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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 12, Issue 8 (November 1, 1937)

Cradling

Cradling.

The method adopted by some miners, usually when water is short, is that of cradling. The principle is similar to that of the box. A cradle consists of a box (a kerosene case is about the size) in which is fitted, on angles set obliquely to the sides, layers covered with matting. An iron perforated plate is set in the top. A projecting handle allows the cradle to be “rocked.” The rubble is wheeled to the cradle in a barrow (if the “paddock” is not at the water) and put on to the iron plate. Water is poured over the rubble, from a cannister, the cradle being rocked during this process. The gold and silt are washed through the plate, on to the matting, and the tailings are removed. Thus it
(Thelma B. Kent., photo.) The Hurunui River Gorge, on the way to Lake Summer. South Island, New Zealand.

(Thelma B. Kent., photo.)
The Hurunui River Gorge, on the way to Lake Summer. South Island, New Zealand.

is apparent that this is the slowest method.

Washing-Up.

This is the most interesting part to the miner, because now he will see the result of his period of labour. A bath is filled with water, and the mats are carefully removed from the box. These mats, together with the silt on the floor of the box, are transferred to the bath. Here, the mats are beaten on the water, and the gold forced from the weaves. The resulting debris in the bottom of the bath is poured off into the prospecting dish, where it is panned, just as a prospect. More care, of course, is taken. The final course is one of choice, sometimes dependent on the nature of the

(Continued on page 42).

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