PORT CHALMERS DOCKS.
Sir, —i read with much interest and humour your recent article on the secret war-time compressed air installation in the Port Chalmers docks. Compressed air for rivetting, caulking, cleaning, and blowing is perhaps a useful element, but for working machinery for docking and cranes for lifting gear it is out of the question in comparison with electrical energy. _ The Harbour Board probably has assisted contracting firms by installing round the dock sides compressed air pipes, but_ generally the contractor has to provide his own welding plant. The Harbour Board also possesses one. My chief object is to point out that the Harbour Board is not by any means the pioneer of compressed air within the dock areas. In 1918 compressed air was generated in the present old dock engineering shop, and pipes were laid to the dock to repair the Westmoreland in 1919.
A very important instrument that was removed was a very useful advertisement for Otago’s renown as a repairing' depot. This was the forge steam hammer. If it had still been in existence and in repair, it would have materially assisted in forging the stems for the Wanganella, which has had to await forging and shipment from other sources.—l am, etc., ThoSr Anderson'. July 13.
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Evening Star, Issue 26153, 15 July 1947, Page 8
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210PORT CHALMERS DOCKS. Evening Star, Issue 26153, 15 July 1947, Page 8
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