ELECTRIC LIGHTING.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 30, Issue 60, 2 August 1918, Page 2

ELECTRIC LIGHTING.

A special meeting of the Havelock Town Board was held on Monday evening to consider the best means of financing the electric lighting scheme. There were present: Messrs W. H. Smith (in the chair), W. H, Marriott, J. R. Buncombe, A. B. Reade, and ’S. Buekman.

The clerk (Mr C. A’Court Opie) briefly outlined the present position. The Board had let a contract to Mr Barnes to instal the plant for £1632, subject to the Government consenting to a loan being raised. After first refusing to give the necessary permission on the grounds that electric light was not essential, the Minister of Internal Affairs reconsidered his. decision when the true ‘ position was made known to him. Through the medium of the Member for the district (Mr R. MeCallum), and also Mr T. A. H. Field, M.P.. for Nelson), it was represented to him that electric light was essential for Havelock. The town was in darkness owing to the failure of carbide; the Board had the option of a plant up to a certain date on very advantageous terms; and as a contract had already been entered into, the Board would be put to considerable loss if the scheme was now held’ up. The Minister thereupon decided to approve of the expenditure. On the motion of Mr Reade a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Messrs R. MeCallum and T. A. H, Field for the energetic assistance they had given the Board in the matter.

After some discussion it was decided that the Government be first approached in regard to the raising of the necessary loan, and a deputation consisting of Messrs Marriott, Reade, Buncombe, and the clerk was appointed to wait upon the Minister in Wellington in reference thereto.

Arrangements in connection with the visit of the deputation to Wellington were left in hands of the clerk.