A clear trend in the news stories of the early 1900s was the change technology was beginning to make to people's lives.

In 1905 we reported on the battle between gas and electricity suppliers to win a contract for lighting a new nursery at the Newton Abbot Workhouse.

The Board of Guardians had considered both options and it was electricity which won the day at a cost of £26.10s, to include all the fittings and installation.

The Urban Electric Supply Company Ltd was clearly on a roll as earlier in the year it had advertised a free open week allowing the public access to its Teign Street generating works where 'all the machinery will be seen in motion'.

A CONTINUATION OF OUR SERIES ON OUR 150TH ANNIVERSARY