SWITCHING ON.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 4 March 1927, Page 8

SWITCHING ON.

ELECTRIC CURRENT AT FAIRVIEW. Another step in tho reticulation of country districts by the South Canterbury Power Board was taken last evening, when the official switching on of Coleridge power took place at.lairview. The Fairview Hall, gaily decorated for the occasion, was packed to overflowing, the assemblage including many visitors from Timaru. Mr T. Butchers (chairman of tha Sc-hool Committee) presided,,,and with him on the platform wore the Mayor of Timaru (Mr G. J. -Wallace), and the Mayoress, Messrs J. Kennedy (chairman South Canterbury Power Board), C. Dash (manager), G. W. Morrison (resident engineer), and G. D. Selbie (Levels County Council). Apologies were received from Mr C. E. Kerr and Mr J. E. Maxwell. The chairman expressed pleasure at such a large gathering to celebrate the switching-on of the current. He welcomed the representatives of the Power Board, and congratulated them on the expeditious way iti which, the light had been brought to the district. When it was seen that Timaru had Coleridge power, the residents of Fairview looked on the capital with great envy. They knew it ; would ultimately come to Fairview, but did not think it would be in their time. Nc».v it had come to provide the residents with every facility and convenience. (Applause.) He then called on Mrs Johnstone, the oldest resident, to switch on the lights. The old illumination was shut off to the accompaniment of “Auld Lang Syne,” » radiant spectacle being witnessed when hundreds of multi-colcured lights appeared. „The Mayor expressed pleasure at being present to witness further progress in the history of the district. About a year ago he had been present at the opening ceremony of tho hall, and the fact that the installation of electricity follmved so soon was a fitting tribute to Fail-view’s progressiveness. In conclusion, he hoped that Fairview would long benefit by the.‘white light’,’ and continue to enjoy the many .facilities it offered. (Applause.) Mr J. Kennedy expressed pleasure at being present to witness the forgir" of another link in the chain of electrification of tho country .districts. Xe outlined tho progress of the reticulation in the various districts, his remarks taking a similar trend to his addresses at previous similar ceremonies. _ If the loan was carried at Mackenzie County it would mean that all the country districts would be supplied with power. Referring to- the reticulation cf Fairview, Mr Kennedy said that the length of the lino wa« twelve miles, which was erected at a cost of £3OOO. There were 35 consumers, guaranteeing a_total per annum ,of £369, an average of £lO 10s each. Thirteen had signed up for ranges, and six of these were already in use. The people of Fairview had been very hospitable and had assisted the men in every direction .possible. The loan raised for the Levels County amounted to £67.000, and Fairview hrfcliaken the proposition up so'well that he was sure the loan would soon bp, fully expended. In conclusion. Mr Kennedy said that .-every emnloyee from the office staff to the rank and file had worked extremely hard to make the reticulation a success, and this the Board greatly appreciated. (Annlnuse.) Mr Dash returned thanks on behalf of the staff. He was pleased that the work met with apnroval, and that the. men had bepn so ho«=nitahly treated . by the residents. Not - one- complaint had been received from any district in which they had been" working. Mi* Selbie referred to the manv benefits Fairview would derive -through being so well reticulated. . (Anplnijm ) Mr Morrison also returned thanks on -behalf of the Power Board staff. He also expressed anpreciatinn of the kindness extended to the -men by tho residents of Fairview. On the motion of Mr KeynHv, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded tho chairman. Led by the chairman, three heartv cheers for the Power Board and, staff concluded a yerv pleasant ceremony. A short musiceFnron-ramrne 'was then held. Mesdam.es B. TOlland and Hv> a th and Misses R. and Jr. McNamaTTbontributmg. A dance was then held.