Central Otago Gold
Central Otago Gold
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Finding Alexandra's Forgotten Gold Dredge Wreck (1 January 2023)
After coming across a reference to a sunken gold dredge near Alexandra, Central Otago, the quest was on to track down the location, fly over the site and visit by foot to see what remained and to learn it's history.
Переглядів: 21 886

Відео

Riding the Otago Rail Trail - Auripo to Lauder (9 Apr 2023)
Переглядів 926Рік тому
Easter weekend ride of what I regard as the most stunning section of the Otago Rail Trail from Auripo to Lauder with Nicki, Carmel & Shayne. A perfect crisp blue sky autumn day showcases the scenery, tunnels and bridges with a bit of history folded in.
Visiting Falls Irrigation Dam, Central Otago (16 Feb 2023)
Переглядів 9 тис.Рік тому
Visit to Falls Irrigation Dam in Central Otago, New Zealand located north of the township of St Bathans. Built in the 1930s at the height of the Great Depression, Falls Dam is an impressive engineering structure and located in remote and stunning scenery with dramatic seasonal contrasts. Special thanks to Simon in Pioneer Energy for making this happen and supplying the winter photos and video f...
Earnscleugh Gold Dredging Tailings Walk (18 Jul 2022) (Rev2)
Переглядів 1,4 тис.Рік тому
This video summarises a 6.4 km walk around New Zealand's Central Otago Earnscleugh Flat Gold Dredging Tailings located opposite the township of Alexandra showcasing the local history in the quest for gold. This revision includes better historical dredge footage along with a short story on the Alexandra Dredge by miner, the late Jeff Connelly.
Lake Dunstan Trail Ride - Clyde Dam to Cromwell (31 Mar 2022)
Переглядів 1,8 тис.2 роки тому
Short 5 minute video of biking the Lake Dunstan Trail from Clyde Dam to Cromwell showcasing the stunning autumn scenery of Central Otago, New Zealand.
Bannockburn Bridges - A Short History (1867 to present)
Переглядів 4,7 тис.2 роки тому
This 8 minute video clip tells the story of New Zealand's Central Otago Bannockburn Bridge crossing from the first gold mining trails in 1867 until the present day.
Robert Kilgour's Poolburn Gold Mining Operation (1999)
Переглядів 3 тис.2 роки тому
Historian Ron Murray interviews Gold Miner Robert 'Bob' Kilgour about his Poolburn Gold Mining Operation (Feb 1999)in Central Otago, New Zealand.
History of Alexandra, Clyde & Cromwell Gorge Settlements
Переглядів 21 тис.3 роки тому
This documentary traces the history of the Alexandra, Clyde & Cromwell Gorge settlements in Central Otago, New Zealand from their origins of the 1862 gold rush, researched in detail by local historian, the late Ron Murray.
Cromwell History (1862 - 1992)
Переглядів 9 тис.3 роки тому
This documentary traces the history of Cromwell, Central Otago, New Zealand from its formation in 1862 with the discovery of gold through to its radical transition in 1992 with the filling of Lake Dunstan. Researched in detail by local historian, the late Ron Murray, this documentary captures 130 years of evolution of this unique town.
Gold Dredging in Central Otago (1864 -1991)
Переглядів 43 тис.3 роки тому
With the 1860's discovery of gold in New Zealand's Central Otago province came thousands of miners sparking the biggest revolution in mining, the gold dredging boom. This 45 minute documentary tells the story of the evolution of dredging in Central Otago as researched and narrated in 1991 by local historian, the late Ron Murray.
1984 Cromwell Old Main Street Documentary
Переглядів 12 тис.3 роки тому
The construction of New Zealand's Clyde Dam and 1992 filling of Lake Dunstan resulted in the demolition and flooding of Cromwell's Old Main Street (Melmore Street). This documentary is a snapshot in time of those main street businesses in 1984 a year prior to the start of their demolition. Researched in detail by local historian, the late Ron Murray, this documentary is a testiment to the old h...
Bendigo Gold Mining History with Historian Geoff Duff
Переглядів 17 тис.3 роки тому
This 46 minute amateur documentary tells the story of Central Otago's Bendigo gold mining from the 1860s to 1930s. Narrated by historian, the late Geoff Duff and filmed at Bendigo by Ron & John Murray in February 1997, this VHS recording has been further edited to combine high resolution historical photographs showing then and now.
Clyde Dam & Lake Dunstan Filling (1992)
Переглядів 165 тис.3 роки тому
From April to August 1992, New Zealand's Clyde Dam and Lake Dunstan was progressively filled. This video shows the lake filling from closing of the dam gates through to the final flooding of the old Cromwell Bridge.
Early Hotels in Central Otago
Переглядів 9 тис.4 роки тому
With the 1860's discovery of gold in New Zealand's Central Otago province came thousands of miners along with their thirst resulting in a large number of hotels springing up on the goldfields. This 50 minute documentary tells the story of many of those early hotels in Central Otago as researched and narrated in 1992 by local historian, the late Ron Murray.
Old Cromwell Main Street Shop Interiors (1984 to 1985) Documentary (Rev1)
Переглядів 5 тис.4 роки тому
The construction of New Zealand's Clyde Dam and 1992 filling of Lake Dunstan resulted in the demolition and flooding of Cromwell's Old Main Street (Melmore Street). After photographing all the building exteriors, local historian, the late Ron Murray sought to capture the people and interiors of many of these businesses (with their permission) just prior to their closure and demolition in 1985. ...
Last Drinks at Old Cromwell's Golden Age Hotel (1987)
Переглядів 6 тис.4 роки тому
Last Drinks at Old Cromwell's Golden Age Hotel (1987)
Jet Boating through Clyde Dam Diversion Gates (January 1992)
Переглядів 114 тис.4 роки тому
Jet Boating through Clyde Dam Diversion Gates (January 1992)
1978 Cromwell Old Main Street Documentary
Переглядів 22 тис.4 роки тому
1978 Cromwell Old Main Street Documentary

