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Dunstan Times, Issue 449, 25 November 1870, Page 2

The invention of Mr. Drdmmy for raising water from onr rapid-running rivers by the mere force of the current alone, is deserving of considerable attysatjcn, and practical minds have hmg suggested the idea of utilising the vast power now running to waste in the Molyneux. Mr. Drummy’s invention cannot properly be called a new one. The thing has been suggested times out of numlier, while models of various shapes have been made, and six years ago the Molyneux was made to pump water merely by its own power. We possessed a hydraulic company in the early days of Clyde

[ -and considerable expense was incurred in attempting to perfect a machine i which showed every capability for doing its work; but, like most new things, it fell through. Alexandra next followed, ond a description ol screw propellers were used for driving pumps for Mr. Sieueberg’s twin dredge, with its stern wheel for working the pump on board, was the latest idea, and, in ovr opinion, offered the nearest solution of the difficulty, forming the principle of Mr. Brummy’s plan. We would not of course wish to deprive Mr. Brummy of the honor of practically utilising a vast motive power now running uselessly by. The invention is of too much value* to he|J'unrierrated, and we can only hope that something practicable will be arrived at, let whoever may claim the honor of the invention. The banks of the Molynenx contain vast quantities of gold, and it is only a question of water to cause them to produce largely. Prom Cromwell all the way down to the Teviot there is ground to be operated upon and work for hundreds of Mr. Brummy’s proposed machines, and there can be no doubt but that the day will arrive when the rapid current of the modern Pactolus will be made serviceable in securing the precious metal, besides supplying motive power for various other industries. It is impossible to say what we may do till we try. ft was thought when dredging was first talked about that to fetch up gold from the bottom ot the Molynenx was impossible, and at. first success appeared rather problematical j hut perseverance succeeded and the most satisfactory results have attended this branch of mining. With these examples before ns, what is there to prevent the vast motive power in the rapid current of this river bein'* turned to account to sluice the rich banks and terraces lining its margin.