FORTY YEARS AGO

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 32, Issue 3290, 19 July 1943, Page 7

FORTY YEARS AGO

WATER FROM WAITAWHETA APPLICATION FROM WAIHI OPPOSITION FROM THE MINERS (From the Ohinemuri Gazette ( of July 19, 1903). An application was made in the Warden’s Court, yesterday, by which the Waihi Borough Council applied for a right to construct a water race on the Waitawheta stream. The Warden said that if this application was granted, the prior rights for water in this creek must not be interfered with. Mr Moresby, who appealed for the Borough Council, said it was proposed to construct a race for the purpose of generating electric power and that the water would be taken from the river and returned. into it again further up the creek than where those already holding rights took the water, from. Mr Porritt said he represented two companies, who alrady had rights for water on this stream, and if the present.. application is granted the water must ■be allowed to flow continuously, and not intermittently. The Warden said that before he granted the application he would need to be satisfied that other people’s rights would, not be interfered with; and if a dam is to be constructed it must be sufficiently strong, so that it would not burst, as if it did burst there would possibly be danger to those men working in the mines a considerable distance below the level of the stream. Mr Moresby said he would mention, these matters to his clients, and the application was- accordingly adjourned until next court day.