Rockets Away!

A practice run with the Marine Department's rocket life-saving equipment was held last month on Kaiti Beach, when volunteers, mostly from the Harbour Board's staff, took part. The equipment, of a design which is being made standard for most New Zealand ports, consists of a rocket gun able to fire a light line over distances up to 500 yards. This could enable a line to be fired to a wrecked ship, by which heavier lines could be fixed from ship to shore, and persons in distress brought to safety by breeches buoy.

The large party watching the demonstration stood well back for the rocket firing. This high-speed picture shows rocket taking off with a blast which flattens marram grass nearby. Target was breakwater, seen at right.

Some of the party enjoying the sun while watching the demonstration from the beach.

The harbour master, Captain McRae, watches as rocket gun is loaded.

While some men haul in ropes, others dig in sand to bury "dead man" to anchor heavy cable.

The light line fired by the rocket gun, showing how it is packed in box for tangle-free flight.

Target! As rocket hits breakwater, line can be seen snaking away from top left corner of picture. Splash as it hits water is also visible.
First practice was abandoned when the breeches buoy became entangled with extra ropes on its way to breakwater, due to one rope having to be knotted. When this defect is remedied, additional practices will be held.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 78 : December 8, 1960

Rockets Away!