The Koo Wee Rup Sun of Thursday, July 21, 1927 reported that one of the outstanding events in the history of Kooweerup took place last Thursday evening, when for the first time the township was illuminated by electricity…. Immediately all lights in houses and shops were tested, and then the populace paraded the streets to examine the latest system of lighting, and the distinction was most marked, and high appreciation was heard on all sides of the comfort and convenience now enjoyed…..The light was used for the first time in the Memorial Hall on Saturday night, at Colvin's Pictures, and on Wednesday night it was utilised to drive a new biograph plant and a Brunswick Panatrope. On Monday evening the opening ball of the Wattle Theatre was resplendent with the light being thrown from many 300 candle-power lamps (1).
The power was supplied by the Kooweerup Electric Light & Power Company and the official ‘switch on’ took place on Friday, July 22. The State Electricity Commission was established in 1921 and the Koo Wee Rup Progress association had written to them and asked for the current to be installed here. As a result, an officer of the commission was sent to make a report, and after investigations it was learned that they had very little chance of getting electricity. However, the officer said, “Why not get one of your own” (2). They were supplied with all the details and the Kooweerup Electric Light & Power company was formed.
A power house was built behind Colvin’s garage in Station Street and a 35 horse-power, Ruston and Hornsby engine was installed while the alternator, which is of Swedish manufacture, was supplied by Thomas and Co., Melbourne (3). David Mickle was in charge of the power house.
On Friday, July 22 the plant was officially opened by the local M.L.A., Mr Arthur Walter and Mr. D. Mickle then started the engine, and Mrs Sluiter, who was presented with a pair of silver scissors, cut a ribbon in front of the switchboard and turned on the light (4).
Refreshments were then served in the Memorial Hall, where a number of speeches were made – many outlining the benefits of electricity. Mr Walter said With power at their disposal, it may be instrumental in the creation of local industries. …. The introduction of electricity gives facilities which transform the social and domestic life in the homes in a wonderful way. Having the power, the womenfolk are able to have it connected to irons and stoves, and in other ways it helps to eradicate cares and worries. It is very essential to homelife and makes life worthwhile…. Towns with electricity must progress faster than town not supplied. It is also a factor in making country life brighter and attractive and helps to prevent the drift from the country to the city…. The attractions and pleasures which abounded in the cities were very strong, and every step taken to counteract same should be commended (5).
Mr Paterson, Chairman of the Kooweerup Electric Light & Power company also spoke of the benefit to women. The electricity supply was not constant and the Company had researched what would be the best days for turning on the current for ironing etc., and the secretary would make a canvass with the object of finding the most convenient days (6).
Dave Mickle, the man in charge of the power house who was later a local historian wrote that Initially the supply of single phase 230-460 V electricity was available daily from 4.00pm until midnight, except that on Tuesday the start was 2pm. That was because at that time, housewives’ routine was washing Monday and ironing Tuesday (7). Later, the power was also available between 6.00am and 8.00am (8).
Dave Mickle also wrote that in July 1934 Bill Axford and I continued to operate the power house to 4 am during test Matches for our consumers who had electric radio sets. We did not complain as overtime pay was two and sixpence per hour….Most listeners said it was worth it to hear Bradman make 306 out of the Australia total of 506 last night (9). People in Koo Wee Rup who had battery operated radios were also catered for as David Mickle said they had forty wireless batteries on charge for the coming test (10).
Continuous S.E.C power was switched on in in Koo Wee Rup on August 1, 1935 from a linewhich came across from Tynong, via Cora Lynn (11). Parts of Cora Lynn also had power at this time – but not my grandparents place on Murray Road, they had to wait until 1955 until electricity arrived.
With the power house at Koo Wee Rup closed, Dave Mickle took up a job as a linesman at the S.E.C and in November a new State Electricity Commission office and showroom opened in Station Street. Lang Lang, who had not had access to any power, got S.E.C power on September 2, 1935. One thousand people were estimated to have attended the celebrations which included a bonfire, fireworks and a wheel barrow derby in the Main Street (12).
Footnotes
(1) Koo Wee Rup Sun of July 21, 1927 - article transcribed in full below.
(2) Koo Wee Rup Sun of July 28, 1927 - article transcribed in full below.
(3) Koo Wee Rup Sun of July 28, 1927
Here are the two reports from the Koo Wee Rup Sun - transcribed in full.
One of the outstanding events in the history of Kooweerup took place last Thursday evening, when for the first time the township was illuminated by electricity. The current was switched on for the purpose of giving it a trial, and it was found to be very satisfactory. It was announced that the following night the township would be again served with the current and the populace was agog with excitement. Owing to a small defect which had not been remedied, the light was not switched on until 6.45 pm. Residents were excited awaiting the current to come through, and in many houses the switch was turned on in anticipation. Members of families unaware of the fact received a fright when the light blazed forth and wondered what had happened. Immediately all lights in houses and shops were tested, and then the populace paraded the streets to examine the latest system of lighting, and the distinction was most marked, and high appreciation was heard on all sides of the comfort and convenience now enjoyed. Instead of unlighted streets and oil lamps in shops we now have the effulgent rays of electricity to "lighten our darkness.”
