Gas, meters, and city needs in 1860s Boston—an in-depth look at public hearings and expert testimony.
This historical document presents the evidence and discussions before a joint Boston City Council committee focused on gas inspection, meters, and the cost of supplying illuminating gas to citizens. It combines testimonies, official statements, and an appendix with cost estimates for proposed gas works, offering a window into 19th-century urban utilities and civic debate.
Read the meetings, questions, and answers that shaped how gas was measured, billed, and regulated in a growing city. The material covers the roles of inspectors, the reliability of meters, and the balance between public protection and company interests, with practical figures and construction plans included in the appendices.
- Hearsay and expert testimony on meter accuracy and frost-related issues in winter light.
- Discussion of city inspector roles and how they could benefit residents.
- Appendix with estimated costs for proposed gas works and long-term financial considerations.
Ideal for readers of municipal history, public policy, and historical gas-lighting systems who want a concrete sense of how civic processes examined utility services in the 19th century.