OUT OF HEAR

Hokitika Guardian, 15 October 1932, Page 5

OUT OF HEAR

DAMAGE TO ’PHONES. (Australian Press Association.) SYDNEY, September 29. A new species of metal-eating beetle, believed to be to a certain extent responsible for leaking metal pipe/s and tanks identified by metal research experts in Germany, lias been found to exist in Australia. Over SCO’ Creinorne (Sydney) residents whose telephones were thrown out of gear can blame this particular kind of beetle for disorganising the service. The telephon e wires are encased in lead underground, and the beetles bore into them. When a storm comes water finds its way into thes e cells and causes trouble.. According to Mr Musgrave, of the Sydney Museum, white ants also eat lead. Some years ago a Tain. sheeting of lead on the Museum roof was eaten through by white ants to reach the wood. Lyctus Brunneus, the beetle in Australia which is able to eat lead, found its way into Australia ’ from foreign countries. Tiie Wilhelm Institute, in Berlin, has carried out in experiments with these beetles.

Microscopic observation showed that they were equipped.with sivw-Bke teeth Placed in a glass tubs with the ends sealed with lead, the insects bored their way through . the lead in four hours.