A NEW INVENTION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2813, 12 February 1908, Page 58

A NEW INVENTION.

A most simple and effective invention has been brought under our notice, its object being to detect any damp or any undue heating in such cargoes as coal, flax, wool. esparto grass, or any of those articles that get spoilt by damp or by subsequent heating, often culminating in actual fire, with unfortunately sometimes disastrous results.

The simplicity of the invention will afc once be seen when it is stated that it only consists of a number of perforated pipee either placed between bales or through them, in baled goods; or anywhere, and in any direction, through any bulk enrgo. These pipes are merely perforated where they pase through or between the goods or "bales, and the ends are furnished with removable plugs or screw-caps, or they may be left open as preferred. In cases of excessive damp the same is visible at the. pipes' ends, but slight damp i« detected l>j, placing any substance susceptible to damfi in Ihe pipes, which can be withdrawn for inspection as deemed necessary. In cases of suspected heating a thermometer is introduced, or the withdrawal of the substances for detection of damp would proclaim the fact of heating. In the extreme rase of overheating, or even fire, the p:pea would form /the best moans of flooding the part affected with either a gas that would aid in extinguishing the fire, or even with' water or steam. Normally a current of air would be sent through the pipes in question fronr the usual down draught-hoods now in ships for this purpose, branches fionr the pipes being led to them. This in itself would go far to obviate the risk of ovefheatmg, as it often occurs from the facfe" that there is no adequate ventilation. The invention is being and 'is the pro* perl v of Messrs R. M. Smith and J. Craigs. bot]i of Coal Creek, near' Roxburgh, thft former gentleman being the actual inventor*

During the past month cix patients weri» discharged as cured from the Otaki Sanatoiiiim for consumptives, and four of them have ictui'ned to work. Four mor» Dat>cut6 v,ill be discharged 6h.orjU*H