THE FLOATING DOCK

Waikato Times, Volume 110, Issue 18521, 29 December 1931, Page 8

THE FLOATING DOCK

NOT SELF-SUPPORTING. EXPENDITURE OF £250,000. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) ' WELLINGTON, Tuesday. Interviewed on the Dock Wharf while the dock was being permanent!) moored to-day the acting-chairman of the Harbour Board, Mr 11. D. Bennett, said the Board never contemplated that Uie dock would be sclf-support-rng. By the time that it was safely tied up' it might truly lie said that the investment represented a capital expenditure of £250,000. The board regarded this investment as a national one. ns valuable lo other big ports as to Wellington.

The dock, as it now was, could accommodate a ship in excess of 387 feet, long and drawing ‘.MI feel. Its lining capacity was 17.000 tons. Provision had been made so that another section could he added, which would give dock capacity for a '20,000 lon vessel. One of the greatest and most costly matters for concern had been the risk of delivery of the dock, the lowing and insurance nearly equalling the construction cost.

To Captain Hart and his fellowcountrymen Mr Bennett said the hoard extended its heartiest congratulations on the successful termination of an undertaking classed by l.loyds and Hie seafaring fraternity as being dif licull and dangerous. Ureal interest is being manifested ill I lie nper.nl ion of lying Ihe duck lip at its permanent abode-.

Becriproc.il greetings have been exchanged between Ihe Harbour Board and Hie luitc'h owners of the lugs hy cable, in connection with tlie completion of the tow.