THE MARINERS’ COMPASS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12688, 9 July 1919, Page 4

THE MARINERS’ COMPASS.

Ancient Chinese records would seem to give the use of the magnetic needle for determining direction a long and varied history. The principle of the compass, 'or as the Chinese call it, the smith-pointing chariot, is stated by Chinese and foreign authorities alike to have been discovered during the reign of Chong Wang, 1115-1079 80. The discovery was forgotten in a few hundred years. Then the philosopher Chang Hong, who died in 139 8.C.,■ reconstructed the device. In succeeding troubles his model was lost and forgotten. From the third century A.D. onward great interest was shown by) the Chinese sages in the allusions in old writing to the mysterious southpointing chariot. Attempt after attempt was made to s’olve the riddle, and then we read in writings of the eleventh century of the compass being in use by mariners. The Chinese southpointing chariot was a magnetised needle suspended on a thread, so as to give freedom to its Worth and south propensities. It seems not to have been used by the Chinese for navigation, but solely as an instrument for geographers. It is probable that the Chinese junk captains 'of early days found it a needless luxury in their shore hugging and river navigation.

n Marry money, my hoy, marry money.” “Tim?” ■ “It’s just as easy to love a rich girl as a poor girl.” ‘‘ But it isn’t as easy to get ’em to marry you, old top.”

‘‘ How long has that clerk rvorked ioi you?” asked the caller- ‘‘About tour hours,” replied the boss- “I Thougnt he had been here longer than Wat,” said the caller. “Helms,” said tiie Boss. “ He’s been here for four raontns.”