WATER SUPPLY ON GOLDFIELDS.

Tuapeka Times, Volume III, Issue 159, 23 February 1871, Page 7

WATER SUPPLY ON GOLDFIELDS.

C. E. Haughton, Esq., who was appointed to obtain information as to tho best means of procuring water supplies on the goldficlds, is expected to arrive in Lawrence this week. Miners and others unable to give their evidence before Mr. Haughton on this very important subject while he remains in the Tuapeka district, are invited to send him written answers to the following questions, and an\ information in their possession likely to further the grand object of ;in increased water supply for i.he' district. I. — What is the principal character of the mining iv the portion of

the district iv which you reside ? II. — Is the Supply of Water from existing sources sufficient to meet the requirements of the miners? 111. — Will you state whether there exists in your neighbourhood payable auriferous land not commanded by tie present Water Supply ; and if so, give an approximate idea of the area ? IV. — Is the Water Supply derived from artifioi.il sources, in the hands of men mining their own ground, or is it, or any part of it, held as separate property, am' let to the miners ; and if so, at what price per regulation head ? V. — Granted that there exists such auriferous land, do you know of any soutvo or sources! frozn wliic'i water could be obtained to command it. If so, state locality or localities ; and, approximately distance or distances ; quantity of water available ; and nature of the country with regard to probable cost of construction of the

race or races. VI. — Having read Sections XXVI., XXV II., and XXV III. of fie Immigration and Publ.c Worts Act, 1870 ; do you think fie proposed system of subsidising the Water Supply of the Goldfi-'lds is one likely to promote the interests, and consequently incie u>e the number, of European miners? VII. — Should it be decided upon undertaking the construction of the works indicated, are you of opinion that, when completed, they should remain in the bauds of tho Government ; the water being let at a minimum price per head to cover maintenance and expenses ; or can you suggest any other practicable arrangement? VIII. — In districts where labour is scarce and dear, would it be practicable to obtaiu the assistance of the miners themselves in the construction of the works, the men employed receiving sustenance money, and taking out the balance of their full wages iv water ? The sections of the Public Works Act referred to in Question YE. are as follows : —

26. The Governor may on the request of the Superintendent or Provincial Council of any province in which any proclaimed Goldfield is, caused to be constructed, completed, extended, repaired, or maintained, such woi'ks for supplying water to such Goldfield as he may from time to time think fit ; and may enter into contracts for the construction, completion, or extension of such works, or for purchasing or otherwise acquiring any drains, dams, water races, reservoirs, or other works already constructed, which may appear to the Governor suitable for any such purpose as aforesaid.

27. The Governor may from time to time cause such inquiries, reports and surveys to be made, and such acts and pi*oceedings to be done and taken, as he may think necessary and sufficient for the purpose of ascertaining the waterworks that ought to be constructed under this Act, and the mode of construction thereof, and for such purposes may from time to time employ, and appoint, and remove, such engineers, surveyors, draftsmen, clerks, and others, as he may think fit.

28. There may be is:ued and applied out of any of the moneys authorised to be raised under the said Loan Act for supply of water to Goldfields, and made applicable to the purpose by the General Assembly, all such sums of money as i>^"" Governor may from time to time order for the purposes mentioned in the preceding section of this Act.