A series of receipts from Stapley's Paints and Wallpapers of Albert Road and also at Plassey Street, Penarth for Aladdin paraffin at 1s 11d per gallon which works out at less than 2p per litre. No doubt this paraffin was used to heat and light the cabin aboard the 'Pamir'. More historical documentation kindly provided by the archive staff of the Ålands sjöfartsmuseum of Finland. [001] [343]

The sign outside the purveyors of paraffin. Most garages and hardware shops sold it locally as it was a common form of heating at the time. I wonder how many burn injuries were caused by it. I once tipped over a tin of it in the garden shed whilst playing with matches - oh what a lovely glow - Mum, Mum help!! Water isn't necessarily the best substance to put it out either - it just spreads the fire over a greater area!