GOLD DREDGING.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 3 June 1901, Page 2

GOLD DREDGING.

The week just concluded has been one of surprises. Claims that were expected to yield much did not, while others from which little was expected turned out well. The share market showed signs of the cloud lifting a little, and truly tis time for tho brokers here must have had a rather slow time of it lor some time past. The returns last week were materially interfered with owing to swollen rivers and wore all round quite as good as could be exrjected.

MaoeiQueen—l9 ounces for 120 hours dredging shows an improvement. Tho dredge is getting on to better face and should continue to increase its returns. Waipuna—4 ounces 10 dwtß for 70 hours is not very encouraging. A new dredgemaster and engineer have been appointed, and it is to be hoped that better results will follow. It is well, however, to remember that the ground is rough and difficult to work.

Grey Riveb—24 ounces is very satisfactory and the opinion is. now expressed that this company is again on the up grade for a few weeks good returns., At the same time it is evident that until a larger dredge is procured, this claim cannot be worked to advantage. The ladder was not on bottom last week.

Bullee Junction—lß ounces 7 dwts for 91 hours This return shows the uniform jJWIJFof the dirt which with constanfiHßPPwill give good diviFobd's CnElKuounces 6 dwts for 81 hours is about rtieVbest return this dredge has yet obtained.-■ As the ' river was flooded the machine was half time idle, and the other half at disadvantage. This dredge should do better this week.

New Biver—lß ounces 2 dwts for four days reads really good, and gives promise of better returns. The ground being operated oa recently is guaged at SOozs per week.

Leviathan—l 9 ounces 12 dwts for 204 hours is not nearly as good as was ex-"" pected. This week we anticipate a very much better yield.

Pactolus—26 ounces 9 dwfcs for th<w? week indicates what a consistent elaimW

this is, and warrants the opinion of genuniformity of ground. In the material being treated is a large percentage of tailings which when got rid of will materially increase the returns."

Nelson Creek—9B ounces for 135 hours is the record for the claim, and warrants tho staunch confidence reposed by tho shareholders in this fine property. Thoso who are acquainted with the ground declare that this grand return will be exceeded this week and for many weeks to come.

Beeves Proprietary—2o ounces for 126 hours indicates that the ground is improving, and that yet another payable dredgo has been added to the list.

Greenstone Dredges—As was expected there was no work up. Greenstone Creek docs not show much improvment.

Dobson No 2—A meeting of shareholders in tho Dobsoh No 2 to be held in Duncdin to consider the following:— '/ Tho Engineer's Report re lengthening the ladder. The financial position of the Company. To pass the following resolution ;—" That tho capital of the Company be increased to £9,000 by the issue of 1,300 shares at £1 oach.

North Beach —The engineers (Messrs Cutten Bros) for the North Beach dredge report as follows :—This last month we have experienced continuous heavy rain, which has interfered greatly with the completion of the framing and erection of the machinery on the dredgo. At present the contrifugal pump, winches, boiler, and main ladder are on board and in position, and the work on lining up shafting is proceeding. If the weather moderates the work will be pushed ahead, as the foundry is at no great distance. The work of racecutting, fiuming, and repairing dams is complete!

Victory and Aldinga G. D. Go's—The Hokitika Extended and Junction G. D. Company's are lending tho contractors for the building of the pontoons for the Victory and Aldinga Companys in the Grey district, a quantity of the hardwood and kauri timber now in Hokitika.

Humpheey's Gully Sluicing Claim— Operations on this claim aro being carried on satisfactorily. A dozen men are engaged erecting the tail race and tables. An electrician is also busy with the plant for establishing the electric light. which will bo worked by hydraulic power. There tiro two lamps of 700 caudle power each alongside the tail-race and tables ; the electric light will also be utilised by minor lights. Mr Greenbank, the manager has 50 man working on the water race and tunnelling 10 miles distant from the claim.

Bullock Cheek Case—The defendants in the easo of Thomson's Bullock Creek Gold Dredging Company v. Thomson and others, are appealing against the refusal 'of Mr Justice Edwards to allow the proceeding;! to bo removed from the Suprome Court, Wellington, to the Warden's Court in Westland.

A Dunedin press wire says : The returns are much below the average, the high river having prevented the Molyneux and Kawaru dredges working more than two or throe days. The Molyneux is still 9ft 9in above its normal height.

At a meoting of shareholders of the Manorburn Lead Dredging Comyany, it was resolved to go into voluntary liquidation. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr Gards, who intimated that he would make no claim ou tho assots for his paidup shares,