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Tun Attention of tlio Government has l»con called by Mr. Cosmo Nowbery, inspector of explosives, and Colonel Disney, to the fact that largo quantities of explosives are stored in Melbourne and in the hulks in tlie bay, to the danger of the public. In Melbourne there arc 800,000 or !00,000 detonating caps charged with fulminate, as there is no law prohibiting them being stored in the busiest centres. As the caps are liable to explode upon the application of a Certain amount of heat, the danger in the event of a fire occiiriing has Wen forcibly pointed out. There is further risk arising from the damaged condition of some of the dynamite stored in the hulks in the hay. It is well known that when the nitro-glycerine, which is the active explosive principle in dynamite, exudes from the infusorial earth in which it is packed, the cases are likely to he exploded by the slightest concussion. And it is alleged that a portion of the stores in the bay is in this condition. Mr. Newbery has had an interview with Mr. Service, and it was arranged that the former gentleman should undertake the sole control of such arrangements as he may consider requisite for removing the danger. He has visited the powder hulk in Hobson’s lbiy, and having again examined the dynamite stored there, lie found 110 reason for altering his opinion that a considerable quantity of the material is in a very unsafe condition. He has arranged that some of the worst parcels owned by the Harbour Trust are to W removed at once, and either destroyed or used before they become more dangerous. Steps will bo immediately taken to remove to safe quarters the other explosives from which the city ia in danger.
Newspaper Details
Melbourne Australasian Sketcher with Pen and Pencil
Melbourne, Victoria, AU
Mon, Jun 30, 1884
Page 2
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
USA 21 Mar 2024
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