Starting of the Golden Crown Battery.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3658, 16 September 1880, Page 2

Starting of the Golden Crown Battery.

REVOLUTION IN THE APFLICATION OF WATER. POWER.

Today well deserves to be recorded as a red-letter dtiy iv the history of a mining community like our own, seeing that it marks the starting of the first water engine used in connection with the mining industry in this district, and probably in tho colony. The first decade of oar existence might well be called the " steam era," as during that period that expensive motive power Was the only one thought of. iS.a ta« returns from our goldfield .beptuue pdorer, however, mining

men hud to devise means of lessening the expeuso ot' crushing, the result being the pretty general introduction of turbines, whereby a ver}' considerable saving was effected as compared with the old steam power engines. Still the exigencies of the held called for cheaper methods for the reductiou of the auriferous ore, and to-day the first water engine commenced its revolutions at the Golden Crown battery. The trials and the official start today promise that all the predictions i made "' concerning its effectiveness and ! economical qualities will be realised, in j the event of which we prophecy its uni- • versal introduction in place of the present 1 efficient though somewhat expensive turI bines. j The following description of the new motor, which as will be seen by the report of the proceedings below has been called THE PEICB WATER ENGINE, is an invention of the firm of Messrs Price Bros. It is a double cylinder, oscillating engine, each cylinder being 9 inches in. diameter, with 18 inch stroke, 25 horse power (nominal), and using two sluice heads of water—lessif anything. The mean speed is 50 revolutions per minute and the engine is so constructed that it discharges and receives from , both trunnions. The workmanship of -the engine reflects the greatest credit on the Messrs Price themselves and their employees, while the speed with which the .designs and patterns were made, and the pieces cast, is really surprising, the engine being completed five weeks after; the order was given for its construction; We are informed by Mr A. Price that* the total cost, including the necessary pulleys and gear, was only £300.

THE BTAHT. j At 11 o'clock a large number of ladies and gentlemen assembled at the battery. We noticed the following present:— Mesdames A. Price, G. Price, Brown, Murray, Lawlor, ;. Dunlop, Hawley, Symington and Brodie, with Messrs Brown, Alexander, McGowan, Renshaw, McCullough, Allom, Aitken, Dunlop, Kenrick, Sad ford, Smith, Frater, Craig, Burgess, McDonnell, Mackay, Buttle, Lawlor, Comes, Hawley, D. McDonald, H. McD. Scott, Bayldon, Hickey, Hudson, Carrickv Turtle, Hennelly, Gellion, Bawden, McLaren, R. J. O'Sullivan, Inspector Thomuon, Crump, Spratt, Murray, Kennan, J. Thompson, Gibbons, McCaul, Morpetb, Brodie, Hollis, Osborne, and Comer.

Mrs Dunlop, the wife of the manager of the mine and battery, at the appointed time turned on the water, and the engine at once moved slowly round, increasing its speed as it felt the greater pressure of. water. The stampers were then unhung and quartz supplied, and the work went on as if the battery had been at work for months. Three cheers were at this time called for the Queen, which were heartily given. - After working a little the battery was stopped, and all present were invited to partake of refreshments.

Mr Brodie, who acted as Chairman; after a few introductory remarks, in which he drew a^ picture of the future of the Golden Crown mine, and the effect upon the field if the anticipations of practical men iWere realised respecting the new engine,, then proposed success ,to the dir#e'torjs of the Golden Crown Company,, Three cheers wefe^iven, after which Mr Alexander, Chairman of"Drrectbrs, responded thanking all present for their good wishes, and speaking of the pleasure it gave himself and his colleagues to be present upon such an occasion. The Auckland directors were only ,to be credited with looking after the finances, but Mr John Brown and Mr Dunlop were those deserving thanks for the admirable manner in which the battery had been arranged. Mr Brown proposed " The Engineers, Messrs A. and G. Price." (Cheers) In complimentary terms he spoke of the excellence of the workmanship turned out by the firm, and so when a water engine was wanted for the new bat.ery,-application was at once made to Messrs A. and G. Price. As all present would have seen, everything went off mo»t successful and be believed that after the newness of the work had worn off, not a better working plant would be found on the field. He also believed that crushing would cost less than in any battery in the colony. The engine was designed by Messrs Price, and the manner in which- the work had been carried out reflected, the greatest credit upon the firm. He believed the engine would be adopted by the majority of the crushing plants. He concluded by proposing success to the firm of A. and G. Price. (Applause.) Three cheers.were given for the members of the firm, and also for the Mesdames Price. Mr Price, in responding, said the speech making was the woist part of the whole affair. However, he would thank those present for their kind wishes, and the manner in which the toast had been received. He was pleased with the result of his work, for as it was an experiment many were doubtful if it would meet thn requirements. Many were the opinions expressed during the time the engines were being madeandalthoughsome admitted that power sufficient to drive a sausage machine might be obtained, not sufficient for a battery could be commanded. (Laughter.) However, the exhibition to-day proved that the designers were not far wrong., (Applause.) Mr Morpetb, one of the Directors, proposed "The Local Governing Bodies of the Thames," and requested Mr R. McDonald Scott to supplement his remarks. Mr Scott, evidently misunderstanding what was required of him, responded for the local bodies at considerable length.

Mr J. Frater proposed the health of ••The Warden, and officers of the goldfield," and expressed the pleasure he felt at seeing Mr Kenrick present. Mr Kenrick, in a witty speech, responded for himself and his subordinate officers, referring to the interest he took in goldfield matters, and making a humorous reference to the application of the water as a means of motive power. Mr Brodie gave " The Visitors,'", which was briefly acknowledged by Messrs J. B. Thomson and R. J. O'Sullivan.

A number of other toasts followed, including the health? t>f v. Messrs Comer and Dunlop," " The Ladies " (responded to by Mr Gelliou), ?lThe Press," and " Mr Brodie," the latter especially being well received.

After several rounds of hearty cheer* ing, the assemblage broke up.