HOLMES'S COLLISION APRON.

Auckland Star, Volume XIX, Issue 113, 14 May 1888, Page 2

HOLMES'S COLLISION APRON.

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—ln your issue of April 4th last there appearod an account of Mr Richardson s patent, and in which you state that it was exactly similar to mine, and that tho idea seemed to have occurred simultaneously to tho two inventors. I not replying at the time to your statements, it mightappearthat I acquiesced. I did mean to reply at once, but on second consideration, knowing that tho matter was in the hands of a com potent and rcliablo patent solicitor in London, to whom I forwarded the date and number of Messrs Richardson's patent, I awaited the reply, which has just come to hand. Messrs Richardson's patent was out before mine, though at tho time I had no idea of its existence until after I had invented mine. As regards your remarks about their being exact/;/ similar, I will briefly represent a few points where they diffor. Messrs Richardson use two articles — a pad and a shield ; I only use one. Mr Richardson use india-rubber steel semitubular bars and canvas in the construction of his invention. My apparatus is constructed with wood battens and canvas. The method of application is different; mine is much lighter and can be made at a third of tho co3t, will bear exposure, and can be easily stowed, and requires no boxes or cases. In roforenco to tho materials ho uses in the construction „of his, it can bo easily seen how the rust will destroy tho apron, which, with the extra cost of production, and I may almost say quick destruction with the suit air (even assuming that ib can at sea bo kept from salt water), would render it extremelyexponsivc.compurativoly speaking, with mine. There are many other differences which it would be injudicious on my part to discuss at present. I am in receipt of correspondence with Captain Ashby, my agent in London, and his solicitor's opinion thereon, who knowing tho existence of, and being aquainted with, all particulars of Messrs Richardson's patent, has filed my plans and specifications in tho London Patent Ollico on March 17th last—a course he certainly would not have pursued had my invention been exactly similar to Mr Richardson's. I herewith submit the correspondence from London for your perusal.—l am, etc., J. Holmes.