DREDGING

Otago Witness, Issue 2456, 10 April 1901, Page 29

DREDGING

Dredging is not so far advanced as could have been wished. We have nothing sensational in our midst, but still I hope to be able to record great things some day. The reason of such terrible delay, and consequently suspense, as we have experienced m the erection of dredges is a mystery to everybody. Much difficulty is experienced in getting the Endeavour pontoons floated again after being stranded in a bight— that is, a bar of gravel running to a point outside of the vessel. The river has receded so fast that it has upset the plans and efforts made to float her. The Long Valley pontoons got slightly aground last Friday night, but were fortunately heaved off before being seiiously stuck. The Pleasant Valley Company, it is rumoured, is about to declare another 2s dividend.

The Coal Creek Company's machinery is very slow in coming forward, as is also the Jubilee's, These dredges should have been working, considering the time it is since the companies were floated. They are good, likely ventures, too. The Golden Deposit pontoons are all ready for launching, but are delayed on account of the lowness of the river. If the low state of the river is to assist in big returns, it is high time they were making a show at a beginning, because the river is lowering very fast.