1) AN EARLY COUNCIL "BLOW-UP" How overseer dramatically decided big controversy.

A dull thud shook Oxford Street one day in 1925. A cloud of dust and smoke rose from the centre of the intersection at Queen Street and one of Levin's most controversial edifices hit the road - a heap of shattered concrete and steel.

2) Road sealing scheme launched.

Start of street sealing.

1) Story of Mangahao. Levin streets were lit by electric power before official turn-on.

Levin's streets were lit by electric power a month before electricity was available to householders or other users. This was recalled by the town clerk, Mr. H. L. Jenkins, during an interview.

2) Levin well served by town clerks.

Mayors and councillors come and go but in the background there is always the town clerk. To him falls the task of routine administration and the implementation of the various policies decided upon by each incoming council. He can be a steadying influence - a curb against enthusiasm swamping economic considerations.

3) Talkies come to Levin.

In 1929 the De Luxe Theatre (later the Regent) became the 40th house in New Zealand to be equipped with the "talkies." It must have been one of the first small towns to have such an amenity and the first along the coast.

4) He made the sound effects.

Seeking some more information on the earliest motion pictures in Levin "The Chronicle" went to Mr. Hector McDonald.

1) Meant to name Levin Taitoko,

Under the earliest conditions governing the sale of the Levin Block to the Government, the name of the settlement was to have been Taitoko. It was intended that a garden or park of 100 acres be one of the features of the new town.

2) Borough Councils down the years

A total of 89 citizens have served on the Levin Borough Council in the course of its 50 years. There has only been one woman on the council, Mrs. H.E. Bowen, who served 12 1/2 years from May 1935 to November, 1947, when she retired. There have been 10 mayors and five town clerks.

1) Humanitarian work of Red Cross local sub-branch.

The Levin sub-branch of the N.Z. Red Cross Society was brought into being through the energy and initiative of Flight-Sergeant and Mrs E. G. Hewitt on July 6, 1941, following a public meeting addressed by Captain Galloway, of Wellington, and Mr. A. McKegg, president of the Manawatu branch.

2) Memory holds the door. (Excerpts from the past)

3) Dentist with vision.

School dental clinics are the accepted thing today, but long before the State saw the wisdom of regular attention being paid to children's teeth right through their schooldays a Levin dentist was giving such service throughout the schools in the district.

4) St. John Association did fine work in community.

The Levin sub-centre of the St. John Ambulance Association was formed at a public meeting held on March 10, 1936. It was convened by Borough Council officials - Messrs. E. Lycette, W. J. Guinan and H. L. Jenkins, and was attended by representatives of the borough council, fire brigade, boy scouts, medical profession and others. It was presided over by the mayor (the late Mr. P. W. Goldsmith).

5) Vigorous policy leads to remarkable achievements by returned servicemen.

To protect the interests and welfare of those who returned from World War I and descendants of those who did not return was the main reason for the emergence of what was known as the N.Z. Returned Soldiers' Association (now Services).

6) Fire board formed.

The Levin Fire Board was officially constituted on March 25, 1919, although a brigade had been active for many years before that date. The first meeting of the board was held on June 14, 1919, when Mr. F. P. Walkley was appointed secretary, a post which he held until 1948, when Mr. A. D. Arcus took over.

7) Homeservicemen's welfare.

The Levin branch of the N.Z. Homeservicemen's Association had its beginnings early in 1944 with the generous assistance of some members of the local R.S.A., notably the late Mr. H. J. Lancaster and Mr. H. G. Mackay, who was secretary of the R.S.A. at that time. The main function of the branch has been to assist the rehabilitation of those men and women who served in the forces on the home front in World War II and also to keep the spirit of fellowship alive on the social side. Through the efforts of the association a number of members have been assisted in different ways.

1) St. John Ambulance upholds tradition.

The St. John Ambulance Division was formed in April, 1937, with a strength of 19 members and three probationers from among those personnel who had obtained their association certificates during the previous year. The division has remained very active during the intervening 19 years and wherever there is a sports meeting or large assemblage in any part of Horowhenua the St John uniform is evident.

2) Car club fosters sport and improves driving.

The fostering of car driving as a sport and endeavours to instil good driving habits among its members are the aims of the Levin Car Club. The club held its inaugural meeting on March 17, 1952. The instigator and chairman of the meeting was Mr. L. du Rhone.

3) Opera and drama in early days capably handled by society.

Recent revival of the Levin Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society recalls the very excellent work done in the early days of the borough when residents had largely to make their own entertainment.

4) Contribution to peace is made by Corso in Levin.

The Levin Corso Committee had its origin as the Mayor's Patrotic Committee and Lady Galway Guild A branch of Corso was formed on February 15, 1946, the then mayor and mayoress, Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Burdekin, being instrumental in its formation.

5) Rotarians - to serve is their deal.

Though the world -wide Rotary movement was introduced to New Zealand in 1921, nearly a quarter of a century elapsed before it came to Levin. The local club was formed in 1945 under the sponsorship of the Palmerston North club.

6) Pre-school age child is their concern.

During the year 1952, the Levin Junior Chamber of Commerce under the presidency of Mr. G. H. Kerslake, felt there was a need in Levin for a free kindergarten, and an inaugural meeting was held in the Council chambers when an executive and committee were elected.

7) Group which encourages an appreciation of the arts.

The Levin Arts Society held its inaugural meeting in May, 1949, when the convenor, Dr. S. J. Thompson, president at that time of the Levin Rotary Club, suggested that the Levin Arts Society be formed to deal with cultural aspects which were not then being catered for in Levin and district.

8) The Navy League is well established in Levin.

The Navy League is a patriotic organisation with its principal aim to impress upon the Government and the people the importance of maintaining the Navy at a high level of efficiency in both equipment and personnel.