WHARF LIFTING GEAR

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 231, 24 June 1921, Page 6

WHARF LIFTING GEAR

—— A statement made by the secretary of the Wellington Seamen’s Union_ that accidents were caused on the M ellington wharves by defective lifting gear was mentioned, at. the meeting of the Harbour Board on Wednesday. Mr. C. J. B. Norwood drew attention to the statement and suggested that it was merely an attempt to throw du,st m the eyes of the public in connection with the objection of the waterside workers to the use of skips. Captain M'Arthur remarked that he was not aware of breakages of wires and chains on the cranes, lhe matter ousrht to bo looked into. The chairman of board (Mr. J. G ITarkne«s) said that the board s cranes were handled by a very competent staff, and the number of accidents in the course of a year wag very small when the volume of the port’s trade was considered. Ho could obtain a report from the engineer on the subject. Mr C. M. Turrell said that wires had been ’ substituted for chains in _ most cases. Wires were safer than chains. The Ixiard’s engineer (Mr. Marchbanks) said that there were occasional breakages of wires through chafing, 'lhe board bought the highest, grade chains and wire, and if had a very competent out-door staff, which watched the gear carefully. The wires and chains were insnected constantly by the board’s staff and by the Government officers, and they were removed directly they showed siemq of wcakne c s. Mr T. Moss: Haro you received any complaints from the mon regarding tne state of the gear? Mr Marchbanks: T have had no complaint recently. We rely very largely on our own inspection.