ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 339, 23 October 1868, Page 3

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

We do not identify ourselves with the opinions that may be expressed by our correspondents. HOW TO WORK THE BANKS OF THE MOLYNEUX. (To the Editor of the Dusstan Times.) Sir,—The attention of diggers having been for some time given to the subject stated ns the heading of this letter, and efforts moreover being now made with the same object in view—to bring a large headrace from the Lindis River—l believe it I would be well for all parties first to pause and sec if a much cheaper plan of operations cannot be initiated What is wanted is water, and that at a level sufficient to wash away the hanks by sluicing. There is abundance of water rushing past the river terraces every day. Why cannot this bo raised ? I think it i may most easily, and on the very same principle as that by which the hulks in Port Chalmers Harbor arc now regularly pumped out, viz., small windmills. The only question is -Will there be sufficient wind ? I think there will, because these windmills could go at all hours and times, without attendance, by simply discharging the water raised into a 'reservoir or reservoirs on the top of the banks beside them. The water thus stored would bo available for working anything on a lower level and at any time. The cost would be nothing to that of water-races, and the construction is exceedingly simple. A light iron or wooden frame for the sails, so made that the sails can he reefed down or stowed altogether when the wind is too lowcrfnl, and a crank and pump. Then a very great recommendation is that a party' of diggers, after having worked out one claim, could pack up and remove the whole apparatus to fresh ground. Altogether I feel satisfied of the efficacy and simplicity of the planthat I am certain it has only to ho tried to he adopted all along the banks of the river. lam, &c., A. Idaburn, October 8, ISGB.