Notes from Waikaia.

Otago Witness, Issue 2604, 10 February 1904, Page 25

Notes from Waikaia.

(FBOII OUS O\VH COBBESPONDENT.)

February 8,

The actual results obtained from the several dredges in active operation in the Waikaia districtr so far, fully justify the expense that is at present being entered into m connection with the building of more machines. .J-^re ara altogether seven dredges at work m the field, and probably within six months time six or seven more wall bs added to the ust. All the areas held have keen well prospered, and irom the boring tests, yielded gratiiymg The wash at present being treated by the Hessey dredge towards the south side of tne cut, and from where last week's return of 58oz ■wes obtained, remains fairly uniform throughout. The face, for a width of e.ght chains, gives excellent prospects. Probably no washup will take place thiß week, as the daytime is being occupied in rebushing the buckets and links. The Duke of Gordon dredge was started early last Monday morning, and the three shijts have been running almost continuously during the week. Everything is running wSll. It is expected that tlm dredge, as it is a large one, will put up some good returns shortly. Operations were commenced in a dam left as a result of the working of the" Mystery Flat Company's dredge, and no trouble will be experienced in opening out.

Messrs M'Gregor and Co.'s staff of workmen are busily engaged in making preparations to have the New Fairdown Company's dredge refloated at an early date.

The Mystery Flat Company's dredge has for coma time past been working in a bend of the river, and off the main lead of gold. Lately, however, the wash has been improving, and probably when the dredge gets a few chains further ahead the returns wi.l bs better and more regular.