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @montyskeetch4082
    @montyskeetch4082 День тому

    The lack of trees in the oldest photos is fascinating, almost like an actual desert.

  • @daleolson3506
    @daleolson3506 5 днів тому

    The music junked another video 👎👎👎👎💩💩😬

  • @billmcintyre61
    @billmcintyre61 6 днів тому

    Loved the documentary on an area i grew up on .. . Live in Blenheim now, but still feel Central Otago my home ❤🎉

  • @billmcintyre61
    @billmcintyre61 6 днів тому

    great views and comments, my great grandfather was involved in the gold dredgeing around Alexandra. Mcintyre was the surname. Money they made was invested in waterfront property's around the Otago harbor ....

  • @edwardbryans4623
    @edwardbryans4623 6 днів тому

    Is the one similar to this still parked off the grey river, near greymouth

  • @JackieMacNZ
    @JackieMacNZ 6 днів тому

    Thanks so much for putting together this interesting and well researched video. Great old photos!

  • @car-eNthusiastV8DFV
    @car-eNthusiastV8DFV 7 днів тому

    60-70 ounces of gold today would be $240,000 - $280,000 😮

  • @lindastevens6861
    @lindastevens6861 7 днів тому

    Not a swimming pond😮

  • @lindastevens6861
    @lindastevens6861 7 днів тому

    Machete ?

  • @glennjaggard7065
    @glennjaggard7065 8 днів тому

    Yes I agree we should try and perseve these as it is our History of past gone by and we do have the machinery no to lift these things as the old saying it can't be done is a load of crap of course we can if the right people get behind it

  • @glennjaggard7065
    @glennjaggard7065 8 днів тому

    Tell me why did you not top up fuel before going to hanger as condensation could get into half empty tanks due to sweat I use to work for Shell oil NZ and I have delivered a lot of aviation fuel to shell BP Todd , Oheakea, air base and field air so I was wondering why you did not topup

    • @scottybsactiveinterests
      @scottybsactiveinterests 7 днів тому

      There was a combination of factors, Alexandra summer weather is hot and dry (i.e. low humidity) so lower risk of condensation. The plane sometimes doesn't get flown regularly so factoring in upfront fuel cost as well as having fresh fuel for next flight is a consideration. My father always does a pre-flight checks of both tanks for water and has never had any indications of water in fuel to date. I appreciate however that refuelling after a flight is good practice for the reasons you mentioned.

