efficiency given by the stray
power method (or " synthetic " method, as ^ve should prefer
to call it, since it consists in adding up all the lo.sses) is on the
high side, the error often amounting to 1 or 2 per cent. The
Hopkinson in- Kapp test of running two similar machines as
dynamo and motor mechanically coupled — which is referred
to as the " pumping back " method — is much superior.
Ahernntiwj current tests are dealt with in Part II. The
measurement of power by means of the three-voltmeter and
three-ammeter methods are among the few tests that might
have been left out — we say feiv because sujierfluous descrip-
tions are a rare feature of the book. The testing of alterna-
tors, synchronous machines in parallel and transformers are
clearly described and elucidated by means of vector diagrams.
Strange to .say, the modified Hopkinson test, as applied to
transformers, is now referrefl to as the motor-dynamo method.
The section devoted to curve tracing seems to us incomplete
since it contains no reference to the oscillograph. — an instru-
ment almost as well known now as any other (at least in this
country), and certainly as interesting and instructive. More-
over, students will learn far more from seeing a curve than
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 29, 1909.
617
by merely measuring the same by one or otlier of the methods
of instantaneous contacts.
The induction machine is well dealt with, and very instruc-
tive tests on the asynchronous generator are described in
detail.
The last portion of the book, occupying some 60 pages,
is devoted to electrical measurements of a less practical
nature, such as the determination of inductance, capacity,
leakage, permeability and hysteresis by means of the ballistic
galvanometer. In this section, lesistance measurements,
electricity meters, calibrations, storage batteries, lamp testing
and such like tests are also discussed.
The book, although not of an advanced nature, will be useful
to many besides students ; it is accurate, clearly written and
concise. Probably it would have been better if the authors
had criticised the relative merits of the several methods,
applicable for a given test, more severely. In this way the
experimenter would find his work m\ich moi-e instructive, and
by comparing his several results form a better idea of the
meaning of testing and the right way of obtaining what is
wanted. This latter remark is especially applicable to students
who often find considerable difficulty in properly appreciating
their results, a point too easilv lost sisiht of by mauv writers.
■ S. P. S.
LONG DISTANCE LAND TELEGRAPHY.
Where intermediate traffic has not to be considered and an
active telegraphic correspondence is exchanged by land lines
between far distant centres there is scope for extension of the
system of through working, and the Indo-European Telegrajih
Co., since it begun to introduce direct operation on its lines,
has steadily developed the length of the sections under relay
working until it has produced and broken record after record
in the field of long-distance land telegraphy.
In The Electric I.IN of January 13, 1905, appeared an
article by Mr. T. W. Stratford-Andrews, managing director of
the Indo European Telegiaph Co. , describing what had been
done up to that time in the way of direct Wheatstone working
between London and Teheran. Every im|)rovement on sec-
lions of that long line necessitated acceleration of operation on
other sections to prevent blocliagc of the traffic tending to
accumulate where the working was slower. In this, wa^' tiie
introduction of the Wheatstone between Odessa and Teheran in
]S97 led to the improved method being applied on the Odessa-
Emden section, and it was then found possible to work direct
from Emden to Teheran. This, in turn, involved more rapid
working between London and Emden, and, with the consent
of the British and German postal authorities, Wheatstone
apparatus was installed on the land wires and cables between
those two points. And eventually it was found possible to work
direct between London and Teheran, a distance of 3,800 miles.
From the Persian capital messages for India were sent to
Bushire, near the head of the Persian Gulf, whence they were
transmitted to the Indian coast by cable.
Since then land lines have been established between
Teheran and Karachi (India), aid the experience previously
gained has enabled diiect working between England and India
to be accomplished. There are some 13 rclaysinserted in this
great length of wire (5,37-1 miles), and at each relay station a
Morse writer is installed which records the signals passing, and
enables the operators to see that the working is satisfactory,
or to make such adjustments as may be necessary. In addition,
messages from or to the East are automatically relayed in the
London office to and from Manchester and Liverpool.
It may be explained that the signals of messages to be sent
arc punched by the telegraph operators in a paper "tape,"
which is then placed on ami runs through the transmitting
apparatus. This forwards the signals to the first relay station
where another battery is brought into play and the signals are
automatically sent forward to the next relay station and so on.
In this way, under normal conditions of working, no human
intervention is necessary until the message is recorded in
Morse signals at the distant end.
On Saturday last, at Ihe London station of the Indo-European
Telegraph Co., a demonstration of through working was given
to representatives of the Press. A long message was first
received from Karachi with perfect accuracy at some 40 words
per minute, and afterwards one from Calcutta at a still greater
speed — nearly 50 words per minute — which was automatically
sent on to Manchester and Liverpool. Then followed a direct
transmission from Bombay, sent from there at 10:45 p.m.
Indian time, and reaching London at 5:15 London time, in the
afternoon. Messages direct from Madras and even from Ran-
goon were also received.
The system described above is of considerable importance,
inasmuch as it decreases the " delay " on messages to India
and the Far East and enables a larger traffic to be carried on
the existing lines.
We cordially congratulate the directors and staff of the
Indo-European Company on the enterprise and ability they
have shown in meeting the difficulties to be overcome, and on
the success which has happily attended their efforts to improve
that part of the international telegraph service in which they
are interested.
THE WIRING OP BUILDINGS.*
HY 1). S. .MINRO.
Siniiiiiari/. — 111 this Papor the author reconsider>; the various familiar
methods of wii'ing, with their advant.Tges and IrouWes, as a reminder
that no really good and cheap method of indoor wiring has yet been in-
vented and that the subject is worthy of persistent attention and effort.
After describing the bare wire system, in which the wires are rmi
on insulators fixed to the beams, and where the installation must
be carefully planned to avoid damp and accidental contact, the
author considers the wood casing system. This system of protecting
the wires can often be utilised to add tu the artistic eflect. and it
also gives a high insulation on test. It permits of easy insijection
and additions, and damp nearly always shows directly. The author
also recommends the use of wider grooves than those employed at
present. With regard to cornice crossing and metlicxls of pas.sing
from wall to coiling, the usual way is to employ concealed tubes of
compo or zinc. These are better not earthed. The points to l>e
noticed in this work are the covering of the tube edges with wood,
the firm holding of the tube and the cutting of casing paths so as to
lead the wires (easily into their several grooves. .Mica i)lates and
shellac varnish are often tiscij illiitiMJy at crossing places.
The "Continental" svsli m ..ni-i-^ts of fastenitig twisted flexible
to the walls by means of small insuhitors, the mains and sub-mains
being placed in brass tubes or wood casing. Wliere the "flex"
)3as3es through the walls, protective brass tubes are used. This is.
perhaps, the cheapest of all methods to instal, as the accessories
required are few and the time required for erection little. Its
average life may be counterl as tive years if the temperature is
equable.
The author then deals shortly with the concentric. lead-covered
and brass, copper and zinc systems, the latter metal being used in
the form of protective tubes. The need of more than ordinary care
when installing lead-covered wire is emphasised.
As regards iron and steel conduits, gas barrel, if carefully rimered,
has advantages over steel. There has up to the present been some
difficulty in obtaining absolute uniformity in the gauge of wrought-
iron tube, but the author states that it will be sliortly pos.sibIe to
obtain solid-drawn wrought-iron conduit of small size.
It is recommended that plans sliould be prepared showing the lay-
out of circuits and the jjosition of jiuietion and draw boxes. The
number of lamp.s per circuit is a (piestion that has not yet been
standardised, though the 3 ampere limit of the Institution rules is
a good maximum for ordinary buildings. In many public buildings,
however, such a limit may well be exceeded. There are distinct
advantages to be gained by so fitting the tubes that they are moder-
ately well insulated from earth. It is then |)ossible to test the con-
tinuity of the tubes and their freedom of contact with other metal.
The earth wire should be capable of ea.sy disconnection. If Mr.
Lackie's suggestion of a resistance in the earth wire is to be used, a
terminal box would be a convenient point for its connection. .Mr.
Lackie's propo.sal might, in certain places, be extended to the circuit
fuses ; that is to say. that on the occurrence of a short on a branch
wire, a resistance might be in.serted in the circuit by a simple electro-
* Abstract of a Paper read before the Glasgow Local Section of the
ustitution of Electrical Engineers.
618
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 29, 1909.
magiK-t arranguinent, Imt possibly a low resistance arranged for
high self-induction would be simpler, and could be fitted in the dis-
tribution box for each pair of fuses. Such an appliance would tend
to reduce the flash in a short-circuited lamp-holder, for example, as
well as to lessen the injury to fuse box carrier or cover.
Except in concentric work, metal fittings are, perhap.s. better
insulated from earth, as the insulation of switch handle-s. lamp-
liolders and lamps is cut down for the sake of compactness. As
regards testing, tests between outers and neutral, or between positive
am! negative, should be made with the same care as between cables
mill .■arlh.
I''ircs are much more numerous with lead-covered wu-es than with
otiier systems. Wood casing shows up well ; it would, indeed, be
the safest of all systems if not fitted in wet places, at least without
special precautions, and if kept wholly within sight.
It is quite possible that there will be a return to lower consuming
voltages coincident with the development of high-tension trans-
mission. With pressures of 25 to 100 volts the wiring precautions
can be very materially reduced, and cheap methods of wiling would
have a fair chance, notwithstanding the increased size of indoor
cables. The increased efiiciency of lamps helps this. Whether
jjresent pressures be changed or not, there is a demand for a cheaper
system of wiring. The use of electric light is still rapidly extending
among small users, and it is well for the industry that it is so. It
would be far better to permit and use a cheap system of wiring
rather than to rely upon a system nominally the best but spoiled in
erection through competitive cheapness. Until the advent of good
cheap wires fit for drawing-in uncovered, like gas pipes, our choice
will be limited. Iron or steel conduit has not much in its favour,
except tiiat it is a little more difficult to pierce by chance nails, and
is impervious to the attack of rats and mice. Its thickness of metal
also promises to confine the flash of a short-circuit, although when
the flash occurs it is usually burned tluough. But it is expensive
and intractable in erection, and tempting, therefore, to imperfect
work in concealed places ; it requires much space Mid cutting up of
building fitments. It is haunted by water of condensation, and will,
sooner or later, give much trouble through rust. If wiring uiust be
concealed, what is wanted for branch wires is cable, with its metallic
jirotection complete, manufactured in long lengths and delivered in
coils, and soft enough to unwind, bend and straighten easily. With
such a cable it would ba a pity not to use the continuous metal cover-
ing as mid-wire in town work, or as. say, negative in isolated work.
With such a metal covering, enamelled, run in dry i)laces and on
insulating studs in damp place?, the hakage risk would be small,
seeing that tho oxtarnal metal would b3 so nearly at earth potential.
The electrolytic trouble which threatens a concentric outer would be
hindered by the enamel, &c. But whether or not a conduit cable
suital)lp for pulling in anywhere, or qf being carried out and in over
\arying surface-;, can be obtained, it would certainly be a convenience
it architects in designing buildings would provide better paths for
electrical conductors. Many of the new fireproof buildings are
planned as if to make the running of wires or pipes impossible. Sur-
face twin flcxiljle made concentric to avoid dust troubles is worthy of
exiensivc trial hi many places.
niSCU.SSlON.
.Mr. .McKenzie showed .some slides and (ittmgs illuslraliiig a cheap
iiictlioil (if flexible wiring much in vogue on tlie ('(intinont and advocated
its adoplion in this country.
iViif. B.\ii.Y said everything pointed to tlu- rubbi-r insulation
as being the weak point in an installation, and in all its uses
rubber was only comparatively eftieient and lasting. The problems in
wiring culminated in and around the unreliability of the present day
insulating materials. He had faith in oiled paper when used in layers
in a lead coating. There was a future for a combination of insulating
paints and paper layers inside the lead covering and the attention vt
cable makers should be devoted to the invention of something pliable
on these lines. The concentric type was the most compact and safest.
Mr. McWhirter (Glasgow) agreed that in the old days of gutta percha
none ()f the ])resent insulation troubles aro.^e. but with the advent of
\ulcanised rubber breakdowns and worries followed. He did not
agri'e with Mr. Munro that flexible would give good rcsidts over five
years. He thought five months a truer average." He pinned his faith
to large bare copper wires on ordinary insulators and quoted an instance
oi a large paper mill so cqui])ped where the installation was as good
to-day as when installed many years ago.
Mr. Wilson (British Insulated & Helsby C.ibles) was surprised, first,
that many stdl believed in the old fashioned wood casing, and second,
that more people than he were of the opinion and begmnmg to realise that
lead-covered twin paper insulated cable v/as the ideal one. He person-
ally knew of wood casmg that had been in use 20 years without giving
any cause for trouble or expense. Metal casings he did not uphold, and
even pure rubber was very liable to destruction.
This Paper will be further discussed at the next meeting of the seetion
PARALLEL OPERATION OP ALTERNATORS,
BY DR. E. ROSENBEBG.
SumiiHiry. — In the first part of this Paper the author considers the
subject from a theoretical point of view, obtaining expressions for the
synchronising output, whilst in the second portion he shows how the
results may be employed in piactice.
The question of alternators working in parallel has not been so
widely discussed in this country as abroad. This is mainly due to the
use of the high-speed engine so popular in this country, in which
the makers, quite unknowingly and unintentionally, kept far from
the i)oint where the critical relation between the oscillation of the
alternator and the impressed oscillation of the crank mechanism
begins. The phenomenon of hunting in alternators occurs mainly
when they are subjected to regular impulses occurring at intervals
nearly equal to the natural period of oscillation. The practical
difficulty is only to find out which kind of impulses are dangerous, and
which kind do no harm.
The torque diagram of a steam or gas engine can always be repre-
sented as a series of waves irregularly formed, but nearly regularly
repeated at constant intervals, and we shall see that the higher har-
monics hardly ever have to be considered as far as the danger of
hunting is concerned. For the present the only important fact is, that
except where special precautions are taken, a fundamental wave
exists— i.e., that due to insufficient equality between the im-
pulses on the two sides of a double-acting piston, we have an impulse,
although small in its actual value, the period of which is the full time
of one revolution. The impulses of -J, J, J, &o., revolution are, of
course, in themselves much more important, but the electrical engi-
neer has hardly ever to trouble himself about them, because they are
well looked after by the mechanical engineer in designing his fly-
wheel. Since the torque diagram can be represented by a super-
position of simple sine waves of different periodicity, the laws apply-
ing to harmonic movement and the rules concerning super-position
can be apjilied.
A synchronous machine, in order to give watt current to, or receive
watt current from, another synchronous machine must lead or lag.
Suppose we mark the centre line of a north pole of two parallel run-
ning machines and call them the vectors of the corresponding machines.
The length of the vectors OB, OA may also represent the E.M.F. If
the E.M.F.s are unequal their resultant operates in a ciicuit consist-
ing merely of the windings of the two machines in series. These
windings have a gi-eat self-induction and a negligible resistance, and
therefore the current will be nearly at right angles to the resultant
E.M.F. — i.e.. one machine gives wattless lagging current and the
other receives wattless leading current. As wattless current docs
not mean fluctuation of power, we shall only consider machines that
are equally excited, the vectors being equal. If the vectors arc
shifted (Fig. I) by an angle a. the resultant E.M.F. is represented by
AB and E^^=--'2E sin -^. Although we have mainly polvpha.se
machines in mind, we shall only consider single phase in the formuke.
These will also apply to polyphase machines, with the modification
that current means the " virtual " or " total " current.
Assume that the apparent self-induction of the machine is approxi-
mately constant, independent of the excitation and load, and call
the apparent self-induction the quotient of the E.M.F. on no load
and the short-circuit current for the same excitation. The synchro-
nising output is represented in the case of two equally excited
machines by L,= EI cos ^= EIo2 sin tj cos ., = ET„ sin n = EI„o, for
small values of the angle n ; I„ being the short-cii'cuit current. If a
means the angle between the machine vector and the net vector, then,
fortunately, it is not necessary to distinguish the value of I, accord-
ing to the self-induction of the second machine, but we can then define
I, as the short-circuit current of the machine in question short-
circuited across its own terminals for the same excitation, for, in
most practical cases, the machines give a useful output to the line.
Then the synchronising (jut])ut for each machine is only the differ-
ence lietween the momentary output corresponding to the momen-
tary displacement and the normal output. We can represent the
net by a vector, too, and it is fortunate for our investigations that the
fiction of a net vector without self-induction covers practically the
whole ground. If we have two machines running in parallel and
feeding a net, the net vector will have a constant lag behind the
resultant of the two machine vectors. If the two machines are of
equal size (with the same self-induction), then the resultant of the
two machine vectors will coincide with the svmmetry line of their
* Abstract of a Paper read before the Institution of Electrical Engineers
ast night, and before the Manchester Local Section on Tuesday last.
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 21), 1909
01 ;»
angle. If we assume tlie net vector and the .symmetry line to bt-
revolving at constant speed, then the .synchronising output can now
be reun«nit--d as l.,,= EI,.-,= EI„o', where n represents the displace-
ment of our machine vector towards another vector running in
s\nehronism with the not vector ; <r, varying positive and negative,
may bo called the oscillating displacement. If, however, the net is
repressnted by a single synchronous motor, having the same size and
same self-induction as the primary madiine, and fitted with a very
^<\^'-..
rw-
Vu: ;{.
heavy flywheel, the net vector rotates at a constant speed, the short-
circuit current is only half of the natural short-circuit current of (jnc
machine, and the above value should be divided by 2.
The author next considers a machine with constant load, and
driven by an engine, the torque of which can be represented by a
constant torque and a superimposed oscillating torque, the ampli-
tude of which we will call M. The frequency of this superimposed
tor((ue can be equal to the number of revolutions, or different. J>et
us call the duration of a whole period of the oscillating torinie. or Ih-
Fiii. l.
diuation of an impulse cycle, e. The oscillatmg torque
M
oscillating acceleration represented by 7=v,,.r> ^™<^''"'
the moment of inerti.i. 'I'he oscillating torque will cans.? an o
of the magnet wheel around tin: position of the average di.-;pl
but the displacement will by no means be in plia.se with the o.
torque, in fact the speed o.3cillations lag a quarter of a pcrio
the oscillations of the torque, and, therefore, the amplit'"
0
oscillating speed is 1'= -/ . ^•
•illation
.■einent.
■illnting
behind
■ ..f the
As long as the oscillating speed is positive the displacement will
grow, and will reach its raa.ximum value when the oscillating speed
pas.ses through zero (Fig. 4). That means, the oscillating displace-
ment superimposed upon the average <lisplacement will lag by 90 deg.
behind the oscillating speed, and by 180 dog. behind the oscillating tor-
que or acceleration. OC (Fig. 2) represents this displacement. If the
machine has 2p poles, then p electrical degrees correspond to. one
angular degree, and if we call a the displacement in electrical radian
degi-ecs, the formula for the amplitude of the oscillating output super-
imposed on the average output will be
The torque corresponding to this synchronising output is JI,=
I. __. 1 .M TO-'
— r = Ei,
'J
^mr- 8
^-P-
Chous- a scale for the oscillation
speed or displacement in Fig. 2 so I hat ( )( ' represents at the same tim :'
the displacement and the corresponding torque. Tl is tci que in itself
would cause an additional oscillating speed represented by CCi, and
so we get a sum of a geometrical series which t;iaphieally can be
iciirescntcd bv connecting the point I? with C, and continuing it until
ii cuts lh<- vertical line at tile point C. Then OC is llir amplitude of
tlir linal o.sclllaling di.splaremenl. How big these liiiid values are in
roTiiparison with the initial values is delcrniiiied by the quotient of
llir .synchronising torque corresponding to a certain displacement
and the oscillatinc torque which causes this displacement. We call
(() M
this figure reaction (piolient </ and have the formula r/- y,^"- j^j
1 1 T('-
All vectors of the initial oscillation ar.- uiir>:a.scd \<\ tin- elcctneal
reaction. We call multiplying factor the quotient of the final value
to the initial value and have the equation K= j— ^
The latter value results as the ratio between the sura and the first
term of a geometrical series, the quotient of which is q. The final
value of the amplitude of the synchronising moment will ''c , _^^ . M
and we shall call the factor j ^ the wobblo factor.
\ consideration of this expression shows that at the point of
resonance the value becomes infinite and returns from a negative
infinity In realitv. such a point of unsteadiness dws not exist,
because we have always a third power in oscillating systems— that is,
the torque which may be called the damping torque If we provide
special damper cages with low resistance, then the t^""''"* ''"'^
torque corresponding to a given oscillating speed will be high If wc
have only massive pole-shoes, then the higher resistance of the iron
will reduce the damping torque for a given oscillatmg .speed and i we
have laminated poles, this torque will still be reduced, but it will be
existent. It is easy to take account of the damping torque. \\ e can
calculate, or find out exoerimentally, the synchronous tor.iue that
our machine would <Ievelop ^vhcn running as an induction motor with
a slip of 1 per .•-nt. Having determined tins tor<iue «c then
know exactlv the ratio between damping tor<,ue and osci atmg s^^ed,
and can draw the damping torque t)D in ..pposition t.. OB. m Hg. J.
The scale for the oscillating speed in Fig. 3 is chosen in ^-f^-J^y
that the length of the speed vector is identical wi h the length of the
damping torque vector corresponding to this speed.
The author then investigates the problem beginning at the other
end, and shows that OE represents the oscillating torque fansm.tted
to he net. or. in ..ther words, the wobbling of the wattmeter needle.
It will he seen that the clamper will not reduce mechanical oscillations
. anv considerable degree, unless the dampi-V" torque is nearly
equafto the primarv oscillating torque. lor instance, in order to
m\ke the working component OA, only ha^f of the P"™-y °-'U^;
ing torque OA. the damping component CD - -V A , must be 8 /per
cent of the primary. Also bv considering changes m the diu-ation of
^^iniplt'eycle V as altering >, it is seen that ^- sm^ .^eUcm
Muotiei t the effect of the damper on the size of the obcll.U ions 18
;i5S^-. '-t - tlie icaetion quotient approaches unity it becomes
more important.
(7'o br i-'inlniued.)
Reduction Of Wear on Trelley ^ires.-A new de^Mce has
recently been mirodiKcl on the tramway system at Regem-
bm-. It is spcciallv adaptcl for use on curves. By means of
spedal toolsashealiiof hard copper sheet 1 mm. •" '1^'^'kif^.
s pressed round the trolley wire, u, lengths o 1 metre, so that
The seam is on the upper side. Tiiesc sheatlis can easily be
iHiewed when they arc worn through.
620
THE ELECTRICIAN. JANUARY 21), 1909.
CORRESPONDENCE.
THE GARDINER SYSTEM OF CAB SKJNALLING.
TO THE EDITOR OK THE ELECTRICIAN.
SiK : Doubt having been raiscil as to whether it be possible
to apply the cab i-ignal described in your issues of October 16th
and November 0th last so as to meet the requirements of
deviations from the n'mplo lino shown in my previous dia-
grams, the following proposals for meeting the problem pre-
sented by a simple double-line juucion may not be wiiliout
interest to jour reade:s.
I jiut the solution funvard, not as necessarily fin'iUy and
absolutely correct, leave alone as being the best possible, but
pur;ly as typical of the method of dealing with the conditions
prevailing. It is improbibjc tint at tlic first "set off" the
connections proiiosed should be entirely beyond criticism and
improvementjbutthey will,Ihope, answerthe purpose intended.
The ]jroblem set me by my critic is shown in the diagram
below (Fig. 1).
Thfi present rules for working this junction are as follows : —
(/) When perrais.sion has been given by B for a train to a|)pioach
from C, no train must be allowetl to leave D until that from C has
been brought to a stand at the "home" signal, or has pasiod through
until the " is line clear " signal has been accepted by the signalman at
that box, except as provided for in clause [c] of this regulation.
(j) When a train has been sent to the "advance " or ' ' starting '' signal
and the rpar of the train is well clear of the junction, permission for a
following train to approach may bo given by the signalman to the
signal box in rear if the points are set for the following train to pass
on to another line, and that line is clear, and the instructions given in
the preceding paragraphs can be complied with.
(/) In dealing with trains, neither of which convey passengers, in
clear weather and under ordinary cu-cumstances, when approaching
a junction on sections which converge to a foulin/ point, either by
running into one line or -by crossing each other to different lines, the
mode of signalling given in regulation 5 must be adopted, except
that if the block indicator be in its normal position when the " is line
clear" signal is offered for a second train, the junction signalman
must, after accepting that signal by giving the section clear hut
Ktalion or junction blocked signal,* and after that signal has been
acknowledged, peg the indicator to "train on line." On the train
entering the section, the "train entering section" signal must be
given in the usual way.
Fig. 2 shows the general principle) only under which I
would equip this junction. It does not show special safety
contrivances, such a? duplicate relays, additional insulating
iish-p'ates, and so on, that provide the means for dealing with
points and crossings, kc, and that the experience so far gained
in practical working with the tiack circuit may indicate as
desirable for absolute safct}-. Further, purely to make the
diagram less complicated to fol'ow, I have oiu'tted the cross-
B only is a Pointsman's Box. Shaded Track Conductor denotus " Stop.'
the junction and is beyond the "advance" signal, or, where there is
no "advance" signal, has passed tlie " liome " signal a distance of
400 yd?, and is continuing its journey, or, where the next signal box
ahead is w^ithin 400yds , until the " is line clear" signal has been ac-
cepted by the signalman at that box, except as provided for in clause
(c) of this regulation ; nor in such a case must a train be allowed to
leave A for D unless the junction facing points at B are set for C and
the line towards C is clear to tlie ' ' advance " sigtial, or, where there is
no "advance" signal, is clear for a distance of 400 yds. bc\-ond the
junction points, or where the next signal box ahead is within 400 yds.,
until the "is line clear " signal has been accepted by the sifnalman
at that box, except as provided for in clause (c) ot this regulation
(fl) When pei-mission has been given bv B for a train to aiipro.ach
horn 1), no tram must be allowed to leave C until that from D ha'; been
brought to a stand at the " home '" signal, or has parsed throuo-h the
junction and is beyond the "advance "signal, or, where there''i=i no
•advance" signal, has passed the "home" signal a distance of
400yds. and IS continuing its journev, or. where tlie next signal box
ahead IS within flpOyds., until the " is line clear" signal I'is been
accepted by the signalman at that box, except as provide! in clause
(c) of this regulation.
(/<) When permission has been given by B lor a train to approach
liom A tor D no tram must be allowed to leave C until that from A has
been brought to a stand at the " home " signal, or has passed clear of
the junction, or the junction facing points have been set for C, and
the ine towards 9 is clear to the "advance" signal, or, where there is
no advance signal, is clear for a distance of 400 yd.^ beyond the
junction points, or, where the next signal box aliead is withii?400yds.!
over shown on the left of the junction in Fig 1. It will be
readily recognised that there would be no more difficulty in
dealing with this cruss-over in any desirable manner than with
the rest of the junction.
Ill framing new rules ( /'), (ij , (/i ; and t), on \yhich the sig-
nalling of this jiuiction would hi carried out, I have adhered
as closely as feasible to the wording of the original rules, as
given above.
Xew Itiih (/).— When ]ioriuission has been given by B for a train to
approach from C— j ' , when the section 0—8 shows 'clear " to a train
from C) -(1) Ihe sections 4— 6 and 4 — 10 shall be freefrom all obstruc-
tion, (2) the points P., shall beset for the straight, (5) the section Pi-9
must be free from all obstruction, (4i the section 10-12 must " stop"
within it an approaching train from D, and (5) must continue to
"stop" it there until that from C has p.issed through the junction
and proceeded beyond the point 4, which shall be not less than
yards from the junction. xVnd in such case (6) the section 1—3
shall "stoj)" within it a tiain approaching troni A unless the junction
points P, are set for C and (7) the line towards C is free from all ob-
struction up to the point 5, which shall be not less than yds. from
P,. Further, (8) it shall be impossible to alter the points Pi from for the
straight (C) to for the branch (D) at any time after the train approach-
* Some wording appears to have been dropped out here, but as this
regulation is made nn furtht-r use of, it is immaterial to our pur-
pose.—A. G.
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 29, 1900.
621
ing from C shall have passed the point 8, ami until the whole of it
shall have passed the point 4, and to alter the points P^ foi- the
straight (C) to for the branch at any time after the train approaching
from C shall have passed the point 6, which shall be not less than
yds. from the junction, and until the whole of it shall have passetl
the point 4.
This is secured as follows : The signal current from battery
B,; is controlled ]>y relay (or it may be relays) R.„ which is
(or are) common to the sections 1 -6 and 4 — 10, ensurini;- (1)
above ; it is then passed through switch S.„ which is operated
by the points P.,, ensuring (2) ; then through the contacts of
relay B ,. of the sections 3 — •")„ and 3—9, ensuring (3) ; thence to
points switch S; which is closed only when the points P, are
set for 0, ensuring (6). The section 1 — 3 can then, owing to the
control of relay R ,, show " clear " to a train from A, provided
only the section 3 — 5„ — 5 is free from all obstruction, ensuring
(7). No. (i) is fulfilled by taking the signal current for the
section 10—12 from the same battery as that for G— 8, and
causing it to " clear '' either 6 — 8 or 10 — 12 according to the
position of the points, but not both ; while (5) is secured by
the control eflected by track relay E,j. Condition (8) is a sim-
ple matter of a magnetically controlled pawl on the points-
man's levers for the points P, and P: respectively.
Xeir Rule lij). When permission has been given \^y B for a train to
approach from D -i.e., when the section 10—12 shows "clear" for a
train from D— (1) the sections 4 — 6 and 4 — 10 shall be free fiom all ob-
struction, (2) the points Pa shall be set for the branch, (3) the section
6—8 must "stop " within it an approaching train from C, and (4) must
continue to "stop" such train there until that from C shall have
passed tlie point 4.
Further, (5) i( shall be impossible to alter the points P2 from for the
branch (D) to fui 1 li. ^i 1 ;u;.;lit (C) at any time after the train approach-
ing from t> shall Iium- passed the point 10, which shall be not less than
...yds. from the jiniction, and until the whole of it shall have cleared
tho point 4.
This is secured as follows : The signal current from battery
B(; is controlled by relay R,.,, ensuring (1) and (4) ; it is then
passed through points switch S4, ensuring (2) and (3). No. (o)
is ensured as usual by a magnetic pawl on the pointsman's
lever.
New Rule (li). — When permission has been given by B for a train to
approach from A for 1) —i.e., when 1 — 3 shows " clear " for a train from
A for D — (1) the sections 3— 5„ and 3—9 .shall be free from all obstruc-
tion, (2) the section 6—8 must " stop " within it an approaching train
from C, and (3) must continue to " stop " such ti'ain thei'e until that
from A shall ha\e passed the point 9.
This is secured as follows : The signal current from battery
Bi is controlled by relay R^, ensuring (1); thence through
points switch S,,,, ensuring (2 ), since for 6 — 8 to show " clear "
to an approaching train the points Pj must be set for the
straight. The signal current for the section G — 8 is further
controlled by relay Rj, ensuring (3).
New Bull: ((). -^^ hen a train from A has passed the junction and
(1) the rear of the train is clear of the point 5[n) or 9 as the case may
be, so as not to foul the junction, the section 1 — 3 may show " clear"
to a following train from A, provided (2) the points are set for the fol-
lowing train to pass on to another line, and that line is free from ob-
struction throughout the whole of the section ne.xt to be entered upon
by the train ; and provided the instructions gi\'en in the preceding
jjaragraphs can be complied with.
The method jsniposed for dealing with this rule is shown at
5(((); and it will frequently be possible to interpolate similar
points elsewhere when traffic will be facilitated thereby. The
relay If, is controlled by the sections 3— 5„ and 3—9 (or it
might be 9„ j, and the presence of a train in the section 5„ — 5
will not cause a " .stop " signal in the section 1—3, provided
the points P, are set for the branch, and the branch is clear
up to 9 (not, in litis case, 9„\ When, on the other hand, the
points are sot for the straight, tha signal current is controlled
by Rj, S.J and R,„ : so that, in this case, the presen(^e of a train
in o„ — 5, short circuiting the relay R ,, will cause an approach-
ing train to be stopped in the section 1 — 3.
Old rule (J) will drop out. With sections already as short
as safety permits, both the po.ssibility of and the necessity foi
such conditional working, involving as it iloes risks to stall'
and property not allowed in the case of passenger trains, or
permitted with goods trains only in order to reduce delays
arising from block sections of a length unavoidable if the cost
of manual signalling is to be kept within bounds, disajjpear.
Omitting for the moment reference to the levers Mj M;
shown on the figure, the track has thus been made to indicate
its state automatically. , All the pointsman in box B has to dg
is to set his points suitably for the approaching train, which will
receive a "clear" or "stop" signal accordingly. His work is
thus enormously reduced, while signal boxes A, C and D, .shown
in Fig. 1 (which appear to be signal boxes only) disappear with
their staffs, and the lengths of the block sections, instead of
increasing thereby, can bs decreased to the minimum that
questions of braking power admit at an insignificant additional
expense as compared with that of longer blocks.
At the next stations or junctions on either side, where
points have to be moved, and the order of trains re-arranged,
there will be pointsman's boxes for performing similar duties
til those of B. As these re arrange their trains and send them
forward under the protection of the automatic signals along
tho intervening pointless sections to B, they will signal for-
ward their destinations either with or without automatic aid,
such as is afforded by the train indicators of the Britisli
AVestinghouse Company's pattern on the District i;ailwa3-.
On entering the section to the left of 1 on Fig. 2, to (he right
of 8, or the right of 12, these trains will, by means of the track
circuit, announce forward to B their approach.
Let us assume these trains announce their presence almost
simultaneously, that the train from A is for I), that the train
from D is a " goods," and that the pointsman wishes to give
precedence to the train from C. He will throw his points Pj
and Pj over to for the straight. This will " clear " the section
(1 — 8 and will " stop " the train from I) in the section 10 — 12.
The track being correctly set for C from A, and the section
.3—5,, — 5 being free from obstruction, the train from A would
be, I will not say unaware, for my Paper at lieeds, and the
model, indicated methods of making the driver aware of how
the track is set, but he would be in receipt of a "proceed ' in-
dication which, while in no way iliiiigirom, would take him to
a wrong destination. Hence the human element steps in, and
by the lever Mj in box B "stops" the train from A in the
section 1 — 3.
While tlie train from C is passing the junction, assume a
second and important train announces its approach from the
same direction. The pointsman wishes the train from A to
proceed first to I), and to do so must pull over points P^ before
the new train from C has ajiproached sufficiently close to the
junction for there to be any doubt as to its being able to pull
up in time ; he will then set his lever Mj to " clear.''
The movement of the points automatically " stops " the new
train from C in the section 6—8, while tho "goods " continues
to be held up in 10 — 12 by the fact that the points arc against
him. Immediately the train from A proceeds beyond the point
9, provided the points Pj have been returned to for the straight,
the second train from C gets a " clear " signal. As soon as it
has passed the point 4. by setting the points P,_, fcr the branch,
the train from D gets its '" clear" signal and can proceed.
Since the approach of a train from either C or I) can be
stopped at any time liy the simple action of throwing the poists
against the train (except when the train is too close to the
points for there to be any chance of stopping it before getting
there), this lever JVIj to deal with diverging roads seem to meet
all absolute requirements; but if an "emergency" lever is
considered desirable as an additional means of gi.'ing a train a
stop signa', they coidd readily be added as at M.,.
Moreover, there are many other conveniences in the shape
of "calling on ' signals, such as shown on the model exhibited
at Leeds, that can be arranged where th'jir desirability
is made evident; and it would seem that the llexibility of the
proposed system of "all cab signal '' working would fall little,
if any, short of that of the interlocked semaphore. — lam, &c.,
L'oorkhi. India, .Ian. 0. A. Gaudinki:, Capt. R.E.
THE INSTITUTION AND OTHER SOCIETIES.
Royal Institution. — The Friday evening discourse on Feb
ruar} 26th, on "Osmotic Phenomena," will be delivered by
Prof. H. L Calleiidar instead of by the Earl of Berkelev.
Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker. — The seventeenth
annual meeting of this society will take place at Cologne from
June 2nd to oth ne.xf.
Birmingham and District Electric Club. — At a meeting of
this Society held at the Colonnade Hotel, New-street, Birming-
F 2
622
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 29. 1909.
ham, on Saturday evening last, the president (Mr. U. T. Wood)
delivered hi.s inaugural address. He called attention to the
cdueational value of such an institution astheiis, for it allowed
a broader view to be obtained of life and a knowledge to be
ac(|uired of what iu>l to do. He thought that too much
reliance was being jjlaced on theoretical training alone in the
educational establishments and that much more use might
be made of models. Some idea of costs in coimection with
the work on which the student was engaged would also prove
a benefit, as the financial side of the question must always be
kept in mind.
Dublin Section of the Institution of Electrical Engineers. —
At a meeting of this section held at the Royal College of
Science, Stephen's Green, Dublin, Papers were read on " A
Method of Measuring Arc Currents and Pressure with Cou-
.siderable Accuracy," by Mr. W. Tatlow, and on " Shop Window
Lighting," by Mr. N. Ho.sgood. In his Paper Mr. Tatlow
dealt with a simple means of measuring the drop in volts
across a non-inductive resistance. Mr. Tondinson spoke ou
Mr. Tatlow's Paper, and showed a graphic method of explain-
ing the results arrived at. Mr. Hosgood's Paper on shop
window lighting dealt with objections to long He.xible naked
lamps and excessive light. This Paper being less technical
evoked more comments. The nundjer of members present was
not commensurate with the value of Mr. Tatlow's Paper, but
perhaps this was due to the fact that his Paper was not printed
and distributed.
SOME SPECIALITIES OF THE WESTMINSTER
ENGINEERING CO.
In an industry wliioh i.s so relatively young as is electrical en-
gineering it is not to be expected that much can be written about the
development of tlie firms engaged therein, for of those among such
concerns wlio started on purely electrical engineering lines even the
most ancient cannot liave been established much longer than 2.5
years.
It is, however, a not unworthy record for one firm to have been
at one jieriod of its existence manufacturers of some of the first
ilynaiuos and earliest arc lamps, and at another of interpole motors
and " llame arcs." Such is the record of the Westminster Eiigineci--
ing Co., and while acknowledging the historical interest of much of
their older work, we shall in this article deal only with this company's
more modern specialities.
Modern conditions and requirements', heljjed to some extent, we
suppose, by the climate which we usually enjoy, have made the use
of some kind of artilicial Hght necessary in carrying out the pro-
ces.ses of induslrial iiliologiiipiiy. For this purpose a modified arc
lamp is very suit.ible. for, by employing an extra long arc, the neces-
sary chemically-active rays can be easily obtained. The West-
minster Engineering Co. make two types of arc lamps adapted for
photographic purpo.ses. The first of these is designed for burning
singly on either continuous or alternating current and with voltages
from ItM) to 250 volts. .As the longest possible steady arc is very
essential in |)liotographie work, a regulating resistance is recom-
mended for use with this lani]). The lamp is switclied on with
a comiiaralively large resistance in cii-cuit, and this is gradually cut
out until the maximum steady arc length is obtained. The current
consumed is from 14 to 15 amperes or 10 amperes, according as the
lamj) is used on 100 or 200 volt circuits. On alternating currents a
choking coil is used in series with the lamp, and regulation can be
effected by means of an adjustable iron core. The lamp is suitable
for portraiture and (jvocess or other similar work.
The second pliotogra|)hic lamp, shown in b^ig. 1, is designed for
heavier work than that dcserihed above. It is made for "burning
singly on voltages of from 100 to TM) volts when continuous current
is used or from 100 to 250 volts when the supply is alternating. The
current varies from 10 to 20 amperes, according to the voltage used.
This lamp is regulated in the same way as the other type, but it is
naturally more rapid in action and illuminates a larger space, the
length of arc with 10 amperes on .500 volt circuits being about (J in.
Ithas been extensively used for portraiture, cinematograph work and
for printing. In connection with its emplovmeni ineinematograph
work we uml..|>l.,„<l thai the Weslminster Kngineering Co ' have
received an uii ,..hr,i, ,1 |..unionial from a well-known firm of cine-
matographi5t^. II,. v. \ onp. referred to m this te.;timonial burnt
on alternatmg current . and had a con.sumption of 16 amoeres each
python- help It was possible to illuminate a space 30 ft. x 35 ft suffi-
ciently to cinematograph in total darkness, so far as natural day-
light was concerned, at the rate of 960 separate photographs per
minute. The exjjosure was ;,'2 .second )5cr photograph. Photo-
graphers will be interested to know that the lens was worked at
F/4o, and the speed of the emulsion was about 195 H. & D.
The advantages of the "Westminster" enclosed arc lamp aie
well known to all readers of The Eleotbician, and it is interesting
FlO. 1. — PnoTOOKAPI
Arc LAsir
Fli:. 2 Pol IlLE CaRIION Fl.AME Ai;i I.wii-.
(Westminster Engineering Co. i
to note that, in spile of the present po|)ul!irity of the flame are, the
demand for the older type of lamp shows no signs of falling off. In
order, however, to be abreast of the times, the Westminster En-
gineering Co. have recently introduced a double-carbon flame-are
lamp, illustrated in Fig. 2, which possesses some points of interest.
In the first place it is a true double-carbon lamp — i.e.. the first pair of
carbons is completely burnt out before the second pair is automatic-
ally switched in. There is, therefore, a minimum of waste ends,
which should considerably reduce the maintenance charges.
Fig. 3.— New BRi'iH-Hoi.DKR fok Carhon Brushes.
(We.iitmiuster Engineering Co.)
When the lamp starts \iy> the arc is only struck between the first
))air of carbons, for the second pair is kept further apart than the first
by slightly -staggering" the holes in the striking cradle through
which the carbons of one pole pass, and no arc is, therefore, struck
between them. The carbons are placed in the usual slanting position.
THE ELECTKICIAN, JANUARY 29, 1909.
623
and are controlled by shunt and series wound solenoids, one at
each end of a rocking lever. This lever rclca.scs a drum from
^^•llich tJio cros.s-bar, carrying the carbon holders, is suspended by
a flexible cord, this latter b-jing automatically wound up by a
coiled spring inside the drum when the cross-bar is lifted for
Inmming. When the fir.st pair of carbons is nearly consumed the
ciDss-bar carrj-ing them touches one end of a small lever, and,
gradually jjressing it down, causes a rod which is connected to the
other end of the lever lo be raised until the controlling gear for the
second pair of carbons comes int« action. The change over, there-
fore, takes place quite smoothly and is practically imperce])tible.
The arc is practically at the same point in the globe whichever pair
of carbons ar? in use.
In the continuous current lamp the carbons are 9 mm. and 8 mm.
Jii diameter respectively, and in the alternating current lamp they are
both !l mm. The burning hours are 11 for each pair of carl>niis, or
one liunj) burns fni- 22 hours without re-trimming.
This lamp will burn two in series on 100 volts, or foui- in series on
200 volts, or any number in series on a suitable voltage on both
continuous and alternating current circuits. Such an arrangement
in alternating current lamps is realised by connecting a small
choking coil across the terminals of each lamp instead of the usual
automatic cut-out and substitutional resistance used with con-
tinuous current. Should any particular lamp go out this coil
jircivides the necessary compensating resistance, 'though while the
lamp is working the coil takes but a very small current. It will be
seen from this that the larger the number of lamps burnt in series
the better, for the less will be the surge caused Ijy one lamp going out.
In order to protect the points of the second pair of carbons from
the heat and fumes of the first pair a special reflector is used, which
forms a separator between the two pairs. The lamp burns satis-
factorily with ordinary flame carbons.
To pass to another subject, the damage, both material and moral,
that may be caused by faulty or badly designed brush gear is, of
course, well known to electrical engineers. The Westminster En-
gineering Co. hope, however, to have overcome the greater number
of the usual objections in their new type of brush-holder, illustrated
in Fig. ,3. This holder is of the bo.x type, and has been designed by
-Ml'. (Jirdlestone to meet the defects in other patterns. It will be
noticed that the spiral spring for putting the necessary pressure on
the brush is directly over the centre of the brush, and is entirely
enclosed, so that it cannot fall oft' or get damaged. The breakage
of this spring and its subsequent entanglement in the commutator
is a cause of trouble in other types of brush-holder. This brush-
holder is strongly made and has no parts to get loose, while both
the screws have square heads and can be tightened or adjusted
during running.
We have to thank Mr. J. 0. Girdlestone, of i\u: Westminster En-
gineering Co., for supjjlying us with the above information, and for
the loan of the blocks and drawing illustrating the article.
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING IN 1908
The British Westinohouse Electric & ^fFO. Co. descrilje 1908 as a
)irogre8.sive year fur the company. The traction department entirely
equipped and successfully started up the Thamshavn electric railway in
Norway, and shared with another company the electrical equipment of
the Lancaster-Heysham branch of the Midland Railway, these two con-
tracts representing, perhaps, the bulk of electric traction work done by a
British firm during 1908. As regards tramways, the company placed"on
the market an anti-skid device for use in connection with their magnetic
brake, which renders that well-known brake practically fool-proof. A
new controller has been develoijcd for use with two or four motor eipiii)-
nients up to 20Oh.p. aggregate, suitable foi tramcars, shunting loco-
motives and similar woik. The gas engine dejiartment has been busy
as regards both sales and progressive development, the ciunpany now
building engines up to 1,000 b.h.p. of the quadruple tandem type.
With regard to turbo-alternators, the Walker rom]iensatcd alternator,
of which examples up to 4,000 kw. in si/r h:,\r liccn running for two
years has proved it.self thoroughly rcli.iM.' .mil -iiisfactoiy, and the n.se
of this type of machine has become gem, .il .li.r m;; i lu' year. " The 5000 kw
turbo-alternntors for London County Council arc of this type, and are
guaranteed to compound-up 2 per cent, from no load to full load with
unity power factor. The regulation of these machines on 0-8-) power
factor will \»- 12 ]ier cent. The radial commutator for direct current
turbo-generators !=; an arrangement of the commutator in which the
working face is radial to the axis of the machine, instead of being parallel
to it. The brushes, therefore, press against the face of a disc instead
of a cylinder, and thereby escape all vibrations at :ight angles to the
axis, while the construction enables them easily to follow the slow move-
ments due to end play. The resulting advantage is that ordinary carlion
lirnshes can be employed, and the commutation of these maclunes ren-
dered in every w,ay as satisfactory as that of engine type direct current
generators. A great number of tlicpc machines arc .alrcadv in j^ervice.
and there is an increasing demand for larger sizes. There has been a con-
siderable demand for rotary converters during the year, briujiiug the
total supplied by the eompauy up lo December 31sl to sonictliing over
17(l.lH)0kw. A notable feature has been the improvement in clficieiicy
and increase ui o\-crload capacity, name, recent 1,.")I)0 kw. machines having
an overload capacity of KM) jjer cent, for short periods, and giving an
over-all eftieiency, inebidiuK transformers, of !1!) per cenl. The addition
of the alternating current booster has secured a wide range of control
over the voltage and power factor. Some of these machines have also
been equipped with mid-wire lioostcrs for supplying three-wire direct
euirent for both lighting aufl |)o«-er piu'poses.
In transformer work the speci.il feature has been the introduction of
the oil-insulated, air-blast transformer, which is a new development in
tliis country. These (the company claim) have advantages in all cases
where the size required is too large for self-cooled oil-insulated trans-
formers, and are a necessity where water cooling is not available, and
where the voltage is too high for aii insulation. They possess all the
advantages of the oil-insulated transformer, and at llie'sami- time avoid
tlie drawback of the aii-blast transformer due lo the neee.ssity f>f eliminat-
ing dirt and moisture from the air used for cooling. During the vear
the size of transformers supplied h'v use in this country has gone up from
1.000 kw. to 1,700 kw.. while transformers have been Ijuilt for use iq) !o
20,000 volts (1,000 kw.) for commercial purposes and 125,(J00 volts for
special testing work. Noteworthy, also, is the appreciation shown by
buyers of good mechanical construction in transformers for use on large
power systems, and the improved performance, reduced weight and
increased output now obtainable with special iron alloys.
In connection with switch and control gear no specially new develop-
ments have taken place, unless, perhaps, the self-contained slc'ct-iron
switch pillars for thiee-phase 5,000 volt circuits for fixing on consumer.s"
premises are worthy of mention in this connection. .\ number of large
switchboards have been supplied for power stations at li.liO:) voUs. and
of the company's standard tntallv-euclo.sed eollierv switchboards for
2.000/3,000 volts, as also of the inverted colliery-type switch pillars for
3.000 and lower voltages. In eonnectum with small control gear, nu-
merous developments of accessory gear have taken place ; in particular,
new types of auto-starters, both dry and oil-insulated types, for use up
to 100 H.P., Y-delta starters and multi-speed controlleis for squirrel-eage
motors, small faceplate totally-enclosed resistance startCx-s for scjuirrel-
cage motors, and improved design of standard alternating controllers,
including^the development of a special controller of the contactor type
for u.se up to 100 H.r. on particularly heavy work, and a special oil-
immersed cfmtroller for use with self-starting rotaries. \ totally-
enclosed circuit-breaker with overload and no-voltage release arranged
for remote control and also for specially interlocking with cou< rollers,
where required, may also be mentioned as a piece of apparatus suitable
for a variety of purposes. In connection with high-tension work m.ay be
mentioned also the electrolytic lightning arrester, a description of which
has already appeared in our columns.
Supply company engineers will be interested in the type N single-
phase watt-hour meter, which conforms in all points to the Engineering
Standards Committee's specification, and possesses exceptional accu-
racy and permanency of calibration : the losses are extremely small, the
driving torque is large, the speed is low, the insulation is high, and it is
lUMtfected by short-circuits. The manufacture of unit. type resistances
for use for starting and other rheostats, and for general purpn..ie.-. has been
placed on a commercial basis. The special feature of these resistances
is the ease with which any unit may be re])laeed, and the fact of their
being unaffected by prolonged heating or ex]>osure to moisture.
The year has also seen the starting up of the eleetri<' winding engine
at the Great Western Colliery. This is the largest electrically-driven
winding plant at present running in this ccaintry. The special feature
of the Westinghouse system is the employment of a load equaliser, so
arranged as to deal with the fluctuations of the load, and ihc connection
of the winding motor direct to the supply mains, so that it can be operated
independently of the equaliser and the latter shut down at times of light
load. The control gear in connection with this winding set is also of
interest, and consists of a water-cooled liquid resistance controller capable
of absorbing 300 H.P. continually, operated by a single lever, which con-
trols at the same time the reversing switch. The latter is of the oil-
immersed tyjje, and the contacts have been s))ecially designed for frequent
and heavy reversals at ,3,300 volts. .Although it is estimated that up to
the end of the year this switch has lieen o])erated something like (iO.OtXl
times, the contacts have remained in excellent condition and have re-
cpiircd lui attention. The company has also placed on the market en-
closed arc lamps for alternating current and direct current circuits which
are giving satisfactory results.
In industrial work the interesting feature has been the equipment of
rolling- nrill plants, while there has also l>een an rnei-easing demand for
high-speed motors for driving pumps and similar apparatus for colliery
work, in which connection may be mentioned illiOn.p. 1,450 revs, pzr
min. sets, driving pumps in the Welsh colliery district. The output of
motors for spinning mills has also shown satisfactory increa.se.
.\n entirely new line, the success of which during the short period to
the end of the year in which the company controlled it in England,
has been phenomenal, is that of condensers. The Leblanc condenser
is now made exclusively by the company for the British market, and
orders have been booked for this entirely adequate piece of apparatus
with a rapidity that con.stitutes a record. Some of the advantages
claimed for the condenser, and upon which claims its reputation is based,
are : Exceedingly high vacuum, no reciprocating piirts, all pumjis being
entirely rotary ; small space occupied, any kind of water m.ay be used,
low maintenance costs, perfect security, low first co<t. little attenticm.
624
THE ELECTEICIAN, JANUARY 29, 1909.
The Stearn Er.ECTRic Lamp Co. report that the chief work ut the year
has been the devotion of the Company's energies to the perfeetnigof the
metallic filament lamp '■ Lsneonium," which has now been put upon the
m::rk'-t iit various voltages from 3 volts to 250 volts and ni several
fr.rms. The latest forms of this lamp are shown herewith. 'I'lie^e are
L..\'rK.ST Types of " Leucomi'-m' Metal Filament Lamp.s of the
Stearn Company.
well made lamps and will enhance the already high reputation of the
makers, The " I.euconium " lamp is made at the Compiny's works at
Kew, London.
Messr.s. A. P. Lundberq & Sons report that, although theii- numerous
clients have reported 1908 an unsatisfactory year, the firm are per-
sonally in a position to state that it equals 1907. so that, all things con-
sidered, they must consider the year favourably. Their various specia-
lities having been in good demand, in only one or two instances has it
been thought necessary to reduce prices, which goes to prove that there
is still a good market for reliable material at fair piices. It is well
known that thisfirm have always upheld prices in face of home and foreign
competition, and it is, we learn, tlieir intention to continue this policy.
Their note concludes : " We are pleased to report an extending use of
our material in Europe and the colonics."
The Pateeson Engineering Co. report : " Notwithstanding the
depression in trade, we have been exceptionally busy during the past
year, having supplied Paterson machines — including softeners, filters,
heaters and oil eliminators to the Admiralty for Tanjong Pagar Dock,
Priddy's Hard Victualling Station, Portland Permanent Coaling Depot,
Gibraltar Dockyard (third repeat order). War OfBcc, three installations
at the Royal Arsenal. \\'oolwich (seventh repeat order). Also to cjuite
a number of electricity generating .5tatioBS, including Alnwick, Arbroath,
Walthamstow, Harrow, Lincoln, Shanghai, as well as to the Summer-
lane generating station of Birmingham Corporation, the largest plant
of its kind (an nil eliminator cif ;!.50,000 lb. hourly capacity)."
LEGAL INTELLIGENCE.
»
Dixon V. Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramroad Co.
On Monday a Dixi-ion:.l Cnirt reserved judgment in this apjieal of
plaintiff from a decisiMii .ii jn ih ,s nt Lancashire, sitting at Kirkham, on
.July 2, 1908. The . ..i.i|il.uiii lir(,,re the justices was that respcmdents.
being duly assessed by vutiu- ,if a local act, had riot paid the suras de-
manded in two rates — namely, a general improvement rate of 3s. lOd.
(amoimting to £493. 1,5s. 7Ad.) and a special improvement rate of 3d. in
the pound (£32. 4s. 0|d.), making a total of £525. 19s. 8d. It was ad-
mitted that ilic rate was properly made, but respondents contended that
the ti'iii]M-(iail owned by them was a railway within the terms of a section
of the Public Health Act. 1875, and that, therefore, they were only liable
to pay one. fourth of the total rate. In support of this contention,
respondents quoted a decision in the Court of Appeal in the case of the
Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramroad Co. v. Thornton Urban Council.
Appellant contended that, notwithstanding the case cited, respondents
were boimd to pay the full rate, and if they felt aggrieved thev could
appeal to Quarter Sessions. The justices, however, were of opinion
that respondents had shown sufficient cause why thev should not pay
the full rate, and made an order upon them to pay one-fourth the full
rate, but agreed to state a case.
Mr. Ryde appeared for appellant and Mr. E. G. Palmer for respondifnts,
and after hearmg legal arguments judgment was reserved.
Muff and another v. Cunnington and another.
The hearing „f this action was commenced by Mr. Verev, official
referee, on Tuesday.
(i^M^ ^' p e'^n**'' •" "I""""g the case, said he appeared for defendants
and ii w, ^^"""'"gto" and ^ Mr. H. P. Alison, electrical engineers),
and ,t was only « countcrc^laim which lu.d to be tried. The original
action was brought by plaintiffs (Me.s.srs. H. JIuff and H. J. Snowden)
to recover £2.412, an instalment due under a deed of purchase of a busi-
ness known as the Improved Electric Supplies (Ltd.), and the judge
by whom the case was heard referred the counterclaim to an official
referee. Plaintiff Muff was the holder of a debenture for £4,000 on the
property and undertaking of the company. On March 6, 1907, the
shareholders passed a resolution for the voluntary liquidation of the
comijany. Under his powers as a debentuie holder Mr. Muff appointed
the other plaintiff (Mr. Snowden) to act as receiver and manager. Nego-
tiations were then entered into with defendants for the sale to them of the
whole undertakingof the company, and on May 17, 1907,an agreement of
sale was effected ciimprising e\erything belonging to the company.
Afterwards defendants discovered that the stock book grossly mis-
repi-esented the quantity, quality and value of the goods described in it
to the extent of some £3.000. and that the schedule of book debts over-
stated their value and understated the contra accounts. They alleged
that by reason of this misrepresentation plaintiff? had broken those
warranties with the result that defendants had suffered damage to the
extent of some £3,000. Defendants also alleged that plaintiffs had not
delivered to defendants all the patents and licences connected with the
business. By a sub.sequent oral arrangement it was agreed that Messis.
Cunnington and Alison should go into possession of the business on
May 17, 1907, and remain in possession until the consent to purchase
was obtained. This they did, and it was further agreed that the time
for obtaining that consent should be extended for a month. On June 19,
however, said counsel, and why, he failed absolutely to unde.-stand,
))laintiffs, through their solicitors, suddenly put in a bailiff and ejected
the defendants, preventing them from carrying on the business. As a
result of this action on the part of the plaintiffs, his clients declared that
they had suffered considerable pecuniary loss and damage to their rejiu-
tation and credit, and the business had been rendered much less valuable,
and they claimed £540. As to the stock book, skilled electrical valuers
who had gone carefully through the stock, had declared it to be worth,
instead of over £4,000 as represented by the book, at the outside only
£1.900. The book debts were similar misrepresentations, inasmuch as
contra accounts had not been disclosed.
Mr. AcLAND. K.C., for plaintiffs, said that theii- defence to the counter-
claim was that they had never sold the stock as stock at all, but had sold
the business as a going concern. They denied that there was any mis-
representation whatever, and that the prices in the stock book did not
purport to be the actual value of the goods. Defendants had the fullest
opportunity of ascertaining the value of the steck before entering into
the agreement to purchase, and plaintiffs had never ejected defendants.
Mr. H. P. Alison gave evidence, and the hearing was adjourned.
Tomlin and S. Pearson & Son.
At Dover County Court last week Judge Shortt delivered a reserved
decision in this action, brought against Messrs. S. Pearson & Son, con-
tractors, under the Workmen's Compensation Act, b}' the widow of
John Tomlin, a fitter employed on the firm's Malta Harbour contract.
Tomlin had been employed by Messrs. Pearson on the Dover naval
harbour works, and proceeded thence to Malta, where he was acci-
dentally killed.
In giving judgment for the widow, his Honour held that, although
the accident happened out of England, the man was an Englishman,
and his contract was with an English company — therefore, it was only
reasonable to conclude that the contract was made by all parties under
the existing English law. He held that there was absolutely no reason
why a motor-car driver or a valet going abroad with his master, and
meeting with an accident, should not receive compensation. It could
not, he said, have been in the minds of the Legislature when the bill
was framed that such would not be the case.
Judgment accordingly.
MUNICIPAL, FOREIGN & GENERAL NOTES.
APPOINTMENTS VACANT AND FILLED.
Hammersmith (London) Council require a fourth assistant engineer
to act as junior engineer-in-charge, nnd to take charge of an eight hour
shift. Commencing salary' £130, rising by annual increments of £5
to £150 per annum. A])plications, upon forms from the borough
electrical engineer ( Mr, G. Gilbert Bell), by 10 .a.m. of Feb. 5. See
an advertisement.
A competent electrical designer, acquainted with the latest
designs of a.c. and d.c. plant and turbo-generators, is wanted by an
electrical manufactiu-ing firm. See advertisement.
A telephone manager with administrative and technical ability
is wanted for abroad. See advertisement.
An assistant engineer is required for testing department of wire
drawing and stranding plant. See advorti-sement.
Mr. C. L. E. Stewart, chief assistant engineer of Rochdale Corpora-
tion's electricity department, has been appointed, out of 137 appli-
cants, borough electrical engineer of Rawtenstall. Mr. Stewart
received his early training at Messrs. Johnson & Phillips' works.
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 29, 1909.
625
The Big Blue Book. — The heavy work of compilation of the Big
Blue Book is nearly completed, and we invite the co-operation of
our readers, wlio would help us by returning the coloured circular D2
which relates to their entries. The corrections and alterations to
the names and addresses appear to be more numerous than usual this
January, and help of the kind suggested will be appreciated.
The subscription list of the Bio Blue Book is now closed. The
published price of the book will be. as last year, 1.5s. nett. postage
extra. Orders for copies, for advertising space, and for entries
under the Classified Trades Headings should be sent in at once. In
the case of advertisements, if space is reserved, text and illustra-
tions for the announcements can be received up to February 4.
Bath. — Recently a deputation from the Council waited upon the
Board of Trade to induce them to assent to the sale of the electricity
works to Mr. Schenk's syndicate, but as the Board adhere to their
decision, the Electric Lighting committee recommend the Coimcil
to rescind the agreement with Mr. Schenk for the sale of the under-
taking. The matter will be again discussed at an early meeting of
the Council.
The Somerset and District Electric Power Bill, which seeks autho-
rity to acquire the Bath electricity undertaking, is now unopposed,
the Bristol petition having been withdrawn.
Birmingham — .\t the meeting of the Electric Supply committee it
was decided to recommend to the next meeting of the City Council a
reduction in the charges for electric current for lighting and power.
The past year's working of the electricity undertaking has been very
successful, and it is proposed that the reduced charges for current
shall take effect from the March quarter.
Board of Trade Court of Arbitration. — In connection with the
scheme recently devised for the appointment of Courts of Arbitration
for the settlement of industrial disputes, the Board of Trade have now
drawn up Regulations.
When both parties to an industrial dispute desire to have tlieii- dif-
ferences settled by .arbitration it is open to them jointly to apply to the
Board imder the Conciliation Act either (1) for the appointment of a
single arbitrator or (2) for the appointment of a Coiu't of Arbitration in
accordance with the scheme devised in 1908 by the President of the Board
of Trade.
The following Regulations have been drawn up by tlie Bnaid in iDiiiu-f-
tion with the appointment of Courts of Arbitration.
1. The application should state : (o) The subject matter of the dispute:
(h) whether the parties wish the Court to consist of (1) a chairman and
two arbitrators, or (2) a chairman and four arbitrators ; (c) whether the
parties desire the Board (i.) to appoint a chairman and arbitrators, all of
whose names have been jointly selected by the parties froui the resijec-
tive panels, or (ii.) to appoint a chairman whose name has been jointly
selected by the parties from the chairmen's panel, .and to select and
appoint the arbitrators from the respective panels, or (iii.) to select and
appoint the chairman from the chairmen's panel, and to appoint arbi-
trators jointly selected by the parties from the respective panels, or (iv.)
to select and appoint all the members of the Court from the resjiective
panels ; {d) whether the parties wish the Court to appoint, or apply to
the Board to appoint, a technical assessor or assessors.
3. A Court of Arbitration shall, it either party or both parties shall
have so requested, or may on their own initiative, if they consider that
the assistance of a technical assessor or assessors is expedient, ajipoint
or apply to the Board to appoint a technical assessor or assessors ac-
cordingly.
4. Technical assessors shall not be members of the Court. They will
be appointed solely for giving the Court information on technical matters
when required by them. They will only be entitled to be present at
such stages of the proceedmgs as the Court may direct. Every assessor
before taking up his duties shall pledge himself in writing to keep secret
all matters with which he shall in the course of the performance of such
diities become acquainted.
5. All ]irocediirc in connection with the hearing of a case shall be
settled by the chairman after consultation with other members ^'f the
Court, incliidiiit; the mode of appearance thereat.
For the convenience of the Court, each application should be iKc-om-
panied by a statement showing (o) whom the parties desire to represent
them at the hearing (whether counsel, solicitor, secretary of the associa-
tion, or trade union involved, &c.), and (4) the approximate number of
witnesses each side desires to call.
n. The award of a majority of the members of the Court shall be the
award of the Court. When no majority can be obtained in favovu- of an
award, owing to the arbitrators being equally divided, then the matter
.shall be decided by the chairman,acting with the full powers of an umpire.
7. After an award is made it shall be signed by the chairman on Iiehalf
of the Court, and he shall then cause a copy to' be sent to the re|iresen-
tativcs of both parties to the dispute. The original award, together
with any shorthand notes and all relevant papers, shall be forwarded to
the Board of Trade.
8. Shorthand notes (and transcripts of such notes) of any part of the
proceedings shall only be paid for by the Board of Trade if the chairman
of the Court cerl ifics that the notes were necessary for the i)urposc of the
Court. The Board of Trade will also pay any expense? connected witli the
drawing of the awai'd, and for the hire of a room for the hearing of the case
when necessary. They will also pay the expenses of the members of the
Court.
The first applicaticm for the constitution of a Court of Arbitration has
been received from the Board of Conciliation and .Arbitration for the
lioot and shoe trade of Northampton in connection with a dispute as to
the framing of a quantities statement for clickers, and the following
gentlemen have been ap))oin(ed from the various paneh to form the
Court: Sir Alfred Bateman. K.f'.M.O. (chairman). Sir Albert Spicer,
Bart., M.P., and Mr. D. ,T. Shackleton. M.P. Two technical assessors
(Messrs. Sears and Hornsey) have also been appointed on the applica-
tion of the parties to assist the Court.
Bradford. — The Electricity committee have again considered the
scheme for the extension of the electricity supply works at an
estimated cost of £50,000. and they reiterate their recommendation
to the Corporation to carry out the schenu;.
Brazil. — A correspondent at Rio (irande do Sul informs us that the
small demand existing there for electrical goods is supplied by
.American and German manufactures, and that " nothing British is
ever seen " there.
Cardiff. — It is proposed to spend f I l.l7o on repairing x^ertain see-
1 ions (/f the electric tramway track.
Chipping Norton. — The Council have withdrawn their ojjposition
to t'le application of the local electric light and power company for a
1 rovisional order.
Cookstown (Ireland).— A firm of electrical engineers offer to estab-
lish electricity works in the district at an estimated cost of £4.,500.
The I,.G. Board hnvc informed the Council that the Board of Works
do not now advance money for electric lighting in Ireland, and the
Board advised the Council to obtain a provisional electric lighting order
Edinburgh. — The Tramways committee are to consider and report
u])on tlie question of trackless trolley traction in the suburbs.
Electric Traction in Canada. — It is reported that the Canadian
Pacific Railway Co. have decided to adopt electric traction upon an
extensive stretch of their line across the mountains of Western Canada
It is proposed to utili.se water power in the neighbourhood in the
generation of electrical energy.
Electrobuses at Brighton. — At the Council meeting la.st week
Coun. German moved the adoption of a recommendation of the
Lighting committee in favour of giving a supply of electricity for the
new garage of the Brighton and Hove Omnibus Co.. and said that
the company were likely to become very considerable customers of
the Brighton electricity department. They proposed to put a doz?n
Electrobuses tm the ro.ad.
Exhibitions. — In connection with the .Argentine Independence
centenary celebrations in May, 1910, there is to be an exhibition
devoted to railways and other facilities for land transport.
We have received a booklet and prospectus containing particulars
of the Imperial International Exhibition to be held at the " Great
White City." Shepherd's Bu.sh. this year. In the mechanical and
civil engineering section special effort is being made to assemble
good displays of lighting apparatus, jiroducer gas i)lant. ga.s and oil
engines, steam boilers, engines and turbines and civil engineering
exhibits of every description. Particulars regarding this section
may be obtained from Mr. W. Varath I^ewis, at the .Administration
Offices, Shepherd's Bush.
W^e have received the ))rogramme and general regulations of the
International Electrical Exhibition which will be held at Brescia
this year (Aug. to Oct.). Inquiries to the general secretary. Dr.
Carli (secretary of the Biescia Chamber of Commerce).
Factory Act Administration.— It is reported that the Factory De-
partment of the Home Office will shortly be transferred to the Board of
Trade, and "The Times " states that the proposed transfer has been
the subject of several departmental conferences, in which the weight
of evidence in favour of the ('hange has been acknowledged.
Fareham. — In September last an interesting L.G. Board inquiry
was held into the api)lication of the Council for sanction to borrow
£10,000 for new electricity sui)ply works.
In the course of the inquiry the inspector (Mi. H. Ross Hooper) inti-
mated that he thought that, instead of a £10.000 loan for a period of
22 years, as asked for, there should only be a loan of £8.300 repayable in
1.') years, leaving the outstanding balance (after taking into account the
estimated value of the old plant) on the old electricity works to be pro-
vided out of the rates. The board have now (.lanuary. 1909) sanctioned
the t'ouncil's application in its entirety, but subject to provision being
made for paymg off the outstanding balance on the old works in thre*
years. This is the first instance of an application for a loan for new
works to supersede an old generating station.
Felixstowe. — The Council have sealed the agreement for the
purchase of the local electricity works of the Suffolk Electricity
Supply Co.
(J2G
THE ELECLTvlCIAN, .lANlJAEY 29, 1909.
fire.— Messrs. I'litoiu'lts & (Juki inform. us tluvt a lire oecunecl at
(lifir worli.s at FVllliam early on Thursday la.st \vof'\i. Consideraljle
damage lias Ijeen done. ami. alllumgli steps are beiiij; talcen to re.store
matters to a normai eondition as soon as possil)ie. some ineon-
venienne and sli<;lil delay in delivecies will be unavoiclabU'.
GlaSgOW.-KirUintilliicli and Coatbridgs Couneils have requesLod
the T]iinnvays commillce lo cNtrnd the Glasgow tramway system
into their districts.
The eumuiittee have iiistructod tlie tramway manuucr to give clTect
to the suggestion of the Board of Trade that speed indieators be
l)liieed OM the ears to enable motormen to be trained in judging speeds.
The committee liaxe authorised the Postmaster- Oeneral to use the
tramway poles for telegraph wires.
The committee recomrrend that 110 additional cars be provided
with top eover.s.
Hornsey. — The work of laying the feeder eable to iVInswell Hill
was completed in Novendn'r last by the staff of the Klectrieity de-
jiaitment.
b\ a report by the borough electrical engineer (Mr. N. Stan Hand) it
is slated that tenders ranging from £5,512 to £6,058 were obtained
from a number of Hrnis, tlie estimate of the electricity department
being utidcr i'5,000. It was decided to carry out the work depart-
mentally, and the actual cost of laying the main was .€'4,418. In recog-
nition of the saving effected the committee recommend that £57. 10s.
be given as special remuneration for extra work in laying the main to
Air. Staniland and certain members of his stafl'.
Hospital Lighting. — The city electrical engineer of Relfast (Mr. T,
\V. Hliixarii) has prepar('<l for the fiuardlans an estimate of the cost
of hiihling elect rically the .Mibey Sanatorium at Wliiteabbey.
Huddersfleld. — The Borough Treasurer's statement submitted to
the t.'ouneil last week, stated that the income of the tramways during
the last nine month.s of 1908 was £64.652 (compared with £65,006 in
the corresponding period of 1907). the working expenses £34,688
(£32,054), and the gross profit £29.964 (£32,9.52). After meeting
capital charges and placing £9,290 ( = 3 per cent.) to depreciation, the
net i)r.)fit was £2.416 (£5.:«)6).
The borough electrical engineer and manager (Mr. A. B. Mountain)
has reiiortcd to the Klectrieity committee on the necessity of jiro-
viding additional generating jilant. and he has been instructed to
obtain estimates.
Kaly. — A comj)any with a capital of £60,000 is lieing formed to
ciiMslrucI and work an electric tramway from Biella to L'Hospice
d'Oropa. and aiuither com])nny. «ith £28,000, is being organised to
lay and operate an electric tramway from Varese to Angera. The
lallei' line will, it is expected, be subsidised by the State, the C'omo
Provincial Government and certain municipalities.
Liverpool. — Owing to opposition, the Parliamentary committee
have decided to drop the trackless trolley clauses of their bill.
London County Council. — On Tuesday sanction was given to the
following loans for electric lighting: Bermondsey, £3,886; Maryle-
boue. .£4,426.
W'lioil Paving and Tramways. — A long report was submitted by the
Highways committee on the questions which have arisen between the
Council and the Borough Councils of Bsthnal Green and Hackney with
reference to the description of pavement proposed to be used in connec-
tion with the tramways. The committee pointed out that there were
.serious objections to the use of wood paving in connection with the con-
duit trimnvay.s, and, further, if they departed from the attitude they
hid iKlci|)ted in the past, the question of efficient maintenance and
increased co?t of u|ikccp was likely to become a very serious one. It
was recommendcfl that the Board of Trade sh;)uld be asked t.i appoint
an arbitrat'ir to dcteruiine the question which had arisen.
L.C.C. Tramways.— The through service from Highlnny to Kenn-
ington was discontinued yesterday, but through tickets between
those places are still i.ssued, and the passfnL'( is change cars at Water-
h)o-bridge. There is now a thn.n-li mim,,- from Highbury to
i.ivender-hill, via the Holborn to lvubaiil<in.iil subway.
Tl\e new line between Hammersmith Broadway and Putney was
o|iencd on Saturdiy, but there is not yet a physical juneti(m with the
Willesden line at Hanuncrsinith, as' the Borough Council will not
consent to tiiis unl il the Broadway has been widened.
Middlesex Tramways.- The Board of Trade have extended the
l)criod tor constructing the light railwaj's authorised by the Middle-
sex flight Railways Order. 1903, for 12 months.
Newhaven.-The Hural Council have decided to take a supply cf
electricity in bulk lr..in Urighton Corporation for Blaekroek. Rottins-
dean. ^
Northampton Polytechnic Ins(itute.-The annual prize distribution
and coiivers,r/.i,,n.Mvill b,. lu-ld .m Fridavand Saturday. Feb. 5 and 6.
II"- I'.^'rl nt Halslinv, IViuu- Warden of the Saddicr.s' Company,
has consented l„ .lislnbulc Ih. |,ri„.s „„ Kebniary 5 and 6,
and after the prize distribution the nc« buiklings which have
been recently erected in the cant yard with funds provided by the
London County Council will be formally deelnivd oprn.
These buildings contain on the upper tfoors tine In miv i ...ins and class
rooms, on the ground Hnor stalV rooms and ronm l.ii llic meetings of
.societies (c.f/.. (he Knginecring Society) conneetrd v.illi llic Institute,
.nnd in the hnscmcnt extensive .-idditions to the work.-h'ips Mud hiiiora-
tories of the mech.anical engineering department. After the above
ceremonies the whole of (he laboratories, workshops, drawing offices and
studios (if the lu.-ilitulc. biith in the main building and in the British
llorologicid Institute adjoining (the technical optics department) will
be on view ill working order. The conveisazionc of members and students
will be held cm Feb. (i in both buildings.
Obituary. — We regret to record the death, on the 2Ist inst., of
Mr. Harold T. Hincks, one of the candidates for the position of
electrical engineer to the Swan.sea Harbour Trustees. Mr. Hincks.
who was an A.M.I.C.E., and A.M.I.E.E.. was for some time resident
engineei' at the works of the North Wales Power & Traction Co.
Oldham. — Last week a deputation from the Oldham Chamber of
Trade and the local clectiical contractors waited upon the Elec-
tricity committee to ]irotest against clause 50 of the Corporation's
Bill, which authorises the wiring of prenii.ses, the supply of electric
motors on hire, &c.
Amongst those who formed the deputation wers Messrs. (i. St. ,Iohn
Day, Huni[ihries and Norris (from the contractors) and T. S. Buckley
and Scafibrd (from the Chamlier of Trade). Mr. Day said the electrical
engineers wished the clause to be deleted. He asked if there was any
public neeil for such services as t.lie Cor[ioration sought to give.
Mr. Norris held that the Corporation lost by depriving the engi-
neers of the opportunity of work in connection with motors. When he
liegaii business he went in for the hiring of motors, but found that
customers went to the Corporation, so he had given up canvassing.
The canvassing of the town by the electrical engineers and their
employes was much more likely to increase the consumption of elec-
tric energy than the canvassing of one or perhaps two Corporation
servants.
The Mayou said that if clause 59 passed electrical engineers would
not be prevented from supplying motors. Other members were also
in favour of the elau.se, which is to be retained.
The Yorkshire Electric Power Co. are also opposing the clause,
which proposes to confer powers to run motor omnilmses, to supply
electrical energy outside the Corporation's area of supply, &c.
Penge (Kent). — A public' meeting was held in the Childwick Hal'
last week to consider the question of better lighting for the business
thoroughfares. Mr. Bryce Grant presided over a good attendance,
and, after discussion, a resolution in favour of improving (he public
lighting by ado})ting electric lighting was carried, and a committee
was appointed to draw up a definite scheme to put before the (buncil.
Poplar (London). — The Electricity committee recommend that
workshops, mess room, store room. &c., be fitted up at the electricity
supply station at a cost of .about £6.50.
Provisional Order Revocation. — The Board of Trade have revoked
the Andover Electric Lighting Order, 1905.
Reigate. — An unopposed inquiry into the Council's application
for sanction to a loan of £4,000 for electric lighting extensions was
held Last week.
Rhondda. — The Penygraig Chamber of Trade have asked the
Porth Chamber of Trade to join them in a petition to the Rhondda
Tramways Co. to apply for powers to supply electricity for lighting
and power in the Rhonddas.
San Thome and Principe (Africa). — There are numerous river.s and
streams here as the country is mountainous (6,500 ft. above sea level),
and there are many waterfalls. There is no public electricity supply
service, but one or two cocoa plantations have electric lighting plants.
A correspondent states that the lighting of the city of San Thora6 is
an idea worth considering by British firms. At jiresent only petro-
cum and acetylene are in use.
Shefneld. — The Corporation have sent a deputation, consisting of
Councillors Fcnton (vice-chairman of the Tramways committee)
and Bailey and the general manager of the tramways (Mr. A. R.
Fcarnley), to the Continent to investigate the trackless trolley
systems in operation.
Swansea. — Consideration of the recommendation of a joint sub-
(H)mmittee of the Electric Lighting and Streets committees that all
the tramway routes be lighted electrically has been deferred, pending
the receipt of a report from the Surveyor as to the number, type and
cost of the lamps required.
Tariff Commission.— \'olumc IV. of the Report of the Tariff
Commission, which deals with the engineering industries (including
structural, electrical, nmrine. mechanical and general engineering),
h.as just been issued. The volume is based ujion variinis British
and foreign statistics, ihr cxidcncc of 48 witnesses in the various
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 29, 190'J.
627
In-anches o( engiiioeiing, and llu- writkn and <.ral cn idi -.uu i>l uvci
500 ciiginccTing firms in London und the pruvinccs.
The Telephone in Afghanistan.- A telcplionf line is liping erected
irom llu- Indian Imnlicr ;il Jcllalalwd In lleriil. near llic I'eisian
border. 'I'liis line is approacliing eompletion. and several hrancli
lines are under oonsideration. Along this line (states " The Times ')
" telephone stations are being set up,witli trained operators in eliarge,
at distances of about every three miles, in order to prevent delays
through breakdowns, and to secure the swift transmission of mes-
sages.''
Theft of Electricity. — At Morpeth on the 20th inst. the magistrates
lined three w<imen £3 each and costs on charges of having stolen
electricity from the Northern Counties Electric Supply Co. Delrii-
flants had penny-in-the-slot meters in their houses and by inserting a
piece of wire, the energy in each ca.se was not metered.
Tynemouth Tube Railway. -Mr. R. Schenk has submitted to South
Shields and Tynenioiiih ( 'oiporations particulars of a scheme lor- ihr
execution of this electric railway project.
.Mr. Schenk v.onld fuim a company with £100,000 share and f lODUlll)
loan cai)itn!, the two Curjjorations to guarantee the interest on the lo;ia
capital, but theyv.dnid he entitled to be recouped out of subsequent profits,
the eoiniiany to lease a site from South Shields Corporation at £.120 per
annum ; the company to construct and equip the line at a cost nut lo
e.\ceed the amount of the share and loan capital; debentures to In-
issued to the C'jrpnration of South Shields by the trustees for the dclion-
ture-hoiders as the works progressed at rate of £5,000 debentures in
respci-t of every £10.000 worth of work done : the ap))ointniciil of Ir-iis-
tces to be approved by the Tynemouth and South Shields t-'nrporations
and their remuneration to be paid by the company.
.Mr. Schenk anticipates no difficulty in obtaining Parliamentary sanc-
ticm and balicves that the scheme will never cost the Coiporations any-
thing, as it is inconceivable to him that even the least favourable results
<-an fall short of a net revenue of £4,000 per annum, which woidd cover
interest and sinking fund spiead over 50 years The consulting en,trineers
Inr the scheui? are Messrs. C. H. Gadshy and H. H. Dalryniple-Hay.
Wallasey. — The ratepayers' ])oll has resulted in a considei-abli>
majority for the Coimcil's bill for the consfruelion of additional
tramways, &v.
Watford. — Sanction has been received to a loan of £1,7.50 foi-
electric lighting extensions. At present the equivalent of 48.23'2
8 c.]i. lamps is (-onm-cl'-il to the electric supply mains.
Wireless Telegraph Notes. — R< uli-i-s agency announces that in
tlie United Stad-s House of Reprcs(-ntatives on Tuesday Mr.
Burke (Pittsburgh) introduced a Bill reijuiring that wirele.ss tele-
iiraph eijuipments shall be installed in all ships leaving American
])orts which carry 50 or more passengers a distance of 500 miles and
upwards.
Dinners,&C. — The second of the " nev.- .series " of E.C.C. staff din-
ners took place at the Star and Garter hotel.Wolverhampton, on ,Ian.
U>, Mr. William Bidloch (manager) presiding. The company numbered
74, compared with 40 at last j'ear's event. The dinner was a great
success, and the smoking concert which followed proved that the
Electric Construction Co. possess men of more than electrical parts.
A case of pipes was jiresented to the able accompanist, and an
original song (written and executed — in the best sense — by E.C.C.
men) was introduced in which the staff sang its own loyalty and the
high praises of its popular chief.
The " Z " Electric Lamp Manufacturing Co.'s annual tea and
entertainment took place at the Lawrence Hall. Southtiekls. on
Saturday. Mr. T. C B. Stone ))resided, and over 200 employes
VNcre present.
Electro-Harmonic Society. — A ladies' night concert will be held in
the King's Hall. Holborn Restaurant, L(md(m, VV.C.. on Tuesday.
Feb. •_'. comnu-ncing at S o'clock.
TRADE NOTES AND NOTICES.
TENDERS INVITED.
Clarliin-on-Set District Coinicil invite tenders for supply and
oroctio.i of overhead travelling crane. Specification, witii
teims and conditions, from the electrical engineer (.\li. H. W
Kveritt). Tenders to the clerk (Mr. G. T. Lewis), Tnwn Hall.
Clactori-on-Sea, by noon of Wednesday, Feb. 17. Si-<- also an
advertisement.
Plymiulh Corporation is prepared to receive tenders for supply
of stores during 12 months ending March ,31, 1910, including i\v^■
lamp carbons, electricity meters, transfornrer.s, cables (paper insu-
lated), lubricating oils, engine waste, &c. Copies of speeiti<-ation
from the borough electrical engineer (Mr. E. G. Okell). Prince Roi-k.
Plymouth, to whom tenders by Saturday, .Tan. 30.
NEARLY READY.
"THE ELECTRICIAN" ELECTRICAL TRADES-
DIRECTORY AND HANDBOOK.— The 1909 Edition
of the Big Blue Book, price 15s., or post free in the
United Kingdom, 15s. gd. The new and enlarged volume
brings a great mass of statistical and technical data
quite up to date, and the Directorial Division will be
thoroughly revised and amplified.
All branches of Electrical Engineering and Industry
are fully treated, and Electro-Financial matters will
receive every attention in the new volume, which aggre-
gates more than 2,000 pages. The Directory Division is
complete and thoroughly accurate, and has been com-
pletely revised. All mere lists of members of Societies
and Institutions (so easily and cheaply available) are
excluded, as quite unreliable for Manufacturers' and
Dealers' purposes. The full set of valuable Statistical
and Engineering Tables, &c., are being very carefully
revised and extended, and are now issued in handy book
form. These will be included in the 1909 Big Blue
Book, making it the most complete work of the kind ever
published.
Leeds Corporation want tenders by 10 a.m. Feb. 25 for 12 months'
stores for the electric lighting department, including eopj)er bars,
strips, plates and wire, lead. i.r. covered cables, mains hoxcs and
fittings, jointing and insulating materials, electric lamp.s. a.c. watt-
meters, tubes, iron and steel, gunmetal, tools, oils, &c. Schedules.
&c.. from Mr. H. Dickinson, 1, Whitehall-road, Leeds.
Slieffielrl Tramways committee want tenders by 10 a.m. Feb. .5 for
materials and stores, including ear fittings, overhead line lilting.'-,
cable, lamps, power station sup|ilies. brake chains, pinicm wheels.
castings, ironmongery, oils, paints. &(-. Particulars from the
General Manager.
Manchester Waterworks committee want tenders by Feb. 10 for
supply and erection of a storage battery, w-ith reversible booster,
switchboard, wiring, &c., at the Longdendale works. Specification
from the Secretary. Waterworks Offices. Town Hall. Manchester.
Blackburn Electricity and Tramways committee require lenders
by noon Feb. 16 for 12 months' supply of motors, starting switches,
tubes for wiring, insulating material, fuse boxes, switches, oils. &(•.
Specifications from Borough Electrical F.ngineer.
The Metropolitan Asylums Board want tenders by 10 a.m. I'eb. 2
for supply of a single-phase motor, tools and workshop api>liances
at Carshalton. .Specifications. &c., at the oflices. Embankment,
London, E.C.
Bermondsey (London) Council want tenders by Feb. 15 f(>r 12
months' supply of carbons, cable and jointing materials, conduits,
electricity meters, meter boards, joint boxes, oils, &c. Forms, &e.,
from the Town Clerk.
Salford Tramways committee want tenders by :! p.m. Fell. 15 for
12 months' supply of electrical and mechanical car accessories, over-
head ears and frogs, overhead equipment material, wire, iron and
steel, oils, &c. Forms. &c.. from the General JIanager.
Birmhigharn T'ramways committee want tenders by noon Feb 8.
for 12 months' supply of stores, including electrical sundries, in-
sulating materials, chemicals, oils, &c. Forms <>i tender. &c..
from the general manager.
Portsmouth Corporation rcciuirc tenders by Feb. 10 for 12 months'
supply of electrical goods, stoneware, jiijies, castings, ironmongery,
paints. &c., for the electricity department. Forms of lender from
the Electric Lighting Station! Gunwharf-road, Port.smoiith.
Edinburgh Coriioration want tenders by .Ian. 30 for the electric
lighting of Torpiehen-place police station, and of the C<)rn Market,
(iorgie. Specifications from the City Electrical Engineer.
llford Council want tenders by noon Feb. 9 for 12 months' coal
for the electricity works. Forms of tender from .Mr. .A. H. Shaw.
Electricity Works, Ley -street, llford.
Tile .Midland Railway Co. Xorthern Counties committee. Beljasl.
want tenders by Ech. 4 for 12 month.s' stores, including telegraph
inmw-ork. batteries, wire. &c.. iron tubing, ironmongery, castings,
metals, oils, paints, varnishes. &c. Forms of tender from Mr. Kllis.
York-road StAtion, Belfa.sl.
628
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 29, 1909.
SPECIAL NOTICE.
NOW READY Vol. LXI. of " The Electrician " (1,018 pages),
hoiind ill stronj; cloth. Price 17.?. 6d.; post free, 18s. 6d. Also ready
Cases for Eiiidincf. Price 2s.; post free, 2s. 3d.
A completo set of " The Electrician " (1860-1865—1878-1908) can
be .sii;)plied. A number of odd volumes and some odd old back num-
bers, to help in making up complete sets, are also now available.
Watford Council want tenders by noon Feb. 2 for 12 months'
coal for the electricity department. Specifications from Mr. F. W.
I'urso, Electricity Works. Watford.
Tenders are invited for the supply of telephone material to the
Postmaster-General's Department in Queensland. Tender forms
and specifications may be obtained at the Commonwealth Offices.
72. Victoria-street. Lnndon. S.W. Scr also an advertisement.
TENDERS RECEIVED AND ACCEPTED.
Bradford Electricity committee have accepted the tender of the
British Thomson-Houston Co. for supply and erection of two 3.O0O kw.
tmbo-altsrnators complete with Worthington condenser ;.
London County Council have extended John llowlem & Co.'s
ocntraet so as to include the reconstruction of the railway bridges
over the Kentish Town-road, and Junction-road for £11. 346. and that
of W. Manders for reconstructing the bridge carrying Clialk Farm-road
over the Regent's Canal at £9.074.
L riiulon County Council have received si.x tender.s for the supplj' of
wiring materials for the Camden Town sub-station, varying from £fi4.(is..")d
to £78. 10s., less 2i per cent, in both eases, and the lowest (that of the
Edison & Swan Co.) has been accepted.
London County Council have accepted the tender of Tangyes Limited
for the supply of electrical shop machinery for the central car repair
depot, at £782. John Holroyd & Co. tendered at £1,122 .and £1.11.5.
The Council have also given orders to Mosers Limited for steam tubes,
sockets. &c., Stewarts & Lloyds for bolts, unions, &c.. Measures Bros,
for stanchions, joists, bolts, &c., and Vickers, Sons & Maxim for split
pulleys.
For pr<jvidiiig and fitting an electrically-driven lift at Quebec Wharf.
Kingsland-road, the tender of the Keighley Electrical Engineering Co..
at £244. has been accepted by London County Council.
Beckenham Council liave accepted the tender of the British
Thomson-Houston Co. for meters at £153. lis., and that of W.
.Mitchell & Co. for lead .service boxes at 6s. 8d.. triple lead boxes 7s..
cut-outs 6.S. 4d.. triple cut-outs 7s. 6d.
Maidst<me Corporation have placed an order with the Chloride
Electrical Storage Co. for a ijDO volt battery and ' I'.ntz " booster
for the municipal tramna3's.
Hull Council have accepted the tender of Mr. Harrison for wiring
the City Hall.
Bolton Tramways committee have accepted the tender of the Com-
mercial Cars Co. for a motor chassis for a tower wagon.
Plymouth Council have accepted the tender of Bolckow. \'aughan
& Co. for 140 tons of tram rails at £8 per ton.
Southampton Council have accepted the tender of Walter Scott
(Ltd.) for 100 tons of tram rails at £7. 10s. per ton.
Rugby Council have placed an order with \'ictor Bornand & Co.
for three-core paper-insulated lead-covered cable.
Wrexham Council have accepted the tender of F. J. Jones & Son.
Chester, for wiring the schools at £289.
Watford Council have accepted the tender of .Vsliworlh & Parker
for pipework for new economiser.
BUSINESS NOTICES.
Messrs. Rscher, \\'yss & Co., of Zurich, Switztrland, have
established a British branch of theii- business with London offices
at 109, A'ictoria-street, Westminster, S.W. The London telegraphic
address is " Neumuehle London," telephone 14,54 Victoria.
The Merchants' Trading Co.. of Broac -street House. London, E.C.,
have purchased the property of the Britannia Electric Lamj)
Works (Ltd.) (in liquidation), and inform us they are about to
commence the manufacture of metal filament lamps at their South
Tottenham factor3-.
In reference to the note in our last issue (p. 594) regarding Messrs.
Seville kaye & Co. (Ltd.), it should have been stated that the offices
of the company are at Thanet House, 231 and 232, Strand. London.
VV.C. : business operations have been commenced, and the company
mtorm us that they have some important work in hand.
The business of Mes.srs. Wallach Bros, has been converted into a
private limited liability company. The directors of the new company
(Messrs. J. and L. C. Wallach) will continue to give their
persona! attention to the business, which will be conducted on the
same lines as for the past 19 years.
Messrs. Morris-Hawkins (Ltd.) ask us to state that after 31st inst.
Messrs. John Roberts & Co.. Manchester, will cease to act as their
representatives, and after that date all communications intended
for the company .should be addressed t<i 7.5b, Queen Victoria-street.
London, E.C.
Messrs. Falconer.. Cross & Co. have remove<l to 7 and !(. Ridley-
place. Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Plant for Sale. — Bury (Lanes.) Electricity committee have for dis-
posal two sets of generating plant, each of which consists of a 200 h.p.
Belliss compound enclosed engine, direct coupled to a Siemens d.c.
bipolar shunt dynamo, output 500 amperes at 220-260 volts. Ofl:"ers
to the engineer and manager (Mr. S. J. Watson). Electricity Works,
Bury. Lanes. See also an advertisement.
Mes.srs. G. Elliott & Co., 186-188, Long-lane, Bermondsey, London.
S.E., have for sale two compound Marshall steam engines coupled
to two Crompton dynamos, and also three dynamos. Further
particulars are given in advertisements.
A dynamo in good condition and by good maker ( 140-210 amperes.
220 volts) is wanted by Jlessrs. G. Elliott & Co., Machinery Depot,
Long-lane, Bermondsey. London, S.E. See adv<;rt.isement.
Factory Premises to Let. — A two-storey factory in West London.
close to S.W. and G.W. Rly. stations, is advertised to be let or .sold.
"Willing'S Press Guide." — We have received the 36th annual
issue of tliit us^^ful and convenient press guide. The new edition has
evidently been carefully revised, and the information given is the
latest available. This marvellous shillingsworth is i.ssued by James
Willing, junior (Ltd.). 125. Strand, London, W.C.
Aegma Metallic Filament Lamps. — The Electrical Co. notify that
they are in a position to deliver " Aegma " metallic filament lamps
as follows ; —
50 e.p., 200 to 2.50 volts, pear-.shape.
50 c.p. ■ .. round bulb.
100 c.p. .. round bulb.
The compan}''s price sheet will be ready in a few days.
CATALOGUES. &c.
Rubber Wires and Cables. — Callender's Cable & Construction
Co. have issued a very neat and handy catalogue dealing with this
subject. Anyone who has had experience of Messrs. Callender's
catalogues will agree as to their excellent get up. and their latest
effort in this direction is entirely in accordance with tradition. At
the beginning of the book very useful tables in both British and
metrical units are given, and the usual details with regard to size,
thickness of insulation and price are set out for a number of well-
known types of cable. Special attention should be called to the cable
notes at the end of the volume, which enables an order to be placed
with the least amount of trouble.
E.C.C. Dynamos and Motors. — The substantial file of motor
leaflets wliich the Electric Construction Co. is issuing should be a
certain guarantee of their products to users of motors and dynamos
generally. The lists are carefuUj' thumb indexed, and are, therefore,
readily accessible for reference. The motors and dynamos described
include continuous and alternating current machines, and details
are also provided of motor starters for both types. JIuch time and
care has been expended upon the lists, both in the matter of the illus-
trations and alsoin the details of dynamos and horse-power capacities.
G.E.C. Lists. — A budget of literature reaches us from the Cieneral
Electric Co., the most bulky being catalogue Section W, dealing with
wires and cables, porcelain insulators, wiremen's tools and wiring
accessories. There is a useful list of Osram lamps, which gives full
particulars of all the sizes manufactured, while it also includes details
of auto-transformers for low-voltage lamps. The concluding pages
are filled with a number of testimonials, which should convince
readers of the practical value of the metal filament lamp. There are
also loose leaflets, dealing with electric radiators. " Witton-James "
steel-cased pressure blowers and the new '' Era" fittings block. The
most interesting pamphlet of all is one clothed in a black cover
(appropriate for an arc lamp carbon list). This gives full details
and prices of the arc lamp carbons manufactured by the company
at Witton.
Spot Welding. — At the recent Manchester Electrical Exhibition
the British Insulated & Helsby Cables showed samples of spot welding
by one of their Prescot welders. This excited a good deal of .interest,
THE ELECTRICIAN. JANUARY 29, 1909.
629
and the company have now issued list No. P81. descriptive of their
No. 13 welder, which has been designed specially for this class of
work. The spot weld is intended to replac; riveting in sheet iron
and hollow ware.
Time Switches. — The Reason Mfg. Co. are just iss\iing a list
which describes a type of time switch in which a clockwork move-
ment is used for the operation of the switch. Tlie clock spring is
wound by hand, and the spring which operates the switch is indepen-
dent of the clockwork main spring. There is sufficient power in the
clockwork main spring to keep the switch going for 14 days. Full
technical details of the switch are given in the pamphlet.
Flexible Insulating Couplings. — A flexible coupling between
th3 prime mover and dynamo was employed in quite the early
days of electric lighting, and, despite the fact that in the majority of
cases prime mover and generator are now bolted together solid on
the same shaft, there still exists a demand for a flexible coupling
where gas engines and water turbines are employed. Certain classes
iif industrial machinery may also be driven with advantage through
a flexible coupling. Messrs. Jens Orten-Boving, 72, Victoria-street,
I-ondon. S.W., have issued a useful list de.scribing the celebrated
Zndel-Voith flexible insulated coupling, and the sizes in which it is
manufactiu'ed. A copy of the list will be forwai'dcd to anyone
interested, on request.
Sun Specialities. — The Sun Electrical Co. is sending out circular
172 describing the "Automat" lamp-holder and an aluminium
lamp-holder. The latter is one-third the weight of brass and is
unaffected by chemical fumes.
Single-phase Motors and Telephone Lines. — The Maschinen-
fabrik Oerlikon send us a pamphlet on the effect of single-phase
railway motors on telephone lines, by Dr. Hans Behn-Eschenburg.
This subject, which is of great importance at the present time, is
developed very thoroughly with the full aid of mathematical analysis.
The data on which it was founded were obtained from a number of
tests on the Seebach-Wettingen line, where, it will be remembered,
great trouble was experienced from these causes. We commend this
pamphlet to all who are interested in the subject.
Fans. — Messrs. James Keith & Blackman Co., Farrin^ilnii-;i\iMiie.
London, E.C., have published a catalogue relating to tin- K( ith I'.tiiS
steel plate centrifugal fan. In the short space of this noti- we r, [rm.it
do justice to the details of the fan, which are set out in the carefully-
written list referred to. We strongly recommend all engineers who
are concerned directly or indirectly with the subject of ventilation
or the movement of air to obtain a copy of the list, together with a
.small booklet which accompanies it, entitled " Fan Tests, Theories
and Facts.''
Shop Fittings. — A range of designs in the way of special fittings
for shop window lighting, both for exterior and interior use, is being
put on the market by the Reason Mfg. Co., Brighton. A recently-
issued pamphlet gives full particidars.
"'C4RAL" Lamps. — Makers of metallic filament lamps are doing
their best to impress upon the public the importance of discarding
the carbon filament type by giving every possible publicity to the
particular name they have adopted for their pattern of lamp. The
Annorduct Mfg. Co., whose metallic filament lamp is known as the
" Gral," is issuing an attractive show card, the general effect of wliich
does credit to the artist Mr. J. Conway Price.
BANKRUPTCIES, LIQUIDATIONS, &c
The Mexican Power Deve!o])ment Synd. (Ltd.) is being wound up
voluntarily. Mr. A. W. Tait, Basildon Hou.se. .Moorgate-st., London,
E.C., is liquidator. Meeting of creditors Feb. 1 at Basildon House.
In the matter of Electrical Instrument Manufacturers (Ltd.).
Thos. Ward is to be publicly examined at the Court House, Kdmon-
ton, on Feb. 5.
A dividend is to lie paid to the creditors of McPhail & Simpso" s
Dry Steam Patents (Ltd.), and claims are to be sent by Feb. 10 fo
Mr. J. W. Close. North British and Mercantile-buildings. South-
parade, Leeds,
The liquidator (Mr. A. F. Whinney, 32, Old Jewry. London, E.C.)
of the Sir Hiram Maxim Electrical & Engineering Co. (Ltd.) has
been released.
A meeting will be held at 120, Fenchurch-street, London, E.C,
on March 1 to receive an account of the winding up of Kevan Signs
(Ltd.), in liquidation.
An application for the discharge of Chas. H. M. A. Vere, electrical
engineer, .5, Park- parade. North Finchley, London, N., will be heard
on Feb. 23 at the Town Hall, Barnet.
PATENT RECORD.
APPLICATIONS FOE PATENTS.
Note. — The undcr-mentione.d Applications [empt those mirked f) are nn
open to public inspection until after acceptance oj Complete Specifications
Those marked t are open /or inspection 12 months a/ter the date attached
to them, if they have not been published prcviotutly in the ordinary course.
Names within parenthejies are those of communicators of inventions, fflien
complete Specification accompanies application, an asterisk is affixed.
September 12, 1908.
m.UiO GuiuLAMPEkwERK Anker G.m.b.H. Packing metal lilaments
for glow lamps. (Date applied for, 1 2/9/07. )*t
19,183 Woods. Electroliers and gasoliers.
19,194 Fisher. Plugs or connectors for electrical machines.
19,205 Schultz. Construction of electrodes for primary and secondary
batteries.
September 14, 1908.
19.239 Taylor, Manuel, Rees & Leach. Protection nf earthenware
insulating cup.
19.2(>3 Felten & Guilleaume-Lahmeyerwerke Actiex-Gesell-
schaft. Insulating process for electrical machines. (Date
applied for, 1 4/9/07. )*t
19,2(J5 Marsh, Electric furnaces. (Date ajiplicd for. 19/9/07.)*t
19,286 E, Reinhardt, P. Reixhardt & WKri,. Lucking device for
cable pipe joints.*
19.299 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Control of alternating electric
current motors of the commutator type.
19.300 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co.. U.S.) Air compressors.
19.308 Buck & Isaac. Telephony.
19.309 Siemens Bros, & Co. (Siemens & Halske Akt-Gc^., Germany.)
Selectors for automatic telephone exchanges.*
19,311 Siemens & Halske Akt,-Ges, Incandescence luidics of tung-
sten. (Date applied for, 26/9/07. )*t
September 15, 1908.
19.324 Kennedy. Integrating meters.
19,333 Bastian. Transforming electrical energy into licit encrgj-.
19,357 Bailey. Trolley heads.*
19,357 Bayliss. Holders or sockets for electric lamps.
19,388 Ebner. Interrupter for ignition apparatus and the like*
19,395 Jaburo. Arc lamps.
September 16, 1908.
19,450 Muirhead. Electric telegraphy.
19.457 Aitken. Telephone instruments.
19.458 Ne\\itt, Webber & Standard Time Co. Electrically driven
turret clocks.
19,482 Holmes. Trolley heads.
19.485 B.T.-H. Co. (A.E.G., Germany.) Dynamo electric machines.
19.486 B.T.-H. Co. ((I.E. Co., U.S.) Regidators for alternating electric
current circuits.
19.501 Ebner. Condenser for electric ignition apparatus.*
19,.'502 Ebner. Lubricating device for armature shaft of electric igni-
tion apparatus.*
19,504 Buckle. Expanding plugs for electrical purpcses.
September 17, 1908.
19,548 MooRE & PoWLES. Gravity electrical switches.
19,574 Felten & Guilleaume-Lahmeyerwerke Akt.-Ges. Insula-
ting tubes. (Date apijlied for, 1 8/9/07. )*t
19,.589 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Electric circuit breaker.^.*
Il September 18, 1908.
19,599 Shattner. Electric motor controllers.
19,620 Whittinoton. Cartridges for use with electrically tired small
arms.*
19,()21 Scott. Suspension of trolley wires for electric tramways and
railways.
19.634 McEwAN & Pratt. Magneto electric generators for producing
ignition of explosive mixtiues in the cylinders of internal-com-
bustion engines.
19,659 Thompson. (Oscar von Inwald & Rudolf von Inwald, Austria.)
Making incandescent lilaments for electric lamps.*
September 19, 1908.
19.679 Liohtfoot. Safety device for portable hand lamps.
19.719 Faikweather. (Landers. Frary & Clark. U.S.) Vapour laniras.*
19.720 Siemens Bros. Dyn.vmo Works (Siemens-Schuckcrtwerke,
g.m.b.h., Germany). Airangements for securing the end
connections of rotors of dynamo electric machines.'
19.724 Hunter & Zoephel. Switches.
September 21, 1908.
19,750 Taylor. Electric tramway or railway signal.
September 22. 1908.
19,847 Gluhlajipexwerke Anker G.m.b.H. Prevention of the dis-
integration into fine dust of electrical incandescent filaments in
a vacuum. (Date applied for, 3/10/07.)*t
19.8(51 PiNCKNEV. Electromagnets.
19,866 Bayliss. Holders, sockets, or like attachment fittings for elec-
tric lamps.
19 879 Stevens. Working and control for electrically-propelled vehi-
cles.
630
THE ELECTRICIAN, JANUARY 29, 1909.
13,72t
20,347
20.3H()
2ll..-,'.li
20.fil2
21,073
23.!tl5
24,()3r)
24,ilil3
2r>,IU)
2.-), 740
2.-).7.')2
2.->,772
25,834
25,922
25.099
2t),195
2(i.4.S9
2(i,938
27.412,1
27.9,S(>
28,004
2S,43:i
Hi
(>20
811
2.357
2,(>S5
4,3(;s
4,4'il
4,509
5.297
5,374
(1.170
li.7(U
moclianism f"r clec-
wcliinos.
■ .,,,1 |„-t,nl
nf dynamo-
SPECIFICATIONS PUBLISHED.
190" SrKCIFICATIOXS.
Mavub & Mavok & CouLSDN. Electricnl ti-iinsmission oi power.
Watson * Smith. Trembler indiieHon eoil ignition systems.
SciiNKiiiKii. Klcc(ri(itl clock.
llA OOK. Klcclric lultcrics or cells. . . , ,
KosK. Eleetro-ni.isiietically eontrollod culonl .ir ciiviiil lire.iker.
SiEMKXS Bros. Dynamo Works & Klo.s,s. Windings of dynamo
electric machines. .
AlAiicoM's WiKKLKSs TEi-KCKAru Co. & Yoi-Ni;. Kvccivers lor
v.iiclcss telegraphy.
B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Electric motor conlroMers.
Leuge & Scott. Arc lamp.s. (Post-dated. 3/4/OS.)
B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Controll'
trie motor- o))8ratcd .signals.
B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co.. U.S.) Dynamo electric
Beamish. Electrieally operated signalling installation:
B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Electric cooking a|ipnn
Stevens". Means of paralleling the motors of elerliic :i
electric cars.
B.T.-H. Co. & Clough. Insnlaling the winding.
electric machines.
B.T.-H. Co. (G E. Co., U.S.) Insulated electric conductors and
processes of forming the same.
Aarhus Dynamo & Elektbomotor-Fabrik & .Iohansen.
Electromotors.
Petcii, Duncan & Ki.n-o. Electric order telegraphs,
De Voe. Devices for threading electric conduits.
Rider. Electrical signalling systems for railways.
, Bkvis & Anoold. Are lamps. (Date applied for, 12/12/07.)
LuTHi. Time switches.
Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works & Grimston. Searchlight.? or
projectors.
Gardiner. Electric signalling system for railways.
1908 Specifications.
Phillips. Telephones.
Fairweather. Electric lamp cluster holders.
Glenister & Glenister. Insulating electric. wires, cahles and
the like.
Lertourne. Preventing the loss of electric energy liy heat
when working projectors. (Date applied for. 11/2/07.)
Lambert. Track or emergency brakes for tramcars.
Fessenden. Receivers for wireless telegraphy. (Date applierl
f.ir, 8/2/07.)
SvEINBJORNSSON. Generation of electricity on railway trains,
boats or the like.
Sykes. Operation or control of railway points.
.MicHAUD & Delasson. Process of and means for manufacturing
filaments for illuminating and heating purposes. (Date applied
for, lO/G/07.)
PiDD. Guides for pulleys or trolley heads in connection with the
electric wires for tramcars and the like.
Bleeck. Piimary batteries.
Davidson Portable electric resistance.
.Mawdsley. Brush holders for dynamo electric- machines.
So;'. Ch. LsiB-VNU Er Cik. Eler'trically cimtrolled locks par-
ticularly applicable to carriage* and like vehicles. (Date
applied" for. 29/3/07.)
Bori.T. (Voigt & Haeflner Akt.-G-s.) Switrhiu'.; dcvici-s
COMPANIES' MEETINGS AND REPORTS.
Direct United States Cable Co. (Ltd.)
Th" sixty-third gener.il mcpting of this Company v.as ludd on Tuesday,
under the presidencv of Mr. E. M. Usuerdown. K.C.
The general" M-ANAGER and SECRETARY (Mr. T Finnis)
read the notir»- rnm .-iiiiv.; the meeting and the auditors' report.
TheCHAll'.M AX ili, n -lid : The revenue for the six months to Dec. 31
hvst, after lirhi 11115: oMtpayments. amounted in round figures to
£5(),335. while I lie working and other expenses, including income-tax,
but exclusive of the cost of cable maintenance, absorbed £25.357. leaving
a lialance of £30,978 as net profit, making, with £2,812 brought forward
from the previous half-ye.ar, a total of £33.790. This has been appro-
priated as follows: Interim dividend of 4s. per share paid up to Sept. 30,
uipiiring £12,142, and a similar interim dividend up to Dec. 31, also
requiring £12.142; set aside for reserve, £5.000; carried forward to
current half-year,' £4,50(i. total £33,790. The revenue, compared with
that of the corresponding period of 1907, shows a reduction of £1,933,
which, when we remember the serious depreciation in trade that existed
more or less during the whole of the past year, cannot be recarded as
unfavourable. The London expenses show a small reduction of £26.
while stations' expenses show small increases and reductions which leave
the increase only £10.5. In the remaining expenditure there isareduetion
in an item which now disappears from our accounts — the use of patents —
but there is an increase of £230 in the income-tax. over which we have no
control. The ordinary expenditure, on the whole, shows an increase of
£2.54, of which, a.s 1 have said, £2.30 is for income-tax. The most im-
poitant item in our business h:,. of course, our reserve fund — our slieet
a:nclior, if I may so express it. This fund has been debited with £11.043
for maintenance of cables, an item which has fallen .somewhat heavily
upon us of late. But these repairs have been e.xecuted with the utmost
desp.atch. and I do not think that at an_v time the cables have been
out of work for more (ban a few days. I can imly express |)raise
at the way in which the rcp.iirs have been carried luit by the owners of
ships — the -Anglo-American and others — sometimes in very bad weather,
but the cable ships are apparently so accustomed to carry out such opera-
tions that a repair is not so serious as it used to be. The n'serve fund has
also licen debited with £.505 lor imjiroved lighting at our i-.ible station on
the West Coast of Ireland. On the other hand it has been credited with
£9.149 interest on investments and £92 profit on sale of securities, also
with £5.000 set aside from revenue, which makes the balance of the fund
£.507.890. Investments on cost remain practically unchanged, but their
jiresent market value has somewhat improved, and is now in excess of
the amount of £492.982, to which they were written down in order to
])rovide for any po.ssible risk. There is no other matter to which I need
refer. Business is assuming better proportions, and 1 think we shall
find that during the coming year we shall experience further |irosperity.
1 now move the adoption of the report and account.s.
Sir JAMES PENDER, Bart., seconded the motion.
Dr. BERRY asked whether the Marconi .system was likely to affect
the Company in the future so far as the Cliau-man could tell.
The CH.\IRM.AN : My opinion is that it will not affect us unfavour-
ably. For certain purpo.ses wireless telegraphy is turning out to be a very
imjiortant business, but 1 do not see how it can affect our operations
unless the |iosit ion of affairs should change very materially.
The motion was then carried unanimously, and a vote of thanks to the
Chairman terminated the proceedings.
City & South London Railway Co.
The forty-ninth ordinary general meeting of this company was held
on Tuesday, the Rt. Hon. C. B. Stuart-Wortley, K.C.,*M.P. presiding'
The SECRETARY (Mr. W. F. Knight) read the notice calling the
meeting, and the report and accounts were taken as read.
The CH.\IRMAN said: This is the second autumn half-year during
which King's Cross and Euston have been accessible to passengers by your
extended line. Speaking frankly, I could wish we could show a better
result than a gross receipt lessened by £2,452. Of course, I cannot say
with certainty what would have been the result on our gross receijits if
Xfivember and December had in 1908 the number of fogs and rainy days
that Novembers and Decembers in London usually do have. For except
during the frost and snowstorm and blizzard of Dec. 29th the .serene and
clement weather went on during the whole half-year, and it scarcely
seems to have come to an end yet. By savings in expenses the £2,452
loss on gross receipts is reduced to £1.481. That, however, is not all
that has to come off your balance available for distribution: for. though
you have a favourable item of £984 saved on bank interest, that again is
reduced to a negative quantity of £258 by the tact that you have paid
£1,242 more in interest on debenture stock. Bringing into account £11
moie brought forward from the June account, we have thus an amount
available for distribution wh=cli is less than last year by £1.728. The
ordinary stockholder has to provide for more than that, for there is £287
more to pay in preference dividend than there was this time last year.
We may, perhajis, be glad that under these circumstances the ordinary
stockholders have not to forego more than a quarter per cent. With a
reduced number of passengers and less takings we cannot expect to show
so good a percentage of working exps'ii-i - ic ripi.. So I suppose we
ought to be thankful that the percentage 1^ - iil\ tu lil .luaiiist 4(i-42 last
year. For the same reason the numb?! mI p ,--. ,1^, ,., p,M train, and the
receipts per train, per train mile and per pas-engcr are all fractionally
lower. But expenses per train mile are also lower, being Is. 2.16d.
against Is. 2-52d. per train mile last year. Looking for the causes of the
falling off in our traffic it is difficult to find any dominating factor besides
the weather that tells s];iecially at any one or more pla"es. There is a
big falling off in bookings at the Bank station, but we must remember
that the new .system of through bookings with the Central London Bail-
way relieves a great many passengers of the need for taking a fresh ticket
at the Bank — which formerly they had to do^and brings in a sub-
stantial sum on its own account. Decreases at the two stations of
(Ilapham Common and Clapham Road are not so easy to explam ; but
I may say that the decrease is almost entirely in bookings from those
iigs thence to places
iw a decrease which
. of cricket matches
iidtheElephant and
1 (if overground and
ompetition of the.se
can scarcely specify
the routes of one's
stations to the City, and is not observable in bnnki
beyond. Bookings at the Angel and at tlie ( h ,il >li
may be due partly to the diminished atti.i- 1 1\ ene^^
and shows. But at those places, and also at .Mmii ^.ite:
Castle, the decrease must be due also to r. in|i' iiiio:
other services. I could talk a good deal iLmit tli i
other services, but the difficulty we have is that one
or discuss competitive services wdthout advertising
competitors, and that I am sure yon will not wish me to do. You will,
however, be interested to know "that the only stations which show an
increase in bookings are Euston and King's Cross. When we met you
in July. 1908. we said that we were going to remove every discoverable
thing all over the system that could possibly lead to the o"ccurrence of a
fire on any part of our .system. The inquiry held last July by officers of
the Board of Trade led to recommendations being made that we could
not disregard even if we would. Indeed, the preventive and iiroteetive
works that we are in process f)f carrying out go further than the .actual
Board of Trade requirements of that day. They include the filling up
THE ELECTRICIAN. JANUARY 29, 1909.
631
of what is called the " inverts " or deep hollow spaces underneath the
rails and platforms in those parts of our tubes which are built of larger
diameter in order to provide room for the stations and their signal boxes,
sidings, and other adjuncts of the station. The experience of last July
showed that these inverts were places where inflammable substances
might lodge and give rise to fires in in-ifcpssiblf places. In future they
will be filled up to the rail level with uiniill Mnm iMr ballast. The works
include also the substitution of staticm |il iil-ii m- of stone or .slate for
platforms of wood. And the same sub.^tUutiun of uninflammable
materials for others will be effected in the case of certain signal boxes
and other like structures underground. Then we intend to make a
gradual substitution of slate for wood in all parts of the existing footway
between the rails that arc still made of wood. But besides these sub-
stantial works wc intend to go bej'ond the Board of Trade recommenda-
tions in res]iect of the very desirable new staircase which, as you learn
from a paragra|ili in the rejjort. w-e are going to construct alcmgside our
lifts at Loudon Briilgc. The expense of this will be shared with us, as
is right, by the Brighton Railway Co. These works will cost money. But
we think we are justified in making the statement in the report that they
will entail an ultim.itc annual charge of not more than £400 a year, wliich
is based on an estimated capital cost of something under £10,000. Y'm
may have noticed that a Bill deposited by the Central London Railway,
for submission to Parliament in the coming session, contains a clause for
the construction of a new high level subway connecting their Bank
station with the booking hall of our Bank station. This scheme is pro-
moted with our concurrence, and on the understanding that we share
with them the expense of construction. It is expected that our share
will not exceed £3.500. While wc are making these sacrifices in
order to improve the comfort and safety of our passengers and to
extend the popularity of our system, we do not lose sight of the ever
present need of kee])ing down expenses. In this matter you can have
little from Directors but precepts ; but as regards practice, no
Directors or shareholders were, in my o]iinion. ever better served than
we are by our managerial and cxeciifhc ■<taff. What with inquiry from
us and suggestion from them, 1 duubl whither any money saving devices
remain undiscussed. I now move the adoption of the Report and
Accounts.
Mr. CHARLES SEYMOUR GRENFELL secimded the motion.
'J'he C'HAIRiL\N, having replied to some other questions, said: .As
regards the safety fiom fire inside our carriages, there are various
provisions made inside the carriages for extinguishmg fire should any
outbreak occur. All our new carriages are built of steel, and we have
now live trains of five carriages each all of steel. We shall ncver^iiuy
any nu^re wooden carriages.
The motion was agreed to unanimously.
Resolutions approvitig the preference aufl ordinary dividends, and the
I'c-clcction of the retiiiug Directors and Auditors were then approved,
and with a cordial vote of thanks to the Chairman, the Directors, and
the Stall, the i]rocecdhit:-i terminated.
ANGLO AMEEICAN TELEGRAPH CO. (LTD.)— The total receipts for the
six months ended Dee. 31, including; £6,962. 13s. 5d. brought forward,
amounted to £209.602. 12s. 9d. The traffic receipts show a decrease
of Jt'5,423, compared with the corresponding half-year of 1907. The
working- e.xpenses amounted to £7 J, 037. 3s. 8d , an increase
of £5,580. 12s. 8d. The directors, under the powers conferred upon
them bv the Articles of Association have, before declaring the net
profits, "set apart £10.000 to renewal fund, leaving £120,565. 9s, Id.
i,>uarterly interim dividends of 15s. per cent, on the ordinary stock
and £1. 10s. )jercciit. on the preferred stock wore paid on Nov. 2 last,
absorbing £52,500, leaving £68,055. 9s. Id., out of which the directors
reconuneml final dividends of 19s. per cent, on the ortlinary stock,
£1. 10s, ]jer cent, on the preferred stock and 83 j)er cent, on the
deferred stock (payable on Feb. 6), amounting together to £66,500,
and making a total distribution for the year of £3. 4s. per cent, on
the ordinary stock, £6 per cent, on the preferred stock >and 8s per
cent, on the deferred stock. The balance of £1,565. 9s, Id. will be
carried forward.
CENTRAL LONDON RAILWAY CO.— The capital expended during tl\e
half-year ended Dcr. :j| was £8,208. 10s. The chief item was for the ex-
tension of the line I'nmi Sh<-pherd's Bush to Wood-lane, which was com-
|ilctcd in .May last. C'ompared with the corresponding period in IH07
there had been an incTease of £50,307. 12s. 7d. in revenue recei)>ts and of
£5,231. 15s. 3d. in working expenses. The balance carried to net revenue
is £104.fi93. 8s. 7d. After providing for interest on debenture stoik and
other i>ayments there remains £n8,.38I. 15.s. (id. The directors recom-
Mii nd the declaration of dividends oiv the undivided ordinary stock at the
late of 3.\ i)er cent, per arunim. and on the ]ireferred ordinary stock at the
rate of 4 per cent, pc.- annum for the half-year, and on the deferred
ordinary stock at the rate of 2.') per cent, per annum for the year. These
will absorb £58.0411. lis, leaving £00,338, 4s. (kl.. out of which the direc
tois rc((.nimcnd tli.il £20,000 be credited to the reserve, the lialance
(£40.:13S. 4s. 11(1.) to In- carried forward. The attractions of the Franco-
H. itish Exhibition drew a large number of i)assengers to the line during
the period between .May 14 and the end of October, and the Mdilitional
traffic was carried without accident. Since the clo.sc of the lixhibilion
I here had been a marked falling off in the daily business, due, doubtless,
I" the largely increased facilities for cheap short. distance travelling
ilfurded by the motor and horse omnibus competition on the Oxforrl-
ticet route. The directors are endeavouring to encourage the use of
the railway by affording a more frequent service of trains, but it may also
be necessary to consider the advisability of making a change in the pre-
sent scales of fares, in order to meet the surface competition on more even
terms. The through bookings with other companies are progressing
satisfactorily, and show th.it the . (nucniciM . ,ilT-,id.il is appreciated bv
the public. The number nf |i;issriii.'ii- i;mimH .Innn^ the half-j'car was
2 1, 9%, 023, against 1(J.(J4(1.I120 in the m,,, -|„„„l,,i:; Inlf of 1907. the total
for the year being 41,898,373, against 3il. '."17,491 m 1907. The average
receipt per passenger was 203d.. compared with 201d. in 1907. The
cost per passenger was 102d., against l-28d. A bill has been deposited
in Pailiament to empower the company to extend their line from the
Bank station to and under the Liverpool-street station of the G.E. Com-
pany, with a connection to the adjacent Broad-street station of the North
London Co. It also provides for the constructiim of additional exchange
subways, &c.
CHATBAM & DISTRICT LIGHT RAILWAYS CO.— The receipts for the
half-year ended Dec. 31 were £22,830. 12s lid., and the expenses
£13,929. 7s. 3d., leaving £8,901. 5s. 8d. After paying rent of Roche,ster
Corporation line, debenture interest, ka., and adding balance brought
forward (£1,494. 8s. 3d.), there remains £7,233. 5s. 3d. Out of fliis
£3,000 has been transferred to depreciation reserve, the preference divi-
dend absorbs £2,940 and the ordinary dividend at the rate of 2 percent.
£1,C60. £233. 5s. 3d. is carried forward The whgle of the Rochester
Corporation lines are now completed and leasctl to the company. The
trafhc receipts show an increase of about £2,500 over those for the
corresponding half-year 1907, due to the additional lines miles (2'62)
o[iciicd during the year.
DUBLIN UNITED TRAMWAYS CO. (1896) (LTD.)— The accounts for
the half-year ended Dec. 31 shows £43,218. 17s. 5d. available for
division, and the directors recommend that dividends at the rate of
6 per cent, be paid on both the preference and the ordinary shares
(the latter tax free), absorbing £35,100, leaving £8,118. 17s. 5d. to be
carried forward. Special meetings w ill be called to authorise an in-
crease ill the capital by £100,000 in ordinary shares, but the directors
do not contemplate the issue of any more than may be needed to
adjust the capital account now over-expended by £22,657. 19s., and
for such other capital expenditure as may from time to time be re-
quired ; also, if desirable, to enable them to invest the reserve funds
which are now being used as capital in the business.
EAST LONDON RAILWAY CO.— At the meeting on llonday Lord Claud
Hamilton said the chief unsatisfactory feature was the continued de-
crease in passenger receipts, mainly due to the discontinuance of
through working over the line, arising from its not being equipped
electrically. The matter had been considered, but the general
managers ad .'ised the committee that they could not at present recoin-
meiul electrification. He trusted that, if the experience of the Brighton
Comi)any with regard to ihe experiment on its South London section
were satisfactory, matters might assume another shape. He believe<l
that, so far, there was oidy one instance in this country of au electric
railway worked by the overhead or single-phase system (the Midland
line between Lancaster, Morecamhe and Heysham), but that w.asonly
o|)ened for traffic in April, so that it was too early to learn with cer
tainty as to its advantages or disadvantages. In this country,
although electric working of railways was much appreciated by the
public, its extension was very tardy. There must be some good
reason, and he suspected it was that electric working on the low ten-
sion direct current system as compared with steam, had firoved too
costly. It remained to be seen whether the single-phase system would
piove more economical. The action of the lessee companies in hesi-
tating to proceed at present with the electrification of the line, could,
therefore, be understood.
LONDON, BRIGHTON & SOUTH COAST RAILWAY CO. -The rep-Jrt for
the past half \.ar states tliat tin . led ric:il e<juipment of the line
between Batti-r-.a Park aud IVckliaiii Kye stations is <-omplete, and
experimental woikinu is in progress, with satisfactory results.
METROPOlITAN RAILWAY CO.— The totiil receipts for the half-year
anded l)ec.31 were £576,286.12s.lld., and the expenses £202.054. is. 9d.,
profit il74,242. 9s. 2d. Compared with the conespomling half-year of
1907. the receipts show an increase of £28,635. 5s. aiul the expenses
£10,084. les. 5d. After providing for debenture interest and other
fixed charges and placing £17,000 to electrical renewal and deprecia-
tion fund, the balance is £127,534. 17s. Id., which permits of payment
of the preference dividends anil leaves £23,024. 2s. 9d. for dividend on
the ordiiiarv stock. The directors recommend an ordinary dividend
for the half-year at the rate of 10s. |jer cent., carrying forward
£8,693. 19s. 8d. The iminoved train services brought into operation
on the Inner Circle, Hammersmith and St. .lobn's W ood lines in
October, together with the through bookings with the tube railways,
ha^e led to a considerable development in the trafiic. The number of
pa.s,seiigers (99,8a6,735i carried dining 1S03 wa.s greater than in any
previous year. The installation of automatic si'niallnig on the Inner
Circle line will be completed during the current lialf-year.
At the meeting on Wednesday Sir Chas. McLaren, Bart., M.P., .«aid
that the cost of maintenance of perinaneiit way and st.itions had lieeii
£479 less than in the corresponding half-year, and the increase in
locomotive and generating expenses (£891) was very satisfactory in
view of incre-ised services, involving greater car mileage. Carnage
and wagon repairs increased by £1.382, owing to the renovation of a
number of old compartment carriages with a view to running them by
means of electric locomotives between Baker-street and Harrow- The
traffic on that line \yas developing inasatisfactory way, and it was neces
sary not only to increase the number of tr.iins, but also to proWde more
seating accommodation in the morning and evening. Traffic expenses
increa.sed £2,637, due partly to extra work in connection with the
6:32
THE ELECTKICIAN, JANUARY 29, 1900.
Fianco-British Exliibition .-iikI jiartly to higher Sunday (lay to the
staff. On OA. 1 i)ractically the whole of the train services were revised,
with satisfactory results. Punctuality was a point upon which the
credit of the li'ne very largely depended. That would lie further
assisted by the installation of automatic signalling on the Inner
Circle line, the last section of which would be finished within
the next few weeks. The board had every reason to think that
they had at last got to the end of the time of depression, and
tliat the prospects were better than for some time past. They
had no further cajjital expenditure of any moment immediately
liefore them. The ordinary daUy traffic wn"s steadily growing, and
they were now feeling the benefit of the large development in the
travelling habit of the people of London, induced by the enormously
greater facilities provided during the last few years. The increase of
traffic was continuing in the present half-year, and residential districts
served by the line were developing quickly at various points. They
were laying themselves out for dealing as never before with parcels
traffic, and were finding a very satisfactory response on the part of
stores and other large establishments who appreciated the quick
deliveries secured. A satisfactory contract had been made for power-
house coal for the current year.
NEW COMPANIES, UOBTG&GES AND CHARGES, &c.
NEW COMPANIES.
BALFOUR, BEATTY & CO. (LTD.) ( 101.073).— Rfg. Jan. 12, capital
£75,000 in £1 shares (50.000 pief i (n adopt an agreenifnt with George
Ilalfuur and A. H. Beatty and to carry on the business of contractors,
engineers, concessionairfs, merchants, &c Private company. First
directo:s are George Balfour and A. H. I'eatty. Reg. office, 22.i,
College Hill, E.G.
FRANK LITTLE & CO. (LTD.) (101,154.)— Reg. Jan. 18, capital £7,000
in £1 shares, to take over a business of motor, electrical and general
engineers, &c., carried on as Frank Little & Co. Reg. office, College-
avenue, Newcastle-ou-Tvne.
GORING & STREATLEY ELECTRIC LIGHT & POWER CO. (LTD.)
(101,823).— Reg. Jan. 22, capital £5,000 in £1 shares(l,500 preference),
to acquire the Goring electric light undertaking, and to carry on the
business of suppliers of electricity, electrical engineers, &c. Private
company. First directors are F. A. Dyster and J. W. Jennings. Reg.
office, the Wc.ikf, (ii.iring Mill. Goring-on-Thames, Oxford.
REID, Mcpherson & CO. (ltd.) (7,008.)— Reg. in Edinburgh,
Jan. 23, <a|)ital £2,000 in £1 shares, to carry on the businesses of
mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, mining and civil engineers,
contractors. &c. First directors are J. Reid and G. McPherson.
Reg. office, 108, Hope-street, Glasgow.
STATUTORY RETURNS.
NEW PHONOPORE TELEPHONE CO. (LTD.)- In returii to Nov. 9 caj.ital
is £10,000 in £1 shares (1,000 founders), of which 6,741 ordinary and
1,000 founders have been taken up. £1 per share has been called up
on 5,511 and 15s. per share on 1,230 ordinary, and £6,278. 10s. has
been received, leaving £155 in arrears. £1,000 is considered as paid
(Ml the foun<lers. Mortgages and charges, £2,500.
WALSALL ELECTRICAL CO . (LTD. )— Return to Nov. 19 gives capital
as £20,620 in £1 shares, of which 12,000 have been taken up. £10,000
has been received and £2,000 is considered as paid. Mortgages and
charges, nil.
MORTGAGES AND CHARGES.
ELECTRIC IGNITION CO. (LTD.)— Particulars ,,f £1.000 thiid deben-
tures created Dec. 30, 19C8, and secured by trust deed of even date,
filed pursu.-mt to .sec. 10 (3) of Companies Act, 1907, the whole amount
being now issued. The above mentioned trust deed has also been
registered. Property charged. Royal Wellington Works, Birming-
hum. .uid cuinparjy's unili.rtakin-.; and other assets, present and future,
cxc.|pt uin-.illcd capital. Tru,<tres, F. Lewis and Constance Hall.
T0P3HAM ELECTRICITY SUPPLY CO. (LTD.)— Particulars of £600
second debetiturcs, created July 11, 1907, filed pursuant to .sec 10 (3)
of the Companies' Act, 1907, the amount of the present issue being
X'3O0. Property charged, company's property, present and future,
including uncalled capital. No trustees.
RECEIVERSHIP.
ROGER DAWSON (LTD.; -Notice of the appointment of A. Nisbet,
3 and 4, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C, as receiver or manager
on .Ian. 6 1909, umlcr powers contained in debentures dated Jan. 31,
1902, and Nov. 22, 1907, has been filed.
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP.
H. A. DUPUY & CO. (141). Reg. Jan. 18, dealers in patents and ap-
paratus for transmuting photographs by electricitv, 31, Lombard-
street LX. Partnership from Jan. 18 " until the particular business
tor which the hrm is constituted is completed." General partner,
I. Hcndrick 31, Lombard-street, E.C. ; limited partner, W. H. 0.
Ainslie, Ingledenc, F„xKn -lane, Purl.-y, contributing £500 in cash.
^^et^iov■ite'!?'^'^1"'^'■''*^'^*''^ *'°- "-TD-l-This company has this
tuTestock at loo "' "" "'"" °^ ^^'''S^-W 4 per cent, debeti-
CLONTARF & HILL OF HOWTH TRAMROAD CO. - The available
^iZ^lV^''^'''!,y'''rT''''P''- ^1 "■-' £634, outof wh^ h it
ward £1E4 P^>; '' <^'^''''=»'i "' the rate of 2 per cent, and to carry for-
Jvmehalf ;-ear n"L'"'V'"'"''"^ '^} "^^ ^^'"^ '''^t« ^™^ P^i^' fo'' the
oune nalt-jear, making 2 per cent, for 1903.
CITY NOTES.
MEMORANDA (Jan. 28).— Bank rate 3 per cent, (since Jan. 14, 1909)
Price of silver, 23d. per oz. Consols 82^—83-; for money and 83—
831 account. Consols Pay Day, Feb. 3 ; Stock and Shares Continua-
tion Day, Feb. 9; Ticket Day, Feb. 10; Pay Day, Feb. 11. Mining
Shares Carry Over Day, Feb. 8.
Prices of Metals (London). — Copper, cash, 59,\; three mouths,
60i. Lead, English, 13J — 13?, ; foreign, cash, 13y\ ; three months,
13,',. Spelter, cash, 21';: "three months, 22. Tin, English,
126—128; foreign, cash, 125^, three months, 126— 127^. Iron,
Cleveland, cash, 48.'6 and three months, 4915. Magnet Steel (price
supplied by W. F. Dennis & Co.), £55.
BLACKPOOL & FLEETWOOD TRAMROAD CO.— The directors have
decided to pay a dividend at the rate of 9 per cent, per annum for the
half-year ended Dec. 31 out of an available balance of £10,80?. They
also recommend that £1,500 be placed to depreciation reserve, and £500
to general reserve, carrying forward £2,054.
BRITISH COLUMBIA ELECTRIC RAILWAY CO.— The directors have
declared a dividend at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum on the pre-
ferred ordinary stock for the half-year ended Dec. 31, together with
an additional dividend at the rate of 1 per cent, per annum for the
same period.
BULLERS (LIMITED). — The directors have declared an interim dividend
of \\ per cent. (2s. 6d. per share), tax free, on the ordinary shares for
the past half-year
CALCUTTA ELTOTRIC SUPPLY CORPN. (LTD.) -The number of units
delivered to consumers during the four weeks ended Dec. 25 were
387,463, compared with 290,548 units in the corresponding four weeks
of 1907.
CHISWICK ELECTRICITY SUPPLY CORPN. (LTD.)— During the week
applications were invited for .£60,000 4| per cent, first mortgage deben-
ture stock of this company.
DUBLIN & LUCAN ELECTRI J RAILWAY CO.— The directors announce
a di\ideiid of 5 per cent, per annum on the preference shares for the
past half-year, carrying £150 to reduction of electrical equipment
account and £496 forward.
LIVERPOOL OVERHEAD RAILWAY CO.— The accounts for the past
half-year shoiv an available balance of £7,886. Is. lid., and the
directors recommend a di\-idenil at the rate of 5 per cent, on the pre-
ference shares. The balance carried forward is £4,210. 4s. lid.,
against £4,178. 18s. 3d.
MEIROPOLITAN DISTRICT RAILWAY CO.— The directors announce a
dividend of IJ per cent, on the 4 per cent, guaranteed stock. Last
year the distribution was at the same rate.
NATIONAL TELEPHONE CO.— The directors announce a dividend for
the past half-year at the rate of 6 per cent, per annum on the deferred
stock, placing £155,000 to reserve and carrying forward £10,000. This
dividend is the same as for the corresponding period of 1907.
ST. JAMES' & PALL MALL ELECTRIC LIGHT CO. (LTD. i— The directors
recommend a dividend on the preference shares for the half-year
ended Dec. 31 of 3s. 6:1. per share and 5s. per share on the ordinary
shares, making, with the interim dividend paid in August last, a total
distribution of 7 per cent, on the preference and 10 per cent, on the
ordinary shares for the year.
STOCK EXCHANGE NOTICES.— The Stock Exchange committee have
ordered a farther issui' cif £76,200 44 per cent, debenture stock of the
Metroji(i{il(in Eledrir Trainimyn {Ltil.} to be quoted, and have bee;i
asked to grant a quotation to a further issue of 1,174 £10 fully paid 6
per cent, cumulative preference shares of the County of London Elcv-
trii- Supply Co. [Ltd.)
VICTORIA FALLS POWER CO.— It is stated that under the scheme by
which this company absorbs its threatened rival and assures its posi-
tion ou the Rand, its capital will be increased to £3,500,000. There
w^ill be issued almost immediately £800,000 of 5 \kv cent, debentures,
and £1,000,000 6 per cent, participating preference shares. New
works will be created under the contract with the Rand Mines group
(15 mines in all) which entail the sup|)lv of 270,000,000 units of energy
a }-ear. About 15 mines of the group' will each take about £20,OUO
worth of power a year. The site selected for the new station by the
engineers (Messrs. Harper Bros, and Co., of London) is 14 miles from
Johannesburg, and commands 50 miles of the reef. A coal seam over
100 ft. thick adjoins the station .site. Supplies of coal will be also
drawn from Middleburg and A'ereeniging, and the average cost of coal
is such that it is estimated that power will be generated at a less cost
than at any other power-station in the world. The .scheme includes
the erection of a station of six 12,000 h. v. steam turbine sets of the
latest type. The cortract has been adopted by the Victoria Falls
Power Co , which has agreed to finance the new undertaking. The
joint output of the two stations of tlic coinpaiiv will, it is stated, reach
almost immediately 500,000,000 units to 600,000,000 units per annum.
The consulting engineers to tlie ne^^■ uiulertaking are Messrs. Harper
Bros. & Co. (of London) and I'rof. Klingenberg (of Berlin), director
and engineer-in-chief of the AUgemeine Elektricitats Gesellschaft, and
the Messrs. Siemens-Schuckertwerke are also associated with the
contractors.
WESTMINSTER ELECTRIC SUPPLY CORPN. (LTD.)— The directors
recommend, subject to final audit, a dividend at the rate of 10 per cent,
per annum (less tax) for the half-yeir ended Dec. 31. A year ago the
dividend was at a similar rate.
THE BLEOTBICIAN. lANL'ARY 29, IQiiO.
ELBOTBIG TBAHWJLT AND BAILWAY TBAFFIC
BECEIPTS.
Ina or
Deo, (g)
Aberdeen Oorporallon Jan.
Alrdrle ,
Anglo -Argentine ,,
Ayr Corporation
Baker St. & Waterloo By.... „
BamBley „
Barrow
Bath Electrlo Trams, Ltd... „
Birkenhead Corporation ... „
Birmingham Oorporation... „
BirmiDgfaam Si Mid
Blackburn Oorporation
Blackpool and Fleetwood..
BoltOD Oorporation
Bombay
Boomemoath Oorporation..
Bradford Corporation.,
Brighton Corporation
Bristol Trams & Carriage...
Burnley Corporation
Burton Corporation
Bury Corporation
Oaloutta Tramways Co
Camborne-Redruth
Cardiff Corporation
Oavebill
Central London Railway .
Oharhig C.,KustoQ & H'stead
Chatham & Dist. Lt. Rye...
City & South London Rly..
City of Birmingham
Oolohester Corporation
Cork liileccrio Trams Oo. ..
Oroydon Oorporation
Devonport & Diet. Trams..
Dover Corporation
Dublin & Laoan Railway..
Dublin United
Dudley-Stourbridge la
Dundee Corporation ,
East Ham Ooancil ,
Bxeter Corporation
Qateshead & Dist, Trams...
Glasgow Corporation
Gloseop Trams
Gravesend— r^orthfleet
Great Northern & City Rly..
Gt.Northern, Piccadilly, &c
Greenock & i*ort Glaagow...
Hartlepool Tramwaya
Hasiings iClec. Trams Oo....
Hong Kong
Huddorsfiold Oorpn
Hull Corporation
Ilford Diatrict Council
Ilkeston District Council ...
Ipswich Oorporation
Isle of Thanet Co
Jarrow
Keigbley Oorporation
Kidderminster ii District...
Kilmarnock Oorporation ...
Lanarkshire Trams Oo. ...
Lancashire United
Leamington
Leeds Oorporation
Leicester Corporation
Leith Corporation
Lincoln Oorporation
Liverpool Oorporation
Liverpool Overhead Rly. ...
• London County Council ...
London United
Lowestoft
MaidtJtone Corporation....,
Manchester Oorporation .,
Mersey Railway
Merthyr
Metropolitan Dist. RaiVwaj
Metropolitan Eleo. Trams..
Middleton
Nelson Corporation ...".*."
Newcastle-on-Tyne Oorp. ..
Newport (Mon.)
Northampton Oorporation ,
Oldham, Ashton & Hyde ...
Oldham Corporation
Perth (N.B.) Corporation ...
Perth (W.A.jlilec. Trams-
Peterborough
Portsmouth Corporation ...
Potteries
Pceslon Corporation"'.!!!!!!!
Botherham Corporation ...
Rotheaay
Salford Corporation ....!!!!!
Bheernesa
Bheffleld Corporation!!!!!!!!!
Singapore Trams
South Metropolitan
South Staffs
Southend Corporation
Bouthport Tramways
Stalyb-dge.Hyde.&c.Jt.Bd,
gunderland Corporation .
Sunderland District
Swansea Trams
Swindon Corporation * '!*
Taunton ........
Tynomouth and District"!!!
J^yneside Trams Oo.. .
Wallasey District Council...
vyajsall Curpn
Warrington Corpn.
West Htim ()nrr,,-...ji
- Ham Corporation
Weston-super-Mare
Wolverhampton Co. ...
Wolverhampton Oorpn...'"
• Worcester
Wrexham .. '.
|ork«hireW.B."Tr;;^8 !!;;!:
lorb^hjre^Woollen District.
<t38,£9l ,
1,313 j
4,U0
U5i^i2i j + bO,4
l,2d7 + Hi
1,09 3
$13,114 .
I, {18 I
2,38/ ''
10,55i
1,367
3 1,19 j
4,9i2
_
" u
+
74
+
1
+
IS
+ '
3
41
+
8 J
+
SU
+
10
H ID
h 9
!|)3
43
■ 517
111
37
4
• 4,50)
t4i
h 2110
!|i
43
h 08
3
II
2
r 96!)
3
• 831
2
8
2
SO
SI2
71
41
27
43
.jj
§12
2
861
41
3!
3
•J
2
12(i
43
70
i
1.0
3
1
"i
21
43
l,->
45
$1,441
3
60
2
89
01
43
ii
2
26
N3
29
43
2S
12
106
2
79,359
11,213
1U,J15
sa.isu
1,866.3: U
09,022
iau,-i85
39,527
44,922
10,7<5
11-572
49,190
RUU,4iW
441
02,666
11,E95
2,243
IU,I4l
5,7ie
60,369
I, Of 5
9,253
330
15,601
1,507
41,681
37,987
13,514
2,080
581,158
see
2,23)
$27,313
68,U3,'<
5,527
3,961
3,61 i
317
282,191
6,006
19,231
t R305,80i
3,15,
ELECTRICAL COMPANIES' SHARE LIST
bLAST
«
Dm-
3
DERD
in
6/0
i(
4/6
i(
H/0
it.
44%
f.
2/0
St.
4i%
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
iX
6 2/0
St. HZ
10 6/0
10 6/0
St. 6%
St. 4i%
6 iX
6 6%
10 4/0
10 6/0
St, 4J%
St. 4J%
TIKLD-
KATB% j,_„ B08INE99
^""^ ^"/'^ I Week to
""'• I .JaN:-27.
High-L;
£ B. d. ,
10 — lOJ I 6 13 6 Mar, Sept,
"« ." . .- - I Feb, Aug
Feb, Aag
607
I67!463
38,160
l;i,49.j
l.luo
8j,293
6,579
4,070
202
65,377
3,690
2,086
1,083
34,142
1;613
15,011
100 iX
100 . .
lOo! 4J%
10 6/0
8,403
1,101
1,171
St
B>lX\
1
St.
iX
6
4/U
J
0/6
)
0/8|
St.
HZ
b
2/6
b
2 '6
St.
m
c
6/0
6
2/3
St.
4%
1
0/6
St.
m
St.
m
1(
n
10
u
St.
n
10
10
3/0
SI.
bX
St.
HX.
St.
HX.
St.
n
St,
2V
100
H
St.
4?
6
2/6
1,001 + 1U3
(a) ^YpiuaTdaT"''.'?? "','" '"" "'-""K-ndinB I'oriod Iwt year.
J fius i days. Partly eleotrioei, f Minus 3 days } Miu
g Plus 3 dsya
9 2 days
lOOi i%
St. I li%
St. b/.
St.] 6%
St.! b'4
St. b%
St. ii
10 6/0
10 6/0
10 ..
10, 4/0
St.' ii
b 4/0
St. HZ
10 9X
10 6/,
St.l 4U
6 1|3
St. ix,
10 ( e/0
■St. I 6?.
lo; ..
10 : 6%
St. 4X
10 2/tl
St. I iX
98-10
108 -1' 3
101 -ic;
4J-6
94 —08
83 85
e — 8J
»7 —99
3|-4i
3i-4J
102 -105
lOJ-U
12 —123
121 —123
99 —102
2J-!i
34- 3 J
83 -9i
103 -Hi
1/5 -US
10) -133
il-H
6 -5i
96 -93
H-n
71 -8J
65 -eg
ig-ij
46-54
89 -93
4^ -64
4J-5
05 -108
86 -SS
95 -93
■■i-ii
88 -90
4g-a
93 -96
OU -102
4 10
3 19
4 12
3 12
Boomemouth & Poole Eleo. Snp. Ord.
Do. 4J per Cent. Cnm. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cam. Second Pref. .,
Do. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) 101 -ICo ' 4 6
Bromley (Kent) El. Lt. «i Power Shares 44-6 I 6 10
Do. Do. l8t Debs. 94 —08 4 12 0
Brompton t Kensinijton Eleo. Sup. Ord
Do. 7_per Cent. Pref.
Central Elec. Sup. Co.4'' Gnar.Db.Stock
Charing CroaB(W. End 4 City)El.Sap.Co.
Do. 4J per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)....
tOo, 4* per Cei.t, Peb, f tnok (red )
Do. City Undertaking 4iZ Cm. Pret.
Chelsea Electric Supply Ord
T)u. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock (rod.) .
City of London Electric Lighting Ord...
Do. 8 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red,).
Do. 4 j per Cent. 2nd Deb. 8tock(rod.)
County of Durham Elec. P.D. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, non Cnm. Pref.
County of London Elec. Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cam. Prof.
Do. 4J/r Deb. Stock (red.)
Do. Second Deb. Stock
Folkestone Electricity Supply Co. Ord
5 2/0 Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
St., 4J5^ tDo. 4* Ist Deb. Stock (red)
6 4/0 Hove Electric Lighting Ord
6' 4/0 , Kensington 4 Knightsbriiige Ord
6 6% Do. 6 percent, lat Pref.
1. 1 4% Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ,
St. iX Kensingtn. ft Kngtbg. Co. & Sotting Hill
' Co. (Joint Station) 4iJ Deb. Stock (red.) 98 -101 3 19 0
St. H% (Kent Elec. Power Co
8 1/6 London Electric Supply Ord
6 3/0 , Oo. 6 per Cent. Pref.
St.' 4% Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb
Metropolitan Electric Sup. Ord
Do, 4i per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do, 4iperCent. Deb. Stock 1st Mort.
Do. SJperCent. Mrt. Deb. Stock(red.)
Midland Elec. Corp.forP.D.lstMort.Db.
Newcastle & Diet. Elec. Ltg. Ord
IDo. 4H per Cent. Deb
Newcastle Elec. Supply Ord
Dd. 6 per Cent, non Cum. Pref.
Oo. 4 per Cent. *f ort. Deb. red. 1907,
Nor. b Metro. E'ec. Power Sup. 5 .Murte
Kortnern Counties Ifilec. tiup
IDo. 4J per Cent. D."b
Wotting Hill Electric Or.t
Oxford Electric Ord
I Dc. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
St. .lames' &, Pall Mall Elec. Ord.
Do. 7 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 3J per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
Bmithfield Markets Electric Sup. Ord...
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
South London Electric Supply Ord
South Metrop'n Eleo. Lt. & Power Ord.
Do. 7 per Cent. Cum. Pref
Do. 4J let Db. Stk. Red
Urban Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4* per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb
Westminster Elec. Sup. Ord
tOo. 4i per Cent. Cum. Pref.
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS & TRAMWAYS.
tliakerht. « iVoiyriuo 4 J Perp. Db. St
Bath Elec. Trams Pref. Ord 1
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4] Ist Mort. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
B'ham 4 Midland Trams 41 Ist Db. Stk.'
Bristol Tramways & Carriage Ord
Do. Cum. Pref. (fully paid) 8| -88
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs | 96 -iS
British Electric Traction Ord j U—i;~
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. 3J -4 '
Do. 6 per Cent. Perpetual Debs ' £o -95
Do. 4J per Cent. 2ud Deb. Stock 73—75
Central London Ordinary Stock ■ 63 -85
Do. 4 per Cent. Pref. Stock 8) -87
Da. Deferred Stock 60 —5i
fDo. 4 per Cent. Debs 101—103
CharingX.Euston&HmpstdPer.Db.Stk. Si — S'l
City of Birmingham Trams. 6J:Cra.Pref. 4i -4}
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Dabs 98 — loJ
City 4 South London Ely. Con. Ord. ... 28 -2)
Do. 6 per Cent. Perp. PreC (1891) ... 112-114
Do. (189C) 1 i9 — lU
Do. (190!) 103 -US
Jo. (1903) I 93—101
Do. 4 per Cent. Perpetual Uabs i 99-101
Dublin United Trams. Ord llj-12i
Dd. 6 per Cent. Pref. 13-11
Gt. Northern & City Rly. Pref. Ord.(4%l i - ■;
O. Northern. Piccadillv & Brompton Ord. 7J— 7 j
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock 91-93
Hastings & Dist. Eleo. Trams. 6/J Cm. Pl'.j 2}— 3»
Db. St I 8) — S)
83
-n
-80
6H
1
-72
-I'
10 J
-1U3
n
80 -
SI
-83
8J
-61
I'l -93
9}— 111
5 II 0
6 19 0
6 13 0
5 It U
Jan, July
April, Oct
May, Nov
March. ...
Mar, Sent
June, Dec
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan. July
[ Jan, July
March . .
June, Dec
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
June, Dec
Jan, July
April, Oct
April, Oct
Feb, Ang
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
May, Nov
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
June, Dec
Jan, July
June, Dec
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Mar, Aug
Jan, July
March ..
March . .
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb ....
Feb, Aug
April
est. eat.
>n I2t"
Fob, Aug
April, Oct
I April, Oct
11 13 6 April, Oct
" 8 3 April, Oct
5 U
4 2 0
4 1.'
4 12
3 17
3 17
4 11
Mar, Sept 8^;
• ,July 6,
6 Jan, July 93
April „
0 , Jan, July
0 April, Oct
0 Jan, July
0 Feb, Aug
4 i .. : ..
7 Feb, Aug
June, Ddo 1
0 Fob, Aug
0 April, Oct 9IJ
0 Miy, .Nov "ii
0 Feb, Aug 6i
0 Feb, Aug 8i
0 Feb .... a
0 Jan, July 1.3
0 Jan, July 09i
0 April, O.-t
0 April, Oct
Feb, Au;
St.
1
1
1
06
St.
St.
* X
St.
•■i X
a %
St.
8 y.
bt.
3 4
3t.
3 ■;
^Imperial Tramways Ord.
tJDo. 6 per Cent. Pref.
MDo. 4J per Cent. Debs
I. of Thanet B. T. & Lt. 6 per Cent. Pref.
tDo. 4 per Cent. Dob. Slock
LanarKsnire Tramways
Lanes. Utd. Trams 6 ; Prior Lien Db. St.
Liverpool Overhead Railway Ord
Ho, 6 per Cent. Pref
Do. 4 percent. Deb
London United Trams. 6^ Cum. Pref. ...
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Hurt. Deb. Stock
Mersey Con. Ord. Stock
Do. 8 per Cent. Perp. Pref. |
Metropolitan Eleo. Tramways Ord
Do. Deferred
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4) per Cent. Deb. Stock 9j -^93
MetropoUlaa Kailway Consolidated S3 —37
Do. Surplus Lauds Stocks | 70—72
Do. 3J per Cent. Preference | 87 — SJ
Do. Siper Cent. "A " I'rol'ereuce ' 76—79
Di>. SJ iier l.'cnt. O.invortible Pref. 74—77
8i-J
10 0
0
7j-ej
/ 1
0
83 -9j
S 0
0
J -11
64 -59
0
9a-ioj
5 16
0
91 -93
6 7
6
Ii-11
a -51
9 2
0
81 -8i
4 13
0
n-ii
a H
u
6, -7*
6 li
u
1 -2
^
.?-?
_
%^\
-
4 7 6 Feb, A-j
4 10 D Feb, Aug
4 12 6 Feb, Aug
4 19 0 Feb, Aug
3 19 0 May, Not
5 4 0 Feb, Au;
4 5 9 Feb, Au„'
Feb, Aui
Feb, Aug
4 6 0 Jan, July |
Mar, Sept .
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sapt
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Ang
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
Feb, Aug. I
59i
i\ m
X-^
Di-
April.. .
Feb, Aug
Jao, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb. Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
■Stock 9J — Jl 3 11 6 Jan, July
been made for accrued interest but n<i£ for rei
36j
1«1
TBB ELECTRICIAN, JANUABV 23._lg^
1rT"^CTFMCAL. COIVIPAIVIES' SHAR-E LIST.— Co/if/wt/erf.
{Last I
Dm-
I Price
Wed.,
Jan. 27.
1 EATE % I nnrniVHT) B^BINESS
3i;.
ElfCTRIC RAIIWAVS 4 TBAMWAYS-
tMft. Klv. S» ppr Cent. "A ' Dfh. .'^tock
M -Topolitan District Railway Ord
1)0. Ejtersion Pref. (6 per Cent.)
Do. AsrcEteil Kxl. Pref. (Int. Guar, hy
Und. F.lM. Bljs. Co. nf London, Ltd.)
Po. 8 per Cent. Consoltd. "Rent-eharRe
Do. 4 per Cent. Midland Bent-charge
Do. Guar. Stock 4 per Cent
Do. n per Cent. Perp. Deb. Stock
Do. 4 per Cent. Ditto
,Vew Gen. Tract. 6 per Cent. Cam. Pref.
Potteries Electric Traction Ord.
Co. 6 per Cent. Cnm. Pref. ....
Do. U per Cent. Deb. Stock .
K. Met. Elec. Trams. 4 Ug. 6% Cm. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock ..
Snnderlantl Dist. Elec.Trmi.S'/l.tMt.Db.
UnderpdE.Ttvs.ton.ri" iD.bdF.withcoup.i
Do, 5V Prior Ijien Bonds
Do. 4ir Bonds
Yorkshire (W.B.) Elec. Trams. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 j oer Cent. l8l Debs , .
ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING, &.e.
Aron Electricity Meter Ord
Do. ti'^Cum. Pf.
Babcock & Wilcox Ord
Do. Pref.
British Insulated & Helsby Cables Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4» percent. Ist Mort. Deb. (red.)
British Thoms'n-Housfn 4JX Isl Mt.Db.
Pritish Weslinghotlse 6 per Cent. Pref...
1)0 6 per Cent. Prior I.iel Dba (rd.i
4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock
jConttruetl. £ i. d.
i\ HX B mh E.Eng.Co.4J",', Perp. 1st Deb.Stock
3t. 4j"-- 11... Perpetual 2nd Deb. stock
Cnliender's table Con. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4) per Cent. 1st Mort Dobs, (red.)
ed.).
J I *U
12/0
*X
1'
1/0
inn
U/6
n
ii
Rt
iki\
St
inn
6/0
100
J/J
11 3 0
5 *X
<-
b'i
10, 16/0
100' 30;0
at. IX
Bt.; it
St. 6,0
Bt. 10/0
10 2/0
10 6/0
6j HX
6 4/U
60 ia
20| 26/0
100
JVlli
Bt.
n
Bt.
2/0
Bt.
iZ
l(i
iX
Bt.
n
111!
6/0
26
HZ
U
12/6
IW
yi
26
u
lot
lO.li 1%
1 1/3
100 4%
100 j/0
10 12 /(
10 B%
10 8/0
10<
iX
Castner-Kellner Atkab Co.
Do. H per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.)
Chadburn's (Ship) Telegraph Ord
Do. 6per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Consolidated Electrical Co
Consolidated Signal Co
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. ,
•Croinpton & Co.(Nos. 1 to S6,0O0)
Do. 6 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs. (;
Da™ & Timmins
Dick, Kerr & Co. Ord
Do. 6 percent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4j per Cent. Deb. Stock
Edison & Swan United ("A"8h.)(£3pd.)
Do. (£6 paid)
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock (rd.)
Do. 6 per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock
Edmundson's Elec. Corp. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
tDo. 4j per cent. Ist Mort. Deb. (red.)
•• I Electric Construction Co
-[fi tD-. 7 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
;/ IDo. 4 per Cent. Perp. Ist Mort. Jebs.
J/0 General Electric (1900) 5% Cum. Pref....
Tm Do. 4 percent. 1st Mort. Debs
7" Uenley's Telegraph Works Ord
:',., I"> 44 per Cent. Pref.
'if- In. 4J per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. Stock
'°'0 Ii dia Rubber, Gut. Per , 4c.,Wrks
''4 I Do. 4 per Cent. Debs, (red.)
National Elec. Construction Co
•• I Biehard5ons,Westgarth&Co.,Ltd.Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
1 o. 4i per Cent. Perp. Deb. Stock ...
Simplex Conduits Ord
Do. 0 jier Cent. Cum. Pref.
lelegraph Construction & Maintenance
< : 4 per Cent Deb. Bonds (1909) ...
VKKers, Sons & Maxim, Ltd., Ord
Do. b per Cent. non.Cum. Preference
1)0. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Preferred
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Db.Sk.(red)
Do. 4i per Cent. 2nd Mort. Deb. (red.)
Do. 6 percent. 3rd Mort. Debs Bcrip.
J. G.White & Co. 6); Ci " '
m':
(3 -66
76 -77
100 —103
67 -70
127 —130
81 -81
!=^
i-3
90 -91
S-1
74 -78
80 -84
26 - 28,
9ei-g9i
81 -83
i-18
2i-3
62 —86
3J-4
6|-7i
Ci-64
103 —106
91 -96
964- 97J
43 -48
69 -64
103 —107
il-ij
9(j —99
i-H
li'ii— I.'-;
Ivo— 1«
9!) —102
U-24
76 • 7d
86 —59
7-7J
85 -89
lli-12i
5 — 6J
105J-107J
16i-16i
98 — lOU
i-J
1^11
i» — 18
H
6*
32 —34
99 — ;02
ls!-li!;
U.-lfi
loa"- Jo6
102 —104 ' 3
104 -1Ij6 '• 4
High-
Jan, .Tnl y
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
761
27
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
is II V Jan, July : ..
6 14 'u 1 Mar, Sept 68 [ O'J
4 12 0 I Jan, July |127J 11261
4 16 3 I Jan, July .• ••
May •• -
April, Oct ! _ _
Feb.Aug 1 .. ! ••
May, Not
Fob, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
June, Deo
5 19
6 8 6
7 II a
6 13 0
7 10 0
8 0 0
104*-106i
S'-9
8-i
28-2J
8 —72
& Kobinson Ord. ...
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs.
TEIEGRAPHS.
Amazon Telegraph
Do. 6 per Cent. Debs, (red.' ..
Anglo-American __
Do. Preferred 1 97 — l
Do. Deferred I lyg
Coniniercial Cable 4 per Cent. Deb. Stk. 86
Cuba Submarine Ord ' 7^ — 1
Do. Preference 10 per Cent '
Direct Spanish Ord
Do. 10 per Cent. Cum. I'ref.
Do. 4) per Cent. Deb
Direct Unite! States Cable
Direct West India Cable4j/; Kg. Db.(rd,)
2|-2i
92 —85
64 —67
S7
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jul/ Feb
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Jan.'july
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
Not, May
May, Not
Feb. Aug
March . ,
April, Oct
August ...
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Sept
Sept .._
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
June, Deo
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
May, Not
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July
June, Deo
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
AprU, Oct
April
Not ....
May, Not
Jan, July
Mar, July
Jan, July
25i
66i
t Eastern Ord
il)o. 3* per Cent. Pref. Stock
l>u. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stk. (red.)
I l.ustern Extension
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Eastern & S. African 4 '< Mort. Deb. 1909
Do. 4% Mauritius Sub. Debs, (red.) ....
G.N. (ol Copenhagen), with Coupon 75"
B ahfax & Bermuda 4i 4 Ist Mt. Db.( red.)
Indo-European
Mackay Companies Common .
Do. Prefeieuce
Marconi's Wireless Teleg. Co
Pacific 4 Europc'u Tel.4%Uaar.Db8.(red!)
West Coast 01 America
Do. 4 per tent. Debs .....^
Vcit InUia & Panama !".
Do. b per Cent. Ist Prot ....
Do. 6% 2nd Pref ,., '"
Do. 6 per Cent. Debs. *.."
Westem IclcgrBph ."'."
l>cb. Stock (red.)
m*— 17*
3'— 34'
8 -9
9LJ%— 10i°/
lU-121
to —101
6 17 0
6 15 0
6 11 0
4 K 0
6 10 6
129 -129
81 — !j7
103i— 105J 3 16
1I3-12J - ■
101 —103
101—103
100-102
30 —Hi
100 —102
62 —65
74 —78
71 —74
i-i
100 —102
ij-ij
99 —101
74-84
100 — 1U2
123— I'dl
101 -lOi
Apr, Oot
Apr, Oot
May, Not
J Que, Dec
June, Dec
F,My,Ag,N
I''.My,Ag,Ni 97i
7 7 0 |F,My,Ag,N| 16
4 12 0 !jn,Ap,Jy,0 S6i
7 10 1 Feb, Aug 1 7;:
Feb, Aug I . .
Aprd.OctI -
April, Oct '. _
Jan, July ' ..
Ja,Ap.Jy,0| 12,»
June, Dec loo*
Ja,Mv,JyOlt2i;i
Ja,My,JyOI 80
May, Not Iltj5
la,Ap,Jy,0 '
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
May, Not
Jan, July
June, Deo
May, Not
Ja,Ap,Jy,o
la,Ap,Jy,0
April ....
June, Deo
May ....
Jan, July
May, Nov
May, Not
May, Not
Jan, July
Mr,Jn,0,D
ij 17 K June, De<
6 14
3 18 0
3 17 6
IS 0
3 18 0
4 o 0
3 19 U
12A| 113
iOiJ lu3j
8M
Last
DIVI-
Idend
Price
Wed..
Jan. 27.
^•ilfJ: I DIVIDEND
DDE,
BD8INE!!g
WliEK To
JAN. -ir
V am
1; o/n
TELEPHONES.
Amer. Telephn. & Telegh. Cap. St.
Do. CoU. Trust $1,000 4 per Cent. Bds
Anglo-Portug'se Tel. 6% 1st Mt.Db. Stk.
I rhiU Telephone i*- 88
Monte Video Telephone Ord. iii- ..
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref S3— S}
National Co. Pref Stock lOJ — lu
Do. Def Stock 122 -121
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. let Pref lOj— llj
Do. eper Cent. Cum. 2ud Pref lOJ-llJ
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. 3rd Pref. ... Sj'i- 6!,J
Do. Deb. Stock SJ per Cent, (red.) ... 97 —93
Do 4 per Cett. Dab. Stock (red.) : 901-1014 3 18
Oriental -• I ll^— l.a 5 12
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. , 1|— U
Do. 4 per Cent. Red. Deb. Stock 8S — 9o
TelephoneCo.ofEgypt44'<JDb.Stk.(red.)' 99 —101
United Eiver Plate 61-7
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. ii-H
Do. 44Deb. St. Red 102—104
FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, itc.
Eleo. & Gen. Investment 6% Cnm, Pref.
Globe Telegraph k Trust
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Submarine Cables Trust (Cert.)
High-
n
3 o Jan, July
8 0 Mar, Sept
.5 6 I August . .
4 0 I Not ....
6 0 May, Nov
8 11 I Feb, Aug HOg ,110
Feb, Aug 1-«J 112-21
Feb, Aug U 1 .;
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug 6j
June, Deo 97S
Jan, July 101
April, Oct ' »
April, Oct
Jan, July —
Jan, July
July .... 6|
June, Dec
Jan, July ilO'.i.i
4 17
3 11
4 16 0
4 9 0
4 9 0
6 14 0
4 13 0
5's
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRIC
RAILWAYS, TRAMWAYS. Ac.
Anglo-Argentiue 0% Cum. 1st Pref. ...
Do. 107. NoPl-cum. 2nd Pref. ,
Do. Permanent 6% Deb. Stock
Auckland Elec. Trams. 6% Deb. (red,).,
Brisbane Electric Trams. Invest. Ord...
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 44 per Cent. Db. Prov. Certs I Inn"— lOJ
British Columbia El.Ry.Df. Ord
Do. Pref. Ord. Stock
tDo. 6% Cum. Perp. Pref. Stock
Do. 44 per Cent. 1st Mort. Deba
tPo. Vancouver Power Debs
Do. 4JXPerp Con. Deb. St
Buenos Ayres Grand National Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 64 per Cent. Pref Debs
Uc. c per Cent. 1st Deb, Bonds
Buenos Ayres Lacroze Trams 1st Mt. Db.
Buenos Ayres Port 4 City Tram. 1st Mt.
Deb. Stock
Calcutta Tramways (1 to 137,610)
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 44% Ist Deb. Stock (red.)
Cape Electric Tram Shares
City ol Buenos Ayres Trams Co. C1904)Sh.
iK 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Colombo Tr. 4 Ltg. iy, 1st Mt. Db
Elect nc Traction Co. of Hong Eong S
I^er Cent. Ist Mort. Debs
► Havana Elec. Ry. Con. Mt. 6% Jl.OOu 50
year Coup. Bds.
1, July
0 SpDoMrJu
9 SpDcMrJu
Do.
rlie Ele
6 per Cent.
IfO, 6 per Cent.
Lisbon Elec. Tran
. Do. » pe
Do. epe,
iSh.
6i-6:
8;:!-llA I 6 U
137 —142 : 4 4
4J— 6
11—6
117 — lil
10' J -107*
l'J2 —10 1
101 —104
100 -103
2S-3I
H-14
974-994
81 — 8J
44-6
48-54
61;— ■>
A " Deb. Stock
B " Ditto
. Ord
Cent. Cum. Pref.
Cent. Keg. Mort. Debs
jilBOras EJec. Trams. b% Deb. Stk
Manila Elec. Ry. «1,000 Gold Bonds
Mexicoirams Uo. Uom. St
Do. Gen. Con. Ist Mort. 6% Gold Bds....
Montreal St. Ky. Sterling 4J per Cent.
Debs. (1922) (Noa. (iOl to 2,U00)
Perth Elec. Trams Ord
Do. 1st Mt. Db. Stock
Rangoon Elec. Trams 4 Supply Co'.'i'/.
Cum. Pf. ..!
Do. 44;^ 1st Moit. Ueb. Stk
Sao Paulo Tramway, Light 4 Power Co.
8100 Stock
Do. 5 per Cent. 1st Mt. $500 l>b
Toronto Ry Co. 1st Mt. 444 Ster. Bonds
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRICITY
SUPPLY &o.
b 8/0 Adelaide Elec. S'ply Co. 6% Cn.Pr.
10' 6/0 BombayE.S.4T.t);/Cm. P£
it. 4J% Do. 44 per Cent. Deb. Stk. (red.) ... .
6 3/3 Calcutta Elec. Supply Ord
LOO 7/2 Canadian Gen. Elec. t!o. Com. bt
LOO 6% CastnerElectrolvticAlkallCo.(ofU.S.A.)
1st Mort. Stl. Debs
)00* 6% Elect. Development Co of I mti
6 .. Elec. Ltg. & Trac. Co. of A
Cent. Cum. Pref.
Jt. : 6% Do. 6 per Cent. Deb Stock ,
3t. 6% I Elec. Supply Co. of Victoria 6 per Gout.
I I 1st Mort. Deb. St
Indian Elec. Sup. & I'rac. Co. ConstD.
Deb. St. Rd
Kalgoorbe Elec. Power 4 Ltg. Ord. ...
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pre!'. "!
M idras E. S. Corp. 6 per Cent. Constu.
Deb. St
Mexican Elec. Light Co. 6^ 1st Mort.
Gold l^ouds
St. i $14 'tMexican Lt.4Powcr iio. Com.St'
600' 6>. ' Do. 6i ItlMort. Gold Bnds !!!
100 $1J Montreal Lt. lit. it Power Co. Cap. St,
1 U'A River Plate Electricity Co. Ord.
1 1,2| Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Pref
Bt. 6% Do. 6 per Cent. Deb. Stock ,
6 8/0 Rosorio Elec. Co. b/.Ptef. (1-20,000)..,
fshawinigan Water ac Power Co. Cap. St.
87 —92
84 — Bl
68 -63
i"-U
140 —143 ; 2 16 0
104 -106 I 4 6 0
%-%
158 —160
99i- lOUi,-ol
SJ — lUl
874 -C"4
87 — 8J%
S3 —Si
924 - 934
IIJ -121 '670
l^-l./. ; 4 It 6
i._. .^ I 6 13 U
aj — li2 ' 4 IS 0
64 —ii I 6 W 0
4 6
1,
5 li
0
4 1)
0
4 13
6
4 7
0
4 6
8
4 2
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maao lot accrued Intsrest but not for redemption t Kx dividend. % Ihe London Stock EwhangeOomjiit tee have declined to qi
THE ELECTRICIAN:
THE OLDEST WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF
t'LECTRICAL ENGINEERING, INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND FINANCE,
ESTABLISHED, First Series (Weekly), 1861; Second Series (Weekly), 1878.
No. 1,603. [v''o1:Ly.i.]
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1909.
Price Sixpence %l^^*-
Abroadid., or 18 cents, or 90o., or 80|)/-
CONTENTS OF THE CURRENT NUMBER.
639
639
Notes 635
Arrangements for the Week 638
Electrification of the London,
Brighton and South Coast
Railway
Report of the Tariff Commis-
sion on the Electrical In-
dustry
Ready Reckoner for Flywheel
Effect in Armatures, &c. By
H. Luckin 642
A DettectiouPotentiometer for
Voltmeter Testing. By H.
B. Brooks. Illustrated ... 643
Korn's Apparatus for Photo-
graphic Transmission. By
Louis Dubois. Illustratei.
Concluded 644
Electric Traction on Railways.
XII.— Rolling Stock. By
Philip Dawson. Illustrated.
Continued 647
Improvements in and Upkeep
of the Braking Equipment
Ueviews — continued.
Entwickelung der Tele-
giaphie und Telephonie
[Hennig] ; English Prices
with Russian Equivalents
[Adiassewich].
Parallel Operation of Alter-
nators. By Dr. E. Rosen-
berg. Ulus. Concluded. 654
Correspondence 658
Tantalum Wave Detectors
and Lamps (Reginald A.
Fessenden .
WirelessTelegraphy onBoT rd
Ship (Marconi's Wireless
Telegraph Co., Ltd.).
Electric Power Supply. By
G. L. Addenbrooke 659
The HopkinsonThring Tor-
sion Meter. Illustrated .. 660
Recent Developments in Ma-
chine Stoking. By A. W.
Bennis. Illustrated 660
Legal Intelligence 661
on Tramcars. By P.Scholtes 650 Municipal, Foreign & General
Statistics and Motor Loads 652
Reviews 653
Die Selbstt:itige Regulier-
ung der Elektrischen Ge-
neratoren [Natalis] ; Die
Notes 662
Trade Notes and Notices .... 666
Companies' Meetings and
Reports 669
Companies' Share List 6/i
NOTES.
Tariff Reform, or Retaliation ?
Elsewhere iu the present issue will be found an abstract
of that part of Vol. IV. of the Tariff Commission's
Report referring to electrical engineering. What will
strike the average reader in the first place is proliably
the small number of witnesses who gave evidence, the small-
ness of the number being perhaps more remarkable when
it is considered that the electrical industry at the present
time is in an unsatisfactory condition. Only five witnesses
were examined as regards this branch of engineering— viz.,
Mr. A. Bergtheil, iVIr. T. 0. Callenmek, Mr. Hui:o Hiitsr,
Mr. W. L. Madgen, and one witness- who preferred to
remain anonymous. We ga\e the substance of I\Ir.
Madgex's evidence some little time ago. In regard to the
further evidence now available, it is noticeable that views
differ somewhat in regard to the quesiion of education.
Mr. Bergtheil considers that foreign education is much
better than that given in this country and that it accounts
for a good deal. Mr. Hirst, on the other hand, holds the
opuiion that the education given abroad is of no particular
value, but tliat the discipline due to conscription is a very
great advantage, as it becomes almost a second nature. He
is also of opinion that Continental commercial travellers
are much superior to those in this country. Here the
commercial traveller is the man who is unfit for indoor
work, whereas abroad he is the man who has a thorough
grasp of both branches, and is correspondingly more
capable of securing an order.
WiLVfEVKi: \iews may 1»,' held as to the desiraliility of
I'rotection, we think it will be allowed that competition
exists at times of a kind that can only be considered as
unfair. Thus Mr. T. 0. (Jallender gives instances in
which contracts for cables have been accepted by Conti-
nental firms at obviously unremuuerative rates merely to
get into the market. It may be argued that the pur-
chaser benefits^ and that, therefore, no harm is done. So
long as genuine prices ate asked — that is, such prices as
usually obtain in the country where the article is manu-
factured, with, perhaps, the addition of transport charges —
it m.iy legitimately be held that the general public benefits
by the lower prices due to foreign goods. But where low
prices are merely quoted with the object of breaking into a
market and breaking down industries iu this country,
such prices can only be considered as temporary and
correspondnigly harmful. An excellent ca.se in point is
that given by Mr. Hirst. During the last few years, as is
well known, the General Electric Co. started a works for
the manufacture of carbons. The price of carbons before
the works were opeuetl was 40s. to 42s., and the works
were undertaken on the basis of the ruling price at that
time, which was lower than it had ever been before. It wiU
be borne in mind that carbons were not at that time made
in this country. As soon as the works were started,
foreign competitors, whilst maintaining their prices in theii-
own country, reduced their prices in the United Kingdom
so that they now stand at 24s. ,The price at which carbons
were sold abroad remained at 40s. long after it had dropped
to 30s. here, and even now . it is at least o2s. to 34s. We
think it will be conceded that this kind of competition is
not for the good of this country. As to whether I'rotection
would be an advantage is another question, but we submit
that the supporters of Free Trade should devise some
effective means of retaliation by which such methods of
stirting our industries would be impo.ssible.
Power Supply from Trolley Wires.
In our last issue we referred to the system iu vogue at
Leicester, whereby power consumers are being supplied
from the trolley wires of the tramway department, and
636
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 5, 1909.
mentioned tliat the Board of Trade regulations prevented
any experimenting in this direction some years ago. In
case it may be thought that difliculties still exist, it is
not out of place to refer briefly to the history of the
subject. Until the year 1905 joint application had to
be made to the Board of Trade by the consumer and the
undertakers in each individual case where a supply was
desired at a pressure above 250 volts, and special reasons
for the desirability of such a supply had to he shown ;
l)ut in that year the Board of Trade dispensed with
this formality, so that a supply up to 650 volts can
now be given, jjrovided the consumer's equipment ful-
fils the regulations applying to a supply at medium
pressure. There is no doubt, however, that many
engineers do not realise lliat official sanction is now
unnecessary for supplying energy, if desired, from trolley
wires at a pressure of 500 volts ; in fact, the permission of
the Board of Trade is even now frequently sought for this
purpose. It is probable, however, that one of the main
reasons why the number of cases in which ]irivate con-
sumers are supplied from the tramway mains is so small is
the jealousy existing between the Electricity and Tranl-
ways Committees, the former resenting any attempts of
the latter to exceed their delegated powers. This has led,
in some cases, even to a duplication of mains, so that there
would certainly seem to be opportunities for closer woi'king
between the two departments. In the case of tramway
undertakings owned by companies, however, we fear that
there is at present little chance of 'the nninicipal authorities
allowing any supply of energy from the trolley wires,
though where a combined lighting and traction under-
taking is in existence there would seem to be an opportunity
for some such development.
TraflSc on the Tube Railways.
The welcome signs of increased traffic which ha\e been
noticed on most underground railways of London appear to
be absent in the case of the oldest line, the City & South
T;0ndon I^ailway, and this is the more disappointing in view
of its extension, some 18 months ago, to the important
railway termini in the North of London. It unist not he
overlooked, however, that the line is bound to suffer by the
excellent tramway service of the London County Council,
although some of the lost traffic might possibly be regained
by the proposed extension from the terminus at Clapham
to Balham and Tooting. Another consideration, and by no
means an unimportant one.is that, owing to the small dimen-
.sions of the tunnels, the carriages are not so attractive as
those in use on the newer tubes, whilst the confined space
also gives the impression of insufficient ventilation. It
will be seen, however, from the statements at the recent half-
yearly meeting that the attractiveness of the carriages
and the possibility of accelerating the service are under
consideration, and on account of the historic interest of the
line we hope future reports will show that its popularity is
not diminishing. That the advantages of the tubes under
unfavourable climatic conditions are fully appreciated is
evident from the statement in the daily press that on
Wednesday, last week, when London was enveloped in a
dense fog, the number of passengers carried on the City &
South London Eailway was 84,000, comparing with only
60,000 on the previous Wednesday. It is probable, how-
ever, that the majority of the additional passengers would
again return to the tramways and omnibuses on the dis-
appearance of the fog. This latter, which was stated to be
the worst experienced in London for many years, serves as
a reminder that, in spite of the extensive use of electricity
for light and power, and of gas fires and ovens, fog is still
able to disorganise completely all street and suburban rail-
way traffic ; and as any expectation of a considerable reduc-
tion in the amount of smoke discharged from the chimneys
of the metropolis is rather Utopian, it is in means for fog
dispersion that a mitigation of the nuisance must be sought.
An(1THER tube — we believe the only other one to show
a diminished traffic — of which the prospects are not par-
ticularly bright is the Great Northern & City Eailway.
This line has suffered severely by the electrification and
extension of the London County Council tramways on the
north side of the river ; in fact, it will be seen from the
half-yearly report on another page of this issue that the
directors find the competition of these tramways to be
practically overwhelming. During the six months ended
December olst last the net revenue was insufficient to
meet the fixed charges, notwithstanding that this tube is
operated most economically, as is apparent from the
analysis of the various Tube xVccounts which we have pub-
lished from time to time. The number of passengers
carried during the same period was only 5,533,697, as com-
pared with 7,543,174 in the corresponding six months of
the previous year. This is certainly discouraging, but we
trust that some means of regaining at any rate part of the lost
traffic will be discovered. We consider that this can only
be effected Ijy a wise extension westward from Old-street
Gas Lighting in Fleet street
A FEW weeks ago we referred to the " up-to-date " dis-
play of gas lighting in Fleet-street, London, and recent ex-
perience has not caused us to modify the views we then
expressed. la fact, the ridicule with which the display
was first greeted has now turned to annoyance at the in-
convenience caused to pedestrians in that busy thorough-
fare. It comes as a surprise to the average foot passenger
to be "charged" without notice by men trundling a clumsy
tower-ladder in order that they may, with their " equip-
ment," effect a landing on the pavement. This has become
the daily ex))erieuce in Fleet-street ; and all for what ?
To keep in working order a few modern gas lamps. An
instructive lesson in the amount of " dirt " from this mode
of lighting is also furnished by the colour of the globes
after a few hours' use, and it is amusing to see the
strenuous endeavours to change the globes at frequent
intervals, each time to the inconvenience of wayfarers.
When one realises the difference between the installa-
tion in Cannon-street and that in Fleet-street, surprise
gives way to annoyance that the City Fathers should sanc-
tion such a return to mediaeval times. The inconvenience
to pedestrians in Fleet-street by the necessity of placing
the tower-ladder on the pavement is so serious that we
trust the Corporation will hesitate before again allowing
gas lamps to be installed in this manner, when they have
the opportunity of installing arc lamps over the centre of
the road where the light is more effective.
THE ELECTEICIAN, FEBRUARY 5, 1909.
637
" The Electrician " Electricity Supply Tables. — Owing to
a compositor's error after proofs had been passed, some of the
particulars relating to the undertakings at Ludlow, Lymington,
Lynton and Maidenhead in our recently issued Table I., were
unfortunately transposed. The entries appear correctly on
p. 20 of this table, but on p. 21, owing to the transposition of
a line, the particulars of ^Maidenhead (which is No. 170 on
p. 20) appear opposite No. 167 on p. 21 ; whilst Ludlow is
No. 107 on p. '20 and Xo. 168 on p. 21, Lymington No. 168 on
p. 20 and No. 109 on p. 21, and Lynton No. 169 on p. 20 and
No. 170 on p. 21. We regret that this error should have crept
into these tables, and would point out that a correction will
be made before the tables are issued in bound form with "The
Electriean" Electrical Trades' Directory to be published in the
course of a few days.
Manchester Section of the Institution of Electrical Engi-
neers.— The meeting of this Section announced to take place
on Tuesday, February 9th, has been postponed to Tuesday,
February 10th. The title of the Paper to be read has not yet
been definitely settled.
Royal Institution. — At the general monthly meeting of
members of this Institution held on Monday last. Sir James
Crichton-Browne announced that a sum of £10,000 had been
anonymously and unconditionally placed at the disposal of the
managers Ijy a lady. A resolution was passed expressing the
grateful apjtreciation of the members for this munificent gift.
" The Centra." — This well-known magazine is as full of
good things as usual. It contains articles by Prof. Dalby and
Messrs. Calasch, Jaffi and Francis 'dealing with a wide range
of subjects An interesting Paper on the Scherzer Rolling
Lift Bridge at Barrow-in-Furness, from the pen of Mr. James,
is also a feature of this number. There is the usual account
of old students' doings, and in this connection it is interesting
to note that no fewer than 291 students of the college have
been members of the Corps of Electrical Engineers since its
formation in 1898.
" The Queen's Engineering Works Magazine." — We have re-
ceived from Messrs. W. H. Allen, Son & Co. a copy of this
magazine for Janviai'}', which is quite up to the standard of its
predecessors. It practically consists of a review of the work
of this well-known firm during 1908, and we are pleased to
see that they ha\e made great advances. Perhaps the most
interesting article is the reproduction of a lecture on " Steam
Turbine Reminiscences,' delivered by the chairman of the
company to the pupils. It gives an excellent historical account
of this well-known and widely used machine. The magazine
contains a portrait of Mr. C. C. Hawkins, who has recently
retired from the post of chief dynamo designer, which he has
held for the past 18 years. A great part of this number is
taken up with an account of the doings of past pupils of the
firm, and is quite as full of interest as the remainder.
Electrolytic Steel. — According to "L'P>lectricien,"the Eraser
Company, of Bonn, have abandoned the use of crucibles, and
are using Stassano furnaces for the manufacture of soft and
tool steels. Two furnaces, each of 1 ton capacity and taking
250H.P., are installed, one of which is kept as a stand-by.
Three-phase current at 5,200 volts is used, and is stepped down
to 110 volts for employment in the furnace. These furnaces
give cast steel containing from O'OS to O'lH per cent, of carbon,
006 per cent, of ])hosphorus and 003 per cent, of sulphur.
The treatment of the charge usually takes about 5 hours, H
hours of which are necessary for removing the phosphorus
and sulphur and for reducing purposes. The consumption is
900 kw. hrs. per ton. The furnace employed is of the rotary type,
and the results are very satisfactory. The great aivantage of
this equipment is that low-grade material can be treated and
excellent results thereby obtained.
Cable Interruptions and Repairs.
Date of Interruption Rate of Repair.
Pontianak — Saigon Sep. 16, 1908 ... —
Malta— Zante Dec. 29, 1903 ... —
Port de France— Paramaribo Jan. 14, 1909 ., .Tan. 30, 1909
Falmouth -Bilbao Jan. 19, 1909 ... Feb. 2, 1909
Tourane— Amov '... Jan. 19, 1909 ... —
Zanzibar— Momba.sa Jan. 27, 1909 ... .Tan. 29, 1909
Royal Society. — The Papers read at the meeting yesterday
afternoon were as follows : " On the Electricity of Rain and
its Origin in Thunderstorms," by Dr. G. C. Simp.son : "The
Effect of Pressure upon Arc Spectra. No. 3. — Silver. A 4,000 —
A 4,600," by Mr. W. G. Duttield : "The Tension of Metallic
Films deposited by Electrolysis," by Mr. G. G. Stoney ; " A
F"urther Note on the Conversion of Diamond into Coke in
High Vacuum by Cathode Rays," by Mr. A. A. Campbell
Swinton.
Electrification of the Swiss Railways. — According to
".L'Electricien," the special Commission appointed by the
Federal Government to deal with this subject liave issued their
first report, in which several waterfalls are scheduled as being
necessary in the future for the electrification scheme. The
.second report, which has just appeared, discusses the
methods by which advantage may best ba taken of electric
traction, notably as regards braking equipment and increasing
the average speed. This report concludes in favour of elec-
trification, which would allow more trains to be run without
increasing the expenses. It also recommends that locomotives
should be used ongoods trains and motorcarson passenger trains.
Electric Traction in America. — Mr. W. J. Wilgus, who was
mainly responsible for the conversion to electric traction of the
New ^ork Central & Hudson River Railroad Co.'s lines in the
vicinity of New York, has been discussing in the "New York
Times " the probability of the general electrification of main
lines. In this communication he said that the early electri-
fication of steam railroads in great centres of population was
inevitable, as the public demand for the removal of those dis-
agreeable features atten<l.int on the use of the steam locomo-
tive was strengthened by the benefits that would accrue to the
railways in increased earning capacity and the possibility of
economies tending to counterbalance the interest charges on
the sums spent in conversion. Away from large cities, how-
ever, the prospects of the eclipse of the steam locomotive were
very remote at present. Attempts to economise by the use of
the overhead alternating current system had not been entirely
successful on trunk lines, as the saving in sub-stations had been
offset by the increased weight and cost of the electric locomo-
tives and by untrustworthy operation. He hoped that in the
earl}' future the question of the best electric system for adop-
tion on steam railways would be settled, ami that improve-
ments in the generation, transmission and conversion of cur-
rent, and in signals and rolling stock, would largely reduce the
cost and increase the efficiency of electrical ap])liance.s. When
thattime came the steam locomotivemightwelllooktoits laurels.
Lancashire Electric Power Co.'s Annual Dinner. — The
second annual dinner of this companj' was held at the Corn
Exchange Hotel, Manchester, on Saturday last, about 70
guests being present. These included Sir Robert Hampson,
(one of the directors), Mr. C. D. Taite (chief engineer and
manager), and Mr. T. E. Kay (secretary), as well as a number
of the principal consumers, members of the staff and their
fiiends.
The toast, "Success to the Company," was proposed by Mr. Hodgson,
of Wuoilhey, who praised the work of the comiJiiny both as engineers
and power suppliers. The staff seemed intere.sted in every ilctiiil of
tlieir « iirk, and he hoped their efforts would prosjier as they deserved.
His experience would lead him to recommend power users on themuins
of till- company to avail themselves of the advantages offered. Sir
Roljcit Hampson, who was received with acclamation, replied to the
toast. During the period he had been director he had seen sufficient
to warrant him in .saying that if they followed the standjirds set up by
Mr. Taile they were bound to forge ahead to a great and successful
future. They were having a general testimony of appreciation of their
efforts, for users and consumers on every hand were demanding
more, wliich constituted the best kind of testimonial. The company
was a native concern and its shareholders, <lirectors and staff were in-
terested in everything which permeated Lanc.ishire life. Mr. U. D.
Taite then proposed " Our Guests " in a genial address in which he
stated that in spite of the great, commercial depression the Lan-
cashire Electric Power Co. had successfully weathered the storm and
had m;ule excellent progress. During the last 12 months they had
.added 1,600 H.H. to their mains, representing an increa.se of 30 per
cent., and at the present time another load of 900 h.p. was in sight.
He welcomed the appreciation of the consumers they had heiird that
evening and paid a tribute to the kindly traits of the officials and
commercial men with whom the company had to deal. This toast was
responded to by Messrs. Rusden and Hayward and .a successful musi-
cal programme concluded the evening.
638
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 5, 1909.
Junior Institution of Engineers. — At the January meeting
of this Institution, helil at the Koya.l Unite<l Service Institu-
tion, Whitehall, the president, Mr. James Swinburne, F.K.S.,
in the chaii-, the Honorary Member's lecture was delivered by
Dr. J. T. Nicolson, on "The Laws of Heat Transmission in
Steam Boilers as deduced from Experiment."
The lecture included the results of Dr. Nicolson's important ex-
perimental work on the subject during the past four 3-ears. Questions
aiTecting plate temperature in boiler flues, conduction in gases and
the effect of high speed on conduction, were entered into, and an actual
example was given of the effect of increased speed. Experiments with
a Cornish boiler were recorded and considerations with respect
to plant efficiency with high-speed gas flow were discussed. The next
sections of the discourse treated of the lecturer's experiments on heat
transmission from warm compressed air to water, both flowing with
high speeds in concentric pipes, and dealt with the problem of steady
heat flow in the case of counterflow motion of air and water in t%\o
concentric pipes. Temperature effect deduced from Geoifroy and
Henry's boiler trials, the Cornish boiler narrow flue experiment, tests
of the new formula for heat transference under the various circum-
stances occurring in practice, apology for users of the teraperature-
difierence squared formula, and applications to boiler design formed
the subject matter of the succeeding sections of the lecture.
Some Experiments on Electric Cooking.— We take the
following interesting note from the "Electiical AVorld " : — In a
Chicago family, where there is a complete set of electric cook-
ing apjiaratus, some experiments have been made to determine
the monthly consumption of electrical energy. All the cookinij,
was not done electrically, but a combination of two methods
was used. These experiments were made by a central-station
man to determine the probable monthly energy consumption
if electric cooking were introduced as an auxiliary to other
methods, as it would be in the large majority of cases. In one
of these tests an attempt was made to imitate conditions as
they would be in a family where a coal range is used for heavy
baking. All light ordinary cooking not needing an oven was
done by electricity. There were four to five persons in the
ho\isehold. The result of the test was as follows : —
Total kilowatt-hours for 30 days 77-2
Person meals 393
Kilowatt-hours per person meal 0'194
Maximum demand ig amperes.
Previous tests in the same family showed that from 105 to
120 kw. hours would ordinarily be used per month to do all the
cooking electrically, hot water beingsupplied by other methods.
This test indicates what a large proportion of the total energy
used for electric cooking goes into the oven, and indicates the
desirability of efifecting more ethcient methods of baking,
utilising the fireless cooker principle of heat insulation. Another
expernnent, lasting .38 days, was made to determine the
amount of current used by the electric iron, chafing dish and
cofTee percolator in the same family. In this family it has
been the custom ever since electric cooking apparatus was
nistalled to make considerable use of the chafing dish, as it is
found to be one of the most convenient electric cooking
utensils. The consumption of the iron, chafing dish and
cotlee percolator was found to be at the rate of 20 kw. hours per
month. This figure is of considerable interest, as it indicates
what_ can be done m many houses without a special cooking
circuit. °
Dinner of the West Ham Electricity Department.— On
ihursday evening of last week, notwithstanding the almost
unpenetrable tog, the third annual dinner of the West Ham
e ectricity department was held under the chairmanship of
fi '■ ^- ^..^'^'''fook with great success, and was marked by
the un oldingof a scheme showing how far-reaching are the
present ambitions of this borouj'h
Hain • ''w'rs "Zn '"'f ^ ^'"^ been duly honoured, the - Prosperityof Wesl
Ham « a,^ pio,)osed by Mr. W. Fletcher, whose company is the largest
.11
L.C'.C. loi iliMM. iii,iriuf;,r(
rates, thoui^li Mill hi"!, u,.|
this the Iwi
great sue.
dwelt upon the advantages of West Ham, which
. inea a.s to be capable of manufacturing almost anythins
imred. and was a veritable oasis in the desert of the
li sn iiiir to work without restraint. The
illii
.; I , . "y.andtheprospectsweregoodon
.111,1 i„rilHL,\ nt ilu. hnrough. The electric trams were a
■-pile of,
contribute to fhp rnf„ " V'-P^^'V"" ^V alien motor 'buses which did not
hand:o,t,y t? th ^lilf'^:,?'^;!'^^ T'^'r ^'^j^ ''''' ""'^ -"tributing
their consumers were o them ^ '', /" ^'^'^'"°° '° *<^ traraw.ays.
«erc ot the must varied character, ranging from barbers-
shops up to a consumer,taking millions of \mits at a^load factor of 92 per
cent. There was still a loss on the electricity undertaking, but this must
be viewed in the light of the fact that a groat many extensions had been
made out of revenue. It should also be remembered that the debt would
soon become less, and within 21 years practically £2.000.000 would
become inoperative, meaning a 2s. reduction in rates. Manufacturers
were not merely extending their works, but many new manufacturers
were coming into the district. In order to ])ush the use of electricity in
factories the department had found it iliMihitily necessary to undertake
the complete equipment of factories. ililMnmli tliis might not have been
necessary had contractors realised tin ].(i-sil>ilitii-s. Great as was the
advance, there was no doubt it would be still greater if the surrounding
districts were to unite with West Ham to give a common supply and to
form (me municipality. If the authorities of East Ham. Leyton. Wal-
thamstow, Ilford, Barking, Woodford. Wanstead. Dagenham and North
Woolwich would unite in this way with West Ham to form a City, which
might very well take the name of East minster, there would result a
municipality having a pojndation of S78.000 and a ratable value of over
£3,600,000, having a common electricity supply and an amalgamated
•system of electric tramways, thus ensuring cheapness and eflSciency.
The toast of " The Electricity Department " was proposed by Mr.
Alderman Crow, who referred in appreciative terms to the progress that
had been made by Mr. Seabrook during the few years that the depart-
ment had been in his hands. Mr. Se.4BR00k, in replying, mentioned that
a profit of 6 per cent, on the capital was made last year, but that the
Local Government Board required them to pay 7 per cent. A jirofit of
(> per cent., however, could not be looked upon as a very unsatisfactory
state of affairs. In future they would have a monthly statement of
receipts and expenditure showuig them precisely where they were, but
this was not going to lead him to any prophecies. He prophesied a year
at;<p tliat there would be a surplus at the close of the financial year. This
had not proved to be the case, and there was no more uncomfortable
position than to find on. -ilf «itli :, prophecy of this kind unrealised.
With regard to the surr .Iiiiu .li-tiiits. West Ham had the great advan-
tage of a (lerfect site an. I ^ I . ..n^umers. They had also an excellent
scjlniij ..i.j;ini~;if 1..11, «ln. Ii \\,t- i.i.ist essential, and one capable ot dis-
cn-'ini: |.m. ■- In. 111 lil |...iin- ..I view. One result of this Was that they
\v,.ulil sli .Illy li.ivi ;i fintlici I. .1(1 (if 2,500 kw. for electrochemical pur-
poses. The sales department carried on all classes of work, but did not
cut prices, and as their accounts were entirely separate it was necessary
that they should work at a profit, H-hich thus prevented anything in the
nature of imfair cumpetition.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE WEEK.
TUESDAY, February 9th.
I.NSTiTUTioN OF Civil Enoineers.
.Vjj.ht, Meeting at Great George-street, Westminster. Paper
on "Heat Flow and Temperature Distribution in the Gas
Engine," by Prof. B, Hopkinson. Adjourned discussion.
F.4R.\DAV Soi lETV.
S p.m. Meeting at the Institution of Electrical Engineers, 92,
Victoria-street, S.W. Papers on "Applications of Electro-
lytic Chlorine to Sewage Purification and Deodorisation by
the 'Oxy-chloride' Process," by Dr. S. Eideal, and on " A
"New Electrical Hardening Furnace," by Mr. E. Sabersky.
WEDNESDAY, February lOtli.
BiKMIXdHAM SeiTION OK THE IsSTITrTION OF ELECTRICAL EkCINEERS.
::.lOp.m. Meeting at the University, Edmund-street, Birming-
ham. Paper on "The Kapp-Hopkinson Test on a Single
Direct-current Machine," by Dr. W. Lulofs.
Association ok Encixeers-inCharoe.
S p.m. Meeting at St. Bride's Institute, Bride-lane, Fleet-street,
E C. Paper on " Polyphase Motors for Machinerv Driving," by
Mr. H. B. Poynder.
THURSDAY, February llth.
IXSTITVTIOX OK ElE(_'TRICAL Enoixeers.
,'■ p.m. Meeting at Great George-street, Westminster. Paper on
" Use of Large Gas Engines for Generating Power,'' by Messrs.
L. Andrews and R. Porter.
FRIDAY, Febuary 12th.
PiivsicAi, Sdcietv.
S 2\m. Meeting at the Imperial College of Science, Imperial
Institute-road, South Kensington. Annual General Meeting.
Presidential Address
Royal Institution.
U p.7n. Meeting at- Albemarle-street. Discourse on " The Elec-
trical Properties of Flame," by Prof. H. A. W'ilson, F.R S.
Corps of Electrical Engineers.
Commanding Officer, Col. R. E. B. Crompton, C.B.
The following orders have been issued for the current week : —
Monday, Feb. 8lh, (Infantry drill (Recruits), 6 p.m. to 7p.m.
"A" Company ^Techni(3al drill, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
j Infantry drill (Recruits), 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 9th, J Technical drill, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
" B" Company j Medical inspection for recruits, 6:30 p.m. to
I 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 11th, ( Infantry drill (Recruits), 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
" C " Company \Technical drill, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 12th, ( Infantry drill (Recruits), 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
" D" Company I. Technical drill, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 13th. Sergeants' Mess Dinner.
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 5, 1909.
639
ELECTRIFICATION OF THE LONDON, BRIGHTON
& SOUTH COAST RAILWAY.
A most interesting stage in the electrification of the London,
Brighton & South Coast Eailway was reached last Sunday
evening when, at the invitation of Lord Bessborough, chair-
man, and Mr. \VilIiam|Forbes, general manager, a party of engi-
neers had the pleasure of a trial trip on one of the new trains,
with Mr. Philip Dawson, consulting electrical engineer to
the company, as motorman for the occasion. Briefly, it may be
said that the train, which had only run 44 miles previously
and had been out on 11 occasions, ran with perfect ease from
Battersea Park to East Brixton and back, and that the trip was
an entire succe.ss. On an occasion of this kind it is, of course,
impossible to look much into details, but we think we ma}^ say
without fear of contradiction that the rolling stock, which is
manufactured by the Metropolitan Amalgamated Carriage &
Wagon Co., of Saltley, will be a revelation to the travelhng
public, more particularly to those accustomed to travelling on
suburban lines. The carriages are more than usually com-
fortable and extremely well illuminated, each compartment
being fitted with two Holophane globes each containing two
lOc.p. lamps. , By this means the illumination is superior to
anything we have yet seen in railwa}' rolling stock. A most
excellent feat\u'e is the side passage, similar to a corridor, only
that it is open on the side towards the seats. There are six
seats per compartment, and in the event of overcrowding the
passengers can circulate from one compartment to another, as
there are side doors throughout, and they can enter and leave
compartments very rapidly. Strap-hanging, owing to the
absence of straps, is impossible, and standing room is re-
duced to a minimum — a most welcome feature. On referring
to p. 649 of this issue our readers will find a drawing showing
details of one of these coaches.
The compartments are well provided with parcel racks and
each coach is fitted with two chemical fire extinguishers and
two oil lamps. The rolling stock at present constructed con-
sists of eight trains, each of which is made up of three coaches —
viz., one for first class and two for third class passengers. The
former will seat 56 passengers and the latter 06, but these
figures may be increased to 74 and 82 respectively, thus giving
a seating capacity per train of 2.38 passengers.
A brief inspection of the driver's cab showed the controlling
apparatus to be quite unobtrusive. For the time being, at all
events, a voltmeter, an ammeter and a wattmeter ai'e provided,
so that all necessary observations can be made. One interest-
ing feature is the revolving semi-cylindrical shield round the
hand lirake wheel, so that this can be included in the driver's
cab if necessary; or by simply rotating the shield the hand
brake can be brought into the guard's compartment and the
driver's cab can be locked up.
At present only the section from Battersea to East Brixton
is completed, but within a couple of weeks this will have been
extended as far as Peckham Rye, when experimental running
will begin. By the time the repair shops are completed the
whole of the overhead equipment will have been carried out
and will give access to five platforms at Victoria and five at
London Bridge. The time taken in running from Victoria to
London Bridge will be reduced from 36 minutes by steam to
25 minutes electrically, and approximately a 10 minute service
will be given. Current is supplied by the London Electric
Supply Corpn. and is received through meters at Queen's-
road. From there duplicate feeders are taken to Denmark
Hill. The pressure on the trolley wire is 6,700 volts, thus re-
ducing the current per train between the limits of 100 and 140
amperes. Only a low- pressure current at 300 volts is acces-
sible in any part of the train. rThe overhead and general
electrical equipment of the line was carried out by E. AV. Black-
well & Co., the cables being sujiplied by Siemens Bros. & Co.
and Johnson & Phillips, and the switchgear in the cabins by
the British Thomson-Houston Co. Travelling cranes for the
repair shops are being supplied by Stothert & Pitt, and a
special repair and maintenance wagon by Dick, Kerr & Co.
Mr.Dawson is to be congratulated on this preliminary success,
which is doubtless a forerunner of more to come.
REPORT OF THE TARIFF COMMISSION ON THE
ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY.
During the past few weeks there has been a good deal of
discussion on the relative positions of this and other countries
from the point of view of the electrical industry. The interest
thus raised is likely to receive a fillip from a report of the
Tariff' Commission which has just been published. This report
deals with the engineering industry in general, but the part
which will naturally be of most interest to readers of The
Elki tric'I.A.n is that concerning electrical engineering. We
have, therefore, given an abstract from this section of the report
below. It may not, however, be out of place to mention that
extracts from the evidence of various witnesses form a great
part of this, and that this evidence, like that of all other
interested witnesses, should, whatever the political opinion of
the reader, be taken ciiin i/rano sabs.
After an introductory paragraph describing the present
state of the electrical industry in this country, the report
continues : —
No statistics exist to permit of e.vact comparative statements a.s to the
]ii'ogress of the electrical industries of various countries. Sir Francis
(.)|ipenlieimer. Britisli r'on«iiI-(!fncrnl for the Frnnkfort ili-itriot, reported
iu 11)07 that the iiiiiiil"i- ,ni|.l.i> -.1 iii tin- i:rniim .iiiiical industry
inn cased from 7l'..".oii « , ., U|„., ,|,|.' m Iimt t.. !i;,.i ir, I'""',. This figure
is presumed to relate s.ikly I" Ukj.^c cnipl.iycd in t In ii ic.il manufacturing
ooucerns, and does not include employes in chemical works, electric
tramways, electric liehtina and kindred enterprises. According to
Mr. E. (ianke. the ,m„ii.:o;.i iv British tiL'ure for 1907 would be 45,000.
It is cstiin;iird 1 1 1,(1 :;(io,(inii |„.|,uii~ ,iir riii|iloyed in all sections of the
electrical iicliivi 1 1. - ,■! i Im I imi. .1 l\ in^ii-irn. and that the corresponding
figure of employes iii (.miiany would be "very much larger." Sir
Francis Oppenheimer adtis that "' the conhdence of the country " in the
future of the German electiical mdustry is also shown in the Stock Ex-
change quotations for the following electrical concerns, for which the
lati'st II notations are here given : —
Table I.
-Dividend and Market Quotations of
Undertakings.
unit- German Electrical
Akkumulatoren Fabiik
Allgememe Elektricitats Gesellscliaft
Bergmann's Elektricitats GesellschafI
Bci liner Elektricitats- Werke
Brown Boveri
Lahmeycr Elektricitiits Werke
Siemens-Schuckert-Wcrke
Siemens and Halske
-Market
Last
quot
ition 14 Dec
'OS,
dividend .
e.v dividend.
Per ceu(.
12'.
l!»!l-2o
ll'
219
IS
2l).i-S(l
II
I.jS
II
172
7
117
11
In Jlr. Garcke's ' Manual of Electrical Undertakings " it is stated that
in the last two decades t lir nuniber of electrical manufacturing companies
registered in the rnii.'l Kii.Lidom has increased from 24. with a sub-
sciibed capital of till niilli ii-. to 312 companies and £41 J millions. These
figures include agenjics of f.ircign firm-. In 1!I0I)-1 43 British companies
uuule an average profit of 7o ]ier .ent. on a subscribed capital of nearly
£12 millions, while in IltOS U3 comjianies earned .")-43 per cent, on £3Ii
millions. A more drt lilcd in.ilysis of the profits of the.se 143 companies
shows that no dividend mi |i.iid on £2 millions of ordinary capital and
on more than £2|' niilli 'ii- I |iirf'erence capital.
In respect of laboia cuodiiions, it is largely held by mamifactruers
that foreign countries have an advantage, and in the foreign contracts
of municipalities it is not possible to insist upon the trade union prin-
cii)les which are rigorously applied in England. Under conditions of fair
competition, witnesses and firms nearly all say that Ihey are not in the
least afraid to meet foreign ciunpetitors. but partly owing to the faciUties
foreign firms possess for rindercutting English firms, aird l)artly to the fact
thai foreign firms arc often willing to make a sacrifice with the view of
i-stablishiug on a firm basis their British connection, they take contracts
with which British manufactiuers cannot compete. This foreign com-
jictilion has, in the opinion of witnesses, been considerably a.ssisted by
the action of British municipalities in placing contracts abroad. It is,
indeed, stated that this action of British municipalities has " more than
anything else been the making of the German electrical industry." Some
of these municipal contracts arc. it is alleged, given to firms with English
names in the belief that they are English firms, when they are really
tJerman firms or the agents fo.- German manufacturers. When, on the
other hand, British firms have sought bu.Mness m Germany they "" have
been refused even the forms of tender, unless they could guarantee that
the goods would be manufactured in Germany." Where tlien? is no com-
pulsion for foreign State Deiiartments and public bodies to purchase
their goods locally " it is nearly always obligatory that a preference of
640
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBEUARY 5, 1909.
from 10 U> 15 pel- cent, is giver\ to local manufacturers : and foreign firms
as a rule cannot tender at all cxcejit through an agent residing in the
country." In Austialia municipal bodies and harbour and tramway
authorities, working under franchises, are usually lequired to obtain
special Governnu'iit jiermi.ssion before purchasing good.s from any other
country. The New South Wales Government is said to have placed
recent orders locally at prices from 10 to 15 per cent, above those at which
they could have been ini|)(>rted.
Striking illustralions are given in the evidence of the uijury done to
(heJBritish industry through the placmg of municipal contracts abroad.
It is estimated that the municipalities nf this .-onntry spend about £30
millions per annum, of which about £11 milli. m- i- piid for electrical plant,
machinery, fittings and supplies. Not 1.-- i ii ui .-n.-.half of this total, it
is calculated, goes to foreign manufactuicis, iu\olving wages of manu-
factutc of not le.-^s than £350.000 ))er annum, or continuous employment
for fi<un 4,000 to 5.000 skilled workpeople. One witness says : " Every
one of the contiacts which we give to foreign iiims or for the purchase
of foreign goods could equally well have been filled by British manufac-
turers. These same municipalities almost without exception are now
at their wits end to find work for masses of unemployed, and here they
have during the past year been paying the wages of foreign workmen to
an abnormal extent. ... As the same policy controls the placing of all
their contracts, there is no doubt that the total sum going to foreign
workmen is a prodigious one."
Instances are given in the evidence of contracts for electrical produc-
tions placed abroad by ]Hiblic bodies in London, Manchester, Glasgow,
Hull and other places, altliough " the difference in price between English
and foieign tenders has been quite insignificant." One of the cases cited
in detail is that of the Manchester Corporation, where to make a nominal
.saving of '" a few thousand ))ounds " a contract valued at £100.000 was
given abroad, with a loss of £15,000 to £20,000 in wages alone in the
British electrical industry, not to speak of the losses in the auxiliary in-
dustries of this country. Belgian competition was most felt when the
Belgian works had to find an outlet at any price. On a tender for St.
Pancras of £12.000, in which the witness's firm was the lowest of six
English manufacturers, a German company quoted £11,000, but a Bel-
gian firm quoted £7.000 and got the contract. " They made uo profit on
it, and have since reduced their capital by about 5 to 1, but none the less
we suffered at the time. The market in this country being open, the
Belgian probably thought a few contracts at any price would introduce
them quickly ; but had our market been protected they would never
have been tem))tcd to dump here."
Emphasis is laid in the evidence upon the assistance which this placing
of British contracts abniad gives to the foreign manufacturer to cut out
the British maTinfiirinici in tlic Biitish home market. " It has a double
effect, for while it mm iv i-,.- il„. skill and efficiency and financial stability
of foreign ind\istrirs. it uciki'iis the British hold" upon the British home
trade. .Again, in some cases, where the foreigner has done this municipal
work at a somewhat lower piice than the British tenderers would have
done, cxpeiicnce shows that on ' .epeats ' and extensions the prices have
been higher than British prices, and municii)alities have h,\d to accept
these higher prices liecaiise of the difficulty involved in adaptuig British
machinery to existing foreign plant. Then the encouragement of foreign
industries by British municipalities has done much to spread the impres-
sion that German work and German plant'is superior to British — a sen-
timent which is a goodwill of great value to the foreigner, not alone in
the British market, but also in colonial markets. Another feature — and
this I regard as being of extreme importance— is the financial side of the
question. By giving their contracts abroad. British municipalities
strengthen the hands of for-eign financial institutions in their policy of
reserving their own v.'ork for then- own home industries. German elec-
trical undertakings are financed by, and remain in the most intimate
association with the (ierman banks, and whenever German financiers
finance undertakings abroad it is stipulated that the ])lant and machinery
for these undertakings shall be jiroduced in Germany. In the United
Kingdom there is no mi, h ;iN.M,ri,ition between the fin'ancier and the in-
dustnal, and no such 'iipnlitMi, o,,ur-.s. While, therefore, there is con-
siderable financing of l.n, .^, ,1,-rtakings bv British capital, nothing
like the corresptmding benefit accrues to Briti-h m.lu-ti v."
It is strongly urged that any monopoly oi -
the electric light and jiower stations urider i
accompanied by a correspondin - Mlili^aiini
industry and labour. As in <iiirn:iii\. ii i^ ^
and such corporations as traniu.a. la hi.u ^,^^^
enjoying pub!i<- charters should be'compellcd' within reasonrblVumTts'to
favour the home manufacturer and workman. As it is. British manu-
facturers are said to have been compelled to accept prices set bv foreic^n
competitors, although in many cases t hose ,.rices are estimated to be from
10 to 25 per cent, below British cost . and, indeed, amount to no more than
the cost of the raw material and labour employed
The following classes of cables are dealt with in the evidence: (1)
Cables for dis nbution of electric power and light : (2) small cables for
house work ; (3) submarine cables ; (4) telephone work. The progress
hnsines?i"^T H^V'r '"'f" *™'''' '"« attributed to the fact that the
busmess was foundec^ for the purpose of .nibmarine telegraphy. Foreign
the'CeTr r ""':!' "'""'"f- ■'' ^'^ y^^'^ ■■'SO '• practically none^of
the home trade m the manufactured articles was done by foreigneis."
^00 000 wrrT T' 'V^'f^^^' ""^""'^^ ^^^ g'^*^" " 'W did ft least
I chMv r r "V"t- 'H''"^' "' ^""'"^■- "■"•«^-" The^ompetition
t^lT \t T ?■ ■^^"' ^'''*'-'' "i""'' t'-'^'l'^ h«^ also been much mter-
«vi^enle " ^^ "Tf" l'"^'' '^^^^ ^=^"^'^" '^^^-^ °f "-^e firm givtag
1 ue same apiuir. i„ l-raiicc. where there were extensive
'1 i\ il,j;es enjoyed by
'ii control should be
K- benefit of British
d that municipalities
nd water companie
British contracts; that market is now closed to the contracting firm.
Other Continental markets are now similarly protected. In Canada the
United States is firmly established, largely by reason of the financing of
Canadian companies by United States capitalists.
The incandescent lamp industry is comparatively new and the demand
has grown enormously, but the volume of British busmess has not in-
creased in the same ratio as the demand. The consumption in the United
Kingdom is now probably about 20 million lamps per annum, of which
about 7 millions are imported. The colonies probably use 4 to 5 millions,
out of which Great Britain supplies, say, 1 million. The consumption
is increasing enormously, because once a lamp is installed it has to be
replaced periodicallj'. Notwithstanding this enormously increased
demand, it is said that few of the undertakmgs that started making incan-
descent lamps in England in 1893 have survived, and these only because
they endeavour-ed to produce a superior article, and appealed, not quite
without success, to the patriotism of English consumers. The advent
of the metallic filament lamp is a feature of the highest importance to
the industry, and under equitable fiscal conditions and by aid of the new
Patents Act it is hoped to retain this trade for the British mdustry.
Labour is cheaper on the Continent, while the cost of materials and in-
stallation is said to be about the same here as abroad. The foreign maker
has no natural advantages over the English maker, all the materials being
obtainable in every country where lamps are produced, except platinum,
which is obtained in a common market. The industry is not thought to
furnish proof that superior technical training has given the foreigner any
advantage. Much theory in this branch of the industry abroad has tended
to kill individuality, and any superior theoretical training of the foreigner
has been more than counterbalanced in this country by advantages on
the practical side. Profits are said to have decreased materially in rela-
tion to turnover. All branches have become less remunerative after
they have been in existence sufficiently long to become standardised.
New ideas and new applications or special requirements alone permit
reasonable profits for a short time. Instances are given in which lamps
have been sold in this country at under cost prices in order to kill British
competition, and municipalities and other corporations who are very
strict when placing contracts as regards the i ate of wages paid to workers
and the regulation and management of factory buildings, have snatched
at these offers without considering the harm thereby done to the British
workman. Foreign-made lamps are said to be sold under English names
or by foreign concerns whose style suggests home manufacture.
The advent of electric light and power has created a very large demand
for carbons, and the United Kingdom possesses the best raw material.
The conditions, therefore, appear to exist for the foundation of an industry
of the greatest importance. The failure to establish such an industry is
attributed by witnesses to the absence untiljl907 of a compulsory manu-
facturing clause in the British patent law, as well as to the general back-
wardness of the electrical industry in the United Kuigdom. This, it is
said, gave the German manufacturer a " grand start." The good prices
obtained enabled him in a few years to pay off the cost of his installation.
He had trained cheap labour, and when a serious attempt was made to
establish an English industry it had to be done in the face of difficulties
which are described in the evidence. Heavy losses were incurred by
British firms, and foreign manufacturers, while maintaining fairly well
their prices at home, reduced their- prices in the United Kingdom, " with
the avowed object of making us shut down our works." Competitors
went so far as to supply the workmen with chemicals with which they
proceeded to destroy certain of the mixtures being used. The price at
which foreigners were selling in this country is said to have been the abso-
lute cost price of material, plus labour, without any general expenses
or profit added. Particulars are also given in the evidence of the disad-
vantages under which this trade suffers from transport rates.
The manufacture of carbon filaments for the ordinary incandescent
lamps is an English industry by itself. Germany can supply itself ;
Austria and the United States can supply themselves in part. There is
no want of raw material in the United Kingdom, and manufacturers say
that carbons can be produced more cheaply here than they can in foreign
countries, but that with the unfair advantage given to the foreign manu-
factiuer in the British market it is almost impossible to make the industry
pay. The British manufacturer has no encouragement to find labour
and train it — a tedious and expensive process. The special encourage-
ment of this manufacture is further advocated on military grounds. It
is held to be of vital importance that we should be able to supply our own
wants for the Army and Navy. The mdustry is said to have benefited
from the Canadian preference.
The manufacture of electric supplies which was flourishing up to about
1895 has since considerably declined. A number of English firms pro-
duced fittings of admitted superiority and the English potteries supplied
a considerable amount of raWmateifal f^ suth fittings, which were better
than the foreign production. More than one-half of the trade in this
country is said to be supplied from abji^oad, but the official returns give no
definite information on this point, the identity of this item beuig lost in
the " unenumerated " group. The estimate of one witness is that the
annual British consumption is of the value of from £300,000 to £400,000.
of which about one-half is supplied from abroad, and the proportion of
foreign to British is increasing. Germany is said to supply fittings
exclusively made for this and the colonial markets. In electric lamji-
holders, switches, fuses and cut-outs the English manufacturer cannot,
it is said, compete -with the German.
The many changes in the form of the official returns relatmg to the
imports of electrical goods make any comparative analysis impossible
for a number of years. The character of the import trade at the present
; time is shown in the following table of imports according to countries of
consignment.
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 5, 1909.
641
Table II. — Delaikd Iniporl-s of Ehcjrk-al Goods and Apparatus, other than Machinery and Telegraph and Telephone Wire in 1906 and 1907,
according to Countries of Consignment {in thousand £)
Electrical wires and
cables. Insulated
Telegiaijh
1
Rubber,
insulated*
Insulations
other than
rubber*
and tele-
phone
cables.
and tele-
phone
Uneuu-
merated.
Total.
apparatus.
'
1906
1907
1906 ! 1907
1906
1907
190(>
1907
1906 1907
1906 : 1907
41)
1
9
10
5
3
61
5
8
8
2
115
"si
51
"7
...
153
1
8
61
11
129
67
148
16
92
32
108
16
10
1 t 1
280 1 360
130 ! 93
540 668
15 22
195 152
10 8
165 179
78 62
53 64
Germany
Holland
32
2
25
4
62
2
29
96
48
28
102
58
Italy
United States
Total
73
86
63 74 ?-
183
234
368
258
1,187 1,248
* other than telegraph and telephone cables.
Table III. — Detailed Er-norts of Electrical Goods and A oparatus, otiier than Machinery and Telegraph and TelepJione Wire, in 1906 and
\0OT {in thousand £)
Electiic wires and
cables, insulated:
Telegraph
and
telephone
cables.
Tclewra]ih
and
teleiihone
apparatus.
Unenu-
mcrated.
Total.
Rubber
insulated.*
Insulations
other than
rubbei.*
1906
1907
1906 1907
1906
1907
1906
1907
1906
1907
1906
1907
1
io
42
13
16
3
16
52
11
40
23
"i
i'9
27
23
0
28
9
8
41
31
60
395
53
75
62
404
3
21
407
53
231
'13
38
63
"4
23
4(1
56
6
i's
46
10
22
54
81
3
2.5
23
5
18
47
93
61
60
1
395
33
107
63
110
194
587
9
28
21
China
3£
84
United States
412
Brazil
94
131
461
^ Total Foreign Countries
82
116
93 ' 86
1,080
740
119
123
237
214
1.610
1.279
iV) 23
37 53
24t 24t
0 24
23 1 22
11
35
14.t
60
23
57
32
353
n
67
24
82
15
13
12
14
13
13
14
88
86
80
11
31
51
108
93
7
25
11
180
201
205
34
141 1
32
Cape and Natal
23 I 25
51 .'-.6
459
233
29
16
55
20
249
5?
16'
119
156
103 143
200
561
54
47
296
284
771 1
1,191
Total
200
272
196 ' 229
1,280
1,301
172
170
533
498
2.381
2,470
' Other than Telegraph and Telephone Cables
t Australia
J Straits Settlements and Dependencies
The official returns contain no record of the imports of electrical
machinery before 1903, and of other electrical goods before 1900. In
1907 the total imports of electrical machinery amounted to £603,000, of
which Germany, Holland and Belgium provided £359.000 and the United
States £186,000. Since 1903 there has been a decline of £120,000 in
imports from the I'l
of works in this coun
countries have im k
ThescpalVilrrLi.-lIn
in IIIIKI. .^IIH r ill, I
entirely I'l 1 In- I iiii''!
by United States liriii
from that country, v
The imports from 1
I Sliiirs, syiii hronising with the estalilisliment
,\ riiii.il Sill,. s firms. The imports from other
I ili.s.iiiiii Mine 1903, chiefly from Germany.
II of electrical goods other than machinery began
tlie returns sliow considerable fluctuations, due
tes trade. The erection of works in this country
- been a.f..Tn|i.iiiir.| l.\ ,1 I n -r .leiliiie in imjiorts
I f.-ll frMii, ts:;:;. ,, rum i-, ticMlllu in 1907.
nllMlrics lla\r lll<Tc:IM.I III lllr same pcrioil from
. totalof f433.(X)0toi:i,186.tM)0or£753,iiiKi.uf «lih h (Germany, Holland
and Belgium account for £563.000. Nearly mi„ -l,,,lt ,,f the import trade,
it will be seen, is still unclassified, thus (IcfvLiit; analysis, as in so many
other branches of the enL'iii.i 1 iiii; iiulustry. It is obvious, however,
from the evidence, that tln-^ mi. iniinrarted items must include lamps,
fittings and carbons. The ■ lii.i niiiiunated items for 1907 are telegraph
and telephone cables (chietiy from (Germany). £234,000: other electric
wires and cables (also chiefly from Giermany), £l(i0.000 ; telephone and
telegiaph apparatus (chiefly from Belgium. Sweden and Germany),
£258,000.
For the last five year.s the export of electrical goods of all kinds other
than machinery has remained stationary at about £2J millions. Prior
to 1902 the average ex))orts increased from just under a million in the
period 1886-89 to £3,-501,000 in 1900-02. Nearly the whole of thU in-
ciease took place in the last period, and is due almost entirely to the de-
veloiiment of cable enterprise affecting the exports to .Madeira, Azores,
the United States and Canada. The total for this group (telegraph wiie
and apparatus) averaged £2.929.000. in the years 1900-02. which is far in
excess of any previons period. The increase as compared with the period
1895-99 is £1,923.000. of which £467.000 consists of incieiused exports
to Portugal and possessions : £299,000 to the United States : £286,000
to .Vustralasia and £314.000 to Canada. The present |)osition of the
export trade in electiical goods and apparatus (other than machinery)
is shown in the following table. No account is taken in this table of iron
and steel telegraph wire, for which no sepaiatc return is now issued. The
lacjiondeiating exports arc, it will be seen, telegraph and telephone
installation work.
Returns of the exports of electrical machinery do not exist for the years
prior to 1903. Since then there has been a steady and large expansion
from £437,000 in 1903 to £996,000 in 1907. The principal markets have
been India (from £106.000 to £171.000). Australasia (from £73.000 to
£139.000). Japan(from £39,000 to £129.0011). The position as to elec-
trical exports generally is summarised as follows in the evidence : " Our
best export markets at present are India, .\ustralasia and South America.
South Afiica has become more and moie the cockpit of international com-
petition. The severity of .American and German competition, as I have
said, is largelv due to the fact that their industries start with the en-
orntous benefit of protected home ma-.kcts. Their tariffs are practically
042
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 5, 1909
prohibitive, and. being secure in their own home fields, they are. of
course, able to produce for export at a cost with which it is increasingly
difficult to rnm|,rtr;-
Not« iili'i iriiiiri^ tlicse drawbacks, however, the volume of business
done in • !■ ' itf il ■ ri^ineering has materially increased, some conditions
have been i(fi)ii"\rd. iiur external trade is a steadily growing one, and,
propel ly fostered, would, it is believed, be equal to our home trade in a
few years. But the trade has not increased in jjropoition to the increased
demand, foieign importations now representing a larger shaie of the total
consumjition. It is maintained, howevei. that the firms who liave held
tlicir own have been those who have found the ca])ital and als<i the market
in which to dispose of their commodities in quantities sufficiently large to
be remunerative. Smaller works and smaller factories cannot compete
and are disappearing. " When British enterprise and British capital
have been em])lovcd in establishing industries in protected countries the
results have, in general, been successful : whereas the experiments of
foreign manufacturers in erecting subsidiary factories in Great Britain
have, on the contrary, demonstrated that the qualities which some ciitics
attribute to them do not enable them to carry on business to better
advantage than the native born, however brilliant may have been their
achievement under the easier conditions abroad." In eertam electiical
apparatus the quality of English work is exceedingly high, and the su-
periority in some respects of English machines will at times lead engineers
to give home manufacturers a slight jirefeience. Thus, apart from any
question of design, English dynamo electrical machinery is reputed to be
more workmanlike and better finished than imjiorted machinery ; the
production per man also is said to be higher than on the Continent, and
about equal to that obtained in the best United St.it.^ -Ii-'|i-. 'ii'l tlir^c
results are obtained although the Biitish shop hnni- in i|.].i m i;ilily
shoiter. It is generally agreed that the electrical indu-liy "i iliis i ll^^l^y
could employ a much larger number of workpeople. The labour is highly
skilled, but it requires considerable time and organisation to assemble
together sufficient numbers of reliable and skilled workpeople.
READY RECKONER FOR FLYWHEEL EFFECT IN
ARMATDRE8, &c.
BY H. LUCKIX.
This table will be found very useful for quickly working out
the stored energy or accumulated work in armatiu'es, flywheels
and other revolving bodies.
The table gives the stored energy due to 1 lb. being rotated
at various revs, per min., the diameter of gyration being 1 in.
To use table multiply figure from table (to suit revolu-
tions per minute) by weight in pounds and diameter of gyra-
tion in inches squared — /.,•., stored energy due to -joO lb. being
rotated at 700 revs, per min when 25 in. is the diameter of
gyration =0-145x.530x25- = 48,000 ft. lb.
For armatures up to about 20 in. diameter, diameter of gyra-
tion is usually about O'Go to 0-7 6f the armature diameter,
while for armatures from 20 in. to 40 in. diameter it will vary
from 0-7 to 0-75, while in very large machines it may be as
much as O-H,") of the armature diameter (this proportion
depending largely on the number of poles). The table may also
be used for revolutions per minute from 1,000 to 9,900
(advancing by hundreds) by moving the decimal point 'two
j)laces to the right— i.e., for 3,000 revs, per min. read 2-66.
l\ijii-heel Effect Tnhh'.
R.P.M.
ICO
200
300
100
500
600
700
800
900
10 1 20 30 I 40 I 50 , 60 I 70 I 80
90
!-00296^-0035&-0042&-00500'-OC579'-OC665'-00757 -00854 -00958 0107
-0118 0130 i0145 -0156 0170 0185 !-C200 0216 :0232 -0249
-0266 -0284 0303 0522 -0342 1-0362 ,0383 -0405 1-0427 ^0450
•0473 -0497 !-0521 -0546 0572 0598 .-0625 0653 0681
,-0739 -0769 -0799 1-0830 -0861
■106 1-110 -114 -117 -121 -125
■145 rl49 -153 -158 •162 1-166
•189 ,•194 •igg 1-204 .•209 -214
i'259 -245 ^250 r255 •261 ^267
•0926 ,0960 0994
,129 -133 •157
|-171 ,-175 I 180
1-219 |^224 1-229
{•272 -278 1-284
•0710
-103
-141
-185
234
•290
Electric Traction in the Rockies.— It is announced from
Ottawa that a commission has been investigating the water-
power resources of the Rocky mountains, and has come to the
concliision that although immense quantities of coal are available
electricity can be used to better advantage in overcoming the
heavy mountain gradients, on account of the greater cheapness
and superior chmbing capacities of the electric locomotives
•.lectnhcat.on it is said, will at first be confined to the moun-
tain section of the Canadian Pacific line, though enough water
power is available to work the whole system in this manner
A DEFLECTION POTENTIOMETER FOR VOLTMETER
TESTING.*
BY H. B. BROOKS.
Snmmnry. — In a former paperf the writer derived an expression for
the current through the galvanometer of an unbalanced potentiometer,
used in connection with a volt box, and showed how this formula could
be applied to the design of a class of instruments, for current and voltage
measurements, having properties intermediate between those of the
balance type and of the deflection t.vpe. A description was also given of
an instrument constructed on this principle, which was used for measur-
ing voltage in photometric work, and which has now been in service for
the past two years, giving satisfactory speed and accuracy.
The object of the present paper is to give some further modifications
of circuits which may be used for this purpose, with their advantages and
defects ; to show what features should be incorporated in an instrument
of this kind for such work as the testing of voltmeters, and to describe an
instrument of this type recently constructed. This has been designed for
voltmeter testing and other precision measurements of voltage in the
laboratory and testing room.
An instrument to be used as a standard for voltmeter testing
should first of all be accurate, permanent, and unaffected by mag-
netic fields and similar disturbing influences. This requires that the
bulk of the unknown voltage be measured by the potentiometer
metliod, as no known type of voltmeter, not even so-called " labora-
tory standard " instruments, will meet the above requirements. In
order to save time and avoid the necessity for extreme steadiness of
the test voltage, a small portion of the quantity should be measured
by the deflection of a galvanometer. This galvanometer should be
a pivoted instrument, of good working qualities, and should have a
r-Hlll— -
^wvwv
--Hill—
/vwwwvwnaaaaaaaaaaaAawwwvwwv
3
a>
■-VWWyM/WVWWWVWVVWVV rAA/WWVWVWWV
Fig. ]. — Third Pl.4n of Circuits.
sensibility such that one division of its scale corresponds to, say, jjj
to i of a scale division of a voltmeter of the same maximum range as
the potentiometer. These requirements indicate a deflection poten-
tiometer, and as a number of variations are possible in the arrange-
ment of circuits for such an instrument, these various plans will be
examined with a view of determining the one which is the most suit-
able. By building the pivoted galvanometer in as a part of the
apparatus, the only accessories are the storage battery, and the stan-
dard cell ; the former must be carried separately, and preferably the
latter also.
Arrangements of Circuits. — In the first plan {see former article)
the volt box ratio is constant, and the setting is made on the potentio-
meter wire. The arrangement of circuits may be seen from Fig. 2
below by omitting the resistance r,^ ; the symbols used correspond
with those of the previous article. The difficulty with this plan lay
in the fact that the compensating resistance in the galvanometer
circuit, r^, was a function of two variables, the resistance of the
potentiometer wire up to the setting, n, and the regulating rheostat
in the storage cell circuit, z^, no satisfactory way of providing this
double compensation being available. To avoid this difiiculty, a
second plan w-as devised, in which r^ is a constant ; r^ therefore com-
pensates only for changes in Sr (the total resistance in the galvano-
meter circuit) due to variations of r,. The setting is then made on
the volt box, and a compensating resistance r- is arranged to take
care of variations due to changes of the setting. This plan was
adopted for the first instrument of this type, in which the range was
from 95 to 125 volts.
A third plan, suggested by Dr. M. G. Lloyd, is like the second,
except that instead of a constant total resistance R between the
* Abstracted from the Bulletin oj the Bureau of Standards.
t Bulletin of the Bureau of Standards II., p. 225 ; 1906.
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUAEY 5. 1909.
G43
E.M.F. terminals of the volt box. with the di'op taken from a variable
fraction l/p of this, the drop is taken from a fixed resistance and R is
variable, as shown in Fig. 1. The equations for this case are the
same as for the second plan. A serious disadvantage is the fact that
R. the resistance of the volt box. is low on low settings. These
second and third plans have the disadvantage of variable damping
of the galvanometer. For an instrument of limited range (as 95 to
125 volts) this disadvantage practically disappears. By designing
the coils so that the value of 1r for the mean setting is equal to the
total resistance for critical damping of the galvanometer, the damp-
ing will still be such as to give good working, even at the extremes of
the range. If, however, we are to cover a wide range with an instru-
ment using the second plan, it is necessary to modify the circuits so as
to preserve critical damping over the whole range. This is done by
the addition of a variable shunt r,' to the galvanometer, which is
changed at the same time as the compensating resistance r. The
author shows how r, and r-^ may be determined for a given case.
In considering the features which would be desirable in an instru-
ment of this class for voltmeter testing, in which the range from zero
to the maximum is to be covered, and .several ranges provided, it
was found that none of these plans entirely met the requirements,
and a plan was sought which would be satisfactory. This was
obtained from the first plan by adding a variable shunt to the poten-
tiometer wire AB, which is varied at the same time as r.,. The
arrangement is shown in Fig. 2. The author gives the value of the
current through the galvanometer, and then discus.ses the values of
the various resistances concerned.
Description of Instrument. — .An instrument has been designed in
accordance with this fifth plan, for use in voltmeter testing in the
r--Hl|l- Hilf-—
Fig. 2. — Fifth Pl.\n op Circuits.
Bureau of Standards. A diagram of connections is given in Fig. '.i.
The main dial has 25 steps of 100 ohms each. This is in series with
a coil of 9-4 ohms and a dial of 10 steps of 0-05 ohm each. The
Weston standard cell is balanced around 509-4 ohms plus the amount
on the dial, and as the standard current is 0-002 ampere, cells of
1-0188 to 1-0198 volts may be used, and if need be, this range may be
varied by changing the 9-4 ohm coil. In the storage cell circuit is a
series rheostat whose minimum resistance is 297-5 ohms, increasing
from this value in 15 steps of 1 -5 ohms each ; this is r,. At the same
time that r.^ is increased, the resistance in shunt to the potentiometer
wire, /-,., decreases from a maximum of 6,814 ohms to a minimum of
*2,667-5 ohms. A fine rheostat of 11 ohms in the battery circuit
covers any step of the coarse rheostat, and has a compensating resis-
tance of 7-5 ohms maximum in the galvanometer circuit. The di-op
is taken from the ends of a 500 ohm coil, which is in series with
12,000 ohms when the range switch is set on x 1. When this switch
is at X2 and x5 the total resistance between the E.JI.F. posts is
25,000 and 62,500 ohms, respectively. All of these coils, except th<-
first 500 ohms, are mounted within and well insulated from a brass
box which entirely encloses them. The negative E.M.F. terminal
post is inside of, and well insulated from, a brass sleeve which pro-
jects into the box and is soldered to it. This box is connected by a
wire to the positive E.M.F. post, and acts as a " guard wire " to pre-
vent leakage currents from flowing through the circuits of the poten-
tiometer proper. This is a very important precaution, which will bo
appreciated when we consider the high pressure (625 volts) available
for producing leakage, and the fact that the full deflection of
the galvanometer is produced by 0-00006 ampere, a current which
625 volts would send through a resistance of over 10 megohms :
while a current sufficient to give a readable deflection would flow,
under this pressure, through 3,000 megohms.
The main dial has a set of compensating coils, r^, for keeping con-
stant the resistance between the sliding contact and the 0 end of this
dial. By arranging the values of r,, j-j. and the standard cell coils so
that the resultant resistance beyond the 125 end of the dial is 300
ohms, the total resistance in the storage battery circuit being 2.800
ohms, the point of maximum resultant resistance to the galvano-
meter current will come at the setting 70. when ri is 1,400 ohms ;
the resistance at 75 will be the same as at 65, and so on. Hence
comj)ensating coils are used up to the point 70. and by the use of
cross-connections no additional coils are needed beyond this point.
A double-pole double-throw switch is u.sed to change from standard
cell to E.M.F., and a push button is i)rovided in the galvanometer
circuit. This button operates a double successive contact key
having a protective resistance of 50.000 ohms on the first contact.
The fine adjustment rheostat consists of two semi-circular coils of
insulated ^vire, the insulation being removed on the face to allow the
sliding brush to make contact. While the lowest range provided is
nominally 0 to 125 volts, the range 0 to 5 volts may be had by using
as the — E.M.F. terminal the lever of the range switch, and adding
sufficient resistance to the galvanometer circuit to make the proper
total.
While intended primarily for direct current testing, the new instru-
ment will be of assistance in testing alternating current voltmeters.
This is done by the use of a transfer instrument which is equally
correct on direct and alternating current ; the transfer instrument,
the potentiometer, and the voltmeter to be tested being connected
in parallel with each other, first on alternating, then on direct E.JI.F.
The change from alternating to direct voltage is accomplished by a
quick-acting snap switch, the circuit being broken for so short a time
that the deflection of the transfer instrument is maintained. This
results in a saving of time and the avoidance of zero errors, and is a
verv accurate and convenient method.
Dl.\GEAM SHOWING CONNECTIONS OK PoTKNTIOMKTER.
Tests of this potentiometer in comparison with a five-dial standard
potentiometer showed very small errors ; the result (using the 125
volt range) being correct to within 0-01 to 0-02 volt, when the deflec-
tion of the galvanometer is small, and within 0-04 volt at the points
of greatest error. For the higher ranges, and for the 5-volt range.
the relative errors are equally small. This result will be improved
by making a more accurate scale for the galvanometer.
Sources of Error. — The error in a measurement with the deflection
potentiometer is the algebraic sum of two distinct errors. The first
is due to the error of adjustment of the coils constituting the poten-
tiometer, considered as a null instrument, and affects the result when
the galvanometer deflection is zero, as well as for any value of the
deflection. This error is present in standard potentiometers of
every form ; but the accuracy possible in the adjustment of resis-
tance coils is such that it can be made negligibly small in comparison
with the second, namely, the error in the value of AE. as given by
the deflection of the galvanometer. The coils in the i> circuit may
not be correctly adjusted ; the fine rheostat in the battery circuit
cannot be perfectly compensated for all settings on the main dial ;
the scale of the galvanometer may be imperfectly graduated, and
changes of temperature may affect the reading of the galvanometer.
The author then investigates these errors. The method of com-
bining the fine rheostat and the compen-sating rheostat in one simple
dial may be seen diagrammatically m Fig. 3. The contact resistance
of the lower end of the slider does not enter into the resistance of the
wire .AB, and the contact resistance of the upper end is in the galva-
nometer circuit. It is possible to put the fine rheostat in other places,
but it is believed that this plan is the simplest and most satisfactory.
Method of Design. — In designing a deflection potentiometer, the
central and determining feature is the galvanometer. From the
644
THE ELECTEICIAN, FEBKUARY 5, 1909.
current I for one scale division, the number of divisions, m, it is to give
per volt of AE, and the total resistance for critical damping, which
latter is substituted as 1r, we may determine an approximate value
of f from the equation :— i;»-= 1/pmI. As the resistance for critical
damping is not sharply defined, we may modify the result somewhat,
to give p a convenient integral value. From this tentative value of
p and the maximum E.M.F. which it is desh-ed to measure, we may
find the fall of potential on AB, which is Ejp. For the fifth plan this
should be approximately a multiple of 1-7 volts, and will show how
many storage cells will be required. Having fixed the value of p,
determine Zr by substitution in above equation. Deduct 5 or 10
per cent, from 2?- for a calibrating coil, and from the remainder
deduct the resistance of the galvanometer. The rest of Sr is to be
divided between (p — l)B/p'^ and the resistance through the potentio-
meter proper, including the compensating resistance r^. This latter
makes the resistance through the potentiometer (from the point of
contact on the wire AB to the point A) constant and equal to one-
fourth of the total equivalent resistance of the circuit supplied by the
storage cells. As the E.M.F. of these cells, when freshly charged,
will be about 2-1 volts each as a maximum, this total equivalent
resistance will be approximately 2-lr,./l-7. where r„. is the resistance
of the wire AB ; hence the constant resistance through the poten-
tiometer will be approximately 2-lr„,/6-8„.. As a fu'st approximation,
divide the rest of "Zr equally between this and ()0-l)R/p'-, and
determine the values of r„. and R. It is desirable, for adjusting and
checking, that each step of r„ have an even and usual value of resist-
ance, as 20, 50, or 100 ohms ; with this in view, r„ may be chosen and
R modified to suit. R may then be given an even value, the differ
ence being taken up in the calibrating coil. It is desirable to make
R large, to reduce energy loss and consequent heating of the volt box
coils ; it is also desirable to make r„. large, as the drain on the storage
cells is thereby reduced, and slight variations in rheostat contacts
do not then exert as much influence on the current strength. Tlie
number of steps of the main dial is determined by the size and cost
of the instrument, and the minimum number by the range of the
galvanometer.
Stress has been laid upon the desirability of using a pivoted port-
able form of galvanometer, but anj' galvanometer can be used which
has a good zero and a constant that is reasonably permanent. It is
desirable, if a reflecting galvanometer is to be used, to employ a taut
suspension above and below, heavy enough to give quick working
and good zero. While the potentiometer for voltage measurements,
as here described, is best adapted to laboratory use, a simpler and
less expensive instrument would answer all requirements in central
station work. Preliminary work on the design of such an instru-
ment has been begun, as also on a deflection galvanometer for current
measurements.
KOBN'S APPARATUS F()R PHOTOGRAPHIC
TRANSMISSION.
BY LOUIS DUBOIS.
(Concluded from page 573).
Action op the Selenium Cells and the Compensatok.
The success of Dr. Kern's system of image transmission is
largely due to the series of researches which he carried out upon
the properties of selenium cells, and the result of his work in
this field marks a considerable advance in our knowledge of the
pr()))erties of selenium, especially as concerns the use of selenium
cells for cases in which tlic\- arc to icspond to a series of rapid
impulses, lie was able to devise a method for reducing the inertia
of the selenium cells,so that they will respond almost at once to
the I'apid variations of the current. This result is obtained, not
by changing the nature of the selenium cell itself, but by com-
bining two cells having different physical properties, so that
the resultant of the two cells shows a very small degree of
mertia. By an appropriate method of illuminating the two
cells, he reduces this inertia still further. The cells which he
uses in this case are of the well-known type in which two
parallel wires are wound about an insulating cylinder or plate,
and the space between the wires is filled with selenium.
The present account of Dr. Korii's work in this field has only
been published in Germany, and it will, therefore, be of interest
to present it to our readers. Some additional researches in this
direction were made by Dr. Glatzel, who is in charge of the
image transmitting station at Berlin, and to whom the writer
IS mdebted for the following account.
The inertia of the selenium cell is a property which is already
well known. When light is allowed to fall upon the cell it is
found that its resistance does not drop immediately, but that
it requires a certain time before the resistance is lowered to its
minimum value. Again, when the illumination is cut off,
the resistance rises, it is true, more rapidly than for the latter
case, but in any event this action is by no means instantaneous.
This inertia must be taken into account in practical work,
such as image transmission, and it is a great drawback to the
success of this operation. As to the exact cause of the inertia
of the cell, this depends upon the manner in which the effect oi
the light penetrates the mass, but the physical actions which
take place in this case are as yet unknown. In general, how-
ever, we may say that when the light falls upon the surface of
the cell the action begins at this jjoint, and it appears then to
spread or penetrate into the interior layers of the selenium,
finally reaching the lower part of the mass. In this way the
minimum resistance is reached only after the phenomenon has
had sufficient time to penetrate to the lower part. This idea
is borne out by actual experiment, seeing that it is an observed
fact that a cell having a thin layer of selenium wOl reach its
normal value of resistance more quickly than a cell having a
thick layer, showng that the inertia of the cell depends upon
f
10
mmi= 0-023 seconds
D
Curve I
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10
mm.= 0-023 seconds
D
Curve II
L
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\
Carve III
10
mmi=O037 seconds
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D
/
10
mmFO-037 seconds
Curve IV
l
if
Se,
D~
C
A Curve V
10
mm.= 0-037 seconds
1^~
\
I
Sez
Fig. 8. — Curves of Selenidji Cells.
the thickness of the layer. But a cell having a low inertia
and therefore placed in more favourable conditions, has the
disadvantage of possessing a high resistance, on account of the
thin layer. When we wish to lower the resistance by using a
thick layer we encounter a great inertia. Thus each of these
types of cell has its own advantage and can be .employed in
certain cases. .
An interesting series of curves which bring out the inertia of
the selenium cell, and also show in other cases the effect of the
new compensating method, have been taken by M. Glatzel,
using for the purpose an oscillograph of the Siemens-Halske
type. The first of these curves is taken with a cell having a
thin layer and a resistance of 500,000 ohms in the dark ; it
has a relatively small amount of inertia, as will be seen in
curve I. (Pig. 8). For curve II., on the contrary, a cell was
used with a thick layer of selenium having a lower resistance
(70,000 ohms in the dark), but also a high inertia. In the first
part of the curves the inertia of the two cells does not appear
to differ to any great extent, but there is a .strongly marked
difference in the last part of the curves. In all cases the point
marked L shows the moment of lighting, and the point D the
moment of darkening the cell. The first cell shows a drop in
the resistance which is relatively quick, and it soon comes back
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 5, 1909.
645
to nearly the original value, while the second cell is found to
drop quickly at first, at the moment of darkening ; but then
the curve remains at a high point, and the resistance falls very
slowlv. This change may require several minutes for some
cells, and even much longer where the cell is imperfect.
After making the above observations as to the relative inertia
of the two types of cells. Dr. Korn proceeded to develop a
method bv which he uses two selenium cells in connection with
each other, so as to form a system which compensates for the
inertia to a great degree. Such a method is of great value in
all cases where selenium cells are used, and it marks a distinct
advance. In what follows we therefore give a detailed descrip-
tion of this compensating method, especially as the arrangement
which has been used in practice by Ur. Korn for some time in
his instruments, has not been well understood hitherto. It
can, however, be very clearly explained by referring to the
curves which we give below. What is desired is a resultant
curve which rises very quickly at the start, and, when the cell
is darkened, falls equallvquickly, and if not in a vertical line.
at least approaching this condition.
The method of connecting the two cells of the combination
is shown in Fig. 9. and they are mounted with a pair of resis-
tances and a galvanometer, after the manner of a Wheatstone
bridge. Cell Sp, and Sr., are connected on one side of the
bridge, and are balanced by the resistances BC, BD, placed on
the other side. This balancing is carried out with the cells in
the dark. No current will then How in the galvanometer,
which is connected between A and B. It is desirable to have
a current flowing in the galvanometer when the cells are both
illuminated. This would not happen were the two cells of
exactlv the same nature as regards their physical properties,
for naturallv the resistances would be lowered in the same pro-
portion upon illuminating the cells, and the balance of the bridge
would hold good. No current would, thei-efore. How in the gal-
vanometer. In order to obtain such a current, the cells must
be selected, so that they act differently when they are illu-
minated, the variations being different for the same illumination.
In that case the balance of the bridge will be destroyed, and
a current will flow in the galvanometer, showing the differential
effect of the combination. The strength of this current will
naturally depend also upon the battery. The combination
is balanced with both cells in the dark by shifting the point B
in relation to the resistance CBU until there is no current in the
galvanometer. The regulation can be made more closely by
using a variable resistance. M, which is mounted in parallel
with Sc„, and the double adjustment by means of these resis-
tances mav require a succession of operations before the final
balance is secured.
The effect of the differential current from the cells is shown
in curve III., in which the ordinary curves of the two cells
of the bridge are also .shown. The curve for Se^ is placed above
the line, and the curve for Sc, below the line, in the negative
sense. The ordinates of the latter curve are smaller, as the
resistance is higher, and the resulting current is lower than lor
Sflj. At C is shown the difference between the two curves, as
jiiven by the oscillograph, this latter being the compensated
curve and showing the current which Hows in, the galvano-
meter. As will be observed, the last part of the curve now
drops to the initial value in a relatively short time, which is
about the same as is recpiired for the rise of the curve, thus
giving; a great advantage over the other curves in rapidity of
change. In the case of image transmission, where the impulses
follow each other very quickly, the straight part of the curve
becomes shorter, and, in fact, we only have to do with the rise
and fall of the curve so as to secure a more or less instantaneous
effect. The present conditions are found to be all that are
needed iti order to allow the impulses from the image to be quite
rapid, so as to give the transmission within a reasonable time.
Another fact is to be noted, this being that we are able to
secure an over or an under compensation by the above arrange-
ment. By changing the conditions of the bridge it is possible
to allow the current in the straight part of the curve to drop
with time. This will be noticed in curve, and the last part
I of the curve is changed accordingly, so that the drop in this
portion becomes even shorter. In this case the cells are said
to be over compensated, and. in fact, the curve of the latter
form is used in practice, on account of the more rapid drop
which is obtained. This over-compensation should not be
too high, however, for the best conditions.
Outside the adjustment of the bridge, the compensating
effect is secured by using cells for Kc, and Sr^ of different
inertia, and in general the cell Scj has a thin layer and high
resistance, with a corresponding small inertia, cell Sc, having
a thick layer and low resistance, with a high inertia. Both the
cells are illuminated and darkened at the same instant in all
cases, but one of the cells may be illuminated to a less degree
than the other. The proper compensation is given by a com-.
bination of the three effects — first, balance of the bridge and*
selection of resistances ; second, by the character of the cells ;
and. third. I)y the difference of illumination. It may be sup^
--0-
I
Ficj. 10. — DnTAn.s ok G.xlv.wdmei'ER.
posed that the relative time of the instant of illumination may
also have an effect upon the compensation, and we shall see
below that this is utilised to advantage in the actual apparatus.
In this case one of the curves is slightly displaced in the hori-
zontal direction with reference to the other.
Dr. Korn found that the most effective device for receiving
the impulses is a form of bifilar galvanometer, which also
illuminates the two cells. The present galvanometer, which
Dr. Korn calls the "light-relay" (lichtrelais), is arranged so
that a piece of aluminium foil on the bifilar suspension is
shifted to one side more or less, so as to cut off the beam of light.
As will be seen in Fig. 10, P P' are the poles of a strong electro-
magnet, which are shown more widely separated than in actual
use. Between the poles is mounted the moving part of the
galvanometer, consisting of the suspension WW, preferably
of platinum, stretched between two adjustable supports.
At the central part is fixed a rectangle of tliin aluminium foil.
Light from a Nernst lamp pa.sses through the lens .\, the
openings in the pole-pieces, the second lens M. the diaphragm
screen N, and falls upon the photographic film F in the form of
a point of light. The size of the aluminium screen is chosen
such that upon the maximum deflection given by the current
it will entirely uncover the surface of the lens M. but when at
rest it covers the lens completely, so that there is no light upon
the film. The current from the line is made to pass through
the parallel stretched wires,and the deflection occurs in this case
from the middle or zero point to one side, the different values
of the current giving a greater or le.ss deflection. For this
tvpe of galvanometer the deflections are not proportional to
the strength of the current, hence the instrument must be
adjusted so that the controlling force of the moving part is
646
THE ELECTKICIAN, FEBRUARY 5, 1909.
such as to give a fairly straight line law. As it is necessary
to secure a proportional effect between the current in the line
and the movement of the shadow on the lens, so as to reproduce
the tones of the original image, this adjustment is not suffi-
cient. Further correction is not difficult to obtain, however,
by the use of a proper screen for the light, having a non-uniform
opening. Such a screen is placed at R between the galvano-
meter and the lens M. Were its opening rectangular, the
conditions would not be changed, but in the present case the
opening is made to diminish at one side, so as to secure the
proportional effect. In practice the screen is made with a
right-angled sector for the opening, as seen in Fig. 11. The
proportionality is still further approached by using a graduated
.screen placed behind the diaphragm, and this can be a tinted
celluloid film, for instance, which is darker near the apex of
the triangle, and becomes lighter near the base, as indicated.
The screen is placed just over the ojiening of the lens, and is
used at present in actual practice in i)r. Korii's instruments.
The shadow of the aluminium screen is thus seen to move
across the sector from the apex to the base. It is to be re-
marked that at the transmitting end the selenium cell does not
give a current in exact proportion to the value of the image, so
that the present corrections must also be carried out with
this end in view. By using the above method the final cor-
rection is made once for all, and the instrument then gives the
proportional effect to a sufficient degree for working purposes.
On the other hand, the moving part of the galvanometer has
ii very small inertia, and this allows it to respond instantlv to
all the variations of current in the line. The normal swing of
the galvanometer takes place according to the controlling
force with a period of 0-01 to 0-02 seconds. This allows a
rapid succession of currents in the line, and the cvlinder at the
transinitting end can, therefore, be rotated at a rapid rate.
This is necessary in order to obtain transmission of a photo-
graph within a reasonable time. M. Chatenet. who ha
Fig. 12.
of the station located in the offices of L'lUuslnlinn in Paris is
TV'M'^^ Photogmphs between this point and London 'or
Beilm at the rate of 12 mmutes per transmission, and the details
are rcmaAably good. The positive film at the sending station
filmoT^.l!";/;-^ •"• '" f^^'7^^1^ '^t ^h« receiver a^smaller
nlm ot 2 J m. x 1 m. is employed.
The use of the compensating selenium method, which we
have already explamed in theory, is carried out in the more
recent mstruments in a practical manner by the use o an
ingemous device allowing the compensating eel to be pi ced
wi "a rtrfi"'^''f '"" ''""^ ^"^'^ ^'^'^ fi-* seleniuiiice ?
whereas in the firs instruments constructed bv Dr. Korn it was
P aced at the receiving end. The use of the present metho'
of compensating has added greatly to the succeL of t^^e in m
r s 1 n^'r'*"'^ ^""t- The arrangement of the differe it
parts will be seen in Fig. 12. The transmittino- cell "r i"-
ceives the light from the Neriist lamp F through the lens G.
the light also passing through the photographic film. In the
circuit is connected the galvanometer P, which allows light from
a lamp, L. and lenses \ and M to fall upon the compensating
selenium cell S,. This cell is mounted in the same apparatus
as Spj. At the other end of the line is mounted the galvano-
meter P' of the receiving apparatus, and it allows light from
the lamp L' to fall upon the revolving sensitive film Q by way
of the lenses A' M' and 0 and the screen N. The whole appa-
ratus is connected upon the Wheatstone bridge principle, as
we have already noted, using the two batteries B and B'. In
practice a storage battery is employed for this purpose. By
this arrangement the illumination of the compensating cell Se,
is carried out independently of the cell Se^- The moment of
illumination is nearly the same, but there is a very slight
difference between the two, which is foimd to be an advantage.
Thus the compensating cell can be illuminated by the action of
the galvanometer P. When the cell Spj is illuminated, the
bridge balance is destroyed, and a current flows through the
galvanometer P, causing the cell Se, to receive a certain amount
of light depending upon the illumination of Se^. It will be noted
that the moment of illuminating Se.j is not exactly the same as
that of S], seeing that the inertia of the galvanometer P gives
a slight lag for the latter. This inertia is very small, however,
and. in fact, this property has the effect of malcing the combina-
tion work to better advantage than if both cells were illu-
minated at exactly the same time. The curves Y. (Fig. 8^
show this action. The top curve is for Scj and the bottom
curve in the negative sense is the corresponding curve for Se.^.
The instant of illumination of Se, occurs at L, while that of Scg
L,--a -
Fig. 13.
occurs somewhat later at L'. By taking the resultant of
these two curves we have the curve C, and it will be noticed
that it has a remarkably good rise and fall, these actions being
almost in.stantaneous. 8uch a curve gives a compensation
which is even better than in the curves we have already shown,
where both cells were illuminated at exactly the same time.
The result of such a rapid rise and fall in the curve is that the
instrument will now respond to rapid variations and small
details of the illuminated image, which with the previous
method would be lost, and the resulting image shows a con-
siderable gain in photographic detail. Owing to the fact
that the compensating cell can now be placed at the trans-
mitting end, the operator has a very good check upon the
apparatus, and is also able to make the needed adjustments
at the start in the best possible manner. In fact, bv observing
the compensating cell and the shadow of the galvanometer,
the shadow is seen to follow all the variations of the image,
and these changes are exactly the same as those taking place
ill the receiver at the distant end, so that the operator can
virtually see both stations at the same time.
In the actual apparatus, each station contains a transmitter
and receiver mounted side by side. WTien station A is sending
an image, the receiver of this station is, of course, not in opera-
tion. Hence the galvanometer of the receiver can be used to
take the place of galvanometer P in the above diagram. The
light from the galvanometer, instead of being sent upon the
receiver cylinder, is now directed upon the compensating cell,
which is mounted in another part of the apparatus. By
shifting a reflecting prism this action is easily carried out,
and when station A wishes to receive an image the compeirsa-
THE ELECTRICIAN. FEBRUARY 5, 1909,
G47
tor is thrown out of action. Station B now uses the trans-
mitter and compensator in like manner.
For working the compensating cell properly a good method
of diffusing the light upon its surface must be found. This is
carried out as shown in Fig. 13. The cell is placed at the back
part'of a chamber which can receive the light from the galvano- I
meter by the lens R. At the top and bottom of the chamber
are the mirrors MM, and the front of the chamber is closed by
a set of parallel glass rods. G, which act as cylindrical lenses.
The shadow of the galvanometer screen more or less covers
the whole surface of G, depending on the current. In the
ordinary case the cell would not, therefore, be equally illu-
minated over its entire surface, whereas general illumination
is desirable. The combination of rods and mirrors gives a good
diffusion of the light over the whole surface of the cell, regard-
less of the position of the shadow upon the glass rods, this
light being strong or weak according to the movement of the
shadow.
ELECTRIC TRACTION ON RAILWAYS.*
XII. ROLLING STOCK.
BY PHILIP DAWSON.
(Continued from pac/e 41 i.)
Siimmari/ — The author first considers rolling stock as being divided
into that for (1) mxin line, (2! suburban line and (3) metropolitan
traffic ; then suggesting; a classification depending on the arrangement
of the doors. After considering the conditions which influence the
design of rolling stock he discusses the influence of design on the
construction, and fijially adopts the classification of all- wood and all-
steel cars.
The moment side-door construction is adopted, the pos-
sibility of utilising the sides of the carriages to form a
truss disappears, unless very
heavy expenditure is incurred
by strongly binding the bottom
and top bars to the vertical door
posts. It may be possible to do
this in the case where only one
centre door is used, and indeed
in the case of express rolling stock
on the Prussian State Railways
this is frecjuently clone.
In the case of the Lancashire
& Yorkshire Railway the motor
cars are reserved for third class
passengers {see Fig. 5) and the
trailer cars for first class passen-
gers ; the cars hold 69 and liii
passengers respectively. Both
cars have the majority of seats
arranged across the car, with a
longitudinal passage running
down the middle of the car. The
seats at either end nearest th<'
door are arranged longitudinally,
so as to interfere as little as pos-
sible with the entrance and exit
of passengers.
In the case of the District
Railway a somewhat different ' '
arrangement is used, as shown in Fig. li. The cars are
provided with extra doers in the middle of theii- length, as
well as ordinary doors at the ends, and passengers are sup-
posed to be only i^ermitted to pass in one direction through
these doors, thus avoiding the intermingling of entering and
leaving passengers.
• Gopyrigbt. All rights of reprodactioa are reseived.
The Illinois Central Railway have for their suburban
service adopted a coach which in many w-ays resembles that
used in Europe. The coaches are provided with cross seats,
with a longitudinal corridor to permit of even distribution
of the passengers. Side doors aie used to render the ]>ro-
cess of loading and unloading as speedy as possible, there
being as many doors on each side as there are compart-
ments in the coach. The doors are not of the old swinging
type used on steam lines but are of the sliding type, and are
operated by hand. One man can lock and unlock, open
and clo.se aU the doors of one coach simultaneously. If
desired, he need not open the doors after mdocking them,
but leave this to be done by the passengers themselves. By
the above means the doors can all be closed simultaneoiLsIy
before the train starts, and are not unlocked initil the train
stops again, hence there is no chance of anyone boarding
or leaving the car whilst in motion. For sliding doois the
advantage is claimed of being safer than swinging doors, as
in the event of any of them not being projierly locked, they
do not fly open if a pa.ssengci- leans against them, as would
be the case with swinging doors.
Fig. 7 shows the cro.ss .seats aiul interior of this car. There
is no risk of injury to pa.s.sengers during the closing of the
doors, since, though the motion is rapid at first, the final
closing is slow and safe. Also, as the doors slide into the
walls of the car, they are opened without occupying any
additional room, and with the complete absence of risks
either to pa.ssengers in the train or on the platform.
In connection with the design of carriages it is interest-
ing to note that at the time of the Chicago World's Fair the
Illinois Central Railroad Co. built a large number of
: I.AM ASiinti-; & VoKusiiuu; Thikli Class Kmi.wvv Coach.
railway coaches with side entrances, some of them double,
and by this means they found it possible to load and unload
carriages seating 100 "pa.ssengers each in 10 seconds, and on
one occasion five trains, each carrying 1,000 passengers,
were unloaded on the same platform within four minutes.
The total number of passengers carried in the day on which
this record was made was •'309,0:)0.
648
THE ELECTRICIAN. FEBRUARY 5, 1909.
One advantage of the Illinois Central car is that it pre-
vent>^ the passengers who cannot find seats from standing
together in one large and dense mass. This is a thing to be
avoided where high rates of acceleration are employed,
because where people are standing in a close dense mass,
with nothing to steady themselves with except straps sus-
pended from the roof" of the car, they cannot easily resist
the lunging effect of starting and stopping, and consequent
swaying mav cause great discomfort. With the Ilhnois
Central' as well as with the arrangement adopted by the
Brighton Railway, it is practically possible for each
passenger individually to brace himself up against a rigid
The differences in time recpiired for stoppages according
to the type of car constructed and the number of people
which have to be taken up and unloaded, are clearly shown
in Table VII.. which of course can only be considered
approximate, but which gives a fair idea in the case where
large crowds have to be handled, and demonstrates the
advantages possessed in this respect by the side-door car-
riages. Table VIII. gives further information on this
important point, and is from experiments which were
recently conducted by Mr. Bion J. Arnold in connection
-syith investigations he made on behalf of the New York
Interborough Co.
support of medium height. The arrangement also tends to
keep the entrances and exits clear of passengers, which is a
great advantage.
It is of great importance for high rates of acceleration
as well as for speeds that the cars should be very strongly
built, not only with respect to the flooring, but also
as to the walls and roof, since' in the event of derail-
ment or any similar accident, the consequences to the
passengers depend very largely on the rigidity of the car.
An accident which, with a strong and rigid car, would do
little mare than give the passengers a somewhat severe
jolting, might result in the complete demolishment of a
lightly built car. At the same time, in designing electrical
coaches, it must be borne in mind that nothing like the
stresses due to buffing will be experienced that have to be
met with in steam practice, when at the end of each journey
a heavy locomotive backs into and buffs the train.
Table VII. — Time leqiiircd jm stop with vatious type of car, and varyn.y
mmiber of jxisseiu/eis entering and leavimj car.
Approx. time of stop recjuired in .seconds.
Number nt" passengers
enterinL' aivd leaviiij.',
]u-r ,•„:
^[ctropiilitan
car. tvv.. end
d,.ors.
District car,
twoenddiuirs
and centre
door.
Side door car
L.B. & S.f.
Ry. new ty)ie
10
10
18
30
3.->
40
4r>
:lO
liO
8
15
20
24
28
31
3.-.
38
40
44
48
4
20
30
40
r,o
liO
70
80 ....
oil ..
loo
13
14
no
120
Having thus generally considered the points which have
to be investigated before deciding on any particular type
of car, we can now proceed to consider materials of which
cars are, or should be, manufactured, and to investigate a
little more in detail some of the numerous points of con-
stiuction which enter into the design of an electric railway
coach.
Fu;. 7.- — Intkkk.
,TK.M, r,Aii.»A\ r
So far we have discussed different cars from points of
view more or less of their inside arrangement as well as the
special arrangements which exist as regard doors. A\ e
can now again classify all these different- types into two
oreat classes according to the materials used in theii- cnu-
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 5, 190'J.
649
rjJVK/itmmmr
structioii, namely, what may be called
all-wood cars and all-steel cars. The
latter type has practically been created
by the tube traffic and underground
electric lines and the horrible results due
to fire on a Metropolitan train in Paris,
which are probably still in the memory
of all. as well as the very serious accident
whicli happened in the tunnel end of
the Liverpool Overhead Railway .some
years back. The primary result of such
accidents was an attempt to use cars
made with what is called non-inflam-
mable wood. There are various processes
known to render wood more or less non-
inflammable ; but time and experience
have shown that up to date no satis-
factory method has been found to
render wood from all points non^
inflammable satisfactory for car work.
Most processes only render the wood
less inflammable ; or if it is sufficiently
thorough and produces non-inflam-
mability, it denaturalises the wood and
takes a great deal of its resiliauce out
of it, and causes nearly all metal screws
and other metal attachments which
are fixed into the wood to corrode
rapidly away, with the results that
where entirely non-inflammable coaches
are required, all steel coaches are now
generally adopted, non-inflammable
wood having so far proved entirely
unsatisfactory.
xVU-steel has many advantages, par-
ticularly with coaches with end doors,
for it enables the side frames to be built
up like plate girders, and this con-
siderably relieves the stress which has to
be borne by the underframe. These
advantages disappear to a great extent
when side door coaches are considered.
Steel panels are suppo,sed to have the
disadvantage that they easily show
dents, but at the same time this does
not appear to be a serious objection,
and it nuist be remembered that a large
proportion of Continental trains, particu-
larly in ( Jermany,are co'istructed of steel.
Where all-steel cars are u.sed, it is also
of course essential that the flooring
should be absolutely fireproof, and this
is frequentlv obtained by utilising for
flooring corrugated galvanised sheet iron
laid across the longitudinal sills and
secured by rivets. This corrugated
sheet holds the fii'e-proof cement flooring,
one much used going l)v the name of
■■ Monolith." Platform floors arc fre-
t|uentlvmade of steel plate covered with
rubber matting cemented to the same
Where an electric service mostly run-
ning in the open air has to be considered,
such as arises in connection with the
electrification of suburban lines of our
railways, the question of absolutely fire-
proof cars is not of the same importance.
650
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 5, 1909.
although it is advisabk-- to arrange a certain amount of fiie-
proofing in such a way as to prevent the ordinary possible
short-circuits causing a train to catch foe, and in this con-
nection it may be here incidentally remarked that in con-
sequence of the much smaller currents required to operate
single-phase trains, owing to the high pressure at which the
current is supplied to the train, possible short-circuits are
less likely to cause dangerous fires than in the case of con-
tinuous current systems, taking thousands of amperes
where alternating current systems only take hundreds
This point will again be referred to in a futuie article when
the question of car wiring is discussed.
Continuing what has been pre^dously stated, both as
regards design of coach and construction, the illustration
Fig. 8 represents one of the first-class trailers designed by
the author for the L.B. & S.C. Railway, in conjunction with
the locomotive superintendent of that Wne, and this gives a
very good idea of the framework and general construction
of the body and also shows the type of side-door coach with
side-door passages specially adopted by this line and which
has already been mentioned in a previous portion of this
article. It will be observed by looking at this drawing,
which is a working drawing, that the whole of the coach
roof, sides and imderneath the floor are covered w'th
aluminium. It was originally proposed to use steel con-
struction foi- the side panels of the coaches, but in view of
the existing practice of the railway company, it was thought
advisable to use wood panels and, for electrical reasons
referred to later, the whole carriage was metallically covered.
T he aluminium covering for the whole coach was advisable
in view of lightness and for the underneath of the flooring
for electrical reasons.
It has already been stated that in many cases steel floors
covered with fireproof cement have been used in car con-
struction, particularly those for underground lines ; in the
case of the Brighton line it was not thought advisable, as
such construction might result in noisy and hard riding
cars, and it was therefore decided to use the floors which
are illustrated in the drawing, consisting of two layers of
diagonal wooden tongued boards, spaces between these floors
being filled with non-inflammable insulating material as light
as possible, the under side of the flooring being covered with
fireproof material, this in its turn, in order to protect it,
being covered in the present case with aluminium ; in the
case of the floor, the reason for the sub,stituti()n of aluminium
for steel was entiiely an electrical one and due to the adop-
tion of alternating current, but this will be referred to at a
future date when the question of car wiring is under dis-
cussion,
(To be continued.)
IMPROVEMENTS IN AND UPKEEP OF THE
BRAKING EQUIPMENT ON TRAMCARS.*
BY P. .SCHOLTlis.
(v)\iitc :\]mr{ I'tom (In- Iminwements wliicli have been introduced
since tlie l;isl mcetinf; tlie que,stion of l.iake.'s .-<lu>uld continue to
■ ■ngajte attention, for the life and liealtli of numerous passenger.s.
n» well as the maintenance in working condition of an im|)ortant part
of the rollmg stock are intimately connected with tlie suhjcct Xot
only the engineer, but also the general jMiblic have a primordial
interest in all inventions tending to improve brakes
The questionnaire sent out was prepared by a partisan of air
bj^akes in conjunction with a partisan of electric brakes. Tliis
* Translation of a report, -somewhat abbreviated, by .M. .Soholtes
W tho"i"'nr', ^['""^'^-y!' ^'\ Nuremberg. Furth, on the replies received
'I„t^r,-.t 1 ■ ■'"'"r'' ' ''" Tramways and de Chemius de Fer
n lutcrtt local in answer to the questionnaire sent out to members This
xvas presented at the bi-ennia) (l-JOS)' meeting at Munich.
questionnaire enume-rated 19 types of brake, and although tills would
have been thought to form a complete list, the following brakes
which were not mentioned a])ijear to be in use. These are the lever
brake used in Geneva, a brake working on wooden sleepers used at
Havre, and the wedge brake used at Hern-Recklinghausen and the
mechanical slipper brake used at Sheffield. This last is not placed
by the member in any particular class, and no description is given.
On the other hand, no mention is made of certain of ttc brakes
enumerated, and it must therefore be concluded that these were
only put into experimental service. On the 84 undertakings tliat
have replied to the questionnaire, 21 different types of brake are in
use, thus showing the great diversity in the methods proposed for
obtaining good braking. The aggregate number of cars in use on the
84 systems under notice is 13,628 motor cars and 7,994 trailers.
Thirty-four per cent, of the motor cars are equipped with hand brakes,
52 per cent, with both hand and electric brakes and 14 per cent,
with air brakes. Of the trailers 62 per cent, have hand brakes, 23
per cent, electric brakes and 15 per cent, air brakes. The above
proportions vary a good deal when the type of brake used as service
brake is considered. From the answers sent in to former juestion-
naires on this subject the general opinion seems to be that every
brake fitted on either motor car or trailer should be considered as a
service brake. This point of view, is not, liowever, confirm :d by the
present data. Numerous undertakings possessing an electric brake
only use it when the car is descending long slopes or when trailers
are attached. Under all other conditions they use the hand brake,
stating that this method does not fatigue the motorman. This may
be so when, as is generally the case, there is only one truiler, but
when there are two trailers, as occurs on 35 undertakings, it is quite
diflferent. The difficulties become greater if three trailers are used,
as they are on three systems. One undertaking, Carlsruhe, uses
five trailers without possessing brakes other than those of the hand
and electric types. The air brake is employed exclusively on seven
systems, the electric brake is used as the service brake on seven
systems, while some of the ears on nine undertakings are equipped
with an air brake.
The working speed on these systems varies from 7 to 18 km. (4^
to 11 J miles) per hour, though in the great majority of cases it falls
between 10 and 13 km. (6j to 8| miles) per hour. In order to study
the effect of ditTerent braking systems the companies affiliated to
the Union Internationale have been invited to make comiiarative
tests, having for their object the determination of the diflferences in
the braking obtained with the electric and the air brake respectively.
The results which have been received from five undertakings con-
firm those obtained jjreviously, and indicate the superiority of
electric over air brakes. Special attention is drawn to the tests
carried out in Hanover. At the meeting in Paris, when the brake
question was being discussed, the rule known as the " three twenties"
was considered too severe and only possible under quite favourable
circumstances. This " three twenty " rule states that w-ithout the
help of brakes on the trailers the car should be capable of stoppage
in 20 m. when running at 20 km. per hour down a slope of 20 mm.
in a metre. From actual tests it appears that to-day this rule is
quite realisable.
The electrical brake is often reproached with causing a )iiejudicial
heating of the motors. But this does not seem to be confirmed by
the tests carried out by 15 undertakings. In four of these a rise of
between 10 and 24 deg. was found ; in six others it was between
5 and 10 deg.. while in five it did not exceed 5 deg. Answers
received to a question on the subject show that the fear that electric
braking damages the commutators and thus leads to heavy upkeep
expenses is not well founded. There is also no general rule as to
polishing commutator.'^. In some cases this is done every day, while
in othcisit is performed at periods varying from 2 to 180 days. It is
the same with regard to turning. This is sometimes done after
li.OdO km. (.'(,750 miles) have been run, and varies from this figure to
above 100,000 km. (62,500 miles). The brilliant appearance of freshly
jjolished commutators is but an illusory improvement. Polishing
alone does not suppress sparking, and may increase the chattering
of the brushes. In the majority of cases, this is caviscd by the mica,
which is harder than copper, jutting out. Tinning them removes
a ])orlion of the cojiper, while the mica which comprises 15 per cent.
of llic whole commutator is not touched. No improvement can be
obtained except by in some way removing the mica so that its
surface is slightly below that of copper. The results obtained by
this metliod are quite astonishing. Chattering stops complrtely,
and the commutators have a purely metallic surface. It is evident
that this method not only increa.ses the life of the commutators but
also that of the brushes. At Nuremberg the brushes used to be
adjusted and the commutators cleaned every day, but after adopt-
ing the above method this was only necessary every thre^ or four
months, corresponding to a car mileage of 50,000 km. (31,250 miles).
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 5, 1909.
651
This method of commutator upkeep is of especial importance when
electric brakes are used.
Matters are. liowever, different when the gearing is considered.
Where electric braking is used it is evident that the wheels are sub-
mitted to greater stresses than would otherwise be the case. It is
curious to notice that it is the small undertakings on which the
greatest gearing wear is found, while it is on those undertakings which
employ electric brakes that the life of the gearing appears to be the
longest. The gearing on those undertakings possessing air-brakes
does not appear to have a ])articularly long life. It is. therefore,
impossible to deduce from this data anything in favour of one or
other of these systems. The life of the gearing varies very much.
It would be interesting to discover the causes of these differences and
whether the quality of the lubrication lias any considerable influence
on this matter. Oil lubrication is employed on 19 per cent, of the
undertakings and grease lubrication by 66 per cent., whilst 15 per
cent, employ the material known as " Ironsides." This substance
appears to increase the life of the gearing to a considerable extent.
The question of tyre life is as interesting as that of the gearing.
This life appears to vary from 20,000 to 300,000 km. (62.500 to 187.500
miles) on both motor cars and trailers, though the majority in the
first case vary between 61,000 and 100,000 km. (38,125 and 62,500
miles) and in the second ca.se this is slightly higher. Of those under-
takings who.se tyres show a life up to 150,000 km. (93,750 miles), 16
employ the air brake and only six the electric brake. It is curious
to notice that the tyre life is relatively short on undertakings employ-
ing air brakes, though it is possible that other factors enter into this
question, such as the quality of the steel and hardness of brake shoes.
The ijucstioniiaire also considered the causes of faults in brakes.
It is certain that notiiing in this world is .sufficiently perfect to be
wholly without faults, but under the circumstances stress shcnild be
laid on examining those which occur most often with a view to
determining whether they have an intimate connection witli the
braking system. With this restriction we may eliminate all faults
.sent in as exceptional. It should not be forgotten that many causes
that come to light may have been invented on the spur of the
moment by the motormen to shield themselves. It would be interest-
ing to have the opinion of members on this subject. Non-excita-
tion of the motor is given by tlie majority of undertakings, as is bad
contact in the controllers and connection boxes. Most of the
undertakings have not noticed faults arising from dirty commuta-
tors. It is, however, otherwise as regards the production of arcing
at the commutator and faults arising from the motors and conductors.
More than half the undertakings having air braking have noticed
faults arising from the freezing or sticking of the brake valve. Other
faults, such as the freezing of the brake pistons, breakage of the
connecting pipes, defects in the regulator are only mentioned by a
minority of the undertakings. There appears to be no satisfactory
protection against the effects of frost, but tramwa3^s may console
themselves with the thought that the same trouble occurs on rail-
ways.
It is interesting to study the different improvements proposed by
the various undertakings and to notice that those possessing air
brakes have given fuller answers than the others.
As regards the question of expense the results obtained can only
be considered as meagre. No comparison is possible on account of
the different methods of costing. The reporter is. therefore, obliged
to refer to tlie report presented by him at the Milan Congress. In
this report he gave as the annual cost of upkeep £-1. 7s. for hand
brakes, £2. 17s. for electric brakes, and £4. 8s. for air brakes. The
last figures, however, do not include the cost of compressing the air.
These expenses represent the mean values, though those for hand
brakes are considered too low and may be increased to £7, a sum
which includes the renewal of the brake shoes.
The same heterogeneity that has been noticed witli re;4aid to I he
upkeep of commutators again appears in the case of brakes. The
mileage between two inspections varies from 450 to 30,000 km.
(282 to 18,750 miles) ; the care of the personnel should have a con-
siderable influence on these figures.
The method of adjusting brake shoes by the use of gauge pieces
obtains on nearly all undertakings. This, when the design of the
arrangement is good, seems to be sufficient. It is certain, however,
that the exact regulation of the brake shoes is of capital importance
in tramway work, and that all apparatus or labour facilitating this
adjustment deserves partici-ilar notice. In this connection attention
may be drawn to the Chaument gauge as used on the Brussels tram-
ways. This arrangement has also been employed with success at
Berlin and Munich.
The sanding of the rails greatly reduces the danger zone of the
cars, and this question .should be closely studied. When electric
traction was first started the motorman was content to throw sand
on the rails either by hand or with a shovel. Later on thecars were
fitted with sanding equipment worked by hand or foot. In recent
years automatic apparatus has been introduced whereby the sander
is brought into action directly the emergency brake is applied. The
fiist of these methods was naturally very primitive, and had manv
disadvantages, as the sand fell at a great distance from the wheels
and, when on curves, at the side of the rails. With considerable
justice several members, in replying to the questionnaire, have
called attention to the great importance of rail sanding. It is, how-
ever, surprising that so few undertakings are satisfied with their
sanding arrangements, when there is in existence at the present time
apparatus giving good results. The good operation of this equip-
ment depends above all on the employment of well-dried and sifted
sand. It should not be lost sight of that when sanding equipment
is hand operated the motorman can only with difficulty operate his
controller and brake handles. For this reason preference .'hould be
given to " foot-worked " arrangements. Of the undertakings that
have answered, 65 per cent, have hand, 30 per cent, foot and 5 per
cent, mechanically-worked .sanding equipment.
Sanding both rails evidently gives better results tl an sanding one
rail alone. This superiority is confirmed by the fact that on ■ ■ nder-
taking where only one rail is sanded has recently altered its cars so
that both rails may be sanded. Forty per cent, of the members
an.swering the questionnaire sand both rails.
As regards the question as to which .system of brakes would be
given the preference if new cars were to be equipped, the answers
should be of assistance to undertakings proposing to use new rolling
stock. Of 66 undertakings 39 are in favour of hand brake.-*, 13 of
electric brakes and 13 of air brakes. One undertaking (Leipzig) is
willing to continue its system of combined hand and ribbon brake.
It is curious to notice that at Riga, where air brakes are used, they
are undecided whether they will continue their employment. From
replies received it appears that the majority of undertakings are
satisfied with the hand brake alone, and only use a mechanical brake
in special cases. When they do so thej' prefer the electric brake.
Among the special cases which require the use of mechanical brakes.
the descent of long slopes, the use of trailers and the presence of
danger may be cited. The mechanical brake, which should be
employed in these special cases, should be considered as a brake of
the first degree and the air brake is then the most complete. In
former reports we have stated, and have not been contradicted, that
in the case of heavy cars with more than two trailers and working at
high speeds, the use of an air brake cannot be avoided. But as an
intermediate brake between the air and hand brake there is the
electric brake, which may be advantageously employed as a service
brake in all cases where the hand brake is not sufficient and where
the conditions which make an air brake necessary are not present.
The reporter puts forward the following conclusions : In choosing
a system of brakes all the peculiar circumstances of the service
should be taken into consideration. The employment of each of
the three systems, hand, electric or air brake, may be justified.
Braking should not be done in jerks. The car equipment should
comprise two quite independent systems of brakes. The brake used
regularly should not cause excessive fatigue to the motorman.
When, on account of the weight of the cars, or the employment of
trailers, the hand brake cannot be used as the service brake, a
mechanical brake should be employed for this purpose and should
preferably lie worked electrically. If the use of an electric brake as
service brake gives rise to inconveniences, resulting from the choice
of too small a motor, from too generous a graduation in the resis-
tiinces and controllers it would be advantageous to employ an air
brake. This latter systtmi becomes indispensable when the cars
are heavy, run at high speeds or when more tlian two trailers are
employed.
Hydro Electric Power in Michigan. — Acconling to "The
Times" Engineering Supplement, a hydru-electric power statioii,
capable of producing 7,200 kw., has recently been installed
on the St. Joseph River at Berrien Springs, Michigan. The
energy thus obtainfd is used for "bulk supply," and two steam
stations with a capacity of 1,500 H.P. and 3,."iG0h.i\ are used
as auxiliaries. The dam is constructed of concrete, flanked at
both ends by an earthen embankment, and in the centre of
it is a spillway, 149 ft. long, to pass floating debris and ice.
At one end of the spillway is the generator house and
penstock stction, 261ft. long over all, the generator house
being part of the waterstop. " The generator house measures
64 ft. by 112 ft., and is provided with accommodation for four
1,800 kw. Westinghouse generators, supplying at 2,300 volts,
60 cycles, when running at 150 revs, per min. Each of these
ceneriitors is driven by a set of four pairs of 45 in. Leflfel
wheels, which work under a uoimal head of 20 ft.
e2
652
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 5, 1909.
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With " The Electrician " for Sept. 14, 1906, was issued the first of a
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BUBCTRICITT SUPPLT TABLES AND DATA.
The first of the valuable Series of comprehensive Tables of
Statistical and Engineering Data relating to Electricity Supply
Undertakings of the United Kingdom for Ughting. Power and
Traction was published (Gratis) with the issue of " The Electrician "
for January 1st. This Supplement dealt with Electric Power
Undertakings, and was accompanied by sketch maps of each of the
areas covered by the powers acquired by the respective Companies
corrected to date. The second Table, giving complete Engineering
Data of the Electric Railways and Tramways of the United King-
dom, was published (Gratis) with " The Electrician " for January 15
the third, giving details of Electricity Supply Undertakings without
Tramway Load, was issued i Gratis) on January 22 ; the fourth,
dealing with Electricity Supply Undertakings with Combined Light-
ing and Traction Load, and with Towns taking Electricity Supply in
Bulk, was published (Gratis) on January 29. On February 19 will
be issued iGratisi a Complete Index to the above.
Tables VII. and VIII., giving details of Electricity 'Works and
Electric Tramways and Railways in the Colonies and some Im-
portant places abroad will be issued (Gratis; on February 12.
STATISTICS AND MOTOR LOADS.
Of recent years the average person has l>een somewhat
chary of accepting arguments based on statistics, ami in
tloing so he is probably iiifluenceii by previous experience,
which has taught him that any conclusions arrived at
must be accepted with caution. Statistics, nevertheless,
undoubtedly serve a useful purpose, particularly when
they are, for example, of the character represented by our
annual Tables of Electric Supply and Traction Under-
takings. Ill the case of electricity supply such tables
primarily provide in a convenient form the essential details
concerning the generation and distribution of electricity by
the various undertakings. Although such information
may not prove of much importance to the larger con-
cerns, it is of considerable value to the majority of
smaller concerus, which are guided to some extent by tlie
development of the larger undertakings ; whilst to manu-
facturers and most electrical engineers such information is,
at times, almost indispensable. It is interesting to observe,
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 5. 1909.
653
however, that such information is occasionally utilised in
an unexpected manner. For instance, one of the large
power companies has been obliged to withhold all par-
ticulars concerning their consumers, since they find that
such inforniation is used by persons interested in the sale
of suction gas plants.
One of the most striking features revealed by a careful
study of The Electkician tables is the great increase in
the number of motors supplied from the mains of botli
large and small undertakings. The total hoise-power
of motors recorded in the present series of electricity
supply tables is approximately i55,000, comprising about
240,000 H.i'. in Table I. (works with no tramway load),
15,000 n.r. in Table Ia. (towns taking supply " in bulk"),
and 200,000 h.p. in Table 11. (works supplying both light-
ing and tramways). An idea of the rapid development of
,the motor load during the last year or two may be gathered
from the fact that four years ago — that is in the tables
issued in January, 1905 — the total horse-power of motors
recorded was approximately only 169,000 (allowance being
made for a few entries not complete). It must be remem-
bered also that these figures are exclusive of Table III.,
which comprises the power companies, the total connections
to whose mains are at present about 190,000 h.p., as com-
pared with approximately 44,000 h.p. four years ago.
It will thus be seen that themotorload has increased nearly
threefold within a space of only four years, and as the rate
of increase shows no signs of diminution it is evident that
the next few years will see even greater developments,
although probably these will not be so apparent when con-
sidered as a percentage. The figures given only refer to
motors taking current from a public supply, but althougii
it is, of course, impossible to obtain particulars of all the
private installations, we believe that the adoption of elec-
tric motors in such cases is taking place almost as rajjidly,
and there is little doubt that the electric motor is destined
gradually to displace all other forms of driving wherever
circumstances permit.
The great progress made in this direction duruig the last
few years is the more gratifying since it was not altogether
anticipated. About four years ago considerable interest
was aroused in this connection by a I'aper read by Mr.
A. M. Taylou, before the Birmingham Local .Section of the
Institution of Electrical Engineers, an evening being also
devoted to the discussion of the Paper in Loudon. At that
time we mentioned that the authur appeared to be rather
despondent about the development of the motorload; indeed,
he considered that it was not safe to offer current for motor
supply for day use at anything below Id. per unit, except
under considei-able restrictions; but the general opinion
was against the author's conclusions. Diversity factor
plays no small part in this question, and we may instance
the case of .Sheffield, which city, moreover, is by no means
free from fogs. With 11,000 h.p. of motors, and total con-
nections amounting to 20,000 kw., the maximum load rt^-
corded will be seen from our tables to be only 6,600 kw.,
whilst the load curve reproduced in our issue of Decem-
ber 18th last, in connection with a foggy day at Sheffield in
the same month, showed a maximum load of only 5,432 kw. ;
and this experience is typical of that in other towns.
Electric tramways and light railways have also of recent
years provided an extensive field for the adoption of the
electric motor, as is ajjparent from the fact that approxi-
mately 11,500 tramcars were recorded in our recent tables
of electric traction undertakings. This would indicate that
some 600,000 h.p. of motors has been installed on the cars
in the United Kingdom, but this figure is not likely to
show much increase in the immediate future.
Tlie development of the motor load, to wliich we have
referred above, ha.s in many cases necessitated — or, perhaps,
is a result of — extensive preparations for its supply. In
this connection it is interesting and instructive to observe
the methods adopted. Not many years ago a continuous cur-
rent supply was considered a sine qua non for the encourage-
ment of power tisers, but a three-phase supply is now very
generally adopted where the power has to bo transmitted
over considerable distances, the higli-tension plant being
often installed in existing generating stations, altiiough in
some cases a new station on modern lines is laid down. It
is worth noting, however, that many undertaking!;, in-
cluding CJlasgow, iustal motor-generators in sub-.stations
and transform the three-phase supply to coutiimous cur-
rent for distribution purposes. Also a single-phase alter-
nating current supply is now by no means the serious
handicap it ouce was, but it will be noticed that most
undertakings prefer tn instal two or three-phase plant for
encouraging a motor load.
In general it may be said that an analysis of the tables
shows that the future of electricity supply is distinctly
encouraging, and the majority of central station engineers
are doing much to remove any ground for criticism as to
the eomnuucial development of their undertakings.
REVIEWS.
Copies of the uudermeutioned works can be had from Tht Electrician Office, post free
on receipt of published price, adding 3d. for books publisiied imder 2s. Add 10 pur
cent, for abroad or for foreign books.)
Die Selbsttatige Regulierung der ElektrischenGeneratoren. By
III-. F. N.vr.iLi.-;. 'BiuiiMvink : Fr. Viewt-n -t Son.} Pp. viii.— 112.
M.4.
This book deals with automatic legulators for electric gene-
rators. The main substance of the work is an extension of
the author's thesis for his " Doktorarboit." so that it is almost
superHiious to add that the work is almost entirely original
throughout, and will provide most readers with .something
(|uite refreshing. As Dr. Natalis justly observes in the pre-
face, the book fills a distinct gap in the literature of electrical
technology.
It will be readily admitted that the automatic regulation of
the pressure of electric generatois is one of the most difficult
problems— both theoretical and practical -in electrical engi-
neering, and although several more or less satisfactory solutions
of the problem already exist on the market, there are com-
paratively few instances where the method of working is pro-
perly understood in all its aspects.
The present book is divided into two parts. In the first
part, sloiv-acliMj i-egulators arc dealt with, whilst the latter
part is devoted to quirk-act iri'j rctjulntors.
In his treatment of slow-dctimj regulators, the author com-
mences by showing clearly and in precise mathematical
language, borne out by numerous oscillographic records, the
principles on which these must operate and the laws which
govern their action. This is followed by a description of
various types of slow-acting regulators. These are classified
as (a) operated by electromagnetic couplbg, (6) operated by
an escapement device, (c) operated by an auxiliary motor,
and (d) direct-acting regulators.
654
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 5, 1909.
Wlittii slow-acting remilators— which usually require 5 to
10 seconds to complete an operation— are unable to respond
satisfactorily to the varying conditions of the load, it becomes
necessary to instal a quick-actiwj regulator, which completes
its operation in a fraction of a second. Conseciuently the
second half of the book is taken up with a description of the
various automatic regulators of the quick-acting type, and
here again theory is supported by experiment.
.\lthough not every regulator on the market may l)e found
dealt with in this book, ic is very unlikely that the reader will
seek any particular type in vain, for in the event that the par-
ticular regulator he is seeking may have been omitted, it is
more than probable he will find its principle treated under
another heading, whilst all the important and well-known
types of regulators have been separately treated. Nor does
the author confine his remarks to mere descriptions, but also
treats many problems arising in connection with the use of
automatic regulation, such as parallel working, load distri-
bution and so on. It is quite possible that a treatise like
the present will only appeal to those directly interested in this
subject, such as designers and station engineers, and those who
commence reading it must be quite prepared to expect some
heavy reading. Nevertheless, the work must not be classed
in any way as purely academic. Dr. Natalis is a specialist of
many years' experience, and, as chief engineer in one of the
largest departments of the Hiemens-Schuckert concern, is in a
position to test all his theories before publishins.' them.
With regard to the arrangement of the book, there is one
slight criticism we should like to offer, and that is the intro-
duction might have been written somewhat more fully and
the factors on which the exciting current depends more clearly
explained. We are quite aware that this would mean tres-
passing on ground already covered, but a clear statement of
what a regulator has to do would have made an excellent
introduction to the treatise showing how this is done. Such
an addition would in no way impair the originalitv of the work
and would greatly enhance the value of the book for many
readers.
This little book will doubtless find its way into English
before long, but we would earnestly recommend those wishing
to secure the book in German to pay the extra sixpence
(making the price Is. 6d.) and obtain it bound, as the bind-
ing in the paper cover edition is rather worse than that on a
sixpenny novel. , S. P. S.
Die Entwickelung der Telegraphie und Telephonie. v.y Dr.
Richard Hen NIG. .Leipzig : J. A. Barth.) Pp viii.-187. " M4.
This is a learned and interesting history of telegraphv and
telephony, from the earliest ages down to the time of the
Atlantic cable, and to the uprise of modern telephone svstems.
No book could better illustrate the marvellous ingenuity
displayed by the human race in applying for its uses the
natural forces of the universe. From the annals of the Greeks
the author cites the beacon fires of Susa and Ekbatana as
early modes of signalling, the figured board devised bv Polybius,
the flag signals used in the Hellespont, and later," in Roman
times, the fire tower of Trajan. Similar devices are found
ill the Middle Ages in France and Spain. In 1791 Claud
(Jliappe brought out his indicator telegraph in France. The
index of the dial was worked by a rope, and the signs were read
telescopieally as far away as 15 km. Then followed the elec
trie tejpgraph, the evolution of which the author enters into
at considerable length. The discovery of the Leyder, jar
supplied the means used in 1729 by Gray and Wheeler for
lonimunieating through a distance of over 700 ft. Ronalds,
in 1816, was able to telegraph through 8 miles of over-
head wire. The labours of. Oersted, Ampere, Schweigger,
I'oggendorf. Davy, Arago, Barlow. Steinheil and others led up
to the needle and to the electro-magnetic telegraphs which
to-day are of such inestimable .service to mankind. The
author carries his account of the telegraph down to the year
18-lJ, thus including the ever-memorable work of Cooke
Wheatstone and Morse. The heliograph is also referred to.
ihe earliest insulated wires immersed in water and used in
this condition as telegraph conductors belong to the opening
of the 19th century. In this connection mention is made of
O'Shaughnessy's cable of 1839. The discovery of gutta-
percha as an insulator enabled Siemens in 1847 to con.struct
an underground line in Berlin. This and other experiments
gave birth to the Atlantic cable. The concluding portion of
the book is devoted to telephony. Reference is made to the
mechanical toy telephone used in China in quite remote times,
to the later discovery of the speaking tube, and to the elec-
trical methods associated with Page's experiments in 1837.
The achievements of Bourseul. Meucci and Reis in subse-
quent } ears were followed iiy Bell's wonderful contrivance,
which, in conjunction with Hughes's microphone, has made
conversation possible beyond a 1.000 miles. Dr. Hennig's book
is amply illustrated, is well printed and is furnished with an
index. It will be read with interest by all telegraph and tele-
phone men. E. 0. W^
English Prices with Russian Equivalents. By A. Adussewich.
(London ; E. & F. N. Spou.) Pp. 185. Is. net.
As is well known, a large amount of trade is carried on
between this country and Russia, though not much of it has been
of an electrical description. An alteration for the better in
this state of things is confidently expected, and when happier
times arise electrical engineers will doubtless find M. Adias-
sewich's book of great use. It gives the Russian equivalents
in roubles per pood of English values in pence per pound and
pounds per ton for various rates of exchange. As is the case
in other books of the same series, it aims to reduce arithmetic
to a minimum, and there is no doubt it is quite up to the mark
in this respect.
PARALLEL OPERATION OP ALTERNATORS.*
BY DR. £. ROSENBERG.
(Concluded from p. 619.)
Hiimmarij. — In the lirst part of this Paper the author considers the
subject from a tlieoretioal point of view, obtaining expressions for the
synchronising output, whilst in the second portion he shows how the
results may be employed in piactice.
We will see how these theoretical considerations can be made use
of in practice. If the electrical engineer had the task of designing
the flywheel of the machine, so as to allow a certain maximum oscil-
lation in the output, he could do it — provided he had plenty of time
to spare — in the following manner: He would take the torque dia-
gram of the engine and analyse the amplitude of the fundamental
wave and all its higher harmonics. For the highest wave he would
choose a certain value for q. Suppose he should find in a single-
crank engine that the wave corresponding to half a revolution had
an amplitude of 80 per cent., then, perhaps, for this wave a ? of 01
might seem adequate, giving for this wave a wobbling of the watt-
meter needle corresponding to ^-- - x80=8'9percent.of thenormal
load, q for the wave with a duration of a whole revolution would
then be 4x0- 1 = 0-4, and the wobbling factor for this wave would
0'4
be = 067. If, therefore a fundamental wave exists with an
1 — 0'4
amplitude of, say, 8 per cent., then 0'67 x 8=5'3 per cent, would be
the share of this wave in the wobbling of the machine output. The
reaction quotients for the higher harmonics are J, 5, ^g, &c., of the
reaction quotient for the fundamental wave and the total wobbling
output would be represented by the geometrical sum of the indi-
vidual wobbling outputs, and should not exceed a certain percent-
age, say '20 per cent., of the normal load. If it is bigger, then q
must be reduced by increasing the inertia of the flywheel, provided
that we do not want to make any change in the electrical qualities
of the machine.
Now, if a flywheel is designed in the ordinary way for a good
standard cyclic irregularity, the electrical engineer has only to check
Avhether the given value is likely to cause trouble ur not, and in
this case it will be sufficient to see v hether for any of the waves the
reaction quotient is near to unity, and then to see how much the
original value of this wave is. If the flywheel is designed for a cer-
tain cyclic irregularity, and we find that for the fundamental wave
the reaction quotient is considerably smaller than unity, and no dan-
* Abstract of a Paper read before the Institution of Electrical Engineers
on January 28th, and before the Manchester LocalSection on January 26th
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 5. 1909.
655
gerous multiplication of the original displacement due to this wave
takes place, then we are quite sate about the higher harmonics.
We call the critical value the value of the flywheel effect for which
the reaction iiuotient is unity, and the normal output in kilovolt-
ampere, O, and the ratio between short-circuit current and normal
current (3, therefore {i.7nr-)an=^ ■ O . '-. U the electrical
Sir- . g
qualities of the machine remain the same then the reaction quotient
is proportional to the product T . 8- . p.
Now, taking a steam engine, we shall find that we have to pay the
most attention to the impulse of the duration of one revolution.
That means e = T, and in this case the critical value of the flywheel
effect is proportional to T-' . p. or p/ri'. The critical flywheel effect,
therefore, is not only in inverse proportion to the third power of the
speed, but besides, in direct proportion to the number of pole-pairs,
and a certain type of engine with a certain cyclic irregularity will
only be equally adapted for parallel-running alternators under the
condition that the periodicity of the alternators is proportional to
In Fig. 5 besides the critical values of the flywheel effect, are
two curves, I. and II., representing tlie flywheel effect of a single-
crank engine, say a tandem engine, that is designed for a cyclic
irregularity of 1/200 or 1/300. It will be seen that in a single-
crank tandem engine even a cyclic irregularity of 1/200 would be
safe for speecs above 100 revs per min., and 1 '300 would cover the
requirements down to about 65 revs, per min. But for a cross-
compound engine (Fig. 6) the danger realm for the same cyclic
irregularities extends up to 170 and 110 revs, per min. respec-
tively, and that is why trouble has been so often experienced in
sets ol this typt.
Inspecting Fig. 6, we find tliat for two crank low-.speed engines
we require an enormously low cyclic irregularity, in order to meet
the condition that the reaction quotient for the highest excitation
should not exceed 0'7. That means we cannot make use of the
advantage offered by these engines, (hat the flywheel effect can be
kept at a moderate size. As, however, small weight of the machine
is an important consideration, we may try whether it is not possible
1075
4-0
38
r; 3-6
•2 3-i
?3-2
a
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^2-8
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^ 1-0
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! '•"
O (.3
^ 06
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1. 8-62
h 8-08
1 .,.
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= 4-85
t 4-31
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e 3-23
' \
< :.-60
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,;
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-3 4-85
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I 3-77
~ 3-23
T. .Vve
90 100 110 '.-20 1311
Fill. 5.
-wheel c-llect ol" ii kiit'jh' crank ad-,
11. Ditto, i ^
Xi and X _. cr,
iirreut ei^ual ti
urrc-nttlie llyv
ircuit current.
tical values of fly-wbeel effect, for 60 perioJa and u .sliort-cirr.uit current
) 2-5 arid 3-5 norm al current, l-'or any other frequency or sborl-circuit
I'heel eflfect will be varied in direct proport'on to che frequency or short-
the speed of the engine. Therefore, if an engine with a cyclic irregu-
larity of 1/200 and a speed of 250 revs, gave good results with a
frequency of 50, we can safely say that an engine of the .same type,
with the same irregularity, will give. good results with a similarly
dimensioned alternator of 25 periods at a speed of 125 revs.
When calculating the critical value, we must be aware that neither
the voltage E of the machine nor the short-circuit current In are
constant— they vary with the load of the station. It is general to
assume that Li may vary within limits for a sliort (-ircuit on the ter-
minals of the machine itself — once for no-load excitation and lowest
voltage, and a second time for full load e.v-itation and .a \()ltage
a few per cent, higher. That may correspond to a eurrcnl. .say.
from 2-5 to 3-5 times normal and therefore in Fig. 5 we have not
a single curve representing the critical value X, but a ribbon
limited by the two ourves Xj and X;,; whilst Vo rciiresents the fly-
wheel effect required for the higher voltage and a reaction quotient
of 0-7. As long as the flywheel effect is above this value you are
safe, provided always that the amplitude of the fundamental wave
in the impulse is only a few per cent, of the normal full-load
torque.
411
Y,
i'-.
—
V\
V
\ \
1
X.,
\s V"-
1
ll 1)
1
^1
^ ■
\
- ■ ),
-\
k'-*
.
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'p
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>
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•<jl
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0-22
0-20 =
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0-14 -g
f
0-12 *
010 1
o-os"**
0-06
0-04 5
0-700
0-S46
0-682
0-6. S .
0-4(5 A?
0-431 .f-
0-377 2
0-323 '&
0-269 3
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0-1075 •«■
0-0637 s
0 I
BO 70 so 9J I'JO 110 l:3 no !lil 150 lliU 170 18J I'.u iti"
Iicv$. ptr min.
FiQ. 6.
I. Average flywhfel efTect of a ttoo-crank cross-compound steam engine for a
cyclic Irregularity { = .,J„,
II Ditto, 8 = 3^,, . , . ,...,.
X, «nd X.. critical values ol ttvwheel eftect for "'0 ponoas, and a sbortcircuit
curreDt e<iual t<i i'S and 3-5 times normal current, wlicn the time of one period of
oscill8tni»tor.|ueiiinals (he lime of one revolution. , ., .,
r, and .>, <litin, vvlun thj lime o( one period of < scillating tori|ue equals the lime
cf h If levoluliou.
to u.se a smaller flywheel, and to avoid the dangerous ribbon by
keeping underneath it, wltliout falling into another danger— viz.,
rcsoi ance with the second harmonic. In Fig. ti two zones are
plotted, one for the impulse of a whole, and the other for the impulse
of half a revolution.
On each side of the critical curves X, and Xj for (/^l. we have
a seam shaded differently, limited by parallel lines, for which the
reaction quotient in one case (Y.^) is 07, and in the other case (Y,)
1-75, and wo may call the ribbon, limited by these curves, the
danger zone.
In the same way the danger zone is plotted with the curve y, y
adjoining the critical curves .c, x. for impulses with a cycle of half
a revolution. Theoretically we should be allowed to use flywheel
effects lying between the two danger zones, provided that in this
ease, the amplit\ide of the oscillating torque corresponding to half
a revolution is in it.self also small— say 5 per cent. But we would
not choose this expedient in steam engines, for it would mean (see
Fig. 6) too high an irregularity and too light a flywheel for 50-.*-
ordinary generators.
It may, however, be applicable to gas engines. The most sue-
G.5(>
THE ELECTEICIAN, FEBRUARY 5, 1909,
cessful gas engine so far 1ms been the fovir-stroke cycle engine, and
this has a fundamental wave corresponding to two revolutions.
Now by multiplying the eranks, and using tandem arrangement, it
is possible to build a gas engine which for a certain cyclic irregu-
larity has no bigger flywheel effect than, say, a tandem steam engine
of the same speed— in some cases even less. But as there is a pos-
sibility—we may even say a certainty— of oscillations lasting two
revolutions, the critical value is four times as high as in Bteam
engines, and that gives for moderate speeds a very big flywheel,
corresponding to exceptionally low cycle irregularities. In Fig. 7
the curves are plotted for a four-stroke cycle engine with one explo-
sion for one revolution, for instance, for a simple double-crank
engine every cylinder single acting. Here it is easy to avoid
danger, if the speed is not too low.
The author also gives in his Paper curves for engines with one
explosion occurring every half revolution and also every quarter
revolution. ]!or slow speed engines of the latter type it is seen that
either very heavy flywheels must bo used in order to keep .outside
the danger zone, or we must keep in the small path between the
two danger zones. This is not a very satisfactory way out of the
difficulty, for it means, in many cases, a smaller flywheel than we
2.5-5;i
24-21
22-tl6
« 21 ••■|2
t 20-17
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< 18 -S3
1 17-48
■5 16-14
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1. 11) 76
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11-872 =,
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:;0 l-.O 16>l ltd 17
effcot of a. ijas nigim having 1 impuhr per refoliilion for a
1 values of lly wheel effect for 60 pcrioJs, a short-circuit cuireiit
times normal current, when the time of one period of oscillating
torijue equals the time of two revolutions.
.1-, ami .r. ditto, when the time of one period of
one revolution.
nllatiu- torqii
should otherwise adopt for electrical di'ive. If we see it is unavoid-
able to stay between the two danger zones, then we must try and
make them as narrow as po.ssible. and the space between them as
large as possible. We can do this by making a clo.ser regulation.
Our danger curves arc plotted on the a.ssumption that the short-
circuit current for no-load excitation is 2-5, and the short-circuit
.-mrcnt for full-load excitation is 3-5. If we plot the danger zones
tor a better regulating machine— say 3-5 times short-circuit for no-
load excitation, and 4-2 times sh^rt-cu-cuit current for full-load ex-
citation - then the danger zones are much narrower and we can avoid
them more easily. (The author gives a diagram showing this.)
the author strongly advises the use of amortisseius in such eases,
tor there are three dangers, since the calculation of the short-cu-cuit
current cannot be made accurately and machines in actual practice
may be used for a diflierent voltage than originally intended. The
path between the Uvo danger zones is not very broad, and it may
Happen that we are really near to actual resonance. We know the
enormous value that the amortisseur has in the resonance zone, and
that hunting will not even occur in a well-damped machine with oom-
jilete resonance, provided that the primary oscillations are kept very
small. And, of course, for damping those oscillations which arise
from irregular causes, the amortisseur is of enormous value. These
are cases where, in order to get a satisfactory commercial result, the
engine-maker and the dynamo-maker must both give their machines
a better performance than usual.
For high-speed steam engines of more than 200 revs, per min, it
is seen that the standard degrees of cyclic irregularity cover all re-
quirements of the electrical engineer for alternators of 50 periods and
the usual regulation. Three-crank steam engines could, of course,
be made with much lighter flyivheels, if the makers would design
their flywheels taking into consideration only the cyclic irregularity,
and then the danger of hunting would not be .so remote as in the case
of the curves plotted in the figures. But it is interesting to leara that
the actual jjractice of engine-makers is to use for the purpose of stable
mechanical running, a considerably liigher flywheel eliect. I under-
stand from Messrs. Williams & Robinson that the stored energy in
the flywheel of their high-speed engine sets amounts to 2,000 ft. -lb.
per i.H.p. tor sets which are to be used on lighting and motor loads,
and double this energy for traction sets. Comparing such a value
with the flywheels necessary for a cyclic irregularity of,
1-SS3 gay, 1/300, shows that for speeds above 200 revs, per min.
,.j^^ the former value is very much in excess of any calcu-
lated value.
1611 The author then gave some instances of cases where
troubles have arisen from hunting and shows the appli-
cation of the theory and formula? in the Paper.
1-345 I Conclusion. — The author summarises the contents of
1-210 1! his Paper as follows: Hunting trouble? are mostly due
S. to resonance which causes a multiplication of small oscil-
1-076 i lating forces contained in the torque diagram of the
i driving engine. Theoretically all of the oscillating
!fc, forces contained can give rise to such resonance. At
0-607 -g the present stage of the art, however, with the usual
degrees of cyclic irregularity in reciprocating engines, it
is mainly an oscillating force with a period at least four
times as long as the period of the main oscillations, which
causes difficulties in certain machines. So in slow-speed
0-403 g two or three crank steam engines where the oscillation of
•J the biggest amplitude lasts a quarter or one-sixth of a
a. revolution, the dangerous amplitude has the duration of
0131:- one revolution. In multiple four-stroke cycle gas engines
£ with main oscillations of half a revolution, or less, the
" «. dangerous oscillation has mostly a period of two revo-
^ lutions. In high-speed engines it is easy and for mechani-
g cal reasons, general practice, to apply a greater flywheel
S ciTeet than the critical one. In slow-speed machines
when such a flywheel effect would be prohibitive, it is
important to reduce the oscillations in question to the
smallest possible value, and to apply an amortisseur. If
the flywheel effect is well over the critical point, an amor-
tisseur is unnecessary, although it is beneficial in the case
of engines of irregular disturbances in the diagram. The
point of resonance is characterised by the reaction
quotient — i.e., the ratio for a certain displacement of the
additional torque to the initial oscillating torque that
causes this displacement. For full resonance this quotient
is unity. If the flywheel cannot be altered, the critical
value can be avoided by adequate choice of the short-
circuit current of the electrical machine, provided that this
is consistent with the specified electrical regulation. The
air-gap maybe either increased or reduced for this purpose,
or choke coils mayte used instead of an air-gap reduction.
In the first of two appendixes to the Paper the author describes
a balancing apparatus for high speed machinery. This ap])aratus
(Fig. 8) consists of two bearings sliding, for instance, on horizontal
rails by means of balls, and subjected to the action of springs, which
tend to keep the bearings in the neutral position. Static balancing
with this apparatus is very simple. The rotor is brought up to such
a speed that heavy resonance occurs ; the most prominent part is
marked by chalk, and it is noted that Ihe heavy point is leading by
90' in the direction of rotation.
For dynamic balance, if we have two- heavy points at different
relative positions in two-cross sections, they will, when the rotor is
rotating, cause a movement of the axle such that one bearing goes
to the right and the other to the left. Whereas in the case of static
balance considered the armature moves parallel to itself, and there-
fore the acceleration is given by the quotient of the working com-
ponent of the centrifugal force, divided by the mass of the rotor ;
now, in the second case, the angular displacement is given by the
quotient of the turning moment of the two working forces divided
THE ELECTRICIAN. FEBRUARY 5. 1909.
657
by the moment oF inertia. Just as in the previous case, the move-
ment of the bearings will cause an additional turning moment of the
springs. Resonance of the bearing spring arrangement caused by
dynamic unbalance will take place at another speed to resonance
for static unbalance. The two speeds with dynamo rotors of ordi-
nary shape have a ratio of about 1 : IS, or 1 : I'.
With the same arrangement the rotor can be balanced statically
and dynamicjlly in twosteps, and we can work with a comparatively
low speed and have much bigger movements than if we work in the
proper turbine bearings without spring arrangement.
The Paper is based on some previous Papers of ihe author pub-
lished in the years 1902 to 1904 in the '• Elektrotechnische Zeit-
iichrift" and in the " Zeitschrift des Vercins deutscher Ingenieure,"
but also embodies the developments in the types of engines that have
taken place since theic [lublic itions.
n
Fig. 8.
For German authors who might use this Paper, the author sug-
gests the follow-ini; translations for the pregnant words used; Oscil-
lating force, ixnthlkntfl : oscillating torque, pendebnoment : oscil-
lating speed. i>tntlrlg,:srhinndigkeit ; oscillating displacement, /)cn-
delweg; reaction quotient. rcactions-verMUnis : multiiilying factor.
vergrosser lings factor; wobble factor, tcackelfaclor.
DISCUSSION.
Mr. G. Sto.vey said that the author was to be congratulated on the
very lucid way he had described the interactions between the uneven
turning moments, the flywheel effects and the regulation of the alter-
nators. By suitably [uoportioning these, perfect parallel running
could be obtained under all conditions. Speaking as a practical man
he thought the most important thing was even turnino- moments
The regulation of the alternator was, in most cases in his 'experience,
of secondary importance, because alternators would carry heavy over-
loads witjiout dropping out of step : in fact, he might say, they liad
never had a case of an alternator dropping out of step merely due t«
overloads. The regularity of the turning moment was of the greatest
importance, and in many cases where there had been trouble in parallel
running it had been completely cured by improving the turning
moments of the engines. That occurred with some of the earl\- turbo"
alternators where the impulses were too few. The trouble was most
noticeable in cases where there was a high frequency, such as 100
periods. Damping coils also had been fitted in certain cases, but with
modern alternators, as a rule, damping coils were unnecessary. Dif-
ference of wave form seemed to have little effect on parallel runnin-',
but care must be taken not to earth the star: if one did, trouble
would result from currents of the third or fifth harmonic. As a
rule It was best if it was desired to have the star earthed, that only one
machine should be so treated and the others connected to it. In re-
gard to the author's remark re governors, he, Mr. Stoney, thought
that they had had a majority of cases in which a small alteration in
the governor had set things right. By suitably adjustino- the dampim^
ettect and havina- a satisfactory dash-pot the majoritv of the troubles
could be cured. He thought that great attention ou'<-ht to be paid to
tlie ailjustraentof the governor. High-speed governors with li>dit lialls
seemed to govern better for parallel running than heavy slow'running
governors. In one curious case of complaint they had had, liuntiii"-
was completely cured by simply dampinff the ammeter'. In all con-
siderations one had to consider the momentum of the network, its
capacity and also the momentum and characteristics of all synchronous
machinery. In conclusion he said that they had never failed to run
their machines in parallel with any others ; hut as a safety clause thev
put in their contracts " we guarantee to run in parallel with all otheV
machines in the station provided they .iie running in parallel with one
""?f ^ ' •*' "'^'■"^'' ^''^'- *""' to t'dve advantage of that last clause.
Mr. F. H. C'LoroH remarked that although the prevalent tvpr of
eugme in this country ran at such a high speed that most of the diffi-
culties of jiarallel operation were avoided, the author was not justiHed
m saying that we had avoided these difficulties quite unknowingly.
Ihere had been diificultios in running alternators in parallel in this
country when driven by slow-speed engmes, and in a t'leat many oases
the.se had been with machinery of Continciitil iiiMiMfuturc. Havint;
inve.stigatcd the problem, he ventured to niMn-, ., ,,,,.■ ,,f the author's
remarks. He did not agree that the cross . ,iii,.)ii .Irii.rided wholly on
the value of the excitation. When the load came uii the machine, a
ci.mpoucot of the armature reaction tended to demagnetise the field
wmdmgB, and additional excitation was required. If llie machine was
oscUlatmg through a small angle, this demagnetising effect would varv
as the cn.sme of this angic, and w<juld therefore be practically constant,
and was simply equivalent t.i «intling demagnetisuig turns on the jmle.
His experience supported this, as the amplitude of the ammeter needles
seemed to be pretty nearly the same at all loads, provided the voltage
was kept constant and resonance was not observed. Similarly, the
effect of saturation should also be neglected. This meant that the'value
of the .synchronising current should be obtamed from the straight por-
tion of the saturation curve and from the short-circuit curve, and would
he dependent on the voltage and only very slightly on the load. He
suggested that the author's graphical treatment might be handled in
rather a simpler manner. The first thing to know was not the cyclic
irregularity, but the actual displacement during one revolution which a
pohit on the wheel would have relatively to uniform rotaticm. Next, to
determine how far resonance wa,s likely to amplify this initial displace-
ment. The author dealt with the case of two similar alternators in
parallel, or, what was exactly the same thuig, one niarliinc niniimg in
parallel with another of infinite capacity, i.c^cxccediiigly large flywheel
and negligible impedance. The frequency of oscillatiinOf such a com-
buiation could be worked down to a very sim)ilc formula, which, assum-
im; ."iD cycles and a value of short-circuit current of 3. was
120-4- v/ft.-tons per kilowatt.
Tlicieforc. all that was necessary toensure safety was to first of all .see
that the flywheel was big enough to give a sni.all initial displacement,
and secondly, by means of this formula, to determine that the natural fre-
i|iieiK-y of o.scillation did not , .,iri. id.- with any of the harmonics of the
engine impulses, and pief.i;,l.|\ il,i, fivquency of oscillation should not
cxiccd 70 i)er cent, of the fini.j.im. nial harmonic. The general problem
was not (piite ,so simple. With regard to the ii.-^e of dampers, he iisked
till- author whether by their means it was possil)lc to make slow-speed
alternators driven by gas enguies run satisfactorily in parallel if the
frequency of oscillation was made to fall midway between the funda-
mental harmonic, occurring once every two revolutions, and the next
higher occurrmg once per revolution. At the same time the use of
dampers must necessarily be rather limited, for the flux would still tend
to come out from the crown of the pole shoe. i.e.. was nearly stationary
witli reference to the pole.and, therefore, would not induce muchcurrent in
the short circuited bars. In regard to the balancins of high-siieed rotors,
a better way than the author's suggestion was to keep the tension of the
springs comparatively low, and take the markings on the rotor when it
was runnmg at a speed several times that of the balancing machine.
Mr. G. W. O. Howe wondered whether the engineers in this country
were quite so ignorant of the fact that high-speed alternators were more
easily operated in par.dk-l tli ui low-speed sets. Alth uigh the theory of
Fig. 1.
|iarallel operation might not have been threshed out m this country
until quite recently, many cases undoubtedly occurred in which paiallel
running proved troublesome. If the governor cau.sed hunting the
engineer (irobably put it right in blissful ignorance of any wonderful
mathematical expressions. The setting of tlie valves so as to give equal
steam on both sides of the piston was a very important matter. The
turning moment diagram of an engine which gave great trouble was
shown ui Fig. 1 herewith. Here, with two cranks at right angles, they
would expect four equal pulsations of
the turning moment, but. on account
of the one-sided action of one of the
cylinders, there was a fundamental
pulsation, shown dotted, which, for tho
same am))litude, was Hi times as impor-
tant as the ])ulsations of four times tho
frequency. The last (laragraph on p. 15
of the Paper, although correct, was apt
to mislead, for although the same type
of engine with the same cyclic irregu-
larity might give equally good results
when driving a '2.') -*• alternator at 125
revs, jicr niin. as when driving a 50 •«'
alternator at 250 revs. j>er min., one
must remember that to get the same
cyclic irregularity at the lower speed,
tile moment of inertia of the flywheel
must be eight times as great. In the
Paper the fact was brought out that
when the flywheel was so heavy that
tlie natural frequency of the alternator
was lower than that of the engine impulses {q <l), the forward position
of the alternator corresponded with minimum engine torque, whereas,
when the flywheel was so light that the natural fre<|iiency of the alter-
nator was higher than that of the engine impulses ((/> 1). the extreme
forward position was reached with maximum engine torque. This could
he slio«ni by sus|)ending a small weight from the bob of a pendulum.
The small weight would have a natural frequency of its own, dependi-g
Fig. :1.
TdE ELECTRICIAN. FEBRUARY 5, 1909.
on the length u( U.,ea.l. und. ,.„ .etti.^ the "PP- l-!«^'!;^\^:'^i:^
it would iSt up forced vibrations in tlie lower one. jubt as tne engnie
forced the alternator to oscillate. If their frequencies comc.ded there
wTt "nance: if the thread was lengthened, its natural frequency
r,li be uc;d (,<1) and the oscillations set up ml by t_he move^
ments of the upper bob would be as shown in Fig. 2 herewith : if the
"™Id was shoi'tLed (,> 1), enrresponding to a "ght f^yw-l U bee m
as Kie. 3. Barnes, in a Paper before the American Institute ot J^lectrical
Engineer... in lit04. recommended less stringency m limiting the oscil-
hAfons. and the use of light flywheels with a-nortisseurs This would
mean large cyclic irregularity and working below the shaded bands
n Dr. Rosen'berg's diagrams. The circulating current would be very
large and would tend to produce flickering of the amps and trouble
with rotaries. The cure in the examples quoted by Dr. Rasenberg
seemed to be more flywheel in nearly every case. How did Ur
Rosenberg measure the cyclic irregularity which he often gave as l/20t)
"'prof SiLViNCS P. Thompson remarked that although occasionally
they had cases of alternators hunting, little trouble was caused,
because those who experienced the trouble had learnt how to cure it.
There was certainly room, in spite of all that had been done in connec-
tion with balancing, for an investigation of the theory of the balancing
of alternators, which was partly mathematical and partly a matter ot
engineering. Asapreviousspeaker had remarked, there wasonthemailiet
iio°practical instrument for measuring cyclic irregularity. He wished
there were, ^'arious ways of measuring the irregularity in the case ot
an engine had been attempted. By having no commercial instrument
for measuring either the cvclic irregularity of speed, torqueor position,
cyclic irregularitv was not so familiar as it might have been. His
mind went back.'and he had no doubt the President's did also, to
trouble which was experienced at a certain station in the Midlands
many years ago with certain alternators, due to the partiality for slow
speed engines on the part of the engineer, resulting in consider-
able hunting. The makers of those engines, who were hrst-
rate makers, could not give any information whatever about the
amount of cyclic irregularity to be expected. The remedy which Prof.
Unwin recommended was mechanical, but was much better than any-
thing electrical he, the speaker, could suggest. It was simply to put
on more flywheel, and the trouble was to a large extent ramitnised.
But, of course, flyweels could not be increased in size indefinitely, or
it would be possible to cure any irregularities in that way. The author
had shown that what they had to avoid was the running of alternators
with any kind of engine at a speed under 100 revs, per mill. If that was
translated into poles for machines at a frequency of 50] periods per
second it meant that on no account must an alternator be used that
had 60 or more poles. In this country we were more accustomed to 4 or
6 poles than to the 90 or even over 100 poles that one sometimes saw in
Continental stations. English experience had certainly gone in favour
of higher speeds, thus saving us from this trouble. Dampers, and
such like, were all very well, but he had never been able to understand
why a mere chunk of copper placed between the tips of the poles
should act as an amortisseur. Another point that had been brought
out in the Paper was a somewhat surprising one. In spite of all cyclic
irregularities it was safer to use single-acting gas engines than double-
acting ones. That seemed very extr,\ordinary. In conclusion, he
thanked Dr. Rosenberg for the account in Appendix I. of the extremely
neat apparatus for testing the balance of an armature and for the ex-
cellent examples given from practice.
Mr. H. ir. S.4YERS said in 1S88 Mr. Mordcy read a Paper showing that
the trouble nf luinting of alternators could be avoided to a considerable
extent by cin]ili'ying armatures of small resistance and self-induction
and designing the armatures :ind magnets so that the machines regulated
well. One niii^l li,i\.' iiotir,,! thit Di - Rosenberg repeatedly said that
the better refill iiiiii; m nlnnr- w.iuM I'llng the danger zone out of the
probable ranm .A ili. ,11^111, iln.i nil ions. There was not an entire
absence of theoietical tieatuieio [if thi^ subject in this country. There
were two Papers by Dr. lirTii.iiii HM|ikinson; one* read before the
British Association in 1903. .md il ilirr before the Royal .Societyf in
the same year. He found th.a tin -. two P:>|irr- trnvr ,1 very lucid
account of the whole subject when tim-lii. 1 mi :ni. 1 ring terms.
The speaker's chief interest in niniiin;; ilirinihit m i.nillel had not
been that of the designer liut that of lln' cculial sIhIiuh ciiguieer. One
or two of hi- 1 \|ii 1 1. IK 1 , might be put on record. The effect of gover-
nors in proilii. iii'j hiiiiiiiiL! of alternators in parallel was not to cau.se
dangerous oscili.itioas .is a rule,' but to throw the load about from one
machine to the other iieriodically. He had found that this might be
cured by running all the engines with the exception of one without
governors, i.e., make one governor do for the whole station. The effect
of different characteristics upon parallel running was very well demon-
strated in one station of which he was in charge. There were nine ma-
chines of similar size. Six of the alternators were of an early type and
three of a later type. The six earlier ones had possessed fairly good
regulation. The three later had poor regulation and needed a large
range of excitation. These three machines would not run in parallel
together at all. The other six machines ran in parallel very well, and bad
machines would run fairly well in parallel with the good machines.
