St. James Illuminating Co

Sign at Hestercombe Gardens, near Taunton

of 3 Victoria Street, London

1901 'ROTHERFIELD. Acetylene Gas.—The old schoolroom was lit with this gas during Thursday evening, and Mr Aspiotis, the manager of the St. James's Illuminating Company, had a large audience, when, after the Garden Society's meeting, he proceeded to bring the invention to their notice. The gas was discovered, he said, as far back as 1832, but it is very lately that means have been invented by which it could be used safely. He went on to describe the method by which the generator he was using prevented the generation of more gas than was required to the burner, and the same time making explosion impossible. The speaker was then plied with questions for a very considerable time, many of them relating to the cost of installation. It would cost about £67 for 100 lights distributed about the village. After the burners were set up, a light of 30 candle power would cost 2d. for nine hours. He also explained how the flame could be used for cooking and heating, and mentioned Polegate and Wolferton Railway Stations as places where there was a large installation.'

Some items of acetylene gas plant may be seen at Hestercombe Gardens in Somerset.

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