UPPER MOLYNEUX. MINING.

Otago Witness, Issue 2368, 20 July 1899, Page 29

UPPER MOLYNEUX. MINING.

July 17.— Owing to a continuance of frosty weather the river is now down to winter level, and as a result dredges are now working under advantageous circumstances. This is clearly evidenced by the splendid weekly returns that some of the dredges put up. But as big returns are so common nowadays, to record them seems almost superfluous. When, however, a dredge wins 800oz for a fortnight's work, it may well be classed as splendid. This was the Hartley and Riley's return for the time mentioned, minus a loss of two days; so actually the dredge scooped up an average of 80oz a day. The Hartley and Riley dredge is not in my immediate district, but I could not refrain from mentioning the matter. The Unity dredge is putting up a good record now that ' the river is low. Her return foi last week was 90oz. ' "

The Vincent 'continues to give very fair weekly yields, washing up for last week 460z, The Matau keeps up her reputation as a goldprodncing dredge, putting up for last wee! 730z. Then conies the Moa with 770z. The Molyneux Hydraulic has been under repairs during -the week.

The Golden Beach, keeps up steady returns, for last week the waali-up was 530z. Stock in this company is good property, and during the summer it will see a high premhim, as thr dredge can operate on the high bank to greater advantage when the river is moderately high. Messrs Rnewsttibb Bros, ore making good progress with the erection of the pontoons foi the _ New Alexandra and Perseverance Companies; but the vexatious delays occasioned by the non-arrival of timber causes much annoyance to them.

On the Manuherikia Galtee .More, Nil Desperandum, and Chatto Creek dredges have been idle during the week, undergoing repairs.

FLOTATION OF COMPANIES.

This business continues to go on right merrily, and the brokers cry " Still they come." And there can be no reason why not; for as long as there be dredgable ground, proved auriferous, available, then gold-dredging companies will continue to be formed.

During the past week the Sailors' Bend Company has been fully subscribed for before tha issuing of the prospectus. This claim was placed on the market about 12 months ago, bul failed to float. Now it has gone off in a few hours.

Bald Hill Plat is now opened as a field foi dredging, and from its well-known and favourable reputation it should pay handsomely, as the ground is not deep and can be profitably worked during the whole year. The Bald Hill Plat Freehold Dredging Com pany was no sooner on the market than it wa» snapped up by investors and speculators. The Last Chance, adjoining the Bald Hill Flat claim, will be on the market in a few days. Conroy's claim', at the lower end of tho Earnscleugh Flat, will also be on the market presently. Good properties, both of them, and more worthy -the attention of the investor than the speculator.

CENTRAL OTAGO GOLD DREDGEOWNERS' ASSOCIATION.

The following is the first -annual report of this association: —

" In presenting this, our first annual report, your committee have to state that, as you are aware, it was deemed expedient about a year ago that an association of diedgeowners be formed in Alexandra with tho object of .safeguarding the interests of dredgeowners generally; more especially were efforts to be directed in obtaining amendments in the " mining laws and regulations more favourable to the development of gold dredging; also the matter of speedier transit of dredging material. The first meeting of dredgeowners was held on June 10 of last year, and a resolution was carried to form an association on the lines above indicated. At a subsequent meeting on June 24 Mr Games Kelman was elected the first president, with Messrs L. Gards and G. Spencer as vice-presidents, and Mr L. Ryan as secretary. Your committee devoted, with the kindly assistance of Mi M. Macdonald, much time and care in drafting the rules under which the association works. After the initial difficulties, inseparable in forming a new association, were overcome, your committee set to work to carry out their functions by holding monthly meetings. At the October meeting Mr L. Ryan resigned the position of secretary, and Mi Closs was appointed at a salary of JE2O a year. There were 13 meetings of committee, which were fairly well attended by members. " The principal questions which engaged our attention during the year were — (1) The completion of the Galloway Flat-Ida Valley road; (2) the pressing on the attention of the Government the speedier construction of the Otago Central railway to Clyde; (3) the removal by blasting of the falls below Alexandra; (4);tht flotation of the Alexandra Coal Company, (5) the necessity for a bridge across the Manuherikia river at the lower crossing. The deputation that waited on the Premier to bring un* der his favourable notice the matters relating to the welfare of the industries of the district were courteously received, but got little satis, faction except that the questions would be con.' sidered. Pending the construction of the rail* way, we have urged the county council to presi! on with the Gallowey Plat-Ida Valley road. We have also petitioned the Government urg' ing them to complete the Otago Central rail way to Clyde.

" The present public petition which, is being so largely signed throughout the district it the result of your committee's action. " In conclusion, we desire to point out that owing to the marked increase in the number, of dredging companies the conditions that obtained when the association was formed hay« become considerably accentuated. By individual efforts little can be done to remedy the disabilities under which the dredging indus< try labours, but by our united strength we may be able to Have these disabilities lessened, ii not entirely removed, and so bring about prosperity to the dredging industry." The balance sheet showed the receipts to havt been JE33 12s, being the subscriptions of lfl companies at £2 2s, and that the association have a credit balance of £& 9s.

GENERAL.

Public Social. — A public social, arranged fci by the choir of the Presbyterian Church, Alexandra, wai held in the Town Hall last Wednesday evening. The social was given as a farewell to Mr Lothian, Mrs Lothian, and family. Mr Lothian has been minister of the Presbyterian Church of Alexandra during the past 21 years, and for that time Mrs Lothian, has ably assisted as organist in the church. Mrs Lothian has in other ways also devoted her excellent musical talents- 1 in assisting at entertainments for charitable and other laudable objects. The hall was crowded to excess

— so much so that there was scarcely room for dancing. During the evening Mr Theyers, the leading elder of the church, presented Mrs Lothian with a purse of sovereigns. In returning thanks Mr Lothian said the large concourse of people present showed that he and Mrs Lothian had the respect and esteem of the people. Mr Gilkison, of Clyde, spoke in praise of Mr Lothian and his work as a minister of the Gospel. The refreshments were .provided by the ladies of the congregation, and weie ample for such a large gathering. In all respects the social was the most successful that has so far taken place in Alexandra. A testimonial has been generously subscribed lo by the people of the district for presentation to Mr Lothian prior to his departure from the district. I am informed that the amount contributed by the people to this testimonial came to £55 16s, and that this sum has been handed to him by the deacon's of .the church. •Much comment has been made in some quarters on the fact that farewell sermons were not preached by Mr Lothian. On making inquiries I find that the presbytery forbade his preaching these sermons, but gave no reason for so doing so far as I could ascertain. If the presbytery deem it-wise to give no reason tor their action, it is not for the public to make one. At the close of the service yesterday evening Mr Lothian was allowed a few minutes to say some brief words of farewell to the congregation over which, he has for so many years presided and administered to. Sad and pathetic words they were, full. of admonition and counsel. To say the least about the matter, the wrench of severance between people and minister-, was sharp and keen. ,Mr Lothian carries with him the kindly ' feelings and wishes for his welfare of the people, none bearing him malice.