ELECTRIC POWER

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 8, 2 October 1937, Page 6

ELECTRIC POWER

Line to Serve Puketapu and Mangaone Valleys SETTLER'S APPRECIATI0N An important extension of the Hawke's Bay Electric Power Board 'a reticulation ishortly to be put in hand is the erection of the Puketapu-Hako-whai-Dartmoor-Mt. Cameron line, which is to serve the Puketapu and Mangaone valleys. The work of pegging the line has now been completed, and in tho near future the work of construction will be undertaken. To fittingly celebrate the occasion and to express their appreciation of the co-operation shown by the board in extending its services through the district, a ball was held last mght by the settlers in the Puketapu Hall. at which the executive oificers of the board were gue'sts. Over 200 people attended, including seVeral from Hastings and Napier, and the function was an outstanding success and oue of the most enjoyable over held in the district. The organising was in the hand's of Mrs E. J. Orr, of "Rosemount," assisted by Miss Dora Hayes and a band of willing helpers, and they attended to every detail, so that the many visitors spent a pleasurable evening. The hall was attractively deeorated with greenery and streamers, while numerous coloured lights were kindly installed by Mr B. Turton, 6upervisor to -the board. The lighting was both novel and striking, and together with the decorations presented a delightt'ul colour scheme. Across the back of the . stage hung a Union Jack, and over tho top was emblazoned:'the word "welcome.". Splendid music was supplied by the Bulfs' orehestra. aud a happy time was spent by the daiicers on a perf ect floor. On behalf of the settlers, Mr E. J. Orr said that the getting of the power was something that had long beqn looked. forward to, and with the reticulation about to be put in hand he wisHed tc express the appreciation that was • felt at the co-operation being, shown by the Hawke 's Bay Electrie Poiver Board. The, board had shoivn that it was' happy to be the servants of the people, and in this respeet it set a worthy. example to other local bodies in the district. He was pleased to see present Mr H. H. VVylie, secretary-manager to the board, Mr H. G. Benjamin, engineer, and Mr B. Turton, supervisor." " It was a great pleasure to". those responsible for. tne function to mark the ocdasion in. this way. Mr Wylie, acknowledging the hospitality, said that it was a pleasure to tho board and to its executive oflleers to co-operate with the settlers In making- available to them tho sbenefits cf electricity. Tho board w&s' not unmindf'ul oi the needs of the settlers in the more outlying portions of its area, and it was desirous of extending its system wherever it was found to oe practicable. Such lines could not be pushed ahead as speediiy as some would iike. but he could give his assurance that it was the desire of all coneerned that the settlers in the more remote areas should have available the benefits of electricity equally with those living in the centres. Tho hospitality and cordiality shown by the settlers of the district was most pleasing, and he was confident that they would be quick to make full use of the service once it was made available. Mr Wylie said he expected that a start would be made with the laying of the poles on the ground in about three weeks, and once a construction gang was available the. erection of the ljne would be proceeded with. In this class of work diffieulties had to be overcome, but he could give his assurance that. once the work of construction was commenced there would be no unduo delays. A splendid supper was afterwards served ,by a number of the ladies of the district. Tlie supper-room was gaily deeorated, -and the tables looked most attraetive with bowls of iceland poppies grown by Mrs Perry, of Dartmoor Station.