WORLD’S LARGEST LOCK

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 221, 14 June 1930, Page 24

WORLD’S LARGEST LOCK

Opened by

Dutch Queen

Queen Wilhelmina recently inaugurated the ne.w lock at Ymuideu, the third lock in the North Sea Canal, which connects Amsterdam with the sea. It is the largest in the world, being 1315 feet long, 165 feet broadband 50 feet deep. The cost was approximately £1.625,000. The Queen performed the opening ceremony from the deck of Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, the new ship of the Netherlands Steamship Company. The Prince Consort and Princess Juliana were present. as well as members of the Government. 1 When the Johan . van Oldenbarnevelt arrived at Yinuiden the inner gate was closed and water filled the lock chamber. The Queen then set in motion machinery that opened the outer gate, and access to the North Sea was obtained. In a short speech the Queen paid a high tribute to those who had had any part in the construction of the lock, which, she said, would enable Amsterdam to take a still greater part in the peaceful competition of commerce in the North Sea ports. The new work helped to uphold the ancient glory of Holland. / With the Queen on board, the Johan von Oldenbarnevelt steamed to the outer port of Ymuiden, and the minelayer Medusa fired a salute of 35 guns. A short trip was made in the North Sea. the liner being escorted by torpedo boats, and on returning to Ymuiden the Royal party landed and drove to The Hague.