There was also a particularly well-regulated machine installed, and this
was capable of keeping five or six badly regulating machines in com-
paratively good behaviour when run in parallel with them.
* The Klectrichn, September IS. 19[«. p. 886.
Working of Alternators."
t Jhe Electrician, August 7, 1903, p. 656.
•The Parallel
The President (Mr. W. M. Mordey) said it was 40 years ago that
month since the first Paper was read on the parallel runnmg of alter-
nators This was by their honorary member, Dr. H. Wilde, who, in the
" Philosophical Magazine " in 1869 contributed a Paper " On a Property
of the Ma.'netic Electric Current to Control and Render Synchronous
the Rotations of the Armatures of a Number of Electromagnetic Induc-
tion .Machines " They were slid to still have on their roll of members
the man whoso long ago had done this iiioneer xcoik when theie were no
ammeter.s and no voltmeters, the current Imnj .illen measured by the
heating of a No. 16 copper wire, the s,. ■. Hi. 1, ,M:,nce of which often
varied very much. It must not be foiiiotteii that it was Dr. John Hop-
kinson. one of their past pi.-i'l o-. v, h . in 1882 arrived theoretically at
the conchLsion that parallel «o,kiii.i ».is po.ssible, and followed it up m
coninnction with Prof, tiiylls A.l.n.is. another past pre.ndent, with a
practical demonstration of parallel runnnig of the old magneto-alternator
at th> St. Catherine's lighthouse. Prof. Bertram Hopkinsim. who was
follovvino- in his f ithtr's Inr.tstfiis. had written a good de.il on the same
subject." He. the spriki 1. i-kel the author to tell them something
about the effect of il,\il.l . Mii|iHng.". He asked that because of the
excellent parallel working he li id seen in testing some Westinghouse gas
engines, coupled tlexibly to alternators. The driving was through a
spring. It would be difficult to ajiply to large turbine sets oreven to
large alternators, but for medium sized engines the effect certainly was
very good. On the question of governing, he remembered one case of
very low-speed Corliss engine-- driving alternators direct coupled, which
he could not get to run in parallel at all until he took the governors off
and ran on the throttle valves, when the trouble disappeared. The
governors were of the old slow-speed type with very large balh. Of
course, such throttle- vn he eontrol was not practical for varying loads.
With regard to eyi li' 11 n ^ nlarity, which was generally calculated, he
though it ought mil i" I.. .Iilti nlt'to measure it by a recording or reflect-
ing apparatus of dead-lie U type, as the volts of the alternator were pro-
portional to the speed. One thing he realised in his early attemjjts at
parallel working v/as that it was necessary that the field current should
not be affected by the armature current. If such a reaction took place
parallel working could not be obtained under any cucumstances. He
then called on Dr. Rosenberg to reply to the discussion.
Dr. E. Rosenberg, in reply, said he could only touch upon a few
points. Mr. Stoney had mentioned about governors. In the Paper
chiefly steam engines were treated. In turbines, of course, only the
governor caused ini osrill:itin.j torque, and therefore alterations in the
governor en 111 I llu ii .iilif il cnK t m bo-generators were concerned. If,
however, tin l.ii-.;.iii i ii'i - 1 m m pH illel with engme-driven generators
and the oscillatiCu.s li.nl the licquemy of the crank revolutions, a change
in the governor would not cure the trouble. Mr. Howe asked how cyclic
irregularity was measured. The Paper did not refer to any measure-
ment, but to the value calculated from the speed curve according to the
toriiue diagram, a =='!>"'■ ~""""- whsre D,„av.. «'.iua.. «•' were the mixi-
nuim, minimum and average spped during one revolution. He did not
know of any successful method for measuring with any degree of accu-
racy small cyclic irregularities. The difference in the speed due to
changes in the admission of the steam or changes in load was milch
greater than the regular changes during one revolution. Mr. Clough
advocated a limiting value of the displacement instead of a cyclic irre-
gularity : but the one was not better than the other, for both were
changed by the reaction of the alternator. On the other hand, cyclic
irregularity conveyed a meaning, because, for electric generators, a
oertam iiTegularity. say, at least not higher than 1/100, must be asked for,
whereas the usual requirement of a maximum displacement of +3 deg.
could be met in high-speed machines with a very bad cyclic irregularity.
Mr. Howe mentioned that in the examples given in the Paper, the
remedy was always a bigger flywheel ; but in reality the example showed
also other cures. He did not agree with Pi-of. Thompson's conclusion
that alternators vrith more than 60, or even 40, ]>oles should not be used.
Turbo-generators with a few poles certainly reduced the difficulty of
])arallel running, but the thermal efficiency of gas engines prevented
these being overlooked. One of the speakers did not appreciate the
danqiei. liu' the damperwas a means m certain cases to give good parallel
o|iei:iliMii v.lieie otherwise enormous flywheels would be necessary to
give the .same .safety. In other eases, of course, when the flywheel effect
was well above the eiitiriil vuliie. daru[iers were unnecessary.
CORRESPONDENCE.
TANTALUM WAVE DETECTORS AND LA.MPS.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ELECTRICIAN.
Sir : There has been considerable difference of opinion ex-
pressed as to the results obtainable with the ingenious and
novel tantalum detector of ]Mr. L. H. Walter.
Some recent tests whicli I have made substantiate the in-
ventor's claims. While it is true that the detector do£s not
respond so \vell to feeble impulses, it responds very strongly
indeed to impulses of greater strength, in fact, more power-
fully than any detector with which I am acquainted.
Mj measurements show that more energy is obtainable in
the local circuit with si.gnals above a certain strength than is
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 5, 1909.
65!)
contained in the electromagnetic wa/es received. This seems
to indicate a "skin effect" of some kind, possibly a film of
nitride or oxide. The receiver appears to act with great re-
gularity in air, and it would be of interest to see how it would
behave after long continued working in vacuo.
In, this connection, may not the beaded shape assumed by a
tantalum filament after long burning be due to the formation
of a film of oxide or nitride having a greater surface tension
than that of tantahmi '. All the facts, so far as I know them,
would appear explicable on this hypothesis, and it would be of
interest to see what eli'ect coating tantalum filaments with a
thin plating of iridium or copper would have on their life and
the formation of the beaded structure. — I am, &e..
Brant Kock, U.S.A., Jan. 21. Reginald A. Fessknden.
WIRELESS TELEGRAPHY ON BOARD SHIP.
T(_) THE EDITOR OF THE ELECTRICIAN.
Sir : May I be permitted to refer to the Editorial in your
issue of January 29th, entitled " Wireless Telegraphy on
Board Ship," and to request that you be good enough to give
publicity in your pages to the following statements modifying
its terms : —
It shoidd be observed that while the " Florida " was not
equipped with wireless telegraph apparatus of any description,
the " Republic " was. So were the shore stations at Sagapo-
nack. Long Island, Siasconset on Nantucket Island, and South
Wellfleet, as well as the steamships " Baltic," " Lucania,'
"La Lorraine " and " Furnessia," all in range at the time of
the collision, and all fitted with Marconi apparatus. The
revenue cutter "Seneca," which endeavoured to tow the
" Republic " into port, was also fitted with Marconi apparatus.
In all eight Marconi stations were ready to render assistance.
What the Radio telegraphic Convention had to do with the
incident is not evident. The Radio telegraphic Convention is
not in force in the L'^nited States to begin with, and operator
Binns preferred to put his trust in the "CC^lD." of the
Marconi organisation rather than employ the arbitrary, and
as yet unfamiliar, '• S.O.S." of the Convention. The Eadio-
telegraphic Convention has not modified the old-established
practice of the Marconi Companies in providing a general
wave length for ship and shore and ship and ship correspon-
dence, and while it is inconceivaljle that calls of distress ever
would be disregarded, I may be allowed perhaps to point out
that the Radio-telegraphic Convention does not provide for
universal compulsory intercommunication between ships,
and it was from ships that the help came in this case. It
would, therefore, appear that the Marconi organisation, no
less than the members of the operating staff actively concerned,
is entitled to whatever credit may be due, and it is doubtless
a source of satisfaction to the travelling public in North
Atlantic waters to know that every ship fitted with ]\Ir. Mar-
coni's apparatus communicates, upon the average, with some
four ships daily throughout the crossing, and is in touch with
Marconi shore stations for a distance of 1,250 miles from New
York and GOO miles from Li\erpool or Southampton. — I am,
&c., Marconi's Wireles.s Telegraph Co. (Ltd.),
W. W. Bradfield, Deputy Manager.
M'atergate House, Adelphi, W.C., Feb. 2.
ELECTRIC POWER SDPPLY.*
BV G. L. ADDENBROOKIi.
The thii'd lectiu'e liegan liy a discussion of tlie details of tlie dis-
tributing system. It was pointed out that, in general, the voltages
used were between 6,000 and 12,000 volts and tliat supply was
usually on the tlu'ee-phase system. Paper insulated and lead
covered cables were recommended for power supply purposes, these
being armoured and placed direct in the ground or laid solid in
troughing. Improvements in this direction were likely to be made
along the lines of perfection of the insulating material, thus enabling
a reduction in diameter with consequent less first cost to be eftected.
Attention was chawn to the need of greater study of resonance
* Abstract of a Cantor lecture delivered before the Royal Society of
Arts.
effects, which effects at the present time were a great factor in deter-
mining the thickness of the insulation. Various points in the design
of overhead networks were also mentioned.
In laying out the distributing system care should be taken that
the customer was, as far as possible, fed in duplicate, and cables
should be looped in. as this method allowed greater flexibility if
repairs had to be carried out. The question of transformers was
considered, and the improvements effected in this apparatus during
the last few years indicated Great economy might often be effected
by properly considering the details of each case and the laying out
and arranging of local distributing systems was one of the points in
power sup]jly which called for the best exercise of judgment and
discretion. The question of the utilisation of " waste heat " for
feeding the networks was next considered, and the varicjus advan-
tages of this method pointed out.
One of the most important things in connection with a distribu-
tion .system was to arrange that on any fault occurring its eflfects
should be localised and its position indicated in the shorU^st possible
time. .\ number of different schemes had been devised, but one of
the most complete was the Merz-l'iice .svsl<iii. which the lecturer
described in detail. Another method was the balanced transformer
system, which was more perfect, though more expensive, on account
of a three-core pilot wire being necessary.
A great deal depended on the design and construction of the sub-
station switchgear, and the iron-clad swit«hgear made by Messrs.
Reyrolle represented a standardised design which wa,s most desirable
in this class of work.
Turning to the actual horse-power of motors at present installed
on consumers' premises in this country, the author estimated that
about 600,000 H.P. were connected to public mains and more than
I,(K)0,t)O() H.p. were supplied from i)rivate generating stations. A
recent return showed that the horse-power of motors in the United
States in 1907 was about three times that in this covmtry. In con-
cluding this part of his lecture, the author described some examples
of the adaptation of the electric drive in the textile and other in-
dustries.
The lecturer then proceeded to discuss the lines along which deve-
li>pment may be expected in the power supply world. When public
supply was once established the only conceivable way in wliich it
ecjuld be superseded would be by some very cheap and simple form
of prime mover operated on the spot. But it wa,s gradually becom-
ing clear that the greatest advantages of power supply from a central
source were the regularity of the drive, the fact that scarcely any
alteration in the speed of motors was made by throwing heavier
loads on them, and lastly that with power sui)ply the facilities were
always at hand for obtaining an extra amount of power at short
notice. Under these conditions the consumer had to spend very
little capital, and unless a very cheap and simple form of engine
were discovered few benefits would be obtained by installing
separate plants, and even in this case it was likely that it would be
more economical to obtain power from a central station.
As the lecturer showed, the position was commercially stable,
except for the question of prime movers. Steam turbines were for
the present to the fore, but gas engines were close behind, and the
matter was narrowed down to the advisability of using steam plant
or of waiting a future development of the gas engine. It was shown
that much improvement might be obtained in the boiler-house
operation, though not in the turbines themselves, while a good deal
of detail work had to be done in making gas engines and producers
suitable for the purpose. The necessary skill requiied for this i)ur-
pose, if spent on turbines and boilers, would lead to an economy of
about 25 i)er cent, over the best present day i)ractice. though it must
be borne in mind that increased efficiency was usually a'ccompanicd
by increjused capital cost.s and complications in working.
Gas engines were now made up to a capacity of 4,0(XJ n.r., and,
considering that the thermal efficiency of the.se engines was about
twice that of steam plant, it might be wondered why they had not
been more adopted for central station work. The rea-son for this
was that the great development of these engines had Ijcen in con-
nection with the use of blast furnace gas. which was peculiarly suit-
able for such engines, while to obtain good quality ga.s from bitu-
minous coal was not an easy matter. It was, in fact, really the
producer question which was holding back the gas engine for central
sation work.
The influence of gas engines in central stations was likely to be in
the reduction of the coal bill and the increase of all other items.
The reduction in cost of coal would be such as to allow energy to be
supplied 10 per cent, cheaper than if steam plant of present day
efficiency were used for ordinary load factors and about 20 per cent,
cheaper if the load were continuous. The first cost of gas plant was,
however, high, and the mcentive to an engineer to use such plant in
country areas was not great, though in London it had certain advan-
F 2
660
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 5, 1909.
luges. To ada])!, llur gas ciiKiiie successfully to central station work
it appeai'ed to the lecturer that it must progress on the same lines as
in the automobile industry, i.':. by the use i>i four to six cylinder
high-speed engines.
The lecturer then dealt, with the legal position of the power supjily
undertakings. Any legislation affecting the industry should be
«ell considered and up to dat^-, and should, where possible, antici-
pate the i)robabl(; lines of progress. At the present time, provisional
oi-ders allowed supply for all purposes to be given, though the
" power " Acts only allowed supply for lighting to such consumers
as took power. This arrangement gave rise to difficulties under the
purchase clauses unless the two systems of distribution were kept
quite separate.
The scheme of finance imposed was also quite unsuited to under-
takings of this character, and the veto of the local authorities often
led to undesii-able delays. The chief obstacle to electric progress
was, however, the Act of 1882. In certain rural districts and towns
of small population where no power to supply existed where a
combined lighting and power supply would be very useful, the pur-
chase clause bore very hardly. Local authorities were unlikely to
proceed themselves, unless where a combined lighting and power
supply would be an advantage. From actual figures it would be
.seen that the gross revenue of supply undertakings when fully in
operation would probably be less than one-fifth of the capital ex-
pended, and in the case of lighting the return was often less. But
such undertakings would seldom run at their full capacity and,
owing to the initial difficulties, the capital would not be turned
over more than six times in 47 years. Local authorities, it was
understood, do not contemplate that the purchase price would ex-
ceed 60 per cent, of the capital. Thus, besides providing for depre-
ciation, a fund should be accumulated during the term of the con-
cession totalling 40 per cent, on the capital. Recent proceedings in
I'arliarai'nt showed tliat the terms of purchase were too severe for
wi-allhy ilistricts and were, therefore, even a greater handicap in
poor places. It would seem desirable that the present clauses should
be modified in favour of districts below a certain population.
In conclusion, the lecturer dealt with ]irovisional order procedure,
and suggested modifications in this tending to flexibility.
THE HOPKINSONTHRING TORSION METER.
The usual method of " indicating " a marine engine gives no wvy
accurate idea of the mean horse-power transmitted by the propeller
shaft. TliM IS .siiii-ially the case with reciprocating engines, where
the horsi |ii.\\ri . Miicd often varies several times in a revolution.
To avoid ihcsi- diltirulties, and at the same time to obtain a reading
for the shaft horse-power, several types<of torsion meter have been
designed. One of the most successful of these is that due to Prof.
Hopkinson aiid Mr Thring. which has lately been jiut on the market
by Messrs Siemens Bros. & Co.
Ft.;. 1.
This apparahis \\orks on a dillVrential piinciple. which consists in
observing the twist between two points on the shaft. This is done
liy inojecting two beams of light from a fixed and movable mirror
I'especlivcly on to a scale. The beam from the fixed mirror gives a
/••rn indication and that from the movable mirror indicates the
lorque on the shaft. Both mirrors revolve with the shaft, but even
at modcr.nte speeds the light is continuous and readings can be easily
taken.
Figs. 1 and 2 .'uc diagrams showing the end elevation and plan of
lli(> ai>|)arntus. A collar is clamped to the shaft and is provided
wilh a Hange, projecting at right angles to the shaft, .and an exten-
sion iiiece. A sleeve, B, which is fitted with a similar flange and
extiMisjon |)iece, is clamped at its further end to the shaft so that its
ll.m.L'e IS close to that on A, while its extension overlaps that on A.
l.otl> collar and sleeve are quite rigid, so that when the shaft is
twisted the fiange on B will move relatively to that on A, the move-
ment being equal to that between the two parts of the shaft on '
which these fittings are clamped. Tiiis movement is made visible
by one or more systems of torque niurors, mounted between the
two flanges, which reflect a beam of light, projected from a lantern,
on to a ground glass scale divided in a suitable manner.
Each system of torque mirrors consists of a mounting pivoted top
and bottom, on one or other of the flanges, in which two mirrors are
arranged back to back. The mounting is provided with a small
arm, ending in a ball, which is pressed by a spring against a projec-
tion on the other flange. Any relative movement of the two flanges
will turn the torque mirror and cause the beam of light to move on
the scale, the deflection produced being directly proportional to the
torque. Combining this reading with values for the rigidity of the
material and speed the horse-power can be immediately calculated.
With the arrangement described above, a reflection will be received
from each mirror every half revolution. But where the torque varies
during a revolution a second system of mirrors may be arranged at
right angles to the first system, so that four readings can be taken
during one revolution.
Fig. 1 shows how the beam of light, reflected by the mirror when
in its highest position, passes through the upper part of the scale,
while the dotted lines indicate the position of the mirror at its lowest
position with its reflected beam of light passing through the lower
])art of the scale. There are two horizontal slots in the back of the
scale box, above and below the centre line, which enable the observer
to see whether the beam of light is reflected from the highest or
lowest position of the torque mirror.
Fi.;. 2.
In the type illustrated (Fig. 2) the fixed mhror is attached to the
flange of the sleeve B and this must be adjusted so that the beam of
light reflected from it is received at the same point on the scale as
tho.se from the movable mirrors when there is no torque on the shaft.
The constant of the instrument, that is the factor by which the
])roduct of the torsion-meter reading and the revolutions must be
multiplied to give the horsepower, may be calculated to within 2
or 3 per cent, if the shaft is uniform. But^it is recommended that
this factor be obtained by direct calibration of the meter on the shaft.
This instrument is now made in five sizes for fitting on shafts
varying from under 3 in. to 16 in., and although, of course, such a
meter will be principally cmiiloyed in marine work, it should also
find a useful application in other branches of engineering.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN MACHINE STOKING.*
In the eombusti(]n of eoal for making steam the conditions to be
fulfilled are, unfortunately, of an incompatible nature. Almost any
kind of coal can be burned without smoke if the conditions are suit-
able, but in practice difficulty arises from the fact that it is desired
to take as much heat as possible from the products of combustion,
and in seeking this end the burning of the gases is the chief source of
trouble. If these burning gases are caused to irajiinge upon a com-
paratively cold surface, smoke is necessarily the result.
The subject of smokeless stoking and maximum steam production
is thus an important and interesting subject. In the present Paper
* Paper read before the Bradford Engineering Society,
abbreviated.
Slightly
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 5, 1909.
661
the best known typps of meehanical firing; apparatus, their improve-
ments, and the efFeet of moijern boiler lion^ • rrquiremenis are erm-
sidered. '■
Mech.anical stokers may lie divided inlip I'onr elns-;es : (1) sprink-
lers, (2) interniitt'Mil sprinklers, (.'i) cokers and ehain grates, and (4)
underfeeds.
.Sri.nklkr Stokers.
'• Fan or Better Machines — The.se machine.s consist of rapidly
revolving discs with ribs cast thereon, the fuel falling on to or in
front of the discs and being projected into the tire thereby. Diffe-
rent forms (if these machines used to be made by many makers, the
best known ))erhaps were Dillwyn-Smith's and Henderson's stokers.
Similar machines have been patented over and over again, and made
by Whittaker. Smith. Carver, Hodgkinson. Newton, Meldrum and
Leach.
This type of machine was largely adopted in the early days of
machine firing, and it had certain advantages, such as its capability
of burning more fuel per square foot of grate than the coking type,
its low first cost, and its easy applicability to Lancashire type
boilers, which gave it a " vogue."
The Leach stoker evolved from this type now consists of a pair of
fans and fan boxes to each flue, each with an oscillating deflecting
plate placed over the orifice through which the fuel is thrown on to
the furnace. The fans are fed by a reciprocating iiusher with trans-
verse movement similar to the old type Proctor. The deflecting
plates no do\ibt assist in ensuring better distribution of the fuel, but
from their position over the furnace their durability would appear
doubtful if the temperature of the furnace were high. Stationary
bars are usually used in conjunction with the stoker. The Hodg-
kinson and Whittaker have also deflecting plates, fan throwers and
stationary rocking or moving furnace grates.
Intermittent Sprinklers.
The first practical machine which intermittently delivered the
coal to the fire and gave time between each delivery for the charge
to burn was patented by Mr. Ed. Bennis in 1874. and again in 187.5
when the driving shaft only ran at 3 to 4 revs, per min.. and the
shovel threw the coal on to the fire just as in handiiring, only uith
the fire door closed. About the same time Mr. Bennis patented the
first diflferential reciprocating motion bar, which effectually broke
up the clinker as well as carried the clinker and ash into the back
chamber. Close on the heels of the first Bennis patent of 1874
cams J. Proctor with his 1875 patent, also for an intermittent
.sprinkler. These machines both had variable throw-tap]iets.
spring-actuating mechanism for obtaining the throw of the fuel on
to the fire, hut the feed motion was quite dissimilar.
Early Bi'nnin Stoker. — The early type of Bennis niaeliine eunsisls
of a hopper of about 2 cwt. capacity, on to each flue. Under the
hopper a cast-iron feeding box fitted with a star-shaped agitator
driven by a cliain from the main drive shaft of the stoker. A pusher
plate with an adjustable reciprocating motion fed the coal over a
ledge formed by the bottom of the feeding box. The motion of the
pusher was from and toward the boiler.
Tlis old Bonn is Patent Self -cleaning Camel Furnace consisted of
fire-bars of the full length of the fire required, all pushed inwards by
the action of a chilled cam bar at the front, so that they carried the
fire with them. The bars were then drawn out by separate washer
cams, and as only one bar was withdrawn at once, the clinker was
broken off and the ash shaken through, thus keepirig the fire clear
and clean. The clinker was slowly carried by this action to the hack
end of the bars, and dropped over into a closed chamber between (he
flue bridge and back damper, where it gave up its heat, and whence
it was drawn out as necessary.
Proctor Stoker. — The early type of Proctor machine consisted of a
single hopper to feed two furnaces on a Lancashire boiler: below which
a ram was placed containing a reciprocating ram which fed the fuel
sidewa3'S to each throwing box alternately. A lantern wheel with
three different lifts raised the shovel against a spring, and when let
go the shovel threw the fuel on to the fire with three different
strengths. A lever .self-cleaning bar was sometimes used, hut large
numbers were set to work firing on to the ordinary fixed grate bars.
Tne Proctor machine has been considerably modified from its
original form. There is now one hopper to each flue, a feed Iiox
underneath, with an adjustable reciprocating feed ram or pusher
moving to and fro in the same direction as the Bennis. Below this
works the shovel, now modified in shape to improve the spread of
fuel. The shovel shaft is carried in bearings right outside the box
and apart therefrom, with chain lubrication, and there is no doubt
that this makes for durability.
The tappet still has the three rows, but is now so arranged that it
runs in an oil bath and is covered up from dust and dirt. The spring
has been made adjustable as U> its point of lower support, which
throws the middle of the stroke of the shovel ha(k«ards or hirwards
slightly, so that greater range of adjustment is provided in the throw-
ing of (he coal. The spring is so arrangetl in relation (o its lever (ha(
the cen(n' line of lever, spring, and spring suppori are in one s(raight
line: hence on the spring lever being raised through the tappet
finger by the tappet the spring is |)ul in tension, and on the tapjiet
finger being released the .spring pulls down the spring lever, operat-
ing the shovel through the shovel shaft, and «hen the spring lever
passes the before-mentioned centre line, the .spring again comes into
tension, thus producing the required buffer. The fire hais are of tlie
lever bar type, continuously removing the clinker and ash and drop-
ping them over into a clinker pit at (he back of I he furnace. These
are efficient enough, but are. in the wTiter's opinion, not so durable
as a bar which does not rise and fall into the fire. Steam jets are
used between the bars to keep them cool. The fire doors still open
inwards by a hand lever placed at the sides. I believe I am right in
saying that this is now the only intermittent sjirinkler using this
type of door.
(Til he continued.)
LEGAL INTELLIGENCE.
Buitenlandsche Bank of Amsterdam v. Marconi Wireless
Telegraph Co.
Thib case came before the Court of Appeal (the Lord Chief Justice,
the Master of the Rolls and Lord Justice Buckley) last week, on
plaintiffs' appeal from a judgment of Mr. Justice Bighara in an action
brought by plaintiffs to reco\er dam.age? for alleged breach of con-
tract in connection with the erection of a number of wireless telegraph
stations in the Dutch East Indies and the formation of a company to
operate these stations. The facts were fully reported in The Elec-
trician for April 10, 1908.
Mr. Hamilton, K.C. (lor appellants) now contended that defendant
company was not entitled to transfer its obligations to another com-
pany without the consent of plaintiffs.
In the result, their Lordships, without calling upon counsel for
defendants, dismissed the ajjpeal, holding that under the agreement
in question there had been an absolute transfer of the benefits of
defendant company to the Sanfil Co , and that Mr. Justice Bigham had
properly held that plaintiffs had not a cause of action against the
defendants.
The appeal was therefore dismissed, with costs.
Johannesburg Municipal Council v. D. Stewart & Co. and Others.
Ill the Outer House of (lie ('<iiirtof Scssi.in, Kdiiiliur-li, on Satur-
day, Lord Mackenzie gave ju<lgmeut in this action ag.iinst Messrs. D.
Stewart k Co. and William Beardraore and the reiireseutative.s of the
late Joseph Beardmore, claiming sums amounting to over £400,000 iu
respect of the alleged breach of contract by Messrs. Stewart k Co. in
having abandoned and failed to complete contracts entered
into by them with the Council for the installation of gas-pro-
ducing plant, gas engines, ; iid electrical plant for the city of
Johannesburg for tramways, lighting and power. The defenders,
Stewart <fe Co., pleaded that the matter should be dealt with by
arbitration, and also that, in terms of their contract, the matter
should be decided by English law and in England. They denied
the breach of contract, antl averred that the installation was made
according to the .specification of pursuers, and that any failure of the
installation to reach the prescribed t«sts was due to unsuitability of
coal supplied by pursuers for gas-producing purposes. Messrs. Beard -
more were guarantors for the performance of t'le contract by the other
<lefenders, their liability being limited to the amount of a bond
(£115,134). The balance of the sum sued for was £145,000 for repay-
ment of the part of the purchase price already paid to Stewart & Co.
and about £200,000 for damages for breacli of contract.
Lord M.vcKKNziE dismi.ssed the action in so far ivs it was directed
against Mrs. Bearibnore. His Lordship found that the arbitration
clause founded on by defenders fell to be construed by the law of
England, and before further answer stopped further i.recedure, in
order that the paities misht carry through arbitration proceetlings in
England if ;on a true construction of the clause it w:us valid and
covered the dispute in question. His Lordship also stayed the action
so far as directed against the defender William Beardmore.
BOOKS RECEIVED.
(Copies of the undermentioned works can be \m.\iTOmn'EUclr,c,„n olfic". P^t free
on receipt of pul.lished price, adding %\. for books pnbliahea under 23. and d per cent
for books publishcl nctt. Add lu per cent, for abroad or for forelea books.)
• Vectors and Vector Diagrams Applied to the Alternating Cur-
rent Cu-cuit." By Wm. Cramp and Charles F. Smith. (London :
Longmans. (Jreen & Co.) 7s. (id. net.
" Horse Power Computer for St«am, Ga.s and Oil Engines." By
Henry A. Golding. (London : Charles Griffin & Co.) Price, com-
plete with Pamphlet 5s,
662
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 5, 1909,
MUNICIPAL, FOREIGN & GENERAL NOTES.
APPOINTMENTS VACANT AND FILLED.
■ A telegraph aiul telephone inspeetnr is re((uiied for the East
Africa Prot^^etorate : must have thorough knowledge of lineman's
and of instrument repairer's work. Salary £160, rising by annual
increments of £8 to £2(K) per annum, witli free quarters or an allow-
ance in lieu thereof. Applications to the frown Agents for the
f!olonies. Whitehall-gardens, London. S.^A' . \i]> to Feb. 1.5. See
advertisement.
A station superintendent is wanted, with meohanioal experience,
also of water-tube boilers, high-speed engines and general routine
of a three-wire central station. Commencing salary £130. See also
an advertisement.
The directors of the Douglas Southern Tramways have appointed
Mr. Reginald Orton (assistant manager of the Coventry tramways)
111 (he position of manager of their tramways.
The Big Blue Book, 1909.— The heavy work of compilation of
the Big Blue Book for 1909 will be completed within the next
few days, and we invite the co-operation of our readers, who would
help U.S greatly by returning the coloured circular D2 which relates
to their entries. The corrections and alterations to the names
and addresses are more numerous than usual this year, and help of
the kind suggested will be appreciated.
The subscription list of the Bio Blue Book is now closed. The
published price of the book will be, as last year, 15s. nett, postage
extra. Orders for copies, for advertising space, and for entries
under the Clas.sified Trades Headings must be sent in forthwith.
Aberdare. — An inquiry was held here on Tuesday into the appli-
cation of the Council for permission to borrow money for the erec-
tion of an electricity station in connection with their refuse de-
structor.
The engineer and surveyor (Mr. Owen Willi.\ms) gave evidence in
support of the scheme. In the area proposed to be lighted there were
152 street lamps, and in the whole of the district 638. Incandescent
gas lamps cost £4 Ss. and the flat flame lamps £4 Os. lOd. per lamp per
annum. It was contemplated to increase the number of street limps.
The collieries at Abernant and Hirwain would not be served by the
present scheme, but it was intended to extend the area.
Mr. Stefiikn Sicli.on said he prepared the scheme, and assumed that
150,000 units would he used tor private consumers, 45,000 units for
street lamps, and 50,000 units for working the destructor. The cost
would be £200 for land, buildings £1,2Q0, and he had a provisional
tender to erect at that figure ; generating plant £5,050, and for this
also he had a provisional tender ; distributing system, £9,620 ; with
£850 for extra charges the total cost would be £17,000. Revenue
he calculated as follows : 150,000 units for private consumers at 4d.,
£2,500 ; 45,000 units for street lamps at 2d. per unit, £375 (£2, 10s. a
lamp as against £4. 8s. paid at present) ; 50,000 units at Id. per unit
for the refuse destructor. Total £3,083, without includint; users of
power. He considered this a conservative estimate and meant a
gross profit of £1,551, and after deducting fixed charges, deprecia-
tion, d'c, £600 a j-ear. The inquiry was adjourned.
Algeria. — The Bona Chamber of Commerce announced recently
that the Chamber intend to supply the quays of the port with an
electric power and light installation. The Commune propose to grant
a concession for electricity supply works for the town generally, and
the Chamber of Commerce state that if the concessionaire agrees
to supply them with current at a sufficiently low price, they will be
responsible eventually for a subvention of 100,000 francs. The
Chamber wish to know by Feb. 1.5 the price at which tenderers will
supply them with current for lighting.
Another X-Ray Victim.— We regret to learn that Mr. Harry W.
Cox, the well-known manufacturer of X-ray apparatus, &c., was
again operated upon on Tuesday for X-ray dermatitis, and lost the
larger poi t ion of liis right hand, including tliree fingers. The thumb
and the little finger were saved. Some years ago Mr. Cox lost one
of the fingers of his left hand, and he has yet to undergo another
operation. He has contracted the disease in the chin. The recent
operation was apparently successful, and it is hoped that it will turn
out as well as that in the left hand, which has given no trouble since.
Bath.— Last week the Council adopted the recommendation of
the Electric Lighting committee to rescind the agreement for the
sale of the electricity undertaking to Mr. E. Schenk's .syndicate
In raovmg the adoption of the report the Chairman of the committee
(Mr. Hatt) asked the Council to put an end to all idea of sale. Thev
oontim,e ^ tT" '""""/^ °^ uncertainty which ,nust not be allowed to
tWi^n„.men^;,™"'' '^""^"''^ '''^^ '^^ undertaking belonged to
Beckenham. — The Council have decided to carry out free wiring, on
a five years' hire-purchase agreement at the original contract price,
plus ,5 per cent, for .supervision, and less 1 J per cent, for depreciation.
Bermondsey (London). — The managing director of the London
Electric Supply Cor})n. (Mr. R. Stewart Bain) has sent the follow-
ing letter to the Secretary of the Local Government Board on the
subject of the accounts of the electricity department of Bermondsey
Borough Council : —
During the last four years your attention has been directed by this
corporation to the manner in which the accounts of the electric
lighting department of the borough of Bermondsey ha\e been stated,
flith the result that, instead of the accounts showing a considerable
loss, as they would have done if they had been correctly stated, they
were made to show a profit by transferring amounts from the costs of
working to the general rate account. I enclose herewith copy of my
letter of Jan. 16, 1908, giving particulars of expenses so transferred.
It was further pointed out in that letter that, of the energj- returned
as sold by the borough, 50 per cent, was sold to its own departments
.at prices much in excess of those obtainable from a supply company.
I also enclose copy of a letter dated Dec. 4, 1908, in connection
with the electric lighting accounts of this borough for the year ended.
March 31, 1908, to which no satisfactory reply has been received
These accounts continue to show that the costs of working are still
understated, as desciibed above, and that, of the total amount of
energy returned by the borough as sold, the percentage sold to its
own departments is incre.asing.
They abso show a new irregularity. In the accounts for the year
ended March, 1906, .£3,582 was set aside as a " Reserve for renewals."
The auditor's attention was drawn to the inadequacy of this amount
at the time ; but not only has no further amount been provided for
this purpose in the accounts ended March, 1907, and March, 1908, but
it is now proposed to transfer £2,659. 143. Id. from this " Reserve for
renewals account " to pay interest on loans I Comment upon such
methods of finance is not called for.
There is reason to think that the way in which the accounts of this
undertaking are presented is by no mean,s exceptional (see my
letter of Nov. 9, 1906. in connection with the electric lighting
accounts of the borough of Southwark.) These irregularities still
continue. I must again ask you to call the attention of the President
to the injury which these methods inflict upon this company a.s
a statutory authority for the supply of electrical energy in the
borough. We are not only being competed with in an unfair
manner — viz , by aid of the rates — but as large i-atepayers .ire being
called upon to contribute to the loss which is being incurred jearly
by the Council in carrying on their electric lighting undertaking ; and
the only redress which we appear to have is to call upon your depart-
ment to exercise the power you possess and cause the accounts to be
correctly stated, and as they would have to be stated if audited by
chartered accountants or by the auditors appointed by the Board of
Trade under the Electric Lighting Acts. So far as we ?inow, your
Department has taken no action in connection with the representations
which we, as large ratepayers in the borough, have made in regard to
the irregularities in these accounts; it has, at least, not been followed
by results. The expenditure of the liorough of Bermondsey in conec
tiou with its electric lighting undertaking now exceeds £170,000. It is
being carried on by aid of the rates in contravention of clause 8 of its
Electric Lighting Order of 1902, the clause being evaded in the
manner already stated, and, owing to this evasion, the rateii.ayers
have no means of ascertaining the actual position. My company think
it well to bring the facts once more to the notice of the President of
the Local Government Board, as the matter may not improbably be
brought up in Parliament.
In the letter of Dec. 4. 1908, referred to above, the follow-
ing matters were dealt with ; Reserve fund account, establishment
charges, rates and charges, public lighting and electric energy sup-
plied to the various departments of the borough.
Bidston. — Bukenhead Corporation notify that they jnopose to
extend the electricity supply mains to this district.
Blackburn. — Extensions of the Corporation tramways were in-
spected by Lieut.- Col. Druitt and opened for traffic on Thursday last.
Bournemouth.— The question of the management of the mimici-
))al tramways was again considered by the Council at their last
meeting.
It will be remembered that Mr, .1. B. Hamilton, of Leeds, recently
recommended a re-arrangement of the staff so as to reduce expenses
and to put the control of the undertaking in the hands of a general
manager. The tramways committee considered this report and also
the replies of the trafhc manager (Mr. Barber), the electrical engineer
(Mr. Ign. Bulfin) and the borough engineer (Mr. F, W. Lacey), to Mr.
Hamilton's report. The committee ultimately made the following
recommendations : — ■
1. That the Council approve the principle advocated by Mr. Hamil-
on of a general manager having control of the whale tra tnway depart-
ment.
2. That Mr. Cecil Barber be appointed general manager at his
present salary for a year with a view to the matter being reconsidered
at the end of that time.
3. That for one year, the services of Mr. Hamilton be retained as a
consultant with a view to the introduction, in consultation with him.
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 5, 1909.
663
of such of the changes suggested by Mr. Hamilton as may be deter-
inined upon by the committee.
4. That tlie' salary of the electrical engineering assistant be £200 a
year, and that due notice be given to Mr. Bulfin of this resolution.
6. That the work of re-laying the rails and increasing the super-
elevation, now determined upon on the advice of Mr. Lacey, be pro-
ceeded with as speedily as possible.
The committee considered that it was preferable to leave over all
other matters referred to in Mr. Hamilton's report to be dealt with at
a later meeting.
Alderman Banks (chairman of the committee) moved the adoption
of the report and explained the effect of the various recommendations.
After considerable discussion, an amendment to delete clauses 1 to 4
of the committee's recommendations was ado]ited by 13 votes to 5.
Bridlington. — Application has been made for sanction to a loan of
£■1.4(11) for extensions of the electric lighting mains, &c.
Blierley Hill. — The Board of Trade have deferred for 12 months
the ()uesti(in of the revocation of the Electric Lighting Order of 1900.
Brighton. — The Lighting committee have considered a report
by the engineer and manager of the electricity department (Mi-.
John Christie) upon tlie necessity of providing additional steam
generating plant at the Southwick Works.
The report stated that the department was working the boiler plant
at the Southwick Works well up to its limit, and it was necessary to
consider the question of how Ijest to meet the growing re(|uirements
of the undertaking. During tlie last two winters the load had been
5, lOOkw., which was running things too close for safety. Mr. Christie
considers that their maximum loafl liafl been reduced to its lowest
limit on account of the general adoption of metallic filament lamps,
and they might reasonalily anticipate from now onwards having
gradual progressive increases to their maximum load each year. Some
provision should now be made for meeting the extra demand next
winter, and Mr. A. Wright considered the following was the best
method on which to carry further extensions. First, com|)lete the
eastern boiler house by now installing three boilers, superheaters,
econoraiser, chimney, &c. , together with the additional steam pipes
and alterations necessary for connecting up such extensions to the
existing system. The approximate cost of that was £15,500. That
would give sufficient steaming capacity to safely operate four turbines
at full load, with one boiler in reserve.
Without any further extensions to the Southwick plant beyond a
second motor generator for operating the auxiliary plant (at an esti-
mated cost of say £1,500), they could safely meet all further develop-
ments of the undertaking till the load at Southwick reached .say 5,500
to 6,000 kw. It would then be advisable to make jjrovision for
installing a fifth turbine (for which foundations had already been com-
pleted), and would enable them to cope with further business till the
load at Southwick amounted to, say, 7,200 kw. At North-road, espe-
cially on the 460 \olt section of the supply, it would be necessary to
make some further provision for transforming plant, probably after next
winter's load, in order to allow a reasonable margin cf space. The
cheapest way of carrying out that portion of the work would be to use-
fully utilise the generator portions of their old steam sets at North-
road Works, mounting them in pairs on a comliination bed-plate with
a 1,500 II. P. induction motor between them, as had alread}' been done
with two sets. As the matter was most urgent he had communicated
with Messrs. Babcock & Wilcox, asking them to furnish a firm estimate
for doing the necessary work in accordance with the same terms and
conditions as M'ere embodied in the previous specification, and if that
was in order he recommended them to accept same and have the work
put in hand at once for completion by November next.
Bristol. — Tlie Education committee report that they find the
maintenance of the incandescent gas mantles in the schools a costly
matter, and. therefore, the question of adopting electric lighting is
under consideration.
Caerphilly. — At the meeting of the Council on Tuesday a rejiort
by Mr. A. H. Preece (Messrs. Preece & Cardew) was .submitted on the
proposal to supply electricity in the Aber Valley.
Calcutta. — Before completing the contract for the lighting of the
city by gas the Corporation have decided to call in an electrical
engineer from Great Britain to report on tlie street lighting question
generally, and especially on the advisability of adopting electric
lighting.
Callender's Hospital and Distress Fund.— The sixth annual report
and balance sheet <if this Fund was submitted to and approved by
a meeting licid on Saturday at Erith, under the presidency of Mr.
T. O. Callender. We have previously referred to the good work of
this Fund, and the record has been maintained throughout the past
year. 124 out-patient and seven in-patient hospital letters were
granted, 12 tickets for special home nursing. 72 letters for surgical
aiipliances, 12 convalescent home letters, 28 opthalmic cases were
administered to, and 47 persons received help to the extent of
£54. 3s. 6d. This is a good showing, and deserves to be known.
But the good which can be done by these private funds is far
greater than the amount expended represents. No less than
j£209. 7s. was distributed amongst hospitals and other institutions.
The company and the individual members of the directorate
liberally supported the fund, which ends the year with a balance
of nearly £70 to its credit.
Dover. — Application has been made for sanction to a further loan
of £3.000 for electric lighting extensions.
Dudley.- — On Tue.sday the Council authorised the Town Clerk to
complete the purchase of the tramways belonging to the South
vStaffordshire Tramways Co.
EastCowes. — The Town Hall is to be wired for the electric lighting.
Eccles. — On Wednesday the Council resolved to proceed with their
action against the South Lancashire Tramways Co. unless Salford
Corporatiiin agree to apply in wTiting for the consent of Eccles
Council tri the cars of the enmpany running on the Corporation's lines
between .Alder Kiirest ( Wursley) and Parrin Lane (Winton). or agi'ecs
to till' terms suggested iif the Eccles General Purposes committee.
Electricity Supply in Scotland. — A conference of municipal elec-
tricity undertakers in Scotland (convened by the Town Clerk of
Glasgow) was held at Glasgow on Wednesday to consider proposals
of the North British Electric Power Synd.. which has adjusted the
heads of an agreement with the Caledonian and North Briti.sh
Railway Companies for wayleaves for cables to be laid along the rail-
way routes, the object of the syndicate being to supjily electric power
to public works, &c. The conference was jirivatc ,but wo under-
stand that it was decided to oppose the scheme.
Fareham. — ."Vt the meeting of the Council on Tuesday the tenders
for the first sections of generating plant for the new electricity
works which have been designed by the consulting engineers (Messrs.
May & Hawes) were brought up for consideration. The tenders, of
which 39 were submitted for the four .sections, were explained in
detail by the consulting engineers, and, upon the recommendation
of the Electric Lighting committee, the Council decided to allot the
contracts .set out in another column, subject to the final details in
each case b?ing arranged to the engineer's satisfaction.
Hospital and Infirmary Lighting. — Stockport Guardians have
decided to advertise for tenders for alterations to the electric lighting
installations at the Stepping Hill Hospital, and .Mr. H. M. Barber has
been engaged to supervise the work.
The Governors of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway Royal In-
firmary have made arrangements for the electric lighting of the
infirmary Iniildings at Dumfries.
Gloucester. — The Electricity Supply committee reported to the
City Council last week that they had carefully considered a report
by a sub-committee as to the station staff, and unanimously recom-
mended that the appointment of Mr. G. R. White as electrical
engineer be terminated by one month's notice, and that the appoint-
ment of Mr. A. C. Healey as chief assistant and station superin-
tendent be at once terminated, but that he be paid a week's salary
in lieu of notice.
The Mayor moved the adoption of the minutes, and saiilho was sure
it would be to the interest of all parties if as little discussion as possible
took place on the matter.
A discussion, however, ensued, and the report was ultimately
adopted by 18 votes to 16.
Hull. — The Corporation have been advised, in order to carry out
the inoposed electricity scheme for Hessle. to lake a transfer of the
Hessle electric lighting order. 190.5. The estimated cost of the jiro-
posed scheme is £1,5.000.
Ilford. — The Council have received sanction to a loan of £4.200 for
tramway extensions.
Inquests.— .An inquest was held at Dunfennline on 28th ult. intc
the death of Peter Bex'ei idL'e. brusher. who wivs killed at the Aitkeo
Pit. Kelty, of the Fife C.jal Co.
It appeared that while deceased was at work the electric light cable
fell down from immediately under the roof, and Beveridge and his
fellow employe proceeded to put the cable in position. To do this
his companion helil up the wire by means of a pick shaft, while
Beveridge endeavoured to fasten it to a cro.ss beam. When in the act
of doing so Beveridge's chest, which it was believed was bare at the
time, came in contact with the «ire. He fell to the pavement and
died in a couple of minutes. The men knew Uttle of the danger of
electric current, and neither of them thought of going to the switch
(8Dft. away) and turning otf' the current before handling the cable.
When H.M. Electrical Inspector of Mines visited the .scene of the
accident he found that there had been a joint made in the cable at the
point where Beveridge met his death. It was declare<l that the joint
was electrically unsound. Around the joint was wrapped a piece of
cord— in the opinion of the Court to .serve the purpose of insulation —
and according to the medical evidence the burns on the deceased man's
chest corresponded with the size of the joint after it had had it3
wrapping of cord.
664
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 5, 1909.
il -|,i cial instvnotion
(it V III communities
nromiiiently to the effeet that no uikmiII
the cables. He further suggested Hi' n-'
hein-'- K^'C" *" ^"y^ '"^^ school in leganl lu ch-n
whero 95 per cent, went to work in the pits. «• , ^i wi „
The UuT addecl to their formal verdict riders to the effect that the
accident was ca,usediby the deceased's bare breast coming in contact
with part of the electrical cable which was imper ectly insulated owing
to a ba<llv repaire<l break ; that in mines in which electricity was used
notices should be posted up prohibiting unauthorised persons from in-
terfering w.lh wires, cables orplant; and that they were of opinion
that proper precautions had not been taken for the safety of the men
by informing them of their danger.
At Wakefield on Thursday last week an inquest was held on two
miners (Jas. Piatt and H. Meredith) who were seriously burned by
an explosion at Ackton Hall Colliery, Pontefract, on Jan. 19.
After taking medical evidence, ., ,
John Rf.dgwick, deputy, stated that an hour prior to tlie accident
everything was right. The electric motor was running smoothly when
he visited' the place, and the ventilation was all right. After the
accident, he found the place full of dust and smoke, the motor stopped
and the switch box down.
Albert Polurd, electrician, in explaining the construction of the
switch box, said that on closing the lid he had to keep in position the
rubber ring which surrounded the flange, in order to keep the box
gas-tip'ht. "This ring, when the box was opened after the accident,
wai found broken, and the porcelain handles were co\-ered with dust.
Mr. PicKERiNc, H.M. Chief Inspector of Mines, said he had come to
the conclusion that the explosion originated in the switch box owing
to there being an aperture between the lid and the edge of the box. In
his opinion the box was of a very unsuitable design, and calculated to
prove unsafe in practical work. Electrical engineers were not always
good mechanics, and at present few seemed to have realised the danger
of introducing electrical appliances into parts of mines where explosive
gas might appear in dangerous quantities If colliery owners and
managers took the grave responsibility of installing electricity in the
workings of fiery mines, they should not altogether rely on the opinions
of electrical experts who may have very sketchy ideas concerning
mining dangers, and of the rough conditions apparatus must endure
in the working face. It was comparatively useless to provide safetj'
lamps, and prohibit or restrict shot firing, if electrical appliances which
may tire gas are introduced. He submitted the following conclusions ;
(1) The great potential dangers of electrical appliances in places in
mines where firedamp may appear ; (2) the great danger of driving a
single heading in advance of a long wall face : (3) that the motors,
starters, terminals and connections to which electricity special rule 57
applies should be in enclosed boxes which are: (ai gas-tight under
all the conditions likely to prevail in the mine ; (l)j constructed so
that the covers cannot be removed unless the current is switched off ;
(<) securely locked so that the covers cannot be removed by an un-
authorised person ; (d) so designed that any packing intended to make
a gas-tight joint between the cover and the box is certain to be in
position if reasonable care is taken ; (e) no person other than a coin-
jietent person, authorised in writing by the manager, to remo\e or
interfere with the covers of such boxes, and this person to make a
written report, every time he removes or replaces a cover, of the con-
dition of the box and appliances, and whether the cover is gas-tight ;
(/) the boxes to be tested from time to time by the authorised person
to ascertain whether they are gas-tight, and a wiitten record of the
tests to be kept.
The jury returned a verdict " That the two men died from extensive
burns caused while at work in the Ackton Hall Colliery by an explosion
from a rush of g.as from the workings owing to the electric switch box
not being at the time gas-tight." They added a recommendation that
there should be regular inspection of the switch boxes, and that a
record be kept for that purpose. They were further of opinion that
the switch box in question was defective and not up to-date.
Jersey.— The Legislative Assembly of Jersey has before it a Bill
to place under public control the supply of electricity, gas and water.
The bill provides that the supply of water, gas and electricity to
the public by a commercial undertaking must be licensed by the
States by the Committee of Public Works. Applications must show the
financial resources ^of the applicants. Any development of the under-
taking outside the limits of the licence shall likewise be licensed bv the
States. The undertakers shall, before March 1 of each year, transmit to
the (ireftier of the States, in a form which shall be determined in the
licence : (I) A statement of the capital involved in the undertaking
and the uses made thereof : (2) A detailed account of revenue and ex-
penditure to Dec. 31 of the preceding year ; (3) A declaration of the
moneys placed to reserve or added to capital, and of the profits distri-
buted to interested persons-under a penalty which shall not exceed
i5 for each day's delay. These documents shall have been audited
either by the auditor of the States or by an auditor appointed bv the
committee The auditor shall report to the States ; and these docu-
ments shall be public documents. The act applies to commercial
umlertaking.s now operating ; nevertheless, the condition of "public
toleration (IHat dc tolerance puh'ique] shall continue, so far as thev are
concerned, for a period of two years from the date of the promulgation
not hnvp W 1 ^ e'cp.ration of that period these undertakings shall
not have been licensed, the (condition of toleration shall de facto cease
Leeds. — On the pre.spntatiiiii nf the report of the Tramways com-
mittee to the Council on Wednosflay, Mr. Brassington moved to
exclude a recommendation that an order be placed with the Eleotro-
Mechanical Brake Co. for 30 Maley tramway brakes.
Mr. Br.a.ssi.viitox said that woiilil cost the city l'5,0f10. He under-
stood the tramways ma-iiger (Mi. J. B. Hamilton) h?l I 1.510 shares
in the company. He was also a ilirector and (accorling to the infor-
mation filed at Somerset House) could not be removed from that posi-
tion : further, as one of the patentees, he would (under the agreement
taken over by the company) get £4. ICs. on every brake manufactured
by the company in West Biomwich. So that if those Maley brakes
were purchased by Leeds Mi-. Hamilton would receive £135 royalty.
If the brake was a" good one tliey should have it in the inteiestii of the
city.
Aid. Matheson remarked that though Leeds had fortunately had no
serious accidents on its tramways they had now some steep gradients
to deal with, and they ought to have the most powerful brakes. Mr.
Hamilton was excludefl from getting any royalty on brakes supplied
to Leeds.
Aid. Tetlev said they had been making trials with the brake for
more than a year, and it had better answ'ered every one of the condi-
tions laid down by the committee better than anything else they had
seen. With regard to Mr. Hamilton's interest in the company. Aid.
Tetley said that he was no longer a director.
Mr. Akjiitage said that in .June last the Council agreed to pay the
patent fees in respect of the brake, not exceeding £20, on condition
that any such brakes reijuired by the Corporation should be free of
royalty charges. The members of the committee, knowing the in-
terest that Mr. Hamilton h.ad in the concern, would take greater care
than usual to satisfy themselves that that was the best brake.
The committee's recommendation was ultimately adopted.
Subsequently Mr. Badlay moved a resolution that Mr. Hamilton's
salary be reduced to £700 a year, thiit he should devote his whole time
to the duties of the office, and that he should pay to the Corporation
various sums of money (amounting to nearly £1,900) received from
Corporations, companies, &c., for time given to them whilst drawing
his salary in Leeds ; and that an investigation committee be appointed
to report (1) when Mr. Hamilton was appointei a director of the
Electro-Mechanical Brake Engineering Co., (2) what royalty he is
entitled to on each car fittci with the brake of the company, and (3)
what orders have been placed with the company by the Leeds Tram-
ways committee.
Mr. Smithson, chairman of the Tramways committee, defended Mr.
Hamilton. It wasa grossabuseof thecustomsand privilegesof the(!oun-
cil that the notice paper should be usetl for an attack of that rlescription.
As to Mr. Hamilton devoting the whole of his working time to the
duties of his position, he said a tr.amway manager's hours were the
hours whenever he was wanted. Since Mr. Hamilton came to Leeds
his services had been available at eveiy moment when the citj'had re-
quired them. With regard to the fees received by Mr. Hamilton from
Corporations and companies, Mr. Smithson explained that when Mr.
Hamilton was appointed in 1902, it was agreed that he should be
allowed to ailvise outside authorities (if required) and if it could be
done without any neglect of his duties in Leeds. It was known to the
members of the committee that he gave that advice, and in every case
Mr. Hamilton consulted the chairman. The sums set forth in
the resolution amounted to about £1,900. That included a pretty
considerable sum for travelling and hotel expenses. Moreover, it
extended over seven years, about ,£220 or £225 a year net profit.
Coming to the item relating to 2A per cent, profits for the Constanti-
nople tramwiiys concession, Mr. Smithson said it was quite true that
Mr. Hamilton spent 19 days at Constantinople, but they formed his
holidays for that year. The chairman of the committee at that time
consented to his going, and during his absence Mr. Hamilton gained
valuable knowledge without the cost of a penny to Leeds. As tor the
2| per cent, profits that, he understood, was a bargain made with the
gentlemen who took him, but the scheme had not yet matured, and,
therefore, no profits had been realised. Turning then to the retainer
of 100 guineas a year by Thermit (Ltd.), Mr. Smithson said that wasa
return made by the company for Mr. Hamilton's work in receiving
deputations which came to Leeds to see the new system of welding
which was being experimented with in the city. That retainer ex-
pired last year and had not been renewed, and Leeds h.ad not lost a
penny over it. A committee had already inquired into Mr. Hamilton's
connection with the Electro-Mechanical Brake Co. and were perfectly
satisfied with his bona tides. Mr. Hamilton was no longer a director
of the company. In conclusion, Mr. Smithson moved the following
amendment : " That the Council hereby record their unabated confi-
dence in Mr. J. B. Hamilton's conduct of the Leeds City tramways
undertaking since his appointment as general manager, and their
cordial appreciation of the energy and the efficiency he has shown in
the discharge of his important duties."
After discussion, the amendment was adopted by 30 votes to 3.
London County Council.— On Tuesday it was agreed to lend £8,500
to Southwark for electric lighting.
rrirate Bills. — On the recommeudation of the Parliamentary com-
mittee it was agreed to pre.sent petitions against the following bills :
Baker Street & Waterloo Railway, Central London Railway, North-
West Lonflon Railway, London United Tramways, North Metropolitan
Electric Power Supply and the West Kent Electric Power.
Loughborough. — The Council have received sanction to a loan of
£l..'i(>.') for excess expenditure on the electricity undertaking, but the
THE ELECTRICIAN. FEBRUARY 5. 1909.
665
L.O. Rii.H'il Imvo. howPFor. deferred their decision as to tlie pro-
posed lo:\n to meel ex|iendilure on services, &e.. diirinfr llie next
two years, pending a report from the electrical engineer. The Hoard
suggesterl that, pending the result of the invesligalioii, (In- Cnuneil
should not in^'iiv any further expenditure.
The Board also stated that they leurjied from the leiiort of their
inspector that tlic Council had installed a new hattory at a, cost of €910,
an(i that the cost was being met out of revenue by instalments spreail
over three years, and they iiK|uired upon what statutory provision the
Council lelied for authority to defray the cost in that wa^-.
Alil. Bum)ius said the Town Clerk had supplied the Board with the
infi;)rniat ion retpured.
Maidenhead. — A distributing main is to be laid to Braywiek at
an estimated cost of £900. and the Council have decided to take u|i a
loan of £2.0(X) for electric lighting extensions.
Manchester. — .At the meeting of the Corporation on Wednesday
a long discussion arose on the presentation of the minutes of the
Watch committee.
Ml-. Whitk moved that the committee be instructed to ascertain and
report if, and on what terms, the contract with the Postmaster-f General
for the erection and maintenance of the (iamewell tire alarm sys-
tem could be abandoned. He thought an error had been made in
adopting the system, and in view of the financial position of the
Council only things that were absolutely essential should be proceeded
with.
Mr. Kemp thought it absurd for anyone to suggest thr.t the Council
should throw away the £9,000 spent, when another £4,000 would
complete the installation of the system.
Mr. White's motion was defeated, and the committee's report
adopted.
Morley. — An inquiry was held liere last week into the application
of the Council for sanction to a loan of i611,759 for e.xtensions of
the electricity undertaking.
The Town Clerk (Mr. F. Thackray) explained that £7,942 of the loan
\vas required for additional generating pl.ant anil switchboards for the
new tramway load, and"£2,317 was excess expenditure on cables and
house connections, while £1,500 was wanted for meters anfl cables for the
next three years. Arrangements had recently been entered into between
the British Electric Traction C'o. and the Leeds & Bradford District
Tramways Co., by which the powers for the construction of the tram-
ways in Morley, Drichlington, Gildersome and Ardsley had been trans-
ferred to the Leeds & Uradfoid Co. who were about to proceed with
the construction of the tramways. That company had agreed
to take over an agreement between the Corporation anrl the
British Electric Traction Co. with regard to the supply of electricity,
and an arrangement as to the purchase of the tramways in the
borough of Moiley was .al.so to be continued with the Leeds and
Bradford Co. It was anticipated that the construction of the tram .-.ij-s
would be commenced almost immediately.
Evidence was also given by Mr. J. Ellis, the borough electrical
engineer.
Obituary. — We regret to record the death of Mr. A. W. White, a
director of the Provincial Tramways Co. and other companies allied
thereto. Mr. White was for many years the local manager of the
Portsmouth Street tramways.
We also regret to announce the death of Mr. W. W. Strode (of
Strode & Co.), which occurred on Saturday last, Mr. Strode was 58
years of age.
Penny-a-Word Telegrams.— The Norwegian Chamber of Com-
merce held a house dinner last week, and this was followed by a
discussion on " The Possibilities of a Penny-a-Word Telegram
Rate, particularly in its relation to the Scandinavian Countries."
Mr. F. C. C. Nielsen (of the Great Northern Telegraph Co.) opened
the discussion and said the question of penny-a-word telegrams was
not new. It was not to lie wondered that when a member of
Parliament propounded such an idea it was thought that there
must be .something in it. Unfortunatciv, however, those who
had to do with such things in their daily occupation did not
see it quite in the same light, and he was afraid he must argue
rather the impossibility than the possibility of the proposal. The sug-
gestion for a low uniform rate for the whole of Europe was lirought for-
ward many years ago. In 1886 the question was before the International
Telephone Conference and had to be abandoned on account of the loss
it would cause to the different administrations. At Lisbon in May
last proposals for moderate reductions met with general resistance,
and eventually a proposal for reducing the fundamental rates by one
centime for large States and h centime for small States was oidy
carried by a majority, several Go\ernments objecting on .account of
anticipated loss. The rate to Scandinavia, 3d. a word, could not be
said to be too high in proportion to the rates to other countries in
Europe, to the cost of working, and to the advantage which merchants
had by the use of codes, which brought the rate down to a very low
tigure. A reduction to Id. would mean sure and considerable loss to
all telegraph administrations and would be unfair to the general tax-
payer.
Other speakers followed, ami there was general agreement among
them that the proposal was impracticable.
SPECIAL NOTICE.
NOW READY Vol. LXI. of " Tkk Elkctrician " (1,018 pagesl,
ijound in strong cloth. Price 17s. 6d.: post free, IBs. 6d. Also ready
Ca.ses for Binding. Price 2s.; post free, 2s. 3d.
A complete set of " The Electrici.vn " (1860-1865— 1878-1908) can
be supplietL A number of odd volumes and some odd old back num-
bers, to help in making up complete sets, a'-e also now available.
Presentation. — On resigning the position of tramway trafKc
suijerintcndent at Doncaster. Mi-. A. K. Blower has been jircscnted by
the stafl' with a marble clock with bronze pillars.
Roumania.— The .Municipal Council intend to arrange for the con-
struction of an electric tramway in the town of Ploesti.
Russia. — The Ciovernment have authorised the expenditure of
3.(148.544 roubles (about £22tl.4,33) for constructing and rejiairing
telegraph lines, and of 1.2.59.00(1 roubles (about £7(i,(l()5) for telephone
lines. Of these amounts 20(),()(]0 roubles are for laying a single-wire
line between Yakutsk and Okhotsk, 50.00(J roubles for work prepar-
tory to laying telegraph wires along the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk
from Petropavlovsk in Kamtchatka t<i Nicolaievsk on the .-\mur. and
for constructing radio- telegraidi st a( i^ ms in ( Ii. isc towns ; and 4:{4.(MX)
roubles for the provision of a tcli-plhim ^\~ii-m between TiHis and
Baku (100.000 roubles), and Odessa. Ni.Mlaiev and Voznessensk
(20.000 roubles), and for the extension and rejiair of existing lines.
Southwarl( (London). — On Wednesday the Council considered
the resignation of the borough electrical engineer (Mr. D. M. King-
liorn).
The report of the Electric Light committee stated that they had
investigated the matters that had arisen in connection with the con-
tract for supply of coal to the electric light station during the p,ast
year, which had resulted in Mr. Kinghorn resigning his position as
engineer and manager. With reference to the pui-chase of coal
outside contract, the committee point out that in February hist
a serious fire broke out in the bunkers at the station, lasting
several weeks, which necessitated their being entirely cleared
before any fresh coal could be stored, and there was reason to
believe th.at the fire was caused solely through the damp and
unsatisfactory condition of the coal supplied under contr.ict, ren-
dering it liable to spontaneous combustion. The tire entirely dis-
organised the whole working arrangements of the station for several
weeks, and it became necessary to re<iuest the contractors to cease
sending coal for a time. When the supplies were resumed the engineer
states that he found it necessarv to purchase a better quality of coal
to mix with that supplied under contract in order to get the fidl
steam pressure. That coal was passed through the ref|uisition book
by the engineer, but in some cases the coal hafi ahe.-uly been ordered,
an<l the engineer neglected to report either on his inability to get
the full steam pressure from the contr.act co.al or as to the purchases
he had made, and, consequently, the committee were not aware
that orders had been given to the extent which the accounts subse-
quently showed. The committee were also much surprised on |)er-
using the correspondence that had passed between the electrical
engineer and the contractors, to find that mattei-s of serious dispute
had arisen between them involving a claim of £110. 7s. for demurrage
on trucks detained beyond the time limit allowed for transit .-md un-
loading, and it was not till July last that the committee had any
knowledge of the matter, when the coutractcus adtlressed a letter to
the Town Clerk calling attention to the ditiiculties that had arisen
between them and the engineer, and intimating their intention of
making a claim for demurrage on their trucks. With reference to the
claim for tlemurrage, the committee felt that the best course to adopt
under the circumstances was to refer the matter to the Chairman and
Town Clerk to endeavour to effect a settlement with the contractors,
and the committee are glad to be able to report a settlement of the
claim at £40, and they recommended that their action be approved,
and they also rep')rted that, under all the circumstances, they ha<l no
alternative but to recommend that the resignation of Mr. I). M.
Kinghorn, .is engineer and manager of the electricity undertaking, be
accepted as from the 5th inst.
In the discussion which ensued, several members protested against
the premature and garbled account of the committee's report which
had appeared in some technical papers. (This does not, however,
apply to The Ei.ectrichn).
The chairman of the committee (Alderman Hewitt) regretted the
incident and said he had done his best to protect the Council and the
engineer
Ultimately the report was adopted.
Tele -Photography. — Prof. Korn is reported by the " Daily -Mail "
to have invented a new ])rocess of electric transmission by which
photographs are taken which enable more complicated pictures to be
transmitted than by his former process.
Wednesbury. — On Monday the Light and Water committee
recommended that an underground electric main be laid to King's
Hill, and that the L.G. Board be asked to cancel their sanction to a
loan of JlSOO to defray the cost of an overhead feeder, and that
instead they be asked to sanction an outlay of £1,700.
The M.vYOR (Mr. I. Griffiths) mentioned that the consent of the
Board of Trade was obtained to a scheme for placing the wires on the
666
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 5, 1909.
tramway poles, but tlie tramway company demanded £380 and certain
indemnities. The Corporation had consequently dropped the idea,
and now suggested the alternative underground method of supply.
Had they gone on witli the original scheme, although they believed
they were were within their rights in doing so, there would no doubt
have been costly litigation. The recommendation was adopted.
Wireless Airship. —It has been a long time coming, but at last the
news reaches us from New York thai a Mr. .Mark O. Anthony.
plcclrical engineer, has dcsigiicd :ind siii(( ilHlly .i|„]:,ted a small
dirigible air.shii) by means of win :, .., , li. <im ii; . \Vi avc told thiTt
(lie airshi|i. which was empty, " in.ulc ;ill ^ rl- nl (vi.hiin.ns. demon-
str-iiing (lie pcrfi-cl control of the operator."
Wireless Telegraph Notes.— It is reported fiial the French Minister
of f'omnierce. M. f'ruppi. is about to siilniui .1 nmiion to the French
Chamber, that French shipping coimimi.m -IkiII equip all mail
steamers of a specified tonnage with « n. h- - i<l. Mr.iphie in.stallations.
A similar proposal is, we understand, before tlic American House of
Representatives.
It i.s announced that the National Electrical Signalling Company
(Fessenden system), whose wireless mast at Machrihanish was
demolished during the heavy gale in December, 190G, have decided
upon rebuilding the mast, which was formerly 450 ft. high. The
delay which has arisen is attributed to a desire on tlie part of the
Company to complete certain experiments wliich is now said, to have
be.'^n satisfactorily accomplished.
The new Admiralty wireless station on the Lincolnshire Coast.
just beyond the village of Humberstonc. will be equi])i)(d with nine
tall masts, tlie highest being 180 ft.
Workhouse Lighting. — Merthyr Tydfil Guardians have instructed
Mr. Lloyd, electrical engineer at the Dowlais works, to rep<irt on the
electric lighting of the workhouse and infirmary.
Worthing. — The Council have ajiplicd for sanction to a further loan
of £3.!ll)0 to cover the estimated cost of laying two additional feeder
cables and prospective requirements for meters, house services and
distriliuting mains, during the next two years.
Marriage. — Mr. Frederick W. Hartmann, A.M.I.K.E., assistant
managing director of the Langdon-Davies Motor Co , son of Mi'.
and Mrs. Augustus Hartmann, Netherfield House. Weybridge, was
married on the 23rd January in St. Margaret's Church, Westminster,
to Dorothy Rose, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Nye, nf Worth-
ing. After the ceremony the guests were received at the Gros-
venor Hotel, where a string band of the Royal Engineers played,
Mr. Hartmann being a lieutenant in the EIrctrical Engineers Volun-
teer Battalion.
TRADE NOTES AND NOTICES.
NEARLY READY.
"THE ELECTRICIAN" ELECTRICAL TRADES'
DIRECTORY AND HANDBOOK.— The 1909 Edition
of the Big Blue Book, price 15s., or post free in the
United Kingdom, 15s. gd. The new and enlarged volume
brings a great mass of statistical and technical data
quite up to date, and the Directorial Division will be
thoroughly revised and amplified.
All branches of Electrical Engineering and Industry
are fully treated, and Electro-Financial matters will
receive every attention in the new volume, which aggre-
gates more than 2,000 pages. The Directory Division is
complete and thoroughly accurate, and has been com-
pletely revised. All mere lists of members of Societies
and Institutions (so easily and cheaply available) are
excluded, as quite unrehable for Manufacturers' and
Dealers' purposes. The full set of valuable Statistical
and Engineering Tables, &c., are being very carefully
revised and extended, and are now issued in handy book
form. These will be included in the 1909 Big Blue
Book, making it the most complete work of the kind ever
published.
TENDERS INVITED.
The Westminster ISlectrlr Supply Corpn. (Ltd), are prepared to
receive tenders for supply, delivery and erection at their Horseferry-
road station of combined high and low-tension switchboards and
tions w'i'',' i""''''"'"'' ""' ''^'"-'y boosters. Copies of .speeifioa-
eu„inepix'',u '■'"""■,' '"'-'>" 'I 'onditions. from the consulting
eu^meeis ,,\i.s.„.. K,.,„„.,lx- & .lenkin, 17), Victoria-street, West
minster, S.W. Tenders to the Secretary of the corporation, Eccles-
ton-place, Eccleston -street. Belgravia, S.W., by 10 a.m. Feb. 26.
See also an advertisement.
Lincoln Corporation are prepared to receive tenders for the con-
struction and maintenance of complete water level recording and
telephonic system, connecting their waterworks engineer's office
with their present Elkesley pumping station, and Bracebridge
service reservoir and Westgate water tower. Specification and form
of tender may be obtained and drawings inspected after the Feb. 9th
at the office of the waterworks engineer (Mr. Neil McK. Barron).
Tenders, addressed to the Chairman of the Waterworks committer,
must be delivered at the office of the town clerk (Mr. W. T. Page) by
Monday, Feb. 22. See also an advertisement.
Salford Corporation invite tenders for stores for their electricity
department for the year ending March 31, 1910, including cable:-.
cable accessories, refined Trinidad bitumen, cable conduits, stone-
ware and fibre pipes, asphalte bridges, wood troughing, bends, &e..
cement, lime, bricks. &c., house service cut-outs, electricity meters,
maximum demand indicators, gravity type ammeters, circuit
breakers and ironclad d.p. switches, soda ash, switches, fuses and
arc lamp globes, carbon filament glow lamps, arc lamp carbons and
motor carbon bru.shes, electric motors and starters, iron castings,
brass and gun metal castings, iron and steel bars, plates, &e., iron-
mongery, w.i. tubes and fittings, druggists' sundries, timber, wood
fittings, engine room stores, oils, &e. Specifications. &c.. from the
borough electrical engineer (Mr. Victor A. H. M'Cowen). electricity
works. Frederick-road. Pendleton. Tenders, addressed to the
Chairman of the Electricity committee, at the office of the borough
electrical engineer, before noon Feb. 15. See also an advertisement.
Edmonton Guardians invite tenders for an electric lighting -and
power installation at their new infirmary (Bridport-road. Upper
Edmonton) now being erected. Drawings may be inspected and
general conditions, specification and form of tender obtained at the
office of Messrs. May & Hawes, Caxton House, Westminster, S.W.
Tenders addressed to Mr. F. Shelton. solicitor and clerk. White Hart-
lane, Lower Tottenham, must be delivered before 9 a.m. of Feb. 24.
See also an advertisement.
The Electricity and Tramway.s committee of the County Borough
of Newport, Mon., are prepared to receive tenders for supply of tlire e
complete four-wheeled ili>\ilile-deck tramcars. Information and
specifications from tin- bi'iough electrical engineer and tramways
manager (Mr. H. (nlliiigs I'.ishoj)). Tenders to the town clerk.
Town Hall. Ne\\port, Mon.. by 10 a.m. Feb. 23. See also an adver-
tisement.
Tlie Council of the Metroiiolitan Borough of St. Marylehonc
invite tenders lor the fitting of electric fittings, reflectors, &c.. to
about 2. (too existing street lantern.5. Specifications from the town
clerk (Mr. .Jas. Wilson), Town Hall, St. Marylebone, London. W.. to
whom tenders by 3 p.m. Feb. 17. See also an advertisement.
Leeds Corporation want tenders by 10 a.m. Feb. 25 for 12 months"
stores for the electric lighting department, including copper bars,
strips, plates and wire, lead. i.r. covered cables, mains boxes and
fittings, jointing and insulating materials, electric lamps, a.c. watt-
meters, tubes, iron and steel, gunmetal, tools, oils, &c. Schedules.
&c., from Mr. H. Dickinson. 1, Whitehall-road, Leeds.
Clacton-on-Sea District Council invite tenders for supply and erec-
tion of overhead travelling crane. Specification, with terras and
conditions, from the electrical engineer (Mr. H. W. Everitt). Tenders
tu the clerk (Mr. G. T. Lewis), Town Hall, Claoton-on-.Sea, by noon
of Wednesday, Feb. 17.
Portsmouth Tramways committee want tenders by 10 a.m..
Feb. 15, for 12 months stores, &c., including electrical and insulatiru
materials, overhead line materials, brake shoes, car repair stores,
oils. &e. ; and also for 12 months' coal for the power station. Speci-
fications from the Engineer. Fratton-grove. Portsmouth.
Manchester Waterworks committee want tenders by Feb. 10 for
supply and erection of a storage battery, with reversible booster,
switchboard, wiring, &c., at the Longdendale works. Specification
from the Secretary, Waterworks Offices. Town Hall. Manchester.'
Blackburn Electricity and Tramways committee require tenders
by noon Feb. 16 for 12 months' supply of motors, starting switches,
tubes for wiring, insulating material, fuse boxes, switches, oils, &c.
Specifications from Borough Electrical Engineer.
Bermondsey (London) Council want tenders by Feb. 15 for 12
months' supply of carbons, cable and jointing materials, conduits,
electricity meters, meter boards, joint boxes, oils, &c. Forms. &c.,
from the Town Clerk.
Salford Tramways committee want tenders by 3 p.m. Feb. 15 for
12 months' supply of electrical and mechanical oar accessories, over-
head ears and frogs, overhead equipment material, wire, iron and
steel, oils, &c. Forms. &c.. from the General Manager.
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBEUARY 5, 1909.
667
Sheffie/il Electric Light committee want tenders by 10 a.m. Feb 15.
for .steam and feed piping, water meter. &c.. for one new boiler.
Specitication, &c., from the Electric Su]iply Do|)arlmciil. Com-
mercial-.street, Sheffield.
Todmorden Education committee want tender.^ by Feb. 22 for
wiriug the new secondary school on the Stile Estate. S|)ecitication
from Mr. J. Horsfall, 4, Chapel-walk.s, Manchester.
Acton Council want tenders by 3 p.m.. Feb. Iti for 12 iiinnili^'
supply of meters, fuse boxes, meter boards, cables, steel lubini;.
bitumen. &c. Forms of tender &e.. from Mr. J. Martin Blair. 1311.
Cl-.urchfield-rd., Acton.
Leeds Tramways committee want tenders by Feb. 20 for 12 months'
su]iply of stores, including electrical sundries, iron and steel, east-
ings, ironmongery, bolts and nuts, oils, &c. Forms of lender frirm
the C4eneral Manager.
Bristol Electrical committee want tenders by 10 a.m. Feb. 1 1 for
wiring Avonbank electric lighting station (third instalment). Forms
of tender from the City Electrical Engineer.
Prestwich Council want tenders by noon Feb. 8 for electric light,
ing at Clough Sewage Works. Particulars from the Surveyor.
Council Offices.
Tenders are required by 3 p.m. Feb. 12 for the supply of various
telegraph material to the Norivegian State liailtcaij.'i Department.
Christiana. A preference of from 10 to 15 per cent, (apart from
customs duties) is given to Norwegian raanufactiu'ers, and a resident
agent must act for tenderers. Specification may be .seen at 73.
Basinghall-street, London, E.G.
Pontypridd Council want tenders by Feb. 22 for supply of installa-
tion fittings, lamps, &c. Forms of tender, &c., from .Mr. .). E.
Teasdel, Generating Station, Treforest.
<S7. Helens Electricity committee want tenders by noon Feb. 17
for conden.sing plant, &c., for Ci-oppers Hill power station. Speci-
fications, &c., from the Borough Electrical Engineer.
Stockton-on-Tees District Fund, Gas and Electricity commit lee
want tenders by Feb. 15. for 12 months' stores. Forms of tender.
&c., for electrical department stores, from the Electrical Engineer.
Padditu/ton {London) Council want tenders by Feb. 13 for supply
of electric lamps and shades, &o. Forms of tender from the Borough
Accountant.
The Postmaster-General's Department, Melbourne, '^^ictoria,
require tenders by 3 p.m. Feb. 23 for supply of 5,000 telephone cases
and associated parts and 5,000 telephone wall sets ; and liy March
23 for the supply and erection of power plant at the Ceutial Telc-
phoneExchange, Melbourne.
The Postmaster-General's Department, Brisbane, Queensland,
want tenders by March 29 for ironwork, insulators, iron wire, bronze
wire and covered wire.
The Postmaster-General's Department, Sydney, N.S.W.. want
tenders by May 19 for two multiple magneto switchboards.
Forms, (fee., for all the above Commonwealth contracts from the
Commonwealth Offices, 72, Victoria-street, London, S.W.
TENDERS RECEIVED AND ACCEPTED.
For the laying of stoneware cable ducts London ('ounty Council
received the following tenders: —
ReidBros.(.,.rv.f.'/i£l3,356 7 8
British Insulated &
Helsby Cables ...16,654 9 3
J. Mowlera & Co. ...16,352 0 0
Clift Ford 16,023 0 0
J. A. Ewart .£15,260 18 10
W. Muirhead 15,204 8 3
Dick, Kerr & Co. ...13,937 10 8
Westminster Con-
struction Co 13,816 1 11
The estimate of the chief officer of tramways was £12,120,
Messrs. Reid Bros, have been authorised to sub-let to the Associated
Portland Cement Co. tiie cement, and to .J. Gibb & Co. the ironwork.
For the manufacture, supply and delivery of four electrically-
operated car traversers for the central car repair depot at Norwood
car shed London County Council received the undermentioned
tenders : —
Mountain & (iihson
(accrptid) £1,907
Appleby's Limited. . 2,713
I .Joseph Booth&Bros. £2,590 0 0
0 0 Heenau&Froude... 2,38110 0
__ _ 0 0 I Hurst, Nelson & Co. 2,330 0 0
The estimate of the chief officer of the tramways was £2,450.
Mountain & Gibson can sublet to Wm. Shaw & Co., or Hadfield'.*
Steel Foundry Co., or Edgar Allen & Co., steel castings : to the North
Eastern Steel Co., or Dorman, Long &Co., or the Shelton Iron, Steel
and Coal Co., or .John Spencer & Co., or Alfred Hickman & Co., or the
Earl of Dudley's Round Oak Works, the steel plates, angles, rails, &c. ;
to Cammell, Laird & Co., the axles; to H.adfield's Steel Foundry Co.,
or Wm. Shaw & Co., the cast steel wheel centres ; to John Brown * Co.,
or Steel, Peach & Tozer, or H. Bessemer & t'o , or Cammell, Laird & Co. ,
the tyres ; to the Tutbury Engineering Co. the iron castings ; and to
the Leys Malleable Casting Co., or Harrison & Co., the malleable iron
castings.
For the supply of screwing machines at L.C.C, tramways central
car repair depot the following tenders were received : — •
Seliiichar.lt & Schutte I A.nerbert(Ltd.) £551&£370 10 0
(acerplal) £254 0 0 Buck & Hickman 316 0 0
J. Holroyd & Co 410 10 0 j Sehg,Sonnenthal&Co. 250 0 0
The estimate of the chief otliccr of the tramw.ays was £290.
For the supply and delivery of 155,000 stoneware cable ducts
required by the London County Council the following tenders were
received : —
Stanley Bros, (acce^iifti) £L688 15 0'
National Fireproofing Co 2,967 10 0
A.McNair&Co ?,925 10 5
Doningtou Sanitary Pipe & Firebrick Co 2.037 10 0
Thomas Wragg & Sons 1,882 10 0
.lames Cakes & Co 1,824 7 6
Ensor & Co 1,785 12 6
Sutton&Co 1,7£8 10 0
Geo. .Skey & Co 1,727 10 0
Doulton&Co .. 1,725 12 6
Robinson & Dowler 1,688 15 0
H.R.Mansfield 1,688 2 1
Hosea, Tugby & Co 1,683 2 1
Ralph Ashworth & Co. (50,COO) £00 0 0
Leeds Fireclay Co. (50,000) 850 0 0"
* Less 2J per cent, for cash monthly'.
The estimate of the chief officer of tramways was £1,930.
Fareham Council have accepted the following tenders for supply
and erection of generating plant for their new electricity works: —
Diesel Engine Co. (sections A and B, Sulzer-Diesel engines .and
Crompton flywheel alternators), £5,176. 16s.; Electric & Ordnance
Accessories Co. (section C, high and low-pressure switchboards),
£397. 9s. 6d. ; John Smith (Keighley), Ltd. (section D, overhead
travelling crane), £64. Specifications for buildings, tran.sfornicrs,
cables and flame arc lamps will be issued at an early date.
Chester Town Council have accepted the following tenders: —
Tudor Accumulator Co., battery, £1,310: Laneashiie Dynamo and
Motor Co.. automatic booster, £480 ; Bertram Thomas, switchboard.
£268; Saunders & Taylor, low pressure water .system for the offices,
£93 ; and low pressure steam system for the battery room, .£70.
An order has been placed with the Chloride Electrical Storage
Co. for 232 cells and an " Knt/ " booster for working across the
the outers of the Falkirk lighting system.
Wednesbury Council have accepted the tender of .Johnson &
Phillips for an underground feeder main.
Dover Council have accepted the tender of L. .J. Rampe for wiring
work at the waterworks, and that of W. T. Glover & Co. for cables at
£500.
Brighton Lighting committee have accepted the tender of Bab-
cook & Wilco.x for three water-tube boilers, superheaters, ceono-
misers. &c., at £15.370.
Bexhill Council have placed an order with the National Telephone
Co. for three additional fire alarm posts at £17 per annum.
Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Co. have received an order from the
Norddeutseher Lloyd Shipping Co. to equip with the .Marconi wire-
less .system nine of their steamers. "
Harrogate Education committee have accepted the lender of .Mr.
Barker for wiring four Council .schools at £227. 10s.
i\ccrington Council have accepted the tender of i'l iranti Limited
for switchboard extension.
Leeds Tramways committee have placed an order with the ICleetro-
Mechanical Brake Co. for 30 Maley tramwaj- brakes.
London County Council have accepted the tender of the Keighley
Electrical Engineering Co. for the installation of an electrically-
driven goods lift at Quebec Wharf, Kingsland-road.
For rewinding a .500 kw. motor generator at Greenwich power
station London County Council have accepted the tender of Dick,
Kerr & Co. at £422.
For the provision of oil and waste saving machinery at Green-
wich station five firms were asked to tender, but onlv one. the Oil
& Waste Saving Machine Co.. tendered (at £209." Os. fid.), and
London County Council have accepted this tender.
.Mountain .Ash Council have accepted the tender of the British
Insulated & Helsby Cables for overhead cables at £478. 10s., that
of Ferranti Limited for switchgear. &c., at £377. 6s., and that of
Williams Bros, for erection of electricitj' station building.
For wiring the Caledonian-road fire station London County Coun-
cil received si.\ tenders, varying from £126. Cs. to fS.W, and the
lowest (that of Lund Bros. & Co.) was accepted. ,
The Norddeutsche Lloyd Shipping Co. is reported to have placed
an order with Merconi's Wireless Telegraph Co. for the equipment
of nine of their large vessels with Marconi apparatus.
On Monday Chepstow Council accepted the tender of the local
electric light co. for public lighting on the same terms a,s last 3"ear.
668
THE ELECTKICIAN, FEBRUARY 5. 1909
BUSINESS NOTICES.
yh. W.R.Coopor, :\I.A.. It.Sf.. A.M.liis(.C.K.,M.I.K.R..nntifiosthat
lif. has scvri-ctl his o on nee I ion witli Messrs. Swinburno. Cdupcr it.
lUillic. and thai lie will ciintinuo to praclic;- as consulting ongineci-
in electrical .and meehanieal ensineoring and experimental work at
82, Victoria street, J.ondon. S.W. Telephone, 202 Westminster.
Messrs, Swinburne, Cooi)er & Baillie announce that they have
joined with Messrs. O'Gorman & Cozens- Hardy, The new firm is
entitled Hwinburnc, O'Gorman & Baillie, and will continue to prac-
tice as consulting engineers in electrical, automobile and general
work at S2. Victoria street. S.W. The partners are : Mr. James
Swinburne, Mr. M. O'Gorman and Mr. G. H. Baillie. Telegrams,
" Swooper London ' ; telephone, 292 Westminster.
Mr. B. Wilford, who for some years has been manager for
Messrs. Gent & ('o. at their Newcastle branch, has now joined their
Leicester staff. Mr. A. li. Eats, who has hitherto been connected
with Messrs. W. H. Allen, Son & Co., of Bedford, has taken uj) the
management of the Newcastle district for Messrs. Gent.
-Mr. .Tohn H. Annevckl has retired from the firm of Lund Bros. &
Co. a.s from Feb. 29, 1!)08, and in future the firm will consist of
Messrs. Richard I,-.md and Francis C. Polden only, who will receive
debts due to and pay accounts owing by the firm and who will
continue to carry on the business at 7S and SO, (}ucen Victoria-
street, E.C.
The Linolite Co. has found it necessary to acquire the freehold of J
acre of land at South Acton to provide larger works for the man\i-
faetAU'e of " Tubolite," and the existing buildings have been re-
arranged and adapted to meet the firm's requirements.
The British Electrical Trade Supply & Bitumen Co. ask us to
announce that they have terminated their agreement with their
representative (Mr. H. H. Bishop), as from 3Ist ult., and in fulme
Mr. A. E. H. Dussek (the manager of the cimpany) will call on
buyers in London and the South.
Plant &C„ for Sale.— Messr.^. G. Elliott & Co., 186-188, Long-lane,
Bermondsey, London, S.E., have for sale two compound Marshall
steam engines coupled to two Crompton dynamos, and also three
dynamos. Further p.articulars are given in advertisements.
An ac?,uniu!ator switchboard (enamelled slate on teak frame.
cap\city 100 amjieras) is advertised for sale.
Tlic 0?mcentelyk Electrisch Bedrijf. Utrecht, advertise for sale a
qun.ntity of demand indicators.
Factory Premises to Let.— A two-storey fact ory in West London.
closr Id S.W. and G.W. RIy. station.s, is advertised to be let or sold.
Patent Exploitation. Tlic ..umrs of patent No. 2^, t.'.s i!ii)4 irlat-
ingto" lneandes(viil [■ll.ci i ir Lanif.s," advertise th.ii i iHvd.siic to
negotiate with nianulaci iircis with the view of olirriiiu licrnces.
Applications to .Messrs. Llnyd Wise & Co., 40. Lincoln's Inn Fields.
London. W.C.
Agents Wanted. — An advertiser wants sole agents for the
Colonies, &c., for electrical specialities. Ap])ly to Mr. H. Whitaker.
22, Victoria-road, Padiham, Lanes.
CATALOGUES. &c.
^ (iKNKR.vi, Ei-Ef'TBic FiTTiiNus.- -The latest catalogue of the General
Electric Ciu. deals with electric light fittings, glassware and heating
and cooking apparatus, and is fully up to the standard of this firm's
publications. It is impossible to refer to the large number of new
specialities which find a place in this catalogue ; they vary from a
new cord grip to an illuminated adjustable shaving mirror. The
subject of electric heating and cooking is well kept 7n view, and a
number of tasteful designs are the result. Those who have anything
to do with the installation of electric fittings .should provide "them-
selves with a copy of this catalogue.
I'RESCOT Switch Fuses.— The emijloymcnt of a switch fuse in
which certain of the advantages of swit.i, m„l lusv are combined, is
often desirable on switchboards and .IisIiiIhiIimh pillars To the
notice of those who u.se this type of app,u;,l „s w,- iveomraend a copv
ot the list recently issued by the British Insulated & Helsby Cables
I ivscot. Lanes., which deals with the .subject. In this list are in-
eluded details ot low-tension tubular switch fuses, with both back
and front connections, which are in some cases also fitted with knife-
blado pattern switches. Care is taken to prevent contact with ]he
wire i by providing the fuses with asbestos coverings, and also I,n' em-
ploying a fireproof shield. An interesting piece of aiiparatus is
Hornby s patent .switch fuse, illustrated in this list, .'uitahl,- for
circuits not exceeding .^OO volts.
Raiinv.^y M..vTER,..vL.-We have received from the r.Ulwav depart-
ment of Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works a liandso,,.,. ever cont'ilning
half a dozen catalogues dealing with electric railway material. These
will be added to from time to lime, and the whole will form — and,
in fact, docs at present form — an excellent means of reference on
Ihis important subject. The cat.alogues themselves deal wiih line
material, collecting gear, switches and controllers. Perhaps the
most interesting of the lists is that containing details of single-phase
motors similar to those u.sed on the Hcyshara-Morecambe line. A
casual glance through these lists will show, \vc think, that the educa-
tional value of catalogues is often undeieslimated.
" ExCBLLO " Arc Lamps. — The Union Electric Co. send us two
lists in which the latest improvements in these well-known lamps are
described. As is well luiown, the sails contained in flame carbons
are deposited on the interior of the globe, thus graduallj' decreasing
the illumination. This disadvantage is now overcome by the
Excello Deposit Free Cover," M-hich, it is claimed, prevents any
doposit from forming on the globe. This great improvement in
llame lamp design has been aecomp.anied by many other small
details, such as a draiiglitless ash tray and the sub-division of the
sleeve, which sim|)lifies trimming. The lists show that the prices
of the " E.xcello " lamps have been reduced, and, besides giving
details of the lamp itself, include descriptions of the necessary re-
sistances and transformers.
Dividing Boxes. — From A. Reyrolle & Co., Hebburn-on-Tyne,
we have received a leaflet dealing with dividing boxes and sealing
bells for various types of cables. The .system on which this firm
work is well known to our readers, and this pamphlet shows how their
designs are carried out to a logical conclusion. The details will be
particularly interesting to those who have to deal with alternating
current.
Another speciality of this firm, illustrated in a new leaflet, is the
well-known drum type starters with the warning " Wait on the First
Stop until the Motor Starts," These are made in all sizes uji to
UXJ h.p. and for d.c. voltages up to 500 volts.
" Aegma " Lamps. — The Electrical Co. have issued a leaflet
supplement to their iirice list of " Aegma" lamps, which contains
details of lamps suitable for burning on circuits whose pressure varies
between 200 to 2,50 volts. These lamps are supplied giving either
.^O or IttO candle power, the efficiency being 1'2 watts in each case.
It will be seen that a new high-voltage lamp has made its appear-
ance on the market and thus marks another step in the progress of
metallic filament lamjis.
" Radio " Apparatus. — The work of Dr. Lee de Forest on etiur
waves is, of course, well known to readers of The Ele( trk i \\. who
will note with particular interest the commercial side of hi-! i-fbirt,;.
contained in a number of interesting pamphlets issued by the Ratlio-
Tclcphone Co., of Now York. These include descriptions of school
and demonstration l«lej)lione and telegraph outfits, De Forest
standard navy type radio-telephones, and the " Seibt " wave meter.
These pamphlets, though, of course, primarily issued for commercial
pur|ioses. contain a large amount of information which tho.se in-
tercsied only in the theoretical side of the subject will find useful.
" Osram " Lamps. — So great apparently has been the demand for
the " Osram " lamp catalogue (and we hope also for " Osram "
lamps) that the General Electric Co. have been forced to issue a new
edition. In general outline it is much the same as before, but it has
been slightly enlarged and contains lamps of new shapes and volt-
ages. Lamps up to 400 c.p. are now supplied for all voltages from
100 to 260. The latest prices of these lamps are also included.
Wires and Cables.— We have also received from the General
Electric Co. a new catalogue of wires and cables, which contains all
the latest additions in this section,
" Express " Electric Water Heater.— The Electrical Co. have
])laced on the market a kind of electric gey.ser by which water can be
readily heated. Certain regulation is provided so that water at
different temperatures may be obtained.
Brush Budget.- The Brush Budget for January contains a
number of excellent illustrations showing the work which the Brush
Electrical Engineering Co. have lately been engaged in. The articles
include one on Brush prospects for 1909, and on " Manufacturing in
the Dark."
Belt Mounter. — All engineers are acquainted «ith the struggles
.sometimes necessary to get a belt on to a pulley. By means of
Beck's improved belt mounter it is .said that tli.^c ti'.iubles will
become things of the past, and even the most un-kill. .1 p. r-^i.n will
be able to mount a belt in a very short time. Aiioiii.r iisiliil piece
of apparatus of a similar character is the Universal belt shifter,
whereby the moving of the belt from one pulley to another is effected
without jerks. These fittings are made \>y Mr'. O. N. Beck, of (}ueen
Victoria-street, London, E.C.
Electric Regulator.— A method for turning down electric
light without, it is claimed, any loss, but rather a saving of energy,
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 5, 1909.
669
is described in a pamphlet sent us by the Electrical Regulatois and
Economisers. of Liverpool. This fitting is very simple in construc-
tion, and should find a wide application. Among the advantages
claimed for it are, that there are no contacts to break dow?). no li<iuid
to spill, and no resistance wires to burn out.
Cr.ine Controllers. — Messrs. Willis & Co., Manchester, have
issued a pamphlet dealing with electric crane controllers. These
are of a .special type containing few parts, which are, it is claimed,
renewable at a quarter the cost of drum-type controllers. Several
specialities, such as [lush buttons and floor-trip switches, arc also
illustrated and described.
Calendars, &C. — Messrs. Everett, Edgcumbe & Co. send vis a
calendar composed of monthly tear-off sheets, on each of which are
good illustrations of some of the company's well-known manufac-
tures and appropriate quotations from Shakespeare, with whose
wTitings and their suitability for quotation Messrs. Everett. Edg-
cumbe & Co. seem to have an extensive acquaintance.
From Messrs. Randall Bros.. Palmerston House, Old Broad-st.,
London, E.C.. we have received a daily card date remembrancer.
BANKRUPTCIES, LIQUIDATIONS. &c
The public examination of S. S. Boje.sen, Salisbury House,
London Wall, E.C.. took place on Wednesday.
The accounts showed liabilities £7,388, of which £4,912 was expected
to rank, and available assets £1,586. Debtor is a Danish subject, but
lias resided in Englanil at intervals since 1888. In -July, 1905, he
promoted the De Forest Wireless Telegraph Synd , with a nominal
capital of £120,000, to which he sold certain patent rights of the
De Forest system of wireless telegraphy for £5,CC0 in cash and £100,000
in fully-paid shares. He acted as managing director of the company
until its liquidation in Septenilier, 1906. Trior to that, hov\-ever, the
Amalgamated Eadio-Telegrajih Co- had been formed to acquire the
De Forest Synd.'s undertaking, together with certain patent rights
for another system of radio-telegraphy. The latter company, of which
he acted as managing director until October, 1907, recently went into
voluntary liquidation. In August, 1908, the debtor promoted Kosmos
Photographies (Ltd.), to acquire a secret process for preparing papur
for photographic purposes.
Examination was concluded.
A first and final dividend of 20s.. and -t per cent, interest, is
payable at bankruptcy-buildings, London, W.C., to the creditors of
Edwd. P. Oliver (lately trading as Newington, Priddle,«& Co.), electri-
cal engineers, 50, Great Sutton-street, London, E.G.
A receiving order has teen made against R. Ru.sse]l (trading as R.
Russell & Co.). electrical engineer, the Garage, Dryad-road, and .'il.
Bangalore-street. Putney, London. S.W. First meeting of creditors
Feb. 10 at 13"2. York-road, London, S.E., and public examination
Feb. 18 at the Court House, Wandsworth, S.W.
Wm. .John Heath, electrical engineer, &c., 21, Bride-lane, London.
E.C.. has been adjudicat<>d bankrupt, and Mr. F. E. Wright, li), St.
Dunstan's-hill. Londun. E.(".. has been ajipointcd trustee.
The Zircon Syndicate (Ltd.) is being wound up voluntarily.
Claims to the liquidator (Mr. G. F. Stevens, 24, Budge-row, London.
E.C.) by Feb. 27. Creditors will meet at 24, Budgc-row, K.C.. on
Feb. 10.
Winding-up Petitions.— A petition for the winding up of Engi-
neering Instruments (Ltd.) has been presented by Davis & Timmins
and will be heard in the High Court on Feb. 19.
A ])etition for the winding up of the Electro-Medical Institute
(Ltd.), presented by Geo. Thompson (Manchester), will be heard in
the Lancashire County Court, Salford, on Feb. 12.
COMPANIES' MEETINGS AND REPORTS.
BRISTOL TRAMWAYS & CARRIAGE CO. iLT0.)— The gross receipts for
1908 were £266,362 and the working and general expenses £190,582,
leaving £74,780, comijaicd with £85,347 in 1907. This difference is
due to'^the fact that the directors have charged against revenue, in-
stead of against reserve, the expenditure upon reconstruction of per-
manent way, which amounted during the year to £9,877, in addition
to 1 11,664 for ordin^iry repairs and maintenance usually borne by
rexeiiuc. After paying interest on the mortgage debenture stock
(£18.829. 12s. 9d.), the year's preference divideml (£19,000) and the
interim dividend at the rate of 6 per cent, for the half-year ended
June 30 (£14,250:, it is proposed to appiopriate the balance in paying
a final dividend for the half-year ended Dec. 31 at the rate of 6 per
cenn (£14,250) and to (ilace £8,450- 10?. 7d. to reserve. The total
number of passengers carried during the year on the company's cars
and omnibuses was 46,652 389, compared with 46,585.050.
CITY OF LONDON ELECTRIC LIGHTING CO. (LTD.).— The directors have
resolved, subject to completion of audit, tu place £45,500 to 'reserve
and to recommend payment of the following dividends : — On the
preference shares, 6s. per share for the half-year ended Dec. 31,
making (with interim in July) a total distribution of 12s. per share.
or at the full rate of 6 per cent, per annum. On the ordinary shares
7.S. per share, making (with interiiuof Ss. in July; a total distribution
of 12s. per share for the year 1908, being at the rate of 6 per cent, per
annum. A balance of about £26,500 is carried forward. Both divi-
dends will be less tax.
DUBLIN & L0CAN ELECTRIC RAILWAY CO.— The directors' report for
the half-year ended Dec. 31 states that after providing for debenture
interest the available b.alance is £1,121. 16s. 4d., and the directors
recommend payment of the half-yearly preference dividend, the pav-
ment of £150 to the contractor on electrical equipment account, the
balance (£496. 16s. 4d.) to be carried forward. A resolution will be
moved at the meeting to enable the directors to take a lease of the
proposed extension (when made by an independent company i of the
line from Lucan to the Spa Hotel, the construction of v/hich has been
authorised by a recent Order in Council.
DUBLIN UNITED TRAMWAYS CO. (LTD.)— At the recent meeting
Mr. W. M. Murphy pointed out that the earning powers of the lines
in a normal year were not only suHicient to maintain the usual divi-
dends, but to meet exceptionally large demands for track renewal. The
receipts of the combined tramways during the last half-year showed
an improvement of £2,136 compared with the corresponding half of
1906. Within the past two years the traliic from parcels showed
an advance of £1,094, an improvement which still coniinued. The
company h.ad started the carriage of minerals, and although
the receipts were small (£47) it might be the beginning of
much larger things. The opening up of that business was
suUicient to demonstrate that mineral and goods traffic, under
certain conditions, could be protitahly unilertaken liy the com|)any,
and he believed they could do a very large trade, especially in the
carriage of coal. Indeed, there was no reason why that class "of trafiic
might not be carried to and over the Blessington line or even on the
Lucan line (though the latter was on a different gauge), for the .saving
effected by electric haulage from the quays against the cost of c;irting
would be very much greater than the cost of transferring the goods at
the Park Gates, where the Lucan tramway and their system adjoined.
They had approached the Port and Docks Board on this subject
but tha board were not willing to provide the desired fac'liiies
at the quays or allow the company tu provide them. Should
a more enlightened view be taken by the present board the
company would be willing to do whatever might be necessary for the
development of that traffic. They intended to inaugurate an express
service to Dalkey morning and evening for the convenience of business
people. The total cost of generation (£9,063) was a good deal in ex-
cess of any previous half-vear, c.\cept the corresponding half
of 1907, when the cars ran 300,000 miles more than in 1908.
Their electrical engineer (Mr. P. S. Sheardown) had for .some
time back been investigating the matter. He hail been able to locate
the cause of the increased consumption of electric current by attaching
wattmeters to a selected number of cars of different types, working
under different conditions. The result of the tests showed that where
cars were running under conditions similar as to weight, speed, stops,
&c., as when they were first started some years ago. there was little or
no change in the |X)wer required to drive them, but where heavier airs
had been introduced, driven at higher speeds and stopping frei|uently,
the consumption was in many Ciises double the old rate.'which tended
to raise the average. They thought the tendeney to increased
current consumption could be in some mea.suie checked by attaching
meters to all the cars, so that the drivers and inspectors could see how
their cars were working. The electric current hill could be materially
diminished if the cars did not stop so fre(|ueutly, as each time a car
stopped it made a heavy demand on the |)i)wer to start it igain, and
they believed that a good many of the stops now made might be avoided.
At an extraordinary meeting which foUowcil it was decideil to in-
crease the capital of the comiwny by £100,000 in £10 shares.
GREAT NORTHERN &CITY RAILWAY CO. —The total revenue receipts
fur the six months ended Dec. 31, 1S08, were £38,827. lis. 8d., and the
cost of working £21,813. 15s. 4d., being at the rate of 56 18 per
cent. Inclusive of balance forward, the net revenue amounts to
£17,433. 6.S. 4d., which is insutiicient to meet the fixed charges for the
half-year. The sum of £5,596. 5s. 6d. which has been provided from
out.-idc sources has enabled the company duly to meet these charges.
The number of passengers carried (including sejusou ticket holders)
was 5533,697, against 7,643, 174 for the corresponding iieriod last year,
and is the lowest of any correspondiug half-year since the opening of
the line. The number of local se;ison tickets issued during the half-
year was 3,178. against 3,703 for the half-year ended Dec. 31, 1907.
The number of three-route sea.^ou ticket holders using the line during
the past half-year was £2,200. The se\erity of the competition to
which the company has been subjected for over a year continues
unabate<l. L'nquescionably the most important factor in the diversion
of traliic is the ever- increasing service of electrified tramcars provided
by the London County Council, against which the company finds itself
almost powerless.
IIVERPOOL OVERHEAD RAILWAY CO.— During the half-year to
Dec. 31 the gross revenue receipts were ±37,167. 3s. lid., and working
expenses £29,158. 10s. 7d. The number of pas.sengers carrietl during
the half-year was 5,167,464, against 5,367.286 in the June half-year
and 5,8C4,629 in the December half-year. 1907. The decre.a,-!e in traffic
is attributed mainly to the depre.ssed condition of trade, but the line
has also suffered by the increased competition of the Cor]X)iation
tramways. The balance available for dividend is £7,886. Is. lid., and
the directors recommend dividends at the rate of 5 per cent (less tax)
on the preference shares, leaving £4,210. 4s. lid. to be carried forward.
670
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 5, 1909.
LONDON BRIGHTON & SOUTH COAST RAILWAY CO.-At the meeting
on Wecl.ic^duy, the Ivul of Jkssboi-ougb stated that the electnbcation
of the Houth Lomlon liuihvav (London Bridge to Victoria) was nearly
complete. Experimental working on an intermediate length had been
entirelv satisfactory, and the equipment into London Bridge and
A'ictoria wa..; being" proceeded with rapidly. Tlie section between
Battersea Park and I'eckham Rye Stations would be open for passen-
ger working very shortly, and it was hoped that tlie works at the
terminal stations might' be so far completed as to enable the full
service to be estaljlishcd about next .June.
LONDON ELECTRIC SUPPLY CORPN. (LTD.)— The directors' report
for the year ended Dec. 31 states that tlie [irofit on the working for
the year is £53,209. 0.s. 1<1., against £46,320 last year. To this has to
be added the amoujit brought forward (£2,836. 13s.), less interest on
temporary loan (£1,480. 12s. 9d.), making £54,565. Os. 4d. Out of
this the interest on debenture stock to Dec. 31 (£15,215) has been paid,
leaving £39,350. Os. 4d. to be ajjpropriated. The board propose to pay
the balance dividend on the 6 per cent, preference shares (£20,952), a
dividend of 3 per cent, on the ordinary shares (£9,990), placing £5,000
to reserve. The carry forward is £3,408. Os. 4d. The supply of cur-
rent has been efficiently maintained during tlie year. The number of
units sold amounted to 13,160,130, against 10"011,9S7 in 1907 : the
total costs per unit sold being I'OM., against l-42d.— a reduction of
23 i)er cent. Out of the total iiumlier of units sold, 7,746,653 (58 per
cent. ) were for power at an average price of 0'93d. per unit. The
London, Brighton & South Coast Railway commenced taking a supply
for experimental working in connection with the electrification of their
South London line on Jan. 17, and the consulting engineer of the rail-
Wiiy has written saying that " the whole of the arrangements, in con-
nection with the trial runs, work quite satisfactorily." The plant in
connection with this important contract has been erected. Authority
was granted on Feb. 21, 1907, to increase the capital of the company
by an issue of 20,000 new piefereuce shares of £5 each to provide this
plant ; but owing to the times being unpropitious for such issue, the
necessary capital for this purpose has been partly provided bj- a tem-
porary lOan from the bankers. Now that Parliament has settled the
([uestion of power supply in London, an opportunity will be taken of
making this issue for the purpose of paying off this loan and of pro-
viding further plant in response to increasing demands for power for
electric traction and industrial purposes generally. The plant and
machiuery have been maintained out of revenue and are in efficient
coiulitiou.
METROPOLITAN DISTRICT RAILWAY.— The report for the half-year
ended Dec. 31 states that^the capital e-xpenditure was £76,923, but
after deducting £130,000 received from sale of cars to the London,
Tilbury & Southend Railway, there was a net credit of £53,076. The
traffic revenue had increased in a most satisfactory manner, and the
increases had occurred practically throughout the entire system. It
was estimated that the additional revenue from the Franco-British
Exhibition had been about £10,000. The gross receipts were
£261,874, an increase of £37,411 over the corresponding half of
1907. The working expenses were £155,868, a decrease of £2,201.
Ths net inc rease was, therefore, £39,612, in addition to which,
owing to the issue of the prior ben debenture, there is a .saving
of £1,987 in interest. In addition, rents had brought in £2.407
more, making a total net increase pf £44, COO. Last year there was
a deficiency on the debenturi* interest of £45,328. There were in-
creases of 22 per cent, in the passengers, of 24 per cent, in train mile-
age and of 16-54 in car mileage ; there was a decrease of £6,248 (or 7
per cent.) in electric train working expenses, of which £3,400 was in
cost of current and £2,200 in wages. Over 61,000,000 passengers were
carried during the year, the gieatest number carried in any year since
the line was ojiened.
TYPEWRITING TELEGRAPH CORP. (LTD). -The directors' report for
the twenty months (April 1, 1907, to Nov. 30, 1908) was presented at
the meeting on Wednesday and stated that very few sales had been
made during the period, and although expenses" of management and
1 iboiir had been kept at a minimum, the loss for the period was still
CJiisidcrable. In the profit and loss account was an item of £191 for
il-^bciiture interest, of which £162 (representing interest accrued durincr
seventeen months! had not been paid.
YORKSHIRE ELECTRIC POWER CO.— The receipts from the sale
, 'ill.'o ■^'■L^'o ' 'i?\' ""'■'" <='i'"'!?e'l out to consumers, &c. , amount for 1908
}nAc^\^?- ™-' »g'""st £11,994. 2s. 6d. in 1907 and £5,938. 14s. 4d.
Ill 1906. Ihe gross profit for the } ear is £2 819 4s Hd -H.-unst
±435. 6s. 2d. in 1907, and a loss of £2,860. 15s. 8d. for 19'd6. Aa'er'pav-
ment of mortgage interest the balanc-e profit is £717. 12s 8d -lo-ainst
aloss of £1,350. 6s. 8d. in 1907 and £3,i48, 5s lOd. in 1906. Nofwith-
standing the genera slackness in all the industries of the districts,
there has been steady and continuous growth in the business of the
company, which is shown in a diagram accompanying the report. At
t t ,1 di? , /l'V7i'f'''''T,"'^."''f''' consumers had been made for a
of 2 VisL K°7.¥" V'-4,^'^^° "■'"•)' '^° '""'"'''^ "^'e-- those of 1907
w.; r ■ ^"°"" ' Aether «as commenced in November. The new
me head mams [rassing through ThornhiU, Whitley Upper Flockton
^"e1;e!n'^'?"J°''P^''■"'^^''■n°" ^«^^'' >" "'« di^ectfo^iof Barniiey;
h,ne been erected, and a supply of electrical energv has just been
wi tcolbvf ^'■°"" "'f'' ""'i'^'-u ^ ""■"''«'■ "f ""PO?Unt agieement"
which t^^pL^,'"'"'".''' '" i*^ °^^^' P°"'^'- "^"-^ '" the district's through
a i-e and Cvin '." ^J^'^IT" ^°"<^l"d«'> »"d it is anticipated that^a
renort a l^n?r ^ ^ ''"'" ^^ '^?"''^'* °" ^^'^ '■°"te. The directors
repo.t a continuous increase in the requirements of textile factories
which class of consumer has been during the past year the most im-
portant user of the company's supply. In addition to new customers
secured over the whole area there is a steady growth of demand from
existing consumers who constantly- extend the use of the company's
power in their works. The increasing demands ha\e necessitated the
installation of an additional boiler at ThornhiU station. In spite of the
high price of coal during the past year the increased output of current
has again reduced the average cost per unit sold.
NEW COMPANIES, HORTG&GES AND CHARGES, &c.
NEW COMPANIES.
IMPERIAL LAMP WORKS (BRIMSDOWN) iLTD.) (101,306.) -Reg. .Jan.
27, ca|5ital £1.000 in 5s. shares, to take over the business of manufac-
turers of and dealers in electrical lamps and fittings carried on at
the Imperial Works, Brimsdown, Middlesex, and to adopt an agree-
ment with A. A. Flurscheim (trading as the Power Plant Construc-
tion Co.). Private company.
LONDON ELECTRIC WIRE CO. & SMITH'S (LTD.) ( 10 1 .353.) -Reg. .June 30,
capital £420,000 in £o shares (14,000 preference), to acquire the under-
takings of the London Electric Wire Co. (Ltd.), together with shares
in that company and of theSalford undertaking of Frederick Smith &
Co. (Ltd.) wire manufacturers, and to carry on the business of wire
manufacturers and coverers, cable makers, electrical engineers,
makers of machinery, tools and appliances for telegraphs, telephones,
&e. First directors, T. Willey, Jl.D., A. L. Don, F. Leete, F. Smith,
W. H. Willey and A. N. Smith. Reg. office, 7, Playhouse-yard,
London, E.G.
POPES ELECTRIC LAMP CO. (LTD.) (101,293.)— Reg. Jan. 26, capital
£25,100 in £1 shares (25,000 preference) to take over the business of
electrical lamp manufacturers and merchants carried on by Emile
Goossens, F. R. Pope and M. W. O'Connell, as Pope's Electric Lamp
Co., at 9, Hythe-road, Willesden. First directors, F. R. Pope, M. W.
O'Connell and E. Goossens. Reg. office, 9, Hythe-road, Willesden,
London, N.W.
TELEGRAPH & TELEPHONE INSTRUMENTS (LTD.) (101,359.)— Reg.
Jan. 30, capital £6,000 in £1 shares, to carry on the business of elec-
tricians, manufacturers of telegraphic and telephonic instruments,
dynamos and accumulators, &c.) and to adopt agreements (I) with
A. W. Sharman and others, (2) with W. Watson & Sons and (3) with
L. H. Walter. Pri\-at? company.
MORTGAGES AND CHARGES.
MARPLES, LEACH & CO. (LTD.)— Particulars of £13,000 5 per cent,
debentures, created Jan. 25, 1909, tiled pursuant to sec. 10 (3,1 of
Companies Act, 1907, amount of the present issue (at 90 per cent,)
being £7,500. Property charged, the company's undertaking and
property, present and future, including uncalled capital. No trustees.
CITY NOTES.
MEMORANDA (Feb. 4).— Bank rate 3 per cent, (since Jan. 14, 1909).
Price of silver, 24d. per oz. Consols 83^ — 83^ for money and 83: —
83: account. Consols Pay Day, March 1 ; Stock and Shares Continua-
tion Days, Feb. 9 and 23; Ticket Days, Feb. 10 and 24; Pay Days,
Feb. 11 and 25. Mining Shares Carry Over Day, Feb. 8.
Prices of Metals (London). — Copper, cash, 58}i; three months,
59j. Lead, English, 131 ; foreign, cash, 13f't ! three mouths, 13|.
Spelter, cash, 2U ; three months, 21.,'. Tin, English, 126-127;
foreign, cash, 126J, three months, 128. Iro7i, Cleveland, cash,
48/5 and three months, 49/1. Magnet. Steel (price supplied by W. F.
Dennis & Co.l, £55.
CENTRAL ELECTRIC SUPPLY CO. ;LTD.)— The directors recommend a
dividend of 5 per cent. (5-. per share) on the ordinary shares for the
past year, carrying forward £23.
CITY OF BUENOS AYRES TRAMWAYS CO. (1904) (LTD.)— The directors
recommend for tlie pasi \ear a balance dividend of Is. 3d. per sh.-ire ;
£5,300 has been transferred to general amortisation fund and £143
carried forward.
MEXICO TRAMWAYS CO.— During the week subscriptions were in-
vited for £1,250.000 6 per cent. 50 year mortgage debenture bonds of
this company at 96.J per cent.
ST. JAMES' & PALL MALL ELECTRIC LIGHT CO. (LTD.)— The
share transfer books are closed from 5tli to 19tli inst., inclu.sive, pre-
paratory to payment of dividend... for the half-year ended Dec. 31.
SOUTH LONDON ELECTRIC SUPPLY CORPN. (LTD.)— The directors re-
commend (subject to final au(bt) a dividend on the ordinary shares for
1908 at the rate of 5 jjer rent, iier annum.
SOUTH METROPOLITAN ELECTRIC LIGHT & POWER CO.— This com-
pany has this week in\ited applications for 50,000 6 per cent, cumula-
tive second preference shares of £1 each.
VICTORIA FALLS POWEP CO., (LTD.)— A proposal is before the share-
holders to alter the name of the company to the Victoria Falls and
Transvaal Power Co., Ltd.
THE HIiBOTBICIAN, FEBRUARY 5, 1909.
BLBGTBIG TBAHWAT AND BAILWAT TBAFFIG
BBCEIPTS.
Aberdeen Oorpontion ...
Alrdrie
Anglo- Argentine
Ayr Corporation
Baker St. & Wftterloo Bj,
Barnsley
Barrow
Bath Electrlo Trama, Ltd...
Birkonhead Corporation ...
Birmingbam Corporation...
BirmiDgtaam & Mid
Blackburn Corporation
Blackpool and Fleetwood...
Bolton Corporation
Bombay
Boumemoath Corporation.
Bradford Corporation
Brighton Corporation
Bristol Trams & Carriage...
Burnley Corporation
Burton Corporation
Bury Corporation
Calcutta Tramways Co
Cambome-Kedruth
Cardiff Corporation
Cavebill
Central London Railway ...
CharingC.,BustoD<&H*stead
Chatham & Dist. Lt. Bys. ...
City & South London Rly...
City of Birmingham
Colcheater Corporation
Cork Electric Trams Co. ..
Croydon Corporation
Devonport & Dist. Trams..
Dover Corporation
Dublin & Lucan Bailway ..
Dublin United
Dudley-Stourbridge
Dundee Corporation
East Ham Council ,
Exeter Corporation
Qateshead & Dist. Trams...
Glasgow Corporation
Qlossop Trams
Qravesend — Northlleet
Great Northern & City Ely..
Gt. Northern, Piccadilly,&o
Greenock & Port Glasgow...
Hartlepool Tramways
Hastings Elec. Trams Co....
Hong Kong
lludderslield Oorpn
Hull Corporation
Dford District Council
Ilkeston Diet'-'"^ ^ounoU ...
Ipswich Corpv^u.ion
Isle of Thanet Co
Jarrow
Eeightey Corporation
KldderminBter & Distriot...
Kilmarnock Corporation ...
Lanarkshire Trams Oo. ...
Lancaeiiire United
Leamington
Leeds Corporation
Leicester Corporation
Leith Corporation
Lincoln Corporation
Liverpool Corporation
Liverpool Overhead Rly, ...
*London County Council ...
London United
Lowestoft
Maidstone Corporation
Uanchester Oorporatioa ...
Mersey Railway
Merthyr
Metropolitan Dist. Bailway
Metropolitan Blec. Trams...
Middleton
Nelson Corporation
Newcastle-ou-Tyne Corp. ...
Newport (Mon.)
Northampton Corporation .
Oldham, Ashton & Hyde ...
Oldham Corporation
Perth (N.B.)Oorporation ...
Perth ( W. A. ) Elec. Trams...
Peterborough
Portsmouth Corporation ...
Potteries
Preston Corporation
Botherham Corporation ...
Bothesay
Salford Corporation
Bheerness
Bheffield Corporation
Singapore Trams
Bouth Metropolitan
Bouth Staffs
Bouthend Corporation
Bouthport Tramways
Stalyb'dge,Hyae,&o, .Jt.Bd.
Sunderland Corporation ...
Sunderland District
Swansea Trams
Swindon Corporation
Taunton
lynemouth and District .
lyneside Trams Oo
Wallasey District Council...
Walsall Corpn
Warrington Uoipn
West Ham Corporation
Weston-super-Mare
Wolverhampton Oo ',".
Wolverhampton Oorpn...!!!
•Worcester ..
Wreiham .....!.'.'!!."!.'!"!
Xorkshire W. B. Trams !
IjrtBhire Woollen District.
Ino.
or Dec.
(a) iNo. of
1,'J33
1131,679
1,158
IU.245
1,316
:i3,ll.j
-^ 7,562
3
-t- 425
3,7U3 I + 333
.$9,19) I + fiOi
103,916
11,381
13,915
491
(Oi
2,15i
3,619
26U,Ul
I,6i3
■18,932
B.Sl
101,148
il,t'J 1,010
70,780
203,315
40,192
19,';Cj
i,6»r
61,451
1,134
£0,2f6
2,189
11,303
38,771
]3,7cO
3,025
697,421
2,f91
$37,612
I 0,3.'* J
lui.368
p'.OOO
17,110
5,015
287,864
7,808
19,180
6 es8
,190,.')12
21,113
1,.5U0
85,963
5,811
51,510
5,780
2,693
1.115
31,tUl
2;064
ELECTRICAL COMPANIES' SH&RE LIST
8,519
1,126
1,160
(o) These oompinaoufl are with the corresponding period last year. § Flos 3 days
il Plus 2 days. * Partly eleotrioa'. f Minus 3 days t Minus 2 days
" LAsr
DIVI-
m
DERD
10
6/0
10
4/«
Id
6/0
St.
m
b
2/0
St.
HZ
b
46
b
3 6
St.
a
I>
2,'8
I
2/3
St.
*z
St.
IJ'/,.
b
2/3
b
2/0
St.
4*"^
1(
6/0
1(
6/0 1
St.
b'4
St.
in
b
2Z
b
bZ
II
4/0
1(
6/0
St.
m.
St.
in
f.
fl'O
6
2/6
St.
in-
6
4/0
b
4/0
b
ez
t.
iZ
St.
i'A
St.
in
1/6 !
b
3/0
St.
iZ
b
2/6
b
2/3
St.
in
'm
100
10
W'
100
in\
b
n
b
bZ
101)
iX
lo:
I
3%
lOU
in.
1(
6/0
b
2/6
.St.
iX
b
6/0
b
3/6
St.
34%
b
St.
iZ
b
4/0
1
0/8
1
0/8#
St.
ihZ
b
2/6
b
2 '6
St.
in
t>
6/0
6
2/8
St.
iX
1
0/6
St.
in
St.
in
11
n
10
it
St.
i%
II)
lu
3/0
St.
b'i
St.
ihX
St.
u
St.
i'/.
St.
n
100
iX
St.
it
b
2/6
100
it
St.
in
St.
B%
i>X
St.
n
iX
10
6/0
lo
6/0
10
10
4/0
St.
n
b
4/0
St.
HZ
10
n '
10
at
St.
tH'
St.
4>o
lu
6/0
St.
S>Z
10
10
6%
i'/.
10
li/i
St.
iX
St-
at.
1
1
^
1
0/fi
St.
ikl ^
St.
n (
St.
34
St.
■i\Z
St.| 3i'4
St. 3U
St.
31-.
KAMB.
IIECTRICITY SUPPLY.
Bournemouth & Poole Eleo. Sup. Ord...
Do. 4i per Cent. Cum. Prof.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Second Pref. ...
Do. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
Bromley (Kent) El. Lt. & Power Shares
Do. Do. l3t Debs.
Brompton 4 Kensington Eleo. Sup. Ord.
Do. 7 per Cent. Pref.
Central Elec. Sup. Co.4i; Gnar.Db.Stock
Charing Cros8(W.End 4 City)EI.Sup.Co,
Do. 4* per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Do, 4* per Ceut. Deb, Stick (red.) .,
Do. city Undertaking 4i% Cm. Pret.
Chelsea Electric Supply Ord
Do. 41 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ..
City of London Electric Lighting Ord..
Do. 8 per Cent. Cnm. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red,)
Do. 4 J per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock (red.)
County of Durham Elec. P.D. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, non Cum. Pref.
County of London Elec. Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cam. Prof.
Do. 4J% Deb. Stock (red.)
Do. Second Deb. Stock
Folkestone Electricity Supply Co. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. ijum. Pref.
Do. 4J Ist Deb. Stock (red)
Hove Electric Lighting Ord
Kensington* Kuightsbridge Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Ist Pref
IDo. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Kenaingtn. 4 Kngtbg. Co. & Netting Hill
Co. (Joint Station) 4 V, Deb. Stock (red. )
Kent Elec. Power Co
London Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb.
Metropolitan Electric Sap. Ord.
Do. 4J per Cent. C
, Pref.
Price
Wed..
Feb. 3.
RATK% J) „ |BUSINE33
YOLl). nr!? Week TO
10 — lOi I 6 13 6 ! Mar, Sept,
101 — lO.'i
4i-6
-16 -9S 4 4 0
97 —93 4 11 0
33 -4i 5 6 0
3i— 41 6 6 0
102 -106 4 7 6
lOJ-U 5 M 0
12 —123 4 14 0
121 —12a 4 10
99 —102 4 S 0
U-lt 6 13 1
34-31 6 17 19
8i -9i 5 8 0
lOJ-lli 6 H 6
105 -118 4 3 3
10) — laS 4 7 6
4J-5i 6 7 0
6 — 5i 4 II 0
Do. 4*perCent. Deb. Stock Ist Mort.! IU3 -108
Do. 85perCent.Mrt.Deb.8tock(red.) "^ -°^
Midland Eleo. Corp.for P.D.lstMort.Db,
Newcastle & Diet. Elec. Ltg. Ord
4J% I IDo. 4* per Cent. Deb.
li -8i 6 9 0
65 -ea 4 14 6
93 — EB I 4 3 0
98 -101 ' 3 19 0
13 -6i
4J-0
Feb, Aug
" Feb, Ang
6 Jan, July
I' April, Oct
0 May, Nov
6 I March
0 Star, Sent
C June, Dec
0 Feb, Ang
0 Feb, Ang
0 , Jan. July
0 I Jan, July
0 j March ..
6 I June, Dec
Feb, Aug
Jan, -July
June, Dec
Jan, July
April, Oct
April, Oct
Feb, Ang
M.->r, Sept
Jan, July
May, Nov
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
AprU, Oct
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
4|.!
IIJ-
33
Newcastle Elec. Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, non Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. red. 1907.
Norlh Metro. Elec.Power Sup. S.Morts
Northern Counties Elec. Sup
IDo. 4J per Cent. Deb
Kotting Hill Electric Ord
Ciford Electric Ord
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Bt. James' & Pall Mall Elec. Ord
Do. 7 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 3J per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
Smitblield Markets Electric Sap. Ord...
tCo. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Bouth London Electric Supply Ord
South Metrop'n Eleo. Lt. & Power Ord.
Do. 7 per (Jent. Cum. Pref
Do. 4i lat Db. Stk. Red
Urban Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4* per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb
Westminster Elec. Sup. Ord
Do. 4 j per Cent. Cum. Pref.
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS & TRAMWAYS.
Baker ht. a VVuicrloo 41; Perp. Db. St
Bath Elec. Trams Pref. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref
Do. 4i Ist Mort. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
B'hr.m & Midland Trams 41 Ist Db. Stk.
Bristol Tramways & Carriase Ord
Do. Cum. Pref. (fully paid)
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs
British Electric Traction Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Perpetual Dobs. 90-93
Do. 4J per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock I 73—75
Central London Ordinary Stock | 63 —65
Do. 4 per Cent. Pref. Stock 81 —S8
Da. Deferred Stock i' — »9
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs 101-103
Charing X.Euston&Hmpstd Per. Db.Stk.
City of Birmingham Trams. 6%Cm.Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs
tCitv & South London Ely. Con. Ord. ...
■ 6 per Cent. Perp. Pref^ (1891) ...
(1890)
-8S
95 -93
88° -9")
34-! 4
93 —95
100 -li)2
H -4
94 -97
Ss! -83
65 -7i
83 -90
h-\i
63 -7"
24 -22
J -3
liij— lui
i-i
Is -2
80 —S3
Si-SJ
tS-6J
91 -94
93—10
4 17 10
5 14 0
6 10 0
April, Oct '"J
Jan, July
Mar, Sept li-
Mar, Sept
April. Oct
Jan, Jnly
June, Dec
Jan, July
June, Dec
Feb, Aog
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
4i-43
98 —102
27 -28
1 ■? —Ill)
6 II 0
6 19 0
6 13 0
6 11 0
Mar, Ang
Jan, July
March ..
March . .
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb ....
Feb, Aug
April ....
Feb,'Ang
April, Oct
April, Oct
April, Oct
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
J an, J uly
6 I Jan, Jnly
April
0 Jan, July
I) AprU. Ojt
0 Jan, July
0 Feb, Aug
4
7 Feb, Ang
June, Deo
0 Feb, Aug
0 April, Oct
0 May, Nov
0 Feb, Ang
0 Feb, Aug
0 Feb
Do. (190! )'.'.'.■.'.'.'.!.!..'...! I lO? -US I 4 1
Jo.
Do. . „„. r
Dublin United Trams. Ord J'i-l'^J
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. 13—11
Gt.NorlVrn & City Rly. Pref. Ord. (4% )l i-'i
G- Northern, Piccadilly & Brompton Ord. 7i— 7j
4 per Cent. Deb. Stock ,91
0 I April, Oct
0 April, Oct
9 i Feb, Aug
II ' Feb. Aug
G Feb, Aug
6 Feb, Aug
0 Feb, Aug
99 -101 I 3 19 0 May, Nov
Feb, Aug
iH
, July lu»'4 1 102
, July . 9Ui I 89i
93 — 9J 5 1
Uastii
. 6% Cm. Pf.
it Dist. Elec. Ti
Do. 4i Db. St
I Imperial Tramways Ord
;Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
JDo. 4J per Cent. Debs
I. of Thanet E. T. & Lt. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Dob. Stock
LauarKshiro Tramways
Lanes. Utd. Trams 6 S Prior Lien Db. St.
Liverpool Overhead Railway Ord. 1 IJ
Do. 5 per Cent. Pref . ...
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb
London United Trams. 5JJ Cum. Pref. ..
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mart. Deb. Stock
Mersey Con. Ord. Stock
Do. 3 per Cent. Perp. Pret
Metropolitan Elec. Tramways Ord
Do. Deferred
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J ner Ceut. Deb. Stock
Metrcpoktan Railway Consolidated
:Do. Surplus Lauds Slocks
IDo. SJ per Cent. Preferei
^ 34 pel "
"i V'
23-33
8i — 3J
8j-J
71 -«i
S3 -9)
i-18
61 —59
9J-l"i
91 -93
li
tDo.
51
il — 8j
4 -li
■1 -7S
I —2
i-i"
9J —93
33J-37i
l». 3) \i(
' Preference .
. Convertible Pref...
. Debenture Stock .
16 9 Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
— Feb, Aug
4 6 0 Jan, July 1
Mar, Sept
5 10 .\pril, Oct
6 13 4 Mar, Sept
7 1 U Mar, Sept
5 0 0 Jan, July
Mar, Sept
6 19 0 Jan, July
5 13 0 Feb, Aug
5 7 6 Jan, July
Feb, Aug
9 2 0 Fob, Aug
4 13 0 Jan, July
11 8 0 Jau, July
5 6 8 Jau, July
_ Feb, Aug. I
April.. .
5 14 0 Feb, Aoj
4 13 9 Jan, July
16 6 Feb, Aug
4 2 6 Feb, Aug
3 19 6 Feb, Aug
4 9 9 Feb, Aug
4 12 0 Feb, Aug
3 11 6 Jan, July
&J4
In caloulatiug the yield allowance has been made for accrued iatereat but ;w>( for redemotion
t El Dividend. t The Loadoa Stock Exchange Committee have decl'ned to quote these.
THE ELECTRICIAN. FEBRUARY 5. 19 '9
ELECTIMCAL. COMT>ATVIES' SHAR.E LIST.
-Continued.
I List I
Dm-
iDimnl
NAME.
Price
Wed..
Feb 3.
I ™J^- i DDK.
BnSIHKSS
Week to
Fed 3
St.
H'i
St
-
bt
m
St
3%
Mt
f.'
st-
»t
H'/
4%:
1
0/6}
m
Bt
nr
0/7!
dt
i"/.
100
6%
ii'/ii
ax
6
Bl.
4«
1
0,7-,
1
l/7f
1
0/Vi
A
4/0
i)
3/0
St.
St.
h
1
1(11
30/2
8
4%
Kt.
J}?
St.
!i
(irti
a
2/6
St.
m
1
1/6
Kt,
4*5i
1
0/7*
1
0/7;
1
0/H?
1
1/0
1
0/V^
f
8/0
lOf
n
1
vin
s
!J/0
.s
0/7|
Rt.
4*S!
h
l/«
6
a/6
Bt
4X
Bt
«
6
St.
4J%
V
?
a/9»
«y»
in
b/0
St,
4X
.■i
5/0
5
2/3
n
4U
Rt
10
4X
100
1
1
1
4J«
(it.
5
12/0
1?.
4X
ino
1/0
1
0/6
1
6X
St.
4X
St,
4«
lOO
l>7.
100
b/0
111
1/0
F,
s/u
b
4X
6J:'
inn
16/0
Rt
30/0
Rt
Rt
4%
fit
6/0
in
10/0
10
6/0
mi
4/0
*iZ
100
St.
2b/0
17/6
47.
2/6
*Z
4%
luO
G/0
ib
4«
IV
12/6
luo
II
!!5
Itl
100
iu;i
i%
1/3
100
Hi
4;^
100
m
12/0
xo
5"/
lU
8/0
100
47
*'/.
76 —78
1112 —106
74 -77
6(1 -84
26 - 28.
EltCTRIC RAILWAYS A TRAMWAYS
Mff. Rly. 3} r""' C<^"t. "A ■ Df 1). Ktocl
M-'ropolitnii Di.'iirii-t Bnilwav Orri
1)0. Extension Pref. (fi per Cent.) ....
tDo. Assented Ext. Pref. (Int. Ouar. by
Und. F.lec. Klys. Co. of London. Ltd.)
Do, 8 per Cent. Consoltd. Rent-charge
Do. 4 per Cent. Midland Bent-cbarge
Do. Onnr. Stork 4 per Cent
Do. B per Cent. Perp. Deb. Stock
Do. 4 percent Ditto
Sew Gen. Tr«ct. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Potteries Electric Traction Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4* per Cent. Deb. Stock
R. Met. Eler. Trams. & Ue.eZ Cm. Pref.
[)o. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Sunderland Diet. Elec.Trm».6''/'1-tMt.Dh.
rnderpdE.Kva.Lon.6/:'In.bdfi.withcoiip.".i -.
Do. 6^ Prior Lien Bonds 98J-09J
Do. 4*VBond8 81—83
YorkBhire (W.K.) Elec. Trame. Ord i -1|
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. ?4-3
Do. 4J per Cent. l8t Debs | 82 —*6
ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING, A.C.
Aron ElectricitT Meter Ord. ...I ,
Do. e^Cum. Pf.
Babcock & Wilcox Ord
Do. Pref.
British Insulated 4 Helsby Cablea Ord.
IDo. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4J per Cent. Ist Mori. Deb. (red.)
British Thoms'n-Honsfn H% Ist Mt.Db,
British Westinghouse fi per Cent. Pref...
Do. 6 per Cent. Prior I.iea Dbs (id,)
Do. 4 perCent.Mort. Deb. Stockl I 14 —
Bt iiah E.Eng.Co.4i",,Perp. 1st Deb.Stock ^
Do. Perpetual 2nd Deb. Stock
Callender's Cable Con. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J per Cent. 1st Mort Debs, (red.)
Caslner-Kellner Alkali Co
t Do. ii per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb. (red.).
Chadburn's (Ship) Telegraph Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Oum. Pref.
Consolidated Electrical Co
Consolidated Signal Co
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
•Crompton & Co.(No3. 1 to 86,000)
Do. 6 per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs. (red.).
Daris & Timmins
Dick, Kerr & Co. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4j per Cent. Deb. Stock
Edison & Swan United ("A"Sh.)(£3pd.)
Do. (£6 paid)
Do. 4 perCent.Mort. Deb. Stock (rd.)
Do. 6 per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock
Edmmidson's Elec. Corp. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum, Pref.
Do. 4^ per cent. Ist Mort. Deb. (red.)
Electric Construction Co
Do. 7 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Perp. 1st Mort. Oebs.
General Electric (1900) 6% Cum. Pret...
Do. 4 percent. 1st Mort. Deba
Denley's Telegraph Works Ord
Do 44 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4) per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb. Stock
India Rubber, Gut. Per. , 4c.,Wrk«
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs, (red.)
Kational Elec. Construction Co
Kichardsons, Westgarth & Co., Ltd. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J per Cent. Perp. Deb. Stock ...
Simplex (Jonduits Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref
Telegraph Construction & Maiutenauce
1 J. 4 per Cent Deb. Bonds (1909) ...
VioKers, Sons & Maxim, Ltd., Ord
Do. b per Cent. non-Cum. Preference
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Preferred
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Db. Sk. (red)
Do. 4J per Cent. 2nd Mort. Deb. (red.)
Do. 6 per Cent. 3rd Mort. Debs Scrip.
.l.lJ.Whitc&Co.aKCm.Pref.
WillauB & Robinson Ord'
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do 4 per Cent, lat Mort. Debs
Continued, j £ «. d.
90 _92 I 3 16 0
14J— 14J -
TELEGRAPHS.
Amazon Telegraph
Do. 5 per Cent. Debs, (red,;
Anglo- American
Do. Preferred
Do. Deferred
Commercial Cable 4 per Cent. Deb. Stk,
Cuba Submarine Ord
Do. Preference 10 per Cent '.'
Direct Spanish Ord
Do. 10 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4i pur Cent. Deb
Direct Onilcl States Cable
U-ii
3iS-J,'6
li's— It's
e|-7J
CJ-64
104 —107
91 —96
38 —42
9 —10
6i-6i
106 -108
14-18
101 —106
P$
l|-l|
U-ij
96 —99
, '-^*
1/e— lA
lis— 1y8
99 —102
I's-U
14-24
76 -78
6 14 0
3 19 0
3 16 0
. 8-J
59 — «2
i-l
H-iJ
6(1 —64
7 — 7J 6 13 0
85 -89 4 lu 0
115-12J 6 17 6
5 —64 4 2 0
1054-1074 4
S 18 0
164-164
98 —100
i-4
83 —86
11
6*
814-344
9i'4-i0i4
lii!— 131
6 1 G
4 0 0
6 2 0
3 18 6
7 12 8
102 —104 3 17 0
1044-1064
8i-9i
i-i
6 11
Direct West India Cable 44% Eg. lib. (rd!)
Eastern Ordinary
Do. 34 per Cent. Pref. Stock
Do. 4 per Cent. Jlort. Deb. Stk. (red.)
Eastern ExteusLou
IDo. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Eastern & S.Af. iy, Mauritius Sub.De'bT.
G.N. (ol Copeiihai;en),witL Coupon 76
Ualilai& Bermuda 4ii l8tMt.Db.( red)
Inao- European ^\ _
Mackay Companies Common' *.!!!!r"
Do. rietoreuce "*
Marconi's Wireless Teleg. Co. !
1 Pacific & Europe'n Tel.4XOaar.Db8.(rei;
west Coast of America
Do. 4 per Cent. OeUB. ...
^^(:.t India & Pauaiaa ".
Do. b percent. iBt Proii "!!!!.'
Do. 6% 2nd Prof
Do bper Cent. Dfcbfl. ..
Wettern lolfBraiih .".7.'!'.''
block (rea.i
86 -87
74-84
164-174 I 6 17 0
3—34 ] 6 16
8 —9
99%— 10S"<
12 -124 6 16 0
S94^10lj 4 8 6
12b —129 16 9 0
84 -87 4 0 6
1034-1054 3 16 6
I'i-lSi , 6 14 0
9»4— 1014, 3 18 fi
1004-lOzJi 3 17
30 —32 *
Weblctn Vmonlelegb'
la calculating the jlelds
lOi) —102
62 —65
74 -78
71 -74
U-ii
100 —102
9Jl— lOjJ
vs-c's
74—84
I'll) — 1U2
1-23- ISJ
101 —103
80 —SO
6 5 0
4 8 0
3 17 a I
ov,.n« ha. b.en mad, lor «ccruld LtU.t
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
May • . • •
April, Oct
Feb, Ang
May, Not
Fob, Ang
Jan, July
Jan, Jnly
tlone, Deo
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jnlyi Feb
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, Jnly
Jan, July
Nov, May
May, Nov
Feb. Aug
March . .
April, Oct
August ...
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Sept
Sept
Jan, Jnly
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
June, Deo
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
May, Not
Jan, Joly
Jan, Joly
Jnly ....
Jan, July
June, Deo
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Fob, Ang
April, Oct
April
Not ....
May, Nov
Jan, Jnly
Mar, July
Jan, Jnly
Apr, Got
Apr, Oct
May, Not
Jnno, Deo
Jane, Dec
F,My,Ag,N
F,My,Ag,N
F,My,Ag.N
■n,Ap,Jy,0
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
la,Ap,Jy,0
June, Dec
Ja,lIy,JyO
Ja,lly,JyO
May, Nov
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
Feb, Aug
May, Not
Jan, July
June, Dec
May, Not
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
April ....
June, Deo
May ....
Jan, J Illy
May, Nov
May, Not
May,«0T
Jan, J uly
Mr,Jn,0,D
June, Dec
l-'i 11';;
137J 1 126'
iS6 8f4
10) J i;uj
l-'ft ( 11}
1004
l^U
1 0/7*
0/7i
i%
3/0
5/0
6%
6%
2/6
6' 2/6
St.: 44%
St., R%
St. 6'/.
St. I 5%
40 44%
TELEPHONES.
Amer. Telephn. & Telegh. Cap. St. ..
Do. Coll. Tmst $1,000 4 per Cent. Bd»
AncloPortug'se Tel. 6% Ist Mt.Db. Stk.
Chili Telephone
Moute Video Telephone Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
National Co. Pref. Stock
Do. Def. Stock
Do. 6 per Cent. Com. let Pref. ,
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. 2nd Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. 3rd Pref. ...
Do. Deb. Stock 34 per Cent, (red.) ..
Do 4 per Cett. Dob. Stock (red.)
Oriental ,
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Red. Deb. Stock
Telephone Co. of Egypt 44%Db.Stk.(red.)
United River Plate
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J Deb. St. Red .
FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, ke.
Elec. ft Gen. Investment 6% Com, Pref.
Globe Telegraph & Trust
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Sabmarine Cables Trust (Cert.)
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRIC
RAILWAYS, TRAMWAYS. &c.
Price
Wed.,
Feb. 3.
YIKLD- r'^5'1'"' Week TO
Jl— Si 6 6 0
10» —111 6 8 0
12U4-122J i 18 u
lOJ— 11} 5 6 6
lOJ^ll} 6 6 6
5ii— 6!J I 4 8 6
97 -93 ! 3 11 0
9'Ji-1014 3 18 6
i;;— i!l 4 2s
14-li 4 16 0
83 —90 4 9 0
10 -li 4
121-138
127 -130
-6i
Anglo-Argentine 6% Cum. Ist Pref.
Do. lO/J Non-cum. 2nd Pref. | o,;— «,',;
Do. Permanent 6% Deb. Stock 137—142
Auckland Elec. Trams. 6% Deb. (red,)... I 101 —103
Brisbane Electric Trams. Invest. Ord....i 4] — 5
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. i Ij— 6
Do. 44 per Cent. Db. Prov. Certs imj — 101
British Columbia El.Ey.Df. Ord U6 — 139
+ Do. Pref. Ord. Stock
Do. 6% Cum. Perp. Pref. Stock
Do. 44 per Cent. Isl Mort. Debs
Do. Vancouver Power Debs
Do. 4J% Perp Con. Deb. St
Buenos Ayres Grand National Old.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 64 per Cent. Pref. Deba
Do. 6 per Cent, let Deb. Bonds
Buenos Ayres Lacroze Trains 1st Mt. Db.
Buenoa Ayrea Port ft City Tram. 1st Mt.
Deb. Stock
Calcutta Tramways (1 to 137,610)
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 44% Ist Deb. Stock (red.)
Cape Electric Tram Shares
City oi Buenos Ayres Trams Co. (1904)Sh,
Do 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Colombo Tr. &, Ltg. &% Ist Mt. Db
Electric Traction Co. of Hong Kong 6
per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
Havana Elec. Ry. Con. Mt. 6% «1,000 60
year Coup. Bda
' A " Deb. Stock .
■B" Ditto
.Ord,,
103 -107
1024-1014
101 —104
100 -103
2i-3J
4S-44
loj —105
102 -105
98 — lOO
78 —83
44—5
«i-6i
100 —103
i-i
6i;— oi^
9s» —102
—83
8/0
6/0
44%
3/3
100, 7/2
100 b/i
Kalgoorlie Elec. T
Do. 6 per Cent.
Do. 6 per Cent,
Lisbon Elec. Trai
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Reg. Mort. Debs
M-dras Elec. Trams. 6% Deb. Stk
Manila Elec. Ry. i!l,000 Gold Bonds
tMexico'lraiiis Uo. Com. St
Do. Gen. Con. Ist Mort. 6,. Gold Bda....
Aiontreal St. Ry. Sterling 44 per Cent.
Debs. (19'ii) (Nos. 601 bo 2,000)
Perth Elec. Trams Ord
Do. Ist Mt. Db. Stock
goon Elec. Trams 4 Supply Co, 6%
Do,
. Pf.
500
6%
100 iii
1 Ui'i
44% let Mort. Deb. Stk
bao Paulo Tramway, Light ft Power Co
*100 Stock
Do. 6 per Cent, lat Mt. !S600 Db
Toronto Ry Co. 1st Mt. 44,^ Ster. Bonds
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRICITY
SUPPLY &c.
Adelaide Elec. S'ply Co. 6% Cu. Pr
BombayE.S. &T.6%Cm. Pf.
Do. 44 per Cent. Deb. Stk. (red.)
Calcutta Elec. Supply Ord
Canadian Gen. Elec. Go. Com. 8t
Castner Electrolytic Alkali Co.(of U.S.A.)
Isl Mori. StL Debs
Elect. Development Co of Ontario
Elec. Ltg. & Trac. Co. of Aust, G *por
Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent, Deb Stock
Elec. Supply Co. of Victoria 6 per Oont.
1st Mort. Deb. St
Indian Elec. Sup. &, Trac. Co. Couatn,
Deb. St. Rd
Kalgoorbe Elec. Power ft Ltg. Ord. ...
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. ".'.
Madras K. S. Corp. 6 per Cent, (jonatn.
Deb. St
Mexican Elec. Light Co. bX lat' Mort,
Gold Bonds
Mexican Lt. ft Power Co. Com, St. ..."
lUo. 6% Itt Mort. Gold Buds '!!
Montreal Lt. Ht. & Power Co. Cap. St....
i'.ivei Plate Electricity Co. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Prof
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb. Stock
hosauo Elec. Co. 6% Pret. (1-20,001))
Shawuugau Water Be Power Co. Cap. St.
Do. 6per Ceut.Bda
Victoria ifalla Power Co. Prof
3--li'i
r-ii
to -9j
81 —82
5 14 0
9 10 0
4 17 0
4 16 0
102 —101 4 6 6
162 —164
100 - toi,";
100 — 10;i
9J —103
Bo - 87%
2 —24
87 — 8i%
sai-.'i-.*
00-91
IIJ -121
l^-ls',
iS-ll'«
9<) — lu2
64 Si
94J— 9j4
106 — K8,^
4 It 6
6 13 0
4 18 0
5 13 0
High-
est.
Jan, July
9i'4
Mar, Sept
August . .
Nov ....
=■•;
May, Nov
.: 1
Feb, Aug
iw*t
1 Feb, Aug
123
Feb, Aug
ieb, Aug
Feb, Aug
bV
June, Dec
9S4
Jan, July
IJll
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jnly ....
't
June, Dec
Jan, July
Jan, Joly
SpDoMrJu
loi
SpDoMrJu
13i
April, Oot
April, Oot
6i
Mft
June, Deo
Jan, July
-.
May „..
May, Nov
4*
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
May, Nov
117
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
Feb.Aog
41
Jan, July
April, Oot
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
43
Jan, July
Jan, July
F,My,A.N
5;;
Juno, Dec
May, Nov
Juno, Deo
I'eb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, Joly
July ....
"
Jan, July
—
Jan, July
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
142;
96i
Feb, Ang
May ....
Jan, July
165
Jane, Deo
lOOi
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
9;,-
Jan, July
April, Oot
107 s
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
„
Jan, July
Jan, July
-
Jan, July
-
April,' Oot
s
April, Oot
81
87J
^
8)^
'JH
F,My,A.N
lUJ
April ....
1 .'.
May
1,,';
Jan, July
AprU, Oct
j _
BOi
Jan, July
IMt
1 Jan, July
9»l
vii
but not for redemption t Kx dividend, J The Loadoa Stook Exohaage OommiUe e.liave declined to auole these.
SUVPLEMESl to "The Electrician.- February 5, 1909.
eORITEMTS.
126
E.C.C. Motors .
Editorial 128
A Slump in Suction Gas ..130
Earthing Motor Connections 132
Tables of electric
Po*EB Supply
Irumway Meters
Twenty Years of Instnii
and Switch Mahing
Electric Power Episodes
Cluster Lighting
"Metallh" Lamps
Electrolytic Work In
Paper Industry
134-139
14 3
US
Index TO Advertisers '49
HUBCTli
Electrician No. 1603>
Indust. Suppt. No. 32.
Gratis to Subscribers.
FEBRUARY 5, 1909.
lOS.^^Hl^tf ST.TJpNDDK.E .C.
On "WAR OFFICE LIST.
Contractors to COEPOEATIONS, RAILWAY COMPANIES, &c.
BODDY'S
"/VlETAIsIK
55
(METAL FILAMENT)
LAMPS
Toughest and most
efficient Metal Lamp
on the Market.
Save 70 per cent, in
Current. No Deprecia-
tion in Candle Power
or Life.
WE beg to inform the Trade that owing to the improved methods of
manufacture, combined with the enormous output and the greatly
increasing demand for our "METALIK" LAMPS, we have re-
recently decided to REDUCE THE PRICES as follows:—
SO to 55 Volt, 16, 25, 32 C.P. .. 3/0 each, \ Subject to
60 .< 135 •< 25,32 .. 36 » ( Liberal
60 „ 135 ,, 50 ,, 3,9 „ ( niscounts
200 « 260 « 50 « -• 4/9 .. ' for EXPORT
We specially draw attention to our New Type of High and Low Voltage
" METALIK" Lamps, which are made in smaller bulb's, the filaments being
shorter and the supports more elastic, rendering these lamps more
successful for long life, handling, and neatness of appearance than any other
metal filament lamp on the market.
The lamps have received the highest praise, and are now being specified
and used by the most eminent authorities throughout the kingdoiii, after the
most stringent tests for efficiency, long life, pure white light, toughness of
filament, and burning at any angle.
Packed tor EXI'Oh'T m lots. loo /.amps, uilli ^^ per cent, extra sent free
lo coicr hrcakai^cs.
The RELIABILITY of the " METALIK " for Export is shown by the fol-
lowing letter received from an important firm in Cliina.
Messrs. G. M. BODDY b. Co.,
Newington Works, Liverpool. December smt. i<)oS.
Dear Sirs, — A few months ago we purchased, through our London
Agent, a quantity of your " .'^Ietalik " Lamps, which have proved satisfactory
to our clients. We now therefore ask you to appoint us your Agents in
China. If you agree to this suggestion, please communicate with our London
Agents, who will put you in touch with our Solicitors, and to whom we have
given instructions
Trusting that this proposition will meet your approval,
We remain, dear sirs, faithfully yours,
riANAOiNG Director.
G. M. BODDY & GO.,
electric Camp manufacturers,
NEWINGTON WORKS, LIVERPOOL, Ettg.
LONDON DEPOT : 15, GRAY S INN ROAD, W.C.
Telephone: 4814 Holborn. Yorksliire Depot: Castle Hill. Sheffield. Established '893.
la ScprLEMENi is issued Gratis to Subscribers to " The Eloctnciau.
EsTBA Copies can bo oLtaiued, price 4d. per copy, post free.
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." Februart) 5, 1909.
124
DYNAMOS
& MOTORS
STANDARD SEMI-ENCLOSED MOTOR.
15 to 50 H.P. Sizes.
ELECTROMOTORS LIS
OPENSHAW.
Poiper In Ccxtiks and
Paper Dlakina . . .
WITH tlie more general conceivsiLs of opinion in
favour of the electric motor for industrial jjower
purposes has come the demand for refinements
in motors and controlling apparatus suitable for special
purposes. For many industrial machines the simple con-
stant speed motor is admirably suited, and its installation
in this capacity is iiroceeding on sound staiidunl line-.
The variable speed motor, however, is ])eculinrly adapted
to the individual operation of such textile machinery as
ring spinning frames, and is already doing yeoman -servu'e
in this field.
Messrs. Fel teu-( ! uilleaume Labmeyerwerke have iustallei 1
a number of two speed three-phase motors similar in
design to that shown in Fig. 1. With the exception of
the control and belt .shifting device the motor is an ordi-
nary totally enclosed machine with fan ventilation. Two
windings are arranged for on the stator frame to
give the two speeds desired. The ends of these- wind-
ings are brought out of the contacts, of a three-
pole two-way switch fixed on the top of the' motor
body. The switcli spindle has a hand wheel at one
end and a crank moving a belt-shifting device through
a slotted and lever motion. In order to start the iiiotor the
hand wheel is turned tlirough an angle of 45 deg. in either
direction, according to the speed at which it 'is desired to
run. This motion'of the switch spindle has no iidluence
upon the belt position, as the slot in the first bar of the
link nifition is co-radial with the crank for an angle of
45 deg. on each side of the (iff position. AVIk n lli^' motor
Fig. I.— Two-speed Thrtc-phr.se Motor for Textile Service.
Fig. 2. — 'Warping Machine Driven by h h.p. Induction Moior.
has run up to speed the motion of the hand wheel is con-
tinued, thereby moving the belt from the loose to the
fast pulley of the spinning frame shaft, but without making
any alteration to the electrical connections. Stops are pro-
vided to prevent any further motion of the hand wheel
beyond the desired positions.
The output of the motor is 7 h.p., and as there is no load
on at starting, no resistances are employed. If necessary
for any particular purpose the two-way switch could be
fitted as a controller with starring resistances, and in that
case it would occupy rather more space.
A warping machine, driven by a J ii.i'. squirrel-cage
motor, running at 1,400 revs, per min., is shown in Fig. 2.
The function of this machine is to wiinl the threads pro-
duced by the mules on tu a liroad cylinder in readiness for
working on the looms.
The individual system of driving has been adopted in
many mills, each loom being driven by a three-phase
squirrel-cage motor, having an output of f H.P. at 1,500
revs, per min. The motor is in each case mounted ou an
iron bracket and is geared to ihe loom by a riiw-hide
pinion, which may be ciianged to effect small alterations
in the speed of the loom, the motor being adjustable on tiie
bracket to permit this (Fig. ;l). Larger alterations of the
loom speed to suit varying grades of fabric are attained by
changing the small bevel wheel on the cog-wheel shaft.
125
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." February 5. 1909.
The individual system of electric driving is also appli-
cable to many types of machine employed in the textile
industries otiier than those mentioned, such as combing,
scutching and tentering machines, hydro extractors, &c., and
also to the various auxiliary machinery used.
To meet the driving conditions imposed by paper-making
machines a wide range of speed is necessary in the motor.
For this reasiin direct current motors must he installed
with comniutating poles, so as to obtain shunt regulation
and the necessary range of speed. A speed ratio of 12 to 1
can be obtained with these motors and they are in use in
many large paper mills throughout the world. When an
exceptionally witle range of speed is called for a separately
excited generator is employed and this is found to meet
all requirements. An installation of this kind has been
put down recently by ^Messrs. Felten-Guilleaume Lah-
meyerwerke in a large German paper mill. In this case a
constant speed motor was displaced by a variable speed
interpole machine. By means of this a quantity of waste-
Fig. 3. — Smill A.C. Motor geared to Loom.
ful gearing was dispensed with and a wider range of speed
was obtained. The actual range ascertained by test on the
machine when installed was from 15 ft. to 253 ft. per min.
in steps representing increases of about 2ft. per min.
The special variable-voltage or regulating dynamo, as it
is termed, is installed in the engine room, and is belt-
driven by the same engine that drives the constant-voltage
dynamo, mentioned above. The latter supplies current to
the exciting circuit of the regulating dynamo, which
develops 40 kw. at 18 — -115 volts, and 600 revs, per min.
The speed of the paper machine is regulated in the simplest
possible manner, by varying the voltage of the regulating
ilyuamo by means of a field rheostat, which is placed iu an
annexe to the paper machine hall in such a position that
the whole machine is clearly visible to the attendant. The
driving motor of 9 — 48 u.v. at !J0 — 760 revs, per min., is
mounted on a platform by the side of the paper machine,
and is thus protected from moisture when the machine is
being cleaned, and from sudden splashes when working,
l-.inergency switches are placed at three points iu the
vicinity of the paper machhie, rendering it possible to stop
the machine at whatever speed it may running, simply by
turning the switch handle.
In order to start the driving motor, cuneut is first
switched on to tlie field of the regulating dynamo, but
with all the resistance in series, and therefore the dynamo
generates its lowest possible \oltage. Connection is then
made between the dynamo and the motor by closing anotlier
switch, and tlie machine is slowly started by gradually
turning the rheostat handwheel until the motor has attained
the desired speed, i.e., until the starting velocity of the
paper to be manufactured is reached. The rheostat is
very finely graded, and. therefore, as already mentioned .
the alteration in the paper speed from step to step is very .
small ; the voltage, however, remains absolutely constant
when once it has Ijeen regulated to a certain value. These
two considerations are of the utmost importance in the
manufacture of paper, for a jerky alteration in the speed ,
would result in the paper being torn, while, as the paper
thickness is inversely proportional to the speed of working, •
should the speed oscillate during working, the paper would
be of continually varying thickness, and would therefor(;
be useless. In order fully to guard against such oscillation
of the speed, the regulating dynamo was constructed
with comniutating poles, and with a shunted compound
winding.
To simplify the machine attendant's duties as far as pos;
sible, and to render the use of a speed indicator unneces-.
sary, a table has been prepared giving the exact running
voltages to maintain any desired .speed. Thus, in order to
jiroduce any definite speed, the attendant has merely lo
turn the rheostat handwheel slowly, until the voltmeter
reading corresponds to the value given in the table for that
^peed.
^- iUeston electrical
iSf
I:
11
Instrument Co.
■ Multimeter, Model 58. Standard Portable Testing Set
i| £ondoii Office and Eatoratory:
I AUDREY HOUSE, ELY PLACE, HOLBORN,
<\ TelephoneSo. :iO-29Holbom. Telesrams: Pivoted London. E.C.
Iff
i>
if
•i
I
if
iy
!>
If
I
if
»f
SVP-PLEMENT to "The Electrician," February 5, 1909.
126
DYNAMO WORKS LIMITED.
TRAM
w CAR
METERS
ENERGY
CONSUMED.
If you Check Tickets
V71iy not Units ?
HEAD OFFICE:
Telephone :-G'e.m
Blrminshim.
Bristol.
Cardiff.
QlasEOW.
Manciiester.
Newcastle-on-T;
Sheffield.
LONDON ;
York Mansion, York Street, Westminster,
lAIlI. 860- IV/fy;awS:— "SlEMBBALOS LONUl-
BRANCH OFFICES :
Central House, New Street.
32. Bridge Street.
^9. St. Mary Street.
163, Hope Street.
196, Deansgate.
>ne. 39, CoLLiNowooD Bdildings.
Foster's Buildings, 22, High Street.
s.w.
€X.C
♦
rRotors*
THK electric motor is admiralily adapted for .standar-
disation in production. This confers upon the n.ser
the enonnous advantage of uniformity of type and
interchanoeability of parts, provided, alway.s, that after
introducing one make of motor hs sticks to "it. The Elec-
tric Construction Co. has standardised a wide range _ of
motors for alternating current and direct current service,
which will be found to include every type required to
meet the conditions of the electric driving industrial
machinery. The direct current motors are manufactured
in two distinct styles known as the " Midland " and " Staf-
fordshire" reispectively. The carcase of the "Midland"
pattern is octagonal in shape and that of the " Stafford-
shire " is circular. The " Midland " motors are designed
either as totally enclosed, ventilated or open-type machine.
Fig. I.— E.C.C. " Midland ' D.C. Motor, semi-enclosed.
The " Staffordshire" motors are all of the open type. Fig. 1
illustrates a standard '■ Midland " motor of the enclosed
ventilated type. Both these styles of motors can lie fitted
with interpoles. The " Midland " motors are specially
suited for use with reducing gear. The second motion
shaft being mounted on either side of the machine or on
the top, the whole arrangement being self-contained with-
out any e.xtra bed-plate. The insulation is of best mica
and fibrous material throughout, of sutiicient thickness to
protect the windings both mechanically and electrically.
All windings are tested to earth for 15 minutes with alter-
nating current at a pressure four times that of the working
voltage of the machine. Carlion brushes are fitted and a
Fig. 2 — Details of E-C C. Slip-ring Motor
127
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," February 5, 1909.
Fig. 3.— E.C.C. Haulage Gear driven by A.C. Motor.
design lias been adopted with a minimum of screwed and
hinged joints. All E.C.C. standard motors are designed
for constant speeds, stand heavy overloads, and to run for
prolonged periods without sparking or overheating.
The Electric Construction Co. also manufactures a wide
range of alternating-euirent motors in types with short
circuit rotors, or with slip-rings. TJiese maciiines can be
.supplied in three patterns, ventilated, enclosed, or totally
enclosed. We illustrate in Fig. 2 the details of a slip-ring
motor of the enclosed ventilated type. The starting
torque of these motors is equal tii tJie full load torque,
taking IJ times full load current. The slip-rings are of
phoisphor bronze mounted upon a cast-iron centre, and
securely keyed upon the jirojection of the shaft on the
outside of the bearing. Two of the rings are insulated
from the shaft and carbon brushes are used. The slip-
rings can be totally enclosed in a cast-iron cover. A
device can also be fitted for short circuiting the rotor and
lifting the brushes. It con.sists of a plug switch inside
the slip-rings which is pushed home to sliort circuit the
windings ; at the same time the Ijrushes are lifted from
the rings.
In conjunction with tliese direct current and alternating
current motors, the Electric Construction Co. also supplies
electric haulage gears. In Fig. •"( we illustrate a main tail
gear driven by an alternating current motor. The frame
of these gears is of rolled steel joists and it can be easily
taken apart if required for moving about underground.
In all sizes the first motion gear consists of raw hide
pinion and cast-iron spur wheel, both having machine-cut
teeth. In sizes up to and including 25 b.ii.p. the second
motion gear is of cast iron with machine moulded teeth,
shrouded to pitch line ; above 25 b.h.p. of cast iron with
machine-moulded double helical teeth, shrouded to pitch
line. The drums are of east iron, with mild steel lagging
plates, and are bushed with gunmetal. The shafts are of
best hammered steel, machined all over. The bearing
pedestals are of cast iron and of very massive construction.
The bushes are of gunmetal, with large bearing service.
The brake is of the all round steel band type. In sizes up
to and including 50 B.ii.P., the brake strap is provided with
wood blocks ; in larger sizes cast-iron renewable grips are
bolted to the brake ring, and the strap runs direct on to the
treads. The " endless rope " gear is provided witli a fric-
tion clutch of a highly reliable type, worked l)y a hand
wheel and screw. Tlie " main and tail " and " single drum "
gears have jaw clutches, made of cast iron in sizes up to
and including 25 li.H.P., and of cast steel in larger sizes.
The levers are brought out to the back of the haulage gear,
in a position convenient to the man-in-charge.
Ferranti Starters
Made in OPEN, SEMI-ENCLOSED & TOTALLY
ENCLOSED TYPES for
DIRECT CURRENT MOTORS.
SEMl-ENCUOSEO FERRANTI STARTER
PLEASE SEND US YOUR ENQUIRIES
FERRANTI LIMITED,
HOLLINWOOD, LANCS.
ALSO FOR
SWITCHGEAR AND METERS.
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." February 5, 1909:
128
-THE ELECTRICIAN-
NEWSPAPER LONDON
All communications should be addressed "The Electrician"
Industrial Supplement, 1, 2 and 3, Salisbury Court, Fleet
Street, London, E.G.
Copy fot Text or Advertisement pages pr next issue, publishing on
March 5th, should reach the above address not later than Tuesday,
February 23rd.
Manufacturers, Contractors, Central Station Engineers, and those
interested in Electrical Industrial Developments are cordially invited to
contribute original matter to the SUPPLEMENT, and when suitable
this will be inserted as space permits.
Piling Case for "Tlie Electrician" Industrial Supplement.
The INDUSTRIAL SUPPLEMENT is holed for filing, and we are
distributing cases which will hold twelve issues. On request a case
will be sent to Consulting, Manufacturing, or Contracting firms ; to
Chief or Resident Engineers of Electricity Supply, Traction or Power
Stations ; to any firm of Merchants or Agents ; to Bailway, Tramway,
Dock, Harbour, or other companies interested in the applications of
Electric Power, &c., to their undertakings ; and to other large con-
sumers of electrical energy, either at home, in the Colonies, or abroad.
A portion of each issue of the SUPPLEMENT is reserved for special
circulation oversea.
€ditorlaL
The work of specialisation is always in-
Wireless" teresting and is generally productive of
good in whatever industry it may be
carried out. To specialise in a particular pattern of electric
light fitting may appear an unwise and uncertain under-
taking. The conditions of electrical illumination may not
at first .sight seem to warrant it, but on closer examination
it will be at once evident that there is room for that class
of fitting in which a number of lamps is used at a single
point. Bunched lights grouped around a central ball or
similar fitting present a troublesome problem to the work-
man who has to lead or thread in many small wires and
joint them as conveniently and safely as he can. The space
;it disposal is painfully limited ; the task is not a particu-
larly easy one, a fact which suggests scamping if the oppor-
tunity ailbrds, result — trouble with the joints and a probable
short-circuit. On another page of this issue will be found
a description of a special fitting known as a "wireless
cluster," which is of standard construction and which re-
presents a real advance uj.on anything yet put forward for
the purpose. The metal filament lamp has encouraged
the " bunching " of lights to a greater extent than formerly,
and the wireless cluster simplifies the problem of tlie
wiring of such fittings considerably. It obviates the
trouble of wiring holders— that tiresome job which is not
infrequently a cause of trouble with electric light wiring.
The cluster fitting is primarily intended for carrying "a
number of lamps, but it has a field of utility in the wori;-
shop and for certain kinds of flexible wiring. In both in-
stances it takes the form of a multiple socket receptacle
and can be made use of as a distributing centre for a
number of flexibles leading either to lamps or portable
tools, &c. The manufacture of these wireless fittings has
been carefully studied, and the result is something note-
worthy in the fittings branch of the electrical industry.
We print in another column a short
Suction Gas. article in which we deal with the question
of suction gas in its relation to electric
power supply. A few years ago the suction gas bogie
raised its head among consumers of electrical energy and
in districts in which electricity supply undertakings were
in operation. With every deference to the makers of suc-
tion gas plant and their merits as engineers we feel bound
to say that they over-estimated their case. We will not
say that it was done wittingly, but it was done and with
the hope that a set back to the electric motor as an indus-
trial power agent might be administered. Now we are
second to none in our acknowledgments of the work
done by engineers in the development of the suction
gas engine. What we say is that suction gas plants
are not legitimate competitors of the electric motor. If
the latter were more costly to run than the gas plant, which
in many towns it is not, it has so many other advantages
that they would quite outweigh any saving if this had any
real existence. We are quite willing to give the suction
gas plant its due as a power agent in areas remote from
electric power supply mains. In this sphere it has a certain
utility and can be recommended to power users. Within
the area of an electricity supply concern it has no place
outside the generating station. The data collected by Mr.
Mathias, which we publish in another column, is evidence
in itself of the lack of hold upon power users, which the
suction gas plant exercises.
The tables of electric power supply
Power Tables, which we issued for the first time with
the January Supplement are also included
with the present number. Our readers will find that the
list of stations has been consideralily added to by the
inclusion of a number of large towns from which we had
no return for the first issue. We have received several
suggestions from interested engineers, and these will be
embodied in the tables as soon as opportunity permits.
Many of the figures published in the January issue have
been revised, and in several cases quite substantial addi-
tions to the motor load have been made. In other cases
notes vv'ill be found in the remarks column of large instal-
lations pending. At present there seems to be a difficulty
in obtaining details of the isolated plants running in the
various districts, but no doubt these will come through in
time. When the interest in motor installations is raised
to a higher pitch than at present, engineers may be inclined
to measure their progress in terms of the displacement of
the steam, gas and oil plants running in the area of supply.
The collection of this data is really a matter for subor-
dinates, the business solicitors who tour, or should tour,
the district regularly. We admit that the supply of this
information is likely to cease, that is in an area of pro-
gressive power supply. But for a year or two it would be
of especial interest as a guide to the advances made with
the undertaking.
129
SVV-PLEMENT to "The Electrician." February 5, 1909.
MOTOR
ALTERNATORS
High-Speed Continuous Current Motors and Single-Phase Alternators.
GROMPTON & GO
CONTRACTORS FOR
LTD.
ELECTRICAL UNDERTAKINGS of EVERY DESCRIPTION
SALISBURY HOUSE,
LONDON WALL, LONDON, E.G.
GLASGOW: 50, WcUiHr/ton St.
NEWCASTLE: 21, Pearl Assurance
Bldi,':.. Northnmhcrhmd St.
WANCII ESTER: 42. Draiisgate.
liBTSrOL: 2S. Jinldiciii St.
IlIItMIXGIIA M: 27. I'nnnI i.-r St.
ARC WORKS.
CHEL.IVISFORD.
HKLFAST: Gi I'xrritor House, WcUi'ii/ifoi, Phic
1 174
CALCUTTA: 90. Cliee St.
BOMBAY: Marslmll'x BUgs..
Ballard Jhtad.
.V ABBAS: Armenian St.
syD.\Ey.- :JG. .Variant St.
■</fAXr,!fl I : y a ■!>:,'„< ll-n,l.
SUPPLEMENT to " The Electrician." Februari) 5, 1909.
130
fl Slump in Suction 6a$-
A]-K\V years ago station engineers were retfiiested t(i
tremble before the mightiness of suction gas. There
was to be no question about it. The suction gas
plant was going to " knock spots " off the electric service.
The makers of suction gas engines fondly and firmly be-
lieved that the larger consumers on electricity undertakings
would disconnect the supply or use it (if they could) as a
stand-by to such gas. The real history of the suction gas
Ijoouj — or bubble, we miglit almost call it — will never be
written.
There are many central station men who have, however,
felt the " shoe pinch " in this direction. A bold bid was
made by the agents of gas plant makers to foist the suction
engine upon such electricity users as theatres, large drapers,
public institutions, &c., and in the initial stages of the
campaign the attempt was not without success. But such
records as are availalile demonstrate clearly that the orga-
nisers of this crusade reckoned without their host. They
miscalculated the extent of the hold which the public elec-
tricity supply service has obtained on those who want to
use light, heat and power and not to make them.
That this is really the case may be gathered from the
following statistics which Mr. F. V. L, Mathias, borough
electrical and tramways engineer, Warrington, has com-
piled, with the assistance of his confreres in most of the
important towns in the United Kingdom. A letter was
addressed to the engineers of these stations asking for
details of any competition which had been or was
being experienced with suction gas. Mr. Mathias received
replies from 90 stations, representing the chief industrial
and commercial centres in the country. Without exception
the answer was to the effect that there was no serious com-
petition with suction gas, that such plant was discarded
because of its unreliability, and that electric motors in-
variably took its place.
Most of the replies give a short and sharp negative to
the idea that suction gas plant is anything of a competitor
either of the electric motor or as a prime mover driving a
dynamo. This latter fact is instructive, because it is an
emphatic contradiction of the statements made by suction-
gas plant makers that by using a gas engine and dynamo
electricity can be generated more cheaply than purchased.
It would seem as if plants of this description deceive even
the makers themselves by prompting a belief in a hio-h
working efficiency which is, however, not maintained.
• ludging liy results the plant runs well enough for a time
which will vary in length as the att-ntion paid to the
plant— which is followed by failure to keep up to the early
figures of efficiency. The statistics furnished by station
engineers through Mr. Mathias should, however, at once
undeceive gas plant manufacturers, if they are not already
awakened to the real character of the competition with
which they are faced in the pulilic electricity supply
business.
Turnhig to the statistics referred to we find that con-
siderable activity was displayed in the textile districts
At Blackburn suction gas threatened to be a serious com-
petitor a few years ago, but it has lost its hold owiim- to its
uiirelialjihty. Bradford records a case of a firm who use
suction gas, who state that electricity at Id. per unit is
cheaper tliau suction gas aud that as soon as the plant can
be disposed of the corporation will give a supply At
iiochdale a suction gas plant was installed in a weavin"-
shed on guarantees of 30s. per week for everythino- This
ligure barely covered the cost of gas, but as the'^makers
failed the case was not contested and the plant is now
running on town gas. Several other plants in this dis-
trict have given producer troubles and have beeu trans-
ferred to town gas. At St. Helens there is only one suction-
gas plant in the district and the users have a stand-by in
the electric service which is frequently called into requisi-
tion. A firm of corn merchants at Warrington installed a
40 H.p. gas plant three years ago and their experience has
been that the fuel cost is much higher than makers esti-
mate, and that, had electricity been the price it is now, the
plant would not ha\'e been put in. Similar statements are
made by other users of suction plant in the district. In
one case the corporation supply is used as a stand- bj^ to a
suction gas plant, and as a fair revenue is derived from this
the obvious conclusion is that the gas plant does not run
at all well. An engineering firm in the area of supply
states that with a plant of 250 h.p. the cost for energy is
0'9d. without making allowance for capital charges.
In the Accrington district a suction gas plant was put in
to displace the electric service, but after a period of six
months the electric motors were reinstated. The supply is
given as a stand- liy to another suction plant, and the owner
states that without capital and maintenance charges the
cost of running is over Id. per unit. The plant itself has
lieen out of commission as long as five weeks on end. At
Colchester a large firm had a suction plant of 150 ii.i'. in
use for two years, but at the end of this time the efficiency
fell off badly, and the plant generally gave serious troulile.
The firm was willing to pay for a distributing main to be
run some distance to the works and to take energy at Id.
per unit instead of continuing with the suction plant. A
Darlington firm who found that suction gas did not effect
any saving over electricity installed 100 h.p. of motors in
extending its shops. The Dudley electricity department
have replaced suction gas in one instance in which the
diiect current supply is converted to alternating current.
In spite of this conversion, the electric service at Id. per
unit is cheaper than gas. From Dundee some most in-
teresting figures are forthcoming. A firm in the district
states that electricity is 10 per cent, cheaper than gas, and
give the following figures for a 6-15 h.p. plant : Coal £20,
attention £27, interest on capital £12. 10s., depreciation
£25 — total cost, £84. 10s. per annum. The experience of
Greenock is equally encouraging. The Corporation have
nearly 5,000 n.i'. of motors connected to the mains, but
only one or twn suction-gas plants remain in the district.
Severe competition from this source was threatened a lew
years ago, but the largest electricity consumers were unable
to substantiate the claims made by the gas people. In the
same district an 80 H.r. motor was put in to replace a
100 h.p. suction plant. In South Shields a firm of boiler
makers used two suction-gas engines, one to drive line
shafting and the other to drive a dynamo for furnishing
energy to motors. The experience was such that the
motors are now supplied from the mains, and tlie two gas
engines act as a stand-by to each other in driving the
shafting.
The reports from other towns are equally assuring for
the electric service, which has been put in to displace
suction gas in many cases. At Shoreditch three 70 H.P.
suction gas engines have been removed and electric motors
are doing their work. St. I'ancras have installed motors
to take the place of a suction-gas i^laiit of 30-40 h.p.,
the latter proving most unreliable and giving a lot of
trouble.
131
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," February 5. 1909.
REYROLLE
DISTRIBUTING BOXES.
ALSO MADE IN THE WATER TIGHT TYPE.
PAMPHLET 20 GIVES FU LL PA RTI C U LA RS .
A. REYROLLE & CO.,
LTD..
HEBBURN-ON-TYNE.
These Ito.\es are extensively used in .Siiip yards,
Factories, etc., etc., in connection with .V.C. ami
D.C. supplies.
Tin w'liknmnship, material and finisli are of the
VERY BEST, and as all our Boxes are tilted
with our VENTILATED FUSE HANDLES,
maintenance costs arc ncL;IiL^il)lc. ,^! > — ^f — ' ' ^ ''''"i-' ''•''' - ^ {_^H ^
The prices are LOWER than those of any |^HKJK|fl|^lp -^ 'HTTHI^Hj^lHj^lHr^ ^| ^L
first-class make on the market. l^R55~5'*i:!:f ■^^-'^*^j*'^HdBBbB1HI^&* <•
o
I
(1
i>
vt
o
DELIVERIES FROM STOCK.
No 9,504.
Luminous Radiator
for- use on wall as
a bracket.
SIMPLEX
Electric Radiators
We hold a large variety of Electric
Radiators and Convectors. in pleas
ing and artistic designs.
The best known,
The best liked,
The best selling,
Electric Heaters
On the market.
SIMPLEX CONDUITS, L
Garrison Lane, Birmingham
113 7 Charing Cross Rd., London. W.C
16. Corporation St.. Manchester
72a, Waterloo St., Glasgow,
61 5. H'gh Bridge, Newcastle,
37, Moorfields. Liverpool.
11, Denmark St., Bristol.
TD
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." February 5. 1909.
32
HENLEY'S
ITUMEN
m# ULCANISED f^
CABLES
W. T. HENLEY'S TELEGRAPH WORKS Co.. Ld.,
13 & 14. BLOMFIELD STREET, E.C
G.P.O., 3596 Central.
€artl)ina FRotor Connections.
STEEL conduit has always been recommended for wiriu;^
up industrial motors and is now generally used upon
all jobs of a permanent character. Similarly the
belt-driving motor is more commonly found than the geai-
driving type. Belt driving entails the employment of
slide rails, or some similar arrangement for taking up
slack and generally adjusting the belt tension.
A suitable alternative is an iron joint box attached to the
motor in such a manner that the slight movement of the
motor during belt adjustment is allowed for and the metallic
connection between motor and tubing. Mr. ilacgregor,
Duncan, Old Queen-street, Westminster, has patented an
arrangement which accomplishes this in an etiective yet
inexpensive manner.
Fig. 1 is a diagram of the apparatus as arranged for a
continuous current motor. The terminals of the machine
are situated at K upon some convenient portion theieof,
which must however be a flat surface. These terminals
are completely covered by a metal box or cover A, which
Fig. I.— Details of Earthing Device.
is provided witii slots as shown at C. These .slots, which
are kept in position by small blocks formini,' part of the
machme casing, allow the cover to slide either'way relative
to the machine by means of set screws, which are ■shown
together with the blocks referred to abo^•e at I) The
cover A is provided with removable doors B, which when
removed make the interior accessible. There is also a
Fig. 2. -Earthing Device attached to Motor Frame.
nozzle to which the tubing or conduit carrying the cables
to tlie machine is screwed. The cover is provided with a
cast rib L bushed with insulated material to carry ter-
minals M, to whicli the cables are attached by means of
thimbles. The cable terminals M are connected to the
machine terminals K by means of dexible metallic con-
ductors X, consisting of flexible braid or thin metal strips.
The conduit or tubing being fixed it is only necessary to
release the screws I) w-hen the machine can be moved in
either direction under the cover, until the limit of travel,
corresponding to that of the slide rails, is reached by slot C
bringing up against the block in connection with the set
screws J).
It will be obvious tliat the machine will lie efficiently
earthed through the screw I), of course assuming that the
conduit or tubing is properly earthed at some convenient
point. Fig. 2 is a photograph of a motor fitted with the
device, this being one of a considerable number used in
the electrical equipment of a large bont factory in the Mid-
lands, which has been can-ied^ut under supervision of the
inventor, and where we understand the apparatus has
proved perfectly satisfactory. The apparatus has also been
equally successfully applied to three-phase motors.
133
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician.- February 5, 1909.
ClecthcPoiuer in Cumber rRills*
THE woodvvoi-king plants of this country are mostly
confined to the treatment of planks and cut woiid
as distinguished from lumber direct from the
forest. In the United States and Canada much of the
rougli sawing and trimming of lumlier is now done by
machinery, and most of the new plants instal electric
motors for driving purposes. An instance of a mill of
this kind is that of Pennsylvania Lumber Co., of Sheftield,
I'a., the electrical e(|uipment of whicli was recently described
in the " Electrical Review," N.Y. The total capacity of
the mill is 17o,000 ft. of lumber per day, the wood being
mostly hemlock.
Wherever possible the machines are direct-connected to
their driving motors. Three-phase (iO cycle -tOU volt
current was determined upon as being the most satisfac-
tory for all the conditions of service, and a complete power
eiiuipment, including boilers,engines, generators, motors and
all the necessary measuring instruments and controlling
devices, has been installed and arrangements made to luira
the refuse from the mill under the boilers.
The logs are conveyed up the incline from the pond by a
"log chain," ov " log j'lcker," into the mill, the same being
driven by a 15 h.I'. back-geared motor running at 840 revs,
per min. The chain is 190 ft. in length and carries 3o steel
dogs for gripping the logs. From the top of the incline
the logs are rolled either to the right or the left, as the
equipment is pr(jvided in duplicate — that is, on the right
are the band mill, gang edgers and trimmers arranged for
receiving the lumber from the left, and there is a similar
ecpiipment on the left for receiving lumber from the right.
The logs are first sawed into lundjer by the 8 ft. band
nulls, each of which is operated by a 150 H.P. motor run-
ning at 580 revs, per min. From both the band mills the
sawed lumber is carried by line rolls and transfers to the
one re-saw mill. Each set of 17 10 in. by 24 in. rolls is
operated by a 7i H.P. 1,120 revs, per nan. motor through a
back-gearing.
The re-saw mill cuts the lumber into thinner planks and
boards, e.xcept in the case of the larger sizes, where the
first cut by the band mills is sufficient. The re-saw is
driven by a 150 h.p. 580 revs, per min. motor. On this re-
saw mill are two 8 ft. ba,nd wheels with 14 in. face. The
motor is connected by a belt to the lower band-wheel shaft,
and gives to the saw a speed of about 9,750 ft. per minute.
From the re-i3aw the 1 in. and 2 in. material is carried by
conveyors to the two gang edgers, whicli saw the broader
))oards into standard sizes, as 2 in. by 4 in., 2 in. by 6 iir, 2in.
by 10 in., 1 in. by 4in., 1 in liy 6in., &c. Each gang edger has
eigiit .saws, 24 in. in diameter, and is operated by a 50 H.P.
1,700 rev. per min. motor, direct connected to the shaft of
the edger. After the lumber has passed through tlie
edgers it is carried by line rolls to the trimmers, which
consist of a row of saws, mounted on swinging arms
driven by belts from a line shaft, from which they are
hung. The saws are spaced for trimming off the lumber
ends, leaving standard lengths. One trimmer has eight
saws and the other 10. Each set is operated by a 30 h.p.
motor running at 840 revs, per min, The motor also
operates a Xo. 2 Clarke Bros, pintle chain for conveying
the lumber away.
The lumber, after being trimmed, is conveyed on a chain
thr(iugh the sorting shed, where it is loaded on to cars
by manual labour. The chain travels at the rate of o2 ft.
per minute being driven by a 15 h.p. back-geared motor
running at 1,120 revs, per min.
Provision is also made for the removal of the refuse
material by means of conveyors from the different mills.
All sawdust is conveyed directly to the bo-ler room and
automatically fired. From the band mills and the edgers
the slabs are carried to slasher saws, which are saws
mounted on a shaft 4 ft. apart. From the slashers the
4 ft. lengths are taken, together with other refuse from the ,
mills, with the exception of the sawdust, by conveyors to a '
machine known as a " hog." A certain percentage of this
material, however, before reaching the hog, is taken out of
the conveyor by hand and loaded' into cars for shipment to
paper manufacturers. This pulpwood is used in the manu-
facture of paper, and must have a length of 16 in. and over.
Tiie l)alance of tlie refuse is cut into chips by the hog,
from which it is dumped into cars for shipment to near-by
tanneries.
The .slasher is operated from a ;jO ii i'. 840 rev. per min.
ni<jtor, which also operates si.x conveyor chains, each 100 ft.
in length. The hog is driven by a 75 n.i: motor, 090 revs,
per min., direct connected. It has a large rotating element,
weighing approximately 2,000 lb., which carries 24 knives
on a diameter of 60 in. Owing to th(! weight of the moving
element of the hog the starting conditions are particularly
severe, but the motor, which is of the slip-ring type, firings
the machine up to speed quickly without undue overload.
The main refuse conveyor for carrying refuse to the boiler
room is operated by a 10 h.I'. 1,120 rev. per min. motor.
The woodworking equipment was supplied very largely
by Clarke Eros, and the motor equipment by the WestTng-
house Electric & ]\Ifg. Co. The entire equipment repre-
sents_ a very good indication of wliat can be done liy the
individual ap]jlication of electric njotors to woodworking
machines.
Beuci Gear Cutters*
THK use of cut instead of cast gears has grown enor-
mously within the last few years, owing lo the de-
mand for high-power gearings which shall run with
a minimum of wear and noise; and the machines which cut
the geai's have been correspondingly developed to supply
the heavy demand. A very compact and efficient machine,
driven by an electric motor, for planing bevel gears of an}'
angle, eight or more to one, and any size up to 24 in. pitch
diameter, is described in the "Electrical World." This is
known as the 24 in. automatic bevel gear j^laner, and is
manufactured by the Gleason Works, of Eochester, X.Y.
Tliis machine will plane bevel gear teeth to cone lines.
The curve tooth of formers is produced by a machhie which
generates the curve. The resulting formers are absolutely
correct, as the machines have been designed and built
exactly for this work. The three formers necessary for
cutting a gear — one for roughing, a second for the upper
side of the teeth and a third for the under side of the teeth —
are in a revolving holder, so that they are brought into
position successively without removal of one to give place
to the next.
The gear planer is driven by a standard constant-speed
shunt-wound AYestinghouse 5i h.p. motor. This size of
motor provides ample power to cut tlie largest size of gears
for which the machine is designed. The motor is connected
through a system of gearing to the planer and is mounted
on a base box to the base of the gear cutting, thus provid-
ing a compact unit.
The work on these niachincs is naturally more or less
of an intermittent character, so that the motor drive
effects a matei-ial saving, and the cost of the work turned
out is reduced to a minimum. The individual motor tool
also lesults in better head room and freer access for crane
service.
SUPPLEMEN7 to " The Etectriclan." February 5. 1909.
134
"THE ELECTRICIAN" TABLES OF,
Supply Authority.
1 Aberdeen Corporation
2 I Acton Council
3 ! Ayr Burgh Council
* ' Barnsley Corporation
5 Barrow-in-Furness Corporation
6 i Birmingham Corporation
Engcineer and
Manager.
Principal Local Trades.
J. Alex. Bell
J. Martin Blair .
Roland Marshall
Power Voltages.
A.C. D.C
400
Granite quarries, engineering works, ship
yards, ice'actories.fish-curiugand pre-
serving works, paper works, woollen
and jute works _ |
Laundries, motor woi-ks, dyeing
and cleaning, printing i
Principally residental, building trades, j 100, 200
1 laundries.smalleng.-works.shipyard.i^jugjg pi,agp
carpet works, boot factory
V A Rni-l.-pr ! Ponndries,lauudries,buildersana join-
Ji,. rt. D.uKci I ^j.j.ii„em„jmifter3, paper miU, .So. 1
HR. Burnett Shipbuilding, iron, steel and i 220, 440
engineering worlds
R. A. Chattock ... Metal, cycle and jewellery trade?
7 I Blackburn Corporation
8 I Blackpool Corporation
9 Bootle Corporation
10 Bradford Corporation...
11 Brighton Corporation ..
12 Bristol Corporation
13 , Burnley Corporation ..
1* Bury Corporation
15 I Cardiff Corporation
16 Carlisle U.D.C
P.P. Wheelwrio-ht Cotton manufacture and general
industries
C. Furness i Joinery works, bakeries and
bottling stores and laundries
Timber, engineering, dyeing and
general
Textile works, dye works, mechanical
and electrical engineering, miscel-
laneous
T.Dawson Cloth ■
Thomas Roles .
Breweries, sawmills, laundries,
foundry, &c.
J. Chri.stie ...
H. Faraday'Proctor
•Jas. E. Starkie Cotton weaving, foumlries, &c....
Tobacco, cocoa, printing, leather,
confectionerv and clothing
S. .J. Watson
Arthur Ellis..
Textile, engineering, paper, &c.
220
200
230, 400
50-i-
1064 2111 93.r
21U-60.»., 360
i)-phase 50.^
220. 440
three-wire
'230 2 -wire
230, 460
three-wire
250
500
230
460
970
50/9/08
220, 440
three- wire
220
440
500
200
400
S. T. Allen
17 I Charing Cross, West End & H. W. Kingston
City Electricity Co. ■'• M. (nitti (.!/.(
18 Chester Corporation
19 I Chesterfield Corporation R. L. Aeland .
20 Clyde Valley Electrical Power D.A.Starr...
Co.
21 Cork Electric Tramways & H. H. Nalder
Lighting Co.
22 Coventry Corporation
23 Derby Corporation
Cotton factories, tinplate printers, en- '.
gineering works and railway shops
(7 companies)
Printing 10.000
Engineering, flour mills anil
printing
Printing, brewery, furniture-
making, foundries
Steel works, rolling mills, collieries,
papermilIs,brickworks, foundi'ies, &c.
24 Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire
Electric Power Co,
25 Dewsbury Corporation
George Tough, ^;ro
tern.
T. P. Wilmshurst
H. Ghoos
R. H. Camijiun
26 . Dublin Corporation M. Ruddle
27 j Dundee Town Council
28 East Ham Corporation
H. Richardson .
W. C. UUraaini ,
29 Fulham Borough Council i Arthur J. Fuller
Breweries, butter factories, laundries,
bacon curing, featljer purifiers, printing,
I tanneries, milling, &c.
Cycle and motor cars, toolmaking,
weaving, watchmaking
General engineering, foundries,
motor cars, silk mills
Iron works, collieries, lace and hosiery
works, engineering works, brick-
works, &c.
Woollen manufacturers, rag grinding,
printing, laundries, clothing manu-
facturers, wool shaking, iron cutting
Saw mills, factories, elevators in
stores, lite.
Jute mills, shipbuilding, foundry
Printers for motors, otherwise
district is purely residential
Engineering works, woodworking ma-
chinery, laundries, paper mill
11,000
transformed
to 400 for
power
200
two-pliase
Total
E.n.P con-
Total
nected at
number of
date
Motors
indicated
connected.
below.
4,025J
676
31/10/08
606
61
31/12/08
303
93
31/12/08
Largest
Motor
Circuit,
ii.p.
685 114
150 50
12,016 1,817
30/9/08
2,200 540
30/9/08
1,068 152
220, 440 1,912 I
tJiree-wire 31/10/08
230 7,045 1,475
460 31/12/C8
250
500 I
110,220,441
three andfivf
wire
220
440
200
400
three-wire
L. & P, 230
460, 3-nire,
traction 500
1,547
24/10/08
7,565
6/1/09
1,882
31/3/08
1,928
22/1/09
399 A.C.
1,811 D.C.
31/12/08
497
21/1/09
100, 200, E.xcluding
400, l.OOu bulk supply
12,670, 30/9/0- 1
210, 420 I 469
three-wire
240, 480
three-wire
716
31 12 08
16,000
30/12/08
2,035
31/12/08
4,592
28/10/08
200 I 460, 230 1,
I three-wire
200 S.P.
three-
phase 346
200
two-phase
above 5 H.p.
500
550
220
440
400
240, 480
2,113
1/10/08
526
1/2/09
1,400
1/12/08
1,950
Private, 248
*Station, 43J
1/12/08
1,000
106 A,C.
271 D.C.
109
150
290
548
260
106
350
Private, 90j
Station, 5
170
30
Max-
de-
mand
Kw.
878
40 I ...
110 2,100
40
120 2,130
30 1,661
65 ' ...
80 ! ...
57 L.&P.
433
traction
25U
250
25 I 1,167
30
500 4,940
40
120
75
200
30
15
65
15
780
600
135
SVVVLEMENT to "The Electrician." February 5. 1909.
ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY.
Method of Driving
Group. Iiidiv.
H.P.
200
1,990
About
1,650
50
About
278
1,235
300
about
2^d. and Id.
M.l).
l|d. flat
'2id.&ld.M.n
lOO I 2d. to lid.
Load factor basis
I l}d. motors
'S'JiI.flat, lighting
7d & l>d. D.I,
:3d. feld.M.D,
|2d.-lid. F.R.
Id. day rate.
2d. to Id.
Bulk
supply.
Under
consid'n
Approx.
n.p. of othei
power dis-
placed by
electric
motors.
Both
500 1,460
approx. approx.
200
Isolated
Plants at
present
Operating.
(Note.— Inst. E.E. Wiring fiules for Moto
generally apply in all districts )
Long hour consumers, ^ liour 41.1).
Short hour consumers, 1 hour M.U.
150</, 220s^, Includes new scheme of electric pumping at Councils
200s sewage woiks.auto. plant ; in operation one m' nlh
150j/, bOsg, Shipyard agreed to take supply for 400 ii.i-.
200s of motors. Supply not commenced yet.
Discount (lighting only) 5 par cent.
Id. to I 9,000
0-7d.
£3 per
kw.*
Sliding scale Sliding
scale
3d. and Id.
M.D.
3d. to SOU per
■4tr., Id. allowed
2d. to Id
2d to |d
Id. restricted
hours, fill,
unrestricted
Ud. &di3., Ud.
and ijd. •if.D.
with discount
LijihtiusSJd.flat
Power lid. and
Id. M.D.
13d., Id.
and 'gd.
Ud.flat,4d.
& Id. M.D.
Spi. rate^
to large
consumers
id Sid. Special
Also £7 kw. per terms
anu. of M.D.
Id. unit cous'd 1
3d. to Jd. O" ap-
plication
lid. 1st 200
units per qtr.,
Id, after
lid.-ld.
On applica-
tion
X4a IJd. 2,500 units
ibdut ! per quarter and
Id. after
• •■ i Id. for .all
! day use
2.id.(l)-l(L
l^d.
2j4d. down-
wards
2a. A 11 units
over 600 per
(luarter at IJd.
Id. flat
1,000
80Cs</
About
40,000
None 500 steam ' 500f/, 200scf,
j 450 gas 2,000s
On ap-
plication
2,000
3 500 kw. motor-geuerator sets, property of Bradford
Dyers' Assn., used for converting current supplied to
Corpu. at R,600 volts, 3-phase, 50 periods, to direct cur-
rent at 230 aud 460 volts.
* Plus Ad. per unit, less discounts.
Special terms to large users.
M'o avoid as far as possible the use of max. demand
indicators a tlat rate is usually agreed upon.
Large dry dock being now connected to sup-
ply with 700 H.P.
Power supplied to tramway company, also to
Council for sewage pumping.
Competing with gas at 2i. 8d. per 1,000 c.f.
with 25 per cent, discount when aiuiual
bill exceeds £50.
Maximum deman I sy.item or Id, restricted
hour.
Large additions in hand.
* These motors are used in generating
station for cooling towers, artesian well,
driving machinery, &c.
Power and lighting on same mains, 500 kw.
day-load motors only.
CECIL HODGES
& CO.
MOTOR STARTERS.
NO UOLT RELEASE.
fl.C. MOTOR SWITCH.
SWlTCHGEflR.
BALFOUR HOUSE,
Firisbury Pavement, LONDON, E.G.
m
STANDARD
INSUUAT
IncVARNISHES
THE BEST
For Maintenance and Repair of
Electrical Machinery.
For Prices and Particulars apply—
Insulating Varnish Dept..
26, BEVIS MARKS, LONDON,
E.G.
rhoue-Loudou Wall 1511.
SVTTLEMENT to " The Electrician," February 5, 1909.
136
"THE ELECTRICIAN" TABLES OF
Supply Autliority.
30 Frome U.D. Council
Engineer and
Manager.
Principal Local Trades.
31 ' Glasgow Corporation
32 Govan Council
33 Greenock Corporation
34 i Grimsby Corporation .
F. H. Merritt ,
W. W. Lackie
35 Guernsey Electric Light &
Power Co.
36 Hammersmith Borough Council
T. C. Parsons
J. A. Robertson
\V. A. Vignoles
C. Lakin-Sraith
Cloth, silk ami india-rubber mills, iron
foundries, engineering and motor works,
' breweries, mill furnishing, dairies, bacon
curing, printing
Engineering, clothing, printers,
butchers and bakers
Shipbuilding and engineering ...
Power Voltages.
A.C.
Total
1 E.H,P..con-
nected at
date
1 indicated
below.
Total Largest
-^°"^'^' A Motor
number oil
Motors i „. „„;.
, 1 Circuit,
connected.
37 Hanley Corporation
38 Heckmondwike Council
Hereford Corporation
High Wycombe Electric Light
& Power Co.
Shipbuilding, engineering, sugar
retining
Docks, timber yards, foundries
and engineering works
Laundries, stoneworks and quar-
ries, joinery works, foundry
G. G. Bell I Engineering works, electric lamp
' works, small laundries, &,c.
C H. Yeaman ... Brickworks, *potteries, iron works,
I collieries, *eartheuware and chiua
manufactories
Woollen manufacturers, rag grinders,
foundry, boor and shoe, factory,
coachbnilders, «sc.
\V. T. Kerr Cider making, breweries, mills
(flour), farm work
\y. E. Eiandreth Chair and cabinet making, paper
mills, engineering
G. H. Garter
240, 480
! three-wire
250/500
three-wire
500, 250
500
230, 460
three-wire
210, 420
230, 460
three- wire
Hove Electric Lighting Co.
Huddersfield
Hull Corporation Electricity
Department
llford Urban District Council
C. B. Smith
A. B. Mountain .
H.Bell
Islington Borough Council
Kettering Council
Kidderminster & District Elec-
tric Lighting & Traction Co,
48 I Kirkcaldy Corporation
49 I Lancaster Corporation
50 Leeds City Council
51 ; Liverpool
52 Loughborough Corporation .
53 Luton Corporation
54 Mansfield Corporation
A. H. Shaw ..
Alljert Gay
VV. A.Walker..
A. Charlton
0. F. Francis ..
W. A. Tester..
H. Dickinson ..
Alfred Clough
W. H. Allen ..
W. H. Cooke..
Purely a residentiiil district ex-
cepting shops
Cloth manufacturers
Engineering, shipbuilding and
oil works
Photographic apparatus, chemi-
cal works, paper mills
Bakers, brewers, builders, clothiers
coach and van builders, engiueeiiug
works, confectioners, printers
Boot and shoe and clothing fac-
tories
Garnet manufacture
Three-phase
One.phase
.Single. phase
50 1/100 200
and 4uO
Linoleum, engineering, furniture,
malting works, linen, &c.
Timber yards, builders' yards,
foundry, linoleum works
Numerous
55 Metropolitan Electric Supply Co
56 Middlesbrough Corporation
57 Motherwell
E. Holcombe
Hewlett
.l..'^. Hi-litield, £/(.
J. L'onarhei-, <;ii.]\[.
li. M. Tavlnr
58 Newcastle and District Electric
Lighting Co,
59 Nelson Corporation
60 N wport Corporation
S. Williams
W. D. Hunter
D. Helme
H. CoUings Bishop
61 North Wales Power and Trac-
tion Co.
62 Norwich Corporation
63 Nottingham Corporation
Hosiery and engineering
Straw hat making, motor cars and lorries,
hydraulic and general engineers, foun-
dries, printing works
Boots, hosiery, cotton doubling, fonnd-
ing, tin box, motor bodies, sand and
stone iiuarries, coal mining
200
400
Ordinary shops
Iron and steel works, shipyards,
joiners shop
Engineering and steelworks
Engineering and shipbuilding,
steel and lead works, &c.
Cotton manufacturing
Coal, iron, clothing, nails, brick-
Works, millers, ship repairs,&c.
G.C.Aitchison (M.JSlate quarries, aluminium works
G. H. Paton (Chief I
Eleo. Eng.)
F.M.Long Boot and shoe, mustard, print-
ing, breweries
L:ice, hosiery, tobacco, engineer-
ing, leather
420
210
220, 440
three- wire
230, 460
three- wire
230, 460
three- wire
460
250
460
230, 460
220, 440
three-wire
500
n. Talbot ...
lOO
Not
permitted
500
1,000
240, 480
500-600
200
220, 440
three-wire
230, 460
240, 480
three-wire
230, 460
three-wire
230, 460
three-wire
75, 125
220, 440
200, 400
three-wive
712
30/9/08
27,037
30/9/08
4,658
15/1/09
4,352
31/12/08
995
1/1/09
2,100
2,614
19/12/08
856
31/12/08
627A
31/12/08
320
3/10/08
592
27/1/09
321
1,043
1,262
5,543
31/3/08
645
22/1/09
2,018
31/12/08
665i
1/2/09
786
15/5/08
425
1.12/U8
9,110
31/12/08
9,706
31/11/08 ;
370
30/10/08
1,612
10/12/08
240
31/12/08
3,187*
12/1/U9
1,694
About
3,000
8,643
25/9/08
28 J
1/4,08
1,808-6
20/11/0 J
5,050
12/08
2,573
31/12/08
3,575
16/10/08
184
4,011
341
148
120
336
126
34
357
450
97
408
136
105
1,618
2,338
67
268
75
874
303
63
On hire
l'+2
473
921
35
250
165
150
90
Max.
de-
mand
Kw.
H.T
motoi
(if
any)
150
approx
1,485
1,000
Appx.
1,065
200 ... 3 20
2 12
60 ' 1,102 1 60
150 500
35 ' 2,000
75 4,724
3,600 I
30
21
130
198
I
469*
811 '
50 I 200
100 5,052
120,80 I ... i
34 120, for
65
pr. only
759
10
60
50
450
3 of 120
943
150
4,300
40
100
6 200
Can-
not
give
1,800
50
60
750 at
station
i
137
SUTPLEMENT to "The Electrician." February 5. 1909.
ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY.— Cnafinned.
Method of Driving.
Cfroup Indiv.
H. p. H.P.
40
approx.
672
approx.
About
1,312
About
300
Bulk
supply.
Bo
2J,d. flat;
4d'. and Id.
M.D.
ij.1- & Jd. M.D.
Id. flat rate for
restricted boiir^
Sliding scale
2d.— Jd.
2id. to Id.
IJd. flat,
l-025d. T.S.
Ji. with dis. to
imax.o£33Jp.c.
3d., Id., fd.
and Jd.
■2d. to Id.
Sliding scale
-Id. jr.n.sys-
tem,3id. flat rate
oronSratemeter
3d. two hvi.
Ud. after
2d"', and Id
less discount
2d.— Id. per
sliding scale
Id. flat,
2d. a Id. M.D.
2d. to Id. sliding
2d. to Id.
lid.
2*d. to Jd.
sliding scale
24d. sliding
scale to Id.
0-8d. to l-75a.
less 5 per cent.
•2d., ljd.,ld.
Id. flat
*2d., lid.,ld.
j4d.&ld.M.D.
Id. daylight
I 3d. and fd.
I M.D.
l2d.&.ld. M.D.
Sp. on app'n.
Id. and Jd.
Max. lid.
Onap
plication
To sub-
stations
On ap-
plication
Special
terms
Approx.
H.p. of other
power dis-
placed by
electric
motors.
Isolated
Plants at
present
Operating.
17= Gas.
/ = Suction Gas.
s=Steam.
INOTE. — lust. K.E. Wiring Rules for Motors
generally apply in all districts, i
150, also 30.)
private elec-
tric plant
1,000
On ap
plication
On ap-
plication
By con-
tract
1,220
566
Accordiii*:
to load
factor, «tt
158
About 400
1,500
.\b(,ut ' 1,172 2.1. and Id. i On ap-
600 I according to plication
quantitj'
575 2,475 Ud.-id.
and under
sliding scale
... ! 2d. to Jd.
Ud.
3,050
H.p.
50g, 20sg,
900s, 10 wala
(approx.)
290.'*, 2006-,
4,000.s
Number and horse-[)Ower fif motor.* doe.s not
include the docks .supply.
* Lighting : 7d.-3d. M.D.. 6d. flat 5^. Power
4d. and Ijd. M.D., 2d.-2kl. flat."
20.(7, 160«3,
300s
16gr, 200s.(/
330sf
49(/, 25s,(/,
492s
About 200.(/
lOO.vy, 250s
Power load rapidly prowini; and especially favoured
with the many small and diverse trades subsidiary to
staple industries of district. *Local for niagnetting.
Just connecting a boot and shoe works with
300 H.P. of motors.
* With discount on liours of runnino-.
All motors are hired out by this compuiy,
and are maintained and inspected.
Radiators are at power rates but are nut
included in this return.
Hired Motor system in operation.
2J p.c. discount for payment within 14 day.-^
after rendering the account.
'This is a combined figure for lighting and
power.
1 large engineeriug works, 1 large colliery, 1 large
malting works received entire power supply from Cor-
poration.
Two priv.ate plants, total 1,200 kw., runniii<:.
•2d. first 1,000 per ep-., lid. second 1,000 per
(jr., Id. remainder.
Town givs sold at 1 6 1,000 for power. Tram-
way supply 1,200 11.1". not included.
Laruest installation, shipyard, max. ilemand
400 kw.
Largest consumer. Sir W. G. Armstroivjr,
Whitworth&Co., Ltd., Elswick Works.
* Motivp power — 2^11. for 1st hour per day.
lid. every subsequent hour, less 5%.
In negotiation for several largo consumer.-;.
folate cpiarry load mostly winding, pumping air com-
pressor and mills. Tmnsmissiou at 10,000 volts thro -
phase, all overhead, bare wire. AInminium supply up
to l,2u0kw. D.C. transmission at 20,tK» volt three-phase.
A 150 B.ii.i'. motor-driving sewage pump
will shortly be installed.
GILBERT
ARC LAMPS.
BEST
All Kinds of
Write for Price Lists.
THE ,
GILBERT ARC LAMP CO., Ltd.
Works: CHINGFORD, ESSEX.
Telephone — 59. Teleerams— Gilbert.
SIEMENS
WIRES
and
CABLES.
SUVPLEMENT to ' The Electrician," February 5, 1909.
138
THE ELECTRICIAN" TABLES OF
No
.'supply Authority.
Engineer and
Manager.
Principal Local Trades,
Power Voltages.
Total
D.H.p. con-
nected at
date
indicated
below.
Total
number of
Motors
connected.
Largest
M otor
on
Circuit.
Max.
de-
H.T.
motors
A.C.
D.C.
Kw. any).
64
Nuneaton Corporation
.S. C. Gilisoii
Hat making, hosiery, wcnl, cotton, elas-
tic wet), foundry, quarties and
collieries
220, 440
three-wire
196
1/1/09
51
60
120 ...
65
W. Sillery
•T. C. CiU
E. Rowley Hill ...
'>Vni. -J, Ferguson
U. a. Atchison ...
K Cro.ss
V. A. H. M'Cowen
Shipbuilding .and engineering
works
Engineering, brickworks, rail-
way
Printers, engineer.s and iron
founders, saw-mills
Needle trade, fishing tackle
cycle factories
Textile and engineering
Iron, steel and brass works
200
200
3,000
220
200
240, 480
200, 400
200, 400
220, 440,
500
230
460
220, 440
three wire
2,569
15/1/09
259
31/12/08
1,697
31/12/08
775
17/11/08
1,166
31/12/08
497
31/11/08
9,697
31/12/08
249
65
256
97
199
74
936
60
15
65
40
60
25
300
1,915 1 ...
66
67
68
69
Peterborough Corporation
Reading Electric Supply Co
Redditch Urban District Council
468 ...
1,377 ...
25
70
71
Rotherham Council
II. p.
371 ...
72
73
7*
Sheffield Corporation
Shoreditch Borough Council
S.E. Fedden
C. N.Russell
CM. Johnston ...
Edgar Dowlimj,- ...
Steel and cutlery work
Printing, .shoemaking, cabinet
and furnitiu'e manufacture
2,000
200
240, 480
three-wire
210
420
100
200
11,244
12/08
3,900
31/12/08
158
31/12/08
515
8/12/08
1,153
800
70
33
400
...
20
150
.. 2 60
kw.
383 i ..,
7S
Smithfield Markets Electric
Supply Co
736
76
Stalybridge, Hyde, Mossley and
Dunkinfield Electricity Board
Kobert Klackmoie
Texlile, paper mill boiler works
bleach works, engineering works,
iron works
400
230
460
230
5,500
1/1/09
130
375
4,000 ...
77
St Helens Corporation
E. M. Hollings-
wortli
Chemical, glass and bottle work.s
230, 460
three-wire
1,600
31/12/08
235
60
300 ■ ...
78
St. Marylebone Borough Council
F. A. Wilkinson
Printing, building, small woik-
shops (various trades)
240
480
1,422
24/12/C8
487
110
7,406
whole
supply
79
.1. .J.Smith
Shipbuilding, engineering and
ironworks
230, 460
three- wire
760
31/3/08
110
50
80
Swansea Corporation
C. A. L. Prusmaun
Metallurgical, coal exporting
&c.
220, 440
three-wire
220, 440
three-wire
1,691A
31/12/08
60
1,067 ! ,,.
81
Urban Electric Supply Co
J. E. Edmundson
Brickworks, foundries, timber
merchants, engineering works
240, 480
three- wire
454
30/10/08
90
35
...
82
Uxbridge and District Electric
Supply Co.
A. Randall Bell...
Flour mills, printing, engineer-
ing, brickraaking
200
4/12/08
49
60
320
83
Walsall Corporation
A. S. Barnard ...
Saddlery,harness,leather,clothing,
iron founding, tubes, brushes
"
105
210
676
28/1/09
130
40
84
West Bromwich Corporation .
W A. Jackson ...
SpiiD}; works, sted rolls, hollow ware
foundries, edge tools, tubes, school
furniture, corn mills, wire nails
230, 460
1,170
31/12/08
138
no
About
300
(motors
only)
85
West Ham
A. Hugh Sea-
brook
Chemical, engineering, flour
mills, ink mills
100,200,400
500,200,100
6,046 kw.
31/12/08
500
110
86
87
West Hartlepool County Boro'..
Whitby (Yorks) District Council
Whitehaven Corporation
H. F. Friederichs
!,. H. King
Blastfurnaces, steel works, stiip yards, •en-
gine works, paper mill, saw-milli' and
]Oinery works
Fishing ..
230, 460
three-wire
460
420, 210
thi-ee-wire
1,700
31/10/08
175
136
31/12/08
210
32
30
120
18
13i
500 ,,.
400 ...
234
88
B. Sankcy
Tannery, flour mill, printing
and machinery works, itc.
89
90
Wigan Corporation
Windsor Electrical Installation
Co.
Jas. Slevin
A. E. Farrow
Coal mining, cotton mills, engi-
neernig works
Brewing
220
230, 460
three-wire
220
1,614
31/11/08
231
220
76
50
12-5
921 ...
55 1 ...
91
92
93
94
Wolverhampton Corporation ..
Worcester Corporation
York Corporation
Yorkshire Electric Power Co,
C. E. (J. ShawHcld
C. il. Shaw
J. \V. Hanie
W. B. Woodhonsc
Ironwork, edge tool works, corn
mills, paint works, cycle and
motor works, saw-mills, &c.
Porcelain, glove, leather, flour, engineer,
iiig, various, buttons, confectionery,
printing, horse-hair cloth, &c., works
Confectionery and general
Te.xtile mills, iron works, col-
lieries, calcium carbide factoi-y
100, 200
2,000
440, 220
three- wire
230, 460
500
230, 460
three-wire
500
2,332
1/10/08
714
20/11,08
1,080
10/12/aH
11,000
297
132
204
100
2 40's
35
140
886 ...
960 ...
3.400 1 100
whole 11. r.
supply
139
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." February 5. 1909.
ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY —Continued.
Method of
Driving.
Group.
H.P.
Iiidiv.
H.l'.
Bulk
supply.
196 |2.kl.to Id. oil On ap-
sliding scale plication
Aliout
1,400
Practically
all group
driven.
300
257
About
600
Partly
ICO
115
126
419
lAd. flat
2d. to Id.
iliding scale.
•2d. to Id
iliding scale
Hd. and Id.
Approx. I Isolated
n.p.of other I Plants at
liower (lis- presunt
placed hy Operating.
electric g=Gas.
motors j '"'ifl'tJ,:™ "'"
n.r.
50sf/, IOOa,
20 oil
Keniarks.
(Note.— Tn>t. E.E. Wiriofr Rules for Jlotora
generally apply in all districts.)
I Quarterly .accounts
400
On ap- St'm 668
plication' jas 100
50f/, 125.s-,v
LUt 4d.,Heat lit,
Power 2d. to ^•(,<\.\
id.- j
*6d.,4d. & 2d.)
orftatSd. !
Ud. and Id.
31Cff. 65.SV/, Isolated planti on pr^fent
230s ' ' • • - • ■ ■
mate "iily). 'Special tcr
Corporation Water llepartment aljout
take power for pumping purposes.
'Flat rate.-Ud. first l,(iiiO units per c|r. Id. a'l
excess. Fixed' charge system £l pur qr. per v. \
demanded md '^d. per unit consumed
Great expansion of use of power sup[ily
rolling mills and cutlery works.
* Plus £3 per e.ii i". demanded.
* Power— 3d,, 2(1. and Z'_
cent, discount.
uid 10 |ier
2h\.—-Hba.
2d. and Id.
with disc'nts
2d. and Id.
M.D.
2d.(lsthr.)&
IJd. M.D.»
4d.andld.M.D.I.
2Jd. flat.
2i to \\ flat
or 3&i M.U.
(See remarks)
About 11,1. to Jd.
570
On ap-
plication
On ap-
plication
Special
rates
On ap-
plication
On ap-
plication
206 since
Aug., 1905
300.'/, 1,700n
lOOsf/
339f/, lOsf/,
800.S
One works take about 2.")U,UUl) units per auuuiu, and tii
total amount sold per annum for power purposes
amounted to 348,000 units.
Motor hiring scheme in operation.
* 200,000 per annum and over special rates.
No record. Have in band an order tor 20 H.P. i
I are superseding a suction gas plant.
|50ff, 1,200S(/,
500s
1,600
About
1,050
J2d.— lid. flat
with disc.
IJd an J 4id, on
2 ra'e, ■2d. for
small mntors
Up to 1,0(10 unit
'per annum 2d.
5 over 1,000 Id.
.£3 per H.P. in-
stalled per anu.
and Id. jier uni
2Jd. & Id. M.D
3d. sewerage V. 1
Id. & IJd. re-'
stricted hour
IJ down-
wards
Sliding scale
About 700
4,500 kw.
1,650
2d. up to 100, IJd. up to 200, IJd. up to ."XIO, l.iil. over
500 ; 10 per cent, discount fur over 10,000 per annum,
12J per cent, discomit for over 15,000 per annum.
80 motors on hire. Enquiry in hand for
large supply for electro-chemical uurposes.
510(7, 25Cs(/,
5,375s
On ap-
plication
767 2OO3, 150s.'/
2,000s
Power load arisen during last three years
FOR ALL PURPOSES.
Best Value at Reasonable Prices.
PORTABLE
HAND LAMPS.
Many New and Interesting Features.
Write for Price Lists.
ACCUMULATOR INDUSTRIES,
(■,■■,/ O.T;,-. - LTD..
4, WHITEST., MOORFIELDS, B.C.
irr)r/..N-— Maybury, Woking, Surrey.
WIRELESS CLUSTERS
' No Jointini^
' Series or Parallel.
■ Simplicity. Reliability.
/•r/(.e Lists and Full Partuular.
on application.
CHAS. F. TRIPPE,
36, BROOKE St., HOLBORN.i
Te!e-.hop.e— 1447 Hr'.bcrn.
SVTPLEMENT to "The Electician." February 5, 1909.
140
Ulummium in tfte
Clectrical Industrp-
THE impoi'Lauce of aluminium as a commerciiil asset
in the electrical industry was recently pointed out
by Mr. J. T. W. f^clievarri in a Paper liefore the In-
stitute of Metals. The autlior stated that as a conductor
of electricity aluminium has a large and increasing field of
usefulness, the difficulties at first met with in regard to
jointing, &c., having now been overcome. The saving tliat
can be effected by using aluminium in place of copper for
overhead conductors is so large that in countries where
long overhead transmission lines are in vogue the lighter
metal practically reigns supreme.
Aluminium as used for electrical purposes has a con-
ductivity equal to about 61 per cent, of that of pure elec-
trolytic copper, so that to obtain the same conductivity
it is necessary to increase the sectional area by 0-4 per cent,
above that of copper, corresponding to an increase in dia-
meter of 28 per cent, for a round conductor. Copper being
?y'.\ times heavier than aluminium, we see that the some-
what larger aluminium conductor will weigh less than half
the ec^uivalent copper conductor, the larger cooling sur-
face of the aluminium conductoi- being a further factor in
its favour.
There are .several satisfactory methods of jointing alu-
minium conductors, according to the conditions under which
they are called upon to work.
For small diameter wires as used for making up into
cables the usual butt-welded joint is made either in the Hanie
of a blowpipe or by means of electric welders as used for
copper.
For bare stranded cables the usual method is to weld
the two ends together by pouring molten aluminium into
a cigar-shaped mould previously clamped around the joint,
but where high tensile strength is required a mechanical
joint may be used, so designed as to give a vi'edgiug action
when pulled tight in order to ensure good electrical
contact.
The tensile strength of hard-drawn aluminium wire is
equal to about half that of a copper wire of equal section,
but allowing for the increased size of an aluminium con-
ductor to obtain the same conductivity as for copper, this
figure is raised to about 75 per cent., the difference being
more than compensated for by the decreased weight of the
aluminium cable.
The alloys of aluminium in common use are confined
almost^exclusively to combinations of that metal with zinc,
copper and nickel. In general, the proportions of these
metals which can with advantage be added to the light
metal, do not largely exceed 20 per cent, in the case^of
zinc, 6 per cent, in the case of copper and 5 per cent, in
the case of nickel. A very interesting and valuable—
especially for marine work— series of alloys, known by
the name of aluminium bronzes, is also produced by the
addition of aluminium in quantities up to 10 per cent, to
electrolytic copper.
Since this paper was read the subject of aluminium has
become increasingly interesting, due to the announcement
made by Prof J. (J. Arnold .that it may be expected in the
future largely to replace iron for industrial purpo.ses
Whether this prophecy is likely to be fulfilled in its en-
tirety we prefer not to say, but it is becoming more and
more recognised that this metal has certain well-detiued
advantages which would make its employment especially
useful m the electrical industry.
Zu Cascade Connection on
Ventilatinfl n^otor$> . .
IT is, of course, evident to the meanest intelligence that
one of the first criteria in mining work is good venti-
lation. This subject is, however, not so simple as
would appear at first sight, for certain rules have to be
followed in accordance with the requirements of each par-
ticular case. One of these requirements is a means of
adjusting the output, and where the electric drive is used
for working tlie mine a variable speed motor has therefore
to be employed. If three-phase current is used, as is very
often the case in mining work, a cascade connection allows
such speed regulation to be effected in an easy manner.
This method has, in fact, lieen employed by the Felten &
(hiilleaume-Lahmeyerwerke A.G., of Frankfort, in a
motor-driven ventilating ]jlant, which has just been erected
liy them at the Mont-Cenis colliery in Westphalia. The
ventilator is of the " Pateau " type, and is designed for
normal output of 211,800 cubic ft. of air per minute, the
diameter of the impeller being 10 ft. The driving gear is
in two parts, a main and auxiliary motor being used. The
main motor is of the slip-ring type and is fitted with a
short-circuiting and brush-raising gear, which is used
ween the auxiliary motor is not working. It has a con-
tinuous output of 600 H.P., the terminal voltage being
2,000 volts and the frequency 50. The auxiliary motor
has a short-circuited rotor, and its stator is wound with
two independent windings having4 andS poles respectively.
The method of working is a follows : When running at
a full-load speed of 300 revs, per min., the larger motor
alone is under current, the auxiliary motor running light.
At this speed the motor can exert 4.:0, 495 and 540 ii.P.
respectively.
To get other outputs the auxiliary motor, which has a
four-pole winding, is connected in cascade with the main
motor, and three othe*- outputs may then be obtained, the
set exerting 260,290 and 315 ii. P. respectively. In the
last case 257 h.p. is delivered by the main motor and 58
by the auxiliary. The latter is supplied with current at a
voltage of 101 and a frequency of 9'2.
€lectric Driue in
Rollina n)ills. .
THE employment of the electric motor in driving
rolling mills is receiving an increasing application,
and has led to the design of much interesting
apparatus of imposing size. ■ There are not wanting, how-
ever, certain Philistines who do not yet see the great
advantages which this form of working possesses. To them
we recommend a perusal of a Paper recently read by Mr.
F. C. Anderson before the Manchester Association of
Engineers. As a result of exhaustive tests, Mr. Anderson
concluded that electricity was an exceedingly suitable and
convenient power for driving a rolling mill, and that
the advances in motor construction during the past 10
years left no occasion to hesitate in the adoption of the
power for the purpose. Owing to the heavy cost, a works
owner required substantial advantages. It was his belief
that motors would be more widely used in new plants, and
conversions would increase as the cost became lower.
141
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician, 'February 5, 1909.
ALUMINIUM
IS
LIGHT
NON-CORRODING
UNAFFECTED BY ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS.
WE CAN DELIVER
ALUMINIUM LAMPHOLDERS
AT
ASK FOR
CIRCULAR
172 C.
FROM STOCK
THE SAME PRICES AS BRASS.
Uniquely suitable for Outside Work,
THE SUN Electrical Co., ltd.,
118-120, CHARING CROSS ROAD,
Telegrams: "SECABILIS LONDON."
Telephone : GERRARD 22Q1 and 2292.
LONDON
Cramioap FRcters.
ELECTRIC tramways, which have been of iinmeuse
public convenience, have not altogether yielded a
golden harvest for promotors. Average results go
to show that of upwards nf £20,000,000 invested by tram-
way companies, the average yield is under 4 per cent. It
will be seen, therefore, that any device which will enable a
tramway manager to better his control and reduce his
running costs is of immense importance and deserves
attention.
Messrs. Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works (Ltd.), who were
among the pioneers of tramway developments, have lately
devoted their attention to the production of a reliable
tramcar meter, which would accurately record the kilowatt-
lionr consumption of tramcars under working conditions.
Unsuccessful attempts were made in the early years of
tramway developuicnt to utilise ordinary meters modified
as far as was then possible to withstand the vibration asso-
ciated with a rapidly moving car. The unreliable nature
of these early attempts to meter the car current led tram-
way managers to distrust car meters as a class, and it is
therefore gratifying to know that at the present time it is
possible to buy at quite a moderate price a tlioroughly
reliable commercial article, which has proved itself after
some years of actual work to meet fully the requirements
of the situation.
The great trouble has always been in tlie bottom bear-
ing, but this lias now been overcome by Messrs. Siemens in
a very ingenidus manner. Fig. 1 shows the appearance of
the meter with
cover removed
the
and
Fig. 2 shows the
special bottom gear-
ing which is the
essential feature of
the meter. As will
be seen from Fig. 2
the bottom pivot is
not turned solid on
the end of the arma-
ture spindle, but the
Fig. 1. — General Appearance of Meter.
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," February 5, 1909.
142
veniently fixed on tlie car. It is obvious that the provi-
sion of a meter also serves as a check on the mechanical
and electrical efficiency of the car equipment.
Figs. 3 and 4.— Details of Dimensions of Tramway Meters.
latter itself is drilleil to form a sort of cylinder, inside
which is a steel piston abutting against a spring control ;
the bottom end of this piston is cone-shaped. The Ijottom
pivot is made of highly polished and hardened steel, and is
simply kept in position at the end of the piston by fric-
tion. The jewel is also spring-siqjported from the opposite
side so that any vibration which, under normal circum-
stances, might ]3roduce chattering, simply causes the jewel
and the pivnt point to move up and down as one piece. All
vibration is thus taken up by the top and liottom springs,
and no hammering of the jewel is possible. A number of
other ingenious details have been embodied in the design —
the outcome of extensive practical experience.
It is interesting to note that in this country alone there
are just under 100 Siemens meters in active service, and
in one of the two instances where figures are available a
.saving of £70 has resulted in three months with 28 cars in
use, due to the use of Siemens' meters. In the otlier case
an average reduction of 01 unit per car-mile has been
attained, although only a small imniber of the cars are
fitted with meters. Turning to Continental practice, we
find that something like 1,600 cars have been fitted with
car meters, and the actual economies in current wliich have
been realised vary from -4 to 20 percent., the average lieing
in the neighbourhood of 10 per cent. Since a car meter
has to deal with current to the value of, roughly, £200 per
annum on an average, a saving of 10 per cent.' comes to
£20, and this would repay the cost of the meter over and
over again in a single year. The life of tlie meter can be
safely taken as at least five years, and the maintenance
costs are not large, special provision being made for the
easy renewal of all weai'ing parts.
From the dimensioned sketches (Figs. ?, and 4) it will be
seen that tlie meter is of such a size that it can be con-
Cwentp years of Instrument
and Siuitcl) lffakinq> . . .
To hark back two decades in the electrical industy is
almost to reach the Ijorder line dividing practical
electrical affairs from the purely laboratory
beginnings of the science. There are not many firms who
can claim to have ranked amongst pioneers of electrical
manufacturing. Messrs. Cecil Hodges & Co. claim this
distinction for the electrical instrument section of their
business, the manufacture of these having been commenced
in 1S89. This was at the time wlien very few instruments
were made in this country, tire majority being of foreign
manufacture. In those days, however, there existed prob-
ably a stronger feeling of patriotism than now, and, despite
the paucity of liritish makers, the demand for home, pro-
duced electrical instruments proved brisk miough to justify
the extension of the business as far as Messrs. Cecil
Hodges were concerned.
When the iustrument was established on a firm basis,
the manufacture of switch circuit progress distribution
apparatus, tramway feeder pulleys and switch gear
generally was taken up. The production of this class of
electrical apparatus has proceeded steadily for the past 15
vears, and the various types of apparatus manufactured
are in use for the control aln'iost of every class of elec-
trical circuit. The works of the company are equipped
with modern tools, and no opportunity is lost to introduce
workshop methods, which will induce the turning out of
highly satisfactory apparatus.
Fig. I.— A.C. Novolt Automatic Circuit Breaker.
With sii large ami varied an experience, as can be
gathered during the course of 15 years, Messrs. Cecil
Hodges & Co. have been able to standardise tlie majority
of tlieir products, so that they can meet the requirements
of the present time. The company has been entrusted
with important contracts for the manufacture of large
traction and sub-station switchboards for the control of
converting machinery, and supply ingenergy for pi)wer,light-
iiig and traction purposes. We understand that tlie company
is in a position to carry out work of this ilescription,
both to specifications and tn meet standard reipiin'ieents.
143
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," February 5, 1909.
The majoiity of tlie switeljes anil circuit-breakers manu-
factured by Cecil Hodges & Co. are very well known, and
do not need any special comment on our part. We may,
however, refer to an interesting type of no-volt circuit-
breaker, which the company has introduced to comply with
the Board of Trade regulations concerning the use of elec-
tricity in factories and workshops. We may briefly re-
capitulate these here. They stipulate that every alternating
current motor shall be protected with a no-volt release
circuit-breaker, so that should the main circuit be inter-
rupted at any time, the circuit-breaker will automatically
come out. It frec[uently happens that when manufacturers
attempt to comply with these regulations they produce a
type of apparatus which is both expensive and somewhat
complicated. Messrs. Cecil Hodges & Co. have succeeded
in designing a type of circuit-breaker which is both inex-
pensive and simple in construction. We give an illustra-
tion of this in the oft position in Fig. 1. It will be noticed
that the device consists of a double-pole switch, which
is held in by a small voltage solenoid, placed directly
aliove the switch contacts. The loose arm of the switch
carries an iron armature, which is held up by the solenoid
as long as the full voltage of the circuit is maintained.
When this falls below a certain limit the armature is
released, and in falling by gravity delivers a smart blow to
the ends of the switch blades, causing them to fly out of
the contacts. This breaking movement is assisted by a
small spring. The circuit-breaker is enclosed in an iron
case, through a slot in the front of which the operating
handle projects. The cables are brought in through buslied
holes at the top and bottom of the case.
We understand that great care is exercised in the manu-
facture of these switches, and that there is no overheating of
the coil or any humming noise when it is in circuit. This cir-
cuit-breaker is sutticieutly compact and substantial in con-
struction to be used for the control of alternnting current
motors installed for the driving of industrial machinery.
As is well known, this class of service is apt to be very
severe on motor contr-ol apparatus, because it gets into the
hands of unskilled workmen, wlio are seldom particular
how they treat it. This circuit-breaker has been on the
market several months now, and we understand that a
Fig. 2. — Iron-cased Ammeter.
brisk demand has been experienced for it owing to its
meeting the Home Office Regulations and being inexpen-
sive to instal.
We also illustrate a typical instrument of the dead-beat
type which is manufactured in a variety of sizes by Messrs.
Cecil Hodges & Co. The particular pattern shown is
designed for traction switchboard work, its principal feature
being the use of a special air damper. We understand that
by means of special tools all the moving parts are stampeil
out directly to gauge and make an accurate fit when
assembled. Tor this reason the makers are able to guaran-
ReliabNHy
— the ' Sine qua non ' in all engi-
neering work — is the outstanding
feature in
" Electric & Ordnance "
Direct- Current Motors.
For driving machine tools, printing
presses, bakers machinery, iron
and steel works machinery, &c., &c.
They are modern in design, of best
materials and workmanship, and
can be relied on absolutely.
QUOTA TIOXS SI ■ISMITTKI) U.\
RECEIPT OF PARTICULARS.
The Electric & Ordnance Accessories Co., Ltd.
Birmingham.
tee an efficient damping of the needle without risk of stick-
ing, even though there is very little clearance in the damp-
ing chandler. The movements are fitted in black enamel
cases with nickel facings, and are generally of neat and
attractive appearance. This particular movement has been
standardised for both ammeters and voltmetere.
Space will not permit us to deal further with the pro-
ducts of this company. Init we may remark, in conclusion,
that the facilities which they have for the production of
high-class switchgear and instruments are such as to en-
sure excellent workmanship and satisfactory operation
even under the most severe conditions of service.
€lcctricPou?cr€pi$odc$
v.— Steam ana Other Cbings.
THE small man seems to have a natural alfinity for
the small boiler. The fickleness of the small
boiler never strikes the small man until the boiler
bursls. After that it may cease to worry him. that is in a
terrestrial sense ; celestially speaking, I cannot say what
his prospects would be.
It is something of an injustice to electric power users
that the victim — particularly the perverse kind of victim —
of a boiler explosion should be compelled by force of cir-
cumstances to leave the effects of his cusseclness for other
people to wipe up. Providence should decree that some
of the suft'erers from chronic " boileritis " should remain on
this mortal coil long enough to publicly confess their crimes,
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." February 5. 1909,
144
"When the boiler burst Smallwood was able to run.'
and, witli cinematograph punctuations, to recount their
experiences of boiler nomadics.
Smallwood was lucky to escape. He insisted on running
a steam engine from a vertical boiler in a shed adjoining
his factory. Boiler, engine, main belt and countershaft
were all under one lean-to roof.
We had warned him of impending disaster, hut he
" knew his way inside a steam boiler," and outside it, too.
He even flouted the insurance inspector, who ultimately
had to wash his hands of the business.
We had pointed out the advantages of the electric ser-
vice ; we tried to tempt him by a special rate, but it was
no use. Engine and boiler had to be just blown out and
Smallwood was able to inin. Our favourite argument had
been that he was not in business to raise steam. His
affairs in life centred around the manufacture of boots.
To boil water merely to turn round an engine appeared an
insane thing to do when an electric motor could relieve one
of all the trouble. But Smallwood was obdurate. He
would neither listen to reason nor hear warning or threat.
As we expected, the inevitable had to happen. When the
boiler burst Smallwood was able to run. That's the best
that he can say about the incident. His outlook on life was
a " bit mixed " for a week or two afterwards, during which
thue we stood a motor among the wreckage and kept a few
machines going — those left unscathed by the flying boiler
plates and otlier things. I will give Smallwood his dut
I le had the decency to be grateful and forget
about steam after the jjieces were swept up.
He did kee]i the motors, and now wishes the
biiiler had gone its way earlier.
* * * *
The case of I'.urkiiis' factory was the
ilistinct opposite to the foregoing, llarkins
had a profound respect for the steam engine
because he had used one for so many years :
he did not blush to tell you the ex act" number
was 50. When the numerous small buildings
making up liis former works were rolled into
one all the little steam engines had to be done
hkewise. Barkins believed in an avenue <.f
cylinders stretching to a horizon of flywheel.
That's liow lie described his new engine wlien
we were e.xamining it during erection. His
use of the word " avenue " will at once convey
to the reader an impression of a horizontal
engine, and this conjecture is the correct
one. Barkins could never .see tlie force
of saving ground space by putting his
cylinders near the roof.
This he explained carefully to the
liundred-and-one vertical engine makers
wlio lived with him on and off before
the contract was given to tlie L. I. Low
lingine Co. : quite by the way, this firm
had lain low for many years, and Barkins'
order gave them a distinct lift in the
world.
Quite a lot of things have happened to
the engine, but we have given up the
idea of ever replacing it with a few good-
sized motors. Besides, Barkins has put
his money on the wrong horse, and from
i>ur point of view he is " cleaned out."
We have not even got him on our break-
down list, and we know he has had a
few stoppages since the horizontal went
in. Mind you, I will say this, that in my
secret heart 1 admire Barkins for sticking
to his guns. He believed that the hori-
zontal engine was not only economical
but artistic. He took me round the engine when slie was
nearly finished and it was impossible not to be carried away
by his enthusiasm.
" Compare your whirring little motors with the majesty
of this," he cried.
And I had to agree with him fiecause my mind went
back to the early days of electric ligliting when big engines
were tire order of the day — that, is, before the turbine
settled down to hard work. Those early power stations
were impressive and almost soul-inspiring to look at — big
rods flinging round' ;ind flywheel spokes playing kaleido-
scope with one another.
" You should make your beastly motors more artistic and
less severely utilitarian," he suggested, as we got in .sight
of the flywheel, which was slowly turning.
" Impossible," I replied. " And another thing, we have
put our hand to the plough and cannot lookback. In fact,
we don't want to. You and I represent the old and the
new, and the new must ever triumph over the old. It is in
the unwritten law of things."
And he nodded assent as we parted.
'Compare your whirring little motors with the majesty of this," he cried.
145
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." February 5. 1909.
AJAX " S " TYPE SWITCHES AND FUSES
.*. .*. Double and Three Pole for 600 Volts. .*. .'.
INTERLOCKED
FOOLPROOF
GASTIGHT
Send for New List, Revised Prices, &c.
PARMITER, HOPE & SUGDEN
HULME ELECTRICAL WORKS
NATIONAL TELEPHONE, !902. MANCHESTER
3 Pole Switch and
Fuse, show^ing
(uses.
TELEGRAMS: "TERMINAL
MANCHESTER."
Wilkins mendeil old portables and we were on very <iOod
terms — that is, as long as I kept ofl' the subject of the
"electric." He could not see wliat electric power had to
do with riveting. To tell you the truth I had my douVits
aljout the thing myself, but Wilkins did not know this.
He would make a good consumer because he did a big iron
and steel girder business and had drills and cutters going
all day long. But the show was old and wanted modernis-
ing badly. Steam, steam, steam was everywhere, and I
couldn't get a motor eyebolt in edgeway.^.
" What's this ? " I said to Wilkins one morning, pointing
to half a dozen portables which filled a corner of the yard.
" More repairs."
"Any time limit?" I asked.
" Time limit ? What's that ? "
""\A'ell, when must the job be done ? " I answered.
" Oh ! any time as far as I know," and he walked away.
Two days later I strolled into the yard quite early, and
the portables had not been touched. I heard that the
steam end of the air compiessor had broken down and the
pneumatic tools were held up. I remembered an electric
outfit we had at the works and 'phoned up for it to be
wheeled down to the yard gate. Wilkins came along later
and he was inclined to be rude because I kept hanging
about. ■ I softened him to the extent of learning what his
trouble was.
'Where will you have it .'" I asked, when I had explained what the rig was,
" Eead that," he said, thrusting a letter into my hand.
It was a communication from the owner of the portables
demanding delivery in three days with a veiled threat tc>
get the job done elsewliere.
I sympathised with him.
" Hang your sympathy," he said.
"Thanks," I said, "what about the despised electric?
You'd better give us a turn."
" What can you do ? "
I whistled. The yard gate opened and a S(|uad of men
stood in the gap.
I made a signal and in a few minutes the portable elec-
tric compressor was being wheeled in. Wilkins stood
aghast and said nothing.
"Where will you have it?" I asKed, when I had e.\-
plained what the rig was and for what purpose it was in
his immediate neighbourhood.
" But you don't mean to tell me we can get the hammers
and riveters going with this thing," he inquired, walking
round the compressor and tripping over the armouretl cable
in doing so.
" If you keep off the cable and give us fair play you will
be working on these portables inside an hour," I said.
The old boy was genuinely surprised and not a little
delighted when we kept to our word.
While we were helping him to effect delivery of the
fiortables the steam compressor was mended
up and got to w^ork again, and, "shiver mj-
timbers," if Wilkins didn't order us off the
.\ premises as soon as he was ready to run.
We had to clear out aiul lie footed the bill
like a good 'un, but devil a bit of the service
cable would he have in the place.
AVe pointed out the innumerable advan-
tages of electric power, its cleanliness, con-
venience and, in fact, the whole gamut of
blessings conferred upon the happy user.
But he was obdurate and neither force nor
persuasion could move him.
We retired with the outfit absolutely ,l)eaten.
Since then we've wheeled in that com-
pressor twice and Wilkins seems to like us
doing it. His " permanent temporary " he
calls it, and as long as he pays up we dou't-
mind.
But to this daj- he does not know that T
dictated tlial letter demanding the delivery
of the portables. W. E. W.
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," February 5, 1909,
146
Cluster Ciflhting,
THE advent of the low-voltage metal filament lamp has
been accompanied l)y the use of ada]itors for burn-
ing two or more lamps in series at a single point.
This " bvmching " of lights is something of a departure from
previous practice, which encouraged single lamps of high
or low caudle-power for pendants and similar suspended
fittings. The low-voltage metal filament lamp, being a
high candle-power lighting unit, has concentrated the
attention of wiring contractors and illuminating engineers
upon cluster fittings which, if properly arranged, might
form a suitable substitute for the miniature arc lamp for
shop lighting. The same kind of fitting can be developed
from the useful to the ornate, and form an artistic illu-
minant for large and tastefully decorated rooms. l'>y means
of suitable reflectors and shades the value of a pendant of
this kind can be greatly enhanced, and the light distribu-
tion will be the best possible for the purpose. The use of
cluster fittings with metallic filament lamps is, of course, no
new thing, Init its importance deserves to be move widely
known, more particularly because special fittings are now on
the market by the use of which a variety of combinations
of lamps, shades and reflectors can lie brought about.
The ordinary three-light ball pendant has practically had
its day. It is difficult to wire and, unless the joints are
carefully made and insulated, trouble is likely to arise
before very long. It is somewhat incongruous that the
looping-in sy.stem should be introduced to dispense with
joints in wiring, while such joints are permitted under the
worst possible conditions in the interior of fittings. It is
to dispense with all jointing and to give acces.sibility and
flexibility to pendant electric clusters, that the Benjamin
Electric ( 'o. of America has introduced what they succinctly
term their "wireless clusters." The British agency for
these fittings is held by Mr. Chas. F. Trippe, ^, P.rook-
Fig.
-Standard Cluster Body and
Base.
Fig. 2.— Cluster
Base screwed to
Wood Block.
Street, Holbnru, and they are now being manufactured in
London. Large show-rooms have lieen opened at the above
address, and a few minutes' inspection of the specialities on
view would serve to convey to the visitor an immediate
Idea of their practicability and value.
The principal object aimed at in these fittings is to dis-
pense with sweated joints of every description and to
furnish a fitting which by simple adjustment would be
suitable for two or more lamps up to a maximum of six.
Figs. 3 and 4. — Interior and Exterior of Cluster Bod^
shows Conducting Rings.
The former
There is a standard metal body, which receives tlie circuit
wires and forms a base to which a variety of types of lamp-
holder fittings, or cluster bodies, can be immediately
attached. Fig. 1 illustrates this standard base, which is
Fig. 5.— Wireless Cluster
Fitting with Holophane
Shades and Reflector fitted.
suitable for all types of bodie.s. It can be fixed to a wood
block in the manner shown in Fig. 2, or attached to a
pendant. The interior and exterior of this light cluster
body are shown in Figs, o and 4. From the interior
view it will be noticed that lirass collecting rings, which
BR!T!SH]plGliC^
Head Office ... 12. K NG STRFPt Maw^u,rc.-,-.-r, .„..__ ._ ^ __ . T_
Head Office
London Office
49 Q?.Pn V f • MANCHESTER. I Glasgow Office ... 65, Renfield Street. CO., LTD
49, Q^'^en V t g^^^^^ ^^ I ^^^^^^^1^ ^^^^ Standard Chambers, Neville St. '
nVMAMno M/N^/vr^i^ ® Temple Chambers, 8, St. John Street.
°^1'iA"?^iNS°sl?l'.LfTl'iiJ.''P' BOILERS, LIFTS, &c., Insared, Inspec.ed and Tested.
Secretary/ : EDWAKD MOSS.
147
SUPPLEMENT to " The Electrician." February 5. 1909.
THE MORDEY-FRiGKER
ELECTRICITY METER CI
LIMITED,
82, Victoria Street, Westminster, S. W.
Tilcphciu- : 222 Victoria. Telegrams: "Shadowless London."
DIRECT CURRENT
PREPAYMENT
M
SIMPLE, CHEAP, ACCURATE.
APPROVED
BY THE BOARD OF TRADE.
THOUSANDS IN USE.
IbriH the di.stribuLiiig centre f(.ir the leads to tlie varimi.s
lamp-holder.s, are wiilely separated by a large air space
and carefully insulated frcini the metal shell by porcelain
insulators. The holders are mounted on special jiorcelaiii
bases and firmly riveted to the shell, so that they cannot
work loose. The cluster body is attached to the base
by a bayonet joint which locks securely with a single
half-turn. The wiring tails, which we have referred to, in
]iassiiig through the base are attached to the collecting
rings in the cluster body by clamping screws, which are
easily accessible. This is the only wiring operation re-
quired, and it can be carried out in a few moments by the
use of a small screwdriver. It is not necessary to pull a
numlier of wires through small tubes or nipples, a process
which generally tries the patience of the average wireman,
and is likely to lead to short-circuits on account of the in-
sulation lieing damaged. It should also be specially noted
that the lamp-holders are already wired, and the workman
is saved the time and trouble of this operation.
"We illustrate in Fig. 5 a tive-light wireless cluster, in
which the lamps are fitted with holophane shades and a
large holophane reflector covers the entire cluster. This is
]iopularly known as an "arc" pendant, and at the recent
Manchester Electrical Exhibition many of them were on
view, in conjunction with tantalum, and were gxeatly
admired. They make an artistic fitting for the lighting of
shop interiors, restaurants, cafes, small halls, &c. They
possess this important advantage, that any number of lights,
from two to six, can be used in the fitting without the
least alteration to the wiring and by the simple operation
of substituting one cluster body for another. For restau-
rants and similar pulilic place.s, this should prove a great
convenience, Ijecause it enables the management to econo-
mise on the lighting without leaving lamp-hoklers minus
EDISWAN
AUTO-TRANSFORMERS
MADE
throughout by the Edison fj Swan
United Electric Light Co., Ltd.,
at their
PONDER'S END WORKS,
and
Standard Voltages and Ranges
CAN NOW
BE
DELIVERED
FROM STOCK
their lamiJ.--, and tlius gi\ing the appearance of economy.
With a wireless cluster the symmetry of the fitting can be
maintained, either with two or six lights or any intervening
number. Fig. G illustrates a wireless pendant with an
opal reflector and opal shades on the lamps. The reflector
Fig. b.— Five Light Wire-
less Cluster Fitting, with
Opal Globes and Opal Re-
flector.
rests upon a splir-ring on the top of the cluster body and
can be easily removeil by taking oflthe latter, raising the
reflector and lifting out the split-ring, when the reflector
can be lowered for cleaning purposes.
Fi<T. 7 shows the largest type of cluster liody, combined
with a special reflector and guard to make up a cargo fitting
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," February 5, 1909.
148
I PtA/IOC TO LIBRARIANS AND GENERAL READERS. niRnill ATIIMH
LtWIO D The Quarterly List of Additions is sent post free ^i/l ri\^t^ fc-Jn I ■ I^ ^J
regularly to any address. It is a Classified and Annotated Guide to the Scientific Publications of the previous three months.
ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL & GENERAL ENGINEERING TEXT BOOKS & TECHNICAL WORKS.
new Works and new Editions can be had from the Cibrarp immediatclp on publication.
SUBSCRIPTION, Town or Country, from ONE GUINEA. READING ROOM open Daily to SUBSCRIBERS.
cniFNTIFin 136, QOWER ST., & 24, QOWER PLACE, LONDON, W.C. LIBRARY
^^^^IIILIv 111 1^^ xcleKrams: "PoBLioATiT London." Tplephone: 10721, Central. ^■lUll^^il I ■
^suitable for dock sides, sliip liolds, &c. The same type of
tilting is suitable for workshop and warehouse use. The
fitting shown contains eight lamps, but a maximum of 10
can be provided for. Three sizes of reflector are standar-
dised 16 in., 20 in. and 24 in. diameter.
Another useful feature of the wirele.ss cluster is its suit-
.jibility as a distribution point, from which to take a number
of fle.xibles across the ceiling to pendants whicii can be at
Fig. i|7. — Cargo L'ght
made up with Wireless
Cluster Fitting. A con-
venient! lighting unit for
ships^ holds, warehouses,
wharves 'and workshops.
ilitterent parts of the room. By the use of lamp-holder
adapters, these tlexibles can be conveniently connected to
the lamp sockets in the cluster body. This application of
the cluster fitting will doubtle.ss appeal to central station
engineers, who are anxious to reduce the initial cost of
wiring installations. By the uae of one of these fittings
the conduit wiring can be taken to some central point in a
room with a minimum of trouble and expense, while the
tlistribution from this point can be carried out neatly and
in a pleasing manner 1 ly means of flexible cords. The same
arrangement will, of course, apply to the wiring of a show
case or a shop window.
All wireless clusters are suitable for the series or parallel
running of lamps, so that any combination can be con-
veniently made up.
'TRetalik' Camps.
THK metal lilanient lamp of G. M. Boddy & ( u.,
known as the " Metalik," has been making consider-
able strides since its introduction a year or two
ago. We understand that the autliorities at Woolwich
Arsenal tested the lamps, and after prolonged trials
advanced an nnsolicited opinion in approval of them. The
principal claims advanced for the lamp are durability and
long life due to toughness of filanient. It is also stated
that the efficiency and candle power of the lamps are
maintained throughout their useful life. Messrs. Boddy
inform us that the demand for the lamps is quite surpass-
ing their expectations, corporations, railway companies, kc,
being among their largest customers. . The company has
been placed on tiie War (Jflice list.
€lectrolptlc Work in tDe
Paper lndu$trp>
ELK< 'TKIL'ITY has long been used as motive power for
driving the macliinery of paper mills, but its use as
an electrolytic agent in this industry is quite new.
An important contract for electrical machinery for this
purpose has, according to the " Electrical Review," N.Y.,
just lieen placed by the Ox:ford Paper Co., of Itumford
Falls, Me., with the Western Electric Co. The machinery
includes five motor-generator sets, consisting of five
500 H.P., 2,300 volt induction motors, driving 3.30 kw., 230
volt, direct-current generators, with motor-driven exciters
and a 13 panel switchboard. Power is to be taken from
the line of the liumford Palls Power Co., which is in-
creasing its plant for that purpose. Everything is of the
most modern type and designed to include the latest im-
provements in apparatus of its class.
This electrical machinery is to be used in a large new
plant, which the Oxford Paper Co. is now building at its
MASCHINENFABRIK
OERLIKON
Generators.
Motors.
Transformers.
Switchboards.
STEAM TURBINES
ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVES
Isolated Plants.
Electric Cranes.
Pumping Plants.
Electrolysers.
Complete equipments for Power Cransmission, Distribution ana Utilization.
G. WUTHRICH, Oswaldestre House, Norfolk St., ^
Manager and London Resident Engineer. STRAND, LONDON, W.C. ^
Telegraphic Address:
"OERIylK LONDON.'
Telephone:
No. 4167 Gerrard.
149
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," February 5. 19V9.
IJmiiriu'd Falls mills to niaiiut'actiue, I'l nils own use, bleach
Ihiitiif and caustic soda by a new electrolytic process in-
\en".cd by Jasper Whitiuw, of Boston, and developed iiudci-
his direction during the past three years to a point -where
it is said to have obtained a high degree of efficiency.
€kctric fire Boat$>
Ax I'Xtrcuiuly ikjvcI and also lai--reaching application
of electric power has recently been made to a pair
of fire boats in Chicago. Much of the commercial
ipiarter of this city is at the waterside, and the authorities
ran therefore provide a Hre-fighting equipment whicli will
be water-borne and take its supplies from the river. The
electrical equipment of the boat is of more than ordinary
interest, 1)eeause we believe it is the first of its kind yet
introduced in the fire service.
Turbo-electric generating plant has been installed, Imth
to economise space and also to more conveniently condiine
the pumping and generating units. Two GGO H.i'. horizon-
tal Curtis turbines are installed, and a liOO kw. direct
current dynamo and .5, .500 gallon centrifugal pump are
connected to each turbine. The vessel is propelled l)y two
separate electric motors, each of 250 ii.i'.,and carrying a screw.
'I'he speed is 200 revs, per min., but it may be varied nxcr
a certain range. This speed variation is oljtained liy altei-
iiig the voltage of the main generators, wliich is dmie
liy varying the generator excitation, a separate turbine
driven exciter being provided for this purpose. The pumps
are of the two-stage type and together have a capacity of
'.),000 gallons per minute at a pressure of 150 lb. per square
inch, the speetl being 1,700 revs, per min. The pumps can
also be worked in tandem, when the above rate of dis-
<'harge is halved and the pressure increased to oOO lb. per
square inch. The entire control (jf the boat is electrical
and. is placed in the hands of the pilot in the wheelhouse
amidships.
At the official trials of the first boat, she delivered nine
2 in. streams, one 3 in. stream and one 4 in. stream. Water
was thi'own 300 ft. in a horizontal direction and 135 ft.
vertically. Tlie total capacity of the pumps is equal to
IS 2 in. streams besides the larger nozzles.
The total length is 120 ft., 28 ft. beam, ID ft. depth, and
a, <lraft of 9ft. Gin. The construction is steel througiiout
and the bows are designed for crushiii"- ice.
'*Pou)er'^ as a ll^arket
Commoditp.
IN the December number of a bright and educative
business magazine published by au American com-
mercial house, E. Ai O. Gene states that " in the not
I ar distant future 'power' will be a common commercial
ecjmmodity — traded in for home or export use, just like so
much grain, cotton or oil." Mr. Cone says that this will
be reudered possible by the practical utilisation of waste
water rights and the storage or transmission of tlie elec-
trical energy by various methods. The energy will be
generated by huge plants. In an interesting article the
writer refers to an interview with the great Nicola Tesla,
who is now working upon the completion of such a plant
at Slioreham, Long island. With characteristic optimism,
iMr. Tesla expects that the export of power will become the
ciiiet source of the income of many happily situated coun-
tries, such as the United States and Canada. Allusion is
made to many otiier interesting possibilities in the field of
electrical development.
Index to Jlducrtisers.
PAGE
.\ecuiim!iitor Industries tHli
Boddy. (K M 12:i
British Engine, Boiler & Electrical Insurance Co. 1 1'J
Orompton & Co., Ltd 12!l
Edison & Swan United Electric Light Co., Ltd. ... 1 17
Electric S: Ordnance Accessories Co 143
Electromotors Ltd. (Openshaw) Vl\
Ferranti Limited l"-'7
Gilbert Arc Lamp Co l*.i
Great Central Railway I4!i
Henley's (W. T.) Telegraph Worlo Co.. Ltd 132
Ilodses (Cecil) 137
Lewis, H. K US
Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon (G. Wiithrich) Us
Mordey Fricker Meter Co., Ltd 117
Parmiter, Hope ,t Sugden U.">
HeyroIIe Limited 131
Sanders, Eehders &. Co., Ltd 123
Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works, Ltd l.''^
Siemens Bros. & Co 137
Simplex Conduits, Ltd 131
Standard Varnish Works 13:.
Sun Electrical Co 141
Trippe. ('. F I.lu
Weston Electrical Instrument Co 12."i
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," February 5. 1909.
150
BENJAMIN
PSRAILEL TWIN HOLDER.
WIRELESS CLUSTERS
MAKE OP PLAIN OR ORNAMENTAL FITTINGS.
No Internal Connecting. No Jointing. No troublft.
SINGLE ANGLE SOCKET HOLDER
■YPE-BI
TYPE-BK
NTERIOR OF STANDARD CLUSTER E
TV RE- B 5
r
TYPE-801
TYPE- B 2
TYPE-B3
ADJUSTABLE CLUSTER,
2, 3 OR 4 LICHT.
TYPE-BI
„^^ TYPE-600 -r-YPr «
TYPE-B95 TYPL-a
STANDARD CLUSTER BODY SHOWING DETACHABLE BASE.
Illustrated Lists giving full particulars and Prices on application to—
. ^®" ^' TRIPPE, 36, Brooke Street. Holborn, E.C.
Telephone- •• 1447 Holbor
I elegraois : "Artissimo London.
Pu\ihsh2d by GEORGE TUCKER, at the Editorial, Printing and Publishing Offices, 1, 2 and 3. Salisbury Court, Flket Street, mthe City of
LONDON. Friday, Fehru.vuy 5, 190ti.
THE ELECTRICIAN:
THE OLDEST WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND FINANCE
ESTABLISHED, First Series (Weekly), 1861; Second Series (Weekly), 1378.
No. 1,604. [v'J.I.Jx^i.]
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1909.
Price Sixpence '^g.'Jf*'
Abroad id., or 18 cents, or 90c., or SQa/.
CONTENTS OF THE CURRENT NUMBER.
Notes 673
Arrangements for the Week 675
The •■l.;.B." System from a
Trimw.iv Man.iger's Point
of \Kv.'—I>is,H..;„n 676
The Kapj) Hi.pkiMson Test on
a Single Diiect-cuirent Ma-
chine. >Sv Dr. W. Lulofs.
Illustrated 677
The Progress of Electrical
Science durinu' 1908. By E.
E. Fournier d'Albe, B.Sc... 679
Electric Traction on Railways.
XII.— Rolling Stock. By
Philip Uawson. Illustrated.
Continued 681
ElectriBcation of the London,
Brighton and South Coast
Railway. Illustrated .... 683
Some Motor Installations on
the Mains of the Lancashire
Electric Power Co. lUus... 683
Self-induction of Three-phase
Cables. By F. J. O. Howe 686
Parallel Operation of Alter-
nators.— Discussion 687
The TK.4INING of Enuineers. 688
Reviews 689
DieTelegraphen-Messkunde
[Dreisbach]; Depreciation
KeVIEWS — colli llltllll.
of Works and Machinery
(Sherlev-Price, M.I.M.E.,
M.LEE., &c.]
A Large Electric Oven. Illus. 690
The Use of Large Gas En-
gines for Generating Elec-
tric Power. By Leonard An-
drews and R. Porter, B..\.
. Illustrated 6S1
Correspondence 693
The Safety of the X-Rays.
(H. \V. Cox & Co., Ltd.").
TheNorthampton Polytechnic
Institute 695
The Institution and other
Societies 694
The M6ker Burners and Fur-
naces. Illustrated 694
Recent Developments in Ma-
chine Stoking. By A. W.
Bennis. Illus. Continued 694
Legal Intelt.icence 696
Municipal, Foreign & General
Notes 698
Trade Notes and Notices 701
Companies' Meetings and
Reports 703
City Notes 706
Companies' Share List 707
the Comptroller held that manufacture should be to sucli an
extent as to supply substantially the demand in this country
as otherwise it would be very simple to render the Act in-
operative. If tlie (ierman company wished to sell in this
country it would have been possible for them to manufac-
ture here instead of importing lamps through tlie Ihiion
Electric Co. As the decision i,s subject to appeal, tiie case
must still be considered s«&./'«(/(C(;, but it is sufficient to in-
dicate .still more the pos.sibilities of the new Act.
N^ O T E S.
Revocation of another Patent.
As is well known, the Comptroller has now revoked
several patents under the new Patents Act on the ground
that they are not being worked to an " adecpiate extent " in
this country. Hitherto, however, this has been the only
ground that has been taken up. On Tuesday last the
Comptroller came to an important decision, that a patent
in tlie name of H. Bremer, protecting certain mecltanism
in the well-known "Bremer' flame arc lamp, should be
revoked. It appeared that the lampjwas manufactured by
the owners of the patent, the British Westinghouse Com-
pany, and between 1905 and October 23rd, 1908, the com-
I)any had manufactured in this country 1,308 lamps, of
which 274 remained unsold. The reason put forward by
Mr. Braulik, the petitioner, was that the extent of the
manufacture was not " adequate," as rendered evident by
the fact that the lamp was also imported by the Union
Electric Co., who are licensees. The number of lamps so
imported during thesameperiod amounted to 9,S.jG,andwas,
therefore, largely in excess of the number manufactured.
As will be seen from the report of the case given elsewhere.
Surface Contact Systems.
The information regarding the operation of surface-
contact systems of electric traction in this country is very
limited, so that the discussions which took place at recent
meetings of the Institution of Electrical Engineers in
London and Leeds, in connection with Mr. S. Clegg's
Paper on the " G.B." system, proved most instructive. Else-
where in the present issue will be found an account of the
discussion at the Leeds Local Section. Particular atten-
tion will, no doubt, be paid to the remarks of Mr. C. E. C-
Sh.\Wfield, of AVolverhampton, who is probably best
qualified to speak of surface-contact systems from a tram-
way manager's point of view. It will be seen that where
absolute reliability of operation, safety to the public
and low operating costs are of more importance than
capital expenditure, he would certainly instal the Lorain
system. Allowing for a natural bias in its favour,
tliere is no doubt that Mr. Shawfield'.s experience with
this .system appears to have been most satisfactory, and
his criticism of the "G.B." system will be read with
interest. His suggestion that a carbon contact should
be used on the cable itself, tlie latter being then laid
solid in an earthenware trough, was rejected liy ilr.
B. H. Bedell, who stated that the rate of wear with two
carbon contacts was greater than with one carbon and one
metal contact, owing to the difficulty of conducting away
any heat produced. But in view of the possible advantage
of laying the cable solid, it may well be thought that the
replacing of carbon contacts woidd not be so serious as the
moving of the cable. Judging by the discussion the
general consensus of opinion among electrical engi-
neers appears to be that the " G.B." system is certainly
very promising, but as hitherto ic has only been tried
under exceptionally favourable conditions, further proof of
its adaptability to gradients, road surfaces and heavy traffic
is required. This, we hope, will be furnished by the Bow-
road route of the London County Council tramway system
674
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUAKY 12, iy09.
The Corps of Electrical Engineers.
At tlie suggestion of the latu Dr. .hms Hopkinson' the
War Office in 1897 reciuested the Institution of Electrical
Engineers to form a Corps which should have special
charge of electrical work in time of war. The result
was the present Corps of Electrical Engineers, whose first
Colonel was the late Dr. John Hoi'KINSON', a past-President
of tlie Institution. The present officer commanding is
Col. E. E. Crompton, C.B. We cannot here go fully into
details of this Corps' development, but it will be sufficient
to say that the In.stitution has always looked upon it with a
friendly eye and given it a helping hand. Xo apology is,
therefore, needed for bringing the subject once again before
renders of The Eleitrician. At the present time, when
determined efforts are being made to secure recruits for the
Territorial Army, the claims of this Corps on engineers
should not he overlooked. In infantry regiments it is not
necessary that the recruit on joining should have had any
previous experience of the work ; in fact, the first year, at
least, will be spent in accustoming him to military ways.
But it is altogether different as regards the engineer recruit.
The candidate for admission to the Corps of Electrical Engi-
neers must already have some engineering e.xperience, and
this requirement necessarily somewhat narrows the field
from which such recruits can be drawn. We would, tliere-
fore, ask such of our readers as are carried away by the
present imlitavy ardour, and we hope the number will not
be insignificant, to consider the claims of the Corps of
Electrical Engineers before joining any otlier regiment.
TiiK work in this Corps is extremely interesting and not
too arduous. It consists principally in running the search-
lights in connection with the coast defences of this country.
Tlie annual trainings are so arranged that a member can put
in the necessary drills during prsjctically any week in June
July and August, and exemption is always allowed from
these if sufficient cause can be shown. This to busy men
is an undoubted advantage. Uniform is provided free and
expenses are practically nil, while under the Territorial regu-
lations each man is paid at Army rates while performrnfr
his training. The usual soldier's pay is, in the case of the
electrical engineer, supplemented by engineer pay, and the
remuneration obtained depends on the skill of the mem-
ber and increases with the rank. Apart from the annual
training, the demand.s on a member's time are not great
i:ighteen drills only have to be performed, and these nmy be
put in in six attendances at headquarters. Besides runnincr
the searchlights, which, as mentioned, forms the staple
work of the Corps, instruction is given in military drill
signalling and telephone work. The activities of the Corps
will not improbably be extended in the near future to in
elude a large amount of engineering work in connection
with the Army generally. We, therefore, ask our readers
to bear the claims of this Corps in mind, as they will be
thereby supporting a home industry of the truest kind
They should, further, not forget tliat the headquarters are
in Kegency-street, Westminster, an easily accessible place
and that recruits can be enrolled on any evening durinn-
the week except .Sunday. It is assuredly the duty of all
g..od electrical engineers to assist in the defence of their
country. ^'^
Colonial and Foreign Electric Undertakings.
AViTH this issue we present our readers with mir aiinuaf
tables dealing with Colonial and Eoreign electricity supply
works and electric tramways and railways. These will, no-
doubt, be inspected with more than usual interest in view
of the comparisons which have been made of late between
the electric supply and traction undertakings of this and
other countries. In dealing with such a comprehensive
field it is, of course, only possible to give particulars of the
more important and representative undertakings, but some
additional entries have been made this year. (.)n glancing
through the electricity supply table, electrical engineers in
this country will be struck by the large number oi
undertakings — usually American — which supply con-
sumers at the unusual pressui-e of 104 volts ; also of
those at pressures of 100 and 110 volts. This is, perhaps,
due to the general adoption of alternating current ;
whatever the cause, it certainly offers an opportunity for
the rapid installation of metal filament lamps. In regard
to power transmission, although detailed information is
difficult to obtain, it will be noticed that several 'large
transmission schemes have been developed, notably that of
the Montreal Light, Heat & Power Co. : transmission lines
at 22,000, 44,000 and 50,000 volts have been installed, and
the capacity of the generating plant is about 36,000 kw.
The Shawinigau Water & Power Co. and other Canadian
undertakings have also made considerable extensions. In
addition to a few new lines, several important Colonial and
Foreign tramway .systems have been reconstructed or ex-
tended, notably in South and Central America and Austra-
lia. It would appear that there is greater scope for British
contractors in those countries than in Great Britain itself
Lord Tweeddale. — We are glad to be able to state that the
Marquis of Tweeddale, who has been very seriously indisposed,
is now well on the way to convalescence.
Hopkinson-Thring Torsion Meter. — In our description of
this interesting meter, given on p. 660 of our last issue, w&
omitted to mention that it is specially adapted for measuring
the power developed by steam turbines, as it is, of course, not
possible to "indicate" these in the usual way.
The Bermondsey Gas Explosion.— It is satisfactory to find,
as a result of the inquest, that electricity played no part in the
recent regrettable gas explosion at Bermondsey, London,
from which two deaths occurred. Prof. Vivian Lowes gave
interesting evidence as to the experimental results obtained hy
him, sliowing the impossibility of explosion from electrical
hand safety lamps as used by the gas employees. There was
no suggestion that the Borough Council's calJes or arc lampa
were concerned in the matter.
The Secretaryship of the Institution of Electrical Engineers.
Our readers will be interested to learn that the position of
Secretary to the Institution of Electrical Engineers, rendered
vacant by the return of Mr. G. C. Lloyd to the Iron and Steel
Institute, is to be filled by Mr. P. F. Rowell. Members of the
Institution are already well acquainted with Mr. Powell, as he
has been on the staff for the past eight years, and during the
last five years he has filled the position of Assistant Secretary.
He, therefore, has the great advantage of being fully acquainted
with the working of the Institution, a point which is more
than usually important in the present transitional stage, with
the new home in the immediate future. We offer our con-
gratulations to Mr. Rowell on his new appointment.
Cable Interruptions. ^.^te of Interruption.
Pontianak— Saigon Sep. 16, 1908
Malta— Zante Dec. 29, 1908
Tourane— Amoy Jan. 19. 1909
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 12, 1909.
675
Gas Lighting in Fleet-street, London. — Pedestrians in this
thoroughfare will, douljtless, be pleased to learn from an
article in our contemporar}-, the "Journal of Gas Lighting,"
in reply to our recent editorial comments, that the oft'ending
tower ladder is shortly to be replaced by one of a lighter
character, whilst icluit, the bye- passes of the lamps have been
made to work satisfactorily, there is to be less " btitting " of
unoffending wayfarers, including the members of our editorial
staff.
The late Mr. B. H. Thwaite. — Some little time agn we
referred to an appeal which was being made to raise funds on
behalf of the widow and young children of the late Mr. B. H.
Thwaite. Mr. Carnegie made the conditional offer of £500
on the understanding that a certain sum should be raised
fiom ither sources. We regret to find that a sum of £200 is
still required before Mr. Cainegie's promise can be claimed.
Having regard to the pioneering work of the late Mr. Thwaite
we hope that our readers will see their wa}' to respond gene-
lousl}' and to forward subscriptions to the hon. treasurer, Mr.
A. M. Sillar, 2, (^)neen Anne's gate, Westminster, S.W.
Personal. — Mr. F. A. Wilkinson, the electrical engineer and
manager at St. Marylebone, has resigned his appointment in
order to take up private practice. He has entered into an
arrangement under which he remains at Marylebone until the
end of September, or for six months after his successor takes
up his full duties, whichever is the later date. He is now at
liberty to carry out such private work as will not unreason-
ably interfere with his duties at Marylebone. Mr. Wilkinson
intends to devote his attention particularly to colliery work,
electric battery traction, electric heating and cooking, &e.,
following up the work that has been carried out in this direc-
tion at Marylebone.
Presentation to Mr. Jack Binns. — An interesting ceremony-
which ma}' be considered the culminating point in the atten-
tions now being meted out to this well-known "wireless
operator," took place on W'ednesday afternoon last at the
offices of the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Co. Mr. Marconi,
in presenting a handsome gold watch to Mr. Binns, puid a high
tribute to his courage on the occasion of the collision of s.s.
"Republic " with s.s. "Florida," on January 26th last. Al-
though, he said, the directors were not able to sliow their
appreciation of Mr. Binns' action in quite so demonstrative a
wa\' as the ladies of New York, yet they felt some recognition
of the efficient discharge of his duties on that occasion was
needed. Mr. Binns biietly thanked the directors for their gift.
The New Emden-Pernambuco Submarine Cable. — As we
announced some time ago in Thk Electuk l\\, lauding rights
have been granted bj' the Brazilian Government to Messrs.
Felten & Guiliaume-Lahmeyerweike A.G., of Miilheim, for
a submarine telegraph cable at Pernambuco, or Maceio,
Brazil. This cable will join up at Teneriffe with the
cables of the South American Cable Company, which extend
to the West Coast of Africa. The new cable is to be
in operation within three years. The first .section of the new
cable— from Emden to Teneriffe — will be completed this year.
The Deutsch Sndamerikanische Telegrapheu-(;esellschaft has
been formed at Cologne, with a capital of 4,000,000 marks, for
operating the service of the new cable. The German (Jovern-
ment grants a substantial subsidy to the company.
Large Water Wheels for Electrical Purposes. — According
to the " Electrical L'eview and Western Electrician," the
Telluride Company have installed two 8,;j00ii.P. Francis
water wheels with doublc-dischaige end horizontal shafts at
Grace, Idaho. The turbines are supplied through a penstock
5 miles long, under a head of -i-^O ft., and drive two ■j,.500kw.
alternators. The power for these will be transmitted at
40,000 volts and a frequency of GO nearly 150 miles to the elec
trical distribution system of the company near Salt Lake City.
Each turbine, when operating at 300 revs, per min. with an
effective head of 450 ft., delivers 8,500 H. P. at an efficiency
of 84 per cent. These units consist of a horizontal main shaft
carried by two bearings, and a single central casing surround-
ing a twin runner controlled by a service or " vane ' type speed-
gate and discharging in opposite directions into two separate
diaught tubes all on one bedplate. Spiral casings of cast iron are
used with a horizontal bottom inlet. The vane shafts are hollow
and fitted for forced grease lubrication .at both bearings. Thc-
runners are of the twin or double-discharge type, and designed
to be balanced under running conditions. The draught tubes
below the level of the bed-plate aie constructed of concrete.
The Standardisation of Refractory Materials. — A move-
ment has recently been initiated by the English Ceramic
Society for the grading and standardisation of such refractory
materials as fire clay and magnesite. As a result of a circular
on the subject a meeting has been recently held at Stoke-on-
Trent at which it was decided to form a body to be called
" The Centre for the Standardisation of Refractory Materials."
This institution will be divided into a number of sections,
which will deal with different branches of the subject, and will
submit reports from time to time showing the development of
their work. Among these sections will be one dealing with
new developments in connection with high temperature and
electrii-chemical work, and another which will consider
methods for testing clays and refractory materials as to their
suitability for different purposes.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE WEEK.
FRIDAY, Febuary 12tli (to-day).
NoR'DiAMi'Tiix Institute ExiaxEKyii.si: Sociktv.
■ 'i:'/5 p.iii. Meeting at the Institute, .lohn-street, Clerkcnwell.
Paper on " A Modern Winding Engine," by Mr. E. \. Ewart.
PHVSUAr. Soi-IFTV.
.s' p.m. Meeting at the Imperial College of .Science. Imperial
Institute-road, South Kensington. Aininal General Meeting.
Presidential Address.
Rov.Mj Institctiox.
:' p.m. Meeting at Albemaile-street. Discourse on " The Elec-
trical Pioperties of Flame," by Prof. H. A. Wilson, F.R..S.
MONDAY, February 15tli.
RovAi. SotiETV UK Arts.
•■i p.m. Meeting at John-street, Adelphi, London, \V,C. Lecture
on " Modern Methods of Artificial Illumination," hy Mr.
Leon Gaster. Cantor Lecture I.
TUESDAY, February 16th.
MaMMESTER SeOTIOX ok the In.STITITION ok El.ErTRICAl, Exi:l\EKKS.
}:,lii jj.iii. Meeting at Physical Laboratory, The University, Man-
chester. Paper on " LTse of Large Gas Engines for Generat-
ing Electric Power," by Messrs. L. Andrews anil R. Porter.
Manc HESTER Students' Section of the Institutio.v ok Ei.ki'tkral
Enhixbers.
7:.:o p.m. Meeting at the Municipal School of Technology. Paper
on " The Utilisation of E.vhanst .Steam for Electric l)riving,"
by Mr. C. S. Richards.
Institution (jf Civil Eni:isekk.s.
S ii.in. Meeting at Great George-street, Westminster. Paper on
" The Design of Marine Steam Turbines." by Mr. S. J. Reed.
WEDNESDAY, February 17tli.
Sti'uhnts" Section ok the Institution ok Ei.ectriial Eni;ineeks.
',:','' p.m. -Meeting at 92. Victoria-street. Paper on '• Purifica-
tion of Feed Water," by Mr. T. Walmsley.
THURSDAY, February IStli.
Orni.iN Section ok the Institution ok Ei.ectricai. Engineers.
> p.m. Meeting at the Royal College of Science, Stephen's Green.
Paper on "The Use of Largo (Jas Engines for Generating
Electric Power," by Messrs. L. .Andrews and R. Porter.
FRIDAY, February 19th.
.SiroENTs' Section of the Institution ok Civil Escineerj,.
^ p.m. Meeting at Great George-street, Westminster. Lecture
on " Standardi-sation in Engineering Practice," byProf. AV.C.
Unwin, F.R.S.
RovAi. Institution.
0 p.m. Meeting at Albemarle-street. Discourse on "Recent
Advances in Means of Saving Life in Coal Jlines," by Sir H.
Cunvnghame, K.C.B.
Corps of Electrical Engrineers (London Division).
Commanding Officer, Col. R. E. B. Cronipton, C.B.
The following orders have been issued for the current, week :^
Monday, Fell. 15th, (Infantry drill (Recruits), 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
" A" Company \Technical drill. 7 p.m. to 9;30 p.m.
Tue.*<lav, Fell. 16th, I Infantry drill (Reciuits), 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
" B ' Company t Technical drill, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 18th, (Infantry drill i Reciuits;, 6 p,m. to 7 p.m.
" C " Company \Techiiical drill. 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Friday. Feb. 19th, | Infantrv diill (Recruits), 6 p.m. to 7 )).m.
" I) "'Company \ Technical drill, 7:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
(■ Week-end run at Coalhouse Fort. Parade at
Saturday, Feb. 20th. J Fenchurch-street Station, 3:10 p.m. Khaki
"C ' Company 1 service dress with greatcoat and arras.
i. Haversacks to be worn over right shonlder
Recruiting ever}- evening, 6p.m. to 9 p.m. (Sundays excepted).
676
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 12, 1909.
THE
' G.B. SYSTEM FROM A TRAMWAY MANAGER'S
POINT OF YIEW.
We give below an abstract of tlie discussion at the Leeds
Local Section of the Institution of Electrical Engineers on
.lanuary 27th, when Mr. S. Clegg read his Paper on this sub-
ject. This Paper had previously been read and discussed in
London, an abstract of the Paper appearing in our issue of
January 15th and of the discussion in our issue of January L'2nd.
Mr. W. M. RoGERSON said it imist be remembered that the siirface-
contart .system at Linooln had only been running 2J- year.s, and the eoni-
par.Ttivf 'fin-iirc^ -ivith nthrr systeiiis given in the Paper were not quite
aoi-iii ii>'. Ii.i Ml-. . .itiri .1 -vr-fi-in had been running for something like
six in M\rii \. u-, thi- r\|M.iis(s in maintenance increased very rapidly.
He ln-licxcd c\cn al llie iirt-.^jent time they were putting in new cable,
and no doubt in years to come the expenses in this direction would con-
siderably increa.se. Com])arison'i made on the current consumption per
car. Ill it' shniild tike into account that the route was flat. He asked
wIiiIIh 1 I In J il\,iiii-'iij of the cable had any effect on the arcing. It
ni 1 1 - 1 III \ r n : I II 1 1 \ I II - t n the author that there was no Sunday ruiming
of tlic lai,- ill LuRi.lii. .Mj that he had a slack day on which to effect the
necessary repairs ; where the cars were practically running night and day
they would be unable to get the work in. Did the maintenance charges
given in the Paper include the renewal work that had been done by the
" G.B." Co. — i.e.. new cable and repairs and maintenance of the batteries
and contacts V He did not think the silent running of the cars a very
good point, as people were accustomed to receive warning of the ap-
]irnach of the cars by the noisy hum of the trolley, which was not a great
olfi-iiilfr in this way. Later on. he thought. Lincoln would suffer as
badly from noise as any other system, as it was generally the gears and
other parts of the cars, as well as the permanent way, which when worn
cau.sed the varioiis noises.
Mr. W. N. Y. King mentioned that a comparison was made of the total
costs of the '■ G.B." and the overhead systems. The costs peculiar to the
two systems were, however, only a small proportion of these. A fairer
comparison would have been obtained if the author had taken repaii's
and maintenance and power costs only for the purpose of comparison,
and also had compared systems that had been running for the same
length of time. He, the speaker, had extracted figures of 19 municipally
operated overhead systems, which had been run for three years or
less, and he found that the average cost for repairs and maintenance was
0'70d., against the corresponding figure on the Lincoln system of l-25d.
With regard to the question of reliability, the author pointed out that on
the 3 miles of track the power had never been off on account of the
■■ G.B." equipment failuiK. It would be foimd, however, that it was
very rare that any part of the i.v. rli.id line failed at all. On the system
with which the speaker «,i- .h i|n:Miiii il, they had 70 miles of track, but,
although circuit-breaker;- .in i-iniiiiMy came out. this was nearly always
<iue to a faulty motor or controller or an overloaded feeder, and that
would, of course, occur on a surface-contact system. There were certain
jioints about the "G.B." system which would require much more
attention in towns whei'e there was a continuous road traffic. Thus,
there would be a worse contact with the studs through ice and snow, or
even excessive dirt. In hot weather the bitumen would be apt to get
soft, and the heavy traffic would have the effect of driving the studs
down into the ground and upsetting the adjustment of the ccmtact-maker.
The .system itself was an excellent one, and, compared with any other
surface-contact system, was a gieat advance in simplicity and cost of
construction, and perhaps equalled the overhead system" in reliability
and safety. As regards noise and unsightliness of p"olcs, &c., there was
no doubt that it h.nl .-..in.tliin.,. to commend its adoption.
Mr. E. S. S.vrNiH i> ,-k.,l l.u tlie number of contact studs on the whole
.system, and also tlimi^hi ilmt if the system was installed on a large scale
ventilation would lie found a rather difficult task. In Lincoln, he be-
lieved, there were at least two places in the mam street where trains
cro.sijcd at level crossings. Did the railway company allow this system
of trams to cross their lines ?
Mr. C. E. t". Sh.\wfield said the " G.B." system in Lincoln had appa-
rently proved Itself to be at least as safe as the overhead system : it was
certauily more sightly, and the question of silent running would be ad-
mitted by all who had inspected it. As regards reliabihty, it micht
almost be said that even a second-rate surface-contact system was 'su-
perior to the ovcilicHJ M. (,.„,. He did not think the author was well
advised m conip.u imli In- iniM rosts of operaUcm with those of the over-
head .system, hinin. I., ,1,1 (,, the special circumstances which existed
at Lincoln. J-rom the point of view of power consumption, one could
hardly compare the Lincoln system with other towns, as it consisted of
on.v one route, and that a very flat one, whilst the cars ran at low average
smaller percentage of energy wasted in the brake
CCS. The average current consumption per car-
11 was l-»> units, as against 1-2 units for the flattest
lent consumption should not be com-
iii'd in other towns operating a more
i.lients, and for the same reason the
„,, , . ... , "lid hardly be regarded as a fan- basis
tlU-'r R """ r/",""""'' •""'"■takings. He, the speaker, did not regard
in! 1 ■ 'T, ''"^ surtace-contact system. It was not a good system
.lot,„ls wh,c\, might well be improved. Nevertheless, it was capable of
[1, which
blocks a I >i.i
mile at WlIm rli;uii|iii.ii w.
route. The aiulioi'.-, ligur
pared, therefore, with Hun
extensive mileage over \
costs for repairs and maiuui
of con
beini: improved, with marked effect on the maintenance costs. He asked
fur further explanation of the splitting of the studs at cross rails, and
( .mill not see how such an arrangement would be at all practicable in the
case of a cross rail occurring half-way up a steep gradient. With regard
to the causes of live studs, the carbons and the cable between them
ajipeared to be responsible for a very large proportion indeed, and this
was entirely opposed to his own experience. The life of the carbons on
the " G.B." .system seemed to be extremely short. Some, apparently, had
been worn out in about 12 months to two years, and the maximum life
expected in future was only about Ave years. The nature of the trouble
with the carbons was given as burning and breaking, and it seemed to be
largely due to the fact that the carbons had to make contact on the round
metallic surface of the cable ; whereas there appeared to be no practical
difficulty in interposing a second carbon between the iron cable and the
upper cai'bon. He thought this would at once do away with the possi-
bility of the carbons sticking to the iron cable, and would also do away,
assuming the right material be used, with the wear and tear of the carbons.
His experience with carbon contacts on the Lorain system was that they
wei'e of an extremely durable character. The renewals of the carbon
contacts due to burning or breaking was about one per annum out of
some 11,000 studs in operation. Carbons that had been in constant use
on a 2i minutes' service in the centre of the town for seven years were prac-
tically as good as when they were put in. A further reason for the fixing
of a carbon contact on the cable itself was that the wear and tear on the
cable would be done away with, and there would be no necessity to move
it periodically. This being so, it was cjuite unnecessary for the cable to
be installed in an open conduit, and there appeared no reason why it
should not be laid solid in an earthenware trough, the carbon contacts
fixed to it at the proper distances, and the working portion of the stud
attached by means of a T piece, as was done at present. Th,at would
practically do away with the question of leakage currents and would be a
cheaper job to instal in the first place. It appeared to be an inherent
defect in the " G.B." system that the forces of gravity were acting against
safety. He did not see why the operation of the contact should not be
reversed, so that, instead of the magnetic field pulling the sliding piece
down on to the cable, that piece might be electrically connected to the
cable and be pulled upwards against gravity. If Mr. Clegg would say
what was the total amount of force required to overcome the resistance
of the spring it would be quite simjile to calculate whether the existing
magnetic field would be sufficient to lift the weight against the action of
gravity. It would be generally admitted that springs, however well
made and installed, and however carefully maintained, would fail at
times. With the single exception of the conduit system, a surface-con-
tact system was the safest form of electric traction now in operation
From his own experience he did not consider that live studs were in an3-
way a soiu'ce of danger. So far as the Lorain system was concerned, the
term " live studs " was a misnomer ; they should more accurately be
called " leaky " studs, since, although a static voltmeter would .show
an apparent pressure of .500 v. .Its above earth, yet an ordinary type ot
voltmeter would probably i.mly imlii iti- .Ml volts. For the year ending
December 31st last there wen r.i' li\r -tmls in Wolverhampton over 20
miles of track, giving an aveiM;^. . ,f l' i; -t mis per mile of track per annum.
X.I 'It. iii|.t V, as made to locate these defective studs by means of any
iiliji II 11 II- I inied on the cars, and they were usually found in the course
of the iiiilinary inspection and te.sting. All inspection, testing, repairs
and maintenance of 20 miles of the Lorain track equipment was carried
out by three men. In the case of a well-designed and well-installed
surface-contact system it would appear hardly possible for anyone to get
a Mil. .11- -li.iik. but he did not think the same claim could be made on be-
liill .it ;iii\ .xistuig overhead system. In conclusion he woiddsay that, as
a n-iilt III Ills own experience with the installation and operation by
surface contacts of a fairly extensive tramway .system, he would, if he had
the choice, uistal the Lorain system in any town of any size where abso-
lute reliability of operation, safety to the public and low operating costs
were held to be of more importance than the first capital cost of the
system,
Mr, J. F. Fawcett thought that, as far as heavy traffic was concerned.
Lincoln got a fair share. It resembled a manufacturing town more than
a cathedral city, as there were a great many traction engines and lorries
about. He referred to live studs at Lincoln, and did not know that the
number was very excessive. In towns where the overhead system was
in operation they kept tower waggons in the streets The repairs and
maintenance were 0-91 3d. for the first 12 months and for the following
12 months l-25d. It was very clear that this item had gone up instead
of going down.
Mr. J. J. McHahos, in a written communication, said it was fortunate
that the " G.B." system'was first tried on a very small scale on level lines
with few junctions and very little traffic. The methods described through-
out would never be tolerated on a large and busy system. Something
must be done in order to avoid the necessity for the pulling and turning
of the cable mentioned, and the cable itself would be useless in the cor-
rosive atmosphere of a large manufacturing city or town if made of iron
wire covered with iron tubes as described. The galvanismg afforded prac-
tically no protection, and in a few months the surfaces would be covered
with rust. It ought to be a sirajjle matter to clamp some form of copper
or gunmetal seating on the cable at each contact point, and so eliminate
all damage to the cable. The method adopted for the protection of live
studs would not be acceptable on a busy city line. As regards dangers
from the wires, he would point out that in Manchester there had been
only five wires down during the past five years, and the wire could gene-
rally be seen and avoided. The costs given were not representative ones,
as the old cable was renewed at the expense of the contractor before it
was worn out, and the carbon blocks were also renewed in the same way.
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 12, 1909.
677
Mr. W. J. Bextox thought the comparison of the systems should be
reduced to one of repairs and maintenance only. He did not see how the
studs could be replaced so cjuickly as stated by the author, especially as
they were laid in bitumen. Galvanising was not of much use in an at-
mosjjhere as in Leeds, and a much better plan was to use paint. As to
springs being a sour^ of trouble, they might be ; but springs as made
to-day were very reliable, for e.xample, in governors. The little connec-
tion from the moving piece to the stud appeared to be more likely to get
out of order. He doubted whether any surface-contact system would
lend itself to relaying the track, as did the overhead system, by a tem-
poraiy line laid alongside the original track.
Mr. VV. Griffiths said, regarding the question of the replacing of the
okl cable and other new work being included in the nuiinteMauee of the
line, or whether it should fall on the contractors' shoulders, if was a case
where experience had taught them the necessity of alteruig the design.
Regarding the maintenance clause in the contract, the permanent way
maintenance was for 12 months, whereas the upkeep of the system was
guaranteed for 10 years — viz., that the cost of maintenance should not
exceed £30 per mile of track per annum. With regard to the current
consumption, there was no question that in Lincoln the cars did not run
at a very fast average speed, and the runnuig was interfered with by the
numerous stopping places. With reference to the renewals, as a matter
of fact the only thing that was done by the contractors was to reinstate
the cable and also rectify the damage that was done to the studs by the
stranded cable. There was one point in the discu.ssion when the Paper
« as read in London which was not made quite clear. The |iony which
r( ceived a shock when the current was first turned on to the line did not
receive this shock due to faulty working of the system, but to a stud which
was faultily laid and became " live " as soon as cm-rent was put on the
iine.
Mr. B. H. Bedei.l said one very interesting point had been raised —
viz., that of " gravity control " for stud switch mechanism. It had been
s;iid that gravity was superior to spring action for restoring the stud to
its non-working position. Apart from the fact that at Lincoln there had
been no cause to modify that portion of the e<pii])ment. there was a very
important reason why a spring was ]}i('fiT;ilili' to l:i;i\ ii v control. With
a spring one could easily adjust the stu'l -wihli iim- li mism so that a
.state of equilibrium existed such that an iutiintcsiiii 'lly small force would
suffice to begin to close down the switch. With gravity control this
advantage could not be secured, since gravity was a constant force, and
it was extremely difficult to devise a magnetic pull mechanism which
1 i|hJI\ 111. 11 : 1 -< 111 strength as the iron parts approached
ill J I 1 \ 1 1 \ i M I ' 1 - \'stems which had been devised that
riif I'M - \\,i- \ii\ much greater at the moment when the
^ I li 111 there was any need for it to be, and a great amount
- In ided to move the switch when it was wide open.
I pi ' >M-d that their arrangement took less energy for mag-
He was very interested to learn that in another surface-
contact system " live studs " never existed in the sense of studs which
remained connected to the hne cable. If a few more engineers were con-
cerned in the designing of surface-contact systems it might possibly
become quite a respectable thing to be connected with, and would pro-
bably be as respectable and as workable as the overhead system was
to-day. With reference to the u.se of double-carbon contacts, he had
tried many types of carbons made in this country and elsewhere, and the
rate of wear with two carbons together seemed to be as nearly as possible
two-tliirds greater than with one carbon and one metal contact. The
reason was not very difficult to find, since in the case of a double-carbon
contact there was ]jractically no means of conducting away the heat
generated at the point of contact. The wear mi the culions w;»s not due
to arcing, but to the occasional heating to rccliir- ol |i: 1 1., of the carbon
face, due to difficulty in getting a carbon alisolnirlv iiiiifoim in texture.
He was very interested and surprised to Icaiii that carbons could be
obtained which lasted for an ap)iarently indefinite time. -■Vs suggested
by one speaker, the cable sleeves were not galvanised on account of the
noM-airiu- jiioperties of zinc, but as a protection for the iron ; and if, as
siiijuoircl III vome localities, this was foimd to be insufficient by itself,
tlicii- would lie no objection to further giving the cable some coats of
" liitumastic solution" or " Ohmaline," or any other protective cover-,
int.'. since 500 volts pressure would break these down where required at
the ])oints of contact with the studs.
Mr. H. E. Yereury asked, regarding the insulation resistance test,
v.hether the author included in his test the insulation of the mternal
magnet in addition to the cable, as it seemed that woidd have to be taken
separately. It appeared to him that if was an instance of an under-
taking which was entirely satisfactory in a town where the conditions
were ideal for such a system. He was afraid those who had rather larger
imdertakings to look after, ^vith very heavy cars, complicated cro.ssings
and a very large current consumption, would hesitate before deciding on
a surface-contact system.
Mi. .'s. Ci.ij.i:. in reply, agreed that there was some truth in Jlr. Roger-
^iin s niiii i-iii in regard to a reliable figure for upkeep not being obtained
iiiit il a .sy>i(iii liad been in use for several years ; but if one coidd get the
ti'-iiircs of the original overhead system installed in this eoinitry for its
first two or three years' operation he thought those obtained at Lincoln
v.ciuld be immensely superior, and on the point of reliability there could
be no two opinions.- .'^cv i il . .f flu v. . n-t burns on the cable wore caused
by trouble experienced « I'l i!m innl i i m- supports of the car magnets.
These consisted of crco^i.ii ,1 |iiiir Kr.in i^. which w'ere held up to the car
trucks by wrought-iron iuini;ers ; the collector magnets were supported
from the bearers in the same way. Insulated bolts, similar to those used
for straining up span wires on the overhead system, were substituted for
the bearer hangers, entirely getting over the difficidty. The plain surface
should not very
each other, lii
defect existed,
sv.'itch was i lo-t
of excitati'iii V.
TheLincobi in,,
net excitation.
of the new cable had also greatly obviated the excessive wear which took
place with the old type, as was proved by the fact that it was not now
necessary to move the cables more than once every 12 to 1.5 months. The
Lincoln cars were standard size four-wheel ears, with radial trucks and
8 ft. 6 in. wheel bases, having a seating capacity for .58 passengers, and
weighing unloaded, exclusive of the " G.B." apparatus (itself 25 cwt.),
from 8 to 81 tons. Dirt, sand and pebbles made no difference to the col-
lecting apparatus. There was no likelihood of heavy traffic forcing the
studs down below the road level, as the stud head had a direct bearing on
the bottom of the slot cut for it in the granite block, the pitch only being
run round the open spaces to keep out surface water. The difficulty with
ventilation on a large sj'stem could be easily overcome by splitting the
system up into sections, ventilating each of these .se])arately, and also
by the u.se of natural ventilation by means of ventilating columns. The
eiu'rent consumption wotdd have been smaller but for the fact that
there were two railway crossings with Board of Trade stops, and also a
somewhat excessive number of '" request " stops, so that the average
speed was only seven miles per hour. The cross-rails to which Mr. Shaw-
field referred were at the centre of the tracks of manganese steel, and there
was therefore no magnetic attraction between the collector chain and the
rails, nor did the chain have any tendency to make contact. They had
had practically no trouble with the carbons sticking to the cable, a fact he
attributed altosiether to the " knock-off" action which was arranged in the
stud switchpiece. The new type of cable was practically everlasting, as at
the end of the 14 years, which he estimated as the life of the sleeves, new
ones could easily be threaded on, and the cable used over again. The
force required to overcome the springs of the studs, and bring the carbon
down to the cable, was 11} ounces. In a projjerly ventilated conduit a
galvanised iron cable wotdd not rust over in tw-elve numtlis, no matter
how bad the atmosphere, as they found electrolytic action at a point where
a sagging cable had been in contact with anj^ water in the conduit was the
only cause of rusting. With the '' G.B." system on a large tramway,
it would probably be necessary feu- much of the work to be done when
the cars were not running, though on a small system like that at Lincoln,
much could be done in the day-time, without disorganization of the
service. The insulation test, referred to by Mr. Yerbury, was taken in
exactly the same manner as on the overhead system, the line being
charged, all cars having their magnets unexcited, to correspond with the
trolleys being taken off the overhead line.
THE KAPP HOPKINSON TEST ON A SINGLE
DIRECT-CURRENT MACHINE.^
BY DR. W. LULOFS
Summary.— The author in this Paper points out how the Kapp-
Hopkinson test may be adapted for a single lapwound direct-current
machine, provided it is not supplied with Mordey equalising connec-
tions.
A brief historical n'sumc of the Kapp-Hopkinson or circulation-
of-power method of testing dynamos is first given. This usually
involves two or more machines. The author's method, which is
(i = driving current
c = orculaCiig ■■
Fi.;. 1.
applicable to machines having four or more poles (a four-pole ma-
chine is here considered), is as follows : The two positive as well as
the two negative brushes are disconnected, and two ammeters. A, and
A.,, of equal range inserted in. say, the two negative leads (sec Dig.
1)", whilst the positive brushes are short-circuited through an am-
meter \ ,. Should now the e-xciting current of the two south poles so
, be altered that the excitation of S.i is strengthened by the same
amount as that of S„, is weakened, then a difference of potential
must be obtained between the two positive brushes when the arma-
I ture rotates. As S,, is strengthened by the same amount as h.., is
weakened, the two south poles may be considered to have retamed
* Abstract of a Paper read before the Birmingham Local Section of
the Institution o Electrical Engineers on February 10th.
678
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBKUARY 12, 1909.
their former strengtli, and to liave supei posed over them a field
dependent on the magnitude of this alteration, and in the direction
S„,, Sa,. The dift'erence of potential so obtained between the positive
brushes 1 and 2 will give rise to a current which flows in the two halves
of the armature, and from Fig. 2 it is seen that this current flows
down under S^, up under S„,. and mixed up and domi under X„ and
Nn, . The armature ampere-turns produce a field which lies in the direc-
tion N„i, Na,. so an alteration of Sa,. ^m in the way described in-
evitably involves an alteration of the north poles, strengthening
(Fig. 2) Nb,, by the san e amount as Ni, is weakened. The arma-
ture, however, revolves in this field, built up by its own ampere-
turns, and for this reason a P.D. must be create i.„i..^ti> the two
negative brushes, causing the current to flow downwards under
Ni„ upwards under Nm, and mixed up and down uader Sij and
S„,. These armature ampere-turns in the turn excite a field over
the two south poles in the direction S.^, So, ; that is, in the opposite
dffection to the alteration originally produced, or, in short : The
armature reaction of a lapwound machine will tend to prevent a
circulating current from flowing from one brush to the other of
equal potential.
In order to enable a circulating current to flow, say, from posi-
tive brush 1 to positive brush 2, the armature reaction in direction
N,„, Nj, must be counterbalanced. This can easily be done in the
same waj- as the original alteration of the south pole fields is
obtained. This circulating current, which now leaves the positive
brush under S„,, flows through the ammeter A,, and is measured
by snme, and, flowing back to the armature in positive brush under
*■>>' ^^'f®^ ^1"'^"-^ "^ t''«' t^^" '•'lives of the armature. The ma.-
nitude of this current is dependent on the magnitude of alteration
given to b^,, b,,„ ana the armature reaction produced by itself.
As already explamed. the armature reaction gives rise to a'current
leavmg the armature at, .say, brush 4. flowing through ammeters
A, and A, back mto armature through brush 3. and counteracts
the alteration given to S,„ S„,. This second circulating current
IS, therefore, a disturbing element, and must be done away with in
the way already explained, and the two ammeters A, and A., show-
ing no deflection inchoate that this condition is obtained "
Ihe machine can be started up in the ordinary way, A„ A„
He t^Z Tf^ ""? '■"""'"S ""^^' '=""^'^'- ^3 will read d;uble
-lor 1, U , ^'^.'="'•■1'",? current in the actual armature bars
+ or -half the running light current, whereas A, and A, are kent
mdieatmg alike currents by totally counterbalancing the armature
reaction. Hence the current divides in the armature as shown in
Fig. 1. That part of the armature under south pole S , carries
current Ic + id. and working under the stronger pole acts, therefore,
as the motoring half. The opposite part carries Ic-Jd, i.e., the
smaller current, and acting under the smaller field works as a
dynamo.
Hoiv to Alter the Fields. — The most accurate way to strengthen
one jDole as much as the other is weakened is the following : If for
a four-pole machine half the field voltage is suppUed to a o (Fig.' 3),
and the interlocked pointers 6 6 or two equal main-current regu-
lators stand in the middle positions, the current through 4,\is
equal to that through Sm and is of the normal value. By moving
9-0
•0
2,400
£ 7-a
2,200
•'. 60
i? 2,000
fe:
sfi-n
■= 1,800
o^-
"^ 1,6UU
c»
>*
1 ^"
5 1,400
=1 .,.||
1, 00
10
1,000
soil
00 ICO 110 120
Luait Current in Amperes,
FiG. a.
the pointers h to the right, however, the voltage over S^i is raised
by exactly the same amount as that by which the voltage over vS,
is weakened, and vice versa, the result being that by moving b the
ratio between Sj, and S„, can be varied ad libitum, keeping
the total current constant. As the field excitation will certainly be
liver the knee of the excitation curve the weaker poles will be
weakened to a slightly greater extent than the stronger poles are
strengthened. This is, however, of no consequence, because a rela-
tive small displacement of 6 is necessary to obtain the full ciicu-
lating current ; anyhow, if the impressed E.JI.F. and the speed
are keep constant the total field strength must remain the same.
A fine adjustment for the total field current is therefore necessary,
and can be made by altering R^. A simflar arrangement to
change the relative strength of the two poles of opposite polarity,
so as to counterbalance the armature reaction due to the circu-
lating current, must be made.
Actual Test. — After having made arrangements for changing the
relative strength of the poles, the machine is run up as motor in
the usual way. Allow a certain cirulating current to flow in the
way described, and read the value which A, will give if half t e
driving current is added on to it. This value gives the mean load
current. The driving current is obtained from ammeters A, and
Aj. each readmg half this amount, and arranged to indicate equal
currents by a suitable out-of-balance (in this case) of the two north
poles N„ Nni. In this way the armature reactii n is counter-
balanced, so that only a circulating current can flow between brushes
1 and 2. The driving current d multiplied by the E.M.F., under
which pre.ssure this E.M.F. flows, represents, obviously, tlie ])ower
which the machine consumes rmming under these conditions.
A test was carried out on a four-pole lapwound machine of
Messrs. Allen & Son, 230 volts, 120 amperes, and the figures tluis
obtained are given in the Paper, some of them being also shown
in Fig. 4. In calculating the efficiency corrections have to be
made, since brushes 3 and 4 carrj' no circulating current, and poles
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 12, 1909.
670
Ni, and Nm are not distorted by the armature current flowing under
them. The calculation of these losses is explained in the Paper, and
is simple.
The author also proposes the following test, since in the previous
method corrections are necessary and some Io.sses occurring under
the usual running conditions do not appear: Jo send from auxiliary
machine B (Fig. ri) a current, say, in at brush 1 and out at bru.sh'2.
Ammeter A^ measures this current, and by means of the carbon
rheostat CR or changing the pressure of B, it is adjusted to half
the full-load current. The poles are normally exciteci, but current
A, exerts no torque. By strengthening N weakening N„ and at
the same time counterbalancing the armature reaction of Aj so far
till Aj also reads half the full-load current, the full-load running
conditions are obtained, and the product of volts V and amperes
A, give at once the full-load loss which occurs in the machine. The
only difference to the load condition is that in every other arma-
ture bar double the current flows, while the other bars are free from
current. These big current values cannot hurt the machine, as the
bars carrying double load and no-load continually change conditions.
The values of the efficiency obtained by both methods tally fairly
well for full-load conditions, but practice can only decide that the
proposed tests are absolutely reliable.
The author then makes an approximate calculation of the differ-
ence in iron loss, to show that the preliminary assumption that it
can never reach an appreciable value is justified. He also .shows
that the difference in the temperature rise is inappreciable, and in
conclusion discusses the nature of armature reaction in a lap-wound
machine.
THE PROGRESS OF ELECTRICAL SCIENCE DURING
1908.
JiY E. E. FOURNIER d'aLBE, B.S( '.
The year which .saw helium, the last of the "' permanent "
gase.s, reduced to the liquid state by Kamerlingh Onnes cannot
show any achievement of equal importance in physics. There
has been plenty of activity, so much, indeed, that the literature
becomes more and more unmanageable ; but the many burn-
ing questions which confronted us in the beginning of last year
arc in most eases still awaiting their answers.
The foundations of physics are being dug up to see whether
tliey are sound. We have attempts to reduce mechanics to
clectrotuagnctism and vice versa. The principh' of rehitivity
looms large and more threateningly. The motionless ether is
i)eing reduced to a mere system of co-ordinates, and .some of
the younger men. like Ritz and Bucherer, are clamouring for
the entire elimination of the ether as a subsidiary conception,
and its final banishment to the limbo of forgotten hypotheses.
G. N. Lewis boldly attributes " mass " to radiation itself, and
even Sir J. J. Thom.son (youngest of the knights of Science)
goes perilously near a corpuscular theory of light.
On the other hand, we have researches such as those of
Searle and Levi-Civita on the electromagnetic mass of the
electron and the momentum of a charged body, which tend to
etherialise tlie electric atom until it is totally deprived of
what is ordinarily styled '" mass."
That our fundamental conceptions and empiric rules both
require remodelling is shown by Bering's ingenious paradox,
in which an elastic ring is clipped on to the arm of a magnet
and pulled off sideways. Although the flux through the ring
is prodigiously diminished in doing so, yet no current is in-
duced in the ring. The discoverer supposes that if the ring
could pass through the iron itself the usual induction would
take place, but does not the whole case show that it is time to
cease tinkering with " conductors " and " circuits," and tackle
these questions by means of modern atomistic and statistical
methods ?
Electrostatics.— Among purely electrostatic effects discovered
last year we may reckon the orientation of the particles of sal-
ammoniac vapour, observed by Bloch, and the use of minute
crystals of gypsum for tracing electric lines of force, as worked
out by Fischer,
Electrons. — Becciuerel's alleged discoverv of positive elec-
trons still remains unproved, but evidence in that direction
is steadily accumulating. The announcement that thev could
lie got in the free state in a vacuum tube turns out to be un-
founded, but quite an array of phenomena point to the exis-
tence of positive electrons within the atom. They have been
traced with more or less of probability in the absorption
spectra of crystals and solutions, in the second hydrogen
spectrum, in the flame spectrum of calcium fluoride (Dufour), in
sodium vapour (Wood), and in the .spark spectrum of ytterbium
(Becquerel). But a more important development is the in-
creased use of the conception of doublets consisting of pairs
of electrons, positive and negative, which, according to Bragg,
constitute both X-rays and y-rays. The positive electron
prefers to be associated with heavier matter. It is, as Thomson
aptly put it, like a " hermit in a cell " whom neither threats
nor persuasion will bring forth into the open.
Meanwhile, the negative electron serenely continues its
career of usefulness. Perrin puts its charge at the enhanced
figure of 4-1 xlO^'" electrostatic units, and both Erfle and
Bosler, using different methods, make out that the number of
electrons taking part in optical phenomena is of the satne order
as the number of atoms present, and, if anything, rather less.
This is quite conceivable if we consider that a revolving electron
rapidly gets rid of its energy by radiation, and reipiires some
time to recoup.
A difficulty has been removed from the electron theory by
Klupathy's discovery of the deflection of a magnet by a stream
of cathode rays, alias projected electrons. The absence of
such an effect, it will be remembered, decided Hertz in favour
of an undulatory theory of cathode rays.
A passing reference should be made to Van der Waal's proof
that electric doublets caimot attract each other with a force
exceeding that proportional to the inverse seventh power of
the distance.
lonisation of Gases. — Rutherford's tour de force in measuring
the effect of the incursion of a single a-particle among a crowd
of molecules trembling on the verge of a spark discharge makes
a distinct appeal to the imagination. It is paralleled by
Regener's feat of counting these same particles by their scin-
tillation on zinc blende, and .1. S. Townsend, whose diffusion
constant for these same particles has been brilliantly confirmed
by Salles, has devised a highly ingenious nu'thod of determin-
ing their charge in comparison with the charge of a negative
electron. It turns out that the latter require twice as strong
a field to keep them from scattering as do the former, so that
the double positive charge of a-particles is confirmed. That
a single positive charge also occurs is attributable to a partial
recombination. As regards mass. Sir J. J. Thomson finds
some of these particles to have the mass of a hydrogen atom,
and others the mass of a hydrogen molecule. But the same
physicist finds the a-particles in all sorts of places where they
ought iM)t to be, and some of them carry things so far as to
provide themselves with a negative charge ! That they can be
recognised even utider that di.sguise says a great deal for the
sagacity of the head of the Cavendish Laboratory.
Radio-activity.— Activhy in this quarter shows some signs
of an exponential rate of decay. The radio-activity of the earth
has received .some attention, notably in .loly's fine presideritial
address at the Dublin meeting of the British A.ssociation.
H. A. Wilson has pointed out that, even if the earth had the
same proportion of radium throughout its substance as is found
in the earth's crust, no perceptible effect is to be expected for
10 million years. This, as the Hon. R. J. Strutt observes,
brings the life period of the parents of radium into the account.
Some careful experiments by Soddy on the evolution of heliuiu
from radium show a vield rather below the theoretical figure.
On the other hand, Rutherford's OOl cubic mm. of radium
emanation from one gramme of radirfm is remarkably close to
the theoretical figure. Sir William Ramsay's important work
on the genealogy of the '' noble gases " of the atnujspherc
promises to establish some interesting connections between
these and the products of radio-activity.
Radiation. — .-V remarkable observation must be put to the
credit of Cotton and Jlouton. who observed in nitro-benzene
an electric double refraction 1(X) times stronger than in carbon
680
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 12, 1909
bi-iulpliidc Tiklioff and Nordmann claimed to have dis-
covered a dispersion of light in space, but were promptly
checked by I.ebedcv, who attributes their alleged effect to the
physical structure of the binary stars observed. A remarkable
fir.st attempt to account for band spectra has been made by
J. Stark, who gives a suggestive image of the bands produced
by elliptical orbits of electrons. It tells us why they fade away
towards the violet, or in the otiier direction, if themselves in
the ultra-violet.
Righi's " magnetic rays " are the legal heirs of Villard's
" magneto-cathodic rays." They are doublets of the Nagaoka
type— viz., electrons revolving round positive atoms, and they
track out the lines of magnetic force in a vacuum tube. We
shall, no doubt, soon hear more about them.
Some rather wild work has been done of late in the applica-
tion of Planck's hypothesis of an atomic structure of energy.
It has been stretched so far as to determine the width of X-ray
impulses. It is, perhaps, better not to mention names, lest the
venturesome innovator repent !
Photometry. — Glazebrook's report on the photometric stan-
dard of the National Physical Laboratory raises the important
(]uostion as to whether the standard of luminosity shall be
altered or the standard of humidity, in order to establish a
strict relation between the Vernon-Harcourt pentane lamp and
the Bougie Decimale. Let us hope the Gas Commission will
have all the available evidence to guide it before deciding.
A real aid to scientific photometry should be Fery's appa-
ratus, in which the radio-micrometer is used for automatic
recording. The colour difjiculty is completely got over by a
screen consisting of a solution of verdigris, which transmits
rays in proportion to their visibility.
Magnetism. — Urbain's announcement that dysprosium had
12 times the permeability of iron- raised the hopes of engineers
in search of a light motor, only to dash them by the subsequent
news that the element in question requires a special training
and years of work to obtain by the milligramme, and then only
in the form of oxide. Magnetic alio} s also proved disappoint-
ing, though the great extent to which their magnetic, properties
can be controlled was brought out by the work of J. Ct. Gray
and Asteroth. Skinner investigated the optical properties of
ek'ctrolytic iron to good purpose, disclosing a resonance region
in the ultra-violet, which in " dark " iron shifts into the visible
spectrum. Schild found electrolytic iron to have great coer-
cive force and the hysteresis of, hard steel. He obtained two
or three times more magnetisation by depositing it in a mag-
netic field than by magnetising it afterwards. This affords a
measure of tlie resistance to magnetisation offered by the solid
state of aggregation.
Kreusler's pure iron, from which the last traces of sulphur
are eliminated by dropping it from an arc into mercury, shows
extreme hysteresis combined with great conductivitv.
Oscillations. — Numerous attempts have been made to pro-
vide the continuous wave-trains required for tuned wireless
telegraphy and wireii'ss telephony. Apart from the singing
arc, we have Glatzel's slightly damped oscillations, produced
by snapping a spark in a primary cii-cuit and starting an oscilla-
tion in a closed neighbouring circuit ; the sustained oscilla-
tions of a zinc-aluminium arc, described by Manders : and
Galletti's powerful oscillations obtained from a direct-current
dynamo. Thomson's remark that the earth as a whole is an
oscillator with a frequency of 7— per second may serve as a
basis for future efforts at interplanetary telegraphy.
Wireless Transwdssion.— The French Academy's proposals
for a service of wireless longitude signals foreshadows a time
when the rating of chronometers will no longer be a matter of
\ital importance to mariners. In this connection the question
ot direction, brought forward recently by Bellini and Tosi's
achievements, will play a very subordinate part.
. ^J} *^\^ matter of detectors we have at least one new device
111 Rossi's magneto-elastic detector, which indicates the arrival
ot a wave by the shortening of a band of light— a very con-
venient arrangement. Tissot's tellurium detectors, whether
thenuo-electne or not. have the advantage of simplicitv.
Electrolytic detectors have made some progress on the Con-
tinent. Branly has devised a system of " telemechanical "
control, evidently intended for torpedoes. The question of the
economic transmission of energy by wireless has, according to
Riidenberg, been indefinitely postponed.
Selenium. — Further efforts have been made to get the valu-
able photo-electric properties of selenium under complete con-
trol. The alluring problem of '" seeing by electricity " still
attracts pioneers. Ries obtains good results by mounting
selenium in the amorphous condition, heating it for half an
hour to 195°C., and sudden cooling. Gripenberg goes a step
further, and coats Minchin's mica-and-aluminium " bridge "
by means of selenium vapour. According to Brown and
Stebbins, increased pressure, like heat, has a deleterious effect
upon selenium cells. It is just possible that they may be
altogether superseded by the sodium-potassium alloy, which,
according to Dember, shows a ma.ximum sensitiveness when
kept under hydrogen at a pressure of 0-33 mm.
Resistance. — The increase found in the resistance of plati-
num when it absorbs hydrogen has been carefully investi-
gated by H. A. Wilson. He finds that hydrogen at first dis-
solves ill platinum and then forms a stable combination with
it, which only decomposes under very low pressures. The
extraordinary effect of a coating of quicklime in promoting
the discharge of a negatively electrified body has been further-
studied by Richardson, Jentzsch and Deininger. Richardsoii'.s
formula for the saturation current is confirmed, and it is made
increasingly probable that all the molecules, atoms, ions and
electrons in the metal are at the same temperature, and en-
dowed with speeds suitable to their masses.
A new form of high carbon resistance has been devised by
G. W. Stewart, who uses soluble cotton and lampblack, and
obtains as high a figure as 3 million ohms. Ncgre has studied
various telegraph insulators, and traced leakage to a positive
brush discharge or a negative glow discharge. F. G. Wick
has studied silicon for high-resistance conduction, but found it
too brittle for practical use.
Rectifiers. — To Austin we owe a steel-silicon contact rectifier
which makes the current go from steel to silicon. In another
rectifier it passes from tellurium to aluminium. Cathiard uses
a simple flame free from solid conducting matter. The elec-
trode immersed in the flame is always the cathode, as might
be expected. Thomson encloses an electrode in a narrow tube
within a vacuum tube. There being no room for a " dark
space," the electrode is necessarily an anode. Perkins and
Lodge have patented a useful rectifier on a similar principle.
Telephone Currents. — B. S. Cohen studies telephone cur-
rents by means of a special wire vibrator. Meanwhile, Merca-
dier has achieved further triumphs with his system of tuned
mono-telephones, worked by six accumulators, which have
enabled him to transmit a dozen telephone messages simul-
taneously over a single wire from Paris to Marseilles.
Discharge. — Guye and Bron's work on the stability of the
arc has brought out the fact that the effective P.D. for the
alternating arc must increase with the atomic weight of the
metal used as an anode. This may be attributed to the low
specific heat of the heavier metals, which encourages rapid
cooling.
Duddell has made some interesting observations on the
readings of a thermal ammeter inserted in a secondary sparking
circuit when the gap is widened from zero to 5 mm. The
maximum reading at 1 mm. is still unexplained. Meanwhile,
Almy has reduced observable spark gaps to the extraordinary
minuteness of a quarter-wave of sodium light {1-5 x 10 ''cm.),
and found 360 volts necessary to produce a discharge. This
is the inducement requiied to make an electron emerge from
the surface of a metal. Royds has analysed spark discharges
photographically, and found evidence of successive projections
of vapour at a speed of 620 m. per second.
Incandescent Lamps. — Without entering upon the innumer-
able efforts to improve the metallic filament lamp (why not
call it " wire lamp " '!), it is well to draw attention to Drys-
dale's investigation into the utmost goal of efficiency theo-
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 12, 1909.
681
rctically oljtainable. He puts it at ]() c.p. per watt if the
radiation is confined to the visible spectrum and correctly
distributed over it. or 17 c.p. ])er watt if the radiation is con-
fined to the liriiilitest cnlwur of the .■spectrum (a fireenish-
yellow).
Ehxtrolysis. — Among the large amount of electrocheriical
work we can only here refer to Hulett's large-current cadmium
cell, containing sulphuric acid. Sand's rapid method of electric
analysis, which uses an auxiliary electrode and vigorous stir-
ring, F.arhart's confirmation of Helmholtz's cell equation, and
(iilbert Lewis's evaluation of the work requii'ed to transport
water of hydration.
Instruments. — To Dolezalek we owe the '" binant " electro-
meter with a needle in two parts, whose deflection is propor-
tional to the P.D. over seven times the range previously at-
tained. Pionchon's electric hvgroscope uses the polished edge
of a broken glass tube coated inside and out. To txuillet we
are indebted for two ingenious pieces of apparatus, a kind of
induction balance which measures to lO/x/x, and an "' auto-
l)allistic " repeating galvanometer which controls its own
ini)3ul,ses.
Biology. — Guillaume and Perrin have reduced the apparent
electric "" fatigue " of metals to the presence of impurities.
^'aillant claims to have discovered a new use of X-rays for
determining whether or no infants were still-born. But the
only solid achievement in the borderland between electricity
and life must be put to the credit of Sir Oliver Lodge, whose
work on the efiect of positive electric discharges upon the yields
of crops promises to add 30 per cent, to the agricultural wealtli
of the community. This promising application of electric
power, whose inception we owe to Lemstriim, is now free from
the costliness and clumsiness originally urged against it, and
the further tests to be carried out this vear will be looked
forward to with interest.
ELECTRIC TRACTION ON RAILWAYS.*
XII. ROLLING STOCK.
BY PHILIP D.UVSOX.
(Continued from page l)-'>0.)
Siiimna,-i/—Thi author first considers rolling stock as being divided
into that for (!) main line, (2) suburban line and (3) metropolitan
tnitiic : then suggesting a classification depending on the arrangement
of the doors. After considering the conditions which influence the
design of rolling stock he discusses the influence of design on the
construction, and finally adopts the classification of all-wood and all-
steel cars. .
Before considering more in detail the methods and com-
parative devices required in order to protect a car from airv
fire danger due to short-circuits, a few general remarks on
car construction may be of u.se.
As regards the shape of cars, America has led and more
or le,ss brought in the fashion of monitor or clear storv
roofs ; these have certain ad\'antages ])ossibl\- from the
view of ventilation, but it is doubtful whether they pre.sent
any real advantages over the well-arched domed roofs
similar to those de^^igned for the Brighton coaches, and
certainly this latter construction should be cheaper than
the clear story form, especially in the case of multiside-
(loor carriages.
With regard to the general specifications of a wooden car
body, the following points are generally clearly defined :-—
The thickttess and width of roof boards, material and size
of roof sticks and method of fixing, as well as method of
fixing roof boards to roof sticks. The materials and manu-
facture of the framework are clearly set out, also the method
of making mortices, tenons and" joints. The method of
makina^he flooring and materials are specified, and in order
* Copyright. All rights of leproduclion are lesetved.
to prevent the vibration which is usual, suitable cork
cushions or pads of some form are placed between the car
body and the underframe. Lighting and ventilation and
various other details of construction which are useful are
also set out, as well as the quality and thickness of the glass
used. The seating method of manufacture, covering
.springs, cushions, blinds, floor covering and inside fittings
are usually set out at length .so that there can be no po.ssible
mistake as to the construction and finish of the carriage.
When such details and specifications are not supplied to
the tenderers very great divergencies may exist between
different tenders, which may be due entirely to a cheaper-
cla.ss of material and workmanship being contemplated in
one tender than in the other. This also applies to such
important details as painting the coaches and the general
finish and quality of the wood, &c., and too gi-eat care cannot
be exercised in preparing the various details in this c'onnec-
FiG. 9. — UxDERritAMi: or \kw York Intkkhoroicii Ki.ectkic
.MOTIIR ('All.
tion, so that all tenders received are placed on e.xactlv the
same basis. Car builders frequently send specifications with
their tenders, where no detailed specifications are prepared
by the engineer calling for tenders, and most of these are
absolutely inadequate, giving so little detail that it is quite
impossible to compare fairly prices received from different
firms.
In specifying the painting it is usual to s])ecifv the con-
sLstency and quantities of different materials required in
connection with the different paints.
Where all-steel coaches are required, detailed specifica-
tions of the thickness of the panels, theii- tensile strength,
and a method of manufacture of the .steel emploved must
be given. One of the most difficult portions of the carriage
to complete is the roof, .so as to make the same watertight,
and too gi-eat care cannot be taken to specify the manner
682
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 12, 1909.
in whicl) this should be done and watching the construc-
tion of the carriage to see that all these details, as well as
as other work are carried out according to the engineer's
requirements
We now come to the undeiframe, which is the steel frame-
work on which the coach rests, and which has to support
the whole of its weight, including passenger load, and from
which also have to be supported the various parts of the
electrical apparatus which are hung from it, such as the
motor compressor, contactors, resistances, transformer,
&c., and it is this poition which rests on the swing bolster
and is kept in place by means of the king-pin, and to which
are fixed the guide plates rubbing against the front plates
of the truck, as described in a previous article.
jThere are, roughly speaking, two types of imderframes
Swing Bolster
Swing Bolster
i-
o'rr^ — ^D'o
n
Fig. 10. — Diagram of Forms of Uxderframes in
General U.se.
at present in general use, one being what may be called the
" truss " underframe, which is the one usually utilised in
railway work and which is illustrated in Fig. 9. It con-
sists of two longitudinal girders strengthened by means of
tie-rods, as shown in this illustration, cross-braces being
utilised to brace the side frames and also serving to support
and divide amongst the two side frames the weights of the
auxiliary apparatus, &c. Besides the longitudinal bracing
provided for by the tie-rods, transverse bracing has to be
provided, and this, as well as the general appearance of the
motor underframe by itself, is clearly shown m Fig. 9 and
There are practically two types of underframes in general
use, one consisting of .side frames made either of entirelv
structural steel or of steel armoured wood. Structural steel
framing is usually adopted for electric railway work, with
tie-rods constituting a truss, which is the usual steam rail-
wav practice ; electric practice has introduced the plate
girder, truss rods being done away with ; these construc-
tions are shown diagrammatically in Fig. 10, and are illus-
trated in the figures previously referred to, namely 8 and 9.
Lbi per foot equally diatributed load
\ Loada applied at ipdlTidiial polptl
O^J
/ Lbs. per foot eqaallj' distribiitod load
III iiiiii iiiiiiii I I iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
O O
SideJ Klevatioij of Underframe
^
F^r
.,., J J\
hF^
D
A
E'rfF
1 °
■ I
L_
E
Plan of Underframe
D. CompiTssjiPmiip.
Fig. 11. — Diagram showing Distribi'tion of Load on Car Under-
frame.
In order to ascertain the dimensions of these side frames,
■ the weights of the body and passenger load must be given,
I and in the case where luggage or electrical apparatus may
j be contained in the coach itself these weights must be
I ascertained and equally divided, as shown diagrammati-
cally in Fig. 1 1 ; then the weights of the various apparatus
hung from the underframe must be added as applied at
their centres of gravity, as .shown in Fig. 11. The two side
frames are taken as forming part of one girder and supposed
to be supported as shown in the diagram from the bolster
centres. The calculations are quite simple and need not be
Fig. 12. — Type of Trussed Steel Underframe for JIotor Cars.
marked B. It is also essential to brace the struts properly
on which the tie-rods act, so as to keep them constantly in
compression, and these are shown in the same illustration
under the letter C, and wherever possible cross-bracing
is utilised so as to keep the side frames from moving
relatively to each other.- In designing an electric motor
coach it becomes very difficult to find room for such
side bracing, and in making the necessary calculations of
strength the necessity of bracing of this kind must not be
overlooked ; where this bracing is impossible it is essential
that all the corners and attachments of the cross-brace
should be strengthened as far as possible bv gusset plates
or other appropriate means.
gone iiito liere any further, but jjrovision .should be made
for the stresses which the underframe will have to support
owing to the shocks by selecting a somewhat greater factor
of safety than that which would be adopted for bridge
construction.
The actual final design of the underframe will depend on
the required clearances, on the type of truck adopted, on
the motor equipments, on the height of the station plat-
forms, on the type of car body adopted, and too great care
cannot be taken in checking that all specified requirements
have been filled. A standard steel underframe thus calcu-
lated is shown in Fig. 12.
(To be continued.)
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 12, 1909.
683
ELECTRIFICATION OF THE LONDON, BRIGHTON
& SOUTH COAST RAILWAY.
The accompanyiug illustration gives an excellent view of
one of the new electric trains to be used on thn Souih London
line of the London, Brighton & Soutli Coast Railway, and which
SOME MOTOR INSTALLATIONS ON THE MAINS OF
THE LANCASHIRE ELECTRIC POWER CO.
It is rather interesting to consider what the ultimate re.sult
of the arduou.s conditions at present imposed on manufacturers
in many large towns will be. It almost seems as if these con-
New P.\ssekgek Coaches fuk 1.<
was used for the trial run referred to in our last issue. The
motormau's cab and the guard's van are seen at the front of the
train with the two trolleys just above. E ich train consists of two
third-class motor cars with a tirst-class coach between them,
the latter having no electrical equipment
except for lighting, and each of the former
being fitted with four 120 h.p. single-phase
motors designed by Dr. Eichlierg, the in-
ventor of this type of compensated repul-
sion motor. Each coaih is mounted on two
compressed steel bogies with -I J in. wheels
and 8 ft. wheel base. The overall length of
the coach is 60 ft. and 41 ft between bogie
centres, the width overall being 9 ft. Be-
sides ordinary hand brakes, Westinghouse
air brakes of the most modern type are in-
stalled throughout the train. As the up-
holstering is excellent, it may be said that
everything has been done for both safety
and comfort of the passengers.
