Chapter V: Part 5

_No. 5. Durham. (Fig. 5.) February 2nd. 1 killed, 4 injured._

One of twelve. Plain cylinder, 13 years old, 30ft. long, 6ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 35 lbs. pressure. The plates were arranged lengthways, so that the seams were in continuous lines from end to end. This has often been mentioned as giving far less strength than where the plates are placed in rings. There had been considerable repair at various times, and just previous to explosion the boiler had been placed as was supposed in thorough repair, and some new plates had been put over the fireplace. The first rent appears to have taken place where one of these plates joined the old work. The rent quickly extended along a straight seam, and the boiler was blown into three pieces. The explosion was simply caused by the boiler having been weakened by frequent repair until unable to bear the ordinary working pressure. Externally fired boilers, when so frequently patched become treacherous and uncertain, and more especially so when the seams run from end to end. See No. 59.

_No. 6. South Wales. February 12th. 2 injured._

This was a colliery boiler. Very few particulars were obtained. The roof of the engine house was blown off, the boiler was torn from its fittings and turned right round, and knocked down three walls and fell in an upright position.

_No. 7. Cornwall. (Fig. 6.) February 15th. none injured._

One of four. One tube Cornish, 37ft. 6in. long, 7ft. diameter. Tube 4ft. 4in. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 40 lbs. pressure.

The tube collapsed for the whole length beyond the bridge, and the back end of boiler was blown out. The portion of tube over the fire was left intact, and the fusible plug was uninjured. The cause of the explosion was the weakness of the tube of such large diameter and so great length. See No. 57.

_No. 8. Yarmouth. (Fig. 7.) February 23rd. 3 injured._

Marine, 17ft. long, and 15ft. high, 3/8 inch plates, 15 lbs. pressure. The top was blown off, the plates having been extensively corroded. The boiler had also been much weakened by altering it from a round to a flat top without sufficient stays.

_No. 9. Drogheda. March 3rd. 2 injured._

The roof of a shed was blown off, but no particulars have been obtained.

_No. 10. West Bromwich. (Fig. 8.) March 9th. 3 injured._

One of two. Plain cylinder, 25ft. long, 4ft. 6in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 42 lbs. pressure. The boiler had been very frequently repaired, and a seam gave way where a large patch had just previously been put on over the fire, in doing which the rivet holes of the old work had evidently been cracked, rendering the boiler unable to bear the usual working pressure. See No. 45.

_No. 11. Cornwall. March 18th. none injured._

One tube Cornish. The tube collapsed from want of water.

_No. 12. Broseley. (Fig. 9.) April 1st. 1 killed, 4 injured._

Multitubular, 9 years old, 8ft. 6in. long, barrel 6ft. long, and 2ft. 4in. diameter, 5/16 inch plates, 50 lbs. pressure. The cylinder was attached to right side of the top of the boiler over the fire box, and on the other side there was a very large manhole, the edges of which were corroded, and so strained and cracked by the screwing up of the manlid, as to be unable to bear the working pressure. The rent started in all directions from the manhole allowing the boiler to split up into three pieces. See Nos. 18 and 36.

_No. 13. Cornwall. April 11th. none injured._

One tube Cornish--but no particulars.

_No. 14. Barking. (Fig. 10.) April 19th. 4 killed, 2 injured._

Portable Crane, 8 years old, 8ft. 3in. high, 4ft. 4in. diameter, with internal fire box, 6ft. high and 3ft. 6in. diameter, and chimney passing out at the top, 5/16 inch plates, 40 lbs. pressure. The internal fire box crushed in sideways, and the shell was rent into several pieces. The attachment of the fire box to the shell was made by bending the plates, as shown in enlarged sketch, and this is not so rigid as double angle iron and had evidently strained the chimney tube. This weakness had been so increased by deep corrosion just at the bend of the plates that it had given way. The havoc and loss of life was far greater than would have been supposed possible from so small a boiler, but similar cases are mentioned in No. 43, 1868, and No. 57, 1866.

_No. 15. Durham. (Fig. 11.) April 23rd. none injured._

One of two. Plain cylinder, with plates arranged lengthways, 30ft. long, 6ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 9 lbs. pressure. A seam gave way on the right side over the fire and immediately rent along the straight seam from end to end, and the boiler was thrown in one mass a great distance to the left. The boiler was very old and much weakened by frequent repair, and at the time of explosion was being imprudently worked at twice its usual pressure for a temporary purpose. See No. 59.

_No. 16. Bury. (Fig. 12.) April 29th. none injured._

Double Furnace, internally fired, 28ft. long, 7ft. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 55 lbs. pressure. Furnace tubes 7ft. long, 3ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates. The crown of the left hand furnace collapsed and the right hand furnace was slightly altered in shape, as if from overheating by shortness of water, although the true cause was supposed to be the thickening of the water by use of anti-incrustation composition, preventing proper contact of the water with the plates.

_No. 17. Liverpool. (Fig. 13.) May 12th. 1 killed, 1 injured._

Plain cylinder, 10ft. long, 3ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 50 lbs. pressure. The ends were flat made of plates, with turned edges, and there was such extensive corrosion on the inside of the bend that the back end came out and was blown 30 yards to the right and rear, the rest of the boiler being thrown to the front. The front plate had been repaired with angle iron where similarly corroded, and the shell was also much patched. The fractured edges were not 1/16 inch thick, so that the boiler was not fit to carry any pressure with safety.

_No. 18. Abingdon. (Fig. 14.) May 13th. 2 killed, 2 injured._

Revolving Rag boiler, 16ft. long, 6ft. diameter, 7/16 in. plates. There was no fire applied to the boiler itself, but it received steam through one end from other ordinary boilers at 50 lbs. pressure. There were two large rectangular manholes for putting in and taking out the rags, with cast iron frames and lids, attached by bolts with large nuts or clamps.

The explosion appeared to have taken place when, in revolving, the manlids were approaching the bottom, and the first part to give way was at one of the manholes where the frame was previously broken. The cause of the explosion was the weakness of the manholes, which were very large, and both in the same line, and the attachment of the lids was insecure, as the bolts did not go through the lids, or in any way help to compensate for the large portion of the plate cut away. The boiler was only supported at each end, and had to act as a hollow girder to bear not only its own weight but the repeated shocks of the heavy material inside falling over and over in addition to the pressure. See Nos. 41 and 63, 1866.

