When you next pass the old gas street lamp on display at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum take a closer look at the words cast on it. Around the base of the lamp standard is the Dunedin Town Board’s motto Secundo Curo (‘I prosper and am cautious’) and, on the back, you will also discover the name ‘Millar City Engineer’.
John Millar, latterly of Melbourne, arrived to take up his post as Engineer to the Town Board early in 1863. Currently described in the online Dictionary of Irish Architects as ‘a man of extravagant claims, exuberant schemes and quixotic behaviour’, it didn’t take Millar long to get off-side with his employers.
Soon after arriving in Dunedin, he rejected all plans received by the Board for gas street lamps and adopted his own elaborate design. Issues with this and other projects garnered a motion of no confidence in Millar from the Board. In January 1864 he was dismissed, although was quickly reinstated.
In October 1864 a challenge of a different sort hit the beleaguered engineer when his house burned down. All his effects, including his library of engineering books and 30 years’ worth of his best work, were lost.
The work issues didn’t go away either and in 1866 Millar was dismissed a second time. He turned to private practice. He also stood, unsuccessfully, for Mayor on three ocassions. Returning to the public sector, Millar then worked on Public Works Department projects, became Borough Engineer in Wanganui and in 1875 was appointed as Engineer and Chief Surveyor for Nelson Province.
In 1876 Millar faced accusations of financial impropriety. Although he was acquitted of any criminal wrong-doing, it is alleged that this latest attack on his character may have contributed to John Millar’s death on 15 November 1876.
Installation of one of Millar’s gas lamps outside McGuire’s Imperial Hotel on the corner of Princes Street and Hope Street.
Gas Street Lamp