MR. PURVES had firmer ground to stand on when he stated that “the Act said nothing about the shape of a ship.” This is true, but I think the day is not far distant when those in authority will pass an act interfering with both the shape and the rig of ships. The terribly increasing loss of life and property at sea is forcing both of these important points into prominence. No further back than February 19, 1895, Mr. Tankerville Chamberlayne, M.P.,—from his place in the House of Commons—asked the President of the Board of Trade “to consider the advisability of recommending, or compelling, shipbuilders to construct steamers with overhanging or raking stems as formerly, inasmuch as in the event of a collision the damage sustained from a vessel so constructed is almost always confined to those parts above the water-line, whereas, with the present ram shaped bows, a ship run into is almost certain to sink.” While on the subject of collisions I may as well mention that I was lately present at a practical exhibition of an invention which if adopted by shipowners would, I am convinced, reduce the loss of life and property, through collision or leakage, to a minimum. The apparatus is the simplest and most effective I have ever seen. It consists of a double sheet of canvas—the length and width of which to be regulated by the size of the ship carrying it—interlined with strong wooden battens. In the event of a collision, this “apron” (as it is called) has only to be carried by one or two men, from its place on deck, the upper end made fast to the bulwark above the fracture, and the rest pitched overboard. This done in less than ten seconds the apron will unroll right down,—as far as the keel if necessary—completely cover the hole, make it watertight, and allow permanent repairs to be made from within while the ship proceeds on her voyage to a port! The rapidity and certainty with which the apron flies to the aperture is like magic, and must be seen to be believed by those who do not understand that it simply follows a natural law in being drawn by the suction of the inrushing water. The inventor and patentee, Mr. James Holmes, the Auckland shipbuilder, is now resident in Melbourne, where (as also in Sydney and New Zealand) he has given a number of practical tests in the presence, and with the entire approval, of the highest engineering and nautical authorities. The apron is inexpensive, and should be added by all our Marine Boards to the life saving apparatus which all ships are compelled to carry.