NEW GOLD DREDGE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22412, 7 May 1936, Page 13

NEW GOLD DREDGE

LAUNCHING ATTEMPT MOLYNEUX RIVER HITCH CLUTHA COMPANY'S STRUCTURE [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] DUNEDIN, Wednesday An effort was made this evening to launch the Clutha River Gold Dredging Company's huge steel dredge on the banks of the Molyneux River at Alexandra, but as a result of the fouling and breaking of one of the steel hawsers the operation was only partly successful. The dredge had to be launched sideways into the current and, when the hawser was broken,-the heavy end of the dredge swung round into the river, leaving the other end high on the bank. Working in darkness by the aid of hurricane lamps a staff of men endeavoured to get the dredge into the current from the other side of the river by means of ropes and winches. At midnight the operation was not complete, although the general manager of the company was satisfied that the job would be completed by daybreak. The dredge has been ready for launching since early last spring, but a phenomenally low river prevented the operation from being carried out. Heavy rain in the past few days caused the river to rise to within four inches of the skids by six o'clock this evening, when the attempt was made. The Molyneux Company's dredge at Clyde, which is only slightly smaller than the one at Alexandra, also is ready for launching. It was anticipated that it would be placed in the water this afternoon, but the river has yet to rise another three feet before the operation is possible. The river is considerably wider at this point than at Alexandra, and there will have to be more heavy rain for the extra depth to be obtained. Present indications are for snow in the high country, in which case it appears unlikely that the river will rise to the required height.