PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS. 57 
of modern design to meet repairs of the heavier types of 
locomotives introduced, and four electric, overhead, travel- 
ling cranes are installed in them. Hach crane lifts and 
travels a safe working load of 35 tons, operated by separate 
shunt-wound motors under a current of 500 volts, and 
capable of moving the cranes at a speed of 200 feet per 
minute along the shop, cross-travelling the crab at 60 feet 
per minute, lifting light weights at 24 feet and under, and 
heaviest loads at 23 feet per minute. The different motions 
are controlled by suitable handles, arranged in the driver’s 
cage attached to each crane. The machinery in these 
shops, such as lathes, drills, shapers, etc., is driven by an 
electric motor, connected by belting to the main line 
shafting which runs down the centre of the building. This 
installation having proved successful in every way, it was 
decided to convert five of the heavy, older, rope-driven 
overhead travelling cranes in use, into electric cranes, a 
change which has made them much more lively and useful. 
In addition to these, several heavy modern machines are. 
provided with and driven by independent electric motors,, 
such as powerful multiple drilling machines, milling machine. 
and circular saw for the purpose of dealing with boiler 
plates, heavy bars etc. Electric driving is also used for. 
two ground traversers of 60 feet length, in the carriage 
and wagon shops, which are powerful, active machines.. 
The electricity used for driving the cranes and machines: 
is obtained from the tramway power-house at Ultimo. 
A very complete installation of compressed air machinery 
and appliances was introduced in 1899, so as to secure the 
economy of using portable drills, boring tools, caulking 
tools, small riveting machines, lifting appliances, etec.,. 
specially made for compressed air, instead of the old hand-- 
labour methods. Compressed air is also used for re-boring 
locomotive cylinders and driving small forging machines.. 
E—May 6, 1903. 
