1849

• Alfred Carson, Western Australia’s first mechanical engineer, produces gas from grass trees (Xanthorrhoea), for use by his family. This is the first recorded gas light in the Colony. The gas is believed to have been stored in bullock’s bladders. Tallow candles, whale oil and paraffin lamps are the only other source of lighting.

1854

• Permission is sought and granted from London to use gas from grass trees to illuminate Fremantle Prison. It appears that the gas plant was never set up as prison records only indicate the purchase of oil for lighting.
  Google Earth - Fremantle Prison

1865

• Whale oil is being replaced by paraffin (kerosene) for lighting.
  Google Earth - Whale World Museum - Albany
  
  

1872

• On 26 July, the first kerosene-burning street light is erected outside the Perth Town Hall on the corner of Howick (later Hay) and Barrack Streets.
  Google Earth - Perth Town Hall
  
  

1873

• The second street light, known as “Marfleets Lamp" is installed in May at the corner of William and Hay Streets, Perth. Marfleet and his business partner, Shenton, supply this oil-burning lamp while the Perth Council supply the standard.
  
  
• The third street light was erected in July at the corner of Howick (later Hay) and Pier Streets, Perth.

1882

• On 20 January, the City of Perth Gas Company is formed at the Palace Hotel. The company decides to use a gas-making process developed by Dr Silvester. The process is kept a closely guarded secret however, it is considered too expensive and the company is wound up in December.
  
  
• The first gas street light is erected outside the Palace Hotel in St George’s Terrace, Perth.
  Google Earth - Palace Hotel

1883

• The Perth Gas Company is established on 1 May at the United Services Tavern. The new company acquires all the assets of the City of Perth Gas Company.
  
  
  
  
• The Fremantle Gas Company commences production of gas at its Cantonment Street Gas Works in Fremantle. The company is the first producer of coal gas in Western Australia.

1885

• On 29 July, the prospectus of the Fremantle Gas and Coke Company is published stating that it proposes taking over the Fremantle Gas Company.
  
  
• The Perth Gas Company produces gas on 1 September at its newly constructed coal gas plant in Wellington Street, Perth.

1886

• The Perth Gas Company Act is proclaimed. This enables the company to lay its mains on public and private property within Perth.
  
  
  
  
  
• On 16 September, a franchise is granted by Act of Parliament for the Fremantle Gas and Coke Company Limited to supply gas within a five-mile radius of its Cantonment Street Gas Works.

Next Section >> 1888 - 1899.

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