PROPOSED LIGHTING OF THE TOWN.

Waipa Post, Volume II, Issue 77, 16 January 1912, Page 2

PROPOSED LIGHTING OF THE TOWN.

TO THE EDITOR. SIR —As the question o 'selecting an illuminantfor this'locality is engaging the minds of the ratepapers and Town Board, I beg to offer a little information which should be of value to all concerned, and'assist towai-ds a healthy discussion of this important project. Of its vital importance there can be but little doubt, and the adoption of a lighting system particularly

suited to the requirements of Te Awamutu is the first step in the right direction towaixls the ac- ">- quirement of an asset which will not only prove a boon to - the public, but if viewed either from a commercial or engineering aspect, show that common-sense had been a leading feature in the discussion from which it was evolved. We are all business men and women —at least we like to be thought of as such, We are entering on a business which requires the investment of a certain amount of capital. If this were a private enterprise and the business one of which we hadvery little technical knowledge, we would naturally look for some one to aid and advise us. Say we have two propositions, both appearing good from our standpoint, commercially and on the engineering side, but it is a business we have had no practical experience of. Therefore, before involving ourselves, we discuss the pros and cons with the engineer, . the man who has given these matters more than passing thought; whose reputation is at _ stake depending on the success or failure of the enterprise. This is where the Board now stand. " One man's word is no man's word ; justice needs that both be heard," is a good old adage, and applies hftFe, I think, with some force. Looking at the experience of gas and electric lighting

throughout the Dominion, I notice in the larger cities tk 2 two industries flourishing sUk by side, each paying i!s - :iy and having its field of operation, and where municipality owiud assisting, as it should do, towards the relief of the rates, both commodies have their- champions, and will have while these systems of lighting are in vogue, but to show to' what an extent these undertakings under efficient management are considered as revenue producing assets, at a meeting of the Dunedin Corporation's Electricity Committee, the chairman of that body, in submitting .the report for the quarter ended, essayed the remark that the concern was, in the near future, at the present rate of progress, I destined to become the chief " factor in making Dunedin a rateless city. This should be the v goal in view, and though we are j for the present not so happily, ;"• situated with regard to having a J large water-power within reason- i able range such as the southern ■, city has, our position when the • immediate coal bearing areas are tapped and utilised will be one of great possibilities.—-I am, etc., • w. D. Wilkinson. ■■■