DOCKING FACILITIES

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4511, 30 September 1930, Page 2

DOCKING FACILITIES

FOR RIVER BOAT'S. Facilities arc now available for docking river boats at the Foxton wharf. The work has been carried out by Air. J. Ross, owner of the Rivier Service licet, who is now busily engaged in overhauling bis fleet.

Mr. Ross, who is an experienced engineer, constructed a cradle out of strong channel iron which operates on runners moving up and down oil railway lines. The cradle is very strong'ly, const meted throughout and took some time to complete. In addition to constructing the cradle Mr. 'Ross had to excavate a run-way which called for the removal of a considerable amount of spoil. A breastwork was also constructed where the runway meets the river, and stringers at this point support the end ol' the rails which al high water arc covered with a good depth of: water. The cradle is bit down to the extreme end of the line at low water and at high tide the boats mav be manoeuvred onto tin* slip, made fast and at low water draw up the bank high and dry for the overhaul thy means of a winch. Tlw* site is very handy and well sheltered, being at the north end of the Harbour Board shed. Last week Mr. Ross had the Merlin in dry dock when the vessel was given a thorough overhaul. The Maidi is now under inspection and it is somewhat surprising to note the size of this vessel when out of water. The Maidi was constructed at Northern YVairoa but lias been engaged in local river wonlc. for some years now. When work on the Alaidi is completed, the Taihoa. (lie larvest on .the river, will be overhauled. This is the first, occasion that these boats have been out of water for any length of time since .they been operating in the .Manawatii River.