_No. 19. Glasgow. May 19th. 1 killed, 1 injured._

Two tube Cornish. One of the tubes collapsed for a length of 8 feet having become overheated through shortness of water.

_No. 20. Durham. (Fig. 15.) May 29th. 3 injured._

One of ten, 16 years old, Plain Cylinder with plates arranged lengthways, 34ft. long, 5ft. 6in. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 50 lbs. pressure. The boiler gave way at one of the long straight seams near the bottom, and rent into five pieces, which were scattered to wide distances, but are so drawn in sketch as to show whereabouts in the boiler they came from. The boiler had been weakened by frequent repair until unable to bear the ordinary pressure. See No. 59.

_No. 21. South Wales. (Fig. 16.) May 31st. 5 killed, 4 injured._

One of three, very old, plain Cylinder, with flat ends, 34ft. long, 6ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 40 lbs. pressure. There had formerly been a tube through the boiler, and when this was taken away new flat ends had been put in without sufficient stays to compensate for the loss of the tube. The front end was blown out, and the reaction sent the boiler upwards and broke it into three pieces. See No. 47.

_No. 22. Bingley. (Fig. 17.) June 9th. 15 killed, 33 injured._

Two tube Cornish, 16ft. long, 6ft. 9in. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 50 lbs. pressure. Tubes 2ft. 6in. diameter. The bottom was so much corroded that it rent open, and the boiler was torn to pieces which were scattered to wide distances. The boiler had been much neglected and badly used, and the safety valve was insufficient, of bad construction, and overloaded, and the alarm whistle was gagged.

_No. 23. Cornwall. June 14th. 1 injured._

Cornish, but no particulars have been obtained.

_No. 24. Durham. (Fig. 18.) June 16th. 3 killed, 1 injured._

One of three. Plain Cylinder, with plates arranged lengthways, 30ft. long, 6ft. 6in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 28 lbs. pressure, 25 years old.

A seam gave way over the fire where there had been frequent repair, and the boiler was rent into two pieces, which were thrown to some distance. See No. 59.

_No. 25. Airdrie. June 23rd. 2 killed, 3 injured._

Two tube Cornish, 35ft. long, 6ft. diameter. Tube 3ft. 2in. diameter over fire, and 2ft. diameter beyond, 50 lbs. pressure. The tube collapsed over the fire, having been very much weakened by frequent repair.

_No. 26. Nuneaton. (Fig. 19.) July 5th. 3 injured._

Plain Cylinder, 25ft. long, 4ft. 6in. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 25 lbs. pressure. The plates along the line of rupture were corroded to 1/16 inch, and in some places much less, so that the boiler was quite unfit for the ordinary working pressure.

_No. 27. Birmingham. (Fig. 20.) July 6th. 1 injured._

Small Plain Cylinder, 5ft. long, 2ft. 2in. diameter, 1/4 inch plates, 25 lbs. pressure. Both sides of the boiler were corroded nearly through so that the strength was entirely gone, and it rent in two at the ordinary pressure.

_No. 28. Wishaw. July 9th. 2 killed, 2 injured._

One of six. Breeches Tube. The tube or combustion chamber collapsed, having become overheated through shortness of water.

_No. 29. Kidderminster. (Fig. 21.) July 16th. 1 killed, 4 injured._

Plain Cylinder, 21ft. long, 4ft. 6in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 50 lbs. pressure. The boiler was very old and very much corroded. It had slightly rent open at some former time, and a most wretchedly made patch, shown in enlarged sketch, had been put on to stop leaking, made of thin sheets of iron inside and out and pasteboard between, held together by 36 slight bolts. Of course this patch did not restore the strength of the boiler, and it soon leaked badly, and the leaking hastened the corrosion of the plate below, until it was nearly eaten away, and quite unfit to bear the working pressure.

_No. 30. Leeds. July 19th. 4 injured._

One of three, 12 years old. Two tube Cornish, 32ft. long, 7ft. 6in. diameter. Tube 2ft. 10in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 45 lbs. pressure. The right hand tube collapsed from end to end sideways, and ruptured in the furnace, and part of the tube was blown out. The cause of the explosion was simply the weakness of the tube without strengthening rings.

_No. 31. South Wales. (Fig. 22.) July 19th. 1 killed._

One of two. Plain Cylinder, 32ft. long, 5ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 40 lbs. pressure. It gave way where deeply corroded on the inside.

_No. 32. Burslem. (Fig. 23.) July 22nd. 1 killed, 3 injured._

One of six. Plain Cylinder, 36ft. long, 6ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 50 lbs. pressure. Although the boiler was not an old one, it had been much repaired at the seams with strap plates. It was said that the water was very bad, and deposited much mud, which allowed the seams to get overheated and injured. The seam which rent was an original one, and no doubt was ripped as the others had been before repair, and that this rip extended from hole to hole until a rupture at the ordinary pressure was the result.

_No. 33. Preston. August 4th. 1 killed._

Locomotive. In shunting the engine was dragged under a bridge that was not intended for locomotives to pass, and the dome was knocked off.

_No. 34. London. (Fig. 24.) August 11th. 3 killed._

Marine, 8ft. long, 5ft. 6in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 80 lbs. pressure. The flat front end gave way at the angle iron all round, allowing the front with tubes attached, and the shell to be thrown in opposite directions.

The front being flat was very weak, and depended for its strength on gusset stays and small bolts connecting the back of the combustion chamber and the round end of the shell. These stays were very defective and insufficient, and the angle iron was bad and not welded into one ring, and the boiler was therefore unfit to bear the ordinary pressure, and gave way at the weakest place.

_No. 35. Cornwall. (Fig. 25.) August 16th. none injured._

One tube Cornish, 32ft. long, 6ft. 6in. diameter. Tube 4ft. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 40 to 50 lbs. pressure. There was no steam gauge.

The tube collapsed from end to end, both ends being torn, but the boiler was not moved from its seat. The fusible plug was uninjured. The cause of the explosion was the weakness of the large tube. See No. 57.

