OHAUPO EN FETE.

Waipa Post, Volume XXI, Issue 1206, 16 February 1922, Page 4

OHAUPO EN FETE.

ELECTIUC LIGHT SWITCHED Off. A MEMORABLE EVENT. One of the greatest events in the history of Ohaupo took place last night when the interesting ceremony of switching on the electric light occurred. The honour of turning on the light belonged to Mrs Arthur Graham, one of the oldest settlers in the district, and when that lady did so the township was at once transformed to a brilliancy hitherto strange but undoubtedly welcome to everyone. Festoons of coloured lights had been artistically arranged in front of the Ohaupo Hotel by the staff of the Te Awamutu Electric Power Board, and when these, with the six public lights in the township, were lighted the illumination was warmly applauded. Many old and well-known settlers were present for the witnessing of so marked an occasion in the progress of the township. Mr E. J. Edwards, chairman of the Ohaupo Town Board, presided, and was supported by Mr J. T. Johnson (chairman of the Te Awamutu Power Board), Mr W. C. Pickett (district representative on the Board), members of the Ohaupo Town Board, and others associated with Ohaupo and the district.. Mr Edwards remarked that the event was a memorable indication that their township was in the van of progress. The Power Board had generously provided the illuminations, which the children would remember, and arrangements had been made for a free picture show for the little ones. Mr Pickett explained that it was the intention of the Power Board to provide the electric light in Ohaupo long before, but delays had been brought about. The occasion was one of rejoicing. He asked farmers, in their own interests, to support a loan to financially assist the installation of milking plants, for. added the speaker, "I can assure you it is a sound proposition." (Applause). Mr J. T. Johnson, chairman of the Te Awamutu Electric Power Board, in congratulating all on the electric light provided, said it was a step that would prove ojj,incalculable benefit to all concerned. Ohaupo should have been the first town to be served with power in the power area, but owing to an alteration by the Government engineer, plans were changed. The Public Works Department had stated that they would only agree to the point of supply being near Mysterj Creek, but after great pressure the plan was changed to that of the Te Awamutu area. A more regular supply was obtained than there would have been under the original scheme.

Mr Johnson explained the technical merits of the Te Awamutu central distribution, and spoke of the benefits of electricity on the farm. He paid a high tribute to the services' of Mr Pickett. He urged them to support a loan for securing financial asistanci, towards installation of power plants. Mr D. J. Graham, on behalf of the citizens, thanked the Town Board for the arrangements made that night and to the speakers for their addresses. At his call three hearty cheers were given for those who had contributed to such an historical event.

The children and many adults then adjourned to Turnwald's hall, where a picture ententainment was provided under the control of Mr Warden, of Hamilton..