THE FOXTON GAS WORKS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 438, 8 October 1908, Page 3

THE FOXTON GAS WORKS.

Official Opening

ft Most Enjoyable Function.

The official opening of the Foxton Gas Works took place yesterday afternoon, and was attended by a large number of townspeople, including prominent citizens, together with their wives and families. ,The weather was all that could be desired. The putting down of these works by a Wellington syndicate is an evidence of the faith outsiders hold in Foxton’s future. It will be remembered that some years ago an agitation was set up to provide better lighting for the Borough, and all kinds of illuminants and schemes were suggested and discussed. Subsequently the Borough Council convened a public meeting in order to give townspeople an opportunity to discuss the advisability of raising a loan for the purpose of installing municipal coal gas. A poll was taken and the proposal was rejected. The voting being 21 for, 97 against. Well might it be said of our citizens on that occasion “Oh ye of little faith.” Other eyes, in the Empire City were, however, turned Foxtonwards. They could see a brighter future before our little town than appeared on the local horizon. Mr T. W. Butcher, a manufacturers’ agent and company promoter, of Wellington, obtained from the Borough Couucil a concession to light the borough with coal gas. The Council granted the concession under certain reservations whereby the local authority could acquire the works as a going concern, and at a certain valuation at stated periods. Mr Butcher transferred his concession to a' Wellington syndicate who lost no time in purchasing and installing what is conceded, to be by experts one of the most modern coal gas producing plants in Australasia. The whole of the works have been faithfully carried out by Messrs Norwood and Pearson, contractors to the syndicate, under the supervision of SjMr Ford, engineer. The sub-contractors, and Mr Heyes, local manager, haye carried out their work faithfully. It was anticipated that consumers would have been able to use the new illuminant last night, but owing to a number of services remaining unfinished, it was decided to wait for a few days until these connections are completed. The postponement of gas manufacture has caused a little inconvenience and disappointment to a number ot consumers, who had dismantled the paraphanalia connected with the “light of other days.” Some of the consumers, unaware of the postponement, turned the gas on at the meter and jets, matches were struck time and again but the spouting flame failed to appear. In this connection perhaps the one who felt the postponement most keenly was the local manager. At about three o’clock the works in Cook Street presented a very animated appearance. The following members of the proprietary were present:—Messrs J. J. K. Powell (chairman), H. F. Allen (secretary), O. Beere (solicitor), H. Langdon, and Messrs Norwood and Pearson (contractors). Among others present were His Worship the Mayor, Mr Edward Newman, and Crs Hennessy, Shadbolt, and Stiles.

Mr Powell, on behalf of the proprietary, extended a hearty invitation to all present, and remarked that the ceremony that day was a step forward inFoxton’s progress. He invited the Mayor to formally throw a shovelful of coal into the furnace, which glowed with a white heat. The Mayor having done so, declaring the Foxton Gas Works open, cheers were called by Mr Powell for the Mayor and ladies, which were heartily responded to. Mr Norwood then explained the process of making gas, and described the various parts of the works which have been previously noted in these columns.

Mr Powell then extended a hearty invitation to all to partake of afternoon tea in the N. Z. Shipping Co.’s spacious building. After justice had been done by those present to the good things so thoughtfully provided by the proprietary, supervised by Mr Perreau, the secretary read an apology for absence from Mr John Stevens M.P, who had been invited to perform the ceremony. In the course of his letter Mr Stevens expressed regret that his parliamentary duties precluded him from being present, and stated that it was needless to say he recognised the importance of this great step in the advancement of Foxton, which will be the line of demarcation between the old order of things and the new. Mr Stevens continued: “ If there be anything which conduces to the comfort and consequent prosperity of a community, it is ample light and ample water, as without both these essential elements, the wheels of progress are continually clogged. In the old days, when what is now Foxton was Te Awahou, there were many bright intellects striving for prosperity, hut unable to strike out in new lines of thought, or new industries, as the old whaleoil lamp and the. still more primitive “dip” candle, were not conducive to the brightening of the home, or the intellect of the youth, in the days of which I speak. It only now remains for the efficient service of gas which your proprietary has established, to enable the good people of Foxton to evolve and illuminate a scheme of water supply, equal in efficiency to the gas works which your com-

