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Invention Needs Stimulating
THAT the impetus to the curve of progress is
invention, was one of Elie cogent remarks made by Mr. R. S. V. Barber, B.Sc. (Eng.), M.I.Struct.E., A.M.I.E.E., in his recent presidential address to the Society of Engineers. , He added that the curve was not steady in its upward climb, in recent history there had been two periods when it rose sharply. These represented times when we were engaged in intense wars.
On the other hand, it was wrong to state because of this that war was a factos of progress. It might be termed a "secondary infection," for in times of national trouble invention was encouraged, grants were made and honours given. Naturally all human qualities responded to encouragement, but much of the impetus of progress was wasted or lost in times of peace, as a result of the absence of this stimulus. It would, however, be a fallacy to believe that any reduction had occurred in the inventive powers of the individual.
It would seem from these claims that something rnore should be done in normal times to entourage those with inventive minds.
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"Vapour Paper" Prevents Corrosion
A S a result of much research by the companies in 1-k the Royal Dutch-Shell group, a new method of preventing rust and corrosion has been developed and is now being put into extensive use. The idea. is to employ some material which will emit an inhibiting vapour. At first this was made in powder form but now it is employed as a coating on paper and supplied in various grades in rolls of standard lengths but all of one width. Some can be used for interleaving, others as labels or tags, which can be printed when necessary and attached to the articles to be protected, whilst bags or envelopes of the paper are obviously excellent. The licensee and producer here is Leonard Btace, Ltd., York Place, Swindon Road, Cheltenham, Llos., and the papers are known by the letters V.P.I. (Vapour Phase Inhibitor).
Recently we received a sample of this paper, which was specially cut to the requirements of Tudor Accessories, Ltd., and attached to all its chromiumplated products for the home and overseas markets. The company states that this method is proving most effective in preventing corrosion.
",Motor Cycling" Golden Anniversary CONGRATULATIONS to our associated journal,
"Motor Cycling," which is celebrating its 50th year, as it first appeared on February 12, 1902. This Golden Anniversary is marked by a special, enlarged, historical edition dated February 14. Its includes a photogravure supplement presenting past highlights of the sport and industry, and articles by notable pioneers.
It Never Rains but • •
APART from causing fares to be raised, heavy increases in fuel tax imposed in the Budgets of 1950 and 1951 have had unpleasant indirect effects on the public in the reduction of facilities. Luxuries, such as shelters for passengers, have gone by the board.
It is not generally recognized that bus operators who, provide shelters for the public benefit have to pay rates on them. This imposition, added to the cost of erection and maintenance, places shelters in the front rank of economy measures. Even if they
be handed over to .local authorities, the expense of installation is heavy and company budgets will not stand it. So, until better days arrive, passengers at stops where shelters are not already provided will have to stand in the rain.
High-speed Road Surfacing
SECTIONS of rubberized surface dressings were laid at high speed recently by the Ceylon Public Works Department, along Alexandra Place, one of Colombo's main arteries leading to the Colombo Exhibition. The covering consisted of 80-100 penetration bitumen to which 2 per cent. of Mealorub natural rubber powder had been added, the whole being poured on the road by watering cans and spread by squeegees, then being "blinded" with sharp, fresh-water sand.
Although many of the vehicles using the highway are bullock carts with steel-tyred wheels, traffic was allowed on the road immediately after the completion of each section. Reports state that, despite tropical' heat, the surface showed no signs of bleeding