DOCKYARD TASK

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20024, 24 August 1939, Page 2

DOCKYARD TASK

WORK ON THE TAMPA PROPELLER REMOVED DIFFICULTIES OVERCOME After three days of almost continuous work at the Calliope Dock, the 11-ton single screw of the 5000ton American Pioneer Line motor ship Tampa was removed on Monday. The Tampa, en, route from Sydney to (Norfolk, Virginia, was diverted to Auckland and experienced trouble with the tail-shaft in very heavy weather when near port.

The task of removing the large propeller, which is 21ft. in diameter, was begun on Friday. More than 15 men, with heavy tackles and gear, have been employed night and day. Sunday night excepted. Extreme difficult,/ lias been experienced" in moving the sc cow, which had not been taken off for two years.

The task was completed on Monday and it was possible to begin the job of shifting the heavy tailshafit inboard. into the tunnel, where surveyors started to make a thorough investigation for faults. Should fears of a fracture in the tailshaft be confirmed, a large undertaking will be faced by ithe workers. The removal of the tailshaft from the ship will necessitate the lifting of all the cargo carried in the after hold. A plate will have to be lifted from the tunnel recess and the rtailshaft carried bodily through the hole and up the hatch square to the deck.