_No. 36. Leicester. (Fig. 26.) September 1st. 1 injured._

Upright, 5ft. 6in. high, 4ft. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 40 lbs. pressure. The top of the boiler was blown out. The rent commenced in the manhole, which was unguarded by a ring, and cracks two inches long had existed before explosion. See Nos. 12 and 18.

_No. 37. Preston. (Fig. 27.) September 3rd. 1 killed, 1 injured._

One of two. Two tube Cornish, 30ft. long, 7ft. 2in. diameter. Tube 2ft. 8in. in furnaces, and 2ft. 4in. beyond, 3/8 inch plates, 50 lbs. pressure.

The left furnace crown collapsed and ruptured, and the right furnace crown was slightly altered in shape. The two boilers were connected by one feed pipe without back valves, so that the water from this boiler was forced into the other and allowed the tubes to be overheated.

_No. 38. Liverpool. (Fig. 28.) September 8th. 1 killed, 1 injured._

One tube Cornish, 22ft. 6in. long, 6ft. diameter, 3ft. tube, 7/16 inch plates, 55 lbs. pressure.

The tube collapsed over the fire. It was so much thinned by corrosion, and so many of the rivet heads were eaten off, that there was not strength left to bear the ordinary pressure.

_No. 39. Boxmoor. (Fig. 29.) September 10th. 1 killed, 4 injured._

One of three. One tube Cornish, 27ft. 3in. long, 5ft. diameter. Tube 2ft. 10in. over furnace, and 2ft. 8in. beyond, 3/8 inch plates, 40 lbs. pressure. One ring of plates was blown out of the back end of shell.

There was such extensive external corrosion on the seating at the bottom that the boiler was unable to bear the working pressure.

_No. 40. Hull. (Fig. 30.) September 16th. 1 killed, 1 injured._

Breeches Tube, 13 years old, 30ft. long, 7ft. diameter. Furnace tube 2ft. 10in. diameter. Main tube 3ft. 5-1/2in. diameter, and originally made to work at 20 lbs. pressure, but working lately at 45 lbs. The main tube collapsed. The boiler was not adapted for the pressure at which it was worked, and the tube was much weakened by the overheating caused by a thick incrustation of scale, and was not strengthened by any rings or stays, and was of very weak construction as the plates were arranged lengthways.

_No. 41. South Wales. (Fig. 31.) September 26th. 1 killed, 1 injured._

One of two, 20 years old. Plain Cylinder, 36ft. long, 6ft. 6in. diameter, 9/16 inch plates, 35 lbs. pressure.

The plates and rivet heads were very much reduced in thickness by internal corrosion, and in many places were only 1/8 inch or less.

_No. 42. Warrington. October 6th. 2 killed, 6 injured._

One of seventeen. Two tube Cornish, 22ft. long, 7ft. 6in. diameter. Tube 2ft. 6in. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 45 lbs. pressure.

The left hand tube collapsed. The blow-off cock was left open until the water was so low as to allow the tube to be overheated.

_No. 43. Rowley. (Fig. 32.) October 13th. none injured._

Plain Cylinder, with flat ends, 15ft. long, 3ft. 10in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 25 lbs. pressure.

The back end ripped all round the angle iron, and was blown out, and the rest of the boiler was thrown forward a considerable distance.

There had once been an internal tube, and when this was taken out the flat end had no stay, and was unfit to bear the usual pressure. See No. 47.

_No. 44. Newcastle. (Fig. 33.) October 14th. 2 killed, 5 injured._

Plain Cylinder, with plates arranged lengthways, 29ft. long, 6ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 25 lbs. pressure.

Although only 3 years old the boiler had always given trouble, and had been very frequently repaired. Some new plates had just been put in the bottom, and as the primary rent was in the old plates adjoining them, it is most likely they had caused seam rips in the old metal.

The frequent repair had reduced the strength until unequal to bear the ordinary pressure. See No. 59.

_No. 45. Greatbridge. (Fig. 34.) October 18th. 2 killed, 2 injured._

One of eight, 15 years old. Plain Cylinder, 40ft. long, 6ft. diameter, 1/2 inch plates. The boiler had originally carried 60 lbs., but lately only 40 lbs. The boiler had been worked very hard, and had been so often repaired, that many of the seams were continuous for a long distance without break of joint, so that its strength was reduced until unable to bear the ordinary pressure.

The treacherousness and uncertainty of boilers with one patch over another has often been pointed out, as in Nos. 3, 4, 10, and 32.

_No. 46. Acorington. (Fig. 35.) October 19th. 2 killed, 3 injured._

One tube Cornish, 14ft. 6in. long, 5ft. diameter. Tube 2ft. 10in. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 40 lbs. pressure usually, and sometimes 60 lbs. One ring of plates was blown out of shell.

The boiler was so very badly corroded at the bottom, that the edges of the rent were quite sharp like a knife, and the boiler was therefore unable to bear the usual working pressure. The flues were too narrow to enter for proper inspection, and the bearing surfaces were too wide and retained moisture against the plates.

_No. 47. Lydney. (Fig. 36.) October 28th. 1 killed._

One of four. Plain Cylinder with round front and flat back end, 36ft. long, 6ft. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 20 lbs. pressure.

The flat end was blown out, the rent extending all round the angle iron.

There had originally been a breeches tube in the boiler with a strong stay to the front end, but when this was taken out no stays were put to the flat end to compensate for the loss of their support. The angle iron attaching the flat end was made in four pieces instead of being welded, and it was reduced to 3/16 inch thick by external corrosion, so that it was not strong enough to bear the ordinary working pressure.

The extreme imprudence of altering boilers without due care to preserve their strength has been often pointed out. See Nos. 21 and 43.

_No. 48. Newcastle. (Fig. 37.) October 29th. none injured._

One of six. Plain Cylinder, with plates arranged lengthways, 40ft. long, 5ft. 3in. diameter, 40 lbs. pressure.

The boiler gave way at the fire end, and divided in two, and both pieces were blown to a great distance. The boiler was old and had been much repaired, and the seams running from end to end made it very weak, but the immediate cause of the rupture was supposed to be shortness of water and consequent overheating of the plates. See No. 59.

