9G8 REPORT— 1898. 



3. Rectification of Municipal Frontiers. By W. M. Acwobth. 



Title, of course, used metaphorically to refer to boundaiy between municipal 

 socialism and private enterprise. Probable readjustment in near future, conse- 

 quent on new developments of science. Gas-light less and less a necessity ; gas 

 exposed to competition of petroleum, electric ligbt, kc. On the other hand, gas 

 becoming more and more important as source of power, even on a large scale. 

 Water-su2^ply practically in public hands already; question of frontier is rather 

 between the conflicting claims of rival public authorities. Telephones : suggestion 

 of Parliamentary Committee that municipalities should be allowed to compete 

 with United Telephone Company, and proposals of Edinburgh and Glasgow to do 

 so. Electric lighting : municipalities beginning to compete with companies in 

 possession, and companies in return proposing to compete with municipalities. 

 Mectricity for 2^o)ver : proposed distribution on vast scale from central station over 

 great distances. Position of local authorities in reference to such undertakings, 

 and right to compulsory purchase. Tranucaijs : stunted development under muni- 

 cipal despotism. Electric traction, through lines between adjacent towns. Wliat 

 public authority can work such lines ? Cot/elusion : readjustment of frontier 

 inevitable, and pr<3bably will be in direction of widening rather than further con- 

 tracting area of private enterprise. 



4. Economic and Social Influences of Electric Traction. 

 By Professor S. P. Thompson, F.R.S. 



5. Shipping Rings and the Manchester Cotton Trade. 

 By John R. Galloway. 



Hostility against shipping rings having been aroused, what justification is 

 there for this feeling ? Our cotton trade should furnish evidence if these combina- 

 tions have caused serious injury. 



Dealing only in this paper with our exports to Eastern and far Eastern 

 markets, it is not surprising that the volume and regularity of the traffic has called 

 into existence first-class lines of steamships. Keen competition by outside steam- 

 ships caused the established companies to form themselves into conferences for the 

 regulation of rates and other matters. The introduction of the rebate system has 

 enabled the various Rings to obtain control of the traffic to such an extent that 

 shippers are no longer able to take advantage of cheap freights or routes which 

 may be offered. This is a serious matter now that England has so many foreign 

 competitors, and, unless she has free and ample opportunity for natural expansion 

 and development, the very industries which are the mainstay and support of our 

 mercantile marine may be irretrievably injured. 



Taking our exports to India, the Straits, China and Japan, we examine for 

 each market or group : — 



(a) The figures of export from the Board of Trade Eeturns, 

 (6) Estimate as nearly as possible the cubic tonnage per annum, 



(c) Calculate the rates of freight charged to shippers, 



(d) Compare them with freights to other markets, and finally, 



(e) Ascertain what rates are charged on cotton goods of foreign origin which 

 enter into competition with our productions. 



Bombay is the only market where combination on the part of importers has 

 enabled them to control shipowners. Rates, which in 1881 were from 40s, to 60s. 

 per ton, have been reduced, and for some years past have stood at 20s. 6d. per 

 ton. The figures show that the combination has saved fully 28,000/. per annum 

 for the last seventeen years. No foreign country is able to do better for their 

 exporters. 



Calcutta, Madras, and Rangoon. — Shippers to these markets are entirely 



