OLD MINING TOWN ATTAINS ELECTRIC LIGHTING IN OTAGO

Grey River Argus, 22 May 1947, Page 3

OLD MINING TOWN ATTAINS ELECTRIC LIGHTING IN OTAGO

NASEBY,, Mav 19. For the last time a kerosene street lamp was lit at dusk in the borough if Naseby on Thursday. On Friday evening, shortly after 8. the Mayoress. Mrs T. J. Wetherall, pressed a switch and tlw old mining town was lit with electric light. It was in 1863 that gold was found in the district, and the mining town of several thousand people was founded. Nov/, in 1947, when Naseby residents believe that the town is entering upon a new era of prosperity and advancement, the streets and houses have been reticulated with the Otago Electric Power 'Board’s supply, and, the eve of winter, the town has received the benefits of electric power. Naseby has celebrated many important events in its history. but it is doubtful if ever before so much enthusiasm has been shown by the residents of the district as that displayed to-day. In the afternoon a procession of decorated floats showing the progress and acivities of the town was? held and several scores.of children paraded in brightly-conceived display of fancy costumes, and burlesque sports events were played on the picturesque recreation ground. Residents of the town and outlaying districts crowded the ground and entered enthusiastically into the proceedings. At dusk on Thursday, Mr William Jacob, the borough lamplighter, lit the only remaining kerosene lamp outside the Public Hall, and after a torchlight, procession through the streets, followed by the lighting of a large bonfire in the centre of the town, the ceremony of switching on the electric power took place. After a brief introduction by the Mayor, Mr Wetherall, the Mayoress pressed a switch and the town became brilliant with electric street lamps and rows of coloured lights. Even the ] electric fire siren sounded.