Demand for Cheaper Gas
Meeting of Gas Consumers
On the 31st of January about 50 gas consumers met at the Saxon Hotel to consider the means of getting gas at a cheaper rate. Mr. C. Duke was voted to the chair. The first speaker was Mr. W. P. Beecham, who, in some lengthy remarks, said he hardly need tell the meeting that a good supply of gas in towns like our own was the best kind of police (sic), and that it was to the corporate body what the loaf was to the natural body. At the same time it was one of those articles which it was the duty of the consumer to obtain as good and as cheaply as possible. This view, he believed, induced a gentleman who was then with them, as secretary, pro tem (Mr. S. A. Bacon), to commence the present movement. Although bacon was only part of an animal, yet he might possibly go the whole hog [Laughter]. Since the meeting was announced a little change had taken place, which had some reference to the other side of the question. He alluded to the offer of a reduction in 1851. The notice contained no signature, yet, as it has not been denied, by any of the Company, they were bound to assume that it had come from that body. The question now would be should they accept the offer of 2/- a thousand feet reduction in 1851, or should they attempt to get something better?
Mr. Bacon, in some able remarks, proposed “That in the opinion of this meeting, gas can be supplied for the lighting of the borough at a charge not exceeding 5/- per 1,000 cubic feet, after allowing a fair percentage to the shareholders”. The chairman put the motion, and produced statistics to show that where Gas Companies had reduced the price, they had increased their profits.
Mr. Putland moved “That the most beneficial system is that the consumers of gas should be the manufacturers of it, but that it is not the object of this meeting to interfere with the existing Company, provided they will supply gas at about the price at which it could be obtained by the formation of a Consumers’ Company”.
Other resolutions were carried, the most important one being “That this meeting having seen that bills, assumed to be publicly posted by authority of the Gas Company, stating their intention to reduce the price of gas to 6/- per 1,000 feet from the 1st of January 1851, entertain the hope that an amicable arrangement may be made, not doubting that the present company will consent to an immediate reduction, with an understanding that further reductions will be made from time to time, as circumstances may arise, to keep pace with the price at which it shall be ascertained that gas can then be fairly supplied”. A deputation was then appointed to wait on the Gas Company. [See next chapter for reply, etc.]
Miscellaneous Occurrences 1850
At night, on the 28th of January a desperate poaching affray took place on the grounds of Sir Charles Lamb, at Beauport, between Henry -
