CROMWELL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3768, 1 June 1926, Page 51

CROMWELL.

May 28.—An interesting ceremony took place on Thursday last, when the switching on of the electric light was done by Mr Jas. Horn, member of the district, at the iupponvale settlement. The packing shed was very tastefully decorated with evergreen foliage and coloured electric bulbs. When the light was turned on, exclamations of delight were heard on eve, 7 B,de * Mr Bridgman, one of the settlers acted as chairman, and supporting himon the platform were Mr James Horn, u.P. Mr W. Black, chairman of the Power Board, Rev. Wm. P. itankin, the representative of the district on the Power Board, and Mr J. R. Webb, the county member, llie speeches, fortunately for the gathering, were short, bright, and breezy. Before turning on the light Mr Horn said that nearly 22 years ago lie had prophesied that Cromwell Flat within the next 40 years would be green with lucerne, that there would be a rush on the rivers, and that tourists from all parts of the world- would be travelling around the district taking advantage of its scenery and resources. That be said, had come to pass. He hoped, thcrefore, that now electricity had come, the settlement would continue to prosper. Electric Power.-It is gratifying to note that since the power came to Cromwell several private dredging concerns have been making enquiries for power. One dredge, which is expecting *to operate at Lowburn, is on the market, and another is at ■he point of the two rivers Kawarau and Clutha. This will mean a further increase of plant to fill their requirements, 800 lv.p. I here is also a hope in the minds of The settlers of the Upper Clutha that with power available, they may be able to buy and pump water from the Clutha on to the flat country of the district, making irrigation possible, and bring the water more cheaply on the land. We believe that the power board are casting their eyes on the Roaring Meg. Years ago we had hoped that this water could be brought over the mountains by jneans of a race, but information says that the Public Works have departed from this scheme. With the demand for electricity head works could be built at the Roaring Meg to develop, we believe, some 2000 h.p., half of which could be used and bought by the Government, or even by the settlers, to pump water. This would mean a much cheaper scheme than an expensive lace, which is liable to break up and fill with silt, and be therefore a very heavy expense, making the water dear. The farmers should co-operato with the Power Board, and try to have the Roaring Meg harnessed at once. Time will tell whether the powers that be will wake up to take advantage of the above scheme. Concert. Cromwell Public School held a concert on Wednesday evening in aid of school funds. The hall was crowded, and a substantial sum was received. Billiards —On Thursday evening M'Conachy and lothill will play a billiard match of up at the billiard room. Football.—Cromwell had a win over Tarras on Saturday by 14 to nil. The Cromwell team put up a great game, and tlie firstyear players did well. Fire Brigade.—Fire brigade competitions curing the year were keenly contested, t’oupiing competition was won by P. iiosking 1, W. Elliott 2; complete competition (two men), Denniston and Elliott. Another competition w-as won by W. Partridge. The strength of the brigade is 16 members. For one vacancy four nominations have been received. The men are keen on their work, and it is of great satisfaction to the householders that there are such men to protect their property in the case of fire. Golf.—The result of the bogev match wasD , C r. W - r - Rankin. J. R. Webb', and Ij. C. Betts 3 down, A. Scheib 4 down, and J. Parcell 5 down.