THE WATER QUESTION.

Kumara Times, Issue 2549, 4 November 1884, Page 3

THE WATER QUESTION.

a Government composed of such men as Robert Stout, Sir Julius Vogel with Mr Ballance at the head of the Mines Department could have arrived at such a conclusion re the Kumara water question is a poser to anyone understanding the subject. The extra expense of an additional tail-race may fairly he used as an argument against the reduction of the price of water to those using the sludge-channel ; but to those using Government water and not working into the channel the argument does not in the least apply. If they had simply said the thing can not be be done, less harm would accrue than resorting to the wretched and pernicious alternative of offering a few weeks free water to those who can get up the greatest whine about the poorness of their ground. Legitimate gold-miners have always borne about them the stamp of independence, and,-as a miner, I claim a share of that independence, and would fling back with scorn the miserable concession the Government would grant. The miners never asked for a gratuity of that sort; they demanded a right that for many years has been enjoyed by other miners similarly placed. Why should the Government rack rent us by an extortionate price for water, and then deal out the {iotatoes and meal in the shape of a little free water? .. Stories are frequently told of Irish relief being taken advantage of by well-to-do farmers, while his prouder but poorer neighbour starved. Do the Government wish to encourage such a state of affairs here ? I do not envy Mr Gow as the dispenser of such a charity, and I deny the right of the Government to force me to supplicate for the meal and potatoes by taking the greater part of my earnings and then dealing out a pittance in that sort of way. It is something new to mo as a digger to be obliged to tell any man what I am earning, and it smacks strongly of Russian autocracy to step in and take the lions’ share and then coolly ask yon .how much you have got left. If you are entirely crushed, they will make it possible for you to go on again that you may still be a purchaser of Government water. Off Robert Stout I would ask, Where is your vaunted liberalism ? Miner. Larrikins, November 3, 1884.