Lighting Question.

Waipukurau Press, Volume I, 3 August 1906, Page 3

Lighting Question.

THE POLL CARRIED. Any stranger passing through Waipukurau on Wednesday would not have been aware that anything of importance was taking place, and vet the vote on the much-vexed question of lighting was proceeding. The fact that the matter has been before the public so long and so freely discussed, no doubt accounted for the quietness of the proceeding. There was no loitering about, the ratepayers had evidently made up their mind on the question of street lighting, and felt there was nothing left to said. The large attendance of ratepayers at the Town Hall the previous evening evidenced the fact that they wished to know all that was obtainable as to the relative qualities of light.

The appearance of the 20th Century Gas Co. in the field practically at the eleventh hour, it was thought in many quarters would affect the result of the poll and render it abortive, but this view was disproved by the strong majority recorded in favour of the proposal, which has unmistakably confirmed the opinion of the Town Board. There seems to be a most decided opinion in the town against private companies establishing works in our midst which they contend properly belong to the town, and this caused a number to remain faithful to the Kitson light proposals. Mr Ashley, returning officer to the Board, had the returns complete about twenty minutes after the poll closed, which were as follows; — For the proposal ... 59 Aagainst 19 Total ... ... 78

There were only a few of the most enthusiastic ratepayers present when the poll was declared. It will be seen from the above that the necessary three-fifths majority was obtained. Mr Tipping acted as scrutineer.