LIGHT IN THE COTTAGE

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]

Sue,—I regret to have to trouble you with another letter, but Sir William Beach Thomas's notes in a recent issue are so misleading that one must really protest. Sir William devoted several paragraphs to trying to show that the cottager is denied the boon of cheap light, and stated that in a certain village cottage owners and farmers have decided not to avail themselves of the supply of electricity, although it is available, because it is said to be too expensive.

This attitude is by no means general. In one village, for which I happen to have had figures, the average consumption of electricity for lighting, taken over a considerable number of cottages rated at between £5 and £7 per annum, is twelve units in winter quarters, and although these units are charged at 10d., the price Sir William objects to, practically every house is supplied with electricity. This is not to be wondered at, as on this basis the total cost of electricity would be about 25s. per annum—less than . the cost of oil, candles and matches. I therefore fail to see how a company supplying

electricity at this price, without any minimum charge, and now without any meter rent, can be said to be " catering only for the well-to-do." I suppose that writers think that companies " enjoying a virtual monopoly " are fair game but considering that the above facts have already been brought so Sir William's attention, I think that his paragraphs are somewhat uncalled for.

Electric light is, in fact, cheap—very cheap—at 10d. per unit. May I say also that the North Metropolitan Company have a method of charging under which consumers who use greater amounts of electricity can obtain it at a reduced price per unit ? As to the first cost of wiring, this is not a serious item for the few lights required in a cottage, while the company are willing, and in fact anxious, to provide for the installation of electricity on any property on easy pay- ment terms.

In conclusion, it should be noted that the company referred to, owing to the cost of connexion and other standing charges, must definitely lose money in supplying small consumers without a minimum charge, and should therefore be com- mended for their broadminded attitude towards the problem of giving the cottager more light.—I am, Sir, &c.,

W. A. VIGNOLES, Director and Secretary,

The British Electrical Development Association, Inc. 15 Savoy Street, Strand, London, W.C. 2.

[Sir W. Beach Thomas writes :—The three paragraphs published in the Spectator of November 8th are themselves the best reply to Major Vignoles' letter. They contain no reference whatever to a minimum or a meter charge. That these charges have been withdrawn since earlier criticism is a wise confession that the original charges were too great. The company is to be commended, as Major Vignoles urges.

The essential facts remain. (1) Many villages are without a single cottage which enjoys the light through the mains run down the street. The reason is that owners and tenants regard the price as too high. The rate of 10d. a unit is not cheap but dear, as comparison with neighbouring rates will show.

(2) Major Vignoles' estimate of a yearly expenditure of 25s. is, I fear, much below general experience. I have been at pains to get particular budgets. The figures for three cottages are as follows :- Cottage A (a parlour cottage) .. used 104 units

Cottage B (non-parlour type) used 83 units Cottage C (non-parlour type) .. .. used 44 units

These figures are from June 7th, 1929, to June 6th, 1930. The yearly costs at 10d. a unit works out at £4 Os. 8d., 23 9s. 2d., 21 16s. 8d. In the third cottage the family con- sisted of two adults and two babies. It is the lowest figure

I have discovered.

My sole object in writing is to get light, if possible electric light, into the farms and cottages. If Major Vignoles, or this correspondence, can help to persuade cottagers and Owners that wiring is cheap' and easy, and that electric light can be supplied for 25s. a year, and is less than the cost of oil candles and matches, my purpose will be fulfilled and much, good accomplished.

May I make a final suggestion ? Is the North Metropolitan prepared to instal the light in some selected cottages in the 10d. a unit area and.test out the cost ? , All disputes would then be at an end and the cause; ould be greatly advanced. , [This correspondence must now cease.—En. Spectator.]