ANOTHER AUCKLAND INVENTION.

Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 149, 27 June 1887, Page 5

ANOTHER AUCKLAND INVENTION.

Mr JbttS JAMES HASLEM, a builder, residing in the Auckland suburbs, has jusb patented an invention which he has named " Haslem's Patent Twin Self-discharging Hydraulic Hopper Pontoon." He claims that .it will prove more serviceable than other hoppers from the fact that, besides discharging silt, it may also be used for the removal of stone and rock and other such material necessary for the construction of breakwaters. The inventor claims that his hopper will work well in 2 feet and even up to 12~inches of water, and will discharge its load and float away free without any trouble whatever. He has constructed a working model 74 by 28 by 4 on a scale of half-an-inch to the foot. This model was exhibited by Mr Haslem to the Works and Tariff Committee of the Harbour Board, the Chief Harbour Master, Captain Burgess, and the Engineer (Mr McGregor) being also present. The model was placed in a tub of water, and a bucketful of earth was placed in it until the water was level with the deck. A lever was then moved, when the vessel simply opened at the bottom, and the load was quietly deposited, the model merely rising out of the water in proportion to the weight which it discharged. The hopper is shaped like the ordinary silt punt, but in the centre is the cavity wherein the load is deposited. As this is formed in a wedge-shape, the load presses equally on either naif of the boat. In order to make the discharge of adhesive silt more easy the model is so formed that a certain amount of water rises inside the cavity as the hopper is laden. When closed the hopper looks like one punt, but upon the brake being moved the load begins to slide downwards, aud the hopper divides into two halves, the hydraulic force causing them to rise, and thus assist in discharging the load. Once clear of the silt the two halves simply close together again, and the man on the bridge closes the brake, and all is in readiness for another load. The whole process is very simple and apparently successful. At each end of the hopper is a sliding bridge, on which the man may stand who works the boat. This bridge is so formed that no matter how either side of the boat rises, it slides, and remains perfectly level, so that the man is safe. The inventor claims that a tug might tow a line of these hoppers, and as soon as they were all in position the whole of the loads could be quietly and safely deposited without the tug stopping its speed. By this means, of course, a great saving would be effected. No doubt more will be heard of this invention in the future.