PUBLIC LIGHTING. 117 



where the manager or his helper has to do the lighting and 

 extinguishing, and the lamps are widely spaced, I am 

 strongly in favour of using one of the excellent and reliable 

 systems now obtainable on hire terms. There is no initial 

 outlay, and the responsibility is limited to the charge for 

 hire. These lamps are turned on or off at schedule time, 

 economizing gas to the extent of at least 10 per cent. If 

 incandescent burners are used, the lever and pawl are more 

 gentle to the mantle than a heavy-handed stoker, in a hurry 

 to get back to the works. 



The first outlay is very often an objection to the intro- 

 duction of incandescent gas lighting. The local authority 

 have no funds available beyond the annual lighting rate or 

 subscription, and the gas company have no capital to spare 

 for the purpose. Under these circumstances, a satisfactory 

 arrangement can be made on the following lines : (i) A 

 contract to be made for at least seven years on the present 

 terms, if these are inclusive of lighting, extinguishing and 

 repairing. If not, a fresh schedule should be arranged on 

 the basis of an inclusive price per lamp. (2) The company 

 to replace an agreed number of lamps with new lanterns 

 and incandescent burners at the beginning of each 

 lighting season. The public get the benefit of modern 

 lighting without extra expense, while the gas company get 

 the saving in gas represented by a No. 2 or a " C " burner 

 as compared with the batswing, to go towards the cost of 

 maintenance and of the new lamps. The improved lights 

 are fitted on the principal crossings and streets to begin 

 with, and gradually extended to the less important parts of 

 the district. The usual custom in country towns is to 

 extinguish the majority of the lamps at 1 1 p.m., leaving a 

 few on all night, and also not to light at all for about 

 three months in the summer. 



