Page 5 - Demo

page5Historic Gas Times%u2022 Issue 108 %u2022 September 2021 %u2022new mantles are put on, and the globes all cleaned. The writer has never seen a town where the private shop-lamps are so clean and well kept.A FINE SHOW-ROOM%u201cThe offices and show-rooms in the city are centred in one magnificent building. The Company have done the correct thing. All classes of fittings for lighting and appliances of all description are kept here. The entrance leading to the ground floor show-room is fitted with all the latest fittings in the market from England, Germany, and America.Gas cookers, fires, hot-water heaters, and the like, are all in operation. On one side of this huge room, which runs the full width and length of the building, is a long desk on which all business concerning accounts and goods is transacted. The customer is, therefore, obliged to be brought in direct contact with the latest examples of gas-fittings, &c. The lamps are fitted with all kinds of electric, pneumatic, and spring lighters to serve the purpose of the electric switch or button.The board-room is equipped with the electric light and with gas, so that the Directors can be shown and compare any design of lamp for either illuminant. Upstairs, a large store of wholesale parts of every variety is kept in splendid order. Mantles are burnt and burners are adjusted.Outside in the yard are the meter-repairing shops and plumbers%u2019 and gas-fitters%u2019 benches, tubes, and heavy goods stores. The most is also made of exhibitions; notably the Christchurch Exhibition, which was held last year.A word may perhaps be added in regard to the water supply of Christchurch. There are no reservoirs for the supply of the town, but everybody bores for water. Each house has its own well - some using hand pumps and some windmills. In the gas works is an artesian well of 3 in. bore to a depth of 360 ft, with a rise of water equal to 35 ft.JBH