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Northern Advocate, 20 July 1917, Page 4

Mr Talbot Taylor, of Timaru, has invented a most ingenious, and what appears to be an effective device for protecting ships from torpedoes. He has made a working model of the invention and has demonstrated its working before the Mayor (Mr Maling), Captain Tait, harbourmaster, Captain Oakey, of the Defence Office, Timaru, the town clerk (Mr Virtue), end the deputyMayor (Mr William Raymond.) The model worked perfectly, and all who saw it agreed that it appeared as though it Avould do what was claimed for it, and that it was worthy of the fullest possible trial. The object of the invention is to either stop a torpedo when it is seen approaching a ship, cause it to explode prematurely, or divert it from its course; and either one of these three things can be made to happen simply by pressing a button on' the side of the ship. The contrivance is a simple one and can be attached to vessels at small cost. Mr Taylor has got in touch with the authorities in Wellington, backed by the recommendation of those before whom he gave the demonstration in Timaru, and he is now awaiting a reply. He is in communication also with the Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, and Mr Craigie, M.P., on the matter, and if the authorities desire it he will come to Wellington to give a demonstration.