By Isle of Wight Observer
Much like today, mid‑19th‑century residents were frustrated over rising utility costs. In Victorian Ryde, people were already challenging what they saw as unfair price hikes from the local gas company. This letter, published in the Isle of Wight Observer on 1 March 1856, urges residents to take a stand and refuse to pay bills until the company explained itself.
Fast‑forward 170 years and the sentiment feels familiar. Today, utility firms such as Southern Water can secure substantial price rises with regulatory approval, leaving residents feeling just as powerless. Progress?
RYDE GAS COMPANY.
To the Editor of the Isle of Wight Observer.
Sir,—Will you allow me to suggest, through your columns, to all consumers of gas in Ryde the propriety of withholding all further payment until some explanation is afforded to them by the Directors of the cause for 33 per cent. more being charged last quarter than for the corresponding quarter of last year for gas? Let it be remembered that night after night no gas could be obtained, while it was one person’s work of an evening to endeavour to light it, and doubtless while that fiz-fizzing was going on, the meter was spinning with double force. The consumers have no right to be treated with silent contempt, so draw the purse strings, and see the effect.
Union-street. A CONSUMER.