FOR THE COMMON WEAL.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 18 November 1924, Page 4

FOR THE COMMON WEAL.

HAWERA FORGING AHEAD. i COMMUNITY LIGHTING SCHEME INAUGURATED A BRILLIANT SPECTACLE.

\ i 1 Hawera last night had the appearance of one of the main streets of the Queen City. The community lighting scheme was officially brought into operation when the Mayor (Mr L. A. Bone), by placing a switch in position, which immediately sent a flood of light through Hawera, marked -a new epoch in the history of the "town and district.

Headed by the Municipal Band, a procession marched up High Street, which shortly afterwards presented a fairyland-like blaze of light. From a motor lorry near the switchboard, Mr L. A. Bone, supported by Messrs J. R. Corrigan, E. Dixon, \Y. O. Gilbert and other prominent public men, performed the opening ceremony. Mr Gilbert, president of the Retailers’ Association, briefly introduced the speakers with a few well-chosen words. Mr L. A. Bone said that it gave, him great pleasure to be there that night. He added that it was only a few months ago that the Retailers’ Association decided to inaugurate a scheme which would benefit the community generally by placing into operation a community lighting scheme. ‘‘lf we combine in community fashion,” added the Mayor, “we can do many good things for the town, particularly in regard to telephone communication, etc. —things we certainly could not possibly do unless we had co-operation. The Retailers’ Association is a live body, and I hope they will go forward with the great work that they are doing.” Mr J. R. Corrigan, M.P., who on rising to speak, was received with loud cheers, said that the occasion marked another milestone in the progress of the town of Hawera. When he came to live in the district 32 years ago Hawera was one of the most insanitary towns in New Zealand. But now it was • one of the cleanest towns in the Dominion, and one they hoped would become a city. The Retailers’ Association had banded themselves together for the benefit of the whole community, and their action in securing community lighting was one which should receive the commendation of all. “None of us,” added Mr Corrigan,” realise the debt of gratitude we owe to the men who are on our public bodies, and very few jjeople know what these men give up in order to serve others. Country people realise that- the citizens' 1 of Hawera have their interests

at heart, and I know that feeling is reciprocated.”

Water and drainage works were opposed for years, and it was only by the efforts of the splendid men who represented the community in Hawera on the Borough Council that the town now had such a splendid system. The town could not live without the country, and the Egmont A. and P. Show would amply demonstrate what the country owed to the town, and the town to the country. The importance of the show, and the indebtedness of Hawera to its promoters could hardly be over-estimated. He added that at the next Winter Show in July there would be the annual meeting the the National Dairy Association, which would bring from four to five hundred visitors from all parts. He hoped that everyone would take part in giving them a cordial welcome, so that they would be able to see the resources and advantages possessed by the town. ' Mr Corrigan concluded a splendid address by congratulating the Retailers’ Association on the splendid work they had done. • Mr Dixon, in the course of an able address, said that it was recognised that the business people of Hawera had come together for the benefit of both town and country. Of course, there was always a number of people who did not agree with all that was done by various authorities. “Just the same,” added Mr ’Dixon, “as you will always find—a number of poeple against the Government. (A voice, very emphatically: “Hear, hear.”) The people of Hawera and District were indebted to the Retailors’ Association and the Chamber of Commerce, who had pulled together in the interests of the town. Speaking with reference to the progress made in Hawera generally, Mr Dixon, pointing along the brilliantly-lit High said: “Such a street as this would bear comparison with any of the principal streets of either of the'four centres.” ;