PORTABLE METALLIC HOUSES FOR AUSTRALIA.

New Zealander, Volume 9, Issue 768, 24 August 1853, Page 4

PORTABLE METALLIC HOUSES FOR AUSTRALIA.

[Fiom tlic "Etiiuburgli Ccivant/] The enormous influx of population into the chief towns of South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales, consequent on the discovery ©f the gold fields, has rendered house accommodation in lihesc places of immense driicully. For the occupancy of a small cottage lop/, a year is exacted, and houses of four and six Jparhnents readily command 500/. or 600/. Even at this exorbitant rate many arc unable to And shelter at all; for not only are artisans, shopmen, and agricultural labourers arriving in thousands, but-unable, it would seem, to resist the impulse—merchants, farmers, and others of the middle classes are hastening to exchange the steady profits and comforts of a fixed sphere at home for the chance of the easy acquisition of wealth at the gold workings. Vast numbers, in consequence of this ceaseless accession to the population, have had to encamp in tents, and not a few, we are informed by the last arrival, have with their wives and young families, been comp'eUcd to wander houseless in the stieets. Others, upon their arrival, had to part, at a ruinous sacrifice, with their goods and clothing 1o find even the temporary shelter of a miserable aud overcrowded lodging; while the exorbitant terras for storage have led to similar lamentable results as regards merchandize. It is gratifying to turn from the contemplation of such hardships and discomforts to the invention—now in the hands of our enterprising townsman, Mr. Middlcmas—of portable zinc houses, which id a great measure are likely to meet the evil. In no other existing establishment of general outfits has the idea ever been entertained—or, at least, it has never been carried into execution-of making provision for the emigrant upon his arrival in the colony. This invention, however, from the nature of the material, and from the simplicity of erection and removal, is well adapted for that object, and is already in great demand. The emigrant who designs to enter upon business may select one capable of forming an elegant showroom or store, with a dwellinghouss attached. The dimensions of one we saw in course of construction are 2i feel long by 15 in breadth. The external design is neat, though, when the ornaments are placed upon the roof, its claims to taste and elegance will be more apparent. The house is formed of zinc plates, fixed on timber frames—each being three feet broad by eight feet in height. The different parh of the erection are connected in the interior by means of rods and screws; and being placed on sleepers, it is fixed by bolts to the ground, and is amply secure. The interior is divided into three compartments, consisting of a shop or store in front, with space for an elegant plate glass window, and two rooms behind to serve as a dwelling-house. The front apartment for business is 15 feet by 10 feet 6 inches; and the rooms in the rear are each 10 feet 6 by 7 feet G inches—both being ventilated, well lighted, and having an air of -comfort. The height to the eaves is about eight feet, but to the apex of the roof twelve feet. The exterior presents a smooth surface of zinc: but within, the framework admits of the walls and ceiling being easily lathed and plastered, lined with wood, or tastefully adorned with canvas and paper. The facility of construction is one of the chief characteristics of the invention ; while the gables being to the street, and saving of frontage, which is somewhat exorbitant in the colony, is considerable. Instead of losing lime in seeking for premises for business or residence, the emigrant, by the employment of two men for a couple of days, is able to reconstruct the house and shop in any quarter that he may select. The whole does not exceed two tons in weight, and is easily packed in two boxes, (he wood of which, being grooved, forms the flooring of the portable premises in the colony. The invention has already excited the attention of numerous intending emigrants, several of the houses being on their way to Australia. The price, we are informed, is moderate, and any size can be made to order. Cast-iron houses have been constructed for this colony, but (he expense of the manufacture, the heavy freight, and other considerations, are likely to prevent their extensive use. Zinc, however, which is the metal used in this invention, is not so liable to rest or corrode, and, being non-combustible, it is better adapted for a young and rising colony than wood.