About this objectCandles were made of Tallow, Parrifin, Bees Wax and at times plain Fat. Candle Moulds and cotton wicks came out with the First Fleet. Candles became the main source of lighting in the tents and huts of the new Settlement, they remained so for many years. This applied especially to those who forged ahead in the development of the new areas. Miners used candles for generations before Australia was discovered. Some candles are held as ''a spare'' when the normal lighting sources may not function. During my youth, it was normal routine to go through the house at night, with a lighted candle and candle stick all being protected from wind with the free hand. My mother told me of making candles by using candle bark as moulds. The candle is made by simply hanging the cotton wick from the top of the mould, the wick was held taut and in the centre. The melted wax was then poured into each mould and when dry, the whole mould was dipped into hot
water. The candles then came out easily. They were securely packed especially from Mice and Dampness.
The "Slush Lamp" was made by half filling a tin maybe Treacle or Syrup ... then filling the rest of the tin with Fat or Lard. The lid was then securely fixed and a small hole made in the top, through which a type of wick was threaded into the Fat. The results
were a smelling, fluttering light with its smoke causing all "Mozzies" to reatreat. The Slush Lamp is part of most Australian history, where people were laying the first foundations and carrying out many hard, hungry jobs, in the process of building a nation. Maybe the old lamp was as well known as the old dog.
This mould was given to me some years ago by a remarkable pair of Ladies .... Sisters who had been in the "Bush" most of their days and had a remarkable knowledge of the things I am writing of. They finished their lives in Orange .... Misses Ruby and Kathleen Attenborough….. They lived to a great age and more than played their role as Pioneers. I had a few rewarding chats with them and gleaned something of the greatness of such people and their sadness and of course the times of happiness and the kinder times of life. I think they were aware of their accomplishments.
From the original Viv Kable catalogue exhibit register.
