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Hokitika Guardian, 12 February 1926, Page 2

Tt was mentioned in the cable news this week that the rotor ship, the TPieknau, was definite failure. This

is an unfortunate result for at the outset miuh was expected of. the invention which was adopted for propelling the vessel. Herr Anton l'lettncr endeavoured to harness the power in the winds and use it as an auxiliary to the motive rower in ships. He installed his invention in the Biiokiiuu. and the first trials were declared to l e very suceesslnl. so much so that if was reported that the 11am-liiirg-Auierica Company intended to lay down ton ‘wotor” freighters and convert other vessels. The Uucknu made the trio to Britain a couple of years ago. hut il was of a very protracted nature and was not droned to be convincing proof of the eflieicncv of the invention, 'the trial ship, the Balkan, had in pin e of sails, two cylinders, haft, hi ah ami Oft-, in diameter. These cylinders made some 120 revolutions a minute anil it was claimed, had fifteen times the efficiency of sails. The theory was that the revolving cylinders would convert the wind into a strong air-current, whirling il horizontally round their surfaio until it met the wind on the other, the rear, side of (.lie cylindeis. Herr the impact between the two turned the wind and air-current, alike in the direction of the iy!i in lers. thus exerting a strong pressure on it. pushing the shin ahead. There was also a small vacuum which helped h.v su king the ship forward. Kneh cylinder rotated on a pivot

mounted on a circular turret or cylinder inside of it. which readied far (low n the hull, n here its gearing coneecied with an electric motor. ’l'no cylinders revolved with the help of two small electric motors. Tu:: (.'onnty Council lent a very willing ear in the reque-t of fhe Automobilo Ass.oeiat ion deputation on Tuesday in iO-ard in furthering the proposed road ion licet ion between Hokitika' and Btialnpu by At ay of .Maliinnpua. It was pointed out he one ol the councillors that the lake was the nearest sheet cf \>ater to the town, and its <on von ionic and adaptability for oieilie parties and holiday making, made it a prominent feature for attention -uni dev- liijunent. The 'Council resolved to n--k for £SOO with a view io common ing road access from the Utuitapit end. An application in this effect has gone forward jointly to the Public Works and Tourist Departments. The Council tor its part fiinr--1 i.nioil an outlay ol upwards of Cl Of) to start the road at- the Hokitika end for the benefit of the settlers living towards Mananui. 'lbis work will be part cl the read to ho finally put through, hut it it- initial state rill supply recess for the seniors' vehicle.-, passing to and fro with produce. The di-lnm-s to be made to -Mananui i- no*. \civ great and vehicle connection for that stage would be a great- ioiiv-eiii.-nce to the residents •if that very i-o!aiod spot.