Water Pipe [Whale Tail Pipe]
Production date
1919
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Object detail
Accession number
2003.130
Production period
Description
"Whale Tail" pipe component from Auckland's water main system, consisting of T-junction with 2 sluice valves and 2 of the outlets. Made of cast iron. Valves are dated 1919.
Brief History
This ‘Whale Tail’ T-junction section of pipe was originally located below the intersection of Karangahape Road and Queen Street. It was revealed in October 2000 during a project to reline the water mains in Auckland's CBD, during which the existing water mains were cement-lined in situ. The curved shape of the ‘whale tail’ junction prevented it from being cleaning and lined, so it was removed and replaced with a standard T-junction.
No records could be found to show when the whale tail was put in place and there were no markings on the structure to indicate when it was laid. The gate valves that were found with it are dated 1919, suggesting it may have been laid around the same time. The pipe and two gate valves are made of cast iron and are typical of water mains from the first half of the 20th century. It appears that it was cast in South Africa or Britain rather than in New Zealand.
No records could be found to show when the whale tail was put in place and there were no markings on the structure to indicate when it was laid. The gate valves that were found with it are dated 1919, suggesting it may have been laid around the same time. The pipe and two gate valves are made of cast iron and are typical of water mains from the first half of the 20th century. It appears that it was cast in South Africa or Britain rather than in New Zealand.
Marks
1919 Inscribed
Media/Materials
Credit Line
1919. Water Pipe [Whale Tail Pipe], 2003.130. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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