SUBSTITUTE FOR WOOD.

Mataura Ensign, 27 September 1913, Page 3

SUBSTITUTE FOR WOOD.

A substitute for wood for flooring and decking is dealt with in. an article, in 'World's Work.' Tho material is, says the writer, niamii'aei.iiir,! 1 j:;.:i ■,•• \ arioic names, and by taking tiv oi ,r • -'., wood and being economical of labor in laying (..own, the new material not only meets the shortening supply of tin;!)'-;', but compensates for its higher cosi as coinpared with. woo<l. The principal ingredients of this wood sub.stiniic r/v- magnosite (better known ascalcined magnesia powder), magnesium chloride, ami sawdust or other filling material such as asbestos, wool or cotton. In proportion according to each manufacturer's lights tho ingredients are mixed together with water to the desired consistency and laid upon a sub-floor such as stone, concrete, wood or iron, in a plastic form in thicknesses varying from -Jin. to l'iin. thick. In the course of 24 hours the mass becomes hard, or firm enough to walk upom; each day, however, like concrete, it continues to get harder, until 12 months after it has been laid, if the quality is good, considerable trouble would be found in cutting it with a cold chisel and heavy hammer. All up-to-date shipowners to-day are using this wonderful invention. The Olympic, built in 1910, has some -to,ooo yards of the new flooring laid throughout her decks under cover. The Ounard Shipping Company, the White Star Steam Ship Company, Harland and Wolff, and the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company are among the firms of the world to adopt only the best material and workmanship. It is therefore interesting to note that all their present or recent tonnage specifications require the decks to be laid with it in its most expensive form.