_No. 49. Stockport. October 30th. 1 killed._

One of eight. Two tube Cornish, 30ft. long, 7ft. 4in. diameter. Tube 2ft. 11in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 50 lbs. pressure.

The crown of the right hand tube became overheated from shortness of water, and bulged down and rent half round at the second seam of rivets.

_No. 50. Durham. (Fig. 38.) November 2nd. 1 injured._

One of four. Plain Cylinder, with the plates arranged lengthways, 38ft. long, 6ft. 6in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 35 lbs. pressure. A seam over the fire slightly to the right side gave way where there had been frequent repair to stop leaking. At the part which gave way there had formerly been a side fire, which had perhaps damaged the seams. This boiler was known to have been in bad condition and needing repairs. See No. 59.

_No. 51. Sheerness. (Fig. 39.) November 3rd. 11 killed, 7 injured._

One of three. Marine, 15ft. 6in. long, 6ft. diameter. Furnace Tube 2ft. 4in. diameter, 5/8 inch plates, 80 lbs. pressure.

The left hand tube collapsed and ruptured, and the contents issued at the front and scalded all near. The right hand tube was also slightly out of shape on the top.

The cause of the collapse was, that the water had been allowed to get below the crowns of the furnaces. There was no means of ascertaining how the shortness of water occurred, as all were killed who had the opportunity of knowing.

_No. 52. Cornwall. (Fig. 40.) November 25th. 1 injured._

One of five, 30 years old. One tube Cornish, 36ft. long, 7ft. diameter. Tube 3ft. 10in. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 40 lbs. pressure.

The shell was rent into several large pieces and thrown to some distance. The tube was also thrown out and broken, chiefly by its fall and striking against walls.

The boiler was corroded very badly on the seating, which must have been known, as there were numerous small screw patches to prevent leaking at the corroded places. The shell was in such bad condition, that it was quite unfit to bear the ordinary working pressure. See No. 58.

_No. 53. Bilston. (Fig. 42.) December 3rd. 8 killed, 1 injured._

One of three. Four Furnace Upright, 20ft. high, 10ft. diameter. Centre tube 10ft. high, 4ft. 6in. diameter, side tubes 2ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 35 lbs. pressure.

The central tube collapsed, and the bottom part was blown out, and allowed the contents of the boiler to issue from the bottom into the culvert leading to the stack, and into the necks of the furnaces from which it was heated. The reaction sent the boiler up to a great height, and it divided into eleven fragments, which were very widely scattered. Comparatively little damage was done to the furnaces and premises, only the brickwork surrounding the boiler being thrown down.

Although it had only worked a short time at this place, it was very old, and the central tube was corroded until only 1/8 inch thick in many places, and many of the rivet heads were quite eaten away. It was altogether so worn out that it was quite unfit to work at any pressure.

_No. 54. Cornwall. (Fig. 43.) December 6th. none injured._

One tube Cornish, 32ft. long, 6ft. diameter. Tube 4ft. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 40 to 50 lbs. pressure. The tube collapsed from end to end, and the front portion was blown out with the front end, and the back end was left attached to the shell, and but little moved from its seat.

The cause was doubtless the weakness of such a large tube.

This is the third explosion at this engine. One of the previous explosions is described at No. 35.

_No. 55. Stonehaven. December 9th. 2 injured._

Locomotive, but no particulars have been obtained.

_No. 56. Cornwall. (Fig. 44.) December 10th. none injured._

One tube Cornish, 26ft. long, 6ft. 6in. diameter, tube 3ft. 10in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 40 lbs. pressure. The tube collapsed and ruptured in the central part from weakness.

_No. 57. Cornwall. (Fig. 45.) December 11th. none injured._

One tube Cornish, 32ft. long, 6ft. 6in. diameter. Tube 4ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 60 lbs. pressure.

It was an old boiler, and some of the plates of the tube were thinned by corrosion, but it had only just been put to work at this place, and burst the first day of working.

The tube collapsed beyond the bridge, and the back part with the back end plate was blown out to a great distance. The front end was also ruptured, and the whole boiler was sent forwards. The tube over the fire had not collapsed. The cause of explosion was the weakness of such a large tube without strengthening rings.

Many similar boilers have exploded in the same way from the same cause, as described in Nos. 28, 30, 35, 40, 54, and 56.

_No. 58. Cornwall. (Fig. 46.) December 14th. 2 killed._

One tube Cornish, 26ft. 8in. long, 6ft. diameter. Tube 3ft. 10in. at front end, and 3ft. beyond, 7/16 inch plates, 40 lbs. pressure.

The shell was rent into several pieces, which were scattered to wide distances. The tube was also thrown to a great distance, but was uninjured. The boiler was 36 years old. The shell was very badly corroded, and temporarily repaired with screw patches to stop leaking, so that the boiler was unfit to bear the usual pressure. See No. 52.

_No. 59. Durham. (Fig. 47.) December 29th. 2 killed, 1 injured._

One of three. Plain Cylinder, with plates arranged lengthways, 47ft. long, 6ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 30 lbs. pressure. It gave way at the seams over the fire, where the edges of the plates had been injured by injudicious and excessive repairing and caulking. The pieces were sent to great distances. The weakness of boilers with seams from end to end in continuous lines has often been pointed out. Eight of the exploded boilers this year, Nos. 5, 15, 20, 24, 44, 48, 50, and 59, and many others in former years were of the same objectionable construction.

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The following, not being steam boilers, are not included in the list, but the details may be useful.

* * * * *

_Oldbury. March 10th. 4 killed._

Tar still, 10ft. high, 7ft. diameter, with round top and domed bottom, 3/8 inch plates, and not intended to work at any pressure. The vapour passing away became congealed, and stopped up the small exit pipe, and pressure accumulated sufficiently to burst the weak shaped vessel.

The bottom came completely out and was left upon the fire, while the top ascended to a great height and fell a long distance away. The loss of life was owing to the material igniting and suffocating those who were thrown down by the explosion.

_Greatbridge. December 29th. 2 killed._

Tar still, 12ft. high, 12ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, and not used at any pressure usually.

