Area: Moville
Started: March 1958
Finished: August 1958
Poles used: 610
Line used (km): 47
Premises connected: 354
The figures above were sourced from our REO News magazine, to learn more about what these figures mean, visit our interactive map. The map above shows the area boundary and is from a digitised version of the original map used during the scheme.
The REO News from January 1959 tells us that sales were praiseworthy in Moville
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
"Moville: A popular tourist resort of some beauty. Sales were very praiseworthy indeed at £2,210, particularly in the teeth of strong competition. It is our pleasure to record that thanks to the efforts of Colm Ward, A.O., electricity had found firm footing in an area where previously gas was “firmly entrenched.” Further sales are expected in May, just before the season opens. 84.5% final acceptances – a satisfactory area, all round."
and The REO News from July 1959 makes a case for choosing electricity over gas in Moville
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
"Recent figures show that sales of 2‑plate cookers have increased, while sales of 3‑plate cookers have gone down. We are not altogether happy with this trend and we think that salesmen should consider the Bakewell Oven and the Maybaum 2‑plate boiling ring as alternatives to the 2‑plate cooker. There are several advantages in this arrangement—the principal being the more versatile aspects as regards arrangements of kitchen space etc., besides the advantages of the 2‑plate cooker.
“The recent Board advertisement showing a consumer with her electric cooker, reminded me of what I think to be a very good case for electricity versus bottled gas.
Mr. Charles Gallagher, N.T., and his wife, rented a house in Moville, Co. Donegal. The old range in the house was completely useless, as was the hot water system. As the landlord was not prepared to put these things in order a double gas ring and grill was got from the Local Calor Gas agent. This was the only appliance used for cooking and boiling for all the different household needs—the fire in the living room being strictly for warmth—and one cylinder at 26/9d. was used every month. No gas lights or other gas appliances were used from this cylinder.
Such was the position for perhaps a year before I sold Mrs. Gallagher a E.C. D.C. III Flint Model Electric Cooker and Kettle in July last, a year after Board supply came to Moville. I called to Mrs. Gallagher in January of this year and asked her about her cooker. She is delighted with it and especially the running cost, producing her October/November account to show a consumption of 256 units @ 1.6d. per unit—urban rate—(£2. 2. 0.) @ Rural Rate amounting to £1. 4. 2. as against a gas bill for a similar period of £2. 13. 6. That £1. 11. 2. including light, radio, iron and oven time gives better value than gas bill. Mrs. Gallagher remarked to me that she had always been fond of baked bread; having eaten shop bread for such a long period, she made full use of the oven for baking, since it was installed.
A bigger household would, I know, provide a better advertisement for the Board, but the main fact stands out that in a complete change‑over from bottled gas to electric cooking a household of two adults saved £1 in the two months with light, radio, iron and electric oven consumption thrown in free. (I may add that Mrs. Gallagher should photograph well!)
There are several other consumers in Moville now using electric cookers who are very satisfied with them and if approached might also produce the basis for other good advertisements. One name in particular I would like to mention is Mrs. Doherty, 81 St. Fintan’s Park, who pioneered the Trial Cooker Scheme in Moville in the working‑class homes with very satisfactory results.
(Sgd.) C. Ward.
Thanks, Colm, for a really good story. Of course, Board policy doesn’t allow us to quote comparison figures in our advertisements; but there is nothing to stop every salesman taking note of this example to quote, if a prospect insists that electricity is dearer than Calor Gas."