BRITISH OPTICAL GLASS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19214, 31 December 1925, Page 7

BRITISH OPTICAL GLASS.

• **»>" SUPERIORITY ATTAINED. RESEARCH WORK DURING WAR. "British optical glass is to-day of better quality than that of other countries, and it is vital to the safety of the country that, it should maintain this superiority." This statement was made by an acknowledged authority in London recently. It was pointed out that, certain of the hospital schools —fclt. Mary's and the London were mentioned —to refer to only one class of large users, are recognising the fact by purchasing British instruments ♦o-day when before they were in the habit, nf ordering German instruments. The informant continued: One of the difficulties against which our makers have to contend is that some time before the war there was rio doubt wo were in a position of relative inferiority, but when the war broke out the instrument makers spent large sums on research work, with the result, that they are to-day excelling in the world's markets. They are, however, confiwnted with the difficulty that certain foreign makes of instruments have established a namo and reputation. "I know for a fact that thoso hospital schools which have purchased British instruments are pleased with the results, and if any further proof was required of the excellence of British manufacture it would be afforded by such facts as that the optical instruments of the British Navv are of British manufacture. The navy cannot afford to purchase anything except the best. If the results obtained by other countries were superior the navy would be bound to make use ol them. "The position is serious, because the men who arc able to manufacture such instruments and the instruments required for use in time of war reed a long period <«' training, and if they are not kept, in work are unable to recover their skill lor a long period. It is especially desirable, therefore so far as the future of the country is concerned, that those requiring optical glass should place their orders with British manufacturers."