A GOOD RETURN.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 December 1924, Page 2

A GOOD RETURN.

1,001) OUNCES OF COLD. The Rintu dredge. South Hokitika, cleaned up this week for a return of about 1,000 ounces of clean gold for about three weeks’ work. 'I lie money value would lie about £I,OOO. This return is above the normal average. indicating that although the dredge has been operating now for over three years, the gold returns are as good as ever they were —better in fact. The claim lias a long lile yet. as there are many acres still to wink. The operations are carrying the dredge in towards Adair's road at the lowei end. and no doubt in time the road itself will lie dredged, as il is believed there is good gold below it. A new road would of course require to lie made to replace the existing road, but with the material at band this will not be a costly matter.

The dredge which lias been working so consistently for so long is in good order. Maintenance is naturally a large item, ami now exceeds the cost of operating the dredge itself. Many parts have laid In lie renewed, because the machinery i- subject to great wear and tear, as can b.> understood very readily. The quantity of alluvial drift being put through evidences how well the machinery is working, and the returns more than meet the expense involved.

The returns allnrd every salislactiop as to the future dredging operation-- in the district, and in the particular locality refereel to it is not unlikely flint next year will see a decision reached as t-i a second dredge being placed at South Hokitika. The probabilities now pniuh in that direction. The Diesel oil engine plant for the town generation supply of electricity is being obtained from England, and it is expected will lie shipped from London verv smut now. It will be established iii Hokitika, and be an auxiliary plant for operating the dredge when the Knnieri Forks plant is not working. The surplus power wall ensure a much better supply ol light ami power for the town of Hokitika also.