“IN THE DARK”

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20493, 11 August 1936, Page 6

“IN THE DARK”

TIMARU POORLY LIGHTED HEAVY ANNUAL COST The need for some improvement in street lighting in Timaru was emphasised by some members of the Borough Council at a meeting held last night. Discussion arose out of a suggestion by Cr. A. G. Foster tliat the Council should make a tour of inspection of the Borough on Monday night next so as to view areas which were poorly lighted. Cr. A. S. Kinsman agreed that the town in parts was poorly lighted, and suggested that in the main streets central lights should be installed. He suggested that a report should be obtained on the cost of centrally lighting one of the main streets. Cr. M. H. Richards: “That is one of the items I would like to see carried out. We are very much in the dark in Timaru. People come to Timaru and say ‘where are your lights? The place is like a dungeon??’ ” Cr. Richards said that he would like to go round, but he would be away for a few days. Cr. P. B. Foote said that he could see that Cr. Richards had some particular locality in mind. He would go further and say that there was not one locality in the town which was well lighted. Cr. Richards: You’re right there. Cr. Foote said that it was not the cost of installation which was the trouble, but the annual cost. He could not see where the cost of £4 a year for every light came in. If they put in another 250 lights it would cost them another £lOOO a year, and until they got over that hurdle they would not be able to bring about very much of an improvement. He suggested that the committee should bring down a report in the matter. Cost of Lights Cr. Mathers said that the engineer had almost completed a report in regard to the lighting of Stafford Street. Cr. Foote: Yes, but at £4 a light. Cr. Foster moved that the inspection be held on Monday evening next. The Mayor said that they should find out the charge they could reasonably expect to pay; find out the number of lights required and then put in lights according to the money available in the most necessary places. The engineer had told him that they did not have the equipment to give the service that was required. Cr. Foote moved that the Electricity Committee be asked to investigate the basis of the annual charge for street lighting, and report to the Council. Cr. Richards: While I am on the Council I will fight the question of street lighting to the bitter end. Cr. Kinsman: The resolution refers only to street lighting, but there are a number of other matters to be considered. There are some areas where there are no lights at all. Cr. Foote pointed out that the Electrical and Borough engineers were preparing a report in regard to improvements to street lighting. Cr. Foote agreed to add to his motion that the report concerning improvements be expedited, and the motion was carried.