NEWS BY MAIL.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 July 1928, Page 4

NEWS BY MAIL.

CALCULATING MACHINES STRAIN.

PARIS, May 21

Calculating machines, tlio use of which has grown almost universal in ha,riles and business houses, are declared to be extremely injurious to health by two of the most prominent French nerve specialists, Drs Berillion and Vacliet.

These machines, says Dr Berillon, are anti-biological, nnd their continued use, involving intense mental application, can only result in nervous breakdown and sometimes dangerous mental maladies.

Dr Vacliet says that telephonists and typists are all apt to suffer from undue mental strain, but that those who have to work calculating machines are in a far worse condition. lie declares that banks and business houses should issue very strict orders to the effect that no clerk is to work .a calculating machine for a longer period than two hours in any one day. v Any attempt to pass this maximum can only result, ho adds, in risk of very serious mental disturbances. £400,000 FOG. NEW YORK, May 21. Unusual May weather caused four serious accidents in New York harbour yesterday, when eight ships collided in a dense fog. Rain and heavy mist have obscured the tops of the skyscrapers for the last two days and seriously impeded tlio coming and going of steamers. The most serious collision of all occurred off the mud flats of Atlantic Highlands, a village on the Monmouth County coast, where the old Eastern steamer Jefferson (3.723) tons) rammed the new Clyde liner Mohawk (5,896 tons) which was carrying •85 passengers.

With water pouring into the vessel the captain of the Mohawk derided to run the ship aground. This was done, but later he discovered that tlie pumps were able to cope with the danger, and lie has decided to wait for high tide to float her off and return to dock. The passengers were transferred to a coastguard cutter. In the afternoon the New York steamer Porto Rico (4,301 tons), sailing for San Jualt, struck the Holland Amerika liner VeehJam (15,450 tons), bound for Plymouth and Rotterdam. The Veendnm dropped anchor near the scene of the collision but will proceed on her way, after repairs, which,

it is expected, will be completed tonight. ENGLAND-BOUND. Not content with these two accidents the fog proceeded to interfere with the International Navigation steamer Pennland (16,322 tons), also making for Plymouth. She was struck amidship by a freighter, hut was not damaged seriously.

Late last night the Atlantic Transport liner Minnewaska (21,716 tons), heading for London, brushed against the British motorship La Marea (3,68!) tons), off the Ambrose lightship. The damage was fortunately slight. The schooner James M. TV. Hall (572 tons) anchored in Long Island Sound, was struck by a tug, and an excursion steamer ran aground but Was refloated. Altogether the plans of more than 1.500 passengers were upset. They were compelled to return to New York to await safer sailing conditions. Coastguard patrol vessels were on duty throughout the night. To-day is overcast, hut less foggy. At this time of the year the sun should bo blazing. It is estimated that the damage sustained by shipping in collisions duo to .Saturday’s fog exceeds £400,000.

TREASURE AT HERCULANEUM, ROME, May 2L Tntersting arcliacalogical discoveries have been' made at Heronlnneum, near Naples, in a house which when first sighted some three months ago gave promise of revealing an edifice of great importance and beauty. Excavations had at that time to bo interrupted owing to the danger of collapso due to undermining tunnels. It was decided to attack the building from the opposite side, and this rendered necessary the removal of an enormous quantity of solidified volcanic mud.

The work is now completed and the excavators have reached the level of the ceiling of the first floor. The building, which is U-shaped, was evidently one of great- importance and probably a public office. Its ceilings are decorated with elaborate stuccos, while the portico is sunported by colunnVs forming an enclosed court. Its windows are closed by beautiful wrouglit-iron grilles of fine workmanship. TVOODEN STAIRCASE.

Of particular interest is a wooden staircase, almost intact except for signs of burning. About half of the facade is intact, while it is possible to reconstruct the other half with fragments that are being carefully collected. Objects found inside include a Prone it-Cue of Mercury, a marble statue of Venus, marble Bacchic: groups, and several household utensils.