THE STOPPAGE OF WATER.

Kumara Times, Issue 2586, 18 December 1884, Page 3

THE STOPPAGE OF WATER.

[to the editor.] Sir, —We were all thrown info a state of anxiety and excitement this morning by the report that there was something terrible had happened. One report was the dam was gone; another, the tunnel was closed, and there would be no more water for weeks to come ; and, better still, Davie would tell no one what was the matter. Bub some of the miners that wore on the early shift went up the race to see what great calamity had befallen this unfortunate district; when, lo ! it was found that a gauge that prevented the floodwater from flowing into the race had gob a little tight, but nothing to prevent any ordinary man from drawing it, as it fitted with a powerful lever. But Davie is an extraordinary man, that will not do anything that will in any way benefit the miners of this district ; for when he found it tight, he had only to call on the assistance of his two assistants which were in waiting on the race; or if that would not do, there were six parties on the first shift at Larrikins that would have gone in a body and lifted the ivffactory gauge. But, no ; that would not give Davie the satisfaction of seeing the miners idle. He went straight to Mr Gow’s office to report to the Minos Department that Die naughty gauge had shown insubordination, and to be invested with plenary powers to bring into subjection the aforesaid gauge. It has been pointed out before in print that we want a new Davie. His actions this morning are conclusive evidence that this feeble guerilla old man is totally unfit for the post he holds. He cannot speak a civil word to any man. Blessing of the roughest kind

is his answer; some of Billingsgate politeness is the s;yle when business compels a man of a party to go to Davie about the water. Indeed it is not easy to get one of a party to volunteer to face the (bo language he is sure to receive. “Go toll—” is not complimentary to receive when business compels one to go to Davie. But I suppose it would sit light on the minds of those in connection with the Mines department. The number of men forced to go idle this day while the water is going to waste through the stupidity of this cross old man, while the man that first had charge of the race and gave general satisfaction is kept buried out of sight in the channel, for Davie has made himself such a nuisance that we want a change, and that soon.— Yours, A Miner. Larrikins, December 17, 1884.