LAUNCH OF A DREDGE

Hokitika Guardian, 8 December 1930, Page 4

LAUNCH OF A DREDGE

FUNCTION AT FIVE MILE. The Five Mile Dredging Coy. was much in the public mind on Saturday, when the pontoon for the dredge was launched near Okarito. There was a of southern people present, including settlers from all over the district, and a few notabilities from Hokitika. Mr R. T. Stewart, manager of the Company gave the visitors a cordial welcome, and provided liberal entertainment. Amongst those present were Messrs Radford .and Robinson, of the Rinm Dredging Coy., Mr McLaren, builder of the new hull at South Hokitika, and others. About 80 people were present?, and as, the locality is isolated, this was regarded as quite a large assemblage. The pontoon is a substantial one being 92 feet in length and 29ft 6in in breadth while it has a depth of 6ft. It it built of local timber j. principally black heart and rimu. The launch was carried out most successfully, and reflected every credit on all concerned. Several speeches were made incidental to the occasion. Mr J. Donovan, M.C.C, represented the County ■ Council, gave the best wishes of the community for the success of the enterprise. Other speakers were Mr J. Hewer and the manager of the Rimu Dredge. Mr R. T. Stewart thanked, all for their presence and outlined the project. Incidentally he mentioned that in ep.ening out for the pontoons, they had re« covered £I6OO worth of gold by the blow-up process, hut only a small piece of ground had been worked and that area could be accounted for in two days by the dredge when it was. in full operation.

The visitors had a w ery pleasant outing and the whole proceeding passed off very pleasantly.