THE BENDIGO REEFS.

Dunstan Times, Issue 415, 1 April 1870, Page 3

THE BENDIGO REEFS.

Deputation to ms Honor the Superintendent. A Deputation consisting of a number of gentlemen, including J. D. Feraud, Esq,, waited on bis honor the Superintendent on Friday last, the 2Gth March, to shew the necessity of steps being taken to obtain a supply of water sufficient to work the Cromwell reefs. Mr. Feraud said that in addressing his Honor on the question he wished it to be understood that ho did so at the express wish of several persons largely interested in the Bendigo reefs, that he had made his present visit to Dunedin on the part of the mining interests, with the view of laying the matter before his Honor and the Government The Bendigo reefs, from their altitude, are comparativelydestituteof 11.-Vater ; in fact, a portion of the machinery already on tho ground was at a stand-atil from the scarcity, and it was absolutely necessary that steps should be taken to provide the place with a constant and powerful supply of water. From the tact of the machinery being idle and a number of claims lying dormant the revenue was a loser, not only on account of the quantity of the gold produced, hut also the decreased consumption of dutiable articles. He was convinced, ana so were others, that, with means at hand to reduce the quantities of stone obtainable, a population of five or six thousans persons could find profitable employment on the Bendigo Reefs, and he need scarcely mention that a mining population repuire the presence of a proper* tionate number of tradesmen and artizans to supply their wants. Such being the ■ease, it not too much to ask the Governmint to look at the matter as statesmen

in a business-like way, and to render al the assistance in its power. The Lindis river was capable of supplying the want, and the assistance of the Government was asked to have a survey and reported upon by some qualified hydraulic engineer, and, it found practicable, that they should guarantee interest at the rate of eight per cent, per annum upon the capital subscribed for that purpose. He did not think that the Government would ever be called upon to pay anything, as he had no doubt but that the enterprise would pay fifteen per cent. ; but the guarantee was required to re-establish the confidence that bad been shaken by visionary schemes which had, some years ago, been foisted upon the market. His Honor explained that the object of the deputation had been anticipated by the Provincial Council, which had adopted resolutions to the following effect: —l. That, with a view to develop the auriferous resources of the province and ensure a supply of water for mining purposes, it is desirable to encourage the construction of races by means of a guarantee on the capital subscribed. 2. That bis Honor the Superintendent be requested to inti'-oduce a Bill a the first Session of the Assembly empowering the Provincial Government to guarantee interest at the rate of eight per cent, per annum on any sums expended in the construction of water races. His Honor likewise said a Bill had been prepared, and it was necessary that influence should be brought to bear upon the Members of the General Assembly, with whom it should be a sine qua non ; and also that the Government were at the present time trying to obtain the se-vices of a competent mining surveyor from Victoria to report upon the auriferous resources of the province. Captain Fraser said they had great faith in the Ben ’igo Gully Reefs, and would bo glad to have such a report as soon as possible. , Several gentlemen Laving spoken, Mr. Bathgate said it was desirable that decided Action should be taken to bring the matter under the notice of the members of the General Assembly representing Otago, and suggested that the gentlemen present should form themselves into a committee. The Superintendent said that the matter should have his warmest support, and the deputation, having thanked' his Honor, withdrew to one of the committee rooms of the Provincial Council, and agreed to the proposition of Mr. Bathgate, namely,' That it is necessary action be taken to secure a portion 'of tho revenue of the province being applied to the purpose of bringing in a supply of water to develop the Bendigo Reefs, either by the Government undertaking the works, or by a public guarantee on the capital subscribed.