MARINE PROPULSION.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 995, 9 December 1910, Page 4

MARINE PROPULSION.

OBSERVATIONS BY SIE JAMES.. MILLS. Speaking to a reporter yesterday upoft improved methods of-marine propulsion, Sir James Mills referred to the combination of reciprocating, and turbine engines installed' in the New Zealand Shipping' Company's Otaki. The new White Star liners Olympic and Titanic were being fitted with similar engines, and also a new Orient liner building on the Clyde. The geared turbine was ; likely to be adopted for slow-speed cargo steamers. An objection to its use for passenger vessels was that it made a noticeable humming noise, resembling that of a motor-car when in gear. It is hoped that as a result of experiments now in progress, this undesirable feature would bo overcome. Of internal combustion engines, Sir James Mills said they had attracted the interest of the British Admiralty. A German firm was building a six-thousand ton vessel, to be driven by internal combustion engines. If she, proved a success, there would be a re-, volution in the present methods of propelling steamers." Experiments in progress, Sir Janies Mills continued, were being carefully watched by representatives of the Union Company at Home. The company would not be slow to adopt improvements on being satisfied as to their practical efficiency.