BETTER LIGHTING

Taranaki Daily News, 6 November 1934, Page 9

BETTER LIGHTING

NEW SYSTEM REPORTED ON. WILL NEW PLYMOUTH BENEFIT? Details of the latest system of street lighting were supplied for the information of New Plymouth borough councillors at the meeting la/t night by the borough electrical engineer, Mr. W.' H. Huggett. “I have been obtaining data on the new system of gaseous discharge street lighting as installed in parts of Wellington,” stated Mr. Huggett, “and propose to report fully on same at a' later date. This system, compared with the existing series lighting system, gives approximately 2J times as much light for the same amount of power consumed, and approximately &i times the amount of light of the existing -fitting. If spaced 200 ft. apart if will give a minimum of three times the light given off from the existing lamps spaced at 120 ft. “The light source of this type of lamp is in the form of an intense discharge in the inner tube of the lamp, taking the form of a pencil of light, measuring 6in. x |in., and the distribution of the light is chiefly in the horizontal plane and is without glare, thus not affecting motorists and clearly lighting the roadway, especially on wet nights when normal lighting is almost useless. Due to the absence of red rays and the presence of an excess of yellow rays, the effect on the human complexion is distinctly marked, giving one the appearance of being decidedly ‘bilious,’ in its present form.

“Very considerable interest has been aroused by the enthusiastic reports on the new lamp, and street lighting engineers who have inspected the installations are unanimous in the opinion that the lamp is a tremendous advance on anything previously used. However, thelamp is still in the development stage and is constantly being improved, the more recent improvement being in the mechanical construction, eliminating transit breakages and giving greater uniformity in life and light maintenance. Development' and improvements in the design of the lantern housing the lamp to give the greatest and best light distribution is also receiving attention by the lantern manufacturers. “I am closely watching the developments and am in touch with the manufacturer’s agents, obtaining the latest reports as published with a view to recommending the council to adopt this form of lighting in a portion of Devon Street by way of improving the present system; but as such rapid developments are being made in its manufacture I am yet unable to do other than advise that no action be taken in the meantime. However, I will report fully on an improved scheme with costs of installation and maintenance at a later date.” ’