The Muka Head case (October 9th, 1897,) affords another example of the inefficacy of the old-fashioned single conductor, which was supposed to protect a building of any size if only it were high enough, and had nicely sharpened points and an earth resistance measuring a fraction of an ohm. From the interesting report by Mr. Wills,[1] the Lighthouse keeper, it would seem that a flash struck the conductor, leaving evidence by tearing off a gunmetal brace about half way up. The discharge then left the heavy copper rod and proceeded to earth by a thin telephone earth wire, thirty feet of which was completely deflagrated. From some further reports collected by the writer, it would seem that Penang Hill would form an excellent site for observation, as the disturbances noted by the Signal Sergeant stationed there are exceptionally freakful and violent. He states that in April, 1898, a telegraph pole was cut in half horizontally as if it were sawed off." The telegraph wire was also cut in three or four places and three insulators broken. On another occasion, a discharge passed through a large earthen- ware jar, making one hole of several inches in diameter, and a second of less than one inch, and finally excavating part of the floor near the jar.
An attempt to explain the conditions which serve to bring about results like these is not within the scope of the present notes, but the writer may, perhaps, be permitted to invite further lightning notes, accompanied where possible by photographs. Such records are of the greatest possible assistance in promoting the general knowledge of a series of phenomena about which there is still much to be discovered.
- ↑ Kindly furnished by Mr. O. V. Thomas, Acting J. Supt. Govt. Telegraphs, Penang.
