MT. IDS WATER RACE

Hokitika Guardian, 10 January 1922, Page 4

MT. IDS WATER RACE

DIFFICULTY OVERCOME. NASEBY, Jan 6. The largest deputation here for many years waited on the Minister of Mines regarding the supply of water, for mining purposes. Since this decision was known no sluicing has been carried on, consequently the business people as well as miners were greatly affected and much concerned. After :> long discussion of the position with thef miners, a suitable arrangement was made, under which the miners will continue to receive water, and the* Government will not suffer the ‘loss which for many years past has been annually incurred in connection with the upkeep of the race and the supply of water. The question was also raised as to prospects of the Government paying the miners a bonus on gold, which was prohibited frem exportation during the war, on which matter thej bad already petitioned Parliament. The Minister said that much as the Government would like to meet their wishes, it was a matter of impossibility to do so, as there was now no mo»ey available.

A farmers’ deputation urged the conservation of the rights which have existed for many years to take water from the Manuherikia and other streams, along its course, including the abandoned portion of the race, so that, when mining iB finished the water will be available for irrigating the Maniototo Plains.

The Minister, in replying/ promised that the Mines Department would retain and conserve the water rights. He fully appreciated the valuable results obtained already in Central Otago from irrigation. While h e could not pledge any future Minister to carry ont the irrigation scheme asked for, he wonld see that nothing was done to interfere with the rights' supplying the Monnl Ida water race while he was in office. He believed the suggested erection of dams was wise, but unfortunately there was no money available. However, if the rights were conserved, that matter could be considered later. Perhaps it might he advisable to adopt both schemes. The Minister further said he had been requested to set up a Commission to go into the whole matter of water rights for Central Otago, but personally, he wonld sooner visit the localities himself with his responsible officers, and discuss tbe subject on tbe spot. ______