The upper part separated from the bottom, rending in the angle iron all round. The angle iron near the outlet pipe was corroded nearly away, as shown in enlarged sketch, and the rivet heads were eaten completely off.

It was supposed that the intense frost, during a long stoppage for holidays, had caused the worm to be stopped up and pressure to accumulate, as in the one previously described. But it is perhaps more probable that the vessel gave way because it was corroded so thin in so important a part as the angle iron. The explosion was very slight, the damage and loss of life being from the fierce fire which immediately succeeded it.

_Darlington. August 26th. 2 injured._

Domestic. Rectangular, and made of wrought iron. The front blew out. It was said that all the communication pipes were shut, and therefore steam accumulated until the weakest part gave way.

_Manchester. December 29th. 1 killed, 1 injured._

The sketch is to a much larger scale than the others.

Domestic, 14in. wide, 11in. high, and about 10in. deep, made of cast iron 1/4 inch thick. It had close top and two circulating pipes to warm a bath about 10ft. above it. The supply cistern was about 17ft. above the boiler. The front was blown out into the kitchen. It was said that the pipes were frozen, and that steam pressure had thus accumulated.

The boiler was of a treacherous material and weak shape, and unfit to bear safely the 7 lbs. pressure the column of water from the cistern would give. The fire also acted on the sides of the boiler without any intervening brickwork. If a closed top boiler is used, there should be a dead weight safety valve to prevent pressure. A far safer plan is to have the kitchen boiler with open top and the circulating heater within it, so that it can never get overheated, as it only obtains its heat from the water in the open boiler.

* * * * *

_R. Broomhall, Printer, Stourbridge._

BOILER EXPLOSIONS IN 1870.

_No. 1. Newcastle. (Fig. 1.) January 7th. 3 killed, 1 injured._

One of five. Cornish, 13 years old, 30ft. long, 6ft. 6in. diameter. Tube 3ft. 3in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 30 lbs. pressure. Tube collapsed sideways from weakness, and the front part and the front plate were blown out, carrying the attendants into a deep and swollen river which ran close in front of boilers.

_No. 2. South Wales. (Fig. 2.) January 15th. 1 killed, 4 injured._

Plain cylinder, very old, 32ft. long, 5ft. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 30 lbs. pressure. Externally corroded to 1/16 inch, and gave way near a seam, the front being thrown forward into a house, and the back end 150 yards to the rear, carrying away the stack. It had been badly repaired with bolted patches which had hastened corrosion, and as it was known to be nearly worn out, it was to have been replaced in a few days.

_No. 3. Worksop. (Fig. 3.) January 28th. 2 killed._

Domestic, 2ft. wide, 1ft. 10in. high, and 7in. deep, 3/8 inch plates, with badly welded joints. The circulating pipes to cistern, 15ft. above, were frozen, and steam pressure accumulated and blew out the front.

_No. 4. Ipswich. (Fig. 4.) February 4th. 1 killed._

One of three. Cornish, 7 years old, 24ft. long, 5ft. diameter. Tube 3ft. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 65 lbs. pressure. The boiler was good and well fitted, but an accumulation of salt on tube caused overheating and rupture of 3rd seam.

_No. 5. Sheffield. (Fig. 5.) February 8th. 2 killed, 6 injured._

One of three. Rag Boiler, 2 years old, 11ft. diameter, 9-1/2ft. deep, 7/16 inch plates. Steam was supplied from the engine exhaust, and was usually about 10 lbs. pressure, but as the boilers from which the steam was originally supplied worked at 60 lbs., it is possible this was sometimes exceeded. The vessel was of very weak shape for even 10 lbs. pressure.

_No. 6. Derby. (Fig. 6.) February 14th. 1 killed, 2 injured._

Domestic, 1ft. high, 1ft. wide, 8in. across top, and 12in. across bottom, made of cast-iron, 7/16 inch thick. The fire had been let out sometime, and the circulating pipes to cistern 16ft. above were frozen, and on lighting fire steam was formed for which there was no escape, and the boiler was shattered.

_No. 7. Sheffield. (Fig. 7.) February 14th. 2 killed, 1 injured._

Domestic, used for warming rooms above, 2ft. 6in. wide, 2ft. high, 9in. across top, and 13in. across bottom, 3/8 inch plates. The circulating pipes to cistern, 12ft. above, were frozen, and steam was formed for which there was no vent, and boiler was rent open. The joints were so badly welded that they soon gave way, and little damage was done to property.

_No. 8. Walsall. (Fig. 8.) February 19th. none injured._

One of two. Plain cylinder, 12 years old, 30ft. long, 7ft. diameter, 1/2 inch plates, 50 lbs. pressure. The seams and plates were overheated by shortness of water, and gave way at ordinary pressure. It is supposed the water "kicked" into the other boiler, as there was no back valve to prevent this whenever one boiler happened to be fired a little harder, and consequently at slightly higher pressure than the other. There was no damage except to the boiler.

_No. 9. Birmingham. (Fig. 9.) February 25th. none injured._

Cornish, 5 years old, 32ft. long, 7ft. diameter. Tube 2ft. 4in. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 30 lbs. pressure. Cracked along the bottom of front end where internally "furrowed." The boiler was not disturbed, but as the water escaped into an iron furnace the bricks were scattered, but little damage done. The boiler was intended for two tubes, and therefore there was a large part supported only by stays, allowing of a slight movement with varying pressure which facilitates the corrosion in certain lines of strain called "furrowing." In this case they were so close to the angle iron and filled with scale that they were difficult to detect.

_No. 10. Cornwall. (Fig. 10.) March 17th. 5 injured._

Upright Boiler, 2 ft. high, 1ft. 9in. diameter, 1/4 inch plates. It gave way where deeply corroded externally round the bottom angle iron. The top was blown through the roof and did considerable damage, the bottom being left in the grate.

_No. 11. Sheffield. (Fig. 11.) March 27th. 1 injured._

Agricultural or Contractor's Engine, 9ft. 2in. long, 2ft. 6in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 30 lbs. pressure. The heads of stays on each side were corroded outside and drew through the holes, allowing the angles of fire box to open. Boiler was not disturbed and no damage was done.