The contractors for the whole of the work
of electrification, with the exception of the
coaches themselves, are the Allgemeiue
Elektricitiits Gesellschaft, of Berlin, who
were entuiste<l with the contract in conse-
quence of the very favourable terms and the
^■e^3' satisfactory guarantees as regards
efficiency and operation put forward by
them. It was, however, stipulated by the
Brighton Railway Company that everything
should be of British minufacture as far as k - i —
possible, with the result that all the work
has been carried out l:)y British firms with
the exceptiiin of the electrical eiiui[)ment of the trains.
The whole of the rolling stock, coaches and trucks were de-
signed by ]\Ir. Philip Daw. son, conbultiugeleetrical eugineerto the
railway comjmu}', and were conrtructcd under his supervision by
the -Metropolitan Amalgamated Carriage it Wagon Co.,of SJaltley.
ditions, combined with the drag of heavy rates, will lead to a
sort of " bick to the land " movement, and that in time manu-
facturing towns as such will cease to exist. Such a movement
will not be without its advantage? to tho=e ciu:: ; ' i i-: tlie
caiM:u Ol .>ll>^];^. i'.r,-i.N iv ,.ii.i,..u's WoBKS, Bbaplet Foi.1i.
supply of electric power, and if the '• power companies '" can
persiude these emigrants to settle in dose proximity to their
mains many of the ditficuliies at present besetting both will be
removed.
The power companies have had, as everyone knows, an ex-
684
THE ELECTRICIAN. FEBRUARY 12, 1909.
ccediugl.v uj)liill task. Many of them have to supply lean dis-
tricts and this, combined with the machinations of " Bumble-
dom," no doubt undertaken with the !>est intentions, but none
the less distressing for that reason, have not tended to help
velopmcnt. At the present time the most successful
their
of these companies arf those supplying districts where many
Fia. 2.— Calico rBi-\TiNi;_MA(H]NE deivbn by 30 h.p. Motor throdoh Woem 0
(Mkssiis. Schmidun', Brown & Co., Huadley Fold.)
towns are grouped together within a relatively small area.
For although in these cases the companies are not permitted to
supply within the towns themselves, the surrounding country
is already occupie<l by factories which are generally willing at
least to consider the advantages of the electric drive.
A district to which the above remarks apply is that over
which the Lancashire Electric PowerCo.havesuppIvinu- powers.
This, as shown in Fig. 4, embraces the whole
county of Lancaster south of the Kibble, with
the exception of the cities of Liverpool and
Manchester and the towns of Boltoil and Stock-
l)ort. The company began supplying in the
autumn of 1905, and since that time the de-
velopment has been exceedingly satisfactory.
A large number of local authorities within the
area have entered into arrangements for the
transfer of their electrical powers to the com
pany, while others are taking supply " in bulk"
and distril)uting it themselves. In these dis
trict.s, moreover, the company have arranged
to supjily large consumers direct on advan-
tageous terms, and it is with some of these
consumers' installations that we propose to
deal below.
As will be remembered, the company at the
present time posr ;ses one power station at
liadolifie having a capacity of f<,000 kw. Four
I'.OOO kw. Curtis-Thomson-Houston steam tur-
buie sets are installed, supplied with steam
from SIX Babcock & Wilcox boilers, fitted with
I liaui-grate stokers and superheaters. These
liuders have an aggregate evaporative capacity
of 1 120,000 lb. of water per hour. The f eedei s
leave the stations in three directions, and all
consist at this point of overhead wires sup-
ported on creosoted "A" poles. In fact there
station tL' wl'' "^ "'■"■'^'^'^ ^^''^'''' ^»PPli«d from this
torCaOe fr ll.^'''"'"' P"'' "^.""^ cable system is made
npot Lallonders three-core paper insulated lead-covered u d
w.re-armoured cables laid in wooden trough on thT= firm's
Scnf'5otVr'"'u ^^-P»-- current, wlS^^rTe
nuencj of .-,0 and at a voltage of 10,000, is generated, and is
supplied at this voltage to special sub-stations on the premises
of large consumers.
These sub-sfations are, in general, substantial brick build-
ings, whose interiors are divided into two chambers. Into one
of these chambers are led the high-tension mains, and it also con-
tains the necessary transformers whereby the voltage is stepped
down to 400 volts for use in the works.
Thrfie-phase oil-cooled transformers are used
throughout, as this is thought to lie the
most economical method. In all cases the
feeders are led in in duplicate, and it is
possible for the consumer himself to change-
over from one to the other in case of acci-
dent. As, however, no access is allowed to
the high-tension gear except to servants of
the company, the feeder switch handles are
placed in the low-tension chamber and a
simple interlocking arrangement is provided,
so that both feeders cannot be used at the
same time. On the low-tension side the
distributing arrangement. s, of course, depend
to some extent on the character of the
works, and this equipment is arranged in
consultation with the consumer. The com-
pany is prepared to undertake the supply
of the electrical plant required for the
driving of any plant on their mains, the
payment being arranged on an easy hire-
purchase system. In such a case the
company's engineers undertake the pre-
jniration of all engineeiing work in connec-
tion with the scheme, and consumers are,
therefore, certain that the equipment
will be of the best and erected in the
best possible manner. Arrangements for maintenance are
also made.
The character of the works supplied by the Lancashire
Electric Power Co. varies greatly. It includes various branches
of the textile trades, engineering works, especially ironworks,
foundries and textile machinists, and collierioSj as well as
laundries and other such domestic concerns.
Dkvinu 'J'ins, di;ivk.n bv a 14 a.
PRHiT Work?.)
I An interesting plaat supplied from these mains, and one
where the electric drive is installed throughout, is that of
: the works of Messrs. Dobson & Barlow, of 'Bolton, who are
specialists in the manufacture of textile machinery. The
I motors are arranged in positions where, while performing their
work in an .adequate manner, they are not unduly obstrusive.
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 12, 1909.
685
. In the case of the large machines they are fixed in special
pits under the floor and drive the machines througn belts or
gearing. An interesting machine in this shop is that for
cleaning'castings. It consists essentially of a niotor-drivcu
air compressor and a quantity of shot. This shot is forced out
under pressure througii a hose pipe and, impinging on the cast-
ing, quickly removes all roughness. The face of the man
operating this machine is, of course, protected by a mask of
the inquisitorial type. Three-phase current is used throughout
this works, the voltage being 400 volts, and the current is also
employed for lighting the works. This factory is only newly
opened, the firm having lately deserted Bolton for Bradley
Fohl in the rural district of Bury, and the motor drive has
been used from the beginning. A corner of one of the shops
is shown in Fig. 1.
The works of Messrs. Sclimidlin, Brown & Co., of Bradley
Fold, are also practically electrically driven throughout, the total
the foreground by adjusting a resistance in the rotor windings.
The whole set is extremely compact, and the space taken up
is a minimum. These motors have replaced small diagonal
engines, which were necessarily inefficient owing to the long
lengths of steam pipe necessary. The actu.al printing is effected
from the rollers seen on the machines. The design is etched
on these rollers and the colour is picked up from troughs. A
separate roller is, of course, used for each colour and the fabric
passes between them in turn. As all the rollers are made of
copper the capital bound up in this way is often quite con-
siderable.
Another factory of a somewhat similar character is that of
the Woodhey Printing & Dyeing Co., of Ramsbottom. This
factory was, unfortunately, burnt down a short time ago,
and when it was rebuilt new steam plant was installed for
driving {)urposes. The superior advantages of the electric
drive, however, so fascinated the proprietors that it was not
Fia 4 — M.\i' SHowiKo the Disinicis over whk ii The Lakcasuire liLEtriuc Tower Co. .may Suitlt.
power of motors installed being 370 h.i-. The conditions hero
are exceptionally arduous, for the processes used require the
employment of large quaniities of steam, so that the atmosphere
is both hot and damp. It is certainly an advertisement to the
efficacy of the electric motor that it; should have been adopted
here ; for steam has to be used, and a steam engine would,
therefore, seem an obvious corollary. It is, however, \cvy
necessary in this class of work that the drive should 1)6 steady,
and the electric motor is, of course, well adapted for this pur-
pose. It is also satisfactory to note that in spite of the adverse
conditions the motors have all worked well. Fig. 2 shows an
eight-colour calico printing machine in these works driven
through worm-gearing by a 30 }I,P. motor. The motor is fitted
with a wound rotor, and speed regulation, which is required
when " making ready," is effected from the controller seen in
long before the steam plant was removed and motors supplied
from the Power Company's mains installed. For calico print-
ing in this factory similar machines are used to those illustrated
above. The actual methods of drive adopted are practically
the same, though 17 n.v. motors are cnii)loycd. Fig. 3 shows
a filling mangle and drying tins working in this factory and
driven by a 14 ir.i'. motor. After certain preliminary processes
the bleached and damp calico is p.issed bet ween the rollers of this
machine and also taken through heated chambers so that it is
thoroughly dried. The atmosphere of this part of the factory
is more than faintly reminiscent of a Turkish bath; it will,
therefore, be recognised that the conditions are not exactly
ideal for motor working. The machines, however, give little
or no trouble and the owners of the factory are very satisfied
wuth their operation.
68G
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBKUARY 12, 1909.
As is perliaps only natural, the electric drive is finding an
ever-increasing' employment in textile work. In fact, it pos-
sesses special advantages for this purpose, owing to the greater
steadiness of the drive. The fabric produced is, therefore,
more even, and there is less chance of the thread breaking.
In the mill of the JJrightmet Mill Co. the machines are arranged
on two floors, and are driven by two motors, one on each floor,
li:., one GOH.r. motor and one 25 H.r. motor; there is also
a .5 H.r. motor in a separate room for the preparation
machinery. The motors arc i)laced outside the actual weaving
sheds out of the reach of the operatives. The motors drive
one main shaft, oft' which " tappings " are taken to the various
machine groups through gearing. This is, of course, not the
most economical way, but it must be remembered that this
mill was jirimarily arranged for steam drive, and it is found
that even under these unfavourable conditions the motor has
many advantages over the steam engine. In numerous mills
supplied from the company's mains the individual drive is,
however, adopted, or at least the groups are subdivided to a
greater extent than is the case in the Brightmet Mill.
The installations described above may be taken as typical of
the class of work to be met with on the mains of the Lancashire
Electric Power Co., but, of course, they must not be considered
as by any means exhaustive. The number of the consumers
is steadily increasing, and the outspoken satisfaction of those
already connected to the mains must cxerciso considerable
influence on prospective users.
■We have to thank Mr. C. D. Taite, engineer and manager of
the Lancashire Electric Power Co., for showing our represen-
tati\e the various details of the installations descriljed above,
and for supplying us with the photographs illustrating the
article.
SELF INDUCTION OF THREE PHASE CABLES.
BY F. .J. O. HOWK.
The formula usually given in text and pocket-books for the
calculation of the self-induction of circuits is : —
L. ={01-1- 0-92 log ,0 ?-^)^°"'^^°''yPo°!:^'"°"''^'"'' ■ w
where a is the distance between the centres of the two con-
ductors, and d is the diameter of each conductor. For three-
core cable this formula becomes : — '
L,= f 0-05 + 0-46 log,,-" V^^' H"''y ?«•■ P''=»^« P"- /o)
' V *= ° il } kdometre loop. ' ^-^i
The constants in the above formula (0-1 and 005 respec-
tively) are determined by the distribution of current in the
conductors (unequal current density in their cross section) and
the equations themselves are means of limiting formuke. If
the current be regarded as equally distributed over the cross-
.section of the copper conductor, the value of the self-induction
is obtained from the formula : —
L. = ('0-2-)-0-92 lo2n 2«\10-» henry per kilometre
V ^ d) loop. • ^"^l
If, on the other hand, the current be regarded as flowing con-
centrated along an infinitely thin annulus close to the surface
of the conductor, the self-induction equation becomes :—
L,= {^) + 0 92 log,„ ■^'jlO-' henry per kilometre loop. (4)
Owing to the eddy currents induced in conductors carrvin"
alternating currents, the current density is a minimum at the
centre of the conductor and a maximum close to the surface
(8km eitect). The exact distribution of the "current is difficult
to calculate, but depends upon the diameter of the conductor
and the Irequency of the alternating current. It is therefore
usual to take the arithmetical mean of these two equations
(J) and (4) as exact enough for the calculation of the self-
eruSr-- '" ^^ '^■''' '" ^'^'^ ^"^''"'^^ self-induction
L, = (^c ■(- 0-92 log ,„ ~" jlO-= henry per kilometre loop, (5)
be value of the constant c is taken as 0- 1 .
Tests on various cables, however, show that this " constant "
varies considerably with increasing section of copper conductor,
and errors mav therefore be introduced into calculations of
transmission cables, especially with higher voltages, as the
self-induction increases and the capacity decreases with in-
creasing insulation thickness.
The value of this " constant " c can be determined experi-
mentally for any cable ; the following tests were taken by
means of a telephone bridge and a variometer in the usual way,
the cable being first balanced with resistances by means of
continuous current and then balanced with the variometer by
means of alternating current. Various frequencies were used
but no appreciable difference was noticed until the frequency
reached about 500 per second.
All the cables were formed of circular conductors, the three
cores being layed up, wormed circular and lead covered.
/ 2«\
The factor (0-92 log lo^ ) was calculated from the dimen-
sions of the various cables and subtracted from the measured
self-induction, the difference giving the distribution constant
c in the loop formula (5).
Table ]
.-.Sc//-
Iiulnctio
I Tests
on Three-con Cables.
■a
Worli-
S 2 1
111.
Dia-
Dis.
Ug|ft
Distri-
Cross
a 1
iog
E •J^'^'a
meter
tance
0-92 L^'a S-2
bution
section of
a '
pros-
a o oii,
of
Between
losn, 9.2 a u
con-
each
strand
centres.
2>.
a'S 5 c
stant.
conductor.
i
'•3 c d p
U
S<n5 £
i
Volts.
ill""
d
|-1|
sq.
sq. in.
mm.
10 '
00155
7
2,000
2-3
405
6-35
0-457
0-608
0151
10
00155
7
7.000
60
4-05
10-05
0-640
0-778
0-138
10
00155
7
7.000
6 0
4-05
10-05
0-640
0-782
0142
10
00155
7
8.000
■ 70
4 05
11 05
0-678
0-782
0104
10
00155
7
8.000
7-0
4-05
11-05
0-678
0-817
0139
10
00155
7
8.000
7-0
4-05
11-05
0-678
0-823
0145
10
0 0248
7
2,000
2-3
5-13
7-43
0-425
0 563
0-138
111
0 0248
7
5.000
4-0
.513
9-13
0-i507 1 0-634
0127
1(1
00248
7
."i.OOO
4-0
5-13
9-13
0,507 0-646
0-141
2.5
0 0387
7
2.000
2-3
6-39
8-69
0-400
0-513
0-113
2.5
00387
7
2.000
2-3
6-39
8-69
0-400
0-530
0-130
25
0-0387
7
4.000
3-0
6-30
0.30
0-431
0-547
0116
25
00387
7
4,000
3-0
6-39
9-39
0-431
0-549
0-118
25
00387
7
5,000
4-0
6-39
10.39
0-471
0.556
0-085
25
00387
7
11,600
5-5
6-39
11-89
0-525
0-626
0-101
25
00387
7
(1.600
5-5
6-39
11-89
0-525
0-630
0-105
35
00542
7
(iOO
1-5
7-56
0-06
0-340
0-476
01 27
35
00542
7
2.000
2-3
7-50
9-86
0-383
0-508
0-125
35
00542
7
2.000
2-3
7-56
9-86
0-383
0-527
0-144
35
00542
7
(1-600
5-5
7-56
13-06
0-495
0-576
0-081
35
00542
7
6,600
5-5
7-56
13-06
0 495
0-586
0-091
35
00542
7
8,000
70
7-56
14-56
0-539
0-603
0-064
35
00542
7
8,000
70
7-56
14-56
0-539
0-502
0-053
50
00775
7
2,000
2-3
9-06
11-36
0-3(i7
0-448
0081
50
0-0775
7
2,000
2-3
9-06
1 1 -36
0-367
0-467
O-lOO
50
0-0775
7
5,000
40
9-06
13-06
0-423
0-453
0-030
50
0-0775
7
5,000
4-0
9-06
13-06
0-423
0-451
0-028
50
0-0775
7
11.000
10-0
9-06
19-06
0-574
0-590
0-016
70
0-1085
10
2,000
2-3
10-85
1315
0-354
0-449
0-095
70
0-1085
10
2,000
2-3
10-85
13-15
0-354
0-453
0-099
70
01085
19
3.000
3-0
10-85
13 85
0-3745
0-452 1 0-0775
70
0-1085
19
3.000
30
10-85
13-85
0-3745
0-454
0-0795
70
0)085
19
9,000
80
10-85
18-85
0-408
0-601
0-103
70
0-1085
19
9,000
80
10-85
18-85
0-408
0-606
0-108
!)5
0-147
19
300
14
12-60
14-00
0-310
0-397
0-078
!I5
0-147
19
300
14
12-()0
1400
0-319
0-390
0-080
05
0-147
19
600
1 ."i
l2-(.)0
1410
0-322
0-364
0-042
05
0-147
19
600
1-5
12-60
14-10
0-322
0-374
0 052
05
0-147
19
2,000
23
12-60
1400
0344
0-400
0-056
120
0-1 8fi
19
5.000
4-0
14-2
18-20
0-376 1 0-418
0-042
120
0-180
19
5,000
4-0
14-2
18-20
0-376
0-433
0-057
185
0-286
37
1,500
2-3
17-64
10-94
0-326
0-281
-0-045
185
0-286
37
1,500
2-3
17-64
10-94
0-326
0-292
-0-034
240
0-372
37
1,500
2-3
20-09
22-30
0-320
0-280
-0-040
240
0-372
37
1,500
2-3
20-09
22-30
0-320
0-270
-0-050 '
310
0-480
01
2,000
30
22-86
25-86
0-326
0-300
-0-026
310
0-480
61
2-000
3-0
22-86
25-86
0-326
0-306
-0-020
It will be seen that the value of c varies in a fairly uniform
manner inversely as the conductor cross-section and inversely
as the insulation thickness ; the negative values are quite
unexpected and apparently contradictory to the fundamental
equation'; however, they are by no means erratic. Table
THE ELECTRICIAN. FEBRUARY 12, 1909.
687
No. II. shows the mean .values of c arranged in order of cross-
section and insulation thickness.
Table II.— ra?«e o/C.
Sec. of
Thickness
of insulation between cores and between cores
con-
ductor
and lead.
ram."
1"4 mm.
I'O
2-3
3-0
4-0
5-5
6-0
7-0
80
10-0
10
0-151
0-140
0-129
16
0-138
0-134
...
25
0-121
0-117
0085
0-103
35
0-127
0-134
0-086
0038
30
0-090
0-029
0-016
70
0-097
0-078
0-105
95
0079
0-047
0-056
1-20
0-050
ISJ
- 0-030
•240
-0-045
310
...
- 6-023
PARALLEL OPEBATION OF ALTERNATOES.
The following is an abstract of the discussion which took
place at the ^Manchester Local Section of the Institution of
Electrical Engineers, when Dr. E. Rosenberg read his Paper on
the above subject. This Paper was also read in London, an
abstract of it, together with the discussion, .appearing in our
last two issues : —
Mr. S. J. W.4TS0N said tlie subject was one that luid .ihvays been a
ti,nod deal to the frunt, and many years ago was a vital point in connection
with supply. In the early nineties alternators were very rarely run in
parallel, but were sectioned on to different feeders, and. as the load went
off, change-over switches were used to gradually put the whole load on
one machine. At that time the frequency was 100, but since 50 had
become standard practice it simplified considerably the problem of
]iarallel running. It was where different types of prime movers were
installed that it was difficult to run in parallel, those of the same size
and type causing no difficulty. The best type of prime mover for parallel
running was undoubtedly the steam turbine, and the second best the
high-speed multijile-crank compound engine, where three complete
engines were on one shaft with equal work on each crank pin, same weight
of moving parts on each, and, consequently, a very even turning move-
ment.
Mr. J. S. Peck did not agree with Mr. Watson as to engines of the same
size and ty])e always operating satisfactorily, because he knew of a few
cases where both engines and generators were made by the same firm,
and at the same time to the same specification, and yet there was the
greatest cUfRculty experienced in their parallel operation.
Mr. R. Porter was particularly interested in the curves of critieiil
flywheel effect, especially as affecting gas engines. It appeared that
double-acting tandem engines were designed only from a mechanical
point of view. He had seen a number of installations of this type driving
alternators in parallel with absolutely no trouble, but had only once
noticed the use of special damper devices. In this instance twin tandem
double-acting 2,000 h.p. sets were installed. The single-phase genera-
t<irs had solid steel poles with a brass ring on either side of the rotor
lixed to the pole-pieces with brass screws. He would like to ask the
author what he had foinid the practice in this matter. He was not aware
that generator makers ever gave any information as regards the elec-
trical conditions of their machines, as the Paper stated should be done.
Mr. A. E. McKenzik related an instance of hunting which came under
his notice about eight years ago in London. The trouble was eventually
cured by putting copper damping rings lound the pole-pieces. In the
same station were some motor alternators which were identical, aod would
not run together in parallel, but would run with any of the other sets.
That trouble was overcome by shaving the edges off the poles, thus
making the air-gap between the pole-pieces greater.
Mr. C. C. AiTCHisoN referred to the case of some niolor alternators.
The machines Inmted badly and finally had to be shut down. Then
amortisseur coils were fitted, and the machines had run .satisfactorily ever
since.
Mr. A. F. Guy referred to (he author's remarks on the fundamental
wave due to inetiuality of pressure on either side of the piston, and asked
if the steam turbine would not diminish this fundamental wave due to
the uniformity of torque. Also, would a slight difference in the point of
cut off induce surgings and harmonics ? He asked if it were practicable
to use, and were condensers contmereially made, so as to introduce some
capacity and level down the different harmonic waves.
Mr. M. H.vRTENHEiM asked what influence the wave form of the E...M.F
curve had on jiarallel lunning. The trouble with the machines in London
mentioned by one speaker was i)erhaps due to such differences.. In a
similar case v.-hich had come to his knowledge the trouble was overcome
by simply altering the pole-tips of one machine.
Mr. J. H. Thom.is mentioned that the firm he was connected with had
developed a special type of alternator, where the rotor revolved outside
the stator. It made an ugly sort of construction, but seemed efficient.
He thought all manufacturers of alternating current machinery, if they
did not fit damper arrangements, should make provision for their addition
in ease of future troxible. , .
Mr. A. G. Cooper said he had experienced no difficulty even in the
early nineties in running alternators in parallel.
Jlr. A. R. DuNTON asked if there was any method of ascertaining
v.hether a machine was generating or motoring.
Mr. Miles W.^lker, in a written communication, remarked that, in
this Paper, the author had gathered together all the considerations bear-
ing upon the subject, thus producing a very complete, yet lucid, treatise.
The curves given indicated almost without calculation whether any
particular alternator set would run in parallel in any particular station,
thus providing valuable information for engine and dynamo builders.
There were some minor points open to criticism. The symbols of the
formulae were not very well chosen : letters distinguished only by the
kind of type were not good. Also he would like to have a more exact
definition of the " net vector." Did it correspond with the bus bar
voltage ? Did it have a constant speed ? If so, how could I„ represent
the synchronising current and be independent of the self-induction of
other machines ?
Dr. Rosenberg, in reply, said that Mr. Walker's criti? i-m regarding
letters distinguished only by type was justified. The net v.- lor was
defined as the vector of a synchronous machine replacing the net, and
taking at every moment the same current as the net would take. In
the case of a lighting or induction motor load, the net vector wa.s lagging
by a fixed angle behind the bus bar vector. Mr. Walker was quite right
in pointing out that in many cases it woiUd not rotate with constant speed,
but might have an additional oscillating movement ; that did not affect
the calculations, it meant only another component of a synchri>ni.sing
force with another frequency. Mr. Watson's remarks as to the adapta-
bility of three-crank engines for parallel o]>eration were quite right as far
as high-speed engines were concerned, and fitted with a good substantial
flywheel ; but for machines of that ty|)e of moderate speed, fitted with a
flywheel just sufficient for a cyclic irregularity of 1 to 200 or 1 to 300, the
results would be different. Damping arrangements in generators driven
by single-acting gas engines, with one explosion per revolution, were not
necessary and gave no advantage in 50 cycle machines of the standard
regulation and speed of 100 revs, per min. or more. The case of hunting
mentioned by Mr. McKenzie was hardly to be ascribed to crank mecha-
nism, as in engines of that speed the flywheel effect, as a rule, was suffi-
ciently above the critical value, but it might be the engine governors
that were responsible for hunting. The question of Mr. Guy whether
condensers could be applied for the higher harmonics seemed to be due
to a misunderstanding ; the pul.'^ation of power from one machine to the
other was not caused by the higher harmonics of the E..M.F. wave, but by
the higher harmonics of the torque diagram. Mr. Hartenheim men-
tioned the influence of the E.M.F. wave form, but this gave rise only
to wattless current of higher frequency, and not to a fluctuation of power.
If in certain cases a change in pole-tips of an alternator affected the hunt-
ing, then it was not due to change in wave form, but of short-circuit
current due to changing the polar arc. This was equivalent to an altera-
tion of the air-gap. In reply to Mr. Dunton. a wattmeter or an inte-
grating wattmeter would show whether the m K-hine was generating or
motoring.
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BLBCTRICITY SUPPLY TABLES AND DATA,
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Dndertaklngs of the United Kingdom for Lightlog. Power and
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for January 1st. This Supplement dealt with Electric Power
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corrected to date. The second Table, giving complete Engineering
Data of the Electric Railways and Tramways of the United King-
dom, was published (Gratis) with " The Electrician " for January 15 ;
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dealing with Electricity Supply Undertakings with Combined Light-
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Bulk, was published (Gratis) on January 29. On February 19 will
be issued >GratisJ a Complete Index to the above.
Tables VII. and VIII., giving details of Electricity Works and
Electric Tramways and Railways in the Colonies and some Im-
portant places abroad is issued (Gratis, to-day (Feb. 12.)
THE TRAINING OF ENGINEERS.
All iiiiportaut I'dpor was read last year by ]\Ir. Magni'S
W. Alexander before the American Institute of Electrical
Engineers, and an account of the discussion has recently
appeared in the " Proceedings," on a " New Method of
Training Engineers." Mr. Alexandek is more tlian usually
well qualilied to deal with the problem in that he is cmi-
cerned with the arrangements of the General Electric Co.
(U.S.A.) for dealing with students who go into the works of
that company after leaving college. In this country, after
leaving his college, the .student falls into any niche in the
manufacturing or other engineering line that may be open
to him, and proceeds to pick up what lie can and to earn
a living as far as possible. In the works of the (ieneral
Electric Co., however, no such haphazard plan is followed,
for the company takes graduates from the technical schools
and proceeds to train them during a further period of two
years, giving them during this time practical experience in
the handling and testing of apparatus, thus enlarging their
engineering knowledge and acquainting them with^ the
t^uantitative value of the product of the factory. In order
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 12. 1909,
689
to direct the studies along proper lines a Supervisory
Committee was organised a few years ago, consisting of
four members of the engineering staff of tlie Lynn Works,
one member being the superintendent of the testing de-
partment. The Committee meets at short intervals, and
each new student is called before the Committee some-
time during his first three months of service so that the
Committee may get acquainted with him. He is questioned
as to his plans, and a record is made of the impression pro-
duced by the student upon the < "onimittee. Within the
next six months he is called again and examined quite
fully in regard to his theoretical and applied technical
knowledge. The examination is more or less informal, but
essentially practical. Such examinations aim rather at
assisting the student than anything else, and are repeated
two or three times during the course. Those students who
do not come up to the standard, after they have been warned
by the Committee, are dropped from tlie course, whereas
those who give a satisfactory account of themselves are
usually placed in suitable positions as soon as they graduate.
Although this system has turned out engineers of high
rank, Mr. Alexander is nevertheless convinced that it is
not the most effective method. He suggests that it would
be much better to have a co-operative course, or what one
might term a sandwich system on an intimate scale, so
that the student would spend comparatively short periods
alternately in the college and in the factory. It is sug-
gested that periods of a year, or even six months, spent
alternately in this way would not avail to give close co-
ordination of theory and practice, which is an essential
feature of the plan, but that the student .should start with
periods of four or five weeks, and that these should become
longer as the course proceeds, until they expand to, say, a
college term. The summer vacation would be divided into
two, half the students going to the works in the first half,
the remainder having a holiday, and vice versa. It is
the opinion of Mr. Ale.xander that the average student i.s
capable of doing a good deal of useful commercial work for
which he should be paid, and he suggests a .starting wage
of $G a week with a yearly increase of $2 a week, so that
apprentices would earn more than they would generally be
required to pay to the college in fees. It is pointed out
that it would not be necessary for the college programme
under these conditions to deal with certain items as fully
as hitherto, and that the present four years college pro-
gramme could be very nearly covered in the first five years
of the co-operative course. The sixth year might be
entirely spent at the college.
It is interesting to learn that about a couple of years
ago the University of Cincinnati and the manufacturers
of Cincinnati arranged for a co-operative course somewhat
on these lines, the student spending every otlier week at
the factory or the college.
A scheme of this kind, put forward by an engineer of the
General Electric C^o., who has had unusual facilities for
looking into the matter, .should certainly receive attention.
There are, however, some very obvious difficulties. It
would be impossible for small works to give the necessary
facilities, and in any case only a certain proportion of the
total output of students could be provided for in factories.
The larger factories would probably feel that they were
educating men for the benefit of their smaller competi-
tors, and as there are very few colleges in the immediate
neighbourhood of works it would usually be impossible
to follow a co-operative system for such short periods
as those in Cincinnati. It has always appeared to us
that there was a good deal to be said in favour of the sys-
tem followed by Faraday House, in which a year at works
is sandwiched between two of theoretical instruction
though there must generally be a certain disinclination to
start seriously at theoretical work after a taste of the
practical, and a good deal of time must be spent in regain-
ing lost ground. On the other liand, time spent in the
works must impress the student with the fact that engineer-
ing is a serious matter, and also with some idea of respon-
sibility, which idea is non-existent ia the college. There
is really a gO(xl deal to be said in favour of the would-be
student spending a year in the shops before going to the
college. By so doing he obtains a certain knowledge of prac-
tical matters, and if he loses some ground in theorotical
matters it is at an age when this does not so very much
matter. This period of shop life would also have the
advantage of eliminating those who find a little practical
work of this kind a hardship.
In the discussion on this Paper Mr. C. 1". Stein.metz ex-
pressed the opinion that the college should cmly touch
those subjects which the student could not learn after
leaving college, and he was quite averse to the idea that
colleges should turn out young men fit immediately to fill
important industrial positions ; if they did so he would
very strongly suspect them of having wasted the young
man's time by teaching him thing? which he could learn
just as well, if not better, afterwards. We think there is
a good deal in the opinion expressed by Mr. C. F. Scott
that we ought to develop the man as much as the engi-
neer, so that when we have the man it is a small question
whether he is an engineer, or a doctor, or something
else. One of the advantages of the present system,
in the opinion of Mr. Scott, is that whereas at the
college the student is passive, when he gets into works it is
necessary for him to become active. The foreman does not
run round with bits of experience for his information. The
student is at a loss for a time, and then finds he has to shift
for himself, and this is one of the best experiences of the
apprenticeship course. If the co-operative course gave the
idea that everything was simply for the benefit of the
student something would be lost, although theoretical and
practical training should certainly go hand in hand as
mucli as possible.
REVIEWS.
(Copi^ of the im iermontioned works caa be had from T/ic Elecirician Office, post frte,
ou receipt of published price, adding 3d. for books published under 23. Add 10 per
cent, for abroad or for foreign books.)
Die TelegraphenMesskunde. Bv H. DKEisij.\cit. (Brunswick :
I'. Vi<-xveK- & Son.) Pp. xi. -163. M 6.
The author has produced a comprehensive treatise on all
the practical measurements with which the modern telegraph
or telephone engineer is likely to be concerned, or which the
student of electro-technics will probably require to know in
connection with telegraphy and telephony. No one investi-
gator can to-day claim to have performed original work in all
the midtifarious branches of these subjects, and a book on
690
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 12, 1909.
methods of measuieiucnt and the apjiaratus applied must
necessarily be of the nature of a compilation from many
different sources. The author acknowledges his indebtedness
in the present instance to Kohlrausch, Strecker, Kittler,
Younj;, Kempe and Armagnat, and in the course of the work
quotations are made from the writings of Poggendorfi", Dubois-
Rayniond, Kelvin. Ayrton, Siemens, Duddell. KirchoS, Muir-
head, Faraday, Clark, Murray, Gott, Devaux - Charbonnel,
Kennelly, Schaefer, Carey Foster, Maxwell, Breisig, Franke and
others. The mention of these names is sufficient to indicate
that the author's references have been selected not only from
good authorities, but also from a wide field of original research.
The introduction deals briefly with the imits, the electrical
jiroperties of the materials actually used in the practice of
telegraphy, and with the standards now generally accepted
in all countries. The first chapter treats of apparatus em-
ployed for measuring jiurposes : galvanometers of well-known
types, electro-dynamometers, registering instruments, shunts,
thermo-galvanometers, electrometers, frequency measurers,
rheostats, condensers, inductances, switches, keys and
batteries.
w The second chapter comprises methods of testing resistance,
E.M.F., current, including those of PoKgendorff. Dubois-
Raymond, and of Clark ; the use of the voltameter, durability
tests of dry cells, modes of estimating the capacity of an ac-
cumulator, and of determining the properties of condensers.
The third chapter deals with the testing of conductors, both
overhead and underground, location of faults, several means
of testing the resistance of an earth, the measurements of
ohmic and insulation resistances, and of the capacity of a
cable, the influence of the thickness of the dielectric, both in
relation to those insulated with gutta-percha or indiarubber,
and to the modern air space paper-insulated multiple tele-
phone cable. The fourth chapter deals with magnetic measure-
ments, determination of self and mutual induction, the pro-
perties of the permanent magnet, and the tests for electro-
static and electromagnetic induction between lines. The fifth
chapter contains an account of wave measurements bv means
of the oscillograph, the high-frequency machine of Siemens &
Halske, observations on the damping of the current wave and
its relation to the transmitted and the arrived current in a
circuit. '
The book concludes with some useful tables, includins
figures relating to the effect of temperature on the insulation
of gutta-percha, and also of okonite, paper, dry and impreg-
nated, and of hemp impregnated. The results for these last
four materials are furnished bv Felten & Guilleaume.
E. 0. W.
Depreciation of Works and Machinery. By Henhy Sherlet-
\'R\rK. M.I.Mrcli.E,, M.I.E.E, *c. (Loiulon: .T. Davy & Sons.)
V[i. viii. — 25.
This little book, which is written by the senior partner m a
well-known firm of valuers and auctioneers, and who has, there
fore, had unusual opportunities of gaining experience in this par-
ticular subject, has been written to call attention to the extreme
importance of depreciation of works and machinery. As the
author says in his introduction, adequate provision for deprecia
tion, by municipal authorities in particular, is a very large sub-
ject, and, considering the enormous sums involved in muni-
cipal undertakings (some £600,000,000), it is little short of a
national disgrace that the basis on which to consider deprecia-
tion should be left unsettled, or be dependent on party politics.
A joint committee of the Lords and Commons was once formed
to inc|uire into the subject, but, owing to a change of Govern-
ment, it got no further. The present Iiook is intended merely as a
message to engineering and manufacturing firms in general,
and, as it consists of only 25 small pages, it cannot be considered
as more than a statement of the case.
The author first deals with buildings, calling attention par-
ticularly to the question of obsolescence. This cause of depre-
™'V% ", f°'f.°"«". ^»t there is really no question that
1 anj actory bin dmgs cannot be considered as having a par-
of ti^,i° .1'^^' ^"-- -'^ any time ditterent ^nodes
^k^tTLTl\'^^''^y''''^' ^-^""^^""8 the build-
° ""^ ^^"^ unsuitable tor the purpose for which
it is being used. In machinery there are many causes tending
in different ways to depreciation. For example, a machine
used on ordinar}' time work will suffer much less from wear
and tear than one used on piece work. Obsolescence is again
important, and even old age may be a serious matter, because
there may be other machines capable of doing the work at a
greater rate or in better style. It must be obvious that the
causes of depreciation vary so much in their effect from case
to case that no general rule can be given for the life of plant.
Consequently, if a percentage is written off per annum, this
percentage should vary enormously according to conditions.
Assuming that repairs are charged to revenue, as should
always be done, there will still remain the question of the
value of the plant, which is often put at a figure in a hap-
hazard wa}'. The author suggests that the only satisfactory
method of knowing how an undertaking stands with regard
to this item is to have a valuation, say, every four years, by
a competent valuer, with preferably an inspection every year
between these periods. To many managers this may seem a
heroic course. But it would certainly give a feeling of security,
and has everything in its f.avour, except that many managers
may feel scarcely inclined to incur the espendit;urc. If they
do not, then the only safe course is for them to be certain that
they undervalue the plant, which in many cases may entail
some moral courage.
A LARGE ELECTRIC OVEN.
What is stated to be the largest electric oven in this country
has recently been designed and constructed by Mr. Wm.
Sillery, borough electrical engineer to the Particle Corporation,
Large Electric Oven at 1'akth k.
and his mains superintendent, Mr. P. ^\'ilson. This oven has
been made specially for the borough halls and the jmblic
generally, and has been in constant use since December, 1908.
■\Ve understand that it is proving most satisfactory in practice,
being economical and easily controlled.
Mr. Sillery has kindly supplied us with a photograph of
this oven, from which the accompanying illustration has been
made. 'I he overall size of the oven is G ft. high, 4 ft. Sin.
wide and 32 in. deep. As will be seen from the illustration,
there are two independent ovens for roasting or baking, and a
plate wanner upon the top portion. The inside size of the top
oven is 4 ft. 3^ in. by 1 ft. lOJ in. by 17 in., and its door open-
ing 2 ft. 10 in. by 1 ft. 2 in. ; whiht the inside size of the bottom
THE ELECTRICIAN. FEBRUARY 12, 1909.
691
oven is 4ft. 3J in. by 1 ft. lOj in. by 14f in., its door opening
being 2 ft. 10 ni. by 1ft. 2 in.
The current consumption when in use is 3i units per hour,
and the maximum possible consumption only amounts to
6 units per hour. Advocates of electric cooking will doubtless
be pleased to hear that Mr. Sillery finds that the cost of electric
cooking with current at Id. a unit, as at I'artiok, is much
below that at which gas can ever hope to compete, whilst in
addition there is increased cleanliness, safety and convenience.
It is interesting to learn that no patents have been taken
out in connection with any parts of this electric oven, so that
it is to be hoped other engineers will be induced to consider
the feasibility of utilising a similar one for developing this
branch of their electricity supply business.
THE USE OF LARGE GAS ENGINES FOR
GENERATING ELECTRIC POWER.*
BY LEONARD ANDREWS AND R. PORTER, B.A.
Summary. — The authons here estimate first the respective c/apit.il
costs of a steam turbine and a gas engine central station to deal with a
maximum load of 8,000 ];w., and then show what the running costs of
the two stations would be. They also emsid'^r the case of a station to
supply a maximum demand of 4,000 kw. at a poor load factor.
Hitherto the use of large gas engines has been chiefly confined to
iron and steel works, where they are run on blast furnace and other
waste gases for driving blowing engines and generating electric power,.
which is used for rolling mills, &c., in the «<irks. the surplus power
being sold, at a very low rate, for munici|)al lighting and tramway
loads, and for industrial works in the neighljuurhoud. In tJermany
the manufacture of large gas engines is an established industry on a
large scale. Even in 1906, out of 49 smelting works. 41 had either
installed gas engines or had placed orders for them, the engines
actually installed at that time aggregating over 295,000 h.p.
Whilst there have been a few blast furnace gas engine installations
working in this country for some years, the engines used have been
mainly limited to capacities of from 30O B.H.r. tu .WO u.ii.i".. and
credit must unduubtc I y tc gi /tn to the German ironand steel industry
for having created the demand which has brought the large gas engine
to its present state of perfection.
The use of large gas engines for driving electric generators is a
subject that is also receiving considerable attention in the United
States, a committee of the National Electric Light A.ssociation
reporting on this subject at the conventicjn held last May. This
report gives descriptions of some large American gas engines, and
tabulated replies to inquiries regarding the output, quantity of gas.
oil and cooling water, repairs, reliability, &c., also the nature of the
troubles experienced. The majority of users' comments were dis-
tinctly favourable to gas engines, both as regards reliability and
economy of working.
Whilst the authors believe that there is "ah important field for the
use of large gas engines for driving electric generators, they do not
consider that there is at present jusliiicatioii li.r the .suggestion that
has been made that the internal conibustion engini' will, in the early
future,' be used to the exclusion of the external combustion engine.
The position may be briefly summarised as follows : The internal
combustion engine is very much more economical than any external
combustion engine yet known. The capital cost of a gas engine and
producer installation is greater than that of a steam turbine and
boiler iiisl alia t ii. n..r,M|ui\;ilrn to\,T I., a(lc,i|,;i, -it \-. Tlici'.-iMii.ii;at<-rial
differrllrr II. Illr ivli:,l.llll\ . -v in tlir ,-,.M , ,| lali/illl. -hilr- ami na.airs
of the r.'sp,',-ii\r -v-nan-. In ra-r-. t h.^n t. iir. « la iv llirr,i,i ,,t tuel
is low, and the load factor is low, it will generally be a mistake lo vise
gas engines. On the other hand, where the load factor i.s high, or
the cost of fuel is high, gas engines will prove to be by far the
cheapest prime mover.
The majority of cases to be dealt with will doubtless fall lietwecn
these two extremes. Owing to limited experience, it is extremely
difficult for engineers to utilise the available knowledge upon the
subject to the best advantage. We, therefore, have collected facts
from a large number of smuces. and applied the information obtained
to one or two hypothetical public electric sup})ly schemes as nearly
comparable as possible with many of the existing power supply
schemes that are now being carried out in different parts of the
country. We have endeavoured to show what, in our opinion,
would be the respective total cost of generating power by steam
* Abstract of a Paper read before the Institution of Electrical Engi-
neers.
turbines and by gas-driven generators under the assumed conditions
specified.
For the first scheme to be considered we have assumed that the
estimated maximum load to be dealt with shall be 8.000 kw. ; that
the overload and stand-by capacity of the plant shall be such as to
carry the maximum load of 8,000 kw. for at least two hours, should
any portion of the plant break down at the time when one unit is
already laid off for overhaul ;* that the power generated is utilised
for public and private lighting, atid for a tramway and general in-
dustrial motor load ; that the load factor equals 24 i)er cent., and
the efficiency of distribution (units sold-=-units generated) equals
80 per cent., and that the mean daily load curve is approximately
of the shape shown in B, Fig. 1. That the cost of good bituminous
slack, having a calorific value of l.'i.OOO B.Th.U.'s per p(nind is
12s. per ton delivered at the generating station.
CJioice of Site.— The points to be considered in .selecting a site for a
gas-driven station are practically the same as for a steam-driven
station. (These are enumerated by the authors.) Ina.smuch as it ia
impossible to estimate the cost of obtaining a site with a |)lentiful
water supply, as this will vary largely in every case, we have based
oui cniparisons upon the assumption that cooling towers will be
used in conjunction with a i)ublic water supply. We will a.ssume
that a convenient piece of land has been secured, bounded on one
side by a railway track and on the other side by a roadway, the width
of the land being 325 ft., and the length being ample to allow for all
probable future extensions.
A convenient layout for the steam plant and also a corresponding
lay-out for the gas plant arc given by the authors in their Paper.
Type of Generating Plant- — For the steam jJant it is assumed
that steam turbines of the horizontal type would be used directly
coui^led to tliree-phase generators, that each turbine would exhaust
: 6_aofi
4,1)00
\
\A
\
/'
I
\
1
,
\
\^
/
\'
'b'.
\
\
/'
.-
\
/
>
;-
\,'
V.
:::;
—'
><
^
A. Represents maximum wiuter loa-l curve. B. Reprejeuts mean ordiii'itts of 3C5
d.iiiy ]oAi cui-ve?. C, Represents mean abscissee of 365 daily load curves.
Fig. 1.
into a separate contraflow surface condenser placed directly below
the turbines ; that the cooling water would be obtained from a town
supply and circulated by electrically driven centrifugal pumps
through natural draught cooling towers, a separate pump Ix-ing in-
stalled for each unit.
For the gas plant it is assiuned that the engines would be of the
slow-speed four-cycle double-acting tandem type, direct cou|)led to
overhanging flywheel three-phase generators. The cooling water
for the engines would, as in the case of the steam })lant, be obtained
from a town supply and circulated by means of small piston pumps
driven from the engine crankshafts, the water being cooled in natural
draught cooling towers.
Capacity of Generator rn(7.5.^Although it would be jjossible to
obtain one steam unit capable of supplying the overload capacity of
8.000 kw.. still to comply with the suggested specification it would
be necessary to jiut down two additional units of the same size, with
the result tjiat the stand-l)y cai)aeity would be altogether out of pro-
portion to the maximmn demand, and the first cost would be con-
siderably greater than if smaller units were selected.
The most economical arrangement of luiits would probably be five
plants, each having a normal capacity of 2,000 kw., with an overload
capacity for two hours of 33§ per cent.
The output of gas-engine units is at present limited to about
1..500 li.H.p. per cylinder. Four such cylinders arranged in twin
taiulein would give a combined output of O.tKM) ir.r.. or. say. 4,000 kw.
The arguments against the use of very large steam units also apply
here to gas-driven units. In fact, for the gas scheme it does not
appear to be advisable to use even such large units as 2.000 1™-. sets,
since the overload capacity of gas engines is only 10 or 12 per cent., so
* As recommended by Mr. B. Jenkins in the discussion on Messrs.
Merz and McLellan's Paper on Power Station Design.
602
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 12, 1909.
, tliat .six unil-s o£ tlii-s capacity would be required. A more economical
installation would be seven generators, having a normal capacity of
1,4-50 kw. each, and an overload capacity of 1,600 kw.
Si.iuile-inndciit. versus Twin tandem Combinations.— The only
.advantage of tlie twin-tandem over the single-tandem combination
appears "to be that, with a four-cycle engine, tlie crankshaft will re-
ceive four impulses par revolution instead of two, with less cyclic
irregularity. To illustrate the difference in cyclic ^regularity be-
tween various engines the autliors give several curves (the basis on
which these are obtained is given in an appendix) for a 750 b.h.p.
engine and a flywheel of given moment of inertia. These curves
show for a double-acting twin-tandem engine a cyclic irregularity
of 1/2,500 ; a double-acting single-tandem engine a cyclic irregu-
larity of 1/250 ; a single-acting tandem engine a cyclic irregularity
of I/IG'5 ; a double-acting single-cylinder engine a cyclic irregularity
of I/II. Of cours3, in jjractice, a very much smaller flywheel effect
would be used for the twin-tandem engine, and a very much greater
flywheel effect for the single-cylinder engine.
The curves in Fig. 2 show the approximate capital cost of engines
and generators erected complete with pipework, foundations, and fly-
wheels necessary for a cyclic irregularity of 1/250 for both single and
twin-tandem engines of outputs varying from SOOb.h.p. to 5,000b.h.p.*
These curves show that the capital cost of a twin-tandem set is ap-
preciably higher than a single-tandem set of the same output. The
cost of fuel, oil, and re|>airs will be slightly higher for the twin-tandem
combination, though not ajjpreciably so. The cost of driver's wages
for the twin tandem will be practically double that of the single-
tandem .set, as experience has shown that one engine di'ive'r is re-
quired for each line of engines, whatever the outjiut of theengines.f
It appears, therefore, that for the conditions imder discussion a
single-tandem engine is the best type of plant for the purpose.
500
H P ■
andei
nUni
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/'
/
/T
/in
./
'
y
^
taljdem
^
Tand
im G)
gines
:^
^
y
/^
45,U]0
40,000
fo.COU
SO.OOO
2.'>,C00
20,000
IS.OtO
10,000
5 003
500 1,000 3,000 g.OOT 4,000 6,000
n.u.p.
Fk;. 2.— CAiTr.\L Costs ok Slow-speed Hoiu/.o.ntal Gis 1Cni;ines.
Boihi-sfor Steam I'lant. — It is assumed lliiii 1) .il. is^,! th- water-
tube type would be used, fitted with self-contain, il -ii|.. i licaters and
automatic stokers, and that these boilers would l.r i^iciiiii d into units
corresponding to the output of the turbo-generators, as recom-
mended by Messrs, Merz and McLellan and other designers. In
calculating the boiler capacity it was assumed that the steam con-
sumption of the turbo-generators under working conditons, in-
cluding the steam for feed pumps and exciters, would be 20 lb. per
kilowatt generated. Four 10,000 lb. boilers are, therefore, pro-
vided for each 2,000 kw. turbine. To keep the boiler house about
the same length as the engine room two rows of 10 boilers, groujicd
in live batteries of four boilers, are providetl. An economiser is jiro-
\itled for each boiler.
Producers.— \i is gratifying to record that whilst the development
of large gas engines has been more pronounced in Germany than in
this country, England can boast that it has done much more in per-
fecting the producer end of the problem. With properly designed
engines there appear to be no greater difficulties to contend with than
when working on blast-furnace gas. The comparatively high per-
cental.- mI li\-(li,,L;,.n tends to cause pre-ignition if the compression
IS can H.l I., n.,, high a point
.\ . in vr 1^ aJM) iilntloil showing the corresponding capital chargesTor
an c,|mvalent output generated by a number of 500 h.p. units in parallel.
1 v\ here tlte total output is so great that the failure of, say, a 4,000 kw.
« .'^I- * ?°* '"'■°''''' '''^ Pro^sion of abnormal standby charges, the
u.->t cost of a twin tandem gas plant will be considerably less than that
ings.
vmg ■
generators, foundations and build-
Early difficulties in the removal of tar. dust, &c., have been sur-
mounted, and difficulties arising from variations in the quality of the
gas. caused by charging or clinkering the producers practically dis-
appear when a number of producers are connected together to feed
into a common main or receiver.
Sulphate of Ammonia Bccovertj Plants. — There are numbers of
recovery plants that have been working for .some years where the sale
of the by-product has almost equalled the cost of the fuel used.
Results obtained have been so entirely satisfactory that one is at
first sight tempted to think it must pay to jjrovidc for sulphate of
ammonia recovery in every instance. There are, however, many
expenses incidental to the recovery of sulphate of ammonia in ad-
dition to the fuel. The following points must be taken into considera-
tion : (1) The first cost of the jjlant, particularly for small .sizes, is
very much greater. (2) Considerable extra labour is involved, (3)
The purchase of sidphuric acid, of which approximately 1 ton is
required for every ton of sulphate of ammonia turned out, is quite
a heavy item. (-1) The yield of heat units per ton of coal is slightly
less. (5) The extra cost of repairs and the cost of handling and pack-
ing the by-product absorb some of the profits effected by the recovery
process.
Experience up to the present appears to indicate that it is not
worth while to attempt to recover sulphate of ammonia unless the
total output of the plant is greater than 2,000 h.p., and then only on
an exceedingly good load factor. For a maximum output of 8,000 kw.
it would probably pay to put dow-n ammonia recovery plant, even
for so poor a load factor as 24 per cent. An even more profitable
arrangement, however, would be to provide for ammonia recovery
on one portion of the plant, which could be kept working at a very
high load factor almost continuously, and to use non-recovery plant
for dealing with the peak load and remaining portion of the total
output. For the particular conditions now under discussion, the
Power Gas Corjin. (to whom we arc indebted for this suggestion)
recommend the use i .f eight | ir( iducers. of which four would be equipped
for ammonia recoxerv and the remaining four for non -recovery.
Coal-liandlinij and Storimj. — For both the steam and gas plants we
have assumed that cofil bunkers will be provided capable of carrying
a fortnight's consumption of fuel under mean load conditions. A
sectional elevation of one of the producers with the coal and asli
handling arrangements used is given in the Paper.
Building and Foundations. — The cost of engine room and engine
foundations for the gas-driven plant is, of course, considerably greater
than that of the steam plant, but no building is required for the
producers (beyond small boiler and sulphate houses) and the cost of
the foundations for the producers is very small compared with the
cost of boiler foundations, flues, chimneys, &c. The total cost of
buildings amounts to considerably less, therefore, for the gas station
than for the steam station. We have based our estimate of the cost
of buildings for the gas-driven plant upon tenders actually received.
The price covers a substantial steel-frame building with brick walls,
lined internally with a glazed brick dado 6 ft. high, and with tiled
engine-room floor. We have included suitable store, workshop ;ind
office accommodation in each case.
Exciting Plant, Switchgcar, <(-c. — We have a.s.sumed that for both
the steam plant and the gas jilant the field circuits of the generators
would be excited from 'bus bars fed by two steam-diiven exciters,
each capable of generating the whole of the exciting current required
on full load. The exciters would be supplemented by a battery
capable of maintaining the full field current required for a period
of 24 hours. In the case of the gas plant the steam for the exciters
would be furnished by one of the small coal or tar fired boilers in-
stalled for this p\ir]iose. The exhaust steam from the exciter engines
would be used in tlie producers, any additional steam required by
the latter being raised by boilers heated by the exhaust gases from
the main engines. The switchgear would be of the remote-control
type, the oil-break switches being placed in a switch room running
the length of the engine room. The capital cost of the switchgear
for the gas plant will be somewhat higher than for the steam plant,
as two additional generator panels and connections will be required.
Capital outlay. — The estimated total capital cost of the respec-
t ive steam and gas plants for the specified maximum load of 8,000 kw.
is given in the following table.
Operation of Gas Plant. — The authors then briefly describe the
method of operating a producer and gas plant. The coal is fed by
an endless chain elevator into the bunkers above the producers,
from which it gravitates through a valve to the hoppers. From the
hopper it is fed into the producer from time to time as the fuel therein
gradually burns away. The hot gases escaping from the outlet at
the top of the producer pass into the superheater. A considerable
portion of the sensible heat is herein extracted and utilised. The
gas is then passed to the mechanical washer, where it is treated with
THE ELECTHICIAN, FEBRUARY 12, 1909.
693
•iTEAM Plant.
.^'(Vt 2.0<J0 k\v. tiirljo-goneiators £:i9,500
Fioc surface condeusers with air and circulating jjump-s 9,875
Circulating pipes 1,200
Cooling towers (1,900
Tu-cnty water-tube boilers with mechanical stokers, econn.
misers, superheaters, feed pumps, water service tank and
feed tank, water softening plant and all pipe work .'11,300
Buildings with engine and boiler foundations, two chimneys
and flues 33,(iOO
Overhead travelling crano 1,000
Steel structural work, coal bunkers, coal and ash conveying
plant ."....T. 8,900
Exciters, battery, switchgear, and connections to generator ... 7,2.'50
Or f] 3-952 per kilowatt installed. £139,525
Gas Plant.
Seven 1,450 kw. gas engines, generators, air compressors, gas,
■ water, air, and exhaust pipes and all au.viliaries £9.S,00i)
Fmir ammonia-recovery producers, with superheaters, blow-
ers, cooling and washing towers, centrifugal cleaners, scrub-
bers, ammonia absorber, and all pipe work 18,490
Duplicate blower, washer, and centrifugal cleaners 3,780
Four non-i'ecovery producers with necessary scrubbers. &i-. ... 10,340
Steam-raising plant, cconomiscrs, feed-pumps, &c 4,850
Water cooling towers, pumps, and water softener 1,990
Buildings and foundations. &c 24,275
Overhead travelling crane 1,250
Steel structural work, coal bunkers, coal and ash conveying
plant I). 1.50
Exciters, battery, switchgear, and connections to generators... 7.750
Or £17-68 per kilowatt installed. £176,875
a .spray of warm water thrown up by revolving paddle wheels, and
next enters the mechanical ammonia absorber, where it meets a iine
spray of a solution of sulphate of ammonia, which contains a small
amount of free sulphuric acid. In this apparatus the acid in the
solution combines with the ammonia in the gas, producing sulphate
of ammonia. It is next treated in a mechanical gas cooler, where it
meets a spray of cold water, and gives up the bulk of its tar. The
gas leaving this cooler passes to the air regulator, which is merely a
small gas holder, the height of which regulates the quantity of air
supplied by the blowers. Thence the gas passes through two cen-
trifugal cleaners in series, which, revolving at high s))eeds and in con-
junction with a small amount of injected water, effectually remove
all but very small traces of the tar contained. These latter are
removed by passing through the sawdust scrubbers, whence it
emerges in a thoroughly cool and purified condition, and enters
another gas holder, which serves to keep a constant jjressure in the
supply main to the gas engines.
The non-recovery process is very much simpler. The gas passes
direct into the cooling water, and from this through the gas regu-
lator and centrifugal cleaners to the scrubbers and engines. It will
be noted that a spare blower, washer, regulator and centrifugal
cleaner are provided, which may be used either for the recovery or
non-recovery producers.
{To he (-ontinu&l)
SlU:
CORRESPONDENCE.
THE SAFETY OF THE X-RA.YS.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ELECTRICUX.
In tlie universal sympathy which the press ha.s e.v-
teiaded to Mr. Cox in his present misfortune, we think that
undue stress is being laid on the "dangers of X-rays.'' The
exaggerated reports which appeared some time ago. consequent
upon the sufi'eiings of some of the earliest pioneers, created a
scare which was injurious in many ways. It aft'ected not only
the English manufactiu-er and the medical man, who were
sufficiently euterprisii]g to take up the new treatment, but
also to a considerable extent deprived the public of the benefit
of the discovery which has been of such incalculable value in
the relief of sutt'ering, and the advancemeut of medical know-
ledge. It cannot be too strongly pointed out that the only
danger in the rays was to the earlier pioneers and operators."
As the result of the experiments of Dr. Hall Edwards, Mr.
H. W. Cox and others, apparatus has been devised which
entirely obviates any danger either to the patient or to the
operator ; while the experiments of MM. Sabouraud and Xoiro
in France have determined the maximum exposiu'e which may
be given with safety to the human skin. The rays are now
used with perfect safety in thousands of hospitals throughout
the world, in the treatment of a great variety of diseases. One
London public institution alone, which we have equipped with
the apparatus, has treatedover 800 children for ringworm during
the last year without a single failure or a single case of X-ray
burn, even of the mildest description. This fact alone proves
the great value of the ray.s in tlierapeutics, and also the safety
with which they are used in moilern practice.
The precautions to lie taken are simple and well understood,
and no one need have the least hesitation in undergoing X-ray
treatment imder the supervision of a qualified medical man. —
We are, &e., H. W. Cox & Cu. (Ltd.),
Chaklks D. Waitk, Secretary,
•17, Gray's Inn roai], W.('., Feb. G.
THE NORTHAMPTON POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE.
The annual distribution of prizes took place last Friday,
the Right Hon. the Earl of Halsbur3% P.C., presenting the
awards to the successful students. After the ceremony Lord
Halsbury ojiened the new courtyard extension building of the
Polytechnic. The necessary funds for this building, amount-
ing to £9,000, have been provided by the London County
Council, the work of erection being commenced in ^lay, 1908,
and part of the building being sufficiently completed by
January, 1909, for a few classes to be transfcrreil to it. The
whole of the new building was on view after the prize distri-
bution, and it was seen to comprise an extension of the mecha-
nical engineering worksho]) (giv ing nearly double the capacity),
a [lower laboratory, rooms for meetings of scientific societies
and Institute clubs, a much needed common room for the staff,
a large lecture theatre and several smaller class-rooms, &c.
The extension will provide relief to the overcrowded class-
rooms in other parts of the building, and Dr. R. M. Walmsle)',
the principal of the Polytechnic, hopes that next session some
long-contemplated developments of the existing work of the
Institute will be possible. After the opening ceremony, the
students' conversazione was held, the whole of the buildings
being open for inspection, work being in progress in many of
the rooms, whilst lecturettes were delivered by Dr. C. V.
Drysdale on "Electric Oscillations," and by Mr. S. D.
Chalmers on "Optical Illusions." The conversazione was
continued on Saturday evening, and was attended by a large
number of students and friends. The exhibits were even more
interesting than usual, at any rate from an electrical point of
view. Amongst these we may mention the exhibits of electrical
instruments by Messrs. Siemens Bros. t*t Co., the General
Electric Co., the India Rubber & Gutta Percha Co., Elliott
Bros , Crompton <k Co., Snell & Tinsley, .1. .7. Griffin & Sons,
Nalder Bros., Nalder Bros. iV Thomson, Marconi's Wireless
Telegraph Co , the Cambridge Scientific Instrument Co., the
Weston Electrical Instrument Co. and others. The exhibit
of metallic filament lamps was the more interesting as it con-
sisted mainly of lamps of English manufacture. Osram lamps
attacted probably the most attention, a large number of
English lamps being shown. AVe understand that the demand
forOsrams is about 10,000 lamps per day ,; the capacity of the
English Works at Hamraer.smith is at present some 2,000
lamps per day, so that many lamps, including all those for
200 volts and above, come from abroad. A 200 volt .50 c.p.
lamp was shown, and 40 c.p. lamps are also made for that
voltage. A 400 c.p. lamp in a fitting resembling that em-
ployed with an inverted arc was most interesting, and this
arrangement is likely to prove a strong competitor of arc
lamps for drawing offices and other places where a bright, well-
diffused light is rei|uired. Among the other exhibits we may
mention the fine display of " Metfil ' lamps of Ediswan manu-
facture, all made in Englaml, three tungsten lamps of the
British Thomson-Houston Co made at Rugby, and interesting
exhibits by Messrs. Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works and by the
Z Electric Lamp Mfg. Co., showing the methods of manufac-
ture. Mention may also be made of the exhibit of carbon
694
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 12, 1909.
lamps of the Sunbeam Lamp Co. The wnikiiig exhibits of
telegraph and telephone apparatus were very instructive,
whifst the telewriter, which was shown in operation, attracted
much attention. It is impossible to mention here all the other
electrical apparatus which was on view in the various rooms
and workshops, but it will suffice to say that the whole exhibi-
tion did great credit to the electrical engineering section of
the Institute.
THE INSTITUTION AND OTHER SOCIETIES.
Students' Section of the Institution of Electrical Engineers.
The fifth annual dinner of this section will be held at the
Holborn Restaurant, London, W.C, on Thursday next,
February 18th, at 7 p.m. for 7::^0 p.m.
Glasgow Section of the Institution of Electrical Engineers.
The annual smoking concert of this section took place on
Saturday last at the Grosvenor Restaurant, Glasgow, under
the chairmanship of Mr. W. W. Lackie. The musical pro-
gramme covered a wide range and was, in our opinion, admir-
ably adapted to all tastes. There wai a good attendance of
members and friends.
Manchester Section of the Institution of Electrical Engi-
neers.— Tlie Paper on "Large Gas Engines for Electrical
Drivinj," by Mr. C. E Douglas, which was down for reading
before this Section at the meeting on March 9th, has been
cancelled. Messrs. L. Andrews' and R. Porter's Paper on the
"Use of Large Gas Engines for Generating Power" will be
read before the Section at the meeting on February 16th.
The annual dinner of the Section will take place at the Mid-
'an 1 Hotel, ^Ian;hester, on Friday, February, 26th, at 7:L5 p.m.
Early Experiments in Electric Traction. — kt the meeting
of tho Glasgow Section of the Institution of Electrical Engi-
neers yesterday, Mr. W. W. Lackie, chairman of the section,
communicated a note with the above title. Glasgow po.sscsses
the distinction of being the first place where electric traction
was used, Mr. Robert Davidson having employed an " electro-
magnetic engine " on the Edinburgh and Glasgow railway in
1837. The autlior had succeeded in obtaining some informa-
tion regarding the details of the equipment employed, which
showed that the arrangoment generally excited a great deal of
attention at the time. r)avids3n dpes not appear to have been
actually the first esperimenter in this direction, for Negro of
Padua, Schulthers of Zurich, and Jacobi of St. Petersburg,
had both written on and practised with the subject, the last
of these having used the power derived from a number of
Grove cells to diivc a small boat. In 1839 Davidson had
already recognised the advantages of the electric drive, for he
had in Edinburgh a saw mill, a piintiiig press and a locomotive
engine all worked by this means. His experiments with trac-
tioii were carried out under the a>gis of the Royal Scottish
Society of Arts. The car used was equipped with eight power-
ful magnets, which exerted a drag on three strips of iron
placed on tlie axles. The battery used consisted of 40 cells of
iron and zinc plates immersed in dilute sulphuric acid, the
iron plates being fluted so as to expose a maximum surface.
The weight of the equipment was about 5 tons.
difficulty in travelling in a direction oppo.site tu the movement of the
gaseous mixture which gives rise to it, if in this inverse direction it
encounters a very large cooling surface. The grid is a cellular
system similar, for example, to a honeycomb of which the cells are
square instead of hexagonal, the square shape being chosen for
simplicity of construction. At the same time such a system acts as a
regenerator of heat, the heat absorbed by the upper surface in contact
with the flame being conducted downwards and given up to the cold
gas as it rises in the channels. In the present burners the square
channels measure about 2 mm. each way, the grid is 10 mm. deep, the
thickness of the metal used is about 0'6 mm., and as the grid is con-
structed entirely of nickel it has a great power of resisting oxidation
or chemical action, and therefore has a long life. At the same time,
since the channels are of such large size they do not become clogged
with the dust which is drawn in ^vith the air. The grid always
remains at a comparatively low temperature so that if accidentally,
molten matter falls on it. it immediately solidifies without penetrating
to the interior, and can readily be removed after cooling.
The ring for regulating the size of the air opening usually found on
bunsen biu-ners is omitted, since the size of the gas injector hole and
the air inlet holes, together with the shape of the burner, are so
designed that the correct mixture is always obtained, and the grid
preventj^ flashing back even when the pressure of gas is much reduced.
The flame obtained is quite different from that of the ordinary
t)unsen, the long blue ctme with a cold interior being replaced by a
series of very small blue flames about 1 5 to 2 mm. high and each
corresponding to one channel of the gi-id. Immediately above this
zone the flame is entuely homogeneous, a thermo-couple drawn
across it horizontally indicating no difl:'erencc of temperature, and, if
THE MERER BURNERS AND FURNACES.
At the recent exhibition of apparatus by the Physical Society, the
-Mekcr burners attracted a large amount of attention. These burners
were briefly described in om- issue of January 1, 1909, p. 469 in our
accouiU of the exliibition. The characteristic feature of the burners
IS the uitensely hot homogeneous flame which is obtained bv complete
combustion of the gas. In the ordinary bunsen burner there are
usually two or three parl-s of aii> to one of gas. but for complete com-
bast.on SIX parts of air arc necessary to one of gas. This is the con-
diliim 111 the Meker l)uriier.
The difliculty in increasing the amount of air in the ordinai'V
tbe WUe^r 1^''" '^r '" " fi^'i°g-baek.- This is prevented in
a 'e n in ,h"T' •'' T^'^ ^'^ ^"'^"^^^ "' "^^ »°P °f ^1^^ burner
Wer Tl T^ bere«-,th, which shows a sectional view of the
burner. The use of this grid is based on tire fact that a flame has great
JMfckEa Burner.
moved \ertically, indicating only a very small difference between the
upjjcr and lower portions of the flame. The flame is also silent, and
very stable owing to the high speed with which the gaseous particles
emerge from the grid. This high speed is also one of the causes of its
efficiency since it permits a large number of hot particles to strike
against the crucible or other body to be heated. Also soot is never
deposited on objects being heated.
These burners, which are manufactured by the Cambridge Scientific
Instrument Co.. who have just issued a pamphlet describing the
apparatus, are also supplied with an arrangement for using com-
pressed air. In the Jleker furnaces silver, gold and copper are
melted without an air blast, whilst m ith compressed air even platinum
has been melted.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN MACHINE STOKING.*
BY .i. W. BEXMS.
(Cottlinucdfrom p. 661.)
The Bennis machine stoker and compressed air furnace stands
alone and is therefore unique, composed as it is of an improved
mechanism combined with a self-cleaning furnace, each bar of which
contains its own forced draught. It is owing to this essential diffe-
rence that I have placed it last in the description of the intermittent
sprinklers.
In this machine small fuel or slack is thrown by hand, or fed by
mechanical means, into a stoker hopper of about 3 cwt. capacity.
* Paper read before the Bradford Engineering Society. Slightly
abbreviated.
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 12. 1909.
695
There are two hoppers to each Lancashire boiler. Under each hopper
is a cast-iron feeding box ; in the interior is a simple pusher plate
with an adjustable reciprocating motion. The fuel falls in front of
the pusher plate and is pushed, by its movement, over a ledge formed
by the bottom of the feeding box. The weight of fuel so pushed over
is regulated by meang of an adjustable cam on the driving shaft, so
that the rate of feed can be seen by noting the position of the cam.
The simple motion of turning a hand nut, whilst the machine is run-
ning, enables the coal feed to be graduated from nothing to a ton or
more per hour.
The fuel thus pushed over falls on to a flat plate called the shovel
box, thence it is projected into the fire at intervals by a V-shaped
shovel, being by this means effectually scattered over different
portions of the grate. The shovel is actuated by pneumatic gear.
This consists of a long coiled spring enclosed in a cylinder and press-
ing on a piston, the use of the spring being tu jjropcl the shovel
forward. Any remaining force is taken up by an air cushion ; thus
shock or jar on the boiler front is avoided and noiseless operation
results.
The cam that draws back the shovel has four varying lifts ; the
effect of this is the scattering of the fuel on the fire in foui' divisions,
each about 18 in. long, so that in a 6 ft. furnace the fuel is thrown
on only a quarter of the fire at once and each portion of the fire has
time to become incandescent between the charges.
When using low class or waste fuels that generally contain a large
proportion of clinker and ash. the air spaces in the fire bars of ordi-
nary furnaces soon become more or less covered, or stopped up, and
the fire suffers in consequence.
It is obviously impossible to adjust the sujjplj' of air to consume
the fuel perfectly unless the clinker and ash are continuously
lemoved from the fire. This is automatically accomplished in the
Fio. 1. Bennis .Self-
Bennis patent self-cleaning compressed air furnace, which consi.sts of
tubular fire troughs of the length the grate is intended to be. The
tubular bars are placed close together, and ai-e protected from direct
contact with the fire by being covered with short interlocking grate
bars, about 2 ft. in length.
The back of the tubular fire trough is protected by a solid block.
In the event of any of these interlocking grate bars or blocks being
injured or damaged they can be replacecl without interfering with
the rest of the fire surface.
Air is forced tlirough the bars by means t)f fine j)in jets of highly
superheated steam, which blow the air into the tubular bar at a
comparatively high water-gauge pressure. These jets can be in-
stantly regulated to suit the varying demands for steam from the
boilers.
The fire trouglis all move into the fire together for a distance of
about 2 in., and arc then drawn oat by means of 4 in. wide cams on
a transverse shaft. These cams are made the full width of the
troughs, the result being that there is scarcely any w ear upon them,
and so powerful is the self-cleaning action, that in travelling from
the front of the fire to the back, the coal ascends an incline of more
than 3 in. The clinker and ash is slowly (tarried forward by this
action to the end of the bars, where it drops over into a closed
chamber, gives up its heat to the boiler, and is drawn out about
once or twice every day.
The air spaces between the bars are always free and oi)en. and
each tubular fire trough has its own supply of ah, fed by a minute
steam jet, so that the ch-aught is evenly distributed over the whole
fire grate, and the boiler continues to do its work even while the
operation of cleaning out the clinker from the chambei- proceeds.
The fire is thus always clean and ready .sliould sadden calls for steam
be made upon it. By turning the blowers full on the rate of com-
bustion can be enormously increased. The bars are constructed
with extremely fine air spaces so that breeze or dust fuel can be
burned with advantage.
Any wear of the cams upon the compressed air bars is taken up
by adjustable, replaceable, highly chilled, cast-iron wedge wearing
pieces, which dovetail into sockets prepared for them in the com-
pressed air troughs, thus rendering the moving furnace bars prac-
tically everlasting. The wearing parts can be adjusted or replaced,
and the .small interlocking bars subject to the action of the fire may
also be replaced when worn out. The fire never reaches the tubular
fire trough.
The general lines of the structural improvements made have been
indicated, but the details are perhaps as important in that they refer
more particularly to rendering the machine " fool-ijroof," thereby
minimising the repairs. The feed cams are larger in diameter and
thus present a larger wearing surface. Tliere are no agitators in
the feed box and therefore no driving chains, the fuel has a per-
fectly easy feed down to the shovel. The ])neuniatic gear has been
much improved, and is much lighter, there being no ))o.ssibility of
shortness of air and con.sequent knock. A new spring ball lubricator
is fitted, and the gear is pivotted at it,s end instead of underneath,
which gives a mechanically better motion. JStauffcr lubrication is
now used throughout in all the bearings for slow moving shafts.
The shovel arm was jireviously pivoted on a pin. The pin has
now become a steel shaft resting in two outside self-lubricating
bearings right away from the heat and adjustable sideways by means
of thread screws and lock nuts ; the tripper worked by the tappet is
keyed on to the shaft and is replaceable without replacing the shovel
arm. The shovel arm is carried round and is fiupp(jrtcd at both
sides of the throwing box liy the shaft to which it is keyed. The
area of cross-lir.ad lic.irinir from pneimiatic gear spindle has been
iloubled. The lappet now runs in an
oil bath and the whole of the tripper,
jmeumatic gear cross-head, &c., is pro-
tected by a cover which rests on the
lower oil bath.
I have continued my experiments
during the last two or three years with
the object of discovering the best steam
jiressure, superheat and shape of the
injector portion of bar head. The pres-
ent newly patented pattern of bar head,
though outwardly the same, gives much
greater efficiency. The last test under
the British Engine, Boiler & Electrical
Insm-ance Co. gave only l.V per cent.
steam used, and that at the Formby
power house of the Lancashire &
LKANiNG CoM)'Ri;ssKD AiR KuKNAcE. Yorkshire Railway Co. considerably
less.
Mild steel cam shafts are now used instead of cast iron. i^ia.
diameter, a side key groove being cut throughout their length, so
arranged that it is imjiossible to put the bar cams on the wrong way
about. , l!'=-t- ^ '■
CoKERS AND ClI.UN GRATES. ] '
Vicar.'i' Stoker. — The " Vicars "' Coking Stoker claims priority,
in point of the date it was placed upon the market, to nearly all, if
not all, the stokers on the market. The " Vicars" Coking Stoker
consists of a hopper, usually one to each furnace, from which the coal
is fed to two ram boxes one on each side of a spy hole, which spy
hole forms part of the fire door a))crture when this is oi^ned.
The fuel is fed by n^ciprocating plungers working in the ram boxes
alternately on to a perforated dead plate where it ignites. From the
dead plate it is pushed on to the moving bars, whence it gradually
travels down to the back of the furnace. The fire bars are usually
short, and the stokci- is designed to discharge partially consumed
coke, and clinkers and ash off the end of the fire bars. This mass of
partially burnt coke and clinker acts as a door to prevent too much
free air passing into the flue. The supjily of fuel and the travel of
the bars are regulated indejjendently, and each flue is independent
of the other.
The coal feed is operated by ratchet motion, so that the rale of
travel of the plunger can be altered. The motion of the bars can be
varied up to about 4 in. The bar motion is rather peculiar, but lias
the same general effect a.s the bars used on the Proctor. Hodgkinson,
the old Bennis, and others. Eccentric and bell crank levers are
used to drive direct from shaft to stoker, so that if motor drive is
used, reduction gear to the main diiving shaft is necessary. This
grate is now ananged. if desu-ed. to be closed up underneath, so that
forced draught may be used therewith. The fire doors open down-
wards instead of .sideways or upwards.
F 2
696
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 12, 1909.
The HcKigkinaon Stoker consists of a liopper, one to each flue
under which is a ram or pusher box placed just over the hredoor.
\ reciprocating pusher adjustatJe as to its stroke pushes a charge
of coal out of the feed apertiu-e over a deflecting plate and on to a
dead plate The fuel becomes coked on the dead plate and thence
passes down the fire bars, the volatile hydro-carbons liberated at
the dead plate end having to pass over the incandescent fire, where.
if sufficient free air be admitted, they burn smokelessly. The
reciprocating pusher mechanism consists merely of a reciprocatmg
shaft pinion and rack— a simple and efficient method of operation.
The fire bars are similar in motion to the Camel type previously
described, but are stepped on their upper portion to help ram the
lire bed forward.
In the initial form of this machine the part now taken by the
deflecting plate gave much trouble, and various forms were tried
and patented, the improved pattern consisting of a hollow metal
jilate tlirough which water cu-culation is maintained, this keeping it
cool and jireventing burning out.
Steam jet blowers over the fire appear to be employed, presumably
to prevent smoke : steam jets are used at the front and back of the
bars for cooling purposes. &c. Xo ashpit doors are provided ; at
any rate, none are shown on the A type, the stoker relying on a mass
of clinker, or clinker and partly consumed fuel for an air seal. Poking
holes are provided at each side of the fire door, the holes going right
through the protection plates inside the furnace front. The makers
recommend induced draught where much fuel per square foot of
grate is to be burnt. I would point out. however, that a good
draught is beneficial to all coking and sprinkler stokers that I have
yet come across where high duty is required. There is no doubt
that, properly worked, within theu- limits, these machines are smoke-
less and gritless.
Proctor's Coker. — This machine has many points of similarity to
other cokers, i.e., there is the hopper, ram boxes, rams over fire
door — the ram is reciprocated by lever motion instead of by rack
and jiinion, and in the latest model has outstanding guides to take
the thrust. The ram is lengthened inwardly towards the fire and
has a detachable end for purposes of renewal if the end burns off :
the fuel being carried forward on the ram and on the return stroke
deposited upon the fire by falling off the end and sides of the ram.
The makers say that " the coal is laid upon the fire well inside the
furnace in contradistinction to being pushed on to or in front of the
tire, as in other systems, and in this consists the originality, prin-
ciple and action of this system."
Tlie rams travelling into the fire are protected from burning as to
their upper portion by the charge of cold fuel which they carry ;
and on return stroke are drawn back amongst the coal in the hopper
where they remain tor a short time, thus receiving further protection
from the heat. The ram ends do not appear to be protected from
the fire on their lower portion when in the fire. (I am open to cor-
rection on this point if I am WTong.)
The furnace is the Proctor lever bar with similar adjustable motion
to the standard machine, and the clinker chamber is provided with a
swing door and chain for lifting to prevent cold air entering the
clinker chamber, similar to that provided in most sprinkler stokers.
Poking holes are provided at each side of the fire door as in the
Hoilgliinson. and one in the centre of the door in addition.
(To he coiUiimcd.)
LEGAL INTELLIGENCE.
— »
The King v. Garrett & Hammersmith (London) Council
(ex Parte London United Tramways).
In the Divisional Coiul on .Munday tlie l,nr.l <'hii-f .tuslice and Justices
Wahon and ,Jelf had tlii,s case before them.
Jlr. Bodkin, for Hammersmith Council, said he appeared to show
cau,«e against a rule for prohibition which was obtained at the instance
of the London United Tramways (Ltd.). and directed to Mr. Garrett.
the magistrate at the West London r..|iie Court, prohibiting him from
furilier considering certain informations rluuging the tramways company
with some offences against the Acts of Parliament which applied to theiV
undertaking. They were private Acts, but they incorporated the Tram-
ways .\ct. and imposed penalties for breach (if certain sections of the
Tramways Act. The nature of the complaint was that the roadways on
which the tramways were laid in the boicugh of Hammersmith were out
of repair, so far as such parts of the roadwavs were coiuerned which were
spocilied in sec. 22 of the Tramways Act. "1870. That section imposed
a liability on the promotere of tramways to repair the roadway between
the rails, and, if there were a double line of rails, the roadway between
both sets of rails and the roadway for a certain distance outside each set
ol outside rails. There were also mformations charging the company
w It h havmg omitted to repair the lines of the Iramwav^and the tramways
themselves. There were nine informations in all "
The Lord Chief Ji\stioe : What is the ground of the rule ?
Mr. Bodkin : The short point is this. Defendants submitted to the
magistrate that, there having been no arbitration before an arbitrator
appomted by the Board of Trade, there could be no prosecution for those
offences before the magistrate. The case having been partly opened
before the magistrate, counsel on the other side took this point, and the
magistrate considered he had jurisdiction ; but in order to enable the
company to have the question considered he adjourned the summons
sine die. The question turns upon the Tramways Act, 1870. and several
provisional orders. Counsel referred the Court to various sections in the
provisional orders. What the company had done was to repair the road-
way m patches, leaving holes here and there. The company said that
they had put the surface in a proper state of repair, and the Council said
they had not.
The Lord C'hief Justice : Ought not the company to reasonably
satisfy you ? It is not a question of the company saying : " We admit
the road was out of repair, but we have done the work, and you ought
to be satisfied with it."
Mr. Bodkin: Sec. 28 says: "To the satisfaction of the local autho-
rity." Here we are the responsible road authority, and I submit it is
one of the cases in which there are numerous instances where the local
authority is given an absolute discretion as to the propriety of certain
works affecting the public.
The Lord Chief Justice thought that if the company had admitted
that the road was out of repair, the magistrate had jurisdiction to order
the company to pay a penalty of £5 a day ; but if the company said that
the roadway was in repair, then the only question was whether what they
had done was sufficient to satisfy the local authority, in which case he
thought the case ought to go to arbitration first. He thought the
Council's information clearly left in doubt what they were summoning
the company for.
Mr. Justice Walton : The section is that they shall keep the road in
repair according to your direction, and the offence charged is that they
have not obeyed your directions. Is not that a question which in cases
of difference should go to arbitration ? L'nless you can make out that
you have an absolute right to judge in the matter, I sec a difficulty in
your way.
Mr. Bodkin : That is what I contend.
The IjORd Chief Justice : It seems to me to be a broad question of
tact whether the rails are out of repair.
.Mr. Bodkin submitted that under sec. 28 there was a clear and specific
duty on the company to repair the road surface, and that the local autho-
rity were entrusted with the duty of seeing that it was properly repaired.
The remedy for the non-perfoi'mance of the duty was a remedy which left
no room for arbitration whatever, because it gave a right of re-entry to
do the work.
The Lord Chief .Justice intimated that the Court was against Mr.
Bodkin on the road and the tramway summonses, and he asked if counsel
wished to proceed with the rail summonses alone.
Mr. Bodkin said he claimed to go on with the summonses for not keep-
ing the tramway rails in proper repair.
,Mr. Macassey, in support of the rule, dealt only with the summonses
relating to the rails not being kept in proper order. The local authority
called upon his clients to maintain and keep in repair the rails. The
tramway company said the rails were in good condition and repair, but
the local authority said they were not, and promptly summoned the
tramway company, who now said that came within the arbitration section
The intention of the legislature was to submit all those matters which
were technical matters to the decision of an expert tribunal, such as the
Board of Trade. It was urged that the joints of the rails were not being
properly maintained.
The Lord Chief Justicf, in givmg judgment, said the Court was of
opinion that they could not decide on those summonses as to rails with-
out having more facts before them. The Tramways Act. 1870. was in-
tended to be applied to a number of undertakings when they were sanc-
tioned by Parliament, and it contained a group of sections. With re-
gard to a number of matters in those sections, it undoubtedly was in-
tended that the arbitration clause should be the means of ascertaining
the rights and obligations of the tramway company. The act contained
a proviso that if the promoters failed to comply with certain conditions
the road authority might do the work necessary and recover the amount.
He would express no opinion as to whether or not, if the road authority
exercised that power, the expense could be recovered. It might be there
was room for arbitration after the power had been exercised. Sec. 33
provided that if any difference arose between the promoters and any road
authority in relation to any tramway with respect to the mode of execut-
ing the work, or whether the work was such as ought reasonably to satisfy
the local authority, it should be settled by an engineer. His joi'dship
could not .see any possible reason why sec. 28 should not (Mune within the
arbitration clause. The main argument advanced was that, because
there was a remedy given to the road authority to do the work, there was.
therefore, no room for arbitration. He would have come to the con-
clusion that that view was wrong cjuite apart from any legal authority.
The judgment of the Court of Appeal certainly recognised that there
might be a difference between the local authority and the company in a
matter connected witli repair which would have to be dealt with by
arbitration. In his opinion, both the reasonable construction of the act
and the authority of that decision was against the contention of Ham-
mersmith Council. When they had a direction given by the local a:itho-
rity which the company said they ought not to be called upon to obej',
or that they had obeyed by cam-ing out certain works, then a direct issue
arose as to whether the company had reasonably done theii' duty.
With regard to the rail summonses, they were not in a position to say
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 12, 1909.
697
that the magistrate had no jurisrliction. It soemTl tn him thit whit
would be a danger or anmiyance to the ordinary tratfii' might well be a
question of fact which the magistrates could deal with. He did not intend
to decide that if a real question arose before the magistrates, such as the
road authority req\iiring some |iartirnlar svork to be done to the rails.
and the company saying they had done that work, or they had done the
work which ought to be reasonably accepted in satisfaction, there would
not be a dispute which ought to go to arbitration. But it seemed to him
upon the simple question of the rails being out of repair so as to be a
danger to ordinary traftic the legislature might well have thought that
was a matter which did not require any question as to the satisfaction
of the road authority. It was an ordinary question of fact which the
magistrate could well decide. He was unable to say that the summonses
for not maintaining the rails in proper condition so as not to be a danger
or annoyance to ordinary traffic could not be upheld. He thought they
could not stay the three summonses as to the r.iih. but they made the
rule absolute in regard to the other six summonses.
Mr. Justice Walton and Mr. Justice Jelf concurred, and an order was
made accordingly, no costs being allowed.
Arc Lamp Patent Revocation.
On the 9th inst. the Comptroller-General of Patents (Sir C. N. Ualton)
delivered his decision in the application of Mr. George Braulik (under
sec. 27 of the Patents and Designs Act, 1907) for the revocation of Jiritish
letters patent 18,786 of 1902. The patent was granted to Mr. Hugo
Bremer, and the proprietors were the British Westinghouse Electric &
Mfg. Co.
In the course of his decision, the CoMPTROLLER-GENER.iL stated the
patent related to electric arc lamps of the class in which the electrodes
were inclined to each other, and both pointed in a downward direction,
the arc being formed at their lower extremities. The secretary of the
British Westinghouse Co. (Mr. Scanes), in the first declaration filed, said
that the allegation contained in the application for revocation (which
were that the patented article was manufactured exclusively or mainly
outside the United Kingdom) were incorrect. The patented article had
been manufactured to a large extent in the United Kingdom at the com-
pany's works at Trafford Park, and Mr. Scanes declared that between
1905 and October, 1908, 1,308 lamps were manufactured at Trafford
Park and 274 of them remained unsold at the latter date. He contended
that as the company had manufactured as many lamps as it could sell
the patented article was manufactured to an adequate extent in the
United Kingdom, and he complained that the sales of the lamp were
materially interfered with by unauthorised importation of infringing
lamps. An action to restrain such unauthorised importation was com-
menced against the applicant, and if the patent were revoked he (the
applicant) would be able to import lamps manufactured in accordance
with the patent with in\punity, in which case it would be impossible to
caiTy on the manufacture of the lamps in the United Kingdom at a profit.
It appeared that a larger number of lamps manufactured in accordance
with the patent than had been manufactured by the British Westing-
house Co. had been imported by their licensees (Messrs. Koerting &
Mathiesen), to whom the British Westinghouse Co. granted a licence on
March, 12, 1906. Under this licence the German company paid a royalty
in respect of every lamp made under the patent and imported by them.
The number so imported from 1900 to 1908 was 9,85(>. It appeared
from the evidence given at the hearing on behalf of the Westinghouse Co.
by Mr. Justus Eck, of the Union Electric Co., who act as agents in
this country for the German company, that it was alleged that his com-
pany were aware of several infringing firms making and selling large
fjuantities of these lamps in this country, and that it was alleged that in
one town alone 200 lamps were so manufactured and sold, but no sug-
gestion had been made that the majority of the infringing lamps were
manufactured in this country, and unless an overwhelming majority of
them were manufactured here the patented article must be maitdy manu-
factured abroad, even if the number of lamps manufactured abroad in
accordance with the patent, and not imported into the United Kingdom,
was not taken into account. On the evidence before him, the ComytroUer
was satisfied that the allegation that the patented article was manu-
factured out.side the United Kingdom was correct. The question then
arose whether the patentees had proved that it was manufactured to an
" adequate extent " in the United Kingdom, and, if not, whether they
had given satisfactory reasons why it was not so manufactured. He
had some doubt whether or not the German company, who were un-
doubtedly interested in the present application for revocation, were
included in the definition of " patentee " as defined by sec. 9.'5 of the act.
but it was desirable that they should have an opportunity of being heard
with respect to it. They were represented at the hearing by the same
patent agent and counsel who appeared on behalf of the Westinghouse
Co. The German company paid substantial royalties to the Westing-
house Co. for the lamps imported by them into this country, and they had
also, under the licence, authorised the Westinghouse Co. to manufacture
and sell lamps in this country made according to three patents belonging
to the German company without payment of any royalties. The amount
of the royalties payable by the German company to the Westinghouse
Co. was not disclosed, and from the evidence of Mr. Eck it appeared that
the German company would continue to pay royalties under the licence,
even if the patent were revoked. For the Westinghouse Co. it was con-
tended that the manufacture at Trafford Park was clearly adequate,
because the company manufactured more than they could sell ; that a
patentee was entitled to import as many of the patented articles as he
liked into this country, provided he satisfied the law as to adequate
working ; and that he sati-sfied the law on that point notwithstanding
the importation, if the sale and manufacture in England w.as to the best
of his abiUty, whatever that ability might b»— that was to say, if he
granted, as had been done in that case, a licence to a licenc33 who did not
manufacture the patented article in this country, but imported it in
large quantities, he must manufacture the patented article to an adeipiate
extent in this country, however small its manufacture here might be.
provided it was not smaller than the margin between the demand for the
article and the number of articles imported. If- any such interpretation
was to be placed on the words ■adequate extent" the section would be
inoperative in any case in which a foreign manufacturer could persuade
the proprietor of a patent that it would pay him better to take a royalty
on every lamp imported, whilst he himself manufactured here on an iii-
finitesimal scale, than to manufacture the patented article in this country
to a substantial extent. The owners of the patent relied on the proviso
to sec. 27, which was to the effect that no order for revocation might be
made which was at variance with any treaty, convention, arrangement
or engagement with any foreign country or British possession, and
article .5 of the International Convention of 1884 wa; quoted in support
of that argument. That article provided that the introduction by the
patentee into the country where the patent had been granted of objects
manufactured in any States of the Union shall not entail forfeiture, but
that, nevertheless, the patentee shall remain bound to work his patent
in conformity with the laws of the country into which he introduced the
patented objects. If the expression " patentee " merely meant the pro-
prietor of the patent, the article could have no application in the present
case. The interpretation which he placed on the words ■ to an adequate
extent " was to such an extent as would substantially satisfy the demand
in this country, even it no importation took place. Ttiis was the inter
pretation which the Supreme Court of the German Empire had given to
the same words, which were to be found in the first section of article 1 of
the German Law of April 7, 1891. That seemed to be in complete accord
with the plain .sense and intention of the 1907 Act, and, moreover, Gar-
many was one of the States in the International Union. Ap.irt from Mr.
Scanes, no other witness was forthcoming to testify to the extent of the
manufacture at Traffonl Park, and there was no evidence as to the capa-
city of the arc lamp department of the company for manufacturing the
lamps or the number of men employed. Far stronger evidence than had
been given would have to be forthcoming before he could be satisfied of
the adequacy of the manufacture, even if the interpretation of the counsel
for the patentees of the expression "to an adequate extent" could be
held to be correct. The main reason which the Westinghouse Co. had
given for their failure to manufacture the patented article to a greater
extent than they had don? in the United Kingdom wai that they had
been so unfortunate as to grant to the German company a licence which
could not be determined before the expiration of five years from the date
of the licence (i.e.. Jan. 1, 1911) the consequence of the granting of which
had been to render it impossible for them to sell more of their lamps than
the public were willing to buy.having regard to the large importation of
good lamps by the licensees, the bad reputation which th? Westinghouse
Co. had some years ago, and the alleged unlicensed importation and
manufacture by infringers. The patentees had, it was alleged, no control
over the licensees, and they could not prevent th3 liconsD?i from import-
ing as many of their excellent lamps as they ple.ised, and the Westing-
house Co. were now, owing to their improvements, becoming serious com-
petitors of the German company, and were making a few more lamps
than they could sell. He was not satisfied with tlm evidence given on
that point, as the patentees objected to the production of th? document
in its entirety,and it was not a satisfactory reason whythe alleged patented
article was not manufactured in the United Kingdom to a greater
extent than it had been. Even if there wjre satisfactory reasons
why the Westinghouse Co. were unable to nniufacture mora lamps
than they did at a profit it would not. so far as he could see, explain why
the German company had not manufactured their lamps in the United
Kingdom. The German company seemed to him to hive a greater
interest in the maintenance of the patent than the Westinghouse Co.,
and on the facts disclo.sed it would appear that they would be greater
losers than the Westinghouse Co. if the patent v.ero revoked. He could
quite understand if they were, as Mr. Ejk said, the premier firm of arc
lamp manufacturers in the world and were supplying a far larger market
than could possibly be supplied from this country, it might be more con-
venient for them to make their lamps in their present foreign factory or
factories than to start new works here, but that, of itself, was clearly not
a satisfactory reason for not manufacturing them here. They might
possibly be able to make their lamps more cheaply in their foreign factory
than they coidd do in a new factory in England, b\it, so far as he could
see. the public got no advantage from that if their licence prevented
them from selling at a lower price than that charged bj' the Westinghouse
Co. as he understood that it did. No evidence had been given to prove
that they could not, under their licence, manufacture their lamps in this
country and sell them at a profit at their present prices. The fact that
they could make them in Germany at a larger profit would not. if proved,
in his opinion, constitute a satisfactory reason for not manufacturing in
this country. It would be sufficient compliance with the act if it were
manufactured here to an adequate extent by the licensees, but it was not
so manufactured, either by the proprietors or their licensees or by the
united efforts of both. The reason of that was not. in his opinion, the
existence of the licence nor the importation of a reasonable number of
lamps bj' the German companj', but the failure of the German company
to manufacture in this country. If he were to accept that reason as
satisfactory he would be establishing a precedent the effect of which
would be that in any case in which the owner of a patent found that he
could make larger profits by royalty from a firm manufacturing the
patented articles abroad than he could make by arrangements under
69B
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 12, 1909.
which the patented article would be manufactured in this country he
would be able to evade sec. 27 by granting a foreign firm some such
licence as appeared to have been granted to the German company. On
the evidence before him he cams to the conclusion that the patented
article had not been manufactured to an adequate extent in the United
Kingdom and that the reasons given by the patentees why it had not been
so manufactured were far from satisfactory. He, therefore, decided,
subject to an aiipeal to the Court, to revoke the patent forthwith, and
onlered tlie patentees to pay to the applicant To guinaas in respect of his
Muff V. Cunnington.
This case was continued before Jlr.^'erey, othcial referee, last week.
After a mass of evidence dealing with the different items in the stock
book, the case for defendants' counter claim closed.
Mr. AcLAND, KC, for the defence to the counterclaim, argued that
there was no agreement as to value of stock, but only as to quantity.
As to the suggestion that defendants were turned out of the premises,
counsel submitted that they were simply occupying the place as
managers, and the trustee for the debenture holders had a perfect
right to evict tliem if they behaved improperly. As to any misrepre-
sentation he submitted that defendants had absolutely failed to
prove it.
Mr. Thompson, who negotiated with defendants on behalf of Messrs-
Muff & Snowden, denied that the stock book misrepresented the quan-
tity, quality and value of the goods described. At the time of the
liquidation he had shown that they had orders on hand to the extent
of £1,300, which were afterwards increased, and those orders were
bona-fide orders from customers. That was shortly before or after
the liquidation and was shortly before the sale went through and the
witness left. So far as he was concerned he would not sell the busi-
ness under £7,500. For the purpose of their on-n business the value
of the stock as a going concern was £4,167. Witness had no docu-
ments to show when the stock was written down. The company,
which was known as the Improved Glow Lamp Co., of which he was
manager, was taken over by the Improved Electric Supplies (Ltd.).
He admitted that after 18 months' trading the Electric Supplies Co.
showed a deficiency of £5,000. In arriving at the price of £7.500 for
the business he added together [the whole of the assets and obtained a
figure of £10,700. He then allowed one-third for depreciation and
added to it the estimated profits on orders still in hand, which worked
out at £7,500.
Mr. A. Hare, solicitor, said he had acted for the Improved Electric
Supplies Co. since the company was formed. Ao a meeting on May 7,
1907, they had two offers lor the business, each at £7,500. One \vas
from the defendants and the other from the Consolidated Electric Sup-
ply Co. The latter increased their offer to £8,000 at the meeting, with
the result that the meeting was adjourned in order that Messrs.
Alison & Cunningloi!, who were not present, might consider their
position. They also increased their offer to £8,000 and eventually to
£8,250, and a resolution was passed accepting that sum.
Mr. AcLANii, K.C., for plaintiffs, at the conclusion of the evidence,
said defendants had suffered no damage at all. If defendants had got
a business of less value than it was alleged to be the measure of
damage was not the difference defendants put on one part of it, but
the true difference between the value of the whole of it. He contended
that defendants had no reason to complain of the bargain they had
made and that there was no evidence of misrepresentation.
Mr. CoLAM replied for defendants, and yesterday (Thursday) the
Official Referee gave judgment for plaintiffs' on the counterclaim with
costs.
Morecambe Tramways Award —The arbitrator (Major P. E
Cardew) aijpointed to settle the price to be paid by Morecauibe Cor-
poration for the local tramways, recently issued his awai-d The com-
pany estimated the value of their undertaking at £15,952, while the
Corporation's estimate was £7,661. The arbitrator has awarded
£15,391 to be paid by the Corporation to the tramways company for
the undertaking, and all lands, buildings and works, suitable to and
used for the purpose of the undertaking. The Corporation also pay
the costs of the arbitration.
Engineering Instruments (Ltd.)-On Tuesday the petition for
wiiuting u|i this company was, by consent, dismissed without costs.
London E ectnc Supply Legislalion.-Kotioe is given of the inten-
lon of the Board of Trade to apply to Parliament in 1909 for an Act
fV,n?,?i: n '• '" ? P''°^'''^'™ 'o'- constituting, the London County
ounci the purchasing authority within the Administrative CountV
1 ';;';';"■ ;■ ."^^"'dcrtakings of the Kensington & Knightsbridge
V iM f r,'"'; ^°T -^f"^"^ ^"' E'^^'"'^ Lighting Co.. St. James-
ni 1 ■^^■'V'^f '"' L'Sl" C°- Westminster Electric Supply Corpn..
aelxTbv h'^'v^" VI ^'°' '-^ "^" °f *'^« local amhorities as
MUNICIPAL, FOREIGN & GENERAL NOTES.
APPOINTMENTS VACANT AND FILLED.
The Governing Body of tlie Xortliamptun rolytechnic Institute.
Clerkenwell, London, invite applications for the position of assistant
junior demonstrator in electrical engineering laboratories : full
time. Salary £80 per annum. Particulars, with forms of applica-
tion (which should be returned not later than 10 a.m. of Feb. 23)
from the Principal (Dr. MuUineaux Walmsley). See also an adver-
tisement.
A prominent American company requires an cxjjerieneed designer,
familiar with the electrical and mechanical design of large d.c.
generators. See advertisement.
An electrical engineer, thoroughly familiar with the electrical and
mechanical design of d.c. motors, is required ; must be a technical
graduate and write and speak English. Sec advertisement.
A telegraijh and telephone inspector is required for the East
Africa Protectorate ; must have thorough knowledge of lineman's
and of instrument repairer's work. Salary £160, rising by annual
increments of £8 to £200 per annum, with free quarters or an allow-
ance in lieu thereof. Applications to the Crown Agents for the
Colonies, Whitehall -gardens, London, S.W., up to Feb. 15.
Mr. Pierce has been appointed manager and engineer to the Cam-
bridge Electric Supply Co. in succession to Mr. H. B. Harvey, who has
accepted a similar post with the Kent Electric Power Co.
EDUCATIONAL NOTICE.
Merchant Venturers Technical College.— The Ciovernors of this
college, in which the lirst professorship of motor car engineering in
this country has been founded, arc taking steps to equip the new-
motor car engineering shop, so that when Prof. W. Morgan, B.Sc
takes up his duties in -4pril next «'ork may proceed smoothly. A
number of companies connected with the motor car industries are
assisting the College in this matter, and promises have already been
received of gifts and loans from a number of firms.
Ameisham. — The Council have assented to the application of the
Chesham Electric Light & Power Co. for a provisional order.
Asylum Lighting. — The Visiting Committee of Hants County
Council have decided to extend the electric light to the remaining
portions of Fareham Asylum now lighted by gas, and the tender of
Messrs. Shalders & Davis has been accepted for the work.
Bradford. — On Tuesday the Electricity committee again reported
to the Council on the proposed extensions of the electricity under-
taking.
Aid. Robinson moved the adoption of the minutes, with the exception
of a resolution re-endorsing the report of the engineer and manager (Mr. T.
Roles) on the subject of the extension. He explained that he still in-
tended to defer this, but the resolution accepting the tender of the British
Thomson-Houston Co. for two turbines and alternators should be passed
without delay if the committee were to be able next winter to meet their
obligations to consumers. The only alternative to the scheme proposed
was to put in transformers, which would cost £30,700 for 1,000 kw.,
against £40,000 for 6,000 kw. with turbines. Transformers would also
mean an extravagant generating cost. The present plant consumed 24 lb.
of steam per unit, and with the turliines it was expected that the steam
consumption would be reduced to 16 lb., which on a production of
13.000,000 units a year would mean a saving of £3.000 in coal alone.
Aid. Hayhurst moved, as an amendment, that the whole of the resolu-
tions of the Electricity committee should be accepted, provided that the
British Thomson-Houston Co., whose tender it was proposed to accept,
was a " fair " firm ; that due inquiries should be made, and the
result reported to the next meeting of the Council, the contract to be
proceeded with if the report were satisfactory.
Aid. Robinson accepted the amendment and the minutes we're carried.
The minutes of the Tramways crunmittee included a recommendation
to spend £18,480 on track renewal.
Brighton.— At the meeting of the Corporation last week the report
and recommendations of the manager and engineer of the electricity
works (Mr. John Christie) as to the extension of the electricity under-
taking were adopted. Mr. Christie's report was abstracted in our
last issue (p. 663).
Cardiff. — The Electric Lighting committee have decided to make
provision in the rate estimates for the ensuing year for all items
which in the opinion of tlie L.CJ. Board should have been charged to
revenue instead of capital in the past.
Colchester. — The question of the extension of electricity supply to
the Hythe was before the Council last week.
The Electricity Supply committee reported that the Board of Trade
h»s rcfuisd the Council's application for permission to erect an overhc.id
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 12, 1909.
699
feeder cable to the Hythe, as the proposed overhead Hues would be of a
large size, the work of a permanent nature and the route of an urban
character.
The Enjrineer (Mr. A. R. Sillar) submitted a report giving particulars
of tlie system adopted at Chesterfield for supplying electrical energy to
outlying districts by means of the tramway overhead wires, and his
estimate of the cost of carrying out such a scheme for supplying current
to the Hythe was £485. 13s. 6d. The engineer was instructed to visit
Chesterfield. ins])cct the system in operation, and obtain all further infor-
mation [iDssiMe.
Country House Lighting. — Some years ago Bentloy Priory, Stan-
more, Middlesex, was partly wired for electric lighting, but recently,
on the change of oooupier.s, it was decided to electrically light the
whole of the building, the contract for which was placed with Messrs.
Stegmann & Co. (Clapham Junction, London, S.W.), who have com-
])!pt«d the work. The present supply is from a 20 kw. dynamo belt-
ci>u])led to a 28 b.h.p. gas engine with town gas supply, with storage
battery of 880 amjiere-hours capacity a.s stand-by, and the usual
riimplement of switchgear. &c. There are over fiOO " O.sram "
lamps.
Customs Duties. — According to recent decisions the duty payable
under the New Zealand tariff on imported electric motors for linotype
machines (whether attached to machines or not) is 15 per cent,
ad val. (British goods 10 per cent.), and electrician's portable testing
sets (including ammeters, galvanometers, ohmmet«rs, voltmeters,
jjower factor meters, portable testing generators, accumulators, &c.)
(Brilisli or other) are duty free.
East Ham. — West Ham Council have received an application from
a large firm of manufacturers at Silvertown (East Ham) for a supply
of electric current for power, and inquiries from other firms in North
Woolwich have also been received. West Ham Council have suggested
that, as they understand East Ham are not contemplating giving a
supply in the area south of the docks, that no objection should be
raissd to West Ham carrying their cables through and giving a supply
to such applicants. East Ham Electric Lighting committee having
fully cotisidered the matter, have decided in favour of this course,
))rovided a nominal rental of £10 per annum is paid to East Ham, and
subject to a formal agreement.
Edinburgh. — The City engineer has been asked to report as to
th? advisability of adopting the railless trolley system of electric
traction in the suburban districts.
Extension of Electrobus Service.— The London Electrobus Co. have
extended th"ir Liver|iiio1-strcet-Virti>ria route to Earrs-court,
through Rbury-street, S!oane-:<((uare. Sloane-street, Brorapton-road,
Cromwell-road, Earl's-covu't. The system of fare? has not. however,
been altered.
Fatality. — On Monday an apprentice named M'lver (aged 16), was
killed at Paisley through coming in contact with a live electric wire.
He was working with an engineer fitting up an electric fire alarm in
the Anchor Thread Mills, and was on a ladder, about 10 ft. from the
ground, when he came in contact with an electric wire, and collapsed.
Artificial respiration was resorted to but was unsuccessful.
Glasgow. — At the Corporation meeting last week the chairman of
the Tramways committee (Mr. Jas. McFarlane) said that during the
recent severe weather they had felt the want of an increased number
of covered cars. They were finishing 70 top-covered cars, and asked
consent to cover an additional 1 10. They would then have nearly 900
cars, of which .500 would be top covered, about 250 without top covers
and 117 old converted horse cars, and by next winter that would
make a very great improvement in the conditions.
Hanley. — On Tuesday the Council authorised the Works and
Electricity committees to take steps to improve the street lighting in
the centre of the town.
Messrs. M. Huntbaoh & Co., who take current from the Corporation,
are considering the question of generating their own current, but
they now offer to pay the Council £300 per annum for a supply of
current up to 40,000 units per annum. The Council arc willing to
supply at 3d. per unit at night and power rates during the day.
Hereford. — The salary of the city electrical engineer (Mr. VV. T.
Kerr) has been increased from £200 to £300 per annum in order to
induce him to remain at Hereford, as he recently received an offer of
an appointment in India at an annual salary of £400.
Hove.— The Borough surveyor has been authorised to make
further experiments in street electric lighting, and 35 additional gas
lamps are to be converted to electric lighting.
Hull. — At a recent meeting of ths City Council the Tramways
committee recoitimended that an order for 350 tons of tramway rails
be placed with the .Angleiu' Co. (Liege) at £6. 17s. (id. per ton, on the
ground that no British firm would undertake to supjily a rail of the
centre groove pattern, which was only in use in Hull and Donca.ster.
Objection was taken to the recommendation, because no British firms
had been asked to tender, and the minutes were, therefore, sent back for
reconsideration. Last week the committee reported that the City
Engineer had written to five English firms for prices. One company hafi
not replied, two stated they were unable to quote, one quoted £8. 3s. 4d.
per ton, and Walter Scott (Ltd.) quoted the following prices, against
which the committee placed the Belgian figures for comparison ; —
Walter Scott ( Ltd. ) Angleur Co.
Rails of ordinary quality 6 15 0 6 7 6
Fish plates and sole-plates 8 15 0 8 10 0
Rails of Sandberg quahty 7 5 0 6 17 6
The engineer estimated that the additional cost of taking delivery from
the ship under the Belgian' quotation, as compared with the delivery on
trucks from Leeds would be Is. lid. per ton. He advised the acceptance
of a tender for Sandberg rails, and the committee recommended that the
order be given to Walter Scott (Ltd.). This course was .adopted by the
Council.
The Corporation have received sanction to a loan of £11,190 for
electricity supply.
Islington (London).— During the 13 weeks ended .Jan. 10 139
additional consumers were connected to the mains, and the net
increase in the maximum supply was equivalent to (5.941 8 c.p. lamp.s.
Italy.- The " Sole " (Milan) states that with the CJovernment
subsidy of 8,500 lire per kilometre (£548 per mile), in addition to
other subsidies, the construction of the Vigezzo valley electric railway
is fully assured. The Swiss community are agitating for the exten-
sion of the line to Locarno.
A company with a capital of 500,000 lire (£20,000) has (the " In-
dustria" of Milan states) been formed in Lugano to construct an
eli'Ctric tramway from that town to Cadro and Dino.
Kirkcaldy. — It is proposed to extend the tramway to Dysart.
provided terms can be arranged.
Lectures.— Mr, Charles Bright, F.R.S,E., M.I.E.E., is giving two
lectures on the 17th and 18th inst. at the Royal Naval College,
?ortsmouth, on the subject of " Submarine Telegraphy in Relation to
the Navy and Warfare."
Littleborough, — The Council have arranged for a sujjply of elec-
tricity in bulk from Rochdale.
London County Council. — On Tuesday a recommendation was snb-
mitted to expend £11,000 on capital account, in respect of the erec-
tion of the Abbey Wood car-shed. — Postponed.
Harrnw-road and Paddinglon Tramumys. — The Highways committee
reported the result of their negotiations with the Metropolitan Electric
Tramways in respect of the purchase by the Council of the tramways in
Harrow-road. The company offered the ti'amways in Loudon for
£40,000. The total cost of the acquisition was estimated at about
£42,000, and the committc; recomm'»ndcd a capital expenditure of that
amount. — Postponed.
Tramway Expenditure. — It was reported that the expenditure on tram-
way works authorised under the Act of 190S w^is likely to exceed the
estimate by £35,000, although the total amount on tramway works wa.s
not likely to exceed the estimate of £1.. 300,000.
Speeial Track Work. — The committee reported thiit during the next
financial year it will be necessary to renew the special track work and
cross-overs at the junction of New Cross-road and Queen"s-road, the
junction of Old Kent-road and New Kent-road. Clapham Park-road,
Clapham Common, and the crossings at St. Georgc's-circiis at an estimated
cost of £9,100.
Brake Equipments. — The Highways committee recommended that
special supplemental mechanical attachments be provided to the mag-
netic brakes on cars operating upon hilly routes of the Council's tram-
ways. The estimated cost of this for (>'> cars is £2,000. — Agreed.
The "G.B." Sy.<!tem.—Mr. Gordox asked the chairman of the Highways
committee whether the agreement with the " G.B." Synd. with regard
to further trials had not been in existence for three months, and whether
the experiments were not completed.
-Mr. Whittaker Thompson" said that the 24 weeks during which it
was said the experiments would last came to an end that day but the
initial work was not complete. He had received a communication from
Mr. Mordey stating that the "G.B." Synd. had a.sked for an extension
of time, but he was not preparodito say at the moment how mnch longer
time he would give them.
L.C.C. Tramways.— London County Council have agreed to apply
to Parliament for authority to widen certain thoroughfares in
Bermondsey in connection with the conversion of the London.
Deptford and Greenwich tramways to electric traction and their
extension, provided Bermondsey, Deptford and Greenwich Cocneils
agree to contribute one-third of the cost,
Lowestoft.— The electrical engineer (Mr. 0. .\. Bruce) has been
instructed to report as to the cost of doubling the tramway track,
and also as to the cost of carrying out the work in sections. Mr.
Bruce has also l)esn instructed to obtain tenders for a 200 kw. generat-
in<: set b.fore the next meeting of the Electric Lighting committee.
Macclesfield. — The proposed application for a provisional electric
lighting order is nit to be proceeded with, and the Cotmcil are to
'00
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 12, 1909.
a»ain r.'.n^i.I.'i' \1t'^ .T. H. W.xxlwaid's srheme for mniiici|ial i-lprtiioity
wi ii'ks.
Middlesex.— Thp annual report of the County Council tramways
(l.-iiartiaont states that the capital cost of the service has been
il.lidT.raS. and £40"),92.5 further i.s required to onraplete the system.
DiM-iufi the three years the trams have lieeii iiumin.iJ they have carried
ucarh 114 million passengers.
Prcsentalions.— The staff and employes of Siemens Bros. Dynamo
Works. Stafford, have presented Mr. Lee Murray with a grand-
father's clock and an autograph album, on his departure to take up
the position of manager of Bruce Peebles & Co. (Ltd.), Edinburgh.
:\Ir. H. B. Harvey, manager and engineer of the Cambridge Electric
Kui)ply Co.. h.as been ijiesented with a sjiirit tantalus, on leaving to
take ti]) an ai)i)ointment with the Kent Klectric Power Co.
Putlic Building Lighting and Heating.— Mr. Flint, architect to
Kensin.L'ton (Lcindon) Guardians, has been authorised to prepare a
s|)L'cifieation. &c., for installing the electric light in the Clerk's and
relief offices, and two nili.i rooms.
St. Pancras (oi:ii(li;iii~ have received from Mr. A. E. Pridmore.
Diree alternative m(tli<«ls lor heating the proposed operating room
at the North Intirmary as follows :— Electricity. £7.5. 28. ; gas.
£175. 15s. ; steam, £147. 5s. X committee is considering which of
the three systems should be adopted.
Restoration of Lapsed Patent.— An order was made on Feb. 2
restoring the letters patent granted to Henry Chitty for an invention
for ' ' Improvements in Dynamo Electric Machines." numbered 9,397
of 1902, and bearing date April 23, 1902.
Rugby. — The Council are considering a proposal to convert 520
liiihlic lamps from gas to electricity at a capital outlay of £5.588.
The annual c:st is estimated at £1.-523, against £1,709 paid for gas.
Stepney (London.) — The Electricity Supply committee have had
trsts made of smoke-preventing apparatus at the Osborn-street
generating station, and £120 is to be expended in installing " Fumi-
cide "" apjiaratus in one of the boilers to give it a trial.
'I'lic maximum load tor the year ended .fan. 23 Last was, at a .'it) watt-
lamp equivalent, 10.S. 274, compared with 94.3.!>5 iti the previous 12 months
The units genprated from A|uil I. I'.IO.S. I.. .I:in. !) last were .5.091,0.53.
.(.mpaicd with 5.002.080.
f OUth Africa. — The " British and South .\frican Export Gazette "
stales that invitations are already being i.ssued by H. Eckstein & f!o..
■lohanne.sburg, for tenders for 97 motors. &e.. in connection with the
Hand Mines electric power scheme, which is being initiati-d by Mr. \V.
Harper (Harper Bros., London) under the style of the Rand Mines
I'ower Supply Co. (Ltd.)^with a capital of .t2.()00.0()0.
Ivxteiisive contracts for generating plant for the additional stations
projected by tlie Victoria Falls & Rand I'dWer Supply Co. m.ay be
e.xpectpd shortly.
Sowerby Bridge.— The Klectrieal l)islrilMili..ii d Ynrkshire is
arranging for a sujiply of electricity in this dislricl and Inr taking a
tiansfpr of the Council's provisional order.
Swindon. — Electric pumping |)lant is In be in.slalled at the Sewage
works, and .additional plant is to be put in at the electricity wurks at
an estimated cost of £805.
Tiverton.— The Lighting committee are to consider a scheme of
Dr. J. A. Purves for the formation of a local company to establish
electricity works in this town.
Topsham. — The Parish Council have entered into an agreement
«ilh tlu Topsham Electricity Supply Co. for the supply of current
loi' pulilic lighting. Overhead wires are to be employed.
Waldorf Theatre Lighting.— In reference to the closing of the
\Valdnrf Theatre on Saturday evening last " owing to the failure of
Hie electricity supply," the Charing Ci-oss, West End & Citv
f.lectricity Supply Co. write that the statement is absolutely untrue
.\o such failure occurred. The extmguishment of the I'ight was
due to the deliberate act of certain emploves of the theatre, with or
without the sanction of the management. Nearly the whole of the 30
theatres and halls connected to our system are" furnished with two
supplies of electricity from separate sources, and from two separate
systems of mams, one of which is devoted to the supply of theatres
u" '""!''; '"""^""S^- This double supply was available at the
Ualdorf Iheatre. and even had a failure occurred the electrician in
<'ha.ge could almost instantaneously have switched over fiom the
Z^Tv'l!" "'? f "''"'^' ^"PP'y "^'"'°'k. ^nd thus have main
tamed the lighting of the theatre.
Walsall
account
Walsall.— .■\t the recent meeting of the Corporf
counts of the electricity department were presem
,'■. ,i'"''t" '■"I'T ?"' '■«'§>•''* that the Electricity e
ation the annual
esented.
li ilu- l-iv„Mvi" UK -i ■" '., ,"" "'"^"'city committee had to
ht l.ugest dchoit since the utidertaking was started 13 years as-o
' ' i-l h,.en estimated there would he a loss of floo, whereas it wfs actuahv
£85ri. During the year fiO tons less of coal was u.sed. but. in spite of that,
the actual cost showed an inrrense of £3111. The revenue had only grown
by £69, although £837 more had to be found in respe:'t of capital charges.
People had been taking less current, owing partly to trade depression and
also to new .and more eionomical lighting methods. A fatal mistake
had, he considered, been made in fixing the price for electricity at such
a low iigure. The wrping off of the deficit would reduce the reserve fund
almost to vanishing point. In 13 years the total net profit of the concern
had been about £11. The committee, however, hoped to be able to place
a very different account before the Council in another 12 months' time.
The accounts were adopted.
Will.— The late Dr. George Gore, author of " The Electrolytic
Separation of Metals " and other works on electro-chemistry and
electro-metallurgy, left estate valued at £6,802 gross, with net per-
sonalty £6,763. W'ith the exception of legacies amounting to £600,
deceased left all his property to the Royal Society and tlie Royal
Institution in equal shares.
Wireless Telegraph Notes. — It is announced that a wireless message
despatched from Berlin to the officer in command of a German war-
ship at sea was " picked up " at Aldershot.
Renter's Agency states that President Roosevelt has sent a mes-
sage to Congress recommending immediate legislation requiring that.
within a rea.sonable time limit, all ocean-going steamships carrying
considerable numbers of passengers should be equipped with wire-
less telegraphy apparatus. It will be remembered that a motion is
on the business paper of the Hou.se of Representatives, to the like
effect, by a member.
The British Admiralty have had under consideration the for-
mation of a reserve of operators in wireless telegraphy, and have now
decided to allow telegraphist ratings to enrol in the Royal Fleet
Reserve on following conditions : —
Telegraphists will not be eligible to join the Reserve until they have
completed their tiist ((nitiiiuous engagement. On enrolment they will be
required to undertakt- ii> fiilluw their trade of wireless telegraph operators
in civil life, and thciv siibKequent retention in the Reserve will be con-
ditional on their ]jassing a .satisfactory test of fitness for telegraphist iu
the Torpedo School on conclusion of th?ir periodical training at the ports.
To improve the chances of telegraphist ratings obtaining civil employ-
ment on leaving the service, it has been decided that men within one year
of completing their engagements may present themselves for examina-
tion by the Post Office authorities fur the grant of a certificate in com-
mercial wireless telpgraphy. and the usual fee will be remitted in such
cases. Telegraphist ratings in the Coastguard service who are employed
at wireless telegia|ihy stations under the Post Office will he eligible for
tho.se certificates on the conclusion of their period of service.
The names of men who wish to be examined are to be submitted to the
.Admiraltv in order Ihtit the necessary arrangements may be made with
the Post Office.
Wimbledon. — The Council arc prcjjared to supply energy at the
.Merton sewage works at 1 Jd. per unit for power and lighting, subject
to Merton Council )>roviding a site for. and erecting at their own
expense, a building suitable for a transformer sub-station.
Festivities. — The seventh annual tea, concert and dance, promoted
by the Liverjiool tramway employes' social, athletic and thrift society
look place at St. CSeorge's Hall, Liverpool, on 2nd and 3rd inst.
Ujiwai'ds fif 2.000 inem hers. relati\os and friends took part in the func-
tion each evening. Following the tea, an excellent concert was provided,
and dancing to the strains of the tramways orchestra took place.
Aid. Sir Charles Petrie, J. P., chairman of the Tramways committee, pre-
sided, and was supported by Lady Petrie, Aid. F. Smith and Mr.s. Smit i.
Aid. E. Lewis Lloyd and Mrs. Lloyd. Councillors Hutchinson, Reynold*,
Jackson and Gordon, the town clerk (Mr. E. R. Pickmere, M..\., J. P.)
and Mrs. Pickmere. Mrs. Bellamy, <fec. During the evening represen-
tatives of the Wnllon. Dingle, Green L.ane. Litherland and Smithdown-
road hraih li. - ^|M.kr, thanking Sir Charles Petrie and the members of the
Tramway-, i Miiiuiiitcc for the service they had rendered the tramway
employes i.y canyiiig through the superannuation scheme.
Sir Ch.^rlks Petrie. in reply, said every member of the committee was
glad the employes were satisfied with the superannuation .cicheme. Ho
would have liked to have done more. However, it was a beginning.
The tramways had been very successful, and that success was largely due
to the employes.
The arrangements were under the supervision of the hon. president of
the .society (Mr. C. W. Mallins, A.I.E.E.), supported by the branch chair-
man, Jlessrs. A. H. Anderson, E. McNulty, A. G. Smart. J. Waters and
P. Lawler.
St. James' Electric Cricket Club.— The weather which we are expe-
riencing at luesent being unsuitable lor cricket the St. James Electric
Cricket Club remind themselves of sunnier days by holding a f moking
concert end perhaps weaving in the Lmoke clouds memories of
" boundaries," " no balls," and such like. The members of the
club appear to be as good judges of music as players of cricket if the
applause which greeted the various " turns" at the concert held at
the Bridge Hotel, London Bridge, on Saturday last is a criterion.
There was a large attendance, and most of the artists ran up good
scores.
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 12, 1909.
701
TRADE NOTES AND NOTICES.
READY END OF NEXT WEEK.
"THE ELECTRICIAN" ELECTRICAL TRADES'
DIRECTORY AND HANDBOOK.— The 1909 Edition
of the Big Blue Book, price 153., or post free in the
United Kingdom, 15s. gd. The new and enlarged volume
brings a great mass of statistical and technical data
quite up to date, and the Directorial Division will be
thoroughly revised and amplified.
All branches of Electrical Engineering and Industry
are fully treated, and Electro-Financial matters will
receive every attention in the new volume, which aggre-
gates more than 2,000 pages. The Directory Division is
complete and thoroughly accurate, and has been com-
pletely revised. All mere lists of members of Societies
and Institutions (so easily and cheaply available) are
excluded, as quite unreliable for Manufacturers' and
Dealers' purposes. The full set of valuable Statistical
and Engineering Tables, &c., are being very carefully
revised and extended, and are now issued in handy book
form. These will be included in the 1909 Big Blue
Book, making it the most complete work of the kind ever
published.
TENDERS INVITED.
London County Council invitf tenders for (a) manufacture and
erection at the Klephant and Castle tramways substation of one 20-
ton overhead hand travelling crane ; (6) manufacture and erection
at the same place of h. and l.-t. switchgear and modifications to
existing .switchgear; (c) two 1,500 kw. rotary converters, &c.. and
six 575 kw- static single-phase air-cooled transformers, &c. ; and (d)
for wiring and fitting for electric lighting the Norwood tramway car
.shed. Forms of tender from the Clerk of the Council, County Hall.
Spring Gardens, S.W., on payment of £2 (returnable for bona fide
tender) for each specification. Tenders by 1 1 a.m. Tuesday. March
9. .See also an advertisement.
London County Council Asylums committee want lenders by
10 a.m., Feb. 19 for 12 months' electrical sundries, electric lamps,
w.i. pipes and fitting.s, belting, &c. Forms of tender from the
Asylums committee's office, 6, Waterloo-place, London, S.VV.
Manchester Tramways committee are prepared to receive ten-
ders for the supply of general stores, comprising motor parts and
accessories, controllers, resistances, &c., armature and field coils.
motor and gear cases, pinion and gear wheels, trolley standards and
poles, lightning arresters, lamps, car switches, bells, &c., cells for bell
circuits, lighting materials, t^lejihones and testing instruments,
insulating materials, carbon brushes and carbons, power and light-
ing cables, bell wire, copper, brass, steel and iron wire, gal. steel
cable, overhead line material, pole switches, feeder box parts, trolley
wheels, bushes and spindles, oils, paints, &c.. porcelain and brown-
ware insulators, plate glass, globes, lamp glasses. &c.. rubber goloshes,
gloves, (fee, leather belting, workshop and machine tools. &c..
metal cutting saws, woodworking tools and accessories, permanent
way tools, brake and gear chains, steel stampings, iron and steel
castings, car axles, bolts, screws, steel, &c. Specifications. &c.,
from the general manager, Mr. J. M. McElroy, Corporation Tram-
ways, 55, Piccadilly. Manchester. Tenders to Cliairman of Tram-
ways committee by 10 a.m. Tuesday. Feb. 23. See also an adver-
tisement.
S.\LFORD Electricity committee invite tenders for sinking a l)ore-
liole and supply of ]iumping plant at the Corporation eleeliicity
works. Frederick-road, Pendleton. Specification and form of tender
from the borough electrical engineer, Mr. Victor A. H. M'Cowcn,
M.l.E.E. Tenders, addressed to the chairman of the Electricity
committee, to the offices of .Mr. M'Cowen, by noon Monday. .March I.
S?e elso an advertisement.
S.ALFORD Corporation invite tenders for stores for their electricity
department for the year ending March 31, 1910. including cables,
cable accessories, refined Trinidad bitumen, cable conduits, stone-
ware and fibre pipes, asphalte bridges, wood troughing. bends. &c.,
cement, lime, bricks, &c., house service cut-outs, electricity meters.
maximum demand indicators, gravity type ammeters, circuit
breakers and ironclad d.p. switches, soda ash, switches, fuses and
are lamp globes, carlion filament glow lamjis, arc lamp carbons and
motor carbon brushes, electric motors and starters, iron castings,
brass and gun metal castings, iron and steel bars, plates. &c., iron-
mongery, w.i. tubes and fittings, druggists' sundries, timber, wood
fittings, engine room stores, oils. &c. Specifications. &c:. from the
borough electrical engineer (Mr. X'iclor A. 1). .M'Cowen). electricity
works. Frederick-road, Pendleton. Tentlers to the Chairman of the
Electricity committee before noon Feb. 15.
S.\LroRD Tramway.s committee want tenders by 3 p.m. Feb. 15 for
12 months' supply of electrical and mechanical car accessories, over-
head ears and frogs, overhead equipment material, wire, iron and
steel, oils. &c. Forms. &c.. from the General .Manager.
.■\bertillery LTrban District Council invite tenders fcr supply,
delivery and erection of two 66 kw. vertical gas engines and dynamos,
suction gas producing plant, balancing booster, pipework and water
supply plant ; switchboard and poles and overhead conductors,
underground cables, feeder and other i)illars and jjiiblic lighting
a])paratus. Conditions, specifications, and forms of tender from
the consulting engineers. Messrs. F. H. .Medhurst & Bre«er, 13.
Victoria-street. Westmin.ster, S.W. Tenders to the clerk to the
Council, Mr. Wm. Gait, Council Offices, King-street, Abertillery,
.Mon., l>y Feb. 26. See also an advertisement.
Abertillery Council also want tenders by Feb. 20 for the erection
of a small generating station. Forms of tender from -Mr. ^L K. Field,
19, Queen Anne's Gate, London. S.W.
The Westminster ELECTRir Supply Corpx. (Ltd.) are prepared to
receive tenders for supply, delivery and erection at their Horselerry-
road station of combined higli and low-tension switchboards and
low-tension switchboard and battery boosters. Copies of specifica-
tions, with drawings and general conditions, from the consulting
engineers (Messrs. Kennedy & Jenkin), 17. Victoria-street, West-
minster, S.W. Tenders to the Secretary of the corporation. Eccle-
ston-place, Eccleston-street. Belgravia, S.W.. by 10 a.m. Feb. 26.
See also an advertisement.
Combined contractors of a large jirovineial town in the North of
Enoe^^nd are open to receive tenders for the sale and hire of motors,
&c., from I to .50 h.p. (d.e.) for an extended period. See an adver-
tisement.
Lincoln Corporation are jjrepared to receive tenders for the con-
struction and maintenance of complete water level recording and
telephonic system, connecting their waterworks engineer's office
with their present Elkesley pumping station, and Hiacebridge
service reservoir and Westgate water tower. Specification and form
of tender may be obtained and drawings inspected after the Feb. 9
at the office of the waterworks engineer (.Mr. Neil JlcK. Harron).
Tenders, addressed to the Chairman of the Waterworks committee,
to the town clerk (Mr. W. T. Page) by Feb. 22.
Edmonton Guardians invite tenders for an electric lighting and
power installation at their new infirmary (Bridport-road, Upper
Edmonton) now being erected. Drawings may be inspected and
general conditions, specification and form of tender oljtaincd at the
office of Mes.srs. May & Hawes, Caxton House. Westminster. S.W.
Tenders to Mr. P. Shelton, solicitor and clerk. While II art -lane.
Lower Tottenham, before 9 a.m. Feb. 24.
The Electricity and Tramways committee cf the Count)- Borough
of N K WPORT, Mon.. are prepared to receive tenders for supply of three
complete four-wheeled double-deck tramcars. Information and
specifications from the borough electrical engineer and tramways
manager (.Mr. H. Collings Bishop). Tenders to the Town Clerk.
Town Hall, Newport, -Mon., by 10 a.m. Feb. 23.
W.4LTHAMSTOW Council want tenders by 5 p.m.. Feb. 26, for 12
months' stores for the electricity and tramways departments, in-
cluding cables, meters, fittings, engine room stores, lamps, oils and
grease, car accessories, steel tyres, castings, (.S:c. Forms of tender
from Mr. G. R. Spurr, Flectrioity Works, Priory-avenue. Waltham-
stow.
The Council of the Metropolitan Borough of St. M.MtYLKHONF.
invite tenders for the fitting of electric fittings, reflectors. &c., to
about 2.000 existing street lanterns. Specifications from the town
clerk(.Mr.Jas. Wilson), Town Hall. St. .Maiylebone. London. W., to
whom tenders by 3 p.m. Feb. 17.
Leeds Corporation want tenders by 10 a.m. Feb. 25 for 12 months'
stores for the electric lighting department, including copper bars,
strips, plates and wire, lead. i.r. covered cables, mains boxes and
fittings, jointing and insulating materials, electric lamps, a.c. watt-
meters, tubes, iron and steel, gunmetal, tools, oils, &c. Schedules,
&c., from .Mr. H. Dickinson, 1. Whitehall-road, Leeds.
Leeds Tramways committee want tenders by Feb. 20 for 12 months'
supply of stores." including electrical sundries, iron and steel, cast-
ings, ironmongery, bolt.s and nuts, oils, \-c. Forms of tender from
the General Manager.
702
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 12. 1909.
Ct u'ton OS -Sea District C'ouncil invite tenders tor supply and erec-
tion of overhead travelling erane. Specification, with terms and
conditions, from the electrical engineer (Mr. H. W. Eventt). Tender.s
to the clerk (Mr. G. T. Lewis). Town Hall, Clacton-on-Sca. by noon
of Wednesday. Feb. 17.
roRTSMOUTH Tramways committee want tenders by 10 a.m.
Feb 15 tor 12 months stores, &c., including electrical and msulatmg
materials, overhead line materials, brake shoes, car repair stores.
oils. &c. : and also for 12 months' coal for the power station, hpeci-
fioations'from the Engineer, Fratton-grove, Portsmouth.
Bermoxdsey (London) Council want tenders by Feb. 15 for 12
months' supply of carbons, cable and jointing materials, conduits,
electricity meters, meter boards, joint boxes, oils, &c. Forms, &c.,
from the Town Clerk.
Sheffield Electric Light committee want tenders by 10 a. m. Feb 15
for steam and feed piping, water meter. &c., for one new boiler.
Spesificition. &c.. from the Electric Supply Department, Com-
mercial-street, Sheffield.
ToDMORDBN Education committee want tenders by Feb. 22 for
wiring th? new secondary school on the Stile Estate. Specification
from Mr. J. Horsfall, 4, Chapel-walks, Manchester.
Acton Council want tenders by 3 p.m. Feb. 16 for 12 months'
supply of meters, fuse boxes, meter boards, cables, steel tubing,
bitumsn, &c. Forms of tender &c., from Mr. J. Martin Blair. 130.
Churchfi?ld-road, Acton.
Batterse.4. (London) Council want tenders by March 2 for 12
months' materials for the electricity department, including carbons,
electricity meters, joint boxes, oils. &c. Forms from the electrical
engineer.
Brighouse Corporation want tenders by March 2 for supply,
erection, &c., of a balancing set, feeder cables, switchboard. &c.
Specifications from Messrs. Lacey, Sillar & Leigh, 2, Queen Anne's-
gat2, London, S.W.
Croydon Corporation want' tenders by 11 a.m.. March 2. for coal
for the eloelricity department. Forms of tender, &c.. from the Town
Clerk.
GiLUKGiiAM Corporation require tenders by noon, Feb. 18. for 12
months' cable and general stores for the electricity department, iron-
mongery, coal and coke, &c.
Ashton-under-Lyse Electricity committee invite tenders for a
wat3r-tubs boiler, and an induced draught fan. Tenders to Borough
Controlbr by noon, March 3.
Southampton Corporation invite tenders for 12 months' supply of
.sundry cable and 1,000 tungsten lamps. Tenders to Town Clerk by
noon, Feb. 17.
Radcliffe Council requu-e tenders by March 2 for a 300 kw. steam
dynamo and a 1,000 lov. motor-generator, automatic three-wire
reversible booster, condensing plant, steam and other piping, valves.
&c.. and switchboard extension.
St. Helens Electricity committee invite tenders for the supply and
erection of condensing plant and other work at the Copper's-hill
power station. Tenders to the Chauman by noon of Feb. 17.
Chorlton Guardians want tenders by Feb. 16 for three electric
motors. Particulars from the Guardians Offices, All Saints', Man-
chester.
EsHER Council want tenders by March 3 for electric lighting at
the sewage disposal works. Lower Green. Esher. Specification at
the office of the surveyor.
Farnworth Council want tenders by 4 p.m. Feb. 15 for electric
light fittings for the new public offices. Forms from the clerk of
works, or Mr. 'W. J. Lomax. 11, Fold-street, Bolton.
Francavilla Fostana (Italy) Municipality require tenders by
Feb. 26 for the electric lighting of the town. The upset price is
126,800 lire (£5,080). Provisional deposit of 6.000 lire (£240)
required from all tenderers.
The Mayor of Ploesti (Roumania) will receive tenders until March
16 for construction and working an electric tramway in the town for
50 years. Provisional guarantee of 25.CK)0 lei (£1,000) required.
TENDERS RECEIVED AND ACCEPTED.
The Committee of the Smoke Abatement Exhibition to be held at
Sheffield from March 1 to March 20 have placed the order for the
general lighting of the entire exhibition with the Union Electric Co..
Park-street. London. S.E. The lamps to be used are the improved
deposit-free " Excello" lamps, which will be connected to the Shef-
fieW Corporation's alternating current supply maiin.
Bradford Town Hall Extension committee have accepted the
tender of the Keighley Electrical Engineering Co. for two electric
passenger lifts at £694 : and that of Chas. Bell for two service lifts
and a book lift at £180.
Bradford Corporation are recommended to accept the tender of
Ashwell & Nesbit (at £94) for electrical work at the Green-lane Child
Feeding Depot.
The order for a 550 volt battery and " Entz " booster in connection
with electric power supply to the Cape Town Docks has been placed
with the Chloride Electrical Storage Co.
Wakefield Council have accepted the tender of the British Thomson-
Houston Co. for met«s.
East Ham Council have placed an order with Mathews & Yat<»s^for
a new .set of fans for a cooling tower at the generating station at £51.
Maidstone Council have accepted the tender of Drake & Gmhim
for switchboard extensions.
Dudley Council have accepted tlie tender of the Electrical Co. for
25 meters.
Hull Town Council have accepted the tender of Walter Scott (Ltd.)
for Sandberg rails at £7. 5s. per ton.
Beckenham Council have accepted the tenders of Buchanan &
Curwen. H. W. Tyler and Oscar Jones &-€o. for free wiring work for
12 months.
Wimbledon Council have placed an order with the British Thom-
son-Houston Co. for supply and fixing of two bottom bucket wheels
and diaphragm nozzles for a Cutris turbo-generator at £120.
Bradford Council have accepted the tender of the North Eastern
Steel Co. for a mile of temporary tramway track at £936.
Sheffield Libraries committee have placed an order with the
electric supply department for the electric lighting installation for the
Hillsbro' branch library.
Glasgow Tramways committee recommend for acceptance the
tender of the National Conduit & Cable Co. for lead-covered cables.
This was the lowest tender received.
Whitby Council have accepted the tender of Callcnder's Co. for
cables.
Gillingham Council have accepted the tender of A. Davenport &
Son for two electric " geysers " for the infectious hospital at £16. 12s
Belliss & Morcom recently supplied direct coupled engines and
E.C.C. dynamos to the New \Ioddertontein (Transvaal) Gold Mining
(Jo.
The General Electric Co. (U.S.A.) have secured the contract for
public lighting in Uitenhage (Transvaal).
Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works have received an order for alter-
nators and Belliss engines for Cape Town municipal electricity works.
Dissolution of Partnership.— Alfred Bowkcr and Wm. Scholes
(trading as Scholes & Co.), electrical and mechanical engineers.
&c.. 4. Corporation-st., Manchester, have dissolved partnership.
Debts by Mr. Bowker.
Plant &C., for Sale.— Mes.srs. G. Elliott & Co., 186-188, Long-lane,
Bermondsey, London, S.E., have for sale two compound Marshal!
steam engines coupled to two Crompton dynamos, and also three
dynamos. Further particulars are given in advertisements.
Owing to the reconstruction of premises, St. Marylebone (London)
Council invite tenders for the purchase of two (three motor. 100 volt)
15 ton travellers of 30 ft and 22 ft. centres respectively. The cranes
are now working at Aybrook-street sub-station and can be seen by
appointment with Mr. F. A. Wilkinson. 19-20. York-place. 'V\ .
Tenders to the town clerk (Mr. Jas. Wilson) by 4 p.m. 17th inst.
See an advertisement.
Incandescent Lamps for Sale.— -V firm have for sale large quanliti.s
of best English-made 1.000 hour carbon lamps (various voltages and
c.p.). See advertisement.
Patent Exploitation.— The owners of patent No. 123/1905. rela-
ting to " Improvement in Apparatus for and Process of Electric
Welding." advertise that they desire to negotiate with manufac-
turers and users with a view of granting licences.
" The Satisfied Consumer.'— The " Tantalum " lamp ■' Satisfied
Consumer" posters have become a "landmark." Most people
have seen the posters displayed on advertisement hoardings, while
similar show cards have been exhibited in numerous trade establish-
ments. The demand for the posters has, we learn, been extr:i-
ordinary. Messrs. Siemens Brothers. Dynamo Works have now
another supply to hand, and will be pleased to send copies to thoM-
who require them. 1
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 12, 1909,
703
CATALOGUES. &c.
" Tantalitm " Lamps. — The TantaUim lamp is by all appear-
ances still going strong. The latest price list. Ijeside.s containing
full details as to candle-power efficiency and the prices of th 'se
lamps, include? some very int:resting photographs showing the
application of the Tantalum lamp to the lighting of various places,
such as railway carriages. The price of Tantalum lamps is such as
to commend them to purchasers, and in this connection we may
refer to an interesting comparison table given on page 2 of the price
list.
Engineering Instruments. — There can be no doubt that Messrs.
Elliott Bros, firmly believe in the statement that science is measure-
ment. Their latest catalogue deals with such useful equipment as
speed indicators and recorders. It is interesting to note that elec-
tricity finds a place, since electrically-operated speed indicators and
recorders are fully described. These instruments jjossess certain
well-tlefined advantages, for they give accurate readings and are
both " dead beat" and free from vibration. Other sections of the
list describe air, steam and water compressor recorders, as well as
steam engine indicators of all kinds and vacuum gauges.
Helsby Insulators and Bolts. — The increasing use of the tele-
phone and the telegi'aph has caused much more attention to be paid
to the design of insulators and bolts used in connection with this
class of work. Those who are interested in the subject should make
a point of looking up the new catalogue of the British Insulated &
Helsby Cables in which they will find numerous interesting designs
of insulators for telegraph and telephone work made in both white
and brown porcelain. One of the most interesting designs is that
embodied in the various types of Sinclair-Aitken leading-in insu-
lators. In this type of insulator a successful attempt has been made
towards preventing leakage at points where underground cables are
connected to overhead wires. The insulated wire is led through
the interior of the insulator, which is grooved for the purpose : it is
then brought underneath the upper shed and connected with the
overhead wire. This insulator is made in several designs, but the
same general arrangement is followed throughout.
" J.-L." Motors. — The Johnson-Lundell Manufacturing C'o.,
Southall, have issued a price list of their " J.-L." continuous current
motors. The main list is made up of what may be called financial
details, the electrical features being embodied in two small sub-
sidiary pamphlets. We understand that this list is issued in advance
of the " J.-L." catalogue in which it will subsequently be bound
With sections dealing with the other specialities of this firm.
" Sun " Specialities. — An interesting newcomer, which has just
been placed on tlie market by the " Sun " Electrical Co., is the alu-
minium lampholder. The advantages of this metal are becoming
so generally known that this fitting may be expected to have a wide
application. Owfng to its non-corroding qualities it should be
specially suitable for use in many exposed situations. Another
pamphlet deals with the " Bell " intercommunication telephone.
" Eclipse " Flame Arcs. — We understand that Mr. G. Braulik
is placing on the market a new long burning flame arc lamp, similar
in principle to the well-known " Eclipse" lamp, but having a total
life of 35 hours. This lamp is so arranged that when one pair of
carbons is burned out the second pair is automatically switched in
by a clock-work mechanism, the arc being only momentarily
broken. Another interesting feature about the lamp is that when
the second pair of carbons is burned out the mechanism is auto-
matically adjiisted to the normal position, so that retrimming can
bs ett'ected without trouble. The new lamp is no larger than the
ordinary 16-hour type.
Motors in Stock. — Messrs. Marples, Leach & Co., send us details
of such motors as are readily available for delivery. These include
all types from direct current to three-phase, with various types of
rotors, and not forgetting single-phase induction and self-starting
motors.
Electricity in Mininc;. — The great development which llie
employment of electricity in mines has given rise to during the past
few years has caused the design and construction of much interesting
apparatus. Messrs. Ernest Scott & Mountain, of Gateshead, have
recently issued a catalogue which shows the many various ways in
whieir the elect nr motor can be adapted to mining machinery. The
equipment desiiilied in this catalogue includes turbo-alternators
and switchboards, as well as pumping machinery, haulage, winding
gear, and such miscellaneous equipment as capstan and air com-
pressors, all of course electrically driven.
Franco-British Exhibition REMiKiscEycE. — As will be remem-
bered, one of the most prominent exhibits in the French section of
the Machinery Hall at the Franco-British Exhibition was that of
Messrs. Saiitter. Harle & Cie., and we have recently been plea.santly
reminded of this by the receipt <]f an illustrated .souvenir giving
details of this firm's manufactures. It is excellently illustrated
and the text is arranged in two jjarallel columns, one being in French
and the other in English. It deals with such varying things as
steam turbines and searchlights, whil • internal (combustion engines
and lift and hoist apparatus are not forgotten. It serves as an
excellent review of modern French engineering practice.
Imports. — The following are official values of electrical machi-
nery, material, and apparatus imported into this country during
January, 1909, with the increases or decreases compared with the
corresponding ppriods of 1908 : —
Electric.il rn : 1 )■>- ly £35,258 (de;re:mo £7,.527) ; telegraph and tclc-
l)hone calilr is ;,,',,". i.lcrrease £248); telegraph and telephone apparatus
£Il.fi77 (ilr iv;i r £."1,825); other elcctrioal wires and cables rubber
insul.aterl £5.421 (intreiise £(i77) ; with other insulations £0,842 (increase
£5.132); carbons £15.0.34 (increase £3,574); glow lamp-! £48,082 (in-
crease £35,202) ; arc lamps and elec-trii^ searchlights £5,903 (increase
£5,328) ; i>arts of arc lamps and searchlights (other than carbons) £4,039
(decrease £1,570); primary and secondary batteries £3,693 (increase
£1,805). Total of electrical goods and apparatus, other than machinery
and telegraph and telephone wire £120,008 (increase £43,923.)
Exports. — The exports of electrical machinery, material, &c.,
during January, 1909, and the increases and decreases compared wi th
the corresponding periods of 1908, are as follows : —
Electrical machinery £127,4.54 (increase £2,492) ; telegraph and tele-
phone cables £18,633 (decrease £70.566) ; telegraph and telephone
apparatus £14.713 (decrease £1.508) ; other electrical wires and cables,
rubber insulated £18,682 (decrease £8.177): with other insulations £24,245
(decrease £3,5,54) ; carbons £707 (increa.sc £499) ; glow lamps £4,432 (in-
crease £2,997} ; arc lamps and searchlights £1,2.54 (increase £356) ; parts
of arc lamps and searchlights (other than carbons) £1,298 (decrease £50) ;
primary and secondarv hatliries £13,4.54 (increase £12,401). Total of
electrical goods ami .i|i|i.ir.ii n^. other than machinery and telegraph and
tpjephone wire, £12ii.:!o7 1. 1. lease £68,590).
BANKRUPTCIES, LIQUIDATIONS, &c
At Tredegar Hankruiitcy Court last uci'k Ceo. Sutclilfe. electrical
engineer. Church-street, Abertillery, was examined.
Debtor started business at Abertillery in .Jan., 1904. The electrical
business did not pay, and he took up cycles and phonographs, but they
did not pay. He had borrowed £27 from his mother and £127. 7s. 6d.
from his father, and had also received £;)0 from a friend as premium in
respect of her son. He first became aware of his insolvency on Dec. 1 1
last. His liabilities amounted to £542. 28. 7d. ; assets, £228, 6s. 7d. ;
deficiency, £313. 16s. Examination adjourned for filing of cash accounts.
S. S. Bojesen, Salisbm-y House, London Wall, London, E.C.. has
been adjudicated bankrupt.
R. Russell (trading as R. Russell & Co.). eleclrijal engineer, The
Garage. Dryad-street. Felsham-road, and 51, Bangalore-street,
I'utnej-, London, S.W., has been adjudicated bankrupt.
It is intended to pay a dividend to the creditors of Wm. Terrell
Garnett (trading as W. T. Garnett's Cable Co.), Barkerend Mills,
Bradford. Claims by Feb. 25 to Mr. E. Musgrave. 1. Bank-si.,
Bradford,
Claims against the Emi)ire Electric Light & Power Co, (Ltd.),
Effingham House, Arundel-street, London, \X.C.. by Feb. 20 to Mr. W.
Allnutt, 5, Lime-street, London, E.C.
C'laims against the Accumulator & Motor Construction Co. (Ltd.)
(in vol. liq.) by March 20 to Mr. Jesse Smith. 79, Queen-street,
Cheapsidc. London, E.C.
COMPANIES' MEETINGS AND REPORTS.
London Electric Supply Corpn. (Ltd.)
The ordinary general meeting of this corporation was held on Tuesday,
the Hirl of Crawford. K.T.. F.R.S., Lb. 1).. presiding.
The SHX'RETARY (Mr. H. C. Carter) rc.id the notice calling the meet-
iiii; and the auditors" report.
The CHAIRMAN asked that Mr. R. H. Benson might be iwrniittcd to
address the shareholders.
Ml-. ROBERT H. BENSON said : This ought to be the plcasantcst meet
ing wc have ever held. For four years we have been fighting in Parlia-
ment for our birthright, and we have won. You know that Parliament
parcelled out London between 13 private companies (and about as many
un<lertaking> carried on by borough councils), and gave the companies till
1931 to make what they could, within limits, out of Ui? ind i«try of supply-
ing electric light and power. The companies were forbidden to amalga-
mate or to associate together, and it was imagined that competition
would regulate the price and afford cheap elei-trieity to the consumer.
Well, it didn't, because Parliament, by ordaining that electricity should
be produced in 13 different isolated areas, caused most generating
stations to be established in costly and uneconomical places in the midst
of London, A bill was subsecjuently promoted to e.stablish one power
704
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY U, 1909.
tiimiKmy lur (lie ■ Administrative County uf LoikIhu," l" siniply wh'ilo-
sale to the existing eompauies and municipal authurities (who didn't
want it), as well a^ to railways and other big consumers. That the exist-
ing companies, like ourselves, would lose their Parliamentary birthright
and ho frozen out was a small matter. It was liy the merest accideni that
the bill did not get its third reading. Looking back, it is now clear that
this proposed central power company would have been another financial
failure, and that the section of the p'ublic who were to )iut £,5.000.00^ to
£10,000.000 in it have had a hicky escape. But so tempting did the prize
(namely, the right to supply power wholesale to London) appear to various
promoters, that each session since then has witnessed the introduction of
new power bills ; and the companies and municipal authorities who were
already in the field and had invested some £20,000,000 in the industry,
were compelled each year at great cost to defend their position. How
much do you suppose has been spent on this Parliamentarv content
between invader.^ and defenders ? About £.500,000. The last of these
invadinti bills was actually |)assed last July by the House of Lords,
wliich is supjiosed to be careful of vested interests and jirivate enterprise.
Xot till this last autumn session did a Parliamentary Committee of the
Commons, a Liberal committee with a Liberal chairman, take a strong
line — rejected the bill, though the Lords liad passed it, and passed
another bill to utilize the existing plant for all it was worth, and enable
the companies who were already in the field to associate for common
economy and the public benefit. They also .settled the juobable destiny
of the comjianies by giving to the London County Council the right of
purchase in 1931, instead of to the Borougli Councils. The half million of
money thus wasted is the lesser part of th? damage done. The damage to
the credit of the electrical industry may b? measured by the fall in quota-
tions of the shares of the seven largest London companies : —
^Tl^""' 1«0L Jan...U.O.
City of L(mdon Company £10 ... llj ... 9J
County of London Company ... £10 ... 9i ... 7]
Charing Cro.ss Company £0 ... fl] ... ^\
Westminster Company .1'.') ... ]:({ ... 71
St. James' Company £."i ... l.')^ ... 7i
London Company £3 ... 2] ... 1
Metropolitan Company £5 ... Uj'.f ... 4A
Taking their ordinary stocks together, the depre?iation in the four years'
fight is 48 per cent., or from £6,371,444 to £3,303,504. All the time it
has been difficult for the companies, harried as they were, to maintain
enough credit to raise, on increasingly onerous terms, the necessary capital
to meet the expanding demand on the part of the public for energy.
'I'lie fight is now over, and the principle is recognised that centralised
|pi;odiiction in the hands of existing producers is the cheapest.
It has fallen to our lot to become the first purveyors of power to imc
of the large railway companies— the Brighton line. " Our plant for their
service is complete, and they are already taking current for experimental
running of trains. They expect to he in operation before Julv 1 next,
but, anyhow, the contract provides that p.ayment begins from tbat date.
Possibly they may require a minimum of 4,000.000 units per annum for
this particular service of trains, and this may not be all. It seems that
the only way in which railways can meet the competition of electric
tramways is to electrify their service, too : and if the Brighton Co.
should electrify all their suburban lines we shall be happy to supply them
with, say, 40,000,000 units instead of 4,000.000. Other railways are
closely watching the results on the Brighton line. We expect in the
course of the next two or three years a great expansion in the demand
for alternating current, which is just what we are equipped to supply.
Another pomt is the introduction of metallic filament lamps, for which
altcrnatmg current is best. This cuts both ways, and I will leave the
managing director to deal with the point. The progress of this company
has been continuous. The lighting business has increased 38 per cent.
from 1903 to 1908, and the power business (other than that supplied to
London County Council) has increased 1,274 per cent. The works costs
per unit sold have gone down from 2-22d. to 0-63d.. and the total costs
(including distribution, rates, &e.) from 3-lOd. to 109d. Comparing
1908 with 1907 the net revenue is £7,000 greater. We propose to pay
i per cent, on tlie ordinary shares instead of 2i per cent., to put £5 000 to
reserve instead of £2,500. and to carry forw^ird £3.408 against £2.830.
the re_serve and contingencies accounts together now amount to £72,500,
or 21-77 per cent, on our ordinary share capital of £333 000 The ac-
c'luints of last year have had to bear the cost of the plant for the Brighton
Kailway but, the revenue has not received the benefit thereof, which as
I have already mentioned, begins in July at latest. As to the possibility
of future economics in generating costs, you all know that the secret
of cheap power IS what is called a good load factor, which consists in
nnJv *:„■)',','/"' til ' "" ''''''*l" >"""■ '"P"''' "'^ '■^^'^"•^ plant) eontinu-
isij n img tor the greatest possible number of hours every day. This
me oli ,^,V'"'"'" ''•''''"' ''>■ '"'"'"S '"nsumers together, so that when
• Le averals r"'",,"'"!"- '"'"'^'"' '' ''^'"'^ ''■ ^he demand for light
alone_aveiages less than four continuous h»urs-in other words gives a
1 U ;;;i;;:t,bl -'h''"'"/ ''rr\ ^'^^ '>-"-<l °f -> ordinarylnanu
n ost V hill I -" ^°/ '"-'' *''^" 25 per cent, load factor. The
it fcr • 4 c ,;, "f' "• °^ ^T'""' °"^ ^^^ «'"' '""^e a uniform quan-
rmo 1 t'ot wh r' ""''n . ^^''' '' •■°«"^ '" tl^^ f»t"r« fo^ a" indefinite
crs iiers 1 s to"''^-'"" ■ 1°^f:a"ing"' i" the varying demands of
production. '"''■'™ '' "'" ^'^^^'^ ^"^'^ ^''°^°' ^"^ th« cheapest
y«u%'entle,nen°hlv'e°''''°'l'""''''-^-'^ '"""'^''^ ''"^ '»°^« promising than
i:; S"i:;; ^^;;::^"::\;^^^:; 7"-^^. hoover much he
recognised this and dra«ii the line. If, gentlemen, our property were in
New York or Buenos Ayres, I venture to say that, with such a record and
such prospects, our credit would be higher than it is quoted to-day in
London, and. what is more, capital W(Uild be freely Howing our wav.
We must, however, lie content to go slower than they do in .Vew ^'olk or
Buenos Ayres. I now move the adoption of the report and accounts.
and the declaration of the dividends therein set forth.
The MANAGINC DIRECTOR (Mr. R. Stewart Bain. C.A.) seconded,
and said : The details of the accounts show that the amount expended
during the year was £37.884. The principal items are £20,730 for plant
and machinery and £10.002 for mains. The former is principally for the
new condensing scheme. The whole of the river work of this extension
of our condensing arrangements, which will enable us to do an additional
25.000 H.P., has been completed. The expenditure on mains represents
an addition of nearly 8 miles of new mains, the principal part of which
is cables for the Brighton Railway contract. .\s you have already heard,
the units .sold during the year showed an inci'ease of .30 per cent, over liisi
year, and of this total 58 per cent, was for power. Owing to this larger
percentage of power units we were able to sell 83 per cent, of the total
units generated. The average price received for these power units was
0-93d., against lid. last year — a decrease of about 15 per cent. The
average price for lighting was 3-56d., against 3-68d. last year — a decrease
of about 3 per cent. — and for power and light combined the price received
was l-96d., against 2-42d. — a decrease of about 20 per cent. On the
other hand, cost of production has been reduced, each unit sold during
the year costing l-09d., against l-42d. — a decrease of about 23 per cent.
It is satisfactory to be able to record that we are more than keeping pace
in the reduction of the prices received by the costs of production : and
the fait that during the year we were able to sell over 3,000,000 more units
than we tlid last year at an additional cost of only £088 speaks very highly
for the efficiency of the engineering and other departments. Tlie price
of coal was about the s:inie for both years; but, owing to the smaller
quantity of coal consumed per unit sold, the actual cost for this, our
principal, item of expenditure, showed a reduction of 15 per cent.
As you know, there has recently come on to the market a metallic
filament lamp, and the practical result of installing this is a very con-
siderable reduction in consumption. Our customers having increased
during the past year in the same ratio as during the past five years, the
increase in consumption, if based on the same increase as is shown during
that period, would have been about 900,000 units, instead of which the
actual increase has only been 60,000. For a time we must be prepared
for a considerable falling off in the revenue derived from the supply for
lighting purposes. But we expect ultimately to benefit from the intro-
duction of these lamps by a large increase of new consumers, and es-
pecially as we supply on the alternating system, which, as you may know,
enables these lamps to be used with the greatest economy.
Mr. HANKEY asked the duration of the contract with the Brighton
Railway Co.
The MANACJING DIRECTOR said their contract with the Brighton
Co. was for seven years.
The resolution was then carried unanimously.
The retiring director, the Earl of Crawford, was re-ele;-ted. as were the
retiring auditors.
The CHAIRMAN said he desired to express the feelings of gratitude
and thanks which they owed to the permanent officials and staff of the
company. A very great deal of the success they had had was due to
the unvarying and constant and continuous attention, zeal and energy
which had been given to their interests by the managing director, Jlr.
Bain, aided by the skill and devotion of then- chief engineer, Mr. Part-
ridge, and their consulting engineer, Mr. Burstall. With the assistance
of those gentlemen the company had been able to get over a great many
difficulties in the past, both technical and diplomatic. This year an
event had occurred which he believed to b? unique in the electrical
world — the coming of age in their service both of the managing director
and of the chief engineer. It was 21 years ago since those gentlemen
first entered the company's employment. He asked for a cordial vote
of th.anks to the managing director and the permanent officials of the
company.
The motion was agreed to by acclamation, and was briefly acknow-
ledged by the managing director.
A coridal vote of thanks to the chairman and directors brought the
meeting to a close.
Anglo- Smerican Telegraph Co. (Ltd.)
The ordinary gcnei.il mceling was held on Friday last. Mr. Robert
Benson, presiding iii the absence of Mr. Francis A. Bevan, who is at
]nesent in India.
The SECRETARY (Mr. T. H. Wells) read the notice convening the
meeting.
The CHAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the report, said the traffic
receipts for the half year ended Dec. 31 last had decreased by £5,423, and
the earnings of the s.s. " Minia " were £2.639 less than in the correspond-
ing period of 1907. Working expenses had increased by £6,580, princi-
pally owing to a sum of £4.620 having been paid for the charter of a
ship to repair damage to their cables by trawlers on this side of the
Atlantic. The net amount available for distribution was £63,065, and
the directors proposed to pay final dividends of 19s. per cent, on the
ordinary stock, l| per cent, on the pi-eferred stock, and 8s. per cent, on
the deferred stock. What was really the interesting question at the
moment was whether their traffics had "' touched bottom." So far as
the directors could judge from the weekly takings they thought that the
corner was turned in the first week of September. Up to then they had a
THE ELECTRICIAN. FEBRUARY 12, 1909.
705
(leilining reveniio. Imt since they had had cuiiiparative increases The
same tendencj' liad euntinned during Januaiy. It was not |jrudent lo
dogmatise about cycles of trade, but the evidence of the New Yoi'k Bank
clearances was tlie same.
No doubt the shareholders had seen references in the Press to wliat was
called the agitation for a penny-a-word rate. In reply to a. question
asked in the House of Commons the Postmaster-General had stated that
the British and Canadian Ciovernments would hold a conference this
spring to consider the whole matter. He might say at once that no one
had approached the company with regard to a reduction of rates, and
they had received the assurance of the Postmaster-General that the North
Atlantic Companies would have the o]iprirtunity of expressing their
views at the forthcoming ccmference. before any proposals were detinitely
adopted. It must be constantly borne in mind that the burden of
establishing and maintaining telegraphic communication with the British
Colonies, in the Atlantic at any rate, had hitherto been entiiely left to
private enterprise ; in fact when the telegraphs were taken over by the
Government in this country the Atlantic Cable Companie.s were expressly
excepted. A similar agitation for the reduction of rates took place seven
years ago, and the CJovernment of the day appointed an influential
committee to consider the whole question. In their report the committee
said, " We remain not the less firmly convinced that it is of paramount
importance to this country so to direct its telegraphic policy that the
great network of British-owned submarine cables, which extend over the
world, shall continue to be remunerative to those whose enterprise has
created it." Continuing, the Chairman said that cable competition
had been more severe in the North Atlantic than in any other pari of the
world. There were now six companies, two English, two American, one
German and one French, owing 16 cables, and the rates were down to Is.
a word. Four of these cables — the German and the French — were sub-
sidised ; the Anglo Company bore their own burden. When he said that
the rates were down to Is. a word it must be remembered that this rate
was not for messages in plain language but in code, each word of which,
when translated, might contain any number of words. In some codes
they could find words which denoted 70 to 80 words, and that would
give a rate of six words a penny. These codes were made to apply to
private family matters as well as to business, so that the nuisses had
already at hand means for communicating with their relatives and friends
at cheap rates if they would only take the trouble to code their messages.
He sympathised with anything that cheapened the butcher's or the
baker's bills — they all did — but there was a limit to the favours they
could expect at other people's expense. He concluded by moving the
adoption of the report.
.Sir CHARLES BURT .seconded the motion.
A short discussion Inll, iw .d nul in reply to a question, the CHAIRMAN
said that, as to the llml -ml iii Xewfoundland, the Court was engaged in
estimating the damage dune tn the Anglo Company.
The motion was agreed to unanimously.
A vote of thanks to the chairman and directors teriuiiialiNl ihe |ini-
feedings.
BAKER STREET & WATERLOO RAILWAY CO.— Gross receipts for
the half-year ended Dec. 31 were £85,355. 9s. Id., an increase of
£17,106. Os. 2d. (2470 per cent.) over the corresponding half of 1907.
Working expenses were £44,663. Is. lid., increase £737. 10s. 4d. (1-68
per cent.). After providing- for interest and preference dividend
there remain.s £12-,081. 14s. 5d., and the directors recommend a divi-
dend at the rate of J per cent, on the ordinary shares, and an addi-
tional dividend at the rate of 2^ per cent, (making 3 per cent, in all)
on the ordinary shares other than those held by the Underground Co.
or their nominees, leaving £2,247. 3s. lid. to be carried forward.
13,337,126 passengers (including workmen and season ticket holders'
journeys) were carried, against 10,662,876; the train mileage was
594,381, against 525,5'39 : the car mileage 1,819,239, against 1,633,406 ;
and the average receipt per jiassenger l-48d,, against"l-50d.
BRITISH ALUMINIUM CO. :LTD.)— At an extraordinary meeting on
Friday Mr. .1. I). Bonner said that the company's works at Lochleveu
were on the eve of producing. The aluminium pool had broken up,
and the price of the metal was about £60 a ton. A resolution dividing
each of the £10 1908 conversion shares into two shares of £5 each (one
to be a 7 per cent, preference share and the other an ordinary share)
was adopted.
CENTRAL ELECTRIC SUPPLY CO. (LTD.)— The directors' report for
1908 states that energy has been supplied to the St. James' & Pall
Mall Electric Light Co. and the Westminster Electric Supply Corp.
throughout the year, to the extent of 18,359,180 units. After making
full allowance for sinking fund and depreciation, the net lialance for
the year is £4,980. 16s., which, with balance brought forward, made
£5,023. 10s. Id. to be dealt with. The directors propose to pav a divi-
dend of 5 per cent, on the ordinary shares for the year ^ £5,000) and to
carry forward £23. 10. Id.
CENTRAL LONDON RAILWAY CO.— At the meeting last week the chair-
man (Sir Hy. Uakley) said that as the ventilation had been compl.iined
of they had established a large fan at Shepherd's Bush, which cleared the
tunnel every niglit. They had also found it necessary to pro\ide fm-
ventilation in tlie daytime, and had established a fan at the Museum
Station, which drew the foul air from between two of the stations and
ejected it into the oi)en air, with very great advantage. During the
half-year they had increased their gross receipts bv £50,000 aiul their
gro,ss expenses to cam that aiiiMuute.l lo £5,234, which he thought was
remarkable. 5,350,iniii :n|i|iih.ni| |ii-.sengers were carried, brmging
the total carried la-t h,!! \. ,, i,, .'1 tioii.ooo. The number of workmen
carried was fewer by 17:.'.ikmi. The results of the half-year's working
was that, after providing for working expenses and £18.520 for interest
they had a balance of £118,384. compared with £70,000 in the corres-
ponding period. Instead of adding only £10,000 to reserve they proposed
to add £20.000. bringing the reserve back to £95,000. The balance was
about £40,000.
Referring to the proposed extension to the G.E. Railway at Liverpool-
street, for which a bill had been promoted, the Chairman said the exten-
sion was part of the original scheme of the company, but the advantages
of through booking was not then so well understood. They had now on
on their line over 4.000,000 through passengers, whereas two years ago
none of them existed, and that had convinced them more and more that
it was to their advantage to push the arrangement between the different
companies. The proportion of through jjasscngers to the |)eople carried
was IS percent, of the total.
CHARING CROSS, EUSTON & HAMPSTEAD RAILWAY CO.— The direc-
tors' report for the half-year ended Dec. 31 states that the traflic shows
a steady, progressive and most satisfactory increase, occurring at every
station on the railway, and being most marked in the through
traffic exchanged with other railways. fJross receipts amounted to
£94,066. lis., an increase of £19,733. 2s. 3d. (26-55 percent.) over the
corresponding- half of 1907. Working expenses were £57,242. 9s. Id.,
a decrease of £4,111. 8s. 8d., or 670 per cent. The net revenue of
£37,941. Is. 2d. is sufficient to provide debenture interest on the total
amount authorised to be raised, and after payment of all interest and
other charges on net revenue account there remains £6,101. 17s. 2d.,
which the clirectors recommend should be carried forward. 13,015,363
passengers (including workmen and .season ticket holders) were carried,
against 9,881,857 ; the train mile.-ige was 818,058, against 883,038, and
the car mileage 2,626,055, against 2,880,715. The average receipt per
passenger was l-65d., against. 1 71d.
CHARING CROSS, WEST END, & CITY ELECTRIC SUPPLY CO. (LTD.).—
The Directors' ivpnit fci I'.kks states that the gross earnings of the \Vcst
End undertakhi--. In.ui v,il, , .,f current, rents, &c., were £1.39,253. 4s. 8d.
in 1908. compaird uitli li:il,920. i:5s. 5d. in 1907. The expenses (in-
clii.Iitiu .leprrri.-ition) weie £87.785. (is. Od. against £80,114. 7s. 2d., and
lli( 11. 1 ..Miiiii,!is were £51,407. 18s. 2d. against £51,80(>. (i.s. :5d. After
biin-ini; 111 14.023. 9s. 2d. from 1907 and f5,.-)02 for interest accrued in
1908. and paying debenture interest, there is a balance on net revenue
account of £43,163. 18s. 8d.. out of which have been paid the preference
dividend for the year (£18.000) and an interim ordinary dividend at the
rate of 5 per cent. (£10,000), leaving £1.5.163. 18s. 8d. 'to he dealt with.
The Directors recommend a final ordin,ary dividend at the rate of 5 per
cent, making 5 per cent, for the year (£10,000) and that £5.163. 18s. 8d.
be carried forward against £4.023 last year. The company has now con-
nected to its West End mains a total equivalent of 579.492 8 c.p. (30
watt) lamps, an increase of 40.528 against 28.375 added last year, made
ii|i as follows : 412,900 lighting, 13.317 heating, and 1.53.275 (4.574 kw.)
iniitive [lower. In addition, a bulk supply is being furnished to the Lon-
d..n County Council at their station on the Victoria Euibankment.
( 'iti/ Vnde.rlaking. — The gross earninfis fi. .ni salc.s of current, rents, &c.,
were £131,012. 18s. 3d. compared with tl|s..-,t;!. lis. lid. in 1907.
H\pen,ses were £76.561. 19s. 4d. against iii.'i.Tts. 6s. 2d., and the net
earnings were £54,450. 18s. lid. against £54,795. 5s. 9d. .-Vfter bringing
in £2,256. 2s. 3d. from 1907 and p.aying debenture interest ami tempo-
rary loans, the balance on net revenue account is £23,110. Is. 4d.. out of
this has been paid the preference dividend (£18,000).;leaving £.5.1 10. Is. 4d.
to be carried forward against £2.256. 2s. 3d. The company has now
connected to its City mains the equivalent of 494,783 8 c.p. (.'W watt)
lamps, an increase of 40.026. The total includes 295.201 lighting.
30.057 heating and 169,525 (5,058 kw.) motive power. The company
arc also furnishing a bulk supply to the Smithfield Market Electric Sup-
ply Co.
The directors refer with satisfaction to (he legislation of last year
affecting the electrical industry.
ELECTRIC SUPPLY CORPN. (LTD.)— The gross revenue for 1E03 wiis
£21,239, against £16,741. In addition to the £16,741 dcrivetl from
the general business £3,543 was received from the working of the
Dumbarton tramways and an interim dividend on their holding of
preference shares in the Dumbarton Burgh & County Tramway Co.
The sum brought into net revenue account was £6,566 (£6,335 from
the company's supply business and £230 dividend). .After meeting
interest tlie'siu-[ilus was £2,397, compared with £401 in 1907.
GREAT NORTHERN & CITF RAILWAY CO.— At the meeting on Friday
the chairman (the Earl of Lauderdale) said that £17,101 was carried
to net revenue account against £22,804 last year. Working expenses
showed a reduction of £2,965. The total number of passengers carried
was 5,533,697, a decrease of 2,009,477 compared with the same period
of 1907. The result of the figures which he hai to submit was a
disastrous one. Their fares for the time being were more or less
goxcrned by the terms of their agreement with the Great Northern
Railway, but they had taken steps which would give them more free-
dom of action in the matter. The board hoped they had nearly
touched bottom. The board were doing everything they could think
of to attract passengers to their line. At present they were working
at a loss. The situation was acute, aiul it might be necessary to deal
with it in a drastic manner.
GREAT NORTHERN, PICCADILLY & BROMPTON RAILWAY CO.— The
capital expenditure during the half-year endisl Dee 31 was £43,000.
Gross receipts on reveime account amounted to £143,234. 19s. 3d., an
increase of £25,£63 12s. 6tl. or 2009 per cent.) over the conesponding
half of 1907. Working expenses were £72,468. 14s. 6d., an inciease of
£1,715 15s. Id., or 2'43 per cent. After providing for interest and
706
TBE ELECTKICIAN, FEBRUARY 12, 1909,
otliei- items and for 'preference dividend at the rate of 4 per cent.,
there remains £23,448. 8s. 9d., and the directors recommend a dividend
at the rate of J percent, on the ordinary shares, leaving £5,859. lis. 9d.
to bo carried forward. 16,990,501 passengers (including workmen and
soasoii-ticlot holders) were carried, against 13,914,779, the train mile-
age was 1,147,368 against 952,571, and the car mileage 3,565.338
against 3,206,269. Tlie average receipt per passenger was 1-94(1.
against l-98d.
IMPERIAL TBAMWAYS CO. (LTD.)— The gross receipts from the
Middlesbrough, Stockton & Thornaby Electric Tramways amounted
to £50,904. 19s. 8d. in 1908, compared M'ith £54,747. 6s. lOd. in 1907,
decrease £3,842. 7". 2d The number of passengers carried was
10,014,056, against 10,700,613 After placing £1,100 to reserve for re-
newals, the net profit is £16,871. 14s., against £16,884. 8s. lOd. The
company's investment in the Ijondon United Tramways has not Ijeen
varied during the year and the effect of the non-receipt of the full rate
of dividend from that company is that the Imperial C'o.'s revenue
account is depleted by £5,277. 19s. 3d. In the result, therefore, the
net revenue account for the year shows an available balance of
.£35,943. 4s. 8J., and after payment of debenture interest for the year
and interim dividends on preference and ordinary shares for the halt-
year to June 30 (£26,125), it is proposed to pay the preference dividend
(£5,700) and a final dividend of 4 per cent, imaknig 6 per cent, for the
year) on the ordinary capital (£3,800). The carry forward is £318. 4s. 8d.
At the meeting on Wednesday the chairman (Sir Geo. White) said
the profit on the Middlesbrough, Stockton & Thornaby Electric Tram-
ways was only £13 less than in 1907. He gave a lengthy e.xplanation
of the position of the London United Tramways, which w-as subject
to very seveie competition. The report was adopted and a iinal divi-
dend at the rate of 4 per cent, per annum on the ordinary shares,
making 6 per cent, for the year, was declared.
LANCASHIKB & YORKSHIRE RAILWAY 00. -Sir Geo. Armytage
.stated at the meeting on Wednesday that the falling o6f in passengers
was nearly 21 millions, equal to 6-75 per cent, of the total number
earned. The decrease was genera! over the whole system, with the
exception of the electrified portions, where there was still an increase
LIVERPOOL OVERHEAD RAILWAY CO.— At the meeting on Tuesday
tSir Wm. Forwood e.xpressed regret that there had been a diminution
of traffic and of receipts. No city had suffered more than Liverpool
from the general paralysis of trade, which meant a great decrease in
the number of meu employed .ibout the docks which the railway
served ; and the competition of the electric tram\vay system was
keener than ever. It was a question how far a municipality w-as justi-
fied in its trading schemes in opposing a private enterprise initiated
and conducted for the public advantage and benefit. The directors
had effected all economies possible in administration. The profit for
the half-year was £8,003, out of which debenture interest had been
paid amounting to £4,329. Out of the balance of £7,836, the directors
recommended a dividend at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum on the
preference shares, leaving £4,210 to be carried forward.
LONDON & SOUTH-WESTERN RAILWAY CO.— At the meeting on Friday
Mr. H. W. Drunmiond presided, and stated that the receipts would
have been fully £7,000 more liut for the decrease in suburban passen-
ger traffic, due to the increased competition of motor-cars, tramways,
and taxieabs. In traffic expenses there was an increase of £5,935,
largely due to carriage lighting, in which thev had been oxperiment-
mg with gas and electricity, with satisfactory results. The dividend
on the ordinary stock would be at the rate of 7f per cent per annum
(as in the corresponding half of 1907), and for the wliole year 5i per
cent, would be paid on the uiidi\ided ordinary stock, 4 per cent on
the preferred st.ck and IJ per cent, on the deferred stock (ao-ainst l^^
per cent ). » e »
MEXICAN LIGHT & POWER CO. (LTD.)-The directors' report for
19C8 states that during the past year the actual and prospective
demands for power have increased beyond the most sano-uine expecta-
tions of the directors, and to meet these demands it ha? been decided
to double the capacity of the present hydro-electric plant at Necaxa
during the next three years. The advent of cheap electric power to
Mexico City and its suburbs, and to El Oro and vicinity, has so reduced
the operating costs of all industrial enterprises located in those places
that existing industries have extended their operations, and many
new undertakings ha^•e been and are about to be established The
concessions and franchises under which the company is oporatii... in
the Lity and Federal District of Mexico extend for over 90 years
T?Pvn"/„ year the Laguiia dam and the provisional dam at Los
Reyes were completed and are now aNailable for the storage of water.
The dam at Necaxa, which xviU be the largest of its kind ever con
s ructed, necessitating the use of l,634,000^ubic metre of materUa
eiTver'' Tht''"" -"^Pl^ted, and should be finished during the p^e^
fnH J f ■ r ^™'^, ^''™'"gs for the year 1908 were S2,938T474 gold,
uao tl e operating and maintenance expenses were §1,080 670 eold The
actual operating results attained in 1908 were as follows : Gross earni,"
Mexican currency, »5.876,947, compared with 94,930 370 in ml'-
OiiTnf th? » ", ■ '"""'"f T"''® expenses $2,161,140 againk 81,950.145'
Ou of the earnings of the past year, 3l per cent, was paid in dividends
wis' c:n-ie'r?;a:"' ""' °" '""' '' ""'' ^ '^'^1=^°- °^ S910.82rgold
S'T. JAMES- & PALL MALL ELECTRIC LIGHT CO. (LTD.)-The directors
he''c\;Xst °e;/'°'',1f" "?=^V«PI.I.V bas been distributedlrom
demand o'Vl 790 1 ^'^"'°° ' ^ •■>''' ^^"'•'^^ °^ ^he company on a
gerrated at Vw„ '■■'/'" '"."'l^'S °' ^03 kw. 4,968,280 units were
generated at the»e works, and 6,370,250 units were purchased from
the Central Electric Supply Co. Tlic net profits for 1908. applicable
to dividends on .shares, amount to £29,329. 18s. 4d., making, with
balance forward (£1,375. 7s. 5d.), £50,705. 5s. 9d. The interim divi-
dends for the June half-year, at the rate of 7 ])er cent, on the preference
(£3,500) and 10 per cent, on the ordinary shares (£10,000), absorbed
£13,500, leaving £17,205. 5s. 9d. to be dealt with. The directors pro-
pose to pay the baUnce preference dividend (£3,500) and a di\-idend
on the ordinary shares of 5s. per share (making 10 per cent, for the
year) (£10,000). The carry forward will be £3,705. 5s. 9d. In March
last Col. Eustace Balfour retired from the chair, and Mr. Walter Leaf
was unanimously chosen liy his colleagues to take this position.
YORKSHIRE (WEST RIDING) ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS (LTD.)— The
report for 1908 states that, after providing for all expenses, the net
income was £27,875. Adding balance forward (£8,509) the available
profit is £36,385. After paying debenture interest and making i>ro-
vision for sundry reserves £13,661 has been carried forward. The num-
ber of passengers carried was 9,056.132 and the miles run 1,803,016,
against 8,627,247 and 1,758,669 respectively for 1937.
NEW COMPANIES.
ELECTRIC PULLEY-BLOCK CO. (LTD.) (101,442.)— Reg. Feb. 5, capita
£2,000 in £1 shares, to adopt an agreement with A. A. C. Gese, and to
carry on the business of electrical and general engineers, ifec. Private
company. First directors, A. A. C. (Jess, A. W. S. Pocklington and
T. Petersen. Reg. office, 109, Victoria-street, Westminster, S.W.
LA PLATA ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS CO. (LTD ) (101,431.)— Reg. Feb. 4,
capital £450.000 in 200,000 preference and 250,030 ordinary .shares of
£1 each, to adopt an agreement with La Plata & Ensenada Tramways
Co. and the liquidator thereof, to acquire or construct, equip, main-
tain and work tramways, railways and lines of telegraph, telephone
or other means of communication in Argentine Republic or elsewhere,
and to carry on the business of tramway and railway proprietors,
carriers of passengers and goods, electrical engineers, &c. First
directors, W. F. Hamilton, K.C., J. S. Harmood-Banner, M.P., W. T.
Western and W. Murray Wilson. Reg. office, 52, Moorgate-street,
London, E.G.
PACIFIC RADIOTELEGRAPH CO. (LTD.) (101,448.)- Reg. Feb. 5,
capital £60,000 in £1 shares, to acquire powers for the construction,
maintenance and working of a system or .systems of intercommunica-
tion by means of radio-telegraphy between the islands of the Pacific
ocean and the territories of Australia and New Zealand, and to carry
on the business of a telegraph, telephone, submarine cable and wire-
less telegraph company in any part of the world. First directors, the
Earl of Crawford, J. T. Arundel, Sir Sidnej' H. C. Hutchinson and
J. W. 0. Hamilton. Keg. office, 54, Old Broad-street, London, E.C
STERLING TELEPHONE & ELECTRIC CO. (LTD.) (101,415.)— Reg.
I'eb. 3, capital £65,000 in £1 shares, to carry on the business of tele-
phonic, electrical and mechanical engineers, suppliers of telephonic
apparatus and of electricity, &.c. Private company. So long as the
Telephon Fabrik A.G. vormals J. Berliner hold 10,500 shares they may
nominate two directors. Reg. office, 200, LTpper Thames-street,
London, E.C.
CITY NOTES.
MEMORANDA (Feb. 11).— Bank rate 3 per cent, (since Jan. 14, 1909).
Price of sih'er, 23ii;d. per oz. Consols 84^ — 84i.' for money and 84^ —
84| account. Consols Pay Day, March 1 ; Stock aud Shares Continua-
tion Days, Feb. 23 and M.-irch 10 ; Ticket Days, Feb. 24 and Mai-f-li 11 ;
Pay Days, Feb. 25 and March 12. Mining Shares Carry Over Day, Felj. 22.
Prices of Metals (London). — Copper, cash, 59; three months
59J. Lead, English, 13n — 13if ; foreign, cash, 15j : three months, 13};.
Speller, 2l|— 21J. Tin, English, 129 -151 ; foreign, cash, 128y, three
months, 130.^. Iron, Cleveland, cash 48 li and three months, 48,10.
Magiuf Steel {price supplied by W. F. Dennis & Co.), £56.
CHATHAM & DISTRICT LIGHT RAILWAYS CO.— At the meeting on
Wednesday the report given in our issue for Jan. 29 Wiis adopted.
CITY OF BU£NOS AYRES TRAMWAYS CO. (1904) (LTD.)— 1 hedirectors
recommend a final diviclend of Is. 3d. per,share (making Ss. per share,
less tax) for the year 1908.
MATHER & PLATT (LTD. i— The directors recommend for tlie year
1908 a dividend on the ordinary shares at the rate of 10 per cent., with
a bonus of 7i per cent., tax free, less the interim dividend of 5 percent,
already paid.
STOCK EXCHANGE NOTICES.— TheStock Exchange committee have,
granted quotatiipiis to a turtlier i.ssue of 1,171 £10 fully paid prefer-
ence shares of the Ciiniilfi uf Loud 'ii Elcctrk Supplij Co. (Ltd.) and a
further issue of £50,000 4A per cent, debenture stock of the Tehphonc
Co. of Egypt {Ltd.). The committee have been asked to appoint a
special settling day in and grant a quotation to 12,c00 £10 fully paid
5 per cent, cumulative preference shares of the India Rubber, (Jutta
I'ercha d- Telegraph Works Co. {Ltd.), and also to allow £150,000 4 per
cent, debentures (in lieu of the debentures due Jan. 1, 1909) of the
Telegraph Construction rf- Maintenance Co. (Ltd.) to be quoted.
TELEGRAPH CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE CO. (LTD.)— The direc-
tors propose, subject to audit, to declare a dividend of 10 per cent.
( tl. 4s. per share), in addition to the 5 per cent, already paid, making
15 per cent, for the year 1908.
THE KLEOTBICIAN, PEBRUAEY 12, 1909.
ELEOTBIO TBAHWAT AND RAILWAY TRAFFIC
RECEIPTS.
Aberdeen Oorporatlon ...
Alrdrle
Anglo •Argenttne
Ayr Oorporatlon
Baker St. & Waterloo By.
BarDsley-
Barrow
Bath Eleotrla Trains, Ltd...
Birkoohead Corporation ..
Birmliigbam Corporation...
Birmingham & Mid
Blackburn Oorporatlon
Blaokpool and Fleetwood...
Bolton Oorporatlon
Bombay
Boomemoabb Oorporatlon.
Bradford Corporation
Brighton Oorporatlon
Bristol Tramu & Uarrlage...
Bamley Corporation
Burton Oorporatlon
Bury Corporation
Calcutta Tramwaya Oo
Camborno-Bedruth
Cardiff Corporation
Oavehill
Central London Bailway ...
Charing C.KuBtun <& H'utead
Chatham & Dist. Lt. Bya. ...
Olty &, South London KI7...
City of Birmingham
Colchester Corporation
Cork n^lectric Trams Oo. ...
Oroydon Corporation
Devunport & Ditit. Trams. ..
Dover Oorporatlon
Dublin & Luoan Bailway ...
Dublin United ,
Dudley, a tour bridge
Dundee Corporation
Bast Ham OounoU
Exeter Corporation
Oateahead & Diet. Trams...
fJiRsguw ' 'orporatlon
eHo88op Trams,,..
urttvtBuua iNurthfleet
Great Northern & City Bly..
Gt.JSorthern, Piccadilly,&c
Oretmock & Port Glasgow...
Hartlepool Tramwaya
Hong Kong
iludderafield Corpn
Hull CorporaUon
Ilford Diatrict Council
Ilkeston District Council ...
Ipswich Corporation
isle of Thanet Co
Jarrow
Keighley Corporation
Kidderminster it Dlstriot...
Kilmarnock Corporation ...
Lanarkbhire Trams Co. ...
Lancashire United
Leamington
Leeds Corporation
Leicester Corporation
Leith Corporation
Lincoln Corporation
Liverpool Corporation ..:...
Liverpool Overhead Rly. ...
•London County Council ...
London United
LowesLoft ,
Maidatone Corporation
Manchester Corporation ...
Mersey Baiiway
Merthyr
Metropolitan Dist. Bailwaj
Metropolitan Bleo. Trams...
Mlddlttton
Nelson Corporation
Newcastle-on-Tyne Corp. ...
Newport (Mon.)
Northampton Corporation .
Oldham, Ashton & Hyde ...
Oldham Corporation ,
Perth lN.B.)Oorporation ...
Perth ( W.A. ) Kleo. Trama..,
Peterborough
Portsmouth Corporation ...
Potteries ,
Preston Corporation ,
Botherham Corporation ...
Bothesay ,
Salford Corporation
Sheeruess ,
Sheffield Corporation
Singapore Trams ,
Soath Metropolitan ,
South Staffs
Southend Corporation
Southport Tramways
Stalybdge,HyiU',&c.,Jt.Bd.
Sunderland Corporation ...
Sunderland District ,
Swansea Trama
Swindon Corporation ....
Taunton
Tynemouth and District ..
Tyucbide Trama Co ,
Wallasey District Council..
Walsall Cori-n
Warrmgtou Lorpo.
West Ham Corporation
Weston-super-Mare
Wolverhampton Oo
Wolverhampton Oorpn
♦Worcester
Wrexham '.'.'"
( Yorkshire W.B. Trams"'"'
BYorkRhlre Woollen DiHtrlct
Jan.
20
ll2i
Feb.
6
6
a 591
112
Jan.
Sil
162
iVh.
U
l.SS.J
,,
n
5,82U
Jau.
211
427
,j
2'.1
177
Feb.
1
6
6
6
652
$3,016
1,4S2
2.4J6
;e;i...i •^»"°»- i
2G.20J I + 8,385
2.111
h30,UU
1.2(1 i
4,214
9.73a
1,3IB
30 l;c
4,il22
l.Co; - 203
260.423
+
7,i;24
2,431
+
7(;
49,823
+
111
1,112
+
103.290
+•
1.60:;
li3S.160
+•
»3,I0..
7I,1!8J
3,2f.i
207,.5tO
4-
701
4U,t85
+
1.011
53,au
+•
2.233
21,878
f
1.713
12.016
640
61,463
+
1 691
B2.j'J,328
-
K310
3.641
17,179
lU,7i0
2','i07
62,673
1,765
9.537
14,020
3,1123
611012
3,-'is3
(4e,e68
70,'!7O
110.614
6,1 14
17,403
6,2;g
6,6.7
680
294,078
9,9i0
20.179
5.233
44,0.'3
8,003
.626.078
20,035
8.580
673,365
g,8»l
tO)
49,331
21,667
1,134
.'i,792
175,122
89,2.53
S0,2I4
2.069
87,816
6,9.M
7,935
88,377
52,5t9
6,180
3,498
135
.52!
1,810
S<,6S3
2;56l
16,597
93,003
113
8,400
1,104
1,172
ELECTRIC&L COMPANIES' SHARE LIST
(a) Tbese comparisons are with the oonesponding period last year. § Plufl 3 days
I, Plaa 2 daya. • Partly eleotrloa'. t Minus 3 days 1 Minus 2 days
H I^BT
m
Bin-
—
DIRD
10
10
10
8t.
5
St.
6/0
4/6
6/0
2/0
HZ
4/6
St.
6
3'6
iZ
2/8
^
2/8
.»'
iy
4V/,
2/3
2/0
at.
*hz\
10
6/0
10
6/0
hZ
Ht.
HZ,
-a
b
bX
4/0
10
60
St,
ihZ
4*X
20
b
Sfl
St,
44"
6
4/0
6
4/0
b
6X
47
4%
St.
iV/,
1/6
8/0
iZ
2;H
6
2/8
St.
St.
34%
100
11
100
i^Z'
n
b7.
iZ
IOC
1
3%
44X
u
6/0
t
2/6
St.
i%
t
6/0
b
3/6
St.
347.
St.
4%
4/0
1
0/6
1
mi
St,
44X
2/6
t
2'6
St.
44%
6/0
2/3
St,
*Z
,
0/6
St,
m
St.
HZ
11
1*>,
10
H
iy.
u
11
8/0
St.
'f
5t.
44/.
St.
iZ
it.
*z
St.
n
101
it
St.
4'.
D
2/8
lUU
iK
St.
m
St.
(><,
^t.
bX
it.
bZ
it.
bZ
.-it.
44
10
6/0
10
8/0
10
10
4/0
St.
iZ
b
4/0
St.
Ht
10
vi
111
6/.
St,
44 i
St.
4/o
10
e/u
St.
0*
10
10
bZ
St.
n
10
3/6
at.
4/,
St.
St.
1
1
1
6/6
iiZ
St.
St.
w/.
St.
H%
«t.
ak
at.
84-.
NAMB.
7J -8j
6i 13
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
Bonrnemonth * Poole Eleo. Sup. Ord..
Do. 4J per Cent. Cam. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cnm. Second Pref. ..
Do. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ..
Bromley (Kent) El. Lt. & Power Shares
Do. Do, 1st Debs,
Brompton 4 Kensington Elec. Sup. Ord.
Do. 7 per Cent. Pref,
Central Elec. Snp. Co.4V Gnar.Db.Stook
Charing Cros8(W.End 4 City)El.Sap.Co.
Do. 44 per Cent, Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb, Stock (red.)
Do, 4J per Ceiit, Teb, ft"ck (red ) „
Do. rity Undertaking 4i/J Cm. Prel.
Cheisea Electric Supply Ord
Du. 44 per Cent, Deb. Stock (red.) ..,
City of London Electric Lighting Ord..,
Do. 8 per Cent. Cam, Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red,)
Do. 4J per Cent. 2od Deb. Stock (red.)
Coanty of Durham Elec. P.D. Ord
Do, 6 per Cent, non Cnm. Pref.
County of London Elec, SnpplyOrd
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do, 44> Deb. Stock (red,)
Do. Second Deb. Stock
Folkestone Electricity Supply Co, Ord.
Do. 6 per (!;ent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4* Ist Deb. Stock (red)
Hove Electric Lighting Ord
Kensington 4 Knightsbrldge Ord
Do. 6 per Cent Ist Pref
tOo 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Kensingtn. 4 Kngtbg, Co. & Netting Hill
Co. (Joint Station) 4 y. Deb. Stock (red.)
Kent Elec. Power Co
London Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref....
Do. 4 per Cent, let Mort. Deb
Metropolitan Electric Sup. Ord
Do. 4i per .Jent. Cum. Pref.
Do, 4J per Cent, Deb. Stockist Mort,
Do. SJ per Cent. Mrt. Deb, Stock(red.)
Midland Elec. Corp.for P.D.UtMort.Db
Newcastle & Diet. Elec. Ltg. Ord
Do. 4* percent. Deb
Newcastle Elec. Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, non Cum. Pref.
Oo. 4 per Cent. Vfort. Deb. red 1907.
Norlli Metro. Elec.Power Sup. 5 Morte
iSortnern Couniiea lileu. Sup [ ~
Do. 4J per Cent. Dab tIi ,,i
Notting Hill Electric Ord I'J "Iji
Oxford Electric Ord ^4 "ta
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock ' ^*,'tl
Si. James' & Pall Mall Elec. Ord ?S 8j
Do. 7 per Cent. Pref. | „f,J "'»
Do. 8i per Cent, Deb, Stock (red.) , ' "" -""
Smithlleld Markets Electric Sap. Ord
f:o. 4 percent. Deb. Stock .. ..
South London Electric Supply Ord,
South Metrop'n Elec. Lt. & f
Do. 7 per Cent. Cum, Pref.
Do. 4ilst Db. Stk. Red....
Urban Electric Supply Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent, Cum, Pref.
" 4i
Price
WedL.
Feb. 10.
V^J' DIVIDEND, S.''!',»^!'
£ a. d.
10 — lOJ 6 13 8 Mar, Sept,
WfEK ro
Feb. 10.
High- Low-
lOJ -11
101 -IC'5
4J-B
94 —98
88 -85
8 — 8J
4J-4I 1 17 0
18 -98 4 4 0
97 -93 4 11 ■>
8i -44 5 6 0
3i-4J 5 5 0
102 -106 4 7 6
101 11 5 i'l 0
12 -12} 4 14 0
121 -123 4 10
99 -102 4 8 0
U— Ij 6 13 1
3i-3} 6 17 19
SJ 9J 5 S 0
103 -m 6 0 6
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan. July
April, Oct
May, Not I
March. ...
Mar, Sent
June, Dec
Feb, Aug I
Feb, Aug I
Jan, July I
Jan, July
March . .
Jane, Dee
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
June, Deo
Jan, July 'tl
April, Oct
April, Oct
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept 11
May, Not '0'
Apnl, Oct
Mar, Sept .
Feb, Aug
April, Oct .
I Feb, Aug 8
Jan, July
■Ele
86 -SS
lOU -102
88 -90
24 -n
U -U
10)-lui
1-1
l§-2
t. 1st Wort. Dob ^f^,"*?
rOrd.
. Sup. Ord '..'.'.'.".'. ^ 81
~ -- - tj -6i
Westminste
Do. 44 perl'ent Cum. Pref.
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS A TRAMWAYS.
Baker bt. x w„,L-riou ii Perp, Db. 8t
Bath Elec. Trams Pref. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, Cum. Pref.
Do. H Ist Mort. Deb. Stock (red.) ....
H'han; & Midland Trams 4) 1st Db.Stk.
Bristol Trarawavs & Carriage Ord
Do. Cum, Pref. (fully paid)
Do, 4 per Cent. Debs
British Electric Traction Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. B per Cent. Perpetual Debs =■ -"■•
Do. 4J per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock 73—76
Central London Ordinary Stock I 6J -63
Do. 4 pe
9i —9
!J-
91-10
3i-:j
. r.- Cent. fref. Stock 81 -88
Deferred Stock 47
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs
Charing X.Euston&UmpstdPer.Db.Btk.
City of Birmingham Trams. 5%Clll.Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent, 1st Mort. Debs
fCitT 4 South London Bl.v. Con. Ord. ...
tDo. 6 per Cent. Perp. Pref. (1891) ...
IDo. (189C)
101 -103
89 -91
4i-4J
98 -lUJ
23J -27i
,1" -112
in; -lo,
9 J —93
tDo. (190!) v.'.".'.'.'.', 'Sf
tJo. (1903) I 9»
Do, 4 per Cent. Perpetual Dobs i 99 -lOl
Dublin United Trams. Ord ' 114 -12}
Ceut. Pref. 1* -1»
n & City KIT. Pref. Ord. (4% I 4
, Piccadilly '* Brompton Ord.
Gt.Nortlii
0. Northe:
Do. 4 p<
., „..., . _. 8t-Si
■ Ceut, Deb. Stock 91 -93
- 21-31
IJ -SI
81-9
?1-8J
4 17 III
5 14 0
6 10 0
4 2 6
6 12 6
4 16 G
3 18 0
5 li' 0
6 19 0
8 13 0
54':JS
10 — loi
Hastings'^ Uist. Elec. Trams, 6% Cm. Pf.
Do. 41 Db. St
{Imperial Tramways Ord
tDo. 6 per Cent. I'ref.
IDo. 41 per Cent, Debs
I. of Thanet B. T. 4 Lt. 5 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4perCeut. Dab. Slock
Lanarkshire Tramways
Lanes. Utd. Crams 6 . Prior Lien Db. St.
Liverpool Overhead Railway Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref _"~"5
Do. 4 percent. Deb ' 81 -61
London United Trams, 5 4 Cuoi. Pref. ... ' 4—41
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. Stock 71 -75
Mersey Con. Ord. Stock 1 -2
Do. 3 per Cent. Perp. Pret 3 -S
Metropolitan Kleo. Tramways Ord ' si—'ii
Do, Delerrod ' 3*i -^a
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. | j -J
Do, 4j per Cent. Dob. Stock 93 -93
tMetropolitan 14ailway Consolidated I Sdl— 871
;Do. Surplus Lands Stocks | 69—71
♦ Do. 8} per Cent. Preference i 83 —SS
tU>i. 31 per Cent, " A " Preference 75 —7i
;Do, 31 per Cent. Convertible Pref, 73—70
Do 81 per Cent. Debenture Stock 92 —91
6 19
- » , 5 "
■93 5 7
14 -li
1"!
98 -101 3 19 0
April, Oct
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan. July
April. Oct
Jan, July
June, Deo
Jan, July
June, Dec
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Mar, Aag
Jan, July
March . .
March ..
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb ....
Feb, Attg
AprU....
Feb.'ing
April, Oct
April, Oct
April, Oct
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Jan, July ,
Jsn, July
April....
Jan. July
April, Oct
Jan, July
Feb, Aog
Feb,Aug
June, Deo
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
4
4 A
April.. .
Feb, Aug
Jaa,Jaly
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb. Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
iO!i
8J 8i
9Ji I 95
911
9J«
Feb, Aug 611 I 691
Feb, Aug e4J „
Feb .... 47;
Jan. July li>4 I ..
Jan, July 901 ! ..
April, Oct .. „
April, Oct . , ..
Feb, Aug 271 261
Feb. Aug
Feb, Aug «
Feb, Aug ,. _
Feb, Aug ... . .
May, Nov
Feb, Aug .. ..
Feb, .\ng
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July :
Mar, Sept
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
li'eb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July ,
Jan, July
Jan, July
Feb, Aug. I
931
361 I 361
70* 691
In oaloalating the yield allowauee haa been made for aoorued interest but not for redemDtion
f Ez Dividend. J The London Stock Exchange Committee have decl'neJ to quote these.
THE ELECTRICIAN. FEBEUABY 12, 1909.
T^l T^CTIMCAL COIMPATVIES' SH:ATt,E L.TST — Continued.
S iLiST
« pm-
*" Idbnd
PrtOO rRATB % 1 nnmiirNn BnSINK88[|
WfiS rVULD. 1 ""^K.*^" I WEEIi TO I
St.
Stj 6%
St.| 4%
EltCTRIC RAILWAYS & TBAMWAYS-
Met. Ely. 8} per Cent. " A ' De)>. Stock
IJ ^•ropnlitan District BeilwaT Ord
Do Extereion Pref. (6 percent.)
tDo. Affprited Ext. Pref. (Int. Guar, by
Und. Elec. Blvg. Co. of London, Ltd.)
Do. 3 p>-r Cent.' Consoltd. Kent-charge
Do. 4 per Cert. Midland Bcnt-charfje
Do* Puar. Stock 4 per Cent
Do. 6 per Cent Pfrp. Deb. .Stock
. . Cent. Ditto
Trac;. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
1 6/9| ' Potteries Electric Traction Ord
1 0/6 i Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
St. ii°/. Do 4ii per Cent. Deb. Stock
1 07; K Met. Elec. Trams. 4 Ltg. 6/J Cm.Pref.
St. 4% Do 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock '
100 6% Sunderland Diet. Elec.Trms.6%l9tMt.Db. I
.. I ... 'i UnderpdE.ET9.Lon.6° In.bdB.withcoup.2
21/11 Do, 5°< Prior liien Bonds
Do. 4*v Bonds
Yorkshire (W.B.) Elec. Trams. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Prof.
St. 41 Do. 4* rer Cent. iBt Debs
ELECTRIC MANUFACTURINC, &C.
Aron Electricity Meter Ord
. . Do. 6%Cum. Pf.
1 1/7| Babcock & Wilcoi Ord
1 0/7| Do. Pref
6 4/0 British Insulated & Helaby Cables Ord.
=, 3/0 tDo. 6 per Cent. Pref.
St *iX Do. 4i per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.)
St' *iX' Briti8hThoms'n-Housfn4i%lBtMt.Db,
'S'i .. ! British Westinghoase 6 per Cent. Pref...
luiil cO/2 ' Do 6 per Cent. Prior Lioa Dbs(rd.)
al 4% I Do. 4 perCent.Mort. Deb. Stocki
St' ^% Blush E.Eng.Co.4j%Perp.l9tDeb.Stook
St' *i\ Do. Perpet •-■"■-• ■
Continued,
£ s. d.
90 -92
3 16 0
14 -14J
—
■29 -82
C2 -66
6 7 n
76 —78
3 i: 0
1112 —106
74 -77
131 —134
63 —81
4 17 0
6 0 0
5 2 9
6 19 II
1, 0/7i
0/7J
ii%
i-l|
?i-3
62 — «5
4~ii
IrV— I/j
es-rj ' 7 1
ei-64 4 12
101 -107 i 4
£0 -95 4 14
964-97S j 6 2
H -49
59 -64
38 —42
9 —10
5i-6|
1 2nd Deb. Stock
table Con. Ord
5 2/6 ' Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
St ii°i Do. 4J per Cent. 1st Mort Debs, (red.)
i 1/6 , Caslner-Kellner Alkali Co
St ihX ] !Do. 4i percent, let Mort. Deb. (red.).
■""' Chadburn's (Ship) Telegraph Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Consolidated Electrical Co
Consolidated Signal Co
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
•Crompton & Co.(Nos. 1 to 86,000)
Do. 6 per Cent, let Mort. Debs. (red.).
Da-cis&Timniins
Dick, Kerr & Co. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4} per Cent. Deb. Stock
Edison & Swan United ("A"Sh.)(£3pd.)
Do. (£6 paid)
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock (rd. )
Do. 5 per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock
Edmundson's Elec. Corp. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J per cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.)
Electric Construction Co
D?. 7 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
'/« I Do. 4 per Cent. Perp. Ist Mort. Debs.
''." , General Electric (1900) 6% Cum. Pref....
'<< I Do. 4 percent. 1st Mort. Debs
f/0 1 Henley's Telegraph Works Ord
(.,1 1*° 4i per Cent. Pref.
'j* Do. 4| per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. Stock
6/0 I India Kubber, Gut. Per., 4o.,Wrk8
*^ I Do. 4 per Cent. Debs, (red.)
•• I Uatioual Elec. Construction Co
Kichardsons.Westgarth & Co., Ltd, Ord,
/,• Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
*i/' To. 4J per Cent. Perp. Deb. Stock ...
Simplex (Jonduits Ord
■• I Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
X ■ lelegraph Construction & Maintenance
JA I I;-. 4 per Cent Deb. Bonds (1909) ...■
J'" VKKers, Sons* Maxim, Ltd., Ord
liy 1 Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Preferencej
y- ' Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Preferred
*X I Do. 4perCent. 1st Mort. Db.Sk.(red)i 102 —104
'2/i , Do. 4iper Cent. 2nd Mort. Deb.(red.) 104 —106
°? I Do. 6 percent. 3rd Mort. Debs Bcrip. 104 —106
.I.C.White&Co. e^Cm.Pref. 8J-9J
WiUauB & Kobinson Ord g— J
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. ' 28—25
Do 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs 68—72
li-18
103 -107
{i-lA
n-\h
U-ii
8?-ii
li -IJ
96 -99
J-li
li'i'-li
89 —102
I'.-ii
U-24
li-lj
CO —64
7-7J
85 -89
lli-12i
5-64
1054-107i
161-164
98 —100
,y..
TELEGRAPHS.
Amazon Telegraph
Do. 6 per Cent. Debs, (red.)
Anglo-American
Do. Preferred
Do. Dele
r Cent. Deb. Stk
35*-344 ' 6 2
BS'i— 1D.'» 3 18
lis- 2s'> ' 7 7
li^i-lft : 4 8
14 0 0
IID 16 0
I 6 11 0
Jan, July
Feb, Ang:
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
May
April, Oct
Feb, Ang
May, Nov
Fob, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jane, Deo
Jsn, July
9;j
April, Oct
April, Oct
July! Feb
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Feb, Ang
Jan.Jnly
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
Nov, May
May, Nov | a§|. i.-g
Feb. Aug 1 1041 il03j
March . .
April, Oct
August ...
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Sept
Sept
Jan, July
Feb, Ang
Feb, Aug
Jane, Deo
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
May, Nov
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July
Jane, Deo
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
April
Nov ....
May, Nov
Jan, Jaly
Mar, July
Jan, July
Apr, Oot
Apr, Oot
May, Nov
H-H
92 —65
65 — 18
loll -102
13;j-13i|| 2 19
86 —87 4 12
74-84 I 7 1
161-174
3 — 3J
8 -9
B9%— 10S%
121-128
f94-10lj
12o —129 I 6 9 0
8i4-t61 [410
103 j— 1054' 8 16 6
■■' ■"■ 6 14 0
lal Cabl
Cuba Submarine Ord..
Do. Preference 10 per Cent.
Direct Spanish Ord
Do. 10 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 44 per Cent. Deb
Direct llnitel States Cable ....
Direct V\ est India Cable 445; Kg. Db. (rd. )
Kasteru Ordinary
Do. 34 per Ceni. Pref. Stock
Do. 4perCent.Mort. Deb. Stk. (red.), .uo,-.v,o,
Eastem Extension ; IP— 121
tDo. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock ".\ a't—lmi,
Eastern & S.Af. 4?. Mauritius Sub.Debs.l iuoa— lovj
G.N. (...I CopenhaKen),witbCoupon75 30-32
H alifai & Bermuda 44 4 l8t Mt. Db.( red.)
Indo-European
Mackaj (Companies Common" '.'.'.'.'.'.'.
Do. Prelerence
Marconi's Wireless Xeleg. Co. .".."..'.'...
Paciiic & Europe'n Tel.4 AOoar.DbB.(red!)
West Coabtol America
Do. 4 per tent. Debs. ..
V\ est India J: fanama
Do. b ^er Cent. Isl Pref.
Do. 6% and Prol
Do. b ^er Cent. Debs. .
I Western lelegraph
Jane, Deo
b t} 0 i June, Dec
6 13 6 F,My,Ag,N
3 18 0 !F,My,Ag,N'|101
'F,My,Ag,N 13J 12{,
Jn,Ap,Jy,Ol "" " '
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
6 15 0 Ja,Ap,Jy,0| 12,'
■ " ' June, Dec OeJ
Ja,My,JjO|l27» '12fcJ
Ja,My,JyO Hi Bbl,
May, f*ov lOiJ :il3i
'- Ap,Jy,0 14 11;,
Last
Divi-
DESD
6 17 0
6 16 0
6 11 0
8 0
Price RiTK %
Wed., Yield-
Feb. 10. ED,
DIVIDEHD SH?™^*:
Wkek To 1
Feb. 10
100 n
.AiX
St.! 6%
1 0/7 J
1 0/7i
?t. 4%
Jt. *i%
6, 8/0
TELEPHONES.
Amer. Telephn. & Telegh. Cap. St.
Do. Coll. Trust * 1,000 4 per Cent. Bds
AngloPortug'se Teh 6% Ist Mt.Db. Stk.
ChUi Telephone
Monte Video Telephone Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
National Co. Pref. Stock
Do. Def. Stock
Do. 6 per Cent. Ci
Do. 6 per Cent. Ct
Do. 6 per Cent, no
Do. Deb. Stc • -'
m. 1st Pref.
m. 2nd Pref.
i-Cam. 8rd Pref. ..
per Cent, (red.)
*iX
Do 4 per C ei t. Deb. Stock (red.)
Oriental
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Ked. Deb. Stock
Telephone Co. of Egypt 4i/;Db.8tk.(red.)
United River Plate
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 44 Del). St. Ked
FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, Ac.
Eleo. ft Gen. Investment 6% Cnm, Pref.
Globe Telegraph & Truat
Do. 6 per Cent. Pret
Submarine Cables Traat (Cert.)
131 -134 5 19 0
95 —97 4 2 6
100 —102 4 18 0
75-811 4 15 6
U-U 6 4 0
il- n 6 6 0
10) —111 B 8 U
121 -133 I 4 17 6
lOJ— Hi 5 6 6
lOi-U} 6 6 6
5,5 -6!i 4 8 6
974-934 3 10 6
99{— 1014 8 18 6
li,\— 1!| 4 2 8
I —101 4 9 0
1 ..
too, bX
6' 6X
6 1/0
lOOi o/7i
St. 6%
St. I 6%
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRIC
RAILWAYS, TRAMWAYS, &C.
Anglo-Argentine 6% Cum. 1st Pref.
Do. lOy, Non-cum. 2nd Pref.
Do. Permanent 6% Deb. Stock
Auckland Elec. Trams. 6% Deb. (red.)...
Brisbane Electric Trams. Invest. Ord....
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 44 per Cent. Db. Prov. Certs
British Columbia El.Ry.Df. Ord
•tDo. Pref, Ord. Stock
Do. 6% Cum. Perp. Pref. Stock
Do. 44 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
Do. \ ancouver Power Debs
Do. 4}% Perp Con. Deb. St
Buenos Ayres tjrand National Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 64 per Cent. Pref. Debs
Do. 6 per Cent. 1st Deb. Bonds
Buenos Ayres Lacroze Trams 1st Mt. Db.
tBuenos Ayres Port & City Tram. 1st Mt.
Deb. Stock
Calcutta Tramways (1 to 137,610)
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 44% 1st Deb. Stock (red.)
Cape Electric Tram Shares
City ot Buenos Ayres Trams Co. ( 1904)Sh.
Do 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Colombo I'r. & Ltg. 6% 1st Mt. Db
Eleclrio Traction Co. of Hong Kong 6
per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
flavana Elec. Ky. Con. Mt. 6% $1,000 60
year Coup. Bds
Kalgoorlie Elec. Trams Sh
Do. 6 per Cent. " A " Deb. Stock
Do. C per Cent. " B " Ditto
Lisbon Elec. Trams. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Keg. Mort. Debs
Madras Ulec. Trams. 6% Deb. Stk.
ManUa Elec. Ry. $1,000 Gold Bonds
Meiicolrams Oo. Com- St
Do. Gen. Con. Ist Mort. 6% Gold Bda....
tMontreal St. Ky. Sterling 44 per Cent.
Debs. (1922) (N08. BOl 10 2,000)
Perth Elec. Trams Ord
Do. 1st Mt. Db. Stock
KangooD Elec. Trams & Supply Co, 6^
. Pf.
Do.
100 —102 I 3 18 0
li°i;-i;S S 7 6
994-1014; 3 18 0
7| et 7 " 6
7*— 64 I _
lOu'— 1U2
'^it^-j^W^f^^:'.:] loi^rlS i ,5
! Western Union Telegh. SI 000 4,^ Bonds
L calculating the jields .allowance ha. been aiadVto^
Feb, Aug
May, Hoy
Jan, July
June, Deo
May, Hot
Ia,Ap,Jy,0
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
April ....
June, Deo
May ....
Jan/Joly
May, Hov
May, .Not
May, y 07
Jan, J oly
Mr,Jn,0,D
June, Deo
10 1
LOi
8t.
m
fc
3/8
100
7/2
100
bX
600
6X
b
St.
bZ
bt.
by.
St.
6% 1
lOs
0/3
1
0/7*
Ht.
bX
eoo
6%
St.
' 814
6>,
lot
814
W-ii
1|2J
bt
6/
3/0 '
M'
6U.
4 17
4 0
6 0
4 6
6 14
6 0
4 14
4 6
4 6
4 2
8g-3i
10 —HI
121-131
137 —142
101 —103
4i-6
lS-6
lOll —104
137 —140
1(6 -120
1044-106;
102J-1014
101 —101
lOO -103
2J-31
4 —48
102 -107
103 —106
964— 99S
78 —83
4i-6
4J— 6i
100 —103
J-i
6)J— 6iS
99 —102
88 —91
88 -93
^-A
84 -8J
68 -63
1 -i|
eo -9j
89 —82
83 —92
142 —144
9»}-93i%
102 —104 4 a
8— J 1 a 13
100 -103 4 17
5 U
9 10
4 17
Do. 44/i 1st Mort. Deb. Stk
Sao Paulo Tramway, Light ft Power Co,
$100 Stock
Do. 6 per Cent. Ist Mt. $500 Db
Toronto Ky Co. 1st Mt. li/, Ster. Bonds
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRICITY
SUPPLY &o.
Adelaide Elec. S'ply Co.a%Ca.Pr.
t Bombay E- S. ft T. 6% Cm. Pf.
Do. 41 per Cent. Deb. Stk. (red.)
Calcutta Elec. Supply Ord
Canadian Gen. Eleo. Oo. Com. St
Castnor Electrolytic Alkali Co. (of U.S.A.)
Isl Mort. btl. Dels
Elect. Development Co of Ontario
Elec. Ltg. &, Trac. Co. of Aust. 6 per
Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb Stock
Elec. Supply Co. of Victoria 5 per Cent.
Ist Mort. Deb. St
Indian Elec. Sup. & Trao. Co. Conatn.
Deb. St. Kd
Kalgoorlie Elec. Power ft Ltg. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum, Pref.
Madras E. S. Corp. 6 per Cent. Gonstn.
Deb. St
Mexican Elec. Light Co. 6% Ist Mort.
Gold tends
Meiican Lt,& Povter Co. Com. St
tDo. 6/, lit Mort. Gold Bnds
Montreal It. Ht. & Power Co. Cap. St....
Kivei Plate Electricity Co. Ord
Do. ii pel Cent. nou.Cum, Pref
Do. 5 per cent. Deb. Stock...
Kosaiio Wee. Co. B;. Prel. (1-20,OUO)
bhaviuugan W ater & Power Co. Cap. St
Do. 6 per Cent. Bds
Victoria Falls Power Co. Pref
6 11
i 18
4 18
leSJ -18B
looj-ioiir
5i-64
94—10
92 —91
61-64
111 — li6
93 —103
86 - SIX
871 -tol
30 -40
87;-B31X
834-8=4
lid —121 16 7 0
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
AnguBt . .
Nov ....
May, Nov
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
June, Deo
Jan, July
April, Oot
April, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
June, Deo
Jan, J Illy
Jan, July
SpDoMrJu
SpDoMrJn
April, Oot
April, Oot
Jan, July
June, Deo
Jan, July
May .. ..
May, Nov
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
May, Nov
Jan.Jnly
April, Oct
Jan, July
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
April, Oot
Mar, Sept
Feb, Ang
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
F.My.A.N
June, Deo
May, Nov
June, Deo
Feb, Aag
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
May ....
Jan, July
June, Deo
Feb, Aug
Jsn, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
131i
109i
SBi
I
sr-
4
1174*
90 8))
U4i 111
" Ml
6 11 0
5 10 a
9Si
' Jan, July llOOl
Jan, July ' i
acctuad Intereat but not Jot tolemptlon f Ei dividend, t III* London Stook Eiohange Oommitts e.have de clined to quote the
64 -5i
9b — 9j
106 —118^
0 13 0
4 18 0
6 13 u
Feb, Attg
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
April,' Oot
April, Oot
_ Sil
F,MyVA,N ;l2l
April I ij'i
Ma; ... .
Jan, July
; April, Oct
'4
THE ELECTRICIAN:
THE OLDEST WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF
t'LECTRICAL ENGINEERING, INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND FINANCE
ESTABLISHED, First Series (Weekly), 1861; Second Series (Weekly), 1878.
No. 1,605. [vll.uV'.i.]
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1909.
Price Sixpence '%§°,f'
Abroad 9d., or 18 cents, or 900., or SOp/
CONTENTS OF THE CURRENT NUMBER.
NciTES 709
Arrangements for the Week 711
The Use of L:aye Gas En-
gines for Generating Elec-
tric Power. By Leonard An-
drews and R. Porter, B.A.
Illustrated. Concluded . . 712
The Design of Underground
Mains and Networks. By
J. R. Dick, B.Sc '. 715
Tlie Electro-Hydraulic Pump-
ing Plant at the Bristol
Docks. By W.A.Clatworthy.
Illus 718
rij) Coils for Alternating-
current Automatic Circuit-
Breakers. BvC. C. Garrard.
lUu.strated '. 719
The Joly Meldometer. Illus, 721
U.S. Navy High Power Wire-
less Station 722
Physical Society 722
Theory of the Horizontal
Transmitting Antenna. By
Alfredo Montel. Illustrated 724
The Wiring of Buildings.—
Discunsirm 725
Steam Turbines r. Gas En-
iiiNEs 726
Reviews 728
Electrical Engineering
[Slingo and Brooker] ;
Die Dynamoelektrischen
Maschinen [Riemenschnei-
der]; Fowler's Mechanics'
and Machinists' Pocket
Book and Diary, 19 9 :
Mineral Waxes [Gregor-
ius] ; Tin Plate Working
[Clarke].
Analytical Reports on \\'ater
Samples. By Fred. A.
Anderson, B.Sc. (Lond.l,
i.I.C 729
The Institution and other
Societies 731
B.T.-H. Ampere-hour Meter.
Illustrated 751
Recent Developments in Ma-
chine Stoking. By A. W.
Bennis. Illus. Continued 73
Legal Intelligence 733
Municipal, Foreign & General
Notes 735
Trade Notes and Notices 737
Companies' Meetings and
Reports 742
City Notes 744
Companies' Share List 745
NOTES.
The London Electric Supply Corporation.
The general meeting ol' the London Electric Supply (Cor-
poration, held Last -week, was of interest as being one of the
fii'.st meetings to be held by any of the large London elec-
tricity supply companies since the recent Parliamentaiy
fight in regard to the supply of power to the metropolis
was brought to a close. It was only natural that Mr.
];. H. EensOxN, in addressing the shareholders, should con-
gratulate them upon the fight, and should call attention to
tlie risks- of private enterprise in the light of the last few
years. To the present suppliers the Cost of this yearly
fight in the defence of their birthright has been just
£500,000. "Spent and wasted !" Not only so, but there
has been a marked depreciation of the shares of the com-
panies, who had passed through a hard struggle in the early
days in establishing the industry, and wlio befoi'e the recent
fight began were earning satisfactory dividends. Taking the
ordinary stocks of seven London companies together,the ex-
treme depreciation in the four years' fight amounted to 48
per cent., i.e., from a value of £6,:^71,444 to £o,:3()G,504, thus
rendering it difficult for the companies to maintain enough
credit to raise, ou increasingly onerous terms, the necessary
capital to meet the expanding demands on the part of the
public for power and light. As regards the Loudon
Electric Supply Corporation, some years ago the 4 per
cent, debenture stock, when it was a much weaker security
than at present, was quoted at 105. During the recent
struggle it went down to 89, and now it is still only at 92.
The 6 per cent, preference shares, which once touched 7^
lor the £5 share, were quoted during the same period at
about 4, and even now are only altout par. These figures
are sufficient to show the ri.sks run by private enterpri.se,
and it is only natural that Mr. Benson should remark that,
were the property of the company in Xew York or Buenos
Ayres, their credit would be higher than it is to-day
in London, and capital would be flowing freely into the
industry. But then, in New York and Buenos Ayres, we
suppose there is a little more of what Mr. C.^knicgie calls
" business sense."
It is satisfactory to note that in the period 1903 to 1908
the business has increased ."!8 per cent., the works costs
have fallen from 2-22d. to 0-6;3d., and the total costs from
:'>10d. to 109d. per unit. The reserve and contingencies
aeciiunts now amount to £72,500, or 21-77 per cent, on the
ordinary share capital. The demand for power is increasing
rapidly, and the London, Brighton i^' South Coast KaLlway
Co. will shortly require at least 4,000,000 units per
unnu)a; and should their scheme of electrification be
extended this consumption will increase to a very much
laiger figure. Tlie average price received during the
])ast year for power was 0 9.3d., as against Lid. the year
before, and the price for lighting was 3'5(id. as against
3-68d. Owing to an inci-easing power load, over .">, 000,000
more units were sold last year than during the preceding
3'ear at an additional cost of only ,£1588. The metal fila-
ment lamp has naturally had its effect, and although the
rate of connecting consumers has been maintained the
actual increase in units sold has only been ()(),000, as against
a calculated amount of 900,000 units. We are glad to
notice, however, that the advent of tiie metal filament
lamp is not regarded as an evil, but rather as an imple-
ment for very greatly extending the sphere of the company's
business when the advantages of tiiis lamp become fully
realised by the pulilic.
Depreciation.
Tilt: subject of depreciation in municipal undertakiu<'S
has recently been brought forward in connection with the
undertaking at Fareham, where a Local (Tovernment Board
iu([uiry was held in regard to the application for a loan of
710
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 19, 1909.
£10,000 to be used in providing new jdant, certain old plant
being discarded. A difficulty arose as to tiie latter, as
the loan by which it had been provided had not been fully
paid off. Upon inquiry we find that the amount out-
standing was £450, and the difficulty has been overcome
in this instance by the Local Government Board allowing
the Council to raise a loan for three years to facilitate pay-
ing off this sum, instead of coming directly upon the rates.
The original loan was for a period of 20 years. In the
past there has not been any very great necessity to replace
nld plant in this way, but the point is certain to come
forward frequently in the future. In due time the absurdity
of having allowed a term of 42 years for repayment of
loans in the London undertakings will be fully apparent ;
indeeil, it has already been decided that loans should
not be granted on this basis. Such periods may be
satisfactory for water works, excluding the pumping plant,
but for electrical machinery, which is so very subject to
antiquation in addition to wear and tear, even an equated
term of 25 years is unduly long. In municipal stations
there is a deal of plant which, although of little commercial
value, necessarily stands in the books at a comparatively
high figure.
Unprofitable Competition.
During the last few weeks the half-yearly reports of the
various railway companies have been issued, and in most
cases they contain indications of the competition from other
forms of locomotion. The Metropolitan District was one
of those railways which used to suffer in this respect
very considerably, but it is gratifying to notice from the
account, given elsewhere in this issue, of the half-yearly
general meeting held last week, that the fortunes of this
company have improved to a marked extent. This will
prove very encouraging to those who advocated electrifica-
tion, and we trust that the shareholders will now reap
further financial benefit. The 'line is at present being
worked to practically its limit, and under such circum-
stances it is very satisfactory to record diminished
working expenses and an increase of £37,41 1 in the
receipts, compared with the corresponding six months
of 1907. This improvement is more apparent in the
fact that the ratio of working expenses to revenue was
only 58-76 per cent., as against 69-53 per cent, in the cor-
responding period of the previous year. Sir George S.
Giuii, the chairman, once again drew attention to the
present unsatisfactory condition of the business of carryino-
passengers in London. The railways cannot disregard the
competition of the omnibuses and tramways, the last-
mentioned generally benig the determining factor as regards
the reduction of fares. Some time ago it seemed possible
that an agreement might be arrived at between the omnibus
companies and the underground railways, but although
coml)ination has been found possible between the omnibus
companies, it would seem that reduced fares are still to be
the order of the day, since a very comprehensive scheme of
reductions has been announced in the Press.
Cable Interruptions. i, ^ . ,
' — . Jan. 19, 1909
Manchester Exhibition Funds. — There was a meeting of
the Executive committee of the Manchester Exhibition oq
February 16th, when it was agreed to return to the exhibitors
20 per cent, of the amount paid by them for space at ttie
exhibition ; and it was further agreed that 10 per cent, out of
the profits of the Exhibition should be returned to the coi-po-
rations and councils on the sums donated by them. The
balance remaining will be dealt with when the accounts are
closed.
Obituary. — We regret to record the death of Mr. G. E.
lielliss, head of the well-known firm of Messrs. Belliss &
Morcom, which occurred on Monday last, the deceased being
in his 71st year. Mr. Belliss received his early eiUication at
King Edward's School, BirmingL im. He was then appren-
ticed to Mr. Richard Bach, and sliortly after the expiration of
his articles he acquired the business and carried it on for man}-
years under the title of Belliss & Co. At first he made a
speciality of marine engineering work, in which he introduced
many improvements. In the course of his work he became
acquainted with Mr. Alfred Morcom, of Sheerness Dockyard, who
in 1884 entered into partnership with Mr. Belliss, thus found-
ing the well-known firm of Belliss & Morcom. It was in IKHII
that Messrs. Belliss & Morcom introduced the system of auto-
matic lubrication which enabled open type engines to be
gradually superseded.
We also regret to record the death of the distinguished
Danish chemist, Piof. Julius Thomsen, at the age of 8-J.
Thomsen was a prolific writer, and carried out an enormous
amount of work on thermochemistry, being responsible for
the bulk of the thermo-chemical data now available. He was
awarded the Davy medal of the Royal Society in 1883, and only
last Friday the Physical Society at their annual general
meeting elected him an Honorary Fellow of the Society.
Electrolytic Chlorine for Se-wage Purification. — In a Paper
read bcfoi-f the last meefng of the Faraifay Society, Dr. .S.
Rideal described some recent work on this subject, referring pai-
ticularlyto that of the Oxychlorides Company. The first electro
lyser used by this company was a semicircular wooden trough
lined with graphite on a metallic base which formed the anode.
In this trough revolved the cathode, a wooilen cylinder covered
with lead, attached to a copper ring with a rubbing contact-
block. The two poles were connected with the terminals of a
low-potential dynamo. The later form of electrolyser is of
larger size, and the cross-section is completely circular except
as to about 4 in. at the top, which is left open for the free
escape of gases evolved in the electrolysis. Both machines
occupy the same floor space, and have respectively an electric
surface of 30 sq. ft. and of 57-5 sq. ft. The graphite blocks are
of the highest grade Aoheson make, treated at the Oxy chloride
Works by a process which adds materially to their life as
electrodes, so that a small machine has been in constant use at
a distillery for four years without repairs, and is still carr3'ing
its full current. This form of electrolyser gave satisfactory
results in some directions, but in applying the process to
bleaching of cotton, linen and paper-making material, it was
found that the salt consumption was too high, and that loss
occurred in circulating the solutions from electrolysers to
bleaching vessels and vice versa. To meet these conditions it
was decided to produce a more concentrated solution by using
a diaphragm, and after some months of experiment the com-
pany have succeeded in obtaining a diaphragm which has a
commercially long life, gives a good current efficiency, and
does not set up too much resistance. This diaphragm machine
shows results in the following figures supplied by the Ox}-
chloride Company. With a current of 1,500 amperes at 4-6 to
5 volts, according to density of salt solutions, the current effi-
ciency in available chlorine at end of continuous daily rims of
8 and 10 hours was 68 percent. The daily salt consumption was
901b. It is, of course, essential that the salt solutions be purified.
Whilst the diaphragm machine was essentially developed for
bleaching and allied trades, it is equally applicable to sewage
treatment, and a merit of the new solution is that it is very
stable, and therefore particidarly suitable for sending out in
carboys to small sewage works. The most importantfca ture
is that the effluent is renderedharmlcss.
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 19, 1909,
711
Murnaii-Obeiammergau 6,000
Swedish State Railway 20,000
Vienna-Brtden
Blankenese- Hambiirg-Ohlsdorf .. .
Rotterdam-Hague-Scheveninge ii .
Midland Railway
Seebach- Wettingen
Roma-Civita-Castellana
550
6,600
10,000
6,600
15,000
I 6.000
I 500
,, t> ■ ■ 1 D -1 If ^'000
iarma l^rovincial Railways |- ^(^Q
St. Pulteii-Mariazell j 6,600
Experimental locomotive I 10,000
Wiesental Railway, Basel- Schopfheim j 10,000
Spiez- Frutigen 15,000
Vacz-Budape-st-Godollo 10,000
Total fto end of '.
26 0
4
2
jlO
1 2
100
175
1,000 1
350)
1
3
110
330
65-0
19 + 1 1
fSO
( 2
60
30
4,800")
60/
650
^ 1
13
175
2,f75
76-5
25
54
175
9,450
33-5
2 '
5
175
875
21-5
- !
i
6
225
1,350
...
4
20
40
800
60-0
10 ;
24
60
1,440
1060
...
13
28
250
7,000
1
2
500
1,000
60-0
10
24
500
12,000
19-9
3
8
225
1,800
58 0
11
'4
36
175
6,300
591-4
85
32
318
50,830
Beginning of 1905.
July, 1905.
May 1, 1907.
.Jan. 29, 1908.
Oct. 1. 1908.
April 13, 1908.
Dec. 1, 1907.
Dec, 1906.
In preparation.
Under construction.
In preparation.
Ditto.
Ditto.
Ditto.
Single-phase Electric Railways in Europe. — On p .321 of
our issue of June 1 2111, 1 90s, we gave a list of single-phase
railways operating in Europe, together with details of
their equipment. Messrs. Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works have
now provided us with the figures set out above whi3h bring
the former infr.imation up to date. The last four undertakings
in this list did not appear in the former table.
Telephone Progress in the United States. — A number of
statistics relating to the progress of telephony in the United
States of America in the years ended December 31, 1907, and
December 31, 1902, have just been issued by the Bureau of
Census. The totals include details of all commercial and
mutual systems and of farm or rural lines, but do not in-
clude telephone lines operated by steam or electric railways,
nor isolattd systems operated exclusively by commercial or
manufacturing firms or by Government authorities. The prin-
cipal statistics are given below : —
1907.
1902.
Per cent
of
increase.
Number of systems and line.s*
Number of telephones, total
Number of public exchanges
No. of switchboards, total...
Common battery system...
Magneto system
22,971
(i,118,578
15.527
lli.ObS
2,14fi
13,801
118
11,372,605.063
£36,892,349
£28,160,460
£163,933,401
£224,386,204
£102,537,053
£4.746.734
25,298
118,871
9,136
2.371,044
10,361
10,896
837
10,005
54
5,070,.5.54,5.53
£17,36.5,107
£13.032,954
£77,8.55,646
£76,906,813
£54,809,939
£3,996,544
14,124
64,628
151-4
1.581
49-9
47-4
156-4
37-9
118-5
Est'd messages during year. . .
124-3
112-5
Total expenses (including
116-1
Total cost of construction
110-6
'-'apitalisation : —
Capital stock authorised,
par value
Capital .stock outstanding.
lit 1-8
87-1
Dividends on stock
,58-4
79-1
Wage-earners, average
83-9
was called by Col. (Jrompton, in reply to the toast of the
otRcers, to the great need of proper training of the N.C.O.'s
who were, in fact, the backbone of any regiment. He con-
gratulated them on their own qualifications and considered
that they had acted as a help to both the officers and to the
men. After the dinner an excellent concert was given, the
arrangements being in the hands of C.S.-M. H. A. Paris.
The way in which the dinner and the details for the comfort
of the guests were carried out reflects great credit on the pre-
sident, C.S.-M. K. C. Miliiken and the other members of the
Me.ss Committee.
* The .statistics of farm or rural lines included in this report show that
the number of telephones in 1907 was 565,649 and in 1902 55,747. It is
probable that a more thorough canvass was made of these lines in 1907
than in 1902, which ai-counts in part for the large increase.
The Corps of Electrical Engineers. — The annual dinner of
the Sergeants' Mess of this corps was held at the Cafe Monico,
Piccadilly-circus, on Saturday evening last, umler the chair-
manshij) of Sergeant-Major P. Reilly, R.E. About 60 mem-
bers and guests were present, among the latter being Col.
II. E. B. Crompton, C.B., the commanding officer of the corps,
and a number of other officers. This was the first dinner that
had been held by the Mess under the Territoiial regulations,
and, in spite of the fact that great changes have taken place,
the position of tlie Mess is as good as ever, and there are
likely to be improvements in the future owing to the large
number of recruits which are now bcins enlisted. Attention
ARRANGEMENTS FUR THE WEEK.
FRIDAY, Febuary 19th (to day)
Students' Section of the Institi'tion of Civil, Enciseers.
S p.m. Meeting at (ireat George-street, Westminster. Lecture
on "Standardisation in Engineering Practice," by Prof. W. C.
Unwin, F.R.S.
Royal Institution.
.9 p.m. Meeting at Albemarle-street. Discourse on "Recent
Ailvan(.-es in .\K-.-ins of Saving Life in (.'oal Mines," by Sir H.
Cunynglianic. K.(_'.B.
MONDAY, February 22iid.
RoVAL .SOCIKTV OF ArTS.
S p.vi. Meeting at John-street, Adelphi, London, W,C. Lecture
on " Modern Methods of Artificial Illumination," by Mr.
Leon Gaster. Cantor Lecture II.
TUESDAY, February 23rd.
Manchkstkr Section of the iNSTiTtiTrox of Ei.ki-tkicai. Encinbers.
7:30p.m. Meeting at the Physical Laboratory, the Univer.sity, Man-
chester. Paper on '• Load E(|ualisers," by Mr. J. S. Peck.
Institution of Civil Em:i.neer.s.
S p.m. Meeting at Great George-street, Westminster. Papers on
" The Design of Marine Steam Turbines," by Air. S. .1. Reed
(Adjourned discussion', and on " Some Recent (!rain Handling
and Storing A|)pliances at .Millwall Docks," by Mr. M. Mowatt.
THURSDAY, February 25tli.
The Institution of Elei^tkic-ai. Eniuneeks.
Spin. Meeting at the Institution of Civil Engineers, Great
George-street, Westminster. Paper on "The Use of Large
Gas Engines for Generating Power," by Messra. L. Andrews
and R. Porter. Adjourned discussion.
FRIDAY, February 26th.
Physical Sociktv of London.
o p.m. Meeting at b'insbury Technical (College, Leonard-street,
City-road, E.C. .inenda — " A Laboratory Machine for Apply-
ing Bending and Twisting Moments Simultaneously," by Prof.
Coker ; "On the Self demagnetising Factor of Bar .Magnets,"
by Prof. S. P. Tliompson, F R..S., and Mr. E. W. Moss:
exhibition of Optical Properties of Combinations of Mica
and Selenite I'ilms (after Reuscb and others^ in Convergent
Polarised Light, by Prof. S. P. Thompson, F.R.S. ; exhibi-
tion of (u) Exiieriinent to Illustrate the Tcmparaturc of
Equal Density of Aniline and Water," (6) A Simple Form of
Thermo-electric Pyrometer for Students' Use, (c) A Com-
bined Metrebridgeanil Potentiometer with^New Tapping Key
Device for Pyrometric and General Laboratory Work, and (d) A
New Form of Carbon- plate Rheostat, suitable for Control of
Small Electric Furnaces, by Mr. C. R. Darling.
NoRTHAMl-TON INSTITUTE EXGlNEEKINi; SOCIETV.
0:45 p.m. Meeting at the Institute, St. .John-street, Clerkenwell.
Paper on " The Trackless Trolley System of Electric Trac-
tion," by Mr. S. M. Hills,
712
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 19, 1909.
THE USE OF LARGE GAS ENGINES FOR
GENERATING ELECTRIC POWER.*
(Concluded from page CJ^i).
BY LEONARD ANDREWS AND R. PORTER. B.A.
Rmming Cod. — Tlie fuel consumption of a gas plant, as of a steam
jdant. is dependent upon :— (1) The output ; (2) the no-load losses ;
(I!) standby losses of banking boilers or producers ; (4) the ratio of
the actual" fuel consumption under working conditions to the theo-
retical consumption based upon test results; which we will term the
discrepancy factor.
The steam and fuel consumption curves, shown in Fig. 3, have
been plotted from a number of published tests of steam turbines and
gas engines of various sizes. The ordinates above the zero line
represent the steam and fuel utilised for the actual
generation of electric power, whereas those below indi- 10200 Zv
cate the fuel required per hour to run the generators
at full E.M.F. on open circuit. The former are approxi-
mately proportional to the units generated and are
practically independent of the hours the plant is run,
whereas the latter are approximately directly propor-
tional to the hours the plant is run and are not appre-
ciably affected by the units generated. It will be noted
that the slope of the " consumption per unit generated "
curves of steam turbines gradually decreases as the
output of the plant is increased, whereas the corres-
ponding ciu've of gas-driven generators is constant for
all outputs. Various tests on gas engines of outputs
ranging from 500 b.h.p. to 5,000 b.h.p. show that the
actual consumption of fuel per unit generated, exclusive
of no-load losses, is approximately 1 lb. per kw.-hom-
for any output from no load to full load. The 6,000 kw.
steam turbine curve is plotted from the recently published
tests of a 6,000 kw. turbo-generator at Manchester.
,j5 Standby Losse^i. — The authors quote tests in regard
to the fuel required for banking boilers, and assume
448 lb. per hour per 2.000 kw. set supplied by four 10,000
lb. boilers. The standby losses of the producers for
the scheme under consideration are guaranteed nut to
exceed 50 lb. per hour per producer.
Discrepancy Factor. — Variations in the quality of the
fuel supplied, and amount utilised in heating up cold
boilers, the gradual fouling of boiler tubes, condenser
tubes, &c., errors of judgment as to the correct time
for running up and shutting down plant units, and
other seemingly small details render it impossible to
kec|) this factor within reasonable limits. For both
the steam plant and the gas plant 25 per cent, has been
added to the ascertained fuel consumption under test
conditions to cover the above contingencies.
For a maxinnuii (li-maiul of S, 000 kw., :i load factor of
This with the discrepancy factor (1-25) becomes 20,465 tons, that is;
218 lb. per unit generated, and shows an overall thermo-dynamic
efficiency of 12 per cent.
It is estimated that approximately 71 per cent., or 14,580 tons of
the total coal consumption would be gasified in the ammonia pro-
ducers and would yield at least 586 tons of sulphate of ammonia.
Estimating the value of this at £11 per ton, which is considerably
less than its present market value, the sale of this by-product would
yield £6,446 per annum. One ton of sulphuric acid, costing 30s. per
ton, is required for each ton of sulphate of ammonia, and the cost of
bags for packing the ammonia is estimated at Is. 6d. per ton. The
cost of acid and bags will therefore be £922, reducing the total amount
to be credited on account of sale of sulphate of ammonia to £5,524.
Oil, Waste and Stores. — The cost of oil for the steam turbine plant
is estimated at 0-003d. per kw.-hour generated, a figiu-e believed to
be below the average. The oil consumption for large gas-driven
Ordinktes telo«iz8ro line repreaent; approximate I steam 4 ft/el consumption
-,[■ hourlfor running PIdnfo of ivdrious capacities oii no load. I '
Fig. 3.
24 per cent, and a di-t i ilmi i.in .liKarTicv- nl sn per cent.,
the units gencialcl |k 1 am nun will \ir 2l.lMKl.(Klt). The
curves in Fig. 3 show tluit for a 2.000 kw. turbo-
alternator the steam consumption per unit generated
is 15-5 lb., or, assuming an evaporation of 8 : 1, 1-94 lb.
of coal. From the same curves we see that the no-load
los.ses for a plant of this size amount to 900 lb. per hour.
To determine the plant-unit-hours run, and the boiler-
hours banked, we have reproduced curve C Fig. 1, and have plotted 1 generators is stated, by different authorities, to be from 0-2 to 0-37
'" '^■_,'* ^'^.^ '^'''^g'^ }"'';'''*' the respective pla,nt units would be gallons per 1,000 H.P.-hours, the average cost of the oil used being
Is. 6d. per gallon. Taking the higher figure, the oil consumption
per plant unit will be 0-74 gallons" per hour, or £970 per annum ;
whilst the cost of the oil for the auxiliary plant is estimated at £200,
making a total of £1,170 per annum. The cost of waste and engine-
room stores is estimated at 0002d. per unit generated, for both the
steam plant and for the gas plant, thus bringing the total cost of oil,
waste and stores to £438 for the steam jilaut. or 0-005d. per unit,
and to £1.345 for the gas plant, or 0-0154d. per unit.*
If a(cr.— Each steam unit requires 288 thousand gallons of cooling
water per hour, of which it is estimated 3 per cent, will be evaporated
from tlie cooling towers. The water (■\aporation will therefore be
8,640 gallons per hour x 12.800 iiminc-hours : 110.500 thousand
gallons per annum at 6d. per thousand gallons=£2.760 per annum.
required each day to deal with the given load curve. The total
annual coal consumption for the steam turbines will therefore be
as follows:— 21.000.000 units at 1-94 lb., 18,170 tons; 12 800
engine-hours at 9001b.. 5,140 tons; 16,800 banked-boiler-hours at
448 lb., 3,330 tons ; total 26,640 tons. This multiplied by the
discrepancy factor ( 1 -25) becomes 33,300 tons, that is 3-55 lb per
unit generated, and shovvs an overall tlicrmo-dynamic efficiency of
7-4 per cent.
For the gas station we see from Fig. 3 that the no-load losses of a
1,.jOO kw. gas engme amount-to 800 lb. of coal per hour and the use-
ful output consumption to 1 lb. per unit generated. Fig. 5 shows
the mmmium average engine-hours per dav for the gas plant and the
average hours per day the producers would be banked. The total
coal consumption for the gas plant will therefore be -—21 000 000
«r n^au^ lb- 9.360 tons ; 17,450 engine-hours at 800 lb., 6,230 tons :
«d,000 banked-producor-hours at 50 lb., 782 tons ; total 16,372 tons.
ueti^^'"*""" "^ * ^"'""^ "'*'* ^'"^""^ **"* Institution of Electrical Engi-
»1
I
4
* The cost of oil. waste, and stores for the gas engine plant at the Sera
ing Works of Messrs. John Cockrill & Co., is stated to be 0'013d. per unit
generated, the output of this plant being 24,000,000 units per annum (see
Mr. P. R. Allen's Paper on the "Construction of Large Gas Engines,"
before the Manchester -Association of Enaineers).
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 19, 1909.
713
The cooliiif; water ir((uirc-d for tlir >.'as fiiL'incs is found to be about
12 gallons per Imur prr kilimall nut|iat ; racli 1,500 kw. plant will
therefore require IS.ddii gallons per hour. Assiiming again an eva-
poration of 3 per cent., the water evaporated will thus be 540 gallons
per engine-hour X 17.4.50 engine-hours = 9,500 thousand gallons per
annum. The water consumption for the producers is estimated at
.35,000 gallons per day= 12,700 thousand gallons per annum. The
total water for the gas plant \^ill therefore be 22,200 thousand gallons
at 6d. per 1,000= £5.55.
Labour. — The labour charges are calculated upon the assumption
that the following staff would be required for the respective schemes,
the weekly wage per man being given in brackets. Steam ■plant : —
.3 charge engineers (£3), 3 switchboard attendants (30s.), 4 drivers
(35s.), 4 assistant drivers or cleaners (28s.), 3 firemen (35s.), 9* boiler
house and auxiliary plant hands (30s.), 3 men for unloading coal and
removing ashes (2Ss. ). Total £49. Is. per week or £2,550 per annum.
Goji plant : — 3 charge engineers (£3), 3 switchboard attendants (30s.)
6 drivers (35s.), 5 drivers (30s.), 2 cleaners (28s.), 3 producer hands
(35s.), 6 producer hands (28s.), 7 ammonia recovery hands (30s.), 2
men for unloading coal and removing ashes (28s.). Total £f)l. 5s.
per week, or £3,180 per annum.
Maintenance and Repairs. — This is the most difficult item to esti-
mate with any degree of accuracy for either the steam or gas plant.
It is practically useless citing experience of existing stations, as the
conditions in no two are alike. The better way is to consider what
are the conditions in the respective cases which are liable to lead to
trouble. The principal risk with steam turbines appears to be that
of the blades stripping. With large gas engines the most serious
risk is that of the fracture of the piston or of the cylinder liners.
Hours of" running
■ ••':: RepresenCs overload. j^^RepresenCs banking- boilers.
:::::: -%% '^
Fic;. 4.
Troubles of this nature are. however, fast disappearing. As far as
the actual wear and tear of the moving parts is concerned, this will
])robably be smaller in a gas engine than in a steam turbine. The
repau's of generators would eeri.iiuly be lower for a gas-driven plant
than for a steam or turlnnr .li i\ en |)lant. One of the principal items
in the maintenance of a >te.ini si^ition is that of the rei)airs of st«im
pipes, whereas the maintenance of pipe-work in connection with a
gas station will obviously be extremely small. The cost of producer
repairs appears to be a very small item, and will undoubtedly be
only a fraction of the cost of repairs to high-pressure steam boilers.
The Power Gas Corpn. estimate that the total cost of repairs to the
entire producer plant considered, including the ammonia recovery
appliances would not exceed on the average £500 per anniun over a
period of a number of years.
We are of opinion that the total cost of repairs for the lO.OOIt kw.
gas-driven station, including engines, generators, producers, all
auxiliaries and buildings, would not exceed £4,000 pci annum, or
0-04()d.t per unit generated. We have also estimated the repairs
and maintenance of the steam plant at the same rate as the gas plant ,
though we believe that this is a lower figure than has yc^t been
olitained in any steam station over a period of several years.
Antiquation, Depreciation and Interest. — Some engineers may
think that the design of large gas engines will be so altered diu-ing
the ne.xt few years as to make it necessary to set aside a large amount
* Ineludcs men for cleaning boilers.
t Mr. .\llea in his Paper previously referred to states that tlie letal ■est
of reptiirs at the Coekrill Works amounted to 0"023(1. piT unit.
o pro\ ide ayaiii-t antiquation. Those, however, who have visited
many <<{ \ he l:ii ee ;.'as-engine installations on the Continent will have
been inqiie.ssi'd by the great similarity in general design betw'een all
the engines that have been erected during the past three or foiu-
years.
The correct amount to allow for interest and depreciation on
electric generating machinery is a somew-hat debatable point. It is
usual in preparing estimates for industrial plants to allow 10 per
cent., but Mr. Snell in his Paper on " ("ost of Electrical Power for
Industrial Purposes " justifies the figure of 6| ])er cent. As this
point has a very important bearing on the comparison of steam and
gas engine cost, the authors give the comparative cost including
these charges at 10 per cent, and alternatively at fij pc^r cent. The
total running costs of generating 21,000,000 units will therefore be
seen to be (taking 10 per cent, for interest and depreciation) £33,523
for gas plant and £43,668 for steam plant, i.e.. 0-383d. and 0-498d.
per imit respectively. On the basis of 6:}^ per cent, these figures
become 0-306d. and 0-4;i8d. lespectively, showing a 45 jier cent.
greater cost in the case of steam plant than with gas plant.
Effect of Price of Coal and Load Factor. — In the particular ca.se we
have considered, the conditions are more favourable to the use of gas
engines than in many of the existing provincial municipal electric
supply schemes in this country. We will therefore go to the oppo-
site extreme, and consider the case of a generating station having the
very poor load factor of 10 per cent., and able to obtain fuel at 8s.
per ton. We will al.so assume that the maximum output is only
4,000 kw.. and that the use of sulphate of ammonia recovery plant
10 12
Houro of runn;.-
■ Represents overload,
i It bdrikiny prxxJucers
I'^IG. 5.
for a portion of the producer plant as in the .scheme previously con-
sidered is not justifiable. Under these conditions the saving in fuel
eflfected by using gas engines is little more than sufficient to pay the
10 per ceiit. interest and depreciation charges on the higher capital
outlay of the gas plant.
It has been suggested that for such conditions a combined gas and
steam plant might be used, the gas plant being utilised for the long-
hotir portion of the load curve and the steam plant with its lower
capital charges for the peak load.
The following table shows the estimated annual running costs with
plants consisting resiK>etively of :— (A) Five 1.000 kw. steam turbo-
generators, (B) seven 700 kw. gas engines and generators, (C) foui-
1,000 kw. steam turbo-generators and two 700 kw. gas engines.
A.
Steam.
B.
Gas.
Coal
Oil and waste
W'lter
Laljour
Repairs
Interest and depreciation at 10 ])er
£3.916
95
710
2,400
1,250
7,452
£2.073
297
100
2.50O
1,250
9.578
C.
Combined.
£2.791
24S
170
2.745
1,250
8,039
£15,823
0-868d.
Cost per unit generated
Total cost, including intei-est and
depreciation at GJ percent j £13,0-3'
£15,798
0'867d.
£15.843
0-8G8d.
£12,209 £12.608.
714
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 19. 1909.
It appears, therefore, that for the above conditions and a 10 per
cent, charge for interest and depreciation, there is nothing to choose
between the different tyjies of plant as far as running cost is con-
cerned, but with interest and sinking fund charges of 6^ per cent, the
combined station shows an overall economy of 3 per cent, over that
of the steam plant and the all-gas plant an improved economy of 6
per cent, over the all-steam plant.
The authors have calculated on the .same basis as above, the total
running costs per unit generated, with coal at various prices, ranging
from 2s. 6d. to 1.5s. per ton. and with load factors of 10. 15, and 24
per cent. Curves are given in the Paper showing the figures obtained
on the 10 per cent, and 6^ per cent, of the capital charges basis.
(These can be calculated, however, from the table given above.)
The authors conclude from these figures llint under no condition is it
worth while, when putting down a new station, to instal a combina-
tion of .steam and gas plant. With non -recovery plant and coal
above a certain price, gas plant is more economical ; and below that
price steam plant alone is more economical than either gas plant
alone, or than combined steam and gas.
The.se remarks apply only to entkely new installations. There
are. however, many existing installations equipped with compara-
tively inefficient plant, where a largo economy would be effected by
installing one or more gas engines, which would be used for the flat
portion of the curve, the inefficient plant being retained for the peak
load and standby.
They also show that if tlie size of the installation or the load factor
permits of recovery plant being used, gas plant is more economical
than steam plant, however low the price of coal.
{ An appendix to the Paper gives the basis on which the cyclic irre-
gularity curves have been constructed. A second gives brief par-
ticulars of three gas-driven electric traction plants in the U.S.A.
A table also gives the re])lies to inquiries sent to all public electric
supply undertakings in this country having an output exceeding
7k million imits per annum. The figirres .show an average overall
efficiency for 20 steam plant stations of 6-73 per cent. For eight gas
plant stations of large and small output the average efficiency is
IS-Q.") per cent., the figures in this case varying little with the output.
DISCUSSION.
Mr-. W. B. WooDHOusE (Yorkshire Klet-trii- Pnwci Co.) iu o|iening the
discussion said that the author's ['a)iii \v:is the iimi-' ihi, i miiird attack
that had been made on steam ptoit. mil a \ ny -ii >ii- . i-i hi. I heen ])ut
forward. As to efficiency, tin- |iaiiiriilais i;ivcii in ,i lalilr. ol the results
obtained at a number of English stations, did not include the station
with which he was connected, and he understood that there was also
another station missed out. As those stations had got modern steam
plant, the figures would have shown a very favourable comparison
with any given in the table. One also noticed in the table a load
factor of on ])er cent. He did not think the authors meant them to
taketliis tal.lr I no seriously. With regard to the figures of comparative
■coal r.iiiMnn|ilioii. lie Was not prepared to pay 12s. per ton for coal, nor
would hr aLoi r iliat where one paid 12s. a ton for coal for a producer one
would necessarily jiay it for a steam plant. There was nothing in the
Paper regarding bituminous producers, which had been on the market tor
many years. It was. however, known that they wei-e extremely difficult
things I o . .) .1 Titr, and a special class of coal had to be bought for them. A
soft taiiy . nil UMidd give a lot of ti-ouble. On the other hand any coal
of the saiiii- thri iiial value could be used in steam boilers. Therefore one
should not. take the cost of coal for steam boilers and for producers as
being equal. The next point was that of cost of water. A sum of £2.,')oO a
year was charged for water for steam plant. It seemed to him that the
engineer who put down a station in such a place did a wrong thing. If
one capitalised the value of that water (at 10 per cent.) and added to it the
cost of the cooling towers it gave a capital value for water supply of
£32,400. Ill (akiiiu a Lreiieral case naturally that particular itnn of water
■couldbewii«il ini ihi.jiiher from hot h sets of costs. Pi i, m inu a i to
producers, thr Ih.^m, ,i ihtlirnltr with the gas engine was m vi-nuij .lean
gas. If a.sofi laiiA mil « I- iivilthetarfounditswavmtotheeylinders,
and the cyhn.li i ,1, ,,,„„„, ,| ,,.,y rapidly, also if di,st found its way
there. A steam l,„. Ka v. „i,l,l |„„l,ably have as high au <.flicieuey at ovei-
load as at full load. I,ul it was well known that producers would not stand
forcmg. Apart^irom such items of cost there was also the question of the
size of units. Ihe authors had taken a .:tation of 8.000 kw. It was
•obvious that had they taken a station of 20,000 kw.. or even l(i 000 kw
the comparison would have heen more favourable to steam turbines The
size of gas engines adopted depended on the amount of power that could be
put on to one crank. /.<•., it depended upon the maximum diameter of the
eyimder According to the authors, a 1,000 h.p. cylinder was practically
thnnZ;. "^'•./'"•" ''I'^^^ker. fan,.ied that it was'^quite the Lit. H'I
thought the authors were rather fond of small units. They suggested a
inVJn n*^r-r'''""r""' l"'"l""'- ^""1«1»" a lot of sraairturbuie
and 20 small boilers, whereas, hi-sn, .ed, 7 boilers of larger size would do
boUer"%Tp'\ r°"";.'"' -"I""'"-' »""ld "ot be put in for each little
He , i",l .? /,' '"'■ *"1"'I'P«1 «-ould be extremely expensive to run.
^t«'i;:^'r:^::::::'l^l!l!l;!"*";':^,^r'<i,"-!>|d--h_aLavy cost for
dvvr«es m tie ?" ""i"'*r- ^"'' "^^y ■^'""'''' ^'^° ^«'"^^ their capital
»nn mffW =*'«'"" P''^»t ^-ery considerably. He had made a compari-
»nn on these hues for the particular load factor and output. The cost for
gas plant came to 0'47d.. and for steam 0-4,')(kl. His comparison wa''
based on experience and actual figures, and the authors' on estimated
figures for the gas plant. He also disagreed with the authors' figures
for repairs, which for a gas plant would be double those for a steam
plant.
Mr.R.A. Chattock (Birmingham) said that the subject was of particular
interest to him, as at present he was engaged in drawing up a scheme for a
big extension. The authors' figures were open to criticism, but iu general
the subject had been put before them very clearly. The authors had put
forward an overload capacity of 10 per cent, for gas engines, and 33 J per
cent, for steam turbines. He did not think either of those figures was
suitable for the electrical side of the equipment, i.e., the generators, be-
cause these, as installed now, were reckoned to have an overload capacity
of about 25 per cent, fiu' a period of two hours, that being governed by the
temperature rise of the machine more than anything else. If they allowed
a 10 per cent, over-load caiiacity they wasted the capacity of the genera-
tors to the extent of 15 per cent., whilst a 33J per cent, would mean a
generator considerably larger than was necessary. The estimate of the
repairs necessary for gas engines and producers, in comparison with the
repairs to steam plant, was certainly on the light side. He took it that
the cost of repairs was included in the figures given for producer plant.
He could not see why the capital cost of gas engines should be considerably
heavier than steam engines and turbines. The parts of the gas engine
were quite simple, although, of course, they had to stand very much
heavier strains. He thought that when gas engines came into more
extensive use the cost would come down to that of steam engines. He
agreed with Mr. Woodhoiise that the figure given for water consumption
was very high. He noticed that the average figure given in the table for
efficiency. 6'73 per cent., for all the steam stations was simply an arith-
metical average, and did not give sufficient importance to large stations.
He had recently had the opportunity of inspecting several gas engine
stations on the Continent, and was very much struck with the quiet run-
ning of the engines, their simplicity and the easy way in which they were
handled. There was no doubt that those engines were perfectly satis-
factory for parallel running with alternators. He had an opportunity of
examining an engine which had been in use for about 3 years. It was
t.aken to pieces and cylinders, pistons and valves all appeared to be in
perfect condition, the wear being less than in steam engines. Taking that
into consideration there was no doubt that the repairs on such engines
could not be very much heavier than on steam engines. Where, probably,
the repairs would come out heavier was in the producer plant.
Mr. E. J. Fox CW'illans & Robinson) did not think the Paper showed
the turbine up to its best advantage in regard to capital cost. He did
not agree with Mr. Chattock on the point of overload. To get the best
results out of steam turbines, two things had to be done — first to run
them as much as possible, even with varying loads, and secondly to take
advantage of their very heavy overload capacities. Taking the case of
Leeds, Mr. Dickinson had lately installed two turbines on the ground of
capital cost. At the time that order was jilaced there was practically
no difference in steam consumption between turbines and reciprocating
engmes. But, in ruiinmg. the difference was represented by 200 tons of
coal a week. It could not be accounted for by figures, but was due to
the flexibility of the turbine in meeting the varying conditions experi-
enced with a lightmg load. Mr. Seabrook was obtaining a similar result
at West Ham. It was obvious that to deal with a load of 21,000.000
units a year five 2,000 kw. sets were too many, since at West Ham
one set of the same size generated 9,000,000 units last year. He
suggested four sets of 2,500 kw. used with alternators capable of
giving an overload of ,50 to 60 per cent, continuously if necessary.
In this way it would be possible to reduce the £139,000 cajjital
cost to about £100,000. a comparable figure with the £17fi.000 for
the gas plant. As to working costs, it was inconceivable that the
labour in running a gas engine station was within a few shillings
per week of that for a steam turbine station. As regards repairs,
the authors could not mean it seriously when they suggested that the
gas engine repairs were any way near as small as for steam turbines. He
gave some figures based on facts. For 2(M),<l(Mt h.p. of turbines over
four years, the actual cost of repairsjier kilowatt ]ier year was less than Is.
That meant £500 on Mr. .indrew's'lO.OiKl kw. staticm taking a Is. basis,
and £250 on a 6d. basis. As to interest and depreciation, 10 per cent,
was put forward in the Paper, but surely it could not be argued, taking
.5 per cent, interest, that 5 per cent, was sufficient to cover depreciation
on gas engines or steam turbines. Ten years was long enough for a
plant to run before becoming antiquated. Probably one of the worst
features of municipal trading in this country was that the majority of
such undertakings were now filled with plant usele.ss for commercial
purposes, but which at the same time was still standing on the books at
a high figure. In comparing steam turbines, which were prime movers
of low capital cost, and gas engines, interest and depreciation should be
considered on a business-like basis. He thought the most eloquent testi-
mony against the adoption of large gas engines was what Mr. Andi'cws
broughtjOut, that a small engine won 1. 1 wmk as economically as a large one.
Mr. P.R.Allen (Castuer-Kellm i Alk iM o.) thought the general layout
of both stations was on the hitcsl lines. In r.L'ard to working half the plant
with ammonia recovery and the other hi If « it li.. iit.it was by no means cer-
tain that it would not be advantageous to ]iiii .Inwn rather larger producers
in the first instance and work them all wil li aiiim.iuia recovery. A 13 ft.
li in. ilond producer would comfortably gasify 24 tons of slack per day
of 24 hours, and at this rate of normal working a recovery of 95 lb.
sulphate of ammonia per ton of fuel might be reckoned on, providing the
coal originally contained 13 per cent, nitrogen. Even if the workmg
only allowed of the recovery of half the above amount, the value of the
sulphate obtained would soon cover the extra cost of the recovery plan t.
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 19, 1909.
15
Tlie relative calorific value of the gas when worked with recovery and
without recovery might be taken as from 140 to 145 B.Th.U.sper cubic
foot with recovery, and from 150 to 105 without recovery, both reckoned
on the lower scale, and a fair sized jirnducer might be workeil over quite
a wide range without sacrificing much in efficiency. He would prefer to
divide the eight producers into two groups of four each and having two
distinct services of pipe mains, so that any engine could be fed from
either of the systems. He agreed as to the size and type of the gas
engines proposed. Tandem cnL'inc^ ai fiom 85 to 100 revs, per min.
seemed to find most favour on iln ( .niiinrrit. As to repairs and rene-
wals, he had turned up the fiirmrv , mr img a year with a steam plant
having an output of 25,000,000 kw.-liours, and it cost £45 per week on
repairs to the boilers, economisers, condensing ])lant and auxiliaries ;
but after changing over to gas the rcjiairs to producers, recovery plant
and accessories were reduced to £\~> |" i uiik, a savin, nf iliout £1,-500 a
year. As to capital expenditinv. iln- limine i.f 117 ''S yry kilowatt in-
stalled was almost identical wiili Iii^uti^ i.ljtauud I i-i \'ar from some
very close tenders for a lO.ODIlKw. ml illation. Fioni actual experi-
ence he thought that the laboui . i,i. l.a ^,i^ plant were estimated some-
what on the low side, and no )nii\ i~ « i- made for the supervision of a
chemist. At Wcshni Pniiit ,ill ilir ].i<i(lMriis an. I r.-r.iv.Ty plant were
worked under th.- d u..,, >.( ,, |irjlil\- ,,ii:,liii,.,l rlnai.i-i. :i'ud the plant
was one of the t\io Mum I m-talLil mir-. v. Iii-ir tlic- hi-jla-i uiinionia results
were obtained. The statement given m the la-.| p n i^i i |ili of the Paper,
that the gas con.sumption per unit was practii all\ c cmi mt for any size
of )ilant. was what one would expect from the fan tli ii .i moderate-sized
gas engine gave the same efficiency as a very large one. There was
another view which would inevitably force itself more and more before
the public view, namely, with our present knowledge of the limits of the
available supply of coal how far were we justified by any considerations
of capital cost in putting down a motor in which the consumption of fuel
was not reduced to an irreducible minimum '! The advantages to be
derived from using a jiniducer plant with large gas engines were as
follows: — (1) Only alimit lialf the fuel would be used compared with a
steam plant. (2) Willi .in ammonia recovery plant a valuable fertiliser
wniikl be produced, thus reducing the cost of fuel by 2s. 6d. per ton. (3)
The use of gas would contribute to the maintenance of a smokeless
al Unisphere. (4) One would feel that our shivering descendants were
lieing treated with the minimum of injustice.
The discussion was tlien adjourned, and is to be continued at
the next meeting of the Institution, on Febi'uary 2.5th.
THE DESIGN OF UNDERGROUND MAINS AND
NETWORKS.*
BY J. R. DICK, B.SC.
Part II.
Law of Ecoxomy ; Best cross-seciion of Cables.
Siiiiiniaii/. — In this section of the article the author discusses Kelvin's
lav.- for the best cross-section of cables. In pr.actice, considerations of
temperature-rise obviate the necessity of elabor.ate calculations.
Boosted and unboosted feeders, split feeders and equalising' mains are
also discussed, as well as practical considerations affecting the position
of feeding points.
When a network has been split up sufficiently to be able to
assign approximate values to the currents in the various
feeders, the next question to be considered is the determination
of the cross-sections of the latter. As already seen, the tech-
nical conditions of voltage drop and temperature rise are all
that are necessary .for fixing the dimensions of distributors.
In certaiii circumstances, by suitably proportioning the cross
sections which satisfy the technical conditions an economy
of material can be efJected, but for the feeders of a network,
or for long-distance transmission mains, a new element enters
the problem. This is the commercial efficiency of the cable,
the value of which depends on two factors. The first of these
is the cost of the energy lost in transmitting the current to
the feeding point, which is proportional to C-r. Owing to a
feeder being purposely made an inelastic conductor, the total
amount of drop (Cr) in it does not affect directly the voltage
in the network, and, except for reasons of economy now to be
considered, the drop is subject to but little restriction.
The second factor is the annual charge for interest, sinking
fund and depreciation on the cable, which is represented by a
percentage on its capital cost. If more copper is put into the
cable it will absorb less energy, but its capital cost and its
annual charges will be increased. Consequently, there must
exist a relation lietween them which will give the l)est cross-
section of cable to employ, so that the total annual expenses
- Copyriiihl. All rights of reproduction are reserved. From a forth-
coming book bv Messrs. J. R. Dick and F. Fernic.
r\i. (orsince,-^g.J:
for energy lost and investment provided are a minimum. The
solution of the problem was first given by Lord Kehin, and is
called Kelvin's law.
In order to discuss its application for central-station con-
ditions the proof of the law in the following form is found
very convenient.
In the fir.st place, the cost of the energy lost must be re-
garded as made up of two parts, following the principles of
the maximum-demand system, which are now too well known
to require a detailed explanation.
The " standing charge " part of the energy cost is
I \ &np
Ks •
In this cxpressic s the length of the feeder, s is the
cross-section. I is the capital cost per watt of the additional
plant, buildings and other stand-by items necessitated by the
"' demand " of tlie cabk' losses. No part of the stand-by
charges due to the capital cost of the cable network itself i.s
included in this item, but the demand on the station plant has
to be taken at its full value without any allowance for diversity
factor, as, owing to their very nature, the cable lo.sses are
highest at the time of peak load. An annual percentage, j), has
to be reckoned on the investment so as to cover these charges.
The "■ running charge " part is given by
cmti
C-rN/. or -.^ '
Ks
where N is the number of hours running at the maximum load C
in order to be equivalent to the actual amount of energy trans-
mitted with the varying load, and t is the net running cost
per watt-hour obtained from th<! analysis of the total works
cost by the usual methods. The e(juivalent number of hours N
can be calculated by the method given later, but to simplify
the .solution of the problem in the first instance (' may be taken
as constant.
The total annual cost of energy lost in a caliie of length / is
therefore, ' _l
Ks ^ Ks
The debit to be made against the cable on account of its own
capital cost is given by /(os-f />)/;, where s is the cross-section,
a and b are constants, and p is the annual percentage to cover
interest and depreciation ; and it may be taken with sufficient
accuracy to be the same as the percentage on the plant in-
vestment in the fornmla immediately preceding.
It is well known that the cost per yard of any cable can be
expressed as as + b, provided all the sizes of s are confined to
the same class of manufacture, and that those under considera-
tion do not vary too widely amongst themselves. Although
the formula might be true of sizes from 0-2 to 0-5, say, and
again from 0-7.5 to 1. it would not cover the whole range from
0-1 to 1. The ■■ constant "" b usually represents the practically
invariable cost of making up the copper, insulation and lead
into a cable, but for our present purpose it has a more extensive
meaning, and covers besides the costs of laying and reinstating
and providing conduits, if anv. Thus the aggregate annual
charges against the cable are («»— 6)/)i-r j^^, ~.- j^^ (1)
To obviate any confusion in units, a and b must be in pence
per yard, / in yards, s in square inches, N in hours, t in pence
per watt-hour, I in pence per watt, and K a constant based
on yards and square inches for / and s respectively.
The two ways in which the problenx presents itself are (a)
when the current C is known and s has to be determined, or
(6) when a cable of section s is already laid and the most
economical current to transmit by it is required. For either
alternative, if V is the 'bus bar pressure, the value of the energy
transmitted is CNA' (at cost price), and the commercial
efficiency is stated thus
, , C~lpl C-N/Zi
■value of actual output
value of input
= 1-
1 I
vNa
{(is + b)p -f
CN<Y
C ' KsC'^KsCJ
+
(2)
16
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 19, 1909,
-In case (a), where C is given and the best value of s has to be
found, this can be done by differentiating the expression in
brackets with respect to s and equating to 0, for when this has
a minimum value the ratio of output to input, or the efficiency
will obviously be a maximum.
The result of differentiating is that
=c«-
or s = C
C
and - or current density -
/ apK
'''y-sjip+m-
VI.
(ipK
(3)
The expression shows that the economical current-density
is independent of the length of the cable, and its form indicates
clearly the opposing influences of the two components of the
total cost, so that Japii may be called the " investment loss
factor" and Jlp + Nt the " energy loss factor."
In case (b) where a cable of section s is already laid and the
best current (' has to be found, the aggregate loss must bo
treated as a function of the variable C. and when i^, is a
minimum the efficiency will be a maximum.
After diSerentiating
and
C2 =
C
{as+b)spK
ip+m.
= current densitv=
/ apK
y-Jip
_bpK_
~s{ip+my
W
Statement of Kelvin'.? Law.
8ome interesting results are obtainable by a study of these
formulae. By substituting C in terms of s from (3) in the
expression for the total losses (1), it becomes apparent that
the best value of S is when the cost of the energy loss in the
cable is equal to apsl, or that portion of the annual charges
against the cable, which is proportional to the cross-section of
th e conductor. This is the ordinary statement of Kelvin's law.
Using the relation between C and s in (4), when substituting
in (1), it is seen that the cost of the energy loss is equal to the
total annual charges against the cable as manufactured and
laid, and not merely to that part of them which is directlv pro-
portional to the cross-section of the conductor.
The two formulae yield different values for the current-
density, depending on whether tlie current or the cross-section
is the independent variable. This apparent discrepancy is
due to the fact that to the cost of any cross-section obtained
from (3) there must always be added the fixed charge per yard
represented by b before the conductor can have any practical
utility. Putting it in another way, if C is given and s is de-
termined from (3), and its value used in (4)^ the value of the
current C obtained differs from C by an amount depending
on the value of b and s. But if the necessary substitutions
are made in the expression for efficiency (2). the two values
ol the latter obtained do not differ much.
L.^w OF Economy \vith Vari.^ble Load.
Under certain circumstances, as, for instance, with a water-
power station and electric transmission, C has a definite value
and Kelvin s law, as stated in (3) is directly applicable. There
the b term does not influence the choice of the current density
lUirthermore, C is not only definite, but in .such a case it is
usually constant, a battery being used to store the surplus
energy a times of light load. Thus no correction oi\hl
fo mula for variability of load has to be considered. On he
other hand, with the variable load conditions that prevail in
hours N during which the feeders would have to run at the
that v^hich actually occurs. The annual loss in a feeder is
Slfvtlne^f^^■ "•"" '■ ^^ ^^^ resistance and cti:
Ivei a 3W °^ the current, which may be supposed constant
oxei a short interval of time, ^-sav one hour.
It IS an arduous task to evaluate c^ for each of the 8 760
hours in the year, but the following simplification gives ac-
curate enough results.
The expression -(c'-li) may be written C-
■<ff>
The
ratio of c, the actual current, to C, the maximum current,
as well as the interval of time it covered, can be obtained from
the " annual load curve " of the central station, which the
feeder load curves may be assumed to follow closely. The
" annual load curve " is a graphical summation of all the daily
load curves. It indicates the variation in the load throughout
the whole year, and the total number of hours duration of
every percentage of the maximum load. Further useful
information regarding this curve is given in a Paper by A.
Wright, Journal Inst. E.E., March, 1902.
The value of 2 j y^j Ai , derived from this curve, is equal to
N — the number of hours of the maximum load C, which would
entail the same annual loss as that due to the varying loads.
From the annual load curve given in the figure (Fig. 1),
representing a load factor of 21 per cent., the value of N
obtained is about 800 hours.
Kelvin's Law in Practice.
It is seldom in the retail business of electricity supply that
elaborate calculations of current-density are entered upon,
and it is customary in the case of the larger feeders to run them
up to the limit of safety against temperature rise. For smaller
feeders, where higher values are permissible, the easily-remem-
bered figure of 1,000 amperes per square inch is usually worked
to. Most frequently it happens that questions relating to
feeders are thrust upon the mains engineer owing to complaints
of voltage fluctuations in certain districts, and he is obliged
to reinforce his feeder system with the voltage chart in view,
rather than calculations of efficiency.
From the following examples it will be seen that the em-
jDirical rules above referred to conform more closely to the
formulae than might be expected. With a standard type of
single cable
a = 16s. 8d. j)er yard and ?) = 6s. 8d per yard.
In the early stages of the business N = 600 hours approxi-
mately, while ^ the net running cost, is 0-8d. per kilowatt-hour.
I is £50 per kilowatt and p is 8 per cent., from ^vhich Ip is
0-96d. per watt per annum. Then the current-density from
the formula n I ^~ — jr^ —
-V.
; + :
ip+m ' s{ip+m)
for a feeder of 0-5 in; cross-section becomes
J
200 XjqqX 40,000
0-96 -I- 0-48
640.000+512,000
0-5(0-96 + 0-48)
(1)
1-44
1,075
= j^.2 =800 amps, per S((. in. (approx.)
f the cable were 0-25 instead of 0-5, the figures would be
; /640,000 + 1,024,000 1,300
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 19, 1909.
717
When the business is more fully developed the quantities
I, N and / may ultimately become I = £25 per kilowatt and
Ip = fl-48d. ])or watt per annum.
N = 800hoursJ = 04d.
Then, for a 0-5 cable, the eurrent-(lensity will lie
1,095 amps, per hcj. in (3)
and for 0-25 1,460 amps, psr sq. in (i)
With the data available for a bulk power station of 50,000 kw
ultimate capacity, it is expected to attain a figure as low as
£10 per kilowatt for station investment, and this may be
regarded with present knowledge as the limit. Thus, Jp
= 0-2d. per watt per annum. N is a more difficidt figure to
predict, but it may be fairly assumed at 1,600 hours, while
t may reach 0-3d. per kilowatt-hour.
0-3
Thus, N< = 1,600 X, QQQ=048 per watt per annum and
l7J + N«=0-68.
For a cable 0-5 the current-density would be 1,300 amps, per
sq. n> (5)
and for a 0-25 cable 1,600 amps, per sq. in. appro.x. ... (6)
Cross-sections of Feeders dependent on Temperature
;Eise instead of Economical Current Density.
Criticising these results in relation to the current-densities
allowable without exceeding the safe temperature rise (which
are 1,000 amperes per square inch for 0-25 and 800 for 0-5,
with vulcanised bitumen insulation), it is remarkable how
closely the figures in cases 1 and 2 agree with the latter.
In cases 3 and 4, which refer to a station of moderate size
in a later stage of development, the economic values exceed
those permissible. Still more is this true in cases 5 and 6, so
that the broad generalisation may be made that it is sufficient
to take the values defined by temperature rise as a guide for
the current-density in feeders. There is always the strong
probability that, with a natural healthy development of the
undertaking, the densities that satisfy Kelvin's law will ex-
ceed these figures. This applies a fortiori to large power dis-
tribution undertakings, where the capital per kilowatt and the
cost per unit tend to minimum values. Thus, in practice, the
mains engineer is spared the ordeal of strictly applying Kelvin's
law, as in many cases (more particularly with V.B. insula-
tion or concentric type) it is over-ruled by the physical dis-
ability of the cable to withstand the rise of temperature
which it would entail.
With overhead wires the question of tempernture is a
secondary one, and the economic considerations predominate.
Value of Current Density with a Number of Fkkoers
OF Unequal Length.
The foregoing investigation has been confined to a single
trunk main or feeder. But if a number of feeders of different
lengths supply a network from the same central station, so as
to give the same voltage at the feeding points, one of two things
must happen. If the current-density which gives the greatest
economy is employed for all of them, the drop in each will be
<lifferent, since
CI I
!'= Tpr- = ^ X current-density,
and the cross-section of each feeder would be given bv
C
current-density'
To satisfy this condition each feeder must be independently
regulated by a battery, booster or separate 'bus bars at dif-
ferent pressures.
On the other hand, if all the feeders of different lengths are
connected to one 'bus bar, and furnish the .same pressures at
the feeding points, there will be the same drop in each. The
■current-densities will not be identical in all of them, but it is
po.ssible to find an average value for the drop of pressure,
-and hence for the current-density, which will give the most
economical results. For this purpose the expression for the
total annual costs is written in terms of the drop v.
, , CHpl C'-mi . . Kvs
Annual losses = (a« + 6) p< -f -t^ !- -j^ , substituting C =
in that term of the expression for efficiency which has to be
differentiated — i.e.,
, pi dpi cmi
(«*+^)c+Ky+K.
= {asr^ + bP) g^,^ + Ipv + 'Stc=L
and i;" (L) torn U'('deK=\a^(sP) -•:-hW-)\ ,.-^, + lpv+'Ntv.
Differentiating with respect to r and equating to zero
\a^{sP) + h':i{Py,p=--ii^K^s) . (1/)-lN0
and average drop
apK ^(sP) bpK
Ip + m ^(s) '^Ip+m
The value of v,„ thus found would be the economical regu-
lating voltage common to all the feeders, and the best current-
, . , C Kv„
density for each is obtained from the formula - = ^-7— •
As already pointed out, for a single feeder the economy
generally plays a secondary part to temperature rise, and the
calculation of the average economic drop would be an unneces-
sary refinement in most cases. In the various modifications of
Kelvin's law the current-density is always dependent on the
square root of an expression embodying the economic factors
of the station and feeders. On this account its value changes
slowly even for a large change in any of the terms under the
square root sign. For example, if the price of copper should
vary 50 percent., the current-density will not be affected by
more than 20 per cent. ... ^ J J JMl i^j^.^l :4i li ^ ^
Relative Merits of BoostedJand'Unboosted^Feedf.rs.
When one or two feeders are of exceptional length boosters
are sometimes provided to compensate for their greater dro]),
and to permit of the use of only one pair of 'bus bars at tiie
station, while still obtaining the best current-density in each
feeder.
Before deciding mi this arrangement it is (lesiral)le to com-
pare its efficiency with that obtained by increasing the cross-
sections of the cables sufficiently to enable them to be run off
the common 'bus bars at densities higher than tiie most
economical. If C is the current to be transmitted by a feeder
of length I that may require boosting the economic drop
t'i = ^ X economic current density. The dro]i on the shorter
feeders which determines the regulation on the 'bus bars = C2.
Under these conditions the booster provides for power lost
= (Vj — y.,)C. The total annual costs with boosting arc, there-
fore,
{as^ + b)lp + {i\-v.^Cpi: + lCc^p:(\Nt . . . (1)
Sj is the cross-section obtained from the " economic "
formula, T is the capital cost per watt for the booster, and
I, C, p, N and t have the same meanings as formerly.
If a heavy enough cable alone were employed its cross-
section would have to be .% = s^ . J so that the drop in it might
not exceed the regulating value v.^.
The total annual costs with the larger cable unboosted would
be
{<J\! + '') '/' -^ I^'''2P + '^''■:^' ■
(-')
If (1)<(2) the system with boosters is the more economical.
Simplifying this inequality
((•1 - ?'o)CpT + lCp(i\ - r.,) 4- N<C(t'i - r.,) ~- . r,s,(i'i - v.^lp,
or CpT 4-ICp -f NtC - ~ . as^lp.
718
But Si = C'
stitutioii)
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRQAEY 19, 1909
V
'Ip+Nf
apK
(from Kelvin's law. and by sub-
'■,(j)T+ip+m)
-V
(3
/Ip + Nt
aplSV^^'P-'^"-^ apK ■ ■ ■
Tlius the expression on the left-hand side of the inequality
must be less than the reciprocal of the economic current
density from Kelvin's law if the booster alternative is to show
an advantage.
I To he confhiued)
THE ELECTRO-HYDRADLIC PUMPING PLANT AT
THE BRISTOL DOCKS.*
BV W. A. CLATWORTHY.
This plant which possesses several novel features, particularly
in the method of electrical control, provides water-power for operat-
ing various cranes, capstans, lock-gates, bridges. &c., in connection
with tlie Bristol Docks. Steam pump.s were previously used, but
have been replaced by three sets of electric pumps.
Pumps. — The new pumps, which were to the specification of
Mr. W. W. Squu-e, the Bristol Docks engineer, and which were made
by Messrs. FuUerton. Hodgart & Barclay. Paisley, are of the duplex
differential ram t}'pe. giving a very uniform delivery of water and
having a fairly uniform turning effort. The pumps are of the out-
side packed plunger type, each pump being single acting on tlie suc-
tion and giving a double acting discharge. The rams are 35 in. and
.5^ in. respectively by 18 in. stroke, delivering 150 galls, of water per
minute, against an accumulator pressure of "TM lb. per square inch.
Delivery
w hen running at 60 revs, per min. The suction pipe for each set is 6 in.
diameter, branching to 5 in. diameter at each pump suction valve box.
The delivery pipe is 4 in. diameter from each pump, coupled to a 4 in.
pipe joinmg the main discharge pipe. The ram of the jack pump is
7 J in. diameter by 18 in. stroke single acting, delivering not less than
27-6 cubic ft. of water per minute against a head of 15 ft., and drawing
from the dock with a suction head of 5 ft. at 60 revs, per min. Fig. 1
shows the arrangement of this class of differential pump. The large
ram draws water through the double suction valve A, and on the
return stroke discharges the whole of the water through valve B.
Half of this water passes to the small ram filling the chamber, as the
small ram travels on its outward stroke, the other half passing
tluough the non-retmn valve C away to the hydraulic main. On
the reverse stroke the small ram discliarges tlu-ough the non-return
valve C. while the large ram is again drawing its supply tluough the
double suction valve A. This arrangement simplifies the number of
valves rcquu-ed and yet retains a uniform load on both rams.
Motors. — The motors are by Messrs. J. H. Holmes & Co., six-pole,
open type, with three bearings, designed for a normal speed of 240
revs, per min., .500 volts, and a maximum speed of 360 revs, by
means of field regulation. The motors are shunt wound and capable
of giving 125 u.h.p. normally and 150 b.h.p. as an overload. The
efficiency is 91 per cent., giving a fairly straight "curve" over a
good range of load.
Gear.— A single reduction of machine-cut double helical gear is
used between each motor and set of pumps, with a ratio of 1 : G—i.e.,
12 in. pinion and 72 in. wheel ; the teeth are staggered. This gear is
of great strength and very smooth in running. The wheels run in an
enthely enclosed cast-iron casing forming an oil bath, inspection doors
beuig (irovided.
* Paper rend before the Newcastle Local Section of the Institutio:'
i>t Electrical Engineers, soiaewhat abbreviated.
Control. — The whole of the switching apparatus was made by J. H_
Holmes & Co., consisting of a switchboard ih the pump house, and of
tliree relay switches in the accumulator house. The switchboard
consists of foiu- white marble panels ; one of these carries the
ammeter circuit-breakers, fuses. &c., and the remaining three carry
the motor controlling devices. The starting switch is of the long-
scre«' tyjie with about 50 to 60 contacts, each contact consisting of a
permanent gun-metal base bolted to the marble slab, and on which a
renewable copper bar is screwed. The sweating sockets at the ends
of the insulated cables from the resistances are bolted to the con-
tact bases. The sliding contacts, four abreast, any one of which
can be instantly removed, are carried from a travelling bridge
worked up and down by the screw. This screw is of fairly large
diameter, with a quick acme tliread. and runs in ball-bearings.
The screw is rotated by a small reversible Lundell motor through
trijile-tlu-eaded wormgear. a regulating switch being provided for
adjusting the speed of starting the pumps. The usual time occupied
is 15 to 16 seconds, but the return of the starter is quicker. The
screw starter contains a lever switch which is closed mechanically by
means of a tappet operated from the travelling bridge. This lever
is held on magnetically, thus providing a no- voltage relea.se in the
event of the supply failing. A relay circuit is made by this lever in its
" off " position so that the starter is automatically returned to its
initial position on the resumption of the current supply. The ]5ilot
motor circuit is taken from the neutral wire to the negative main
250 volts. This pilot circuit is kept quite distinct from the main
circuit, and has its own double-pole fuses, and no-volt release double-
pole switches. The field regulating switches for the pump motors
are fixed at the tops of the panels, and are of the solenoid tj-j^e with
oil dashpots for retarding the motion both in raising and lowering the
speed. There is no jiermanent step for speed regulation between 240
and 360 revs. The point where this increase of speed shall take ]ilace
is. of course, determined bv the mcivement of the accumulator, but
Gear Pnllcy
Flo. 2.
jr, N, to 110 volt release bobbin on starter ; 0 to + supply ; 1> to slauit regulating sn itc-li
solenoid ; Q to pilot motor solenoid.
the screw starter is provided with .special contacts in its full " on
position which prevents the field regulating switch from rising until
all the starting resistance has been cut out, and thus ensuring that the
motors shall start with full field strength, no matter how rapidly the
accumulator may be falling.
Tlie pilot motor which operates the starter is controlled in both
duections of rotation by small solenoid switches without the use of
starting resistances, the connections thus being very rapid. There are
two of these solenoid switches, one for starting up and the other for
returning the starter to its initial position ; they are electrically inter-
locked so that only one can operate at a time.
Owing to the limited capacity of tlae transforming station from
which the current supply w as drawn, it was necessary to provide that
not more than one set of pumps should start at a time. This could
not conveniently be arranged from the accumulator switches, because
at times the demand for power was so large and the fall of the accumu-
lator so rapid that otherwise it would have been impossible to prevent
a second set of pumps starting before a first set had been fully started.
Special contacts, therefore, were placed at the ends of the starters to
provide for this and in the relay cucuit of the solenoid switches
belonging to the pilot motor.
As a general rule two sets of pumps deal with the load satisfactorily,
and although the plant thereby has practically a spare set of pumps,
yet all three sets are kept in working order, and do their share of the
load in tiu-ns. A 3-point 6-way grouping switch is mounted on the
switchboard so that with sets 1 and 2 connected up. No. 1 starts first ;
with sets 2 and 3 No. 2 starts first ; with sets 1 and 3 No. 3 starts
first ; and with sets 1, 2 and 3 No. 1 starts first.
Accumulator Switches. — In the accumulator house are three rotary
switches (Fig. 2) controlling the relay circuits of the pilot motor on
the starting switches. These switches are rotated by wire ropes
from the accumulator. One end of each rope is fixed to the accumu-
THE ELECTRICrAN, FEBRUARY 19, 1909.
'19
lator. the rojK' then passes down to the fioor level where the switches
are located, and takes a couple of turns round a pulley, which
engages witli the switch-spindle by internal spin- gear; the rope then
rises to the loof. passing over another pulley, where the other end is
secured to cheese weights. For purposes of .safety in case the rope .should
break these weights are secured to the accumulator by a sliort length
of chain. The friction of the rope on the pulley is quite sufficient
for driving without any slip. Each accumulator switeii is mounted
on a marble base and fitted in a cast-iron bo.x : the switcli spindle is
positively driven from the pulley and gear through pottery insulators
on pins forming a kind of flexil)lc coupling highly insulated. The
fixed contacts are arranged in rings around the spindle ; the mov-
able contacts are of the ])lunger type. The switch has two levers
wliich are adjustable relatively to one another in an angular direction
breaking circuit and thus causing the starter to remain in an inter-
mediate jjosition between "off" and 'on." .special contacts are
provided by which the circuit to this st)lenoid when once made by the
accumulator switch is maintained^vuitil the starter has reached the
limit of it.s travel. Thus, the relay automatic system can be put out
of action altogether. The starters would then be started up l)y hand,
hand-wheels being provided at'the end of the screws and the [mmi)s
run continuously, the water being bypassed in the ordinary way at
the top limit of accumulator travel.
It is found quite common for a set of ))unips to .start and stop a.s
often as 20 to 24 times in an hour, and^again a set has been known to
run for 4 or 5 hours without stopping. The work is very varial)le and
depends on the demand for power for several swing-bridges, lock-
gates, cranes. &c. Under tests conducted by the Bristol Docks
officials, an efficiency of 82 per cent. wa.s
^ obtained, reckoned upon the displacement
of the rams against the amount oi current
used bv tlie motors.
TRIP COILS FOR ALTEFNATING
CURRENT AUTOMATIC CIR-
CUIT BREAKERS.
Siiiiimaii/. — The author give.- c.xperi-
mental results showing how the tiip (oil of
.1 '.^roup feeder may, under certain coudi-
tions, be o[)erate(l, owinjr to the momentum
of the moving parts, when the circuni.-tances
are such that only one of the feeder trip-
coils should have come inloojieration. Con-
tinnou.s current trip-coils are generally used
on alternating current systems. The author
considers whether it is not desirab c to
eliminate this continuous current in many
cases and to work entirely with alternating
current coils.
for varying the period between starting and stopping. The total
angular movement of the .sv.itch corresponds exactly with the total
travel of the accumulator. To set the switch levers in tlic first
instance it was only necessary to slacken the wire rope and nunc the
pulley roimd. In order to reduce the frequency of starting and
stopping as much as possible when two sets of pumps were at work,
it was necessary to so adjust the switch-levers that the second set of
pumps not only started after, but also stopped before, the first set
working in conjunction with it. Thus when Xo. 1 and No. 2 ))ump
sets are switched into circuit, No. 1 will start uj) after the accumu-
lator has fallen, say, 3 ft. If the demand still exceeds the su])ply the
accumulator will fall a further 3 ft., when Xo. 2 pum])s will start.
If the accumulator ascends No. 2 will come to rest within al>out .'i ft.
from the top and Xo. 1 will either take the accumulator to the top or
allow it to again descend. If. however, the accumulator still
descends, No. I sets come on to to|) speed, followed by Xo. 2 if the
descent is continued.
The control of _.sets 2 and 3 and 3 and 1 in comljiiuition is tlic same
excepting that Xo. 2 starts 0 ft. and stops 3 ft. from the top. and Xo. 3
starts 9 ft. and stops 6 ft. from the top. Thus with the combination
of Nos. 1 and 3 the accumulator must fall 9 ft. before one set of pumps
w ill start, with the result that one set will follow the other in quick
succession. In jiractice. however, it is found convenient for .sets 1
and 2 and 2 and 3 to be used in tmns for tide work, and for Xo. 3 to
do most of the work in between the tides. This equalises tlic work
on the .several ininips fairly well.
It will be seen from the diagram of connections (Fig. 3) tluit when
rings .T and ij on the accumulator switch are connected, current
excites the solenoid of pilot motor switch for starting the i)umps ; it
may happen at such a moment, however, that the demancl for power
suddenly ceases, and the first few strokes of the pumj) cause the
accumulator to rise and consequently the lever to fall away again
horn contacts x and //. so in order to prevent the solenoid switch
(I) Muximuiii Circuit Breakers. —
It is. at pioseut. general practice to
operate the tripping coils of automatic
alternating current circuit breakers
by means of continuous current
tripping coils. These switches are
in such cases controlled by relays
of various kinds; Considering, firstly, the case of nia.ximum
circuit breakers, generally of the time eleinent variety, the
controlling relay has been arranged to close a source of con-
tinuous current through the trip coil, and thus cause the circuit
breaker to be opened. The use of continuous current tripping
coils on maximum current inverse time element circuit breakers
is open, however, to objection. One of the main purposes for
which inverse time element circuit-breakers have been intro-
duced is to secure a selective action, so as to render possible the
grading- of the switches which are in series one with another, so
that, on an overload passing through a series of breakers, only
that one which is nearest the disturbance, and which is provided
with the shortest time element, opens circuit, thus confining the
area of the disturbance within the narrowest limits. Now the
passage of a heavy overload through these relays imparts a
certain amount of momentum to their moving parts. The
possibility is to be foreseen, therefore, that, under certain
circumstances, the moving parts of a relay can go on moving,
even after the abnormal current has betn cut off by the opera-
tion of a circuit-breaker with a shorter time-element, until the
trip coil circuit is completed in this second relay. Thus more
circuit-breakers are operated than should be. Naturally the
more nearlv ecjual the time elements are to each other, the
greater is this danger. The present writer, having occasion to
design a certain installation where it was thought such an
action might occur, carried out an investigation to settle the
point.
In the installation in question, groups of 6,600 volt feeders
were fed from separate feeder 'bus- bars, each set of feeder 'bus-
bars being controlled bv a group switch. It was desired that
D
720
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 19, 1909.
under no circnmstances whatever should the group switch open
before"au3' of the feeder switches. The calibration curves of the
group switch and the feeder swdtches are given in Fig. 1. The
group'feeder relay was operated by a 750/10 ampere current
ti-ansformer, and the feeder switches by 200/10 ampere ratio
transformers. For the purpose of the test 75/10 and 20/1 0 ratio
transformers were substituted to obviate the necessity of deal-
ing with such large currents. The results, however, arc truly
comparative with the conditions actually ])revailing in the
station in question.
The scheme of connections of the test is given in Fig. 2. It
willlbe seen that the arrangement was that the action of the
feeder relay cut off tliat portion of the current, through the
r.i
\
So-
\g
•oup
feede
\Pe
,der
""
r-—
" !■ 0 4I1J ttio Hin 1011 1200 1400 leon ISi'u i' -.'Jinl -Jurt
Pritii'iru Amperes.
Fn;. 1.— C.4UBKATI0.N' C'ck\t:s of Feeder .vnd Grocp Fekuki;.
Cikcdit-Breakees IN' Series witu each othek.
group feeder relay, which flowed also through the feeder,
leaving only that current flowing through the grou]) feeder
which was due to the load in the other feeders.
The feeder relay was set to operate at 100 per cent., i.e., 2(J
amperes primary current, and the group feeder at 150 per cent.,
i.e., 112-5 primary amperes, the calibration curves being as in
Fig. 1 . The current in the group feeder was kept constant at a
certain value, measured on Aj, and then the switch 8 was closed
with the resistance R, adjusted for various currents, and
notice was taken whether the group feeder relay also closed its
tripping contacts. It was found that this never occurred with
a current through Rj under 140 per cent., i.e., 105 amperes
primary. If, however. R, were adjusted so that 105 amperes
A C Supply
Group Relay.
Carbons
D.C. Supply
Switch /
Contact-^ S Trip Coil
D.C. Supply
flowed through it, and then an additional current of 80 amperes
equal to four times the full load through the feeder relav were
switched on by means of S, then the group feeder relav operated
after the feeder relay had opened the feeder circuit, and the
overload had gone off, the group feeder current being; therebv
decreased from 185 to 105 amperes. This operati;;n of the
group feeder relay was due to the momentum gained bv its
moving part, during the brief period required bv the feeder
relay to operate. It was also found that with anvth.ng below
an m.tm current of 100 amperes in the group feeder, the group
eefler "th J V . T* fP"'^** ^"^h any overload existing in the
hedei, the hm,t of the test being up to an additional 100
a.nperes hve tunes full load in the feeder). The relavs use
were of the induction type. ■
It will be seen, therefore, that under certain circumstances
the time grading of the above relays is rendered valueless.
True it is that only under rather exceptional circumstances
such an action can take place, as, normally, of course, the
group feeder is not loaded as much as in the above test. Never-
theless the circumstances of the test correspond to a set of
conditions which could arise in practice, and it is as well to
guard against the same. This can be done very easily bv
substituting alternating current tripping coils for continuous
current ones.
Such alternating current tripping coils have been used al-
ready in a number of instances, but only because a source of
continuous current had not been available to operate the trip
coils. The suggestion, however, is put forward here that
FlC. 3. - DlACKAM or CONNKCTIO.NS Il.LrsTKATlKi; .\.C. Tuiri'INi..
alternating current trip coils, fed by current transformers,
should be adopted as the standard arrangement for maximum
time limit alternating current circuit breakers. If this were
done the added advantage is obtained that the operation of the
gear is rendered independent of possible variation of the source
of continuous current voltage. It sometimes happens, that
at times of heavy alternating current overload, the voltage of
the continuous current supply falls, and consequently the
continuous current trip coils are rendered inoperative.
With alternating current trip coils the function of the relay
is to remove, at the right moment, a short circuit from the trip
coil. The connections are as in Fig. 3. CT is the current
transformer, RC is the relay coil, SSC the short circuiting
contact, which is lifted by the action of the relay, thus causing
the secondaiy current of the transformer to flow through the
trip coil TC, wdiich, in its turn, attracts its armature and
operates its circuit-breaker.
The trip coil TC should be calibrated for operation at the
same currents as the relay. Thus if this latter were adjustable
so that it could be set to operate at 100 per cent., 125 per cent.,
and 150 per cent., of full load, then the trip coil should be
r1
't
'1
provided with lik.- calibration marks, and the setting of the
relay and the setting of tln> trip coil should agree with each
other.
The contacts .S.SC are generally of the mercuiy type, as
they have to carry relatively large cnrrents continually, ol
the order of 5 or 10 amperes, and while being frictionless they
must have extremely little resistance. It was foimd, now,
that if large overloads be passed through the relay the electro-
magnetic repulsion of the curjent flowing through the short
circuiting bridge piece itself, was sufficient to lift this latter
out of contact with the mercury cups, and the circuit breaker
operated instantaneously. To obviate this it is necessary t<i
arrange the wiring of the relay .so that the electromagnetic
force, which tends to lift the short circuiting bar (on the prin-
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 19, 1909.
721
ciple that a closi'd electric circuit tends to include the Greatest
possible aica on the passage of a current tlii'oui;h it), is com-
pensated.
The principle upon which such a compensation is carried out
is illustrated in Fig. 4. AA are the two mercury cups, and B is
the short ciTcniting contact bar. The connecting wire from
the left hand mereuiy cup A. instead of being brought back
underneath the cups, which would have the effect of increasing
the deleterious action, is brought back over the top of the bridge
piece. The direction of flow of current is indicnred bv the
arrow heads. In order to increase the eiiect, the piece of soft
iron " D " is arranged in the shape of a horse shoe magnet
round the upper conductor. With this arrangement it is
found that, when a large current is passed through the contacts,
instead of the bar B jumping out of the mercury cups, it has a
tendency to be pressed further into them, and thus the contact
is improved. The force which tends to hold B in the mercury
cups, is, of course, very small in comparison with the main
operating force of the relay, so that the proper action of the
latter is not affected. Fig. 5 illustrates a double pole relay,
constructed- on these lines. The compensating connection is
shown at C. The relay was photographed with the cov(>r
Fii:. 6. -Reveh.se Rel
I tin iS'n-vuLTA>:E Tuiri-iNii Con..
removed, so that the handles which operate the shifting
mechanism of the magnets for damping the relay rotating discs,
are not shown.
(2) Reverse Power Circuit-Breakers. — In the case of reverse
alternating current circuit-breakers, the above set forth con-
ditions do not apply, and also the difficulties of arranging for
alternating current trip coils are greater than with maximum
circuit-breakers. The best course to pursue is to have con-
tinuous current tripping. When dealing with generators, a
source of continuous tripping current is provided by the field
excitation circuits. If, on the other hand, the reverse relays in
question are used for feeder nrotection, being situated at the
sub-station end of the feeder, in nianv cases a source of con-
tiinious current is available in the sub-station, whichcan be used
for tripping purposes. A more difficult case is provided when
the .sub .station is a purely alternating current one. To ensure
certainty of action a double trip coil is necessary, viz.. a current
trip coU, a -short circuit on which is removed by the action of the
relav, and a shunt trio coil whose circuit is made bv the action
of the relay (sec "Proc," I.E.E.. page '510, Vol. XLL).
(3) Reverse ReJfujs Combined irilk Xo- Vol(m/e Circuit-Breakers.
—A system of protection which is not infrei|uently called for
at the present moment, is one whereby the circuit is cut off
should either a reversal of energy, or a failure of supply voltage,
take place. This combination is most readily dealt with by
means of a rever.se relay and a no voltage circuit-breaker,
arranged so that the former opens the circuit of the no-volt
trip coil of the latter. The connections are shown in Fig. 6.
(^'B is the circuit-breaker. NVTC the no voltage trip coil,
RR the reverse relay fed by the current transformer CT, and
SC a pair of contacts which are opened by the operation of the
relav RR. The action is obvious.
THE JOLY MELDOMETER.
'I'he -July mel(lomL-U-r. wliicb was e.xhiliited at the recent exhibition
111 apparatus by the Physical Society, a sh(jrt description appear-
inu in The Electrician," January 1. 1909, p. 409. is an instrument
•TOI.Y Ml XIHUIETKR OF > .MBllirOE SciEN I IFIC I.NSTHMEST CO.
designed by Prof. Joly. F.R.S.. for determining the melting points of
minerals, salts, metals and alloys. Its special feature is that it only
requires a very small quantity of the substance whose melting point
is to he determined, and therefore the substance may Ije obtained in
a liigh state of purity, or, in the case of minerals, fragments can be
(■ln|)ped off museimi specimens without destroying their value.
The linear expansion of a strii) of platinum with temperature is
tlie principle upon «hicli the working of tlie instrument depends.
The substance to bo investigated is placed in the centre of this plati-
ninn strip whicli is then heated by the pa.ssage of an electric current
until the substance melts. The length of the strip at this moment
is a measure of its temperature and therefore of the melting point of
tlie substance.
This description refers to the instrument designed by the Cam-
bridge Scientific Instrument Co.. wliich jiossesses certain improve-
ments in detail over Prof. Joly's original design.
Referring to the illustration herewith, b is the platinum strip
10 era. long. 4 mm. wide and 001 mm. thick, which is held in tension
between spring clips c and c,. The heating current enters at the
terminal a and pas-ses throujih the fi.xed clip c to the platinum strip
h and then by the movable clip '-, to the terminal d. The movable
clip e, is pivoted, and a light spring causes it to maintain a slight
722
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 19, 1909.
and constant tension on the ]5latinum strij). The lever arm j forms
a continuation of the clip c, and majinifies the actual extension of
the stri)) in the ratio of 2 to 1. This extension is measured by a
micrometer screw of Ovi mm. pitch fitted ivith a divided head. h.
which is divided into 10(1 divisions. By estimation of one-fifth of a
division, it is therefore possible to measure the movement of g to
0001 mm., which corresponds to an actual extension of the strip of
0-0005 mm.
Tlie minute fragment of substance to be tested is placed in the
centre of the platinum strip and shielded from draughts by the hood
e. which in the illustration is sliown lowered, but which can be raised
so as to almost completely surround the platinum strip. A micro-
scope, o, is then focu.ssed on the specimen.'^the milled head r giving a
longitudinal movement parallel to the strip in order to bring the
substance in its field of view, and a second milled head p giving the
necessary focussing adjustment. For this adjustment. Lucas's
patent slow motion mechanism is used, in which a small brass roller
liaving a V groove turned in its periphery is forced by steel bands
springs «s on to a steel rod which is fixed in the side of the micro-
scope. The binding action of the rod in the \ groove prevents all
loose play or backlash and gives a movement far superior to the
ordinary rack and pinion arrangement. It is also independent of
wear, since .should this take place, a slight tightening of the springs
■«■? makes the movement as good as new.
To make an experiment, it is necessary to have a rheostat with a
fine adjustment to control the current in the platinum strip, and this
current should be gradually increased. The observer watches the
specimen thrfiugh the microscope to see when it melts, and at the
same time he keeps the micrometer screw /( just in contact with the
lever ^r. so that at the moment the specimen melts, the reading of
the micrometer screw indicates the linear ex|>ansion of the strip.
To secure accuracy and speed in working, a small electromagnet.
/. is fixed to the microscope and the armature of this electromagnet
has a pointer, n. which moves in the eyepiece of the microscope. The
cm'rent is only completed through the electromagnet when contact
is made between the micrometer screw and the lever arm g. so that
not only does the pointer of the electromagnet serve as a delicate
indication of when contact is actually established, but it also gives
tliis indication in the microscope itself alongside the image of the
specimen under test.
A single diy cell is suffieient for this contact eu-cuit. the current
entering at m passing through the electromagnet to the wh'e k and
from this tluough the platinum tipped micrometer screw to the lever
arm g and terminal /.
The instrument is best calibrated by observing the scale readings
of the micrometer screw corresponding to .several known melting
points of metals and salts. A list of sul)stances suitable for this
purpose is given by Joly and by Ramsay and Eumortopoules.*
A current of about (i amperes is required to obtain a temperature
of 1,400°C'.. and the platinum strip glows cjuite uniformly to within
a few millimetres of the clips, owing to the fact that the ends of the
strip arc tapered.
At temjieratures of aliout 1.500°C. the strip begins to sutfcr i)er-
manent eloiigations. \^'ith use. the strip becomes alloyed, and a
new one should be substituted after a time. With careful Mcirking.
it is possible to detect differences of TC. at 1.000°C".
U.S. NAYY HIGH POWER WIRELESS STATION.
Some months ago the U.S. Navy advertised for tenders for a
high-power wireless station capable of transmitting messages
so as to be read by ships at a distance of .".,000 miles, night
and lid}- and in all seasons of the year, without interference
from other stations or from atmospheric disturbances, and
without the messages being read by other stations. .V bou'l of
40 per cent, of the amount of the bid was required.
Also, for ship sets capable of intercommunicating over a
distance of 1,000 miles under the same conditions. "
The bids for these stations were opened on January -'Sfh
Seven companies tendered, but five of these were thrown out
on account of not complying with the specified re(|uireraeuts
Ihe tw-o remanung were the Marconi Company and the
National Llectric Signalling Co. (Fessenden -system).
The Marconi Company's Tender.
The Marconi Company put in five alternative bids for the
high-power station, depending upon the type of motive power
used and ranging between $i!19,29.5 and i5361,004. They pro-
posed to use _thi;ee masts J90ft^hig[i each, ar^d a suitably
• Bamsay and Eumorfopoules. " Phil. Mag." XIX, 360. 1896. "
driven dynamo of 500 it. P. The company, we are informed,
gave no guarantee as to the operation of the apparatus.
For shi}) sets the Marconi Company cjuoted $7,500 each, also
without guarantee. They proposed to use 15 kw. generators
for these sets.
The Nationai, CVlmpaxv's Tender.
The National Electric Signaling Co. submitted two alterna-
tive bids : one for the electrical equipment, at .'<73,700, and
the other for the stations complete, at Sl^>2,600. They pro-
posed to use a steel mast GOO ft. high and a 100 kw. dynamo.
They offered a bond of 872.000 on the guarantee that the
station should bo " capable of transmitting messages, continu-
ously, without iiiterruptioQ, ilay and might, as reliably as
cables or wire telegraph lines, a distance of 3,000 miles ' and
with secrecy.
For the ship equipments this company (quoted 811,500 each.
They proposed to use fur these .an 18 kw. generator, and gave
a similar bond and guarantee in regard to operating day and
night, at all seasons of the year, as reliably as cables or wire
telegruph lines, over a distance of 1,000 miles.
Notification of the award of the contract is expected within
the next few days.
PHYSICAL SOCIETY.
At the meeting held on January 22nd. Dr. ('. C'hree. F.R.S..
president, in the chair. Messrs. A. Bannister. H. Bunskill. F. P.
Fuller. T. Harris, and X. Willings were elected Fellows of the Sticiety.
.\ Paper on the
" Effective Resistance and Inductance of a Concentric Main, and
Methods of Computing the Ber and Bei and Allied Functions "
was read by Dr. Alex.vnder Rtssell. • Tlie author gives the solu-
tion of the problem in terms of Kelvins ber and bei functions and of
two analogous functions which he calls ker and kei functions. The
formulae given previously by Maxwell. Rayleigh. Heaviside, Kelvin,
and Sir- Joseph Thomson are shown to be particidar cases of his
solution. Simple formulse for calculating the functions used are
obtained and are employed to correct errors in the tables given by
Kelvin and also by Mascart and Joubert. The following simple
formula for the effective resistance R, per centimetre length, of the
inner conductor of a concentric main for high-hequency currents is
obtained : —
R = {p»t;2jro) (0-7071 + l/2ma-f 0-265/niV-— 0-35>!V).'
where p is the volume resistivity of the conductor, a its radius. m-=
Hv-iJ-flp, fi the permeability of the conductor, and/ the fi-equency of the
alternating current. This formula may be used in wireless telegraphy
for calculating the resistance of a conductor when other conductors
carrying high -frequency currents are not too close. For values of ma
greater than 6 the maximum inaccuracy of the formula is less than
1 in 10,000. In obtaining the solution, exact formulse are obtained
for the density of the ciu-rent at all points on the inner and outer
conductors.
The case of a concentric main with a hollow inner conductor is also
considered. The method of obtaining the complete solution is
explained, and approximate formulae suitable for power transmission
caljles are given and numerical examples worked out. The approxi-
mate formula for the effective resistance at low frequencies, the proof
of which is very laborious, has been previously obtained by Oliver
Heaviside, and the author's solution is an indejiendent verification of
its accuracy. For liigh frequencies the formuhe become much
simpler, and for very high frequencies the ordinary well-known
formulie are obtained. The formula? given enable us to find the
impedance of a concentric main, taking into account the variation of
the current -density over the cross section of both conductors and the
distributed capacity.
Jlr. W. DrDDKLL congratulated the author, and remarked that the
results obtained in the Paper would be most u.seful. It was. he .said,
customary in dealing with high-frequency currents to use several parallel
insulated wires, instead of a single wire, in order to increase the surface
and obtain greater conductivity. He asked the author to what extent
it was advisable to do this. He also asked how far it was valuable to
silver-plate copper wires for high-frequency currents.
Mr. .\. ('AMri'.Ki.i. observed, with regard to Dr. Russell's warning that
I induct in>< -I 111 1 lids might be greatly dependent on frequency, that
Avell-di -i^iinl -lii^li-layer wavemeter coils of highly stranded wire (e.tj..
7/3(> j dkl Mui ~liiiw according to his experiments a variation of more
than I or 2 in I.UOO in their self-inductance for frequencies from 0 up to
1.000,000^ per second, the actual inductances being from 10 to 200
microhenries.
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 19, 190i>.
723
Dr. W. H. EccLES remarked that in higli-frequency wnrk the resistance
of a conductor depended on the nature of the surface. If a copper wire
tarnished, its resistance altered. Uniform i-esults couki he obtained by
lacquering the wires. He congratulated the author upon the mathe-
matical results obtained.
Mr. B. S. Cohen said that a knowledge of the variations with frequency
of effective resistance and inductance of copper conductors was of con-
siderable importance in connection with telephonic transmission, and it
was to be hoped that Dr. Russell would extend his valuable investiga-
tions to conductors Ijang side by side. The heaviest gauge of conductors
met with in general telephonic practice was 2-85 mm. in diameter in
the case of cables, and these conductors were separated by about 2n mm.
of combined paper and air dielectric and twisted together with a lay of
about 15 cm. In the case of overhead open wires, the largest conductor
in general use was 4 mm. in diameter, although in a number of cases a
5'69 mm. conductor had been used. The mean axial distance apart of
these conductors was about 35 cm., as they were rotated in sets of four in
a foot square. Applying Lord Rayleigh's formula for effective resistance
in these cases, they got. for a frequency of 1,500-^, an increase of 1 per
cent, in effective resistance over steady current resistance in the ease of
the 2-85 mm. cable wire. A frequency of l,500-»- could quite safely be
taken as the maximum frequency which was of any importance in speech
articulation. The increase with the 3-69 mm. open wire at this same fre-
quency was 12 per cent., and with the 4 mm. wire it was .3-55 per cent.
In a table given in a well-known pocket-book a 5-69 mm. conductor was
stated to increase 15 per cent, in effective resistance at 1..500.^, and he
noticed that this figure had been adopted by one writer on telephonic
matters. Mr. G. M. B. Shepherd some time ago worked out the decrease
in inductance Kith frequency for wires lying side by side by both Heavi-
side's and Rayleigh's formulae. The following percentage variations
between 0 and 1.500-^ were found for 5-69 mm. wire : L 0-37 per cent,
decrease, r 0-22 per cent, increase. This was very small, and was due to
the fact that most of the inductance was due to the field between wire and
wire. On the other hand, increase of resistance in this wire at 1.500^
meant an increase in attenuation of 12 per cent. In the case of 5-69 mm.
conductors 33 cm. apart, the inductance as calculated by Maxwell's
formula amounted to 32 millihenries, which would reduce the attenuation
constant to one-fifth of its value at 1,500-^. It was very desirable, there-
fore, to know the order of decrease of inductance with frequency. Lastly,
he asked Dr. Russell whether he thought that the presence of the adjacent
conductors in a telephone cable or open wire route wasjikely to modify
the skin effect to any decided extent.
Mr. Paterson expressed his interest in the Paper, and asked if the
fiirmula given for the effective resistance of the core of a concentric main
would be of the same form if the outer layer were removed. He also
asked if the skin effect in the outer shell would be altered if the shell were
cut parallel to its length and laid flat.
Prof. C. H. Lees pointed out that a change of sign in one of the early
equations would lead to the use of the Bessel J function instead of the
1 function.
Dr. Drysdale congratulated the author, and wished to make a sug-
gestion from the point of view of facihtating the use of these and other
calculations. Electrical measurements frequently necessitated the em-
ployment of higher functions, and this involved either troublesome cal-
culations or the compilation of bulky tables. He had, therefore, been
led to try whether graphical methods could not be employed. The plot-
ting of a function. f{x) graphically could only give values to a low degree
of accuracy, but if some simple empirical formula, y = tp{x), were found
which approximated to the required function, it was possible to express
the true value /(j) in the form r<^(.i-) or^^Cj'j + a, where )• or a might be
termed a correcting factor or term, which only varied between compara-
tively narrow limits. By employing a curve in which log r or n was
jilotted against .r it was frequently po.ssible to obtain values of a function
from a single curve correct to 1 in 10,000 or closer, and which greatly
assisted interpolation. He had found this of great service in dealing with
elliptic integrals and solid angles, and thought that it might perhaps also
be apphed to the ber and bei functions.
The Author, in reply to Mr. Duddell, stated that in his opinion strand-
ing and insulating the strands of the wires used in wireless telegraphy
would not diminish the skin effect if the strands were parallel to the axis
of the wire. It would probably increase it. Silver-plating the wires
«oiild be beneficial. The distribution of the high-frequency current
on the surface of the wires could sometimes be found by remembering
that the distribution was such that no magnetic induction was produced
in the metal. The corresponding electrostatic ])roblems were conse.
quently of great help. Mr. Campbell's experimental results were interest-
ing, as they showed that it was possible to make coils of low time constant
so that frequencies even as high as a million had little effect on their
inductance. These coils, however, were of little use for many experimental
purposes. With ordinary laboratory coils a frequency of 10,000 would
alter their inductance 2 or 3 per cent. If they had two parallel cylin-
diical wires practically touching, the inductance would alter from
3' 7726 cm. per unit length to practically zero as the frequency was in-
increased. Dr. Eccles rightly laid stress on the importance of keeping
the surface of the wires used in wireless telegraphy in good condition and
careful lacquering vroiild be very beneficial. Mr. Cohen's data about
the telephone cables used in long-distance transmission were most in-
teresting. A piece uf metal adjacent to the wire would in many cases
modify the skin effect, but it would be difficult to deduce any general
rule, as the main current was affected in different ways by the induced
eddy cuiTents in the neighbouring metal according to" the relative posi-
tions and magnitudes of the metal and wire. Mr. Patcrson's question
was rather hard to answer. In the hollow tube the current-density was
a maximum at the outer surface. Wlien split open and laid out flat the.
current-density would be a maximum at the edges. In both cases the
uneven distribution of the current lead to an increase in the apparent
resistance. But which would be the greater he could only determine by
calculation. In reply to Prof. Lees, he stated that he had first given the
Kelvin functions in terras of Bessel's J function, but he had changed it to
the I function, as this made a + instead of a — in the fundamental
definition. Dr. Drysdale's methods of calculation would be convenient
in the case of the elliptic functions, but it would not be so easj' to apply
them to periodic functions of continuously increasing amplitude.
A Paper entitled
"Note on the Luminous Efficiency of a Blacic Body "
was read by Dr. C. V. Drysdale. The importance of efficient
methods of light production renders it of interest to a.scertain the
possibilities of a black body as a light radiator at various tempera-
tures, and the wTiter has attempted to obtain these from the radiation
formula of Wien. The energy radiated between any two wave-
lengths is written down and the total radiation nalculated. This in
conjunction with Kurlbaum's determination of the radiation con-
stant, and Lummer and Pringsheim's results gives rise to the formula*
given in the Paper. A table and curves calculated from tliese formula;
have been worked out by Mr. A. F. Burgess, B.Sc. and show the
relation of the total and luminous radiation and luminous efficiency
for various temperatures. The comparison of the luminous energy so
calculated with the intensity of light radiation foimd bj' Prof. Fery
leads to a mechanical equivalentof light of aboutO"075 watt percandle
which is a fairly probable figure. The results show the enormous
extent to which the luminous efficiency is dependent upon the
temperature and how extremely low it is at ordinary temjieratures.
At 1,500 C. the efficiency is only of the order of 1 per cent., or less,
while at 2.000°C'. it is about 3 per cent. The highest efficiency is
obtained at a temperature of about 6,500°C., and is then only between
40 and 50 per cent. This strongly points to the necessity for working
in the du-ection of selective radiation or luminescence.
The Secretary asked the author if he could state exactly what he
meant by the term " luminous efficiency.' The ratio of luminosity to
energy radiated was different in different parts of the spectrum.
Dr. Russell thought that the physiological effect on the eye ought
to be considered. If the Paper had been entitled " The Radiation
Efficiency for Rays Contained within the Limits of the Visible Spectrum
of a Black Body " it would, perhaps, have been described better. The
sensibility of the eye to light rays varied not only with the wave-length
but also with the intensity of the rays and the time during which they
had been acting on the retina. If they only considered the objective
stimulus of the lumincsity, the author's implied definition might be.
he thought, accepted. But if they considered, as they ought, that the
subjective sensation produced in the normal eye had to be taken into
account when judging luminous efficiency, another definition was required
and the problem became far more complicated.
The Author, in reply, said that the term " luminous efficiency " wa.s
not very generally understood. There were three modes of defining it.
of which two were due to Prof. Nichols, of Cornell University, who dis-
tinguished between ' total efficiency ' and " radiant efficiencj-." The
former of these quantities was the ratio of the luminous energy radiated
between the spectral limits to the tatal energy consumption of the .source
of light, and the latter the ratio of the luminous energy as abjve to the
total radiation from the source. As had just been ])ointed out, however,
neither of these definitions took any cognisance of tiie very different lu-
minosities of the various spectral colours, and this had been realised by
Dr. C. Guilleaume, who had proposed to correct the luminous radiation by
multiplying each ordinate of the radiation curve by a factor depending
on the luminosity at that ordinate which was unity at the point of maxi-
mum effectiveness (0-54/i). The author had proposed iProc. U.S.. 1908)
the term " reduced " total or radiant efficiency for the efficiency expre.ssed
on this basis, and this was evidently the most rational one. The term
■■ radiant luminous efficiency " wai. however, recognised and had been
correctly employed in the Paper.
A Paper on
"The Use of the Potentiometer on Alternate Current Circuits "
was read by Dr. C. V. 1>ry.s[).\t.e. The great difficulty in alternate
current measurement lies in the shortness of the range of the instru-
ments available and there is therefore a great need for some instru-
ment which, like the direct potentiometer, should be capable of
measuring P.D.s and currents of any range with accuracy. Two
methods of attempting to apply the potentiometer jirinciple to
alternate current measurements seem possible : (n)The balancing of
the alternate current P.D. against a continuous P.D. mth the assist-
ance of some suitable balancing device, or (h) the balancing of two
alternate current P.D.s against one another. Suggestions or attempt*
at potentiometers on the first principle have been made, but seem
unlikely to be successful owing to the insensitiveness of square law
instruments at low voltages. The second method presents difficulties
in that the two P.D.s to be compared must be identical in magnitude,
phase, and frequency, and approximately so in wave-form. The
author's recent experiments with a phase-shifting transformer have
724
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 19, 1909.
led him, Iiowever, to attt'iupt to use it with a potentiometer, and the
measurements are then made in tlie same manner as with an ordinary
direct current potentiomet-er, except that a vibration galvanometer or
telephone is substituted foe an ordinary galvanometer. By inter-
posing an ammeter on the dynamometer principle in the main circuit
of a potentiometer and deriving the current from the secondary of a
phase-shifting transformer, it is possible to check the instrument with
direct current against the standard cell in the ordinary way, and then
to reproduce the same current in the potentiometer circuit and to
bring it into coincidence of phase with the P.D. to be measured.
Experiments have been made with this device by Mr. A. C. Jolley
and the author, first as to the accuracy of current measurement using
an ordinary low-resistance standard, and have been found to give very
good agreement with a Kelvin balance. Other tests have been made
to obtain the vector difference of potential across a resistance coil and
a choking-coil connected in series, and the triangle of voltages so
formed was found to be very nearly closed. The tests so far made
seem to indicate that an alternate current P.D. of 01 volt can be
measured to an accuracy of 0'2 per cent, or closer. The author has
also designed a universal potentiometer on this principle which serves
both for direct and alternate current measurements, and for testing
P.D., current, phase, power, inductance, capacity, &c.
Mr. A. Campbell remarked that the first method suggested by the
author had already been described by Mr. .T. Swinburne (Phys. Soc,
December. 1893). It was also used with success at the Reichsanstalt in an
improved fnrm by Dr. Drewall (Zcitschr. fiir Instrumentenkunde. .Aipri!,
1903). Dr. Drysdale's phase-turning method was interesting, and would
give good results in many eases. The vibration galvanometer, however,
was so very much more sensitive for its own frequency than for others
that it would not be likely to give any indication of errors due to other
harmonics unless they were very pronounced. Hence the method must
be used with great caution.
Mr. W. DuDDELL expressed his interest in the Paper, and asked if the
limit of accuracy depended on the sensitiveness of the galvanometer and
if this was limited by the back E.M.F. of the instrument. He pointed
out that the harmonics could be investigated by tuning uj) the galvano-
meter to be in unison with them. The device by which the phase was
changed without changing the current was very useful.
Mr. Rayneb pointed out that the accuracy attainable depended on the
sensitiveness of the Weston voltmeter employed. A vital point in the
instrument was the phase shifter with the sinusoidal windings. By
using two galvanometers the fundamental and a harmonic could both be
measured,
Mr. Paterson, referring to the use of low resistances, said that errors
might be introduced on account of their self-inductance. He thought
that the discrepancies between the results given by the author's instru-
ment and a Kelvin balance might be due to this rather than to inaccu-
racies of the balance.
