Notes from Cromwell. (From Our Own Correspondent.)

Otago Witness, Issue 2499, 5 February 1902, Page 22

Notes from Cromwell. (From Our Own Correspondent.)

CROMWELiIi, January 28. - . &. very heavy general rain fell all through the district and at the Lakes yesterday, and 9ie weather is still unsettled. It has caused a big rise in the river, and will stop all the dredges on the Kawarau from working. The Chrth* dredges will not be affected, Trat everything -trill be stagnant ioj: -soenxe -ftrme to come in the dredging industry here. The river is falling now. January 30. The weather haE a much more settled appearance to-day, and the glass stands high, hut the * river is not falling appreciably on Recount of the height of the lake. v The Ranfurly dredge is working steadily, but will not -"be able to proceed right across the river. The Junction No. 2 dredge has commenced! again, and is working close to the Cornish; Point. The Rise and Shine dredge could not bottom. At the point of starting, I 'believe, the dredge ■was working at 52ft, but it is now shifting further ahead, and will likely bottom there. The Royal Maori dredge is not improving much yet, and the return is likely to be but little over last week. January 31. There is fine, settled -weather prevailing 1 ,, and the liver is faffing steadily.The -Rise and Shine dredge wnfortona*^ lost her big boat this morning. It got past the Point dOr and • the Boyal Maori, anel. through the zapids safely, bottom up, on the w»J)-' to Clyde. I have not heard of it. having Deem picked up yet. It will probably cause a stoppage for a few days, as the dredgemen requirt* ' i two boats. 1 It is reported that the Upper Clutha dredge • is on much better goia, out I have not "yet " j heard it from official sources. I The Mag and Annie -will not be able to wore "to advantage' for a fortnight yet. ) February 1. The -weather is still fine, and the river i« -falling slightly. j The Rise and Shine boat was canght about | the Alpine No. 3 claim. It -was not much the worse of its rough trip. 1 The Boyal Maori is moving hack to some ' soft bottom, about 60yds below -where- they, ] struck the TOoz ground. The reason for-ahift-i ing is that the bucket lips are worn a goocl' deal, and as the others are not to hand yefc ■ the hard Bottom would knock them right out. - j They will last a considerable time, however, " on the aoft bottom. The general opinion is that the company will get good returns. They; will start on Sunday night. February 3. . There was a slight rain here this morning, with every appearance of rain at the Lakes 1 , j It looks as if there is more bad -weather about, j The Cromwell made another start this morning. i The Rise and Shine also started this niorn- ' ing, having got the boat carted back. They are now working in the gorge close lo where it opens out into the big basin. t Tho Royal Maori did not start aa I expected, _J but will likely get started this afternoon. I lam afraid there is very little- hope of the gorge claims starting this month.