SAVING LIFE AT SEA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 9027, 13 April 1888, Page 3

SAVING LIFE AT SEA.

TO THE EDITOR. \ Sib,—Mr. Holmes, the patentee of the wood lath and canvas collision mat, has replied to my letter of criticism in the Herald of the sth ultimo, at the same time courting argument upon his or other lifesaving appliances in case of accident or collision at sea. I think the subject is one which ought to bring out latent talent, and familiarise the public to the knowledge and use of such inventions. If not encroaching on the privilege of your valuable paper, I would like to endorse , Mr. Holmes's suggestion to have a practical trial. This is the only true method of testing the invention. Of course such trial wUI take place in the tideway in the harbour. Mr. Holmes interprets my remarks of his invention as tantamount to a challenge against my plan, which was fully described in my letter. I may say that I had no thought of a challenge, but am not adverse to such a thing, providing the expenses do not fall upon my shoulders. In taking exception to the size of Mr. Holmes' mat, 6ft. by 9ft., as given in his description, of course I took it literally, but certainly credit Mr. H. with a larger area for large vessels, which would be quite necessary. Mr. Holmes thinks if the North fleet had been supplied with his mat the ship and passengers would have been saved. Ido not remember the exact position where she received the damage, but think it was below waterline, into the main hold. Granted that it was five feet below waterline, I am doubtful whether without weights the apron would have sunk to pass over the hole. My opinion is that in a tideway or open sea no suction would be felt at that distance from the surface of the water, and the mat being buoyant, would float out. This, of course, would cause loss of valuable time, and perhaps, cause panic. Mr. Holmes states that weights are not required, and would only encumber the apron, and keep it off the hole. This is the rock upon which Mr. Holmes and myaelf split. It Mr. Holmes has designed hi* mat for covering a fracture at or near waterline, depending upon suction from the uurface to unroll the mat, no doubt it will answer, although I still uphold that a mat made after my plan, which, being flexible and weighted sufficient., to readily sink it, is applicable to an injury either at waterline or any distance below. The pressure of water would overcome the weights and force it to the side of ship. The pressure being equal on all parts, it would not be drawn through the hole. As an illustration—a ship is struck and a hole knocked through the hold 5 feet below waterline, and the hole 5 feet by 1 foot. A mat of 9 feet by 6 feet is lowered over the fracture. There would be a total pressure of about eight tons forcing it to the side of the ship, while the pressure immediately over the hole would be about three-quarters of a ton. The excess of canvas surface beyond the hole would prevent its being drawn through. As to a sail being no use, there are those now here who have applied it with success and saved their vessels. No doubt, sir, there are old salts in this town who can give thrilling experiences of various casualties which they have passed through, and who will be able to give an unbiassed opinion upon the merits or demerits of each plan.—l am, &c., H. Gray, Alten Bead. Auckland, April 11. .