Whenever an application shall be made to her Majesty to grant letters patent or a charter of incorporation to any company or body of persons associated together for any purpose of trade, and such application shall have been referred by her Majesty to the F2Board of Trade, then, before any report shall be made to her Majesty, and before any such letters patent or charter shall be granted, notice of such application shall be inserted by the parties applying three several times in the London Gazette and in one or more of the newspapers circulating within the county in which it is proposed that the principal place of business of such company shall be established, at intervals of not less than one week.