1926 AND 1976.

Putaruru Press, Volume IV, Issue 128, 15 April 1926, Page 3

1926 AND 1976.

SOME PROPHECIES. Some startling prophecies on the state of the world in general on New Year’s iDay, 1976, were given to a repreesntative of the Liverpool Post by A. M. Low, the scientist•whose recent book, “ The Future,” suggests that the mantle of H. G. Wells has fallen upon his shoulders. “Probably in 1976,” he said, “the present-day type of ship will be replaced by giant hydroplanes, which, instead of travelling through the water, will skim along the surface, thus- attaining higher speeds. Before that time, however, they will continue on present-day lines, growing larger each year, and* will be entirely controlled by wireless during fog. The competition of the aeroplane will eventually force them to achieve higher speeds, the hyd.roplane type of construction probably being the best way to ensure this. Air travel will also eliminate the discomfort of sea voyages—a very important point, because the larger place then taken by women in life will make comfort a much more important factor than at present. Every passenger will be in touch with his own 'home by wireless and cinemal television .which will keep him informed of progress throughout the world. The aeroplane by 1976 will, of course, be used by those who wish to cross the Atlantic in a hurry, but I am •doubtful if by 1976 it will have ousted -the ship completely, for as the aeroplane becomes a serious rival to shipping ship designers will devise some means of securing advantages over •the aeroplane. With regard, to clothes and textiles, it is likely that fifty years hence the place of cotton and wool will have been taken by a cheaper and more durable vegetable fibre. Nor will such great quantities of it be used, .since clothes will be of a simple and serviceable pattern. Obsolescent vehicles like trams will be replaced by

underground trains everywhere, which will be comfortable and equipped with television, and 1 there will also be large underground, shops along the route. Indeed, underground resources will be used much more, and all unsightly factories will be built beneath the surface. There will be no factory chimneys belching forth smoke, since low | temperature carbonisation and the use | of electricity will make manufacture | clean. Similarly the factory hands I will be more polished and better eduj’catea, and, the rought work that they do to-day will all be done by machinery. Home life will’ disappear, and we shall practically live in restaurants and hotels. But fifty years hence is a very short time to science, and still more startling changes will take place in the years to follow.”