In the shops and halls the difference is specially noticed.
Instead of filling lamps with oil, indulging in pumping operations, etc., all
that is now required is to press a button and darkness is chased away. The
simplicity and convenience will also be appreciated by housewives for ironing and
other duties. Owners of cars and wireless sets also express satisfaction, as
batteries can now be charged locally, excising long delay and expense locally,
excising long delay and expense of awaiting
the return of same from the city.
Persons not yet served with the current are envious of the facilities which others enjoy, and it will not be long before every house in Kooweerup will be connected. The installation of electricity here is the dawn of a new era, and it is likely now that power is accessible, that it may be the means of factories coming into existence, and thereby creating more work and wealth.
The light was used for the first time in the Memorial Hall
on Saturday night, at Colvin's Pictures, and on Wednesday night it was utilised
to drive a new biograph plant and a Brunswick Panatrope. On Monday evening the
opening ball of the Wattle Theatre was resplendent with the light being thrown
from many 300 candle-power lamps.
The official opening of the electrical Plant is expected to be performed by Mr Walter, M.L.A., tomorrow (Friday) afternoon.
The progress of science within very recent times suggests
that Shakespeare's Prospero has returned to our globe and is busily engaged
ordering Caliban, and Ariel to minister to human needs and help in restoring
the Golden Age. Science is the modern Prospero. In March last the two hundredth
anniversary of the death of Newton took place, and the world of science
fittingly commemorated his brilliant services. But if this great man could
revisit us and make acquaintance with the miracles' wrought, what feeling of amazement
would be his. What would he think on seeing strange powers flooding his bedroom
with light, warming his bath, carrying, him without aid of horses through the
streets, bringing messages to him and sending them from him to the other side
of the world in a few moments, speaking to him on the telephone and the wireless
and crowning all by carrying him through the air at incredible speed? Science
has recreated the world, given to the intellect of the race a new power and
taught mankind that greater wonders will presently unveil themselves. It has
made the world an immensely more interesting place and brightened the life of
millions.
Last Friday, July 22nd, was an eventful day in the annals of Kooweerup, the occasion being the official opening of the power house to supply electric current for light and power. Before giving details of the function, a brief account of the history of electricity will not be out of place. The introduction of electricity into the service of man dates back about 90 years. The first practical electric telegraph was tried in 1838, the first submarine cable laid in 1850, and the homely electric bell was made a year later. The commercial introduction of both, the telephone and electric light took place no longer than 1878. Practical electric tramways made their initial appearance in 1883, and motors began to be used industrially about 1886. Wireless telegraphy was known about 1894; the electric tramway was installed by Siemens, of Berlin, in 1882.
The story of the development of the electric incandescent lamp is one
of the romances of electrical engineering. In 1878 the need for a domestic lamp
was urgent, and after many, experiments the problem was solved by Swan in England
and Edison in America, independently, and at practically the same time in 1879.
To Michael Faraday more than to any other of the pioneers of electricity are
electrical engineers indebted, and, indeed, the whole world is indebted for the
discoveries upon which the advances of modern times and the inventions of
recent years are based. The chief discoveries which he made in electro-magnetism,
the foundation principles of all transformers and of all dynamos, were made in
the autumn of 1831. The rapid development of electricity is stupendous. Before 1880 there
was not in Great Britain a single house lighted. To-day almost every town is
illuminated by this method. In 1883 there were only two tramway lines open,
to-day the undertakings have a total
capital of about £100,000,000.
Although weather was inclement there was a good attendance of shareholders of the Kooweerup Electric Light Co. on Friday afternoon at the power house, which is situated at the back of Mr A. C. Colvin's garage. The plant, and walls of the building were gaily decorated in red, white and blue and Union Jacks.
The chairman of directors (Mr W. Paterson) said they had met
for purpose of officially, opening the Plant, which ceremony would be performed
by Mr Walter, M.L.A. He added the switch would be turned on by Mrs C. J.
Sluiter, after which refreshments would be served at the Memorial Hall, where brief speeches would be delivered.
Mr. D. Mickle then started the engine, and Mrs Sluiter, who was presented with a pair of silver scissors, cut a ribbon in front of the switchboard and turned on the light. Mr Walter, M.L.A., said he was very pleased to be present and to have the honor of officially declaring the plant open. He would have more to say later at the Memorial Hall.
On arrival at the hall, Mr. A. C. Colvin entertained the
company, while, refreshments were being served, with music from his new
Panatrope. The first toast was "The King," proposed by Mr Paterson
which was duly honored. Mr Walter then proposed "The Kooweerup Electric
Light and Power Company". He said that he was personally delighted to know that Kooweerup
was now enjoying the same facilities as the City. For such to be done it was a
sure sign of local progress. With power at their disposal, it may be
instrumental in the creation of local industries. He remembered being in
Western Australia in Kalgoorlie in 1901 when that town was lit up and it was a
revelation to notice the progress that was made. The introduction of
electricity gives facilities which transform the social and domestic life in
the homes in a wonderful way. Having the power, the womenfolk are able to have
it connected to irons and stoves, and in other ways it helps to eradicate cares
and worries. It is very essential to homelife and makes life worthwhile.
