WATCHES IN SEA

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30215, 21 August 1963, Page 7

WATCHES IN SEA

Japan Tests Current A novel experiment, expected to yield important oceanographic knowledge, has been launched from a spot some 40 miles off the Pacific coast of the Boso Peninsula, south of Tokyo, says the information bulletin of the Japanese Embassy. The experiment started when, from the decks of a 600-ton survey ship 20 small objects, similar to tiny buoys, were cast into the sea. These objects, the first of a total of 130 such items released by July 20, were specially-built floats each containing a selfwinding water and shockproof calendar waitch. These objects are knowm as “Friendship Kuroshio 63” floats. They are destined for a long trans-Pacific voyage in the interests of science and international friendship. The project is sponsored by a group of newspapers, universities and watchmakers for the purpose of making a scientific survey of the flow of the Kuroshio (Japan Current), the largest sea current in the Pacific. A second aim of the project is to test the durability and quality of Japanese-made timepieces. The floats, painted yellow, measure Bin in diameter and 3in in depth. Each contains a postcard and message presenting the watch to the finder and asking his cooperation in returning the card with information noting the date and place of discovery. and ths condition of the watch. These floats are expected to cross the Pacific on the Kuroshio and reach the coast of North America in about 16 months. Air Search. — The aerial search for the small boat which has been missing near Manihiki since last Friday may now be abandoned as all likely areas have been covered. There is no shipping in or near the area and a full search by sea has not been possible,—Rarotonga. August 19.