USES OF GAS.
I have wandered, however, somewhat from my starting point, namely, the gas industry. I must confess that there are certain meetings of great undertakings which always make a special appeal to me by reason of the evidence afforded in the Chairmen's speeches of a complete knowledge of the work- ing of the whole undertaking, of enthusiasm for its success, and a desire to acquaint the shareholders with all the facts of the position. One of the meetings I refer to is that of the Underground Electric Railways Company, which under Lord Ashfield's control and management has accomplished very wonderful things. Another meeting is that of the Gas Light and Coke Company, whose Chairman, Sir David Milne-Watson, gives a wonderful impression of the importance of the gas industry, the care which has been exercised by the directors and management of his company, and of a desire to enlighten the stockholders with regard to the position and outlook. At the meeting which was held last week Sir David had no difficulty in showing that, despite the continued competition of electricity and despite even the difficulties which have had to be met in the shape of excessive and, it is alleged, improper competition on the part of some munici- palities, the gas industry not only holds its own but goes ahead. Consumers of gas, and especially those who use it for cooking, are fully aware of its many advantages, but probably comparatively few realize the extent to which gas is still used for street lighting. A great part of Central London, said Sir David, the City and the West End and a majority of the boroughs and other districts in our area are lit by gas. Whitehall, Regent Street, Cannon Street and Queen Victoria Street are," he added, " what I may call shining examples."
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