The Press. Published Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Thursday, September 10, 1908. “THE LIGHT THAT FAILED."

Waipukurau Press, Issue 306, 10 September 1908, Page 4

The Press. Published Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Thursday, September 10, 1908. “THE LIGHT THAT FAILED."

There appears to be no encl to the delays and misfortunes attending the installation of gas in Waipukurau. It is not many days 1 since we congratulated the residents on the fact that the works were practically complete, and on the brilliancy of the light supplied, and now the greatest misfortune of all has occurred in the total destruction of the engine-house and a great deal of the plant. It was two years ago that it was decided by the unanimous vote of the ratepayers to adopt the scheme of lighting outlined by the 20th Century Gas Company, in preference to the Kitson Light, as had at first been proposed, and since that time it appears as though every misadventure that could possibly hinder the installation

has occurred. It might almost be imagined that some wicked sprite was using his malevolent influence to delay the scheme; so many times have untoward happenings postponed the desired consummation. At present it cannot be conjectured how long it will be before we have the long-promised light. Everything will depend on the" stand taken by the company in the matter/ If it is in earnest in its desire to complete the installation , and demonstrate the utility of its method, it is not likely to allow this set-back to delay the work longer then is absolutely necessary to restore the plant. It seems to us that it will bo to the company’s , interest to push ' the restoration & along with all possible speed, so as* to dispel, if possible, the notion held by some people that the gas is a very dangerous element. The qnonetary loss by the fire, according to those best able to judge, is not great, being only a little over a hundred pounds, nearly a third of which, we understand, will fall on the Town Board.