The AUTHOK, in reply, said that he regretted that time had not per-
mitted his making further investigations into previous work in this
direction, but he had alluded to Mr. Swmburne's suggestions, and had
claimed no credit for the electrostatic device. Mr. Campbell's criticisms
mainly dealt with wave-form errors. &t course, where iron cores at con-
siderable saturation were employed, the distortion of wave shape would
be considerable, but with the single exception of power measurement,
which should then be made with a wattmeter, he knew of no object in
such cases for accurate P.D. or current measurements. For ordinary
standardisation of P.D. and current this difficulty did not pi.s,.,,! ,ts,lf
as there was no difficulty whatever in obtaining a sufli. „ mU , |,,., ly
«nusoidal wave form, and the wave forms of the measured ,iii,l I. ,1 in. iii.<
P.D,s were usually similar, being derived from the same scuivc The
useof a second vibration galvanometer tuned to the third harmonic would
lie excellent if it was desired to measure them, but he believed that it
would rarely be necessary, and there should be no difficulty in making
measurements to an accuracy of 0-1 per cent, with the ordinary alte.^
nators and resistances. For inductance and capacity measurements there
was ot course, a positive advantage in an mstrument which disregarded
the harmonics. In reply to Mr. Duddell, there was no doubt that the
vibration galvanometer did give a back E.M.F., as was shown by a tele
h rw.'i'i""' K 1 "■'•'* t'-rnii'ials when the coil was set in motion, and
TnZinnJ7,t V^:'"'"'' ^'^^ da'"ping,b„t he did not know the amo^mt
01 the influence on the sensitiveness. He was glad the importance of the
.sinusoidal wind ng of the phase-shifting transformer XapSt^^^^^
and hoped that it would be found effective in preserving perfect eaualUv
towithinanaccuru.vnfTf . .alternate current measurements
. _ mn an accui,uy „f a few parts m ten thousand, owing to variati.ais
tances of the
uiductive resistance;
i-li-ising of the vector
ta^es In nv "■"•' f '"'°-'' '^' perfection of non-
co, Vun^v"^ "^^^' '"'l-'tan^^.-ould not ,-dfect the
THEORY OF THE HORIZONTAL TRANSMITTING
ANTENNA.*
BY ALFREDO MONTBL.
The so-called horizontal antenna, which was experimented upon
by Marconi in 1906, consists of a short vertical wire or wires con-
nected with the earth at its lower end and at its upper end with a
comparatively long horizontal conductor insulated at its extreme
end. Marconit showed that this antenna gives a maximum of
radiation in its own vertical plane towards that side where it is
earthed ; and, besides, two minima are on each side of the above
plane, in directions making angles of 70 to 80 deg. with the direc-
tion of the free end of the antenna. The present author exhibits
a simple method of treating the problem of this antenna mathe-
matically.
The antenna and its image in the surface of the earth can be-
likened to a circuit CAAC, where CC' are the plates of a conden-
.ser (Fig. 1). Let /„ be the oscillating current between A and
A' and I2 the oscillating dielectric current between C and C', then
^2 will be less than /„• because only a part of the whole dielectric
current goes by way of CC", the rest spreading through the field ;
1 i 1 1.2
but i, is in the same phase as /„. To right and to left of the plane
of the antenna there is a symmetrical distribution of lines of force.
These lines are to some extent comparable with the lines of force
between the plates of the condenser, but the phase is different and
changes in fact from one line to another. Assume that they can be
replaced for purjjoses of calculation by concentrated currenta l^ ?-
in wires placed at fixed points on either side of the plane of the
antenna and, of cour.se, cfpiidistant from that plane. The currents
^4 /,- will be equal, besides being placed symmetrically with regard to
the antenna.
Since the lines 6f force are moetly projected from between the ex-
tremities of the oscillatory circuit CAA'C, the currents /,, If, will
evidently be nearer to the free end of the antenna than to its ver-
tical part. Fig. 2 is a plan of an assumed position of the conductors
carrying these various vertical currents which are to represent the
actual state of affairs in the whole antenna. As will be seen this
equivalent system is a group of four oscillators S„, 82, S^, S..,, the
length of each being assumed as double the height of the vertical
portion of the actual antenna.
Fio, 2.
To facilitate the calculations it is assumed that the current in
each antenna has the same value at every point of its length, that
the dimensions of the oscillators -arc ;mall compared with the dis-
tance of transmission, and that the o.scilIations arc persistent and
2ir 2jr
sinusoidal. Let the wave-length Bo X= , and the period T= ;
let the horizontal length of the antenna — that is, the distance
SSo (Fig. 2) be taken as a quarter of the wave-length, which, ex-
perience shows, is not far from the truth. Now, using Hertz's
expressions for the vertical electric field at a great distance from a
vertical oscillator, the following values for the electric intensity n,t
the point P (Fig. 2) are arrived at : —
Z= —{.sin 2o- sin (Q,,-%,os0)i
Z' ^ H3 sin(m7„ - nt - c,) -f H4 sinlm^j - n/ - rj -(- H. sin (to-/,, -ni- S^).
Here Z is the electric intensity at P due to the current ij at Sj
and an equal current /, (a part of ?„) at Sj,: and Z' is the electric in-
tensity at P due to the current L(=l(,-h) at S,,, i^ nt Si and
'.,(=^)_at S-. In the first equation Q„ = m-i„-nt, and H= - EAm^,
• Abstracted from " La Lumiere Electriiiue," No. 34, Tome III."
tG. Marconi, The Electricta.v, J). 100, Vol, L'V'II.
(
THE ELECTRICIAN. FEBRUARY 19, 1909.
725
where E is the amplitude of the charges on the oscillators. In the
second equation Hj, H^, H- are analogous quantities to H, and in-
dicate in fact the amplitudes of the oscillations in the various oscil-
lators. The ^'s are phase angle.s. The other symbols are explained
by the diagram Fig. 2. If on the equation for Z' the conditions be
imposed that it afford an absolute maximum for Z' in the direction
0 = 180° and an absolute minimum for 0 = 0, and if besides the
simplification be made of imagining these tliree points, S,,, S4, Sj, to
be at the tliree corners of an equilateral triangle, then we get the
equation z + Z-^sin u„- 5 sin (Q,,-' cos <^)
70 7(1 -
H' . H' I ,
-f — sin S2,|— y-cos |Q|, - jn/ cos {.'iO^-0)j
7o -70
H'
cos |<J,| - ml cos (30' -)- i/j)'
where II' is a magnitude analogous to H defined above.
If now the maximum value cf Z be plotted so as to show thf
.240°
270°
/300»
210°
180° f
I
^^330°
150^
120/ ^"~~-
\
Xeo'
1
\3(.°
Fic. 3.
strength of the maximum electric intensity propagated in various
directions to a fixed distance, the polar curve shown in Fig. 3
in obtained. If in the same way the polar curve of maximum
Z' be plotted the curve of Fig. -t is obtained. The two diagrams
cannot be directly added, because the phases of Z und Z are not in
general the same. But detailed calculation enables the resultant
curve to be obtained. The author gives a graphical method of
making the calculations ; for this the original Paper should be con-
sulted. It is clear that the shape of the resultant curve will depend
greatly on the amplitudes assumed for Z and Z'. By adjustment
of these quantities a very close imitation of actual experimental
,240 ■"
370'
/300°
<
/
y
'^°
180° [
\
0
150^
120/^
W
\60°
/
Fig. 4.
curves can be obtained. For example, in Marconi's experiments
the following values of 0 and maximum Z-l-Z' were found : —
<P . 0" ' 180°
90^
70°
Measured max. Z + Z' j 16 1 22
9
5
XT' XT/
Now in the last equation put — =3 and — =
7" 7„
late the maximum values of Z -1- Z'. We get
= 2, and
calcu-
"/>
0'^
180^
90^
70=
Calculated max. Z + Z
16
28
9
7
These calculated results accord very satisfactorily with those of
the experiments. The concordance is really greater even than is
shown by these figures. For it is known that at greater distances
than those for which the experimental results were obtained, the
ratio of the electric intensities is less than 22: 16 and is, in fact, for
a distance of 16 km. about 0'6, which is quite near to 28 : 16, the
result of the formula.
THE WIRING OF BUILDINGS.
We give below a sliort account of the discussion at .a
meeting, last week, of the Glasgow Local Section of the Institu-
tion of Electrical Engineers, in connection with Mr. D. S.
Munro's paper on the above subject. An abstract of this paper
and of the discussion at the previous meeting was given in our
issue of January 29, p. 617.
Mr. Wilson thought it was impossible to make a cable that would not
break down. He was in favour of paper insulated cables which were
lead covered. While he considered pin holes in the lead were a bogey,
still, if there were such, the paper insulation was far more preferable
than rubber, for the reason that the paper would absorb moisture more
quickly (and lead to immediate repair) than the rubber. He did not
advocate paper insulation for all cables, but, generally speaking, it was
the best, and for high voltages, such as 20,000 volts, he instanced that
paper insulation was used. He gave an instance in the south of England
where there were a considerable number of houses wired with paper
insulated cables, lead covered, and where the cost per point worked out
at 8s. 6d. He did not wish, however, to run down rubber cab e.
Mr. Preece considered the present agitation for cheap wiring v. ai
" the plaintive cry of the contractor." With regard to the demand for
a new and cheaper and better insulated cable, they mu.st not assume that
the cable makers were " sitting down doing nothing." But at the moment
vulcanised rubber insulation was the best for house work. He could not
understand why wood easing had been given the " go by." for it wa.s
infinitely better than steel tubing, with which the sweating was dele-
terious to the cable, as a chemical action was set up. Another disad-
vantage with steel tubing was the faulty manner in which the cable wa.H
forcibly pulled through, instead of being pu.shed through. He did not
agree with Mr. Munro's rem.irks regarding flexible, for he always found
flexible of good quality quite suitable for reducing wiring costs. Pro-
bably the fault lay in the trimming of the ends. He had found that even
one fibre of the outer covering if allowed to touch the live conductor led
to electrolytic action. The nascent oxygen thus liberated set up corro-
sion with the rubber. Lead covered cable was quite good also for mains
and branches if properly trimmed at the ends and bonded. Thin brass,
copper or metal tubing was preferable to thick steel tubing, as sweat-
ing was reduced.
Mr. AxsLOW advocated the use of bare copper conductors as much as
possible, suitably supported on pofcelain insulators, and described the
running of the mains at one of the Glasgow docks, extending to IJ miles
on this system. The branches, however, to the various gear were taken
off by means of lead covered cable. The conductors, eight in number,
were of 2A in. by J in. section copper tape, supported on edge by mems
of porcelain bridge pieces sitting on channel iron, which were in turn
supported by shackle insulators fixed to iron tubes hung from the roof
of the culvert, which was originally built for hydraulic mains. The
positive and negative conductors ran along the culvert, one above the
other, and the form and material of the insulators differed for the positive
and negative conductors, so as to reduce the possibility of electrolytic
action. In all there was about 9 miles of this copper tape, and it had
been in use for two years without any faults developing. The voltage
was 500 direct current.
Mr. Simon asked if a .system of hard rubber tubing laid direct in
the plaster had not been tried, as he had heard of such on the Continent.
Mr. Ml'NRO, in reply, said that in the early part of the discussion dis-
satisfaction was expressed with the standard form of rubber insulated
cables. It was agreed that a wood casing prolonged the life of the rub-
ber. But there were places where the use of wood ca.sing wa.s injudicious
and unsuitable, and it was evident to all who used rubber cables that
the quality of the insulating material was deteriorating, at least in last-
ing properties. They hoped and believed they were getting a consider-
able proportion of pure Para in the mixture. The virtue of pure Para
was that it contained a lower proiiortiou of resinous oils than others, and
these inherent oils in time destroyed the rubber. So long as the 2.500
megohm " Association " cable was accejited by the profession as the best
for wiring, he thought that there should be some distinctive outward
covering to distinguish it from the lower or cheaper grades. He agreed
with Mr. McWhirter that gutta jicrcha could be relied upon with more
certainty than modern rubber : it. however, lacked the qualities of elas-
ticity and flexibility, especially if old, and it was also too sensitive to
variations of temperature, besides being far too dear. He could not
agree with Mr. Wilson in his remarks on twin lead covered cables. The
lead covering seemed to invite trouble, especially when stimulated by
minute leakage currents. It cracked with variations in temperature
and in contact with damp wood transformed itself into white lead. It
would not stand rough handling, and the joints had to be long to be
effective. Mr. S. G. Castle Russell had in the Press made a strong case
against the general adoption of the Continental system, and in a recent
letter to the speaker he instanced several cases where considerable
damage and inconvenience were caused by faults on the flexible. Per-
sonally he preferred the draw-in barrel system.
Mr. W. W. Lackie then made a communication entitled
" Early Experiments in Electric Traction " which was given in
our last issue, p. 69i. Prof. M. McLean. D.Sc. also gave a brief
description of the heating and ventilating system of the Glasgow
Technical College, which is on the plouum system. He also
showed a 5 h.p. variable speed induction motor supplied by
Messrs. Mavor & Coulson.
e2
726
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Undertakings of the United Kingdom for Lighting. Power and
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Undertakings, and was accompanied by sketch maps of each of the
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STEAM TURBINES v. GAS ENGINES.
of recent yeons the attention of English engineers has
been drawn repeatedly to tlie developments taking place
oil the Continent and in America in conuection with large
gas engine installations for the generation of electric
power. We have, however, in this country held steadfastly
t(i steam prime movers, and certainly an analysis of the
results achieved in our central stations shows that we are
second to none in the economical production of electrical
energy. It is interesting, moreover, to notice the diver-
gence of views which has always separated English engi-
neers from those on the Continent. This country was the
home of the high-speed engine, as compared with the
bulky low-speed sets in favour abroad; and the steam
turbine, again a British development, is now gradually, we
might almost say naturally, supplanting the reciprocating
engine where large units have to be installed.
Although fully admitting the excellent work carried out
by gas engine manufacturers, and also the excellent results
which have been achieved in many cases, we have always
advot-ated the adoption of the steam turbine iu this country
I
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 19, 1909.
727
except uiidei' circumstances particularly favouring the gas
engine, at the same time pointing out that the prospects of
cheap power production by blast furnace gas engines
merited careful consideration. At the meeting of the In-
stitution of Electrical Engineers last week, a powerful
attack — comprising, probably, the most careful au.ilysis of
costs that has yet been brought forward — was made on
the steam turbine, as compared with large gas engines for
the economical production of power. Mr. Leonard
Andrews is well known in this country as the champion
of the large gas engine, and the recent Continental tours to
inspect German gas engine installations, conducted by Mi".
Andrews on behalf of the Key Engineering (Jo., will still
be fresh in our readers' memories.
In the Paper, which he read in conjunction with Mr. R.
I'oRTEK, the authors first work out the capital cost of steam
turbine and gas engine installations to supply a maximum
load of 8,000 kw. at a load factor of 24 per cent., coal being
obtained at 12s. per ton, and then proceed to a comparison
of running costs. We are pleased to notice that the authors
have taken the above load factor, for in the figures previously
put forward by Mr. Andrews, and puljlished in our issue
of October 25, 1907, he assunied, first, a 90 per cent, load
factor and, secondly, one of 15 per cent., the size of the
installation being for a normal output of 10,000 B.u.i'. with
20 per cent, of spare plant. In the present instance the
authors specify two spare sets, the remaining plant to be
capable of carrying the maximum load for at least two
hours ; they have allowed an overload capacity of 33^ per
cent, for the turbines and about 11 per cent, for the gas
engines, such overload to be carried in each case for a
period of two hours. On these assumptions they suggest
the installation of five 2,000 kw. turbines and seven
1,450 kw. gas engines. As regards the gas engines, we
admit that seven units would probably be necessary, but,
on the other hand, we would strongly advocate the instal-
lation of three :!,000kw. steam turbines, in place of the
sets suggested 'by the authors, and we believe that in this
we shall be supported by most English engineers. An
examination of the maximum load curves given in the
Paper will show that the demand for energy could be
easily supplied by two 3,000 kw. steam turbines, since the
load only rises above 6,000 kw. for about two hours, and
the 33 L per cent, overload would only be for a few minutes.
There is certainly no need to allow two spare machines,
as is suggested by the authors, one machine being supposed
to be laid off for overhauling and the other to allow for a
breakdown. Tiie main overhauling of the steam plant
should be carried out during the lighter nine months of
the year, and under that system during the three darkest
months it should be possible to effect any slight repairs
necessary in the hours between the daily peak loads ami
during week ends.
As the low capital cost per kilowatt of turbine plant be-
comes very pronounced in large units, it is evident that
the installation of five macliines places the steam plant at
a disadvantage, and we should, therefore, look for a con-
siderable saving under this item with larger sets. . The un-
favourable assumptions in the case of the steam plant
become even more apparent as regards the boilers, for
no less than 20 water-tube boilers — each capable of
evaporating 10,000 lb. of water per hour — are suggested —
i.c., four for each turbine. We should consider that eight
boilers, each of 20,0001b. evaporative capacity, would
more nearly meet the case, two spares Ijeing thus allowed
during the few months when tlu; maximum load would
be experienced. As these alterations would reduce the
auxiliary plant and the buildings necessary, it will be
seen that considerable reductions must be made in the
authors' estimates of the capital cost of turbo-generators,
condensers, pipe work, boilers, stokers, buildings, founda-
tions, &c.
Turning now to the details of the running costs, it \\\\\
be seen that several alterations will also lie necessary.
First, a small reduction will be made in the steam con-
sumption, which, according to a diagram given by the
authors, would only be 138 lb. per kilowatt-hour for
3,000 kw. sets, instead of 155 lb., disregarding no-load
losses, whilst the banking losses of the Iroilers would, of
course, be enormously reduced.
In support of their estimates, the authors have obtained
particulars of the fuel per unit generated at a number of
English central stations of large output. These figures vary
from about 3 lb. to 7 lb., and the authors' estimated figure
is 3-55 lb. It should be pointed out, however, that results
obtained with a gas-engine station laid down on modern
lines should not be compared with the average result
obtained in existing stations containing steam plant, but
rather with a modern installation of steam turliines of
large capacity. It is interesting to notice that the recorded
fuel consumption of 306 lb. per unit in the case of one
undertaking was obtained with coal of 12,000 B.Th.U., ;is
compared with that of 13,000 B.Th.U. which the authors
have assumed, so that, even allowing for the higher load
factor of 37"5 per cent, in the former case, there is reason
to suppose that the author-s' figure of 3'55 lb. per unit is
not too optimistic.
We should also like to draw attention to the fact that,
since the no-load losses of the gas engines ai-e admitted by
the authors to be greater than in the case of steam tur-
bines, particularly so if considered as a percentage of the
consumption of fuel at full load, and as also the quality of
the coal has a much greater effect on the total costs with
the former type of ]jlant, it is scarcely fair to assume the
same " discrepancy factor " in each case. As regards
repairs, tliis is always a point on which there is consider-
able difference of opinion, but most engineers will consider
that to estimate those for gas plant as being no greater
than for steam jilant is rather an optimistic assumpti<ru.
(Quotations from reports received from foreign installations
as to plant always being " O.K." scarcely prove convincing.
Objection will doubtless be taken by most engineers to
the comparison which is made as regards the labour neces-
sary under the two schemes, and in this connection the
reduction in the number of turbo-generators from five to
three, and of boilers from 20 to eight, should certainly
render the figures more favourable to the steam plant
Attention will, no doubt, be paid in the course of the
discussion on this Paper, which is likely to be very
thmough, to the allowance made by the authors for the
value of the recovery products. If a special kind of coal
has to be utilised in the producer to obtain the best results,
728
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 19, 1909.
the comparison is certainly too favourable for the gas
plant, since a cheaper kind of coal would probably he
found satisfactory for raising steam in the boilers. Again,
tlie space required for the steam plant installation should
certainly be much less than that necessary for the com-
plete gas plant; and since no charge for land has been
inserted under the capital outlay no credit is given for this
advantage of the turbine installation.
In the latter portion of their Paper the authors consider
the case of an installation to supply a maximum output of
4,000 kw., with a 10 per cent, load factor, and arrive at the
result that the cost per unit generated is almost identical
in the case of steam and gas plant. The same criticisms,
however, apply also to this case, iu which the authors
assume five 1,000 kw. turbo-generators, and we think that
most engineers would not hesitate to instal steam
turbines.
Whilst we nmst differ with the authors regarding many
of the figures wliich they put forward, we nevertheless
admit that the gas engine is a powerful competitor of the
steam turbine ; the relative costs of the tv.-o plants, how-
ever, are by no means so favourable to the gas engine as
the authors would have us believe, although, on the other
hand, where fuel is very expensive, or in connection with
steel and iron works, where a plentiful supply of blast
furnace gas is available, the conditions may lie such that
gas engines will prove the more economical plant to instal.
Unfortunately, estimates always form rather uncertain
ground on which to proceed, and are apt to be formed on
opinions that may disregard some of the more important
points occurring iu practice. Moreover, the engineer is
largely guided by past experience. The steam station has
grown up from small beginnings, has passed through the
intermediate stage of respectable size, and has attained to
a satisfactory manhood. We all know what the steam
station can do. With the gas station it is otherwise. The
childhood of the gas station .was promising, but its youth
was mingled with sorrow, and virility was long deferred.
Now comes a sudden leap to manhood ; but the average
engineer feels suspicious of the newcomer that has leapt
from childhood to manliood without being able to produce
any credentials of its school days.
REVIEWS.
Copies ot the unaermentioned works can bo had from Thi Electrkian Office, post free
ou receipt of published price, adding 3d. for books publiBbed under 23. Add 10 per
cent, for abroad or for foreign books.)
Electrical Eogineering. By w. Susoo and A. Bbooker. (LoikIoh
Longmans, Grean & Co.) Pp. viii — 832. 12s. 6d.
The previous edition of this work appeared in 1903, and the
present volume, although not very much larger, has been con-
siderably modified, in order to take account of the advances
which have been made since that date. Thus, Chapter II.,
■which deals with practical units, has been amplified by some
remarks upon the theory and construction of condensers. In
Chapter v., Evershed's Megger occupies a much larger space
than formerly. In Chapter VI., upon the Measurement of
Electromotive Force, the part dealing with electrostatic in-
.'^truments has been extended, and a description of the Weston
alternating current instruments has been added, but we are
ratlier surprised to see that the Cardew voltmeter retains its
old position. Chapter YIIL, on alternating current dynamo
e ectric machines, still contains some historic examples. A little
theory on two and three-phase has been introduced and,
naturally, some attention is now given to the subject of turbo-
alternators. In a later chapter commutation and commutation
poles are dealt with at some length, and drawings are given of
machines constructed with such poles, but we still notice the
presence of some antiquated dynamos. In the chapter on
motors, we certainly expected to find something on the subject
of single-phase commutator motors, considering their present
important position, but they do not appear to have received
attention. In Chapter XV. on arc lamps, the flame arc now
occupies some space, and in the following chapter the metallic
filament lamp has, naturally, found a position ; but we think
that the description of photometers might have been expanded
to include a few remarks on the subject of Flicker photometers,
considering the very general use to which they have been put in
recent years. It will be seen that the work, excepting one or
two particulars, has been brought very well up to date, and we
do not doubt that it will continue to fill the position that it has
made for itself as one of the best general text-books at the
disposal of the elementary student.
Die Dynamoelektrischen Maschinen. By Kurt RiEMENsrHNEn>EB.
Vol. I. of " Elektrotechnische Bibliothek." (Leipzig: A. Hartle-
ben.) Pp. vii.— 238. M. 3.
This is a very elementary book, written, we take it, for be-
ginners and those who only require a general knowledge of
dynamo-electric machines. In the opening chapter the fun-
damental principles on which these machines are based are
briefly summarised. The next three chapters follow with the
historic development, the description and the calculation of
continuous current machines, which in their turn are followed
by a number of illustrations of the most modern types, in-
cluding several turbo-dynamos.
The simple theory of alternating currents is explained in
Chapter VI., whilst a fairly complete description of alternat-
ing current machinery fills another chapter. The last chapter
in the book is devoted to the various uses to which electricity
can be put in practice.
That such a book has made a place for itself is clear from
the fact that it has passed through seven editions in little over
20 years. In this, the latest edition, all manner of up-to-date
machinery has been brought in. The book is well illustrated —
in fact, nearly every other page in the book contains an illus-
tration.
This is the sort of book that might be recoinmended to an
English electrical engineer wishing to gain a knowledge of
German technical expressions before attempting heavier works,
where the whole attention mu.st be concentrated on the sub-
ject matter and not on the language. !^. P. S.
Fowler's Mechanics' and Machinists' Pocket Book and Diary,
1909. Machesler : Scientific Publishing Co. (6d.net.)
This is the first edition of an annual pocket book and diary
which the publishers present for the guidance of machinists
and engineering artisans. Its prototype is a book of a similar
kind which mechanical engineers and designers have been able
to procure for many years past. It is a collection of data and
reference tables upon such subjects as machine tool design
and operation, general workshop) practice, wheel gearing and
power transmission, the moving of heavy weights and par-
ticulars of miscellaneous tools and appliances which are likely
to come under the workman's notice. The information has
been carefully classified and the different sections are separated
by blank memoranda pages. The text is written so that the
workman can understand it, and it does not seem to be over-
burdened with needless mathematical calculations. We think
that the book should be well received, as it appears to supply
much information which is not obtainable from other pubhca-
tions of a similar character.
Mineral Waxes. By E. Oreoorius. (London : Scott, Greenwood
ASnn. 1 Pp. xx\i'i. + 210. 6.s. net.
The subject of mineral waxes can scarcely be reckoned among
those which, at the present time, are of absorbing interest to
electrical engineers. But it is a branch of chemistry on which
little has been written, and it is with the object of repairing
this error that this book has been publi.shed. The most im.
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 19, 1900,
729
portaiit materials which find an extensive use in technology,
such as paraffin, have been treated in a thorough manner.
Their methods of preparation, properties and adulterations
are dealt with, and much attention is paid to their uses and
applications. Practical processes are described and the book
is well illustrated with numerous wood cuts.
Tin Plate Working. By E. H. Clabke. (London : The Technical
Publishing- Co. ) Fp. 44. Is 6d. net.
This book, which is a member of a well-known series, is
intended to amplify the course of instruction in this subject
for the City & ftuilds of London Institute examination. With
this idea in mind the course is wholly practical, and is illus-
trated throughout, endeavouring in this way to bring the
details of the various operations forcibly before the students.
The exercivSes are grjided, and vary from a cube, through some
useful articles such as funnels and oil bottles, to much more
complicated geometrical problems.
ANALYTICAL REPORTS ON WATER SAMPLES.
BY FRED A. AXDEESOX, B.SC. (LOXD.), F.I.i'.
The following discussion is designed mainly for the informa-
tion of engineers, who frequently have to consider and take
action upon the results of water analyses as reported to them
by chemists. The matters thus presented for their considera-
tion may be often unfamiliar, or they may find themselves
puzzled at times by receiving apparently conflicting reports
from difTerent sources upon the same sample.
Naturally, if such discrepancies refer to questions of fact
they caiHiot be reconciled, but it may very often prove that
apparent disagreements only require reducing to a common
basis in order to disappear.
In examining an analytical report the first point is to note
in what terms the results are expressed, or, in the case of com-
paring analyses, to note that they are expressed in the same
terms, and, if not, to reduce them to such. Irritating and
needless difficulties may occur because the terms in which an
analysis is expressed are not stated at all. Chemists them-
selves are invariably careful on this point, but in copies of,
or excerpts from, their reports, clerks who are not aware of the
importance of the point may copy the figures correctly without
copying the words which tell what the figures mean.
8uch cases as these cannot be dealt with at all if any uncer-
tainty exists as to the method of statement, but the point may
sometimes be: cleared up by internal evidence.
There are four forms in which the results of water anah'ses
are likely to be met with.
They may be expressed : —
(i.) In grains per Imperial gallon :
(ii.) In parts per 100,000 ;
(iii.) In grammes per litre :
(iv.) In milligrammes per litre, which is also usually
equivalent to parts per million.
In converting these expressions into one anotiicr. the dif-
feience in density between the water in question and distilled
water is neglected, as in ordinary cases it would have an in-
appreciable effect upon the results whether they are expressed
in terms of the volume or weight of the water. In the case of
sea water, or very highly concentrated boiler waters, this point
cannot be neglected ; Milligrams per litre in this case is not
equal to parts per million, but is equal to parts per million
Miultiplied by the density.
Neglecting this point, howevei-, the conversion of these
methods of expression into one another is a matter of the
greatest simplicity, and only involves the shifting of a decimal
point, together with, in some cases, tnultiplication or division
by seven.
Inasmuch as an Imperial gallon contains 70,000 grains :
Grains per gallon = parts per 70.000 ; also
Parts per 100,000 = parts per 100,000 ;
Grammes per litre = parts per 1,000 ;
and Milliarammes per litre-=parts- per 1,000,000.
From these statements the rules for conversion are obtained
by inspection, and we have : —
To eonvert grains per gallon into parts per 1(X),000, divide
by 0-7 ; into grammes per litre, divide by 70 ; into milli-
grammes per litre, divide bv 0-07.
To convert parts per 100,000 into grains per gallon, mul-
tiply by 0-7 ; into grammes per litre, divide by KM) ; into
milligrammes per litre, multiply bv 10.
To convert grammes per litre into grains per gallon, mul-
tiply by 70; into parts per 100,000, multiply by lOO ; into
milligrammes per litre, multiply by 1 ,000.
To convert milligrammes per litre into grains jier gallon,
multiply by 007 ; into parts per lOO.(XK). divide by 10 : into
grammes per litre, divide by 1,0<J0.
In this country the most usual way of expressing results is
in "(grains per Imperial gallon."' " Parts per 100,000 " is
also quite frequently met with. In countries where the
metric system is in ordinary use, either ■" grammes per litre "
or " milligrammes per litre " is employed.
It may happen that the general results of an analysis are
expressed in grains per gallon, while certain special constituents
are expressed in milligrammes per litre or parts per million.
These are data relating to the organic purity or otherwise of
the water — namely, the " oxygen consumed " from perman-
ganate of potash, and the '' free and albuminoid ammonia."
It is convenient to retain this practice (i.) because, in the case
of "o.xygen consumed," 1, 2, or 3 milligrammes, as the case
may be, are well-marked indications of the degree of pollution,
and (ii.) because, in the case of the ammonia determination,
the figures obtained are very small and require an incon-
venient number of decimal places when expressed in grains
per gallon. Thus, albuminoid ammonia at 0-05 per million
indicates a pure water, and 0-1.5 a doubtful or iniynn-e one.
Expressed in grains per gallon these figures would be 0-0035
and 00105 respectively. Many chemists, therefore, prefer
to return these special results in parts per million, which was
the form originally adopted by Prof. J. A. Wanklyn. to whoai
we owe the invaluable ammonia process. At the same time,
many others prefer a uniform method, and return nil results
in grains per gallon.
For a uniform method for all purposes, including these
sanitary data, "" parts per 100,000 " has undoubted advan-
tages. The " oxygen consumed " and the " free and albu-
minoid ammonia " are stated in a form which can be at once
translated mentally into " parts per million " by one to whom
this latter method is more familiar. Thus, the figures above
would be 0-005 and 0-015 respectively.
Engineers are in any case little likely to be concerned with
the data which have been the subject of this digression, but
it was as well to draw attention to the point.
It will illustrate the foregoing to give the results of an
analysis expressed in each of the four ways mentioned, in
parallel columns. The analytical data are given first, followed
by a table showing the most probable arrangement of the salts
in the solid residue.
This method of reporting the results is one which, happily,
is followed by manv chemists, and it is much to be desired
that it was universally employed. However, there are
many reports met with which consist of tables of salts alone,
without the analytical data. This, again, would matter little
if there existed any one recognised method of expressing the
salts present : but, as this is not the case, an analysis may
always have to be recalculated, and then the presence of the
original data would save nuich labour.
The chemical symbol of the radical or .salt is given after its
name, so that there can be no possible doubt as to the sub-
stance meant. The " alkalinity " is a datum which is explained
fully later.
The figure for total solids in the analytical data may be com-
pared with the sum of the calculated salts in the second table,
with which it should agree approximately. It cannot be ex-
pected to agree exactly, because, apart from experimental
errors, it may include a little un^spelled water, and does in-
clude any constitvwrits not separately estiniated, such as organic
730
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 19, 1909.
Wabr' from a mine in the, North oj Yorkshire.
Total solids
Silica (SOii) ••■■•,■"
Oxide of iron (FejOj) and alu
mina (AI2O3)
Lime(CaO)
Magnesia (MgO)
Sulphuric acid (SO;i)
Chlorine (CI)
Nitric acid (NiOj)
Alkalinity
= Combined carbonic acid {CO2)
Hardness (Wanklyn's soap test).
Grains
per
gallon.
76-2
2-23
1-27
17-07
5-43
24-50
5-95
not esti
20°-50
40°-0
Parts Grammes
per pel
100,000 I litre
108-9 ! 1-0890
3-19 t 0-0319
1-81
24-39
7-79
35-00
8-50
mated, b
0-0181
0-2439
00779
0-3500
0-0850
lit low.
12-89 0-1289
(French'degrees)
1089-0
31-9
18-1
243-9
77-9
350-0
85-0
128 9
57°-0
Calcium carbonate (CaCOs) ; 20-50
Calcium sulphate (CaSOi) 13-58
Magnesium sulphate (MgSOj) ... l()-35
Sodium sulphate (NaaSOj) j 9-96
Sodium chloride (NaCl) 9-82
Silica 2-23
Oxide of iron and alumina 1'27
29-29
0-2929
19-40
0-1940
23-3li
0-2336
14-23
0-1423
14-03
0-1403
3-19
0-0319
1-81
0-0181
73-71 105-31
292-9
194-0
233-6
142-3
140-3
31-9
18-1
1-0531 I 1053-1
matter, and in this instance a little nitrate of soda. The
alkaline bases, soda and potash, have not been separately
estimated, but have been calculated as soda from the excess
of the acids found, and if the amount of potash should happen
to be considerable, this will introduce another element, making
the calculated residue less than the figure obtained by direct
experiment.
The •' alkalinity " or acid-neutralising power ot the water
is a datum of such extreme importance that it must be dwelt
upon for a short time before passing on.
It is obtained by neutralising a given measured volume
of the water by means of standard acid of suitable and ac-
curately known strength. The portion of water operated upon
is coloured with a drop or two of a suitable indicator (methyl
orange), and the acid added in just sufficient quantity to pro-
duce a certain change of colour. The quantity of acid re-
quisite to effect this change is noted, and the alkalinity cal-
culated from this observed quantity of acid.
It is usual to express the alkalinity in " degrees," each degree
beiim cqui\ali-nt to the alkalinity due to ort.e grain oj carbonate
(ij liiitr jiir iiiillon of water. And it may be mentioned here
that the ■■ hardness" of waters is expressed in degrees of the
same value — that is, one degree of hardness is the hardness
that would be imparted by one grain of carbonate of lime per
j:;allon. ' French degrees of hardness are approximately equiva-
lent to one part of carbonate of lime per 100,000.
, This acid-neutralising power is imparted to the water by
.aiiiy of the alkaline earths or alkalies, but practically they
reduce to lime, magnesia and soda, either as hydroxides or
;carbonates. In natural waters these bases almost invariably
occur as carbonates (or bi-carbonates,which makes no difference
in this test), and, consequently, the amount of carbonic acid
forming carbonate with the equivalent weight of each base being
the same, the alkalinity may be looked upon as an expression
of the amount of " comhined " or " fixed " carbonic acid in
the water, and the results of the test are very frequently ex-
pressed in this way.
Thus, 100 parts by weight of calcium carbonate — which is
; the molecular weight very approximately — contain 56 parts of
lime (CaO) and 44 parts of carbonic acid (CO,).
Hence, since each degree of alkalinity is equal to that due to
1 grain of calcium carbonate per gallon, it is also equivalent
to 0-44 grain per gallon of combined carbonic acid, and the datum
is expressed in this form in the second, third and fourth columns
of the foregoing analysis.
In strictness it should be stated that the amount of com-
bined carbonic acid can only be obtained from the alkalinity
determination alone when no hydroxide is present, nor anv
other^ feeble acid, such as sulphydric ; but natural waters
practically always fulfil these conditions.
It will be useful to tabulate here the quantities of commonly
occurring substances equivalent to the degree of alkalinity.
1 deg. of alkalinity = 1-00 grain per gallon of calcium carbonate
=0-84 ,. ., magnesium car-
bonate
= 1-U(i ,. ,, sodium carbonate
= 0-44 ,. ,, combined carbonic
acid.
The remainder of the analytical data do not call for any
special remark. It will, of course, be understood that these
various acids and bases occur in combination with one another,
unless the contrary is distinctly expressed in any special case.
This remark is made because those unfamiliar with such
questions have before now drawn the conclusion from such a
report that the sulphuric acid recorded is free, and the water,
consequently, violently acid. The matter is clear on inspect-
ing the table of salts below the analytical data.
Before passing on to the question of calculated residues, it
will be best to glance at one method of statement of results
which is not uncommon, sometimes standing alone, sometimes
in conjunction with a table of salts. This method consists
in putting down in a table all the acids and bases found (the
soda must be included in this case), summing them, and deduct-
ing from the total the " oxygen corresponding to chlorine."
the balance after this operation being the amount of the cal-
culated residue.
As the meaning of this procedure may not be clear to all
some explanation is desirable.
A salt of an oxygenated acid (such as sulphuric acid, SO3,
or carbonic acid, COj) can be regarded as an additive coni-
pound of the acid with the base, and if the weights of the acid
and of the amount of the base corresponding with it are added
together the sum is the weight of the resulting salt. Thus, one
molecular proportion, 136 parts, of calcium sulphate, CaSO^,
may be regarded as made up of one molecular proportion
(.56 parts) of lime (CaO) and one molecular proportion (80 parts)
of sulphuric acid (80s).
If a water contained only calcium sulphate, for example,
and if the amounts of lime and of sulphuric acid were care-
fully estimated, we should obtain the total amount of the
calcium sulphate by simply adding these separate amounts
together.
Similarly, if a water contained only salts of these oxygenated
acids, and we estimated the amounts of all the acids and all
the bases, the sum of these amounts would equally be the
total amount of all the salts present.
The haloid salts, however, must be regarded as additive
compounds of the halogen element with a metal. Thus, cal-
cium chloride, GaCU, is formed by the combination of two
atomic proportions of chlorine with one atomic proportion of
calcium. One molecrdar proportion (111 parts) of calcium
chloride is not obtained by adding one molecular proportion
(56 parts) of lime (CaO) to'one molecular proportion (71 parts)
of chlorine (CU) ; but the correct result will be obtained if we
deduct the number of parts of oxygen displaced from the lime
by the chlorine— that is, 16 parts of oxygen for the 71 parts of
chlorine in question.
The corresponding operation (an arithmetical, not necessarily
a chemical operation) must be performed whenever we have to
combine chlorine with anv of the metallic bases, and find the
weight of the chloride produced. We shall have in each case
to add the chlorine and the corresponding quantity of the
base together, and then deduct 16 parts of oxygen for every
71 parts of chlorine.
Hence, in a complex mixture like a water residue, we can
find the total amount of all the salts present, whether haloid
or not, and without having to concern ourselves, unless we
choose, with the question of which acids are actually com-
bined with which bases. We merely arrange the amounts of
all the acids and bases in a table, and deduct from the sum of
the weights 16 parts of oxygen for every 71 parts of chlorine
present.
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 1'.). 1909.
731
The w<ater of which we have already given tiio analysis wuukl
be represented thus on this method : —
Grains per g;illiiii.
Lime (Ci.0) 'iT-O?
Magnesia (MgO) •')-45
Soda (Na.O) 'J'S.'i
Combined carbonic acid (COj) fl02
Sulphuric acid (SO3) 24-50
Chlorine (CI) 5-!W
Silica (SiO„) 2-2.'J
Oxide of iron, aliiminn, &c. (FojO,,, AljO,.) 1-27
75-04
Deduct for oxygen correa))onding with chl<]iine 1-34
73-70
And the result is identical with the total of the calculated salts
in the first analysis.
Differences in nomenclature may be noticed in different
chemists' reports. The substance SO^, which has been termed
■' sulphuric acid " hitherto, is very often recorded under the
name of " sulphuric anhydride," and sometimes under the
uncontroversial name of " sulphur trioxidc." Carbonic acid,
COj, may be named " carbonic anhydride," or " carbon
dioxide." The formula is usually given as well as the name
to avoid ambiguity. Salts have more than one name, which
differ slightly. Calcic carbonate, calcium carbonate and car-
bonate of lime arc three variants for this common substance,
which are used almost indifferently, and other salts have
similar sets of names, which arc, however, not likely to lead
to any confusion.
(To be continued )
THE INSTITUTION AND OTHER SOCIETieS.
Faraday House Old Students' Association. — The fifth
annual dinner of this Association will be held at the Queen's
Hotel, Leicester square, London, W.C, on Tuesday next,
Feb. 23, at 7 for 7:30 p.m., Mr. A. F. Berry, President, in the
chair.
Electric Power Supply. — Keferriug to our abstract of Mr.
G. L. Addeubrooke's last Cautnr lecture, which appeared on
p. 6S9 of our issue of February 5th, one of the lecturer's points
has been slightly misinterpreted. In di-cussing the methods
of pro'ecting circuits the author compared the time ele-
ment system, which was suitable for the simpler classes
of circuit, and the balanced transformer system, of which
the MerZ'Price arrangement was the most perfect ex-
ample, and which, if properly used, was capable of pro-
tecting complicated networks and constituted a real
advance in distribution methods. No comparison wa^
made between balanced transformer methods in general
^nd the Merz-Price system in particular.
" The Electron." — The January number of this maga
zinc is as full of good things as ever, though a caMial
glance through the proceedings of the Siemens Literar\
and Debating Society shows that the members possess
decidedly revolutionary tendencies. They are, in fact,
in favour of " Votes for Womeu " and total abstinence,
and the House of Lords seems to them to be an anachro-
nism of the worst kind. ]Mr. S. P. Smith continues his
reminiscences of life in German}-, in which he also does
nut lose the opportunity of lieing a teinpor.ance teacher.
The purely scientific articles include a " Note on a New
Hydrometer,'' by Mr. A. F. C. Pollard, and wo must call
attention to the excellent ilhistrations, which include
portraits of Messrs. Lee Murray and F. W. Schiller,
together with a group showing the delegates at the
International E'ectro-technical Commission.
Modern Methods of Artificial Illumination. — The first
of four Cantor lectures on this subject was delivered on Monday
last, at the Royal Society of Arts, hy Mr. Leon Gaster. The
author dealt only with electric lamps, and said he did not
believe that the carbon filament lamp would be rapidly super-
seded by those in which metal filaments were employed. He
emphasised the point that recent improvements in metal fila-
ment lamps allowed the light to be employed economically
under more favourable phj siologieal conditions ; and remarked
that too much attention was paid to increased efficiency, the
efl'ect of the illuminant upon sight being frequently disre-
garded. Kecent improvements in are lamps and vapour lamps
were also considered by the lecturer, who believed that phos-
phorescent methods of ilkimination might eventually be em-
ployed. In the second lecture, to be delivered on Monday
next, gas lighting .systems will be considered.
Institution of Electrical Engineers. — At the meeting last
week llie president, Mr. W. M. Monley, mentioned that it
was the last occasion on which they would see Mr. Lloyd in
his position as secretary. Mr. Lloyd had served the Institu-
tion well and faithfully for five years and had become the
friend of many of the members. The president also announced
that the Council had appointed Mr. P. F. Kowell as Mr. Lloyd's
successor. Mr. Rowell had been first assistant in the office
for eight years and was, no doubt, well known to many mem-
bers. Ho was sure all their good wi.shcs and good-will went
with Mr. Lloyd, and he hoped, and believed, that Mr. Piowell
would be a woithy successor to him. At the close of the
meeting Mr. Mordcy mentioned that the Corps of Electrical
Kngineers (London Division) was anxious to increase its
-trength. A circular lo that etVect had been sent to the Insti-
tution and a representative of the corps was in attendance in
the tea room to give information to anybody desiring it. He
strongly commended the matter to the younger members of
the audience.
The Counci have elected Mr. A. H. AValton to tlie seit
on the Council rendered vacant by the retirement of
Prof. A. Schwartz. Mr. Walton was connected with pioneer
work with the Telegraph Construction it Jlaintenanee Co.
and the Great Western Railway Co. In 1805 he was appointed
engineer to the Metropolitan Electric Supply Co., and is now
chief engineer to the British Thomson Houston Co., and
manager of their heavy traction department.
B T. H. AMPERE HOUR METER.
.\mpere-huur meters, because of iheii- general simplicity, reliability
and small lossos, are now in general use for measiu-ing the units con-
sumed on continuous current circuits. The British Thomson-
Houston Company ha* dcvc'.oi>ed and placed on the market an
unproved type of mercury ampere-hour meter, for which they claim
material advantages over most other ampere-horn' meters.
The characteristic error ciu-ve closely approximates a straight line
from the lowest loid to full load, the meter starting easily with a load
732
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBEUARY 19, 1909.
equal to ^ per cent, of its rated capacity. Friction having been
reduced to a minimum, compounding, which introduces hysteresis
errors and other trouble, is unnecessary. The continued accuracy of
a meter is dependent largely on the ratio of (he driving torque to the
weight of the moving element. In the B.T.-H. meter this ratio is
practically the maximum pos.sible.
The principle underlying the action is that of an ordinary electric
motor, the permanent" magnet (see Fig. 1) providmg the magnetic
field in which the copper cup acts as the conductor or armature, com-
mutation being effected by the mercury in which the cup is immersed.
The current is led into the mercury bath at the top and out at the
bottom, on the extreme edge of the cup, passing through the strongest
and most concentrated part of the magnetic field produced by the
permanent magnet.
The meter is calibrated by alterhig the electrical cu-cuit, and not by
distorting the magnetic field, the former method giving a very per-
manent calibration. Also mercury friction, which is so detrimental
to the accuracy of most mercury meters, has been practically elimi-
nated by working with very high torque and strong braking forces.
The mechanical friction is very small, owuig to the extremely light
pressure on the jewelled bearing. This is obtained by counter-
balancing the weight of the moving element by the thrust of the
mercury, thus ensuring long life for the pivot and jewel. The total
losses in this meter have thus been reduced to an extremely low
figure.
The mercury sealing device is carefully designed, and when sealed
for transportation, the packing securely clamps the spindle and com-
pletely fills the air space around it. This renders it impossible for the
mercury to leak, the chamber being completely sealed. All parts of
the meter, an exterior view of which is given in Fig. 2, are made of
metal, which will not warp with changes of temperature or excessive
heat. In the electrical. circuit there are no butt joints, all being
soldered. The relative resistance cannot, therefore, change due to
contact surfaces oxidising ; the calibration, once made, is permanent.
All parts are made standard and interchangeable, and should any
part become damaged it can be easily replaced from stock. This type
(known as M. H.) of meter is calibrated to read B.O.T. units at any
specified pressure up to and including 600 volts.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN MACHINE STOKING.*
BY A. W. BENNIS.
(Con'inued from p. 696.)
Coking Stokers.
C!oking stokers as a clas.s are admittedly an absolute preventive
of black smoke, or an}' smoke, when not worked beyond their limits.
and in addition undoubtedly have tlie advantage of preventing the
emission of grits, dust, or small particles of coke from the chimnev
top. when not used in conjunction with an over-strong fan di'aught.
The limits of coking stokers up to the present time are : — ( 1 ) The
inability of the fire to light back at more than a certain speed is due
to the lowering of the temperature below combustion point if too
much fuel is fed to the fire, which induces the absorption of heat by
the mechanical and chemical action of the distillation of the hydro-
carbons, or smoke producing volatile portion of the fuel. This
speed of lighting back therefore limits the rate at which fuel can be
fed, with the logical sequence of limiting the total amount of fuel
« hi(-h can be burnt upon a coking stoker grate.
(2) The cohesion of the mass of coked incandescent fuel passing
slowly down the furnace grate, preventing the air blowing through
the coke with any great velocity, produces relatively somewhat
■sluggish combustion, which is not entii'ely overcome by the nume-
rous types of moving bars with projections upon them. In order
to increase the rate of combustion, induced and fan draught have
been advocated in conjunction with coking stokers with a certain
amount of success, but with also certain gx-ave disadvantages, due
not to the induced or fan draught, but to the inability of the exist-
ing types of coking stokers to take full advantage thereof. With
the increased supply of au- the rate of lighting back is increased, but
not m direct proportion to the excess of air supplied, so that while
increasing the rate of combustion the lighting-back effect cannot
keep pace with the extra burning capacitv of the induced or fan
draught supplied, with the result that excess of air enters through
the back end of the bars destroying high economical efficiency.
It is an undoubted and admitted fact that the coking "type of
stoker properly handled is both smokeless and gritless. For the
la-.t four or five years we have been experimentmg with a view to
* Paper read before the Bradford Engineering Societv. Slightly
abbreviated. . '^^ 6"^'J
producing a coking stoker which would greatly increase the boiler
capacity and would yet retam the smokeless, gritle.ss properties of
the coking type. We have gradually perfected a machine which
does all this and while extremely simple and of few working parts
yet gives : — High furnace temperature, high evaporative duty,
high economical efficiency, and flexibility.
This New " Bennis " Patent High-temperature Coking Stoker
consists in a machine having a hopper into which the fuel is fed in
any ordinary way. Underneath this hopper cut-offs are provided
to entirely isolate the hopper of coal from the fire at such times that
it is desired to have the machine stopped or to bank up fires at night.
Underneath the cut-offs duplicate feed boxes are located with
reciprocating feeder rams which feed the coal into the furnace
alternately and intermittently. Between the boxes a sight -hole
door is provided, so that the state of the fire can be ascertained by
peering through the sight-hole door. The sight-hole is a compara-
tively large orifice, so that a perfect view of the fire can be had.
The mechanism for working the pusher rams consists of a j^au- of
double liighly chilled adjustable scroll cams controlled by handnuts,
and the feed of coal can be adjusted by this means from nothing up
to the maximum by infinitesimal giadations. Each feed box has
its own control.
Below the feeder boxes a large, wide fire door is provided, which
cuts off anv air from entering the furnace at the front. Below the
rp . 2.— Bi:nms Chain Gpate fBACK Vikw .
fire door a series of live dead-plate bars are provided. The usual
plan, as is well known, in coking stokers is to have a dead-plate, but
the high temperature " Bennis " coking stoker has a live plate com-
po.sed nf lit ill- bars. The reasons for this will be clear later. Below
these Ir,. .I.ad |il;ite bars the main furnace, consisting of the power-
ful '■ I'ltniiis ,--f If-cleaning compressed air bars, is .situated and
moves to and fro below- the live dead-plate bars. The two outside
compressed air bais, however, have only a very small movement, so
that the fuel does not travel as rapidly away from the front as in
the rest of the furnace. The effect of this combination is that there
is always a white hot fire near the front at the two sides and the blast
of au- through the fine ah- spaces of the bars and of the live dead-
plate bars is such that the whole of the fuel being fed across the fiic
is lighted up within a few inches of the live dcad-platc bars at such
a speed that the machine will burn about as much as a high tem-
jierature sprinkling stoker.
In the ordinary coking stoker the fuel after being coked travels
along the bars in a more or less homogeneous mass tlirough which
it is somewhat difficult to force the an. but as the coked fuel leaves
the live dead-plate on the ' Bennis" coker it has to tumble over
several inches, and as it tumbles over, the mass of partially coked
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 19, 1909.
733
fuel breaks up into smaller pieces, allowing free play through the
lumps of incandescent coke, and making the firebed porous instead of
a semi-solid mass. The fuel is travelled backwards along the com-
jiressed air furnace bars, meeting as it passes varied pressures of air
from the compressed au' bars, and these air pressures are propor-
tioned to the thickness of the fire on the grate at each point, so that
the rated amount of air is automatically fed in to burn tlie fuel that
is on the bars. At the latter end of the furnace a dumping plate is
))rovided, so that the clinker may not drop off the end of the bars
and leave a bare space. This is only one of the important improve-
ments effected.
The power of rapidly lighting back gives the power of feeding a
much larger amount of fuel on to the furnace and getting it burnt,
and the sciiibbin;: .if the coke by the air blowii into the fire through
the very liin' :iir N|i;ires of the compressed au' furnace bars gives the
high and even Inriiace temperature which is associated with the
name of " Bennis." This explains how the first claim of high fur-
nace temperature is substantiated, and it follows that the second
and third claims of high evaporative duty and high economical
eflSciency are also substantiated.
Flexibility is attained by the power of controlling the air supply
to the compressed air firrnace bars and in conjunction with the
damper of the boiler is sufficient to quickly alter the rate of com-
bustion «ithin very wide limits. This control may be made auto-
matic, as has been done for many years witli i>vu' olrler tyjies of
stokers.
There are only two adjustments for the fireman to make. In one,
the rate of feed is controlled by a nut. and in the other air supply is
controlled by a valve. Thus it is safe to say that this is extremely
easy to manipulate and simple to understand.
The feed motion is so simple and contains so few parts that it will
be seen there is no possibility of heavy repau's on this portion of the
mechanism, and the fire does not make the whole furnace front red
hot. and the live dead-plate bars keep the fire further from the front
of the boiler than is usual. This means low upkeep and low repairs,
and it also means that as the fire is taken further into the flue of the
boiler there is no possibility of injuring the boiler front.
Chain Grate Stokers.
These stokers are really coking stokers without rams, the bars
performing this function. These machines are only applicable to
water-tube or undcrfired boilers and are not smokeless without an
incandescent arch of considerable length — it is safe to say that most
of the stokers, certainly all those of the coking type, would be smoke-
less were they us3d in conjunction with as long a heated arch as that
used in connection with chain grates. Where, however, the heating
surface is large compared with the width of the boiler these machines
sliow to advantage because they can be made of great length, so
enabling a large grate area to be utilised.
The Babeoek & Wilcox chain grate stoker consists of an endless
chain of short grato bars, supported by rollers laid on side frames ;
thrs3 latter are provided Avith wheels arranged on rails so that the
frame and gx-ate can be drawn out from the brickwork setting.
The grate revolves over a drum at each end. Coal is fed from a
hopper outside the furnace on to the grate whicli projects under the
hopper, and the depth of fuel passing on to the grate is regulated by
the fire door or grate which can be raised or lowered by gear. The
travel of the grate carries the fuel along slowly under an arch, which,
being incandescent, lights up the fuel, and causes the distilled
hydrocarbons to pass over the rear portion of grate, like the prin-
ciple of the coking stoker ; so. given sufficient excess of air. there is
no smoke whatever. Dumping bars are provided. overlap])ing the
end of the grates to prevent the fuel getting down between the ends
of the links and jambing. and also to prevent the undue admis.sion
of cold an-. The clinker is lifted and passed over the end of dump-
ing bars and on to a balanced dumping valve, whence it is dumped
by hand as necessity arises.
The grate is driven by worm and wheel, ratchet and \k\\\\ from
eccentric and rod on the inain drive shaft. Speed may be varied by
altering the pawl on the ratchet. Vanes are arranged like fly
dampers under the rear of the grate for cutting off air supply at the
rear of the grate when desired.
The recent improvements consist in a new link with closer air
space which does not allow so much small coal to riddle tlirough into
the ash-pit. The dumping bars are lowered somewhat so that their
noses are below the level of the grate, tending to preserve them from
burning out as they are less exposed to the action of the fire. The
drive, instead of being by ratchet and pawl, is now by chain to a
Panhard change speed gear box. and is therefore continuous. Pro-
vision is made for the regulation of speed by the change speed gear.
Slack of chain can now be taken up from the front end instead of the
back.
Bennis CImin Grate. — The Bennis chain grate stoker with Milkr-
Bennett link was the first chain grate, with very fine air spaces, to
satisfactorily burn fine slack coals.
The stoker consists of ajiopper arranged below the tube doors, so
that ready access to the tubes is available, the hopper being fitted
with a sliding door, which can be fixed in any position when hand-
firing is necessary. The back of the hopper is also sealed in. a care-
fully designed air-seal preventing the leakage of air tlirough the fire
doors into the fiu'nace. High efficiencies and duties on chain grates
we have proved to depend almost entirely on the eflficienliair sealing
of the grate in front, at the sides, and at the back.
A cut-off slide, self contained inside the stoker hopper, with operat-
ing arm is provided to prevent the fuel from travelling on to the fire,
if required. Vertically sliding hand-fired doors, lined with refrac-
tory bricks, are provided. The continuous driving of the grate is
effected by means of a worm and large worm wheel entirel3' enclosed
and driven by means of gearing from a flexible belt with several
speeds. A very light belt is used for driving, which «ould be thrown
out of action should any undue strain arise from an obstruction on
the grate.
The links forming the grate are so constructed that they are halved
together and rounded at their ends. The upper surface of the grate
therefore remains continuous across the jmiction of each pak of
finks, and there is no opening into which ashes or clinker can fall.
or an excessive quantity of air gain admission, even at the ends where
the chain passes over the revolving mechanism. The grate a))p3ars
serrated and the air spaces more evenly divided than is possible with
the ordinary tyj)e of link. The slack of the chain is taken up by
tension bolts and nuts from the front end onl)'.
The objectionable dumping bar. which constantly burns out, is
entirely eliminated by the improved design of this stoker. Ashes
and clinker tip over on to an air seal from whence they can be
removed as required without stopping the running of the stoker, or
interfering with its mechanism. It is claimed that this improve-
ment is one of the most considerable that has been made in chain
grate stokers during the last fifty years. By its introduction the
continual trouble of burning out dumping bars and their replacement
is eliminated.
" Bennis" patent side ah- seals at the side of the grate both
between the frame and cUl plates and between the frame and side
links and at the back of grate are jirovidcd. The.se side air seals
are formed by the casting of a deix-nding rib proceeding from the
cill plates, on "which the side walls of the fvnnace are built. -A trough
is fitted on to the top of the chain grate frame sides into which the
depending rib dips. The trough is then filled up on both sides with
fine sand or ashes, but were this not done it would fill up automa-
tically by the action of the chain grate. These troughs form a side
to the links and the pocket formed along the sides of clinker and a.sh
forms a protecting bank effectually protecting the troughs and the
side cill plates from the action of the fire. It also prevents the
inrush of an- at this point, which would cause inten.se combustion
along the sides of the grate, and tend to burn out the brickwork.
The amount of side play possible also makes the grate very easily
withdrawable from the boiler, but at the bottom of these side
troughs a small lip is cast, projecting under the side links forming an
effective air seal between the side links and the troughs. This
stoker is unique in having these effective side seals. A rear view of
the Bennis chain grate is given in Pig. 2.
(To he cotidiiilcd.)
LEGAL INTELLIGENCE.
♦
Attorney-General lEx rel. India Rubber, Gutta Peicha & Telegraph
Works Co.) V. West Ham Corporation,
On Tuesday, bef..ro .Mr. Justice Neville, .i motion v.:i> made on behalf
of plaintiffs for an interim injunction to restrain the appUcation of a rate
to the payment of an overdraft said to have been mcurred for the elec-
tricitv supply undertaking.
Mr" Macmorran. K.C., and Mr. Joshua Siholetield appeared for plam-
tiffs, and .Mr. Danekwerts. K.C.. and Jlr. Morten for defendants.
Mr M\iMORBAN said that the action raised a question of considerable
importance. Tlic overdrafts in question were over drafts which appeared
in the accounts of the Corporation published for March 31, 1908. These
accounts, he should show, included accounts as required by the Electric
Lighting Act of 1882 and were furnished in accordance with the require-
ments of that Act. There was cash due to the bankei's on capital account
£90 949 and on revenue account £44.952. 12s.. making £135.iMX) odd.
The suggestion on the part of the lelaters was that this represented an
unlawful or rather an illegal borrowing, a borrowing without due sanction
as required by Act of Parliament. As to the other part of the claim it
related to mterest in connection with the overdraft and appeared to
amount to £3,570 on capital account and £1,647 on i-cvcnue account.
F 2
734
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 19, 1909.
Mr. Justice Neville : Wliat you are seeking to restrain is a rate being
raised for an illegal borrowing on the part of a local authority ?
Mr AIacmorran ; Yes. Under the Electric Lighting Act of 1882 local
acts and provisional orders. The defence was that this was a mere book-
keeping entry, and there was in reality no overdraft at all. Defendants
contended that they were entitled to have his lordship look into the whole
of the accounts to see whether they were in credit at the bank or not.
His submission was that the Court must deal with the electric lighting
accounts as they appeared in the balance-sheet and with regard to the
electric lighting must deal with the Corporation as undertakers of a
separate matter. It was not intended that the other accounts should be
dealt with to see whether the electricity cost was paid out of the borough
funds. On the balance-sheet as issued by the Council there was an over-
draft that was not authorised by Act of Parliament, and he submitted
he was entitled to restrain the making of a rate to meet that overdraft.
Mr. D.\NCKWERTS : The bank manager has put in an affidavit in which
he says there is no overdraft. He did not know whether his lordship
was aware the whole thing was ready for a speedy trial
Mr. Macmorran said that was not so. They desired discovery.
His Lordship said that if the Corporation would undertake to keep
matters in statu qito until the trial he did not see the necessity of hearing
the motion.
Mr. Macmorra-s said he would not ask for more than that.
Mr. Danckwerts said it was a practical impossibility to give such an
undertaking because the whole of the accounts had been worked out
long ago. He was quite agreeable that the motion should stand over
until trial, costs being reserved, and moreover, he would undertake to
conduct the business and carry it on in a regular way.
Mr. Macmorran said that "what plaintiffs submitted was that certain
accounts had been published with reference to the electric lighting under-
taking, which showed a large overdraft, and the Corporation had no
right to have any cash due to the bank for any consideration whatever.
The Coqjoration said, taking the whole of the accounts, there w^as no
overdraft, and, therefore, with regard to that particular undertaking it
was a mere paper thing. If the Corporation would give an undertaking
that no money should be applied in working off what was called " cash
due to the bank " until the trial then the purpose of the motion would
have been obtained. They could borrow what money they liked if this
did not come upon the ratepayers to recoup them. Under the Electric
Lighting Act of 1882 provisions were made by the Board of Trade with
regard to a number of bodies and amongst them were local authorities
for the supply of electricity. A provisional order was made authorising
the Corporation of West Ham to supply electricity within their district.
Any expenses incurred by a local authority under the Act (including
any expenses for obtaining any licence, order or sjiecial ."ict) should be
defrayed out of the local rate, and the Corporation had jjowcr to cause
such rates to be levied for defraying such expenses. Such expenses
were to be admitted to be special expenses under the Public Health Act.
His lordship would follow that so far there was provision for obtaining
the money as it was required. Sec. 8 was the borrowing section. That
provided that a local authority might from time to time bon'ow under
such provisions and restrictions as to repayment of loans as set forth in
the schedule of the Act. That meant that they required the sanction of
the Local Government Board. It was sufficient for his purpose to say
that for the purposes of the Act or foj' the purpose of supplying electri-
city, the local authority could not borrow money except with the consent
of the L.G. Board and for permanent works. West Ham Corporation
obtained their provisional order in 1892 and this was confirmed by Act
of Parliament. That Act contained a provision that the moneys received
be the undertakers except borrowed moneys and moneys arising from
the disposal of land might be applied in payment of working expenses,
establishment charges, cost of maintaining the undertaking, payment of
interest or dividend on stock or other security in respect of money bor-
rowed for electrical purposes, provision for a sinking fund, and invest
any balance on trust securities until the fund had reached one-tenth of
the aggregate capital, and after making provision for any extraordinarv
claim apply the balance to cred't of local rate or general district rate or,
at their option, apply it for improving the district, provided always that
the price of energy should be reduced so as to reduce any surplus to the
amount of 5 per cent., any deficiency on any one year to be charged on
and payable out of the local rates. The point w'as this : The under-
taking meant the electrical undertaking carried on, which was a separate
undertaking quite apart from any other undertaking. Its only connec-
tion with the local rates was that any surplus went into the local rates
and any deficit came out of the local rates of that year. West Ham
Corporation had to prepare their accounts in a prescribed form and
Ijresent them to the Board of Trade, and those accounts showed an over-
draft, which plaintiffs said was illegal. Altogether, taking revenue and
capital account, they showed an amount owmg to the bank of
j:i3fi,noi. Ifis. 4d. This, plaintiffs said, represented money borrowed
for the undertaking over and above that for which sanction had been
obtained and was, therefore, an illegal borrowing which the Corporation
liad no ])ower whatever to make. As to the interest on the ovcidrafl
tliat, plaintiffs said, represented the payment of interest on an illegaFb<.r.
rowing which had been going on for some years, and now they sought to
restrain them paying it. The Corporation were in this dilemma. ^ This
was a statutory account rendered under sec. i) of the Act of 188'> and
whether it was a correct statement or not they must assume it to be
eorrect. That account showed that the electric lighting undertakincr
uul borrowed from the bank money which they were not authorised tS
.orrow. The defendants set up iho ingenious plea that thev kept all
heir money in one stocking, and that so long as there was money there
' ney could draw upon it. It was only by bringing in other accounts that
it could be suggested that there was not a deficit on the electricity
account.
At the conclusion of counsel's remarks, his Lordship said he thought it
was a ease for a speedy trial, but that he ought not to interfere by way of
interlocutory injunction. If he now granted the injunction asked for it
might have the effect of throwing a public lighting concern into disorder.
As the case might come on for trial in a very short time he thought he
might let the motion stand over until the trial. Either party might have
liberty to apply to advance as soon as the action was ready for hearing.
Mr. D.\NCKWERTS said he wished to say at once, on behalf of the Cor-
poration, that they were not indebted to the bank at all. The indebted-
ness existed merely in the imagination of a gentleman for whom he had
the highest respect and whose respect he hoped to retain.
The motion was accordingly ordered to stand till the trial, costs being
reserved.
Dixon V. Blackpool & Fleetwood Tramroad Co.
On Monday the Divisional Court (London) gave judgment in this
appeal of plaintiff from a decision of the justices of Lancashire, sitting
at Kirkham. The facts were given in our issue for Jan. 29, and raised a
question as to whether the local tramways were liable to bn rated at
more than one-fourth their assessable value. The justices declined to
issue a distress warrant for the full amount of the assessment, but made
an order for one-fourth that amount, namely, £225. 15s. 8d. They stated
a case for the opinion of the High Court. The Court (Mr. Justice Big-
ham disagreeing) held that the justices were right, and now dismissed ths
appeal, with costs.
Maatschappij van Radiotelegraphie v. Marconi's Wireless
Telegrapli Co.
On Tuesday, before Mr. Justice Bray, plaintiffs sought to recover on
throe bills of exchange of a total value of £1.300 drawn by plaintiff's and
alleged to have been accepted by defendant company, dated Djc, 1, 1907,
and due in six months.
Mr. CJoRE Brown. K.C, explained that the bills, which became pay-
able on June 4, 1908. were for £500, £500 and £300 respectively, and were
accepted by Mr. H. Cuthbert Hall, the then managing director of defen-
dant company, and countersigned by the secretary, Mr. H. W, Allen,
The defence was that Mr. Hall had no authority to bind the company,
that there was no consideration, and that there had been misrepresenta-
tion. Mr. Brown put in the- memorandum and articles of association of
defendant company showing that it had power to give such bills, and
that the directors had power to delegate that authority to the managing
director.
After formal evidence.
Mr. ScRUTTON. K.C, said that Mr. Hall had no power to make the bills
in question. Accounts had been put in showing those bills appearing as
liabilities of the company, but during the period covered by these ac-
counts there was a cpiarrel going on between Mr. Hall and the directors
as to a question of policy, v/hich resulted in Mr. Hall leaving the company
in March, 1908. When he left the company repudiated the bills, and
the directors had never seen. the entries in question. At that time the
company was in the course of forming various subsidiary companies to
deal with its properties in various countries. Mr. Weiss possessed cer-
tain concessions in Holland regarding the Dutch colonies which he had
been trying to float into a company. On April 10, 1907, Mr. Hall and
the secretary signed, subject to the approval of the board, an agreement
with Mr. Weiss as promoter of the Dutch company. The Dutch com-
pany was formed, but the Marconi Comp.any, which was to sell certain
rights, said that they had not approved the articles of association, and
were therefore not liable for these bills, which were given in respect of 18
shares, for which the defendant company subscribed, beyond 270 which
had been allotted to them.
Directors of defendant company said that they never authorised Mr.
Hall to give the bills to a company of which they never approved.
Mr. Cuthbert Hall gave evidence for the Dutch company. He said
that with regard to the acceptance of the bills, other bills had been
accepted by him, and there had never been any complaint.
Mr. Justice Bray, in delivering judgment, said it was clear that there
was authority for Mr. Hall to sign bills. With regard to alterations
made in the articles of association of the Dutch company, of which the
Marconi Company did not approve, he (his lordship) thought the manag-
ing directors were entitled to have them altered, because they knew it
would be necessary according to Dutch law. Defendants had failed to
prove that there was niisreiucsentation or no consideration. Jiidginent
must, therefore, be for plaintiffs fur the amount claimed, with costs.
A stay of execution w.is fji.mtcd.
J. Richmond & Sons v. Lorden & Sons.
In the Official Referee's Court, on Tuesday, Mr. Verey. K.C. com-
menced the hearing of an action brought by plaintiffs to recover £79. 10s.
liaLince .illeaed as due for the construction and erection of an electric
lift on defendants' premises. The lift was erected in March last year
for about £2r,(). Defendants refused to pay on the ground that the work
was iii.iiiiiiili'tc- rmd defective.
Mr. \\ hatcly appeared for plaintiffs and Mr. Todd for defendants.
Witnesses were called by ]jlaintiffs to refute the various complaints by
defendants, and .Mr. Btrnett. formerly assistant manager to plaintiffs,
said it was quite ])0ssible that a bearing of the stuffing-box type would
get hot if the cotton packing was allowed to get hard and the bearing was
screwed up too tightly. The electrical contacts in the motor house were
bound to get burnt with use, but lie denied that the switches were made
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 19, 1909.
735
of soft iiK-tal. Hammered copper was used, but, of course, if the contacts
were allowed to lie unduly burnt through improper use the metal would
soften. If the attendant used the switches improperly by breaking the
contact too quickly it would cause " arcing " and fusion of the metal,
thus softening it. A competent electric lift attendant would not do that
but would u.se his switches so that burning of the contact would be
icduced to a minimum. On several occasions he saw the lift when it was
only in charge of a boy. and once when the lift attendant was working it
he allowed the cage to overrun on to the top of the cutout switch. No
competent lift man would have done that. He was sure that the mate-
rials used in the lift were as required by the contract, and defendants'
representative expressed his satisfaction when the lift was taken over on
March .31. No complaint was made at that time. With an electric lift, if
there were any vibration it was nearly always in the gear. The noise the
gear made would be transmitted down the rope,s and thus become
apparent to those in the cage, but no vibration would be felt. He denied
that the controller or the starting switch in the cage were unsuitable to
the lift and would continue to be a source of trouble, however m\ich it
might be repaired. The whole job was a first class one. aiul there was
nothing inferior either in the workmanship or the material.
Mr. .Marry ATT (Messrs. Marryatt & Place) stated that his (irm entered
into a maintenance contract for the lift in question. If they had inspci'ted
the lift, say. once a week that would have obviated the stoppages. It was
a mere matter of adjustment. There was no electric lift against which
complaints could not be made. With very heavy and continuous work
there was no electric lift which was absolutely proof against breakdowns.
This was an average electric lift. He thought the controller was sufficient
for the work the lift had to do. It had an exceptional number of journeys
to perform per day. He should consider the lift ought to perform satis-
factorily 1."; journeys per hour with a full load of J ton per hour. If the
worm-wheel had been ground in by actual use it would have worked
without noise and vibration. Considering the work the lift had to do
the controller wanted constant attention. If a more powerful controller
had been supplied that would have been obviated to a large extent. He
had tested the lift with a i ton load and there Wivs a groat deal of noise.
Mr. P. A. Sh-^rman, consulting engineer, said he had inspected the lift
and had read the reports and the contract. He should describe the work
the lift was required to do as heavy but considered the controller was a
]x'rfectly proper one. He agreed with the evidence of Mr. Burnett.
For the defence. >Ir. Henderson was called, and declared that the lift
had never been satisfactory ; it made a great deal of noise, and there was
considerable vibration. The attendant employed to work the lift was
thoroughly compctont and no complaints had been received from those
using the lift.
.Mr. Gilbert Rdsenbi'Sch said he had examined the lift and found it
defective. The only way of stopping the lift was by the ordinary brake,
and if any oil got ou that brake the attendant was not to be blamed for
overrunning. The controller was not suitable. The whole thing was a
slipshod, slovenly piese of work ; the wheels were rough and should have
been properly ground in before the lift was installed in the defendants'
promises.
The evidence having concluded. the.Official Referee re icrved judgmcat
in order to make a personal examination of the lift.
MUNICIPAL, FOREIGN & GENERAL NOTES.
APPOINTMENTS VACANT AND HLLED.
Gloucester Corporation invito applications for the a))pointmcitt
of chief electrical engineer at their electricity and refuse destructor
Works. The per.^on appointed will be required to superintend the
whole of the staff and to be responsible for the proper inaint<>nance
of the plant and mains, the efKcient and economical working of the
station, &e. Further particulars are given in an advertisement.
Applications must reach the town clerk {Mr. Geo. Sheffield Blake-
way), Guildhall. Gloucester, by noon Thursday, March 4.
The Council of the Metropolitan Borough of St. Marylebone invite
applications for the post of electrical engineer and general manager
(jf tlieir electricity de))artment. Candidates must have had consider-
able ex]iciiencc in important electricity undertakings, and have a
s(]und knowledge of the commercial management of electricity works.
Candidates, who must slate salary required, must send in applica-
tions to the town clerk (Mr. Jas. Wilson), Town Hall. St. :\Iaryle-
boiie, W., by 3 p.m. of March 3. See also an advertisement.
The Governing Body of the Northampton Polytechnic Institute,
('lerkenwell, London, invite applications for the position of assistant
junior demonstrator in electrical engineering laljoralories : full
time. Salary £80 per annum. Particulars, with forms of applica-
tion (which should be returned not later than 10 a.m. of Kcl>. ^S^)
from the Principal (Dr. MuUineaux Walmsley). See also an adver-
tisement.
An electrical engineer, thoroughly familiar with the electrical and
mechanical design of d.c. motors, is required ; must l)e a technical
graduate and wTitc and speak English. See advcrti-seiucnt.
A telegraph superintendent o.igincer is refiuired for Sotithern
Nigeria for two (ours of 12 months, to be extended at option of
Government. Salary £400 rising to £500 per annum by annual in-
crements of £20. Applications to the Crown Agents for the Colonies,
Whitehall-gardens. London. S.W.. uj) to Feb. 22. See also an
advertisement.
.'V chemist is wanted for paint and varnish works ; must have had
special knowledge of insulating varnishes and paint* for electrical
trade. See an advertisement.
Tlie Institution of Electrical Engineers require an accountant-clerk,
to take charge of accounts and to assist the secretary in general w^ork
of office. Salary £200 per annum. Applications to the Secretary,
02. Victoria-street, London, S.W., by Feb. 26. See an advertisement.
The Yorkshire Electric Power Co. require a sales engineer, to can-
vass prospective consumers. Applicant.s must be at least 25 years of
age. and have had a sound technical and practical engineering train-
ing. Salary £3 per week, with commission on business secured.
Applications t^o Mr. W. B. Woodhouse. Yorkshire Electric Power Co.,
Tliornhill, near Dewsbury. See an advertisement.
Mr. R. N. Duncan has been appointed manager of the London
office (Thanet House, 231-2, Strand, W.C.) of A. & P. Steven, elec-
tric and hydraulic lift makers, of Glasgow.
Mr. G. R. Askwith. K.C., has been appointed Comptroller-General
of the Commercial. Labour and Statistics Department!? of the Board
of Trade, and Mr. W. T. Franks has been appointed Comptroller-
General of Patents, on the approaching retirement of Sir C. N. Dalton-
EDUCATIONAL NOTICES.
South-Westem Polytechnic, London.— Prof. H. A. .Miers, D.Sc.,
F.R.S., Principal of the University of London, will present the prizes
and certificates to students at the evening classes and day college
on March 12 at 8 p.m.
Borough Polytechnic. —The Kith annual distribution of prizes and
certificates took place on Monday. The report stated that a large-
number of .succes.ses had been gained in the advanced and honourss
stages than in the previous year. Th" prizes and oertiticates were
presented by Sir Philip Magnus."'
Ashtonunder-Lyne.— Application has been made to the L.fi
Board for sanction to a loan of £2,040 for a new boiler and an in
duced draught fan.
The borough electrical engineer (.\lr N. Appelbee) has prepared a
further report on the necessary extensions of generating plant and
buildings, &c., and the total cost is put at £50,464,
A revi.sed scale of oha.ges for electricity for lighting and power ha.s
been adopted and meter rents have also been reduced.
Barton (Lanes.)— The Board of Trade have approved the proposed
transfer of the Council's electric lighting order to the Lancashire
Electric Power ('o.
Bethnal Green (London). — Shoreditch Council are to be permitted
to supply current to certain premises in Bethnal Green, subject to the
consumers ceasing to receive electricity from that source when a
supply is olUainable from within the Bethnal Green area.
Bournemouth. — In reference to the note which appeared in our
issu" for Feb. 5 (p. 662) as to the discussion in the Council on the
management of the tramways system, we are asked to state that,
while Mr. C. Barber (the engineer and traffic manager) thanked the
Tramways committee for the compliment paid him in recommending
him for the position of general manager under the new scheme of
administration, the question of open competition having been raised,
he (Mr. Barber) jireferred this course, which was eventually adopted
by the Council.
Bremer Arc Lamp Patent.— The British Westinghouse Electric
& Mfg. Co. have given notice of appeal from the recent decision of
the Comptroller-Ceneral of Patents revoking this patent. The de-
cision was reported in full in nur last issue (p. 697).
Carlisle as an Industrial Centre.— If our geography is not at
fault we believe w'c are right in saying that Carlisle is the most nor-
therly city in England. If we may judge by the pamphlet recently
issued by the Corporation drawing attention to the many manufac-
turing advantages which may be obtained in Carlisle, it is also in-
habited by hard-headed business men. We notice among the advan-
tages that an abundant supply of electricity for power purjjoses is
available at reasonable rates. Carlisle is well known as a large rail-
wav centre and possesses for this reason exceptional transport facili-
ties. During th? last few years this city has. however, become more
of an industrial town, owing to the fact that the conditions under
which land can be obtained are very favourable. We advise those
of our readers who are on the look out for new sites to keep Carlisle in
mind.
736
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 19, 1909,
Chipping Norton.— At a special meeting the Council recently
asscntpd to Iho apiilicalion of the Chipping Norton Electric Light &
I'ower Co. I'cir a pidvisJDnal order.
Country House Lighting. — Dumfries House. Ayrshire, one of the
largest man.sion houses in Scotland, with the home farm and ad-
joining buildings, is to be equipped with an electric lighting instal-
lation, and electrical energy is also to be supplied to a threshing
mill and a saw mill on the Cumnock estate. Acting on instructions
received from the Marquis of Bute, a scheme has been prepared by
Messrs. James E. Sayers & Caldwell, of Glasgow, who recently com-
pleted a water-power installation for electric lighting and domestic
water supply at Mochrum Castle, another of his lordship's Scottish
mansions, and Messrs. T. M. MacKay & Co.. Ayr. have been en-
trusted with the carrying out of the contract to their instructions.
The installation will include a 40 B.n r. two-cj'liiider Diesel engine
(running on shale or Texas oil) direct coupled to a British Thomson-
Houston dynamo booster set, and a storiige battery of 55 Tudor cells
will be provided, having a capacity of 970 ampere-hours, with end
regulating cells switched in automatically by a Bertram Thomas regu-
lator fitted on the main switchboard. There will be over 800 105-volt
metallic filament lamps and several motors connected to the installa-
tion. The wiring will be carried out with solid-drawn steel conduit,
except at ceiling fitting points, where Hexible steel tubing with brass-
screwed connectors of special design will be used to facilitate exact ad-
justment of the joint boxes for flexible conductors to convenient posi-
tions above small holes bored in the decorated ceilings, and also at
certain points for carrying main and sub-main cables. The under-
ground mains, insulated by vulcanised bitumen, will be laid, under
the supervision of the cable maker, in haskinised wood troughing filled
in with plastic bitumen and covered with tiles.
Droylsien. — Manchester Electricity committee have informed the
Council that they are preparing a scheme for giving a sui)])ly of elec-
tricity in Droylsden.
Dublin. — The City Treasurer and City Accountant have prepared
an exhaustive report on the financial position of the electricity un-
dertaking, in which they recommend that
The electricity revenue account should bear, in future, proportions of
salaries of permanent officials hitherto charged to capital account and
other items ; that provision be made by way of sinking fund to meet
part of cost of renewals of machinery, &c. ; and that provision be made
to earn a moderate margin of profit, which should bo available to
gradually eliminate the balance to debit of rates account and the
cash overdraft, ,and eventually to recoup the rates for expenditure
in previous years. To meet the additional charges, and in view
of the great reduction in cost of lighting effected by the use of
metallic filament lamps, an increase of price is necessitated. A
minimum average increase of id. per unit for private lighting for the
three years to March, 1912 is said to be necessary, but it is urged that
the advisability of an increase of '(d. per unit for the first year should
be considered by the Lighting committee, who should also deal with
the question of a general simplification and readjustment of prices, &c.
Electric Driving of Works.— At thej meeting of Beyer, Peacock &
Co. oil Tursilay the chairman (Sir V. Caillard) said they had largely
developed the electrical driving of machinery without any consider-
able expenditure, owing to the low terms on which they were able to
buy electric power from Manchester Corporation. The arrangement
with that Corporation was one of that happy kind which might be said
to be mutually beneficial. It was thus better and cheaper for them
to scrap such electrical machinery as they had rather than add to it,
and to write ofT the machinery scrapped over a certain period. This
operation would be completed in about three years.
Exeter.- The salary of the city electrical engineer (Mr. H. T).
Munro) iias been increased to £425 per annum.
Hammersmith (London).— 53 lamps in three streets are to be con-
verted from gas to electricity at a cost of £264.
Hampstead (London).— During December quarter £23,713 was
received for current supplied to private consumers.against £25 483 in
the corresponding period of 1907. This is the first time a decrease
liad been shown m private consumers' accounts, and it is mainly
attrdiutable to the introduction of metallic filament lamps.
Heme Bay.— Tlie consulting engineers (Messrs. Lacev. Sillar &
J.eigh) recommend the Council to establish municipal" electricitv
works at an estimated cost of £13,828.
lhe"\T!?M m"7''^ rf""?;! ^^'^^''^/ecided to lodge a petition against
the North Metropolitan Electric Supply Bill, and are inviting the local
authorities of Einchley and WaUhamstow to attend a conference whh
.1 view to arranging joint opposition.
Ilford.-The Council have adopted the IVamways committee's
|-oii,mendation to instal meters on the tramcars.and tenders are to
of int"Iest dZ!f ?°""f"-0" T"«fday the Council reduced the rate
' er ee, , sf °" """^ '° '^f'^' authorities from 3 J per cent, to
supply. ^'"'^ '™' '"^"'"^ ^^^''"<^" ^^ tl^'^ '''^te for electricity
Hi?Ca;:''e"o1>riufe1s^;"''''';''Tr'''''''-'^''''^ ••^'^i-™'^^! ''oP-'t "f t^e
ys committee «,,s submitted, recommending that the Council
should acquire the Harrow-road and Paddington tramway from the
Metropolitan Electric Tramways (Ltd.) for £i2,000.— Adopted.
Paring Malerinls for Tramwai/s.— The Highways committee reported
that considerable delay had arisen from the inability to agree with St.
Pancras Council as to the paving materials to be used in connection with
the reconstruction of the tramways in that borough, and they accordingly
recommended that application be made to the Board of Trade to appoint
an arbitrator to determine the questions.
Testing Stations. — The Highways committee recommended (a) That
generating stations and sub-stations with " pilot wires " run back from
distant points be in approved cases accepted as testing stations within
the meaning of the Electric Lighting Acts and orders, ubject to the con-
ditions— that conclusive proof is afforded that such " pilot wires " are
properly connected at the distant parts of the system indicated ; that
connections are made, as far as possible, at such points as may be indi-
cated on behalf of the Council by the chief engineer, suitable instruments
being placed solely at the disimsal of the electric inspectors making the
tests and the instruments sealed by the inspectors ; and that where
" pilot wires " are used the supply undertakers shall be required to
make such further tests on the premises of any consumer as the inspector
may require and provide the necessary .ippirntus and connections at their
own expense, (b) That notices br >riwil ii|Mn Battersea and Woolwich
Borough Councils, the London Kit i inr Sii|i|ily Cnrpn. and the Metro-
politan Electric Supply Co. requinnu such Borough Councils and com-
panies respectively — (i.) to provide and maintain testing stations with
proper and suitable instruments of a pattern to be approved by the
Board of Trade ; (ii.) to connect such stations by means of proper and
sufficient electric lines with the distributing mains of the undertakers';
and (iii.) to supply energy thereto for the purpose of testing.
Assessment of Tramu'ay Profits. — Mr. J. D. Gilbert asked the chair-
man of the Finance committee whether he could give any information
as to the result of the appeal from the Income Tax Commissioners on the
assessment of the tramway profits.
Mr. Hayes Fisher replied that the matter would form the subject of
a report to the Council. The decision was against the Council, but, in
his opinion, it had no bearing whatever on the question of tramway profit?,'
Presentation. — Mr. Prycr, one of the chief members of the electrical
staff of Head. Wrightson & Co., who is leaving to take up a position at
Glasgow, has been presented by the staff' with a purse of gold.
Maidstone. — The L.G. Board have sanctioned a loan of £20,000 for
excess expenditure on the electricity supply undertaking.
Middlesbrough. — An unopposed inquuy was held on Friday into
the Council's application for sanction to a loan of £3,210 for extensions
of the electricity undertaking.
New Maiden. — The County of London Electric Supply Co. intend
to commence the work of laying mains in this district at an early
date, and it is expected that electricity supply will be available this
summer.
Parliament and Trading Organisations.— The Employers Parlia-
mentary Council have passed a resolution in support of the follow-
ing motion which the Earl of Wemyss will bring forward in the
House of Lords in the present session : —
1. That in the opinion of this House it would be for the public good
that important national trading and other organisations and societies
would each name three Peers in the current and each succeeding Par-
liament to speak and .act on behalf of such societies in all questions in
which they are interested, and that the names of the Peers so nomi-
nated be entered in the journals of the House.
'd. That the Lord Chancellor, the Marquis of Lansdowne, the Earl
of Crewe and the Earl of Halsbury, be empowered to determine what
societies are of sufficient importance to be admitted to the said privi-
lege of nomination.
5. That no Peer shall be entitled to vote on any public question who
has not attended 20 sittings in the current or previous session of the
House.
Personal. — Mr. Thos. R. Burrell, engineer to the Windermere &
District Electricity Supply Co., is leaving for New Zealand.
Railway Station Lighting. — The Highland Ely. Co. have adopted
electric lighting at their engine shed and adjoining offices and stores
at Perth. The contractors for the installation were Messrs. Anderson
& Munro.
Restoration of Lapsed Patent.— An order was made on Feb. 9
restoring the Letters Patent granted to John Frederick Simmance
and Jaccjues Abady for an invention for " Improvements in Street
Lighting Apparatus" numbered 19.477 of 1899. and bearing date
Sept. 28. 1899.
Salford. — Alterations of the electric lighting installation at the
Technical Institute are to be made at an estimated cost of £400.
Sherburn.— The Parish Council have asked the Public Electric
Supply Association to make inquiries and to report as to the cost of
lighting the parish by electricity.
Shrewsbury.— The total number of units of electrical energy sold
in 1908 was 503,194, compared with 472,682 in 1907 and 424,573
in 1906.
The demand for current sold still continues to increase in a satis-
factory manner. The Electricity committee have improved the street
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 19, 1909.
73?
lighting in a number of suburban streets and propose to make further
improvements.
Sunderland. — On Wednesday tlie Corporation authorised the lay-
ing of new cables in several thoroughfares at an estimated cost of
£2.300. of which £1.77-1 was to come out of capital account, the
balance being out of revenue. Five additional arc lamps are to be
erected for street lighting. It was also decided to petition against
the County of Durham Electric Power Supply Co.'s bill.
Swansea. — The Streets committee recommend the Council to ex-
pend £8.50 out of ne.xt year's estimates in extending electric street
lighting.
Tewkesbury. — The local electric light company intend to begin
the laying of mains soon, and the Council have decided to ask the
electric liglit and gas companies for tenders for street lighting.
Tottenham. — The North Metropolitan Electric Power Supply ( 'o.
hope to complete the arc lighting in the High-road before the end of
the month. Green-lanes, Seven Sisters-road and Lordship-lane will
then be taken in hand, and the lamps will be put up there at the rate
of about 10 per week.
Tring. Subject to a small additional sum being raised, electric light
is to be substituted for gas in the parish church at a cost of £380. IBs.,
exclusive of an engine house.
Whitehaven. — Sanction has been received to a loan <if £737 for
electricity supply jiurposes.
Wireless Control of Torpedoes. — The public journals are alert for
all items of news bearing upon wireless matters, and the " Daily
Chronicle"! London) has recently published the following from Paris: —
It all that is claimed for-the new radio-automatic torpedo, built at the
Creusot Works, is true, it promises to prove the rnost terrible engine of
destruction that the genius of man has yet invented. It can be worked
from shore or from ship, and can be used against a ship of the enemy's
flefet, in motion.
The radio-automatic torpedo is controlled and directed by the employ-
ment of Hertizan waves, and by the aid of an apparatus which differs very
little from that now used in wireless telegraphy. Its apparatus is
synchronised so as to receive the Hertzian waves from the " parent " ship
or .shore station, and to refuse those emanating from " the enemy." It
will be capable of maintaining a maximum speed of nearly 15 knots for
five hours.
One of the most important features is the wide radius of its action.
From its starting point the operator, be he on ship or shore, can control its
every movement, stop it. send it dead slow ahead or astern, and alter its
course, with as much ease as if he were on board the deadly craft.
The inventor is M. Gustave Gavct. who has long devoted himself to tlic
study of the problem, and of the science of naval warfare.
Wireless Telegraph Notes.— The House of Representatives at Wash-
ington have jia-^^cd the liill introthiced by ilr. Burke, requiring that
wLi'elesi telegraphy shall be installed in all ocean-going ships leaving
American ports and carrying more than 50 passengers on voyages of
not less than 500 miles.
Wireless Telephone Notes.— The " Daily Telegraph's " New York
correspondent cables as follows : —
Dr. Lee de Fiirest, whose radiotelephone has been tested by the navies
of Great Britain, America and Italy, announced last night at a dinner
given here by the Ellsworth Company, which recently financed the Great
Lakes Radiotelephone Co., that he has practically perfected a system of
wireless transmission which, he says, will revolutionise the present
methods of communication. Dr. Forest says his apparatus does away
v.ith the spark and minimises the chance of interruption of the message.
He expects to attain a .speed of 4,000 words an hour, as compared with
2.400 wliich, he declares, is about the limit of a first-class Morse opcr.itor.
Tlie new apparatus, he said, is to be used in connection with the instal-
lation of the wireless telephone along the Atlantic coast for coasters
chiefly, but with a prophet's vision and the help of Mr. Marconi's genius
he sees the day rapidly approaching when operas will be heard by wire-
less telephone in mid-Atlantic, and advertisements transmitted from land
for publication in a ship's newspaper. Dr. de Forest states that he has
succeeded ill combining the wireless telegi'aph and telephone in one instru-
ment, that it is noiseless, and can be operated at a much lov\'er voltage
th.an the present system.
In discussing the alleged advantage of the wii-eless telephone over the
telegraph. Dr. d.^ F^ir.'-t said that the telephone is so simple in operation
that any ships utii: , i rin understand it. He pointed out that if Jack
Binns. the wir. 1'-^ .ii iitui, bad been killed in the " Republic'' collision
with tlie '■ Fliiiidu. ' in wliicli the wireless house was wrecked, there would
have been no one else on the ship to send out calls for help, and a disaster
would have been probable, but with the wireless telephone almost any-
body could step into the breach.
Another correspondent (the" Daily Chronicle's ") makes the speed
40,000 words per hour, and adds the following : —
By his new apparatus Dr. ds Forest says 40.000 words p?v hour (or
between 600 and 700 per minute), can be transmitted. The new inven-
tion is an exceedingly simple one, can be installed at the ordinary cost of a
wirelcis (I'l. |.li .ne, and can be operated by anyone, as it does not recpiire
Ihf SCI \ ires of 111 expert.
'■ The Tiniis" correspondent also gives a 40,000 words an hour
.speed as Dr. De Forest's claim. This paper refers also to the working
of the wireless telephones on the U.S. warship as being unsatisfactory
(according to a statement in the Washington "Evening Po.st"'),
This is the complete statement : — . ,
Unsatisfactory results have been obtained in the use of the wireless
telephone apparatus installed on board the vessels of the American fleet
before it started on its cruise, and )irobably the apparatus will be removed
from the ships. It has had a thorough test by the officers of the fleet
under all conditions, and their rc])orts indicate that it has seldom been of
any service. Future development of the system may result in its per-
fection, but at its present stage it is found to be a failure.
Woolwich. — No opposition is to be offered to the West Kent Elec-
tric Power Bill, but in regard to the Thames Tunnel Bill, the Council
are seeking an amendment to enable the Council to lay electric cables
through the subway to supply electricity to the North Woolwich area.
Yarmouth. — The Corporation have decided to establish showTooms
for the display of electric motfirs. fittings, lamps, heating and cooking
apparatus, &c.
Concert. — The annual concerts of Messrs. S. Smith & Sons (Ltd.)
of 9, Strand, are invariably agreeable fixtures, and the concert
which was given at the Caxton Hall, Westminster. la.st Satur-
day evening was no exception. Amongst the principals, Mr.
Herbert Smith and Mr. Cyril Smith were present, and the large
gathering of both sexes accorded full appreciation to a long and
varied programme of special excellence. Amongst the artistes,
deserving of .special mention to whom Miss Osborne acted as accom-
panist were the following : Mrs. H. P. Troy (contralto), Miss Dyer
(violin solo), Mr. Ton^ Clare (of the Pavilion), Mr. Samuel Masters,
Mr. A. Cammeyer (banjo .solo), Mr. Walter Ciraham (marionettes).
A recitation, given by Mr. Cyril A. Smith, was a feature of the
evening.
TRADE NOTES AND NOTICES.
READY ON MONDAY.
"THE ELECTRICIAN" ELECTRICAL TRADES'
DIRECTORY AND HANDBOOK.— The 1909 Edition
of the Big Blue Book, price 15s., or post free in the
United Kingdom, 15s. gd. The new and enlarged volume
brings a great mass of statistical and technical data
quite up to date, and the Directorial Division will be
thoroughly revised and amplified.
AH branches of Electrical Engineering and Industry
are fully treated, and Electro-Financial matters will
receive every attention in the new volume, which aggre-
gates more than 2,000 pages. The Directory Division is
complete and thoroughly accurate, and has been com-
pletely revised. All mere lists of members of Societies
and Institutions (so easily and cheaply available) are
excluded, as quite unreliable for Manufacturers' and
Dealers' purposes. The full set of valuable Statistical
and Engineering Tables, &c., are being very carefully
revised and extended, and are now issued in handy book
form. These will be included in the 1909 Big Blue
Book, making it the most complete work of the kind ever
published.
TENDERS INVITED,
DuBUN Corporation are prepared to receive tenders for Supply o*
arc lamp carbons to their electricity undertaking. Specifications,
with terms and conditions and form of tender, from the City Engineer,
City Hall, Dublin. Tenders to the town clerk (Mr. Henry Campbell),
Town Hall, Dublin, by 25th inst. See also an advertisement.
Tenders are invited for sui>ply of two multiple magneto switch-
boards for incoming junction lines to the Postmaster-General's
Department, New South W.vi.es. Tender forms and specifications
at the Commonwealth Offices, 72, Victoria-street, London. S.W.
See also an advertisement.
London County Council invite tenders for (a) manufacture and
erection at the Elephant and Castle tramways substation of one 20-
ton overhead hand travelling crane ; (b) manufacture and erection
at the same place of h. and l.-t. switchgear and modifications to
existing switchgear; (c) two 1.5(H) kw. rotary converters. &c.. and
six 575 kw. static single-phase air-cooled transformers, &c. ; and (d)
for wiring and fitting for electric lighting the Norwood tramway car
shed. Forms of tender from the Clerk of the Council. County Hall.
Spring Gardens. S.W.. on payment of £2 (returnable for bona fide
tender) for each specification. Tenders by 11 a.m. Tuesday. March 9.
738
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 19. 1909.
The Wkstminster I-^lectric Supply Corpn. (Ltd. ) are prepared to
receive tenders for supply, delivery and erection at their Horseferry-
road station of combined high and low-tension switchboards and
low-tension switchboard and battery boosters. Copies of specifica-
tions, with drawings and general conditions, from the consultmg
en'vineers {Messrs. Kennedy & Jenkin), 17, Victoria-street, West-
minster, S.W. Tenders to the Secretary of the corporation, Bccle-
ston-plac3, Eccleston-street, Belgravia, S.W., by 10 a.m. Feb. 2G.
Abertillery Urban District Council invite tenders for supply,
delivery and erection of two 66 kw. vertical gas engines and dynamos,
suction gas producing plant, balancing booster, pipework and water
supply plant : switchboard and poles and overhead conductors,
undeiground cables, feeder and other pillars and public lighting
apparatus. Conditions, &c., from the consulting engineers, Messrs.
r. H. Medhurst & Brewer. 13, Victoria-street, Westminster, S.W.
Tenders to Mr. Wm. Gait, Council Offices, King-street, Abertillery,
Jlon., by Feb. 26.
Abertillery Council also want tenders by Feb. 26 for the erection
of a small generating station. Forms of tender from Mr. M. K. Field,
19, Queen Anne's Gate, London, S.W.
Manchester Tramways committee are prepared to receive ten-
ders for the supply of general stores, comprising a large range of
electrical and general requirements. Specifications, &c., from the
general manager, Mr. J. M. McElroy, Corporation Tramways, 55,
Piccadilly, Manchester. Tenders to Chairman of Tramways com-
mittee by 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23.
Salfobd Electricity committee invite tenders for sinking a bore-
hole and supply of pumping plant at the Corporation electricity
works. Frederick-road, Pendleton. Specification, &c., from the
borough electrical engineer. Mi'. Victor A. H. MCowen, M.l.R.E.
Tenders (addressed chairman of the Electricity committee) to the
offices of Mr. M'Cowen, by noon, March 1.
Ed.monton Guardians invite tenders for an electric lighting and
jiower installation at their new infirmary (Bridport-road, Upper
Edmonton) now being erected. Forms of tender, &c., from Messrs.
May & Hawes, Caxton House, Westminster, S.W. Tenders to Mr. F.
Shelton, solicitor and clerk. White Hart-lane, Lower Tottenham,
before 9 a.m. Feb. 24.
The Electricity and Tramways committee of the County Borough
of Newport, Mon., require tenders for supply of three complete four-
wheeled double-deck tramcars. Specifications, &c., from the borough
electrical engineer and tramways manager (Mr. H. Collinga Bishop).
Tenders to the Town Clerk, Town Hall, Newport. Mon., bv 10 a.m.
Feb. 23.
Leeds Corporation want tenders by 10 a.m. Feb. 25 for 12 months'
stores for the electric lighting department, including copper bars,
strips, plates and wire, lead, i.r. covered cables, mains bo.xes and
fittings, jointing and insulating maferials, electric lamps, a.c. watt-
meters, tubes, iron and steel, gunmetal, tools, oils, &c. Schedules,
&c., from Mr. H. Dickinson, 1, Whitehall-road, Leeds.
Battersea (London) Council want tenders l)y March 2 for 12
months' materials for the electricity department, including carbons,
elect ivity meters, joint boxes, oils, &c. Forms from the electrical
engineer,
Brighouse Corporation want tenders by .March 2 for supjily,
erection, &c., of a balancing set, feeder cables, switchboard, &c.
Spseifioations from Messrs. Lacey, Sillar & Leigh. 2, Queen Anne's-
gat3, London, S.W.
AsHTON-rNDER-LYNE Electricity committee invite tender.-i for a
wat3r-tube boiler, and an induced draught fan. Tenders to Borough
Controller by noon, March 3.
Radcuffe Council require tenders by March 2 for a 300 kw. steam
dynamo and a 1,000 kw. motor-generator, automatic three-wire
icversible booster, conden.>ing plant, steam and other piping, valves,
&o., and switchboard extension.
Walthamstow Coimcil want tenders bv 5 p.m., Feb '>6 for P'
months' stores for the electricity and"tramwavs departments"
Forms, &e.. from Mr. G. R. Spurr, Electricity Works. Priory-avenu^
Walthamstow.
EuiAM Guardians want tenders with designs, &c., for lighting the
workhouse at Lyminge. near Folkestone. Tenders to the clerk, 11
Chenton-pl., Folkestone, by March 11.
a .TwL^"""'T<? "■'"";" *™''''' ^^ 1° '*•'"•• !'«''• S-l. iov materials for
riiri ^ ^M ''"'' *"■'= H^"" '>'°'°'"- ^°^^^ °f te>^-der, &c., from the
^lerk, 1, Mu3;um,st., York.
J^^^? t ^^""^^^ Corporation want tenders bv noon March 1
FL^.^.l^r.^'^r '""'" '*°'''^'' '°"-^- ironniongery. coal, &c.
I'oims of tender. &c., from the Borough Electrical Engineer
H^ifax iw't?"'^'' r' ^'f'- -^ ^°'' "" ^''^''*"''*' installation for the
Halifax Equitable Bank end Building Society's premises. Silver-st .
SPECIAL NOTICE.
NOW READY Vol. LXl. of " The Electrician " (1,018 pages),
bound in strong cloth. Price lYs. 6d.; post free, IBs. 6d. Also ready
Cases for Binding. Price 2s.; post free, 23. 3d.
A complete set of "The Electrician" (1860-1865—1878-1908) can
be supplied. A number of odd volumes and some odd old back num-
bers, to help in making up complete sets, a'-e also now available.
Halifax. Specifications from Messrs. R. Horsfall c& Son, 22a, Com-
mercial-st., Halifax.
Southampton Corporation want tenders by 2 p.m. March 1 for 12
months' stores, fittings. &c., for the electricity and tramways depart-
ments. Specifications. &c.. from Mr. H. F. Street, Tramway Offices,
Southampton.
Bradford Corporation want tenders by Feb. 27 for 700 tons steel
girder tramrails. Specification, &c.. from City Engineer and Sur-
veyor.
Stepney (London) Council want tenders by noon Feb. 25 for con-
denser pipe work, settling tanks, valve chamber. &c., at Blyth's
Wharf, Limehouse. Forms of tender, &c., from the Borough Engi-
neer, CU. Alie-st.. E.
Heston & IsLEWORTii C'ouncil «ant tenders by noon March 3 for
12 months' supply of electric cables, troughing. electricity meters, elec-
trical supplies, &c. Forms of tender, &c.. from the Surveyor, Council
House, Hounslow, W.
Pembroke Council want tenders by noon Feb. 27 for about 12
months' electricity supplies, coal, &c. Forms of tender, &c., from
the Clerk. Town Hnll. Ballsbridge. Pembroke, co. Dublin.
TENDERS RECEIVED AND ACCEPTED.
Hammersmith (London) C'ouncil have received the following
tenders for supply of two 400 kw. transformers to transform elec-
trical energy at 2,300 volts to three-phase volts : —
Price per set.
British Electric Transformer -Co. {prov. accep'.ei) £293, £30i>, £378*, £278
Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works £237 and 310
Brush Co ; 268
Johnson & Phillips 280
British Thomson-Houston Co 305
British Westinghou.se Co 330
Fenanti Limited 363
* Air cooled, all other tender) being for oil-cooled machine.*.
For two 2.50 kw. single-phase transformers the following tenders
were received by Hammersmith Council : —
Price per
transformer.
British Electric Trnnsfurmer Co. (air-co.ilxl) (/jror. nrrcp/crf) £152, £184
Brush Co 13.5. 170
British Thomson-Houston Co 146, 188
■Johnson & Phillips 150
British Westinghouse Co 172
Fenanti Limited 180
For 4,400 yds. of e.h.t, cable and 60 joint boxes Hammersmith
Council received the following tenders : —
0-25 cable & boxes. 0-3 cable & boxe^
Western Electric Co. (;);rti'.rtf<-f/)W) ...£1.680 0 0 ...£1,963 0 0
.Johnson & Phillips 1,735 0 0 ... 2.000 7 0
Callender's Co 1.757 10 0 ... 2,022 10 0
Anchor Cable Co 1757 10 0 ... 2,022 10 0
W. T. Henley's Co 1,762 10 0 ... 2,045 0 0
St. Helens Cable Co 1,767 10 0 ... 2,067 10 0
W. T. Glover & Co 1,770 10 0 ... 2,044 0 0
Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works 1.773 11 8 ... 2,063 0 1
British Insulated & Helsby Cables 1.800 0 0 ... 2.035 0 0
Lahmeyer Electrical Co 1,869 3 4 ... 2,161 13 4
The London County Council have accepted the offer of W. T.
Henley's Telegraph Works Co. to instal additional telephones at
seven car sheds for £160 as an addition to their existing contract.
It has been agreed by the London County Council that Tangyes
(Ltd.) may sub-let to Heenan & Froude the supply of the water
dynamometer and to Sterne & Co. the supply of the double-head
grinding machine Id be provided under the contract for electrical
shop machinery at the car repair depot.
An agreement has been entered into between the Metropolitan
Asylums Board and the Electrical Power Storage Co., for the main-
tonanco of the storage battery on the training ship " Exmouth " for
5 years.
Siemens Brothers Dynamo Works, Limited, 0, Bath-street, City-
road. London, E.C.. have secured the contraet for the supply of
Tantalum traction lamjis for the Cireat Northern & City Railway.
Isle of Wight Education committee have accepted the tender of the
local Electric Light & Power Co. for two-way adapters and tantalum
lamps for \'entnor schools.
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 19. 1909.
739
Woolwich Council have placed an order with the General Electric
Co. for 1,000 " Osram " lamps of various kinds, tu he delivered in
quantities as required during 12 montlis.
The offer of the British Electric Transformer Co. lo instal four
three-phase transformers on hire lor one year for il.'io has been ac-
cepted by Hammersmith Council.
Buxton Council have accepted the tender of BabeiH>l; & Wilcox for
chain grate stokers at £680.
Southampton Council have accepted the tender of Waller Scott
(Ltd.) for the supply of tramway rails.
Lowestoft Council have accepted the tenders of Siemens Bros.
Dynamo Works (Ltd.) and Venner & Co. tor the supply of meters for
the ensuing 12 months.
Maidstone Corporation have accepted the tender of Drake & Cor-
ham for switchboard extensions.
BUSINESS NOTICES.
We are informed that Bruce Peebles & Co. (Ltd.) has been success-
fully reconstructed, and the company is now in active operation. Mr.
Fred. E. .Andreus has been elected chairman of the board of direc-
tors and Mr. Lee Murray, M.LC.E., general manager of the company.
Mr. Andrews was for many years connected with the Brush Electrical
Engineering Co. and Mr. Murray has had a long connection with
Messrs. Siemens Bros., in different parts of the world, and latterly as
manager of their works at Stafford.
Messrs. Gillespie & Beales Iiave appointed Mr. James Turnbull, 1^.
New-street, Birmingham, as their representative and correspondent
in Birmingham district.
Messrs. Hogan & Wardrop, Gloucester Mansions, C'liaring Cross-rd.,
London, W.C., have been appointed sole London re])resentatives of
the Midland Electric Mfg. Co., of Birmingham.
Messrs. Gillespie & Beales, Amberley House, Norfolk-st., London,
W.C, have been appointed agents for Messrs. Wm. Rickard's wires
and cables.
The Piggott Electrical Co., 24, New Bridge-street, E.C.have been
a])pointed sole London agents for Mes.srs. Smith Bros, specialities.
Engineering Amalgamation. — Messrs. Mountain & Gibson, Ltd., of
Bury, Lanes., have recently completed negotiations for acquiring the
works and business of Messrs. Thornewill & Warham. engineers of
Hnrton-on-Trent. By this arrangement Mes.srs. Mountain & Gibson
will have better facilities for meeting the demands of their increased
business which has developed very rapidly during the last four years,
and for which the accommodation at their Bury ^tirks has now become
inadequate. Further particulars will be fortlicoming shortly, but in
the meantime we understand that a new company is being formed to
take over the combined businesses.
D.P. Battery Company's Works. — To cope with their annually in-
creasing output of storage batteries, the D.P. Battery Co. have re-
organised and extended their works, already covering some 5 acres,
l)ut preserving 10 acres for future requirements. The additional
large forming shop recently completed affords facilities for increasing
their output by about 250,000 plates annually, which, with the largo
stock of over 20,IX)0 plates of standard types, will enable the oom-
l)any to give prompt delivery. A special feature in the works is
their test room and laboratory, in which a most careful supervision
is exercised over the products in the various states of manufacture
and in the analysis of all metal used. The guarantee given by the
firm of workmanship and material is, consequently, substantial and
effective. Both in tlie home and foreign trade the firm's output has
been a record in the year 1908. and, as we are informed there is an
increasing number of inquiries, it is apparent that the general depres-
sion in trade is not seriously affecting the demand in tliis industry.
Plant &C., for Sale.— Messrs. G. Elliott & Co., 180-188, Long-lane,
Bermondsey, London, S.E., have for sale two com])ound Marshall
steam engines coupled to two Crompton dynamos, and also three
dynamos. Further particulars are given in advertisements.
A storage battery of 40 cells is advertised for sale by Mr. Geo.
Burden, Yacht " Lc-ander," Luke's Yard, Hamble, near Southamp-
ton .
Electric Fittings [or Sale.— Some five light electroliers (wired on uuc
circuit, with lamps, holders, &c.). three single-drop pendants and hall
lantern are advertised for sale. Offers to Argylls (London) Ltd. (in
liquidation), 17. Newman-st., Oxford-st., London. W.
Sale by Auction.— By order of the trustee in bankruptcy. Mr. Frank
Bowen will s-U by auction on the premises, 10, 17 and IS, Harp-ailey,
Farringdon-st., London, E.C., on Wednesday, Feb. 2-1. at 2 p.m., some
electrical engineer's plant, machinery and stock, particulars of which
are given in an advertisement. Catalogues of Mr. L. B. Linnett, C.A.,
42, Poultry. E.C.. and of the Auctioneer, 62.4, Aldersgate-st., E.G.
Patents Development.— The proprietors of the following patents are
desirous of entering into arrangements by way of licence or otherwise
for the purpose of exploiting same, and ensuring their development
and practical working in this country : —
BiNo. 28,50.3/ 190(i, for •■ Improved .Method of Controlling Dynam;)
Electric Machines and .ippiuatus therefor." Nn. 15,04o/l!)l).), for
'■ Improvements in Electric Train Control Sy.stems." No. 3.890/191)1),
for " Improvements relating to Incande-scent Electric Lamps." Appli-
cations to Me.s.sr8. Haseltine, Lake & Co., 7 and 8, Southampton-buildings,
Chancery-lane, London, W.C.
No. 28,458/1904, relating to " Incandescent Electric Lamps." Appli-
cations to Messrs. Llnyd, Wise & Co., 4(i. Lincoln's Inn Fields. London,
W.C.
CATALOGUES. &c.
Henley's Dividin« Boxes.— Messrs. W. T. Henley's Telegraph
Works Co. have ready the second edition of their Dividing Box
list dealing with boxes for use on voltages up to 11,000. As will be
remembered, a special feature of Messrs. Henley's standard box is the
arrangement which enables the joint to be made before the box is
placed in position. These boxes are also fitted with a |)atent arrange-
ment whereby the lead of the cable can be bonded to the box.
Electric Light Accessories. — Messrs. Juliu.s Sax & Co., 100,
Charing Cross-road, London, W.C, have recently issued a new cata-
logue of electric light accessories. The whole apparatus described
is of English manufacture, and where possible the articles are also
made up of English vitreous china, which has high insulating pro-
perties and is peculiarly adapted to damp situations. The whole of
the accessories have been designed with a view to producing tho-
roughly sound articles at reasonable prices. So far as we can judge
from the illustrations, these eft'orts have been .successful.
" Eclipse " Electric Heaters. — The Electric Ordnance & Ac-
cessories Co. a short time since issued a very artistic showcard deal-
ing with the subject of electric heaters. The air of comfort which is
radiated from everything must be seen in the original to be believed.
It is satisfactory to note that these heaters are finding a considerable
market, in spite of the stagnant trade conditions at present obtaining^
Enclish .Arc L.\Mr Carbons.— A pamphlet from the Birmingham
Carbon Works gives details of the " Apostle " carbon, suitable for
open tjfpe arc lamps. Various details of the " Witton Brand "
carbon for enclosed arc lamps and the Hame carbons for flame lamps
of all types are also given.
" Zone " Dynamos and Motors. — The latest list of Messrs.
Newtons, of Taunton, contains a great deal of interesting informa-
tion relative to their well-known " Zone ' dynamos and motors. It
is claimed for these machines that magnetic leakage is almost entirely
avoided and. owing to the special sluqie of the field coils, sjiarkless
commutation at all loads is obtained. By the use of this winding
auxiliary poles are dispensed with. The catalogue also includes
some details of petrol-electric sets and standard type motor starters.
The Rotary Screwino Die. — A recent development in machine
tool work is the rotary screwing die, lately placed on the market by
the Rotary Screwing Die Symd., London. The patentees of this
arrangement are Messrs. Moy tk Bastie. This die is intended for
manufacturing screw plates by a rolling or pressing process. It
takes the jilace of the ordinary screw plate which operates by cutting
the thread. All those who are interested in this class of work shovdd
communicate with the patentees and obtain further details.
The "Electrical Bulletin. "—The "Electrical Bulletin" for
February contains information with regard to the uses of the electric
chive. These include details regarding electric power for bakers and
confectioners and also for milkmen. An interesting article on electric
lighting is a feature.
Electric Fittings.— Mr. G. Braulik sends us a catalogue dealing
with electric fittings in which many new and up-to-date designs are
described. We understand that Mr. Braulik has a large selection of
these fittings on show at 8, Lambeth-hill, L<indon, E.C.
Ignitios Cell Tester.— Mr. Braulik has also ready an ignition
cell tester which, it is claimed, possesses many distinct advantflges,
the principle being that the accurate measurement of the capacity of
ignition batteries is found possible. This apparatus should find a wide
application.
" Bastian " Electrolytic Meter. — The " Bastian " electro-
lytic meter has entered upon its career for 1909 and has received
740
THE ELECTRICIAN FEBRUARY 19, 1909.
some slight imijrovements. The 1909 patent, however, acts on the
well-known system and possesses all the advantages of an ideal house
service meter. It is claimed that such a meter as this is indispensa-
ble wherever metallic filament lamps are used.
" Stafford "' Switches. — The Midland Electric Mt'g. Co.. of Bir-
mingham, send us two pamphlets dealing with their "Stafford"
main switches, which are suitable for circuits up to 600 volts pres-
sure. The switches are fitted with a light " flicker" which has a
quick break and across which the arc is taken. This flicker can be
easily renewed at a very small cost.
Wallace Specialities. — Messrs. Wallach Bros, have issued a new
catalogue in which their specialities arc dealt with in detail. These
vary from pressure gauges to pumping apparatus, and include such
details as face guards and spraying machines. An interesting piece
of a])paratus is the " Ever Trusty "" safety starting gear for gas and
oil engines. We think one of the illustrations of this machine is too
realistic for a mere engineering catalogue.
Thermo-Blink Flasher. — The Sun Electrical Co., 118 ahd 12t».
Charing Cross-road, W.C, forward us their latest circular dealing
with this subject. This is claimed to be the only efficient and reli-
able motorless flasher on the market. It is made in all sizes from
that necessary for one 8 c.p. lamp to one taking 8 amperes.
" Adnil " Arc L.iMPS. — A catalogue dealing with " Adnil " arc
lamps has been issued by Messrs. Marples. Leach & Co. This in-
cludes particulars of flame arc lamps in general and especially of the
" Rebofa '" lamp, which works with impregnated carbons arranged
vertically and superposed. The arc voltage of this lamp is only
3t) volts. Details are also given of the " enclosed type " lamp, which
is constructed on the one-working-part principle.
Motors in Stock. — ^Wlth regard to our notice in last week's issue
(p. 703) of a catalogue entitled as above, published by Messrs. Marples,
Leach & Co., we are informed that this pamphlet will be issued every
month, and that a copy will be sent to those of our readers who may
find it useful.
" Wlreless" Apparatus. — The Collins Wii-eless Telephone Cj.
of Newark, N.J., forward catalogues in which then- wireless telephone
and telegraph apparatus are described. The wireless telephone
apparatus is made in three types, the first being on the electro-
magnetic induction principle, the second on the conductivity prin-
ciple, while the third is worked by electro-magnetic waves. The
wireless telegraph list includes descriptions of apparatus for experi-
mental purposes.
BANKRUPTCIES, LIQUIDATIONS, &c.
The adjourned meeting of creditors of the Aluminium Corpn. (Ltd.)
(in liquidation) was held on Wednesday.
Mr. A. Gibson, one of the joint liquidator.^!, explained the circumstances
imder which Mr. Hawkins had resigned his position as liquidator. Al-
though the new reconstruction scheme reduced the assessment upon the
shareholders to 5s. 6d. per share, the creditors received, in respect of 10s.
in the £, preference stock in the new company ranking pani passu withi
and not m priority to. the new cash subscribed by shareholders. A
resolution was passed by the creditors agreeing that aii application should
be made to the courts for the appointment of Mr. Robertson Lawson as
liquidator, with a committee of inspection, consisting of Messrs. Scott
Wyhe, Anderson, Cross and Murray, for carrying through the new recon-
struction scheme.
Headland's Patent Storage Battery Co. (Ltd.) is being wound up
voluntarily. Jfr. G. D. Price, Finsbury House, Blomfield-street
London, E.C., is liquidator.
A meeting will be held at 26, Victoria-street, London, S.W on
March 18 to receive an account of the winding up of the Automatic
Electrical Advertising Synd. (Ltd.)
BOOKS RECEIVED.
(Oopios of the undermeutioned works cm he li.-i.i from The ElecO-icum offlc?, post free
on receipt of published price, uadirig Sil. for books published under is. and 5 per cent
for books pubishel nott. Add in per cent, for abroad or for foreien books.)
Science Abstracts." Jan. 30, 1909. Vol. XII. Part I. Sec-
tion A, Physics ; Section B, Electrical Engineering. With Index
to \ol. XI. (London : E. & F. N. Spon.) Is. 6d. each.
Matrirulation Uireitoiy of the ITnivcr.sity of London (No. .",1
January, 1909), with Articles on Te.xt Books." (Cambridge and
J..ondon : University Correspondence College). Is. net.
" Proceedings of the Royal Society." Vol. LXXXI. No. A 549
beries A Mathematical and Physical Sciences. (London: Harrison
PATENT RECORD.
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS.
Note. — The undermentioned Applications {except those marked \) are no
open to public inspection until after acceptance oj Complete Specifications
Those marked t are open for inspection 12 months after the date attached
to rhem, if they have not been published previously in the ordi}Uiry course.
Names tvifhin parentheses are those of communicatnrs of inventions. When
complete Specification accompanies application, an asterisk is affixed.
September 22,^1903.
19,885 BiooE, Butt & Webb. Induction coils and transformer appa-
ratus.
19.889 Siemens-Schuckektwerke G.im.b.H. Repulsion electric motors.
(Date applied for, 28/9/07, Addition to No. 13,451/08. )*t
19.890 Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works. (Siemens-Schuckertwerke
G.m.b.H., Germany.) Electrical potential regulators or speed-
controlling devices. (Addition to No. 14,725/07.)*
lii,S91 Siemens Bro.s. Dyna.mo Works & Kieffer. Cooling the com-
mutator of a dynamo-electric machine.*
19.921 Aktienoesellschaft Brown, Boveri & Cie. Regulation of
dynamo-electrical machinery and the like. (Date applied for.
3/2/08. )'t
19.932 Siemens & Halske Akt.-Ges. Filaments for electric inciui-
descence lamps from tungsten or alloys thereof. (Date applied
for, 26/9/07. )*t
September 23, 1908.
19,972 Culligan. Regulating continuous current motors.
19,974 Taylor &■ Hancock. Electrodes of secondary batteries.
19,992 Aktiengeselschaft Brown, Boveri & Cie. Regulation of
dynamo-electric machinery and the like. (Date applied for.
24/8/08. )*t
20,005 Fessenden. Electric signalling. (Date applied for, 31/10/07.)*t
September 24, 1908.
20,058 Hitch. Conductors or cables.
20,085 Heydon. Incandescent light unit.
20,098 Boeckel, Grunberg, Korwin-Krukowski & Luxembourg
Dynamo-electric machines.
September 25, 1908.
20,158 Proctor. Arc lamps.
20,189 L. A. NoTCUTT & 0. Notcutt. Continuous current dynamos.
20,206 Lee de Forest. Wireless communication.*
20,210 Stevens. Converting existing petrol omnibus chassis into
electric or petrol-electric vehicles.
September 26, 1908.
20.226 Bell. Electrical ignition systems of internal combustion engines.
(Addition to No. 19,883/08.)
20,250 Edwards. Electrical controlling apparatus.
20,268 Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works. (Siemens-Schuckertwerkc
G.m.b.H., Germany.) Overload circuit-breakers.*
20,288 Bosch. Terminal for magneto-electric ignition apparatus.
(Date applied for, 15/ll/07.)*t
September IS, 1908.
20,300 KiTSEE. Telegraphic relay.*
20.332 SzEK. Aerial electrodes.
20,344 DE Fazi, Claussen & Cobbett. Filaments for incandescent
lamps.
20,346 Holmquist. Flexible electric compressor for treating the body
by electric heat.
20,352 Hankin & Wolff. Apparatus for use as resistances.*
20,357 Brown. Fire alarm.
September 29, 1908.
20,415 Wheelf.r. Telephoto lenses.
20,447 Beaver & Claremont, Stranded electric cables.
20.466 Fessenden. Wireless signalling. (Date applied for, 10/10/07. )*t
20,468 Statter. Time element devices applicable to electric circuit
breakers.
20,472 Taylor. Brake blocks, electric collector shoes, &c.
20,491 Lewis & Jenkins. Electrical fog-signalling apparatus.
20,498 B.T.-H. Co. & Wedmore. Protective devices for alternating-
current svstems.
September 30, 1908.
20,505 WiLLlo. Therapeutic apparatus for treatment with magnetic
radiators, electric light rays, and other agents.*
20.565 Bonnella. Electric lamps.
20,575 Bryan. Trolley poles.
20,582 Fisher. Electric light fittings.
20,590 Fisher. Coates, Clothier, & A. Reyrolle & Co. Switches
and switch arrangements.
20.600 Siemens Bros. & Co. (Siemens &. Halske A.-G., Germany).
Signalling telegraphs.
20.601 Siemens Bros. & Co. & Ferreira. Electrically-controlled rail-
way signals.*
20,610 KiTSON Empire Lighting Co. & Stepkeiis. Incandescence
vapour lamps.
October 1, 1903.
20,633 Bevis & Penicud. Electrical recording instrument.
20,638 DE Forest. Secrecy systems for wireless communication.*
20.646 Veritys Limited & Pipkin. Quick make-and-break switch.
20.647 Ormston & Charlton. Overhead electric wu-es tor tramcars.
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 19, 1909.
741
20,671
20.708
20,715
:>0.717
20.721
20.758
20.784
20,772
20,780
20.787
20.H27
20,877
20,890
20,895
Leqge & Scott. Aj^paratus for indicating an:i r.u-ording diffe-
rences of potential.
Daniem. Telf>phon?in?tnim ■ill,. (Dits appli' I f„\ 10/4/0^. )*|-
KoE. Switches.
Septon-.Toxes. (Kuzel, .\ii-;tria.) Repiirin;; na-tai filament
livmp.s.*
HiGHFlET.D. Consumers' electricity meters.
L\NO & Johnson- LuNDELL Electric Traction t'.i. C^ratro 1
of electric motor.*.
October 2. 1008.
Thomas & Thomas. Fnpe^.
Stansfiei.d & Hatt. Controlling the vullagc of ilynanin.
electric niachinery.
Tho.mas & Thoma.s. Electrical relay devices.
A.-G. Brown, Boveri. Cnmmutating of variable voluvjte con-
tinuous-current dynamos with commutating poles. (Date
applied for, 29/2/0S.)*t
Levy. Electrolytic decojnp isition of sodium and other chlorides,
A.-G. Browk, BovERi. Startim^ of ],:ilvi)hisc motors. (Dxte
applied for, 2/10/07.)*t
October 3, 1908.
ClBBS. Producing metallic and eoinbined nu'tallic ::nd mm-
metallic articles by electro depo-sition.
Bayliss. Fittings for elei'tric lamps.
Fuller. Fuses.
Peck. Relay apparatus for polyphase alt 'rnatiuff-curreiif
circuits.
McKenna. (GUihlampenwerk Anker G.m.b.H.. Germany.)
Fastening the filaments of incandescent lamps to the electrode*.*
10.780
17,719
19,012
19,882
21,100
21,271
21.4<iO
21,.-j8S
21,801
22,311
22,312
22,543
22,700
22,871
23,780
23.810
23,,S57
24,307
25,305
25,355
25,5J 1
25,630
25,831
25.002
25,998
27,131
27,211
27,590
27,681
28,137
28,143
28,430
SPECIFICATIONS PUBLISHED.
1907 SrECIFICATIONS.
Stewart. Workmg of rail points and plough guides on electric
tramways or railways, and of rail points and cable grip guides
on cable tramways or railways. (Post-dated, 7/10/07.)
Metallurgiska Patent Aktiebolaget. Magnetic sejiaration
of ore. 'Date applied for, 28/7/00.)
Chitty, L.ANGE & Mascord. Distribution of electromotive
power.
Fett. Central alarm and telephone apparatus.
B.T.-H. Co. & Ci.ouoH. Dynamo-electric machines.
EisENSTEiN. Multiplex telegraphy.
Evershed & ViGNOLES & EvERSHBD. Measuring electrical
resistance.
Sie.mens Bro.s. Dynamo Works, .-Vltmann & Lac. .-irmature
windings.
\'oN Zweigberok. Controllers for railway service and the like.
RosENBACM. Switchboard cable connector. (Date applied for,
,3/10/Oii.)
CowPER-CoLES. Electro-deposition of ii'on.
Co wper- Coles. Manufacture of iron articles by clei'tro-dciiosi-
tion.
CowpEE-CoLFS. Anodes for electro-deposition.
Hirst & Macrice. Means for supporting electric lamps.
Ali.gemkine Ei.ekthicitats Ges. Track switch and signalling
system;' and apparatus therefor. (Date applied for, 17/10/00.)
Lindsay & Lindsay. Eeversiblc and collapsible trolley pole
for electric vehicles.
Ci'.MMiNs. Controllmg brake power on electrical tramway and
railway vehicles.
Chapman. Attachment to trolley boom of electric tram for the
purpose of guiding trolley wheel to live overhead wire. (Post-
dated, 29/4/08.)
VoN Eltenberg & Lach. Galvanic cells having rotating eJec-
trodes.
Scherbius. Regulation of induction motors.
Capitaine. Arc lamps.
Banks. Portable electric photographic lamps.
Turner. Controlling and operating the points and signals of
electric railways and tramways.
Harter. Electric lamp cluster-soeket-s. (Date applied for.
22/11/00.)
Phcenix Dynamo
electric machines
Aarhcs Dynamo
Electric winches.
B.T.-H. Co. & Wedmore. Electric distribution systems.
Porter. Water current motors.
Mather & Platt, Coubrouoh & Frith. Dynanio-cl
machines.
Jones. Electric resistances.
B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Alternating curivnl
motors of the induction type.
Midgley'. Generation, control and transmission of
energy, particularly applicable to vehicles. -^
Gardiner. Electric signalling on railways and controlling tr;
independently of di-ivers.
1908 Specifications.
JIavor & Mayor & Coulson. Electric motors.
MuNRo. Fixing of telegraph, telejihone or other electric wire:
insulators.
Mf(
&
:. t'o. & Pohl. Cooling of dynamo-
ElECTRO-MoTORFABRIK & JoUANSKN.
clc
electr
1,250 Jensen. (.Jeffrey.) Eleetricallj- driven mining machines.
1,.344 Salzer. Making electrolvtie depositions of chromium. (Date
applied for, 21/1/07.)
1.420 Cta.oRiDE Electrical .Storacje Co. & Heap. Treatment of
wood for use in electric batteries and electrolytic cells.
1,709 B.T.-H. (^o. (Noeggerath.) Collector rings for dynamo-electric
machines.
1,832 Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works & Schenkel. Dynamo-electric
machines.
1,984 Electric Ignition Co. & Hai.i.. Electric ignition apparatus for
internal combustion engines.
2,;103 SiEJiENS Bros. Dynamo Wohics & Lydall. Single phase com-
mutator motors.
2.480 Fried. Krupp Akt.-Ges. Electrically-driven elevating gear for
ordnance. (Date applied for, 10/5/07.)
3,464 Andersso.v. Are lamp. (Date applied for, 18/2/07.)
3.634 Fried. IvRtrpp Akt.-Ges. Electrically-driven elevating gear for
barrel recoil ordnance. (Date applied for, 16/5/07.)
3.894 Burgess. Electiic railway signalling system.
4,472 ScUNEiDAir. Wall plugs.
4.635 Ayles. Electric illv-o|)i rated horns and trumpats.
4,760 Lake. (Elektri^; lir ( Uulil impcnfabrik. Watt, Seharf, Loti. &
Latzko.) CoihIii iin- > n.|ii,.ction for use in ineande.seent lamp.-.
4,940 D'Varad & Mi;lsi.im:i.i: .MuszLiiNYi. Poiitive storage battery
plates.
4,948 Howard. Alternating current relay devices. ( Date applied for,
25/4/07.)
5,160 PiEPER. Electro-mechanical transmission systems.
5,318 Swan. Incandescent lamp sockets. ( Date applied for, 1 .5/3/07. )
5,402 Harkness. Trolleys or collectors for electricity.
5,.561 Stearn & Topham. Incandescent electric lamps.
5.972 WiiGH. Electric lighting for bicycles, motor cars. &c.
0,149 Sykes. Switches.
6,245 Westinghouse Metal Filament Lajip Co. Metal lamps.
(Date applied for, 27/3/07.)
7,493 Fessenden. Telephonic transmit tei-s or relays. (Date applied
for, 5/4/07.)
7,747 Chambers Motors (Ltd.) & Patton. High-tension magneto
ignition apparatus for internal-combustion engines.
8,133 Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works & Kiefper. Fi.xing commu-
tators for dynamo-electric machines to Iheu' supports.
8,206 Elektricitats Ges. Alioth. Electrical devices for the mea-
surement of speeds. (Date applied for, 2/5/07.)
8,421 Wolfram- L.ampen Akt.-Ges. Incandescent filaments for in-
candescent lamps. (Date ai)plied for, 13/5/07.)
9.288 Aron. Electricity meters for use in connection with charging
and discharging of storage batteries.
9,449 Fried. Krupp Akt.-Ges. Germaniawerft. Heating devices.
(Date applied for. 24/6/07.)
9,569 Jaeger. Wire poles or masts. (Date applied for, 8/5/07.)
9,638 Sie.mens-Schuckertwerke Ges. Three-phase commutator
dynamo-electric machines. (Date applied for, 13/7/07.)
9,800 Chisholm. Electro-magnetic sound recording apparatus.
collision between ship
i & Halske Akt.-G
Telephone
ockcts and
10,156 Erdmann. Preventing
electric waves.
10,172 Siemens Bros. & Co. (Siemen
jack.s.
10,184- Buckton. Combined electric connecting plug:
switehe.s.
10,343 Kitsee. Preventing induction between electric conductors.
11,099 Hamilton. Transmittuig telegraphic signals.
11,128 Hankin. Electric heating apparatus. (Date applied for,
27/5/07.)
11,346 Guillot. Insulators for overhead systems of electric railways
and the like. (Date applied for. 10/10/07.)
11,432 Firm of Unterburo & Helmlb. .\etuating device for magneto
electric ignition apjiaratus. (Date applied for, 6/12/07.)
11,814 Varela. Electro-automatic sounding app.aratus. (.Application
for addition to 5,444/08.)
12,050 Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works. (Siemens Schuckertwerke
Ges.) Fuses fitted with indicating arrangements.
12,336 Roost. Electric indicating meter for controlling the duration
of telephone conversations.
12,389 Siemens Bros. Dynamo ^\■oBKS (Ltd.) & Kloss. Oil switches
and other oil immersed apparatus for alternating electric
curi'ents.
12,556 Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works. (Sieracns-Schuckertwerko
Ges.) Metal coated negative carbons for search lights.
12,968 Kuzel. .Manufacture of filaments for electric glow lamps from
refractory materials in the colloidal state. (Addition to No.
28,154/04.)
13,133 Degoumois. Brakes for electric motor cars. (Date applied for,
21/0/07.)
13.450 Siejiens Bros. Dynamo Wotjks (Ltd.) (Siemens Schuckert-
werke Ges.) Fuse holders.
13.451 Siemess-Schuckertwerke Ges. Repulsion electric motors.
(Date applied for, 24/8/07.)
13,730 Kitsee. Telegraphy.
14.110 Kitsee. Telegraphic relays or receiving devices.
14.910 Siemens Schuckertwerke Ges. Protective covers for glow
lamps. (Date applied for, 1/6/08.)
15.377 Condon, Electrical water heaters. (Dale applied for. 1/11/06,
included in 23,801/07.)
742
THE ELECTKICIAN, FEBRUARY 19, 1900.
15,910
l(i,07H
10,136
l(i.20^
Hi Am
Irt.OOO
1S.22l>
KoNlo. Adjustable iron insulator support.
WiLLEY & WOKSLEY. Trolley controlling devices for
electric tranicnrs and the like.
H.1RKI30N <fc Burns. Insulating casing or shield.
applied for. 1/(^/07.)
.Siemens Bros. & Co. (Sienu-rid A Halske .\kl..f!.'s.) 1
current transforincrs.
FlDDES & Seifke. Electric water heaters. (Date aiipli
18/12/07.)
Tayoux, Chauchy & Fraysse. Maonelo-elertiic nia
Date applied for. 13/8/07.)
Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works. (Siemens Schucker
(les.) Fixing aiid ,-jupiicirtiiig overhead electric traclio
ductors. , ,
use on
( Date
electric
.-a for.
chines,
t werke
COMPANIES' MEETINGS AND REPORTS.
St. James' & Pall Mall Electric Light Co (Ltd ).
The ordinary general incetin;^ of tliis C'oiii|iany was held on Tuesday.
Mr. Walter Leaf presiding.
The GENERAL MANAGER AND SECRETARY (Mr. Frederic J.
Walker) read the notice calling the meeting and also the anditor.s' report.
The CHAIRMAN said : Gentlemen, it will, I hope, be a matter of
as much satisfaction to you as it is to the Board that we should be able
to meet you, at the end of a year which has generally been one of pro-
nounced commercial depression with a statement showing a marked
improvement in revenue and profits. Our net revenue amounts to
£34,716, against £32,278 for 1907, and we have, in addition, the divi-
dend of 5 per cent., £2,500, received on our shares in the Central Elec-
tric Co. for 1907. A similar dividend has been declared for 1908, and
will come into our statement next year. Tliis improvement has
bsen brought about by various causes. In the first place, the cffici-
e icy of the Grove-road works of the Central Electric Supply Co. has been
materially improved by the erection of condensing plant in connection
with low pressure turbines for the proper utilization of the waste steam
from the main engines, and by the addition of three large Babcock boilers
with special furnaces and automatic stoker.^, which enable the cheaper
grades of fuel to be used to the hc^l advaii(.i;.'<' with a substantial reduc-
tion of cost. We have had also llir ;u]\miiI,ii;c of the fall in the price of
coal. These causes have reduced lli" > m.m i.I the unit taken from Grove-
road by about 10 per cent., though the new |ilant has been in work only
for a part of the year. We have thus been enabled to take over a million
more units from the Central Company with a material saving of cost, and
for the first time the units taken from the bulk station exceed those
generated here and in Mason's Yard. We are also glad to be able to
report a steady increase in the connections to our mains. They have
risen by 800 kw. or just 7 per cent. — rather less than in 1907, but slightly
better than the average increase for some years past. Our revenue has
also risen, though in less proportion, from £116,925 to £120,117, or rather
less than 3 per cent., while the price obtained per unit sold has fallen from
3'lOOd. to 3-020d. or 2-66 per cent.> This result is due partly to an in-
crease in the number of units sold for power purposes at the flat rate of Id.
which now represents 131 per cent, of the tutat output as against lOJ per
cent, of last year; but also to the fact tli il iln nniiilirr oAmits .sold for
lighting purposes has not increased in a smnl u piMpnrtion to the number
of new connections. It is in this way we an- leeluig the steady increase in
the use of metallic filament lamps, about which 1 spoke at some length
last year. In fact the increase in the demand for electricity for lighting
purposes is counteracted by the diminution in consumption caused by the
hi-h. 1 . Iti i, II, \ ,,f these lamps. It is satisfactory to know that we have
«"' ' " III Ml, o ,,-rd revenue from electricity sold "for lighting purposes in
spile ol this cronomy, but how far it mrlv .TtTcrt ns in the immediate
future is at the present moment particnliil\ .lillh nit to say. The im-
provement of the metallic filament is piM,,, Im^. md (lie substitution of
new lamps for old will undoubtedly contu.ur -po^.^lily at such a rate as
to cause for a tune an actual falling off in our revenue. But I see no
reason to alter the opinicm which I expressed to you last year that any
cheapenmg in the cost to the public will in the long run benefit our in-
dustry, though it may cause a temporary loss. Meanwhile with this
l.ossil.ility before us, it is clear that we should not increase the dividend
shares, but must devote our additional profits to a reserve which
on the
,„,,,, 1 . .. 1 , , —■■■"■■•" iJiu'ii-T lu ii leserve wnicn
may lu-lp to tide over any bad time. We have therefore carried £3 500 to
our siienal Contmgency Fund, and propose to increase the amount carried
forward by some £1,500. In this prudent policy we confidently reckon on
ym. support There are only one or two other points in our accounts to
vhudi I need call your attention. The addition to capital account of
i.>,07o under the head of machinery and fixed plant is due to the installa-
.ou of two large tnotor getunators at the Carnaby-street works in or er
0 enable us to take tur.hcr advantage of the high voltage su ply ft m
Grove-road. The add.t.ou to the cost of the artesian well arises from lie
nti Zefficent 'TTl f "''■ V'"' ""^^''^ installed Clot
£' 401 19 4H „„H H l"", '"f *^' ,™P""' '''=''°""'' *he addition of
wTlI hrinl hJ • ""'l",""-\tpa;l of parliamentary and legal expanse,
th e"leetrir„l^°:,V ;" " li '"f ' -^^fi^<^^ov/cyent of°the past year
t , eleetucal indus ry of London. It is our share of the costs of
'-l.t,a nmg the Act which, as we confidently hope, means an end at all
Xh t'he L ;i,l'"' '" ^'""^i "' "r »«™«^in|Pa.-lianTentar; figltt^ fo
'Winch the London companies have for some four yeaw been Vubjeeted.
We have spent more than that amount in the past in endeavouring to
defend your interest, and have charged the cost to revenue, as we had no
tangible result to show for our efforts. We have now, however, obtained
substantially the objects for which we were fighting, and in our opinion
this means such an addition to the value of your property as justifies us,
with the full approval of your auditors, in adding the amount to capital.
We can at least congratulate our.selves that justice has been done to our
contention, and that our efforts have not been wasted. Parliament has at
length recognised that the absolute restriction of combination originally
imposed upon us was seriously hampering our work now that the condi-
tions of generation had altered : and that it would have been grossly un-
fair to set up beside us a rival favoured by special exemption from the
hara.ssing conditions impused upon us by an already antiquated law. The
scheme for such an outside bulk sujiply company, which has under various
names been pushed with great determination and formidable support,
was rejected by the House of Commons in a manner which makes it ini-
hkcly to re-appear. Our regret is that we should have had to spend four
years of anxiety and work, and many thousands of pounds, in defending
an obvious principle of elementary justice. It is now our business to see
I hit tlie powers conferred upon us are properly employed. We have
under c-.insidciation various methods by which we may effect more imme-
diate economies in working ; none are as yet ripe for decision, but you are
entitled to the assurance that we do not mean to go to sleep now that we
have won this fight. I cannot conclude without expressing the obligation
which you and we are under to all the officials who have borne the burden
and heat of this prolonged and difficult contest. All have thrown their
heart into the work, and persevered even when the outlook seemed most
unpromising. This is true of all the officials of the allied companies, and
we owe much to those who have been working tocether with our own in the
" four-in-hand." But here we must especially thank our own staff, and I
cannot refrain from expressing our higli appreciation of the devotion and
exceptional ability first of our solicitor, Mr. Sydney Morse ; secondly of
Mr. Dobson, whom we arc happy to see again among us with restored
health; and finally — ami I li"p" I luiy ■^ly without invidiousness — chiefly
of our manager and sciiri ir\ . Mr, W'alkii. I now move the adoption of
the report and accounts ami th" dr 1 nation of the dividends set out.
Sir JOHN H. MORRIS, K.C.S.I., seconded the resolution, which was
carried unanimously.
The retiring directors, Mr. Walter Leaf and Col. E. Balfour, were then
re-elected, as were the auditors, Messrs. Deloitte, Plender. Griffiths & Co.
The CHAIRMAN : There is one more resolution, which is not on the
agenda, but I hope we shall pass it every tim:? we meet, and that is a vote
of thanks to the staff for their conduct during the past year. I have
already in my speech said what I wanted to say about Mr. Walker and Mr.
Dobson, and I ask you to remember that it has been a year of great
anxiety and work for many other member.? of the staff besides them. I
wish to say how admirably everything has gone at the stations during the
year, and I can assure you that you will not be doing too much in passing
a hearty vote of thanks to ths whole st.aff.
Mr. CiEORGE seconded the resolution, which was unanimously passed.
A cordial vote of thanks to the chairman and directors brought the
nicctiug to a cloj;'.
BRISTOL TRAMWAYS & CARRIAOE CO. (LTD.)— At the nieetinff last
week the chairman iSir Goo. White) said that the tramways depart-
ment returns showed an increase of .-C2,413. The workinj^ expenses
were the same as in the previous year, and the receipts were approxi-
mately the same. During the 12 months they liad expended £87,436
on capital account. Tho net revenue was sufficient to pay interest on
their doljenture stocks and deposits, to pay the 4 per cent, preference
dividend and a dividend for the whole year on the ordinarj' share
capital of 6 per cent.
CAMBRIDGEELECTRIC SUPPLY CO.(LTD).— During 1903 102 additional
consumers wry i nuiuTtiil. liaviiig the equivalent of 3,924 (30 watt)
lamps, bringing tin- t,i(.il to .'i!i.572. The number of units supplied during
the year was Olid. I. ",s, an nhiea.sc of 4,415. During the year a showroom
for electrical Htlimjs and appliances was opened, which is proving a great
advantage. The supply mains have been further extended. The total
profit for the year was £7,846. 8s. 2d., added to £598. 9s. 2d. brought for-
ward, making £8,444. 17s. 4d. Deducting interest (£1,633. 16s. 2d.),
placing £1,500 to depreciation, and writing £100 off suspense account,
there remains £5,211. Is 2d. An intei-im dividend of 2i per cent, has
been paid, and a further dividend of 3^ per cent, (making 6 per cent, for
the year) is recommended.
CHELSEA ELECTRICITy SUPPLY CO. (LTD.)— The directors recom-
mend dividends for the half-year to Dec. 31, 1903, at rate of 6 per
cent, per annum on the preferonco share capital and 5 per cent. i)er
nullum on the ordinary share oa|)ital of tho comp any, making 6 per
cent, and 4J per cent, respectively for the j'ear 1903, after payini^
debenture interest and placing £11.851 to depreciation, £535 to deben-
ture premium redemption fund and writing off £826 from the cost of
extinction of founders' .shares ; carryinfr forward £1,024 against ^901
in previous year. The dividends will be payable on the 15th prox.
CROSSLEY BROS. (LTD. )— The directors' report states that, owing to
abnormal trade depression, the results for the past year are not as
satisfactory as in previous years. The amount for division is £77,523,
and a final dividend at tha rate of 3 per cent, per annum is recom-
mended on the ordinary shares, making 4 per cent, for the j'ear,
leaving £34,541 to carry forward. Mr. W. J. Crossley, M.l'., has de-
cidedto relinguish his position as chairinui, and Mr. Kenneth Cross-
ley will succeed him.
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 19, 1909.
743
LANAKKSHIRE TRAMWAYS CO — The revenue for the half-year ended
Dee. 31 was £:i:!.7:i7. 12.<. lid. and the expenses £18,30U. 12s. 8d. After
meeting contributions payable to local authorities, interest, &c., and
adding amount brought forward, £17,937 is available. £7,500 has been
placed to reserve for depreciation, and the directors recommend a divi-
dend at the rate of 6 per cent, for the half-year. Traffic receipts show a
decrease of £l,18(j, due to trade depression. The capital e.ipenditure
during the half-year was mainJy spent on the two short extensions to
Hamilton Burgh boundary. The directors intend proceeding immediately
with the extensions from Hamilton to Uddingston and from Wishaw to
Newmains, and offer to the public at par 3,500 £10 shares, being the ad-
ditional capital reciuircd towards the construction of these extensions.
LANCASHIRE & YORKSHIRE RAILWAY CO.— Sir Geo. Armytage re
fcrred at the meeting last week to a ciuestion which had been asked as
to the safety of the company's electrified lines. Some fear, he said, had
been expressed by those who travelled on the electri6ed lines in con-
sequence of the lire which took place at Marsh-lane as to the risks
which such an accident disclosed. When the company first electrified
those lines they took great care to construct their rolling stock In a
manner which was considered at that time likely to ensure the best
and safest results, and had from time to time adopted such improve-
ments in their electric work as experience showed to be desirable. All
the information which could be collected on that case had been handed
to the Board ot Trade expert otticers, and if when they reported after
their inquiry, they suggested improvements or alterations they would
be considered.
LANCASHRIE UNITED TRAMWAYS (LTD.)— The report for the past
year states that theprotit was £15,117, and after paying the prior lien
debenture interest and deducting a debit balance of £712, there
remains a credit of £1.904, which is carried to depreciation account.
The receipts show an increase of £2,632, and the expenses have
decreased by £1,053. A new agreement has been entered into with
the British Insulated & Helsby Cables for the supply of current bj' that
company for working the Liverpool and Prescob light railway, at a
reduced rate.
MACKAY COMPANIES. — In the report of the trustees it is stated that
during 1908 the earnings of the Commercial Cable Co. (which has paid
regular quarterly dividends for over 19 years) show a decrease in gross
receipts and net profits. This was due to the fact that in the spring of
that year powerfid steam fishing vessels operated their deep sea nets on
the bottom of the ocean off the coast of Ireland in such a manner as to
disrupt the submarine cables of the company, as well as of other cable
companies. The interruption so seriously affected public business that
protests were made by commercial bodies, not only throughout the
United States, but in England. At the request of the trustees, the United
States Government called the attention of the English Government to
that reckless inten'uption of international communication and destniction
of property. The English Government appointed a Commission of in-
quiry, which reported in the autumn of 1908, recommending that strin-
gent inspection bo made of trawling vessels. The interruptions still con-
tinued, and all the cable companies were still affected. Inspection was not
enough. The trustees believed that steam-operated trawls should be
prohibited in that particular part of the sea, just as the Act of Congress
and Proclamation of the President of the United States in 1896 prohibited
American citizens from killing seal in a portion of the Pacific Ocean. The
cable companies were still urgmg the English Government to adopt some
real remedy. Notwithstanding the decrease in gross receipts and net
profits of the Coriimercial Cable Co., and notwithstanding the depression
of business in the United States, flic profits which the Mackay Companies
might draw from the companies which it controlled had increased.
Economies had Ijeen effected, but the service rendered by the telegraph
and cable systems ontrolled by the Mackay Companies was faster and
more efficient. Dining the year additional wires wore stnmg on one of
the trans-Continental land lines, and the service of the Postal Telegraph
Co. had been extended to Tonopah and the mining regions of that dis-
trict in the western part of the United States. An additional trans-
continental route will be put into operation in 1909 by building from
Salt Lake City (Utah) to Sacramento, Cal. The cost of the submarine
cable from New York City to Havana, and also the cost of extensions of
the land line system during several years past, and also the cost of takhig
the proportion of the increased capital stock of the American Telephone
& Telegraph Co., had been paid from the profits of the system. The
Mackay Companies will not oppo.se the recommendation of the President
of the United States that telegraph and telephone companies engaged in
inter-State b\isincss should be put under the jurisdiction of the inter-Slafc
Commerce Commission.
MATHER & PLATT (LTD.)— The directors report states that the net
profit for the past year was £139,454, or with balance brought forward
£155,511. The directors recommend a dividend at the rate of 10 per
cent, with a bonus of 7^ per cent, (both tax free) on the ordinary
shares, transfer to reserve £35,000; carried forward £Z0,511. The
profits for 1907 were £125,676, and a dividend and bonus eiiual to 15
percent, was paid.
METROPOLITAN DISTRICT RAILWAY CO. --At the meeting last week
the chairman (Sir Geo. .S. Gibb) said he had unusual satisfaction in
submitting the report and accounts for the past half-year. They had
had dark days, but things were now improving. The accounts .showed
substantial and welcome progress. The revenue account h.ad many
bright and encouraging features. The gross revenue was £261,874, an
increase of £37,411, or 1667 per cent. The working expenses were
£153 868, a decrease of £2,201. The ratio of expenses to receipts was
now 58 76 per cent., compared with 6953 in the corresponding half of
la-t year. They had carried 31.503.722 passengers, an increase of
5,694,990, or 22 per cent. The passenger earnings had been £243,117.
an increase of £38,235, or 18i per cent. That was the highest figure
for passenger earnings which the compaii}' had ever had. There liad
been a good increase in the season ticket revenue. The Franco-British
Exhibition had brought them £10,000 of increased revenue. They need
not fear any falling olf in their receipts. The proportion that they got
from the special exhibition traffic was not so large as to disturb their
expectations of future increases. During last half-j'ear the pas-
senger train mileage showed an increase of 2412 per cent. The car
mileage show a less increase, but the car-mile figures show that the
additional service had been justified, for the car-mile receipts in the
half-year were 9'52d., compared with 9 45d. The chairman analysed
the expenditure side of the accounts very fully, and dealt at length
with the present position of the London traffic problem, after which
the report and accounts were adopted.
NATIONAL ELECTRIC SUPPLY CO. (LTD.)— At the moetin<T last week
the chairman announced that the .same dividends would be declared
as last year, 4 per cent, for the year on the preference shares, and 5s.
per share on the ordinary shares for the half-yeir, and £2. 14s. 3d. per
share on the foiniders' shares.
NATIONAL TELEPHONE CO. (LTD.)— The income accrued in respect o £
the business of the half-year ended Dec. 31 amounts to £1,498,431. Us. (id.
compared with £1.. 387. 189. 12s. 5d. for the corresponding period of 1907,
an increase of £111,241. 19s. Id. Working expenses amount to
£858,.566. 2s. Id., compared with £780,332. lis. 7d., an increase of
£78,233. 10s. 6d. The net results for the half-year (after deducting Post
Office royalties amoimting to £144.226. l.js. 2d.) is a profit balance of
£495,638"l4s.3d..eomparedwith£474.235.18s. 8d.,increase£21,402.15s.-d.
The rentals carried forward for unexpired terms of running contracts
amount to £1,245.3.50. 16s. 8d.. compared with £1,168,389. 8s. 4d., in-
crease £76,961. 8s. 4d. Out of the available balance of £384,088. 14s. Id.
the board will recommend the payment for the half-year of a dividend
at the rate of 6 per cent, per annum on the first and second preference
shares, 5 per cent, per annum on the third preference shares, 0 per cent,
per annum on the jireferred stock, and li per cent, per annum on the
deferred stock, less tax in all cases. The board also propose to transfer
£15.5,000 to reserve and to carry forward the balance, £10,338. 14s. Id.
The sum of £361,079. 4s. 3d. has been expended on capital account during
the half-year in the erection of 12.030 additional exchange and private
8tatit^)ns. and in the construction of inidcrgnmnd works.
NORTHAMPTON ELECTRIC LIGHT & POWER CO. (LTD.l— The report
for 1908 states that the year 1908 sliows better results than any similar
period since the incorporation of the compan}'. The mains had been
extended in various directions, making the total mileage 21 miles
664 yds. Extension of plant will be necessary durint; the present year
in order to meet the largely increasing demands. The directors pro-
|)Ose to add £2,000 to the depreciation .account, to write £200 off
motors and to commence the formation of a reserve fund with £500.
leaving an available balance of £1,870. The half-year's dividend on
5 per cent, preference shares will amount to £626, and it is proposed
to pay 5i per cent, per cent, per annum on the ordinary shares
(making 5 per cent, for the j-ear), and to carry forwartl £233.
UNDERGROUND ELECTRIC RAILWAYS CO. OF LONDON (LTD.)— Tlio
directors' report to Dec. 31 states that, after paying interest, there is a
deficit of £11,836. 14s. Id., and that .Messrs. Speyer have (in accordance
with agreement) met this deficit. The traffic and receipts of the railways
in which the company is interested continue to show satisfactory in-
creases. ■ Summaries of the accounts of the.se companies are set out.
Electric power continues to be furnished to the .Metropolitan District,
the Baker-street & Waterloo, the Great Xortheni. Piccadilly & Brompton,
and the Charing Cross. Euston & Hampstead Railway Co.s. as well as to
a section of the London United Tramways. The net output of electric
energy from the power house during the half-year was 57.313,700 kw.-hrs.
VICTORIA FALLS POWER CO. ((.TD.)— The report states that the
erection of the two new steam-driven electrical stations upon the Wit-
watersrand is now complete, and electrical energy is already being de-
livered to the mines from a portion of the new plant. The company
has entered into an important contract for the supply of the whole of
the power requirements (15 mines) of the Hand Mines and Eckstein
groups, and other contracts are under negotiation. In order to carry
out these contracts large additional installations of plant will be re-
(juircil, the funds for which are to be provided by the issue of further
debentures and preference shares.
WESTMINSTER ELECTRIC SUPPLY CORPN. \LTD.)— The directors' report
states that the supply of cinrcnt. which on Dec. 31, 1907. was provided
for the equivalent of' 929,579 8 c.p. lamps (equal to 29,744 kw.). had in-
( teased by Dec. 31. 1908. to the equivalent of 985,159 lamps (31,525 kw.).
The length of roadway in which continuous current mains have been laid
now exceeds 86 miles making about 343 miles of ways, intu which upwards
of 264 miles of copper (strip and cal>le) have been drawn. In addition.
5 miles of trunk mains (24 miles of ways) arc laid in the company's area
to connect the stations with the central Electric Supply Co.'s station at
St. .lohn's A\'ood. The report refers with satisfaction to the result of last
year's legislation as to electricity sujiply in London. .\n interim divi-
dend at the rate of 10 per cent, on the ordinary and the dividend on the
4J per cent. ])reference shares for the half-year ended .lune .30, 1907. has
been distributed. Allowing for depreciation, sinking fund an<l other
charges, the net balance is £46.250. 14s. 7d. Deducting the second half-
years iireference dividend (£8,086. 7s. 9d.) there is £37,504. Cs. lOd.,
and the directors recommend payment of a dividend at the rate of 10 per
cent, (less tax) on the ordinary shares for the past half-year (making 10
per cent, for the j-ear). carrying forward £1 1.439.
-44
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 10, 1909.
YORKSHIRE ELECTRIC POWER CO.— At Tuesday's mestmg Mr. A. G
Liipton said that tlie director.^ were of opinion that the years re-^u'ts
were very encouraging, especially when the general slackness m all local
industries was remembered. There had been an increase durmg the year
of 63 per cent, in consumers connected to the mains, whdst the energy
sales had only mcreased 31 per cent. That showed the difficult period
through which they had passed. So soon as trade improved the company
would gain all the greater advantage from the deferred progress. Agree-
ments had been made up to Dec. 31 last for 8,333 kw. As the whole of
the customers were not yet connected the revenue would agam show a
considerable advance during the present year. A supply of energy for
tramway purposes in Ossett and Soothill Nether was commenced m
November last, less than two months' revenue from that source coming
into the accounts of the year. The new overhead mains in the direction
of Barnsley had been erected, and it was satisfacotry that those overhead
lines were now permitted, as they enabled electricity to be carried through
the less populous parts of the area at a reasonable cost. Those mams
passed through Thornhill, Whitley Upper. Flockton, Emiey, Skelman-
thorpe and Clayton West, and a number of important agreements with
colliery proprietors and other power users in those districts had already
been concluded. 27 textile mills in the district were wholly or partly
driven from the mains of the company. \ considerable demand Nias
also made from various collieries.
NEW COMPANIES, STATDTORY RETURNS.
MORTGAGES AND CHARGES.
NEW COMPANIES.
ADOS (LTD.) (101.544).— Reg. Feb. 12, capital £1,000 in £1 shures-
to carry on the business of electrical engineers and gas engineers, sup-
]jliers of electricity, &c. Reg. ofiice, Francis-court, Lincoln.
AUSTRALIAN ELECTRICAL CO. (LTD.) 1 101, 546.)— Reg. Feb. 12,
capital i;iOO,OOOia £1 shares, to adopt an agreement with F.J. Healey
and A. J. Roberts, and to carry en the business of electricians,
mechanical engineers, suppliers of electricity, manufacturers of and
dealers in apparatus and machinery used in connection with the
generation, distribution, supply, accuinulatiou and employment of
electricity, &c. Private company. First directors arc F. J. llcaley,
W. Thompson, F. A Williams and D. S. Summers. Heg. office, 20,
Copthall-avenue, EC.
P. C. & H. SVND. (LTD.) (101,343.)— Reg. Jan. 29, capital £12,000,
to undertake the construction, establishment, maintenance, manage-
ment and working of any ])ublic or private tramway or light railway
in any part of the world, itc. Private company.
P.-V. SYND. (LTD.) (101,447.)— Reg. Feb. 5, capital £1,000 in £1
shares, to carry on the business of a telephone, telegraph and electric
light company, <te. Private company. Provisional directors, P. B.
Potter and A. K. Sterne.
PATENT TELEPHONE RECORDER 00. (CO NTINENTAL) (LTD.) (101,518).
Reg. B'eb. 10, capital fl,000in £1 shares, to adopt an agreement wi'h
J. A. Cjaml.ile and C. F. A. Meger, and to carry on the business indi-
cated by the title. First directors, T. A. Haumer and W. H. M. Draper.
RUSSIAN PUBLIC WORKS & CONST iUCTION CO. (LTD.) .101,556).—
Reg. ^cb. 12, capital £10,000 in £1 shares, to carry on in Russia and
elsewhere the business of financiers, contractor;, for the construction
or working of railways, electrical works, tramways, &c. Private com-
jjany. First directors are J. B. Banks andCJ. 0. Bellucci. Reg. office,
47, Victoria-street, London, E.G.
SOUTHAM & WOOD (LTD.) (101,263.)— Reg. Jan. 25, capiUl £2,000, in
£1 shares, to cany on the business of designers, manufacturers of and
dealers in electric liglit apparatus, conduits, dj'namo machines, lamps,
fittings, &c Private company. Joint managing directors, A, D
Southam and J. C. Wood.
VOSS & CO. (LTD.) (101,541).— Reg. Feb. 11, capital £2,500 in £1
shares, to acquire the business carried on as " Voss & Co.," and to
carry on the business of electrical and mechanical engineers, scientific
instrument makers, &o. Private compr^ny. Reg. office, Dashwood
House, liondon, E.G.
STATUTORY RETURNS.
BRITISH " EVER READY " ELECTRICAL CO. (LTD.) -Return to Jan. 2
gives capilal as £3,000 in £1 shares, all of which have been taken up.
£5,000 has been received. Mortgages and charges, £7,500.
CHESHAM ELECTRIC LIGHT & POWER CO. (LTD.)— In return to Jan 5
capital IS £2o.000 in £1 shares, of which 15,007 have been taken up
17 has been received and il5,O00 is considered as paid. Mort^'aires
and charges, £8,200. " "
MORTGAGES AND CHARGES.
rf^to°foo^"^7^''~^'"'"°"''*''' "^ ^1>™0 tlebentures, created
feb. dA, 1905, hied pursuant to sec. 10 (3) of Companies Act, 1907
amount of the present issue being £500 (renewals). Property charged'
compmiv s undertaking and property, present and future, including
uncalled capital No trustees- ^
nf^,fT,^^»°'^"r™^ CO. (LTD.)-A memorandum of satisfaction in full
of debentures datcil Feb. 10, 19C6, securing £2,000, has been filed
Particulars of £3 500 debentures, created Dec. 23, 1908, filed pursuant
on' Hn Pfi"^ ?Qn^Q°™'i?"'"" -Act, 1907, the whole amount being issued
Di-oir 'v ™.pi f Property charged, company's undertaking and
pioperty, present and future, including uncalled capital. No trustees
MAGNETIC SEPARATOR (LTD. —5 per cent, debenture dated Jan. 15,
to secure £50, cliari;ed on com]iaiiy's undertaking and property, pre-
sent and future, including uncalled capital. Holders, H. Higgin-
bottoni and P. Higson.
THOMAS R. MARTIN & CO. (LTD.)— Five per cent, first mortgage de-
benture, dated Jan. 23, 1909, to secure £100. charged on company's
undertaking and property, present and future, including uncalled
capital. Holders, Cleveland Investment Co.
RECEIVERSHIPS.
CARDWELL, BOORMAN. FORD LLOYD (LTD.)— Notice of the appoint-
ment of H. E. Saft'ery, 14, Old .Jewry-chamViers, E.G., as receiver, on
Jan. 25, 1909, under powers contained in debentures dated Feb 25,
1903, has been file:!. F. E. Clements, 12, St. Mary-axe, EC., has been
appointed liquidator.
CHRISTY BROS. & CO. (LTD.)— Issue on Jan. 25 of £500 debentures,
part of series a created Nov. 2, 1908, to secure £500, charged on the
company's undertaking and foroperty, present and future, including
uncalled capital.
HUNSLET ELECTRICAL POTTERY CO. (LTD.) -Notice of the appoint-
ment of T. Coombs, 14, King steet, Leeds, as receiver, on Jan. 15,
1909, under powers contained in debentures dated Jan. 30, 1907, has
been filed.
SHERARD COWPER-COLES & CO. (LTD.)— Notice of the appointment
of W. B. Peat, 11, Ironmonger-lane, E.C., as receiver and manager,
by order of Court, dated Jan. 11, 1909, has been filed.
RECEIVERS AND MANAGERS.
LUMB ELECTRICAL BLEACHING CO. (LTD.) -A notice of the appoint-
ment of W. B. Winnicott, Prudential Buildings, Queen-street, Notting-
ham, as receiver and manager, on Jan 28, 19J9, under powers contained
ill first and second mortgage debentures dated January, 1907, has been
filed.
CITY NOTES.
MEMORANDA (Feb. 18)— Bank rate 3 per cent, (since Jan. 14, 1909.\
Price of silver, 23i'd. per oz. Consols 84 jj — 84g for money and 84?. —
84 j' account. Consols Pay Day, March 1 ; Stock and Shares Continua-
tion Days, Feb. 23 and March 10 : Ticket Days, Feb 24 and March 11 ;
Pay Days, Feb. 25 and March 12. Mining Shares Carry Over Day, Feb. 22.
Prices of Metals (London). ^Cop^cr, cash, 58^ ; three months 59j.
Lead, English, 13i — 13f ; foreign, cash, 13| — 13,^ ; three months, 13, j.
Speller, cash, 21^— 21i; ; three months, 21,:;. fin, English, 131-133;
foreign, cash, I30j, three months, 131J. Iron, (Dleveland, cash 48,'-,
and three months, 48/9. Maynet Steel (price supplied by W. F. Dennis
& Co.), £55.
BRITISH ELECTRIC TRACTION CO. -A dividend of 1^ percent, on
the preference shares is annoiinccd.
CHATHAM a DISTRICT LIGHT RAILWAYS CO.— The directors recom-
mend a di\-idend of 2 per cent on the ordinary shares. The receipts
for the hnlf-year were £22,830 and the expenses £13,929.
W. T. HENLEY'S TELEGRAPH WORKS CO. (Ltd )— The directors have
decided to recommend a dividend on the ordinary shares at the rate of
15 per cent, (tax free), including interim dividend of 5 per cent, paid
Sept. 1 last.
RIO DE JANEIRO TRAMWAY, LIGHT & POWER CO.— The directors re-
commf'ud the increase of the share capital, which now stands at
.$25,000,000. It is stated that *6,250,000 will be at once oflfered to the
shareholders at par.
SIMPLEX CONDUITS (LTD.)— The profits for the past year were£12,92I,
and a final dividend of 12.1' per cent, per annum (making 10 per cent.)
for the year) lias been declared, and £2,747 carried forward.
SOUTHERN ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS CO. (BUENOS AYBES)— This com-
pany is inviting applications for an issue of £100,000 5 per cent, first
mortgage debentures.
STOCK EXCHANGE NOTICES.— The Stock Exchange committee have
granted quotations to 25,000 £5 fulU-paid shares (in lieu of £125,000
6 per cent, construction debenture stock now quoted) and 1,007 addi-
tional £5 fully-paid shares of the Indim Elcctnc Supply & Travion Co.
{Ltd.), £350,()-0 5 per cent. £100 debentures of the Sniyapirc Electric
Tnnnu:fii/s (Ltd.), and a further issue of 6,500 £5 fully paid 6 per cent,
cumulative preference shares and £200,0. 0 5 per cent, first debenture
stock of the Vnitcd Electric I'ramu-ays of Muiitc Video {Ltd.). The com-
mittee have been asked to grant quotations to £250,000 6 per cent.
£100 prior lien debentures (in lieu of scrip now quoted) of the ISrilish
Wcstlii'jhousc Elcc'.ric d- Mfy. Co. {Ltd.), a further issue of f30,000 4 per
cent. £100 first debentures of the Primitivi (lasiJi Electric Lightnnj Co.
of Buenos Ayrc.i (Ltd.) and a further issue of 60,000 £1 fully-paid ordi-
nary shares of Viikers, Sous d'- Ma.rivi (Ltd.).
TyNESIDE TRAMWAYS & TRAMROADS CO.— A dividend is announced
of IJ, percent, per annum (Is. 6d. per share), less tax, on the ordinary
shares for the half-year, carrying £600 to reserve and £642 forward.
WASTE HEAT & GAS ELECTRICAL GENERATING STATIONS (LTD )—
This company is inviting applications for a further issue of 65,000
shares of £1 each at par.
A dividend of 7 per cent, for the past year is announced.
WINNIPEG ELECTRIC R.AILWAY CO —Subscriptions are invited for
£300,000 4) per cent, perpetual consolidated debenture stock.
BLBOTBIO TBAHWAT AND BAILWAT TBAFFIO
BBGEIPTS.
_THJ^BOTBICIAN, FEBRUARY-19, 1909.
Aberdeen OorpoiMIOD : Feb.
Aiidrle ' „
Anglo'ArgeDtlne ,,
Ayr CorporacloD j ,,
Bater 8t. & WMerloo By.... „
Bamsley j ,,
Barrow ! „
Bath Blectrlo Trams, Lid... i „
Birkonbead (JorpuratloQ ... '
Blrmtnguam Oorpuration...
BirmmKbam ^ Mid Jan.
Blacbbum Oorporadon
Blackpool and Fleetwood..
Boltuo Oorporadoa
Bombay
Booruemoatb Corporatloa.
Bradford Corporation
Brigbcon Uorporatlon
Brlaul Irama 6c oarrlage..
Bomley Oorporation
Burton Corporation
Bury Oorporation
Oaloutta Tramways Oo
Oamborne-Redruth
Oardifl Oorporation
Oaveblll
Central London Railway ...
0barlngO.,i<:u8ton&H'atead
Ohatbam 4 Dist. Lt. Bya.
Olty & Soutb London Bly
Olty o( Blrmlngbam
2.0.3
1,233
Uork uleotrio Tramu Oo. ..
Oroydon Corporation
Devonporl & iligt. Xrama..
Dover Oorporation
Dablin & Luoan Railway.,
Dobloi United
Dodley-Stourbridge .'.'.'.'.".".'.
Dundee Oorporation
Bast Ham Council
Bxeter Oorporation '"."
Oatesbead a Dist. Trama.i
OiiiSKow 'irporadon
Qlossop Trams
Umvcucuu iNorthfleet
Oreat N orDhern S City Bly.
Qt. Northern, Piccadilly, <Sc
Oreenook & Port Glasgow-
Hartlepool Tramways ....
ti(»8iii.gB dec. irama Oo...
Hony Kong
Uuddersbeld Oorpn
Hull oorporation
Dford District Council
Ilkeston District Council ..
Ipswich Oorporation
Isle o( Thanet Oo .'.
Jsrcow
Kelgnley Oorporation 1
Kidderminster m District.. I
Kilmarnock Oorporation ..
Lanarkshire Trams Co. ..
Lancashire United I
Leamington
Leeds Corporation '.'.'.'.'.
Leicester Corporation
Leitb Oorporation |
Lincoln Corporation '.'.' \
Liverpool Corporation
Liverpool Overhead lily. .. j
•l-ondon L,ounty Council ..
Loodon United ;...
Lowestoft "."
Maidstone Oorporation.'.'.'.'.'.
Manchester Corporation ..
Mersey Railway
Merlbyr
Metropolitan Dist. Baii'waj
Metropolitan Bleo. Trams..
Mlddleton
Nelson Corporatioii '.V.'.'.'.'
Newcastie-on-Iyne Corp. ...
Newport (Mon.) „...
Northampton Corpo'ration
u dbam, Ashton & Hyde ..
Oldham Corporation
Penh (N.B,J Corporation.'.'.
Pe"h(W.A.)iilec. Trams..
Peterborough
Portsmouth Oorporation"! '!
Potteries
Preston Oorporation'.!!
Kotherham Corporation
rtotbesay
Balford Corporat'i'o'ii '!!!!!
t'S.l.O
l,42i
2.4)3
73,116
41,6!0
68,681
23,127
i2,zeu
62,E09
RJll,344
740
03,260
4.216
20,591
13,324
2,E0J
2,122
1,628
83,276
3,36;i
ELECTRICAL COMPANIES' SHARE LIST
lO.liS
1,3.6
3J,610
4,774
e.no
17,103
e,472
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
Bonmemonth 4 Poole Eleo. Sup, Ord...
fOo. 4J per Cent. Cum. Pref.
too. 6 per Cent. Com. Second Pref. ...
Do. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Bromley (Kent) El. Lt. h Power Shares
Do. Do. 1st Debs.
Brompton 4 Kensington Eleo. Sup. Ord.
Do. 7 per Cent. Pref.
Central Elec. Snp. Co.4 ' Gnar.Db.Stock
''harinsCro8s(W,End4City)EI.Sap.Co.
too. 4i per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent, leb Stock (red.)
Do, 4i per Cei.t. ''eb. ■ fc ck (red )
Do. 'ity Undertaking 4J4 Cm. Fret.
Chelsea Electric Supply Ord.
Do. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock (red!) ".!!
City of London Electric Lighting Ord..,
Do. 8 per Cent. Cum. Pref. !!
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb. .Stock (red.)...!!!
Do. 4 J per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock (red.)
County ofDarham Elec. P.D. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, non Cum. Pref. !!!
County of London Elec. RupplyOrd
Do. 6 per Cent. Cam. Pref.
Do. 4J; Deb. stock (red.) .!!!!!!!!
Do. Second Deb. Stock
Folkestone Electricity Supply Co. Ord.'
Oo. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J 1st Deb. Stock (red) !!!
Hove Electric Lightine Ord
Kensington 4 Knightsbridge Ord
Do. 6 per Cent 1st Pref
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Kensingtn. 4 Kngtbg. Co. & Notting Hill,
" (Joint Station) 4 < Deb. Stook(red.)|
10 -lOi
K'i 1U|
• -nr,
ib
9! —98
lUl
97 -93 4 U 0
'8 4J ! 5 '.I 0
3( ^l Sou
102 106 4 7 6
10| llj I 5 8 0
12 -12| 4 14 u
121 -123 4 10
99 -102 4 8 0
£ B. d.
6 13 8 1 M»r, Sept,
1 12 0 Feb, Aug 1
6 11 6 Feb, Ang j
4 5 6 Jan, July
6 1<) 0 April, Oct
4 12 0 May, Nov t
5 14 0 I March....
4 2 0 Mar, Sent
3 19 0 Jane, Deo
Feb, Ang
Feb, Ang
Jan. July
4 17
981 I 97
98 j ; 9.-i
l»i
, Pow
1 Supply Ord.
ax
1- 1,469 +
Bheffleld Corporation...!!!"
BhlBapore Trams .
South Hetropolitan
South Stalls
Southend Corporati'on" !!!!'
Hoatnport Tramways...
^''''J'"l|!<'.Hyde,&c..Jt.Bd:
Blind,rl»nd Corporation ...
Sunderland District ...
Swansea Trams
wo^r"^"'"'"'''""-'"
lynemouth ind'oinriot".'!!
lyneside Trams Oo
Wal""^-'""'"''"^'"^''"'
Wari
Wa sail Corpn
Weston-super-Mare
Wo verhampton Co,
^ ^ster
Wreiham
,T"t"iiie w!'B."T'rMa !!!'"
^"""lil^WoollenDlBtrlot!
218 +
lii > -1-
2,685
e9..'^59
r,,091
9,3a»
257,617
S.M,B77
3,:i75
St.
tk
St
i.
St.
m
St.
4-.
b
2/8
44
lU
0*
f-i
bZ
'•■
l>Z
4
lU
8/U
10
c/o
lUj
t.)
4/0
''rPra.'^'dly'^"'i'|:^f!jI?'5»"f P^Ji"? periol last ,
"•lys. Partly electntal. + Minus 3 days. ;
6 4/0
"• 4j/.
f" »/.
1^1 8/.
6 l!3
■it- 4/,
10 1 e/0
■St.! iX
10 1 2/0
j 0/6
4K
it
i/.
St. ' 8j^
3J%
tDo. 6 pi
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st «ort'. Deb".'!!!'!!!!,
Metropolitan Electric Sup. Ord ! '"
Do. ij per ;ent. Cam. Pref.
Do. 4J per Cent. Deb, Stockist Mort.
Do. 34 per Cent. Mrt. Dob. Srock(red.)
Midland Elec. Corp.fir P.D.lstMort.Db.
Newcastle* Dmt. Eleo. Ltg. Ord
Do. 4iperOnt. Deb
Newcastle Elec. rinpply Ord
Do 6 per •:ent. noa Cum. Pref.
Oo. 4 peri;»ni. '^■irt. 0,.h. r«<i 1007.
Non h Metro. E eo.Power =ap. 5 .Morts
Do. 4* per 0;nt. Dab ...!.!.!.!
Votting Hill Electric Ord
Oxford Electric Ord I
iio. 4 per Cent. Dab. Stock !!!!.'! 94 a7
St. James' t Pall Mall Elec. Ord.... ' S3 Si
Do. 7 percent. Pref. | 6J -7i
Do. SJ per Cam. Oeb. Stock (red.) ... Bii -HO
Smithneld Markets Electric Snp. Ord... A -ii
I o. 4 per Cent. Dab. .Stock 8j -i"
South London Electric Supply Ord!!!!!!!: 21 vj
South Metrop'n Elec. Lt. & Power Ord ! i "3
Do. 7per(:ent. Cum. Pref. , U -li
Do. 4J lat Db. Stk. Red loJ-lUJ
Urban Electric Supply Ord 8—1
Do. 6 per Cent. Cam. Pref. '" i'S -i
Do. 4J oer Cent. Ist viort. Deb..! ' 80 -83
Westminster Eleo. S;ip. Ord ' i SJ SJ
Oo. 4i per rent Com. Pref. !'" tj -SJ
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS & TRAMWAYS.
Baker bt. i ....,,„.,„ i ferp. Do. Sii '••J -97
tiath Klec. Trams I'ref. Ord I i!- -,'■
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum Pref. {{-;!;
Do. 4J Ist Mort. Deb. St.ick (red.)... 90 -»1
H'hac: 4 Midland Tram. 4) Ist Ub Stk '' «0 -•'<
I liristol Tramways & Carna'.:e Ord.
Do. Cum. Prol. (fully paidj .'.'„'.!
Do. 4 per Cent, uebi
►tritish Electric Tracliou Ord
t Oo. B per Cent. Cum. Pref. !!!!!
Do. 6 per Cent. Perpetual Dabs.
Do. 4) per Cent, iad Deb. Stock ...!!!
♦ Central London Ordinary Stock
fDo. 4 per Cent. Pref. Stock
tOc. Deferred St.ick !
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs !!!
Charing X.Euston&Hmpstd Per Db.Stk!
t-ity of Birmingham Trams. 5%Cm.Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Uort. Debs
City 4 South London Rly. Con. Ord. 27 -2S
Do. 6 per Cent. Perp. Pref. (1891) '" 11" -U2
Do. (1896) " 1"/ -loj
Do. (19U!) !!.'.!!! 103 IJJ
Jo. (1903) I 91—99
Do. 4 per Cent, Perpetual Dabs ! 99 -lUl
Dublin United Trams. Ord llj 12^ j
Do. 6 per Cent, f ref. 12J 114 \
Gt. Northern & City Kly. Pref. Ord. (4.;;i| I S
Q. Northern, Piccadilly 4 Urompton Ord. 8i— ai
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock I 91 -93
Hastings St Dist. Elec. Trams. 6% Cm. Pi. 2J— 3^
Do. 4J ub. St 8) -it
• Imperial Tramways Ord 71 -8}
JDo. 6 per cent. Pref. 7j -tJ
:Do. 4J per Cent. Dobs 8J -», I
I. of Thanet K. 1. 4 Lt. 6 per Oeut. Pref. I -1|
Do. 4 per Cant. Dob. Stock 61 -59
Lanarkshire Tramways 10 — ii»t
Lanes. Utd. Trams 6 . Prior Lien Do. St. <1 —as '
Liverpool Overhead Railway Ord t} -ij
Do. 6 per Cent, pref 0 -5J
Do. 4 percent. Deb I 81 Si
London United Trams. 6 i Cum. Pref. ...I 4 — ij
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st MorL Deb. StooiE j Tl -75
Mersey Con. Ord. dtock 1 -2
Do. 8 per Cent. Perp. Pref. 9 -s
Metropohtan tlec. Tramways Ord ei — iji
Do. Delerred I A X
tDo. 6 per ...eut. cum. Pref. | ;3 -s"
Do. 4) per Ceut. Oeb. Stock ai -93
Metropuhtan ttailway Consolidated 1 8d —37
Do. Surplus Lauds Stocks Q) — Ji
Do. 8j per Ceut. Preference 8j — S3
Do. 3J per Ceut. " A " Preference 1 76 — 73
Do. 3J pet: Cent, convertible Pref. 73 —76
" ■ per Cent. Debenture Stock 92 — 9 ^
U-ij
6 13 4
34 3i
6 17 It
8i «1
5 8 0
lOj Hi
S 11 6
4 3 a
lu) 1J3
4 7 e
l*:ti
6 7 0
4 11 0
95 93
4 12 1)
(* 7
6 3 0
7« *i
6 9 0
bl -tg
4 14 8
83 -to
4 3 6
98 -101
3 19 0
86 -89
6 1 0
19 2!
3 I'l d
45 51
<; II u
91 8.j
4 4 0
4} f{
5 11 3
4i -5
. I" 0
01 109
4 2 6
S6 -8S
3 19 6
9j -93
4 12 11
SJ-'S
3 11 9
88 9J
) 0 7
3s-ii
10 0 0
6 5i
1 H 9
■IS -Hi
1 S 1
00 -U2
91 -J3
1 ;7''o
Hi -l-n
5 11 ij
'4 ^i 6 10 0 ,
831
5 II 0
6 19 0
6 13 0
5 12 0
81 -9
97 99
31 -3J
go -9i
73 -76
t3 -65
-17
69 -91
4i-4}
4 9 0
I Jan, July
March ..
Jane, Dec
I Feb, Ang
Jan, July
June, Dec
Jan, July 102
April, Oct
April, Oct
Feb, Aag 9.^
Mar, Sept H
Jan, July
; May, Nov IC24 102
spril, Oct
Mar, Sept 5
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
Feb, Aug
Jan.Jnlf .. -
1 April, Oct
Jan, July
Mar. Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jao, July
June, Deo 1
Jan, .fnly
June, Dee
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July j
Mar, Aag
Jan, July I
March .. ]
March . .
Jao, July '
Feb, Aag
Feb, Aug I
Jau.July
Feb ....
Feb, Aug !
April ....
Feb.'kng
April, Oct
April, Oct
April, Oct
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
•Ian, July
Jao, July 8
April....
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jao, July
Feb, Aug
lOli
^H
90)
4 16
Feb, Aug
Jane, Deo
Feb, Aug I 3;
April, Oct 9i
May, >ov 731
teb, Ang 61
Feb, Aug el]
* 17 0 Feb
3 17 0 Jan, July lo2J
4 S 0 Jan, July BoJ
5 6 0 April, Oct
3 IS u April, Oct
6 7 11 Feb, Aug 271
4 9 0 Feb, Anf .7
4 11 6 Feb, Aug
4 11 8 , Feb, Aug 1011
5 10 Feb, Aug »7j
3 19 0 May, Nov
4 li 0 Feb, Aug
• 73 Feb, Aug
Feb, Au^
Feb, Aug
I 6 0 Jau.July
Mar, Sept
i I 0 April, Oct
7 1 0 Mar, Sept
7 1 0 Mar, Sept
> 0 0 Jan, Ju^
Mar, Sspt
I 13 0 Jan, July
i 17 0 Feb, Aug
17 6 Jao, July
Feb, Aag
I 2 U ' Feb, Aug
IJ 0 I Jao, July
8 0 Jao, July
« 8 Jan, July
I Feb, Aug. I
»3J
74i
I April.. .
I Feb, Auj
I Jaj, Jaly
I Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
• uly
765 7B1
74 ! -
93J_93|
* J? ^"."'•"■'e the yield aUowanoe has been made for accrued interest bnt no! for redemotiaD
t Ki DiTideud. J The London Stock Excliange Commicue have declined to nuote then .
THE ELECrRlCIAN. I'BBRUARY 1!>, 19J9.
El^ECTR-ICAL C03J[I»ATVIES' SHAIfcE I^T^T.— Continued.
St-
at.
8JX
St
bt.
8J%
St.
3^
Ht.
4*
St.
ir<
at
6/
St.
iX
b
I
1
0/9J
0/6
Exte
St. I tiV.
1 0/7S
St, I 4^
100 sx
St' ^Jic
St ih
r, 6/0
5' 2/8
S». 4«
r 1/6
St I 4i?
1 0/7:
1 o/'i
1! 0/8|
li 1/0
1 0/7i
100
*iX
6/0
4/0
4U
26/0
17/6
4%
2/6
*"
6/0
12/6
1/S
ik
12/0;
2(?
nienca ....
. 4 perLeul. Uebs
t ludia & I'anama
tent, isi Prof .,
Uo. 6% 2nd Pref
p</. 6 pet tent. Deba .'.'.■.■...■.
Western lele(;r»ph
Do. 4 per tent. Lleb block (redo" ' '
W ebtern V mou Telegh. 51 000 4 { Bond'
Iculating the jaiu ^uow
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS k TBAWWAVS-
Met. Elv. 8J ppr Cent. " A " D(!>. Stock
fl -ToCAljtan District Bailwnv Oni.
ision Pref. (i per Cent.)
fed Fxt. Pref. (Int. Guar, by
Und. Elec. Elvs. Co. of London, Ltd.l
Do. 3 per Cent.' Consoltd. Tient-eharp
Do. 4 per Cert. Midland Eent-cbar(;i
fDo. Ounr. Stock 4 per Cent
Do. 6 per Cent Perp. Deb. Stock
Do. 4perCent. Ditto
N'ew Gen. Tract. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Potteries Electric Traction Ord.
ir.c. 6 per Cent. Cnm. Pref.
Do. 4* per Cent. Deb. Stock
R. Met. Elec. Trams. 4 Ug. BY, Cm. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Sunderland Dist. Elec.Trmi.fi"'i"tMt.Db.
UndergdE.Bvs.Lon.t^;^; In.bdfi.with coup.'2
Do. 5^ Prior Lien Bonds
Do. 4^'' Bopds
Yorkshire (W.B.) Eleo. Trams. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4Jrerrent. l»t Tlehs
ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING, &c.
Aron ElectricitT Meter Ord. ...;
Do. 6?; Cum. Pf.
Babcock & WUcoi Ord
Do. Pref
British Insulated & Helsby Cables Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4* per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb. (red.)
Brili8hThoms'n-Uoust'n4i^lstMt.Db,
British Westinghoase 6 per Cent. Pref...
Do. 6 per Cent. Prior Liei Dbs (rd.)
Do. 4 per cent. Mort. Deb. Stock
B ujh E.Eng.Co.4l".', Perp. l9t Deb.Stock
Do. Perpetual 2ud Deb. Stock
t'allender's table Con. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. ....
Do. 4) per Cent. 1st Mort Deba. (red.)
Castner-Kellner Alkali Co
Do. 4J per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.)
Cbadburn's (Ship) Telegraph Ord.
Do. 6per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Consoliiiated Hcctrical Co. ..
Consolidated Signal Co
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
•Crompton & Co. (Nos. 1 to ^6,000)
Do. 6 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs. (red.).
Davis 4 Timmins
Dick, Kerr & Co. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J per Cent. Deb.Stock
Edison 81 Swan United ("A"Sh.)(£3pd.)
Do. (£6 paid)
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock (rd.)
Do. 6 per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock
Edmnndaon'B Elec. Corp. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J per cent. Ist Mort. Deb. (red.)
Electric Construction Co
Do. 7 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Perp. Ist Mort. Oebs.
General Electric (1900) 5% Cum. Pret...
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Deba.
Henley's Tele^aph Works Ord.
Do 4J per Cent. Pref.
I'o. 4j per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. Stock
India Rubber, Gut. Per , ic.Wrks. ...
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs, (red.)
National Elec. Construction Co.
Eichardsons, Westgarth &, Co. , Ltd . Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref
fo. 4 J per Cent. Perp. Deb. Stock ...
Simplei Conduits Ord
Do. (jper Cent. Cum. Pref.
Telegraph Construction & Maintenance
L ;. 4 per Cent Deb. Bonds (1909) ..
VitKers, Sons & Maxim, Ltd., Ord [ Iji— 2V"
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Preference li^- li^e
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Preferred 107 — llu
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Db.Sk. (red) I lu3 — li5
Do. 4 J per Cent. 2nd Mort. Deb. (red.) '
Do. 6 per Cent. 3rd Mort. Debs Scrip.
J. G.White & Co. 6; Cm. Pref.
WUlans & Kobinson Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs.
TELEGRAPHS.
Amazon Teleuraph
Do. 6 per Cent. Debs, (red.'
I Anglo-American ,
»Do. Preferred
(Do. Deferred
Commercial Cable 4 per Cent. Deb. Stk,
Cuba Submarine Ord
r?,°; .^'■'"■"<;''^f lOperCent ; ^ , leJ-lTJ 6 17 6
Direct Spanish Ord <1 — 11 sib '■
Do. 10 per Cent. Cum. Pref. g -9 I ? 11
1)0. 4J per Cent. Deb 897—105"/
Direct Unite i States Cable | loi _ioa° fl 1^ 1
tastern Ordmary ! 10a _i.ji 170
Do. 3j per ceit. Pref. Stock :::.::::: '^a-wi 5 7 0
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stk. (red.)
Eastern Extension
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock"*....
Eastern & S.Af. 4 Mauritius Sub. Debs.
S-^.-'"' CopenliaEen),withCoupon75..., o„ -o^
Ualilui & Bermuda 4i<, Ist Mt.Db.(red.)l goj-iou
Inoo-turopean '| 52-65
Mackay Compamea Common .... I i^ 7w
Do. preiereuce ::;::;:"i ;*rJ;
Marconi s Wireless Teleg. Co
Pacific & Europe'n Tel.4 .,0nar.Db8.(reii
" est Coabt 01 America
Amer. Telephn. & Telech. Cap. St , 133J-132!
Do. Coll. TruBt » 1,000 4 percent. Bds 95—97
Anplo-Portug'se TeL 6% Ist Mt.Db. Stk. 100 —102
Chili Telephone "i-88
Monte Video Telephone Ord. | sj-sJ
Do. 6 per Cent. {"ref. ' Ja— 3}
National Co. Pref. Stock 1 lOi —111
Do. Def. Stock 121 —123
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Ist Pref. ' lOJ- llj
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. 2nd Pref. ' 10}-11}
Do. 5 per Cent. non-Cum. 3rd Pref. ... 5ia ~b\J
Do. Deb. Stock 34 per Cent, (red.) ...; 97} -93'
Do 4 perCei t. DL'b. Stock(red.) ....
Oriental
Do. 6 (ler Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Red. Deb. Stock . ..
TelephoneCo. of Eeypt4J(;Db.Stk.(red.)
United Eiver Plate
Do. 6 per Cent. Com. Prof.
Do. 4J Deb. St. Ked
FIKAKGIAL, INVESTMENT, &c.
Elec. & Gen. InvestmeDt QX Com, Pr
Globe Telegraph ii Irast
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Htibmarine Cablea TruBt (Cert.)
4 8 6
3 10 6
99t -lOlJ 8 18 6
1;!— 1!S 4 2 8
IJ-IJ 4 16 0
8S —90 4 9 0
8i — lOOJ 4 9 6
5* "
4-61
5 14 0
4 110
4 6 6
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRIC
RAIIMAY&, TRAMWAYS. Ac.
Anglo-Argontine 6% Cnm. Ist Pref.
Do. lu;; Non-cum. 2nd Pref
Do. Permanent 6% Deb. Stock
Auckland Elec. Trams. bZ Dob. (red.)..
Brisbane Electric Trams. InToet. Ord,...
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J per Cent. Db. Prov. Certs
British Columbia EI.Ry.Df. Ord
Do. Pref. Ord.StocR
Do. 6% Cum. Perp. Pref. Stock
Do. 4J per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs
Do. V ancouver Power Debs
Do. 4i%Perp Con. Deb. St
Buenos Ayres tirand National Ord.
fDo. 5 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6j jjer Cent. Pref. Deba
Dc. 6 per Cent. Ist Deb. Bonds
t Buenos Ayres Lacr(.>7e Trams Ist Mt. Db.
Ayres Port & Citj Tram. Ist Mt.
Deb. Stock
Calcutta Tramways (1 to 187,610)
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4j% 1st Deb. Stock (rod.)
Cape Electric Tram Shares
City ot Buenos Ayres Trams Co. (1904jSh,
Do 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Colombo Ir. & Ltg. 6% Ist Mt. Db
Electno Traction Co. of Hong Kong 6
per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs.
Eiec. Ky. Con. Mt. 6/i $1,000 60
year Coup. Bda
igoorlre i-lec. Irama Sh
o. 6per Cent. " A " Deb. Stook ....
0. t per Cent. '" B" Ditto
ibon Elec. Trams. Ord
0. t) per Cent. Cum. Pref,
£ per Cent. Keg. Mort. Deba ...
s Jilec. Irama. 6% Ueb. Stk
1 Elec. Ey. «1,000 Gold Honda ...
meiicolrams Uo. Com. St ,
Lo. Gen. Con. 1st Mort. 6% Hold Bda.
Montreal St. Ky. Sterling 4J per Cent.
Debs. iWlz) (JNos. 601 to 2,UOO) ...
Perth Elec. Trams Ord
Do. 1st Mt. Db. Stock
n Elec. Trams & Supply Co. 8%
Pf.
I'-i-i. g
13 — 13j
127 -130
41-S
JJ-6
lot) —101
104J-106,'
1'jVj -10. J
101 — lOJ
loo - 103
2^-3
3<— <J
78 —83
4i— 5
41 -6i
100 —103
i-S
9d —lUi
8J —92
;?-i.'i
1 -li
1C2 —104
8-1
100 —103
5 11
9 10
4 17
4 16
Do. 4J/. Ist Mort. Ueb. Sll
Sao Paulo Tramway, Light- & Power Co
$100 Stock
Do. 6 per Cent, lat Mt. $500 Db
Toronto ity Co. 1st Mt. 4i4 Stor. Bonds
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRICITY
SUPPLY &o.
Adelaide Elec. S'plyCo.e^On.Pr.
BombayE.6.&T.6%Cm.Pf.
Do. 4 J per Cent. Ueb. Stk. (rod.)
Calcutta Elec. Supply Ord
Canadian Gen. Elec. Oo. Com. St
CaslncrEli-ctrolvlic Alkali Co.(of U.S. A.),
Isl Mort. StI. Debs i
Elect. Development Co of Ontario
Elec. Ltg. & Irao. Co. of Auat. 6 perj
Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent, Deb Stock
Elec, Supply Co. of Victoria 6 por Cent.
1st Mort. Deb. St
Indian Elec. Sup. & Irao. Co
Kalgoorhe Elec. Power & Ltg. Ori ... I
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Prof. '."i
Madras E. S. Corp. b per Cent. ConatQ '
Deb. St
Mexican Elec. Light Co. 6% lat Moi-t.
Oold l;ouds
Mexican Lt. & Power Co. Com. St. ..."".
Do. 5y„ i-t Mort. wold bnda. "j
tMontreal Ll. 111. & Power Oo. Cap. St...!
Electricity Co. Ord
Do. b per Cent. non.Cum. Prof*!! !!
Do. b percent. Deb. Stook
Eosano Elec. to. 6% Pref. (1-20,000)
fahawinigan Water & Power Co. Cap. St.
Do. BperCent.Bda
Victoria Palls Power Co. Pret,
6!-tJ 6 6
9J -103
8J - 877.
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Anguat . .
Nov ....
May, Nov
Pel), Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
June, Dec
Jan, July
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
June, Dec
Jan, July
Jan, July
Sp DcMr Ju
SpDcMrJu
April. Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Juno, Deo
Jan, July
May ....
May, Nor
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
May, Nov
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Jan, Jtily
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Fob, Aug
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
F,My,A,N
June, Deo
May, Nov
June, Doc
Fob, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July
Jan, July
J an, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
May ....
Jan, July
Juno, Deo
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept '. 51
.. ! 98
Jan, July ' . ■
April, Oct
Jan, July
Fob, Aug
Jan, July
101
136J
4;;
86 — UU : 6 11
87i -6ui 5 10 6 I Jan, July
14-2 j -
It -ii I 7 li 0 ' April,' Oct
73 —82 16 2 0 April, Oct
ha. been made tor accrued Interest b'at not tor le lemptlon f Bi dividend. I The London Stook Eiohange
831-89U
63 —S)
ml, 9.'i
lid"— 121
Vi'—ui
108 —Its J
iS— 1
Committee
6 7 0
4 ll 6
6 9 0
4 18 0
5 11 0
3 17 6
4 12 6
5 0 0
.. I 8)J
81J
92i
F.My.A.N I1204
April i li
May -
Jan, July , .•
April, Oct 63-,
I03J
Jan, July lOiti
Jan, July ' i
S8|
108}
have declined to quote these.
Sapplement to "THE ELECTRICIAN,"
February 19, 1909.
T^E SI^ECTRICIAN
Tables of Electric Supply, Power and Traction Undertakings of the United Kingdom, 1909.
Table I. — Electricity Supply Undertakings with no Tramway Load.
Table la. — Towns taking Electricity Supply ** in Bulk."
Table 11. — Electricity Works supplying both Lighting and Tramways.
Table IIL — Electric Power Companies.
Table VII. — Colonial and Foreign Electricity Supply Works, i
Table VIII. — Electric Railways and Tramways of the World. J
.Mwrdeeu. II., IV.
.\berdeen Suburban Ti;im\vays Co., \'.
;»AbertiUery, I.
.\ben*stwith, I.
Accrington. 11., IV.
Acton, lA.
Airdrie (wf Coatbridge II.)
Airdrie and Coatbriigt Tramways Co., IV.
,Mder!t\ Edge and Wilnislow, I.
Aldershot, I.
pAldershot— Farnborough Tramways, IV.
Aldrington {Hove), lA.
AHoa, lA.
-Vlnwick, I.
Altriacham and Ashtoii-on-Mersey. I.
Alverstoke {tee Gosport, lA.)
Ambleside {see Windermere, I.i
pAnnfield Plain, lA.
Anstey {see p Leicester, IV. 1
Arbroath, I.
/jArdsley, East and West. lA.
A&hington, lA.
^shton-on-Mersey {«<; Altrincham I.)
Ashton-under-Lyne, II., IV.
Abton Manor, 11.
Ayr, II.. IV.
^)Bacup, lA.
Baker Street-and Waterloo Railway. VI,
BaobuT)-, 1.
Bangor, I.
Barking, H., IV.
Barnes, I.
Bamet, lA.
Bamsley, II.
Bamsley and Diet. Electric Traction Co., IV.
Barnstaple, I.
Barrow-in-Furness, II., IV.
Barton-upon-Irwell Rural District Council, IV
Bath, I.
Bath Electric Trjimwavs Co., V.
Balky, II.
Battcrsea, I.
I Table IV.— Tramways and Light Railways with Combined Lighting and Traction
Power Houses.
Table V. — Tramways and Light Railways with Power Houses for Traction only.
I Table VI. — Electric Railways in Operation and in Progress
These Two Tables being separate and in alphabetical order are not included in this Index.
[The numerals following the names in the Index refer to the TABLE in which the particulars are given. Tlie prefUe p indicates PROJECTED.)
Beckenham, II.
Broadstairs {see Margate II.)
Chesterfield, II. , IV.
Devonport and East Stonehouse, II.
Falkirk and District Electric Tramways Co,, IV.
Beddgelert (see Portmadoc, IV.)
Bromley (Kent), I. [Co., I.
Chichester, I.
Dewsbury, II.
Falmouth, I.
Bedford I.
Brompton and Kensington Electricity Supply
Chilvers Cotou {see Nuneaton, I.)
Dinas Powis {see ^Llaudaff, I.)
Fareham, I.
Bedruthan (see p Padstow, IV.)
Broughty Ferry, I.
Chislehurst, lA.
Dollar, I.
Farnhorough (s^t- /JAldcrshot, IV.)
Belfast. 11. , IV.
^jBryumawr, I.
Chiswick, I.
Doncaster, 11. , IV.
Paraworth (Lanes,), IL, IV.
Belfast and North East Ireland Electricity and
Burnley, H., IV.
Christchurch, II.
Dorkiug, I.
Faversham. I.
Power Gas Co., III.
Burslem, I.
Church Stretton, I.
Douglas Southern Electric Tramways {see Isle
Felixstowe Pier IV.
^Benfieldside, lA.
Burton and Ashby, V.
City of Loudon Electric Lightiug Co., I.
of ilan, V.)
Felixstowe and Walton, 1.
Bermondsey, I.
Burton- on-Trent, II., IV.
City and South London Railway, VI.
Dover, n., IV.
Felling (sec Hebburn, 1.)
Berwick-on-Tweed, I.
Bury, n., IV.
Clacton-on-Sea, I.
Dublin, L
Fife Electric Power Co.. III.
Bessbrook-Newry Tramway Co., V.
Bury St. Edmunds, I.
oClacton— St. Osyth Light Railway Co.. IV.
Dublin and Lucau Electric RailwayeCo., V.
Finchley, I.
^jBethnal Green, I.
Buxton. I.
Cleckheaton, II.
DubUn United Tramways Co., V.
Fleetwood, I.
Bexhill, I.
j)Calvei-ley, IV.
jjCleethoi-pes, I.
Dudley, n.
Folkestone, I.
Bexley, II.. IV.
Camborne. Redruth and Illogau, II., IV.
Cleveland aud Durham County Electric Power
Dukmfiold {see Stalybridge, n., TV.)
^Folkestone, Sandgato and Hythe Tramways
Birkdale, 11.
Cambridge. I.
Co., HI.
Dumbarton, 11.
Foots Cray, lA. [Co.. IV.
Birkenhead. I.. V.
Cambuslang, I.
Clyde Valley Electrical Power Co., III.
Dumbarton Burgh aud County Tramways
Frinton-on-Sea, I.
Birmingham, II., IV.
^Cannock, I.
Coatbridge and Airdrie. II.
Co., IV.
Frome, I.
Birmingham and Midland Tramways Joint
Canterbury. I.
Colchester, II, IV.
Dumfries, I.
Fulham. I.
Committee, V.
pCaoterburv and Heme Bay Light Railwav
Cohie, II.
Dundee, n., TV.
Galwav, I.
2jBirstaU, lA.
Cardifl, II.; IV. ' [Co., IV.
Cohie and Trawden Light Railways Co., IV.
Dundee, Broughty Ferry and District Tram-
Gateshead, lA.
Blackpool, II.. IV.
Cariisle, II., IV.
Colwyn Bay aud Colwyn, I.
ware Co., V.
Gateshead and District Tramways Co., IV.
Blackpool— Fleetwood Tramroad Co., V,
Carnar\'on, I.
Cork Electric Tramways and Lighting Co., II.,
Dunipace {see ;)Denny, lA.)
Gatley {see pCheadle, I.) [way Co., V.]
j)Blackpool-Fylde Light Railway Co.. IV.
/jCamoustie iN.B.), I.
Cornwall Electric Power Co., III. [IV.
Durham, lA .
Giants' Causeway aud Portrush Electric Tram-
Blackpool. St. Anne's and Lytham Tramway
Carshalton (sec Sutton, II.)
County of London Electric Supply Co., I.
Durham Collieries Electric Power Co., III.
GiUingham, I.
Blybh and Cowpeu, I., lA. [Co., IV.
Caterham, 1.
Coventry, I.
Durham, County of. Electric Power Supply
Glasgow, I., V.
Bolton. II., IV.
Cavehill and Whitewell Tramway Co,, IV.
Coventiy Electric Tramways Co., V.
Ealing,!. [Co., IIL
Glossop, II.. IV.
Bonchureh {see Ventuur I.)
Central Electric Supply Co., I.
Cowes (sec Newport, I.)
East Ham, IT., IV.
Gloucester, IL, IV,
Bo'ness, I.
Central Ireland Electric Power Co., III.
Cowpen {see Blyth, I., lA.)
East Stonehouse ysee Devonport, II.)
Gloucester Electric Power Co., III.
Bootle, II.
Central London Railway, VI. [way Co., VI.
Crewe, I.
Eastbourne, I.
Godalming, I.
Bournemouth, II,, TV.
Charing Cross, Euston and Hampstead Rail-
Cromer, I.
Ebbw Vale, lA.
Gosport, lA.
Bradford, II., IV.
Charmg Cross, West End aud City Electricity
?>Crompton, I.
Eccles, II.
Gosport aud Fareham Tramways Co., TV.
Bray, I.
Supply Co., I.
Croydon, II. I\^
Edinburgh, I.
Govau, I.
Brechin, I
Charlton King's (sec Cheltenham, II.)
Cumberland Electricity and Power Gas Co., III.
Edmonton, lA.
Grantham,. I.
Bridgend, I.
Chatham and District Light Railways Co., V.
Dalkeith (N.B.), I.
EUand.I. ;
Gravesend and NorthJiuet, IL
Bridgwater, I,
Chatham and Rochester, I.
Darlington, II. , IV.
/'Ely, I, f
Gravesend & Northflcet Electric Tramways, IV
Bridlington, I.
jjCheadle and Gatley, I.
Dartford, II., IV.
Enfield, Ia.
Grays Thurrock. I.
Brighouse, lA.
Chenm {see Sutton, 11.)
Dartmouth, I.
Epsom, I.
Gn.,<( r.rnn^^.^. Tl.
Brighton, n., IV.
Chelmsford, I.
Darwen, II., IV.
Erdington, IV.
Civ.d <;iMM I.'. -.(Lit Tramways Co., V.
Brighton Beach Electric Railway, IV.
Chelsea Electricity Supply Co., I.
Datchet {sec Slough, I.)
Erith, n.,IV.
Civ. If .■'...■il [:il i.'tty Railway, VI.
^jBrighton and Rottingdean Seashore Electric
Cheltenham and Charlton King's, II.
/jDawlish, I.
Eton {sfc Windsor, I.)
(in.ii Noitii.iii, 1 'irriidilly and Brompton Rail-
Tramroad Co., IV.
Cheltenham and District Light Railway Co., IV.
/'Dennv and Dunipacc, lA.
/^Euston— Watford Railway, VI.
'"■^v- ^'^- , „, » ,
Bristol, I.
Chepstow, I.
Derby," IL. IV. [Co.. III.
Exeter, n., IV.
Great Western, Metropolitan and W. London
Bristol Tramwavs and Carriage Co., V.
Chcsham, I.
Derbyshire and Nottinghajnshire Electric Power
Exmouih, I,
Joint Lines, VI.
/^Briton Ferry, Ia.
Chester, IL. IV.
Devonpoi't and District Tramways Co., IV.
Falkirk. I.
Greenock, II
between ihe Li
iTsity uiRi llie luipcruu Loliogeoi .
r-ieciriuiii
.eUMQin RAILWAYS i. TRAMWAYS- Continued, i £ ^ d. I
«"C| «t.|
Supplement to "THE ELECTRICIAN,'*
February 19, 1909.
Greenock and Port. Glasgow Tramways Co., IV.
Groby (sec /vLeicester, IV,)
Guenisey (St. Peter's Port, I.)
Guernsey (St. Sampson's, I.)
Guernsey Railway Co., V.
Guildford, I.
Hackney, I.
pHalesowen, IV.
Halifax, II., IV.
Hamilton, II.
Hammeramith, I.
HampBtead, I.
Handsworth (Staffs.), 11.
Hanloy, I.
pHanwell, T.
Harrogate, J.
Harrow, I.
Hartlepool, I.
Hartlepool Electric TramwayslCo., V.
Hastings, I.
Hastings Tramways Co., V,
Hawick, I.
Hayling Island {«ee /^Portsmouth, IV.)
Hoavitree (sec Exoter, II.)
Hchburu and Polling, I.
Hebden Bridge, I.
Heckmondwiko, II.
Hendon, lA.
Hereford, I.
Heme Bay Pier Co., V.
Heston and Tslewortb. I.
Hoxham, I,
Heywood, II.
Hill of Howth TiamwEiy, V.
Hindhoad, I.
pHindioy, lA.
INDEX TO TABL.£:S.
Hitchin, I.
Holyhead, I.
;»HoIywood Tramways Co., IV.
Honley, I.
Hornscy, I.
Houghton-lc-Spriiig, lA.
Hove, 1. ,
/)Hove and Worthing Electric Tramways, 1 V
Hoylake, I.
Huddersfield, I., V.
Hnll, I.. V.
Hyde (see Stalybridgo II., IV.)
Uford, II., IV.
llfracombe, I.
IlkcKton, II., IV. J
Illogan {see Camborne, II., IV.) J
Ingleton, I.
Inverness, I.
Ijiswieh, II., IV.
IkIc of Man Tramways, V.
Isle of Thanet Klectric Tramways and' Ligllting
Co., IV.
Isleworth (Jtee Heston, I.)
Islington, I.
Jarrow, lA.
Jedburgh (N.B.), I.
Kcighley, II., IV.
Kendal, I. [ing Cfc., I.
Kensington and Knightsbridge Electric light-
Konsington and Knightsbridge E.L.cTand
NottingHiU E.L.C., I. I
Ivent Electric Power Co. , III.
Kes'
clt, I.
Kettering, I.
Iveynsham, I.
Kiddenninstor, II.
id Stourport Electric Tramway
[Co., "IV.
IV.
Kidderminster i
Kildare, I.
KiUarney, I.
Kilmalcolm, I.
Kilmarnock, II
King's Lynn, I. [Tramways, IV.
icing's Norton and Northfield (Worcester)
Kingston-on-Thames, I.
Kirkcaldy, II., IV.
Lanarkshire Tramways Co., V.
Lancashire Electric Power Co., III.
Lancashire Light Railway Co., IV.
Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, VI.
Lancaster, II., IV.
Larue I.
7'Launceston, I.
/'Leadgate, I.\.
Leamington, I. [{see Warw'ick, II.)
Leamington and Warwick Electrical Co., IV.
Leatherhead, I.
Leeds, I., V.
Leek, I.
Leicester, I., V. [ford, IV.
7'Leicester — .\nstey, Groby, Newtown and Lin-
Leicestershire and Warwickshire Electric Power
Co., III.
Leigh (Lanes.) 1.
Leith, II., IV.
Lewes, I.
Leyton, II., IV.
Limerick, I.
Lincoln, II., IV.
Linford {see ;jL(
/^Littleborough, I.
;>Little Hultou, I.
Liverpool District, I
Liverpool II., -IV. '■ '. ^. ... i^
^Llandafl and Dinas Powis. I.
Llandilo. I.
Llandudno, II.
Llandudno - Colwyn Bay Light Railw.ly. T\ ■
pLlanelly, lA.
Llangollen, 1.
London. 1.
Lonrtcii Kii. 1:1. .1 1 South Coast Railway, VI,
Lend : I : . il. V.
Lond . , I . inc Railways, Yl .
Lond.ni 1 hiic.l li,uiiways,.Ltd., V.
Londondeny, 1.
Long Eaton, I.
Longton, I.
Lothiaus Electric Power Co., Ill,
Loughborough, I. [Syndicate, IV.
jiLoughborough and District Electric Traction
Lowestoft, II., IV.
Ludlow, I.
Luton, II., IV.
Lymingtou, 1.
Lynmouth (see Lynton, 1.)
Lynton and Lynmouth, I.
yMacclesfield, 1.
Maidenhead, I.
JIaidstone, II., IV.
Malton and Norton, I.
JIalvern, I.
Manchester, 11., IV.
Mansfield, 11.
Jlansfleld and District Tramways Co., IV.
jjMansfield Wnodhouse, I.
Manx Electric Railway Co., V.
Margate and Broadstairs, 11. {see Isle of Thanol,
Market Drayton, I. [IV.
MstwWih (s« /jPsdStow, IV,.) , '. U_
Melrose (N.B.), I. :'. i ,-
Melton Mowbray, I.
Mersev Railwav, VI.
'Morlb'vr I^l,',tii,'Tnirtion and Lighting Co., IV.'-
Morth'v, ^^.lIil, n
Mort.iii (... W mil. I, a. .11, I.) ■
Mo(ioi...lii..ii I ii^ini'i. Railway, . VI.
M,.tn.i...lii,m |.;i..<.tnc Supply Co., I., III.
M.t i..).i.lit,Mi l-'.lectric Tramways, I\'.
M.iM.lH'i".'" Haiiwiyy, VI.
M,.xl.,.i-,.ii,v;li. 1.
^Meslioi-ough and Swinton Tramways Co., 11., IV.
Middlesbrough, lA and II. [ways Co., V.
Middlesbrough, Stockton and Thornahy Tram-
Middleton, 11.
Middl..l..ii l'',l,.rlM,. T|.;i..tion ('„.. IV.
Midlaml la.'.liii i'..i|...ralinii for l',.w..r Dis.
till.:. II, .11, III
;iMid-V,.ik>hir,. 'l'r;uil\M.vs Ci... IV.
Milford-ou-Sea. 1.
Ifirlield. lA.
(.Mitehclstown, I.
Monkseaton {sec Whitby. 1 \.)
Monmouth, I.
Jloutroso. I.
•Moreeiimbo, I.
= Noilth(R«raV), I.
Nelson, II., IV.
pNewark, I.
Newbury, I.
Ne
stle 11
id District El«tricLi,l|
.-TyneElec. Supply g;
lyne ILoriJoraiionj u
Newcastle
Newcastle
Neweastle-nnder-Lv
Newmarket, I. '
N.-wpiirt iT. of W.,)L
N.-upiirt ( Mon.,)U,,IV,
Newquay. 1.
Newton Abbott, I.
Newtown {see iiLoiccster, IV
Northallorton, I.
Northampton, 1., V,
111 i.:;i-i I..
VI
M..rl,.v. I.
M..i|„ili, 1
M,.-I,.N (Mv SUilvbridge, 11.. IV.)
,\l,.tlii.r«i.ll, I.
/.Mountain Ash. lA.
JIussclburgh, II. Nui
Musselburgh and District Electric Lighting mid (Hm
Traction Co., IV. Ogr
Noath, lA. . Old
Norllili.'l.l I ... rk . ■, . n
N..rlli\l.li..|...M..i.i ,i ,,
North\V,il.f.i.;i...ii.. r...,..,u„U„i,
Northwick, 1.
Nortliwood and'Ruislip, \\.
Norton {see Malton, 1. 1
Noiwieh, I., V.
Nottingham, II., IV.
Nottiug Hill Electric Ligllting Co..
/'Nnttingbamshiro aiul Derliyslii
Tramways Co., IV.
Nuneaton and Chilvers t'oton, 1
Makers of
THE "MUSGRAVE-ZOELLY" STEAM TURBINE,
Over 500,000 H.I', supplied.
HORIZONTAL & VERTICAL STEAM ENGINES,
Fitted mlh " STEGEK PATENT " E(;uiliisRU'm Uhup Piston Valve.s,
spociiilly suitable for Higli Pressures aud Highly Superheated Steam.
CORLISS ENGINES.
ROLLING MILL ENGINES.
WINDING ENGINES.
HYDRAULIC PUMPING ENGINES.
AIR COMPRESSORS. BLOWING ENGINES.
JOHN MUSGRAVI
GLOBE IRON WOBKS,
Telephone No. SQO (3 lines!
TeIegraphic;Addre*s! ' Musgrave Bolton '
BOLTOI
Uackt* Compaote* Uommoii ...
r.DU.(r«l.) lOu — HW 3 ]
1 Lt.& Power Co.Com.8tV
8n-89lJ. 6 12 J
Supplement to "THE ELECTRICIAN,'
February 19, 1909.
INDEX TO TABUES.
'nAe^(m»mnc^i>
Oldham, Ashton and Hyd« Electric Tramways
pOraipsby, U. [Co., IV
fiOmiiU^rk, I.
Ossett. IV.
Osn-estr)\ I.
Oxford. I.
pRidstow — Bedruthnii and Mawgan, IV.
Paignton, I.
Paisley. H.
Paisley District Ttamwavs Co.. IV.
Pangbourne (see Whitchurch. I.)
Partick. I.
PembertoD {see Wigan, II. I
Pembroke (Ireland), I.
Penarth, I.
Pendlebury (sfc Swintoii. I.\.)
;»Penrith, I.
Perth, II.; IV.
Peterborough, II.
Peterborough Electric Traction Co., IV.
Plj-mouth, II., IV.
Plymouth, Stonehgusc and Drvonport Tram-
Po'ntj-pool, I. [ways Co., IV.
Pontypridd, 11., IV.
Poplar, I.
Portmadoc, Beddgelert and South Snow^den
Railway, IV.
Portsdowu and Horndean Light Raihviiy. IV,
Portsmouth, I., V.
/'Portsmouth — Hayhng Island, IV.
Potteries Electric Traction Co., V.
Prescot and District, II.
Preston, I., V.
;)Preston, Horwich, and Chorley Tramways Co.,
Provisional Orders Transferred, I. [IV.
Provisional Orders "Undeveloped, I.
Radclifle, II.
Ramsgate, I.
Eathmines, I.
Raven«lhorpe. I.\
/'Uawtcu^tall, I.
Reading, I..V.
//Rede;
, lA.
Rcdditch, I.
/jRedditch and District Light Railway Co., IV.
Redruth {see Camborne, II., IV.)
Reigate, I.
Rhondda, V.
Rhyl, I.
Richmond, I.
Rochdale, II., IV.
Rochester (.sec Chatham, I.)
Ross (Hereford.) I.
Rotherham, II., IV.
Rothsay, I.
Rothsay Tr.amways Co., V.
Roundhay, I.
Bughy, lA.
7* Rugby and District Light RaOway Co.. IV.
Ruislip {sec Northwood, lA.)
Ruthcrglen, lA.
Ryde Pier Co. (I. of W.), V.
Rvde and St. Helens (I. of W.i, I.
St.. .Mbans, I.
St. Audrcws IN. b.,, I.
, IT
St. HlIlii», 1. of W. (sifHvde, I,)
St. Helens iLancs.), II., IV.
St. James' and Pall Mall Electric Light Co., I.
St. Marj'lebone, I.
St. Pancras, I.
Sale, lA.
Salfotd, U., IV.
Salisbury. I.
Saltharn. I.
Sandown {sec Shanklm, I.)
Scarborough. II.
Scarborough Tramways Co., IV.
Scottish Central Electric Power Co., III.
Shauljliu and Saudowui. I.
Shecmess, 11.
Sheeruess and District Electric Power and Trac-
Sheffield, I.. V. [tion Co., IV.
Shipley, 11.
Shoreditch, I.
Shrewsbury, I.
Shropshire, Worcestershire and Staffordshire
Electric Power Co., III.
ySidmouth. I.
Sleaford. I.
Slough and Datchet, I.
Smetbwick. II,
Smitbfleld Markets Electric Supply Co., I. ■
Somerset and District Electric .Power Co., III.
Southampton, I r., IV.
/JSoutheiid ;nirl r ,l,hn-frv T.isht Railways Go.,
Southend-nu-s. H l\ [-IV.
SouthLanr,i.l, i : - ' .... V. I
South Loiiduu I liiii, ^.,|'|'.\ Corporation,-!.
South MetrMii.„jL,.ii L.Lctii,: Tramways and
Lighting Co., IV. i6ec under Stttton, II.)
South Metropolitan Electric Light and Power
Southport, IT, TV. [Co,, I.
Southport Tramways Co.. IV.
South Shields, n., IV.
South Snowdon (see Portmadoc, IV.)
South WalesElectric Power Distribution Co, ,111,
Southwark, I.
Sowerby (see Thirsk, I.)
i^Sowerby Bridge, I.
Spenuymoor, lA.
Stafiord, I.
Stalybridge, Hyde, Mossley and Dukiufield, H.,
Stamford, I. [IV.
_;»Standish. I.\.
^?Stanley, lA.
I.
I.
Stirling, I.
Stockport, II., IV.
Stockton-on-Tees, I.
Stoke Newington, lA.
Stoke-on-Trent, I.
/iStourbridge, I,
Stretford, II.
;<Stroud and District Tramways Co., IV.
Sunderland, U.. IV.
Sunderland and District Tramw.ays, IV.
Surbiton, I.
Sutton, Carshalton, Wallmgton and Cheam, II.,
Sutton Coldfield, I. [IV.
Swa
, II.
Swansea Improvements and Tramways Co
Swindon, H., IV,
Swintou and Pendlebury, lA.
Tadcaster, I
^uTanrworth, I.
Tamiton, II.
Taunton Electric Traction Co., IV.
p'Peignmouth, I.
Thirsk and Sowerby, I.
^>Thornaby-ou-Tees, lA.
Todmor»n, I.
Tonbridfa, I.
Torquay n., IV.
Totues, .
Tottenhan, lA.
Trafford .=ark Estates, IV.
Tunbridje WeUs, I.
Twickeniam, I.
^Tyldesly, lA.
Tynemolth, lA., II. [IV.
Tynemorth and District Electric Traction Co.,
TynesideTramways and Tramroads Co., IV.
Undergrimid Railways Co. of London, VI.
0-Mbridgi, I.
Ventnor md Bonchurch, I.
Wakeflell, I.
Wakefiell and District Light Railways Co., V.
Wallase\. II.. IV,
Wallmgt.n {sec Sutton. 11.)
Walsall, II,, IV.
Walthanstow, II.. IV.
Walton life Wevbridge, I.)
Waltou-oi-Nazo (see p'elixstowc, 1.)
Walton-m-Naze Pier, IV.
Warringbn, II.. IV.
Warivick II. (see Leamington and Warwick
Elec Co., IV.)
Waterlotand City Railw,ay, VI.
Watford.I.
yiWealdsloue, lA.
Wedneslnry, I.
WeUinghrough, I.
jvWembb, I.\.
West Bromwich, II.
^West Cumberland Tramways Co,, IV,
West Hcih, n., I\'.
West Hartlepool, I.
West KirbyVe Hoylake, I.)
.Westminster Electric Supply Corporation, I.
Weston-superMareand-District Electric Supply
Co., n., I\'.
Wey bridge and Walton. I.
Weymouth, I.
Whitby, I.
Whitley and Monkseaton, lA,
Whitchurch and Pangbourne, I.
Whitehaven, I.
Willesden, lA.
Wihnslow (sec Alderly Edge, I.)
Wigan and Pemberton, n., IV.
Wimbledon and Merton, I.
Winchester, I.
Winderinore and .Ambleside, I.
Windsor and Eton, I.
/AVisbech, I.
Wishaw, lA.
Witnev, I.
Woking, I.
WoK'erhamptoii, II.. IV.
Woolwich, 1.
Worcester, II.
Worcester Electric Tiacticn C^., TV.
Worksop, I.
Worthing, I., IV. (/>)
Wrexham, II.
Wrexham and District Electric Tramways, IV.
Wycombe, I.
Yarmouth, H., IV.
York, I.
Yorkshire Electric Power Co., III. [IV.
Yorkshire (Woollen District) Electric Tramway, ,
Yorkshire (West Riding) Tramways, V.
& SONS, Limited,
WESTHOUGHTON BOILER WORKS,
WESTHOUGHTON.
Makers of
PUMPING PLANTS, CONDENSING PLANTS,
Etc., etc.
LANCASHIRE BOILERS, ..p to 250 lbs. piessute
WATER-TUBE BOILERS "Olakke cha.pma.n' Patent.
"CRUSE" CONTROLLABLE SUPERHEATERS.
DOWNTAKE SUPERHEATERS.
PIPING, CHIIVINEYS, etc. TRAVELLING CRANES.
MILLGEARING IN ALL ITS BRANCHES.
between the Umvereity and the Iniperuii College (
Supplement to " THE ELECTRICIAN," 'V^
February 19, 1909. -^J
Descriptions of the Equipments of many of the Stations
TAB1L.E: I.
enumerated inThe Electrician Tables of Electricity Supply, Power and Traction have appeiued in The Eleclricum from time to time. The Tables below show where these descriptions may be (oi,ad.
TABCiE r Continued.
TABLES lY.,
BTATIO^f.
AWerley AWilmslow
AlderHhob Campa ...
Alowick -
Arltroatli
AacoiGaH&Elec.Co.
Banbury k Dial. Co.
Barnea
Bath
Berwick
Birkenhead
Bo'neia
Bray
Bridliogtou
BrUtol I
Bromley ft Clu'Hrh'nii
BuxtOD
Cambridge
Canterbury
Carnarvon
Chepstow
Coventry
Crowe
Dalkeith
Dorking
Dublin J
KaHtbourne \
Kdinburgb
Falkirk
KiiverBham
Folkeatone
Olaegow
Govan
GraDtham
Quemsoy...,
Hartlepool ( Nor thcro
CouQtiea Co.) |
Hastings <
Hereford
HcHton ft I&lenorth
Hornsey i
Hull I
Iltraoombe
logleton
Kendal
Kettering
Kilmaloolm
King'a Lynn
Leeda
Leicester
l-'iiidiMi-Batteraea...
gTAfOK^
v,„.
PAGE,
IjondoQ— Br'mptwuA
22
365, 396,
KniBiDKHin Co
Central Electric
Supiily Co.
ChariDK X, Citj
66
JW, 332
4 W,«t Edc
Elec. Sup. Co
bB
ChelneaCo
26
347
CityotLonilon
4«
683
48
723
Co.
66
fiR
County of Lon
56
343, 788,
Elec. .Sup. Co
4B
449
46
612
•■iS
793
48
43
Hiimnier.uiith
775
4?,
810
Kepaiugt'iD and
47
738, 779,
Nottiug Hill
Co.'«(j'nt8tn)
53
St, Ma.yiebone
bS
384
Lni„l. Ek-c. Su|..
n
10,71
Cr„p.
22
9,69,107
452
?.h
703, 737
.Mctropoliu,,!
M
541
Eloc. Supply >
44
691, 733,
fA
557
,W
1018
.■ift
685
.s..uthvv,,rk(Nfw
1 4S
222
l'"l'l«r [
6,1
396
M
678
Sh.iredil<;li .,,
37
49
601
333
Stopnoy
62
443
764
St. JaDica' nnc
24
287
I'all Mull Co.
St Panoroi ...
hH
774
We^tniiuBter
26
741
Co
hf,
689
Ijonilouderry
53
858
47
fin
Mttideuhead
340
46
1 S6
494
MurcL-ambe
752
Morloy
41
312
Newbury
62
695
Newc»«tle k Dial. Co
49
824
UifoM
29
195, 264
Partiok
4R
892
33
45
61
123
llathtniDai
631
689
Hyde
,W
10
Suliabui-y
42
356
SlieffleM '
36
45
Stamford
49
1,022
Stirling
44
807
Tunbtidge WeUs...
. 50
T«fckenham
. 53
. 44
Waktield
. 41
TABI^E lA.
ISTATION.
VOL. P.VO,
STATION.
VOL
PAOE.
Stoke Newinnton
.. 57
.. .53
6
Alloa
... 48 1 619
... 44 462
... 58 ; 709
900, 940
1021
Chishhurst
Enfield
TABLE II.
Aberieen
Accnagton
Barking
Biirro|p-m-Fume88 . .
Belfo^
RgxI^ ,
Bi r mill 1^ ham
BoItoB
Burtoli
Carlide
( !leckbeaton
CoatiO'idge -.
Cork
Croydon
Darveu
Derbj
(31
I 63
Eritb -!
Exet<r
Famworth
Glouot'ster
Great Qrimaby
Greenock
llan.bworth (Staffs.)
Keigiiley
KilmimoLk
Kirkcaldy
l.iuL-'jlM
Leith
Liverpool ...
Llandudno
Lowestoft .
■\| 56
Mansfield
Middleton .. ._
Newcastle-upou- I
Tyne Elec. Supply [
Co I
Ne^vport
Oldlum
Perth I
Peterborough
Plymouth
Rochdale
Southampton
Southport
tSlalybridge, Moseley.
Hyde, ft Dukin field
St. Helena
Stockport
Stretford
Sunderland <
Taunton ...
Tonjuay
Walthamstow
We^t Ham ■'
672, 715
951,1004.
1040
746, 785
46 j 421, 496
45 I 510, 546
( 33 669
TABL.C: XII.
\ leference to thr numbers of Thf Ki"-tri--i'ui in which the va
Comptiiios' E^iuipmeut aie described will be found included i
VI.
STATION.
Aberdeen ;"'
Baker-street and Waterloo
Ri\ilway
Barking
Bath
Belfast
Bessbrook-Newry
Bexley
Birkenhead ■•
Birmingham (Company) -^
Birmingham Corporation ...
Blackburn -
Blackpool I
Bolton :
Bournemouth - {
Bradford |
Brighton Corporation
Brighton Electric Railway |
Brighton - Rottingdean Sea-
Brietol
Burton-ou-Trent
Cardiflf
Carlisle
(.'uvehill ft Whitewell Tram-
ways
l.'entral London Railway
Charing Crosa. Euwtou and
Hampalead Rly.
Chatham
City ft South L'>ndou
Railway
Cle;:kbeaton
Cork
('oventry
Croydon
Darlington
D.irlf..nl
Dublin United .
l)umbartui>
Dundee, Bnmghty PVrry h
District
Ea«t Ham _....
Krith ■■■"
210, 276
356, 431
554, 730
3,227
167, 256
337. 529
Giants Causeway i
Gla.'^gow [ I
;l..ui('9tor '
Great Northern and t^iiy ,
Railway
Great Northern, Piccadilly
and Brompton Rly.
Grpat Western Railway \
Halifax
Ha.sting»
Hudderafield
HuU
Ipawioh .....
Kirkcaldy
Lancaahire and Yorkahire )
Railway j
LaucaHtcr
Leedu "j
Leicester
Leith
Lincoln
Liverpool
Liverpool Overhead Kail-i
Luiidon, Brighton and Suuth
Cuaat Railway /
Loudon County Council .
London United Tramways
Manchealer
Mersey Railway .
r.voK.
STATIOS,
623, 645
Metropolitan Diatrict Rail-
185. 566
way (esp. line)
104
Metropolitan Diatrict Uail.
695
way (see also VxAk.
85
ground Electric Itail-
490, 558
waya Co. of Undon)
66
,
281, 322
Metropolitan Electric 1
Traniwaya |
619
\
362, 406
628, 667,
710, 761
Metropoiitan Railway ...
401, 852
897. 940
1013
620, 743
789, 806
833. 877
[Thornaby I
Middleabrough • Stocktou ■
Middleton
Midland lUilway
Northampton
North-Eaatern lUiilway .
Norwich -
Oldham
Oldham, Aahtou ami Hyde
Perth ,,
Plymouth
Potteries
Rotherham \
Rothesay
Ryde Pier
Scmburuugh
Sheffield ....„
Houtharaptou |
Snuthend
Southend Pier
South Lancashire
South Shields
South Staffordahire
Southport I
Slalybridge, Mosuley, Hyde
and iJukinfield
St. Helena
Sunderland •
Swansea ■
uidu
Tyneside ■•■
Underground Electric lUil-
ways Co. of Lontlon (see
aUo Met. Dial. By- <-^o-)
Wakefield and Didiict
WaUham.stow y
Waterloo and City \
West Bromwicb ..■
Wigan
Wolverhampton •""
e Editorial. Prinl^ng and PubUihjns Cm«
if LONDON, Friday. February 19W. '"
:; I
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J
THE ELECTRICIAN:
THE OLDEST WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND FINANCE
ESTABLISHED, First Series (Weekly), 1861; Second Series (Weelsly), 1878.
No. 1,606. [v-ol-Sai.]
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1909.
Price Sixpence '%i°,f*'
Abroadid,, or 18 cents, or 90c., or tOp/.
CONTENTS OF THE CURRENT NUMBER.
N OTES 747
Arrangements for the Week 749
Flywheel Load Equaliser. By
J. S. Peck. Illustrated . . 750
PUY.SICAL SOOIETV 752
The Design of Underground
Mains and Networks. Bv
J. R. Dick, B.Sc. Illus-
trated. Continued 752
Technical Education in France 755
Electricallj'-operated Pump-
ing and Air compressing
Installation at Messrs.
Harland and Wolff's Ship-
building Yard, Belfast.
Illustrated 757
"Spinner" Motors. lUus. . . 761
The Temperature Formula
for the Weston Standatd ,
Cell. Bv F. A. Wolff .... 762
The Protection of Lines
against Surge Tensions and
Atmospheric Discharges . . 764
Recent Developments in Ma-
chine Stoking. By A. W.
Bennis. lUus. Concluded 766
The WmiN<i Problem Again 768
Reviews 769
Transformers for Single
and Multi-phase Currents
LiEViEvfi— continued .
[Kapp] ; Lathe Design for
High and Low Speed
Steels [Nicolson and
Smith] ; A Handbook
of Electrical Testing
[Kempe].
Analytical Reports on Water
Samples. By Fred. A.
Anderson, B.Sc. (Lond.),
hJ.C. Concluded 770
The Institution of Electrical
Engineers 77^
Post Otfice Engineers 774
Improvements in Lamp
Holders. Illustrated 775
The " E.xcello " Flame Lamp.
Illustrated 775
How to Light Shop Windows 775
Legal Intelligence 776
Municipal, Foreign & General
Notes 776
Trade Notes and Notices 779
Companies' Meetings and
Reports 782
New Companies, &c 786
City Notes 786
Companies' Share List 787
NOTES.
London University.
A iJoYAL (JoMJrissiDX, to consider once a,giun tlie (ques-
tion of London University, has been appointed under the
chairmanship of the lii^ht Hon. Li B. Haldane, KC,
and inchides the following members : The Llight Hon.
Viscount MiLNEii, G.C.B., G.C.M.G., The Eight Hon. Sir
ItOBEUT EoMEK, G.C.B., Sir LIobeim' L. Mokant, K.C.I!.,
Mr. I.aurexce Curkie, M.A., Mr. ^X. S. M'CoiiAiicK, M.A.,
LL.L)., Mr. E. B. Sar(;a\t, M.A., and Mrs. Creighton, with
Mr. J. Xemi' and Mr. H. F. Heath as joint secretarie.s.
Tt will, no doubt, be felt that a Commission so constituted
is likely to ariive at well-considered conclusions, which
will receive general acceptance. The terms of reference
ai-e wide. Briefly, the Commission is to enquire into the
working of the present organisation ; to consider what pro-
vision should exist in the metropolis for university teaching
and researcli; to make recommendations as to the relations
between tlie L'niversity and the Lmperial College of Science
and Technology and other schools of the University ; and
to recommend any changes which may appear desirable.
Hitherto the life of London University as a teaching
institution has not been altogether a happy one. The
position of the Imperial College of Science a.n<l Technology
has remained somewhat undefined, and this, the latest
teaching institution, or rather amalgamation of e.xisting
colleges, has mapped out a course for itself without troubling
very much aliout the L''niversity.
A.s to what should be included in courses of instruction
at colleges is a matter of great importance, and it will
certainly be felt that such courses should not be dependent
upon a syllabus for examinations. Although the two
should not be incompatible, we think experience has
generally shown that the course at a collegeis much more
elastic than the syllabus of an examination. There is no
reason why this should be so, and if the two do not coin-
cide, then the examination syllabus should be brought into
line. There is, however, at the present time a greater ditti-
culty of another kind, and that is the policy in regard to
external and internal students. That the examinations for
these two classes should be different seems very undesir-
able. The record of the old University as an examining
board has l^een extremely good, and the degrees so obtained
are consequently highly valued. Lf work done at the
schools of the University is to be taken into account in
awarding marks to internal students in presenting them-
selves for degrees, it would seem that the standard is
necessarily lowered, with advantage to the internal student,
Init to the detriment of external and past students.
On the otiier hand, examinations pure and simple ha\e
obvious objections. The value of a student can be deter-
mined more accurately by means of work done at college
than by any test of examination. This being .so, it is very
difficult to know what is the most satisfactory solution of
the question, but we hope that it will not be too difficult a
problem for the Commission to solve in some satisfactory
manner.
Foreign-made Plant.
Most British electrical engineers will feel deeply in-
debted to Mr. W. M. MoRDEV for his energetic defence of
the electrical industry of this country against the dis-
paraging attacks to which it has frequently been sub-
jected by certain sections of the Press and public alike.
His presidential address to the Lnstitution of Electrical
Engineers has certainly aroused more interest than the
majority of Papers discussed by the Lnstitution during the
last few years, and it should be observed that his critics
have usually concerned themselves with r[uestious not
touched upon in the address. At the annual dinner
748
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBEUARY 26, 1909
of the Leeds Local Section of the Institution, held last
I'l-iday evening, Mr. Mordey took the opportunity of
defending the electrical manufacturers of this country, and
indirectly the central station engineers also, against the
disquieting reports concerning the amount of electrical
plant of foreign manufacture installed in our electricity
supply stations. In one statement to which he referred,
this foreign-made plant was estimated at 80 per cent, of
the total ; but, as a result ot careful inquiries, J\Ir. Mordey
was able to state that such plant did not even amount to
.J per cent. In making this estimate he had taken into
account cables, meters, &c. ; in fact, the whole of the
apparatus connected with electrical generation and dis-
tribution. This authoritative statement was doubly
welcome, as it was supplemented by the aimouncement
that at least as large a percentage — if not a considerably
greater percentage — of British electrical plant is installed
in foreign stations. This very gratifying result is, perhaps,
to a large extent due to the inclusion of cables in the
respective estimates. In the manufacture of cables this
country has always been supreme, and no small pro-
portion of the capital expenditure of electricity supply
undertakings in this country is accounted for by
cables of English manufacture, an important exception
being the extensive networks of the Newcastle and
Durham Power Companies. Even so, totally incorrect
impressions must evidently be lield by many as to the
extent to which electric generating plant of foreign manu-
facture has been installed. At any rate, the satisfactory
financial results achieved by most cable manufacturers
sliould cause manufacturers of other electrical apparatus
to make strenuous endeavours to obtain some arrangnient
whereby unremunerative competition might be restricted.
That the results of combination have proved satisfactory
to the cable manufacturers no one will deny, and tlieir
customers have liad, np to the present, little cause for
complaint.
Load Equalisers.
( 'ONSiDEKABLE attention has been paid of recent years
by electrical engineers to the application of electric motors
to mining work, particularly in connection with winding
gear. In some cases the use of electric motors for driving
this gear is not encouraged, owing to the unsatisfactory
demand made on the supply station, unless flywheel
storage sets are also installed, the expense of these latter
occasionally preventing their adoption. About two years
ago Mr. A. 1'. Wood read a Paper on " Some New Ply wheel
Storage Systems " before the Manchester Local Section of
the Institution of Electrical Engineers, and those interested
in this subject will doul)tless welcome the Paper on the
" Flywheel Load Equaliser," read by Mr. J. S. Peck before
the same Section on Tuesday last. Where the fluctua-
tions of load on a generating station are frequent and of
short duration, say, less than half a minute, a flywheel
storage set may be found very convenient. So far the storage
battery, with a few well-defined exceptions, has lieen looked
upon as the only means worth considering for meeting lapid
fluctuations. The respective advantages of the two systems
naturally depend upon the conditions to be met. The fly-
wheel may bo regarded as a battery of very small capacity
with higli rates of charge and discharge, and this is often
just what is required. But the limitations are very defined,
and beyond this limiting line we must fall back on tlie
resources of the accumulator,
-^
Sir William Preece. — We much regret that, owing to a
severe chill (due to venturing out too soon after his recent
serious illness). Sir William Preece is confined to the house,
and has been forbidden to leave home for a few days. Sir
William is keenly active in the matter of the proposed Elec-
trical Union, and is most anxious that nothing shall interfere
with the progress of the movement.
Northampton Polytechnic Institute Engineering Society. —
A smoking concert of past and jiresent members of this society
will be held at Stone's Eestaurant, Ludgate-hill, E.G., on
Saturday, February 27th. All nld day students of the North-
ampton Institute are invited to be present.
Single-phase Electric Railways in Europe. — In connection
with the note on this subject published on p. 711 of our last
issue, we understand from Messrs. Siemens Bros. Dynamo
Works that this list was not intended to be complete, and only
includes the railways equipped with Siemens apparatus.
Motor Cars and Tramcars. — The Local Government Board
propose to issue an order rescinding that part of the Motor-
Cars (Use and Gonstruction) Order, 1904, according to which
it was recently decided that motor cars must overtake tram-
cars according to the rule applicable to other vehicles.
Electrification of the New York, New Haven & Hartford
Railway. — We understand from the '• Electrical Review and
Western Electrician ' that the New York, New Haven &
Hartford Eailway Go. took over the electrical equipment of
the lino from the Westinghouse Company on February 1st.
Rail Corrugation. — We have received from Mr. J. H. Briggs,
of " Strathlea," Headiugley, Leeds, a copy of a pamphlet on
this subject, which he will be pleased to send to anyone who is
interested. It will be remembered that letters from Mr. Briggs.
in which he explained his theory of corrugation and its remedy,
appeared in our correspdndence columns some little time ago.
The Compulsory Use of Telephones. — It is interesting to
notice that an attempt is being made in the American town of
Kaleigh to compel the use of telephones by the inhabitants.
According to the " Electrical World " the Merchants' Associa-
tion have instituted proceedings against the Southern E.vpress
Go. for this purpose, for they claim that it is to the Associa-
tion's interest for the company to be '" on the telephone."
The Wiring of Buildings. — In connection with the discussion
on Mr. Monro's Paper on this subject read recently before the
Gla.sgow Local Section of the Institution of Electrical Engi-
neers, of which an abstract has already appeared in our
columns, Mr. W. W. Lackie has sent in an interesting com-
munication. In this he points out that a cheaper standard of
wiring would probably lower the standard of the workmen,
and in the end be detrimental to the industry. Between 1902
and 1908 61 tires occurred in Glasgow due to defective wiring,
10 being traceable to bad flexibles. He was afraid cheap sur-
face wiring would only increase the number of fires. Conti-
nental voltages were lower and climatic conditions better.
Three years would probably more nearly represent the life of
sueh wiring than the five years stated by Mr. Munro. As a
compromise he would suggest substantial wiring to plug
sockets or portable connections on the picture moulding and
flexible wires carried to the various points. A communication
was also sent in by Mr. G. L. Black, in which ordinary cables
run on porcelain cleats are suggested, and for small houses
light .a;auge slip tubing properly bonded.
Cable Interruptions and Repairs.
Date of Interruption Date of Repair.
Pontianak — Saigon Sep. 16, 1908 —
Malta-Zante Dec. 29, 1908 ... Feb. 24, 1909
Tourane— Amoy Jan. 19, 1909 ... —
Oran— Tangier Feb. 20, 1909 ... —
Seattle— Sitka Feb. 23, 1909 ._ —
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 20, 190'J.
749
New Conduit for Electric Wiring. — According to the
"Scientific American" a new flexible non-metallic conduit,
known as "wire duct," has been invented, for which there
should be a very wide field, if all the claims made for it can
bo substantiated in practice. It has a fibre inner tulio which
i>^ aitached to the middle tube by means of a helical bond.
Tills prevents its being pulled out when wires are being
thieaded through it. The whole, while entirely non-conduct-
iiifr, has great flexibility and strength to resist both tensile
stiain and abrasion.
Telegraph Progress in the United States. — In last week's
issue we were able to gi\e some statistics of telephone progress
in the United States of America. The Bureau of Census have
now issued a similar table dealing with telegraph progress in
that country ; the figures again apply to the years ending
December 31. 1902 and li)07. The totals include reports of
commercial land telegraph companies owned and operated
within the United States, and domestic ocean cable companies
operating from the United States, but do not include telegraph
lines operated by railwaj- companies. The figures are as
follows : —
Percent.
1902. of
increase.
\umber of systems or com-
panies
.Miles of single wire (exclu-
sive of ocean cable)
Nautical miles of ocean cable
Messages, total number
Total income
Total expenses (including
taxes, interest and fixed
].577.9(>1
40,301
103.794.07(1
£10,11(1,773
Total cost of construction[and
equipment (including
real estate)
CcipUalisation ;
Capital stock autliori.^ed, j
par value
( 'apital .stock outstanding,
par value
Dividends on stock
Employes and wages :
.Average number
Total salaries and wajics...
Tlie final report for 1907 h
and iirescnt detail statistirs fc
i:s.37ri,922
£(i, 189,607
35:!
£42,009.192
1
£32,335.91 (i
299
i
£32,320,780
£24,64(1,615
31 1
£31,017,915
j £l,49.'5,41(j
£23,410,705
£1,251,339
325
19-5
' 28,034
£3.561,649
27,()27
£3,007,934
1-5
18-4
I contain an analysis of the above totals
ither phases of the industry.
The Corrosion of Iron from the Electrochemical Stand-
point.— In his presidential address to the American Electro-
chemical Society Mr. ('. F. Burgess drew attention to the
importance of the study of this subject, seeing how disjointed
our present knowledge is, and in view of the fact that, as the
amount of erected iron increases, the importance of preserring
it likewise increases. The question of the corrosion of under-
ground structures due to so-called electrolysis was dealt with,
and the need for quantitative measurements on this subject was
pointed out. To do this a large amount of data must be made
available, and the minimum E.M.F. under which electrolysis
will take place must be determined, and whether polarisation is
to lie counted on. A study of galvanic action is also important,
and microphotographs may prove useful for this purpose. As
regards the influence of strain on corrodibility much contra-
dictory information had been got together, and conclusions of
the same type deduced therefrom. In this coimection the
necessity of avoiding the introduction of errors into the
methods employed was noted. The results olitained by various
experimenters were discussed in detail, and the importance
noted of recognising that the results were in some degree
affected by the different quality of the iron used. Several ex-
periments undertaken at the applied electro-chemistry labora-
tory of the University of Wisconsin were described in detail
from which it would appear that strained iron has an increased
corrodibility. As regards the effects of temperature on corrosion, !
experiments made by the lecturer and Mr. S, G. Engle were
given in the Address and show the interesting peculiarity that
the potential first produced decreases to a minimum as the
temperature rises and then again increases. This minimum
was not ob.served when external heat was applied. The ex-
periments also indicate the decided tendency of the heated
metal surface to become electro-positive with regard to the
cooler surface.
ABRANGEMENTS FOR THE WEKK.
FRIDAY. February 26tli (to-day).
I'liYSKwr. SociKTY OK London.
"i p.m. Mectinf^ at Finsbury Technical College, Leonard -street.
City-road, E.C. (The Laboratories will be open at 4 p.m. and
tea will be at 4:30 p.m.) Agenda — " A Laboratory Machine for
Applying Bending and Twisting Moments Simultaneously," by
Prof. Coker ; " On the Self-demagnetising Factor of Bar Mag-
nets," by Prof. S. P. Thompson, F.R..S., and Mr. E. W. Moss ;
exhibition of Optical Properties of Combinations of Mica
and Selenite Films (after Reu.sch and others) in Convergent
Polarised Light, by Prof. S. P. Thompson, F.R.S. ; exhibi-
tion of (a) Experiment to Illustrate the Temperature of
Equal Density of Aniline and Water," (6) A Simple Form of
Thermo-electric Pyrometer for .Students' Use, (c) A Com-
bined Metre-bridge and Potentiometer with New Tapping Rev
I )evice for Pyrometric and General Laboratoiy Work, and (d) A
New Form of Carbon- plate Rheostat, suitable for Control of
.Small Electric Furnaces, by Mr. C. R. Darling.
Northampton Institute Encineertnc Society.
■ 'iii-y p.m. Meeting at the Institute, St. .lohn-st.reet, Clerkenwell.
Paper on " The Trackless Trolley Svstcm of Electric Trac-
tion," by .\lr. S. M. Hills.
Stidents' Section of the Institution or Civil En(;ineer.s.
s p.m. Meeting at Great George-street, Westminster. Lecture
on " Standardisation in Engineering Practice," by Prof.
\V. C. Unwin, F.R.S.
SATURDAY, February 26th.
RoYAi. Institution of Gke.^t Britain.
■/' p.iri. Lecture on " Properties of Matter," by Sir .J. J. Thomson,
F.R.S. (Lecture Lj
MONDAY, March Ist.
Institution of Electrical Eniuneebs — Newcastle Local Section.
■•< p.1,1 Meeting at the Engineering Lecture Room, Armstrong
College, Newcastle-on-Tyne. Paper on " The Electrical
Eciuipment of Modern Battleships," by Mr. A. P. Chalkley.
TUESDAY, March 2nd.
MiNiiiESTEK .Stuiients' Section OF the Institution ok Elixtkical
Encinkebs.
: :.U) p.m. Meeting at the Municipal .School of Technology, Whit-
worth-street, Manchester. Paper on " The Desisrn of Small
Direct (Current Machines," by Messrs. B. E. Stott anfl .1.
Hargrove.
The Faraday Society.
s' p.m. Meeting at the Institution of Electrical Engineers, 92,
Victoria-street, S.W. Papers : " On the Rate of Evolu-
tion of Gases from Homogeneous Li(|uids, ' bv Messrs. V. H.
Veley, F.R.S., and .1. C. Cain ; on -'The Electro Analysis
of Mercury Compounds with a (iold Catho<le," by Dr. F. M.
Perkin ; and on "The Relation between Composition and
Conductivitv in Solutions of Met;v and Ortho-Phosphoric
Acids," liy Mr. E. B. R, Prideaux.
WEDNESDAY, March 3rd.
Leeds Local Section of the Institution of Ei.kctkk'al Engineers.
7:!'> p.m. Meeting at the University, Shelfield. Paper on
" Researches on the Magnetic Projiertics of a Series of Carbon
Tungsten Steets," by Mr. T. Swinden.
Students' Section of the In.stitution of Electkii'al Eni;ineer.s.
7-'/'>p.m. Meeting at the Institution. 92, Victoria-street, S.W.
Paper on " Rheostats," by Mr. J. S. Messcnt.
THURSDAY, March 4th.
Civil and Mechanical Enc.ineers' Society.
S p.m. Meeting at Ca.Nton Hall, Westminster. Paper on "Some
Commorcial Aspects of the Management of Central Electricity
Supply Stations," by .Vlr. 1!. Borlase Matthews.
R<iNT<:EN Society.
.s':l.'i p.m. Meeting at 20. Hanover-square. Paper on "Some
Vacuum Tube Phenomena," liy Mr. A. A. C.impbell Swinton.
Corps of Electrical Engineers (London Division).
Commanding Officer, Col. R. E. B. Crompton, C.B.
The following orders have been issued for the current week : —
Monday, March 1st, (Infantry drill (Recruits), 6 p.m. to 7p.m.
"A" Company \Technical drill, 7 p.m. to 9;50 p.m.
Tuesday, March 2nd, J Infantry drill (Recruits), 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
" B " Company \ Technical drill, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 4th, ( Infantry drill : Recruits), 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
"C" Company \ Technical drill, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Friday. March 5th, (Infantrv drill (Recruits), 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
'• D" Company (Technical drill, 7:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
750
THE ELECTRICIAJ^, FEBRUAEY 26, 1909.
FLYWHEEL LOAD EQUALISER.*
Siimmary. — The author here discusses the use of flywheels as equalisers
of the load on generating stations, and describes suitable arrangements
for continuous and alternating current circuits.
The flywheel has long been used as a load equaliser on steam
en"incs, roUing mills, punch presses. &c.. but its use in connection
with an electrical machine as an equaliser of the load on a generating
station is of comparatively recent origin. Storage batteries are
commonly used for this service, and can be used to carry peak loads
even of several hours" duration, whereas the amount of energy which
can be stored in even a large flywheel is comparatively small. On
the other hand, a flywheel may be brought up to speed in a few
seconds, and may be made to give up its stored energy in the same
time, while several hours are usually required for charging an accu-
mulator, and it gives its best results when discharged at a corres-
pondingly slow rate. It is thus evident that where the load fluc-
tuations are extreme and of very short duration the fljTvheel equaliser
is better suited, and that where the load fluctuations are more
gradual and the peaks and hollows of long duration the flywheel
eciualiser is unsuited and the accumulator well adapted.
The flvTvheel load equaliser consists essentially of an electrical
machine coupled to a flywheel, the electrical machine being arranged
to act as a motor and speed up the flywheel when the load on the
system is below a certain value, and to act as a generator, slowing
down the flywheel and returning power to the system when the load
exceeds a certain value.^ The operation of the machine is controlled
by an automatic regulator, which in most systems operates to
strengthen or weaken the field of the electrical machine.
Equalisers for Direct-cukrent CmcriTS.
One of the simplest forms of load equaliser for direct current cir-
cuits is that made by the Lancashire Dynamo & Motor Co. (Kelsal
and Warburton patents), one of which was exhibited at the Man-
cent, of the energy of the flywheel to be utilised. Commutating poles-
or other devices must],be used to secure satisfactory commutation.
Tlie size of the machine is also considerably larger than that of an
ordinarj- machine of the same rating and the same maximum speed,
since it must be able to deliver full voltage at 30 per cent, below the
maximum. The efficiency of this system — i.e.. power returned to
mains -f- power taken from mains — should be well over 80 per cent.
The Lahmeyer Company patented in 1902 a load-equalising system.
In this there are two direct current machines. I and 2, coupled to-
gether and to a flywheel. The large machine. 1, works with a con-
stant field, the small one, 2, with a variable field. The two are con-
nected in series across the mains, so that the voltage of 2 is added to
or subtracted from that of 1, according to the direction of the voltage
on 2. Since machine 1 operates with a constant field, its voltage
will vary directly ^vith its speed, and if it is desired to regenerate over
a speed range of, say, 30 per cent., it is evident that machine 2 must
be able to give a voltage range of slightly over 30 per cent. — i.r..
it must be able to add or subtract about 15 per cent, of the voltagt
of 1. Thus 2 must have 15 per cent, of the capacity of 1, and since
the two assist each other at low speeds, the regenerating capacity of
the set is the sum of the capacities of the two machines. "^
One advantage of the Lahmeyer arrangement over that of the-
Lancashire Dynamo & Motor Co.'s is that with the latter a very
heavy field winding is required in order to enable the machine to
FlC. 1. — L.^NCASHIRE UVNAMO AND MoTOR ComPANy's E^iLMLISER
System.
1. Flywheel machine. 2. Special siries winding. 3. .Shunt resistance for B
i. Solenoid operated legulaior. 6. Antomitic contrcUer for i.
Chester Electrical Exhibition, and was described very briefly in ili-.
Wood's Paper! two years ago. It consists of a direct current ma-
chme coupled to a flywheel, and an automatic regulator which is
adjusted to keep a constant output on the mams. The direct cur-
rent machine has three field windmgs— a shunt winding, a windincr in
.series with the armature for overcoming the armature drop and a
special winding in series with the cu-cuit on which the load is to be
equalised. This special winding, which assists the shunt windin.:'
IS sliunted by a resistance, the amount of which is controlled by the
regulator. The system is shown diagrammatically in Fig 1 its
action bcmg as follows : When the load on the mains falls below the
average the decreased current through the special winding tends to
cause the maclime to motor and speed up the flywheel, thus taking
rrent falls the regulator begins to cut out the resistance in shunt to
vLrth r'"? ^"^ '^P }'^' ''^'P ™*" ^^' ^P'^'^d l™it i« reached.
nndTb, r T . ^''''"f" *' ^'■"'■'^" ^"^'"^ «^^ P^"«^«« i« reversed,
onstant load on the circuit. An interesting feature in connection
i ^^^^,m^V: "' '^' "•'•"'^'^''^ ""'^ ^^ '^^ ^ venpher:\ speed as
■ f er een; ^^f ""T'^; ^ maximum speed variation of about
.«• percent, is usuaUy allowed, thus permitimg^pproximately 50 per
^Z^^^lrl^;^ -d ^«. tl- il^nches^ local SeetioiTof the
t ^'' ^.f *'""''«" does not cover the Ilgner and similar systems
1. Vw i^'^To™""^' '" ^"""^ ^'^"- ^'y^''^"^' Storage SyTtem^" .Mar.l,
Fio. 2, — Lahmeyer Windisg Engine with Load Eqcalisek.
Direct-Current System.
I. Main equalising machine. 2. Auxiliary variable voltafi:e michiae. 3. Machine-
for controlling voluag- on winding motors. 4. Winding; motors. 5. Automatic-
regulator. 6. Controller for winding motors.
regenerate at low speeds, while with the former a heavy field winding'
is required only on the small machine. The commutating conditions-
are very severe on the small machine, however, and it is probable
that even on the large one commutating poles will be required. The
regulator for the Lahmeyer system would probably be somewhat
simpler than that for the Lancashire Dynamo & Motor Co."s, since
with the latter very heavy currents will have to be handled on
equalisers of large capacity. On the other hand, the latter system
requires but one machine, while the other requires two. It would
probably, therefore, have a somewhat bett(>r efficiency and lower cost,
and would appear to be a somewhat simpler arrangement.
The Lahmeyer Companj- has installed a small electrical winding
plant with load equaliser at Mines de Houille de Ligny-les-Aire. The
arrangement of the system is shown in Fig. 2. The equaliser if^
similar to that described above. Two winding motors are used and
connected in series. The voltage on these motors is controlled by J
means of a variable-voltage machine 3, connected in series with the
main machine 1, and arranged so that its voltage is added to or suh
traded from that of 1.
.Another type of direct current load equaliser is that used by
British Westinghouse Company in connection with their rotary coj
verter equaliser, which is described elsewhere in this Paper.
Equausers for Altern.a^tejg Current Systems.
The two general classes are : (a) Those in which a rotary converter
or synchronous motor generator .set is installed for changing from
alternating to direct current, {h) Those where an alternating cm-
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 26, 1909.
751
rent machine is direct cimpled to a flywheel, and the machine so
arranged that it can act as motor or generator at any s|ieed within
the desired range.
(a) The best-known equaliser in this cla.ss is tlie Westinghou.se
converter equali.ser, wliich was first suggested by Mr. Rudolf Braun.
A 500 H.p. equaliser has been in very successful operation for several
montlis at the maritime pit of the Great Western Colliery Co. in
South Wales. The arrangement is shown diagrammatically in
Fig.'S. The rotary is provided with a series as well as a shunt wind-
ing. The two act in opposite directions when energy is being stored
in the'fly^vheel. and in the same direction when energy is being de-
livered by the flywheel. By making the shunt field rather strong
the rotary will work at appro.ximately unity power factor when it is
delivering direct current power, and with a leading power factor
when delivering alternating current power. Thus it tends to com-
pensate for the wattless current taken by the load. It can be used,
if desired, without a series witiding. The field resistance is of the
liquid type, and arranged to give a very wide range with a small
movement. The resistance is controlled by a three-phase induction
motor, which is supplied from transformers in the main feeder.
Curves given in the Paper show that excellent equalising results are
obtained.
The Lahmeyer or the Lancashii-e Dynamo & Motor Co.'s system,
w ith properly modified regulator, could be used as the direct current
flywheel set for this system. The Great Western winding motor
is of 700 H.P. capacity, rotary converter 400 kw., flywheel generator
.350 kw.; whilst the flywheel weighs 22,000 lb., its diameter C ft. 1 in.;
Power House
Fio. 3. — British Westi.nghouse Rotary Converter Eiju.\lisi:i;
System.
1, Rotary converter ; 2, Transformers for supplyinR rotary : 3, Flywheel macliiui- :
4, Flywheel; 5. Automatic regulator ; 6, B, Serie.s and shunt transformeis
for controlling 5.
widths ft. 6 in. The stored energy at 7.50 revs, per min. is 24.1 Kid ii.i"
seconds. Stored m.-i^jx ;i\.iilal)le is i:l,:!0f) n.i>. seconds, or 44(1 ii.r.
for ^ minute. ()\. il.o.l , ,i|,,i. Uy of all apparatus is Kill pi-r cm I. fm
short periods, and iIm- i Hi. h ih y of the load equaliser ecpials 74 |]ci'
cent.
For operating a rolling mill or winding engine by means of a vcr\-
slow-speed induction motor on a 40 or 50 period circuit an expensive
motor with a large number of poles would be required, and its efli-
ciency and power factor would be low. To overcome this difficulty,
and at the same time to provide a loadequalLser, the author has devised
the arrangement sIkiwii in Fig. 4. This scheme is somewhat similar
to the converter equaliser of Braun. except that the rotary is re-
placed by a motor converter, and the winding or mill motor supjilied
from the connections between the rotor and the direct current arma-
tiue of the motor converter. The equalising action will be readily
understood. The great advantage of this .system is that it permits
motor 1 to be operated at a frequency much lower than that of the
line. One objection is that the motor cannot be operated if the
motor con%-erter is disabled, though it could be operated at a reduced
output without the flywheel machine.
(h) In his Paper referred to above, Mr. Wood described two
equalising systems in which alternating current machines were
eoujiled direct to the flywheel, so that no conversion from alternating
to direct current was required. In the first system two induction
motors with different numbers of poles are coupli d together and to a
flywheel. To speed up the flywheel one motor i ; used and the other
cut out. For returning power to the mains the motors are connected
in cascade. The objections to this system are the large magnetising
currents and the heavy rheostatic losses in the controller. In the
.second system the rotor of an induction motor is coupled to a fly-
wheel, and both primary and secondary are arranged to rotate.
The power factor of this system is much better than with the other,
but the mechanical difficulties ajipear so serious as to make the system
impracticable, at least for lart'e sizes.
From Generators
Fii.. 4. — Motor Cohveutkr E(jualisicr for .-ilow-spekd Motor and High
FREQUENCY Circuits.
1, Winding' motor: 2 and 3. Motor converter ; 4> Flywheel mneltiue; 5, Auto
matic regulator : 0, 0, Transformers fur supplying 5.
The author has devised a system which he believes possesses'a
number of advantages over any .system heretofore proposed for
alternating current equalisers. Its use is limited, however, to systems
of low frequency — i.e.. 25 periods or lower. It consists simply'of
one or more single-phase commutator type machines, similar . in
general design to a single-phase compensated series railway motor.
The motors are dii-ect coupled to a fljrwheel. and arranged so that
they can act as motors or as generators at any speed within the
desired limits.
It is well known that a single-phase series machine may be run
as a generator, and if the field is excited by alternating current an
From Generator
Fig. 5.— Load Equaliser for Alternating Clrueni Circuits.
1 and 2, Siugle-phase machines ; 3. Automatic legulator ; •), Series and shunt
transformers for supplyina 4; 5, .\lternatingcuirent exciter; C, Synchronous
motor ; 7, Direct current exciter.
alternating current of the same frequency will be generated by the
armature, but as the field is highly inductive, and as the voltage on
the armature is in phase with the field flux, this voltage will be almost
at right angles to the voltage impressed on the field. Consequently,
the field of the machine should be supplied with a voltage approxi-
mately at right angles to that of the circuit to which its armature
is connected, and means must be adopted for obtaining voltages of
the proper phase. If this is done the speed of the machine may be
752
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 2G, 1909.
changed, and it may be made t(i act as motor or generator at any
desired speed by a simple adjustment of the voltage across the field.
Instead of using field control the same result might be secured b\-
means of armature control. In this case a transformer with a number
of tappings would be i)laced between armature and line. A com-
bination of field and armature control could, of course, be used. The
current for magnetising the fields of a single-phase machine is con-
siderable, and, iis it is practically wattless, it has an effect upon the
power factor of the line. This objection is overcome by exciting the
field from an alternator di'iven by a synchronous motor.
To reduce the size of the exciter sets the arrangement shown in
Fig. 5 may be adopt<?d. Here the alternating exciter is connected
in series with the line, and arranged so that its voltage may be added
to or subtracted from that of the line.
For three-phase circuits two transformers may be used with Scott
connection for changing from tliree-jihase to two-phase, and two
motors employed, or three motors may be u.sed. one supplied from
each phase. The fields may be excited by a three-phase alternator,
or from the line tluough transformers connected to give the proper
phase relation between field and armature. Diagrams are given in
the Paper.
The author finally discusses the possibilities for the use of flywheel
load equalisers. It is his opinion that the direct current flywheel
equaliser is not likely to come into very extensive use. as the majority
of large systems generate alternating current. Most of the large
supply companies and corporations situated in the coal or steel dis-
tricts expect the collieries and stt^el mills to become then- largest
customers, but a large part of this load is likely to be used for rolling
mills and electric winding, a demand which, on account of its inter-
mittent nature, is much more desirable if the peaks and hollows of the
load be smoothed out. When the motors are of large size, or the
capacity of the station almost reached, or when violent fluctuations
in the load aft'ect seriously the regulation of the whole system, a
flywheel load equaliser is desirable, if not essential.
PHYSICAL SOCIETY.
At the annual general meeting, hckl on February 12th, L)r. ( '. Chree,
F.R.S., president, in the chair, the reports of the council and of the
treasurer for the year 1908 were read and adopted. In the former
it is mentioned that the number of ordinary fellows now on the toll,
as distinct from honorary fellows, is 430, a decrease of seven on the
number last year. ill'. R. Benoit and ilr. .lulius Thompsen were
then elected as honorary fellows of the Society, and the following
oflicers and council were elected for the ensuing year : President. C.
Cliree, Sc.D., F.R.S. ; I'ice-jire.mknt.i. those who have filled the office
of president, together with \V. IJuddell, F.R.S. , Prof. A. Schustar,
Ph.D., F.R.S., S. Skinner, M.A.. and W. Watson. D.Sc, F.R.S.;
secretaries, W. R. Cooper, M.A.. and S. W. J. Smith, M.A., D.Sc. ;
joreign secretary. Prof. S. P. Thora|).son, D.Sc, F.R.S. ; treasurer.
Prof. H. L. Callendar, .M,A., F.R.S. ; librarian, W. Watson, D.Sc,,
F.R.S.; other members of council. A. Campbell, B.A., W. H.
Eccles, D.Sc. A. Griffiths, D.Sc, J. A. Harkei, D.Sc, Prof C. H.
Lees, D.Sc. F.R.S., T. Mather. F.R.S., A. Rus.sell, M.A.. D.Sc,
Prof. E. Rutherford. D.Sc. F.R.S.. F. E. Smith and R. S.
Whipple.
Presidential .Address.
The Presidekt then delivered his Address. He began by refer-
ring to the loss which the Society had sustained through the deaths
of their ex-President. Prof. Ayrton, and their honorary secretary.
Prof Uvssie He referred to the assistance given to the Council
by Mr. H. M. Elder, who discharged the duties of secretary subse-
quent to Irof. Cassia's death until the appointment in the autumn
of Ins successor, Jlr S. W. .1. Smith. He spoke of the popu-
larity of the Exhibition ot Instruments, much of the success
ot which must be attributed to the senior secretary. Mi-.W. R. Cooper
nnd T r ''>-^''V'''"^^'f '" °*' *" ^'"P^"'^' College of Science
and Technology, One of the incidents of the year had been the
tiJnsh!!H" •,«'"' Z^ '^'^«"°i'^t'"n by the Council, whose altera-
nroceided to" •''' ™''^ '* ■'"'"""■■^' "'^"""S^" ^he president then
enredfn '"" ■'" "''"'""" "' ^"""' ''"'^ '^^ ^^^ recently been
enga ca m. n ciiniini mn » m , i In. i, ,i,, .f ; „ 1 4.\ ^- ,
vition* ^( th V " " """ 11" M-,lii,Mionotthe magnetic obser-
vations of the \a( ,„„,,1 Antar.tK- K.xped.tion of 1902-4. This re-
h",',',' t . '"' '"J*:''-.«'^'^P;"'«"'> "f .-imultuneous records of magnetic
Ke K r! H f'Ti >^ *•'^'^"tarctie and at the observatodes of
Zri;nd H ■ It" < ^'"''^>''- ■^^''^"■"'"■^ ^""^ Chr-istchurch (New
siriC" '"•''•I'b'ted a number of lantern slides showing the
som?snecTl"?"'"^r.' " T"" "-^g"'^*^ storms, and the forms of
some special types of distmban... observed in the Antarctic Some
THE DESIGN OF UNDERGROUND MAINS AND
NETWORKS.*
BY .7. R. DICK, B.SC.
{('onttnurd from />. TIS.)
Siiiuniuri/. In this section of the article theauthor discusses Kelvin's
la^\ for the best cross- section of cables. In practice, considerations of
temperature-rise obviate the necessity of elaborate calculations.
Boosted and unboosted feeders, split feeders and equalising mains are
also discussed, as well as practical considerations affecting the position
of feeding points.
Special Cases of Boosting.
Ill tlie case of return cm-rents for electric tramways the
point of view is diilerent. Here the conductivity of the rails
is sufficient to convey the current back from a considerable
distance to the station without requiring the use of feeders and
without causing a drop in pressure that would be too unecono-
mical, but the prevention of electrolytic action in the neigh-
bourhood of the track, however, is a more cogent consideration
than economy merely. To keep within the permissible limits
of the B.O.T. on large systems, return feeders and so-called
■■ negative " boosters have to be employed. Their function
is to ensure such a voltage at the feeding points that the diffe-
rence of potential at any point between the rails and earth
does not exceed 5-7 volts.
For econom}- of running in lighting systems it is usually
preferable to make the regulating voltage depend on the shorter
feeders, and to boost the longer ones, either by means of
special machines or the utilisation of a portion of the gener-
ating plant coupled to 'bus bars at higher jsressures.
In certain cases with one or two extremely short feeders it
may be more economical to introduce resistances for regula-
tion purposes to obviate the use of boosters. The relative
merits of the alternatives could only be settled by the summa-
tion of the items of cost and nothing which was smallest, just
as in the case already considered of a partially boosted system.
One point to be observed, where there is a great discrepancy
in the lengths of feeders supplying an interconnected network,
is the current density in the short ones. These may very
easily become overloaded if only one 'bus-bar pressure is avail-
able and thus necessitate the use of resistances or boosters for
that reason alone.
In general, apart from questions of regulation or current
density the greater the amount of the load that can be dealt
with by the short feeders the less will be the amount of co])per
required in the feeder system.
Boosting on very Short Feeders or without Feeders.
.^.n example of this principle in a limiting case is the method
suggested by Kapp (E.T.Z.. 1902, No. 1) for minimising the
difference of potential between tramway rails and earth.
Return feeders are dispensed with entirely, the fall of poten-
tial being compensated for by a single booster at the station
end, or in the case of lengthy tracks by the introduction of
boosters between each of the isolated sections into which the
rails are electrically sub-divided. If the cars are assumed to
be distributed uniformly, the curve of fall of potential will be a
parabola, as shown in Fig. 2, where S is the central station.
If, now, the height of the furthest ordinate represents 9 volts
and a booster is connected between the end of the track at S
and earth, the differences of potential will be readjusted, as
shown in Fig. 3. The P.D. between S and E will be 6 volts
and that between K and E 3 volts, the area intercepted between
the curve and e . e above and below that line being equal.
This is an instance of the employment of a booster on a
feeder, the length of which is zero. The alternative of employ-
ing a feeder at a considerable distance from S, would certainly
be less economical. It is immaterial whether the potential
of the rails is positive or negative to earth so long as it is less
than 5-6 volts. The only consequence of the sign of the poten-
tial is that in one case the electrolytic action will tend to
corrode the rails and in the other the water and gas pipes.
The position of E . E is such that the integrals of the two
Copyright. All rights of reproduction are reserved. From a forth-
coming fjook by Messrs. J. R. Dick and F. Fernie.
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBEl'ARY 26, 1909.
•53
effects are equaJ and the possible damage is shared equally by
both. The booster system without return feeder can be con-
sidered as an example of a three-wire system of which the
trolley line and the rails are the outer conductors and the earth
the neutral, while the pressures on the two sides are very
unequal.
This method of negative boosting of tramway systems to
avoid electrolytic action does not entail much loss in distri-
bution as can be recognised by regarding it as a three-wire
arrangement (Fig. 4). The six volts added to control the
potential of the rails relative to earth are available in furnish-
ing that much higher working voltage to the car motors ; on
the other hand it will be evident that the power required to
boost long feeders on the positive side is a real distribution loss.
Trunk Feeders and bunched Feeders.
Where a heavily loaded district is situated at a considerable
distance from the central station, and is extensive enough to
require several feeders, it may happen that these wnll run
the same route for a gieat part of their length. Con-
siderations of economy would in such a case point to the
advisability of replacing the individual cables, which run in a
common trench by a single trunk feeder. From the end of
this the various sub-feeders branch to the feeding points of the
network. Such an arrangement is practicable only when the
branch feeders diverge to about the same distance from the
common end of the trunk feeder. Otherwise it would be quite
impossible to regulate the pressures at the feeding points, that
is, assuming they all work at the same current density which
also satisfies Kelvin's law. There is a saving with a trunk
feeder, although it may have a cross-section equal to the sum
of all the cables it replaces, because the cost represented by the
" h " term in the expression (rt*'-f-?>)?, and the cost of laying are
ver}- much reduced.
If the characters of the loads in the districts fed by the sub-
feeders are such tlmt their peaks are noii-coincident. their
diversity factor can be allowed for in estimating the total load
on the trunk feeder and its cross-section can be correspond-
ingly less. If it is thought unwise to cut down the cross-
section so closely, the existence of the diversity factor will
contribute to the elasticity of the feeding system and will
materially improve the regulation. There is evidently a
diminished security by substituting a trunk feeder for the
separate cables, and it may hardly be considered worth the risk
to employ one cable only. The benefits of the diversity factor
will still be available, however, if the separate cables are all
coupled together in a disconnecting box or feeder pillar at the
point of divergence. If a fault occurs on any one of them
between this point and the station it can be easily disconnected
and the remaining cables will take the load. With such an
arraiiLiement the highest degree of safety is attained together
^vltll ail efficient utilisation of the whole of the conductors laid
rluuh.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Split Feeders.
Considerable stress must be laid on the necessity for having
the branches all of the same length when a " split " feeder
is used, otherwise great trouble with pressure regulation is
likely to be met with.
For instance, with the portion of network show-n in Fig. 5
consisting of a long narrow district situated at a great distance
from the station S, it is inadvisable to feed first at Fj and then
prolong the feeder to Fj. Under the exigencies of pressure
regulation, the P.D. between Fj and F, ought not to exceed
approximately 1-J- per cent, of the declared pressure. This
implies that the part of the feeder between Fj and F., would be
running under precisely the same conditions respecting drop
in pressure as the distributor, with which it is, in fact, working
in parallel. In designing this part of the network originally
it would, therefore, be equally good for regulation, and ob-
viously much cheaper, to put the extra copper of the feeder
extension into the distributor, and to choose a single feeding
point between F^ and Fj.
It does not mean an elaborate calculation to ascertain by
the methods already given whether, in the case of a long
straggling district, one or two feeding points would give the
cheaper result, inclusive of distributors. If, however, a " split '
feeder is being discussed for n district wiiere distributors are-
alreadv laid, and if the only alternative is to have the exten-
sion tail running along the same route as the distributor, it
is then imperative to treat the extension as working in parallel
with the latter. It must, therefore, have a much greater
cross-section, or run at a lower current-density, than if it
were taking its proportionate drop \vorking as a true feeder.
Against the alternative of running two separate feeders right
liack to the station, it can be readily verified which is the
cheaper in capital outlay. There is one other arrangement
open to the designer, and that is to have the pressure regulated
on the more remote of the two points. This permits the em-
ployment of a higher current-density, and. therefore, a smaller
cross-section of conductor on the extension ; but the pressure
at the nearer of the two points will be too high, and necessitate
the introduction of a resistance there to lower it to the net-
work value. Apart from the loss naturally entailed by the use
of resistances, there is the difficulty of their satisfactory dis-
posal and housing. It is, therefore, inadvisable to adopt the
resistance method, unless the smallness of the cross-section
of the distributors already in existence practically precludes
any other. If two separate feeders are employed, it will be-
observed that the total cost is not very much higher than with
a ".split" feeder, the cross-section of which, up to the point
of partition, would be e(iual to the sum of the two former.
Eqcalisixg Mains and Theik Deskix.
The function of the extended branch of a split feeder of the
type just described closely resembles that of an equalising
main. With an inter-connected network and a common
regulation for all the feeders there are usually equalising cur-
rents in the distributors. This may be due to an unexpected
.shifting of the load centres after the feeders have been laid, or
it may be the resxilt of want of care originally in tlie design of
the system as a whole.
When certain districts are subject to great fiuctuations in
the relative incidence of their loads, the use of equalising
mains is not only a legitimate, but a necessary device, always^
754
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 26, 1909,
assuming that the feeders are run from the same 'bus bars and
that their areas are inter-connected.
For instance, if Fi and Fj (Fig. 6) are two feeding points,
and it is found that the pressure at Fj, on account of its heavier
load or Greater length, is too low in comparison with Fj. some
arrangement must be made to cope with these conditions.
To" lay additional copper to Fj may be too costh^ or incon-
venient, but one way of making the necessary correction is to
have a heavy conductor joining up the two points. This may
either be a special main, to which no consumers are connected,
or the ordinary distributor may be made heavy enough to
perform this additional duty. In either case the section of
main from Fj to ¥„, in so far as it supples current to F., or
encroaches upon its natural feeding area, is virtually the
extension of the feeder SFj, which splits at F,. and the arrange-
ment carries with it all the drawbacks already referred to with
split feeders in general. To fulfil its purpose the current
supplied through the equalising main from the point of higher
to that of lower pressure must not cause a drop in volts exceed-
ing 1 to 2 per cent, of the declared pressure at the cons-.imers'
terminals.
EXA.MPLE OF THE UsE OF EQUALISING MaI.VS.
A good example of the utility of an equalising main re-
cently came under the writer's notice. This is in a seaside
town which is divided into two parts by a tidal river, the area
fed by F^ and Fo (Fig. 7) being the more populous and rich.
sc?'
VI
1
\
\
\
\
\
A
Jl
--J,
Swing
\
iv-^BnJg
\
.^
and, consequently, giving a much heavier load on the feeders
than the district fed by F, ar.d F,. The loads on the latter
were, in fact, so small that it was necessary to insert resistances
in them, the station being of modest size and possessino- only
one pair of 'bus bars.
The difficulty of regulating had increased to such an extent
as to render it advisable to consider laying down another
feeder for the denser area, but the alternative of employing
an equalising main between the two districts hitherto cut off
from each other wassoon found to be the cheaper, even althoucli
it involved the laying of a submarine cable close to the swing
bridge at the narrow part of the river.
The arrangement operates beneficially in two ways firstly
by relieving F, and F, of a part of their loads, and secondly'
by transferrmg enough additional load to F, and F. to avoid
the use of resistances in them, and simplifying the whole
regulation of the network. The formula for' calculating the
resistance of the equalising conductor is directly applicable
u-re by assuming the alternative paths as the means of the
lengths to Fi and F^ and to F„ and F^ respectively. It is
seldom in practice, however, that such a simple case of
equalising two isolated networks is met \rith.
Practical Considerations affecting the Pcsition of
Feeding Points, &c.
As already seen, the determination of feeding points from a
general mathematical expression is only possible when the
load per unit of area is uniform, and when the area can be split
up into simple geometrical shapes such as circular zones and
sectors. An ordinary network is too complex and the distri-
bution of the load too irregular to permit of any universal
analytical treatment, and in the practical lay-out of feeders
experience demands that certain conditions be fulfilled, which
may modify considerably the theoretical arguments. The
following are points which usually influence the design.
The ground plan of the streets is the chief limitation in lay-
ing out a distribution scheme, with buried cables, as the latter
must necessarily follow the same plan. The feeders should
run by the shortest street routes to the centres of heavy load,
and preferably to points where several streets intersect so that
as many distributors as possible may be fed directly and thus
minimize the drop in pressure and the weight of copper. J
If the feeders cannot all be made of about the same length ■
owing to the configuration of the area and the position of the
supply station, they should be arranged so that they form
groups in each of which the average length is the same so as to
facilitate regulation from different 'bus bars.
The cutting points between adjacent feeders having been
determined so as to give minimum capital cost of copper in
the system, the loads and cross-sections of each feeder can also
be found. Several trial calculations with various numbers of
feeders must be made, however, before settling on the final
arrangement, using the principle already referred to that with
numerous feeders the distributors are lighter and with few-
feeders they are correspondingly heavier. A minimum
investment can consequently be determined, and the positions
of the feeding points corresponding to this, should be fixed
upon, as far as possible.
The great consideration underlying this method of design is
that of providing for the full-load development of the district.
In practice the distributors when once laid cannot be dis-
turbed, and this introduces a material difficulty. If their
sections are chosen for ultimate requirements they will be
much too large in the earlier stages, and it may be more advan-
tageous for the undertaking to depart from the calculated
values and lay smaller mains, at least in the outlying districts.
In this way less capital is required and the annual charges are
lower during the first vears, when the business is ''struggling."
There is no difficult v with the feeders, as in any case they would
only be laid as required by the growth of the load. Probably
a compromise between the two alternatives is desirable, so
that in the final state of the network the feeders are rather
more numerous and the distributors lighter than if the theory
alone were strictly followed.
As the distance from the station increases the cost of an
additional feeder will be more serious, and thus it is desirable
to exercise great care initially in designing the system so as to
avoid having to apply this expensive correction at a later date.
■Vluch economy can be achieved by the judicious use of trunk
and bunched feeders run to the centres of well defined areas,
where they are split into subsidiary feeders. The further away
the district is from the station the higher will be the economy
of this method ; it entails little risk of breakdown, and has no
other disadvantages, if precautious are taken to ensure proper
voltage regulation.
An excellent system has been adopted by one of the large
English companies controlling numerous small undertakings.
The feeders and network are first calculated for the probable
final loads but only a few of lighter feeders are laid to commence
with. In subsequent years, as necessity arises, the heavy ones
are added. Thus, in time a thoroughly consistent system is
evolved, without saddling the undertaking with heavy and
unproductive capital charges in the early years.
Separation of Feeder Districts.
For supply systems in large cities, owing to the serious break-
downs which have occasionally taken place when the distri-
butors were all interconnected, the best practice is to divide
up the area into sections corresponding to the feeders. This
method is the subject of one of the B.O.T. regulations which
requires fuse pillars to be employed at the points where tlie
feeder areas interconnect, the fuses being heavy enough merely
to carry the slight equalising currents due to the fluctuations
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 26, 1909.
755
in the relative loads. Should a bad fault occur iu one feeder
area the fuses will blow and automatically isolate it, without
disturbing the rest of the network. The correct positions of
these fuse pillars can be arrived at when the system is being
designed by the rules already prescribed, but for existing feed-
ing points when the loads have reached a comparatively steady
state they may be ascertained experimentally. For per-
manent safety in running much is to be said for keeping each
feeder area cjuite separate and supplying it from one feeder
only, each distributor also being usually fed from one end only.
This arrangement has been adopted in Glasgow, and appears
to be eminently suitable for large networks.
For traction systems it has much to recommend it. In
The Electrician, Vol. LVIII., pp. 19 and 219, the argu-
ments in favour of its adoption are fully discussed.
The regulation of the several feeders, each of which constitutes
a separate circuit, must be made with some nicety on lighting
systems. By properly grouping them according to length on
separate portions of the station plant the feeding point pres-
sures can be kept within close limits. This alone is insufficient,
however, and careful calculations must be made of the respec-
tive drops in the radiating distributors, as the consumers on
the confines of the area can receive no assistance from neigh-
bouring areas through equalising mains. The proper balancing
of the two sides with three wire working must be rigorously
made on each and every main, as the want of an elastic network
is felt most of all in connection with " balancing," although
the feeders may all have a third wire back to the station.
Several advantages in addition to security characterise this
method of unconnected feeding areas. The first is that the
distributors can be fed in any direction to exactly the distance
corresponding to the formula for the minimum weight of cop-
per. If the loads have reached their limits or their possible
values are ascertainable the cross-sections of the distributors
can be fixed accordingly. There being no e.\cess of elasticity
in the mains under these conditions there is obviously no super-
fluous copper.
The second advantage is that each supply area being inde-
pendent, there is no need for network analysis or discussing
any of the complications of equalising mains, split feeders, &c.
The third advantage is that the ma.ximum load on the feeders
is directly given by adding those of all the radiating distri-
butors. These attributes which facilitate design are not, per-
haps, the principal merit of the method, that being the restric-
tion of the area which can possibly be affected by any fault.
Each distributor being fused in the feeder jjillar the fault
usually locates itself by blowing one of these fuses and isolat-
ing the faulty main. If section pillars are provided at the
cutting points, supply can be given in emergencies from another
feeder by inserting the fuses which are normally not in use.
(To be continued)
TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN FRANCE.
In a former article on this subject (The Electrician,
Tol. LX., p. 827) we gave the views of MM. Dalemont and
Barbezat on the question of specialisation in study. In an
article in '• La Lumiere Electrique," of which we give an ab-
strai-t below, M. Blondel does not touch on this point, but
complains of the inadequate attention given to technical educa-
tion in France, discusses the relation of theory to practice and,
finall)', indicates a general course of study suitable for a student
in any brai.ch of engineering work.
Technical education in France may be divided into thiee classes :
in the first of which may be placed the rare schools for apprentices;
in the second the teclmical schools which educate students for
positions such as draughtsmen and are of use to young men be-
tween tlie ages of 15 and 20, giving, as they do, both a theoretical
and practical education ; lastly, higher education is given in the
Government schools and in certain institutions of a university
■character. In Germany these varied conditions also exist (but on
account of the glamour attached to " High School " products these
are much better known to the foreign engineer) and many .•American
•universities are only, strictly Speaking, technical institutions.
In France the tendency is to give too much consideration to
higher education and to neglect primary and secondary instruction.
This is very injurious to the industry, which, owing to the want of
schools for apprentices, is lacking in skilled young workmen. WhUe in
late years stress has been laid on devoloping the number of engineers
with advanced and theoretical knowledge, the provLsion of an excel-
lent secondary personnel, perfectly acquainted with practical ques-
tions, has not been sufficiently considered. The industrial army not
only needs brilliant commanders but good troops and reliable non-
commissioned officers. In France les Ecoles des Arts et'Met iers produce
excellent recruits for this work and their efforts are not sufficiently
appreciated. To push forward young men, strong in mathematics
but too often lacking in practical sense, at the expense of those
furnished with a good store of practical knowledge and enough
theory to apply it would be doubly a fault. The ideal technical
education should proportion the products of higher and secondary
education to the needs of the industry. It may, therefore, be asked
whether secondary education in France should not be brought more
to the front by increasing tlie number of appropriate schools, per-
fecting the equipment and impro^ang their teaching staffs. As
regards higher education, it would be very instructive to improve
it, but care should be taken not to increase the number of schools
but to augment their resources and to introduce true economy into
their working. The danger of " overproduction "" is not chimerical ;
in Germany thousands of young engineers are being turned out of
the •• High Schools'" every year with small prospect of obtaining a
position suitable to their abilities, and matters have reached such a
pitch that a society for the protection of their interests ha.s been
formed.
It is distressing to note that, whilst in Germany educational funds
are applied in the most useful way, in France they are placed almost
entirely at the disposal of the primary schools. The results obtained
in the latter are, however, not at all proportional to the money
spent and are thus doubly detrimental to both secondary and higher
education. Each year sees the subsidies of the latter reduced, and
many establi.shments are receiving amounts quite inadequate to their
importance. Good students cannot be made without well-equipped
laboratories and a numerous and well- chosen teaching staff. It
would be throwing good money after bad to multiply establislunents
denuded of adequate resources instead of concentrating the funds
available on those which already exist.
The question of higher technical education is sometimes mis-
understood in France, at least in certain circles, on account of the
confusion which exists between it and higher scientific instruction.
This is equivalent to confounding science and practice. Science
has for its object a disinterested search for the truth, while prac-
tice endeavours to find methods and industrial operations so that
a material result may be obtained in the surest and most econo-
mical way. Science applies theoretical reasons to well-defined
hypotheses, while practice, always stretching forward to the ideal
has to bend to circumstances ; it uses hypotheses that are often
unsatisfactory and arbitrarily deduces therefrom approximate and
necessarily imperfect results which are, however, applicable to the
work or apparatus which is being constructed. This dissimilarity
is well brought out in the following example of the different results
obtained by Profs. Slaby and Wien on the question of syntony in
wii-eless telegraphy. The remarkable researches of the physicist
led to no useful practical result, while those of the engineer,
impressed with the practical end to be attained, produced a com-
plete system of apparatus giving the best conditions of transmis-
sion. There must, further, be collaboration between engineers and
workmen, since it is often by the latter that the principal efforts are
made. For, whilst a brilliant scientific research needs only one
man of science endued with creative imagination, the erection of a
bridge or generating station requires a company of draughtsmen
and workmen, as well as months of labour. Those who control
tills company must have judgment, character and energy very
ditferent from those of a savant.
A misunderstanding of the true relation of science to practice
still exi.sts in many countries — e.g.. in England — but is being dissi-
pated little by little, especially in Germany. It is to this better
understanding of the riile of tiie technical man and of his proper
value, as well as to the character of the German engineer, that the
superiority of the industry in that country is due, more than to the
development of research in piiry science, as has been so often stated.
Perhaps it is for this reason thai we say "I'art de ringenieur" and
not "la science de Tingenicur." •' les arts industrielles " and not
"les sciences industrielles," ' Tort de batr " and not "la science
de biitr."'
The engineer needs much nmre than a knowledge of the mathe-
matical and physical priucipl'-s on which his profession is based.
He must have creative instincts, perseverance to arrive at a de-
756
THE ELECTEICIAN, FEBKUARY 26, 1909.
sired goal, and, lastly-, judgment for obtaining in the most adequate
manner the thing required. He must possess a certain aesthetic
sense for maehines. as well as for buildings, requiring certain
natural gifts as well as taste and skill in design. All this cannot
be obtained by scientific study ; " licencies c's sciences " may be
made, engineers have to be born. While science only introduces
into the study of its problems clear, straightforward and well
dehned hypotheses, practice has to encounter a number of everyday
considerations such as the net cost, the resistance of materials, the
causes of error which are produced in carrying out the work, the
chance of bad workmanship and poor quality materials as well as
the rate of .salaries, &e. : all extremelj' complex subjects which
cannot be stated as equations and which demand rather judgment
and good sense than science. As M. Le Cha teller has said : "In
the engineering profession character is superior to science. Long
experience not only of education, but of industrial life, have taught
me that all acquired knowledge and all intellectual development
are of little weight in an engineer's career against qualities of
morality and character. No science can supplement activity, imagin-
ation and capacity of production; without these qualities the widest
knowledge remains hidden in a mind wanting in creative power ;
without strength of will and perseverance, judicious attempts will
only lead to certain faihu-e." The same authority protests against
considering science as an univer.sal panacea. " Its role is certainly
very important, but it is only of the second degree. Men deprived
of all scientific instruction, like Bessemer, have revolutionised the
industry : on the other hand, eminent .scientists wishing to assist it
have hopelessly failed. The role of science in industry is the same
as that of oil in a machine. The superiority of the scientist over
the practical man is in arriving at the same result with less effort
or at greater results with the same effort."
Great care is taken in England to form the " character '" of the
young engineer, and the peculiar qualities of the Anglo-Saxon race
favom- this formation. The working out of applied and numerical
examples, though often te<liou.s, teaches patience and perseverance,
and gives the student a foretaste of what he will experience in his
future career. It is well he should learn that something new can-
not be done every day. It is to the patient and laborious character
of the German chemists in both the laboratory and chemical fac-
tory that the magnificent advance in the German chemical industry
should be attributed. Even if the French universities did turn
out such chemists between 1S60 and 1S80 as Avere produced by
those in Germany they did not have the .same success on account
of our greater mobiUty of spirit, our distaste for modest or monoto-
nous tasks, and the negligence with which we treat oft-repeated
operations. Further. Anglo-Saxons natiu-ally possess practical
instincts, positive tastes, and a good sense of business, qualities
too often lacking in young Frenchvnen.
The first consequence of the precedmg remarks is that it is desir-
able both in the interest of the candidates themselves, and in that of
the industry, to admit as far as possible to a technical career only
tliose who have the requisite natural bias. From the moment that
the engineer becomes a link in the industrial mechanism this link
must be of the best possible quality and not chosen by chance. An
engineer badly equipped for practical applications will not only
cause trouble to liis employers and much more to himself, but will be
taking a place in the industry which .should be occupied by a better
educated man. Young men who are anxious to bear the title of
engmeer, and who have a Uist« for mathematics or physics should not
be placed in engineering schools, but it must be discovered whether
they have a taste for lis a|,|,li,.,ti„ns. If „„t thev will .simpiv Ixx-ome
mrnnts aiKlnot en,mn.. ,,-, IVnI. KI,.,ninL' has nu.I that an' .■i,.nneer
should be made " i„ th,. rr;„ll... ' and that a child sliould not be
I.laced ma technical career unless lie shows "an essentially
mechanical turn ol mind." Americans ask whether education
should not be specialised from a very early age by studying mechanics
betorc other children ot the same age, and by making the student
undergo an apprenticeship. This is very logical for primarv or even
secondary education, but for a student destined for higher thin.-s this
solution does not aj.pear to be desirable. On the one hand a -rood
nm^ '' T-^ ^'""^'"P"' '"<^™'-y education, if only tluU he
udies W« : '■'■'""'' ''"^' '' ^'"'^ ^"''^ "°t ^'^ke to scientific
si n\l . / ". f ""," ''^''■' ""'■ ''"' *'^'' educational subjects in a
school be infinitely sub-divided. What sh.mld be done is to place
a the disposition of those who have the tast. the means for per W
uig a manua apprenticeship. Further, it is necessary that t^lie br "n
power should be developed by a study ot pure science, ^i eh slum d
e begvin qmte early, ie about the sixteenth year, in order to profit
the assimilation (which youth pos.sesses , and to hasten the
h 1 tlu re7or'"''"Tf ^,"'"^ ""' '" '^'■^™- !*"--'> Univei;!
1 A ll '"?''''>■ "'""^ programmes with a view to reducin"
Uve standard round of classical studies, and to reserve in them for
future literary men one or two supplementary years after the B.A.
has been obtained.
As for technical education, properly speaking, it should consist of
two distinct parts, a general theoretical study to form the psychology
of engineers, and more or less specialised technical studies, keeping in
view their .subsequent careers. Pure science, whose study is too often
mixed up with that of technical applications, can hardly be separated
from it in the secondary technical schools where the education is
hurried. On the other hand, for superior technical education it is a
gieat necessity to consider the study of pure science as a preparatory
period which should take place before commencing the technical
applications. The education of the engineer should, therefore,
consist of three parts, a scientific, a general technical, and an applied
technical period.
The future engineer should acquire that general scientific know-
ledge which summarises and systematizes the properties of matter,
the fundamental laws of natural phenomena, and the methods of
calculation and experiment created by former generations. He
.should receive a certain intellectual education different from that
known as literary culture, and which may be called a scientific
culture, i.e.. learning deductive methods by the study of mathematics
and inductive methods by the study of the physical sciences.
Mathematical sciences develop the power of abstraction, logic,
skill in close reasoning, the faculties of analysis and criticism, and
also subtlety, but not always judgment, i.e.. the comparison of
realities with possibilities.' The study of mathematics is, without
doubt, the sole means of making a truly penetrative mind. Those
who have only a literary education, or a scientific education of a
different order, attain with difficulty the same power of work and the
same force of analysis which .those who have received a sound
mathematical education possess. It is not thought, as is proposed by
some engineers, that the study of mathematics should be restrained
within certain limits ; but it should be considered as a method for
develo])ing the brain in the pre])arat(ir\ pi-ridd for all young men who
are destined for the higher technical s< ImkiIs. Geometrv in particular
should be considered as ofie nf tin- isscntial studies, and all the
development wliich it allows should be brought out by graphical
methods. Mechanics is a second mathematical foundation of the
necessary instruction, and great stress should be )aid on geometrical
demonstrations and the use of vectors.
The study of j)hysical sciences is an excellent preparation for the
study of technical sciences, on the condition that they are continued
in the j)r()pcr direction. Tliis is not the case, unfortunately, in the
secondary education given at the Lycees. Physical sciences are
taught by synthetical methods which only show imperfectly the
method and reasoning which lead up to great discoveries. Chemistry,
above all, is too descriptive. The student is taught in detail a
crowd of properties of substances which he forgets later, and is
obliged to look up in text-books. The educative i-ole of chemistry,
and even |iliysies. is comiiletely destroyed by this synthetical method
of tea( liuiL' it. Stress sh(.uld be laid on how the important dis-
coveries \\e)e made, especially AA'hen they were not due to chance,
the method which directed the experiments and the deductions that
were made ; the errors which were committed and the way in which
they were rectified ; the hypotheses wliich were built up from these
experiments and the way in which they influenced the researches,
should all be demonstrated.
The most important task of the higher technical schools is to give
to students -nho have passed through tlie (ireparatory period of
pure science a true general engineering education. This requires for
all pm-ely professional studies a general knowledge of the applied
sciences which are common to all engineering careers, and particu-
larly the following : —
1, Experimental mechanics, i.e., the study of all methods of
measurement and experiment which play a part in mechanical
applications, all of which constitute most excellent training for the
mind of an engineer. To experimental mechanics should be added
applied mechanics, i.e.. the studv of machinery. This subject should
include a knowledge of the general theories and methods of experi-
ment and calculation without taking into account the constructive
principles which should be the object of applied study. A course of
thermo-dynamics could be undertaken, which would consist of an
experimental study of all the ordinary phenomena of heat engines.
2. Industrial physics, which consists in the scientific study of
heating, lighting, and even of general electrotechnics, are equally
independent of the special knowledge of a boiler maker or electrical
engineer. The best jiroof of this is that a distinction is beginning to be
made between ajiplied electrotechnics, i.e., the special study of
machine construction, and general electrotechnics. The application of
kinematics and of dynamics to transmitting apparatus, hydrodyna-
mics and hydraulics, elasticity and strength of materials, should be
the subject of a general course in all branches of technical study. In
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBEUARY 2G, 1909.
757
a general education of this kind an important part should be given to
the technical applications of geometry, such as perspective, graphical
study, methods of graphical integration, and the apparatus by which
these are carried out.
Complementary lectures on physical mathematics should be given,
in which the study of all those diflferential equations whicli are met
with in science and in many of the questions which touch the art of
the engineer, could be taken up. They would constitute for the
student a better mathematical preparation than the study of elliptic
functions, and those variable functions which are studied by modern
analysts. It is interesting to show future engineers the connection
between problems of a very different order which are solved in
practice by the same methods. For example, the connection between
the whole series of oscillatory phenomena from those in sound and
optics to the vibration of bridges and alternating electric currents.
between the propagation of electric and maritime waves, with
the corresponding phenomena of resonance of all kinds could be
shown.
Chemical technology can be taught with more or less detail in
connection with the study of materials. The general principles of
metallurgy and the study of industrial metals and alloys are also u.se-
ful to all engineers. Studies relative to machines, to the resistance of
materials, to industrial physics, and to electrotechnics should be the
subject of numerous laboratory experiments, having for their object
combined questions of principle and of experimental methods. To
these technical studies should be added, as a relaxation, and to enlarge
the ideas, lectures on economical, judicial, and social questions, which
the engineer may meet with in the course of his career. The above
would form a programme of study for a future civil, mining, or rail-
way engineer, or even for a naval architect.
ELECTRICALLY OPERATED PUMPING AND AIR-COMPRESSING INSTALLATION AT
MESSRS. HARLAND & WOLFF'S SHIPBUILDING YARD, BELFAST.
As i.s usual ill most large modern .shipbuilding establishments, I electrical power to various heavy machines in use in Messrs.
Messrs. Harjand & Wolff's well-known yards at Belfast consi.st | Harland & Wolff's shipyards, have already been described and
of two distinct parts. The shipbuilding yard and saw mills are I illustrated in the technical press. The latest exampl;^ of Messrs.
placed together, whilst the engine works, foundry and large | Harland & Wolff's enterprise and confidence in the advantages
Fic. 1. — View of rur. Machixk Room, seex fro.m the Pimi' End.
boiler shops form a separate establishiiKMit. In all th( aliove-
mentioned departments, extensive use is made of hydraulic
power and compressed air, the former being applied to the
various small cranes, and used for working hydraulic pre.sses,
rivetters, &c. Compressed air is used in the shipyard and
boiler shops for riveting, caulking, trimming, and for other
purposes, such as cleaning moulds and patterns in the foundry.
A large electric power station was built several years ago to
supply the energy required for driving the various tools and
machines in the different parts of the works, and also for the
electric lighting of the yards, shops and offices. This power
station and some of the many interesting special applications of
of the use of electric power for general shipyard use, is the
installation of an extensive electrically driven hydraulic pump-
ing and air compressing plant. This plant has many features of
great interest to electrical engineers, both on account of its size
and the special methods of control and regulation used.
The power station supplies both three-phase alternating
current at iiO volts o7 cycles, and continuous current at 220
and 440 volts. The new installation consists of two separate
plants, both placed in the same building, one being a hydraulic
pumping plant and the other an air compressing plant.
The hydraulic pumping plant is arranged to supply the
existing hydraulic systems in the shipyard, and iu the engine
THE ELFrrpiCIAN, FEBRUARY 2G, 1909.
and boiler shops, the supply pressure to the shipyard being
8001b. per square inchabsoluto, and that to the engine and boiler
simps 1 ,500 lb. per square inch absolute. A separate hydraulic
-\'iE\v OF THE Machine Room, seen from the Compressor End,
accumulator and two pumps aie provided for each hydraulic
supply system. The leading particulars of the plant are as
follows : The shipyard hydraulic plant works at a hydraulic
pressure of 8001b. per square inch (absolute), and consists of
two single-acting three-throw
horizontal plunger pumps,
each having a plunger diame-
ter of 5 in. by 20 in. stroke,
and capable of deliverinu
2.50 gallons per minute when
running at a speed of 60 revs,
per min. There is also oiif
hydraulic accumulator with a
capacity of 45| cubic ft. the
diameter of the piston being
20i in., and the vertical lift
20 ft. The engine and boiler
shop hydraulic plant works
at a hydraulic pressure of
1 ,500 lb. per square in. (abso-
lute), and consists of two
single-acting three-throw hori
zontal plunger pumps, eacli
havmg a plunger diameter <
3J in. by 20 in. stroke, ai.
capable of delivering 132 gin
lens per rnin. when running a
a speed of 60 revs, per min.
The):e is also one hydraulic
accumulator having a capacity
of 25 cubic ft., the diameter of
the piston being 15 us., and the
vertical lift 20 ft. The old
hydraulic accumulators are
retained as spares, and have
been adjusted so that they onlv
come mto action after the new
acov,mi;lators have touched th
pumpi wove all j ualc- bv J
The floor space available for the hydraulic and air compress-
ing plant was very limited, the outside dimensions being only
46 ft. by 124 ft., and consequently the two plants had to be
placed so as to make the best use of
the space. Two views of the machine
room illustrating both the pumps
and compressors are given in Figs. 1
and 2.
The pumps are each driven by a
shunt wound motor (Fig. 3), capable
ot developing 200 h.p. when running
at 60 revs, per min. The motor
shafts are provided with two bear-
ings, and are coupled direct to the
pump shafts by means of flanged
couplings, the motor and pump bed-
plates being bolted together. One
oi the most important conditions
for the new plant was that the
]5umps must deal entirely automati-
cally with the very variable demand
for water. Various schemes were
considered in order to meet this
cniidition, some of the diagrams
I ill it t I'd being shown in Figs. 4 and
"i. where the height of the accumu-
lator is plotted vertically, and the
lonil on the pumps for the various
I M isii ions of the accumulator is drawn
hurizontally. The next point to be
decided was the provision of auto-
matic starters, operated mechani-
cally from the accumulator, so that
the pumps would be started when the accumulator reached a
certain fixed position, and stopped when it reached its highest
position. With such an arrangement the pumps must be dimen-
sioned to meet the maximum demand, and as thev would onlv
■ b',_
;-ko at the lowest point. The
M -, . ,, ---.--- -astrong,Whitworth&Co.,of
installed by the Allgcmeme Elektricitats Gesellschaft of Berlin.
l-'ii:. 3. — \ll;\\ OF Pu.Ml' MoToi:.
run for a short time, and at intervals, whilst filling up the
accumulator, the frequent starting and stopping would affect
the power station very considerably.
Fig. 4 shows the diai'ram which would result from the use of a
THE ELECTRJCJAN, FEBRUARY 2G, 1909
759
shunt wound motor, having a speed regulation of 1 : 3 Ijy means
of shunt field regulation.
When the accumulator has fallen 75 per cent, of its travel, the
motor runs with the maximum resistance in its shunt field. As
the accumulator rises, the shunt resistance is automatically and
gradually cut out. until the speed of the motor is reduced to one
third of its maximum. Such an arrangement would operate
satisfactorily so long as the demand on the hydraulic plant
t Famp Stops
~ \f Pnmi
I Stops
jPump II- Stop
Pump I \
1
i Starts
Famp II, \
mo
\ Starts
remains within the limits of maximum output, and -J of the
maximum, but if the demand falls below these limits, as fre-
quently happens, the power station is again subjected to heavy
fluctuations owing to the starting and stopping of the motor.
The motor is also costly owing to the wide speed regulation
required.
By dividing the maximum load between two pumps, as shown
in the diagram (Fig. 5). the starting losses and fluctuations on
system, the chief of wliicli are — (1) Abolition of heavy load
fluctuation at the power station, which in the other proposals
would necessitate running a large generating unit to supply the
heavy starting currents which exceed the normal maximum load
even when the water demand is small. The generating set
would consequently be running lightly loaded on the average,
and therefore uneconomically. (2) Starting losses are reduced
to those occurring solely through the starting up, light, of a
motor generator set three times a day. The starting of the
pumps themselves represents practically no energy losses. (3)
The quiet and gradual starting of the pumps is advantageous
for mechanical reasons. (4) The starting and controlling gear
consists solely of the four shunt regulating rheostats, which
carry small currents, and are very much more simple than the
apparatus required for any of the other systems. The regu-
lators are connected mechanically to the accumulator weights
by means of Galls chains. Behind the accumulator, as shown
in Fig. 9, an endless vertical chain is arranged, attached to the
accumulator weight. Two other chains operate the two
regulators from this.
The regulator contacts, of which there are 110, are arrang<'d
on a circular marble slab. The motion of the chain is conveyed
to the spindle of the regulator by means of spur wheel and
pinion reduction gear and a cord connected to a double spiral
shaped cam wheel. The latter is .so designed that when the
accumulator is falling at a constant rate the regulator is
operated more rapidly at the beginning of its movement than
towards the end.
The object of this arrangement is to bring more contacts
into use at the higher positions of the accumulator, which
increases the sensitiveness of the regulation w'hen the pumps
are running slowly, and is also advantageous in avoiding spark-
ing at the contacts. Th: cam wheel runs free on the spindle
Fl(i. 6. -MOTIIU (inNKKATOK .SETS WORIvl.Nl.
\Hi) System.
the power station are greatly reduced, owing to the smaller
sizes of the pumps. If the demand for water falls below one
sixth of the maximum, then intermittent .starting and stopping
also occurs with this arrangement.
The proposal finally decided upon, after consideration of the
various schemes was the use of Ward-Leonard control for the
pump motors, and the provision of special motor-generator sets,
as shown in Fig. 6. Each pump motor is connected direct to
one of these generators, and by controlling the field of the
generator by a regulating field rheostat, automatically worked
by the accumulator, to which it is mechanically connected, the
voltage generated and applied to the pump motor armature can be
varied from 0 to 440 volts, which produces a speed variation of
0 to 60 revs, per min. on the motor. The diagram for this
arrangement is shown in Fig. 7, and a diagram of connections
is given in Fig. 8. The pump motors arc separately e.\.cited at
-21) volts. Starting losses are entirely avoided, and since the
accunmlator takes up any sudden fluctuations in the demand,
the speed of the pumps corresponds to the average demand for
wat<'r at any time, whilst the momentary fluctuation.jon the
] lower station are quite small.
Tlie extra capital cost of the motor generators and the energy
losses in the machines are amply offset by the advantages of the
of the regulator. A hand wheel is keyed to the regulator
spindle, and by inserting a pin through a hole in the hand
wheel, which registers with a corresponding hole in the loose
cam wheel, the two can be locked together.
When the pump is to be started
j \ the motor generator set is first
run up to full speed, the pump
motor is then fully excited, and is
started by slowly turning the hand
wheel of the regulator until the hole
in the hand wheel registers with
that in the loose cam wheel, when
the locking pin is inserted. The
pump then runs at a speed corres
ponding to the position of the ac-
cumulator at the moment, and is
automatically regulated by the rise
and fall of the accumulator,
which corresponds to the de-
mands of the supply system.
When no water is being used there
is only the loss through leakage to be made up, and the
motor then runs at a very slow speed — from 1 to 2 revs, per
Vu:. 7.
760
THE ELEC..JCIAN, FEBRUARY 26. 1909
mm.— and at tisnes stops for a short time witli the full-load
current flowing. The commutator, brushes and leads are all
amply dimensioned, so that there is no sensible heating. The
pumps have a high efficiency, and the starting torque is very
little more than the normal running torque. The normal full-
load current is 250 amperss, and test readings taken when the
pump was started and running at 1-2 revs, per mm. showed
300 amperes at 25 volts.
The curves in Fig. 10 show the voltage measured at the switch-
board and the relation between the speed of the pump and the
curve plotted from the various speeds u^ at different positions
of the accumulator when the accumulator is at rest, and, there-
fore, when the output of the pump exactly balances the demand
for water. Let MN represent the curve
showing the actual speeds m, which show
a difference for slip S as compared with
the theoretical speeds «„. and further let G
= weight of the motor armature = 7 ,000 kg,
p= radius of application = 0-660 mm., B =
accelerating moment in metre-kilo-
grammes, Po= constant turning moment of
pump = 1 ,730 metre-kg. ,( = time in seconds,
height of the accumulator. It will l)e noticed that the straight
line shown in Fig. 4 has been changed into a curve on the actual
diagram, the reason of this being to reduce the momentary
riuctuations on tlis power station. Since the ratio of the ac-
celeration torque to the normal running torque is small, the
pumps follow the movements of the accumulator very closely,
whilst the load fluctuations due to sudden movements of the
accumulator are small. Assuming that the water demand in
E = gcnevator voltage measured at switchlward. e=:c^u =
counter E.M.F. of motor, eo=CjU„=counter E.M.F. of motor
when accumulator is at rest, Jo= normal current = 2-50 amperes,
J„W = normal ohmic voltage drop in motor armature, brushes
and cable leads (approx. 15 volts), J = actual current.
The part of the E curve considered (Fig. 11) has been assumed
to be a straight line, and the accumulator is sinking at a con-
stant speed, therefore,
The torque is proportional to the current, therefore.
Po+B = P„,
E-e
J.,W
Po
Fo+B^j-^ic.t + c
T, ' Gr „ du 27r , clu
9-81 ' dt 60 dt
-CjU)
■B-
•S
'I'liesc equalion^^
c, = E-J„W = c.,i! + C3-JoW.
eomliined with equation (1), give
</S , PoC.S kc.
'^~ +
di JoVV
12 = 0
and after inte>;i'ation :
S =
where :
J,\Nkc,_J,-Wkc
'J„\\'k
(2)
(3)
10 20 3U 40 60 liU 70
rwL'S.'per Mill.
Volts.
Fl(i. 10.
■the shipyatd increases suddenly, and the accumulator falls at
a cor.stant speed the operation of the plant can easilv be
matJiwiia..cai!y oJcukted, as inuicKied in' Fig. 11. Let the
straight line KL represent the speed corresponding exactly to
the various positions of the accun.ulatoi-tii.it i.Ao sav the
---^s.
e=base of natural logarithms.
From thesa equations it is clear that, with increasing time,
t, the slip S approaches the following maximum :
Vihich is proportional to v.,. or. in other words, the slip is pro-
portional to the speed at which E is altered or at which the
accumulator falls. As the second factor in equation (3) is
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 26, 1909.
761
quite small in the present case, the maximum value of slip S,,,,,,
is reached almost instantly.
Let it be assumed that, when the pump is running at any
{liven speed, a sudden demand for water is made bvtheshipyard,
equal to double the normal output of the pump. This demand
will at once come upon the accumulator, and, from the known
diameter of the accumulator cylinder, it follows that the accu-
mulator would fall at a speed of 178 mm. per second. The
steepest part of the speed curve in Fig. 10 then corresponds to
c, = 30-l (■i = 7-l ^■ = 3•2.j.
15x32-3 x30 1 „ ,,.o
- = OIOb revs, per mm.
Su
1730x7-i2
.1 = J,/l + l"!^ ^ = 2r.O X 108 = 270
amps.
When the water demand in the shipyard increases suddenly
with a quantity equal to twice ths maximum supply of the
pump, the momentary current overload in the pump motor
is only 8 per cent, and the kilowatt variation of the system is
8 per cent, of the load it is carrying. As will be seen from
Fig. 10, the speed curve rises steeply at first and less steeply
towards the end. Therefore, when heavy current fluctuations
would have the largest effect on the central station — namely,
when pump and motor generator are giving their full output
the variations are even below 8 per cent. It is thus found that
the heavy momentary demands on the hydraulic system,
which occur periodically, are almost entirely met by the accu-
mulator, whilst the pumps run automatically and smoothly
at speeds corresponding to the average demand on the system
at any time. Thus, the ideal regulation required to meet the
conditions is actuallv attained.
There are two motor-generator sets installed, each consist-
ing of a 500 H.P. motor running at 550 revs, per min., driving
two shunt- woundgenera tors in tandem, each capable of develop-
ing 165 kw. The motor of one of the motor generators is
three phase, whilst the other is a direct current machine. For
ordinary service only one motor-generator set is run, which
supplies two pump motors. In view of the wide voltage varia-
tion required, and the load fluctuations, the dynamos are pro-
vided with auxiliary poles. The direct current motor also has
auxiliary poles, and the three-phase motor is of the slip-iing
rotor type, fitted with the A. E.G. patent short-circuiting and
brush-lifting device.
Four pairs of 'bus bars are provided on the switchiioard
with switchgear, so arranged that any jjump motor can bo con-
nected on to either of the motor-generator sets ; the diagram
of connections shows the arrangement clearly.
The switches are arranged so that no machine can be coupled
to more than one set of 'bus bars at the same time. Fig. 1
shows a view of the switchboard for the pumping plant. The
switchgear is all placed in a self-supporting switchhouse, built
up of sheet metal panels. Only the operating handles, hand
wheels and instruments are placed on the outside, all the current
carrying parts being inside the house, which can only be entered
by authorised persons. The switchboard has four main panels,
each of which contains the switchgear and instruments belong-
ing to one pump motor and the generator from which the motor
is normally supplied. The switchhouse is placed between the
four pumps, each panel facing the pump which it controls.
There are three air compressors installed, two large sets and
one smaller set. all three machines being of the horizontal
cross-compound typ<' supplied by the Ingersoll Rand Co., of
New York and London. The principal dimensions of the
machines are, in the case of the two large compressors, cylin-
ders, 30 in. and 19 in. diameter ; stroke, .30 in. ; speed, 100 revs,
per min. : and, in the case of the small compressor, cylinders,
18 in.- and 11 in, diameter; stroke, 16 in. : speed, 1-50 revs,
per min.
One of the large compressors is driven by a three-j)hase
motor, the other by a direct current motor, and, as one of the
compressors is kept as a spare, the compressed-air plant can
be up<'rated either from the three-phase mains or direct cur-
rent mains, whichever suits the load on the power station best
at any time. The small compressor is driven by a direct cur-
rent motor. The fields of both direct current motors are
separately excited, and the armatures can be connected either
to the 410 volt or 220 volt mains, so that the machines can be
reduced to half speed. The small compressor motor can also
be supplied from a motor-generator set, by means of which the
speed can be varied as desired. The automatic regulation of the
supply of air is not done electrically in this case, but is controlled
by the opening or closing of a valve in the suction pipe, in ac-
cordance w-ith the fall or rise of the air pressure.
The motors installed are of the following .sizes and types :
One three-phase motor of 420 b.h,p., running at 104 revs, per
min. at 57 cycles and 440 volts ; one direct current motor of
405-210 B.H.P., running at 100-50 revs, per min. at 440 or 220
volts; one direct current motor of 125-70 b.h. p., running at
150-75 revs, per min. at 440 or 220 volts. All the motors are
mounted on the compressor shafts and placed between the
cranks. The direct current motor armatures arc mounted on
divided naves, so as to enable th<'. armatures to pass over the
crank discs. The three-phase motor is constructed with a slip-
ring rotor split on the diameter for a similar reason, and the
stator is provided with removable feet. By removing these
feet, the stator can be turned round to bring tlu" lower part
of the stator above the foundation pit for examination or re-
pairs. The air-gap can be accurately adjusted by means of
adjusting screws. Oil-cooled metallic type starting resistances
are provided for starting the compressor motors.
No-voltage cut-outs are connected into the circuits of the
direct current motors, and electrically interlocked with the
starters, so that the circuit is broken if the supply fails, or when
any switch is opened, and the circuit is not re-made until the
switches have again been closed and the starter returned to the
starting position. The switchgear for the compressor plant
is similar to that for the hydraulic plant, but is built against the
wall.
Both the installations described have been in operation since
the beginning of 1908, and have given entire satisfaction, the
plant having run continuously during working hours without
a single hitch or stoppage since it was put into .service. The
entire installation has been carried out to the designs and
specifications of Messrs. Harland & Wolff, who gave the whole
scheme very careful attention, as the problems involved had
to be considered not only from a technical standpoint, but from
an economic point of view as well, before the best solution was
found.
SPINNER' MOTORS.
During the last year or two a tj'pe of alternating current motor,
which has received' the designation "' Spinner," has been evolved to
meet the requirements of textile mills, rolling mills, mining work,
&c,— that is to say, for use where frequent stopping and starting imder
load is necessary, or where rapid and violent Huetuations of load are
experienced, and for work requiiing various .■speeds. In such cases
alternating current motors have been at somewhat of a disadvantage,
although their other important characteristics have usually led to
their general adoption.
In its simplest form the " Spinner " motor is a squirrel-cage induc-
tion motor, designed so that the customary stator may be allowed
to revolve, a band brake serving to control its movement. The
method of operation is as follows : The rotor is connected to the
load and the brake is released, leaving the stator free to rotate. Cur-
rent is then supplied to the stator windings through brushes and slip-
rings, the stator beginning to rotate in a direction opposite to the
7G2
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 26, 1909.
normal direction of rotation of tlie rotor. When the stator has at-
tained synclironous speed the brake is apjiHed to it. and the rotor
tlien begins to move, gradually coming up to normal speed, which
latter is attained when the stator has been brought to rest.
A type of " Spinner " motor possessing greater capabilities is the
reversible three-speed " Spinner " motor of Messrs. Mavor & C'oulson,
an illustrated descrijjtion of which, and also of the above-mentioned
motor, appeared in tlie Dcccinlier issue of our Indi^strial Supple-
ment. This motor consists of three concentrically arranged elements
— the rotor A, spinner B and stator C. as will be seen from the draw-
ing herewith.
The stator is fixed, whilst the other two elements are capable of
rotation. The rotor carries a squirrel-cage winding, and the spinner
a former winding (which is connected to the slip-rings D) on its inner
periphery and a squirrel-cage winding on its external surface. The
stator carries a former winding, to which power is sujiplied in the
usual manner. On the spinner B is also a band brake E, which can be
operated either by hand or magnetically, as desired. Power is taken
off the rotor shaft F. as in the ease of an ordinary motor.
For middle speed the spinner is held stationary by the brake, and
current is applied to its inner windings ; the rotor, with load connec-
ted, then runs at normal .speed, the conditions being those of an or-
dinary induction motor. For tin- InuIh r speed the spinner brake is
released and current is simiihaiie.Mi,.|\ ;i|i|ilii(l t(j the windings of the
outer member or stator. so as to rointc llic spiiuier in the same direc-
tion as the rotor. The lower speed is obtained by applying current
in the reverse direction to the stator, so as to rotate the spinner in a
direction opposite to that of the rotor.
DiAOK.«i SHOWiKO Construction op a Mavor & ('ouison
"Spinner" Motor. (Scale ab;)ut one-sixth.)
The three speeds may be of any desired magnitude, corresponding
to the frequency and number of poles, but in any machine the speed
is increased or decreased about the same number of revolutions each
way. It is interesting to note that the change of speed is obtained
wituout the use of energy wasting devices, and the spinner has the
valuable property of a buffer against rapid or violent fluctuations of
load.
THS TEMPEeiTURE FORMDLBl FOR THE
WESTON STANDARD CELL.*
BY F. A. ■i.VuU'P.
Inlro,l,rlum.~r\m more recent work on the standard cell has
.oTr : r V'T"' *° ^i'"'*^ '^"^ ^^^*"" 'yf-^ -^ l^"^'' ■•"■"■oducibte
, .'1, ,:^ high degree ot accuracy, and that, when properlv set up
I.O, . m;,y be depended on within a few parts in 100.000 fur a ve ir
at least. As these qualities, in connection with the eoncreteness
the logioa choice for the second fundamental electrical unit a re-
d ermmatioa of the temperature formula, has been u aemken
]^' r^r":.?. ,"V''.^'"'^ ""f-' '""r "' *--I-™'>"e variations on its
|r- ^ . -^.-. the absence of craekmg at the amalgam termiiwl, dis-
cell was lirv -i,ar>-""J""' '' '="''?-''^ ail -iivostijiation oi tl- Weston
Historical Review. — The first statement regarding the temperature
coefficient of the Weston cell is found in the specifications of the
])atent issued to Dr. Edward Weston, who justly claimed as a special
advantage of the cell its small variation in E.M.F. with temperature
changes, which he stated to be less than 001 per cent, per degree.
Other investigators have included Dearlove,' who obtained irregula r
results, attributed by him to the amalgam, and Jaeger and Wachs-
muth.- to whom the generally accepted formula is due. The cells
tested by them were all iiKule up with 14-3 per cent, amalgam, with
which irregularities observed at lower temperatures have since been
connected. The following formula was derived from all the ob-
.servations : —
E, = E2„-0-000038(<-20)-000000065(<-20)-'.
On account of irregularities observed between 0 deg. and 5 deg.
the authors limited the application of this formula to temperatures
between 5 deg. and 26 deg., and still later Jaeger^ r aised the lower
limit to 10 deg. These UTegularities were first attributed by Kohn-
stamm and Cohen* to an inversion of cadmium sulphate, similar
to that observed in the ease of zinc sulphate in the Clark cell, but it
may be regarded as now established that no such inversion takes
place between 0 deg. and 60 deg. Irregularities have, however, been
shown to be introduced by the employment of cadmium amalgams
containing more than 15 per cent, by weight of cadmium. Jaeger,'
and Bijl' and Puschin'' have investigated the effect of the composi-
tion of the amalgam on the E.M.F. of the cell, and have shown that
this must be such that both liquid and solid phases will be present
over the usual temperature range, a condition probably satisfied by
the 12'.') |icr iinl. ainalgaiii cmiiloycd by the Bureau of Standards.
An hi.stoiieal :li,rii>-i,iii ..I llic .llrcts of the composition of the
amalgam on I he tcriiiieratuircoctlicicnt follows, the work of Barnes,**
Jaeger.'-' Lindeck'" and l.,ucas'' being specially referred to. Two
series of measurements by Barnes and Lucas" on four new " moist
crystal '' cells are summarised below. In the published tables only
the uncorrected potentiometer readings are given, so that the re-
ductions were made on the .assumption that the values of two port-
able cells of the Weston Electrical Instiiiineni Co.. measured at the
same time, were the .same for both sets i.l i.bsii \ ations.
