THE Mount Ida Chronicle FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 1872.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume III, Issue 164, 26 April 1872, Page 4

THE Mount Ida Chronicle FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 1872.

Now that the questions of Sludge Channel and increased Water Supply for this place have been fairly ro. opened, and an experienced En<rmeor is in our midst, specially deputed by the Government to report upon the mattery it behoves each and every individual "member of the community to see that the question is not allowed to drop, fall through, or even for a mo. ment slumber. Of one thing in particular we must be careful to guard against —namely, half measures. To bring in water from the Kyeburn or the Idaburn would, in our opinion, be simply a half measure; would cost nearly as much as a more extensive work, and would confer but small comparative benefit upon the district. In neither of the above cases could the supply be looked upon as a permanent one, neither would it be of any great amount—not indeed, in our opinion sufficient to recoup the outlay. What we require, and that for which we should persistently agitate until the end be obtained, is a plentiful and permanent supply of water. From no source can we see such supply can come except from the Manuherikia. Granted that the distance is far longer than either the Kyeburn or the Idaburn, and the expense proportionately greater; still, we should obtain that which we assert to be essential to the welfare and well-being of the district

an ample and permanent supply of water. It will, no doubt, be asserted by the present holders of water rights that the bringing in of a further and larger supply of water by the Government, to be sold at a very much reduced price (which it must be if it be intended to benefit the district), is an interference with the rights which they possess, and which were fairly and nonestly acquired. "We think so too. At the same time there are ways and means whereby a satisfactory solution of the difficulty can be arrived at — namely, the resumption of all existing water rights, in terras of clause 26 of the Goldfields Act, 186G, upon the payment of fair compensation. This we feel sure the G-overnment would find to be a wise act, and one of the most reproductive character. "We do not pretend to say how the Government should act when the rights were resumed. We imagine, however, that various races might be leased in the same manner as are the tolls, and, in some cases, the jetty dues, a maximum rate of charge being fixed previously to the offer for tenders. As we have on more than one occasion stated, the whole of this neighborhoood is gold-bearing in a greater or lesser degree, and all that is required for its development is an abundant and cheap supply of water, and a proper method of getting rid of our tailings. "Were these two things effected, which we hope and trust they may speedily be, a population double, treble, and even more than that, of the present one would soon be congregated in and around this place, all benefitting them selves, and at the same time increasing the revenue of the country. We fail, indeed, to see any way in which the Government could expend public money on works of a more reproductive character than those which we have over and over again recommended, and which we venture still to recommend. Now or never is the time. Our members are both upon the spot and we should not hesitate to express to them our opinion upon these questions fully, firmly, antl unmistakeably. If they fail us in this matter, then we should not hesitate to call on them to resign their position. Once again we would caution every one who has the iuterest of the place at heart, to set his face against anything and everything approaching half measures. As was said at the time of the parsing of the Reform Bill, we think by the late Mr. Daniel O'Connell, when efforts were made by the expiring Tories to effect a compromise —" The Bill, the whole Bill, and noth- /" irig but the Bill." Even so say we—nothing less than the water from the Manuherikia will meet the requirements of our case.

It is reported in political circles that the Assembly will meet for the despatch of business during the last week in June. The Home, mail via San Francisco, according to the time table, was due at Auckland on Monday last.

In the case of Eager and Co. v. Grace and Co., an action for encroachment, tried in the "Warden's Court before asssssors, a verdict was returned on Saturday last for the sjm of £8175 for damages, and £BO for costs. The claims «re situated on a terrace at Skipper's Creek, Shotover River. It is supposed that Grace and Co. have obtained £30,000 worth of gold from the ground during the last three years. Notice of appeal was given. The seasonable change in the weather causing, as it has done, a largely increased water supply, has revived mining operations, and caused the town to assume something of its old life and activity. The water supply still continues sufficient, if not abundant, and we venture to predict that the next escort will be one highly creditable to the district. In another column will be found a petition in favor of the Houndburn Hill deviation. Copies of this petition have, we are informed, been forwarded not only to the members of the Provincial Council, but also to the up-country Goldfields towns, asking their assistance and support. We cannot bring ourselves to believe that any little feeling of jealousy will cause that assistance and support to be withheld, seeing that the proposed deviation must, in a greater or lesser degree, benefit the whole of the up-country towns. Hhssbs. Mebvyk amd Abmstbong notify their intention to address their constituents at Hunter's Empire Hotel, this evening. We trust the attendance will be a good one, and that the electors, when thus, for the first time since their election, being brought face to face with their representatives, will fairly and firmly demand from them a succinct account of their respective stewardships. The following letter has been recoived by the late Secretary to the Kyeburn School Committee, from tho Secretary to the Education Board:—-" •: ir,—l have the honor to inform you that the Education Board has sanctioned

the payment of salary at the rate of £6O per annum to the Kyeburn School, as a ' temporarily subsidised school' under the Board's regulations, of which I send you a copy. I send you also a copy of regulations as to teachers for your information. I shall be glad to forward any further information you may require. —I have, etc., etc., (signed) A. Sperey, Secretary Education Board." We may mention that none of the regulations referred to in Mr. Sperry's letter were received by the late Secretary to the Kyeburn School Committee. We have heard, upon good authority, that the Provincial Government, having received intimation of the existence of a building on the Cemetery Reserve at Kyeburn, which building has been used as a church, are about to order its removal from the reserve.

Several applications for water races and other mining privileges were heard yesterday in the Warden's Court. Mr. Hertslet supported the applications, and Mr. Smythies objected. The plans furnished were of so unsatisfactory a nature that both parties consented to an adjournment till the 23rd May next, by which time Mr. Barron, the surveyor, will show the lease areas and the various intersections by head and tail races which form the subject of complaint. Naseby has, for some years past, been conspicuous for possessing no public flag. Effort* are, we understand, now being made to establish a public flag which, without ignoring any nation, shall do justice and honor to all. The flag proposed is the red ensign, " the flag that has braved a thousand years the battle and the breeze." We invite contributions.

For amended list of Court sittings see advertisement in fourth page of our present issue.

Tuesday last (St. G-eorge's Day; being the anniversary of the patron saint of England, was observed as a public holiday. The public offices, banks, and places of business being, as a rule, closed.

The short days are coming, accompanied by long nights. Humanity requires excitement, and the way in which we can produce that excitement rests with ourselves. " For good, or for evil," is our motto. In years past, during the winter months we have had readings, which could only conduce to and result in good. The winter again approaches, and the rev. gentleman who inaugurated our former readings is away. Surely among ourselves can be found some who will take in hand the good cause, and enable us to while away the winter evenings pleasantly, which will soon and quickly be upon us. An advertisement in another column will show that this matter is not altogether forgotten. In connection with the concert in aid of the school funds, which took place last week, we desire to record our appreciation of the gratuitous services of the Naseby Brass Bond,, reference to which in our last issue was unintentionally omitted. •'. :>