A NEW TORPEDO.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6124, 10 March 1898, Page 2

A NEW TORPEDO.

Soine months ago Mr J. F. Perkins, of Ponsonby, conducted some experiments in Auckland Harbour, with a torpedo of his invention. He was advised by naval experts to make a fresh model and have it tested and brought under the notice of the Australian Governments, and of the experts in the Australasian s.juadron. Mr Perkins has lately returned from Sydney, where he gave some trails which considerably surprised, it is stated, the naval authorities. One expert told him if he turned out a torpedo on the lines of his model, and of its demonstrated advantages, it would prove of the highest value. The model was but three feet ten inches in length, yet upon being launched from a wobbling dingy in Circular Quay, at a mooring buoy° two hundred yards distant, it only° went four feet Avide of the mark. Another trial was given in Lavender Bay, when it only missed by six feet a buoy four hundred yards distant. Last week Mr Perkins received a report on the trials from Mr G E. Richards, of the New South Wales Naval Brigade, in which he says, " After careful consideration I am of opinion that the steering arrangements of the torpedo are more simple and better m their action than any at present in use." Mr Perkins is now, says the Herald .preparing for further trials in.' the Auckland Havbour.