Let There Be Light.

This "history of Bullendale and the generation of electric power in Central Otago" (sub-title) was commissioned to mark the centenary of the Central Otago Power Board (COPB) but is, in fact, a graphic account of some of the earliest pioneering in this energy field in NZ. It is much more than a record of an organiation, but rather of major early developments in the generaltion and distribution of electric power using innovation and engineering, particularly of hydro-generation. Gold was discovered in Central Otago in 1861and by 1864 the gold mine at Bullendale (north from Queenstown on Skippers Creek in formidiably mountainous terrain) was generating electric power for lighting purposes and two years later had completed a much larger hyro-electric station which, according to Peter Chandler's introductiion "was the first significant generation and transmission of hydro electic power for industrial use in New Zealand." The book then follows the development of hydro-electrical power production in Central Otago, which with its abundance of water in fast flowing steams and rivers, was ideal for this operation. A number of power stations were constructed, mainly for mining purposes, but also used for domestic, civic and other industries throughout the area. In mining it was employed in underground quartz workings and dredging extraction. A number of schemes of various size, efficiency, practicality and economics followed and over the years either fell by the way-side or came under the COPB umbrella, until it too was largely superceded in generation responsibilities as massive Government owned hydro stations, such as Roxborough and Clyde ,were established in the region from the 1950s. However, this unique book is industrial history at its best, a literal gold mine of information on this formative stage in the introduction of the engery source on which almost everyone, every industry and installation depends. Here is the story of the innovative, progressive and determined minds and men responsibe for so many "firsts" in power. As such it is also a social history, a reminder of pioneer days, of advancing technology from the primative to the practical and when getting things done depended on will-power, strong muscles and determination. The authors' text material begins with a brief outline of the evolutionary process of power production before examining the regional history. The book presents a remarkable and varied selection of illustrations, ranging over historic b/w photographs, maps, plans of mining operations, including dredges and underground workings, additionally many illustrations from contemporary engineering journals show the types of generating machines used, dams and other constructions, plus a number of maps, plans and documents. As a bonus, the book itself is a high quality item. First edition of 1986 from COPB. 186 pages, illustrated throughout. Black hard covers with gilt spine titles are VG+, ink signatures of co-authors on half-title, internally NF. Colour art/pictorial DJ is VG with small section missing center lower front edge, with tape repaired tear above, few small chips, some sunning. Weight is 1kg unpacked; may require additional postage for international delivery.…