PUMPING AT DOORG

Evening Star, Issue 20132, 23 March 1929, Page 2

PUMPING AT DOORG

PERTINENT QUESTION ASKED The question of the changeover Iron* steam to electricity lor the, working of the docks jit Hort Chalmers wai briefly discussed at last night’s nicer-' ing of the Otago Harbour Board. Mr T. Anderson had given notice to move:--That a full and comprehensive report bo submitted to 1lu» April board meeting concerning tln» chan go over at the I’ort (-hairnet * docks from steam to electricity, also' embracing tho following—(a) .Is the liorsc-powcrago of tho present motors efficient to cope with the docking of vessels in tho given time? (b) Hoes it take longer under electric than under steam power? (c) Js the pre j .sent electrical installation to remain m force; if not, when will the new motoi s be seen red? (d) Is steam, now nse.,l! along witli electrical installation? (clj Aro J tbc expenses liigber at present; than with the steam plant only? The Chairman (Mr H. H. Mollerlj .said the motion was not necessary, a* the engineer had dealt with the matter, in his reports. He did not want u> tie the engineer up, as at present hn had too many questions to deal with.. No harm would be done in leaving tin* matter over. Tho answers to the questions were :—(a) As already reported, to the board, the sixty horse [lower motors originally purchased by the engineer arc inadequate to empty thodock in tho same time ns was taken) by tho pumps when driven by steam (h) Does it take longer under electno than under steam power? At the presen r. time the two sixty Jior.so power motors arc harnessed to one pump, tho' other pump being driven by steam,. With this combination the docks ar»> emf.tied in the .same time ns with tho two steam pumps; (c) No; tho present: installation is not to remain; it is not; now- so much a question of horse power as design of pump to empty the dock in two-thirds of the time formerly taken; the work: will be done as some as possible: (d) yes: (e) about tin* same, but theso figures are being prypared. Mr Anderson said there was harm* as both steam and electricity were now being used. M r Moller said authority bad bee it given for the com,'Action of the job, but the. board should not rush it.

Mr I). I'\ 11. Sharpe said no complaints had been made by the shipping companies, which were fully conversant with tho position. Mr Anderson said ho was satisfied' in allow the matter In stand ove]' long as ho knew something was being done.