GREENSTONE DREDGING.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 15 March 1901, Page 3

GREENSTONE DREDGING.

(oult KOMAEA CORRESPONDENT.)

Yesterday was certainly a red-letter day for dredging folk in this district. Indeed it was so for the whole populaas it is an industry fraught with vast possibilities to all. Should the first dredges come up to expectations in their results, it will mean a new era of prosperity for the town and district, Perhaps, then, the already mooted scheme for lighting the town with electricity will have advanced from the embryo stage and receiving a new impulse become a living reality. But let us go back to the present, I venture to say it is unique in the history of dredging in this colony to have such a close finish as occurred between the Greenstone Creek and Greenstone Junction dredges. Even now it is somewhat of a moot point as to which should be given tbc pride of place in starting. Had I to decide the point, I would Fay that the Creek dredge won by a nose. Like the horse in the race, to escape a tie resulting, metaphorically speaking, put out its tongue and won, if such may be called. After months of sustained effort scarcely two hours divided them at the finish.. The Creek dredge got going at about 2 30 p.m., the Junction at a few minutes past four. The latter was kept so quiet that not even the secretary was aware of the fact, so I am informed. However, by one of those providential accidents, he happened to arrive on the scene to witness the first bucket tumble its freight into the screen. The various parts worked exceedingly well; in fact, so much so as to give every satisfaction to those interested. Mr. Bell, under whose immediate charge the erection of the machinery has gone on, and his staff deserve every credit for the efficient and conscientious way in which they have carried out the work. The official passing of the machinery docs not take place until to-day, when the Inspector of Machinery (Mr. Carman), as also Mr. Cull (Cutten Bros.’ representative) will .inspect the work.

This dredge is in dimensions very similar to the Greenstone Creek, the

pontoons being six inches deeper aft to carry the extra length of elevator. In other respects there are some material differences. For instance the ladder is capable of dredging to a depth of between 35 and 40 feet. This allows a

projection beyond the bows of the pontoons of about“l2 feet. This Mr Rennet, the dredgemaster, holds to be a very wise provision, not merely on account of the extra depth it isjcapablc of dredging, but also because it allows of corners b eing taken out without difficulty. He informs me that it is a mistake very common in Otago in what is known as dry or partly dry land dredging not to allow sufficient projection. The result in such case is that the bows of the punts are continually coming in contact with the face in the effort to keep the buckets near the work. To those who will look into the matter the position is clear. Another improvement suggested by Mr Bonnet k on the Junction is the erection of a platr form 18 inches wide to allow extra room in passing the boiler and engines. This has been carried out giving ample room where hitherto it was crannied. Usually a dredge has but one platform. The Junction has two, one on each side. The buckets arc 4* feet capacity, the screen is w similar to the Greenstone Creek with slots in the lower band. The engine is a 16 horse power Marshall. The elevator is long in proportion to the ladder. The electric light was described in a previous issue. The tables are the ordinary type

with ripples instead of mats, and netting in the one under the lower band of the screen to catch any heavy gold. If the Greenstone Junction started to

work unobserved, not so tne Creek dredge. Mr J. Kugg’s coach having on board a full complement of passengers, reached the scene of action a little after one p.m. During the whole of the afternoon a continuous stream of curious and interested sightseers wended their way thither. Among the number was Mr Carman, Inspector of Machinery; Mr Cull, Cutten Bros' representative ; Mr Cable, the contractor ; Messrs Gillies and Wilson, directors; and a host of others not forgetting the übipuitous reporter.

A select contingent of ladies, by the brightness of their dress and the vivacity of manner, helped somewhat to relieve the sombre aspect of the surroundings. About 2 30 p.m. the machine was sot going after a little difficulty, the parts being stiff, and as it strained and tugged one got an idea of the power it is capable of exerting, and the work it can perform when in proper working order. As it groaned and strained to its work, it reminded one forcibly of a monster giant aroused from a prolonged slumber stretching his huge limbs preparatory to a great effort. Messrs. Gillies and Wilson invited all into the engine room, where the wants of the inner man were attended to, and a little mountain dew dispensed to thirsty souls anxious to wish success to the project. Mr. T. V. Byrne, Mayor of Kumara, in a neat speech traced the history of dredging in the Creek from the first abortive efforts to float a company to the present. Going back still further, he contrasted the olden form of mining with the present. The machine they had seen at w r ork to-day was a triumph of engineering skill. He concluded by wishing success to the company. Three ringing cheers were then given and the ceremony closed. Though not always safe to individualise, I must not forgot to mention Mrs. Gillies, to whom is duo the credit of dispensing the eatables, etc. The machinery as a whole worked exceedingly well. The only part that did not give entire satisfaction was the tables. Some slight alteration will require to be made in them. Indeed there scarcely seems to be fall enough on the dredge for the type of table used. They were put to a very severe test, as for a time nothing but sand was being lifted, and this is bad running stuff. It will be Monday next before three shifts get to work on either dredge.