Notes from Cromwell. (From Our Own Correspondent.) CROMWELL, March 18.

Otago Witness, Issue 2505, 26 March 1902, Page 23

Notes from Cromwell. (From Our Own Correspondent.) CROMWELL, March 18.

TliPii- was a liea> fy general rain here and 111 tiiL- Lake-, district yesteiday, which caused a fair 1 iJ in th. river. Foitunately it turned very cod m tiie afternoon, with snow on the iiiou,itam tops. There was heavy frost last night, causing a big drop in the river. I expect it to fall fast now The Xicc aiid Shine diedge is working very steadily, and I believe sh-5 is doing quite 83 well, :f not bettei, than last week, with every prospect of continuing. The Hi!ev\ Beach Co. is having a trial run to-day of the dredge Several of the directors irom Dtinedin are present bete to witness the trial. The dredge will have to hr. moved down nearlj a mile, Hnd if everything goes well she. should start dredging nexb week, and bhould get payable returns right away. March 20. The weather is cold and unsettled, and the river is falling steadily. The Royal Maori dredge staited on Tuesday night. Tne giotiiid is very lough, aud they have not bottomed yet. I believe tlie Electric dredge is not working. It is understood some repairs arc- being effected to the bottom tumbler. | Lord ar.d Lady Ranfur.'v and party, accompanied by the major and local dnector (Mr Scott), visi'ed the Rise and Shine th's lnornuy, i^Av Coiitta-nro Knov christened the

dredge. I believe the party were very pleased with what they saw. It is rumoured the tables were inspected, and prospects wer<2 very favoursb'c. March 21. The Lady Ranfr.rly dredge is not working yet. The Royal Maori dredge is still working verj rough ground. March 2i. The weather is still unsettled, an-d light showers o{ rain are falhug .The nvec is steady. The splendid return of the Meg and Annie has bt»»n expected for some time, but the river has been against work'ng to advantage. I expect many a good return yet, as the dredge baa plenty of proved and maiden ground in front. It is a fallacy to think this claim is anything like working out. The Upper Magnetic should do even better than last week if the river keeps in a favourable condition. The Magnetic and Ranfwrlj started work last night.