Table l.~Re.iiil/^ ,,j llnni. s mill Lam-t.
000,50 00045—00057 ' —00040
0-0030 0-0024— 00030 ' 11-0035
0-0064 0-001)4-0-0081 0-0043
0-0058 0-0057—0-0060 —0-0040
00024 0-0020—0-0028 0-0033
00075 0-0070— O-O078 00044
It will be seen that the results cannot be represented by a linear
temiierature coefficient, that the differences in temperature coefficient
between the individual cells are large, and that the values fur the
lower range are smaller than those called for by the generally ac-
cepted temperature formula. The results can, therefore, not be re-
garded as confirming the previous work of Barnes as to the tempera-
ture coefficient being linear, nor do they establish the opinion
expressed by Barnes that the differences in results are due to the
greater rapidity with which saturation equilibrium is established in
the case of the " moist crystal " cells in comparison with cells of the
usual construction.
Smith,'^ at the English National Physical Laboratory, has recently
found, as the result of measurements on six selected cells between
10 deg. and 30 deg., the formula
E, = Eir-0-0000345(/-17)-0-00000066(/-17)^.
The temperature was changed at the rate of 1 deg. per hour and main-
tained constant by means of a thermo-regulator at least one hour
before the measurements were made, the cycle of temperatures being
repeated three times. The data on which the formula is ba.sed arc
1 The Electrician," Vol. XXXL, p. 645 (1893). ~~^
- ■' Wied. Aim.," Vol. LIX., p. 575 (189li).
■■ Elektroclm. Zeitschr.," XV., p. 507 (1804).
"■ " Zeitsch. Instrumentkunde," XX., p. 317 ( IIIDO).
" Ann. Phys.," IV., p. 123 (1901).
■* " Wied. Ann.," LXV., p. 344 (1898).
■' " Wied. Ann.," LXV'., p. 106 (I90I).
'■■" Zeitsch. Phys. Chem.," XLI., p. 641 (1902).
' " Zeitsch. Anorg. Chem.," XXXVI., p. 201 (1903).
* " Jour. Phys. Chem.," IV., p. 339 (1900).
■' ' Ann.," IV., p. 123(1901).
'" " Zeitsch. Insti.," XXI., pp. 33 and 65 (1901).
•• Ann. Phys.," V., p. 1 (1901).
" ■■ .lour. Phys. Chem.," VIII., p. 196 (1904). i
'- " Phil. Trans. Roy. Soc.," CCVII., p. 411 (1908).
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 2G, 1909.
763
not published, but, judging' from the results obtained at the Bureau
on cells obtained by exchange from the National Physical Laboratory
some hysteresis may be expected under the above conditions. On
account of the close agreement, in the range covered, of Smith's
formula with that of the Reichsanstalt, the universal ad()[)ti()n of the
latter is recommended by him.
The Present Inrexligalion. — In the present investigation it was
thought desirable to include a large number of cells, so as to de-
termine whether any differences in the temperature coefficient are
introduced by variations in the methods of preparation and purifica-
tion of the materials. Altogether 200 cells were studied, including
nearly all those previously reported on, '■' a number of exchange cells
obtained from other investigators, and a considerable number of
other cells set up at the Bureau to determine the influence of varia-
tions in the specifications which might possibly affect the E.M.I''.
The cells were contained in two automatically regulated petroleum
baths, each provided with an efficient stirrer, a thermo-regulator
sensitive to within 001°C'., resistance coils for electric heating, and
coils for water circulation for temperatures below that of the room.
As described in the article referred to. the cells were mounted in such
a way as to be free from direct influence of the heating or cooling
coils. The oil in which the cells were immersed covered them tt) a
depth of several centimetres.
The measurements were made every 5 deg. for a complete cycle
from 0 deg. to 40 deg., beginning and ending at 25 deg., the lower
temperatures being taken first, and a smaller cycle from 15 deg. to
25 deg. As it was deemed desirable to repeat the 0 deg. measure-
ments with ascending temperatures, both baths were maintained at
a temperature of approximately —4 deg. for 24 hours between the
two series of ob.servations made at 0 deg. The regulator was .set so
that the temperature at which the baths regulated was within
±0-02 deg. of the temperature desired, except for 10 set-s in bath 1
and 4 sets in bath 2, so that, by applying a slight correction, the
values observed could be reduced to the temperatures decided upon,
thus making possible the application of at least squares formula to
the reduction of the results. The temperature of the baths was
maintained constant well within 0-02°C'. for at least 40 hours at each
temperature ascending and descending.
No difficulty was, of course, experienced in regulating the baths
at temperatures above that of the room (about 2.3 deg.), but at
20 deg. and 15 deg. great difficulty was at first found, mainly on
account of the cooling coils of both baths being in parallel. In the
first measurements at these temperatures the cooling was effected
by a very slow stream of tap water which had been passed through
a lead coil surroundeil l)y crushed ice. (The use of ice even for these
temperatures was made necessary on account of the temperature of
the taj) water rising above 20 deg. during the night.) The difficulty
was tr.iced to the separation of air bubbles from the water, which,
collecting in the cooling coils, gradually obstructed the circulation,
and thus disturbed the regulation. Various schemes were tried,
but the most satisfactory method consisted in pumping water from
a tank maintained several degrees below the temperature at which
the baths were to be regulated. For this purpose a slow flow of ice
water into the tank sufficed, th? level b?ing maintained by means
of an overflow. A direct circulation of ice water was employed for
the auxiliary cooling at 10 deg.. while the low temperatures, 5, 0
and —4 deg., were obtained by circulating a brine solution of
suitable concentration, the brine being kept approximately at its
freezing point by means of a coil in the same tank through which
much cooler brine was circulated at a desired rate by the aid of a
by-pass. In the few cases of defective regulation, occasioned by
the separation of air bubbles, broken belts, &c.. a new start was
made, and the cells were maintained at the desired temperatures
for at least 40 hours longer.
As the apparatus and method of observation have already been
fully described, » only an outline will be here given. Each of the 200
cells was measured in opposition to a particular cell in a separate
bath maintained at 25 deg. The latter was compared in a similar
manner with 14 cells, composing two sets of seven, in the same bath
«ith it, and to which all the results were reduced. In addition, the
seven cells of one of the reference sets, connected in series, were
directly compared by the opposition method with five sets of seven
cells in each of the t«o baths. The slight differences found by the
two methods, averaging ±2 microvolts per cell, exceeded 3 micro-
volts in only 10 series. Altogether 58 observations were made on
each of the 200 cells, and 19 others kept at 25 deg., in completing the
two cycles. At each step at least two series of measurements were
made, the first on the day after the temperature was changed and
the last after the cells had been at constant temperature at least
40 hours. Including the series measurements, over 12,(K)0 .separate
'■' The Electeiciax, Vol. LX., p. 674, ct. seq.
'■• " Wolff andjWaters, Bull. Bur. Stands." IV., p.|.3!V1907).
ob.servations were therefore made, about 3,500 being employed in the
calculations for the cells tabulated.
On account of the relatively small temperature coefficient of the
Weston cell, all temperature measurements were made with sufficient
accuracy by means of mercurial thermometers, graduated to tenths
of a degree, for which the corrections were determined to 0-01 deg.
by another division of the Bureau.
In working up the results three corrections were applied to each
observation. The first to reduce all results to a common basis,
the mean value of the reference cells, the .second to allow for the very
slight temperature differences of the baths from their normal values,
and the third one-half the mean difference found by comparing the
cells separately and in sets of seven in series. The two latter cor-
rections rarely exceeded 2 microvolts. A preliminary temfjerature
formula was first calculated by the least squares method from the
means of all the observations on 10 cells selected on account of their
small hysteresis, as indicated by the agreement of the ob.servations
with ascending and descending temperatures. Although these
values agreed within 5 microvolts of each other, it was found that
they could not be represented as well as might be expected by a
quadratic formula. A three-term formula was, therefore, tried
which was found to give residuals of ±2 microvolts. With the ap-
proximate temperature formula thus found,
E/=E,.— 0-0000406(/-20)-0-000000939(?-20)-
-l-0-000000009(/-20)^
the residuals for each cell at each temperature could be computed,
and from these corrections to the above coefficients for the individual
cells were obtained. The residuals found at each temperature for
the 10 cells by the employment of the corrected coefficients thus
obtained agreed with each other to within +2 microvolts. This,
with the close agieement of the third term coefficients of the in-
dividual cells, fully justifies the use of a three-term formula.
The results for a considerable number of cells were worked up by
taking into account all the observations made, but an inspection of
the values obtained for the cells which gave, for the same temjiera-
ture, differences with ascending and descending temperatures,
showed a steady approach to the same value. It was. therefore,
thought best to reject all but the last measurements of each series
at the .same temperature. These measurements, which were made
at least 40 hours after the temperature was changed by 5 deg., were
given equal weight in computing the corrections to the coefficients
of the trial formula. The results are summarised in eight tables.
Di.sniAnon of the Resrill.f.— In tables published with the Paper
the results for 178 of the 2(M) cells are given. Twenty-two are
omitted on account of the fact that for various reasons the differences
between the values obtained with ascending and descending tem-
l^eratures are very large and iriegular. and. in addition, the majority
exhibited abnormal values before beginning the temperature cycle.
The results seem to indicate a lag in the establishment of concentra-
tion equilibrium of the mercury ions, as abnormally high values are
obtained at lower temperatures. This behaviour is particularly
marked in the cells S3t up to determine differences in the elec-
tronwtive properties of different samples of cadmium sulphate.
In two of the exchange cells, set up at the University of Wisconsin,
and which also exfubited abnormal and variable values before be-
ginning the temperature cycle, there does not appear to be an excess
of cadmium sulphate crystals in the paste.
In view of the unmistakable hysteresis found in some of the other
c?lls, all cannot be includeil in calculating the mean values of the
coefficients of the temperature formula. An arbitrary criterion for
rejection has. therefore, been decided upon, thosi? cells teing excluded
in which the mean maximum difference with ascending and descend-
ing temperatiu"es. taking the last measurements of each set at each
temperatm-e, exceeded 10 and 25 microvolts respectively. Even
on this basis 137 cells, over two-thirds of the whole number taken,
pass inspection.
After making an analysis of the results, it seemed probable that
the cells exhibiting hysteresis should also have shomi abnormal
initial -values, as the laboratory temperature was generally higher
than 25 deg., the temperature of the comparing baths. An ex-
amination was. therefore, made of the ob.servations on the particular
cells immediately after they were set up, and in nearly every case
evidence of hysteresis was indeed found. The exceptions to this rule
are nearly all found in the cells set up with commercial samples of
mercurous sulphate treated with sulphuric acid under various con-
ditions, some of which exhibited relatively high initial values, which,
however, have persisted without appreciable change. Not one of
these cells shows appreciable hysteresis, inilicating that the high
values are probably due to residual impm'ities.
Temperature of Maximum E.M.F. — In making the first sets of
measurements at 5 deg. and 0 deg. it was foimd that the temjjerature
coefficient unmistakably changed sign between these limits, which
7G4
TPIE SI.r'^VRICIAN, FEBRUARY 26, 1909.
was verified by the subsequent observations with ascending tem-
peratures.
The differentiation of the corrected temperature formula gave
+ .3 deg. as the temperature of maximum E.M.F. and zero tempera-
ture coefficient. Since this corresponds approximately to the tem-
perature of saturation of the cadmium sulphate solution employed
in the portable cells of the Weston Electrical Instrument Co., which
have a practically negligible temperature coefficient, the .solubility
curve of cadmium sulphate was computed by the least squares
method from the data of Mylius and Funk.* The observations,
while not as concordant as might have been desired, ranged from
— 10 deg. to -I- 60 deg.. and led to a formula giving a minimum soluble
at + 1 deg.
Results obtained by Othe- Investigators. — Since the results obtained
by Dearlove, Barnes, and Barnes and Lucas are quite irregular, this
discussion will be confined to a comparison of the results obtained at
the Reichsanstalt and at the Bureau of Standards,
The original measurements by Jaeger and Wachsmuth.t upon
which the generally accepted formula is based, were therefore re-
duced by the author, and it was found that if the observations at
0, 1 -5 and 1 -7 deg. were excluded.the average deviation of the mcasme-
ments from the new formula amount to -f 13 microvolts, as compared
with +8 microvolts by the generally accepted formula. When it is
recalled that the results of Jaeger and Wachsmuth were obtained
from a relatively small number of measurements on four cells, set
up with 1 : 6 amalgam, and that no attempt was made to maintain
the temperature at a constant value for any length of time, the agree-
ment is quite remarkable. The exclusion of the ob.servations at the
lower temperatures, at which the dfferences from the proposed for
mula are from 100 to 200 microvolts, is fully justified by Jaeger's
admission of the existence of irregularities below 10 deg. for the
1 : 6 amalgam. The difference between the individual cells of the
same lot indicates, however, that the abnormal values may not be
entirely due to the 1 : 6 amalgam.
The results obtained by Jaeger and Lindcckt in 1899-1901 liave
also 1 II caivliilly worked over, and the mean deviation from the
Reiclisiiii-i;ilt leiiiuila was found to be ±40 microvolts, while tlie
mean (IfMatmn from the formula here proposed amounts to ±20
microvolts. This suggested the desirability of computmg a tem-
perature formula from the Reichsanstalt results. It was found that
the mean values of the 12 cells, the observations grouped as above,
could best be expressed by the formula
E, = E2„-0-00003988(;-20)-0-000000941(/-2(i)'^
4- 0-0000000146(/-2O)'',
with a mean residual of + 10 microvolts. In addition, the coefficients
are in excellent agreement with tho.se of the temperature formula
proposed. '
Condusions.—From the results obtained in this investigation the
following conclusions may he drawn: fl) That Weston cells can be
set- up which exhibit extremely little hysteresis in the range of 0 deg.
to 40 deg., even when subjected to large and rapid temperature
variations. (2) That such cells will maintain their values uiidci- ]>ro-
longcd heating or cooling. (3) That the relation between E.M.F.
and temperature is best represented by the formula
l':,= E_,o-0000040(i4(/-20)-0-000000948(/-20)-
+ 0-0( )00(.)0009()( ( — 20):'.
(4) That no indications were found of differences arising from the
methods of preparation of the mercurous sulphate employed, (5)
Ihat the results of Jaeger and Lindeek on cells with 12 and 13 per
cent, amalgams arc in better agreement with the formula given
above than with the generally accepted tem|)erature formula, which
!,oon''''^y:,.''fr"' *""''y ^■'^" ^'th the former between 10 deg. and
JO t. (6) That some of the cells showed marked and persistent
hysteresis, particularly at lower temperatures for which the values
are m general^ greater than tho.se corresponding to the formula above
given. (7) Tnat the majority of cells in \^■hich livsteresis «as found
were set up with relatively cua.s,. ,,ain,.,l ^^hh\. si ,, J,- of 3
curous sulphate. (8) That a sn.nl,,, 1„ l,,n,uur u .s |nL,| in ,?,^t
oi the cells having abnormal vah„.s at ,,„„n tr.ni.nUu.es "Tin
cells m wluch oil had been admitted through defective seals (
eirfcf' -h'h r"v''"'"""-^ '^'^"™--'' -itiir^iurlJec
forSa ilovti •V'rni; <^"' '^^"''' ''''''"^^■"g t" ^he above
sZ cAri I °^ "'^ ^'''*"" "''" 1^*« =" maximum value at
i deg. corresponding approximately to the tempera
!" .u'''!L".'.<='^^™',»? «"'Ph''te, and to the saturation temperature
of
almost
folubilkv of ' H ^ approx-imately to the temperature of minimum
solubility of cadmium sulphate, and to the saturation temperati
1 W t T"' '"'''''f " '°'""°" '^'"I^'"y«d in the portable cells
n !l nbl " """''■ '"■ "'"^'^ *'" '-"■'-'*"- -efficient is aim,
l'^fv-\ >-'^^' P- R24 (1897).
+ W led. Ann." LIX., p. 575 (IS-Mi).
t Ann. Phys.-' v., p. 1 (1901.
THE PROTECTION OF LINES AGAINST SURGE
TENSIONS AND ATMOSPHERIC DISCHARGES.
'C:OMMUNICATED.]
On power distrilnition lines there are three causes which may lead
to the destruction of the generators or transformer.? — viz., static
charges, atmospheric discharges at high tension and surge tensions
at low frequencjf. In the first of these an analogous phenomenon
occurs to that noticed when a positively charged sphere is brought
close to an uncharged sphere, the charged body being in this case a
cloud and the uncharged body the line. In the second, the discharge
between two clouds generates oscillations, which pass along the line
and tend to flow to earth across the capacity of the transformer.
Owing to the high self-induction of the transformer this voltage is
absorbed in the first few windings. The third case may occur when
a short-circuit takes place on the line, for the energy of the alternator
can then only flow off to earth tlirough the capacity of the trans-
former, or by perforating the insulation. This possibility of a rise
in pressure always occurs in fact when any attempt is made to break
the connection between self-induction and capacity. The ordinary
method of embedding the windings in an alternator forms a condenser,
one coating of which is the winding and the other coating the metallic
mass of the machine, while the mica is the dielectric. High-frequency
surge tensions will produce brush discharges between the wire and
mica, and will generate ozone, thus causing the destruction of the
cotton insulation. It is found that on the coils nearest the terminals
of the alternator the cut tmi is quite destroyed and peels off. while the
copper is oxidi.sed .iiid shows a greenish tint ; the parts of the coils
which are not eniliccldrd. hi.wever, have their cotton intact and the
copper is a normal colour. This clearly shows the effect of the
destruction caused by the internal capacity of the alternator.
As regards the means at our disjiosal to prevent the various ac-
cidents just described, each ca.se must be dealt with in turn. In the
first, the potential increases continually, but at a relatively slow rate,
and. in order to neutralise it. it is sufficient to connect the line to
earth through a resistance. The best apparatus for this purpose
appears to be a water jet, for in all arrangements which employ spark-
gaps it is necessary that the resistance in series should be sufficiently
great that no high-frequency currents can be produced by the appa-
ratus itself.
As regards atmospheric discharges, it would appear that these are
a simple case of ether wave transmission, such as occurs in wireless
telegraphy. If the transmitting antenna operates, an electric wave
is generated having its jmtential node at earth and its maximum at
the free upper end. This \\ave imijinges ujion the receiving antenna:"
and generates a similar wave, also having its zero potential at earth
and its maximum at the upper free end. In the second case of atmo-
spheric discharge this occurs, tor a discharge taking jjlace between
two clouds gives rise to oscillations which strike the line and may
reach the transformer at the end. If, therefore, at the point where
the line enters the sub-station is placed a battery of condensers be-
twerii fine and earth, this will form a zero point as regards potential
for liigh-frequenoy di.scharges, the case being, in fact, analogous to
that in wireless telegraphy, the line being short-circuited to earth
for high-frequency currents only. The only condition that has to be
fulfilled in order to obtain practically a zero potential at the point
where the line is connected to the sub-station is that the capacity of
the condenser battery shall be great compared with that of the trans-
former .and with that of the length of line traversed by one wave
length of high-frequency oscillation. The resistance of such a con-
denser battery must be small and its self-induction negligible, for
to neglect this point is to make the apparatus useless ; in fact, every
apparatus which requires a spark-gap forms a resonance circuit with
the capacity and self-induction of the apparatus to be protected,
and such an arrange ment generates its own high-frequency currents
and aggravates the evil it is designed to remedy.
The only means of avoiding such a production of high frequencies
is by interposing in the circuit sufficient resistance to make them
impossible, though the scope of the apparatus is thereby very much
limited. It has been found, however, in practice that almost all
accidents which have occurred have been confined to that part of
the winding nearest the terminals of the machine, and it would, there-
fore, appear that it is this portion alone that is affected by discharges.
If, in front of the apparatus to be protected, a capacity and self-
induction equal to that of the machine are placed, any damage will
be confined to this outside equipment, and its repair is naturally
much easier than that of a machine. Practically these accidents do
not occur, or are without grave consequences, owing to the resis-
tance of the condensers and the self-inductions, and to the facility
with which faulty condenser elements may be replaced.
No apparatus with a spark-gap and resistance can produce zero
potential on the line, for such an arrester will not come into_opera-
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 2G, 1909.
7(35
tion until tlie discharge reaches the limit for which it is set, and this
laay cause damage to the apparatus. On the other hand, if the poten-
tial should be sufficient to bring the arrester into operation the dif-
ference of potential will be absorbed in the resistance, and the cur-
rent will never be sufficient to produce zero potential on the line. The
only effect of this apparatus is to limit the discharge to a certain value.
Everjone is agreed as to the necessity of reducing the resistance to
earth as much as possible ; but, nevertheless, resistances of 3,000 to
700,000 are often found in series with such plates, which is certainly
a remarkable contradiction.
Turning to the question of surge tensions, if the winding of the trans-
former has a self-induction L, a capacity C, and if R is the resistance
in series with the spark-gap. these quantities form an oscillatory
circuit identical with that employed in wireless telegraphy. If cer-
tain conditions are fulfilled, the operation of the spark-gap at lea.st
will force high-frequency currents into the transformer. If CR- <4L
there is resonance; if, on the other hand, CR-> 4L resonance does not
e.xist. If the resistance is too small high-frequency currents are
(iroduced, and almost the whole of the high voltage is absorbed in
the first few turns of the transformer. If the resistance is sufficiently
large, then high-frequency currents are suppressed, but the output of
the arrangement will not be sufficient to deal with surge tensions of
any magnitude.
Fig. 1 .shows an experimental arrangement consisting of a horn
arrester, P. and a liquid resistance. R. of 4.000 ohms, such as are
usually employed on overhead lines, working with 8.000 to 10.000
volts. S is a self-induction consisting of an iron spiral with a resis-
tance of about 005 ohms, and across the extremities of this small
resistance is arranged a small spark-gap, e. If sparks pass across e
this will prove that the iron spiral forms part of a circuit in which
high-frequency currents are produced.
Fig. 1.
Fio. 2.
If the horn arrester is operated under these conditions, sparks from
4 mm. to6 mm. in lenyth are obtained at c, this showing that the action
of the discharge bet«een the horn arrester produces high-frequency
currents passing tlirough the transformer, and these high-frequency
currents only disappear when there is an increase in the value of the
resistance R. It appears at first impossible to construct efKcient
jirotective devices, because of the two conflicting alternatives, either
by providing a small resistance to create high-frequency currents
which are dangerous to the windings to be protected, or to arrange
a large resistance, and in this case not to be able to draw off the surge
tensions at a sufficiently rapid rate. In reality, however, this diffi-
culty can be overcome.
The apparatus (Fig. 2) for thispm-pose consists of a spark-gap f,. '',.
in series with a resistance. R. and a number of spark-gaps. «',. c^. &c..
to Pg. The spark-gaps e.. to e- are indirectly connected to earth
through small condensers p,. e.^. &c.. whilst the last spark electrode
e^ is directly connected to earth. If it is supposed that the line has
a normal potential of 10.000 volts, and that the first spark-gap is
regulated to come into action at 12,000 volts, then the first knob r,
is at a potential of 12,000. all the other knobs (e,, Cj, to f J being
maintained at zero potential (earth potential) tlirough the small
ccjndensers. The pressure of a surge tension of 12,000 volts pro-
duces a small spark between Ci and e^, so that the knob e... which
at first was at zero potential, will now be at a potential of 12,000 volts,
less the potential drop in the spark-gap. The cmrent which actually
passes in the spark is very small, being only of such magnitude as
can pass tlu:ough the small condenser, so that the potential drop in
the spark will not be great, say about 500 volts ; therefore the knobs
e.., 63 will have a potential of 12,000, less 500, or 11. 500 volts. The
knob e^ is still at zero potential, and the spark will now jump be-
tween ^3 and e.,, bringing the potential of t^ to 11,500, less 500, or
1 1,000 volts, and so on tlirough the series of knobs, so that the sparks
pass, as it were, in cascade iintU they reach knob fj, which is metal-
lically connected to earth. ^Vs .soon as the last sjiark-gap t-, Cg is in
operation a di.scharge can pass from the line direct to earth, following
the path e,, ej- R. ^s. &c., to e,. The resistance R is sufficiently
great to avoid the production of high-frequency oscillations, and,
therefore, the apparatus may be insufficient to deal with the surge
tension produced in a large distribution system. The output of the
valve can, however, in this case be increased to any extent by placing
several columns as above described in parallel, and it has been found,
indeed, that each column operates independently of the others ; and
since various columns cannot be regulated to mathematical unifor-
mity, they will not start working at the same instant. Since the
valves come into operation one after the other, an aggicgate of valves
does not produce an oscillatory phenomenon which would otherwise
be certainly obtained with a single column having a resistance of
1,000 ohms only. This has been verified experimentally by means
of the arrangement shown in Fig. 1. and it has been found that, no
matter what be the number of columns in parallel, no high-frequency
effects are produced, provided that the resistance of each column
is .sufficiently great. Since the terminal pressure at the valve sinks
very little below that voltage for which the spark-gap e,. e.,. is ad-
justed, the sparks cease spontaneously without having recourse to
any blow-out arrangement ; the valve thus does not act during the
whole period, but only during that time in which the surge tension
occurs, and its effect is to cut off from the voltage curve all the peaks
which are beyond the value for which it is regulated. By means of
the oscillograph arrangement shown diagrammatically in Fig. 3,
certain curves in illustration of the above assertion have been ob-
tained. T is a tran.sformer. the primary of which includes the resis-
tance for the regulation of the pressure ; Oj is one of the loops of the
oscillograph in scries with a large resistance of 100.000 ohms, which
circuit .serves to trace the voltage curve o-i is the second loop of the
oscillagraijh which is connected in .series with a valve of six columns
X. Each of these columns includes a resistance of iO.OOt) ohms, so
that the equivalent resistance of the six columns is 1,606 ohms.
Fig. 4 shows the curves obtained by means of this oscillograph, E
being that for the volts and I that for the current. It will be seen
that the voltage rises quite regularly according to the normal curve
Fii^ 3. Fig. 4.
from a to b. at which point the valve is adjusted to regulate. At
this instant the valve opens and causes a jjotential drop, hv ; from c
to d the voltage varies very little, and in d the valve closes again
and the voltage curve resumes its normal value and shai)e, until it
arrives at 62- where the operation of the valve re-commences. The
valve has thus suppressed that portion of the voltage curve which
was above the value be for which it was regulated. The current
absorbed by the single column when in operation is about 0-5 amperes,
or for six columns 3 amperes. This cvurent. however, only flows
during the jieriod of surge tension.
This valve not only serves to suppress the peaks of the tension of
the voltage curve (resonance phenomenon jiroduced in the line by
changes in the load), but it also carries away the energy stored in
the alternators or transformers at the moment when a short-circuit
is broken cither by the automatic or by the fuse. It has often been
asserted that if the circuit is broken at the moment when the current
is zero no surge tension can be produced, and in order to prove it
oscillograph tracings of circuits which were working normally have
been taken. It is believed that no such tracings have been taken
when short-circuits were opened. .At any rate, the fact remains
that such surge tensions do exist, because the machines burn out
when the short-circuit is broken, but not through the short-circuit
itself. It might lie assumed that the energy is stored in the alternator
at the moment when a short-circuit takes place is enormous, and that
no apparatus of reasonable dimensions could deal with it. It can,
however, be shown that this energy is by no means so great.
The characteristics of this apparatus are. therefore, as follows : (1)
The absolute prevention of high-frequency currents. With the horn
arresters or the spark-gaps of the Wurtz type, however, if sufficiently
high resistances are placed in series with them in order to avoid high-
frequency ctirrents, the output of the apparatus becomes too small,
and if small resistances are used so as to be able to carry away suffi-
cient energy, then high-frequency phenomena will occur. (2) With
76G
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 26, 1909.
the arrangement based on the horn arrester system, once the oi-c
is started it will maintain itself during the whole duration of the
period, until the blowing-out effect is produced. The result is that
if we have a peak in the voltage at each period, and assuming, for
instance, the existence of a harmonic of the pressure, then the arc
will never cease. Under these conditions, even with resistances of
great bulk, the heating will be so considerable as to cause their rapid
destruction.
For this reason considerable excess pressure must be allowed when
adjusting horn arresters. The valve, on the other hand, only takes
ofT the peaks of the tension — that is to say, an inconsiderable amoimt
of energy.
(3) The adjustable spark-gaps of the valve are enclosed in glass
cylinders, and the apparatus will not, therefore, come into operation
at inopportune times on account of dust getting between the knobs.
Moreover, the operation of the valve does not mean any incon-
venience, since the automatic extinction of the arc takes place before
the end of the period in which it has commenced. Finally, the whole
of the apparatus is enclosed in a box which takes up very little room
even for large capacities, and much less any other tension limiters.
In case surge tensions between conductors have only to be guarded
against, it is not necessary to place the neutral point of the three
valves to earth, and an extremely close regulation can, therefore, be
obtained. If. on the other hand, the neutral point of the valves is
placed to earth, the possibility of one of the lines dropping to the
ground has to be considered, in which case the valves would, of course,
operate without intermission. For such an eventuality' the valve
can be regulated for an 80 per cent, excess pressure, for instance,
by «onnecting two valves, of which the one has not any connection
between the neutral point and earth, and which is regulated to operate
at weak surge tensions, and of which the other has its neutral point
connected to earth and is adjusted for a surge tension of 80 per cent.
To sum up in order to effect in a rational manner a complete
)notcction of the distribution system the following eventualities
have to be arranged for : —
1. To draw off the static charges by permanently connecting the
line to each of the contluctors to earth thrcjugh the medium of an
arrangement which, whilst freely allowing the passage of continuous
current, greatly limits the leakage of the normal alternating current,
a result which may be attained by self-inductions of small ohmic
resistances. In practice, and in the majority of cases, it is sufficient
to connect the conductors to earth by means of large resistances
(water jets or metallic resistances), because the static charges gene-
rally develop gradually. In the case where the Kuhlmann apparatus
(a kind of electroscope) is used, it is necessary to include a sufficiently
great resistance in order to avoid the production of high-frequency
currents by the operation of the apparatus itself.
2. To dissipate high-frequency Qurrents a zero potential must be
obtained at each point where the line enters the sub-station. The
high-frequency currents have, therefore, to be short-circuited to
earth through an apparatus which for such currents represents a
negligible resistance, whilst for currents of normal frequency this
resistance is enormous. The only known apparatus which actually
fulfils these conditions is the condenser. Further, between the
condenser and the apparatus which has to be protected have to be
arranged a self-induction, which introduces inertia and presents a
very great resistance to the high-frequencv currents and a negligible
resistance to the working currents of the line. This condition can
be realised by iron spirals without capacity. Since at the zero point
of potential which has thus been created on the line a current maxi-
mum arises which represents hundreds and even thousands of amperes
It IS obvious that an apparatus which includes in its circuit a hiali re-
sistance cannot give the solution of the problem. Xo apparatus
which has a spark-gap in .series with a low resistance can solve the
problem, because as soon as this arrangement operates it produces
t Hose very high fic(iucncy effects which it was designed to avoid
.1. hach time a short-circuit is broken by the automatic apparatus,
or each time a self-induction happens to be in series with a capacity,
there is a possibihty of surge tensions or resonance. A tension
Z^dT '} '' '"^••^'^"t'^neously close up the circuit that has been
opened by the avUoraatie must, therefore, be installed at the ter-
Hho capSr"-'|;r''"''°"- ™' ^r'""""-^ •■'•- ^^ the termini
t the capacity. This ap,mratus should be such that it allows a
S iTZZT'fn'''' '" ''""' "' '''' ™-'""- witholit ptmit
hat Z'uT '"^^'^'^ "'^'; '" 1^"^^"""' = i' '""-^t also be so arranged
fs rJ'u t itTHn l'"" "" >'f'>-'-q-"<'.v -""-ents are produced. For
this u suit it IS indispensable to group apparatus in parallel of which
£.] of cSt^L "^ "'"''''' ' ^esistani/suffieient lo fulfil i.:Zn.
b^^essr" Shlf/r ^^^Pl^=«'l °° ^^^ market in this country
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN MACHINE STOKING.*
BY A. W. BENNIS.
(Concluded from page 733.)
The Underfeed Stoker.
These stokers belong by right to the coking stoker class, inasmuch
as they aim at feeding the green fuel against a mass of hot coke and
having distilled the hydrocarbons burn them over the hot coke bed.
This system is followed by two makers : —
The Underfeed Stoker. — A worm trough placed underneath the
grate receives the fuel from a hopper outside the boiler and the fuel
is screwed along the worm trough by means of a worm, the fuel first
filling the box and being then forced out of the upper part of worm
trough, the action being similar to that of a worm conveyor with
one end closed. The sides of the furnace on each side of the trough
are composed of inverted L shaped overlapping bars, and the out-
side bars next to the tlue are connected by a curved metal plate
following the contour of the bottom of the flue.
Mechanical forced draught is invariably employed, an installation
of fan blower, with its driving power and air conduits from fan to
stoker being necessary. The worm is tapered from the front to the
rear of the furnace. These machines are now gear driven by means
of ratchet, pawl and eccentric and rod drive from overhead shafting.
A blast gate is provided so that the quantity of air supplied may be
regulated. These machines are not self-cleansing and when the
clinker has accumulated must be hand cleared as in ordinary hand-
firing. To accomplish this the outside coal hoppers are revolved
round the conveyor pipe, allowing the fire doors to be opened, when
hand-cleaning may be resorted to.
Another type of underfeed manufactured by the same company
is similar in construction except that the coal feed in the conveyor
trough is effected by means of small taper rams driven by a steam
cylinder on the lines of a steam pump. This construction, so far as
the feed and rams are concerned, is similar to the Erith underfeed,
to be described later. The reciprocating bars gradually feed the
fire sideways on to dumping plates hinged under the grate through
which the clinker and ash may be dumped. The au' pressure used
under these grates varies from J in. to \\ in. W.G., falling to 0 to
^ in. under the moving bars.
It is obvious that this machine is a coker «ith the feed placed
centrally delivering on to a self-cleaning furnace furnished with fan
draught. The moving bars are cast hollow and have the air passed
through them for cooling piuposses to prevent the bars burning out
before the air passes into the fire. The company recommend the
use of heated air for combustion, and so do I, if it can be obtained
cheaply enough, but the pros and cons of the capital cost of heated
air versus. economisers, superheaters, and so forth, must be weighed,
and this is another problem which we have not time to discuss in
this Paper.
The. Erith Under jeed. — The Erith stoker consists of a hopper out-
side the furnace, feeding by means of a reciprocating steam ram into
a trough below the combustion point, an auxiliary rod carrying
further rams moving with the steam ram forcing the fuel along and
upwards over the top of the trough. Along the inner edges of top
of trough tuyire blocks are provided, one above another, each with
double orifices. The whole of the air for combustion is forced through
these orifices as there are no grate bars proper, their place being
taken by dead plates.
The chief feature of the machine is its simplicity, but as in all
underfeeds an auxiliary installation of fan, motive power and air
ducts is required to force the air through the grates. When the fires
get dirty hand cleaning must be resorted to. as with the underfeed
stoker previously described for Lancashire boiler use.
The Requirements of the Modern Boiler House.
Modern boiler house requirements are much more exacting, and
rightly so. than they were even a few years ago. The manufacturii
is realising — he who is up to date — very keenly that the fuel used is
one of his raw materials and should be carefully tested, used, and
husbantled.
What has been so much lacking in boiler practice is the " sense of
proportion and of fact."
In considering some of the most valuable recent improvements in
connection with mechanical stoking, it occurs to me that one of
them is the greater precision of a mechanical and pseudo-scientific
estimate of what the various sections of the boiler-house plant
effected by the stoker can really bear from the stoker without dele-
terious effects. The modern stoker must be adapted to meet
unusual individual conditions such as obtain oft-times in the boiler-
houses of foreign firms. It must be extremely flexible, rapidly
' Paper read before the Bradford Engineering Society. Slightly
abbreviated.
THE ELECTRICIAN, KEBRUARY 26, 1909.
767
rcspoiidincr (,, coiistaiif: calls for steam, and at tlic same time be
capable of working vvitli extreme economy on regular loads, whether
heavy or light. It mu.st be adapted to suit the different types of
boilers now in use, and the best kind of stoker for the particular
requirements must be chosen. It must deal with the clinker effec-
tively, the tendency being to use lower grade coals. In this connec-
tion it may be said that large quantities of fuel are now brought up
to bank and put upon the market which in former times were left
down the pits as unsaleable because too dirty to be burnt in the or-
dinary way.
JIachinc firing, to have the most effective results, must have suit-
able environment. Badly lighted boiler houses, open stokeholes
with the wind and rain allowed free play in front of and around the
lioiler plant do neither justice to man nor machine. Bad draughts
are uneconomical ; it is true that some stokers much im)irove the
tiring under these conditions, but they are working at a disadvan-
tage. Leaky boiler walls and flues are a .source of loss, the leaks
frequently escape detection for a long time, until the loss has accu-
mulated and many pounds have been wasted. Such losses may go
on for years without the slightest suspicion of the waste on the part
of those in charge. To render this impossible, the whole of the
brickwork should be examined at least every three months and
iep(.)inted where necessary.
more than two or three boilers, asli platil to deal witli this bye-
product should be provided. By compliance with these condition.^
high efficiencies should be obtained at a low labour cost, always
assuming that the right men are in charge.
Small Elevators akd Coal-handling Plant.
The modern coal and ash handling jilant has been adapted to feed
the stoker and remove the ash and clinker. Overhead bunkers,
elevators and conveyors arc applicable when the size and situation
of the plant warrants it. It is now pretty generally conceded that
a conveying plant and ash-handling plant, carefully designed and
well con.structed, including storage bunkers, band, chain or bucket
conveyors, measuring chambers, shoots, &c., cannot be dispensed
with if economy is to be a leading feature in the boiler house. Wherc-
ever such elevating and conveying plants have been judiciously
installed, conspicuous success has attended the installation. Where-
ever, on the other hand, conveying systems have betn installed at a
needlessly large outlay and without reference to the special require-
ments of individual cases, the practical verdict has been " dead
failure." Complexity and costliness are not the sitie qui non for
efficiency and scope of application.
The most striking development, however, during the last two or
three years is that induced by the recognition of the needs of small
boiler houses, and the possibilities of effecting economies by means
of small elevators in conjunction with well designed stokers, has been
hitherto overlooked.
Fio. 3.— Besxis Stokkr and Elev.\tob.
As an example of continual loss, the leakage through the chain
holes of economisers may be mentioned.
A chain hole on a Green's economiser is If! in. diameter minus the
chain. Each link with its 2ti in. strands leaves an opening about
1-965 sq. in. area at each chain hole. A neat little appliance tor
preventing this has given an average rise of temperature in the feed
water at the Leeds electricity station of over lo°F., and at Messrs.
Priestman & Co., Bradford, the rise of temperature is lO^F. The
chain passes through a cross-.shaped slot, long enough to take about
four links. This, of (bourse, effectually prevents the air from
getting down in the only place it can, that is, between the crossed
links.
Briefly, the boiler house should be lofty, and well lighted. A wall
should separate (he boiler tops from the fiie hole of the boilers (Lanca-
shire), the feed pumps and other auxiliaries well placed for acces-
sibility, and plenty of room should bo left for the necessary cleaning
out. not less tlian 12 ft. (i in. if po.ssible. The control of dampers iu
the side Hues and between the economiser and the stack should be
brought within easy reach of the fireman, the economiser damper
should be controlled automatically by the steam pressure, or. in the
case of induced draught plant, the motor or engine should be so con-
trolled. Coal-handling plant to feed the stokers with fuel, and if
Fig. 4. — Bennis Convetor at Cuventrv ELEcrracixy Wokks
Yet Great Britain's industries are made up of thousands of small
works, mills, factories, &c., owned by .small capitalists, to whom the
study of economy in their own boiler houses is all-important.
The light structure and flimsy bucket.s and chains or belts used in
granaries are useless here. The elevators must be strongly and
robustly built and should have .steel chains with plenty of bearing
surface, ample guiding areas and devices to keep the weight of fuel
over the boot from the bucket>s. A single elevator t<i feed one or
two boilers only is now an essential feature of small boiler houses.
,\ view of a Bennis stoker and elevator is given in Fig. 3, whilst
Fig. 1 shows a Bennis conveyor in uss at the Coventry electr.'city
works.
I tliink it may be said that modern boiler-house requirements are
being met in a way never before possible. Smoke prevention is an
accomplished fact on any boiler, if the right machine is chosen for
the particular boiler and work required, and the machine is properly
handled, and though we have not yet reached perfection, we are
nearer it to-day than we had even dared to hope five years ago. It
remains only for the steam users to co-operate with the manufac-
turers of mechanical-firing apparatus in their efforts to give us as
clean and healthy svuilit towns and cities as are to be found in the
anthracite-biuning citi?s of America.
E 2
7GS
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 26, 1909.
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THE WIRING PROBLEM AGAIN.
Although the wiring of buildings, more particularly of
pi'i\ate houses, has b(3eii discussed on many occasions,
the priiblem recurs from time to time, and the only con-
clu.sioii that can be reached is that the solutions at present
available are not altogether what is desired. The Paper
read recently by Mr. D. S. Munro before the Glasgow
Local Section of the Institution of Electrical Engineers is
evidence of this, and the discussion tliereon showed no
unanimity of opinion.
The number of. alternative systems now available is
sufficiently numerous. There is the historic system of
wood casing. There is the uninsulated steel tube, or what
is practically uuinsulatcd internally, and there is the steel
tube which is insulated ; there are, moreover, other kinds
of metal tubing. In regard to cables for use without
protection, there are several varieties of lead covered,
which may be concentric or twin conductors and rubber
or paper insulated, and finally there are varieties of flexible
wires, all of which have been suggested for surface wiring,
without protection.
f
THE ELECTRICIAN. FEBRUARY 26, 1909.
769
It appears that there are really two main questions re-
qmring sohition. First, there is the question of systems of
wiring irrespective of cost. Wood casing was tlie earliest
form, and served its purpose for many years before doubts
were raised as to its desirability. Then came the age of
the steel conduit, since when wood casing has been in com-
parative disfavour. Nevertheless, there is a general feeling
that wood casing, merely as regards the electrical require-
ments, has fuUilled its purpose in a way which is by no
means unsatisfactory. Given ordinary dry conditions, in-
sulation is thereby maintained in a satisfactory way, and
there is little or no trouble. Probably the real reason why
this form of protection fell into comimrative disuse was
that it must be run on the surface in its present form, and
is therefore somewhat obtrusive. In these circumstances
steel conduit offered an easy solution of the difticulty,
but it brought with it certain troubles of its own. There
has been a general feeling, more or less well founded, that
condensation gives trouble, and thei'e is not much doubt
that the result of bad workmanship may be much more
troublesome with metal tubing than with wood casing.
On the other hand, for large systems of wiring, metal
tubing offers so many advantages that it would be difficult
to do without it in some foi'm or other.
The second problem requiring solution is that of a cheap
system of wiring, in order to permit of effectual competition
with gas fitting. There is no question that electricity is
at a disadvantage at the present time owing to the high
cost of electric wiring. This cost would be very much
reduced if the protection, whether of wood or of steel,
could be omitted. The only system, however, that has been
put forward seriously is that of wiring with " HexiMe,'' as
in use on the Continent ; but objection is often taken to this
system on account of the comparatively short life of
" fle.xible." When considering this system, we think it
should be borne in mind that very much depends upon
the character of the " flexible." We suppose that everyone
will admit that the quality of conductors generally used
for pendants in this country has not a long life, and if fires
are traced to the use of such material it is probably because
the "'flexible" has been used in undesirable situations — for
example, in the neighbourhood of inflammable hangings —
and that it lias been too slender in its construction. Even
ordinary "flexible," provided it is not subjected to wear,
will last much longer than the three years mentioned by
one of the speakers in the discussion. There is no reason,
however, why a stronger class of such conductor should
not be used in an unprotected system of wiring, and
there also seems to be no particular reason why the
main part of the wiring sliould not be carried out with
twin cable so made as to be comparatively strong, the
branches only being made with " flexible." It is an error to
suppose that the whole of the wiring in a house is carried
out with " flexible" on the Continent, or that such need be
the case in tiiis country where conditions are somewiiat
different. There is so much to be said in favour of cheapen-
ing our systems of wiring, if this can be done efficiently
and with due regard to safety, that such proposals should I
be looked into carefully and without assuming the use of
materials that are essentially unsuitable, and that might
be moditied considerably if required.
REVIEWS.
Copies of the undermentioned works can be had from Tin Electrician Office, post fre6,
on receipt of published price, adding 3d. for books published under 2s. Add 10 per
cent, for abroad or for forei^'n books.)
Transformers for Single and Multiphase Currents. Hy Gi.sbbrt
Kai'P. 2ud edition. (London: Whiltaker & Co.) Pp. ix. — 360.
10.S. 6d. net.
As is pointed out by the author in the preface of this book,
since the first edition appeared some 12 years ago the trans-
former has been completely revolutionised. Improvements
have been mainly due to three causes : the use of oil as a cooling
and insulating medium, the advent of alloyed iron, and the
demand for large units. The author has taken particular
pains to show how by careful design the output of a transformer
of given weight and cost may be increased. The part dealing
with testing of iron has been considerably enlarged, and in this
the ballistic and similar methods are dealt with at some length,
as well as the cruder methods of the engineering .shop. In
these days of technical education this is a very useful feature
of the book, for it enables the student to make a comparison
between the methods he employs at college and later in an
engineering works.
Home valuable matter is added on the relation between the
transformer and its circuits which is worth a careful study.
Throughout the book graphic rather than analytical methods
have been used, so that any man who has an elementary
knowledge of the calculus should have no difficulty in reading
it. In one or two places the author uses explanations which
are, if anything, too elementary. We refer particularly to the
consideration of leakage by an hydraulic analogy in Chapter I.
and the illustration of a periodic function in Chapter IV. by
means of the piston of a steam engine. We are doubtful
whether the reader who was unable to appreciate the idea of
a vector or of a periodic function without these illustrations
would be able to understand much of the rest of the book.
Where, however, so much is excellent this is, perhaps, not an
important matter.
The book is divided into 14 chapters. Chapter I. deals
with general principles, magnetic leakage and arrangement
of coils to reduce leakage, finishing with some remarks on the
principles of magnetic induction. In Chapter II. we pass on
to the consideration of the losses in transformers, showing the
advantage of the use of alloyed plates and the advantage of a
peaked curve of E.M.F.; and the chapter concludes with an
elementary discussion on various types of transformer.
The next chapter deals with various methods of core con-
struction and with suitable proportions. Following this the
question of cooling is considered, and values of the cooling con-
stant under various conditions, concluding with a discussion
on the weight per kilowatt for different sizes of transformer.
Chapter IV. contains an elementary di.scussion on the use of
vectors, on resistance, inductance and capacity. The following
chapter considers the energy stored in a magnetic circuit, and
concludes with a good description of the distorting effect of
the hysteretic loop on the curve of magnetising current.
In Chapter VI. the author deals with the design of a 20 kw.
core transformer when worked under different conditions for
power and lighting. Some useful pages follow on yearly effi-
ciency and th(! different conditions required for power and
lighting transformers. It is also pointed out that in some
cases, where old and inefficient transformers arc in operation,
it would pay to replace them by modern transformers.
Chapter VII. deals in the same way with the design of a
small shell type transformer, and later some idea is given as
to how the design of a large transformer can be proportioned
from this.
In the next chapter the vector diagram of a transformer is
considered under different conditions, the question of magnetic
leakage is touched on, and a method is given for the graphic
determination of voltage drop at different loads. The value
of the short-circuit current of a transformer and the eSect of
its magnitude on the regulation is also dealt with.
In Chapter X. the inductive drop in a given transformer is
770
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 2G, 1909.
calculiitod lor different conditions, and formulre for leakage
are derived. The idea of equivalent coils is then introduced,
and is utilised throughout the book thereafter. The chapter
concludes with a proof of the " Heyland " diagram, and several
examples of it under different conditions of working.
A useful chapter on instruments follows, containing a mathe-
matical investigation of the dynamometer and other instru-
ments, and finishing with a description of various methods
of measuring the power in a three-phase circuit.
Chapter XI. deals with the testing of transformers and
various methods of testing iron. In this chapter the author
not only deals with the methods usually adopted in engineering
works for iron testing, but also gives a very complete investiga-
tion of the ballistic method and other methods met with in a
standard laboratory or technical college.
Chapter XII. describes various safety devices in use. these
consisting mainly of devices for preventing the primary invad-
ing the secondary circuit. The chapter concludes with a des-
cription of various methods of connection employed on trans-
former circuits.
In the next chapter the transformer is considered in relation
to its circuits. The rise of pressure through resonance is inves-
tigated under the various conditions in which it can occur, and
it is shown how precautions may be taken to avoid it. \Vc are
surprised that no mention is made in this chapter of lightning
arresters as a safeguard in case of an undue rise of pressure.
The book concludes with some excellent diagrams, and with
descriptions of a selection of modern transformers of different
sizes and types, representing the designs of most well-known
makers of transformers.
We are somewhat disappointed to find no remarks on the
transportation, erection, drying out, &c., of transformers. This
is such an important matter that it should come within the
scope of this book. The book is well written and comparatively
free from mistakes, about the only noticeable one being the
somewhat puzzling statement on ]i. 290, which should probably
appear at the end of the book.
To sum up, the volume is undoubtedly a most valuable trea-
tise. It deals not only with questions of pure design, but al-so
with the cost of operation under various conditions met with in
practice, and with various points which occur in the operation
of transformers. For these reasons it should be of extreme
value to corporation and power engineers who have trans-
formers on their circuits, as well -as, of course, to designers and
those who deal more with the actual construction of transfor-
mers. F. C. A.
Lathe Design for High and Low Speed Steels. By .7. T. Nkml-
SON and L). Smith. (Luiiilon ; Longinans, Green & Co.) Pn x —
402. 18s i.et. '
It is, perhaps, hardly surprising that so many of the opera-
tions carried on in present-day workshops, and even the
machines by- which they are so carried on, should be almost
entirely without theory. The reason for this is not far to seek.
The improvements which have from time to time been effected
in cutting tools, and the machines in which cutting operations
have been carried on, have been largely the result of " trial and
error." This method, however, has its limits, and a survey of
modern machine design would seem to point out that these
limits have already been reached. The authors' work is, there-
fore, very welcome, for in it they attempt to evolve a rational
design for lathes of all kinds from dynamical principles. As
they point out, the need for such a work has been specially felt
emce the introduction of high speed steels, owing to the many
additional factors which are thereby introduced.
To many of our readers, and to those ensjaged in engineers
work, the contents of this book, and tlm authors' method of
treatment, will_ be already well known, for tliev have appeared
imm tnne to time as articles in the " Enaineer," But their
coiloct.on in book form, and the consequent consolidation, will
doubtless be verv welcome.
Tlie book begins with the i.ievitabie historical introduction,
Sr.rf . Tu ^^^^ !^ ^'''' "°^ g° t-^o ''^^ back, 1860 being
about the limit The authors have, therefore, verv wiselv, wt
think, neglected some excellent padding which might 'have
been, but which happily has not been, introduced. A large
portion of the next two chapters is taken up with an account of
the experiments made and the results obtained at the Man-
chester Municipal School of Technology. These tests extended
over ten months, the expense being born by engineering firms.
The authors then plunge into the details of lathe design.
Every point is fully considered, and each part has attention
paid to it. It is impossible here to give even a short account of
the results obtained, but we may say that the authors seem to
have built up a very substantial theory by combining a number
of practical results.
We can confidently recommend this book to all engineers
interested in the subject, for it will certainly repay their atten-
tion. Our only fear is that few will read, for the bugbear of
many mathematics is freely introduced.
AHandbook of Electrical Testing. Bv H. R. Kkmik. 7th edition.
(London : E. and F. N, Spon, Ltd.) Pp. viii.— 706. 18s. net.
The usefulness of this well-known handbook to telegraph
engineers, and those engaged in cable work, is evidently as great
as ever. This edition, which is the seventh of its line, contains
a large amount of new matter consistent with the advances that
have been made during the eight years since the last edition
appeared, and is also thoroughly revised. The general arrange-
ment, how^ever, remains the same as before. It is certainly now
rather late to criticise the faults of such an old stager, for, in
spite of any failings it may have, it is so well known, and
has become such an everyday companion to many, that any
discrepancies may be overlooked. If this were not the case,
however, we should call attention to the rather long drawn out
mathematics often employed. The effect of these is to swamp
the results, which are after all what a handbook is used for. It
is unfortunate that the date of publication was tco early in the
vear to allow of the modifications made by the International
Conference on Electrical Units and Standards being introraned
into the specification for setting up the standard silver volti-
ineter, given on p. 579.
ANALYTICAL REPORTS ON WATER SAMPLES.
BY FRED A. ANDERSON, B.SC. (LOND.), F.I.C.
(Concluded from page T31).
The next question to consider is the manner in which the
analytical data are to be combined to form salts, as set out in
the second part of the typical report.
Unfortunately, there is at present no settled agreement
among chemists on this point, and, as will be seen, different
observers may obtain quite different results from the same set
of data. It is, however, possible to formulate a definite set of
general rules, the application of which gives results confirmed
by experimental evidence in the most important particulars.
If two different salts are separately dissolved in water, and
the resulting solutions mixed together, it is evident that the
dissolved salts can, and very often do, interchange acids and
bases. In some cases the conditions under which such inter-
changes occur are know-n. There is a general tendency, for
example, when two acids and two bases are simultaneously
present in solution, for the least soluble compound possible
to be formed, and if the quantity of water present is insuffi-
cient to keep such a compound in solution it w-ill be precipitated.
The solubility of salts generally varies with the tempera-
ture of the solution, but not at the same rate ; hence, in the
case of two salts, their respective solubility curves may cross,
so that at one temperature A may be more soluble than B, and
at another temperature B may be more soluble than A.
Below about .SO°C,, for example, sodium suljihate is less
soluble than sodium chloride, while above that temperature
the reverse is the case. A mixture of sodium chloride and
magnesium sulphate in solution would, therefore, be likely to
form magnesium chloride and sodium sulphate at low tempera-
tures, where sodium sulphate is by far the least soluble of the
four salts possible, and, in fact, it is well known that this
actually does occur ; but at higher temperatures .sodium
THE ELECTEICIAN, FEBRUARY 26, 1909.
771
chloride is the least soluble of the four salts, and would be the
first one to crystallise out.
In considering; the composition of salts contained in a water
we must, therefore, bear in mind the conditions to which they
are subject, in order to arrive at the most probable arrange-
ment. There is good evidence for, or reasonable presumption
in favour of, the invariable presence of certain salts whenever
their components exist in sufficient quantity, but with regard
to other salts some conventional rule is unavoidable.
It is certain that in a dry water residue, obtained by evaporat-
ing a portion of the water, carbonate of lime is always present
to the utmost extent possible — that is to say that either all the
lime is found combined with carbonic acid, or else all the car-
bonic acid combined with lime, according as one or the other
is present in greater proportion.
Further, this same fact appears to hold good for the natural
water itself, which, when sufficient lime is present to more than
saturate all the carbonic acid, gives no evidence of the presence
of the carbonate of any other base.
The presence of carbonate of lime in the dry residue was proved
by Wanklyn in numerous experiments, in which he extracted
everything soluble in water from the dry solids, and found that
the insoluble residue always contained carbonate of lime, and
that to the greatest extent that could be formed. Further, ho
found that if a soluble salt of lime (the sulphate, for example)
and carbonate of magnesia were dissolved in water and mixed
together, the carbonic acid under these conditions left the
magnesia and united with the lime, while the acid formerly in
combination with the lime passed over to the magnesia.
With regard to the presence of carbonate of lime in the
natural water itself, evidence is afforded by the behaviour of
a valuable indicator, much used in analytical work, known as
phenolphthalein. If a few drops of a solution of this substance
be added to a neutral or acid liquid, no colour is produced, but
in the presence of alkalies or normal alkaline carbonaioi a fine
pink colour results. It is found that carbonate of soda affects
this indicator strongly, and carbonate of magnesia very de-
cidedly, while carbonate of lime only colours it very slightly
or not at all, being itself nearly insoluble in water.
Now, if any natural water be well boiled, so as to drive off
all free and loosely-bound carbonic acid (which would prevent
the devclo))inont of the colour, as plu'nol])hthalcin is sensitive
even to this feeble acid), and then tested with this indicator,
it will be found difficult to get more than a faint colour with
any water in which the lime is sufficient, or more than sufficient,
to saturate the combined carbonic acid. If the lime is not
sufficient for this, however, the water very readily gives the
jiink colour. From these tests we may infer that carbonate of
magnesia or of soda was present in the second case and absent'
in the first, and that, consequently, the carbonate preferen-
tially present is carbonate of lime.
This gives a starting point for the calculation, and we may,
liierefore, commence by calculating the greatest quantity of
carbonate of lime which can be formed from the lime and
combined carbonic acid present.
It will be understood that in the natural water the carbonate
of lime is always, and the carbonates of magnesia and soda are
g<'nerally, present as 6!'crtr6o«(7<cs. There maybe cases when
it is desirable to ascertain and record how far the carbonates
occur as bicarbonates, which is easily done by estimating the
■■ free and half-bound "' carbonic acid as well as the com-
bined. But in most cases it is usual to represent these salts
as theyoccur in the dry residue — namely, as normal carbonates;
but it should always be remembered that in the water they are
nearly always associated with at least sufficient additional
carbonic acid to form bicarbonates.
In case it should be required to calculate the i|naiitit\ nf
I) carbonate corresponding to carbonate, or the rl■^■<■l■-l•. ilie
lactors required are : —
1 part of calcium carbonate^ 1-02 parts of calcium bicar-
bonate CaH2(C02)o.
1 part of magnesium carbonate = 14G parts of magnesium
bicarbonate, MgH.,(CO,|,
1 part of sodium carbonate = 1-68 parts of sodium bicar-
bonate, NaHCO...
After calculating the greatest possible amount of carbonate
of lime which can be formed there will be in general an excess
of either lime or carbonic acid left over. In the former case
the excess of lime is next to be combined with sulphuric acid ;
in the latter case the excess of carbonic acid is next to be com-
bined with magnesia.
Proceeding in this way, the acid radicals (carbonic acid,
sulphuric acid, chlorine and nitric acid) are taken in order and
combined successively with lime, magnesia and .soda until
all has been dealt with. The details of these calculations arc
given in full in the writer's book on " Boiler Feed Water,"
and the full scheme is too long to repeat here ; but, as an ex-
ample, the calculation of the residue of the water sample already
given is set out below, and will make the general principle
sufficiently clear.
We turn back to the tables of analytical data. It is, of
course, immaterial which column of figures we select, as the
calculation is the same in each case, so we take the " Grains
per gallon " set.
Taking the figure for alkalinity, 20'-05, and multiplying it by
044r, we find that we have 902 grains of combined carbonic
acid available.
56 parts of lime (Cat)) are required for every 44 parts of
combined carbonic acid, so that we shall require ~ti
= 11-48 grains of lime ; and the total amount of carbonate of
lime will be 9-02+ 1148 = 20°-50 grains per gallon. This is,
of course, simply the alkalinity figure again, and it is evident
that whenever the amount of lime present is more than suffi-
cient to saturate the carbonic acid the alkalinity figure may at
once be written down as carbonate of lime in grains per gallon.
We have now utilised all the carbonic acid, and 11-48 grains
of the lime. W^e have altogether 17-07 grains of lime, so that
we have 5-59 grains remaining.
We next calculate the amount of sulphuric acid (80,) re-
quired to combine with this amount of lime.
Fifty-six parts of lime (CaO) require 80 parts of sulphuric acid
(SO;,), or 0-7 parts of lime require 1 part of sulphuric acid.
Hence, if we divide the weight of lime available by 0-7, we
shall obtain the weight of sulphuric acid which is required to
combine with it and form sulphate.
5-59
-„ =7-99 grains of (SO.^), of which we have enough and to
spare (24-50 grains altogether). The weight of the calcium
sulphate is, therefore. 5-59 -f 7-99 =13-58 grains, and we have
still 24-50— 7-99= 16-51 grains of SO3 remaining, the lime being
now all disposed of.
We now proceed to combine the remainder of the sulphuric
acid with magnesia (MgO).
Forty parts of magnesia (MgO) combine with 80 parts of SOj,
or just double the weight ; we have 5-45 grains of magnesia to
deal with. It will require, therefore, 10-90 grains of sulphuric
acid, of which again we have still more than sufficient. The
weight of magnesium sulphate will be 10-90 -f- 5-45 = 16-.35
grains.
We have now disposed of all the magnesia, and have still
5-61 grains of sulphuric acid to account for.
In the example we have chosen there are actually no more
bases estimated (except the weak bases Fe^Oa and iVl-iOj, which
are usually treated as occurring uncombined, though the iron
is sometimes represented as carbonate). Wo know, of course,
that another ba.se must be present, as otherwise the water could
not have an alkaline reaction, and this bas? is in ordinary cases
always soda, or may be taken to be soda without serious error.
Of course, the amount of soda or other base can always b.'
estimated, and very often is. but for many technical purposes
it is unnecessary to expend the considerable time and labour
involv<Hl. provided that the lime, magnesia and acids are care-
fully determined.
We, therefore, assume that the remaining base is soda, and
calculate the quantity required to combine with the remainder
of the acids.
772
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 26, 1909.
Eiglitv parts of sulphuric- acid (SO,) will fnrnisli 142 parts
of sodiuin sulphate (NaoSOJ, and, consequently, the 5-61 grains
of SO2 which we havcto dispose of are calculated to sodium
sulphate—' ' ——=9-96 grains of Na^SO,, and this disposes
80
of all the suphuric acid.
We have now only the chlorine left, and 71 parts of chlorine
will furnish 117 parts of sodium chloride, NaCl. There are
5-95 grains of chlorine, and in multiplying this by the fraction
Vi'- (or dividing by the factor 0-606, which is rather more ac-
curate) we obtain 9-82 grains as the amount of sodium chloride.
This completes the calculation, and it only remains to add
the amounts of silica and sesquioxides, which, as stated, are
usually recorded as such without being calculated to any par-
ticular combination.
The full scheme of calculation which has been referred to
covers every case likely to be met with, and the compositions
of residues calculated by its aid would be agreed by the majority
of chemists in this country, though not by all. It is much to
be desired that some such scheme could be fixed upon and re-
commended for the use of chemists generally, to ensure uni-
formity in reporting.
Reports worked out on this method will give, as already
pointed out, an arrangement of the most important salts,
which is th? most probable one under ordinary conditions of
temperature and pr3ssure, and when considering the question
of water softening this method of statement will certainly be
the best one for predicting the results and seeing how far any
such treatment need be carried.
Under boiler conditions, however, we know that a rearrange-
ment of acids and bases will take place in such a water as the
one already discussed so fully. At the temperature obtaining
in the boiler the calcium carbonate will react with the mag-
nesium sulphat ', forming calcium sulphate, magnesium hydro-
droxide, and free carbonic acid which escapes. Some chemists
prefer in their reports to represent as far as can be the results
of this reaction, and, consequently, they calculate as much as
possible of the lime to sul-phate, and account for the alkalinity
by the presence of magnesium carbonate.
We already know from Wanklyn's experiments that an arti-
ficial mixture of this kind will interchange acids and bases
under the ordinary conditions of temperature : while in the
boiler the formation of the calcium sulphate is accompanied
by a decomposition of the magnesium carbonate, so that this
arrangement, however convenient, is probably one that could
not exist at all under any circumstances to which the water is
likely to be exposed.
Another test of the question is to soften the water with
hnie water. If the magnesia were really present as carbonate
it would be removed or reduced by this treatment, but it is
invariably found that it is the lime, and not the magnesia,
which is the first to be affected. The behaviour of the water
with phenolphthalein may be again recalled in this connection.
However, as this method is preferred by some chemi.sts, it
will be well to recalculate our water sample on this basis and
compare the results.
Grains pei' gallon.
„ , . , •i?- method. 2nd m.-thod.
taicium carbonate 20-50
Magnesium carbonate
Calrium Milplmte ZZ'. 13-58
.Uipu-siuni sulphate I6.35
NcKluuii sulphate Q.gg
Sodium chloride tj.f^o
0-87
11-45
32-10
O.xidc of iron, &c [ 7-
n-!H)
<J-82
2-23
1-27
73 71 73-70
No one on at first comparing the first four lines of these
two analyses would imagine that they represented one and the
same water.
If It were a question of how much soda should be added to the
water m the boiler to soften the scale and prevent the deposition
of calcium sulphate, the second method of calculation has a
W r.?ll,wT-!^'- }l?: '°"'r'^'^' softening treatment had to
be calcxilated, it Would be found that iDOth methods "would give
the same result as to quantities of chemicals required. But
if it were a question of the most economical treatment for a
water he/ore enlerinti the boiler, then the first method shows
that a great saving may often be effected by removing only the
lime salts and a little of the magnesia (which may be readily
done), leaving unaffected the greater part of the magnesium
sulphate, which is expensive to remove, and, in the absence
of calcium carbonate, lias no scale-forming tendency.
Some chemists are in the habit of dividing the salts under
the head of " scale forming " and '' non-scale forming." The
second method of expressing results fits in well with this
division, as it not only gives the .scale-forming salts, but, ap-
proximately, the composition and weight of the scale to be
expected, when allowance has been made for the conversion
of magnesium carbonate into hydroxide.
The examples that have been given show the most usual
methods of calculating residues, but they by no means exhaust
the possibilities in this direction.
In order to compare two differently expressed analyses it is
necessary either to calculate the analytical data from one
(unless they are given separately), and then to recalculate the
residue by the same method as was employed for the other, or
to calculate the analytical data from both, subsequently, if
necessary, recalculating both residues on the same method.
To calculate the analytical data each salt must be decom-
posed into its base and acid, and the total amount of each
constituent thus found added together. To close this discus-
sion, the arithmetical data will be given for every salt likely to
occur.
Taking in order carbonie acid, sulphuric acid, chlorine and
nitric acid, it will be shown how to calculate the proportions
of base and acid when combined respectively with lime, mntj-
nesia and soda. The factors used have in many cases been left
in the form of vulgar fractions, which can be easily recalled by
anyone acquainted with the molecular weights of the bodies
in question. ,nrv ,
' Carbonic Acid (COo).
Calcium Carbonate. CaCOj.
Weight of lime (CaO) = woight of carbonate X 0-5(i.
Weight of carbonic acid=weight of carbonate x 0-44.
Magnesium Carbonate. MgCOs.
Weight of magnesia (MgO) = weight of carbonate X JV-
Weight of carbonic acid=weight of carbonatex Ij.
Sodi'iii, Carlnuiatc. Na,CO;i.
Weight of suii.i ( X.i ,(l) weight of carbonatex Si
Weight of cailjniiir arid weight of carbonatex -jf.
.Sulphuric Acid (SO3).
Calcium Sulphate. CaSOj.
Weight of lime (Ca 0) = weight of sulphate x I'y
Weight of sulphuric acid= weight of sulphate X {V-
Maijncsium Sulphate. MgSO^.
Weight of magnesia (MgO) = weight of sulphatex \,
Weight of sulphuric acid = weight of sulphate X 5.
Sodium Sulphate. Na.SOj.
Weight of .soda (Na20)=weight of sulphate ;■: f j .
Weight of sulphuric acid= weight of sulphate <. !".
Chlorine. (CI).
Calcium Chloride. CaCb.
Weight of lime (CaO) = weight of chloride X fii.
Weight of chlorine=weight of chloride x I'l'i-
Magnesium Chloride. MgClj..
Weight of magnesia (MgO) = weight of chloride X ^'l.
Weight of chlorine = weight of chloride X f -5.
Sodinm Chloride. NaCl.
W'eight of soda (Na^O) = weight of chloride X iVt-
Weight of chlorine = weight of chloride X i"iV.
Nitric Acid. (NoOo).
Calcium Nitrate. Ca{}iOj)-,.
Weight of hme (CaO) = weight of nitrate Xjt-
Weight of nitric acid = weight of nitrateX ji.
Magnesium Nitrate. Mg (NOa);.
Weight of Magnesia (MgO) = weight of nitrateX Jy.
Weight of Nitric Acid=\veight of NitrateXff.
Sodium Nitrate. NaNoj.
Weight of Soda (NajO) = weight of nitrate Xf J.
Weight of Nitric Acid=weight of nitratex ?|.
It is not always necessary to apply this decomposing process
to all the salts in a table. For example, in the pair of parallel
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 26, 1909.
73
reports last given the recalculation only applied to the salts
of lime and magnesia, the sodium salts being the same in both
cases.
If it be desired to check the accuracy of these calculated
analytical data before proceeding further with them, the
amounts of all the acids and bases found should be added
together, and the quantity of " oxygen corresponding with the
chlorine " deducted from the total as already explained, when
the result ought to agree with the sum of the original salts ;
and in the same way the sum of the salts in any recalculated
residue must be the same as in the original residue.
THB INSTITUTION OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS.
Leeds Local Section. — The annual dinner of this Section
was held at the Hotel Metropoie, Leeds, on Friday evening
last. Mr. H. l-". Yerbury, chaiiman of the Section, prfsided,
and among the large gathcrins; of members and guests, num-
bering nearly 100, were Mr. W. M. Mordey (President of the
Institution , Mr. H. Dickinson (Secretary of the Leeds Local
Section), Mr. A. K. Fearnley, Councillor W. L. Fenton, Mr.
J. B. Hamilton, Mr. K. Hammond, Mr. W. Hartnel!, Mr. J. E.
Kingsbury, Mr. J. McLaren, Lieut. -Col. Lister, Aid E. Mithe-
sOD, Mr. A. B. Mountain, Prof. (i. P. A Parr, Mr. W. M. Roger-
son, Mr. J. F. Eowell (Secretary of the Institution), Councillor
R. A. Smithson, Mr. J. F. C. Snell and Mr. Miles Walker.
After t!ie loyal toasts had been honoured, Jlr. R. H.^mmond pr.iposed
the toast of " The Corporation of Leeds." remarking that the way in
which our numicipalitie.'i set forth their accounts did trreat credit to this
country. He had just come from Constantinople, a city entirely devoid
of municipal enterprise. Leeds held the lowest record costs* of electri-
city supply, taking into consideration the output and load factor. A
glance at the accounts of the Leeds municipal undertakings would show
what excellent results were being .ichicved ; in fait, all the concerns had
jmid a " bonus " to the ratepayer*. Hr tli'uiu'lit. however, that it would
be wiser not to place the whole of the mu phis in thi' relief of rates, but to
build np a substantial reserve fund.
Councillor R. A. Smithson (chairman of the Leeds Electricity and
Tramways committee) replied to Sir. Hammond's mild criticism. It
was true, he admitted, that last year they cleared out the last of their
reserves and started with a clean sheet, but they v.'erc in a much safer
position to-day than 12 yoar« ago, since they now knew exactly what the
cost of maintenance of every item in their undertakings was and so no
large reserve fund was necessary. The electricity department had
replaced old plant so satisfactorily that scarcely anything had to be
set aside for reserve this year. The ratepayers were surely entitled to
some return on the large capital for which they were responsible.
Alderman E. Mathesox then proposed the toast of " The Institution
of Electrical Engineers," and gave a few ))artieiila)s concerning the
Institution and its early history. He also advi.sed the youngei members
not to be discouraged, since they were starting with the .odvaiitagi' of all
the previous knowledge that had been obtained.
Mr. W. M. Mordey, in replying to this toast, the propo.ser of which
spoke as a civil engineer, said there was no greater asset possessed by
British engineers than the high estimation in which they were held all
over the world, and this was largely due to the attitude of the Institu-
tion of Civil Engineers on professional matters. He took particular
pleasure in being present that evening as he was a Yorkshireman and
began work in the telegraph service at a place a few miles from Leeds.
Mr. Mordey then gave some particulars of the new home which had been
purchased by the Institution and described it a= one of the finest build-
ings standing on one of the best sites in London. He mentioned
that the new secretary, Mr. P. F. Rowell, was present and was making
his first appearance in his new capacity, except for attending the Students'
Dinner on the previous evening. Mr. Rowell had a big task before him.
but he was made of the right stuff and would hove their goodwill and
good wishes. He agreed that there wa« no reason to think all the pioneer
work had been done, the industry was only just beginning, and the
future offered great possibilities. Thus, less than one thousandth of the
energy of the coal in the coal bunkers appeared as light in electric lamps,
whilst not above 5 per cent, of the heat energy in central stations reached
the consumeiw in any shape or form. There were plenty of problems and
this country was doing its part to solve them. Their latest honoraiy
member, the Hon Clias. Parsons, who had recently been elected to that
position, was both an engineer and an electrical engineer, whose work
had profoundly affected the whole art of steam motors. The invention
of silicon iron by Sir Robert Hadfield was also likely to prove of no little
importance, for it meant the saving of many thousands of tons of coal
every year. Mr. Mordey then referred to the constant attacks made on
British electrical engineers. This country was often held up to sconi in
comparison vnth America, Germany and other countries, but so far from
being behind in the business of electric supply and the use of electricity
for all purposes we were well ahead. In his presidential address, which
he delivered in London at the beginning of the present session, he had
showed that in the large German towns the consumption of energy per
inhabitant was only half that in British towns, whereas the price paid
per unit was twice as much. Also, the capacity of plant for public elec-
tricity supply was about twice as great, per inhabitant, in this country
■as in Germany. Much of the discussion which had taken place on this
subject was not in connection with the points raised in his address. One
frequent criticism was that he had not gone into the amount of foreign
plant installed in our stations. He had recently studied this question
carefully and found that, although his figures were not yet complete for
the large electrical undertakings of this country, the capital spent on
foreign electrical plant, including generators, cables, meters, in fact all
electrical apparatus, would, he thought, be under 5 per cent. Probably
a« much British plant— if not more — was to be seen in foreign stations in
proportion to the total amount of plant. It was true we were suffering
from a temporary depression, but in Germany this was also the case,
and in America they had been passing through a great crisis. In con-
nection with metal filament lamps, when people realised the advantages
these offered, the curve of growth would become steeper than ever Mr,
Mordey finally referred to the question of London power supply, and
mentioned as one cause of temporary depression, that the cost of Parlia-
mentary fighting last year, if the figures given him were correct, amounted
to no less than 2 per cent, on the capital invested in electricity supply in
London.
.Mr. A. R. Fearnley (manager of the Sheffield Corporation tramways)
who next proposed " The Leeds Local Section," mentioned that it now
consisted of about 260 members and was second only to the Manchester
Section. He suggested that the title should ba changed to the " York-
shire Local Section," since only a small proportion of the merabari were
situate in Leeds. He thought the Institution should endeavour to im-
prove the status of engineers, and instanced the low salaries which wen
repeatedly advertised. In connection with Mr. Mordey's p.-esidential
address, he could say that Cantinental engineers could not teach us
much as regards electric tramways.
The CHAIR5IAN, Mr. H. E. Yerbury (chief electrical engineer. Sheffield
Corporation tramways), responded, mentioning that the meetings of the
Section were already held alternately at Leeds and Sheffield, but as only
about 25 per cent, of the members wer,' in L?ecLs the Council would b^
]ilcased to sanction the change of title if it werj shown to be the wish
of the members. He also referred to the valuable a<sistancc rendered
by Mr. H. Dickinson, the secretary of the Section.
The limits of our space prevent us from referring in detail t ) the other
speeches, but we may mention that the remaining toasts were " Kindred
Associations." proposed by Councillor W. C. Fenton and responded to
by Mr. J. McLaren ; " Our Guests," proposed by H. Dickinson and
responded to by Lieut. -Col. Lister ; and " The Chairman." proposed by
Mr. J. F. C. Snell, seconded by Mr. T. H. Churton, Mr. Yerbury briefly
responding. The humorous selections which were given by Mr. S. H. "
Smith at intervals during the evening were loudly encored, and tho
selections by Mr. W. Hartley's orchestra were much appreciated. .\lto.
gether the dinner was an undoubted success.
Students' Section of the lastitution of Electrical Eogineers.
The tifth annual dinner of this Section was held at th;
Holborn Restaurant, London, on Thursday, February 18th.
About 60 , members and guests were present, including Mf.
"W. M. Mordey, President of the Institution ; Prof. S. P.
Thompson, F.R.S., jjast President ; Mr. R. Hammond, lion.
treasurer ; Prof. G. Kapp and Mr. F. Gill, Vice Presidents ;
and Messrs. J. F. C. Snell and J. S. Highfield, members of the
Council. Messrs. G. C Lloyd and P. F. Rowell, past and
present secretaries of the Institution, were also present. The
dinner was presided ovim- Ijy Mr. C. B. Nadaud, chairman of
the section.
After the usual loyal toasts had been proposed and honoured. Mr.
E. W. Moss, vice-chairman of the Students' Section, proposed " The
President and The Institution." He drew attention to the good friend
the Section had in Sir. \V. M. Mordey and the great interest which he
evinced in its well-being. In indicating means whereby greater help
might be given to the students he (Mr. iloss) suggested that the library
of the Institution should be kept open at least during one or two evenings
in tho week.
This toast was responded to by Mr. W. M. Mordey, who drew attention
to the flourishing state of the Section whose numbers were now one
quarter of the whole membership of the Institution. He then referr-xl
to the subject of his presidential address and to tho difliculty of finding
a subject therefor — a difficulty they would all experience when their
turns came to be presidents. He had chosen a non-controversial subject.
The various attacks had been based on matters outside of his address.
Nothing would please him better than to deal with those attacks in
further addresses. One great point that had been raised ui this discus-
sion was that although electricity supply in this country was cheaper
than abroad the greater part of it was obtained from foreign geuerata^
sets. In some cases tho amount of foreign plant in Eagiiih suppfir
stations had been placed as high as 80 per cent, of the whole. He hid
investigated this to some extent but found it had very little f lutidation.
With regard to the request that tho library should be ope.ied foi' longer
periods, this would be arrangad in tho new building, where th3 library
would be housed in a very handsome way and where there would not be
the same necessity for closing it as at present. Th? whole Institution
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUAEY 26, 1909.
would remember with gratitude the kindness of the InstitLition ot Civil
KnKhieer in allowing them to meet in their rooms for so many years,
i; crZion, he reffrred to the appointment of the new secretary Mr
l" F Rowell, who would need all their sympathies and help in the arduous
nsk which he had to perform.
Prof G Kapp also responded to this toast. It was well to remember,
he said that all members of the Institution beloiiged to the Students
Sec't on'in so far as they were all students. For if they were not students
they wnuld not be engineers. The students of the Institution were the
liope of the future, and the Institution was always ready to help young
™ Mr "r' Hammond proposed the toast of the " Students' Section," and
in 'a iuimoimis speech gave an account of his recent Turkish trip in
this he compared the English andTurkish young men, much to the latter s
disadvantage, for thev had no idea of the value of time or of the uscs^ to
which the telephone" could be put. The introduction ot the electric
drive would be a difficult matter in that country.
This toast was responded to by Mr. C. B. Nadaud, who, after thank-
irii; Mr Hammond, gave a number of details and statistics showing the
tloiirishing state of the Section. Last year the Section had a very suc-
cessful trip through Switzerland and this year they would visit Germany.
Mr J HoLUN-GSWORTH proposed the toast of the Colleges, which was
icsiinnded to bv Prof. S. P. Thompson. It was well to remember, he said,
that the existence of the Section was not altogether bound up with that
(if the colleges. Further, while these colleges were numerous they were
not all doing the same work. He paid a tribute to the memory of the
late Prof. Ayrton, to whom much of our present system of electrical
training was" due. He also referred to the biography of Lord Kelvin,
which he was preparmg, and to the difficulty of such a task as this work
involved. It was interesting to notice how Lord Kelvin's personality
had influenced work with which he was not directly connected, and this
might be exemplified bv reference to the design of the " Dreadnought."
He supported Mr. Mordey in his contention that this country was by no
means more backward than others in its electrical knowledge.
The toast of " The Guests " was proposed by Mr. B. Thompson and
responded to by Messrs. J. S. Hiohfield and P. Petrie.
Besides the speeches the evening was further enlivened by a very
excellent concert in which Messrs. E. W. Grittou, C. B. Nadaud, J. S.
Roberts, G. H. Stevens, and last, but by no means least, Selwyn Driver
played a prominent part.
POST OFFICE ENGINEERS.
The sLxth annual dinner of the Post Office Engineering Department
was held on Tuesday last week, under the president'y of Major O'Meara,
C.M.G., engmeer-in-chief. The guests included the Right Hon. Sydney
Buxton, M.P., Postmaster- General ; Sir H. Babington Smith, K.C.B.,
C.S.I. , Secretary ; Mr. A. F. King, Mr. H. S. Carey, Mr. A. M. J. Ogilvie,
Mr. C. A. King, Hon. R. D. Denman, Col. Price, C.M.G.. and Mr. W. M.
Mordey, President of the Institution of Electrical Engineers, Dr. M.
Walmesley, Dr. J. A. Fleming, Mr. F. Gill, Mr. E. A. Eames, Mr. J. W.
Willmot, &c.
.•\fter the Royal toasts, the Postmaster-General proposed " The
Engineering Department." He said : I have to congratulate your
Department on the work of the past year, and on the energy, zeal and
efficiency put into the work. I do this with perfect honesty and with
real feeling. It is sometimes difficult in these matters to compare one
department with another. I feel on the present occasion like the mother
who saw her son rowing in an eight, and called out, " Why, Billy is row-
ing faster and better than anybody else in the boat." The Engineermg
Department, at all events, certainly deserves well of the great Depart-
ment, over which I have the honour to preside. I am glad to be here
to-night because this dinner represents practically the first year of the
new engineer-in-chief to the Post Office,, my friend Major O'Meara.
(Applause.) I wish to congratulate him on the great success which
accompanied his attendance and that of Messrs. Puives and Hill at the
Budajpest Conference, reiiresenting the \'arious administrations inter-
ested in tclcMiiiph and l.'l.|,hn,i,. v.Mik. (hr jiivat success of that Con-
ference, and 111.' .tl.Mi ,,n.l will. H Mr. ■ Ml III,. l;iiiisl, delegates on that Con-
vention. \Vc li.iM inadc ilii-. \. :u ili.iiik,- |,iiu,.ly to the action of the
engineer-in-chicl-— great sirides in one section of your Department,
that of wireless telegraphy. I am glad to think that the Post Office has
now opened a very efficient and very effective wireless telegraphy station
at-Bolt Head, nud v;r- licli;vc that we are likely from that to extend our
operations in mIIh i .Im , liiius. I think that wireless telegraphy will be
one of the consul. i.M- i,,. Us for the Engineering Department to under-
take. Wivflrss 1,1, .ji M,h\ K becoming of vast importance. It is
curioii ili.li Mil, ,,t til, ,li ,,,U iiiii^res up to now always alleged against
wirclc 1, I, M,i|,|,\, ill II ii \ ,11 „.|it a me.ssage in one direction it really
went 111 .,il,,a ,liiv,ii,,ii, in, I s,., |.,.,-y h-.-i^i impossible, has proved in a
^■?''""'^'"' "" "'■"'" l.,'n-.-,itli.. l;..,.uiili„ "and the "Florida "
—a ,i;rr.,i :i,|> ,ni,i.j,. ,, i,i,...,,l,m. i,m, I,„,,_. ,,,. |, ,s tliai'i four hips, all of
winch »,-i,- ,il,l,, t,. -It im,, ^..innmnKati.ii, with the damaged vessels.
As regards the telegraph, I noticed the other day the successful sending
ot t_ho longest distance telegraph message without a break, from Calcutta
to London 7,000 miles. That, I think, shows the great strides taking-
place in that branch. As regards -our own telegi-aph system, you are
also making very considerable additions to the underground work for the
trtotcction of our telograph lines. The construction of telegraph and
telephone lines b>- the Department has .made- ooBsiderable piogress.
Owing to the passing of the Telegraph Construction Bill last session we
are in the position of being able to insist on our Imes being brought m
the direction we desire. I am glad to see our friend Mr. Gill here as
representing the National Telephone Co. We are also looking forwjard
to the time when we shall take over the National Telephone Co.. mclud-
ing perhaps Mr. Gill, and I hope that we may be able in the mterval to
smooth over the difficulties which are great on both sides. One other
point I wish to refer to— the Institution of Post Office Electrical Engi-
neers I had the pleasure lately of presenting medals and certificates to
the members and I was very glad to be able to congratulate them on the
great success which has attended the efforts of the Institution, which
should receive the greatest possible support from the engineers of the
Engineering Department. In that connection we are under an obligation
to a guest of this evening, Dr. Fleming, for the lectures he has been
givinl lately in regard to wireless telegraphy, &c. I couple my toast
with the name of your Chairman.
Major O'Meara in re'sponding, referred to communications he had
received from Sir William Preece (absent through illness) and Sir Robert
Hunter (absent owing to a slight accident). He then said: The Post-
master-General has referred to the Budapest Conference. Speaking for
the British delegates, we all felt it a great privilege to place before our
foreign colleagues the work that is being done by this great British.
Department. The gathering at Budapest will have far-reaching con-
sequences The Hungarian Administration has since informed us that
the French Government has issued an invitation for the next Conference
to be held in Paris in 1910, and I have been authorised to accept that
invitation. We have present here this evening the President of
the Institution of Electrical Engmeers. We cannot forget that tha
Institution was founded by the pioneers of the te egraph industry, and
therefore I think it is very good that the present holder of the position
of President is himself an ex-Post Office official. I will conclude gentle-
men, by offering our sincere thanks to the Postmaster-General for the
kindly way in which he has referred to our efforts.
In proposing the toast of " The Visitors," Mr. Catley e.xpressed the
regret of the gathering at the absence of their old chief Sir William
Preece. He coupled the toast with the names of Sir H. Babington
Smith and Mr. W. M. Mordey. ,,,,,,, ,■ f
Sir H. Babington Smith returned thanks for the hearty reception ot
the toast. • . , . i ^ ■ i i
Mr W M. Mordey said he was inesent against his doctor s orjers. anil
had come a long journey to be there. He was an old Post Office man,
and did not forget that he began his electrical work with 1 1 years exp;.-
rience as an operator in the Post Office. He remembered with gratitude
the action of the Post Office when he left its service. At that time he
was eking out his small pay by teaching classes in science and technoli,gv
in the north of England, and when electric lighting came to the front in
1881 he made apphcation to the Postmaster-General for six months
leave of absence to see if he could find something better to do. The p;r.
mission was readily granted, Und he started on his new career. Speakmg
as President of the Institution of Electrical Engmeers, which now
numbered over 0,000 members, and which began m 1871 as the Society ..f
Telegraph Engineers, he might be allowed to express regret that to-day
telegraphy occupied so small a part in the work of that Institution. Ihe
Council of the Institution felt that the Institution was broad enough to
cover and to include all branches of electrical engineering. In the
Institution's new building on the Embankment he hoped to be able to
offer hospitality to the Institution of Post Office Electrical Engmeers.
and that that hospitality might some day grow into closer and more
intimate connection. (Hear, hear.) They were told that the reason so
few of the members were telegraph men was that modern electrical
en<rineerin" did not interest telegraph engineers and that the two branches
were separate and apart— that a man could be a very good telegraph or
dynamo and power engineer without knowing anything of the other
branches. That might be true, but he could say that a telegraph engi-
neer would be a better telegraph engineer if he had the knowledge and
followed the progress of work in the other branches of electrical engi-
neering There were many improvements made in telegraphic aii(
telephonic work by men who had been brought up in heavy electrical
work He would give one example only. There was a young man
whom he knew as a draughtsman and designer in a dynamo works. He
was getting small pay and was not satisfied. He was ambitious and
able Through a certain action of his (Mr. Mordey's) m connection with
a patent, a little money came into this young man's hands. He cafiie to
me (said Mr. Mordey) and said that now he had got this money his wisest
course was to go home and study telegraphy— there was more m tele-
graphy than in heavy enguieering. He went home, and not long after-
wards he came to me and asked me to go and see his cable relay, ilie
vouncr man's name was Sidney Brown. (Applause.) By a-pplymg to
submarme telegraph work ideas and knowledge obtained by the stiidy <.f
heavy engineering conditions he was able to solve a problem that had tor
many years baffled Kelvin and other telegraph men. It was a fliistakc
to suppose that you can have watertight compartments between different
branches of our profession. . (Applause.) I believe, the day is coming
when we shall have State railway control in this country— that all great
national services will be controlled by the State, and must be so, and 1
think in the splendid service you give you afford the best possible answer
to the objections made to the transfer to the State of the railways. 1
thank you on behalf of the guests for the pleasure you have given us.
" The Chairman " was proposed in felicitous terms by Mr. I. Probert,
and Major O'Meara. in reply, said it was to the staff of the Department
he was indebted for nny suc-cs^ lie had a-hieved as head of the Depart-
ment. . ;
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 26, 1909.
775
IMPROVEMENTS IN LAMPHOLDERS.
It is well known that the majority of existing: lainpliolders require
very careful handling in the process of wiring, otherwise much trouble
a nd possibly short-circuits are likely to result. The Metallic Seamless
Tube Co.. of Wiggin-street, Birmingham, have paid much attention
to the design of this accessory, and their '" Automat " lampholder is
well known.
This firm have now placed on the market a larapliolder in which
I he outside case has lieen considerably sim))lified. The new lamp-
holder is designated the " Facile-Automat." and is a combination
of the " Automat " interior with a new pattern of case. The claims
made for the combination are : ( 1 ) The most rapid wiring interior
Fic: ].— GiM.MON (,'oiiii Ciiir.
i0 iW»
Fill. 2.— Interior of L.^mi-holueb
and (2) the most simple exterior ever made. The design of the case
also mikes possible a considerable improvement over the present
type of cord grip, and, instead of this now requiring a special opera-
tion entirely to itself, the dome and to]) ring are in one piece, the
coupling together of the dome and the body of the holder tightening
at the same time the cord grip. It is also impossible for the grip to
turn with the wires, and it is made of a material which is claimed to
be superior to wood.
The cord grip is shown in Fig. 1, whilst Fig. 2 shows the porcelain
interior of the lampholder. Fig. 3 the interior of the dome (the cord
grip being in place), and Fig. 4 the exterior of the lampholder (the
" one part " dome and ring being uncoupled). The feature of the
lampholder is, of course, its simplicity, which is indicated Ijy the
Fll.i.3. — iNTEBIilli OF D.IME SBOW-
IKG Cord Gsir in Tlacf.
I. 4.— Exterior showing the
' (J;JE Part" Dome and Ring.
illustrations. The case and rapidity of wiring the interior and the
time saved in tilling together the new case and self-acting cord grip,
to say nothing of the reduced number of loose parts, certainly make
this holder unique, and as it caii be obtained in nickel, polished
copper, oxydiscd silver or antique copper, it should meet all tastes.
THE "EXCELLO' FLAME LAMP
Notable improvements are still being made in the design and
general arrangement of flame arc lamps. The " Excello " lamp was
one of the first to make its appearance on the market, and it is still
going strong. It has not lagged behind in the lacc of progress.
As will be remembered, when the " Excello " lamp is used on
continuous current the carbons are fed together differentially, and,
of course, approach each other in a slanting direction. The mecha-
nism generally is so arranged that the feed is very gradual and com-
plete absence of flickering, it is claimed, is thereby ensured. The
alternating current arc is an example of the motor drive, for it is in
fact worked by what is essentially an alternating current motor.
The disc which forms the ai-mature of this motor is controlled by
ind.s th.
eddy currents from shunt and .-icries coils, and en
carbons up or allows them U> fall.
Although notable improvements have been made in fiame arc
lamps generally, the amount of deposit arising from the salts in the
carbon has always been a bugbear. The new lamp which the Union
Electric Co. have placed on the market is fitted with a deposit-freo
cover which can be used in conjunction w ith or without a reflector.
By the use of this cover, it is claimed, the candle-power lost by
deposit is reduced to a minimum and that the lamp is both wind
and weather-proof.
The space formed at the bottom of the lamp by the globe and
globe sleeve is separated into two chambers by the inner globe and
its metal seat. The ashtray in the outer globe forms an air trap,
which allows a constant stream of air to be admitted in the direction
shown by the arrows, and this current is unaffected by the fury of
the wind outside. It enters througli the ashtray, passes for-
ward through the bottom aperture of the inner globe and up through
the lamp. The air inlet and the globe opening are so jiroportioned
that the arc is not rendered unsteady by the rusli uf the incoming
air. As mentioned above, this action is quite independent of what
is going on outside as regards the weather, the same flow being
maintained in the calmest weather and in the most violent storm.
The effect of this flow of air is to carry up the salt deposits from the
arc so that nothing is deposited on the globe, which therefore re-
mains perfectly clear from the arc fumes. In fact, with this arrange-
ment, it is quite possible to obtain a clear glass globe free from any
deposit even after the lamp has been burning 100 hours.
In introducing this improvement into their " Excello " lamp the
Union Electric Co. have perfected certain other detaUs. The.'-o
include the draughtless ashtray mentioned above and the sub-
division of the sleeve which simplifies trimming. This has been
done without sacrificing any of the details for which this lamp Is
famous.
HOW TO LIGHT SHOP WINDOWS.
Mr S. E. Fedden, chief engineer to the Shctiield Corporation, re-
cently gave an interesting lecture at 01<l Firbh College, Sheffield, and
the following from the "Sheffield Daily Telegraph ' is worthy of
reproduction: —
"Mr. Fedden's lecture constituled a concise account of the recent
changes and improvements which have been effected in electric glow
lamps. The statements concerning the great increase in light and re-
duction in cost to be derived from the use of the new lamps contamed
much less exnggeration than was usual in trade announcements. In
the last 20 yea?s, during which the growth of the electricity supply
business had been so extremely rapid, electrical engineers had never
had anything among the many novelties which they had offered to the
public equal in excellence and efficiency to that now provided by the
various forms of metallic filament lamps. It was thoroughly sound
economy, .said Mr. Fedden, to throw away a carbon lamp when the
point was reached where the light given ofi" fell some 20 [ler cent., or
one-lilth of its value, that being the end of its useful life. Introduced
by the man who, some 10 veurs previously, had given the incandescent
inantle to the gas industry, it promised througli its more recently per-
fected form to produce as great a change and iniiirovement in elec-
tric lighting as the mautledid for gas lighting. The ■• tant-iluin amp,
brought out about 1905, was the first commercial metal filament lamp,
and :tt once achieved an immense success. With the exception of the
" tantalum," all the metal lamps on the market belonged to the tungten
class, and had filaments in which the tungsten used in high speed
steel was an important ingredient.
Urging the neces.sity of shades for lamps of high brilliancy, Mr.
Fedden pointed out t'he great mistake that is often made in shop
window lighting in placing the new metallic lamps in exactly the
same position as that formerly occupied by carbon lamps, l-leetnc
light naturally lent itself to lighting goods in shop Hindow.s. The
best practice for a shopkeeper to follow was to illuminate his goods
scientifically, have plenty of light but not waste it, shield it from the
eye of the shoi) gazer, and direct it U£joii the goods displayed. If lie
wanted further attraction let him use arc lamps in bunches and incan-
candesceut lamps arranged at a fair height above the pavement. By
substituting for carbon " Tantalum " lamps they .<.>ved nearly half the
cost, and by using tungsten nearly two-thirds of the cost light for
liwht. The lamps thus olfered more advantage than could be obtained
from the old ones at half the present price of electricity. He did not
recommend metal lamps in situations were lights were seldom used.
Though less efficient, the " Tantalum" lamp was more robust than the
tungsten and better suited for places where there is much vibration
or where it must be moved about.
The effect on electric supply undertakings of the new metallic lamp
has been that the money paid by consumers for electric light had
fallen off from 25 jjer cent, to 50 percent., and out of this smaller
amount a larger proportion now went to the lamp maker and a
smaller to the supplier of electricity. Just as the incandescent gas
mantle eventually increased the business of the gas engineers, so elec-
trical engineers realised that any immediate loss of revtnue which
might be entailed by a more efficient lamp would be amply made up
bv- an increased field of businese.
F 2
776
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 26, 1909.
LEGAL INTELLIGENCE.
Patent Revocation.
The Coiiiptioller-Geneml i.f Patents (.Sir C. N. Dalton) has given hie
decision in the application of Mr. Geo. Braiilik for the revocation of
Patent No. 23,606 of 1902 granted to Mr. Paul Hogner, chief engineer of
Kdrting & Mathei sen. The patentee had transferred his rights to
.\lessr..i. K6rting& Mathiesen in accordance with the terms of his engage-
iiu'iit M-ith that firm. The patent was subseciuent to the date of the
Mifiiier patent which had already been revoked (subject to an appeal to
tlic Court), and the Comptroller-General stated that the Hogner patent
seemed to him to be anticipated by the Bremer ])atent, and in view of
the arrangements between Messrs. Korting & Mathiesen and the British
Westinghouse Co., the Hogner patent was ap])arently considered of
smallaccount. Now proceedings had not been taken against infringers,
and the patentees contended that the patent was not worked at all ;
although in the event of his holding that it was worked, they contended
that it was mainly manufactured here and not abroad. After reviewing
the evidence, the Comptroller-General said he was satisfied that the patent
article was manufactured mainly outside the United Kingdom and the
patentee had failed to prove that the patent was manufactured to an
adequate extent in the United Kingdom. The number of lamps made
by the British Westinghouse Co. was between 500 and 600 a year. It
was impossible for him to hold, on the evidence given by Mr. Eek and
Col. Crompton. that the patented article had been manufactured to an
adequate extent in this country. It would appear from the evidence
that the patentees had not manufactured it here and their licencees made
something under 600 lamps a year in thi.s country. It was contended
that the granting of a licence to the British Westinghouse Co. might be
regarded as a manufacture by the patentees. It was out of the question
tliat he should hold that a patentee might get rid of his responsibility
for working a patent merely by granting a licence to work it to a tirni
who did not manufacture it in the United Kingdom to an adequate
extent ; whilst he himself in competition with his licencee was importing
far larger quantities than the licencee made in this country. He did not
sec that there was any good reason which should prevent the patented
article fioiu being made in this coiintry to an adequate extent by the
patentees, and he failed to understand why Messrs. Korting & Mathiesen
eoidd not have manufactured it at a profit here. He decided, subject to
an appeal to the High Court, to revoke the patent forthwith, and ordered
the patentees to pay 75 guineas costs.
Stamp Duty on Electricity Supply Agreements.
(Jn Friday Jlr. Justice Channell commeijced the hearing of the appeal
iif the County of Durham Electrical Power Distribution Co. against the
decision of the Commissioners of Indian Revenue in assessing the duty
on a contract for the sale of electricity.
.Mr. Danckwerts, K.C, for the company, described the ease as of far-
reaching importance, because if the decision of the Commissioners were
affirmed it would mean that if a merchant sold goods on the terms of their
being paid for by instalments instead of cash down the ad valorem duty
would have to be paid on it. His clients agreed to supply Messrs. Snow-
ball, Son & Co., Gat«shead-upon-Tyne, with all the electricity required
at their works for seven years. The consumers agreed to pay £57. 10s.
per quarter, and, in addition. Id. per unit consumed and 10s. per quarter
for meter hire. The consumers were to be entitled to sell current up to
the capacity of the present installation, and there were provisions for an
increase in payments if the installation were increased and reducing them
m case of a reduction in the installation. The Commissioners, for the
IMirjiose of the ease, were prepared to hold that the instrument was one
relatmg to the sale of goods (within exemption 3 of the Stamp Act),
and on that ground assessed the duty at 2s. 6d. per £100. Counsel con-
tended that the matter did not come imder that Act.
Mr. Justice Channell said that if it did not come under the Act the
duty woidd have been 6d.
Mr. Danckwerts contended that the proper doctrine in such cases
was that an instrument was stamped according to its leading purposes,
and that any tlung in it, which was merely accessory did not need a stamp.
He cited the decision of the Court of Appeal in " Speyer Bros. i-. the
lulaiKl Revenue m support of this view.
Tlie SoLKiTOR-CiENERAi. Said that, from the schedule of the Stamp
Act It. would be seen that an agreement for the sale of goods was not
within the exemptions, and it followed in the present ea.se that the ex-
.•nuHion was onlyotie for an agreement which wis stampable«"tl6c^L^
L !i f'>"">'t^' >l>'>t all 1-is Lordship had to do was to decide
hethcr or not according to the words under the heading-" 1 ,nd "
eoven.ant; or mstninient '•-the agreement in question was a secuiitv
.-.Imnflu. V::C::i^,:^: '"""• -'"' "••^' ■• -- -' >--'.V a memo.
ma\';'er;'"o'knowwlf„7'Y", -^ ''""'' ^."'«''">"y understand scientific
.iiioiei.s TO know wliat electric current is.
^yl^ -^ZT'TiZ'T' I'l,''" T"''' '"^"''" ^°^ ^ "'«-"' ""^t it
than tlm, i;;,! ,"'*''"'''' .""^^ •'"• "Sreement went much further
(incununt a- the „nc under consideration was
not in the contemplation of the legislature when they put the clause in
question in the Stamp Act of 1870 and 1891, which, he thought, really was
inserted for the purpose of hitting instruments of a totally different
character. If such an instrument as the present, which, it was argued,
was a contract for the sale of goods, was chargeable with an ad valorem
duty upon the price, then it seemed to him that the Government might
j)ass an Act of Parliament altering it, or he should think the commercial
community would make some kind of agitation to get some such altera-
tion. The difficulty he had in the present ease was created entirely by
the decisions of the Court of Appeal and the House of Lords. Personally
he did not agree with those decisions. No doubt he was wrong, perhajjs
dense and stupid, in not being able to see the reasoning in those decisions,
but to his mind such an agreement was not security for payment, but
merely stated the terms of the sale of goods for which payments were to
be made in a certain way. He must, however, give judgment for the
Crown, and the appeal was therefore dismissed, with costs.
Electricity Works Valuation.
In the Valuation Appeal Court, Edinburgh (before Lords Low, Dundas
and JIackenzie), on Friday, the North of Scotland Electric Light & Power
Co. appealed against the assessor's valuation of their Brechin undertaking
at £660 — £360 for electric light station and £360 for mains and cables.
The capital expenditure was £25,226, the gross revenue for 1907 £1,995,
the gross expenditure £1,470 and the net revenue £524. Appellants
maintained that the proper method of valuation was the revenue method,
which would give a valuation of £200. The assessor proceeded on the
contractors' method. The magistrates thought £000 too high, but they
also thought £200 too low for an undertaking upon which there had been
employed a capital heritable expenditure of £25,226, and the revenue
earning power of which had not yet been developed. They fixed the
valuation at £400 — £218 for lighting station and £182 for mains and
cables.
The Court decided that the finding of the magistrates should be altered,
and that the valuation should stand at £200.
Lord Mackenzie said their Lordships had not had placed before them
any facts to show what meaning the magistrates attached to the ex-
jiression that the " earning jiower has not yet been fully developed." All
that they knew in regard to this company was that so far from pro-
gressing, as one woultl understand in a process of development, it was
going tiack. Where there had been a drop and not an increase of revenue
it would not be safe to jjut up the valuation without the Court being in
]ii)s.sessioii uf materials which might quite rightly have influenced the
magistrates, but which the Court had no means of knowing.
MUNICIPAL. FOREIGN & GENERAL NOTES.
APPOINTMENTS VACANT AND FILLED.
Ciloucester Corporation invite applications for the appointment
of chief electrical engineer at their electricity and refuse destructor
works. Applications to the town clerk (Mr. Geo. Sheffield Blake-
way), Guildhall, Ciloucester, by noon March 4.
The Council of the Metropolitan Borough of St. Marylebone invite
applications for the post of electrical engineer and general manager
of their electricity department. Particulars from and applications
to the town clerk (Mr. Jas. Wilson), Town Hall, St. Marylebone,
W.. by 3 p.m. March 3.
A prominent American company requires an experienced designer,
familiar with the electrical and mechanical design of large d.c.
generators.
A competent electrician is wanted for steel and iron works in South
Wales, to take charge of light and power plant. Applications to
Box 19, O.P.O., Swansea.
Wrexham Corporation require a .station superintendent. (Com-
mencing salary 45e. per week. Forms of application from the
Borough Electrical Engin(cr. Applications by IMarch 5.
Mr. Francis Craggs, of Sunderland, has been appointed superin-
tendent of Doncaster Corporation tramway.s. Mr. W. J. Draffin. of
Hull, who was first .selected, having declined the position.
Mr. F. C. Cole has been appointed manager of the Bendigo
(Victoria) electric tramways, in succession to Mr. Ford, who has taken
up the management of the Adelaide (South .\ustralia) tramways.
Aldershot. — The mains are to be extended so as to sup)ily current
to the Royal Artillery Mess, Wellington Lines.
Another Exhibition at Manchester. — Wo are informed that at a
meeting held on tlio 17th iiist, at ihc Midland Hotel. Manchester, it
WIS resolved that a general engineering and allied trades exhibition
should be held in Manchester during the autumn of lOlf), and the
previous committee of the International Trades' Exhibitions (Ltd.).
London, were reapjiointed. with power |i. add tfi their number.
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 2(), 1909.
m
Argentina. — The "Review of the River I'hitr' " stntes ttiat (he
Mayor of Buenos Ayres has cancelled J. J. Luegas & Co.'s concession
for electric tramways, and tliat the guarantee of 112,000 has been
confiscated.
A company has been funnoil iti Parana f(ir the supply nf electiic liglil
•ind power. The Parana Ga.s Vo. already own electricity works.
At tlie end of 1908, for tlie public lighting of Buenos Ayres, there were
1,041 are lamps, 18,492 incandescent gas lamps, 6,053 kerosene and
1.800 alcoh.il lamp.s.
The Cordciha CJeneral Electric Co. has been formed to carry into effect
the Boysclilay electric light and power conces.sion for the Diipio San
Roque, Cordoba. The company has a capital of §1,500,000 (gold) and
the whole contract for the equipment of the works has been given tn the
Cla Industrial de Electricldad del Rio de la Plata.
The Electric Light Co.. of Mercedes. Buenos Ayres, are ordering new
machinery.
The tax of (i per ceiil. on Its revenue paid by the Cia Alemana Trans-
atlantica de Electricldad. to Buenos Ayres Municipality, amounted lo
.S18I,245 f.ir the last quarter of 1908.
The outinit of the Cla Al'-niana Transatlantica de Electricldad for
1908 was 84.077,747 units.
Atmospheric Nitrogen. — The report of the Atmospheric Nitrogen
Utilisation Co. (of \V|esl>aden. Germany), which was formed about
two years ago for nianiifactnring nitrates, nitrites, and concentrated
nitric acid from the air, states tliat the electric power plant and the
electrical furnaces were completed, and that the special acid con-
densation arrangement is now almost read}'. Orders for the nitrite
plant have been placed. Within the last month six of the furnaces
(repre.senting 3,000 H.P.) were tried and worked smoothly. It is
expected that thes:i will b,> In full work by the b.'iginning of March.
Australasia, — Though C'a\dlield C'ouncil decline to contribute at
present to the cost of the proposed electric tramway to serve St.
Kilda andCaultield, the council of the latter district are unwilling to
drop the scheme, which has be<;n referred to the Tramway committee.
The New Zealand Crown Mines Co., Karangakake (Hauraki
District), arc having an electric pumping plant erected to deal with
the inflow of water in their fifth level. Tiie power station, which is
to be close to the reduction works and the Government Railway, will
be worked by water power for a considerable part o' the year, and the
energy generated Ijy a 550 kw. three-phase generator will bo trans-
mitted by a bare ov<!rhead conductor to the mine and supplied
to two 250 H.P. three-phase motors, for operating the duplex pumps.
The pumps are to be capable of pumping, in two stages, 1,135 gallons
of water per minute frfmi a depth fif 1,000 ft. The plant will also
include a 720 h.p. water turbine, a Belliss steam engine, two Babcock
boilers, with surface condenser, air and circulating pumps, feed water
heater, filter, switchboards, &c.
Austria. — The owners of the Auer Electric Works, Tramin (Tyrol),
who have been sujiplying electrical energy in the South Tyrol for 1 1
years past, have decided to erect new woi'ks to supply the increasing
demand.
It is stated that a large power station is to be orocted at Duljityko
(Moravia), and that the local authorities of Sexten (Tyrol), also con-
template the erection of electricity works.
Beckenham.— The Council have adopted the following scale of
charges and conditions for free wiring installations : —
Charge for current the same as that for time being charged to general
consumers (5id. per unit). Wiring charge : (1) -4s to existing consumers
who desire a transformer and metal lamps, (id. per lampholder or wall
plug per quarter (consumer to find his own lamps) ; (2) as to new con-
sumers who do not desire a transformer, but elect to use carbon lamps
with 200 volt osram lamps in places (not exceeding one-third In number
of whole installation), 4Jd. per lampholder or wall plug per (piarter.
First installation of lan\ps to be provided out of " free "' wiring capital ;
(3) As to new consumers desiring a transformer and complete Installa-
tion of metal lamps, Gd. per lampholder or wall plug per quarter. First
installation of lamp.5 to be provided out of '' free " wiring capital for
l,irn))s of 10 i;.p. and over.
Birmingham. — The Electric Supply committee will report to tlie
March meeting of the Council that further extensions of the generat-
ing plant arc necessary, and it is intended that application be made
to the L.G. Board for permission to borrow a further sum of £149.350
for extensions.
The eomnilttec propose a reduced scale of chai'ges for lighting and low-
tension power as from -April 1 next. The differences between the present
and the revised rates mean a reduction of about £11,000 a year. A
special rate had been fixed for restricted hour supply as follows — -Up to
5,000 units per quarter, 3d. per unit ; 5,000 to 10 000 units per quarter,
2Jd. per unit ; 10,000 and upwai'ds per quarter, 2d. per unit.
Blackpool.— Electric pumping plant is to be installed at the sea
water supjily undertaking.
Bolivia. — It is expected that the electric tramways at La Paz will
be opened in July next.
Brighton.— .4t the meeting of the Council last week the recent
report of (he enginfcr and manager of the electricity department (Mr.
.I(jhn Christie), recommending certain addition; to the generating
plant at Southwick. was adopted. .Mr. Christie's recommendations
were given in our issue for Feb. 5.
Croydon. — Four of the Council's schools are to be wired at a oost of
£420.
Electrical Section of London Chamber of Commerce.— A meeting of
the Electrical Section of the London Chamber of Commerce was held
on the I6th inst., when Mr. C. P. Sparks was re-elected chairman,
and Mr. W. L. Madgen and Mr. C. H. W. Biggs deputy-chairmen.
The Section considered the revised nigulatlons issued by the Homo
Office relating to the generation, transformation, distribution and use of
electricity in factories. The chairman presented a report with regard
to alterations made in the regulations as compared with the original
draft proposed by the Home Office, calling particular attention to the
cases where the Home Office had not glvoii eff(i.:t to the recommendations
of (ho commissioner appointed to hold th'i inquiry. The Sc.-tion aj).
provetl of a communication addressed to th" Honi" Oftire asking for a
deputation in order that those interested might have an opportunity of
placing their views before the Home Office.
The Section also considered proposals with regard to co-operation on
matters of common interest between various electrical in^'titutions and
associations, the London C;iunty Council (General Powers ) Bill, and the
petition which had been deposited by the London Chamber of Commerce
against the Great Northern, Great Central and Great Eastern Railway
Companies' Amnlganiation Bill.
Electrical Standardizing, Testing and Training Institution.— On
Feb. 23, Mr. Robert Hammond, M.Inst.C.E.. M.I.E.E., M.I.Mech.E..
will commence a short course cjf lectures to the third-year students
of Faraday House upon " Electrical Legislation. "
Electricity in Agriculture.^lt is announced that Lieut. -General von
I'udbiclskI, (formerly Prussian Minist,er of Telegraphs and sub.se-
quently of Agriculture), has accepted a salaried post as agent of the
Allgemeine Electricitiits Gesellschaft. and will b? engaged in organis-
ing and conducting a propaganda in favour of the application of
electricity to all branches of agriculture. The company seek to
extend the use of electric ploughs and reaping, sowing, and threshing
machines, and to encourage the adoption of electric lighting in farm
buildings.
Exhibitions. — A National Engineering and General Trades Exhibi-
tion will be held at Bingley Hall, Birmingham, from March 29 to
.June 5 next. The executive offices are at 27, Paradise-street,
Bn-mingham.
The first international Aero and Motor Boat Exhibition will bo
held at Olympia, Kensington, London, W., from March 10 to 27,
inclusive. The exhibition is being organised by the Society of
Motor Manufacturers and Traders in conjunction with the Aero
Club of Great Britain. In addition to a fully equipped air.ship, there
will be on show 16 full-sized aeroplanes, aerial engines and accessories,
and motor boats.
Farnham. — The Board of Trade have refused the application of the
Farnham & District Electric f-ighting Co. for permission to erect
overhead wires for lighting.
Fleetwood. — -Vn inquiry was held on Tuesday into the Council's
application for sanction to borrow £21.500 for the ])urchasc of the
undertaking of the Fleetwood & District Electric l^ight and Power
Synd.
The Council had obtained in 190-? a provisional order to purchase the
electricity wiu-ks, and the amount agreed upon was £15,000. Various
other sums for stock, new refuse destructor and the freehold of the works
brought the amount to £21, .5011.
Glasgow.— Last week the Corporation approved a minute of the
Electricity committee instituting a new scale of charges for large con-
sumers of electricity for power.
High Wycombe.— The Council have decided to instal electric pump-
ing plant at the Waterworks. It is probable that suction gas plant
will be put down for generating current, though the local Electric
Light Co. has offered to sujiply current.
Holland. — Messrs. Erickson & Schreyder have applied to Giessen-
dani Council for a concession for the erection and equi])raent of elec-
tricity works.
Mewrs. Lidjen Sels & Vanden Berg have aiqtlicd to Loosdiiinen
Municipality for a concession for the construction of an electric
tramway from Seheveningen to the Hoak of Holland, with a branch
from Kijkduin to Delft.
Hove.— 35 additional gas lamps in .\ldrington arc to be converted
to electric lighting.
Hull. — On Friday --^Id. Larard, Chairman of the Tramways com-
mittee gave an estimate of the income and exjienditure of the tram-
way undertaking for the year ending 31st March next.
The income was £121,691, and the exnendi'urc £10fi,282. leaving a net
profit of £22,409. a decrease of £7.486 on last year. The decrease had
been causiV ''l' the increa-c in men's wages and the running of early
778
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 26, 1909.
morning id. oars. He siigge.stcil tliiit this year tlu-y iKind over £1.^,(11111
for the relief of the rates.
Mr. Bentham : Our tramways have cost us £433,000, and I under-
.«tand we have a reserve fund of £97,000. We have, I believe, during
thf 10 years the trams have been running relieved the rates to the extent
.if t:i.")(t,O00. He did not think it safe to carry forward only £4,000, or
II.. t i|iiitc 1 per cent, of the total ca|)ital.
The riiMHMW -:m.| ihiit if th.'il -nm wfr- i:.!!..-! forward they would
have Whni U.i |il,.. ll-illv :> Vr^rHr .:\' .^S.', VJl^>"'>-
Tlic |->vn|iM,;il i.r h.iinl .iv.T tls.(ii)ii io I Ih' i,i"i'- :i ■.'ount was agreed to.
Hungary. — A company is being formed at Sumes tn establish
electricity .and water supply undertakings.
Ilkley.— An inquiry was recently held into the application of the
Council for permission to borrow money tor removing and improving
I he plant for the electric lighting of the town hall and free library.
India.—" Indian Engineering "' states that the Indian Electricity
liill will probably be considered by the Legislature in Calcutta " next
cold weather."
Lady Minto's new electrical annexe to Calcutta Medical College
Hospital is being equipped with electric radiators, an electric bath,
a 20 ampere Finsen light and X-ra,y apparatus.
The " Indian and Eastern Engineer " states that the U.P. Govern-
nicnl have paid to the Mussoorie Municipality the last instalment
of I he loan of R. 1 .80,000 (£24.000) for the electricity and water supply
undertaking, which is to commence supply early this year.
The poles and wires for the electric lighting of the town hall and a
jioi-tion of the Mall at Simla have been erected.
Lahore Municipal committee have submitted to the local Govern-
ment a jjroposal for an electric tramway.
The " Madras Mail " states that the Madras Electric Supply Corpn.
expect to be able to supply current from their new station near Basin
Bridge for lighting Egmore, Georgetown and Mount-road, and build-
ings therein, by the end of this month, and for Royapettah. Mylapore
and other places by the end of April.
Inquest. — On Satvu'day Mr. J. Trout beck held an inquest on James
Charles Tickle, 51, a linesman in charge of a sub-station of the
London Electric Supply Corporation.
Thomas Wvatt, relieving linesman at the sub-station, said deceased had
acquired his technical knowledge of electricity during his engagement as
chief torpedo instructor in the Navy. In the'event of a transformer fail-
ing it was their duty to test it and, if necessaiy, to replace it with a new
one. The witness was on duty on Thursday last week when a transformer
became faulty. Witnesses tested it, but there was nothing in the station at
the time with which to replace it. He communicated with the engineers.
Then deceased came on duty, and was informed that the transformer was
faulty and that it had not been replaced. Before the transformer could
be removed there were several leads which would have to be disconnected.
Witness did not disconnect these as he hjd received no instructions to do
so. Before the leads were disconnected a bridge should have been made,
otherwise there was a strong risk of the current passing through the man's
body. In that case no bridge had been made, and from what witness had
seen he believed deceased did not make the bridge, and that the current
])asscd through his body. Forgetfulness was the only reason witness
could suggest for the deceased not having made the bridge.
Louis RouARD, assistant engineer, said deceased was quite competent
to do the work, but he should not have done it until he received instruc-
tions as to what to do. Unless the work was done in the correct way it
imulved considerable danger. In that particular case witness did not
tliiiik the man would have been allowed to do the work himself. An
engineer would have gone to the station to help him.
Mr. J. G. Freeman, sub-station superintendent and mains engmeer
said he received a report from deceased as to the transformer being faulty'
As It was not explicit in an electrical detail, he communicated with
(leccYed on the telephone, and told him he would be round to inspect the
transformer. A few minutes later he called, and at once noticed that
s-mietlimg was wrong. Behind the transformer he found deceased on his
7 1 'i ;\ ''f ■''™'^'' *•>«■ '"^"« i" »" the connections, and on attempt-
nj, to break I he first connection he disconnected the outer circuit and got
a shook. Ihe voltage would probably be 2,500. That was extremely
dangerous, but not necessarily fatal. extremely
After further evidence, a verdict of accidental death was returned.
^i!f.!'"i.;rT'-' I'l'"^'"'' "l^ Eastern Engineer " states that the
SlS'stiC. *'"' ^^'^'^ ''■'^''°" "* *he Governme
K nnalTlf, ^T ''" '^"*°"f'°» "^ *'>« Yokohama Electric Railway to
i\amakuia has been C(mipletpd.
Light Railways.-An inquiry was held at Rhyl, on Saturday
^^^^S^Zl"^ ':^''' Railway & Gen^LmSlS;
lie Fo yd Rh'vl T ^'"^, ''' '^""^'^"''ti°" of a light railway from
I'restatyil ' "^ ""' ^'"'"^''^ ^^"^ *'^^ marine drive to
the inqu^lrthro^p'o'se'rrbe';'!''^^!^^ '.° ^"PP°^^ *« -l^^™^. b"t at
a tramway almi- t'lrfrofi't ^^' '^^^"""^ '^ inadvisable to have
The Chairman (the Hon. A. E. Gathorne-Hardy', said that the Com-
missioners felt a difiiculty in Lssuing the order in the face of the
Council's opposition, but they felt that Mr. Sellon, acting for the pro-
moters, had not been well treated in the matter. The Commissioners
would adjourn the inquiry tor a month.
London County Council.— On Tuesday the Highways committee
reported as follows ;
Having considered the question of inventions by officials of the tram-
ways department, they recommended that, except in special cases to be
determined by the committee, inventions made or improvements effected
by the staff of the department in connection with the L.C.G. tramways
be effectually published so as to secure to the Council the unrestricted
use of the invention or improvement free of payment, and so prevent
any person acquiring patent rights in respect thereof. The committee
added that it was not intended that this arrangement should in any way
rcitrict the libertyof an official who might desire to obtain iiritcotinn of
an invention under the Council's Standing Order 274.
Maidstone. — -The Judges' lodgings arc to be wired.
Marylebone. — The income of the electricity undertaking during
Dscember quarter was £56,591 against £55.646 in the corresponding
quarter of 1007. Expen.ses were £12,777 against £16,529, and the
units sold were 2,980,860, an increase of 147.297.
Mexico.— The " Diario Oficial " for Jan. 16 contains the text of
the contract between the Office of Communications and Public Works
and the Mexican Tramways Co. for the construction of tramways in
the City of Mexico.
Poplar (London). — In order to encourage the use of electricity for
domestic purposes the Council have decided, on the advice of the
borough electrical engineer (Mr. .J. H. Bowden), to expend £375 in
putting in 25 experimental "' domestic" installations,
The Council will extend the service to consumers to the ceiling rose
or wall plug, but will not provirle the fittings. The charges are as
as follows : Lighting, £4 per annum per kilowatt installed and heat-
ing £1 per kilowatt, with an additional charge in each case of \A. per
unit for all current used, plus a charge of 12i per cent, "on the cost of
installation, to cover depreciation, repairs and interest. The charge
per kilowatt for lighting in cellars, lavatories, &c., would be £1 where
a combined supply for heating and lighting is taken.
Presentation. — Aberdeen electricity staff have presented Mr.
Geo. W. Fenton with a kit bag on the occasion of his leaving to be-
come manager of the Aberdeen Ice Co. The presentation was made
by the city electrical engineer, Mr. J. Alex. Bell.
Provisional Orders Revocation. — The Board of Trade have revoked
as from Feb. 13, the Kirby-in-Ashfield Electric Lighting Order, 1904,
and the Saddleworth Electric Lighting Order, 1902.
Radclifle. — The L.G. Board have sanctioned the recent application
of the Council for a loan, for extending the electricity works.
Roumania. — The " Univers " state.s that the Mayor of Bucharest
and the chief of the municipal technical staff are considering a pro-
posal to construct electric tramways in the towTi, and to light the
routes electrically. It is stated that the Mayor is endeavouring to
form a company to work the tramways, and a bill to authorise a
municipal loan for the project is to be presented.
Rugby. — A S2)ecial committee has been appointed to report as to
the advisability of converting the street lighting from gas to elec-
tricity.
Spain. — The Saltos del Segre Co, has been formed at Barce-
lona to utilise waterfalls for generating electric power.
The Electra Encartada has been formed at Valmaseda to supply
electrical energy for lighting and power.
Stepney (London.)— During the year ended 6th inst.. 6,394,497
linits were generated, against 5,331,437 last year.
Telephone Charges. — The Telephone committee of the Associated
Chambers of Commerce have issued their final report, in which they
record the failure of their efforts to arrange a compromise.
Torquay. — The Council have agreed with the local Tram^vay Co.
for an extension of the tramway system. The new lines will be
equipped on the overhead system and Torquay Corporation will
supply energy.
Tynemouth Tube Railway.— The Parliamentary committee of
South Shields Corporation recommend the Council not to support the
project of the syndicate represented by Mr. E. Schenk for the con-
struction of a tube railway between South Shields and Tynemouth.
in view of the refusal of Tynemouth Corporation to join them in
guaranteeing £100,000 for the purposes of the scheme.
West Ham. — A contract has been entered into for the supply of
current to the works of the Anglo-Continental Guano Co., at Silver-
town, for ten years.
Wireless Telegraph Notes.— We have already announced that the
Wireless Telegraph Bill introduced into the House of Representatives
at Washington by Mr. Burke, has passed through that chamber, and
THE ELECTRICIAN. FEBRUARY 26, 1909.
77^
now awaita the decision of the Senate. It is stated tliat this bill
])rovideR for a fine of £(300 or imprisonment for one year, or both, for
violation of its provisions, whicli apply to all ocean-going steamers
carrying 50 or more passengers for a distance of 200 miles or more,
such vessels requiring to be equipped with radio-telegiaphic instru-
ments and to provide a skilled operator to work them.
A " Daily Telegraph," New York correspondent, writes : — " In
regard to the tapping of wireless messages. I counted 21 amateur
receiving stations on a journey of three-quarter.s of an hour on the
Elevated Railway in New York, and it is estimated that there is at
least 200 such stations. The messages are useless to the amateur
wireless operator, who, however, considers it ' good practice and good
fun." "
Mr. Winston Churchill, President of the Board of Trade, has stated
ill Parliament that he will consider the advisability of introducing
letrislaliiiii riM(iiirinf; all Biiti^h-nwned ocean-going steam.ships to
cin-y cflirii-iil wlrclrs^ ti-li'^iM|)li i-ciuipments.
It is nnuiianccd llLut thr .Marconi Wireless Telegraph Co, have
secured a lai'ge extension order from the Brazilian Government. The
company had already received an order for equipping 14 Brazilian
war vessels with Marconi apparatus, and have now secured an order
to equip four land stations in the neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro.
The stations are to afford communication between Rio de Janeiro
and the principal points on the Brazilian coast, as well as to communi-
cate witli ves.sels at sea up to a distance of 3.')0 miles.
The .Marconi Wireless Telegi'aph Co. have also received an order
from the White Star Steamship Co. to equip three further ships in
this service with Marconi apparatus, making in all 14 ships of the
Whita Star Fleet similarly equipped. The Norddeutsche Lloyd Co.
have 17 vessels in their Atlantic fleet fitted with Marconi Wireless
outfits.
Dinners. — The annual dinner of Croydon Tramways Athletic Club
took place last week. Mr. T. B. Goodyer (general manager of the
tramways) presided, and the Mayor, the Chairman of the Ti-amways
committee, and other members and officials of the Corporation were
present.
The annual dinner of the Dundee branch of tlie Electrical Con-
tractors' Association was held on Friday. Mr. K. J. B. Lowdon
presided, and the company numbered about .'j().
In reply to the toast of " The Electricity Indu.stry," ex-Bailie Don,
convener r.f the Electricity committee, spoke in an optimistic fashion
regarding the trade of the city, and, while the Council had not given the
encouragement it might have done to certain industries, those engaged
in electricity supply business were pushing ahead, and incidentally
helping others. Responding to the toast of " Dundee Electricity
Department," Mr. H. Richardson, tlir ( ',,1 |M,i.iii,,n electrical engineer,
snid the boom in electricity was at last li.Lininiiv m the city, and, in spite
of the bad trade during the past yeai I hi- dr. iiicity department had
done e-\tremely well All the contractors needed to do was to ]jush
ahead, and there would be no lack of money to support tlicni in their
efforts to develon the business.
TRADE NOTES AND NOTICES.
TENDERS INVITED.
Tlic Gre.\t Centb.vt. R..\ilw.vy Co. invite tenders for supply,
during 12 months ending April 30, 1910, of stores and materials,
including electric light and telegi-aph material, asbestos packing,
brass castings and sheets, glass, hardware, indiarubber, oil, locks,
lamp fittings, steel, sundry tools, varnish, wire, &c. Samples and
patterns may be seen from March 1 to March 8 in the Public Hall
of the Conservative Club, Gorton-lane, Gorton. Specifications and
forms of tender from the stores superintendent (Mi\ Walter Williams).
Great Central Railway, Gorton. Tenders to the secretary (Mr.
Oliver S. Holt). Marylebone Station. London, N.W., by 10 a.m.
March 9. Further particulars are given in an advertisement.
Ilford Council invite tenders for supply of meters for fixing on the
tramcars for the purpose of registering the current consumed. Ten-
ders and detailed specification of meters (including guarantee with
regard to accuracy. &c.) to be delivered to the deputy clerk to the
Council (Mr. J. Godfrey Gott), Town Hall, Ilford, by March 8,
Further particulars from the Electrical Engineer, Electricity Works,
Ley-street, Ilford. See also an advertisement.
Belfast Tramways and Electricity committee in\ it ; tenders for
12 months" supply of various materials, including cngnc room stores,
packings, oils, rubber goods, wire, asbestos goods, trol.ey wire, over-
head line material, cable and mains materials, mtters, indicators,
and time switches. Forms of tender, &c., from the city electrical
engineer (Mr. T. W. Bloxam), Electricity Works, Ea.st Bridge-street.
Belfast. Tenders, addressed to the Chairman of the committee, to
NOW READY.
"THE ELECTRICIAN" ELECTRICAL TRADES'
DIRECTORY AND HANDBOOK.— The 1909 Edition
of the Big Blue Book, price 15s., or post free in the
United Kingdom, 15s. gd. The new and enlarged volume
brings a great mass of statistical and technical data
quite up to date, and the Directorial Division has been
thoroughly revised and amplilied.
All branches of Electrical Engineering and Industry
are fully treated, and Electro-Financial matters receive
every attention in the new volume, whicli aggregates
more than 2,000 pages. The Directory Division is
complete and thoroughly accurate, and has been com-
pletely revised. All mere lists of members of Societies
and Institutions (so easily and cheaply available) are
excluded, as quite unreliable for Manufacturers' and
Dealers' purposes. The full set of valuable Statistical
and Engineering Tables, &c., have been very carefully
revised and extended, and are now issued in handy book
form. These are included in the 1909 Big Blue Book,
making it the most complete work of the kind ever
published.
the town clerk (Sir Samuel Black) by 10 a.m. March 15. See also an
advertisement.
Tenders are invited for supply of two multiple magneto .switch-
boards for incoming junction lines to the Postmaster-General's
Department, New South Wales. Tender forms and specifications
at the Commonwealth Offices, 72, Victoria-street, London, S,W,
See also an advertisement.
London County Council invite tenders for (a) manufacture and
erection at the Elephant and Castle tramways substation of one 20-
ton overhead hand travelling crane ; (h) manufacture and erection
at the .same place of h. and l.-t. switchgear and modifications to
existing switchgear ; (c) two 1,500 kw. rotary converters, &e.. and
six 575 kw. static single-phase air-cooled transformers, &c. ; and (rf>
for wiring and fitting for electric lighting the Norwood tramway car
shed. Forms of tender from the Clerk of the Council, County Hall,
Spring Gardens, S.W., on payment of £2 (returnable for bona fide
tender) for each specification. Tenders by 11 a.m. Tuesday, .March 9.
Salford Electricity committee invite tenders for sinking a bore-
hole and supply of pumping plant at the Corporation electricity
works, Frederick-road, Pendleton. Specification, &c., from tho
borough electrical engineer, Mr, Victor A. H. M'Cowen, .M.I.E.E.
Tenders (addressed chairman of the Electricity committee) to the
offices of Mr. M'Cowen, by noon March 1.
Edinburgh Corporation want tenders by March 15 for one year's
maintenance of telephones and electric bells at the City Hospital
(forms from City Surveyor), and for one year's supply of material for
interior wiring, tools, ironmongery, engineer.s' stores, tubes, copper.
&e. Forms from the Electrical Engineer.
Battebsea (London) Council want tenders by March 2 for 12
month.s' materials for the electricity department, including carbons.
elect i;ity meters, joint bo.xes, oils, &c. Forms fiom the electrical
engineer.
Brighouse Corporation want tenders by March 2 for supply,
erection, &c., of a balancing set, feeder cables, switchboard, &c.
Specifications from Messrs. Lacey, Sillar ft Leigh, 2, Queen Anne's-
giitN London, S.W.
Ashton-tjnder-Lyke Electricity ccmm ttee invite tenders for a
water-tube boiler, and an induced draught f n. Tenders to Borough
Controller by noon, March 3.
Radcllffe Council require tenders by Jlarch 2 for a 300 kw. steam
dynamo and a 1,000 kw. motor-generator, automatic three-wire
reversible booster, condensing plant, steam and other piping, valves.
&c., and switchboard extension.
Elhaji Guardians want tenders with designs, &c.. for lighting the
workhouse at Lyminge, near Folkestone, Tenders to the clerk, II.
Cheriton-place, Folkestone, by March 11,'
Colchester Tramways committee want tenders by the morning
of March 3 for 12 months' supply of overhead material, car fittings,
&c, ■ Forms frcm the General Manager and Engineer,
Colchester Electricity Supply committee require tenders by
10 a.m. March 15 for 12 months' supply of ironmongery and tools,
castings, &c: Form.s from the Borough Eleclricul KngiiKcr.
780
THE ELECTKICIAN, FEBRUARY 26, 1909.
SPECIAL NOTICE.
NOW READY.— Vol. LXI. of " The Eleotrician " (1,018 pageal,
liouiid in strong cloth. Price 17s. 6d.; po.st free, 18s. 6d. Also ready
Cases for Binding. Price 2s. ; post free, 28. 3d.
A complete set of "The Electrician" (1860-1865-1878-1908) can
1.10 supplied. A number of odd volumes and some odd old back num-
bers, to help in making up complete sets, a^e also now available.
PVlham (London) Council want tenders by 4 p.m. March 3 for
12 months' supply of general and electrical stores (carbons, tools,
packings, oils. &c. ). Forms from the Town Hall.
FuLHAM (London) Guardians want tenders by 10 a.m. March 11
for 12 months' electrical and engineers" requisites, ironmongery, &c.
Forms from the Clerk, 129, Fulhara Palace-road, W.
Cork Rural Council want tenders by noon March 4, for electric (or
otiier) lighting for ten years of, the electoral division of St. Mary's.
Forms from the Clerk.
Wrexham Council want tenders by March 1.? for supply of cables.
Jointing materials, cut-outs, meters, metallic and carbon filament
lamps, carbons, troughing, oils, coal, &c. Forms from the Borough
Electrical Engineer.
Walthamstow Council require tenders by 5 p.m.. March 5. for
coal for the electricity department. Forms from the Electrical and
Tramways Engineer.
ROTHERH.A.M Education committee want tenders by March 19,
for the electric lighting, heating and ventilation of the new secondary
school for girla. Plans from the Town Hall. Rotherham.
TENDERS RECEIVED AND ACCEPTED.
For the supply and erection of a 2,000 kw. steam turbine electric
generator sot Hammersmith (London) Council received the follow-
ing tenders :
Britiah Wcstinghouse Co. ...£0,060
Electric ConHtruction Co. ... 6,400
J. Howden & Co 6,491
Vickors, Sons & Maxim 6.722
.John Musgrave & Co 6,805
Maschinonfabrik Oerliknn . 6.995
Lahmeycr Electrical Co. ... 7.091
WillsmH & Robinson 7.220
Richardsons, VVestgarth & £
Co. (prov. accepted) &1) Aid, 5.613
C. A. Parsons &Co 5,473
Siemens Bros. Dynamo Wks 5,473
Belliss & Morcom 5.616
Brush Co 5,695
Frnscr & Chalmer.< 5,830
British Thomson-Houston . 5,900
General Electric Co 5.930
With the exception of the Bru^h- the British Thomson-Houston,
the British Westinghouse, the Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon and the
Lihmeyer Electrical Co.s and Willans &. Robinson, the firms sub-
mitted several alternative prices, and the lowest in each case has been
inserted in the above list. The Electricity committee reported that,
having regard to the time for delivery (July 31, 1909). and also the
specified maximum output required (2,000 kw. with an overload
oapacity of 20 per cent), they had come to the conclusion that the
machine proposed to be supplied by Richardsons, Westgarth & Co.
for £5,470 was too small for the requirements. The final selection
lay between the tender of Richardsons, Westgarth & Co. (at £5,613)
and the Brush Co. (at £5,695). Tlie average steam consumption
par Uw.-hour of the former machine was 16-27 and of the latter
machine 16-28, and they had decided in favour of Richardsons, West-
garth &. C'o.'s tender.
For a motor-driven exciter the following tenders have been re-
ceived by Hammersmith (London) Council: —
( isneral Eloc. Co. (prov. act.) £218 1 British Westinghouse CV,..
Wectnc Construction Co 240 Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon
C. A. Parsons & Co 2.52 Br.iwn. Boveri & Co..
lintish Thomson-Houston Co. 253 I \-ickcr.<. Sons & Mn,\im
Siemens Bros. Dyn. Works... 310 i Dick. Kerr & Co. ..
-''™* ^"=^ 317 Lahmoyer Electrical Co 'm
For supply and erection of condensing plant for Hammersmith
(London) Council the following tenders were sent in •—
Willans & Robinson (vacuum augmenter) {prov. accepted).. £1 \73
Fraser & Chidmpi-s ;.. ' ' ji-!-
Cole, Maichent & Morlpy (nor B.T.-ii 'c'o') \'t-'^
Brush On i 07
Worthington Pump C;K'(pe;'BT^^^^^ 430
S:m!;f^^;,:';;;;.*^:::.^^:::"•'^•■«■^'■■> ::::::::: 1:'™
Midland Engiupcring Co. ... ' J'tnf
Willims & Robinson (Contraflow)::::::::: '^°^
Miri-loos Watson Co. '•""
British Westinghouse Co. (Lobiane)"::: Ht
C. A. Parsons & Co. ''''^"
Richardsons, Westgarth &co:::::::::: \itl
.1. Mu-sgrave & Sons ::::::::::::::::: -Vou
Ele'^ctrl cf aond''";? ^^1'"^ r'^'^^l^rdoM with the General
w:SwisSr^^:i^.3i::,;^>— ^^^ ^vith .be British
£346
370
397
397
401)
[ Wigan Electricity committee have accepted the following tenders
for annual supplies : —
General Electric Co., Dorman & Smith and EM.F. Mfg. Co., tlectrieal
accessories ; General Electric Co. and Universal Mill Furnishing Co.,
English lamps ; W. T. Glover & Co., pajier and rubber insulated cable,
armature wire, telephone wire, dkc. : British Insulated & Helsby Cables,
nibber insulated, workshop, flexible and cotton and silk covered flexible
cable ; Dick, Kerr & Co., British Insulated & Helsby Cables, British
Thomson-Houston Co., Manchester Armature Repairing Co., P. R.
Jackson & Co., British Westinghouse Co., Imeson Bros., Finch & Co.,
Malleable Steel Castings Co.. J. Baker & Co.. P. Clark & Co., Watlington
& Co.. Fleming, Birkby & Goodall, Hurst. Nelson & Co., Ashton Engi-
neering Co., Gabriel Co., Lion Spring Co., and C. Macintosh & Co., car
accessories, &c. ; British Insulated & Helsby Cables, Watlington & Co.,
and General Electric Co., overhead materials.
The D.P. Battery Co. have received an order from Messrs. Rown-
tree & Co. to instal in their cocoa works at York one of their L.S.H.
type batteries with a capacity of 323,000 watt -hours, also an auto-
matic reversible booster and switchboard to deal with the fluctua-
tions of the load. A special feature of this installation consists of
two inter-connectod stations, 330 yds. apart, one gas and the other
steam driven. The battery will be at the former station, which will
supply a portion of the load at the latter station, but occasionally
the inter-connected cable will be reversed and the steam set will
assist the gas station.
Messrs. Babcook & Wilcox (Ltd.) have obtained the order for the
whole of the electric cranes for the equipment at the Port of Auck-
land (N.Z. ), comprising three portal cranes capable of handling five
tons at 44 ft. 9 in. radius ; one portal crane capable of handling five
tons at 35 ft. radius ; seven semi-portal cranes capable of handling
five tons at 43 ft. 4 in. radius ; and one semi-portal crane capable of
handling three tons at 44 ft. radius. The whole of the structural
work, plant, &c., for the above cranes, other than the motors, will be
manufactured at the Renfrew Works of Mossr.'i. Babcock & Wilcox.
London County Council have accepted the offer of the Charing
Cross, West End & City Electricity Supply Co. to supply electric
energy for lighting the portion of the Victoria Embankment, within
their area, at Id. a unit for four years, and 0-95d. a unit for the
succeeding four years ; the ofl'er of the London Electric Supply C'orpn.
for lighting Westminster Br.'d je and a jiortion of the Victoria Embank-
ment at Id. per unit for seven years.
Marylebone (London) Council have reos^ived tli-:' following tenders
for house servics boxen : Callonder's Cable Co., No. 1 6s. 4d.. No. 2
7s. 3d., No. 3 78., No. 4 73. 9d. each; Johnson & Phillips, fittings for
No. 1 Is. each, twin ditto. lOd. ; British Insulated & Helsby Cables,
twin fittings for No. 2 Is. l^d. ; and Sykes & Sugden, fittings for
Nos. 2 and 3 Is. 9d., No. 4 l.s. lid. each.
Wandsworth (London) Council have accepted the tender of Donni-
son, Sillom & Co. for wiring Putney Library at £95. 15s. The Grus-
venor Electrical Co.'s tender was £125. 18s.. and H. Dakin & Co.'s
£12,5. I9.S.
St. Pancras (London) Council have placed an order with the
British Thomson-Houston Co. for a motor generator for mains tcsl-
ing at £52.
Barking Council have accepted the lender of the Western Eleclric
Co. for feeder cable.
Aldershot Council have accepted the tender of R. Hornsby & Sons
for an 1 1 b.h.p. gas engine and dynamo for the sewage works at £1 ! S.
Buenos AjTes Municipality have accepted the tender of the Cia.
Industrial de Electricidad for the supply of engine, boilers, dfre., for
the Palermo electricity woi-ks at $22,900 (gold).
CommonweaUh Tenders.
The Postmaster-General's Departm-jnt, Hobavt, Tasmitnia, have
accepted the tenders of W. T. Henley's Co. for cable and webbing ;
British Insulated & Helsby Cables for receiver cords, double-polo
bell receivers, lightning arrester.^, sounders, binders and tapers ;
International Electric Co. for one, two and three-way switches ;
Richd. Johnson, Clapham & Morris and Plutte. Scheele & Co. for
wire ; Noyes Bros, for cable and wire ; Lawrence & Hanson for
arresters, trembling bells, switches and ink : H. B. Hungcrford for
switchboards, coin attachments, square condensers, cords, relays,
fuses, jacks and plugs ; Zwicker, Tod & Co. for Morse tape and
jointing sleeves ; O. Haes for bronze wire : and the India Rubber,
Gutta Percha & Telegraph Works Co. for Lodge, vacuum. London,
and Silvertown lightning protectors. Silvertown pole changers,
switches and resistance boxes, British P.O. pattern resistances for
bridge arms, rheostats and Mansbridge roll condensers, relays,
shunt coil resistances, sounders, galvanometers, spare coils, lamps
and scales, flat condensers, detectors, Morse keys and switchboard
cord.
The Postmaster-General's Dapartment, Adelaide, South Australia,
have accepted the tenders of Newton, McLaren (Ltd.) for supply and
i
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 2G, 1909.
78.1
erection of power plant for charging accumulators ; Geo. R. Marks
for stoneware ducts; S.A. Portland Cement Co. for cement ; Forwood,
Down & Co. and Stewart & Harley for manhole covers and frames.
BUSINESS NOTICES.
The head office of Mes.srs. Siemens Bros. Dynanm Works (i,td.)
is now located at Caxton House, Westminster. London. S.W. (Tele-
phone : 860 Gerrard.)
From Jan. 1 last the Cambridge Scientifio Instrument Co. have
taken over the sole rights of sale and manufacture (outside the
American Continent and Germany) of the thermometers, gauges.
&c., of the Hohmann & Maurer Mfg. Co.. of London and Rochest.er
(N.Y., U.S.A.), and the regulators of the H. & M. Automatic Regu-
lator Co., of Rochester. Mr. Coppard, who has represented the
Hohmann & Maurer Co., has entered the service of the Cambridge
Co., and all communications with reference to these goods should lie
sent to the Cambridge Co. at Chesterton-road, Cambridge.
Th° partnership between Arthur How & Lois Francois Humbert
(trading as Humbert & How), electrical engineers, frc, 3 and 4,
Alt-grove, Wimbledon, has been dissolved. Debts by Mr. Humbert.
The partnership between Wm. White, Thos. Hy. Bacon and Chas.
.John Baker, electrical and mechanical engineers, &c., 3, Budge-row,
London, E.C., has been dissolved. Dabts by Messrs. White & Bacon,
who continue as Wm. White & Co. at the same address.
M!S3r.s. John H. Harpin & Co., electric lighting and power en-
gineers, of Birmingham, have opened a branch office at 19, Priory-
street, Dudley. The firm will be gla<:l to receive manufacturers' lists.
" Metalik " Lamps,— Messrs. G. M. Boddy & Co., Liverpool, and
15, CJrays Inn-road, London, W.C, announca that they have reduced
the prices of 100 c.p. " Metalik " lamps (.'js. Od. each for lamps for 66
to 135 volts., and fii. 6d. for 200 to 260 volts), and that they are also
in a po.3ition tT supply 25 to 45 volt 8, 10, 12 and 16 c.p. lamps at
2s. 6d. each.
Plant &e.,for Sale.— Messr.^. G. Elliott & Co., 186-188, Long-lane,
Bermondsey, London, S.E., have for sale two compound Mar.shall
steam engines coupled to two Crompton dynamos, and also three
dynamos. Farther particulars are given in advertisements.
A storage battery of 40 cells is advertised for sale by Mr. Geo.
Burden, Yacht " Lvinder." Luka's Yard, Hanible, near Southamp-
ton.
Patents Development. —The proprietors of th? following patents are
desirous of entering into arrangements by way of licence or otherwise
for the purpose of exjiloiting same, and ensuring their development
and practical working in this country : —
No. 28,.503/190r., for " Improved Method of Cautrolling Dynamo
I'Jlectric Machine.^ and Apparatus therefor." Ni>. 1. '5,045/196;'), fur
" Improvements in Electric Train Control Systems." Nd. :i.H!)fl/190ti,
for " Improvements relating to Incandescent Elec^tric Lani]).-;." .Appli-
cations to Messrs. Haseltinc, Lake&Co..7 and R.Soiitliamptnu-biiildings,
Chancery-lane, London, W.C.
British p,atent No. 11,3,53/1905 for " A Process for Regenerating Elec-
tric Accumulators." Particulars from Messrs. Marks & Clerk, 18,
.Southampton-buildings, Chancery- l.ane, London, W.C.
Patent No. 21,008/1003 for '•Improvements in Mounting a number ( f
Electrical Fittlugi or Instruments upon a Common Base or Panel.
P.irticulii!-! from Mr. C. L'^an, 231, Strand, London, W.C.
Calendar. — From the Campbell Gas Engine Co., of Halifax, we have
received a u.seful hanging calendar, with daily tear-off slii)s. The
calendar- covers 12 months from March 1.
CATALOGUES. &c.
'' Drn.v " Cells. — Messrs. Siemens Bros. & Co. .send us a leaflet
dealing with the " Dura " cell, whose special featui-e lies in the fact
that when issued the exciting agent is in an absolutely dry and inac-
tive condition. No action will, in fact, take place until plain water
has b^en added to the cells. After this is done the cell can be used
for any work for which a dry cell of the ordinary type is suited.
Electro Medical Appar.\tus. — ^Messrs. Harry W. Cox & Co. have
just issued a catalogue giving a very complete account of X-ray work
generally. It is illustrated by some excellent sciagraphs shov. ing the
results which may be obtained from the apparatus. The catalogue
can b3 recommended to those interested in electro-therapeutical
work.
Portable Electric Lifting Block.— The Con.solida-ed Pneu-
matic Tool Co., cf Westminster, have ready a circular c'ca'ing with
their portable electric lifting block. This block is really a cr.ane in
miniature, and can Iw applied imder a number of widely different
conditions. It costs very little to operate, and its first cost is also
I low. It can be suppli.vl in capacities varying fr.mi 21 ewt. to 1 ton.
Oil Econo.viisers. — In these days, when it is necessary to cut
down expenses on every side, every means of doing this will be wel-
comed. We can, therefore, recommend Messrs. .Toseph Kaye &
Son.s' latest j^rice list to our readers, for it contains details of their
patent oil economisers. .Another .subject which is dealt with in this
catalogue is the patent '" serrated" oil can, which by this time is of
wide world reputation.
" Geekoduct." — From the General Electric Co., 71. Queen
Victoria-street. London, E.C., we have received an abridged cata-
logue of " Geekoduct " conduit and acces.sories. I'rices and par-
ticulars are given of conduit.s, sleeves, bends, junction boxes, switches
and plugs, wood-blocks, tools. &c. Full details are given in section C
of the Company's 1908 list, but the abridged catalogue contains
sufficient information for ordinary purposes.
Electricity Supply Literature.- — The Armorducl Mfg. Co. are
issuing to their customers a useful pamphlet pointing out the advan-
tages of the " Gral " lamp for electric lighting. The company will
supply any bona fide contractor with a supply of these pamjihlets
with his name and address printed thereon.
BANKRUPTCIES. LIQUIDATIONS, &c.
The discharge of Chas. H. M. A. \'eie, electrical engineer. 5. Park-
parade, North Finchley, has been suspended for thre<! yeai-s.
The trustee (Mr. G. W. Chapman, Bankruptcy-buildings, London.
W.C.) in the bankruptcy of Ernest N. Owen, electrical engineer,!,
Grove Cottage. Hampstead, London, N.W., has been released.
The trustee (Mr. John Bowling, 24, Bond-street, Leeds) in the
bankruptcy of Ernest A. Gresham. electrical engineer. 6, Harehills-
avenue, Leeds, has been released.
A fourth and final dividend (7d.) will l)e payable on March 5 by
Mr. J. W. Close, North British Mercantile-buildings, Leeds, in the
liquidation of McPhail & Simpson's Dry Steam Patents Co. (Ltd.)
Claims against the British Eastern Electric Power Co. Ltd. (in
liquidation), by April 17, to Mr. T. F. Stevens. 57J, Old Broad-street,
London, E.C.
PATENT RECORD.
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS.
Note. — The umle^ineiitione/l Applications{except those. marie<Z t > art not
open to public inspection until after acceptance oj Complete Specification,^
Those marhed t are open jor inspection 12 months ajter the date attached
to them, if they have not been published previously in the ordinary course,
yames within parentheses are those of communicators of iuveiUions. When
complete Specification accompanies application, an asterisk is affixed.
October 5, 1908.
20,930 Fenkei.l & Pebev. Lampholdcr.s.
20,933 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. C\)., U.S.) Alternating current motora of
the comnuitalor tv|)e. (Date ap]ilie(l for, 2S/3/0.S. Com-
lu-i.sed in No. fi,95i). 28/3/08.)*
20,9(J4 O'Brien. Aeeumulaturs.
20,91)8 Sinclair & Aitken. Telci)houe systems.
20.91)9 Lang. Control of electric mnti)rs.*
20,971) Fairweather. (.Aktielx>laget L. M. Ericsson & Co., Sweden.)
Electric clocks and similar apjjaratus.*
21.004 Haddan. (Nya Aekumulator .Aktiebolaget .Jinigner, Sweden.)
Electrodes for accumulators.*
October 0, 1903.
21,021 HoioHTON. .Allmav & (Jray, Electrical power transmission
system.
21,075 Ki.NflSBiRy. (Westerii Electric Co., U.S.) Switching appar-
atus for interconnecting the lines of a telephone exchange
svstem. (Date applied for, 3/1/08. Comprised in No. 197,
3/1/08.)
21,084 Horc.HTON & Whitley. Points or switches for railways and
tramways.
21,089 MoRDEV. Switches.
October 7. 1908.
21.152 Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works & Koettoen. Electrical pro-
pidsion of ships.*
21 .103 ScHERBiis. Regulation of dynamo electric induction machinery.*
21.195 RiTHARDT & Co. Rotary current breakers. (Date applied for,
I0/10/07.)*t
21,202 Perry. .Safety a))plianccs for electric trams, ic.
October 8, 1908.
21,208 Hitch. Conductors or cables.
21,213 Lea. Electricity distributing bo.ards or boxes.
21,243 Lrxz. Electro-plating.*
21.263 Fessexden. Electric transmission of encrg}-. (Date api^lied
for, 31/10/07.)*t
October 9, 1908.
21,311 Marshall, Flemixc & Anderson. Electric crane?.
21.332 Dormax, Smith & Baocs. Holders for incandescent lamps.*
21.301) Mikphy. Electricity rectifiers.*
21.38.1 Siemens it Halske .A. G. Vacuous incandescent lamps having
metallic filaments. (D.ate applied'for, 2/11/07. )*-f
782
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 26, 1909.
COMPANIES' MEETINGS AND REPORTS.
National Telephone Co. (Ltd.)
Till' finty-tliird ordinary general meeting of the eompany was lield
yesterday. Mr. George Fr.4NKi,in in the cliair.
Tlie SEf'RETARY (Mr. Albert Ann.s) read the notice eaJling the meet-
ing and the auditors' report.
The PRESIDENT said : It is customary first to call attention to the
figures, and on the occasion of the fii-st meeting in the year we have the
double advantage of not merely considering the accounts of the half-year,
and those in iclation to previous half-years, but we have also the accounts
for the complete year, and so as we are able to compare them year by year
over a period of 15 years. Looking first at the residts for the half-year
ended Dec. 31 last we find the income accrued in respect of the business
of that period has increased from £1.387,189 to £1,498.431, an advance of
£111,242. Then come the Post Ofiice royalties, and these and the work-
ing expenses together absorb about £100,000. or £89.840 of this in-
creased revenue. The net result for the half-year, £495,638, shows an
increase of £21,402. It is this net result with which we have to deal, and
we propose to deal with it in this way — debenture and other interest
require £7.93() more, preference and other dividends absorb £4.300 more,
and we transfer to reserve fund £10,000 more, which practically accounts
fiu' the whole £21.402. If we glatice at the result of the complete year
we find that the total income acci-ued in respect of the business of the
year was £2,9.51,000. compared with £2.702,228 in the previous |year.
giving an increase of £248,772. If from this we deduct increase.? inJPost
Office royalties £25,838 and in working expenses £157.442, we ai-e left
with an increase in the net divisible balance of £65.492, and that has been
dis])osed of by debenture and other interest £15,454, ])reference and other
dividends £30,733, and the reserve increase of £20,000, which practically
absorb the entire sum. Those shareholders who look at the results of
the year or half-year more closely will notice that the rate of increase of
the past year-, satisfactory as it may be in itself, is not as great as between
other preceding periods. This indicates that the rate of progress lia* been
checked, partly by circumstances such as the great fall in trade, which
has a serious effect on the telephone business, partly by the cotton ftrike
in Lancashii'e, and to some extent by the necessary restriction of capital
expenditure owing to the approaching termination of the license. Trade
conditions have considerable influence upon the company's accounts, as
is shown by the fact that in 1906 there were 21,181 subscribers went off
the system, in 1907 25,115, and in 1908 28,281. When it is remembered
that the last thing a business man can afford to do without is his tele-
phone, and the worse his trade is the more necessary is his telephone
to him, the shareholders will realise how badly the fall in trade has been
felt. After allowing for all cessations there has been added to the system,
during the past half-year, 12.030. and during the j as' v.n 2S, 791 stations.
We have now a total of 475,899 stations, of wlii. h l'1."i.7iis ;,,.• upon the
message or measured rate. With regard to LoikIm,,. «1h iv w have Post
Oflfir.i ,1111)11 fitinn, we have 103.287 exchange stations, and the Post Office
li.iv( :.!', (2J -I, lions of the same character. During the past year the
(■oiiiii.ni\ li,Ls .nldod to its London system 10,235 stations, and the Post
(Jthce liave added to their system 6,067. These figures indicate a
healthy improvement in both systems, and show that the company's
system is growing somewhat faster than that of its powerful rival. Resum-
ing our study of the accounts and turning to the revenue, th(! first item of
rents, rates and insurances, £111,048, show an increase of £7,279, largely
due to increase in local rates over which we have, as a company.' neither
voice vote nor control. Whilst upon this question of rates, I may say
that I notice various attempts on behalf of local authorities to increase
the company's assessments in various districts, and to adopt as a basis
the revenue cnin.rl ^iithin the area, in which the calls originate, unmind-
ful of the fan tli.it I, I, |ili,,ne conversations require two persons, like other
conversatiMM , .,M. h , nh end of the wire, and that the communicating
wires may p.i..,,- UhuumI, the areas of any number of local authorities. It
will be, therefore, clear that the universal adoption of this principle
would require the company to be assessed in many cases more than once
upon the same income. I need hardly say that the board will resist the
imposition of any such unfair method. The next two items— administra-
tion and management and renewals— should be taken together as there
has been some re-arrangement by which the depreciation allowances
formerly included in the second item, now more properly aiipear in the
third-namely maintenance and renewal of lines, and iiistiuments and
t^'""!]'"" ■■'"""'ances. The total of these items a year a.o was
£■!; ion IS T l'"" "".^''.t''«.V.»'"0"nt to £687,661, an increase of nearly
I- l.mo, |,„.,.|v ,.„nsisting of the expenses due to the normal growth of
th, hi,s„,c-s. ,.,ud an interesting item is £15,000, being the increase in
,es. inis niav be due to somn ovfont t^ „„ ; j
operators- wag(vs. This may be due to some extent to'an iiicre''a's'ernTim-'
ber of operators, as we I as to the sliding scale with regard to the'r waTs
rSe onthe in™m:'''T"^ '"" '--^^ " ^''^^^ '""'-^-V *» i™ Th^
t le figuies for P , ;,f ^"''T""' T^'JJ^' ^"^ ^ '" '^' ''^PO't. we find
iiic nguies toi the half year focussed. Thp l«l»„.<. t L^^ .
scnts us in the December half.y
on the right, r.ithe
ber that the bala
-year with some balance which is always
■ than the wrong side. The shareholdei-s will remem-
figures for five month'; oidv.rnd'th^"-™-'''''? ^""^ =*' ^'-""^^ "^ ''^^"'•^'''
order that we may hold our
,-, .,„,, .,.,, „,.,^. „, , , ' month of June has to be estimated in
estimate for Jmie . ""VT! '"« '" ''"'y' '""'• '^ is in these careful
..sua , iWdend t 6 oer 7L^ *'"' "'"''''' "^ ^^•*27- We propose the
suaus, ,H. cent. „„.. ,,„„,„„ „„ ,^,p j,^.^,^, ,^.fpj.p„^^, ,,,,„,^, p,. ,
per cent. ]»
cent, per annum on the preferred stock, and 6 per cent, jier annum i.in the
deferred stock. Then we come to our reserve item of i:i."i.'i ono, wliiih
makes a total sum transferred for the year under that he.nl nf fi'ii.^.onil.
The board are glad to continue these large appropriation^ to reserve,
which help to .strengthen the company'.s position in view of the early
termination of the license, and the large expenditure upon capital account
from time to time required. With the purchase of the company's jilant
looming in the near future, and this upon a basis not of capital expenditure
but of what are called plant values, which is supposed to mean cost price
less depreciation, it will be no surprise to the shareholders that the board
have, at various times, had seriously to review the company's position in
relation to its capital expenditure. It is a peculiarity with expenditure
on telephone plant, that you lay down plant in advance of requirements —
that is, you not only make provision for the needs of the moment, but you
provide spare capacity in the form of pole routes, underground ducts,
cables and switchboard apparatus available for the future, but as the
company's lieen.se is terminating, and as its plant is only t" Le |,iir;li,isofl
at its value on the date of transfer, it will be evident to the li h. linMcis
that the time must come when the company can only provide ^nrli plant
as will bring revenue during the period of the license, and that to con-
tinue the provision of plant and apparatus for the future beyond 1911.
must involve the company in a large outlay of capital with heavy eharge>
for interest, depreciation and maintenance, against which the company
would earn no revenue, and would upon the termination of its license be
paid a ])ossibly depreciated value. The provision of plant for the future
of necessity, involves the displacement of much existing plant, not because
such ])lant is obsolete or woial out — indeed it miy only recently have
been installed — but simply that the provision for the longer period and
the v.'ider outlook makes it necessary to rejjlace with other plant, and yet
the existing plant, if left alone, will pass over to the Postniaster-(!L>ncral.
and be paid for at the end of the license. In view of this pisitiou tic
board has felt coni|)elled to cease to provide plant and aiiji lutn- t"\ I lie
year 1912, and subsequent years, and will endeavour as in a.- p -^ilile
to make the whole of our existing plant revenue earning within the period
of the license. The shareholders will rememb2r that Lord Wolver-
hampton, better known to us as Sir Henry Fowler, with that great
prescience which he has generally shown upon business matters, and al-
ways upon business matters concerning this company, foreshadowed
this policy three years ago. The board have come to the decision with
reluctance, because we recognise that such decision, necessary in the
interests of the company, will have a serious effect upon the telephone
service after 1911. and must involve considerable hardship to the com-
pany's construction staff.
In the interests alike of the efficiency of the service after 1911 and of
the staff, the company have offered to the Postmaster-General to con-
sider favourably any proposals for the provision of plant for 1912 and
subsequent years, which may ensure the company against -any loss in
providing for the Post Office requirements, and negotiations upon this
basis are still a matter of discussion between the company and the Post-
master-General, but up' to the present time, I am sorry to say, the diffi-
culties in the way of the Postmaster-General and the company have not
been overcome. Turning to capital account No. 1, we have amounts
expended on exchange and private stations. £361.079, as compared with,
in the June, 1908, half-year, £496,583, and in the December. 1907, half,
year, £545,752. This diminished outlay is attributable to the state of
trade, to which I have referred earlier, as well as to the restriction of the
company's capital expenditure to coincide with the licence period as to
which it may be gathered that the company's policy is to continue as far
as possible to develop up to the end of the licence those districts where it
is now at work, but it does not seek to develop new districts. After
dealing with other items in the accounts, the C'hairman continued : I
believe our business to-day is in a more satisfactory and sounder position
than it has ever been in in its history and that it is as well managed by
the executive officers, if not better, than ever before. Whoever is suffer-
ing by reason of the expenditure and by reason of anythmg which the
company are doing it is certainly not the public. I believe the telephone
service to-day, despite all that may be said of it by our critics, is bettci'
than it has ever been. We had remarkable testimony as to the efficiency
of our system very recently. We have had in England Mr. T. N. Vail.
President of the American Telephone & Telegraph Co., the largest tele-
phone undertaking in the world. He is reported as saying, " Your
service since I was here last has vastly improved. I am greatly im-
pressed by it. It is undoubtedly more efficient and in better physical
conditions than any of the Continental systems." This .is striking testi-
mony from an expn t of the highest order as to the company's success in
giving the must eltieient service possible. I believe that the company's
efforts in the direction of its service and so forth are increasingly popular
with the public, and I believe that no inconsiderable portion of the public
will be glad to see the company carrying on the business in future and
may even possibly look forward with some trepidation as to what is to
happen to the telephone service in 1912 and subsequent years. At all
events the board feel it to be their policy to do what they can for the
public as well as the shareholders and when, as we do, .ve come to you
half-year by half-year, to make frank statements of the way in which
the business is carried on it is with the greatest possible pleasure that we
feel on every occasion that we have had the heartiest approval of the
shareholders, and I do not doubt that to-day a similar meed of approba-
tion will be accorded us. He concluded by moving the adoption of the
report and the dividends therein recommended.
The VK'E-PRE^IDENT (Mr. S. H. .Sands) seconded the resolution,
which was carrietl unanimously without discussion. A vote of thanks,,
proposed by Mr. Lea-Smith, having been passed to th? Chairman and
the other directors and to the staff, the proceedings terminated.
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 26, 1909,
783
Charing Cross, West End & City Electricity Sapply Co
(Ltd.)
The anmial ordinary general meeting was held nn Feb. 18, .\li, W. F.
Fi.ADGATE in the chair.
The SECRETARV (Mr. Edward Wilmot Seale) re.id the nutice con-
vening the meeting.
The CHAIR.M.AN .said : As regards the busine.s3 which the company
has done during the past year. I think that we may say that onr progress
has been very siti.sfactory. In our accounts for this year there is one un-
satisfactory item — the item of coal. The mean price which we paid for
coal in 1907 wav U-Sfe. per ton, and the price in 1903 was 12-5s. per ton. a
difference of lOJ per cent. That, with our large consumption, naturally
means a very large increase. Turning to the accounts, you will see that
we have a total gross revenue from the(I>.s< End Undcrtiikiivjs of £139,25."?,
against £131,920 in the previous year, or a gross increase of £7,333. but
that satisfactory gross increase is unfortunately periodically wip?d away
by reason of the increased expenditure. The expenditure, including
depreciation on the West End Undertakings for the year 1908, amounted
to £87,000 odd, as against £80,000 for the previous year. The net earn-
ing.s, therefore, are for all practical purposes the same this year as they
«cre last year, viz, £51,467, against £51,806 in 1907. Now, gentlem?n,
we come back to the question of the cost of coal. The extra cost of coal
and the extra cost of energy which we have bought in bulk supply from
the City Undertaking — the price of current, of cour.se, going up with the
price of coal — amount.s to £8,240, You see that in round figures the cxti-a
cost of coal really accounts for the difference in the net earnings. The
actual result of the working of theWest End Undertakings is a net revenue
for the year 1908 of £51,467, against £51,806 in 1907, and bringing in
the balance of £4,023. 9s. 2d. from 1907 and £5,502 for interest accrued in
1908, after paying interest on the debenture stock, there is a balance on
net revenue account of £43,163. 18s.. after deducting £11,000 for deprecia-
tion. Out of thLs have been paid the dividend for the year on the pre-
ference share.s, amounting to £18,000, and an interim dividend for the first
half-year at the rate of 5 per cent, per annum on the ordinary shares,
amounting to £10,000, thus leaving a balance to be dealt with of
£15,163, 18s, 8d. The directors recommend that a final dividend be paid
on the ordinary shares for the second half-year at the rate of £5 per cent.
per annum, making £5 per cent, for the whole year, absorbing £10,000,
and that there be carried forward £5,163. ISs. 8d., as against £4,023 carried
forward last year.
Now, as regards the City Undertaking the gross revenue in 1903 was
some £12,000 odd in excess of 1907. Here also has been an increase under
the head of coal and the extra cost of bulk supply, which together have
amounted to £9.779, and owing to the increase in the expenditure it has
practically brought the net earnings down to £54,450, against £54,795 in
1907, After bringing in the balance of £2,256, 2s. 3d. from 1907, and pay-
ing interest on the debenture bonds, debenture stock and temporary
loans, there is a balance on net revenue account of £23,1 10. Is. 4d., out of
which has been paid the dividend on the preference shares amounting to
£18,000, leaving to carry forward £5,110. Is. 4d., against £2.256 a year
ago.
Now as to the expansion of the business of the Company generally, and
dealing with the question of lamps, the connections in the West End made
during the past year amounted to 40,528 lamps, against 28,375 for the
preceding year. The total connections in all amount to 579,492 lamps, of
which there are for lighting 412,000 lamps, for heating 13,317, and
for motive power 153,275, equal to 6,131 H.p. This is for the West
End of London, We have made arrangements with the London County
Council under which we are supplying them with a bulk supply for the
lightmg of the Victoria Embankment. Progress in the City has again
been quite satisfactory. There is an increase of 40,026 lamps over last
year's figures, which brings up the total to 494,783. Of this no less than
160,525, the equivalent of 6,781 H.p., is motive power. We have also
arranged to give a bulk supply to the Smithfield Markets Electric Lighting
Co.
Turning now to the accounts, there is no change in the statement of the
share capital of the West End Undertakings, As regards cajiital account
of the West End Undertakings we have spent £4,111 for mare land and
buUdings, and £1,830 on machinery for bulk supply and upon extensions
upon plant and buildings at our Short's Gardens sub-station, which, when
it is completed, will have a capacity of 2,520 kilowatts. And we have
expended £1,987 on new meters and £4,274 on mains. The only other
large item on eajiital account is £3,038. 12s. 9d. for Parliamentary
expenses of the past year, being our proportionate part of £5.601, our
share of the expenditure in connection with opposing the District Supply
Co.'s Bill and obtaining an Act for the Electric Lighting Companies of
London. We are advised by our auditors that the expenses which are in-
curred in obtaining the Act are proper expenses to put to capital account.
With regard to revenue account, there is little else to trouble you with.
The figures are very nearly the same as last year. The depreciation fund
account has increased by the addition of £1 1,000, and is decreased by £91 1,
which we have written off from the mains account. In summarising these
accounts, I would point out that our reserves altogether amount to
£225,000,whieh is a very useful amount, I think, to fall back upon. There
is little to be said on the balance-sheet, as it is practically the same as last
year. We still hold the whole of our shares in the Suppliers Construc-
tion Co., that being the company holding the ordinary shares of the City
Undertaking, and the advances to the City Undertaking are £16.000 less
than they were last year, but on this interest is paid to the West End
Undertakings. There is in these accounts a large sum due from debtors
for current of £35.000. Of this nearly £21.000 has since been paid.
Turning to the City Undertaking the statement of share capital is the
same as last year. In regard to the capital account of the City Undertak-
ing, our expenditure for tlie past year lias boen £25,0na. .if which the
greater part, £16,000, is for machinery. This expenditure on machinery
has been principally incurred in connection with the new machinery at our
sub-stations. The other items of importance are £3,301 for mains, £2,563
expenses of opposing the District Cjmpmy's Bill and promoting the
London Electric Lighting Comp.^nies■ Bill last year. These two
items are heavy, but the benefit to the company is far greater than
this expenditure. Interest is heavy this year, because it was im-
possible for us to exactly arrange for our new loan to take the place of all
the debentures, and, therefore, in resp3:;t of a considerable sum of money
we were for some time paying interest on two issues, and only getting such
interest as we could from our bankers, with whom we made the best
arrangements possible. As to the future of our own company, which is
naturally the main thing which interests you, and secondly the future of
the whole electrical industry of London, which has been passing through
times which cannot bs characterised as otherwise than stormy. As to our
own company, I have every confidence as to the future. It is my strongest
belief that matters are going to improve, and this notwithstanding the
modern invention of metallic filament lampi and oth?r monstrosities of
that kind. When we last met one of our shareholders, v.'ho5e opinion we
always receive with very great respect and whom I am sorry not to see
here to-day, suggested that, as we are generating so much smaller amount
of electrical power at our station at Lambeth, we might pi-ofitably give
up that station. We have given that matter careful consideration, and
have decided not to renew th'; lease of the Lambeth statio.i. I think we
shall make a considerable saving on revenue account, and an appreciable
part of the plant at the Lambeth station can be utilised at Bow and at our
sub-stations. As to the electrical industry generally, for years past
certain gentlemen have been endeavouring to persuade Parliament to
approve a '" great electricity supply scheme for London." Well, those
gentlemen last year met their " Waterloo. " The defeat has been a
crushing one, and I feel that we can congratulate the whole of the electric
companies' shareholders upon the way in which the Parliamentary cam-
paign has come to an end. I have already mentioned that during the past
year we obtained an Act of Parliament, and, by the advice of our auditors,
we have placed to capital account £5,600, our proportion of the costs
involved in that matter. The total sum contributed by the eight other com-
panies, who all bore their proportion, was £23.000 costs incurred by the
London Joint Committee (Ltd.), which was formed in the autumn of 1907
for promoting and obtaining the bill and for opposing the" bulk '' bill
which was introduced into Parliament in 1908. It will be remembered that
in 1905 Mr. Merz introduced the Administrative County of London Bill,
and this bill was very nearly successful. At the time Mr. Merz introduced
his bill he did bring before Parliament a picture which was very surprising
to many of us, and which we could not, of course, believe, but neither
could we at that time disprove it. In the same year (1905) we ourselves
introduced a bill which was really much the same as that of the bill which
was successfully passed last year. In 1906 other bills were introduced,
and in that year a Special Committee was appointed to deal with the who e
of the electrical bills and to look into the questions at issue. The Com-
mittee made a special report, the result being that some of the bills were
dropped. This brought us to 1903, and if the Parliamentary fight had
been hard before it became harder still. Mr. Parshall introduced a bill.
and if that bill had become law it would have given ilr. Parshall and his
company very great power indeed for competing with the existing under-
takers. Well, gentlemen, the final result was that Mr. Par.shall's bill was
rejected and our own bill — that is to say, the bill which was promoted by
ourselves and the other electric lighting companies — was passed, and I
think, gentlemen, that you will agree with me that in that bill we have
a valuable asset. The contest is now over, and I do not think that it is
likely to be renewed. Before I conclude X wish, as usual, to say a few
words in regard to the excellent working of the business of the company
by the staff, and of the untiring way in which they perform their duties.
I desire to speak most heartily of your secretary and manager, Mr. Edward
Wilmot Seale, and of your cngineer-in-chief. Mr. H. W. Kingston, for all
that they have done in the past year, and we, as your directors, shall.
I trust, always do the best for your welfare. I now move the adoption
of the report and accounts.
The motion was carried unanimously, as were resolutions declaring the
dividends recommended by the directors and re-electing the dii-ectors
and auditors.
A cordial vote of thanks to the chairman and directors, and to the
manager, secretary and staff, brought the proceedings to a close.
Westminster Electric Supply Corpn. (Ltd.)
The ordinary general meeting was held on Wednesday, the Kt. Hon.
Lord SrrFiEi.D, G.C.V.O.. K.C.B., presiding.
The SECRET.ARY (Mr. Frank lago) read the notice convening the
meeting and the auditors' report.
The CHAIRMAN : You will have seen from the accounts that we havo
had another satisfactory year and that our business continues to grow.
The Directors recommend the same dividend as last year, 10 per cent.,
and advise you to carry forward a larger balance out of the profits enmcd.
Last year it was pointed out to you that it had been our policy in the
past to carry f irward a larger balance when about to reduce the price of
electricity. The introduction of the metal filament lamps was also
referred to as having the sam; effect as a reduction in price, and we.
therefore, looking forward to the possible effect of their more general
use, recommend that this year we should carry forward the inci'cased
profit The manufacture of these new lamps has improved during the
year, and a considerable number are now in use on our circuit, but there
is room for further improvement, and as they are still somewhat expen-
sive, it is by no means economical to use them everywhere. We may,
784
THE ELECTRICIAN. FEBRPARY 20, 1909.
liowcver cxpeit ti voiWuWiMc extension of tlifir use in the near tiitnre,
iind wo weicomo tlieni as giving us increased power of competition witlv
■ras The larger profit this year is due mainly to the economical working
of 'the station of the Central ftompany at Grove-road, of which company
we are as vou know, joint owners witli the St. James & Pall Jlall t o.
We obtained the Act to establish the C'entral Company 10 years ago, and
perhaps it may be of interest to compare our position now with it wliat
was then. In 1898 our Company had 4..')50 consumers and sold o million
units at an average price of 5Jd. a unit, while our costs, mclmdng dis-
tribution, maintenance and depreciation, rates, taxes and insurance,
were 31d. a unit. In lfl08 we had 8,f)()0 consumers, we sold 181 '"'''"'"
units, our average price being SJd. a unit and our costs 2Jd. a unit Ihus
la the 10 years we have nearly doubled our consumers and arc now selling
between three and four times as many units as we were then, while we
h'vvc reduced our price and our costs per unit by roughly one-third in
c.ich case. In the same period our a'loumiilated funds have been in-
creased from £05,000 invented in the business to £2--!8,0:iil invcstoil
entirely outside. The effect of investing these fnnds in first-class se;Mi-
rities outside our business, as pointed out to you last year, is immensely
1 1 strengthen our financial position although they naturally earn a lower
rate of interest than if they were in business. The very heavy rates paid
by the London Electric supply companies is often overlooked. Every
now and then there is a flourish of trumpets because on some rare occa-
.sion some undertaking owned by a municipality has made a small con-
U-ibution in aid of the rates. But we seldom hear of the far larger con-
tributions from the rates which have to be levied to meet the recurring
deficits of other municipal undertakings, nor do we hear of the prices
which these municipalities charge themselves for the current they use.
In 1898, we paid m rates £.3,517, or 5 per cent, of our total expenditure,
and though we are only making half the profit per unit we were making
10 years ago we are actually jiaying 50 per cent, more per unit in rates.
It the rates in 1908 had l)Minr lli.- s.nii.- proportion to the profits as they
did in 1898 (which is not an nni, i-on ,lile way to look at the matter) Wf
.should have paid £10,000 Ic^s l;ist \.:ir, and as our rates per unit \yould
even then have been higher than those paid by the average municipal
undertakings in London we may fairly claim that we are now making a
contribution of at least £10,000 a year to the rates. We have some small
consolation in knowing that the rates have lately slightly decreased ;
had it not been for this we should have paid £1,300 more last year.
There is another myth I should like (i expose. Wo have been accused
on more than one occasion nf |i.iyiiiL; cnnrnnais dividends, the inference
being that we have been cxpl-nliii'^ nm i i.nsnniers for our own benefit.
This charge is utterly unfouiidcil, ti.i (lie iiitcTcst we have paid on capital
since we commenced working averages only (>l per cent. The holders of
ordinary sh.ares have received more because it is they who take the risk.
but a large proportion of our capital has been raised at rates of only 3i
or 4J per cent. No one can say that OJ per cent, is an excessive rate of
i nterest, having regard to the nature of the business, while the fact that
our average price has been reduced nearly 2d. a unit in the last 10 years
and that we are now supplying current for power at Id. a unit (which is
about the lowest price it can be obtained for anywhere in the world),
should be sufficient evidence that we fully recognise our public obliga-
tions. You will have seen from the report that the Bill we promoted
last year has been passed, and Wc hope and believe that we have now
seen the last of these attempts at unfair competition which we have had
to spend over £12,000 m fighting against during the last four years.
Our opponents could only have been successful by seriously injuring our
busine.5s, while we are convinced that our consumers would not have
benefited by their proposals in the slightest degree. In fact, the most
3a.nguino estimates of the promoters of the last Bill showed a reduction
of only half a farthing a unit six years hence. The result of the prolonged
fighting has been that the various undertakings in London are now at
last allowed to associate and work together. We are satisfied that this
solution is the right one and only regret that the four years' delay should
have made it more difficult to carry out. The Government are intro-
ducing a Bill this year to make our Company, and those who with us
ludinotcd our Act of last year, purchasable in 1931 by the London County
Council instead of by the Council of the City of Westminster. A similar
alteration was made in the purchasing authority in the case of the other
companies last year. The only other matter I have to touch upon is the
question of our Millbank-street station. I had hoped to have been able
t.. give you s,ime information as to the result of the arbitration but
.allhough the evidence has been taken as to the sum which the London
!,',''"!„^. .!""Ki''":!:.'," •''■'; ''"■' '■^■'■'-'•■'ti'V« us on the new site, the award
!■ till- adoption of the report and
I nn
has not vet been mad
vcro\ints"tor 190K.
li!':;.hn'w'!'"' '-•!L-l-N01Ss,.,.„udcd the motion, which, after brief
Use ussion, was carried uiianinimisly.
Itosoluticms approving the divitlVnd and le-cl
tors were 1 lien appn.vcd, and the proceed
ilgs tf
cting the retiring Direc-
rniiuafcd.
Buenos Ayres Grand Natioaal Tramways Co. (Ltd )
we^!r'helfo"n wZliT""" '"V' ""J'"''''^ -shareholders of this company
Cm.KTEv.v ^"'^"'^^''^y- "■«'<-■'■ ""• !"'05iclency of Sir John Irving
.hJl;;',^''''^'''' ""■■ "■"''""" ''''"'"'''' ■■""' ""■ -"- ™™'^
si.wt^n to^il^^ ttrrf 0, ^n*''""'^' "'^Pr-P^'-l f-' your coa-
and undertak J„T. ^ ''""''^ I''"""' *° *he sale of the property
(I^td.) n con i™ ion TXT '" "'" A"g'°-Argentine Tramways Co^
li^'''il'lies -nTc' •:,'"' ,'\^„^,;;'^r'--' "'"'"■'■^'^*"!.' *'- whole 'of our
r. Nm^ US lh.i,4(lf, of Its o per c,.,it. cumulative third pre-
ference .shares of £5 each for distribution amongst our own shareholders
in the proportion of 1 third preference share for each of our own pre-
ference shares and 7 of such third preference shares for each 10 of our
ordinary shares. Now, the first thing that a seller looks after, and the
first thing which, as your directors, it was our duty to look aft*r, was the
adecpiacy of the price, and that adecpiacy is best tested by seeing whether
you will be as well or better oft' with the new shares than you arc with
your present holdings. Fortunately, I think that question can be
answered simply and emphatically. We, your dii'ector.s, have no hesita-
tion in saying that, in our opinion, you will occupy a very much better
]iosition by virtue of the sale. In my speech at the last annual meeting
I mentioned that we were feeling the competition of a rival system, and
that such competition must adversely affect our profits. But a more
formidable (■(■ni|iitilor has arisen in the slnpc of the piv-sent purchaser.s,
who, by tbr ;iri|ni^ii ion of several system^, put t liciii'.rl\Ts in a position
to compcli' «illi in on terms very adv;iii(:i,m'oiis lo tlicmsclves and very
dis,iilv;inl.i;ji oils lo lis. As yon are probably aware, the Anglo-Argentine
t'o 1 ,1.1. , rut wli.il is )irailicnlly an amalgamation of all the important
sv-,1. Ill- of ii.iiiiways in Biu-nos Ayres with one exception. Thus, un-
doubtedly, we should have had to meet the severest possible competition,
and I think you will agree that for us to have stood outside such an
amalgamation, when we had an opportunity of joining it on what 1 am
satisfied you will say are very fair terms, would be an act of the highest
unwisdom upon our part. The chairman proceeded to explain how the
shareholders would be affected by the change, and, continuing, said :
In addition to the advantages I have named you will become share-
holders in one of the largest and most powerful tramway systems in the
whole world. The total share and debentur'e capital of the Anglo-
Argentine Tramways Co. (Ltd.) will be not very far short of £lfi,000,000
sterling, and it is obvious that shares in such a company are likely to
prove more marketable than shares in a smaller company like ours. I,
therefore, strongly advise the shareholders, both preference and ordinary
to give effect to the recommendations of the directors by voting for the
resolution.
Dr. W. H. HARRIS seconded the r.'^olution and said he was an old
member of the company and tin- only original member of the board left.
He regarded the scheme as the l.rst tlmt could happen for them.
Mr. \V. S. POOLE, as a shaieholder, desired to support the resolution
from the other side of the tabl", and asked his fellov/ shareholders to
enter into the partner.sbip arrangement on the very reasonable and fair
terms offered.
Other shareholders having addressed the meeting at some length.
The CH.AIRMAN said the various objections to the scheme had been
fully answeicd by those shareholders who were in favour of the proposal.
He "then put the resolution and declared it caixied by 17 votes to (i.
The SOLICITOR said it was necessary that a poll should be taken of
the different denominations of shareholders, and this having been done,
the result was subsequently declared. The resolution proposed by the
<lirectors was adopted by about 95 per cent, of the members.
ASCOT DISrRICr GAS & ELECTRICrrY CO.— The report for 19(),-t states
that there is a ]irofit on the gas account of £4,434 and £32 on the elec-
tricity account. The directors recommend a dividend at the rate of
55 per cent, for the half-year ended Dec. 31 (making 5i psr cent, for the
year).
BAKER STREET & WATERLOO RAILWAY CO.— At the meeting last week
till' .haiinian (Sii Ceo, S. Gibb) said that in the past half-year 13,337,126
passcngcis had lircii carried, an increase of 25 per cent, over the corres-
ponding half of 1907. The principal advance was in through ])assen-
gers. The largest exchange wn witii th.- ('"utial London Railway, with
which upwards of L500,000 ]i is^, nu.is liad bpcn exchanged : tlic next
largest was with the Piccadilly TuIjc. nearly l,50IJ.Oi)0 : and there
were also large exchanges with the Metropolitan and the City & South
London Railways. The increase in through passengers was a noteworthy
feature. The tub? railways must not be looked upon as isolated lines.
After analysing the accounts, he said that the growth of the traffic
naturally found out the weak spots in their accommodation, and they
were promoting a bill for power to buy land adjoining Oxford-street
station with the object of enlarging the station and providing additional
lifts. The North- West London Railway Co. had decided to abandon the
portion of their authorised railway between Edgware-road and Victoria,
and they )iio|iosed to make the portion between Edgware-road station
and Brondi-ibury practically as an extension of the Baker .Street .and
Waterloo Railway. If that line were made it would modify the Pad-
dington extensi..!! sihcnu- of the Baker Street and Waterloo Railway.
BRITISH ELECTRIC TRANSFORMER CO. (LTD.) —The directbi'.s' report
for the year ended Dec. 51 states that after paying all manufacturiuj^
costs and expenses of .admini,stration there remains a net profit of
£11,528. 15s. 7d., making with amount brought forward (634. 12s.) a
total of£U,563. Vs. 7il. The board recommend that £3,000 he placed
to reserve, that (;l,266. 13s. 9d. bo written oft' preliminary ex|)enses,
that a prefereiios dividend of 6 per cent, for two years ended Dec. 31,
1908 (£3,747. 19s. 7d.) be paid, and a dividend of 3, per cent, on the
ordinary shares (£2,428. 19s. 4d.), leaving £1,119'. 14s. lid to be
carried forward.
COUNT? OF LONDON ELE3TRIC SUPPLY CO. (LTD )— The director^
recommend payment of the final preference dividend at the rate of
6 per cent, per annum (less tax), and on the ordinary shares at the rate
of 6 per cent, per annum (less tvx) for the half-year ended Dec. 31
(making 5 per cent, for the year on the ordinary shares). £16,000 has
been placed to reserve for depreciation and about £3,700 is carried
forward. The transfer Hooks and register of members will be closed
from March 4 to 15, inclusive.
THE ELECTRICIAN. FEBRUARY 26, 1909.
7ib
ELECTRIC SUPPLY CORPN. (LTD.)— At the meeting last week Mr.
J. G. B. Stone said that tliere was an increase of 20 per cent, in the lamp
connections compared with 1907. He had no doubt a still better result
would have been shown if they had been in a position to add to their
mains more rapidly. He thought metallic filament lamps would be of
great assistance in popularising the use of electricity and bringing in new
con.sumers. In the case of Oielmsford and the smaller towns in Scot-
land, where the supply was started before metallic filament lamps were
brought on the market, the reduction in accounts of old consumers had
already been practically ofl'set by new business. In other towns their
development was largely due to those lamps. The corporation was sup-
l>lying energy to the Dumbarton tramways, in which undertaking the
corporation had a large interest. At Hendon the equivalent to 12,000
S c.)). lamps was connected to the mains. The result of the first year's
working of tliat com])aiiy wa> .-alisfarlciiy.
GIANT'S CAUSEWAY & FORTRUSH ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS CO. (LTD.)—
At the meeting last week ihi- directors reported that the net profits
for the past year were £1,276, against £788 in 1907. Total receipts
were £J,6'i2 against £3,794, but there was a considerable reduction in
all items of expenditure. In 19' 8 the electric mileage was 34,124 and
the steam mileage 3,710, against 27,«92 and 9,646.
GREAT NORTHERN, PICCADILLY & BROMPTON RAILWAY CO.— The
chairman (Sir Geo. S. Gibb) stated at the meeting hust week that of the
total traffic 70 per cent, was local and 30 per cent, was through traffic
e.xchanged with other companies. The largest exchange was between
the Piccadilly Tube and the " Bakerloo "•Tube, amounting to as much as
1,000.000 passengers. They had exchanged about 1.250,000 with the
District and rather over 1,000,000 with the Hampstead Tube. The train
mileage, which was the measure of the public service, showed an increase
of 20^ per cent. The working expenses were £72,409, an increase of
£1,710, the ratio to gross receipts bi'ing just over 50 per cent. The
financial result showed £30,549 available for dividend, and dividends of
4 per cent, per annum on the preference and J i^er cent, per annum on
the ordinary shares were declared, £5,859 being carried forward.
W. T. HENLEY'S TELEGRAPH WORKS CO. (LTD.)— The directors report
that during 1908 a net profit of £71,274. 9s. 2d. was made. After pay-
ment of directors' and auditors' fees, debenture interest, and making
allowance for depreciation of buildings, plant, machinery, &c., there
remains £52.196. 3s. 9d., making, with £23,650. 5s. ltd. brought for-
ward, £75,816. Ss. 7d. The directors have transferred £10,0C0 to
reserve, and recommend payment of a dividend on the ordinary shares
of 15 per cent, (tax free), of which an interim dividend of 5 per cent,
(less tax) was paid on Sept. 1 last. These payments will, with
the preference dividend for the j'ear, amount to £50,500, leaving
£25,346. 9s. 7d. to be carried forward.
KENSINGTON & KNIGHTSBRIDGE ELECTRIC LIGHTING CO. (LTD.)—
The directors' report states that the renewal account nipw stands at
£78,196. 12s. 7d., an increase of £8,793. 13s. over 1907. After providing
for amount placed to renewal account and after paying the preference
dividends to their due dates and an interim dividend at the rate of 8 per
cent, on the ordinary shares for the first half of the year, the balance
standing to credit of net revenue for 1908 is £8.11)5. 5s. tk\. Of this
£2,125 is required for balance preference dividend and it is jiroposed to
])ay a further dividend on the ordinary shares at the rate of 8 ))er cent,
(making 8 per cent, for the year). £1,840. 5s. fid. is carried forward.
Kefcicme is m.ule in the leport to the past year's legislation as to elec-
tricity su|)]ily in London.
MATHER & PLAIT (LTD.)— Mr. .John Taylor presided at the meeting
on Wednesday, and stated that during the past year they had been
able to add over £20,000 to the amount invested in gilt-edged securi-
ties, bringing that item up to £80,398. The amount standing to credit
of reserve, plus the carry forward of £30,000. exceeded the whole of
the ordinary capital of the company — viz . £400.000. The directors
had pleasure in recommending an increase of the bonus from 5 to 7i
per cent., making, with the 10 per cent, dividend, a return of 17^ per
cent, for the year on the ordinary shares.
NOTTING HILL ELECTRIC LIGHTING CO. (LTD.)— The directors' report
for lOOSstatesthat thecajjitalexpenditurewasincreasedduringtheyear by
£4.215. 19s. I Id., the total now being £237,742. 13s. 3d. The cost of the
joint station to date has amounted to £ 213,287. IGs. Id., and joint deben-
ture stock amounting to £222,000 has been issued. At Dec. 31 last the
equivalent of KiS 885 8 c.p. lamps was connected, against 100,349 in 1907,
and the profit was £19,484. 5s. 7d.. against £19.007. lis. 9d. The numl)er
of consumers is 2.840, and over 98 per cent, of these are supplied at 200
volts. The gross revenue for the year was £38.902. 7s. 7d.. an increase of
£847. and the tutal net profit was £19.484. 5s. 7d., from which have tc. be
deducted £2.300 for depreciation, renewal and reserve. £2.1)12. Os. 4il. for
interest. £2.365. 14s. 7d. for Kensington and Notting Hill joint deb.nturc
stock interest, and £1,298. 6s. 2d. for sinking fund. The directors recom-
mend that tlic balnncc (flo.llOS. 4s. 6d.)bc appropriated in jiayment of Ihc
Usual dividends uf (i yicr cent, (less tax) on both preference and ordinary
shares, the l)alani c lieing divided one-half to founders' sliares .-nid tlic
other half between the ordinary and preference shares. This will cnalije
a further 1 ]ier cent, to he paid on both ordiimry and preference, witli a
distribution of £3 per share on the founders' sharc.s. An interim dividend
of 3 jicr cent, was paid to the holders of the ordinary shares on .Inly 1.
and the balance of 4 per wnt. will be paid forthwith, together wilh'the
distribution on the founders' shares. The preference shares having re-
ceived their full 0 per cent., the 1 per cent, bonus will be added to the
interim dividend on these shares, to bo paid on July 1 next. The rates
paid to the local authorities (including the company's propr.rtion of
those charged in the Wood-lano accounts) amounted to over £3,400,
equivalent to a dividend of nearly 2| per cent, on the' share capital. Tli&
directors refer with satisfaction to last year's legislation as to electricity
supply in London.
OXFORD ELECTRIC CO. (LTD.)— For 1908 the profit (including
£977 lis. 5d brought forward) was £14,669. 15s. 9d. After providing
£2 073. 128. lid. for interest, and writing off £999. 12s. lOd. on account
I of hire-purchase and College installations, the available balance is
£11.596. 10s. The directors recommend payment of a dividend of
7 per cent, (tax free) on the ordinary share capital and the balance of the
preference dividend of 5 per cent. £2,018. 13s. 3d. has been placed to
reserve and renewal of plant account, and £1,202. 16s. 9d. is carried
forward. At Dec.31 theec[uivalent of over 104,000 8 c p. lamps was con-
nected to the mains. The lamp and power connections iiave been
greater than in any previous year, and notwithstanding the extensive
use of more efficient himps, the revenue has exceeded that of the pre-
ceding year. The supply mains have been extended.
SIMPLEX CONDUITS (LTD )— The third annual general raeetitxr of
Snnplex Conduits i Ltd ) was held on Tuesday last week at the Bir-
mingham ofl:ces. Mr. HENKvHrcfiiNs presided In moving the adoption
of the report and accounts, Mr. Hugging-stated that the balance sheet
was of a very satisfactory nature, in spite of the wide-spread depres-
sion in trade prevalent during 1908. The profits of the year, after
providing for bad and doubtful debts, amounted, with interest on in-
vestments and transfer fees, to £12,92L 17s. 5d., and after charging
directors' fees, depreciation and income tax (£2,443. 12». 8d ; and
adding £2,653. 13s. 3d. brought forward, there was for disposal
£15,131. 18a. The 6 per cent, prsference dividend absorbed £2,280,
and the interim dividend on the ordinary shares to June 30, at the
rate of 7i per cent , absorbed £1,500. £4,000 had been again carried
forward to resei ye .bringing that fund to £9,500), and after allowing
£2,500 to pay final dividend on the ordinary shares at 12?. per cent.
per annum (making 10 per cent, for the year) the curry forward was
£2,747. 18s. Messrs. Harrison, West, Ledsam & Co., C. A., were re-
elected as auditors, and Messrs. Alex. Smith & Son were re-appointed
to make valuation of leasehold buildings, plant, machinery and tools.
A hearty vote of thanks to the staff of the company closed the pro-
ceedings.
SOUTH METROPOLITAN ELECTRIC LIGHT & POWER CO. (LTD.)—
The directors' rejiort for 1908 states that the credit balance is
£26,975. 13s. 9d., which, with t7,182 13s. 2d. brought forward, makes
£31,168. 6s. Ud. After deducting £10,790. 3s. 7d. for debenture and
other interest, and £5,003. 17s. 7d. for interim preference dividend,
there remains £18,364 5s. 9d. The directors recommend payment of
final preference dividend (£5,003. 17s. 7d.,, placing £1,500 to depre-
ciation, £1,500 to credit of preliminary expenses, and £792. ll.s. 6d. to
suspense account, payment of dividend to Dec. 31 on the ordinary
shares of 2i per cent, i £3,075), leaving £6,492. I6s. 8d. to be carried
forward. There ar* 3,649 consumers, against 3,383 in 1907, and the
equivalent of 177,628 Sep. lamps is connected, against 160,380. Lamp
connectionsandnewconsumers have been well maintained, but revenue
has not kept pace with the additional business owing to the introduc-
tion of metallic filament lamps. The company anticipates an entirely
new demand from residents in thickly populated districts hitherto un-
touched and from owners and occupiers of large estates now in course
of development.
TELEGRAPH CONSTRUCTION & MAIN-PENANCE CO. (LTD.)- The 45th
annual rcjiorl of the dircctor.s, just isMi-d. -ti.t--^ that the aecoimts for
the year 1908 show a net profit of £iil ,s:i:, | :;- m,|.. after charging inte-
rest on debentures. To this is add.-. I ilio.iiv 1-^. Ud. brought for-
ward, making £171,340. 15s. 8d. Fii.iii tins mu iim dividend of 5 per
cent, has to be deducted, amountuig to £22.410, leaving £148.930. 15s.8d.
to be dealt with. The directors proiiose to distribute a dividend of £1. 4s.
per share, absorbing £44,820 (at the rate of 10 per cent., and making with
amount already paid a total dividend for the year of £1. 10s. per share, or
15 per cent., tax free), leaving £104,110. 15s. 8d. to be carried forward.
The general busmess of the comjiany during the past year has been satis-
factory. The company's works and steamships have been maintained
in their usual state of efficiency. The 4 per cent, debentures, which
matured on Jan. 1 last, are being further extended for a period of 10 years
from that date, at the same rate of interest.
The transfer books are closed from the 22nd inst. to 2iid prox.
inclusive, preparatory to the payment of dividend.
UNDERGROUND ELECTRIC RAILWAYS CO. OF LONDON iLTD.) At the
meeting on We.hiesday Sir K.luar Spever said the results of their
operations were very satisfactory. ■While they were far behind what
they ultimately hoped to achieve, it was matter for congratulation that
they were far in excess of the estimates given in the scheme last year.
The deficit for 1908 was estimat.d at 154,000, but the actu.al .shortage
had been only £12,000. The three tube companies had gone ahead Tn
a most remarkable way, and ga\e fair promise for the future.
He was satisfied that the Hampste.ad and Highgate railway had as
great, if not a greater, future than any of the tubes, and that in a few
years a very material grow th would be shown. The District Kailway
had also maHe remarkable progress, and had converted a shortage of
£45 328 on the debenture interest for the hst half-year of 1907 into a
small surplus of £675. That welcome accretion of passengers had been
mainly due to the education of the public throntrh well considered ad-
vertising and good, reliable service. The only disappointing under-
taking was the London United Tramways, which was subject to severe
motor 'bus competition. -~- ~ ' '. .
786
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 2(1, 1909.
VICTORIA FALLS POWER CO. (LTD.)— At an cxtiaoidinaiy meeting
last week it was resolved to alter the title of tlip r..mpany to the Victoria
Falls & Transvaal Power Co. (Ltd.). Tli- M,in|ii. of Winchester pre-
sided and said that when the company « i pi -nrii' I one of the features
uf the undertaking was that power should l.r jieiKi.ited at the Victoria
Falls and transmitted to Johannesburg. A portion of their scheme was
also to construct new steam stations on the Witwatersrand, and to
work the stations purchased from the General Electric Power Company
and the Rand (Vnlral Works. They had increased the capacity of the
Rand station at Biakpan by 8,000 H.P., and they were proceeding with
all speed to erect at the new station at Simmer Pan a further 16,000 u.P.
They now proposed to extend their operations on the Witwatersrand
still further, and so, having regard to the magnitude of their present and
prospective business in the Transvaal, they thought it would be appro-
jniate to alter the name of the company as indicated. During the
financial year ended Dec. 31 they had made a profit of about £36,688,
the same as in 1907. Gireat credit was due to their engineers, contrac-
tors, construction staff and South African management for the efficiency
and despatch with which they had carried out their work, and it was
satisfactr>rv to note that although the past rainy season in Johannesbui'g
had been of c.\ce])tioMal .severity, the thunder storms having been of
uuprcrcdcntcd violence, they had suffered no intei'ruptions through the
action of lightning on their overhead transmission lines. That proved
the complete efficiency of their lightning ariesters. The annual power
requirements of the Rand Mines, for which they had recently acquired
the contract, was estimated at 270,000,000 units, and he believed that
he was light in describing it as the largest contract for power that had
ever been placed with one company. In an ordinary lighting and power
station the generators were run on the average for, say, nine hours a day,
but their plant was estimated to run contmuously for about 17 hours in
the 24. Their consumption of coal in the future on a 500 million unit
basis woidd be approximately 850,000 tons per annum. In fulfilment
of the Rand Mines contract a new company was being registered in the
Transvaal as the " Rand Mines Power Co.," the whole of the capital of
which would, in the first instance, be found by the Victoria Falls Co.
Besides the consumption of power by the group of mines which would bo
served by the Rand Mines Power Co. under the contract, amounting to
270,000,000 units per annum, thev had negotiated or were negotiating
to supply six of the mines of the Consolidated Coldtields of South Africa,
whose ]ircsent lequiremcnts amounted to 40.0IJO,(J(IO units, two of the
mines of the Karnato group, whose estimated requirements were about
30.000,000 units, live of the mines of the Albu group, estimated to require
upwards of 70.000.(1011 units, aiul the smaller needs of other customers.
On a <onsum]jtion of 400.01.10,000 units the gross receipts per annum
would exceed £850,000, and when they were able to dispose of 500,000.000
units the gross receipts would exceed £1,000,000. Their engineers esti-
mated that with a consumption of 400,000,000 units the earnings would
be sufficient to provide a 10 per cent, dividend on the preference shares,
after n ceting the charges for debenture interest, with an ample margin
for amortisation.
NEW COMPANIES, STATOTORY RETURNS.
MORTGAGES AND CHARGES.
NEW COMPANIES.
HURST, NELSON & CO. (LTD.) (7,028. )-Reo. in Edinburgh on Feb. 16,
capital £320,000 iii £10 shares, to purchase the business of Hurst,
Nelson k Co. (Ltd ), and to carry on the business of builders, makers
and repairers of and dealers in railway, iramway and rolling stock
and peimanent way materials and plant, motor vehicles, railway,
electric and tramway locomotives, engineers, &c. First directors are
J. T. TuUis, T. Jackson, T. Mason, A. U. Grahame and A. S, Nelson
Keg. olhce, Tlie (ilasgow Kolliu.^ Stock & Plant Works, Motherwell.
ROSSENDALE VALLEY TRAMWAYS CO. (LTD.) (101,-586. 1 — Keg.
Feb. 15, as a re-incorporation under the Companies Acts,' 1862 to 19j7-
ot a concern originally constituted by the Rossemlalo Valle\- Trim
ways Act, 1880. Capital £85,640 in £10 shares (8,000 ordinary and
564 preference). 5 000 ordinary and 564 preference shares had been
taken up and paid for to February 10, 1909. Reg. office, 61, Grace-
churoh-street, London, E.G.
C. SHARDLOW& CO. , LTD.) (101,383. )-Reg. Feb. 2, capital £2,000
£1 shares (1,500 preference), to acquire business of Shardlow & Co.
s ,!l? , 1 "i" ^ ■ .','""'"'=«« °{ mechanical and electrical engineers,
n t n , dire'^^n!''^ ^,' ^'^ • 1'"^='^ c°™P=»"y- C Shardlow^is firs
cM'iuf£5mo''n, "'f" ™'^«I''^ CO. (LTD.^ ;101,559)-Reg. Feb. 12,
1906 n^e'i^.c of ,, f '"'''; •'\"''1""« British patent No. 14,082 o
mills to de el m « "^"'t'"" fo-' an impoved headframe for wind-
business of sm ieT f V" "'^'^"""^ ^''<^ ^'-""6 and to carry ou the
tiirii' htin^ ^ ? wi n, ■"°^"-M>°^^'^>- f°'' or in connection with elec-
omce. St. Stephen. n<^:^icL^-^^^:^ ^^^^^^^ Keg.
STATUTORY RETURNS.
ADELAIDE ELECTRIC SUPPLY CO LTD ^ T„ .- . t
cap talis £300 000 in ^nnmovi- , ;l~i" return to Jan. 4
v touauuu in 30,000 ordinary and 30,000 preference shares of
£5 each, of which 27,000 preference and 26,065 ordinary have been
taken np. £5 per share has been called upon 27,000 preference and
65 ordinary and £135,245 has been received, leaving £83 in arrears.
£130,000 is considered as )>aid on 26,000 ordinary. Mortgages and
charges, nil.
BRITISH TRAMWAYS & GENERAL CONSTRUCTION CO. (LTD.) -Return
to Dec. 18 gives capital as £300,000 in £1 shares, of which 241,000 have
been taken u|). £241,000 has lieen received. Mortgages and charges,
£11,839. 15s. 9d.
GOSPORT & ALVERSTOKE ELECTRIC LIGHTING CO. (LTD.)— Return
to Dec. 31 gives cipital as £5,000 in £10 shares, all of which have been
taken up and paid for in full. Mortgages and charges, nil.
MORTGAGES AND CHARGES.
CONSOLIDATED ELECTRIC WORKS & APPLIANCES (LTD.)— Particulars
of £2,500 debentures, created Jan. 12, have been tiled, the amount of
present issue being £2,200, Property charged, company's under-
taking and property, present and future, including uncalled capital.
No trustees.
COMPANIES INCORPORATED OUTSIDE THE U.K.
COMPAGNIE GENERALE D'ELECTRICITE. (793F)— Particulars filed
Feb. 12. Capital 15,000,000 francs in shares of 500 francs each. Reg.
in France on May 16, 1898. British address, 15, Victoria street, S.W.,
where Mr. (i. Davis is authorised to accept service.
RECEIVERS AND MANAGERS.
THOMAS P.. MARTIN & CO. (LTD.)— A notice of the appointment of
C. Gray, 37, Albert-road, Middlesbrough, as receiver and manager on
Feb. 2, 19J9, under powers contained in debenture dated .Jan. 28, 1909,
has been filed.
CITY NOTES.
BIEUORANDA (Feb. 25).— Bank rate 3 per cent, (since Jan. 14, 1909\
Price of silver, 23i'„d. per oz. Consols 831^ — 84 for money and 83; —
84 account. Consols Pay Day, March 1 ; Stock and Shares Continua-
tion Days, March 10 and 29 ; Ticket Days, March 11 and 30 ; Pay Days,
March 12 and 31. Mining Shares Carry Over Days, March 9 and 26.
Prices of Metals (London). — Copper, cash, 56j ; three months 67, '(f.
Lead, English, 13} — 13J ; foreign, cash, 13/i — 13s ; three months, 15[,';.
Spelter,cash, 21;;— 21J ; three months, 22— 22^. Tin, English, 130 -132 ;
foreign, cash, 129J, three months, 131. Iron, Cleveland, cash, 47/OJ,
and three months, 47/9. Magnet Steel (price sujiplied by W. F. Dennis
6 Co.), £55.
BOURNEMOUTH & POOLE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY CO. (LTD.)- The direc-
tors recommend a final dividend on the ordinary shares at the rate of
7 pc- cent, for tlie half-year ended Dec. 31, making 6 per cent, (less
tax) for 1908.
CHARING CROSS, EUSTON & H AMPSTEAD RAILWAY CO —The meeting
of this com));iuy on Thursday last week was ])rivatc. The directors"
report was abstracted in our issue for Fel). 12.
CITY OF LONDJN ELECrRIC.LlGHTING CO. (LTD. )— The transfer books
and register of members will be closed from March 3 to 17 inclusive.
COMPANIES STRUCK OFF THE REGISTER. -On Feb. 19 the Brune-
Turchi Telephonic Co. and the Electrical Engineering Co. of London
were struck oil the Register ot .Joint Stock companies.
DUBLIN & LUCAN ELECTRIC RAILWAY CO. -At the meeting last week
the report, abstracted in our issue for Feb. 5, was adopted. The
directors were empowered to enter into an agreement for working
a new line ifor which an Order in Council had been applied) to com-
mence at the terminus of the existing line at Lucan.
MARCONI'S WIRELESS TELEGRAPH CO. (LTD.) -Owing to pressure of,
work. Col. Sir Charles Euan Smith, K.C.B., C.S.I., is relinquishing
the position of chairman of this company, wdiile retaining his seat on
the board, and Mr. G. Marconi, LL.D., D.Sc, assumes ohe position of
chairman in his stead.
METROPOLITAN ELECTRIC SUPPLY CO. (LTD.)— The directors have
declared a dividend at the rate of 6 per cent, for the half year to
Dec. 30 on the ordin.ary shares, making 51 per cent f jr the year 1908.
NEWCaSTLEUPON-TYNE ELECTRIC SUPPLY CO. (LTD.)— At an extra-
ordinary meeting last week the bill of the County of Durham Electric
Power Supply Co. was approved.
SCARBOROUGH ELECTRIC SUPPLY CO. (LTD.) —The accounts show
that after placing £750 to depreciation, there is a balance of
£3,943. 15s. Id. Tiie directors recommend a dividend (tax free) of 3
per cent., against 4 per cent last year,
STOCK EXCHANGE NOTICES.— The Stock Exchange committee have
appointed March 4 a special settling day in scrip (fully paid) for £l,0l)l>.00n
5 ])er cent, first mortgage debenture stock of the Monterey Bailwai/
Light it- Poircr Co. The committee have been asked to grant quotations
to a further issue of £5 fully paid fi per cent, cumulative preference shares
of the Adelaide Electric Supply Co. {Ltd.), a further issue of 39,838 £1
fully paid ordinary shares of the Lisbon Electric Tramways {Ltd.),
60,000 £1 fully paid 6 per cent, preference shares and £70,000 4 J per cent,
mortgage debenture stock of the Mansfield <L- District Tramways {Ltd.),
and a further issue of £100,000 5 per cent, cumulative )jerpetual prefe-
rence stock of the British Cohnnbia Electric Raihoay Co. (Ltd.)
THE BLHOTBICIAM, FKBRirARY 26, 1900.
ELECTRIC TRAMWAY AND RAILWAY TRAFFIC
RECEIPTS.
Aberdeen OorportlioB
Airdrte
Anglo-Argentine
Ayr Corporation
Baker St. & Waterloo By....
Bamsley
Barrow
Bath Electric Trama, Ltd...
Blrkeahead Corporation ...
Bimungliam Corporation...
Binmngiiam & filid
Blackburn corporation
Blackpool and Fleetwood ...
Bolton Corporation
Bombay
Boomemonth Corporation..
Bradford Corporation
Brighton Corroratlon
Brlfliol Trams & carriage...
Burnley Corporation
Burton Corporation
Bory Corporation
Oalcatta I'ramwaya Oo
0am borne -Bedru til
Oardifl Corporation
Oavebill
Central London Railway ...
ObanngC.,£SiUi)tun>scH iitead
Ohatliam A Diui. Lt. Ryt*....
Oity & ooutb Luuduu sily...
dty of iiirmuigham
Oolobeuter Curpuratiun
Cork clecsriu Iraiuu uo- —
Oroydon corporation
DeTuoport & Dist. Irtuun...
Dover uorporation
DabUn <£ liuoan Railway ...
Dabiln United
Dadley-Stourbndge
Dundee (./orporatlon
East Ham t^ouuoll
SxeterUorpuraiion
Qatesncad & Ulsc. rramH...
Glasgow ' orporatlon
Oloseop Trams .,
QravBBena— iNorctiileet
Qreai Noriberu d City Kly..
Gt.Nurtheru.ficcadilly.iic
Greenock »t Fort Ulangow...
Hartlepool Tramways
Hastings Uleo. Trams Co....
Hou^ Kong,
Uuddeietield Corpn
Hull <jgrporatiou
Hford Ulatnct uooncil
Ilkeston District Council ...
[pswlcb Corporation
isle ol Tbanet Co
Jarrow
Eeigbley Corporation
Etddermineter sl j>iatriot..,
Eilniarnock Corporation ...
Lanarkshire Trams Co. ...
Lancashire United
Leamuigson ,
Leeds Corporation
Leicester Corporation
Leitn Corporucion
Lincoln Corporation
Liverpool Corporation
Liverpool Ovarnead Kly, .,
•Loudun i^ouQty Council .,
London United
Lowestoft ,
Uaidtttone Corpon
Jllancuester Corporation ...
Mersey KaUway
Merthyr
Meirotolitan Dist. Bail way
Metropolitan if lee. Tramti...
Mlddleton
Nelson Corporation
Newc<iBtle-on-Tyne Corp. ...
Newport (Mon.)
Northampton Corporation .
Oldham, Ashton & Hyde ...
Oldham Corporation
Perm iN.B.jCorporation ...
Perth I W. A.) fciec. Trams...
Peterborough
Portsmouth Corporation ...
Potteries
Preston Corporation
Rotherham Corporation ...
Rothesay
tJalford Corporati
ELECTRIC&L COMPANIES' SHARE LIST
NAMB.
Price
Wed.,
Feb. 21.
E\TB% nivir>E»I> BD8IHB88
TULD. °'ri_ W^EK K»
ED. """■ i Feb. 21.
Shelfleld Oorporation
Slnuapgre Trams ....
Soutti iletropolitftn
BouUi jJtailB
Soamend Uorporation
Oouuiport Tramways
Sta.yt) Jsc.Hyde.&c.Jt.Bd.
booddrlaud uorporailon ...
Bunderland UiBiriot
SwanBea Trams
Swindoa Oorpurauoa"!!!!"
TauutoQ
IjDomoutli and DiittVo'i'".!
iyaeaido Trams Oo.
Waliast-y Di,iriot uoimoll,
VValsall Corpn
Warrmgtou Lorpn.
w esi Ham UorporaUon,
Weaton-auper-jHarB
WolTerhampwa Uo.
WolTernampion Oorpn
tWorcestor
Wreinam ',
Yorkshire W.is.'TramB
juT'saire Woollen Distruit.
■ (a) Tlisse comparisons are with the corresponding period last year. § Plu
I rias , days. • Partly electrical, t Minus 3 days, ; Minns 2 days,
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
BoarDemonth & Poole Bleo. Sap. Ord
t Do. 4J per Cent. Cnm. Pref.
too. 6 per Cent. Com. Second Pref.
Do. 4J per Cent. Deb. .Stock (red.)
Bromley (Kent) El. Lt. Si Power Shar
Do. Do. 1st Debs.
Brompton ft Kensington Eleo. Snp. Ord,
Do, 7 percent. Pref.
Central Elec. Snp. Co.4" Gnar.Db.Stook
rhariaECrosa(W.EndftCjty)El.Snp.Co.
iOo. 4i per Cent, Pref.
Do, 4 percent, Deb. Stock (red.K...
Do 4J per Cei.t, feb. , 'tuck (red )
Do. rity Undertaking 4^4 Cm. Pre!.
Chelsea Electric Supply Ord
Do. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) .
City of London Electric Lighting Ord.
Do, 8 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do, 6 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)....
Do. 4JperCent. 2nd Deb, Stock (red,)
Connty of Durham Elec, P.D. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, non Cnm, Pref.
County of London Elec. Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cnm. Pref.
Do. 4i7 Deb. stock (red.)
Do. Second Deb, Stock
Kolkestone Electricity Supply Co. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J 1st Deb. Stock (red)
Hove E.ectne Lightine Ord
Kensington 4 Knightsbridge Ord
Do. 6 percent 1st Pref
Do. i per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Kensingtn. ft Kngtbg. Co, & Notting Hill
Co. (Joint Station) 4/. Deb. Stock (red.)
(£ent Elec. Power Co
tLondon Electric Supply Ord
(Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. .. .,
Do, 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb
Metropolitan Electric Sap, Ord
Do. tj per Jent, Cum. Pref.
Do. ij per Cent. Deo. Stock Ist Mort.
Do. liparCent. Mrt. Deb. Stock' red.)
Midland Bl«o.Corp.forP.D.lstMort,Db,
Newcastle & Oiat, Elec; Ltg, Ord.
Do, 4* per <>Qi, Deo
Newcastle Elec, Supply Ord
Do, 6 per Cent, nou Cum. Pref,
Oo. 4 per Oi-nt, fon. Deb, red I*)?
Norlh Metro. Eleo.Power Sap. 5 Morts
Nortnern Count, ea lileo. Sup
Do. 44 per Celt. Djb
N-ltting Hill Ele-:lrio Ord
Oiford Electric Ord
Do. 4 per Cent. Dsb. Stock
St. James' & Pall Mall Elec. Ord.
Do. 7 per Cent. Pref.
Do, 34 per Cent, Deb, Stock (red.) ,„
Smilblield Markets Electric Sap, Ord,..
lo. 4 percent, Djb. Stock
Sonth London Electric Supply Ord
South Metrop'n Eleo. Lt. & Power Ord.
Do. 7 per(Jent,Cam, Pref,
Do, 4il=lDb, 8tk, Red
Urban Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, Com. Pref. ,..
Do. 4J per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb
Westminster Elec. Sap. Ord
Do. «4 percent Cum. Pref. ...
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS A TRAMWAYS.
Baker t5I. i .v.,.;rioo i Perp. I)b, St
Bath tlec. Irama Pref. OrJ
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum Pref.
Do. 4i Ist Mort. Deb, Stock (red.) .„
Bham ft Midland framj 4i Ut Do,Stk.
t Bnatol Tramways & Carriage Ord
Uo, Cum. Pref. (fully paid)
Do. 4 per Cent. Ueba
BntiBh Electric Traction Ord
tDo, B per Cent, Com. Pref, ' _ .
Do, 6 per Cent, Perpetual Debs ■ 90 -9i
Do, 4J per Cenc. ind Deb, Stock I 73 -76
♦ Central L.mJon Ordinary Stock i 63 -86
tDo. 4 per Cent, Pref. Stock 82 -SI
IDc. Deferred Stock ! *■> -»?
Do, 4 per Cent. Debs I 101 -IK
Charing X.EustoniHmpstd Per Ob,Stk.
City of Birmingham Prams. 5%Cm.Pref.
Do. 4 p^rCent. 1st Mort. Debs
CitT ft South London Ely. Con. Ord. ...
Do. 6 per Cent. Perp. Pre£ (1891) ...
Do. (1891.1)
Do. (1901)
Jo. (19D3)
Do. 4 per Cent. Perpetual Uebs
Dublin United frama. Ord ..
Do. 6 per Cent, e'ref.
Gt. NortWrn Si City Kly. Pref. Ord. (42)
G. Northern, Piccadilly ft Brompton Ord.
Do, 4 per Cent. Deb, Stock
Hastmgs & Dist. Elec, Xrams, S'/i Cm. Bt.
Do. ii Ub. St
(Imperial tramways Ord.
!Do. 6 per uent. Pref.
tDo. 4J per Cent. Debs
1. of Thanet E. C. 4 Lt. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Do, 4 per Cant, Dob, Stock
Lanarkshire Iramways
j Lanes, Ucd, trams 6 i Prior Lien Ud, Si.
; LiTerpool Overhead ttailway Ord
] Do, B per Ceai, Pref ;
Do, 4 per Cent, Deb '
Ljndon Unite 1 I'rans. 5 ; Cam. Pref. ...
Do, 4 per Cent, lit Mort. OeO. tjtook
Mersey Con. Ord, 5tocK
Uo, 3 per Cent, Perp. Pref,
MetropollUn Eleo. Tramways Ord
Do, Uelerred «
fUo. 6 per i.,oat, oum, Pref.
Uo. 4^ per Cent, Oeo, SCOok ' ai -:iO
Metropohtau Railway Consolidated \ Sb^—ii^
6 II
i 12
4 17 0
5 8 0
10 — lOi
sa-P3
IDJ-IOJ
lul ~nr,
4i -e
91 — 9S
8i-83
8 —84
36 •4J
3J-4J
99 -102
1 —2
34-31
Si Hi
lOj-lli
I 15 .US
.UP -1J3
44-S
6 ->i
96 -93
'i -7,
7» -8i
6J -ea
93 -US
1)8 -101
86 -^9
li -"-1
4 -5»
92 -96
4} fi
44 -5
86 — 8S 3 i9 6
95 -Si i li (1
•:>3-l^ 3 li 9
is U'J 6 0 7
8J-4 10 8 S
6 -6J 4 IS 9
J8 -95 1 5 I
100 -102
-l?i
jS fl. d. I est. est.
6 13 6 Mar, Sept, - ' ..
4 12 0 Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug IM^I 10 /,
Jan, July
April, Oct
May, Sot
March. . ,,
Mar, Sent
■ e, Deo
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July i 3j
March . . ' ■
Jane, Deo ^"U
Feb, Aug ' 11
Jan, July
June, Deo "
Jan, July —
April, Oct "
April, Oct
Feb, Aug
6 0 6 Mar.Sc:
U
Jan.Jnfy 'ul lOiJ
May, .Vov
Apnl, Oct
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
April, Oct ej
6 9 0 Feb, Aug "
4 14 6 Jan, Jaly -
13 6
6 10
4 11
4 12
H SI
n-n
83 -90
61 -70
■2i-n
4-1
li -Ji
lul -104
8-1
li -2
SO -83
8J Si
C4-64
i-i
fli-91
84 -9
98 100
3i -n
89
-91
4i
-*i
9H
-I'H
2i4
-211)
110
-112
\>>l
-111)
\US
■Hi
94 -
-99
90
-101
I'i
-m
12J
i
81
V'
-ii
'Jl
-93
n-
-31
H>
-,S(
7 -3
Ji-ii
8.i
-»»
ii
-18
bt
-,"iH
lU -
-lUJ
M — 9i
6 12 6
4 16 6
3 18 0
6 li' 0
6 19 0
6 13 0
April, Cot
Jan, Jtily
Mar, Sept 2 ,•
Mar, Sept H
Jan, July s4
April, Oct 5J
Jao.Jttly 4!
June, Deo [ -
Jan, July I
Jtme, Dec '
Feb, Aug I ••
Jan, Joly
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July '
Mar, Aog
Jan, July
March ..
March ..
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb ....
Feb, Aag
April....
4 12
4 16
4 13
3 17
«i-Si
4
-*4
7J
-77
1
-*
i
.s
'i
-'9,
ii
-u
Do. tiurpius Lands StocKs..
Do. 34 per Cent. Preference
Do, 34 per Cent, " A " Preference .
Do. 34 per Lent. Convertible Pref,.
" ■ per Cent. Uebentu
69 —71
8 J —38
76 — 7S
73 -76
Feb, Aug
4 6 6 April, Oct
April, Oct
11 15 6 I April, Oct
5 8 3 April, Oct
5 12 9 Mar, Sept
4 2 0 Jan, July
4 2 6 Jan, Joly
April
6 13 0 Jan, July
4 15 9 AprU, Oct <
1 .6 J Jan, July
6 2 6 Feb, Aag
Feb, Aug
Jane, Oeo
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
May, .>oT
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb ....
Jan, July 1x4
Jan, July 9^3
April, Oct
April, Oct I'lJ,
Feb, Aug iJi
Feb, Aug
Feo, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
May, .VoT
feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July I *24
Mar, Sept i ..
April, Oct 3j4
Mar, Sept * ■
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Jaa,July
tf'eb, Aug
Jao, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jao, July I «
Jao, Jvdr
Jaa.July
Feb, Aug.
SJJ
95$ I 93
!'i
484 i-i
11
3 19 6
4 9 9
4 12 0
8 14 6
April , . .
Feb, Aag
Jan. Jaly
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aag
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, Jaly
3WI
"94
Id oaloaiftCing tb« yield allowftaoa baa been mftde tor kooraed iaMrost bat iwt 'or redeoiptioD
t Bz I>iTidend. \ The Londoo ^iCr^K Exclido^ Committee ti*ve decl'aei to quote thasa
THE ELECTRICIAN, FEBRUARY 20, 19[i9.
ELiECTR^IC^fVL. COIVIF'^A.IVIES' SHAR-E LIST — Continued.
S LAST I
B Dm-
■» DENDl
NAME.
Price
Wed..
Feb 24
vrefl/' DIVIDEND
BCSIMKSS
Week ro I
Ffh ?4 I
Last;
S OIVI-
^ drnd'
Price
Wed..
Feb. 24.
?,*^fi^ DIVIDEHD
DUI,
ElECTBIC RAIIWAYS & TRAMWAYS-
Mft. Elv. 3i r^r Cpnt. " A ' P(h. Stock
ji ''Topolitan nisirict Bailwav Ord
Do. Extension Pref. (6 pprCent.l
Do. AF=PEtp(1 Fxl. PrcC (Int. Gnar. hi
Und. Elec Blv. Co. of London, Ltd.)
Do. 3 per Tent.' Consoltd, Pent-cbarRe
Do. 4 pT Cent. Midland Eent-eharce
tDo. Guar. Stock 4 per Cent
Do. e per Cent P.rp. Deb. .Stock
Do. 4 per Cfnt. Ditto
N"ew Gen. Tract. f1 per Cent. Com. Pref.
Potteries Electric Traction Ord
tr.-i. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do 4ii per fent. Deh. Stock
R. Met. Elec. Trams. & Lte. a'4 Cm. Pref.
Do 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Snnderland Diet. Elec.Trm«.s°'l=tMt.Db.
rnderedE.Pvs.Lon.i;"; In.bds.with coup.2
Do. 5"'' Prior Lieu Bonds.
Do. H' Bonds
YorkshTre (W.B.> Elec. Trams. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Onm. Pref.
Tin 4} rerCent. l«t l)»h»
ELECTRIC MANUFAGTURINC, &C.
Aron Elecincily Meter Ord
Do. 65; Com. Pf.
Babcock & Wilcoi Ord
Do. Pref.
British Insulated & Helsby Cables Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4» per Cent. 1st Uort. Deb. (red.)
British Thoms'n-Housfn 4 J V tst Mt.Db.
British We-ringhoase fl per Cent. Pref...
imjoji Do. 6 per Coat. Prior Tie 1 Dbs(rd.)
2j 45! Do. 4 per cent. Mori. Deh. Stock
St.! 4J5r B ushE.kng Co.tl'V.Perp.lst Deb.Stook
°'-i 4}'. Do. Perpetuar2nd Deb. Stock
f'l 6 0 CaUender's (.able Con. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J per Cent. 1st Mort Debs, (red.)
Castner-Kellner Alkali Co
Do. 4i per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.).
Chadburn's (Ship) Telegraph Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pre!'.
Consolidated Hectrical Co
Consolidated Signal Co
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
•Croropton & Co.(Nos. 1 to -6,000)
,, v , Do. 6 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs. (red.).
'JOIU , Davis 4 Timmins
Dick, Kerr & Co. Ord
Do. 6 per Ceut. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4j per Cent. Deb. Stock
Edison & Swan United ("A" Sh.) (£3 pd.)
Do. (fSpaid)
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock ( rd. )
Do. 6 per Cent. 2nd Dob. Stock
Edmnndson's Elec. Corp. Ord. ... „
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4i per cent. l3t ilort. Deb. (r^*!.)
Electric Construction Co
D:^. 7 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Perp. lot Mort. lebs.
General Electric (1900) b% Cum. Pret...
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
Henley's Telegraph Works Ord
Do 4i per Cent. Pref.
4j per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. Btock
■ 41
ll ..
l! Oi7!
111/7
St; 4U
1 1/6
Et 4i?f
1 0,7!
1 (1/7 i
1 O/pf
1| l/tl
1; 0/74 I
31 3/0 I
s: c/7i
6'-: 4*1
Bt. 45;;
Bt. 6%
(:<■ 4J5i
21 2/93:
St.l ,%
10, 6/0
St.! 4% ,
(3 -ec
T —78
lii2 —106
76 -78
132 — 1£5
83 —68
n
81 t2
s-s
74-78
60 -84
29 81
984-e9i
81 —83
i -IS
?*-3
S4 —88
4i-4i
Ci f4
101 —11,7
to 95
96J-97J I 6 2 0
105 —107 I 4 4 0
!,■!;— 115 7 18 6
103 IL'7 4 4 0
6 ;i 0
5 2" 0
e 13
4 11
3 16
!S-1A
it ly.
— ,'j S 6 0
100 4/
J^j '/.'" Icdia Rubber, Gut. Per, &c.,Wrke.
Do. 4 per Cent, Debs, (red.)
National Elec. Construction Co
Kichardsocs.Wesl garth & Co., Ltd. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
1 7i
Bt. i,\
1 ..
12 12/0
100 ix,
1 li/6
i7.
!<» 4J5:
10 6/U
1 1/1)
Jonduits Ord,
6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Telegraph Cousiiuction & Maintenance
I ;. 4 per Cent Deb. ISonda (1909) ...
VKKcrs, Sous& Maxim, Ltd., Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. non.Cum. Preference
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Preferred
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Db. Sk. (red)
Do. 4} per Cent. 2nd Mort. Deb. (red.)
Do. 6 per Cent. 3r J Mort. Deba Bcrip.
J.G.White i Co. 6; Cm. Pref.
WUIats & Kobinaon Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs
i'''-is
to -99
a-ij
n i.'i
1* -11
100 -103
,'.-5i
lj-2i
76 7a
86 — S9
1-r
69 -12
8-S
U-ii
(II -64
7-7J
85 -89
12 —13
5 -6J
105 —108
15i-i6i
t;9 -101
8—1
63 -66
ii
6-31
—34-
6 13
4 10
6 IS
I'D ■
1O2
li;-2
li'ci- I's
lUO —109
lc3 — H5
114 -U6
106 -107
9 - n
i-i
28-zJ
£8 -73
Jan, Jnly
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
M»y ...
April, Dot
Feb, Ang
May, Nov
Fob, Ang
Jan, July
Jan, July
June, Deo
March ..
J*n, July
April, Got
April, Oct
Julyi Feb
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
KoT, May
May, Sot
Feb. Aug
March ..
April.flot
Anpist ...
Apnl, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Sept
Sept
Jau, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
June, Dec
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
May, 14 OT
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July
June, Deo
Mar, Bept
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
April, Oot
April
Hot ....
May, Not
Jan, July
100
TELEGRAPHS.
Amazon Telci^raph
Bt. "■• I Do. 6 per Cent. Debs, (red.; ^ oi — to
St., }^'^ 1 1 Anglo-American 1 55 — .g
E, , <iO,0 I tDo. Preferred 99 — IJl
St. SO (Co. Deferred I 13g-13j
lu, l\ : <-ommeiciaI Cable 4 per Cent. Deb. Stk. iiiA-61.'.
■ Cuba Submarine Ord...._
Do. Preference 10 per Cent
Direct Spanish Ord
Do. 10 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. H per Cent. Deb
Direct United States Cable
Direct W est India Cable 4 J% Rg. Db. (rd )
6 IWO
b 2/0
6„ WO
2u. H^.
lOo \l%
S, *4<i
s; 25/0
j,t- 17,6
ij-3i
6 —i
lCJ-174
3 — 3J
Eastern Ordii
99%— 10S"<
l'J-123
tU*— IO15
4 12 0
, 6 13 6
6 17 0
6 15 U
6 11
77 I 76i
1344 IS-i
-- 873
106J
Do. 3J per Cent. Pref. Stock '.'.'.'.".' 814—6*
Do. 4pcrCent. Mort. Deb. Stk. (red.) 103>-lU5i
eastern Extension 1,1 ,03'
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock" '." ' iiu— ir?
'0 6 0 , r''^'"'',?.*-*^^* Mauritius Sub.Debs.; io»i-lofi
un ?../ V"-^-'"' Copenhagen),witUCoupon7i I 3.1—3.2
ion fi
lu.
4%
-4
1/3
10
I/O
li'O
uo
6X
r.Dbs.(red.)| lOO — 1U2
IJ -1}
turopi ^j _^^
Macksr Companies Common . i 71 i^
Do. Prelerence ,; Zil
Marconi's Wireless Teleg. Co. . I a— j
Vi"e« r''»'!'";*f "™-' '•"""•Dl's:;™!)! 100 -!i
« est Coast ot Amenca
Do. 4 per Lent. Deba ]
W e'.t India it l-anitma ,
Do. t l/ir Cent. iBi Prof ,..,'
Do. 6% 2nd Pref
50 «?"■ ' l-er Cent. Debs
3.0 Wern leU-graph ... „,
14 „P°- 4 per Cent. Deb btock (red.) .V ~ 1 wl Z\l\
*< W estein I n.on Telegh. « 000 4 « Bonds S5 -"'
lu calcuuuiug tbe j.cH. alUvvance ha, been made for ac<
l"o —102 , 4 18
Mar, July
Jan, July
Apr, Oot
Apr, Oct
May, Not
J une, Dec
June, Dec
F.My,Ag,>
F,My,Ag,N nOJ
F,My,Ag,N ni
Jn,Ap,Jy,0; Bts
Feb, Aug I
Feb, Aug I
April, Oct I .-
U ' April, Oct I -
4 8 0 1 Jan, July | ..
6 15 3 |Ja,Ap,Jy,0 ..
4 8 « I June, Dec I ..
6 7 0 IJa,My,JyOil29i
" " Ja.iiy.JyO 83
Ma},.>ov 111.-.
la,Ap,Jj,0 lL'3
Feb, Auk
May, r»ov
Jan, July :
J une, Dec
May, Aov
Ja,Ap,Jy,u
la,Ap,Jy,0
April ....
June, Dec
May ....
Jan, July
May, .Not
May, AoT
May, £«oT
Jan. July
3 16 0
6 11 6
3 18 0
3 18 0
3 11 0
3 18 0
13i
86
10.-, J
i \
4 iti u tfau, July
6 4 0! Mr,Jn,0,D
3 17 6 June, Deo
4 10 0
Tued Interest but not Jor
100 2$
.. 45i
St. 6%
Bt. a?
St. 6\
10 f/0
10 f/0
6 2/6
St. 31 )i
St, 4"
1 0/7 1
1 0,7(
St. 4%
St., HX
6 3/0
6 2/6
St. 4J.?
10 20
10 1 3/0
10 iX
TELEPHONES. {
Amer. Telephn. &, Telegh. Cap. St
Do. Coll. Trust $1,000 4 per Cent. Bds
Anelo-Portiig'se Tel. 6% 1st Mt.Db. Stk.
Chili Telephone
Monte Vicieo Telephone Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref
KationalCo. Pref. Stock
Do. Def. Stock
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Ist Pref
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. 2nd Pref
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. 3rd Pref ...
Do Deb. Stock 8J per Cent, (red.) ...
Do 4 pf r Ce t. Di'b. Stock (red.)
Oriental -
Do. 6 per Ceut. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Rod. Deb. Stock
Telephone Co. of Eeypt 4) 4Db.3tk.(red.)
United River Plate :
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4i Deb. St. Red
129 -130 6 6 3
-12t 4 17 0
U— IJ 4 16 0
83 -Sv 4 9 0
99 —101 4 9 0
102 —104 I 4 6
Boau
weekI
Feb.
6
8/0
6
6/0
St.
6"^
St.
bX
211
fi
2/6
St.
4^5;
St.
H5^
Kt
H'
St.
n
411
ihX
100
St.
m
6
2/6
IK
HZ
urn
«',
St.
bX
St.
«z
6
2,0
100
2/H
1
HZ
K»..
6
1/3
St.
4 4
bX
100
by.
b I/O
100 ,71
St.; 6%
100 ili
600' 6/.
St. 44%
FINANCIAL, INVESTRHENT, ke. '
Elec. 4 Gen. Investment 65; Cum. Pref. ; 8g-3i
Globe Telegraph 4i frust I I'.J— 1 §
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. ! 13 — 13i
Submarine Cables I'ruat (Cert.) 127 — 13J
COLONIAL AND F0REI6N ELECTRIC
fiAILVItAY&, TRAMWAYS, &c.
Anglo-Argentine 6% Cum. Ist, Pref.
Do. lu;t Non-cum. 2nd Pref.
Do. Permanent B% Deb. Stock
Auckland Elec. Trams. 6% Deb. (red.)...
Brisbane Electric Trams. Invest. Ord....
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J per Cent. Db. Prov. Certs
British Columbia El.Ky.Dt. Ord
[)o- Pref. Ord.StoCK
Do. 6% Cum. Perp. Pref. Stock
Do. 4^ per Ceut. 1st Moit. Debs
Do. V ancouver Power Debs
Do. 4}% Perp Con. Deb. St
Buenos Ayres Grand National Ord.
(Do. 6 Iier Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. bi ,ier Cent, Pref. Debs
Or. 6 per Cent. 1st peb. Bonds
) Buenos Avres Lacro7,e Trams 1st Mt. Db,
Buenos A.vres Port & City Tram. 1st Mt
Deb. Stock
Calcutta Tramways (1 to 137,010)
Do. 0 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4j% let Deb. Stock (red.)
Cape Electric Tram tiharea
City ol Buenos Ayres Trams Co. ( 1904)Sh.
Dv, 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock ...
Colombo Ir. « Ltg. bX Ist Mt. Db.
Electiio Traction Co. of Hong Kong 6
per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs
Havana E.ec. Ry. Con. Mt. 6% $1,000 60
year Coup. Bds
Kalgooriie Klec. Trams Sh
Do. 6 per Gent. " A " Deb. Stock ..
uo. tj per Cent. "B" Ditto
Lisbon Elec. Trams. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. E per Cent. Reg. Mort. Debs .
Msdras Elec. Trams. 6% Deb. Stk. .,
ila tlcc. lly. 51,000 Gold Bondg .
4 16
3 15
4 H
137 —142
102 —114
6.' — 6.;.
1"1 — lOo
li7 —110
lU —122
104§-106.i
IJZj-iOii
101 —101
100 - lua
2^-3
31-4J
73 —83
4i— 5 , 4 10 0
4l-6i 4 11 6
100 — lu3 4 7 0
5 11
II
4 18
0
4 14
u
4 6
0
4 e
H
4 2
0
6 0
9
6 3
6
6 14
(1
4 17
6
7 5
0
Jan, July
Mar, 8ept
An^st . .
Nov ....
May, Nov
Feb, Aag
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
June, Dec
Jau, July
April, Oct
April. Oct
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
June, Dec
Jan, July
Jan, July
SpDoMrJuj
SpDcMrJu
April, Oot
April, Oct
Jan, July
June, Dec
Jan, July
May . . .
May, Nov
Jan, July
Mar, Bept
May, Nov
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
1321
i
iioi ;uii
123}
Me
I Uo.
.St. .
i-3
6!J-=!5
83 —88
68 -9J
84 -81
53 -63
?2-l>'l
i-U
M -»J
90 —83 ! 6 7 B
102 —101 ,466
5 8
0
6
6 13
9
6 7
6
5 14
0
9 19
0
4 17
0
4 16
6 6
0
6 13
4 16
6
0
6 9
4 10
0
0
6 4
4 1)
0
101 — lOJ ' 4 12 0
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Jau, July
Jan, July
F,My,'A,N
June, Deo
May, Koi
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jau, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
May ....
Jan, July
June, Deo
Feb, Aug
lot' 6%
600 6%
St. 0/.""
600^ 6%
St.! Hi
600 bZ
lOU $1J
1' 1/.|
1' 1 2|
Bt. 6%
n. Con. 1st Mort. 6% Gold Bds....^
Hontreal St. Ry. Sterling 4i per Cent.,
Debs. (1922) (INos. 601 tu 2,00O)
Perth Elec. Trams Ord
Do. Ist Mt. Db. Btock
Rangoon Elec. Trams & Supply Co, 6%
turn. Pf.
Do. 4J7. 1st Mort. Deb. Stk
bao Paulo Tramway, Light & Power Co.
$100 Btock
Do. 6 per Cent. 1st Mt. SSOO Ub
I'jionto Ry Co. Ist Mt. 44 ; Ster. Bonds
COLONIAL AND FOREIGNIELECTRICITY
SUPPLY &0.
Adelaide Elec. B'plyCo.6%Cu.Pr 6l-6i 6 9 0 , Mar, Sept
Bombay E. S. & 1.0% Cm. Pf. 9J— 10 » " o
Do. 4J per Cent. Ueb. Stk. (red.) I 9J — 91
Calcutta Elec. supply Ord 6J-7 1
Canadian Gen. tlec. Oo. Com. St. ! lUJ-113i,
Castuer Electrolytic Alkali Co. (of U.S. A.)! 1
Ist Mort. Sll. Debs ! 9S — 103 |
Elect. Development Co of Ontario i 8a - 87^ i
Elec. Ltg. & Irac. Co. of Auat. 6 perl
Cent. Cum. Pref. 2—21
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb Stock I 85 —9U | 6 II
Elec. Supply Co. of Victoria 6 per Gent.'
1st Mort. Deb. St ! 871 -EOJ 1 S 10
Indian Elec. Sup. & Trac.Co
Kalgoorlie Elec. Power & Ltg. Ord,
Do. B per Cent. Cum. Pref. 3,
Madras E. S. Corp. 6 per Cent. Conatn.;
Deb. St , I 73
Meiican Elec. Light Co. 65i 1st Mort,
j ■ tiold tends
Meiican Lt.& Power Co. Com. Bt
Llo. 5/. l^t Mort. uold Bnda
tMontreal Lt. llt.i Power Co. Cap. St.... 119 -121 6 7
I tuver Plate Electricity Co. Ord. I/, 1/, | 4 1
Do. b per Genu non-Cum. Pref
I Do. b per Cent. Deb. Btook
Rosaiio Elec. Co. K'/, Pref. (1-20,000)
bhawinigau Water ti. Power Co, Cap. St.
Do. 6perCent.Bd 106 —IC 8^
Victoria i alls Power Co. Pref ' j^—l
162J
Jan, July
April, Oct
6 Jan, July
871 -EOJ
IS -2
86-87,'.
7J-77
83 90
Fob, Aug
Jan, J uly
6 I Jan, July
7 11 0 ! April, Oot
6 2 0 April, Oot
l.u — ua
5 —51
96 —1i
Jan, July
April, Oot
„ 1018
by Do. 6perCent.Bd ;. 106 — lC8;i 4 13 6 Jan, July lot)*
./■. ....__._ o..„.o .,, u... , ■• • 5 u 0 I Jan, July! 5S •■ ■
redemption t Ei dirldeud. t The London Stock Eiohange Committee liave declined to iiuote tbw*
_ 9 0
4 17 6
5 14 0
3 18 0
4 13 6
F,My,A,N 119
April ! ij
THE ELECTRICIAN:
THE OLDEST WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF
ELECTRICAL EKGINEERING, INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND FINANCE
ESTABLISHED, First Series (Weekly), 1861; Second Series (Weekly), 1878.
No. 1,607. [v"o'J:LV,i.]
FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 1909.
Price Sixpence '"^S.'Jf
Abroad id., or 18 cenU, or 90o., or 80p/
CONTENTS OF THE CURRENT NUMBER.
Notes 789
Arrangements for the Week 791
Siiiyle-phase Electric Trac-
tion on the Swedish State
Railways 792
The Use of Large Gas En-
gines for Generating Elec-
tric Power — Divnt.ision .... 794
A NewMethod for Regulating
the Speed of Induction
Motors, and its Applica-
tions. By C. Kramer 797
Par;i Tramways and Lighting.
Illustrated 798
Tin Electrical Equipment of
Messrs. Selfridge & Co. s
New Building in 0.xford-
street, London. Illus
trated 800
Institute of Chemistry 805
Ei.KiTRic' HEATI^c; and Cook-
ing FRo.M THE Commercial
Standpoint 806
RE\^EWS 808
Cranes [Bottcher]. Re-
viewed by W. S. Toplis.
liEViEws — continued.
Electro-metallurgy [Ker
.shaw] ; A Treatise on
Hydraulics [Unwin].
A Simple Means of Measuring
Inductances. By C. J.
Watson. Illustrated 809
The Electrification of Rail-
ways. By 1'. W. Carter,
M.A 810
The Institution and otner
Societies 811
The Tolhurst Accumulator.
Illustrated 811
The General Electric Co.'s
Annual Dinner 811
Legal Intelligence 813
ParliamentaryIntelligence 814
Municipal, Foreign & General
Notes 814
Trade Notes and Notices 817
Companies' Meetings and
Reports 821
New Companies, &c 824
City Notes 8^4
Companies' Share List 825
1^ O T £: s.
Standardisation of Lighting Units.
1 r cannot be denifd tliat at the pre.sent time the units
employed to express lighting values are many and varied.
The units of candle power used in France and Germany are
both different from that employed in this country, and
although the recent International Photometric Commission
at Zurich laid down the e.\act relations existing between
the English candle-power, the Hefner candle-power, and
the C'arcel candle-power, in these daj^s of standardisation
some improvement on this arrangement might confidently
be expected. Further, as regards units of illumination, our
plight is much the same ; we have the candle-foot, the
candle-metre, of at least two varieties, and that mysterious
unit the lux. This heterogeneity has, however, not passed
without attention, and at the recent meeting of the Inter-
national Electrotechnical Commission a proposal to
establish an international unit of light was brought for-
^\'ard by the French delegates. The proposal was referred
tu the comniittees in the various countries and a sub-com-
niittee.the namesof whose members we give ouanother page,
was appointed to deal with the question in this country. It
i> gratifying to see that in this matter, which is a branch of
the scientific side of the lighting <iuestion, electrical and gas
interests are to be amalgamated for the common good. We
shall await with interest the pidjlication of the report on
tills subject, and if the sub-committee succeeds in evolving
anything like order out of the present chaos, it will have
earned the thanks of the members of both the scientific and
commercial branches of the electrical industry. It is to be
noted that a satisfactory solution of the problem is pro-
phesied, and wo only hope this will be the caise.
Large Gas Engines.
TiiK main features of the adjounieil di.seussion at the
meeting of the Institution of Electrical Engineers last week
in connection with Messrs. L. Andiiews and E. Poutek's
Paper on large gas engines were, first, the defence of
British gas engine makers, one speaker remarking that his
firm had made many large gas engines and were prepared
to accept orders for gas engines of practically any size ;
and, secondly, the general agreement that to obtain good
results with gas plant, comparable or superior to those
hitherto achieved with steam plant, it is necessaiy for the
gas plant to be run on a steady and continuous load. A
satisfactory way of arranging this, and also for introducing
gas plant into central station practice, is gratlually to
instal a small proportion of such plant into existing central
stations and arrange for it to supply the steady 24 hours'
load. This method of procedure was advocated by Mr.
J. S. HlGHi'iELD. and is certainly more likely to meet with
approval than suggestions for the construction of complete
electric supply stations equipped with large gas engines.
In this connection it is interesting to notice that the authors
arrived in their Paper at tiie conclusion that in a new
station with a load factor of from 10 to 24 per cent., and
with coal at any price from 2s. 6d. to 1-)S. per ton, a com-
bination of steam and gas plant would be uueconomical, a
complete installation of steam plant being found to give the
best results with coal below a certain price and gas plant
when that price was exceeded. They pointed out, how-
ever, that with many existing steam installations the addi-
tion of one or more gas engines used for the flat portion of
the load curve would result in a large economy, and we
think that it is in this direction that liritish engineers will
prefer to move rather than to incur the risks at present
associated with large giis plant installations. The whole
c^uestion is very interesting and important, and its dis-
cussion has certainly proved of great value.
790
TiiE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 5, 1909.
Storage Batteries for Peak Loads.
Mk. a. M. Taylor, who.se contributions ou this .subject
lire so well known to our readers, loses no opportunity of
urging the claims of the accumulator whenever the ques-
tion of electricity supply is under consideration. He cer-
tainly i)ut forward a good case last week durhig the dis-
cussion of the Paper on " The Use of Large Gas Engines
for Generating Electric Power," and showed that, notwith-
.standing a loss in the battery equivalent to 50 per cent, of
the units taken from it, a total saving of 2,700 tons of coal
could be obtained in the authors' scheme, due to the reduc-
tion of the total coal consumption by 1 lb. per unit, and to
a reduction of about 45 per cent, in the engine hours. Mr.
L. Andrews was evidently impressed by the plausibility
ot Mr. Taylor's argument ; the combination of a stor-
age battery, which is probably at its best when supplying
loads of short duration, and of the gas engine, which shows
to best advantage when run on a steady load, would cer-
tainly seem to provide a subject for much discussion.
Both kinds of plant have in the past been associated witli
a certain amount of unreliability, but in the case of the accu-
mulator this has now been removed, and the gas engine
bids fair to obtain a better record in the future, so that the
question ot the plant to adopt for electricity supply is
likely to furni.sh an interesting and debatable subject for
some time to come.
The General Electric Co.
As will be seen on another page the General Electric Co.
held its annual dinner last week with its usual success,
and, as was to be expected, the main after-dinner theme
was that of Protection. Mr. G. Bvsa referred in eloquent
terms to what other Governments do to protect and to tbster
their industries. At one time Great Britain was ahead of
the world, but now this was no longer the case, and the
reason was largely because , the British Government failed
to support the industries of this country. Mr. MoiiDEY
followed on his now familiar subject, that notwith-
standing any supposed disadvantages under which we
worked in this country, we were ahead of other coun-
tries in electricity supply, and the amount of foreign
plant in our generating stations was comparatively small.
Mr. Hammond also sided with Free Trade, and handled
millions in a way that should give us all confidence
in his ability as treasurer of the Institution, Mr. Pason
(Agent-General for Western Australia) and Mr. Grant
Burls (Director-General of Stores, India ( )fiice) supported
Colonial Preference, and thus it will be seen that there was
by no means unanimity on tliis important subject. The
iinly fact that seems to stand out prominently from this
after-dinner discussion is that the General Electric Co.
started from small beginnings and now has many thousands
of employes, so that the supporters of Free Trade may
feel that Mr. BynCx is not ahogether a good example of the
-JiiHerer through want of Tariff Peform.
appears in another column, Messrs. W. T. Henley's Tele-
graph Works have had a most successful year. They have
not only been able to pay their shareholders 15 per cent.,
but this sum lias been paid free of income tax, a detail
which, considering the Budget proposals now in the air.
will not be without its value. In spite of this result, how-
ever, the depreciation and reserve fund have not been
neglected. It is interesting to note that, in spite of what
may be called, in these bad times, excellent I'esults, the
(,'hairman (Mr. S. Gedge) called attention to the disastrous
undercutting of prices which our foreign competitors were
able to effect. Great care has been taken in keeping up tlie
quality of the goods manufactured and in searching out new-
places where they may be utilised, and it is to this fact that
he a.scribed the excellent results obtained during the past
year. Apart from the purely financial side of Henley's
undertaking, we note that an increasing number of em-
ployes are being given a holding in the firm, for it is thought,
by these means the interest of the employees in the well-
being of the concern will be extended. We are alsn
pleased to see that Messrs. Henley are making special
arrnngements for both staff and employes who become
members of the Territorial Force to attend their annual
tiaiuing without being placed in a disadvantageous position
in relation to the others as regards holidays. A personnl
note was struck in the reference made to the work of Mr.
George Sutton, now managing director of the company,
during the 28 years he has been in their employ, a fact that
is to be marked by a suitable presentation to him by tlic
shareholders.
Cable Progress.
It is gratifying to note that amongst the very General
depression which is now present in the electrical industry
there is at least one bright spot. As wUl be seen by x
report of the general meeting of the companv, which
The M.A. Degree at Oxford.
On Tuesday last a debate took place in Congregation at
Oxford on the promulgation of the statute providing that
Bachelors of Arts shall not have the degree of Master of
Arts conferred upon them simply for a monetary con-
sideration. It seems strange that this financial .system
should have existed for so long, for it savours extremely
of American methods, and has not found favour in this
country except at Oxford and Cambridge. A degree is
meaningless unless it is awarded as the result of examina-
tion, a thesis, or in recognition of work done, and degrees
awarded on payment of certain fees can only be considered
as bogus. The case seems to us to be perfectly clear, but
we regret to see that there was a very distinct majority
averse to any such change.
Koyal Society. — Among the candidates who have been le-
commendeil l)y the Council for electiim to the fellowship ut
the lioyal Society is Sir R. A. Had field, the well known metal-
lurgist and past-president of the Iron and Steel Institute.
The British Aluminium Co.'s Works at Einlochleven. — We
understand that these woiks, whose present electrical capacity
is 20,000 kw., and which weie very fully described in our
issue of December .5th, were successfully set to work on Monday
last by Mr. W. Murray Morrison, managing director of the
British Aluminium Co.
Cable Interruptions and Repairs.
Date of IiiteiTuptiou D.ite of Repair.
Pontianak— Saigon Sep. 16, 1908 .. —
Tourane— Araoy Jan. 19, 1909 ... —
Oian— Tangier Feb. 20, 1909 .. —
Seattle— Sitka Feb. 2,S, 19 9 ... Feb. 26, 1909
Cayenne— Salinas Feb. 27, 1909 ... —
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 5, 1909.
791
University College, University of London.— The annual re-
port on the woik ot this college fi)r the ycM ended February 2K,
1909, has ju.st been i.ssued, and contains a large amount of in'
teresting information regarding the progress made during the
last 12 months. There was an increase of 170 .students attend-
ing the college over the number in the pieeeding session, the
total being 1,361, of whom 229 were post-giaduate and research
students. During the year the new libraries and south wintr
of the college were opened by the Chancellor, Lord Kosebery''
and rapid jjrogtess was made with (he new physiological
building. 'J he most interesting series of public lectures
delivered at the corege during the period were doubtless those
on "The Scientific Principles of Wireless Telegraphy" by
Prof. .1. A. Fleming, F.K S There has been great activity in
the researcli work at the college, which is marked by the
publication of a number of Papers by students, includincr no
less than 27 on tl e subject of National Eugenics and 40
on Chemistry. The report closes with a summary of the
urgent needs of the college the necessity for new huildin'js for
the department of ehcmisiry, at a costof about £70,000, bein':'
placed in the forefiont. 'I he Chancellor has intimated liis
willingness to subscribe £1,000 to a fund for the erection of
new chemical laboratories.
International Electrotechnical Commission.— At the recent
council meeting of tlie International Electrotechnical Com
mission, which was opened by Mr. A. J. Balfour in October
last, the question of an intt-rna'ional unit of !i<,'ht was brou<^ht
forward by the Fench Electrotechnical committee. The
proposition of the French d. legates was, however, adjourned
in order that the Electiotechnical committees in the different
countries might have an ojjportunity of further studying the
subject. The council also recommended that the committee
m each country should endeavour to arrange m.atters in such a
way as to satisfy the needs of both the g,is and electrical
industries. Considerable progress has been made, and the
British commltt^■e has now appointed a sub-committee, under
the chairmanship of Dr. R. T. Glazebrook, F.R.S., to ;'o
fully into the details of the question. Dr. Glazebrook will be
assisted by Dr. S P. Thompson, F.R S. (British delegate to
the Commission), Prof. 0. V Boys, F.K.S., as official repre-
sentative of tfie Gas j;-ferees, and Mr. J. W. Helps,
M.Inst.C.E, officially nominated by the Institution of (ias
Engineers. With the cordial co operation of the gas industry
thus obtained, it is hoped that the sub-committee may be in a
position to report at no distant date, especially in view of the
experiments lately cairied out at the National Physical Labora-
tory, which point to the probability of an eminently satisfac-
tory solution
Smoke Abatement.— The first smoke abatement exhibition
to be held in a provincial city was opened on M. nday last at
Sheffield, by Sir Oliver Lodge. The exhibition has been
organised by the Sheffield Federated Health Association with
the object of drawns. public attention to appliances for econo-
mising for fuel and preventing smoke. During the exhibition
three conferences wi 1 be held on the (juestion of smoke
abatement, the first of manufacturers, the second of represen-
tatives of local outhoiities and the third of voluntary associa-
tions, and It IS hoj)ed by the i)romoters that some pro-
gress may be made in the attempt to purify the air of
large industrial distiicts. Sir Oliver Lods;e, in decl irincr
the exhibition open, said the ideal .system of he.i ing was
a combination of the open fire method and pipes, open fi'res in
the rooms and pipes heating the passages. He deprecated,
however, our present open coal M-es. A better meiliod was to
separate the coke and gis, and in houses burn the i^as only. He
thought that before long gas would be laid on in large quan-
tities for heating and cooking purposes, an<l electricity would
be depended on more for lighting. He hoped that at an early
date some town would try the experiment of h:iving the gas
made at the pits mouih, where coal was cheap, bringin- it to
the consumers in pipes and foi bidding the importati-n of' crude
coal into the town. He feared, however, that in this country
we thought about things a good deal before we did them";
there were so many vested interests. Still the times were
hopeful, for people were realising that things were wrong and
that they had got to mend them. He also mentioned, however,
that a smoky flame was sometimes more efficient than a smoke-
less flame, as when water had to be heated or where it was
necessary to heat a cold surface by means of a flame. A pos-
sible remedy for the drawbacks of the present system might be
the use of studs or projections on boiler plates, .so that these
studs could get red liot, in the flame and carry the heat in by
conduction. A kettle wi-h a thick b .ttom which could get red
hot would be more efficient than the ordinary kind. The
exhibition is to remain opnn for three weeks, and is likelv to
attract considerable attention.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE WEEK.
SATURDAY. March 6th.
RoVAL I.NSTITL'TioS.
J l>.m. Meeting at Albemarlestreet. Lecture on " Properties of
Matter," by Sir J. .J. Tliomson, F.R S. Lecture II.
MONDAY, March 8th.
Royal Society of Arts.
S/..m. Meeting at .John-street. Adelphi. Lecture on " Modern
Methods of Ar-titicial Illumination," bv Mr. Leoa U.-ister.
Cantor Lecture IV.
GrADU.VTES' ASSOCIATIOX ok the iNSTITriTIOX or Mkchanical
Enoineeks.
■-; p.m. Meeting at Storey s Gate. I'aper on " Proilucer Gas " l.v
Mr.O. H. I. Oruse.
Society ok Chemical lNi)rsTR\.
V p.m. Meeting at the Cliemical Society's Rooms, Kurlington
House, Pi cadilly. Paper on " Sulphur as a Cause of Corro-
sion in Steel," by Mr. G. N. Huntly.
TUESDAY, March 9th.
MaNi HESTER SkiTIO.V OK THE In.STITUTI0X OK ELECTRICAL EngIXKERS.
7:.>0 p.m. Meeting at the Physical Laboratory, the Uiiiversitv,
Manchester. Paper on " Electric Traction Vagabond Cur-
rents," by Messrs. R. G.and J. G. Cuuliffe.
AVEDNESDAY, March 10th.
BiRMixoHAM .Section ok the Institution of Eleitric^l Enoixeer.s.
~:!0 ]K ,11. Meeting in the Large Lecture Theatre, The LTniversitv,
Edmund-street. Paper- on " E.xtendini:^ the Limits of Power'
Transmi.ssion," by Mr. A. M. 'J'aylor.
Royal Society ok Art.s.
> p.vi. Meeting at .lolin-.street, Adelphi. Paper on " The Appli-
cation of the Microscope to the Study of Metals," by Mr. \V.
Rosenhain.
A.SS0CIATION OK EXGIHEERSr N-CHARIiE.
^■/;.m. Meeting at St. Bride'.s Institute, Bride-lane, Fleet-street.
Paper on "Indicator Diagrams," by Mr. W. A, Tookev.
THURSDAY, March IXth.
Tag In.stithtiox or- Kleutkicai, Exonkehs.
S p.m. Meeting at tire Irrstitution of Civil Engineers, Great
George-street, Westrnirrster. Paper on "The Dielectric
Strengtli of Corrrpressed Ail-," by Mr. E. A. W.-itson.
FRIDAY, March 12th.
PnvsrcAL SooiK.TV.
^' p.m. Meeting at the Iruperi.il College of Science, Imperial Insti-
tute-road, South Kensington. Ayendn : " The EfTect of
Radiations on the Brush Disciiarge," by Mr. A. E. Garrett :
"On Pirani's Metliod of Measuring the Self inductance of a
Coil," by Ml-. E. C. Snow ; (Exhibition of a High Potential
Primary Battery, by Mr. VV. S. Tucker ; and "On the Least
Moment of Inertia of an Angle Bar Section," by Mr H S
Rowel 1.
SATURDAY, March 13th.
Royal Institution.
.' p.m. Lecture on " Properties of Matter," by Sir J. J. Thomson
F.R.S. Lecture III
Corps of Electrical Engineers (London Division).
Commanding Officer, Col R. E. B. Crompton, C B.
The following order-s have been issued for the current week: —
Monday, March 8th, ( Infantry drill (Recruits), 6 p.m. to 7p.m.
" A " Comparry \ ■■ Smoker " at Head Quarters, at 8 p.m.
Tue.«dav, March 9th, ( Infantry drill (Recru'tsl, 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
" B" Comf)any ( Techniail drill, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Thursday, Mar. 11th, (Infantry drill Recruits), 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
"C" Company \Technical drill, 7 p.m to 9:30 p.m.
Friday, March 12th, f Infantry drill (Recruits), 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
" D" Company ^ Technical drill, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, Mar. 13th, I rtr i i i. r> m^ r^
" B " CoDiprny Weekend run at Coalhouse Fort.
THE Kr.ECrRICIAK, AlARCJI 5, 1909.
SINGLE-PHASE ELECTRIC TRACTION ON THE
SWEDISH STATE RAILWAYS.
system. - — ^ ""•'-ii'jg" p^'-';,"
The increasma development of single-phase traction has
luou"ht to light^a number of special problems requiring solu-
tion " This fact was recognised several years ago by the bwc disli
railwav authorities, and the determination to use electric
traction on their main lines-a decision arrived at. owing^to the
hich price of coal in that country— caused them to have a
thorough investigation made of all systems of electric traction
The primary r suit of this investigation was the experimental
installation" of single-phase electric traction on two short
leuoths of line in the neighbourhood of Stockholm. Ihese
experimental lines were worked under the direction of Mr.
Robert Dahlander,* and the results of the t sts with comments
thereon, have lately been published by him in an exhaustive
report, from which we take the following information.
Introduction.— This report begins by a resume of the various kinds
of motors in use at the time (1903) when the project was undertaken.
tlie tlu-ee-phase and single-phase commutator motors being specially
inmpared. It is shown tliat in the case of the three-phase system a
ilistril)uting network such as would be necessary on the Swedish
railways, taking the trolley voltage at 3,000 volts, would cost at least
£■2.750,000 more than single-phase current at 5,000 volts. There is,
hinvever, a balance in favour of the three-phase system of £750,000 as
regards power station and locomotives. If it were possible to use
as\igh a voltage as 5,000 on the three-phase system the difference
ill <'(ist of the distributing system would, of cour.se. be considerably
l..\\cri>d. From this it appears that, even taking into account the
disadvantages of the single-phase motor, regarded from the runnnig
and upkeep point of view, it certainly has an advantage of ensuring
lower distributing costs.
In spite of the fact, therefore, that the single-phase commutator
motor at the end of 1903 was only in its infancy, certain improve-
ments in its construction could certainly be reckoned upon, and. on
account of the good results which had been obtained in America and
Germany, it appeared that the disadvantages of this motor would
not be such as to exercise any harmful influence on the safety and
costs of working. It was, therefore, resolved that the tests with
electric traction on the Swedish State Railways should be carried
out on the single-phase system, and that the three-phase system
should only be considered if tliese tests showed that the disadvan-
tages of the single-phase motor were very great.
The necessary energy was obtained from a temporary power station
at Tomteboda, and the tests were carried out partly on the Vartan
line and partly on the line from Stockliolm to jarfva. Single-phase
alternating current was generated in the power station, and arrange-
ments were made so that the voltage and frequency could be altered
lictween wide limits.
The tests were actually made on certain passenger trains between
Stocldiolm and Jarfva from February 23 to June 29, 1907. Two
trains were used, one of which was worked by a motor car and the
1 it her, consisting of seven two-axle cars, was drawn by a Westinghouse
locomotive. These trains were worked without accident, and a
number of important tests were carried out. After this date most
of the tests were made on the Vartan Railway, where the traffic, being
light, allowed experimental trains to be more easily worked.
In spite of the relatively small scale on which the tests were car-
ried out, the technical world expressed great, interest in them, the
reason being, probably, that they were not made by any special firm,
but by an impartial railway .system whose object was to study and
standardise details and arrangements of very different kinds.
Power Station. — As no water jiower was available, two Laval
steam turbines with an output of 225 h.p. at 7.50 revs, per min..
but capable of exerting 270 h.p. for a short time, were used. These
were installed in a temporary power station, which was not too
* German translation by Messrs. Oldenburg of Munich.
elaborately equipped owing to economical reasons. By means of
I emulators these sets could be arranged to run at 600 or 450 revs.,
therebv developing either 240 h.p. or 210 h.p. Frequencies of 2o.
•>(» and 15 could also be obtained. In order to reduce the working
costs no condensers were provided, but a part of the exhaust steam
was used for heating the boiler feed water. Steam was obtained from
four locomotive boilers working at a pressure of 11 atmospheres.
Besides tlie alternators mentioned above, a small 15 H.P. set supply-
ing direct current for excitation purposes and for lighting the power
station was installed, (/iirrent from this set was also used for
operatina the switchgear. ^ nnn icfion
During the tests the voltages most used were 6,0(W, 12,000, 15.(H)0.
18 000 and 20,000 volts, though at times 3,000, 5,000 and 7,500 volts
were also employed. Owing to the nature of the work voltage
regulation was. of course, very difficult, as the load might at any tune
vary from nothing to full load, and the load factor from 1 to 0-2.i.
To "overcome these disadvantages some sort of voltage regulator
had to be used, and one working on the Tirrell principle was hrst
considered. Difficulties were, however, found with the contacts
owintr to the high voltages employed, and various materials were
tried'for this purpose. After a number of tests had been made
contacts of glass-hard steel were found to be most suitable, though
even these had to be changed every 70 hours.
On the .switchboard, besides the usual switching apparatus, were
fixed a voltmeter, ammeter and kilowatt meter, and the necessarx
current and voltage transformers. Besides the speed indicators
fixed on the cars, similar instruments were also installed in the power
hou.se. and these were arranged on a special panel so as to be easily
readable by several people. With these instruments a great number
of tests were made, readings being taken at first every 10 seconds
and afterwards every five seconds. From the results thereby ob-
tained it appears that observational errors were of no du'cct conse-
quence. This method of obtaining results, however, was exceed-
inalv wasteful of time, and some sort of registering instrument was
determined on, the ordinary type not being thought accurate enough
owing to the friction between the spring and the paper A new
arrangement, due to Messrs.' Siemens Schuchertwerke was afterward.s
placed on the market, in which the readings were taken by means ol
a spark from an induction apparatus. This instrument gave very
good results. The speed indicators employed consisted of a smaU
dynamo with permanent steel magnets, the current from which
passed through a voltmeter. This apparatus worked very badlx
while the brushes were of carbon, but as soon as copper brushes were
used the inaccuracies disappeared. Several other types of speed
indicating apparatus were also tried in order_ to obtain an idea ot
which was the best suited to the purpose.
Trnlleij If ire.— The line from Tomteboda to Vartan, a distance of
3* miles, was first e.iuipped electrically, and before the actual trolley
wire was installed the various methods in use on single-phase railways
were considered, especially those on the Veltellina Railway and the
experimental lines at Spindlersfeld and Oerlikon. As a result of
this it was decided to equip parts ot the line in different ways : toi
instance, both single and double catenary suspension and also du-ect
suspension was u.sed. The actual trolley wire was of cu:cular section
8 mm. in diameter, and was in general placed at a minimum height ot
17 ft. and a maximum of 20 ft. above the level of the rails. V^heve.
however, bridges crossed the line this was brought down to 14 tt.
The variation of the trolley wire from the middle of the line was not
more than 1 ft. 8 in. to either side.
During the testing and equipment of the Vartan Railway much
information as regards details was obtained which was used in equip-
ping the other line. Endeavours were made to use as low a suspen-
sion as possible in order not to load the insulators unduly, while in
order to keep the points of suspension in line the masts were pro-
vided with movable arms, and the trolley wire could be anchored
in a horizontal direction. This arrangement was advantageous in
many ways, as the tension in the wire could be regulated after erec-
tion, and the breaking of the wire led to a minimum amount ot
damage. The report describes the actual arrangements employed
in great detail. Quite a number of the original methods were after-
wards modified in accordance with experimental results, the idea
lieing to get the most suitable equipment for the conditions imder
which the line would operate. For the same reason exhaustive tests
were undertaken on the cement employed for fastening the bolts
into the insulators, while a number of types of insulators were also
tried. The method of insulating the line itself was also varied In
"cneral wooden poles were u.sed. but in certain cases those made of
concrete were also employed, though the results obtained with these
do not always appear to have been satisfactory, as they required
much more rigid foundations. Great care was taken to provide
suitable jirotective devices at level cro.ssings and bridges, and it^was
also ))ossible to divide the ine into a number of sections^by special
{
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 5, 1909.
793
efi-sctor switches on the tr^uey wire- Xt is impossible in tlie space
at our disposal to enter into the aetails of the equipment in any
great detail, but the general results of the tests are given in the con-
clusions to the report.
Rolling Slock. — As mentioned above, two electiic lofonH)tives
and two motor cars were used for test purposes, the motor cars
being usually connected to two trailers, thus forming a fovir-car
train ; the electric locomotives drewr^ordinary cars. Each motor
car was provided with two 115 h.p."" motors, which are fixed to a
specially constructed bogie. A compressed air system was provided
for [braking purposes, and a hand brake was also fitted. Each
luotLr car was at first equipped with two trolleys, one at each end of
the roof, and afterwards two sets of Oerlikon trolley arms were intro
duced.
The equipment of the locomotives and motor cars pos.sesses special
interest from the fact that they were worked at very high voltages,
this reaching on certain occasions as much as 20.000 vol ts. We have,
however, already described them in the pages of The Elbctrici.\n,
^'ol. LV., p. 206. and Vol. LVI., p. 466. when they were first put into
service, and since then only small modifications have been intro-
duced. It will be remembered that one of the locomotives was sup-
plied by the .Siemens Schuckertwerke and the other by the British
\\'estinghouse Co. In the report the details of the equi[)ment of
these locomotives is described at great length, and special attention
is paid to the design of the motors. A number of interesting curves
dealing with the operation of the locomotives under various conditions
are also given.
We have already mentioned that the necessary measuring instru-
ments were installed in the power house, but to obtain an idea of the
energy used per train the line los.ses had to be taken into account.
These, however, did not exceed 5 jjcr cent., and the voltage drop
during the whole of the test runs never exceeded 2 per cent. No
correction was. therefore, made in calculating the energy used for
this, for the other results could not be determined to such an ac-
curacy that an error of 2 per cent, would make any great difference
in the final reading when the trains were running at 12.(100 volts.
The error due to voltage drop was. of course, only about { of that
given above, and the error was proportionately le.^s with liiL'li vol-
tages.
A special speed indicator was fi.xed on the locomotives for measur- _ , . _
ing the train speed, and with it readings were taken every 10 seconds I for upkeep and repa
diirmg the preliminary tests and afterwards every five .seconds.
\Mien. however, the mean result obtained from these readings was
multiplied by the time, the calculated distance was often (i per cent,
less than the actual distance ; but when the braking arningcnicnfs
fi-xed on the same a.\le as the indicator were removed this error dis-
appeared and the speed indicator gave good results.
The tractive efi'ort ot the locomotive was measured by a sjjring
d\iiamometer. which was connected between the locomotive and the
first car, or between the motor car and the first trailer. Readings
"ere taken for about 100 test runs which were carried out with a
difterent arrangement of the trains, stoppages and mean speeds,
and numerous curves for these are given in the report.
Conclusions.— With regard to the results which mav be derived
from these experiments with electric traction, it should' he remarked
that the power station was only a means for generatiiii.' 1 In- nee cssai \
current, and should not be taken into account in ci.iisKlniiej ili,> w^t^
as a whole. This, however, should not prevent the results « iiirli were
(ihtained diu'ing workiiit; from being generally used and widely ap-
plied. The power station, in fact, worked under more unsuitable
conditions than would he the case for a larger traction station, the
percentage alterations in load and consequent shocks to the ma-
chinery, combined with the difficulties in the voltage regulation, were
much greater when one train is working than when se\eral trains
are running, as is usually the case.
As regards the trolley wire, the tests showed the f)ossil>ilit\- of
economically using vollaiirs ,is liiL,.|i as those emploved during the
exp,-rimental runs. Ii -Imul.l ,iiso be noticed that, by means of
.suital)le protective ap|.,,i ,,i us. tli,. danger to passengers and staff
can be so reduced that, in general, there need be no fear of using high-
tension wu-es or bringing them into the stations. As regards the
trolley arms, these high voltages involve no difficulties on this ac-
count, for the current which passes through them is reduced as the
voltage rises. With the help of suitable insulators, and bv paving
attention to constnietion.il details, it would seem that.' even at
these voltages, a high (leL'i, f s.ilelv in working' can be relied ujion.
Bi'sides these details. nuiner,,us aii(i valuable results were collected
duiiiig the tests which slum- that on the trial equipment several
arrangements which did not .operate very satisfactorily could be
greatly improved. As a result of this a .special and simi)le system
for carrying the trolley wire was designed, and this appeared to" work
most satisfactorily under the conditions met with on the Swedish
Statf Railways. This system is esseniially suitable for single line
woi king, forming an efficient combination for sujiporting lioth the
trolley win; and the feeders. In ordei to obtain ei|iial ten-ion and
equal sag of the wu-es. and also to avoid tli.' lailiue .,iiil e\)ien-e which
are insei)arable from the usual methods. .-. system of tension weights
was used which gave very favourable results. As on account of the
nature of the line greater speeds than 35 to 40 miles an hour were
not general, and then only for short periods, no observations can be
made on the way in which current is collected at high speeds.
The tests and measurement which were made on the use of the
running rails as the return cucuit shows that the electrical resistance
of the rail cu-cuit is considerably smaller than had been imagined.
This is due to the fact that the greater part of the current })asses back
through the earth. Rail bonding, which is essential on all lines
worked by continuous current, is not, in general, necessary when
high-tension alternating currents are used. By connecting all neigh-
bouring metal with the rails the possibility of danger by reason of
high I'.D.s is avoided. P.D.s between distant points on the rails
may give rise to certain difficulties and cause disturbances in neigh-
bouring telegraph or telephone lines. The employment of the rails
as the return circuit possesses so many advantages, however, that any
difficulties may be considered as small in comparison.
With regard to the effect of the traction current on telegraph and
telephone lines, numerous tests were made and several methods for
removing or diminishing the disturbances were tried with more or
less success. In connection with these problems, a thorough theo-
retical investigation was undertaken by means of which it was pos-
sible U) gcnerali.se the results obtained, and to draw conclusions
regarding the disturbances which occur on long railway lines and the
means which .should be u.sed to remove them. On this subject there
is still a large amount of work to be done, but it may be said that
the cost incurred in removing these disturbances from (elegrai)h and
telephone lines will not be such as to have any considerable influence
on the financial .side of electrical working.
In considering the rolling stock the motors are of the highest im-
portance. As a result of the tests made it appears that the single-
phase commutator motor has now reached such a position that it can
fulfil all the requirements of a good railway nujtor as regards safety,
efficiency and regulation. Commutation, in fact, gives no trouble
at the |)resent time, and the commutators give rise to no great costs
Since the time when the motors u.sed in the
tests were constructed great steps have been made in the develoi)-
ment of details, and it has been found that the weight of a single-
phase motor need not greatly exceed that of a continuous current
motor of equal output. Both the compensated scries and com-
jiensated rej>ulsion motors gave good results during the tests, and
there seems to be no ground on which one can be judged su])erior
to the other. Any disadvantages which have been noticed with
these motors have been rendered so small by ingenious improve-
ments that they need not be taken into account. During the tests
successful attempts were made lo in< re.ise the efficiency of the motors
by cooling them with coni|ii. -,, >l an. The arrangements u.sed for
this purpose have worked sal islaeiorily. The various details re-
lating to the control and regulation of the motors and to the methods
of collecting current from the trolley wire all gave good results on
It should be noticed that the tests with some unimportant ex-
ceptions. »,.|e all carried out at the same frequency as that for
which the motors were constructed— c/i.. 25.
Phe liirbint;s. it is true, could be so regulated as to give frequencies
of 15 and 20. but as this decrease diminished both the output of the
generators and of the motors any tests made under these conditions
were of very little value. This does not. however, seem to be of
great imijortance. as data for solving the question coidd be obtained
Avithout their aid. That the freiptency used must be between 15 and
25 is obvious. The lower of these postulates a considerably greater
outlay for transformers and generators, but po.s.sesses advantages
as regards the construction of compensated .series motors of large
output, and especially those wiiich are not provided with auxiliary
poles. The above statement does not apply to the eomj)ensated
repulsion motor. With the lower frequency there is in both eases
a tendency for the driving wheels to slip, aiid the difficulty of using
the adhesion weight is thereby increased. The reijorter" is of the
opinion that the advantages obtained by using a fre(]uency of 25
outweigh the disadvantages, and it would appear that this is in
general the i)est fn'cjuency for the pm-pose.
In conclusion, it is thought that the problem of electric traction on
the Swedish State Railways, taking into account the advances in
the knowledge of the subject during the past few years, is technically
solved. There will naturally always be alterations in details, but
it seems hardly possible that a siini)ler. better and cheaper .system
than the single-phase system can be obtained in the near future.
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 5, 1909.
THE OSE OF LARGE GAS ENGINES FOR
GENERATING ELECTRIC POWER.
We oivo below an aecoui.t u£ the discussion last week at a
m,.etiii'^ of the Institution of Electrical Engineers, m connection
with ifessrs. L. Andrews and R. Porter's Paper on the above
subiect This Paper was read and partly discussed at the
preiious meeting, an abstract of the Paper and discussion being
given in our issues of February 12th and 19th.
W Mr H. A. Humphrey, in opening the discussion i^eried to iiis cxpe-
"en.; with gas engines .some U. yenvs aL'o. In tliose early A^y^^hi-ie
V. e P e ty of troubles, and mauv vrM,|,.,„s l«d to be *,lv«l.<bu e en
* h le heavy repair bill the r,>nh l.^..u,■,l the gas engn.es and they
Tv able to hold their <.«n a.a,,,-, ,1... .u-.nn plant. In order to be u
I, eh with the latest d..v\..y<nr.,-. l>e found it nece.ssary to pay
a u.al visit to Belgiun, ..,,1 <;,>nMny. Although several names stood
o om nentlv in eonne.tu.n .uh the development of large gas engines
in tl^ country; yet one had to confess that it was on the t'ontment a
really large gas engines of 1,000 h.p. and upwards were hrst madt a
suo,4s. He could endorse many of the statements made and the tiguu-s
.iven by the authors. Dr. R-.M-nbc-.V Ca,-.. an.l :iUo th |..csent
Paper, had something to say al-ut ih,- rv l,r uv-nylons -l -i- • n.in ^.
but both were more or less contcn I to st,,l.- ilir n i, :_ulant\ '"^ | 1" '"
age variation of the normal speed. Kl. .1 r„ M , n.nucrs would want t
know, however, a great deal more al i tin- > v- li.- irregulanty. « ucl
had formed the basis of the refusal of ^. ■^, ,,,1 M.t.on engmeers to a.L.pt
.as engines. They wanted to get famil,.,, ^^ uh , l,c shape of the turning
moment curves, not only for full load bnl f,., part load, to see how those
cinv.-< wen- Mb-nted by the larL'e iueitm fnivcs which came into play m
„„^,,,,ii,, r-i.i i,,II\'mI tlir tiiMilrin t \ | .c aud to exaniiiie a mimbev of
"'1^,' '~\ ,^,|i, invjiil iiiiv .Ml. I ,in-iil.o .Irviation curves for actual gas
emouc^ ul N inuu- "l\ pes iilt.-.l «iti"i billable flywheels. He had endea-
voured to supply this information, and put before the meeting curves
obtamed from actual data and representing the latest practice. (>um-
cient notes were added to make the curves and tables clear. ( these
would be reproduced in the "Journal.") When the problem was
properly api>roached there was no difficulty in designmg gas engines and
alternators to give perfect parallel running, either with <.thcr sets or with
steam plant. AUhough an advocate ..f tb.- um- ..f ...a- .■o.^iii,>. lie idnuied
the steam turb'.ne immensely ; it appealed to lorn a- an m-nn , r ; but
the same could not be said abcmt steam Imilns aTid . nod. ns,.i>. w uch
c-nuld be condemned on scientific grounds. The gas producer could beat
the liuiler at every point ; it was more efficient, more scientific, more
elastic in its working, nuire responsive to demands and less wasteful
when idle. It was simpler to work and less dangerous, and rei{uired
fewer repairs. When an opportunity offered of working it in conjunc-
tion with an ammonia recovery plant it yielded an amount of sulphate
of ammonia generally exceediuu m \ a In.- t he total cost of the coal. Also
its overload capacity was ]n;niirallx nnlniiited, contrary to the state-
ment of a speaker at the poM.n- iiir.iiiig. He then referred to the
working of the South Sialbid-lnv .Nb.iid Gas Co. as showing the relia-
bility of gas plants, 'lla al. al -lalinn plant would be a combination of
gas producers with gas Imlmi.-. Imt unfortunately the advent of the
gas turbine was looked n|iiin a- remote. At the present time he was
making experiments wlorli pninn-rd a large measure of success, altliough
in a direction widely dilbuni; trun anything previously contem)>lated.
He had designed an apparatus which, by means of gas explosions, forced
water into an air vessel and so put it under pressure. The water might
tlow through an ordinary water turbine and back to the apparatus to be
used over and over again. The apparatus did not work on the Otto
cycle but exiianded its burnt products right down to atmosphere. The
gas explosions took place directly in contact with a column of water
which constituted the Hywheel, and all gearmg was absent. The appa-
ratus was exccccbiigly simple and worked with freedom from shock and
noise, 'and a small ayiparatus of craly a few horse-jiower had given a water
horse- power- li our for 2 lb. of cheap bituminous coal. In larger plants
he expected to lower greatly the coal consumption. In eonchision,
large gas engines for driving alternators should not be very closely
governed. .A s|ieed viiriation of (i per cent, between no load and full
load was better for runnhig alternators in parallel than a speed variation
of only 2.1 per cent. Finally, he said, do not use spring couplings of any
sort between gas engines and alternators. He had tried them and found
a rigid cou]iliiig much the best and safest
J, «..,. ..,..,..11,.- ,.,1,- less, lie oeiie\eu, in ruiuiuig tne recipro-
cating engin,> 1 1, a n ih,.y uure with the steara turbine. He thought
the reason was llcU engineers were more familiar with the running
of the plain, and in vimv of that fact, combined with the fact that
manutact.io't.i'^ w,.,.,, cflil f....i:,,r.. ti,..:.. ....... ;.. *i,.. .^i^ .; ] ,-
load in districts where coal >vas cheap, gas engines were out of t^ho
question. On the other hand, if a large supply was required toi-
chemical works, or similar load, the load factor being 80 per cent, or
above, then the gas engine must be considered. It was only neces
-ary to consider Mr. Allen's plant at Runcorn to appreciate the fact
th-it a o-as engine station could be run economically. Mr. Allen had
o-radually taken out the whole of his steam jilant and replaced it by
gas engines, which kept his service running in a satisfactory way.
Moreover, in place of a consumption of 2ilb. or 31b- of coal
per unit with steam plant, he now only used 17 lb. with the gas
plant and got back the value of 7s. per ton from the by-products.
The liest that the steam engine could do was to use some 10 per cent,
of the total energy in the coal ; the gas enj,ine and producer could no«
oive 20 per cent, or more. Therefore, for continuous loads, where the
cost of coal was the dominating factor, the gas engine must coine in ; it
was simply a question of time. He had had a good deal to do with the
supply of electrical energy to London, and taking the London load as
it existed at present, one-tenth of the plant generated HO per cent. ..t
the whole output of units, and one-half of the plant about 70 per cent,
of the total output. His opinion was that those figures and conditions
applied approximately to anv other town. The way to introduce gas
engines w-as not to "put up 'huge stations, but to add gas plant to
existing steam plant and use it for as much of the continuous load
as po.ssible and gra.luallv to alter the design of the steara plant
so as to reduce the standby losses. One of the dilticulties in inst.alling
o-as plants was that one could not get hold of men accustomed to
nin them ; most of the difhculties arose from this cause. It was satis-
factory to know that British gas engine makers had constructed many
large engines, and he bad no doubt they would be ready to deal with
the increasing nse of gas engines in the future.
M r Sehmer said the authors and other speakers had stated that the
overload capacity of gas engines was only 10 or 12 per cent. That
seemed to him to be rather a low figure. They built their gas engine^
so that they could carry an overload of 10 to 12 per cent, contmuously
and an overload of 20 per cent, or above for two hours. Mr. W ood-
house and others seemed to think that it was absolutely necessary to
use only a very high-class and expensive coal m producers. He was
quite sure that most tirms building gas producers would corroborate
tbe statement that one could .successfully use in the producer almost
anv kind of coal wliich might be used under boilers. In Germany they
had been experimenting in quite a different direction to firms over
here and had tried to use in producers a kind of fuel which could not
be used under boilers. Experiments of that kintl had been earned out
to use lio-nite, peat and the slaty refuse of coal mines, which had
hitherto been wasted. The most interesting expernnent was one
carried out in a German steel works. In that case three different kinds
of fuel were used, namely : (1) Coal dust mixed with water coming out
of the coal washing plant, containing 25 to 30 per cent, of ash, H.,U
30 to 10 per ('ent. ; (2) slaty refuse of the mines, ash 60 per cent., H,U
4 per cent. ; (3) slaty refuse of the coal washing plants, consis^ting
mostly of slate (ash VQ per cent., H.,0 10 per cent.). The plant had been
runnino- on those different fuels for over 10 months without trouble, the
o-as having a calorific value of about 120 B.Th.U., and being of such
a imality that he would not have hesitated to use it in gas engines.
His experience showed that nothing was easier than to force a ]iro-
ducer when necessary. It was only necessary to regulate the amount
of steara blown into the producer to prevent the clinkering of the
slack. He did not agree with the authors of the I'aper and other
speakers who limited the output of gas engines to 1,500 B.H.P^or even
only 1 000 r. H.r. per cylinder. As a matter of fact, they had bad
em^ines running for long periods giving 1,600 n.H.i-. per cylinder, and
were even now designing an engine for a large steel works giving over
8 OOOn.H 1'. ill four cylinders, or over 2,000 n.H.i'. per cyhnder. He
considered the estimate for repairs given by the authors much too
high. He would be prepared, from jiractical experience, to guarantee
the cost of repairs for a station of 10,000 kw. capacity not to exceed
£2 500. The authors had taken the ca|iital cost of gas engines ratlier
too high, and he was convinced that the price for first-class engine-
would come down to that of steam engines.
Prof. R. TiiREiFAi.L, while impressed with the impartiality
shown by the authors, was doulitful whether it was possible to insti-
tute a cimiparison between gas and steam which would apply to all
places. For instance, the authors' estimates showed that a yield ot
about 90 lb. sulphate of ammonia per ton of coal had been assumed
This implied that a non-coking coal containing over 1 per cent, ot
nitrogen could be obtained at the same price as steam coal. There
were some places where this was possible and some where it was im-
possible, though the authors had used a Kgure for the cost of fuel
which allowed for considerable carriage. In further criticism of the
gas power estimates, he pointed out that no proper allowance had
been raade for steara for the producers— all could not be obtained from
waste heat boilers under the other conditions specified. Moreover,
the figure put down for producer re[)airs was ciuite inadequate. The
gas engine was now a practically reliable piece of apparatus, ""t it
could not be regarded as having "approached finality in design. The
life of a cylinder was still uncertain, and it was well to set aside some
extra depreciation on this account. The stuffing box also was still a
source of anxiety. He asked whether the gas engine makers had ever
considered the advisability of using a much higher grade of steel for
jjiston rods than was usually employed. It was suggested that this
would allow the wall thickness of a hollow rod to be reduced, and this
would enable the surface to be kept cooler by the cooling water inside
the rod, and this would react most favourably on the good working 'u
the rod through the stuffing box.
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 5, 1909.
795
Mr. J. E. DowsoN hoped thiit the encoiirai;emeiit which some elec-
trical engineers were now giving to the subject would act as an
impetus to Britisli gas engine builders. Some he had spoken to were
prepared to supply engines up to 1.000 M.i'., hut not to accept the re-
sponsibility o£ turning out larger engines than that. If electiical engi-
neers wanted a gas engine of 2.000 n.i'. they bad, unfortunately, to
go to Germany or America for it. Reliability, however, w.is evervthing
to the station engineer, and until further experietice was (^btained
with large gas engines he ventured to think that it would be better to
stop at 1,000 11. r. at present. Bituminous coal and ookecould still lie
used with l.OOJ n.r. units, and good economy would result compared
with steam plant. He was pleased to see that the authors had bi-trught
(lut the (piestion of standby losses prominently. It was really sur-
]irisiog what little information there was about this, lie did not
agree with Mr. Humphrey about the rather low efKcienc\' of a boiler.
He bad always understood that a well-worked boiler bad an etficienc>-
of something like 8 J per cent. The bad time came when it was a
standby and wanted heating up again.
Mr. A. M. Taylor (Electric Supply Department, Birmingham)
thought praise was due to the authors for bringing out Fig. 10 of
their Paper showing the no-load losses and the proportion of steam
usefully employed. If the proportion usefully emijloyed was about
141b. per kw.-hour, that translated into coal would only lie about 21b.
|ier kw.-hour, whereas the overall consumption was nearer 3.^ lb. per
kw.-hour. Since that part of the steam consumption was in direct pro-
portion to the load it followed that the discrepancy was not due to
iniderloading of the sets, nor could more than 10 per cent, be attri-
buted to variations in pressure, etc. The onlj- explanation foi' the great
margin of ilifFerence was that in one form or another the bulk of the
losses were really constant losses. In connection with that matter he
asked the authors whether they had considered the ([uestion of em-
Ijloying large electric accumulator batteries in conjunction with gas
engines. It was true that for every unit taken out of the battery li
units had to be put in, but as the extra units represented a makeup
load, the coal consumption on the whole li units was only 1 lb instead
of 2 lb. per unit, hence an actual saving was shown of 1 lb. of
coal per unit, or 900 tons ; and a reduction in the engine hours of
about ^5 per cent., representing another 1,800 tons. The capital
cost would further be reduced by some £36,000. As regards fixed
charges, he had shown in his articles in The KLErrRiciAN that these
could be reduced as well. The gas engine was doubtless all right
« hen it was fully loaded. His ad\ice with regard to a gas engine
was to keep it fully loaded, and h:i\.' :i Ijattery as a make-up load and
stand-by. Mr. Taylor, by tn. an- mI .i diagram, showed how the author's
scheme could be altered, so lli.ii tlnei- iJ.OOOkw. sets would be installed
and two 2,000 kw. batteries. In the case of two sets being laid off,
the 8,000 kw. load would be taken by the battery working at 45 per
cent, overload and a 2,000 kw. set at 10 per cent, overload. Mr. Taylor
said he would go more full3- into the question in his contributed
remarks to the Journal.
Mr. G. L. AnDf;Nr,RooKK bega.u liy dealing with producers working
on low loads. If they were worked at less than halt load the <;haracter
of the product tended to alter, hence considerable difficulty. He
thought that the authors' figures were too high for the steam ])lant.
and that they had postulated contlitions rather against such plant
than for it. For instance, in most cases stations could have been
>elected with better water facilities. Also the cost of turbines would
be less. On the other hand. Iif i laiuuht they owed a debt of gratitude
to the authors for their dia-iam ui ilie losses in steam plants. It was
a great point to take the W illan- law as the basis in finding out what
the losses were. 'I he loss in steam pipes and pumps was almost fixed
and paitly boiler losses, and he advocated no-loacl tests on turbines
.and other plant in order that it might be found how much steam was
used to merely turn them round and keep the boilers and pipes heated.
At least 25 per cent, economy over modern central station ste.am
practice could be obtained, providing the plant could be Htted to
utilise the coal to the best advantage and to minimise losses. Never-
theless, this still left an advantage on paper to the gas engine when
loal was at all expensive, and it would gradually make its way in such
cases.
Mr. W. H. Booth described the development of the gas engine and
the continual belief that the limit of size had been reached. Most gas
engines in this country were of German or Belgium make. Ciermany
had many engines of over 1,000 ii.i". working at the picsent moment,
and yet it was being di.scussed in this country whether the bigjengine
could turn round.
Mr. 1 V. Robinson said, as a representative of makers of large gas
engines in Great Britain, he did not think that tlie position of the
British gas engine had been fairly and truly represented, either in the
Paper or in the discussion. In 1903 the firm with which he was con-
nected turned out gas engines of 800 ii.f., and since that date they
had built a cori>iderable number of larger sizes, amongst them being
10 engines of 1.000 ii.i'. or over. He did not think, therefore, that
there was any doulit that the English manufacturer could build large
engines, and lie was willing to take any luimber of orders for engines
of any si/.e. As regards^peed variation, that was merely a meohanical
question. Angular variation was more important. Mr. Humphrey's
curves gave all information on that- He could not agree with the
tigures put forward bj- the authors with regard to steam turbines. He
woukl reduce the capital cost from £13. 19s. per kilowatt to .Cl2. 13s.
per kilowatt with cooling towers and £11. Ifcs. without. He thought
that the authors' gas engine tigures were practically correct, but, if
anything, rather on the high side. With these corrections, the gas
rilant would cost 40 per cent more than the steam plant, and. in hi?
opinion, a combination of gas engines and steam-turbos was most suit-
able in the majority of power stations. As regards repairs, refeicnce
had been made in the Paper to the works costs at the Serainu- works
The chief engineer, M. i.eon (ireinei , in his Paper read before the
Lieye Society of Engineers, gave the total works charges as 0 062d.
per unit. In M. Greiners opinion, if the load factor be reduced froni
60 to 25 ijcicent, the works charge would be incre.ased to Ollbd. He
also gave the following figures as the probable works charges for hicher
load factors: 75 per cent. 0-0415d.. 1 0 per cent. O'Ojlld. On^the
whole, the present authors' figures for the works charcres required
increasing by, perhaps, 10 per cent., making the total cost 0-397d.,
whereas the cost of the .steam-turbo units w.as reduced by 0034(1. to
0'4fa2d., owing to decreased capital cost.
Mr. Stewahd entirely associated himself with the authors as far as
capital cost of the gas enginestation was concerned. There was no doubt
that at letist 5J or 60 per cent, of the troubles some vears ago were
caused by dirty gas, but he was inclined to think that too much
importance was now attached to the question of cleanliness. With
regard to costs of iei)airs, he thought the.se were rather overstated in the
Paper. He instanced the case of a 1,600 h.I'. single-cylinder fas
engine driving rolling mills. The repairs co^t for thi.s including half-
vearly overhaul, came out at £119. 9.s. 5d., and for a 500 u. p. engine in
the same works, used for generating electricity, for the same period,
and incluiling same overhaul, the repairs cost came out at £91. 10s. 6d".
The repairs to the gas plant on the ammonia recovery system came to
slightly over Mr, Allen's estimate. With regard to the limit men
tioiied by the authors bo the size of a .single cylinder, they had expe
rienced no more trouble with the l,50jn.p. engine, which had a
cylinrler 43;' in. diameter, than with the small engine with a diameter
of 24] in . and he did not think the limit had yet been reached. The
cost of fuel was purely a local condition. For instance, in Scotland
they got coal at a cheap rate— viz., at the present time, 7s. 14d.
per ton, in the ammonia recovery plant, the amount of ammonia re
covered averaging 811b. per ton." That was con.sidered the be.st cla.—
of fuel, but it was not absolutely necessary that that class of coal
should be used in the ammonia recovery plant, and durino- the <oal
famine some time back they had to put up with any kind of 'coal the\
could get, but experienced little difficulty. He thought it would !«•
a good thing for English builders to go to Ger^uany and see what w.a-
being done More than half of what had been said against gas ( ii.;in. -
could be put down to inexperience in the use of such engines. In dc
signing a gas engine station the daily load curve and not merely tlie
jearly load curve should be taken into consideration.
Mr. W. Dixon said it must be remembered that many of the large
German w orks were of comparatively recent development and «ere con-
nected with blast furnaces — hence the development of the encine
there, whilst there had been no such necessity here. Air. HigMeld
had broached an idea which he, the speaker, thought was one of the
most important in the discussion — viz., that the right way to develop
a gas engine station was to arrange for the gas engines and recovery
plant to work at their full load as long as possible. It was true
certain coals could not be used in recovery plants, but there was no
district where suitable coal could not be got at from 7s. to 10s. per
ton, and the ammonia recovery would leave a margin of 2s. or 3s.
above the cost oi the coal. It was a (piestion of load factor. If
the load was stead}' the coal could be got tor nothing. The generating
stations of the future would consist of gas engines and ammonia
recovery plant to deal with the whole of the station's constant load ;
whether the peak would be t.iken up «ith .accumulators, gas engines,
or turbine plant would depend on local conditions.
Mr. H. \\'. H.iNix'OiK said one point had not been touched upon,
probably because the Paper related onlj' to large gas engines, and
that was that with gas engines as the size of units trot smaller the
cust per kilowatt remained much about the same, whereas with steam
( iigiiies it got bigger. The greatest value in gas engine stations was
shown in districts where the industrial hours were very long. His
opinion, put briefly, was that where the hours of working were long
use gas. provided it was fairly reliable and the cost of rep >irs was low :
run the engines underloaded rather than overloaded ; do not overdo
the initial compression ; clean the .scrubbers freipiently, and do
not base the operations for producer gas on the practice for blast
furnace gas.
Mr. L. AxouKws only attempte.l to repl_\' to one or two of the
.'Speakers, but said he would send a full reply to the " Journal." The
authors' intention w.as to put forward the use of the gas engine without
any particular reference to foreign or Hritish makes. In order to do
that, they wrote to all the manufacturers who made large gas engines
and asked them to send any particulars useful for the Paper. As a
result, only two photographs were received from all the English
makers. One was a Westinghouse engine and the other a Mather <t
Piatt. The authors did not want to see German gas engines in
England, but what they did want was to iniluce makers of gas engines
in this country to go to Germatii' and .see what was being done there,
and embody .some of the principles of German gas engines in their own
designs. He could not quite make out what Mr. Highfield's views
were. A few months ago the elei^trical papers reported that Mr. High-
lield had stated, in evidence before one of the Parliaraentaiy Com-
mittees, that in a few jears' time there would nst be a steam turbine
left, but all gas engines He (Mr. Ilighfield) bud commenced his
remarks that night by saying that gas engines were never coming, aud
finished up by saying that they were. He was very interested in.
Mr. Taylor's remarks, and thought there was a good deal in what
he said.
^96
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 5, 1909.
DISCUSSION AT MANCHESTER LOCAL SECTION.
The followins is a short abstract of the discussion which
■took place at this Section on February li'.th in connection
with the above Paper :—
Mr. C. E. Doroi.A.s was a keen believer in the gas engine butli in its
present and its future. Although in large towns land was very expen-
sive. ^|w-.. was not the only thing, and, having regard to the develop-
nic-iit "< lii^li !• 111"!! liaiiMnission, it was a simple matter to put large
.rciiriiiiirj t iiH II- 1 liiilr liiitlier out, where waste land eonkl be more
readily .il.t:iiiM ,1. Tin li.l.l f..r the large gas engine was not o|iened just
vet; but ili^ r-in, |,,i i im,u of capital cost betwrm r.ilhn -uialler units
"not exceed m J l.iiiiii kw . showed the steam install, it ion a- |ii:irtieally on
a ]iarwith tin j i- in-iillation. The larger the imiK ihr iiir iter difference
,v,,iil(l iliri'i lir l,ri\w.n till' sti'aiii aud till- ;jas stations. From his own
,.x|ii I i.ih r lir iliMiiL'lii a ili~. ir|iaia V tai tiir Mt :.•.■) percent. »-as not enough.
Thi-K u a- one- |iiiuit u liirh liail in't I u ti.iirhed upon — viz.. the question
.if the coal supplies in the South of England and the London districts.
I'liere was a big field for gas engine work there, as coal was expensive.
:\Ir. S. L. Pe.ibce (Manchester), speaking from the point <if view of a
iuunicipal engineer interested more especially in the <piestion of large gas
engine units, was unable seriously to shake the tigures that the authors
had put forward. The question really resolved itself into heavier capital
expenditure and reduced fuel costs. He was inclined to think that Mr.
Andrews' view in October, 1907, in which he advocated a combination of
<ras plants with steam plants, was sounder than what he took up to-day.
They were all familial with tin- di-a.K ant i-es of gas plants— viz., (1)
exressive weight. (L'l iiialality t.. i 1 -mlil.ii overloads, (3) extra sjitice.
It was no good doginati-iiig on tliosr tliice points : each engineer must
consider them in relation to his own loeal conditions. The station en-
gineer would naturally have in view three points: (I) reliability. (2)
eapital outlay, and (3) fuel economy. It might be taken that gas plants
were a thoroughly satisfactory and reliable article to-day. With regard
to the produrer, they had, unfortunately, very little experience. On the
Continent it was a question of blast furnace gas or coke oven gas. With
regard to the authors' capital costs, the steam engines appeared to be
about 10 per cent, too high. The capital costs for a gas plant nsing
.5.000 k.v.a. units could probably be brought down to £15 per kilowatt.
\ext as to fuel economy. Mr. Andrews stated that various tests of gas
engines of different outputs showed a figure of 1 lb. per kilowatt-hour.
That figure was not borne out in practice. He considered IJ lb. to be
nearer the mark. With regard to bye-products, the authors stated the
figure at £11, and at the present time that was very near the mark. The
gas department of the Manchester Corporation for the la.st three contracts
had obtained £10. 15s., but if the supply of bye-products was likely to
liecome extensive, was not the price going to fall ? The stand-by coal
figures given by the authors agreed with his own tests. The authors
gave a set of cm vcs. and amongst them one for a fi.OOO kw. turbo-alter-
nator at Stuart-street station, Manchester. The tigiwe of 1.5.0001b. was
iuforrect ; the figure should really be 9,500. That was against the steam
tiiibiiie side of the question, because if the no-load lo.sses were deereased
there was still a total consumption of 95,000 lb., and that meant the coal
rousumption per actual unit generated was higher. The authors had
taken a \r\y <\t ia\ aaant figure for the cooling water per hour — no less
thaniSS.Oiiii aall.in- « hich worked out at 70 times the weight of steam.
It woidd III- imtiistiuii to know why the authors stated that the repairs
for generators would certainly be lower for gas-driven plant than for
steam or turbine driven. His experience went to show that the turbo-
■iltcrnators were more likely to cost far less in npkee)) than recijn-oeating
slow-speed sets. Regarding the question of dejireciation and interest,
of course, in considering industrial concerns, one had to take a fairly higli
figure for interest — about 5 per cent. Municipalities were able to get
money cheaper, and therefore the figure should be reduced by about 2 per
cent. He suggested an equated figure of 8.J per cent, for gas and steam.
Mr. W. STE.\n had dealt with gas engines and steam turbines, both in
manufacture and in operation. At the Westinghouse works they had
about 1,200 B.H.p. of gas engines, the other plant being reci)5rocating
steam engines. If for any purpose the gas engines were shut down they
very soon felt it in the cioal bill. As regards the upkcip nf pi.nlur.r,^.
theirs h.id been at work for about four years, and were ut t li.- _\[,.ii.l type
of 1,000 H.i>. each. In that time they had re-lined tin- tw.i ]ii..duc'.-is.
each at a cost of about £75, and that was practically the only repairs
made. The only trouble in a producer was the tar, and the producer
people as a whole certainly under estimated its evil effects.
<(Dr. F. H. Bowman considered that the gxs engine was not so perfect
as the producer was to-day, and especially the continuous action suction
l>roducer. If a suction producer were put down for, say. 500 h.p., the
plant would cost less than £1 per horse-power, and tlicr.' « a- al.v,,|iitil\
nothing to go wrong. He quite agreed with what thr auih.a- -aal ir-
.gardmg the mi.xed installation. His opinion with rc;;aril to intuniiiicai-
l>lant was that it would not pay to put down a recovery process for less
than 4.000 H.p. , j x ■
Mr. S. J. Watson (Bury) thought it was rather unfortunate that the
"■til .r. should put forward figures for a large turbine station which
' ' ■ itated cooling towers ; large generating stations requiring cooling
. '« . . were the exception. Any reference to tlie cost of the land and
' ...s of the s,c«,n which the buiUings stoml „as al mitted. He
liougm they could be uistall,.d at a very coi.sid iilil\ 1 nst In fact
hed,dm,t think that £U7,51K. would bean ,m,, ,-,l,l,. „.,„.. for a shttion
a . < wWlf'"''^''.'''^'?'"" V"'' '^ ''''^^'" "'■ """l'l'- "-^'t"- supply was avail-
.M(. whtch worked out to about £11.75 per kilowatt, compared with the
auilini-' liL'iii.v ,,f CK!!!. ex, liiiliu- thr l.iiildiuL's. Adding the cost of
l.inl.larj-. ihr tiilal Hoiil.li.r -. iriirt hum like tIS |">er kilowatt. As regards
iiiiiiiiii^ . i.-is. Ill many iii-iaiK is a clicapci i|U ality of fuel could be used
tiir the boilers. If costs were taken out in that way, with a reduced con-
sumption i)er unit generated, and a slightly reduced cost of the fuel for
the steam plant as compared with the gas plant, the figures with 24 per
cent, load factor came out practically identical, and at 12 per cent, load
factor the savings effected on the cost per unit owing to the reduced
capital charges on the steam plant, showed up the steam plant it.self to
very much l>etter advantage.
Mr. V. A. H. JrCow.iN (Salford) said he had been considering a scheme
very similar to the one that the authors had taken, and he agreed with a
number of theii' i mu. lnsniiis. but there were a number of figures with which
he disagreed. ( In i In- i|ii. -t mn of coal, the authors started on the assump-
tion, which was lalln r iiiila\ ourable to a gas scheme, of coal at 12s. per
ton. If the cost of coal were calculated during the past years and an
average taken over the preceding five years, the price came out at some-
thing like 8s. per ton in that district. That would reduce the coat of fuel
in the case of steam from £19.0iM) to about £13,000, and in the case of gas
from £12,000 to £8,000, which would benefit the steam scheme very con-
siderably. In regard to water, admitting the necessity of a coolmg
scheme, they charged 6d. per 1,000 gallons of water, a most excessive
figure, as in that clistiict it was possible ,to get it at possibly a sixth of
the price by bore holes. That would reduce the cost of water in the case
of the steam scheme from £2,500 to about £330, and in the gas scheme
to about £90. Again, cooling towers were quite unnecessary, saving
£7,000 for the steam station and £1,000 for the gas. He also did not see
why the capacity of the boiler units .should not be doubled, reducing the
ca])ital outlay, radiation losses and space. Th? discrepancy factor figure
was much too large, and had the same effect in favour of gas plant as
some of the other points raised.
Mr,.J. Atktsson emphasised the fact stated in the Paper that the average
overall efficiency of the gas plant was more than twice as great as the
overall efficiency of the steam engine or steam turbine plant. Also the
lower the load factor the greater the need for gas engines, it being much
easier to keep gas producer shut down than steam boilers.
Mr. S. E. Feddes (Sheffield), in a written communication, did not
think full credit had been given to the turbine side of the question. He
could not agree with the tiuthors that it was much better to put down
cooling towers and use town water, and if he, the speaker, were confronted
with that problem he should not put down turbines, but reciprocating
engines. For a maximum load of 8,000 kw. he would prefer two 4,000 to
(>,000 units and two of 2.(11 n i ''A.i ii i' I kw. The cost of these four machines,
including condensers, pumps. , in ulating pipes, &c., shcmld not be more
than £42.000. against the .uitiun-i,' price of £50,575, and the coal consumii-
tion would be very much better. His present coal consumption with a
much smaller load, both as regards maximum demand and load factor,
was now considerably below 3 lb. per unit generated, compared with the
authors' figures of 3'55 lb. Again, he preferred, in place of the authors
20 boilers, six boilers with 'a normal capacity of 30,000 lb., each capable
on emergency of steaming at least 50,000 lb., and similar to those he had
had in use for the past four or five years, at a total cost, including
economisei^;, chimneys, fans, foundations, &c., of £21,000, which was
£10,000 cheaper than the authors' figure, although the latter figure did
not include foundations, chimneys and flues, these being tacked on to
the buildins item. If he had time to go carefully into all the items he
could bring the total capital of £139,525 to near £100,000, as the cooling
towers should be omitted altogether. The crux of the whole question
as to whether one should use gas or steam must be settled in each par-
ticular case by the price of coal and by the load factor on the plant.
Messrs. L. Andrews and R. Porter, in reply, could not agree with
Mr. Douglas that the future use of gas engines would be mainly confined
to small plants. They were convinced that ths large saving in capital
outlay, labour and maintenance, coupled with the possibility of recover-
ing .sulp'iate of ammonia, would enable large gas engine units in central
supply stations to compete with the small isolated plants. They agreeil
with Mr. Pearce that combine;! gas and steam stations would be largely
used in future, the steam pi ints being retained for the peak load and gas
engines being used for the fiat portion of the curve. In laying out a new
station, however, they had shown that there was no advantage in install-
ing riimbined plant. Mr. Pearce had overlooked the fact that the 1 lb. of
fuel per kilowatt generated by gas entnncs was the fuel for extra current
only. Considerably better results than tlii- had been frequently oli-
tained with large gas engines. Mr. Sti a I linl ,li-|Hised of the fallacy that
it was necessary to u.se a, more expensive ei lal f- u generating gas producers
than for steam raising. It had, in fact, been found practicable to use
coal so inferior that it did not pay for cartage from the pit's mouth for
generating producer gas and recovering sulphate of ammonia, ilr.
Watson, with other speakers, questioned the allowance for gas plant
re|i Ills. They could only repeat that the figure upon which the estimates
were based was 60 per cent, greater than the figure which gas engine
makers" experience enabled them to guarantee for an installation workuig
under similar conditions. In regard to the cost allowed for cooling
water, 6d. per 1,000 gallons was the common charge for town supply.
A bore hole could not be included in an estimate common to any distriit.
Givan a very cheap coal and a good load factor, possibly a 2,000 H.c.
plant would be about the minimum size for which a recovery plant could
he recommended. Mr. Seaton overlooked the fact that numbers of large
gas engines were running on coke oven gas which was a much more diffi-
cult problem than working on producer gas. Their estimate of gas fuel
consumption was more than confirmed by tlie records from eight actual
producer gas engine installations given in the Paper.
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 5, 1909.
797
A NEW METHOD FOR REGULATING THE SPEED OP
INDDCTION MOTORS, AND ITS APPLICATIONS.*
BY C. KKaMER.
Siimmar)/. — A new method for regulating the speed of induction niotors
IS described, wliereby energy, corresponding to the shp, is taken £i-om the
rotor and su])plied again to the axis of the asynchronous machine as
meclianical energy by means of auxiliary machines. The cost, advan-
tages and disadvantages compared with other systems arc discussed,
.•>nd it is shown that the new arrangement is es|3ecially suitable for use
in conjunction with rolling-mill motors and Ilgnor sets.
The attempt to regulate the .speed of a.synchronous molor.s is as
old a.s the machines themselves. The ordinary method of inserting
resistance in the rotor circuit is always accompanied by a waste of
energy, but in the case of small outputs tliis loss is u.sually com-
pensated by the simplicity of the regulating device. Vav larger out-
puts, however, these losses become too great, and resort has to be
made to .some other method, such as the cascade system. In this
last arrangement, two, three or four speeds are obtained, according
to the number of motors used. This method however, has the dis-
advantage of regulating the speed by jumps ; moreover, the connec-
tions are rather complicated and the jiower factor is lowered.
With the introduction of three-i)hase moturs of very large output
for driving flywheel converters, rolling mills, fans, &c., a system of
gradual .speed regulation, unaccompanied by waste of energy, similar
to that of the continuous current shunt motor, became necessary.
A solution to the problem was found by the author in 1904.. and
patented by the firm of Felten & Guilleaume Lahmeyerwerke A.G.
(D.R.P. 177,270). This ai'rangement consisted in withdrawing
electrical energy from the rotor of the induction motor, and, by
means of a converter or motor-generator, supplying the same to a
continuous current motor direct-coupled to the shaft of the asyn-
chronous machine. Thus the electrical energy taken from the rotor
is returned to the same in the form of mechanical energy (deducting,
of course, the losses involved by the conversion).
Suppose the induction motor is running at nearly full speed, then
the frequency and pressure at its slip-rings will be very small, con-
sequently tlie converter will rotate very slowly, and generate a cor-
respiintlingly low continuous E.M.F. In order that the continuous
current motor fed by this JC.M.F. should run at the .same (full) speed
as the induction motor to which it is coupled, its field must be very
weakly excited. On increasing the excitation of this motor the latter
will take less current. This results in a less current in the converter.
^^hich means that Ie.ss current is drawn from the asynchronous
motor. If this current, however, does not correspond with the load,
the speed of the induction motor will fall, and at the same time the
pressure at the slip-rings, and with it the pressure on the continuous
current side of the converter, will rise, so that this will now sujiply
a larger current to the continuous current motor. Conset|uenlly j
the aggregate set will assume a new speed for which the current
input to the induction motor corresponds again to the torque. -As
a result of these changes, the speed of the converter rises by exactly
the same amount as the speed of the induction motor falls.
By suitably over-e,Kciting the convcrtii ilic phase-displaceinent
of the current taken from the inductmn Uh'ii.i ran he (•ompi-nsatcd.
With regard to the dimensions of Ihc inaciiiiic-s. tlu^ .size of the con-
verter is fixed by the following considerations : The armature must
be proportioned to take currents corresponding with the rotor cur-
rent at full load ; further, the field must be such that the pressure
induced at the speed corresponding to any given frequency varies
as the full frequency to the full rotor pressure. In other words, its
output is independent of the speed regulation, and equals the full
output of the induction motor. In order to keep the size of the
machine small for this output, we must make the number of poles
as small as possible, in order to obtain a high speed. For large out-
puts, however, we must have at least four poles, which, at a fre-
quency of 50, corresponds to a speed of 1,500 revs, per min. when the
rotor is at rest. Provided, however, that this converter has not to
be used for starting up, but only for speed regulation, its construc-
tion will not present the many difficulties common to a large con-
verter running at L.'iOO revs, per min. For example, if the maximum
regulation is 33 per cent., the converter has only to run at about
•")00 revs, per min., which is quite a moderate speed.
We now turn to the continuous current motor. At normal speed
this machine must carry the full current at zero pressure, and at a
speed n per cent, below full speed it must yield » per cent, of the out-
put, if the output at the asynchronous motor shaft is to be kejit con-
stant. Thus, at a reduced speed of 66 per cent, of normal, the t)utput
of the continuous current motor is a third of that of the induction
motor. At full speed, then, the motor would give an output equal
to ^ X :] = } the output of the induction motor. The following table
* .Abstracted from the " Elektrotechnische Zeitschrift.
gives the ratio of the size of continuou.s current motors to that of the
asynchronous motor for various speeds : —
Speed regulation.
Per cent.
Ratio of size of continuous current
motor to that of induction motor
iu per cent.
10
20
30
40
50
11
25
43
66
iro
In the above it has lieen assumed that the output ( = torque x
speed) remains constant.
It is also possible to extend the region of speed regulation by adopt-
ing the simj)le device of reversing the excitation of the continuous
current motor when running at full speed. This will reverse the
direction of rotation of the converter and send a current revolving
in the opposite direction into the rotor, which will cause the .speed
of the latter to rise above synchronism. Under the.se conditions
the induction motor gives a ])art of its mechanical power to the con-
tinuous current machine, which is now working as a generator.
The latter machine thus supplies energy to the converter, which
delivers it to the rotor again electrically.
The behaviour of the induction motor dei)ends on the t)7Je of
continuous current motor which is coupled to its shaft. For the latter
machine, either a shunt. com))ound or series motor can be used.
This feature makes the above method of speed regulation especially
suitable for rolling mills.
• Application to Rolling Mills — Such machines usually require
3t) to -10 per cent. S])eed regulation — the higher speed at lower loads
and vice versa. Further, when the speed limits have once been
fixed, the machine must not race or pull up, as the case may be.
when it is unloaded or over-loaded. When resistances are used for
speed regulation, this latter condition can usually only be fulfilled
by means of complicated arrangements, on account of which the
cascade system is often adoi)ted without troubling about the inter-
mediate speeds. It is usually further required that the motors
sink 5 to 10 per cent, in speed on overload, in order that advantage
may be taken of the flywheel effect. This, however, is not possible
in the pure cascade connection, so that it is nece.s.sary to have a slij)-
resistance permanently connected in circuit, which, of course, incurs
extra loss. To .show the advantage of the author's method over
the cascade the following example is given : It is required to drive
a rolling mill with a speed variation of 330 to .otK) revs, per min. At
the lower speed the output is to be .'idO H.r. and at the higher 4(XI h.p.
In the ordinary arrangement, where resistance regulalioti is u.se(l. a
.500x :; = 750 H.P. motor is required, since 2.50 h.p. are con.sumed in
the resistance. For the cascade system, let tlu^ three motors have
12, 14 and 4 poles respectively. We shall then have the speeds
500, 428, 375 and 333 according to whether motor 1 or 2 runs alone
or motors 1 and 3 or 2 and 3 are joined in ca.scade. Motor 1 can
yield 500 n.p. at .500 revs, per min ; motor 2 can give 4.50 h.p. at
428 revs, per min, and motor 3 can yield 170 h.p.
In the new system we require a motor to give 500 h.p. at 500 revs,
per min. a continuous current motor to give 170 H.P. at 330 revs, per
min.. and a converter, which has to convert 170 h.p. at a frequency
of 33 alternations per .second. Let the latter machine have four
poles. The price of this aggregate will scarcely be less than that of
the cascade set, but we have the following advantages: (1) Speed
regulation anywhere between 500 and 330 revs, per min. whilst
working without complicated connections ; (2) compensation of
the supply current to unity power factor ; (3) adjustment to any
desired slip without use of resistance. This last advantage is gamed
by compounding the continuous current motor, which gives the
aggregate a compound motor characteristic, and thus allows the
flywheel effect to come into play, and at the same time ]>revents
racing.
Wlien used m conjunction with the llgner system, the authors
arrangement leads to the following improvements: (1) Avoidance
of losses due to resistance regulation, wliieh are permanent, and
equal th(! j)roduct of the normal output and half the slip ; (2) A
much larger slip can be used (since there are now no resistance losses),
and, consequently, (3) a much lighter flywheel, wliieh leads to (4)
smaller no-load losses ; (5) larger factor of safety in working, due to
the larger air-gap between stator and rotor, which is made po.ssible
by compensating the lagging current.; (6) avoidance of current
variations due to intermittent working periods ; (7) regulation of sup-
ply ciu-rent to unity power factor ; (8) by suitable compounding it is
j)ossible to obtain a practically constant current, so that automatic
reguUitors can be done away with.
When applied to fans, however, the method is not so suitable,
whilst for reversing, especially when fiywlieel effect is present in the
ausUiary machines, it is altogether out of the question.
798
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 5, 1909.
PARA TRAMWAYS AND LIGHTING.
The City of Para, the official name of whicli is Belem. i.s the capital
I if the State of Para, and is situated at a ]>oint distant about 12(1 miles
lioni the mouth of the Amazon river, on a branch known as the Para
I iver. It is now a thriving seaport and was founded so long ago as
Uil.'j, and although in 1819 the population was estimated at only
L'4.000. in 1890 it had increased to about 70.000. and at the present |
time may be taken as being about 150.000. The (principal streets
arc paved with granite setts and a few with wood. As is well known,
the mainstay of business is the rubber industry, the finest quality
of lubber produced in the world Ijcing known xmder the name of
'■ Para rubber."
The tramways, which were formerly o))erated 1)V mules, had an
e.Ktent of 33 miles of single track, all owned by one company called
tlic " Urbana Company.'' although portions were laid to different
gauges. The electric lighting was sujjplied by two companies, the
Urbana Company furnishing all the public and also commercial
lighting, and the Paraense Company furnishing private lighting only.
In the year 1905 a concession was obtained for a period of 99 years
for the purpose of electrifying the tramways. This concession and
the old mule tramways were purchased l)y the Para Electric- Rail-
ways & Lighting Co.. of London, and a contract awarded to ,\lcssis.
J. G. White & Co. for the complete reconstruction and installation
of the tramways and lighting.
Track Condniction. — The total length of track constructed tor
electric workmg is S.'j-OG km., of which 20 km. of single track are laid
in paved streets and 21-6 km. in unj)aved streets, all with girder rail.
A further 7-4 km. <if single track were laid in unpaved streets with
70 lb. T rails made to H.S. specification. Sleeper construction was
employed throughout the whole of the work. The rails for straight
track were B.S. section No. 1. weighing 90 lb. per yard. At curves
under 150 metres radius B.S. secticm No. 1-C. of 96 lb. per yard, was
employed. On all paved streets Thermit joints were used, tie bars
lieing spaced 7 ft. 6 in. apart. On unpaved streets continuous joints
were employed, with two 8 in. concealed bonds per joint. The track
is laid to a gauge of 4 ft. Si in. The 90 lb. rails consist mostly of
45 ft. lengths, while the heavier rail is in 33 ft. lengths. All the girder
rail was supplied by the North-Eastern Steel Co.. of Middlesbrough.
The track is cross-bonded at every 100 metres, and inter-track
bonds are spaced 200 metres apart. All crossings are bonded with
two 8 in. concealed bonds and two bonds 14 ft. long. All points
are bonded with two 21 in. bent bonds and two long bonds, each
15ft,, with a cross bond 15 in. long across toe of point. The sleepers,
which are made from a very hard Brazilian wood called " Massa-
randuba,-' are spaced 2 ft. (i in. from centre to centre. Then- di-
mensions are 2 metres by 0-22 metres by 0-1 1 metres. The sleepers
rest on stone ballast of a dejjth of, o'l metre, and this ballast is
brought up to the level of the top of the sleepers on all paved streets.
In unpaved streets the sleepers rest on the .same depth of ballast, but
the ballast is brought :to the level of the head of the rail and well
rammed. The granite setts which were used were shipped from
Lisbon, and are known as" l'aiallcli|iipedos," with a length of 20 cm.,
a width of 10 cm., and a height of 15 cm.
.^11 the special work was maiiiifactu.ed by Messrs. Hadfield's Steel
I'oimdry Co.. of Sheffield. The [)oints. wiiich are automatic, were
niade to a length of 10 ft. (> in., with 100 ft. radius of curvature.
the tongues bemg of manganese steel. The track is iiractically level.
hut there is one .short gradient of 1 in .56. The smallest radius curve
on the whole of the work is 10 metres.
Overhead Eqin/ment.—With the exception of 4 km. of centre-
pok construction, and 3 km. of side brackets, the whole of the over-
liead work consists of span construction. The junctions are made
witli 7/11. S.\^ .0. galvanised mikl steelspan wire, which was supplied
by Messrs. VV . F. Dennis & Co. Tubular steel poles are employed
tluoughout. Ot tliese. there were at the beginnmg of the work
al)out 1,400 m the city, which were u.sed for carrying the lighting
wu'es and. where possible, advantage was taken of their presence
i.«- the ,u.rpo.se of carrying the ox..,i,..;ul work for the tramways,
addition to these, a further l.:!.-,o r„s. ,,,,1,. 31 ft. long were im-
poUd. these bemg supt.lied by .\l, .s,s, Sl,.,,arts & Llovd.s. of Gla
n 1 I '"■'" *'''"'''■ *'""' t'omolete with scroll's and clami
phasing design, were supplied by Me.ssrs. Naylor Bros., of (i,
A 1 : .t'lf'-'l'l''''- ^'"' f'-'^'''""- ''"^l ^"■««" I'o.xes-were furnished 1
clamps
ol-
by
;rooved type, was sup-
Jles.srs. Mstler Br
The trolley wire, which is of N<,. 00 B & S
hed partly by Messrs. W, F. |)c
Conduit & Cable Co. It is tlivided by section insulators into Um
of breakdown.
