48 



PRESIDENTI.\L ADDKES.S SECTION A. 



TABLE IX. 



Were such economics to be accomplished, Diigald Clerk 

 calculates that the estimated coal life of (jreat Britain would be 

 increased from 500 to 676 years. 



The following diagram, Fig. 25, also taken from llillcr's 

 pai)er, shows the position at the date of the Commission and in 

 191 1, eight years later; allowing for the increase of i)opidation 

 and of power re(|uiremcnts, llie hoj)CS cx]iressed have not been 

 realised. 



There can Ijc ikj (|ucstii)n thai unv of the most potent factors 

 in fuel economy has l)oen the centralisation of ])()wer rendered 

 possible by electrical transmission. Tiie I'ower Companies Com- 

 mission of the Transvaal investigated in 1909-10 the (juestion 

 of the establishment of large power com])anies and the jirobable 

 effects in industrial and other directions. The Commission 

 endor>ed the recognised adwuitagcs— amongst otiicrs, the saving 

 in ca])ilal costs in e'luipn^enl, the saving in working costs both 

 as regards fuel and in maintenance and attendance following 

 the use of large units, and the greater simplicity and convenience 

 in the apjjlication of jxnver. Tests made on twelve mines of 

 the Ran..l Mines-Eckstein group showed that the average cost 

 with the then existing steam i)lants was .oiSd. ])er unit, whereas 

 it has been ])ossible to purcha.se power at -S-^Sd. per unit. 



