SHORTAGE OF LAMP CARBONS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2281, 15 October 1914, Page 6

SHORTAGE OF LAMP CARBONS

A NEW ACTIVITY FOR MANUFACTURERS. Among the articles of commerce, the supply of which has,been seriously curtailed by the war are carbons for electric arc lamps of every- description. Hitherto the great bulk' of carbons used in the world have' been manufactured in Germany, chiefly on account of the ability of that country's makers to turn them out at a price slightly below what English manufacturers could supply them at. Early, in the war the "Electrical Times" took users to task for having in the past given their orders to Germany m cases when the tendered price was infinitesimally below that of the English makers, and so checked the establishment and spread of an important, industry within the Empire, A local authority, who is versed in the matter of electrical supplies, states that there is only one firm in the whole ■of the British. Empire manufacturing carbons for the public generally—tho British General Electric Co., of Wilton, It is true that tho Jandus Company, of Holloway, London, also makes carbons, but prior to the war, at all events, that company only made carbons; for their own lamps. The result of the sharp shutting down of Gorman supplies has created a world-wide shortage, a shortage that has been emphasised .by the Army and Navy authorities commandeering tho whole of the output of tho British General Electric Company. A. vast number of carbons are required for the searchlights of the British ' Navy and Army. This had an immediate effect on stocks at Home, and prices rose accordingly. j Carbons are also required by the million for busin'oss purposes, street lighting,, and tincma lamps all over tho world., *' • . It is.understood that even 'Amorra could buy carbons cheaper from Germany than they could be manufactured in the States, and our authority not aware of any firm in AraorjcO '„-> gaged in the business of carbc Vmrib ing. It is just proboJHo that r v c» the war broke out existing firms h.'wO extended their operations, and that oiew firms have sprung into existence, but as for the latter thero is no evidence of tho fact in tho latest trade papers to baud from England. All tho troopships carry oniplo supplies of "Flucnaol," ordered by tho authorities. For sale nt tho Canteens at cost price.* As a result of a recent concert given by Miss Flora Slinw at the Petone Lyceum, in aid of the St. John Ambulance Biigado (J'ctenc Division), tho sum of £29 ss. was raised. A collection taken up at this entertainment in aid of tho Local Distress Fund realised £5. The members of (he division are at present training pupils for tho front; nine names luii'o been handed to tho secretary (Mr. J. Kyle), and a class will , urobably be formed uoxt week,