KAWARAU RIVER.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 June 1927, Page 1

KAWARAU RIVER.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) DUNEDIN, June 13. * ndcr favourable weather conditions. Kawarnu Dam was closed this morning. Starting from No. 1 the ten gates were lowered in order, and all save one worked efficiently, immediately on the touching of the sills. A con--sidernlblo quantity of water leaked through one gate, but the removal of a piece of wire netting soon completed the barrage of the lake waters. lu the past week the lake level at the dam has fallen three inches, and this morning it read 3ft. 2in. as against -Ift. o.tin. at the first closing on August 30th. bust. At least 3ft. storage will he provided in the lake. The weather at Cromwell to-day i.s frosty and overcast. Right through to Queenstown the frost is particular’ v heavy. At first the drainage below the dam was very slow, owing to the flat bed of the river, but a two feet fall was recorded within three-quarters of an hour.

The Shotover River will he a big factor in the fall of Kawnruu River. Although the Shotover is bringing down less water than last August, the river is still above- the normal winter level. Other streams are also bringing down a fair quantity of water although the sides of the streams are covered with ice.

A “ wait and sec ” policy is being adopted by many claim-holders, who have decided to await reports of the result of the closing and fall of the river before coming to Knwarau. It is certain that mining on a big jeale will not he undertaken this year, no matter how far the river level falls. ’Prospecting only will Ite done (b ascertain the machinery and plant needed to work the river properly. Ganges have •been placed at various parts of the river, and more authentic readings of the fall will bo obtained this year.