BOAT-LOWERING APPARATUS.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1339, 13 November 1872, Page 2

BOAT-LOWERING APPARATUS.

The boat-lowering apparatus invented by Mr Douglas, the Inspector of Steamers and Dredge Master at Port Chalmers, received another trial at Port Chalmers on the 2nd instant. The Times Bays that in the experiment as to strength, the apparatus was subjected to a strain of 4 tons 3cwt, and at that showed no signs of yielding ; no more weight could be safely applied without risk to the crane from which the boat was susSnded. Captain M'Lean, of the Albion, essrs Blair, Brunton, aud Higginson, engineers, and Professors Black and Shand were present, and considered the lesults highly BnccessfiiL Tho boat, with nine or ten. persons on board, waa afterwards dropped from the Albion's davits while the 8 ieamer was going at full speed. The trial was regarded as very satisfactory. With regard to the opinions of practical men as to tho value of the apparatus, it may be stated that Mr F. H. Trouton, of the Australian Steam Navigation Company, after having " on several occasions practically tested its usefulness," came to the conclusion that "it surpasses all previous inventions of its class." The captain of H. M.S. Basilisk considers it superior to tho lowering apparatus used iv her Majesty's ships. The " Australian Mechanic and Journal of Science" says :— "This apparatus has been subjected to severe tests, both in this and the neighbor* ing colonies, with marked success in every instance." It was tried in Adelaide on the 25th September. The boat fitted with it was, whilo the Aldiuga was going at full speed, let down three times "in a manner that surprised and delighted all." Another successful trial was made at Adelaide on the Bth October. The manner in which the invention has everywhere been received, must certainly be very gratifying to Mr Douglas.