Photo Index - Wadkin Ltd. - PK | VintageMachinery.org

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Wadkin Ltd.
Nottingham

True Manufacturer:
Wadkin Ltd., Nottingham

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Table Saw
Machine Size:	18-inch
Submitted By:	John Vannisselroy

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	PK
Date of Manufacturer:	1945
Serial Number:	PKA800
Last Updated	11/8/2015 5:49:37 AM

Comments:

I purchased this poor tired, rusty saw today (28th July 2015).

The saw was ordered on 6th December, 1943 (during WW2), apparently one of a number of items of machinery ordered through the High Commissioner for New Zealand in London, to Order A.384. The 'Packing List' from Wadkin Ltd, is dated 19th September, 1945. The saw was shipped on the MV Port Philip - a 12,439 ton vessel built in Wallsend, UK, in 1942. She sailed from London on 13th October, 1945, for New Zealand - but not without incident. The Evening Post - a Wellington (NZ) newspaper reported on 16th October 1945, (p7):
“CARGO FOR NZ
3500 TONS LEFT BEHIND
Due to the dockers’ strike, nearly 3500 tons, or one-third of its cargo, had to be left behind by the Port Phillip, which sailed from London for New Zealand on October 13. The ship is carrying general cargo ranging from motor-cars to plate glass and drapery. When she sailed a wide variety of goods remained behind in railway trucks, barges, and sheds”

The Port Phillip arrived in Wellington on Wednesday 21st November, 1945. The Evening Post of 21st November 1945, 'Shipping' (p8) reports nothing on arrival of Port Phillip, but under:
“BERTHAGE LIST: Aotea Quay Wharf. – U.S.S. Vincennes, Port Phillip, Kartigi, Futurist.”
However, the following day, the New Zealand Herald, an Auckland paper, in 'Shipping News' (p4), reports
“BY TELEGRAPH
Wellington. - November 21: Arrived –
Port Phillip (1.3pm) from Colombo;"
She sailed for Auckland on the 30th November, 1945.

The saw was in the hands of the New Zealand Government Railways by 10th December, 1945. It was installed in the Wood Mill Joinery Shop of the Hutt Railway Workshops, and was commissioned on 22nd January, 1946. Machine cost £194 9s 10d; Freight £80 8s 6d; Installation cost £15 17s 2d. Total cost £290 15s 6d (NZ pounds).

When the Wood Mill and it's Joinery Shop were closed and demolished in the 1980s, the saw was moved to the Wagon Shop.
The Wagon Shop was closed several years later, and the saw was moved to the former Boiler Erecting Shop (now "Plant 2"). It was de-commissioned and put into storage at the beginning of 2014.

Photo 1:

Comments: In storage, before purchase.
Source: My photograph.

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 2:

Comments: Other end.
Source: My photograph.

Direct Link
IMG Code