LIFE RAFTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 752, 28 April 1866, Page 2

LIFE RAFTS.

The melancholy loss of life which attended the foundering of the Londo© steamer, in the Bay of Biscay, and which has re-ulted from the many shipwrecks ou our coasts during the late storms, has produced numerous suggestions for the im-

provement of existing means of saving life at sea. Among the many plans which have been put forward there is not one which commends itself so strongly to our minds as likely to achieve tie desired result as a life raft, designed by Captain Hurst, who has been many years engaged in the mercantile marine, and who, consequently, brings to bear upon any proposal of the kind he may submit the benefits of long and practical experience. This gentlemen proposes a rait> formed of two light metal pontoons, braced together by iron rods, and supporting a light flu-sh deck. The sides are protected by cloth or tarpauling fixed to light movable stanchions. The pontoons are constructed in compartments, and may be made available for a moderate amount of stowage. The raft can be worked with ten banks, or any lees number of oars, and light masts for a felucca sail and jib can be readilyset. The launching of the raft from thedeck or sides of a ship appears to be a compwatively easy matter, much more so y indeed, than that of any other process of boat lowering. The construction of the raft, being broad and flat, would appear to possess great advantages in a heavy sea ; its chances of upsetting are reduced to a minimum. It cannot be swamped with any amount of seas, as, like the decks of the Monitor turret ships of America, there are no gunwales, and there are no bulkheads or cabins to fill. When on the sea it can be readily handled and steered, either on a wind or before it. A raft of thirty feet in length would besufficiently large to carry seventy people, with a good supply of stores. Another advantage which the raft possesses is its portability and facility of stowage on board, and it may c een, if necessary, be hung flat against the side of a ship, from which - position it can be readily lowered. The raft has been submitted to the principal members of Lloyd's, and other seamen, and' no adverse opinion has been pronounced' respecting its merits. — Observer.