_No. 12. Portsmouth. (Fig. 12.) March 29th. 3 killed, 1 injured._

One of two. Cornish, 9 years old, 22ft. long, 6ft. diameter. Tube 3ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 40 lbs. pressure. Gave way at mid-feather wall where corroded to 1/32 inch, at a place where flues were too narrow to enter. Two rings of plates were torn out and blown into an adjoining street, while the reaction of the escaping contents forced the boiler into a building in a very singular manner, doing very great damage. This case is of peculiar interest, because although the cause of explosion was so plain to see, all the old theories of decomposition of steam, and ignition of hydrogen, were revived, and it was even stated that "a bad boiler could not explode, as the corroded part would give way, and allow the steam to escape harmlessly," and any cause seemed to be considered more probable than the plain and simple one, that it was corroded to the thickness of card board. Like many other examples this explosion shows that however well a boiler is tended, it should be examined in the flues to make sure that it is safe.

_No. 13. Manchester. March 30th. 2 killed, 3 injured._

Underground. Some alterations were being done to some brick arching, which fell upon and broke steam pipes, and the escape of steam suffocated those near.

_No. 14. Warrington. (Fig. 13.) April 13th. 6 killed, 3 injured._

Lancashire, used for evaporation only, 24ft. 6in. long, 8ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, and usually worked with little or no pressure.

The boiler was very old and much patched, and incapable of bearing the 15 lbs. pressure which was temporarily put upon it.

_No. 15. Scotland. April 18th. none injured._

Plain cylinder, said to have exploded from shortness of water, but no particulars have been obtained.

_No. 16. Cornwall. (Fig. 14.) April 18th. 1 killed, 1 injured._

One of two. Cornish, very old, 34ft. long, 6ft. diameter. Tube 3ft. 10in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 50 lbs. pressure. The tube collapsed and the front part was blown out, and the boiler was forced back a little. It was said to have been short of water, but the weakness of a tube of such large diameter was most likely the true cause.

_No. 17. Wellington. (Fig. 15.) April 22nd. none injured._

One of two. Balloon, very old, 11ft. high, 9ft. 6in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 5 lbs. pressure. The bottom was corroded externally to 1/8 inch, and temporarily repaired with screw patches, and was so reduced in strength that it gave way at the ordinary pressure.

The top was blown about 20 yards away, but little damage was done.

_No. 18. Cornwall. May. none injured._

Cornish, 30ft. long, 6ft. diameter. Tube 3ft. 6in. diameter, 40 lbs. pressure. Boiler gave way under bottom where corroded very thin, but little damage was done.

_No. 19. Darlaston. (Fig. 16.) May. none injured._

Cornish, 15ft. long, 4ft. 3in. diameter. Tube 1ft. 6in. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 40 lbs. pressure. Tube collapsed and ruptured, having been softened by overheating through shortness of water. Very little damage was done.

_No. 20. Westbromwich. (Fig. 17.) May 12th. 2 killed._

One of three. Plain cylinder, 5 years old, 34ft. long, 6ft. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 45 lbs. pressure. Gave way by the rent of a ripped seam over the fire, which had been repeatedly temporarily patched without restoring the strength or stopping the rip. Three rings were torn out of the middle, while the front end was blown into the bed room of a house, and the back part of the boiler was thrown across a canal through two walls into a distant street. Great damage was done.

_No. 21. Dublin. (Fig. 18.) May 18th. 3 killed, 6 injured._

Cornish. Second-hand, but just started at this place, 26ft. long, 6ft. diameter. Tube 3ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 40 lbs. usual pressure. Tube collapsed from end to end. The pressure at time was supposed to be 70 lbs., and as there was no evidence of shortness of water, it is presumed the tube gave way from weakness. The boiler was moved forward about 20 feet, but much damage was done to premises.

_No. 22. Bury. (Fig. 19.) May 25th. none injured._

Domestic Saddle, 5ft. long, 3ft. high, 2ft. 6in. wide, 3/8 inch plates, 15 lbs. pressure, the cistern being 30ft. above. There were no stays between the inner and outer shell, and the space between them was too small to allow proper circulation of water to keep the plates from overheating, so that it was hardly fit for its ordinary pressure, and the top was blown off.

_No. 23. Kidsgrove. (Fig. 20.) May 26th. 13 killed, 9 injured._

One of three. Four Furnace Upright, 12 years old, 17ft. 6in. high, 9ft. diameter. Centre tube 5ft. 9in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 40 lbs. pressure. The centre tube was much corroded on the inside and collapsed inwards from consequent weakness, allowing the contents to issue at the bottom of the boiler, and the reaction sent the whole boiler high up into the air, and on to a roof causing great damage.

_No. 24. Lowestoft. (Fig. 21.) May 27th. 2 killed._

Crane or Donkey boiler on board a vessel. About 6ft. high, and 3ft. diameter, 25 lbs. pressure. The internal fire box collapsed from the softening of the plates through shortness of water, the blow off pipe having been left open too long. Little or no injury was done to the ship.

_No. 25. Birmingham. (Fig. 22.) June 2nd. 2 killed, 1 injured._

Cornish, 6 years old, 21ft. long, 6ft. diameter. Tube 3ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 40 lbs. pressure. The tube was so much weakened by cracks and by being out of true circle, that it collapsed from end to end at the ordinary working pressure.

_No. 26. Wigan. (Fig. 23.) June 6th. none injured._

One of two. Cornish, 28ft. 7in. long, 5ft. 4in. diameter. Tube 3ft. diameter, slightly oval, 3/8 inch plates, 50 lbs. pressure. Tube collapsed over the fire and ruptured from weakness. The boiler was not moved and the damage was not great.

_No. 27. Bury. June 9th. 1 injured._

Lancashire. The plates were reduced to 1/16 inch by external corrosion, so that the boiler was not able to bear the ordinary pressure, but no details have been obtained.

_No. 28. Workington. (Fig. 24.) June 9th. 7 injured._

One of two. Cornish, nearly new, 16ft. long, 5ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 45 lbs. pressure. Three plates over fire collapsed from overheating through shortness of water.

