THE GRAVING DOCK AT PORT CHALMERS.

Westport Times, Volume IV, Issue 719, 4 October 1870, Page 2

THE GRAVING DOCK AT PORT CHALMERS.

The " Star" says that this work, which from the commencement has been carried on so admirably by the contractors, Messrs Connor and M'Kay, is rapidly progressing. On one side the last course of the stonework is laid, and on the other only one course is needed to raise the wall to the required height. The vast area of the dock can now be realised by visitors, as the floor throughout the whole length is partially laid. The rapidity with which this magnificent piece of work has proceeded latterly, notwithstanding the drawback of bad weather, seems little short of marvellous. It is, however, easily explained. Every arrangement for the work has been marked by forethought in the minutest particulars. There has been no waste of time or labor. Every stone had a place, and was carefully prepared for it. The consequence is that, though shaped twelve months ago, it is fitted in less time than is necessary to describe the process. By a derrick it is placed upon a truck—descends an inclined rail with velocity checked by a steam engine. On the level a ton is conveyed by the power of one man to another derrick, so placed as to command the exact position designed. One stone is so cut as to bind its neighbors—a few trowels of cement form the bond between newcomer and those alreadv laid—a pinch with the crowbar completes their close contact, and the work is done. Those blocks weighing several tons, which form the recess on which the hinges of the gate will turn, are admirably fitted. The pump shaft is formed, and two beautifully-cast centrifugal pumps, each designed to throw out 10.000 gallons a minute, have arrived. The latter are splendid castings, such as can only be turned out by British iron founders. The interest of this work increases as it approaches completion.