83

C.—3

On the beach, intends bringing in a head-race from the Wolf River for the purpose of ground-sluicing. Part of a small sluicing plant is at present lying on the beach unused. Martin's Bay. —McKenzie Bros, combine cattle-raising and prospecting. HoUyford River. —George and Campbell are said to be prospecting on the river and along the seabeaches to the northward. Big Bay. —Harris and party (five men) were landed from the " Hinemoa " on her previous trip, a Dutchman called Oscar acting as guide. It is stated that, after giving the alleged auriferous ground a good trial, Harris and his mates gave Oscar twenty-four hours to clear out, which he accordingly did. Two of the party reached Glenorchy overland, while the others determined to make for Preservation Inlet in the boat. After encountering many hardships, they reached Moonlight, on Coal Island, where their boat was wrecked. The men received hospitable treatment from Messrs. Cullen and Clark, the miners residing there. GOLD-DREDGING. Summary of Dredges in Southern Mining District. Working — At 31st December, 1903. In Otago .. .. .. .. •• .. .. 112 InSouthland 43 155 Building—■ —■ In Otago . . .. .. • • .• • • • • 1 In Southland . . .. .. .. • . . • •. 6 7 Standing— In Otago .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 11 In Southland .. .. .. .. • • • • ■ • 1 12 Removing — In Otago .. .. .. .. . . .. .. 15 In Southland .. .. .. .. .. .. . • 3 18 Dismantled — In Otago .. .. .. . • • . .. . • 5 In Southland .. .. .. . • • • • • • ■ 3 8 Total .. .. .. .. 200 Decrease of working dredges — Otago .. .. .. .. .. ■• •■ 10 Increase of working dredges — Southland .. .. .. .. . ■ .. •. 14 At the end of December, 1902, the total number of dredges in Otago and Southland was 211. At the end of December, 1903, this number had dropped to 200. During the year there was a decrease of ten working dredges in Otago, and an increase of fourteen in Southland. The total number of dredges in Otago was lessened by twenty-one. Of this number, ten went to the Southland District, six to Victoria, and two to the West Coast of New Zealand. A number of registered companies were liquidated during the year, and in some cases the dredges were started again to work by new companies, while in other cases, the dredges were sold for removal to other claims. On account of the number of dredges for sale, the building of new dredges in the Otago and Southland Districts was almost at a standstill. A regrettable event was the wreck of the Belmont Dredge, Waiau River. The owner, Mr. Francis Jack, of Winton, had caused the dredge to be brought down the river a distance of forty miles to a claim on the lagoon at Waiau Mouth. The dredge reached the claim, but unfortunately became stranded. The machinery was recovered. Payne and Peck's centrifugal elevator continues to give satisfaction, and is being installed on many dredges. O'Brien's application of hydraulic power to dredges has proved successful in districts where water is available under sufficient pressure. Johnson's submerged-jet principle of dredging, or rather elevating, has been tried and proved capable of practical results. McGeorge's silt-distributor for land reclamation : Much comment having been raised regarding the destruction of agricultural land in the process of dredging, an arrangement of undercurrents and siltchutes has been installed on McGeorge's Freehold, whereby the silt is carried out and deposited on the rough tailings. Growth of grass, oats, and trees, has been tried on the tailings with apparent success. When it is considered that much of the land suitable for dredging is low-lying and swampy, as in Waimumu, Waipori, Charlton, and parts of Waikaka, and Waikaia districts, it will be recognised that it is advantageous to have this land turned over and raised in height.