THE EVOLUTION OF HOUSE LIGHTING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16847, 11 May 1918, Page 9

THE EVOLUTION OF HOUSE LIGHTING.

FROM WOOD FIRE TO WIZARD LAMPS. From prehistoric days, when the " Cave Man" illuminated his rock shelter by means of a wood fire in order to scare away wild beasts, and at the same time enable him to devote the long dark hours of evening to the making of implements and preparing for the chase on the following day, artificial lighting has been the most important factor in making home life cheerful and enjoyable. In course of time, these primitive men developed a rude domestic economy, and discovered that, by binding a number of thin strips of resinous wood together, and using the bundle as a torch, a brighter light was produced, and a great i saving of fuel effected. i These torches or rush lights were in j vogue for thousands of years, and it is 1 not until Bible times that we read of the next advance in domestic lighting, ; when olive oil was used as an illurginant. i The production of olive oil being expen- j sive and restricted to a small area, this ! improvement affected only a limited number of people, and was only a slight advance on the " Cave Man's " method, because 'the smoke and soot given off prohibited its use to a great extent in many of the beautiful palaces and templesj •which were built of white marble. The tallow candle, with its unsteady light and bad odours, -was the next step in advance, and many careful housewives to-day can testify that these are not its only drawbacks, grease spots on carpets and furniture generally follow in the wake of a carelessly carried candle. The discovery of kerosene revolutionised ' lighting in city and country districts, and the kerosene lamp supplies the illuminant 1 in most country homes and stores to-day. j ITow many beautiful homes in New Zea- ' land lose their charm durin" the evening hours, when home life should be most Attractive, because of an extravagant and Him light. Beautiful furniture and beautiful clothes cannot look their best under such circumstances. ACETYLENE OAS lighting has most. of the objections of kerosene, besides ' being even more dangerous, the filling and t'leanmg of carbide trays being both a risky and unpleasant dutv, while the cost of running is higher than for any ether lighting sold. The discovery of Coal Gas, and, later, Electric Light, has almost completely stopped the use of kerosene lamps in cities and towns; but only those people living in large centres are able to enjoy the ; advantages these great conveniences offer. Not until the advent of this wonderful invention has the country householder or business man been able to procure a lighting plant for his home or business premises having practically all the advantages of both electric light and coal gas, with these important improvements— Lower Cost of Running and Absolute Reliability. Farmers* find the " Wizard Lighting System " makes the home bright and cheerful. Real value is received for the money spent on the plant, and money is saved every time a " Wizard " Lamp i* lighted. Up-to-date storekeepers use " Wizard " Lamps, and find that the brilliant light is a great attraction to the store, and the saving in the cost of lighting, together with the extra business that always follows pays for the initial cost of the plant in a few months. Messrs. Early Bros., 157, Featherston Street, Wellington, will be pleased to send full particulars and prices.—(Published by arrangement.)