EFFECTIVE MACHINERY FOR THE THAMES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume V, Issue 1401, 14 May 1868, Page 3

EFFECTIVE MACHINERY FOR THE THAMES.

Thobotjghxy efficient machinery is the great desideratum at the Thames Gold-field, and any man who can invent and bring into use a machine which will crush in quantity, and at the same time save the fine gold, will have a rich gold mine of his own.

An invention has been communicated to us, which it is our intention at the present moment to notice, so far as we can do so without prejudice to the inventor, which promises to perform all that is required for the peculiar character of the Thames quartz. The inventor is a practical engineer, who has been employed on some of the most extensive firms in London and Scotland, but like many inventors has not the capital to carry out his plans. What he seeks is the assistance of some man who will set capital against rains, that each may derive a mutual benefit by the patenting and manufacture of a machine which would supply the great want now felt at the Thames. The following is some account of the nature of the invention. There are three processes, viz.: Ist, a machine for the reduction of quartz in fineness resembling flour. The action upon the quartz is continuous, and constantly a changing surface of the quartz is presented to it. 2nd. A separator for separating the refuse and dirt from the rich portion of quartz and gold, previously to the latter entering the amalgamator. 3rd. An amalgamation upon an entirely new principle; it being impossible for a particle of stuff to escape with any portion of gold in it. Should it be desired to apply the principles of separation and amalgamation to machines worked by stampers, or to use stampers at all in the new machines.the inventor is prepared to so construct the stampers that the force of the blow can be changed at any moment to any reasonable amount, say from a force of 5 to one of 20 cwt. The machine is represented as being both simple and powerful, and, unlike many, the longer it is worked, and the more it becomes worn, the more efficiently will it work, just, so to say, as a Lyndon spade will keep a better edge the more it is used. We are also informed that it will turn oat ai large a

quantity of work in proportion to size and expense as any of the machines now in use at the Thames. The cost of a machine suited to regular work upon a quartz claim, to be driven by steam, will range from £200 to £300. We have been induced to pen these remarks in the hope of enabling the inventor to meet with some enterprising person who will enter into an arrangement for utilising an invention which, if carried out successfully, would bo of immense public benefit to the community. In America especially, and often in England, the most useful and clever inventions are those of mechanics. Taken up by capitalists the inventor is either paid handsomely for his idea, or takes an interest in the business which his ingenuity creates. There is just now in Auckland, in reference to gold mining machinery, a wide scope for the exercise of mechanical genius. The men who will show this ability will, for the most part, be men, who have not themselves the capital to carry their ideas to a material result. With the exercise of a wise precaution in the bargain it may be worth the while of capital to offer a fair price for ideas, especially in thelcase of men who are by trade and calling capable of putting their ideas into form when assisted with the means of doing so. In the present instance we shall be glad to bring tho two parties together.