RAILWAY YARD REMODELLING.

Otago Witness, Issue 3148, 15 July 1914, Page 59

RAILWAY YARD REMODELLING.

WORK AT INVERCARGILL. (From Ode Own Correspondent.) INVERCARGILL, July 12. The remodelling of the Invercargill railway yard, consequent upon the erection of a new goods shed, has given new evidence of the town’s importance as a commercial centre, and several prominent gentlemen have lately remarked upon the enormous development that is taking place. When the huge new shed was well under way, it became evident that it was the intention of the department to lay down a number of additional tracks in the yard, and -when this wc.k was recently brought to completion it was ascertained that there is in the yard alone about 30 miles of track. One of the most important consequences of the remodelling of the yard was the necessity of moving a great stationary crane which has stood at the southern end of the old shed for 20 years. The crane was erected on a concrete base which rose several feet above the ground level, and was also deeply embedded. The weight of the base alone is set down at 84 tons, so that the task of moving it a couple of hundred yards is one of some moment. Even if the district engineer were confronted with no other problem than raising and moving the great weight, he would have to overcome considerable difficulties, but in addition to doing this he has had to devise means to transfer the crane across Pnni Creek, which Hows through the yard. Work has been in progress for some days, and up to the present operations have been confined to undermining the base, and getting jacks into position. Two 50-ton and twm 15-ton jacks will be used on the job, which is expected to occupy some time, and if the work is carried out without mishap it will reflect great credit on the officials responsible.