Hot water in Southbank

In the 1920s City Rd in South Melbourne was coming into favour with firms in search of sites for warehouses and industrial enterprises, and it became a major thoroughfare after World War One largely due to its proximity to the city.

Electrification of housing, businesses, industry and transport saw major changes to society in the 1930s. This global trend led to a battle for market share between electricity and gas companies as both were used for domestic and commercial applications. But many preferred electricity for heating while gas was preferred for cooking.

The 1930s saw continual development with firms such as Draffin Bros. establishing premises at 35 City Rd, opposite the Glaciarium in what is now Southbank. The years after World War Two saw a continuation of the trend, despite continual problems with electricity supply.

Draffin Bros. had a steep family history in engineering, coupled with a deep family involvement with the fire services. The image from the 1930s shows workers from Draffin Bros. leaning against motor vehicles in front of a very stylish workshop with the latest in lettering on the sign.

The firm provided an important component in the supply of hot water to Southbank and other suburbs across Melbourne through their Everhot systems.

Draffin Bros. developed a new system that used kerosene for water heating where its Kerotherm Circulation system was connected to an insulated Hot Water Storage Tank.

It was safe, silent and most reliable, claimed its advertising, resulting in city and country homes alike being able to have all the hot water they need, on tap, day or night, and at low cost.

Everhot combined continual pressure, instant supply, no reduction of temperature when two or more appliances were used simultaneously, and no fumes or flames.

Kerotherm was guaranteed to supply up to 168 gallons of steaming hot water per day or night, with the running costs provided in writing before installation.

Everhot systems were also long lasting – when friends purchased a house in North Balwyn in 1984, they were pleased to find that it featured a Everhot service supplied by Draffin Bros. that had been installed when the house was built in 1938.

After many years of fine service, they finally replaced it this year! •