Notes from Waikaia. (From Our Own Correspondent.)

Otago Witness, Issue 2623, 22 June 1904, Page 25

Notes from Waikaia. (From Our Own Correspondent.)

June 17 The dredge which was originally held by the Nugget Gold Dredging Company and worked by it for some time on the upper reaches o£ the Waikaia Eiver is now being dismantled for removal to a dredging area adjoining th» Kia. Ora Company's claim, below the Ws.ikai» township. During the time the dredge was worked by the Nugget Company very little gold was obtained, owing, it was thought, to the ladder not being of sufficient length to reach the bottom. When the Nugget Company ceased operations the dredge was secured by a. private party and the ladder lengthened, but on operations being resumed no better results were obtained, and the dredge tvv eventually closed down. The Duke of Gordon Company's dreffge i.f yielding excellent returns. Recently about 80oz were obtained for a week's dredging.

The Masteiton Company expects to start dredging about the middle of Aiigiist. This company's clacm lies ahead of and adjoins the Duk© of Gordon Company's property, an<J should, when the dredge is put into cornmi*sion, yield some very good returns.

The Lady Annie Company's dredge is work* ing on fair wash, and the returns so far hay» been very good.

The Kia Ora Company's dredge is in good order, and the recent returns have been satisfactory.

The Hessey Company's dredge is now workting on the narrowest part of the company'^ claim, and the wash is of a tight and stony nature. Good returns are expected from the ground ahead of the dredge.

The wash in the Mystery Flat Company's claim is improving. The dredge is still a few chains below the point from where good returns are likely to be obtained.