(a press cutting found among Mr Gregory's papers after his death)

DISTRICT NEWS

Galley Swamp

At 2pm on the first instant the deafening roars of the battery whistle which resembled that of a gigantic steamboat resounded its echoes through the valleys for miles around. By the time steam was turned off from this powerful organ about 500 persons, including the company’s employees and their families, congregated in the battery shed, at the invitation of the management, who had granted a half holiday.  This great plant was erected by Mr. Gregory, who is chief engineer to the Galley Mont Gold-mining Company.  The wheels were set in motion by Master Eissler, son of Mr. M. Eissler, consulting engineer.  Every portion of the machinery gave absolute satisfaction as to the working capacities.  After about one hour’s run everything was brought to a standstill and Mr. T. B. Hocking, mine manager, invited all to the navver room, where refreshments were handed round in lavish style.  After the usual pleasantry Mr. Hocking rose to address the assemblage and after the long cheering had ceased, said: “Gentlemen, one and all, I have pleasure in reminding you of this great event.  I am pleased to notice so many ladies present with you, and as manager of the Galley Mont Mines have spared no pains in assisting in bringing prosperity to Galley Swamp.  Through the recommendation of Mr. Eissler there has been a ton of sovereigns spent on this place within this last two years, (Cheers.)  I cannot succeed in giving any employers satisfaction myself.  It will take a large amount of stone to keep the mill chewing, therefore let everyone be interested, for what is good for the company is good for the men.  (Cheers.)  I want each and all of my men to pull with me I am sure if we all pull together we will come out victorious.  I now introduce Mr. Eissler to you.”  Mr. Eissler was received with cheers and said:  This is a memorable day.  I have been looking forward to this day.  The plant that we see around us is one of the finest in Australia and Mr. Gregory deserves praise for his work, that, I feel sure, all will agree.  Now the battery is completed we must make it pay dividends and there is only one way of doing it and that is all must pull together.  (Voices: We will.)  Pull with your manager and everything must go well.  There is room for 300 or 400 men here.  Mr. Hocking is able to guide you safely and will give entire satisfaction to the directors.  It would indeed be very discouraging to me and my directors, after obtaining so much money from Europe to develop the Galleymont gold-fields if I did not meet with success.  I, as a consulting engineer, have met with profound success in mining in Australia.  The wealthy golconda is under our feet.  (Loud cheers.)   I must not forget to allude to our official staff here.  Mr. Gregory, the mining engineer, who skillfully erected this plant, should be proud of his position.  I ask each and all to give him three ringing cheers.  (The cheers were strong and hearty.)  Mr. Berg, the paymaster with his courteous smile, is always ready at the end of the month with your cheques.  (Cheers.)  Mr. Chappel can always find gold in his assays and the results are extremely promising.  Mr. Yates has the stores and other properties of the company under lock and key, and is always willing to render assistance in the right direction.  Mr. Hocking, I hope, will remain with you for many years, for what is beneficial to the company is also beneficial to you and your wives and your families.  (Hear, hear.)  Mr. Eissler concluded by thinking those present for their attendance and then took his seat.

Mr. Harry Molloy next rose to speak, and as soon as the cheering ceased said he knew Galley Swamp when there were only two families on the place and mining was then very infrequent.  He was pleased to notice the leap it had taken under the present management and he thought Galley Swamp would turn out a second Lucknow. (Cheers.)

Mr. Arcous, Mr. Berg and others also spoke in fitting terms.  Three cheers were given to Mr. Eissler and his son, and others connected with the mines.  The Orange Leader was not forgotten.  Cheers were fired yards high for its welfare.  Some very graceful remarks were included about the editor of the Leader, but I take it he would regard them as compliments if I were to repeat them.  [It’s like our correspondent’s everlasting check to say that a graceful remark about the editor of this paper would be a compliment!]

MR, Walsh, junr., responded on behalf of the Leader and its staff.  He said the Leader was always very encouraging towards mining and he was pleased to convey the good wishes of the Leader and its staff to the management of the Galley Mont Goldfields.  He had no hesitation in saying they all hoped the first cleaning up would be far beyond expectations and the returns would be abundant.  (Cheers).  This ended a very pleasant jollification and everyone except the press representatives dispersed.  A full account of the machinery and appliances is being prepared and I will shortly forward on.