Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1901. GOLD DREDGING.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 15 February 1901, Page 2

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1901. GOLD DREDGING.

If not first, the gold dredging industry on the West Coast will, ere long, cer- ■ tainly occupy a very prominent place, and aid very materially in the advancement of this part of New Zealand. Already the Press in larger centres are taking the question in hand and devoting a good deal of time and space to this new plan of gold mining. The Christehurch Press in dealing with the subject declares that the industry can scarcely be said to have yet got a fair start. Certainly there are half-a-dozen machines at work, but in an intermittent manner, scarcely a day passing without some mishap occurring, caused either through want of experience, miscalculation of power, length of ladder, breakage of machinery, or other like mischance incidental to an industry in its infancy. These vexatious delays will in time be overcome. It is, however, clear that the conditions of dredging on the West Coast and in Otago vary a good deal, and only by actual experience will the most suitable machinery for Coast claims be determined. As a first principle, it may be laid down that stronger pontoons and more powerful machinery will be required on the Coast than in Otago. Here large boulders, embedded logs, and drift timber have to be encountered and contended with; then the depth of wash, in our river at all events, is , too varied to be correotly ascertained with ease, and longer ladders than are generally considered sufficient will be necessary. Of the dredges at present at work there are three suffering from insufficient length of bucket ladders, and'directors are now contemplating improvements in this direction. For the foregoing, if for no other reason, there will be many stoppages and delays—not of a serious character, but sufficient to cause annoyance and instil in timid minds distrust of what seems to be the most stable and remunerative system of gold mining ever known. Our contemporary seems to have got the correct "hang" of affairs in regard to mistakes, but there is another point that requires attention, and if we are not to meet with many disappointments must be well remembered. In the initial stage ground was pegged out, companies floated, and dredges ordered before the ground was tested. This was of course "buying the pig in a bag" without ascertaining the animal's size, weight or condition. In future ground must be tested before heavy expenditure is incurred, otherwise many failures will follow. If the precaution is taken, gold dredging on the , Coast will be as neat a complete success as it is possible for mining of the surest class to be.

Mr Joseph Taylor will leave for Auckland next Tuesday in connection with the doveloponient of the Wallsend Coal Mine. Wo understand he is very sanguine of being able to got the mine in a forward condition at an early date. The pontoon for the Garibaldi dredge was successfully launched yesterday, and the machinery is to be got forward as rapidly as possible. The pontoons are 80 feet long by 30, with a depth of 7 feet. The pontoons were built by Mr Jay to designs by Mr Roberts of Dune Jin. Great intrest is being manifested in the alleged gold salting case being heard in the District Court to-day. Mr. Hannan in an able and exhaustive address opened the case for the prosecution going over the case as recorded in the Magistrate's Court, and then called P. Pansey who is now giving his evidence. As we have already fully reported the case for the prosecution in eighteen solid columns, we shall now content ourselves with recording any fresh items that may crop up. The evidence for the defence we shall of course give in full, no defence having been set up in the lower court. There are many indelicate, even disgusting uses made of pins. One often sees people picking their ears or teeth with them. They are frequently used for removing splinters from the hands, for pricking pimples, puncturing blisters, and for fastening bandages over sores and wounds. These identical pins, picked up anywhere, are used for any purpose again and again, yet, romarks the " Sanitary Record, " who can estimate the harm that is done, who can know what disease they spread? Is it not safer, then, not to pkk up the stray pin—for it may be picking up some dangerous disease ? According to the latest statistics the total population of Westland County is over 8600. The capital value of land with improvements, exclusive of interior boroughs, is £1,008,561. The total area of land under cultivation is 26,750 acres, cattle number over 11,000 head and sheep over 17,000. In the three ridings of Arahura, Kanieri and Southern the capital value of lands are respectively, £76,800 £188,400 and £527,100.

A Gisbome telegram Bays:—"Tho Liberal Association last night gave notice to move in the direction of nominating Liberals for all local bodies' elections. One member suggested that in the event of such an action being successful they might make Liberalism a sine qua non of appointment to office, quoting Amerioan practice as a precedent."

We understand the directors nf tho Great Woodstock Company in whose cliim boring results were unsatisfactory have decided to recommend the shareholders to take up other ground. With this in view prospecting is now being carried on at the Shenandoah claim.

Mr T. Tabart, auctioneer, of Christchurch, whose death was recorded in this week's telegrams, was for many years a resident of Hokitika, and held several public positions, among them that of Mayor of Hokitika, which office he held for three years. Tho older citizens have most kindly recollections of Mr Tabart and will hear of his death with sorrow.

An amusing incident haapened at the Timarau sports held recently. A brass band was playing with full force when an excited Highlandrnan came up, and in a loud voice commanded, "Stop that noise, tho music is going to begin." The startled bandsmen dropped their instruments and were roused to consciousness by tho strains. of tho bag-pipes, which in a Scottish community produce the only music worth listoning to. There was a large attendance of brethren at the annual mooting of tho Lazar Lodge, Kumara, on Wednesday evening. Bro. John Bevan, G.D.M., ably and eloquently conducted the ceremony of installation. The following officers for the year were invested: —Bros. John Jorgensen, W.M., John Duckworth, 1.M.P., N. Eochford, S.W., P. Romas, J.W., W. Evenden, Treasurer ; John Ellery, Secretary; G. Brown, S.D., W. Duckworth J D., W. Smith, 1.G., J. Valentine, Tyler. After the meeting tho brethren adjourned to tho Masonic Hall whero Mrs M. J. Harrison had prepared an excellent banquet, to which full justice was done. As all Masonic Lodges are now in mourning only "God Save the King" was sung. The Mawhera is to replace the Southern Cross in tho Marquese group trade, which trade is run under a subsidy from the French Government. Tho Mawhora is due this morning at Westport to coal beforo proceeding to Papeete. Captain L ike of tho Southern Cross, will be in command and tho colored crew of tho latter vessel are also being signed on to the Mawhera. It has not yet been decided what is to be done with tho Southern Cross.

Tho Dresden Piano C&y., of Dunedin, being lieavily overstocked in musical instruments purpose holding a geniune clearing sale of high class pianos and organs by all the best English and German makers. The sale commences on Saturday, the 9th inst. and will be continued for 10 days only, when no reasonable oifer will be refused. Pianos from 20/- monthly, and organs from 10/6 monthly, every instrument fully warranted for 10 years. This is really a splendid opportunity of securing an up-to-dato instrument on very easy terms. Second hand Pianos and organs taken in exchange as part payment for new ones, and full market value allowed. Tho Dunedin representatives, Messrs A. Jackson and J. Gof ton, will be pleased to answer all communications addressed to them care of Ecvington's Post Office Hotel, Greymouth, or at the local agents Messrs J. W. Easson and Co., Inspection invited. —Advt.

At tho Union Store, is to bo had a very fine assortment of all kinds of fruit for jam making ; also a largo assortment of jam jars. Order early to save disappointment. Griffien and Smith.—Advt J. Gofton, tho Dresden Piano Co's tuner, is at present in Greymouth. Orders left with J. W. Easson and Go. or Post Office Hotel, will bo promptly attended to.—Advt.