THE NEXT WAR.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 25, 9 November 1936, Page 8

THE NEXT WAR.

THE PERFECT GAS-MASK. Experts in Great Britain have for a long time been experimenting on designs in gas-masks, and it is now revealed that they have produced the “perfect” mask—one that will give the requisite protection to the public. The Government has announced a Supplementary Estimate of £850,000 for the production of 15,000,000 of these gas-masks. It is the latest move in the country’s defence campaign, and! production is to go ahead immediately. By mass production methods the masks will be produced at 2s each. It is claimed that .the mask will resist the strongest concentration of gas for 15 minutes, and normal gas conditions for four or five hours. It is to be manufactured in all sizes —for babies, school children and adults. Parts of the masks are to be made by private firms under contract to the Government, and they will he assembled at Government factories in Manchester. Provision has also been made for the purchase and adaptation of two existing factories at a cost of £57,000. When the first masks are ready they will be distributed to local centres throughout the country ready for emergencies. The public will be invited to call at the depots to try on the masks and to receive instruction in their use. The Supplementary Estimate for all purposes amounts to £4,006,250, including £32,350 for public buildings for the Air Raid Precautions Department. Nearly three-quarters of the present Estimate Ministry of Agriculture as a grant to the Cattle Fund. There is also £IOO,OOO for the Secret Service. For palaces in the King’s occupation an additional sum of £20,000 is required.