LATEST TELEGRAMS.

Kumara Times, Issue 1521, 12 August 1881, Page 2

LATEST TELEGRAMS.

[special TO KUMAMa times.]

WAIMEA-KUMARA WATER-RACES-

RESOLUTIONS ON THE KUMARA

PETITION,

Wellington, Atigust.il

The following is a draft of Mr Seddon’s resolution ou the Kumara petition* which was brought before thd Goldfields Committee:—

“ That this committee* after carefnf consideration of the said petition,. and having tiken valuable and exhaustive evidence on the several allegations contained therein, reports as follows : “ 1. That the colony has in the Waiand Kumara water-races a very valuable property, and one if judiciously aided and economically managed would give a large direct revenue and pay a fair interest on the money expended, to say naught of the collatered advantages which it confers on the district. “ 2. That the several branch races require extension* and their carrying Capacity should be increased. Thd carrying capacity of the main race also requires increasing; this is, rendered necessary by the increased demand for water, this demand being caused in d great measure by Government having, constructed a sludge-channel, thereby opening up very large areas of auriferous and highly payable sluicing-grounds. “3, That the very large sum of £1 6,000 expended in the construction of the said sludge-channel will be altogether thrown away unless an increased/ supply of water is provided. That in the construction of the sludge-channel, and when arrangements were, being made as to amount to be paid by minersfor use of same* an implied guarantee; was given that the water-supply would be increased. Seeing the officer-in-charge, acting under instructions from the Government, stated that sufficient water would be provided to work the sludge-channel; and further, that the Government at the same time called for but did not accept tenders for construction of a second reservoir at Kapitea Creek : the committee, therefore, recommend that the several branch-races be extended ; also ■ that ..the carrying capacity of the said branch-races and the main-race be increased'; also that the second reservoir in the Kapitea' creek be constructed ; it .is thereby increasing the supply of water and keeping faith with the miners that the Government should make provision .on the Estimates for the carrying out of the said works. .

“Your committee fn rther.recora mend that the various works in connection with the scheme be completed, and that the whole should be banded . .oyer : to a local body and be under their control and management; provided .guarantee be given that the colony be relieved from any further expenditure in connection therewith, and that 1 the present charges for water be not increased. “ This report to be referred to the Government.” • ! ;