_No. 29. Nottingham. (Fig. 25.) June 13th. 3 injured._

Ten years old. Plain cylinder, with flat ends, 10ft. long, 2ft. diameter, diagonal seams, 1/4 inch plates, 25 lbs. pressure. The whole shell was blown 80 yards to the front, and the chimney and engine house much damaged. It was much corroded and badly patched, so as to be unfit to carry pressure.

_No. 30. Blackburn. (Fig. 26.) June 17th. 2 killed, 1 injured._

Sixteen years old. Galloway, 26ft. long, 7ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 56 lbs. pressure. There was a combustion chamber between the furnace tubes and the main tube, and this had been lately repaired insecurely, and gave way and burst upwards. The boiler was not moved, but the contents issued so violently that a good deal of damage was done to surrounding premises.

_No. 31. Glasgow. (Fig. 27.) June 17th. none injured._

Crane Boiler, about 2 years old, 7ft. high, 4ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 50 lbs. pressure. The internal fire box collapsed and the external shell was blown to pieces. There was no sign of shortness of water, but it is supposed that the fire box was not circular, and therefore too weak to bear the ordinary pressure.

_No. 32. Bilston. (Fig. 28.) June 21st. 2 killed, 6 injured._

One of seven. Plain cylinder, 30 years old, 30ft. long, 8ft. 3in. diameter, 1/2 inch plates, 35 lbs. pressure. It gave way over fire place, where it had been weakened by frequent repair, which had caused a seam rip near a patch. The fragments were widely scattered, and much damage was done to the premises. The insecurity of boilers so frequently repaired with patch upon patch has been often pointed out.

_No. 33. Darlington. (Fig. 29.) June 24th. 2 injured._

One of twelve. Two Furnace Upright, about 2 years old, 20ft. high, 8ft. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 30 lbs. pressure. The water was allowed to run so low that the plates softened by the overheating, and a small piece was blown open and threw down the brickwork.

_No. 34. Dudley. (Fig. 30.) June 25th. 2 injured._

One of two. Balloon, 34 years old, 12ft. diameter, 10ft. high, 3/8 inch plates, 7 lbs. pressure. There were no stays, and the boiler was of very weak shape, and as the boiler it worked with was loaded to 15 lbs., it is presumed this also was exposed to that pressure, and burst in consequence. It gave way at the angle at front over the fire, and was thrown over the engine house.

_No. 35. Manchester. (Fig. 31.) June 27th. 2 killed, 1 injured._

One of four. Galloway, 4 years old, 32ft. long, 8ft. diameter, 7/16 inch plates. Tube 2ft. 10in. diameter, originally intended for 40 lbs., but worked at 65 lbs. pressure. The left hand tube collapsed sideways, having been very much weakened by internal corrosion.

_No. 36. July 2nd. 1 injured._

Marine. One of the oval tubes collapsed. The boiler was worked at a higher pressure than it was capable of bearing safely, but no particulars have been obtained.

_No. 37. Scotland. July 3rd. 2 killed, 3 injured._

Plain Cylinder, 3 years old, 20ft. long, 4ft. diameter, 25lbs. pressure. It was so corroded inside about the water line from bad water, that it gave way at the ordinary pressure. The boiler was thrown 160 yards from its seat.

_No. 38. July 29th. none injured._

Cornish, 26ft. long, 5ft. 9in. diameter, tube 3ft. 6in. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 35 lbs. pressure. The boiler rent open where externally corroded to 1/32 inch, and 3 widths of plates were torn away.

_No. 39. Nottingham. August 12th. none injured._

Tubulous Boiler, quite new, made entirely of tubes. One tube gave way at defective weld, but no other damage was done.

_No. 40. Leicester. (Fig. 32.) August 13th. 4 killed, 5 injured._

Upright Boiler, nearly new, 10ft. high, 5ft. diameter, with internal fire box, 1/2 inch plates, 45 lbs. pressure. The shell was rent into many pieces, which were widely scattered, doing much damage. The safety valve was defective and incapable of relieving the pressure, and the spring indicated wrongly, so that a much higher pressure was used than the boiler could bear safely.

_No. 41. Newcastle-on-Tyne. (Fig. 33.) Sep. 14th. 5 killed, 20 injured._

One of two. Plain Cylinder, with plates arranged lengthways, 17 years old, 27ft. long, 6ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 30lbs. pressure, mechanically fired. It had just been extensively repaired over the fire, but it gave way at the back end, where a plate had been put in some time before, and it is supposed that a seam rip or injury to the old plate, not visible outside or in, was then set up, which was perhaps increased by the strain of late repairs and gave way as soon as steam was again raised to working pressure. See No. 55 this year and many others in past years of similar construction.

_No. 42. Nottingham. (Fig. 34.) September 15th. 1 killed._

Tubulous, or all tubes, 1-1/2 years old, 100 lbs. pressure. Steam was being raised with too little water in the boiler, so that the tube became overheated and incapable of bearing pressure, and rent open, and as the boiler was in a small space the steam suffocated the attendant, but the boiler was not disturbed or the premises injured.

_No. 43. Tunstall. (Fig. 35.) September 17th. 3 killed, 1 injured._

One of four. Plain Cylinder, 8 years old, 36ft. long, 5ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 50 lbs. pressure. It gave way at fifth seam, where a seam rip, caused by bad repair, had so far weakened it that it was unable to bear the usual pressure, and the ends were blown in opposite directions.

_No. 44. Exeter. (Fig. 36.) September 27th. 1 killed._

Lancashire, 2 years old, 31ft. long, 7ft. diameter, tube 2ft. 10in. diameter, with 56 Field tubes in each, 3/8 inch plates, 45 lbs. pressure. The right hand tube collapsed and ruptured from softening of plates through shortness of water. The fire was blown out and set the premises on fire and much damage was done.

_No. 45. Cardiff. October 1st. 1 killed, 2 injured._

Locomotive, 4-1/2 years old, 14ft. long, 4ft. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 120 lbs. pressure. The fire box was reduced to 1/32 inch by corrosion, and unable to bear the usual pressure and rent open, and the escaping contents rushed out at the fire doors and injured those near.

