NEW INVENTIONS

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 130, 3 June 1899, Page 3

NEW INVENTIONS

Two inventions of considerable interest to horseowners have recently been patented in New Zealand. Most of those who attended the last meeting of the Takapuna Jockey Club must have noticed how frequently the barrier was broken, and no doubt many an anxious investor anathematised the consequent delay. One of these inventions is designed to prevent the possibility of the barrier being broken and to minimise this delay. At each side of the course on that portion of the starting machine to which the barrier is attached is a spring clip, which by means of a screw can be compressed" as desired. To each end of the barrier is attached a small ring, which is inserted within the clips. The ring and clip may also if desired be used in the middle of the barrier. The strength of the clip is regulated so as: to keep it a considerable degree below the breaking strain of the barrier. Upon a horse charging the barrier the clip opens out and releases the ring before the webbing is broken. When the horse has been sent behind the barrier the ring can be instantaneously inserted in the clip, and the machine is again ready without the vexatious delay which now occurs. The other invention is simplicity itself. To those who travel by the ferry steamers to see a horse worth possibly hundreds of pounds floundering about the deck of the steamer is no uncommon sight. This however may now be remedied with a small boot made to fit the hoof and soled with indiarubber or gutta perclia. A horse shod with these shoes will walk on to the deck of a steamer or up a gangway as quietly as.he would over the lawn at Ellerslie. The patentee of these inventions is Mr P. A. Vaile, the well-known local solicitor. Steps are being taken to give the improved barrier a practical trial. The inventions are protected throughout the world.