PROGRESS REPORT

Hokitika Guardian, 30 September 1932, Page 2

PROGRESS REPORT

GILLESPIE’S BEACH GOLD DREDGING CO., LTD The directors have reported on the progress made towards placing a dredge on the claim of the Company. The machinery of the dredge of the now defunct Molyneux-Electric Company was purchased at a very reasonable figure. This dredge was in operation on the Molyneux River some three miles below Alexandra up to within a couple if years ago, when operation teased. For dismantling, the dredge had to be brought up to the dock at Alexandra. The river being at its winter level, made the work m<j>re difficult, and consequently led to greater expense than had the work been carried out in the summer, when the river is usually at a much higher level, Tie bulk of the machinery is in very good order. Already 30 tons have been sent by rail to Ross, and the balance required is in Dunedin, having the necessary alteration* 1 made. Until the dredge was safely moored at Alexandra, the consulting engineer. Mr Roberts, could not prepare the necessary plans and specifications for the building of a new dredge. However, we have been more than repaid for the delay; and. taking into consideration the easy nature of the ground to be worked, your directors can assert with confidence that when erected with the addition of new buckets and ’top and bottom tumblers, the machine will be equal to new, In the early stage wo purchased some dredge parts from Messrs McCeorgo Bros, for £4OO. These being not required when the Molyneux-Electric machinery was bought, were sold at a profit, Plans and specifications for pontoons are now out, andtenders have been called to close ■' on 30tli inst.

The planking! for pontoons will ho heart of Totara, which has been purchased at a prigo delivered on the claim. The framing; will be of hard wood, and the balance heart of red pins. Huts for the workmen are now being erected lon, ‘. ’the 'property. The following tenders havoCbeen accepted to date-:—Messrs , .Cory-W,right and Salmon, for electrical installation to give 250 h.p. on dredge. The transmission line is to have extra heavy 'fittings to 'carry 400 h'p. if required for a second dredge. Messrs J. Sparrow and Sons, Ltd. ; for alterations to machinery, new-buckets, and top and bottom tumblers. Messrs Newman Bros' and Williams, for cartage from Ross to. the claim. Thy total cost of electrical equipment,, including erection of motors on; the ‘ dredge, new buckets and/ tumblers, etc., will amount to about > £10,500. The only additional, new machinery required will be silt wheels, - elevator, and shaking tables. The directors do not anticipate having to make another call until the end" of, November when a further progress report will be issued, in which it is hoped to advise that the opinion expressed at the statutory meeting as to being able to eommenoe operations within the capital) will b e justified. The dredge and tables are designed to - treat a minimum of 130 cubic yards pep hour, and j; with the power available, this should be easily accomplished,