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Progress, Volume V, Issue 6, 1 April 1910, Page 189

and the propeller, which weighs ten tons, lowered to the foot of the dock where it was fitted with a new blade and replaced in position. There being no plate rolling machine in the Dominion having rolls sufficiently long to roll the plates an ingenious method of shaping them by means of hydraulic jacks and cast-iron blocks has been resorted to, this ingenious but primitive method of overcoming a difficulty indicating the resourcefulness of the contractors, and in practice proving entirely successful. No time is being wasted on the work, ] 50 men in three shifts being continuously employed, and picked men have been brought to Auckland from all over New Zealand to assist in the undertaking.

A great feature in carrying out the work is the fine air compression plant employed. This was lately imported from England by Mr. J. H. Adams, and is capable of running nine air drills simultaneously, thus enabling the contractors to make light of the otherwise formidable task of drilling out some 8500 rivets which have to be replaced, and which alone weigh approximately four tons.

The compressing plant is, also used for caulking the plates and for internal rivetting, such as floor and wash plates, intercostals, etc., but all shell and tank work is rivetted by hand, as being preferable in connection with work which has to be watertight. The insulating of the holds is "being undertaken by Messrs. Philcox and 1 " Sons, • Auckland, who have practically finished Nos. 1 and 2 holds 'tween decks. No. 2 lower hold is about half finished, and No. 1 has not been started yet. The first operation was to remove the silica cotton, which was the insulating material destroyed, from the holds and clean them out, and this took a fortnight. The\ hoTds were fumigated and all the ironwork which had rusted with the salt water had to be scraped and painted. The floors also have to be re-

newed. The insulating material being used is charcoal, as silica cotton is not obtainable. The ceiling and w.ills of the holds 'tween decks are being lined with 7% inches of charcoal, the ceiling of the lower holds with 12 inches, and the walls with 9 inches. Something like 5000 bags of charcoal will be used. Linings of zinc arid insulating paper are also being introduced as a necessary part of the insulation The cost of putting the holds in order is understood to be very considerable. In conclusion, we may state that the contractors speak highly of the invariable courtesy and assistance rendered them by the surveyors and the ship's officers, amongst whom Mr. Tyrell, an experienced shipbuilder, is specially mentioned as giving valual^e assistance. The work is handled by Mr. J. H. Adams, of Auckland, and Mr. W. Campbell, of Wellington, and in view of the magnitude and important nature of the work and the short time allowed for its performance, the contractor?; are to be complimented upon their enterprise. The undertaking o£ the repair of the "Kaipara" is evidence that we have in New Zealand men and plant adapted to handle work of almost any magnitude, and we look

forward to being able, in the near future, to announce the successful termination of the contract. ' This important piece of work draws attention to the future possibilities of the Auckland harbour, of which the dock is the largest and the most ambitious structure. There are miles of reclamation going on and in 'prospect, which will be the site of a vast collection of warehouses, to accommodate the trade of the growing district which centres in the Waitemata. The trade of the Auckland district, Hokianga, and of the Pacific Islands will want all the accommodation provided, and it is well to know that the repairing facilities are already such as will amply fill the needs of this great developntent. "Wellington harbour will' be developing in similar fashion, and as quickly. Advance New Zealand!