  • @davehaliburton7015
    @davehaliburton7015 10 днів тому

    Interesting video I have a question is there any gold left in the tailings

    • @scottybsactiveinterests
      @scottybsactiveinterests 8 днів тому

      The dredges were reasonably efficient at extracting the gold (particularly the later dredges compared to the earlier dredges) and there will be some gold in the tailings but sadly not enough to make it economic.

  • @stevendeus9229
    @stevendeus9229 11 днів тому

    Used to cut school in the 70s. Go up to La Grange California and crawl around on a dredge there. Good times

    • @scottybsactiveinterests
      @scottybsactiveinterests 8 днів тому

      Sounds fun. Despite my grandfather and uncles working on dredges, have never been aboard one.

  • @theinterislander
    @theinterislander 11 днів тому

    That’s the kiwi spirit. Not much of that left

  • @PeteThecurious100
    @PeteThecurious100 12 днів тому

    This video is a treasure.

  • @godisanissan7407
    @godisanissan7407 13 днів тому

    My mother Tui Rosemary Gibson was born down the road in Alexander circa 1931 and lived in Cromwell during the depression era. She lived for 91 years and passed away in Nelson 2022. Interestingly my Dad Thomas Sheridan was born in 1928 (Nottingham UK) and died in 2010 (Nelson), the same lifespan as Ron Murray who presented this great piece of history.

  • @godisanissan7407
    @godisanissan7407 13 днів тому

    Completely priceless snapshot of NZ in the mid 80s. Of a time and the ways of doing business now long gone. Thank you so much for capturing this and your narration. Excellent. 😊

  • @majestic1222
    @majestic1222 13 днів тому

    Awesome video 👍

  • @macaelapayn7529
    @macaelapayn7529 15 днів тому

    There are two more visible dredges,one in the clutha,that I know of anyway

  • @TheOtherPhotoGuy
    @TheOtherPhotoGuy 16 днів тому

    Nice one, enjoyed the story

  • @seanlatta9410
    @seanlatta9410 19 днів тому

    My auntie Bev was the last owner of the Riverveiw restaurant and fish and chip shop

  • @anembellishedaccount3638
    @anembellishedaccount3638 22 дні тому

    I remember playing on some of the wreck in the 1980s Great adventures

    • @shanefraser7764
      @shanefraser7764 19 днів тому

      Boy would I love to mess around on that site✌️✌️✌️✌️

  • @leopardsgowild
    @leopardsgowild Місяць тому

    great video mate, thanks for including the history and some images etc, nice work

  • @boothienz8021
    @boothienz8021 Місяць тому

    My grandfather and his father worked the dredges out of Alexandra. My grandfather Ted (Edward) Ruffel used to turn the bushes for the bucket chains

  • @warfivevy0ne454
    @warfivevy0ne454 Місяць тому

    Masterpiece Presentation

  • @spraggo0007
    @spraggo0007 Місяць тому

    was an interesting watch , thanks for putting that together cheers

  • @Khanvondog
    @Khanvondog Місяць тому

    So much destruction, sometimes (claimed) for zero profit, and not a scrap of remorse. This exemplifies everything wrong with humanity.

    • @boothienz8021
      @boothienz8021 Місяць тому

      Modern large-scale gold mining in the area leaves very little scouring these days

    • @godisanissan7407
      @godisanissan7407 7 днів тому

      Big new opencast mine coming to central otago. Check out Santana minerals. Bet they would debate your theory about little money made. 😮

  • @macaelapayn7529
    @macaelapayn7529 Місяць тому

    Much enjoyed,very interesting,thank you

  • @JohnWilson-cs7iq
    @JohnWilson-cs7iq Місяць тому

    RIP Bob.

