FLYING METAL

Hokitika Guardian, 27 November 1920, Page 4

FLYING METAL

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WELLINGTON, Nov. 19. A cog-wheel in' the winding gear attached to one of the big cranes on the roof of the now Jhjrjininenf Rujldings broke about 11.30 this morning, and a load of sand and cement went crashing to the ground. The winding cable of the crane, with no check upon it, ran 1 through with such speed as I 'to have the effect of a catapult, and pieces of broken | cog-wheel were thrown over Parliament Grounds, and even on to Lambtoii quay and into the .grounds of the Government Buildings. ‘ Oim piece of broken steel, weighing about 101 b, fell near a group of men who were standing on the quay. Another piece narrowly missed a Government messenger, Mr Frank Fama, who was in the grounds of the Government Buildings. One piece, about 201 bin weight, actually struck j the Government Building, smashing the bottom of tho wall and the concrete channel. The screech of wire and the sight and sound of falling metal caused nervous persons to think of an explosion' or bombardment. The crane house was badly damaged by the collapse, the woodwork being smashed in several places. The' crane-driver was one of the men who had cause to bo thankful 3 for his narrow escape from injury. The load of cement and sand fell between the old and new Parliament Buildings, and missed by a few feet only the room in the old building which is occupied by the private secretary to the Minister of Public Works. The tray landed on a heavy post,' whicii was snapped through, whjle the woodwork of the tray itself was broken into several pieces. The greatest danger, however,, was from flying pieces of the broken cog-wheel. For some time afterwards these pieces, each several pounds in weight, were being picked tip in the grounds and''on the quay, and the finders were speculating on what would have happened had the grounds not afforded such a clear field, or had the accident occurred a little later, when crowds of people, would have been leaving the printing office and Government Buildings. .What caused the accident it is impossible to sav at present. The broken cog-wheel is particularly heayv, and would appear capable of bearing a very heavy constant strain.