HOKITIKA ITEMS.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLIII, 1 February 1909, Page 3

HOKITIKA ITEMS.

MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF A CHINAMAN. .BLEOTBICAIi POWEB EIGHTS,. COMPLAINT OF DELAY. [United Pbess Association.] HOKITIKA, Saturday. A Chinaman, aged. about 66, died on Wednesday morning at Stafford, after complaining of pains during- the night. An inquest was held, as the doctor was unable to account for death. The stomach and contents are being sent to the Government Analyst for report. Mr B. A. Wilkes, of Greymouth, is applying for an important water right up the Arahura river. The 'water is proposed to be used for hydro-electric mining purposes, and is to be taken from the second gorge of the river, where it is estimated that some 5000 horse-power may be generated. This is the fourth right of a simHttV natnn lutoa^- applied £or- ia Westlani Two rights have already Seen applied for at To Aroha, and ouc at the 'Taipo. Several thousand horse-power are involved in the application, which, if brought into requisition, would give a great incentive to mining and industrial undertakings. So far, however, the Government has hung up -the applications, and the extended delay is now being Sseriously felt, valuable time is being lost, and as monthsh have now elapsed since Parliament gave the Government the power to deal wjth the applications, it is difficult to understand the continued dojay over the matter. ;