  • @Buslife57
    @Buslife57 Місяць тому

    I seen a few nice trout in that outlet pond a couple of years back, it a magic part of the country for sure

  • @ClintEaston-vx7un
    @ClintEaston-vx7un Місяць тому

    Soooo lucky enough to be Shepherding where some of these hotel icons were located. Good old Vulcan Hotel.

  • @keaphotoscom
    @keaphotoscom Місяць тому

    Well the UA-cam gods certainly worked on dropping this into my feed, my cousin Ron as I remember him and the Main Street in all its glory.

  • @johnhighsted6467
    @johnhighsted6467 Місяць тому

    Used to stay in Cromwell regularly in 1964/65 staying mainly in the pub over the road from the service station. The service station was run by by Ian Quigley I think. I worked for International Harvester and called on the IH dealer there who later became the Mazda dealer. Great memories. Thanks

  • @musicman53
    @musicman53 2 місяці тому

    Thanks for doing this Scott!! I didn’t realise how deep the new bridge footings were. I got to walk over the dam when it was finished but empty and got to look over the impressive 100m vertical drop to the base, so I guess the river bottom wouldn’t be much less deep at Bannockburn.

    • @scottbennett1614
      @scottbennett1614 2 місяці тому

      Thanks for the kind words. It was some impressive engineering. Since the lake filling, there is a lot of silt build-up in the area so not so deep now.

  • @murrayching1160
    @murrayching1160 2 місяці тому

    My Grandfather Edwin Mitchell worked on a gold dredge in the Nevis and when the dredging finished he became the Roadman from the the Nevis township to the top of the Bannockburn hill . My mother was born in the Nevis in the mid 1920's.

  • @djking7942
    @djking7942 2 місяці тому

    Really enjoyed that! Damn that dredge came close to the bridge... glad the guy was alright.

  • @TheInvoice123
    @TheInvoice123 2 місяці тому

    How did they keep the beer cold

  • @maureensowerby6673
    @maureensowerby6673 2 місяці тому

    Amazing video, such great history of the town. so interesting.

  • @jduggrollz
    @jduggrollz 2 місяці тому

    Don’t break down

  • @kiwihib
    @kiwihib 2 місяці тому

    Visited in the late 70s before the power station, main memory, the number of gates I had to open and close, going in and coming back.

  • @PS-Straya_M8
    @PS-Straya_M8 2 місяці тому

    Interesting lived in New Zealand my whole life and never knew about this place 😂

  • @Freetalkfm
    @Freetalkfm 2 місяці тому

    Great to see some places my family grew up arround . My great grand father worked on the lines he stopped in Waitahuna and married my great grandmother where they stayed . My mother was brought up there aswell .

  • @dprcontracting6299
    @dprcontracting6299 2 місяці тому

    That was a great reminder at just how big the Central Otago Gold Rush was. Four dredges operating within sight of each other! Incredible. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

  • @TomWoodwardVideos
    @TomWoodwardVideos 2 місяці тому

    Thanks for sharing this, appreciate it!

  • @sgals943
    @sgals943 2 місяці тому

    Good stuff

  • @AboveCentralOtago
    @AboveCentralOtago 2 місяці тому

    LOLz, when Roger took me up he said KLM took off like a brick!

    • @scottbennett1614
      @scottbennett1614 2 місяці тому

      We were using most of the runway with us in it. Got to say really impressed with your drone footage and channel.

  • @scapekiwi
    @scapekiwi 2 місяці тому

    hell of a good video

  • @duncanrogers9775
    @duncanrogers9775 2 місяці тому

    Too long winded. Gave up after you fueled up

  • @robertmiller2173
    @robertmiller2173 2 місяці тому

    Thanks so much

  • @Dave183
    @Dave183 2 місяці тому

    The valley had businesses from Clyde- right up to Bendigo. Most were farms and orchards. Pub, camping ground, as well.