WINDOW TO THE PAST
The following Cork Examiner report describes the first steps taken in establishing a private company to introduce electric lighting in Fermoy at the turn of the century in the late 1800s. This was with a view to replacing the gas lighting in place, with two of the local mills to be used in the generation of electricity.
Fermoy now seems to be within measurable distance of being lighted with electricity, a practical move having been made in that direction this afternoon, when in response to a circular notice, a public meeting was held in the courthouse to consider an offer made by Mr F J Warden-Stevens, A.M.I.E.E, Martin Chambers, Cannon Street, London.
Mr Wm Eagar, CTC, presided, and there were also present - Col Dean JP, Dr Williams, JP, TC, Messrs CJ Furlong, JP, Dr Woodroffe, J. Punch, H Barry TC, Philip Dunlea TC , J Aherne TC, D O’Keeffe, TC, R.S. Baylor solr TC, A Carroll solr, Wm Dunlea TC, John Tapley solr, P Donegan, E Sweeney, Wm Murphy, David Hayes, J.J. Barber, P.J. Lane Town Clerk, etc.
The chairman said that as all present did not seem to have received a copy of the circular sent by Mr Warden-Stevens, he would ask the Clerk to read it.
Mr Lane read the circular, which was to the effect, that, having inspected Fermoy and conferred with the Town Commissioners respecting the introduction of the electric light, this circular was sent in order to ascertain the probable number of lights that might be required and asking that the accompanying form should be filled up. If the result obtained was sufficient to justify electric light works being started, a private company would be formed for the purpose, the consent of the Commissioners having been obtained.
The accompanying form was a promise to take in a certain number of lights, providing the cost was less than gas.
Dr Williams asked would the rights of the Commissioners to purchase the interests of any such company, if advisable, be properly protected.
The Chairman said they would. In all communications with Mr Warden-Stevens, it was distinctly stated that there would be a reserve of pre-emption by the Commissioners at a time to be named.
The Clerk - And Mr Warden-Stevens was told recently that it was only on these terms the Commissioners would give their consent and their consent is necessary. In reply to Mr Barry, the Chairman said that before any consent was given to the laying down of the cables, everything should be settled by deed. Mr Carroll said they should provide, by means of a gas engine or in some other way, against the danger of being left in darkness in case of floods. Mr Hayes said it was stated that the intention was to utilise the Maryville Mills at Kilworth, as Well as the Fermoy Mills’ water power, for the generation of electricity. The Kilworth Camp could be lit from Maryville.
Mr Punch - And lighting from the Blackwater and from Kilworth, as an auxiliary, would be perfectly safe.
Col Deane said that was the fact, as it rarely, if ever, occurred that both rivers were in flood at the same time.
Mr Philip Dunlea - You are not safe in case of floods with the gas. We were often for nights together in darkness.
Dr Williams thought that those locally who wished to invest money in the project, should be given an opportunity of taking shares.
The Chairman said that anyone with a few spare thousands would be given every facility, he was sure, of investing.
Mr O’Sullivan asked was the present discussion with respect to public or private lighting.
The Chairman - Private lighting. The Commissioners have already decided that if electricity is brought into the town to adopt it for the street lighting. The object of the present meeting is to get as many private consumers to approve of the project as possible and next, to ascertaining the number of lights they would probably require.
Dr Williams proposed “That this meeting approves of the offer made in the circular from Mr Warden-Stevens, subject to certain conditions.”
Mr Byrne seconded the proposition, which was unanimously carried.
A list was then taken of the number of lights which those present would probably require and 300 lights were at once guaranteed.
Dr Williams J P TC, Messrs E Byrne J P TC, W. Dunlea, TC, Philip Dunlea TC and RS Baylor solr. TC, having been deputed to accompany the Town Clerk, for the purpose of ascertaining whether those not represented at the meeting were favourably disposed towards the undertaking and the number of lights they would probably require, the proceedings terminated.