THE ELECTRICITY SCHEME.

North Otago Times, Volume CV, Issue 30938, 23 July 1917, Page 3

THE ELECTRICITY SCHEME.

TURNING THE FIRST SOD, Saturday marked another milestone on tlip road' to Oamaru's advancement, when the first sod was turned for the erection of the first pole in connection with the electricity scheme. The ceremony took place at the junction of Severn and Wansbock streets in.the presence of,his Worship the Mayor (Mr It. Milligan), and the majority of the councillors. The Mayor, addressing the fonncillors, stated that they were there for the purpose of initiating the constructional work of 'the electricity scheme. lie had received advice only that morning to the effect that all preparations had been made for a start, and thought it desirable that 'some ceremony should take place, The work, he sincerely hoped, would be carried to | a successful issue, and that any im-! pediments or difficulties would be overcome, lie thought it only fitting that Councillor Mitchell, as chairman of the Electricity, Committee, should be asked to turn the first sod, and he accordingly invited him to perform the act. The turning of the soil was completed to the accompaniment of some humorous remarks,

Councillor Mitchell said he hoped that the work initiated in sueh a modest*way would be carried to a speedy and successful conclusion, without mishap and with profit to the enterprising ratepayers'. ''Hie electrical engineer and the contractor were then invited to speak, the former stating Hint a start would be made in the lighting as soon as possible, Mr Miller, in speaking on behalf of Messrs Tnrnbull and doncs, said it could be safely said that everything would be carried to a successful (completion. y * As a memento of the occasion the spade', with, wljiclf Hie'turning of the sod was performed was presented to Councillor Mitchell, a suitable inscription lo ,be engraved thoico'li, Subsequent to the ceremony the participants in the function were entertained by his Worship the Mayor at the Balfour tearooms, A start will be made with the work to-day, when the first pole will be erected,' i