NAVAL BASE’S GROWTH

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 888, 4 February 1930, Page 16

NAVAL BASE’S GROWTH

CHANGE NEAR CALLIOPE DOCK BUILDINGS EXTENDING Once derelict surroundings at Calliope Dock, Devonport, have been completely -changed and a naval base has been formed in the past five years. The sheerlegs and its hoisting gear lay for many years in the dockyard, while a change in the policy of the Auckland Harbour Board and the Imperial Government was awaited. Eventually, the huge steel tripod was thrust upward, the winding gear and the immense blocks for tackle were placed in position, and the sheerlegs was ready for a call on its giant strength. Once onljr was the sheerlegs used. Now, bereft of its winding gear and lif ting tackle, the three steel tubes wait the hand of the wrecker. Useless in peace or war, they are a nuisance to the naval authorities as they project sufficiently far into the air to be seen far out in the Hauraki Gulf, forming a ranging point in the event of an attack by an enemy. In their shadow nestles the much-discussed gas chamber, built of brick and standing perkily alongside a bigger greenpainted shed plainly labelled “torpedo store.” PROGRESS ASHORE The red-painted large store shed, which served as a dressing-room for swimmers in days when the dock was mostly used for swimming carnivals, and has since been used as a dance hall for the lower deck ratings when the warships are in port, has been provided with a sister shed almost as big. Five warships at times berth alongside the two wharves, and stores for these vessels occupy much space. The ammunition is held at Fort Takapuna. Spare propellers, and other heavy stocks are neatly arranged about the grounds. Westward of the dock, a triangular-shaped space several acres in extent, has been planted in grass and fenced. Around it, stand the figureheads of several war and mercantile ships. These pieces of naval sculpture are carefully conditioned and have been painted in their original colours as far as possible. Offices for the use of executives have been erected on the Stanley Bay side of the yard, and beyond them is a tennis court for the officers of the ships. The spacious oil tanks are no longer a mystery to the city dweller, but he will not know the completeness of the installation for oil fuel; or that there is a three-stall garage to hold the officers’ cars. The dock was widened by the Harbour Board some years ago, and the engine shop has been kept up to date and the dock electrified. Stationary IT.M.S. Philomel, still going through the daily routine of naval life, may be seen emitting smoke, mostly from the galley fires and hot water machines. For other purposes the ship is supplied with power from Arapuni as is the rest of Auckland. The training of men on the Philomel has meant a building programme on shore. There is a row of greycoloured barracks, with a batterv of saluting guns nearby, and hospital quarters. At the roadway entrance is a guardhouse. Lately, a canteen store has been added and there is space for a club room. So much material -remains exposed that a new storeroom is being built and brick quarters for officials are being privided.