Switching On Ceremony At Mangonui

Northern Advocate, 7 October 1941, Page 6

Switching On Ceremony At Mangonui

The official ceremony in connection with the switching on of the electric power at Mangonui was held on Friday evening, when a dance in honour of the occasion was held in McKay’s hall. The chairman of the power board (Mr. Bisset) was prevented by illness from attending and sent an apology. The board was represented by Mr. Lloycl Peace, and other representative visitors were: Mr. C. J. Barriball (chairman of the county council), Mr. Chas. McKinnon, Mr, W. H. Atkins (Kaitown Town Board), Mr. Geo. Fleming (Awanui), Mr. C. Hiitley (Waipapakauri), Mrs. C. J. Barriball (Oruru), Dr. and Mrs. Simcock, Mrs. Roy Kelly, Mrs. Peace, Mrs. Watts and Mr. A. Mackenzie (Kaitaia) and Mr. and Mrs. Manson (Parapara). 'The hall, recently enlarged and decorated, with its fine floor and the provision made for comfort, was well suited to the function. Recognised as the best hall in the North, it is a credit to the enterprise of the owner and Mangonui in this respect at least, has far outdistanced Kaitaia Between the drnces songs were sung bv Mrs. John Lrrnbiv, Mr. Kennedy and Mr. McMahon, and Miss Subritzky danced the sailor’s hornpipe. This item contributed in an important way to the enjoyment of those present. Official Ceremony The official ceremony took place after the supper adjournment. Mr. McKay, who presided, said it gave him great pelasure to see so many present. In the supply of electric power, Mangonui had been well behind Awanui and, concerned at the delay, a deputation had waited upon the board, when a promise had been given that the power would be available within nine months. Thais period had just elapsed, so that the board had made good its promise. The full effect of the lighting provided for Mangonui was not yet apparent. On Water Front They were to have half a dozen flights on the water frontage at the wharl, and everything was going satisfactorily with the reticulation. Mr. McKay complimented the power board staff on the manner in which'the work had been pushed on. The power was a. great boon to the North and would he an inducement to people further south to come and take up land in the district. Mr. McKay read a telegram from Mr. Bradley, a member of the power board, wishing success to the function.

Hopes Fulfilled Mr. C. J. Barriball congratulated the Mangonui district on the fulfilment of its hopes for electricity, which was first mooted for the North only a few years ago. Traversing the early stages of movement to obtain electric power, Mr. Barnball said the four Northern counties had got together and a provisional board had been set up, with the late Mr. Thompson and himself as representatives for the Mangonui County, and Mr. C. McKinnon as secretary. Mr. Mandeno had made a rough survey of the district, and it was considered that certain areas could be served on a payable basis. It had been found that once the power was installed it was used by people in increasing numbers for milking and cooking.

On Sound Basis The whole scheme was being worked on a sound business basis and it would not be long before the whole county is reticulated. The county would, then move ahead much faster. Many, in the absence of electricity, would not come to the district. Mr. R. Wrathall, after expressing regret at the death of Mr. H. H. Thompson, said there was only one fault with the reticulation, it started at the wrong end of the town. On the experience of those who already had it, electricity was going to be a very good thing for Mangonui, and would bring about increased populalion Kohumaru was petitioning for the cower and he hoped this and other outlying places would be reticulated with as little delay as possible.

Early Experiences Mr Geo. Fleming, on being asked to speak, told of his early experiences during the 28 years of his residence in the Far North, and when he had concluded was waggishly presented with the white uower of a flawless life. Tribute to Late Mr. Thompson Mr. Lloyd Peace congratulated the local residents on their splendid snort that evening. Speaking of the late Mr. Thompson, Mr. Peace said he had shown great interest in the introduction of electric power and had not missed a single meeting' of the power board. In his death a good member and friend had been losu In extolling the work of the staff, clerical and outside, particularly the latter, Mr. said it was to the outside staff they were indebted for getting the power so soon. The board appreciated the work they had done. Up to Schedule The supply of power to different parts of the district had been kept f aiHy well up to schedule time, though difficulties had to be faced never experienced by any other power board. Any cia ticism thpr had been of the board’s methods was not -justified. There had been difficulties due to the war, which he could- not particularly with regard to materials, finance and staffing, but these had now been overcome. It was the policy of the board to supply power to every occupied property in the county, but a line c°uld only be constructed if P a y a^ le % should realise this. The board bad taken up the attitude that the most thickly populated parts should be reticulated first and Mangonui had followed some other centres in the ordinary course. Further Extension The board intended to ra ?se a further £4O 000 so that the power might be taken as far North as the Motutangi swamp and to other parts of the district that every house would have electricity. He believed that within four TJ^t a tl rs r Jne would be available to the Noith Cape.