CHARLESTON ARGUS. SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 1866.

Charleston Argus, Volume 1, Issue 7, 6 April 1867, Page 2

CHARLESTON ARGUS. SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 1866.

Through no exactly explained cause, a most extraordinary rush of population lias taken place from the south to this part. Every day sees streams of travellers on the road here, and when the inllux will be checked time alone can tell. Business men of all classes join in the throng, and sites comparatively valueless a few weeks ago are now held at very long prices, or have been transferred on highly remunerative terms by the original holders t3 new comers. We do not complain of the irruption, on the contrary, it must afford all interested in any way in the Pakilii the greatest satisfaction, but at the same time we cannot help feeling considerable anxiety at its suddenness. That the district is able to maintain all that have come and are likely to come we have no doubt, but just as a steady shower of several hours duration sinks into and enriches the earth, and a violent storm lasting a tenth part of the time causes a Hood, and carries away acres of soil and seed, so a gradual increase of nu nbers would be easily allocated, whilst in so large a rush many at first must, we fear, meet with nothing but disappointment. We deeply regret that this should be, and hope that our predictions in this respect may prove untrue. As, however, the population is h£re A it clearly ly by all means in our power, to affora fhem an"

i possible assistance, and on the authorities in a great measure devolves the responsibility. In the first place, with reference i to the means of supprt, there need be little | alarm, provided means to extract them are I afforded. It is known that there is an j almost untouched extent of auriferous : country in the neighborhood, that is at present practically useless through want of water to sluice the earth with. Private enterprise has come to the rescue in some measure, and the holders of races hitherto constructed have reaped golden rewards for their speculation. The company now about to commence operations will, no doubt, be most valuable to the miners, and the works I will prove highly profitable to the share- | holders, but all that has been done is a mere drop in the bucket when the necessities of so many thousands are taken into consideration. The winter is now appraching, the Pakihi season, as it may be termed, but there is still time for making provision I to secure and store the welcome rainfall that then may be expected, as well as to build such works as may be necessary for its distribution. Such an undertaking, however, if carried out on a scale large enough to prove of material service to the general body of miners, would be attended with considerable outlay, more, perhaps, than could be gathered by private enterprise in so short a time, and it becomes a question as to whether the Government should not be called on to assist in what would be'plainly to the vast advantage of so great a number. In Victoria the Government undertook at great cost the construction of reservoirs in different places, which ultimately have proved of immense benefit to both the miners and the public, and have at the same time paid excellent interest on the outlay. There is 110 reason, that we can see, why the Nelson Government should not follow so bright an example, and, as 011 the Pakihi, where it can be proved beyond all possibility of doubt, that a water supply would develop a large auriferous district, the construction of water works becomes an obvious duty. Aside from this view of the question, there is a profit and loss account to be taken into consideration in connection with such an expenditure. As a mere commercial speculation it would pay beyond expectation, for not only would miners gladly pay for such water as they used, but the result [ of their labor in the shape of gold would f contribute to the customs revenue in an enormous degree. We aio perfectly aware that works of magnitude sufficient for all

ends cuu J not be commenced by the Provincial Executive without the consent of

the Council, but this consent can, we believe, wit lout difficulty be obtained, if the members about to be elected are able to explain the grounds on which it is asked. The Cotncil will meet next month, and so 110 grea; delay need take place in ascertaining its views on this point. Even if they were not willing to commit themselves to any very Urge responsibility they might at least be wiling to construct reservoirs in suitable places, from which miners at their own cost and at fixed rates might obtain such supplies as were necessary. The cost of such would not be great in this neighborhood, ani their utility would be incalculable. "\Ye commend the subject to the consideration of the public, and in the meanwhile would recommend the electors to elicit clea-ly from all candidates for their suffrages wlnt their opinion on this point is, and what they are inclined to urge the Gouernmcnt to carry out.