The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1856-1888, 1882-02-11

tBzS~ Those who were present at the ball at
the residence of II. r. II. Keelikolani last eve
ming were much struck with the admirable man
ner in which the whole house was lighted up
without the use of any lights in addition to those
which form part of the permanent fitting of the
various apartments. The light too was soft, mel
low and steady, without the glare and flicker of
the ordinary coal oil lamp. Many inquiries as
to the method of lighting were made and as to
its cost compared with the use of lamps. A few
particulars Cleaned by a reporter for the P. C..
ADVERTISER will serve to answer these inquiries.
The mansion is fitted with one of the Springfield
AirG-as Machines, for which Messrs. Brown G.
Phillips are the agents here, and of the fit
ting up of which they make a specially. These
machines are constructed of various sizes to sup
ply from eight up to one hundred and twenty
five or more burners. The great steadiness which
characterizes the light is the result of the ma
chine being driven by a heavy weight. This is
the motive power, by which air is driven through
the generator, where by combining with the va
por of gasoline, IA highly refined naptha) it
forms the air-gas which burns SO steadily and
brightly. The machine supplied to the Princess
Keelikolani is one adapted for seventy-fve burn
ers, and that 1t is thoroughly efficient, every one
who had the pleasure of seeing the house last
night can testify. This method of lighting was,
when first introduced, decrled as dangerous, but
experience has amply proved that it is on the
contrary much safer than to use any form of oil
lamp. The generators are always placed at &
distance from any building, and beneath the sur
face of the ground. The only thing that can be
compared with it for convenience and efficient
lighting, is the ordinary coal gas. The latter is
not obtainable here, and if it were, must neces-
sarily be expensive on account of the distance
from which the Goals have to come, and the alb
sence of any market for the waste products of
the manufacture. But if it were to be had at g
low rate, the air gas as supplied by the Spring
field machines has the advantage over it. First,
for cheapness. it being the cheapest light known
Secondly, in cleanliness, there being none OF that
disagreeable accumulation of oily matter about
the fittings, which is such a nuisance to the user
of coal gas Thirdly, in the absence of those
noxious fumes which accompany the burning OF
the very best specimens of coal gas, and polIutt
the air of any room in which it may be used and
lastly though not least, in the pleasantness of the
light itself. Messrs. Brown Il Phillips are rather
enthusiastic about this particular department OF
their business, and take particular pride in their
work. The manner in which they have executed
their contract at Kaakopua, and the successful
lighting they have ensured for that noble man,
sion, certainly Justify such a sentiment. The
new Palace is to be lighted in a similar manner.
with a machine of sufficient power to meet the
requirements Of that extensive building. There
can be little doubt too, that in many private
houses in Honolulu the air-gas will also be adopt
cd as the means of lighting, as soon as its econ,
omy, safety and cleanliness are more thoroughly
understood.