HAPE CREEK.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3774, 1 February 1881, Page 2

HAPE CREEK.

Mb Gbeenyille's -Battery

•This district has for the last few months been attracting considerable attention, mainly through the enterprise shown by Mr Greenville, the proprietor of a large area of ground. Tbis gentleman, convinced that payable ground existed if it were only opened out, undertook some low level works, and having a large area of ground, he offered favourable terms to tributers to take up sections and prospect. The Hape Creek battery, owned by Mr Greenville, has until lately been driven by water power, but the County Council having increased the cost of the water from the large race, Mr Greenville decided to use for the future, steam power. He hopes by this alteration, to make a substantial decrease in his expenditure. Yesterday, .the works being completed, Mr Greenville invited a number of gentlemen to witness the start; and a great many responded to the invitation. The boiler, engine, and battery seemed all in good trim, and when steam was got up started fairly to work on a large supply of stone. In the battery there are 13 stampers and 3 berdans, and all went oil 1 .well, the pressure being at 301bs. As soon as this had been witnessed, the company adjourned to the office, where refreshments had been provided.

Mr Brodie took the chair, and, after the usual loyal toasts had been duly honored, he proposed the health of Mr Greenville, who had shown aa amazing amount of energy and pluck. He was sure those present and all who knew him would wish success to his enterprise.

Mr Gr«^~~?ne said he felt highly flattes|^it^r. manner in which the toast had beM" received. He had constantly endeavored to advance the gold mining interest in this district, and this effort was an experiment which he might term "Steam versus water." He trusted to show that this end of the field would yet turn out the greatest amount of gold. The large companies were not doing much while in that district they were getting good gold and their hopes were justifiably raised.

Mr L. J. Bagnall proposed "Prosperity to the mines and shareholders of the district," coupling with it the names of Messrs Lowe and Adams. Mr Lowe respnded, and considered the County Council had assisted them in every way. Where he formerly had to pay 5s a load for cartage he now only paid 2s. No man had displayed more energy than their host. Mr Greenville proposed the " Health of the Engineer," and Mr H. Mcllhone proposed the!*' Health of Mrs Greenville and family" which was received with applause. The toasts of " The County Chairman," " The Ladies," and " The Press " having been duly honoured, MrLeydon proposed the " Health of the County Engineer, and his Foreman of Works." Mr Aitken, he felt sure that he would at any time be happy to show them a good road, and do his best to make it. This concluded the proceedings.