THE NEW ERA.

Auckland Star, Volume 304, Issue 304, 23 December 1926, Page 8

THE NEW ERA.

THE COMING OF ELECTRICITY CEREMONY AT HELENSVILLE. LIGHT AND POWER TURNED ON. (By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.") HELENSVILLE, this day. Gone are the kerosene lamps, the acetylene lights and the home-generated electric light plants—the era of electricity has come and Helensville, that progressive township north of Auckland, celebrated the "turning on" of electric lio-ht last night with a great flare and dazzling brightness. The streets, which had been barren of any light for ten years, except when the moon shed a mellow glow, will now be bathed in electric light, and the dark lanes and byways will no longer offer attraction to couples who once foregathered in the shelter of darkness. It was with relief that the residents of the district disposed of the lamps that spluttered for years and from which emanated odours of kerosene, and have taken their place with their previously more fortunate city cousins. For weeks past, the Waitemata Electric Power Board, which recently erected a sub-station in Helensville, has had its men, in conjunction with the Public Works men, busily engaged erecting postß, running wire, wiring the houses and shops, and fitting up, and last night at 8 o'clock the touch of a switch brought about the transformation —and there was light. Turning on the Switch. The ceremony was performed by Mrs. C. Oxley, who "is the oldest resident in the district, and the location of the scene was on a dias outside the Post Office. There had assembled a big crowd, despite the inclemency of the weather, and the function was a huge success. Mr. J. W. Mackie (chairman of the Helensville Town Board), introduced Mrs. Oxlev, who has been resident in Helensville for 64 years. The latter then turned on the switch and light broke the darkness. Mr. Mackie said this was the culminating act of many long weary days of scheming and work. The people of Helensville were to be congratulated on at last attaining this successful issue. The speaker referred to the earlier efforts of Mr. J. Stewart and Mr. J. C. Rimmer, both of whom inaugurated the scheme many years ago, which were the commencement of the people's determination to have electricity. He asked for full support of the Waitemata Power Board by the residents and congratulated that body on the efficiency of the work and the despatch with which it was put through. Mr. J. W. Hayden (chairman of the Waitemata Power Board), said that Helensville must feel proud of having electric light on, as it was the place where the idea for electricity briginated for the district. He said that the board bwed a debt of gratitude to the efr gineers, whose work had been arduous, yet put through to the titrhost satisfaction in record time. Address by the Minister. Hon. K. S. "Williams (Minister oi Public Works), said that he could no) claim to know much about electricity but in his Department he had good men ivllo would provide the best that cOuh be obtained. He • congratulated thi district and hoped to pay another visit It was necessary td obtain local know before ahy one could arrive, at a satis factory judgment; As to the wants o the settlers, it was necessary to knov all about their difficulties; He thought i a matter of praise that the electric Ugh had been "turned on" so near Christina ahd it was a happy thought tb get Mrs o__ey to perform the ceremony. At the conclusion of his address, th Minister, on behalf of the towitj jpre Sented Mrs; Oxley with ah electric tabl lamp and wished Helensville continue progress. Hon. j; C. Carrihgtoh, M.L.C.. cor g_atulat-d Helensville On the sigh c prbgress. ahd said it was the firs function of the kind held in the Ka para province. Ii was a Sigh that tl country \vas doing well, and that meai the towns would likewise benefit. Satisfafitioh <*ith Result. Mr. A. Harris* M.P. for Waitemat: said that the occasion was evidence ■ the public spirit of its citizens. I urged all to take the power and he the enterprising board. Other speakers included Mr. <L O'Hallorah (chairman of the Waitema County Council), Mr. T. Lamont (May of Devonport), Mr. J. Stewart (one ■ the originators of the electric schen for Helensville), and Mr. W. E. Barna (president of the Helensville. Cbamb of Commerce), all of whom voiced sati faction at the result of many yea efforts and assured the power board every support in the future. At the close of this function, a smol concert was tendered the visiting Mi ister and party, which was a fittii conclusion to a memorable night Helensvill-.