Miles of Pipes

Now that the factory of Spiral Welded Pipes (N.Z.) Ltd. in Awapuni Road has swung into full scale operation, the large paddocks adjacent to the works are starting to fill up with miles of pipes which will soon be in service carrying water for Gisborne's municipal reticulation.

Given ample supplies of steel pipes, the Gisborne factory can now turn out up to 100 finished pipes in a week. Work done here consists of de-scaling the steel in a huge acid bath, and applying protective coatings to both interior and exterior surfaces.

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Finished product has inside diameter of 21 inches.

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Cement lining is made to exacting specifications.

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Workman with axe chops up bitumin like wood.

Long and expensive job of replacing the existing pipeline is expected to solve Gisborne's water supply problems for many years to come. Cost is estimated at £250,000. At present borough water is not available in outer areas of Mangapapa and Kaiti and in some parts of Te Hapara.

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Reflections in wet cement create strange patterns as big pipe is spun at 600 r.p.m. to smooth out interior lining to half-inch thickness.

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Lime wash is painted on surface to reduce heat absorption while pipes are curing in the sun. Outer surface of pipe is given three coats of pitch enamel. The final coat incorporates a felt layer.