GOLD DREDGING.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 17 April 1901, Page 2

GOLD DREDGING.

To-day the Coast rivers are in high flood and dredging operations are for the time being hung up. The return from the Four River Plain Dredging Claim was lOoz tldwts for US hours work, and not for 18 hours as previously stated. The Perry's Reward dredge will not be started for at least a month. The statement that a trial would be made this week was misleading. So far the results of Greenstone Creek dredge have not yet reached us. There are all manner of reports, good bad and indifferent. The report that seems to be generally accepted is that dredge "got a little gold " —whatever that may mean.

The Greenstone Junction Dredge has: now .worked her way out into the creek and will soon have a good face opened, when fair results will be expected. MrM'Queen, Engineer to the Commissioners Flat Coy. and Mr H Bignell contractor, were engaged yesterday on the Company's claim arranging the site for the construction of the pontoons. The prospecting done by the Keystone borer, under Mr Maynard, on the Mikonui River GD. Company's claim, has proved that the ground is too deep for profitable dredging. A considerable quantity of machinery for the Teremaku and Greenstone Coys has been landed at Kumara Railway Station and is now being carted into the respective claims. Boring operations are still being conducted on the Hokitika Extended Coy's claim by Mr Smith. The results so far have not been made known. The r&ia during the last twenty four hours may > have the effect of causing operations to be suspended in the meantime. The Mont D'Or Company has had a plentiful water supply during the last few days, but unfortunately it came too late to admit of a washing up for the directors* meeting, which takes place to-night. It will,'however, only bo a question of a few days more sluicing when the 57th dividend will be declared.

The dismantling of the Klondyke dredge (Otag >) which is to be shifted to the Stafford Waimea Company's claim is proceeding apace. The pontoons of this dredge are ell of hard wood and are to be shifted also. This dredge should be working within five months. There nre at present five dredges at work in New Guinea. The workmen employed receive one ounce of gold per day as wages. The ground must be exceptionally rich, and the climate is very sultry. Last week's dredging returns from the Buller river must be regarded as very satisfactory. The Mokoia (350 z) and Buller Junction (31oz) may now be looked upon as steady producers, and it is further encouraging that the dredgemaster of the latter reports that the ground is improving. The old Buller dredge, upper Buller, also gives a good return of 28oz.