CRUISER IN DOCK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21807, 23 May 1934, Page 12

CRUISER IN DOCK

LONG STAY REQUIRED DEFECT IN TAIL-SHAFT DIFFICULT REPAIR TASK The discovery of an unexpected defect, in tho port tail-shaft of H.M.S. Duncdin, flagship of llcnr-Admiral F. Burgos Watson, necessitating somewhat difficult repairs, will bo responsible for prolonging tho cruiser's stay in dock at Dovonport. The Duncdin went into dock last Friday, in preparation for her annual Island cruise, and was to have conic out of dock next Tuesday. However, it has now been found necessary to withdraw the whole of the port propeller tail-shaft, and it is not expected that the repairs will be completed before Juno 9 or 11. A crane will have to bo used in drawing the shaft and also in lifting it from the floor of the dock. It will then be placed on bogeys and taken to the. machine shop, where machinery is available for the repair oi the shaft, as well as for the removal of the old sleeve, which was badly worn, and tbe shrinking on oi a new one. It is thought to l)e the only machine in Auckland capable of doing tlio work, and even then it is not ideal for the purpose. Ilepairs, involving some recasting, will also have to be made to the shaft bracket. The cruiser's port propeller has already been removed, and yestoidav ammunition was taken ashore from one of the magazines, as it was thought the flame might have to be used in the vicinity. The actual drawing of the tail-shaft will not be as difficult as the subsequent handling and repairs. A contract has been let for the work and expert civilian workmen will be employed. The result of the wear in the bracket gave the propeller tail-shaft a plav cf Jin., and it is considered lucky that no accident resulted. Since she was last in dock, the Duncdin has done a considerable amount of cruising, and has also carried out full speed trials.

The prolonged period to be spent iu dock by the Duncdin will affect the programme of H.M.S. Diomede, which was to have gone into dock on June 5. It is not expected that the Diomede will be able to dock before June 11 or 12, and, as she is to spend ten days in dock completing her overhaul, she will not be able to leave on her Island cruise on the scheduled date, June 18. Sho will probably bo delayed for about a week, and details of her itinerary may havo to be amended to somo extent. The Dunedin's Island cruise will not be affected, and she will leave Auckland on June 15, as previously announced.