Cooking with gas became popular in New Zealand from the 1880s, with local Councils often providing the infrastructure and service. To make sure the service remained profitable, Councils advertised the benefits of gas to those still using coal ranges.

The Levin Borough Council used this advertising slide in cinemas to spread the word about the benefits of gas cooking. Other slides in the series (available to view on Kete) talk about the virtues of gas for hot water supply.

Local Government lost control of gas (and electricity) supply during government reforms in 1989.

The passage of time changes how we view images from the past. At the time (probably the 1960s) the Levin Borough Council was encouraging residents to use their gas services. Councils managed the majority of New Zealand's gas supply until the 1989 local government reforms, with many managing electricity too.

In many respects this slide has not aged well. Asides from the sexism of 'Smart Women Cook With Gas' there is the somewhat awkward image of a lady dressed up for a social evening having a quick fry up on the gas stove! But it must have appeared 'natural' at the time.....

Although many cinema advertising slides were taken out by businesses, this form of promotion was also used by charities, clubs, government departments and the cinemas themselves. This one is part advertisement, part public service announcement. 

Formed in 1906, the Levin Borough Council administered local government in the town until it's 1989 merger with Foxton and the surrounding area to form the Horowhenua District Council. But, that wasn't the only change.

Until 1989 many Councils, including Levin, managed the supply of gas in their areas. Which is why the local Borough Council paid for this cinema slide to share the virtues of gas heating!  They even had a 'Gas Committee" in the 1980s!

Many of the former Council's gas documents can be found here https://archivescentral.org.nz/agents/corporate-body/levin-borough-council

Levin Golden Jubilee pennant

Wool felt pennant printed with picture of War Memorial Hall and with words : Levin New Zealand 1906 Golden Jubilee1956. 2 copies

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Levin 75th Jubilee banner

Small woollen machine-knitted? band with words knitted in: Levin 1906-1981 75th JUBILEE.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”