G. Aston and Son
of Eagle Wharf Road, London
1893 'BANKRUPTS.
NOTICES OF FIRST MEETINGS OF CREDITORS.
(The Bankruptcy Acts, 1883 and 1890.)
(To surrender in London.)
W. H. Aston and C. T. Aston (trading as G. Aston and Son), City Wharf, Eagle Wharf-road, New North-road, founders and iron contractors, September 13, at 12.[1]
1901 'SOUTHEND RENO INCLINED ELEVATOR.
PARIS EXHIBITION MOVABLE PLATFORM-
For some days past considerable interest has been excited by the operations of workmen engaged in fitting up what was strikingly labelled 'The Reno Inclined Elevator." on the Cliffs near the steps leading from the Parade to the Esplanade, a little to the west of the Alexandra Yacht Club. The elevator is on the same design as the great feature of the Paris Exhibition of 1900, the moving platform. It will be driven by 35 horse-power motor, supplied with electricity from the Corporation works, and is, in fact, a travelling platform carried on a chain, turning at both ends on wheels, and will convey passengers at the rate of 3,000 an hour. There are only four similar erections in England, viz. : —At the Crystal Palace, Earls Court, Blackpool, and Seaforth, near Liverpool. In one respect, however, the elevator at Southend Is absolutely unique; it is in the open air. The entire length is 160 feet, and the nimble penny will transport the reader from top to bottom of the Cliffs or vice versa, without incurring the dangerous, if exciting, risk of tobogganing on foot down the slope or steps. The contractors are Messrs. G. Aston and Son, engineers, Eagle Wharf Road, London, and the proprietors style themselves The Reno Inclined Elevator Construction Syndicate, of 70, Finsbury Pavement. E.C.
Though somewhat of a novelty in England, the Reno has been working very suocessfully in America, and is a German-American invention. It is expected to open in Southend before the end of the current month.'[2]