The Fielding Star. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1891.

Feilding Star, Volume XIII, Issue 72, 15 December 1891, Page 2

The Fielding Star. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1891.

We are much pleased to see that the subject of a supply of artesian water for the town of Feilding has been opened up again. In our correspondence column to-day " Cornubia " j has a letter in which he points out that on the Kangitikei Line and at Campbelltown, these wells have been sunk with the most beneficial results, as they are now giving plentiful supplies of very excellent water. We have always held that the question of a water supply for the Borough is one which the burgesses will, sooner or later, have to soiiously discuss. Of course the letter of " Cornubia " is also intended to induce others who have knowledge or experience to give the public the benefit thereof, and we hope that he will attain that part of his object. We know now that tho sinking of these wells has been reduced to a system so economical that a depth of 100 feet may be reached at a cost not exceeding £25, so that auy experiment made would be within the means of the Borough should the Council elect to make it. As the Council is now constituted, we think there is every probability that on proper representations being made to that body, no unwillingness will be exhibited to promote the welfare of the ratepayers and rosidonts by assisting to provide a never-failing supply of water.

We do not hear much of the Nicaragua Canal, nuw in course of construction, to connect the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. But it will, when complete, have a revolutionary effect on the shipping trade of the world, as no one will doubt who has given the subject a moment's consideration, and has looked at the chart showing the route. The full distance from sea to sea is 1694 milos; of this 142 - 6 miles will bo by tideless navigation in the lake, river, and basins, and only the remaining 268 miles will require to be excavated. The highest part of the waterway will be 110 ft. above the aea level, ami the greatest altitude of the ridge which separates Lake Nicaragua from the Pacific is 42ft. above the level of the iako. An English exchange says: — "Here in the narrow nook of laud that has hitherto divided tho ooouns wo shall havo a now highway, which must naturally divert a largo portion of tho world's tonnage, but. which will — and this is more important for us — undoubtedly increase to an enormous extent American steam tounago. As wo havo used the Suez Canal, so surely will America use hers ; aa the great reconstruction of

bur merchant navy followed on the opening of the new route to the East, i so will the reconstruction of the j American marine follow the opening I of this western route, unless, indeed, it precedes it. Our East Indian trade it will not greatly affect, but our imp ortant Australian trade, and other chief oversea tracks, must surely be influenced by it. Note for a moment the saving in mileage from Liverpool to one or two ports: — Liverpool to San Francisco, via Cape Horn, 14,690; via Canal, 7508, saving 7182. Liverpool to New Zealand, via Cape Horn, 12,400; via Canal, 11,349, saving 1051. Liverpool to New Zouland via Cape of Good Hope, 13,975; via Canal, 11,349, saving 2626. Liverpool to Hongkong 1 , via Cape of Good Hope, 15,051 ; via Canal, 13,786, saving 1265. These shortenings of routes will most certainly be taken advantage of. For instance, our Pacific mail steamers will never again use the romautic Magellan Strait ; no more will sailiug vessels in any number round the Horn for Chili, Frisco, or Oregon." That English ship owners will prove themselves equal to any emergency which may arise from the shortened route, may be expected from past naval history, although it may be anticipated that the United States will make a big effort to obtain a share of the trade.