Kerosene Oil Lamp.

Progress, Volume I, Issue 10, 1 August 1906, Page 286

Kerosene Oil Lamp.

The new incandescent kerosene oil lamp is the latest production of the Welsbach Light Co. after many years of careful experiment. The result is that a perfect light has been produced by means of kerosene oil with a mantle. The light given by this means is 60 c.p., or equal to an ordinary incandescent gas burner. The saving of oil effected is guaranteed by the Company to be not less than one-third that of any ordinary lamp, while the light itself is in advance. The mechanism of the lamp may be said to be nil — its simplicity is only equalled by the brilliancy of the light — it is perfect. There is nothing to get out of order, a simple burner with a circular wick is covered on the top by a contrivance called the spreader. This is heated by the flame of the wick, and is finally turned down on to the wick, thus converting the oil into gas. The extra heat obtained by this means is sufficient to cause the mantle to become incandescent, and thus is produced a light, soft, bright and steady, as well as of great penetrating power. It contains an illuminating power which enables the weakest eyes to read without any feeling of tiredness, and should prove of great value to those who have need of a light to study or read by at night. Since the lamp has been put on the market, both here and in Australia, its sales are stated to have been very marked.

The three large boilers which have done service at the Calliope Dock, Auckland, for some years, have just been replaced. Mr. Masefield, an Auckland ironfounder, offered to buy them at apiece. The Harbour Board declined to sell them at that price, and submitted them to public auction. They were knocked down to Mr. Masefield at 6s. Bd. each — £1 for the lot, not sufficient to pay for the expenses of the auction !