THE ALEXANDRA STEAM DREDGE

Dunstan Times, Issue 578, 16 May 1873, Page 2

THE ALEXANDRA STEAM DREDGE

—o—(to the editor op tub ddxstan times. ) Sir, —In reading the report of the Dunstan Mining Association in your last issue was surprised to find a resolution proposed by that body to the effect that the Alexandra S'cara Dredge Company was not entitled to any consideration as regards size of claim, and some appeared to think it nothing short of monopoly. 1 would point out that the claim ] apply’d for, has been prospected and worked over and ovet again, and its the universal opinion that this ground will not pay with present appliances, and nothing short of a powerful Steam Dredge (such as contemplated,) will ever make it pay, and am of opinion that those who take the trouble, also put their hands in their pocket to place a dredge on the river that will pay, are entitled to every consideration—its a well known fact that dredging with manual labour will not pay as a rule, the quality is gone, must now go in for quantity—as regards interfering with sluicing, it was never the intention or wish of any to do so, being well aware the quantity of water that can be brought on to the banks would ever interfere with the dredge. We are in a position immediately the claim is granted to give the orderfor the machinery, and am of opinion that anyone who would oiler any oppcsiiion, is neither a friend cf the miner or the di.trict—should we be successful there is no doubt there will bo at least a dozen powerful Steam Dredges between this and the Beaumont, and be the means of opening up and working the best load of gold in Otago. Your’s, &c, JOHN COLE CHAPPLE. Alexandra, May 13, 1873