ANTARVTIC COOLERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2705, 8 January 1910, Page 7

ANTARVTIC COOLERS.

A USEFUL INVENTION.

In these hot summer days any patent which succeeds in enabling people to keep food deliciously cool is something to be eagerly sought after. Mes s rs W. S. Hart and J. H . Ormond, of Gisborne, have just patented an “Antarctic Cooler” which, it is claimed, far surpasses anything designed for a similar purpose. Built of a special composition comprising ground pumice and cement, the cooler is a permanency when, once installed ; there is nothing to "o out of order, and those who have been fortunate enough to secure them already speak in the highest terms of the efficacy of the patent. Based somewhat on the sunken drain ripe principle, the cooler comprises two circular pipes of special design, one within the other. The pattern moulds are of a special make, and a great deal of time and money, was expended before initial difficulties were overcome. The composition and mixing of the ingredients were also the subject of much experimenting, and the idea that has been hit upon produces the necessary porous material, combined with strength and lightness. The inner pipe forms the cooler—the. receptacle for food, etc. It is separated from the shorter outer pipe by a water jacket, through which the water weeps continuously into theMnside of the cooler. Evaporation by the sun causes a steady upward draught, reducing the temperature ipside the cooler to a remarkable degree! A tight-fitting lid prevents any dirt getting into the cooler, whilst slugs, worms, etc., are completely excluded by the placing of sawdust, sprinkled with chloride of calcium, in the water jacket. It also keeps down the temperature- The introduction of a little red coloring diminishes the penetrating rays of the sun. It is possible to attach, a funnel to the safe and create a forced

draught. The process of manufacture is interesting, and special knowledge, acuqired after many failures, is required to ohviato the. blocks sticking in the moulds. Already quite a number of orders have been received, and on the occasion of the reporter’s visit the first cartload of a consignment of 100 sacks of ground pumice, which is obtainable in any quantity locally, had come to hand. The coolers are being sold, installed anywhere within the borough, for £2 each. Amongst those who already have the coolers in successful use are Mr J. R. Jones, engineer to the Gisborne Freezing Works, Mr A. S. Wachsinann, and Mir S. Muir. Messrs Mart and Ormond have just erected a factory at Whataupo'ko to place the new cooler upon the market. The firm is also importing special machinery, with a view to extending operations in the direction of manufacturing hollow concrete, bricks, pipes, roofing and floor tiles, and garden border tiles of any design.