GARRICK WATER RACE.

Cromwell Argus, Volume V, Issue 263, 13 October 1874, Page 5

GARRICK WATER RACE.

To the Editor of the Cromwell Argus. Sir, —If one thing has been talked about more than another in this district since the last meeting of the Garrick Range Water Race directors, it has been their action re the appointment of a working manager. I believe more interest was taken in this than in the Provincial election, at least this side of the Kawarau. The formation of so large a race is a gigantic scheme for a district such as this to undertake. It is a thing that all have an interest in, either directly or inclirectly. The success of Our district depends greatly on the successful completion of this race ; hence the great, interest taken in the appointment of a man to superintend t,he completion of this important work. Need I say, their choice has given general dissatisfaction and discontent. It may he asked, Why ? I will endeavour to explain. In the first place their choice has fallen on an entire stranger, a man who never probably saw the water race or the district, one who has no interest in either, and therefore cannot be expected to look to its successful completion so much as one having interest in both race and district. A stranger is more likely to look after bis five pounds per week, or study the interests of the individuals who put him in office. It is improbable that he would ol ■ ject to put on men recommended by them ; a nd 1 pity Good Templars, who stand a small chance of being recommended by some, of them. Another great disadvantage a stranger will labour under, is his non-acquaint-ance with the working men who are likely to ask for work. The number of shares that-will he taken up in this district depends to a great extent on the energy and popularity of the manager. '"People will naturally say to themselves, “Perhaps this man is not capable of carrying on the work successfully, and I might only be throwing money away.” As a shareholder, I do not feel inclined to take more shares until I know something of how the thing is likely to be managed. Then; is no doubt it will be said that the Bt. Bathans shareholders had a right to be considered, having so large an, interest. I grant this, but I think both the interests of shareholders here and of those at a distance would i&Ve been duly considered, had

| a man known to both, and thought capable, been 'appointed. Some of the applicants are known to bbth, nota> ly Mr W. Crilfithe, who served on a Board of directory at St Bathaus with the present Chairman of the Carrick Range Water Company, having been •elected out of hj hundred shareholders ; and who also lately served on the Board of Directory of the Carrick Water Race. He is a man who takes' a lively interest in public affairs, and in 'whom great confidence is placed. He was requested to apply, and got the promise of some of the directors to support him ; principally the ( hairman, I believe, who promised not to oppose him, but not only failed to fulfil his promise, but actually gave hie casting vote against him. The directors simply said to the people of this district, “ There is not a man among you that we hsve confidence in, or whom we consider capable of looking after a water race. ’’ That is most extraordinary, seeing that men like Messis Wrightson, Williams, and Griffiths were amongst the applicants,—either of them not only capable, but well qualified for the work.—l am, &c., ' ’ ■' ll Shareholder. Bannockburn, Oct. 10, 1874.