THE SUBMARINE BOAT.

Evening Star, Issue 3262, 4 August 1873, Page 2

THE SUBMARINE BOAT.

Some months ago we gave an account of a proposition by Messrs Villaine and Nnttall to construct a submarine boat for searching for gold in the river beds of the Province. The idea was entertained by several capitalists in Dunedin, a company was formed, and the boat has since been constrncted at the iron works of Messrs Sparrow and Thomas, Cumberland street. Those who expect to see a very handsome vessel, answering to preconceived notions of “ a boat,” will be disappointed. Externally, it is a huge iron shell, having no beauty to recommend it; but, on examination, well adapted to the work it is intended to be put to. It is, in fact, an iron tube of 35ft. in cxfcrame length, and 7ft. 2in. in diameter. it is not, however, of equal size throughout, as about Bft. from the nose it is gradually tapered to what may fairly be described a point—not a mathematical one, having no dimensions ; but a material one, pretty well rounded and strongly rivetted. This nozzle or point is intended to be presented to the current, and this form is given to it reduce the action of the water upon it to a minimum. A hawser will be carried out from the lower part of this portion of the vessel to secure her in position. Although not intended for sailing, it must not be supposed that a rudder is useless t® the boat. Where a stream of water runs rapidly, a rudder is a very ready mechanical means of changing place, and, skilfully used, causes a vessel secured by the bows to travel to the right or left—or, in nautical phraseology to port or starboard—up the river or down it. The way into and out of this iron cave is by a manhole at the top, and fitted over this is a dome sft. Sin. high, and 3ft. Gin. in diameter. Around this is a balcony with hand rail and fittings When inside, the door, is shut, like Noah’s Ark, from without. In a line with this dome or turret, on each side is what may be termed a paddle-wheel, inclosed in an air and water-tight cover. The wheels are Bft in diameter, and 2ft. wide, with 32 arms each, to which are attached curvilinear floats or paddles. These, though termed “paddle wheels,” are really undershot- water wheels. The upper part of them will work in air, the water being forced out by the air pumps; while the lower part will be moved by the current acting freely upon it. They constitute the machinery for working the puddling apparatus, air pumps, &c., and are expected to work up to a high power. They are securely fitted to the boat by strong bolts. It will be evident from the arrangements described that there is much work to be done under water ; in fact the whole of it connected with fc'ie gold washing will be performed there. The wash dirt will be passed through the sluicing apparatus, and the tailings carried away by the current. The air pumps will be worked by the stream, and the boat supplied with atmospheric air; and, consequently, very little attention will be needed by those on the surface connected with the company. We have said nothing of the fitting up of the interior; in fact there is little to tell, excepting that it is so arranged that several men —say from three to five—can work comfortably without discommoding each other. There are four air pumps which can be connected or disconnected at will. The sluicing apparatus runs from end to end of the boat; in the stern there is a reservoir of air, intended to provide a sufficient supply should the boat ever be placed in still water; and for various purposes to which it can be applied there is a crab winch on board capable of raising or sustaining a strain equal to four tons.