WEST COAST NOTES.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 11871, 19 April 1904, Page 9

WEST COAST NOTES.

(SPECIAL TO "THS I'RKSS.") CHEYMOUTH. April 13. The Aldinga Company's dredge sank in twelve feet of water between midnight and eight o'clock on Sunday morning. As is usual, the dredgernaster and the engineer, after blowing down steam at eleven on Saturdaynight, went all round the machinery and pontoons and then all appeared perfectly safe. .Next morning she wae found to have sunk. The dredsemaster can at present form no idea ea to the cause, the dredge being safely moored and not making water. There was no difference in the height of water in the dam. ilr Sligo is now getting appliances ready to lift the machine, and hopes to have her ailoat in two days if all goes well and the hull is not much injured. The expense of raising will not be heavy. ■ The Kelson Creek Company's return is a marvellously rich yield considering the material lifted, and the timber trouble. If the latter is got rid of there will be a good yield this week. Timber is still present in the face and there is no certainty as to how far it goes. The Totara Flat Company's dredge is now approaching a better sample of wasn. The Xcw Commissioner's Flat Company's dredge is unable <a bottom, and the wcash i» roush. The StafTord-Woimea Company'a Jredjje is getting over her initial difficulties, but the tailings are a great handicap. The Mor.tesuma Company's wash is patchy. The pround i* now a much better sample, and improved returns are looked for this week. The Greenstone Creek Company's dredw waa idle last week repairing, aid vriil get ft start about Saturday.