A SUGGESTION AND QUESTION.

Kumara Times, Issue 1388, 14 March 1881, Page 2

A SUGGESTION AND QUESTION.

[to the editor.] Sift—As it is now generally conceded that-eventually this district must depend for prosperity upon hydraulic sluicing, it may nob be out of place to advance suggestions with regard to increasing the water-supply. Perhaps this one may be reduced to utility by the assistance of further advice upon it* namely, the forcing Water from the Teremakau River by nrteatls of stream wheels made on the principle of prbi peller-screws, to act as a motive power* My theory is to place a wheel in a rapid part of the river, and connect with a force-pump which will drive the water up pipes to the level of a reservoir made to contain at least one day’s Water running nine heads. On ail average about four days per week will do for the claims while using water \ then, by enlarging the reservoir, the supply of about two heads daily would suffice to work one claim, using at least nine heads.- This is merely a : crude idea : perhaps more competent and experienced persona would throw some more light on the matter. As it is now an acknowledged fact that there la no impossibility in natural philosophy, and the laws which govern hydraulics are not perfected yet, as we have every day proof, cannot some of our theo* retical men throw some light on this, and by their advice assist their more practical neighbours, as assuredly what is beneficial to a community is so to themselves. We have committees formed to urge upon the Government the absolute necessity that exists for an increased supply ; and as the expense is a large item towards their ultimate success, this plan, if proved feasible, being much cheaper than race-cutting, might come withinin the limits of private parties; and, were the first attempts to be successful, might induce the expenditure of capital on a more extended scale. Hoping those who may know something more of this matter will take the trouble to explain to an eager inquirer— I remain, yours, &c., Hydraulic. Kumara, March 12, 1881.