LAUNCHED TO-DAY

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 83, 8 April 1943, Page 6

LAUNCHED TO-DAY

COST OVER £22,000 LOCAL ENGINEERS' SUCCESS Another progressive step in the development of engineering construction in New Zealand was made this morning, when the new 270-ton caisson, or gate, for the Calliope Dock slid into the waters of the basin inside the western viaduct. As the massive gate tcok the water, a miniature tidal wave swept outwards, rocking the sleepy fishing smacks.

Built by Mason Brothers' Engineering Company, Ltd., of Free-" man's Bay, the caisson is Ssft long, 45ft high and 13ft 6in wide. It is constructed throughout from Australian steel, and 21 tons of rivets, numbering about 60,000, were used. These were manufactured in New Zealand. The blue prints and design were prepared by the Auckland Harbour Board, and the total ccst of construction was estimated to be about £22,000.

The gate was built on the side of the basin, and the last rivet was driven home about three weeks ago. Construction started in August of last year, and employees of the company worked 11 hours a day to finish the job. Although it was an important undertaking, it still had to give preference to the constant urgency of repairs to Allied shipping and the construction of essential eraft. Uncertain deliveries of materials from overseas also held up the time-table to a certain extent.

Resting on one side on greased wooden skids, the caisson was held back by four thick steel straps. At 9.30 this morning two workmen commenced to cut these straps with oxy-acetylene torches, and, as the last one parted, accompanied by the cheers of spectators, the gate slid slowly towards the waiting launches, which towed it out past the drawbridge and round to the Western wharf. There, arrangements were made to pump in water ballast, which will right the caisson. Then it will be towed across the harbour and fixed in position, to replace the old one.

The first caisson was built in England over half a century ago. It was shipped to New Zealand in sections and erected here.