Steam Engine
Maker and role
Belliss and Morcom Limited, Manufacturer
Production date
1910s
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Object detail
Accession number
2004.316.1
Production period
Description
Triple expansion self-lubricating steam engine. Three associated flywheels.
Brief History
This steam engine was manufactured by Bellis and Morcom Limited in Birmingham, UK in the early 20th century. It was one of a pair of triple expansion steam engines imported to New Zealand and installed for electricity production at the Kings Wharf Power Station in Auckland. It is believed the engine was installed prior to the station’s commissioning on 19 February 1913 as Belliss and Morcom were acknowledged in the Mayor’s opening speech as one of the suppliers. In 1924 power output from Kings Wharf exceeded that of the Coleridge Hydropower Station in Canterbury making it the largest producing station in New Zealand at the time.
The Belliss and Morcom engines were used at Kings Wharf until about 1945 when they were acquired by the Chelsea Sugar Refinery in Birkenhead across the Waitematā Harbour. The engines provided power to the refinery site until they were decommissioned in November 1990.
Belliss and Morcom Ltd was an engineering company specialising in boiler, steam and marine engine manufacture in the late 1800s to mid 1900s. The company created numerous developments in steam engine technologies including the forced lubrication system which allowed for self lubrication of the machines.
The Belliss and Morcom engines were used at Kings Wharf until about 1945 when they were acquired by the Chelsea Sugar Refinery in Birkenhead across the Waitematā Harbour. The engines provided power to the refinery site until they were decommissioned in November 1990.
Belliss and Morcom Ltd was an engineering company specialising in boiler, steam and marine engine manufacture in the late 1800s to mid 1900s. The company created numerous developments in steam engine technologies including the forced lubrication system which allowed for self lubrication of the machines.
Marks
BELLISS & MORCOM / LIMITED / PATENT / SELF LUBRICATING / ENGINE / BIRMINGHAM Maker's Mark
NO4864 Serial Number
NO4864 Serial Number
Media/Materials
Collection
Credit Line
Belliss and Morcom Limited. 1910s. Steam Engine, 2004.316.1. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
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