Nails – holding buildings together
When Captain James Cook arrived in the Pacific, he found buildings that were woven, lashed or pegged together as there was no iron. He brought with him nails and the opportunity for new construction techniques.
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When Captain James Cook arrived in the Pacific, he found buildings that were woven, lashed or pegged together as there was no iron. He brought with him nails and the opportunity for new construction techniques.
Most hot water is now heated with electricity or natural gas. But in the past it was commonly heated with solid fuels or with town gas made at local gasworks.
Fragile and costly window glass was introduced to New Zealand in the 1840s. Its often picturesque distortions or character has gradually given way to mass produced perfection.
Gold diggers used flax bushes or hotel alleys as toilets but, as populations grew and sensibilities increased, this stopped being acceptable.
With electricity costs on the increase and air pollution a serious issue, thermal insulation has an essential role in keeping a building warm, dry and comfortable for its occupants while helping to preserve the environment.
The need for improved lighting led to many interesting inventions, from safety matches to chandeliers. Fortunately we no longer have to kill a muttonbird or a whale to have oil for our lamps!