12 miles in w„,i. ^'.-::: V.'" '" '-"'■■ "vemeaa lines are about
l^ied parHy by Messrs. W, P. |).:nnis & Co. and partly by the National
I ided by .section insulators into
of isolation in the case of breakd
in lenptb Ti, "'?,"* '" '^'''" °^'e''lwad lines are a
•n length. They are all suspended from toggle insulatori
,„ot,.„ .u T , " "^ iiivicled by .section in
The eate":^;/;;: '^"^ ^'T''^ "^ ■^"I'^^ion ,n the case of breakdown.
■'..,;„! :„T!"''''/'"'::y ''>*' '•■""''"* to the overhead li,
on channel iron cross-arms, erected on the poles above the sjians and
brackets, The.se cables are stranded, and are of three sizes — viz.,
0-55. 045 and 0-33 sq. in. They are twin braided with strong braid.
each braid being separately served with weather resisting preserva-
tive compound.
Power House. — The power house is located on the south side of the
river Guajara. and has a width of 67 metres, extending 143 metres
from the front back to the river. It is a substantial building, steel
framed, with an oval corrugated iron roof over each part. The
original building, which was erected some 1,5 years ago on the same
spot, was built so as to permit of installing additional engines^
boilers, &c., when required. The engine room measures 11 metres
by 50 metres, the boiler room 13 metres by 50 metres, and the entire
building covers 1,200 sq, metres of ground. The chimney is of brick
construction 45 metres high, and with an internal diameter of 376
metres. Coal is loaded direct by means of a 10 ton crane from
lighters lying alongside into derrick trucks, which are then run and
tipped into the boiler house, or the coal is stacked in a yard provided
for this pvirpose.
The old equipment consisted of three Steinmuller boilers of the
water-tube type, with a heating surface of 242 sq. metres, and operat-
ing at 180 lb. pressure. Also one Belleville boiler, with econbraiser
and superheater, working at the same pressure. This battery sup-
plies steam to three vertical triplc-ex[)ansion engines built by the
Sachsische Maschinenfabrik Akiifntxcsellscbaft, of Chemnitz, in-
stalled during the years 1894-I89(i. These engines running at
150 rev.s. per min. have a normal mitpiit of 30(1 u.i-.. and are directly
connected to three Siemens & Haiskc alternating current generatois,
50 cycles, 2,000 volts, with an output of 240 kw. each. Each engine
has a direct connected exciter, giving 120 amperes at 110 volts.
There is also one vertical compound Belfort engine of French manu-
facture, which was installed in 1898. This runs at 150 revs, per min..
and is direct connected to a Society Alsaeicnne generator, single
phase, 50 cycles, 2,000 volts, with a direct connected exciter, giving
180 amperes at 60 volts. The above plant was used for suiiplying
private and public lighting.
The new equipments, supplied by Messrs. J. G. White & Co.. con-
sist of four Babcock & Wilcox marine-type boilers, each with a heat-
ing surface of 2,368 .sq. ft., and a grate area of 56 sq. ft. Each boiler
is capable of evaporating 10.000 lb. of water at hot-well temperature
into steam at 180 lb. |ier stpiare inch gauge pressure. Each boiler
is fitted with an integral superheater by the same makers, with a
heating surface of 440 sq. ft., capable of raising the temperature of
the steam at 180 lb. per square inch pressure to 500°F.
There are three sets of steam-driven cross-compound au' pumps
with jet condensers, supplied by the Worthington I'ump Co., and two
8 in. by 5J in. by 10 in. horizontal duplex boiler-feed pumps, each,
capable of pumping 5,000 gallons of water per hour against a steam
pressure of 180 lb. These were supplied by Messrs. Hayward.
Tyler & Co. There is also one feed water heater of 100 sq. ft..
capable of raising the temperature of 5.000 gallons of water per hour
to 75°F. when dealing with 4.000 lb. of exhaust steam per hour.
This was supplied by Messrs. Richardsons. Westgarth & Co. In
addition there is one complete purilier and filter [ilant. furnishcti liy
the Pater.son Engineering Co.
This plant supplies steam to three triplc-c.\pansion three-crank
three-cylinder vertical Belliss & Morcom engines, each of 585b.h.1'.
when running at 330 revs, per min., capable (jf carrying 25 per cent,
overload for tw<3 hours and 50 per cent, overload momentarily. These
are direct connected to three 400 kw. compound-wound Dick-Ken
direct current generators. There are also two triple-expansion
tlvree-crank three-cylinder vertical Belliss & Morcom engines, each
of 585B.H.P.. running at 333 rev.s. per min., each direct connected
to one E.C.C. standard single-phase generator of the revolving-field
type, working .it 2. 211(1 volts. 50 cycles. The regulation of these
machines at l> !l power factor is 8 per cent, rise in volts from full load
to no load. Temperature rise guaranteed by makers after 24 hoiiis
run at full load not to exceed 30 deg. C.
The steam consumption per brake horse-powcr-liour guaranteed
for the engines, with a margin of 5 per cent, at the makers' works.
with steam at 1551b. per square inch, superheated to a total tem-
perature of 500'- F. at the engine throttle valve, and condensing with a
vacuum \\ ithin 4 in. of barometer, are as follows : 25 per cent. t)ver-
load 14 1b.. full load 13-5 lb., three-quarter load 13-5 lb., half load
14 II). The guaranteed permanent variation in speed from full to no
load does not exceed 3 per cent.
There is also one 40 b.h.p. Belliss & Morcom compound engine
running at 625 revs, per min., direct coupled to one 25 kw. compound
wound exciter dynamo, giving 200 amperes at 125 volts, sujiplied lp\
the Electric Construction Co.
Formerly there was a .separately driven steam pump for pumiiing
the water from the river for the boilers and for condensing pur|)oses.
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 5, 1909.
799
III its place ha« lieen installed one 10 in. " Invincilile " centrifugal!
|mm|j of Gwynne's make, direct coupled to an 18 H.p. Lancashire
Dynamo Co.'s motor running at 584 revs, per min. Water is de-
livered at the rate of 2,000 gallons per minute to a series of settling
tanks made of brick, and having a capacity of L.'jOO cubic metres.
The water being rather muddy, these tanks are cleaned out every
six months.
Switchboard. — The switchboard gallery is built up of, steel frame-
Avork, supplied by the General Iron Foundry Co., and stands 8 ft.
a.l)Ove the engine-room floor. The floor of the'^garery consists of
<) in. of concrete covered 'with tiles. The .switchboard contains all
the necessary panels for the railway and lighting loads. The oil
switches, isolating .switches'and ligiilning ^iircslri-s jue sujiported
Waring & Gillow. One of the.se cars is intended for the use nf tlie
Governor, and the other for the use of the flavor of Para.
The trucks for all the above cars were supplied by the Brill Co.,
and are of their 21 E type, wheel base being 6 ft., except in the ca.se
jaf the palace cars, which have a wheel base of 7 ft. The electrical
equipments were .supplied by the General Electric Co., of New York.
Each car is equij)ped with'two G.E. 07 motors, three turn armatures.
40 H.p. at 500 volts. The controllers are the B.18 type, with one set
of handles, magnetic blow-out. circuit-breaker. &c. Each car is
fitted with Hudson & Bowring's lifeguard. The length pf the palace
cars is 20 ft. 8 in. over the car body, .30 ft. 3 in. including platform,
and 31 ft. 7 in. total length over collision fenders. The ordinary
double service cars have a length including platform of 20 ft. 6 in.,
the length of the car body being 18 ft. 7 in. The vestibule oi)en cars
have a length including platform of 26 ft. 2 in., length of the car body
being 17 ft. 4 in.
Pigs. 1 and 2 herewith sho«- some of the cars on tlie tramways.
High Tension Cables. — Xi present the high-tension lighting cir-
cuits are all run overhead, the voltage of 2,2<X) being transformed
down to 120 volts by means of transformers fixed on the poles. .All
the high-tension lay-out has now been put underground.
The total length of cable laid was approximately 14i miles, and
was supplied by Messrs Callander's Cable & Construction Co. The
conductors are of the concentric type. The cables were made for a
working pressure of 2.200 volts, and were tested at the makers" works
Willi A \lr^■-■<\u■l^ (if 10,000 volts for 30 minutes between conductors
iimI -.'--'on \.ili- Inr 30 minutes between outer conductor and earth,
.iiiil uhrTi ;ii tii;illy laid in Para with.stood satisfactorily 4,000 volts
for 30 minutes between conductors and 1,000 volts for 30 minutes
between outer conductor and earti:. The concentric cables were
laid in standard salt glazed stoneware troughing, with bridge pieces
of different sizes to suit the cables. The troughing was filled in with
Trinidad bitumen, and the whole covered over with hard glazed
stoneware bricks.
There are being installed underground 33 cast-iron transformer
tanks. These were supplied by the Whcssoe !Fonridry Co., of Dar-
lington. They are of varying capacity, and aie located in suitable
-piG. 2. — One m' the NTew I^eectkic Cahs fok Par-4 Tr».mwavs, two oe the Ui.u Cabs
Tkah.khs.
on the imdertrame of the switchboard gallery. The whole of the
switchboards were supplied by Messrs. Ferranti (Ltd.).
Car Shed. — The ear shed is situated in the EstradaMe Xazareth.
and has an entrance both at the back and front. It is steel framed
and covered with corrugated iron throughout. The shed is 127
metres long by 37'5 metres wide, and contains 10 tracks, six of which
have a pit running half the length of the shed. The rails over the
pits are supported on iron columns.
Cars — The cars, wliicli are 70 in number, are of four"difi'erent
types, as follows : Three combined luggage and second-class vestibule
open cars, supplied by the Brush Co., and six of the same supplied by
tlie United Electric Car Co. One first-class open vestibule car. sup-
plied by the Brush Co., and 23.of the same supplied by the United
l'"lectric Car Co. One sscond-olass vestibule open car, supplied by
tlie J. G. Brill Co. ; 20 of the same by the Brush Co.. and 14 first-
class double service civs -'ipplicl by the United Electric Car Co.
In addition to thes ■ th i ■ ai.- lu.) palacs cars built by the United
Electric Car Co.. lavi^'uls ii|i!i .Ut -red. and fitted with mahogany
tables and swin/ing arm chairs, sup|)lii>:l and decorated by -Messrs.
positions about the town. The high and low-tension switches are
mount<?d in cast-iron pillars placed above ground adjoining the pits.
The pillars were furnished complete by .Messrs. I'eiranti Limited.
Distribution will be on the three-w ire system. «itli 240 volt.s acro.ss
the outers.
We are indebted to Messrs. J. (J. Wliite & Co., the contractors
for the complete equipment, for the particulars and illustrations
contained in this article.
BOOKS BECEIVED.
(Copies of the imdermentionod works can lie li:vi from The Electrician office, post free,
on receipt of publisheil price, adding 3<1. for books published under 23. and o per cent,
for books publisliel nHt. Add tn per cent, for abroad or for foreign books.)
" Heavy Electrical Engineering." Hy H. M. Hobart. (London :
A. Constable & Co.) 16s. net. ,
" A Handbook of Wireless Telegraphy." By James
Murray. 2nd Edition. (London : Crosby, Lockwood
10s. 6d. net.
" Electric Lamps."' By Maurice SolOmon. (London
stable & Co.) (is. net. " " ,
Erskine-
& Son.)
A. Con-
1>
800
THE ELECTRICIAN. MARCH 5. 1909.
THE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT OF MESSRS. SELFRIDGE & CO. S NEW BUILDING
IN OXFORD STREET. LONDON.
Introduction,'
It'is practically impossible for a mere man, unless he be,
perhaps, a Zola, to describe with accuracy and with the proper
wealth of detail the pleasures which the fairer sex find in shop-
ping. Those whose business it is to provide us with shops recog-
nise this, and practically all their energies are concentrated in
attracting the notice of the feminine portion of the population,
generally with great success. The latest attempt in this
direction is that of Messrs. Self ridge & Co., who have been for
the past few months erecting in Oxford-street a palatial build-
ing of the most up-to-date kind and which is due to open on
March 15th.
It is scarcely our provnice to deal with the goods and mate-
rial which it will lie possilili' to obtain at this store : it will
the building are all laid out on the most up-to-date lines -The
cables and wires used are all drawn into solid-drawn heavy
gauge steel tubing, which in the case of tt« ground floor and
all floors above is concealed beneath the flooring. This is of
concrete throughout. All the tubing was laid while the floors
were in course of erection, and the wires have only been drawn
in during the last few weeks. A more than usual number of
draw-in boxes has been provided to facilitate this process. On
all floors below the basement the conduits are exposed,
being carried by special saddle pieces fixed a short distance
from the ceiling. All horizontally laid conduits have a fall of
1 in. in 10 ft. to allow for drainage, and vertical conduits
carrying switch wires, &c., are also fitted with drainage
arranaements.
I'lo. 1. — ViHw OF ;;'\\rn'HBOAKii.
«uffice^_to say that very little will be unobtainable, and we shall
forthwith concentrate our attention on the electrical equip-
ment of the building and shall also deal with certain other
features which are closely allied with this subject.
The consulting engineers for the electrical equipment of the
buildmg are Messrs. Wallis-Jones & Dent, of 50, Queen Ann 's
Gate, S.W., and the general contractors for the building itself
are the Waring White Building Co., of London, the architect
bemg Mr. E. F. Atkinson. As regards the engineering and
electrical features, it may be unequivocally said that the whole
design IS excellent. The greatest care seems to have been taken
throughout to provide for the safetv and comfort of both cus-
tomers and staff. The interior is light and airy, means of access
and egress are ampl:-,and the unobtrusivenessof themachiuerv
bothengmeermg and otherwise, which plavs .so areat a part in
the smooth working of such an establishment as that of Messrs
belfridge & Co., is a noticeable feature.
Electric Lighting Axn Power Equipment
<iviZttflT-~^'-7'' "l'^^' *° ^' ^•^P^^t'^d- ^he electrical
airangemeuts for providing the necessary light and power to
A very complete system of " earthing " has been pro\ided.
Each distribution board is fitted with a special terminal from
which a copper earthing wire enclosed in a conduit is run to
the earthing points, while the whole conduit system is con-
nected to earth at each distribution board. The frame of the
main switchboard is also earthed.
Details of Supply. — The supply of current for lighting and
power purposes is entirely obtained from the mains of the
Metropolitan Borough of St. Marylebone's distribution system ;
no private generating plant being provided in the building
itself. Great care has been taken, however, to ensure con-
tinuity of supply, which is effected through four feeders
approaching by different routes and terminating in special
pillars. From these pillars seven services enter the building
and are connected to the main switchboard in the sub-sub-
basement, whence the circuits inside the building are fed and
controlled.
The supply is on the continuous current three-wire system,
the pressure being 480 volts across the outers. This voltage
is in most cases used for power purposes. 240 volts being the
pressure for the lighting.
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 5, 1909.
801
Main Sirili'/ilmanl. — The main switchboai'd. wliieli is of
slate, fitted into iron framinji. is fixed on a special platform
in the sub-sub-basement. It consists essentially of three
parts, the supply panel to which the incoming services are
connected, the lighting panel and the power panel. The
supply panel contains the Borough t'ouncil's fuses. -Triple
pole switches and the necessary ampere-hour meters and de-
mand indicators control the whole of the current supplied
for power and lighting from each service. At the back of the
board are the main 'bus bars, which are divided into power,
flat rate lighting and maximum demand lighting, and from
which current is supplied to all the circuits in the building.
This arrangement allows a certain amount of light to be sup-
plied all over the building should a breakdown occur on one or
more of the feeders.
The lighting panels are divided into positive and neutral and
negative' and ncutial sections. The positive and negative si'ctions
of each circuit ar<' fitted with an illuminated ammeter and volt-
meter. Twelve of the circuits on this panel are fitted with 200 to
150 ampere double-pole switches and special tubular fuses, and
supply the ground and upper floors of the building through a
meter and demand indicator, as the energy consumed on these
floors for lighting purposes will be paid for on the maximum
demand system. There are also six circuits, similar to those
mentioned above, with the exception that there is no demand
indicator, which supply the basement of the building, the
energv there being paid for on a flat rate. The circuits through-
out the building have been so arranged that the balance of the
svstem is as even as possible.
As mentioned above, the pressure for power purjjoses is 480
volts, though some of the smaller motors are supplied at 240
volts. The power panels contain the necessary switches and
fuses for controlling 20 power circuits, 8 working at 480 volts
and 12 at 240 volts.
The switchboard, which has been provided by Messrs.
Johnson & Phillips. of Old Charlton, is so arranged that future
extensions can be easily effected, and an extra panel can be
added if required. The current density does not on any of the
switchboard connections exceed 800 amperes per square inch.
All the connections are made at the back of the board, and great
care has been taken to prevent any loosening of the terminals.
The framework of the whole board is earthed, as mentioned
above. A general view of the main switchboard is given in
Fig. 1.
Distribution Systrii). — From the main switchljoard the sub-
mains are led to the lighting and power distributing boards
on the various floors. In general, these mains rise to the sub-
basement from the main switchboard, and in the case of those
supplying the upper floors are led up the elevator shafts. The
circuits supplying the ground floor rise to the basement floor
and then pass along this floor and rise up the piers to the vari-
ous boards on the ground floor. The basement floor is sup-
plied in a similar manner.
Fio. 2.— Show Case Fitting used at Mes.srs. Selkbipi^e's New Bcilui.n
Each floor is controlled by five distribution boards, which
occupy the same relative position, i.e., the mains rising up the
lift shafts are tapped off at exactly the same points on their
respective floors.
The boards themselves are of enamelled slate, the positive
and negative panels being adequately, separated. These
boards are contained in iron cases into which the conduits are
screwed by connectors and sockets so that the case can be
removed without displacing the conduits. The boards are
recessed into the wall and the front of the containing box is
provided with a door whose surface is practically flush with
that of the wall, the whole being enclosed in handsome
mahogany cabinets. On the boards are fixed the switches and
fuses controlling the lighting circuits. In general, the lights.
both incandescent and arc, are directly controlled from these-
points, though in some cases intermediate switches are also
fitted. When the current in the lamp circuits is such as to
require a 10 ampere switch this is of the double pole type, but
in other cases single pole switches only are employed. Fuses
are provided on each pole of the sub-circuits, and the number
of lamps on any circuit does not exceed an equivalent of 12
of 60 watts capacity. The switches, fuses and boards comply in
all respects with the latest rules of the Institution of Electrical
Engineers, and are exceedingly neat and compact in design.
Connections are made to the front of the boards in all cases,
and the respective circuits are indicated by means of ivory
labels. These boards have been supplied bv Messrs. J. H.
[ Tucker & Co.
Lighting Features. — The lighting of Messrs. Selfridge & Co.'s
new building is singularly complete, about 6.000 incandescent
lamps and 286 arc lamps being installed. The farmer include
ordinary carbon lamps as well as metallic filament lamps of
the tantalum and osram varieties. Modern methods of
illumination have been followed throughout, and full advan-
tage in displaying the goods will be taken of the aid that can
be given by a proper arrangement of the lighting. Excellent
effects will be obtained in the shop windows and show cases,
while the general lighting of the building will be such as to
enhance the peculiar properties of the material exhibited.
Arc Lamps. — The arc lamp circuits are controlled by
double pole linked switches, fitted on the various distribution
boards, and each circuit is arranged to supply two lainj)s in
series from the 240 volt circuit. Where the lamps are hung
from the ceiling the suspension hook i.s carried through the floor
and the weight of the 'lamp is taken by a j in.
wrought iron plate fitted with a lockjuit. The are
lamps have been supplied by the British Westing-
house Co., and are of that firm's standard enclosed
type with ordinary conical covers. The finish is
antique silver and the lamps are fitted with
standard pine shaped opalescent globes. Thirteen and twelve
millimetre carbons are used which are arranged to burn for
sixtv hours j continuously. Ten 7i-ampere and forty-four
6-ampei-e lamps of this type are being supplied. There are
also sixtv-four 7i-ampere. one hundred and sixty-four 6-ampere
and five 5-ampere enclosed lamps with a life of from 15 to 20
hours. These lamps are fitted with ornamental cases of
Corinthian pillar design, finished in Pompeian green and fur-
nished with opal globes to ensure goofl diffusion. All the
lamps are fitted with shunt coils and have self-contained line
resistances. They are of simple design, and ample provision
has been made for ventilation.
Incandescent Light in;/.— For the lighting circuits the wiring
has bsen carried out oi\ the " looping-in " system throughout.
802
THE ELECTKICIAN, MARCH 5, 1909.
The usual parallel arraniJeraent has, in fact, not been departed
from, ev3ii when metallic filament lamps in series are used.
The necessary adaptation of tlie wiring is in these cases made
at the lighting points.
The upper floors have been arranged round two central
wells, surmounted by large glass ceiling lights. There are a
number of pillars erected round these wells and on these are
fixed three ampere plugs, from which circuits to supply the
festoon lighting of the columns can be taken of!. These plugs
are about 13 ft. from the ground bvel. A number of plugs,
known as column plugs, are also fixed on these pillars about
5 ft. 6 in. from the floor. These are designed to carry sufficif nt
current to supply six 60- watt lamps.
As mentioned above, a special feature will be made of the
large windows on the ground floor, in which the goods are to be
displayed. Circuits run from the distribution boards supply
these places, and are connected to a plug in the window about
10 ft. above the ground level. The lamps used are of the
metallic filament type, and are enclosed in trough reflectors.
As was only to be •'xpected in such a modern installation as
this, great care is taken to prevent that annoying glare which
is too often met with in shop window lighting. The lamps
them.^elves are quite shielded from the eyes of anyone looking
for sale and protecting them fron.i_dust and damage. These
cases are supplied from a floor box, having a capacity of three
amperes, on to which is sweated a flaxible metallic tube that
leads right up to the case, and serves to protect the wiring.
The lighting in these cases is elTected by 5 c.p. tubular lamps
and special reflectors, which are controlled by a local double
pole switch, and also from the distribution boards, while traps
are left in floor over each floor box so |that the cases can be
moved from place to place without difficulty.
Provision has also been made for temporary outside window
lighting when necessary. This is supplied from special boxes
fi.xed on all floors above the ground floor, and containing six
.3-ampere double pole fuses. From these boxes are led two
conduits which terminate outside the sill of the window, and
whose ends are fitted with protective caps. The temporary
wiring will, when required, be drawn into these conduits from
the outside direct into the terminal box.
Swiicht'S. — The switches in use are of many and various types,
and include exposed and flush tumlili r switches of Messrs.
Fio. 4.— TEr.EenoNE Board, with Test Framk (rNKiNisjiED; on the Right.
Fir.. 5. — PoaTABEE Teeethone Set.
in from the outside, and the general effect should be very
pleasing. The arrangement of these fittings is shown in Fitrs
2 and 3.
,-The lights on the staircases are fed from two circuits, adja-
cent lights being fed from separate circuits, and are con-
trolled from the distribution boards on the ground floor. In
addition, aach staircase light can be controlled by a switch
placed directly below it. In this connection, attention may be
drawn to a special fitting used on the staircase in this building.
It is a carved wood rectangular frame, the long sides of the
rectangle being vertical, and the short sid- s horizontal, and at
Tight angles to the wall. At the bottom outer corner of this
framj is fixed an electric lamp, while a gas burner is placed on
the top outer corner. The latter will only be used in cases
of extreme emergency, which, seeing the precautions that have
been taken to secure continuity of supplv, is likelv to be but
seldom. This fitting was supplied by Messrs. Veritys, who
also provided the other fittings throughout the building.
The show cases display goods to the best advantage, and
are visible from all sides. They consist of a glass walled
case placed in the aisles of the shop, and possessing the
double advantage of adequately showing the various specialities
Tucker's make. The plugs in use are also of exposed and flush
types, and those sunk in the floor are of more than usually
generous dimensions.
Power Circuits. — As regards the wiring for the power circuits,
these are supplied from similar distribution boxes to those used
in the case of lighting. Each motor is further controlled
locally by a double or triple pole, quick-break switch, so
arranged that the neutral pole is broken. Fuses are also pro-
vided. The conduits containing the supply are also run in the
elevator shafts, and in the case of certain long vertical cables,
special means are taken to avoid mechanical injury to the
insulation.
The whole of the wiring work, including laying the conduits
and fixing the fittings, has been carried out by Messrs. Malcolm
& Allan, of Glasgow, to the specification of Messrs. Wallis- Jones
& Dent. Besides arranging for this permanent installation
Messrs. Malcolm & Allan laid down a very complete system of
temporary lighting for illuminating the building during con-
struction. The methods employed for temporary lighting av"
often peculiar in their ingenuity, and it "will suffice to say that
the installation at Messrs. Selfridge & Co.'s building was quite
up to the usual traditions of this kind of work.
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 5, 1909.
803
Electric Motors.
In addition to tlio motors for tlie electric lifts, ventilating
fan, sprinkler pump, and hot waterpump, which are described
in greater detail below, there are numerous other small motors
employed. These include a motor for operating a pneumatic
despatch system, motors for working vacuum cleaners, elec-
tric pattern-cutting machine, electric hair-drying machine, ice-
breaking machine, and a knife-cleaning machine.
Lifts.
The electric elevator installation''at Messrs. Selfridge & t'o.'s
new building has been equipped by the Otis Elevator Co., of
London, and comprises nine passenger elevators and two
freight elevators. Each passenger elevator runs at a speed of
175 ft. per minute, and has a maximum lifting capacity equal
to fifteen persons. Each goods elevator runs at the rate of
150 ft. per minute, and has a maximum lifting capacity of
5,500 lb. The passenger elevators are arranged in two batteries
or groups, each of three elevators, and in one battery of two
elevators and one single elevator. Rolled and machined steel
tees are used in each case for car guides or runners. The electric
engine (machine, motor and controller) for each passenger
elevator is located at the top of the building immediately over
its shaft. Each freight elevator engine is located below, im-
mediately alongside its shaft.
Each elevator is provided with an electric controller and self-
centring lever handle switch in the ear. A secondary or emer-
gency switch is also provided in each car. Current is auto-
matically and gradually admitted to the motor, enabling the
operator to stop and start his car without shock or jar. This
control device is constructed to secure the motor against dam-
age by any overload or excess of current, these features being
automatic and independent of the operator. The car can be
run at maximum or slow speed ; thus, as the car can be started
off on the slow speed an easy start free from jerk is secured, and
being brought back to the slow speed before making stop at any
floor, an easy and accurate stop can also be obtained. Pro-
vision is made for slowing down the speed as the car approaches
either extremity of its travel, the first motion being to slow-
down the motor to slow speed, and the second to stop the wind-
ing machine by entirely breaking the controlling circuit. In
addition, in case of emergency, the main circuit to the motor
motor is broken so as to disconnect entirely all supply of
current.
A slack cable safety device is included with each equipment
to prevent slackening or unwinding of the lifting cables, should
a car become obstructed in its descent from any cause.
Electric brakes are fitted to each machine, and this brake is
so arranged as to be applied automatically when current is
switched off or interrupted.
Each motor is of the ironclad type of Otis make and design,
having a solid iron frame extending over the whole of the arma-
ture and field coils, which, it is claimed, are thereby protected
against mechanical injury. The motors are heavily compounded,
have self-oiling bearings, and run and reverse under maximum
load without sparking.
Each winding machine to which the motor is. of course.
direct coupled, is of the drum gear type with tandsm duplex
wormwheel and screw driving mechanism. The wormwheels
are of phosphor bronze, the screws being cut from a solid steel
forging. The worm runs below the wormwheels submerged
in oil in oil-tight casing, and the winding drums arc driven
through rubber buffers.
The cars are suspended in massive steel frames, each ecpiippcd
with a full complement of .safety devices.
Each passenger elevator is provided with flash-light signals,
comprising an "' up " and " down " light on the elevator en-
closure at interniediate floors with a signal end lantern on
terminal floors connected to the wiring circuits, the signalling
machine is mechanically attached to the elevator winding gear.
These signals are automatic, and serve to announce the ap-
proach of the car in either direction by the lighting up of '" up "
and "■ down " lamps, which are automatically extinguished as
the car leaves or passes each floor.
A gravity package conveyor has also been installed by the
Otis Co. it extends through practically the whole height of
the building. Packages of any weight placed in this conveyor
at any floor descend by gravity, and whether small or large the
speed is practically the same. It consists essentially of a large
tube with a small inner tube or circle, which is used as support •
for a spiral blade or chute.
The conveyor takes in the goods at each of the upper floors
and delivers them on to the receiving table at the lowest floor
(the packages and parcels descending by gravity, as the ex-
pression " Gravity Conveyer*' implies) where they are sorted,
and then find their way by means of short inclined chiites to
the dispatching room.
Telephones.
The system of telephones is on an extensive scale, the switch-
board (Fig. 4) for this purpose being erected not in the ofKce, as
might have been expected, but in one of the showrooms. It
is of the cential battiTV typo, consisting of three standard
sections at opcriitmx' |i(i^itions, with a capacity of 60 exchange
lines and 400 stations, Init the board is at present only equipped
for 20 exchange lines and 160 stations. The usual power
leads for supplying battery current from the main exchange
are in this case dispensed with and a battery of seven E.P.S.
QH 7 type cells is installed. The battery charge is maintained
by utilising the " B " wire of the exchange lines for charging
from the main exchange when these circuits are not engaged.
The cables from the switchboard jacks are terminated on
connectors mounted on an iron test and distributing frame.
This frame is of a type specially designed for private branch
exchanges, and is equipped at present with 51 pairs of lightning
arresters and heat coils, and 240 pairs of connectors, on which
|are terminated r?.sp3ctiyely the cable to the main exchange?
and the cables for distributing throughout the building.
■ For distribution purposes five lead-covered dry-core cables,
each of 51 pairs, are run in U in. galvanised conduits which is
laid in the briezc between the cement and steel frame and the
floor boards. On each floor four distributing boxes are pro-
vided, to each of which a certain number of pairs of the above
cables are connected. From these boxes to the instrument.s
the wiring is completed in V.I.E. insulated wire which is drawn
in conduit laid as previously mentioned.
An interesting feature of the installation is the provision of
multiple points in the restaurant by means of which portable
telephones may be connected and used at any table. Fifty-
four of' these points have been wired, and instruments com-
[bined with automatic boxes as shown in the illustration (Fig. 5)
will be used. The liiajority of the instruments throughout the
building are of this type.
Messrs. Sclfridge & Co. have established a signal system in
connection with the telephone installation, so that in the event
of a principal being away from his office when required on tho
telephone he can be notified of the call. The system consists
of a number of four-light fittings provided with four lamps of
different coloured glass and fitted generally by the clock in
each room. Assuming that Mr. " X " is recjuired and that he
is not in his office, the telephone operator will close a switch
and light the particular coloured lamp allotted to Mr. " X."
Mr. '■ X " on receipt of this signal will at once call up from
the nearest telephone. This arrangement was installed by
Messrs. Malcolm and .Allan.
The watchmen's installation should also be mentioned, some
60 points throughout the building being used by the patrols
for recording on a clock which is fitted in the telephone switch-
room. Four of these points are wired to the exterior of the
building at the four corners, and at two of them portable
telephones can be connected so that communication can with-
out delay be established between an inside and outside watch-
man.
Clocks.
A verv comprehensive system of electric clocks has been
installed. This is worked from one master-clock fixed in the
telephone room, and consists of seven 12 in. dials, and twelve
804
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 5, 1909.
18 in. dials situated on the different floors, and in the offices
throughout the building. This installation has been erected by
the Synchrononie Co., of London, and is worked on their well-
known principle, by which an impulse from the master-clock is
made to actuate the dspendeiit mechanism in the other clocks
evciy half-minute. In this particular case the master-clock
is in connection with Greenwich, and is corrected to mean
time every hour. One particular feature of the Synchronome
system is that the necessary impulse to keep the controlling
pendulum swinging is imparted by a falling lever when the
pendulum is passing through zero. This is the time when it
has the least disturbing influence, and in order that the impulse
shall not be a severe blow the impulse pallet on the pendulum
is so shaped that the impulse begins gently and increases to its
maximum at zero then decreasing in like ratio. In each dial
there is a ratchet wheel of 120 teeth, to which the minute hand
is fixed, with an electromagnet that propels it one tooth at
Fu;. 6.— St.imukd Master Civ )rii and 5Iech.\.\ism (Svnciii:uxo.me Co).
each impulse. A 1-12 gearing off this gives the proper motion
l'o.i the hour hand. Views of the clock and dial mechanism
are shown in Figs. 0 and 7.
In connection with these clocks an ingenious system of
signalling has been devised. It will be used for indic"ating the
times of meals and the hours of beginning and resuming work to
the staff. The operating mechanism consists essentially of two
flat metal discs, one of which is marked off into twelve divisions,
each representing one hour. These divisions are in turn each
divided into twelve others which, therefore, represent five-
imnutc iutcrv.ils. Each of these smaller divisions has a hole
dnlK'd 111 it ill which a small metal peg can hi fixed. A
sunilar. tliough somewhat smaller dial is' divided into seven
divisions each of which represents one day of the week. These
are further divided into two for the 12 hours dav and l'^ hours
night.
_ These discs arc driven by similar mechanism to that used
m the clock dials, and likewise receive an impulse everv half-
inmute. The goarnig is so arranged that the larger of the two
.lisc^ revolves once m twelve hours, and the other once in a
The signalling system used in connection with this apparatus
consists of a number of bells, fixed in different parts of the
building, which are operated automatically by the two
special switches in the bell controller. These are airanged
in series and are actuated by the pegs in the hour disc and
day disc respectively. By a permutation and combination
of the pegs, therefore, it is possible to arrange for the
signal bells to ring at any five minutes in the week, and to
alter these in any manner desirsd from day to day or from week
to week. For in.stance, no peg would be inserted for Sunday,
and the ordinary work bells would not, therefore, ring on that
day, while by means of a separate set of pegs for Saturday a
different and suitable programme is arranged for that day.
This bell controller is shown in Fig. 8.
As it would be rather overpowering for trembling bells to ring
for halfa-minute on end in a crowded shop, while a single
stroke bell would scarcely be sufficient signal, a special arrange-
ment was devised by the Synchronome Co. to overcome this
difficulty. This mechanism consists of a little fan by which the
necessary time lag is introduced ; this arrangement only allows
a third switch in scries with the former two to make contact
every four seconds, and thus eight single strokes are obtained at
four second intervals over a half- minute period. The first stroke
is given exactly as the hands of all the clocks move on to the
time selected. This arrangement is the result of much inge-
nuity, and offers many advantages over both a continuous
ringing and a single stroke bell.
The Grinnell Sprinkler and Fire Protection System.
In a building the size of Messrs. Selfridge & Co.'s new store,
it is essential, both for public safety and on account of the large
stock of goods, that an adequate fire protection system should
be provided. And it is a matter of congratulation to all those
connected with the building that, so far as human agencies are
concerned, all possible means have been taken to prevent fire
from breaking out and to suppress it directly it occurs.
The Grinnell Sprinkler system is installed throughout the
building. For this purpose the whole store is divided into an
east and west section, each under separate control. There arc
1 ,330 sprinklers in the west, and 1 ,460 in the east section. For
the purposes of this equipment each girder is considered as a
wall, and the sprinklers are arranged as if the space between two
adjacent girders were entirely separate from that on eitlicr
side.
This sprinkler system is supplied from threi distinct sources.
First, it is connected to a 12 in. water main in Somerset-street
by a 6 in. supply pipe through which water is delivered at a
pressure of 70 lbs. Then there arc two pressure tanks in the
sub- basement \yhich are connected together, and are supplied
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 5, 1909.
805
with water from a tank on the roof of the buihHn<,'. These tanks
are boiler-shaped of 6 ft. diameter, and contain under normal
conditions tw-o-thirds their capacity of air and one-third their
capacity of water at a pressure of 1 12 lb. Their total ronibined
water capacity is 3, .33.3 gallons. From this supply it is possible
to obtain a pressure of 15 lb. on the top sprinkler head in the
building, with the last drop of water in the tanks. The third
.source of supply is an automatic Ellington injector, with a 6 in.
suction pipe, from a 30 in. main in Oxford-street. This injector
is connected to the hydraulic power mains in Oxford-street by
a 3 in. pipe. There is a 6 in. delivery from the injector, and it
can deliver 650 gallons of water a minute at a pressure of 90 lb.
The automatic .sprinkler head used in this system is a very
ingenious bit of work. It consists of a glass valve on a flexible
seating, the valve being held in its " off " position by two
levers which are soldered together. This .solder melts at a
temperature of 155°F., thus causing the valve toop?n and a
stream of water to spray out from the sprinkler head in all
directions. One head adequately protects over 100 sq. ft.
On the outbreak of fire the water passing through into the
installation to feed the sprinklers in operation actuates a water
motor which in turns rings the alarm gong. This gong con-
Fia. 8. — CaIXINO EciOIPMENT IN CONJDNCTION WITH CLOCK INSTALLATION.
tinues t J ring until turned off. It will thus be seen that any
outbreak of fire would be dealt with in its incipiency by the
automatic action of the sprinklers.
Firr Hi/drafils. — .'Vs a further moans of protection a verv com-
plete hydrant .systun is provided. This is supplied from five
vertical rising mains on the staircases with a double-headed
hydrant at each landing, or 36 in all. The water supplying
these is taken from the Ellington apparatus, and 500 gallons
per minute can be supplied at a pressure of 90 lb. Besides these
points there are five points in the pavement lights outside the
buildings, to which the hoses of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade
can be connected in case of need. The whole of this fire pro-
tection system has been supplied and erected by Messrs.
Mather & Piatt of Salford. It will be seen that it is as com-
plete as possible, and this point has been recognised by the
Insurance Companies to such an extent that a substantial dis-
count off tlie premium is being allowed. 'X\T£,
Warming and Ventilation Appar.itus and Hot-Water
Supply.
The wanning apparatus in the new Selfridge building is on
the low pressure hot-water systsm. Ther^ are two largJ multi-
tubular steam boilers in the basement which supplv steam for
generating the hot water for the warming apparatus and
domestic services, and also for the cooking apparatus. The
hot-water for the warming apparatus is generated in two large
calorifiers fixed near the boilers and pumped round the build-
ing to the various radiators. These latter arc so arranged on
the piping system that all of them, no matter their distance
fromthecalorifier.heatupto thesamotemperature in practically
the same time. There are about two hundred radiators in the
building containing about 12.000 sq. ft. of heating surface. The
hot- water supply for the lavatories, &c., is generated on the
patent " nuconomiser " .system, in which the waste heat from
the steam traps and exhaust steam from the pumps and other
sources is utilised to the best advantage.
The ventilation is on the extraction system, and a large
centrifugal exhauster, driven by electric motor, is fixed in a fan
chamber in sub-basement; this draws the foul air from various
rooms and discharges it up a shaft which is built alongside the
chimney.
The whole of the warming and ventilating apparatus as well
as the hot-water service, was supplied by Messrs. Ashwell &
Nesbit, of London.
Conclusion.
In conclusion, it is only necessary to say that the above is
rather a sketchy account of Messrs. Selfridge & Co.'s new
building in so far as purely engineering details arc concerned.
The description of the electrical features is, however, conijilete,
and will enable our readers to obtain some idea of the equip-
ment of this most modern shop.
We have to thank Messrs. Selfridge & Co. for giving us )ier-
mission to inspect and describe the electrical ecjuipment of their
new building. Our thanks are also due to Messi's. Wallis-
Jones & Dent, the consulting engineers, for the trouble they
have taken in providing us with information, and to the various
contractors whose names are mentioned in the body of the
article for supplying us with the details of the apparatus in'
stalled bv them.
INSTITUTE OF CHEMISTRY.
The thirty-first annual general meeting was held at 30. Bloonisbury-
square, London, W.C., on Monday, Prof. P. F. Frankland in the chair.
After the financial statement had been received, the President sub-
mitted the Council's report, which was received and adopted.
Prof. Percy F. Frasklanu. the retiring President, then delivered
his address. He regretted the honour of representing the Institute had
drawn to a close, but he was thankful he was able to hand over the affairs
of the Institute in as sound and healthy a condition as when ho took
them over three years ago. The roll of the Institute had increased by
78 fellows, 30 associates and 08 students ; and. notwithstanding the
increasing stringency of the regulations, the number of candidates for
examination had increa.sed from !)4 in 1900 to 150 in 1909. He l)elieved
these figures indicated that a real advance was taking place in the demand
for highly trained chemist-s, by whom the well-being of the community
was greatly promoted, while the mischief which could be wrought by the
ill-trained and incompetent was incalculable. P.ulicular allenli'in had
lately been given to the educational side of the Institute's activity, and
he referred to five important changes : Latin, hitherto compulsory, had
been transfened to the list of optional subjects in the preliminary ex-
amination ; the number of examiners had been greatly increa.sed, forming
a board, the members of which were jointly responsible for the examina-
tions: written papers had been introduced in the final examination:
a working knowledge of French and German would shortly be required
of all candidates for the final examination : and the Council now en-
couraged the holding of examinations in India, in the colonies and in
different centres of the United Kingdom. The President referred to tho
criticism of the Institute by Prof. Kipjiing in his presidential address to
the Chemical Section of the British Association last year, and took ex-
ception to same. No one (he said) could deny that the Institute by its
l)olicy dining the 32 years of its existence, had enormously improved
tho theoretical and practical equipment of professional chemists. Tho
Institute had lately taken stejjs to establish an appointments register,
and had already succeeded in ])lacing a number of members in good
])ositions. Steps would be taken to make manufacturei-s and other
cmiiloyers aware of the existence of this register, which promised to be
most useful. He congratulated the Institute on their choice of Dr. fieorge
Beilby, F.R.S., as the new President, and thanked the fellows and asso-
ociatcs for their kindness and consideration during his term of office.
An illuminated address was presented to Mr. David Howard in recog-
nition of his services to the Institute as memlier of council, honorary
treasurer (18 years), president, vice-president and censor., extending
altogether over 30 years.
e2
806
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 5, 1909.
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' THH BliHCTRICIAN" INDUSTRIAL SUPPLBMBNT.
With " The Electrician " for Sept. 14, 1900, was issued tlie first of a
series of " Industrial Supplements," to be published from time to time
with " The Electkician." The thirty-third issue of the Supplement is
published (Gratis) with the current number of "The Electrician."
The " Industrial Supplement " is a comprehensive record of develop-
ments in Electrioitl Plant, Machinery, Apparatus, Accessories, Sundries
and Materials, and of their proved suitability for various Industrial
pur])03es.
The " Industrial Supplement " is holed for filmg or hanging, and
filing covers can be supplied for holding 6 or 12 issues.
BliBGTRIOITY SUPPLY TABLES AMD DATA.
This Valuable Set of Tables and Engineering' Data re-
lating- to Electricity Supply and to Electric Traction on
Railways and Tramways in the United Kingdom, the
Colonies, and some important places abroad, are now
ready, and can be obtained complete in handy book form,
price 6s. 6d. post free, or on very hard paper for rough or
constant use, price 8s. 6d. post free. A complete Index
is included.
ELECTRIC HEATING AND COOKING FROM THE
COMMERCIAL STANDPOINT.
For a short time subsequent to the introduction of in-
candescent gas mantles, gas undertakings suffered from
such diminished outputs that concern was felt as to the
future of these undertakings. Fortunately for those con-
nected with the industry, the situation was fully appre-
ciated, and the gas range was seen to offer a solution of the
ditiiculty, with the result that the fortunes of the gas com-
panies improved, and to-day the sale of gas for cooking
purposes has reached a figure almost undreamt of some
3^oars ago. Electricity supply undertakings are experienc-
ing a somewhat similar check to their lighting business,
although, fortuHiitely, iu a milder form, for the demand for
electric motors has ollered at a favourable moment a means
of checking very largely any diminution in the total output
of units. The fact must not be overlooked, however, that
the demand for current for power purposes comes, to a large
extent, from a new class of consumers. Although this is
satisfactory insomuch as it means a more comprehensive
supply, there are several reasons why greater efforts should
be made to maintain the revenue received from consumers
iu residential neighbourhoods.
Unfortunately there appears to be a general impression
that the cost — both as regards the initial price and the
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 5. 1909.
807
energy consumption — of electrical heating and cooking
apparatus is prohibitive of any very extensive adoption of
these appliances, except under special conditions. That this
view, as regards initial cost, is widely held by electrical
engineers is evident from the discussions v\'hich liave taken
place from time to time on this subject. We believe, how-
ever, that manufacturers are not entirely to blame, since
it is only by a largely increased demand that the price of the
apparatus can be reduced to a figure at which it is attrac-
tive to the average householder, to whona one must look
for the greatest developments in electricity supply for
electric heating and cooking.
In the past a mistake was frequently made in sacrificing
everything to the production of a cheap article. A number
of tliese came into use, generally with unsatisfactory
results, the unfortunate consumers who had been persuaded
to instal the articles warning their friends to be chary in
adopting electricity for heating and cooking purposes.
These early unfavourable, impressions have now to be
counteracted, and for this purpose a suitable policy must
be pursued. In what follows we deal with this question.
In the first place, the advantages of electric cooking have
been but rarely brought in a satisfactory manner to the
notice of consumers. Information as to how many chops
can be cooked with one unit of electricity is scarcely what
is required. It may come as a surprise to some to learn
that there is an actual saving in the amount of food when
electric cooking is employed. The shrinkage of meat after
cooking in an Ordinary oven is visually noticeable, or
weighing can be resorted to for exact measurements, whilst
the subtle juices which form the essence of the meat are
usually driven off by the present methods of cooking.
Moreover, the flavour attaching to food electrically cooked
is far and away superior to that obtained under other
systems. Tliis is not surprising when regard is paid to
present methods of cooking, and it should not be diflicult
to demonstrate these points. Economy and improved
results which would be apparent to the palate should
prove powerful weapons with which to interest possible
consumers in the question of electric cooking.
Next in regard to design. A careful inspection of
modern gas ovens will show that the necessity of cleanli-
ness has been fully appreciated. E-xperience has shown
that the interior parts should be easily removable for clean-
ing purposes, and in this we fear many electric ovens fail.
It is by no means the exception to see the heating coils
exposed to any splashes of grease or liquids, it being
thought saftlcient that these are more or less quickly
burned oft' the wires ; but the effects on other foods are
not appreciated. There would appear to be need of more
attention being paid to the designing of a really practicable
oven, which would meet the requirements of the a^'erage
household. Again, electric kettles and similar apparatus
are often hojjelessly ruined if the water is allowed to fall
to a low level. So long as this is the case they can
scarcely be considered as entirely satisfactory.
We should here like to suggest that probably the best
results will be obtained by first popularising small appa-
ratus, such as grills, kettles, flat irons, &c., before installing
ovens on an extensive scale. With accounts for lighting
becoming smaller every year, due to the gradual adi)ption
of metal filament lamps, the cost of the energy consumed
by such small appliances is not noticeable, being probably
less than the saving due to more efficient lamps, so that
consumers would become enamoured of electrical appli-
ances, and would regard with favour the installation of an
efficient electric oven. It is important to remember, how-
ever, that immediate action is necessary, for when con-
sumers have become accustomed to reduced quarterly
accounts for electrical energy, any increase due to the
adoption of heating or cooking appliances will be looked
upon with less favour.
It must be admitted tliat, with a few exceptions, both
central station engineers and contractors have neglected to
push electrical heating and cooking apparatus. The im-
portance of publicity in connection with this branch of
electricity supply cannot, however, be too strongly empha-
sised. In America this has been fully appreciated,
with the result that such apparatus is being extensively
adopted. Probably the best instance in this country of
the results attending an energetic publicity department is
in connection with the Newcastle-on-Tyne Electric Supply
Co. An elaborate showroom is run in connection with
this undertaking and demonstrations of electrical apparatus
are given each week, whilst lady canvassers make calls on
the wives of consumers, demonstrate the advantages of
electric kettles and flat irons, lea\-8 these for a few weeks'
trial and usually manage to effect a sale. In this way a
load of over 1,800 kw. from electric heating and cooking
apparatus has been obtained, and this is the more note-
worthy since the price charged for current is l|d. per unit,
whilst gas is obtainable in the district at Is. lOd. per
1,000 cubic ft., so that the electrical undertaking is placed
at no advantage in these respects over other supply stations.
We admit that showrooms are run by a number of
undertakings, but the information supplied to consumers is
scarcely of the kind desired, and actual demonstrations are
worth mucii more than mere statistics supplied liy an
attendant or in the form of leaflets, whilst personal calls
on consumers, with the offer of apparatus on loan for a
a month, say, would probably lead to great developments.
There is no doubt that some such policy will have to be
adopted by central station engineers, since it is found that
contractors have not, mucli to their own disadvantage,
pushed electric heating apparatus to any appreciable
extent, and a complaint which we have heard voiced by a
manufacturer is that electrical contractors are, as a rule,
unable to indicate in what directions inipvovemeuts are
desired by consumers, so that the manufacturer is at a
disadvantage in endeavouring to sujiply apparatus of a
piactical kind. The difficulty of the problem is increased
by the strong objection of contractors to any attempts ou
tlie part of the manufacturer to come in direct contact
with buyers of apparatus. It would therefore appear that
the responsibility of developing the heating and cooking
load will fall mainly on the central station engineer, as it
has done in the case of the motor load ; and if electricity is
to be applied to even a small percentage of the hitherto
practically untouched field of domestic appliances, suitable
apparatus must be placed at the disposal of consumers.
We propose, however, to consider this phase of the question
in a future issue.
808
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 5, 1909.
REVIEWS.
Copies of the imdermentioneii works can be had from Tltt Bhetrician Office, post fresi
oil receipt of published price. addiuK Sd. for books pnblished under 23. Add 10 per
cent, for abroad or for foreign book*.)
Cranes. By Anton Bottcher. Translated from the German and
siiiiMlemented with English, American'and Continental Practice.
By A. Toi.ii.u-KEN. (London : A. Constable & Co.) Pp. xvii— 492.
42s. net.
A reference book dealing with the design and construction of
cranes, giving examples of Continental and American practice,
should be welcomed by engineers and crane builders interested
in this subject.
The above volume on " Cranes " will appeal more especially
to British crane builders when one considers the deep inroads
made by Continental crane builders into our engineering
centres. This inroad is by no means imaginary, and caii be
verified by observant people who have the opportunity of visit-
ing our shipbuilding yards, docks, and steel works.
The translator's introduction draws attention to this state
of affairs in a very forcible manner. The following extract is
typical : —
Is eyerything right with our British crane builders when German crane
builders can now claim to have their 150 ton cranes installed at Glasgow
and Sheffield, or their 100 ton type working in Dublin.
Again, are they not justified in making commercial capital out of the
delivery to Bremen of another of their 150 ton cranes racking over 22
metres^ and lifting to a height of 35 metres for about £9.500, when in this
country there was recently paid about £1G.000 for a crane with an over-
reach of only 19-8 metres, and a lifting capacity of merely 130 tons to a
lower height of about 30o metres.
It is not necessary to go to Bremen for striking examples. A
certain cantilever crane installed in this country of approxi-
mately 130 ft. in height by 240 ft. span, and lifting 5 tons at the
extremity, was supplied and erected by a German firm at a
price approximately 25 per cent, less than that of their British
competitors.
Part I. of this book deals with the fundamental formulfc used
in crane building practice, and if carefully studied will no doubt
tend to bring about a better undcr.5tanding regarding the prin-
ciples of economic design.
Part II, deals with the General Arrangement of Cranes, giving
suggestions for the "■ layout " of the various parts, &c. A few
electrical wiring diagrams of the complete arrangement could,
with advantage, be inserted. • A diagram showing the assembly
of collecting wires, motors, controllers, and brake solenoids for
both polyphase and direct current working would be particu-
larly usefid to the drafting department of a crane builder's
works.
Part III., on " Crane Driving Principles," deals fully with the
various methods of operating, the details of which are described
I ally, and include manual, steam, hydraulic, and electrical
operation. The section dealing with electrical driving which
has done so much to facilitate crane problems is disappointing.
The attempt on page 108 to explain in a brief manner poly-
phase alternating currents will only tend to confuse the
average crane builder, and could with advantage be deleted,
and its place filled by a much more important subject, viz., the
mtermittcnt rating of crane motors, and how to select a motor
to meet a certain duty. This subject is of great importance to
crane builders, and any information which will guide them in
the choice of half hour or one hour rated crane motors would be
acceptable, particularly so when one considers the saving in
prime cost^ by^ selecting a suitable short rating motor.
Part IV., " Crane Parts or Accessories," and Part V.
)esign and Calculation of Crane Girders," will form a handy
rcicrence book for the drafting room. Part VI., " Crane
nstallations with Description and Calculations of German
ranes, carried out as recommended in Part V., is particu-
larlv interesting when comparison is made with the details of
^ B,.t,sh cranes. 'Part VII.. is a special feature of the
B itish edition, and deals with the drawing up of crane
speeifica ions accompanying tenders for new cranes &c. This
lu v'nll oft •■^^°'»'»^'"^l itself to the estimating department,
i cifie tw^fs "r7""^,l'^gg«'^t'°"-^ for drawing up standard
specitieat.ons. Part Mil. ,s practically a supplement to
Parts IV. and V., and contains tabulated dimensions of
sections and data relative to moments of inertia of riveted
sections. Part IX. indexes a number of technical articles
relating to cranes, which have appeared iu the technical
journals since the year 1900.
Briefly the volume is the most complete of its kind, and
should find a place in the reference library of all engineering
works. \V. S. ToPLis.
Electro Metallurgy. By J. B. C Keushaw. (London ; A. Con-
stable c\ Co.) Pp. XV."— 300. 63. net.
The ultimate impression left by this book on the reader's
mind is that electro-metallurgical processes in the bulk have
failed. It is a true impression. There are signal exceptions,
but the fact remains. For thirty years current has been cheap
enough to be applied successfully to many operations, depend-
ing on reactions best controlled elsctrolytically or electrically,
and heroic efforts have been made for its application. Except
for a few successes, so easy that they might have been attained
by the ordinary engineer — say, a gas engineer or an electrical
engineer — these efforts have been very nearly fruitless. It
would be unfair to assign completely the cause of failure to the
bizarrcrie of the inventor or the incompetence of his advisers
and controllers, although both qualities have had rather more
than their say in the matter ; the real cause of failure lies much
deeper. It is the want of co-ordinated knowledge ; knowledge
of the chemist, of the engineer, and of the electrician which has
made financial people shy of embarking on any considerable
electro-chemical enterprise.
Mr. Kershaw's book is a useful compilation of many things
worth knowing. He covers a large tract, being so catholic in
his views that he regards CClj as a metallic product. The
photographs of bridges, dynamo rooms and the outsidos of
furnaces are excellent, though perhaps a trifle supererogatory.
Statistics appeal to him, and the various tables given are,
assuming their correctness, of great value. So much difficulty
is encountered in collecting data of this kind that the author is
certainly to be congratulated on his persistence and diligence
in getting together facts by no means easily accessible. Nor does
he shrink from warning the reader of the difficulty in making
sure of these facts. Not always, but quite frequently, he points
out most properly that after all due effort he remains dependent
on the good will of the informant, and, though too courteous to
say so, is evidently mildly sceptical of that informant's candour.
There arc so many manufacturing people teeming with informa-
tion elaborately misleading. One of the best parts of the book
is that dealing with the production and refining of iron, for
which the Canadian Commission report, reviewed in these
columns on its appearance, is heavily commandeered. There
are slips heri and there, of course, but they are not numerous,
and wherever the book is purely descriptive it is useful and often
readable. B. B.
A Treatise on Hydraulics. By William ( awthoune U.nwi.s,
F.R.S. (London : Adam & Charles Black.) 12?. 6d. net.
The author's article " Hydraulics," written in 1876 for the
9th edition of the " Encyclopaedia Britannica," formed one of
the best text-books on the subject available for students and
engineers. Perhaps the best recommendation that can be
given to the present volume is to say that it follows somewhat
on the lines of the " Encyclop.xdia Britannica " article " Hy-
draulics." The enormous mass of experimental data relating
to hydraulic problems which has been accumulated in the in-
terval has been assimilated, so that the present volume presents
in an accessible form an up-to-date treatise on those parts of
the subject with which it deals.
An introductory chapter deals with Units of Measurement,
and is specially useful to the engineer who may have to
convert measurements from the metric to the English system
of units, or vice versa. In this chapter are given many physical
constants of u.se in hydraulics. Chapters I. and II. treat of the
principal properties of fluids at rest, distribution of pressure,
and stability of floating bodies. Chapter III. treats of the
general principles of hydraulics. Chapters IV. and V., on
Discharge from Orifices and Notches and Weirs, are
more technical : the various values of the coefficients de-
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 5, 1909,
809
duced from experimental data are. so clearly discussed and
tabulated that these chapters should be invaluable to the
hydraulic engineer for reference. The same remarks may be
applied to chapters VII., VIII., IX. and XII., which treat of
fluid friction, and flow of water in pipes, canals and conduits.
Chapters VI. and XI. treat of compressible fluids and their
flow in pipes, and chapter XIII. gauging of streams. Chapter
XIV. discusses the piinciplcs of the impact and reaction of
fluids, but does not discuss very fully their application to
hydraulic machines. It is to be hoped that the author has in
view the publication of a separate volume on hydraulic ma-
chines. This chapter gives some interesting data as to wind
pressure. The volume concludes with an appendix of tables
for the facilitation of hydraulic calculations.
At the end of each chapter is given a selection of problems
which greatly add to the value of the volume as a text-book
for engineering students. The reviewer has so used it, and by
so doing has discovered one slight blemish — viz., that some of
the answers appended are incorrect. This will doubtless be
remedied in the 2nd edition. A. S.
A SIMPLE MEANS OF HEASORINQ INDUCTANCES.
BY C. J. W.^TSOX.
When experimenting with very rapid electric oscillations it
becomes necessary to measure very small inductances. The
Anderson-Fleming method of doing this, though efficient for
moderate sized inductances, is not suitable for those of a few
hundred absolute units. Moreover, any method which makes
use of very .slow alternations must necessarily fail to give the
true value for inductances, when these are used for very rapid
oscillations. In this case an electric wave measurer, such as
Fleming's cymometer, may be used in conjunction with a
known capacity. These instruments are, however. expen.sive,
and, therefore, not readily at command.
The following method (which is analogous to one men-
tioned in Prasch's " Fortschritte der drahtlosen Telegraphie,"
Fxc. 1.
but of which the principle, so far as I know, has not been
utilised in this country) is one which can be readily carried out
with the materials to be found in the humblest laboratory.
It consists, in fact, of a kind of Wheatstone's bridge (Fig. 1),
in which two inductances are balanced against two capacities,
a vacuum tube being used instead of a galvanometer to indi-
cate the equilibrium. The bridge is fed at two opposite points
by the oscillating potentials of the outsides of two Leyden
jars, K3 and K,, of which the insides are connected to an induc-
tion coil capable of giving a 2 in. spark. The jars may be
of about 0-002 mfd. each, and must have their outsides con-
nected by a spiral of one layer of covered wire, about No. 36,
wound on a glass tube J in. in diameter and about 4 in. long.
These, together with the spark-gap, which should be enclosed
in an opaque box, constitute a self-contained oscillating system
having a frequency of about a million. The condensers K,
and K.,, which should be of equal capacity, may be glass plates
coated with tinfoil, and may be of 100 M.M.F. each. In order to
measure the unknown inductance Lj a pair of bare copper
wires, L,, is stretched as far as space will admit and main-
tained at a uniform distance, whilst a movable bridge allows
more or less of them to be brought into action. If the wires
have a diameter of 0-264 cm. and are 10 cm. apart, the induc-
tiuce. as c.ilculated from the formula L = 4 Iog« ^ (where (/
= diameter of wires and D their separation) will be 17-3 cm.
per centimetre of the pair of wires. The inductance of the
movable bridge and other connections, if requisite, may be
allowed for by the method of differences given farther on.
It will be advisable to prepare a number of small coils by
winding a single layer of covered wire, about No. 18, on card-
board tubes, fixing the turns in place by means of wax. The
number of turns may be 4, 6. 10, 20 and so on. On placing
one of these in the place of L,, and setting the induction coil
in action, the vacuum tube will usually become luminous, but
on sliding the movable bridge a space limited to a few centi-
metres will be found, which will cause nearly the total extinc-
tion of the tube, and the middle of which may be taken as the
correct position. Of course, it is advisable to darken the room
and to select by trial a tube as sensitive as possible.
As a sample of the results obtained, coils of 4, 6 and 10 turns
having a diameter of 4 cm., w'ere found to have inductances
respectively of 1,230, 2,080 and 4,520 cm. It will be found
that the inductance, which at first increases proportionately
to the square of the number of turns, gradually settles into a
direct ratio to their number. If the inductance to be measured
be greater than the full extent of the parallel wires, the latter
/
/
"
/
20,C00
/
/
/
/
/
10,000
1
1
1
1
1
10,100
1
/
1
1
/
6,000
/
/
/
/
/
^
y
\
1
Fi.:. 2.
may be supplemented by one of the coils already measured
bv using it for the movable bridge.
It is, however, more convenient, when a considerable number
of coils has been measured, to construct some of bare copper
wire, which may be wound in a spiral groove cut in ebonite, or,
as I have found verv efficient, wound on glass tubes, or even on
well-seasoned wood cylinders, the turns of wire being kept
apart by intervening spirals of waxed twine. Thus, one of 122
turns of No. 12 wire on a glass tui)e, having three turns per inch,
was found to have an average inductance of 120 cm. per turn,
inductance varying proportionately to the number of turns
after the first two. By stretching a stout wire parallel to the
coil, and placing a movable bridge from the one to the other,
any desired portion of its inductance can be thrown into a
circuit at will. The coil is calibrated by balancing it against
the pair of parallel wires, or against any number of the mea-
sured coils placed in series. Fig. 2 shows the calibration curve
of another similar coil, in which (54 turns of No. 16 wire occupied
a length of 7.\ in. The remainder of the curve up to an induc-
tance of 56,000 cm. was a straight line. Another convenient
form was that of two wooden cylinders 20 in. long and 2-6 in.
in diameter, having each 160 turns, being placed side by side
and a movable Ijridge placed across them. This extended the
range of inductance to 412.00<» cm.
Having thus obtained calibrated variable inductances, the
810
THE ELECTRICIAN. MARCH 5, 1909.
parallel wires may be advantageously dispensed with, and 1 e
graduated coils used in their place, as the observer is thus
enabled to remain close to the inductance bridge _
Some interesting experiments can be made with this appa-
ratus ' Thus, an inductance of 6,600 cm. in series with a
capacity of 908 M.M.F., was balanced by an inductance ot
2' 720 cm. ; but when a capacity is placed m parallel with an
inductance, the value of the latter is increased This, which
seems at firsi sl,l,t ,K,rudoxical, follows from the fact of the
resistances Wnv' ,M.I,.il.ie with very rapid oscillations.
The last expeiinieut shows that the capacity ot the parallel
wires cannot be neglected in small measurements. It can,
however be prevented from exercising any influence by first
finding the position of the sliding bridge to balance a small
inductance, and then placing the inductance to be measured
in series with the latter, and taking a new reading, when the
difference will be the vahie sought.
I In case the two condensers Kj and K.j should not be ('((ual,
the fact will be detected by interchanging them, when the
inductance L^ will be found to be balanced by a different posi-
tion of the bridge on Lj, in which case the true reading will
be the geometrical mean of the two ; and hence, if the two
condensers are not equal, the apparent reading must be mul-
tiplied by the constant factor K,/Ki. Also the ratio K^/Ko is
equal to the square root of the ratio of the two readings.
I 600
E
■$ EOO
T/
ij^
tl
^
1
Jl
tr
Zl
/it
_/j
y^J^
z^^ it
/ z
/z
-/ ^
Z/
/^
J^
z>^ ^
Z
Fiii. 3.
This is accepting the theory that L,/L., = K,2/K],* and
within narrow limits this would appear to be the case. If,
however, it be attempted to compare in this way condensers
differing much in capacity, the results do not agree with those
obtained with a voltage of 220 and a Fleming revolving com-
mutator and a galvanometer. Thus, in Fig. 3, the straight
line shows the variation in capacity produced by varying the
width of the tinfoil coating, as measured at low voltages ;
whilst the curved line gives the results obtained by the high-
frequency measurements. The upper point, where the curves
intersect, is the capacity of the condenser which remained un-
changed. Of course, the apparent tendency of the curved
line not to pass through the origin is due to the overflow of
the electricity on to the glass, which becomes more marked as
the surface of the tinfoil becomes less.
It would, however, appear that this method would be a very
sensitive method of comparing the capacity of a condenser
with that of a calibrated variable standard. "
Proof. — Taking the instanlaneou.9 current through Ki and Li as C'l,
and through Ka and L2 as Cj, and neglecting the resistances :
' dt • ^' "■- dt
at dt'
dt - d(-
Hence LiKi = L2K2,
THE ELECTRIFICATION OP RAILWAYS*
BY r. W. CAETEB, M.A.
The author here compares the merits and demerits of the different
systems o£ operation, to show that no one system satisfies all the
needs of railway work, and to indicate the class of work to which
particular systems are best suited. The comparison is made from
what may be called the " general manager's " point of view ; i.e.. it
is required to move trains of certain capacity between certain points
in certain times by the system which gives the best return for the
outlay involved.
Whatever system of electrification is adopted a very large outlay
has to be faced, and no case for electrification can be made out
unless an increase in net receipts can be secured sufficient to more
than pay interest on the extra ca|Hlal in\ ..Ived. This increase may
be brought about either bv dfcva-iirj th. working expenses for the
same service, by so modifying lUr scvvire as to bring in greater
revenue, or by a combination of these. Both experience and calcula-
tion agree in indicating that, in this country, where coal is cheap and
little water power is available, the decrease in working expenses alone
will not in general justify electrification. In fact, it is only in certain
classes of service that any decrease can be expected.
In order to bring out certain features concerning the expenditure
of energy for different services, the author shows several simple speed
curves in which the running is divided into tliree periods, viz.,
acceleration, steady running, and braking. A table also gives the
calculated energy in several cases ; electrical considerations not
entering into the question. It is seen that the advantage of the
liigher rate of acceleration may entirely disappear if the weight of the
equipment is thereViy increased by even a small amount. The
author emphasises this point, as some engineers recommend high
rates of acceleration in systems of electrification where they are most
undesirable, thus increasing both capital outlay and running cost.
Nevertheless a high rate ot acceleration is essential in certain services.
A comparison between certain items in the table shows that an
increase of 12| per cent, in mean running speed leads in the case
considered to 85 per cent, increase in energy consumption, with the
same weight of train, and this weight should be increased by that of
the additional machinery required, tluis necessitating still greater
energy consumption. It is c.nsiaenitic.us of this nature which
render the single-phase system unsuitable for urban service. We. m,
this country, demand a fairly high schedule speed in such service,
and would hardly 'tolerate the pace of some of the Continental
systems. A high rate of acceleration is. therefore, a necessity, and
it can only be obtained at ruinous cost in the single-phase system.
The author illustrates this by examples from actual electrification
schemes, and he also believes that the maintenance of single-phase
train equipments would prove much more expensive (probably
quite tlu'ee times) than in the case of continuous current equipment.
The determining factors are therefore all in favour of the continuous
current system for speedy and frequent urban or suburban service.
Its advantages over other systems are so great for this class of service
that if line conductors beside the track could not be tolerated, it
would be preferable to hang the third rail over the track, suspension
bridge-wise, rather than adopt any other system.
The true place of the single-phase system is in somewhat infrequent
inter-urban service, the rate of acceleration being in such cases ot
small consequence, the maximum speed being the determining factor
in meeting the schedule. When trains are few for the mileage ot
track, the sub-stations in the continuous current system wouUi be
run at low load factor, and thus contain a large amount of machinery
considering the average requirements. It is desii-able, therefore,
to feed as great a mileage as possible from each sub-station, and this
is practicable with a single-phase system if a high voltage is employed
on the line conductors. It is true that the cost of maintenance of over-
head conductors will always be greater than that of a thu-d rail, but
this expense will hardly be a determining factor so long as trains are
comparatively infrequent. The Midland Railway Co. s Heysham,
Morecambe and Lancaster service is instanced as one quite suitable
for single-phase operation. ■ 1 ■ 1
For long-distance high-speed service the train resistance is "igh.
and the greater part of the energy is expended against this. A high
rate of acceleration is not necessary, but a high continuous capacity
is requu-ed of the driving equipment. For such service a polyphase
system, using induction motors, offers many advantages, but has the
disadvantages of not being adapted to multiple unit operation, and
of requiring at least two overhead line conductors. The latter objec-
tion is fatal where there is such a complicated network of lines as
is found on most English railways. . , . ■
The author finally discusses some of the advantages ot electric as
• Abstract of a Paper read before the Kugby Engineering Society.
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 5, 1900.
811
compared with steam operation for the various services. In the case
of entirely new railways constructed to suit electriial ii|,.i ,i(i.>ii. tlie
total capital outlay would be less than the electrili.;iiHiii .it rMstiii':
lines : and since with more powder behind the train> -in [i. r jirade.s
could be permitted, the cost of the road bed would be less, sufficient
in many eases to cover more than the greater capital cost of the
electrical driving gear. In fact, for new railways a strong case for
electrical operation can be made out, even in this country, where coal
is plentiful and water power scarce.
IHB INSTIIUTION AND OTHER SOCIETIES.
Manchester Section of the Institution of Electrical Engi-
neers.— The annual dinner of this stction was held at the
Midland Hotel, Manchester, on P'riday last, imder the cliair-
manship of Mr. Miles Walker. Those present included Mr.
W. M. Mordey, President of the Institution of Eleclrical Engi
neers, Mr. H. E. Yerbury, chairman of the Leeds Section, Col.
H. T. Crook, Messrs. S. Z. de Ferrauti, F. Gill, S. L. Pcarcc,
J. S. Peck, Prof. Eutherford, F.E.S., aud the secretaiy of Ihe
Institution, Mr. P. F. Kowell.
After the usual loyal toasts, the toast of the " forporations of Man-
chester and Salford '" wa^ |irM|,M>r(l liy Mr. Ferranti. Thi* speech could
scarcely be termed a riili'L.'\ -if rwiporations generally, for it dealt in
greater part with the mu krdmsN ..f municipal trading. The speaker
drew attention to the fact that the conditions which existed when elec-
tricity supply first commenced had disappeared because power supply
was now more important than lighting. He, howevei-. condenuicd
the princi])lc of tlic lowest tender, and tli^tught that no trailing could he
siicicssfid which was hased i.n absolutely unlimited coMi|ictition. Tlic
Mayor of Salford, Alderman .Icnkius. responded (o this to.ast in a lui-
n'.oroiis sjieech, in which he did not attempt to deal with .Mr. Fcn-anti's
arguments, but contented himself with treating the wh<^le matter in a
jocular vein. This speech was received with great enthusiasm. The
" Institution of Eleclrical Engineers " was then proposed by Col. H. T.
Crook, who dealt with the subject in the best possible aftcr-dinncf
manner.
.Mr. Mordey replied to this toast. Referring to .Mancliestcr. he said
that whatever faults municipalities might have he could at least cim-
giatulatc tlic inhabitants of .Manchester on the fact that they stood at
the head of the large cities ..f the country in rcs|icct to the ani'Muil of
electricity and electrical encr<_'y -upplied. Including tramways, this
amounted to 82 units per inhabitant per annum, and (he sn|iply was
given at the very low |ijice of little more than Jd. per unit for powci
and a little more than l]d. per unit for light. In .spite of a temporary
check at the jjresent time, the electrical industry in (his country was
going ahead in a very satisfactory manner, and was far ahead of any
other European countrj' in all important respects, such as the amoimt
of capital per head invested in electrical enterprise, which he said was
twice as great as in Germany, and he had repeatedly pointed out how
much we were ahead of that or any other European country in the
amount of electricity used and in the lowness of price at which it was
supplied. Electrical engineers were suffering a check as regards maiui-
facturing, partly on account of the recent improvements ui lanii)s. and
this had caused a check in the increase of generating ])lant. which was
only temporary, and was by its very nature bound to lead to still greater
developments as soon as people realised the advantages of the improve-
ment. With regard to unemployment in all branches of the indvistry,
he would remind them that there always had been and always would hi'
unemployment. It was one of the conditions of a country with .1 rapidly
growing population. It was the jjressure so produced that was largely-
rcs|)onsiblc f(u- our position as a colonising country. He thought it was
not so much a tpu'stion of Free Trade or Protection as of the birth rate.
Electrical engineering, perhaps, suffered from the fact that it was s\ich a
popular .subject that more younii iiirn \Mnt into it than th'iv » 1- i.ioiii
for. He understood there was ...n,, iilhn^ off in the attcnil:oi< . ni |iii|ii!<
in colleges, which was no doul'' i n ,mIi of the present siip|iK ■! tinnrd
electrical cnginc-cTs being larger than the demand. It might In- cold
comfort, hut he thoiiulit this was a matter that would right itself in time.
.\s to the j;rowth of the use of electricity, he qu'te expected to see cases
of 200 imits per inhabitant in industrial centres as ,1 result of l!ie -n|.|ily
of cheap electricity and the recognititm of 11- ,hI\ .int.ije- \ ml 10!
gas, he found that the revenue per head in Man. lie^iei Im , h . 1 1 m il m. 1 ^\
was more than 40 per cent, of the revenue for gas. wluih lie thoiiLdit ,1
very satisfac tory result, seeing how much start gas had had. He Ihor.i^lii
there WIS a L'leat future for gas, especially for domestic heating. I'nt its
Use for lighting would L'ladually cease. He concluded by referriuL' to the
statements that a \eiy large proportion of the electrical plant used in
)iv_ilj|ie supply Mat'on- ill this country had been imported from abroad.
Without expressing any opinion on the right or wrong of such importa-
tion, he was sure they would like to know that these statements were
greatly exaggerated, although in some respects, and in some places,
there had been a good deal of foreign machinery or material used. He
had made an examination of the results, and found that for the whole
country probably not more th<-m 4 per cent, of the total capital had gone
into the pockets of foreign manufacturers.
The toasts of the " Local .Section " and the " Visitors " were proposed
by .Mr. F. Gill and Jlr. .S. .). Watson respeetividv,,;jlld -(verb'resiionded to
by the Chairman .md Pp.f. IC. Kiillieif..i.l. K.KV'. . ■
Modern Methods of Artificial Illumination. — The tliinl
Cantor lecture on this subject was delivered by Mr. Leoii
Giister on Monday evening last at the Royal Society of Arts.
The lecturer dealt mainly with portable lighting systems,
describing those in which petroleum, petiol, alcohol and acety-
lene are (mployed. In connection with the acetylene industry
he mentioned that in this country it had been throttled by
unnecessary restrictions, so that of the total production of
180,000 tons of carbide per annum Great Britain contributed
only a little over 1,000 tons. He also made a comparison of
the relative cost of diflerent types of illuminants, stating that
gas at 2s. 6d. per l,0OO cubic ft. had an advantage ever elec-
tricity at 4d. per unit. The flame arc lamp, he considered,
held its own with liigh-pressure incandescent gas, the latter
was, however, supeiior to the ordinary arc lamp. The figures
generally published by the advocates of the various system
of lighting were to a large extent misleading.
THE TOLHORST ACCUMULATOR.
Th(! Tolhurst accumulator, wlii.-li ha- i. n ntly appeared, is due to
Mr. De Martis, and is a lead cell il. -rjn. .1 .specially for traction pur-
poses. Briefly, it may be descrili.il ,i^ . ..n-isting of pasted lead grids
placed in a horizcmtal position aliout one-sixteenth of an inch apart,
with cellulose separators, the sulphuric acid being of the usual
strength. The accompanying illustration gives an idea of the lead
grid, which is the .same for both positives and negatives, except that
the negatives arc thinner. The essential feature of the battery is the
)iaste used for the ixisitivcs. The composition of this is a secret, but
the Tolhurst Accumulator Synd.. of ^Ua, Charing Cross-road,
London, claim for it that sulphating is an impossibility, and, there-
fore, such cells can be discharged to quite low voltages without
being harmed. ITpoii inquiry wc were informed that the specific
OoO|
o.cll
Oc
o
o'
,0 ^^Oo
i
o
o°
o
o
°o
Grid of Toi.hi-rst Accumclator.
Scale : One third full size.
output of the cells is 10 watt hours per pound of complete cell'
that a cell has been under test on the bench for the past nine months'
during which time it has been subjected to something like 2'}() charges'
and discharges, at 1.5 minute to 30 minute rates, and that the eel
is still alive. The temperature rises to about 40 C. during charging'
and short circuits are of small importance. Our readers will, no
doubt, wish to hear more when more is to be told, but for the time
being we can only say that the syndicate claims a good efficiency
and long life, even with these extremely high rates of working, and
that therefore great possibilities are expected of the cell froni the
traction point of view.
THE GENERAL ELECTRIC CO. S ANNUAL DINNER
A large company', nearly 500 in all, supported Mr. G. Byng,
the respected chairman of the General Electric Co., at the
annual dinner at the Trocadero liestauiatit, London, on Satur-
day evening last. The company, which would have been
larger but for the inclement weather, included many notabili-
ties of the electrical profession and industr}-, as well as some
prominent public rccn. Amon£st these were the Hon. C. H.
itason (Agent-General for Western Australia), and the Hon. J. B.
Whiting ; Agent-General for South Australia).
.\fter the usual loyal toasts, the Chairmax proposed " Electrical
.Science and Industry, " and said : I see around me to-night so many
812
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 5, 1909.
fiieiuls who rhsTcd v.-ifli ftie tlie joys and sorrows of the early days of the
flectrical era in this oonntrv that I am tempted to dwell upon those
urand old days the early eighties. I am sure my friends Prof. Silvanus
Thompson. Mr. Kob?rt Hammond, Mr. W. M. Mordey and others, whom
I am exceedingly glad to see amongst us to-night, will agree with me
that those were" delightful years for us electricians, years devoted to
study and work but full of promise and enthusiasm. I well remember
the evenings I spent at the lectures in the City Guilds School at Fmsbury,
within those poor and unattractive walls and sitting on hard benches.
I remember, too. attending the lectures of Prof. Ayrton. Alas, he has
gone from us. He was a great pioneer in the interests of electrical
science. Let his memory be with us to-night. It was at the City Guilds
Schools that I met my great friend Reckenzaun, and I cannot help thmk-
ing of him on this o"ceasion. VJc worked together, schemed together,
and attended those wonderful early lectures at the Society of Arts and
in Albemarle-street. I am sure these'recollections must evoke kindred
memories in many of you. I fancy Mr. Robert Hammond cannot help
thinking now of his tour throughout England lecturing on electricity.
Mr. Hammond : It cost me £2,000. and I have never got it back.
The CH.4IKMAN : I suppose, too, Mr. Mordey must think of his first
design, of his fir.st dynamo. It was all first then. The first dynamo,
the first lamp, the first carbon, the first switch and lampholder, the first
telephone, the first hotel installation, and so on. And we were all
enthusiastic and. expected big things. And we got them. In those
days we manufactured and our professors told us how we did it. (Laugh-
ter.) And we also manufactured for export then. We used, also, to
send abroad electrical books, text books, and we taught the foreign
people. It seems strange to-day, but it is nevertheless true, that 20
years ago in matters electrical, England led the world. And no wonder,
if we go back a few years we find that every invention, every discovery
upon which electrical science is based was a British invention or a British
discovery. We are apt nowadays to forget that, and therefore I trust
you will excuse me if I remind you of it. The electrical arc of Sir Hum-
phrey Davy, the discoveries of Faraday, of Maxwell and of Hopkinson,
the invention of the dynamo, the electric telegraph and the submarine
cable were entirely British, and there was the pioneer work of Wheat-
stone, Kelvin, Bright, Muirhead, and that grand old man of electrical
sc'ence. Sir William Preece, whom we still have with us. The carbon
filament lamp, too, was a British invention. In spite of the decree of
the courts that invention was Swan's. I, myself, may claim to be a
pioneer of electrical manufacture ; at least, I have assisted in many,
especially in conjunction with my friend Reckenzaun. He was, I
believe, the first to design and make an electric omnibus and tramcar.
He also designed and made the first electric boat, and, to my order, the
first electric carriage. It was sent out to India. I well remember our
trial trip on the Thames Embankment. How we sped along proudly at
the rate of 24 miles an hour, then tried to negotiate Savoy Hill, and stuck
there, whilst two policemen kept the crowd away. (Laughter.) We
were pioneers then in England. I could go on. but it .sufiices to show
that electrical science and industry were bom in England and that
England led the way to all nations in electrical invention and enteriirise.
That was little more than 20 years ago. But to-day, are we still lead-
ing ? I am afraid that cannot be answered in the affirmative. Our
British electrical industries are still vast and important and virile, but
alas, there are too many signs, to my mind, that we have lost our lead,
and that to-day we have to follow. I .should consider it a very unpro-
fitable proposition to try and discover the cause of our lost pre-eminence,
were I not convinced that with effort and zeal and courage and patriotism
we can still regain to a great extent the position. There must be some
difference in the conditions under which we electrical engineers work
to-day as compared with those under w'hich we worked 20 years ago.
Vet we still have our scientists, our inventors, our employers and our
workmen, the same as we had them 20 years ago. Wc have the demand,
we have the money, we have our factories, and our machinery ; our
climate, our spirit, our enterprise and courage, all, I hope, are the same.
Various causes are given for the change. 1 do not agree with those who
contend that in matters of electrical ediu'ation this country has anything
(o learn from other countries. Then where lies the cause. I have come
to the conclusion that the difference lies in the methods by which foreign
Governments support their industries and those by which we here, in
England, are supported by our Government. I see the foreign manu-
facturer of electrical machinery flourishing under a Protectionist tariff,
whilst our industry began to languish ever since wc felt the influence of
free imports. That is my conviction. I know there are many in this
country, I believe there are many in this room, who differ from me. But
I have reason to believe that within two or three years the electrical
engineer and the electrical manufacturer will work under the same con-
ditions as works his comjictitor abroad. That is all we a.sk for, and then
->i shall prove that we can quickly regain the pre-eminent position of
British industry.
-Mr. W. M. Mordey (President of the Institution of Electrical Engi-
neers), responding to the toast, said : First. I would suggest that this
splendid assembly can be rrgavded as a proof that there is another side
to the question which our chairman has raised. It is not wise to argue
v.-uu your host, but having made sure of my dinner, I may, as President
ot an Instttution which numbers more than 6,000 active electrical engi-
neers, point out that that fact alone indicates that the electrical industry
1? V'f r. "^"J '" ^"'^ 'I'Sbly successful and progressive. I may add
tJiat the General Electric Co., whose guests we are to-night, is one of the
Most potent agents in making the industry successful and progressive,
bven m the se bad times I understand the company gives employment to
te a iiff? ";^ ^'T '""^- } ^' "°' ^S-^ *^^t -- have\l^ back
1 lotm a different conclusion to that expressed by Jlr. Byng. I think he
established this great business by making proper use of material imported
from abroad, because he could not obtain it in this country. What is
the position of our industry now ? I will give you one figure which will
show how rapid has been the progress. Take lighting and power pro-
vided by electricity and compare it with lighting and power by gas.
Consider the enormous advantages gas has had by its earlier adoption,
the cheap rate at which it is supplied, the facility with which it can be
used by the poorest people. Yet the revenue per inhabitant for the
whole of London, is nearly half as much for electricity as for gas. For
electricity the average revenue per inhabitant is 9s. per annum. For
gas the average per inhabitant is 20s. 6d. In a few years, under some
disadvantages, we have established ourselves alongside of a competitor
that not more than 10 years ago it seemed almost impossible even
remotely to approach. The competition between the two has done good
for both. The amount of capital invested in the supply of electrical
energy in this country is nearly ."»0s. per inhabitant, which is more than
double what it is in Ciermany. Our chairman has said that England
used to lead the world. I think we still lead every European country.
America must be taken by itself. The conditions there are so dift'erent
that they do not bear comjiarison. To my mind, the people of this
country and the people for whom we, as electrical engineers, work, are
better provided for than the people of any other country in the world.
Dr. Glazebrook, responding for electrical science, said : On more
than one occasion I have directed attention to the fact that the rapid
progress of electrical industry in this country is largely due to the fact
that it has always kept in close contact with science. It is true that
within i-ecent years other countries have gone ahead more rapidly than
we have in certain branches of the electrical industry. I hold that an
important reason is to be found in the fact that those countries realised
sooner than we oui-selves the vast importance of science as a commercial
factor and applied it to their organisations.
Mr. Robert Hammond proposed " Imperial Trade," and said : Our
chairman is the only one privileged at a General Electric Co. dinner to
give us a disquisition upon Tariff Reform. The chairman would not be
happy on these occasions if he did not give us a bit of his mind, and I
venture to say that we should be unhappy if he did not enjoy to the full
that happiness. Apart from all controver.sy I desire to draw your
attention to this great fact, which I think no one will deny : that upon our
im])erial trade, its extent and its continuity depends the prosperity of
our Empire. We arc forced into trade. We must trade or die. We
have 44,000,000 people located in an area whose cultivable extent is only
such as would produce half the food that those people require. That
being so we must have food. If we cannot get it in England we must
call on the world for it, on America, on the Argentine, on Austria, on
Russia, on Hungary, on Egypt and on Spain. Last year the purchases
we made in those places amounted to two hundred and thirty millions.
That £230,000,000 have to be paid for. Can we pay for that food in
golden sovereigns ? Against the £230,000,000 there is only £100,000,000
in the country, in all the banks and counting houses, in all the pockets
of the people. The only way we can meet our liabilities is by means of
Imperial Trade. But wdien our manufacturers start they find them-
selves short of raw material and have to incur debt. Last year that
debt amounted to £160.000,000, and last year England brought its
indebtedness for food and raw material combined up to the enormous
sum of £300,000,000. She started to pay the world, and actually paid
the world as far as those particular figures were concerned, with two
items alone. The manufactured goods of England brought in
£290,000,000 and the shipping returns produced another £90.000,000,
so that with those two items alone our revenue was £387,000,000. which
went to meet our indebtedne<.s of £390,000,000. This toast is coupled
with the names of two gentlemen who have helped England in the
mighty task of disposing of that immense quantity of manufactured
goods — this Imperial Trade. These gentlemen are the Hon. 0. H.
Rason and Mr. Edwin Grant Burls, Upon their determination, when-
ever possible, to use British goods, and upon the determination of men
such as they, depends whether we are able to pay in kind f(U- our food
supplies and our supply of raw material.
The Hon. C. H. Rason (Agent-General for Western Australia), in
responding, said : Mr. Robert Hammond referred to our great Imperial
Trade. I have the greatest respect for some of the countries he men-
tioned, but I should have been infinitely more grateful if it had occurred
to him to state that it would be possildc for tiiis country to do a large
Imperial Trade within the borders of the ICinpire itself. I should like to
point out that with a population of only about 4.000,000 people the
Commimwealth has an annual trade of £125,000,000. There is room in
Australia for 40 times 4,000,00t1. and in the course of time there will be
that number there. I ask you to imagine for one moment what will be
the volume of Australia's trade when the country is filled as it will
eventually be. Yet the exports from Australia to the Mother Country
during the past 10 years have fallen off by a proportion of more than
20 per cent. What is the reason ? You have always the factor of
sentiment, and it is an important factor even in business. All other
things bemg equal, or nearly equal, the affection which those who dwell
in the Colonies have for the Mother Country v/iU alv/ays turn the scale
in your favour. Mr. Mordey said that manufacturers here had gone
outside of this country to obtain material that they could not get here,
and that they made good use of it. That is no doubt trae, but it does
not cover the whole position. After all, though it may not be quite
Ijolitical economy, it is still a high ideal, still a lofty sentiment, that we
.should endeavour to be brothers in trade as well as brothers in affection,
yii. E. GRA^"T Burls also responded.
Prof. Sllvanijs Thojipson proposed i," The General Electric Co.
(Ltd.)," coupled with the name of the managing director, Mr. H. Hirst,
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 5, 1909.
813
and said : When the chairman gave us his leniinis.eines uf tlie early
days of electricity nty mind went back to the little sho]i in AldeTiiianbiiry
where I went one day about a quarter of a century ago to buy an electric
bell. I have that bell to-day. Then I remembered that the little shop
blossomed out into a big shop in St. Thomas Apostle, and now. when I
pass through Queen Victoria-street and] see the immense premises
of • the General Electric Co., with its branches in all parts of the
world, I realise the truly marvellous growth of the concern. The chair-
man this evening has spoken of effort, of zeal, of courage and of patriot-
ism. It is perhaps those very qualities which he has himself applied for
so many years to the development, of the General Electric Co. that pro-
vide an explanation of its phenomenal success. And he has surrounded
himself with a host of equally enthusiastic and zealous helpers — Mr. H.
Hirst in London, Mr. Bcvis in Manchester, and Mr. Railing in Birming-
ham, who are e.xtending the organisation and showing how trade can be
increased in spite of the disadvantages and the difhcidt circumstances.
The name of the General Electric Co. is known throughout the world.
Mr. H. Hirst, in reply, said : I am grateful to Prof. Thompson for his
generous tribute to (jur company and to yovi, gentlemen, for the favour
with which you hiiM- ir cimiI ii, A 'jitiiI .leal of the success achieved
is due to the enrlx w i. Iiiii-- "I I'imI. I'I ,pson himself. To be quite
candid I wish to iliss^riiiic ii myself any merit for the success of the
General Electric Co. I am only the managing director, and a managing
tlirector is a much overrated person. The staff is the real grit of the
General Electric Co. They always have their noses to the grindstone,
they do the fighting and the work, and good fellows they are. So long
as this continues we are prepared to face the serious times to which our
chairman has alluded.
During the eveniuL' in cn(i-rt:iinmenf was ])rovided by Dr. Byrd Page.
.Mr. N. Jackson an. I ,\li, Aiihui Prince. The London"Orchestral Band
(mu.sical director. Ml i'ImiI.'^ I'h-iimiu) gave a sclertiou of music during
the evening.
LEGAL INTELLIGENCE.
Bournemouth Corporation and the Poole & District Eleclric
Traction Co. (Ltd.)
In the HoiLse of Lords on Mtmday, the Lord Chancelloi- and Lords
Macnaghen, Atkinson .and Collins, gave their considered judgment in
the a))peal argued last sittings brought by Bournemouth Cor))oration
against a judgment of the Court of Appeal in favour of the Poole &
District Electric Traction Co. (Ltd.).
Sir Alfred Cripps, K.C., Mr. T. R. Hughes. K.C., and Mr. Cyril Hartree
appeared for appellants ; and Mr. Danckwerts, K.C., and Mr. Tomlin
foi- respondents.
On March I!, I!iri3. the ]ia'-(ieo entered into a contract by which (he
Corporation agreed tn ihuvIklsc fiiun the company their system of tram-
ways within the H ulIi .if li.iuinemouth and to take over their liabili-
ties so long as they had been incuiTed in the promotion and carrying out
of the undertaking. When the day of transfer arrived the comjiany
transferred, but the Corporation demurred at liability which had been
incurred by a loan from the bank and also for certain debts that the
company owed. The ('iii|iiiiation were bound under the agreement to
pay these sums (almut £!t,(ll)l)) unless it could show that the liabilities
were incurred otherwise than in the ordinary course of business by the
company. They further alleged that if they were bound to pay these
sums they were entitled to have placed to their credit as assets of the
undertaking a Parliamentary deposit of £1,87.5, sundry debts amounteil
to £.'J44 to the company, and £1.410 cash in hand. The Court of .\ppeal
held against the Cnrjioration on both points. Hence the appeal.
The Lord Ciuni ed.or, in his judgment, said: I do not think (he
contract, whether provident or not, can be fairly charged with ambiguity.
The company say. in effect, to the Corporation, you must purchase our
Poole iniderfaking on the appointed day as a going concern. Till then
we shall cair\- it on ourselves ; then you step into our shoes. In the
interval wc uill not without your consent, make any contracts or undei--
takc any liabilities exce|it in the ordinary course of business in respect
of that undertaking. That is the substance, so far as the controversy
relating to £(i,47ti and £2.."i7(l odd is concerned. And to that the Cor-
])oration agreed. When the appointed day arrived the company pos-
sessed the undertaking with its cars, cables and equipments. On the
other hand, the comjiany owed money to the bank which had been
borrowed and aiijilied f.u- ihc imrposes of the undertaking, and it owed
sums of m.incy (o sumliy . r.ijiti.i-. ilso for the purposes^ of the under-
taking. .Afcirilingly. I h: ( i n |ii ,i it n ,n was bound to pay these sums
unless il I'.iul.l sh.iv.- lliat {\ir<r hal.ilities were incurred otherwise than
in (he ordinaiy coiuse of bu.siuess. It is found by the referee that they
were incurred m the ordinary course of business. I see no reason to
dissent from that finding. It was, however, argued that the money was
borrowed and the debts incurred in part for capital expenditure. But
capital expenditure may be in the ordinary course of business a-s much as
any other expenditure, and the contract does not draw any such distinc-
tion. I have felt, indeed, only one misgiving. Part, at all events, of
the moneys so borrowed and spent is represented by existing assets,
which the Corporation took over, and, I cainiot doubt, paid value for in
the valuation. of the undertaking which it bought. It seems at first
sight unreasonable that the Corporation should pay the company for
those assets, and also pay off the debts incurred in order to create them.
And if the company had taken unfair advantage of the position under
the contract to swell the assets and leave the Corporation to pay the bill,
it would have been in fraud of the contract, and, for that matter, also not
in the ordinary course of business. But good faith is admitted. There-
fore the terms of the contract must prevail. On the appointed day the
company had, in fact, an undertaking comprising the assets in question.
It had also those debts incurred in good faith for that undeitaking. And
we are not at liberty, even if we were disposed, to rectify the bargain. In
regard to the other claims made by appellants, no usefid purpose would
be served by dwelling upon them at length. The Court of Appeal were
unanimous in holding that appellants were wrong in claiming the three
sums of £1,875, £544 and £1,410 odd. That is also my own view. These
sums of money do not, I think, fall within the description of " personal
property . . . exclusively belonging to or used by the company for
the purposes of or in connection with the said railways and works or any
of them or the management or working thereof respectively."' They
were part of the general assets of the company. Having regard to the
vv.iy in which this contract has worked out in making the Corporation
])ay heavy debts due by the company, I can understand, and share a,
desire to give to the Corporation the benefit of debts due to the company,
or of moneys owned by it, which owe their origin to the Poole viiider-
(aking. But the language of the contract does not, in my opinion, admit
of these claims. For these reasons 1 think that the appeal shoidd bo
dismissed with costs.
The rither noble and learned lords agreed. — Judgment acccu'dingly.
Clarke v. Mayor, Sec, of West Ham.
On Monday, Mr. Justice Coleridge and aicommon jury commenced the
hearing of this action for the recovery of damages for an accident to
plaintiff while travelling on one of defendants' tramcars.
Mr. Simon, K.C, said his client was suing in respect of alleged negli-
gence in the management of an electric tramcar and the defence would
bi. tliat the damages for which dcfen.lanix «,•,<■ liil.l.- u.n- limited to £25.
He th. night the matters alleged by tin pliinlilt >m.iiM -iili^tantially not
be in dispute. The nature of the daiuai;.' |il;nniili li.i.l Mistained was very
I urious and very imusual. On July 20. 11I07. plaintiff, who was a motor,-
iiiari in the employ of defendants, had finished his work, and, having
ihanged his clothes, went to Canning Town on business of his own. He
was returning about 8 ]).m. and boarded a tramcar on which the accident
occurred. He mounted the steps to get on the outside of the ear and
was making his way to one of the single seats near the trolley standard
when the ear gave a jerk, and he put out his left hand to steady himself.
His hand came in contact with the standard and he found himself
attached to it with a severe electric shock passing through him. He
was left in that position until the car passing over a place where the
circuit was not complete, the current was cut off and he was released. He
did not think tha.t it would be disputed that the damage he had suffered
was very . i.n^i.l. r able. He had not since been able to work and was no
longer ui .1. I. ml mi^' service ; in fact, Scotland Yard would not give him
a certili.ai.' h. .Ii i\ .■ a tramcar. The actual loss in money he had suffered
was small to what he had suffered and woidd suffer in other ways.
Counsel contended that persons who allowed electric current of htgli
potential to escape were liable. Apart from that. West Ham Corp.)ra-
tion. wlien they got tlie Board of Trade's permission to use electricity
had to comply with conditiims which made what had hapijcncd a lircach
of their statutory duty. When there had been a brcacli of duty they
were not at liberty to rely on some suggested £25 limit of liability. 'I'lieir
(defendants") contentitm was that, according to their l)ye-laws, plaintiff
became a passenger travelling on the roof upon certain terms — amongst
others that the maxinuim amount recoverable fnun defendants on account
of any injury or damage w.is £25. Counsel contended that there could
be no bye-law which would enable defend.ants. by nu'icly putting up an
announcement to say that they did not care how they injured a passen-
ger how they shocki'd liini. or how much they offended against the con-
ditions imiiossed by the Board of Trade, they w.nild limit their liability
to £25. Plaintiff based his ease on negligence and breach of statutory
duty. When a person travelled on a railway his ticket was his contract ;
he was not entitled to get into the train until he had got his ticket. It
might be that a railway company was entitled to say that the contract
created by the issue of the ticketabsolved them from certain conditions,
but on a tramcar the ticket was not a contract at all. The ticket was a
mere voucher that the passenger had paid his money. As a matter of
fact when this accident happened, plaintiff had not taken his ticket ;
he had not been a.sked for his nuuiey. He w»s. however, quite within
his rights in getting on the car and sitting down without taking a ticket.
Plaintiff gave ovideiu^e, and mi^dieal evidence was given as to the
natiu'e of his injuries.
Sir. D.WCKWERTZ. K.C, for the defence, relied upnn Ihc Corporation's
limitation of its liability and contended that the utmost the nlaintiff
oidd recover was £25. Alternatively, he submitted that the result of
the accident was not as serious as ))laintiff s counsel had attempted to
n-.ake out, and that the plaintiff's present condition was to some extent
due to his not carrying out the instructions of his medical advisers.
Medical evidence for the defence \va.s given, and after addresses by
coim.sel and the judge's sunnning U]), the jury returned a verdict for plain-
tiff for £500, The judge deferred entering j\idgment jiending leaal argu-
ments to be he.ird later as to the right of the Corporal i(m to limit their
liability in the « ay indicated.
National Telephone Co. v. Davis, Turner & Co.
Last week a Divisional Court (Mr. Justice Phillimore and Mr. Justice
Walton) reversed, by consent, the judgment of Judge Reutoul in this
case, which was an action for the recovery of a sum for telephone calls.
The facts were ^iven in our issue for Nov 6.
f2
814
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 5, 1909.
Dublin Corporation v. Dublin United Tramways Co.
In tho High Court, Dublin, o.i Monday, Mr. Justice Boyd granted
(o, the application of the company) a conditional order of prohibition
Uectedto Mr. Swifte (one of the Metropolitan inagis rates), restra.n-
ng him from hearing 18 summonses brought by the Corporation
.against the company for failure to keep in go«d,'^°"'Vl"'f'\h« n,,'?r.*rs
the rails of the tramway, &c. The company contend that the matters
ill dispute should lie referred to arbitration.
Richmond v. Lorden.
The official Referee (Mr. Muir Mackenzie) has made his order in
this case (reported in Thk Ele, trtcan for Feb. 1!.. p. 734). .and has
given judgment for ijlaintiU's for £7it. Wa. ^
PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.
Private Telephones.— In the House of t'omm..ns List wi'fk the Post-
iiiMstiT-Ci-nn;!! (.\h-. S. Buxton) stated, in reply tn ,i .|ur-ti"n whether,
having r.'.Mi.l l.i tlir number of business premises n^w litti-d w ith private
telenhonr iii-tall:,! ions, he would consider the advi.sabihly of allowing
them t.. I up with the Post Office system, that the majority of
internal iilr|.li Nystems fitted in private premises were quite unsuitable
for use in connection with the public exchange system, especially where
communication over the trunk wires with distant towns was desired.
He could not, therefore, agree to allow such systems to be connected with
the Post Office exchanges. There was no difficulty in arranging for the
estabhshment by the department of private branch exchanges giving all
facilities for communication between the different parts of business es-
tablishments, as well as with the public exchange system, under the same
agreements as for ordinary exchange Imes : and arrangements of that
nature should be made where communication of both kinds was desired.
Teleptone Bates-— Inithe House of Commons on Wednesday, the
PostmasttrGeneial (Mr. Buxton) stated, in reply to a question, that
his consent was not necessary for the introduction of the recent
changes in the rates of charge of the National Tele|)hone Co. In
January, 1907, the company decided to modify their existing measured
service rates for new subscribers and to cease to offer an unlimited ser-
vice or flat rate. The new rates were within the limits prescribed by
the agreement of 1905, which was appro\ed liv Parliament.
London Electricity Supply Legislation —Yesterday (Thursday)
the President of the Board of Trade introduced a bill in the House of
Commons to constitute the London County Council the purchasing
authority in respect of the undertakings of the companies who
promoted the London (Westininstcr and Kensington) Electric Supply
Companies' Act, 1908.
MUNICIPAL, FOREIGN & GENERAL NOTES.
APPOINTMENTS VACANT AND FILLED.
.\n electrical engineer, thoroughly familiar with the electrical anfl
mechanical design of d.o. motors, is required ; must be a teclinioal
graduate and write and speak English. See an advertisement.
The Castner-Kellner Alkali Co., West Point, Runcorn, C'hcshire,
have a vacancy for a working electrician ; must understand care
and management of c.c. dynamos and motors and be able to effect
repairs. See advertisement.
A competent electrician is wanted for steel and iron works in South
Wales, to take charge of light and power plant. Applications to
Box 19, G.P.O., Swansea.
A works manager is wanted tor a telephone manufactory, near
London. Applications to the Sterling Telephone & Electric Co. ( Ltd. ).
200, Upper Thames-street. London. E.C. See advertisement.
Hackney (London) Council require an engineering draughtsman
for the electricity department. Salary fLlO. rising to £180. Appli-
cations to Town Clerk by noon March 12.
A book-keeping and general clerk is also wanted for Hackney
(London) electricity department. Applications to the Town Clerk
by noon March 12.
A junior shift engineer is wanted for Southport electricity depart-
ment. Commencing salary 25s. a week. Applications to the
Borough Electrical Engineer by March 15.
llford Council have appointed Mr. W. H. Simpson, of Colchester,
as works foreman of the tramways at £130 per anntim.
Haslingden Council have appointed Mr. Barnes Kay managing
inspector of the tramways and motor 'buses.
Brighton Tramways committee have promoted Mr. Brooks to the
position of traffic manager.
Mr. Wm. Hartley, of Nelson, has been appointed assistant mains
superintendent at Rochdale.
Accrington-Rawtenstall Tramways.— Negotiations are proceeding
lor a tluough tiamcar seivic;e between Accrington and Rawtenstall.
Bethnal Green (London).— The Works committee have considered
communications from Shoreditch and Stepney Borough Councils,
in regard to the supply of electricity in parts of Bethnal Green, at the
same rate as prevails in Shoreditch and Stepney.
The committee suggest that, in view of the powers and obligations of
the Council under their provisional order and the further powers con-
ferred by the London Electrical Supply Act, 1908, Bethnal Green Council
should now seriously consider the steps it was desirable to take to pro-
vide for the supply of electricity.
Birmingham.— At Tuesday's Council meeting Mr. Ellaway,
chairman of the Electricity committee, moved the adoption of a
report recommending application for sanction to a loan of £149,350
for electricity supply, and to cancel sanction to a loan of £6,700
previously obtained.
Mr. Ellaway said that the greater part of the money was for the
extension of mains. When the committee two years ago asked for
£80,000 for mains they estimated that it would be sufficient for three
years, but the estimate was based upon the then existing growth of the
demand for current, but the demand increased at a greater rate than they
anticipated. The increase of output for 1907 was 1,500.000 units, in
1908 2,500,000, and this year the increase would be 3.000,000 units.
They were bound to keep pace with the increased demand. Hc'.explained
how it' wns prri]ioypd to spend the money. In regard to the proposal to
)iut up four w;itii Inwcis. they had accepted tenders for the work subject
to tile :i|ipiMval of ilic Council. They had also obtained the consent of
the L.(i. Board t<. allow them to proceed with the work at once without
waiting for the usual inquiry. Last year they made close upon £30.000
profit, and a very large amount of abandoned plant at Dale End was
cleared off. This year they would make more than £30,000, although
at present he could not say definitely how much. They would pay about
£10,000 to clear off the Dale End abandoned plant, and then they would
have a substantial balance in hand. Therefore, the committee felt
there was no longer any reason why a contribution should not be made
in relief of rates.
The iTiKU-t was adopted, and the new scale of charges for electric cur-
rent was apiuovd.
Blackpool Electrical Exhibition.— The formal opening of this ex-
hibition, which has been organised by the municipal electricity
department, took place on Saturday afternoon. The chairman of
the Electricity committee (Aid. Brodie, J. P.) presided at the in-
augural ceremony, and among those present were the Mayor (Coun-
cillor T. Fielding) and the borough electrical engineer and tramways
manager (Mr. C. Furness).
Councillor BuoiuE said Blackpool could claim that it was the
yiioneer in regard to the use of electricity. Blackpool was the
first municipality to use arc lamps for street lighting and the first
municipality to run electric tr.ams ; and it was one of the first towns
to supply ratepayers with electric lighting facilities. lilackpool
was fortunate in having had men who had foresight enough to see
that such an undertaking as the supply of electricity should be in the
hands of the municipality. The last two years had probably seen
more progress with regard to electricity, and especially in the matter
of lighting, than any similar period in the history of the industry. He
referred to the introduction and use of metal filament lam|)S, and m
this connection he said that Blackpool was in front also, tor 70 or 80
per cent, of the consumers used metal filament lamps. He concluded
by paying a compliment to Mr. C. Furness and his staff for the way in
which thev had arranged the exhibition.
The Mayor said the Electricity committee desired to demonstrate to
the people of Blackpool what could be done with electricity, and
especially in connection with domestic work. In conclusion he
declared the exhibition open.
There are between 40 and 50 exhibitors, and there is a very good
display of electric light fittings, motors, lamps (including flame arc
and metal filament lamps), cooking and heating apparatus, &c. The
following are the principal exhibitors: BUackpool Municipal Elec-
tricity Department (which has a good exhibit of electric heating
and cooking apparatus, polishing machine, knife cleaner, potato
peeler, horse clipper, milling and grinding machines, all driven elec-
trically ; switches, electric signs, artistic fittings, fans, blowers,
mercury .'apour lamps, &c., and a Dick-Kerr motor generator) ; Chloride
Electrical Storage Co. (accumulators, portable storage batteries, igni-
tion cells, &c.) ; Cotton Bros, (radiators, motors and fittings) ;
.7 W. Fielding & Co. (Osram lamps, transformers, motors, heating
and cooking devices, fittings, &c.) ; Robertson Electric Lamps (Ltd.)
(prominent position in centre of building, .showing the manufacture
of glow lamps, with specimens of the lamps in various stagesof com-
pletion) ; H. Bell & Co. (electrically-driven washers) ; .J. Lcmax Ken-
rial & Co. (cooking and heating apparatus, art fittings, switches,
transformers, &c.) ; A. Catlow (baking by electricity) ; W E Russell
& Co, (motors, r.adiators, cooking utensils, &c.) ; J. Roebuck (radia-
tors, lamps and fittings) ; Babcock & Wilcox (models of water-tube
steam boiler, fitted with steam superheater, chain-grate stoker and
water softening plant) : Imperial Lighting Co. (electric signs and
flashers) ; Dowsing Radiant Heat Co. (radiators and electro-inedlcal
apparatus) ; G. Morrison (electric radiators, metal filament lamps,
motors, cooking and heating apparatus), E. Dewhurst (radiators
and convectors, Edison & Swan Co.'s " Metlil" lamp, &c.). Uinlitle
& Croom (motor driven i>laning, drilling and milling michnies,
grinders. &c.), C. Fonteyn (electric radiators, lamps, &c.).
> The exhibition has aroused consideralile lo2al interest and the charge
I
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH o, 1909.
815
for admission i^ oiUv 3rl. Lectures on electric cookuif; are given in
tbe •■ Ideal " electnV Uitclien twice daily.
Charing Cross-H5,mpstead Railway.— An improved service has been
introduced on tins line, and the trains on the Camden T(»vn-Charing-
cross section now run every li minutes during the busy hours of the
day, or a total of -10 trains per hour. The new service has so far
worked without a hitch. This frequency of ssrvice is made possible
by the autoniatic signalling arrangements with which the Hampstead
lines are equipped.
Chester. — The salary of the tramways manager (.Mr. Cardner) has
b'on increased to £270 per annum.
Chili.— Sanction has been given for the utilisation of the water
))owor of the river Curanilahue in the generation of electrical energy,
for working the C'uranilahue-Yani railway.
Croydon. — The salarie.-i of the superintendent of the electricity
station (Mr. D. Cowan) and of the mains superintendent (Mr. E. \.
Fella) have been increased to £200, rising to £230 by annual incre-
ment? of £10.
Derby.— The Council have applied for sanction to a loan of £5, .500
for extensions of mains and house services, &c.
The electricity department estimate an expcnditmo of £7,300
on capital account during the current year.
Dover. — The b.nough electrical engineer (Mr. L. \V. Woodman)
has b??n instructed to experiment with flame arc lamps for street
lighting, and also to provide arc lamp lowering gear.
Dundee. — Difficulties have been experienced in connection with
the erection of the new electricity generating station, which w.is
entrusted to the city engineer's department.
Owing to pressure of work and other circumstances considerable
delay has taken pl.ace, and at the last meeting of the Council the opinion
was expressed that the matter should have been left in the hands of
the electricity department and the city electrical engineer (Mr. H.
Richardson). On the assumption that the station woukl be erected by
the end of No»einber, an agreement was entered into with a jute firm
to supply electricity irom Feb. 1, but it is stated that there is no im-
mediate prosiiect of a supply of current being available.
Dunfermline. — The Council have decided to apply for a i)ro-
v.^ional order authorising them to transfer their 1906 order to the
Fife Electric I'owcr Co.
Electric Hand Lamps. — At the la.st meeting of the Metropolitan
Asylums Board, the Works committee reported that for several
months past their engineer had been in communication with various
manufacturers of electrical apparatus, and also with H..M. electrical
inspector of factories, with a view to obtain an electric hand lamp
of the safest possible type. The committee had. upon their engi-
neer's recommendation, approved of a lamp which was. in his opinion,
the safest on the market ; it would cost about 6s.. and which he
suggested should be used at all the electrically lighted institutions
under the Board, the present lamps being discarded, and the use of
unprotected lamps discontinued. The committee stated that they
had given directions for a copy of the engineer's report to be sent to
each of the central and other committees, controlling institutions
lighted by electricity, and had invited them to issue such instructions
in the matter a.s they considered desirable.
Electric Power Supply in Scotland. — In our issue for Feb. 5 (p. 663)
we briefly referred to the scheme of the North British Power .Synd.
for the supply of electrical energy to the collieries and works abut-
ting the lines of the North British & Caledonian Rly. Companies. The
syndicate has entered into definite agreements with both companies
for wayleaves for laying mains. &c., and this has resulted in a union
of municipal electricity departments in Scotland to oppose the
scheme. It would appear, from a statement made on behalf of the
syndicate, that certain large works in Glasgow, which had been un-
able (it is stated) to obtain a supply of electricity from Glasgow
Corporation at a price which suited them, approached the Syndicate,
and the latter thereupon disclosed to Glasgow Corporation the terms
upon which it could give a supply, and suggested that if the Corpora-
tion could not supply at the figure, the syndicate should supply
current to them at a price which would enable them to deal with the
consumers at a profit. The district has been thoroughly canvassed
by the syndicate, which alleges that the results of this canvass make
it evident that the present supply authorities are not in a position to
deal with the demand, as, from the negotiations and the correspond-
ence in the possession of the syndicate it is evident that the latter
«ill have, before the works are constructed, contracts for something
like 9,000 to 10,000 it.p. It is further stated that the agreements
with the railway companies were settled by two eminent counsel,
who advised the directors of the syndicate that legally their position
was absolutely secure.
At the recent conference of municipal electricity undertakers.
\\hich «-as held at Glasgow, the following resolutions were adopted : —
That this conference of representatives fro-n burghs and Counties in
Scotland, supplying or having the right to supply electricity, resolves
to represent to the Board of Trade that, in the interests of the com-
munities represented by them, it is expedient tliat legislation be
passed prchibiting any company or person unless authorised by the
Board of Trade, under the Electric Lighting Acts, or by Parliament,
from distributing, transmitting, or supplymg electrical energy for
sale within the area of supply of any authori.sed undertakers.
That this conference, in the event of its being found necessary to
take action to test the validity of the agreement made between the
North British Electric Power Synd. i Ltd.) and the railway companies,
recommends Town Councils and County Councils to bear a proportion
of any expanse which may be incurred in comiection with tucli liti-
gation—it being unilerstood that, before commencing litigation, the
matter will be submitted to another meeting of this conference.
The various authorities re])resented at the conference have con-
firmed these resolutions, and on Tuesday a de|)utati<)n from the
authorities and the Municipal Electrical Association waited upon the
Board of Trade in order to urge the introduction of legislaticm
to prohibit the supply of electricity by unauthorised companies and
persons within the area of authorised electricity undertakers. There
were representatives present from Aberdeen, Ayr. Dundee, Edin-
burgh. Glasgow, Govan, Greenock, Leith, Paisley, Partiek. &c.
The town clerk of Glasgow (Mr. A. W. Myles) stated the case for the
deputation. He said that it was a matter of supreme moment and
threatened the pros|>erity of the electrical undertakings of local
authorities, in wliich a large amount of capital had been embarked.
Gl.asgow alone had expended upwards of £1,800,020 on their works,
and he understood that the capit.al expenditure of local authorities in
the United Kingdom in such undertakings amounted to considerably
more than £80.l;00,000. The aim of the North British Electric Power
Synd. was by means of generating stations to be erected in the
vicinity of railway lines and of cables to be laid along railway embank-
ments, to supply electrical energy for power and lighting to railways,
collieries, factories and other large concerns at present being supplied
with such energy by local authorities and statutory companies as
authorised undertakmga. The syndicate had been in correspon-
dence with large users of electricity who were at present cus-
tomers of local authorities with a view of endeavouring to secure
the promise of their custom. He referred to the resolutions
passed at the recent conference of local authorities at Glasgow,
and said they had regard to .see. 1 of the Electric Lighting Act of
1£88 as a very real and effectual protection, knowing that the Board
of Trade would not grant a licence or provisional order where the area
was already occupied by a local authorit}-, if satisfied that such local
authority was giving a satisfactory supply to the consumer at rejison-
able rates. In several instances Parliament had protected local
authorities in the ijosition of authorised undertakers against invasion
of their area on o:;Ciision3 when power companies had applied for
power to supply electricity over large areas, but when they came to
examine the various provisions of the Electric Ijighting .Acts they did
not find a similar protection against undue or unfair competition or
invasion of area by non-statutory compai\ies or unauthorised persons.
Such a state of matters was quite incomprehensible from the point of
view of the local authorities who had, in the public interest, established
extensive works for the supply of electricity, and who had, with the
consent and conenrrence of Parliament, expended so much money in
constructing and perfecting their works. Many obligations were im.
posed upon .authorised local authorities, but the position of unautho-
rised undertakers was (juite different. In the first iil.ace, they were
saved the preliminary cost of applying for iMwers, and they were not
confined to any particular area in which to supply. They could leave
out the small" consumers and cater for the large consumers. They
would set up unfair competition with authorised undertakers. ,
Mr. Arbulhnot Murray lEdinburgh), Mr. Don lUundee) and Mr.
Grav (Aberdeen) also spoke, and supported Mr. Myles' remarks.
The President of the Municipal Electrical Association (Mr. S. L.
Pe.\rce) who was accompanied by Aid. G. Pearson and Mr. H. 1". Proc-
tor, Bristol, urged that the matter was not confined to Scotland. If
such a practice were allowed it could be followed in other parts of the
country, and, therefore, would adverselv atl'ect the various muniei-
pahties throughout (Jreat Britain. The £80,000,000 of capital involved
had been sanctioned by Parliament, and the municipalities had a
reasonable anticipation that they would not be subjected to
unfair competition in jurying out the business for which they
had obtaineif tho.«e loans. "His Association had very carefully con-
sidered the matter, and were of opinion that an unlimited comf etition
such as that must eventually be injurious to the whole electrical
industry. It would be most damaging and unfair to the undertakings
which, on the credit of the muiiicipalitie.s, had pledged their resources
to the extent that had already been referred to.
Aid. P«;.\BsoN stated that in Bristol they had been adversely
affected by the fear of a statutory comtany coming into Bristol in
competition. That company had not, and probably would not, com-
mence operations, but the mere fact of their having the right to come
in had caused considerable ditficulty. He referred to the Supply of
I^lectricity Bill, and suggested that" the matter might be dealt with
by the insertion of a clause in that Bill.
In reply, Mr. H. J. Tbnxaxt, MP., said that he realised that they
had embarked large sums of money in electrical undertakings, that
the.\- had been under statutory obligations to supply an area, to
supply the whole of that area, and not to supply more than that area
file
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 5, 1909,
„,nrl to supply it acleciuately and at certain lixed charges. He also
realised that it was of great importance to the commumty that they
should receive an adequ-ite and a maximum supply of electrical energy,
hoth for li<'lit in" ;i nil for power. Having liound themselves in that way
l.y I'liliani.ntiu V ol. ligations which they had undertaken, they came
ilid asked tliMt'thev .should lie protected from invasion liy outside
neopio He had always looked to (dasgow as the greatest pioneer in
ihe matter of municipal enterprise. Perhaps he was wrong i" tli""';
ing that Glasgow was unnecessarily alarmed at that very small cloud
coming over its horizon, and perliaps Glasgow was only doing what
she had done in the past— namelj-, taking time by the forelock. He
thought they had made a strong case against that invasion, as the\-
called it, but he would point out that those particular obliga-
lions were their protection, because the average man w'ishcd to
Iiave a cheap supply of electrical energy, to have it uniform, and
to know that he could get it. Now, which among them was there
« ho would go to an unauthorised or a non-statutory body ? He
Ihought it extremely improbable that any unauthorised body could
compete against the great corporations of their cities. Referring to
the fact that the Board of Trade had introduced legislation but had
not been able to get that legislation passed into law, he said it was en-
gaging the attention of the Board, and they would do what they could
to promote it in the course of the present session. The business of
Parliament %va8 very much congested, and as that was not what one
might call a first-class measure, he was not able to promise that it
would obtain the time which was required to receive the Royal
Assent. He suggested that in the interval the deputation might
be able to help by bringing a test case to see whether railway com-
panies were entitled to lay mains along their own lines, which had
been granted for other jjurposes.
Electricity on tlie Stage. — The frightful disaster which visited
Sicily and the adjoining districts, is to be turned to account at tlie
White City. Shepherd's Bush, by the Electrical Shows Co. (Ltd.), who
will, liy means of electro-mechanical devices and skilled mechanical
manipulation of a quantity of patented apparatus, give what is
described as a strikingly vivid representation of the earthquake, as
it affected Messina. We learn that the employment of these elec-
t rically operated devices enable a marvellously realistic representation
to be given, and that this item promises to be one of the most in-
structive in the season's programme at Shepherd's Bush, London,
during 1909.
Exhibitions. — A committee has been formed to organise the
British electrical section of the Imperial International exhibition
which will be held at the White City, Seepherds Bush, from May to'
Nov., 1909.
The committee, of which Mr. F. J. Walker is chairman, and Mr. F. B.
Converse secretary, write that they desire that this section shall be
fully represented and worthy of British electrical science and industry
from all points of view. We are informed that already space has been
applied for or allotted to representatives of the electrical sections of
the American, German and Swiss industries. In the machinery hall
a space of about 10,000 sq. ft.) has been offered by the exhibition
authorities tor prompt acceptance, and an additional space equivalent
to one-third of this amount has been promised free of all rental charges
for the historical, educational and scientific sections only. The com-
niittee has also, we are informed, favourably considered the sugges-
tion to erect and equip a large electrical village, instructive" and
interesting to the various sections of the public, on a space adjoining
the British electrical exhibits, and next to the machinery hall.
An exliibition, which is to be held at the Bingley Hall Bir-
mingham, from Oct. 6 to 23. 1909, will be devoted to a display
of domestic fittings and decorations. &c. The lighting section will
include lamps and fittings for electric and gas lighting. The
organisers of the exliibition are the International Trade Exhfbitinns.
Broad-street House, London, E.C.
Fulham (London.) —For lighting basements electric current is to
be supplied at 3|d. per unit between sun.set and midnight, and at
'M. per unit at any other time.
Germano-American Patent Treaty.— At Washington last week Mr
1 aeon. Assistant Secretary of State, and Count von Bernsdorff
• lie (,crman Amba.ssador, signed a Germano-American patent agree-
ment, which (it IS stated) contains a provision making it unnecessary
lor inventors of one country in order to protect their rights in the
other to erect factories in which to manufacture their inventions.
Hessle.— The Council have considered reports from the city elec-
ncal engineer (Mr. H. Bell) and the to\vn clerk of Hull (Mr E
1-averack) as to electricity supply in Hessle ' '
asum,WhrMu'i;\h'rP°'"i"''"^ ""u" Corporation could only give
pro visionalorder should be taken over entirely by the CorporatTn
..e^re ^=^. T^^t^.^^^^ ^^ '-Id .F nl^^ry
H. new electric lamps are to be put'up. There a" 588 consume"
connected, representing 23,767 Sep. lamps for lighting and 7,814 for
jiower and heating.
Huddersfleld. — For the year ended Dec. 31 there was a profit of
f.WO. 8s. 7d. on the electricity undertaking. The total income was
£31,014 (including £28.972 from sale of current), compared with
f30,3.->4 (£2S.07.'->. 1 Is. 9il. electric supply) in 1907.
Inquest. — The adjourned inquest into the death of Thomas
Griffiths, who was killed at the Wynstay Colliery, Denbigh, was
held on Tuesday.
From the evidence of T. Davies it appeared that deceased was
employed as an attendant in the electric pump room. The pump was
not working satisfactorily, and deceased was told to go to the pit-
head to get some new valves. Shortly after witness heard a shout,
and upon turning round saw deceased leaning against the pump-house
wall, apparentl}' dead. Within three or four seconds witness had
switched off the current, and although life seemed to be extinct, wit-
ness used artificial respiration. After an hour's exertions he thought
he detected some signs of returning animation, so continued his efforts
for upwards of two hours more, but without avail. A doctor pro-
nounced life extinct, and burns found on the chest and arm were
assumed to have been caused by electric shock. An examination of
the cable at the place where deceased fell against it showed there was
about TO in. bare. That, however, was so small .as not to be noticeable.
Deceased was working a double shift, the second one having been un-
dertaken to oblige a fellow workman, who wanted to attend a concert.
At the time of the accident deceased had been working 15 hours con-
tinuously. The voltage was 50O.
Mr. R. Nelson, H.M. Electrical Inspector of Mines, expressed the
opinion that no blame could be attached to anybody. The pump-
house, however, w\n hardly big enough for perfect safety in the case
of a man working alone, because it was so easy for him to put his hand
out and touch the cable.
A verdict of " accidentil death " was returned, the jury compliment-
ing Pavies on his efforts to save deceased's life.
Italy. — The " Gazzetta LTfficiale " for Feb. 12, contained decrees
authorising (1) the Societa Italiana d'Industrie Elettriche of Spezia
to construct and work a double track electric tramway along the
Canaletto-Fossa Mastra section of the Viale Regina Margherita-San
Bartolomeo tramway, and(2) Milan urban authorities to construct an
electric tramway along the Via Vincenzo Monti, between the Piazza
Virgilio and the Corso Magenta. The " Gazzetta " may be seen at
73, Basinghall-street. London, E.C.
Padua Council have obtained from the Prefecture authority to
instal electric conductors on the Porite Molino-Pontecorvo, in con-
nection with the working of an urban tramway.
Kinlochleven Aluminium Works.— The first furnaces at these
works started opi^raticiis ..n Saturday, and the joint undertaking of
the British .^luminiiiin ( 'n. and the Loehlcvon Water Power & Electric
Co., which comprises the aluminium works, a huge dam for water
conservation, a workmen's colony, electricity supply works, electric
railway. &c.. is, after five years' work, now practically completed.
Lanarkshire Tramways. — Work has been commenced on the
Hamilton to Uddingston tramway, an extension of the Lanarkshire
Tramways Co.'s system.
Leeds. — The Trackless Trolley. — On Wednesday the chairman
of the Tramway and Electricity committee (Mr. R. A. Smithson)
moved that the report of the general manager of the tramways
(Mr. J. B. Hamilton), stating that the laying of a tramway track to
Farnley was inopportune, be approved, and that the Council be
recommended to authorise the committee to inquire firrther into the
working of the trackless trolley system for electrically propelled
vehicles with power to appoint members to visit towns where the
system is in operation.
Mr. Smithson said, while they could not see their way to recommend
the expenditure entailed by the scheme (about £10,000), they might
properly recommend the Council to inquire into the trackless trolley
system in operation in some Continental towns, which gave a good
.service at a cost of something like £2,000 a mile.
The resolution was adopted with the addition " that if the system
be found satisfactory the committee be requested to bring forward a
resolution as to the desirability of installing it on the route between
Leeds and Farnley."
Liverpool Post Office Telephone System.— On Thursday last a
numerous company of business men. under the guidance of the post-
master (Mr. F. Salisbury), insjiected the new .switcliroom at the
Liverpool General Post Office exchange, which has just been equipped
with new apparatus at a cost of £12,500. 'The calls per day
average 9,000, including about 2.000 conversations with Man-
chester, and 400 with London. The staff of the new switcliroom
includes 133 operators. The new equipment was supplied by British
Insulated & Helsby Cables, under the supervision of Mr. 'V\'. Slingo.
on behalf of the Post Office. There are 202 trunk lines, arranged in
80 sections, connected with the exchange, and of these 14 com-
municate with London, and two additional lines to London are now
being laid down.'
THE ELECrrRICIAN, MARCH 5, 1909.
817
London County Council. — At Tuesday's meeting the proposiil to
enter into a pnivisicitial agreement with the Metropolitan Electric
Tramways (Ltd.) tor tlie construction by the company of the exten-
sion of the Harrow-road tramways to Edgware-road, for the purchase
of the same by the Council, and for the leasing of the tramways to the
company for 21 years, determinable at 7 and 14 years, was agreed to.
Tramways at LeKisham. — The Highways committee recommended
the expenditure on capital account of £16,380 for the construction of
a portion of the authorised tramways from Lewisham Highroad to
Forest Hill. — Adjourned.
Abhcy-roai Car Shed. — An estimate of £3,675 was approved for the
necessary track work, overhead and work, at the Abbey-road car shed,
and the work was ordered to be carried out by direct labour.
London Vnilcd Tramways Undcrta'kinij. — It was agreed to hold a
special meeting on April 6 to decide whether the Council should
e.xercise its right to purchase that part of the London United Tram-
ways Co.'s undertaking situated in London.
L.C C. Tramway Staff. — On Tuesday the London County Council
granted the following increases of salary : —
Mr. J. K. Bruce, tramway traffic manager, from £850 to £900, from
April 1, 1909, and subsequently to £1,000 a year, by two annual incre-
ment3 of £50 ; Mr. J. Welling, permanent way engineer, from £500
to £550 a year ; Mr. H. 1). Smith, advertising assistant, from £500 to
£525 a year ; Mr. W. E. Ireland, rolling stock superintendent, from
£100 to £450 a year ; and Mr. E. Cloney, district traffic superintendent
'northern section), from .£230 a year (rising by two annual increments
of £10 each to £260 in Oct., 1910) to £250 a year.
London Inter-Collegiate Scholarships' Board (University College,
King's College and the East London College). — The Board will hold
a combined examination for 20 entrance scholarships and exhibitions,
tenable at University College, King's College, and the East London
College, on May 11. and following days. No candidates will be
admitted to the examination unless they have passed the London
University Matriculation, or an equivalent examination, and arc
under the age of 19 on May 1, 1909. The total value of scholarships
offered is about £1,,500. Full particulars and forms from the Secre-
tary. Mr. Alfred E. G. Attoe. University College, Gower-street,
Lonchm, W.C.
Middlesex. — The County Council have passed plans for the erection
of car repair shops by the Metropolitan Electric Tramways (Ltd.), at
Hendon. The total cost is £12,000, of which £8,000 is for building,
£1.500 tor track work, and £2,000 for machinery and tools.
Newfoundland. — The Newfoundland General Electric Co. are
about to ]ii'titinn the Legislature for a charter to authorise the supply
of eleclricity m Bonavista, Catalina, King's Cove, and Trinity, the
construction of a tramway (on the overhead system) from Catalina
to Bonavista and the erection of a marine slip at Catalina or
Trinity.
Norton. — An inquiry was held recently into the Council's scheme
of main and outfall sewerage, prepared by Messrs. D. Balfour & Son,
of Newcastle-on-Tyne. The sewage from the low lying portions of
the district is proposed to be carried to an underground storage tank
from which it will be pumped into the high level sewers, either auto-
matically by electric motors, if the necessary power can be obtained,
or by gas engines driving centrifugal pumps.
Overhead Electric Wires in Yorkshire.— The Yorkshire Electric
Pijwer Co. has applied to the Board of Trade for consent to the erec-
tion of certain overhead electric lines tlirougli the Urban Districts of
Thornhill, Whitley Upper, Flockton, Emley, Skelmanthorpe and the
Rural District of Wakefield. Objections must be sent to the Board
by the 21st inst.
Petersfield. — A committee has been appointed to report as to the
advisability of obtaining a provisional order.
Poor Law Machinery and Engineering Staffs. — The Departmental
committee a))i)ointed by the L.G. Board to inquire into machinery
and engineering staffs at Poor Law institutions have issued their
report.
In regard to machinerj' and engineering plant the committee state
that at many institutions the engineering arrangements have not been
well designed, and in some cases plant in excess of retpiirements has
been installed. They think that engineering plant generally should
be as simple as possible, and where electric generating plant is to be
installed high-pressure boilers, to work generally at not more than
1201b., are necessary, but where steam is not required for electric
generating plant a higher pressure than about 70 ll>. should ordi-
narily, not to be required. Evidence was submitted of economies
eiSfected in the cost of lighting by the substitution of electricity for
gas. The saving was attributed to the readier facilities for control-
ling the use of electricity. On the whole the committee think there is
not adequate evidence to justify the substitution of electricity for gas
at institutions where gas is already in use, but at new institutions the
question depends largely on local conditions. The investigations of the
committee have led them to the conclusion that when electricity can be
obtained from an outside supply at a reasonable price generation should
not be unilertaken. Where independent plant is installed more care
should be exercisei! in the selection of the plant than in the past. In
regard to storage batteries the conunittee recommend that a definite
contract should be entered into with the makers for the maintenance
of any battery installed by them. The committee think there is a
tendency to put in too many electric or hydraulic lifts and to use them
more than is necessary. All ordin.ary engineering repairs .should be done
by the staff and a few standard machine tools are, therefore, required :
but in some instances the machine tools are larger and more elaborate
than is necessary. The following are the chief recommendations of
the committee : —
1. That more sy.stcmatic central supervision should be exercised over
engineering matters at Poor Law institutions, and (a) that annual re-
turns respecting engineering work should be furnished to the Board, and
(h) that an engineeiing inspector for Poor Law purposes shoidd be ap-
pointed.
2. .\dequate records should be kept at all Poor Law institutions.
3. The position of the engineer-in-charge at large institutions should
be improved — (a) by giving him more control over his department and
by consulting him with regard to the appointments of subordinate
officers on his staff and respecting other engineering matters ; (6) by re-
quiring him to make periodical returns and reports respecting the work
of his department ; (f ) by providing that his reports be submitted intact,
but with any comments the head of the institution thinks necessary, to
the Guardians.
4. Engineering plant should generally be as simple as po.ssible.
5. More .systematic check should "be exercised over the quantity and
quality of coal u.sed.
6. The engineer-in-charge should be consulted with regard to articles
and material to be ordered for engineering work, and should check goods
delivered.
7. Suggestions are made with regard to the staff to be employed and
a specimen staff with wages is set out.
The comn'ittee point out that the recommendations can be carried
out without legislative change, and that it is important that they should
at once bo put into effect.
Railway Companies and Motor Omnibuses.— .\t a recent Conference
of Municipal Tramway .Authorities the iiuestion of the omnibus
clauses of the L. & N.W. Railway Bill were considered.
Representatives were present from the London County Council and
from Glasgow, Manchester. Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford, Salford, Liver-
pool, Derby, Nottingham, Birkenhead, West Ham, Walsall. Blackpool,
Stockport, Reading. Brighton, Wolverhampton. CarditT, Lowestoft,
CVoydon, Portsmouth, East Ham, Pontypridd, &c. Discussion took
place, and it was decided to oppose the Bill so far as regards the clauses
relating to the running of omnibuses.
The conference also discussed the recent legal decision in connection
with the side on which motor cars should pass tramcar.<, and it was
decided to ask for an interview with the L.G. Board on the subject.
Reigate. — The revised scale of charges for electric current intro-
duced by the Council involves an increase of jd. per unit, and the
abolition of discounts.
Russia. — The British Consul at Warsaw states that a commercial
agency in that city wish to be placed in communication with British
manufacturers or exporters, who desire an agency there for electrical
fittings, machine tools and accessories, pumps, fans, &c. Communi-
cations to H.M. Consul, Warsaw.
Southampton. — The Council have applied for sanction to a loan of
£600 for meters.
In a report, prepared by the borough olectrioal engineer (Mr. H. F.
Street), reference is made to a return relating to (he p\iblic lighting of all
the important towns in England, prepared b\' the l-eeds street lighting
department. This return shows that of the 'M large tott-ns mentioned
none are fixing incandescent gas, and the majority arc displacing gas witli
electricity, the remainder having already installed electricity in all im-
portant thoroughfares and on tramwav routes. The return shows that
an enormous number of arc and incandescent cicil ric lamps of the type
at Southampton are used for lighting important towns, .and the number
is increasing every week. The lasi in-^tauco is at .Marj'lebone, where an
order was given to replace l.OtW nindem gas lamps with electric lamps.
It is suggested that mure- pnlilic limps should l)p ccmverted to electric
lighting at Sdiithinnptnii.
The Telephone in Railway Working. — It is announced that the
Canadian Pacific Railway is about to instal a telephone system on a
line between Winnipeg and Brandon, and Swift Current and Calgary,
representing 283 miles of line, the intention being to use telephonic
facilities in the dispatching of trains.
Walthamstow. — The Electricity committee have drawn up the
following arrangements for wiring consumers' premises : —
(1) The consumer to purch.ase his fittings, kc, from a contractor; (2)
the Council to give an approximate estimate of cost of wiring and fittings
required (the estimate being based upon actual fittings selected) : (3)
the electrical engineer to draw up a standard specification which shall,
if desired by the consumer, form part of the contract between the con-
tractor and the consumer, and which shall contain a clause binding the
contractor to repair any fault or defect which may develop within 12
months, exclusive of lamp failures. All fittings and apparatus exhibited
at the stock room to have the prices marked thereon, and contractors
tendering for work to be required to give an tmdertaking to supply the
818
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 5, 1909.
eleftprll>Mt.1crns.'it tlifpi''''"
rkcd (cpr less ■'it (heir nwn risk) : (4) ton-
<i;;;'u;'l',;'invi....rf.v.n,' n.s,,„nsil,lo o,m.rarU>r. f,>r work ^eq-nretl. an,l
s„oh t..uU.rs to In- s.n. dir.Tl lo oonsmuers l.y til. oonU.ft » l-A tl .
Couruil to ..-.. tiKLl llM- work is ..MTunl o„l ,n a.oorclnno. « t u- s .„ .
(icatlon. but not to M.-.,-,,t any lo-al res,,ons.b>l,ty. cthei «ith ,..1 ...
the work <lone or t.. tl.c paynirnls to Ik- made t . contractors tor l,...,,;.-
"sanetL ha« boon receivo.l ir..n, ll.c LM. B .ar,I to borrow £877 for
mains and house services and £11'.) for moteri.
Wednesbury.— The ('omicil liavc roccivcil sanetiou to a loan d
£1,700 fur extending the electricity supply cables to Darlaslon.
Wireless Telegraph Notes.- Tlie Creat liastern Railway CVi. have
decided to eqiii]) tlieir licet of vessels steaming between Harwicli
and Antwerp «ith wireless telegraph aiiparatns. The same com|iaiiy's
Hook of Holland route line of steamers have ah-eady been so equipped.
It is stated that an interpellation^is about to be made in the Ger-
man Rcichsiau' as to the compulsory use nf wireless telegraph appa-
ratus on all l.ciiM.oi merchant vessels.
The ■■ I )ail\ I Inomele's " Paris correspondent states that the Eiffel
Tower wireless telegraph station has established a new record by
receiving messages from the Marconi station at Glace Bay. a distance
of 3,2nO miles. The same correspondent announces that a new-
station is bping equijiped on the Tower with a view to endeavoiuing
lo establisli wireless commimieation between I'aris and Saigon,
these places being distant 6.801) miles.
It is announced by the " Daily News" New York correspondent
that a successful attempt has been made to employ wu'eless tele-
graphy in connection with the fast train service between New "i ork
and Chicago. On Saturday la^t a tlirough Chicago express, equipped
with Marconi apparatus, kept up eommiinieation practically through
out the entire joiu'ney of 900 miles.
The directors of Krupp Works have given Gottingen University
an annual grant of £500 to be us?d in prosecuting re.search work
in connect 1)11 with wireless telegraphy. ■:
Workhouse Lighting. — The Guardians of North Dublin I'nion
have adopted a recommendation of their Electric Lighting com-
mittee to light their premises electrically.
Worthing. — The Electricity committee have been authorised to
erect nine Beck flame arc lamps, as an experiment in street lighting.
York. — -A poll of the ratepayers will be taken on April IC on the
Council's light railway scheme.
Dinners. — On Saturday Sir C. N. Dalton, C.B., the rething
Comptroller-General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, was the
guest of the Chartered Institute of Patent Agents at a dinner at the
Hotel Metropole, London.
The annual dinner of the Chelsea Electric Supply Co.'s Cricket
Club was held on Feb. 23, with Major Fountain Woods in the chair.
A large company sat down to dinner and were aftcrw^ards entertained
to an excellent programme of music. The arrangement of the pro-
gramme reflects great credit ii|ion the orsranisers (Sir. Fowder and Mr.
Hull). The proceedin;.'^ doiiiiL' lli'. • M-nlng seemed to lend emphasis to
the cordial spirit of niiitii:il rniiti.l, u. . nhl ro-operation existmg between
the .staff and the director, iml i hicfs of the company.
The first annual dinner of the inotor department of West Ham
Corporation electricity undertaking was held on 20th ult. Tthere were
about 70 persons present, including the Mayor (Mr. Aid. Littler),
the borough electrical engineer (Mr. A. Hugh Seabrook), Mr. H. H.
Holmes, &c.
Mr. HoLjiEs proposed the toast of " The Visitors," to which the Mayor
replied. He agreed with Mr. Holmes that the presence of customers'
engineers spoke well for the confidence in the work of the department.
On? of the reasons for the success of the department under Mr. Seabrook
was the very straight line of business he had always adhered to — a fair
price for labour and good value to customers. He" referred to what had
been done in 3i years, when the sales department consisted of Mr. Rock-
ley. It now numbered SO men, but that was nothing like the number
that could be emploj'ed it there was a greater scope for the work. If the
Kastminster scheme should come to fruition, there wrs no reason whv
l.>0 instead tA 80 should not be in the sa'.es department.
Festivities.— The annual festival of the employes of Glasgow
electricity department was held in the City Hall on Friday. The
convener of the Electricity committee (Bailie J. W. Stewart), who
presided, said the employes numbered nearly 800, and he congratu-
lated them on the care and energy they devoted to their work
On^ Thursday last. West Ham Corporation Tramways Athletic
and Social Club celebrated the fifth anniversary of the inauguration
of the tramways, by giving a concert and ball in the Public Hall.
The manager (Mr. Blain). the chairman of the Tramwavs and Electric
I^ght committes (Aid. Crow), and the borough electrical engineer
(Mr. A. Hugh Seabrook) were present. .Mr. Blain commended the con-
duct of the staff of the tramways department and said they had
been free from accidents of a serious character.
TRADE NOTES AND NOTICES.
NOW READY.
"THE ELECTRICIAN" ELECTRICAL TRADES'
DIRECTORY AND HANDBOOK.— The 1909 Edition
of the Big Blue Book, price 153., or post free in the
United Kingdom, 15s. gd. The new and enlarged volume
brings a great mass of statistical and technical data
quite up to date, and the Directorial Division has been
thoroughly revised and amplified.
All branches of Electrical Engineering and Industry
are fully treated, and Electro-Financial matters receive
every attention in the new volume, which aggregates
more than 2,000 pages. The Directory Division 13
complete and thoroughly accurate, and has been com-
pletely revised. All mere lists of members of Societies
and Institutions (so easily and cheaply available) are
excluded, as quite unreliable for Manufacturers' and
Dealers' purposes. The full set of valuable Statistical
and Engineering Tables, &c., have been very carefully
revised and extended, and are now issued in handy book
form. These are included in the 1909 Big Blue Book,
making it the most complete work of the kind ever
published.
TENDERS INVITED.
Tenders are invited for the supply, delivery and erection at Llan-
dudno electricity works of a Lancashire boiler, to be constructed
to the specification and under the superintendence of the Man-
chester Steam Users' Association. Specification, &c.. from the elec-
trical engineer (Mr. H. Morton). Tenders to the town clerk (Mr.
Alfred Conolly). Town Hall. Llandudno, by March 24. See also an
advertisement.
The date for sending in tenders for the supply of a power plant for
central telephone exchange, to the Postmaster-General's Department,
Victoria, has been extended from March 23, to April 23. Tender
forms and specifications may be obtained at the Commonwealth
Olhce, 72. Victoria-street. S.W. See also an advertisement.
Tenders are invited for supply of two multiple magneto sv, itch-
boards for incoming junction lines to the Postmaster-General's
Department, New South Wales. Tender forms and specifications
at the Commonwealth Offices, 72, Victoria-stre;t, London, S.W.
See also an advertisement.
The Great Central Railway Co. invite tenders for supply,
during 12 months ending April 30, 1910, of stores and materials,
including electric light and telegraph material, asbestos packing,
brass castings and sheets, glass, hardware, indiarubber, oil. locks,
lamp fittings, steel, sundry tools, varnish, wire, &c. Samples and
patterns may be seen from March I to March 8 in the Public Hall
of the Conservative Club, Gorton-lane, Gorton. Specifications and
forms from Mr. Walter Williams. G.C. Railway, Gorton. Tenders to
the secretary (Mr.Oliver S. Holt), Marylebone Station, London,
N.W., by 10 a.m. March 9.
Ilford Council invite tenders for supply of meters for fixing on the
tramcars for the purpose of registering the current consumed. Ten-
ders and detailed specification of meters (including guarantee with
regard to accuracy. &c.) to .Mr. .J.Godfrey Gott.Town Hall, Ilford,
by March 8. Further particulars from the Electrical Engineer. Elcc
tricity Works.Ley- street, Ilford.
Belfast Tramways and Electricity committee invite tenders for
12 months' supply of various materials, including engine room stores,
packings, oils, rubber goods, wire, asbestos goods, trolley wire, over-
liead line material, cable and mains materials, meters, indicators,
and time switches. Forms of tender. &c.. from the city electrical
engineer (Mr. T. W. Bloxani). Electricity Works. East Bridge-street.
Belfast. Tenders, addressed to the Chairman of the committee, to
the town clerk (Sir Samuel Black) by 10 a.m. March 15.
London County Council invite tenders for (a) manufacture and
erection at the Elephant and Cast'e tramways substation of one 20-
ton overhead hand travelling crane ; (b) manufacture and erection
at the same place of h. and l.-t. switchgear and modifications to
existing switchgear ; (c) two 1,500 kw. rotary converters, &c., and
six .575 kw. static single-phase air-cooled transformers, &c. ; and (rf)
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 5, 1909.
819
fur wiring and fitting for electric lighting the Norwood tramway car
shed. Forms from the Clerk of the Council, Tenders by 1 1 a.m.
March 9.
KDlNBt'Riiir Cirporali.m want leiid.T-i by :\l;nT-li ].; for one yeiir's
maintenance of t,i'le|)hi)iies and electric bells at the C^ity Hospital
(forms from City Surveyor), and for one year's supply of material for
interior wiring, tools, ironmongery, engineer.s' stores, tubes, copjier,
&c. Forms from the City Electrical Engineer.
TlPPERAEY Guardians want tenders by 2 p.m.. JIarch 12. fur lifht-
ing the workhouse electrically or otherwise. There are at present
174 gas lights and six or seven gas cookers. The contract is to in-
clude provision for working the laundry in the near future, and for
the supply of steam to the kitchen. Particulars from the Clerk,
Workhouse, Tijiperary,
Newport (Mon.) electricity and tramway department want ten-
ders by March 22 for 12 months' supply of carbon filament and radia-
tor lamps ( Knglisli make), flame arc carbons and electricity meters.
Tenders are required only from manufacturers. e.\ce]>t in tlie case of
carbons. Particulars Irom .Mr. H. Collin^s BislKjp. Town Hall,
Newport.
Rochdale Electricity committee want tenders by noon, March 17,
for supply and erection of water purifying and softening j)lant.
Speeitications. &c.. from the Engineer and .Manager.
Bury Corporation want tenders by 0 a.m. March 24, for erection
of electricity station buildings at Chamber Hall. Specification from
the Borough Engineer. Bank-street, Bury.
Hull Guardians want tenders by noon. March 9. for an electrical
installation for the workhouse laundry. Specification from the
Clerk.
The Deputy Postmaster-General, Bklsbane. Queensland, requires
tenders by noon. March 29. for ironwork, insulators, bronze wire and
accessories, iron wire and covered wire. Forms from the Common-
wealth Representative, London.
The Transvaal department of Posts and Telegraphs, Pretorh,
requu-e tenders by noon, March 31, for telegraph pole parts (799
ordinary screw-ring joint bases, and 218 flanged screw ring jt)int
bases, 27 base plates, 807 screw ring.s, and 7.(J00 lightning rods).
Particulars from the Acting Chief Engineer. Tele|)hone Exchange,
Johannesbiug.
TENDERS RECEIVED AND ACCEPTED.
The London County Council Education committee received
the following tenders for the electric lighting of the extension of the
LC.C. School of Building
SPECIAL NOTICE.
NOW READY.— Vol. LXI. of " The Electrician " (1,018 pages),
liound in strong cloth. Price 17.'?. 6d.; post free, 18s. 6d. Also ready
Cases for Binding. Price 2s. ; post free, 2s. 3d.
A complete set of "The Electrician- " (1860-1865-1878-1908) can
be supplied. A number of odd volumes and .some odd old back num-
bers, to help in making up complete sets, a^e also now available.
Pinching & Walton (acccptol)
£1,167 5
Warren Smith & Co. 1,920 0
0. PiiUan 1,530 0
A. W. Penrose & Co. £1,320 0 0
.1. Brvden & Sons... 1,282 0 0
0 TilleyBro? 1,248 0 0
0 G. E.Taylor & Co.. 1,199 0 0
For the electric lighting of Redman's-road school (Stepney) the
following tenders were received by the L.C.C. Education committee:
Harper Electric Co. {'irreplcd) £,^35 R. H. & J. Pearsoji £464
Tilley Bros 457
F. M. Burley&Co 443
Pinching & Walton 434
G. E. Taylor & Co 433
Wallis & Watson 335
0. rullau 1,070
Neville Kave & Co 851
Warren Smith ct Co 597
Trerlegar& Co 524
A. Miller 520
Lund Bros. & Co 511
Islington (London) Council have accepted the following tenders
for annual supplies for the electricity department : —
^ .J. Oibb & Co., engine-room stores, tools, &c. ; Sloan Electrieal Co..
'^hip ('arbons (Ltd.) and City Glass Co., arc lamp carbons and glubi-^ :
Stem-Sonneborn Co. and A. Duckham & Co., oil ; British Electric Tians
tiirnu-r Co. and Ferranti Limited, transformers and accessories ; Donlton
& Co. and Young & Son. earthenuaiv pipes. Ii..u._.lis. firebricks, &c. ;
British Westinghouse Co. and Hat .Meter Ci... cliTtiiiily meters and pre-
payment meters ; British In-iila(c.l * H.-lsl.y Cahlrs.' ,■ ,l,les : (ioni-ral
Jilectlio Co.. .luhrisuri i I'l,llll|i~. II, ,|, >v t'.lui~-ii. r.v-rl;. il.imilri)
aud Baxter* Caiint-r. .-l.-.tii. :,l mumIim-. I,mi,|,~. I.ni-li.-'. aiv Ian,,, |,,,,i~,
*o.; Calleuder's Co., British In.Mil.iled & Hel.Ujy Caljlis, Jolin.-,..n &.
Ph:llips. Indiarubber, Gutta Percha & Telegraph V\'orks Co., W. Lucy
& Co. and Svkes & Sugden, cable, terminal service and network boxes
luid tapes.
At the meeting of the Edmonton Guardians on the 24th ult. the
consulting engineer-s (Messrs. May & Hawes) submitted the 24
lenders which had been received for the electric light and jjower
insstallation for the new infirmary now in course of erection, and it
was decided to acccjit the tender of G. Harland Bowden & Co.. of
-Vlanchester and London, at £2,056. 16s. lid.
Tenders arc wanted by 10 a.m. March 17 for 12 months' .supply of
E'leetric lighting sundries, ironmongery, asbestos packing, &e., to the
^'ty of CARDIFF Mental Hospital. Forms of tender, &e., from the
-'lerk and Steward.
BooTLE Corporation want tenders by noon March 20 for one year's
supply of wu-es. cables, meters, carbons, fuse boxes, oils, &c. Forms
of tender, &c., from the Borough Electrical Engineer.
Derby Council have accepted the tender of the British Insulated &
Helsby Cables, for cables at £1,047. 10s., and that of Babeock &
Wilcox for a water softener at £240.
Blackpool Corporation have accepted the tender of the Rees
Roturbo Mfg. Co., for three electrically-driven pumps for the North
Shore salt water works.
The Metropolitan Asylum.s Board have accepted the tender of W. J.
Fryer& Co., at£34. 18s., for the .supply of electric radiators for the
operating room at the children's inflrmary.
Paddington (London) Council have acee])ted the tender of C.
.Vlickleburgli for a quarterly test and inspection of the electric liLditing
installation at the Town Hall at £3. .33.
Hackney (London) Council have acce])ted the tendcis of Cham-
berlain & Hookham and Ferranti Limited lor electricity meters for
the ensuing 12 months.
Willesden C'ouncil have accepted th-* tender of G. X- H. Turner
for the annual maintenance of the telephon- .syst-m.
Edmonton Guardian.? have accepted the lenih-r of J. G. ("hiUl & Co.
for the supply and erection of electric lifts at £1 .0.'i9.
Dover Council have placed an order with the Brush Co. for two
.50 kw. transformers at £64 each.
Southampton Council have aocsptcd the tenders of W. T. Glover
& Co., and the Craigpark Electric Cable Co.. for supply of cable.
Oban School Board have accejited the tentler of .Mackenzie &
Moncur for the electric lighting of tlie.new school building.
Bermondsey (London) Council have placed an order with the
British Insulated & Helsby Cables, for feeder pillars.
Sale by Auction.— Mr. Robert H. Ruddock will sell by aucti<m (with
the sanction of the Judge), on the premises Robert-street, Brighton,
on March 9, and three following clays at 12:1.5 jj.m., the gooilwill.
copyrights, letterpress and lithographic plant and machinery of the
Robinson Printing Co., Ltd. The plant includes 33 low-speed
Lundell d.c. motors (230 volt. 7i ii.r. to J ii.i'.). 54 tons of metal,
machinery, &c. Catalogues of the receiver. Mr. E. F. Peirson
(.Messrs. E. T. Peirson & Sons, C.A., Coventry, and Messrs. Peirson
Br(js. & Co.. 22, Walbrook, London. E.C.). of the Auctioneer, 71.
Fleet-street. London, E.C., and at other addres.ses (in London and
Brighton), given in an advertisement in another column.
Railway Material for Sale.- The Mersey Railway Co. have for sale a
quantity of old steel rails and fishjilates. switches, crossings and
«iiigs, cast and heavy wrought iron, brake blocks, storage and car
batt<'ry plates, brass, copper, lead, &e. Tenders to the Secretary
(.Mr. Geo. H. Langham), Worcester House, Walbrook, London, E.C.,
by 11 a.m.. .Mondav. March 15. See an advertisement.
Plants &c., for Sale.— Messrs. G. Elliott & Co., 186-188. Long-lane.
Bermondsey, London, S.E., have for sale two compound Marshall
steam engines coupled to two Crompton dynamos, and also three
dynamos. Further particulars are given in advertisements.
.A storage battery of 40 cells is advertised for .sale by Mr. Geo.
Burden, Yacht " Leander,"' Luke's Yard, Ramble, near Southamp-
ton.
Personal. — Owing to the termination of the engagement of Mr. .T.
\. Cot>per as manager of the electrical department of Messrs. A.
Emanuel & Sons, the department will in future be carried on by
.Mr. K. I. Parkes. who has been with the company for 12 years.
Agencies for South Africa.— .Mr. M. G. Garnham. a member of a
well-known family of London merchants, is at liome from South
.\frica for a few weeks, and may be communicated w ith at 132. L'p|)er
Thames-street, London. K.C. Mr. Garnham is well placed at Durban
( \atal) for handling all kinds of machinerv.ai>paratus and accessories,
having large warehouse s))ace at Durban, where a general machinery
busine.ss is carried on by Messrs. Garnham. .Mr. M. G. Garnham
himself travels all through South .Africa, including Cape Colony,
Orange River Colony, Ti-ansvaal, Natal, and, at stated intervals,
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 5, 1909.
]'ortu<.ues£> East. Africa and Rhodesia. Some of our readers may be
municate with Mi'. Garnham in regard to the repre-
lu'ir manufactures in South Africa.
dis,
sont:ili
Patent Amendment.-Notice is given that Mr. Alfred Svvan of the
Lamp Works, General Eloetric Co. H-Tison (N.J . U> M. -eks
leave to amend the specification of Letters Patent No. 12.739, o
1902 for " Improvements in or relating to Bases for Incandescent
Electric Lamps, and in Means of Apparatus for manu actunng
same " Particulars of proposed amendment are set forth m the
" Illustrated Official Journal (Patents)," of Feb. 24, and notice of
opposition must be given at the Patent Office, 2.'^. Southampton-
buildings. London. W.C, within one calendar month of that date.
Bonded Steel Casing.— At the present time, when attempts are
hein^' mad.' to cheapen wiring for all classes of buildings, any means
by which this end can be arrived at will be welcomed by electrical
contractors. We, therefore, gladly note that a new type of bonded
st=el casin.J, due to Mr. A. E. Woodhouse, will shortly be placed on the
market by the International Electric Co. We liave inspected a
sample of this casins;, and may say that it seems to powsss very well
defined advantages'; among the jirincipal of which should be cheap-
ness, both in first cost and installation. We sliall give some further
details of this casing in due course.
Lantern Slides on Technical Subjects.— Messrs. Siemens Bros.
DyuauM Works. Caxton House, Westminster, London, S.W., have
forwarded a list of lantern slides, which have been prepared, showing
. a great variety of Siemens manufactm-es. ranging from small supplies
to complete electrical installations. These slides are offered on loan
tD lecturers and demonstrators, free of charge, and mark an interes-
ting development. Each slide has the fu'm's name and the descriji-
tion of the subject. Copies of the list are, we understand, at the
disposition of lectm'ers. As an example of the facilities offered we
may mention particularly the first three out of a set of 63 groups of
slides. ( 1 ) Cotton Loom driven by motors with spring belt tightener ;
(2) Looms driven by motors with friction coupling ; (3) electrically-
driven cogging mill, showing pulpit with control gear. Of the first
22 subjects out of 63, there are 12 sets of slides available, and of the
remainder one set of slides each. We anticipate a brisk demand for
these slides.
CATALOGUES. &e.
" Thumb " Fuses. — We lia\e received from Messrs. Dorman &
Smith, of Salford, a new list dealing w ith their " Thumb " type fuses.
Thesa are now stocked in four sizes suitable for use on pressures up
to 600 volts. The fuse can be supplied either with or without a
porcelain base, different types of terminals being fitted to suit dif-
ferent methods of connecting U]i. The list also contains details of
a new pattern hand lamp, which has been designed in accordance
with the recently published Home Office regulations.
" Shadoless" Fittings. — Messrs. D. H. Bonella & Son have is.sued
a catalogue dealing with their " Shadoless "' fittings and their adap-
tation to metallic filament lamps. This fitting very successfully
imitates the ordinary wax candle, and should find a special place
where decorative lighting is the vogue.
" Oerlikon " Motors. — Mr. G. Wuthrich, manager and chief
engineer of the Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon in London, forwards a
list giving latest details of Oerlikon thi'ee-phase slip-ring induction
motors for pressures up to 500 volts and a frequency of M. These
motors are made in sizes ranging from 2 h.p. to 85 h.p. The list
contains all the necessary engineering details and prices of the
machines.
" Simpson " Coil Tester. — We have received from Mr. A. G.
Brown, King-street, Manchester, a pamphlet on the Simpson coil
tester. It is claimed for this instrument that it is the only tester on
the market which will detect internal short-circuits in any coil with
absolute certainty. For this reason it would .seem to be specially
useful for tramway work. Extreme simplicity, absence of flexible
connections, together with a low initial cost, appear to make this
pice? of apparatus both easy to handle and economical.
Self-sustaining Winches. — A winch having a new mechanical
movement, replacing ratchets, pawls, &c., has been placed on the
market by the London Electric Firm, of Q-oydon. It is claimed for
these winches that they are safer and easier to handle than the worm
and gear operated ones. Absence of gear wheels does away with the
need for guarding them. These winches are supplied in two sizes
and seem to meet all requirements.
LiQuin Starters.— We have received from the O.S. Liquid Starter
& Dimmer Co. two leaflets giving details of their liquid motor starters.
These, it is claimed, possess many advantages. They have an ab-
solute no-volt release, their action is reliable, no soda or acid is used,
and they cannot be burnt out. They are supplied in all sizes from
1 H.p. to 50 H.p.
Siemens Fittings. — Messrs. Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works, who
are opening a fittings department at 6. Bath-street, City-road,
London. E.C.. send us a copy of a new 84 page fittings catalogue
(4b), which is the same size as their recently issued " Tantalum "'
lamp catalogue (4a). A copy of this new fittings catalogue w ill be
forwarded on apjilication with trade card. This catalogue merits
careful consideration by the trade, as new designs of handsome
electric light fittings are illustrated .suitable tor tantalum lamps.
Many of these fittings are new types, designed primarily with a view
to giving the maximum amount of illuminations, and at the same
time the prices appear to us low. This catalogue includes the nu-
merous leaflets issued by Messrs. Siemens, and should prove fif
great value.
BANKRUPTCIES. LIQUIDATIONS, &c.
A first dividend of 3s. will be jiayable on March 11, at 1, Bank-
street, Bradford, to the creditors of Wm. T. Garnett (trading as W. T.
Garnett's Cable Co.), Barkerend Mills, Bradford.
A meeting to receive an account of the winding up of the St.
Albans & District Electric Supply Co. (Ltd.) will be held at Elec-
trical Federation Offices, Kingsway, London. W.C, on March 31.
Meetings of the creditors and contributories of the Baritsu Light
Cure Institute, Ltd., will be held on March 23. at 33, Carey-street,
London, W.C.
PATENT RECORD.
APPLICATIONS FOR PATENTS.
'SoiE.— The undermenlioned Applkations[except those marked f) are no/
open to public inspection until after acceptance oj Complete Specifications
Those marked t are open jor inspection 12 months ajter the d.ate attached
to them, if they have not been published previously in the ordinary course.
Names within parentheses are those of communicators of inventions. When
complete Specification accompanies application, an asterisk is affixed.
October 9, 1908.
2L391 Hellyar. Detecting and magnifying the effect of electrical au.l
other vibrations.
21.393 Smith. Switch, also applicable for producing motion.
21,396 Marks. (Dr. Cassirer & Co., Germany.) Drying chamber for
cables."
October 10. 1903.
21,398 Edmonds, & McKenzie & Holland. Electrically operating hi-
controlling railway or tramway points.
21,402 Ide. Combmed insulated handle and cord grip for electric hand
lamps or other electrical purposes.
21.405 AiTKEN. Telephone instruments.
21.4118 Alloe.meine Elektricitats Gessellschaet. Rotary pHmp--
and compressors. (Date applied for, 18/10/07, addition ti>
25,404/07.)*
21.481 Fessenden. Mechanical transmission of power. (D.ite applie;!
for, 31/10/07.)*-
21.482 Miller. Electrically governed automatically operable tram
controlling systems. (Date applied for, 10/10/07.)*t
21,490 Wagner. Electrically driven railless trains. (Addition to
4,637/08.)*
21.493 Cooi'EE. (Friedrich Boelling, Germany.) Resistince for elec-
trical heating and cooking apparatus.*
21.494 Cooper. (Friedrich Boelling, Germany.) Elejtrlral cnokmg
vessel. *
October 12, 1908.
21,532 Lee & Tee. Detachable commutator.
21,537 SZEK. Insulating boxes.
21, .568 Bosch. Device for fixing carbon brush holders. (Date applied
for 28/9/08. )*t
21.576 Aron. Electricity meters.*
21.577 BiTTERSHAlis & Bantze. Water-cnoled X-ray tube.
21.578 Marks. (Louis Warren Soiithgatc.) Relays for telephones.
21,580 Akt.-Ges. Brown, Boveri & C'ie. Control of dynamo cloi-tm-
power systems. (Date applied for, 14/10/07. )*t
21,586 Lux. Measuring instruments for alternating currents (Date
applied for, 10/10/07.)*t ,
21,596 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Signal systems for railways and
the like.*
21.602 Pierce. Electric light stand.* .
21.603 A.E.G. Protecting transformer.^, cables, and other ek\-trica
apparatus. (Date applied for. 29/4/07. comprised in N.i. 9.237/
28/4/08.)*
October 13, 1908.
21,628 S. P. (SucHOSTAWEE Patents) Synd. & Savers. Surface con-
tact system.*
21.040 Comings. Covers for electrical switches.
21.659 N. Jacobsens Electriske Vaeeksted. Signalling systems.
(Date applied for, 14/10/07.)*t
21,fi70 GiRARD. Mounting electric incandescent lamps.
21.674 RoRKE & RoRKE. Switch for controlling electrical circuit*.
(Date applied for, 3/1/08. Comprised in No. 12,0(i7, 4/((/(»7.) T
21.675 Stirling. Automatic switch.
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 5, 1909.
821
(Date
ilwa
October 14. 1908.
21.(387 SmTH & DE.iKrx. Eleotro-depositioii of metals.
21,694 Brown. Poles for overhead electric car.-i.
21,729 D.iNNERT. Gasifying and superheating devices for water-ga;
Sonorator.*.*
2l.7:i7 Rwvr.ixos. Securing electrical continuil y in cundiiil-i.
21.740 Cleverly & Andersos. Commutators.
21.741 Keller. Electric furnaces.*
21.743 Deckert. Furnace electrically heated by small pieces of high
resistance material.
21.756 Cooper. (F. Boelling. Germany.) Resistances.*
21.760 PoLDEN. Incandescent lamps.
21.761 .A.E.-G. C'ooling the commutators of electrical m:fhines
applied for, l.j/10/07.)*t
21.765 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Fluid-pressure governor
21.766 B.T.-H. Co. (G,E. Co., U.S.) Signalling systems for i
October 15. 1908.
21.K()2 SzEK. Galvanic cells.
21. SI 3 Trier. Electric current generators.
21 ,.s2;i C hloride Electrical Storage Co. & Heap. Storage battery
electrodes.
21,8.'?4 Kent. Lacell & Silica Syndicate. Vapour electric lamps.
21.,S57 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Signals for Railway and like
systems.
October 16. 1908.
21.012 Siemens Bros. & Co. & Snow. Electrical fittings.
21.01.'i Siemens Bros. D\-namo Works. (Siemens-Schuckertwerke
G.m.b.H., Germany.) Electrical potential regulators. (.Addi-
tion to No. 14,725/07.)*
21,918 Beavek & Claremont. Electric conductors.
21,925 Briggs. Automatic accumulator switches.
21,935, 21,936, 21.937, 21,938 Midgley & V.andervell. Direct current
dynamo electric machinery.
21,955 Annacker. Transformer switches.
21,960 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Lightning arrcstCTs.
October 17, 1908.
21,988 Spencer. Controllers for electric vehicles.
22,003 Newall. Anti-vibration device for electric light pend.'ints.
22,023 Williams-Ellis. Contr.il of electric generators.
October 19, 1908.
22,014 Taylor. Storing and distributing alternating currents of
electricity.
22.083 PoLYBLANK. Electrical devices for the synchronization of
mechanical clocks.
22,134 and 22,135 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Protective devices for
electric distribution systems.
October 20, 1908.
22,150 Stansfield & Hatt. Apparatus for comi)ensating for variation
of current due to variation of resistance.
i-'.lOS KoMPE. Trolley heads. (Date applied for. 22/I0/07.*t)
-2.170 KiTSEE. Electric telegraphy.*
L'2,2lil Tiffany. Circuit closer.*
17,193
17,532
19,068
21,176
21,516
21, .574
21,938
22.117
22,140
22,203
22,473
-'2,527
J2,578
22,756
.'2,737
!2,869
13,138
:3,U8
!3,774
■3,914
4,200
4.294
6,251
7.224
S,003
<.199
■i,289
<.-507
SPECIFICATIONS PUBLISHED.
1907 Specifications.
Hatfield. Electrolytic rectifiers.
Mitchell. Surface contact electric traction systems.
Rudenberg. Producing alternating currents of high perio-
dicity.
SoHM. Electric signal systems.
Good. Automatic switch for transformers.
Thojipson. (Polyphos Elektrizitiits Ges.) Induction coils for
generating high-tension current.
Morris & Lister. Switches and the like.
J. StonF. & Co. & Preston. Secondary batteries.
Ashton. Spring siqjports for electric lamps.
B.T.-H. Co. (A.K.G.) Control of elcetiicitv motors.
RlZZO. Elcctli.- sllip?' logs.
Jacdby. Alternating current motors.
MooDiE. Dynamos carried by motor cars, vessels, or like moving
bodies.
Preston & Kennard. Electric lighting of railway carriages.
Gradolph & Hahne. Transmission of telephonic and iindula-
tory electric cunvnts in general.
B.T.-H. Co. ((J.E. Co., U.S.) Electric resistance material.
Berry. Fuse-controlled electrical apparatus.
Johnson & Phillips &• Tubbs. Electric arc lamps.
Graetzer. Electrical connection devices.
B.T.-H. CO; (G.E. Co., U.S.) Electric controllmg devices.
Gai;lio & Villani. Switches or switch operating devices.
.Mascord & Bl.ake. Electric bells. "
MONSON. Telephone systems. (Date applied for, 27/11/06.)
B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Electrolytic condensers.
Johnson. (Herseus.) Contacting device for electrical measuring
and indicating instruments.
Whipp, Whipp & Bourne. Loo.se handle single po!e circuit
breakers.
Scott. Electric circuit breakers.
Bray & Bray, Makkha.m & Reiss. Circuit breakcis.
Harrison. Ov rl.>ad indicators.
461
4,617
9.254
10.878
12,3.52
18.331
1908 Specifications.
Stearn & ToPHA.M. Incandescence lamps.
Mackenzie. (Ford.) Electrical ignition apparatus.
Kennedy. Integrating electricity mcter.s. (Post-daterl.
10/6/08.)
Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works (Ltd.) (Siemeas Schuckert-
werke Ges.) Switching apparatus for controlling electrical
machinery.
Paschen. Regulating the degree of hardness of Rantgen tubes.
NOBBS, XoBBs & Rosenthal. Electric radiator.
Cooper. Systems of operation for alternating-current motors
and generators. (Date applied for. 3/9/07.)
COMPANIES' MEETINGS AND REPORTS.
W. T. Henley's Telegraph Works Co. (Ltd.)
The thirtieth ordinary general meeting was held on Monday, under the
presidency of .Mr. Sydney Gedge.
The SECRETARY (Mr. A. E. Salmon) having read the notice calling
the meeting and tin- anditor.s' certiticate.
The CH.\IRMA\ said : As the report .and accounts have .shown you,
notwith.standing the bad times from which we have all been suffering, our
company, at all events, has managed to hold its head well above water,
and to declare, not only the usual dividend of 15 per cent., but also to
pay it free of income tax. That, jjerhaps, is a very good precedent to
set, if the rumour be true v/hich we see so frequently in the newspapers
that among the hen-roosts which are going to be looked into for good eggs
to keep the affairs of the nation going an increase of income tax may be
one of them. Whatever the bad limes may have been, by the strenuous
exertions of all who have been connected with the company, by the
quality of the goods we manufacture, and by looking out — not for new
hen-roosts to rob, but for new places where we may send our goods, we
have not had at all a bad year. We have done even better than in the
year before. We have amply earned the excellent dividend we arc de-
claiing, and have reason to be thankful for what has taken place. By
reference to the accounts you vWll see that last year we transferred from
profit and loss £10,000 to reserve and that \vc are doing the same this
year, and we have written off a larger sum for depreciation of macliinery
— £10,868 this year and only £6,762 last year, with the very gratifying
result altogether that there was a balance on trading account of £71,000
this year, as against £65,300 last year, which gives an increase of nearly
£6,000 ; while in the net profit and loss account the net profit is sho«Ti
at £52,196, as against £50.320. On tlie same side of the account you will
see that we have a reserve under cable repairing contract. That is the
Bahamas cable contract, for which we have a fiuul now of £7,645. 19s. 9d.
Except for one heavy repair in 1904. only £81. 6s. 4d. has been spent in
repairs since January, 1892, and that 1904 expenditure was on the land
lines, I think. The work, therefore, was exceedingly good, and 1 am
happy to point out to you that on .Tan. 9, 1912, three years hence, our
liability will be at an end, and whatever remains of the reserve account
— and we hope that nearly the whole of it will remain — will be equally
tlivided between us and the colony.
I do not think I have anything further of importance to mention on
the balance-sheet, but there are one or two things outside it which I
should like to refer to. The directors have thought it very desirable to
increase the number of the employes of the company who gain some
benefit as the company advances in business and gets on well in the
world. Besides our arrangements with our chief officials, we have
thought it right to make a special agreement with others whercbj' cer-
tain sums are set aside for their benefit, and after an agix-ed period of
years those sums will become payable to them by degrees, so that they
have an interest in remaining with us, as well as an interest in paying
good attention to the affaii-s entrusted to them. I do not mean to
suggest fora moment that these gentlemen did not or would not pay that
attention even without this additional bonus, but the labourer is worthy
of his hire. We all like to have an interest, and those who liave an
interest naturally work eon amore. I am sure that the shareholders will
think that we have done right in dealing with this matter as we have.
The next thing I have to mention is in connection with what is now on
eveiyone's lips — the territorial force. Before anything wa.s done ptib-
lidy the matter was considered by the directors, and so long ago lus May
22, or just before that, they made an arrangement and came to resolu-
tions to which effect is given in the pajjers which have been circulated
among the employes. The arrangement is that any members of the
staff here or at Gravesend or Woolwich who wisli to join the territorial
force are to receive the necessary leave for eight daj's for their compulsory
attendance in camp, in addition to their usual holidays, they, of course,
receiving their full pay during those eight days. Eighteen members of
the staff in all have joined the territorial force. With ifspect to the
hands, any hands joining the territorial force will be granted leave of
absence for the period of their annual training, and will be taken on again
at the end of that jwriod and an allowance by the company will be made
for the curient j'ear during the annual training at the following rates :
maiTied men, 10s. per week : single men, 3s. per week. I should have
been veiy glad if more of the hands had joined, but at Woolwich 10 have
joined, and at Gravesend one. I think you will say that the company
started early anil set a good example in doing this before the thing
became popular and almost universal-
82-2
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 5. 1909.
e-slieet before yen siv
r 1 *,, il„. fii-l Ihiit this was tl>e company's
;; time'n t^e company's affai... He then moved the adopfun ot the
report and accounts.
th
know
am
all industrial businesse
during the past year, and the baliu-
position which this company has attamed through a l.m;;
has been maintained. But. gentlemen, I think that t'" ■'" I;" "
which von will derive, and which we, the active managers ot this com c in,
derive, should not be measured entirely by the amount ma.le ^ri\n^>^^
and paid in dividends. It will he a satisfaction to you to know that our
output during the past year has actually exceeded the output o the
previous year^o that on the fine balance-sheet you have this kr^o balance
to the profit and loss account is not due to mcreased profat, but to in-
creased trade, and increased trade at a time of great industrial depression.
The wages account ot our works at North Woolwich and Gravesend aie
larger fSr 1908 than they were for 1907. and our winter wages bill has
been as large as our summer wages bill. A great deal has been said
about the increase of exports in the electrical industry and the decrease
in the home trade. We have not experienced that at all. Our expoit
trade for 1908 has been practically the same as in 1907. neither more nor
less The carry forward into 1909 is rather in excess of that Drougnt.
forward in 1908. so we are in a happy position with respect^Jo ^that
There is one other matter— the reserve account
Lighting Acts passed last year. Revenue account sIkihs that generating
costs were £10,443, against £11,003 for 1907, and 1 should like to mention
in passing tlinl altliough we purchased from the Wood-lane works
14K,.5O0 jililitiMiiil iiiiiis, the total cost shows a reduction of £408. We
cantherofi.n- r. in^Mil ulate ourselves upon the excellent results achieved
by our Wo.id-laiic undertaking. The rates and taxes show an increase
of £750, a bookkeeping item only, as in past years income tax has been
credited to the Inland Revenue authorities direct from the dividend
accounts. The total revenue shows an increase of f8.50Tand the net
profit an increase of £480. After allowing for the various items charge-
able against it. there is a balance of profit to be divided amongst the
shareholders of £10.908. This is about £90 less than last year, but we
have transferred £300 more to the reserve. Our statement of electricity
t^enerated, sold. &c., shows that we generated here and purchased from
the Wood-lane works a total of over 2,800.000 units, and that for the
fir.st time in the history of the coiui.anv over 2.(111(1.000 units were sold t<i
our customers. We commenced siip]iiyiiii; in (he year 1891 with 77 <■»■*■
tomers and there are now over 2.800 connected to the mains.
With regard to our future progress, there is every reason to believe
that the business will increase. The public already recognise that the
metal filament lamp, now being manufactured in large quantities up to
220 volts, show a saving to the consumer of over 40 per cent., after allow-
ing for the extra cost of the lamp, and there is no doubt that the price of
these will be rapidly reduced. Consumers can obtain more light at less
cost, and this ivill actually be to the benefit of the company, as the
cheaper the light the more inducement those who now use ga.s will have
to change their system of lighting. The smaller quantity of current
consumed by the new lam)! may affect our sales for a year or two. but
this will be "set off and more than compensated by the addition to the
number of our customers, which I feel is bound to ensue. The use ot
After a few remarks from Mr.'Diysdale and Mr. .b.nes the resolution
was carried unanimously. .
Resolutions approvuig the dividend and re-electing the retiring
directors and auditors were then approved.
A most hearty vote of thanks was then passed to the staff and the
directors.
Mr. DRYSDALE said he bad now a pleasant duty. The balance-sheet
coincided with the 28th year ,pf Mr. Sutton's connection With the com-
pany. In the earlier part of that time his duties might not have been so
responsible as they had been during moi-e recent years, but he certainly
thought that that was an occasion of which the shareholrlers ought to
take notice. Managmg directors might be classed roughly in the follow-
ing way : First, those who did no good for themselves and no good for
their shareholders. There were a few of those about. In the second
class might be placed those who did very well tor themselves and very
badly for their shareholders. He was afraid that that class was rather
numerous. Lastly, there were those who, while dohig well for them-
selves, did well also for their shareholders. Fortunately, they found
their managing director in the third class. That being so, the share-
holders ought to show their appreciation of his work in a substantial
manner. His proposal was that Mr. Sutton be presented with his full-
length portrait, together with a service of plate and a suitable address.
He proposed they should give the directors authority to expend £1,000
althoMtli (lie H hole of that sum might not be necessary.
,Mi IdVKS minded the resolution, and remarked that he felt with
Mr. |)i\.il ilr thai they were all greatly indebted to the managing director
for tlic sn vices lie hacl rendered to the company.
Till- CHAll-tMAN put the motion, and, having declared it carried,
coiiuiatulatc.l Mr. Sutton.
Mr. SUTTtJN feelingly thanked the shareholders for their appreciation
of his services.
The CHAIRMAN said he wished to state that he did not hear of the
proposed presentation until Saturday evening last on the telephone,
and he believed that none of the other directors heard of it until that
(Monday (morning. It was. therefore, not a matter which had been gfit
up on that side of the table, but had originated with the shareholders
acting spontaneously.
The proceedings then terminated.
Netting Hill Electric Lighting Co. (Ltd.)
The twcnty-sc,(.i;d ordinary general meeting Has held on Tuesday,
under the presidency of Sir William Crookes, F.R.S.
The SECHF,T.\R'V (Mr. R. 0. Rawkins) read the notice calling the
meeting and the auditors' report and certificate.
The CHAIRMAN said : Gentlemen, in passing in review the accounts
share and loan capital sliow no alteration whatever, and this has been
the case for several years past. Capital a'ceount shows a total capital
expenditure of £237,742. 13s. 3d., or £29.742. 13s. 3d. in excess of capital
received. The balance has been provided by investing the reserve fund
in the business, which now stands at £29.740. !i.^. This arrangement
does not allow for any working; , i)iilal. but if ne, rssary the directors have
power to issue a few 4 pe I > ini .lel.,.iii no-, uhhh. I presume, would be
icadily taken at par. Tlie , apital e\|,eiiiliiiire last year included £2.t)(M)
for mains, and a large part of this sum was spent in the northern part of
our district where we are arranging to eo-operate with the Metropolitan
Company, which we are able to do under the powers of the Electric
to last year's legislation, and concluded by moving the adoption
report and accounts and the declaration of the dividends recommendeel
therein.
Sir RICHARD B. MARTIN, Bart., seconded the motion.
Mr. F. H. MAKIXf? asked how the depreciation fund, which amounted
to between £29,000 and £30,000, would be treated when the time came
for the sale of the undertaking to the London County Council, and
whether it would be deducted and credited to the shareholders before
the value of the undertaking was assessed by the purchasers. Also was
anythiniy to be done at present with the founders' shares.
The CHAIRMAN : If we have £29,000 more in the business we sliall
get that much more for it : if we take it out, we shall get that much less
for it. It therefore comes to the same thing one way or the other. 1 here
is no proposal to put forward at present as regards the founders shares,
but the Board are quite ready to effect any rearrangement of capitalisa-
tion which will give the founders an easily negotiable security. proviUed
it will preserve all rights.
The resolution was then carried unanimously.
The retiring directors and auditors were then re-elected, and a hearty
vote of thanks to the chairman and directors terminated the pivjceedings.
Telegraph Construction & Maintenance Co. (Ltd.).
The forty-tifth ordinary general meeting was held on Tuesday. Sir
James Pender, Bart., presiding.
The SECRETARY (Mr. C. W. Clarke) read the notice calling the meet
ing and tlie re|init of tlie auditors. .
The C'H.\li;.MAN said ; Our chairman, Mr. William Shutcr, is, 1 «'"
sorry to say. unal.le (,, preside over us to-day. The report of the direc-
tors is not a bad report when we remember the general depression in trade
which has existed during the whole of last year, and the accounts now
presented caimot be considered anything but satisfactory. The net pron
for 1908 amounted, in round figures, to £61,895, after charging interest
on the debentures. To this £109.445 brought forward is added, making
£171 340 and after deducting the interim dividend of 5 per cent, tnere
remains £148,930 to be dealt with. Of this sum the directors propose
listribute a dividend of £1. 4s. per share, making, with the amoun
which is already paid for, .and also from our stocks .and material being
rather heavier than they were at the end of the previous year. Ihe rteois
owing to the company are not very different from last year, the ca ■
in hand and on deposit is less ; this is also partly due to the new ship ana
piirtly to the discount rate being at present so low that it <iof ""V,!" fn
us to keep much money on deposit, .and it has been thought bettei o
invest it in stocks ; the item of " Sundry Securities ' »^r°."^«<i;'«"^
rath-r larger than in the previous year. On the whole if this is not quite
as good a re.sult as we were able to show last year, which was an excep
tionally active and successful one, it is very much the same as the yea.
before last, so we have been able to hold our own, and are '".,«'"'"f,,,'.
same position as we were at the end of 1900. which was described at tli
time as a strong position, and r,ne upon which we might well ''""g'j^,' "'^
ourselves. The great industry of submarine cable manufacture and l.iyins
which had its birth at our factory ties, has gone on until our lines nave
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 5, 1909.
823
stieU'hed out to all parts of the world, and our output now rraolics tho
enormous total of 200,000 miles. Still, there is plenty of work going on,
but, unfortunately, not so much of it is the result of British entei'prise.
At one time it seemed as if the whole network of the world's communi-
cation was destined to be in British liands, but now other countries have
become alive to the imjjortance of submarine telegraphy, and they arc
actively supporting and financially assisting the new cable projects,
while in this country the credit and enterprise of the e.xisting^Knjrlish
cable companies are being injuriously affected by threats of unreniuncra-
tive rates and State competition, so it is a fact not to be surprised at that
of late years we, as contiactors, have found more and more of our work
being executed to the order of foreign countries. I now move the ado[i-
tion of the report and accounts and the declaration of the dividends.
Mr. COLIN F. CAMPBELL seconded the res.)lution, which, after a few
remarks from Mr. Croft, was carried unanimously.
The auditors. Messrs. Gane. .Jackson. Jefferys, Wells & Co. and Messrs.
Welton, Jones & Co. were then re-elected, and a vote of thanks to the stalf
and to the chairman and directors, brought the proceedings to a closi^.
British Electric Transformer Co. (Ltd.).
The si.xth ordinary general meeting was held on Tuesday, Mr. J. F.
Albright jucsiding.
The SECRETARY (Mr. J. C. Wrist) read the notice convening the
meeting and the auditors' report.
The CHAIR1L\N said : The accounts require little comment or e.\-
planaticm. Under trade creditors we owe some £2,100 le.ss than at the
end of 1:107. 1 11.1 (lr|,i.. Ill,,,,, ,r-,iA.. I,:,s increased by (he £ I.. 'iOO. Patents
remain \iriii:ill\ nii, li iii-,,!. hhI 1 Ih >ame remark apjilies (o u,,i,(|wil|.
Prcliiniri:,iy<\i',ciiM, ,ii,' uiiihn ,i,,«ii I his year to f l,2t)(). With regard
to the items of frccli,,!.! Inul ;iiiil ImiMinL'^. "c have this year had our
usual quinquennial v;iIii;iIimii in:,, I,- l,y Mr-Ms. Fuller, Horsey, Sons &
Cassell, the result slicwiiii; ihal diiiiiiuf t\v l.ist five years we have over-
depreciated, and we have, therefore, made no addition this year to depre-
ciation reserve. Investments have increased slightly. In considering
the value of our investments we find some have dc|ircciatcd and others
a])prcciatcd. We believe the value of the invent niiiils is lik.ly, in I In-
near future, to increase ratlu'r than diminish, ami in piiMiiiL, :,.,.!, lli.iioii
out of this year's profits to general reserve wc have li,,,l thr picsmi value
of investments before us. Stock and work in progress have increased
about £2,170, This increa.se is merely an incident in such a business as
ours, and may be altered from day to day. Sundry debtors and bills
receivable are together tlts.'i less than in I HOT, but, as I have shown, trade
creditors are some £2. UK) less, so Ih.it the ,,etiial position is better. We
have nearly £6,000 more .ash in liand than at the end of l!t07. The
general charges for the past year are somewhat less than for tli.' pivv i.,,,-
year, in spite of the extra work done and the serious coni|ietili.,n ue .in-
called upon to face. Bad debts represent chieHy two debts oh.. I iis liy
companies which are in liquidation, and we have written the amounts olt.
but we are fairly eontident that in each ease v.e shall save a considerable
p irtion of the debt, (jross profit on trading is in excess of last year by
more than 50 per cent., in spite of the introduction of new metallic fila-
ment lamps. The introduction of these lamps has prevented transformer
extensions for lighting purposes during the past year, but the directors
are of opinion that this decrease is ,,i,!\ 1. i,,]„,iary. Net profit is nearly
double that of last year. With r.- ,r.i 1,, il,,, business of the company
generally, apart from the results dis, l,,s.-.l li_\ ilie accounts, we have sii.--
eeeded, in spite of the severest competition ever known in the English
electrical trade, and ill spite of bad times generally, in realismg a fail-
profit, and we hope to be able to do as well, or better, in 1909. With
regard to our agencies, the Canadian agency has not yet matured, but
the Japanese agency has, and we have arranged to be represented in Sout h
Africa, in South America and in a European country, I now move the
ado))tion of the re]iort and accounts,
Mr. A. F. BERRY sc.onded the resolution, which, after some remarks
from Mr. A. H. Walt.m and Mr. F. Bird, and a reply from the Chairman,
was unanimously ad.qitcd.
Resolutions a]i|iri.viug a dividend at the rate of C per cent, .m the
cumulative jirefercncc shares for the two years ended Dec. 'M. I90K
(already paid) and a dividend at the rate of 3i per cent, on the ordinary
shares for the year ended Dec. 31, 1908, were" carried unanimously, and
the retiring director (Mr. A. F. Berry) and lire auditors having been re-
elected, hearty votes of thanks to the staff and the chairman and dire. I. us
concluded the proceedings.
BLACKPOOL & FLEETWOOD T8AMR0AD CO.- At the meeting last
week, the chairman (Mr. C.co. Richardson) referred to the litigation
about the rating of the company's lines. 'I'horiiton Council's appeal
to the House of Lords would be heard very sliortly, and he had every
confidence in the result. It was bighly gratifying that they were able
again to pay 9 per cent, dividend. The directors had found it neces-
sary to renew a considerable length of the permanent way at a cost of
about £4,000. The cost would come out of depreciation reserve
account, and would not afl'ect the dividend.
BROMFTON & KENSINGTON ELECTRICITY SUPPLY CO. (LTD. - The
revenue account for 1908 shows a credit balance of £27,794. 12s. ICd..
which, with £10,136. 4s. 81I. brought forward and £449. 17s. 9d. in-
terest received, makes £38,360. 15s. 3d. Deducting interim preference
and ordinary dividends, the directors recommend that £8,000 be
placed to depreciation account ; that the balance preference divi-
dend be paid, and a balance dividend on the ordinary shares at the
rate of 11 per cent, (making 10 per cent, for the year), and that £2,000
be placed to reserve. £9,399. 13s. 3d. is carried forward. There ar e
4,593 customers, representing the eipiivalent of 224,826 8 c.p. lamps,
connected to the mains, against 4,362 and 213,916 8 c.p. in 1907.
CAMBRIDGE ELECTRIC SUPPLY CO. (LTD.)— At the meeting last week,
Mr. D. MuijM-y s.-iid that during the year thev had connected 102
a<lditional eonsiiin.rs, which was about double the number connected
in 1907. They had, however, only supplied 4,415 more units, owing
to the extended use of metal filament lamps. There was a prospect of
a very good year, as up to the present they had obtained 20 new con-
sumers and requests from nearly 20 more. The net profit for the j'ear
was £5,211. Is. 2d., and he thought they would maintain the 6 per cent,
dividend.
CHELSEA ELECTRICITY SUPPLY CO. (LTD )— The directors' report
states that the profit for 1908 am.nuits to £53,790. 19s. 8d., added to
£904. I3s, 3d. iirought forward and £342. 3s. 2d. interest, making
£35,037. 16s. Id. Deducting debenture interest (£7,875), interim
preference dividend (d900), and interim 4 percent, on ordinarv shares
(£4,943. 12s.) leaves £21,319. 4s. Id. The directors recommend that
£11,854 be placeil to credit of renewals and depreciation fund, £535
to credit of debenture stock premium redemption fuml £826 be
written off cost of extinction of founders' shares, the final preference
dividends (£900), and a final dividend on the ordinary shares at the
rate of 5 percent, (making 4J percent, for the year) (£6,179. 10.s.),
leaving £1,024. 14s. Id. to be carried forward. Ttie number of 8 c.p.
lamp equivalents connected at Dec. 31 was 251,110, an .iddition of
10,375 on the year, and the total number of units sold was 3,654,608,
an increase of 105,980.
HOVE ELECTRIC LIGHTING CO. (LTD.) -(iross reveinie for 1908 shows
an increase of £1,375. IC.-. 6d. and working expenses an increase of
£603. lis. 7d., the net result being a profit of £13,463. 5s. lOd., com-
pared with A12,693. 6s. lid. in 1S;07 There are 1,676 hou.ses, repre-
senting the equivalent of 114,135 8 c.p. lamps, coiuiected, against
1,579 houses and 104,393 8 c.p. in 1907. The amount available for dis-
tribution is £13,960. 12s. lid. After deducting dividend payments to
June 30, &c., the surplus is £8.365. 3s. lid. The directors have de-
cided to establish a sinking fund for the replacement of capital at the
expiration of the lease, and have transferred to this new account the
lircmiums received on shares and debentures (£18,226. 123.) and
£10,346. 3s. lid. from the renewals and depreciation account. It i.s
proposed to place £1,500 to renewals and depreciation account and
£2,500 to sinking fund, to set aside £593 I5s. for accrued preference
dividend to Dec. 31 and to de<rlare a final dividend on the ordinary
.shares at the rate of 9 per cent. 1 making 81 per cent, for the year).
The capital expenditure during the year was £3,014. lis. 4d. The
ilirectors announce that the petition of Hove Corporation for a com-
niil-oL V oiili-i- re.lui-iiig prices for current charged by the company ha.s
be.-ii (I'isniiss.-.l liy tin- Board of Trade.
MANSFIELD & DISTRICT TRAMWAYS CO.— At the meeting on Friday
it was reported that the receipts for 1908 were £18,629, compared
with £17,313 in 1907. The dividends on the preference shares were
sanctioned, £1,200 was transferred to reserve and £938 carried forward.
METROPOLITAN ELECTRIC SUPPLY CO. (LTD.)— The directors' report
f.ir the year .-nded Dee. 31 stales that capital expentliture. which at
the end 'of 1907 amounted to £1.840.«7ll. Us. 2d., has now reached
ll,.'<74..')59. 3s. 2d., increase £33.fiH2. 9s. (iross revenue for the year
j'.IOS amounted to £180.671. 18s., c(nnparcd with £178,683. 16s. 8d. in
I9U7. Working expenses were t:H(;.(i97. 17s.. against £83.333. 17.s. 9d.,
decrease £2,<i36. (Is. 9d. The balan.e at civdit of revenue account, before
providing for (le]irecia(ion. is £!•''. 974. Is. The directors have .set aside
SlS.tHX) for depreciation and reserve, carrying to credit of net revenue
£84,974. Is. which, with balance forward, interest and dividends on in-
vestments, and other receipts, make £98,340. 13s. 7d. Deducting inte-
rest, preference dividcnd-and other charges, there remains f.^.'i,972. An
interim dividend at the rate of '1 per cent, has been i)aid on (he ordinary
shares and the directors recommend a further dividend of 3s. per share
(m-ikinL' -"'5 l"'r cent, for the year). This will ab.sorb £30.000 and leave
t'.iTJ 1,' 1" , inied forward. Depreciation and reserve fund now amounts
111 ti'.t.i :; 1.. .IS. "id. During the year new connections representing tho
eqiiu .deni ..t i;9.bS8 8 c.p. (or .30 wiitt) lamps were added to the company's
sys'em. making (he total connecdons 804,304 lamps. The directoi-s.
after referring with satisfaction to last year's legislation as to electricity
su|iii!y in the London area, expiess deeii regn't at the death of their
e.ille,-i(;ue. Sir Eyre Massey Shaw. K.C.B.. who was a director of the
.■iim|iany for 1.5 years. It is not pnip.ised to lill tho vacancy at present.
NEWCASTLE & DISTRICT ELECTRIC LIGHTING CO. I LTD.l The num ber
of units sold during 1908 was 9,182,095. compared with 9,282,370 in
1907, a decrea.se of 1-08 per cent. This i:s the first year the company
has experienced any decrease w hen compared with the previous year,
largely due to the depression in trade, protracted strikes and the
more general use of metal filament lamps. There was a considerable
falling off in the energy used by old consumers, but this has been
nearlj- compensated for by new consumers, ivith the result that the
gross profit is practically the sdine, and it is anticipated the use of
metal filament lamps will ultimately bring a large addition to the
number of customers. The gross profit for the vear for Newcastle
amounts to £18,736. I4s. ICd., and for Newburn to £345. 10s. 5d. De-
ducting charge.*, £17 864. 7s. 7d. remains. After providing for interest,
temporary loans, &c., there is a balance of £5.701. lis. 4d , and the
directors recommend a dividend of 2 per cent, for the year iless tax).
The arrangement made w ilh Messrs. .John Spencer & Sons to utilise
their exhaust steam has now come into force, and the plant is work-
ing satisfactorily. The horse-pow'er in motors connected in Newburn
824
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 5, 1909.
,Lt Dec. 31 was about 2,000, and the existing machinery is sufticient to
cope with the large additional demand which consumers have in con-
templation. An arrangement to give a supply of e ectncity at Fenham
has l«en made, and a large numljer of consumers have been connected
to the mains.
NORTHALLERTON ELECTRIC LIGHF CO. (LTD.) -The net proHts for
1908 were £218, ani at the meeting last week the total undivided
profits of £236 were placed to reserve for depreciation and turtner
capital expenditure.
NORTHWESTEKNELECTRICITy&POWERGiSCO.— At themeetmg last
we-k the chairm.in (.Mr, T. W. Twvford) said th? objects of the company
were the supplying of electricity and puwer gas for heating upon a large
scale in the Potteries and North Wales. Some time ago demonstrations
were made with a gas plant erected at the Victoria Pottery, Hanley. wliiih
were very successful. Cjnsiderable local intera>t was aroused, and the
plant and the results of tha demonstrations were inspected by almost all
tlie leading manufacturers in the Potteries. The ])rogres5 reported was
verv satisfactory, and it was hoped that arrangements would be made at
ii.i I'listmit (late 'f..r th • civ-tiiin of the first p;.wor station.
RICHARDSONS. WESTGARTH & CO. (LTD.)— The directors' report
states that owing to the seven months' strike the anticipated substan-
tial profit for the past year has been turned into a loss, and that the
preference dividend would not have been paid had not the directors
had hopes of an earlv settlement of the strike.
SOUTH METROPOLITAN ELECTRIC LIGHT & POWER CO. (LTD.)— At
the meeting on Monday the chairman (Mr. Winkworth), after giving
an anrlysis of the past year's accounts, referred to the extended use
of metal filament lamps. The company had, he said, entered into an
agreement for the supply of power and also for lighting in that portion
of the county of Kent between London and Northfleet. Their power
business continued to increase, and several important orders had
recently been secured.
Mr. H. W. Bowden, managing director, said that notwithstanding
the general depression which had prevailed throughout the electrical
industry during the past year, their costs per unit had been consider-
ably reduced. For 1907 the increased output -was 565,000 units : for
1908 the increase was 357,000, making a total output of 3,303,807
units. Coal cost per unit for 1907 was 0-538d., now reduced to 0-46d. ;
works cost were 0'827d., now reduced to 0-715d., making a saving
in cost of production equivalent to about 4 per cent, on the
capital outlay for the new power house, and, perhaps, more im-
portant still was the fact that the reduced cost per unit had enabled
the company to continue the supply to certain factories at a fair
margin of profit, which might otherwise have been served at a loss,
or at little or no profit. The new turbine plant and condensing
plant continued to work efficiently and satisfactorily. In order
to show what an important bearing load factor liad on the
cost of production, on the 23rd Feb. last, with a station load
factor of over 70 per cent, for the day shift, made up almost
entirely of power units, the coal figure for the total unit« generated
was C'lTd per unit, compared with .3d per unit for the year.
TORONTO ELECTRIC LIGHT CO.- At the recent meeting Sir H. Pellatt
said that the revenue in 1908 was $1,155,582 (£237,447), the largest in
the history of the company. The Toronto Co. is the sole distributing
agent of the Electrical Development Co.
NEW COMPANIES, MORTGAGES AND CHARGES.
NEW COMPANIES.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTS & MAINTENANCE CO. (LTD.) (101,757.)—
Keg. Feb. 26, capital £3,00D in £l shares, to carry on the business of
mmufacturers of and dealers in apparatus and inventions connected
with the production, storage, transmission or use of electricity or
electric power as applied to lighting, telephones, telegraphs, fire
iilarms and other means of electric communication, &c. Private
company.
MEXICAN NORTHERN PO-WER CO. (LTD.)— This company was re-
cently organised in Canada, with a capital of 810,000,000 and a bond
issue of §7,500,000. The company has secured perpetual franchises
for the utilis:ition of water powers, M-jth exemption from taxation for
two years. Tlie directors include K. B. Greenshields, tf the Bank of
Montreal, and G. F. Greenwood, late managing director of the Havana
Electric Power Co.
MORTGAGES AND CHARGES.
JULIUS SAX & CO. iLTD.)-Issueon Feb. 15 of £1,000 debentures,
part of series created O^t. 23, 1903, to secure £2,500, charged on the
undertaking and property, present and future. No trustees.
NEW IGNITION S?ND. (LTD.)-Issue on Feb. 19 of £1,000 debentures,
part pf series created Nov. 12, 1908, to secure £5,000, charged on com-
pany s undertaking and property, present and future, includino' un-
called capital. No trustees. Total amount previously issued of same
series, £2,0D0.
UNITY MOTOR, ELECTRICAL & GENERAL ENGINEERING CO. (LTD )-
issue on "eh.boi f675 debentures, part of series created July 4, 1908,
nrpt'^nT \T: '''"'^"1 °i' ^'^^ <^°m><^"y^ undertaking and property
'^fon^u. ■ c'^ {""^f"'^' '"'^l"ding uncalled capital. No trustees. Pre-
viously issued of same series, £325.
COMPANIES INCORPORATED OUTSIDE THE U.K.
GEBRUDER ADT A.-G. (ACT BROTHERS, LTD.) (790F.)— Particulars
tiled Fab. 9. capital M.5,8OO.0OO in .shares of M. 1,000 each. Reg. in
Germany Nov. 5, 1901, to carry on the business of manufacturers of
raw, impregnated or japanned goods, from plant, fibres or other
materials, i&c. British address, 44,\ and ^5, Fore-street, Loudon, E.C.,
where Mr. A. Bhimbein is authorised to accept service.
CITY NOTES.
MEMORANDA (March 4).— Bank rate 3 per cent, (since Jan. 14, 1909).
Price of silver, 23Ad. per oz. Consols 83§ — 83? for money and 83J —
84 account. Consols Pay Day, Ajiril 1 ; Stock and Shares Continua-
tion Days, March 10 and 29 ; Ticket Days, Mar.h 11 and 50 ; Pay Day.«,
M.arch 12 and 31. Mining Shares Carry Over Days, March 9 and 26.
]?RICES OF Metals (London). — Copper, cash, 56J ; three months 68|.
Lead, English, 13| — 13; ; foreign, cash, 134 ; three months, 13|,
Spelter, cash, 21v— 21|; three months, 22J— 22^. Tin, English, 130^-
132J ; foreign, cash, 1501, three months, i31J. Iron, Cleveland, cash,
47/1, and throe months, 47/10. Magnet Steel (price supplied by W. F.
Dennis & Co.i, £55.
BROMPTON & KENSINGTON ELECTRICITY SUPPLY CO. (LTD.)— The
directors recommend a dividend at the rate of 11 per cent, on the
ordinary shares for the half-j-ear (making 10 per cent, for the year)
carrying £2,000 to reserve, £8,000 for depreciation, and carrying £9,400
forward.
CANADIAN GENERAL ELECTRIC CO. — The directors have declared a
dividend of Ij per cent, on the common stock for the quarter ending
31st inst.
CITY OF CARLISLE ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS CO. (LTD.)— The report for
1908 states that tlie surplus revenue was £1,438. The total receipts
were £9,618.
COMPANIES STRUCK OFF THE REGISTER. — The following were struck
off the Rcgistoi- of Joint .Stmk t'nmpanies on Feb. 2(3 : — Automatic
Ijighting Co., Electric Light & Power Co. of Japan, Electric Motive
Power Co.. Electro-Carbide Lamp Synd., Epstein Electric Accumulator
Sj-nd., Henry F. Joel & Co. and Thomas Potter & Sons, United Intcr-
nation.-.l Power Co., London Electromobile Synd., Nuneaton & District
Light Railway Co., Tramway Share & Debenture Corpn., Welsh Electric
Traction Co.
COWANS LIMITED. — The petition for confirming the resolution re-
ducing the capital of this company from £30,000 to £24,520 will be
heard by Mr. Justice Swinfen-Eady on March 23.
DAVIS & TIMMINS (LTD.) — The directors recommend a dividend at
the rate of 8 per cent, per'annum on the ordinary shares for the past
year.
DIRECT SPANISH TELEGRAPH CO. (LTD.)— The directois have decided
to paj', in addition to the dividend at the rate of 10 per cent, per
annum on the preference shares, a dividend at the rate of 4 per cent,
(tax free) on the ordinary shares, both for the half-year ended Dec. 31,
1908, and payable on 1st prox.
GATESHEAD & DISTRICT TRAMWAYS CO.— The directors recommend
a dividend on the ordinary shares for 1908 at the rate of 7 per cent,
per annum.
GLOBE TELEGRAPH & TRUST CO. (LTD.)— The directors announce a
quarterly interim dividend of 2s. per share on the ordinary shares.
HADFIELD'S STEEL FOUNDRY CO. (LTD.)— In addition to the interim
dividend of Is. per share paid in August, a further dividend is to lie
paid on the ordinary shares of 2s. per share, together with a bonus of
6d. per share, all tax free, leaving £27,09() (compared with £20,535
last year) to be carried forward. The dividend is equal to 17i! per
cent. — the same as last.
HUELVA GAS & ELECTRICITY CO. (LTD).— The net profit for the past
year was £3,193. A dividend of 4 per cent, is recommended.
MACKAY COMPANIES. — The regularquarterly dividend of 1 percent,
on the preferred shares and the regular quarterly dividend of 1 per
cent, on the common shares in the Mackay Companies will be paid on
April 1 to shareholders of record as they appear at the close of business
on the 13tli inst. The transfer books will not be closed. Dividend
cheques of English and Continental shareholders will be made payable
at the rate of 4s. IJd. to the dollar, at the option of the payee, at the
Union of London and Smith's Bank.
STOCK EXCHANGE NOTICES.— The Stock Exchange committee havei
granted quotations to £250,000 £100 6 per cent, prior lien debenture
(in lieu of scrip now quoted) of the llri(i.-:b]fVe.''tinf/lioii-ii Elecli-idl- M/(3
Co. (Ltd.\ and a further issue of 50,000 £1 fully paid ordinary- shares of
I'jcA-eci, £o«.t <!■ 3fa.vim (Ltd.). The committee have been asked tf
appoint special settling days in and grant quotations to scrip (fuU^
and partly paid) for a further issue of £1,351,319 4 per cent, deben
ture stock, and a further issue of £2,133,125 4 per cent, debentujj
stock of the AnqloArijtnline Tranumy-i Co. (Ltd.), and to grant quoti
tions to a further issue of £415,250 4 per cent, debenture stock (in lieJ
of the permanent 6 per cent, debenture stock now quoted) of the same
company, and a further issue of £267,000 4 per cent, debenture stock
of the Xationril Tfle^jhoiu Co. {Ltd.).
WESTERN TELEGRAPH CO. (LTD.)— The directors have declared the
second c|uurtcrly interim dixidend of 3s. per share (tax free) for the
year ending June 30, 1909, being at the rate of 6 per cent, per annum.
The transfer books will he closed from the 18th to the 24th inst. inclu-
sive, and the dividend will be payable on the 25th inst.
THE BLBOTBICIAN, MARCH , 1909.
ELECTBIG TBAMWAT AND RAILWAY TRAFFIC
RECEIPTS.
Aberdeen Oorporallon ....
Alrdrfe
Anglo -Argentine
Ayr Corporation
Baker St. & Waterloo By..
Bamsiey-
Barrow
Bath Eleotrlo Trams, Ltd,
Birkenhead Oorpuratlon .
Birmmgnam Ooryoration.
Birmingham & Mid
Blackburn Oorporatlon ....
Blackpool and Fleetwood...
Bolton Corporation
Bombay
Boomemoutb OorporatlOQ.
Bradford Corporation ,
Brighton OorDoratloa
Bristol Trams & Carriage..,
Burnley Corporation
Barton Corporation
Bury Corporation
Calcutta Tramways Oo....
Oamborne- Redruth ,
Card ifi Corporation
Oavehill
Oeuiral London Bailway
OharmgC.tCiudton-ftH'eitead
Ohatnam d Dial. Lt- iiyn. ...
Olty & auutn LjuUon klj...
Otty of ttummgnam
Oolchetiier Curpuration
Oork iiileotric Trams Co. ...
Qroydon Corporation
Devonport & Dist.Trama...
Dover Corporation
Dublin & Luoau Railway...
Dublin United
Dudley-8loarbridge
Dunilee Corporation ,
Baat Ham Council ,
Bxeter Corporation ,
3ateflhead is, Diat. Trams...
Glasgow Corporation
lloB80p Tramy
iraTesend— .Northfleet
treat Northern & Oity Rly..
>C. Northern, Piccadilly,&Q
Greenock & Port Gla:jgow...
lartlepool Tramways
laatiDgg ij^lec. Trams Oo..,.
loag Kong,
i udder slit Id Corpn
lull Corporation
Iford Dititriob Council
IkestoQ District Cooncll ...
pswioh Corporation
ule of Thanet Co
arrow
;eigh!ey Corporation
Uddermineter ii District...
;Umarnuck Corporation ...
iftnarkahire Trams Oo. ...
lancashlre United
eamingtun
eeds Corporation
alceater Corporation
eith Corporation
incoln Corporation
iverpool Corporation
iTerpool Overhead Rly. ...
oadon County CouncU ...
oudon United
owestoft
laidatone Corporation
tanchealer Oorporatlon ...
lersey Railway
lerthyr
letropolitan Diat. Railway
etropoUtan filec. Trams...
•iddltjton
elHon Corporation
ewcastle-on-Tyne Corp. ...
ewport (Mon.)
orthampton Corporation .
Idham, Ashton & Uyde ...
Idbam Corporation
^nhiN.B.) Corporation ..
ir;htW.A.)Ji:iec. Trams..
terborough
irtemouth Corporation ...
lUeriea
eaton Corporation ,
'therham Corporation ..,
iny ,
■ ord Corporation
'■OX ijd Corporation ,
iKapore Trams
i»b Metropolitan
ulh Staffd
uthend Corporation**.""'
athport Tramways .
'lybdge.Hyde.&c.Jt.Bd,
Qderlaod Corporation ...
nderland District
anaea Trams . .
ludon Corporation"'.""*
union
nemouth*ftndDi8.;;ict"*.*.'
aeaide Trams Co.
"■'togton Uorpo. ....■..'.'.'.'
at Hani Oorpor«tion... .
'"""■super-Mare
I Uethampton Oo. . . '
'I'erhampton Oorpa...'"
. rceater
exham
yy£lWoHlL«° District.
1,169
2(JG
20,88?
Ine.
or Dee,
(a)
i3o,3;o
l,2;u
4,246
$7,491
l,4lr
l,2b3
+Rl,333
33
+ 2U9
Inc. or
Dec (a)
63,7EO
1539
203,786
12,Ui7
27,605
1 138
1,379
4,762
9,370
1,818
109,171
tlSU,9i)8
75,71U
220,iU3
42,842
65,011
26,37S
12.6 0
34,466
R 115,644
P7l
101,931
6,676
27,2o7
18,476
66,2t0
2,S06
9,913
874
39,231
4,913
48.808
42,161
14,769
6,8i2
662 85J
1.013
1,226
12,833
17,175
3,014
1,373
6,635
(76,174
75,138
117,872
6,478
18,265
6,913
6,203
9,779
9,250
9j8
312,016
15,8^3
21,!57
11,178
,625.701
40,382
8,6 ;2
714,812
15.698
1,372
78,770
37.266
1,98S
6,115
18),26'J
30,915
3,620
93,129
6,3iO
12,339
219,41(1
305
267,849
$77,961
4.019
5.627
20.SS5
1,3U
31,80)
2.0
892
2,943
11,971
3.931
17,626
103,076
186
3.713
ELECTRICAL COMPANIES' SHARE LIST
LAST
UIVI-
DKKS
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY,
1"' 60 BDnrnemonth * Poole Eleo. Snp. Ord...
If 1/6 Do. 41 per Cent. Cam. Pref.
10 6/0 Do. 6 per Cent. Cam. .Second Pref.
^'•r *i% Do. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
6 2/0 Bromley (Kent) Kl. Lt. Si Power Shares
St. 1J% ' Do. Do. l9t Dehi,
6 4/6 Brompton 4 Kensington Eleo. Sup. Ord.
S 3/6 Do. 7 per Cent. Pref.
^'- 4% Central Elec. Sup. Co.4V Gaar.Db.Stock
5 2-6 t;haring Cross (W. End &City)El.Sup.Co,
8:2/3 Do. 4i per Cent. Pref.
■*' I 4". Do. 4 per Cent. 9eb. Stock (red.)
»' H"lo Do 4J percent. Peb, i-tock (red )
S 2/3 ' Do. rity Undertaking 4i/J Cm. Prel.
5 2/0 Chelsea Electric Supply Ord
'*■' 4i% D^,. 4i percent. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
1" 6/0 City of London Electric LiRhtiug Ord...
10 8/0 Do. 8 per Cent. Cum. Pref,
f- 6% Do. 6 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
»t- 1 4i% , Do. 4 J per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock (red. )
" ""■ ConntyofDnrhamElec. P.D. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, non Com. Pref.
County of London Eteo. Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cam. Prof.
Do. 4JX Deb. Stock (red.)
Do, Second Dab. Stock
Folkestone Electricity Supply Co. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4i lat Deb. Stock (red)
Hove Electric Lighting Ord
KensinKton 4 Kniehtsbridge Ord
Do. 6 percent 1st Pref
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Kensingtn. 4 Kngtbg. Co. & Nottmg H'l
Co. (Joint Station) 4^ Deb. Stock (red.)
Kent Elec. Power Co
London Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb
Metropolitan Electric Sap. Ord
Do. 4* per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4iperCent. Deb. Stock 1st M
Do. 8| per Cent. Mrt. Deb. Stocktred.)
Midland Elec. Corp.for F.D.lstMort.Db.
Newcastle & Diet. Elec. Ltg. Ord.
Do. 4* percent. Deb
Newcastle Elec. Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, non Cam. Pref.
Do. 1 per Cent. Mort. Deb. red. 1907.
NoMli Metro. E!ec. Power Sup. 5 Morts
Korthern Counties iSlec. Sup
Do. UpsrCent. Djb
Notting HiU Electric Ord
Oxford Electric Ord
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
?t. James' & Pall Mall Elec. Ord.
Do. 7 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 8J per Cent. Dsb. Slock (red.) ...
Smithtield Markets Electric Sap. Ord...
1% Do. 4 per Cent. Dab. Stock ,
South London Electric Supply Ord. .. .
,, _ South Metrop'n Elec. Lt. & Power Ord,
1,0/8| Do. 7 per (Sent. Cum. Pref
St., 4J% Do. 4J lat Db. Stk. Red
Urban Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
St.| 4J% Do. 4i per Cent. 1st Mort. DaO
Westminster Elec. Sup. Ord
2/3 Do. 4i percent. Cum. Pref.
^, , . ELECTRIC RAILWAYS & TRAMtVAYS,
St. I 4% Uiker St. « Waterloo 4 5 Perp. I)b. 8t
Bath Elec. Trams Praf. Ord
0/6 Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
4J% Do. 4i 1st Mort. Dab. Stock (red.) ...
4J% B'han: 4 Midland Trams 41 lat Ub.Stk.
Bristol Tramways & Carriaso Ord.
Do. Cam. Pref. (fully paid) ."
Do. Iper Cent. Dobs
British Electric Traction Ord
Do. 6 per C
6
65:
4/0
6/0
St.
*v/.
HZ
20
2/6
St.
44"'
4/0
I/O-
H'A
*z
n
St.
m
Lll'i
3/0
iZ
2/6
2/3
4 /.
3^ Z\
i %
iy.
100
i\'/.
ii
5"/
4%
1
n
4(7
6/0
b
2/6
St..
45.
6 6/0 \t
6| 36 It
?t.:
6
34%
Price
Wed..
Mar. 3.
10 — lOJ
Si -n
Kl-m 6 11 6
101 —10.9 15 6
4i-6 6 111 0
94 —98 1 12 0
8i-8} 5 14 0
8 — 8J 4 2 6
98 —101 3 1<) 0
il-it 5 7 6
4S-4i 4 17 0
J8 as 4 10
974—9-4 1 4 lu 8
Hi -IJ ! 5 9 0
31 -IJ 6 5 0
102 -106 4 7 6
105 llj 5 8 0
12 — 12| 1 14 0
131 —123 1 1 0
105 —103 17 0
1-2 6 13 4
34- 3J 6 17 19
8j-9i 5 8 0
lOJ-m 6 C 6
105 — K8 13 3
lu) —103 17 6
14-6 6 :o 0
6 —64 I 4 11 0
95 -98 4 12 0
(4-7 6 3 0
74-8 16 12 0
6| -e| 4 11 6
03 ~M 1 1 3 3
£ B. d.
6 13 6 Mar. Sept,
Fob, Aug
I Mar. 3.
High- L ow
est. eet.
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
I April, Oct
May, Nov
j March
Mar, Sent
June, Deo
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan. July
Jan, July
' March . .
I June, Deo
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
June, Dec
Jan, July
April, Oct
April, Oct
Feb, Ang
Mar, Sept H
I Hi
86 —8!
11 -2i
5 —54
92 -96
4} -ti
4 J -5
10 J —109
85 -8S
95 -93
33-;5
-101 8 19 0
Jan, July
May, Nov
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
Feb, Aug
JlD, Jaly
OJs
l«fg .Ojj
ll2.
3 19 6
4 12 0
3 12 9
83 — 9j 6 0 7
3i-4
6 -6J
93 —96
100 -132
St., in
111! ..
10; 8/0
St. I &X
it. I 4U
8t.' i/,
it.' 2J'<
100, 4^
St., 4^
61 2/»
100 4 i
St. IK
■ 6X
i%
f>X
10' 4/0
St. i-/.
91 -33
llj-lij
6i -63
94 -97
8J-S3
ei-u
68 -90
24 -Sj
i-i
ij-ii
lUl-lUl
8-1
lJ-2
77 -81
Si -9
f4-61
95 —97
8 -J
90 -9 1
90 -53
91 -9i
81-9
98 -lOO
—I '.t
4 17 III
5 11 M
6 10 0
:|I-i
Do. 6 per Cent. Perpetual Dabs ' SO — 9j
Do.
73 —75
-lUJ
234 -271
6
4/0
St.
HZ
10
HZ
lu
8/.
St.
H",
St.
iZ
10
b;u
■it.
f"/.
4J per Cent, -iad Deb. Stuck
Central London Ordinary Stock ...
Do. 4 per Cent. Pref. Stock
Do. Deferred Stock
Do. 1 per Cent. Debs ! Ul
Charing X.Euslon&IImpstd Per Db.Stk. I 90 —92
City of Birjningham Trams. 5%Clu.Pref.' IJ-IJ
Do. 1 per Cent. Ist Mort. Dobs
City 4 South L>udon Ely. Con. Ord. ..
Do. 6 per Cent. Perp. Pref. (ISJl) ..
Do. (189C) 107-10)
Do. (1901) 103 -ua
Oo. (1903) I 91—99
Do. 1 per Cent. Perpetual Dobs 99—101
Dublin United I'rams. Ord l'i-121
Do. 6 per Cant. Pref. | lij -131
Gt. Northern 4i City Rly. Pref. Ord. (43J) J-J
to. Northern, Piccadilly 4 Brompton Ord. 8 — a4
4 per Cent. Dab. Slock i 91 —93
..,_._ .„ . _ 2j_jj
8) — S)
7 -8
83 -9*
= .*-'»
64 -59
10 — loi
11 15
S 11
5 11
12 0 Jan, J
April, Oct
Jan, July '
Mar, Sept 2,'
Mar, Sept ^3
Jan, July
April. Oct 6
Jan, July H
June, Dec j —
Jan, July
Jane, Deo
Feb, Ang i •.
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
Jan, July I —
Mar, Ang
Jan, July
March ..
March ..
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb ....
Feb, Aug
April
Feb, Ang
April, Oct
t April, Oct
April, Oct
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
lent
uly
6 13 9
1 15 9
1 16 9
1 16
1 13
3 17
'11 Hi
8iV (J
O.'Si
914
Jan, Joly
I April....
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
June, Dec
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
May, Act
Feb, Aog
Feb, Aug
Feb ....
Jan, July lOjJ lu')
Jl
eej
IU|
16 0
2,410
rPI™s''''''llavl"".''c "it''' '!'= =M''?-''P'"»1'"8 period last year. § Plus 3 days.
. uayg. Partly electrical, t Minus 3 days. J Minus 2 days.
10
bZ
St.
*Z
u;
2/8
St.
u
.St.
at.
1
1
1
0/e
St.
St.
11
St.
■iZ
St.
SkZ
St. 3i:^
St.
St.
Hi
1 —h'a
4i-5i
82 -4
4 -IS
73 -77
1 -2
9-3
y-s3
VS —93 4 13 9
7 10
4 15
76
Hastings Si Dist. Elec. Trama. 6% Cm. Pi.
Do. 4i Ub. St
Imperial Tramways Ord
!Do. 6 per Ceut. Pref.
(Do. 4i per Cent. Debs
I. of Thauet B. T. 4 Lt. 5 per Cent. Pref.
D:t. 4 per Cant. Deb. Stuck
Lanarkshire Tramways
Lanes. Utd. Tram) 5 ; Prior Lien Db. St.
Liverpool Oterhead Riilway Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Prof i
Do. 4 percent. Dab
London United Irauis. Sj^ Cun. Pref. ...j
Do. 4 per Ceut. 1st Mort. Ueb. Stock
Mersey Con. Ord. Stock
Do. 3 per Cent. Perp. Pref. |
Metropolitan Kleo. Trauiwaya Ordc.»...i
Do. Delerred -?„...'
Do. 6 per Cent". Cum. Pref. I
Do. li per Cent. Deb. Stock
Metropolitau Bailway Consolidated 35 — 33
Do. Surplus Lauds Stocks Q) — 7{
Do. 81 per Cent. Preference * 81 — S8
Do. Si per Cent. " A " Prcl'ereace 76 — "■*
Do, 3j per Ceut. Convertible Pref. 73—76
no St iier I Vnt Debenture .Stock .... 92—91 .
ta oaioumting tne yield aUowauoe naa been made lor MorQed interest but noFlbr redenrotion
t Ei DiTidend. I The London Stock Exchange Committee have decl nei to quote these
Jan, July
Apnl,0„t
April, Oct
Feb, Aug 2/4 i7
Feb, Aug . . . ,
Feb, Aug 1);;
Feb, Aug iO]^ ^
Feb, Aug »ii
May, Nov .. ; ..
Feb, Aug .. I ..
Feb, Aug . . „
feb, Aug ] ..
Feb, Aug I ..1
Jsn,Jaly I »H 911
Mar, Sept l .'. ..
April, Oct . . ..
Mar, Sept
Mar, Sept
Jan, July .. .,
Mar, Sopt
Jan, J uly . . _
Ifeb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Fob, .Aui
Jan, July , „
Jan, July
Jan, July
Feb, Aug.
3 19
3 11
April.. .
Feb, Aag
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
■i'i,
31}
Tl
uu
8V4
m
771
T>i
THE ELECTBXCIAN. ilABCH ■). Vm
SHARE LIST — Continued.
Price
\ped., ynnD
Mar. 3 1
Rate % i ditidend
Dub.
bdbinksb
Week to
Last I
;divi-
IdbrdI
Price Rate % | nmDEHD 1^"'
Wed.. YIELD- "'^1'"' Wk
MaT.3. I ED. I ""'• \m
ilECTRlTRAIlWAYS A TRAKWAYS- Co— ■
m 1 Met. Riy. SJ per Cent. " A ' Deb. Stock 90 -9"
'^' M vropolitan District Railway Ord
"I 1)0. ExtcnsionPref. (6 per Cent.) ......
,{'/ I Bo. AMented Ext. Pref. (Int. Guar hy
' Und Elec. Rljs. Co. of London, Ltd.)
w Do 3 per Cent. Consoltd. Rent-charge
fy Do 4 per Cent. Midland Rent-charge
y.<v\ no. Gnar. stock 4 per Cent
6?'° Do. 6 per Cent. Perp. Deb. Stock
A Do. 4 per Cent. Ditto .^ ^....■
5ew Gen. Tuct. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
oral Potteries Electric Traction Ord
Si • ,':.T 6 per Cent, Cnm. Pref.
diy Do. 4i per Cent. Deb. Stock ......^
nm R Met. Eleo. Trams. & Ltg. 6% Cm. Pref.
jV^ Do 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
5¥ Sunderland DiBt.Elec.Trm8.6Xl»tMt.Db.
UnderedE.ETS.Lon.S/Jn.bds.with colip.2
00. i°'. Prior Lien Bonds.
Do. 4*°< Honda witli coup. 3
Yorkshfre (W.B.) Elec. Trams. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4i per Cent. Ist Debs
ELECTRIC MANUFACTURINC, Ac.
Aron Electricity Meter Ord
Do. 6%Cnm.Pf.
Babcock & Wilcox Ord
Do. Pref.
British Insulated * Helaby Cables Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref
H per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb._(_red.)
ii? t Britisb Ttoms'n-Houafn 4i% 1st Mt.Db,
I British Westinghouse 6 per Cent. Pref...
EO/" ' 1)0 6 per Cent. Prior liea Dbslrd.)
iX Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stockl
4J% fBnishE.En(!.Co.4j%Perp. IslDeb.Stock
Hi ■
6:0
SJ-IIJ
106 -lu7
li -13
103 — m
li-lA
i=i
i; -18
w -9a
J-iJ
14-I>'s
14 -li,
101 — 1C4
ii-'4
8t" *7«
100 li^i
100 "''
10 8/°
1 I/O
St. V.
Perpetual 2nd Deb. Stock
Callender's Cable Con. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref
Do. 4J per Cent. 1st Mort Deba, (red.)
Castner.Kellner Alkali Co
Do. 4i per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb. (red.).
Chadburn's (Ship) Telegraph Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Consolidated Electrical Co
Consolidated Signal Co
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
'Croropton & Co. (Nos. 1 to 86,000)
Do. 6 per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs. (red.).
Davis & Timmins
Dick, Kerr & Co. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock
Edison & Swan United ("A" Sh.) (£3 pd.)
Do. (£6 paid)
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock (rd.)
Do. 6 per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock
Edmundson's Elec. Corp. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J per cent. Ist Mort. Deb. (red.)
Electric Construction Co
Do. 7 per Cent, Cum. Pref.
Do. i per Cent. Perp. Ist Mort. Debs.
General Electric (191)0) 6% Cum. Pref....
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
Ilenlev's Telegraph Works Ord
tDo '4} per Cent. Pref
Do. 4j per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb. Stock
Ir dia Rubber, Gut. Per. , &c.,WrkB. '. . . .
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs.(red.)
national Elec. Construction Co
Eichardsons, Westgarth & Co. , Ltd. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
To. 4J percent. Perp. Deb. Stock ...
! 6implei Conduits Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref
lelegraph Construction & Maintenance
L ;.. 4 per Cent Deb. Bonds (1909) ...
Vukers, Sons & Maxim, Ltd., Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Preference
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Preferred ' '00 — lox
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Db. Sk. (red) U 4 —It 6
4iperCent. 2nd Mort. Deb. (red.) 101 -"''=
lli3 —106
76 -78
132 — ISB
56 -89
1-J
1-i
89 -92
74«1|8
60 -84
29 -31
98J-99i
80-b2
s-u
?*-s
84-88
4J-4g
t>|-7i
ei-64
38 —ii
6 13
4 11
3 15
8 18 0
7 0 0
10 14 0
-SO 6 18 0
7 -74
85 -89
12 —13
5 -61
108 —108
16i-16i
69 —101
8-J
E3 —86
li
6 —51
33 -341
ItO —102
is=-U5
lA-iA
6 13 0
4 10 0
6 16 »
Jan, Jnly
Feb, Ang
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
May ....
April, Oct
Feb, Aug
May, Nov
Fob, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
June, Deo
Jtn, Jnlj
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jnlyi'Feb
Jan, Joly
Jan, i uly
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Jan. Jnly
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
Nov, May
May, Nov
Feb. Aug
March . .
April, Oct
August ...
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, Jnly
Mar, Sept
Sept
Sept .._
Jan, Jnly
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
Jnne, Deo
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
May, Nov
Jan, Jnly
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, Jnly
Jnne, Deo
Mar, tiept
Feb, Ang
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
April
No
14i
May, Nov
Jan, July
Mar, July
Jan, July
Do. 6 per Cent. 3rd Mort. Debs Scrip.
J. G.White & Co. 6Jt Cm. Pref.
Willans & Kobinson Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs
106 -107 4 13 6
9-10 16 u 0
i— J 4 0 0
2|— Zj llO 16 0
68 —72 ' 6 11 0
4 12
3 14 6 I Jnne, Dec
■ - ' -e, Dec
CO,
Ft
,sn
St.
4Z
Ill
ti(0
10
10/0
6
S/0
6
b;o
bU
ihX
W)
4/0
100
ihX
St.
2b/0
St.
IV ;«
Ft
47,
|Sl.
2/6
tut
4X
«
4'^
It
6/n
IX
44X
2b
12/t,
I'-.l
»l
100
»1
TEIEORAPHS. „ „
Amazon Telegraph **— 3t
100 hX Do. 6 per Cent. Debs, (red.; 91—91
St. 19/0 ; Anglo-American " '"
St.| 30/0 I Do. Preferred
Do. Deferred
Commercial Cable 4 per Cent. Deb. Stk.
Cuba Submarine Ord
Do. Preference 10 per Cent
Direct Spanish Ord
Do. 10 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4i per Cent. Deb
Direct Unite i States Cable
Direct West IndiaCable4i% B.g. Db. (rd.)
Eastern Ordinary
Do. 3* per Cent. Pref. Stock
Do. 4 per Cent, ilort. Deb. Stk. (red.)
Eastern Extension
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Eastern & S.Af, 4'^ Mauritius Sub, Debs.
G.N. (ol Copenhagen),with (Coupon 75 .
Balifai & Bermuda 4.i^ Ist Mt. Db.( red.)
Indo-European
Mackay Companies Common
Do. Preference
Marconi's Wireless Teleg. Co,
Paciiic & Europe'n TeI.4;^Gaar.Db8.(red.)
West Cuabt of America
Do. 4 per Cent. DeliU
1 West India & Panama
Do. tl per Cent. Ist Pref
10 12,0 Do. t)% 2na Pref
100 b% Do. 6 per Cent. Debs .'..
Western lelegraph
Do. 4pcr Cent. Deb Stock (rad.)...
Western Union Telegh. cl 000 1^ Bonds
• Incik-nliitiiig the jiilJ^ allow
10 t/0
10, 3/0
Slj IJJ
65 — £
99 -101
I3J-13i
84 — S6
lii4-i«i
3 -34
69%— lOS-^
12i-I25
SSJ-IOij
128 —131
8l4-t6J
103J— 105V
llJ-128
1(0 — U2
lOOi— 10; «
30 —32
994-101*
61 —64
74 —78
71 —74
. J-i
100 — i02
14-13
i(;u —103
6 5 6
6 13 6
3 19 0
2 IS 3
4 13 C
7tl 0
! 6 17 0
6 16 0
6 11 0
I 4 8 0
6 IS 3
3 16 0
6 U 6
3 18 0
3 17 6
3 IS
3 11
3 IS
13 —134
101 -lOiS
80 — sr
102 4 18 0
Apr, Oct
Apr, Oct
May, Nov
Jane, Dec
Jnne, Dec 9Ii
F.My.Ag.tJi IJ'i
F,My,Ag,lS|H"l
F,My,Ag,N IS;;
■n,Ap,Jy,0 SO
Feb, Ang
Feb, Ang
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
June, Dec
Ja.My.JjO
Ja,My,JyO
May, Nov
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
Feb, Aug
May, Nov
Jan, July
June, Dec
May, Nov
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
April....
June, Dec
May ....
Jan, July
May, Not
May, Nov
May, Nov |
Jan, July |
Mr,Jn,0,D
June, Dec I
12*
"4
I j TELEPHONES. |
lOoi 2$ i Amer. Telephn. & Telegh. Cap. St
.. 4% 1 Do. Coll. Trust $1,0004 percent. Bds
St.l 6% 11 Anplo-Portug'seTel. 6% 1st Mt.Db. Stk.
Chili Telephone
Monte Video Telephone Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
National Co. Pref. Stock
Do. Def. Stock
Do. 6 per Cent. Cnm. Ist Pref
Do. 8 per Cent. Cum. 2nd Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. 3rd Pref. ...
Do. Deb. Stock 34 per Cent, (red.) ...
Do 4 per Cec t. Dub. Stock (red.) ;
Oriental - 1
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. \
Do. 4 per Cent. Red. Deb. Stock
Telephone Co. of Egypt 4j;;Db.Stk.(red.)
United River Plate
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 44 Deb. St. Ked
1 0/7i
1 0/6
St. 6%
St.: 6>,
10 6/0
lOl 6/0
131.i-132i 6 I 0 !
7i-8| I 4 16 6
10) -111 1 6 8
1| 0/7t
ll 0/7i
3t. 4%
3t., 4i%
3/0
2/6
lOJ-
ICi-
5ii-
OS -
9P4-
li'-
14-
I —101 4 9 0
i-7 6 14 0
4-63 4 H 0
0 6
FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, Jlc.
Eleo. ft Gen. Investment 6% Com, Pref. 8i— 3J
Globe Telegraph & Trust lUJ— !• \
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. 13 — 13»
Submarine Cables Trust (Cert.) 127 — 13J
Higt(
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
August . . . .
Nov .... I ..
May, Nov I . .
Feb, Aug lUOK
Feb, Aug |l23i,'
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug I
Feb, Ang ,
Jime. Deo ;
Jan, July 1 10.
April, Oct 1 1.
April, Oct I I
Jan, July 1 .
Jan, July ' .
July .... 6
June, Dec
Jan, July 103
51
St.
6%
40
445!
100
St.
44%
6
6
2/6
lot
645;
100
««;
St.
bX
St.
«z
6
2 0
100
2/6
1
44%
Kt.
..
6
1/3
St.
4/»
bX
100
b/.
1
6%
1
ino
n
6
n
6
I/O
1(10
0/7 1
St.
6Z
Ht.
i7.
bj.
IIIO
SU
b?„
St.
447.
1
I/O
fit.
bX
6
3/0
Ht.
44%
»-.4
6%
100
44/1
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRIC
RAILWAYS, TRAMWAYS. Jtc.
Anglo-Argentine 6% Cum. Ist Pref.
Do. lOX Non-cum. 2nd Pref.
Do. Permanent 6% Deb. Stock
Auckland Elec. Trams. 6% Deb. (red.)...
Brisbane Electric Trams. Invest. Ord....
Do. b per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J per Cent. Db. Prov. Certs
British Columbia El.Ry.Df. Ord
Uo. Pref. Ord. Stock
Do. 6% Cum. Perp. Pref. Stock
Do. 4i per Cent. 1st Mort. Deba
Do. Vancouver Power Debs
Do. 4i%Perp Con. Deb. St
Buenos Ayres Grand National Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6J per Cent. Pref. Debs
Do. 6 per Cent. 1st Deb, Bonds
Buanos Ayres Lacroze Trams 1st Mt. Db.
Buenos Ayres Port & City Tram. Ist Mt.
Deb. Stock
Calcutta Tramways (1 to 137,610)
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4J% 1st Deb. Stock (red.)
Cape Electric Tram Shares
tCitj ol BuenosAyres Trams Co.(1904)Sh,
Do 4 per Cent. Deb. Slock
Colombo Tr. & Ltg. 5% Ist Mt. Db
Elccliic Traction Co. of Hong Kong 6
per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
Havana Elec. Ky. Con. Mt. 6% $1,000 60
year Coup. Bds
Kalgooriie Eleo. Trams Sh
Do. b per Cent. " A " Deb. Stock
Do. 6 per Cent. "B" Ditto
Lisbon Elec. Trams. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Keg. Mort. Debs
Medras Elec. Trams. 6% Deb. Stk
Mai ila Elec. Ky. «1,000 Gold Bonds
Meiicolrnliis Uo. Com. St
tUo. Gen. Con. Ist Mort. i% Gold Bda....
Montreal St. Ry. Sterling 44 per Cent.
Debs. (1922) (Nos. 601 to2,ooo)
Perth Elec. Trams Ord
Do. 1st Mt. Db. Stock
Rangoon Elec. Trams &. Supply Co. 6%
114
4 16
0 ;
bB
3 16
b,'.
4 I)
0
lOb
4 6
»
140
5 14
0
122
4 IH
6
10b
4 14
(1
iOt4
4 6
u
4 6
8
103
4 2
6
-44
6 0
9
-lu/
6 3
6
1(0
6 14
n
-'J7
4 17
6
-83
7 5
0
. Pf.
Do, 4J% 1st Wort. Deb. Sik
Sao Paulo Tramway, Light & Power Co.
$100 Stock
Do. 6 per Cent. 1st Mt. $600 Db
tloionto Ky Co. Ist Mt. IK Ster. Bonds
102 -104 ; 4 6
g-3 I 6 13
-64 6 9 0
1£7 - ItO 1 8 6
St. $14
bOOi 6%
100 Sli
1 1/zs
1 in
Bt. b%
6 8/0
! COLONIAL AND FOREIGNiELECTRICITY
i SUPPLY &0.
(Adelaide Elec. S'ply Co.6% Cn.Pr
BombayE.S. iT.6%Cm.Pf.
Do. 4i per Cent. Deb. Blk.(red.)
Calcutta Elec. Supply Old
Canadian Gen. Elec. do. Com. St 1
Castner Electrolytic Alkali Co.(of U.S. A.)
1st Mort. SO. Debs \ 93—103
tElect. Development Co of Ontario ^ 8-J (;4i
Elec. Ltg. & Trac. Co. of Aust. 6 perl
Cent. Cum. Pref. I 2-24
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb Stock ,
Elec. Supply Co. of Victoria 6 per Cent.
Ist Mort. Deb. Bt
Indian Elec. Sup. &, Trac. Co
] Kalgooriie Elec. Power ft Ltg. Ord.
I Do. 6 per Cent. Cum, Pref.
Madras E. S. Corp. b per Cent. Constn.
Deb. St
Mexican Elec. Light Co. 65; Ist Mort
Gold Bonds
Mexican Lt.& Power Co. Com. St
Do 6% lit Mort. Gold Bnda
Montreal Lt. Ht. & Power Co. Cap. St....
Kiver Plate Electricity Co. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Pref
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Rosario Elec. Co. 6% Pref. (1-20.000) I 6 —54
bhawinigan Water & Power Co. Cap. St.l 96 —87
Do. bperCent.Bds lOo —I'^l
Victoria Falls rower Co. Pref 1 i
64-63
9j— lu
92 -91
64-7
109 -ill
874 -901
14-2
li —82
86-67,";
83J-9U5
111 —no
IJO — lu3
Jan, Jnly
ipDcMrJn H
SpDcMrJu Ic
April, Got
4 18 0 April, Oct
• Jan, July
June, Deo I
Jan, July
May ....
May, Nov
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
May, Nov ,
Jan, July
April, Oct I
Jan, July
Feb, Ang |
Jan, July I
April, Oct I
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
F,My,"A,N
June, Deo I
May, Nov
June, Deo
Feb, Aog
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ..
Jan, Jnly
Jan, July
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
May ....
Jau, July
June, Deo 'I
Feb, Aug ' I
Jan, July
April, Oct
4 10
0 1
4 11
4 7
u
4 U
0
4 1
u
6 8
0
5 13
9
6 7
6
5 U
0
9 10
0
4 17
0
4 16
0-
6 2
«
6 7
6
5 11
0
4 11
II
4 16
6 U
6 6
0
0
4 17
6 19
6
0
6 I'l'
0
S 10
6
-
7 U
0
e 2
0
6 15
5 17
6 2
6 6
4 11
0
c
6
0
6
Jan, July
Jan, July it
April,' Oct ■•
April, Got ••
.. '1
_ «i
.. '>i
F,My,A,tl •:
April .... 'I
May -
Jan, Joly ■■
AprU, Oct
Jan.'joly
Jan, Jnly
has bten made for accrued.lnterest but fxrt for redemption t Bi dividend. \ The London Stock Eiohange Oommittee have declined to q"
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." March 5, 1909.
CONTENTS.
PiGB
.„( Eleitrical Work of
}ssrs. Vkkers, Sons -i
ixim '51'
orial ■■ •• •• M*
tiicalhj ■ operated Speed
dicators ^56
nsportabt e tiectric
inches '-5 7
ftjij'^ Cranes and Teni-
',/,,, >MiPSBortf'rs .. ?5S
SLES OF ELECTRIC
0*EB SUPPLY •■ '6-
tritttllil-<'riijen Pumping
„„, .. ms
ol tiectric Car for Rail-
,11 Wort: '70
-^ia'v^ Tiirbine Pump .. 17o
. .nlings .. .. '72
, trie Traverser . 773
A..i,.:^atosforMachiii-
iMol.o, '74
-Vane-' Jure Limit .. 175
EX TO Advertisers '/"/
ELECTS
LJii
Electrician No. 1607.
Indust. Stappt. No. 33.
Gratis to Subscribers.
MARCH S, 1909.
108.fg^I«^ StlONDDN.E.C.
Some fRotor Starter Problems..
JIXCK tliu (.•arlifst days uf the ulcclric drive uiil- of llie must pnj.ssiiig olllie many problems
to lie sohed is the deteiuiinatioii of a means whereby tlie motor may be protected from
an excessive starting current. "Where the stiirting is ellected l)y ordinary human agency
some arrangement nnist be provided to prevent the handle from benng turned right over
to its "full on" position atone operation. There is, of conrse, such an arrangement m
all up-tii-date stalling equipments. Another step forward has also been made. Starters have been
designed, and are now on the market, in which the speed of the starling handle in its movement acro.ss
the resistance segments is made independent of human agency. Tlie act of switching on eunipresscs
a sprin" which, in regaining its normal position, moves a. sliding switch over the starter contacts.
Now, all we have written so far may savour of ])latitucle, but it is de.sired to show that there is
still much room for jn-ogress in the design of motor starters. Most starters at the present day, especially
those of the automatic type, labour under the disadvantage of their operation being practically indepen-
dent of what is going on in the armature. In the ordinary hand starter this disadvantage, it is tiue, is
not theoretically jiresent, for any breakdown in the motor can be detected and the starting handle
released. In numerous automatic starters, however, this is not the case. The means whereby the
startin" switch is niovc-d is often independent of the electrical condition.s of the circuit, liesistance in
the.se cases is gaily cut out of the armature without ri'gard to any faults that may be present. The
field circuit may be- brnkeu or the armature disconnected, but the starter still goes on cutting out
resistance.
Various methii Is have been proposed for making the motion of the starting handle dependent on
the circuit conditions. In one of these a solenoid, who.se core is fi-xed to the starting lumdle and
whose winding is connected across the armature, is used. As the pressure across the armature rises
the core is drawn into the solenoid and the starter handle pulled over tlie contacts. Thisarraiigenieut
though ingenious, does not, however, work well in practice, as the motion given to the starter handle
is somewliat jerky. In aiidtber de-igii the starter is worked by an apparatus bearing a resemblance
to the ordinary d'Arsonval galvanometer, though the permanent magnet is in this case replaced by an
electromagnet excited from the mains. The moving coil of this ' galvanometer " is connected across
the, armature and carries the starting hamlle. As the armature current increases, the 'galvanometer "
deflects in proportion and draws the starting handle over the contacts. This arrangement, too, suffers
under the disadvantage of an uii0(iual pulling force at different parts of the starter's travel. One
method of (ivereomiug this is to pnipdrtion the length of the starter eoutacts in relation to the
resistance of the coils across them: the first, therefore, being the longest and the others gradually
decreasing in length. Or flic field iron of the " galvanometer " may be so arranged tiiat the coil first
pas.ses through a strong field, which decreases till the middle of the travel is reached and then again
increases. It will, therefore, lie seen that the proper design of inde)>endent starters offers a wide fiehl
for expeiimeut. Whether work in this Held is worth the manufacturer's while is, of course, a
ipiestion for the makers, but in an industry like ours, where search is always being made for some-
tbiiig new, jirogress along these lines in the near future is to be expected.
''"'"''KMKNT is issued Gratis to Subscribecs to "The Eleotriciau.
t.:cTBi Copies can be obtained, price 4d. per copy, post free.
SUTVLEMENT to "The Electrician." March 5, 1909.
152
IW gEOTMCI!
DYNAMO WORKS LIMITED.
"AIR-VANE"
TIME LIMITS
are
STRONG,
RELIABLE IN ACTION,
UNAFFECTED BY ATMOSPHERIC
CONDITIONS,
and
CANNOT BURN OUT,
Suitable for
AUTOMATIC CIRCUIT BREAKERS,
OIL SWITCHES, &c.
LONDON ;
Head Office: CAXTON HOUSE. WESTMINSTER, 5.W.
Jelepkniie -.-G-KRiikTm 860 7Vte;;iaw.t .•— "Sikmhralos Londdx."
BRANCH OFFICES:
Central House, Kew Street.
32, Bridge .Street.
b9. .St. Mary Street.
163, Hope Street.
196, Deansgate.
39, collingwood buildings.
Foster's Buildings, 22. High Street.
Birniingliatn.
Bristol.
Cardiff,
Glasgow.
Manchester.
Newcastle-on-Tyne.
''heffield.
Recent €iectrical Work of .
rPessrs.Vickers.Sons ^ \Xtmm
AT tlie early part of a new year it is customary for firms
to review the work they have been engaged in
during the past twelve months and to chronicle any
advances which have been made either in the design of
their equipment or in the perfecting of details of well-known
gear. Unfortunately for the electrical engineer the past vear
has not proved one of great promise, and the best that can
be said is to express a hope tiiat things will improve during
the next twelve months. ' "'.^•
A firm who are well known in this countrv in coiinection
with both electrical and other engineering work,
not to mention such manufactures as machine
guns and battleships, are Messrs. Vickers, Sons &
Maxim, whose electrical department is situated
in Sheffield. They inform us that trade through-
out 1908 was very disappointing, and that
although at the present time there are no very
hopeful signs of improvement, steadv progress
can be reported in several directions. "
Apoint to which thisfirm has always paid great
attention is the conversion of machine tools to electric drive.
A considerable number of orders have been executed Amm<y
the year, and the existing gearings of lathes and horizontal,
plate edge and wall planing machines have, in manv ca.ses
been adapted to the new conditions. In these cases the
\ ickers^vanable speed motors are used for driving purposes.
-Vt the Olynip.a Exhibition in 190.5 an exhibit which
attracted a great deal of attention on the stand of Messrs.
Vickei-s. Sons & Maxim was a large planing machine driven
by an electric motor without an intermediate belt. Although
the ]ii inciple on which this machine works will be well known
to oui- readers, it may not be out of place to recall some of
the essential ])oints. as a large number of these e(|ui]iments
E.g. I.
Hulse & Co. Horizontal and Vertical Pliner, driven by
Vickers 30 H.P. Motor.
have been supplied during the year to ciane makers, gas
engine makers, steam turbine makers, locomotive works,
shipyards, steel works, machine tool makers and general
engineering works. It is also pleasant to chronicle that a
number of well-known French and German engineering
fimis have so a])preciated the benefits to be derived fioin
Fig. 2. Hugh Smith Planing Machine driven by Vickers Motor.
this metluid of diivingthat tlievhave placed ordei's for equip-
ments with Messrs. Vickers, Sons & Maxim.
One of the latest of these installations is that
the accompanying illustration, and consists of a
and vertical ])laner built by Messrs. Hulse & Co.
arrangec
iiiotov, (■'
for direct di've Ijv a Vickers 'M) H.r. vari
iiirKjlled b\- tlieii' [lati-nt automatic reversi
liown 111
horizontal
. which is
e speed
switch-
153
SUP-PLEMENl t3 "The Elictricijn/' March 5. 1909.
VICKERS SONS & MAXIM, Ld
-BlTLmSy
Telegrams: VICKERS SHEFFIELD.
Telephone No.: 3200 SHEFFIELD
On Admiralty & War Office Lists.
Vickers' New Series
OK
Constant & Variable
SPEED
MOTORS-
THE "B" TYPE,
LOW PRICES.
^ry
VICKERS 30 B.H.P. VARIABLE SPEED MOTOR,
driving High Speed Axle Lathe (by Hulse & Co., Ltd.)
SPECIAL ATTENTION DEVOTED TO THE
ELECTRIC DRIVING OF MACHINE TOOLS.
gear. Our second illustration shows a plate edge planing
machine made by Messrs. Hugh Smith & Co., likewise
driven by a Vickers motor and reversing gear, and de-
signed to plane plates 2(i ft. long at a rate of 40 ft. per min.
It will be remembered that the most noticeable pornt.s in
the working of these equipments are (l)that the motor itself
e/erses, (2) that there are no driving pulleys to reverse or
belts to wear, and (-'5) that the speed of cutting can be quickly
varied between the cxtrcnic limits of the slowest cutting
speed and that of the quick return according to the hard-
ness of the material being cut. It has been found that
a large amount of space can be saved by adopting this
arrangement, as the removal of the belts leaves available
a considerable amount of head room. A greatly increased
output can usually be obtained from planers which have
been converted to this system of drive.
On the cutting strcike the motor runs at its slowest speed,
and at the end of this stroke reverses automatically. A
resistance is inserted in the field winding of the motor and
speed thereby rises to its top limit. When the time
comes for the motor to reverse again the field resistance is
short-circuited, thus .slowing down the motor and providing
a strong field in which it can reverse. The motor then
reverses and the above cycle is repeated.
During 1908 Messrs. Vickers, Sons & Ma.xim placed
on the market a new type of continuous current constant
speed motor varying in output from 10 to 100 h.p. These
motors run at a moderate speed, and are very well venti-
lated and highly efficient even at low loads. Their price,
moreover, is quite moderate, and allows of them coming into
healthy competition with those of other hiakers.
It will be seen from these notes that, in spite'of adverse
conditions, substantial progi-ess has been made in the elec-
trical department of this well-known firm.
\}&
'^
Uleston electrical
Instrument Co.
Multimeter, Model 58. Standard Portable Testing Set.
Condon Office and Entoratory:
AUDREY HOUSE, ELY PLACE, HOLBORN,
TelephoneNo. : 2029Holborn. Telegrams: Pivoted London. E.C>
i^
SVPVI.EMENJ to "The Electrician." March 5, 1909.
154
All communications should be addressed "Tlie Electrician"
Industrial Supplement, 1, 2 and 3, Salisbury Court, Fleet
Street, London. E.G.
Copy for Text or Adverlisemeiil pa^es Jor next issue, piib/ishhii;- on
April 2nd, should reach the above address by Tuesday, March 16th.
Manufacturers, Contractors, Central Station Engineers, and those
interested in Electrical Industrial Developments are cordially invited to
contribute original matter to the SUPPLEMENT, and when suitable
this will be inserted as space permits.
Filing Case for "The Electrician" Industrial Supplement.
The INDUSTRIAL SUPPLEMENT is holed for filing, and we are
distributing cases which will hold twelve issues. On request a case
will be sent to Consulting, Manufacturing, or Contracting firms ; to
Chief or Resident Engineers of Electricitj- Supply, Traction or Power
Stations ; to any firm of Merchants or Agents ; to Railway, Tramway,
Dock, Harbour, or other companies interested in the applications of
Electric Power, &c., to their undertakings; and to other large con-
sumers of electrical energy, either at home, in the Colonies, or abroad.
A portion of each issue of the SOPPLEIMENT is reserved for special
circulation oversea.
Editorial.
The "Petrol About two years ago when the motor 'bii.s
Electric Drive ^y^g beginning to create a stir, in more
senses than one, in the streets of London,
and when the inhabitants were becoming rather more than
mildly amazed with the smell, noise and constant break-
downs which occurred, an invention which was to cure, or at
least to minimise, many of those very present ills was put
forward in several quarters, It was the petrol-electric
drive. The editorial sense-impression recalls how the
editorial body was carried through the streets of London
and up some of its steepest hills in order that the efficiency
of several of these systems taight be demonstrated to the
editorial brain, and how the one particular method of
petrol-electric drive under consideration at the moment was
to be the only possible solution of the London traffic pro-
blem. The traffic problem still continues, however, while
the petrol-electric drive has sunk jnore or less into oblivion,
so far as London is concerned, though it is still finding a
satisfactory application in other parts of the world. On
another page of this issue we give a description of a car
which is now in use on a short branch Une in East Germany,
and which has been equipped with the petrol-electric drive
by the French W&stinghouse Co. The problem of the most
economical operation of branch lines is one which has been
engaging the attention of our railways for the past few years,
with the result that steam motor cars have, in many cases!
been placed in operation with satisfactory results. The
deciding factor in this, as in most cases, is an economical one,
and in this connection it is interesting to note that the
petrol-electric drive is able to hold its own. From tests
made with a Westinghouse car on the Arad-Csanader Railway
by Dr. Russo it appears that the total working costs for a
3o ton petrol-electric car are 0096d. per ton-mile, while in
the case of tiie steam car the cost works out at from 014fid
to 0-150d. per ton-mile, though it must in justice be said that
in tlie last two cases the co.sts for track upkeep and repairs
are included. The use of sucli a car -reduces the dead
weight carried per passenger, but to work it in a satis-
factory manner a frequent service must be maintained, for
if train service is light the probable greater number of
jDassengers per train will outweigh the relative advantages
of the two systems. As a number of engineers have
already learnt by bitter experience, anything with petrol in
it requires expert attendance in order that it may work
as a going concern, but when this is attended to there
appears no reason why a combined petrol-electric system
should work otherwise than satisfactorily, as it provides the
necessary flexibility and seems to combine many of the ad-
vantages of both svstems of operating such railways. One
great advantage that has been claimed for this arrange-
ment is that all regulation can be effected electrically. But
in practice this does not always obtain, for frequent regula-
tion of the engine itself is necessary, and on the Arad-
Csanader Railway a man is specially told off for the purpose.
The advantages of this system, at any rate on paper, ought
to have ensured its consideration, but whether its almost total
disappearance in this country is a final verdict or only a tem-
porary eclipse is for prophets, rather than editors, to decide.
The cry at the present time is all for
The Cult of standardisation in electrical work. Various
r . ' " engineering committees are even now con-
Engineer. ° °
sidering the question, and it would seem
that in the future we shall be tied to one straight line, from
which we must not> deviate, either to the right hand or to the
left, by more than, say, 5 per cent. This procedure may
have its disadvantages. It certainly looks more uniform to
have all the generating sets in a station of the same type and
by the same maker, but it is not infringing any canon of
engineering law to introduce a little variety into the lay-out,
if such be more economical An instance quoted in a recent
i.ssue of the " Electrical World " is a case in point. Our con-
temporary gleefully chronicles the disgust of the " catalog''
engineer, a truly trans-Atlantic production, when he sees
two stations operated by the Rochester Railway & Light
Co. Both are hydro-electric stations, one containing three
makes of water wheels and the same number of makes of
generators. But, as if this were not bad enough, the other is
equipped with bi-polar Edison generators, which possess the
further enormity of being belt driven. Now this is no doubt
very terrible, but it is quite justified by the conditions. The
engineers of the scheme, it is true, have not been tied down
by convention, and by thus freeing themselves they have
used the facilities at their command in the best possible
manner. The engineer, to quote an historical document, is
one who can direct " the great sources of power in Nature
for the use and convenience of man." Whether the man
who merely blindly -follows a number of others along a cer-
tain groove can be called an engineer, in the truest sense of._
the word, is, to say the least, doubtful, though it is naturally ^
the easier course to follow. Standardisation is in many ways
excellent — in all ways according to the '" catalog " engineer,
but there may be occasions when a radical departure from
the usual lines is justified, and such opportunities should be
welcomed by the designer.
155
SUPPLEMENT to " Tf>e Electrician," March 5. 1909.
MOTOR
ALTERNATORS
High-Speed Continuous Current Motors and Single-Phase Alternators.
GROMPTON & GO.
CONTRACTORS FOR
LTD.,
ELECTRICAL UNDERTAKINCS of EVERY DESCRIPTION
SALISBURY HOUSE,
LONDON WALL, LONDON, E.G.
GLASGOW: iO, Wtllington St.
NEWCASTLE: 21, Pearl Aissurance
Bldgs., Nortlnimbciiaiid St.
MANCHESTER: 42, Dcansgatc.
BRISTOL: 2S, Baldwin St.
BIRMINGHAM: S7, Paradise St.
ARC W^ORKS,
CHEI-MSFORD.
BELFAST: G/o.<icnor IIousi', Wtilinritun I'iav
(174)
CALCUTTA : 99, Oite St.
BOMBAY: Marshall's Bldgt..
Ballard Road.
.MADRAS: Armenian St.
SYDNEY: 56, Margaret St.
SHANGHAI: Nankiiii/ Rvad.
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." March 5, 1909.
156
DYNAMOS
& MOTORS
STANDARD SEMI-ENCLOSED MOTOR.
15 to 50 H.P. Sizes
ELECTROMOTORS V^
OPENSHAW.
€lectricallp Operatca
Speea Indicators^ .
IT is often a consideiable advantage both in central
station and test-room work to be able to obtain the
speed of a motor or generator at some distance away.
One arrangement for doing this is that due to Messrs.
Elliott Bros., and is illustrated in the accompanying photo-
graphs. It consists of a small magneto generator which is
driven by means of a belt from the shaft whose speed is
required. This magneto is enclosed in adust-tight box, and
requires a minimum of attention. Another great point
in its favour is that when used by the uninitiated it will
run-accurately and well in either direction without any atten-
tion to brushes, and really only requires to be bolted down and
the driving belt adjusted to be ready for immediate use.
It is patent that without any great variation in the con-
nections, one set can be made to indicate speeds at a number
of different places, while by the insertion of resistances the
apparatus can be calibrated to indicate speeds over an
exceedingly wide range. These instruments are often used
in connection with recording apparatus, and a new and
interesting application of this is shown in the accompanying
cnrvos. Tlie recording instrument in this instance was con-
Elliott's Electrically Operated Speed Indicators.
nected through one of these indicators to a ring- spinning
machine, running at varying speeds, so as to maintain an even
tension on the yarn as it left the cop on the front rollers
absolutely constant. The record was taken from a weft
frame spinning on thin paper tubes from American cotton.
The magneto was driven from the roller shaft, and the record-
ing instrument shows directly the speed of the spindle. The
time taken to spin a complete cop was \\ hours, the speed of
the chart shown is 1 in. per minute, and the whole chart is
therefore about 75 in. long.
This chart is shown in three parts. The first shows the
speed variation while the cop bottom is being formed.
The starting speed is about 8,000 revs, per min., and
the variations of speed increase with every rise and fall
of the ring rail till the
maximum of 10,000 to
12,000 revolutions is
obtained. After the
bottom of the cop has
been formed, the varia-
tions m speed remain
practically constant, as
shown in the second
part of the chart. When
the ring rail approaches
the thread guide so
that the tensions are
increased, the speed be-
gins to fall ofl in order
to compensate for this.
The thiid part of the
chart shows this, giving
the variations occurring
as the cop is completed.
157
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician.- March 5, 1909.
Cransportabic €lectric
Ulincl)c$> >
THERE are luanv conditions to be met with, not onlv
in the engineering, but also in many other track'N.
wliere the employment of some sort of winch would
remove the difficulties at present attendant on ordinai'v
" man heaving." and at the same time leduce to a minimum
the discussion of the best methods in which to achieve a
desired end.
There are at the present time on the market several well-
designed winches mounted on trolleys so that they can be
easily moved about. These are, in many cases, still worked
by manual labour, but the use of the electric motor is now
becoming more extended in this direction also, and where
supply mains are handy it is both an economical and con-
venient method for hoisting small loads.
A transportable winch of an exceedingly compact descrip-
tion, and one which possesses many advantages, is that
made by the Haarlemsche Machinenfabrik, of Haarlem,
Holland. These winches are very portable and are made
light, enough to be moved without any great difficulty into
the neighbourhood of the electric supply mains.
The keynote to the whole position in a machine of this
kind is, of course, the electric motor, and very great care
must be taken to protect this against damage of all kinds.
In this winch the motor is waterproof ; in fact, the whole
equipment is so constructed that rain has very little effect
upon it. Th6 control of this winch is exceedingly simple. One
horizontal handle works the controller for hoisting pur-
poses, while the motor can be reversed and the load lowered
by means of a small vertical handle worked by the left hand.
It will, therefore, be seen that the amount of skill necessary
to work this apparatus is not great, and that it could be put
ii; charge of an intelligent labourer.
A length of flexible cable for connection to the mains is
furnished with the apparatus, the normal length thus sup-
plied being 80 ft. It is claimed by the makers that the
up-keep cost of such a winch as this is very small and the
cost of operation may be classed in the same categoiy.
These winches are made in four sizes, having capacities of
<), 10, 12 and 20 cwt. respectively. The size of the motor
in these cases vary from 4 to 7, and the hoisting speed from
4| ft. per minute in small sizes to H ft. per minute in the
larger sizes, while the aggregate weight of the whole, in-
cluding boxhig in, varies from H to 1| tons.
We have mentioned above the low cost of operation of
these winches, and the makers furnish us with some interest-
ing figures in supporting this contention. It has been
shown that loads of 100 tons taken in " bites " of one-third
of a ton at a time and hoisted through distances ranging
from 33 to 40 ft. high cost only 2s. 6d., even when energy
I is supplied at the exceedingly high price of 5d. per unit ;
uicluding depreciation and interest on capital, wages for
the operator and provision for repairs, oil, &d. ; the cost
I of moving 100 tons through 33 ft. need not exceed 12s.
j It has been found that 180 tons can be moved m loads of
[one-third of a ton eacli, during a dav of 10 hours. In this
connection it is mteresting to note that quite two-thirds of
the time is occupied in bringing the loads to the winch,
'fastening them to the hook of the hoisting rope and remov-
ing them when hoisted.
Such an equipment as that described above should find a
jVvide application in such places as warehouses, where the
loads met with are not of any great size but are sufficiently
bulky to be difficult to move by ordinary means. It is not
always possible to instal transporters or overhead cranes
in such places, and the introduction of such a hoist as that
described would be an advantage.
Electrical Equipment
of a Rolling XttiW. .
ACCUKDING to the - Elektrisdie Kraflbetriebe und
Bahnen," thePeiner Rollhig Mills are now operating
four blast furnaces of 200 tons capacity, four
cupola furnaces, each of 45 tons capacity, and the same
number of crucible furnaces of 15 tons capacity, as well as
three Siemens-Martin furnaces with a capacity of 30 tons.
The steel from these furnaces is rolled in three mills, and a
phosphorus factory is also worked in connection with the
steel-making equipment.
The whole of the.se works are now equipped throughout
with the electric drive, the motors being supplied with
three-phase or continuous current generated at 10.000 volts
three phase by means of gas engines working on blast fur-
nace gas. The high-tension current is stepped-down in
the works to either continuous or three-phase current at
500 volts, a ring main being fed from the transformer station
at four feeding points. The high-ten.sion three-phase cur-
rent is carried by six overhead wires, and this system is
controlled from a switch tower, in which both hand and
automatic .switches are installed. It then passes on to the
high-tension 'bus bai-s in the sub-station. From here the
motor-generators are fed through automatic switches. Tliis
station contains six three-phase .synchronous motors work-
ing at a voltage of 10,000, a frequencv of 50 and ruiming at
300 revs, per min. These are connected to a continuous
current machine which delivers current at 510 volts. The
high-tension switches and fuses are all placed in the trans-
former house, where are installed the transformers by
which part of the three-phase current is stepped-down to
500 volts. These transformers are oil cooled, and have a
capacity of 500 kw. each. There is also a battery of 289
cells having a capacity of 2,000 ampere hours at a one-hour
discharge rate. A special battery of 125 cells is erected for
supplying part of the lighting of the building. From the
continuous current "bus bars both cables and lead conduc-
tors are laid to the four feeding points. At these points
are fixed automatic switches and n;easuring instruments of
various kinds, these being arranged in iron boxes.
There is a large amount of interesting equipment at these
works. The cupola furnaces are supplied with material by
electrically driven lifts. One of these has a capacity of
li(tons and is driven by a 54 h.p. .shunt-wound motor
running at 950 revs, per min. There is also a ventilator
which is driven by a 250 h.p. motor, and supplies 1,000 cubic
metres of air per minute for blowing purposes in connection
with this furnace. The mills are driven by continuous
current motors, which exert horse-powers varying from
.330 to 900 when running at 90 to 470 revs, per min. These
sets are fitted with flywheels. A number of small machines
are driven by three-phase motors running at 9()0 revs, per
min. The slag is removed by means of two locomotive
cranes, while the slag and ore grinding mills are also driven
by three-phase motors. There are in all 91 continuous
current motors with an aggregate capacity of ().750 h.p.,
and 15fj three-phase motors with a capacity of 3,630 h.p.
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." March 5, 1909.
RppkbD^s Cranes and .
ZmuWiXi Cransporters.
THERE is perhaps no direction in which the electric
drive is more usefully employed than in transport-
ing heavy loads from one place to another, expe-
ditiously dealing with such work as the unloading and
loading" of ships and the handling of material in hulk. A
firm that is well
known through-
out the engineer-
ing world foi'
their crane and
transporter work
is Messrs. Apple-
bys (with which
is incorporated
the Temperley
Transporter Co.)
This firm is the
patentee of the
w'ell-known Tem-
perley Transpor-
ter, which finds a
place in ma)iy
central stations,
and has also
been applied to
the coaling of
warships.
The building
of a shi]i is
necessarily heavv
and arduous work
and the problems
which have to
be overcome in
Fig. 1.— Appleby's 50-ton Crane in Clyde Shipbuilding Yard.
158
transporting the necessary materials to the building
slip are often complicated by this fact. If the slip is
wholly uncovered special arrangements for lifting and trans-
porting machinery have to be made, but the matter is
somewhat simplified if the slip be covered in, for in that
case overhead tiavelling cranes can be used with advan-
tage.
Messrs. Applebys have recently put down a number of
interesting installations. Among these may be included
a 5(l-ton electrically driven overhead travelling crane,
which is now-
working in a
Clyde shipbuild-
ing yard. This
crane is illus-
trated in Fig. 1.
it being one of
the three sup-
])lied for ship-
building pur-
poses. The span
of the crane across
the slip is til ft.
10 in. from cen-
tre to centre of
the rails. Besides
the main hoist-
ing gear, which,
as mentioned
above, has a
capacity of -JO
tons, an auxiliarv
hoist which can
take loads up to
10 tons is also
])rovided. There
are. therefore,
four motions,
and each of these
Cranes at Dublin Harbour.
159
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician. 'March 5, 1909.
REYROLLE
DRUM TYPE
STARTERS
ITTTKD WITH
PATENT RESISTANCES.
Wait nil llic lir-t St.,]. until tin- Motor starts."
OVERLOAD AND NO-VOLTAGE
CIRCUIT-BREAKERS.
PUSH-BUTTON RELEASE.
LOW PRICES.
A-k r r r.Lmphkt X..
A. REYROLLE & CO.,
LTD . '
HEBBURN-ON-TyNE.
DELIVERIES FROM STOCK.
No 9504.
Luminous Radiator
for use on wall as
a bracket.
SIMPLEX
Electric Radiators
We hold a large variety of Electric
Radiators and Convectors. In pleas
ing and artistic designs.
The best l<nown,
The best liked,
The best selling
Electric Heaters
On the market.
SIMPLEX CONDUITS,L
Garrison Lane. Birmingham.
113 7. Charing Cross Rd., London, W.C .
16, Corporation St,. Manchester
72a. Waterloo St,, Glasgow,
61 5, High Bridge, Newcastle,
37, Moorfleids, Liverpool.
11. Denmark St.. Bristol.
TO
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," March 5, 1909.
160
HENLEY'S
TUMEN
%# ULCANISED fr^L
[CABLES \
W. T. HENLEY'S TELEGRAPH WORKS Co., Ld
13 & 14, BLOMFIELD STREET, E.G.
is worked by a separate motor, that i.s, one
motor works the heavy lifting load, one the
auxiliary lifting load, while one deals
with a longitude travel, and a fourth with
the traversing motion. The motors by
which this crane is worked are all of the
reversible enclosed ventilated type and are
fitted with slip rings, the supply being
three-phase.
The heavy hoisting motor runs at 75(1
revs, per min., and has a capacity of
50 H.p. The motor for working the
auxiliary hoist runs at the same speed and
can exert 30 h.p. The travelling motor
and the traversing motor have capacities
of 40 and 15 h.p. respectively, and both
run at the same speed of 750 revs, per
minute. The rating of these motors i.s on
a one hour's run basis. When running for
this period on full load the temperature
rise does not, it is claimed, exceed 90 deg.
above the temperatiire of the surrounding
ail-. The speed of working .of thisjcrane
is 10 ft. per minute when lifting the full
load of 50 tons, 30 ft. a minute on the
auxiliary hoist, while the travelling and
reversing speeds are 2-50 ft. and 80 ft. per
minute respectively when the crane is
loaded to its fullest capacity. In an
equipment such as that we are describing
the design of the controllers is an impor-
tant point. In a ship building yard damp
is naturally very prevalent, and^care must
be taken that all electrical gear is ade-
quately protected against this enemy.
The controllers in this case are of the
barrel type, similar to those now gener-
ally used on tramways. They are totally
enclosed and are as impervious as possible
to outside influences. The resistances employed are also
ot the tramway type.
In many cases where cranes are used for loading
and ^unloadmg material in bulk, it is an advantage
to have the load carried some distance fi-om ships
before again depositing it, and the electric locomotive iib
crane is well adapted for this purpose and is finding an ever
increasing application. One of Messrs. Applebvs' iib
cranes, which ,s fitted with a Temperley automatic' dump-
nvi skip IS shown ,n Fig. 3 This crane is now workino- li
h\g. J. Jib Crane titled with Temperley Dumping Skip.
the Bristol Gas Works. It is fitted with lifting, lowering
and slewing motions as well as with dumping and travell-
ing motions. In spite of the number of uses to which this_
crane can be and is put all the operations are effected by am
single motor and the crane is capable of handling a skip"]
containing 15 cwt. of coke at a maximum radius of 50 ft.,
no matter what is the position of the jib. The electric
motor has a capacity of 30 h.p., and is fed with continuous
current at 220 volts. It is of the ventilated and enclosed
type and runs at (iOO revs, per niin.
161
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." March 5. 1909.
Another interesting equipment put down by this firm are
the three portable electric gantry jib cranes of 4 tons capacity
which have recently been supplied to the Dublin Harbour
Board. We illustrate two of these cranes in Fig. 2. Each
is designed to carry a maximum working load of 4 tons at a
tively with a Temperley patent self-tipping skip. The
driver travels with his load and controls all the operations
of the trolley hoist which runs along the bottom flange of
an H girder. These machines are of great service for con-
veying materials in workshops, foundries, factories and
. — Temperley Trolley Hoist at Plymouth Electricity Wotk;.
warehouses, as well as for handling coal and coke in gas
works, electric power stations, &c.. and for loadii\g and
discliargiiig vessels with imlk cnrgoes of various kinds.
radius of 50 ft. They have a 15 ft. wheel base and a gauge
of 15 ft. The other two, which are shown in the illus-
tration, have 31 ft. gauge with a 15 ft. wheel ba.se. These
cranes are fitted with four motors, one for each motion, and
these have been supplied by Messrs. Vickers, Sons & Maxim.
The one coiniected to the lifting mechanism runs at 500
revs, per min., and is capable of raising a load of 4 tons at
a speed of 150 ft. per minute. The slewing motion is worked
by a 10 H. p. motor running at (iOO revs, per min., and can
slew a full load through 2 revs, per min. The travelling
.speed of this crane is 100 ft. per minute, the motor working
this part of the gear haViing a capacity of 15 h.p. A
derricking motion is worked by a 20 h.p. motor and the .speed
is 20 ft. per minute. As mentioned above, the resistances
employed with Messrs. Applebys' cranes are of a metallic
type, and are in this case quite separated from the con-
trollers, being connected thereto by cables.
Amongst the modern applications of electricity as a
motive power the electric trolley hoist is one of the most
interesting and important. The advantages of the electric
trolley hoist as a means of hoisting and conveying material
are numerous. It is rapid, economical, simple and very
effective ; it occupies no floor space, it picks up and deposits
its load at any desired point in its traverse, and it can be
applied to almost all conditions of working either iiiuh>r
cover or outside.
The Temperley electric trolley hoist illustrated in Fig. 4
is in use at the Plymouth Corporation Electricity Works
for discharging coal from vessels and transporting it to the
store yard. It effects this work by means either of the
automatic grab, as shown in the inustration, or alterna-
Ferranti Starters
Made in OPEN, SEMI-ENCLOSED & TOTALLY
ENCLOSED TYPES for
DIRECT CURRENT MOTORS.
FERRArJTI
PLEASE SEND US YOUR ENQUIRIES.
FERRANTI LIMITED,
HOLLINWOOD, LANCS.
ALSO FOR
SWITCHGEAR AND METERS.
SVPTLEMEN1 to "The Electrician," March 5. 1909.
162
((
THE ELECTRICIAN" TABLES 01
iVo.
Supply Authorit\
1 Aberdeen Corporation
2 Acton Council
3 Ayr Burgh Council
Ens;iiieei' and
Manager.
J. Alex. Bell
.J. Martin Blair .
Roland Marshall
i Barnsley Corporation E. A. Barker..
5 Barrow-in-Furness Corporation H R Burnett.
Principal Local Trades
Power Voltages.
A.C.
C Belfast Corporation .
^ Birmingham Corporation
T. W. r.lo.xani ...
R. A, Chattock ...
Granite quarries, engineering works.ship- ' 4QQ
yards, ice 'actories, fish-curing and pre-
serving works, paper works, woollen
and jute works
Laundries, motor works, dyeing
and cleaning, pi-inting
Principally lesidental.buildins trades. 100 200
laundries, small eng .-works, shipyard I ^. ,' ,
carpet works, boot factory l^ngle phas<
Foundries.laundries.builders and join-
j ers, linen manufters, paper mill, (Sc. :
Shipbuilding, iron, steel and ■ 220, 440
i engineering works
Brickworks, laundiies, foundry,
shipbuilding, ropeworks
I Metal, cycle and jewellery trade? 5,000
D.C
S Blackburn Corporation P. P. Wheelwright
9 Blackpool Corporation C. Furness
10 Bootle Corporation T. Dawson Clothier
'i Bradford Corporation Thomas Roles
12 Brighton Corporation
13 Bristol Corporation
1^ Burnley Corporation..
15 Bury Corporation . . .
18 I Cardiff Corporation
17 [Carlisle U D.C
18 I Charing Cross, West End &
City Electricity Co.
1° j Chester Corporation
•T. Christie
H. Faraday'Proctor
j-Ja?. E. Starkie
! S. J. Watson
I
Arthur Ellis
Cotton manufacture and general
industries
■foinery works, bakeries and
bottling stores and laundries
Timber, engineering, dyeing and
genera!
Textile works, dye works, mechanical
and electrical engineering, miscel-
laneous
Breweries, sawmills, laundries,
foundry, &c.
Tobacco, cocoa, printing, leather,
confectionery and clothing
Cotton weaving, foundries, &c....
S. T, Allen.
H. VV. Kingston
J. M. Gatti {3fan.
Director)
S E. Britton ...
Textile, engineering, paper, &c.
Ship-repairing yards, engineerirg works
foundries, laundries, &c.
Cotton factories, tinplate printers, en-
gmeermg works ami railway shops
I (7 companies)
1
Printing
20 Chesterfield Corporation I!. L Acland
21 Clyde Valley Electrical Power D \ Starr
I ^"^ i
22 Colne Corporation
23 Cork Electric Tramways &
Lighting Co.
24 County of Northampton Electric
i Power. & Traction Co.
''5 ; Co Yentry Corporation
W. J. S. Jones
Ceorge Tough, pro
tern.
26 Derby Corporation ' T. P. Wilmshurst
27 Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire I H. Ghoos
Electric Power Co, ,
A. G. Cooper
H. H. Nalder
Dewsbury Corporation R H. Campion
DubUn Corporation j[ R„ddlc
Dundee Town Council h. Richardson
Engineering, flour mills and
printing
Printing, brewery, furniture-
making, foundries
Steel works, rolling mills, collieries,
paper mills.briik works, foundries, &c,
WeaTiug,spinuing, loom making,foundnes.
tell-mongeriug and electric crane makin-!
Breweries, butter factories, laundries
bacon curmg, feather purifiers, printing'
tanueiies, milling, i6o.
Boot factories, engineering works
and joineries
Cycle and motor cars, toolmaking,
weaving, watchmaking
General engineering, foundries
motor cars, silk mills
Iron works, collieries, lace and hosiery
works, engmeering works, brick-
worKs, (tc.
Woollen manufacturers, rag grinding
printing, laundries, clothing manu
lacturers, wool shaking, iron catting
Saw mills, factories, elevators in
stores, <fcc.
Jute mills, shipbuilding, foundry
220
230, 400
SO-
WS (6210 My-
210-60^,360
■phase 50 wr
200
400
10,000
11,030
transformed'
to 4IIIJ for
220, 440
three-wire
230 2wire
230, 460
three-wire
250
SOO
230
i 460
970
50/9/08
220, 440
three-wire
'' 220, 440
three-wire
220
440
500
220, 440
three-wirt
230
460
230, 460
Total
E.u.p con-
nected at
date
indicated
below.
2 SO
500
4,025J
31/10/08
606
31/12/08
303
31/12/08
685
150
4,641
30/1/C9
12,016
30/9,08
2,200
30/9/08
1,068
1,912
31/10/C8
7,045
31/12/. 8
1,547
24/10/08
7,565
6/1/09
• Total
number of
Motors
connected.
114
50
510
152
1,000
10, 220, 44n I 332
three andfivc ti'/t/ao
wire oi/o/UB
220 1,928
440 22/1/09
200 399 A.C.
400 1,811 D.C.
three-wire' 31/12/08
L. * P, 230 497
480, 3-wire, : oi /i /nq
traction SCO ^^l^/'Ja
100, 200, , Excluding
400,1,001) bulk supply
12,670, 30/9/0:
210, 420
three-wire
240, 480
three-wire
240, 480
three-wirt
460
230, 460
tluee-wii-e
469
716
31/12/08
16,000
30/12/08
366
15/2/09
2,035
31/12/08
120
106 A,C.
271 D.C.
103
ISO
138
290
Largest
Motor
on
Circuit.
H.P.
Max-
de-
mand
Kw.
170 I 174
30 , ...
30 878
300 s.««5
1. &p.
40
120
2,130
30
1,661
65
...
80
■'■ i
57
250
433
tractloi)
29U
...
1
25
1,167
30 I ... i
500 1^,950 I
20
40
200
tvvo.pbise
4,592
28/10/08
£48
120
200
460, 230
three-«iiv
1,805
260
75
780
440
5O0
550
2,113
1/10/08
200
600 1 .
i
220
440
5?6
1/2/09
1C6
30
200 S.P.
three-
phase 346
400
1.400
1/12/08
1,950
350
404
15
65
163
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." March 5. 1909.
ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY.
Method of Driving
Rates.
Approx.
H.P. of other
power dis-
placed by
electric
motors.
Isolated
Plants at
present
Operating.
9=Gas.
Si? = Suction Gas,
.s=Steam.
>Jo.
Group.
H.P.
Indiv.
HP.
Per unit.
Bulk
supply.
(NoTF.-Inst- B.E. Wiring Rules for Mot' rs
general'y app'y in all districts.)
1
3
i
5
200
1,990
About
1,650
50
164
62
1,235
3C0
about
Bo
Bo
500
a|.prux.
100
About
278
447
305
76
800
248
about
th
til
1,450
approx.
2.k1. and Id.
M.l).
IJd. flat
2Jd.&ld.M.D.
3d. to lid.
Lo.id factor basis
IJd. motors
ijd.flat, lifliting
7d & IM. D.I.
3d. & Id.M.U.
2d.-lid. F.R.
2Jd.&ld.
M.D.t
Id. day rate.
2d. to Id.
Sliding scale
3d. and Id.
M.U.
2d. to 500 per
ttr., Id. allowed
2d. to Id.
2d. to |d.
Id. restricted
hours, IJd.
unrestricted
lid. 4;ai3.,i;,d.
and Id. •Mb.
with discount
LightingSid.flat
Power IJd. and
Id. M.D.
l!|d.. Id.
and §d.
IJd. flat, 4d.
& Id. M.D.
Id. and 3Jd.
Also £7 kw. per
ann. of M.D.
Id. unit coiis'd
3d. to Jd.
l*d. 1st 200
units per qti-.,
Id. after
IJd.— Id.
On applica-
tion
ilA. flat, 3(1 .
and Id. M.D.
'd,ljd.,]jd„ld.
sliding scale
IJd. flat and
spl.agreem'ts
l:|d. 2,500 uuits
per quarter and
Id. after
Id. for all
day use
Igd. toO-4d.
2.Jd.(l)— 1(1.
iqd.
2.U1. down-
^^■ards
Under
oonsid'n
id. to
0-7d.
Sliding
scale
...
£3 per
kw.*
Sp'. i-ates
to large
Special
terms
On ap-
plication
Above
2.'>,000 per
annum Id.
Hat rate
On appli-
cation
On ap-
plication
None
Twi.
Tramwn.v
Cmiipanies
On ap-
plication
200
9,000
1,000
700
40
...
...
195
500 steam
450 gas
100
800
2,000
H.P.
ISOfif, 220.s-(/,
2QOs
150</, bQs(j,
200s
...
...
SOOsfif
...
Al.out
4 ,000
...
...
500(/, 200s(/,
2,000*-
Long hour conoumers, J hour M.D.
Short hour consumers, 1 hour M.D.
Includes new scheme of electric pumping at Council's
sewage woiks, auto, plant ; in operation one month
Shipyard agreed to take supply for 400 h.p.
of motors. Supply not commenced yet.
Discount (lighting only) 5 par cent.
6
7
* Lighting and power 3,322, traction 2,970.
t Id. flat with time switch.
R
9
10
11
12
13
t4
3 500 kw. motor-generator sets, property of Bradford
Dyers' Assn., used for converting current supplied to
Corpn. at 6,600 volts, 3-phase, 50 periods, to direct cur-
rent at 230 aud 460 volts.
* Plus Jd. per unit, less discounts.
Special terms to large users.
» To avoid a? fur as pnssibln the use of max. demand
indicators a lla-t rate is usually agreed upon.
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
lo-
Large dry dock being now connected to sup-
ply with 700 H.P.
Power supplied to tramway company, also to
Council for sewage pumping.
Several of ^ iiT. and less not included in
return. Motors let out on hire.
Competing ivith gas at 2s. 8d. per 1,000 c.f.
with 25 per cent, discount when annual
bill exceeds £50.
Ma.ximum deman;! system or Id. restricted
hour.
Large additions in hand.
CECIL HODGES
& CO.
MOTOR STARTERS.
NO UOLT RELEASE.
fl.C. MOTOR SWITCH.
SWlTCHGEflR.
BALFOUR HOUSE,
Firisbury Pavement, LONDON, E.C.
STANDARD U A D li I Q U F Q
THE BEST
For Maintenance and Repair of
Electrical Machinery.
'■Uinu]actiir,\l bi,
For Prices and Particulars apply—
Insulating Varnish Dcpt..
26, BEVIS MARKS, LONDON,
E.C
I'houe- London W.ill l.jU.
SUTTLEMENT to " The Electrician." MarchlS. 1909.
164
"THE ELECTRICIAN" TABLES OF
Supply Authority.
East Ham Corporation W. C. Ullmann
Engineer and
Manager.
Ti'rincip.il Local Traile;?.
Printers for motors, otherwise |
district is purely residential
Power Voltages.
D.C.
Total T „ rffpst
B.H.p..con- Total , ^^j^f. Max. , H.1
i nected at | number of q,., . de- mot(
date I Motors ' circuit. 1 '"'^"'^ '"
' indicated : connected. | „p_ ' | Kw. any
i below. '
H.P.
240, 480 \f'
32 ' Fulham Borough Council
33 Frome U.D. Council
34 Glasgow Corporation
35 I Govan Council
36 Greenock Corporation
37 Grimsby Corporation
Artliur .T, Fuller
F.H.Men-itfc Cloth silk
Eneiueeriug works, woodworking ma-
chioery, launtlries, paper mill
200
Iwo-phaae
1 above 5 h.p.
„ _ ..__ rubber mills,' iroi:
rouiidries, engineering and motor works,
bre^^■eries, mill furnishing, dairies, bacon |
curing, printing
VV. W. Lackie Engineering, clothing, printers,
butchers and bakers
T. C. Parsons ... Shipbuilding and engineering ...
,J. A. Robertson . . Shipbuilding, engineering, sugar
refining
W. A. Vignoles ... Pocks, timber yards, foundries
and engineering works
th ... Laundries, stoneworks and quar-
ries, joinery works, foundry
6,500
38 Guernsey Electric Light & (j. I.akin-S
Power Co. , j „ -
39 , Hammersmith Borough Council I G. G. Bell Engineering works, electric lamp ij'.'u^^jj ""
works, small laundries, &c. ■"- ' '
Drickworks, 'potteries, iron works, Single-pliase
240, 480
three-wire
260/500
three- wire
500, 250
500
250, 460
, three-wire
210, 420
[■ivate, 248
tatiOD, 43)
1/12/08
X,211
Private, 90
Station, 5
40 Hanley Corporation
41 Heckmonclwike Council
Hereford Corporation.
(.!. H. Veaman
(i. H. Carter ..
\V. T. Kerr..
High Wycombe Electric Light | W. E. Brajidreth
& Power Co.
lid chii
Woollen nunufacturera, rag grinders,
foundry, boot and shoe, factory,
coachbnilders, Ac. [
Cider making, breweries, mills
(flour), farm work 1
Chair and cabinet making, paper
mills, engineering I
101) r. 100-
■2011, 40U
44 Hove Electric Lighting Co
45 Huddersfield
C. B. Smith I Purely a residential district e.\-
I cepting shops
.-\, B. Mountain ,,. Cloth manufacturers
Three-pliasp
One-phase
Hull Corporation Electricity u. Bell Engineering, shipbuilding and
Department i oil works
Ilford Urban District Council
Islington Borough Council
Kettering Council
50 Kidderminster & District Elec-
tric Lighting & Traction Co.
51 Kirkcaldy Corporation
A. H. Shaw ! Photographic apparatus, chemi-
cal works, paper mills
Alliert Gay , Uaktrs, brewers, builderi, clothiers, .gingle.phaBe
I coaih and van buildeis, engin^eiiDg j gfj ./.joo 2iK)
1 works, confectioners, printers and 4*>0
W \ Walker Boot and shoe and clothing fac- ]
I tories 1
Carpet manufacture I
230, 460
three-wire
220, 440
420
210
220, 440
three-wiri
230, 460
three- wire
A. Charlton..
O. F. Francis
52 Lancaster Corporation \V. A. Tester..
53 I Leeds City Council H.Dickinson..
54 Liverpool Alfred Clough
55 Lincoln Corporation Stanley Clegg
56 Loughborough Corporation .. W. H Allen ..
57 Luton Corporation \V. H. Cooke..
58 Mansfield Corooration E. Hulcombe
Hewlett
59 Metropolitan Electric Supply Co. J. s. Highfield, En..
. J. Conacher, Gii.M.
60 Middlesbrough Corporation H. M. Taylor
Motherwell S. \Villiann
Linoleum, engineering, furniture,
malting works, linen, &c.
Timber yards, builders' yards,
foundry, linoleum works
N umerous
200
400
Engineering works
Hosiery and engineering
straw hat making, motor cars and lorries,
■ liydraulic and general engineers, foun- i
dries, printing works
Boots, hosiery, cott-n doubling, fonn 1-
iug, tin bo.\, motor bodies, sand and
stone quirries, c -al mining
62 NevKcastle and District Electric W. D. Hunter
Lighting Co.
63 Nelson Corporation D. Helme
Ordinary shops
Iron and steel works, shipyards,
joiners shop
Engineering and steelworks
Engineering and shipbuilding,
steel and lead works, &c.
Cotton manufacturing
64 \ Newport Corporation H. CoUings Bishopl Coal, iron, clothing, nails, brick
233, 460 I
three- wire
460 1
230
460
230, 460
230, 460
230, 460
and 500
220, 440
tliree-wiru
500
240, 480
500-600
200
220, 440
three-wire
230, 460
240, 480
three-wirt-
230, 460
i three-wire
712
30/9/08
27,037
30/9/08
4,658
15/1/09
4,352
31/12/08
995
1/1/09
2,100
2,614
19/12/08
856
31/12/08
6271
31/12/ua
320
3/10/08
592
27/1/09
321
1,043
1,262
5,543
31/3/08
645
22/1/09
2,018
31/12/08
665i
1/2/09
Not
230, 460 1,8
786
15/5/08
425
1/12/08
9,110
31/12/08
9,706
31/11/08 '
1,139|
22/2/09 i
370
50/10/08 I
1,612
10/12/08
240
31/12/08
3,187i
12/1/09
1,694
About
3,000
8,643
25/9/08
280
1/4/08
184
4,011
341
148
120
336
126
35
250
165
150
90
500
150
approx
1,435
1,000
Appx.
1,065
200 •■• 3 2
21
60 1,102 lb
50 355
30
34
357
450
97
403
136
1G5
1,618
2,338
166
67
268
75
874
303
63
On hire
142
150
35
75
500
2,000
4,724
60
50 3,600 1
193 ! .,
463*
200
5,052
works, millers, ship repair3,&c. ! permitted | three-wire 20/11/08
50
21
130
50
100
120, 80
45
43
65
10 I ...
60 I ...
50 1 450
3 of 120 943
150 4,300
40
100 Can-
not
769
165
SVPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," March S, l909i
ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY.— Conthmed.
Method of Driving.
Ho.
(iroup
Indiv.
II. r.
H.P.
672
ipiirox,
Bulk
supply.
Appro.v. Isolated
HP. of other Plants at
power dis present
placed by , Operating.
electric ?=?'"•„
. iitj = feuction Gas
motors. I ■' s=steam.
Remarks.
(Note.— lust. E.E. Wiring Rules for lloto
generally apply in all districts.)
over eou per
qnarter at IJiI.
Id. flat
2Jrd. flat;
4ci. and Id.
M.U.
14-1 k li. M.D,
Id. flat rate for
■ estricteql hours
Sliding scale
2d.— Jd.
2id. to Id.
Ijd. flat,
VOibd. T.S.
3d., Id., gd.
and Jd.
2d. to Id.
Sliding scale
'3d. to Id.
4il.— IJ
tern, 2.^ J. flat rate
or on 2 rate meter
3d. two hra.
lid. after
2d", and Id.
less discount
2d.— Id. per
On ap-
plicdtion
To sub-
stations
On ap-
plicat!ou
Special
terms
•These motors are used in generating.'
station for cooling towers, artesian well,
driving machinery, &c.
Power and lighting on same mains, 500 kw.
day-load motors only.
160, also scj sOg, 20.SV/,
(approx.)
l.OCO
290s, 20C*-
4,000.s
Xumber and horse-powei' uf motors does not
include ths dock.s supply.
* Lighting : 7d..3d. M.D.. 6d. flat 5.^. Power
4d. and lUl. M.D., 2d.-2id. flat."
On ap-
jliding scale plication
Id. flat,
2d.& Id. M.D.
M. to Id. sliding
scale
id. flat
20.(/, 16 O.sy,
CDs
16fir, 200sff
Power load rapidly prowins; and especially favourel
with the many small and diverse trades sub.siiliary to
staple industries of district. *Local for magnetting.
Just connecting a boot and shoe works with
300 ir. r. of motors.
' With discount on liours of running.
All motors are hired out by this company,
and are maintained and inspected.
Radiators are at power rates but are in it
included in this return.
Hired Motor system in operation.
2h p.c. discount for payment within 14 day-
after rendering the account.
On ap-
plioatio
By con- 1 425
tract I
2id. to Id.
sliding scale
2J-d. sliding
scale to Id.
0-8d. to l-75d.
less 5 per cent.
*2d., Ud.,ld.
2id.,2d.&,2d.' On ap-
& Id. M.D plication
Id. flat
About : Aljout
1,512 I 300
2d., lid.,ld.
ld&ld..\I.D.
I Id. daylight
3d. and fd.
M.D.
?d.&.ld.M.D.
.Sp. on app'n,
Id. and Jd.
Max. Ikl.
330ff
497, 25sy,
492.S
About 2OO3
lOOsff, 250s
'This is a combined figure for lighting and
power.
1 large engineering works, 1 large colliery, 1 large
malting works received entire power supply from Cor-
poration.
' 2d. up to 3.U00 per ijr., IJ.l. from 3,000 to 10,000 [icr cjr
Id. all units in excess of 10,000 per qr.
According I
to loa t
factor, &c
Two private plants, total 1,200 kw, running.
*2d. first l.COO per qr., lid. second 1,000 jier
qr., Id. remainder.
Town gas sold at 1 6 1,000 for power. Tram-
way supplj' 1,200 n.i". not included.
Largest installation, shipyard, max. demaiul
400 kw.
2d. and Id. On ap
according to plication
([uantity
Largest consumer. Sir W. G. Armstrong,
Whitworth&Co., Ltd , Elswick Works.
* Motive power — 2|d. for 1st hour per day,
IJd. every sulisequent hour, less 5',.
In negotiation for several large consumers.
GILBERT
ARC LAMPS.
BEST
All Kinds o-F
Write far Price Lists.
THE
GILBERT ARC LAMPCO , Lid.
Works: CHINGFORD, ESSEX.
Tei« phone— 59. Telegrams— Gilbert.
SIEMENS
WIRES
and
CABLES.
SUPPLEMENT td ' The Electrician." March S. 1909.
i^
THE ELECTRICIAN" TABLES OF
Supply Authority.
Engineer and
Manager.
Prinnipnl Local Trades.
Power Voltages.
A.C. D.C.
Total
B.H. p. con-
nected at
date
indicated
below.
Total
Largest
Max.
number of' Motor
de-
Motors
on
mand.
connected.
Circuit.
Kw.
65 North Wales Power and Trac-
tion Co.
66 Norwich Corporation
67 Nottingham Corporation
68 Nuneaton Corporation ....
(jl.C.Aitchisoii (M.), Slate quarrie?, aluminium worl
G. H. Paton (Chief
Elec. Eng.)
F. M. Long ...
U. Talbot ...
S. <'. Gilison
69 Partick Council
70 Peterborough Corporation
7 1 Reading Electric Supply Co
72 Redditch Urban District Council
73 Rochdale Corporation
74 Rotherham Coancil
75 I Salford Corporation
76 Sheffield Corporation
77 Shoreditch Borough Council
78 Shrewsbury Corporation
79 Sniithfield Markets Electric
Supply Co
80 Stalybridge, Hyde, Mossley and
Dunkinfield Electricity Board
81 St Helens Corporation
82 St. Marylebone Borough Council
83 Stockton-on-Tees Council
84 Swansea Corporation
85 Urban Electric Supply Co
86 Oxbridge and District Electric
Supply Co.
87 Walsall Corporation
88 West Bromwich Corporation .
89 West Ham
90 West Hartlepool County Boro'..
91 Whitby (Yorks) District Council
92 I Whitehaven Corporation
Wigan Corporation
\V. .Sillei-y
.1. C. Gill
E. Rowley Hill ...
Wm. -J. Ferguson
C. C Atchison ...
E. Cross
V. A. H. M'Cowen
S. E. Fedden
C. N.Russell
r'. M. Johnston ...
Ivlgiir Dowling ...
Iiobert Elackmore
E. M. HoUings-
wurth
F. A. Wilkinson
•J. .J. Smith.
Boot and shoe, mustard, print-
ing, breweries
Lice, hosiery, tobacco, engincur-
ing, leather
Hat niakiog, hosie y wcdI, cotton, elas-
tic wei, foundry, quarries and
collieries
.Shipbuililiiig and engineering
works
Engineering, brickworks, r.ail-
way
Printers, engineers and iron
founders, saw-mills
Needle trade, fishing tackle
cycle factories
Textile .and engineering
Iron, steel and brass works
Textile ami engineering ...
Steel and cutlei-y work
Printing, shoem;iking, cabinet
and furniture manufacture
C. A. L. Prusmann
•J. E. Edmundson
A. Randall Bell...
A. S. Barnard ...
\^' .A. Jackson ...
A. Hugh Sea-
brook
H. F. Friederichs
L. H. King .
B. Sankej' .
Cold storage
Texlile, paper mill boiler works
bltacii works, engineering works,
iron works
Chemical, glass and bottle works
Printing, building, small work-
shops I various trades)
Shipbuilding, engineering and
ironworks
Metallurgical, coal exporting
&c.
Brickworks, foundries, timber
merchants, engineei-ing works
Flour mills, printing, engineer-
ing, brickmaking
Saddlery,harness,leather,clothing.
iron founding, tubes, brushes
.-^prinj; works, steel rolls, liollow ware
foundries, edge tDols, tubes, seliool
furniture, corn mills, wire nails
Chemical, engineering, flour
mills, ink mills
Blastfurnaces, steel works, ship yards, cti
gine works, paper mill, saw-mills and
joinery works
FisluHg
500
1,000
Windsor Electrical Installation
Co.
95 Wolverhampton Corporation
Worcester Corporation.
■las. Slevin ....
I
A. E. Farrow
Tannery, flour mill, printing
and machinery works, &c.
Coal mining, cotton mills, engi-
neering works
5,050
12/08
2,573
31 12/08
3,575
16/10/08
196
1/1/09
2,569
15/1/09
259
31/12/08
1,697
31/12/08
775
17/11/08
1,166
31/12/08
497
31/11/08
9,697
31/12/08
11,244
12/08
3,900
31/12'08
158
31/12/08
515
8/12/08
5,500
1/1/09
1,600
31/12/08
1,422
24/12/C8
760
31/3/08
1,69U
31/12/08
454
30/10/08
426
4/12/08
676
2S/1/09
1,170
31/12/08
100,200,400 500,200,100 6,046 kw.
31/12/08
1,700
31/10/08
200
200
3,000
220
2,000
200
400
230
220, 440
three-wire
75 125
220, 440
200, 400
three- wire'
220, 440 I
three-wire
240, 480 I
200, 400
200, 400
' 220,440,
500
230
460
220, 440
three -wire
240, 480
three-wire
210
420
100
200
460
230
230, 460
three-wire
240
I 480
230, 460
j three-wire
[ 220,440
three-wire
240, 480
three-wire
105
210
230, 460
230, 460
three-wire
420, 210,,
three-wire
I 230, 460
three- wire
175
136
31/12/08
1,614
31/11/08
tjrewing
97 York Corporation
98 ^ Yorkshire Electric Power Co.
G. E. C. Shawfield Ironwork, edge tool works, corn
mills, paint works, cycle and
„ ., „, motor works, saw-mills, &c.
L. M. bliaw Porcelain, glove, leather, flour, engineer-
ing, various, buttons, confecti'oner v,
printing, horse-hair cloth, &c., works "
J. W. Hame Confectionery and general
VV. B. Woodhouse Textile mills, iron works, col-
lieries, calcium carbide factoiy
100, 200
2,000
I 440, 220
I three-wirej
230, 460
500
230, 460
three-wire
500
2,332
1/10/08
714
20/11/08
1,080
10/12/08
11,000
473
921
51
249
65
256
97
199
74
936
70
33
130
255
487
110
90
49
130
500
210
32
30
220
76
297
132
204
50 750 .It
Stat iou
60 ... :
120
60
15
65
40
50
25
300
20
130
375
60
110
I 50
I
60
55
60
40
110
110
120
18
m
50
' 12-5
100
2 40's
35
140
1,915
468
1,377
383 I
736 j
4,000
300
1,067
320
400
234
167
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." March 5. 1909.
ELECTRIC POWER SUPPL.\ —Continued.
No.
Method of
Driving.
(■roup,
n.p.
2,475 • l^d.-Jd.
: and under
Isliding scale
2d. to jd.
I|d.
Bulk
supply.
Approx.
H.P.of other
power dis-
placed by
electric
motors
Isolated
Plants at
present
Operating.
3= Gas.
Sf^=SuctioiiGn
3,050
Remarks.
E.— Inst. E.E. Wiiins; Rules for Motors
generally apply in all districts.)
Slate quan-y load mostly winding, pumping air com-
pressor and mills. Transmission at 10,000 volts three-
phase, all overhead, Jjare wire. Aluminium supply up
to 1 '.iOOkw. D.O. transmission at 20,000 volt three-phase.
A 150B.H.P. motor-driving sewage pump
will shortly be installed.
a Alinut
1,400
'2
196 2;d to Id. on On ap- ,
sliding scale plicationt
Id. flat rate
lid. flat I ... 1
1
2d. to Id. : ... I
sliding scale. i 1
•2d. to Id On ap-
slidingscale'l plicationl
IJd. andld.
Lht 4d.,Heat Id.,
Power 2d. t0jfr,d.!
•6d.,4d. & 2(1.
or flat 5d.
Ikl. and Id.
2Jd.— •45d. I Onap-
!|plication
2d. and Id. ;
with disc'nts
2d. and Id.
M.D.
Sliding: scale
2d. down to IJd,
50s.(/, lOOs-
20 "il
SOij, 125,s.'/
Quarterly accounts
300
267
About
600
126
419
About
570
2d.(lsthr.)&
lid. M.D.*
4d.and Id. M.D.I.
2id. Bat.
2* to U flat
or'3&j"M.U.
<See remarks)
lid. to i'li.
On ap.
plication
Partly|both id max.
100 1,600 2d.-l^d.flat
with disc.
115 60 £6 pel- kw. per
an. at Id. unit|
Ijd anl4}d.ei)|
■2 ra'e, 2d. for
small motors
554 About I'p to l.ouO units!
1,050 'per annum 2d.
eover l.iwoid,
. £3 per H.p. iu-
I stalled per ann.
and Id. per uni'
Id.
On ap-
plication
Id.— Jd.
1.1. ,V: 1 ; 1. ru-
strictcd Imur
li down-
wards
.Sliding scale
On ap-
plication
St'ui 668 310.'/, tS^iJ, Isolated plauti ou pr.'gent route oi mains (appro
3as 100 230s mate only). "Special teims for special conditions.
Corporation Water Pepartment about i
I take power for punipiiiti- |iur|)ci.Kes.
I ... 'Flat rate.-ISa. first 1,i,mo units per .|r. Id. a'l
I excess, Kixed" charge tysteni .tl per (^r. p^r K ii
demanded tnd lA. per unit consumed
,., Great expansion of use of power supply
rolling mills and cutlery works.
* Plus ±i3per e.ii p. demanded.
* Power— 3d , 2d. and Hd., 5 and 10 p(
cent, discount.
2,000
890
206 since
Aug., 1905
300r/, l,700.s-
1C0.S!/
Special
rates
On ap- j
plication
339.7. IQsg,
SOCf
One works take about 2.^0,000 units per anuuni, and tlie
total auiouut sold p;r annum for power pui-poses
amountel to 348.000 units.
Motor hiring scheme in operation.
* 200,000 per annum and over special rates.
No record Have iu hand au order for 20 H.P. iu motors which
are superseding a suction gas pla
'50g, l,200sy,
500s
About 700
4,.'i00 kw.
1,650
2d. up to loo. 1J.I. up to 200, IJd. up to .500, I.fl. over
500; 10 per cent, discount for over 10,000 per annum,
135 P^^ cent, discount for over l.i,OyO per annum.
80 motors on hire. Enquiry in hand for
large supply for electro-eheinic;d nurpo.-es.
510(7, 25Csg,
5,375s I
200a, 45C.si;
2,000s
Power load aiisen during last three yoais.
FOR ALL PURPOSES.
Best Value at Reasonable Prices.
PORTABLE
HAND LAMPS.
Many New and Interesting Features.
Write for Price Lists.
ACCUMULATOR INDUSTRIES,
C.'i/0/;nv— LTD.,
4, WHITE ST., MOORFIELDS, E.G.
1* orks—Wi&yhury, Woking, Surrey.
V
WIRELESS CLUSTERS.
r No Jointing
' Series or Parallel.
• Simplicity. Reliability.
CHAS. F. TRIPPE,
36, BROOKE St., HOLBORN,
Telephone- -1447 Holborn.
SUPPLEMENT t3 " Thz Electrician." March 5. 1909,
168
€lectrica!lp=drioen
Pumping Plant. >
AMONGST recent contracts for the transmission of
power by electricity carried out by the firm of Messrs.
Ernest Scott & Mountain, of Gateshead-on-Tyne,
may be mentioned that for Messrs. Young's Paraffin Light
& Mineral Oil Co., of Glasgow, for their Ingliston Mines,
ing ropes, this .system of driving giving an elastic medium
between the motor and the pump.
The motors are similar in design to those .shown in Fig. 3,
these being of Scott &: Mountain's direct current multipolar
type, and developing 155 and 85 h.p. respectively. The
motors are fitted with slide rails and rope pulleys. With
each pump, as with the main generator, is provided a switch-
board complete with the necessary starting gear, &c. The
motor-starting switches are of the liquid type. Besides
the ram type of pump, the firm also make centrifugal
pumps, and have actually at work four sets of turbine
pumps, two of which are delivering 1,280 gallons of
Fig. t— Ernest Scott and Mountain Standard Generator.
Fig. 2. — Three-throw Pump.
near Ratho in Scotland. This plant consists of a horizontal
slow-speed steam engine, constructed to develop 400 effec-
tive H.p. with a steam pressure of 75 lb. per square in. at
the engine stop valve. The engine is complete with con-
denser, and has a flywheel 9, tons in weight, 15 ft. diameter,
grooved for 13 cotton ropes each \\ in. diameter.
This engine drives by ropes on to a Scott & Mountain
direct current dynamo similar in design to Fig. 1, this
machine having an output of 300 k\v. at a voltage of 550,
when running at a speed of approximately 420 revs, per min.
The machine is of the three-bearing type as shown, the
pulley shaft being independent of the armature .shaft and
coupled thereto by means of a half coupling; which arrange-
ment enables the armature to be removed without disturb-
ing the driving ropes. This dynamo supplies current for
driving the two mainshaft pumps and also the electric light
at the mine.
The pumps, which are of Scott & Mountain's three-throw
type, and one of which is shown in Fig. 2. are of the follow-
ing dimensions and capacity : —
Diameter of rams ]
Length of stroke 1h"
Involutions per minute 28
Falls per minute (iOO
Head, in feet (j2(i
Xn. 1 pumii. X,
10 in.
1.3 in.
The pumps are each fitted with gunmetal rams, and with
independent and interchangeable suction and delivery valve
boxes. The bearings in each set are four in nimiber, and are
of ample size. The bedplates are formed of cast-iron
gu-ders, braced together at the ends, and the power from the
motors is transmitted to the pumps by means of cotton driv-
water per minute against a head of 680 ft., and two of
them 750 gallons, against 950 ft., these pumps being each
driven by 400 h.p. three-phase motors, supplied with alter-
nating current at a voltage of 2,750 volts. The firm have
also recently installed what is considered one of the largest
main and tail haulage gears- in the country driven direct
by a 3.50 h.p. three-phase motor.
Fig. 3. -One of the Motors at the Ingliston Mines.
169
SVPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." March 5, 1909.
{ TO OBTAIN
2507o MORE
">i
LIGHT IN A
USEFUL DIRECTION
SEE
OUR NEW
CIRCULAR
171 C.
USE
THIS
SUNLITE
REFLECTOR.
SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR
TANTALUM LAMPS.
I
THE SUN Electrical Co., ltd..
Telegrams :
SECABILIS LOMDON.
118-120, CHARING CROSS ROAD,
LONDON. W^.C
Telephone :
GERRARD 2291. 2292.
Ckctric Reater*
A VERY liandy piece of apparatus, of which our gas
friend.s make extended advertisement . is tlie " gey.ser. "
It certainly is a useful piece of apparatus if proper
carebetakeninusingit. but occasions have been known where
the whole thing has gone up into the air at a high velocity
and taken with it portions of the person using it. It has,
moreover, the further disadvantage that great care must
be taken iu carrying away the products of combustion,
which in spite of all Prof. Vivian B. Lewes mav sav.are not
exactly nice things to have about the place.
An exceedingly neat and useful electric geyser has lately
been put on the market by The Electrical Co., 121-12.5,
Charing Cross Road, W.C., and is illu.strated herewith.
Of course, it does not generate dangerous or explosive gases
and is, further, suitable for use on either continuous or alter-
nating current.
This apparatus contains a number of tubes through
which the water circulates and which are heated by an
electric cui-rent. The cold water enters at the tube marked
Z and leaves by the tube A. These tubes are provided with
ribbed ends so that good connection to the supply pipes
may be made with them. The current is switched on or off
by the switch shown at the bottom of the apparatus.
Switching on or off the current simultaneously opens or
closes the water tap so that the current is only on when the
water is actually flowing. This arrangement provides
against the coil being burned out. If C be closed the water
iu the heater can be raised to
110°F., which is, of course, quite
hot enough for most domestic pur-
poses. By turning the tap to the
right more water leaves the outlet
at A, but it is then of course at a
lower temperature. An indica-
tion of how the apparatus is
working is given by the red lamp
fbced to the top of the geyser
which lights up when the current
is switched on. Regulation is pro-
vided by means of two contact
sockets. If the plug is placed in
one of these the apparatus takes
(i amperes and if in the other 3 5
amperes. The introduction of this
apparatus seems to us to be a move
in the right direction towards the
popularisation of electric heating.
As will be seen from the illus-
tration this heater is very com-
pact and in this direction at least,
if in no other, it possesses advan-
tages over its gaseous friend.
Again, when the apparatus is not
in use the current is quite off, for
no bye-pass is required and one
of the drawbacks of the gas geyser
is thereby avoided. When the
day comes tliat gas may be switched on like electric light
this advantage will naturally disappear, but until that time
ariives, gas is always being burnt without an adequate return.
SUPVLKMEST to "The Electrician," March 5, 1909.
170
Petrol €lectric Car for
Raiiu)ap Work. , .
AT tlie present time, wlien railways are making de-
termined efforts to cut down expenses in all direc-
tions, some means whereby branch lines, where the
traffic is light and where receipts are small, can be econo-
micallv worked is a problem which is engaging the attention
of engineers at the present time. As is well known, steam
motoi' cars have, within recent years, found a place on the
branch lines of many English railways, but as far as we know
the electric drive has not yet found any extended use for
this purpose.
Up to the present, accumulator traction has not found
great favour with railway engineers and managers for this
piupose. and it ca)i scarcely be said to have received a
trial ; until it has been justified by results, it may
perhaps, seem that the electric drive is at once put out
of court, for, of course, the better known systems of elec-
tric traction would be impossible under such conditions.
It would appear, however, that the electric drive is to have
a look in, though in rather a disguised form. The Societe
Anon>Tiie Westinghouse has recently completed a jietrol
electric car for use on the line between Miekiten and Tilsit
on the .system of the East German Railway Co. This equip-
ment consists essentially of a petrol engine driving a dvnamo
which in its turn feeds two motors fixed on the car axles.
The line from Miekiten to Tilsit is 3J miles long and its
maximum gradient is 1-1 per cent. The maximum train
weight is 15 tons, and the speed when going up this incline
•does not drop below 10 miles an hour.
The car equipment consists of a petrol engine fitted with a
flywheel, to which is connected a direct cm-rent dvnamo bv
an elastic coupling. This dynamo feeds two direct current
motors fixed on the wheel axles. The petrol engine is of the
Westinghouse four-cylinder type, and when running at
925 revs, per min. exerts 50 h.p. Each cylinder is 4| in. in
■diameter and has a stroke of G in. The carburetter is placed
directly on the engine.
Efficient cooling of the cylinder and valve boxes is ob-
tained by means of a double water circulation, the neces-
sary cooling water being taken from a special tank placed on
the foot plate. A small pump is provided bv means of
which the water can be driven through the jackets into a
cooling tank on the top of the car.
The oil holder contains SJ gallons, and fri.m it is sun-
plied the oil necessary for lubrication, the oil being forced
through the various parts under pressure by means of a
similar pump to that used for the water circulation.
The cylinders and pistons of this engine are both made of
special cast iron, the cylinder covers are of aluminium and
the piston rod and crank shaft of speciallv high resistance
steel. The tank in which the petrol is kept has a capacitv
of 28 gallons. The ■e.x;haust gases escape through a pipe
leadmg out on to the roof of the car. The arrangement for
coolnig the water is placed on the roof, and consists of a
series of copper tubes, which are con-ugated to give a gi-eater
■cooling surface. ^
The shunt- wound dynamo is of the four-pole tvpe. and
min.. its capacitv being ;>2 kw. The switchboard from
which the working arrangements are controlled is spring
mounted on the locomotive frame, and carries a voltmeter
and ammeter, which aie arianged in the dynamo circuit for
controlling purposes.
Each of the two motors has a capacity of 25 h.p. when
running at 380 revs, per min., and drives the road axles
through gearing. Owing to the fact that the branch on
which this car has to work has no turntable it is built with
two driver's platforms. Regulation can be effected by
altering the quality of admission mixture, and for this piu'«
pose a switchpillar is jirovided in each car. On this are fixed
handles, by means of which the gas mixture can be regulated.
The two platforms are connected together as regards this gear
under the waggon frame by means of rods and wire arrange-
ments, so that control can be effected from either end. Two
men are necessary for looking after this car, one for the con-
troller and the brakes, while the other attends to the work-
ing of the engine. The driver's platform at each end con-
tains an ordinary drum-type controller, whereby the usual
series and parallel arrangement of the motors can be ob-
tained.
Some very interesting figures of the operation of these
cars have been arrived at. It appears that with a 30 h.p.
petrol engine a speed of 20 miles an hour can be obtained
with a consumption of H lb. of petrol per mile. The cor-
responding costs are as follows : —
Per car-mile.
Fuel 0-97cl.
Lubrication 0-30d.
Miscellaneous ....■ 0-02(1.
Wages 0-55cI.
Upkeeji and maintenance 0-58<;l.
Total 2-42d.
The above data were obtained from a train consisting of
one motor car and one trailer, the total weight, including
passengers, being 25-4 tons.
The latest develoment in the petrol-electric drive for
railway work is the placing of an order for an 80 h.p. car by
the Hungarian State Railways with the Westinghouse C"o.
This car will work a train consisting of itself and two trailers.
delivers current at 500 volts whei
1 runnmg at 925 revs, per
Cftrec Staflc Curbine Pump.
Ax interesting development in electrically-driven turbine
pumps is an equipment recently put on the market
by the Worthington Pvunp Co., of London. As will
be remembered, this machine was exhibited at the Man-
chester Exhibition, where it attracted much attentioir. Its
principal feature is the absence of multiple guide vanes
and its three separate impellers, an arrangement which is
the standard practice of the Worthington Company.
At Mancliester this machine was driven directly by an
electric motor running at 1,200 revs, per min. At this speed
it can deliver (iOO gallons against a ."500 ft. head, but its full
capacitv is 550 gallons a minute against a head of 450 ft.,
the speed then being 1,450 revs, per min.
Instead of using multiple guide vanes, each impeller
delivers into a single sjiiral passage of special design. This
arrangement, it is claimed, enables the pump to convert
the velocity of the liquid into pressure without loss of
efficiency. Great reduction of wear and tear is, it is claimed,
therebv obtained.
171
SUPPLEMENT to " Ihe Electrician," March 5. 1909.
Che €lectrical €qulpment of
£eda ana Siioer IPines.
S1N<'K tlif (lays of tlie aiu-ieiit Hiitons lead and silver
mining as an indnstiv has not b(>en very pro-
minent in this country. Tlierc are. however,
places where it is still carried on with much vigour, and it
is pleasant to notice that the electric drive has found its
wav into these during recent years. Certain installations
in Cornwall form a notable example.
One of the most modern of these installations is that at
Braubach (Germany), which has recently been ecjuipped by
the Felten & Guilleaume-Lahmeyerwerke A. -6., of Frank-
fort. Steam plant has been replaced by electric motors, the
conversion resulting in a great saving in power, and a num-
ber of tests that have been carried out to determine the actual
economy obtained have resulted in some very interesting
figures. In this case, in addition to tne actual mining, the
ore is purified and reduced to some extent before tranship-
ment, and the work carried out at Braubach requires,
besides the usual hoists and lifts, blowers and exhausters,
which are used in connection with the reduction furnaces.
The mine is rather of the " open-air " type when con-
sidered in relation to our own ideas on the subject in this
country, but such an arrangement has the undoubted
advantage of not requii'ing heavy haulage gear, for, as will
be seen from the following description, this latter is of quite
small capacity.
The mines have their own power station, which, though
small, is sufficient for their needs. In it is erected a
direct current shunt wovuid dynamo of 275 kw. capacity
running at 325 revs, per min. and giving out current at
225 volts. This set is lope driven from a steam engine.
The current is distributed from the main switchboard to
a number of smaller boards whence the various motors are
fed and the lighting of the mines supplied. The mains
from the switchboards are run bare on porcelain insulators
to these sub-boards, of which there are seven. From one
of these is fed a 7 h.p. and a 19 h.p. motor both driving
l)lowers. These latter are in both cases belt driven, while
the motors are mounted on pillars placed above the blowers,
and are thus conveniently out of the way. A switchboard
near the roasting ovens supplies electric motors for the
turn-tables and for two lifts, both of which are worked in
connection with the ovens. The first of these is driven bv
a totally enclosed shunt wound motor with a capacitv of
7 H.p. and running at 925 revs, per min. The starter for
this is of a special type and is designed for an overload
capacity of 100 per cent., the resistances being adequately
protected by being placed in oil. The roasting oven lifts
are driven by a totally enclosed 6 h.p. motor, which is al.so
dust and vapour-proof, this very careful protection being
neces.sary on account of the dusty nature of the ore.
All the lifts are controlled from the uppermost platform
by means of hand wheels, the control being so arranged
that it is not possible to start up too quicklv. The con-
troller must, in fact, be turned from notch to notch and the
controlling wheel itself can only be worked with one hand.
These lifts are supplied with the ordinary magnetic hand-
brake.
On the furnace floor is a switchboard supplying a (i h.p.
motor running at 470 revs, per min., from which an ex-
hauster fan and a sack cleaner are driven. There is also
a double furnace lift which is operated bv a fi h.p. motor
ReliabUHy
— the ' Sine qua non ' in all engi
neering work — is the outstanding
feature in
■' Electric & Ordnance "
Direct-Current Motors.
For driving machine tools, printing
presses, bakers' machinery, iron
and steel works machinery, &c., &c.
They are modern in design, of best
materials and workmanship, and
can be relied on absolutely.
QCOTA7 /0.\S SL'BMITTKD OX
RliCEJPr OF ['ARTICCLAKS.
The Electric & Ordnance Accessories Co., Ltd.
Birmingham.
and has a capacity of 7 tons. From another board is su]>-
plied a motor driving an exhauster and also a pump which
.supplies water at the rate of 4.000 litres an hour. Exten-
sions to this plant are under consideration and in that case
motors will al.so be put down for working a filteiing
equipment.
At the present time, besides the installation mentioned
above,' there is a large stone-breaker which is driven by a
totally enclosed 14 h.p. motor. The starter of this motor is
fitted with both no-load release and an overload cutout, as
is, of course, usual in this country, but there is also an
arrangement whereby the alarm can be given when the
current exceeds a certain value. The starter is fixed close
to the motor, but protection to the personnel is further
effected by means of a special switch. The mills in which
the ore is ground up are al.so driven by motors having
capacities of 15 and 25 h.p. respectively.
The transporter which conveys the lead ore to the roast-
ing furnace is electrically driven by a <)-5 h.p. motor direct
connected to the main switchboard. The compressed air
which is necessary for the various processes is supplied
from an 18 h.p. motor, and other motors are u.sed for crane
and similar work. It will thus be seen that the electric
drive can also find a useful place in the working of mines
supplying other material than coal: except for the absence
of fire- damp the pioblems to be met with are not verv
different, though large winding engines are not required in
this case. In fact, electricity may be said to play an even
greater part in the production of certain of the metals,
than it can ever do in the case of coal. It is already used
for refining purposes and is also finding an application in
the actual reduction of the ore.
SUVPLEMENT to '''ihe Electrician." March 5, l'^U9
172
flexible Couplings.
IT is curious to note'tlie rapid "growth in favour of the
.flexible coupling for diiect-coupled sets, even in the
case of high-speed steam engines, where the variations
in angular velocity^are not such-as to prohibit solid flange
Fig. 1. — Gas Engrne Set fitted with Zodel-Voith Coupling
couplings. Of course, for gas engine drives, it has long been
recognised that flexible connection was desirable, and in
the case of alternating current sets essential, but nowadays
we are continually finding them employed on steam sets,
air compressors, pumps, fans, and on motors coupled to
shafting. The reason probably lies in the fact that since
the flexible coupling has been perfected and greatly reduced
in price most engineers are realising that it pays for itself
by avoiding the need for heavy combined bed plates, saving
bearing wear and stoppages due to seizing, diminishing
wear and tear by damping, vibration. &c.
Probably the most popular design at present is the Zodel-
Voith patent, which is made in this countrv by Messrs.
Fig. 2.— Section of Zodc'-Voith Coupling.
Sanderson & llobinson, of Mansfield. We are indebted for
the following information to Mr. Jens Orten-Boving, of
Westminster.
,It is claimed that not only do these couplings ensure
steady running and compensate for disalignment but
they also possess insulating properties. As shown in the
accompanying figure, the standard tvpe of Zodel-Voith
coupling consists of four parts, an outer and an inner disc
with suitable bosses, a rim bolted to the outer disc so that
it can be detached iii order to obviate the necessitv of
unlacing the belt if either shaft has to be removed, and
a leather belt coiniecting the inner and outer rims. In
another type, known as the flywheel type, the coupling
consists of an inner part similar to that described above,
and this can be fitted to a specially prepared flywheel or to
flat ring fixed to the^'surface or spokes of an ordinary
flywheel. ^T'
In the patentjreversible coupling there are two belt rims,
one for each direction of rotation. The
belts of the two rims are tightened against
each other, so that little or no play
exists between them. This coupling can
also be dismantled without the belts
having to be unlaced. Another somewhat
similar coupling is the B.B., which is
; specially designed for high speeds. This
consists of two flanged half couplings
into one of which specially designed
liolts are fixed. The bolts are fitted with
compressed leather washers and engage
easilv in corresponding holes in the other
half coupling.
1 'jThese couplings are having a wide ap-
Bplication, not only as a connection
ebetween prime movers and generators, but
also in factory work and tor driving pumps, blowers and air
compressing machines.
€lectric Drioe in Copper
Rcrining 112111$. * . *
A RECENT luimber of the " Australian Mining Stan-
/-\ dard " contains an article by Mr. B. Magnus on the
electrical plant at the Port Kembla (N.S.W.) Mills
of the Electrolytic Refining & Smelting Co. of Australia.
At these mills copper ore is smelted and refined, and it has
been possible, besides using the electric current for refining
]iurposes, to employ it in driving a number of motors and
for the supply of lighting.
In the boiler house of the mills are five large water-tube
boilers, equipped with superheaters, induced draught fans,
and automatic stokers ; 160 lb. steam at 100 deg. super-
heat is to be used. An electric crane is arranged to load
coal into the stokers, and to handle the ash. The com-
plete boiler equipment was supplied by Babcock & Wilcox.
