NEW PATENT SLIP.

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2287, 22 October 1914, Page 3

NEW PATENT SLIP.

PARTICULARS OF PROPOSED STRUCTURE. .

■ Tho long-debated second patent slip for Wellington, to be erected by the Wellington Patent Slip Company in accordance with a provision of tlie Wellington Harbour Board Empowering Act, 1908, was dealt with, in the course of a report from the Engireor (Mr. James Marchbanks), dealing witti the plane submitted to tho board by tie Slip Company. The report, which was considered by the board last evening, stated, inter alia: Tho site proposed is about 90 feet to the southward of the existing slip, and the ways extend from 455 feet below high water-mark to 220 feot abovo it on a grade of 1 in 20. Borings eho.v a suitable foundation. There is not very much choice in the way-of eifcoa on the Slip Company's property, but that selected is the most suitable, although a fair amount of excavation will bo required. The oradlo proposed is of eteel 130 feet long over all. Thiß will bo sufficient for sudi vossels as the Stormbird, Queen of the South, Aiapawa, Nikau, ote. No particulars of the Tiuuling-up gear havo' been furnished. A stouni-driven winch, which could be placed in close proximity to tho existing boiler-house, will probably be found to be most suitable. Generally, I am of opinion that the proposed slipway and cradle, with the 6liglit alterations indicated above, is quite suitable for vessels up to 130 feet in length. With regard to the feasibility of increasing the length of the cradle so ae to make it available for \esscls of 160 feet in length, this would necessitate lengthening the"ways eeaward about 30 feet to allow a minimum depth at low water of five feet over the Icoel blocks at the upper end of the cradle. The ways on the landward slide also have to be lengthened by 30 feet to allow of the cradle being pulled up clear of the road. Tho ground at the upper end of the proposed slipway is very 6teep, and a considerable amount or excavation would be required to' provide the necessary room. It is feasible to lengthen the slip and cradle so as to take up vessels 160 feet in length, but' I would suggest that if the slip , be increased so as to take up a vessel of 150 feet long, this is all that-reasonably should be required for the accommodation of the smaller vessels. The- present slip lias a maximum capacity, for vessels 300 feet long and 2000 tons weight, while a slip with a cradle 150 feeb in length would have a capacity of about 500 tons, and would be-sufficient for vessels or the size of the Waimoa, Putikr, Eipple, etc. . i • ' The' work should bo etarted as soon as possible, and it is desirable that tho Slip Company bo requested to proceed with the construction of the ways forthwith, the undor-water portion of which will tako a considerable timo to construct. . The chairman said that the Engineer had gone thoroughly into the plans, and had come to the conclusion that it would be a much more satisfactory job if the cradle were built 160 ft. in length instead of 150 ft., but as the outer ten feet of the bed would cost a good deal of money, it was thought that the.board should compromise by asking the company to provide a cradle 150 ft. in length, so that the slip could take boats a little larger than the smallest. ■On the motion of Mr. Cohen the Engineer's report was approved, and as the matter was ono of some urgency he also moved that the Engineer consult with the company ,as to the proposed alterations, and the work be proceeded with at as early a date as pos&'ble. This was approved.