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Star (Christchurch), Issue 20056, 20 September 1920, Page 8

Mr Fraser Cause and Mrs Fraser Gauge (Miss Amy Frans), the wellknown vocalists, arrived in Christchurch during the week-end. There has recently been patented, a device lor raising sunken ships which bids tail- to bo highly effectual. The principle underlying the invention ’is tno tiring into the vessel of a novel form ot grip. Tins, after penetrating the hull, automatically opens out two extending arras, which firmly grasp the plates. The grips are discharged from a special gun by means of compressed ail. After being loaded on the surlaco, the gun is submerged to tlio level of tiie vessel, and is then (ired by electricity, magnetic power being employed to keep tho muzzle of the j gun pointing towards the vessel. Tlio gun can bo raised to the surtac© again and reloaded as often as is necessary. When a sufficient number of grips have been placed in position, tho vessel, if it is not at too great a depth, can be refloated by means of the cables attached to them. It, however, the water is too deep to permit of this, specially constructed cylinders are slid down the cables, and compressed air is pumped into them until they are buoyant enough to raise the vessel It i s stated that offers to purchase the patent have already been Smpaw«. BerWal 6LiPI)i “ S UHd 6alVflS0 ‘