The Evolution of Floating and Other Dry Docks. 79 



250 feet long ; with a modern Floating Dock the same oper- 

 ation could be done with ease by six men. 



In conclusion the author stated that it was because he had 

 been engaged so often at the dry docking of vessels that he felt 

 disgusted at the slow and expensive process in use at even 

 modern Graving Docks, whereas his experience with the Pontoon 

 Dock went to shew that at least it was advancing with the 

 times. A leaf might be taken out of the German book ot 

 progress and note how they are availing themselves of modern 

 methods in this as in many other instances, and old and expensive 

 methods ought not to be retained if new, cheaper, and better 

 methods can be got; and before adopting another Graving Dock 

 for Belfast those interested should pay a visit to Hamburg, 

 Stettin, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Cardiff, Newcastle, and other 

 places, and study the question with a sample of the Pontoon 

 Dock before them and confer with the builders of such 

 structures. 



Hamburg, one of the largest if not the largest shipping port 

 in the world, has but one small Graving Dock 260 feet in length; 

 this is a very significant fact, and at the present time there are 

 enquiries for several floating docks to accommodate the largest 

 vessels being constructed. 



The American, Japanese, Russian and Canadian governments 

 are all asking for tenders for this class of floating dock. 



Mr. Maxton thanked the audience for their patient attention, 

 and the speakers for cheir friendly criticism, and likewise the 

 builders of the largest floating dry docks, Messrs. Swan & 

 Hunter, and others who had been good enough to furnish some 

 particulars and plans. 



