Central lights up
The culminating point of the original scheme of the Otago Central Power Board was reached last night when the street lighting of Alexandra and Clyde was turned on. Elaborate preparations had been made to celebrate the incoming of the power on March 25, when power was first made available to the consumers, but the health restrictions necessitated a postponement. It was then decided to hold a modified programme when the street lighting was turned on. This function was held yesterday, and Alexandra was en fete in honour of the occasion. The raising of the restrictions enabled children to be included.
The ceremony of turning on the light was held at 7pm, and the whole of the district was present to witness the function. The Alexandra Brass Band enlivened the proceedings. Mr W. Black (Mayor and chairman of the Power Board), in opening the proceedings, expressed pleasure that they were gathered together to celebrate an innovation which would mean a new era to the town and district. He then called upon Mr Jas. Horn MP officially to switch on the light. After having performed this function, which flooded the remote corners of the town with light, Mr Horn congratulated the people of Alexandra on the success of their scheme.
The official party journeyed to Clyde, where a similar function was performed. The festivities were concluded with a fancy dress ball.
16½-pound Poms
The new agreement signed a month ago between the New Zealand and Imperial Governments regarding assisted passages for approved immigrants from Britain is announced. All juveniles between 12 and 19 years will be carried free, except those not accompanying parents, who will be charged the former rate of £5 10s. Instead of the previous flat rate there will be an adult rate of £l6 10s for those over 19 years. Married adults with or without children will be charged £11.
City choir sings Gounod
The music of "Faust," in an abridged form, was sung by the Dunedin Choral Society last evening to an audience that completely filled His Majesty’s Theatre. Mr Ernest Drake sang the music of Faust and Mr G. Thomson that of Mephisto — both big undertakings. Miss Meda Paine was allotted the part of Margarita, Miss Helen Grant that of Siebel, and Mr W. Gemmell sang
Valentine and Wagner. The orchestra was led by Mr J.A. Wallace, and carried out its duties very commendably. The big solo is of course the "Jewel Song," usually regarded as the test of a soprano, and Miss Paine sang it with excellent effect. — ODT, 30.4.1925
