Unique method of winning gold - A diver about to descend to the bed of the Maruia River.1932.

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DescriptionA diver about to descend to the bed of the Maruia River. The pontoon seen in the picture is fitted with a suction hose and sluice box. Gold bearing wash is located in the bed of the river by the diver, who feeds the wash into the hose to be sucked up to the sluice box on the pontoon.

Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections AWNS-19321005-38-03
Second pic: Malcolm Howell
Having dived in old standard gear - it would be ideal for extended bottom times in this river. Also good and stable while using an "air lift" in a concentrated bottom seam area. As long as you have good surface support and a good reliable air pump supply. Great comfort in the old heavy gear !!!PhotographerAuckland Weekly NewsDate of Photo1932-10-05Map^[1]External LinkAUCKLAND LIBRARYContributorHeather Newby

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Location (city or town) Maruia EventA diver about to descend to the bed of the Maruia River.1932.Dive suit

Category Information

Category TagGoldmining

From Facebook

Date Created6th March 2026CommentsMalcolm Howell
Having dived in old standard gear - it would be ideal for extended bottom times in this river. Also good and stable while using an "air lift" in a concentrated bottom seam area. As long as you have good surface support and a good reliable air pump supply. Great comfort in the old heavy gear !!!

David James Mills
Malcolm Howell you no Mal you have been thear done that hope you well old friend

Malcolm Howell
David James Mills all well Dave. I hope you both well up there. Great times and memories.

Kevin O'Regan
Never heard of this before. Wow

Phil Wright
Depression work..Ole mates in lead boots in that suit!

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Unique method of winning gold - A diver about to descend to the bed of the Maruia River.1932.

Editing is temporarily disabled