Snapshot of the past: kerosene light

A photograph of a kerosene light in Main Street, Drouin c1908.
The kerosene light is between J. D. Russell carriage building factory and T. R. McLean newsagency.
Prior to electric lights, the kerosene lamps were lit each night by a lamp lighter. Although this was not always done on time, and sometimes not done at all.
A number of letters written by the Shire of Buln Buln secretary to contractors asks for explanations as to why the lamps were not lit, lit late or extinguished early.
Mr Beveridge, who had the contract in 1903, received many letters, and was threatened with a fine if he neglected his duties. In 1904, he asked to be relieved of his contract as the price of kerosene made it not financially viable.
Electric street lights were turned on in Drouin on Saturday, March 19, 1910. The power was supplied by the Drouin Co-operative Butter Factory (DBF).
The change followed a meeting in May 1909 in the mechanics hall for ratepayers to discuss lighting the town. After hearing proposals, it was decided to accept the offer of DBF.
The agreement was for a term of seven years, at a cost of £150 per annum for 39 street lights. The DBF provided the installation and maintenance.
In July, councillors met to discuss the positions of the lights. The majority would line Main St from the school to the ANZ Bank. Others would be outside the railway station, Young St, Hopetoun Rd and Main South Rd.
By June 1910, most shops, hotels and some private homes were also using electric lights.
The DBF erected the first street light in March 1909 outside the factory, though they received a letter from the shire asking for it to be removed. It had been placed in the middle of Main South Rd and there were concerns it would cause an accident.
The Warragul Progress Association visited Drouin in October 1910 to inspect the electric lights and power plant. Their first glimpse was at the station, which offered a vast improvement on the previous kerosene lamps. They visited the DBF where, in a specially filled office, the different kinds of light power were on show, radiators for heat and fans for cooling.
Other forms of lighting had been proposed. The Swan Co. offered to install 10 Aladdin lights at 1000 candle power at a cost of £15 per lamp per annum.
In 1901, Mr J. I. Parkes, representing the proprietors of the patent for the manufacture of gas from gum leaves, proposed erecting a factory in Drouin to supply street lights using the new illuminate instead of kerosene lamps. It would be twice as costly as kerosene but provide three times the light.
A committee was formed to consider the proposal and went to Longwarry to view a demonstration.
Fred Reinke from Longwarry had successfully extracted gas from gum leaves, and had formed a syndicate. He worked on the idea for seven years before perfecting the process and taking out a patent.
Maisie's store in Longwarry was lit using the gas, with a small plant on the side of his store. It burnt with a clear flame and gave off a steady white light.
Photograph and information courtesy of the Drouin History Group.
If you would like to learn more about the Drouin History Group or join as a member, visit drouinhistorygroup.org.au