RIMU DREDGE

Hokitika Guardian, 28 August 1930, Page 5

RIMU DREDGE

THE NEW CONSTRUCTION.

PROCEEDING IN WELLINGTON.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association*

WELLINGTON, Aug. 28.

The largest goldmining dredge ever built in New Zealand, and said to be one of the largest in the world, is being constructed by Hansford and Mills Construction Coy. for the Rimu Gold Dredging Coy., an American enterprise which has been working on ‘‘pay-dirt,” a few miles out of Hokitika, apparently with sufficient success to warrant a new arid larger steel dredge to take the part of the existing wooden one.

The contract for its construction was secured by. Hansford and Mills Coy. against American competition, and the progress which has been made with the work during the past eight weeks, has satisfied all parties concerned. /, The main part of the dredge is a huge punt,, built of British steel plates, in varying sizes. ' The punt is 108 ft. in length, 56ft. in breadth and lift, deep. ' ; '■ '

The strength of the hull can be gathered from the fact that the side “stiffener” or ribs, are only 2ft. apart. * This strength is needed not only to carry jthe enormously heavy super-. i structure, but to withstand the strain of severe vibration that is experienced on such a, dredge when the is at work, ■'•>""