MOORING THE BIG DOCK

Evening Star, Issue 20987, 29 December 1931, Page 10

MOORING THE BIG DOCK

EXPENSE AND DANGER DF LONG TOW |Pm TJkitto Bums Aiiocutiok.] WELLINGTON, December 29. Interviewed on, the Dock wharf while •the jubilee floating dock was being permanently moored to-day, the actingjchainhan of the Harbour Board (Mr H. D. Bennett) said the board, never Contemplated that the dock would be Self-supporting. By the time it was Safely tied up it might truly be said Shat the investment represented a camjfcal expenditure of a quarter of a million. The board regarded this investjnent as a national on©, valuabl© aliko itb the other big ports as to Wellington Itself. The dock, as it now was, could (accommodate a ship in excess of 387 ft Jong, and drawing 26ft. Its lifting Capacity was 17,000 tons. Provision had been made so that another section fcould be added, which would give the jdock capacity for a twenty-thousand-•fconner. ’ One of the greatest and most costly jnatters for concern had been the risk Df delivery of the dock, towing and insurance nearly equalling the construction cost. To Captain Hart and his fellow-countrymen, Mr Bennett said the board extended its heartiest congratulations on. the successful termination of an undertaking classed by Lloyds and the seafaring fraternity as being difficult and dangerous. Great interest is being manifested in the operation of tying the dock up at its permanent abode. Reciprocal greeting havei been exchanged between the Harbour Board, and the Dutch owners of the tugs by cable, in connection with the completion of .the tow.