XXX. NORMAN SELFE. 



The next dredge constructed in Sydney had also a wooden hull, 

 it was built at Cuthbert's Wharf, Miller's Point, and had a well ; 

 it was intended for the Brisbane River, and was named the 

 " Lytton." Russell's obtained the contract for the machinery, 

 which included a notable oscillating engine, on the 2nd November, 

 1860. The whole of the working drawings for this machine were 

 also made by the author. 



In 1861 the Government called for tenders for a new dredge 

 after a plan had been prepared under the direction of the late 

 Mr. E. O. Moriarty, for a machine which had the buckets 

 around the periphery of a large wheel, but this proposal 

 was not adopted. Mr. Dunlop then instructed the author to 

 make a design for a small dredge, with an iron hull and centre 

 ladder well, of about the same nominal capacity. In this there 

 were several novelties introduced, and among them, the ladder 

 was lifted by hydraulic power instead of by a chain from a winch, 

 the water pressure being about 30 cwt. to the square inch. This 

 design was submitted to the Government, and offered at a price 

 which was approved, and Messrs. Russell booked the order on the 

 19th February, 1862. This dredge was named the "Pluto," and 

 although at the time it was a success and answered its purpose 

 very well, it was a small affair as compared with some of the 

 magnificent dredges now possessed by the Government of the State. 

 The day of the official trial however was a proud one for the author, 

 because during the course of the little festivities which followed 

 the formal approval and official acceptance, Mr. Dunlop pointedly 

 remarked that "as she was all right, the credit must be given to 

 his boy in the drawing office," 



Gold Dredging. — If there is not much poetry to be got out of 

 harbour mud, however modern or scientific the machinery of the 

 dredge which is employed to raise it may be, there is evidence of a 

 different sentiment when it comes to gold dredging. This later 

 industry at least fascinates and charms, if it does not occasionally 

 mesmerise its votaries. Else why this marvellous boom which is 

 now influencing the mining world of Australia and other countries 



