MARION AT WORK.”

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2481, 16 September 1922, Page 2

MARION AT WORK.”

RIVER BANK CONSTRUCTION

In our Inst issue we referred briefly to the operations of the steam shovel at work on the Makerua side of the Manawatu river at Moutoa. Here are a few more details: —

As the shovel works out the patch of ground of which the arm of the crane forms the radius, it builds a road and moves ahead by means of the caterpillar wheels. This road is merely a formation of earth thrown up and levelled by the scoop to form a grip for the caterpillar wheels as it is difficult for them to move on the grass on account of skidding. The forward motion of the shovel is similar to that of a tank. The only work to be done after the shovel has moved—ahead is the levelling of the mound, a oneman .job. The complete staff engaged in the work totals three; the driver, stoker, and leveller. As the shovel is working five night shifts a week, lighting is essential and this is provided by electric power. A powerful search light is creeled in the front of the driving platform and another electrie lamp is attached to the top of the crane. This give sufficient light to illuminate the working area. The entire working apparatus, crane, driving pintform, and holier, are all on one floor which, like a wharf-side crane, moves round with every swing of the shovel. This plat form is revolved by means of two cog wheels driven by the engine. The water supply for the boiler is pumped from the river by means of an enginedriven pump allixed to a small punt in the Ever which moves along with the shovel. This about completes the details of the shovel itself. A gang of men, however, are employed in removing obstructions from the track of the shovel itself, trees, etc., and supplying fuel for raising steam. Any obstacles encountered by “Marion” in the ground, such as stumps, logs, etc., arc simply dug around and left exposed. Another “Marion” shovel is being constructed near by on a pontoon. This shovel is to work entirely on the river. It is to move up the Tokoinaru stream widening and deepening it lo make a hotter “get away” for Hood water. These shovels each cost 69,006 in ’Frisco, f 1.1000 landed in New Zealand and represent the latest engineering device. When they are both in operation they will certainly give the surrounding countryside a very American aspect. It would be impossible to attempt to estimate the cost of and time to complete such an enterprise by means of manual labour and horse teams. Indeed, it would he impossible for horses to bank to such a height as the mound thrown up by “Marion.” The hanking, which started at Linton, will end at Shannon leaving approximately 25 miles of banking to complete.