pany has so efficiently established. I feel sure that both your proprietory and the people of Foxton, whom I feel proud to have the honour of calling my friends, will fully realise the reason why I am unable to do myself the honour of performing the ceremon}', which would not only have been an honour, but a genuine pleasure. All steps in advancement and progress by every community deserve the recognition of public men, and although I shall not be present on the occasion, the ceremony has my fullest appreciation, and my best wishes for the prosperity which the enterprise of your proprietary deserves, and I desire to congratulate His Worship the Mayor and the borough of Foxton upon the establishment of the works, which has enabled the borough to say, ‘ Let there be light,’ and there was light.” Mr Stevens’ letter was received with a round of applause. An apology was received from the manager of the Plamerston Gas Company. The Mayor said the present occasion was a red-letter day in the history of Foxton. In the past they had had plenty of gas, but it was manufactured by machines on two legs ; they had now reached that stage when the real genuine article could be procured. He referred to the various illuminants that had been suggested to the borough, but he considered coal gas was the most serviceable for Foxton. He contended that the ratepayers made a big mistake in refusing to sanction a loan for this purpose. The Council had, however, safeguarded the people’s interest by providing that the works could be taken over by the Council within three and a-half years from the present time, or further periods of 10 or 15 years. He predicted that the people would be so satisfied with the venture that they would acquire it at the end of the fiveyear period. Mr J. J. K. Powell, who appeared in a very happy mood, referred in pleasant vein to other “gases,” and stated that some genius had invented electric pills, which, when swallowed, illuminated the human frame, and people could be transformed into animated travelling lamp posts. This light, however, would not do for Foxton. From what he seen of the Foxton people, he voted them “ a jolly good lot.” The success of the works remained with the people themselves and the more consumers the cheaper the cost of gas would become. He referred to the blessings the gas would confer on the women and the brightness it would give the homes —such a contrast to the rush and kerosene lamp. He then called upon Mr Edward Newman to speak. Mr Newman, who was received with applause, said he had been speaking so much of late on matters political that he found it almost impossible to talk on other subjects. The installation of gas marked the progress Foxton was making. With his knowledge of the whole district, he predicted a great future for Foxton, backed by splendid country, served with a good port, and connecting the main trunk line between Levin and Marton via Foxton, from all these sources Foxton would gain enormously. He referred to the energetic promoters of the Foxton Harbour Board and paid a tribute to Mr John Stevens in this connection. He hoped the Government would concede Foxton its rights. He could assure them that if the Opposition got into power, it would not forget Foxton. He had pleasure in congratulating Foxton on the present occasion and hoped the people would use the gas in order to economise its cost, and also that the city fathers would do their share towards providing efficient street lighting. He wished the town and district continued prosperity. Mr Norwood, one of the contractors, assured those present that the proprietary was composed of men of the right kind. He could speak freely of those connected with .the works as he had no monetary interest in the concern. He paid a tribute to the faithful work done by the sub-contractors. To make the works successful it remained for the local people to do their part. He was sure Foxton would not allow itself to drift behind other towns but would rise to the’ occasion and take over the works at the first opportunity. The works were erected with a view to future expansion at a minimum of cost. He referred to the many useful purposes for which gas could be used. He also referred to the skilful work done by the engineer, Mr Albert Ford, who had planned the works etc., leaving nothing to be desired, Mr Heyes, the local manager, had much experience in smaller works and he wished the company and Foxton every prosperity. Mr O. Beere (solicitor) did not know anything about gas. This drew a humorous interjection from Mr Powell Mr Beere desired to say that so far as the legal side of the question was concerned, everything had gone off smoothly—this was not altogether an advantage to him. He was pleased to see so many people present. The gas works would create an interestin their town which he hoped would continue to prosper. The heathy children he had seen spoke well for the district. Mr Pearson, contractor, congratulated the people of Foxton in possessing one of the most up-to-date gas works in Australasia. He thanked the Mayor, Councillors and Town Clerk for the assistance they had rendered in establishing the works. He might be termed optimistic but he ventured the opinion that Foxton, owing to its geographical position, and natural

resources, was one day destined to become a great commercial centre. He then enlightened the ladies upon the benefits of gas cookers, puff pastry, etc., etc., and wound up by congratulating the company and the townspeople upon the innovation.

A pleasant social time was spent by all present and the members ot the company departed for the Empire City carrying away very kindly thoughts of Foxton and its people.