_No. 46. Liverpool. (Fig. 37.) October 4th. 4 killed, 4 injured._

Plain Cylinder, 6ft. 6in. long, 3ft. 6in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 80 lbs. pressure. The plates were corroded both inside and out, and in some places reduced to less than 1/16 inch in thickness, and it was quite unfit to bear the ordinary pressure. The damage to the surrounding property was very great although the boiler was so small. The shell of the boiler was thrown across a street into an upper room of the house opposite.

_No. 47. Bathgate. October 14th. 2 injured._

Rag Boiler. The boiler became exposed to higher pressure than it was intended to bear. The boiler house was destroyed, but no particulars have been obtained.

_No. 48. Walsall. (Fig. 38.) October 19th. 1 killed, 2 injured._

Cornish, 7 years old, 13ft. 3in. long, 5ft. 6in. diameter, tube 3ft. 6in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, and supposed to work at 30 lbs. pressure. The gauge was so out of order that it only indicated half the real pressure. The tube was not in good condition and had leaked very much and was quite unfit for the pressure of 60 lbs. to which the valve was loaded. The tube collapsed beyond the bridge, and the contents issued at the back and drove the boiler forward 30 feet and into a workshop.

_No. 49. Soho. (Fig. 39.) October 19th. 1 killed, 1 injured._

One of four. Lancashire, 23ft. long, 7ft. diameter, tube 2ft. 6in. diameter, 30 lbs. pressure, usually, but 15 lbs. at time of explosion. The left side of left tube collapsed and rent owing to shortness of water.

_No. 50. North Wales. (Fig. 40.) October 19th. 1 killed, 8 injured._

One of two. Cornish, 26ft. long, 5ft. 6in. diameter, tube 3ft. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 23 lbs. pressure. The bottom was so thinned by external corrosion that it was not able to bear the usual pressure and rent open. The boiler was turned upside down, and the house much injured.

_No. 51. Berwick. (Fig. 41.) October 21st. 1 killed._

Cornish, 12ft. long, 4ft. 3in. diameter, tube 2ft. 4-1/2in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 32 lbs. pressure. The tube collapsed, having become overheated through shortness of water.

_No. 52. Sheffield. (Fig. 42.) October 26th. 1 killed, 1 injured._

Locomotive, 11 years old, 9ft. 6in. long, 4ft. diameter, 1/2 inch plates, 80 lbs. pressure. The top plate over fire box was blown off, having given way along a "furrow" caused by corrosion in a line of strain owing to position of stays. It was in a part of the boiler where it is not usual to find it, and as it could not be seen, it increased until unable to bear the usual pressure.

_No. 53. Darlaston. (Fig. 43.) October 27th. 3 injured._

Plain Cylinder, 22ft. long, 4ft. diameter, 7/16 inch plates, 25 lbs. pressure. The water was allowed to get so low that the sides were softened by overheating, and rent open. The boiler was not moved and only a few bricks were disturbed.

_No. 54. Cornwall. (Fig. 44.) October 27th. 1 killed._

One of three. Cornish, 12 years old, 36ft. long, 6ft. diameter, tube 3ft. 9in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 38 lbs. pressure. The tube collapsed from end to end, the front and central parts being blown out. The shell and back of tube were thrown in one piece to the rear, and much damage was done. It was supposed to have been short of water, because the tube had collapsed, but it is more likely it collapsed because of its weakness without strengthening rings. A tube in this boiler collapsed in a similar way about 5 years previously.

_No. 55. Newcastle. (Fig. 45.) November 17th. 1 killed, 2 injured._

One of seven. Plain Cylinder, with plates arranged lengthways, 30 years old, 26ft. long, 6ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 35 lbs. pressure, mechanically fired. Gave way at a seam on the right hand side of the fire place, where the insertion of a new plate had caused injury to the old plate, and it divided into two parts which were sent in different directions. The uncertainty and treacherousness of these straight seamed boilers has often been pointed out. See No. 41, and many examples in former years.

_No. 56. South Wales. November 19th. none injured._

Cornish, 7ft. diameter, tube 4ft. diameter, 40 lbs. pressure. Tube collapsed from weakness.

_No. 57. Shields. (Fig. 46.) November 24th. 1 killed, 2 injured._

One of two. Marine, second hand when put in 3 years since. Return tube 12ft. 4in. long, slightly oval, 6ft. diameter at front, and 5ft. 6in. at back; tube, oval, 3ft. 10in. wide, and 3ft. deep, 5/16 inch plates, 25 lbs. pressure. The tube collapsed. It was in such a corroded and cracked condition, and so badly repaired, with screw patches, that it was unable to bear the ordinary pressure.

_No. 58. Manchester. (Fig 47.) December 2nd. 3 injured._

One of two. Balloon, used for evaporating only, nearly new, 9ft. high, and 9ft. diameter, 1/2 inch plates, not usually worked at any pressure. The top was thrown 60 yards away, and the bottom left on furnace. The boiler was temporarily exposed to pressure which it was too weak a shape to bear.

_No. 59. Bilston. (Fig. 48.) December 2nd. 1 killed, 2 injured._

Plain Cylinder, 5 years old, 14ft. 9in. long, 4ft. 9in. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, 30 lbs. pressure. The water was allowed to get so low that the sides became softened by overheating and rent open, and blew the fire upon those near, but without disturbing the boiler or brickwork.

_No. 60. Hanley. (Fig. 49.) December 16th. 1 killed, 5 injured._

One of two. Balloon, 30 years old, 15ft. diameter, 3/8 inch plates, worked at 20 lbs. pressure. It rent in two and threw down the engine house and chimney. The boiler was not intended to work at more than 5 lbs. pressure, and was quite unable to bear the extra pressure to which it was exposed.

_No. 61. Leeds. (Fig. 50.) December 24th. 1 injured._

Domestic, wrought iron, welded, 13-1/2 inches wide, 12 inches high. The house had been empty, and the pipes to cistern, 26 feet above, had frozen, and when a fire was lighted the accumulated pressure, having no escape, forced out the front.

_No. 62. Leamington. (Fig. 51.) December 25th. none injured._

Domestic Saddle, wrought iron welded, 1ft. 9in. long, and the same width and height. The circulating pipes were stopped by ice, and the accumulated pressure forced down the underside and rent open the joint. The building was injured.

_No. 63. Morley. (Fig. 52.) December 25th. none injured._