For street lighting it is also essential. Towns with
electricity must progress faster than town not supplied. It is also a factor in
making country life brighter and attractive and helps to prevent the drift from
the country to the city.
He was hopeful that the public would co-operate and give
support to the project in every way. There was any amount of room for
extension. Given support, that time is not too far distant when the benefits
they enjoyed should be extended for miles around, and farmers would be utilising
power in the management of their farms, and in lighting their homes. It was
also a factor in making picture theatres more attractive. Their children must
have the same facilities as the city.
The attractions and pleasures which abounded in the cities were very
strong, and every step taken to counteract same should be commended. He
congratulated the company on its enterprise and hoped expectations would be
realised. It had done something towards developing the town and he wished
shareholders every success in their venture.
Mr Paterson, replying, said they had only invited
shareholders and their wives to the ceremony, as they had shown their
confidence in the scheme. He said the idea of having the township illuminated
by electricity was first mooted by the Kooweerup and District Progress
Association about two years ago. The association wrote to the Electricity
Commission and asked for the current to be installed here. As a result, an
officer of the commission was sent to make a report, and after investigations
it was learned that they had very little chance of getting electricity.
However, the officer said, “Why not get one of your own.” They were supplied
with estimates and all details. From this it was apparent that it would be a
success, and it was decided to form a company. Then the hard work started. They
had to get the consent of the Postal and Railway departments, and also the
Electricity Commission. Then it was decided to appoint an engineer. Much time
and energy was expanded in getting the most up-to-date plant as possible, and
when this was done they did their best to push on with the work.
A long delay occurred, and people were anxious as when
operations would begin, but they had no conception of the difficulties which
faced directors. They wanted to give the best service to the people, and they
also wanted them to understand that the service was a business proposition.
They wanted to know what would be the best days for turning on the current for
ironing etc., and the secretary would make a canvass with the object of finding
the most convenient days. He thanked all for their help in trying to make the
scheme a success.
He had received a wire apologising for the absence of a
representative from Ruston and Hornsby, which firm had supplied the engine.
However, they had present Mr Sinclair, the contractor for the installation of
the wires and meters, and they were agreed that he had carried out his work
thoroughly. He was pleased and proud that the light was now on, and also for
the assistance of shareholders, whose support had enabled them to carry on.
Cr G. R. Burhop said he was glad to have the opportunity of
expressing appreciation on behalf of the shareholders. He was pleased that the
chairman had acknowledged the work of the Kooweerup Progress Association.
Although it was only a small body, yet it had accomplished much for the
progress of the town and district. He first acquired property in Kooweerup 31
years ago, and at that time there were only eight or nine buildings here, and
one had to then wade through mud up to the knees. He had watched Kooweerup
grow. This was the first town in the shire to be lighted with electricity, and
it showed they were a progressive people. Although they had differences of
opinion in regard to many matters, yet no progress could be made without
agitation and giving vent to their convictions. He was glad they had been
enabled to erect the plant, and he hoped that those who are able will not be
backward in taking up shares and contribute towards having a full-time service
for light and power. He did not expect to draw dividends. His aim in taking
shares was to help forward the scheme, as he realised it would be a benefit to
the town. He was strongly of the opinion that Kooweerup should have a water
supply, and he had made a move in that direction. His experience of the various
Government departments was that they waited until the people had taken up
various schemes and made a success, and then they stepped in and took them
over. It was the duty of the commissions of departments to create a want, and
not wait for the people to take them up. He congratulated the people of
Kooweerup on having electricity installed.
Mr J. Sluiter, in a brief address, referred to the work of
the contractors. Messrs Ruston and Hornsby had supplied one of the best engines
obtainable, and their engineer had carried out his work in a very satisfactory
manner in erecting the
Plant. The consulting engineer (Mr Coleman) had looked after
interest in a thorough manner, while Messrs Thomas and Co. had suppled them
with the best alternator. Mr Sinclair was a good workman and had given
excellent service in erecting poles and doing the wiring, etc. He paid a
tribute to the services of Mr McArthur. It was this gentleman, he said, who
urged them to carry on the scheme. He had spent many nights with him, and he
had supplied all the facts and went into every detail of the scheme, and it was
due to the advice which he tendered that the company was formed. Mr McArthur
was a director but owing to a difference as to the class of engine which should
be installed, he resigned. He had done great work for the company. After
getting all the facts he had placed them before Mr Millard, and both agreed
that it was a good thing, and they then went on with the formation of the
company.
Mr Sinclair, on behalf of the various contractors and official, briefly returned thanks for the kindly remarks passed. The engine which is 35 horse-power, was purchased from the firm of Ruston and Hornsby, while the alternator, which is of Swedish manufacture, was supplied by Thomas and Co., Melbourne. The power house is in charge of Mr Dave Mickle, who is receiving instructions from an engineer from Ruston and Hornsby. The names of the directors are – Messrs W. Paterson (chairman), A.C. Colvin, W. Jeffrey, A.E. Millard and C.J. Sluiter (secretary).
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