“DARK AND DRAB." SHOP VERANDAH LIGHTS

Northern Advocate, 23 June 1937, Page 9

“DARK AND DRAB." SHOP VERANDAH LIGHTS

Chamber Of Commerce Urges Better System A comparison of the community lighting systems of Hamilton and Whangarei was made at the quarterly meeting of the Whangarei Chamber of Commerce held last night, when it was decided to ask the borough council to consider the installation of a complete system. Mr C. V. Stringer commented on the excellence of the Hamilton community lights. The borough engineer in Hamilton had told him that the system was maintained out of rates, a small /rate for the purpose being levied over the whole of the town. As a result, instead of a street with three lights and then a dark gap, there was a continuous row. The rate was so small that it was not noticed f; A similar system .to that employed in Whangarei had been tried at first, but had not been found to be a success. Mr Stringer said that they were told that the Whangarei electricity department was making a good profit, and he saw no reason why a similar plan to that of Hamilton could not be adopted. A Good Suggestion. Mr Stringer said that he thought that this would be quite a good suggestion to the chamber, in view of the fact-that at the present time extra lighting for the Winter Exhibition was being discussed. At present, Whangarei was very dark and drab as far as lights under the shop verandahs was concerned. In Hamilton he had noticed many people parading, even or. Sum day nights, and the lights gave a very smart appearance to the town. The secretary, Mr W. T. Surman, said that, in the past, efforts had been made by the borough council to introduce community lighting, but it seemed that.if 'he matter was left to the individual 'it v?as nor done In Hamilton the cost was added to the rates, and it seamed that that was what would have to happen in Whangarei. It would be well to' keep in mind the fact that the system would have to be compulsory if it was introduced. One system would have to be instituted. Wonderful Street Lighting. - Mr Stringer: The street . lighting in Whangarei is Wonderful, and I don’t know any Where else where it is as good.' It is miles ahead of Hamilton, but it shows up the bad lighting under the verandahs. I do not think that a small rate would hurt anyone. Mr G. H. Morrish, a member of the Whangarei* Borough Council, and chairman of the electricity committee, mentioned that, at a previous meeting of the chamber, the electrical engineer, Mr Dawson, had addrssed' the chamber on the subject and had pointed out that, owing to the irregularity of hanging signs and verandahs, it would be difficult to get the uniformity which existed in Hamilton. A suggestion that the signs be attended to had nolfbeen carried out. /

Mr Morrish also mentioned that, in Whangarei, business premises were lighted for the same rate as that which applied to residential areas, while in most other larger towns an increased rate was charged. He appreciated the necessity for good lighting, but there were certain difficulties in the way of a uniform scheme. He was personally glad to receive any suggestions. One Objection. Mr J. Tudehope said that one objection might be that the business people would reap the benefit and that they should pay, and, while this was true, the whole community would benefit also. When the present scheme was introduced, many business people were feeling the pinch of the times, but today things were ' different, and a fresh canvass might produce different results.

Mr W. C. Coote said that he could not see any residential ratepayers objecting to a small rate if they had any civic pride, and if they had not this quality, it should be instilled in them. Mr Tudehope moved that the borough council be asked to give consideration to the installation of a complete system of community lighting, based on the present system, and also consider a special rate, if necessary ,to cover it. Mr Stringer seconded the motion, which was carried.