THE WATER DISPUTE.

Kumara Times, Issue 2081, 1 May 1883, Page 2

THE WATER DISPUTE.

[to the editor.] Sir—lf I thought my late communication to your paper was as unintelligible to the community generally as it seems to have been to your correspondent “ Outsider,” I don’t think I would ever commit such a sin again. He says I rubbed it in pretty hot to Mr Gow, and that it was to no purpose, as I had not shown a remedy for shortness of water and chronic growling. The remedy for shortness of water is entirely in the hands of the Government, and is being carried out as quickly as the circumstances will permit, and as for chronic growling I think I showed that everybody seemed satisfied to wait the course of events till the gauges were interfered with. As for the manager’s I’igbt of interference, no sensible man will dispute; but this' much I say, that the time was inopportune and ill-advised, as our difficulties in opening the claims, shortness of water, and whatnot, are almost too much for us already ; and I still maintain that Mr Gow has a right to satisfy the miners, or try to, that his alteration to gauge-boxes will supply the regulation head. There can be no doubt about the result of the alterations, viz., a rise in the price of water; and I maintain that all the circumstances of the case would lead us to expect quite a contrary result. There is not a claim connected with the channel that has paid wages yet, and, in spite of the high expectations for the future, some of them never will. If I understand Mr Gow’s character, which I think I do, I don’t think he would object to the fair criticism that his public position renders him liable to. “Outsider” may rest assured that his championship of Mr Gow is quite unnecessary. As a public officer and as an individual Mr Gow is well enough known and respected to be free from much harm from the occasional sweeping denunciation that is to be met with, as the source is pretty well known, and consequently although high-sounding, falls harmless. I disavow any intention of injuring Mr Gow, or anyone else, but the right to fair criticism shall always be maintained by the Cove up the Lead. April 30, 1883.