FLOATING DOCK FACILITIES

Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 232, 28 June 1945, Page 8

FLOATING DOCK FACILITIES

Another Dolphin To Be Built

Representations have been made by the Merchant Service Guild to the Wellington Harbour Board that the three dolphins south of the floating dock be joined up to form one continuous wharf, so that docking and undocking of vessels can be carried out with greater safety in rough weather. The dolphins are at present spaced 175 feet and 255 feet apart, making it difficult for small, empty vessels in windy weather. It is estimated by the board’s engineer, Mr. K. T. Jenssen, that to connect the three dolphins as suggested would cost £17,500, that it would,: take two or three years to obtain the necessary hardwood timbers, and with the present shortage of staff another year to construct. However, reported the engineer, the construction of a fourth dolphin costing about £4300, between the centre and northern ones.’ would reduce the rather large gap of 255 feet to half this distance. If this were authorized by the board, the four dolphins could be connected later, when materials and labour conditions were easier. The three original dolphins had all been too spindly and too small at the base, and had been knocked over one after the other by vessels. The last was rebuilt in 1942. Latest construction involved the driving of 24 turpentine piles each 70 feet long, due to the depth of water. The board adopted the report.