Ernest Light
LIGHT, Ernest Edward, MICE (1859-1920)
E E Light was born in Adelaide on July 1, 1859. He was the son of George Thomas Light and his wife, Marion Light (nee Wilson). His father was an instrument maker who later became a draughtsman in a foundry and then an architect. G T Light designed many prominent buildings including the west wing of the South Australian Government House and the original Adelaide Public Library. Ernest Light attended St Peter’s College and then joined the SA Government Railways in 1877. He worked as a contractor’s engineer in 1882.
In 1884 he arrived in Western Australia and worked as a Resident Engineer on rail construction until 1888.
On January 26, 1886, he married Elizabeth Barrett Lennard at Guildford. Their first child, Gertrude Elizabeth, was born in Geraldton on March 23, 1887 where Light was the Resident Engineer.
In 1888 Light worked with David Munro and Co in Victoria where a second daughter, Mary Agnes Lennard, was born. David Munro had resurrected his engineering business and at the time was constructing the Princess Bridge across the Yarra River. In 1890, Light moved to NSW and joined the NSW State Railways. In 1892 his third daughter, Laura Marian Lennard, was born at Ashfield NSW.
Light returned to Western Australia and on March 28, 1894, re-joined the WA Government Railways as a draughtsman in Carnarvon. On July 1, 1896 he returned to Perth as Assistant Engineer. On January 1, 1897 he became Resident Engineer for rail construction in Perth, and was promoted on July 1, 1900 to Assistant Chief Engineer Existing Lines. In August 1908 he succeeded W W Dartnall as Chief Engineer Existing Lines.
Light was a foundation member of the WA Institution of Engineers and an inaugural Vice President and Trustee. He was elected President in 1911-12.
In August 1920, Light commenced Long Service Leave, intending to retire at the end of 1920. However, he died in a tree felling accident on his farm near Denmark on November 11, 1920. A further tragedy was that a rail worker and a doctor travelling to his aid were also killed on their journey in a rail accident.
He was survived by his wife and two of his daughters.
References:
J. S. Battye (ed), Cyclopedia of Western Australia, vol 1 (Adel, 1912);
Swan Express, 4.1.1908, p. 4.
