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Hokitika Guardian, 19 February 1920, Page 2

In the course of a paper read before ti e British Institute of Marine Engineers, C'apt W. I’. Durtnall, R.A.F., dealt "X----liaustively with the history of the propulsion of ships by mechanical means. The first paddle steamer seems to have been invented as early as ITO, whi'e in 1661 the method of propelling ships by forcing water through the bottom of the vessels, so-called jet propulsion, was first tried. The first successful pro-peller-driven vessel of any size was built by Mr F. P. Smith and was used oil the Paddington Canal in 1837. Still another attempt to use jet-propulsion is to be found in H.M.S. Waterwiteh, which was designed by the Admiralty, while a great advance in engineering development was shown in the construction of the Great Eastern, which was fitted with both Screw and paddle wheels. The author then goes on to discuss the problems which arose in ship propulsion when the steam turbine began to be used, and points out

the early discovery of the necessity of | some form of gearing being introduced ( between this type of prime mover and the propeller, owing to the desirability j of each running as much as possible at its most efficient speed. He further deals at some length with the various systems which have been suggested for this purpose, and gives a deicription in i detail of the Paragon system with which ! his own name is associated. This quesj tion of electrical propulsion of ships, • the author states, has perhaps been considered more carefully in the United I States than Britain, and in sup- ! port of this contention he gives some j interesting figures of the steam and fuel I consumption,' thermal efficiency, etc., 1 for the various types of drive used on similar ships in the American Navy. In conclusion he points out that it is only eleven years ago since the suggestion of using alternating current for the electrical propulsion of ships was first .made. Since that time there have been great developments along these ; lines and the whole problem is one of j vast commercial and electrical signifi--1 cance.

The suggested revival of a debating society in connection with St Mary’s Club is a lead which it is hoped will result in other local institutions, hitherto dormant on the question moving in the matter. In times past the interdebates were very popular. They were certainly useful and instructive to those taking part in the friendly competitions, and we hope the autumn and winter months will see a vigorous return to so useful a form of recreation. The work is educational to those taking part in it, and it will be good to see our young men—and young ladies for the matter of that—associating to promote their mutual interests. Now that the women have as much say as the men at the ballot box, and in' Parliament and local body life, t-.ey, too, cannot make their training for their future influence in such walks of life, too intense. The ladies therefore should be invited and encouraged to take a part in common with the men in the proposed revival of debating societies and in the cultivation of the arts of elocution. To hear and see Judge Alden here last week was something of an education itself as to the arts of oratory, and those who were fortunate to hear the gentleman must have realised how much the voice can be assisted by pose and gesture in emphasising wliat is said and instilling conviction on an audience. St Mary’s Club is therefore giving a very timely lead and it is to be hoped the time is not far distant when other local Clubs util take similar action, and emulate the spirit St Mary’s is showing for the welfare of its members.