Untitled

Grey River Argus, Volume IX, Issue 657, 5 April 1870, Page 2

From- all the Gold Fielda of the Colony there comes at the present time a combined cry for water — for the inauguration of some system upon which the miners can depend for a continuous and ! ample supply. The easily-obtained rich alluvial deposits are being rapidly worked out, and the miners must turn their attention to working the reefs on a systematic manner, and Bluicing ground, which at present cannot pay wages for want of water, but which would pay well were an abundant supply brought to bear upon it. There are many miles of such country known in this district, and all throughout Westland and the Nelson South- West Gold Fielda. The necessity that exists for something being done in this direction on a comprehensive scale was admitted by the County Council, when it offer-dd its guarantee to encourage the formation of companies tq bring in large head-races ; and it was also recognised by tip 46u30 of representatives

when thg subject was brought forward, but it was postponed until the coming session in order a general scheme for the construction pf Jarge waterrraces and reservoirs throughout thp whole Colony might be considered, We notice that the Provincial Government of Otago has announced its intention to endeavor to introduce aßill atthp first session of the General Assembly, empowering it to guarantee interest at a rate not exceeding eight per cent, ppr annum on any sum or sums whicfy may be expended on the construction of reservoirs and water-races in the various Gold Fields throughout the Province j and, also, providing that an additional sum of three per cent, on the ajnonnt expended should be set aside as a fund for the purpose of purchasing the works at a fair valuation, so s,oon as a sufficient fund has accumulated for that purpose : provided such works shall be undertaken under agreement with, and completed to the satisfaction of, the Provincial Executive, and that the Government shall have power to, -fix, from time to time, the scale of charges for the supply of water — the amount on which |nterg^t to be guaranteed not to exceed the sum of LIOO,OOO. Similar applications will no doubt be forthcoming from Westland, Nelson, and Auckland; but surely it would be much better were a general scheme for the whole Colony introduced, bearing the colonial guarantee, or a large loan contracted by the General Government for the construction of these works, which would not only be of a reproductive nature, but would be the introduction of a new era of prosperity in the history of New Zealand. It is expected of the Gold Fields' members that they will bring the matter early before the attention of the Assembly, and there is no doubt that they will receive the support of the majority oE the members of the House, whose constituencies are interested in the matter, ' in carrying the Bill through.