DISTRICT MINING NOTES.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 718, 31 March 1900, Page 3

DISTRICT MINING NOTES.

OPENING OF THE NUGGET CO.'S DREDGE. Our correspondent writes: — Tbe formal opening of the Nugget Co.'s new and powerful dredge at Growler's Flat, Glenary, took place on Thursday in the presence of a large number o£ shareholders aud directors, and some 50 of the general public, who had journeyed from Waikaia to witness the great and important event, which, let us hope, will mark a new era in mining properly in the district, and so be the mea s of occasioning many more such functions as that of Thuisday. The preliminary trial of Thursday proved the machinery to be in flue going order, everything woiking smoothly notwithstanding tbat from the lowness of the river the dredge was resting on the bottom, thus bringing the elevation of the ladder in rather close proximity to the steam pipes crossing over. This, however will soon be obviated when the dredge scoops out some of the. drift and makes a hole sufficient to float in. Very nice prospects were obtained in the suiface drift as it came up in the buckets — sufficient at any rate to cause a thrill of ploasure to palpitate the hearts of those more intimately connected with the venture. Tbe directorate bad very thoughtfully provided an abundance of light refreshments for all and sundry who honored the occasion with their pi-t sence, and from the happy looks upon the many faces that lined the bank of the river one formed the opinion that from the bottom of their hearts the visitors wished tbat tbe enterprising venture might have a long and continued career of good luck and prosperity. Short speeches appropiiate to the occasion were given by some of tho.->e present, and from a general inspection of the dredge and working parts, and from the ease with which the vast and ponderous machinery moved, it is evident tbat the engineer, Mr James Durward (who has had charge of the fitting up), is worthy of a large measure of praise for tho thoroughly efficient manner in which he has placed everything in the best going order. It only now remains for the Nugget dredge to fill her part of tho contract and garner in some of the rich yellow harvest, which we trust is abundantly stored for her iv the hidden recesses of Growler's Flat.