There are two electrolytic generators, direct current
interpole machines, connected to triple-expansion engines,
by Belliss & Morcom. of 880 h.p. each. Their output is
550 kw. at a 125 volts, but are also capable of giving a con-
tinuous output of 4,400 amperes at any voltage between 75
and 125. Each of these generators is capable of supplying
current to 400 tanks, and the output in electrolytic copper
from each generator is 38 long tons per day when the cur-
rent is used at 90 per cent, ampere efficiency. As the 'bus
bars on the tanks are of ample size, it is estimated that the
two machines can be run in parallel, in which event the
output of the tank house would be 70—75 tons per day.
In the smelting department two electric locomotives are
used for drawing the steel ladles which carry the slag fi'om
the furnaces. The converter plant is also electrically
driven, and is capable of producing about 25 tons of blister
copper in 24 hours. ^
173
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," March 5, 1909-
K- A I A V Switch and
"MUMA Fuse Board
FOR 500 VOLTS
REDUCED PRICES 7909.
SEE PAMPHLET JUST ISSUED.
Condon Slorcs :
THE SLOAN ELECTR!CAL CO., Ltd.
15, Fore Street Avenue, F.C.
PARMITER, HOPE & SUGDEN
HULME ELECTRICAL WORKS
MANCHESTER
J\ 70=1011 Cicctric Craocrser.
AN intere.sting equipment, which has recently been
con.structed at the works of Messrs. S. H. Hcy-
wood& Co., of Reddish, near Manchester, is a 70-ton
electric traver-^er. This traverser is intended for use in ;i
puts either one or other of these machines into gear.
The gear wheels are of steel, and the travelling and
hauling speeds are identical — namely, 150 ft. a minute with
the full load of 70 tons. For checking the speed of this
equipment a brake is provided, which works on the second
motion shaft, and is operated by a foot lever fixed close to
the controller. The current is connected from overhead
wires by means of
a steel pole fitted
with two collectors,
and is controlled
from a small
switchboard, upon
which is fitted a
double-pole switch,
fuses and overload
cut-out. The whole
of the wiring on
the traverser is en-
closed in steel tub-
ing. This machine
was submitted to a
distributed load of
1 10 tons, which it
■itood satisfactorily.
Fig. 1. -Hey wood's 70-toii Electric Traverser.
locomotive works abroad. It is
built up of steel throughout,
and is as shallow as po.ssible
when due regard is paid to
rigidity.
All the runners are of cast steel
and have heavy cast-iron bearings,
which are bushed with phosphor
bronze. The traverser is operated
by a 20 h.p. D.C. 220 volt motor,
which runs at (300 revs, per min.
This motor performs double dutv,
for it serves to drive both the
traversing gear and the capstan
by means of special gearing. There
are three speed reductions in each
ca.se, the first two of which are in
use no matter whether the tra-
verser gear or capstan is being
employed, while a claw clutch
operates the third motion and
Fig. 2- — Electrxdl Equipment of 70-ton Fraveiser.
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician," March 5. 1909.
174
J\ Mm J^pparatus for
I12act)i»in9 IBotors. .
THE necessarv internal machining of an electric motor
is often rather difficult to perform b}' means of
ordinary machine tool arrangements. Any improve-
ments in this direction will be at present welcomed by the
motor manufacturers, and we are, therefore, pleased to be
able to describe an apparatus which has been specially
Fig, 1.— Self-containeJ Kearns' Apparatus for Machining Motors.
designed to perform the internal work on electric motor
bodies. It is possible to do the whole of the operations such
as drilling the pole pieces, either for ordinary or interpoles,
automatically tapping the poles, performing anv milling
operations that are required, such as milling the vertical
slots for interpoles and machining small facings, &c. The
Fig. 2.— Special Attachment to Lathe for Motor Work.
machine we are describing is made by Messrs. W. H.
Kearns & Co., of Broadheath, near Manchester, who are
joint patentees of the apparatus together with Electio-
motors, of Openshaw, Manchester.
\ThQ apparatus, as shown in the figures, can be supplied
either as an attachment to any standard horizontal drilling
or bormg machine, to which it can be secured or removed
from, m a few minutes, or when desired it can be supplied as
an entirely self-contained machine driven either by pulley
and belt or direct coupled motor.
The apparatus consists of an inner shell A, which is secured
to the machine by bolts in T slots. This shell has fastened
to it a steel rack, B. which is actuated by a steel pinion, C,
and through a'steel worm and brass worm wheel, D and E,
is raised and lowered by a hand wheel F. The outer shell G
carries the table T. and the pillar is fastened to casting Z which
connects shaft M to .shaft Y, and this together ravels in a
horizontal direction on the slide of the inner shell A. / The
drawings show the whereabouts of these various parts.
Fig. 3. — View of Reams' Appa-atus for Machining Motors.
The drilling head J is driven through mitre wheels K from the
spindle, or horizontal boring machine, by means of a Morse
taper .shank L. The twist drill is actuated from mitre wheel
shaft M which has forged on it a steel pinion N, which gears
into a steel wheel 0, and which transmits motion to the
spindle P. Gland X on head J is made oil-tight by means
of a leather packing. The outer sheel G has secured to it by
means of bolts and slots Q, and tongue piece H, a circular
disc S, which in its turn carries a table T which is kept from
lifting by means of keep-plates U. The table carries the
circular register V for the various sizes of bodies that require
drilling. The table is locked in po.sition. and the position of
the various holes drilled is located by means of the catch W.
The novel points claimed for this apparatus are : — (1)
Automatic drilling of holes with the use of automatic power
feeds, quick hand traverse. &c., inside electro-motor bodies,
obviating the use of hand drilling tackle, portable electric or
pneumatic drills, or drills driven by flexible shafts. (2)
Automatic spacing by means of a revolving register plate for
the poles, inter-poles or any other drilling required, also
automatic spacing in a vertical direction. (3) Automatically
tapping any of the drilled holes by means of the self-con-
tained driving arrangement. (4) Application of this appara-
tus to milling operations.
li ^ Q „J^^.
pfislTENCilSOR^^
Lonl'^'P^™.. - 11' ^^^ SJ.'^F^"!'' MANCHESTER. | Glasgow Office ... 65, Renfield Street. CO., LTD.
12, KING STREET, MANCHESTER. I Glasgow Office ... 65, Renfield Street. ^v/., i.
^y, «ueen Victoria Street, E.G. | Newcastle Office ... Standard Ctiambers, Neville St
T^VIJJlM/^n .«« <-ardifr Office Temple Cliambers, 8, St. John Street.
PLAN* iJ^^°^^' ENGINES, BOILERS, LIFTS, &c., Insured, Inspected and Tested.
Chief E,^^?. M^CHAE™rK?i?r\'°M^® ^^^^^n''^^^- SUPERVISION DURING CONSTRUCTION.
gincer . M.(.iiAt.L LONGKIDGE, M.A., M.Inst.C.E., M.I.Mech.E. Elcc. Enguieer .- LLEWELLYN FOSTER, A.M.I.C.E., M.I.E.E.
Secretary : EDWARD MOSS.
175
SVrPLEMENT to "The Electrician." March 5, 1909.
THE MORDEY-FRIGKER
ELECTRICITY METER Ct
LIMITED,
82, Victoria Street, Westminster, S. W.
Tclrphonr : 221 Victoria. Telegrams: "Shadowless London."
DIRECT CURRENT
PREPAYMENT
M
SIMPLE, CHEAP, ACCURATE.
APPROVED
BY THE BOARD OF TRADE.
THOUSANDS IN USE.
EDISWAN
AUTO-TRANSFORMERS
MADE
throughout by the Edison £( Swan
United Electric Light Co., Ltd.,
at their
PONDER'S END WORKS,
and
Standard Voltages and I^inges
CAN NOW
BE
DELIVERED
FROM STOCK
"■HirVaiie' Cimg Cimit.
ANUMBEl! of tiine-lag devices have from time to
time been placed on the market, designed to im-
prove the service on circuits liable to heavy
momejitary overloads by allowing temporary earths or
short-circuits to clear themselves by burning out, and tem-
porary overloads to continue until their further duration
would become dangerous. One of the best devices of this
kind is the " Air- Vane " Time Limit, manufactured by
Messrs. Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works. This time
limit, a view of which is shown in Fig. 1, is of the inverse
type — i.e., the time by which the circuit- breaker, or other
switchgear to which it may be fixed, is delayed from trip-
ping, diminishes as the overload increases. The mechanism
consists of a small air-vane driven through a train of
wlieels actuated by a rack, which in turn is attached to tlie
tripping device of the apparatus it is desired to contrgl.
Tlie spur wheel, driven by the rack, is fitted with a ratchet
and pawl, a friction clutch lieing interposed so that in the
event of an extremely hea\y overload the rack will be
pulled out completely and instantaneously witliout driving
the gear wlieels at all. A screw is provided by means of
which the clutch can be locked, if desired, so that the
action will ne\er be (juite instantaneous ; tliis will meet
the requirements of systems with e.xceptionally heavy
fluctuations of load.
The time lag can be varied within wide limits to suit all
requirements, and with the same pull the release will
always operate after the same interval of time to within a
small percentage. The device is practically unaffected by
atmospheric conditions or variations of temperature, and
since no current passes through the apparatus there is no
l)ossibility of any of its parts burning out. All moving
parts are enclosed in a strong metal case. Pig. 2 is a view
of an " Air-^'ane" Time Limit attached to a circuit breaker.
Fig. I.—" Air-Vaoe "
Time Limit.
Fig 2 —Time Limit attached
to Circuit-Breaker.
It will thus be seen that tiie " Air-Vane" time limit
possesses all the attributes of a successful protective device
combined with an ingenuity of mechanism which will add
to the interest taken in the instrument.
JUfPLEMENT to "The Electrician," March 5, 1909.
176
I C'^A/IQ'Q TO LIBRARIANS AND GENERAL READERS. OIROIll ATI NO
LtWId »J The Quarterly List of Additions is sent post free wIllV/Wfc-M I IIIU
recularly to any address. It i a CUssified and Annotated Guide to the Scientific Publications ot the previous three monlhs.
ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL & GENERAL ENGINEERING TEXT BOOKS & TECHNICAL WORKS.
Kcio Works and Rcw ediiions can be had from the Eibrarp immcdiatdv) on publication.
SUBSCRIPTION, Town or Country, from ONE GUINEA. READING ROOM open Daily to SUBSCRIBERS.
136. QOWER ST., & 24, QOWER PLACE, LONDON,W.C.
Tclefrrams: "Pcbiicavit London." Teleplione : 1 072 1, CF.NTRiL.
SCIENTIFIC
LIBRARY.
Reprolle Diuiditifl Boxe$>
IN these days of extra high voltages the problem faces the
dividing-box designer of how best to separate those
parts carrying widely different voltages without, at the
same time, taking up too many acres of land or square feet of
wall space. The problems are difficult when the voltages do
A. Reyrolle & Co., of Hebbu'rn-on-Tyue. It is in fact an.
adaptation of their well-known gear and although its size is
gargantuan it is not out of the way, considering that the
voltage for which it is designed is 20,000 volts. The sec-
tional drawing given herewith is marked with the principal
dimensions, and gives an idea of the general arrangement
of the whole. We also illustrate one of these boxes fixed
ill place.
This box i.s intended for taking a three-core lead-covered
cable single rubber, cambric covered, or bare. The largest
' Fig. 1 —View of 20,000 volt Reyrolle Dividing Box.
not exceed 3,000, but when they run up to 20,000 the troubles
increase as a square of the distance.
We illustrate herewith one method for overcoming these
trouioles which has lately been put on the market bv Messrs.
Section o! 20,000 volt Box.
diameter hole in the gland is .'^j in., while it gives some idea of
the size of the box, and will also probably rejoice the com-
pound maker's heart, to mention that the weight of com-
jiound required for filling purposes is 100 lb.
MASCHINENFABRIK
OERLIKON
Generators.
Motors.
Transformers.
Switchboards.
STEAM TURBINES
ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVES
Isolated Plants.
Electric Cranes.
Pumping Plants.
Electrolysers.
Compiclc equipments for Power Craiismission. Dislritiilion and Utilizalion
G. WUTHRICH. Oswaldestre House, Norfolk St., ^
Manager and London Resident Engineer
STRAND, LONDON, W.C.
177
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." >Iarch 5. 1909.
IDetallic Filamesit £amp$
for Street Ciflhtina^ . .
IN a Paper read receutly liel'ore tliu Xorih WcsUnn
I'^lectrical Association at Milwaukee, U.S.A., lAr.
H. Schroeder discussed the. question nf liglitiiig liy
inetallic filatnent lamps connected in series. Street light-
ing as a wiiole lunl not, he said, received proper attention
in tlie past, and, being most prominent in the eyes of the
indilic, careful consideration should be given to it by the
station engineer. la tlie opiinon of the author,incandescent
lighting for suburban and residential streets was the ideal
svsteni. It was stated th.it five large arc-lamp instal-
lations in New England in outlying districts had been
replaced Ijy clusters of tungsten lam]is connected in series.
In sparsely settled districts, in order to obtain a reasonable
illumination between lamps, the greater cost of arcs did
not warrant their proper spacing, lloderately low candle-
](ower units, spaced at Ireipient intervals, would light a
street much more economically.
The economy of the tungsten lamp connected in series
was twofold : First, in the .saving in consumption per year
and, second, in the capacity of transformers and station
apparatus. .\.s an exam])le of the former advantage, in
the case of the .■'i2 c.p. lamp burning 4,000 hours, all riight,
<;very night for a year, the e.irbon lamp consumed 448 kw.-
hours in a year, while the tungsten lamp consumed 160 kw.-
houis in the same time, giving a saving of 288 kw.-
hours. At Id. per kilowatt-hour this saving was £1. Ms.
annuall3^ Assuming four renewals of the carbon lamp
and three of the tungsten lamp j)er year, the extra cost of
tungsten renewals for central stations which used ] ,000 to
5,000 lamps of all kinds per year would be 7s. annually,
making a net saving, including power and lamp renewals,
<if 17s. annually. At an energy cost of jd. per kilowatt-
hour, the annual net saving due to the sub.stitution of the
tungsten lamp would be lis.
In ciimijetition with gas or gasoline mantle lamjis the
tungsten lani[) could easily give better service at prolitable
rates. From tests made in several cities on the mantle
lamp, while operating under actual conditions, the follow-
ing data were obtained : Maximum candle-jjower found
anywhere, ^>5-l ; highest average candle-power foinnl in
any city, o&7 ; lowest average candle-power found in any
rity, 10-8 ; minimum candle-power found anywhere, (J'o.
Thus a 40 c.p. tungsten series lamp wdiich maintained its
candle-power practically constant throughout life would
certainly give better results than the mantle lamp, even
though the "W'elsbach mantle lamp was rated at .60 c.p.
The tungsten lamp maintained its candle-power better
throughout its life, and by means of modern reHectors this
advantage' could be increased by about 2-5 ])er cent, within
a space wdiose boundaries made angles of 8 deg. and 25 tleg.
with the horizontal.
In ease a lamp should go out of cuminission, a special
series socket with a film cut-out was provided to ensure
continuity of supply. The receptacle containing this
apparatus was so constructed that the lamp and socket could
be removed at any time without opening the circuit. A
new brass disc film cut-out had been made that W(iuld
readily puncture on 200 volts, which effectually overcame
the troubles previously encountered with sockets liurning
out due to the i'ailure of a mica film to puncture wjien the
lump burnt out. This cut-out consisted of two round brass
plates about } in. in diameter, which were ludd together
and insulated from each otlier by a piece of veiling and
.sonre varnish. On account of the high ethcieacy of the
tungsten lamp, the series lamp business had increased
enormously in the last six months.
Itiacx to Jiaueriiscrs.
Accumulator ludustries
British Engiue, Boiler & Electrical lusurauco Co.
OromptoD & Co., Ltd
Edison & Swan United Electric Light Co., Ltd. ..
Electric & Ordiiaiu-e Acressories Co
Electromotors Ltd. (Openshaw)
Ferranti Limited
Gilbert Arc Lamp Co
Great Central Itailway
Henley's (W. T.) Telegraph Works Co., Lt.l
Hodges (Cecil)
Lewis, H. K
Maschinenfabrili Oerlilion (G. Wutliri.li)
Mordey Fricker .Meter Co., Ltd
Parmiter, Hope i: .Sugdi'U
Keyrolle Limited
Sanders, Eehders & Co., Ltd
Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works, Ltd
Siemens Bros, & Co
Simplex Conduits, Ltd
Standard Varnish Works
Sun Electrical Co
Trippe, C. F
Vickers, Sons i: Maxim
Weston Electi-ical Instrument Co
SUPPLEMENT to "The Electrician." March 5, 1909.
178
SILVERTOWN INSTRUMENTS
Four-Dial Bridge, A 424. With Plug Dials,
Bridges with Sliding = Contact Dials are also supplied.
Head Offices:
10b, Cannon Street, London, E.G.
The India Rubber, Qutta Percha
and
Telegraph Works Co., Ltd.
Works :
Silverto-wn, London, E.
IS 0(1 by GKOHaiS TUCKER, ac the KUaniial. Piintini; and J-iiblisliins Uttices, 1, 2 and S, Salisborv Court, Flket Stbeei, in the City of
LONDON. Fridat, March 6, 196'.'.
THE ELECTRICIAN:
THE OLDEST WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF
KLECTRICAL ENGINEERING, INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND FINANCE.
ESTABLISHED, First Series (Weekly), 1861; Second Series (Weekly), 1878.
No. 1,608. [Jil-SJ^i.]
FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 1909.
Price Sixpence %l^*-
Abroad id., or 18 cents, or 900., or 80p/-
CONTENTS OF THE CURRENT NUMBER,
Notes 827
Arrangements for the Week 829
Researches on the Alawnetic
Properties of a Series of
Carbon Tunjrsten Steels.
Bv T. Swiiaden, B.Met.
Illustrated 830
A Note on the Photoelectric
Properties of Potassium-
Sodium Alloy. By J. A.
Fleming, M.A., D.Sc,
F.R.S. Illustrated 832
Electric Traction on Railways.
XIII.— Methods of Speed
Control. By Philip Dawson.
Illustrated. Continued .. 833
E xtending the Limits of
Power Transmission. By
A. M. Taylor. Illustrated 836
Leeds Electricity Undertak-
ing. Illustrated 838
Three-phase Motors with Con-
troller Attached. lUus. . . 843
,\Ilen's Enclosed Oil Engine.
Illustrated 844
The Capacity of Paper Con-
densers and Telephone
Cables. By A. 'Le\e\\ny
and A. P. Andrews. Illus. 845
Transformers for Measuring
Instruments. Illustrated.. 846
Load Equalisers — Dixr iixtion 847
. Unavthoriskii E],K(Tkiiit\
! SuppLi 848
j Reviews 849
I India Rubberand its Manu-
facture [Terry]. Re-
viewed by Mervyn
O'Gorman. Power Gas
Prod ucers [Robson] ; Sta-
tionary Steam Engines
[Fowler]; L'UsureAnor-
male des Turbines Hyd-
rauliques [Dalemont].
The Dielectric Strength of
Compressed Air. By E. A.
Watson, B.Sc.Eng. Illus. 851
The Kapp-Hopkinson Test on
a Single Direct-current Ma-
chine.—/>is™s.«i«H 852
Physical Society 853
The "Yorkshire " Boiler. By
W. H. Casmey ". 854
Mining Switchgear. Illu.s. . . 854
Legal Intellicence 855
ParliamentaryIntelligence 855
Municipal, Foreign & General
Notes 856
Trade Notes and Notices .... 859
Companies' Meetings and
Reports 863
New Companies, &c 866
City Notes 866
Companies' Share List 867
N O T £: s.
Progress in Electricity Supply.
We do not siqijiose that the Lcical Government Hoard
would be de.scribed, even by its most ardent admirers, as a
commercial body to whom business matters appeal equally
with those of an engineering character. On the other
hand, municipal authorities are becoming increasingly
businesslike of necessity. Whatever they may have been
in the earlier days, most of them realise, whether they
desire municipal trading or not, that once they have taken
up the business of electricity supply they must proceed to
handle it on business lines. One essential of business
organisation is to look to the future and to be prepared to
meet a demand as quickly as it arises, at all events if it is
likely to be permanent in character. Here, however,
difBculties have arisen with the Local ( iovernment lioanl
in the past, for when extensions are required to an under-
taking it has generally lieen necessary to prepare detailed
information, to send up plans and estimates to the
Board, and then to wait calmly for the local inquiry, which
is usually held by one ot the Board's inspectors. Even after
tliis in(iuiry lias been held, aeonsideralile time elapses before
the Board gives its decision. Hitherto there has been a lack
of elasticity in the working of the system, but this state of
things is almost inseparable from (iovernment control, and
the system i.s likely to give rise to difficulties, which are
exemplified by tlie present position at Birmingham.
Ix that town the Committee two years ago asked for
permission to borrow £80,000 for mains, which sum they
estimated would be .sufiicient for three years. This esti-
mate, however, was based upon the growth of the under-
taking at that time. Since then things have changed.
The increase of output in 1907 was l,.^0O,000 units, in
1908 2,500,000 units, and this year it is likely to be
3,000,000 units. Consequently, the Corporation find it
necessary to raise money much more quickly than was
anticipated, and in order to meet the situation the
Local Government Board has allowed them to prot-eed
with the work at once without waiting for the usual
inquiry as to the necessity for the loan. At times such a
course must become almost inevitable, though we do not
advocate the method wliich has frequently produced fric-
tion between local authorities and the Board — ^namely,
putting work in hand and spending the money before the
inquiry is held and without any authorisation from the
Board. If the Board are prepared to deal with cases on
their merits and to allow work to go forward before an in-
quiry is held, there .should lie no difficulty in the case of
the larger undertakings, or, in fact, in any undertaking, as
such questions scarcely arise in those of the smaller towns.
Private Plants.
Ix view of the great reductions which have been made
of recent years in the prices charged for electrical energy,
both for lighting and power purposes, the economies which
were expected to result from the installation of private
Ijlants must be, in many ca.ses. of a doubtful character.
Evidence of this is provided by the number of private in-
.stallations which are being shut down and superseded by a
supply of electricity taken from the public mains. Interest-
ing figures in tliis connection appear from time to time in
our Industuial Sui'IM.kment. Where installations of
this kind have been laid down, the apparent saving over
the cost of a supply of energy purchased from the
authorised undertaking in the district must be, in most
cases, largely discounted by the considerable allowance
828
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12, 1909.
which sliould be made for depreciation. Moreover, the
fact inust not be overlooked that the possibilities of future
economies are rather limited in such cases, whereas, in a
large undertaking the extension of the supply, the diversity
factor, improving load factor, and the smaller capital
outlay per kilowatt of plant installed offer a considerable
field for reduced costs, and render the antiquation of plant
of less importance than where a small station of fixed
capacity is installed. In this connection, attention may
be drawn to the recent report of a departmental committee
appointed by the Local GovernmentBoard to inquire into the
working of the machinery and engineering staff's at Poor Law
institutions. The substance of this report was given in
our last issue, and it will be seen that the committee
recommends the purchase of electricity, where it is obtain-
able from an outside source at a reasonable price, rather
than private generation.
The Tramways and Light Railways Association. — The
"Official Circular" of this Association for March contains,
among other matters, the annual list of members of the
Association and the OfKcial Regulations made by the Home
Office fnr the generation, transformation, distribution and use
of electrical energy in premises under the Factory and Work-
shop Acts, 1901 and 1907.
Electrical Trades' Benevolent Institution. — We understand
that Sir Wra. Freece, K.C.B., F.K.S., lias consented to preside
at the Festival Dinner which is being arranged to take place
in aid of the above Institution. The ilinner wdl be held at the
Whitehall Rooms, Hotel Metropole, London, on Tuesday,
March 30th. The special committee appointed to arranc;e for
this dinner has been very active and it is anticipated that a
considerable sum will be available for presentation on that
occasion.
Submarine Cable Extension. — It is announced that by an
arrangement between the Government of Newfoundland and
the Commercial Cable Co., one of the company's live Atlantic
cables will be cut at Flemish Caj), about 000 miles east of New-
foundland, and be extended to St. John's, in this way efl'ectino-
direct connnunication between tjie United Kingdom, St. John's
(Newfoundland) and New York City. The contract for the
new cable, about 1,700 miles in length, has been placed with
the Telegraph Construction and Maintenance Company, and
the cable will be in operation not later than August 1 next. We
understand the c.s. " Colonia " will be emplojed on this work.
British Science Guild. — We have receivea a veroaiim report
of the proceedings at the third annual meeting of this (Juild
which was held at the Mansion House, London, on January 2i!nd
last. The work of the Guild and the objects it has in view
were dealt with by us in a leading article in our issue of
January 29th. The report contains the speeches of the presi-
dent of the Guild, Mr. K. B. Haldane, M,P., and of Sir Wm
Ramsay, Sir Frederick Pollock, Sir Oliver Lodge and other
speakers. We can only reiterate our good wishes, made in the
article referred to, for the well-being of the Guild and that its
eftbrts may bear abundant fruit.
Electro Plating and Storage Batteries.— It has been lealised
for some time jiast in the electro-plating industry that the
qiiahty of the work is dependent upon steadiness of the elec-
tric current, the slightest variation aflecting the density and
evenness of the deposit. The D.P. Battery CIo., of Bakewell
has recently laid down a battery with unu.sually lar-e size
cells for a Midland firm. This has effected so marked' an
improvement in their manufacture that there seems little
iloubt that the use of accumulators, instead of platiu" direct
trom the dynamo, will ultimately become more or less general.
Cable Interruptions. T^,^„ * i ^ " .
Po„tianak-S.ugon Sen IfiTcfn^""-
Cayenne-Saw:;;:;;;;::;:.:;:;:: |^^- 20, 1909
Jer.ey-Guer„se, ;:.;:::;;;;;;; ^^7,1909
Royal Society. — Among the Papers read at yesterday's
meeting was one on " The Measurement of Dielectric Con-
stants by the Oscillations of Ellipsoids and C} linders in a Field
of Force," by Prof. W. M. Thornton.
The Electrical Equipment of Messrs. Selfridge's New
Building. — In our article on this subject in last week's issue
there were one or two points which require modification, as
follows : The speed of the passenger lifts in the building should
be .'SOOft. per minute, and not 175ft. per minute as given;
the telephone installation was designed and carried out by the
National Telephone Co. ; and the column and j lug connectors and
intermediate switches used in the building were supplied by
Messrs. A. P. Lundberg & Sons.
Preparation of Chloroform by Electrolysis. — According to
"L'Electricien," it has now become possible to produce chloro-
form by electrolysis in a similar manner to that in which iodo-
form is obtained. Alcohol in the proportion of 6 grammes per
litre is added to a solution containing 50 parts of calcium
chloride to 100 parts of water. This is heated to between
."i8°C. and 63 C, and a current of about 4 amperes per square
decimetre is passed through it at a voltage of from S to i volts.
When the circuit is closed chloroform distils oft' and is collected
over alcohol from which it can be separated by adding water.
U.S. Navy High-Power Wireless Station. — In our issue of
February I'.lth we mentioned that tenders had been asked for
a high-power wireless station for use in coimection with the
United States Navy. We now understand that, as the result
of a ^test extending over several weeks, the Bureau of Equip-
ment has recommended that the contract be awarded to the
National Electric Signaling Co. One of the tests consisted in
transmitting from Boston to Washington, the Navy meanwhile
trying to interfere wit;h the reception of the messages at Wash-
ington, using for this purpose a 5 H.P. station i mile away
from the Washington station. We understand that the
attempted interference was continued for four days, but with-
out success, the interference being entirely cut out, so that
it could not be heard, while messages from Brant Rock were
received with undimished strength.
The Employment of Steam Turbines in Generating Stations.
An article with this title has recently been published in ''La
Lumiere Electrique," by M. Mathivet, who considers the ques
tion in the following manner. Supposing that a certain amount
of power, P, is required from a generating station containing n
turbines of equal capacity, the question is whether it is more
economical to provide this by distributing the load between
all the turbines, or to work as many as possible at full load,
and allow what is over to be takt-n up by the remaining set.
With reciprocating engines, of course, this problem does not
arise, for it would lie at the risk of synchronous working to
try and maintain such engines in parallel on unequal loads.
W^ith steam turbines, however, it is possible to maintain two
unequally loaded engines in parallel quite easily by a simple
adjustment of the regulating arrangements. In considering this
question the author comes to the following conclusion : When
a station contains several turbo-alternators of equal capacity,
whose aggregate individual steam consumption varies as a
linear function of the outjjut of the turbo-alternators, the total
steam consumed for a given load is independent of the distri-
bution of this load between the dift'erent turbo alternators. It
is necessary, in considering this subject, to make several
corrections to allow for alterations in the pressure, the super-
heating and the vacuum.
"The Future of Electricity. ' — At a recent meeting of the
Massachusetts School of Technology Dr. C. P. Steinmetz gave
a lecture which had the above for its title. He pointed out
that within two centuries the coal supply of the countiy
would be exhausted, and emphasised the probable dependence
of future generations upon water powers now being wasted.
These would be electrically utilised for heat, light and power,
and for fertilising the soil, which was already showing signs of
exhaustion. Dr. Steinmetz pointed out that there were only
a few rivers in the world which naturally overflowed their
banks, as did the Nile, and said that, although Nature did her
best, she was being subjected to constantly greater burdens.
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12, 1909.
829
He urged that water power was the only natural source of
energy for operating mills, factories, transportation systems
and central stations, and through the agency of electricity
alone could the nitrates now being wasted be collected and
distributed upon the fields and prairies to give forth by
fertilisation the vegetation that was needed. Electricity had
accomplished great things in bringing the cities and country
into closer touch, but it would be needed fai' more in the
future.
Smoke Abatement Exhibition. — Interest ia this exhibition
at Sliefticld shows no signs of abatement, and considerable
publicity is given to the proceedings by the daily Press. At a
conference of representatives of local authorities, held on
Monday last, Mr. S. E. Fedden read a Paper on " Smoke
Abatement by the Distribution of Electrical Energy." He
urged that the supply of electrical energy was doing much to
reduce the amount of smoke in our towns. The rate of pro-
gress of power supply by the Shetheld Corporation electricity
undertaking was of interest in this connection. In 1902 the
department had only 527 h.p. of motors connected to their
mains; in 1905, 3,617 Hi".; ia 1907, 7,004 h.p. : .and this
year no less than 12,000 h.p. of motors were connected, the
amount of energy sold for power now exceeding that sold for
lighting. The coal consumption at the Neepsend generating
station was equivalent to about 21 lb. to 3 ll>. of coal per horse-
power-hour sold, wheieas the private power plants displaced
consumed on an average about 10 lb. of coal per horse power-
hour, so that a considerable saving of coal was t.aking place,
in addition to the fact that the coal at the power station was
being burnt under conditions making for smokelessness.
Researches on the Silver Voltameter. — A recent number
of the " Zeitschrift fiii- Instrumentenknnde " gives a detailed
account of researches on this subject made by .Jaeger and von
Steinwehr at the Reichsanstalt. Their conclusions may be
stated .as follows : The amount of silver deposited in the volta-
meter does not, within the limits of experimental error, depend
■on whether the older form of voltameter, or that due to
Richardson, is used. Absolute mea.surements gave, it is true,
a difference of some ten-thousandths, but it was impossible to
discover a measurable difference ia accurate relative measure-
ments. The removal of the oxygen during electrolysis by
displacing the air by an inert gas, such as nitrogen, causes no
appreciiible diffeience in the amount deposited compared with
the amount depo.'-ited when oxygen is present. This is in
accordance with the latest measurements of the National Phy
sical Laboratory, and contradicts the older me;i.suremonts of
most early observers. The values arrived at with the Inter-
national ohm and legal ampere for the Weston Normal cell
correspond in a .satisfactory manner with the results arrived
at by the Reichsanstalt in 1S98, while the v.alue for this cell
obtained by using the silver voltameter corresponds very
closely with the recently published results of similar work at
the National Physical Laboratory.
Imperial Telegraphy. — In the current issues of the " Fort-
nightly Review " aiid the "Westminster Review," Mr. Charles
Bright deals with various aspects of cable telegraphy.
In the former, Mr. Hennikev Hcatun's | in i|>i .sals foi; a universal pemiy-a-
word taritf are Cdnsidered in detail, and it is pointed out, riglitly enough,
that much of the silpport accorded to llr. Henniker Heaton came from
public men, including eminent divines, who were not particvilarly versed
in the matter under discussion. Mr. Heaton's scheme relied on faith
rather' than figures, itud wiis suggestive of the Irish woman, who sold
apples below cost price in the hope that she would benefit through the
large numbers that were sold. There w as, uevcithele
in favour of a lower tariff throuL'li<nil tin- l''m|nrr. ,i
world at large, and it seemed ctml r;ii \ tn tlir -pnii <>t
slicjuld be no alternative between waiting ilin .■ mini h
penny letter from Australia and sendiru .i (iM.'jr,
There was, however, great difficulty in hwi
iigures owing to the inlierent cost of sul>iii;i
tions. If the tariff were halved, the number of messages must be much
more than douliled, and no comparison could be drawn between a tele-
graph service and a postal service in this respect. Something might be
done in the way of classifying messages as " urgent " and "' non-urgent."
thus making it possible to utilise the cables more completely, " non-
urgent " messages being taken at a lower rate. Such a system had been
in use in Canada, India .and France. It was il^i. . mb , i\ ihlo that some
<Iay an all-round Imperial low tariff, such .1- !tcl.. im-lii Ir !■ .i>ilile. There
was much to be said in favour of all-British . mIiIcs finl .il..Mn i;ood routes
from a sfrategetic point of view, and although siuli cables might not pay
. much to be said
. IS ,liviiiirt fiuin the
.i| tlir ,1'jr ili.ii tliere
ih- l.ir iTi .iTi-wcr to a
JIM in at 3s. a W(n-d.
• ■ tariff below present
I lies and their limita-
on their own basis for some time to come, they would be an incentive to
Imperial trade. No attempt should be made to absorb the services
provided by the Cable companies, and it would be most unjust for the
State to step in and say " Now that you have established an excellent
service, we propose to take over that service at the price, say, of old-
iron " ; yet this was very much what did occur when the State secured
the system of the Submarine Telegraph Co. in 1869.
In the " Westminster Review," Mr. Bright considers more particu-
larly the question of Imperial cables, emphasising the general principle
that it is better to lay new Imperial State cables, where required, than
to attempt to lay hold of those owned by vested interests. No attempt
should be made to establish a Government service, as it would involve
great dirticiiltics. ThniiL'h the balance of argument might be against
State absor|ition, even if feasible. Governments might do well to exercise
some control over the calile system. Conditions might be imposed when'
landing rights were sought, and it was doubtful whether exclusive lantl-
ing rights should, in future, be granted to any one company. It might
be possible to introduce a sliding scale tariff in certain cases, as a return
for Government favours. There was good groimd for inquiry as to
tariffs, and it was to be hoped that such inquiry into the whole subject
would take effect before the forthcoming Imperial Conference in 1911.
There was little doubt that the cable companies would be ready to meet
all reasonable suggestions, even if in a pood fighting spirit.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE WEEK.
FRIDAY, March IZth iTo day!
PnVSICAI, SoCIFTV.
,s' p.m. Meeting at the Imperial College of Science, Imperial Insti-
tute-road, South Kensington. Agenda : " The Effect of
Radiations on the Brush Discharge,' by Mr. A. E. Garrett ;
"On Pirani's Method of Measuring the Self inductance of a
Coil," by Mr. E. C. Snow; Exhibition of a High Potential
Primary Battery, by Mr. W. S. Tucker : and "On the Lea.«6
Moment of Inertia of an Angle Bar Section," by Mr. H. S.
Rowell.
SATURDAY, March ISth.
ROY.VL IXSTITUTIOX.
.' p.tn. Lecture on " Properties of Matter, ' by Sir .J. J. Thomson,
F.R.S. Lecture III.
Bikminc:ham .vnd District Electric Clcb.
; j,.iii. Meeting at the Colonnade Hotel, New-street, Birming-
ham. Piiper on " Reducing the Cost of Power in Works and
Factories," by Mr. J. A. Jeckell.
MONDAY, March 16tli.
Junior Institction ok E.vginbf.rs.
~:30 p.m. Meeting at the Royal United Service Institution,
Whitehall. Paper on " The" Use of Dielectrics and the Priji-
cip,al Tests Applied to thein," bv Messrs. T. Germann and
S. M. Hills.
WEDNESDAY, March 17th.
Stuiients' Section of the Institi'tion ok Ei.ectkicai, Eni;inkers.
; , f.j p.ui. ileeting in the Library of the Institution, 92, \ ictoiia-
street, S.W. Paper on " Ge'ntral Station E.H.T. Switchgoar
and Control," by Mr. E. F. Hetherington.
THURSDAY, March 18th.
Duia.iN Section ok tue Institdtiox of Electrical En(;ineebs.
S iJ.m. Meeting at the Roy al College of Science, Stephen's Green.
FRIDAY, March 19th.
Glascow Section of the Institdtiox of Electrical Encineers.
.Vp.m. Meeting at 207, Bath-street, Glasgow. Paper on "Notes
on Safety of Working Electrical Plants in Coal Mines," by
Mr. S. A. Simon.
(:las<;o\\ Students' Section of the Institdtiox of Electrical
Encineer.-^.
,V p.m. Meeting at the Technical College, (Jlasgow. Paper on
" Electrically driven Centrifugals and Accessories," by
Mr. J. H. M'Minn.
Royal Institution.
'I p.m. Meeting at Albemarle-stieet. Paper on "Experiments
at High Temperatures and Pressures," by Prof. R. Threlfall,
F.R.S.
SATURDAY. March 20th.
Royal Institution of Great Britain.
3 p. hi. Lecture on " Properties of Matter." by Sir .J. .1. Thomson,
F.R.S. Lecture IV.
Corps of Electrical Engineers {London Division).
Commanding Officer, Col. R. E. B. Ciotnpton, C.B.
The following orders have been issued for the current week : —
Monday, March 15th, f Infantry drill, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
"A" Company (Technical drill, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Mar. 16th, ] Infantry drill. 7 p.m. to 7;45 p.m.
" B " Company t Technical drill, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Thursday, Mar. 18th, f Infantry drill, 6 ]>.m. to 7 p.m.
"C" Company \Technical drill, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Friday, March 19th, /Infantry drill, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
" D" Company I Technical drill, 7:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The infantry drills mentioned above are for recruits.
S.aturd.ay, Mar. 2uth, I ^egk-end run at Coalhouse Fort.
"(, Comp.vny )
830
THE ELECTRICIAN, MAECH 12, 1909.
RESEARCHES ON THE MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF
A SERIES OF CARBON TUNGSTEN STEELS.*
BY T. tiWINDEX. B.MET.
Sinnmari/.— The jn-eseiit Paper desci'iljes the continuation of an_ in
vestigation of the properties of a series of constant-tungsten increasing-
carbon steels. The relevant results of past workers are given. A de-
cisive maximum hysteresis is found in the hardened series at about
0'52 per cent, carbon. The tempering of hardened magnets is dis-
cussed and it is shown that apparently a definite value of intensity
exists for every magnet. The correlation between magnetic and other
I)roperties is "finally discussed, and the importance of correct quench-
ing temperature is mentioned.
Production of the Specimens. — For full details in this direction the
reader is referred to an earlier Paper, f The very considerable in-
finence of the mode of preparation of the specimen demands, how-
ever, a few remarks. The bats used were prepared from perfect!)'
sound crucible ingots l^Mn by Ij in. and 251b. in weight. After a
little cogging, the ingots were rolled down to J in. round bars and
reeled. With one exception this preparation was identical tluough-
out the series. .\ table gives the analysis of the steels used, and
it seems that the tungsten contents are very regular and approximate
.3'0 per cent. With the exception of the carbon which varies from
0'144 per cent, to 1'070 per cent., other elements are extremely low
and regular.
The steels were examined in four distinct conditions — viz.. an-
nealed, normalised, hardened and tempered. The exact treatments
were as follows : Annealing. — The bars were packed in bone ash in
a gas muffle, along with the thermo-element of a pyrometer. The
bars were tlu'ee houi-s in reaching 940''C.: were kept between
930°C. and 960°C. for 90 minutes, and then cooled over about eight
hours in the muffle. Xonnalising. — The bars were heated very
Fn;. 1. — DiA'.EAM i.h Dv P.ois IUlasce.
slowly up to 950 C. ; were kept abt.ut 950'C'. for 15 minutes.'and
then removed from the muffle and cooled freely in the air. Hardm-
!«!/.— The bars were uniformly heated to SOO°C. and were quenched
in water at temperatures from 810 C. to 740X*. according to the
earljon content. Tempering.—Thia was done progressively, (a)
The hardened bars were placed, without mutual contact, in "an air
bath, and kept between 00-75"C. for 14 hours. (6) They were then
heated for another 13 hours at 80-85°C. (c) The bars were then
packed m asbestos and heated in an electric furnace for 60 minutes
at 400'C. and cooletl in air. All the bars were fully tempered by
tlie latter treatment. j e j
The ALiGNETic Properties.
Apparatus and Methods Employed.—The magnetic properties have
been investigated by means of the Du Bois magnetic balance sup-
'l r ^' /^^"u,*' ^''v^- ^^"^ instrument was tested and stan-
dardised at the Phys.kahsoh-Technische Reichsanstalt. Berlin, and
wa.s checked from time to time by means of a standard rod supplied
A diagram is given in Fig. 1. The principle of the instrument is',
.1 brief, to measure the tractive force across a gap A of definite
d.nicn..,ons in the yoke of soft iron B, the latte.- completin-. t le
magnetic circuit ot which the test-piece C forms part. 'ThL is ac
comp ished by supporting the loose upper half of the yoke eccen-
tocally: the p„.s.tion of adjustable sliding weights D./whTn
alanee ,s obtamcd, gives a measure of the tractive force and thence
c f the magnetic induction, of the specimen. The sckle E reads
auectly m values of the induction B The balance is extemelv
sensitive, especially with low m^.j5etisingfeces, a"d even with tt
Inst,SroVI,:ct':tSu Brglne^rr ''"' ^-^«~^--l~^«^i=tIoir<JThe
ule}?^'oT mr'"" '''*■" '■ ^""'■"'>1 ^'f "- I™-' -' «teel lusti-
highest viilues one can estimate, with care, to, say, 50 lines of in-
duction.
The test bars were machined with spherical ends fitting into
holders F with recesses of perfectly similar shape, in order to simplify
the correction of the magnetising force H, necessitated by the re-
luctance of the soft iron yoke and the air-gaps. A curve, supplied
with the instrument, gives the amount by which the observed BH
curve is to be sheared back to give the true values. The test bars
were 25-4 cm. total length and 0-798 cm. diameter, equivalent to
0'5 sq. cm. area.
The magnetising coil of the instrument is so wound that H is
equal to the strength of the current in centi-arrperes. The maxi-
mum current used was P5 amperes, equal to H=130 C.G.S. The
current in the balance was controlled by means of a specially con-
structed rheostat, consisting of about 30 ft. of manganin wire
wound on a wooden frame.
The ordinary B-H cnirve and full hysteresis loop with a maximum
H=150 C.G.S. was taken on each of the annealed, normal, and
hardened bars. The question of real permanent and sub-perma-
nent magnetism was then considered. Each bar was magnetised in
a field of 150 units, the current then reduced to zero, and the bar
removed from the balance. It was then subjected to shocks by
dropping from a height of about 30 in, on to a Ijlock of wood, until
a constant value of B was reached. When this value for the real
permanent magnetism had been obtained, the specimen was demag-
netised, and the remanent coercive force thus obtained. The tem-
pering experiments wfre then carried out on four representative
hardened bars, and the same examination for magnetic pro]ierties
ijoo
if,
fc::?:
"*^
k.
""-^
-—- ,
~'^
^^
~^~,
I300
.i;;^
-..
''■^
f^"
K
V
_uuu
\
N
\
A
s "■ ■ -
s
K,
N
2 J""
- 8oo
s
s»
N
s.
N
^6oo
1
Annealed
500
—
— ~ Hardened
B ■
T,jT,n..
r'^'""
ITjfj'
1
1
1
1
CArbon per cent
Fi..'. 2.
made after each of the tlu'ee treatments. The permanent mag-
netism of the annealed bars was too low to be measured witli
accuracy with this apparatus, being, in most cases, only a few
hundred lines of B. In addition to the study of the behaviour
after a magnetisation under H=150 units, representative steels of
each set were fully examined with a maximum H of 25. 50 and
100 units respectively.
An explanation of the terms used in presenting the results-
is given in the Paper. B,„„^ is the number of lines of force
per square centimetre cross section of the bar when H= 150. The
remanent induction B,.,.,„ is defined as the value of B when
11 = 0 after previous magnetisation, and the coercive force H^ as the
value of H when B = 0. The magnetic intensity 1= ~ . The-
45r
remanent intensity I,,.,ii/*^as obtained thus — I,.p„, = B,.e,„ '47r. The-
hysteresis loss E represents the energy loss per cubic centimetre
per cycle. It is obtained by dividing the area enclosed by the
curve for a complete cycle by 47r. The Steinmetz coefficient of.
hysteresis 7; has been calculated from the formula E=77B' '^. The true
permenance value P represents the ultimate magnetic value of each
bar, magnetised in a field H=1.5l». and then knocked about until
a constant value is obtained.
The Results Obtained. — These are given in a series of tables.and'
also some earlier results by other workers.
Maximum Induction.- — It is seen that as the carbon |ier cent,
increases, B,,,,,^ decreases regularly. Imm is plotted against carbon
content in Fig. 2. The results are in good agreement with those of
previous workers where comparable. A reference to comparable
carbon steels will show that B,,,,^ is practically unimpaired by the
3 per cent, of tungsten, even in the quenched condition. The
fall in I|„„^ in quenched steels, astlie carbon content ri.ses. has beeo.
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12, 1900.
83]
carefully examined liy Benedicks*, and resulted in a tentative
formula for carbon steels, thus— 1,„,„ = 1, 00(n 5-23 - (i;C + 0-59 )'
- 710 where -C = the sum of the C per cent, and the carbon equiva-
lent of Mn per cent. It follows from this formula, as Dr. Benedicks
points out, " that carbon steel should be non-magnetic, if one could
get 1'6 per cent, carbon to remain in the dissolved state, as harden-
ing carbon." This is. in one sense, perfectly true, and is supported
by Dr. Guillet from microscopic research, but the statement needs
perhaps a little elucidation. It is austenite, or solution of carbide
in 7 iron, which is .said to be non-magnetic, to which Dr. Benedicks
refers. But austenite is never met with in properly hardened
steels, and hence the apparent nil in magnetic intensity for steel
^
^
J^
^
^
^
^^
1e<^
:rei^
—
. -
■r^
■^^1^^
=?=J-
No
led :
=
-~-
====-^
-^-*-
Carbon per cent
fi(:.3.
with rC'per cent. C in the dissolved condition cannot be coiiccl
when^the steel is properly hardened.
Remanent Ilagnetism. — The remanent intensity is considerably
higher than for quenched carbon steels of similar carbon content.
Benedicks has given a formula, in analogy to the earlier one by
I H
Gumlich and Schmidt — Iib.u =-"'"" '. and his original ibserva-
a+pR,
tion that a can be expressed by a linear equation — a=a+l3S,- is
confirmed, where a and /3 are constants, with values in this case —
a = -3, /3=l-3,
Coercive Force. — This is one of the most vital factors governing
the magnetic value, and is plotted against C per cent, in Fig. 3.
Kote should first be made that, in the case of the milder steels, tlic
^
170OO0
„
2?ed
/
y
~^
a
/
^-^
13OPO0
5-
/
io
/
Q-o
/^
t-
■/
N
ormal
sed
S^
1 ^
■-'^
i
^
^
s
Si
^
y
/
Nnne
5 .000
/
50,000
-:-— ^
" 1
i 1 1
C<arbon per cenc
Fk;. a.
H is not greatly improved by 3 per cent, tungsten. This has also
been observed by Hadfield. and is of importance from a theoretical
standpoint. The effectiveness of the tungsten depends very largely
on he treatment. With steels in the lightly annealed condition,
the coercive force is almost identical with comparable carbon steels.
lu the normalised slate,| again, the tungsten has no marked effect.
\Vh n hardened, however, the effect is made manifest, the H being
^cr} considerably higher than carbon steels. It would appear that
quenching increases the H, even \\ ith low carbon, although the lowest
caibon in this .series is certainly appreciable (014 per cent.). The
* Benedicks : " Rei^herehes Physico-cliimiques sur I'Acier au Car-
bone," Upsala, 1904.
+ None of the steels of this series are appreciably " self -hardening.''
tempering up to HT-2 has had but shght influence — rather less, per
haps, than one would expect from carbon steels — but the tempering
at 400'C. has decidedly softened the steels. The H,. has been re-
duced to almost the normal value, but an interesting point is that
the gradual rise in H^ with the carbon content shown in quenched
bars is preserved in the tempered. The normalised set show a
distinct maximum about 0'5 per cent, to 06 per cent. C, but the
annealed again show a gradual increase. A note on the higher
tungsten steels is then given. Molybdenum steels are thought hkely
to compete with tungsten steel as permanent magnets.
Hysteresis. — ^The hysteresis loops are plotted in .sets of three in
the Paper, and a table gives a summary of data. The hysteresis
loss per cycle is plotted against carbon content in Fig. 4 herewith.
As was the case with the other properties, the annealed bars give
hysteresis losses, onl\- slightly removed from those of carbon steels.
ily somewhat higher, whilst the har-
I iiictly above the carben steel values.
ikulating K and j/ arc also examined
The noMHali^.-d l,;,r- .nr
dencd l.:ir~ L'l^. i.ihir- ^,
Several |ii'(]|>c)sril tniinul.i
by the authoi-.
Permanence. — A summary of the work is given in the Paper.
For aimealcd and normal bars the ratio of remanent to induced B
(and I) increases steadily with carbon content, but with the har-
dened steels a maximum value of 0'748 is found with about 0'u3
per cent, carbon. The tempered bars give uniformly high value,
increasing steadily up to 0-9 per cent, carbon, but the TO" \n-v cent.
C steel is some\\hat lower. It is .seen that, in corroboration of
Mme. Curie, the coercive force before and after shocks is identical,
except, perhaps, for very low values of permanence.
The normalised steels show a marked maximum permanence at
about O'C per cent, carbon, and the hardened steels pre.'icnt adecisive-
maximum value, about 0'45 per cent, carbon, notwithstanding that
the coerci\-e force increases regularly (<■/. Fig. 3). The tempered
bars give values much lower than hardened and show no maximum
|joint within the range examined. The permanent intensity^,!!*
plotted against carbon content in Fig. 5 herewith.
The Inftuence of Tempering on Har<iened Magnets.— The result*
show that the permanence is reduced some 10-15 per cent, by the
combined tempering. Se\erid demagnetising experiments were made
and it is seen that the definite value for the permanence is obtained
in every case, and that the coercive force is uninfluenced by these
demagnetisations. Hence it would appear that there is apparently
a definite constant value for every magnet, and tlie different treat-
ments advised are just tho.se considered easiest and surest methods
of getting there.
t'ORRELATIOX BKTWEEX M.\GNETIC AND OTHER PROPERTIES.
Quenching Temperaiure.— It is quite certain that this must be of
at least equal importance to the magnetic qualities, as to the hard-
ness and strength — say, as a tool. In the case of steels containing
0-9 per cent, carbon and above, the quenching temi)erature should
be in the neighbourhood of, say, 730°C. to 740=C. Before quenching,
however, the steel should have been heated somewhat liigher. In
a steel PI per cent, to 1 2 jier cent, carbon. alx)ut 850 C to 900^C.
would serve well : by this means the excess cementite is at least
changed from the form of dangerous cell wall membranes to harm-
less specks. This is illustrated in photo-micrographs in the Pa])er.
With lower carbon content than 09 percent., higher quenching tem-
peratme as the carbon falls tends to give a more uniform structure,
and, as shown by Curie, a 5 per cent. C steel gave best res\ilts when
quenched from 90t) deg., and 0-06 per cent. C steel when quenched
from 1.000 dee.
832
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12, 1909.
Hardness.- — The statement so often made, that a steel which is
physically hard is also " magnetically hard "' (i.e.. high H,. and I,.^.,,, ),
ss in certain circumstances broadly correct. A reference to the pre-
Tious mechanical tests on these 3 per cent, tungsten steels will show
that normalised bars become progressively brittle under dynamic
test as the carbon rises. Static tests (tensile, crushing and bending),
however, all show a maximum hardness or "stiffness" about 0-9
per cent, carbon. Exceptions to the general rule are very plentiful
now that special steels are so much in evidence.
Factors Governing the Magnetic Properties. — Miorosections of all
the steels in the cast, rolled, normalised, annealed, hardened, and
tempered conditions have been examined, and examples are given
in the Paper. One of the most interesting points is that concern-
ing the tempered bars. The magnetic tests showed a tremendous
increase in permeability caused by tempering. Yet the crystalline
structure is practically unaltered. It is hard to say at present
in what condition the tungsten exists in the different states, but it
is hoped that this will speedily be cleared up, and valuable data will
be then available for coasidering whether tungsten plays any other
xole than fining the crystals. It may be that the permanence is
governed by constitution and permeability to crystallisation, but
many facts point to the latter being of secondary consideration in
toth cases.
A NOTE ON THE PHOTO ELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF
POTASSIUM SODIUM ALLOY.*
In connection with further researches on my oscillation valve or
•glow-lamp radiotelegraphic wave-detector, I was led to examine
instances of electronic emission other than that due to the incan-
descence of metals or carbon in vacuo, to ascertain how far rectify-
ing effects with high frequency currents could be obtained by them.t
It was found that a convenient mode of preparing a suitalile s|x'einien
of highly photoelectric metal was as follows : — A tube of lead glass
about 50 cms. long, and lo to 2 cms. internal diameter has a con-
striction made at one place, and on one side of this a couple of
platinum wires are sealed through the glass and are welded to a
slip of iilatmum foil a h aboiit .5 cms. long and 1 cm. wide (.see
Fig.). This foil is fixed close to the inside surface of the tube and
opposite to it two other platinum wires f d are sealed through the
tube. The end of this part of the tube is then drawn off and joined
to a length of smaller tube with a constriction in it by which the tube
can ultimately be closed. A quantity of metallic potassium and
sodium is then cut up into small cubes under naptha, and inserted
at the larger end. To do this, the fine quill tube at one end is iirst
bent over at an angle of about 75 deg. (see Fig.), and by means of
an indiarubber tube, coal gas, which has been dried by bubbling
through strong sulphuric acid, is led into it. The glass tube as a
whole must have previously been well cleansed and carefully dried.
When all the air is expelled, fragments to the same amount of
-sodium and potassium are dropped in the tube, so as eventually to
occupy about 10 cms. to 15 cms. of its length (.see Fig.), the open
end being then sealed.
The tube should be exhausted, and at the same time the metallic
IJotassium and sodium heated so as to melt the lumps into a mass of
liquid alloy, the glass tube being then sealed oft' from the pump. It
is now easy to tilt the tube and transfer the clean mercury-like alloy
of K and Na into the part of the tube containing the platinum plate,
so as to make a pool of liquid alloy on the bottom of the tube having
an electrical connection with the outside by means of the platinum
wires. Care should be taken that the liquid alloy is not splashed
upon the platinum plate ; also it should be carefully handled, as if
it is broken the liquid K and Na alloy is .spontaneously inflammable
and deflagrates violently on coming in contact with moisture.
* Abstract of a Paper read before tlip Phvsi( al Soeiety.
t See J. A. Fleming, " On lie- i ■,„,\riM.i„ ,,l Klei trie Oscillations into
Continuous Currents by me III, .-I a \ ,e uhhl \ aha-, ' ■' Proc." Roy. Soo.,
London. Vol. LXXIV., p. 47ii ( l9U."^i). Alsi> " The Construction and Use
of Oscillation Valves for rectifving High Frequency Currents,' •■ Phil.
3Iag." May, 1906, p. 659.
If the tube is supported in a horizontal position, an electric arc
contained in a projection lantern, equipped with the ordinary con-
denser-lens, can be so placed and tilted downwards as to converge
on to the brilliant mercury-like surface of the pool of alloy a very
concentrated beam of light. If. then, we connect the platinum
plate and the alloy by means of wires with a sensitive mirror galva-
nometer, we find that the impact of the light upon the surface of the
alloy not merely facilitates the escape of negative electricity from
it, but actually creates an E.M.F. and current in the galvanometer
circuit, which is in such a direction as to indicate that negative
electricity is caused to move, by the action of the light, through
the vacuum from the surface of the alloy to the platinum plate.
The photo-electric current is in the opposite direction to the volta-
electric current, assuming the ionised gas replaced by an aqueous
electrolyte. It seems, therefore, that there are two separate sources
of E.M.F.. viz.. the volta contact-difference of potential of the metals
in the cell and a photo E.M.F. due to the illummation ; and to these
may be added an external E.M.F. due to any battery in.serted in the
circuit. In two tubes, made as above. I found that the E.M.F pro-
duced by the incident light was equal to 0-45 volt in one, and in the
other tube to 0-6 volt. These differences are no doubt due to
small ditt'erences in composition of the alloy, in the intensity of the
light used, or in the pressure of the residual gas. The current pro-
duced by the tube of E.M.F. equal to 0-6 volt through a galvano-
meter of resistance 180 ohms, was found to be 5-t microamperes.
This indicates that the equivalent resistance of the tube is 74,00il
ohms on the assumption that the effective E.M.F. is the same when
the circuit is open and closed. The current increases very rapidly
at first with the intensity of the incident light, but the relation has
not yet been determined. By the use of cells placed in series. I
have found that the separate photo E.M.F.s are additive.
With these cells a number of interesting observations made by
previous experimentalists can be easily verified. As regards the
nature of the radiation, which is chiefly effective, we find that for
potiissitnu alone, or for the potassium-sodium alloy, the effective
rays are the most refrangible ones of the visible .spectrum. The
ultra-violet light in the arc is considerably filtered out. if not
altogether stopped, by the thick glass condenser lens, and by the
glass w.alls of the tube. We can, however, effect a fm'ther separa-
tion of visible rays by screens of coloured glass, or solutions
or stained gelatine films. Thus, with a very thin film of gelatine
stained with a yellow dye or a sheet of ordinary yellow glass, the
deflection of the galvanometer drops almost to zero. The same
reduction is eft'ected by a sheet of ruby glass or gelatine film. --V
green glass cuts 6ft' a good deal of the deflection, but a sheet of cobalt
glass reduced it only to about two-thiids, showing that the blue glass
is fairly transparent to those rays which can produce this E.M.F.
Again, if we polarise the incident light by a Nicol's prism, the
galvanometer deflection is much greater when the plane of polarisa-
tion is at right angles to the plane of incidence, than when these
planes coincide. The theory that fits in best with the above facts,
is that the light facilitates or causes an escape of negative corpuscles
or electrons from the surface of the photoelectric metal, and to do
this it must of course impart to them energy sufficient to give them
a velocity enough to carry them beyond the range of attraction of
the positive charge which remains behind on the metal. Since the
electropositive metals are those which most easily lose electrons
from then- atoms, this is in accordance with the observed fact that
the most electropositive metals are the most highly photoelectric
substances. Again, if there is 'an emission under the action of light
of electrons from the surface, .we have an explanation of another fact
easily proved with these tubes, viz., that the formation of a magnetic
field parallel to the surface of the alloy greatly reduces the photo-
electric current.
With sticli a magnetic field a force will be exerted on the negative
ion as it moves normally away from the surface, deflecting it from
its path, and this will reduce the number of ions which in any time
reach the platinum plate, and therefore will diminish the cmieut.
Also, the negative electrification of the photoelectric metal will
increase the force of propulsion on the ion, and hence increasejthe
emission per unit of time, and therefore increase the observed cur-
rent. It is obvious, then, that the ionised gas over the illuminated
alloy has a unilateral conductivity, an4 will conduct the ciurent from
a voltaic cell in one direction, bu^. not in the opposite. Hence, an
alternating current wlicther of low or of high frequency, can be
rectified, and by iivter|i"sing such alight cell in the circuit of a galva-
nometer, in whieli circuit high-frequency oscillations are also created
by the inductive action of a discharging condenser, I have been able
to rectify these oscillations. The action, however, proved to be
much more feeble and irregular than the similar rectifying effect
which can be produced by a glow lamp, so that the author has not
pursued these investigations.
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12, 1909.
833
The interesting- question, however, still remains as to the source
and nature of this photo E.M.F. which is producetl by the absorj)-
tion of light hy the surface of liiL'Iil\ .1, .Impositive metals. It is
much aft'cctcd by temperature. Ii' iii- iih i. iscd by heating the alloy
and by exposing it to powerful ra.li;iti..ii Im some time. If a galva-
nometer is u.sed to detect the photoelectric effect, the current is
found to be dependent upon the pressure and nature of the residual
gas in the tube.
The question of ]jhotoelectric eiYects is not without interest in
connection with long distance radiotelegraphy. It has been shown
that perfectly du.st-free air is not ionised liy ull i.iviolet light. If,
therefore, the alisor])tion of long radi. ii('l.uni|iliic electric waves
which is found to e.xist when they pass thr. .ui;li ci m^jderable distances
of sunlit air is due to the presence of free ions in the air. these may
arise from the photoelectric action of the light ujjon the dust parti-
cles. This suggests the question whether these particles may not
be the same that create the blue colour of the sky. We know that
whenever photoelectric effects take place, light must be absorbed,
and light of the same kind as that emitted by the iilioloclectric sub-
stance if it radiates. Thus zinc is rendnvd |ih..i,i.l,i 1 1 k- under the
action of ultra-violet light, but zinc when iuatcd. ulirtlier by being
used as spark-balls for an electric spark or as arc terminals for an
electric arc, radiates much ultra-violet light. In the same manner,
the photoelectric effect of potassium appears to be due to the absorp-
tion of that violet ray which potassium itself emits if heated. If
then, these atmospheric particles ab.sorb ultra-violet light, that
would account for the relatively small percentage of ultra-violet
light found in sunlight at the earth's surface, and also for the ionisa-
tion found to e.xist in the atmosphere. This suggests the need for
further observation on the number of ions present in the terrestrial
atmos|)here at various heights above the sea level.
ELBCTRIC TRACTION ON RAILWAYS.*
Xm. METHODS OF SPEED CONTROL.
BY PHILIP DAWSON.
(Continued from page 0/i:J.)
Suiiiiiiari/.—hi this article the author describes the three types of
multiple unit control — viz.. the electromagnetic shunt system, the
electropiieumatic system, and the electromagnetic system developed
by Messrs. Dick, Kerr & Co., in which the return current from the
motors operates the contactors. Car wiring is next discussed, and.
finally, the safeguards and methods of installation required in con-
nection with the use of high-tension apparatus.
Ill a pieviou.s article the method of series parallel control
ha.s been fully considered in connection with the continuous
current motor. A general investigation of sf)eed control,
both for continuous and alternating traction, both with
motor coach trains and in connection with electric loco-
motives, will now be made.
It is evident that iiitless trains are made npas block trains,
which are not to be separated, the motor car must be pro-
vided with controlling apparatus at each end. Further-
more, that if trains are to be economically and satisfactorily
worked, all the motors on one train must be capable of bemg
controlled and operated from any controller on the train.
It is essential that if one motor and one or more trailers form
a train, controllers operatuig all the motors must also be
installed on the trail coaches. It is evident that as the
amount of traffic varies considerably at different hoiu's of
the day, it must be possible to couple and run together as
many train units as may be required, so as to form a train
of any desued length.
It is at once apparent that grave difficulties will be met
if controllers of the tramway type have to be adopted, for
in that case they would have to be made so as to be capable
of handling the whole train current, which mav. for con-
tinuous current operation, easily amount to from 2,000 to
3,000 amperes per train ; and, furthermore, it would be
necessary to carry cables under the whole train, both under
trailer and motor coaches, which would have to carrv the
total train current. It is this problem which has been very
simply solved by a system which is known under the name
of the '■ multiple unit "' .sy.stem of control.
The principle of this sy.stem consists of fitting separate
contactors or switches to each motor coach, which only have
to control the motor currents of one motor coach. These
in then- turn are operated either electrically or pneuma-
tically by means of what is generally known as a " master
controller." This controller has only to control the small
currents required to operate the electrically or pneumatic-
ally controlled main motor switches or " contactors." It
will thus be seen that this controller can be of very small
proportions, and that the only through wiring required
along a train is the one connecting the various master con-
trollers located on any given train.
The fii-st introduction on any scale of the multiple
miit principle was probably on the South Side Elevated
Electric Railway in Chicago, where Mr. Sprague first in-
stalled his system of multiple unit control, a system which
in prmciple possessed many advantages, but which also
involved many complications. Its adoption in Chicago
resulted in both the General Electric Co. of America
and the Westinghouse Company working out multiple unit
systems of theu- own. the former company afterwards
absorbing Sprague's patents and combinmg them with their
own, the Westinghouse Company evolvmg what is generally
known as the electro-pneumatic system.
_U Q <J-nm'y(yj^w-^ c o-Wd^'Q'^VW*:?^
Copyright. All rights of reproduction reserved.
-^^
Fig. 1. — Principle of DicK-KERrt Series Multiple Unit Control
In this country Messrs. Dick, Kerr & Co. — who, in the
Lancashire and Yorkshu-e Railway, controlled most suc-
cessfully the whole workuig current m the operating con-
trollers themselves — devised a very novel and simple
method, described at length in The Electrician, p. i),
April 19, 1907. This may be called the third, and by no
means the least, best solution.
1. The General Electric Co.\s system consists in havmg
what are known as contactors, which are heavy switches
provided with magnetic blow-out arrangements and which
are opened and closed by means of solenoids operated by
a shunt cm-rent at line pressiu'e, and by what is known as
the master controller.
2. In the second, or Westinghouse, system the contac-
tors are operated by pneumatic means, the needle valves
which control the pneumatic plungers, which open and close
the contactors, being brought into operation by electro-
magnets. The controller opci-ating the electromagnets has,
in this case, to break eveir smaller currents than are required
with the General Electric Co.'s system of electromagnetic
switches, and batteries working at a pressure of 14 volts are
usually used to supply the operathig current, which is con-
trolled by the master controller in each car.
3. In the third system, that developed by Messrs. Dick,
Kerr & Co.. direct electroraagnctically operated contactors
are adopted similar to those in use by the General Electric
Co., except that they are not operated by a shunt current
but by the negative or return current from the train motors
themselves, the solenoids being operated m series.
834
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12, 1909.
It has frequently been urged as an objection against ' If re are kept closed and W is moved to divert cui'rent to
multiple-unit motor control with shunt solenoids that high earth E through the solenoids SS, and these solenoids are
voltage conductors must be run through the train to the ; closed with switch contacts CC, the motors will take the
various master controllers. Experience with this system main current of the trolley circuit and start up." If the
has produced no evidence to support this contention, though
the use of low-voltage control circuits is none the less ad-
visable. The employment of the motor return current for
the contactor circuits has been carried out in a most in-
genious mamier in the Zweigbergk system. The method
W^ST£ff CO/Vr/fOLl£lf
moTOifs ^sa=ia3 motors '-
-Arranoement of Spk.igue Gexeeal Eleitric Type of Multiple Unit Coxtrol on Car EgrippEU \^^T^I Motors .4Xd Control
FOR OPERATIXC BOTH WITH DIRECT AND ALTERNATINO CURRENT.
used is explained by the diagram Fig. 1a, which repre-
sents a control circuit for two motors. T is the trolley
shoe MM and are the motors. EE are earth connec-
tions. The circuit between T and earth can be completed
contacts at cc be opened no circuit is broken, as the same
contacts are duplicated by CC. Should, now, the switch
W be moved to E the current passing through the solenoids
S will go direct to earth, and the magnets wiU become de-
CONTROLLER NO Z
J?£t^£RSE FOPWARD
CONTROL
COUPUR
SOCKETS
COnTROL
COUPLER
SOCKETS
Fig. 3.— Diagram of Connections for British Thomson-Houston Continuous Current Multiple Unit Train Control System
WITH Earth Return.
either by way of contacts (x. and e, or contacts GC, solen-
oids SS and E. The first thmg necessary is to establish
a circuit between T and E. This is done by closing cc
through the motors to earth E via the two-way switch W.
energised, and, therefore, the total circuits at CC. The
circuit WSSE can be paralleled by others, as shown by the
dotted lines containing as many solenoids as are requhed
for control piu^oses, and elaboration of W will cause the.se
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12, 1909.
835
solenoids to be brought in and out of circuit. This explains
simply the principle upon which the control is based.
It is important to note that the earth connections for the
CUB CONTROLLER
■£ FORWARD
fi£y£frs£ CfL
ing magnet is energised, it releases a catch and allows the
motorman to j)roceed notching up to full series. If the
series contactor is not pulled up for any reason the con-
troller cannot be noteli-
c-,e-B co^r,>OLUR ^^ ^^^ ^^ -^ remains se-
curely locked.
The multiple * unit
control as constructed
bv the General Electric
Co.tU.S.A.), the British
Thomson- Houston and
the Allgemerne Elektri-
citiits Gesellschaft of
Berlin is constructed on
what has been called the
electromagnetic shunt
system, and it enables
cars to be equipped
with this system to be
coupled into a train
without reference to
their relative positions,
and either end of any
car may be coupled to
any other car on the
train. This method of
eojitrol is applicable to
any of the following
systems : The overhead
trolley system, unpro-
tected third rail sys-
tem with earth re-
turn, protected third
rail system witli earth return, protected or unprotected
third rail system with insulated retirrn, known as the com-
plete metallic circuit. >- '*
This method of control is u-^ed in Entrland bv the Central
Fig. 4. — Sprauue General Electric Multiple Unit Electromagnetic Control for Four JIotors
PER Cab and Insulated Return Rail.
contactor'and diverter circuits are at opposite ends of the
traui. The former must, of course, be at the rear, as it is
at this point that the return current is allowed to go to
earth after passing through all the contactor solenoids in
the motor cars on the train.
The earthuig point to which
this current is diverted, in
-order to de-energise the
•contactor solenoids, is at
the front of the train. To
allow of control being
effected from either end
of the train, the entire
■control system is paralleled
at the front and rear mas-
ter controllers.
The master controller is
comparatively small in
size, because it is not
required to break ^any
current, and consequently
has no blow-out, which
■usually takes up much
room. The position of the
switch barrel, at the top
with respect to , the con-
tactor barrel at the bot-
tom, will be also clear from Fig. 5.— Connections of Spbaoue General Electric Control. Type M, Form C. With pour 125 h.p.
the view of the con- Single-phase Compensated Motors, proposed for London, Brighton & South Coast Railway.
troUer interior In the
base of the controller is a magnetic lock, consisting of a small London Kailway, the Great Northern & City Railway, the
coil in series with the conductor solenoid coil, which deter-
mines the series connection of the motor. When this lock-
Underground Railways Co. of London, the Metropolitan,
the Great Western, and is also employed on the lines of the
836
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12, 1909.
North Eastern Railway near Newcastle, and will be iised
on the London, Brighton & South Coast Railway. This
system has been used most successfully in the U.S.A.,
notably on the overhead and underground railways in the
cities of New York, Boston and Chicago, and on many liigh-
sjjeed interurban roads. The system consists of two
general j)arts. the general arrangement of which is shown
ill Fig. 2, which represents a car equipped both for con-
tinuous and alternating current operation. First, a num-
ber of electrically operated switches called contactors and
an electrically operated reverse switch called the reverser,
constituting a series-parallel controller for the motors on
each motor car which effects the different combinations of
the motors and varies the resistance in series with them
or the transformer ratio as the case may be. Second, a
ma.ster controller, or controllers, located at one end, or one
at each end of each motor car in the motorman's compart-
ment, and controlling the contactors on all motor cars in
the tram. A cable, usually designated as " tram control
cable," comiected to each master controller and to the con-
tactors rmis the entire length of the train, the connection
between the cars being made by suitable and easily remov-
able electric couplers.
We mav consider two particular applications of this system
of control. The first case is that of a third rail installation
using the ordinary track or an earthed fourth rail for retmn.
This, of coiu'se, gives the simplest arrangement, and the
comiections for a car equipped with two motors are shown in
Fig. 3. In this installation it is presupposed that the gaps in
the conductor rail are so small as not to necessitate a main
current cable being run through the train, or that at gaps in
the third rail an overhead construction is adopted, such as
has been foimd necessary in the case of the system installed
on the terminus of the New York Central Railroad in New
York City.
The second case is that in which both positive and nega-
tive conductors are insulated. Thi? requires more com-
plicated wii-ing, and a diagram of the connections for a car
equipped with four motors, and requiring a main current
cable throughout the train in consequence of the gaps in
the conductor rail construction, is illustrated in Fig. 4.
The method of control just described is equally applic-
able to single-phase equipments. The operating current m
that case is taken either from a tapping m the mam trans-
former or else, as is done in the case of the London, Brighton
& South Coast Railway, from a special transformer which
.supplies the controller operating current, the cm-rent for
operating the compressor motor supplying the brakes and
the current for hghting the train. The connections pro-
posed for a four-motor smgle-phase equipment by the
(reneral Electric Co. of America are shown in Fig. 5.
I To be continned.)
Direct Telephone Communication between i'rankfort and
Vienna. — According to the " Zeitschrift fur Schwachstrom-
technik " a telephone line for this purpose will shortly he
erected. Building operations will begin on the Austrian terri-
tory in May of this year and will be finished in August.
Bronze wire, 0'2 in. in diameter, which, it is said, is stronger
than any that has yet been used in Europe, though similar
wire has found an application in America before now, is to be
employed. The Austrian part of this line will go by the most
direct line, via Wels and Passau. With the completion of the
length of line on German territory, it will be possible to speak
direct by telephone from Frankfort to Vienna, which, seeing
that the traffic between these two points is always increasing,
will be a great advantage.
EXTENDING THE LIMITS OF POWER
TRANSMISSION.^
AS APPLIED BOTH TO L( ».\(. DI.STAXC'E TRANSMISSION:
OF POWER AND TO POWER t'O.MPAXIES' AREAS.
BY A. M. TAYLOR.
Sintnnari/. — The objcL-t of thi.s Pajier is to draw attention to certain
possiljilities in the way of commercial developments that, as far as tha
author is aware, have been somewhat overlooked. Long-distance power
transmission by overhead lines is first considered, and then by imder-
ground cables.
Overhead Lixes.
The cost of lonsi-di.stance three phase overhead lines may be
divided up into the cost of copper and the cost of supports. The
capital cost of copper at £60 per ton. employing an initial voltage of
270 volts per mile of line, a current density of 250 amperes per sq. in.j.
and a combined drop of 35 volts per mile, amounts to roughly £20 per
effective kilowatt transmitted, assuming a power factor of 80 jjer
cent. On a 100-mile line this would mean an initial voltage of 27.00(1.
a total combined chop of LS per cent., and a capital cost of £20 per
kilowatt transmitted, which, on a 25 ])er cent, load factor, and taking
interest, sinking fund, maintenance, and depreciation at 25 per cent.
j)er annum, would mean a charge of roughly id. per unit transmitted.
By increasing the length of line to 122 miles, the line voltage being
ke])t at 27.000. the capital cost per kilowatt would be increasec' to
£30 per kilowatt transmitted.
As regards the supports, for light lines we may take £200 per mile as
a minimum figiue. while for heavy lines £500 per mile may be easily
reached, excluding wayleaves. Assume the power delivered to
receiving end of line to be, say, 10,000 kw. ; this would require the
i 60
-
1
'^
1 1
5
1
^/
1
^71
Ijo
...,4
1
4/
4e.
w
■AouK storage 1
dafordwz-mile 3'n^!ebr,e.
I 30
J^^^
1 L
--
-y(
J^
>
J 20
^^:>^l 1
,m\
^:jp<^
-
^P(^
1 ...<gS^ 1 1 ,
W\\(v\-
o~>2^
y
,Lp'
f^^'J^
m^
i.'i
^
^^p^^m^
rtf
" 1
fiiraiu-milesmjteline
s 0
1
_
ri
J L
II 1 !
-MiUi.
Fig. 1.
heavier line construction, but, on the other hand, the cost per kilowatt
would come out less than if we took a much lighter line, suited to the
cheaper posts and insulators.
A line 100 miles long would, therefore, cost £50,000, or £5 per
kilowatt transmitted, for the capital cost of poles and insulators.
The smaller line, for. say, 1,000 kw., would have cost £20 per kilo-
watt transmitted for the same iteius. It will be evident that on
copper figures, and with a limit of 27.000 volts and 10,000 kw.. 100
to 120 miles is about the economical limit for the bidk of the trans-
mission, and 50 miles \rith 1.000 kw.. except where coal is very dear.
In Fig. 1 a curve is given connecting copper cost per kilcwatt
transmitted with length of line, for a given percentage volt drop and a
given initial voltage. Where the line has to traverse mountainous
districts for many mUes. and is subject to interruptions througli
difficulties of inspection. &c.. it becomes desirable to duplicate both
poles and wires, and the cost of the line is thereby doubled. The
author's proposal is that electrical storage on a large scale should bt>
carried out at the distributing centres, the reliability of the line being
thereby increased to an extent that would warrant a second line
being disjicnsed ^^-ith. At the same time a ease for storage can be
made out on other grounds.
The batteries would be arranged to take up 50 per cent, of the peak.
thereby halving the copper costs for the line. In the case of a
10.000 kw. 122-mile transmission with a single line, it will be found
that, without raising the E.M.F. or increasing the line drop, the
radius of transmission can be extended to 165 miles for the samP
total capital cost of 30 -r 6=£36 per kilowatt transmitted. To cover
this distance with a smgle line, and with the E.M.F. limited to
27,000 volts, would have cost, without storage, some £63 per kilowatt
transmit ted. The storage scheme is thus some £27 per kilowatiTthc
* Abstract of a Paper read before the Birmmgham Local Section of tlie
Institution of Electrical Engineers.
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12. 1909.
837
cheaper, as far as the line is concerned. If the 122-mile line above
considered had been run in duplicate, as regards the copjier, only one
line of pok's. howcvci' liciiij/ ])r()vided, the radius of transmission could
have been iM^imIi d lioin 122 miles to about 230 miles without in-
creasing the (Mpitiil (oslsot the line.
It will, nil dmibt, be objected that tlie author has taken too low a
voltage, and that 50.000 volts might with advantage have been con-
sidered. But against this it may be said that the higher voltage
brings its own disadvantages, and that, where the line has to pass
tlirough damp or smoky districts, the higher voltage would be risky.
Anotlier ))oint that makes for the reduction in voltage is the fact
that the distributing; jiart of the line not infrequently equals the trans-
mitting part of tlie line in length or is worked at a lower voltage.
Consequently, the total cost of the line and distributors will really be
that of a line working at an average voltage much below that of the
initial voltage ; and any saving effected on the first part of the
line is. in part, compensated by the cost of the extra step-down trans-
formers and the higher insulation wanted throughout the high-tension
section. Whether .50.0(10 volts or 30.000 volts l,c i-iii|il<iyed, the per-
centage increase in the length of the line etfcctiii 1j\ iIii> use of accu-
mulators, for a given total copper cost, remains unahcred ; l)ut the
item for supports is evidently greater, in jiroportion to that for the
copper, with the high voltage, and somewhat reduces the length that
would otherwise be permissible.
If we take account of the much greater facilities for regulation
provided by the employment of storage at the receiving end of the
line, it will be foinid possible to double the resistance droj) in tlie line
12,000
11,1)00
10,0"!
9,o;o
e.uiKi
7,111111
A
A
-17-/
-25%
\
«A
I
T
1
-joy.
A
1
B
yy/A
1
1
1
1
1 .
1
1
1
f
1
1
'
Area above line AB=38,5iiii kw.-hours. Area below line AB = 7(i,iiiiij kw.-hou-s.
Total capacity of engiacs=UJ,iiuu kw.-houis. Available for cliarninK cells il44,iii»i
-76,i«iii) = 6?,iiOO liw.-hours. Useful units rei|iiiivd from cells = 3S,6(«i kw, -hours.
Charlie requireit into celU=5!i,t)i)) kw.-houra.
and thus to roughly double the distance of transmission. Thus, the
122-mile .single line considered in Fig. 1 could be lengthened to 220
miles, without any additional cost being incurred on the line, by the
employment of storage ; while, had the line been originally laid out
in duplicate (as far as copper is concerned), it could have been ex-
tended to 304 miles for the same total cost in copper and supports.
Tlie author suggests that, considering the desirability of being able
to shut down one half of the line copper for repairs to in.sulators. &c.,
it will often be found advantageous to provide the spare copper circuit
where there is no storage. With storage at the consumer's end of the
hue, it is. of course, possible to deaden the line at certain times of the
day without interrupting the supply.
Where the heads of water are low, the costs of the plant and head
works run up rapidly, as is seen from a table in the Paper, which gives
the power station costs incurred in some of the Swiss water powers,
the average figure being about £73 per kilowatt. On falls such as
these the saving in generating plant and head works Hould suffice to
extend the line to no less than 210 miles without increasing the total
ca()ital cost of the scheme, as compared with a single-line 122-mile
scheme without storage. The further extension, due to saving in line
copper, has of course to be added.
The cost of batteries to deal with a load curve of the type shown in
Fig. 2 would be about £10 per kilowatt, to which about £3. 10s. per
kilowatt must be added for auxiliaries and accessories, on alternating-
current systems. The advantage of having a standby at the con-
sumers' end of the line, equal to the maximum capacity of the whole
scheme for short periods, is one which, of cour.se, cannot easily be
expressed in monetary value, but is nevertheless very great.
The savings on a large power transmission scheme by the introduc-
tion of storage are not confined to the item.s above considered, such
fixed charges as wages, management, taxes, water-power purchase
rights. &c.. being all reduced with the reduction in the rated size of
the generating station and line ; and these would, of themselves, the
author estimates, alone more than pay for the cost of maintenance of
the batteries and auxiliaries.
UNDEReROUND CaBLE.S.
If a power company has to run a special feeder out to a small town
on the outskirts of its area, the costs of that feeder. es]5ecially if in
duplicate, may run into £10. or more, per kilowatt of maximum
demand. In this case the savings in fixed charges at the generating
station, as the author has shown in a recent article in The Electri-
cian (December 4. 1908). would alone pay for the cells, and the .saving
in the feeder could be put down as clear profit. Or. again, a power
company covering a very large area and confined, by lack of facilities
for cheajj power production, to one (lait only of this area for its
generating station, might find it praeticable to materially reduce the
costs of its general transmission and distribution system, as well as
improve the reliability thereof, by employing large batteries in its own
sub-stations.
To emphasise the importance to a power company of the saving
that might thus be effected in underground feeders, the author
gives in the Paper curves showing the costs for du])licate underground
tVc'dcrs for Hirer dilTiivhl siz.s <ii<li as would be run to a .small town.
It Hill lie .si'iri I ion I I lir-i li-iii' - I hii it ,1 |Mi\\c r companj' had to run a
special tccilci- jo miles loni; l.i pick uji tiic load of a small town, it
would cost them, if the load was not above 1.000 kw., .something
like £20 per kilowatt, if the feeder was laid in duplicate. Much
greater reliability of supply could, with storage, be obtained with a
single feeder of only 50 to 60 per cent, of the sectional area of one of
the others, the capital cost in such case being not much more than
half. The battery costs need not be debited to the feeder, for they
will be .saved over again in other directions, and the result is a clear
saving in feeder outlay of £8 to £H) per kilowatt — enough in some
cases to make the difference between profit and loss. The diagram
also serves to em[)hasisc the importance of any saving which a power
company may make in its general transmission system, such a.s it
would do by installing battery sub-stations at suitable points.
In this connection the author calls attention to the somewhat
pii"lii;al iinivision for generating stations made by several of the
|iovM'i ( ojii|ianies, as indicated in the ma])sof areas of the.se companies
]inlilislii(| m The ELECTKrciAN'.s Annual Tables (accompanying the
issue of .January 1st of that paper). To illustrate this jioint diagrams
are given in the Paper of the stations scheduled or eipiipjicd liy some
of these companies, and particulars of the distance apart of the ])ro-
posed stations. In view of the saving, both in cajiital cost and in
working expenses, of large stations a.s against small ones, the author
thinks that sufficient attention has jierhaps hardly been paid to the
desirability of covering a large area from a given power station, even
at. if necessary, rather higher costs for distribution.
It is found that, with lO.OtIO volts and 1.000 amperes jier square
inch, the resistance drop amounts to ~h per cent, per 10 miles. Since,
in the early stages of the scheme, it would be most unlikely that the
current density would average, throughout the length of the cable,
anything higher than 500 amperes per square inch, the drop on a
10-mile radius may probably be taken as not exceeding 3J per cent.
It would therefore look as though it would have been safe to space
the stations, say. 18 to 20 miles apart instead of 10 to 12 miles apart,
as obtains in .several case.s in the above mentioned power schemes,
and to put down transformer sub-stations, where the voltage could be
boosted up if necessarj-.
The author suggests that, where accumulator sub-stations are put
down for dealing with the peak of the load, the load transmitted at the
time of the peak can in some, if not in most, cases be reduced to one-
half, and in others may be reduced to nothing. This may be taken
advantage of. either to cut down copper and save in capital outlay in
the tran.smission line, or to double the length of that line and increase
the distance between generating stations from 18 miles to 36 miles.
-Also the voltage regulation at the boundaries of the system will be
so improved by the employment of the battery sub-stations that a
greater loss in transmission may be allowed, and thus sufficient copper
be saved both to double the length of the cojjper conductor and pay
for the cost of insulating, armouring, and laying the additional length.
In addition, such an extension of the radius of supply would, in many
838
THE ELECTRICIAN. MARCH 12, 1909.
cases, represent quadruple the load on a single station, and enable
companies supplying sparsely populated districts, or large areas, to
avail themselves of the saving in the capital invested in, and in the
working expenses of, the generating station.
In accumulator sub-stations with alternating currents, there is not
much experience to go on in this country : but in the United States
considerable attention is being given to the use of rotary converters,
in conjunction with storage batteries on alternating-current systems.
The author has proposals of his own to make in this connection on a
future occasion. It might be thought at first sight that the energy
losses on an alternating-current scheme would be serious, but, on a
water-])ower scheme, the cost of each unit of electricity put into the
battery, if put in at suitable times, is only of the order of 005d. ;
con.sequently, neither the efficiency of the rotary converter nor that
of the battery is so important as to weigh .seriously in comparison
with the charges on the line and generating plant.
On a power comj:iany's distribution scheme, where the power is
generated by steam, the cost of the energy put into the cells for charg-
ing purposes is only of the order of OlOd. per unit ; so that here
again the efficiency of the rotary converters and of the battery is not
so important as might be thought.
The author finally refers those interested to an article in The
Electrician (December 4 1908). and a Paper read by him before the
Incorporated Municipal Electrical Association on July .3, 1908.
Particulars are also given of undertakings in Europe whose trans-
mission voltage exceeds 30,000 volts.
LEEDS ELECTFICITY UNDERTAKING.
EXTENSIONS TO THE LIGHTING STATION FOR POWER SUPPLY PURPOSES.
The history of the Leeds electricity undertaking may almost
be .said to be a record in miniature of public electricity supply
in this country. Many of our readers will recollect the in-
stallation as originally the property of the Yorkshire House- to-
House Electricity Supply Co., which was taken over by the
Corporation of Leed.s in the year 1893. The visitor to the
the older section of the station included two engine rooms which
contained the Lowrie-Hall units already referred to, and a
number of high-speed sets of small capacity, which have since
partially fallen out of commission.
In tie newer section of the station a~very spacious engine
room has been built, which for some tinTe contained only two
Fig. 1. — Gjsner.1l View or New Enuine Room, showing REcirRoc.\TiNG Engine Units in background.
station some few months ago would have found a small section
of the original Hick-Hargreaves-Lowrie-Hall rope-driven instal-
lation in operation, but this, after years of yeoman service,
has now ceased running, the engines having been disposed of,
and^ the generators at present are awaiting removal. The
original station was situated on the banks of the Aire, and the
site has, fortunately, afforded ample room for extensions,
which have been necessitated by the rapid progress of the under-
taking since its transfer to the city. We have so much matter
of interest to describe in connection with the recent extensions
to the undertaking that space will not admit of our referring in
any detail to the whole of the plant as at present installed.
We may, however, incidentally remark upon the fact that when
extensions were first commenced with vertical quick-revolution
engines they were conscientiously carried out on the same lines
up to the present installation, which, however, comprises two
steam turbines each of 3,000 kw. capacity. What we niav call
Belliss and two Maclaren engines, each pair aggregating
4,000 B.H.P.. and direct coupled to two-phase alternators of the
Electric Construction Co.'s manufacture. With the introduc-
tion of steam turbines into this engine room a new aspect of
affairs has naturally been placed upon it, as will be seen from
Fig. 1, in which the two classes of units are distinctly contrasted.
The engineer and manager, Mr. Harold Dickinson, who has been
a.ssociated with the undertaking since its inception, has evi-
dently found it convenient in installing new plant to accommo-
date units of large size more readily with turbine sets than
with the reciprocating engine in his existing engine room.
Fig. 2 shows in section the arrangement of the boiler house
and engine room of the latest portion of the works, and it gives
general details of the coal-conveying plant, the steam mains,
economisers, &c. The coal is delivered into large hoppers
above the firing floor by motor-driven bucket conveyors made
by the New Conveyor Co., of Smethwick, Birmingham.
THE ELECTRICIAN. MAECH 12, 1909.
839
Boilers.
The boilers installed to supply steam to the extension turbo
units are a duplicate of those previously in service, being of
solid-drawn steel tubes, each 4 in. in diameter and 18 ft. long,
connected to the drums by continuous wrought-iron staggered
headers or uptakes and downtakes. Each header is provided
with hand holes, placed opposite the end of each tube, to facili-
tate the cleaning, removal and renewal of tubes when necessary.
The boilers are constructed for a normal steam pressure of
180 lb. per square inch, or 200 lb. if desired. The boiler drums
are fitted with patent feed-water purifiers, by which all scale-
forming salts in solution are removed, the water being sprayed
in a fine stream through the steam plates in front of the drum.
From this point it pursues a winding course over and under
obstacle plates to the pipe leading to the boiler. These plates in-
tercept the suspended salts and free the water from the bulk of
incrustating matter. The purifier is arranged for blowing off and
cleaning at intervals. The superheater has 990 sq. ft. heating
surface, and is arranged to impart from 100 to 120 deg. of
superheat to the steam. We understand that over 8,000 of
these integral superheaters are at work on the Babcock- Wilcox
Company's boilers in all parts of the world. The stokers are of
the inclined type of the company's latest design, and consist
Babcock & Wilcox manufacture with chain grate stokers.
Each boiler is of the company's standard land type, with a
heating surface of 5,510 sq. ft. There are 18 sections of 14 best
\'ertral CVi.nuexser used with TiKiiiNE Units.
of an endless chain of cast-iron links fastened together and run-
ning on rollers and driven by gearing from the front end. The
speed of the grate can be varied by means of this gearing from
7 ft. to 30 ft. per hour by a driving shaft running at 150 revs,
per min. A spring friction safety clutch is fitted to prevent
damage to the driving gear in the event of the stoker becoming
jammed. The air supply to the rear portion of the grate can be
cut off when the boiler is working at light loads ; each boiler is
constructed to evaporate normally 25,000 lb. of water with a
normal draught of f in. in the main flue behind the boilers when
local coal is used as fuel.
The feed water is passed through a Green's cconomiser of 720
tubes arranged in series of batches of 120 tubes, placed 10 tubes
wide in the main flue. In addition to the main flues bye-pass
flues are provided for use when the cconomiser is out of com-
mission. The cconomiser is of interest in that in order to
provide sufficient area for the flue gases the centres of the tubes
are widened out to lOjin., and that the tubes are 10 ft. long,
instead of the usual length of 9 ft. It is also arranged that the
first batch of tubes is in series with the remaining five, which are
in parallel, thus enabling colder feed water to be used if desired,
840^
IIIE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12, 1909.
and consequeutly only the first batch of tubes will suffer deterio-
ration instead of the whole economiser.
The boiler house when fully equipped is intended to contain
four distinct boiler installations, each set comjirising six
boilers, one economiser, with the necessary bye-pass flue
arrangements, one motor-driven induced draught plant, one
independent motor-driven stoker drive, &c. Of these, two sets
of boilers are completely installed, and the third partially. All
the economisers are of Green's make. Two of the induced
draught plants, respectively of 150 h.p. and 280 h.p. capacity,
are by Joseph Crawford, of Manchester, and consist of twin
fans drawing the gases up a central common duct, and dis-
charging by separate ducts into the chimney flue. The other
set is one of 250 h.p. by Matthews & Yates, of Swinton, and
has a single side entrance and discharges into the flue. The
motors on the two larger fans are of the slip-ring type, with oil-
The condensers for the new turbo-generators have been sup-
plied by the Mirrlecs Watson Co. , Glasgow, and arc interesting in
that they have been designed specially to deal with a somewhat
peculiar condition of cooling water. This w-ater is taken from
the river Aire, which at certain periods of the year carries down
large quantities of vegetation, and, what is even more difficult
to cope with, a very large amount of stringy material, the refuse
from the woolleii mills on the upper banks of the river. In the
ordinary condensers in use in the station this waste matter has
caused considerable trouble by matting up the tube plates and
preventing the free circulation of water. This applies to the
horizontal condensers which are employed in conjunction with
the reciprocating units. The obstruction was sufficiently fre-
quent with these plants to necessitate their being cleaned at
least once a week. With the introduction of the turbines a
vertical pattern of condenser was decided upon, and for the
Fio. 4. — Plan of Generating St.4tion, showing General Arrangement of Plant, &c.
cooled starters, and are by the Electric Construction Co.,
whilst the smaller one is by the Fuller Electrical Co., and has an
air-cooled starter.
Turbo-Generators.
Fig. 4, which is a plan of the boiler house and engine room,
containing both the reciprocating and turbo sets, shows the
very small floor space occupied by the latter as compared
with the former. The actual floor area of one of the recipro-
cating units is 0-51 sq. ft. per horse-power, while that of one of
the turbo units is only 0-27 sq. ft. per horse-power, these figures
includmg the condensing plant in each case. From the cross-
section of the station, which we show in Fig. 2, it will be noticed
that the condensing plant is placed at the basement level,
together wdth the air and circulating pumps, which arc elec-
trically driven for both turbine plants and one reciprocating
plant, the remaimng three being steam-driven.
design and construction of this the Mirrlees Watson Co. were
responsible. Fig. 3 is a plan and elevation of this type of
condensing plant. The top water box has been made of suffi-
cient depth to provide head enough to force the water through
the tubes and out into the overflow, so that the top cover, which
is hinged, can be opened and the condenser tubes cleaned while
the plant is in operation. The water is delivered into the top
box from a centrifugal |iuni|i. and tlic entrance can be fitted
with a double interclianiiralilc stiaiinT plate to collect foreign
matter, these plates ln'ing easily icuiuvable when necessary.
We may remark here that the water only passes once through
the condenser. During normal running periods the water is
delivered into the top box, flows downwards through the con-
denser tubes into a specially shaped bottom box, from which it
is discharged into the main. As indicated above, the top box is
closed with a very light hinged cover, which can be readily
thrown back when it is necessary to clean the tubes. A
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12, 1909.
841
special cleansing plate is fixed over the top tube plate with
conical siiajied holes drilled in to correspond with the tubes.
This enal)li's fibrous materials which would otherwise cling to
the sharp edges of the tubes to slip into the tul)e and pass down
with the water, and eventually pass away to the discharge or
collect in the bottom box. All water channels have special
Fig. 5. — Type of Air Pcmp used in conjunction- with New Tik-
BiNE Units.
curved openin.gs, so that no sharp edges shall be presented
for the lodgment of foreign matter. The piping arrange-
ment, as shown in Fig. 3, provides for a reverse flow of water,
allowing it to be led into the bottom and out at the top of the
condenser. It has been found that at tiines when the river has
been flooded and the other condensers in the station have been
.-_i-.
Fill. 0. — Details of Motor-Operated ExiiArsr \'alvk.
clioked up this particular pattern has continued in operation
with only a slight fall in vacuum, which immediately righted
itself after reversing the flow and washing out the condenser
barrel. In Fig. 5 we give an illustration of the type of air pump
employed in connection with these condensers. This is of the
Mirrlees-Edwards pattern, with three sopamto pump casings
suitable for 22 in. diameter buckets and 15 in. .stroke. The
pumps are driven through single-reduction gearing from a50H.P.
E.C.C. two-phase induction motor. The pumps are fitted with
continuous oil lubrication, and the small double-acting con-
densed water lift pump is driven from the air pump crankshaft.
This little pump raises the water from the hot well to the feed
tanks. The cooling water is taken from a sump in the engine
room, which is fed from the river.
With the vertical type of surface condenser it is hardly
feasible to place the condenser in the most advantageous
position, namely, immediately under the turbine, but they have
here been placed as close to the generating plants as possible,
and connected to them with exceedingly large exhaust pipes,
and every care has been taken in designing the necessary bends
to minimise any possible losses. Another valuable feature
has been obtained by the arrangement adopted at Leeds in that
it is practically immaterial whether a turbine is using the con-
denser in front or behind it, and hence if a condenser be out of
commission for any reason the turbo-generator unit is still
Fill. T. — LnWKK HaII i>F :'..OIIilK\V. 'I'l-RHINE StATOR.
[An iiitert>uii<^ uptiiul illusion is obtained by inverting this illustra-
tion.—Ed. E.]
available for supplv purposes bv using the other condenser.
This scheme when fully d.^velope'd will entail the provision of
an extra condensing plant.
The main exhaust steam pipe (see Fig. 6) is 66 in. in-
ternal diameter, and is provided with suitable copper expan-
sion bellows, one on either side of each turbine exhaust tee
pipe. This tee pipe is supported by very strong spiral springs
initially loaded to the weight of the pipe. In this way both
horizontal and vertical motions of the exhaust inain are
provided for without in any way straining the turbine body.
Eollers and slings are provided to facilitate these motions due
to expansion and contraction. Limit stops are provided for the
copper bellows^ to prevent undue compression and possibly
collapse when portions of the main exhaust pipe are evacuated,
the remaining portions being subject to atmospheric or higher
pressure in case of a turbo working non-condensing.
The main exhaust valve from the turbine is, as mentioned
above, 66 in. in diameter and consequently of considerable
weight. Arrangement.s have accordingly been made for open-
ins and closing it eloctricallv as well as by hand. The general
842
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12, 1909
details of this interesting motor application are shown in Fig. 6,
the same drawing also illustrating the hand-wheel and worm
gear for manually raising and lowering the valve. Messrs.
Glentield & Kennedy, of Kilmarnock, have supplied this part
of the equipment. The motor is of 4 bh.p., and actuates the
valve through worm gearing and a claw clutch.
The turbines are of Messrs. Willans & Robinson's standard
construction, and have an output of 4.000 b.h.p. at 750 revs.
105 volts ; the full load exciting current on 0-8 power factor is
about 200 amperes.
The 1-2 sq. in. concentric cables from the main generators
to the swithcboard are run upon hangers fixed in the basement
below the engine room floor and into a subway situated directly
beneath the switchgear, pro\'ided with compartments contain-
ing the main switches. The same subway contains the out-
going feeders and is carried some distance into the citv, the
Fic. 8. — Pr.AN OF SxnTCHGEAR, SHO\\^^•G position of Generator and Feeder Panels.
F. Feeder. G F, Group Feeder. Gj Coupler.
per min. The blading of both the rotor and the stator has been
carried out upon Messrs. Willans & Robinson's standard lines,
with the shrouding rings which form a feature of this turbine.
Fig. 7 shows the lower half of the stator open complete with
its whole set of high and low-pressure blades. This serves to
bring up the general solidity of construction of this class of tur-
bine, together with the high standard attained in the fitting in
of the blade rings. The appearance of the rotor when slung
from the engine room crane may be gathered from Fig. 9, this
illustration showing also the balancing pistons.
The generator is built upon the lines adopted by Messrs.
Dick, Kerr & Co. iu numerous plants of this description ; the
rotor is, however, in this instance completely enclosed to
minimise noise. The total output of the alternator is 3,000 kw. ,
but each machine has an overlgacl capacity up to 3,750 kw. for
cables being accessible at every point. The importance of
paving special attention to the running of these cables has not
been overlooked, and every possible precaution has been taken
to ensure the complete i-solation of each set of conductors with-
out making any sacrifices in the direction of accessibility.
.Switchgear.
The arrangements of the switchgear call for special comment,
particularly as they deal with practically three sqts of boards
-Rotor of 3,000 kw. Turbine, Slung from Engine
Room Crane,
Fig. 10. — Group of Solenoid Operated Oil Switches as used in
Leeds Switchgear.
two hours without the use of by-passes on the turbine. An
output of 4,.500 kw. can be obtained for 30 minutes from each
alternator when the by-passes are used. The normal speed is
750 revs, per min. and the voltage is 2,100, the frequency being
50 per second. Each machine is excited from a small gene-
rator direct-coupled to the turbine shaft, the pressure being
in different parts of the station. We may incidentally remark
that the original single-phase Lowrie-Hall plug board iu the
old switch room is now removed, but the original Fcrrantl
installation which stood side by side with it is still in com-
mission. It consists of the usual cellular gear, arranged on
two sides of a wall, with the generator panels on one face and
THE ELECTRICIAN. MARCH 12, 1909.
843
the feeder panels on the other, the connecting 'bus bars pass-
ing through slate-lined holes in the wall. In the new switch
room, which was erected at the time that the Belliss units were
installed, this same design of gear was followed, and up to the
time of the introduction of the turbo sets extensions were
carried out on similar lines. Fig. 8 is a plan showing the
switchgear arrangements in the switch room of the new section
of the station. The existing generator and feeder boards will
be noticed on the back-to-back arrangement already referred
to. The same plan shows the position of the control board for
the new generators, the main 'bus bar cells, which are on the
same floor level, and the feeder groups and group panels. The
dotted lines indicate the position of the cells in the above-
mentioned subway under the switch room, in which all high-
tension switching apparatus, potential and current transfor-
mers, cable mains, &c., are fixed. Reference back to the
cross-section of the station will make clear the arrangement of
the switching apparatus, cable racks, 'bus bars, &c. The
whole of till' extension switchgear was entrusted to Messrs.
Ferraiiti, who also installed the original cellular boards already
mentioned.
The switching room is of ample length, and provides for ex-
tension in the most convenient manner, while at the same time
it affords plenty of room on both floors for the necessary ap-
paratus. Into the general design of the gear nothing particu-
larly novel has been introduced, the structural work being of
glazed brick and concrete, and the various pieces of apparatus are
isolated from one another by dividing walls ; in fact, the cellular
system has been closely followed throughout the entire arrange-
ment. The main switches are of the oil-break type, and are
solenoid operated throughout. The design of these switches
has been referred to on previous occasions in our columns, but
we give an illustration in Fig. 10 showing a group of these
switches in Messrs. Ferranti's shops to remind our readers of the
principal features of the switch.
(To he conrhided.)
THBEB-PHASE MOTORS WITH CONTROLLER
ATTACHED.
It is in many cases desirable that botli mutor and starting device
should be united into one unit ; firstly, in order to reduce the cost
of erection, and, secondly, to facilitate attendance on the motor.
The latter is especially important in the case of three-|)hase motors
which are fitted with slip-ring rotor and .sliort-circuiting device,
iiwing to the tact that an interruption iif the service may easily be
Iwought about by wrong mani|nilations caused by uns]<iilecl labour
which cannot always be avoided.
A starting device possessing these features, designed by the Felten
& Guilleaume-Lahmeyerwerke A.G., Frankfort-on-Main, is here
described. By means of this device all the manipulations necessary
fi5r starting a three-phase motor fitted with slip-ring rotor and short-
circuiting device are made by means nl' ;i li.iml wheel. This IuukI
wlicel may be turned through an anj;!' ^'1 :il.) d' j., and any mistakes
whicli might arise when starting or sinjijuiiLi ilie motor are by this
means completely avoided. When constructing the starting device
means were sought to obtain a design having the smallest possible
dimensions, together with a pleasing shape and the mechanical con-
trol mentioned above, which could also be built on to the standard
tlu-ee-phase motor made by the firm without any alterations what-
ever being necessary.
Fig. 1 shows how the problem was solved. The starting device,
which consists of a controller mounted on an angle-iron frame, is
bolted to the motor feet and fitted to the original terminal board of
the otherwise unchanged standard motor. The case of the starter
also contains the necessary starting resistances, in addition to the
controller drum, which is operated by the hand wheel. Both are
immersed in oil, by which means the small dimensions desired,
together with a good insulation and sufficient cooling, are attained.
The controller drum is also fitted with the contacts necessary for
switching in the stator winding, whilst the fuses have Ijcen mounted
in a-special case fitted on the outside of the controller casing, which
at th same time serves for the purpose of connecting tlie motor to
the supply mains. The lifting of the brushes, after the short-cir-
cuiting of the slip-rings has taken |)lace, is effected by means of the
lever (shown in Fig. 1) which is connected to the hand wheel of the
controller.
If now the hand wheel is turned in a clockwise direction, first the
stator and then the rotor is switched into circuit, and upon con-
tinuing this motion still further in the same direction the starting
resistance in series with the rotor is gradually cut out, the slip-rings
short-circuited and then the brushes lifted. When switching off,
this process takes place in the reverse direction. The hand wheel
may in both eases be turned through an angle of 315 deg.
An ammeter, which may either be an electromagnetic instrument
with air damper or of the aperiodic hot-wire type, as may be jjre-
ferred, is fitted directly above the hand wheel, and indicates tiie cur-
rent taken by the motor. Accordingly, the controller,' togetlier with
Fui. 1. Tuiii;i;-ruAsi; McJidu with CdNTUor.i.EK
ITTACIUill.
the stator switch, fuses and ammeter, completely replaces tlie usual
motor panel otherwise necessary. As may be seen in Fig. 2, the
controller drum and the resistances, after lifting off the cover, may be
completely removed, so that the separate parts may be interchanged
with facility.
These controllers are constructed for tlu-ee-phase motors having
outputs ranging f:-om 10 H. P. to 220 H. P.. and, as previou.sly men-
tioned, can also be fitted at any future time to the standard motors
built by the firm witlii.ul any alterations whatever becoming neces-
sary.
This description holds good tor controllers intended for pressures
up to 500 volts. For higher pressures the stator switcli is mounted in
Fig. 2— View of Motoii with Covek over Contuolleb-cisk
REMOVE!! for InSCKCTIOS .
a special case and is immersed in oil ; it is. Iiowever. in this ca.se also
operated mechanically by means of the hand wheel of the controller
drum.
Motors fitted with controllers attached in this manner can be used
to especial advantage in cases where the greatest possible safety of
operation, independent of unskilled operators, is requiied. as. for
example, in mines, chemical works, textile factories, rolling mills. &c.
The controller may also be used with perfect safety in fiery mines as
both controller drum as well as resistances are immersed in oil,
making the whole construction flame-proof. In this case, however,
the motor used must also be of the flame-proof type.
844
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12, 1909
ALLEN'S ENCLOSED OIL ENGINE.
In our issue of May 1, 1908. we described the interesting series of
vertical paraffin engines brought out by Messrs. W. H. Allen, Son &
Co., of Bedford. Engines of this type offer many advantages when
coupled to dynamos or pumps, and their light weight enables them
to be transported and used in situations unadapted to otlier types of
prime movers. In the design of engine which we illustrated and
paraffin, to heat the vaporiser before starting, being fitted. The
necessary temperature is afterwards maintained by the heat of the
exhaust gases.
As would be evident from the previous description, there are no
unusual features in the general design of the engine ; the bedplate
and trunk are cast in one piece to which the bearings are securely
bolted, being .spigotted into bored bearers to ensure perfect align-
ment. In .small engines the cylinders and combustion chambers
are cast in one piece, thus avoiding possible trouble with joints ; in
Scale of One Foot
0 3 6 9 12 inche
ilU,l, I I I .1 ,1 I I I ' I
Fig. 1. — ELEV..TI0N and Sections showing GENEn.iL .\iiranoe,mest of Allen's PARiFFis Oil Enqike.
described last year splash lubrication was employed, but lubrication
in Messrs. Allen's latest design is eflfected by their well-known type
of oil pump fitted in the crank chamber and worked from an eccen-
tric ; and other improvements have also been incorporated, to which
further reference is made below.
Messrs. Allen have designed these engines to meet an increasing
demand for vertical oil engines running at moderate speeds, which
Fio. 2. — 2Ab.h.Pi Paraffin Engine DiRECT-courLEO to 1;^ kw. Dynamo.
may either be direct -coupled to the machine which they have to
work, or drive through belts, gearing, or chains. They are designed
particularly for using paraffin, this fuel now being obtainable in
almost any part of the world, .so tliat there is practically no boundary
to the market for the paraffin consuming engine.
It is interesting to notice tliat these engines are independent of
petrol or other light .spirit for starting purposes, a blow lamp using
the larger sizes the combustion chambers are bolted to the cylinders.
The pistons are made exceptionally long for vertical engines, to.
increase their life as well as that of the cylinders. The cranks are of
nickel steel, all other working parts being of Siemens-Martin steel,
case hardened \vhere any wear might possibly occur. Messrs.
Fig. 3. — 5 u. H.r. Paraffin Engine coufleu to Pi'mp.
Allen's well-known valveless lubricating oil pump is employed to
force oil through all the bearings, including the crank-pin and cross-
head pin. The inlet and exhaust valves are arranged in a pocket at
the side of the combustion chamber, the exhaust valve being directly
below the inlet, and the inlet valve box forms the cover for the
exhaust valve. This arrangement was adopted to suit the vapo-
riser which is bolted against the inlet and exhaust ports,
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12. 1909.
845
The vaporiser, as will be seen from Fig. 1 herewilli, lias a central
tube which forms the chimney for the lamp ; this tube also holds
the lamp itself, and being in the centre of the vaporiser the heat is
most efficiently applied just where it is required, the advantage (jf
this being that little time is taken for starting up. The fuel is drawn
through the annular space between the lam)) tube and tlic inner wall
of the vaporiser, where it is vaporised, in the Hrst in.stance by tlie
heat of the lamp and afterwards when tlic engine is at wcjrk by tlic
exhaust gases passing round outside the annular vaporising space.
The fuel is fed to the vaporiser from a float chamber. The governor
operates a drum throttle, controlling the quantity of mixture, and
an automatic valve supplies extra air required at full load.
Ignition is by low-tension magneto ; the sparking plug is jilaccd
at the side of the valve pocket and is worked by a very simple make-
and-break gear, a feature of which is the method of removing the
trip rod when it is desired to examine the sparking plug. This rod
is held in place by a steel guide washer, which has a spigot fitting
into a bracket below the plug, the guide washer being kept in position
by the same spring that depresses the rod to trip the plug, the
l)raeket being slotted to allow the rod to pass. All that is necessary
to remove the rod, is to depress the guide washer against the spring,
and pull the rod aside. The magneto is driven from the cam shaft
through spiral gear, except in the case of the 2^ b.h.p. engine, where
it is oscillated by a crank,
A single hand lever operates the half compression and retards the
ignition for starting up. The process of starting-up is very simple.
A small amount of paraffin is poured into the lamp which contains
asbestos wool ; when the lamp has been burning for about 10 minutes
the vapori.ser has become sufficiently heated and with a few turns
from the starting handle the engine runs up to speed.
We were enabled to inspect a number of these oil engines at
Messrs. Allen's works last week, both under construction and under
running conditions. Si.\ engines of sizes from 2^ to 5h.p. were
running at speeds from 700 to 800 revs, per min., and either direct-
coupled to, or driving by means of belts, dynamos and ])umps.
Where dynamos were being driven, the voltage was remarkably
steady and the running of the engines left nothing to be desired. As
regards fuel consumption, Messrs, Allen can guarantee a consump-
tion of 0-7 to 0-7.5 lb. per brake-horse-power-hour, whilst in the
larger sizes of plant consumptions as low as 0-6 lb. have been recorded.
Two of the engines referred to are illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3 here-
with,the latter showing a5B.H.P. set running at 7oOrevs, per min.,
direct coupled tea 4 in. turbine pump, discharging 140 galls, per min,
a,gain8t a head of 30 ft. At this head the pump does not require
the full outputof the engine, but by lowering the head and increas-
ing the quantity, full output can be obtained. Fig. 2 shows a 2J b.h.p.,
800 revs, per min. engine driving a Ij kw. dynamo.
There is und(jul)tedly a great future before these engines, parti-
cularly for small electric lighting installations and |iumping plants,
and the smoothness of the running is a guarantee that the repairs
will be small.
THE CAPACITY OF PAPER CONDENSERS AND TELE-
PHONE CABLES.
WITH A NOTE ON THE DETERMINATION OF THE
SPECIFIC INDUCTIVE CAPACITY OF DIELECTRICS.*
BY A. ZELENNY AND A. P. ANDREWS.
Summart/. — Experimental results ara here given showing the difference
between the free charge capacity of paper condensers and telephone
cables and the capacity value that is obtained by the ordinary method
where the galvanometer remains in circuit during the whole time of its
throw. Attention is also called to a method of determining the specific
inductive capacity of dielectrics.
On account of the comparatively large absorption in paper con-
densers and telephone cables it was found desirable to employ a
key which enables the time the condenser is allowed to discharge
to be accurately adjusted. The key consists of two keys operated
by a swinging pendulum similar to that described by Carhart and
Patterson. t The two wooden arcs over which the pendulum swings
are divided into spaces representing known periods of time, the
shortest space being equivalent to 0002 second. In Fig. 1 the keys
aud the connections are shown in a position in which the battery B
is charging the condenser C. When the pendulum (not shown)
is caused to swing, it first strikes the release bar of the key Ki, re-
leasing the spring, which, on striking the upper stop, closes the gal-
* Abstracted from the ' Physical Review,"
t Carhart and Patterson, '■ Electrical Measurements," p, 107, 1900.
vanometer circuit. The condenser then discharges until the pen-
dulum releases the spring of the key K,, The time of discharge is
dependent on the separation of the two keys, which are movable and
clamped each to one of the graduated wooden arcs.
When the key K, had the simple construction shown in Fig, 1,
the time required to discharge the free charge of the condenser was
found to be about twice the theoretical value. This was due prin-
cipally, no doubt, to the vibration of the spring on striking the
upper stop, so that the discharge, instead of being continuous, was
intermittent. After many unsuccessful attempts to avoid this
vibration, a key with a mercury contact was adopted. This is showa
in Fig. 2. When the bar A is held in the position shown, the con-
denser is being charged, and when the release bar R is thrown down
by the pendulum the amalgamated point E is plunged into the mer-
cury at B by the downward pull of the spring S. The disc D tits
over the top of the mercury cup and prevents the loss of mercury
by spattering. The spring H serves to make a metallic contact with
the bar A. Even with this key the time to discharge the whole
measurable part of the free charge was still somewhat greater than
demanded by theory.
Mica Condenser. — Fig, 3 gives the throws obtained from a Leeds
and Northrup mica condenser when using different times
of discharge, and shows that all the measurable part of the
free charge was discharged in 0008 second. The curve
JF
Ti
Fia. 1,
Fl.;. 2.
showa, also, that the increment due to the liberation of the absorbed
charge amounts to 0'02 per cent, of the free charge for] every
001 second that the condenser is allowed to discharge.
Paper Condenser. — On account of their large absorbing power,
most paper condensers require a comparatively long time for charg-
ing. In some cases, with the particular apparatus employed, it was
found necessary to charge 30 seconds before the free charge became
independent of the time of charging. The charge obtained increased
at first with the time of charging owing to the absorption continuing
during the discharge of the condenser, and to a smaller amount of
the absorbed charge being liberated. On this account it was found
convenient to introduce a third key, which closed the condenser
battery circuit immediately after the opening of the galvanometer
circuit.
Several paper condensers made by different firms were compared ;
some of the results are shown in Fig. 4.
Time of I)Uchay^e in Se<o iits.
FlQ, 3.
Telephone Cable.'!. — Discharges were taken in a similar manner from
a paper telephone cable 1,500 ft. in length containing .50 i)airs of wires.
The wires were connected so as to obtain the capacity of the pairs
in parallel. The results are plotted in Fig, 5.
"True." "Free Charge." "Ordinary" and "Effective" Capa-
cities.— The preceding curves show that, after the free electricity
is discharged, the liberated absorbed charge continues to flow at
almost a uniform rate for a considerable time. Each of the straight
lines representing this is projected backward in the figure as a dotted
line until it meets the axis of ordinates. The ordinate of the point
where the dotted line leaves the curve represents the whole measur-
able part of the free charge of the condenser, together with that part
of the absorbed charge that is Uberated during this discharge. On
the assumption that the absorbed charge is liberated at the same rate
during the time the free electricity is discharging as it is liberated
846
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12, 1909.
immediately after, the point at which the dotted hne cuts the
axis of ordinates represents the true free charge of the condenser.
As previously suggested by one of us, the " true "' capacity is ob-
tained from the true free charge ; the " free charge " capacity, from
the free charge with the addition of the absorbed charge that is
liberated during the discharge of the free charge ; the " ordinary "
cajjacity, from the quantity discharged when the condenser remains
connected to the galvanometer during the whole period of its throw ;
and the " effective " capacity, from the quantity obtained under any
other condition of employment. Each of these four has its distinct
use.
The table gives the per cent, by which the " free charge " and the
" ordinary " capacity values are greater than the " true " capacity
values of some of the condensers considered in this Paper. It also
gives the rate at which the absorbed charge is liberated immediately
after the discharge of the free electricity.
TBANSF0RMEK8 FOR MEASURING INSTRUMENTS.
Current and pressure transformers for u-se in conjunction with
measuring instruments on the switchboards of alternating current
high-tension generating stations, have come more and more into
general use during recent years. On the other hand, for laboratory
and research work, where much greater accuracy is required, this
class of apparatus has not until lately made much headwav. This
7
y
w
--q
fh
— '
-"
'
g
/'/
-—
'
/'// J
^
-^
.
- —
'\f
^
r^
w
\^
-^
1
J
001 0-02 003 0-01 0*05 0-06 0-07 0 03 0-09 O'lO Oil 0 12
Tiine o/ Discharge in Sfconds.
Fio. 4.
L-Ke]log SttitchboarJ ft Supply Co.
i -= Stromberg-Carlsen Teleplioue yiti;. Co.
W^Westcrn Electric Co.
M = SrarshalI, a very old eonieuicr used
about I't yeais.
■ Specific Inductive Capacity of Dielectrics.— This is now ordinarily
determined by the alternating current methods. The capacity
values obtained by these methods approximate to the " free charge "
capacities as here considered. The " true " capacity determines the
value of the .specific inductive capacity, and this may differ appre-
17-«0
1
^
7
:
)
•
— 1
1710
,
1
>
^
i;-3u
17-20
,--'
..--
17-10
-;.
^
^
;^
16-.-0
167U
1
1
_j
Fig. 1.— Siemens FoiiLvBLE i.au jcvtory ttje: JIi.i.iii'LE I'.iyGE I'flEssrp.F
Transkobmer with Five RiNdgs of from 1,000/100 volts to
12,000/100 VOLTS. .
has been principally due to the fact that amongst the transformers
generally available, the ratio could not be relied upon to be constant
over a wide range, and the phase-displacement between primary and
secondary was in most cases excessive. The latter difficulty was, of
cour.se, particularly noticeable when measurements had to be made
on circuits with a very low power factor. In view, however, of the
growing tendency towards the use of extra high incssurcs and heavy
0-U4 0U3 UU6 0 07 OOS Oi
J'ime c/ Disdiarge in Seconds.
Fio. 5,
ciably from the value obtained by the alternating current methods.
The authors also give curves showing the amount of charge absorbed
when the condensers were allowed to stand 10 seconds
yiEilENS PoIiTAr.LE L.\B0RATORY TiPE CdRIII.M TliAN-i <iBMBlia
WITH Multiple Eanges.
currents the development of transformers, for use with laboratory
and testing instruments generallj-, has become a necessity.
Fig. 1 shows a multiple range pressure transformer specially
designed to meet the exacting requirements of laboratory and re-
search work, which has recently been jJut on the market by Messrs.
Siemens Bros. & Co., of Woolwich.
We are enabled to give below- the results of some tests on these
transformers which go to demonstrate how fully this apparatus
meets the special needs of the particular class of w-ork for which it is
designed.
It is worthy of note that in addition to maintaining such a constant
ratio over a range of from 10 per cent, to 100 per cent., and having
such a small phase displacement, these transformers are practically
independent of wave-form and frequency. ■ The method of changing
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12, 1909.
847
T'^t.< on Mnlilpk Uniiii,' Pr(S«n-e T,;nu/orm.i
Primal-}'
pressure-
Secondary
pressure.
Ratio.
Angle of plmse-
di.splacement.
(1)
4,975-0 volts
3,000-0 „
(2) 5,000 volt
4,9750 volts
2,999-0 ,,
(3) 3,000 volt
2,975-0 volts
1,994-3 „
(4) 2,000 volt
1,994-3 volts
9971 „
i5) 1,000 volt
997-1 volts
500-4 „
5,0D0 volt range -with
99 74 volts I
60-13 „ ■
range with secondary
99-62 volts !
60-05 ,,
range with .secondary
9930 volts
66 59 ,.
range with secondary
99-68 volts
49-82 „
range with secondary
99-70 volts I
50-01 ,,
open secondary.
49-88 : 1 I
49 89 : 1 I
closed through 1
49-94 : 1
49-94 : 1
closed through 1
29-96 : 1 I
29-95 : 1 I
closed tlirough 1
20-01 : 1
20-01 : 1
closed througli 1
lOCOl :\
10-006 : 1
0'
-0-5'
,200 ohms.
+4'
+ 4-
20D ohms.
-fl'
+2-
200 ohms.
+4'
+3'
,200 ohms.
+3-5'
+2'
Tefits on Tioo-range Current Transformer 600-5 and 1,200-5 amperes.
1. Ratio of Primary to Secondary Current.
Secondary load.
Resistance. Self-induction.
Ratio. Range 6C0/5.
Ratio
1,200, 5 range.
0-1 ohm 0
0-6 ohm 4 X lO""" henry
A'alue of primary current.! ^^^"^ °^ P"^',"
- '■ •' - mary current.
120amp.]360amp.|600arap.i 1,200 amp.
2x119-7
120-0
120-5
119-8
120-2
liy-8
120-0
2. Angle of Phase nisplacement between Primary and Secondary.
Secondary load.
Angles. Range 600 5. Rang"e°l,26o;5.
„ ., L„.j .. Value of primary current! Value of pri-
Reswtance. Self-induction.' '^ ■ mary current.
I jl20amp. 360amp. 600amp. ' 1,200 amp.
0-1 ohm 0
0-6 ohm 4 X 10^' henry
23'
34'
11'
18'
3. The Phase Angles 5- shown in Table 2 -would necessitate the
following Wattmeter corrections.
' Power factor
of
. inductive load.
Correction.
5 = 12'.
5 = 34'.
0-8
0-6
0-4
02
-0-3 per cent.
-0-5 „
-0-8 ,,
-1'7 „
- 0-7 per cent.
-1-3 „
-2-3 „
-4-8 „
the range is also extremely simple and convenient with both the
current and pressure types, and the insulation between primary and
secondary and case, is very high.
The current transformers [sec Fig. 2) arc insulated for a working
pressure of 12.000 volts, and are tested with double that pressure.
The standard value of the secondary current is in all cases 5 amperes,
and the standard values of the primary current range from 5 to 1.500
amperes for single range transformers, and from 5 to 1.200 amperes
for the multiple range types. The subdivisions of the primary coil
on the mutti|)!e-range transformers are so arranged that they are all
of identical electrical value, and consequently tlic ratio and phase-
displacement are not affected by altering the range.
■The pressure transformer.-! arc designed for a standaitl secondary
pressure of 100 volts, and for jirimary pressures ranging up to 12.tK)()
volts, at frequencies of from 25 to 60 cycles. The remarks with
regard to constancy of ratio and small phase-displacement, apply
equally well to the pressure transformers. From the t.ibles given it
will be seen that the accuracy of the ratio at 5,000/100, as compared
with that at 1.000/100 is only affected to the extent of 0-25 per cent.,
and the error due to phase-displacement is so small as to be negligible,
this being so even when the highest accuracy is required. The
maximum phase displacement angle is only 4 minutes.
The improved working conditions, which are the characteristics
of th',' tninsfiirmers described, are mainly to be attributed to the use
of a completely closed magnetic circuit, there being no air-gap what-
ever. The core plates are stamped out of the sheets in their complete
and final form, and the coils are wound on the arms by means of a
special device. This method of stamping-out the core plates in one
piece has the further advantage thatfit ensures uniformity of manu-
facture, which is not dependent upon the skill of the individual work-
man, as in the case of transformers in whicli the core plates are butted,
or otherwise, jointed.
LOAD EQUALISERS.
Tlic following is an abstract of the discussion which took
place at the meeting of the Manchester Local Section of the
Institution of Electrical Engineers when Mr. J. S. Peck read
his Paper on the above subject. An abstract of this Paper
appeared in our issue of February 26th.
The Chaikman (Mr. Miles Walker) remarked that the conimutating
machine seemed to have the best characteristics for the purposes required,
but, nevertheless, the tendency was to do away with it and use an induc-
tion motor. If it was necessary to use a commutator at all on an alter-
nating current circuit, it would be better to use one of the systems which
had been proposed. in which the commutator only dealt v.-ith the current
in the rotor circuit. It was possible to change the sp?ed of an induction
motor through a wide range by changing the voltage of the rotor by
means of an exciter, which, though dealing with the whole current, did
not deal with the whole voltage. With regard to the system put forward
by Mr. Wood, if polyphase exciters were used with an induction motor
so as to change its speed without a rheostat, it would be a fairly efficient
load equaliser, and one which would work at high fre lucncie* just as well
as at low frequencies.
Mr. H. W. Wilson had had considerable experience in the use of buffer
batteries as load equaliser?. The great disadvantage was the deprecia-
tion of the battery. He had recently Installed a flywheel .set in a case
where a battery and so-called reversible booster had been installed and
used for about three years. The flywheel set now did everything the
battery could do and much more. 'The working conditions were some-
thing like the following — viz., voltage 550. peak load 220 amperes,
average running load 80 amperes, and for half the time the load was only
12 amperes. The peak came on instantaneously, and without a battery
or a load equaliser of the flywheel type it threw a great strain on the
generators, which were gas driven. "The load equaliser appeared to take
about 40 to 50 per cent, of the peak load comfortably and got the plant
over the maximum load, which lasted for something between lialf and
three-quarters of a minute. The cost of such an equipment was much
less than the cost of a battery and booster, and the depreciation wa.s
obviously much less. An apparatus of the flywheel type w-ould be very
useful and give a possible saving in cables, if put in close to a motor load,
either in a consumer's premises or in a sub-station in the district, or
for a small traction system where the peaks were considerable and out of
proportion to the average load.
Mr. V. A. H. McCowEN (Salford) thought the generating station was
hardly the place to instal a load equaliser as far as a public supply was
concerned. Owing to the diver-*ity of use of power, the load was steadier
at the station, and the best place to put the equaliser was in the remote
districts, where abnormal peaks were experienced. . It was a most de-
sirable piece of apparatus to instal in connection with small tramways.
Mr. C. F. Smith referred to the similarity there was in auxiliary ma-
chinery employed in connection with the t«-o types of equalisers — the
flywheel and the storage battery. The arrangement of series boosters,
differentially wound motors. &'c.. had a remarkable similarity to the
arrangement for a battery booster regulating installation. The author
had found a use for a much neglected machine— viz., the shunt alternat-
ing current motor. If it was arranged that only a small current flowed
in the .shunt circuit, and by possibly adding a resistance to bruig the power
factor up comparatively"high. a very good torque would be obtained
over quite a considerable range of speed. He suggested that by using
a shunt winding of many turns it might be possible to dispense with the
special exciter, especially on a three-phase circuit, where a choice of
phases for the supply w-as available for giving the desired pha.st- relation.
Mr. Eustace Thomas suggested that something might be done to-
wards making the generating plant itself act as its own flywheel equaliser,
and make flywheels work over a greater range of speed to supply some of
the energy liow svipplied by an ecpialiser separately run.
Mr. E. C. McKiSNON said that the author first gave the battery its
proper place as a load equaliser and stated later that the battery was not
suited to certain and rapid fluctuations of loads. On the contrary, he
(Mr. McKinnon) thought the battery admirably suited those conditions
with a (|uick-aiting revvrsiblc l)u.ist(-r. He did not think the author was
cmrcct in stating tliat a flywheel lnad cipialiser was more efficient than a
battery. A stiuage battery working on a rapidly fluctuating load gave
an overall efficieiuy of about 85 per cent. He also referred to the case
mentioned by Mr. Wilson and pointed out that where the battery had
failed it had not received fair treatment, hence its short life.
Mr. J. S. Peck, in reply, said th:il the only plant with which he had any
experience was at the (jreat Western Colliery. The equalising results
were very good and the overall efficiency of the plant was within the
guarantee. He thought the equaliser should always be placed near to
?he load, otherwise it would not equalise the load on the feeders as
desired. The flywheel equaliser might be useful on small tramway
systems, but it depended almost entirely on the nature of the load. With
regard to Mr. Smith's remarks, the machine was of course a shunt ma-
chine, but it was practically the same in design as a series machine. As
to the idea of putting heavier flywheels on the generators themselves, he
had lately considered the matter, and it would only be possible with an
altematiiig current system, where there was no objection to variations
in frequency. With direct current machines it would be possible to put
in an autoniatic voltage regulator and permit the speed to drop. Regard-
ing the battery discharge rate, he meant to say that a battery was not
suitable in a case where the whole of the energy stored had to be given up
and stored again in a few seconds.
E
848
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UNAUTHORISED ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
Our readers will have noticed from the announcement
ou pages 815-816 of our last issue that the campaign
against unauthorised supply has assumed a more definite
shape, and that a deputation, consisting of representatives of
many uoitheni municipalities, has waited upon the Board
of Trade. It is in Glasgow that the position has become
acute. As in London, it has been discovered that there is
a power problem, and the North IJritish Power Syndicate
(Ltd.) has been formed to meet the demand. The district has
been carefully canvassed, and it is stated on behalf of the
syndicate that the Gla.sgow Corporation are not iu a posi-
tion to meet the present demand for power, and that before
starting the construction of their works the syndicate
obtained contracts for something like 10,000 h.p. It is
stated further that certain large works, whijh had been
unable to obtain a supply from the Glasgow Corporation
at a price suiting them, had approached the syndicate, and
that the latter thereupon disclosed to the Corporation the
terms upon which they could give a supply, and suggested
that, if the Corporation could not supply at such a figure,
the syndicate should supply current to the Corporation at
a price that would allow such consumers to be dealt with
at a profit. This, at least, we understand, is the case put
forward by the syndicate.
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12, 1909.
849
There is, however, this great difference between the
position in London and that in Glasgow. In London it was
proposed that the supply should be by a company author-
ised by Parliament and with certain statutory obligations,
although it must be admitted that these obligations were
not as onerous as those required of the existing suppliers.
At Glasgow, on the other hand, the competing syndicate
has no statutory obligations of any kind. Agreements
have been made with the railway companies whereby way-
leaves have been obtained for laying mains, so tliat works
in the immediate neiglibourhood of these railways can be
Supplied with a minimum expenditure on the laying of
cables. Thus, the best class of consumer is obtained under
very favourable conditions. It is also claimed that Par-
liamentary expenses are saved by the unauthorised sup-
plier ; but in some cases these expenses are paid out of
revenue, and even if paid out of capital the interest is a
small matter for a large undertaking. At present there is
adequate protection against competition by other statutory
undertak'.ngs, because the Board of Trade would not grant a
licence or provisional order where the area was already
occupied by a local authority, if satisfied that a suitable
supply was already being given. At the present time,
however, there is no protection against competition by an
unauthorised supplier.
The reply of Mr. H. J. Tennant, M.P., on behalf of the
Board of Trade, indicated that in his opinion unauthorised
supply was not a serious competitor, and could never be a
serious competitor, to authorised supply. The authorised
supplier was in a stronger position, and consumers would
not be very likely to deal with a non-statutory undertaking
to any large extent. In most cases this is true, but it may
be that under certain conditions the prospects for an
unautiiorised supplier in a district may be so good as to
enable those interested to put down a comparatively large
station and to carry on a good business. Perhaps it will
be felt that where tliis is possible a municipality should
certainly be in a position to meet the demand equally well.
It is generally allowed that competition, if not carried to
excess, is beneficial, though it may be hard on an existing
supplier if a satisfactory supply is alrsady being given.
There are many instances in which districts are provided
with competitive supplies, more particularly in the London
area, and in this respect we think that municipalities
usually receive more protection than private enterprise.
Such competition may have rather an unsettling effect, and
may mean that neither party makes a fair profit. Aid.
Peaeson, in taking part in the deputation to the Board of
Trade, remarked that in Bristol the Corporation electricity
undertaking, working under statutory powers, had been ad-
versely affected by the fear of astatutory company coming into
the town in competition. The company had not, and prob-
ably would not, commence operations, but the mere fact of
their having the right to come in had caused considerable
difficulty. In the case of Glasgow, it is apparently not so
much the Glasgow Corporation that is tlu-eatened, but the
smaller local authorities around. The smaller supplier
is no doubt at a greater disadvantage. AVhile we can
scarcely think that unauthorised supply can, in the very
nature of things, become a serious matter without excep-
tional circumstances, we think the point should be set
at rest once for all Ijy Parliament requiring that every
supplier shall be authorised, .so that all suppliers would thus
be on the same basis as regards their statutory obligations.
As matters appear to stand at present, it is conceivable
that serious competition with an authorised supplier can be
established, especially if a railway or a canal company arc
parties to such enterprises, which are, so far as we can sec,
perfectly within the letter of the law. ; .
REVIEWS.
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We learn from the preface that '" the present volume is
expressly designed for the general reader and for the tech-
nologist in other branches of industry." We have therefore
endeavoured to read the book from the point of view of these
hypothetical persons, and to begin by presenting the general
impression so produced. We have no doubt that it would
express itself at the outset as a question : " Why should slip-
shod English be considered good enough for a technical book?"
We have stumbled uncomfortably over split infinitives ; re-
traced our steps at one bad " and which," and anyone with a
pedantic taste would revolt at such expressions as " distinct
from what," " hygroscopic moisture," " 3 ft. by 16 in. in
diameter," and other examples of what may be called literary
shorthand. Before ceasing to consider the manner of the book
we must express our interest at learning, from p. 52, that
" there is no good exporting sand" and, from p. 5, that Han-
cock's '• Masticator " has undergone very little change in
principle " except in increased dimensions and capacity."
The book deals with the whole rubber industry from the
collection of the latex to the adulteration of the finished pro-
duct, and occasionally lifts a corner of the mysterious veil
which the trade interposes between its alchemy and the vulgar
eye.
The general reader is led insensibly to the conclusion that at
every step of the history of rubber the secrecy and obscuran-
tism of its high priests" have retarded scientific ])rogress, and
each neophyte has had to repeat worthless experiments unless
he can purchase the empirical formula; of his predecessors.
This is not the way to secure rapid progress. If this were not
so, the industry would not have been so quiescent scientific-
allv since the discovery of vulcanisation in the middle of
the nineteenth century. This by no means denies a certain
movement, and the author even claims that " a momentous
advance has been made in the way of reducing the amount of
rubber in some classes of goods to a negligible amount."
Whether this is all a gain to the users of such goods is a dis-
putable point.
Chapter II. deals in interesting fashion with the collection
and preparation of raw rubber, and it is surprising to find that,
although practically every part of the tropical world supplies
some sort of rubber, the popular belief in the superiority of
Para differs from other popular beliefs in that there are really
sound reasons for it and for the high value assigned to the
material exported from the Amazon region. It appears that
" while some of the Landolphia rubbers, when well prepared,
are quite equal to .second-grade varieties of Para, yet, whether
on account of some chemical difference in the latex, or from
the methods adopted in collection or coagulation, the very
best rubber has not been obtained from other sources than the
Para rubber tree of South America." The Ceylon and Straits
Settlement plantations are now almost exclusively confined to
the Para tree ; vet we are told that experts agree that plan-
tation Para is deficient in strength as compared with the
Brazilian product. There is. therefore, every reason to
850
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12, 1909.
specify "" pure Para " for many classes of goods, thougli it is
liy no means easy to make certain that '" pure Para '" is used.
From our own experience we can confirm the statements made
by the author in Chapters XXI. and XXII. which miglit be
summarised in the words : The only satisfactory test of rub-
ber, except for crude defects and adulterations, is to use it and
see what happens. We are, therefore, interested to note that
'■ at the large rubber works of the Russia-French Company at
Prowodink-Riga. the method of testinsi solid cab tyres is to
fix four tyre wheels to arms radiating from a central axis and
then revolve them on a fixed flint bed." Even this Spartan
method gives no indication as to the probable behaviour of
the rubber after it has left the maker's works for about a year
and suffered exposure to air; water and light. It is this which
we most frequently want to know. Thus we have seen rubber
which, after passing the ordinary mechanical tests satisfac-
torily, was found, in the course of a few years, to have dete-
riorated to the level of those mysterious mixtures known as
" vulcani.sed linseed oil." The author appears to attach much
importance to the 1905 Admiralty specification, and if it can
))e proved to distmyucrc honum ct reprobarc malum electrical
consultants and contractors would be well advised to adopt it
more generally. No one without a part of the equipment of a
chemist's laboratory can carry out the tests, however, and
this will militate against their general adoption.
In the chapter on " Rubber for Insulated Wires " it is inte-
resting to note that the author speaks of the injurious efi'ect of
copper on indiarubber. In the electrical indu.stry we gener-
ally put the boot on the other foot, but it is well to repeat
that metallic copper does cause the decay of rubber by acting
as a carrier of oxygen to the organic compound. Some autho-
rities still consider that sulphide of copper is innocuous so far
as rubber is concerned, but it is certainly the usual practice to
protect the copper in cables from the attack of the sulphur
which is contained in the insulating coats.
Other chapters deal with the " Compounding of Rubber,"
'" The Manufacture of Mechanical Goods," " India Rubber
Tyres." &c., and there are supplementary chapters on " Gutta
Percha " and " Balata."
We have found the volume interesting, and although we
have at times wished for clearer or more detailed statements,
we think that the book will be welcomed by " those technolo-
gists in other branches of industry " for whom it has been
written. ' Mervyn O'Gorman.
Power Gas Producers. Bv I'. \V. Roesox. (London : Edward
Arnolil.) Pp. ii.-213. lOs. 6d. net.
A cursory inspection of the book under our notice shows us
that it is written by a man who has his subject at his finger ends,
and not, as is unfortunately only too often the case, by
one whose knowledge is confined to information obtained from
makers' catalogues and similar sources.
The first point that agreeably strikes us is that the author
plunges at once //* medias res without treating of early
history, which has at the most but an ephemeral interest for the
busy man. The author sub-divides his subject into three sec-
tions. I. Suction Gas Producers. II. Pressure Plant for
Non-bituminous Fuels. III. Pressure Plants for Bituminous
Fuels.
Of these sections No. I. is the most complete, as may natu-
rallv be expected, in view of the extensive application of suction
gas at the present time. After chapters on general principles,
considerations afiecting the design of gas plants are entered into,
with typical examples of gas plants by all the better known
makers. These drawings possess the merit of being excep-
tionally clear ; but here the author begins to tread on dangerous
ground, as his conclusions, perhaps naturally, suggest that the
plant in which he is interested is greatly superior to those of
other design — e.g., in his conclusions with respect to the advan-
tages of the flash vapori.ser over the type in which a considerable
body of water is contained, a point which is open to question.
Chapters on scrubber and producer details follow, and the
movable fire bars of the plant in which the author is intere.sted
call forth his commendation, whereas in practice the chief value
of a movable grate is probably as a talking point. The guileless
reader would later on bo led to believe that there is only one
plant with a decent starting fan. After a short discussion on
suction plants for bituminous fuels, w'hich have, however, not
yet emerged from the experimental stage, the general working
and managem?nt of suction plant and its application lo
actual practice are usefully described.
Chapter X. is devoted to Working Results, and here, again,
the author seems to forget that he is dealing with his subjeect
in a dispassionate manner. In this case the R.A.S.E. trials
at Derby are made use of, and the reader is informed (for the
second time) of the hastily given and unsupported awards.
This, and certain remarks respecting the periormance of the
plant entered by one well-known competitor, are, in our
opinion, in questionable taste, and entirely out of place in a
book of this character.
Section II., on Pressure Plants for Non-bituminous Fuel,
is naturally somewhat shorter than the previous section, the
broad principles having been already dealt with under section I.
Section III. deals with Pressure Producers for Bituminous
Coals, and contains particulars of the best-known plants of this
type. A certain amount of information respecting the chief
difficulties encountered with this type of plant is here given,
more particularly with regard to the methods of dealing with
impurities.
The volume concludes with two appendixes relating to coke
oven and blast-furnace gas, which are shortly referred to.
Taken altogether, the book w-ill form a distinct acquisition
to the student as well as to the engineer and manufacturer of
gas plants, as representing the most recent practice, and, with
the exception of the blemishes referred to above, we unhesi-
tatingly reeommend it to those interested.
Stationary Steam Engines. Edited by William H. Fowler. Man-
clie.ster : The Scientific Publishing Co.) Pp. iv.— 295. 123. 6d. net.
This work is a reproduction, with emendations, of articles
which have appeared in the columns of the " Mechanical En-
gineer " at various times, and is mainly devoted to descrip-
tions of typical examples of slow-speed and high-speed engines
by leading British and Continental makers.
In its arrangement the author follows a very usual practice
in describing important component parts of stationary engines
chapter by chapter under such headings as " Cylinders and
Valves," " Pistons," " Condensers and Condensing Plant,"
'" Lubricating Arrangements," and the like.
Readers w-ill probably find the chapter on high-speed engines
the most interesting feature of the book, as it covers a fairly
wide range of practice. It is not, however, exhaustive, for no
mention a|)pears to be made of the Lentz type of high-speed
engine with drop valve gear, although this form has become
a prominent one on the Continent in recent years and is also
manufactured in this country. The illustrations throughout
are especially good. Those who wish to have at hand a re-
ference book of the typical practice in this country will find the
work a very convenient manual. E. G. C.
L'Usure Anormale des Turbines Hydrauliques. By ^vues
D.vLKMONT. (Paris: '• L'Eclairage Electrique.") Pp.61. Z.SOfr.
This, although a small volume of some 61 pages, is full of
interest to all engineers who have to do with the design and
maintenance of water turbines. The author brings together
specific cases of abnormal wear of turbine vanes and illustrates
some of thr-m in a way which deserves more than passing
mention. To illustrate clearly the kind of corrosion which
takes place, certain of the turbine wheels are reproduced by
two photographs placed in stereoscopic relation to one another.
It is only necessary therefore to place the page on which the
photographs arc reproduced in a stereoscope to obtain a solid
view of the wheel with the peculiar curvatures of the blades
thrown up and the places where corrosion has taken place are
thus shown in relation to the vanes in a way almost impossible
by any other means. It would have been an advantage, how-
ever, "if these stereoscopic photographs had been placed on
separate sheets instead of being embodied in the text m a way
which makes it impossible to cut them out and mount them
without destrovim; at the same time some of the printed
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12, 1909.
851
matter. After clearly presenting the facts, the author seeks
for an explanation, and suggests that the local corrosion which
is shown to take place may be due to the chemical effect of air
acting on the metal at places where there are water vortices
combined with mechanical action. Samples of the material
of which the vanes were constructed in particular cases
were chemically analysed and micro-photographs are given
together with the chemical analyses. The essay is a complete
piece of work, clearly presented, and the to.xt is beautifully
illustrated.
THE DIELECTRIC STRENGTH OF COMPRESSED AIB.*
BY E. A. WATSON, B.SC.ENO.
Summary. — Particulars are here given of experiment.s made Ijy the
author with the olgect of determining as accurately as possible the
manner in which the dielectric strength of air changes when it is com-
pressed to pressures liigher than atmospheric, chiefly with a view to its
employment for the insulation of certain classes of high-tension appa-
ratus for which oil or other insulation is not suitable.
In the experiments the air pressure was carried up to 200 lb.
per square inch, and to such a voltage that the readings obtained
V
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(1-4 0-8 1-2 \S 2-0 2-4 2-3 3 2 3-6 t-()
fpark teiirjlh, antimelres.
Fig. 1.— Showing EKKrci of Electrode Sh.ape on Bbe.\kdown Voltage.
should truly represent the dielectric strength of the air itself, and
should not be complicated by effects having their origin at the
surface of the electrodes.
Spherical electrodes were employed ; these have the advantage
that the maximum dielectric stress is calculable when tlie voltage,
distance apart and diameter of the spheres are known. In a Paper
by Dr. Russell on the "Dielectric Strength of Insulating Ma-
terials "t the following formula is given : R = / . r/jc. where R ia
the dielectric stress at the surface of the spheres, v the P.D. between,
them, X their distance apart, and / a function of x/a. a being the
radius of the spheres employed. The values of / for different
values of x/a are given in the Paper above referred to. and have
here been used.
Large planes cannot be used, a.s their edges would afford a re-
gion of ma.ximura stres.s in which all the sparking would take jilace.
Points also, although adopted by the American Institute of
Electrical Engineers as a standard" form of gap. are not to be re-
commended, as the point is always surrounded by a body of dis-
rupted air of uncertain shape and dimensions.
* Abstract of a Paper read before the Institution of Electrical Enci
ceers.
■ tTHEELECTEici.iy, Nov. 15, 1907. p. 1«0.
The breakdown voltage for spheres will generally be found to
have a maximum value when their distance apart is approxi-
mately equal to their diameter — i.e., when x=-2a. When this distance
apart is exceeded, a corona or zone of disrupted air is formed before
the actual discharge occurs, and theory shows that the curve con-
necting spark-length and voltage should be a straight line, the
actual disruptive discharge taking place, not from the surface of
the electrode, but from the boundary of a corona whose diameter
is a fixed proportion of the distance apart of the centres of the
spheres.
It was actually found, however, that, although if the voltage was
sufficiently high a corona could be obtained, and that when this
w^as the case the shape of the curve changed, yet this did not take
Fic. 2. — Arba.vi.iement ok Si'akk-gai-.
place until tlie distance between the electrodes was many times
greater than that given by the theory. This is well .shown in
Fig. I, in which are given the curves obtained for spheres of radii
1-27 cm. (0-5 in.), 0-3175 cm. (0-125 in.) and 0-1588 cm. (0-0625 in.)
respectively, and also for needle points.
It was observed during the experiments thai Ihc tirsl visible
appearance of a corona coincided with the point at whi<-h the curve
commenced to turn up again, and occurred at or al)out the point
where it cut the needle-point line. To a certain extent the results
shown are in accordance with theory. The chief discrepancy lies
in the fact that the gap at which the corona was first ob.served,
and for which the curve first showed signs of turning up. instead
of being equal to the diameter of the spheres employed, was. in the
<?0 - .
Micro- 0-5 A res
amireter
Fli:. 3.
case of the smallest sjiheres, about six limes as great. It is diffi-
cult to explain why this should be so. A possible explanation is
that the layers of air near the surface of the electrode have a greater
dielectric strength than the main body.
Method of yfcamiremeni. — Two sets of measurements were made,
with alternating current pres.sures derived from a step-up trans-
former and with direct current ones from an influence machine.
In both sets the .spark-gap shown in Fig. 2 was employed. It
simply consisted of a cast-iron case fitted -nith removable ends,
and equipped with observation windows and fittings for pressure
gauge and inlet valve. The pressure could be raised to 200 lb.
per square inch without unduly stressing any part. The elec-
trodes were mounted on rods carried through ebonite bushings
852
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12, 1909.
^PE|- Ebonite
ill llie ends <if the case, and kept tight by wmall glands witli soft
])aclviiig inside the bushing. The distance apart of the electrodes
was obtained by means of readings with an inside micrometer
between points on the end of the bushing and a collar on the rod.
In order to tell when the electrodes were in contact, a telephone
and single Leolanche cell were employed. By this means one could
sot them with care to within juouu in. The case, it was found,
stretched 0001 in. for every 40 lb. air pressure, .so that one had
to 1)3 careful to allow for this.
The air to be tested was stored in two large steel tanks many
times the capacity of the case. After allowing time to .settle,
it was drawn through a tube containing dry calcium chloride, and
then through a plug of asbestos. The ratio of the transformer
was 104-5 to 1, the frequency Of supply 50 cycles per second, and
I lie maximum effective voltage 20.000, which with the wave shape
used (a very peaked one) corresponded to a maximum voltage of
about 32,500 volts.
Direct Current Meaaiirernents. — For measuring the voltage the
method described by the author in a previous Paper*, in which the
charging current of two conden.sers in series across the spark-gap
is measured, was employed. The objection to that method was
that as no influence machine gives a current quite independent
of the voltage, unless the micro-amperemeter was very sluggish
the reading obtained was not quite steady. In order to overcome
this difficulty the arrangement shown in Fig. 3 was adopted. In
this arrangement two .high resis-
tances of about 0-5 megohm each
were connected in series with the
micro-amperemeter one on either
side, so as to secure symmetry.
These, with the normal current of
the machine, gave a pressure (Iro)i
of about 8 to 10 volts. .Xnoss
this combination was connected
a condenser of about 15 mfd.
capacity and of a leakage resistance
of some thousands of megohms.
This arrangement acted as a store
for a considerabe quantity of elec-
tricity, .so that aperfectly steady de-
flection readable to a quarter of I
2)er cent, could be obtained.
A great deal of trouble was ex-
perienced with the high-tension
condensers, as the spreading of the
charge at the edge of the coatings
ob.servable in ordinary condensers
should not be allowed to take place.
C'cnden.sers consisting of coated
ebonite sheets and tubes failed.
Moscicki condensers stood the volt-
age without puncturing, but, un-
fortunately, passed a leakage
current which, although not of
imjiortanoe in - engineering work,
was sufficient to aft'ect the proposed
measurements. Glass, iu fact, although excellent as regards its
dielectric strength, is not as a rule, from the point of view of insula-
tion resistance, anything like as good as ebonite. The condensers
Anally used consisted of ebonite tubes 3 sq. in. diameter and 8 mm.
thick, coated inside and out and filled with oil. These, sho1^■n in
Fig. 4, broke down at 75,000 volts, and when an endeavour was made
to carry the voltage higher by using compresed air as the diekeli ic
passed a large leakage current, due, probably, to almost niier()srii]iic
particles of dust settling on the plates and acting as shaip points
from which a brush discharge takes place. Probably nothing woukl
have been gained by taking the voltage above that attained by the
US2 of the ebonite condensers, as there is no reason for doubting that
the same !a\^s would hold.
M casMrmirnts MwJe. — A large number of curves showing the results
Avith different sized spheres are given in the Paper. These curves
show that one must beware of making the statement, which is some-
times done, that the .spark-length is inver.sely proportional to the gas
[iressure. Such a statement only applies when the radius of curva-
ture of the electrodes is indefinitely large, and under certain con-
ditions a small increase in the air pressure will effect a very great
decrease in the liability to breakdown.
Values of the Dielectric Strength deduced from the Results. — In
attempting to deduce some standard figures for the dielectric strength
of air from the results given, only the direct current measurements
•The Electrici.im. Ajiri! 27, 1906, p. 53.
have been employed. The reasons for this are : Firstly, that in tho
alternating current measurements the distances are extremely small,
and, secondly, that the direct current measurements could be made
with a greater degree of accuracy than could the alternating ones.
The results obtained are plotted in Fig. 5. It will be seen that
those obtained from the different spheres do not agree with one
another as should be the ease, but are greater the smaller the spheres
employed. For the largest spheres the mean value of the measure-
ments at atmospheric pressure gave 38-85 kv.-cm. as the dielectric
strength of air. This agrees very well with the figures given by
Dr. Russell. It is, if anything, slightly higher than most of those!
given by him, the average being about 38 kv. per centimetre, but the
electrodes from which this figure was obtained appear to have been
larger than those used by the author.
It is not easy to say why the results from these different-sized
spheres should not be in closer agreement. For practical purjjoses,
however, we may take the lower curve of Fig. 5 as being nearly cor-
rect, and also, if anything, being on the safe side. We see from it
that the dielectric strength of air at ordinary temperature (17 C.)
follows very nearly a linear law. but that the curve when produced
back does not pass through the origin — that is to say, that the dielec-
tric strength cannot strictly be said to be proportional to the pressure.
If an empirical formulae be desired, the equation
Dielectric strength=20-f25-6 (pressure)
expresses the relation with sufficient accuracy between the pressure
of 3 and 15 atmospheres absolute. It will be seen that under prcs-
48J
440
0 3175c'm spheres
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J-635 cm. spheres
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280
2i0
2C0
160
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80
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2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Air pressure, atmosph' res.
Fig. 5.— ItBLA-noN between Dielecikic Sirenoth and Air Pressure.
sures readily obtained in engineering work the dielectric strength
reaches high values, equal to that of a solid or liquid dielectric.
Compressed air as an insulation has considerable possibilities for
certain cases, as it is free from viscosity and residual charge effects,
and is not permanently injured if it is broken down.
THE KAPP H0PKIN80N TEST ON A SINGLE DIRECT-
CUBRENT MACHINE.
We give below an account of tlic discu.ssion at a meeting of
the Birmingham Local Section of the Institution of Electrical
Engineers, in connection with the Paper on the above subject
by Dr. W. Lulofs. Au abstract of this Paper appeared in our
issue of February 12th : —
Dr. W. E. SujiPNER said that it was difficult for them to criticise the
method imtil they had actually tried it. It looked complicated on paper.
He ]iointed out that the test as applied by the author to a four-pole
maciiine really involved two machines, since any multipolar machme
might be said to consist of a number of separate machines depending on
the number of pairs of polos.
Mr. S. H. HoLDEN asked whether the test would not be somewhat
affected by the short-circuit currents between the segments imder the
brushes, due to the weakening of one pole and the strengthening of the
other. He did not think that the proposal to arrange that the pull should
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12, 1909.
85a-^
lie upward quite overcame the difficulty of bearing friction, because the
latter would be less than under actual working conditions.
Dr. G. Kait said they had always iuhI.i^i.i,,,! from the text books
that it was danijcrous to work machim- « iiIhiwi Murdcy equalising con-
nections, on Micount of the heavy circul:itiiit,' ■ m iciits that would other-
wise occur. If the author was right in his conclusions, and he seemed to
be right, they had always been wrong in fearing these circulating currents.
Mr. A. E. GoTT did" not quite see how the test could be applied to
machines having an odd number of poles although the author had hinted
that there was no difficulty. He also pointed out that, although dynamo
designers made the shaft very rigid in order to resist side stress, yet in
the test described it would apjjear that the weakened poles were all on
one side of the armature, which was bound to produce stresses for which
the machine was not designed.
Dr. .J. D. CoALES had been able to see many of the author's tests,
which had enabled him to get clearer ideas on the subject. One of the
most striking tests showed that the currents in the two halves of the
armature did not differ greatly in value, even when they carried the
strengthening of one pole and the weakening of the other much further
than the case quoted. He then referred to the difficulty of accurately
measuring the armature resistance, including the brush contact, of a
running machine. The author's result showed that this could not be
done by measuring the resistance in one direction and then in the other.
Mr. G. A. WiCiLEY, in a written communication, thought the method
did not admit of such universal commercial application as would at first
sight appear. In the first place, a two-pole machine could not be tested
in this manner. Secondly, the author stated that the test might be
tarried out on :i " lap- wound machine provided it was not supplied with
Jlordcy equalising connections " ; and, thirdly, the method was not at
all ap]ilicable to a series or wav(!-wound machine, whereas the Kapp-
Hojikinson test might be applied equally well to all, including compound-
wound machines, provided that the series field turns on the motor were
reversed. Manufacturers generally employed wave windings for small
machines whenever possible, on account of the superior slot space factor
and the elimination of troubles due to unequal pole strength. Also,
equalising rings were nearly always fitted to lap-wound armatures, es-
pecially now that the general use of special commutating poles had raised
the s]iarking limit and made the heating limit relatively more important.
Dr. LuLC'FS, in reply, said that he did not deny tli:il ilir iiictluid was.
complicated, but he thought it compared favoural)l\ hmIi . it her com-
plicated tests. He considered that his test would lii' p.uti. ulmly useful
in eases where one machine only was available. Objection might be
raised to the test that it required the use of another machine of low
voltage, but accumulator cells would do just as well and would be handy
at any time. He felt (piitc sure that designers ctiuld make a four-pole
lap- wound nuichmc without the slightest difficulty due to circulating
currents. The reason so many lap- wound machines had circulating cur-
rents was that the fields were very highly saturated. Also, through the
eccentricity of the armature, the fields were mostly out of balance, and
as soon as they became saturated the out of balance voltage became
more favourable. If machines were designed for lower saturation, they
would work much better in that respect. As to the effect on commuta-
tion due to the alteration of poles, this was a matter he could not answer
straight away, but he pointed out that in any case it was a very small
effect and not likely to appreciably affect the efficiency.
PHYSICAL SOCIETY.
At the meeting held on February 26. at the Finsbury Technical
College, by invitation of Prof. S. P. Thompson and Prof. E. G. Coker.
Dr. C. Chree, F.R.8.. president, in the Chair, the now Engineering
Laboratory of the College was open to Fellows for inspection. A
Paper entitled •' A Laboratory Machine for Applying Bending and
Twisting Jlomcnts simultaneously " was read by Prof. Coker.
Also a Paper
" On the Self-Demagnetising Factor of Bar Magnets, '
by Prof. S. P. Thomp.son, F.R.S., and Mr. E. W. Mos.s, was read by
Prof. Thompson. This Paper consists of three parts:— (i.) A dis-
cussion of the significance and definition of the self-demagnetising
factor of magnets in general, and of bar-magnets in particular ; (ii.) a
redetermination nf the values of the self-demagnetising factor for bar-
magnets of circular section ; (iii.) determination of the values of the
self -demagnetising factor for bar-magnets of rectangular cross-section
of various proportions. It is shown that, in general, for every bar-
magnet there is a self-demagnetising action the value of which at the
middle of the bar depends, for a given intensity of magnetisation, on
the length of the bar relatively to its cross-section, on the permeability
of its parts, and on the distribution of its surface magnetism. Owmg
to the circumstance that with every kind of steel the permeability is
neither constant nor stands in any simple relation to the flux-density,
any calculation of the actual polar distribution for rods and bars is
impracticable. The only form of magnet that is practicable for
calculation is th it of the ellipsoid, the properties of which are that for
any and every value of the permeability, and in any uniform field.
the surface magnetism is so distributed that the magnetic force
which this distribution exerts in the interior is uniform at every
point within, and therefore the internal demagnetising force every-
where within is constant. The amount of self-demagnetising force
per unit of intrinsic magnetisation isrecognised as the self-demagnetis-
ing factor and has a definite value for ellipsoids of revolution of any
assigned ellipticity. In the case of cylindrical bar-magnets the ratio
of the nett value of the self -demagnetising force for the whole bar
divided by the internal magnetisation is called the self-demagnetising
factor. The dimension-ratio of a bar-magnet is taken as the length
divided by the square root of the cross-section. Experiments were
first made on the values of the self-demagnetising factor for bar-
magnets of circular section, and the results compared with tho.sc
obtained by Du Bois and Riborg Mann. The values obtained are
lower than those found by either of the experiments r.s'named. Th?
determinations were carried down to shorter rods than those
examined by either of them, and the discrepancies between their
results and the present ones are smaller as the d'mension-ratios are
larger. It is pointed out that one explanation of the differences may
be due to the fact that the magnetising solenoid employed by Riborg
Mann was not sufficiently long. Experiments were made to deter-
mine the self-demagnetising factor for bar-magnets of rectangular
cross section, and it was found that for equal values of the dimension-
ratio the factor for bars having a sectional ratio of 2 : 1 was about 'Xi
per cent, of that for bars of square section : while for Hat bars, having
a sectional ratio of 10 : 1, the value of the self-demagnetising factor
went down to about 75 per cent, of that for bars of square section.
Mr. S. Skinner said the authors had referred to the ageing of thei''
magnets, bvit in the actual experiments the field was applied and the
measurement taken at once before any ageing could take place.
Prof. F. T. Trouton pointed out that the self-demagnetising factor
became less as the bar became thinner, and asked if this was likely to
continue until the bar became a thin tape.
Mr. A. Campbell asked if experiments had been made on different
materials. The curves obtained for soft iron might be very different
from those obtained for hard steel. With regard to the standard magnet
referred to by Prof. Thompson, he had used one at the National Physical
Laboratory and found it a satisfactory way of calibrating ballistic
galvanometers.
Mr. Rayner asked if any experiments had been made on holluw
magnets, such as those used in the Kew pattern imifilar magnetometer.
Prof. C. H. Lees asked lujw the iron ring used m their experiments had
been prepared, and suggested that it might be advisable to make use of
two or three rings.
Mr. R. S. WniPPLE .said the ipicstion of the preparation of a standard
magnet was an important one. Had the authors made any exi>eriment.s
with ball-ended magnets, cs))erially those with thin wires and large balls '!
The Secretary read a Icltir from Dr. A. Russell, stating that tho
Paper was a notable contribution to the practical theory of magnetism.
The authors deserved thanks for their lucid comments on the self-
demagnetising factor and for Ihe imporlant experimental results they
had obtained. He asked hyv/ they had calculated the magnetising force.
Had they assumed that the magnetising solenoid was infinitely long and
that the radius of the circular axis of the ring was infinite ? The errors
introduced by these assumptions were small, and Dr. Ru.s.sell indicated
how they might be calculated. It could be shown that if the length of
the axis of a helical current was greater than six times its diameter, the
magnetic flux entering or leaving the end planes was within about ono
per cent, of half the total flux through the central plane. Seeing that
the external field produced by a cylindrical bar-magnet was almost
equivalent, except near the ends, to that produced by a helical current,
he would not be surprised if the flux leading the end of a cylindrical bar
magnet was appreciably le.ss than half the total flux through the central
plane. He would be grateful if Dr. Thompson could give any data on
this point. Further researches on the demagnetising effect of the free
magnetism m the air-gap of a split toroid wcjuld be of great interest, and
would throw some needed light on the magnitude of the errors involved
in the ordinary magnetic formulae used m engineering.
Prof. S. P. Thompson, in reply to Jlr. Skinner, said that in their experi-
ments there was an immediate ageing of their magnets on the application
of the field. With regard to Mr. Campbell's remarks, different materials
would of course give different curves. A forged ring was used in the
research, but the ftuguig could not have had much effect on the curves
obtamed. They had not tested hollow magnet*, but experiments had
been made on niagnets with holes in the ends and the results were similar
to those obtained for solid magnets. He had not performed experiments
with Robisou ball-ended magnets, but the effect of magnetic material at
the ends of a magnet was to reduce its self-demagnetising factor. ■ Refer-
ring to Dr. Russell's remarks, he said the corrections he mentioned could
be neglected.
Prof. S. P. Thompson gave an exhibition of the optical properties of
combinations of mica and selenite films (after Reusch and others) in
convergent polarised light, and Mr. C. R. Darling exhibited an
experiment to illustrate the temperature of ccjual density of aniline
and water, and also the following ; —
.4 Simple Form of Thermo-elecirk Pyrometer for Students' use. — In
this instrument the hot junction of nickel and steel, or iron and con-
F
854
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12, 1909,
.stantan, is protected by a mild-steel cap, bored from the solid, and
about 6 in. in length. This cap is screwed to an iron barrel of any
desired length ; and the wires pass from the junction through twin-
bore fireclay to terminals screwed into a piece of hard fibre. The
terminals are made of the same metal as that of the wire attached, and
leads of the same wue are taken to a cold junction, kept in oil. and the
indicator. The pyrometer is easily put together by students, and is
used to form a temperature-scale "from the deflections of a galvano-
meter by insertion in molten metals, or salts of known freezing-points.
The mild-steel cap resists the action of molten substances far better
than porcelain or silica, and enables the junction to follow a changing
temperature more rapidly. The errors incidental to the forms usually
sold, in which no provision is made for a cold junction, are avoided ;
and no damage ensues from dropping or rough usage, as in the case of
jjyrometers protected by porcelain or silica. The cap, when worn out,
is readily replaced.
A Combined Metre-bridge and Potentiometer, with New Tapping -
key Device, for Pyrometric and General Laboratory Work. —The
arrangement of this apparatus is that of an ordinary metre-bridge,
with four gaps, but with 4 metres of stretched wire ; so that 1, 2, 3, or
4 metres of wire may be used in a bridge test. Between each pair of
wires is placed a groove, through which passes a rod of phosphor-
bronze on which the tapping-key slides. These rods are coimected
to a terminal at the side : hence it is not necessary to connect directly
to the keys. The keys are furnished with two knife-edges, and may
be depressed on to the wire on either side of the groove in which they
slide, thus facilitating the finding of the balance-point. Each wire
is furnished with an arrangement for tightening. The apparatus
may be used as an ordinary bridge, or as a bridge with calibrated wire,
it being possible to calibrate any wire by the aid of the others. It
may also be used for the measurement of the E.M.F. of thermal
junctions, constants of cells, &c., and all the ordinary purposes of a
stretched-wire potentiometer.
A New Form, of Carbon-plate Rheostat, suitable for Control of Small
Electric Furnaces.— The defect of the ordinary carbon-plate rheostat
—difficulty of acciu-ate control when consuming a large amount of
energy — is overcome in this instrument by the use of four rows of
plates, each 2 in. square, there being 22 plates in each row. Each set
of plates is furnished with a separate adjusting-screw, and hence may
be kept at different degi-ees of tightness. By means of simple con-
necting devices, the plates may be used in series or parallel as desired.
This form of rheostat is found to be well adapted for regulating
electric-tube furnaces, and for varying the current to any desired
extent during the calibration of instruments, &c.
THE " YORKSHIRE " BOILER.*
BY W, H. CilSMEY,
The author first gives a brief history of steam boilers and then
discusses the considerations to be carefully gone into when instal-
ling steam plant. One of these is the transmission of heat and its
effect on different parts of the boiler. The rate of heat transmission
through a boiler plate is governed by the speed, temperature and
density of the hot gases. The possibility of raising more steam by
induced draught than by natural draught is generally said to be due
to a higher furnace temperature ; it is, however, not .so, as the tem-
perature of combustion is constant, and the greater output is due to
the fans causing the gases to move more rapidly along the flues.
The " Yorkshire "" boiler, which is a modification of the Lanca-
shire boiler, is generally shorter than the Lancashire in proportion
to its diameter, and its flues rise slightly from front to back and
expand from the end of the fiu-naces to the downtake in the propor-
tion of 2 to 3, i.e., the sectional area of the flues at the rear is 33 per
cent, greater than at the front. This has the effect of causing the
bulk of the water to be located directly over the points where the
large proportion of heat is transmitted to the boiler. Over the
furnaces there is 6i in. greater head of water than at the rear end of
the boiler.
The total heating surface and fire grate of the " Yorkshire "
boiler is reduced as compared with the Lancashire boiler, but its
effectiveness is so much improved that the total evaporation is con-
siderably increased. The object of expanding the flues is to pro-
duce a more uniform transference of heat to the water over the
whole length of the boiler. The tubes expanding towards the rear,
and also having a slight upward inclination, cause the velocity of
the gases through the front and smaller portions of the flues to be
very rapid, thus seciu-ing at the front, where the larger head of water
* Abstract of a lectuie delivered on Febiuary 27th before the Halifax
Engineers and Firemen's .•Association.
is located, the greatest transmission of heat. The expansion also
gives at the rear of the boiler, where the temperature is lowest, the
largest area of heating surface and the minimum head of water, and
this expansion of the flues and the upward inclination further assists
in maintaining the velocity of the gases, the total result being that
the heat and water are proportionately distributed throughout the
boiler, hence more work is done by the smaller furnaces and heating
surface.
Again, the whole flue area of the shorter boiler being active trans-
mits 2J times as much heat per square foot as the latter two-thirds
of the longer boiler, since experiments carried out many years ago
showed that when ebullition is taking place the rate of transmission
of heat is 2J times as great as when the flues are surrounded by still
water.
In a Lancashire boiler 8 ft. 6 in. diameter, 1 sq. ft. of heating
surface is given for every 172 lb. of water at the front and for every
106 lb. of water at the rear. Also, the same heat is given to 172 lb.
at the front as to 424 lb. at the rear, thus uniform steaming is im-
possible.
The first " Yorkshire " boiler was designed to give an evaporation
of 8,000 lb. of water per hour from a feed of 180°F. ; it was 20 ft.
long and had 712 sq. ft. of heating surface and 33 sq. ft. of grate
area, the ratio being 21 to 1. It was put under steam in July, 1907,
and when evaporating from 8,000 lb. to 9,000 lb. of water per hour, its
efficiency was 70 per cent., and with fuel of a calorific value of
13,000 B.Th.U., the evaporation per pound of coal was 111b. of
water, or an efficiency for boiler and economiser of 81-8 per cent.
In August last a test made by an independent authority for one
day gave an evaporation of 13,805 lb. of water per hour : and for the
sake of seeing what the boiler would do, for the last horn- of the test
the dampers were opened wide and the stokers speeded up, the result
being an evaporation of 15,000 lb. of water during the hour, equal-
ling from a feed of 96°F. over 21 lb. per square foot of heating .sur-
face, or equivalent to an evaporation of 18,400 lb. from and at
212°F.. i.e., 25-7 lb. per square foot of heating surface.
Summarised, the advantages of the " Yorkshu-e "' boiler over any
other of the cylindrical type are: Higher efficiency and evaporation,
lower first cost and less ground space and brickwork (the total
saving in capital cost being nearly £100 per boiler), conduction and
radiation losses one-third less than in the Lancashire boiler for the
same evaporation, the boiler is absolutely fool-proof (i.e.. it is quite
impossible for a crown plate to come down owing to the expanded
flues, as the fusible plugs are at the back end of the boiler), the
boiler is shorter and distributes the heat and water proportionately,
the expansion and contraction will be much less, cross strains
avoided, and tiie life of the boiler consequently be a long one.
MIMING SWITCHGEAR.
The design of mining switchgear has during the last few years been
passing through an evolutionary process. Starting from the period
when the most crude of arrangements was considered sufficient for
" making " and " breaking '" the various circuits in the mine, we
have now reached a time when all the genius of the switchgear
designer is concentrated on producing a piece of apparatus which shall
not only be electrically and mechanically correct in detail, but shall
possess such extra features as will enable it to operate safely in the
usual mining atmosphere.
Among the firms who make a speciality of this class of work, and
in fact apply switchgear suited to mining conditions in a more general
field, are Messrs. A. Reyrolle & Co., of Hebburn-on-Tyne. In the
accompanying photograph we illustrate a mining panel designed for
tlu-ee-phasc work, and for pressures notexceeding 650 volts.,which has
recently been placed on the market by this firm. It is equipped with
a triple pole oil switch, which is fitted with an automatic release and a
series overload device, worked off two of the phases. An ammeter is
also provided. Besides this gear, which makes up the standard
equipment, this panel can also be fitted with a variety of accessories,
such as potential transformers for the voltmeters, indicating lamps
and no-voltage trip gear, as well as with current transformers for
the ammeters and overload trip arrangements.
The above gear is mounted on an angle-iron frame, which can
either be fitted with perforated metal sides, or totally enclosed with
plain steel sheeting. A plain covered top is provided, and the
" live "' parts are only accessible by opening a padlocked door.
Somewhat similar panels are also made and fitted with switchgear,
suitable for pressures exceeding 650 volts., and up to 3,000 volts.
Accessories similar to those fitted in the ease of the lower voltage
gear can also be provided.
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12, 1909.
855
-Full details, both electrical and financial, of this interesting gear.
which appears to include all tlie precautions that must necessarily be
observed in mining work, are given in a pamithlet recently published
X -Ray Research Work In the Hoii?e of Commons on Wednes
day the I'remiei- iMr. Asiiuith) was asked whether, in view of the
services rendered in connection with X-ray research by | Mr. H. W.
Cox (who had fallen a victim to dermatitis, involving; a second and
serious operation) it was intended to grant Mr. Cox a civil pension, or
in some other manner to recognise his services to science.
In reply, Mr. Asquith said the case of Mr. Cox had been brought to
his notice, and was receiving consideration.
LEGAL INTELLIGENCE.
Switch Panel fob Mining Work.
(Messrs. A. EeyroUe & Co.)
by Messrs. A. Reyrolle & Co., who will be happy to send it to any one
interested in the electrical equipment of collieries, or other similar
work.
PARLIAMENTARY INTELLIGENCE.
THE POST OFFICE AND THE NATIONAL TELEPHONE CO.
In the House of Commons on Monday the Postmaster-General was
asked if he was in a position to make a public statement as to the
present position of the negotiations between the National Telephone
Co. and the Post Office to insure the uninterrupted continuance of the
work of telephone construction.
In reply, Mr. Buxton said the negotiations between the company
and the Post Office were proceeding. He was not at present in a
position to make a statement.
Newspapers and the Telegraph.- -A curious question was put to
the Postmaster-General in Parliament last week, when Mr. Hay,
member for Hoxton (London) asked that a House of Commons
Committee be appointed "to investigate the administration of the
telegraph service, seeing tli.at pulilio riglits aetinired by purchase were
being surrendered to private individuals.'' The burden of the lion,
member's question was the employment of jirivate telegraph lines
by the principal London and provincial ne\vs))apers, it evidently
being Mr. Hay's view that the use of these lines was granted at the
caprice of the Postmaster-General of the day. Mr. Buxton had, of
course, little difficulty in showing the House the actual condition of
affairs. He said that newspaper proprietors had taken advantage of
the telegraph system for more than 20 years, and it obviously did not
injure the property of the State to grant, at a profitalile rate, the lease
of telegraph lines in the same way as telephone wires were leased. It
is curious that at this time of day such a question should have to be
answered in Parliament. Mr. Heaton must look to his laurels.
L.CC (Tramways & Improvements) Bill— Tlie Standina
Orders committee ot tlie House of Commons have disiiensed with
certain standing orders in respect of this bill, on condition that the
following new tramways are struck out : High-street and Upper Rich
mond-road (Putney), High-street (Wandsworth), Sutherland-avenue
(Paddington), Shepherdess-walk and Shaftesbury-streat (Shoreditch),
Esse.x-road (Islington), Kingsland-road, Ridley-road, Dalston-lane and
■Victoria Park-road (Hackney),
Thornton Council v. Blackpool and Fleetwood Tramroad Co.
On Monday and Tuesday the House of Lords (the Lord Chancellor,
Lords Halsbury, Aslibourne and Macnaghten) licaicl arguments in this
appeal from an order of the Court of Appeal rescinding an order of the
King's Bench Division, and amending an order of quarter sessions by
reducmg the rateable value of the company's proijcrty. In .July, 1904,
appellants made a general district rate, and respcmdents' tramway track
at Cleveleys was put at a rateable value of £708. and the waiting-room
at a rateable value of £105. Respondents appealed, complaining that
they had not been allowed the benefit of the deductions to which they
were entitled, the line being a railway. The Court of Appeal reduced
the rateable value of the tramway track at Cleveleys to £177. Is. 2d.
Mr. E. H. Lloyd, K.C, for appellants, said his point was that the
tramway was not a railway within the meaning of se:\ 211 of the Public
Health Act, and consequently it ought to be asse.5.sed to the general
district rate at the full net annual value. If it was a railway the drafts-
man of the Act had been most careful in avoiding the u.sc of the word
railway. He contended that the tramroad was not governed by or under
the general system of railway legislation, and was not land used only as
a railway within the meaning of the Act. With the tramroad (between
a railway and a tramway) he submitted tlie justices were right in hold-
ing that the tramroad was not use;l solely for the purpo.se of a railway.
Mr. Danckwerts, K.C., fur rcspi indents, argued that the tramroad
was constructed on lands the exclusive property of the company, fenced
off from the adjoining lands. It was constructed in the same manner as
any ordinary railway with stations along the line. The company paid
railway passenger duty, and it was practically impossible to find any
difference between it and what was pojiularly under.stood as a railway of
the ordinary character. The only possible ground on which it could be
said that this was not a railway was that the Tiamways Act, 1870, placed
tramways on a different footing from railways : but no one had endea-
voured to establish that proposition. The word railway was a. generic
term and tramways were a species of railway.
Judgment was reserved.
Boyd V. National Telephone Co.
On Friday Mr. .Justice Parker heard a motion liy plaintiff (Mrs.
Boyd) for an injunction to compel defendant company to remove a
telephone pole from her premises, in the " Haunch of Venison \ard,
Brooke-street, London, W.
Mr. RoMBR, K.C, said that plaintiff discerned in Febru.ary of this
year that the National Telephone Co. had erected an enormous pole
20 ft. high, on which were 19 cross iron bars w Inch carried three very
heavy cables and over 200 «ires. The premises were rendered dan-
gerous, as the wall to which the pole was fixed was only a 9 in. party
wall. They did not know when it was placed there, and therefore he
felt a difficulty in asking for a mandatory order to take it away imme-
diately. The'trespass did not stop there. Defendants workmen had
from time to time (about three times a day) come on to plaintiff's
premises, which were empty at present, but newly decorated, ascended
the staircase to get on to the roof and had left hand marks all the way
up. He was asking for an injunction to lestraiii that trespass, and
also the continuance of the tresixiss on the wall.
Mr. Gaixe, for the company, said he was instructed that the pole
had been in position for nine years. .
Mr. Justice Parker said that did not give the company any rights.
After discussion it was arranged that the matter should be brought
for trial on March 17.
In the matter Of the Patents and Designs Act, 1907. and re Geo.
Braulik's application to revoke Bremer s Letters Patent No. 18.786
of 1902. „. , ,
This case came before Mr. Justice Parker on \, edne.sclay uixin an
appeal from a decision of the ComptroUer-tiencralof Patents (reported
in The Electriiiax for Feb. 12' revoking the above letters patent
granted to Hugo Bremer for improvements in electric arc lamps.
Mr. A. J. \V alter, K.C. , and Mr. Russell Clarke appeared lor apel-
lants ; the Attorney-General and Mr. .'^argeant represented the Board
of Trade: anil Mr." Bousfield, K.C, and Mr. Gray for the applicant
(Mr. (!eo. Braulik). .
Mr. Wai.tkr, in opening the case, said that the question arose unfler
sec. 27 of the new Patent Act. The patent was revoked by the Comp-
troller General upon the ground that there was no manufacture of the
patented article within the United Kingdom, and that no sufficient
reason was given for its non-mimufacture.
The arguments of counsel had not concluded when we went to press.
85G
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12, 1909.
Zend Electric Lamp Mfg. Co. v. Zossenheim— Before Mr.
.T\istice PaiktT on Friduy last, plaintiffs moved for an interim injunc-
tion to restrain an alleged infringement of their patent. Defendant,
who appeared in person, asked for an adjournment ; he was willing to
undertake to keep an account of his sales pending the motion being
heard, and upon that undertaking the motion was directed to stand
over for a week.
Re Buenos Ayres Grand National Tramways Co. (Ltd.)— Mr.
.Tustiee Swinfen Eady, on Tuesday, sanctioned a scheme of distribu-
tion, agreed between the company and its shareholders, of certain
shares which were to be received in consideration of the sale of the
company's undertaking to the Anglo- Argentine Tramways Co.
MUNICIPAL, FOREIGN & GENERAL NOTES.
APPOINTMENTS VACANT AND FILLED.
Tunbridge Wells Corporation propose to appoint a resident elec-
trical engineer at a salary of £300, increasing by annual increments
of £2.5 to £400 per annum, to have charge of and be responsible for the
electric lighting undertaking and plant of the Corporation, including
additions and extensions. The Corporation also requiie a chief
electrical assistant at a salary of £150, increasing by annual incre-
ments of £12. 10s. to £200., and a junior electrical assistant at a salary
of 30s. per week. Applications to the Town Clerk, Town Hall,
Tunbridge Wells, by March 24. Further particulars are given in
advertisements.
A mains superintendent is wanted, with thorough knowledge of
and experience of paper, concentric and vulcanised bitumen cables ;
accustomed to control of men, cable laying, &c. Salary £120 per
annum. See advertisement.
A shift engineer is wanted at once, with experience in central
station and accustomed to take an eight-hour shift on a three-wire
system. Commencing salary 25s, See advertisement.
A draughtsman is required, conversant with the design of cable
junction boxes, switch work, &c. See an advertisement.
A competent cable-jointer is wanted immediately, abroad. See
advertisement,
A meter reader and inspector's a.ssistant is advertised for in another
column. Wages 22s, Cd, per week.
Shanghai IMunicipal Council require an assistant clerk ft)r their
electricity department ; experienced in offices of electricity under-
taking (municipal or company) essential. Engagement for three
years. Salary 200 taels (about £23) per month, with free second-
class [lassage, via Siberia, Applications to Messrs. Preece & Cardew,
8, Queen Anne's Gate. Westminster, S.W., by Monday, March 17.
A junior shift engineer is wanted for Southport electricity depart-
ment. Commencing salary 25s. a ,week. Applications to the
Borough Electrical Engineer by March 15.
Bournemouth Council invite applications for the appointment
of general manager of the Corporation tramways. Salary £500,
rising to £700. Applications by March 17.
Erith Council have appointed Mr. H, E, Midgley, deputy electrical
engineer, and Mi-. E. Gaynor as charge engineer at the electricity
works.
JL-. E. A. Faver has been appointed fourth engineer-in-charge at
Hammersmith electricity works.
Mr. W. N. Brooks, chief inspector of Brighton tramways, has been
(iromoted to the position of traffic manager.
.Mr, A. Altnian has been appointed a meter reader of Dulilin clec-
Iricity supply department.
EDUCATIONAL NOTICES.
Battersea Polytechnic. — The annual distribution of prizes and
ccrtitiralcs louk jilace on the 10th inst.
'I'liL ])rintipal (Dr. Rav.son) reported that there were 3,692 students,
the number of hours work being 869,620, a slight increase over the pre-
vious session. The examination successes included three passes for the
final B.Sc. (London), 22 scholarships and exhibitions, and 15 medals and
prizes. A feature of the year was the munificent gift by Mr. Edwin Tate,
of library buildings, accommodating 20,000 books, at an estimated cost
of £6,000.
The Bishop of Socthwakk. who distributed the prizes, said it would
be impossible not to be impressed by the vast development which had
taken place within 30 years, from the beginning of Polytechnic work,
and especially within the 16 years the Battersea Polytechnic had been
in existence. He was particularly interested in that branch of poly-
technic work which touched the lives of those who passed from the pri-
tnary schools on to the str-enuous dctirities of paid daUy labour. He
"as glad to recognise from the report what had been done with regard to
evening continuation classes. The Polytechnic was also doing much
broader work than the evening classes. They were reaching up to uni-
versity degrees, and even touching the supreme region of original research.
Students were enabled to learn not only their occupations, but sciences
connected with them.
South Western Polytechnic, London.— The 13th annual distribu-
tion of prizes and certificates to the students of evening classes and
day college takes place this (Friday) evening. Principal H. A.
Jliers, D.S'., F.R S., will present the awards.
Adelaide.— -The new electric tramway service in Adelaide and
suburbs was inaugurated on Tuesday. The tramways are controlled
by a Municipal trust.
Amersham. — The Council have assented to the application of the
Chesliam Electric Light & Power Co.. for a provisional order.
Australasia. — The " Australian Mining Standard " states that the
Perth City Council are taking steps to exercise their right to purchase
the works of the Perth Gas Co., who supply both electricity and gas
in the city.
Ayr. — On the 1st inst. the burgh electrical engineer, Mr. Roland
Marshall, A.M.I.E.E., delivered an interesting lecture on " Electri-
city and its Uses " to a large and appreciative audience.
Mr. M.uiSHALL explained briefly and in popular language the latest
theory of electricity, the machinerj' used for generating electric energy
and the various modern applications of electricity.
On the motion of C'ol. Bailie Vincext, who presided, a hearty vote
of thanks was accorded to the lecturer.
Belfast. — At the meeting of the Tramways and Electricity com-
mittee on Monday the city electrical engineer (Mi'. T. W. Bloxam)
was authorised to proceed with the extension of the electric lighting
mains in a number of streets at an estimated cost of £2,076. A further
report is to be prepared by Mr. Bloxam as to the laying of mains in
certain additional streets. The question of street lighting by elec-
tricity is under consideration by the committee.
Blackpool Electrical Exhibition. — Notwithstanding the recent
inclement weather, the attendance at this exhibition has been fairly
good, the average being abouc 1,000 a day.
Those who have paid a \ isit to the exhibition have shown keen in-
terest in the exhibits, and they have expressed themselves as satisfied
with what they saw, and this points to many orders and useful
inquiries having been received by the electricity department. From
all ([uarters weTiear that it is one of the prettiest exhibitions held out
of London, and it is satisfactory to know that the first efforts of Mr.
C. Furness and his staff in connection with local electrical exhibitions
have met with such general approval. The one strong feature of the
exhibition has been the electrical cooking demonstrations by Miss
Wilkinson, and the " Ideal kitchen " has been far too small to cope
with the crowds anxious to see and hear these demonstrations.
Bolton. — An unopposed inquiry w as held here last week into the
Council's application for sanction t o borrow £25,000 for extensions
of mains, &c.
The town clerk (Mr. S. Parker) and the borough electrical engineer
(Mr. A. A. Day) gave particulars of the progress and present financial
position of the electricity undertaking.
Mr. Day said the aggregate horse-power of motors in use in the
borough was 9,100. The output of electricity this year would be
smaller than last jear on account of the cotton strike and general
depression, so that though they had an actual increase of something
like 1,500 h.p. in motors they would have a decrease in units sold.
Thej' were anxious to get their feeders over the ^district so as to have
two feeds to the same point
The inspector (Mr. DA^■Is) suggested that in the case of service
mains where there was a constantly recurring expenditure it did not
pay to borrow. He understood that they were getting a large suiplus
and paying it to the rates, and then borrowing. It would be cheaper
to pay the amount out of revenue.
Mr. Day said they were depreciating at a very heavy rate. If it
could be done he would be willing to pay the expenditure out of
revenue.
The Inspector thought it was worth consideration by the Council
whether in the case of a recurring annual expenditure it was not
cheaper to pay it out of revenue. They were in such a financial posi-
tion, fortunately, that they 'were able to do it. With regard to paying
profits to general rates it might be well if the electricity undertaking
were run entirely by itself, so that the people who consumed the elec-
tricity should get the benefit of it.
Bradford. — On Tuesday the City Council authorised the extension
of the electric lighting mains to Ecclesall. and other places.
The chairman of the Electricity committee (Aid. O. H. Robinson)
said that when applications were received it was usual to estimate the
amount of electricity likely to be consumed, and no cables were laid
unless a 10 per cent, return on the outlay could be seen. Taking the
past four or five years the extensions had brought a return of 27 per cent,
on the capital.
Bray (Ireland). — At the Council meeting on Tuesday it was re-
ported that there was a profit of £120 on the past year's working of
the electricity undertaking.
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12, 1909.
857
British Trade with Spain.— Mr. \'. \V(.llf.slcy. H.M. Commcicial
Attaclie fur Spain and I'uitugal. atUiidtd at the rocims of the Leeds
Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday in order to give interviews
lo persons interested in loral industries. Sic.
.Mr. Wclleslcy (liinks (h.it tlwingh llic Sp:nii.sli iiimiI<cI is mil so good .'is
ni.aiiy th.il .iro open di Hiilish maniifiirliiros. wln-ii times are bad he
thinks it is well that they shoidd turn their attention to that quarter of
the globe. The Germans, French and Swiss are doing good business
with Spain, and Mr. Wcllcsley is endeavouring to introduce KngHsli
competition against the Cernian supply of heavy electrical macliinory.
There is in S|)aiu a great demand for dynamos, electric motors and power
plant generally. At present the bidk of the Spanish trade in electrical
plant is in the hands of the Germans, who have active agents all over the
country. What is required on the part of British traders, Mr. Wellesley
says, is plenty of energy, and, above all, the presence «f enterjirising
agents on the spot. There is a greater opening for electrical machinery
than for most things manufactured in this country. In regard to credit,
it will be necessary for the British manufacturer to give the same terms
as foreigners give. The payments are made in three instalments — one-
Ihird of the total amount on placing the order, one-tliird on shipping the
goods or on delivery, anil flic remaining ouc-lhird three or six months
after the plant is running. Tliough tlie.se are (he general terms n( |iay.
meni, in many cases more dcfertcd ])ayments ai'c granted, and, as a rule,
(Jerrnan (irms oll'cr tlu' greatest facilities in this respect, and accede more
readily tli.in Knglish Hinis to the requirements of their clients.
Bury St. Edmunds. — An additional 200 kw. generating set is to be
]nit down at the electricity works, and an additional feeder with
alxmt 4110 vds. of distributing main are to be laid at a cost of about
£2,000.
Camberiey.— The Council have engaged Mr. V. H. Medhurst to
prepare a report on electricity supply at a fee of 40 guineas,
Carlisle. — Sanction has been received to a loan of £1,000 for a
eoal elevator. &e.. at the electricity works.
Central London Railway. — This company lias decided to intro-
duce ]ienny fares for distances not exceeding three stations from the
starling ]ioint.
City of London.— The chau-man (Mr. Teuten) and four members of
the Streets committee (Messrs, A. C. Morton, M.P.,Gunton. Stopher,
and G. Stanhara) have been appointed a sub-committee to visit
certain cities on the Continent to obtain information and to report
ujJon the systems of electric and gas lighting employed. Paris,
Berlin, Brussels, Vienna, Cologne, Dresden, Hamburg and Dusscldort
will be visited.
Croydon. — The Electricity committee have opened an inquiry office
and .showrooms for exhibiting electric motors, fittings. &c.. at ,'!, I'ark-
lane.
Darlington. — .\pplieation lias been made for sanction to a loan of
£3,i)(J0 for additional plant for the electricity works.
Derby. — The Council have applied for sanction to a loan of £7,300
for extensions of mains, &c., during the current year.
Deutch Sudamerikanische Telegraphengesellschaft A.G.— At the
recent meeting of this company (which was formed on Aug. 27,
1908, for laying and working a submarine telegraph cable between
Borkum and Pernambuco, Brazil, via Santa Cruz, Teneriffe) it was
stated that for the first section ( Borkum -Teneriffe) a share capital
of 4 million marks, with debentures amounting to 7,800,000 marks,
had been allocated. The Imperial German Government have
guaranteed a subsidy to the company for 40 years. The manufac-
ture and laying of the cable have been undertaken by the Kord-
deutsche Seekab»lwerke A.G., of Nordenham. The cable is to be
completed and laid to Teneriffe by July next.
Electric Pumping. — At the recent meeting of Dolcoath Mining
Co. the chairman (Mr. F. Harvey) said they had been advised to
adopt electric motive power for the pump and stamps. Taking into
account the large capital outlay (over £20,000) which would be saved
if the power could be purchased, negotiations had been entered into
with the Urban Electric Supply Co., with whom a jirice for supply
had been arranged.
Epsom. — The Council have accepted the resignation of the resident
electrical engineer (Mr. H. F. Foster), the resignation to take effect on
August 1.5 next.
Fermoy (Co. Cork). — Attempts are being made to form a local
company to establish electricity supply in this town. The consulting
engineer is Mr. F. C. Porte, of Cork, and at a recent meeting of rate-
payers promises to take over 2,000 £1 shares were received.
Fareham. — The Council have terminated their agreement with the
Southern Electric Free Wiring Co, for the wiring of premises.
Hendon. — The Council are considering the question of the electric
lighting of the Council offices.
Industrial Poisoning and Fatal andNon Fatal Accidents.— Under the
Factory and Workshop Act, IIIOI. and the Xotice of Accidents Act.
1906, tables of cases of industrial poisoning, fatal and nonfatal,
accidents and dangerous occurrences in factories, workshops, &c.,
during 1908 have been issued by the Home Office.
The eases of industrial poisoning required to be notified include those
of lead, phosphorus, arsenic or mercury poisoning ; and accidents re-
quired to be notified are those occurring in factories, worltshops. docks,
wharves, <(uays, &c., on buildings which are under construction with tlie
use of machinery worked by mechanical power, or which are over 30 ft.
in height and under construction or repair by scaffoldmg, or vihicli are
over 3t) ft. in height and in which more than 20 jjersons (other than do-
mestic: servants) are employed foi- wages, and on private railway lines
or sidings used in connection with a factory. Accidents are divided into
class A, fatal accidents ; B, accidents due to machinery moved by
mechanical power, escape of gas or steam, or to electricity, &c., and caus-
ing the injured person to be absent from his ordinary work for at least
one day ; and C, accidents causing the person to be absent from his
ordinary work for more than seven days. The " dangerous occur-
rencies "' are also divided into three classes. In connection with the
manufacture of electric accumulators there were 25 cases of adult poison-
ing re))orted during 1008. against 21 in 1007, and there was one death.
In electrical generating stations thcri^ were live fat;il accidents (four .ulutts
and one young jicrson). against seven in 1'.I07. The lo(;il imnilhT of f:it;d
aeeirlenfs (luring lOO.S was l,()4i>, against l.lT'.liii 10(17.
Light Railways. Hhyl Council refuse lo take a poll of (lie ra(e-
payers on (lie jiroposal to cons(nict a light railway along (he froiU
from Rhyl to Prestatyn.
London County Council. — On Tuesday a loan of £12,077 was made
Ui St. Pancras on electricity supply account.
Mriri/lebonr liltclriciti/ Vndertukiny. — The Finance committee reported
on the application of Marylebone Council for a loan of £«,fXJ0 for the sub-
stitution of electric lighting for gas lighting in streets where electric
mains are already laid. Not being satisfied as to the financial proposi-
tion, the committee called on the borough council for further informa-
tion and were informed that the G.as Light & Coke Co. offered to light
the lamps for £8,301, At that time the councils estimate for electric
ligiiting was £8,1)50. but since then the council hi»d decided that it could
allow it.self, as a large consumer, a di.seount of 25 jier cent, for promjit
Ijayment, which reduced the estimate to £7,350. which compared with
the present cost of £8,818 for gas lighting. The committee, lioweve
were .advised that the gas company's offer provided for 50 per cent,
better illumination than that of the council, a point which did not appear
to have been considered. The council expected to be able to keep the
works costs for this street lighting energy down to £3 a kilowatt of maxi-
mum demand, plus 0-35d, a unit, which would make a total of 0-52d. a
unit, whereas the average cost for the year ended March 31. 1908, was
l-38d. on the total output of the works. The Finance committee con-
sidered the borough council had not made out a ca.se for the proposed
change and recommended that the loan be not sanctioned. Agreed.
Linking-up MioiiripcU Klcelrical Utulerlakingx. — Mr. H. Gordon
asked the chairman of the Finance committee (with reference to the
aiiplication for a loan for St. Panc-ras Council) whether steps had l>een
taken to ascertain if the Council could not link-up and so prevent further
capital expenditure.
Mr. Hayes Fisher said they were aware that the Bill had only just
passed into law, so it was rather too early to say what the effect of it was,
but still it was a hint worth remembering,
Forcil Hill Tramways.— It was agreed to cxjiend £10.380 in construct-
ing ])art of the authorised tramwav from Lewisham High-road to Forest
Hill.
Lowestoft.— The^Electric Light committee have been authorised to
accept a tender for a new 250 kw. generating set, and application has
been made for sanction to a loan to cover the cost. During the current
half-year electric lighting is to be substituted for gas in a number of
streets.
Merthyr Tydfll.— The local electric traction and lighting company
has offered to light the lower portion of the towTX with 340 pairs
of lamps at £1,(3.50 per annum.
Mexborough. — .-^n unopposed inquiry was held last week into the
Council's application for sanction to a loan of £4,000 for electric
lighting extensions.
Middlesbrough.— Last week the Electric Light committee ap-
proved proposals of the borough electrical engineer (Mr, H. M.
Taylor) for the supply of current to a large foundry and fitting
shops. Mr, Taylor also reported that during the past month the
total costs worked out atO-89d. per unit, against P56d, per unit in
February, 1908.
Obituary.— We regret to record the death of Mr. Riley Patchett,
of Halifax, which took place on Sunday morning. Mr. Patchett,
who was only 56 years of age, was a member of the firm of George
Patchett & Sons, Patchett Bros., and the Northern Electric Wire Co.,
Halifax.
The death has occurred, at the age of 78 years, of Mr, Wm. Holt,
manufacturing electrician, of Dover.
Plymouth. — On Monday the Council decided to appropriate an
additional £7.50 of the tramways income in aid of rates.
Presentations. — Wrexham Electricity staff have presented a set of
carvers to Mr. E. Edwards, who is leaving to liecorae station snperin-
tendent at Pnrtick.
858
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12, 1909.
Burnley elecfrioity works staff recently presented Mr. John R.
Walton (wlio is leaving to take up an ajipointment in South Shields)
with a portmanteau and a non-magnetic lever watch.
Private Bills of 1909 Session.— The Board of Trade have issued
(heir report upon the bills and Provisional orders of the current
session relating to railways, tramways, electricity supjily, &c.
There are 108 bills, compared wiih 98 in 1908. The total capital
proposed to be raised is £20,453.203, against £16,674,719. There are
18 bills relating to tramwavs, for the construction of 37 miles of tram-
ways and the raising of £1,099,740 capital. Compared with 1908 the
number of tramway bills shows a decrease of nine, and the capital an
increase of £24,980. 16 of the bills relate to tramways in England
and Wales and two to Ireland. There are nine bills relating to the
supply of electrical energy, and the proposed capital amounts to
£466,666. In the five tramw.ay provisional orders power is sought to
construct 4 miles 74 chains of double track and 6 miles 50 chains
single track, and the estimated cost is £121,317. For the 13 electric
lightiui; orders the proposed capital is estimated at £120,800.
Rochdale. — The salary of the borough electrical engineer (JLr. C. C.
Ateliison) has been increased to £400 per annum.
Smoke Abatement Exhibition. — Among the exhibitors at this
exhibition at Sheffield, which remains open until 20th inst., are the
following : —
Siemens Bros. & Co. : Five temperature indicators (thermo-couple
type) and recorder with automatic switchboard, the temperatures of
tive different furnaces being automatically recorded on one chart, an
ordinary clockwork type of recorder, an optical pyrometer for measure-
ing extremely high temperatures, a resistance pyrometer, galvanometer
and resistance box, a direct-readmg temperature indicator with bat-
teries and connecting cable, Siemens " tantalum ares "' with holophane
and opal glass shades, a show case illustrating the various processes in
the manufacture of tantalum lamps, Obach dry cells, &c.
Union Electric Co. exhibit a number of arc lamps, including a.c.
" Excello " lamps, fitted with deposit-free covers, ensuring maximum
illumination during full run of carbon, d.e. dynamos and motors, poly-
]ihase motors, h. and l.-t. switchgear, measuring instruments, &c.
Sheffield Corporation Electric Supply Department have a good
exhibit of flame arc and metallic and carbon filament lamps, electric
fans, radiators, motors, signs, &c.
Babcock & Wilcox exhibit models of water-tube boilers fitted with
patent steam superheater and mechanical chain-grate stoker and an
automatic water purifier (Lassen & Hjort system), turbine tube cleaner
and specimens of \vrought steel steam piping.
Tixto.meter (Ltd.) : Tintometric apparatus for measuring colour
and density of smoke.
Crossley Bros. : Gas engines and dynamos.
Woollen & Co. : Electric signs, &c.
South Africa. — The " British and South African Export Gazette''
states that an electrical engineering trade section of Cape Town
Chamber of Commerce has been formed with a membership of eight
firms.
An electric-petrol car, to accommo'date 90 passengers, is being
built for the Central South African railways, as an experiment
A company is being formed in East Griqualand to establish elec-
tric smelting works for the production of pig iron and electrically
purified steel.
Southgate. — The Council have accepted the North Metropolitan
Electric Power Supply Co.'s revi-sed terms for the repurchase of the
electricity works, viz., at 14, 21 or 28 years, the purchase price being
one-fourth instead of one-third addition to capital expenditure.
Swansea. — It is reported that a local syndicate has offered to
purchase and extend the municipal electricity works.
Walsall. — On Monday the Council considered a report of the
Borough Electrical engineer (Mr. A. S. Barnard) on the proposed
extensions of the electricity undertaking. The Electricity com-
mittee reported in favour of Mr. Barnard's scheme, which was esti-
mated to cost about £35,000.
In his report Mr. Barnard stated that the demand for electricity was
steadily increasing, and further provision would have to be made to
meet the normal growth of the undertaking. Under ordinary condi-
tions he estimated that the demand would have overtaken their capa-
city of supply before Christmas, 1910. It was impracticable to continue
adding one small engine after another to the present generating station
to meet the gradual growth as had been done in the past, and whatever
the next step might be, it should be on comprehensive lines. Further,
the system at present in use was not, in his opinion, the most suitable or
economical tor Walsall. Districts within the borough had been left
untouched by the electric lighting department, including Bloxwich,
most of Birchills, Wood Green. Palfrey, parts of Pleck, Caldmore. &c.
Already there had been from time to time inquiries] for supply from
Bloxwich and Birchills, and if the Corporation were in a position to sup-
ply current on such terms as the neighbouring Corporation of Wolver-
hampton, more than one large customer would be available immediately.
As yet the Walsall undertaking had barely touched the fringe of what
in other towns had been found to be the most successful and remunera-
tive branch of the electricity supply business, namely, the supply at
low rates of very large quantities of current for motors and lighting in
factories and works.
The chairman of the Electricity committee (Dr. Stead) moved that
mechanical stokers be provided at a cost of £2,143, and this was carried.
Dr. Stead then moved that certain additions be made to the generat-
ing station, a new sub-station be provided in the centre of the town,
and the system extended to Bloxwich at an estimated cost of £3.5,000.
This year the increased demand for current had l)ecn at much abuve the
normal rate.
After discussion, the recommendation was adopted.
West Bromwich. — The Council have received sanction to a loan of
£3.00(1 for mains extensions, &c.
West Ham. — In regard to the adjourned inquiry into the applica-
tion by the Council for sanction to borrow money for extensions of
the electricity undertaking, the L.G. Board have asked that the eon-
tracts for electricity supply, which the Electric Lighting committee
refused to produce at the inquiry, be forwarded to the Board with any
observations which the Council may wish to offer in regard to par-
ticular cases.
The (luestion of the necessity or otherwise of making public the con-
tracts at the resumed inquiry would then (the Board's letter states) be
further considered in connection with the facts disclosed by the con-
tracts, but in any case no direction will be given by the Board in the
matter until they had communicated further with the Council and con-
sidered any representations they might desire to submit. The whole of
the contracts for power supply have been forwarded to the Board.
The Finance committee are to be asked to consider the question of
applying for sanction to borrow £15,000 for transformers, and £8,000 for
private motors to hire to consumers, these amounts to cover the esti-
mated expenditure under these heads for three years.
Wireless Telegraph Notes. — An important discussion took place in
the German Reichstag on Monday on the subject of the international
character of wireless telegraphy. In the course of the discussion
Herr Erzberger declared that an attempt had been made to create a
monopoly in wireless telegraphy, but owing to the action of the United
States the attempt had been frustrated. It had been considered
that a monopoly had been averted by the international agreement,
but as Italy had never adhered and England had only partially
adhered (as regarded communication from ship to ship, but not
with the shore) the monopoly had not been completely broken down,
and the Marconi Company had secured an excessive share of the
shipping business. To this Herr Kraetke. State Secretary, replied
that it was not correct to say that the German Government had not
looked after German interests in the matter of wireless telegraphy.
It was through Germany's action that a conference was held and,
ultimately, an international agreement arrived at. Land stations
were being erected on the German coast, communicating with each
other, with ships on the high seas and with sea stations. Very many
such stations had been already established by Great Britain. These
were all Marconi stations. As the British stations did not answer
calls under the German system, nothing remained for German ship-
ping but to establish Marconi station.?. As soon as the international
agreement was concluded, however, German steamer stations were
worked by Germans. A large number of States concluded treaties
with regard to communication from ship to ship. England had so
far not joined in these treaties, and the evil now was that vessels of
British nationality which carry the Marconi system were not bound
to enter into communication with Cierman vessels which did not carry
the Marconi installation.
The Japanese steamship " Aki Maru "' is reported to have suc-
ceeded in obtaining wireless communication with the land from
Yokohama to Seattle, a total range of 4,240 miles. The vessel
reports never having lost touch with the Marconi station at Yoko-
hamafor 2,100 miIes(about half the journey), and on losing Yokohama
picked up Seattle.
Yarmouth. — An inquiry was held last week into the application of
the Council for sanction to borrow £2.500 for electric lighting exten-
sions.
The electrical engineer (Mr. G. Bryant) said that the loan was required
for new mains principally, in consequence of the conversion of street
lighting from gas to electricity. For this purpose Sugg lanterns were
being used, each containing two Osram lamps.
Marriage.— On Thursday last Mr. George Westinghouse, junior,
was married to Miss E. V. Brocklebank.
P. & 0. Batti-Wallahs" Society Dinner.— The foiuth annual dinner
of this Society was held on Saturday evening, the President (Mr. C. L.
Lichtenberg) in the chair. Despite the inclement weather there was
a large gathering. After an excellent repast, an enjoyable musical
programme was rendered. The toast of the P. & O. S. N. Co.. was
proposed by Mr. E. L. Pinching, and responded to by Capt. Parfitch.
of the P. & 0. Co. During the evening the hon. .sec. (Mr. J. F. Avila),
was presented with a silver cigarette box as a slight token of the
esteem in which he is held bv the members.
THE ELECTRICIAN. MARCH 12, 1909.
859
Dinner. — The second annual dinner of tlie staff of tlie Bolton
electricity department took place on Wednesday last week, the
borough electrical engineer (Mi-. A. A. Day) presiding.
In reply to the toast of the " Bolton Corporation Electricity Works,"
Mr. Day said they prodiiced electricity as cheaply aa anybody in the
world and the L.G. Board inspector had said they were ui a sound
financial condition.
Mr. VV. J. Wood, in proposing the toast of " Our Chief," said that, in
addition to having a station second to none in the kingdom, they had
also a chief who was equally eminent, !\nd he urged the staff to give Mr.
Day the unswerving loyalty which he deserved.
TRADE NOTES AND NOTICES.
NOW READY.
"THE ELECTRICIAN" ELECTRICAL TRADES-
DIRECTORY AND HANDBOOK.— The 1909 Edition
of the Big Blue Book, price 15s., or post free in the
United Kingdom, 15s. 9d. The new and enlarged volume
brings a great mass of statistical and technical data
quite up to date, and the Directorial Division has been
thoroughly revised and amplified.
All branches of Electrical Engineering and Industry
are fully treated, and Electro-Financial matters receive
every attention in the new volume, which aggregates
more than 2,000 pages. The Directory Division is
complete and thoroughly accurate, and has been com-
pletely revised. AH mere lists of members of Societies
and Institutions (so easily and cheaply available) are
excluded, as quite unreliable for Manufacturers' and
Dealers' purposes. The full set of valuable Statistical
and Engineering Tables, ftc, have been very carefully
revised and extended, and are now issued in handy book
form. These are included in the 1909 Big Blue Book,
making it the most complete work of the kind ever
published.
TENDERS INVITED.
Brighton Corporation invite tenders for the sujiply. delivery and
erection at their Southwick power station, of one ,'^(11) kw. tliree-jihase
induction motor-generator. Specilicatinn. &e.. from the town clerk
(Mr. Hugo Talbot). Further information from the electrical engineer
and manager (Mr. J. Christie), Electricity Works, North-road,
Brighton. Tenders to the Town Clerk by 10 a.m., March 22. See
also an advertisement.
Partick Town Council invite tenders for the supply of the fol-
lowing materials for the electricity department for the year ending
May 15, 1910 : Cables, bitumen, pitch and compound, cable joint-
ing requirements, service cut-outs, meters, incandescent lam])s. arc
lamp carbons and lubricating oils. Specifications, &c.. from the burgh
electrical engineer (Mr. Wm. Sillery, A.M.I.E.E.), Mauldslie-street,
Partick. Tenders to the Town Clerk, Burgh-chambers, Maxwell-
street. Partick, by April 3. See also an advertisement.
EniNBUROH Corporation invite tenders for supply of materials
for the electricity supply department for one year from May 16,
1909. including bitumen, lead-covered paper-insulated copper
cables, arc lamp carbons and globes, house-service fuse boxes,
electricity meters and c.i. pipes and pavement boxes. Specifica-
tions, &c., at the offices of the engineer (Mi-. Frank A. Newington),
Dewar-place. Edinburgh. Tenders to the Town Clerk, City-cham-
bers, Edinburgh, by March 29. See also an advertisement.
The Metropolitan Asylums Board invite tenders for the
installation of electric lighting at the North-Eastcrn Fever Hospital,
South Tottenham. N., in accordance with drawings and specification
prepared by the engineer-in-chief (Mr. W. T. Hatch. M.I.C.E..
M.l.Mech.E.) Drawings, conditions of contract. &c.. at the oflSces
of the Board. Embankment, E.C. Tenders to the offices by 10 a.m.,
March 26. See also an advertisement.
Salford Electricity committee invite tenders for re-wiring at the
Royal Technical Institute. Specification and forms of tender from
the borough electrical engineer (Mr. Victor A. H. M'Cowen). Elec-
tricity Works, Frederick-road, Pendleton. Tenders to the town
clerk (Mr. L, C. Evans) by uoon March 29. See also an advertise-
Messrs. Preece & C'ardew are in.structed by Sydney Municipal
Council to invite tenders for supply, delivery and erection in Sydney
of two 4,70.5 k.v.a. (0-85 power factor) turbo-alternators, having
horizontal shafts and running at a speed not exceeding 750 revs, per
niin., and one 447 k.v.a. turbo-alternator, not exceeding 1,500 revs,
per min.. complete with condenser.s and motor -driven air and cir-
culating pumps. The Council will pay Customs' duties up to, but
not above, the rate imposed for goods the produce or manufacture
of the United Kingdom. Specifications, &c., may be obtained from
Messrs. Preece & Cardew, 8. Queen Anne's-gate, Westminster, S.W.
Tenders (to the Town Clerk, Town Hall, Sydney, N.S.W.) must be
delivered by 4 p.m. May 31. See also an advertisement.
The date for sending in tenders for the supply of a power plant for
central telephone exchange, to the Postmaster-General's Department.
Victoria, has been extended from March 23, to April 23. Tender
forms and specifications may be obtained at the Commonwealth
Office, 72, Victoria-street, S.W. See also an advertisement.
Tenders are invited for supply of two multiple magneto switch-
boards for incoming junction lines to the Postmaster-General's
Department, New South Wales. Tender forms and specifications
at the Commonwealth Offices, 72, Victoria-street, London, S.W.
See also an advertisement.
Tenders are invited for the supply, delivery and erection at Llan-
dudno electricity works of a Lancashire boiler, to be constructed
to the specification and under the superintendence of the Man-
chester Steam Users' Association. Specification, &c., from the elec-
trical engineer (Mr. H. Morton). Tenders to the town clerk (Mr.
Alfred Conolly), Town Hall, Llandudno, by March 24.
Belfast Tramways and Electricity committee invite tenders for
12 months' supply of various materials, including engine room stores,
packings, oils, rubber goods, wire, asbestos goods. trolle\' wire, over-
head line material, cable and mains materials, meters, indicators,
and time switches. Forms from the city electrical engineer (Mr. T.
W. Bloxam). Tenders (addressed to Chairman of committee) to
the town clerk (Sir Samuel Black) by 10 a.m. March 15.
Edinburgh Corporation want tenders by March 15 for one year's
maintenance of telephones and electric bells at the Citj- Hos|)ital
(forms from City Surveyor), and for one year's sujjply of material for
interior wiring, tools, ironmongery, engineers' stores, tubes, copper,
&;c. Forms from the City Electrical Engineer.
Manchester Electricity committee want tenders by 10 a.m.
March 16 for supply and erection of a storage battery, battery boos-
ters, exciters and switchboard at Dickinson-street station.
M.iNCHESTER Tramways committee want tenders by 10 a.m.
March 16 for supply of points, tongues and centres, span wire brac-
kets for poles, car wheel tyres. &c. Specifications, &c.. from .Mr.
J. M. MEIroy.
Leeds Tramway committee want tenders by 10 a.m. March 17
for rails, copper rail bonds, tie bars, fishplates, sole plates, man-
ganese steel double junction, crossings and points and portland
cement. Specifications, &c., from the Tramway Offices.
Bray (Ireland) District Council want tenders by 10 a,m. .April (5
for the supply of stores for the electricity supply and other depart-
ments. Forms of tender, &c., from the Deputy Clerk.
East Ham Council want tenders by March 18 for 12 months'
supplies, including engineers' sundiies. for the electric lighting and
tramways department, ironwork, coal, &c.
Tenders are wanted by 10 a.m. March 25 for svii)ply of electric
sundries, ironmongery, paints, belting, &c., to the County Asylum,
Whittingham, Preston. Forms from the Clerk and Steward.
Rotherham Tramways committee want tenders by 18th inst.
for supply of six electric double-deck top-covered tramcars. Par-
ticulars from the Tramways Manager.
York Corporation want tenders by March 31 for the construc-
tion and working of about 5i miles of light railways. Plans. &c.,
from the Town Clerk.
Orange River Colony Government require tenders by 2:30 p.m.
April 16 for electric light fittings for the new Law Courts. Bloem-
FONTEIN. Schedule, &c.. from the .Agent-CJeneral. 121. Victoria-
street. London. S.W.
TENDERS RECEIVED AND ACCEPTED.
Hammersmith (London) Council has accepted the following
tenders : — •
Dorman, Long & Co., floor, &c., for main switchboard. £70. 15s. 7d. :
Cowans Limited, switchboard extension, £189. 12s. ; Witty & Wyatt,
packing and jointing materials, £13. 19s. 4d. ; F. Bird & Co., tools,
brushes, <tc.. £62. 79. Id. ; .J. Gibb & Co., metals, gauge glasses, screws,
&(■., £43. 13s. 9d. ; General Electric Co., electrical goods and meter.^ ;
E. Allen & Co., files, £11. 13s. 2d. ; J. W. Pimblett & Co.. oilman's goods,
£72. 10s. 5d. : H. G. Mayer & Co., arc lamps, globes and lamp shades,
£20. 6s. 7d.
860
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12. 1909.
SPECIAL NOTICE.
NOW READY.— Vol. LXI. of " The Electrician " (1,018 pages\
bound in strong cloth. Price ITs. 6d.; post free, I83. 6d. Also ready
Gases for Binding. Price 2s. ; post free, 2s. 3d.
A complete set of " The Electrician " (1860-1865-1878-1908) can
be supplied. A number of odd volumes and some odd old back num-
bers, to help in making up complete sets, a'-e also now available.
Marylcbone (London) Council received 18 tenders for converting
1 .984 street lamps to electric lighting, and have accepted the tender
(if Haydn Harrison at following rates: Fittings for twin lamp
lanterns 12s. 3d. each, fixing on site 3s. (id. ; fittintrs ff>r tri])lc lamp
lanterns IGs, each, fixing 4s. : wooden rods for turning on and otf
1 .. each : spare parts : eomplele switch in chamber 53. 6d.. sealing
cliamber3 Is. 9d. ; reflectors, two light, 3s. 9d.. three light fis. fid.,
enclosed fuse carriers 4d. each.
The plant for the Keihan Electric Railway Co.. which is to link
Kyoto with Osaka. Japan (a distance of about .30 miles) is being
manufactured in this country. Messrs. Dick. Kerr &• Co. have
obtained the contract for three 8.50 kw. electric generators and
Messrs. Willans & Robinson the turbine contract, while the boilers
are being manufactured by Mes.srs. Babcock & Wilcox.
Plymouth Council have accepted the tender of G. Braulik for
Conradty carbons at £2. 17s. 6d. per 1.000 ft. Tenders were also
submitted by Johnson & Phillips. Crompton & Co.. H. G. Mayer &
Co.. M. Seeck, Sloan Electrical Co.. British Westinghouse Co.. W.
Geipel & Co.. Electrical Co.. Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works, and
Haslam & Schontheil.
Woolwich Borough Council have received the following tenders
for supply of two miles of service cables :•
SiemensBros.&Co {accepttd)£397
W. T. Henley's Telegraph
Works Co 383'
Western Electric Co 393
Cal lenders Co 393*
Johnson & Phillips 393*
W. T. Glover A Co 395
* Less 2i per cent.
London County Council have accepted the tender of Pinching &
Walton for the electric lighting and fans at the L.C.C. School of
Building at £1.107. 5s. Od. : thai of the Harper Co. for wiring Red-
man"s-r<iad school at £335.
London County Cour.cil have renewed Hadfield's Steel Foundry
Co.'s contract for special track work at £7.472.
Bristol Docks committee have accepted the tender of Johnson &
Phillips for cables for Avonmouth Cold Stores, and of the Metallic
Seamless Tube Co. for conduit and fittings.
Xewcastle-under-Lyme Council have accepted the tender of the
Electrical Power Storage Co. for two batteries, each of 130 cells (360
ampere-hours capacity), at £275.
Stepney (London) Council have extended the contract of the British
Insulated & Helsby Cables, for main^ extensions, &c., to mid-summer
day.
The tenders of the British Westinghouse Co. for hou.se meters at
£1. 9s. 4d. each and of the British Insulated & Helsby Cables for
cables at £114. Os. fid. have been accepted bj- Plymouth Council.
Owing to the Electric & Ordnance Accessories Co. having with-
drawn their tender for the switchboard at Farehani, the Council have
now accepted the tender of the British Westinghouse Co. at £421. 10s.
West Ham Council have accepted the tender of S. Rawlinson & Son,
for a tower waggon at £58. 16s.
Accrington Council have placed an order with E. Green & Son.
for two economissrs at £400.
Tunbridge Wells Council have accepted the tender of the Under-
feed Stoker Co. for a mechanical stoker, motor, &c.. at £265.
Battersea (London) Council have entered into an agreement with
Cullender's Co., for the .supply of cables. &c.. for the ensuing year.
The tender of Fox & Co. has been accepted for wiring the new
secondary school at Todmorden.
Maidstone Council have accepted the tender of Veritys Limited for
a booster at £88.
Sandwich Council have accepted the tender of Stuart & Moore
for an electric indicator at the waterworks at £84. IO3.
Lowestoft Council have accepted the tender of W. T. Henley's
Telegraph Works Co.. for house cut-outs at 3s. lOd. per pair.
The Postmaster-General's Department. Perth (W. Australia),
have accepted the tenders of British Insulated & Helsby Cables fcr
telephone indicators and switchboards; I'nbehaun & Johnstone for
jacks, and J. M. Ferguson (Ltd.) for telephones and copper wire.
Important South African Contract. — The East Rand Mines were
recontly in the market for three 3,tKtO kw. turbo-generators, complete
with surface condensing plant, for generating [jower for their own
mines in preference to purchasing from the Victoria Falls Power Co.,
and we learn that a contract has just l)ceu entered into between the
Ka it Rand Mines and Hubert Davies & Co.. of Johannesburg, for the
su|)ply of plant manufactured by Messrs. Willans & Robin.son. of
Rugby. The mechanical jiorlions are being liuilt by Messrs. Willans
& Robinson, and the alternators are being manufactured bj' Me.s,srs.
Dick, Kerr & Co.
BUSINESS NOTICES.
As previously announced in The Electukiax. the business of the
Sterling Telephone & Electric Co. has been converted into a private
liruitrfl liability company, and with the additional facililies afforded
by English works, it is anticipated that within a reasonable lime, all
telephones, bells. &c.. sold by the compan3', will be made in England.
The managemeni remains as herelofore. Mr. G. Burney ha\ing l»en
appointed managing director.
The Crypto Electrical Co., 155 and 157. Bermondsey-street, .S.K.,
has been compelled to extend their factory, and they recently
.secured the building adjoining, which ha.s been opened as an exten-
sion to their machine shop. This is the third ext«nsion made by
the company within the last five years.
Edwin Richd. Danes and Geo. Edwd. (Staples, electrical engineers,
i&c, 137, Albany-street, and Little Albany-street, Regent's Park,
London, N.W.. have dissolved partnership. Debts by Mr. Staples.
Sale by Auction. — Messrs. Fuller, Horsey, Sons & Cassell will sell by
auction, at H.M. Dockyard, Sheerness, on April 1, at 11:30 a.m.,
quantities of scrap iron and steel, boiler tubes, foundry
ashes, lead and zinc ashes and bottoms, scrap brass, copper
and mixed metal, electric cable and gear, dynamos, engines, machine
tools, &c. Catalogues (6d. each) at the Dockyard, and of the
Auctioneers. 11, Billiter-square, London, E.C. See also an adver-
tisement.
Plant for Sale.— Messrs. G. Elliott & Co., 186-188, Long-lane.
Bermondsey, London, S.E., have for sale (wo compound Marshall
steam engines coupled to two Crompton dynamo.s, and also three
dynamos. ]''urther particulars are given in advertisements.
Plant Wanted. — An advertiser wants a second-hand vertical steam
generator. 50 to 100 kw.. high-si^epd, 200 volts d.c.
Patents Development.— The proprietors of the following British
Patents desire to make arrangements for their development and
practical working in this country : —
No. 2.59.'? 1903. for " Improvements in and relating to Electrical
Transmission iSystems. " Applications to Messrs. Johnson & .Son, 77,
Chancery-lane, London, W.C.
No. 999/1902, for " Improvements in Electrically-controlled Railway
Switches." Applications to Messrs. Haseltinc, Lake & (.\i., 7 and 8,
Southam]iton-liuildings, Cliancery-lane, London, W.C.
" The Journal." — Part CXCIII. of the Journal of the Institution
of Electrical Engineers is now ready, price 5s. Particulars of con-
tents are given in an advertisement.
" Union " Slides. — The Union Electric Co. write to say that it has
been the Company's custom for some seasons past to lend lantern
.slides of their apparatus for lecture purposes. A lengthy list of
slides (69 in all) is available for lecture and demonstration purposes.
"Tantalum " Lamps for Restaurant Lighting. — At the inaugural
luncheon of Blanchard's restaurant (London) on Wednesday, Mr.
T. C. Bryce, of the St. James' and Pall Mall Electric Light Co., was
in the chair, and several other gentlemen connected with the elec-
trical indvistry were also present. The lighting installation is of a
thoroughly up-to-date character. " Tantalum " lamps being fitted
throughout.
Water Turbines. — We are informed that arrangements have been
made under which Messrs. Willans & Robinson will manufacture watar
turbines to drawings prepared from the designs of Mr. Jens Orten-
Boving, M.I.M.E., who has secured the assistance of Mr. R. Weber (for
17 years in the works of Messrs. Escher. Wyss & Co.. of Ziirich. to
whom he was chief constructing engineer for over seven years.)
ilessrs. Willans & Robinson, however, will ]3roceed at first with the
manufacture of high-pressure turbines, and afterwards with that of
the Francis turbines. In the manufactiue of the latter. Messrs.
Willans & Robinson will he largely assisted by Messrs. Verkstaden, of
Kristinehamn, Sweden, whose works will be shortly passing under
Mr. Orten-Boving's cfntiol. and where large experience will l.e
placed at the disposal of the Rugby firm.
For several years Mr. Oiten-Boving was in charge of the works of
Messrs. Verkstaden before taking up a leading position with Messrs.
Escher, Wyss & Co. Messrs. Verkstaden have been responsible for
power stations at Trolhiitten, Alby, Gul 'spang, &o.. and have in all suji-
plied the hydraulic part of some 250 hydro-electrio stations. Among
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12, 1909.
861
nntablc plants ifLi-ntly put dinvn by Mr. Orten-Boving arc tho fullow-
ing : British Aluminium Co.'s Kiulochleven station (.'iS.OOO H.P..
U'ltiU. hiM<l — :ill luiliinrs, jiipfs anil arrcssuric^) : Kriti^li Aluniininiu
(\i. (Stangfjordcns, 3.000 ii.i'.. 270 11. head): Oji Pai.."r Mill. H..kaid..,
Japan (18.500 h.p.. .500 ft. head — complete plant with pipe lines);
Kochi Kencho, Shikoku. .Jajjan (2,600 h.p., 750 ft. head — complete plant
with i)ipe lines) : mine power plant, .Japan (5,300 h.p.. 220 ft. head) :
(Jovernnient works, Formosa (2.400 H.P., 50 ft. head), an<l Roncki, For-
mosa (.5.800 H.P., !»(i ft. hea<l).
CATALOGUES. &c.
Mining SwiTCHCiE.4.R. — Messrs. A. ReyroUe & Co. send us a pamjih-
let dealing with their mining switchgear. This interesting equip-
ment is dealt with more fully on .Tuother page of this issue. .Ml
interested in the subjpol shoulil jirovide them.selves with a r<i|iy "f
111." catalogue.
'I'Kt.EPiioNES. — The (Jener.al Kleclric f'o. forwar<l an abridged
catalogue of telephones and accessories containing details of the
in'ftruments (including the " Little Geeko," the " Botheall," and
the '■ Byng '") which have now become so popular. The catalogue
will he useful to those in need of a handbook on the subject of telc-
jihones.
" Neptdne " Copper R.«l Bonds. — The Lahmeyer Electrical
Co., have issued a pamphlet dealing with this subject, in which
details (mechanical, electrical and financial) of the various ty])es of
tliese bonds. They are made both in solid and flexible types, and
these types are again sub-divided into several varieties.
Simplex Wires .\nd C.\bles. — .Simplex Conduits (Ltd.) have
ready a new edition of their wires and cables catalogue. They are
now making a speciality of CM. A. cable with the official label
attached.
Switch Ge.4E. — From Mr. Geo. Braulik.Lambeth Hill, E.C., we
have received a pamphlet dealing with the switchgear supplied by
him. This includes such details as double pole iron-clad switches
and ratchet starters of various types. Another list supplied by him
gives details of various fitments for arc lamps.
Eleotrio Fiirn.^C'ES. — From the (irondal Kjellin Co.. of London.
W(^ have to acknow'ledge an illustrated pamphlet describing tlieir
electric induction furnaces. Details are giveir of the sim])le induc-
tion furnace invented by Dr. Kjellin and .Mr. E. A. Colby, and of the
conbination furnace invented by Messrs. Rochling and Roden-
haiser. The various processes are fully described and details are
given as to power consumption. The pamphlet is a distinct acquisi-
tion to the literature of this subject.
Venner Time Switch. — We have received a pamphlet from
Messrs. Venner & Co. which gives details of this well-known piece
of ajjparatus — " a switch which does everything but fail." The
j)amphlet contains drawings of the various arrangements designed
by the company for use with their time switches, and shows how by
the u.se of this switch a large number of complicated arrangements
can be adapted to automatic working. The company claim that they
can do any switching automatically that can be done by hand.
Continuous Current Dvn.\mos. — From Messrs. J. P. Hall & Co..
of Oldham, we have received a pamphlet which contains full inform-
ation of the continuous current dynamo made by them, and covers
a large and detailed ground, both as regards poles, speed and volt-
age. Full particulars of weight and dimensions are also given, and
the list should form an excellent work of reference for those
interested in dyniamo design.
Induction Motors. — Messrs. Wright & Wood, of Halifax, are
1. suing a pamphlet dealing with their small two and three-phase
induction motors and with continuous current motors of capacity
up to 5 H.P. The firm make a speciality of these small induction
motors, which are fitted with ball bearings when required, and
which are specially suitable for use in such polishing work' as is
done by jewellers, and in other similar trades.
Imports. — The following are official values of electrical machi-
nery, material and apparatus imported into this country (a) during
February, 1909. and (h) during the current year from Jan. 1 to
Feb. 28, with the increases or decreases compared with the corre-
sponding periods of 1908 : —
Electrical machinery {a) £29,482 (decrease £41,039), {/<) £04,740
(decrease £48,5l)ti) ; telegraph and telephone cables (a) £tj,287 (de-
crease £9,758), (h) £14,842 (decrease £10,006) ; tel-graph and tele-
phone apparatus (a) £13,061 (decrease £10,945), (b) £24,73S (decrease
£16,770); other electrical wires and cables, rubber insulated (n) £4,295
(decrease £3,982), (6) £9,716 (decrease £3.305) ; with other insulations
(o) £7,382 (decrease £7,297), {h) £17,224 (decrease £2,165); carbons (n)
£9,743 (decrease £9,385), (;<) £24.777 (de-rease £5,811) ; glnv lamps
(a) £41,623 (increase £11,(101 ). (/.) £!M1,:i05 (inrr.-asc £46.203) ; arc lamp.-^
and electric searchlights (x) II.I tt (inriv.isr isilt). (/<) £7,047 (increase
£6.222): parts of arc laiii|.- ,in,l ^, ;,i, lili^lii., (..iImt tlian carbons) (a)
£3,812 (decrease £550). (h) I'T.'.llll (dci ieu.-~e i;2,i:i'.l) ; primary and sccoc-
dary batteries (a) £6,123 (increase £2,876), (6) £9,516 (increase £4.681).
Total of electrical goods and apparatus, other than niachincrv and tele-
graph and telephone wire l„) f.]n-?.'?7? (derrense t?).f|53), (/") f-^-?3.180
(incrcj--e i;i9.!i70).
Exports. — The o\|M.rls of eleelrical machinery. ni.Thriai. &o. (n)
during February. 1909. and (A) during Ihe current y<'ar from .Ian. 1
to Feb. 28, and the increa.ses and decreases compared with the
corresponding periods of 1908, are as follows : —
Electrical machinery («) £95,445 (decrease £20,965). (6) £222,8!)!)
(decrease £18,473); telegraph and telephone cables (o) £34,485 (in-
crease £6.;->0li). (/.) !;.-,3,IIH (decrea.se £64,059); telegraph and tele-
I'le'iii :i|i|.,ir,iiii, i,n tl'.i,',i.")4 (increase £6,511), (6) £34.667 (increase
fl.'ii:'.) . .itJK 1 , l.riiii ,il wires and cables, rubber insulated (a) £22,224
Ide. i,iM- £:i.:U4). (/.) i;4<l.',MMi (decrease £11,491) : with other insulations
(o) £16.277 (increase £2.4.55). (/.) £40.522 (decrease £1.0!!!)) ; carbons (</)
£674 (increase £399). (ft) £1.471 (inerea.se £878); glow lamps („) £.5.576
(increase £607), (ft) £10,008 (increase £3,604); arc lamps and search,
lights (o) £1.854 (increase £56!)). (ft) £3.108 (increase £!)25) ; jiarts of
are lamps and searchlights (oilier than carbons) („) £1.410 (inere.ise
£98). (ft) £2,708 (increase £48): prhnary and ser-ondaiv balleiies („)
£.5.248 (increase £4,296), (ft) £18,702 (iiicVeasc £I6.6!)7). ' Total of elee-
triial goods and apparatus, other lli.oi iiiaeliiiierv and leleeiapli and
leli.|,lione wire, («) f 1 3r..5;!:i (iiinvas,- fll.ll2). (ii) £262. S 10 (rl,-,-ic:ise
£.54.178).
BANKRUPTCIES, LIQUIDATIONS, &c.
The public examination of Thos. Ward, managing director of tho
Electrical Instrument Manufacturers Association (in liq.) was fixed
to take place at Edmonton County Court on Friday. A medical
certificate .showed that debtor was too ill for examination, and the
case was adjourned to April 2.
A meeting of the creditors of Rex Electric & General Supplies, Ltd.
(in liquidation) will take place at 8, Mansion House-chambers, II,
Queen Victoria-street, London, E.C., on March 16.
Discharge in bankruptcy was granted on Feb. 5 to .las. H. Mock-
ridge and Arthur Pearce (trading as Jukes, Coulson, Stokes & Co.,
and as Moreton & Foster), engineers and contractors, 11 and 12.
Clement's-lane, E.C.. and Broniley-by-Bow. R.. Tyondon. and Fiirni-
val-street, Sheffield.
A dividend to the cr.Mliloi's of Tlio^. Clement Hodgkiuson (trading
as Electro-Neurotone). dealer in electro-medical a|)[iaralus, 18<i,
Goldhawk-road, London, W.. is to be declared, and claims are to be
sent by March 24 to Mr. G. W. Chapman. Bankruptcy-biiilding.s,
London, W.C.
A meeting will be held on .\iiril 14 ,it 24. Cleggstrcel , Oldlinm,
to receive an aceouul of the winding U[i of the Collieiy Power .'-•upply
Synd. (Ltd.).
Adjudicition Annulled. — The receiving order against Edwd.
Percival Oliver (trading as Newington, Priddle & Co.), electrical
engineer, 50, Great Sutton-street, Goswell-road, London, E.G.. has
been rescinded and the adjudication annulled, the debts having
been paid in full.
Santoni Arc Lamp & Engineering (Co.) Ltd. Mr. W. .Mdnio.sh
Whyt«, liquidator, writes under date .Marcli 4 : — " I have to inform
you that, in consequence of the inability of the above Company to
meet its liabilities, the Company is now being wound up voluntarily,
and notice is hereby given that a meeting of creditors will be held at
the above address on Tuesday, the lOth inst.. at 2 p.m., when I shall
lay a statement of affairs before the meeting."
BOOKS BECEIYED.
(Oopics of the undermeDtioned works cau be had from Tfis EUclricwn olEc,', post Ire?,
on rooeipt of published price, adding 3a. for books publiahed under 23. and .1 per ceot.
for l)ooks publishol njtt. Add 10 per cent, for abroad or for foreign books.)
" How Telegraphs and Telephones Work." By Charles R. Gib.son.
(London: Seeley&Co.) ls.6d.net.
" Electricity in Factories and Workshops." By .\rlluiv P. Has-
lam. (London : C'rosby, Lockwood & Son.) 7s. 6tl. net.
" Construction des Induits a cimrant continu." By E.-J. Bruns-
wick and M. Aliamet. " Cimssinets. Paliers et autres Organes de
Transmission." (Paris: Gauthier-Villars.) Fr. 2.50.
" La Consommation des Chaudieres a Vapeur et I' Economic de
Combustible." By D. Sidersky. (Paris: Gauthier-Villars.) Fr. 2.50.
" Controle des Installations Eiectriques au Point de Vue de la
S6curite." By A. Monmerquc. (Paris: Ch. Beranger.) Fr. 15. .
" Zur Dainpfturbinentheorie." By Dr. Ing. Wilhelm Deinlein.
(Berlin: R. Oldenbourg.) M. 4.
" Die Atmo.sph;irische Elektrizitiit." By H. Machc and E. v.
Schweidler. Part XXX. of " Die Wissenschaft." (Brunswick : F.
I Vieweg und Sohn.) M. 6.
862
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12, 1909.
PENNY A WORD TELEGR&MS
The flutter (it would be a misnomer to call it by any other
name) which Mr. H. Heaton created by his ill-digested screed on
the subject of penny-a-word telegrams a few months back has had
time to receive attention from the leading organs of public opinion
in Australia, and it is not surprising to learn that this opinion is
wholly against Mr. Heaton's frenzied nonsense, and takes the foim
of caustic ridicule. The Melbourne "Age," a journal of high
standing and great influence in the Commonwealth, recently devoted
a leading article to the subject, and dealt particularly with Mr.
G. R. NeUson's complete exposure of the foolhardiness of the penny-
a-word proposal. An extract will suffice to give our readers an in-
dication of the Australasian view of this matter.
Mr. Henniker Hp.K.hi, W I' , li;i« Iwi-n iivjiii:,' the adoption of penny-a-
word cable and tclr jiipli m. u. ilminjliiiil the Empire, but at the
first breath of ex|irri i n\). i m In w inn,ii\ penny palace fell in ruins.
. . . Mr. Heaton is a gn.il nhunn I ul .s<uacbody else's expense. He
said not a word about the increased trafiic required to keep up the
revenue, nor about the number or cost of the new lines which would
have to be constructed. These serious omissions were supplied by Mr.
G. R. Neilson, a leading authority on the working of cables. The result
was that Mr. Heaton with his vague dream of a penny-a-word was made
to look utterly ridiculous. It is q\iitp nhvicnis that an Imperial penny-
a-word system would be worked only at a stniiendous cost to the owners
of the lines — a cost so great that ilir la\|Myi"rs of the Empirp, upon
whom it must ultimately fall, would .simply laugh so preposterous a
business proposition out of court. . . . Mr. Heaton risks being
scoffed at, and when his proposals are scouted he blandly suggests at
least some reduction, like the man in the story, who began by asking
President Lincoln for the post of ambassador at Paris, and concluded by
pressing for the loan of a dollar. , . . Mr. Neilson's facts were inte-
resting, not so much because they demolished the mere castle-in-the-air
which Mr. Heaton had built, but beeaxise they help to an understanding
of the actual cost of cabling.
This view is supported by an article from the^Sydney " Daily
Telegraph," which, from the following brief extract, will be seen to
be as emphatic a condemnation of Mr. Heaton's proposals : —
Mr. Heiuiiker Heaton's demonstration in favour of a penny-a-word
cable rate within the Empire has come and gone without bringing that,
consummation appreciably nearer. . . . He asked Mr. Marconi
whether he would be willing to undertake a wireless service across the
Atlantic at a penny a word. The famous inventor expressed bland
approval of the scheme, and said he woidd be quite willing if the Govern-
ment would defray the (ci.-t of nci liiifi; and working the transmission
stations, and pay him a snL-uly] au linst loss. Then Mr. Neilson, the
cable expert, rose, and with r.Kiiilf.,.-, logic proceeded to put back the
advent of the penny-a-word cables to the Greek Kalends. . . .Assume
to please Mr. Heaton, that two cables could do the present work of the
four cables already laid. The present rate is three shilhngs a word. It
is manifest that, in order to obtain the existing revenue, 72 cables would
be needed for a penny rate to the island continent. Deducting the exist-
ing four cables, the additional capital required for fiS new lines would be
over 170 milhons sterhng, and tlniv u.iuld nnly !«■ the present gross
revemie to provide interest on caiaial. wi.ikiii'j expenses, repairs, and
depreciation. , . . The Impel lal an. 1 ( '.ilonial ( enernments now lose
£60,000 a year on the new Pacific (" all red ') cable. At the penny per
word rate 36 Pacific cables approximately would be wanted, and the
annual loss would be about £2,000,000, to be borne by the taxp.ayers, and
that would represent only a small part of the Australasian traffic.
PATENT RECORD.
Note.— r;» louhr
open lo ptih/ir
APPLICATION FOE PATENTS.
,IAp,.ln
III Ihc.'i.
iitil .
iirkril +) nrc not
. . . . Si„,;f„;,lHm,<.
Thnxr i,„nl.,,l ■•< ,n: „;„„ /,„ ,„si„,'l,,.,i IL' ,„..„ll,: nllr, lli. ,l„l. iillurhect
to than, ij Ihrii hivr iiol Ixui itMiehcd ijnnuusly in the urdinury course.
Names within parenthesis are tlwse of communiculors of invetilions. When
complete Specification accompanies application, an asterisk is affixed.
October 20, 1908.
22,215 LiNKE. Jlethod of and apparatus for indicating and locating
faults in systems of conductors for high-tension electricity.*
22.227 Robinson. Electric railway system.*
22.228 Gakside. Starting switches for electric motors.
22,236 Basset. Electric batteries. (Date applied for, 31/10/07. )*t
22,241 B.T.-H. Co. (Allgemeine Elektricitiits Ges., Germany). Surfaee
condensers.
22,263 Smith & Hearin. Electrical-alarm clocks.*
22,271 Milton. Magneto-ignition systems and apparatus in or applic-
able to such .systems.*
October 21, 1908.
22,273 Abrahams. Generating alternating currents.
22,282 Chambers. Condenser whose capacity is varied by the impact of
sound waves.
22,314 Murray. Tramway conduit points.
:2.321 BiaoE & Butt. Mechanical interrupters.
12,345 Davey. Portable switch or key for electric flash signalling
purposes.
22.349 Akt.-Ges. Brown. Boveri & Cie. Speed regulation of electri-
cally driven ring spinning frames. (Date applied for, 27/5/08. )*-|-
22,377 PoLLET. Electrical driving gear.*
October 22, 1908.
2.409 Siemens Bros. & Co. (Siemens & Halskc Akt.-Ges., Germany.)
Closed circuit signal installations.*
2.410 Siemens Bros. & Co. (Siemens & Halskc Akt.-Ges.. Germany.)
Fire-alarm installations.*
2.413 British Insulated & Helsby Cables, & Astley. Overhead
gear for the propulsion of vehicles electrically.
2,426 Peyrusson. Insulation of switches, current breakers, auto-
matic switches, and the like. (Date applied for, 23/10/07.)*t
22,450 SoHANSCHiEFF. Construction of field magnets for magneto-
electric generators.*
22,454 Mount & Beck Flame Lamp. Arc lamps.
22,468 Rymer-Jones. Wireless telegraphy and telephony.
October 23, 1908.
22,,500 Stanseield & Hatt. Controlling the voltage of dynamo-
electric machinery.
22.516 MiE.ss. Incandescent vapour lamps. (Date applied for, 22/11/07
Application No. 25,884, 22/11/07.)
22.551 CoiSEUR. Electric cooking and heating apparatus. (Date
applied for. 27/4/08. )*t
22..562 VoiGT & Haeffner Akt.-Ges. Electric distributing stations.
(Date applied for, l/ll/07.)*t
October 24, 1908.
22,578 Electric Ignition Co. & Hall. Electric ignition apparatus for
internal combustion engines.
22,598 Bell & Pletts. Producing hot water by means of cleetrieity
and ajiparatus therefor.
October 26, 1908.
22,681 SchUtte. Hanger for trolley wires.*
22.686 Carnegie. Utilising a rise in temperature to nutomatically
close a circuit.
22.687 Estler & Hudson. Regulating the operation of electric con-
trollers.
22.713 Faieweather (j\ktiebolaget L.M. Ericsson & Co., Sweden.
Driving electric secondary clock'.
22,719 Heller. High-pressure conduits.*
22,721 Lake (Harrison, U.S.) Preparing electrotype moulds tor the
electrolytic bath.* l j
22,740 Myschkin. Electric motor for high-tension currents.*
October 27, 1908.
22.750 Croft. Electric ring gripper.
22,768 HoKUOt'KS & Lett. Iron-clad switches.
22,817 Wileman. Tumbler switches.
22,819 Murday. Electric clocks.
22,824 SociETE d'Electro-Chimie. Electrolytic pr.Khiction of sodium
and the like. (Date applied for. 2/1 l/07.)*t
22,873 Siemens & Halske Akt.-Ges. Producing tantalum. (Date
applied for. 16/ll/07.)*t
October 28. 1908.
22,880 Parker-Haigh. Control of marine electric steering gear.
22,903 WiLLEBY. Combination high and low tension electric switch for
petrol or gas engines.
22.911 Boddam. Eleeti'ieallv-operated lifts.
22,9(i4 Falk. Holding globes or shades in the galleries of cleelrie light.
and other fittings.
October 29, 1908.
22,971 Suffolk & Green. Electrical accumulator plates.
22.997 Herd & Esplen. Registering telephonic calls.
23,007 MacGahan. Manufacture of electric conductors. (D.ate applied
for, 8/ll/07.)*t
23.053 Rawlings. Fixmgs for electric fittings.
23,064 Peck. Systems of electrical distribution by alternating current
transformers.
23.0(59 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co.. U.S.) Supports for filaments of incan-
descent electric lamps. (Addition to 16,531/07.)*
23.070 B.T.-H. Co. & Pollogk. Supply and regulation of electric
energy employed in operation of arc lamps. (.Addition to
4.379/05.)
23.071 B.T.-H. Co, (G.E. Co.. U.S.) Electric furnaces.*
October 30, 1908.
23,106 Pattorini & Fattorini. Alarm clocks.
23.110 Weston. Terminal connecting boxes for tiamway and like
motors.
23.111 Holmf. Controlling electric cranes.
23,116 Hirst & Collings. Electric candle fittings.
23,118 Nalder Bros. & Thompson & N.alder. Battery switch.
23.120 Palmf.r. Elcetrieal communication system.
23.132 SzEK. Insulating acid and damp-proof materials.
23,145 Fairbrother. Starting mechanism for electric motors.
23.164 Kaiser. Electric controlling and registering device.
23,193 Brachmann. Electro-deposition of metals.*
October 31, 1908.
23,205 SiLLAR. Simplified clip or clamp for attaching transmission hnes
to insulators.
23,253 RoYCE. Electric ignition devices for internal combustion engines.
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12, 1909.
863
SPECIFICATIONS PUBLISHED.
1 i)07 SPEflFICATIONS.
;2,710 Bon-T (Woodliridge). Controlling electrical circuits.
;2,850 Naldeb Bros. & Thompson, & N.4lder. Indicating tlifinio-
meters.
IS, 144 LoTZ. Transforming electric energy of any desired kind into
direct currents of any desired tension. (Date a|i))lied for,
20/10/00.)
13,21.') DEfTSCHE BECK-BocENLAMrEJt Oes. Elect r.iilcs fur an- lani|i~.
(Date applied for, 20/10/06.)
!3,280 Garraed & Ferranti, Ltd. Protection of electrical circuits.
!3,429 Grote, & Foster Arc Lamp & Engineering Co. Electrodes
for arc lamps.
.'3,432 Berry. Alternating electric cuiTent distributing systems.
!3,441 Von Nikoforoff. Means for amplifying feeble electric currents.
2,3,448 A. E.G. Alternating current commutating electric machines.
(Date applied for, 24/10/Ofi.)
23,449 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Switches or circuit breakers.
33,609 Lake (Iiilernational Telemeter Co.). Signalling sy.stems.
23,781 Deutsche Beck Bogenlampen Ges. Renewing the carbon rods
in arc lamps, having electrodes supported from below. (Date
applied for, 2fi/10/06.)
23,950 Woods. Electroliers and ceiling roses therefor.
23,9.')7 Guy & Bennett. Contact breakers for use on internal com-
bustion engines.
24,002 Chaudoir. Electric motor controlling apparatus.
24,879 Baylor. Control of electric motors. _
25,026 Cockshott & Maley. Magnetic brakes.
25,272 EvAN.s (A.E.G.). Electrically welding over-lapping or super-
posed metals.
25,286 Brok'N. Electro-depositing apparatus.
25,970 Ericsson. Telephone receivers.
26,135 Farthing & Steanes. Enclosed arc lamps.
26,179 Le Tall (Ijcderer). Hollow metal filaments for incandescent
lamps.
26,940 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co.. U.S.) Alloys useful as electric resistance
conductors. (Cognate application, 12,183/08.)
27,157 Maiche. Electric transformers.
28,482 Barbour. Electrical brushes or collectors.
1908 Specifications.
72 Eisenstein. Production of undamped electrical vibrations.
282 Chilton, Newton & Brush Electrical Engineering Co.
Turbines.
286 Eisenstein. Sender connections for wireless telegraphy or
telephony.
661 Alexanderson. Dynamo-electric machines. (Date applied
for, 12/1/07.)
880 BouLT (Benjamin Electric Mfg. Co.) Electric lamp sockets or
holding devices.
1,770 B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Dynamo-electric machines.
1,779 Duddell. Vibration galvanometers.
3,076 Leon. Incandescent lamps.
7,930 Ebner. Electrical ignition devices. (Addition to 28,738/07.)
8,104 Michaud & DelaSson. Filaments for Illuminating .and heating
purposes. (Addition to 4,461/08.)
8,416 Wolfram-Lampen Akt.-Ges. Filaments for electric incandes-
cent lamps. (Date applied for, 26/4/07.)
8,481 Benstead. Electric contact makers, distributors, and the like.
8,679 PowNALL. Electric kettles, urns, water or other liquid heating
and boiling apparatus.
8,968 Siemens Bros. & Co. (Siemens & Halske Akt.-Ges.) Electrically
controlling railway points.
9,675 Evans. Electricity meters.
10,769 Tate. Stor.ige battery plates. (Date applied for, 20/12/07.)
11,600 Rittersberg & Rubert. Producing filaments of Chinese ink
for incandescent lamps. (Date applied for, 30/10/07.)
12,325 WooDBRiDOE. Electrical distribution. (Date applied for,
2/10/07.)
13,025 LUNDBERC, LUNDBERG, & LuNDBEEG. Electric switches
13,761 Ghilarducci. Electrostatic machines for Rontgen rays,'"electro-
therapeutics, and space telegraphy.
14,480 Holmes & Allen. Trolley-heads'for electric traction. (Date
applied for, 7/8/07.)
14,763 Akt.-Ges. Brown. Boveri, & Cie. Current collectors .o elec-
trical machines. (Date applied for, 9/10/07.)
15,079 Aron & Geiger. Decarbonizing filaments for metallic-filament
lamps.
Io,.590 Sykes & Cooke. Control of traffic on electric railways.
16,986 Soc. Anon. VVestinghouse & Brun. Direct-current electric
motors. (Date applied for, 14/8/07.)
17.456 Graetzer. Insulating and gripping devices for electric con-
ductors. (Date applied for, 28/10/07.)
18.457 Tucker, Tucker, Hudson, Cissell, Cissell & Rankin. Tele-
graph keys.
18,755 Zahringer. Magneto-electric ignition appai-atus. (Date applied
for, 30/4/08.)
19,501 Ebner. Condenser for electric ignition apparatus.
19,891 Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works, Ltd., & Kieffer. Cooling the
commutator of a dynamo-electric machine.
1,546 Phcenix Dynamo Mfg. Co. & Pohl. Armature windings for
commutator machines.
2,795 Scans. Party-line telephone systems.
3.266^'.JoHxsoN & Phillips (Ltd.) & Paterson. Arc lamp^.
.5,0119 LuNDBERG, Lundbero & LuNDBERG. Switches.
5.387 Bloxam. (Siemens & Halske Akt.-Ges.) Incandescent lamps.
7.188 Nathusius & Westdeutsche Thomasphosphatwerke Ges.
Electric Furnaces.
11,136 Steckel. Induction clutches.
COMPANIES' MEETINGS AND REPORTS.
Chelsea Electricity Supply Co. (Ltd.).
The SK(I;KT.\RV (.Mr. S. J. Cluer) read the notice c.mvening th^
mcrliiij mil iIh- auditors report.
111. < II \l i:\l.\X said : In view of the depre.ssion felt in most trades,
which hii> li.ul its effect on our business, we cannot look upon the results
for the year as unsatisfactory, for we are able to maintain the dividend
after placing the proper amount to reserve. We are glad to be able to
record a satisfactory ending to the long Parliamentary light over the
supply of electric power in London. \ clause of the act ])assed last year
gives this company three years' longer lite than it had under its pro-
visional order, and there is a further provision that the imdertakings of
all the companies must be purchased at the same time. It now remains
for the several companies affected by the new act to work out a scheme
for taking advantage of the provisions of the act. This company is not
so situated as to be able to give large supplies in bulk, but there are
several companies wliose generating stations are more favourably situ-
ated, and if in the future they are able to give us a sufficiently cheap
supply it will save us much capital expenditure and be greatly to the in-
terests of our business.
Concerning the results of the past year, we have, with considerable
effort and persistent canvassing, succeeded in increasing the number of
lamps on our circuits by 10,375, and the units sold by 105,980 ; revenue
from current supply has also increased by £1,411. There is a small
increase in the expenses, and the price obtained per unit is a little lower.
The total expenses per unit, however, show a slight decrease. We have
managed to place about £15,000 in investments of a nature which
fluctviate but little, and expect to add to these, until money is required
for further appreciable capital expenditure. The new metallic filament
lamps, which give a very good liglit and are eccmomical in the amount
of current they consume, have been adopted to a considerable extent by
many of our customers, and it is satisfactory to find that there has been
some increase in the output of units notwithstanding this fact. Our
present experience tends to confirm my remarks last year that any effect
that the introduction of these new lamps may have on our business would
only be felt gradually, and that eventually, if our customers are better
satisfied, we shall also benefit in turn. The perfecting of the metallic
filament lamp, enabling low candle-powers to be used on a 200 volt circuit,
will eventually bring the use of electric light within the reach of the smaller
residences, since the cost by the use of such lamps would compete well
with gas ; but the process will be gradual. We are losing no oppor-
tunity of bringing to the notice of our customers the advantages of elec-
tricity in connection with purposes other than lighting. ni>t only for
general heating, but for all sorts of small accessories which arc exceedingly
convenient and useful in houses and flats. The apparatus for these uses
now on the market is quite reliable, and wherever it Is once adopted it
gives satisfaction. I now move the adoption of the report and accounts
and the dividend therein recommended.
Mr. MAKIXS referred to the subject of electric heating and to the
necessitv for separate wiring for that purpose.
The CHAIR.MAN, in reply, said that people differed as to the cost of
electric heating, and he was assured that it wa.s not so expensive a matter
as Mr. Makins thought.
Mr. BEETON (a director) said what Mr. Makins had in his mmd was a
.system of general heating in a house. Of course such a system, to com-
pete with gas fires, would involve separate wiring, in order that the
householder might avail himself of the low charge for current for power.
He wished to jioint out that wiring by modern methods did not involve
anything like the initial expen.se which it formerly did. What, however,
the chairman had in [his mind was a form of heating which could be
utilised off the ordinai-y lighting circuit, and which he him.self had adopted
lately in his own house. It was exceedingly convenient to heat a kettle
in a drawing room or in a bedroom, and in this case it was possible to
afford the charge made for the lighting supply, and such facilities did not
involve any additional .system of wiring.
The resolution was then carried imanimously.
The retiring director was re-elected as were aho the retiiing ^auditors,
and a cordial vote of thanks to the chairman, directors, secretary, engi-
neer and staff brought the jiroceedings to a close.
Kensington & Knightsbridge Electric Lighting Co. (Ltd.).
The twenty-second ordinary general meeting was held on Thursday
last week. Col. R. E. Cbompton. C.B.. in the chair.
Mr. R. S. ERSKIXE (the Secretary) read the notice calling the
meetins.
The CHAIR>1AN said: This is our 22nd meeting, and during all
those years the business has always moved in the dii-ection of progress;
that is to say, a considerable increase of output has been registered year
by year. The increase wa.s rapid during the earlier years of the under-
taking, but in recent years, as the large nuijority of the houses in the
district has become wired, the rate of growth has been, naturally, slower.
864
THE ELECTRICIAN. MARCH 12, 1909,
Lattfrly, we have had to meet a new feature iti London. A very 1 irge
number of houses tliat have been conneeted to our system, and whieh
were a sonree of ineome, are now standing empty- I do not know
whether we are worse off in IhnI re^peet in Kensint'tun Ihnn rom|ianie'! in
oihe,- parts of Lcnilon. bul Ihe faet remains thai at the present tiiiie u'^i
wards of oOl) liouses. wired for (he elcetvie liaht, and from whieh we liave
roeeived ineome in tlio past, arc now empty. Vou ean readily woik out
for yourselves what that means to this Company. If we siijipcise tli.it
eaeh house averaged £10 per annum of gross revenue, that iiirin^ t.'^.i'iio :,
yoar, of whieh only a small proportion would be absorbed In r\|.i n-i-.
So from that eause alone our output of current and our incouir lia\ e b^Lii
largely diminished. In addition, there are other matters whieh we have
not mentioned in the report for various reasons. One is that Harrod's
Stores, which for year.? past has threatened us — perhaps the word
threatened is not quite so good a word as I should use. but whieh has held
before \is the fact that it was going to put in a plant of its own — has
carried out its threat, and so for the period under leview we are without
the benefit of its very considerable consumption of current. Then His
.Majesty's Office of Works has also |iut in a plant for the sup|ilv of current
to siuiic of the Mus<Mnns. nod consequently our output lias siiiferi'd
largely, 'rhen-f.iiv. .ill In .ij.jli llir district is iiy no means un|Uogrcssive.
and although during 111. y.arur li.i vr couucIimI a considerable number of
new houses lo our system, yd lliuse new connections have been alto-
gether swamped by these losses, and for the lirst time since the under-
taking started we have to show a reduction in the total output of elec-
tricity, and, what is worse for us, a reduction coupled with a reduction in
price, so that the total sum we have received in the past 12 months for
electricity is smaller by £1,800. On the other hand, I am glad to say that
we have met this reduction by very considerable economies. The work-
ing of our station at Wood-lane, which we work jointly with the Notting
Hill Comp.any, has been altogether satisfactory. I think the figures
which we have obtained during the last few months as to the cost per unit
of electricity at Wood-lane, are almost record figures. They are prob-
ably as low as it is possible to get them, under the conditions of working
in (his end nf London. The total expenditure, including the very con -
siclriilil, -mil u hirli wc have put to the renewal fund, shows a reduction
fi.iiii u.Mi.Ohii 1,1,1 yrai to £55,000 this year. In that amount is included
a vciy Luge sum |Kiid to the local authorities for rates. That sum is so
huge (hat it almost equals what is paid to the ordinary shareholders by
wiy of dividend. We are appealing against our assessment, and
we have substantial hopes that we shall get it reduced to an extent which,
if it had been realised in the year under review, would have enabled us to
increase our dividend by 1 jier cent. In time we shall make up the loss
of output to Harrod's Stores and the Museums. In faet, one of the new
Jluseums will now come to us — the Victoria and Albert — and we hope
that we shall not only supply that with a large amount of current, but
also that it will be a somewhat better load factor, and hence bring a better
i reome. Another matter which the shareholders will no doubt like to
■li('ar something about is (hat of the metallic filament lamp. It is quite
impossible for ns to say whether any of our reduction of output h.as been
due to the use of these lamps. We arc inclined (o (hink tliat \vc have
suffered very little in this district from them, but 1 am obliged to mention
the matter, otherwise our shareholder.? might be alarmed. It is probable,
however, as in other eases it will be found that although the metallic
filament lamp does undoubtedly not use so much electrical energy, yet
the benefits of increased light and better colour of the liijbt. will not
result in such a complete loss of output as w:i- li nvd iniLlit It the ca.se.
After referring to the past session's legisljt hiii, c,,] ( roiii|itc.i\ said:
There are no features of the .accounts which call f- n -jurial mention. You
will see that we have put to renewal account a sum practically the same
a-i in past years — that is to say, £8,793,''against £8,697 last year. We con-
sider (hat we are well advised in doing this. It is a large sum, but the
shareholders must not forget that we have a limited tenure of our under-
taking, and that it is absolutely necessary to provide a sub.stantial fund
for that purpose. The fund has now reached £78,196.
Owing to the absence of directors through illness, &c. . the only resolution
submitted by the chairman was the approval of the dividend, whieh was
seconded by Mr. R. W. WALLACE, K.C., and carried unanimously.
After a brief discussion as to the company's reserve fund investments,
a vote of thanks to the chairman brought the proceedings to a close.
Metropolitan Electric Supply Co. (Ltd.)
The twenty-second ordinary gcncr.d meeting was held on Tuesday, Mr'
W. Harrison Cripps in the chair.
The SECRETARY {Mr. E. Cunlifle Owen, C.M.G.) read the notice
calling the meeting and the auditors' report.
The CHAIRMAN said : During the past financial year we have in-
creased our capital expenditure by £34,000, bringing it to £1,874,000.
The increase is the smallest we have had in any year since the company
started. Revenue amounted to £178,633 in 1907 and this year it was
£180,671, an increase of about £2,000. The working costs last year were
£83,333, and this year they were £80,697. a decrease of £2,636. The
decrease is a good deal owing to the great energy and attention to every
detail of expenditure that our staff have exercised. If we deduct work-
ing costs, there is left to the credit of revenue £99,974, but you will see
that we intend to put £15,000 to reserve, and after doing that the net
revenue remaining for us to consider is £84,974. You might ask why we
have only put £15,000 to reserve this year, as against £20,000 last year.
We do not arrive liy haphazard at the amount we set aside for this ])ur-
po.se. It is ill a 111 itlcr of close and careful calculation what sum shall be
set aside suth.icut to protect our capital in the future. For the last two
years that we had Marylebone we put aside £20,003 a year, and after w
lost Marylebone we anticipated that we should very rapidly bring into us
the machinery which was thus made idle, and in the next (wo years afte
th.it Ki- still I'liiilinued to put by the £20,001) a year : but. in'a way, w.
havi' been somi-wh.il disa|ipointcd in not lindlng so rapid a use for on
spare plaid at Willesdcn as we exj)ec(cd. Indeed, we have as much n
present as 50 per cent, of our plant lying idle. It is kept in order but nol
used, and therefore there is comparatively little depreciation in it, so wi
have come to the conclusion that, at luesent, £15.000 is sullicient to se
aside to reserve. To the £84,974 referred to must be a<lded the intcresi
on the securities and a few other items, including the carry forward
which brings up the amount to £9S.340. From this has to be deducteii
the interest on our loans and debentures, and the preference dividend am!
other charges, amounting together to £42,31)8, and deducting that froii
the £98,340, a net revenue for division is left of £55,972. We have paii
an interim dividend of 23. 6d. a .share, or at the rat« of 5 per cent., whici
absorbed £25,000, leaving £35,000 odd to be dealt with, and what »•'
propose to do, with your sanction, is to pay a further dividend at the r.it ■
of 6 per cent., making 5J per cent, for the year. This will abs<n-b £30.0tit
leaving £972 to be carried forward. If you agn'c to (ha( (he dividen.;
I'oi- (he whole year will be, .is 1 have said, 5i i)cr ccn(., or I per ccn(. Icsj
than it was l.isl ycai-. but yon must remember (ha( last yi'ar, with youj
s.aiution, wc took £2l,00lt from our reserve fund, while (his ycir we (ak
nothing from it. We ))ut in the £15,000 I mentioned and (akc nothin
out of it. Therefore, the dividend you will be ]iaid this year of 5J pe
cent, is all fairly and clearly earned, nothing being taken away from th>
reserve fund, so that all is in order as regards that. During the year ou
lamp supply increase in our present districts has been greater than in an;
other year in thcjse districts. I exclude, of course, our old business a
Marylebone. During the year we have added between 60,000 and 70.001
lamps to our connections. Owing to the introduction of the metal tila
ment lamps, which, as you know, are such iin improvement that they wil
suiqily twice, if not three times, as much light as was supplied two o
three years ago with the same amount of electric current, we havi
not received so large a revenue. We should not mind if this increasci
cheapness was taken out by our customers increasing their lights — i
they took it out by using the amount of current they formerly took. Tin
im]irovement very seriously diminishes their bills ; anyhow, it diminishe
(heir bills in theoiy, but I am glad to say that in actual practice we fim
that a great number of our customers do what I consider to be the righ
thing. They do not decrease the amount of electricity they take, bu
they increase the amount of light they have on their premises ; and I (h
not think any of you could go down one of our leading thoroughfares-
such as Oxford-stj'cet. Bond-street or the Strand — without seeing (hi
extraordinary increase in the amount of light, especially in the shops, .since
these lamps have been in use. I therefore hope that the increased cheap
ness of the light will be shown in its increased u.se. But if it shoul
happen that the supply should be really serion.sly diminished, our work
ing expenses — anyway, our capital expense — would remain the sjime
and I think thai the conip.inic< might have to consider the question o
laisiiig, directly or iiulirertl\'. the price of their current. I have grcui
hope that that will never be ueressary, but we have now got to the twenty
first year of the electric industry, and, taking all the capital invested, ii
has never yet returned 5 per cent., and I do not think that, as the liim
gets nearer the end, we ought to be satisfied with 5 per cent, merely, con
sidering that to a great extent we have got to protect our capital, as wt
do not know whAt we shall get in the end. I do not wish to threaten ai
inirease in price, but I merely throw it out as a suggestion that it may bi
necessary in futine to consider in some way our method of charges. Mr
Cripps then referred with deep regret to the death of Sir Eyre Shaw. au(
concluded : Before sitting down I must say one word as to how much wi
have been indebted during the year to the enthusiastic and hard work o
our staff. Where all have done so much, it seems rather invidious t
mention individuals, but I cannot help mentioning our secretary, Mr
Cunliffe Owen. When the committer that was appointed by the joint
companies to get up the whole of the Parliamentary contest, both in
favour of the Bill we promoted and in opposmg the District Bill, whom
did they select to conduct the chief part of their evidence ? Their chiel
engineering evidence, the drawing up of the whole scheme, was entirely
done by our chief engineer, Mr. Highfield, whom they selected in con-
junction with Mr. Sparks, of the County Company. And, more than that,
they wanted someone who could put before the Committee the wholi
general aspect of the electric lighting question, and whom did they ask ti
do (hat ? They asked your general manager. Mr. Conacher. The result
you all know. "l now niovi' the ndopti.m of the report and accounts, and
the declaration of the dividends tberein set out.
Admiral of the Fleet Lord .JOHN HAY, G.C.B., seconded the motion.
The CHAIRMAN, in reply to questions, said : Mr. Makins wished to
know how we were getting on with power supply. During last year » e
sold 1,500,000 units for power— that is. an increase of 33 per cent, on the
previous year. Mr. Harrap has inquued as to what we are doing m our
western area — that is to say, our new Middlesex area. Business does not
move very fast when we have to deal with Borough Councils, but we are
just going to get the cream of the western district. We have Acton.
Three days ago we signed the contract for the supply of Hanwell. and it
will be only a few days before we shall complete an equally satisfactory
arrangement with another body. The instant these contracts are signed
we shall begin to set to work and develop these districts, which we think
have a very good future. Mr. Harrap als<i told us that he thinks the
electric light companies do not press their businc>> m the >-ame way tna
the gas companies do. Canvassing is a matter of \ eiani \ . .md it takes a
certain length of time for a canvasser to become ilioreie^lily educated.
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12, 1909.
865
oil must remember that gas companies have had canvassers at work for
great many years, and when they get bushiess, it is by that valuable
iiality which they have acquired, as shown by the extract Mr. Harrap
•ad, which is to my mind conclusive evidence of a little want of accuracy
. to the price of the light.
The resolution was then carried unanimously.
The retiring Directors, Lord John Hay and Mr. F. Leverton Harris,
.P., were rf-elected ; and the auditors, Messrs. Deloitt«, Plender,
riffiths & Co., were reappointed.
A cordial vote of thanks to the Chairman, Directors and staff terminated
i.c proceedings.
BOURNEMOUTH & POOLE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY CO. (LTD.)— The
ipital expended during 1908 was £11,300. ISs. 9d., making the total
132,499. 6s. 3d. With the balance from 1907 (£938. 17s.) the total avail-
ble revenue for the year (after deducting generatitm and distribution
>sts, &e.) was £33,587. 2s. lOd. Interest absorbed £7,871. Us. 2d.,
iterim dividends £9,400. 12s. 6d., leasehold and special redemption
uids and interest £l,i96. 5s. 6d., and £3,000 was placed to reserve,
■aving £11,778. 10s. 8d. The directors recommend payment of the
iial preference dividend and a dividend on the ordinary shares for the half-
car ended Dec. 31 at the rate of 7 per cent., less tax (making (i per cent,
ir the year), leaving £912. 18s. 2d. to be carried forward. The total
|iplications received at Dec. 31 last amounted to the equivalent of
i)(i.l85 30-watt lam]is (G,185 kw.), .^n increase of 21,344 (640 kw.) for
le year. The total number of units sold was 3,005,714, an increase of
15,180.
The directors of the Richmond (Surrey) Electric Light & Power Co.
ive declared a dividend of 5 per cent, on the ordmary shares in respect
the year 1908.
BRITISH EN[6INE, BOILER & ELECTRICAL INSURANCE CO. (LTD.) —
lie directors report for the past year states that an interim dividend
f 3s. per share was paid on July 1, and the disposable balance is
17,658. It is recommended to appropriate £4,590 in paying a divi-
cud of 4.'. 6d per share for the half-year ending Dec. 31, 1608, and
2,040 in paying a bonus of 2s. {5er share (both tax free). £8,000 has
een placed to reserve, £500 written olf furniture and instruments
lul t'le balance (£2,528. Os. lOd. ) is carried forward.
At the meeting on Friday, the chairman (Mr. M. Longridge) said
liere had been no explosion of any boiler insured by the company
uring the jeai', and although, owing to greater complication of con-
tructiou, it was impossible to obtain absolute immunity from break-
own among engines and electrical plant, they had tlie satisfaction of
Mowing that by their systematic periodical in.spection of all insured
liant they kept their claims account within reasonable limits. The
ate of breakdowns among steam engines had been 1 in 10'5, among
;as and oil engines 1 in 10, and in both cases the proportion was
ather greater than in 1907. Among electric motors the rate of break-
lowns had been 1 in 8, the same as for the two previous years, but
imong dynamos the rate had been 1 in 13, whicli, although less than
imong motors, was greater than in 1906 or 1907. The dividend of
Is. fd. per ebaie, with a bonus of &■, was declared.
CITY OF LONDON ElECTRIC LIGHTING CO. (LTD. )— The capital expended
luring 1908 was £44.709. 18s. 9d. and after deducting the amount written
iff building.'-, plant, &c., the net expenditure at Dec. 31 was
2.103.919. 13s. 5d. The company's total reserves now amount to
:i24.387. 5s. 7d. The total revenue" for the year was £281 534. 19s. 2d.,
nd interest received and discounts £1.704. IGs. 2d. Expenses of gencra-
1011 and distribution were £71,448. Is. Hd., rcpairs^and maintenance of
iiains.&cfl 1,107. 10s.,andrent,ralcs.(ax. ^, m;uiau<iiiciit expenses, &c.,
;47,29(). 14s. 8d., leaving £153,387. ils.. ami inakin.^ with t:2n,473.13s. 4d.
i-om 1907 £173,861. 2s. 4d. Interest al^oibcd £35.205. 19b. 3d., and
itlier payments (including transfer of £45.000 to reserve) left the available
'alancu at £90.443. 3s. lid. The directors recommend the following
lividends for the year 1908 (income tax) : Preference shares, 12s. per
liare (0 per cent.). Ordinary shares, 12s. per share (6 per cent.). In-
ei'im dividends on both classes of shares weie paid in July. These divi-
Icnds absorbed £63,039. 3s., leaving £27,404. Os. lid. to be carried for-
ivard. At the end of the year there were 12,882 private consumers, an
ncreasc of 361 over 1907, and the number of kilowatts connected for
power and lighting was 35.4()8. an increase of 1,787. On Feb. 17 there
TOrc 30,722 kw. applied for. end of which 35,533 kw. were connected,
ind the customers numbered 12.917. During 1908 27,315,608 units
«n-c generated, against 26.393,590 in 1907. and the units sold were
-4,560.406. against 23,684,575. an increase of 875,831 units. The maxi-
num supply demanded was 19.163 kw.. against 17.908 kw. Both power
uid heating supplies continue to show steady increase, the total units
-old for these purposes in 1908 being as follows : Power 6,008,091 and
loathig 1,045,781 units, together equal to 30-28 per cent, of the total
mita sold for private supply. The Corporation of London has not yet
■ome to any decision as regards pulilie street lighting, and in the mean-
ime the company is continuing to light the majority of the main thorough-
ares, and has offered to introduce more modern lamps throughout the
-'ity on favourable terms to the Corporation. This offer has not yet been
icceptcd. The directors also refer to the satisfactory outcome of their
'Sorts in regard to last year's legislation concerning London electricity
upply.
COUNTY OF DURHAM ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION CO. (LTD. )—
Ihe profits for 1908, with £382. 16s. 2d. brought forward, amount to
;24,606. 18s. Id. Interest absorbed £11.705. 16s. Id. and the interim
preference dividend £6,250, lea\'ing £6,651. 2s., of which £6,500 was
transferred to reserve and £151. 2s. carried forward. The depression in
the engineering and shipbuilding industries, augmented by labour dis-
putes and strikes, has adversely affected the profits, and working costs
have been seriously affected by the continued high price of coal. In
view of the reduction of profits, the directors deem it prudent to pay no
further dividends for the year, but rather to strengthen the position of
the company by adding to depreciation and reserve. Since the close of
the year the revenue shows an increase over that of the con-esponding
period of last year, and the price of coal has now fallen to 'ts former level.
The total connections at the end of the year (including the connections
of the County of Durham Electric Power Supply Co.) amount to
29.336 H.P., an increase of 8,579 H.p. over 1907. The main power trans-
mission system is complete, with the exception of the necessary cables
for connecting the company's system with the new power station at
Dunston, now in course of erection by the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Electric
Supply Co. The expenditure on capital extensions during the year has
been £94,059. 14s. 5d.. of which £44.045. 7s. 9d. represents outlay on
company's accounts and £50,014. 6s. 8d. on behalf of the Parliamentary
company.
COUNTY OF LONDON ELECTRIC SUPPLY CO. (LTD.)— The capital ex-
pended during the past year on account of the company's London districts
amounted to £82,222. 2s. 9d., and £7,066. 19s. has been deducted in re-
spect of machinery displaced. The net total expenditure in respect of
those districts up to Dec. 31 amounted to £1,646,932. 9s. 3d. The total
available revenue for the year is £105,418. lis. 2d., which includes
£4,381. 4s. 9d. balance from last account. After deducting interest
(£39,512. 2s. 2d.), interim prefereiire i£i:;,iMi:i. ll.<i. id.) and ordinary
dividends (£7,600), and carrying i;|(;.iiiiii i,, reserve for depreciation,
repairs, renewals, &c., there is a balan. e ,,i i:l>9.302. 17s. lid. for further
distribution. The directors recommend the final preference dividend
and a further dividend on the ordinary shares at the rate of (i per cent.
(making 5 per cent, for the year), both less tax. These will absorb
£25,657. 8s. 2d. and leave i:{.il45. 9s. 9d. to be carried forward. The
profits from the eompniy s London stations for 1908 amounted to
£115,095. 4s. 3d. 'l'\u- i.iial .ipjilications received at Dec. 31 amounted
to the equivalent of 1,085.192 30 watt lamps (ecpial 32.5.56 kw.). an
increase of 84,021 lamps (or 2,521 kw.) for the year. The total units sold
were 13,610,760, against 13.970.179. Excluding current taken by London
County Council tramways in 1907, the units sold during 1908 show an
increase of 11 per cent, over 1907.
The directors congratulate the shareholders upon the result of legis-
lation in the last session of Parliament in regard to electricity sujiply in
London.
The directors of the Bournemouth Co, have recommended a final
dividend on the ordinary shares at the rate of 7 per cent, (making 6 per
cent, for the year). The Coatbridge & Airdric Electric Supply Co. con-
liuucs to show satisfactory progress.
DIRECT SPANISH TELEGRAPH CO. (LTD.) -The a ccounts for the year
ended Dec. 31 last show (after providing for inte rest on and redemp-
tion of delientures, and also for the dividend for 1908 of 10 per cent,
for the preference shares), a balance of £10.087. 13s. 2d. £5,000 is
transferred to reserve, and the directors recommend a final dividend
on the half-year to Dec. 51 at the rate of 4 per cent, (tax free) on the
ordinary shares (£1,293. 2s.), making 4 per cent, for the year. The
remaining balance (£2,501. 9s. 2.d). is transferred to contingencies
account. Traffic receipts show a decrease of £1,104. 3s. 7d. and
ordinary working cxpen.ses an increase of £275. 18s. Id., compared
with 1907. The £20, COO 4} per cent, second mortgage debentures,
issued in 1905, have now been redeemed. The company's cables and
land lines in connection with them have continued in good working
order throughout the year. On Jan. 19, 1909, the Bilbao cable became
interrupted close to the landing place in Spain. Its repair was suc-
cessfully carried out local ly, communication being restored on Feb. 3.
The cost of the work (estimated at about £626) will be charged to the
accounts for 1£09.
W. T. GLOVER & CO. (LTD.)— The lesult of the tradiug for 19C8 is a
credit balance of £31,413. fs. Id., making with £5,576. 8s. lOd. from
1907 £36,989. 13s. lid. Deducting interest on first and second mort-
gage debenture stock, &c. (£9,221. 8s. lid.) and the £4,000 appro-
priated to the trustees of tlie second mortgage debenture stock the
balance is £23,768. 5s. It is proposed to pav the preference dividend
to Dec. 31, lees tax (£4,750), to transfer £2,50"0 to first mortgage deben-
ture redemption fund, and to pay a dividend on the ordinarv •'hares
of 5 per cent, (less tax) (£5,455. 7s. 6d.), leaving £11,062. 17s. 6d. to
1)6 carried forward.
HASTINGS & DISTRICT ELECTRIC TRAMWAYS CO. (LTD.)— This
Company's receipts for 1908 were £19,767, a ilecrease of £1,5£5 com-
jjared with last year. After meeting working expenses, debci.tnre
interest, &c., the available balance is i. 8,417. The directors propose
to transfer £4,000 to depreciation and to pay 2 per cent, on the prefer-
ence shares. This leaves the preference dividend for 1903 in arrear.
MANSFIELD & DISTRICT TRAMWATIS (LTD.)— At the meeting last
week, the directors reported that the total receipts for 1908 were
£18,628. 17s. lld.,compared with £17,312. 15s. 3d. in 1907. After payment
of preference interest and interim dividend the available balance was
£3,938. 3s. 7d. The final preference dividend required £1,800, leaving
£2,138. 3s. 7d. The directors recommended the transfer of £1,200 to
reserve, carrying forward £938. 38. 7d. The chairman said that they had
carried nearly a quarter of a million more passengers than in the pre-
vious year, and, in addition, 65,000 more workpeople. The company's
cars had travelled some 37,000 more miles than in 1907.
866
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 12, 1909.
MELTON MOWBRAY ELECTRIC LIGHT CO. (LTD.)— ^At the meeting on
Wednesday the diiector.s reportad tint the hinips connects! had
increased from 17,528 to 18,015 8 c. p., and the total number of con-
.siimers was 547. The revenue (with £16. 9s. Id. ijrought forward)
amounted to £1,881. 3s. 4d.,and after providing- for interest on deben-
tures, &c. (£1,025. Il3. 2d.) and writing o£t £11. 83. 4d. in respect of
wiring and motors, there remained £844. 3s. lOd. The directors
recommended that a dividend be declared at the rate of 2 per cent, per
annum, that £400 be placed to reserve and the balance (£44. 3s. lOd.)
carried forward. In moving the adoption of the report and accounts,
Mr. New referred to the difficulty they had to contend with owing to
the substitution of metallic filament for carbon lamps and the in-
creased price of fuel.
HEWCASTLE-UPON-TyNE ELECTRIC SUPPLY CO. (LTD.)— The connec-
tions to the company's system at the end of 1908 amounted to
111,484 H.i'., an incrca"se of 18,720 11. r. over 1907. Profit (including
£2,024. 17s. 3d. brought forward) was £75,087. 5s. 8d., and after de-
ducting interest, &c. (£25,939. 7s. 2d.), the available balance is
£49,147. IBs. 6d. The directors recommend payment of the preference
dividend (27.607. 17s. Yd.) and a dividend of 2J per cent, on the ordi-
nary shares (£13,803. 18s. 9d.) for 1908, the transfer of £5,000 to
depreciation account, leaving £2,736. 2s. 2d. to be carried forward.
The profit of the year has been greatly affected by strikes and general
trade depression, and also by the continued high price of coal. Since
the close of the year the jirice of coal lias reverted to its former level,
and the revenue shows an increase o\'er that of the corresponding
]ieriod of last year (before the strikes took place). The whole of the
plant and .system has been maintained in an efficient state, over
£37,000 having been expended during the year out of revenue on
repairs and renewals and on alterations and improvements to plant,
boilers, mains, &c. The capital outlay during the year (represented
by expenditure on the new power station at Dunston, the tunnel
under the Tyne and ordinary extensions) was £185,080. 17s. 5d. Tlie
river tunnel is now in use and considerable economies will result when
all the cables therein are shortly connected up. The new power station
at Dunston will, it is anticipated, be brought into operation about the
beginning of 1910.
OXFORD ELECTRIC CO. LTD.) —At the meeting on Friday Sir Henry C.
Mance .-^aiil they piiipi'scd to pay a dividend of 7 per cent, on the
ordinary sliai ts. In p\ii t2,018. 13s. 3d. to reserve, and to carry forward
£1,202. 16s. 9d. There were 172 new customers, one more than in 1907,
and the equivalent of over 13,000 8 c.p. lamps were added during
the year, which was a record for the company. There liad been no
increase in the generating plant. The maximum demand had been
rather less than in the previous }'ear, and notwithstanding that they
generated 57,000 units more current, the machinery had been capable,
in consequence of the introduction of metallic filament lamps, of feed-
ing 13,000 more lamps.
SMITHFIELD MARKETS ELECTRIC SUPPLY CO. (LTD.)— The gross
profit for 1908 was £3,920- 14s. Id., compared with £5,194. 19s. for
1907, and the net profit was £1,988. lis. 6d., compared with
£3,337. 2s. 5d. The reduction in profit is due to increased cost of coal
and to decrease in number of lighting units sold. Arrangements have
been made for an auxiliary supply of current by means of motor
generators, and it is hoped that the generating costs may be lower in
coM>oiiucncr. The expenses in connection with the installation ha.-e
been ( liai;_;ed to the general ^-eserve.
STEWARTS & LLOYDS (LTD.)— After setting aside £7O,C00 for depre-
ciation, the directors recommend a dividend at the rate of 6 per cent,
on the preference and 11 per cent, on the ordinary shares for the half-
year ended Dec. 31 (making 10 per cent, for the year on the ordinary
shares), the same as for each of the 10 years to 1907. £30,000 has been
placed to reserve, leaving £85,000 to be carried forward, against
£72,808 in 1908.
NEW COMPANIES, STATUTORY RETURNS, MORT
GAGES AND CHARGES.
NEW COMPANIES.
DALZIELS CONSTANT VOLTAGE PATENTS (LTD) (101,833 )— Reg.
March 4, capital £10,000 in £1 shares, to accjuire certain patents and
interests in patents for inventionsrelating to electric lighting of trains
and the automatic control of the voltage of electric apparatus, to
develop and turn to account the same and to adopt an agreement with
J. Dalziel and T. Watcrhouse. Private company. First directors,
H. M. Gray, T. Waterhouse, C. 8. V. Brown and E. M. Sellon.
GRATZE LIMITED. (101,857.)— Reg. March 5, capital £3,000 in £1
shares, to carry on the business of engineers, electricians, founders,
machinists, &c. Private company. Reg. office, 44 46, Whittield-
street, Tottenham Court-road, London, VV.C.
LEPEL WIRELESS SYND. (LTD.) (101,881.)— Reg. March 6, capital
£20,000 in £1 shares, to adopt an agreement with E. G. Abrahams,
and to carry on the business of electricians, engineers, battery makers,
generators and distributors of electricity, contractors for submarine
and wireless and aerial telegraphy, &c. First directors, E. G. Abra-
hams, A. Holt, Viscount Massereene and Sir Thomas Wyles. Keg.
oSce, 4, The Albany-courtyard, Piccadilly, London, AV.
MICA SUPPLY CO. (LTD.) (101,825.)— Reg. March 3, capital £3,000 in
£1 shares, to carry on the business of miners, growers and producers
of mica, asbestos, cylite, rubber and other mineral or natural product
used in connection with the insulation of electrical machinery, &c.
Private company.
W. SITCH & CO (LTD.) (101,863.)— Reg. March 5, capital £4,000 in
shares, to take over the business of electrical engineers, maoufactui.
of electric fittings and art metal workers carried on as W. Sitch & <
and to adopt an agreement with A. Sitch and Frances Edward
Private company. First directors, A. Sitch and Frances Edwaii
(both permanent) and W. J. Cornish. Reg. office, 48, Berwick-strec
Oxford street, London, W.
TEOSIUM (METAL FILAMENT) LAMP WORKS (LTD.) (101,846.)— Re
March 4, capital £30,000 in £1 shares, to adopt an agreement with tl
Merchants' Trading Co. and to carry on the business of manafa
turers of and dealers in metal filament and other electric lamps, ele
trie lamp fittings, apparatus and accessories, &c. Two directors a
to be nominated by Merchants' Trading C!o First directors.
Walker and J. Gillespie. Reg. office. Broad-street House, New Broa-
street, London, E.G.
STATUTORY RETURN.
CELL TELEGRAPHIC APPLIANCES SYND. (LTD.)— Return to Jan.
gives capital as £40,000 in £1 shares, of which 36,050 have been XaA
up. £1 per share has been called up on 6,050 and 10s. per share
15,000, and 13.550 has been received, in addition to £337. 10s. paid
1,500 forfeited shares. £22,500 is considered as paid, being £1 y
share on 15,000 and 10s. per share on 15,000. Mortgages and charge
nil.
MORTGAGES AND CHARGES.
MARCONI'S WIRELESS TELEGRAPH CO. LTD. )— Mortgage dated Sei
30, 1908, supplemental to deed of even date, securing £1,465. 15.«. ai
5 per cent, interest, charged on part of Angrouse Estates, Mullioi
Cornwall. Holder, P. H. and Mrs. B. "W. Williams.
CITY NOTES.
KBMORANDA (March 11).— BankrateS percent, (since Jan. 14, 190J
Price of silver, 23,',;d. per oz. Consols 835 — 84i for money and 84 >
84} account. Consols Pay Day, April 1 ; Stock and Shares Continur
tion Day, Match 29 ; Ticket Day, March 30 ; Pay Days, March 12 an
31. Mining Shares Carry Over Day, March 26.
Prices of Metals (London). — Copper, cash, 56/,j ; three months 51
Lead, English, 13| — 13J ; foreign, cash, 13| — 13,'j. ; three months, 13i
Spelter, cash, 21J; three months, 21i— 21J. Tin, English, 130.J
132J ; foreign, cash, 1301, three months, 131j. Iron, Cleveland, casl
46/7, and three months, 47/3Ji. Magnet Steel (price supplied by W. I
Dennis & Co.), £55.
BRITISH INSULATED & HELSBY CABLES (LTD.)— The directors a
nounce a final dividend of 6s. per share, making 10 per cent, for tt
year. £64,000 has been placed to reserve and £51,000 cirried iorwaH
CALCUTTA ELECTRIC SUPPLY CORPN. (LTD.)— The number of unit
delivered to consumers during the five weeks ended Jan. 29 wei
496,075, compared with 401,412 units in the corresponding five week
of 1908.
CITY OF YORK TRAMWAYS CO.— On Wednesday it was resolved t
voluntarily wind up this company, as the undertaking had been put
chased by York Corporation for £11,009.
COMPANIES STRUCK OFF THE REGISTER.— The following were strut'
off the Register of Joint Stock Companies on March 5 : — Hemswort
Electricity Supply Co., Home Counties Electricity Supply Co., Hyc
Electrical Mfg. Co., Hyderabad Electric Light & Traction Co.. Iris
Electrical Agency, Kroeger Light Cure & Electro-Therapeutic Institute'
L. Rene & Co., Ozone, Scientific Appliances, Telegraphone, Traction Un,
fication.
DAVIS & TIMMINS (LTD.)— The directors, in their report for 190i,
recommend payment of a dividend of 6 per cent, for 1908. '
GATESHEAD & DISTRICT TRAMWAYS CO.— The directors recaramem
a dividend on the ordinary shares of 7 per cent, for 1908.
KRIEGER ELECTRIC CARRIAGE SYND. (LIMITED & REDUCED)-/
petition for confirming a resolution reducing the capital from £100,001
to £72,250 will be heard by Mr. Justice Parker on March 20.
MOTOR OMNIBUSES— At a meeting on Monday of the Associatei
Omnibus Co. (Ltd.), Mr. H. Clinch referred to petrol motor omnibuses
and said that last year he announced that the motor services had bee
suspended, because it was not possible to run them at a profit. B
could now say that their opinion had been confirmed by the results c
other companies which employed that class of vehicle. As yet. n
accounts or figures had been published to show wh.at could be don
when motor omnibuses were run on an extensive scale, as was no<
being done by the London General Omnibus Co. Certainly by a com
paratively small company they could not be successfully^ employee
Under these circumstances the directors had considered it adMsabl
to dispose of some of their motor omnibuses as occasion offered.
ROSARIO ELECTRIC CO. (LTD.)— The directors recommend a dividend
of 3s. per share on the ordinary and preference shares.
SAO PAULO TRAMWAY, LIGHT & POWER CO.— A quarterly dividenc
of 21 per cent, is announced.
VICKERS, SONS & MAXIM (LTD)— The directors recommend a fina
dividend of Is. per share (tax free) on the ordinary shares, making
10 per cent, for the year, carrying forward £186,672
THE MiKOTBICIAN, MARCH 1 a 1909.
iLEOTBIG TBAHWAT AND BilLW&Y TR&FFIO
RECEIPTS.
rdeen Oorporallon ...•
Irie
;lo-Argentlne
Corporation
:erSt.& Waterloo By..
nsley
Mar.
Feb.
Mar.
Feb.
h Electrlo Trams, Ltd.
konhead Corporation .
mingliam Oorporatlon.
mingham & Mid
cbbum Oorporatlon ....
ckpool and Fleetwood.
(on Corporation
irnemouth Corporation.. M
kdford Corporation
ffhton Oorporatlon
Btol Trams & Carriage...
mley Oorporatlon
rton Corporation I
ry Corporation I
cutta Tramways Oo i
nbome- Redruth I
difl Corporation |
,ehUI ! Ft
itral London Railway ... i M
kringO.,Eu8ton& H'stead
itbam & Dist. Lt. Rys....
y & Soutb London Rly...
y of Birmingham
cbester Corporation
:k Electric Trams Oo. ...
lydon Corporation
Tonport & Dist. Trams...
ver Corporation
blin &. Luoan Railway...
blln United
dley -Stourbridge
indee Corporation
at Ham Council
eter Corporation
teshead & Dist. Trams...
asgow Corporation
)flBOp Trams
aveeend — Nortbfleet
eat Northern & Olty Bly..
.Northern, Piccadilly, &c
eenock & Port Glasgow...
rtlepool Tramways
kBtlBga Eleo. Trams Co....
mg Kong
idderbfitld Corpn
ill Corporation
ord District Council
leston District Oooncll ...
swlch Corporation
eof Thanet Oo
ddermlnster ii DLstriot...
Imamock Corporation ...
inarkt<bire Trams Oo. ...
.ocasbire United
lamington
eds Corporation
licester Corporation
:ith Corporation
Qcoln Oorporatlon
verpool Corporation
verpool Overhead Bly. ..
)Qdon County Counoll ..
)Ddon United
iwestoft
aidstone Corporation
ancbenter Oorporatlon ..
ersey Railway
ertbyr
etropolltan Dist. Railway
etropoUtanfllec. Trams...
Iddlttton
elson Corporation
6WoaBtle-on-Tyue Corp. ...
ewport(Mon.)
ortbampton Corporation ,
Idbam, A-shton & Hyde ...
.dham Corporation
srth (N.B.) Corporation ...
jrtb(W.A.)Klec. Trams..,
jterborougb
ortsmoutb Corporation ...
Dtteries
reston Corporation
otberham Corporation ...
otbeaay
ilford Corporation
aeerness
beffleld Corporation
tngapore Trams
jutb Metropolitan
Juth Staffs
outbend Corporation
OQtbport Tramways
talyb'dge.Hydc.&c.Jt.Bd,
imderland Corporation ...
onderland Distriot
wansea Trams ,
windon Corporation
aunton
ynemoutb and Distriot ..
yneaide Trams Oo ,
faliasey Distriot Council.,
valsall Corpn
Ino.
or Deo.
(a)
Feb.
1,929
r35.;65
1.139
3,593
R51,221 I + B638
Feb.
Mar.
Feb.
Varrington Corpn.
/est Ham Corporation
Beaton -super -Mare
Wolverhampton Oo
Wolverhampton Oorpn....,
Worcester
?rexbam !.'.!!!!.. .*
orkshire W.R.fram8".'.'.'.'.*.l ^"
orkBhire Woollen DistrietJ Feb.
$7,525
1,282
2,323
lO.OH
1,21U
31,676
4,0 U
:J9,980 : - !ftl6U
'4a
236,482
12,54S
3i,o;u
1.302
1,612
5,265
10,272
310,819
6,500
S3,473
2,032
1I1,4C0
1186.751
76,879
223,S!)8
43,107
72,373
26,412
12,918
55,383
R166,768
1,073
103,768
438
50.728
34,455
6,OiO
30,864
21,011
67,292
3,113
10,072
967
43,518
5,616
49,901
42,910
14,979
7,797
678.105
1,110
1,39S
11416
63,030
3,491
1,556
6,122
$83,693
76,400
120 286
18,633
6.076
821
6.10)
10,336
1,037
317,808
17,864
85,505
12,968
1,657,379
41,396
728,733
17,511
1,569
83,151
42,386
2,286
6,21!
189,928
31,408
21,766
4.161
94,717
6,476
13,810
73)
ELECTRICAL COMPANIES' SHARE LIST
Price
Wed..
Mar. 10.
R"»j: DIVIDEND ig^Tu'™
272,693
-
4,211
S87,9I1
r
$2,316
6,260
f
ItiS
6,410
-
3i.)
20,800
•K
1,751
+
181
36,343
2,161
66,653
-
8,619
7,861
-
131
6,803
+
254
262
.
25
1,020
.
99
3,311
¥
92
42,70!
■1-
4.412
391
17,959
-
447
106,130
-
4,381
209
+
3,100
366
6,419
-
1,811
-
704
+
10,516
6.724
St. 4i%
St. I iX
St. ir/o
2/0
4i%
6%
St.: 44%
6 2%
6 6%
10 4/0
10 6/0
St.: 4J%
St. 4J%
4%
4J?.
(a) Theae comparisons are with the corresponding period last year, § Plus 3 days,
'I Plus 2 days. * Partly electrical, t Minus 3 days, J Minus 2 days.
100
100
100
m
1 3%
100 4i%
lO' 6/0
St. 3i%
EUCTRICITY SUPPLY.
Boaroemonth & Poole Eleo. Snp. Ord...
Do. 4i per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Second Pref. ...
Do. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
Bromley (Kent) El. Lt. h Power Shares
Do. Do. lat Deba.
Brompton ft Kensington Eleo. Sup. Ord.
Do. 7 per Cent. Pref
Central Eleo. Sup. Co.4'^ Guar.Db.Stoek
■JharingCroB3(W.End 4 City)El.Snp.Co.
Do. 4i per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Oab. Stock (red.)
Do 4* percent. Deb. ftock (red) .
Do. city Undertaking i\y Cm. Prel.
Chelsea Electric Supply Ord
Du. 4^ per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
10 b'o , City of London Electric Lighting Ord...
10 6/0 Do. 8 per Cent. Com. Pref,
"■ ' Do. 6 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Do. 4i per Cent. 2od Deb. Stock (red.)
County of Durham Elec. P.D. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, non Com. Pref.
County of London Eleo. Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 41% Dab. Stock (red.)
Do. Second Deb. Stock
Folkestone Electricity Supply Co. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Gum. Pref.
Do. 4J 1st Deb. Stock (red)
Hove Electric Lighting Ord
Kensington* Knightsbridge Ord
Do. eperCent. lat Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red,)
Kensingtn. & Kngtbg. Co. & Netting Hill
C). (Joint Station)4;^ Deb. Stock (red.)
Kent Eleo. Power Co
London Electric Supply Ord
Do. eperCent. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb
Metropolitan Electric Sup. Ord
Do. 4J per Cent. Cum. Pref. I
Do 4 J per Cent. Deb. Stockist Mort.
Do SJperCeut. Mrt. Deb, Stock(red.)
Midland Elec.Corp.forP.D.ldtMort.Db.
Newcastle & Dist. Eleo. Ltg. Ord.
Do. 44 per Cent. Deb
Newcastle Eleo. Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cant, non Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 percent. Mori. Deb. red. 1907.
Norlh Metro. Eleo.Power Sup. 5 Morts
Korthern Counties filec. Sap
Do. 41 perC?at. Dab
Notting Hill Electric Ord
Oxford Electric Or.l
Do. 4 per Cent. Dab. Stock
ISt. James' k Pall Mall Eleo. Ord.
tDo. 7 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 34 per Cant. Dab. Stock (red.) ...
Smithfteld Markets Electric Sap. Ord...
Co 4 per Cent. Dab. Stock
South London Electric Supply Ord
South Metrop'n Eleo. Lt. & Power Ord.
Do. 7 per Cent. Cum. Pref
Do. 4i 1st Db. Stk. Red
Urban Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 percent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 44 per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb
(Westminster Eleo. Sup. Ord
Do. 44 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
EUCTRIC RAILWAYS A TRAMWAYS.
Baker bt. « Waicrloo 4 )J Perp. Db. 8t
Bath Elec. Trams Pref. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 41 1st Mort. Dab. Stock (red.) ....
B'h;ii:l ft Midland Trami 41 lat Db.Stk.
Bristol Tramways & Carriage Ord
Do. Gum. Pref. (fully paid)
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs
British Electric Traction Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Perpetual Dabs
Do. 41 per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stocll
Central London Ordinary Stock
Do. 4 per Cent. Pref. Stock
Do. Deferred Stock
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs
Charing X.Euston&UmpstdPer.Db.Stk. I
City of Birmingham Trams. 6%Cm.Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent, lat Mort. Debs
City ft South London Kl.v. Coo. Ord. ...
Do. 6 per Cent. Perp. PreC (1891) ... i
Do. (1890)
Do. (1901)
Jo. (1903)
Do. 4 per Cent. Perpetual Debs •
Dublin United Trams. Ord
Do. eperCent. Pref.
Gt. Nortliern & City Rly. Pref. Ord. (4%)
1(5. Northern, Piccadilly & Brompton Ord.
Do. 4 per Cant. Deb. Stock
Hastings & Dist. Elec. Trama. 6/, Cm. PI.
Do. 41 Db. St
Imperial Tramways Ord
:L)o. C per Cent. Pref.
IDa. 41 percent. Deba
I. of Thanet B. T. & Lt. 6 per I
Do. 4 per Cent. Dab. Stock
Lanarkshire Tramways
Lanes. Utd. Irami 5 ; Prior Lien Db. St.
Liverpool Overhead Kiilway Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pret.
Do. 4 per Cant. Dab
London United Trama. 5% Cum. Pref. ...
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb. Stook
Mersey Con. Ord. Stock
Do. 3 per Cent. Perp. Pref.
Metropolitan Eleo. Tramways Ord
Do. Deferred l "
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 41 per Cent. Deb. Stook
Metropolitan Railway Consolidated
Do. Surplus Lands Stocks
Do. 84 per Cent. Preference ,
Do. 84 per Cent. " A " Preference
Do, 31 per Cent. Convertible Pref,
Do. 84 per Cent. Debenture Stock
HZ
44%
iZ
St.' 41%
St., 41%
11'! 6X
101 4%
St. I 4%
lo! ..
lui 3/0
St. I 6%
St. 44%
St, ;i'i
St. 4%
St. 21 '<
100 1 4%
St. I iK
61 2/6
100 4%
St. iij;
St. 6%
St. 5%
St. 6%
St. i 5%
10
4/0
iK
4/0
St. 41%
10 0%
10 6%
St. 44%
6, 113
St. 4%
10 ' 6/0
St. I 6%
10 ..
10 6%
St. 4%
101 2/6
St. 4%
99 -IijI
t -a
4J-4i
1—2 6 13 4
34-3} a 17 19
8i -9J 5 11 0
lOJ-lli 6 6 6
106 —118 4 3 3
-101 8 19 0
4J-H 5 14
44-5 4 10
105 —109 4 2
85 —85 3 19
4 12
3 18
6 0
10 0
4 IS
Mar, Bept,
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
April, Oct
May, Nov
March
Mar, Bent
June, Deo
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
March . .
Jane, Deo
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
It. Pref.
3J-14
6 -64
91 —98
100 —102
91 —93
Ui-l-2i
6J-6I
94 -97
81-83
61 -7i
88 -90
A-U
61 —70
24-88
Ij'-li
1U2-1U3
i-1
11-2
77 —81
Si -9
64-54
90 -ul
S) -93
9J-9i
8J-9
98 -lOO
34-51
SO -95
73 —76
63 -65
82 —SI
45 —17
101 —103
9D —92
H-H
99 —103
2^4 -274
lio -11.2
10 J —10)
lOJ -1)3
93 —99
99 -101
114-124
121-134
8*zi5
91 -93
2 —3
8i —3)
7 —8
71 -8i
Si -9j
J-IJ
61 —5a
»',°— 10;'
91 —91
1 — li's
77 —31
1 —2
a -3
93 —93
35 -33
69 —71
81 — S8
77 —7a
73 -76
92 —91
i 17 10
5 14 0
6 10 0
4 2 6
6 11 0
4 16 6
3 18 0
11 15
5 11
5 11
6 13 3
4 15 9
4 13 8
1 13
4 16
4 19
3 17
6)', *i
Mar, Aug
Jan, Jaly
Maroh ..
March ..
Jan, Jalj
Feb, Aug !
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
Feb ....
Feb, Aug
April ....
I Feb, Aag
AprU, Oct
I April, Oct
April, Oct
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, Julj
I AprU.... I
I Jan, July
AprU, Oct
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
; Feb,' Aug
; Jane, Deo
Feb, Aug
! AprU, Oct
May, Nov
Feb, Ang
Feb, Aug
Feb ....
Jan, July
Jan, July
April, Oat
i April, Oct
Feb. Aug
Feb, Aug
t Feb, Aug —
Feb, Aug
I Feb, Aug
May, Nov IWj
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug ••
Feb, Aug I * .
Feb, Aug
I Jan, July
Mar, Sept
I April, Oct .,
I Mar, Sept ' ..
I ! Mar, Sept
I : Jan, Jmy
Mar, Sept
I Jan, July
I Feb, Aug
; Jan, July
Feb, Aug „
I I Feb, Aug
I ' Jan, July
I Jan, Jaly
; Jan, July
Feb, Aug.
102]
274
8J
93]
Slj
10. i
9U;
April.. .
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
931
73J
* Is oalidlithffi the yield (Uowanoe has been made for aaoraad iuterast bat, not for redemption
t Bx DiTidond, 1 The London Stock Exchange Committee h»ve declined to quote those
THE ELECTRICIAN, MAECH 12, 1!>
I Last
LDm-
I'dbnd
El^ECTRICAX. COMJ>AJVIES SHARE LIST—Conf/werfT
Price
Wed..
Mar. 10
DUE.
Last
DIVI-
Idend
St.
Sf.
!
St
St.
m
St
St.
St.
St
St.
1
1
ml
0/6
1 °!.i
100 6Z
ElECTRIC RAILWAYS A TBAIV;WAYS-jCort/«i/crf.
Met. Ely. 3} per Cent. "A " Deb. Stock i 90 —93
M^'ropolitan Dialrict EailwlT Ord ' 13J— 14J
Do. Extension Pref. (5 per Cent.) | 29—32
Do. Afsected Ext. Pref. (Int. Guar. I.t
Und. Elec. Elys. Co. of London, Ltd.) <3 -66
Do. 8 per Cent. CoTlsoltd. Pent-charge, 76 —78
Do. 4 per Cent. Midland Eent-charge, Iu2 —106
Do. Goar. Stock 4 per Cent ' 76—78
Do. 6 per Cent. Perp. Deb. Stock 132—136 1
Do. 1 per Cent. Ditto I E6 — S9
Ne«- Cen. Tr«ct. 6per Cent. Cam. Pref.' " "
Potteries Electric Traction Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cam. Pref.
Do. 4J per Cent. Deb. Stock
R. Met. Elec. Trams. & Ug. 6% Cm'.'Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Sunderland Diet. Elec.Trme.6??l»tMt.Db.
r_nderedEJiTs.Lon.6°'In.bdfi.withcoup.3
*\
iX Prior Lien Bonds..
Do. 4J?r Bondsivith coup. 2..
Yorkshire (W.B.) Elec. Trams. Ord. .
tl
, l-S
74 —78
£0 -84
28 -30
99 — JOO
SI -B3
J-1
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pret '..'.'.'.'.'.[ 2i-S
ii rer Cent. Ist Debs
ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING, iic.' '
Aron Electricitv Meter Ord. ,.,,
Do. e% Cnm. Pf.
Babcock & Wilcoi Ord
Do. Pref. ■^..'.....'.'.'..
British Insulated & Helsby Cablea Ori
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4i per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.)
+ Brit isb Thoms'n-Housfn 4 J?; Ist M t.Db.
British Westinghonse 6 per Cent. Pref...
Do 6 per Cent. Prior Lie] Dbsird.)
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock ....
St| H'y, *BnnhE.Eng.Co.4ic,,Perp.ls;Deb.Stock
84 —88
St. ii°-
Perpetual 2nd Deb. Stock
Callender's Cable Con. Ord
Do. 6per Cent. Cum. Pref ...._
Do. ii per Cent. 1st Mort Debs, (red.)
Castner-Kelbier Alkali Co
Do. 4i per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.)
Chadburn's (Ship) Telegraph Ord. ...
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Consolidated Electrical Co
Consolidated Signal Co ,
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pret '
•Crompton 4 Co. (Nos. 1 to 86,000) .....'.
I Do. 6 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs. (rei).
', Davis & Tinimins
Dick, Kerr & Co. Ord ."■..'.'
. Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. ."
Do. 4j per Cent. Deb. Stock
Edison k Swan United {"A"8b.)(£Spd.)
Do. (f 6 paid)
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock (rd. )
Do. 6 per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock
Edmundson's Elec. Corp. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref
Do. 4) per cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.)
Electric Construction Co
D". 7 per Cent. Cum. Pref '
Do. 4 per Cent. Perp. 1st Mort. Debs.
General Electric (1900) 6% Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
Henley's Telegraph Works Ord.
(Do 4J per Cent. Pref
Co. ii per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. Stock
Irdia Eubber.Gut. Per, 4c.,Wrke
Do. 4 percent. Debs, (red.)
National Elec. Construction Co
Bichardsons, Westgarth & Co. , Ltd, Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. ...
To. 4J per Cent. Perp. Deb. Stock ...
Simplei Conduits Ord
-I lom ^"^ 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref
12] '■/l" Telegraph Construction & Maintenance
4 per Cent Deb. Bonds (1909) ...
5
Rt
2/6
W
f^t
nx
0/7;
o/H'
J/o
U/7i
1
3/0
100
bZ
urn
2/0
urn
8t
HX
F,
1/6
4X
St.
t>X
6
S.^
m
0
?
2/a;
SI
i'/.
10
b/U
Sf
iX
HU
2/3
Ft
HX
10
lb/0
100
n
ii-ii
4 11 6
3 16 0
'701
ej-6j
4 12 (
10» -107
4 4 I
til -96
4 13 3
CO -96
6 1 6
39 -44
3 1'3 0
t~ — t'*
7 0 0
t8 -12
10 14 0
9J-1(J
6 13 6
6J-6}
4 7 0
106 -107
4 4 0
18 -13
7 7 0
103 -107
4 4 0
!i-iA
7 1) 6
}|-1t'.
5 13 0
A—,\
S 6 0
14-ii
8 0 0
i!-§i
6 4 0
1 -n
11 16 0
96 —99
5 1 0
l-li
U-lA
7 12 0
'4 -il
4 16 U
101 — 1C4 I 4 6 9
76-78 6 2
69 — 12
St. *iX.
H-H
9 B
9
Cu -64
6 .•)
0
n-n
6 9
0
88 -89
4 10
0
12 —13
6 lb
u
5 -6J
4 2
II
106 —108
4 2
6
161-lf!
6 3
a
99 — lui
H 19
u
,H
"? t%
1
0/6
Rt
bZ
8t
U
ion
HX
10(1
K
10
6/0
1/U
6
3/U
St.
4X
lo;
lOOf 6%
i-l
63 — 1)6 I 6 8
IJ
32J-34i ! 5 7
1(0 —102 I 3 18
Kers, Sons & Maxim, Ltd., Ord. '. i Ij;- 1J3 ! 7 17
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Preference! 1i!b-1i% [ 4 8
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Preferred lOT —110 4 11
Do. 4 percent. 1st Mort. Db.Sk.(red)! U4 — U6 I 3 14
Do. 4J percent. 2nd Mort. Deb. (red.) U4 — 106 4 6
Do. 6 percent. 3rd Mort. Debs Scrip. , 106 — 1G7 4 13
J. G.White 4 Co. 6% Cm. Pref. " ,n , ..
Lilians & Eobinson Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do 4 per Cent, lat Mort. Debs
Jan, JoJy
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
May ....
April, Oct
Feb, Ang
May, Not
Fob, Ang
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jane, Deo
Jtn, July
April, Oct
April, Oct
Julyi Feb
Jan, July
Jan, Jnly
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Jan, Jtily
Mar, Sept
Jan, Jnly
Jan, July
Jan, Jnly
Nov, May
May, J^OT
Feb. Aug
March ..
April, Oct
August ...
April, Oct
AprU, Oct
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Sept
Sept
Jan, J tlly
Feb, Ang
Feb, Ang
Jane, Dec
Msr, Sept
Jan, Jnly
May, Mot
Jan, Jnly
Jan, Jnly
July ....
Jan, July
Jtme, Deo
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
April
Not „..
May, Not
Jan, Jnly
"J
ni
wi
TELEGRAPHS.
Amazon Telegraph
6 per Cent. Debs, (red.;
St.' 30/0
St.' 8 0
St. iX
10 6,0
10 10/0
6, 2/0
6 6/0
60 44%
20' 4/0
2|-3i
92 -95
65 —68
-101
ot I Qn^n -A^glo-Amencan
Do. Preferred
Do. Deferred '_][ 13|— 13|
Commercial Cable 4 per Cent. Deb. Stk. I 65 —67
Cuba Submarine Ord
Do. Preference 10 per Cent
Direct Spanish Ord
Do. 10 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 i per Cent. Deb ' ggy — lOi^
Direct Unites States Cable ' i"';— 12a
I. ,fM l^'-«'WestlndiaCable4JXBg.Db.(rd.) f9*-lo!:
^' "■'" Eastern Ordinary I'S"— 131
1-EJ
3 — 3J
St. ue/o
St. 17/6
ft 4%
St. 2/6
lUOl 4Z
26] iX
10' 6/0
100 4J%
26 12/6
UO, «1
lUO il
1 ..
ro 4%
2i! 1/3
ico iX
10 ..
10 </o
10 12,0
100' b%
10 i 3/0
St' ix
- *Z
6 1» 6
3 19 0
2 18 9
4 12 C
7 1 0
6 17 0
6 16 0
6 11 0
4 8 6
6 7 0
Do. 8J per Ceiit. Pref. Stock _
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stk. (red.)
Eastern Extension
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock "'.'.'.'
Eastern* S.Af. 4/; Mauritius Sub.Debs.
O.N. (o) Copenhagen), with Coupon 75 i
Halifai& Bermuda 4i^ 1st Mt. Db.( rod.)i
Indo-European )
Mackav Companies Common .. .
Do. Prelerence '.'.'.'Z'.'.'l
Marconi's Wireless Teleg. Co. ...!".'"'"
Pacific &Europe'nTel.4^0aar.Dba.(re(i) 100 —102 ! 3 18
" — -' '-' li-lj I 3 11
81j-e6J
103J— 105J 3 16 6
lli-13j 6 U 6
11 u — U.2 3 18 0
luoj— 102i 8 1" 6
30 —32 6 5 0
994— 101 J! 4 8 6
62 —65 I S 18 6
74 —78 6 2
71 —74 6 8 0
l-i
Mar, jnly
Jan, July
Apr, Oot
Apr, Oot
May, Not
June, Deo
Jane, Deo
F,My,Ag,N
F,My,Ag,N
F,My,Ag,N
Jn,Ap,Jy,0
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, July
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
June, Dec
Ja.My.JyO
32 SiJ
1064 liuj
'.'-'6* 10. j
12;..
I29i 12f"i
\\ est Coast of America
Do. 4 per Cent. Deba
West India &, Panama
Do. 6 per Cent, let Prof '..'.'.',"
Do. 6% 2nd Pref .'
Do. 5 per Cent. Deba
Western Telegraph
Do, 4 per Cent. Deb Stock (red.)
Western Union lelegh. el 000 4 ^ Bonds
.. ICU —103 3 18 0
7j-t«
74-84
lUU —102
12J-13g
101 -10.S
83 -90
Ja.My.JyOl bd
May, >ov Itoj lolj
Ja,Ap,Jy,Oi !-','„ li
Feb, Aug : 101 lUMj
May, Not .. ..
Jan, July 31J ..
Deo
May, Nov
Ja,Ap,Jy,u
Ja,Ap,Jy,0
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June, Deo
May ....
Jan, July
May, Not
May, Not
May, Not
4 18 0 Jan, July
5 6 0 Mr,Jn,0,D ; 13i
3 17 6 I June, Deo 1 102)
100 2t
Price
Wed..
Mar. 10.
TELEPHONES.
Amer. Telephn. & Telegh. Cap. St ' 131 -132
Do. Coll. Trust 81,0004 percent. Bds' 95—97
4 Anglo Portug'se TeL 6% 1st Mt. Db. Stk. I 98—100
^ u,u Chili Telephone ' "i— 8S
1 0/74 Monte Video Telephone Ord. . . j ih—ii
St. 6%
0/6
^t. 6?;
3t. 6%
10 6/0
101 e/0
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref. „.. ....
National Co. Pref. Stock lOJ — li
Def. Slock '123-12
Do.
Do.
6 per Cent. Cum. l8t Pref , lOJ— Hi
— '■ — - •- - lOi-llJ
6 per Cent. Cam. 2nd Pref
61 2/6 j Do. 6 per Cent. noa-Cum. 3rd Pref. . : S^i— 6J,
St. SjJJj Do. Deb. Stock 3J per Cent, (red.) ...' 93 -lOl
at.\ it Do 4 per Celt. Dob. stock (red.) i 9SJ -lOiJ 8 18 6
l; 0/7i Orienul I lA— 1,', son
10/711 Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. ! IJ— li
St. 4% Do. 4 per Cent. Red. Deb. Stock j 83 —9u
St.l 44% I Telephone Co. of Egypt 4ij;Db.Stk.(red.)! 99—10
St. 4«
6 8/0
10 0 0
10 8/0
United Eiver Plat.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cam. Pref. ,......" ' 4| -6g
Do. 44 Deb. St. Ked I 102 —104
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8/0
6
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St,
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FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, Jlc.
Elec. 4 Gen. Investment 65; Cnm. Pref.
Globe Telegraph &t, Trust
Do. 6 per Cent. Pret ....".'."!!!"
Submarine Cables Trust (Cert.)...!!!!
Bg-3i
'.'■li-h i
13 —13)
127 — 13J
4 18 0
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRIC
RAILWAYS, TRAMWAYS. At.
Anglo-Argentine 6% Cum. Ist Pref. .
Do. 10% Noncum. 2nd Pref. „,,j
Do, Permanent 6% Deb, Stock ' 13/" ...
Auckland Elec. Trams. b% Deb. (red.)... 102 —114
Brisbane Electric Trains. Invest. Ord.... 6J — Sj
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. ' H — f|
Do. 44 per Cent. Db. Prov. Certs i Jot — lu5
British Columbia El.Ey.Df. Ord I 1J7 — 140
Do. Pref. Ord. Stock ' ug —1:1
Do. 6% Cum. Perp. Pret Stock I 105 -107
44 per Cent. 1st Mort. Deba ! Iu2j-i0lj 4 6
6 1/3
St. iX
-■ : bX
100! 6;5
St. 4J%
I/O
6%
3/0
4}%
(T-J
bX
Do. Vancouver Power Deba.
Do. 4}% Perp Con. Deb. St ,
[ Buenos Ayres Grand National Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 64 (.er Cent. Pref Debs
Uc. 6 per Cent, 1st Deb. Bonds
Buanos Ayres Lacroze Trama 1st Mt. Db,
Buenos Ayres Port 4 City Tram. 1st Mt.
Deb. Stock
Calcutta Tramways (1 to 137,610) .........
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref
Do. 4J% lat Deb. Stock (red.)
Cape Electric Tram Shares
C tyot Buenos Ayres Trams Co. (1904)Sh.
Di, 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Colombo I'r. 4 Ltg. 5% 1st Mt. Db,
Electric Traction Co. of Hong Kong 6
per Cent, let Mort. Debs
Havana Elec. Ry. Con. Mt. 6% $1,000 60
year Coup. Bds
Kalgoorlie Elec. Trams Sh
Do. 6 per Cent. " A " Deb. Stock
Do. 6 per Cent. "B" Ditto
Lisbon Elec. Trams. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Keg. Mort. Debs
Madras Elec. Trama. 6% Deb. Stk
Maiila Elec. Ey. 81,000 Gold Bonds
Mexicolrams Co. Com. St
tlJo. Gen. Con. 1st Mort. 6% Gold Bds!'.!!
Montreal St. Ry. Sterling 44 per Cent,
Debs. (1922) (Nos. 601 to 2,U00) ..
Perth Elec. Trama Ord
Do. 1st Mt. Db. Block .'."!!!
Rangoon Elec. Trama 4 Supply Co,"6%
101 -104
101 -103
S:J-3
3l-ii
lUi — lo7
103 —106
934-374
84 —68
4i— 6
ii-bi
9'J — lu,i
4-i '
April, Oot
Jan, July
June, Deo j
Jan, July
May ....
May, Nov 5 i .;
Jan, July ..
Mar, Sept ISSJIli
May, Nov 123 '
Jan, Jnly 1106
, „ „ , AprU, Oct I ...
t « 8|j»n,Jaly| „
6 0 9
C 18
4 lO
4 16
Feb, Aug I ,.
Jan, July | ..
April, Oot I ..
Mar, Sept | 97i
4 2
6 8
6
0
6.13
9
6 7
6
5 14
9 10
4 U
0
0
3
. Pf.
3. 44;;; Ist Mort. Deb. Stk
io Paulo Tramway, Light 4 Power Co
»100 Stock
)o. 6 per Cent. 1st Mt. $500 Db
4J% tToronto Ry Co. Ist Mt. 44^ Ster. Bonds
iiX
6 3/3
100 7/2
lOti 6%
St. 6%
St. bX
10s 0/3
1, 0/7b
St. 6%
600^ 6;^
St. ' 81}
60Ci d%
lOU Sli
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1 121
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6 3/0
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4 II
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4 16
l.i -ioa
6 II
9U —93
6 7
S« —90
5 11
137 —139
4 8
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5 8
102 —104
4 6
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Jan, July '
Jan, July
F,My,A,N
Jane, Dec
May, Not
June, Deo
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
COLONIAL AND FOREIGNiELECTRICITY
SUPPLY &o.
8/0 t Adelaide Elec. S'ply Co. 6% Co. Pr.
10' 6/0 BombayE.S. 4T.6%Cm.Pf.
Do. 44 per Cent. Deb. Stk. (red.)
Calcutta Elec. Supply Ord
Canadian Gen. Elec. Go. Com. St.
Castner Electrolytic Alkali Co.(ofD.8.A!)l
1st Mort. Stl. Debs .1 93
600 6% t Elect. Development Co of Ontario ... I 8J -85
6 .. Elec. Ltg. & Trac. Co. of Auat. 6'pe.-l
Cent. Cum. Pref. .....i 2 — 2j
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb Stock ' 86 — uii
Elec. Supply Co. of Victoria 6 per Cent
1st Mort. Deb. St
Indian Elec. Sup. & Irao. Co.'..,.."!!!!!!
Kalgoorbe Elec. Power 4 Ltg. OrtL"
Do. e per Cent. Cum. Pref. !!!!|;
Madras E. S. Corp. 6 per Cent. Conatii
Deb. St '
Mexican Elec. Light Co. 6?J 1st' Mo't-t i
Gold tfouds
Mexican Lt. 4 Power Co. Com, St!
Do. 6./, lit Mort. Gold Bnda !!
Montreal Lt. Ut. ^ Power Co, Cap. St"
River Plate Electricity Co. Ord. -
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Com. Pref
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Rosano Elec. Co. 6% Pref. (1.30,000)!!!..,
Shawinigan Water & Power Co. Cap. St!
140J
6J-6g
9J— lu
64-7
09 —111
103
S74-EO4
15-2
8 -J
7i —82
86J-87.i-,
1 -1*
Ijo — lo3
6,V— 5'/s
Feb, Aag
May . . . .
Jan, July
Jnne, Deo IO14
Feb, Aug ' 98J
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Apnl, Oct I
llUi
Jan, July
Feb, Aug I
Jan, July
5 10 6 Jan, Jaly i
Apid,'Oct
April, Get
6 It 9
7 It 0
6 2 6
79
I 871
- 84
' 90j
F,My,A,N '1164
April
May jf.
Jan, July . I
ApiTl, Oct ...
??'
6 per Cent. Bds Uqj ^(,7 4
, J 1 1 , .u . - - - . ..,..,„ .. uu. Victoria Falls Power Co. Pret ;.!!!.'!!' J— 1 ' 6
ca ca a ing the jields allowance has been made tor accrued Interest but not for redemption t Bi dJTldend, J The tondoa Stook Exchange Oommittfe have declined to quote a,
Jan, Jaly lOlU j j},
'-- July ' i I
THE ELECTRICIAN:
THE OLDEST WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND FINANCE
ESTABLISHED, First Series (Weekly), 1861; Second Series CWsekly), 1878.
No. 1.609. Iv-ol-Sa.-.]
FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 1909.
Pkice Sixpence '*'^5.^f*-
Abroad id., or 18 cenU, or 90<., or SJla/.
CONTENTS OF THE CURRENT NUMBER.
877
Notes 869
Arrangements for the Week 871
Electric Traction Vagabond
Currents. By J. G. Cun-
lifle, M.Sc. Tech., and R. G.
Cunlifife, M.Sc. Tech. lUus. 872
Properties of Matter 875
Tlie Protection of Low-pres-
sure Circuits. By Gisbert
Kapp 876
Leeds Electricity Undertak
ino. Illus. Conchided .
Electric Traction on Rail«ays.
XIIL— Methods of Speed
Control. By Philip Dawson.
Illustrated. Continued .. 882
Reducing the Cost of Power
in Works and Factories.
