BRIGHTER TOWNS

Northern Advocate, 6 November 1931, Page 4

BRIGHTER TOWNS

Wc have consistently advocated the adoption of community - lighting in the business area of 1 Whangarei, being convinced that it would not only make our town more attractive but would be a promoter of better business. The improvement made in Cameron and Bank Streets since the adoption of such lighting has been most marked, and visitors to the town have not hidden their appreciation of it. From community lighting as adopted in Whangarei to flood-lighting as has been introduced in the big cities of the Old World may be a far cry, but the underlying principle of each is identical. A recent London newspaper says that the revelation of the possibilities of Hood-lighting by the recent temporary arrangements in connection with the International Conference has led to the formation of the British Illuminated Nights Association, with the object of brightening London and the cities of England. Mr S. Brook, tiie general manager of the association, speaking to a press reporter, stated that it was estimated that the cost, on the basis of this year’s flood-lighting of London, would be about £IO,OOO a year. Electricity and gas companies were keenly interested in

the project, and the co-operation of private undertakings, shops, etc., would be sought. Floodlighting has shown that great numbers of people could be attracted by artistic illumination. Transport concerns, restaurants and other undertakings greatly profited by the influx of big crowds of people into London, and if the big shops and stores utilise the opportunity by properly lighting their windows — which could be done from 8.30 p.m. to midnight at a cost of 10s a night—he was certain that additional trade would result. If, lie added, the association was successful in carrying out its plans, London would be the only city in the world possessing an organised system of flood-light-ing. The association also hoped to improve and supplement the lighting of parks, streets, and open spaces in London. These observations should not be lost upon the dwellers of even small towns in New Zealand, and, so far as those who support community lighting in "Whangarei are concerned, they should see in them a commendation of their policy.