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But the most important consideration remains. In the early days of the celluloid industry, these fires from self-ignition were very frequent; but careful research has now tremendously reduced the hazard. Firstly, it was found that really pure nitrocellulose was far less liable to this decomposition than impure material. Secondly, a "stabilizer" was added to celluloid, which reacted chemically with the oxides of nitrogen and rendered them harmless.
The result of this work is to be seen to-day, when immense quantities of celluloid film circulate around the globe, and fires are comparatively rare. Neverthe- less, the inherent vices of self-combustion, and of combustion at low temperatures, remain in celluloid, and the stringent precautions required by law in all countries attest to the continued danger.
Only this year, at Richmond, in England, a disastrous fire broke out in a film-washing plant, and at the inquiry the probable cause was concluded to be this self-same reaction of decomposition of the celluloid, brought on by a spell of hot weather. It is needless to remark that under tropical storage such decomposition must be a greater hazard than in a temperate climate.
So far, of course, all this is mere theory and speculation. The vital fact which enabled this theory to be tested was the discovery by Insp. Shaw of another consignment of washed film in steel drums, lying on a junk in the harbour.
(c) Examination of another consignment of washed film.
Origin
Pack
Ship date of
arrival in Hong Kong.
Marks on top of drums
144 drums in Wing On Godown
80 drums on junk.
Firm of origin in U.S.A. identical, according to Police evidence.
Steel drums similar in type to those on the junk. Labels of course obliterated.
"Grete Maersk" 21st Sept., 47.
Mostly obliterated.
Second-hand steel drums in varying condition. Many had proprietary cooking fat labels; many were heavily rusted.
"Gertrude Maersk"
12th Aug., 47.
ODC. HONGKONG
One however is still readable:
nad:
7835
560
55 505
7849
550
55
500
7850
?
(three examples)
7775
540
55
485
(three examples)
These marks presumably indicate serial number, gross weight, batch number and nett weight. It is to be noted that the Wing On drums' serial number falls between those of the drums on the junk; in other words; it would seem that the two consignments consist of identical material.
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