KUMARA SLUDGE-CHANNEL AND PRICE OF WATER INQUIRY.

Kumara Times, Issue 2323, 7 February 1884, Page 2

KUMARA SLUDGE-CHANNEL AND PRICE OF WATER INQUIRY.

[to the editor.] At the late inquiry into the management of (he sludgo-chanm.-! and water-race, Mr Hannan, on behalf of the miners, usk J. (the Man-

ager) for a statement showing receipts and expenditure in connection with the water-race and sludge-channel. This question was asked with the object of showing a good reason why the water used for sluicing on this goldfield should be reduced in price. The compiled statement (from the Manager) published in your last night’s issue is not by any means an answer to the question asked, but an entirely onesided affair, showing only where the loss occurs in working the sludgechannel, with not a figure to show the enormous profits the Government are deriving from - sales of water, both in connection with the channel and from claims not using the channel. It must be taken into consideration that the late inquiry was asked for with a view to obtaining a reduction in the price of water, as well as a settlement of other grievances. This being the case, it is manifestly absurd of the Manager to furnish such a statement as you published last night, seeing there are so many miners who are interested in a reduction of the price of water who have no concern with the sludge-chan-nel whatever. I estimate that the amount paid for water by claims using the sludge-chan-nel alone to be about .£ 10,000 (this does not include the amount allowed for free water). Add to this the amount of profits for water from claims outside the channel, and it will at once be seen that the Government are reaping a large revenue from this district which justly entitles the miners to ask for a remission in the price of water. It is a notable fact that the Government officials who have hitherto furnished statements concerning this district have most persistently misrepresented matters by giving incomplete returns; and permit me to say, sir, have shown a great want of straightforward manliness thereby. The miners, in asking for a reduction of the price of water, furnished Messrs Giles and Gordon, when conducting the inquiry, with returns of the receipts and expenditure of their claims; and were careful to strike an average between the best and poorest claims, so as to give a fair approximation of their earnings. It would seem that Government officials dont do things in that spirit. In conclusion, sir, I hope the Miners Association will take this matter up, and make a point of obtaining full and complete returns of water-race and sludge-channel; and then we’ll see how things look.—Yours respectfully, Fair Eeturns. February 7, 1884.