SHELL IN PARLIAMENT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 3987, 21 July 1915, Page 2

SHELL IN PARLIAMENT.

MEMBERS’ NOVEL EXHIBIT.

“MADE IN NEW ZEALAND.”

By Telegraph—Special Correspondent. WELLINGTON ..July 20. A shining new 18-poimor shell was a novel exhibit produced by Mr R. McCall um in the House' of Representatives to-day. He assured members simulating nervousness that the shell contained no explosive charge. The shell, lie explained, had been made by Mr Geo. Birch, of Blenheim, and lie asked that tho shell should be tested in tlie presence of members of Parliament, defence officers, representatives of the press, and others. As Mr McCallum explained, the maker o£. the shell admits that it is not made by tlie special steel required by tho Imperial specifications, but contends that a serviceable shell can bo made with ordinary steel. The Minister for Defence said that the shell seemed to him to be wellmade, but, as to whether it would prove serviceable, lie could not say. He would be very pleased to have the shell tested, they could be present at the trial —

A Member: At their own risk, (..aughter.) Mr Allen said that.he had been in communication 1 with 'the Imperial authorities on the subject of manufacturing shells here, but, up till the present, lie had received very little encouragement and the special steel and also the machinery required for the manufacture of shells were, lie was informed, very difficult, if not impossible to obtain.