THE C. A. LARSEN

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 189, 12 May 1928, Page 8

THE C. A. LARSEN

SPEEDY REPAIR WORK AHEAD OF SCHEDULE TIME Dominion Special Service. Dunedin, May 11. Port Chalmers’ shipwrights are making a splendid job of the repairs to the whaling factory ship C. A. Larsen. The work is proceeding with such speed that it is safe to predict that the whaler will be able to leave dock at least three or four days before the scheduled date. On Wednesday last the first gang of shipwrights went into the dock to remove the damaged plates on the Larsen’s bottom, extending for 300 feet from the fore deep hold to the tank just forward of the engine room. Since then over 100 men have been working in shifts round the clock, with Sunday off. and the job, a ticklish one of making temporary repairs, has been pushed ahead with surprising speed. Last night the last plate at the after end was riveted on. Although the job is of a temporary nature, first-class workmanship has been shown. The most difficult task is now being faced, that is the permanent repairs to the hull at the fore deep tank, where the vessel first struck Faro Rock, off Paterson’s Inlet. The damaged plates have been removed and the workmen are now engaged in straightening out the angle irons and bulkheads, which have been twisted into all shapes. The Otago dock is an eerie place at present. The whale oil which was floating about for the first day or so has now completely disappeared, and the ship’s hull is as dry as a bone. In the cavern under the hull electric lights are blazing all day and night, and oxygenacetone welding and cutting flares are throwing out glaring bursts of flame. The din is deafening as the hammers are applied to the red-hot rivets, and the compressor pumps force them home. The speed and satisfactory work is pleasing to all, and especially to Captain Nilsen, who, after about three months’ delay in New Zealand waters, is naturally anxious to leave for Norway.

As soon as it is possible to complete repairs the Larsen will probably be taken to Copenhagen for permanent repairs. At the same time it is understood new digesters of German patent will be installed. If permanent repairs had been made at Port Chalmers it is likely that the new digesters would have to have been shipped to New Zealand and fitted at the port.