CHRISTENING OF THE ENERGETIC MACHINE.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1387, 10 January 1873, Page 2

CHRISTENING OF THE ENERGETIC MACHINE.

[prom our own correspondent.] Reefton, Jan. 7. The ceremony of christening the first turbine wheel that has been erected in' this district was celebrated this afternoon at the machine-house of the Energetic Gold-mining Company. The ceremony was performed by Mrs Shapter, who, with several other ladies, graced the occasion with their presence, and who succeeded in breaking the orthodox bottle of champagne with the first blow. Notwithstanding a scarcity of water the turbine performed its work admirably, and therefore showed its superiority over the overshot wheels. Through the supply of water having run short only two of the ports were open ; the remaining three were were plugged. The wheel was thus working with only two- fifths of its power, and yet all the ten head of stampers were driven with the greatest ease and regularity, though the speed was, of course, not very great. Another good feature of the machine is the lengfcfy qf the tables. Until proper machinery for manipulating the tailings if introduced at the different machine-houses, and even afterwards, the tables cannot be too long. Two men are found sufficient at present for working the machine during the twenty -four hours, care having been taken to so arrange the different gear that it can # all be worked by one man with the greatest ease. After Mrs Shapter had performed the ceremony the guests were invited to partake of some refreshments that were most invitingly spread out at the lower end of the building. After due justice had been done to which, Mr Hamilton, of Greymouth, in the name of the shareholders, begged to thank the guests, but especially the ladies, for their presence there that day, which, considering the rough state of the road, was far more than

they had any right to expect. He jnrould not detain the ladies by proposing any formal toast, which he knew would be disagreeable to them, but he begged to thank them, especially Mrs Shapter, on behalf of the shareholders for their presence, and trusted they would drink success to the Energetic Gold Mining Company.' Mr Han kin then proposed the health of the ladies. Mr Pitt was proud to say he had been requested by Mrs Shapter- to thank Mr Hamilton for the kind remarks he had made, and to assure him and the other shareholders that they one and all trusted that their exertions in | developing the district would be amply rewarded. He also thanked Mr Hankin and the company for the manner in which theyhad drank theladies' health. Theladies then withdrew, after which Mr Broad had very much pleasure in proposing a toast that he was certain would be drank wibh enthusiasm by all present. When he looked about him and thus comprehended the many and all bnt insuperable difficulties that had been overcome by the company ere the machinery could have been placed where they saw it» he felt that it was justly named the Energetic. He trusted that the success that had crowned their efforts would embolden several of the other claims to follow their example. He himself was identified with the district. He liked it, and believed in it, and would not exchange it for any other in New Zealand. (Cheers.) He had much pleasure in proposing, with three times three and all the honors. " The prosperity of the Energetic Gold -raining Company." Mr Hamilton having stated that the duty of returning thanks had been allotted to Mr Bowman, that gentleman, after remarking that dividend drawing was more in his line than speech making, briefly returned thanks. Mr Broad then* in very complimentary language, proposed "The health of the Mining Manager of the claim, Mr Bray," who requested the legal manager to return thanks for him. This request Mr G. W. Moss complied with, in the course of h ; s speech also giving Mr Bray credit for a great deal of the success which they were met that day to celebrate. Mr Hankin then proposed "The Contractors, Messrs Binney." Mr Bain having stated that, he had known the gentlemen for a long time and that they had turned out several of the best machines that were now working in Victoria, the toast was drank, and Mr Binney returned thanks, stating in the course of his speech that they had received every assistance from directors, managers, and shareholders during the whole time they had b«en connected with the claim. His Honor Judge Harvey, after nearly 20 years' experience on the gold fields of Victoria, had much pleasure in coming to this the newest district of New Zealand. He was certain that greater difficulties had never been encountered than had been met. with and overcome there. He felt confident that, if the different claims would only bind themselves together for mutual assistance, the Reefton district would yet be one of the richest in the Colony. Perhaps the reburns might be rather smaller than was at first anticipated, hut most of those present were, no doubt, aware that good dividends were obtained in Victoria from stone that yielded only sdwt of gold to the ton of 'Stone. This result was obtained merely from good management, and he knew no reason why the claims on the Inangahna should not be equally wfll managed, the very worst claim having been proved to give haif-an-ounce to the ton. He proposed thfi "Prosperity of the Reefton district." After the toast had been duly honored, three most hearty cheers were given for the Judge. Mr Haselden then proposed " The Working-men," without whose exertions the capital of the monied man would be unproductive. Mr Hamilton proposed the health of Mr Warden Broad, which was drank with great enthusiasm, and feelingly acknowledged. Mr Broad then proposed " The Press," which was responded tq by Mr Mirfin, of the Herald, and thus ended the ceremony of the christening of the Energetic quartzcrushin? machine.