OPENING OF THE ALBURNIA BATTERY.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3525, 13 April 1880, Page 2

OPENING OF THE ALBURNIA BATTERY.

Another event in the history of the goldfield took plaae to-day, namely, the opening of the Alburnia battery. It is gratifying to us to hare to record such an erent, as it bespeaks progress and advancement, and is an evidence of the confidence the owners of the Alburnia mine bare in their -property, and their determination to turn to the belt advantage the produce of the mine. The official opening was announced to take place at one o'clock, thouj||£ome little delay was occasioned by the nonarrival of the directors, who had been occupied in inspecting the mine during the early pavt of the morning. On their arrival with the mine hands, who had received a half holiday in honor of the event. Everything was ready for the start. A large, number of gentlemen were present to witness the event, iucluding his Worship the Mayor, Messrs J. W. Walker, John Wilson, W. McOullough, and others interested in the mining industry. Mr Thomas Macffarlaue turned the water valve, and as the machine began to revolve christened the battery "The Alburnia Battery" amidst the plaudits of those assembled. The machinery was then stopped, and Mr Macfarlane said that the battery would be of great benefit to the Alburnia Company, and also to the mining community at large, as the directors had made arrangements whereby public crushings could be received and executed at a moderate cost. He referred to the good prospects of the mine, and paid a high tribute to the efficiency and integrity of the manager, Mr Kadford. He said that notwithstanding anonymous letters the directors had received respecting that gentleman they bad the greatest confidence in him. His Worship the Mayor in answer to loud calls mounted the rostrum, and in a half speech complimented the directors on effecting the much needed improvements. He endorsed what Mr Macfarlane had said respecting Mr Radford, and wished the Alburnia company all prosperity. The visitors were then invited by Mr Macffarlane to partake of a glass of beer, and other refreshments. After the wants of the inner man had been satisfied, Mr Kadford delivered a short speech, and the proceedings terminated with three hearty cheers being given for the Alburnia Company, and one more for His Worship the Mayor. The battery was then started, and those who had attended to take part in the ceremony dispersed. ,

DEBCBIPTION OF THE ADDITIONS. The battery formerly known as the Prince Alfred lias undergone extensive alterations. Two new stamper bonces have been put in to suit tributers crushing, and new ripple and blanket tables for the whole of the.battery.- The whole machinery has had a thorough overhaul. Eight new berdans of the most improved principle, with betil wheel and clutch gear to each, hare been added, which ia intended to be used for the company's crushing; other eight berdans will be used by tributes. A new retorting furnace has been erected, also additional tailing pits. The whole building has been altered, and a new roof erected over the battery giving more room overhead for the stampers to work. A skillion has been edded over the new berdans, and an office erected adjoining. A branch tramway from the Moanatairi main tramway has been run round the face of the hill and brought in to the back of the battery, where the trucks tip into hoppers, delivering the quartz immediacy behind the stamper boxes. The paddock is roofed in, and made secure with sliding doors. The machinery is driven by a turbine wheel made by A. and G. Price some time ago. The contractors for several portions ot the work are—Messrs A. and G. Price for the machinery; Messrs Joll and Snaith for the building and battery tables; Mr Alex. Hanlen for the tramway, and MrJGeo. McOaul for the gas fitting. The work has been constructed from plans and specifications prepared by Mr H. Crump, Engineer, Thames, and earned out under his supervision.