Sinking of 14 Mile Beach Dredge

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DescriptionThis photograph depicts the electric dredge at 14 Mile Beach sinking on Easter Monday 1904. An attempt to move the dredge down river using a monkey engine resulted in the dredge grazing rocks. The grazing caused the dredge to take on water. It then got stuck, and as a consequence sank. Captain Olsen argued that the monkey engine was not sufficient enough to pull the dredge out of its predicament. His crew supported this claim, asserting that their captain's navigation capabilities were not at fault.

This is one of many dredges which Benjamin Hart, of Weatherstons, held interests. His son, Erny, was on board when the dredge sunk.

From Benjamin Hart's obituary in 1917 -

"In mining matters he has always taken a post prominent part, and being a thoroughly practical miner, he acted as the successful guide, philosopher, and friend to many successful ventures that chiefly owed their success to his master mind. In the days of the dredging boom, he let other fly to distant finds and pinned his faith to local ventures and therein showed his judgement - principally at Millers Flat, where he pioneered and directed the management of the Golden Run, Golden Treasure, Golden Gate, and other dredging companies all of which were financially successful. He was chairman of directors of most of the mining and dredging companies with which he was associated. He was always looked up to with respect by his co-directors and shareholders generally, who, from time to time, gave practical proof of their appreciation by making him valuable presentations. Near Lawrence he also assisted in inaugurating several dredging companies of which he was also chairman of directors including Tuapeka Flat, Evans Flat, and Reliance."Date4 April 1904RightsThis photograph is out of copyright. AcknowledgementAcknowledgements to the Hart Family

Connection

SubjectsIndustry GoldminingPeople and FamiliesPlaceLawrence WeatherstonOrganisationBlack Horse BreweryWeatherstons Brewery CollectionHart Family Collection

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