CHRISTENING A WATER-WHEEL.

Grey River Argus, Volume VII, Issue 478, 6 February 1869, Page 2

CHRISTENING A WATER-WHEEL.

On Wednesday last a gathering of miners and others took place at the Twelve-mile Beach, for the purpose of taking part in the interesting ceremony of christening a water-wheel, just, completed in the claim of Isdell and party. Mr Warden Button was among the visitors, and took a prominent part in the. proceedings. When the water was turned on, Miss Warren, sister of Mr Warren, storekeeper, Ten-mile Beach, broke the customary "boiitle of champagne on the wheel, and christened it "The Concbrdia,'' amidst great enthusiasm. The company then adjourned for refreshments, which were amply provided by the owners of the claim. After the usual loyal toasts had been duly honored, Mr Dutton, R.M., proposed "Prosperity to the Concordia," coupled with the names of the proprietors. In doing so, he said it gave him great pleasure to be present at meetings of that description, and to see the miners, adopting mechanical appliances instead of purely manual labor. He spoke at some length upon the advantages to be derived from adopting the course pursued by Messrs Isdell and party, and hoped to see the erection of machinery on the North Beach on the increase, as he had not the slightest doubt that there was more gold yet to be obtained on these beaches that waß' ever taken out of them. (Loud cheering.) Mr Isdell, one of the proprietors, returned thanks on behalf of himself and . mates, saying they were much indebted to Mr Warden Dutton for coming the-dis-tance he had to be present at the naming of the water-wheel. It afforded great pleasure not only to himself but to all the miners on the beach to have Mr Dutton amongst them that day, because it showed them that as a body they were recognised, and that so much good feeling existed between the miners and their Warden. (Loud cheers.) He called upon the company to drink Mr Dutton's health. The toast was responded to enthusiastically. . Mr Dutton, in reply, said he always identified himself with the mining interest, and endeavored to do justice to the miners. (Applause.) He alluded to the fact that he had only had one decision appealed agaiust. He suggested to the miners present that in many cases of dispute, instead of wasting their time and money in litigation, they should refer the matter to a third party. After a few complimentary remarks as to the manner in which Miss Warren had performed the ceremony of christening the wheel, he proposed her health, which was warmly responded to. Mr Isdell proposed "Prosperity to Mr Warren," as the party had received much valuable assistance from him in the erection of the wheel. The toast having been duly honored, Mr Warren, in reply, thanked the company for the kind manner in which they had received the toasts concerning his sister and himself, and said it always gave him pleasure to forward the interests of the miners as far as lay in his power. ' • " The local press" and other toasts were proposed and drank with all the honors, after which the company spent a pleasant sociable evening.