This year marks not only Penguin’s Sesquicentenary but also the opening of a vital service we now take for granted. In 1925 on March 24th, the citizens officially welcomed the opening of electric power services to the town. Consider how this would have changed the lives of our ancestors!
Electric power generated by the Hydro Electric scheme was introduced to the major centres of Hobart and Launceston prior to 1920 and gradually was distributed to regional centres. In relation to the Northwest coast, it was the eastern section that received power first.
The Penguin Electric Light Committee
Back – E Holmes (Asst Engineer), JM Smith, HE Thomas, James Hales, AJ Patterson
Front – JC Hales, AR Quinn (Council Clerk), JW Yaxley (Warden), CB Davies (Engineer), WC Callaway. (The Weekly Courier April 2, 1925)
Understandably, considerable lobbying and negotiating took place in the early years of the 1920’s. In Penguin’s case a committee was formed and the Council arranged to borrow the sum of £2,500 from the Government for the purpose “of putting in reticulation mains in order to carry current from the hydroelectric line.” (Mercury March 13, 1924). At the outset the Penguin Council decided to employ Mr. C. B. Davies, of Hobart, as consulting engineer. Mr. Davies sent his assistant, Mr. E. H. Holmes, along to Penguin, and that gentleman capably supervised the erection of the local reticulation scheme.
In terms of its layout the transmission line was brought to Penguin brought via South Road to Ironcliffe Road where the main line ended, and at the junction of the two roads the local reticulation began. The wires were taken down Ironcliffe Road to the first breaking-down station on the corner near the Baptist Church, and from there along the rear of the railway station yards to Mission Hill, where the second breaking-down station was located. “Number 1 station supplying all east of Penguin, Creek, and Number. 2, at Mission Hill, all the town situated west of the creek.” (Advocate, 7 March 1925, page 10) The power was to be generated at the Hydro-Electric Department’s plant at Waddamana, but in the short-term Devonport, Ulverstone, and Penguin were supplied from a steam plant at Devonport.
In terms of local preparations provision had been made for 27 streetlights, within the lighting area. Numerous private residences were wired in readiness to be connected when the power arrived, and many other residents intended taking steps to become linked up. The Methodist, Baptist, and Anglican churches and the Rechabite Hall were wired; also, the majority of Penguin’s-business places were prepared, according to a report in the Advocate, 7 March 1925.
At the official opening when the Warden pressed the button, Penguin “saw the light.” as the 27 streetlights were illuminated, giving the whole of the town a “glow” which had been long waited for. The advent of electricity was an actual fact and with its coming ha the town had “the trio of city necessities: electricity, water and sewerage. “(Advocate 25 March 1925, page 4)
Somewhat ironically, a glaring omission regarding the take-up was the local railway station where persistent efforts were made to have the light put on to the platform and offices, and also to the station-master’s residence, but to no avail. “It is understood that the heads of the department contend that it would not lead to an economical saving to replace kerosene lamps with electric light globes.” (Advocate 1 June 1926, page 4)
The introduction of electricity to homes must have transformed everyday life in so many ways. Instant light would have extended evening activities with the constant regular glow from electric bulbs. This enhanced social life within the family and indeed the community enjoying more leisure time. The introduction of new household items would have all made life much more comfortable.
Note the following local advertisement.
“PENGUIN – Electrical Goods: Yes, you can save yourself from a lot of work, and a peep at the Don Co’s window will convince of this fact. Mr. Bailey has a display of electric globes and shades, all sizes and shapes, irons, kettles, radiators, coffee pots, grillers, stoves and other labour-saving devices. Mr. Bailey will be pleased to demonstrate these goods.” (Advocate 4 April 1925, page 4)
Whilst the town area benefitted immediately, most of the outlying areas had a long wait except for Sulphur Creek and Heybridge which came online in mid-1925. Cuprona had to wait until 1942, then Riana in 1944 and finally South Riana in 1946.