Bv J. A. Jeckell 885
Electric R.adiators. Illus. . . 886
The Electrical Transmission
of Power for Main Marine
Propulsion. Illustrated .
Electric Lighting Acts
(Amendment) Bill
'Vai:-M:0NI> ClTRKENTS
Reviews
Submarine Cable Lajiijg
and Repairing [Wilkin-
son]. Reviewed by A. L.
Dearlove and B. M.
887
Reviews — continued.
Sayers. Wiirmeleljre
[Miiller] ; Field Tele-
phones for Army Use
[Stevens].
The Strength of Raw Hide
Gearing. By R. Living-
stone. Illustrated
The Dielectric Strength of
Compressed Air — Discu&sioit,
Correspondence
Air-gap Reluctances (Wil-
son Hartnell).
Mr. Tennautiind Electrical
Monopoly .
The Cotton Mill and the
Application of Electricity.
By W. Hoult, M.Eng.,B.Sc.
Electric Cookinj;'. Illustrated
Atlantic Cable Kates
National Telephone Co.'s Staff
Legal Intellkjence
Parliamentary In'telliuence
Municipal, Foreign & General
Notes
Trade Notes and Notices
Companies' Meetings and
Reports
New Companies, &c
City Notes
Companies' Share List
I^ O T S S.
Electric Lighting Acts (Amendment) Bill.
i-'oi; some years past our old friend the. Electricity
Supply Bill lias made its appearance annually, and been
annually abandoned through insufficient support. Perhaps
the lioard of Trade feels tliat if it is introduced in the
House of Lords under a dift'erent name it may stand a
better chance. At all events this year the old name has been
dropped and a more imposing one has been adopted. The
.sciipe of the Bill has also been extended. Thus, power is
nriw sought to enable an undertaker to supply consumers
beyond the undertaker's area of supply, provided tlie pre-
mises to be supplied are not in the area of some other
undertaker, or that the latter undertaker is not able or
willing to give a supply and cannot be compelled to do so
<in reasonable terms. The necessary permission lies in the
hands of the Board of Trade. Another important amend-
nieut is to the eftect that local authorities shall have power
to provide, let for hire, fix and repair, but not manufacture,
electrical fittings, motors and kindred apparatus. This
provision should enable local authorities to deal effectively
with the subject of electric heating and cooking and to
place these domestic matters before their consumers in
such a light as to extend tiieir supply in an effective man-
ner. "V\'e do not notice any provision for curtailing the effect
of unauthorised supply, and possibly this may be' taken as
a definite intimation that the Board of Trade feels that
such supply should Ije allowed to take its chance. Un-
doubtedly a good deal of discrimination would be required
in dealing with the question, as may be gathered from
an interesting letter which we publish this week in
our Correspondence columns. Leaving this question out of
consideration, however, we trust that the present Bill will
be given a greater measure of Government support than its
predecessors and that it will pass into law, as the electrical
industry would benefit considerably by the amendment of
the existing Electric Lighting Acts. .As the Bill was read
a second time yesterday we gather that the i)resent effiirt
is a more earnest one than its predecessors.
Earthing the Middle Wire.
A\'k believe it is the general custom tn comply with the
Board of Trade Eegulation in regard to earthuig the middle
conductor of a three-wire system by inserting a resistance
between the middle wire and the earth connection, such
resistance l)eing frequently short-circuited by a fuse. That
an " earthing " device is not essential to the satisfactory
and safe operation of an electricity supply network is
proved by the excellent record pertaining to the elec-
tric supply department of the St. Pancras ('ouncil. Not-
withstanding that this Council's mains have been in u.se
for 13 years without an " earth " connection, no fire or
accident on a consumer's premises has been attributed to
electrical causes, nor has any trouble, beyond that arising
from external damage, been experienced with the mains. It
seems, however, that the London County Council have dis-
covered the non-observance of the Board of Trade Regula-
tion on the part of the St. Pancras Council, and have, in
consequence, communicated with the Board of Trade on
the subject. In the correspondence which ensued, Mr.
S. AV. B-4.YXES, the chief electrical engineer of the St. Pan-
cars undertaking, pointed out the possible danger of
strictly complying with the regulation, which he con-
sidered unnecessary if systematic mains tests were carried
out. As, however, the 1 >oard of Trade consider an " earth "
connection desirable, Mr. Bayxes has now connected the
middle wire of his system to earth through an automatic
switch arranged to break the circuit when the current
exceeds 25 amperes.
870
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH I'J, 1909.
We agree that in its literal form tlie Board of Trade
IJeguIatiou would result in dangerous rushes of current iu
the mains, such rushes being likely to cause considerable
trouble if they pass into the lead covering of the cables ;
but with a resistance designed to limit the current to a
safe amount and noimally short-circuited by a small fuse
or automatic tut-out, satisfactory worldng should be
possible. In this connection it must be noted that
attention should be paid to the systematic testing of
the mains, including the middle wire, and the locat-
ing of all faults as .soon as these arise. The im-
portance of maintaining the insulation of the middle
wire in a satisfactory condition cannot be too much
emphasised, and in many cases when this main is earthed
at the generating station we fear that faults on it are over-
looked. It must be admitted that, with a resistance from
the middle wire to earth, a serious fault on either outer con-
ductor may result in a good deal of damage to the mains.
On the other hand, the former method has the advantage
that the potential automatically returns to the normal
immediately the fault is removed, whereas this would not
be the case in the latter method until the switch had been
replaced ; and another disadvantage of the latter method is
that intermittent faidts would cause much trouble if the
switch had to lie replaced repeatedly.
The Position of the National Telephone Co.
It is unfortunate that in the agreement under which the
Postmaster-General Y'^^i'^^hfises the undertaking of the
National Telephone Co., at the end of 1911, no provision,
at least in one lespect, appears to have been made for a
transition period, when it is almost necessary that there
should be something in the nature of dual control. It is
obvious that a joint-stock company cannot afford to spend
capital from which it will receive no benefit, direct
or indirect, present or future. In such a business as
that carried on by the National Telephone Co. it is essen-
tial, for a pi'oper extension of the undertaking, that new
plant should be laid down well iu advance of the demand-
In other words, it is necessary to consider the requirements
for some years ahead, and thus to lay out money which will
not be remunerative tor some little time. "^ The time has now
been reached when the Company sees that further capital
outlay in various directions will not become remunerati^ e
before the end of 191 1, and, consequently, the only course
open to the Company is to avoid such expenditure.
A CURTAILMENT of the normal capital o utlay per annum
must have two effects. From the point of view of the
subscriber it is harmful, because as a necessary result there
will be a very large accumulation of work and a great deal
of delay in connecting up would-be subscribers. Apart
from the effect on the general public, there is the question
of the Company's staff now employed on constructional
work. Curtailment of capital expenditure necessarily
means that there will be no further need to employ so large
a staff, and constant dismis.sals must follow from this date-
That the tiained staff should be reduced is, apart
from personal hardships, undesirable, because after the
purchase by the Government has been effected further
extensions must proceed, and the whole of this staff, and
in fact a greater nundjer than at present employed, will
be required. It is, therefore, bad policy to throw out of work
skilled men who have been with the Company and know
just what is ret^uired in work of this class. The solution
of the difficulty is fairly obvious. If the Government is to
benefit, and not the Company, by extensions, then the
Government should provide the necessary capital and
should also meet the depreciation. There may, of course,
be difficulties iu deciding exactly what is remunerative to
the Company, but they should not be insuperable. There
seems, however, at the present time, to be a deadlock, which
may be due to want of sympathy or want of knowledge on
the part of Government Departments in regard to the
essentials of private enterprise. Negotiations, however.
are still in progress, and we can but hope they will end
satisfactorily to all parties.
Leeds Section of the Institution of Electrical Engineers. —
The meeting of this section, announced to take place on Wed-
nesday, March 24th, has been postponed.
Royal Society. — Among the Papers read at the meetinj;
yesterday afternoon was one on " An Attempt to Detect
some Electro-optical Effects," by Prof. H. A. Wilson, F.E.8.
Electrical Trades' Benevolent Institution. — Mr. W. M.
Mordey, Mr. K. KayeGraj' and Prof. J. Perry have consented
to act as vice-presidents on the occasion of the Festival Ditmer,
which, it will be remembered, is to take place on March 30th.
We also learn that Mr. T. E. Gatehouse will be responsible for
the musical programme to be performed during the course of
the evening.
Institution of Colliery and Mining Electrical Engineers. —
We are informed that a society with the above name ha<
recently been formed, whose membersinp will be composed of
working colliery and mines electrical engineers and electricians.
It is proposed to hold an inaugural meeting in Manchester at
an early date. Intending members are requested to com-
municate with Mr .J. Williams, 3, More3b3'-road, M'hitehaven,
the temporary honorary secretary, from whom further par-
ticulars can be obtained.
Society of Engineers. — A prize of three guineas, to be known
as the " Status Prize," will be awarded by this society each
year for the next five years for the best Paper written ly any
person on the subject of "How to Imjirove the Status of
Engineers and Engineering, with Special Eeference to Con-
sulting Engineers." Full particulars of tliis novel idea ami the
conditions under which this prize may be competed for are
obtainable from the secretary of the Society of Engineers, 17.
Victoria-street, Westminster.
Large Gas Engines for Generating Electric Power. — In our
account of the discussion on Messrs. L. Andrews and R.
Porter's recent Paper on this subject, Mr. V. B. Stewart was
reported on p. 79-5 of our issue of March 5th as associating
himself with the authors as far as the capital cost of the gas
engine station was concerned. We understand, however, that
Mr. Stewart really supported the views of Mr. Sehiuer, who,
it will be remembered, thought the authors had taken the
capital cost of gas engines rather too high.
West Ham Electricity Undertaking. — We are informed that
the Borough Electrical PJngineer and the Borough Treasurer
have agreed that the accounts for the year ending March ;!1,
1909, will show a profit of about ,£3,000 after meeting all
capital charges. There has been an increase of 4 million units
in the year, making a total of 15] million units. The receipts
have been at the rate of Id. per unit and the costs Id. per unit.
We congratulate Jlr. A. H. Seabrook upon this excellent re-
sult, which is the fruit of perseverance o\er a lengthy perioil.
Cable Interruptions and Repairs.
Date of Inteniiiition Date of Repair.
Pontianak— Saigon Sep. 16, 1908 ...
Tourane— Amoy Jan. 19, 1909 —
Oran— Tangier Feb. 20, 1909 ... liar. 13, 1909
Cayenne— Salina,s Feb. 27, 1909 ... —
.Jersey— Guernsey Mar. 10, 19C9 ... .Mar. 15, 1909
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 1'.), 1909.
871
Electrical Fires. — In his annual return to the Court of
Common Council, Dr. F. -T. Waldo, -LP., coroner for the city of
London, states that 13i fires have been officially notified to
him as occurrinii; in the city, or 11 less than during the year
1907. In 117 cases the cause of the fires was ascertained.
Dr. Waldo referred 1'2 fires — 10 of which number were jre
ported as electrical in origin — to the city electrical engineer,
and, as a result of the lattcr's investigations, seven of this
number were found to be due to defective electrical arrange-
ments. The percentage of true electrical fires would, there-
fore, appear to be very small.
Obituary. — The death is announced of Prof. W. C. Kernot,
Professor of Engineering in Melbourne University. Prof.
Kernot was born at liochford, Essex, in 1845. He was taken
to Australia when he was si.x years old, and was educated at
(jieelong and Melbourne University. In 1883 he was appointed
to the chair of engineering, and from 1875 to 1878 he assisted
Mr. Brennan in developing his first torpedo. Prof. Kernot's ser-
vices were utilised by the Victorian Government to report on
underground telephone wires. In 1887 he presented to Mel-
bourne University, as a jubilee gift, £2,000 to endow scholar
ships in physics and chemistry. He also founded a metal-
lurgical depai'tment at the I'niversity at a cost of £1,000.
Royal Meteorological Society. — At a meeting of this society
on Wednesday evening last a lecture on " Wind-waves in
Water, Sand and Snow " was delivered by Dr. Vaughan Cor-
ni.sh. The lecturer first dealt with sea waves, and indicated
the manner in which they were produie<l by a cyclone or de-
pression. The various types of waves found in the different
oceans were also described. It has been found that the speed
of the swells is api)roximately eipial to that of the wind by
which they are created, and may attain a velocity of more than
60 miles an hour. The action of the wind on dry sand was
studied in E^ypt. As the sand waves are unable to travel by
gravitation, as do the waves of the sea, their movements are
entirely directed and controlled l>y the wind, and are, therefore,
much simpler and more regular in form and movement than
ocean waves. Snow waves are similar to desert sand waves,
but less than half as steep, the wave length being .50 times as
great as the height. The forms of completed snow drifts illus-
trated in the lecture convey valuable hints for the design of
torpedoes or other immersed bodies intended to move through
water or aii'.
Illuminating Engineering. — At a dinner held in London on
February 9th, presided over by Mr. Leon Gaster, when repre-
sentatives of the engineering and allied professions were
present, it was decided to form an illuminating engineering
society, but not a society of illuminating engineers. Such
a society will provide a free and impartial platform for the
di.scussion of questions concerned with illuminating engin-
eering, and anyone interested in the subject will bo eligible
for membership, such membership not conferring an\ profes
sional status. The "Illuminating I'-ngineer," published in
London, was appointed as the official organ of the society, and
further particulais are given in the March issue of that journal,
or can be ol)tained from Mr. Leon Gaster.
Submarine Telegraph Progress. — The Fridaj evening dis-
course last week at the Eoyal Institution was delivered by
Mr. S. G. Brown, who described some of the latest advances in
submarine telegraphy, and gave an outline of the methods of
construction and working of submarine cables. ^Ir. Brown
described in detail tlie cable relay in connection with which
his name is so well known, and in dealing with the question of
the difficulties which the telegraph engineer meets in the work
of his profession, said he thought that some of the difficulties to
which he had referred could be overcome by still greater care
in the process of manufacture of the cable, or b}' substituting
other materials or compounds for those in use at the present
time. For the ideal core of an Atlantic cable he suggested,
per nautical mile, a resistance of ()-864 ohm and a capacity of
0-700 mfd. Mr. Brown succeeded in keenly interesting his
audience in the subject of submarine cable operations.
The Need for Testing Trolley Wire. — A Paper with this
title was recently read by Mr. C. F. Woods before a section
. of the American Electrochemical Society. The author 4hows
that great care is necessary in obtaining a proper balance be-
tween torsional and tensile strength in the wire used for tram-
way and railway purposes. These two properties are corre-
lated, and any increase in one beyond a certain point results
in a decrease of the other. To obtain the maximum strength,
it is necessary, first, to use high grade copper and to prevent
an excess of cuprous oxide entering it at any stage of the
manufacture, and, secondly, to select as perfect l?ars as possible
and to observe extreme care in every treatment through which
they pass. The author admits that this high-grade wire can-
not be ol)tained at the ordinary market price, but the extra
cost is only about jd. per pound. Experience shows that only
the higher price Lake copper shoull be utili.sed. The Paper con-
tains the figures of a large numbei- of te.sts, showing the strength
of various samples of copper.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE WEEK.
FRIDAY, Marcn 19th I to day)
Glasi:ow Seitiiin of tmk Institution' of Electrical EwiiNEERS.
\' p.m. Meeting at 207, Bach-street, Glasgow. Paper on "Notes
on Safety of Working Electrical Plants in Coal Mines," Ijy
Mr. S. A. Simon.
( Jlasgow Stodexts' Section of the Institutiox (jf Electrical
Engineers.
>" p.m. Meeting at the Technical College, Glasgow. Paper on
" Electrically driven Centrifn<i;als and Accessories," by
Mr .1. H. M'Minn.
Royal Institution.
'i p.m. Meeting at Albemarle-street. Paper on "Experiments
at Hii>;h Temperatures and Pressures," by Prof. R. Threlfall,
FJt.S.
SATURDAY, March 20th.
Royal I.vstitution ok Gkeat Britain.
J jj. iH, Lecture on " Properties of Matter." by Sir .T. .J. Thomson,
F.R.S. (Lecture IV.)
MONDAY, March 22nd.
Newcastle .Seitiun of the Institution uf Klectbical Engineers.
7:.>'() p.m. Demonstration of Loni;-l)istance Telephone Transmis-
sion and Superimpositig at tlif (Jencral Post Office, by Mr.
Treraaiii.
Royal Society ok .4rts.
S p.)it. Meeting at John-street, Adelphi, London, W.C. Lecture
on "Steam Turbines." by Mr. G. G. Stoney. (Cantor Lec-
ture I.)
TUESDAY, March 23rd.
Manchester Seitiox of the Institution ok Electrical Engixbers.
;.■..'" p.m. MeetintT at tlie Physical Laboratory, the University,
Manchester. Annual Geneial Meeting.
THURSDAY, March 25th.
iNsTrrurioN of Electrical IC.n'oinekrs.
y ji.m. Meeting at the Institution of Civil Engineers, Great
George-street, Westmister, S.W. Paper on " The Electrical
Svstem of the London County Council Tramways," bv Mr.
.]', U. Rider.
FRIDAY, March 26th.
Physical .Sociktv of London.
J p.m. Meeting at the Imperial College of Science, Imperial Insti-
tute-road, South Kensington. Ai/'-iuIk : " Note on the
Production of Steady Electric Oscillations in Closed Circuits
and a Method of Testing Radio-telegraphic Receivers," by
Prof. ,J. A. Fleming, F.R.S., and .Mr. G. B. Dyke; "The
Effect of an Air Blast upon the Spark Discharge of a Con.
denser charged by an Induction Coil or Transformer," by
Prof. .J. A. Fleming, F.R.S., and Mr. H. W. Ricliardson; " On
the Action lietween Metals and Acids and the Conditions
under which Mercurv causes Evolution of Ilvdrogen," by Dr.
S. W. ,1. Smith.
Ei.e(Tro-Habmonic Society.
.'> p.iit. Smoking Concert at Holborn Restaurant, W.C.
SATURDAY, March 27th.
Royal Institution.
J p.7)i. Lecture on " Properties of Matter," by .Sir .1. J. Thomson,
F.R.S. (Lecture V.)
Corps of Electrical Engineers (London Division).
lAjmmanding OfHcer, Col. R. E. H. Cronipton, C.B.
The following orders liavo been issued for tlie current week :—
Monday, March 22nd, ( Infantry drill (Kocruit.*), 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
"A" Company (^Telephone Examination, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Mar. 23rd, J Infantry drill (Recruits*, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
" B " Companj^ \ Telephone Examination, 7 p.m.
Thursday, Mar. 25th, (Infantry drill (Recruits*, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
"C" Companj- |Telephone Examination, 7 p.m.
Fridaj', March 26th, ( Infantry drill (Recruits), 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
" D" Company (^ Telephone Examination, 7 p.m.
j Week-end run at Coalbouse Fort for "D"
Saturday, Mar. 27th, < Company. Parade .it Fencburoh-street
( Station at 3:10 p.m.
872
THE ELECTRICIAN, MAECH 19, 1909.
ELECTRIC TRACTION VAGABOND CURRENTS.
BY J. a. CUNLIFFE, M.SC.TECH., AND R. G. CTINLIFFB, M.SC.TECH.
Sumniari/. — The reasons for the non-fulfilment of early predictions of
electriilyiii il.-i in. tion. due to vagabond currents, are here discussed,
also til' |.n,,iliilii V nf such damage being encountered and the precau-
tions tliiicliy I riidiTcd necessary.
yaltirr of Earth Condiirtiriti/. — At tlie inception of electric trac-
tion'it was tliought that the earth, owing to its huge bulk, could offer
no resistance to the flow of heavy currents, but thi.s was soon found
to be a fallacy. The imperfect rail bonding resulting from this belief
caused a large ))roportion of the ciu-rent to flow in the earth, with the
result that, otlier conditions being favourable, damage from elec-
trolysis was observed, which immediately produced the impression
that the conductivity of the soil was of an electrolytic nature.
Tiie researches of Claude and Larsen on thi.s point are first de-
scribed and di.scussed in the Paper.
~: K^ r~ I
0 12}
Vol&s applied
Fig. 1. — MrTu.iL Relationship of Current and Potential.
Co]iper plates (i in. by ti in., 12 in. apart, in a concentrated solution of
Curve I. back E.M.F. at cathode;
NaCI.
; 2, back E.M.F. at anode ;
i 3, current.
Without actually causing appreciable corrosion, it is possible to
examine the nature of earth conductivity by the observation of
secondary phenomena. By "means of the following supplementary
tests the ocoiu-rences may be completely analysed, viz.: (1) The
potential gradient measiu'ed at various stages of the expei-iment
shows exactly where the potential is lost. (2) The counter E.M.F.
of polarisation may be measured at each electrode separately. (3)
The actual resistance may be measured by means of the Kohlrausch
bridge and compared with the apparent value.
The earth path between pipe and rail is an electrolytic cell in wliich
the electrolyte is composed of a salt of a metal differing from that of
the electrodes, and in order to determine exactly what might be
expected from a purely electrolytic soil we have examined a cell
composed of copper plates immersed in a strong salt solution. The
\
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^--^
lOO
a
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=^
=
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1
—
0
— '
; — ■
—
F^
—
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Distanc
feet
Fig. 2.— Re.sistance. Distance Curves. Kohlrausch Bridge
ilETHOD. Alternating Current.
Curve 1 plates each O-i sq. ft. ; curve 2. plates O'l and O'S sq. ft. ; curve 3. plates 01
and 1 sq. ft. ; curve 4, plates O'S and O'S sq. ft. ; curve 5. 05 and 1 sq ft ; curve 5 1 and
1 sq. ft. ; curve 7, 1 b and 1 '6 sq. ft.
plates were 0 in. by 6 in. and were placed 12 in. apart in a vessel
IS in. by 7 in. by 7 in. The voltage was gi-adually raised from
0 to 10 volts, the current density at the face of the plates varying
between 0 and 48 amperes per square foot. The duration of the'test
was about 20 minutes. Polarisation E.M.F.s were measured by
means of the calomel electrode. The small potential between the
two solutions was neglected.
Fig. 1 shows the relationship existing between the current the
polarisation E.M.F.s and the applied potential. The upward ten-
* Abstract of a Paper read before the Manchester Local Section of the
Institution of Electrical Engineers.
dcncy of the current curve indicates strong coiTosion. which wa&
verified by the film of oxide afterwards found upon the anode.
Curves showing the potential gradients and various resistance-
curves constructed from the results are given in the Paper, showing
tha.t the resistance of the liquid falls rapidly with increasing current,
owing to the solution of copper from the anode, whilst the oxygen
liberated at the anode combines with the copper, producing an in-
sulating film of gradually increasing thickness. Polarisation is very
powerful, especially at the cathode, where the results show that the
whole of the potential lost is accountable thereto. At the anode
polarisation is very weak until a potential of 0-5 volt is attained.
The experiment was repeated with a bath of light, sandy soil in
place of the salt solution, with the result that the current was found
to be strictly proportional to the applied potential, and no trace of
electrolysis was found at either electrode. The potential gradient
was a perfectly straight line, and the resistance, as measured by the
alternating ciu-rent method, was exactly the same as that given by
Fig. 3. — Vagabond Current
Stream Lines between Earth
Plates. Plates close together.
Fig. 4. — Vagabond Current
Stream Lines bet'sveen Earth
Plates. Pljites far apart.
the ratio of the potential and cm'rent. On removing the plates,,
however, a thin film of oxide was found on the anode, which would
account for the absence . ,f polarisation there, and such absence at the
cathode could niil\ I,. .Nplaincd liy depolarisation. The specific
resistance of the soil «,r- ii.'!ii olims per yard cube, which is verj- high,
so that the current strength and the volume of gases produced would
be very low. In order to increase the current strength the soil was
compressed and higher jjotentials were employed.
The specific resistance was reduced to 360 ohms per yard cube.
2,800
''Leoo
_l,uuu
800
\
\
\
s
■---.
1
■^
2
I
3
i
5
t
Area of each plaC© - Sq. feet
.■). — Resistance-.Are.^ Curves.
1. Made-up ground c
and after being subjected to a P.D, of 500 volts for several hoius, a
fairly strong polarisation began to appear, the anode showing con-
siderable corrosion on removal. Thus a soil which apparently pos-
sessed a purely metallic conductivity was found to be really of an
electrolytic nature.
The experiments were repeated on a richer soil of a much higher
conductivity, and an apparentlj' metallic resistance was again ob-
.served at potentials below 10 volts, but on increasing the potential
the current curve showed an upward tendency, until a jiotcntial of
80 volts was reached, when it began to droop, and at 500 volts was
almost horizontal. This ch'ooping was found to lie due to endosmose..
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 19, 1909.
873
XunuTous soils have been tested ar.d. altlumi^h in many cases
exhibiting au apparently metallic conductivity, liave been made to
show both polarisation and corrosion, and as a result we have con-
eluded that earth conductivity is invariably of an electrolytic nature,
although on account of the physical properties of the soil the fact may
sometimes be concealed to superficial observation.
Factors gorerning the Resistance of an Earth I'alli. — These are :
(Primary) (1) Length of path, (2) area of electrodes, (;i) specific re-
sistance of the soil ; (secondary) (1) potential ai)plied, (2) polarisa-
tion and depolarisation, (3) activity or passivity, (4) physical pro-
perties of the soil. These secondary factors have already been dealt
with.
Fig. 2 shows the variation of resistance with distance between
copper plates of various sizes buried in a vertical plane, with their
upper edges lying in the surface of the ground. The graph is that of
aT)
a logarithmic function of the form R=; — ;;— , where a is a func-
tion of specific resistance and size of plates, 6 is a function of size of
plates and 7i is a function of size of plates and of distance.
90
"geo
_ 40
J
/
/
/
^^
—
—
—
///
*
-
—
„
Di5Cance m feet
Fio. (J. — Potential Gradients between Earth Plates.
Curve 1, plates of equal area 2 ft. apart ; curve 2, plates of equal area 3 ft. apart ; curve
3, plates of equal area 10 ft. apart.
It is apparent that with increasing distance the value of the re-
sistance increases rapidly, soon attaining a maximum, when it falls,
at first quickly- then more and more slowly, finally becoming almost
constant. This may be explained by reference to the .stream lines
of current. Thus, in Fig. 3. with two plates very close together,
the length of the extended stream lines is seen to be considerable in
comparison with the distance between the plates, and the effective
area of the path is little greater than the area of the plates. With
increasing distance, however, as is shown in Fig. 4, the percentage
increase in length of the extended stream lines becomes smaller and
smaller, and the effective area of the path increases. The resistance
tends to rise owing to the increasing length of the path, and to fall
owing to its increasing area, the balance point being indicated 1)\-
the attainment of maximum resistance.
Fi>;. 7. — Kqtu'Otential Curves am> Vacabond CrRKEXT Strka.m
LrsEs.
Pi])e not connected to the rail.
The resistance falls rapidly with increasing size of plates until an
area of about 6 sq. ft. is reached, when any further increase in area
has little effect, as is shown in Fig. 5. This is duo to the high specific
resistance of the soil, which effectually prevents the attainment of a
liiuh tiuTcnt density at the siu'face of the plates.
J'oleiUial Uistrihiition and Conducting Paths in Moist Earth. —
Fig. 6 shows two tyi)ioal potential gradients between platt« of e(iual
size buried in the earth in a vertical plane with their upper edges
lying in the surface. With increasing distance between the plates
tlic central (lortion of the gradient becomes more and more nearlj'
horizontal, this being the effect of the increased area of the path
already mentioned. The effect of inequality in size of plates is to
cause a gi-eater proportion of loss at the smaller plate than would
otherwise occur, but in almost, every case with equal ])lates the
majority of the potential is lost at the cathode. It will be ol)served
that practically the whole of the potential is lost within a distauce'of
3 ft. of the two plates, and the percentage of potential lost beyond
the 3 ft. becomes smaller as the distance between the plates increases.
This 3 ft. limit is of importance, and it is found to be independent
of size of plates, the same result being obtained from the track itself
as representing the largest plates available. It is also unaffected by
the nature of the soil, provided tliis is homogeneous over a distance
of 3 ft. round the rails in every direction.
In Fig. 7 are shown the equipotential curves and current stream
lines around a tram rail. These are evidently unaffected by the
presence of the pipe at a distance of 10 ft., but on connecting the
opposite end of the pipe to the rail the stream lines changed to the
shapes shown in Fig. 8, showing that the current was leaving the pipe.
Sinular experiments carried out upon rails having pipes at various
distances away show that no appreciable current enters the pipe even
at a distance of 1 ft., provided there is no connection between the'pijje
and the rail, although at smaller distances the equipotential curves
become concentric with the pipe, indicating flow of current thereto.
VagjIBOnd Currents.
An electric tramway track has its current taken away at intervals
by means of negative feeders, and if the arrangements are properly
designed the current in the rails will flow towards the nearest negative
Fio. 8. — Eql-u'otenti.al Curves and Vaoahond Ci-rbi:xt .Stream
Lines at the Negative Feed Point.
Pipe connected to the rail at the other end of the section.
feeder, so that, midway between two negative feed points, there
should be no ciurent flowing in the rail if the loading is uniform.
The actual conditions of loading are far too complex to admit of
close study, but by assuming ideal conditions a useful knowledge of
vagabond current distribution can be obtained. There are two
extreme cases, viz. : (1) Concentrated load, represented by a single
car ; (2) distributed load, represented by a very heavy service of cars
uniformly spaced.
In the former case the polarisation of an\- point will be alternately-
anodic and cathodic. according to the position of the car. and the rail
7
6
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h-M
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y
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y
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a:—
^100
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3^
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^
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— 1
::^
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-
y Thousands of feet. '>
Fig. 0. — CiRKKNT and Potextiai. Uistribition in 1'xixsfi.ATED
Retirx.
Curve 1, total current ; curve 2. actual current in rail ; curve 3. volts drop.
potential at any point can be represented by a straight line, the value
varying with the distance from the negative feed point.
With a perfectly distributed load the curve of rail potential would
be a parabola, and the neutral point would be fixed in jiosition at a
distance from the negative feed point equal to 0-42 times the length
of the section. In practice, however, owing to unequal loading, the
neutral point travels in an erratic manner over a considerable length
of track, so that there is again a certain range within which the rails
and pipes are alternately positive and negative to each other, and
there is also a range within which the pipes are continuously positive
with respect to the track that is a permanent danger zone.
Fig. 9 shows the current actually flowing in the rails of a double
track, with a cuiTcnt of 300 amperes entering at a distance of 9,000 ft.
from the negative feed i)oint. The ilistribution of the vagabond
current is shown in Fig. 10. the values being given per foot run of
S74
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 19, 1909.
double track, equivalent to 2-3 sq. ft. of rail base pressing on the con-
crete, and about 6 sq. ft. of flange, &c., against the pavement. Such
heavy leakage currents are not a normal occurrence in Manchester,
but on many other tramway systems the rail drop exceeds .5-4 volts.
and the leakage currents nuist be extremely heavy.
Fig. 11 gives the rt-latioiisliiji between rail drop and vagabond
current, and Fig. 12 slious tlie effect of length of section. Claude*
found 12 to 15 per cent, of the total current to be vagabond on com-
plicated netw'orks. and 2.5 to 'M) \>^r cent, on long lines, whilst Par-
shall h found that on a line 8 miles long the vagabond cm'rent was as
high as 60 per cent, of the total. Neither Claude nor Parshall could
find any appreciable current flowing in the pipes, and a most careful
search of the i\T,iiirlir-(i r s\^liiii iifloids no evidence of such currents.
The potenti.il ^i.hIh ni^ -Imiwii r.ulin in this Paper indicate that,
af ter overoom ] i I ;.: tlir iisisi,iiiii> dur lo liunching, encountered within
3 ft. of the rails, the current lias liecome diffused over such a wide
Thowsands of feet
Fli:. 10. AcTr.iL LE.\K.1f;E CH.iRAtTERISTICS.
Curve 1, current; curve 2, resistance ; curve 3. volts.
area that practically no fm'ther resistance is opposed to its flow —
that is, a pijie situated over 3 ft. from the rails would carry little more
cm'rent than if made of earth, and the majority of pipes are at a
greater distance than this. Whatever current does, from any cause,
enter the pipe must do so with a very low density, and at a distance
from the point at which it leaves the rails, and must leave with a low
density at a distance from the negative feed point, owing to the
lower resistance of a long return path than of a short one.
This follows from considerations of the high specific resistance
of the soil, and only in case of soil possessing a very Irigh conducti\aty
is there any danger of corrosion of the pipe ; even in such a case, if the
rail ch-op is kept sufficiently low, the resistance of the pipe itself wfll
prevent the flow of a heavy current. If the pipe be connected to the
rail, it acts as a large earth plate, as is .shown by Fig. 8. and a heavier
current flows along it. By making a temporary connection between
pipe and rail at the negative feed point, we have measured a current
of 1-5 am))eres flowing in the )iipe. whereas no current could be
measured before making the connection. This may ajqiear to he a
60
u>50
y
y
/
/
/
/
<
/
y'
/
Thoustinds of feet
Fig. 11. — REI..4TI0X between
PER CEXT. LEAIC.WiE CuKREXT AND
Lexgth of .Sectiox.
OI25456769
Rail drop -Voles
Pig. 12. — Rei..vtiox betweex
R-4LL Drop .4ND LE.u<.iGE Currexts.
■sm'H GivEx Lexgth of Sectiox.
low value, but the total vagabond current of the section A\as only
7 amperes, so that it represents 21 per cent, of the total. On longer
sections a much heavier cm-rent would be obtained.
Ehdrohjtic Surveys. — It is .still the custom of many waterworks
engineers to judge the safety or danger of their pipe systems by the
potential by which tli.v :iiv |.,.sitive with respect to the rails in the
danger zone. This ;. nii,l, .,,Imii;. as the higher such potential, with
a given rail drop, XW ,~;il,.| ,,,.■ the pipes, whereas high potential is
accepted as a sign of danger.
Fig. 13 shows a case_in point. In order that no current may flow
iu the pipe it is essential that there should be no ch-op of potential
along the pipe— i.e., that e, = 0 (see Fig. 13). But ei -|- e., -|- e3= E :
therefore, for safety, we must have p, -t-e,= E. Further, if there is
* '■ L'Eclairage Electrique," July 28, 1900.
t " Journal " Institution of Elee. Eng., Paper reo
id A]iiil 2S. isys.
- Bo-
no drop along it. the pijie must be throughout at th.- pMiential oi
normal earth — i.e.. at the same potential as the neutral point 0.
Hence, the safety condition is that e, = CQ, and ?:;=£„, and these
are the maximum po.ssible values of e^ and es. It is impossible, there-
fore, to judge of the safety or danger of a pipe from a knowledge of
one P.D. only ; there must be tluee simultaneous readings, and in all
cases where there is doubt the values of E. e j and e^ should be mea-
siu-ed, with a constant current flowing, and comijared.
It must be noted here that these values can only be accurately
measured by means of a zero method, as the resistance of the earth
component of the path is not negligible in comparison -with that of
a low-range voltmeter. In this connection the capillary electro-
meter is very useful as a zero indicator.
Pkotection from Electrolysis.
Although the conductivity of the soil appears to be wholly electro-
lytic, and it is certain that on numerous tramway systems heavy
currents are leaving the rails to enter the earth, yet, as has been
shown, the risk of damage is very slight, and no extreme measures
are required for its prevention. The present 7 volt limit of rail di-op
imjjosed by the Board of Trade Tramway Regulations is the only
general precaution required, and for this regulation the Board of
Trade probably deserves the whole of the credit for immunity from
electrolysis in this country, but it is possible that several of the re-
maining regulations of this body might, with advantage, be amended.
Thus, Regulation 5 (a) provides that the uninsulated return shall be
connected to the negative pole of the generator. This rule is based
upon American practice. There is no advantage in having the rails
negative, whilst, on the other hand, if the matter were left to the
discretion of the engineer, he could, by making them either positive
or negative, as required, shift the danger zone if necessary to avoid
bad soil, so evading the only danger condition to be feared. Again,
Regulation 5 (a) requires the provision of two earth plates at each
negative feed point, and clause (h) limits the permissible resistance
between these plates to 2 ohms. The authors show that it might be
advisable to reconsider the limit of 2 ohms.
Finally, exception may be
taken to Regulation 0 (II.), t- 1 E J
which provides that no pipe
shall be positive to the rail by
more than 1 volt nor negative
t'j the rail by more than 3 volts.
As exjilained above, it is pre-
ferable that tiie sum of these
))otcntials should equal the rafl
drop, so that if the latter is
allowed to amount to 7 volts
the above limits are too low.
Despite the general safety of the lines, the utmost care shoifld lie
taken at the car sheds, as here damage from vagabond currents may
easily be incurred. The concrete is continuously wet, and any
damage to piping embedded in it woifld be very costly to repau-. In
order to safeguard tlie ])iping it is preferable that there should be a
negative feed point outside the shed, the section containing the shed
being made as short as possible.
Conclusions.
The general mass of the earth is at a uniform potential, and behaves
like an almost perfect conductor. This potential of normal earth can
be changed locally owing to the high specific resistance of the soil.
For practical purposes we have fixed the limiting distance at 3 ft.,
to which the influence of a track, having a drop of potential below
7 volts, extends. There is a much heavier current flo^ving in the
trollej' wires than in the rails, and it is this dift'erence which is re-
sponsible for magnetic tlisturbances experienced at a ibstance fi-om
the track. If the \agaliond ciurent flowed in the ground close to the
rails such disturbance would be at a minimum, and the fm-ther away
the ciu-rents flow the greater is the magnetising effect. Tlie length of
the section must, therefore, be limited in cases where it is of unusual
importance that the magnetic distiu-bance should be as small as
possible.
A consideration of Figs. 11 and 12 shows that for a given traffic
densit\- I 111- vimabiiml cuircnt i-< |irii|i(irtiiinal ^iliimst to the cube of the
leiiL'ili I.I HiTih.ii, Ml iliai OH ilii- w li.ilr It IS i\ nil 'lit that, in order to
rediin- I lie miiunctir clfrcts. this Iriigth miisl lie limited.
Summing up, then, it appears that : (1) In order to reduce danger of
corrosion to a minimum, it is necessary that tlie rail drop should be
limited ; (2) the limits generally impossed are still too high to afford
]iroteotion against magnetic disturbances, and so special regulations
fixing the maximum length of section ought to be imposed in impor-
tant cases.
In an appendix to the Paper the methods of measurement adopted
are described.
1^..
Fig. 13.
Electrolytic Slrvey.
THE ELECTRICIAN, .AlARCH 10, 1909.
S7-J
PROPERTIES OF MATTER.
On .Siitui'da\-. Felnuary 27, Prof. Sir Josepl; John Tliomson, F.R.S.,
opened a series of six Satui'day afternoon lectm-es on the " Properties
of Matter " at the Royal Institution. The experiments were in
charge of his assistant, Mr. Everett. In what follows we .aive an
abstract of the first three of these lectures.
In the first lectm-e Sir J, J. Thomson dealt with the structure of
matter. That matter was not continuous, but consisted of par-
ticles, separated, we now said, by .I'ther, had always been held,
wliile the opposite view had gained strength about 10 years ago, but
liad never exerci.sed any real influence on physics. The non-uni-
formity of matter was not easy to demonstrate rigidly. We had
been led to the atomic theory because matter could be compressed,
and could jienetrate into other matter. When a fine platinum tube
joined to a Riintgen-biiD) was heated in a gas flame, the gas penetrated
through the hot metal into the bulb and altered the character of the
discharge from grceiiisli fluorescence into a reddish shade (experi-
ment shown.) Si)dium could be sent through glass to ab.sorb the
residual oxygen nf tlie bulb. Other elements also escaped through
glass, and this was important for the investigation of the ]iroblem,*
whether any mass was lost during chemical reactions. Bcllati had
observed that hj'chogen penetrated even through cold iron The
ultimate particles of matter must be very small. Faraday's gold
film had a thickness of 1/10,000,000 in. The scent of musk was sup-
posed to remain in rooms for centuries, but we did not know how
many times those rooms were ventilated. Strut t had estimated
spectroscopically neon in 0-0.5 c.cm. of air, which contained onl_v one
part of Ne in 100,000 parts. Yet as there were 10 million million
molecules in 1/2.000,000 c.cm., that is, many more than ))eople on
the earth, .such means would never enable us to detect that the earth
was populated.
Homeopathy claimed virtues for the I2th dilution obtained in this
way: Take 1 L'i;iinnir I'f diUL' |hi' litir ni hmIit. pass 1 c.cm. of tills
solution int (I tin- -i-i -.11111 litir .il w iin . I (-.( m. .il t liis into the third litre,
&c. But tlieM-vcnthclihuion i-dulil imt jmssilils .-..nt ain more than I or
2 molecules of the drug. We thus came to the end of our ordinarj'
means of examination with unelectrified matter, while electrical
means allowed us to discern a single molecule. But we could watch
ordinary particles growing by accretion, e.g., when sodium hypo-
sulphite was treated with acid ; the bluish opalescence produced
slowly turned into a eloured turbiditv and precipitate of sulphur. A
drop of oi! eriuld lie spread nii wati-r to a film of almost inconceivable
thinness, 1/10.0((0,000 mm. When the water sm-face was roughly
di\-ided into two halves by strewing a diameter of sulpluu- across the
water, the oil was confined to the half into which the glass rod (pre-
viously dipped into oU) was immersed, and the higher surface ten-
sion of the clean ^ater then pulled the oil film over (towards the
clean water) and broke it. When the oU film was made thicker,
however, the effect failed (demonstrated).
Tliis demonstration gave an idea of the failiu:e of the continuity of
matter, which T\-as further shown with the aid of soap film ; just be-
fore breaking, a stretched soap film would look black, no longer
coloured. A more indirect, but more stringent., method had lieen
suggested by Cauehy. Light passing through glass appeared
coloured. There must, hence, be some structm'e in the glass to
differentiate the wave-lengtli. as every wave seemed to have a speed
limit. The exam|>Ii- \\as iii.~nfar unfortunate, as light rays, difl^ering
nnt only in wave Icn-jlh l.ui also in period, had a time structure.
What that meant « a,^ cxi-iiiphfied by a -ivTiggler. Laths of wood, all
of equal length, had been attached to a wu-e, at equal spaces, all at
their centres : the wire was .suspended from the ceiling. When the
loi\-est lath was rapidly wriggled to and fro, the other laths next to it
would move a little ; but only when the movement was made much
slower a wave was seen to travel up and down again setting all the
laths in oscillation. That showed that the propagation of an im-
pulse depended on a structure in time. Another experiment eluci-
dated this point. The broken filament of a glow lamp would oscillate,
when shaken, for a long time. When air was admitted into the bulb,
the oscillations stopped quickly, and for each bull) there was an
optimum evacuation in this respect ; the larger the vessel, tiie more
perfect the vacuum had to be, if the oscillations were to continue.
There must be some structiue in the gas ; else it could not find out
how- to behave in bulbs of different sizes.
.\s regards the range of molecular action, Rayleigh had drawn
attention to forgotten experiments of Thomas Young, made at the
Royal Institution a hundred years ago, -To pull a column of water
in two required a certain energy, p, to overcome the surface tension T
* In these experiments Landolt, of Berlin, finally came to the con-
fhision that the apparent small losses could be accounted for in the
ordiujiry way. '
(though water appeared to have no tensile strength): for when the
rod of water was split, we had two surfaces which had to be separated,
and the force p was acting tlu'ough the distance (/. so that pd=2T.
Young estimated the pull required at 20.1 100 atmospheres (10,000 -was
now thought to be correct) and thence it would foUo-w tliat molecules
would exert an influence on one another at a distance of l/2o0.000.000
in. (10~"cm. we now believed). The " ten.sile strength " of liquid
was exemplified by Rayleigh's mercury column of 4.5 cm., completely
filling the closed limb of a barometer tube of this height, and by
repeating Berthelot's experiment. A sealed glass tube was almost
filled witii alcohol. On heating the lube the alecjhol expanded, and
filled the tulje completel)' : when the tulie cooled again, the alcohol
particles clung to one another and to tlie gla.ss. until the alcohol gave
way with a snap, which miglit break the glass : il had done so with
another tube, which Sir Jo.seph exhibited.
In the second lecture Sir J. .1. Thomson pointed out that the range
of molecular attraction could be deduced in various waj-s, all
yielding about the figure stated. fi.jr., from light-reflection tests; very
thinly silvered glass reflected like glass, thicker coatings reflected like
silver. But these experiments allowed no conclusions yet as to the
size of the molecules. According to Boscovich (of Ragusa, 1711-
1787), molecules were indeed mere centres of force. In the kinetic
theory of gases the .size of molecules had a definite meaning. The
average speed of the hydrogen particles at 0°C. was 1-7 X 10-''cm./.sec..
that of air particles 4.3,000 cm. But the particles never travelled
with anything like that velocity through greater distances, a.s-
they constantly collided with one another and moved in
zig-zag; there were 4.3 x 10'-' collisions/sec. From diffusion
experiments we knew that the ac^tiuil translational velocity of
hydrogi^n was only 6-5 mm. /sec. That difl'usion depended upon the
molecule finding its way through the interstices between the mole-
cides of the other substance, and various experiments on diffusion
and liquefaction of gases and optical tests yielded approximately the
same values for the mean radii of the molecules of ga.ses. which,
multiplied by 10* cm., were: hydrogen 1-01. helium 0-9. water
vapour 1-69. mercury vajiour 1-49. oxygen 1-4. nitrosren 1-35. carbon
monoxide 1-4.3. <\arbon dioxide l-(i6. chlorine 2-05. ethyl chloride
2-37. the highest observed. (Considering the great differences in the
density of these substances, the differences in the radii of their
molecules were very small. In the Brownian movements we saw the
particles of colloids in constant oscillations, like the particles of a gas,
liattered by the molecules of the liquid. The so-called ultra-micro-
scope, which we used for such observat ions, did not show us the .shaj)e
of these particles. From experiments on the osmotic pressure of
colloids. Perrin, of Paris (applying Stokes' law. which, as Duclaux has
pointed out, is not directly applicable), had estimated the number and
size of these particles and found them to conform to the gas analogy.
We could hardly believe, the lecturer continued, that the 70 or 80-
elements of the chemists consisted of particles differing in material.
According to Helmholtz and Kelvin, matter consisted of a fluid
(the ajther) in motion, and various substances differed by their
modes of motion. That movement would profoundly change the
apparent properties of matter was demotistrated in various ways.
A loo.se chain hanging on a pulley opened out and became jierfectly
rigid when rapidly rotated with that pulley; a limi) disc of paper
became quite stiff. A gyroscope fixed to the end of a pivoted bar wa.s
balanced by a weight at the other end ; the bar could Ik? swung round
indifferently to the right and left, but when the flywheel tiu'ned to the
right the bar would only turn that way, not to the left. A suspended
ball-governor device liehaved like an elastic spring. Maxwell's
model of induced currents was also shown. Two horizontal shafts
(front and rear portions of one line) meeting near the middle of the
axis, ended there in bevel wheels which engaged with a third idle
bevel wheel : the latter bore two long-bighted rods at right angles
to one another. When the crank of the front shaft was turned, the
rear wheel first tiu-ned in the opposite du-eetion ; when the front
crank moved at uniform rate, the rear wheel stood still ; when the
front wheel slowed down, the rear wheel moved in the same direction.
According to the Helmholtz-Kelvin vortex theory, .-ether was in
rotary motion, which, if matter were to be indestructible and un-
creatable, must be permanent. The aether was supposed to be a
])erfect fluid which could only transmit a force at right angles to any
surface immcr.sed in it. A cylinder placed in the a-ther could not
be made to spin by it because the a?ther force would pass tlirough its
axis, and not set up a couple ; that cylinder coidd. therefore, only be
made to move or to stop if already in motion by other means. We
could not demonstrate these laws because we did not possess any
perfect fluid. - Bnt.some demonsti'ations were given for elucidation.
Some cubel) was burned in a large cubical box. the back of which
consisted of cloth ; in front was an opening, and smoke rings were
.sent out by tapping the back of the box. When the opening was
circular, perhaps 9 in. in diameters the smoke rings coming out kept
V7i\
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 10, 1909.
-very steady, and when one ring overtook another, they bounded off
as if they were elastic bodies. When the opening was oval, the rings
■did not keep steady ; each ring WTiggled in its plane and soon dis-
jjersed. Ink dropped into water .spread in more or less concentric
■rings, and sometimes a ring would split up into a number of rings
arranged in radial planes, similar to tlie smoke rings who.se particles
were seen to circulate al)0ut llic outline of the ring. This vortex
tlieoryof matter was the most fundamental ever proposed; but its
mathematicaldevelopmentwasbeyondourpower,when we attempted
to exjJain the action of matter on matter, and the theory thus re-
mained an ideal aim.
In the tliird lectm'e Prof. Thomson briefly referred to the elec-
trical theory of matter. The properties of matter were due to the
action of electrical forces, and matter was made up of collections
of positively and negatively charged particles. We had abundant
evidence of their existence. Negative particles were, e.g., given oft'
by hot substances (the blue kathode stream from hot lime was
shown) ; they were very small. 1/100.000 of the size of the hydro-
gen molecule, and they were the same in all elements. In certain
eases bodies sent out positively charged particles, always much
larger than the negative, but of various sizes ; they had recently,
at Cambridge, obtained evidence ( if jiositive jiarticles of half the usual
mass (unless the charge p be di lulile in this case, the exjieriments resting
on the determination of the <•/(«), Init even tlien the size would only
be 1/700 of that of the negative particles. In molecules and atoms
the number of positive and of negative particles must generally be
equal, as they were electrically neutral. The different properties of
the molecules were due to different structures, and their architecture
was a fascinating study.
These views had been put on a different footing by the discovery
of radio-activity. Previously we had, in our chemical and jihysical
experiments, practically been dealing with surface changes. But
radium dcA-eloped a million times the energy which oxygen displayed
in combining with hydi-ogen. and that energy must come from the
atom itself. Radium sent jut n particles (helium atoms) at one-
f 0-5 cwt J
0
■tenth the velocity of light. The bombardment of a ship by ■• Dread-
noughts" was child's play comp,ared to tliis bombardment by a
particles; each particle left 30.000 WTecks (shattered molecules of the
gas it passed through) behind it. We might expect the unstable radio-
active substances themselves to be broken up under tliat bombard-
ment, and yet in ordinary chemical reactions radium behaved like
any other element. Rutherford had determined the rate of decom-
position of the most concentrated radium compound, the solid radium
bromide, and then, by the .same reliable electrical method, the rate
of decompcsition of that salt when dissolved in water. In the latter
case the radium particles were separated and shielded by the water
molecules : yet in experiments continued for a month the rate of
decomposition -was the same in the two cases. The lectmer did not
feel hopeful as to our finding an explanation for these peculiarities.
Sir J. J. Thomson then jiassed to gravitation. Recent discoveries
of Xewtons manuscripts proved that several popular beliefs con-
nected with his great law were legendary. Newton was said not to
have published his discovery of 1666 before 1685, because his calcula-
tions of the action of gravity of the earth on the moon had been in-
correct within a few per cent., and Newton had been eulogised for
this remarkable disinclination to publish immature researches. The
real reason was that it took Newton all these years to solve the
mathematical difficulties involved in determining the most complex
forces acting upon a stone on the surface of the earth, while it was
easy to make the calculations for the moon so far away. As the
moon was almost exactly at a distance of 60 earth radii from us, the
moon fell (i.e., was deflected from its otherwise rectilinear orbit) per
minute as much as a stone on the earth per second — viz., 16 ft. A
hundred years after Newton. Cavendish had given the first demon-
sliation and determination of gi-avitation. Su' Joseph repeated that
experiment on a small scale. Within a T piece of glass tubing,
evacuated to a few millimetres of mercury, he had suspended by a
quartz fibre a glass rod 6 in. in length, to the ends of which two
pellets of shot were fixed. Opposite these pellets were mounted,
on a separate turntable, two iron weights of \ cwt. When the table
was turned so that the weights assumed the position indicated l)y
the full circles in the diagram, the two pellets were attracted, and
the mirror fi.xed to the quartz thread turned to the left ; when tlie
table was turned through 180 deg. the mirror movement was in the
opposite direction. Tlie demonstration was exceedingly difficult.
The quartz thread of one of Sir Joseph' s tubes had been broken on
the journey from Cambridge, and the real force that came into play
was only 1/100,000,000 of the mass of one of the pellets, a mere
microscopical speck. The air currents in the tube were hence much
more powerful, and the tube was therefore evacuated ; the pellets,
moreover, seemed to stick to the glass walls.
Sir Joseph then threw illustrations of the Cavendish apparatus on the
screen. Cavendish's rod, 6 ft. in length, had been suspended by a wue,
the jiellets were 2 in. in diameter, the weights 1 ft., and the observa-
tions made from outside the room by means of telescopes. Those
)jrecautions explained the extraordinary accuracy of Cavendish's
results. Vernon Boys, in his determinations, had first used quartz
tlu:eads for suspension ; his bar was only 1 in. long, the pellets were
balls of gold 0^2 in. in diameter, suspended, the one by a short, the
other by a long, thread just opposite the two weights, which were thus
at different levels. That was an advantage, as the attraction «as
more concentrated on the one pellet, the short length of the bar a
disadvantage ; yet Boys' experiments, made at Oxford on Sunday
nights when there was no shunting on the railway, were the most
concordant we possessed.
Poj-nting had used a real balance, not a torsion balance. He
placed one weight underneath one of the two masses balanced on
the scale, and observed the direct deflection of the pointer. The
weight rested on a turntable, on which he had to put a counterpoise,
because the arrangement tilted the earth surface otherwise. In this
case the vertical convection cm^rents from floor to ceiling were a gi'eat
trouble, and the experiments could only be made in certain seasons.
The result of all these determinations was that the gravitational
jiull between two masses of ni^ and m, grammes at distance rem. was
(66,57 w,?w.,/10"c'-) dynes.
(To he concluded.)
THE PROTECTION OF LOW PRESSURE CIRCUITS.
BY OISBERT KAPP.
Sumniari/. — The following is the description of a safety device fur In" ■
tension circuits. The apparatus can be adjusted to switch out autu.
niatically such circuits as soon as the potential of any j)art of tlie same
with respect to earth exceeds a certain predetermined value.
In cases where transformers are used, it is often required by the
regulations that a breakdown between the high and low-pressure
sides must either be prevented or made non-injurious. In spite of
the opinion of other engineers. Georges has proved experimentally
that this condition can be fulfilled by an excess-pressure .safety de\ice
consisting of a thin sheet of mica placed between two electrodes.
These electrodes become welded together even with quite small
currents, so that within a few seconds the low pressure line is eitlier
earthed or short-circuited, as the case may be. It has been found
that the device is made still more effective by inserting tinfoil between
the electrodes and the mica. Safety devices of this kind, however,
have two gieat weaknesses ; first, the minimum breakdown pres-
sure for which tliey can be adjusted (about 300 volts) is still some-
what high with regard to the safety of the public, and secondly, they
are so sensitive to atmospheric discharge that they cannot be used
for outdoor installations.
Owing to the importance of providing a suitable safety device for
low pressure networks, a prize was offered four years ago in Italy Iiy
the " Associazione degli Industraili ditalia per prevenire gli Infor-
tuni del Lavoro " for an apparatus which would prevent a per-
manent increase of potential, with respect to earth, in the con-
sumer's circuit. Although various solutions were submitted there
were none that could be regarded as successful ; consequently the
competition was again opened. This time there were 15 proposals
submitted (August, 1907), and of these tliree were accepted by the
adjudicators as suitable solutions of the problem. One of these
solutions was deemed so good that the competitor. Signer Arcioni. of
Milan, was awarded the Gold Medal of the Association and the prize
of £320.
Arcioni's solution is based on the sound principle that the safety
device must not be limited to the transformer alone, but it must
protect the whole network, where breakdowns are also possible.
The determining factor on which the action of the protecting device
* Abstracted from the " Elektrotechnische Zeitschrift."
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 19. 1909.
877
must be based Ls solely the potential of the conductor with respect
to earth. Tliis is the principle of Arcioni's solution. Among the
conditions of the competition it was required that the apparatus
must be insensitive to atmospheric electricity, and also must not
operate so long as the insulation remained good enough for prac-
tical purposes. This last condition is obviously necessary, for in
an installation where there are several hundred consumers, it is
impossible to maintain perfect insulation tliroughout. If, how-
ever, the insulation of the several phases is different, the neutral
point of the system will assume a different potential from that of
earth, and at least one phase will have a potential greater than the
normal, with respect to earth. In a single-phase system, when one
conductor is earthed, the potential of the other will rise to double
the normal value, whilst in a three-phase system, earthing one con-
ductor raises the potential of the other two to ^^3 times the normal
value. Now, if an absolute earth on the line be regarded as the
limit of admissible working, the safety device should operate success-
fully as soon as the potential between any conductor and earth
reaches some twice the normal value but not
before. It will now be seen how these condi-
tions are fulfilled in Arcioni's ajiparatus, which
we i)roceed to describe.
The apparatus submitted was intended for
tliree-phase circuits, and consisted of three
parallel alternating current magnets, sym-
metrically placed around an axis. One half of
each pole was wound with short-circuited coils,
so that the damping effect thus caused a torque
to be exerted on an aluminium disc in front of
the poles. To prevent the rotary field of the
three magnets acting, the inner portions of the
disc were cut away, thus leaving thi'ee broad
arms displaced at 120 deg. Consequently only the three alternating
fields act between the poles and the arms of the disc. The latter is
not allowed to revolve, but only move tlirough a small angle suffi-
cient to close a relay, when the sum of the three torques becomes
large enough to raise a counterweight. The exciting coUs of the
magnets are connected to the three conductors and connected in
star, the star point being then earthed. Hence, so long as the insu-
lation of all three conductors is the same and th?re is no breakdown
from the high jjressure side to low pressure, each magnet is excited
with 87 per cent, of the interlinked pressure. The counterweight is
adjusted so that it is not raised by the torque existing under these
conditions. Further, on account of their very high frequency, atmos-
pheric discharges have no effect. Now, at the normal frequency,
the torque exerted by each pole is proportional to the square of the
potential with respect to earth. Consequently, any displacement
of the neutral point means an increase in torque, so that by .suitably
adjusting the counterweight, the apparatus can be set to actuate
the relay as soon as any predetermined limit of pressure is exceeded.
The relay can be made to operate the main cutout or a short circuit-
ing device of some description, &c.
In Fig. I let A B C denote the three main conductors and O the
neutral point of the system when no fault is present. The inter-
linked pressure is denoted by e. We then have the torque
^ = K'(vJ3)V''
« licre k is a constant determined by the construction of the appara-
tus. Suppose now a high pressure gets on to the low-tension net-
work in some w-ay or other, and causes the neutral point to shift to
Oj, then the torque will be
D, = A-(rt2 + i-' + '-')
where a, h and c denote the new interlinked pressures. Obviously
D, is >D.
Consider now the limit when the apparatus is to come into opera-
tion— i.e., when the potential of conductor A, for example, becomes
double the earth potential. This corresponds to shifting the neutral
])o!nt to O.. In this ca.se
ie e e
and the torque w ill be
that is, just double the normal value. Tlie counterweight will now
be lifted and the conductor cut out of circuit.
Suppose one of the conductors becomes earthed — e.g., B — then
the point O moves over to B and the torque is
D„= ;,•(«•- -fe-)= /.■2c-.
In this Ciise, also, the torque attains twice its normal value, and
the relay is operated. If the instdation breakdown is incomplete
the torque will be less, and the safety device will not operate. When
desired, of course, it can also be set to operate at other pressures,
either above and below the above-mentioned limit, by merely ad-
justing the counterweight to correspond.
Experiments were made with this apparatus in the sub-station.
Porta Volta, in ililan. The interlinked pressure was 170 volts at
42 cycles, the normal potential of a wire above earth being thus
98 volts. The high-tension side of 3,700 volts was now placed in
contact with one of the low-tension conductors, and it was found that
the safety device never failed to operate as soon as the pressure
reached 174 volts, the current flowing from tlie neutral point to earth
being about 30 milli-amperes. Normally, the potential of the neutral
point with regard to earth was zero, and no current flowed. Tlie
apparatus, therefore, satisfied the condition, also, that it should
cause no telephonic disturbances.
LEEDS ELECTRICITY UNDERTAKING.
EXTENSIONS TO THE LIGHTING STATION FOR POWER SUPPLY PURPOSES.
{Concluded from page 843.)
The method adopted for connecting the generators to the
main board is shown in Fig. 11. This shows the couneetious
-of two generators and two feeder group switches ; also the
:synchronising arrangement and the connections for coupling
the new gear with the existing board, as well as the coupling
panel for the duplicate 'bus bars. The diagram is fully lettered,
so that it may be studied irrespective of the text. It will, in
fact, be found to show practically everything of interest in
connection with the gear. It will be seen that each generator
and each feeder group switch has one oil switch, and by the use
of selector switches one or other of the duplicate 'bus bars can
the exact length of the feeder 'bus bars. It will be observed
that the bars are again in duplicate, and that coupling switches
are fitted for both sets, these switches being at opposite ends
of the gear. The cables from the feeder group panels come into
the duplicate 'bus bars through isolating switches, which also
serve as selector switches for the different bars. The feeders
are supplied initially tlirough isolating plugs, and are protected
by maximum relays operating the trip coils of the main feeder
switch, which is of the hand-operated type. Fig. 13 shows
one of these switches in detail. Front and side views of a com-
plete feeder panel are shown in Fig. U. Fig. 15 gives a general
be connected to these panels. The main generators are pro- i view of the front of the motor-generator board for the battery
tected by reverse current relays of the weU-known Ferranti of 56 cells, which is used for the supply of direct cuirrent for the
tvpe, these being operated from current and potential trans- operation of the main solenoid switches and trip coils. The plant
formers, as shown fully on the diagram of connections. The ' controlled consists of two two-phase Ciiurton induction motors
position of the trip relays and trip coils is also shown clearly on ' direct coupled to 12 kw. direct current Siemens generators, and
the diagram. The feeder groups are protected with maximum i the diagram practically explains the arrangement of the gear,
relays. The diagram of connections in Fig. II.\ should also be I The motor-generator is .started up from the direct current side,
studied in connection with the diagram in Fit;. 12, which .shows and when up to speed the induction motor is thrown on to the
the 'bus bars which are fed from the group feeder panels on the ' alternating current mains. The direct current machine then
main board, and from which the feeders leaving the station j becomes a generator and charges the battery m the usual way.
-are supplied. This diagram is also fullv lettered, but the 'bus I With an extensive mains system, such as that at Leeds,
•bars are shown broken, as the diagram itself does not indicate the feeders being of various lengths, and some of them being
878
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 19, 1909.
(loavilv loaded in tlic daytime and lightly loaded during the
hours of maximum load on the station, an arrangement where-
by the pressure on individual feeders may be regulated as
required becomes necessary. A 50 kw. booster for this pur-
pose is shown in position in Fig. 14 below the automatic oil
switch, and arrangements have been made for instalhng similar
ones upon other feeders.
These boosters arc capable of varying the pressure between
the inner and outer conductors of the feeders by 6 per cent.,
such regulation being either an increased or decreased pressure,
and consist of two entirely separate transformers mounted
upon the same carriage, which runs upon rollers so as to be
easily removed and transferred to any feeder. Each phase is
reatQated quite independently in h per cent, steps, by means
of "the regulating switch noticed in front of the booster panel,
! thought desirable when arranging the new gear to allow for a
large increase of outgoing feeders, and the scheme as now for-
mulated allows for 240 single-phase feeders, the majority of
I which will go out as two-phase supply to two-phase sub-
stations. These are arranged in groups of 16 single-phase
feeders, each group being connected to the main 'bus bars
through one of the large oil switches. These groups are
divided up for ease of access into blocks. No. 1 block, which is
now installed, consisting of No. 1, 2 and .3 groups ; the remain-
ing blocks will each contain four groups. The 'bus bars of
each group in each block are interconnected through coupler
switches, so that, though ordinarily each group will be running
separately on its own main group feeder, yet in time of neces-
sity the 'bus bars can be coupled and so ease the load on any
particular section, or enable the main group feeder to be made
IT
44
T~T
m^
m'4 Wi\ til M k Id f I k 1 1 Wi w
Fig. 11. — DiAGKAM of Connections or Generator, Feeder Group Switches and Feeder Switches.
B C S. ' Bus Bar Coupling Switch. F G S. Feeder Group Switch. C S, Coupling Switch. S S, Selector Switch.
G S, Generator Switch. F S, Feeder Switch. C T, Cm rent Transformer. I P, Isolating Plug. G, Generator.
SO that the boosters can be used in connection with feeders for
either single or two-phase sub-stations. The secondary of the
Isooster is placed in the neutral wire between the sub-station
and the earthed neutral of the main switchboard. Lamps
are placed across the booster to indicate when it is alive, and
also voltmeters indicating the amount of boost. Switches
and links are provided to enable the supply to be maintained
in the event of a breakdown of the booster, and ventilation
is furnished by a fan, placed in the floor of the feeder
block, which draws from a conduit connected to all the
booster chambers, as will be seen in Fig. 14, by means of a
grid which can be opened or closed according to the quantity
of air required.
At the present moment there are in Leeds some 83 sub-
stations fed from the main generating station, and it has been
completely dead for repairs to the switches or the cable. ■
Wattmeters for measuring the outgoing units are placed in the
group feeder circuit and not in the individual feeder circuits,
these latter circuits being simply provided with ammeters and
overload trip coils.
The main 'bus bars are provided with ruby lamps and volt-
meters for indicating which particular bars are aUve, and the
feeder group 'bus bars are provided with ruby lamps also.
The test bars running behind the main 'bus bars are normally
covered up, but can be readily exposed at any point and
coupled by copper links to any particular generator which it is
required to test. A special testing panel provided with accu-
rately calibrated instruments is fixed on the control board and
is permanently in circuit with these bars.
The back of the main 'bus bar work is completely covered in
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH Hi, 1909.
879
880
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 19, 1909.
with uralite sheeting conveniently subdivided and fixed by
wing nuts, to enable any portion to be quickly exposed.
The control board, which is of the vertical pattern, really
consists of two tiers of panels, the upper panels relating to the
generators and main 'bus bar coupling switches, whilst the
with ammeters, indicating wattmeters, reverse relays and
switching gear. Automatic indicating lamps are also pro-
vided, a green light showing when a particular plant is not on
load, and a red light when the plant is running on load. The
group feeder panels are provided with ammeters, integrating
Fig. 12. — Diagram of Feeder 'Bus Bars, Feeder Gkoiip Switches and Feeder Switches.
A, Ammeter. B B. 'Bus Bar. C S, Coupling Switch. C T, Current Transformer. F S, Feeder Switch. I S. Isolating Switch.
I P, Isolating Plug. T C, Trip Coil, A.C. M R, Maximum Relay. P T, Potential Transformer. P T F, Poten tial Transformer Fuse.
lower ones refer to the group feeder switches. It will be noted
that each generator switch has a corresponding group feeder
switch of exactly the same type and capacity, and thus the
arrangement of the switchgear provides for an eventual equip-
ment of 15 generators. This is the amount of plant it is anti-
watt-hour meters and overload relays, and also switching
apparatus and indicating lamps. A swinging synchronising
panel equipped with two synchroscopes of the Westinghouse
pattern and two incoming and two running voltmeters is'also
fixed to the control board.
Fig. 13. — Hand Operated Oil Switches as used on all Feeders.
cipated can be placed on the present site of the works, when I The duplicate 'bus bars are capable of being coupled at one
the older plant is replaced by a more modern type, and it is the i end through coupling switches, and also a coupling switch is
intention to control the whole works from this one switchroom. provided for connecting to the older type of board in the same
In the case of the generators the control panels are fitted ' switchroom, The eventual design of the main 'bus bars provides
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 19, 1909.
881
for the duplicate bars being divided in the centre and capable
of coupling together by means of switches, andjalso the ends of
the bars can be coupled so that a complete ring can be formed ;
and break 20,000 kvv. per phase, whilst the generator and
group switches have to carry 1,200 amperes and break 5,000 kw.
per j)hase.
raOE« >»- CBOUP FSEOER »^ 6 FEEDSKS COUflER*
■»:3>
'Sh^ i -,'SlHLi]
VOLTMETEB!
INDUCTIOII TYPE
■-'--■ Uz
unun
POnitTIJL
TUISFOIMEiS
1 1. — Part Frost Elevatiox an'd Cross-sectios of
Feeder Switch Panel.
Power Supply.
Since the system has been changed over from single-phase
to two phase working very considerable extensions to the power
supply have been made. Practically the whole of the area of
or, on the other hand, the station may be worked in four | Leeds is given over to industrial operations of one kind or
sections. ; another, and for this reason the demand for power is not only
The pressure at Leeds being only 2,100 volts, the currents to , large, but the class of consumer is very varied. Ironworks and
be handled will be eventually very heavy, and consequently | engineering shops of every description abound iii the district,
? PHASE SUPPLY
2 PHASE SUPPLY
IKDUCTION MOTOR
Fig. l.j. — General View or Front OF Battekv and Motor-Generator Board and Diagram of Connections.
the gear has to be of a very substantial nature. The main
'bas bars have a section of 3 sq. in., the common neutral being
5 sq. ill., and all bars are well laminated. The 'bus bar
coupling switches are specified to regularly carry 4,000 amperes
and the electric motor is essentially suitable for the driving of
the machinery used in most of these establishments. It is in-
teresting to note that through the energy and zeal of the depart-
ment the number of consumers has been largely increased since
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 19, 1909.
tlie two-phase plant was put in. Since the'year 1902 the horse-
power of motors has increased from .500 h. p. to nearly 10,000 h. P.
at the time of writing. This is a very encouraging record, and
should lead to further important extensions of the power plant,
because in matters of this kind nothing succeeds like success,
and there is no better advertisement for electric power supply
than a satisfied consumer.
In Fig. 16 we show a mai) of the area which is at present em-
braced by the Leeds Corporation electricity undertaking, with
particulars of the mains and sub-stations. Through the cour-
tesy of the engineer and a number of the principal power con-
sumers of the department we were recently permitted to inspect
the sub-stations and motor installations. The majority of the
motor drives are on the group system, though there is a large
number of machine tools operated by individual motors. One
of the consumers has about 1,500 kw. of motors installed, with
a demand of about 6.50 kw. to 700 kw. The sizes of the motors
in this particular establishment range from 5 b.h.p. to 50 b.h.p.,
and are used for driving machine tools, cranes, cupola blowers,
&c. Another engineering firm has installed some 450 kw. of
motors and the average load is about 160 kw., the size of the
motors in this case ranging from 5 b.h.p. to 90 b.h.p. We
understand that this particular consumer is extending with
a further 30 kw. of motors. A large locomotive works
furnishes an average load of about 100 kw., the installa-
Fig. [6. — ^Map Showing Area of Supply in Leeds.
tion comprising 300 kw. of motors, which are used for
driving machine tools, cranes, air compressors, &c., and
varying in size from 10 b.h.p. to 20 b.h.p. An important
high-speed tool firm in the district takes about 100 kw.,
with 250 kw. of motors installed, the motors varying from
10 B.H.P. to 35 b.h.p. in output. A large iron and steel forge has
some 500 kw. of motors installed, which represent an average
load of 190 kw., the majority of these motors, which range in
size from 5 b.h.p. to 90 b.h.p., driving such special machinery
as ingot slicers, shears, and motor-generators for crane service.
An interesting installation is that of a 100 kw. welding set,
installed at the works of a tyre manufacturer, the maximum
demand of this being 100 kw. Two works in the district make
a demand of 60 h.p. from an installation of 180 h.p. and 70 h.p.
from some li2 h.p. installed respectively.
The supply to all consumers is two phase at 200 volts (in a
few exceptional cases a supply being given at 400 volts) , and
where direct current is required a motor-generator is usually
installed.
We are indebted to Mr. H. Dickinson, the city electrical
engineer, Mr. N. Mathias, assistant engineer, Mr. N. C.
HefEord and Mr. E. Owen, for the trouble they have taken in
assisting us to prepare the above description, and for supply-
ing us with the necessary photographs and drawings.
ELECTRIC TBACTION ON RAILWAYS.*
XIII.— METHODS OF SPEED CONTROL.
BY PHILIP DAWSON.
(Continned from paije SSG.)
Siiininiii-i/.—ln this article the author describes the three tj'pes of
multiple unit control — viz., the electromagnetic shunt system, the
electro-pneumatic system, and the electromagnetic sj'stem developed
by Messrs. Dick, Ken- & Co., in which the return current from the
niotors operates the contactors. Car wiring is next discussed, and.
finally, the .safeguards and methods of install.ation reipiired in con-
nection with the use of high-tension ajiparatus.
The second method of multiple unit control adopted is
that introduced by the Westinghouse Company and gener-
ally known under the name of the electro-pneumatic. The
two best known of these types are the electro-pneumatic
drum type and what is generally known as tlie turret type.
The currents operated by the master controller in either of
these cases are supplied from a 14 volt storage battery. A
good example of the drum type is to be found on the Mersey
Railway. In this, as in all multiple-unit control, the cable
carrying the control wires extends the whole length of the
traiii. In this svstem a controller is installed either under,
\
\
\
So ! 1 ' 1 1
\-?00 Amp. Continuously |
A
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\
N
s
\
\
\
N
ir-30
) An
p. Co
itinu
insl;
'■X
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611 iml 1511 2IIU 250 3l»l 3511 40-1 460
Poumh pressure on contact.
Fi(j. 0.— Te-MPERAtcre Test on Westinghocse P.\ei'm.\tu- T-MT
Switch.
or .somewhere ii), the car to deal with all the current passing
through the motors in the same way that a tramway con-
troller would. This controller is actuated by a compressed
air motor which revolves the controller cylinder in one or
other direction as may be desired. This pneumatic motor
in its turn is controlled and operated by means of electro-
pneumatic valves, which, in their turn are controlled from
anv platform by means of what is called a multiple control
socket.
An alternative of this system is one which is known under
the name of the Westinghouse pneumatic turret control.
In this case a series of contactors take the place of the
barrel controller. These are placed round the periphery
of a circle and are operated by pistons worked by means of
compressed air and controlled by electro-pneumatic
switches from any car fitted with a master controller, the
current for operating these being also provided by a 17 volt
battery^
* Copyright. All rights of reproduction reserved.
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 19, 1909.
883
In the most recent form adopted by the Westinghouse I grids at points to give the necessary resistance for starting
Company a number of electro-pneumatically operated I the motors uniformly. The grids are cast, and a high "grade
switches are mounted on a cast-iron frame, and the a.ssembiy of non-absorbent insulation, such as mica, is used for in-
is known as a switch group. The unit switches in the group
make tlie proper combinations of motors and resistances
The unit switches are operated piieumaticallv. the aii
valves being controlled from a 14 volt control circuit.
Each unit switch closes contacts in the control circuit foi
Fiu. 7. — Westi.vghoi-se Grid Resistances, twisteb to show
Tl-EXIBILITY.
the unit switch, which should be closed next, and if the
control circuit were not interrupted at other points {see
limit switch) the unit switches would be closed in succes-
sion quickly after the first unit switch is closed.
A normal working air
pressure of 70 lb. per
square inch is recom-
mended, which, with the
large piston, gives a high
contact pres.sure. The
value of this high-contact
piessure is shown bv the
curve. Fig. 6, which was
obtained from an actual
test. It will be seen
that the temperature rise
decreases with the in-
creased contact pressure,
the rise in temperature
being nearly in inverse
ratio to the pressure.
This pressure is main-
tained by the air pressure
of the air supply line, and
is independent of fluctua-
tions in line voltage.
Fig. 7 illustrates the
main resistance, which,
as is shown, consists of
a number of grid-type
frames, each frame being
composed of a number of grids. The grids are cast singly.
Any number of grids are assembled on tie bolts between
iron end pieces, and terminals are clamped between the
Fki. 8. — Contactor for .Alternating Cckrknts.
(l-lriti>h Tlionison-Hc)iist«n Co.)
sulating the grids from the tie bolts. The rever.ser inter-
changes the armature leads of the motors with respect to
the field, and thereby reverses the dii'cction of rotation. It
is operated electro-pneumatically by moving the master
1.— FI.OUK ..1 l...M„iN
VrSIPE DOWN, WITH
l'.l;l..ll I..N \ Si. I IH (.i\-l KaH.WAV .MllTOK CoACH TIRNEIJ
ALL Cabling in and cu\ered cr with Steel Casing.
controller handle to the left or right when connection is
made for backward or forward rotation, the reverser being
operated in one direction or the other as the master controller
884
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 19, 1909.
handle is moved from the off j^osition. Interlock contacts
on the reverser make connections in the control circuit,
so that the unit switches can be operated when the reverser
is on the forward or reverse positions only. A lever ex-
tending outside the cover is provided for throwing the drum
by hand on failure of operating mechanism.
The master controller operated by the motorman is one
of the smallest pai'ts of the ec[uipment. The motorman
must keep his hand on the handle and hold it, or the con-
troller handle is returned to the off position by a spring, and
the car will come to a stop. There are three positions of the
controller handle for forward operation and three for reverse
connected in series, giving approximately 14 volts for the
control circuit. There are two sets of batteries used, one
being charged while the other is used for control operation.
The storage battery is charged from the main line, con-
nected in series with the auxiliary equipment, such as lights
and air compressor motor. A properly designed adjustable
resistance is used to shunt the proper charging current to the
battery. It is made of resistance wire wound on a ven-
tilated form and well in.sulated fiom the support.
A relay lies in the charging circuit con.sisting of an elec-
tromagnet, the winding of which is connected in series with
the auxiliary apparatus. The plunger is provided with a
disc which closes contacts to connect the battery in the
charging circuit. The only ojjeration which is required to
charge a battery is to close the charging switch, and the relay
prevents discharge through the resistance whenever the
riicuit is broken, which would otherwise occur, particularly
when fliaiu(> is made in series with the pump motor.
Fiu. 10.— Floor or London, Brighton & South Coast Railway JIutor Fig. 11.— View showing Floor of London, Brighton & SoriH
Coach turned upside down, with all Cabling in position before Coast Railway Motor Coach turned upside down and without
covering in. Wiring, covered with sheet aluminium.
operation. The first point is called the switching point.
When in this position the motors are in series with all re-
sistance in circuit. This point is not marked by a notch,
but can be used when desired. The second point, or the
first distinct notch on the master controller, is the full
series position. The cars may be operated at half speed
continuously with the controller at this position. The
third point is full on with all the motors in multiple. To
start the cars the master controller handle is turned to the
third point, and the motors accelerate smoothly, without jar
or jolt, to their maximum speed. To stop it, it is only
necessary to let go of the controller handle, and it is returned
to off position by a spruig. This spring acts as a safety
device in case of accident to the motorman.
In order to supply current to the control circuit snaall
storage batteries are installed on each car. Seven cells are
It need hardly be mentioned that the electro-pneumatic
control is applicable in exactly the same way hi connection
with the operation of single-phase motors, and is so em-
ployed by the Westinghouse Company.
Where alternating electromagnetic contactors are used
special care has to be taken in their design in order to render
them noiseless, to prevent them chattering and in order to
get a fairly constant pull. One method of obtaining satis-
factory operation of these contactors is by winding them, not
only with a coil through which the main controller current
runs, but also to wind them with a second windmg through
which a cm rent, out of phase with the principal control
current, is sent. This can quite easily and simply be done,
and it is such an arrangement which the Allgemeine Elek-
tricitiits Gesellschaft have carried out for the electric trams
for the London, Brighton & South Coast Railway. Fig. 8
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 19, 1909.
885
represents a contactor as described for single-pliase current
bv the Britisli Thomson-Houston Co.
The contactors are usually placed in asbestos-lined tin
boxes under the side frames of the motor coach, a down-
ward swinging door allowing easy access to them from the
level of the permanent way for inspection and renewal of
repairs. In the case of tube railway's or where space can
be spared, as in the ca.se of electric locomotives, the whole
switchgear, including contactors, are placed in the driver's
cab. This, of course, greatly facilitates maintenance and
in.spection. In the tubes this cannot ea.sily be done as the
headroom is .so small that it is u.sual to make the motor
bogies with larger wheel diameter, which usually prevents
this portion of the coach being made available for passenger
accommodation ; and in locomotives the cab space is so
large as to be amplv sufficient for the installation of all the
nece.ssary apparatus.
A few words will now be said in connection with the
wiring of cars. Too great care cannot be taken in this
direction, and no through power cables which require to be
coupled bv couplers from carriage to carriage must be
tolerated where the.se can possibly be avoided. In the
case of continuous current all wires .should be run in screwed
iron tubing, the outer of which must be carefully and fre-
quently earthed to the truck frame. Care should be taken
to prevent the chance of any water getting into or lodging
in the cable ducts. The car cables with the low current
control wires and the power wires should end up in proper
terminal wires. The cables connecting with the armature
and field should from their point of departure at the motor
winding be covered with a leather pipe stitched over the
cable to protect it mechanically and to prevent damage
being done to the cable from oil or grease which may very
likely be thrown into it. These cables should also ter-
minate in proper terminal boxes where they are connected
to the cables leading to the contactors and reverser and
from these through two fuses to the two collecting shoes.
Where single-pha.se currents are used the cables cannot be
drawn through iron piping because of the losses which
would chance owing to the Foucault currents, hysteresis,
&c. They are therefore either drawn through brass piping
or, perhaps better still, the wires operating the contactors
are as far as po.ssible formed into single multiple core cables
which are cleated to the floor of the car, which must neces-
sarily be as far as possible fireproof, and then covered over
with removable steel casing fixed over the cables and
screwed to the car floor. This is the arrangement which
has been adopted in the case of the cars for the London,
Biighton & South Coast Railway, and the illustrations.
Figs. 9 , 10 and 11, clearly show the layout of the cables
when cleated to the floor before and after the protection
sheet iron casing has been applied. In looking at these illus-
trations it must be borne in mind that they represent the
car floors reversed, the wiring in this case having been put
down in the reversed car floor before the bodies were built.
This is by far the easiest and neatest way of wiring if this
method of protection is adopted, and where new rolling
stock has to be built it does not present any serious objec-
tions, provided the arrangements are made for this method
to be adopted when the carriages are placed on order.
Proper clearances mu.st, of course, in this, as in any other
system, be provided between the car floor and the various
members of the underframe, and if this is done there is no
difficulty experienced in removing or replacing the cables
once the car is completed.
[To be continued.)
PEDUCING THE COST OF POWER IN WORKS AND
FACTORIES.*
BY J. .v. JECKELL.
It will be generally admitted that in any manufaeturinf; works
one of tlie fir.st things to be accomplished by a manager who wishes
to be considered up-to-date is to reduce the standing charges. In
times when trade is not so good, and therefore the output less, the
standing charges become a much greater percentage of the cost of
manufacture unless there are means of reducing them. Times of
poor trade at any rate serve this useful purpose, viz., that they
cause manufacturers to look round and see how their standing
charges may be reduced. This also has a beneficial effect when
trade is again good, because the economies which have been effected,
due to small output, are likely to effect a much greater total saving
when the works are fully employed. It will readily be seen how very
important it is to consider carefully the standing charges and see
how they can be made flexible and so possible of reduction in times
of small demand. This is desirable in any country, but very much
more so in a country like ours, where there is practically no import
duty on manufactured articles. Manufacturers in other countries
have frequently informed me that when there is not a demand in
their own country sufficient to fill their works with orders, they
could not get on without the British market, the sale in which helj)
to reduce the standing charges in their own works debitable against
each article.
The author proposes to deal with the wasteful way in which, in
many cases, power to drive factories is made and used. When we
notice from the Board of Trade returns for the j)laces which are
doing nothing else than manufacturing power, that there is such an
enormous diilerence in tlie cost of raanufactining. a difference which
•cannot be accounted for by merely the output, load-factor or diile-
rence in the price of coal, and whcn'we remember that this genera-
tion of power is not a circumstance incidental to the manufacture
of other things, as is very frequently the case in works, but is the
main object of these power stations, it is the more surprising that
there should be this great difference in the cost of manufacture.
Moreover, the managers of these stations have at llieir command
the accounts of all other stations ; so it is certain that the cost in
each station is receiving the greatest possible attention. If there is
this very large difference in the cost of nuiking power, when this is
in the hands of experts, it naturally follows that there is bound to
be a much greater difference in the cost of the manufacture of power
when this is only incidental to other manufactures, in places \yhere
from the natun i.f ilic < isc the manager cannot be as well acquainted
with this incid. iii,il I.hmihss as he is with the making of the articles
which his \vink< an laid nut to manufacture.
We have, as wc well know, various methods at our command to
manufacture power. It is impossible to lay down any hard and fast
lines as to which system is best suited for a particular case, unless
all the circumstances are carefully considered, and it is no easy
matter to give really con.scicntious advice on this subject.
Many of the larger firms have adopted up-to-date methods, but
there are a very largo number of smaller firms whose power must be
costing them a very great deal too much. -Most of these, who are
unable to purcha.se electricity at a reasonable price, will proliably be
chiving their works with an old-fashioned steam engine.
The first thing to consider is the coal. Its calorific value may be
a poor indication of the value of the coal to raise steam in the |)ar-
ticular boilers in which it is to be burned, and I have known coal at
3s. 6d. a ton evaporate as much water as coal at 10s. 6d. a ton. A
test for a week or a month is the only satisfactory way of ascertain-
ing this.
The next question is the water for the boilers. Most of the.se old
plants are jet-condensing. This, of course, means that fresh water
has to be put into the boilers, and. if this water is hard, scale forms.
In very many cases a large amount of money would be saved if only
a good water softening plant were put down.
With water-tube boilers absolutely pure water free from oil and
hardness is a necessity if the' boilers are to be worked to the best
advantage. A great disadvantage of jet condensing is that leaks
are not easily discovered, whereas in the case of surface condensing
there is no difficulty in measuring the make up feed ; if this in-
creases or diminishes, an investigation is needful. On the other
hand, in the case of surface condensing, every care will be necessary
to take all the oil out of the water before returning it to the boilers.
It is most' advisable, "especially if the boilers arc being at all forced,
to deal with the oil by chemical means rather than by mechanical
* Abstract of a Paper read before the Birmingham and District
Electric Club.
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 19, 1909.
methods as the very best of these latter are very hable not to give
entire satisfaction.
Should an economiser be in use a very simple method will prevent
a great deal of this oil reaching the boilers. At a convenient place
in the feed pipe, fix with valves a pipe leading to the atmosphere.
On an " off '" day heat the economiser. start the feed pumps and
open the valve to the atmosphere. The result is that the water
boils furiously in the economiser. clearing out the grease, which lias
collected on the top boxes, and the rush of water and steam tlirough
to the atmosphere clears out the grease collected in the feed pipes.
The next question is the boilers and the method of stoking. It
may or may not be desirable to instal new boilers, but it may very
likely be desirable to put in good mechanical stokers if the boilers
are being hand fired. The type of stoker to be adopted must depend
upon local conditions and the class of fuel available, but careful
attention must be paid to the flues, to see that if the direction of the
gases has to be altered the space is increased and all corners as far
as possible done away with.
With regard to economisers a word of warning may not be out of
place. The economiser maker will very likely say that if an econo-
miser is installed the draught in the chimney will not be decreased
becau.se the area through the economiser for the ga.ses is as large as
in the flue. But allowance is rarely made for the chains and
scrapers, and these must, of necessity, cause obstruction to the passage
of the gases. Again, the temperature of the gases entering the
chimney is lowered, also causing a diminution in the draught.
The loss due to leaky and badly covered steam pipes is frequently
not appreciated. It is nearly always independent of the output of
the works, and 30 per cent, of the cost of coal may be easily caused
by this.
Another matter that often requires investigation is the drains,
whjch are often leaky.
Now as to the engines. These have to be carefully tested, and
although they may be economical, the auxiliary ones may be the
very reverse. It is not generally known what an enormous amount
of steam per horse-power-hour a feed pump will take. It may pay
to drive one part of the works by electric motors supplied with
current from the town mains, and to drive the rest of the works with
a non-condensing steam engine, the exhaust steam being used in
winter t^i heat the shops and in summer to heat the feed water to the
boilers by means of a feed water heater. This is only one of the
many combinations, which are of course innumerable, and require
working out for each case.
It is unnecessary to say anytliing about the great saving that can
be effected by a judicious arrangement of .shafting, as this is one of
the greatest points in favour of installing electric motors and well
known to us all. I would sul'.l'c^i ■ hn\M\ir. that a very considera-
ble saving may be effected. espci.iallN i?i i imcs of slack trade or over-
time, by arranging to couple up fnuiilcr slialls. which in the ordinary
working are di'iven by different motors, su that at times when only a
few machines are at work, one motor may be used instead of several.
Friction is to a great extent a constant item, and anything which
will enable this to be reduced is worthy of consideration, either in
the direction of ball or roller bearings and a more efficient method of
lubrication.
Whether steam, gas, oil or electric plant be used or current pur-
chased, it is extremely desirable that manufacturers keep a correct
jirime cost of what their power is costing, this, of course, to include
all capital charges. Probably not 10 per cent, of the manufac-
tm'ers in the British Isles have a really good system of prime costing
for the power they are using, \\ith the exception of the various
textile mills.
Those acquainted with the exact nu-thods in vogue in Germany
express very great surprise that so many manufacturers here do not
take much trouble to ascertain correctly «liat their power is costing.
There is no doubt that millions of pounds per annum are wasted by
the want of attention to this matter.
ELECTRIC RADIATORS.
Evidence of the considerable attention being j)aid to tlie subject
of electric heating is furnished by the number of electric radiators of
new design, recently placed on the market, and next autumn is likely
to witness great developments in the adoption of this clean and
healthy system of heating.
The C4eneral Electric Co. have just jilaccd on the market two
patterns of radiator which are deserving of more than passing atten-
tion. The first of these, which is illustrated in Fig. 1. is of the popular
lamp type. It differs from the usual type, however, insomuch as the
lamps are fixed horizontally, and the poles are at opposite ends of the
bulbs. This is a great improvement since short circuits, both in the
holder and in the filament, are rendered extremely unlikely ; also, the
filaments are supported in the centre, and are able to stand a con-
siderable amount of vibration without likelihood of short circuits.
This design of lamp has enabled filaments of the " zig-zag " pattern
to be employed, which have given very good results in glow lamps for
lighting inu-poses. and only possess the disadvantage of being more
expensive in manufacture. Their mechanical advantages, however,
when fitted in a liulb of the type shown witli a terminal at each end,
should render them very efficient, and we can testify as to the
Fio. 1. — New Type ok Lamp Radiator. (General Electric Co.)
exce]iticin.illy |)leasing appearance of the lamps when in use. It will
lie noticed tluit clip contacts are employed for conveying the current
to tile lamps. Iuh
The other type of radiator to which we should like to draw attention
is shown in Fig. 2, and is of distinctly novel character. An objection
which is occasionally raised against lamp radiators of the usual
pattern is that the heating of the room in which they are placed is
liable to be uneven, due to the heat rays being sent out in one particu-
lar direction. It will be seen that the ty]ic of radiator shown in Fig. 2
entirely does away with this dbjectiim. and the reflector causes the
radiation to be well distributed, whilst the appearance of the radiator
leaves nothing tt) be desired. In order that the direction of the heat
-New Pattern of Ei.EiTKir Radiator.
(General Electric Co.)
may be to some extent controlled the reflector and lamps are arranged
to rotate about a horizontal axis, a winged nut noticeable in Fig. 2
serving to clamp the reflector in any desired position. The eight
lamps fitted in this radiator consume 800 watts, and they are con-
trolled by two switches.
As will be remembered. \\'e described, seme few months ago, the
conveetor pattern of radiator w hich had been jilaced on the market by
the General Electric Co.. so that it will be seen the patrons of this
firm have now an excellent variety of apparatus to choose from, as
regards electric radiators and convectors.
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 19, 1909.
887
THE ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION OF POWER FOR
MAIN MARINE PROPULSION.
On Mouilay evening last Mr. W. P. Durtnall replied to the
discussion in connection with his Paper on the above subject.
This Paper was read before the Institute of Marine Engineers
last July, an abstract appearing in our issue of July 31, 1908 ;
whilst the discussion took place at meetings in November and
January last. Mr. W. P. Durtnall's system, known a.s the
"Paragon" system, of electrical power transmission and speeil
regulation, including reversing, Ac, for main marine propul-
sion is illustrated in the accompanying diagrams.
The turbine (nr ga.s engine) -shaft A is slujwn driving a tliree-j>hase
alternator, B being the rotating iiekl magnet and C tlie stator. An
e.xeiter. E, supplies continuous current to the rotor B by means of the
shp-rings D, and a switch, F, is ])rovided for short-circuiting the exciter
for making the system " dead." In the first diagram the current is taken
to the motor coupled to the propeller shaft J : this motor is of the
scpiirrel-eage type. K being the short-circuited rotor and L the stator.
This gives a low .speed for the propeller shaft. For intermediate and top
speed, whilst the e.xeiter field is short-circuited the connections are changed,
as shown in the second and third diagrams. In these the current is seen to
be taken through a rotary transformer, the primary of which is indicated
by H and secondary by I, the primary being connected to the turbine
shaft A. By altering the connections so that the magnetic flux in I
revolves with or against the rotor, current of two frequencies can be sup-
jilied to the stator of the squinel-cage motor, thus giving the intermediate
and top speeds of the propeller shaft.
SOCNIIOIKIUS SPUHS
ISIKC
^
5SC5J
iL,
tn
D
I"i s. 1, 2 and 3.— The • rAr..\coN ' Svsir.v ioj: Main JIaium;
Pkupilsion.
In this way three speeds are obtainable from the s(|uirrcl.c:igc ninlur
t nujilcd to the propeller shaft. By merely altering the connections from
the three-phase generator BC, the direction uf rotation of the motor can,
of course, be easily reversed, whilst for startmg up or revolving the pro-
|icl!er at very low speeds the stator C of tlie generator is allowed to rc-
vclve in bearings. If allowed to revolve freely, it will, of course, attain
liractically the same speed as the rotor, but if braked it will then supply
current of very low frequency to the squirrel-cage motor, which latter
will run at corres])r)ndingly low speeds. In this way any speed desired
can he obtained at the propeller shaft, and it is important to notice
that at whatever speed the latter rotates the turbines are always running
at their maximum, and. therefore, most economical speed.
ilr. DuRTSAi.L, before replying to the individual criticisms raised
during the course of the discussion, briefly described the above system,
for which he claimed the following .idvantages : (1) Either steam tur-
bines, suction or pressure gas engines, Diesel or other oil engines may be
satisfactorily applied for the purpose of economical marine transporta-
tion, the prime movers always running in the same direction, whether
tjie vessel is going ahead or astern. (2) Increased vessel speed for the
.^ame boiler power, due to the better utilisation of the steam, producing,
more power, and by reason of the slow propeller speeds and the absence
of cavitation (ineffectiveness of tlie atmospheric pressuiv tu press up the
water at the back of tlie propeller blades at high speed), therefore produc-
ing more thrust per horse-power given to the propeller shaft. (3) Or the
same vessel speed niay be attained with reduced boiler power as above,
together with consider.ililv i.dn.r.l ,..,] ri>nsuniption. (4) Absence of
vibration, giving greatci - '.ml ii i i.. |i i- ■ n^/fis, partly due to the absence.
of racing of the propellii - ini.l.i \\r.,\ \ piv king or rolling conditions, and"
constant torque given by the ele-trn- motor or motors. (5) Increased
cabin or cargo accommodation, due to the smaller machinery and absence'
of shaft tunnels, &c. (6) Better trim can be given to vessels, tending to
lightening of the hull structure (if necessary), owing to the easy disposal
of the machinery, as. for instance, the turbo-alternators m.ay be placed
in front of the boilers or " aft " over the electric motors as may be de-
sired, and to suit the ever- varying conditions met with on various classes'
of vessels, the high-speed turbo-alternators may be situated close down'
to the bottom of the ship. (7) Less up-keep in machinery and smaller
engine-room .and stokehold staff rt'ouircd.
ELECTRIC LIGHTING ACTS (AMENDMENT) BILL.
The following is the text of the Electric Lighting Acts
(Amendment) Bill, which was introduced on the 11th inst.
by the Lord Hamilton of Dalzell into the House of Lords : —
1. Compulsory Acquisition of ImmI for Generating t'^tations. — (1) The
Board of Trade may by provisional order authorise any local authority,
company or person, who are authorised by the same or any previous
Provieional I )rder or by Act of Parliament to supply electricity in any
area, to acquire compulsorily, or to use, for the purpose of a generating
station any land specified in the Order, whether situated within or with-
out the area of supply, and in the case of a local authority, whether situated
within or without their district.
(2) For the purpose of the acquisition of land authorised to be taken
compulsorily under any such Provisional Order, the provisions of the
Lands (.'lauses Acts which relate to the purchase and taking of nds
otherwise than by agreement, and to the entry upcn lands by the pi om°ters
of the undertaking, are, ,-iubject to the modifications seti>ut in the Schedule
to this Act, incorporateil with the Electric Lighting Acts, as well as the
provisions of tho3e Acts already so incorporated by the Electric Lighting
Act, 1882.
(3) Rules made by the Board of Trade under sec. 5 of the Electric
Lighting Art, 1882, shall provide for proptr notice being given of an
application for a Provisional Order by which it is proposed to authotise
the compulsory acquisition or use of land for the purpose of a generating
station, to owners, lessees, and occupiers of land, and also for public
notice being given of the proposal by advertisement.
2. Hreaking up fitreets, ttc, outside Area of Supply. — For the purpose.
of enabling electricity to be brought into an area of supply from a generat-
ing station situated outside that area, or for enabling a supply of elei iricily
in bulk to be given, the Board of Trade may by Provisional (.)rder apply
to any roads, railways or tramways situated outside that area, the pro-
visions of the Electric Lighting Acts which authorise, or enable the Board
of Trade to authorise, the breaking up of any road, railway or tramway,
so far as those provisions do not already so apply.
Provided that a Provisional Order authorisins,' the breaking up of roads
outside the area of supply shall m^t be granted by the Board of Trade
except with the consent ut the local authority in whose district the road
is situate, unless the Board of Trade in any case in which the consent of
such local authoiity is refuseil arc of opinion that, having regard to all the
circunistiinces of the case, such consent ought to be dispensed with, and in
that case tbty shall make a special report to Parliament staling the
grounds on which they have dispensed with the consent.
3. Snjtply in £»//-.— The Board of Trade, unlesj they arc of opinion
that, by reason of the character or magnitude of the proposed undertaking,
the matter ought to ba dealt with by private Bill, may, by Provisional
( Irder —
(.(1 Authorise any local authority or company to supply electricity in
bulk' ;
{b) Provide for any supply so authorised being compulsory ; and
(c) Make such other provisions as appear to them necessary for adapting
the Electric Lighting Acts to any case where a locxl authoiity, compauy
or ]ierson jvre authorised to supply electricity in bulk.
(2i If the Hoard of Trade refuse logrant a Provisional Ordei- under this
section, on the ground that the matter ought to be dealt with by apri\-ate
Bill, the notices publi.shcd and served for tha purposes of the proposed
Ciller shall, subject to Standing ( Irder.s, be held to have been published
and served for .i private Bill applying for similar ]>oBers ;
Provided that the applicants fir the order fhall by notice served in the
prescribed manner and within the prescribed time inform all opponents of
their intention to proceed by way of private Bdl and, subject to Stinding
Orders, the application for a Provisional Order shall be deemed and taken
to bi? a petition for leave to bring ui a private Bill, and the applicants shall
also give such additional notice (if any) as nny be required by Standing ,
Orders.
1^3) The Board of Trade may, if they think fit, by order authorise any
undertakers to supply electricity in bulk to any other undertakers upon
such terms and subject to such comlitiousas may be specified in the order,
it the supjily can be given without breaking up any streets except such as^
the undertakers givin^, and the undertakei-s receiving the supply are
authorised to break up.
4. Supply of Elcclricily to Ruilnays cuwl Tramjcnys. parl'y outside.
Area of . Suppli/.—il' Any local authority, company, or person aulliorJEed.
to supply eleclricity in any area may, with the ciusejit oi the Board of
Trade, supply at any point within that area electricity for the purposes of
E
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 19, 1909.
haulage IT traotitin "U any railway or tramxay situate partly within and
partly without that area, and for the pui'p.>ses of lighting vehicles and
vessels used on any such railway, tratnway or cinal.
C^) The Board of Trade may by Provisional Order authorise any such
local authority, company or person to so supply electricity to be used for
purposes incidental to the working or lighting of the railway, tramway or
canal, other than the purjioieR aforesaid.
5. fSupply to Preiniscs Outside Area of Supphj in Certain Cases. — (1)
Where it is proved to the satisfaction of the Board of Trade that the occu-
pier of any premises is desirous of obtaining a supply of electricity from
any undertakers within whose area of supply those premises are noi
situate, and that either the premises are not within the area of supply of
any undertakers, or that the undertakers within whose area of supply the
premises are situate, are not able or willing to <;ive a supply to the pre-
mises, and cannot be compelled to do so on reasonable terms, the Board of
Trade may, if the local authority within whose district the premises are
Bituate consent, by order authorise the first-mentioned undertakers to give
a supply to those premises on such terms and subject to such conditions as
the Board think fit.
(2) An order given by the Board of Trade under this section may for
the purpo.se of enabling a supply to be given thereunder confer any such
powers and impose any such duties on the undertakers as would have been
conferred or imposed by the Electric Lighting Acts and as might have been
conferred or imposed by Provisional Order if the premises and the route
along which lines are authorised to be laid for the purpose of giving the
supply were within the area of sujjply of the undertakers, anything in the
special Act or Order relating to the undertaking to the contrary notwith-
standing.
(3) If the undertakers are not a local authority, the works and lines
erected and laid under the powers conferred by an order made under this
section shall, .so long as the order remains in force, be deemed for the pur-
poses of the provisions as to purchase applicable to the undertaking, to
form part of the undertaking within the district of the local authority
which comprises the area of supply of the undertakers, or if that area is
comprised within the districts of more than one losal authority, within
such of those districts as the Board of Trade may determine.
6. Provisions as to Right of Local Authority to Purchase. — (1) Where
any generating station, mains, or other works of a company used solely for
supplying electricity within the district of a local authority are situated
outside the district of that local authority, the generating station, mains,
and other works so used shall for the purposes of the provisions of the
Electric Lighting Acts, and any Provisional Order conferring on local
authorities power to purchase undertakings, be deemed to be situated within
the district of that local authority, and where any generating station, mains,
and other works are used solely for supplying electricity within the dis-
tricts of two or more local authorities, but are not situated within any of
those di-tricts, the Board of Trade may. on the application of all or any
of those authorities, by Provisional Order apply tliis provision subject to
such adaptations as the circumstances of the case may require ; Provided
that this sub section shall not, except by agreement between the local
autliority and the company concerned, apply to any generating station,
mains, or other works authorised by a special Act before the passing of
this Act.
(2) Any local authority having power under the Electric Lighting Acts
or any Provisional Order to purchase so much of the undertaking of a
company as is within the district of that local authority may, with the
consent of and upon such terms and conditions as may be apitroved by the
IJoard of Trade, and, in the iise of an undert.ikiog authorised before the
commencement of this Ait. with the consent of the company, transfer their
rights of purchase to any other local authority having power to purchase
so much of the same undertaking as is within the district of that last-
mentioned local authority, and the deed of transfer may ccn'ain such
consequential provisions as may be necessary for giving effect to the
transfer.
7. Exercise of Electric Lightincj Poirers by Authorities Jointli/.—'The
Board of Trade may, with the concurrence of the Local Government Board,
hy Provisional Order make such provisions as appear to them necessary
or expedient, liy the constitution of a joint committee or joint board or
otherwise, for the joint exercise of the powers under the Electric Lighting
Acts, or this Act, or any Provisional Order, by two or more local authorities
as respects any area of supply consisting of the whole or jmrts of the
districts of those authorities, in any case where it appears to them that
the joint exercise of those powers would be expedient, and any such Pro-
visional Order may ct.intain such provisions as may a}»pear necessary or
proper for adapting any of the provisions of the Electric Lighting Acts,
or this Act, or any such Provisional Older, to the case of any committee
or board so constituted.
8. Jiily Notices. — The Board ut Trade may grant a Provisii.nal Order
notwithstanding that the notice required by sec. 4 of the Electric I^ighting
Act, 1882, to he given to a local authority on or before the first day of
.Tuly, has not been given in the case of any local authority which waives
its right to receive such a notice, and no such notice need be given to the
local authority of a district in which it is not intended to take power to
distribute electricity.
9. Revision of Maximum Price. — (I) With a view to making five years
the ordinary period of revision of maximum price and allowing repre-
sentations as to revision to be maile by consumers, subsec. 2 of sec. 32 of
the schedule to the Electric Lighting (Clantes) Act, 1899, shall, for the
purpose of incorporation with any Act or Order passed or confirmed after
the passing of this Act. be retd as if the words "five years" were sub-
stituted for the words "seven years," and the words " or such number of
consumers, not less than 20, as the Board of Trade consider sufldcieot,
having regard to the population of the area of supply," were inserted after
the words " either the local authority or the undertakers."
(2) Where any Act or Provisional Order passel or confirmed before tha
commencement of this Act enables the Board of Trade to revise or vary
any maximum prices to be charged for electricity, that Aot or Order shsU
be construed —
(a) So as to enable the revision or variation to take place at an interval
of live years after the commencement of the Act or Order, or the last
revision, in cases where a longer interval is fixed by the Act or Order ; and
(6) So as to enable the power of revision or variation to be exercised
on the representation of such number of consumers, not less than 20, as
the B ,'ard of Trade consider sutficient, havingre^ar 1 to the population of
the area of supply, in cises where under the Act or Order such a power
either cannot be exercised on such a representation or can be exercised
only on the represent ition of a number of consumers greater than 20.
10. Ccrlijiriilion of Meiers. — (1) The sections set out in the Second
Schedule to this Act shall lie substituted for sees. 49, 50, 51 and 53 of the
schedule to the Electric Lighting (Clauses) Act, 1899. as incorporated with
any Ac', or Order passetl <.'r confirmed after the commencement of this Act.
(2) The provisions contained in the sections so set out shall, subject to
such adaptations (if any) as m.ay be necessjry, be substituted for any cor-
responding provisions as to the use, examination and certification of meters
and their connection and disconnection with electric lines contained in or
incorporated with any special Act or l'ro\ isional Order relating to the supply
of electricity passed or confirmed before the commencement of this Act.
11. Accounts of Local Authorities. — For the purposes of sec. 9 of the
Electric Lighting Act 1882, the accounts of any undertakers being a local
authority shall be made up to the thiity-first day of March in each year,
and accordingly as respects those accounts the thii tieth day "i June shall
be substituted in that section for the twenty-fifth day of March, and the
thirty-first day of March for the thirty-first day of December : provided
that if any such undertakers show to the Board of Trade that some other
dates are, owing to special circumstance", more convenient in their case
than the thirty-first day of March and the thirtieth day of Jane, the Board
of Trade may substitute such other dates for the said thirty-first djy of
March and thirtieth day ot June, and this section shall as respects those
undertakers be construed with the substituted dates.
12. Auilil (if Companies' Accounts. — (1) If an auditor appointed by the
Board of Trade to audit the accounts of any undertakers who are not a
local authority reports to the Board that the undertakers have declined or
neglected to comply with any of his recommendations or requirements, the
Board may, if they think fit, after giving the undertakers an opportunity
of being heard, make an order directing the undertakers to comply with
such recommendations and requirements, with or without modification, as
may be specified in the crder, subject to an appeal to the Railway and
Canal Commissioners, or any two of them, who shall finally decide the
matter and confirm, annul or amend ihe order as they may think fit.
(2) If the undertakers shall fail to comply with an order under this sec-
tion they shall, on conviction under the Summary Jurisdiction Acts, be
liable to a fine not exceeding £10 an! to a further fine not exceeding £5
for ea;h day on which the offence is ontinued after conviction therefor.
13. l^cstiiction on Tran.ifer of Powers, etc., of Undertal;ers. — (1) A Ixal
authority, company or person who have obtained a Licence, Order or special
Act for the supply of electricity shall not, by transfer or otnersise, divest
themselves of any of the powers, rights or obligations conferred or im-
posed upon them by the Electric Lighting Act', or by any L't jce. Order,
or special Act otherwise than under and in accordance with a provision
contained in a Licence, Order or special Aot authorising such a divestiture.
(2) Se3. 11 ..f the Electric Lighting Act, 1882, shall be repealed from
" but no local authority" to the end of the section.
14. Supply of Electricity to Premises having Sepirate Supply. — Not-
withstanding anything in the Electric Lighting Acts or in any Act of
Parliament or Provisional Order authorising an undertaking, a person shall
not be entitled to demand or to coatinue to receive from undertakers
authorised to supply electricity in any area a supply of electricity for any
premi-ses having a separate supply, unless he has agreed with the under-
takers to pay to them such minimum annual sum as will give them a
reasonable return on the capital expenditure, and will cover other standing
charges, incurred by them, in order to meet ths possible maximum demind
for those premises ; the sum to b3 so piid shall be determined in default of
agreement by arbitration.
15. Power of Undertakerslo I'rorid, Electrioil Fittings.— ,1) Where the
undertakers arc a local aulhoiity they may provide, let for hire and fix,
repair and remove, but shall not manufacture, lamps, meters, electric lines,
fuses, switches, fillings, lamp holder?, motors and other fittings for light-
ing and motive power, and for all other purposes for which ehctrical
energy can or may be used, end may provide all materials and work neces-
sary or proper in that behalf, and with respect thereto may demand and
take such renmnerations or tents and charges and make such terms and
conditions as may be agreed upon : Provided that — ■
(']) The undertakers shall so adjust the charges to be made by them for
.any such fittintcs. or for the fixing, repairint;, or removal thereof, as to meet
any expenditure by them under the powers of this section in connection
therewith (including interest upon moneys borrowed for those purposes
and all sums applied to sinking fund for rep.ayment of moneys so borrowed) ;
ill) Every .sum charged by the undei takers to a consumer in respect of
the provision of such tittirgs. or the fixing, repairing, or removal thereof,
shall be separately stated on every demand note delivered by the under-
takers to the consumer ;
((•) The total sums expended and received by the undertakers in con-
nection with the purposes in tl)is section mentioned in each year (iacluding
interest and sinking fund) shall be separately shown in the published
accounts of the electricity undertaking ot the undertakers for that year.
2) Any such fittings as aforesaid let for hire by any undertakers
(whether a local authority or not) shall not be subject to distress or to
THE ELECTHICIAN, MARCH 19, 1909.
889
the landlord's remedy for rent or liable to h^ taken in execution under pro-
cess of law or proceedings in bankruptcy against the person in whose poa-
session the same may be : Provided that such fitting! are marked or
impressed with a sufficient mark or brand indicating the undertakers as
the a'ltual owners thereof.
16. Notii'C to be Givenln UmUrlahers Injure RcM'n-liiy. — {l) Twenty-four
hours' notice in writing thill b3 given to the undertakers by every cm-
Bumer before he quits any premi.ses supplied with electrii-il energy by the
undertaker,^, and in default of such notice, the ccnsumer so rjuitting shill
belialile to pay ti the undertakers the money accruing due in reipect of
such supply up to the next usual period for ascertaining the register of the
meter on such premises or the date from which any sub.sequent occupier of
such premises may require the undertakers to supply electricil energy to
such iireraises, which ever shall first occur.
. (2) Xotice t") the effect of this section shall be endorsed upon any de-
mand note for charges for electrica' energy.
17. I'owrr to Refiist to SupjJi/ Elcdrical Energy in Certain Ca.tr.i. — The
undertakers may refuse to supply electrical energy to any person whose
payments for the supply of ele<'trical energy are for the time being in
arrear (nut being the subject of a bona fide dispute^ whether any such pay-
ments be due to the undertakers in respect of a supply to tlie premises in
respect of wi.ich such supply is demanded or in respect of other premises.
18. Exemption of Ar/rcementf: for the Supply of Elrctricity from Stamp
Dtdy. — Electrical energy shall be deemed to be goods, wares, or merchan-
dise for the purposcj of sec. 59 of the Stamp Act, 1891 (which makes cer-
tain contracts charf;cxble with s',amp duty as conveyances on sale), and
a'ao for the purposes of the exemption numbered 3 under the heading
"Agreement or any memorandum of an agreement" contained in the
first schedule to the Act.
19. Construction of Provisions Prohibitinij Assorintion. — For removing
doubts it is hereby declared th.at so much of any Provisional Order or
special Act, or of the .Schedule to the Electric Lighting (Clauses) Act,
1899. as incorporated with any such Order or Act, as prohibits under-
takeis from a-soL'iating themselves with any compiny or person supplying
energy under atiy Licence, Provisional Order, or special Act unless the
undertakeis are authorisad by Parliament to do so, shall not be construed
as pruhibiting the undertakers from taking a supply in bulk from any com-
pany or per.-oa auLhorijed to give such a supply.
20. For the Protertioo of the Commissioners of h'or/.-s.—{l) With a view
to the protection of the royal palaces, parks and gardens, museums and
other publii buildings and their contents (in this section referred to as
" the protected premise) "), the Commissioners and the engineer, or other
offic-r duly authorised in writing under the hand of their secretary, may
from time to time enter upon and inspect any generating station of any
undertakers, and if on such inspection it appears that proper precautions
are not Ijeing adopted for the due consumption of smoke, and for prevent-
ing as far as reasonably practicible the evolution of osidee of sulphur, and
generally for the prevention of nuisance in relation to the protected
premises, they may, without prejudice to any other remedy, require the
undertakers forthwith to carry out such works and to do such things as in
their opinion are necessary in the circumstances.
(2) The undertakers shall give all reasonable facilities for such inspec-
tion to the (Jommissioners and their engineer or other officer as aforesaid.
(3) Any dispute a'ising between the Commissioners and the undertakers
in relation to any of the {irovisions of this Ecctim .shall be determined by
arbitration.
21. For the Protcrtion of County Councils. — (It Nothing in any Pro-
visional Order, whether confirmed befijre or after the passing of this Act,
ihall in any way limit or affect the powers of any county ouncil to re-build,
alter, widen or repair tlie ttructure of any bridge upon which any work
authorised by the Order may be constructed, or impo.se upon the county
council any liability which was not by law imposed upon them prior to the
commencement of the Order.
(2) If at any time the county council require to carry out works for re-
building, altering, widening, or repairing any bridge which might involve
interference with any portion of the undertaking authorised by the Order,
they shall, prior to the commencement of the works, give the undertakers
one month's notii'e of their intention to cirry nut the works, and if in
order to avoid interruption to the supply of electrical energy it is, in the
opinion of the county council, necessary temporarily to remove any elec-
tric lines or works belonging to the un<lertakers from su2h bridge, then the
undertakers shall (and they are hereby authorised so to do at their own
expense) temporarily carry their electric lines across such bridge overhead
or at the side thereof in such a manner as will not be a danger or incon-
venience to the public or unreasonably interfere with the works to be cariied
out by the county council.
(3) When the rebuildiog, altering, widening, or repairing of <>ucli bridge
has been completed the undertakers shall have the same rights and powers
with regard to such bridge and its approaches as they had before the works
were carried out.
(4) If any dispute arises between the county council and the uuder-
tikers with regard to this section it shall be determined by arbitration.
22. For Protection of Gas Undertakers. — Nothing in this Act shall enable
the Board of Trade by Provisional Order to authorise the compulsory ac-
quisition of any land which, a-, the date ..t the first publication of the
notice for the Orde'-, l^elongs to any gas undertakers and is used or
authorised lo be used by them for the purposes of their undertaking.
23. Dalnitiiins. — In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—
Tne expression " Provisional Order " means a Provisional Order under the
Electric Lighting Acts.
The expression " Electric Lighting Acts " means —
(a) As respects England and Ireland, the El-ctric Lighting Acts, 1882
auj 1888 : and
(6) As respects Scotland, the Electric Lighting Acts, 1882 and 1888, the
Electric Lighting (Scotland) Act, 1890, and the Electric Lighting (Scotland)
Act, 1902.
The expression "authorised " means authorised by Ac', of Parliament or
Provisional Order.
The expression " area of supply " means any area within which any loia
authority, company or person are authorised to supply electricity.
The expression "undertakers" means any locil authority, company or
person authorised to supply electricity.
The expression "road" includes any street as defined by the Electric
Lighting Act, 1882.
The expression " generating station " includes any station or w iks for
generating, transforming, converting, or distributing electricity, and all
machinery and appliances ordinarily used in connection therewith.
The expression "to supply electricity in bulk" means to supply elec-
tricity— (a) to any local authority, couipiny, or ]jcrson author'sed to dis-
tribute electricity to be used for the purposes of distributi' n ; or {b) to any
local authority authorised by any general or special .\-;t to undertake or
contract for the lighting of streets, bridge, or publi..- ]ilacer", to be used
for the purposes of lighting streets, bridges, and public places.
24. Application of Act to Scotland ami Irelanrl. — (1) In the application
of this Act to Scotland the Secretary for Scotland shall be substituted for
the Local Government "^oard as respects Provisional Orders relating t >
Scottish local authorities, and the fifteenth diy of May shall be substituted
for the thirty first day of March, and the first day of August shall be suli-
stituted for the thirtieth day of June.
(2) In the application of tliis Act to Ireland the Local Government Board
for Ireland shall be substituted for the Local Government Board as respects
Provisional Orders relating to Irish local authorities.
25. Short Title, Constructicn and Commencement. — (1) This Act may be
cited as the Electric Lighting Act, 1909.
(2) This Act and the Electric Lighting Acts shall be construed together
as one act and may be cited as the Electric Lighting Acts. 1882 to 1909.
(3) This Act ehall come into operation on the first diy of April, 1910.
I'lRST Schedule.
Modifications of the Lands Clauses Acts. — The following modifications
shall have eflfect in the construction of the provisions of the Lands Clauses
Acts incorporated by this .\ct for the purposes of the Electric l^ighting
Acts :
('0 The expression "special Act" means the Electric Lighting Acts,
inclusive of any Provisional Order authorising the compulsory acquisition
of land, except that the period of three years mentioned in sec. 125 of the
Lands Clauses Consolidation Act, 1845, shall be calculated from the pass-
ing of the Act confirming the Provisional Order : and
(6) The expressions "the promoters" and "the undertaking" mean
respectively the undertakers and the undertaking under the Electric Light-
ing Acts ; and
(c) The expression " land " includes easements in or relating to land.
Second Schedule.
Sntiiiiis to hi sith^titiili'l fir Seen. 49, .50, .5/ and .5.? of the .^h'dule to
the. Electric Lighliuij (Clauses) Act, /.S',W.— "49. Mctcrs'io hf Vscle.rcept
by A;irieni' n/. — The amount of energy supplied by the undertakers to any
ordinary consumer under the Special Order, or the electrical quantity con-
tained in the supply laccordiog to the method by which the undertakers
elect to charge), hereinafter referred to as ' the value of the supply,' shall,
except as otherwise agreed between the consumer and the undertakers, be
ascertained by means of an appropriate meter duly certified under the pro-
visions of the Special Order, and fixed and connected with the service
lines in some manner approved by the Board of Trade.
"50. Meter to he Cerli/e'l.—A meter shall be consideied to be duly
certified under the provisions of the Special Order if it be certified by an
ehctric inspector appointed under the Special Order t" be a meter capable
of ascertaining the value of the supply within such limits of error as may.
as respects meters of the dafs to which the meter belongu, be allciwed by
the Boar.l of Trade, and to be of some .oastruction and pattern approved
by the Bond of Trade, and every such meter is hereinafter referred to as
a 'certified meter': Provided tliat where any alteration is made in any
certified meter, that meter shall cease to be a certified meter unless and
until it is again certified as a certified meter under the provisions of the
Special Order.
"51. In.'ipcelor In Cerlifij Miter. — An electric inspcrtor, on being re-
ijuired to do so by the undertakers or by any consumer, and on p.ayment of
the prefcribed fee by the party so rcquiiing him, shall examine any meter
used or intended to be used for ascertaining the value of the supply, add
shall certify it as a certified meter if he considers it entitled to be so cer-
tified, and the inspector shall, on the like reqnisiton and payment examine
the manner in which any such meter has been fixed and connected with
the serv'ce lines, and shall certify that it has been fixed and connecte.l with
the service lines in some manner approved by the Board of Trade, if he
consideri that it is entitled to be so certified.
"53 Met-rs not to be Connt:l,d or Disconnected inthont Xolicr,— The
undertakers shall not, nor shall any consumer connect any meter useil or to
be used under the Special Order for ascertaining the value of the supply
with .luy elec trie line through which cuei-gy is supplied by the undertakers,
or disconnect any such meter from any sucli electric line, unless the one
has given to the other not less than 48 hours' not'ce in writing of the in-
tention to do so, and the undertakers or any consumer act'ng ia contra-
vention of thi^ ecction shall be liable tor ejch offence to a penalty not
exceeding 403. "
E 2
890
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 10, 1909.
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The " Industrial Supplement " is holed for filing or hanging, and
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BLBCTRICITY SUPPLY TABLRS AND DATA.
This Valuable Set of Tables and Englneeping' Data re-
lating to EleetPieity Supply and to Electric Tpaetion on
Railways and Tramways in the United Kingdom, the
Colonies, and some important places abroad, are now
ready, and can be obtained complete in handy book form,
price 6s. 6d. post free, or on very hard paper for rough or
constant use, price 8s. 6d. post free. A complete Index
is included.
VAGABOND CURRENTS.
Tlie intere.stiiig Paper read by Messrs. J. (r. and If. (>.
CiJNLiFFE before the Manchester Local Section of the In-
stitution of Electrical Engineers on the subject of" Electric
Traction A'agabond Currents " brings forward once again
the question of electrolysis due to earth returns. From
tlie abstract which we give elsewhere, however, it will be
seen that the authors do not deal much with the ques-
tion of iii,jury by electrolysis, but rather with the general
plienomena of stray currents througli the earth. First of
all the nature of the soil from the electric point of view is
discussed. The natural supposition to make is that the
soil is electrolytic in character owing to the salts and mois-
ture which it contains, but this view, although supported
by the authors, is not one that has always been put for-
ward. Some investigators have thought that' the soil pos-
ses.ses certain metallic as well as electrolytic conductivity,
Those accustomed to electrolytic phenomena will, liowever,
realise that a question of this kind requires somewhat
careful handling. Owing to the varied ingredients that
are found in the soil, and to the effect of the soil upon
electrodes, it is not difficult for pure electrolytic pheno-
mena to be masked to a cousideraljle extent, and thus for
THE ELECTRICIAN. MAECH 19, 1909.
891
the couducti\ity to appear as tliough it were metallic in-
steail of electrolytic. AVe do not think, however, that a
cai'eful investigation would fail to show that soil is elec-
trolytic in character, unless it is of such an unusual kind as
to contain free metal or material of that nature.
Perhaps the most interesting part of this Taper is where
the authors deal with the flow of currents between earth
plates. When two plates are buried in the earth they are
placed in practically an infinite mass having a moderate
conductivity. If two such earth plates are placed near
together the stream lines do not spread out to any consider-
able extcni, but as the plates are further separated the
stream lines spread out to a greater extent, so that a larger
volume of soil is brought into the circuit ; the resistance
is correspondingly decreased owing to the greater section,
although it is increased owing to the greater length. Thus,
when the distance between the plates is increased beyond
a certain range, depending on the size of the plates, the
resistance remains more or less constant. In other woixls,
the potential gradient is mostly in the neighbourhood of
the plates. This, no doubt, accounts for the observation
that in some of the experiments carried out no current
passed from the rail into a pipe disconnected from it, even
when the distance between the pipe and the rail was only
1 ft., though at smaller distances current was indicated.
Tliere is little doubt that our comparative immunity
from electrolytic corrosion in this country has been due to
the Board of Trade Eegulations, which were laid down
many years ago with great foresight. Messrs. Cunliffe
admit the general utility of these Regulations, but they
seem to think that modifications might very well be intro-
duced. Tor example, they suggest that the (piestion as to
which pole of the generator should be earthed might very
well be left in the hands of the engineer of each tramway,
as in certain cases it might be preferable to earth the
positive instead of the negative, so as to shift the danger
zone and thus to avoid bad soil if necessary. We do not
tliink that such a suggestion will meet with approval from
engineers generally. Assuming that the generating station
is in bad soil, very little would be gained by reversing the
polarity. If current flows into pipes it must flow out
somewhere. If it is allowed to flow out at a distance from
the station the danger zone is simply made larger. On the
other hand, if current does not enter the pipes neither
will it flow out of them, and there will be no reason for
such a change. Moreover, if the line were made negative
there would be greater trouble with insulation.
The most drastic suggestion, however, is that an altera-
tion should be made in Eegulation G (11), which provides
I that no pipe shall be positive to the rail by more than
Ih volts, or negative to the rail by more than 41 volts. The
authors take the unusual view that the more highly posi-
tive the potential of any such pipe with h, given rail drop
the safer is the pipe. The reasoning on which they base this
conclusion appears to us to contain a fallacy, and therefore
we regret that such a conclusion should have been put
into a Paper which is otherwise so excellent. We do not
doubt that a very useful purpose has been served by
keeping down the difference of potential between rails and
adjacent pipes within the limits required by the P>oard of
Trade, and we hope that no attempt will be made to intro-
I duce any alteration, which could only result in harm.
REVIEWS.
Copies of the undermentioned works can be had from The Electrician OfHce, post free,
on receipt of published price, adding 3d. for bool:3 pabiished under 23. Add 10 per
cent, for abroad or for foreign books. )
Submarine Cable Laying and Repairing. By H. I). Wilkinson-.
Revised echtioii. (London: "The Electrician" Printing &
Publishing Co.) Pp. xxiii.— 549. 15s. net.
A comparison of the new and enlarged edition of Mr. Wil-
kinson's treatise on " Submarine Cable Laying and Repairing "
with the fir.st edition, published in 1896, should go far to qualify
the statement so often heard that finality has long since been
reached in cable work. Submarine telegraphy was very for-
tunate in its pioneers — .such as Kelvin. Bricht and Varlcy. to
mention the first names that eonie to mind — and, largely owing
to their splendid efforts, the fundamental operations of cable
laying and working are to-day, doubtless, practically the same
as .35 years ago. In no active industry, however, is it possible
to stand still, and a perusal of the work under notice will in-
dicate the steady progress that has been made during the past
decade in the technique of this important branch of engineering.
The book before us contains 549 pages — 150 more than the
original edition — and is divided into five chapters. In these
the natural sequence of events in the life of a submarine cable
is followed — viz., " Survey of Route," " Design and Construc-
tion," "Laying," "Repairs" and "Localisation of Breaks
and Faults."
In the first chapter Mr. \Vilkin.son gives a full account of the
means adopted and apparatus employed in the selection of a
safe route for the cable. Here will be found full descriptions
of the latest patterns of so\mding machines, sinkers, thermo-
meters, &e., required for a deep-sea survey.
In the second chapter the author treats of the " Principles
of Design and Construction of Cables " at much greater length
than in the corresponding section of the first edition. Whilst
the pages on the design of a core for any required speed of sig-
nalling afford an excellent example of the way an engineer
would set about the necessary calculations, the remarks in the
leaflet inserted opposite p. 50 must, however, carefully he borne
in mind by the beginner, as the author has not employed ab-
solute constants, particularly in the case of those involving the
specific gravity of gutta-percha. The reference on p. 4(i with
regard to insulation resistance being a determining factor in
the selection of the dimcnsion.s of a core must not be taken quite
au pied de la lettre, and Mr. Wilkinson's pen has surely slipped
in writing of a strand of 12 wires of equal diameter. The .state-
ment on p. 68, also, that the .specific inductive capacity of
indiarubber is less than that of gutta-percha, is not correct
for those materials as used at the present time for submarine
cable cores.
Examples are given of suitable armourings for the different
types of cable required for various depths, and the chapter
ends with a full description of the machinery of a cable factory.
One of the many details of cable manufacture in which
notable improvement has been effected during the past twelve
years is the method of jointing the sheathing wires. Pre-
viously this was done by brazing ; it is now almo.st invariably
the practice to weld the wires, and the methods and advantages
of doing this electrically are fully set out.
In the nest chapter the author takes us through the whole
campaign of a cable-laying expedition, and descriptions and
illustrations of most of the well-known cable ships and their
gear are given. A short reference is made to the Siemens
system of ''slack" determination by means of a taut steel
wire. This method is now in universal use during the laying
of deep-sea cables, and is indispensable for securing even dis-
tribution of slack over the whole length of a cable.
The electrical arrangements on board are next described, and
at the conclu.sion of the chapter the final tests of a laid cable
are dealt with. In connection with this, however, we find no
mention of the sectional corrections for temperature and pres-
sure which are necessary if a comparison with the original
75 F. values of the core is to be of any value or guide as to the
condition of the cable after it is laid.
892
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 19, 1909.
Among tlie large amount of new matter contained in Chap-
ter IV., on "The Cable Ship on Repairs," may be noted the
tables (on pp. 236-8) of coiling space of various types of cable,
which should prove of considerable use.
In Chapter V. Mr. Wilkinson gives full and clear explana-
tions of the best and most reliable tests for the localisation
of breaks and faults. Many excellent books on this most
difficult of the cable electrician's duties are now available, but
we know none of more practical assistance than this section of
the book under notice, which has been brought up to date
with descriptions of the most recent refinements in fault
localisation.
To indicate a little of the fresh material in the new edition
we may mention the newer and larger pattern of Lucas sounding
machine, the Appleyard Conductometer. the latest develop-
ments of Mr. Sullivan's galvanometers, the Universal Shunt
and Guard-ring of Mr. Rymer-.Jones. the latter well-known
electrician's new test for high-resistance breaks, the graphic
system of break localisation of Mr. Jona,and the "Calculator
Board " for this and similar methods devised by Mr. Raymond-
Barker.
All users of universal .shunts will read with profit the note
on p. 377, on the possibility of error introduced by the u.se of a
shunt of too high total resistance when measuring capacity,
though it must be observed that one cell is an unusually small
voltage to employ for this purpose.
A simpler method than that given on pp. 383-5 for avoiding
the damping of a d'Ar.sonval galvanometer by the proportional
arms in a Wheatstone bridge is to use a " tapping " key in
series with the galvanometer in place of the usual short-cir-
cuiting key across its terminals, and by this means the use of a
series resistance with consequent decrease of sensitiveness is
obviated.
While on the subject of d'Ansonval galvanometers it may be
of interest to record here that the damping of the moving coil
by means of a metallic frame (p. 375) or by an " idle wire " (or
other closed circuit) was the subject of a patent talcen out l)v
Mr. Herbert Taylor so long ago as 1887.
Though no amount of reading alone will make an expert cable
engineer or electrician, such information as is given by the
author materially assists both veteran and beginner. E.x-
perience only, with its attendant successes and disappointments,
makes the self-reliant man, who can decide what to do, how to
do it. and, more important still, what to avoid attempting to do.
In conclusion, the reviewer's wish to congratulate Mr. Wil-
kinson on the issue of this improved and enlarged edition of
his work, which they feel confident will be found a helpful con-
tribution by those whose business it is " to go down to the sea
in ships " for the laying and repairing of cables.
A. L. Dearlove.
R. M. Sayees.
■Warmelebre. By Dr. J. J. C. MCller. (Leipzig: J. A. Barth.)
Pp. VI.— 191. ■ M.4.
The number of te.xt-books on light and heat is not so great as
that of books on electricity, and this may account for the fact
that it is difficult to obtain a thoroughly up-to-date work on
either of these subjects. The present book, however limited its
scope, gives one the pleasant impression that its author is in
touch with most of the recent developments of thermal physics.
Although evidently intended for engineers (the author teaches
physics at the Bremen Technical College), we find a lucid ex-
position of the Stefan-Boltzmann law, according to which the
total thermal radiation of a black body varies as the fourth
power of the absolute temperature, and of Wien's law of the
maximum radiation, whose wave-length is inversely projjor-
tional to the absolute temperature. From these two laws we
may deduce the further law that the maximum radiation is
proportional to the fifth power of the absolute temperature. It
is this law which, when corrected for departure from absolute
blackness, enables us to estimate the temperature of a glowing
carbon filament at about 2,000°C., and of a carbon arc at nearly
4,000°C. The usual treatment of thermodynamics is followed
by an adequate investigation of the reciprocating steam engine,
and an admirable summary of steam-turbines and gas engines.
A somewhat fuller treatment of thermometry would be wel-
come, and more especially some mention of the thermodynamic
scale of temperature and the recent advances in the direction of
very low temperatures. We are glad to see Wanner's optical
pyrometer here probably for the first time figuring in a college
text-book. As a concise introduction to the practical study of
heat, the book deserves high commendation.
Field Telephones for Army Use. By Lieut. E. J. Stevens, R.A.
(London: Crosby, Lockwood & Son.) Pp. xxxii. +112. 2s.net.
One of the lessons learnt from the recent Russo-Japanese
War was the great use to which the telephone could be put
both in the field and on the lines of communication. This
instrument is already widely employed in the British Army,
and to those whose duty it is to attend to it and to keep it
in order some knowledge of the principles on which it works
is not out of place.
Mr. Stevens has endeavoured to provide this knowledge in
the book under review, but, unfortunately, the execution is
not as good as the design. In the first place, we take exception
to the introductory details which form nearly half the book.
The knowledge contained therein would be much better ob-
tained from a standard text book. With a view, no doubt,
to economising space, his explanations are so short that they
will often be practically useless, and occasionally essentials
arc omitted. Added to this a tendency to use singular verbs
with plural nouns and other syntactical errors greatly mar the
readableness of the book. The chapters in this portion deal
with Batteries, Electrical Circuits. Magnetism and Induction.
Having thus cleared the ground the author proceeds to deal
with the details of telephonic instruments. He describes the
essential points of the microphones and receivers met with in
the service, as well as the lightning protectors employed. This
chapter closes with a rather curious summary, in which his-
torical data, working instructions and catalogue notes all find
a place. The concluding chapter deals with portable and field
telephone sets used in the service, together with methods of
fault finding and other working details. An appendix deals,
not very successfully, with induction and capacity.
The general utility of such a book as this is, we fear, very
open to question. It is avowedly written for a particular class
of readers, and it would surely be better to recommend these
readers some well-tried work which might be supplemented or
modified by personal lectures.
THE STRENGTH OF RAW HIDE GEARING.
BY E. LIVINGSTONE. j^
Makers of raw hide pinions do not seem to agree as to the
amount of power which their gearing will transmit, and in
most cases assess the strength of the raw hide very low. It
is advisable to have a margin of strength in gearing as in
anything else, but if the margin is too liberal the use of raw
hide pinions is very much restricted. This is particularly the
case in back-geared high-speed motors, where the centres are
fixed and a high speed reduction is required. There are many
methods of figuring the size of pinion required for a given
horse-power and speed, the ones in most general use for raw-
hide pinions being
H P =^p!^ ... (1)
■ 1,000 ■ ■ '
when D = pitch diameter of wheel,
p = circular pitch in inches,
I 6 = face of gear wheel,
and n = revs. per min. :
also H.P. = P"^^ (2)
400
when S = speed at pitch circle in feet per minute. Equation (»■)
gives the same horse-power as equation (1) when the circular
pitch is equal to 1-24 in. Below this pitch equation (2) gives
lower results and above this pitch higher results than equation
(1). The use of both equations, however, ought to be restricted
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 19, 1909.
893
to some particular pitch line speed. It is evident that the
amount of shock is very much greater at high pitch line speeds
than it is at low ones, so that the working stress ought to be
reduced with increase of speed. Lewis has investigated this
point very fully, and has developed a most excellent method
of figuring the dimensions of cast-iron gearing. 8ome makers
use the Lewis method for figuring raw hide gearing, by using a
certain safe static stress for that material, with fairly good
results. Some modification of this formula ought to be made
however, when we come to apply it to raw hide gearing, and
some additional precautions must be taken.
The stress in the teeth is given by
P = -
circular pitch x k
when P = pressure per inch face of gear at the pitch lino in lb
andA-=a constant whose value is given in the following tal)le:-
(3)
No. of teeth
No. of tectli
in
k
m
k
pmion.
pinion.
15
0075
18
0083
16
0-077
19
0-087
17
0080
20
0-090
The allowable value of /;, depends on the velocity at the
pitch line, and to some extent also on the pitch of the teeth.
The curve shown in Fig. 1 gives the values of /(,, for pitch line
velocities up to 2,000 ft. per minute. The allowable values
V
I 1
\,
K
3,400
\
s.
V
k
^
^N,
\
^
8,600
^^>
^
1
fM
-►.
--
,^
f^
^--
■~*
r"^'
^
^
^
----
,^_
—
--.
1,8110
-—
—
.__
H'O
~~
0 '.(J) iOU euO 800 l.OCO ',300 1,4M 1,600 1,8"" 2,CiBi
Velocity. F.P.II.
Fig. :.
for reversing motors are, of course, lower than for non reversing
motors, but at high velocities this difference is not so marked.
This curve differs from the speed coefficients given by Lewis
for cast-iron gearing in that it does not drop so rapidly with
increased speed. The reason for this being that the amount
of shock is so much less in raw hide gearing than it is in cast-
iron gearing. A rough rule for the proportions of gearing is
to make the face of the gear some projwrtion of the circular
pitch. This proportion is usually three to four times for over-
hung pinions and four to five times for pinions supported on
both sides. This practically means that the face of pinion should
bear some relation to its diameter, being 0-63 to 0-84 for over-
hung pinions, and 0-84 to 1-05 for pinions supported on both
sides, when the number of teeth is 15 in both cases. It is
evident that this ratio depends on the stiffness of the shafts
and the strength of the pinion bushes. If cither are low. the
lace of the pinion must be kept small in comparison with its
diameter or when running the greater portion of the load will
be carried by that half of the pinion which is nearest to tlie
bearing. This is a most important point. ])articularly in tlie
ease of reversing motors, and if not attended to, will often U>ad
to the breaking up of the raw hide pinion even in cases where
the face of the gear (when calculated on the assumption of a
uniformly distributed load) is very ample. The necessary
stiffness of the shafts will be gone into at the end of this
article. The heating of the teeth is also au important point.
894
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 19, 1909.
' The heating coefficient is also, to some extent, a measure of
the wearing properties of tlie gear, and this further increases
its importance. The number of teeth in the pinion should not
be less than 14 and the number of teeth in the gear should not
be an exact multiple of the number of teeth in the pinion.
The best number being one more or one less than an exact
multiple. The choice of the raw hide pinion is an important
matter. The pinion should be bushed with either brass or
cast iron and should have heavy end plates of brass or steel
connected together by sufficient rivets to keep the raw hide in
a high state of compression. If the rivets or end plates are
too light the hide, when hot, will expand and stretch the rivets.
The amount of compression which the hide receives during the
manufacture of the wheel also exerts an important influence
on its strength, as with highly compressed wheels a greater
density of material is obtained.
\
),6(iO
\
\
1.2J0
\
\
s
SUD
V
s,
\
400
N
V.
k
^
0
No of teeth per Inch diatneter
Fig. 2.
The diameter of the shaft carrying the overhung pinion and
gear wheel is determined by the difference between the deflec-
tions at the two sides of the wheel. Tlii.s aniount (8), as can
be seen in Fig. 3, is equal to F tan 6.
Now
tan G = -^ -:
El V3
El V3 ^
y^
a
(•^)
The following table gives dimensions of shafts and amount
of 6 in a number of actual cases : —
Pin
on.
W
L
l
Dia.
of
sliaft.
S from
equation
(5)
Dia.
Face.
Remarks.
3
H
69
18
H
^
000057
3j
132
18*
5
u
000155
3i
2i
220
19
5A
If
00027
H
3
203
20
6
ii
000335
■if
2
124
18 J
41
li
000265
41
H
202
19 J
5*
u
000875
ii
H
335
22
/
00038
H
2
246
22
6
1?
000247
^i
H
370
23
6.i
I4
000605
H
4
495
24J
K}
vi
001120
bit
4
425
24
7.V
2i
0004
.^'S
4i
603
26
8
2J
00053
<i
4|
670
27J
7
2
00112
>'h
5
800
29
8:
2J
00056
^
.')
010
272
V
2i
00112
'■'i
H
7.'!0
26i
I:-
21
0-0077
f,|
H
975
32
9:
3
00064
7
0
1,120
36
10
3
001
v^
G
1,160
32
8i
n
00101
Vi
U
1,550
32i
9
2J
0-0194
Sliishtlv high.
8
7
1,700
37J
10}
31-
0013
8
it
2,320
39|
iiV
3i
00265
Too high.
n
n
3,0.30
m
12*
4
00207
High.
9
12
3,780
45J
13i
4
0036
Too high.
It can bo seen from the preceding table that when 8 is greater
than 0-02 the sliaft is not stiff enough. In the case of the gears
marked high, or slightly high, the unequal distribution of load
was sufficient to skew the teeth visibly. This slight skewing
did not seriou.sly affect the running of the gear, but it is as well
to keep it down to an exceedingly small value. As calculated
by equation (.5) it is advisable to keep the value of 8 under
O-OI in. and in no case should it exceed 0-02 in. The strength
of compressed paper is approximately the same as the strength
of raw hide so that all the preceding rules can be applied to
this type of pinion as well as to raw hide.
-^i-—
7^
X
Unica pinions, made of compressed cotton, have recently
come into use, and seem to be somewhat stronger than either
raw hide or compressed paper, so that the rules given for raw
hide can safely be applied to pinions made of this material.
The following comparative tests made by the Royal Testing
Institution of Berlin for Messrs. J. B. Hamilton may be of
interest : —
Material.
Max.
breaking
I load.
Elastic
load.
M
ela
idulus
of
sticity.
Brinners
Hardness
No.
1
1
1-6
109
1
1-8
1-8
1
Unica
1-51
MS
1 54
0-84
The above tests were made on pinions having 25 teeth
5-89 in. diameter and 0'826 in. wide, two adjacent teeth being
squeezed together until fracture took place ; the deflection at
the pitch line being measured at various loads.
THE DIELECTRIC STRENGTH OF COMPRESSED AIR.
We give below an account of the discussion at the meeting
of the Institution of Electrical Engineers last week, when Mr.
E. A. Watson read his Paper on this subject. An abstract of
the paper appeared in our last issue.
Dr. Alex. Russell, in opening the discussion, congratulatctl the
autlior on the experimental results. There were one or two minor points
in tlip Paper to which he would like to draw attention. First, in regard
to tlie title. Mr. Watson, following the usual custom, liad called it
" dielectric strength." Why not follow Principal Carey Foster and
call it " electric strength " ? Dielectric strength did not tell them any
more than electric strength. He did not agree altogctlicr with the
author's account of what he, the speaker, had proved, although he agreed
that so long as the distance apart of the spheres did not exceed their
diameter a disruptive discharge would necessarily ensue. The theory
advanced by the author did not apply to greater distances. The author
had shown, however, that the results could easily be found experimen-
tally by noting the points of inflection of the curves shown in Fig. 3. In
the last diagram in the Paper the author gave the different measure-
ments for the electric strength of air, using different sized spheres. It
was unsatisfactory that the curves did not all come out on the same
straight Ime. He did not think that the author's explanation, of a
layer of air round the spheres having a greater electric strength than the
rest of the air, was very convincing. He thought a simpler explanation
would he obtained from consideration of what was usually called the
"minimum sparking potential" between electrode 5. It had been
.shown by Prof. Strutt that the minimum potential difference between
the cathode and the negative electrode was constant and nearly equal
to 350 volts whatever the pressure of the air. If they assumed that the
pressure on the Faraday tube subjected to the maximum electric stress,
was not the potential difference between the spheres but was that poten- '
tial difference less 350, then this assumption would, he thought, explain
the divergence of the lines. The real electric stress was =/l;V— f)/x- /=
R'— ~/=R'— e (//j-), where R' was the apparent stress, and by giving
a suitable value to e the lines could be made to coincide. He had ex-
amined Mr. .Steinmetz's results, and found that they gave a value of
f of about 800 volts. In using the formula, however, they had to
remember that it could not be used when the electrodes were close to-
gether, because ionisation was excessive in that case. Neither could it
be used when there was a corona formed, nor with very high frequencies,
as in wireless telegraphy. In impulsive rushes of current, as, for ex-
ample, in the spark gaps used for safety devices in transmission linest
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 19, 1909.
895
the formula could not be applied satisfactorily. With an impulsive
rush of current the sparking distance seemed to be absolutely inde-
pendent of the shape of the electrodes. Sir Oliver Lodge had shown
this at the Institution 20 years ago when he read his classical Paper on
lightning conductors. The formula for very high freriueiioies had yet to
be ascertained.
Mr. C. C. Paterson thought that if all the author's observations with
alternating current turned out as well as the curve in Fig. 6 of the Paper
he had not much of which to complain. He would like to know whether
the author found that the degree of polish on the spheres made any
difference to the results. American observers had warned them to clean
the electrodes after every discharge. Mr. Watson also had conducted
his experiments in a closed cylinder in which the air must have become
very much ozonised, thereby possibly affecting results. He would
therefore like to know whether the author had carried out similar tests
outside the cylinder and whether any difference was shown. He was
much interested in the remarks about the difficulties the author had
experienced in getting the ebonite to withstand high pressures. At his
(the speaker's) laboratory they had recently been making a bng series of
experiments on the dielectric strength of ebonite and the figure came out
at between .lO.OOO and 100.000 volts per millimetre. The fact that the
author found 8 mm. of ebonite break down at 30,000 to 40,000 volts
showed what enormous stresses would exist in such material in practice —
even on relatively low voltage circuits. The inference to be drawn
was, that in testing insulating materials, they might use great inge-
nuity in designing electrodes and test conditions in order to obtain an
even potential gradient in the specimen, and thus obtain a true measure
I if dielectric strength, yet in practice the potential gradients were so very
uneven that it was desirable, in calculating from the figures obtained, to
employ a factor of safety of 10 or 20. In one test, when breaking down
sheets of ebonite, using ordinary circular flat electrodes, the ebonite broke
down at about 40,000 volts, but the puncture invariably took place
about an inch away from the electrodes, showing that^the stresses were
very uneven and that the ordinary stresses to be met with in practice
were enormously greater than would generally be considered likely.
Dr. GiSBERT Kapp was interested in the subject from the practical
point of view, and as one who had to work with high electric pressures.
The experiments which had been imdertaken by Mr. Ryan about
five years ago related to the influence of atmospheric pressure.
They were not experiments for ascertaining the breaking-down point,
but rather for what might be called a " brush discharge." Although
the amount of information given by the author on the electric strength
of air under high mechanical pressures was large, he, the speaker, would
like to ask for more, viz., some information as to what the electric stress
would be if the pressure was reduced below atmospheric. Also, if his
experiments were thus continued, what the limiting voltage would b;
with cylindrical electrodes. Power transmission lines, which were in
many cases in mountainous districts, were subjected to such lower air
pressures, and engineers knew that in high altitudes the wires had to be
jnit farther apart. The experiments he desired were not so much to
ascertain the breaking-down point as to find the point when the brush
discharge began, because it was at that point in power transmission lines
that energy was lost and the lines ceased to be efficient.
Mr. E. H. Rayner drew attention to the importance of the relative
potential of the spheres used and the potential of surrounding conductors.
On referring to Dr. Russell's Paper two series of factors were given, one
relating to the case when the spheres were equally divergent from
" earth potential " — and the other when one was at " earth " potential.
The factors were practically the same when the spheres were at a small
distance apart ; but when the distance became larger the two series of
factors diverged more and more on account of the Faraday " tubes "
and earth stressing the dielectric near the surface of the sphere which
was at full jiotential above earth. If, therefore, in the experiments the
jiotential cDuditions had not been fixed to cnmply with one or other of
these conditions no definite results could be obtained, es|ieiially with
small spheres at some distance apart. Another important point was
due to the fact that owing to the indirect method of voltage measure-
ment employed in the case of the direct current experiments, a steady
stieam of sparks was required. No mention was made of the frequency
of these. It was generally found — at least with alternating voltages of
commercial frequencies — that, after the first spark had passed, the follow-
ing ones followed at a much lower potential, an arc being maintained
between the poles. An electrostatic voltmeter of the Kintner or Jona
type would probably have been more satisfactory. Of course, the
difficulty was that a voltmeter recjuiring anything more than a capacity
current was out of the question. At the National Physical Laboratory
they had recently installed one to measure up to 100,000 volts. For
convenience it was arranged to take 1 /50 ampere at full defiectinn. 8vich
a current was quite beyond the capacity of an inHuencc macliiuc which
was generally the only practicable source of higji direct-current potential.
Prof. J. T. MoRKis remarked that difficulties had been experienced
by the author of the Paper in the use of the two series connected con-
the charge at the edges. He suggested that these might be overcome
in the following ways. First, to deal with the breakdown of the
dielectric. Take an 8 mm. walled ebonite tube and turn it down to
2 mm. in thickness, except for the ends which turn as parts of two
cones as in Fig. 1. herewith. Then coat with tinfoil outside and
in. In this way a much greater capacity would be obtained than by
the author's arrangement, and with no greater risk of breakdown. In
-nsTrrmnsTr-
Milliammete''
O
densers for the measurement of the high voltages produced by the
influence machine. These difficulties were of two kinds; (al The
breakdown of the dielectric of the condenser, and [b) the spreading of
i'lr.. 2.
order to deal with the uncertainty of capacity resulting from a spread-
ing of the charge at the ed<jes, he suggested the introduction of twj
guard rings, one at each end of the tubular condenser, and on the two
sloping portions of the ebonite tube and connected as shown in Fig. 2.
Prof. Silvan ITS P. Thompson referred to the experiments, som? 20
years ago, of Mr. Peace, and those alluded to by Dr. Russell, which
appeared to corroborate the fact that the layers of air close to the dielec-
tric, when there was no brush discharge, were stronger than thoie some
distance away. They had one kindred fact, viz., that the resistance of
the electric are was not proportional to the length of the arc for a given
strength of current. The arc had what wa,s inappropriately known as a
back E.M.F., resident at a layer next the surface of the positive con-
ductor. Apparently a layer of air next to the author's metal electrodes
offered a greater resi'^inn .■ to l.n-nkdown than the rest of the air. How
was that curious fa< I lo I., n , .uiilcd f,.r ? He did not know ; but as a
guess he thought the r\|il;inal]on might be found in some difference in
the dielectric capacity of the air in the immediate neighbourhood of the
electrode. The fall of potential per unit of length across that layer of
air would not be the same as along the remainder. If the distance
between the two electrodes w.is roTi-.i.li red, with a certain fall of poten-
tial between them, the ri-l.tion H..1.I1I be nearly a straight line. He
thought that that was th.- lirL'iiuuim of the explanation. He was a
little perplexed at what appeared to be a discrepancy between the
various curves. Thus, the last diagram showed for spheres of 0-3175 cm.
an electric strength, at 4 atmospheres, of 170 kilovolts per centimetre,
whereas in Fig. 13, which related to the same spheres, the electric strength
was 45 kilovolts. Similarly in Figs. 16 and 1 1 for 2-54 cm. spheres. Ho
considered that a branch of the industry in which Mr. Watson's investi-
gations would be of importance was wireless telegraphy. Prof. Jervis-
Smith, of Oxford, had found that there was an important effect by in-
creasing the air pressure round the spark gap of a transmitter, but they
did not yet know what advantages there were in working with different
pressures round the spark gap ; probably the author's Paper would
contribute something in that direction.
Mr. A. Campbell, in a written communication, said the results were
of interest in connection with the making of condensers for wireless tele-
graphy, and for the subdivision and measurement of high voltages.
Could the author give any information as to how the permittivity
(specific inductive capacity) of air varied with the pressure ? With
regard to the excessive leakage noticed in the high pressure air con-
denser, he might mention that even at quite moderate voltage.s dust
filaments sometimes caused troublesome leakage in standard air con-
densers. If, however, they were designed with a minimum distance
between the plates of 3 mm. to 4 mm., the trouble disappeared. In
the case of those for very high voltages, possibly the leakage would be
diminished by coveruig the plates with a layer of eliouit- " cure'l " on,
or even of jjaraffin wax.
Mr. E. A. Watsox, in reply, agreed with Dr. Russell that '" electric
strength " was the more correct expression. In the case when x was
greater than ia. Dr Russell had worked out the whole theory, and there
was no better authority than Dr. Russell on that point. Since making
his tests he had constructed a high-tension voltmeter, which was shown
at that meetmg. He thought Dr. Russell's explanation of the delay in
the production of a corona was a possible one. The potential drop at th^
surfaces of the spheies might also account for the discrepaucie-s observed,
but he did not think that even if the 350 was subtracte d from the
voltage it would be sufficient to account for the big discrepancy. That
formula was, of course, not used for high frequencies; he used .50 cycles
jier second. As regards Mr. Paterson's question about the polish on the
spheres, he thought that so long as the spheres were fairly smooth they
were all right. There was no need to polish th^ni after every spark.
As regarded ozouisatiun of the air, there "as very little ciiv.ic prc3?ut. A
brush dischame only made ozone, a violent discharge destroyed ozone,
and he did not thmk under any conditions that there was any ozone
present. Of course, there was the point as to whether a number of
sparks gave the same results as a single spark. The sparks he em-
ployed had only a small amount of energy in them and they took place
one" every two" or three seconds. The small amount of energy in the
sparks and the absence of ozone due to the corona meant that there would
not be any difference between single or successive sparks. As a pre-
9
896
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 19, 1909.
caution he took a record on Morse tape of the sparks passing, and found
that wlien the micro-ammeter reading was constant the sparks were
regularly spaced. As to Mr. Rayncr's question, all his (the author's)
tests were made with spheres of plus and minus voltage. He did not
think there was any serious error even in the direct-current measure-
ments. In all cases the reading of the micro-ammeter, when there was
no discharge taking place, was never more than 1 per cent, of the
working current, wliich meant that the leakage of the condensers was
equally small. He did not think it likely that the system would be
unsymmetrical under actual working conditions. If he was making
any further tests he would work more scientifically and adopt a form
of condenser as outlined by Prof. Morris. Prof. Thompson's remarks as
to apparent discrepancies were simply due to the uneven distribution
of electrostatic flux. The results given in the final diagram were for
dielectric strength between two planes where the stress was uniform.
Of course, one got an apparent discrepancy if one took the tests witli-
out using Dr. Russell's figures. If one derived from those tests the
maximum potential gradient at the spheres themselves, he thought
they would agree with the last curves.
Pi'of. Thompson : Would that account for the extraordinary large
differences ?
Mr. Watson : Yes. There was a very large difference.
CORRESPONDENCE.
♦
AIR-GAP RELUCTANCES.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ELECTRICIAN.
Sik: In reference to the article in The Electrician of
January 8th, on the ampere-turns necessary to send a given
flux across the air-gap of a dynamo with a slotted armature,
I have used the following simple formula for a number of years
and found it practically correct for the usual proportions of
teeth and slots.
I deduced it from a diagram of the probable magnetic stream
lines into the slot. When in 190i Prof. Hele Shaw published
bis stream lines and his calculations derived from them as to
the effect of the slots, I found that they closely agreed with
my formula :
Let L = the length (effective ) of the pole face, as.sumiug
that there were no slots,
S = width of slot,
C = width of air-gap.
C2
Then deduct for each slot a length = _, ^ .
For example, let L=195 mm., S = 12 mm., G=3 mm.
The space lost by each slot would be — ^ = 6 mm.
If on the average there were 7h slots under the pole, the
effective length of the slotted armature under the pole face
would be 195 - 7| x 6 = 150 mm. From this the ampere-turns
to drive the given flux across the air space can be calculated as
usual for an armature carrying no current. The above formula
is based on the conclusion that the effect of the slot is nearly
c
eq\uvalent to lengthening the flux over the slot to G -1-
Hence the effective width of the slot = S
The approximate space lost is S •
Leeds, March 12.
SG
Wilson Haktnell.
MR. TENNANT AND ELECTRICAL MONOPOLY.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE ELECTRICIAN.
Sir : The recent deputation to Mr. Tennant asking for
further protection for the authorised undertaker of electricity
supply has overlooked many of the disadvantages which
would spring from such a course. The interests of the autho-
rised undertaker are, of course, important, but are not the in-
terests of the user of electricity, with which aie bound up
those of the electrical manufacturers, also worthy of a little
consideration ? Anything tending to prevent the use of cheap
electricity spreading is not only bad for the industry as a
whole but especially for electrical manufacturing.
The proposals put forward are of two kinds : —
1 . To prevent unauthorised bodies from supplying elec
tricity at all.
2. To prevent railway companies from granting wayleaves
to any but authorised undertakers.
The results of either of these steps would be absurd as well
as harmful, as a little thought will show.
1. If no one but authorised undertakers are to be allowed
to sell electricity great hardship would result to many useful
undertakings. Not onl}' would the numerous small non-statu-
tory supply companies at present operating in many country
districts be crushed, but it would become illegal for the Under-
ground Railways to purchase current from Lot's-road, for the
Smitlifield Markets Company to work at all, or for any colliery
or blast furnace owner to get rid of his surplus power to a
neighbouring colliery or wnrks, if he converted it into elec-
tricity. The Trafford Park Company would have to stop, the
London & North- Western Railway Co. would not be allowed
to sell current to the North London Railway Co., nor the
South-Eastern Railway Co. to supply to the London, Chatham
& Dover Railway Co. In many parts of the country at the
present time there are works and collieries which, while situate
within the areas of power companies and municipal supply
areas, are so far distant from the network that they cannot
hope to get a supply for many years to come. It would appa-
rently be illegal for any two works or collieries to combine to
supply each other with electric power, although they may
supply each other with power in the form of steam, water or
coal. In other wo'.ds, it would put a premium upon small
units and old-fashioned methods. It would .also entirely put a
stop to the numerous cases where the port or harbour authori-
ties or .ship-repairing yards sell electric power or light to boats
temporarily stationed there.
2. Even supposing that it were desirable to restrict elec-
trical supply in this way, the proposal to do so by making it
illegal for jailway companies to grant wayleaves would be
as absurd as the Chinese method of obtaining pork. For while
on the one hand it would not have prevented the most notable
cases of pirate companies in the country, such as the Hamp-
stead Battery Co. or the Durham Collieiies Co., it would
deprive the railway companies of a valuable right of which
they may be expected to increasingly make use of in the
future. Supposing the South Eastern Railway Co , for the
purpose of electrifying their lines, thought it convenient to
float a subsidiary company, they would neither have the right
to purchase power from such a company nor even to carry its
cables along their lines, unless that company w.is an authorised
undertaker. In fact, it would apparently be illegal for^a large
works, divided by a railway siding, to carry its electric cables
for supplying itself across such siding, which means putting
up two generating stations. In any case it would seriously
interfere with, and add to, the length of cables in many ship
yards and dockyards which contain railway sidings.
When all is said and done, what does the possibility of the
pir.ate business amount to ? However annoying it may be to
any supply authority to find possible consumers doing without
it, it is obvious that it can never grow to very much. The
two principal pirate schemes above mentioned have, both of
them, been wiped out, one by a company and one by a muni-
cipality. After all, the limitations from which a pirate com-
pany suffers are very serious, and it would always experience
infinitely more difficulty in raising money than a company
possessing statutory powers. This alone is sufficient to pre-
vent it doing much harm. The only case which the deputa-
tion has had any experience of is the North British Power
Synd., which will probably go the way of all others. The
scheme troubling Alderman Pearson at Bristol was, of course,
an undertaking possessing statutory powers specially granted
by Parliament, .and would be unaffected by this proposal. — I
*"\'v*'';' • . A/r 1 ir A Company Man.
Westminster, March 10.
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 19, 1909.
897
THE COTTON MILL AND THE APPLICATION OF
ELECTRICITY.*
BY W. HOFLT, M.BNG., B.SC.
A desciiptiou was first given of the processes employed in the
manufacture of yarn and cloth from the raw cotton to the looms
for weaving, special reference l)eing made to the ring-spinning frame
and the loom.
The ring-frame spins continuously, so that in comparison with the
mule there is a greater production per spindle, less space is occu-
pied, and the frame is cheaper, but the ring-frame, with constant
speed, will not spin as fine counts as the mule, because the tension
on the yarn being spun is greater at tiie nose or smallest diameter
of the cop than it is at the shoulder or the largest diameter of the
cop, so that the tension is continuously varying during the whole
spinning process. This means that the maximum speed at which
the frames may be run with a constant speed drive is the safe speed
for spinning on the smallest diameter of the cop ; accordingly when
the machine is spinning on the larger diameters it is not working to
its full capacity, and the yarn spun is inferior in quality owing to
the varying stresses to which it is subjected.
Of the forces acting on the traveller tlie only variable ones are
those from the cop and the balloon. The autlior explained that
when winding on the smallest diameter of the cop there is an almost
radial pull on the ring, but when winding on the largest diameter the
pull on the ring is almost tangential, so that in the former case the
yarn is subjected to considerably greater stresses than in the latter.
If it can now be arranged to increase the speed of the spindle when
spinning on the larger diameter, a greater output will be obtained
from the machine, the yarn will be of better quality, the cop will be
evenly built and poorer raw material can be spun. The Siemens
single-phase repulsion motor, which has been specially designed to
obtain the necessary rapid but smooth variations of speed required for
ring frames was described. This motor is regulated by a single lever
which effects the switching in, starting and speed regulation. The
lever first of all causes the D.P. primary switch to cut in, while
further movement shifts the movable brushes and gradually increases
the speed to the desired value. The speed can then be automati-
cally adjusted so as to be kept at its maximum value during the
whole spinning process.
With the mule the spinning is not continuous. As the rollers are
delivering the rove a movable carriage, on which the spindles are
mounted, travels outwards, and the spindles, by revolving at a high
speed, put twist in the yarn. Wlien the carriage has completed its
outward run the spindles are stopped and at once reversed, un-
wrapping the yarn from the top of the bare spindle and winding it
on the cop. The carriage then runs inwards, the spindles revolve
again in their original direction and wind the yarn on the cops.
A mule load diagram was shown, from which it could be seen
that the mule requires an amount of power at reversing very largely
in excess of the average, so that if individually driven each motor
would have to be capable of dealing with the peak. It is, there-
fore, better to group at least six mules together and drive from a line
of high speed shafting, a motor being put in of sufficient output to
take the average load, but with an overload capacity sufficient to
take the i)eaks in the event of the mules synchronising.
A weaving shed is usually driven by one slow speed steam engine
driving through spur gearing a long main shaft wliich in turn
drives countershafting by means of bevel wheels. The looms are then
driven by belting from the countershaft, being started by moving a
belt from loose to fast pulley. With this arrangement the speed of
the loom is affected by the slipping of the belt between loom and
countershaft, alteration of engine speed when several looms are
thrown on or off at the same time and, with looms at the end of h
long line of sliafting, by the torsion of the shaft. It is evident that
the running speed of the loom must be such that when an increase
of speed does occur the thread does not break.
As the speed of a three-phase motor is practically dependent on
the frequency of supply, a small three-phase motor to each loom is
the most satisfactory drive, as the looms can then be run at a con-
siderably higher speed, which naturally increases their production.
The threads, however, do not break so often and the cloth has a
more regular appearance, obtaining a better price than cloth woven
from engine-driven looms.
The author strongly advocated the individual drive for all machi-
nery ill weaving .sheds and spinning mills, with tlu> exception of
mules and possibly carding engines. With the individual drive
there is no waste of power due to the shafting and belling running
idle when the machine is not in use, and although small motors are
not so efficient'as large ones, the lo.ss is not .so gi-eat as that due to
shafts and belting. The efficiency of a 033 h.p. Siemens loom motor,
for instance, is 73 per cent., and if fitted with ball bearings is 82
per cent. With such small powers the size of shafting and belting
cannot, from practical considerations, be reduced in proportion to
the power transmitted ; in fact, the running loss apart from the loss
due to idle running is greater than the loss in the small motors and
cables.
It would appear, at first sight, that the capital expenditure of a
factory equipped with a number of small motors must be greater
than one equipped with only one or two. If, however, it is taken
into consideration that the building is much cheaper, having lighter
roof and ceiling construction, and that there is an absence of a con-
siderable amount of shafting, hangers and belting, the capital outlay
is in some cases less. The absence of shafting and belting also
gives better lighting and allows of better supervision of the work-
people.
A discussion fol'owed the reading of the Paper, ohictly on tlio
relative advantages of induction motors as compared with direct
current machines for this class of drive; it being generally con-
ceded that the combination of three-phase turbo-generators and
induction motor drives had great advantages, this system also en-
abling the repulsion motor to be used to the fullest advantage for
the ring frames.
ELECTRIC COOKING.
The slow progi'ess made in this country by electric cooking is .some-
times considered as due to the lack of apparatus at a popular price.
This is certainly not the case as regards small cooking utensils, and
* AbstracL of a Paper read before the Liverpool University Engi-
neering Society.
New Elecibic Oven of the Genehal Electric Co.
any such objection should also be removed in connection with ovens,
since the General Electric Co. have just placed on the market a type
of electric oven which has been designed with the object of providing
a reliable article at a rea,sonable price. This latter we may mention
compares most favourably with that of the usual patterns of electric
ovens.
It is arranged to take, at full heat, a power of 1,500 w-atts, three
grades of heat, however, being provided to allow^of the gi-eatest
F^
898
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 19. 1909.
efficiency in use, whilst two hot plates incorporated in the top of the
oven, and taking 400 and 6t)0 watts respectively, provide a convenient
means of cooking vegetables, boiling water. &o. Four switches are
provided, two for the hot plates, and two for the oven, these latter
allowing one, two or tliree heating coils to be utilised as required.
As will be seen from the illustration herewith, the design presents
no unusual features, but attention has been paid to rendering the
coils, which are located in the base, easy to remove, so that cleaning,
when necessary, is facilitated. This also applies to the shelves and
other parts of the oven. It will be noticed also that the door is
arranged to lower and form a convenient shelf when inserting or
removing food from the oven.
We must congratulate the General Electric Company on their
enterprise in placing on the market an oven at a popular price,
and we hope the demand for these ovens will show that there is a
considerable field for electrical cooking apparatus of this character.
ATLANTIC CABLE RATES.
In the " Financial News " (London) of March .5th a long article
was devoted to a discussion of Atlantic cable rates. The various
aspects of this question were passed in review, and emphasis was
placed upon the testimony of the Interdepartmental Committee ap-
pointed in 1902 to consider and report upon the general question of
cable communications as to the efforts made by the Atlantic Com-
panies to meet all reasonable requirements of the community in
regard to the reduction of rates. The particular "Conclusion" of
the Committee in reference to this matter was as follows : " The
.\tlantic Telegraph Companies provided, under the influence of com-
petition, an efficient service at a low rate, which they have attempted
unsuccessfully to reduce still further."
As our contemporary points out, the charge frivolously and lightly
levelled against the Atlantic Cable Companies that they " are acting
in combination to maintain a high rate of tariff which acts to the
detriment of international trade " is, on the face of it, an entire
misstatement of the facts of the case. Mr. Geo. G. Ward, vice-
president of the Commercial Cable Co.. when recently discussing
this matter, pointed out that any charge of combination for such a
purpose is disproved of by the fact that legitimate competition be-
tween the various companies brought the Atlantic cable word rate
down from 2s. to Is., after between two and three years' trial of a 6d.
a word tariff, which was jiroved to be ruinous and must have ulti-
mately resulted in weakening the efficiency of the service. Mr.
Ward shows that the reduction of the rate to a non -paying figure
resulted in only a 10 per cent, increase in the volume of traffic, and
the business was, consequently, being conducted at a loss. At Is.
a word it is essential, in order to earn reasonable dividends, that
combination for the economical working of the Atlantic Companies'
systems should be effected, and the only result of the combination has
been to maintain a tariff that allows of a reasonable profit to be earned
while at the same time securing not only an efficient service but a con-
tinuous one. It must not be overlooked in connection with the At-
lantic telegraph traffic that this combination consists of two English,
two American, one French and one German cable-owning com-
panies, who between them employ 16 Atlantic cables, any or all of
which may be " down " at any time, and that the combination secures
that the commercial public shall not in any way suffer while there is
a single cable available for the purpose of securing telegiaphic com-
munication between Great Britain, Canada and the United States.
Other telegraphic communications are also indirectly favourably
affected by this community of interests between the owners of the
.Atlantic cables — in fact, it is to the combination that we are in-
debted for the remarkable efficiency of the service with many
countries. This is, probably, the most exacting, as it is certainly
the heaviest, telegraphic service in existence.
To attempt to destroy or to bring down to a nourdividend-earning
condition a service of international importance seems to us to be only
])r(iperly doscrihed as " wrecking." as the term is understood on the
Stdik Kxcliangp, and that it should be po.ssible to find Britishers
Working to this end is deplorable, to use the mildest term possil)le for
such conduct. This is ])eculiarly the case when we realise that
merchants have accommodated themselves to the tariff of Is. a word
for .Atlantic messages by reducing the number of words it is necessary
to cable to an irreducible minimum by the adoption of vocabularies
based upon ultra-scientific combinations, wliich enable them to send
messages to oversea countries of greater length and at less cost than
messages in plain language could be sent over the lines of their native
land. However tersely compressed, so long as the practically un-
restricted coding of messages is permitted, the telegraph companies
have, we tliink, a complete answer to any demand for reduction in
rates below a fail' profit-earning scale.
To the statement that the public, in its social intercourse, is re-
stricted in the use of the cables, it is surely sufficient to reply that the
Cable Companies have even gone so far as to encourage the con-
struction of codes for the use of private persons, and it is for the
public to show that it appreciates this departure by availing itself of
such facilities.
NATIONAL TELEPHONE CO.'S STAFF.
A memorandum, signed by the President of the National Tele-
phone Co. (Mr. Geo. Franklin), setting out the position of the com-
pany in relation to its staff as a result of the forthcoming absorp-
tion of the company's undertaking by the Post Office, has been
issued.
The present position of the company in relation to its staff has, the
memorandum sets out, been brought about by the conditions, imposed
by the State, under which the telephone business of the kingdom has
been conducted. The Postmaster-General's licence to the company
for 31 years, which expires on Dec. 31, 1911. contained no provision as
to how the business was to be carried on, or for the purchase of the plant
by the State after its expiration ; and if noarrangement had been made
the position would have been that on Dec. 31, 1911, such plant as the
company then had would have remained its property, but it would
h.ave been illegal for it to have continued to carry on the business.
Subsequent negotiations between the Post Office and the company
resulted in the Agreement of Feb. 2, 1905,* under which the Post-
master-General undertook to purchase, as atDec. 31, 1911, the plant of
the company throughout the country, subject to certain conditions
with regard to competitive areas.
This Agreement materially modified the company's position as well
as that of the staff, because when it was definitely known that the
company's plant would be purchased it became easier to induce
capitalists to supply funds for development to a much later period of
the licence than would otherwise have been the case, and consequently
the company has been able to employ its construction staff longer
than it could otherwise have done. The time has now arrived when
even under the improved conditions, following the agreement of pur-
chase, the company is again face to face with the position that it is
only able to usefully employ capital in such extensions of its business
as will be fully revenue-earning before the termination of the licence,
and that it is unable to lay down plant to provide for development
after 1911 as an administration having an unlimited life would do. It
therefore follows that there must be a great decrease in the company's
capital expenditure during the remaining period of the licence, with a
consequent reduction of the construction staff, unless some arrange-
ment is made with the Postmaster-General to bridge over the present
entirely artificial situation.
Whilst the company will continue to do everything in its power to
minimise hardship in dealing with staff whose services may from time
to time be no longer required, it will be understood from the foregoing
that the reduction of the construction staff which hss, unfortunately,
already been made, and which it is certain will continue to increase
unless some fresh arrangements are come to, is inherent to the
arrangement m.ade by the Government of the day — in 1880 — when it
decided to grant terminable licences for the telephone business. The
general condition of the staff has been made more favourable in con.se-
quenceof the agreement of 1905, and it is anticipated that so far as some
of the competitive areas are concerned, the position of the staff in
those areas may be still further improved if negotiations at present in
progress are carried to a successful issue.
In', dealing with the position of the staff it is necessary to divide
it roughly into two classes, those engaged in (1) maintenance and
operating duties and (2) construction staff. As regards the former, so
far as can be foreseen, it will not be affected by the termination of the
licence, and will, under the conditions which are known, be trans-
ferred to the staff of the Postmaster-General. As regards class (2), it
will, of course, be affected by ordinary trade conditions, such as have
been operative during the last 12 mouths, when orders for telephones
have not been coming in so freely as formerl3' in consequence of the
general depression iu trade ; it will also be affected by the artiflcial
conditions following the grant of the licence to the company already
referred to.
The company feels that the interests of its staff, the telephone- using
public, audits own interests areidentieal, and it would be very plea.sed
if it could give the construction staff an assuriince of continuous
employment during its term of existen:?e, but this is impossible unless
some arrangements can lie made with the Government for the con-
tinuous supply of capital for works which should now be undertaken
in respect of the requirements of 1912 and subsequent years on terms
entailing no loss to the company, or some other airangement lie come
to Viy wliich the situation may be provided for.
The company has already drawn the Postmaster-General's attention
to the grave evils arising from the present situation, but unfortunately
up to the present no solution of the difficulty has been found.
* This agreement is set out in full in " The Electrician" Electrical
Trades' Directory and Handbook for 1905, pp. 463—464.
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH I'J, 1909.
899
LEGAL INTELLIGENCE.
Arc Lamp Patents.
In the mailer af ihc Pak.nls mid Dcii-jm Act. I!t07, ««■/ re ("iEo. Braii.Ik's
fipplknlion to revoke Bremer's Letters Patent Nn. 18,786 of 1902.
As briefly reported in our last issue, this case came before llr. .Justice
Parker last week on the appeal of the British Wcstinghouse Co. (owner.-i
of Bremer's patent) from a decision of the Comptroller-General of
Patents, revoking the patent under the terms of sec. 27 of the Patents
and Designs Act, 1907. The details relating to tliis patent are known
to our readers.
In opening the appeal, Mr. Walter, K.C, said the company's main
object in appealing was to get his lordship to construe the true meaning
of sec. 27 of the Act of 1907, upon which no decision had yet been given.
Primarily he submitted sec. 27 was intended to prevent an evil that had
been felt to exist in this country — viz., persons owning British patents,
whereby they obtained a monopoly in this country, being able to sell
goods in respect of which .such monopoly existed wliich had bi'cn manu-
factured abroad. The construction sought (o be put upon it was that
the section delinitcly laid down that a person who was tlic owner of
letters patent in this country must manufacture here if he was to retain
tlie monopoly. His submission was that there was nothing in the Act
to compel working at all. All it did say was that if you do work and
desire a monoi]oly to sell in this country you shall make a certain pro-
portion of the goi>ds in this country. He hoped to satisfy his lordship
llial in this case the Court was solely concerned with goods manufac-
tured by or on behalf of the patentee or manufactures which result in
the things manufactured abroad becoming the property of the patentee.
The Act had no relation to anything whatever except that and had
ni>thing whatever to do with any iniiuiry by a British Court into goods
that were made by other persons unless the goods came into this co\intry.
He thought the .section was a clear and intelligent exposition of what
Parliament intended by the Act. He contended that the words " at any
time not less than four years after the date of a patent and not less than
one year afttr the passing of this Act" showed the intention of Par.
lament to enable a manufacture to be established in this realm. Any
person might apply to revoke a patent on the ground that the patented
article or process was carried on wholly or mainly outside the United
Kingdom. The words used were " patented article or process." His
lirst contention was that the section could not be read as if the words
were " article or process as described in the specification." The patented
article was something quite different. It meant an article manufac-
tured by the patentee or his licencee in accordance with the patent, and
could not mean an article manufactured by someone else which might
be an infringement. The Courts of this country had nothing to do
with the manufacture of articles outside this country which never came
within the realm, nor, indeed, with the patented article unless it came
within the ambit of the protected monopoly. The object of the section
was that the manufacture must not be exclusively or mainly outside
the United Kingdom. That, however, had nothing whatever to do with
what persons were doing outside the realm. All the Court was concerned
with was the things that were brought into the realm imder the :pgis of
the monopoly. The section had nothing whatever to do with anything
except articles manufactured by the ]iatentee or with his consent or
licence. That was to say, in ascertaining what was an adequate manu-
facture no regard must be paid to anything that was done without the
consent of the patentee. If that were not so it would be very unjust to
the patentee. Was it to be said that because a state of things existed
which could not be determined until 1911 the patentee was to be deprived
of all monopoly and all right to establish this industry within the United
Kingdom ? His contention was that the Act did not apply to revoke a
patent whore the patented article was not brought into this country,
the patented article must be an article manufactured in accordance with
t'.ie patent by the ]>atentee or his licencee.
I The ATTORNEy-GENERAL, on behalf of the Board of Trade, said that
three sections were material and a common purpose seemed to run
through all the sections (24, 27e, 38e). His submission was that in the
first instance it was the intention of the Legislature to protect the paten-
tee to whatever extent was necessary to enable him to reap an adequate
reward from his invention, but as the patentee's reward was secured to
him by a monopoly a grave danger might ensue, and, in fact, did ensue,
if that monopoly was used for purposes that went beyond the taking of a
reasonable reward. The patentee was able to get collateral and impr<i-
per advantage beyond his monopoly. The object of the Act was to
prevent that. Sec. 38 was to prevent that ; the whole .scope of the Act
was to prevent monopolists acting in restraint of trade. That was no
new doctrine, but the common purpose running through all the sections.
It was an ancient doctrine of common law. If an article patented in
this country was manufactured entirely outside the United Kingdom it
was thought that the requirements of the public would not be tairly and
adequately met. English customers would not be getting the benefit of
the English patent, but would have, for instance, to pay in addition to
the fair cost of the article the cost of transport. The Act was really for
the benefit of the public, and it was in that light that the Courts h.ad to
construe it. Whenever a patented article was manufactured outside
the United Kingdom there was an inequality and that ineqiiality the
Act sought to remedy. The Briton must not be put in a worse position
in getting the article than the foreigner. That was the basis of the .\ct.
Parliament had said that it would not allow the monopoly granted to be
u>,cd in su'h a wav as to gin- the foreigner an unfair adv.int.ij;c over the.
Englishman. Wliat see. 27 intended to say was that if you arc granted
an English jiatent you shall manufacture the article in England as an
Englishman would manufacture it so as to give England the benefit of a
loral suiqilv, and you shall not manufacture it abroad in a way thai
would en.ible you to restrict the market. The user of the English
monopoly must bo of a character benelieent to the public and it must be
exercised under circumstances that would ensure the public getting the
greatest possible benefit out of it. There could be no rea.sonable doubt
of the jurisdiction of the Court to take into consideration all the circum-
stances. That was why the word '• satisfactorily " had found its way
into the Act.
Mr. BousKiEi.D, K.C, for respondent, contended that if the aiticle
was manufactured or imported inider the a-gis of the patent it was prima
facie the patented article or manufactured by the patentee under the
patent. It did not matter whether the articles came into this country
from a company in Germany or the Wcstinghouse Company in America.
The broad principle was. Are you (the patentee) going to do the work in
this country. If you don't work your patent in this country then it goes.
His LoRnSHiP said he should give Mr. Walter the opportunity of call-
ing further cvidenc-c on behalf of appellants if he desired to do so. He
tli.iuglit Hiqiellants should have that opportunity, and that the applicant
hhoulcl fornudate llu> leasons upon which he relied. It appeared to him,
on the construction of the Act, that until it was proved that the main
manufacture was abroad, there was no duty cast upon the patentee at all.
Mr. BousFtELD : The Act says any person may apply to the Comp-
troller for the revocation of a patent.
His LoRDSHir : The section says " shall consider the application."
Mr. BorsFlEi.l) said that Rules were made by the Board of 'I'racle.
Bale 79 said " The patentee shall within 14 days from the delivery of such
copy (copy of the applicaticm), or within such further time as the (Comp-
troller may allow, leave at the office evidence by way of statutory decla-
ration, stating whether or not the allegations contained in the applica-
tion are correct ; and if they are incorrect, to what extent and in what
place the patented article is manufactured or carried on in the United
Kingdom. ..." What the ])atentee had to consider was how
man'y of the patented articles were made abroad and how many in the
country, and he had to make a statement on oath a-s to which was correct.
It was no doubt inquisitorial, but it was the only way to carry out the
Act.
His Lordship ; Does it not seem rather hard that you should put the
patentee upon the rack before you prove anything '/
Mr. Boi'sFiELD : Yes ; but it .seems very hard that a foreigner should
get hold of a British invention and work it abroad to the detriment of
cuir workpeople. Unless the Board of Trade c'ould get evidence it would
be impossible to put the Act into operation.
H's Lordship : I don't see how you can shift the onus of proof.
Mr. BousFlELD said that the patentee had lirst of all to show that the
allegations of the applicant were incorrect, and to what extent and in
what place the patented articles were manufactured in the United
Kingdom, and if not so manufactured to an adecpiate extent, stating the
reason why. Parliament was entitled to throw upon the patentee the
onus of showing that he was carrying on a substantial manufacture in
the United Kingdom.
His Lordship : That is precisely what the Act does not say. This
rule would give the right to any trader to get at the books of every other
trader in the country.
Mr. Walter : That is precisely what has been done in the present case.
Mr. BousFiEi.D said that the object of the .4ct was to stamp out those
patents which were being worked abroad and not in this country. If
they were not going to make the Act a dead letter they were bound to
have such a rule as that in question.
Mr. Walter said that at the present time there were 27 of these
petitions pendmg, not one of which was there the slightest foundation for.
His Lordship said he thought the case ought to be adjourned to give
the petitioner the opportunity of formulating his reasons.
Mr. BousFiELD suggested that both sides should make declarations.
Mr. Walter did not mind at all putting in affidavits, because it might
be that when the petitioner saw them he would see he had started on a
hopeless task.
In the result the hearing was adjourned for further evidence to be filed,
and stood over until after the Easter vacation.
" Z " Electric Lamp Mfg. Co. v. Zossenheira.
The motion by plaiutitYs f..r an int.Tim injunction to restrain an
alleged infringeinent by defendant of iheir patent for cleetric lamps wa.s
.again before Mr. Justice Parker on Friday last.
Mr. Colkfax. for plaint itTs,said the motion stood over to give defendant
an opportuntity of answering the evidence on his undertaking to keep
an account anil to file his evidence by 10th inst. He had not filed
evidence, but was now represented by .Mr. Gray, who asked that the
motion might stand over for another week.
Counsel submitted that under the circumstances plaintiffs were en-
titled to the injunction asked for.
Mr. Gray said defendant was an agent for a German company and the
delay had arisen through the necessity of communicating with Germany.
What was complained of had been going on for upwards of two and a half
years.
Mr. Justice Parker thought defendant wished to answer the evidence
and directed the motion to stand over until I9th inst. upon dcfepd.mt
continuing ) is undertaking
900
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 19, 1909.
R. W. Blackwell & Co. v. Derby Corporation.
In the Court of Apjical on Thursday Lord Justice Kennedy and Mr.
.Tustice Joyce liad before them the ajipeal by plaintiffs against an order
of Mr. Justice Bucknill .'ita3'ing the action on the ground of an arbitra-
tion clause in the agreement between (he pirtie?. It involved a question
under a contract for constructing an electric tramway in Derby. In the
contract there was an elaborate arbitration clause, referring all disputes
to the borough engineer. That gentleman had certified for certain
penalties. Plaintiffs were suing for a balance due under the contract,
Hiid their case was that the alleged delay for which they were penalised
was caused entirely by the acts of the borough engineer himself, who
h:id iiiilcred the plaintiffs to do certain things in certain ways, and obtain
materials from certain firms. Plaintiffs contended that the delay was
caused by the engineers' own conduct, and they made an attack upon his
bi ma fides.
Lord Justice Kennedy said he had heard that this was a ease which
raised very much, if not exactly, the same point as was being raised in the
case of " William Kennedy (Ltd.) v. Barrow-in-Furness Corporation,"
which was under the consideration by the Court of Appeal differently
constituted. He, therefore, suggested that it would be better if the
present appeal stood over until the parties had the advantage of knowing
what had been done in the Barrow case. Of course, there might be
distinguishing circumstances between the two cases.
Mr. Atkin, for appellants, and Mr. Etherington Smith, for respon-
dents, agreed, .and it was arranged the case should stand over.
Phillips V. International Aspirator Co., Ltd.
This was an action before Mr. Justice Coleridge and a common jury
last week. It was brought by Mr. H. H. Phillips against the defendant
company to recover damages for alleged breach of a contract. Plaintiff's
case was that by an agreement defendants undertook to employ him as
a traveller for 12 months certain on salary and commission. Defendants
contended that a clause in the agreement enabled them to terminate the
agreement if the plaintiff did not sell 10 machines a month, which event
hajiiiening defendants terminated the contract. In reply plaintiff alleged
that defendants liad broken an implied term of the agreement to render
him every aid in effecting sales by s\ipplying suitable machinery for
demonstration purposes, and therefore that his dismissal was wrongful.
The kind of motor used for the working of defendants' machines differed
according to the current used for ilrlving, viz., continuous or alternating.
He could not get from tlir c (.iii]i.iny uiachines suitable for demonstration
purpo.ses when motors fiu all. i nai 11^ current were wanted. If he had
been supplied by defendant,, \\ illi jnoper sample machines he could have
sold the required number of machines.
Mr. F. Makpole, manager of the Franco- British Electrical Co., and for-
merly adviser to defendant company on technical questions, said it was
easy to change the motors in the cleaning machines to suit them for
working alternating.
For defendants, evidence was called that if what plaintiff suggested
was correct defendants would have had to stock as many as 90 different
mcilcirs. Defendants had always tried to suit plaintiff's request for a
particular motor for demonstration purposes.
Judgment was given for plaintiff for £184 as damages.
A stay of execution was granted. '
What is Bitumen /
For some week.s Mr. Chester Jones has been engaged at the Thames
Police Court (Loudon) in hearing a summons again.st Mr. W. H. Keys,
West Brom wich, for unlawfully .selling 20 barrels of bitumen to Messrs.
(teorge Wills & Co., London, to which was applied a false trade descrip-
tion, "Trinidad bitumen," contrary to the provisions of the Merchan-
dise Marks Act, 1887. After hearing the evidence, the Magistrate
reserved his decision.
This has now been given. Mr. Chester .Jones said the only ques-
tion was that of selling something to which a false trade description
was applied. It was alleged that the description as to the country
of production and the materials in the bitumen was false. As a
matter of fact defendant qualified his statement that he sold
Trinidad bitumen by describing it as Keys' Standard, Nos. 1
and 3. The real prosecutors were Messrs, Previte, who were the
sole consignees in this country of what was called Trinidad lake
asphnlte, which was found in a lake in Trinidad. Trinidad lake bitu-
men was a bituminous product containing 35 per cent, of mineral
matter, and apparentlj- until a iew years ago that was the onlj- kind
that came from Trinidad. But a few ye.ars since manjak was consigned
to this country. That also was a bituminous product, and contained
90 per cent, of bitumen. It seemed to him that the case turned on the
<piestion whether Trinidad asphalte was Trinidad manjak. He found
it difficult to say it was not. When mineral matter was mixed with the
substance it could not be bitumen. As far as bitumen was con-
cerned, he agreed with one of the witnesses for the prosecu-
tion that the proper word for it would be " pitch," and that
word seemed to him a far more scientific term, but whichever
word was used he could not see why manjak could not be called
bitumen. In that opinion he was fortified by the evidence of Mr.
Bertram Blount. It was a common ground that pure bitumen could
not be used for any industrial purpose unless an alteration was made
in it. For electric cable laying pure bitumen was no use whatever
unless a considerable quantity of flux was mixed with it. And that
was what people used with it. Mr. Callender, who knew all about the
material, stated that when the lake bitumen was fluxed with grease or
shale he could not recognise it as lake asphalte at all. Now, what
did defendant do ? He had two sorts, Nos. 1 and 3, the former
consisting of flux in a larger proportion than was used in the lake
asphalte, manjak, and Trinidad asphalte, and the other of a still
larger proportion of flux, 40 per cent, of manjak and 30 per cent, of
mineral matter. The question was whether those particular products
were entitled to be called Trinidad bitumen. It was clear that Trini-
dad bitumen was not pure Trinidad bitumen, and, if it was permissible
on the part of Messrs. Previte to call it such, why should not defendant
do the same, although the latter might use a little more flux '. It was
clear that when a person ordered Trinidad asphalte he did not expect
to got it, so it was useless to ask him to convict defendant, and on that
ground the summons must be dismissed. He allowed £150 costs.
Patent Revocation. — The Comptroller-General of Patents ( Jlr. W.
Temple Franks) has revoked letters patent No. 14,948 of 1900. The
Comi)troller reported that the application for revocation was
made on Feb. 5, 1909, and on Feb. 20 the patentee (Mr. Alfred Julius
Boult) notified that he did not pi'opose to contest the application, and
was'prepared to allow the patent to be revoked. It was submitted by
the patentee that it was not a case for costs, inasmuch as he voluntarily
relinquished the patent at the earliest possible opportunity after know-
ledge of the application. The Comptroller-General thought the ap-
plicant was entitled to some costs in respect of an application which
was not contested, and he awarded him four guineas.
Board of Trade Regulations as to Overhead Wires.
At Sittingbourne Petty Sessions Court on Monday, the Sheerness &
District Electric Power & Traction Co. were summoned by the Board
of Trade for having erected overhead electric wires without having
previously submitted plans of same to the Board for approval. The
offence (which was a technical one) was admitted, and the company
were fined £10 for the first day and 10s. for each subsequent day (from
Oct, 10 till Nov. 5), but no order was made as to costs.
PABLIAMENTABT INTELLIGENCE.
NORTH METROPOLITAN ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY CO.'S
BILL.
On 11th inst. a Select Committee of the House of Commons considered
this Bill.
For the promoters, Mr. Balpoue Browne, K.C, said the company
was incorporated in 1900 for supplying electric power in a large district
in Middlesex, Herts, &c. The promoters desired to include in their area
Hendon, Finehley, Friern Barnet, Chingford, and Waltham Holy Cross,
which had been excluded because the London County Council desired to
include them in their 1907 Bill. London County Council were no longer
seeking authority over those districts, and the company asked for power
to supply electrical energy for power, and, under certain limitations, for
lighting to the consumer who took energy. After hearing evidence, the
Committee passed the preamble of the Bill, subject to the addition of a
rider suggested by the Board of Trade, that supply to an outside jirea
should be subject to consent by the authorised distributor, with an
appeal to the I5oard of Trade against unreasonable refusal. The Com-
mittee also decided to allow a veto to Hendon Council.
Mr. Balfour Browne, K.C, said the promoters were on the point of
coming to terms with Hertfordshire County and Cheshunt Urban
Councils.
Somerset Electric Power Bill- — The Standing Orders Committee
of the House of Lords has decided that the standing orders, which
have not been complied with, should not be dispensed with in the case
of this Bill,
MUNICIPAL. FOREIGN & GENERAL NOTES.
— ♦
APPOINTIVIENTS VACANT AND FILLED.
Soutlnvark (London) Borough Council invite apjjlioations for the
appointment of chief engineer and manager of the electricity under-
taking. Candidates must have had practical experience in the
management and efficient working of municipal electricity works,
and the person appointed will be required to devote the whole of his
time to the duties of the office. Salary £300 per annum, rising by
annual increments of £20 to a maximum of £4(X1 per annum. Ap-
plications to the town clerk (Mr. J. A. Johnson), Town Hall, Wal-
worth-road, London, S.E., by noon of Saturday, April 3. See also
an advertisement.
Tunbridge Wells Corporation propose to appoint a resident elec-
trical engineer at a salary of £300. increasing by annual increments
of £25 to £400 per annum, to have charge of and be responsible for the
electric lighting undertaking and plant of the Corporation, including
additions and extensions. The Corporation also require a chief
electrical assistant at a salary of £150. increasing by annual incre-
ments of £12. 10s. to £200.. and a junior electrical assistant at a salary
of 30s. per week. Applications to the Town Clerk, Town Hall,
Tunbridge Wells, by March 24.
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 10, 1909.
001
Applications are invited for the position of chief electrical en-
gineer to the Mysore Government. Bangalore, India, who own the
Cauvery Falls electric power works. Applications to the chief en-
gineer (Mr. W. McHutchin) by May 15.
A professor of engineering is wanted at the College of Science.
Poona. Bombaj'. Particulars from the Secretarj', Board of Educa-
tion. Whitehall, London, S.W.
An assistant demonstrator is required in the physics department
of Liverpool Collegiate School. Shaw-street, Liverpool. Applica-
tions to the Head Master before JIarch 24.
Holborn (London) Council have appointed Barlow Bros, to carry
out electricians" work during the current j'ear.
Mr. P. Hanks, chief traffic inspector on the L.C.C. northern tram-
waj's, is to be temporarily employed for a further ]), riod of two
years at £4 per week.
Acton. — At a special meeting of the Council last Friday it was
decided to hand over the municipal electricity supply department
to the Metropolitan Electric Supply Co. for 37 years, subject to
certain details as to price of current, &c.. being adjusted.
The company offered to pay to the Council such sums as would be
necessary to enable the Council to pay the instalments of principal and
interest on the exi.sting loans of £(i8.li!l8. and to provide all additional
cajjital for developing the undertaking, such capital to he repaid by the
Council on the termination of the contract, less 1^ per cent, per annum,
calculated from the end of each year in which the capital was expended.
The company would not expend any capital during the last three years
of the contract, other than that necessary to connect new consumers,
without the consent of the Council. The Council to take not less than
180,000 units per annum for street lighting, at Id. per unit, this price to
be sidjject to revision every 10 years, or (in the option of the Council) at
an annual charge per lamp (to include maintenance and attendance)
based upon the price for energy at the time being in operation.
The CounciTs conditions were: (I) The company to undertake not
to increase the present charges to private consumers and shops ; (2) to
supply electricity for lighting public buildings (including all schools
under the Council) at not over 3d. per unit ; (3) not to charge more than
Id. per unit for street lighting (including cost of maintenance, atten-
dance, &c.) ; (4) not ti> charge more than Id. per unit for power (including
supply to sewage works) ; and (.5) not to charge anything to capital
account unless sanctioned by Council.
The company have since expressed their willingness to submit to
arbitration any questions that may arise in regard to new cajiital expen-
diture. As to the prices to be charged for current, the company agree
to supply the Council with light for ijublic buildings at 4d. ]ier unit, but
consider it should be free to make its own terms with private consumers.
Argentina. — The Cia. Industrial de Electricidad del Rio de la
Plata have obtained the contract for the electric lighting of the town
of Mercedes (San Luis).
Santa Fe JIunicipality recently invited and received tenders for
th(> purchase and conversion to electric traction of its tramways.
Austria-Hungary.— Tarnow Municipal Council have purchased a
site for the erection of electricity works.
Barnes. — All public electric lamps fitted with Nernst burners in
main thoroughfares are to be replaced by 100 c.p. metal filament
lamps.
Bethnal Green (London). — A special committee has been formed to
consider and report upon the proposals of Stepney and Shorediteh
Councils to supply electricity in this borough.
Bournemouth.— The assistant borough electrical engit^eer (Mr.
H. Godfrey Andrews) has tendered his resignation.
Brazil. — The " Re\new of the River Plate " annoimees that an
English syndicate has purchased the electric tramways of the Com-
pafiia Forca e Luz at Porto .-^lesre for $2,350,000 gold.
Canadian Electric Railways. — In the report for 1908 the Canadian
Minister of Railways states that the mileage of electric railways was
increa.sed during the vear from 814 to 992 miles. The total paid-up
capital was 187,903,23 1. increase §12.707.751), of aid granted 8118,400
was from the Dominion, S306,945 from the provinces and §151,000
from the municipalities. The proportion of operating expenses to
gross earnings was 62-08 per cent, the net earnings being 55,311.169.
299,099,309 pa.sscngers and 732.475 tons of freight were carried,
increases of 26,099,905 passengers and 252,744 tons respectively.
Colombia. — The Compania del Tranvia de Barranquilla have
entered into a contract for the extension of the Barranquilla electric
tramways to Soledad, and the same company offer to equip elec-
trically all the existing tramways in Barranquilla now worked
by animal traction, on condition that their concession is extended
and that they are allowed to import machinery, &c., duty free.
Dublin. — At a special meeting of the Corporation on Monday a
report on the general financial position of the electricity undertaking
was considered, and, after discussion, a recommendation to in-
crease the charges for electric current was deleted from the report. <]
Edinburgh. — -A sub-committee has been appointed to report upon
the question of extending the electricity supply mains to the Marine
Gardens. I'ortobello. It is estimated that the annual revenue would
]irobably be about £1..".00.
Electric Carriages in Hyde Park. — It is announced that licences and
badges will be issued, after 31st inst., by the Commissioners of H.M.
Works and Public Buildings, for the admission of electric carriages to
Hyde Park between the hours of 4 p.m. and 7 |).m. in the months of
May, June and July. Forms of application (by letter only) from Tlie
Secretary, H.M. Office of Works, &c., Storey's-gate, Westminster,
S.W. The number of electric carriages licerLsed last season was 450,
against 470 in 1907.
Electricity in Mining. — At the meeting of the Xundydroog Co.,
Capt. W^ B. McTaggart said that the Cauvery Falls power scheme
continued to give very good results. Apart from some minor
stoppages caused by the shortage of water, the plant operated by that
means had run smoothly and well. They operated the mill com-
pressors, i^umps, fitting shop plant, as well as the winding engines,
by electric power.
The price paid for the power, the greater amount of which was ob-
tained from the Cauvefj' Falls, was considerably cheaper than that
generated by steam, and considerable benefit from a conunercial point
of view was secured for the company, Tlie employment of electric
power for operating large winding engines bad but recently come into
force, but he was glad to say that the experience so far on the field
with both surface and underground hoists had been successful. The
fact of being able to have the pow er available just when required (and
winding engines ran but six to eight hours on the average per da5'),
against being obliged to keep up steam all tlirougb the 24 hours, was
<an important point, and the new system should undoubtedly lead to
economy, especially in working at greater depths.
Fulham (London). — The Electricity committee is considering the
questicjn of substituting metal filament tor arc lamps for the lighting
of Fulham Palace-road, and as an experiment eight tramway poles
(four on each side of the thoroughfare) are to be fitted.
Halifax. — At the meeting of the Council on Wednesday Aid.
Sniitli said that it had Ix-en decided to take £1,0(X) from the elec-
tricity profits for relief of rates, leaving a rcsjrve of £8,80.5.
Hammersmith. — Hitherto the Electricity committee has included
in the accomits of the electricity undertaking for each year the prin-
cipal and interest on loans falling due for payment within each
financial year, but the district auditor recently intimated that he
would require the inclusion in such accounts of the proportion of all
charges for principal and interest accruing due to the end of the year,
but not becoming payable until after the close of the year. The
effect of this requirement is to charge the accounts for 1907-8 with an
additional sum of £5,651. Os. 3d., being £5.054 for principal and
£393. Os. 3d. for interest accrued to March 31 last The borough
accountant has been instructed to carry out the district auditor's
requirements,
Hampstead (London). — 33 magazine flame arc lamps are to be
substituted for the present arc lamps on Haverstock Hill to Heath-
street at a cost of £671.
Hetton. — The Highways and Lighting committee have been
asked to report upon the tenders of the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Elec-
tric Supply Co. and Messrs. S. Stobart & Co. for public electric
lighting.
The Newcastle Company proposed to use overhead cables and wooden
poles with the lamps on brackets. Messrs. Stobart & Co. tendered for the
overhead system at £695. subject to certain deducti(ma under certain
conditions. The latter firm would light the lamps from dusk to dawn
and supply current at 30s. each per 50 c.p. lamp per annum and 40s.
l)er lamp i)cr anninn for each pair of 32 c.p. lamps, provided the Council
entered into a five years' agreement.
Holland. — Arnhem municipal authorities have decided to take
over the Velp electric tramwaj' from the concessionaire company.
M. Hartog. of Fauqucmont. has formed a project for linking up
the Limbourg mines by electric tramways.
India. — " Indian Engineering " states that it is understood that
the Government of JIadras is taking steiis to bring out from home
an electrical inspector for the Madras Presidency, in view of the fact
that the works of the Madras Electric Supply Corpn. (wliich will
supply electrical energy to the public and to the Government) are
a})proaching completion.
The (Jovernment have practically decided that the main telephone
lines in Colombo shall be laid imderground, and the work is to be
placed in the hands of an English firm.
902
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 19, 1909.
Italy. — The Communal aulhoritics ul Brescia have l)eeii aulhonsetl
to construct and work electric tramways from I'orta \'enezia to Porto
ililano. \iith a connection from Corso Zanardelli to the railway sta-
tion. The Verbano per la Trazione Elettrica have secured a con-
cession for the construction and working of an electric tramway
from Fondotoce railway station to Pallanza landing stage.
An application for a concession for a standard gauge electric rail-
way from Tirano to Bormio (nearly 25 miles) has been made to the
Minister of Public Works.
A scheme has been pre))ared for an electric tramway. 17 miles in
length, from Masnago to Angera.
Liverpool. — The consulting electrical engineer (Mr. A. Bromley
Holmes) has prepared a report for the Tramways and Electric
Power committee on the charges made for electric current, &c.
The report states that the rapid introduction of metallic filament
lamps, however beneficial it may be in the future to the electric supply
undertaking, must for the present to a certain extent reduce the sale of
energy to the ordinary consumer for lighting. The supply (jf energj' to
the tramways also seemed likely to fall somewhat below the supply
required last year, and under those circumstances Mr. Holmes is unable
to recommend any alteration in the rates at present charged for these
services. The consumers of energy for power for the most part make
use of the supply for a very limited number of hours annually, and the
scale of charges at present in force under these conditions admits of no
reduction. The present scale of charges does not, however, offer suffi-
cient inducements for long- hour u.sers of power, and Mr. Holmes recom-
mends that the option of a special alt( riKitivi- rate, based on the pay-
ment of a fixed sum per kw. of the ial<d r,i|.,n iiy of all plant installed,
together with a reduced rate per luiit .utuallii' consumed, be granted to
consumers of energy for jjower on the following conditions : (1) That
all energy used by the consumer for any purpose shall be purchased from
the Corporation ; (2) that the agreement shall be for a period of not less
than 12 months ; (3) that all motors over ti H.p. shall be wound for 460
volts |>rc5sure ; (4) that the rated capacity of the plant shall be calcu-
lated on the maximum quantity of plant which may be installed on the
consumer's premises at any date durmg the jjeriod of the agreement,
and that the consumer shall give immediate notice to the Corporation
of any increase in plant installed ; (5) that the rate per kw. of phant in-
stalled and the rate per unit metered shall iintil further notice be (n)
£4 per kw. per annum piiyable in four equal quarterly instalments, (b)
id. )ier unit. If, in order to meet special conditions of working, a con-
sumer desir_'< the piiyment per kw. to be based on the maximum rate of
snp|]lv actually observed, instead of on the rated capacity of the plant
installed, the charge per kw. shall be £8 per annum ; (6) that the price
payable for any energy used for lighting shall be the standard rate
charged by the Corporation for such purpose for the time being ; and
(7) that the consumer shall be bound by the genera! conditions relating
to the supply of electrical energy by the ('.>rpuiation.
Mr. Holme.? recommends further that the option of a similar alterna-
tive method of charging be granted to lonsuineis guaranteeing to take
or pay for a supply of electrical energy for lighting of not less than lOO.ttOO
units per annum, and that for such purpose the charge be calculated on
the basis of a payment of £8 per kw. per annum for the maximum rate
of supply actually observed, together with IJd. per unit for all units
metered, it being a condition that the supply shall be taken on the three-
wire system and the demand reasonably balanced between the two sides
of the same.
London County Council— On Tuesday it was agreed to lend Ham-
mersmith £9.468 for electric lighting.
Tramway Depot. — The Highways committee recommended that a
capital expenditure of £8,500 be authorised in respect of the appropria-
tion for tramway purposes of the depot and wharf at Battersoa Bridge,
about to be vacated by the Works Department. — Postponed.
Highways Committee. — This committee has elected Mr. A. Shirley Bemi
to be chairman and Mr. A. Pownall vice-chairman.
Greenwich Electricity Generating Station. — Reporting on the progress
of the works at Greenwich it was stated by the Highways committee that
two of the four turbo-generators, each of a capacity of 5,000 kw., which
are required for the .second port ion of the station are now working, and
two further generators of the same capacity are now in course of con-
struction. When these are erected the total power of the station will be
at .34,000 kw.
New Junction Line. — It was .agreed to expend £3,120 on constructing
a junction Ime between Borough High-street and Marshalsea-road, which
will allow of the ears from Camberwell and Streatham now coming to .St.
fleorge's Church to go through to Southwark Bridge.
Loughborough. — Sanction has been received to a loan of £229 to
meet expenditure to Dec. 31, 1908, on wiring consumers" premises,
the period for repayment being nine years.
Newport (Mon.).^The borough electrical engineer and manager
(Mr. H. C'ollings Bishop) has presented a report in which he recom-
mends the re-modelling of the electricity works.
^ It is proposed to close the Llanarth-street work-s, and to bring the
Corporation-road station up to date by pitting in two new 2,000 kw.
machines. The scheme also includes the erection of new electricity
offices on the Corporation-road site, with a number of workmen's dweli-
mgs adjoining. The total estimated cost of the scheme is from £68,000
'".^75,000. The committee, after visiting both works, agreed to the
prmciple of the scheme, but decided to call a special meeting to fiuther
consider it.
Ontario Power Scheme, — Tiic Ontario Clovcrnmcnl has awarded
contracts, of the value of about £154,108. for the equipment of trans-
former and inter-switching stations in connection with the provincial
power scheiiu'. The Canadian fieneral Klectrie Co. secures two-
thirds of the equipment contracts and the Canadian Westinghouse
Co. the remaining third.
Oxford. — The General Purposes corammittee recommend the
Council to accept, instead of an underground system of electric
traction (as provided by the Oxford Electric Tramways Act, 1907),
such a combined system of conduit and overhead traction as.ghall
be approved by the Council on the advice of Sir Alex. Kennedy.
The conduit system is to be installed on three specified routes, and
no reduction is to be made in the annual rentals payable to the Cor-
poration under the 1907 Act ; and the National Electric Traction Co.
and the City of Oxford Electric Tramways are to give guarantees for
the performance of their obligations to construct and work the tram-
w<ays, for the payment of the costs of the Corporation, &c.
Personal. — Mr. H. P. Gibbs is retiring from the position of chief
electrical engineer to the Government of Mysore (India).
Provisional Order Revocation. — The Board of Trade have revoked
the Aberavon Electric Lighting Order. 1901. as from March 8.
Provisional Order Transfer. — Aspnll I^rban Coimcil give notice of
intention to transfer their powers.&c, under their 1901 Electric Light-
ing Order, to the Lancashire Electric Power Co.. for a consideration of
£250. The Council retain the right to re-purchase at the expiration
of 28 years. Objections to the Board of Trade before April 4.
RadcIiiTe. — In forwarding sanction to a loan for extensions of the
electricity undertaking the L.G. Board state that, " looking to the pro-
bable growth of the Lancashire Power Co., whose central station is in
the district, the Board tliink that the Council should carefully con-
sider the question of their future procedure in relation to the com-
pany."
SI(elmorlie (Renfrew). — The County Council have approved
Wemyss Bay Gas & Electric Supply Co.'s electricity scheme for
Skelmorlie and district, and Inverkip.
Telegraphic Charges. — When the Chambers of Commerce of the
Empire meet at Sydney. N.S.W,, in September a number of resolu-
tions are to be proposed, including the following by the London
Chamber : —
That an important development in the direction of Imperial commerce
would be facilitated by a reduction of telegraphic charges within the
Empire, and that the respective postal ilopartmeuts of the various
Governments be requested to bring forward a combined scheme for
substantial reductions in telegraphic rates within the Empire, so that
this matter may be treated apart from the Telegraphic Conference.
That the decisions arrived at be communicated at and form part of Ih;
|)rogramme of the ne.xt Imperial Conference.
Wakefield. — The City Council has applied for sanction to a loan of
£615 for transformers.
West Ham. — The Council last week adopted the recommendation
of the Electric Light and Tramways committee to apply for sanction
to borrow £13.000 for transformers and £8,000 for providing motors
for hire to consumers, making in all £23,(X)0, the estimated capital
expenditure under these headings for the next tliree years. It was
also decided to ask the engineer and manager (Mr. A. H. Seabrook)
to bring up a return of the money spent on motors during the last
two years and the names of the firms who have rented same.
Wireless Telegraph Notes. — A " Standard " correspondent wiites
that the Canary Islands are about to be placed in communication
by wireless telegraphy with Europe, Africa and America. The
principal station will be in (irand Canary. A station of 1,800 miles
power s 1 1 be established in Teneriffe, and stations with a range of
l25 miles each in the other islands for the purpose of inter-island
working. It is stated that the contract has been given by the
Spanish Government to a French company on a 20 years' concession.
It is reported that the wireless telegraph company of the Royal
Engineers has been made up to more than its full strength. It is
intended, by means of the new equipment now approaching eom-
jjletion. to erect and equip stations to afford constant communica-
tion with coastguard stations, war vessels in the North Sea and
Aldershot. The principal new wireless station is to be in connection
with the Northern Command Telegraph Companies.
A bill to enforce the equipment of all passenger steamers of more
than 500 tons, and every cargo boat of more than 1.200 tons bin-then,
plying to or from Canadian ports, including the inland lake parts,
with wireless telegraph apparatus, has been introduced in the Canadian
House of Commons.
.•\t the Forest of L^xegney. near the German frontier, the French
War Department has erected an extensive radiote'.egraphic station,
comprising two towers, one 30 and the oilier 45 metres in height.
A special train on the Lake Shoro Railroad was recently kept in
wireless telegraph communication between Cleveland and Cliicago
while running at full speed between those cities. The wireless station
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 19, 1909.
903
was iiislallt-d ill a bullet car, and about 800 words were exchanged
Ijclwocn llie liaiii and city stations successfully. A number of
I'uiIIkt tests are to be nicide.
Renter announces that it will soon lie possible to indicate simiil-
laric.Misly from the KilVel Tower. I'aiis. to all slii|is ,.\ 111.' Freneli
Siiuadion the hoiii' nf luidnitjhl. The apiilicaliun of this invention
for th<' iiui'piisi- in(lieat<>d will leiiuire a eriMlit of 12.(100 fr.
In our issue fur Jan. .S (p. .'ilfi) we referred to the fact that wireless
tclegra}ili communication had been established between Bolt Head
(Devon) and Schcveningen, and we stated that Marconi apparatus
had been fitted at the Schcveningen station. The Oesellschaft fiir
Drahtlo.se Telegi'aphie point out that this is not the case, as they
installed the wireless ap))aratus at Scheveningen in 1904.
Wolverhampton. — A sum of £1.417 has been transferred from the
profits (if the electricity undertaking for the current year to the credit
of the improvement fund fur 1910. At the l.-ist meeting of the f'ouneil
it was thought to be a matter of congi'atulation that in a year of
bad trade the borough electrical engineer (Mr. Shawfield) had been
able to make a contribution of Id. to the rates.
Workhouse Lighting. — The Guardians of Soutli Dublin Union
have again considered the question of lighting the Pclletstown build-
ings. The li'inanee committee recommend the aceeptanee of the
liiidii- iif the gas eoin)iany — viz., .£l,l-(9. its. 7d. per annum, plus
llw I'.isl of the install.itinn.' An aiiiendiiuiit li> adept .■Iccliic light-
ing was moved b\' Mr. ('riniiiiius. anil, .ifli'r' disrussimi. uas cnpricd
by 24 voles to 2:t.'
Dinner. — The second annual dinner of the Midland bianeh (.if the
Electrical Contractors Association was held at Birmingham, on
Friday last. Those present included Messrs. H. Lea, .J. C. V'audrey.
L. G. Tate, J. Whittall. &c.
Mr. Tate proposed '* The Association," and explained that it was
formed in 1901 to ciiinl'iii ■irtain aspects of municipal trading and to
raise the status (if tlir > l-rm.al contractors' profession. Tlii'.v had
been extremely succcs.-ful ni llicir action in regard td municipal trading.
A House of Lords Cummittec had given an undertaking that in all Cor-
poration bills containing a wiring clau.se the words " through a cun-
tr.actor " should be inserted.
Electro-Harmonic Society. — The last smoking concert of the season
will be held in the King's Hall, Holborn Restaurant, London, on
2(ith inst., commencing at 8 p.m.
TRADE NOTES AND NOTICES.
NOW READY.
"THE ELECTRICIAN" ELECTRICAL TRADES'
DIRECTORY AND HANDBOOK.— The 1909 Edition
Of the Big Blue Book, price 15s., or post free in the
United Kingdom, 15s. gd. The new and enlarged volume
brings a great mass of statistical and technical data
quite up to date, and the Directorial Division has been
thoroughly revised and amplified.
All branches of Electrical Engineering and Industry
are fully treated, and Electro-Financial matters receive
every attention in the new volume, which aggregates
more than 2,000 pages. The Directory Division is
complete and thoroughly accurate, and has been com-
pletely revised. All mere lists of members of Societies
and Institutions (so easily and cheaply available) are
excluded, as quite unreliable for Manufacturers' and
Dealers' purposes. The full set of valuable Statistical
and Engineering Tables, &c., have been very carefully
revised and extended, and are now issued in handy book
form. These are included in the 1909 Big Blue Book,
making it the most complete work of the kind ever
published.
TENDERS INVITED.
Bristol Electrical committee invit.> tenders for' the following
stores. Coal supjily for Avonbank and Temple Back, yellow Hame
and white o])en-t ype arc lamp carbons, a.e. house service meters, scrap
metal and joint and junction bo.xes. Specification, (!i:c., from the city
electrical engineer (Mr. H. Faraday Prcctor), Temple Back, Bristol,
to whom tenders by 10 a.m., March 25. See also an advertisement.
The date for sending in tenders for the supply of a power plant for
central telephone exchange, to the Po3tma;tor-Generars Department,
Victoria, has beep extended from Jlareh 23, to April 23. Tender
forms and specifications may be obtained at the C'(jmmunwcaUh
Office, 72, Victoria-street, S.VV. See also an advertisement.
Melbournk (.Australia) Coriioration invite tenders for the supply
of S2o opalescent arc lamp globes. tJopies of specification, condi-
tions of eonlraet and form of lender from Messr.s. McUwrailh,
MoEacharn I'l-oprietary (Licl.), Billiter-.sipiare- buildings, London.
K.C., lo whom lenders by noon March 2."i. See also .advertisement.
Brioiito.n Coriioration invite tenders for the .su]jply, delivery and
erection at their Southwick power station, of one 300 k\v. three-pha.se
induction motor-generator. Specification, ifec.. from the town clerk
(.Mr. Hugo Talbot). J"urther information from the electrical engineer
and manager (Mr. J. Christie), Electricity Works, North-road,
Brighton. Tenders to the Town Clerk by 10 a.m., March 22.
Partick Town Council invite tenders for the supply of the fol-
lowing materials for the electricity department for the year ending
May 15, 1910: Cables, bitumen, pitch and com)iound, cable joint-
ing requirements, service cut-outs, meters, incandescent lamjis, arc
lamp carbons and lubricating oils. Specifieations, &c., from the burgh
electrical engineer (.Mr. Wm. Sillery, A.M.I.E.E.), Mauldslie-street.
Partick. Tenders to the Town Clerk, Burgh-chambers, Ma.xwell-
street, Partick, by Ajiril 3.
RDlNJiiTHoll Corporation invite tcndcis for supply of rnalcrials
for the elcclricily supply dcparlnient for one year from .May 10,
1909, incliidiiig bilnnieii. Icadeoveied pajier-insulated copper
cables, arc l.iiup c.iiboris and globes, house-service fuse boxes,
electricity meters and c.i. pipes and pavement boxes. Specifica-
tions, &e., at the offices of the engineer (Mr. Frank A. Xewington),
and tenders to the Town Clerk by March 29.
The Metropolitan Asylums Board invite tenders for the
installation of electric lighting at the North-Eastern Fever Hospital,
South Tottenham, N., in accordance with drawings and specification
prepared by the cngineer-in-chief (Mr. W. T. Hatch, M.I.C.E.,
M.I.Mech.E.) Drawings, &,c., at the offices of the Board, Embank-
ment, E.C. Tenders to the offices by 10 a.m. March 26.
Salford Electricity committee invite tenders ffir re-wiring at the
Royal Technical Institute. Specifications, (fee, from the borough
electrical engineer (Mr. Victor A. H. M'Cowen), Electricity Works,
Frederick-road, Pendleton. Tenders to the town clerk (Mr. L. C.
Evans) by noon March 29.
Tenders are invited for the supply',' delivery and erection at Llan-
dudno electricity works of a Lancashire boiler, to be constructed
to the specification and under the superintendence of the Man-
chester Steam Users' Association. .Specification, &c., from the elec-
trical engineer (Mr. H. Morton). Tenders to the town clerk (Ml-.
Alfred Conolly), Town Hall. Llandudno, by March 24.
Bolton Electricity committee want tenders by noon, March 25,
for 12 months" supply of meters, motors, transformers, starting
.switches, joint boxes, mains sundries, oils, c^e Specification from
the Borough Electrical Engineer.
Swindon Corporation invite tenders for stores, including elec-
trical and tramway equipment accessories, fu.se and service boxes,
d.e meters, oils and grease. Tenders to Town Clerk by noon"
April 10.
London County Council want tenders by 11a.m. March 24 for
electric lighting, bell and telephone installations for St. Johns-hill
Divisional Office, Wandsworth. Form of tender, &c., from the
Chief Engineer, Spring Gardens, S.W.
Bridlington Property committee want tenders by March 30 for
"illuminations " for the Royal Prince's-parade at a co.st not to
exceed £500. Particulars from the Engineer. Rlectricity Works.
Bridlington.
Hackney (London) Council want tenders by 7 ii.ni. May (i for
supply of cables, boxes, frames and covers, box compound, insulating
oils and tapes, pitch compounds, earthenware troughing, &c. Speci-
fication. &c.. from the Town Clerk.
Hackney Council also invite tenders for open-type white and
yellow flame arc lamp carbons. Tenders by 7 p.m. April 22.
Cardiff Corporation invite tenders for supjily and erection of
switchboards, steam exhaust and circulating water pipework, and
the supply and laying of cables. Tenders to Town Clerk by 10 a.m.
of the 26th inst.
Wolverhampton Guardians invite tenders tor the renewal and
maintenance of a storage battery. Tenders to .Mr. F. Harrison,
Poor Law Offices, Wolverhampton, by March 26.
Darlington Corporation require tenders for supply and erection
of a ofX) kw. d.c. dynamo coupled to an exhaust steam turbine.
Tenders to Town Clerk by March 25.
Tenders are invited for supply of two multiple magneto sv.itch-
boards for incoming junction lines to the Postmaster-Generara
904
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 19, 1909.
SPECIAL NOTICE.
NOW READY Vol. LXI. of " The Electrician " (1,018 pages),
bound in strong cloth. Price 17s. 6d.; post free, I83. 6d. Also ready
Cases for Binding. Price 23.; post free, 2s. 3d.
A complete set of "The Electrician" (1860-1865—1878-1908) can
be supplied. A number of odd volumes and some odd old back num-
bers, to help in making up complete sets, are also now available.
Department, New South Wales. Tender forms and specifications
at the Commonwealth Offices, 72, Victoria-street, London, S.W.
Messrs. Preece & Cardew are instructed by Sydney Municipal
Council to invite tenders for supply, delivery and erection in Sydney
of two 4,705 k.v.a. (0-85 power factor) turbo-alternators, having
horizontal shafts and running; at a sjieed not exceeding 750 revs, per
min., and one 447 k.v.a. turbo-alternator, not exceeding 1,500 revs.
per min., complete with cnndcnsor.s and motor-driven air and cir-
culating pumps. The Council will pay Customs' duties up to. but
not above, the rate imposed for goods the produce or manufacture
of the United Kingdom. Specifications, &c., from Messrs. Preece &
Cardew. 8. Queen Anne's-gate. Westminster, S.W. Tenders (to the
Town Clerk, Town Hall, Sydney, N.S.W.) by 4 p.m. May 31.
Prahran and IVLvLVERN (Victoria) Tramways Trust want tenders
by April 30 for rails, fishplates, fastenings, bonds, special work,
points and crossings and steel poles. Specifications, &c., from the
Secretary, 413. Collins-street. Melbourne.
The Italian ^Iinistry of Marine require tenders for supply of
electric lamps and lampholders. Total upset ])ricc 150.0(X)lire
(£6.000). £600 deposit is required. Tender.s will be opened at the
Ministero delta Jlarina. Rome, and at \'enice and Taranto Arsenals
at 11 a.m. March 22. F^ocnl re]irc<;cnt.ilion is practically essential.
TENDERS RECEIVED AND ACCEPTED.
For the provision of h.t. and l.t. switchgear at the Elephant
and Castle substation of the London County Council the following
tenders were received : —
Spagnoletti Limited
(accejjfrd) £2,458 3
Electric & Ordnance
Accessories Co 5,982 13
Elec. Construction Co... 3,057 3
Brit. Westinghouse Co.. £2,786 1
Ferranti Limited 2,716 0
Whipp & Bourne 2,731 12
Switchge.ar Co 2,670 0
.Johnson & Phillips 2,495 1
The estimate of the chief officer of tramwa3'S was £2,450
The successful tenderers were allowed to sub-let to the I.T.E. Elec-
tric Co. the circuit-breakers, to Everett, Edgcumbe & Co. the alterna-
ting current instruments, and to the Premier Control the alternating
current starters.
For the supply of two L.'JOO kw. I'otary converters, &e., for their
Elephant and Castle sub-.station London County Council received
the following tender.^
Dick, Kerr & Co. {nee.)
£4,652 and £4.274 10
Bruce Peebles & Co 9,416, 0
British Westinghou.se Co. 5,601 0
General Electric Co. ...£4,636 10
British Thomson-Hous-
ton Co 4,490 0
Electric Construction Co 4,319 0
The estimate of the chief officer of tramways was £4,500.
For supplying six static transformers for the L.C.C. tramway
.sub-station the following tenders were submitted : —
British Elec. Transformer I Electric Construction Co- . £2,427
Go. {accepted) £1,879 General Electric Co 2,284
W. E. Burnand & Co 2,728 | Briti.sh Westinghouse Co... 2,112
Brit.Thora.son-HoustonCo. 2,716 1 Dick, Kerr & Co 2,092
The estimate of the chief officer of tramways was £2,000.
The Briti-sh Electric Transformer Co. is to be allowed to sub-let to
.James Keith & Blackman the ventilating fans and motors.
London County Council received 19 tenders (varying from
£265 to £480) for supply and erection of a 20 ton overhead travelling
crane at the Elephant and Castle sub-station, and the lowest (that
of Holt & Willett) has been acceiJted.
For wuing their Norwood car shed nine tenders (from £706 to
£920) were received by London County Council, and Messrs. Tredegar
& Co.'s tender (the lowest) was accepted.
For a forging and annealing furnace tor L.C.C.'s central oar repair
depot four tenders (varying from £128 to £250), and the lowest (that
of Mountain & Gibson) has been accepted.
London County Council Education committee have accepted the
tender of Pinching & Walton for the electric lighting of the L.C.C.
Trade School for Girls, Holborn, at £319. 7s. 9d. There were seven
tenders, varying from the accepted tender to £540.
Ft)r the supply of (1) 450 gallons black baking insulating varnish.
(2) 450 gallons black air drying ins\ilatinj_' vainish and (3) 4.50 gallons
black finishing varnish for insulating purposes London County
Council has accepted the tender of the Ruberoid Co. at 5s. and 4s. lOd.
per gallon for No. (1) and (2) and of R. Kearsley & Co. for No. (3)
at 3s. 6d. per gallon. The accepted tenders were the lowest, the
highest in the three cases being 7s. lid., 8s. 6d. and 10s. 7d. re-
spectively.
The D.P. Battery Co. have secured an order from Manchester Corpor-
ation for a storage battery with reversible booster and switchboard.
The battery will consist of 240 cells of the company's T 15 plate type,
and is to be erected at the J^ongdendale water works for dealing with
the fluctuating loads of their power installation. It is also to supply
current for lighting at a distant point.
Acton Ui'ban Council have accepted the following tenders : —
Perfecta Seamless Steel Tube Co., steel tubing ; Reason Mfg. Co.,
meter boards ; St. Helens Cable & Rubber Co., cables ; W. Lucy & Co.,
fuse boxes ; Venner & Co.. meters ; C. G. Berry, wiring on hire-purchase 1
system : Callender's Co., bitumen.
Whitehaven Council have accepted the following tenders : British
Thomson-Houston Co., lamps (carbon and metal filament), rubber
and ozokerite tapes ; Ferranti Limited and Chamberlain & Hook- j
ham, meters ; British Insulated & Helsby Cables, fuse boxes. |
Stalybridge, Hyde. &c.. Joint Tramways and Electricity Board I
have accepted the tenders of Mountain & Gibson, and of the British
Westinghouse Co.. for spare parts for bogie cars.
Wc gave i)articulars in The Electrician for Jan. 15. 1909. p. 557, ;
of the tenders invited by the U.S. Navy Department for the erection^
and equipment of a navy high-power wireless telegraph station at
Washington. We received on Friday last a cable message intimating
that a contract had been awarded on March 11 to the National
Electric Signalling Co.
BUSINESS NOTICES.
A branch office of the London supply department of the British ,
Westinghouse Electric & Mfg. Co. has been opened at 27, Chancery- i
lane, W.C. The telephone number remains 3261 Gerrard and the I
telegraphic address is " Westelec London." :
Mr. Henry C. Adams, A.M.I.C.E., of Effmingham. has joined
Prof. Henry Adams, M.I.C.E., as Henry Adams & Son, consulting
engineers, 60, Queen Victoria-street, London. E.G., and 1, Waterloo-
street, Birmingham.
The Century Electric Co. have removed to 14. Brown-street, |
Manchester. |
Messrs. Davis-Perrett (Ltd.) have removed to Caxton House. West-
minster, S.W.
Messrs. H. 0. Strong k Sons. Norfolk Works, St. Paul's. Bristcil.
who have acquired a high reputation for punches and cutters, an-
nounce that they have completed extensions of their works, plant
and .staff, and arc in a position to undertake everything in the
cutting-out line, from an ordinary round punch to intricate compound
cutters and life-size figures of any design.
The Eureka Conduits & Fittings Co., of Walsall, have appointed
Messrs. Hogan & Wardrop. Gloucester-mansions, Cambridge Circus.
London. W.. their agents for London and district. The company's
stock will be still maintained in London.
Premier Accumulator Co., Ltd.— In The Electrician " Electrical
Trades Directory " for 1909, just published, on j). 714. amongst the I
list of Companies which were wound up voluntarily last year, the 1
name of the Premier Accumulator Co. appears. The secretary OTites
us that the company was reconstructed under the same title. It is
explained that doubtless the error occurred owing to the company
being registered as a limited company in May, 1907. but as the com-
pany was not completed by the specified date it was re-registered in
the following December. We would add that the newly-registered
company duly appears in its place on p. 109-1 of the 1909 issue of the
Directory and Handbook.
Plant for Sale.— Messrs. G. Elliott & Co., 186-188, Long-lane.
Bermondsey, London, S.E., have for sale two compound Marshall
Bteam engines coupled to two Crompton dynamos, and also three
dynamos. Further particulars are given in advertisements.
A Babcock & Wilcox water tube boiler is advertised for sale by
Vencsta (Ltd.). 20, Eastcheap. London, E.G.
Plant Wanted.— An advertiser wants a second-hand vertical steam
generator. 50 t(i 100 kw.. high-speed, 200 volts d.c.
Business for Sale.— Messrs. Langridge & Freeman, 28, Queen-street,
London. E.C., advertise for sale an engineer's business in a southern
county town.
Patents Development.— The proprietors of the following British
Patents desire to make arrangements for their development and
practical working in this country : — x-i f -f.,!
No. 2,598/1903, for "Improvements in and relating *<'*''«'="'"'
Transmission Systems." Applications to Messrs. Jensen & t>on, 11,
Chancery-lane, London, W.C. tj..;i„,„v
No. 999/1902, for " Improvements in Electrically-controlled Kanway
Switches." Applications to Messre. Haseltine, L.ake & Co., 7 ana ,
Southampton-buildings, Chancery-lane, Loudon, W.C.
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 19, 1909.
905
Nos. 25,287/1905 and 9,164/1906, relating to " Electric Furnaces,
&c." Applications tn Messrs. CVuikshank & Fairweather (Ltd.), 65
and 66, Chancery-lane. London, W.C.
No. 2,274/1904, relating to " Improvements in Telegraphic Trans-
mitters'' and No. 5.944/1902, relating to "Improved Telegraphic
Systi-m's." .Apiili.Mlions l^. Mpsms. T.lnyd Wisp & ('<.. 46. Lincoln's
Inn Fields, Lmdon, W.V.
"Indian Industries and Power."— The February issue of this
journal is a double number, and contains, in addition to its regular
features, an illustrated description of the Bombay electric tramways,
the "electrification" of which, by Messrs. J. G. White & Co., was
completed last year. The generating plant was supplied by the
Brush Co. and the boilers by Babcock & Wilcox. The mains were
supphed and laid by Calender's Co. The cars are equipped with
Peacock hand brakes, and Hudson-BowTing lifeguards, and experi-
ments are being made with Westinghou.sa magnetic brakes. The
special number referred to also contains an illustrated description
of the works of Messrs. Richardson & Cruddas, of Bombay.
Quix.— We have received from the White Bind Mfg. Co., Pro-
gress Works, Croydon, a sample of "Quix," which is intended for
the benefit rf motorists and other people wlio occasionally find it
necessary to handle machinery, and df sire subsetiuently to get their
hands once more into normal condition. The preparation is a liquid
body containing no gritty substance or caustic material. On trial
we find that it removes oil and grea:e very effectively, is pleasant
to use, and does not produce any roughness of the skin. Lady
motorists will be interested to learn that it is a complexion improver.
CATALOGUES. &c.
" TwiNOB " Switches. — Messrs. A. P. Lundberg & Sons. 477-487,
Liverpool-road, N., have issued a pamphlet dealing with the adapta-
tion of their well-known " Twinob " switches to the control of single-
phase motors. To start the motor both arms of the " Twinob "
are pressed, and as soon as the motor starts the finger is removed.
T\\ INOB Switch.
so that one of the knobs, which is controlled by a spring, flies back.
The spring controlled knob is connected to the starting coil, which can,
therefore, only be kept in circuit when the finger is on the knob.
In the accompanying diagram we illustrate the general idea of this
switch.
Simplex Fittings. — We have received from Simplex Conduits
(Ltd.) a copy of the third edition of their lamp catalogue. The com-
pany is now supplying its
metallic filament lamp for volt-
nges between 25 and 200 volts,
and with candle-powers ranging
between 16 c.p. and 200 c.p.
Much attention is being paid to
the design of electrical fittings
suitable for use with metallic
filament lamps, and in the ac-
companying illustration we .show
a special ceiling fitting with
cut-glass bowl, which is made
to take four 50c.p.[high-Toltage
metallic filament lamps. This
should find a large application
in many places.
Helsby SpeciaUties.— The British Insulated & Helsby Cables
have ready a niunber of leaflets dealing with their very varied range
of goods. An interesting pamphlet gives a list of the chief cable con-
tracts at 5,000 volts and over executed by the company, and shows
that their activity in this direction has extended from 1896 to the
present time. .Another describes the " Prescot "' fault-localising
apparatus, with which it is claimed great accuracy in the localising
of faults can be secured. A special bridge has been designed for
use in manholes and other cramped situations, and these, we under-
stand, have given excellent results. A further pamphlet shows an
excellent view of Prescot extra high-tension feeder cables being laid
for the Moscow tramways. The colliery type of Prescot pillars is
illustrated and described in another pamphlet, while telephone
switchboards are dealt with in the last of the series.
Dry Cells. — We have received from Messrs. Siemens Bros. & Co.
copy of a catalogue dealing with dry cells and dry cell batteries.
The Obach dry cell for ignition purposes forms a special feature of
the catalogue, as well as the new Dura cell, which we described in
these columns a week or two ago.
Sun .^rTo-TR-^NSFORMERS. — The Sun Electrical Co. have recently
issued a list dealing with auto-transformers and balancers for use
with metallic filament lami)s. These have been specially designed
with a view to obtaining good all-round efficiency at all loads. It is
claimed for them that tliey are quite cool in running and make no
noise. The fixing is simple and can be effected in a few minutes.
Electric Hoist.s. — We have received from .Mr. C. Wuthrich,
manager and chief engineer of the Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon in
London, a pamphlet dealing with a portable electric hoist, which
is specially suitable lor builders and constructional engineers. The
motor, which can be either direct current or tlu'ee phase, has a
capacity of 6 li.P.. and the weight of the complete ap])aratus is only
slightly over a ton. For further particulars of this interesting and
useful apparatus we refer our readers to the pamphlet, which is well
worth perusal.
Fuse Boards — In a leaflet issued by the General Electric Co., the
company state that they have been able to effect considerable
economy in the cost of manufacturing d.p. ironclad fuse boards, and
now supply these boards at a reduced price. Xett prices are set out
in a circular now ready, of some 5 and 10 ampere boards.
Motors. — We have received a copy of the March issue of Messrs.
-Marples, Leach & Co.'s list of motors in stock.
Simplex C filing Fitting.
PATENT RECORD.
APPLICATIONS FOPv PATENTS.
XoTK.— 77i. iniilrrmniiinnr,! ApiJinifinns (except lliose marked f) are not
ojiiii to pill. In- iiixiurlinii mil, I ifihr iin'ijihiiirr of CoinpMc S pec ifica lions,
riio-ir mill /.'"I : „,, ,,y„,i ;,„ ,i,'~'j„rl,,.„ 1 1' months after the date attached
to them, ij thii/ hue: lud Ulii piiUiihul pneUntsly in the ordinary course.
Nrernes wilhiti parentlieses are those of communicators of inventions. When
complete Specification accompanies application, an asterisk is affixed.
November 2, 1908.
23,294 Mather & Platt, Coubrough & Mather. Dynamo-electric
machines.
23,301 DoDD, DoDD & Kershaw. System of overhead electric wires for
electric propulsion and trolley arm for use in said system.
23,328 Stevens. Transport for portable electrically driven pumps.
23.340 Siemens Bros. Dynamo Works^& Lvdall. Detection of faults
in overhead lines for higli-tension alternating electric currents.*
23.341 Siemens Bros. Dyxajio Works & Thosipson. Mechanical
operation of electric motor controllers.
23,362 Bosch. Carbon bnisli-holders. (Addition to 21,568/08.)*
23,392 B.T.-H. Co. & Wedmore. Switch contacts.*
23.396 DuRTNALL. Generation of electrical power and speed regulation
in electrical propulsion.
November 3. 1908.
2.3,413 Lamkin & Nitswick. Conductors and fittings.
23,423 Lodge & Lodge. Electrical switches.
23,426 Popow. Signallmg by electricity.*
23,477 Marshall. FJectric wire littings.
23.489 Snook. High potential rectifving switch. (Date apjihed for,
20/7/07. Application 13.854', dated 30/6/08.)*t
23.490 BODDINGTON. Telephone exchanges.
23,515 Field & Ferranti LiMFTED. Switch arrangements,
November 4, 1908.
23,546 Buttekworth & Veevers. Electrically operated tramway or
like points.
23,570 Knudsen. Wireless facsimile telegraphs.
2,3,572 RuzrcKA, Scott & Ivinson. Interrupter or conducting wheel for
use in connection with electrical apparatus.
23.575 Wood. Section insulators for overhead trolley tramw.-iy equip-
ment.
23.576 Rechtbach, Improved^burglar alarm.
23 590 Baumer. Telephonic installations.*
'J06
THE ELECTRICIAN. MARCH 19, 1909.
23,(ilj
23,tt22
2?.r,77
2'!.70:l
21,70!)
2:i.72(i
23,727
23.800
23,807
23,834
23,854
23.870
23.S88
23.8!t3
23.8il4
23,908
imcN-
l>f..H-k-
Ul klc
. (D.LtC
rai,l,y.'
;ij.i.li«l
IIalluck. Cii:
fcjr, 8/1 1/07.) *t
Cell. Ku-iicifuialini; jnstiumonl fur ii
Novuiiibi'V 5. l'J08.
WEATilEIULI.. Dry rt-zijuable galvanic ct-U.
GREVir.LE. Elect lie brakes or intprriiptpr.s.
CopEi.AN-n. Insulators for electric wires or cables.
Fraser & TrrioR AffrMri.ATim f'o. Hnish <;ear for dynariio-
electrie niaoliinery.
B.T.-H. Co. & Needham. Manufacture of lilaments for incan-
descent electric lamps.
B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Signalling systems for railways and
the like. (Date applied for, 14/l(J/08. Comprised in No.
21,766, dated 14/10/08. Addition to 20.542/06.)
StiLLivMN & Stewart. Trolley heads for electric tramway cars
and the like.
November 6, 1908.
Zi'MSTEG & ZuMSTEii. Coupling dynamos and electric motors.*
Stotz. Switchboards.*
Creed & Coulson. Telegraphic apparatus.*
November 7, 1908.
Hacking & Hill. Brakes of electrically operated tranicarn and
the like.
McClelland, Jun. Variable electric voltage regulator.
HildebraN'D. Automatic telephone with circular transmission.
.\xc.ER. (Walter Everett .Xneer. I'.S.) Sparking plugs.
A.SIIMORE & McCuLLOFOii. Metallic- frictional blocks. (Addi-
tion to No. 8.344/05.)
VicKERS, Sons He .Mamm .t Williamson. IClectrical apparatus
for working planing machines and other recijirocating tuols.*
17,635
23,916
23,977
24,006
24.234
24,343
24,550
24,933
25,842
25,923
425
3,049
3,391
3.662
9.620
10.098
11.175
11.945
12.175
12.580
15,362
15.875
17.419
17,511
17,512
18,372
19,169
SPECIFICATIONS PUBLISHED.
1907 Specifications.
Milton. Inductor generatoi-s.
Latour. Single-phase alternating current dynamo-elet trie
machines. (Date applied for, 31/10/06.)
Brown & Dearlove. Telegraph apparatus.
B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Electromagnetic relays.
Reid. Magneto and dynamo-electric generators.
Cox & Edlson & Sw.AN United Electric Light Co. Electric
.signal lamps.
Fennell & Perry. Electric radiators and other apparatus.
Gese. Devices for indicating the extent of the charge or dis-
charge of an accumulator or storage battery.
Irwin, Robson & Cook: Distribution of electric power by
electric transformers.
.Maley. Track brakes for rail or tramcars. (Post-dated,
23/11/07.)
1908 Specifications.
Telegraphone apparatus.
Partington. Electric connections. (Post-dated,
Hytten.
How &
4/4/08.)
Leitner. Variable-speed dyniamos.
KiLROY, Needham & Evebshed & Vionoles, Ltd. Electrical
apparatus for the jiroductlon of sound in air or water.
American Electrical Novelty' & Mfg. Co. Speed indicators.
(Date applied for. 20/1/08.)
Bonn & Jones. Hand-fed arc lamps.
Ward & Stevens. Filament for electric glow lamps.
Kohler & KoHLER. Means for electrically operating tramway
points from the vehicles.
Siemens & Halske Akt.-Ges. Tungsten incandescence fila-
ments. (Date applied for, 8/6/07. Addition to 16,489/07.)
Mitchell. Surface-contact electric traction systems.
RORKE & RoRKE. Switch for controlling electrical cu'cuits.
(Date applied for. 3/1/08.)
B.T.-H. Co. (G.E. Co., U.S.) Alternating current motors of the
commutator type.
Edison. Metallic films for use with storage battery electrodes.
(Date applied for, 6/2/08.)
MooNEN. Sparking plugs for explosion motors. (Date applied
for. 29/7/07.)
Little. Arc lamp electrodes. (Date applied for. 3/9/07.)
Schmahl. Conduit junction boxes.
ScHMAHL & Henderson. Conduit junction boxes.
Allgemeine Ei.ektricit.ats Ges. Alternating cun'ent dynamo
electric machines. (Date applied for, 21/9/07.)
Guthl.4MPENWerk Anker Ges. Packing metal filaments for
glow lamps. (Date applied for, 12/9/07.)
BOOKS RECEIYED.
(Copies of tlie nndermentloned works can be had from Th" Sl^ctftctan offic?, post free,
on receipt of published price, adding 3d. for boolsa published under 23. and 5 per cent,
for books published nett. Add 10 per cent, for abroad or for foreifrn books.)
" Electrical Installations of Elecrtic Light, Power, Traction and
Industrial Electrical Machinery." By Rankin Kennedy. Vol. II,
" Dynamos, Alternators, Motors. Motor-Generators and Trans-
formers." (London : The Caxton Publishing Co.) 7s. 6d. net.
" United States Magnetic Tables and Magnetic Charts for 1905.''
By L. A. Bauer. (Washington: Government Printing Office.)
COMPANIES' MEETINGS AND REPORTS.
City of London Electric Lighting Co. (Ltd.)
The nineteenth ordinary meeting was held on Wednesdav, .Mr. .1. B.
Hkaithwaite presiding.
The SECRETARY (Mr. A. F. Harrison) read the notice calling the
meeting, also the auditors' report.
The CHAIR.M.\N said : Our expenditure on new works in 1908 was
£44,709, which compares with £87.068 in 1907. Capital expenditure will.
as you know, tend to decrease. During the current year it will be somt'-
what larger, as we have to provide for a large new unit of plant and tolmake
certain other additions to our works. It is again satisfactory to find that
we have been able to meet this capital expenditure without any further
issue of capital. It is some years now since we made a fresh capital
issue, and there is no present indication that it will be necessary to do so.
Revenue shows a gross increase of £2.379, but owing to increased expenses
net revenue exhibits a decrease of £5,362. The main item in the increased
expenses was eoal, but although we sold nearly 1,000,000 units extra last
year we used 60,000 fewer tons of coal than in 1907. We have, however,
placed our new coal contract.s on considerably imjjroved terms, and tliev
will carry us through to the summer of next year. Other increases in-
clude rents, rates and taxes, partly due to additional assessment of our
Bankside station, but chiefly to the fact that the rates have risen by
nearly 2|d. in the £ in the City and by 4d. in Southwark. In Soutli-
wark the municipality has an electric light undertaking, and as rate
payers, we have to contribute to the upkeep of that. It has cost us
£955 extra this year for rent, rates and taxes out of the total increase in
the cxjieuses of £7,741. The amount available for dividends on prefe-
rence and ordinary shares is £90.443, against £83,513 last year, the im-
provement being due to certain items which appeared last year not
occurring .again this.
With regard to our business, we had on De:'. 31 last the equivalent of
1.1S2,2()6 30-watt lamps connected, an addition of 59,566 lamps on the
year. That shows that the field for our activity in the City is not
exhausted. Our reserves continue to keep up and now stand at i^24,387,
which, I think you will agree, is a very satisfactory figure. We once
more place £45,000 to depreciation reserve and £500 to leasehold redemp-
tion, .and have again met out of that fund the cost of the absolute demoli-
tion of old and obsolete plant. That figure for the past year has been
£32,461 compared with £38,958 last year, so as we go along we absolutely
extinguish and write off the whole of our obsolete plant and replace it by
more modern machinery, thus keeping our machinery and capital account
generally in a very sound condition. The great event' of the past year
with us has been the passing of the Bill which your company promoted,
in conjunction with seven other of the London companies. 1 may say
that we received from the Board of Trade the greatest possible
assistance and sympathy with regard to this measure. The Bill gives
xis what we have sought for a great many years. There is only one other
matter I need allude to. The development of the metallic filament
lamp. It undoubtedly effects a considerable saving in the amount of
electricity consumed for a given amount of light. We feel that whatever
the momentary effect of such inventions may be, their ultimate effect
will be to popularise the use of electricity, and that cannot fail to be in
our interests. Therefore, so far from regarding the lamp as a drawback,
we look upon it as a distinct advantage, and as strengthening our hands
in the continuous competition in which we are engaged with gas and
other forms of illuminant. I now move the adoption of the report and
accounts.
Mr. F. W. RE'yNOLDS seconded the resolution, which was carried
imanimously.
The dividends recommended by the directors having been approved,
and the retiring director and auditors re-elected, a vote ol thanks to the
chairman brought the porceedings to a close.
County of London Electric Supply Co. (Ltd.)
The fifteenth ordinary general meeting was held on Monday, under the
]iresidency of Mr. J. B. Braithwaite.
■The GENERAL MAN.A.GER AND SECRETARY (Mr. H. B. Renwick)
read the notice convening the meeting and the report of the auditor.^.
'The CHAIRMAN then said : Gentlemen, the past year has been one
of comparative smoothness, and turning to the balance-sheet you will see
on the assets side that the total capital expended stands at £1,646.932.
Expenditure on our London stations last year exceeded £82,322, of which
half was expended on mains and 30 per cent, on machinery. Inve.-.t-
ments in and advances to other companies have increased. On the other
side little change has taken place. In the revenue account it s shown
that our receipts from sa e of current and meter rentals were £164.829.
compared with £167.864 in the previous year, when we received £7,150
for the supply of current to the London County Council tramways, pend-
ing the completion of their ovra generating stat on at Chelsea. On the
other side, generating expenses compared satisfactorily, £79,830. '^'^-^'l;'
against £79,039. 6s. The amount carried to net revenue is £101,037,
against £104.153. so that we have made up all but £3,000 of the amount
that we received from the County Council last year. The net revenue
shows that we have a total to deal with of £105.418. lis. 2d. We have
placed £16.000 to depreciation in addition to £4,000 written off other
accounts, making a total of £20,000 placed from revenue to depreciation.
The balance will admit of our paying a final dividend at the rate of 6 per .
cent, on the ordinary shares, making 5 per cent, for the year, and leave
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 19, 1909.
907
£3,645. 9s. 9d. to be carried forward. Our progress for the year shows
lamps appHed for on Dec. 31 last equivalent to 1,085,192 30-watt
lamps, includmg motors, of which 84,021 were applied for during 1908.
There has been an increase of 1,162 customers during the year, bringing
the total to 13,645, including motor power users aggregating 16.523 h.p.,
an increase of 1,672 h.p. The units sold, excluding the County Council
tramways account, show an increase of 11 per cent, in our ordinary
business.
Dealing with technical matters, I have told you on jirevious occasions
that we were installing a considerable number of Curtis turbines in our
generating stations on the recommendation of our engineer, and our own
action in this matter has been fully justified by results. At tlie end of
1908 we had 10,(100 kw. of turbine plant in use, this enabling us to still
further reduce our generating expenses. During 1908 five testing stations
for recording the pressure of supply were equipped, and the I'eports of the
County Council authorities of these stations are very satisfactory. We
have actually connected 96,354 equivalent 30-watt lamps, which is an
exceedingly good record. It includes 3,765 slot meter consumers with
36,657 SO-watt lamps. The total sales of current amounted to 13,610,760
units, an 11 per cent, increase on the year, and the power units rejjresent
1,269,357 over the previous year. It is interesting to note how steadily
we maintain the proportion between lighting and power in this company
— almost exactly half and half. There is a slight falling off in the
demand for current for ligliting, due no doubt to the metallic filament
lamp. We welcome any improvement in the lamps which will render the
use of electricity cheajier and more convenient to the ordinary consumer,
and the man who invents a lamp which is more efficient and gives an
equivalent light for less money is a benefactor of the electric ligliting
industry. As to our worlcs costs, in spite of the increased cost of coal,
they have been maintained at last year's exceedingly low level, namely,
0'388d. per unit sold. Station costs show an actual increase of £1,150 for
the year. We have effected some economy in the price of coal, and we
may hope, therefore, to save something on works costs account this year.
Our associated Company, the Bournemouth & Poole, has made good
progress, and has declared a 7 per cent, dividend for the past half-year,
making 6 per cent, for the year. The Coatbridge & Airdrie Co. has made
consideraijle progress, the increase on sale of energy representing 55 per
cent., chiefly for power. We have made arrangements to take a bulk
supply from the Clyde Valley Electrical Power Co., which will have the
effect of relieving us of further capital expenditure.
The Cliairman concluded by referring with satisfaction to the legisla-
tion of the past session, which had given the London Companies the
advantage they liad long been seeking — tlie power of associating with one
another for mutual assistance. It was probable, he .said, that the liill
which the London companies had been successful in obtaining w<uild be of
more benefit to the County Company than to any other individual Lon-
don com])any, as it would enable them to connect their stations north and
south of the river Thames. Active negotiations for that purpose were in
pr'igress. It might also enable them to give a bulk supply to neighbour-
ing municipalities en route. He concluded by moving the adoption of
the report and accounts.
Mr. F. W. REYNOLDS seconded the motion, which was carried
unanimously.
Resolutions approving the dividends, re-electing the two retiring
directors, and re-a])pointing the retiring auditor were then approved.
A hearty vote of thanks to the directors and staff was carried unani-
mously, and tlic Chairman having rejilied the proceedings terminated.
Direct Spanish Telegraph Co. (Ltd.)
The fifty-seventh ordinary general meeting was held fin Wednesday,
the Marquess of Tweeddale, K.T.. presiding.
The SECRETARY (Mr. Fred. Thos. Preddle) having read the notice
calling the meeting and the auditors" report,
The CHAIK.MAN said : Our traffic receipts show a decrease of £1,104,
accounted for by the general depression in trade during the year as
well as by the fact that no exceptional events of international import-
ance occurred during the year under review, as was the case in 1906 and
1907. We have reason, therefore, to congratulate ourselves that the
receipts have been so well maintained. The ordinary working expenses
show an increase of £275. The principal item of increase is inider the
head of repairs and maintenance of instruments, batteries, Ac. which is
due to sjjecial expemlitme incurred in connection with a new and more
rapid system of working which has been adopted on the Bilbao cable,
and which, I am happy to say, has given excellent results. Endi>wiuent
assurance also shows an increase of £130, accounted for by additional
insurances sanctioned by the Board. There are vario\is other small
increases. On the other hand, several accounts show decreases, includ-
ing stationery and printing and advertising, due to economies which
have been effected. We have, fortunately, been spared any interrup-
tions of cables during the year 1908, but. as stated in the Directors'
report, an interniption of the Bilbao cable occxnred on Jan. 19 of this
year close In the landing place in Spain. The break was repaireil locally
by the Company's superintendent with the assistance of a boatswain
and jointer sent out from England, thus avoiding the expense of sending
out a cable ship to do the work. The uiterruption lasted 15 d.ays, bad
weather having delayed the repairing operations. You will have noted
with satisfaction that the £20,000 4i per cent, second mortgage deben-
tures which were issued in 1905 to enable us to place the Marseilles-
Barcelona cable in perfect condition have now been paid off. The
reserve fund stands at £47,210, or £1,150 less than in the previous jear's
accounts. It must, however, be borne in mind that the sum of £8,104
has been applied towards the redemption of the second mortgage deben-
tures. I regret to say that our securities still show a depreciation of
14 per cent. I trust, however, that before we have reason to dispose of
any of them, this depreciation will be considerably reduced. If we
are able to go on for a time free from interruptions we hope to appre-
ciably increase the reserve fimd. The necessity of a large reserve has
been recognised by all cable companies, and I would point out that the
amount of this fund at present is not nearly sufficient to pay for the
renewal of the Bilbao cable, which, it must be borne in mind, is 25 years
old. The net results of our operations during the year are, as you will
have gathered from the accounts, that, after placing £5.000 to the reserve
fund, we are able to recommend a dividend of 4 per cent, on the ordinary
shares and to pay the usual 10 per cent, on the preference shares, placing
the balance of £2,501 to the contingencies account. I am pleased to be
able to say that business between Great Britain and Spain shows every
sign of increase, and the friendly relations between the two countries
are fully maintained. With freedom from costly repairs, I think we
may look forward with confidence to the futtu'c. I now move the
adoption of the report and accounts.
Sir JOHN DENISON-PENDER, K.C.M.C, seconded the resolution,
which was carried unanimously.
The dividends were then approved and the retiring director and
auditors were re-elected. A vote of thanks to the chairman, directors and
staff terminated the jirorcedings.
BRITISH INSULATED & HELSBY CABLES (LTD.)— The profit for 1908
amounts to £193,831. 17s. lOd., and with £28,335. 5s. lOd. from 1907 the
total is £222,167. 3s. 8d. Deducting directors" and debenture trustees'
fees, &c. (£4,497. 10s.). interest on debenture stock (£22,500), trans-
ferring £10,000 to reserve, £17,000 to special reserve, £27,165. 12s. lid.
to patents and goodwill, £5,000 to debenture stock redemption and
£5,000 to tools and drums account, the preference dividend to Dec. 31
(£30,000) and interim dividend im ordinary shares to June 30 (£20,000),
there is available for dividend £81,004. Os. 9d. The directors recommend
a further dividend of 6s. jicr share on the ordinary shares, making 10 per
cent, for the year (£3(),lK«i). , an ying forward £51,004. Os. 9d. During
the past year the volunn- nt I inir lias been in excess of the previous year,
and the directors consider tin- r.Milt of the year's working satisfactory.
The directors decided that it was advisable to have a re- valuation of tho
company's freehold and leasehold properties, plant, machinery, itc, in
view of the fact that this had not been done since 1897, and they em-
ployed Messrs. Fuller. Hnisrv. Schn ,v (as^ill fi.i- that purpose. The
amount standing in tin' .(rnpain - Ihm k^ ii |(r<-. 31, 1908, including
loose tools, drums and ■■utl\ inj |.i.i|iri i \ , a mi a. 1. 1 it ions for year 1908, is
£505,892. 7s. 4d. The |.ni|irin u- \aliied, which does not include loose
tools, drums and outlying; |ii.i|). i n.^. amounts to £511,698, adding the
hxi.se tools, &c., after dcdii. tini; il.|iicciation £45,528. 14s. .5d.. the same
assets will now stand in the books at £557.226. 14s. od. The difference
of £51,334. 7s. Id., together with £27,l<i5. 12s. lid. transferred from
profit and loss account, has been appropriated for writing down patents
.and goodwill, which now aiqicar al £71..">llll.
BROMPTON & KENSINGTON ELECTRICITY SUPPLY CO. (LTD.)— .\t the
meeting last week Mr. II. R. Bcctoii icfci icd to the progress made in tho
use of the metalhc filament lamps. If by means of this new lamp new
business was obtained to compensate for tho shrinkage of tho old, as
would generally, if not universally, prove to be the case, a su])ply com-
pany would do well to continue to give its consumers the benefit of the
present low prices and to reduce tliem if possible. Such a course was
sound commercial policy, and was the one which had always commended
itself to the directors. Generally, if not universally, as I have said, there
can be no doubt that the electricity sui)i)ly companies would be gainers
by the invention of the metallic filament lamp. They had always pos-
sessed the best illuminant, and they were now by way of possessing the
cheapest illuminant, with the result that they had every reason to con-
gratulate themselves upon the ]irospe(t before them. In the event of a
restriction of consumption as a conscciuciu e of a statutory alteration of
the working day. such .as was contciuplatccl by the Daylight Saving Bill,
a reasonable readinstmcut ..f tariff niiifht la- fairly called for in the in-
terest of those «li" ii-K'mI ilhii rapii al iiTi'i.i .liti.irnt conditions. The
removal of the 1.1 — )M t ■ t v> aM.ful air I .II,-.- , .an|ictiti..n by the final
rejectionofoutsi.l. . i.irr|.riM', lui.l.a ili.- s|.i'. i..u- nan f ' hulk supply,"
and the further powers which had been conferred upon existing under-
takers, left the companies and the local authorities in London free to
develoji their undertakings to greater advantage than ever before.
DAVIS & TIMMINS (LTD.) -.At the meeting on Friday, Sir Henry
Maiice said that alth.nigb they had been able to maintain their 8 per
cent, dividend and to put £2^000 to reserve, those results had only
been obtained by the strenuous efforts of the managing director and
his staff. Since the last meeting the now Patents Act had become
operatixe, and they hoped to deri\e considerable benefit from its
operation.
GATESBEAD & DISTRICT TRAMWAYS CO.— The report for 1908 states
that the pi.ilit (inchnling il.T.'iS hmuglit forward and after paying all
expenses) is £24.ti9!(. of which £2.792 has been applied as pr.ivision for
renewal of permanent way. and the directoi-s recommend that £3.000 be
added to depreciation and" reserve and £1,779 to sinking fund for redemp-
tion of mortgage, and a dividend on the ordinary shares of 7 per cent, for
the year, carrying forward £922.
HARROW ELECTRIC UQHT CO. (LTD.) — At the meeting last week Mr.
G. W. Spencer Hawcs stated that though the past year had not been one
of striking prosperity for electric sujiply undertakings, their company
908
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 19, 1909,
had done fairly well. They liad obtained 75 new consumeis, added
1, 502 additional 8 c.p. lamps to the system, and sold over 20.000 e.xtra
units of energy. The most striking feature was a growth of over 50 per
cent, in revenue derived from the smallest class of consumer, those using
slot meters. Statistics showed that an enormous proportion of the gas
sold for domestic purposes passed through slot meters, and there could be
no doubt that there was a large field for the employment of that system
in electric supply. Another Babcock & Wilson boiler and a 300 k.w.
Howden-Crompton set had been put at the generating station and ex-
tensions of the mains had also take place.
0. C. HAWKES (LTD.)— At the meeting last week Mr. O. C. Hawkes
expressed regret at being unable to declare a final dividend for the
year. When they paid the 2A per cent, interim in June the directors
w'ere hopeful there would be such an improvement in trade during the
last half-year as to enable them to maintain the dividend. But the
latter part of the year proved even more severe, and the result was
that for the first time the directors had to ask the shareholders to be
content with the 2^ per cent, already paid. There had been a great
diminution in their colonial trade in particular. In regard to the
newly-established electrical department the results had been jjerfectly
satisfactory, and had helped materially to balance the losses of trade
in other directions.
LONDON UNITED TRAMWAYS iLTD.)— The gross receipts durmg 1908
wen- t:34s.:i',i(i. 4s. KM., and the expen,ses £220.232. 4s. 2d., leaving (with
balance brought forward) a net revenue of £129,445. 5s. 7d. After pay-
ment of interest, preference dividend for the first half-year, and income-
tax, there remains £30,170. 12s. 8d. Although this amount would have
sufficed for the payment of the full preference dividend, the directors
have decided that this must be limited to 2J per cent, in order to make
provision for future renewals and the strengthening of the reserve. A
dividend at the rate of 2A per cent, for the half-year ending Dec. 31 has,
therefore, been paid on account on the cumulative preference shares
(making 3| per cent, for the year), and the directors propose, to place
£15,000 to reserve and to carry £326. 17s. 8d. forward. The gross
receipts show an increase of £2,819. 15s., and the total number of passen-
gers carried was 59,255,919, an increase of 529,939. During the present
year the cjuestion will arise as tn ihr , .Diipany being required to sell to
the local authority the four leiiiiih^ mI iiujiHay in Hammersmith. In
the company's Bill powers are al^^ sMu;jlit fur mutual running facilities
over siime of the tramways of the company and the London County
Coiiniij icspfrtively.
NEWCASTLE & DISTRICT ELECTRIC LIGHTING CO. (LTD. )— At the meet-
ing last week Mr. J. B. Simjison said the depression in the steel and other
trades, protracted strikes and the extended use of metal filament lamps
had prevented an increase in revenue. Everything possible was being
done to push the sale of electricity for lighting and other domestic pur-
poses in order to compensate for the loss in sales due to the use of metal
filament lamps. During the first two months of this year he was pleased
to say there had been a satisfactory increase in the number of units sold
eomiiarcd with the same jieriod of 1908.
NEWMARKET ELECTRIC LIGHT CO. (LTD.)— At the meeting on Mon-
day the directors reported that during the past year 951 8 c.p. lamps
had been connected to the maiifs, making the total at the end of 1903
equal to 23,664 8 c.p. received this year. An additional engine and
dj'namo and a mechanical stoker had been put down and the buildings
enlarged. The revenue was short of the previous year by about £116.
The profits were £2,480. 7s 8d. A dividend of 4 per cent, was declared.
SALISBURY ELECTRIC LIGHT & SUPPLY CO. (LTD.)— The directors'
report for 1908 states that the profit (including i'334. lis. 6d. forward)
was £5,157. 9s. Id. After paying £1,433. 5s. interest and interim
dividend (£7C0), there remained sufficient for a further dividend at
the rate of 7 per cent, for the half-year (making 5i per cent, for the
■year), to carry to reserve £1,500, leaving £299. 4s. Id. to be carried
forward. In moving the adoption of the report Mr. Hammick said the
introduction of the metallic lamp would be such an advertisement
for the electric light that it must, in the long run, assist the com-
panies and increase the number of consumers.
SOOTH LONDON ELECTRIC SUPPLY CORPN. (LTD.)— The gross re-
ceipts for the vear 1903 were £37,014. 13s. 2d. and the expenses
£17,816. 19s. With the amount brought forward (£2,478. 19s. i the
available balance is £21,676. 13s. 2d. After pioviding for deprecia-
tion and interest (£6,906. 12s. 9d,) there remains £14,770. Os. 5d., and
the directors recommend payment of a dividend of 5 per cent, on the
ordinary shares (£13,000), carrying forward £1,770. Os. 5d. At the
end of 1908 there were connected to the company's mains the equiva-
lent of 187,962 8 c.p. lamps (a net increase for the year of 25,696
8 c.p. lamps), and there were also applications in hand for 4,600
8 c.p. lamps. The units sold (3,182,820) show an increase of 521,366,
or 19-6 per cent., over 1907 ; the total cost per unit sold was l-34d.
against l-64d., a reductiori of 18 per cent. The ratio of total costs to
revenue was last year 48-2 percent. The readjustment of the various
capital accounts rendered nece.^sary by the general order made by Mr.
Justice Neville on March 14, 1908, to reduce the share capital liy
£65,000, has been completed. On the grounds of continued failing
liealth, Mr. George Ellis has resigned his seat at the board, and the
directors have appointed Mr. J. M. Henderson, M.P., to the vacancy.
VICKERS, SONS & MAXIM (LTD.)— The directors report that the profits
of the past year show a falling off from tli<ise of 1907, due to depression
of trade. They recommend payment of a final dividend at the rate of
5 per cent, (makmg 10 per cent, for the year), carrying forward
£186,672. 5s. 5d. The busmess of the company has assumed a liiore
promisuig appearance than was visible during the year under reView.
Some important orders have already been secured.
NEW COMPANIES, MORTGAGES AND CHARGES,
AND RECEIVERS AND MANAGERS.
NEW COMPANIES.
BRITISH MEDICAL ELECTRIC APLIIANCES CO. (LTD.) (101,940.)—
Reg. March 11, capital £250 in £1 shares, to carry on the business o{
electricians, engineers, manufacturers of and dealers in electrical,
laboratory and other apparatus, &c. Private company.
LYME REGIS ELECTRIC LIGHT & POWER CO. (LTD.) (101,894.)-Reg.
March 8, capital £5,000 in £1 shares, to carry on in Lyme Regis
(Dorset) and elsewhere, the business of suppliers of electricity, elec-
trical and mechanical engineers, electricans, &e., and to adopt agree-
ments with the Corporation of Lyme Regis. First directors, W,
AUhusen, A. 1). Pass, P. H. Woodroffe, R. F. Browne and A. J. Wood-
rofi'e.
TELEPHONE INSTALMENT SYSTEM CO. (LTD.) (101,982.)— Reg.
March 12, capital £10,000 in 9,995 ordinary shares of £1 each and 100
founders' shares of Is. each, to provide, by loans or otherwise, or to
guarantee for approved persons, firms, companies and institutions, the
suliscription, rent or other payments required by the various telephone
companies and institutions of the U.K. and elsewhere, to manufacture
and deal in telephones, inventions, patents or improvements, &c.
Private company. First directors, J. St. V. Fox and A. G. Mountford
(both permanent).
MORTGAGES AND CHARGES.
ELECTRIC LIGHT, POWER & HIRING CO. (LTD.)— Mortgage on lands
and premises at Willesden and certain rents, &c., dated Feb. 22, to [
secure all moneys due or to become due to Lancashire & Yorkshire [
Bank (Ltd.), Manchester, not exceeding £9,507. 35. lid. Also mort-
gage on certain electric light plant, rent and instalments to become
due in respect thereof, &c., bearing same date, to secure the same
moneys.
RESIDE & CO. (LTD.) — Particulars of £600 debentures created Feb. 10,
1009, filed pursuant to sec. 10 (3) of the Companies' Act, 1907, amount
of present issue being £500. Property charged, company's under-
taking and property, present and future, including uncalled capital.
No trustees.
RECEIVERS AND MANAGERS.
KRAMOS (LTD ) —A notice of the appointment of S. P. Jackson, C.A.,
Bank-chaniljers, Bath, as receiver or manager, on l'"eb. 23, 1909, under
powers contained in debenture dated Feb. 22, 1905, has been filed.
MAXIM ELECTRICAL CO. (LTD.)— G. Stirling, of " Shemlam," Over-
strand, Norfolk, ceased to act as joint receiver or manager on Oct. 22,
1908 (notice filed March 8),
CITY NOTES,
MEMORANDA (March 18).— Bank rate 3 per cent, (since Jan. 14, 1909)- j
Price of silver, 23id. per oz. Consols 83;— 83i for money and
account. Consols Pay Day, April 1 ; Stock and Shares Continuation I
Days, March 29 and April 14 ; Ticket Days, March 30 and April 15;
Pay Days. March 31 and April 6. Mining Shares Carry Over Day,
March 26.
Prices of Metals (London). — Copper, cash, 55^; three months 56.
Leid, English, 13.'.— 13'^ ; foreign, cash, 131—13,^, ; twomonths, 13|.
Spelter, cash, 21^-211 ; three months, 21i— 21i. Ti7i, English,
129i-131J; foreign, cash, 129,i, three months, l29i— 130J. Iron,
Cleveland, cash, 46/1, and three months, 46/10. Magnet Steel (price '
supplied by W. F. Dennis & Co.), £55.
ENGINEERING INSTRUMENTS (LIMITED & REDUCED).— On March 27
Mr- Justice Swinfen Eady -svill bear a petition for confirming resolu-
tions reducing the capital of this company from £59,000 to £31,562. 10s.,
subdividing the 10s. and £1 ordinary shares into shares of 2s. 6d. each
and converting the deferred shares into ordinary shares.
LIVERPOOL DISTRICT LIGHTING CO. (LTD.)— The directors have de-
clared a final ilivideml of 2i per cent, (making 4 per cent, for the year).
MIRRLEES-WATSON CO. (LTD.)— A dividend of 5 per cent, per
annum for tlie past year is recommended, £1,250 being transferred to
new tools account and £1,251 forward.
SHAWINIGAN WATER & POWER CO.— The directors have declared a
di\ idend of 1 |icr cent, for the (piarter to March 31.
STOCK EXCHANGE NOTICES.— Tlic Stock ENchange committee have
a|.ii.Hiitcil .M;nvli 2.-, ;i ,|«ri ,1 scitliuL' &.\\ in £1,200,000 5 per cent. 50-
\,:ii niMiin;,!.,. I„.ii,|. .i| ih- A',-,,/, J,, IK 'in r in 1,1 will/. Light (L- Power Co.
<l .ittici.il iiu.itatiniiv i(. ihcsame, and to a further
( . nt, . uiiHilativc jii rpctu.il ]ireference stock of the
, „ h-in/inn, I '„. {Ltd.) ; a further issue of 39.838 £1
iivN c.f thr Lisbon Electric Tnimii-ni/s {Ltd.); and
tii-t liiurtgage debenture stuck of the Monterey
r Co. The committee have been asked to n])point
a special settling day in and grant a quotation to £100.000 5 per cent,
first mortgage debenture of the South London Electric Snpiihi Corpn.
(Ltd.) and to grant i|uotatinns to additional loan 4 per cent. £1(10 deben-
tures of the City of Aiick-laiid (renewed apphcation) ; a further issue of
£200,000 5'pcr cent, first mortgage debenture stock of the Biicnos Ayres
Lacroze Tramways (Ltd.), and a fiuther issue of 1,179 £10 fully- paid 6 per
cent, cmnulative preference shares of the County oj London Ehctrtc
Supply Co. (Ltd.)
(Ll<L) .111.1 li.ixr ^,,1
isM I tiiHi.diiii:,
linlili--. ('i,/iiii,l,„i /:,
fully-paid nnhnaiy
£1.110(1.(111(1 ."i pel- (.
Hai/irai/. Lii/ht d- 1\
THE BLEOTRICUN, IIAECH 10. 1900.
ELBGTBIG TBAHWAT AND RAILWAY TBAFFIG
RECEIPTS.
Aberdeen Oorporfttion
Ur^e
Miglo -Argentine
Ijr Corporation
Baker St. & Waterloo By..
BiTDsley
S&rrow ." ••••;•
Bath Electric Trama, Ltd,
Birkenhead Corporation .
Binaingham Corporation.
Birmingham A- Mid
Blackburn Corporation
Blackpool and Fleetwood
Bolton Corporation
Boamemoath Corporation
Bradiord Corporation.......
Brighton Corporation .....
Bristol Trams & Carriage.
Bamley Corporation
Barton Corporation
Bory Corporation
Jaloutta Tramways Oo.
;ambome-Bedruth ,
Cardiff Corporation
Javehill
Central London Railway
Sharing 0.,ii)ti8ton & H'stead
Jbatbam & Dist. Lt. Rya.
Jlt; & South London Rly
Jity of Birmingham
lolchester Corporation...
Jork Klectrio Trams Co. ...
Jroydon Corporation
DevoDport & Dist. Trams...
;)oTtr Corporation
;)ablin <& Lucan Railway...
iahl\n United
Dudley -Stourbridge
Oundee Corporation
gast Ham Council
Sxeter Corporation
Satenhead & Diat. Trams...
SlaBgow Corporation
31oMOp Tramsi
Sravesend— Northfleet
3real NorLhern & City Rly..
it.Northern, Piccadilly, (fee
ireenock & Port Glasgow...
aartlepool Tramways ...
BaBtiDgH £lec. Trams Co.
SoQg Kong
tiuddersfield Corpn ,
3all Corporation
Qford Dit^tricC Council
Ilkeston District Coanoll
(pawich Corporation
iBleofThanet Co
larrow
Kelgbiey Corporation ....
Kidderminster ii District.
Klimarnuck Corporation ,
Lanarkshire Trama Co. ,
Lancawhlre United
Leamington
Leeds Corporation
Leicester Corporation
Leith Corporation ....
Lincoln Corporati
Liverpool Corporation
Liverpool Overhead Rly. ..
uODdon County Counoll ..
London United
Lowestoft
Uaid^lone Corporation.
Uanchet^ter Corporation ...
Uersey Railway
Uerthyr
Uetropotitan Dist. Railway
Uetropolitanfilec. Trams...
Mlddlaton
Nelson Corporation
Newoaatle-oa-Tyne Corp. ..
Newport (Mon.)
Northampton Corporation
Oldham, Ashton & Hyde ..
Oldham Corporation
Perth (N.B.)Gorporation ..
Perth (W.A.) Elec. Trams..
Peterborough
Portsmouth Corporation ..
Potteries -.
Preston Corporati-
Corporation
Botherha
ELECTRICAL COMPANIES' SHARE LIST
Saliord Corporation ..
Bheernees
Sheffield Oorporation...
Singapore Trama
South Metropolitan ..
South StaSs
Southend Corporal,ion
flouthport Tramways
Slaljb'dau.Ujde.&c.Jt.Bd.
Sunderland Uorporation ...
Sunderland District
Swansea Trams
Swindon Uorporation
launton ,,.,
lynemouth and Diatriot' ...
lyneaide Trams Oo
Wallasey District Oouncll,
WaUall Corpn
Warrington Uorpn
West Ham Oorporation....,
Weston-super-Mare
Wolverhampton Oo
Wolverhampton Oorpn
Worcester
Wreiham ..']
JotkBhire W. B.' Trams '.'.". '.'.'.
XorkahlreJWooUen District.
(a; Theoe comp^riboua are with the corresponding period last year. § Plus i
II i"lU3 2 days. • Partly electrical, t Uimis 3 days, ( Minus 2 days,
KAMB.
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
BonmemoDth & Poole Elec, Sap. Ord...
Do. 4} per Cent. Cnm. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Secoud Pref. ...
Do. 4i per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.) ...
Bromley (Kent) El. Lt. & Power Shares
Do. Do. 1st Debs,
Brompton ft Kensington Elec. Sup. Ord.
tDo. 7 per Cent, Pref.
Central Elec. Snp. Co.4?' Gaar.Db.Stock
Charing Cro8s(W.End 4 City)Kl.Sap-Co.
Do- 4i per Cent. Ptef-
; Do. 4 per Cent. Oeb. Stock (red.)
i Do 4J per Cent, Deb. stock (red)
Do. City Undertaking 4^;^ Cm. Prel.
f Chelsea Electric Supply Ord
Du. 4i per Cent. Deb- Stock (red.) ...
City of London Electric Lighting Ord...
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent- Deb. Stock (red,)
Do- 4 J percent. 2nd Deb. Stock (red.)
ConntyofDurhamElec. P.D. Ord
Do, 6 per Cent, non Com- Pref-
County of London Elec. Supply Ord
Do, 6 per Cent. Cam. Prof-
Dd, 4iX Deb. Stock (red.)
Do- Second Dsb. Stock
Folke.stone Electricity Supply Co. Ord.
Do- 6 per Cent. Oum. Pref.
Do. 4J 1st Deb. Stock (red)
Hove Electric Lighting Ord
f Kensington ft Knightabridge Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Ist Pref
Do- 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock (red.)
Eensingtn. ft Kngtbg. Co, Si Netting HiU
Co, (Joint Station) 4 i Dab, Stock (red.)
Kent Elec. Power Co
London Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb
Metropolitan Electric Sap. Ord
Do. 4J per O.'nt. Cum. Pref.
Do, 4* percent. Deb. .Stockist Mort.
Do. 8i per Cent. M rt. Dob, Stook(red.)
Midland Elee.Corp.for P. D.ldtMort.Db.
Newcastle & Diet. Elec. Ltg. Ord.
Do. 4t per Cent. Dab
Newcastle Elec. Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent, non Cum. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Dab. red. 1907.
Norlh Metro. Elec. I'ower Sup, 5 Morts
Northern Counties Elec, Sup
Do. 4( percent. Deb
tNottic,"'HiU Electric Ord
(Oxford Electric Ord
Co. 4por Cent. Deb. Stock
ISl. James' & Pall Mall Elec. Ord.
tDo. 7 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 3i per C;nt. Dab. Stock (red.) ...
Smithlield Markets Electric Bap. Ord...
Co. 4 per Cent. Deb. Sti '
South London Electric Su
South Metrop'o Eleo. Lt.
Do. 7 per Cent. Cum. Pret
Do. 4J 1st Db. Stk. Red
Urban Electric Supply Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4* per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb
Westminster Elec. Sup. Ord
Do, 4i per Cent. Ctim. Pref.
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS & TRAMWAYS.
Uaker bt, s Waterloo 4 !j Perp. Db, at
Bath Elec. Trams Pref. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4i Ist Mort. Deb. Stock (red.) ....
B'bam ft Midland Trams 4i Ist Ob.Stk.
Bristol Tramways & Carriage Ord
Do. Cum. Pref. (fully paid)
Do, 4 per Cent. Debs
British Electric Traction Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Perpetual Dabs
Do. 4i per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock
Central London Ordinary Stock
Do. 4 per Cent. Pref. Stock
Di. Deferred Stock
Do. 4 per Cent. Debs
Charing X.Euston&Hmpstd Per.Db.Stk.
City of Birmingham I'rams. 5%Cm.Pref.
Do. 4 percent. Ist Mort. Dobs
City ft South London BIy. Con. Ord. ...
Do. 6 per Cent. Perp. Pref. (18S0 ...
Do. (189C)
Do. (1901)
Oo. (1903)
Price 1 RATE %
Wed.. YiiLD-
Mar. 17. ed.
DIVIDEND {^"/^'^"IfS
10 -10 J
as -loj
Ki -lOJ
101 — 1C.5
4i-6
96 —98
pply Ord.,
rOrd.
Do. 6 percent. Pref.
Gt. Northern St City Ely. Pref. Ord. {4X)
0. Northern, Piccadilly ft Brompton Ord.
Do. 4 per Cent. Dab. Stock
Uastiugs 6i Dist. Elec. Trams. 6% Cm. Pi'.
Do. 4* Db. St
Imperial Tramways Ord
JDo. b per Cent. Pref.
J Do. 4J per Ceut. Debs
1. of Thauot B. I. i Lt. S per Cant. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cant. Djb. Stock
tLenarksbire Tramways
Lanes. Utd. Trami 5 ; Prior Lien Do. St.
Liverpool Overhead Biilway Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Pret
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb
London LJuited Trauia. 5% Cum. Pref. ...
Do. 4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Deb. Stock
Mersey Coo. Ord. Stock
Do. Sper Cent. Perp. Pref.
Metropolitan Elec. Tramways Ord
Do. Deferred
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4i per Cent. Deb. Stock
Melropolitaa Railway Conaolidated
Do. Surplus Lands St"ck3
Do. 8i per Cent. Prelereuce
Do. SJ per Cent. " A " Preference
Do, 31 per Cent. Convertible Pref,
Do. S? per Cent. Debeut-- ■='--'-
5» —5a
1)3—10
91 — 9i
1 — l.'s
4i-5l
8i -4
6 10 0
4 12 0
5 16 0
6 13 4
6 n 19
5 110
4J-6
JJ-5
101 —109
S5 -35
95 -9S
i -£,J
11 15 6
5 lu 0
S 10 0
6 13 0
4 15 9
4 13 8
6 1 0
7 10 u
7 10 0
4 15
11 IG
4 19
Bl — SS 3 19 6
97i
Jan, July
March . . j ^%
June. Deo, •■
Feb, Aug I ICJ
Jan, July ' 12^
June, Deo
Jan, July lOlJ
April, Oct —
April, Oct •:
Feb, Aug Ss
78il
Jan, Julj I Oii
April....
Jan, Julj I ..
I AprU, Oct
Jan, July I ..
Feb, Aug
Feb.Aag
Jane, Deo ' -
Feb,Aag 3i
April, Oct 91
May, .Not
Feb, Aug eii
Feb, Aug 8JJ
Feb ,,,. 411
Jan, July lO^i A,',,
Jao July 9aj ^!
April, 0:t
April, Oct lOJ 27*
Wfh Ana 2i? ^
• In oalcnlating the yield allowiuoa h>i bssu made lot asarnsd interest but not for redemption
t Bi DiTideod. t The London Stock Exchange Committee have declmei to quote tiase.
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 19, 1908.
b| Last
= Ldivi-
ELECTRICAL COIVCPAJVIES SHARE LIST.-Co/jtfni/crfT
Price
Wed..
Mar. 17
l^J' i DiviDliHD i B,^1'?,?S8
KDILD. _ , Week to
»!)■ I "™- I Mar 17
1 0/9?
] 0/6
1 0,7J
51 «.
St.; M
i O'/Vi
1 n/7i
4JX
:/6
07J
0/7J
0/8?
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS & TRAMWAYS- Co/if/metf.
Met. Ely. 3J per Cent. "A ' D(b. Stock 90 —92
M^'ropolitan District PailwayOrd | 13i— 14
Do. ExtPiision Pref. (6 percent.) I 29—32
Do. Affected Est. Pref. (Int. Guar. bTi
Und. Elec. EItb. Co. of London, Ltd.'); f3 -66
, Do. 3 per Cent. Consoltd. Kent-charge' 76—78
j Do. 4 per Cent. Midland Rent-charge' l(i2 —106
Do. Guar. Stock 4 per Cent I 76—79
Do. 6 per Cent. Perp. Deb. Stock
Do. 4 per Cent. Ditto
>'ew Gen. Tract. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Potteries Electric Traction Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cnm. Pref.
Do. 4* per Cent. Deb. Stock
R. Met. Elec. Trams. & Ltg. 6% Cm. Pref.
Do. 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Sunderland Dist. Elec.Trms.55fl»tMt.bb.
UndergdE.RTs.Lon.S", In.bds.with coup.3
1' Lien Bonds..
Do. 4iy Bonds with cotip. 2
Yorkshire (W.B.) Elec. Trams. Ord. ...
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4.i rer Cent. Igt Deba. .
ELECTRIC MANUFACTURING, Ac.
loo -101
81 -83
J-1
?J-3
64 —88
Electricity Meter Ord.
uo. e^Cum. pf. _ I ;;;- = •
Babcock & WiJcox Ord 4i6— 4?-
Do. Pref. '..'.'.'.".. 1JL_1.»'
British Insulated 4 Helsby Cables Ord."
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref.
Do. 44 per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.)'
Bnlisb Thoms'n-Housfn 4}% 1st Mt.Db.
British Wesliughonse 6 per Cent. Pref.. '
Do 6 per Cent. Prior Liea Dbs (rd.) I
Do. 4 per Cent. Mort. Deb. Stock I....
BuiahE.Eng.Co.4i'VPerp. IstDeb.Stookl
Do. Perpetual 2nd Deb. Stock ... I
Callender's Cable Con. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. ....'.".'....'.'.'". '
Do. 4) per Cent. Ist Mort Debs, (red.)
Castner-Kellner Alkali Co
Do. 4i per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.)
Chadburn'e (Ship) Telegraph Ord.
Do. 6per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Consolidated Electrical Co
Consolidated Signal Co
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pret
•Crompton & Co. (Nos. 1 to 86,000)
6 per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs. (rei).
6 12 0
4 10 6
3 15 0
I Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
May ....
April, Oct
Feb, Aug
May, Nov
Fob, Aug j
Jan, July
Jan, July
•Tone, Deo
Ju, July
|Hi|;b-| Loi
est. est
90| go
- 13J
-H
94-lOJ
6i-6i
106 -107
Ifi -IJ
103 —107
1 — IJ
96 -99
I* -u
101 — 1C4
ino
HZ
100
bZ
J/0
8/U
St.
4>.
10
100
bX
M.
19/0
Bt.
30/0
Ft,
Nil
Bt.
il
10
6,0
10
10/0
b
2(0
b
6/0
60
HZ
4/U
lUO
il,7,
St.
■-'6/0
Bt.
IV ;6
iZ
Davis & Tiiiirnina
Dick, Kerr & Co. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. .
Do, 4) per Cent. Deb. Stock
Edieon & Swan United 1"A" Sh.) (£3 pd.)
Do. (£6 paid)
Do. 4 per Cent. Jfort. Deb. Stock (rd. j
Do. 6 per Cent. 2nd Deb. Stock
Edmundson's Elec. Corp. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref
Do. 4J per cent. 1st Mort. Deb. (red.)
Electric Conetmction Co
I^?. 7 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
4 per Cent. Perp. 1st Mort. Debs,
■al Electric (1900) 6% Cum. Pret...
4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
j's Telegraph Works Ord. I II J— 12J
4i per Cent. Pref. 5 — 6J
4 j per Cent. 1st Mort. Deb. Stock 106 —106
Kubber, Gut. Per. , 4c.,Wrks
i'o. 4 per Cent. Debs, (red.)
National Elec. Construction Co
Richardsons, Westgarth & Co. , Ltd . Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
f o. 4J per Cent. Perp. Deb. Stock ...
Simplex Conduits Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
tlelegrsph Construction & Maintenance
L j. 4 per Cent Deb. Bonds (1909) ...
VKKers, Sons & Maxim, Ltd., Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Preference
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Preferred
Do. 4 per Cent. 1st Mort. Db. Sk. (red)
Do. 4J per Cent. 2nd Mort. Deb. (red.)
Do. 6 percent. 3rd Mort. Debs Scrip.
J. G.White & Co. 6i Cm. Pref.
Gene
Icdii
li-2j
8-i
69 -t2
to —64
7i-7i
83 — tl6
u
B —51
32 —34
ItO —102
'i-l|i
li^s-li'i
107 — llu
1(4 — H6
Willa
Do.
Do
& Robinson Ord.
6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
4 per Cent. Ist Mort. Debs..
106 -107
9-10
8-2
21-25
£8 —72
TELEGRAPHS.
Amazon Telegraph
Do. 6 per Cent. Debs, (red.)
Anglo. American
Do. Preferred
Do. Deferred
Commercial Cable 4 per Cent. Deb. Stk.
Cuba Submarine Ord
Do. Preference 10 per Cent
Diiect Spanish Ord
Do. 10 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 4i per Cent. Deb
Du-ect Unite 1 States Cable
Direct West lndiaCable4J5;Bg.Db.(rd.): ItO -lui
iiastem Ordinary 193' i^i*
^- 3§ perCent.Pref. Stock 1 65"— 67
inn »,■ 1-Europei
100, |1 jMackay Compani,
100 81 tDo. freletence
130 iy ' '''r|™^'j. Wireless Teleg. Co.
99 —101
13i-18|
60 —88
7J-8*
164-lJi
3 — 3J
8—9
100%— lGS%j
12J-12J
6 13 6
3 19 0
2 19 6
4 11 G
7 1 II
6 17 0
6 16 0
6 11 0
April, Oct
April, Oct
I Jnly.Feb
Jan, July
Jan, J oly
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
Jan, July
Nov, May
May, Nov
Feb. Aug
March . . '
April, Oct
August ...
April, Oct
April, Oct
Jan, Jtily
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Sept
Sept
Jan, July
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
June, Dec
Mar, Sept
Jan, Jalj
May, Nov
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July
Jane, Deo
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Mar, Sept
Feb, Aug
April, Oct
April
Nov „..
May, Not
Jan, July
Mar, July
Jan, July
Apr, Oct
Apr, Oct
May, Nov
Price
Wed..
Mar. 17.
1 0/7 J
1| 0/7J
St. 4%
St.l U%
3/0
2/6
TELEPHONES.
Amer. Telephn. & Telegh. Cap. St
Do. CoU. Trust $1,000 4 per Cent. Bds
AngIo.Portng'seTel.6%lstMt.Db. Stk. -. . .
rhili Telephone 7J— 88 4 16
MoDte Video Telephone Ord. ,
Do. 6 per Cent. Pref » „ „ ,,
National Co. Pref. Stock "J 105i-107i 6 11
Do. Def. Stock I 117 —119 6 I 0
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. let Pref. 101—11} 5 6 6
Do. 6 per Cent. Com. 2nd Pref. lOJ-ll} 6 6 6
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. 3rd Pref. .. . 5£i;— 6i's 4 1'. 0
Do. Deb. Stock 3J per Cent, (red.) ... I 93 —100 i 3 10 0
Do 4 per Celt. Dob. Stock (red.) I 99J -lOiJ 8 18 6
OnenUl lA— 1,'a 6 9 0
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. li— Ij 4 18 0
Do. 4 per Cent. Red. Deb. Stock . .. 83—90 4 9 0
Telephone Co. of Egypt 4i;i;Db.8tk.(red.) 99 —101 1 4 9 0
United River Plate I "' " '
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. ... 1
Do. 41Deb. St. Ked
Bnsai
Week
Uab.
Bitk-I/
e*-7
4 1 -61
FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, lu.
Elec. ft Gen. Investment 9% Com, Pref.
Globe Telegraph it Trust
Do. 6 per Cent. Pret ."!!!!!"
8nbm»rine Cables Trust (Cert.)....!!!!!"
St.l HZ
St. nx
St.
5X
40
HZ
10(1
H7
St.
4}7
6
6
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W
biZ
100
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St.
bX
St.
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6
1/8
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bZ
100 j
bA
32i
lOOl
J one, Dec
June, Dec
F,My,Ag,N
F,My,Ag,N
F,My,Ag,N; 13^
Jn,Ap,Jy,0: 8/J
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
April, Oct I _
April, Oct I _
Jan, July
Ja,Ap,Jy,0 12J
June, Dec 1 .. ..
Ja,My,JyO I26J I2t|
Js,My,JyO
lU
1 ..
100 5%
b\ 6%
5, 1/0
100 U/7J
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6%
3/0
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81 4
6%
HX
10 6/0
St. iix
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100 7/2
100 bX
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRIC
RAILWAYS, TRAMWAYS, tc.
Anglo-Argentine 6% Cum. 1st Pref. ...
Do. 10;;; Noncum. 2nd Pref.
Do. Permanent 6% Deb. Stock
Auckland Elec. Trame. 6% Deb. (red,)...
Brisbane Electric Trams. Invest. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. '.."
Do. 4} per Cent. Db. Prov. Certs. .."
British Columbia El.Ry.Df. Ord. . .
Do. Pref. Ord. Stock ".'..;
Do. 6% Cum. Perp. Pref. Stock
Do. 4i per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
Do. Vancouver Power Debs. ...
tDo. 4J%Ferp Con. Deb. St Z
Buenos Ayres Grand National Ord.
Do. 6 |ier Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. bi per Cent, Pref. Deba. ..'.......'.'.'
Do. 6 per Cent, lat Deb. Bonds
Buenos Ayres Lacroze Trams lat Mt. Db.
Buenos Ayres Port & City Tram, lat Mt
Deb. Stock
Calcutta Tramways (1 to 137,610) .'!..*
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref. ...
Do. 4 J% lat Deb. Stock (red.) '.."
Cape Electric Tram Shares
C 1 1 J ot Buenos Ayres Trams Co. ( l904)Sh.
Do 4 per Cent. Deb. Stock
Colombo Ir. & Ltg. 8% 1st Mt. Db. . .'.' i
Electric Traction Co. of Hong Kong 6
per Cent. 1st Mort. Debs
Havana Elec. Ry. Con. Mt. b% jl.OOOeb
year Coup. Bds
Kalgoorlie Elec. Trams Sh ....'.'..,
Do. 6 per Cent. "A " Deb. Stock
Do. 6 per Cent. "B" Ditto
Lisbon Elec, Trams. Ord
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. e per Cent. Reg. Mort. Debs
Madras Elec. Trams. 6% Deb. Stk. ...
Maiila Elec. Ky. $1,000 Gold Bonds
Mexicolrams Uo. Com. St
Do. Gen. Con. let Mort. 6% Gold Bds!"!
Montreal Bt. Ry. Sterling 4^ per Cent
Debs. (1922) (W08. 601 to 2,000)
Perth Elec. Trams Ord
Do. 1st Mt. Db. Stock ..'.'.....
Rangoon Elec. Trams & Supply "co."6%
. Pf. ,
Do. 4J% 1st Mort. Deb. Stk '"
Sao Paulo Tramway, Light ft Power Co
«100 Stock „..,
Do. 6 per Cent. 1st Mt. $600 ijb.
(Toronto Ry Co. 1st Mt, i^/, Ster. Bonds
COLONIAL AND FOREIGN ELECTRICITY
SUPPLY &o.
■Adelaide Elec. S'ply Co. 6X Co. Pr. . ..
Bombay E. S. ft T. 6% Cm. Pf.
Do. ii per Cent. Deb. Stk.(red.) ...."
Calcutta Elec. Supply Ord '"
Canadian Gen. Elec. Oo. Com. St. .
Castner Electrolytic Alkali Co. (of U.S. A)
1st Mort. Stl. Debs .1
Elect. Development Co of Ontario ... ' I 83-
Elec. Ltg. &. Trao. Co. of Aust. 6 per
Cent. Cum. Pref.
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb Stock
Elec. Supply Co. of Victoria 6 per Oent!
1st Mort. Deb. St '! S7A— flo4
iHian i>)«n «,in JO T«.« r,., I -■ ~ ^
8i-3i
lOi— Hi
13 -13i
127 —130
6H— 61^
102 —104
bk -68
H -bi
101 — 1U5
U9 —142
121 —124
105 —107
102J-101J
101 —104
89 -101
2J— 3
3j-4i
102 — 1U7
103 —106
95J-971
84 — iS
41—6
4i-5|
99 —102
4-1
Si's— 4; 3
100 —103
Si —92
88 —03
84 —83 5 14 0
68 -63 9 10 0
1 -IJ 4 9 0
1 -li 4 16 0
iS — lOD 6 0 0
90 —83 6 7 6
aoi-gij '686
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
Angiist ..
Nov ....
May, Not
Feb, Ang
Feb, Aug
Feb, Aug
Feb, AuB
Feb, Atig
Jime, Dec
Jan, July lOO)
April, Oct ! 1|
April, Oct I -
Jan, July I ..
Jan, July I ..
July .... ] ..
June, Deo ! -
Jan, J uly
"i
106} 10
lS2i 111
4 Ij 0
3 16 0
1 17 6
4 6 9
5 13 0
4 16 6
4 13 6
C 18 0
4 10 0
4 16 6
Jsn, July
3p DcMr Ja
SpDoMrJa
April, Cot
April, Oct
Jan, Joly
June, Deo
Jan, July
May _..
May, Nov
Jan, July
Mar, Sept
May, Nov
Jan, Joly
April, Oct
Jan, July
1651 -167i
102
S-l
2»' in 1 ^"■'?'*EuropenTel.4%Gaar.Dbi:(rid;)
inn K. V\ est Coast of America
,S *'^ I I'"- 4 per Cent. Debs '■
West India & Panama
Do. 6 per Cent. Ist Prof .'.'"
Do. 6% 2nd Pref
Do. 6 per Cent. Debs
Western Telegraph
Jv J'°- ^ Pf"- tent. Dei) Stock (red.)'...
*4 ) Western Union Telegh. H 000 i/. Bonds
e/0
12/0
6%
In calculating the yields all
Indian Elec. Sup. & Trao. Co.
Kalgoorbe Elec. Power ft Ltg. Ord.
Do. 6 per Cent. Cum. Pref ".',",
Madras E. S. Corp. 6 per Cent. Conatn.
Deb. St j y^ g2
Mexican Elec. Light Co. b% lat' Mort!
Gold Bonds * 86—87^'
Mexican Lt.&Power Co. Com. St 1 76—77
Do. 6;!; Itt Mort. Gold finds !!!;"( 891-90'
Montreal Lt. Ut. & Power Co. Cap. St!.'!!( 1 14 —llu
River Plate Electricity Co. Ord !!"l 1 '—ji.
Do. 6 per Cent. non-Cum. Pref '.'.'.'.'.'!.'.'!| iii'i-ii''
Do. 6 per Cent. Deb. Stock .'.'.'| iju —iJ;)
Rosario Elec. Co. 6% Pref. (1-20,000)!..!!! 5 J — 5A
Shawinigan Water &t Power Co, Cap!'8t!l ets*^ ys
Do. 6perCent.Bds I lof; _if'7
Victoria Falls Power Co. Pref,
6 2
0
6 IS
0
7 16
0
5 11
0
6 3
0
4 11
-
^ h I, - - - •■ |w.B I ^ . ,,| tfij_ I victona raiJB rower vo. rrei i i-^_i6
.wanceha.bunmadeforacc,ued.Inlere.tbut nol for tedemptlon « Bx dividend. I Ih. LoodoD Stock EicbaDge Committ*
Feb, Ang
Jan, Jnly
April, Oct
Mar, Sept
Feb, Ang
Mar, Sept
Jan, July
Jan, July
F,My,'A,N
June, Deo
May, Nov
June, Deo
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
Jan, July
July ....
Jan, July
Jan, Jaly
Jan, July I
Feb, Aug
Feb, Ang
May ..:.
Jan, July
June, Deo
Feb, Aug
Jan, July
April, Oct
Jan, July
Feb, Ang
Jan, July
Jan, July
April,' Oct
April, Cot
863
761
90t
F.My.A.N 116J
April —
May I IB
Jan, July .lo.i
April, Oct -
_ I 99
Jan, Jnly llouj
Jan, July |
1061 IIO'
96i j
e have declined to quote these.
THE ELECTRICIAN:
THE OLDEST WEEKLY ILLUSTRATED JOURNAL OF
feLECTRlCAL ENGINEERING, INDUSTRY, SCIENCE AND FINANCE
ESTABLISHED, First Series (Weekly), 1861; Second Series (Weekly), 3878.
No. 1,610.
r No. 34.1
Lvol. LXII.J
FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 1909.
Price Sixpence '"^g.^''-
Abroad 9d., or 18 cents, or 90c., or sbjj/.
CONTENTS OF THE
Notes 911
Arrangements for the Week 913
The Electricil Equipment of
Liners and Battleships. Bv
A. P. Chalkley, B.Sc. lUus. 914
Electrocliemistrj- in 1908. Bj*
F. Molhvo Perkin 916
The Electrical System of the
London County Council
Tramway.s. By J. H.
Rider. Illustrated 919
Electric Traction on Railw.avs.
XIII.— Methods of Speed
Control. By Philip Dawson.
Illustrated. Continued . . 923
Wind Tuibine Electricity
Producing Plant. lUus. . . 925
Electric Cookinj;-. Illustrated 926
Electric Locomotives for
South America. Illustrated 927
Electric Traction V.igabond
Currents - Dismssion. 927
Electrical Equipment at the
Clausthal Government
Mines. .Illustrated 928
E.xteuding the Limits of
Power Transmission— -D (.-•■-
'■ussioii 929
On a Method of Comparing
Mutual Inductance and Re-
sistance by the lielp of
Two-phase Alternating
Currents. Bv A. Campl)ell,
B.A. Illustrated 931
CURRENT NUMBER.
The Electrification of
R.\iL\VAV Termini , 932
Reviews 933
The Elements of Electricity
and Magneti.^m [Franklin
and Macnutt] : Die Mess-
technik[PartIV.,IIeinke;
I'artV . , Heinrichand Ber-
covitz ; Part VI., Ziegen-
Ijerg] ; Questions and
Answers in Electrical
Engineering [Moore and
Shaw].
National Ph3'sical Laboratory 934
A New Extra High Tension
Voltmeter. By E. A.
Watson. Illustrated 937
Notes on Societies 938
A Large Colliery Cable. Illus-
trated 938
Commercial Side of Elec-
tricity Supply 939
Eastern Telegraph Schools
Athletic Club 939
Legal Intelligence 940
Parliamentary Intelligence 942
Mnnicipal, Foreign & General
Notes 943
Trade Notes and Notices 945
Companies' Meetings and
Reports 948
New Companies, &c 950
City Notes 950
Companies' Share List 951
N O T ES S.
Electric Propulsion of Vessels.
AltiioI-'GH the adoption of the steam turliiiie for marine
prupuLsiou has led to a considerable saving in the weight
per horse-power of the propelling machinery, with the
additional advantage of reduced space, the direct coupling
of a steam turbine to a propeller shaft is by no means
satisfactory from the efficiency point of view. This is due
to tlie fact that the speed of the combiiiation is at best only
a compromise, the turbine running at a speed much below
that at which the most economical results are obtained,
whilst even a lower speed would be found to give better
results as regards propeller efficiency. The problem would,
therefore, appear to be essentially one for the adoption of
the electric drive. V>y coupling motors to the propeller
shafts and using turbo-generators as the source of power,
these latter Ijeing placed in any convenient position, space
would be saved by the absence of any inter-connecting
shaft, and a considerable saving would result in the steam
con.sumption, due to the possibility of running the tur-
bines at their most efficient speed. This latter saving is
stated ti;> amrmnt to no less than 26 percent, in the case of
a battleship and even 35 per cent, in the case of cross-
channel steamers, with, of course, a corresponding saving
in boilers and coal. These points have been fully appre-
ciated by the German Government, who. we understand,
are at present fitting up in the Kiel dockyard a vessel
with the turbo-electric drive. Continuous-current motors
are under a disadvantage for this work, owing to possible
trouble with commutators under the conditions associated
with marine work, and polyphase motors appear to con-
siderable advantage in this respect. Tlie .system which has
up to the present made most headway is pi-obably the
"Paragon" system of Mr. W. 1'. DntTN.'U.L, a brief
description of which was given in our last issue. That
this system is likely to be put to an e.xtensive trial is evi-
d(!ut from the fact that plans are at present being drawn
up for five ships of from 250 H.r. to 3,000 h.p., in which it
is proposed to instal Mr. TJuetxali.'s system. There is no
doubt that the whole question is likely to become of great
importance in the immediate future, and we hope that
electrical engineers will lose no opportunity of bringing
the claims of the electric drive to the notice of marine
engineers. ___^__
The fact should not be overlooked that much yet re-
mains to be done in the way of apph ing electric power on
board ship. It is true that steady progress is being made
in this direction, and such fine examples as the electrical
equipments of the "Mauretania" and "Lnsitania" must not
be OA-erlooked ; but, as pointed out by Jlr. A. 1*. Chalkley
before the Newcastle Local Section of the Institution of
Electrical Engineers, marine engineers still lack confidence
in electrical methods. It is obvious that this state of mind
will have to be o\ercome by the reliable running of smaller
motors in their various capacities before the greatest
development — the adoption of the electric drive for ship
propulsion — comes into favour. Keliability is, ofeour.se, a
giiic qua non for marine work, anil as tlie voltages are likely
to remain comparatively low, reliability should not be a
difficult matter, provided proper attention is paid to the in-
stallation of the motors. In this connection it is interestino-
to remember that when motors were first adopted hy the
Admiralty for forced-draught fans they were placed in
situations exposed to all the dirt and dust, and in conse-
quence were proclaimed failures. Further experience and
the use of totally enclosed motors have, of course, com-
pletely reversed this verdict. But it takes time to remove
bad impressions, and when the most vital part of a ship's
mechanism — the main drive — is in question, we must ex-
912
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 26, 1909
jjcct due caution to be observed, though we do not doubt
that electrical methods will eventually jDrove to be of great
value.
International Exhibitions.
FoBEiGN Governments are accustomed to assist the
industries of their countries as far as possible, where
international exhibitions are concerned, by facilitating the
lot of the exhibitor by every means in their power, but in
this country we are rather apt to let the exhil^itor look
after himself. This policy, however, is now being somewhat
modified by the appointment of a Royal Commission to
assist the Board of Trade in the organisation of exhibits
illustrative of British arts, industries and agriculture at
the International Exhibitions at Brussels next year, and at
Eome and Turin in 1911. The Prince of Wales is Presi-
dent, the Eael of Lytton is Chairman, and the • list of
members serving on the Commission includes Sir W. H.
White, Sir William Mather, Sir 1!. A. Hadfield, Dr.
E. T. Glazebkook, Mr. T. Hurey Eiches, and many other
eminent men. In 1906 a Committee was appointed by
the President of the Board of Trade to make inquiries and
to report on the extent of the benefit conferred on British
industries by international exhibitions and on the steps
that should be taken to secure the maximum advantage
from any public money expended for this purpose. As
the result of this Eeport a special branch of the Board of
Trade was recently established to deal with matters re-
lating to the participation of Great Britain in such exhibi-
tions. A good many facilities have been secured in the
way of reduced rates for freight, and it appears that Par-
liament will be asked to make a grant towards the cost of
organising the exhibits. The lot of the exhibitor should
be materially improved by these efforts.
It is always difficult to detei'mine the value of exhibi-
tions to the manufacturer, and in times of industrial de-
pression exhibitions may appear to be somewhat undesir-
able unless their value can be fairly demonstrated. When
the time comes for entry, manufacturers are liable to hang
back in order to see what other manufacturers will do, and
it would seem better in many ways if the cost of these
displays were reduced to a minimum by the adoption of
collective as distinct from individual exhibits. Such dis-
plays, however, introduce the difficulty that the manufac-
turer does not care to give away secrets to a competitor,
although in all probability this idea of secrecy is very
much overdone. If a manufacturer desires particulars of
a rival design he can obtain them without any difficulty.
At all events, there might well be two classes of exhibits
— collective and individual — the former being suitable for
firms not wishing to invest heavily and the latter for the
benefit of firms liaving something distinctive to show, and
who do not mind paying well for the most effective pub-
licity. But organisation is essential for the success of the
collective exhiliit.
Electric Power from Wind Turbines.
Although the subject has not received much attention
up to the present time, at any rate from a practical point
of view, there is no doubt tliat future generations will have
to depend to an increasing extent upon what may be
termed " natural sources of power.'' The large waterfalls
of the world are already regarded as favourable means for
generating electrical energy, and with the radius of econo-
mical power transm ission increasing almost yearly, a
superfluous supply of energy is likely to exist for some
time to come in many countries favouraldy situated as re-
gards water power. In this country, however, the v/ater
power available is only small, and schemes for the utilisa-
tion of the energy of the tides have liitherto been unprac-
tical, and are, apparently, likely to remain so. The wiml
wouhl seem to offer a more promising field to the inventor,
at least for small installations, and it is, perhaps, surpris-
ing that so few successful attempts have been made to
utilise the power of this agent. About two years ago,
in our issues of May 3 and 10, 1907, Mr. W. 0. Hoks-
NAiLL discussed the possibility of utilising wind power
for the electric lighting of country houses, describing in
this connection an installation at Mr. G. Cadbury'.s house,
near Birmingham, and one at West Ardsley, in York-
shire ; and showed that such schemes were a commercial
success. Our readers will, no doubt, be interested in the
description, elsewhere in the present issue, of an installa-
tion at the works of Messrs. J. G. Childs & Co., at Willes-
den Green. This firm has paid much attention to the
subject of wind power, and the arrangements for go^^erning
the speed of the wheel and for allowing a large variation
in the speed of the dynamo are deserving of attention.
Power is obtained for charging accumulators, which are.
of course, an essential part of any such scheme, whenever
the wind attains a speed of 6 miles an hour.
.As is well known, the power of the wind varies consider-
ably in different parts of the country, and in exposed
situations there is no doul)t that a good case can be put
forward for the installation of a wind turbine plant instead
of the customai-y oil engine. A set of accumulators is,
moreover, usually installed in connection with the latter
type of plant, and the advantage of lieing able to use
cells of smaller capacity can be urged in its favour, since
the absence of wind for several consecutive days must
be borne in mind where the wind is depended upon for
battery charging. . On the other hand the cost of running
an oil engine and tlie attention necessary are by no means
negligible. We think, however, that the life of accumu-
lators would be reduced when suljjected to the automatic
and varying action of wind plant ; and to obtain satisfactory
results considerable attention would be necessary to insure
the proper charging of the cells at suitable intervals.
Directive Wireless Telegraphy. — In the December number
of the "Bulletin" of the Soeiete Internationale des Elec-
triciens appears a Paper by E. Bellini and A. Tosi on " Direc-
tive Wireless Telegraphy." The subject matter is practically
the same as has appeared previously (The Electriciax,
Vol. LX., p., 718, and Vol. LXII., p. o'^l), but two excellent
reproductions of photographs of the radiogoniometers are
given, which should be referred to by those interested.
Cable Interruptions. Date of interruption.
Pontianak— Saigon „... Sep. 16, 1908
Tourane— Amoy Jan. 19, 1909
Cayenne— Salinas Feb. 27, 1909
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 26, 1909.
913
Indo-European Telegraphs. — Telegraphic communication
with Persia, India and the Far East over the hues of the Indo-
European Telegraph Co., which were recently interrupted by
the combatants in Persia, has been restored.
Royal Society. — Among the Papers read at the meeting
yesterday afternoon were the following : " Liberation of
Helium from Kadio-active Minerals," by Mr. J. A. Gray, and
"The Expulsion of Eadio-active Matter in the Radium Trans
formations," by Messrs. S. Russ and W. ]\Iakower.
Electrical Equipment of Messrs. Selfridge's Building. —
Messr.?. Spital & Clark, of Birmingham, inform us that they
designed and made the whole of the electric light fittings fixed
in this building, with the exception of a few plain brackets in
the restaurant and the wood brackets on the staircases.
Raw Hide Gearing. — In the article on this subject by Mr.
R. Livingstone, which appeared in our last issue, the author
desires to alter the two equations on p. 894, which should read
tan ^= j;j (^ 3 + i^j and o= ^^^ (^3 + .3 j lespectively.
Electricity Meter Approved by Board of Trade. — The lioard
of Trade on March IGtli approved the pattern and construction
of the meter numliered 220,025, deposited at the Board of
Trade by Messrs. Chamberlain it Hookham, and known as the
Hookham meter, 1907 type, provided the meter is as described
in the specification with drawings deposited at the Board of
Trade, and dated and numbered March 8, 1909, and H..'i,4<>l ;
and the Board has further approved of the means provided
for fixing meters of this description and for connecting them
with the service lines, as described iu the specification.
Electrical Trades Benevolent Institution. — With reference
to the festival dinner which is to be held on Tuesday next,
March 30th, in connection with this Institution, we are
informed that the first return of the collection forms shows
that very satisfactory amounts have been contributed by a wide
circle of .sympathisers. There is, further, a substantial sum to
come from the proceeds of the recent Manchester Electrical
Exhibition. The demand for dinner tickets has, we undei--
stand, proved satisfactory, and it is, therefore, desirable that
all further applications should be sent at once to the Secretary
at Ridler-place, Holland-street, Blackfriars, S.E.
Electricity in Horticulture. — Considerable advances have
been made in the applications of the electric current in
market-gardening operations at Bitten, near Evesham, where
Mr. J. E. Newman, who is specialising in this branch with
Lodge apparatus, has succeeded in o'jtaining very promising
results with lettuce and strawberries in blocks of gla.sshouses
planted with these crops. Three houses of the latter crop are
devoted to the experiment, two electrified and one non-
electrified. The practice of applying the electric current to
growing crops is gaining favour, and a Scottish landowner has
just decided to put a 28 acre plant on one of his farms. It is
intended to form a .syndicate to work the system, and we
understand that Sir Oliver Lodge is taking a keen interest in
this development.
New Cable Steamer. — For the Telegraph Construction \-
Maintenance Co. there is being completed at the works of
Messrs. Swan, Hunter & Wigham Richardson, on the Tyue, a
new cable steamer, the "Telconia." The vessel was launched
on Frida}' last week, the T. C. & M. Co. being represented on
the occasion by Mr. F. E. Lucas, engineer-in-chief and joint
managing director of the company, and Capt. H. Wood-
cock, commodore of the company's fleet. The " Tel-
conia " is a steel twin-screw steamer 205 ft. in length by
30 ft. 9 in. beam. She will Vie fitted with two sets of
triple-expansion engines, supplied with steam by two single-
ended boilers working luider Howden's forced draught
system. Two cable tanks, aftbrding over 7,500 cubic ft.
of space, are provided, and in addition a capacious hold for
storing the various types of grapnels used in calile-repairing
■work, buoys, &c. The test rooms on board are being equipped
with the very latest designs of instruments, &c., ami the cable
machinery, paying-out and picking-up gear, &c., will be of the
most moclern description.
Merchant Venturers' Technical College, Bristol. — We have
from time to time chronicled in the columns of TiiK Elec-
Ti;ii:i.\x the various improvements and extensions which have
been made at this college. The restored main building is now
approaching completion, and the improvements in it afl'ect
mainly the engineering, chemical and secondary day school
departments. The mechanical engineering department has
been very fully ei|uipped, a large and well lighted drawing
oftice, lecture room and professors' room being fitted on the
first floor, as well as a mechanical engineering laboratory.
The basement of the building ^contains an engineering work-
shop, hydraulic laboratory, engine and testing room and
boiler house. The engine and testing room is fitted both with
reciprocating engines and de Laval turbines, as well as with
the necessary auxiliary apparatus and testing appliances for
carrying out experiments on the different sets. The equip-
ment for testing the materials of construction and those
employed in machines is ample and well thought out. A large
sum of money has been expended on the equipment of this
department, which will, it is believed, be superior to most of
those in other universities and technical colleges.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE WEEK.
FRIDAY, March 26th to day).
I'hvsio.m, Socikty of London.
; j>.m. Meeting at the Imperial College of Science, Imperial Insti-
tute-road, South Kensington. Aijendn : " Note on the
Production of Steady Electric Oscillations in Closed Circuits
and a Method of Testing Radio-telegraphic Receivers," by
Prof. .J. A. Fleming, F.R.S., and Mr. G. B. Uyke ; "The
Effect of an Air Blast upon the Spark Discharge of a Con-
denser charged bv an Induction Coil or Transformer," by
Prof. .1. A. Fleming, F.R.S., and Mr. H. W. Richardson ; " On
the Action between Metals and Acids and the Conditions
under which Mercurv causes Evolution of Hvdrogen," by Dr.
•S. W. .J. Smith.
Electro-Habmonic Society.
S p.m. .Smoking- Concert at Holborn Restinrant, W.C.
SATURDAY, March 27th.
ROY.M, IXSTITfTIOX.
J p.m. Lecture on " Properties of Matter,'" by Sir .J. J. Thomson,
F.R.S. Lecture V.
MONDAY, March 29th.
Rov.\L Society of Arts.
S p.m. Meeting at John-street, Adelphi, London. Lecture on
"Steam Turbines." by Mr. G. G. Stoiiey. (Cantor Lecture II.)
TUESDAY, March 30th.
LivKRi'ooL ANii UisTSH'T Eleotrical Assoc -latiox.
S p.m. Meeting at Common Hall, Hackin's Uej', Dale-street,
Liverpool. Discussion on "Arc Lamps.''
Thk Faraday Society.
S p.m. Meeting at the Institution of Electrical Engineers, 92,
Victoria street, S.W. Papers on " The Electro-Analysis of
Mercury Compounds with a Gold Cathode," by Dr. F. M.
Perkin ; " The Relation between Composition and Conduc-
tivity in Solutions of Meta- and Ortho-phosphoric Acids," bv
Mr. E. B. R. Prideau.\ ; "A New Electrical Hardening Fur-
nace," by Messrs. E. Sabersky and E. Adler ; and "Experi-
ments on the Current and Energy Efficiencies of the Finlay
Alkali Chlorine Cell," by Mr. F. G. Donnan.
THURSDAY, April 1st.
iNS'l'ri'UTION OK Er.EOTRKLAL Enginbers.
S p.m. Meeting at the Institution of Civil Engineers, Great
George-street, Westmister, S.W. Paper on " The Electrical
System of the London County Council Tramways," by Mr.
.J. H. Rider adjourned liiscussioni, or on " The Theoiy and
Application of Motor Converters," by Mr. H. S. Hallo.
FRIDAY, April 2nd.
Royal Institution.
'I p.m. Meeting at Albemaile-street. Discourse on "Electrical
Striations," by Sir J. J. Thomson, F.R.S.
SATURDAY, AprU 3rd.
HoY.AL Institution".
3 p.m. Meeting at Albemarle-street, Lecture on " Properties of
Matter," by Sir .1. .1. Thomson, F.R.S. Lecture VI.
Corps of Electrical Engineers (London Division).
Commanding Otiicor, Col. R. E. B. Crompton, C.B.
The following orders have been issued for the current week : —
Monday, March 29th,'
" A" Company
Tuesday, Mar. 30tli,
" B" Companj- I Infantry drill (Recruits), 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday, April 1st,
" C " Company
Friday, April 2nd,
" D" Company
Technical drill, 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
914
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 26, 1909.
THE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT OF LINERS AND
BATTLESHIPS.*
BY A. P. CHAUvLEY, B.SC.
Siitiiiniir)(. — Tiip ;iiitlinr lion- discusses the retisoiis for Ihe adoption of
lo« ]iif --iiir- toidi-^tnliiitii'ii on >liips, and then dc^inlir^ <>]'" 'i' n i^nige-
niriii ~ ot m\ it, liln i nd-, 'III. \ ,1 til ins uses and a|i|ilii ii h.ii~ i'I rid 1 1 icity
for molivi- ]iou-rr .iiv .onsidoicd. and finally thf apiilicatioti of clcrtrio
motors for the projnilsion of ships.
Systems. — -On ships very little variety in the choice of systems of
distribution has hitherto been allowed. The electrical portion, being
always considered a minor affair, has to be made absolutely safe,
even if it involves greater expense, and hence up to now there is |
probably not a single ship with a voltage of supj)ly of more than
about 120. The objections against the adoption of a higher voltage
are : { 1 ) The difficult y of maintaining good insulation in any cables
or s\vitches exposed to the action of sea au% leakage being especially
Mable to occur in plugs and switches on the upper decks, and this in-
creases rapidly with a higher voltage. (2) Many of the minor appli-
ances in warships cannot be satisfactorily worked above. 110 volts.
(3) Lamps above 110 volts have delicate filaments, and do not last so
well as those of lower voltage, and renewals in the ordinary way con-
stitute a very serious item. (4) There is more danger of fire and risk
to person, especially as at sea so few precautions are taken by those
responsible for the electrical plant, and men totally unused to and
ignorant of electrical gear are frequently set to operate it.
Dislrihuiion. — A ship offers excellent opportunities for economic-
ally safeguarding against breakdown, since if we take a longitudinal
section thr(jugh the middle from the bows to the stern the electrical
loads on the two sides can be made practically equal. Hence, by
having .several sub-switohboards or section boxes at similar points
port and starboard, and joining them by heavy cable (the distances
of course being very small) a duplicate wiring is obtained with
practically no increase in cable outlay, one-half of the cables coming
from the main switchboard to the port sub-switchboards and the
other half to the starboard sub-switchboards.
The further precaution is sometimes taken of having two separate
switchboards in separate comiiartments. each taking one-half the
entire load ; usually thev are joined by a heavy connecting switch,
and so form virtually one board, but in case of emergency this
switch may be opened from either board, leaving two separate
installations, and, if necessary, one board may supply the whole
ship. In some of the most recent boats the generating plant has
itself been similarly subdivided into two equipments in separate
compartments, between which is a watertight bulkhead, the only
communication being tlu-ough the bulkhead door.
As a rule switchboards are boards only in name, and though
passenger boats often possess elaborate slate panels on which the-
smtches, &c.. are mounted, nearly all battleships have everything
fixed direct to angle bars, which really constitute the board. It
makes a sound.if inartisticpiece of work, the switches being bolted to
the bars from which they are well insulated by mica, or micanite so
that no shook, however severe, would dislocate any portion of the
equipment. With a slate base, heavy firing accompanied bj' severe
.UNDERSIDE OF M«IN DECK BEAMS
Scale of Feet
PILOT LAMPS WITH KEV SWITCH
EARTH DETECTOR LAMPS
Jr AND SWITCHES
i VOLTMETER FUSES
: '^- EARTH DETECTOR FUSES
+ VOLTMETER CO PLUC
j PILOT LAMP FUSE
|C0 SWITCH FOR PHOT LAMP
750 AMP. DP-QB.SWITCH
4 '250 AMP FEEDERS
3- 150 AMP. FEEDERS
I -MO AMP. FEEDER
7 -100 AMP FEEDERS
Fill. 1. — Genek.\l Arr.\ni:emext of Marine Switchp.oarh.
One solution of the problem is given by a three-wire system with
220 volts between the outers, the lighting being at 110 volts and the
motors working on 220 volts. It is interesting in this connection to
note that one of the new British battleshijjs will be so equipped, and
there is little doubt that if it is satisfactory it will be generallv
adopted in the Navy, and eventually followed by buildn > , .f | ,a >-.iiv;. 't
boats who do not care to have mucli variation from .Vdiiuialt \ piai
tice. In this case, however, it may not be found adMsalilc to Ilim-
the extra complication of balancers, so that the generators still liave
to be of 110 volts.
The generating plant on a ship is usually divided into smaller units
than for a similar land installation, chiefly in order that the disloca-
tion of one set shall not be so serious, and also because in port not
more than one-fifth of the full output is required. Hence it is com-
mon to find at least four generating sets, while in some German boats
seven have iDeen installed. The saving of weight and room is so
important at sea that it cannot be too strongly urged that the recipro-
cating engine, hitherto so universally used for this plant, should be
discarded in favour of turbo-generators. Any increase in steam
consumption is not of much consequence, since the exhaust steam
is utilised for boiler feed heating, with consequent back pressure, so
that economy is not expected.
, * Abstract of a Paper read before tlie Newcastle Local Section of thi
Institution of Electrical Engineers.
vibration might cause the slate to smash and damage some of the
circuits, and if it is used it must be firmly bolted to the angle bars : it
should consist of several sections, and not merely two or three panels.
The standard arrangement of switchboards has until recently con-
sisted of four of five generator jjanels in the centre, with lighting
1 1'' lot - oil oiir sid.' and I lower feeders on the other. This is the most
' "II \ 'Mil lit ill -Mjii loi Niiiall installations where the lighting and power
c iiriiit>aic' krpi scjiarate and require more or less equal currents ; but
with the larger modern installations, where the power needed for
motors is predominant, it would be unsymmetrical and costly. In
this case the same feeders may be used for both motors and lighting,
and such a board is shown in Fig. 1. which is one for an Orient liner
now under construction, and it will be noticed that all the circuits and
al.-o tlio -ciiciatoi-,- aiv laotcctod onl\ li\- doiil.lc-pole fuses. This, on
tlio mIioIo is a s\~i,.|ii to \u- aiUoiaiid loi' | ijaiits of moderate size,
hut III |iiaotically aM .an lia tt Irsjnps and ciuiscrs. where the arrange-
ment of .separate power and lighting circuits is almost invariably
adopted, the former are protected by overload circuit-breakers, usually
with time-limit action, and the latter by double-pole fuses. In the
case, however, of very large installations, such as the " JIauretania "
and " Lusitania." where some of the feeders have to carry as much as
1.000 amperes, the u.se of fuses is inadvisable, and here K])eoial and
carefully designed overload circuit -Inetikers. with time-limit relays,
were employed, which have given much satisfaction. These relays
were of the Ferranti wattmeter tyiie. in which a small motor winds up
THE ELECTRICIAN, MARCH 2r,, 190;).
915
a cord over a drum, a weight being attached to the end of the cord,
which, making contact ■ndth a stop after rising a certain height,
operates the trip.
The author then refers to the switchboard; of tlie " Mauretania "
and other ships (a description of the electrical equipment of the
former vessel being given in The Electkiciax, September 27, 1907).
The Ijoard for the " Lusitania "" followed the construct