THE CLAPHAM PATENT HORSEHOLDER AND WHEEL-LOCK.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXV, Issue 5008, 4 July 1903, Page 7 (Supplement)

THE CLAPHAM PATENT HORSEHOLDER AND WHEEL-LOCK.

Although New Zealand is a country prolific of inventions, it is surprising how few of them survive that fiery ordeal—the severe criticism of the public —ito which each is at first subject. The dapham patent is the invention of Mr J. N. dapham, of Ashurst, Manawatu, and is the result of many years of experiment. The object of the inventor was to fix a house so absolutely, that when necessary it might be loft unattended in harness without giving its driver the slightest anxiety. In this Mr dapham was undoubtedly successful; and although his experiments were conducted with the idea of ministering to his own convenience, rather than for bringing out a patent, his patience and ingenuity brought forth a very acceptable invention. _ Tho temperament, of a horse renders it a dangerous practice to leave him in harness unattended, or even tied to a post in the old fashioned way. The ordinary chain, too is recognised as quite ineffective. The patent horse-holder is a combination of straps so arranged, that while tho one part prevents a horse backing, another strap draws the reins should the horse attempt to advance. These straps work automatically, so that when the horse submits to restraint, the pressure on the rein ceases instantly. This arrangement teaches a horse to stand. On this tot tor, Dr. Harrison, of Eltham says:—“lt is quite remarkable how soon a horse, even of the most restless and fidgety disposition learns to stand when the holder is used,” and this evidence is corroborated •by numbers of others

after a long experience with different horses. Perhaps the greatest guarantee of tho success of the patent, is the very enthusiastic praise bestowed upon it by such authorities on anything connected with horses as Dr. Harrison, mentioned above, Dr. Paget, .of Strat-ford,-Dr. Walker, of New Plymouth, and Dr. Porritt, of Wanganui,

In some districts the use of the holdler has become general. It is seen attached to almost every class of vehicle. Tradesmen use it on their carts, . while a smart turn-out would .be considered incomplete without it. The farmers,, too, use it on the milk-cort, with the result that the danger of a runaway: while waiting at the factory is obviated. Agents have been appointed for all the North Island districts and the holder will bo'sbown by them to all interested. The patentees claim that carelessness with horses in harness is more or less criminal;...and there can be no doubt that'■a runaway places the lives of the people, especially those of ladies and children, in jeopardy. Accidents through bolting horses occur from time to time in the streets of our own town, and it is to be hoped that the general adoption of the Clapham patent will render occurrences of this nature an impossibility. Messrs. Olapham Bros, have just completed arrangements with’ a well-known Melbourne firm, for the sole agency of the -Patent for the whole of the Commonwealth, of Australia.