THE TIMARU MILLING COMPANY.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 3964, 22 June 1887, Page 3

THE TIMARU MILLING COMPANY.

The directors last evening entertained at a champagne supper, a number of gentlemen for the purpose of witnessing the inaiiguration of the electric light on the premises. Mr Rutland (tho manager) courteously received the visitors of whom there were about 70, including several ladie3, and conducted them over the mill m company with Mr Walter Prince, the electrician. The mill wna m full work, and the visitors had an opportunity of witnessing the effect of the new light which was most effective, shedding a magnificent light over each storey, and being worked by tho lift engines. Having inspected the mill from top to bottom, the company adjourned on the invitation of the Chairman of Directors (Mr John Jackson) to a large room, m which tables were laid. Mr Madden (baker, Arthur street) had charge of the catering, and it is needless to say that both the serving and the waiting were excellent, Mr Madden himself conductingjthe whole. The Chairman proposed the health of " The Queen," referring to the facilities which had been enjoyed during the present reign, and tho remarkable progress which had been made m art, Bcience, and commerce. The toast was loyally honoured. Mr Richard Turnbull, M.H.R. for Timaru, proposed " Success to the Milling Company," referring to the creative genius and persistent enterprise of Mr James Bruce who might be justly j termed the father of roller-milling m New Zealand, — (loud applause)— and to the foresight,and energy of the late Mr Mendelson. The mill offered a market to farmers and a supply to the world, and be counselled the Directors not to abate their energy. (Applause.) The toast was musically honoured. Mr Moody responded briefly. H« believed the mill had helped the progress of Timaru and he was glad the efforts of the Directors wero appreciated, (Loud applause.) Mr Moody proposed the health of Mr Waltor Prince. No better evidence of the progress could be seen nowadays than the popularity of tho electric light. He thought credit was due to the Directors for adopting this light and ho was pleased to add that they were perfectly satisfied with Mr Prince's work m fitting up their mill. (Applause.) The toast was drunk with three times three. Mr Prince, m responding, said this was an electric as well as a royal Jubilee. Fifty years ago electricity was a toy, now it was m all but universal use. The reason why the electric light was not m use m England as it was m America, was that strong interests had prevailed against it and had prevented it getting into domestic use until Lord Tharlow m 1882 was able to got that obstructive legislation amonded. He regretted that the arc light was not at work outside, but tho fact was the wire as yet was naked and the current would escape if the arc were lighted, and spoil the inside lights, and he thought it b9tter to keep tho inside lights good and defer the arc lighting. (Applause.) His Worship the Mayor, Mr Moss Jonas, proposed the health of the Chairman of Directors, and remarked that both farmers and townspeople had reason to be glad of the establishment of the mill. (Applause.) The toast was musically hououred. The Chairman responded m brief terms, knowing, as he said, that they all wanted to see the illuminations and did not want to be detained with speechifying. (Applause.) The company then dispersed.