UPPER MOLYNEUX.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11397, 14 April 1899, Page 5

UPPER MOLYNEUX.

Opening of the Galtee More Dredge.—Messrs Krewstubb Bros., with commendable promptitude, having pushed on. the re-erection of the Cumbrians dredge for the Galteo More Company, completed their contract up to time, a rare thine; indeed in dredge building. The invitations to lunch on board the dredge and witness the ceremony of christening the dredge were confined to shareholders only; at the same time a few visitors put in an appearance and were cordially welcomed with tho kindliness an«"l courtesy oi manner characteristic on sucu auspicious occasions. Saturday was a beautifully fine day, such- a one, indeed, fis is frequent in Central Ottigo at this time of the year; and, such being the case, the drive up the Mnmiherikia Valley to the dredge was an enjoyable one, especially to the visitors from Dun-e-din.

After the ceremony of christening the dredge

tho Galteo More, which was porformed by Miss Jessie Kelraan, the guests adjourned to tho luncheon tables. After lunch Mr James Kelman, mayor of Alexandra, in a neat speech proposed success to the Galteo .More Company. This toast was responded to by Mr L. Gards, one of the principal shareholders in the company. Mr Spencer. proposed the health of the contractors, remarking that, as usual, tho Messrs Knewstubb Bros, had done good and faithful work. Mr Knewstubb responded, and in doing so pointed out that his firm had now built 20 dredges, of which two only were behind contract lime. The dredging industry was proposed by Mr Roberts, the engineer for the company, whose remarks bore mainly on tho advance the industry was making in Central Otago and other parts of tho polony. Thin toast was neatly responded to by Mr Grimstone. Mr Byan proposed the health of the ladies who' graced the occasion with their presence and' who so ably assisted to make the afternoon a pleasant one to all present. Mr Hulton in a happy speech responded on behalf of tho ladies. Mr Hutton proposed the health of the visitors, arid on their behalf Mr Lawaon, of Barr, Leary, and Co., Duncdin, responded. "The Prose" was proposed by Mr James Simmonds and replied to by Mr Buchanan, of tho Alexandra Herald.

The dredge is an up-10-dato one in every detail, und well suited for the work before her. Mr Roberts has finally taken the dredge off the hands of the contractors, expressing himself satisfied with the work done, every part of the machinery working mo3t satisfactorily. I have every reason to. think that the Galteo More Company will reap a handsome reward for their enterprise in big returns equal to, if not better than, those of the Nil Dosperandum. me Springvalo Company.—Tlie shares in this company^went off with a rush, evidencing the faitli which the investing public have in the Msinuherikia Biver as payable dredging groimd. This company's claim adjoins the Galtee More, on the lower boundary, following the old river bed''in towards Galloway Plat, and is all good dredging ground. No time, "I am told, will bo lost in having the dredge taken to pieces and removed on to the claim, where she will be rebuilt, Arrangements are now being made to let a contract for the dredge's removal, which should not occupy more than two months. Although this dredge is not suitable for attacking the high banks of the Molyneux or contending against the running drift, yet she/will overtake the work expected of her on the Springvale claim, and in all respects she is fully adapted for tho work on such ground. The dredge is in good order and condition, having undergone considerable repairs and improvements about 12 months ago. At that time she was fitted with new buckets, new screen, new top tumbler, and new links. ' Since these improvements were effected the dredge has done not more than three months' work.

The dredges on the Molyneux are'putting in steady work, and meeting with very fair returns. __ The Vincent's ground is gradually improving—the washing up for last week being 2Goz. The Unity has been shifted to the west bank of the river, and recommenced work, after effecting repairs, a few days ago. The Maiau is still idle, the top tumbler not'having yet arrived. By tho way, it was said that this piece of machinery was at Kanfurly a week ago. Where has it now got to?

The Molyneux Hydraulic is doing steady work, washing up for the week 19oz. The Golden Beach .is still doing well, her 'return for the week being.,ssoz. ' ■- / i The Moa in bringing up an inside cut did not do so well this week, washing .up for only. 15oz. / ■I Tho Golden Point dredge continues to do steady and payable work. Her return for the was 330z. ~, .