Wanganella May Dock On Significant Date

Northern Advocate, 6 January 1948, Page 4

Wanganella May Dock On Significant Date

WELLINGTON, Tug. (Sp.)—According- to present arrangements, the Wanganella is returning to the floating dock on a significant date, which is January 19, the anniversary ol‘ the stranding on Barrett’s Reel'. Preliminary work for the reconstruction task, unprecedented in New Zealand, will in itself be a notable culmination to many months of expert preparation.

The Wangnnella lias been lying at Clyde Quay Wharf for over nine months and has been kept afloat by air compressors. The repairing firm plans to have her towed from there to the floating dock. After she has been manoeuvred into the dock the Wanganella will be put on “stilts," an intricate system ol' scaffolding similar to that used on major construction work ashore. Although the damage is confined to her bows, the vessel will be propped up for half her length.

I The prefabricated steel plates and sections for the repair job have been supplied by the Belfast firm of Harland and Wolff, and were shipped from Liverpool. Officials of William Cable and Company would not commit themselves on the question of when the Wanganella would be able to resume the Tasman passenger service, but a conservative estimate is about six months. I The principal difficulty lacing the I firm is that of finding suitable skilled labour. Well over 200 men are required for work in the floating dock, as well as many more in sub-contracting work in a number of Wellington engineering firms. WORK FOR MANY There will be work for welders, riveters, boilermakers, shipwrights, electricians, carpenters, painters, engineers, plumbers, cabinetmakers, scaffolders, acetone welders, riggers, interior decorators and waterside workers. Representatives of the company were indefinite when approached yesterday, but they hope to recruit sufficient mep to work 24 hours a day in two shifts, with the exception of Sundays. Inquiries have been made from ali over New Zealand and Australia, and it may be possible to use the services of some of the British immigrants who will arrive in New Zealand soon.

TONS OF BALLAST Before me damaged plates are removed and renewed it will be necessary to remove hundreds of tons of iron ballast.

The accommodation of these workers in Wellington is another serious problem which has yet to be solved, but negotiations have taken place recently with representatives of the Government and the unions concerned.